South Africa: Stage 3 load shedding "until further notice" - Eskom Beleaguered State-owned power utility Eskom has announced that Stage 3 load shedding is expected to continue until further notice. Eskom power stations continue to face challenges with breakdowns in power generation units increasing the need for consumers to experience load shedding. Due to the failure of 2 units at Kendal Power Station and a unit each at Kriel and Arnot power stations, Stage 3 load shedding has been extended from 05:00 today until further notice, the power utility said. Eskom is expected to release further information on the current bout of load shedding later on Thursday. Meanwhile, at least four individuals, including an Eskom employee, have been arrested at the Tutuka and Matla power stations this week on allegations of theft. According to Eskom, a Tutuka power station employee was arrested for the removal of hydraulic oil drums worth at least R800 000 following intensive internal investigations aided by the Hawks. At Matla power station, three cleaning service contractors were arrested for allegedly stealing copper cables by hiding the cables in a waste storage container. Eskom Group Security General Manager, Advocate Karen Pillay, said the power utility will be fighting for the alleged thieves remain behind bars for the duration that they are suspects in both cases. We shall ensure that bail is denied, and that the employee faces the full might of the law. We cannot have such individuals who choose to steal so brazenly, within the employ of Eskom. We shall work ardently to arrest such individuals, including their accomplices and bring them to book, Pillay said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-10-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. 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Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief, Yasin Malik who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail on Thursday appeared virtually before a special court in Jammu in connection with the Rubaiya Sayeed kidnapping case, in which he is an accused. Malik appeared today in a TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act) court in connection with the 1989 kidnapping case, according to CBI lawyer Monika Kohli. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued directions restricting the movement of the founder of JKLF to appear in person before a special court in Jammu. "Hearing was held in Rubaiya Sayeed abduction case. Yasin Malik was to be produced in court as per the production warrant by the court but due to the MHA order of restrictions on his movement, he was not produced and attended the hearing virtually," the chief prosecutor Kohli said. The lawyer said that Rubaiya has filed an exemption application, which was approved by the court so she did not appear in court. The next date for the hearing is November 24, Malik said. Rubaiya Sayeed, the sister of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, was abducted by JKLF militants on December 8, 1989. Yasin Malik, who is serving life imprisonment in Tihar Jail in a terror funding case, is an accused in this case along with others. Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in May this year awarded life imprisonment to Yasin Malik in a terror funding case. It also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on him. Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment twice. The NIA had sought the death penalty for the separatist leader who was convicted on May 19 this year. Malik had told the court that he was not contesting the charges levelled against him. (ANI) Earlier on October 14, the CBI had opposed the bail application filed by the former Maharashtra Home Minister. Deshmukh had filed a petition for bail in the CBI court, on which the CBI has filed its reply today, to which the lawyer of Anil Deshmukh will now argue on October 18. He had been accused of asking policemen to collect Rs 100 crores illegally for him every month from bar owners in Mumbai. Earlier on October 11, the Supreme Court refused to cancel the bail granted to the former home minister in the money laundering case lodged against him by Enforcement Directorate (ED). A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud refused to interfere with the Bombay High Court order which granted bail to Deshmukh. Enforcement Directorate has approached the apex court challenging the Bombay High Court's order granting bail to Deshmukh, who was arrested in connection with a money laundering case. On October 4, the Bombay High Court had granted bail to Deshmukh in a money laundering case being investigated by the ED. Deshmukh continues to be in judicial custody in Arthur Road prison as he is also being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a corruption case. Deshmukh was arrested by the ED in November 2021 and is currently in judicial custody. According to the ED, Deshmukh had misused his position as state home minister and collected Rs 4.70 crore from various bars in Mumbai through some police of officers. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected former chairman of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education and Trinamool Congress MLA Manik Bhattacharya's plea challenging his arrest by ED in a money laundering matter relating to the alleged irregularities in primary teachers' appointments. A bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Vikram Nath on Tuesday had reserved the order on Manik Bhattacharya's plea. Manik Bhattacharya, in his plea, submitted the investigating officer of the Directorate of Enforcement has filed a remand application before the Special Judge (CBI-I) Court, City Sessions Court, Calcutta seeking 14 days custodial remand of the petitioner on October 11 and that the arrest is effected during the currency of the protection orders passed by the top court. "That not only is the arrest of the petition in flagrant violation of the Supreme Court interim orders, but that the investigating agency has not even informed the family members of the petitioner of his arrest, being in violation of the provisions of Section 41B of the CrPC," the petitioner said citing the earlier apex court order passed in the alleged irregularities in primary teachers' appointments matter being probed by CBI, where he had got interim protection from arrest. The petitioner Manik Bhattacharya has urged the top court to declare the arrest of the petitioner in relation to proceedings initiated on the basis of ECIR and summons dated October 14, 2022, issued by the Directorate of Enforcement, Kolkata-II Zonal Office as illegal and to release the petitioner forthwith in connection with a matter. The Enforcement Directorate has earlier told the Supreme Court that former chairman of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education and Trinamool Congress leader Manik Bhattacharya was a key person in a money laundering case relating to the alleged irregularities in primary teachers' appointments. ED submitted, "investigation under PMLA has revealed the role of Dr Manik Bhattacharya Ex. President of WBBPE and MLA, Palashipara, Nadia from TMC as one of the key persons in the entire scam of offering jobs in lieu of money." ED, in its affidavit also said that it has been ascertained that Manik headed the West Bengal Board of Primary Education for a period of more than 10 years starting from 2011 during which more than 58000 primary teachers were recruited through the Board. In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, ED has opposed the Manik Bhattacharya plea challenging his arrest in a money laundering case as the probe agency submitted that Manik Bhattacharya has remained uncooperative during the course of statements recorded under section 50 of PMLA, 2002 and has continuously tried to mislead the investigation by suppressing facts and details on the source of funds accumulated in the name of his family members. The probe agency also said that the investigation in respect of other high-value transactions is required to be done to unearth the money trail and to identify the proceeds of the crime. ED also mentioned the seizing of huge cash of more than 50 crore (approximately) during the searches conducted in the month of July 2022. Two persons namely Partha Chatterjee, the then Education minister of the State of West Bengal and Arpita Mukherjee were arrested on July 23 2022. Manik Bhattacharyya, Ex-President of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education was consequently arrested on October 10. Manik Bhattacharyya has challenged his arrest before the Supreme Court. (ANI) Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh has landed in controversy over the allotment of a plot to his agro-processing company in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area in Latur. Latur District Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Gurunath Mage claimed that Deshmukh's company Desh Agro Private Limited was allocated the land within three weeks of its formation and just ten days after the submission of the application for the allotment of the same. Riteish's wife Genelia Deshmukh is a co-owner of the company. According to MIDC rule, allotment of land is to be on a priority basis to the projects being set up with capital of more than Rs 20 crore. The BJP leader said the land allotment requests of 16 such projects whose capital investment is above Rs 20 crores have been pending since 2019. Mage said Desh Agro, which was registered on March 21, 2021, had demanded allotment of land in the month of April. "Within just 9 days, three plots of more than 2.5 lakh square metres were allocated to them together. "When 16 requests are pending since 2019, then how the land was allotted to Deshmukh's company in a hurry within 10 days? There should be an inquiry into it." Mage claimed that the allotment of the land was made at the rate of Rs 605 per square metre. The land was handed over to Desh Agro on July 22, while the district cooperative bank gave it the first loan instalment Rs 61 crore on October 27, Mage said. BJP Latur city vice-president Pradeep More said that cooperative banks are formed to financially support businesses run on a cooperative basis. He alleged that the district cooperative bank was controlled by Riteish Deshmukh's uncle and former minister Diliprao Deshmukh and it disbursed Rs 116 crore to the Desh Agro in the span of just five months. More further alleged that Riteish Deshmukh's brother used his political influence in the allotment of the land and his uncle facilitated the funding. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that his government strives to ensure quality education for students with the help of Information Technology (IT). While chairing the first meeting of Assam Rajya Shiksha Aayog on Thursday, the Chief Minister said, "We strive to ensure quality education for our students with the help of IT. He further said that according to National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, providing universal access to quality education would be key to economic growth and empowerment of people. He said, "We spend 6 per cent of SGDP (state gross domestic product) on education. Making it sensitive & responsive to the intellectual, physical & emotional development of students is our priority." He also said that Assam Rajya Shikha Aayog must contribute to make our human resources responsive to the needs of fellow citizens. National Education Policy 2020 was announced on July 29, 2020. The National Education Policy 2020 proposes various reforms in school education as well as higher education including technical education. A number of action points/activities for implementation in school education and higher education are mentioned in the NEP 2020. Some of the salient features in the policy are ensuring universal access at all levels of schooling from pre-primary school to Grade 12, ensuring quality early childhood care and education for all children between 3-6 years and a policy that there are no hard separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular activities, between vocational and academic streams. On Wednesday, the state Cabinet had taken several key decisions, regarding the distribution of scooters to meritorious students, increase in the salary of assistant professors, the construction of a new hotel in Kaziranga and guidelines on the issuance of caste certificates. It was also decided that the department of higher education of the state will provide financial assistance for registration and insurance to beneficiaries through nodal principals as part of the proposals. (ANI) In a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of "stepmotherly" treatment to the erstwhile three Delhi civic bodies to whom it owed Rs 40,000 crore. Shah asked Delhiites to choose between the BJP and AAP in the MCD elections to make the national capital 'AAP Nirbhar' or 'Atmanirbhar'. Shah came down heavily on the ruling Delhi government, saying the Kejriwal-led party wanted Delhi to be 'AAP Nirbhar' while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wanted the national capital to be 'Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant). "We will give a reply in a democratic manner to Arvind Kejriwal's behaviour with MCDs. I believe that we will establish daily waste processing facilities in Delhi by 2025 with the help of the MCD. In future, such heaps and mountains of garbage won't be seen," Shah said referring to the Ghazipur landfill at the MCD's Tehkhand waste-to-energy plant at Tughlakabad in New Delhi. Speaking at the launch of a waste-to-energy plant in Tehkhand in the Tughlakabad area here in the city, Shah accused the Kejriwal government of stepmotherly treatment and asked why there was a need to merge the various civic bodies into one. Shah said it happened only because of the stepmotherly treatment of the Kejriwal government to the erstwhile three civic bodies and it owed Rs 40,000 crore to the municipal corporations. "I want to ask CM Kejriwal why we had to unify the MCDs. A due of Rs 40,000 crore was not paid by the Kejriwal government," Shah said. "The AAP government gave stepmotherly treatment to MCD and misbehaved with the MCD." "We want to assure people that AAP might be in power in Delhi, but in the Centre, we are in power. We will deliver development projects," Shah asserted. The minister said the people of Delhi need to decide if they like the politics of 'Vigyapan' (advertisement) or the politics of 'Vikas' (development). "People should also decide if they like 'prachaar' (campaign) politics or 'parivartan' (change) politics," the Home Minister added. The Union Home Ministry recently accepted and notified the final delimitation commission report that was constituted by the Centre following the merger of the three civic bodies into a unified MCD through two notifications issued on October 17, paving the way for holding municipal elections in Delhi. The polls were abruptly cancelled in March when the Centre announced that the three civic bodies in the city will be merged. A unified MCD came into being in May. The date for polls to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will be announced anytime as the Central government on Tuesday ratified the final report of the delimitation committee on redrawing the wards of the civic body. (ANI) The Anjuna Police rescued three girls who were allegedly lured into the sex trade and arrested two persons, including one woman, on Wednesday. The accused have been identified as Mohsin Shaikh, a Gujarat resident and Shilpi Mishra from Mumbai, as per the police. The official said that the raid was conducted at Mainath Bhati, Arpora on information received from SDPO Mapusa Jivba Dalvi about prostitution activities being run at Anjuna. "Accordingly a team was formed under PI Anjuna Prashal Dessai which conducted a raid at Mainath Bhati, Arpora, Bardez Goa on October 19 during which the police rescued three victim girls. Initially, the accused person Mohsin Shaikh had come to deliver one victim girl during which the police surrounded the accused and rescued the victim girl," the police said in a statement. Police officials further said that initially, the accused person Mohsin Shaikh had come to deliver one victim girl during which the police surrounded the accused and rescued the victim girl. "During the inquiry, the victim girl disclosed the whereabouts of the other two victim girls staying in a resort in Arpora. Accordingly, the police team visited the resort and rescued the other two victims from the hotel room," the police informed. The victim was rescued and sent to the state protective home at Merces. An offence under sections 370, 370(3) R/w 34 Indian Penal Code and sections 4 and 5 of the Immoral Trafficking Act has been registered. "Further investigation is in progress with PI Prashal Dessai under the supervision of SP north Shobit Saxena, IPS, and SDPO Mapuca Jivba Dalvi," the police statement read. (ANI) The Madurai Customs Airport Intelligence Unit (AIU) confiscated eight gold pieces weighing 141 grams that were concealed in a toolbox from a passenger on October 19. The man flew in from Dubai. It was discovered that the man was attempting to smuggle the gold by concealing it in a toolbox. When he was searched, gold worth Rs seven lakh was seized. Eight gold pieces in all have been discovered in the passenger's possession, six of which are cylindrical in shape, one of which is bent cylindrical in shape, and the eighth is shaped like a bindi. They all weigh 141 grams, are 24 karat, and of foreign origin. The gold pieces were hidden inside three of nine Torx set pieces and one T-shaped drill pit key in a toolbox. The total worth of the seized gold pieces is Rs 7,19,382, and they were carried by a male passenger who landed in Madurai from Dubai on a SpiceJet flight on October 19. (ANI) A constable posted in Neemuch Cantt police station was booked in connection with a rape case in women police station Indore, an official said on Thursday. Women police station sub-inspector Rashmi Patidar told ANI that a woman of Indore lodged a complaint against constable Aniruddh Rathore. She told police that her maternal house was in Mandsaur and her in-laws' house was in Indore. She had a friendship with Aniruddh via facebook and then they met in Mandsaur. He also brought her to Indore from Mandsaur in a car. Later, Anirudh took the woman to Vaishno Devi where he made videos of the woman while she was taking a bath in the hotel room. He then came back to Indore and raped her in a hotel by threatening to make her video viral. The accused also threatened to implicate her husband in a false case, had started pressurizing her not to report the rape case. Fed up with all this, the woman lodged the complaint. The police registered a case against the accused under various sections and efforts were on to nab the accused. (ANI) The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) (Ekta - Ugrahan) on Thursday organised a rally outside the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Sangrur for the fulfilment of their demands. The farmers protested demanding compensation for damaged crops and the death of cows due to lumpy skin disease. "The Punjab government was given an ultimatum for four days and after which the Kisan Union made a tremendous protest in front of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Kothi, our struggle will continue until our demands are accepted by the government," said Joginder Singh belonging to the BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan). Earlier on August 16, Former Union minister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal slammed the Punjab government for not taking note of the damage that the 'Lumpy Skin Disease' had been causing in the region and demanded a compensation of Rs 50 thousand per animal to mitigate the burden on the rearers. She also stressed that the disease had proved to be fatal for hundreds of bovines in the northern state. "LumpySkinDisease is ravaging livestock in Punjab. Hundreds of bovines have died and thousands are severely infected of this contagious disease that is causing enormous economic loss to our farmers and dairy owners. Unfortunately, AAP-led Punjab govt has failed to do the needful," tweeted Badal. She further outlined the measures that can be taken by the AAP-led government and listed a compensation of Rs 50 thousand per animal to mitigate the burden on rearers. "I request Union minister for Animal Husbandry & Dairying Mr @PRupala to send central teams for effective monitoring and vaccination of animals. Meanwhile, CM BhagwantMann should at least release a minimum compensation of Rs 50,000 per animal to mitigate the burden on rearers," she added in another tweet. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction to the Delhi Government to allow the usage of already existing traditional lead acid batteries in E-rickshaw and E-cart. The plea also sought direction to allow both types of batteries which are Lead Acid and Lithium Batteries in E-rickshaw and E-carts or choice may be given to the purchaser of E-rickshaw and E-carts so that he may select the particular type of battery in his vehicle, whether it is traditional Lead Acid Battery or Lithium Battery. The bench of Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad on Thursday said this PIL seems motivated and sponsored by some vested interests. The court also observed that traditional lead acids are very dangerous batteries. We should move ahead with the technology, the bench said. The petitioner Atul Vadhera stated that the Respondent/ Transport Authority passed an Order on September 1, 2022, wherein directions have been given by it, to allow lead acid batteries in E-Rickshaw and E-Cart till October 31, 2022, and mandatory use of lithium-ion battery in E-Rickshaw and E-Cart. The Transport Authority has embargoed the lead acid battery in E-Rickshaw / E-Cart and promoted the lithium-ion battery and will not register the E-Rickshaw / E-Cart containing the lead acid battery. The plea stated that the Transport Authority had not apprised the E-Rickshaw and E-Cart Drivers that lead acid battery is used in every vehicle like Auto TSR, Buses, Trucks, Cars, even in Scooter bikes, and used in every home as single battery & double battery inverter. It also stated that all other states of the country are allowing the Lead Acid Batteries but Delhi Government is doing partial with destitute drivers by not allowing them to purchase E-Rickshaw/E-Cart having Lead Acid Batteries. Advocate Vishal Khanna, who appeared for Petitioner submitted that since the origin of the E-Rickshaw only lead acid battery has been used in every vehicle and another place, and no problem has come yet. It was also submitted that the lead acid battery is easy to handle and cost-saving. Due to the use of lithium-ion batteries in E-Rickshaw, the cost of the E-Rickshaw has been augmented. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a visit to Uttarakhand's Kedarnath on Friday for the launch of various developmental projects. He will also review the progress of the development works of Mandakini ashtpath and Saraswati ashtpath in Kedarnath. With the construction of the two asthpath, cultural tourism is expected to get a huge thrust in the region. The point where there is a confluence of Mandakini or Saraswati is called Sangam snan ghat in the Kedarnath temple. The devotees take a holy dip before going inside the temple to offer prayers. Two roads diverge from here which lead to the temple. The developmental projects that are underway in Kedarnath include Mandakini Ashtpath and Saraswati Ashtpath, which will be inspected by the Prime Minister tomorrow. Two separate bridges have been constructed from Sangam snan ghat to Mandakini Ashtpath and Saraswati Ashtpath, from where the devotees will enter the temple. "A queue management has been readied at the interjection of the two bridges from where the devotees will enter. They will reach the temple directly from this point," the site engineers told ANI. A water ATM has also been set up at Mandakini Ashtpath where 22 water taps have been installed. The devotees will get warm and cold water here. New shops have also been brought up where the materials relating to worship will be available. Nearly eight buildings have been built with two floors each. There are four rooms on the ground floor and the top floor each. Shops will be set up on the ground floor while the priests will be made to stay on the top floor. Toilets and other facilities have been taken care of for the devotees. Rooms for the priests and a corridor for worship have been made in the Saraswati Ashtpath. A separate building has been built here, where the work relating to the administration will be done. Developmental works are underway in Kedarnath at a fast pace. With the construction of Mandakini Ashtpath and Saraswati Ashtpath, cultural tourism is expected to get a huge boost in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttarakhand tomorrow. According to the Prime Minister's Office, in Kedarnath, at around 8:30 am, he will perform darshan and pooja at Shri Kedarnath Temple. At around 9 am, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Kedarnath Ropeway Project. After that, he will visit the Adi Guru Shankaracharya Samadhi Sthal. At around 9:25 am, he will review the progress of development works along Mandakini Asthapath and Saraswati Asthapath. Thereafter, Prime Minister will reach Badrinath where, at around 11:30 AM, Prime Minister will perform darshan and pooja at Shri Badrinath Temple. At 12 noon, he will review the progress of the development work of the riverfront, followed by laying the foundation stone of road and ropeway projects at Mana village at 12:30 PM. Thereafter, at around 2 PM, he will review the progress of the development work of the arrival plaza and lakes. Kedarnath and Badrinath are one of the most important Hindu shrines. The area is also known for one of the revered Sikh Pilgrim site - Hemkund Sahib. The connectivity projects being undertaken show the Prime Minister's commitment to ease access and improve basic infrastructure in places of religious significance. (ANI) Mallikarjun Kharge, who won the party presidential polls, changed his Twitter bio to "President: Indian National Congress" on Thursday. This comes a day after he beat his opponent Shashi Tharoor by a huge margin in the race to the party's top post, thus becoming the first non-Gandhi to take over the office after 24 years. Kharge got 7,897 votes in the presidential contest while his opponent Tharoor received 1,072 votes in the voting held on October 17. The new Congress president will take charge of the post on October 26 at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters. All Congress Working Committee members, MPs, Pradesh Congress Committee presidents, CLP leaders, former CMs, former State presidents and other AICC office bearers are invited to the programme. The invitation has been sent to all the above stakeholders by the General Secretary organisation KC Venugopal. Congress is expected to resolve the Rajasthan Congress crisis soon after Kharge assumes his position, added the sources. Also, Kharge will visit poll-bound states like Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat soon. Soon after his poll victory yesterday, Kharge said that the party has presented an "example of strengthening the country's democracy by conducting organisational elections" at a time when "democracy is in danger" in the country. Addressing the media after his victory, Kharge said Congress has "continuously strengthened democracy" in the 75-year history of the country and protected the Constitution. "Now when democracy is in danger and Constitution is being attacked, and every institution is being broken, Congress has presented an example of strengthening the country's democracy by conducting organisational elections at the national level. I thank everyone connected with the election," he said. He also congratulated Tharoor and said that they discussed methods to take the party forward. Tharoor had visited Kharge's residence to congratulate him on his victory. "I want to congratulate my partner Shashi Tharoor as well. We were contesting the election as representatives. He met me and we discussed how to take the party forward," Kharge said. Earlier yesterday, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reached Mallikarjun Kharge's residence and congratulated him on being elected as the new party president. Rahul Gandhi also extended wishes to Kharge and said that the post he has been elected to "represents a democratic vision of India". (ANI) Three people were arrested in connection with the alleged abduction and gang rape of a 38-year-old woman in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, Meerut range Inspector-General of Police Praveen Kumar said on Thursday. "As soon as information regarding the incident was received at Nandgram Police Station, the victim was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Three people have been arrested in the case," the IG said. Meanwhile, the Delhi Commission of Women (DCW) has issued a notice to the Ghaziabad Police to furnish a copy of the FIR along with details of the arrested accused and a report of the action taken report by October 21. The case pertains to the matter where a woman was found lying in a pool of blood in a jute bag after she was allegedly abducted and gang-raped for two days. "A car and other materials have also been recovered. Further investigation is underway," IG Praveen Kumar added. According to the police, they were informed about the gang rape in a complaint filed by the woman. "We got the information about the gang rape two days ago in which a woman had complained about the incident. As per the rape survivor, all the accused were known to her and a property dispute between the two has come to light," Superintendent of Police (SP) City Ghaziabad Nipun Aggarwal had said. The woman was allegedly abducted while she was returning from a birthday party on September 16. She told police that five men in Ghaziabad gang-raped her over two days. SP Nipun had further said, "After her brother dropped her off, 5 people -who were known to her- took her away and gang-raped her. FIR was registered and four people were nabbed. It is being said that they have a property dispute and the matter is sub-judice. We are taking all necessary action." "On October 18, police in Nandgram, Uttar Pradesh received information that a woman was lying near Ashram Road. They took her to the hospital. She's a resident of Delhi and had come to her brother's residence in Nandgram," SP, Ghaziabad said. DCW Chief Swati Maliwal in the notice sent by the commission to Ghaziabad Police said: "They brutally gang raped her and continued to rape and torture her for two days. They even inserted an iron rod inside her private parts. After that, they hid her in a jute bag and threw her out of the road. The woman was found in a pool of blood with an iron rod still inside her." "When the woman was admitted to the hospital, the rod was removed with great difficulty; the woman is now fighting for her life. We have issued a notice... there should be a swift arrest and strict action taken. This case is just like the Nirbhaya case... It is my appeal that at least this case be fast-tracked and these men be given severe punishment," Maliwal had said. (ANI) A group of students have submitted a memorandum to Registrar over the matter. They registered their protest with the Registrar and said action should be taken against those who had set such a question. The question "write a classification of beef. Define" was asked in the Bachelor of Vocation Semester II Examination of Catering Technology and Hotel Management on October 18. It was a long answer type question. The students said that the Registrar assured them that action would be taken after conducting a thorough inquiry. They said if the investigation is delayed they would lodge strong protests. The Assistant PRO of the university said that the aim of the course is "to teach the students about the food products cooked in India as well as abroad". "It is unfortunate that controversy is being created to disturb the environment of the college," he said. The students said that the founder of the University Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya built a cowshed on the campus and a question on the classification of beef had been asked in the examination. Former BHU Professor Rakesh Upadhyay had said on social media that information about who had set the paper should come in the public domain. (ANI) Boosting the party's prospects in Vidarbha region, former Maharashtra minister Sanjay Deshmukh rejoined the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) along with another Thane leader, Sanjay Ghadigonkar, party officials said here on Thursday. The duo joined the party in the presence of ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who tied the 'Shiv-Bandhan' on their wrists on Thursday afternoon in the presence of many others who have joined the party in the recent weeks. Deshmukh was a two-time MLA from Digras in Yavatmal, from where the erstwhile party strongman Sanjay Rathod had joined the rebel group led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which is now known as Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena. Rathod, currently the FDA Minister, represents the Digras seat and seasoned politician Deshmukh's entry into Sena (UBT) could pose a tough challenge to him in the next elections and also in the Vidarbha region, now under the Bharatiya Janata Party's influence. Welcoming them into the party fold, Thackeray urged them to strengthen the party in the eastern Maharashtra region and said that he would soon visit the famed Pohradevi Temple, an important pilgrimage centre for the Banjara community. Speaking on the occasion, Thackeray said that people from different backgrounds, caste and religion are joining his party as they are unhappy with what happened in June (the toppling of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government). "They are telling us to give a tough fight, they will support us as this will be an attempt to save democracy in the country. Whatever may happen to me or the party, it's for you to decide. But what will happen to the country, will there be democracy -- that's the question we all must ask," said Thackeray. Deshmukh started his political innings with the erstwhile Shiv Sena in 1998 when Rathod was the party's district chief. He went against the party to win the 1999 Assembly polls as a rebel, and repeated the feat in 2004. Though both Rathod and Deshmukh were close friends once, they are now staunch political rivals in opposing camps though the latter commands a hold in various local bodies and organisations. --IANS qn/arm ( 362 Words) 2022-10-20-19:34:04 (IANS) A report has been filed in the Delhi High Court stating that 452 non-NIA cases have been transferred to other courts from a special designated Court at Patiala House Court in order to expedite the hearing of NIA cases. The High Court in July 2022, had called for a status report on the progress of the NIA cases. The report filed by the Delhi High Court stated that as on July 31, 2022, four NIA cases are pending before the Principal District and Sessions Judge Patiala House Court and 39 NIA trial cases are pending before the special designated NIA Court. One appeal is also pending before there. The report also stated that 10 NIA cases have been transferred from the court of Principal District and Sessions Judge to the special NIA Court. Since the special court was also dealing with other cases which were perhaps resulting in delays in the trial of NIA cases, the Delhi High court constituted three other courts in the rank of Additional District and Sessions Judge at Patiala House Court, the report submitted.The non-NIA cases were transferred to these courts. Justice Jasmeet Singh on July 15, 2022, issued directions to the Central Government and other respondents to file a further status report. " Let the respondents file a further status report, indicating the progress of these cases within 4 weeks from today," the order of July 15 read The bench had issued the direction on the plea of Manzer Imam who is an accused under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). His counsel submitted before the bench that now there are two designated Courts dealing with NIA-investigated schedule offences cases. However, the hearing is being done by only one Sessions Court. Earlier, an affidavit was filed on behalf of the respondent Delhi High court mentioning the details of the cases pending before the two designated courts dealing with NIA. The predecessor bench noted that it is evident from the affidavit that in each of the trials there are a number of accused ranging from 4 to 14 and witnesses nearing 100 to 500 and thus the trials take a considerably long time. It was further noted that the offences being serious and many times involving foreign national's bail are not granted easily, thus it is paramount that offences under the UAPA whether investigated by the NIA or by the special cell are tried by the designated Courts expeditiously have no other matters listed before it so that the trials can be expedited. The bench had directed that a further affidavit will be filed by the High court of Delhi indicating the steps to streamline expeditious trials in UAPA cases. The present petition has raised two issues. Firstly, in view of the pendency before the special designated Courts dealing with NIA cases, other trials should not be listed due to which the NIA trials get delayed. The second issue contended by the intervenor was that the besides the NIA, investigation into offences under UAPA is also conducted by the special cell and the trials in which charge sheets filed by the Special cell are before other courts which also deal with other trials resulting in a delay in the said trials. Syed Mohd Zishan Ali, an accused in a UAPA case, had moved an intervention application. The petitioner Manzer Imam had in 2021 moved the petition stating the delay in the trial for the reason only two Courts in Delhi have been notified as designated Courts for the trials under the UAPA thereby resulting in a delay in the trial. He sought a direction to the respondents to ensure/notify that special courts under section 11 NIA Act in Delhi should deal exclusively with NIA-investigated scheduled offences so that trials can be expedited besides day-to-day hearings. The petitioner had also sought directions to the Special Court to conclude his trial on day to day basis. (ANI) The Chhattisgarh government on Thursday told the Supreme Court that Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel never met any high court judge in connection with the Nagrik Apurti Nigam scam (NAN scam) after the Centre's counsel had indicated his probable complicity in the scam. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state government, submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice U.U. Lalit: "We took instructions. The Chief Minister never met any high court judge." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, replied that he had only referred to a WhatsApp chat. In the previous hearing, Mehta had cited a WhatsApp chat of an alleged close aide to the Chief Minister that a judge had met the CM two days before bail was granted to some of the accused in the NAN scam case. Meanwhile, the bench, also comprising Justices Ajay Rastogi and S. Ravindra Bhat, declined to hear the matter further due to paucity of time and non-availability of the special bench to wrap up the hearing. Justice Lalit is scheduled to demit office on November 8. The top court ordered re-sealing of the documents filed by the ED and the state government and directed the registry to list the matter before an appropriate bench in the week of November 14. The ED had registered a money laundering case in connection with the scam against two IAS officers. The NAN scam surfaced in 2015, and those involved have been accused of supplying low quality rice, grams, salt etc. The ED moved the apex court seeking transfer of trial from Chhattisgarh alleging a senior government official attempting to weaken the predicate offence against the accused. On October 18, the ED told the Supreme Court the judge who had granted bail to the accused persons in the scam in Chhattisgarh had met the Chief Minister of the state, two days before the bail order was passed. Mehta had submitted that the judge met the CM two days before the bail and "if this isn't shocking, I don't know!" He added that the status report is being exchanged with the accused before it is being filed. Mehta pressed that free and fair trial has not been carried out in the case. --IANS ss/vd A ( 386 Words) 2022-10-20-20:16:02 (IANS) Union Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated multiple health infrastructure projects at an event in Ahmednagar. The projects include three Primary Health Care Centres in Ahmednagar which were inaugurated virtually and Dr Vikhe Patil Cancer Centre and Dr Vikhe Patil Nuclear Medicine Centre. Dr Mandviya said, "India is progressing towards a healthy and prosperous future through investments in health infrastructure." Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the construction of the main building & staff quarters of the Ralegan Siddhi Primary Health Care Centre(PHC). The PHC complex will be built at a projected cost of Rs.702 lakhs. The Health Minister also inaugurated the construction of the main building and staff quarters of the PHC in Kharda, which is built at a projected cost of Rs.560 lakhs and the main building of the PHC in Padhegaon, which is constructed at a projected cost of over Rs.214 lakhs. The Dr Vikhe Patil Cancer Centre and Dr Vikhe Patil Nuclear Medicine Centres were also inaugurated by Union Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. Equipped with modern facilities the centres aims to provide comprehensive treatment to patients. Speaking at the event, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, "the country was progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Government has linked health with development, as only a healthy citizenry can contribute towards national development," he added. The Union Health Minister noted, "The focus needs to be on wellness and treatment. We must ensure that our people do not fall sick in the first place. This is why our Govt. has been focusing on Health and Wellness Centres". Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya also noted how any policy should be forward-looking. The Government is not only building more medical facilities but also increasing the number of medical colleges and the number of MBBS seats. The Minister added, "by the time the nation's youth graduate from Medical Colleges, the country will have transformed into a medical tourism hub, providing treatment to patients from all over the world. The cornerstone of India's worldview has been to seek the welfare of all." Speaking on the Government of India's research policy, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya added, "around 3 out of every 10 scientists and research scholars around the globe are Indian. The Government's research policy encourages and supports talented youth who wish to pursue innovative research projects regardless of whether they are from a private institution or a public one. India aims to be a leader in innovation and research." Addressing the gathering virtually, Padma Bhushan Anna Hazare thanked the Government of India for developing the Health Infrastructure of Ahmednagar, including the village of Ralegan Siddhi. Dr Sujay Vikhe Patil, Member of Parliament, Ahmednagar and Trustee Dr Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation, observed that in the past two years projects worth Rs.1347 Lakhs has been completed in Ahmednagar district under National Health Mission. He also listed a slew of health infrastructure projects worth over Rs.47 Crores projected to be completed within a year in the district. Also present at the event were Dr Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Maharashtra Minister for Revenue, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Dr Sadashiv Lokhande, Member of Parliament from Shirdi Constituency and others. (ANI) The agitators were sitting on a protest for several days over their demand for direct recruitment, alleging the state government of corruption and prioritizing undeserving candidates. According to reports, the protesting students qualified for the Teacher's Eligibility Test eight years ago but failed to get past the two sets of interviews they appeared for. BJP state secretary Priyanka Tibrewal alleged the state government of showing its evil face. While speaking to ANI, Priyanka Tibrewal said, "This government is far from humanity, everyone is watching their demon face." While lashing out at chief minister Mamta Banerjee, Priyanka said, "Being a woman chief minister, if this happens to a woman, then Mamta Banerjee should die." "It is their democratic right to protest. Their jobs have been stolen by CM Mamata Banerjee and her party. If Mamta Banerjee has any shame left, then she should resign immediately," West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul said. Earlier, on October 11, the central agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Trinamool Congress MLA Manik Bhattacharya in connection with the West Bengal teacher's recruitment scam. According to sources, Bhattacharya, the former chairman of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education was arrested today after he was questioned overnight by ED officials in connection with the teachers' recruitment scam. Bhattacharya represents the Palashipara assembly constituency. ED has been probing the West Bengal teacher's recruitment scam case and had earlier summoned Bhattacharya. (ANI) According to a Brazilian study published in Scientific Reports, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to develop efficient models for the genomic selection of sugarcane and forage grass varieties and predict their field performance based on their DNA. In terms of accuracy compared with traditional breeding techniques, the methodology developed with support from FAPESP improved predictive power by more than 50%. This is the first time a highly efficient genomic selection method based on machine learning has been proposed for polyploid plants (in which cells have more than two complete sets of chromosomes), including the grasses studied. Machine learning is a branch of AI and computer science involving statistics and optimization, with countless applications. Its main goal is to create algorithms that automatically extract patterns from datasets. It can be used to predict the performance of a plant, including whether it will be resistant to or tolerant of biotic stresses such as pests and diseases caused by insects, nematodes, fungi or bacteria, and or abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, salinity or insufficient soil nutrients. Crossing is the most widely used technique in traditional breeding programs. "You establish populations by crossing plants that are interesting. In the case of sugarcane, you cross a variety that produces a lot of sugar with another that's more resistant, for example. You cross them and then assess the performance of the resulting genotypes in the field," said computer scientist Alexandre Hild Aono, first author of the article on the study published in Scientific Reports. Aono is a researcher at the State University of Campinas's Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG-UNICAMP). He graduated from the Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP). "But this assessment process takes a long time and is very expensive. The method we propose can predict the performance of these plants even before they grow. We succeeded in predicting yield on the basis of the genetic material. This is significant because it saves many years of assessment," Aono explained. In the case of sugarcane, the challenge is highly complex. Traditional breeding techniques take between nine and 12 years and incur high costs, according to Anete Pereira de Souza, a professor of plant genetics at UNICAMP's Institute of Biology and Aono's PhD supervisor at CBMEG. "When breeders identify an interesting plant, they multiply it by cloning so that the genotype isn't lost, but this takes time and costs a great deal. An extreme example is the breeding of rubber trees, which can take as long as 30 years," Souza said. One way to surmount these difficulties is what she called "plant breeding 4.0", which makes intensive use of data analysis and highly efficient computational and statistical tools. Each genotyping-by-sequencing process can involve 1 billion sequences. The main hurdle scientists face in trying to breed better varieties of polyploid plants such as sugarcane and forage grass is the complexity of their genomes. "In this case, we didn't even know if genomic selection would be possible, given the scarce resources and the difficulty of working with this complexity," Aono said. Methods The researchers began the genomic selection process with diploid plants [containing cells with two sets of chromosomes], as they have simpler genomes. "The problem is that high-value tropical plants like sugarcane aren't diploids but polyploids, which is a complication," Souza said. While human beings and almost all animals are diploid, sugarcane may have as many as 12 copies of every chromosome. Any individual of the species Homo sapiens can have up to two variants of each gene, one inherited from the father and the other from the mother. Sugarcane is more complex because theoretically any gene can have many variants in the same individual. There are regions of its genome with six sets of chromosomes, others with eight, ten, and even 12 sets. "The genetics is so complex that breeders work with sugarcane as if it were diploid," Souza said. In 2001, Theodorus Meuwissen, a Dutch scientist who is currently a professor of animal breeding and genetics at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), proposed genomic selection to predict complex traits in animals and plants in association with their phenotypes (observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of their genotypes with the environment). The advantage of this approach to plant breeding is the link between the phenotypic traits of interest, such as yield, sugar level or precocity, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A "snip" (as SNP is pronounced) is a genomic variant at a single base position in the DNA, Souza explained. "It's the difference in the genomes of any two individuals. For example, one may have an A [corresponding to the nucleotide adenine] that produces a little more than another with a G [guanine] at the same location in the genome. That changes everything," she said. "When you find an association with what you're looking for, like a high level of sugar production, and specific SNPs at different locations in the genome, you can sequence only the population on which your breeding work focuses." The advances proposed by Aono and colleagues dispense with the need to plant and phenotype throughout the breeding cycle. "We do field experiments in the initial stages of the program to obtain the phenotype of interest for each clone," Souza said. "In parallel, we sequence all the clones in the breeding population quite straightforwardly, without needing to have the whole genome for every clone. This is what's called genotyping-by-sequencing - partial sequencing in search of the differences and similarities in the base pairs for the clones, and their association with each clone's production. The association between phenotype and genome shows which produces more and which SNPs are associated with higher production. In this manner, we can identify clones with a large proportion of the SNPs that contribute to the higher production observed in the initial experiments and obtain the most productive variety faster and more cheaply." (ANI) Suella Fernandes Braverman, who has a Goan father and a Mauritian Tamil mother, resigned as British Home Secretary on Wednesday with a dig at Prime Minister Liz Truss clinging on to her job, despite her original economic policy being shredded by her new Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. Braverman, 42, a hard Brexiteer, committed the cardinal error of sending an official document to a what she called "trusted parliamentary colleague" on Wednesday morning from her personal email address. This was an infringement of Whitehall rules. However, in a letter quitting her post, while admitting her slip-up, she stated: "The business of government relies upon people accepting responsibility for their mistakes. Pretending we haven't made mistakes, carrying on as if everyone can't see that we have made them, and hoping that things will magically come right is not serious politics. I have made a mistake; I accept responsibility; I resign." Tuss is seen to be entirely responsible for the chaos created by economic policies announced by her previous Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, as these were promises she made during the summer's contest to become Prime Minister, which the latter only implemented. But despite a widespread demand for Truss' departure, she is still hanging on. Braverman's resignation adds to the turmoil affecting the British government for nearly four weeks. She had earlier expressed reservations about a trade deal between Britain and India, which is being negotiated. In an interview to the Spectator magazine, she said: "I have concerns about having an open borders migration policy with India because I don't think that's what people voted for with Brexit." Truss is anxious that the trade deal to be agreed before Diwali. But Braverman pointed out: "The largest group of people who overstay are Indian migrants." The Indian High Commission in London, though, stated in response it had been co-operating with British authorities in respect of illegal Indian immigrants in the UK returning to India. At the same, there hasn't been much movement on this front. --IANS ashis/vd ( 352 Words) 2022-10-19-22:44:04 (IANS) In what may look like a coincidence or pre-planned, it has been revealed that former Pak envoy to the US, Asad Majeed Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan hired the same lobbying firm in America. Just five days before PTI Chairman Imran Khan disclosed the alleged regime change conspiracy, former ambassador Asad Majeed Khan -- who was the architect behind the cypher -- hired a lobbying firm to promote Pak-US relations, reported The News International. Notably, both of them hired the same firm -- Fenton Arlok LLC. The Pakistan Embassy in the United States hired the services of Fenton Arlok LLC on March 21, 2022, to promote US-Pak relations and signed an agreement with the firm, reported The News International. As per the agreement, the embassy will pay USD 30,000 monthly to the lobbying firm for its services. The agreement was initially signed for six months from March 21 to September 20, 2022, according to which the embassy had to make a two-month advance payment. Interestingly, on March 27, 2022 -- five days after the signing of the agreement -- the-then Prime Minister Imran Khan held a public rally and showed a copy of an alleged document related to a foreign conspiracy against his government, reported The News International. Later, it was revealed that then Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed Khan had sent a cypher to the Imran-led government, indicating worsening relations between the two countries. The cypher allegedly includes the minutes of the meeting held between Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu on March 7, 2022, two weeks before hiring the lobbying firm. Five months later, in August 2022, Imran Khan's party also hired the services of the same firm that was hired by Asad Majeed Khan to promote PTI's positive image in the United States. The PTI, however, as per the agreement, paid USD 25,000 per month to the lobbying firm, reported The News International. The PTI hired the lobbying firm to engage and consult with informed individuals in both the public and private sectors in the US and Pakistan to make determinations as to how constructive relations between the US and Pakistan might be enhanced and provide advice to the client and his associates as to how this might be accomplished. Apart from the PTI and Pakistan Embassy in the United States, a non-profit NGO Council on Pakistan Relations executed a verbal agreement with the same lobbying firm Fenton Arlok LLC, reported The News International. According to the agreement, the lobbying firm would inform American and international media about the Council's desire for productive diplomatic and economic relations between Pakistan and the United States. The Fenton and Arlok LLC, according to the agreement with the embassy, was given the task of distributing information to and briefing journalists on Pakistan's desire for positive relations with the United States, placing articles and broadcasts, arranging interviews and advising on the social media. (ANI) Ukrainian energy officials said on Wednesday they had no choice but to introduce restrictions on electricity supplies across the country and scheduled blackouts nationwide after losing at least 40 per cent of the country's power generating capacity following days of Russian attacks. "Unfortunately, according to new data, about 40 pc of the total infrastructure and our generating capacities are really seriously damaged," said Oleksandr Kharchenko, an advisor to Ukraine's energy minister, reported CNN. "Restoration and repair work is ongoing, but miracles are possible only to a certain extent," Kharchenko said in the statement broadcast on national television. "Therefore, we should expect not only emergency but also scheduled outages today and tomorrow in order not to overload the grid," he added. NPC Ukrenergo, Ukraine's national energy company called for the "understanding and support" of its energy users as they have been forced to introduce consumption restrictions following the missile attacks, reported CNN. Ukrenergo said the "consumption restrictions may be applied throughout Ukraine from 7:00 am to 22:00 pm" Thursday. "The outages will be alternate -- the duration of the outage is also determined by the regional power distribution company, but not more than 4 hours," the statement said. "The enemy, who cannot compete with the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the battlefield, attacked the civilian energy infrastructure again. Therefore, tomorrow we will apply controlled and carefully calculated restrictions to consumers, which we must implement to make the system work in a balanced way," the power company said. Ukraine suffered new damage to its critical energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address, reported CNN. "Of course, we will do everything possible to restore the normal energy capabilities of our country. But this requires time and our combined effort," he said. Zelenskyy appealed to Ukrainians to become careful about electricity consumption starting on Thursday from 7:00 a.m. local time, reported CNN. "Please do not turn on unnecessary electrical appliances. Please limit electricity consumption on those appliances that require a lot of energy," the president said, "Tomorrow it is very important that consumption is as conscious as possible. Then the schedules of stabilization outages will be shorter." Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law Wednesday introducing martial law in four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed in defiance of international law: Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk. (ANI) Amid the ongoing 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), China deferred the scheduled release of its third-quarter economic data sparking immediate speculation of a slowdown in its GDP growth rate. No explanation was provided for why the data wasn't released as planned on Tuesday. Apart from the overall GDP number, the releases were supposed to include the details of monthly industrial output, energy production, fixed asset investment, property investment and sales, retail sales and housing prices, reported The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH). The obvious conclusion is that the numbers might have embarrassed Xi had they been released even as the congress was being asked to approve his third term, rubber-stamping an unprecedented extension of his period as party leader. This year GDP growth rate with estimates of growth of between 3 per cent and 3.3 per cent, would be unlikely to flatter the party leaders, reported SMH. The International Monetary Fund has forecast growth of 3.2 per cent in China's economy for 2022. The reasons for why China's growth rate has slumped are well understood. The major one is Xi's harsh zero-COVID policy, which has seen near-continuous rolling lockdowns of China's major cities and industrial hubs. In the second quarter it was a protracted lockdown of Shanghai that was a major factor in the economy's stagnation, reported SMH. The property crisis, triggered by Beijing's imposition of hard limits to property developers' leverage, has caused an implosion of the developers, a spate of defaults on their debts and a slump in house prices and sales. There have been spillover effects into other sectors reliant on the property industry and a widespread revolt by mortgagors who had borrowed to fund purchases of apartments before they were built and now find themselves with debts but no apartments. Local governments that rely on property sales for much of their income are also stressed. Unemployment among 16 to 24-year-olds is nudging 20 per cent and has more than doubled during Xi's current five-year term. Chinese consumers have become cautious, with retail spending slumping and the slowdown in the rest of the world is threatening its exports, reported SMH. For the first time in living memory China's economy might grow at a lower rate than the rest of the emerging economies. That's hardly outstanding. Confirmation of anaemic growth in the middle of the congress to confirm Xi's coronation would introduce a sour note to the celebrations. It might also lead to some cynicism about the prospect of Xi delivering on his promise - reiterated on Sunday - to grow China to the point where it would be classified as a "medium-developed" country by 2035, reported SMH. Given all the headwinds China's economy is facing and Xi's continuing commitment to stringent responses to COVID outbreaks it perhaps isn't surprising that anything less than positive news about the state of the economy would be delayed until the congress has concluded and his continuing leadership confirmed. (ANI) US and Japan have raised concerns over the Chinese company purchasing land near defence base areas. Chinese company acquired a piece of land in Hokkaido near Japanese Air Self-Defense Force radar site and Fufeng Group purchased 300 acres of farmland near Grand Forks, North Dakota in the US. After the revelation, in January, Sanae Takaichi, who then was the policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party said that a Chinese company acquired a land in Hokkaido, roughly 35 km away from a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force radar site and asked that is this not a part of the national security issue, Nikkei Asia reported. While addressing the Lower House Budget Committee session in Japan Takaichi said, "Is this not a national security issue?" The ownership and investment in Japan's forest region had witnessed a 4.7-fold increase from 2010, according to Japan's Forestry Agency. In 2021, buyers coming from Hong Kong, Macao, Australia, Singapore and the US are buying land in Hokkaido. A total of 19 cases were recorded. Last Month, Ryan Ashley and Alec Rice, active-duty officers in the US military, writing for Nikkei Asia described Japan's northernmost main island, Hokkaido, "is a historical hotbed of great power competition, poised to again demonstrate its critical importance in the Pacific." China has long recognized Hokkaido "as a prize jewel of the North Pacific island chain, has strengthened its economic influence in the area for decades and is today increasing its military cooperation with Russia," they wrote in Nikkei Asia. In July, a Cabinet Office committee held a hearing of experts over the issue of land use around infrastructure deemed vital to national security, such as Self-Defense Force bases and nuclear plants. One expert noted that it is only natural for foreign militaries to attempt to gather information about opponents' militaries. "In contingencies, there is a possibility that the aim switches to sabotage, especially regarding nuclear plants," the expert warned, saying that all precautionary measures should be considered, according to a transcript. Concerns are mounting that the weaker economy of Japan may accelerate the acquisition of land by foreign players, according to Nikkei Asia. Earlier, in the US, the Fufeng Group, a China-based company, purchased 300 acres of farmland near Grand Forks, North Dakota, a rural area that lies about a 90-minute drive from the Canadian border, according to the New York Post citing a report. Recently, the foreign ownership and investment in US agricultural land nearly doubled from 2010 to 2020 and also alarmed lawmakers. In a letter to Government Accountability Office (GAO), the 130 US lawmakers requested the agency to find out the extent of and trends in foreign investment in agricultural land. It also asked for a review on whether current standards for filing accurately capture the origin of the investment, Nikkei Asia reported. As of December 2020, 37.6 million acres (15.2 million hectares) of U.S. agricultural land was held by foreign individuals and entities, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, representing 2.9 per cent of all privately held agricultural land, reported Nikkei Asia. Canada topped the list with 12.4 million acres, or 32 per cent of the total, followed by the Netherlands, Italy, the UK and Germany. China held 352,140 acres, or less than 1 per cent of foreign-owned land. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Gujarat's Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. The duo paid floral tributes at the Statue of Unity at Kevadia and the UN Secretary-General joined Prime Minister Modi at the launch of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) booklet, logo, and tagline. The visiting UN chief is on a three-day trip to India. Envisaged by PM Modi, Mission LIFE is expected to be an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment, said Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Mission LiFE will be India's signature initiative at the United Nations and other international platforms for showcasing climate action and early achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release. Earlier on Wednesday, Guterres met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and exchanged views on pressing global concerns and challenges in multilateralism. "Glad to welcome UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. Exchanged views on pressing global concerns and challenges in multilateralism," Jaishankar tweeted. UN Chief, on Wednesday, paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai and addressed students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Terming India a partner of choice of the UN, he said New Delhi have increased its impact on the international stage due to the donation of medicines, equipment, and vaccines at the height of Covid-19 to neighbouring countries. "From your donations of medicines, equipment and vaccines at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to your humanitarian assistance and development finance to Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, you're increasing impact on the international stage. India is today a partner of choice of the UN," Guterres said at IIT Bombay. The UN chief said India's digital platform Cowin is the largest vaccination program for Covid-19, delivering more than 2 billion doses. He further said that India was the first country to launch a single-country south-south cooperation support framework via the India-UN development framework partnership. On India's contribution to UN Peacekeeping, Guterres said, "India is also the biggest provider of military and police personnel to UN missions, including the first all-women UN police contingent to a peacekeeping mission. Over 200,000 Indian men and women have served in 49 peacekeeping missions since 1948, a remarkable contribution to peace in the world. " "As a member of UNSC for two years, India's contributed significantly to promoting multilateral solutions and addressing crises," he added. (ANI) World leaders including from France, the UK and the Maldives were among those who congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the launch of the Mission LiFE movement (Lifestyle for the Environment) in on Thursday. France president Emmanual Macron in his video message said that France is looking forward to working with India in the perspective of the Indian presidency of G20 next year. "Dear Prime Minister, dear Narendra, dear colleagues, dear friends, namaste. I wish I could be you in Kevadia at this very special moment. And at a time when our world is subject to increasing geopolitical tensions, we have no choice but to choose cooperation of division for one single region. No one can address global challenges and especially climate change on its own," Macron said He further said, "France looks forward to working with India to make this initiative a success including in the perspective of the Indian presidency of G20 next year." UK Prime Minister Liz truss also send her congratulations via a video message. "As democracies, we must work together to secure energy independence and protect economies. We're investing with partners like India to develop vital climate infra. I commend India's leadership in launching Mission LiFE, let's keep leading the way." Meanwhile, Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that PM Modi's Mission LiFE could not have come at a more crucial juncture. The ill effects of the climate crisis come at upon the countries with full force. Estonia's Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas in her message expressed her gratitude to PM Modi for launching Mission LiFE and said that there is a need for collective response to address climate change is stronger than ever. "India has been very active in World Cleanup Day, last year, 1.2 million people took part in it in India which is impressive: Estonia PM Kallas said. Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia Prime Minister said "Georgia welcomes and fully supports this global initiative, timely introduced by PM Modi which promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on the principle of mindful and deliberate utilisations." Ifraan Ali, President of Guyana said, "Our planet is under threats. Overall, 70 per cent of forest land is substantially degraded. Collective action is needed to protect the planet. I wish to extend best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the launching of the Mission LiFE logo and mission document which seeks to mobilise 1 billion people of India to become pro-planet people by 2027. Congratulations India for taking the lead." Andry Rajoelina, Madagascar President in her message said, "I am convinced that LiFE could become one of the turning points in our fight against climate crisis. I thank India through its Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is an inspiring leader in environmental protection, for bringing us together around this cause. It is with hope and conviction that I join you in this mission. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih Maldives President in his message said "Prime Minister Modi's Mission LiFE could not have come at a more crucial juncture. The ill effects of climate crisis come at us with full force, growing in severity the longer we let our inactions drag on. This ambitious initiative is a call for action. Let's not end it there. Prime Minister Modi and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the Mission LiFE movement in Gujarat's Ekta Nagar. Envisaged by PM Modi, Mission LiFE is expected to be an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment, said Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Mission LiFE will be India's signature initiative at the United Nations and other international platforms for showcasing climate action and early achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with UN chief Antonio Guterres here. The duo paid floral tributes at the Statue of Unity at Kevadia and the UN Secretary-General joined Prime Minister Modi at the launch of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) booklet, logo, and tagline. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meetings with his Mozambique and Madgascar counterpart on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022. "Glad to interact with the Defence Minister of Mozambique, Mr Cristovao Artur Chume on the sidelines of #DefExpo2022," Singh said in a tweet. Taking to Twitter, Defence Minister said that he had a fruitful discussions with Madagascar Defence Minister Lt. General, Rakotonirina Leon Jean Richard. Earlier, Singh was speaking at 'Invest for Defence', the event organised during the 12th edition of DefExpo. The event has been added to the Defence Expo from this edition onwards. According to the Ministry of Defence, the event was organised to promote investment in the defence sector in the country by both the Indian industry and foreign original equipment manufacturers. It will also highlight the requirements of the armed forces and policy reforms undertaken by the government for ease of doing business in the defence sector. "We have to create healthy environment for our investors that will not only give them good returns but also give them recognition in domestic and global markets," Singh said. To boost the domestic domestic sector, the Minister said the government has allocated capital acquisition for defence procurement. "The Government is aiming to increase Defence production from 12 billion US dollars to 22 billion US dollars by the year 2025. We are making all efforts to protect our domestic industry from unfair foreign competition in the domestic market. Simultaneously, we are making efforts to get market access for domestic business in foreign countries so they can capture markets outside India," he said. Singh said, "Our defence industry is going through an important phase. Our industry has showcased its capabilities by manufacturing fighter aircraft, aircraft carriers, main battle tanks and attack helicopters. The current era is a golden period of the Indian defence sector," he said. These projects, the Defence Minister said have helped to create an ecosystem and achieve valuable experience. This experience will help future generations to suport and develop the defence system, he added. The event also featured a panel discussion between the industry stalwarts and the MoD and Armed Forces leadership. It witnessed participation from domestic and foreign institutional investors. (ANI) The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has opened an election observation mission for the November 20 presidential election in Kazakhstan, following an official invitation from the national authorities and in accordance with its mandate. In a press statement, the Warsaw-based Office for Free Elections said the mission is headed by Urszula Gacek and consists of a core team of 11 international experts based in Astana and 30 long-term observers, who will be deployed throughout the country from October 26. "ODIHR also plans to request 300 short-term observers, to arrive several days before election day. The mission will assess the conduct of the election for its compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation," the office said. The office said observers will closely monitor all aspects of the election such as the conduct of the campaign including on social networks, the work of the election administration at all levels, election-related legislation and its implementation, respect for fundamental freedoms, media coverage and election dispute resolution. They will also assess the implementation of previous ODIHR election recommendations. Meetings with representatives of state authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community form an integral part of the observation. On election day, the ODIHR mission will observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results. An interim report will be published approximately two weeks prior to the election to update the public and the media on the observation mission's activities. The day after the election, a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions will be presented at a press conference. A final report with an assessment of the entire election process and recommendations will be published some months after the elections. The ODIHR election observation mission and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana operate independently under their separate mandates. Nurlan Abdirov, the Central Election Commission (CEC) chair, this week, expressed his gratitude to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights for the decision to send a delegation of 30 long-term and 300 short-term international observers for the upcoming presidential elections. Abdirov spoke about the features and duration of the main stages of the election campaign and presented the results of the nomination of the presidential candidates, The Astana Times reported. "The CEC will ensure the election campaign is conducted strictly with the law and will create all conditions for healthy and fair competition. We attach great importance to close cooperation and constructive dialogue with the mission," said Abdirov. (ANI) Malaysia is to hold the election next month after Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the dissolution of the parliament in a special televised address. The federal election will take place on November 19, Al Jazeera reported citing Election Commission. Elections for assemblies will also be held in some of the country's 13 states. About 21 million people are eligible to vote, according to Al Jazeera. Yaakob's announcement comes after growing pressure from party colleagues loyal to United Malays National Organisation (Umno) president Zahid Hamidi, who has called for the vote to be held as soon as possible since the year began, according to the Strait Times. Notably, UMNO is a political party in Malaysia and the biggest party in the ruling coalition. Following Ismail Sabri Yaakob's decision to dissolve the parliament, the Palace issued a statement expressing Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah's "disappointment at current political developments," the Strait Times reported. "Therefore, His Majesty expresses his hope that the Election Commission conducts the 15th General Election soonest taking into consideration the northeastern monsoon that is forecast to begin in mid-November 2022," said the statement. The Malaysian parliament was dissolved on Monday in strict accordance with Article 40 (2)(b) and Article 55(2) of the Federal Constitution and after the Premier met Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah at least twice between Thursday and Sunday evening, as per the Strait Times. Since its independence from Britain in 1957, the political party UMNO has led Malaysia. However, it was brought down in the 2018 elections by a financial scandal in which ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak was imprisoned for 12 years for graft. Recently, Malaysian ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak lost his final appeal in a graft case linked to the looting of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund, paving the way for a 12-year jail sentence for corruption. The verdict means Najib will have to serve a 12-year sentence, making him the first former prime minister to be jailed, reported Al Jazeera. The former prime minister has been on bail since 2018, pending the appeal. A lower court in July 2020 found Najib guilty of abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust over the transfer of 42 million ringgits (USD 10.1 million) from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB, to his personal bank account. Najib is a UK-educated son of one of Malaysia's founding fathers who had been groomed for the prime minister's post from a young age. (ANI) A Baloch rights group has rejected an inquiry committee set up by the Punjab government on the matter concerning the corpses found at a Multan hospital and appealed to Pakistan's apex court to take notice of this tragedy and fulfil the demand of justice. The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) expressed concern over the recent discovery of 'hundreds' of bodies on the roof of Nishtar Hospital in Multan, the Dawna newspaper reported. Videos of bodies dumped on the Nishtar Hospital's rooftop rattled Pakistan after it was shared on social media last week. Dozens of mutilated bodies were found on the rooftop of the hospital's mortuary, the Pakistan newspaper said citing official sources. Addressing a press conference, VBMP chairman Nasarullah Baloch said the Pakistan Supreme Court had on a 2015 petition regarding recovery of mutilated bodies ordered a probe into the reason of death. However, the order was never implemented. Nasarullah Baloch said the court order for DNA test of the bodies recovered from the Totak area of Khuzdar district was not implemented. The protest by several rights organisations including VBMP, comes after the Nishtar Hospital administration and Edhi Foundation on Wednesday buried the remains of 66 putrefied bodies. Earlier this week, Pakistani lawmakers belonging to the ruling coalition urged the Shehbaz Sharif government to carry out DNA tests of the dead bodies found on the rooftop of Multan hospital. Legislators requesting the DNA test, including Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Kishwar Zehra, fear that the corpses could be of people who went missing from Sindh and the erstwhile tribal areas of the country, according to Dawn. Addressing the National Assembly, Zehra and other legislators, endorsed a parliamentary investigation into the matter after seeking a report from the Punjab government. "Our party demands that DNA tests of all these bodies should be conducted. We are not yet tired of searching for our missing people. God forbid, our people can be [among them]," Zehra was quoted as saying by Dawn. On October 14, multiple unidentified and decomposing bodies were found lying on the rooftop of the Nishtar hospital's mortuary. An investigation began following orders from the province's additional chief secretary to form a six-member committee. After receiving an initial inquiry report of the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi suspended three doctors, three hospital employees, and two police officials posted in the area. Thousands of people forcibly disappearing is a severe and longstanding issue in Pakistan. Despite efforts by civil society, there is no end to the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, as the state continues to use it with impunity. (ANI) The Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday released a new report detailing the mistreatment of Afghan women, who were wrongfully detained with their families for protesting Taliban abuses. The New York-based rights group said the Afghan women were wrongfully detained with their families, including small children. They experienced threats, beatings, dangerous conditions of confinement, denial of due process, abusive conditions of release and other abuses. According to the HRW, the authorities assaulted and administered electric shocks to detained male relatives. The women's description of their experiences sheds light on the Taliban's treatment of women protesters in custody and the Taliban's efforts to silence the protest movement. "It's difficult to overstate the incredible bravery of these and other Afghan women who protest against Taliban abuses," said Heather Barr, associate women's rights director at Human Rights Watch. "These women's stories show how deeply threatened the Taliban feel by their activities, and the brutal lengths the Taliban go to try to silence them." The Taliban had arbitrarily arrested the three women during a single raid on a safe house in Kabul in February 2022. The Taliban authorities held them and their family members for several weeks at the Interior Ministry in apparent retaliation for their involvement in planning and participating in women's rights protests. After their release, they were able to flee the country. After the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, they immediately began rolling back the rights of women and girls. Women began to protest on the streets since Taliban's first week in power, despite the grave risks they faced in doing so. By early September, women-led protests were taking place in Herat province in western Afghanistan and quickly spread across multiple provinces. The HRW said the Taliban response was brutal from the beginning, beating protesters, disrupting protests, and detaining and torturing journalists covering the demonstrations. The Taliban also banned unauthorized protests. Over time, the Taliban's abusive responses escalated, with a particularly brutal response to a protest on January 16 in Kabul, when Taliban members threatened, intimidated, and physically assaulted protesters, using pepper spray and electric shock devices. Days later, the Taliban began conducting raids to arbitrarily detain women who had participated in protests. The Washington Post documented the Taliban's arrests of 24 women's rights activists, some taken with their families, in January and February. Tamana Paryani, one of the first protesters to be arbitrarily detained under Taliban rule, filmed herself as the Taliban broke into her home at night searching for her, and then quickly posted the video on social media. The women interviewed said that Paryani's abduction sent waves of fear through other protesters, causing many to go into hiding. "I didn't know them well, but I became afraid then," one woman said, referring to Paryani and another woman arrested that night. "I woke up at night and all my body shook.... We were so afraid. We knew we would be arrested." Another woman said family and friends repeatedly urged her to flee the country, but she refused: "I wanted to stay and fight." According to HRW, the three women described being held initially in a single cramped and stiflingly hot room with a total of 21 women and 7 children for five days, provided virtually no food or water or access to a toilet. The Taliban held them for several weeks, and abusively interrogated them, without allowing access to counsel or other due process rights, forcibly coerced confessions, and severely tortured the men. The Taliban compelled the three women's families to hand over the original deeds to their property as the price for release, with the threat that the Taliban would confiscate the property if the women got into trouble again, the rights group said. The HRW said the Taliban should immediately release everyone detained for exercising their rights to free speech and peaceful protest. "They should respect the rights of all to peaceful assembly and free expression, including journalists covering protests. They should end all arbitrary detention, ensure due process, including promptly charging suspects in custody before an independent judge, and providing immediate access to counsel," it added. The prominent rights group said the Taliban should hold lawfully detained individuals in accordance with the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Anyone responsible for torture or other ill-treatment should be impartially investigated and appropriately prosecuted. "Afghan women and girls have faced some of the harshest consequences of Taliban rule, and they have led the difficult fight to protect rights in Afghanistan," Barr said. "Unfortunately, their pleas to the international community to stand by them have not been answered." (ANI) Earlier today, Guterres launched the Mission LiFEmovement in Ekta Nagar, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders also held a bilateral meeting. The duo paid floral tributes at the Statue of Unity at Kevadia and the UN Secretary-General joined Prime Minister Modi at the launch of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) booklet, logo, and tagline. Envisaged by PM Modi, Mission LIFE is expected to be an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment. Mission LiFE will be India's signature initiative at the United Nations and other international platforms for showcasing climate action and early achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release. On Wednesday, Guterres met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and exchanged views on pressing global concerns and challenges in multilateralism. UN Chief also paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai and addressed students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Terming India a partner of choice of the UN, he said New Delhi have increased its impact on the international stage due to the donation of medicines, equipment, and vaccines at the height of Covid-19 to neighbouring countries. "From your donations of medicines, equipment and vaccines at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to your humanitarian assistance and development finance to Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, you're increasing impact on the international stage. India is today a partner of choice of the UN," Guterres said at IIT Bombay. (ANI) In a recent crackdown on the media, the Taliban banned a foreign journalist Stefanie Glinski from entering Afghanistan for her critical reporting on the war-torn country. Glinski, who is also a photographer has been barred by the terror outfit for reporting in Afghanistan. The incident has sparked rage among various organizations as it is the most recent incident of a crackdown on international media in Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported. The International Federation of Journalists on Wednesday, in a report, denounced the travel restriction placed on media personnel visiting Kabul. According to a report from the International Federation of Journalists on Wednesday, October 19, Glinski has been banned from entering Afghanistan. The International Federation of Journalists denounced the travel restriction placed on journalists visiting Kabul and described them as a barrier to free speech and the "persecution" of journalists, according to Khaama Press. Stefanie Glinski, who is now banned by the Taliban to enter Kabul has also claimed previously that the terror outfit harassed her via WhatsApp and claimed the organization searched for her news sources. The journalist has spent four years in Afghanistan reporting for various news organizations, including The Guardian and Foreign Policy. Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, restrictions on media have escalated, and hundreds of media outlets have closed. Under the current Taliban regime, Afghan journalists suffer from various problems including censorship, restrictions, and access to information. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Taliban have intensified attacks on the media as journalists in the country said that it's hard to report from Afghanistan anymore. According to the journalists, Taliban intelligence officials hold regular meetings with the media to inform them of any new rules. In some cases, journalists have reported that they have been harassed, beaten, and arbitrarily detained without explanation. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday filed a plea in the Supreme Court to form a commission to investigate the audio leaks at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's house. While praying before the court, Khan said, "Declare that the impugned actions, in particular, the illegal surveillance of the PMO and PMH and the release of the surveillance data, especially through the audio leaks, are unconstitutional and in violation of the law," according to Geo News. The PTI Chief also appealed to the apex court to supervise the investigation so that it "completes its task in a satisfactory manner" and the "illegal surveillance is put to a permanent end". He also seeks that the probe identifies, retrieves, secures and then if necessary destroys the audio files. The former prime minister has also urged the Supreme Court to hold the officials behind the audio leaks accountable, Geo news reported. Recently, in October, another purported audio leak of Sharif surfaced on social media days after the coalition government directed a high-level investigation into the alleged hacking and leak of sensitive audio conversations, reported The News International. In the latest audio, the prime minister purportedly talks about appointing special assistants from the ruling coalition with an unknown person, says a news report. The unidentified man could be heard talking about the Pakistan Peoples Party, asking for posts of the PM's key aides. The voice believed to be of PM Shehbaz could be heard, saying, "No, it is not like that, Bilawal Bhutto spoke to me in this regard." Another voice then said, "We have to adjust Zafar Mahmood and Jahanzeb Sahib also...I will tell you a final number today." He added that Muttahida Qaumi Movement member, Malik Ahmed, was reminded that he played a pivotal role in making the deal with the two parties... "I am sending you his portfolio; he belongs to Karachi." Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said that the audio leaks are a serious breach of national security as they call into question the entire security of the Prime Minister's Office and House. He added that his secure line at his residence was also bugged as the PM. He announced that the PTI intends to go to court to establish the authenticity of leaks and then form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate which intelligence agency is responsible for the bugging and who is leaking out the audio many of which, he said, are edited or doctored, reported The News International. The former premier said that this is critical because sensitive security issues are and have been illegally recorded and subsequently hacked, implying confidentiality of Pakistan's national security has been exposed globally. A series of audio clips have been leaked, featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz and former PM Imran Khan, which sparked widespread criticism from the opposition and raised questions about the cyber security of the PM's official residence and the office. Two audio recordings featuring Imran Khan surfaced and in one of them he was heard talking about 'buying' MNAs and in the second one, the former PM was using a "US cypher" to brand those who would vote against him in April's confidence vote as traitors, Dawn reported. In the second audio, PTI leaders Shireen Mazari, Asad Umar and Khan said the cypher, which he has used to further a foreign conspiracy narrative behind his ouster, had a global impact and urged his close aides to brand those who would vote against him in the confidence vote as Mir Jafar and Mir Sadiq, according to Dawn. (ANI) Ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the opening event of the 20th National Congress, China analysts are looking for answers to better understand the mind of all-powerful leader who is set to enter his third term. Regional experts say Xi will either be re-elected as general secretary of the CCP or will be newly elected as chairman of the CCP, a title that has lain dormant since 1982 and was once the highest position ever held by Mao Zedong. The congress is taking place at one of the most perilous periods in world affairs in recent years. Also, inadequate economic performance and zero-covid policy have received flak. Writing for the Asia Times, Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, The University of Western Australia, Yu Tao said many foreign policy narratives in this year's report are similar or identical to those in his 2017 report. This includes key phrases such as upholding world peace, promoting common development, and working to build a community with a shared future for humankind." "The continuity in Xi's narratives indicates China is unlikely to embrace rapid foreign policy changes in the foreseeable future. Keeping the existing foreign policy narratives may also be a deliberate choice. After all, Xi is widely expected to secure a historic third term as China's top leader, so his policies will likely stay," he said in an article first published in The Conversation. According to Yu, China President's report that he presented to the CCP members indicates China will not only look after its own security but also work on common security, primarily through the Global Security Initiative raised by Xi in April 2022. "It will likely become China's new foreign policy framework to take on the US's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which China believes aims to contain China and attempts to make Asia-Pacific countries 'pawns' of US hegemony," he adds. On Sunday, Xi Jinping opened the ruling Communist Party's twice-a-decade National Congress. Analysts say that Xi will undoubtedly extend his term in power for another five years. Confirmation of Xi Jinping's third term will be an ominous moment not only for China but for the world, according to Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director Hana Young. "Confirmation of Xi Jinping's third term will be an ominous moment not only for the millions of Chinese citizens who have suffered grave human rights violations under his rule, but also for people around the world who feel the impact of the Chinese government's repression," Hana Young said in a statement on October 15. "President Xi's decade in power has been characterized by sweeping arbitrary detentions, a ruthless nationwide crackdown on freedom of expression and association, crimes against humanity against Muslims in the Xinjiang region, and a dramatic escalation of repression in Hong Kong," she added. Further slamming China's repressive policies, Young said the government's policies and practices under Xi's leadership pose a threat to rights not just at home, but globally. (ANI) In a conference held in Kevadia, Gujarat on Thursday, 118 Heads of Indian Missions from all over the world participated in the 10th Heads of Missions Conference organized from October 20-22 under the Ministry of External Affairs where they hailed India's flagship Amrit Sarovar Mission. As a part of the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and with an objective to conserve water for the future, Mission Amrit Sarovar was launched on National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April 2022. The Mission is aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country. Speaking to ANI, the Indian envoys hailed the initiative and stated how they saw practical implementation and development taking place at the grassroots levels focussing on environment and water conservation. "Before coming here for the main conference in Gujarat, we were seven Ambassadors who went on a state visit to Punjab. It was a very productive, useful and important experience because we got to see a number of initiatives that the government has taken. The priorities of the state administration in terms of development are the various areas that they are focussing on but we also saw the practical implementation of some projects the government is supporting like the Amrit Sarovar. So, we went to Amrit Sarovar in a village near Chandigarh and it was very interesting to see how this place which had become totally dry, they are now able to catch rainwater and conserve water," said Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Reena Sandhu. "It's like an ecosystem for the villagers and it is also a way of awareness building for the villagers about the importance of conserving water because water is a big challenge for Punjab," she said. She further added saying that there is a cooperative and competitive kind of approach where the villagers are looking that how the other districts are doing and how their district can do better. The Amrit Sarovar Mission works through the states and districts, by refocusing on various schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, XV Finance Commission Grants, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) sub-schemes such as Watershed Development Component, Har Khet Ko Pani besides States' own schemes. Calling this Mission a source of income for the villagers, Robert Shetlkington, Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia called the visit an 'impressive' one. "I was part of six Ambassadors who visited Manipur. We visited a water body in a village. I was quite impressed with two aspects, one is that they have enlarged this water body into a large pond and second it is also a source of income for the villagers in the sense that there are fisheries going on and I think that over a period of time, maybe in one year time they will get some income which is good for the villagers," the envoy said. The Amrit Sarovar Mission also encourages the mobilization of citizen and non-govt resources for supplementing these efforts. "The villagers were pleased with the Amrit Sarovar scheme. They told us that in ancient times, the king used to do this and now the Government of India is doing it", said KJ Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India to Guyana. Further hailing the mission, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, G Balasubramanian shared his experience about his State visit where he saw active work in reconstruction. "My state visit was to Tamil Nadu and we had very good meetings with the Chief Minister and the Governor. As part of our plan, we saw one of the Amrit Sarovar. Tamil Nadu has the importance of cultivating water and getting ponds and tanks constructed as an important part of irrigation and under the 75 Amrit Sarovar district, we went to one of the districts and saw active work going on in reconstruction. It was nice to see that such activities are taking place in a rapid manner", said G Balasubramanian. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 10th Heads of Missions Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat. (ANI) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continues to face global embarrassment over appointing Ishaq Dar as the country's Finance Minister as the Minister had fled Pakistan after an anti-corruption court in Pakistan indicted him in the Panama Papers case in 2017. The Minister, who is a leading politician of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was declared an absconder by a local court as he stayed put in the United Kingdom defying all the notices and summons from the agencies and courts for his appearance, Asian Lite reported. A Pakistani court in September 2022 suspended the arrest warrant against Dar in order to facilitate his smooth return. The appointment of Dar has received massive outrage globally as several people expressed angst on social media platforms over the appointment and implicit state support of corrupt practices in politics. He was mocked at Washington airport during his visit to the USA earlier this month for discussions with IMF. Ishaq Dar also underwent similar treatment in a different setting in the UK where he was taken along by the immigration and border security officials for questioning, according to Asian Lite. Notably, the South Asian country has slipped 16 places on Corruption Perception Index 2021 released by Transparency International earlier this year. Stakes are really high for the country, brushing aside its dismal rank of 140 out of 180 on the index! Ishaq Dar replaced Miftah Ismail as the new Finance Minister of Pakistan and has time and again blamed Imran Khan's party for the country's poor economy. (ANI) U.N. human rights officials denounced the Islamic Republic's violent crackdown on anti-government protests as a violation of international law and called on Iranian authorities to end their deadly crackdown against peaceful demonstrators. The protests started in mid-September after the arrest and death days later of 22-year old Mahsa Amini. She had been held by Iran's morality police for failing to properly cover her hair with a hijab. The group Human Rights Iran said this week the death toll from the crackdown on the ongoing nationwide protests has so far reached at least 215, of which 27 were children, VOA reported. Iran's government has claimed Amini suffered a heart attack and was not mistreated. Her family said she had no history of heart trouble and that her body bore bruises and other signs of beating. Meanwhile, citizens of 14 countries have been detained in connection with protests in recent weeks by Iran, a media outlet close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on Wednesday. The report said those arrested include people from United States, Russia, Austria, France, the United Kingdom and Afghanistan. --IANS san/uk ( 242 Words) 2022-10-20-19:48:04 (IANS) Expressing concerns over an increasing attempt towards removing women from public life in Afghanistan, India at the UN on Thursday called on the international community not to look the other way when the rights of women and minorities are being trampled upon. Ambassador R. Ravindra, Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on women, peace and security said, "The world cannot look the other way when the rights of women and minorities are being trampled upon. There has been an increasing attempt towards removing women from public life in Afghanistan. We call for women and minorities to be included in Afghanistan's future and their rights fully respected, as affirmed in UNSCR 2593." Afghanistan is facing a human rights crisis where women are deprived of the fundamental rights to non-discrimination, education, work, public participation and health. India's deputy envoy at UNSC noted that women empowerment and gender equality are prerequisites for building peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies. "Sustainable peace cannot be achieved unless violence against women is eliminated and their equal and meaningful participation in public life is promoted. Armed conflicts and terrorist attacks continued to have a devastating effect on the lives and dignity of women. Women's participation has been keen on resolving conflicts and securing peace," he added. The envoy highlighted that the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda has a transformative potential but there are still challenges to its realization. "Lack of enabling environment and inequality and discriminatory power structures hinder effective conflict prevention and peace processes." "The WPS normative peacework needs to be powered by actions. The governments, the UN, the regional organizations, civil societies and other actors must implement their commitments to ensure women's full, equal and meaningful participation." India at the UNSC debate also called for women's participation in political processes and decision-making for an inclusive society. (ANI) Over 4500 diplomats and their families from around 100 Israeli missions across the world including India began voting on Thursday for Israel's parliament elections scheduled for November 1, the Embassy of Israel in India said. On November 1, Israel will hold an election for the 25th Knesset, the country's parliament. The staff of the Embassy of Israel in India also took part in early voting from here. This will be the country's fifth general election in four years. This comes as the election was called in June after Israel's alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett handed the reins of his collapsing government to Prime Minister Yair Lapid after just over a year in power. Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is widely forecast to garner the most votes, reported Times of Israel. The voting was kicked off by the Israeli envoy to New Zealand Ran Yaakoby. He cast the first vote for the second time since taking up the post, reported Times of Israel. Envoy Yaakoby voted at a booth set up for diplomatic staff at the embassy in Wellington. Yaakoby expressed concerns held by Israelis under fleeting governments since 2019. "Last year, I expressed hope that this would be my first and last vote during my four-year term and that the elected government would be stable and successful," Yaakoby said and added, "this year too, I offer this hope for us all." After an early vote by the New Zealand envoy, 103 other ballot stations are being opened at 101 embassies and missions abroad. The final votes will take place in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Voting will end on Friday, reported Times of Israel. In New York, the consulate with 750 eligible voters will host three ballot stations alone. Votes will be cast for the first time in Manama, Bahrain, and Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, where Israel has opened embassies since the last election in March 2021. However, it is pertinent to vote that private citizens living abroad cannot vote unless they come to Israel. Though many soldiers on active duty will be able to vote as early as next week, reported the media portal. According to the Central Elections Committee, 6,788,804 eligible voters will be able to cast votes at 11,707 ballot stations, plus several hundred more at hospitals, prisons, old age homes and for those in isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic. As per Times of Israel, over 210,000 people were added to the voter roles since the last election. (ANI) The Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders spent their bye weeks in similar fashion. The AFC's only one-win teams had extra time to try to figure out why they are looking up at the rest of the conference in the standings despite being competitive almost every week. I actually got a really good feeling from watching the tape, Raiders star receiver Davante Adams said. Obviously, you look at the record and none of us are proud of that part. ... But you even look at some of the power rankings and the fact that they have us where they have us after having one victory at this point shows that theres something that were doing out there that people are taking notice of and just not finishing to the best of our ability. The Texans (1-3-1) have a similar lament to the Raiders (1-4) heading into Sunday's meeting in Las Vegas as both teams have played four one-score games with Houston getting the only win out of those contests. The Texans beat Jacksonville 13-6 heading into the bye week. Houston had previously blown a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter of a Week 1 tie against Indianapolis, blew another fourth-quarter lead in Week 2 in a loss at Denver, lost on a walk-off field goal by Chicago in Week 3 and was neck and neck with the Chargers in Week 4 until a late Los Angeles TD made it a 10-point loss. Weve had our moments ... (but) I dont like the way weve finished the games as much as anything, Texans coach Lovie Smith said. We had so many opportunities early on, but thats a part of the growth too, to figure out how to finish a game. The Raiders have been in similar positions. They had late comeback attempts fall short in losses to the Chargers, Tennessee and Kansas City and blew a 20-point lead to Arizona in their other loss. Their 0-4 record in one-score games comes a year after they thrived in those situations, going 7-2 to earn a surprising playoff berth. We didnt win as many games as we thought we would at this point, thats for sure, quarterback Derek Carr said. But its all within so many points. We know that were close, and again weve always said this close doesnt count, it doesnt matter. Story continues DAMEONS DRIVE The Texans love the performance of rookie running back Dameon Pierce so far and are looking for him to do even more as he gains more experience. Pierce ranks eighth in the NFL and first among rookies with 412 yards rushing. The fourth-round pick from Florida ran for 99 yards and Houstons only touchdown in the teams win over the Jaguars in Week 5. He has broken 18 tackles in five games, which leads the NFL. After a quarter of football, we like where he is, Smith said. Much more to go, but I like the way hes trending. Pierce has carried Houstons offense this season as quarterback Davis Mills has struggled, with just five touchdown passes and four interceptions. JACOBS' JOLT The Raiders have gotten a big boost early this season from running back Josh Jacobs, who joined Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson as the only players in franchise history with back-to-back games with at least 140 yards rushing. Jacobs is showing the explosion that he had early in his rookie season in 2019 but had been lacking the past two years as he fought off several nagging injuries. Hes running extremely violent, and not just the physicality, but his cuts are violent, his mentality is violent," Carr said. You see it when he gets in the open field. We all know he can make people miss and stuff like that, but youve seen a couple of times in the last couple of weeks, him eye the safety out and say, Okay, here I come. And hes going to do it play after play after play. BROTHERLY LOVE The matchup is a family affair for the McDaniels clan with Josh McDaniels in his first year as coach of the Raiders and younger brother, Ben, in his second year on Houston's staff where he is currently wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. This is the third time the brothers have squared off in the NFL with Josh winning matchups in 2013 between New England and Tampa Bay and in 2021 between the Patriots and Texans. These are always interesting, Josh McDaniels said. Ive got a lot of respect and admiration for my brother and the job he does. Hes a very good coach, and these are fun things to look back on years from now talking about, you know, when weve played each other and coached against one another. Ive tried to recruit my mom and dad to silver and black for sure this week, which I think Im winning that war right now. KEY LOSS The Raiders are dealing with a big loss on defense after cornerback Nate Hobbs went on injured reserve this week with a broken hand. Hobbs has been Las Vegas' best player in the secondary with the ability to play in the slot and outside. Anthony Averett, who broke his hand in the opener, could return this week and provide some help. ___ AP Sports Writer Kristie Rieken in Houston contributed to this report. ___ More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL Despite some improvement over 2021, 13 cars have been stolen this year in Palm Beach, an issue the town Police Department hopes to curb by having residents and visitors take one simple step: Lock your car. Oh, and also dont ever leave the key inside. The town is not exempt from crime, but police work diligently to keep the crime rate as low as possible and the community safe, said police Chief Nicholas Caristo. When criminal elements feel comfortable that they can locate an unlocked vehicle with a key fob in it relatively quickly, they will continue to try, he said. Situational awareness and secured vehicles harden our community against potential property crimes, and that is why it is important to get the message out about locking vehicles. 'Extremely effective': Palm Beach's camera surveillance system helps to deter, solve crimes Safety and motorized vehicles: Woman injured in scooter crash spurs reminder about motorized vehicles on Lake Trail in Palm Beach Parking wars: Neighbors challenge plan for additional parking at Palm Beach Day Academy Palm Beach police chief Nicholas Caristo shows video of a daytime car theft in Palm Beach during the Palm Beach Police and Fire Departments Public Safety Forum for North End residents on Sept. 29 at The Beach Club. "We are not exempt from crime. Please don't leave your key fob in your vehicle," Caristo told residents. For the first nine months of 2021, 15 vehicles were stolen on the island. That number dropped to 13 for the first nine months of this year. In total, 16 vehicles were stolen last year. Of those, 14 were recovered successfully, Palm Beach Police spokesperson Will Rothrock said. So far this year, 10 vehicles have been recovered thanks to the departments diligent investigations, he said. While these crimes of opportunity are not unique to the island other areas of Palm Beach County deal with thieves who look for cars that have keys inside some of the characteristics of how the crimes are executed on the island are different, Rothrock said. The people involved in stealing cars in Palm Beach typically are juveniles. They browse before deciding which vehicle to target, and they blend in by arriving on the island driving high-end vehicles that many times have been rented, Rothrock said, adding that while cars can be stolen at any time during the day, the theft usually occurs after the sun sets. Story continues While some of the luxury vehicles they use for surveillance are stolen, the rented cars dont raise red flags from the towns cameras, which scan license plates at key entry points to the island, he said. As these associated vehicles are usually not stolen and properly registered, the cameras cannot be relied on exclusively to alert on their arrival, Rothrock said. While the most-stolen vehicles elsewhere in the U.S. are sturdy pickup trucks or midsize sedans, according to federal crime statistics, thieves in Palm Beach look for something a little more extravagant. The criminals are opportunistic and will take any high-end vehicle that is unsecured and available, but we see Land Rovers and Bentleys frequently stolen, Rothrock said. The first step to protect your vehicle: Lock it, and dont leave any keys inside, police say. Its also important to not leave unattended valuables in vehicles, Rothrock said. If you must, make sure they are out of view, he added. Residents who see something suspicious should call the police department immediately, he said. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Lock your cars: 13 cars stolen this year in Palm Beach A man walking along the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, stops to look at a shipwreck revealed by the low water level on October 17, 2022. Sara Cline/AP Photo Drought has unearthed a sunken 19th-century shipwreck and human remains in the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River is receding to historic lows amid drought across the Midwest. More discoveries are likely as bodies of water shrink due to climate change-induced droughts, experts say. A prolonged drought has dried up the Mississippi River, revealing a centuries-old shipwreck and skeletal remains. The river, a major shipping route, reached record-low levels this week amid drought conditions. According to a growing body of research, rising global temperatures due to burning of fossil fuels enhance evaporation, making droughts more severe. In early October, low water levels revealed the old sunken ship along the banks of the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Archaeologists believe these remains are from a ferry that sunk in the late 19th or early 20th century, The Associated Press reported. A shipwreck is exposed along the banks of the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, due to low water levels, on October 18, 2022. Stephen Smith/AP Photo Though this is the first time the ship has been fully exposed, it's not a new discovery. Small parts of the vessel emerged from low waters in the 1990s. "At that time the vessel was completely full of mud and there was mud all around it so only the very tip tops of the sides were visible," Chip McGimsey, Louisiana's state archaeologist, told the AP. "They had to move a lot of dirt just to get some narrow windows in to see bits and pieces," McGimsey said. McGimsey thinks the ship could be the Brookhill Ferry, which carried people and possibly horse-drawn wagons across the Mississippi, until it sunk in a storm in 1915, according to news stories from the State Times archives. Shrinking waters also revealed skeletal remains Gripped by drought, the Mississippi River's receding waters also led to a more gruesome discovery. On Saturday, a woman found human remains while searching for rocks with her family on the banks of the drought-stricken river. The remains included a lower jawbone, rib bones, and some unidentified bone pieces, Scotty Meredith, Coahoma County's chief medical examiner, told CNN. Story continues "Because these water levels are so low that we knew it was only a short matter of time before human remains were found," Crystal Foster, the woman who found the remains, told WMC. The discovery in Mississippi comes after multiple sets of human remains surfaced in recent months in Nevada's Lake Mead the country's largest reservoir. Over the summer, several skeletal remains were found in the lake, which fell to historically low levels amid climate change-fueled drought. A rusted metal barrel, near the location of where a different barrel was found containing a human body, sits exposed on shore during low water levels due to the western drought at Lake Mead on May 5, 2022. Mario Tama/Getty Images As human-caused climate change warms the planet and intensifies droughts, experts say more remnants of the past may be unearthed by receding waters. Though findings that were long-submerged can be grim, shrinking bodies of water could be a boon for experts tasked with solving missing persons cases, according to Jennifer Byrnes, a forensic anthropologist who consults with the Clark County coroner's office, which reviews deaths in Lake Mead. "A big body of water disappearing is going to help us, from a forensic perspective," Byrnes told Insider. Eric Bartelink, a forensic anthropologist at California State University's Chico Human Identification Lab, previously told Insider the dropping water levels have uncovered remains that have been hiding beneath the surface for years. "For us, it's really just potentially more opportunities to find missing persons and more likelihood that certain cases are going to be discovered," he said, adding, "It's just going to reveal more things that were in water that you normally wouldn't have access to very easily." Read the original article on Business Insider Engagement ring trends come in and out of style, and some are better for lifelong wear than others. Insider spoke to private jeweler Anna P. Jay about the most impractical engagement ring styles. Engagement rings with ultra-thin bands and rings with U-prong settings can be impractical. An engagement ring is typically unlike any other type of jewelry a person owns. They, of course, signify a lifelong commitment to someone, and they are typically intended to be worn every day, which means they have to be more durable than most other pieces of jewelry. But some recent engagement ring trends don't keep durability in mind, even though they may look pretty. Insider spoke to Anna P. Jay, a private jeweler based out of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Charleston, South Carolina, about trending engagement ring styles that are the least practical for everyday wear. "I don't like super-thin bands personally because sometimes they're not sturdy," Jay told Insider. Although thin bands create a sleek look and can make a stone look bigger, they aren't supportive, particularly if your ring has a large stone. Thin bands can be impractical. Olena Ruban / Getty Images "When you have a larger stone on the top, it becomes top-heavy, so it'll constantly be spinning," Jay said. They can also bend with use. Jay said it's better to get a slightly thicker band, which probably won't even be noticeable to the eye. "A matter of tens of millimeters makes a huge difference," she added. Jay also said that ultra-thin bands likely won't be in style much longer, so a bigger band is probably a better investment. "I think that those are going to begin to fade out as we see chunkier jewelry come into fashion," she said. Another impractical engagement ring style that has become popular in recent years is U-prong eternity bands, sometimes called infinity rings, as Jay told Insider. Eternity bands have drawbacks. Kelsey Presswood / EyeEm / Getty Images An eternity ring is when the entire band is covered in diamonds or another jewel. There are multiple styles of eternity rings, but the U-prong setting is common and the least practical, according to Jay. Story continues "U-prong settings are incredibly impractical," Jay said. "People like them because of the lack of metal. But I'll make it and I've had to reset or tighten prongs after a week of wear." "I think jewelry should be worn, and if you can't wear it because it's too fragile, what's the point?" she said. In addition, eternity rings cannot be resized because the whole band is made of diamonds. Most people's fingers change size throughout their lives, so the eternity band may have to be reset if you intend to wear for the rest of your life, as Jay told Insider. Jay recommends halfway or even three-quarter bands as an alternative, as having a partially metal band gives you the ability to resize it. And with all aspects of engagement rings, Jay advises people to have open conversations with their partner about what they expect out of a ring. "Make sure you do talk to your partner about what you want because it's not a cup of coffee," she said. "We can't just throw it away and start again." "This is often the most expensive piece of jewelry a lot of people will purchase and it's the first piece of jewelry a lot of people will purchase," Jay added. "Let's make sure we nail it." Read the original article on Insider The United States today announced the takedown of a Russian-Venezuelan network that used Tether (USDT) to trade outside the traditional banking structure, thus evading international sanctions. One of the most discussed geopolitical scenarios for cryptocurrencies is their ability to evade conventional financial restrictions imposed by world powers against their adversariesbut this workaround is becoming increasingly difficult to execute. A few hours ago, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it was pressing charges against five Russian and two Venezuelan nationals accused of maintaining a global network of money laundering, smuggling, and trading with sanctioned companies, particularly the Venezuelan state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). According to a press release, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York filed 12 charges against Russian nationals Yury Orekhov, Svetlana Kuzurgasheva, Artem Uss, Timofey Telegin, Sergey Tulyakov, and Venezuelans Juan Fernando Serrano and Juan Carlos Soto. Crypto Exchange Uphold Cuts Off Venezuela Due to 'Complexity' of US Sanctions Per the DOJ, Serrano and Soto facilitated the trade of hundreds of millions of barrels of oil that were subsequently shipped to Russian and Chinese buyers through the intermediation of Orekhov and Uss. Orekhov and Kuzurgasheva, meanwhile, are accused of smuggling military technology to Russia in violation of U.S. interests. The document explains that Russians used several intermediary companies to facilitate the payments. In addition, they made several million-dollar transfers in cryptocurrencies to avoid sanctions. According to sources cited by The Block, Orekhov told an accomplice: "No worries, no stress. As soon as we start berthing, we will immediately transfer. USDT works quick like SMS." The case is under the responsibility of the Office's National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell is in charge of the prosecution. The arrests and charges were the results of a joint effort between U.S., German, and Italian law enforcement agencies. Story continues Russia, Venezuela, and Ukraine: Cryptocurrencies Enter the Scene PDVSA was sanctioned during the Donald Trump administration along with the country's official cryptocurrency, the Petro. As a result of the sanctions, the United States effectively eliminated the possibility for Venezuela to establish normal commercial relations with any country in the world. Under the sanctions, the United States effectively prevented Venezuela from establishing normal commercial relations with most countries in the world since whoever trades with the oil company is exposed to not being able to maintain commercial relations with the North American poweras well as facing other physical and monetary consequences. This political move generated losses to Venezuela on the order of $240 billion, according to sources cited by the Venezuelan media outlet Ultimas Noticias. Europe Bans All Crypto Wallet Services to Russia in New Sanctions Package Meanwhile, sanctions against Russia intensified after the invasion of Ukraine. The use of cryptocurrencies has played an important role in this war, as Ukraine has been able to receive close to $100 million, allowing it to purchase military equipment, including vests, heat visors, food for troops, communication devices, and medicines. Similarly, Russian militias have received cryptocurrency donations to support their cause albeit in lesser amounts and lawmakers around the world have joined forces to prevent Russia from being able to use cryptocurrencies to its advantage in the same way Ukraine has. Rescuers found 1,400 dogs and cats on board a truck in Hubei province. Yidu Center/CAWA Animal rights groups in China found more than 1,400 dogs and cats on a "death truck." Around 370 of the dogs and cats had died by the time they were discovered, said activists. The animals were being transported to Yulin county, where the dog and cat meat trade is prevalent. More than 1,400 dead or dying dogs and cats were discovered on a truck headed for slaughterhouses in Yulin, south China, said animal rights activists who intercepted the vehicle last week. Out of the 1,408 animals found, 378 dogs and cats were already dead by the time the truck was stopped, Humane Society International, or HSI, said on October 10. The rescuers, comprising local animal groups and anti-dog meat trade campaigners, said they saved the remaining 1,000 or so dogs and cats from what they called the "death truck." Some of these animals had to be given emergency treatment on the roadside, and many suffered open wounds, broken bones, respiratory disease, and severe dehydration, HSI said. They're now being treated and cared for by staff at local shelters, the organization added. "The smell of death, diarrhea and vomit was overwhelming," said Hao Dayue, an activist with the Capital Animal Welfare Association, speaking to HSI. "I saw a number of dogs and cats die on the roadside despite desperate attempts to help them, there was nothing that could be done but hold them as they passed away," Hao said. Hao estimated that most of the 718 dogs on the truck were stolen pets, and that the 690 cats were likely strays. Police stopped the "death truck" on a highway in Hubei province, about halfway along the transport's 745-mile journey from Fucheng county to Yulin county, HSI said. The truck traveled from Fucheng county in the north until it was intercepted in Hubei province. Its intended destination was Yulin county in southern China. Screenshot/Google Maps The truck's two drivers were detained by police and reported to officials at Xiantao, a city in Hubei province, per HSI. The trader who hired them and acquired the dogs and cats also faces investigation by China's Agriculture Bureau on charges of transporting sick animals across provinces without the proper documentation, the organization said. Story continues The Ministry of Agriculture did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. China does not have nationwide animal protection laws that prohibit cruel treatment of animals. Beijing banned the trade and consumption of wildlife in February 2020, following speculation that COVID-19 may have spread to humans from live animals at Chinese wet markets. However, only two cities in mainland China, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, have banned the dog and cat meat trade. The eating of dogs and cats is typically only found in a select few places in China, but the practice can be prevalent in those limited locations. The Yulin Dog Meat Festival is one of China's best-known events that involves the consumption of dog meat, and it often faces opposition from animal rights groups in the region. HSI estimated that 10 million dogs and 4 million cats are killed for human consumption each year in China. Read the original article on Insider Prohibition-era history of bootlegged booze aside, the last 10 years have seen a boom in whiskey distilleries around Austin and the birth of an inclusive, innovative community centered on a passion for distilling mashed grain. During Septembers recent Bourbon Heritage month, I spoke to the folks behind some of Austins distilleries about the Texas whiskey scene, what makes their distillery special, and what is going on right now in Austin-made whiskey. What I found was a scene refreshingly free of pretension and full of people who joyfully and compulsively obsess over each process that goes into grinding, cooking, mashing, aging and bottling. What marks our people most is that we really, really hate snobs, Crowded Barrel Co. Distillery founder Daniel Whittington said. We love whiskey nerds but we hate whiskey snobs. All the distilleries I spoke to had a deep respect for Texas terroir and sourcing locally. All of them seem to know each other; when one distillery runs out of barrels, its likely theyll give another one a call. All of them are proud to be making whiskey in Texas. 2022 Dining Guide:The best restaurants in Austin Fierce Whiskers A massive copper still sits in the back of Fierce Whiskers Distillery. Newcomers to the ATX whiskey scene, Fierce Whiskers distillery just celebrated their one-year anniversary and the release of their first single-barrel bourbon, Five O Clock Shadow, on Sept. 24 (currently sold out, $70 at anniversary). Founded by self-professed nerds, childhood friends and veteran clean energy entrepreneurs Tri Vo and Tim Penney, Fierce Whiskers is committed to producing beautiful whiskeys with minimal environmental impact. Five O Clock Shadow is carbon-negative, meaning the processes used in distilling, bottling and distributing the bourbon are powered by solar and wind energy and use carbon-reducing local products like ISC White Oak barrels. Their new bottle has been aging for slightly less than two years, so it isnt straight bourbon (bourbon aged for a minimum of two years). Their premium flagship release will be available for purchase in another two years. Despite being a young bourbon, Five OClock Shadow tastes smooth and bright, with notes of caramel, plum and vanilla. Story continues During my Zoom call with Vo, who was born and raised in Houston and also founded clean energy company Carbon Better, he was holding his newborn baby his infant second child, not the new bourbon and excited about creating whiskey through sustainable processes. We wanted to show our industry, Texas and our consumers that if you care, you can do, Vo said. We want to be about making really awesome whiskey and being awesome Texans. But we need to be responsible citizens of the world and care about the environment our kids will be living in. Fierce Whiskers is at 5333 Fleming Court; www.fiercewhiskers.com. Tasting room hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More:3 restaurants named in our Austin360 Restaurant Hall of Fame 2022 Still Austin Whiskey Co. Since it was founded in 2015, Still Austin Whiskey Co. has claimed many Austin titles first Austin distillery since Prohibition, official whiskey of the Longhorns and Texas Exes, ardent Austin art scene sponsor. For founder Chris Seals, who grew up on farms around Missouri and East Texas before moving to Austin in 1993 to attend the University of Texas, the city has played an integral role in his life, and now in his whiskey. It would be hard to find another thing in my life that has made me Chris Seals more than Austin, Texas, Seals said. Austins inclusive community was also formative in his coming out as a proud gay man. It helped me to accept, value and fully express who I am, he said. When Seals decided to open a distillery with his father, a recent retiree hunting for a passion project, he wanted to give back to the city that gave him so much. Every employee at the distillery owns a share of the company and they source everything locally, from grain to glass. Each label is designed by an Austin artist and Still Austin has become a community hub, hosting regular music events and spotlighting local creators. The distillery not only tightened the bond between Seals and Austin, but also between him and his father theyre closer than theyve ever been and talk every day. It helped us accept each other for who we are, and value what makes us different, he said. Still Austin Whiskey Co. is at 440 E. St. Elmo Road; stillaustin.com. Tasting room hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More:The secret origin of the Mexican martini, Austin's favorite cocktail, and how to make it Garrison Brothers If there was one distillery that could be credited with the Texas whiskey boom, Garrison Brothers, the first-ever (legal) whiskey distillery to open in Texas, is it. Founded by Austinite Dan Garrison and his family in 2005, Garrison Brothers has become synonymous with quality Texas whiskey. They take their time, buying fresh grain and grinding onsite instead of purchasing it pre-ground, using pot stills, and they do a traditional cook that takes 8-12 hours rather than a modern process that takes only one. Each batch is only 50-55 barrels aged 4-8 years, and after being cut with rainwater, comes out to about 95 bottles per barrel. Master distiller Donnis Todd credits Texas hardiness as the source of their quality, and is especially passionate about how the terrain shapes both the whiskey barrels and their commitment to what tastes best over whats easy. The elements around Texas mold us into who we are, makes us tougher. The spirits are the same way. Theyre survivors, Todd said. Their customers share this zeal for Texas terrain: When Balmorhea State Park struggled to stay open in 2017-2021 because of lack of funds for construction, Garrison Brothers named a bottle Balmorhea to spread awareness and donated a portion of the proceeds toward reopening the park. The park reopened in summer 2021. Garrison Brothers is at 1827 Hye-Albert Road in Hye; garrisonbros.com. Tasting room hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. More:Central Machine Works is home to beers, frozen martinis, pizza and a little bit of history Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co. Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co. is democracy at its finest. Located in Dripping Springs, the worlds first crowd-funded distillery was born out of Daniel Whittington and Rex Williams social media following. The pair started popular YouTube channels Whiskey Tribe and Whiskey Cult (now Whiskey Vault) in November 2015, where the two discuss and review whiskey; each channel has over 400,000 subscribers. They parlayed their YouTube success into the Whiskey Tribe Patreon in March 2018, and in the first month received over $30,000 in subscription fees and donations. We thought, we cant just keep that money and say, Thanks. Thats a bad look, Whittington said. Their next thought was: Why dont we make the distillery theirs? They put the word out to their followers and immediately began to strategize. Patreon members voted on each step of the distillery construction process with tiered contributor levels, from the paint color to the shape of the distillery and the first whiskey they were going to make. After the distillery opened in August 2018, they continued the process by putting out an episode each week educating listeners on aspects of the whiskey distillation process and putting everything to a vote. According to Whittington, the experiment has birthed two bottles of whiskey and a strong community. The Texas whiskey community is an actual community. We know each other, we hang out. When we run into problems we call each other, he said. Crowded Whiskey Barrel Co. is at 16221 Crystal Hills Drive in Dripping Springs; crowdedbarrelwhiskey.com. Tasting room hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Update: This story has been updated to correct the last name of Daniel Whittington, including in a photo caption. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Whiskey distilleries in Austin and Central Texas you should visit "Not So Cat-Like Reflexes" by Jennifer Hadley. Jennifer Hadley/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 The annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards highlight hilarious photos of animals in the wild. Judges chose this year's 40 finalists, and the contest is now open for voting. The photos feature foxes, zebras, squirrels, lions, bears, and other wildlife in comical poses. Alex Pansier captured a red squirrel mid-jump in "Jumping Jack." "Jumping Jack" by Alex Pansier. Alex Pansier/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "A red squirrel jumps during a rainstorm, so you can see the drops flying around," Pansier wrote. In Jennifer Hadley's photo, one penguin appears to be saying to the other: "Talk To The Fin!" "Talk To The Fin!" by Jennifer Hadley. Jennifer Hadley/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "This was shot on the Falkland Islands," Hadley wrote. "These two gentoo penguins were hanging out on the beach when one shook himself off and gave his mate the snub." In "It's All Kicking Off!" by Michael Eastwell, two wallabies playfully battled each other at sunrise. "It's All Kicking Off!" by Michael Eastwell. Michael Eastwell/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "Apart from its beauty, Cape Hillsborough is renowned for its resident kangaroos and wallabies," Eastwell wrote. "I visited the area for three consecutive sunrises, but it was on my final morning that I captured this beautiful spectacle, two wallabies playing/fighting on the beach as the sun burst through the surrounding clouds." Andy Evans snapped a photo of a shocked proboscis monkey titled "Stop and Stare." "Stop and Stare" by Andy Evans. Andy Evans/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "After hearing Borneo's borders would reopen again in April 2022, I couldn't wait to visit and photograph some of the weird and wonderful wildlife on the island," Evans wrote. "After two years with no tourists, it seemed like the wildlife was just as shocked to see me as I was to see them. This young proboscis monkey watched in amazement as I cruised by on the Kinabatangan River." Alison Buttigieg titled this photo "What Do You Mean Smile?! I Am Smiling!" "What Do You Mean Smile?! I Am Smiling!" by Alison Buttigieg. Alison Buttigieg/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "I spent a whole morning with this lion pride," Buttigieg wrote. "One of the lionesses made some funny facial expressions after yawning. Luckily for me, she looked straight into the camera for a moment and I caught this fake smile." In "The Wink" by Kevin Lohman, a fox appeared to acknowledge the camera. Story continues "The Wink" by Kevin Lohman. Kevin Lohman/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "An American red fox casually walked up to the edge of the woods and sat down, then turned around and gave a wink," Lohman wrote. "Moments later, this sly fox disappeared into the trees." The raccoon in Miroslav Srb's photo appears to be saying "Hello Everyone." "Hello Everyone" by Miroslav Srb. Miroslav Srb/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "I photographed a raccoon on a Florida beach, where I fed him shrimps," Srb wrote. "Then he thanked me like that." The triggerfish in "Say Cheese" by Arturo Telle Thiemann appeared to understand the assignment. "Say Cheese" by Arturo Telle Thiemann. Arturo Telle Thiemann/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "A couple of triggerfish looking into the camera, captured at the Azores," Thiemann wrote. "Even they may look funny, these fish can be quite aggressive. In this case, they didn't attempt to bite me, but the domeport of my camera housing ended up with some scratches. Life is hard ... at least it wasn't me who was hurt." Federica Vinci photographed two monkeys interacting in "Monkey Wellness Center." "Monkey Wellness Center" by Federica Vinci. Federica Vinci/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "Walking near a Cambodian temple where groups of wild monkeys lived, I came across this scene: a wild monkey in total relaxation, while its friend was taking care of it," Vinci wrote. Jagdeep Rajput captured this optical illusion with a saras crane and a bluebull that resulted in "Pegasus, The Flying Horse." "Pegasus, The Flying Horse" by Jagdeep Rajput. Jagdeep Rajput/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "This is actually an Indian saras crane attacking a bluebull from behind," Rajput wrote. "The bull happened to venture close to the saras crane's nest, where it had laid a single egg. The saras crane, which is the tallest flying bird in the world, opened its huge wings and attacked the bull from behind, driving the bull away from the nest." Jennifer Hadley's photo "Not So Cat-Like Reflexes" shows a lion cub that still has a lot to learn. "Not So Cat-Like Reflexes" by Jennifer Hadley. Jennifer Hadley/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "This 3-month-old cub and his sibling were in a tree," Hadley wrote. "The other lionesses were in other trees and on the ground. He wanted to get down and walked all over the branches looking for the right spot, and finally just went for it. It was probably his first time in a tree and his descent didn't go so well. He was just fine, though, after landing on the ground. He got up and ran off with some other cubs." Ahmed Alahmed took this photo of a monkey in Saudi Arabia and titled it "Cute." "Cute" by Ahmed Alahmed. Ahmed Alahmed/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "Monkeys of the city of Abha, where they gather and steal food from people in various ways," Alahmed captioned the photo. Another one of Alahmed's photos, titled "Comedian," also made the cut as a finalist. "Comedian" by Ahmed Alahmed. Ahmed Alahmed/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "She calls her children, and the picture shows that she is laughing at those in front of her," Alahmed captioned this photo. A zebra ran while kicking in Vice Burton's "Buck-a-roo!" "Buck-a-roo!" by Vince Burton. Vince Burton/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022. "A zebra does a great impression of the 80's children's game Buck-a-roo," Burton wrote. "It also looks like it's been fart-powered." A penguin appeared to bust a move in "Happy Feet" by Thomas Vijayan. "Happy Feet" by Thomas Vijayan. Thomas Vijayan/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022. "This chick has grown old enough to take to the seas and fish for their own food," Vijayan wrote. The meerkats in "I'm Gonna Strangle You!" by Emmanuel Do Linh San were in a playful mood. "I'm Gonna Strangle You!" by Emmanuel Do Linh San. Emmanuel Do Linh San/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022. "I was following a group of meerkats on foot in the Kalahari Trails Game Reserve, in South Africa," Do Linh San wrote. "Most individuals, including adults, were in a playful mood. It gave me a unique opportunity to capture very interesting and dynamic interactions between some members of the group. In the photo that I have selected, there is no aggression between individuals, but rather an interaction that reminds us of humans when one of your friends jokes about you and you pretend to strangle them and, in response, they open their mouth like a simpleton." The bear in Valtteri Mulkahainen's photo appears to be asking "Can I Borrow Honey From You Until Tomorrow?" "Can I Borrow Honey From You Until Tomorrow?" by Valtteri Mulkahainen. Valtteri Mulkahainen/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022. Mulkahainen snapped this photo in Martinselkonen, Finland. Vultures spread their wings in "Maniacs" by Saverio Gatto. "Maniacs" by Saverio Gatto. Saverio Gatto/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022. "Lappet-faced vultures in display," Gatto wrote. A duckling crossed over a line of turtles in "Excuse Me...Pardon Me!" by Ryan Sims. "Excuse Me...Pardon Me!" by Ryan Sims. Ryan Sims/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022. "A duckling walking/waddling across a turtle covered log at the Juanita wetlands," Sims wrote. "The duckling fell off after a few turtle crossings. It was cute." In "Uncomfortable Pillow" by Andrew Peacock, one elephant seal got comfy and cozied up to another. "Uncomfortable Pillow" by Andrew Peacock. Andrew Peacock/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "These elephant seal weaners were practicing their jousting skills for many minutes before they collapsed in exhaustion," Peacock wrote. "One looks to be resting far more comfortably than the other!" An owl appeared to wink in Arshdeep Singh's "I See You, Boy!" "I See You, Boy!" by Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep Singh/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "We went to explore wildlife of a small town [in India] named Bikaner," Singh wrote. "During the last day of our trip, we came across a pipe in a city where we spotted an owlet. We waited for a short while, and one of the spotted owlets came out of the pipe. It was really funny when he came out and looked straight at me. Before going inside, he closed one of his eyes and it felt like he wanted to say 'I see you, boy!'" Bojan Bencic caught a swan in an amusing pose in "Funny Walk." "Funny Walk" by Bojan Bencic. Bojan Bencic/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "The swan was in the middle of a fight with another swan, chasing him around on a frozen lake," Bencic wrote. In "Tight Fit" by Mark Schocken, a mother owl did not appear thrilled when her baby squished itself to the opening of their nest hole. "Tight Fit" by Mark Schocken. Mark Schocken/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "I was going to see and photograph this eastern screech owl nest in a local park in Florida," Schocken wrote. "One morning, a few days before the two owlets fledged, one owlet tried to squeeze into the nest hole with Mom, maybe to see the outside world for the first time. It was hilarious and I was glad I was there that morning to photograph it. The moment lasted only a few seconds as Mom didn't seem very happy with the arrangement. Check out the expression on her face." In "Three-Headed" by Paolo Mignosa, three bear cubs stood so close together that they seemed to create a three-headed creature. "Three-Headed" by Paolo Mignosa. Paolo Mignosa/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "The three cubs seem to form a 'Kerberos,' the three-headed dog of Greek mythology," Mignosa wrote. A cassowary bird raided a picnic cooler in "Your Picnic's Mine!" by Lincoln Macgregor. "Your Picnic's Mine!" by Lincoln Macgregor. Lincoln Macgregor/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "When this southern cassowary sat confidently down on a picnic blanket, it scared all of the picnickers away, and it started eating up the fish and chips that were laid out before it," Macgregor wrote." I captured this photo just as this cassowary swallowed some food, lending the bird a cheeky and mischievously satisfied look! Cassowaries, touted as the most dangerous bird in the world, roam the beachfront of Etty Bay on most afternoons, raiding picnics and frightening many unaware tourists. Armed with dagger-like claws and often being territorial and aggressive towards intruders, cassowaries command respect and most people keep a safe distance from them." Shuli Greenstein snapped a photo of an owl in a hurry, titled "Rushing Little Owl Fledgeling." "Rushing Little Owl Fledgeling" by Shuli Greenstein. Shuli Greenstein/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "I was told that I could find a lot of little owls in the Judean Lowlands in Israel," Greenstein wrote. "So, I went on a journey early in the morning and I found a lot of little owls standing on the ground, on stones, near the nest, and on tree branches. Suddenly, my eyes were caught by two fledglings that were playing with each other on the ground. One of them crossed my field of vision. I started taking pictures in sequence and this is what came out." The moose in Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven's photo "Shark Moose" had an unreadable expression on its face. "Shark Moose" by Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven. Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "Is this bull moose smiling ... or getting ready to attack!?" Vangoidtsenhoven wrote. The hippo in "Misleading African Viewpoints 2" by Jean Jacques Alcalay looked like it was about to eat a heron, but it was just yawning. "Misleading African Viewpoints 2" by Jean Jacques Alcalay. Jean Jacques Alcalay/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "A hippo yawning next to a heron, standing on the back of another hippo," Alcalay wrote. The owl in Timea Ambrus' "I Jump Instead Of Flying" took a brave leap. "I Jump Instead Of Flying" by Timea Ambrus. Timea Ambrus/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "The screech-owl chose to jump instead of flying," Ambrus wrote. "He was a bit lazy." Alex Cooper titled this photo of black-headed gulls "Do You Have a Moment to Talk About Our Lord and Saviour, T-Rex?" "Do You Have a Moment to Talk About Our Lord and Saviour, T-Rex?" by Alex Cooper. Alex Cooper/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "Two black-headed gulls squabbling over territory during the breeding season, at RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk," Cooper wrote. Sophie Hart titled this relatable photo of a long-tailed macaque "Mom Life." "Mom Life" by Sophie Hart. Sophie Hart/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "A baby long-tailed macaque clings on to its weary mother," Hart wrote. A black bear cub appeared to raise its hand before taking a bow in "Curtain Call II" by Dave Shaffer. "Curtain Call II" by Dave Shaffer. Dave Shaffer/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "This little guy had a blast playing with a stick," Shaffer wrote. "I also had a very good time watching him." Lee Zhengxing titled this snapshot of a squirrel with its tongue sticking out "Lisper Squirrel." "Lisper Squirrel" by Lee Zhengxing. Lee Zhengxing/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "We encountered this little squirrel when we climbed mountain in June," Zhengxing wrote. "When he noticed us approaching, instead of escaping right away, he just kept standing on the edge of the cliff and looked into the distance, then turned around to stare at us as if we had interrupted his meditation. We left him with some biscuits for the inconvenience." The owl in Lukas Zeman's photo appears to be thinking "You Can't See Me, Can You?" "You Can't See Me, Can You?" by Lukas Zeman. Lukas Zeman/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "A little owl hides in the chimney of a collapsed house in Bulgaria," Zeman wrote. Valtteri Mulkahainen's photo, titled "Romantic," shows a bear stopping to smell the roses. "Romantic" by Valtteri Mulkahainen. Valtteri Mulkahainen/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 Mulkahainen took this photo in Martinselkonen, Finland. "Tombstoning Guillemot" by Corinne Kozok shows a crowd of guillemots clamoring for food. "Tombstoning Guillemot" by Corinne Kozok. Corinne Kozok/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "The guillemots were arriving with fish for their young and seemed to just dive into the middle of the horde of young ones," Kozok wrote. Martin Grace titled this eye-catching shot of two penguins "Keep Calm And Keep Your Head." "Keep Calm And Keep Your Head" by Martin Grace. Martin Grace/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "Two king penguins at Volunteer Point in the Falklands," Grace said. "The right-hand bird may have an inscrutable expression, but it must be wondering where its mate's head has gone." In "Fight Back" by John Chaney, a salmon resisted a bear's attempts to eat it. "Fight Back" by John Chaney. John Chaney/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "This salmon decided to punch the bear in the face rather than be lunch," Chaney wrote. A brown bear cub appeared poised to write the next great American novel in "What Shall I Write Next?" by Torie Hilley. "What Shall I Write Next?" by Torie Hilley. Torie Hilley/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "Most bear cubs do cub-like things like follow mom around, nurse, and be generally cute, but this cub took it to another level of cuteness," Hilley wrote. "She found an eagle feather and started to play with it for a good 10 minutes! As she danced and rolled with the feather, she held it in her mouth for a moment, as if she was thinking of what to write next! Cuteness overload!" A Picasso triggerfish appeared to lose its lunch in "Barf" by Paul Eijkemans. "Barf" by Paul Eijkemans. Paul Eijkemans/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022 "This picture of a Picasso triggerfish was taken in Marsa Shagra, Egypt," Eijkemans wrote. "The fish just vomited the coral residues that it picked up while nibbling on the coral." Read the original article on Insider A viral video shows five Mississippi daycare workers scaring kids while wearing the mask from A viral video shows five Mississippi daycare workers scaring kids while wearing the mask from "Scream." (Photo: Edwin Tan via Getty Images) Five Mississippi daycare workers have been charged with child abuse after scaring small children with a mask much like the one featured in the popular Scream films. A video of the five workers at Lil Blessings Child Care and Learning Center, located in Hamilton, Mississippi, showed them scaring kids while wearing the creepy mask. The daycare workers were fired after the video was posted on Facebook and went viral, according to the Monroe Journal. The Monroe County Sheriffs Office posted a statement about the incidentThursday on its Facebook page. On Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, the County prosecuting attorney, and the district attorney met with the parents of the children involved in the incident at Lil Blessings Child Care and Learning Center and informed them of the possible criminal charges the law would allow them to pursue, Monroe County Sheriff Kevin Crook said in the statement. Parents were also given an opportunity to share information they had gathered with MCSO Investigators. At least one set of parents filed felony abuse charges in Monroe County Justice Court on Wednesday. A judge issued warrants for the daycare workers Thursday. Sierra McCandless, Oci-Anna Kilburn, Jennifer Newman and Shyenne Shelton were each charged with three counts of felony child abuse. Another former employee, Traci Hutson, was charged with misdemeanors of failure to report abuse and simple assault against a minor. Sheila Sanders, who has worked at the daycare since 1987 and owned it for the last two decades, told the Monroe Journal she didnt know about the videos until Oct. 5. I contacted my licensure, and she has gotten involved, Sanders told the outlet on Oct. 6. The people that did those acts are no longer with us. They were fired. I wasnt here at the time and wasnt aware they were doing that. I dont condone that and never have. I just want to say its been taken care of. Story continues In a separate video, a daycare worker could be seen kneeling on the floor and screaming in one of the childrens faces, prompting the child to cry out in fear. Sanders said one of the videos was recorded in September, while the recent viral video was recorded earlier this month. Katelyn Johnson, a parent of a child who attends Lil Blessings, told ABC News on Thursday she was shocked at the former daycare workers behavior. Whether they had a mask on or a mask off, their behavior was unacceptable, Johnson said. My blood pressure was raised. It broke my heart for my child. I was angry. Johnson added: I hope youre enjoying jail, and I hope you realize what you have done is serious. It is not a joke, and it is nothing to laugh at. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... An 80-year-old Georgia man is now in police custody after they say he drove a van with several guns inside to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. United States Capitol Police say a suspicious white van parked illegally on Capitol Grounds on Wednesday afternoon. When officers found the van on East Capitol Street, the driver, later identified as 80-year-old Tony Payne from Tunnel Hill, Ga., told them he had guns in the car. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officers detained Payne, another man and woman were all detained during a search of the van. When searching the van, officers found two handguns and a shotgun. Investigators also found a pipe and containers. The trio told police they were hand-delivering documents to the U.S. Supreme Court. TRENDING STORIES: Payne was arrested and charged with unlawful activities for bringing the guns to Capitol Grounds. The other man and woman in the car were not arrested. Capitol Police say that hundreds of people are arrested every year from bringing weapons to Capitol Grounds. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Best advent calendars for men for Christmas 2022 (Photos via Etsy, Well.ca, Kiehl's, Nespresso & Amazon) While adult advent calendars are very much a thing, they can often feel skewed toward women. This year, there's no shortage of makeup, haircare and beauty kits available, however, that doesn't mean you're out of luck if you're a guy (or shopping for one). Whether you're into beard care or whisky, Nespresso capsules or K-cup pods, there are dozens of man-inspired and unisex advent calendars worthy of your dollar this holidayseason. To give you a glimpse of what's up for grabs, we gathered 14 of the best advent calendars for men available right now in Canada. Starting from just $10, scroll below to shop the best holiday advent calendars in 2022 for dads, brothers, boyfriends, husbands, friends and of course you! Fishing Tackle Advent Calendar (Photo via Etsy) This alternative advent calendar is the perfect gift option for the fishing enthusiast in your life. The tackle box comes with 71 gifts and rave reviews from Etsy shoppers. "I absolutely love [it]," writes one shopper. "I bought one for my son, and I'm ordering another one for my other boy as I think they are perfect for the avid fisher!" $100 at Etsy Nespresso Original Advent Calendar (Photo via Nespresso) This holiday season, gift someone (or yourself!) the gift that keeps on giving: good coffee. This crowd-favourite Nespresso advent calendar includes 20 capsules of roast and ground coffee, one capsule of decaffeinated roast and ground coffee, three capsules of flavoured roast and ground coffee. $45 at Nespresso Whisky Explorer - 24 Day Advent Calendar (Photo via Amazon) Manufactured in Scotland, this advent calendar is a whisky lover's dream come true. 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With a perfect five-star rating on Amazon, shoppers seem to agree. $15 at Amazon 25 Days of Holiday Single-Origin Coffee (Photo via Etsy) This festive coffee advent calendar features 25 single-estate coffees from around the world packaged in innovative brewer pouches that only require hot water to enjoy. $69 $76 at Etsy Cadbury Heroes Christmas Advent-ure Chocolate (Photo via Amazon) Countdown to Christmas with yummy Cadbury chocolates with this festive advent calendar. The set includes classic UK Cadbury chocolates like Twirl, Wispa and Eclairs. $21 $25 at Amazon The Office Advent Calendar (Photo via Amazon) A fun and unique buy for fans of The Office, this "Amazon's Choice" advent calendar has earned more than 6,200 reviews from shoppers who call the set "cool" and "awesome." $67 at Amazon Clarins Men 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar (Photo via Harrods) For men who would benefit from a little TLC: this grooming advent calendar contains 12 Clarins favourites, including an Energising Eye Gel, Active Face Wash, Super Moisture Lotion and Fresh Face Scrub. $107 at Harrods Christmas Beard Oil Advent Calendar (Photo via Etsy) A best-seller from The Bearded Man Company, this unique advent calendar comes crammed with enough beard oils to see you through the new year. $53 at Etsy Holiday Advent Calendar (Photo via Kiehl's) Kiehl's is known for its iconic advent calendars, and this year's box lives up to the hype. The limited-edition set is valued at a whopping $340 and contains 24 beloved Kiehl's formulas, including the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Creme de Corps, Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado and more. $155 at Kiehl's Lakrids by Bulow Advent Calendar (Photo via Lakrids by Bulow) This unique advent calendar is a dream come true for licorice lovers. An innovative twist on your classic licorice treats, Lakrids by Bulow coats their licorice in chocolate, resulting in deliciously creative flavour combinations like passion fruit, salt & caramel, dark & sea salt and coffee. $65 at Well.ca Around the World in 24 Teas Advent Calendar (Photo via DavidsTea) Do you have a tea lover in your midst? This festive advent calendar will take your taste buds on a guided tour around the world with 24 loose-leaf teas and infusions. $75 at DavidsTea Keurig 24 Cups of Cheer K-Cup Pod Advent Calendar (Photo via Keurig) A warm and delicious holiday countdown, this festive and flavourful collection of 24 coffee pods has been called the "best gift" by Keurig shoppers. From $15 at Keurig Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. A data breach at hospital system giant Advocate Aurora Health may have exposed the information of as many as 3 million patients who use its online patient portals and other tools, the system said. Advocate Aurora, which has 27 hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin, said exposed patient data may include IP addresses; dates, times, and/or locations of scheduled appointments; a patients proximity to an Advocate Aurora Health location; information about patients provider; types of appointment or procedures; and communications between patients and others on MyChart. Advocate Aurora said in a statement on its website that it has launched an internal investigation, and does not believe Social Security numbers, financial accounts, credit card or debit card information were leaked. The system said the breach is unlikely to lead to identity theft or financial harm, and its seen no evidence of misuse of information or fraud. The health system said that it uses outside vendors to track trends and preferences of its patients as they use its website. Those preferences are tracked through the use of pixels, which are pieces of code. Advocate Aurora said in the statement that it learned that pixels and similar technologies installed on its patient portals, as well as on some of its scheduling widgets, sent patient information to the vendors who supply the pixels. People who were logged into their Facebook or Google accounts at the same time may have been particularly affected, Advocate Aurora said. Advocate Aurora has since disabled or removed the pixels, according to the statement. Advocate Aurora Health apologizes for the inconvenience that these technologies may have caused, the system said. Patients with questions about the breach may call 866-884-3206 from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The system reported the breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. Health systems must report breaches of protected health information involving 500 or more individuals to that office, which posts reports on a public website, nicknamed the Wall of Shame. The Office for Civil Rights investigates such breaches and can levy fines against health systems, depending on severity. Data breaches have plagued hospital systems across the country for years, as hospitals try to keep up with ever-changing technologies, evolving cyber criminal activity and competing demands for their dollars and time. Divergent opinions on the Pretrial Fairness Act, a provision of the SAFE-T Act that will end cash bail in Illinois on Jan. 1, have been commonplace since its inception and in 2022 statewide campaigns. A Wednesday evening town hall at the Piper Glen Golf Club proved to be much the same. State Sen. Steve McClure and state Rep. Sandy Hamilton, both Springfield Republicans, were joined by Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell and state's attorneys Dan Wright and Gray Noll of Morgan County during a question and answer session before a standing-room-only crowd. Early in the meeting, members of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good rose from their seats and began chanting in defense of the PFA claiming information being presented by the speakers was actually disinformation. Such chants as "justice is under attack, keep the SAFE-T Act," were met with vocal dismissal from the audience sometimes in the form of expletives. Others called for the group to leave, including McClure, but the group remained for the entirety of the meeting which lasted for about 90 minutes. Others are reading:There's more than no cash bail in Illinois' pretrial detention system overhaul "These people (the audience) did not come here to hear you speak," McClure told the members of the Faith Coalition. "They came here for a discussion about the issues." The Faith Coalition members attended the meeting with signs expressing their support and passed out literature about why the PFA is essential criminal justice reform. "By passing the Pretrial Fairness Act, the Illinois legislature took a significant step toward addressing the harm pretrial incarceration has caused communities across our state," the Springfield-based nonprofit group said in a statement. Temperatures eventually did cool ever so slightly, although a few outbursts did resurface, following this portion to begin the meeting. With some provisions of the SAFE-T Act already in place, discussion transitioned as to how this 764-page piece of legislation has impacted law enforcement, its overall constitutionality, and what possible reforms are needed. Story continues What impact would the PFA have on jail populations? Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell speaks to enforcement of mitigation rules during a press conference to talk about a "phased approach" to mitigations at the Sangamon County Department of Health on Nov.3, 2020. A claim seen by many PFA opponents is that county jail populations will see significant reductions once it goes into effect in January 2023. However when asked on Wednesday, Campbell said it was still undetermined whether those incarcerated prior to Jan. 1 would be let out retroactively. Still, having to "prepare for the worst," the sheriff recounted the number of people currently in the Sangamon County Jail and gave an assessment. Looking at county jail statistics from August, he said approximately 100 out of the approximate 330 inmates in the county jail could be let out. "That's about a third of the jail, but again that may not happen," Campbell said, who previously joined with Wright in a lawsuit against the state over the SAFE-T Act. On Thursday, Sangamon and 57 other counties filed a motion of consolidation with the Illinois Supreme Court, who will decide whether the motions carries. "We have to prepare ourselves and all of you for the worst case scenario." Proponents of the PFA replied that the current system sees many without the resources to meet bail languish behind bars. The standard of "innocent until proven guilty," is violated in their opinion. Noll said state statute allows for a maximum of 120 days in pretrial detention, a comment that some audience members disputed. Even if the four-month standard is applied, proponents said this amount of time can still cause an individual to lose a job and housing. Campbell said sheriffs across the state are experiencing overcrowding in their county jails, and many do not want to keep people in jail if they are not a threat. Referencing a commonly shared anecdote of a "single mother shoplifting diapers," the sheriff said offenders like these are not in the Sangamon County Jail. "We don't keep anybody on a non-violent misdemeanor," he said. "The minute they walk-in, they get finger-printed, photographed, we give them a notice to appear." Are reforms or an outright repeal needed? Sen. Steve McClure R-Springfield speaks on the senate floor Friday April 8, 2022. [Thomas J. Turney/The State Journal-Register] Addressing a well-circulated meme, which claims a list of non-detainable offenses such as second-degree murder, burglary and kidnapping, Wright said that list was not accurate. What does exist are crimes that are not detainable, which the state's attorney said are misdemeanor offenses or Class 4 felonies not explicitly written in the bill. According to McClure, these crimes and forcible felonies eligible for probation are a wide list including many of those aforementioned offenses. Two standards could keep those accused of a probational forcible felony in custody: the willful flight standard and the present danger test. Both Wright and McClure argue that these standards are too vague, which hinders a judge's ability to assess whether or not someone should be detained pretrial. The state's attorney said there is an argument for ending cash bail, but had concerns as to how the bill as written limits what judges are allowed and not allowed to do in regard to danger assessment. "I think we can eliminate that (cash bail) and still ensure public safety, but the way to do that is not by depriving judges of their discretion to assess danger to the community," he said. Last week's ACLU of Illinois PFA forum held at the Lincoln Library addressed the danger standard as well, but noted how the definition varied from what page it is read. In order to deny a pretrial release, page 336 of the act says a judge can only impose detention "when it is determined that the defendant poses a specific, real and present threat to a person, or has a high likelihood of willful flight." However, page 374 finds that the "identity of the specific person or persons" that the state believes the defendant poses a danger to must be named to deny pretrial release. Instead of a specific individual, Ben Ruddell with the ACLU said the bill should refer to a specific threat. Emerging conversation statewide is regarding Senate Bill 4228, legislation introduced by Democratic Sen. Scott Bennett that would allow judges to "deny pretrial release for any alleged crime if the person arrested poses a threat to the safety of any person or the community" according to a press release from his office. Related:ACLU: Pretrial Fairness Act needs reform, not complete overhaul During this week's debate, Gov. JB Pritzker again signaled support for reform of the SAFE-T Act while his opponent, Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey, is in favor of repeal. Other advocacy groups are not open to the reforms mentioned in Bennett's bill. Those reforms may heard during the upcoming veto session. In its statement, the Faith Coalition said it is against any efforts to repeal or roll back the PFA as this bill "would further fuel mass incarceration, worsen racial disparities, and create a pretrial system that is far worse than the one in place today." Other groups such as the ACLU of Illinois have also come out in opposition to SB 4228. McClure, when asked his position on the bill, said the governor should call a special session if he really wants to see it passed before Jan. 1. Contact Patrick Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Advocates, opponents of Pretrial Fairness Act spar in meeting The young Afghan couple raced to the airport in Kabul, clutching their baby girl close amid the chaotic withdrawal of American troops last year. The baby had been rescued two years earlier from the rubble of a U.S. military raid that killed her parents and five siblings. After months in a U.S. military hospital, she had gone to live with her cousin and his wife, this newlywed couple. Now, the family was bound for the United States for further medical treatment, with the aid of U.S. Marine Corps attorney Joshua Mast. When the exhausted Afghans arrived at the airport in Washington, D.C., in late August 2021, Mast pulled them out of the international arrivals line and led them to an inspecting officer, according to a lawsuit they filed last month. They were surprised when Mast presented an Afghan passport for the child, the couple said. But it was the last name printed on the document that stopped them cold: Mast. They didnt know it, but they would soon lose their baby. This is a story about how one U.S. Marine became fiercely determined to bring home an Afghan war orphan, and praised it as an act of Christian faith to save her. Letters, emails and documents submitted in federal filings show that he used his status in the U.S. Armed Forces, appealed to high-ranking Trump administration officials and turned to small-town courts to adopt the baby, unbeknownst to the Afghan couple raising her 7,000 miles (11,000 kilometers) away. The little girl, now 3 years old, is at the center of a high-stakes tangle of at least four court cases. The Afghan couple, desperate to get her back, has sued Mast and his wife, Stephanie Mast. But the Masts insist they are her legal parents and acted admirably to protect her. Theyve asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit. The ordeal has drawn in the U.S. departments of Defense, Justice and State, which have argued that the attempt to spirit away a citizen of another country could significantly harm military and foreign relations. It has also meant that a child who survived a violent raid, was hospitalized for months and escaped the fall of Afghanistan has had to split her short life between two families, both of which now claim her. Story continues Five days after the Afghans arrived in the U.S., they say Mast custody papers in hand took her away. The Afghan woman collapsed onto the floor and pleaded with the Marine to give her baby back. Her husband said Mast had called him brother for months; so he begged him to act like one, with compassion. Instead, the Afghan family claims in court papers, Mast shoved the man and stomped his foot. That was more than a year ago. The Afghan couple hasnt seen her since. After they took her, our tears never stop, the woman told The Associated Press. Right now, we are just dead bodies. Our hearts are broken. We have no plans for a future without her. Food has no taste and sleep gives us no rest. ___ PULLED FROM THE RUBBLE The story of the baby unfolds in hundreds of pages of legal filings and documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as interviews with those involved, pieced together in an AP investigation. In a federal lawsuit filed in September, the Afghan family accuses the Masts of false imprisonment, conspiracy, fraud and assault. The family has asked the court to shield their identity out of concerns for their relatives back in Afghanistan, and they communicated with the AP on the condition of remaining anonymous. The Masts call the Afghan familys claims outrageous, unmerited attacks on their integrity. They argue in court filings that they have worked to protect the child from physical, mental or emotional harm. They say the Afghan couple are not her lawful parents, and Masts attorney cast doubt on whether the Afghans were even related to the baby. Joshua and Stephanie Mast have done nothing but ensure she receives the medical care she requires, at great personal expense and sacrifice, and provide her a loving home, wrote the Masts attorneys. The babys identity has been kept private, listed only as Baby L or Baby Doe. The Afghan couple had given the baby an Afghan name; the Masts gave her an American one. Originally from Florida, Joshua Mast married Stephanie and attended Liberty University, an evangelical Christian college in Lynchburg, Virginia. He graduated in 2008 and got his law degree there in 2014. In 2019, they were living with their sons in Palmyra, a small rural Virginia town, when Joshua Mast was sent on a temporary assignment to Afghanistan. Mast, then a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a military lawyer for the federal Center for Law and Military Operations. The U.S. Marines declined to comment publicly, along with other federal officials. That September in 2019 was one of the deadliest months of the entire U.S. occupation in Afghanistan, with more than 110 civilians killed in the first week alone. On Sept. 6, 2019, the U.S. attacked a remote compound. No details about this event are publicly available, but in court documents Mast claims that classified reports show the U.S. government sent helicopters full of special operators to capture or kill a foreign fighter. Mast said that rather than surrender, a man detonated a suicide vest; five of his six children in the room were killed, and their mother was shot to death while resisting arrest. Sehla Ashai and Maya Eckstein, attorneys for the Afghan couple, dispute Masts account. They say the babys parents were actually farmers, unaffiliated with any terrorist group. And they described the event as a tragedy that left two innocent civilians and five of their children dead. Both sides agree that when the dust settled, U.S. troops pulled the badly injured infant from the rubble. The baby had a fractured skull, broken leg and serious burns. She was about 2 months old. Mast called the baby a victim of terrorism. His attorney said she miraculously survived. ___ DO THE RIGHT THING The baby was rushed to a military hospital, where she was placed in the care of the Defense Department. The International Committee of the Red Cross told the AP that they began searching for her family with the Afghan government, often a plodding process in rural parts of the country where record-keeping is scant. At first, they didnt even know the babys name. Meanwhile, Mast said, he was aggressively advocating to get her to the U.S. Over several months, he wrote to then-Vice President Mike Pences office, according to exhibits filed in court. He said his colleagues in the military tried to talk to President Donald Trump about the baby during a Thanksgiving visit to Bagram Airfield. Mast also said he made four requests over two weeks to then-White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, asking for help to medically evacuate the baby to be treated in a safe environment. The Masts were represented by Joshuas brother Richard Mast, an attorney with the conservative Christian legal group Liberty Counsel, which says it is not involved in this case. None of the Masts responded to repeated requests for interviews. In emails to military officials, Mast alleged that Pence told the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to make every effort to get her to the United States. Mast signed his emails: Live for an Audience of one, for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Pences spokesman, Marc Short, did not respond to requests for comment. The U.S. Embassy never heard from Pences office, said a Department of State official, who requested anonymity because they did not have permission to speak publicly about the situation. But they did begin getting highly unusual inquiries about the possibility of sending the baby to the U.S. The diplomats were rattled by the suggestion that the U.S. could just take her away; they believed the baby belonged to Afghanistan. I was aware that it may not be smooth sailing ahead, but that just made me more determined to do the right thing, the State Department official said. About six weeks after the baby was rescued, the U.S. Embassy called for a meeting, attended by representatives of the Red Cross, the Afghan government and the American military, including Mast. The State Department wanted to make sure everyone understood its position: Under international humanitarian law, the U.S. was obliged to do everything possible to reunite the baby with her next of kin. At the meeting, Mast asked about adoption, the State Department official said. Attendees from Afghanistans Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs explained that by Afghan law and custom, they had to place the baby with her biological family. If that did not work, the Afghan Childrens Court would determine a proper guardian. The American concept of adoption doesnt even exist in Afghanistan. Under Islamic law, a childs bloodline cannot be severed and their heritage is sacred. Instead of adoption, a guardianship system called kafala allows Muslims to take in orphans and raise them as family, without relinquishing the childs name or bloodline. American adoptions from Afghanistan are rare and only possible for Muslim-American families of Afghan descent. The State Department recognizes 14 American adoptions from Afghanistan over the past decade, none in the past two years. Yet two days after the embassy meeting, a letter was sent to U.S. officials in Kabul from Kimberley Motley, a near-celebrity American attorney in Afghanistan, the State Department official said. Motley wrote that she was representing an unnamed concerned American citizen who wished to adopt this baby. Motley declined to be interviewed by the AP. Mast also continued his appeals to American politicians. The U.S. Embassy began hearing from Congressional staffers about the baby, and diplomats met with a military general, the official said. The general in turn put a gag order on military personnel about the baby and said no one was to advocate on her behalf, Mast wrote in a legal filing. But he wasnt ready to give up. ___ HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD The Masts searched for a solution halfway around the world in rural Fluvanna County, Virginia, where they lived. They petitioned the local Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, describing the baby as a stateless minor recovered off the battlefield." In early November 2019, a judge granted them legal custody. The name of this judge is not publicly available because juvenile records are sealed in Virginia. A few days later, a certificate of foreign birth listed Joshua and Stephanie Mast as parents. The custody order was based on the Masts assertion that the Afghan government specifically now-deposed President Ashraf Ghani intended to waive jurisdiction over the child in a matter of days, according to a hearing transcript. The waiver never arrived. In an email to the AP, Ghanis former deputy chief of staff Suhrob Ahmad said there is no record of this alleged statement of waiver of Afghan jurisdiction. Ahmad said he and the head of the Administrative Office of the President do not remember any such request going through the court system as required. The U.S. Embassy heard that Mast was granted custody. Military lawyers assured them that the Marine was just preparing in case Afghanistan waived jurisdiction, but would not interfere with the search for the babys family, according to the State Department official. Yet all along they planned to adopt the baby, according to records obtained from the state of Virginia under a Freedom of Information Act request. Richard Mast wrote the Attorney Generals office in November 2019 that the Masts will file for adoption as soon as statutorily possible. In the meantime, Joshua Mast enrolled the baby in the Defense Department health care system, made an appointment at a U.S. International Adoption Clinic and asked to have her evacuated. Then came a surprise: The Red Cross said theyd found her family. She was about five months old. In late 2019, Afghan officials told the U.S. Embassy that the babys paternal uncle had been identified, and he decided his son and daughter-in-law were best suited to take her, according to court records. They were young, educated newlyweds with no children yet of their own, and lived in a city with access to hospitals. The young man worked in a medical office and ran a co-ed school, which is unusual in Afghanistan. His wife graduated from high school at the top of her class, and is fluent in three languages, including English. They had married for love, unlike many Afghans in arranged marriages. Mast expressed doubts about the newly-found uncle, describing him in court records as an anonymous person of unknown nationality and claiming that turning the baby over to him was inherently dangerous. He asked the Red Cross to put him in touch, but they refused. In emails to a U.S. military office requesting evacuation, Mast alleged that he read more than 150 pages of classified documents, and concluded the child was a stateless minor. Mast believed she was the daughter of transient terrorists who are citizens of no country, his attorney said. He also speculated that if reunited with her family, she could be made a child soldier or a suicide bomber, sold into sex trafficking, hit in a U.S. military strike, or stoned for being a girl. But Afghanistan did not waver: the child was a citizen of their country. Masts attorney sent the U.S. Embassy a cease and desist letter warning them not to hand the baby over, according to the State Department official. But on February 26, 2020, the Masts learned that the U.S. was preparing to put the baby, now nearly 8 months old, on a plane early the following morning to join her family in another Afghan city. The Masts, represented by Richard Mast, sued the secretaries of Defense and State in a federal court in Virginia, asking for an emergency restraining order to stop them. The Masts claimed they were the babys lawful permanent legal guardians. Within hours, four federal attorneys two from the Justice Department and two from the U.S. Attorneys Office were on the phone, and Richard Mast was in Federal Judge Norman Moons office. Richard Mast said the baby should not be condemned to suffer. He complained that the Afghan government had not conducted DNA testing to confirm the family they found was truly related to the child. But the Justice Department attorneys said they had no right to mandate how the Afghan government vets the family, and that the Red Cross which has reunited relatives in war zones for more than a century had confirmed it was done properly. Further, the federal governments attorneys described the Masts custody documents from state court as unlawful, deeply flawed and incorrect, and issued on a false premise that has never happened that Afghanistan would waive jurisdiction. Judge Moon asked Richard Mast: Your client is not asking to adopt the child? No sir, Mast responded. He wants to get her medical treatment in the United States. Justice Department attorneys argued that the United States must meet its international obligations. Attorney Alexander Haas put it simply: Taking another countrys citizen to the United States would have potentially profound implications on our military and foreign affairs interests. Judge Moon ruled against the Masts, and the baby stayed in Afghanistan. The next day, she was united with her biological family. The Afghan couple wept with joy. We didnt think she would come back to her family alive, said the young Afghan man. It was the best day of our lives. After a long time, she had a chance to have a family again. ___ AN EXTRA MEASURE OF TENDERNESS As the months passed in her new home in Afghanistan, the girl loved getting henna painted on her hands and dressing up in new clothes, the Afghan couple said. She always wanted to do her new mothers makeup, or brush her hair. She knew about Allah, about clothes, about the names of food, the woman wrote. The couple cared for her as if she was their own daughter, but with an extra measure of tenderness because of the unimaginable tragedy shed already suffered. We never wanted her to feel she couldnt have something she wanted, said the young man. Meanwhile, Mast continued to worry that the child was in an objectively dangerous situation, Richard Mast wrote in court documents. The Masts asked Kimberley Motley, the attorney, to track down the family, saying he wanted to get the child medical treatment in the U.S, Motley said in court records. Motley contacted the Afghan family in March 2020, about a week after the baby was placed in her new home. Motley is named as a defendant in their lawsuit, but her attorney, Michael Hoernlein, told the AP the claims against her are meritless. In court documents, Motleys attorneys describe her role as professional and above-board, and asked that the claims against her be dismissed. Motley had originally gone to Afghanistan in 2008 under an American-funded initiative to train local lawyers. She stayed, largely representing foreigners charged with crimes. She took on high-profile human rights cases, gave a TED Talk and wrote a book. Over the course of a year, Motley called for updates about the child and occasionally asked for photos. In July, around the babys first birthday, the couple sent Motley a snapshot of the child in swim trunks, smiling and splashing in a wading pool. At the same time, the Masts adoption case was still winding through the court system in Fluvanna County, Virginia. In December 2020, the state court granted the Masts a final adoption order based on the finding that the child remains up to this point in time an orphaned, undocumented, stateless minor, according to a federal lawsuit. Fluvanna County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Richard E. Moore did not respond to repeated requests for clarity on how the cases progressed. International adoption lawyers were baffled. If you have relatives there who are saying, no, no, no, we want our daughter, we want our little girl, its over, said Irene Steffas, an adoption and immigration attorney. There is no way the U.S. is going to get into a match with another country when it comes to a child thats a citizen of that country. Karen Law, a Virginia attorney who specializes in international adoption, said state law requires an accredited agency to visit three times over six months and compile a report before an adoption can be finalized. The child must be present for the visits but this baby was thousands of miles away. On July 10, 2021, around the babys second birthday, Motley facilitated the first phone call between the Afghan couple and Joshua Mast, with the aid of translator Ahmad Osmani, a Baptist pastor of Afghan descent. Mast told the Afghan couple that unless they sent the child to the United States for medical care, she could be blind, brain damaged, and/or permanently physically disabled. But the Afghan man now raising her, who had worked in the medical field, did not think her burn scars, a leg injury and mysterious allergic reactions amounted to a life-altering condition in the way Mast described. The couple declined sending the baby to the United States. The woman was pregnant, and worried about the risk of such a long flight. They said they asked Mast: Could they take the baby to Pakistan or India for treatment instead? The answer was no, their lawsuit says. The conversations continued for months. Osmani, the translator, vouched for the Masts and described them as kind and trustworthy, according to the lawsuit, which names him as a defendant. Osmani did not respond to requests for comment. He asked a federal judge to throw out the lawsuit, and said he never deceived anyone. He was only a mere translator." His attorneys wrote: No good deed goes unpunished. ___ LIVING IN A DARK JAIL In late summer 2021, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Mast said he contacted the family to bring the baby to the U.S. before the country collapsed. He said he was extremely concerned that they may not get another chance. The couple agreed. Mast applied for special visas for the Afghan family and for relatives of Osmani, the translator, according to court records. They characterized the Afghan couple as an escort for a U.S. military dependent the baby. In an email to U.S. officials filed in court, Mast wrote that Osmani was very instrumental to helping a U.S. Marine adopt an Afghan child. Soon, the Afghan family began their days-long journey to the U.S. Joshua Mast told them to say he was their lawyer. If anyone asks to talk about your documents, show them this text: I am Major Joshua Mast, USMC. I am a Judge Advocate , Mast texted them detailed directions for how to deal with U.S. authorities, their lawsuit says. When the family arrived in Germany for a stopover, Joshua Mast and his wife greeted them at the air force base. It was the first time they had met in person. In Germany, the Masts visited the Afghan familys room three times to try to get the baby to travel separately with them, insisting that it would be easier for the toddler to enter the United States that way, the Afghan couple recalled in their lawsuit. They refused to let the girl out of their sight. When the Afghans finally landed in the United States, they began explaining that the child was too young to have Afghan documents. Thats when they claim Joshua Mast pulled out an Afghan passport. Inside was the same photo of the child in the wading pool, but altered to change the background, add a shirt and smooth her hair. Mast told the Afghans to keep quiet about having his name on her passport, their lawsuit alleges, so it would be easier to get medical care. The Afghan couple asked to be taken to Fort Pickett Army National Guard base, a location specified by Mast, according to the lawsuit. Thousands of Afghan refugees were temporarily housed there. Soon after, they said, soldiers came to their room and told them they were moving. A strange woman sat in the back of the van next to a car seat, according to court records, and the baby fussed as she buckled her in. The van pulled up to a building they didnt recognize, where a woman who called herself a social worker said the Masts were the girls legal guardians. Confused and frightened, the child cried and the couple begged. But it did no good. Mast took the baby to his car, where his wife was waiting, the lawsuit says. They had lost her. In their heavily redacted response to the lawsuit, the Masts acknowledge they took custody of the child; they said their adoption order was valid and they did nothing wrong. Richard Mast is also named as a defendant in the Afghan familys lawsuit. He wrote in legal documents that his brothers adoption of the child was selfless; it saved both the child, and the Afghan family fighting to get her back, from the evils of life under the Taliban. The Afghan couple believed that their baby was stolen, and they immediately sought help at Fort Pickett to get her back. But the playing field was not level, their attorney, Ashai, told the AP. The couple were forced to navigate a complex and confusing system in a foreign country in which they had just arrived, after having survived the greatest trauma of their lives. Meanwhile, the couple says in court documents, Osmani warned them not to contact a lawyer or the authorities, and suggested that Mast might give them the baby back if they dealt directly with him. And so they tried to maintain contact with Mast. They were also scared of him. If he could abduct their child in broad daylight, they worried he might hurt them too, their lawyers wrote in legal filings. The Afghan woman plunged into a deep depression and, despite being nine months pregnant, stopped eating and drinking. She could not sleep. Her husband was afraid to leave her alone. Since we have come to America, we have not felt happiness for even one day, the Afghan man told the AP. We feel like we are living in a dark jail. His wife gave birth to a girl on October 1, 2021. The young mothers grief became overwhelming. A month later, she considered suicide and was taken to a clinic. Soon the couple sought legal help; by December 2021, the Afghan couple had asked the Fluvanna judge to reverse the adoption. But those proceedings, almost one year in, have been opaque and slow. On Feb. 27, 2022, when the Afghan baby was 2 years old, the Masts traveled to the Mennonite Christian Assembly in Fredericksburg, Ohio, to share their joy during a special church service. In a video advertising the event called Walking in Faith, the pastor apologized to congregants that it would not be online, because the Marine would share very confidential, classified information. Unforeseen events gave the couple an unexpected opportunity to stand up to protect innocent life, read the program flyer. Come hear how Gods mighty hand allowed for a remarkable deliverance. Pastor John Risner told the AP that the Masts had requested the service be confidential, and he didnt want to betray their trust by disclosing any details. All he would say is that their story is amazing. ___ NO HAPPINESS HERE The fate of the Afghan child is now being debated in secret proceedings in a locked courtroom in the village of Palmyra, Virginia, home to about 100 people. Earlier this month, Joshua Mast arrived at the Fluvanna County courthouse along with his wife and his brother Richard. Mast was dressed in his starched Marine uniform, holding his white and gold hat in his hand. The hearing stretched on for roughly eight hours. The proceedings have been completely shielded from public view, mandated by presiding Judge Moore. The AP was not allowed inside the courtroom. Court clerk Tristana Treadway refused to provide even the docket number, saying she could neither confirm nor deny the case existed at all. More than a dozen lawyers streamed into the courthouse, carting boxes of evidence, and each said they were forbidden from speaking. Mast remains an active duty Marine, and has since been promoted to major. He now lives with his family in North Carolina. The Afghan toddler has been with them for more than a year. In Texas, the Afghan couple continues to grieve the loss of the child. The baby the woman gave birth to shortly after arriving in the U.S. just turned 1. The young mother had planned to raise the girls as sisters. But theyve never met. There is nothing to celebrate without her. There is no happiness here, the Afghan man said. We are counting the moments and days until she will come home. ___ Retired Associated Press Afghanistan and Pakistan Bureau Chief Kathy Gannon, AP researcher Rhonda Shafner and AP Pentagon reporter Lolita Baldor contributed to this report. ___ Follow the authors on Twitter @julietlinderman, @clairegalofaro, @mendozamartha. (Bloomberg) -- The African Development Bank is setting up a $1.5 billion green finance facility to help meet surging demand for money to develop clean energy and defend infrastructure against floods, storms and rising seas exacerbated by global warming. Most Read from Bloomberg The facility will be formally unveiled at the COP27 climate summit taking place in Egypt next month. The AfDB plans to partner with commercial banks and governments to fund projects, Audrey-Cynthia Yamadjako, the AfDBs principal climate officer, said in an interview this week. Its a way to develop a sustainable pipeline of well-structured projects, she said. The fund aims to encourage investment in climate finance needs on the continent, which arent being met by cash-strapped African governments or by developed nations. The Nationally Determined Contributions of African nations -- plans presented to the United Nations charting national responses to global warming -- would need $2.8 trillion in funding by 2030, according to an AfDB presentation. The lender aims to raise $100 million by the end of 2023 and the full $1.5 billion by the end of 2025, a small proportion of the financing the continent will need to adapt to a warming planet. Initial funding will partly come from the Climate Investment Funds and other partners, Yamadjako said. The issue of climate financing is expected to take center stage at next months UN climate summit as developing nations demand more support from industrialized countries that prospered for nearly two centuries at the expense of the planet. Pakistans Flood Crisis Bends Climate Talks Toward Reparations Story continues Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Editors note: This story was updated Oct. 20 at 1:15 p.m. with additional information from the Air Force. An Air Force pilot safely ejected from a F-35A Lightning II fighter jet that crashed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on Wednesday evening. The airman was treated at a local hospital and has since been released, 388th Fighter Wing spokesperson Micah Garbarino told Air Force Times Thursday. The pilot was returning to Hill AFB from a routine training mission when the crash occurred, Garbarino said. The crash recovery/site investigation is still ongoing, but it appears there was no other damage. All US Air Force F-35s are flying again after ejection seat checks The pilot landed near local resident Brock Thurgoods off-base property after he ejected from the stealth jet, according to one Salt Lake City news outlet. Thurgood told KSL.com that the pilot was walking and he was coherent, but that his hands were bloodied up and he was a little banged up. I dont know how Id be after I was in a plane crash, but he was surprisingly tough, Thurgood said. How many F-35s does the US Air Force need? Photos and videos posted to social media show a massive ground fire and billowing smoke where the plane went down near the north end of Hills runway. The blaze spanned about 10 acres but was suppressed, Utah authorities said. Right now, were very thankful there were no serious injuries, 388th Fighter Wing commander Col. Craig Andrle said in a release Thursday. Our pilot is safe, everyone on the ground is safe and it doesnt look like there was any other serious damage. Hill has indefinitely canceled its flying operations. Five other F-35s from the 388th were diverted to Salt Lake City International Airport and will return to base soon, Garbarino said. Base officials have asked the public to contact the base at 801-777-0991 or 75abw.pa@us.af.mil with eyewitness accounts of the accident, or if people have found anything that could be related to the crash. Story continues The hotline was established because the crash site was fairly close to a residential area, and in the early stages it wasnt exactly clear if any of the crash site or wreckage was off-base, Garbarino said. Eglin F-35 crash resulted from tired, distracted pilot and unresponsive tail glitch Air Force officials did not immediately answer Thursday morning whether the service has paused F-35A flight operations or if it is looking into any issues of potential concern for its most advanced fighter fleet. Its rare for F-35As to be destroyed in accidents. Just one of the Air Force variant has been totaled so far, in fiscal 2020, according to Air Force Safety Center data. The Air Force plans to grow from about 375 to 432 F-35As in 2023, stationed at several bases in the U.S. and overseas. Each A-model costs about $78 million. Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. Warner Bros. Pictures "Harry Potter" star Alan Rickman fought with producers about the final film in the series. These anecdotes have been brought to light by the late actor's recently published diaries. Rickman also argued with director David Yates after spotting a "fatal flaw" in the sequel. While actor Alan Rickman has had a hugely successful career over the years, starring in the likes of "Truly, Madly, Deeply," "Die Hard," and "Love Actually," audiences best know him best as Professor Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" franchise. The actor appears in all eight movies as the antagonistic potions master, before ultimately being redeemed in the final chapter. But working in the Wizarding World movies wasn't always magical, and the actor was brutally honest about it in his recently-published diaries, "Madly, Deeply." Not only did Rickman debate quitting the franchise, but he also had some strong criticism for leading lady Emma Watson and her performance as Hermione Granger in the early films. The actor also clashed with the producers before filming began on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two." In August 2009 he wrote: "3 Davids [producers Heyman, Yates, Barron] come into my trailer and I have to push the bile back down. Not very successfully." Rickman clearly wasn't impressed with the producers' approach to production, as he added: "I try to channel the inarticulacy into words like 'process' and 'narrative' and maybe we reach a way forward. Time even at this stage will tell." With only a few weeks to go until filming started, Rickman later recalled a conversation with Yates after finding a problem in Snape's final confrontation with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). He said: "David Yates. For some reason, I have lost the edit button in HP conversations, and having unerringly spotted a fatal flaw in the Snape/Voldemort final showdown I didn't beat about the bush." The star wrote about his exchange with Yates and said that the director only pretended to take the actor's points onboard. Story continues "David Y., however, does exactly what he wants. There is a kind of listening but real stubbornness. A man who nods sympathetically and goes nowhere unplanned or so it seems," he said. It's not clear what the problem with Snape's final scene was, but it's one of the most surprising moments in the franchise because of how brutal it is. It sees Voldemort kill Snape with his snake, Nagini, because he thinks he's the master of the Elder Wand. But as fans will already know, it was Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) who disarmed Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). Felton recently published his own memoir about his time working on the "Harry Potter" franchise with a number of interesting anecdotes, like the time he mistook costar Gary Oldman for a cleaner. Read the original article on Insider It turns out that Great Britains political system has a lemon law. If a new prime ministers first days produce an economic and political disaster, theres a way to show them out the door of 10 Downing Street before they find out how the coffeemaker works. Yes, Liz Truss resigned, but only after Cabinet resignations, denunciations and no-confidence proposals made it impossible for her to stay in office. The ability to sack a prime minister between national elections is a familiar, if not commonplace, event in the UK. Anthony Eden was forced out in 1957 after a disastrous military adventure in the Sinai; Margaret Thatcher, the longest serving PM in history, was pushed out in a revolt by Cabinet members and key MPs. (Technically, prime ministers are removed from their partys leadership.) And Boris Johnson, the once (and future?) prime minister, suffered a similar fate after the number of scandals reached somewhere between double and triple figures. And here in the USA? It cant happen here, of course. The question is: Should it? The fixed term of a presidency was a clear choice of the Constitutional Convention. In fact, they came close to adopting really fixed terms. According to the National Constitution Center, Surprisingly, many of the Framers including Hamilton and Madison supported a lifetime appointment for presidents selected by Congress and not elected by the people. That would have made the presidency what Virginias George Mason called an elective monarchy, however, and when this was put to a vote it failed by only six votes to four. (It took more than 150 years and the 22nd Amendment to limit a president to two elected terms.) The only tools for removing a president in the middle of a term are impeachment and the 25th Amendment, neither of which remotely touches the questions of incompetence or policy failures. (After the 1946 midterms, which saw Republicans sweep into congressional power, Democratic Sen. William Fulbright suggested that President Harry Truman appoint a Republican secretary of State and then resign; back then, with no vice president, that Cabinet office was next in line for the presidency. The idea died a swift death). Story continues The political liabilities of a fixed-term presidency have at times been obvious. When the Great Depression arrived in 1929, Republicans were stuck with an increasingly unpopular Herbert Hoover; even if hed been denied renomination, he would have stayed in office until 1933 a fact that deepened the Depression months after Franklin Roosevelts 1932 landslide. Presidents who presided over disastrous wars LBJ in Vietnam, George W. Bush in Iraq faced increasing dissent, but no immediate threat to their survival. (The threats to Johnsons renomination in 1968 from Eugene McCarthy and Robert Kennedy may well have pushed him into declining to run for another term, and to change course on Vietnam, but that dramatically illustrates the point that there was no instant way to oust him; the only political pressure Johnson faced was the prospect of losing an election.) If the 2022 midterms produce a red wave, there are plenty of Democrats who cringe at the thought of two more years of an octogenarian president who may or may not seek the White House again. But if it is intriguing to yearn for a way to cut a presidents term short, there are both political and policy problems with fitting a no-confidence vote into our system. First, unlike Britain, we have a system for replacing a president who leaves office midterm (by death, resignation or impeachment), through the ascension of the vice president. Would a no-confidence vote necessarily apply to the veep? Or would it give an ambitious vice president a tool with which to plot the presidents political demise, as countless melodramas have suggested the 25th Amendment might? Second, you know that term separation of powers? The whole point of fixed terms was to make the executive branch something distinct from the creature of the legislative branch. Indeed, there are proponents of the argument that divided government is actually healthier for the republic. Giving Congress the power to terminate a presidency at will is a dramatic turn away from that idea. Moreover, we have seen frequently that given time, an unpopular president can turn around public opinion. Harry Truman recovered from the 1946 disaster to win a full term in 1948 and preside over the creation of an Atlantic alliance. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama presided over historically horrible midterms; both were reelected comfortably, and Clinton in particular took the thrashing to heart by declaring the era of big government is over, and adopting a more centrist approach to policy. Of course, the Trump era, particularly its last weeks, provide a counterargument. With a no-confidence vote, Congress could have and most likely would have thrown Trump out within 24 hours of the January 6 insurrection. But even that would not have been the last word on Trump unless such a vote was coupled with a prohibition on ever seeking office gain ... something the British system does not have, as Boris Johnson likely remembers hourly. So, tempting as it is to imagine the drama of a president calling the movers a summer or two after her election, it may be good that the barriers to such a moment are just too high. CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misspelled Barack Obamas name. American Airlines is shaking up its premium cabin offerings, phasing out its most exclusive first-class cabin to instead focus on business-class seats in response to shifting consumer demand. Vasu Raja, Americans chief commercial officer, confirmed the move to phase out the airlines Flagship First cabin to investors on a Thursday morning earnings call. Yes, the first class will not exist on the [Boeing 777] or for that matter at American Airlines, for the simple reason that our customers arent buying it, said Raja. The quality of the business class seat has improved so much, and frankly by removing it, we can go provide more business class seats, which is our customers most want and are most willing to pay for. An American Airlines spokesperson clarified that Raja was only referring to Flagship First. Domestic first-class seat offerings, the typical premium cabin on short-haul flights that is not quite as luxurious as Flagship First, will continue. Raja went on to note that the airline is increasingly selling premium seats to passengers traveling for leisure rather than to corporations for their employees business travel. American signaled the move late last month when it unveiled a new Flagship Suite option, which includes privacy doors and lie-flat controls, on Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 aircraft deliveries beginning in 2024. The airline said it would renovate its Boeing 777 aircraft to include the new offering. Those seats will be constructed in place of the carriers existing Flagship First cabin, effectively ending the existence of the carriers most exclusive seat offering. We are enhancing the customer experience across their entire journey with American, Julie Rath, Americans vice president of customer experience, said at the time. The arrival of new long-haul aircraft and the customized seat design of the Flagship Suite seats will offer customers a truly private premium experience on our long-haul fleet. Story continues American has offered Flagship First customers access to certain premium lounges, and it remains unclear how the shake-up will impact the future of those spaces. Alongside the new Flagship Suite offering, American said it was also adding more premium economy seats to its long-haul aircraft. The airline debuted the premium economy cabin in 2016, which includes wider seats and more amenities than a regular economy seat. Other carriers, including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have followed suit with similar new offerings between economy and business cabins. -Updated at 12:27 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Angelo Amante ROME (Reuters) - Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's pro-Russia statements are likely to complicate Giorgia Meloni's efforts to establish international credibility for the government she is set to lead, analysts say. Berlusconi is a long-time friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin and this week reiterated his sympathy for him, accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of triggering the war. Berlusconi's views on the war and affection for Putin are especially sensitive given that a senior member of his Forza Italia party, Antonio Tajani, is widely expected to become foreign minister in a government led by Giorgia Meloni. Nathalie Tocci, head of Italy's Institute for International Affairs (IAI), said Berlusconi's comments on Putin were a blow to Meloni, who already faces international scepticism as she prepares to form Italy's most right-wing government since World War Two. "The government starts with an uphill road, and this issue has made the climb a little steeper. But this doesn't mean the mountain cannot be climbed," Tocci told Reuters. Berlusconi's leaked comments were made this week at a meeting with lawmakers from Forza Italia, part of the conservative alliance that will form the next government after winning general elections on Sept. 25. Meloni, leader of the nationalist Brothers of Italy party, has strongly defended Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in February and has supported Western sanctions against Moscow. Brothers of Italy traces its roots back to the post-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI) and has expressed eurosceptic views in the past. Meloni progressively assumed a pro-European approach and pledged full support to NATO during her election campaign, seeking to build trust among international partners. CABINET POSTS Berlusconi is currently negotiating key government jobs with Meloni and the rightist League party, whose leader Matteo Salvini also expressed his admiration for Putin in the past. Story continues Disputes over cabinet posts have sparked tension between the 86-year-old Berlusconi and Meloni and some politicians think he wants to hobble the incoming government, expected to be installed next week, because Forza Italia is the junior partner. "In Berlusconi's mind, the fact that he is not able to call the shots is a personal outrage," Osvaldo Napoli, a long-time Forza Italia lawmaker who left the party last year, told Reuters. Berlusconi's pro-Putin remarks came in front of dozens of Forza Italia lawmakers and Napoli believed the risk of information being leaked to the press was obviously high. On Wednesday, after a second audio file with Berlusconi's comments was leaked, Meloni issued a statement saying any party that disagreed with her line on Italy being part of Europe and siding with NATO should not join the government. Some analysts believe there is no clear strategy behind Berlusconi's comments and that they could backfire and even jeopardise Tajani's chances of becoming foreign minister. Giovanni Orsina, a politics professor at Rome's Luiss university said Berlusconi has demolished his own argument that Forza Italia can be a moderating influence on the government. "It is hard to imagine that this is rational because Berlusconi and his party are the first to be damaged ... I wonder if setting fire to your house to set fire to neighbouring houses can be considered a rational method," he told Reuters. (Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Keith Weir and William Maclean) The Anti-Defamation League wants Adidas to consider giving Kanye West the boot. The inclusivity organization sent a letter to the apparel company Thursday criticizing management for continuing its relationship with West after the rapper repeatedly made comments accused of anti-Semitism. The 45-year-old West, who now goes by the name Ye, has a popular Yeezy collaboration with Adidas that releases sneakers and other clothing. We hope that more companies, individuals, and political leaders will take action to show that there will be consequences for such hateful rhetoric and that they do not give Yes anti-Semitism a pass, reads the letter from Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO and national director of the ADL. This is why we are surprised and concerned that Adidas a brand that supports inclusion and diversity continues not only to support the Ye product line, but to release new products even as he continues to espouse hateful anti-Semitic ideas to his 31 million Twitter followers, and as those noxious ideas spread across social media and around the world thanks to his outsized media presence and celebrity status. Wests Instagram account was restricted and his Twitter account was locked this month after he shared posts referencing the Jewish community, including a tweet claiming he would go death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE. In a recent interview with Chris Cuomo, West claimed his life was threatened by my Jewish managers, by my Jewish lawyer, by my Jewish accountant. West also sparked controversy by wearing a white lives matter shirt during Paris Fashion Week, and for claiming on the Revolt TV show Drink Champs that George Floyd died from the drug fentanyl and not from convicted ex-police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck in May 2020. The ADL says Adidas plans to release its latest Yeezy Boost shoe on Oct. 27, which is the four-year anniversary of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting that killed 11 people in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack ever in the United States. We urge Adidas to reconsider supporting the Ye product line and to issue a statement making clear that the Adidas company and community has no tolerance whatsoever for anti-Semitism, Greenblatt says in the letter. Adidas did not immediately respond to a Daily News request for comment. A federal appeals court on Thursday denied a request by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to be shielded from testifying in an investigation into former President Trumps alleged interference in the 2020 election in Georgia. The unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit comes after the senator earlier this month urged the court to find that constitutional protections for lawmakers bar his testimony before a Fulton County, Ga., special grand jury. The panels decision hands a partial victory to District Attorney Fani Willis (D), who has expressed particular interest in hearing from Graham about calls he made to Georgias top election official following the 2020 election as part of her probe. Graham has attempted to block Williss subpoena for months, arguing the Constitutions Speech and Debate Clause prohibits his testimony about the calls and merits the complete blocking of his appearance. Senator Graham has failed to demonstrate that this approach will violate his rights under the Speech and Debate Clause, the appeals court ruled on Thursday. The South Carolina Republicans appeal came after a federal trial judge only barred questioning of Graham for his calls to state election officials as it related to fact-finding for his own vote on certifying of the 2020 election while allowing his testimony to otherwise proceed. Graham had voiced opposition to the previous court order, suggesting the setup still enabled investigators to leverage backdoor ways to question him about the calls. The court noted that Senator Graham may still seek to assert his Speech and Debate Clause privilege if there is a dispute about whether a concrete question implicates his factfinding relating to certification, the appeals panel wrote in its ruling. The Hill has reached out to a Graham spokesperson for comment. Unless Graham appeals further, the ruling clears the way for Willis to question the senator about communications with the Trump campaign, public statements on the election and Grahams alleged effort to cajole Georgia election officials. But she will be limited in discussing Grahams calls with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) following the election. Story continues Willis opened the probe shortly after a now-infamous call went public between Trump and Raffensperger in which the former president asked Raffensperger to find the roughly 11,000 votes he needed to win the state. Willis has brought in Raffensperger and many others in Trumps orbit following the 2020 election before the grand jury. CNN reported on Thursday that the grand jury heard testimony from Trump White House counsel Pat Cipollone and former Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.). Willis in recent days has also taken steps to secure testimony from former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn and former White House attorney Eric Herschmann. At least 17 individuals have been notified that they are targets of a criminal investigation from Willis: former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani and the 16 people put forth as unofficial or fake electors who had not actually been selected as Electoral College electors by their states. Willis has indicated she will suspend her investigations public activities until after the November midterm elections and that she expects to make a decision about whether to seek Trumps testimony later this fall. Updated at 5:42 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A federal appeals court Thursday rejected Sen. Lindsey Graham's bid to avoid testifying before an Atlanta grand jury investigating whether former President Donald Trump interfered in the 2020 election, ruling that the staunch Trump ally had "failed to demonstrate" that his appeal of a lower court's order would succeed. The South Carolina Republican has asserted that he was engaging in legitimate inquiries as a lawmaker when he contacted a Georgia official following the 2020 election. Previously: Trump ally Lindsey Graham must testify in Georgia grand jury investigation, federal judge rules More: Georgia election investigation heats up. Giuliani, Eastman facing dates with grand jury Graham citied the Constitution's speech and debate clause, asserting that the provision "provides absolute protection against inquiry into Senator Grahams legislative acts." At least twice, Graham called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and his staff weeks after the November 2020 election, trying to re-examine absentee ballots "to explore the possibility of a more favorable outcome" for Trump, according to court documents. U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May had ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading a wide-ranging inquiry into election interference, had "shown extraordinary circumstances and a special need for Senator Grahams testimony on issues relating to alleged attempts to influence or disrupt the lawful administration of Georgias 2020 elections." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speak during a news conference to discuss the introduction of the Protecting Pain-Capable Unborn Children from Late-Term Abortions Act on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Washington. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Court rejects Graham's bid to block subpoena in election fraud case U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham must testify before a special grand jury investigating whether then-President Donald Trump and others illegally tried to influence the 2020 election in Georgia, a federal appeals court said Thursday. The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals paves the way for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to bring Graham in for questioning as she tries to wrap up the investigation. She has said she hopes to be able to send the grand jury on their way by the end of the year. Graham could appeal the ruling to the full appellate court. An attorney for Graham deferred comment to a spokesman for the senators office, which did not immediately comment on the ruling. RELATED STORIES: Willis has said she wants to question the South Carolina Republican about phone calls he made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the states top elections official, in the weeks after the 2020 election. Raffensperger has said he interpreted questions about whether he could reject certain absentee ballots as a suggestion to reject legally cast votes. Graham has challenged his subpoena, saying his position as a U.S. senator protects him from having to testify in the state investigation. He has denied any wrongdoing. Associated Press writers Kate Brumback in Atlanta and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report. RELATED NEWS: Indigenous astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann brought out a dream catcher she carries with her on the mission and explained its significance as it gently floated around her in zero gravity. (Photo: NASA Video Screenshot) This afternoon, Nicole Aunapu Mann (Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes), the first Indigenous woman to be launched into space, answered questions from Native American media outlets and Indigenous school children in a live-streamed in-flight interview from the International Space Station. Mann launched into space earlier this month on Oct. 5. She serves as the mission commander on NASAs SpaceX Crew-5 space mission on the Dragon spacecraft named Endurance. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. The interview was conducted by Associated Press Aerospace writer Marcia Dunn from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. In answering questions solicited from various Native media outlets and tribal schools, Mann spoke of viewing Earth from space, her career path, and drawing strength from the blessings of her family. At one point, she brought out a dream catcher she carries with her and explained its significance as it gently floated around her in zero gravity. I brought a dreamcatcher from my mother that helped me through tough times as a child, Mann said. When things are difficult or getting hard, I draw on that strength to continue toward a successful mission. When asked if anything from her Wailacki of the Round Valley culture inspired her career, Mann answered, The biggest thing that inspired me and helped me in my career as an astronaut is the importance of family and community. Its really important to stay connected and rely on people to help get you through difficult times in life. My parents and my family were a huge foundation for me in preparing me as a young child to persevere through challenges, stay focused in school and giving me confidence and inspiring me to achieve my dreams. The interview concluded with Mann answering a question from Native News Online about her message to students at Rounds Valley Indian Tribes Head Start located on Manns reservation who watched the Oct. 5 launch on a big screen in their classroom. Story continues I would like to tell them that I appreciate all of the good messages they are sending me, Mann said. I appreciate all of their good energy. Please know that I carry all of your hopes and your dreams with me to the International Space Station and I hope for you that you will be able to achieve your dreams, and I pass along the energy for you to be able to persevere in your childhood to do everything you aspire to do in life. Watch a recording of the live-streamed interview below or here. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia and Fiji have signed an agreement to allow the operation of each nation's militaries in the other country, with ministers describing it as a significant step for security cooperation. Pacific island nations have said climate change is the biggest security threat to the region, but tensions between superpowers China and the United States have also been felt, after the Solomon Islands struck a security pact with Beijing in April. South Pacific defence ministers met in Tonga earlier this week, with Australia seeking a closer military relationship with the three island nations that have defence forces - Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga - to counter China's security push in the region. "Now's the time to be close to friends," Australia's defence minister Richard Marles told reporters in Fiji on Thursday, referring to a "precarious" global strategic situation and the impact of climate change. Marles said the Status of Forces agreement signed with Fiji on Thursday, giving a legal framework for the presence of one country's forces in another, was rare for Australia and would allow a closer working relationship between the defence forces. "It is a very, very significant step," he said. Fiji's defence minister Inia Seruiratu said the defence forces trained and deployed together across the region, and the agreement brought "a new height of security cooperation". "We know and understand the geopolitics of the region and the role that we play, Australia and New Zealand, and the need for us to stand united and cooperate," he told reporters. A statement on Thursday from the South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting, comprised of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand, France, Chile, Australia and Tonga, said the Australian-funded Blackrock military camp in Fiji would be developed into a regional centre for disaster response. The United States, Britain and Japan had attended the meeting as observers, a Tongan government statement said. Story continues Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told the meeting "geopolitical complexities" and non-traditional security threats "demand that we forge enduring mutual cooperation for present and future generations", the statement said. Australia is also negotiating a defence treaty with Papua New Guinea. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Thursday denied an emergency bid by a group of Wisconsin taxpayers to block the Biden administrations student loan forgiveness program. Barrett, who handles emergency matters arising from Wisconsin, acted alone in denying the request, rather than refer the matter to the full court. The brief, one-line order comes after the Brown County Taxpayers Association on Wednesday urged the court to rule that the presidents nationwide debt cancellation plan illegally encroaches on Congresss exclusive spending power. The move leaves intact a judges finding that the group lacked standing to sue, a ruling that is being appealed in a lower court. President Biden announced in August that his administration planned to forgive $10,000 in federal student loan debt for those making under $125,000 annually and $20,000 for recipients of Pell grants, which assist students from lower-income families. In a lawsuit filed in federal court earlier this month, the Wisconsin taxpayers argued that the White House lacks the constitutional power or clear authorization from Congress to enact Bidens debt cancellation policy, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will cost about $400 billion over 30 years. A U.S. District judge in Wisconsin dismissed the suit for lack of standing. An intermediate appeals court declined to halt that ruling while a formal appeal plays out, prompting the groups unsuccessful request to the Supreme Court. The Biden administration says its policy is authorized by the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, which the Trump administration also drew upon to provide relief to student borrowers during the pandemic. Updated at 5:25 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. UPDATE: 11 a.m. Dustin Colwell, who was reported missing in Beavercreek last night, has been found safe, a spokesperson for the Beavercreek Police Department confirmed. INITIAL REPORT: The Beavercreek Police Department is asking the public for help locating a missing/endangered man. >>1 man flown to hospital with injuries after accident in Darke County Dustin R. Colwell, 31, was reported missing 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night, Beavercreek Police said. He is described to be 56, weighs approximately 160 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. Colwell was last seen wearing a gray Carhart style jacket, gray sweatpants and dark-colored shoes. He was located at the Fairfield Commons Mall and believed to be on foot, according to police. Colwell suffers from several medical conditions and is taking medication If you have seen Dustin Colwell, you are asked to contact Beavercreek Police at (937) 426-1225. Photo from Beavercreek Police NurPhoto In 2018, Zarifa Ghafari became Afghanistans youngest female mayor. Below, read an exclusive excerpt from her book Zarifa: A Womans Battle in a Mans World about her history-making mayoral appointment, fleeing Kabul after her father was assassinated in 2020, and returning earlier this year to a changed country. When I arrived in Kabul in February of this year, my first emotion was gut-twisting fear, tinged with joy. Soon after our escape from Afghanistan, my family and I had been offered asylum in Germany, in the same small town my aunt lived in. We were settled in two clean and modern apartments, one for Bashir, my fiance, and me, the other for my mother and siblings. I knew we were lucky to have been given a new home so quickly, but my mind and heart were still in Kabul. I followed each small development there on Facebook and Twitter, more engaged with the screen than with the world around me. It was on Facebook that I learned about a woman in Ghazni province, south of Kabul, who was trying to sell her daughter. The girl, thirteen years old, was the youngest of four, and her mother was a widow. With the fall of the country to the Taliban, almost all the international aid organizations had pulled out their teams, and then crushing sanctions were slapped down, plunging the country into deeper poverty; however, since the Talibans return she had been unable to beg on the streets, much less go out to find work. She was asking for 2,000 euros for the girl. Instead of seeing all her children starve, the woman had decided it would be best to send one of them to another house, and bring in money to keep the rest of them alive. I asked a friend who was still in Afghanistan to track the woman down, and I began to collect donations for her. We were able to give 1,000 euros enough to keep her daughter at home. Knowing that one girl had been saved gave me a brief buzz of happiness. So I channeled my energy into activism, and started talking at events all over Europe, trying to keep the humanitarian and political crisis in Afghanistan on the international agenda, amplifying news of the Talibans crackdown on womens rights activists who had remained in Kabul. With the money I earned from speaking and awards of cash prizes, I rebooted my humanitarian organization, Assistance and Promotion for Afghan Women (APAW). With the help of colleagues and my maternal uncle Haji Mama, I opened an educational and vocational training center and a maternity center in Kabul. I was now able to provide food packages to the very poorest women, mostly widows who had no income. Haji Mama sent regular updates, including photos that I would linger over, wondering what else I could do. Story continues Most of all, I longed to go back. At first, returning to Afghanistan was a vague wish. When a few airlines started resuming flights to Kabul my dreams sharpened into the beginnings of a plan with the assistance of the German foreign ministry. I wanted assurance from the Taliban that I would not be arrested as soon as I arrived. I did not want to negotiate with them, nor meet with them in Kabul and be used by them as a photo opportunity to convince the world that they were treating women well. I knew that I was walking a thin line, and that many people would criticize my decision.. Afghanistan is your home and no one can take it away from you, said Zabihullah Mujahid, the Talibans spokesman, when I called him to tell him of my plan. Whenever you want to come back, you have the right. The flight stopped over in Dubai, and as I waited there to board the Kam Air flight to Kabul, I studied the faces of my fellow passengers. In the air, I steeled myself for the reactions I might face on the ground. But when I first saw the mountains of Kabul through the window, the snow gleaming under the sun that I had yearned for during the dreary, dark months in Germany, I forgot all my fears. Whatever the politics, and whoever was in charge, Afghanistan would always be my home. My first sight of the Taliban came as I put my bags through the scanner at the airports exit. When I picked them up on the other side, I came face to face with two men, sizing me up from behind a glass screen. I wondered whether the assurances I had been given were a lie; if I had walked into a trap, and was now going to be led directly into prison. The burlier of the two, dressed in camouflage and with a thick brown beard, locked his eyes onto me. After five long seconds, the Talib turned to his colleague and started chatting. I hadnt realized, but I had been holding my breath. MANDEL NGAN The Afghan tricolors that had flown above the airport terminal had been replaced with the Talibans banner, a white flag inscribed with an Islamic incantation written in black Arabic script: There is no God but God. There were checkpoints everywhere; as spring approached, the new rulers were bracing for attacks. They had quashed the resistance quickly in August 2021, but the rival mujahideen factions were now regrouping, spurred on by opposition leaders outside the country who were calling for an armed uprising. Each night, the Taliban carried out security operations, going through Kabul district by district, searching every family home for weapons. The visa queue outside the Iranian embassy stretched hundreds of meters down the street, a line of people desperate to leave before the country descended into civil war yet again. I found the real blowback of the past six months on the outskirts of the city, in Dasht-e Barchi, a poor district mostly inhabited by ethnic Hazara. Here, the snow had been cleared into pebbly heaps by the roadside and then blackened by the diesel fumes. Standing amid the grime were hundreds of people, offering up paltry wares: thin mattresses, rusted kettles, and bags of used clothes mean household possessions they were trying to barter for a few hundred Afghani. The sanctions and the end of aid operations were having an effect on the Afghan people that was far worse than the simple fact of Taliban rule. Poverty has always been searing in my country, but now an international freeze on Afghanistans assets meant that the new government could no longer afford to pay the wages of state workers. The little money left in the coffers was being creamed off by the Taliban and its supporters. In Dasht-e Barchi, in a yard where chopped wood was stored under tarpaulin, a group of local women was waiting for me. I had asked the elders of the neighborhood to invite the poorest women, so that they might receive an aid handout of rice, flour, sugar, oil and tea that would keep a household sustained for a month. Before the distribution, I sat with them and asked about their lives. As we talked, dozens of men gathered around the fringes, goggle-eyed. Now, one of them piped up. Why is this aid only for women? he demanded. Men need help, too. We have to work and support all the family. Why isnt this aid coming to us? I have seven children! I have never backed down from debates like this. I thrive on them. I walked over to where the men were standing, and stood open-armed in front of all of them. OK, so why did you have so many kids if you arent able to look after them? I asked the man. And do you also allow your wife to work, to bring in some extra money? For a moment he was taken aback, not because he was ashamed of his choices, but because these were options he had never considered. But women arent strong enough to work! he retorted. I turned to the women, who were sitting patiently waiting for their packages. They had watched the whole scene with a bemused sense of despair. What do you think, sisters? Are you strong enough to work? I asked them. One of the oldest caught my eye, and raised her eyebrow. That guy wouldnt even be here if a woman hadnt been strong enough to give birth to him, she sighed. Courtesy Zarifa Ghafari My maternal family never call me Zarifa instead, they use my nickname, Krish, a shortened form of Krishma, which means affection. I had two personalities as a child: sweet one moment, and fiery the next, and over the decades my two names were the means by which my family came to accept my choices. The woman out there bossing men around? Thats Zarifa, with her armor of three tough syllables. The girl they know at home, soft and nurturing? Thats Krish. My interview with 1TV, Afghanistans biggest private television channel, was recorded on my last evening in Kabul, to be broadcast as I was mid-air on the flight out. 1TV had been forced off air when the Taliban took control but it began broadcasting again on YouTube, from a new headquarters in Germany. My interview would be my one chance to reveal what had been playing on my mind. The 1TV interviewer asked me if I had any criticisms of the Taliban. I did. The Taliban, I began, need to immediately release all female prisoners. Those who have fought for womens rights, in the service of a better Afghanistan for everyone, should not be in a prison cell. I knew it was dangerous to say this. But to come back to Afghanistan and be so close to the women in jail, and not say anything about their nightmare? That was not just unthinkable to me it was unacceptable. I would say my piece in the interview, weigh up the reaction from the safety of Germany, and decide later if another trip back to Afghanistan would be possible. I spent my last night elated and proud at having had the courage to come back and look them in the eye. Anadolu Agency - Getty Images My generation of Afghan women inherited nothing, and much of what we gained was taken from us. What we have left is now in the hands of a group we remember and fear. The rights that women still enjoy in Afghanistan to go to school, to walk on the streets, to get a job are bestowed on us by the Taliban, even as they lock up the women who have been fighting and striving for those things for years. We are allowed to have this much, but we must never threaten to ask for more. The Taliban are a fact. No foreign army is coming to boot them out again, and the armed resistance is too weak to overthrow them. We know too that the Taliban are not inclined to treat women well, whatever mask they might momentarily wear. But if I can still find or create even the smallest space under the Taliban regime where women can learn, work, and give birth safely, if not freely, then I must continue to help. Though some might say that what I am doing damages our cause, I ask, Which war are Afghans really fighting? To many Afghan activists outside the country, resistance means terror and guns. As women, we have suffered mens slaughter for generations. My grandmother was a widow at twenty-seven; my mother was fatherless at three and a widow herself forty years later; I myself bear the weight of my fathers murder. The Taliban say they are now more enlightened than they were in the 1990s. This is because they have been forced to be: for twenty years, my Afghan sisters and I have been devouring the opportunities presented to us to become doctors, supreme court judges, journalists and mayors. Millions of us have learned to read and write, the first step to taking control over our lives. A young Kabul generation with no memory of the mujahideens civil war, we mingled in the coffee shops and accepted each other, Pashtun, Hazara and others alike. We helped to change our society in those two decades, and as a result the Taliban was compelled to reform. I am prepared to speak with those I dislike and distrust, or whose ideas differ from mine, if it means that I carry on with my work. Better that than to shout from afar. I have the time and patience to continue this struggle, speaking with women one at a time, exchanging ideas and planting new seeds. Let official Afghan politics carry on without me. I am happy where I am, for now, and I am free. I will keep reminding women that they have a voice, and can raise it. And that is why I fight on. This article has been adapted from Zarifa: A Womans Battle in a Mans World by Zarifa Ghafari with Hannah Lucinda Smith. Copyright 2022. Available from PublicAffairs, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group. You Might Also Like via Telegram Russias war against Ukraine has taken yet another absurd turn as one of Vladimir Putins most devoted cronies took to social media to demonstrate the epitome of Russian military prowess: his three underage sons haphazardly firing off weapons in Ukraine as they are babysit by a top commander. Akhmat, Eli and Adam got right up to enemy positions and provided cover fire for advancing fighters, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov wrote of his sons, aged 14 to 16. The announcement was accompanied by a three-and-a-half-minute video in which the three teens could be seen standing in a trench as they periodically fire off a grenade launcher and machine gun at invisible enemies in the distance. The boyswho can be seen in the footage clearly taking instructions from Zamid Chalayev, the Chechen commander apparently tasked with babysitting themat times stand at full height when they should presumably be taking cover, sparking some speculation that the incoming fire they are so bravely standing against is not incoming at all. Kadyrov insisted, however, that other Chechen fighters were pleasantly surprised by his sons performance. And according to him, it was a glowing success: they supposedly stayed in their positions until they fended off the latest Nazi counterattack. While Kadyrov touted the footage as proof hed kept good on his word to send his own kids into the battlefield, it was instead met with calls for he and his sons to win an Oscar. These Top Putin Cronies Vowed to Fight in Ukraine Themselves. So Where Are They? Did you think we would believe that your three bastards are on the front line with this cheap staging? Show us a real battle and not cheap performances, wrote Chechen blogger Khasan Khalitov. Others noted that Kadyrov appeared to have given his sons weapons produced by NATO rather than Russian-made ones. Meanwhile, Kadyrovs stunt got a seal of approval from Russian officials, which should perhaps come as no surprise after Moscow spent the past several weeks sending thousands of freed convicts, Wagner mercenaries, and poorly trained draftees into the battlefield. Story continues Kadyrov is a good father, said Nina Ostanina, the head of the Russian State Dumas committee on family issues. Although Russian law forbids children from taking part in the war, Ostanina told Russian media that Kadyrov would get a pass because Chechen culture differs with its traditions from our Russian culture. If you can rebuke him for anything, its not for this, she said. I think he just wants to show by his example so that other dads who call themselves patriots will think about where their overgrown children are. 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. DORTMUND, Germany (AP) Belgium right back Thomas Meunier will be out for several weeks after surgery on a broken cheekbone but is hopeful of returning in time to play at the World Cup, Borussia Dortmund said Thursday. The 31-year-old Meunier was injured during Dortmund's 2-0 win over Hannover 96 in the German Cup on Wednesday. Dortmund said he has already undergone a successful operation but won't return to action for the team before the Bundesliga breaks for the World Cup in mid-November. It added that Meunier is, however, full of hope that he can take part in the World Cup together with Belgium at the end of the year. Belgium will play Canada in its first match of the World Cup on Nov. 23. Morocco and Croatia are also in the same group. ___ AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports CAMDEN - A former pharmaceutical sales representative from the Bayville section of Berkeley admitted Wednesday that he was involved in health care fraud and the wrongful obtaining and disclosure of patients' personal health information, U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced Thursday. Keith Ritson, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiring to wrongfully disclose health information in violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Khanna said. Between 2014 and 2016, Ritson promoted compound prescription medications and other medications, according to court documents and statements. Compound medications are mixed by pharmacists to meet the specific needs of a patient, and, while they aren't FDA approved, they are properly prescribed if a patient has an allergy to a dye or ingredient, or for other various reasons. Ritson and his conspirators found that certain insurance plans covered compound medications from a Louisiana pharmacy called Central Rexall Drugs Inc., Khanna said. The pharmacy benefits administrator paid prescription drug claims and then billed the state of New Jersey and other insurance plans for the paid amounts. Original charge:Two men charged with targeting public employee health plans for unneeded medicine The conspirators realized that certain prescriptions would reimburse by insurance for thousands of dollars monthly, Khanna said, and Ritson received a percentage of the amount that Central Rexall received from the benefits administrator for the prescriptions he arranged. Ritson then recruited people with insurance plans that covered the compound medications, regardless of their medical need for them, according to the announcement. He also obtained medically unnecessary medication prescriptions, himself, and earmarked patients who had insurance plans that would cover the medications at the medical practices of Dr. Frank Alario of Delray Beach, Florida. Story continues Ritson was not authorized to access patients' health information but, as part of the criminal HIPAA scheme, Alario let Ritson have significant access to his medical offices, files and patient information, Khanna said. He used this access to find patients with insurance that covered the compound medications, allowing Alario to know in advance to whom to prescribe the medications. Alario authorized prescription forms written by Ritson, the announcement said, and Ritson received commissions on those prescriptions. Similar case:Holmdel man pleads guilty in prescription drug scheme that paid him $2.2M Alario pleaded guilty on Oct. 7 to conspiring to wrongfully disclose patients individually identifiable health information. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 7, 2023. Three former executives of Central Rexall were charged in 2020 with health care and wire fraud, among other offenses, the announcement said. A fourth former executive also pleaded guilty to health care fraud conspiracy in 2020. Ritson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the health care fraud conspiracy count, and a maximum of one year in prison and a $50,000 fine for the HIPAA conspiracy count, Khanna said. His sentencing date is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2023. Jenna Calderon covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Berkeley NJ man admits health care fraud, HIPAA violations Joe Biden was involved in a series of feisty exchanges with reporters over abortion restrictions and the upcoming midterms as he headed to Pennsylvania to campaign with John Fetterman. The president gave a direct response to a reporter whom he told to get educated after he was asked if there should be any abortion restrictions. Mr Biden was responding to a question by a reporter for Catholic news network EWTN as he walked towards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House. Should there be any restrictions on abortion at all? the president was asked by reporter Owen Jensen on Thursday. Yes. There should be, replied Mr Biden, before he was asked, what should they be? Its Roe v Wade. Read it, man. Youll get educated, the president answered feistily. Mr Biden, himself a practising Catholic, made the comments as he travelled to Pennsylvania to campaign with US Senate candidate John Fetterman. As he left the White House, Mr Biden was asked by a reporter why there havent been that many candidates campaigning with you? The president was seemingly unimpressed with the question and replied, Thats not true. There have been 15. Count, kid, count. Reporter: There havent been that many candidates campaigning with you. President Biden: Thats not true. There have been 15. Count, kid, count. pic.twitter.com/zQOE2dhdQ7 The Recount (@therecount) October 20, 2022 Mr Biden has vowed that if voters give Democrats more senators and the party keeps the House in the November midterms he will push to codify Roe v Wade. And Mr Biden has said that if a bit to codify abortion protections is passed he will sign it in January, the 50th anniversary of Roe. The Supreme Court reversed the landmark abortion decision earlier this year, leading to a string of Republican-controlled states enacting laws restricting abortions. President Biden will join MSNBCs Jonathan Capehart for an interview on Friday to discuss the student loan relief rollout and the midterm elections. The interview will air on MSNBCs The ReidOut at 7 p.m. on Friday, according to a news release. Capehart will interview Biden at Delaware State University after the president makes planned remarks at the Dover campus about his administrations student debt relief initiative. The Biden administration officially rolled out applications for the student loan relief program this month, even as it faces several lawsuits and an appeal to the Supreme Court to halt the plan. The debt relief program promises to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt for those making under $125,000 annually and $20,000 for recipients of Pell grants. During the MSNBC interview, the president will also discuss his administrations agenda and the state of democracy in the U.S., as well as the midterm elections. Biden has rarely granted interviews during most of his time in the White House but has been picking up the pace as of late. He was interviewed on CBSs 60 Minutes last month, making headlines for saying the COVID-19 pandemic is over, and sat with CNNs Jake Tapper earlier this month. He also appeared on Jimmy Kimmels late night show in June. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Biden on Thursday reiterated his commitment to close cooperation between the United States and United Kingdom in response to the resignation of British Prime Minister Liz Truss. The United States and the United Kingdom are strong Allies and enduring friends and that fact will never change, he said in a statement. Truss resigned on Thursday after her policies triggered further economic turmoil in the U.K. A leadership election to decide the next prime minister will be held within the week. When asked later by reporters if Truss did the right thing, Biden said, Well, thats for her to decide. But, look, she was a great partner on Russia and on Ukraine. And, the British are going to solve their problems, he added. But, she was a good partner. Biden thanked Truss in his statement for her partnership on a range of issues including holding Russia accountable for its war against Ukraine. We will continue our close cooperation with the U.K. government as we work together to meet the global challenges our nations face, the president said. Truss will become the shortest-serving prime minister in British history. She was appointed by the late Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 6, just days before the monarchs death, and spoke to King Charles III on Thursday to notify him of her resignation. Just a month ago, Biden met with Truss in person at the United National General Assembly in New York. The president, in that meeting, reiterated his commitment to the U.K.s peace agreement with Northern Ireland. Truss has backed a proposal that critics say would unwind parts of the deal that ended the Northern Ireland conflict. The U.K.s exit from the European Union sparked renewed concerns about the possibility of a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, which would upset the agreement. Also in that bilateral meeting, the two discussed the economic relationship between the U.S. and U.K., as well as energy and economy security for Britain and the war in Ukraine. Story continues Biden attended the queens funeral in London days before the New York meeting, which Truss thanked him for. Updated: 11:38 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Biden administration is awarding $2.8 billion in federal grants to 20 companies that are involved in the production of electric vehicle batteries, the White House announced Wednesday. The funding for the grants was provided in the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that President Joe Biden signed into law last November. The grants will focus on the supply chain of materials needed to produce electric vehicles, with an emphasis on developing domestic sources and processing capabilities of key materials including lithium, graphite and nickel. China and other foreign producers currently dominate the supply of many crucial components used in electric vehicles. One project receiving funding involves building the first large-scale commercial lithium electrolyte salt production facility in the U.S., with the goal of producing enough lithium for 2 million electric vehicles per year, the Energy Department said. (For more details on the projects being funded, see this White House Fact Sheet.) Producing advanced batteries and components here at home will accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels to meet the strong demand for electric vehicles, creating more good-paying jobs across the country, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement. Fossil fuels still in focus: Biden addressed more immediate energy concerns by releasing 15 million barrels of oil from the U.S. strategic reserve. The move, which completes a drawdown of 180 million barrels the president authorized earlier this year, comes after a group of oil-producing nations led by Saudi Arabia announced cutbacks in production of up to 2 million barrels a day to boost prices and ahead of a crucial midterm election in which voters are expressing worries about rising prices for all kinds of essentials, including gasoline. In remarks delivered at the White House, Biden emphasized the substantial decrease in fuel costs since summer. Let me repeat: Gas prices have come down and they continue to come down again, he said. But they're not falling fast enough. Story continues Gasoline prices are still higher than many consumers and the White House would like. While the average price per gallon of gas has fallen to $3.85 from a high of $5 in June, its still well above the pandemic-influenced level of $2.40 per gallon in place when Biden was inaugurated. The withdrawal leaves the supply of oil in the U.S. strategic reserve at about 400 million barrels, the lowest level in nearly 40 years. The administration says it will start to refill the reserve when oil prices drop below about $70 a barrel, or $15 lower than the current price. Biden denied that the move is politically motivated, but his partisan critics took raised questions about the timing of the release. Our oil reserves do not exist to win midterms, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said Tuesday. They exist to help this country in an emergency or in the midst of a storm. Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter. ORMOND BEACH As he settles into his role as the new executive director of the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties, Rob Lennick is well aware of the iconic stature of the leader that preceded him. Lennick, 66, who started over Labor Day weekend, fills the formidable vacancy created by the death of the Federations former longtime director Gloria Max, who devoted her life to helping students, families and others in need. I know that I have big shoes to fill, Lennick said on a recent afternoon as he met clients at the Federations Jerry Doliner Food Bank. Im going to do my best to carry on that mission. Rob Lennick, new executive director of the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties, at right, greets Ukrainian refugee Ostap Losyk recently at the Federation's Jerry Doliner Food Bank in Ormond Beach. Lennick arrives with 40 years of experience, but controvery has swirled around his departure from his most recent job. Max served as the nonprofit organizations executive director from 1995 until her death following a long battle with cancer just a few days shy of her 81st birthday in September 2021. Remembering Gloria Max: Community champion dies: Ormond Beach's Gloria Max, 80, devoted life to helping others Gloria Max honored: News-Journal recognizes Volusia-Flagler's 2020 Influential Women in Business winners To many in the community, she was the tireless face of the Jewish Federations work that includes annual school-supply drives to assist thousands of students in Volusia and Flagler counties as well as weekly and holiday food distributions through the Federations Food Bank. Gloria Max is pictured with her husband, Ray, at the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties' Jerry Doliner Food Bank in Ormond Beach. She was the Federation's executive director from 1995 until her death from cancer in September 2021 at age 80. Lennick, a Reform rabbi, pledges to continue that work, harnessing 40 years of experience as a rabbi, executive officer, counselor and interfaith leader for congregations and organizations in Connecticut, Florida, Pennsylvania, Arkansas and New Mexico. Lennick's previous job marked by controversy As he introduces himself to the community, however, Lennick almost certainly will face questions related to controversy, investigations and lawsuits that continue to swirl around his departure from his most recent job as chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico. When Lennick stepped down from that post in May after three years, the New Mexico federation a fixture for 74 years had descended into a period of turmoil and dysfunction, according to media reports and court records. Story continues Rob Lennick, new executive director of the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties, at left, is pictured with Ukrainian refugee Ostap Losyk, his young son Zachar, Ostap's aunt Maria Zachar Galina Jewish Federation President Marvin Miller and executive assistant Janice Sumner at the Federation's Jerry Doliner Food Bank. Lennick replaces the Federation's longtime leader Gloria Max, who died of cancer in September 2021 at age 80. Three lawsuits revolve around allegations of intimidation and discriminatory behavior by Lennick that created and fostered a hostile and untenable work environment, according to lawsuit by one former employee. That lawsuit was filed in 2nd Judicial District Court in Bernalillo County New Mexico by Sara Koplik, a longtime employee who was laid off. A 13-year veteran of the organization, Koplik served as community outreach director and supervised five of the Federations six service programs. In the lawsuit, Koplik is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from individual members of the New Mexico Federation's executive committee and from Lennick, in his role as executive director, for gender discrimination, retaliation and creating and fostering a hostile work environment, among other things. Her lawsuit also states that the Federations executive committee offered Lennick a $30,000 loan for a home renovation and a contract extension that was approved by the board in February 2021. Later, board members accused the committee of concealing complaints against Lennick before the vote. In the wake of that controversy, about half the board members resigned. Four members who stayed on also filed a lawsuit, asking a New Mexico court to take over the federation to ensure its survival. Another former employee, Rabbi Jordi Gendra also filed a lawsuit against Lennick, the Federations executive committee and its president for discrimination based on national origin, retaliation and creating and fostering a hostile work environment. Gendra worked on the organizations Sephardic Heritage program, which encompassed Spanish and Portuguese citizenship processes. Its a program initiated by Spain as reparation for the expulsion of thousands of Jews during the Inquisition. Lennick declined to comment on the legal cases and circumstances surrounding his departure in New Mexico, based on the advice of his Albuquerque-based attorney Daymon Ely. Lawsuits allege harassing communication In his lawsuit, Gendra alleges that Lennick intentionally excluded him from decisions from programs that were his responsibility, sent a number of scathing emails demeaning his work and required him to maintain a work log not expected of other employees. Kopliks lawsuit also alleges that she was the recipient of harassing communication from Lennick, including a late-night email in December 2020, according to court records and media reports. In that email, Lennick advised Koplik to stop crossing out of your lane. I SEE IT OFTEN. Seriously, if you think you would do a better job as CEO please go make that case to the board. I welcome that. GO FOR IT. Both Koplik and Gendra seek punitive damages and attorneys fees, among other things in lawsuits stemming from a situation that has garnered national media coverage by religious news services such as the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The New Mexico Federation also commissioned two separate investigations into the allegations, according to court records and media reports. A report by a mediator, Philip Crump of Santa Fe, described Lennick as both a leader with an underlying caring nature that also was considered aggressive or abusive, inconsistent and disrespectful by some staff members. A second investigation by the Jackson Lewis law firm in Albuquerque found that Lennicks actions didnt rise to the level of illegal workplace harassment or discrimination. Phone messages to Crump and the law firm were not returned. This fall, the JTA news service reported that the Jewish Federation of New Mexico was on the brink of collapse, with its programs either suspended or delegated to other community organizations. Volusia Federation aware of New Mexico issues In considering Lennick for the executive director job, the 20-plus-member board of directors of the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler was well aware of the circumstances surrounding his departure in New Mexico, said Marvin Miller, federation president. We vetted him for three months; we got all the stories, said Miller, who dismissed the controversies as overblown. Its unfortunate, theres a split in the board out there. Marvin Miller, president of the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties, said that the Federation spent three months vetting its new exective director, Rob Lennick. Although Lennick has 40 years of leadership experience, his departure from his most recent job with the Jewish Federation of New Mexico was clouded by controversy. It became just like whats going on in America, where 50% of the people like each other, 50% dont and it just becomes nonsense, Miller said. People just get aggravated about a small rolling stone and it ends up as an avalanche. Experience lifted Lennick above other applicants Lennicks breadth of experience ultimately elevated him to the top of a field of eight applicants for the executive director job, Miller said. He declined to disclose Lennicks salary, but Max, the previous director, earned an annual salary of $97,786, according to IRS records. He had the highest qualifications as a rabbi and executive officer at eight different venues over a 40-year career in Boston, Connecticut, Arkansas, all of them gave him high marks, Miller said. Needy residents fill shopping carts in November 2021 at the annual Thanksgiving food giveaway by the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties. The Federation has hired Rob Lennick as its new executive director, following the death of the organization's longtime leader Gloria Max in September 2021. Based on the advice of the Volusia-Flagler Federation's attorney, board members had no comment on his hiring or the controversies in New Mexico, Miller said. He expressed concern about how the news might affect fund-raising efforts of the Federation, which reported $1.3 million in total revenue for the 2020 tax year according to IRS records. Supporting the community: With Gloria Max in spirit, Jewish Federation continues Thanksgiving food giveaway Its bad timing, he said, referring to the decision not to comment on Lennick's hiring. They (the board members) want to wait. Its nothing were hiding; they just dont want to talk about it. After a month in the leadership role, Lennick is "doing a great job," Miller said. "He's a real professional with a great background who is bringing a lot of new information and new ideas." In New Mexico, Lennicks attorney, Ely, said that his client is considering filing his own lawsuit, but hasnt yet done so. He described Lennick as a guy with integrity who was trying hard but got caught up in what was an existing dispute that he had nothing to do with. There were other problems that had nothing to do with him and it was easy to blame somebody who had come in from outside the community, Ely said. That happens, and when that happens my job is to set the record straight. In Lennicks interviews for the job with the Volusia-Flagler organization, he had an easygoing manner and he is very, very knowledgeable, not only in the workings of Jewish Federations, but having background as a rabbi gave him more credence, Miller said. That, in itself, turned out to be very important to us. Since his arrival, Lennick has been a frequent presence at the Federations Jerry Doliner Food Bank in Ormond Beach, Miller said. He has dug right in, gotten to meet everybody, he said. Hes a very good listener. Miller said that he thinks that the situation in New Mexico was caused by communication issues that involved more than Lennicks job performance. He is confident that such issues would be handled differently by the board of directors here. When people start to argue about small issues, they boil out of control, Miller said. We are, and we continue to be, very transparent. If theres an issue, we bring it right up and handle it then and there. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Jewish Federation hires Rob Lennick to replace iconic director Gloria Max Photo: a katz (Shutterstock) Planned Parenthood is one of the countrys leading reproductive rights organizations. It describes itself as a place that serves all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. But this week, a Black former employee put the organization on blast for what she describes as racism and mistreatment inside the powerful institution. According to BuzzFeed News, Nicole Moore was Planned Parenthoods Director of Multicultural Brand Engagement from January 2020 until she was fired in November 2021. She filed a lawsuit this week in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Read more According to the lawsuit, Planned Parenthood does not live up to its tagline to Care. No matter what, and instead has turned its back on Black employees who have reported instances of a hostile work environment, including unfair hiring and promotion practices. A portion of the lawsuit reads, Instead of addressing the issues, Planned Parenthood has doubled down by punishing employees of color who dare to speak up, pretextually disciplining them and creating working conditions so intolerable that they are effectively forced to leave. Moores lawsuit claims that one of her supervisors, Rachel Moreno, the Vice President of Brand and Culture, was inexplicably hostile toward her, shutting down her ideas and intentionally blocking her path to success. One of Moores Black colleagues, Nia Martin-Robinson, the Director of Black Leadership and Engagement, co-signed her complaints, saying she and other Black employees experienced hostility from Moreno. In the lawsuit, Black women say expressing their frustration was considered hostile. They also maintained a heavier workload and were held to a higher standard than non-black coworkers. Moore says she was placed on a performance improvement plan when she complained and ultimately fired in November 2021. Story continues This isnt the first time the organization has been accused of mistreating employees of color. Moores suit also mentions a 2020 BuzzFeed News report on claims of racism and hypocrisy inside Planned Parenthood. But lawyers for the organization are quick to contradict those claims. And Susan Manning, Planned Parenthood Federation of Americas Interim General Counsel, says they are looking forward to their day in court. Our staff is at the core of who we are, and we work every day to ensure a safe and welcoming environment, she said. We strongly dispute the plaintiffs allegations against the organization and categorically deny her claims of discrimination. Planned Parenthood will vigorously defend against this suit, and welcomes the opportunity to share the complete picture. Moore stands by her claims and hopes her suit will shed light on the fact that racism at Planned Parenthood directly impacts the access and quality of reproductive health care that Black women receive around the country. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Blackmagic Design is bringing it's popular DaVinci Resolve video editing app to the iPad, promising support for RAW, cloud collaboration and more, the company announced on Twitter. It won't be a full version of the PC/Mac app, as it will initially feature just the Cut and Color pages. Otherwise, though, "it will be similar to the desktop version," Blackmagic said. The iPad app will support file formats including H.264, H.265, Apple ProRes and Blackmagic RAW, with clips available from the "iPad Pro internal storage and Photos library, externally connected iCloud or USB-C media disks," the company wrote on Facebook. In addition, you'll be able to open desktop projects on the iPad version, including shared collaborative projects via Blackmagic Cloud. "This means DaVinci Resolve for iPad is the same professional tool, and the same codebase as used on major Hollywood feature films," Blackmagic pointed out. There are some changes to the UI because of the screen size, as the menu bar will be removed, for instance. In addition, there's no plan to bring the Edit page to the iPad version, as it's essentially designed for a keyboard and mouse. "This makes it very difficult to move to the iPad without changing it in a way that would cause problems for professional editors who rely on the edit page for their work," the company said. Because of that, the Cut page will gain new features, including "enhanced audio support, key framing , split edits and more." The Fusion effects and Fairlight audio tools aren't available yet either, "because their software code has not yet been redesigned for the iPad." However, the company plans to work on those pages and include them in a future release. DaVinci Resolve is a popular app with professional editors, in part because of its powerful color correction tools making Engadget's list of the best editing apps. In addition, there's a powerful free version of the app and the paid version costs just $300, with all future updates free. That has proven tempting for editors who don't want to pay a monthly fee to use Adobe's Premiere, After Effects and Audition tools. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A convicted felon who was released from prison after giving key trial testimony about the slaying of Tennessee nursing student Holly Bobo plans to plead guilty to weapons charges filed shortly after he was granted his freedom, court documents show. A federal judge set a Nov. 22 hearing for Jason Autry, who was arrested in December 2020 after he tried to run away from a sheriffs deputy in a rural field, where the deputy found a Marlin rifle. Autry was then indicted on charges of possessing a weapon and ammunition as a felon with prior violent offenses. Autry had pleaded not guilty, but he has agreed to change his plea to guilty, according to an Oct. 4 court filing obtained by The Associated Press. Autry had faced 15 years to life in prison under the charges in a third superseding indictment issued Sept. 29. It was not immediately clear Thursday what sentence he faces under the plea agreement. Autry's lawyer did not immediately return a call and an email seeking comment Thursday. Autry has been convicted of 10 prior felonies in state and federal court. He was a star witness in the 2017 trial of Zachary Adams, who was found guilty of murder, especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated rape of Bobo. Adams was sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years. Bobo was 20 when she vanished from her familys home in rural Parsons in April 2011, prompting a large-scale search of woods, fields and farms. Her remains were found more than three years later, in September 2014, in woods not far from her home, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) southwest of Nashville. The search received national attention, with missing person flyers bearing Bobo's face distributed in many states and national news outlets focusing on the case. At the time, it was the most expensive and exhaustive case in the history of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, according to Mark Gwyn, who was the TBI's director during the search for Bobo. Story continues Autry received leniency and struck a deal with prosecutors in return for his calm, detailed and graphic testimony about Bobos kidnapping, rape and killing. Autry said he served as a lookout as Adams fatally shot Bobo under a bridge near a river. It sounded like, boom, boom, boom, underneath that bridge. It was just one shot but it echoed, Autry testified. Birds went everywhere, all up under that bridge. Then just dead silence for just a second. Hardin County Judge C. Creed McGinley sentenced Autry to eight years in state prison after Autry pleaded guilty to solicitation to commit murder and facilitation of especially aggravated kidnapping in the Bobo case. Judge McGinley praised Autrys hours-long testimony. His testimony was some of the most credible, persuasive testimony Ive ever heard given in a courtroom, the judge said at Autrys sentencing in September 2020. Autry was credited with time served and released from prison hours after sentencing. He had been free for about two months until his encounter with a sheriffs deputy in Benton County, about 85 miles (136 kilometers) west of Nashville. The deputy saw Autry lying in a field and searched him for weapons, finding none, according to an affidavit filed in federal court by Ashley Robertson, a task force officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Deputy Stacey Bostwick let Autry go after finding no pending arrest warrants. Bostwick then searched the area and found a rifle, the affidavit said. The deputy returned to his car and followed Autry, finding him walking down a driveway of a home in Holladay, the affidavit said. Autry ran toward the home, but stopped when ordered by Bostwick, who asked him about the rifle. Autry said he had been attempting to shoot a deer with the gun and that he had lied down in the field when he observed Deputy Bostwicks patrol car, the affidavit said. Autry's change of plea hearing is set to take place in Jackson, about 85 miles (136 kilometers) east of Memphis. Before he enters the guilty plea, he will be arraigned on the latest indictment. That hearing is set for Friday. UPDATE: Robert Villanueva, the former manager, engaged in the scheme between about 2008 and 2013. The scheme involved contacting individuals in the Philippines and convincing them to emigrate to the United States to work as waiters, cooks and food preparation workers, according to an indictment obtained by McClatchy News. Several dozen immigrant workers were recruited. Once in the U.S. and under the employ of the Thatched Cottage, where they were mistreated, Villanueva told them that if they left their residence or spoke with anyone, the police would catch them. Victims eventually escaped to nonprofit agencies, who then alerted the Department of Labor, according to officials. The original story continues below. For some wedding attendees, the Thatched Cottage, an upscale catering hall in Long Island, New York, was a spectacular venue plucked from a fairy tale with top notch service, Yelp reviews say. For some employees, however, it was a place of misery, federal officials say. Multiple staff members, immigrants from the Philippines, were forced to work long hours without pay and made to live in squalid conditions, the Justice Department said. The businesss former manager and recruiter, Roberto Villanueva, who pleaded guilty to forced labor conspiracy in 2020, was sentenced to six years in prison on Oct. 19, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York. Villanuevas attorney could not immediately be reached by McClatchy News for comment, and a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Villanueva exploited his victims immigration status, promising them the American dream, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said, but instead threatening arrest or deportation if they didnt work 16 hours a day, often unpaid, sleeping on bug infested mattresses covered in garbage bags, without heat or hot water. Before his arrest in 2017, Villanueva, together with the former owner of the Thatched Cottage, brought workers over from the Philippines on H-2B visas that expired soon after their arrival as part of a bait-and-switch tactic, according to the release. Story continues They then showed workers how to apply for student visas by lying about their intentions to attend school full-time, the release said. Funds were occasionally deposited into workers accounts to create the guise of financial independence and then withdrawn after visas were approved, according to the release. Workers were then required to work grueling hours, for little or no pay, according to the release. If they objected, Villanueva threatened to report them to the police or immigration authorities. The Thatched Cottage, built in 1920, shuttered in 2014, according to Huntington Now. A new business is now operating at the same location. The owner of the Thatched Cottage also pleaded guilty to forced labor charges in 2018, the outlet reported. Many of the victims of forced labor in the United States work in the hospitality industry, and most enter the country legally on H-2A and H-2B visas, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The Brazilian influencer Nubia Cristina Braga has been killed in a hail of gunfire at her home, local media report. The social media personality was shot and killed by two gunmen on motorcycles at her house. The attackers then fled the area, according to the New York Post. Ms Braga, who had almost 60,000 followers on Instagram, was discovered dead at her home in the Santa Maria neighbourhood of Aracaju on 14 October, Jam Press reported. Authorities have said that Ms Braga was returning home after visiting a hair salon, shown in her last story on Instagram. Local media reported that the two gunmen arrives on motorbikes, entered the home through the front door, which was open at the time, and shot her several times before leaving. Ms Braga was found dead in a pool of her own blood at around 9pm. An investigation has been launched into the murder of the 23-year-old, but the attackers remain unknown. The police is asking the public to share any information that may help solve the case. Ms Braga often posted content about travel and fashion. She also operated a clothing store, according to The Post. Her aunt, Claudia Menezes, said that Nubia did volunteer work and helped everyone, adding she left a legacy behind, the paper noted. More follows... The Brevard County Sheriffs Office said it is now better equipped to communicate directly in real time with hospitals during any emergency. Its thanks to some new technology. Read: A tragic loss: 2nd woman dies after being hit by truck while walking on Melbourne sidewalk The county is the first in the state to get an enhanced emergency response system. Photos: Brevard County deputies showcase enhanced emergency response system It can allow a caller inside a Health First hospital to share video with investigators in real time and communicate with their phones. Watch: Victim drove Amazon truck to flee scene after being shot, witnesses say Sheriff Wayne Ivey said this same technology can be a game changer during unthinkable events, like an active shooter in a hospital or even a school. Images can also be shared from drones and law enforcement helicopters in real time. Watch: No other choice: Immigrants continue to face language barriers in daily lives 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. (Bloomberg) -- Most Read from Bloomberg Backers of Boris Johnson in the ruling Conservative Party are calling for his return as UK prime minister following the dramatic resignation of his successor in 10 Downing Street, Liz Truss. Johnson, who was only ousted as Britains leader in July, hasnt yet declared his candidacy but is eligible because he remains a Conservative MP. The Times newspaper reported that Johnson is expected to stand, without saying where it obtained the information. Johnson himself has not commented publicly. Runners and Riders: Who Could Replace Liz Truss as UK Leader? His candidacy would be a dramatic twist even in a period of unprecedented chaos in British politics since the 2016 Brexit referendum. Truss herself is set to become the shortest-ruling prime minister in British history when she formally steps down next week, after seeing her premiership implode due to a lack of political instinct and a fierce backlash against her economic plans. In Johnsons favor is that he still has a sizable group of loyal and vocal backers in Westminster, many of whom credit him for winning their seats at the 2019 general election when he secured a landslide victory. Grassroots Tory members -- who normally have the final say in a Tory leadership contest once MPs have whittled the field down to two -- are also big fans of Johnson. A major hurdle, however, would be winning sufficient support among Conservative MPs to reach the final two of the leadership ballot. Johnson was forced out in disgrace after an exodus of ministers from his scandal-ridden government, and many MPs balk at the suggestion of his return. Story continues As recently as June, 148 Tory MPs voted that they had no confidence in him, and while he did survive the ballot, he was gone weeks later. Johnson also has a major cloud hanging over him in the form of a parliamentary probe into whether he lied to lawmakers over the rule-breaking parties held in Downing Street as Covid-19 spread across the country. The Tory leadership contest is due to be completed by next Friday. No candidates have yet formally declared they are running, but prominent figures including ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt are expected to throw their hats into the ring. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Misrach Ewunetie, 20, has been missing for nearly a week. Princeton University/Twitter Misrach Ewunetie, a 20-year-old Princeton University student, has been missing for nearly a week. Her brother warned that "time is of the essence" as authorities ramp up their search for the woman. "Every second, every minute really matters," Ewunetie's brother told "Good Morning America." A Princeton University student has been missing for nearly a week and her worried brother says "time is of the essence" as authorities ramp up their search for the young woman. Misrach Ewunetie, a 20-year-old junior at the Ivy League school in New Jersey, was last seen at around 3 a.m. Friday on campus at the university's Scully Hall where she lives, the college has said. The undergraduate's cell phone last pinged at an off-campus housing complex roughly a 30-minute walk from her dorm at around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, according to the woman's brother, Universe Ewunetie. "It's pretty far away," Universe told ABC's "Good Morning America" in an interview on Thursday, adding, "It's very odd that her phone would be off campus." The missing woman's brother said that his family will "take any help we can find" to locate Misrach. "We just want the law to be faster because time is of the essence," Universe said during the interview, explaining, "Every second, every minute really matters." There has been increased law enforcement presence on and around Princeton University's campus as authorities have intensified their search with the use of a helicopter, drones, and boats, the school has said. Princeton's Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun said in a statement this week that on Sunday the school's Department of Public Safety was notified by Misrach's family that they had not heard from her in several days. The family asked DPS to conduct a well-being check, Calhoun said. "Since Sunday, DPS has been actively working with the [Mercer County] Prosecutor's Office and with state and local police departments to follow all leads in the search for Misrach," said Calhoun. Story continues The university officially reported Misrach missing on Monday. "I cannot explain, it's a nightmare that I cannot wake up from," Universe told The Sun in an interview published on Wednesday. He described his sister who is slated to graduate in 2024 as "a very principled, smart girl" and someone who is a "loving and caring person, beautiful inside and out." The night before Misrach vanished, she volunteered at one of Princeton's popular eating clubs, according to The Daily Princetonian. According to "Good Morning America," Misrach went back to her dorm room at around 3 a.m. on Friday and one of her suitemates saw her brush her teeth and go to her room. When Misrach's roommate got to their dorm at around 4:30 a.m., Misrach was not there, according to "Good Morning America." Misrach's family reportedly grew alarmed after the young woman missed an interview for her United States citizenship application that was scheduled for that weekend. Universe told The Sun that his family came to the US from Ethiopia in 2008 and that Misrach was raised in Ohio. "She is very loved," Universe said of his sister. Read the original article on Insider A Hughson resident and business owner faces charges of embezzlement and grand theft for allegedly stealing nearly $200,000 from three nonprofit foundations in Oakdale. In a news release, the citys Police Department said Lana Casey, who served as a board member and signer for the nonprofits, was arrested Wednesday. In June, the OPDs Investigations Unit was alerted to the thefts by several board members who discovered that money was missing from their foundations accounts. Police investigators issued a search warrant for Caseys bank accounts and discovered that dozens of checks from the organizations were deposited to her account, the news release says. Casey was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center but did not appear in the in-custody log late Wednesday afternoon. Investigators believe she may have assisted in other similar thefts of organizations in the area, but the release did not indicate other suspects are being sought. Police have not released which nonprofits were allegedly victimized. However, a December 2021 Modesto Bee article said Casey was on the board of Pacific Project Heroes, which supports veterans and first responders. Social media pages indicate she owns the Oakdale shop Lanas Spur of the Moment, and police confirmed that on Thursday. People with information about the investigation or who believe they may be victims are urged to call Detective Madyson Falconi at 209-605-3519 or 209-847-2231. Associated Press The extended Senate campaign in Georgia between the Democratic incumbent, Raphael Warnock, and his Republican challenger, football legend Herschel Walker, has grown increasingly bitter as their Dec. 6 runoff nears. With Democrats already assured a Senate majority, its a striking contrast from two years ago, when the state's twin runoffs were mostly about which party would control the chamber in Washington. Herschel Walker aint serious, Warnock told supporters recently in central Georgia, saying that Walker majors in lying and fumbles the basics of public policy. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection firearms instructor was fatally shot at a Miami-area gun range Wednesday, officials said. Police were called to the range west of Miami shortly before 10:30 a.m. and found an officer shot. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, Miami-Dade police said. Details about how the shooting occurred were not released at an afternoon news conference, and the officer was not immediately identified. Law enforcement officers investigate the death of a Customs and Border Protection officer who was shot Wednesday at a gun range in Miami-Dade County. (WTVJ) CBP spokesman Michael Silva told reporters the officer was a spouse, father and just all-around great guy. He was assigned to Miami International Airport and a firearms instructor, Silva said. Great officer, a great family, and its a tragic loss, Silva said at the news conference, according to live video carried by WPLG-TV of Miami. The officer was on duty at the weapons range when the shooting occurred, the agency said in a statement. Miami-Dade police are investigating. A police spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for more details Wednesday night. NBC Miami, citing police, reported that preliminary findings suggest the shooting was an accident. Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Freddy Ramirez III said in a statement that the police department offered its condolences to the border agency. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Albanias capital city will soon get a new mountain in the form of Mount Tirana, a skyscraper finished in stone and dotted with living plants. Danish architecture firm CEBRA won the competition to design the new landmark in the heart of the city, which will be Albanias tallest building at 606 feet when complete. It will be built using locally sourced materials and native plants to minimize its carbon footprint, and the spacious terraces on its slopes will reduce the need for air conditioning. Rendering for CEBRA's upcoming Mount Tirana tower design for Albania's capital city. Mount Tirana takes inspiration from Albanias distinctive mountains, celebrating the national identity and cultural heritage of the country on Southwestern Europes Balkan Peninsula. Its 70,000-square-foot interior will include housing, a boutique hotel, offices, a business area, commercial facilities, restaurants, cafes, and parking facilities. The ground floor, connected to adjacent parklands, will act as one big urban living room for the city. Mount Tirana is set within the citys core downtown area close to the National Theater of Opera and Ballet of Albania and the National Historical Museum. View out at the surrounding misty mountains from a Mount Tirana terrace. View down at all the outdoor terraces lining the exterior of Mount Tirana. Mountains are one of natures most impressive features, said Mikkel Frost, Founding Partner and Architect at CEBRA. Everlasting, awe-inspiring, and beautiful, they are the original landmarks. By using the mountains of Albania as our main source of inspiration, we tap into the local history, the cultural heritage, and the identity of Albania. This symbolic landmark will create an elegant connection between the ever-transforming urban fabric of Tirana and the natural surroundings an architectural hybrid between a tower and a mountain and an international typology, which is locally anchored. Lush, terraced pinnacle of CEBRA's Mount Tirana in Albania's capital city. Coming to a sharp point at its pinnacle, the new biophilic skyscraper will certainly stand out in the Tirana skyline, even with so many new and interesting architectural projects taking shape around it. The city is in the midst of a major construction boom, with other big developments in the works including MVRDVs Downtown One Tirana, a mixed-use building with a pixelated facade; BIGs new National Theater of Albania, which resembles a giant bow tie; and a new iteration of Stefano Boeris Vertical Forest, which will be covered in over 3,200 shrubs and bushes (the first two are located in Milan). Mount Tirana was chosen by an international jury, including Albanaian Prime Minister Edi Rama, the Mayor of Tirana, four internationally acclaimed architects, and the client, Nova Construction 2012. Construction will begin immediately. CEBRA's vertical tower in the context of downtown Tirana, Albania. Founded in 2001 by architects Mikkel Frost, Carsten Primdahl, and Kolja Nielsen, CEBRA is an architecture and design practice based in Aarhus, Denmark. The firm employs a multidisciplinary international staff of more than 65 architects, urban planners, landscape architects, academics, and administrative personnel. Theyre known for their sensitivity to the landscape, ecology, and cultural history of each site, developing projects that are visually striking yet harmonious with their surroundings. Ground-floor view of CEBRA's upcoming Mount Tirana skyscraper. Lush trees and plants run up the entire facade of the towering Mount Tirana. Empathy is at the core of how we create architecture, and we listen to the world around us to gain a deep understanding of local cultures, conditions, climate, and building traditions, the firm states. At the same time, we focus on creating architecture for the senses. In interdisciplinary teams we practice artistic leadership and speak up for emotional impact to create architecture that is both bold, beautiful, and useful. The post CEBRAs Mount Tirana Claims the Title of Albanias Tallest Landmark first appeared on Dornob. Memphians ask questions during an informational session with the EPA at Monumental Baptist Church on Oct. 18, 2022 in Memphis. Ethylene oxide, a chemical medical officials say is linked to higher cancer rates, has been used at Sterilization Services of Tennessee since at least 1979, said the director of the Shelby County Health Department Dr. Michelle Taylor. Sterilization Services of Tennessee, located in South Memphis on Florida Street, is a commercial sterilization facility that uses EtO to clean medical equipment. The EPA identified the facility as an elevated risk for those who live in the surrounding areas. Along with introducing some background on Sterilization Services of Tennessee, including the facility being permitted since 1985, Taylor introduced a cancer study to compare what areas in Shelby County return higher cancer rates. Critics and community activists say additional studies are not needed, though. In a Q&A portion of the evening meeting, Memphis Community Against Pollution co-founder Justin J. Pearson referenced previous cancer studies "In 2013 a study came out by Dr. Jia Chunrong at the University of Memphis...Same professor, two months ago, released another study," Pearson said in a community meeting hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday evening. "We don't need to wait. You want qualitative research? How many people here know somebody who has died of cancer or has been sick themselves?" In the approximate four-square-mile area in South Memphis, the lifetime risk of cancer for the immediate area is 100 out of 1 million, according to the EPA. This means that if 1 million people are exposed to the sampled level of EtO for 24 hours a day for 70 years, 100 people are likely to develop cancer. Daniel Blackman, EPA administrator for region 4, spoke to Memphians during an informational session at Monumental Baptist Church on Oct. 18, 2022 in Memphis. Those nearest to the facility face a lifetime cancer risk of 2,000 people out of 1 million. Representatives from the EPA also spoke, emphasizing the numbers shown on the map are models and not realistic. They also said monitoring EtO regularly, the way ozone and particulate matter are, is not possible right now. "The nature of the chemical itself makes it very hard to measure," said Madeline Beal, the senior risk communication advisor for the EPA. "We can measure it at high levels...unfortunately, with the science, we cannot monitor EtO at levels we feel are safe. The best we can do is modeling because it helps us understand what we think the risk is." Story continues The EPA has monitored and regulated EtO for decades, with venting practices having regulations in 1994 as a way to limit the concentration of the chemical for the air surrounding a facility, with inhalation being the most common way for people to ingest EtO. Sterilization Services of Tennessee uses three different venting practices, one of which has been unregulated by the EPA since 2001. Between 1994 and 2001, all three practices sterilization chamber vents, aeration room vents and chamber exhaust vents were controlled by the EPA. However, in 2001, chamber exhaust vents, which are commonly called back vents, were deregulated. The deregulation stemmed from some facilities overfeeding their monitoring machines in 1997, causing explosions at a few of the locations. The EPA conducted an investigation and, in 2001, stripped all regulations for back vents. In South Memphis, over 80% of the emissions from Sterilization Services of Tennessee come from what are called "fugitive emissions," which are any emissions coming from unregulated areas, such as windows, doors, and back vents. The EPA's newfound concern comes from 2016 data where they say the chemical is about forty times more toxic than previously thought. Caroline Freeman, the EPA's region 4 air and radiation division director, said new regulations are coming, but would not specify what they would be. A public comment period will be open, and the final rule could come as soon as 2023. Following that period would be a three-year period for existing commercial sterilizers, including Sterilization Services of Tennessee, to be compliant with those regulations. Sterilization Services of Tennessee is part of a three-location chain of Sterilization Services, with the other two located in Richmond, Virginia, and Atlanta. It is the company's first location, opening in 1976, and is the second largest of the three at 45,500 square feet. Lucas Finton is a news reporter for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by email at Lucas.Finton@CommercialAppeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: EPA says new regulations coming for cancer-causing chemical SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's police on Thursday foiled a bomb attack in Santiago as they found an explosive device placed in the eastern side of the capital city, Interior Minister Carolina Toha said, adding that authorities have opened an investigation to find those responsible for the threat. Security forces blocked access to an area comprised of corporate buildings in the wealthy business district of Las Condes after receiving an alert about a suspicious object. "Specialized police personnel arrived at the scene and the package was indeed a bomb," Toha told local radio station Biobio. "We still have to assay the characteristics of this bomb, the potential it had," she added. "It was not detonated and now an investigation has to be carried out effectively to find the people who made this attempted attack". Some local media reported that the object was found in a building where offices of industrial group Empresas Copec are located. (Reporting by Fabian Andres Cambero; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) BEIJING (Reuters) - China is considering cutting the time that inbound visitors have to stay in COVID-19 quarantine, from 10 to seven days, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. A strict "zero-COVID" policy has been a damper on the world's second-largest economy, contributing to concerns about a global recession, and international investors are closely watching for any sign of a relaxation of the rules. China now requires travellers to isolate for 10 days on entry into the country, with seven days in a hotel room, followed by three days of home monitoring. Officials are targeting a cut in the quarantine period to two days in a hotel and then five days at home, Bloomberg said. The National Health Commission did not immediately respond to a fax from Reuters seeking comment on the report. The reported cut in quarantine comes as Beijing boosts measures to stop COVID, strengthening public checks and locking down some residential compounds after a quadrupling of its case load in recent weeks. The news agency said there was no clarity on how the new rules on home quarantine would apply to foreigners and other visitors without a residence in China. In recent days, China has repeated its pledge to stick to its zero-COVID policy despite growing public frustration with it and its toll on the economy. While China's approach to containing outbreaks remains tough, it is mindful of not excessively curbing cross-border travel for reasons other than leisure, such as for business and study. China last reduced its quarantine requirements on inbound travellers, including Chinese nationals, at the end of June. Since then, more international passenger flights in and out of China have also been allowed to resume. (Reporting by Beijing Newsroom and Kanjyik Ghosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Stephen Coates) By Martin Quin Pollard and Eduardo Baptista BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Thursday defended its more assertive approach to foreign policy taken under President Xi Jinping and said its diplomats will "dare to fight" despite criticism that its so-called Wolf Warrior stance can backfire on the global stage. Chinese diplomats in the UK are under scrutiny this week after a Hong Kong protester was seen being dragged into the Chinese consulate in Manchester on Sunday and assaulted in an incident which the police are investigating. "To dare to fight is the spiritual character of Chinese diplomacy," China's vice foreign minister, Ma Zhaoxu, told a news conference in Beijing on Thursday on the sidelines of the ruling Communist Party's twice-a-decade congress. "Chinese diplomacy will continue to display fighting spirit, improve our ability to fight, always stand ready at the frontline to protect our national interest and dignity," he added. Britain on Tuesday summoned China's charge d'affaires in London to explain what had happened at the consulate on Sunday, with British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly saying the protest, which involved 30 to 40 people including Hong Kong citizens now resident in Britain, had been peaceful and legal. China has disputed this and other critical accounts of its diplomats' actions during events which took place at a demonstration on Sunday against Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi is widely expected to secure a precedent-breaking third leadership term at the 20th party congress, which ends this weekend. China's consul general in Manchester, Zheng Xiyuan, who has been accused of involvement in the incident, defended his actions, saying the man had been "abusing my country, my leader." "It is my duty," Zheng told Sky News on Wednesday. "I think any diplomats, if faced with such kind of behaviour we should maintain our dignity." Story continues As relations with the West have soured over issues from human rights to COVID-19, Chinese diplomats have, under Xi, become more assertive on the public stage. Some critics see such stridency as intended for a domestic audience that nonetheless hurts its foreign ties, for example when Frances foreign ministry summoned Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye over repeated insults and threats aimed at French lawmakers and a researcher in March 2021. A global survey released last month by the Washington-based Pew Research Center found public opinion towards China in the United States and other advanced economies had turned "precipitously more negative" under Xi. The combative Wolf Warrior diplomatic style was nicknamed after a popular patriotic Chinese movie franchise. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista, Yew Lun Tian, James Pomfret, Martin Quin Pollard; Writing by Martin Quin Pollard; Editing by Lincoln Feast) TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) If not for the coronavirus pandemic, Feng-Feng Yeh might never have learned about a lesser-known chapter of Chinese American history in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona. Yeh was an executive chef in New York City when the shutdown took away her job and career plans. She pulled up stakes and moved back home, turning instead to her passion for public art. Looking for inspiration, Yeh delved into the local history of Chinese immigrants, which she'd heard only bits and pieces of all her life. On the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center website, she learned that Chinese-owned mom-and-pop grocery stores were a thriving industry in Tucson from the 1900s on. More than businesses, they were lifelines for Mexican American communities. The stores even started preparing Mexican chorizo the spicy, ground-pork breakfast staple. It earned the nickname Chinese chorizo." "I was very moved by the story of allyship between Mexican and Chinese Americans at a time when all these pivotal immigration policies were being enacted that were quite racist," Yeh said. I thought that was something that you dont learn in school, especially in Arizona. I thought it was something that should be recognized and shared. Chinese immigrants settling in Arizona were doing so in the shadow of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, the U.S. government's first race-based immigration policy. Both Chinese and Mexican immigrants faced racism despite being instrumental to the workforce. Its a history that older Tucson Chinese residents say they have spent years trying to make more visible. Yeh proposed erecting an 11-foot (3.4 meters) tall sculpture of two chorizo sausage links, and recently won a grant through the Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art and the Andy Warhol Foundation. To promote the endeavor, she organized the inaugural Tucson Chinese Chorizo Festival. For the month of October, several local restaurants and food trucks have been serving weekend specials with meat and vegan chorizo. Story continues Even many locals are unaware of Tucson's significant Chinese presence. The 15,000-square-foot Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is a bustling hub that's part community center and part museum, and serves at least 5,000. Established in 2005, it has a multipurpose room, commercial kitchen, classrooms, and a lounge with tables for mahjong. On the walls are display boards with mini-profiles of long-gone Chinese grocery stores. The center also has a YouTube channel that includes a 2014 video on Chinese chorizo. A lot of people dont know we exist after 17 years. So, weve been trying to get the word out, said Susan Chan, the center's executive director. Starting in 1900, Chinese-owned grocery stores prospered and became an economic force in Tucson. By the 1940s, there were 130 families running a little over 100 grocery stores in the city. The number of stores dwindled in the 70s and 80s due to an influx of supermarket chains, convenience stores, and a younger generation of Chinese Americans uninterested in the family business. Allen Lews father, Joe Wee Lew, opened his first of three stores, Joes Super Market, in 1955. Lew began working in the market as a fourth grader. He still helped out until the last store closed after three decades in business. He and his four siblings grew up serving Mexican and Native American customers. Everyone felt like they were all a big neighborhood family. In a pre-food stamp era, many Chinese grocers would let struggling customers pay whenever. A lot of them get paid like once a month, every two weeks, and they ran out of money, Lew recalled. Theyll tell my Dad or the other Chinese (grocers), Can you give me credit?... We give them credit no charge, no interest, no nothing. Lew, 74 and a longtime board member of the center, remembers watching his father or the Hispanic butcher he employed making chorizo. They used the end pieces of big rolls of bologna or salami, boiled ham or other cold cuts. The butcher would cut off the fats and things that were part of the meat that were kind of bad. He would take that out and then you threw organ meats and all that and you make it just like hotdogs, Lew said. For the festival, Chinese-made chorizo is being celebrated with inventive dishes trying to fuse Chinese and Mexican cultures. At Mexican restaurant BOCA, for instance, chef and James Beard Award semi-finalist Maria Mazon made vegan and regular chorizo eggrolls with a carrot and papaya slaw topped with a fried egg. Breakfast/brunch hot spot 5 Points came up with Tamal Niangao charred, sticky masa cakes with chorizo, green onion, Napa cabbage and chilies in a soy maggi glaze. Jicama, cilantro and two poached eggs are then piled on. The 500-plus pounds of meat and plant-based chorizo given to restaurants for the festival was made at a local butcher, Forbes Meat Company. Yeh devised the vegan recipe. She invited Jackie Tran, a Tucson food writer and owner of Trans Fats food truck, to work on the pork one. It was definitely something that fascinated him, said Tran, who is of Chinese and Vietnamese descent. But he definitely didn't throw in odds and ends. And he added dashes of spices like Sichuan pepper, coriander seed and Chinese five-spice powder. For the sculpture, Yeh is partnering with Carlos Valenzuela, a Mexican and indigenous artist born in Tucson. Valenzuela will make the red mosaic tiles for the piece. His grandfather had a running account with a local Chinese grocery store. It didn't occur to him at first that his involvement was a nice full-circle development. I just went into it thinking, Wow, this is a really unique project, really an opportunity to talk about that history that hardly ever gets talked about, Valenzuela said. If the idea of a balloon-animal-esque chorizo sculpture elicits a laugh, thats the way Yeh wants it. I think its eye-catching for tourists to come and recognize that this town is a town that was heavily influenced by Chinese culture, which I dont think a lot of people know, said Yeh, who still needs more funds for the sculpture. What does Lew, the son of a Chinese grocer, think about a chorizo sculpture? Thats great, Lew said. I was surprised because I think when you grow up and youve done something all your life here, you dont think its a big thing. So, you dont promote it. But someone outside thinks, This is different. This is neat. ___ Terry Tang is a member of The Associated Press Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ttangAP Dave Chappelle, left, and Chris Rock appear backstage at the 2016 Oscars. (Matt Sayles / Invision / Associated Press) Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle are bringing their joint comedy tour to California for a limited run this winter. The global film and TV stars, who cut their teeth as touring comics, will co-headline seven more shows, capitalizing on the success of their recent sold-out European arena tour. The new leg begins Dec. 1 in San Diego at the Viejas Arena at the Aztec Bowl. After a stop in Phoenix at the Footprint Center on Dec. 5, Rock and Chappelle will work their way up the California coast. The Emmy winners will appear at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Dec. 7, SAP Center in San Jose on Dec. 10, Chase Center in San Francisco on Dec. 11 and Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Dec. 12. They'll wrap the limited tour on Dec. 14 at the Acrisure Arena at Greater Palm Springs in Thousand Palms, Calif., according to Live Nation. "Arguably the two greatest stand-up comedians of their generation, Rock and Chappelle are not just comics, theyre good friends who express ranging views while celebrating their mutual respect for each other," the promoter said in a Thursday statement. General on sale for tickets begins Friday on Ticketmaster.com. As usual, no cellphones, cameras or recording devices are allowed at the shows, and attendees will have to secure their devices, including smartwatches, in Yondr pouches that are unlocked at the end of the show, Live Nation said. In September, the comedy legends performed a joint show at London's O2 arena, where they both addressed high-profile altercations they experienced onstage earlier this year, as well as the firestorm Chappelle ignited with transphobic jokes he made in his polarizing Netflix special "The Closer." Rock, lest anyone forget, was infamously slapped by Oscar winner Will Smith onstage while presenting at the Academy Awards last March. Weeks later, when he joined Chappelle for the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Chappelle was attacked by a man who was promptly subdued and taken into custody. (The man was later charged with four misdemeanors.) Story continues The incidents have turned into material for both the "Amsterdam" star and "Chappelle's Show" headliner, with each of them quipping about their respective altercations in later appearances, although Rock has kept pretty tight-lipped about the slap seen 'round the world. However, during a Phoenix show in August, Rock told the audience that he turned down hosting the Oscars next year because returning to Hollywoods biggest night would be like returning to a crime scene, he joked. (Rock hosted the awards ceremony in 2005 and 2016.) The "Grown Ups" star also said he turned down a post-slap Super Bowl commercial offer. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Two new specials on South Carolinas now-infamous Murdaugh family will air in the next two weeks. First up is a discussion-based special report from CNN called The Murdaugh Murders: A Twisted Tale of Power and Money, which will feature The States John Monk, the South Carolina Press Associations journalist of the year for 2021 who has covered courts, crime, politics, public corruption, the environment and other issues in the Carolinas for more than 40 years. The CNN report is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Also on the panel are Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, of the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, both formerly of FITS News. Matney has been investigating the Murdaugh family since Paul Murdaugh crashed his fathers boat into a piling, killing one of the five friends with him after a night of drinking in 2019. Farrell is an award winning columnist formerly of the Island-Packet. Another panel will include attorneys involved in the multiple lawsuits against disgraced lawyer Alex Murdaugh, who is also charged with financial crimes and with murdering his wife, Maggie, and son Paul in June 2021. Murdaugh is scheduled to stand trial in that case beginning Jan. 23. A third panel will involve victims, including Sandy Smith, whose son Stephen was found dead on a rural road in Hampton County. Smiths case was reopened after Murdaugh was implicated in other crimes. Then on Nov. 3, a three-part series called Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty will air on HBO Max. This case has captivated the country for over a year, and it would be quite an understatement to say theres much more to the story, Ross Dinerstein, executive producer and Campfire Studios CEO, said in a news release. He said the show will include new perspectives and details as well as much-needed context to these infamous, both alleged and proven, accidents and crimes. A press release for the show says, Hailing from a long line of powerful legal figures, Alex Murdaugh along with his wife, Maggie, and sons, Buster and Paul, enjoyed unparalleled sway over authorities, until Pauls involvement in a tragic boating accident thrust a level of scrutiny on the familys actions and legacy, revealing a bizarre and deadly chain of events. Story continues The show questions the unchecked power of privilege and the trail of death and destruction left in one familys wake, the release says. Among the shows already shown about the Murdaugh family are Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty on Investigation Discovery and Discovery+, Alex Murdaugh: Death. Deception. Power on Oxygen, Dateline: Murdaugh: Power, Privilege & Scandal on NBC, and 20/20: The House of Murdaugh on ABC. In addition, six people are writing books, others are airing podcasts and manning Facebook pages on the deaths of Maggie, 52, and Paul, 22, at the familys 1,700-acre estate in Colleton County. Murdaugh has pleaded not guilty. Murdaugh, 54, also has been accused of various thefts of money from clients, fellow lawyers, associates and his law firm and dozens of charges of fraud totaling some $8.4 million in thefts committed over more than a dozen years. No trial date has been set on the financial crimes cases. Murdaugh is a fourth-generation member of one of South Carolinas prominent legal families. His great-grandfather, grandfather and father served more than 85 successive years as solicitor, (Bloomberg) -- The North Pole is melting faster than ever, but the chill in the air at this years global gathering of Arctic experts had more to do with the widening repercussions of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The planetary consequences of that war have, by now, reached far beyond the disruption of climate efforts in Europe, where gas shortages have prompted governments to recommission coal plants. The conflict has also intensified a race among great powers for ascendancy in the Arctic, adding to pressure on a fragile system thats critical to mitigating global warming. Most Read from Bloomberg Not since the Cold War has there been such focus on the frigid expanse that caps the Earth. More than half the Arctic coastline belongs to Russia, which is increasingly isolated from its northern neighbors. Thats turned the region into a growing security concern for the US, which has a foothold through Alaska.As a result, this years Arctic Circle Assembly at times took on the air of a geopolitical summit rather than a gathering of climate and development experts. While Russia was noticeably absent from the event held last week in Reykjaviks iconic glass-scaled Harpa Concert Hall, an unprecedented 2,000 attendees spilled into corridors and wedged themselves into doorways. Military uniforms popped out among the dark suits of politicians, executives and scientists. And the conference drew a record number of US officials armed with the first update to Americas Arctic strategy in a decade.War in Europe has already derailed other efforts at regional cooperation. Meetings of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation on biodiversity, climate and pollution, have been suspended since the war began in February.While climate remains a pillar of US policy, Derek Chollet, Counselor at the US State Department, told me security takes precedence. Of greatest concern to the US would be any move by Russia to restrict freedom of navigation, build military forces or test certain high-tech weapons in the Arctic, but it is also worried about Chinas growing interest in the region.As we've seen elsewhere where China has chosen to be a regional player, that's often in a zero-sum way," Chollet said. I don't think it's in any of our interests to see the Arctic become another example of this.Read More: NATO-China Tension Over Ukraine Flares at Conference in IcelandRussia set up a Northern Command in 2014, opening multiple new and former Soviet military sites in the Arctic. Its also developing new nuclear submarines for Arctic operations, including Arcturus, which can deploy underwater drones and hypersonic missiles. The shortest route to North America from Russia is still over the top of our planet and the new missiles will require near-instantaneous reaction time, military experts say.The US hasnt been idle either. Its working with Arctic ally Canada to revitalize a Cold War era joint aerospace defense command. And once Sweden and Finlands accession to NATO is complete prompted by the invasion of Ukraine Russia will be the only Arctic state outside that key defense alliance, also forged during the Cold War as a bulwark against Soviet expansion in Europe. All that adds to an overwhelming sense that the world is returning to an era of great powers competing for resources and security, rather than collaborating over climate.Unfortunately, Canadas Governor General Mary Simon told conference attendees, the war in Ukraine has impacted global cooperation, halting a number of collaborative projects in the Arctic. If geopolitics is sidelining efforts to slow the melt, climate change is simultaneously undermining what, until recently, was the Arctics best defense: its inaccessibility. The regions ice reflects the suns heat and its permafrost acts as a huge carbon vault, helping to cool the planet but how do you protect an Arctic that's being cracked open as it thaws? The North Poles lost about 40% of its ice since the 1980s and is now warming roughly four times as fast as the rest of the world. Thats opening it up to marine traffic and economic development which, in turn, is expected to amplify the effects of global warming. Temperatures over the central Arctic Ocean this summer were 1 to 4 degrees Celsius higher than the 20 year average up to 2020, according to the Colorado-based National Snow & Ice Data Center. Mark Serreze, the organizations director, said it was the first time he can remember that both the major routes through Canada's Northwest Passage and Russias Northern Sea Route were essentially ice free all summer.For years, Russia has benefitted from the Northern Sea Route, a key section of the Northeast Passage that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans across the Arctic. Stretching through Russias Exclusive Economic Zone, the route is frequently ice-free in summer and Russian ice-breakers can make it accessible in winter to friendly nations. A voyage from Japan to Europe can take just 10 days through this Arctic Circle route compared to more than 20 via the Suez Canal and more than 30 to sail around the Cape of Good Hope. The routes competitor, the fabled Northwest Passage, took Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen three years to navigate at the turn of the 20th century. That was long before it became ice-free for the first time in the summer of 2007, but it still remains trickier to traverse. With US-led sanctions against Russia triggering a collapse in international transit along the Northern Sea Route this year, however, the Northwest Passage could become more attractive to shipping, especially as temperatures rise. The third option is, so far, hypothetical. Should the North Pole ever melt entirely and all indications are that it will, probably before mid-century the Trans Arctic shipping route would allow ships to travel straight over the top, through international waters, avoiding sticky interactions along anybodys coast. A decade or more before that, it could become ice-free in summer. But there would be severe tradeoffs in a world with a watery Arctic. The disappearance of the Greenland ice sheet, the worlds second-largest body of ice, would cause sea levels to rise 6 meters (20 feet), threatening islands and coastlines thousands of miles away. Swathes of the Middle East, Africa and Asia would become too hot to live in. And whatever financial gains are made could be erased by more extreme storms, floods, fires and droughts around the world. So far, that dire prospect is not putting anyone off. China, which has no Arctic coastline, is already betting on the end of ice. Its Belt and Road Initiative includes plans for a Polar Silk Road connecting East Asia, Western Europe and North America. The emergence of a trans-Arctic shipping route is key to that strategy and would create an alternative to its maritime route through the South China Sea, Strait of Malacca and Suez Canal. It's working on the world's biggest ice-breaker to support that ambition. Opening up the Arctic would also ease access to planet-warming fossil fuels. About 90 billion barrels of oil and 1,670 trillion cubic feet of gas lie inside the Arctic Circle, according to the United States Geological Survey, along with metals and minerals needed for electrification.Read More: Guggenheims Minerd Says Arctic Needs $1 Trillion for ProjectsUnder the Law of the Sea, most Arctic nations have claims to some of its resources, but whether to restrict planet-harming development is up to individual governments. Greenland last year banned new licenses for oil and gas drilling and Iceland plans to prohibit exploration, while oil majors, wary of the reputational damage associated with drilling pristine wilderness, have signaled theyll stay away. Scandinavian nations are hoping to harness the regions wind and hydro power. In contrast, Russia already by far the largest Arctic energy producer is looking to expand oil and gas production.Geopolitics in the Arctic is changing, Alar Karis, president of Estonia, which has applied for observer status on the since shuttered Arctic Council, told the conference. Therefore we must not only think of climate and the environment when we talk about the region, but also diplomacy and deterrence. --With assistance from Jeremy Diamond, Chris Anstey and Eric Roston. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Story at a glance New preliminary data from the National Student Clearinghouse shows that undergraduate enrollment has declined again. The data also show a change in the pandemic-era spike in graduate enrollment. College and universities across the U.S. enrolled 1.1 percent fewer students since the fall of 2021, the data show. Undergraduate enrollment in the United States dropped again for the third year in a row, according to preliminary data released Thursday. The data show colleges and universities across the country enrolled 1.1 percent fewer undergraduate students between the fall of 2021 and 2022 keeping up with a decadelong trend. This data could change by the end of the year though. For the preliminary report, the National Student Clearinghouse gathered data on 10.3 million undergraduate and graduate students, more than 60 percent of the institutions that the organization is analyzing for the report. Last school years loss of students has led to a 3.2 percent drop in undergraduate enrollment since 2020, the data show. In a reverse of last year, graduate enrollment has also dipped by 1 percent, potentially marking the end of a pandemic-era uptick in post-baccalaureate students. But while the data show that total enrollment is still going down, it also reflects a change for the better in the historic drop in college enrollment that started at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Last years drop in college enrollment is only half the rate of decline that took place the year before, researchers found. Over the last two years, about 1.3 million fewer students have enrolled in an institution of higher learning, according to the National Student Clearinghouse, which also released Thursdays data. I certainly wouldnt call this a recovery, Doug Shapiro, executive research director at the National Student Clearinghouse, the organization that conducted the research, told NPR. Were seeing smaller declines. But when youre in a deep hole, the fact that youre only digging a tiny bit further is not really good news. Story continues Undergraduate and graduate enrollment dropped across all types of institutions of higher learning, but the steepest drops happened at for-profit, four-year schools and public four-year schools. Community colleges saw the smallest decline in enrollment with only 0.4 percent fewer students compared to the fall of last year. This slower decline in enrollment was most likely due to an 11.5 percent increase in the number of high school students choosing to dual enroll in a community college, according to the data. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de Leon at the grand opening of his campaign headquarters for his unsuccessful mayoral bid on March 12. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) For the record: 11:18 a.m. Oct. 20, 2022: An earlier version of this column said The Times endorsed Proposition 187. The Times endorsed Pete Wilson, while noting that the governor was utterly, totally, hopelessly wrong for supporting Proposition 187. In a separate editorial, The Times opposed Proposition 187. After a week and a half of silence, Kevin de Leon emerged Wednesday afternoon to let the world know he is really, truly, honestly sorry for what he said, and didn't say, on the racist recording that has rocked Los Angeles. The embattled councilmember appeared on KCBS-TV to repeat again and again that he failed to stop one colleague, Nury Martinez, from taking bigoted shots at a range of Angelenos, and another, Gil Cedillo, from plotting to take over seats held by Black politicians. I failed in that moment in time to step up and shut that meeting down, De Leon told reporter Tom Wait. He asked for forgiveness from my people, my community for the harm caused by the painful words uttered on the tape. Also up: an interview in Spanish with Univision anchor Leon Krauze, who flew out from the networks home base in Florida. Lighted in funereal shadows, De Leon said he felt horrible six times about what Martinez, Cedillo and former Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera had said about Black people, Jews, Armenians, Oaxacans and other councilmembers. When Krauze pressed De Leon on why he stayed quiet, the councilmember responded in Spanglish, Estaba yo en shock, completamente shock. De Leon punctuated his afternoon of apologies with a letter to newly appointed L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian, writing with a shame deeper than I have ever known and from a place of deep humility. The only thing that De Leon said gave comfort during his hard times was a community of angels" who came to him with encouraging words I feel I hardly deserve. It wouldve been a good exercise in contrition if any of it was real. Story continues Because, you see, in the midst of this forgive-me farce, De Leon reiterated that, nope, hes going to stay in his seat despite nearly the entire Democratic establishment, from fellow councilmembers to U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) to even President Biden, asking for his resignation. Martinez, who uttered the most offensive comments, has resigned, while Cedillo remains in office. To Krekorian, De Leon wrote that resigning would be only a solution that benefits me not the people who elected me to represent them. To KCBS, he said he wanted to help heal the wounds that have existed for so many years, if not decades. Meanwhile, he told Krauze that resigning wouldn't help anyone in his working-class district because theres still a lot of work ahead with COVID, unemployment, the threat of evictions and the humanitarian crisis of homelessness. His stance was classic Kevin: self-serving, messianic and calculating. He's leaning on his reputation as a Latino political giant longtime immigrant rights and labor activist, former assemblymember and head of the California Senate in betting that some will cool their ire because they need someone who knows how to get things done for Latinos. Hes banking that his overwhelmingly Latino constituents are far enough removed from City Hall to not care much about the controversy. And he thinks that if he casts stones at Martinez and Cedillo, the public will overlook his sins. Ive met Kevin a couple of times over the years and find him smarter than most. He's funny, hardworking and loyal. Thats why I dont underestimate his strategy in fact, its slowly unspooling as I write. A group of Latino men showed up outside De Leons house this week demanding that Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles protesters "give him his space." Other supporters plan a rally this Saturday in East Los Angeles, which isn't in De Leon's district but no matter. "Sadly," a Facebook posting advertising the event reads, "political opposition has created a media circus to reduce the number of Latino councilmen which will reduce the services going to our community. Friends who have long worked with De Leon on many of his signature causes climate change, turning California into a sanctuary state for immigrants, gun control, but especially Latino representation in California's corridors of power keep calling me to argue that to lose him now would be an incalculable blow at a time when Latinos can least afford it. Some have even ridiculously described what has happened to him, Martinez and Cedillo as little better than an execution. My response, besides slapping down the comparison, is to point out that this episode has illuminated the worst of De Leons tendencies, which he shares with another embattled Latino elected official, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. The massive chips on their shoulders constantly sink their ambition and put the people they serve at risk. In the grand scheme of the tape, De Leon didnt say the worst things. He did call Councilmember Mike Bonin the fourth Black councilmember who wont fing ever say peep about Latinos. Hell never say a fing word about us. He also compared Black political power to the Wizard of Oz the idea that its not all it's made out to be. And he told both KCBS and Univision that when he compared Bonin's Black son to a Louis Vuitton handbag, it was actually meant as a jab against Martinez's taste for luxury goods a face-saving low blow against a former ally. No, what struck me the most about De Leon is how aggrieved he is. The leaked tape caught him whining about how people criticized him for holding a party at Walt Disney Concert Hall to mark his ascension as Senate president pro tem because we as Latinos whether youre labor or youre in the political space were not supposed to fill those positions. White people would have been OK with the party if he'd had it at El Pueblo, Olvera Street, Roosevelt High or Pacoima, he said. He mentioned white people six times, from little white lady to white people will cut you in a heartbeat and the white liberal world. He claimed that when white politicians get caught in corruption, they figure out some s. (Someone tell that to Mitch Englander.) It's a side of De Leon I've noticed from the start one I always felt was beneath his talents. When I interviewed him for my 2019 podcast on Proposition 187, the 1994 anti-immigrant ballot initiative that inspired a generation of Latino activists like De Leon to run for office, one of the first things he said was how racist The Times had been for endorsing Gov. Pete Wilson, who supported the measure. I replied that while I agreed that the paper was terribly wrong, The Times of today was vastly different. He moved on. During a mayoral candidate debate on homelessness this month co-hosted by The Times and KCRW-FM, De Leon punted on a difficult question by my co-moderator Anna Scott by playing the dumb Latino immigrant. No hablo ingles, he said I dont speak English. When I responded in Spanish to tell him to, well, respond in Spanish, we all laughed but he still didnt answer the question. This is not the idealistic son of a housekeeper from Guatemala who accomplished so much in his career. This is a control-hungry pol who believes his own hype he even talked about himself in the third person to KCBS. Is this really what Los Angeles needs right now? Is this really the best that Latinos can elect? What De Leon is doing isn't an example in leadership it's a lesson in how to gaslight a city. The 55-year-old De Leon plans to serve out his term, which ends in 2024, and most likely run again as he plots another go at higher office, after unsuccessful bids for U.S. Senate in 2018 and L.A. mayor this year. Outside of a recall, there's nothing anyone can do about it. So I'll leave him with what he told me in 2019 about how the California Republican Party was wrong to gamble its political future on Proposition 187. The measure passed convincingly but was later invalidated and ultimately destroyed the party. It was short-term delirium for long-term, in perpetuity, pain," De Leon said. "And I tell my Republican colleagues, 'If I can give you some free advice, take it for what it's worth. I think it's good advice: This doesn't end up well for you.' Kevin, are you listening to yourself? This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. William Broyles, the Nassau County man accused of killing his wife and two of his adult children, has been ruled incompetent to stand trial at this time. Broyles was arrested in the driveway of his Callahan home last December after shooting his wife, 57-year-old Candace L. Broyles, his daughter, 27-year-old Cora Lynn Broyles and his son, 28-year-old Aaron Christopher Broyles, according to the Nassau County Sheriffs Office. Broyles will be transported to Florida State Hospital. The judge said they need to get him to a place where medication is required. Broyles was diagnosed by defense doctor witness, Dr. Jennifer Rohrer, with major depressive disorder with psychotic features. On Nov. 8, a hearing will be held to figure out what we know on transporting him to state hospital. READ: I dont understand it: Family distraught after mother, 2 children die in fire in Hilliard Corrections officers say Broyles has been deteriorating -- losing weight, defecating on himself, staring at the floor for hours, wont speak to anyone, and is not eating. A review hearing will be held in six months on April 20. Over the past few months, Broyles has been evaluated by a psychologist several times to determine his competency. He last appeared in court on Oct. 4. RELATED: No bond for Callahan father accused of killing his family Sheriff Bill Leeper said after the shooting happened that Broyles told deputies he shot each victim multiple times to make sure they didnt suffer. Broyles is charged with three counts of second-degree murder; each count is a first-degree felony and punishable for up to life in prison. Action News Jax told you last year that Broyles had worked as director of music at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church for 23 years. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] ...This was completely out of character. We mourn this devastating loss to the church, Bills remaining family, and the larger community. We ask that you would hold the members of the Broyles family, our church family, and Bill himself in your prayers regarding this tragedy, according to a statement posted on the churchs website after the shootings. Story continues According to the churchs website, he was happily married for 30 years to his wife Candace. We also learned that he has at least one other surviving child. Neighbors like Carl Milton who live a few houses down from where the shooting happened said the entire situation is heartbreaking. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Never heard nothing out of him, they seemed to be super-nice people and its just shocking this would happen, Milton said. You see people every day and everybody looks like theyre enjoying life and you just dont look for something like that you know? Shortly after his arrest, NCSO reported Broyles had to be placed on suicide watch. When deputies asked Broyles why he didnt just shoot himself, he said he was too scared to do it, Sheriff Leeper said. Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church releases a statement on Bill Broyles. 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. Mixue Bingcheng Co. Ltd. (MXBC), a Chinese ice cream and tea franchise that sells $1 bubble teas, has outgrown its rivals and become the top bubble tea brand in China. MXBC, which is represented by a snowman-logo and has over 21,000 locations in China, was first founded by Zhang Hongchao in Zhengzhou, Henan province, in 1997. From the beginning, the brand marketed to lower-tier markets, targeting price-sensitive students and workers. The brand was established in 1999, and in 2006, it found its place in the market by selling 2 yuan (approximately $0.30) ice cream cones. By selling items priced lower than most brands, MXBC soon became the bestselling bubble tea brand in China. In 2021, MXBC was estimated to hold a valuation of 20 billion yuan (approximately $2.8 billion), beating premium bubble tea brands such as Nayukis Tea and Hey Tea. Last year, the brand earned a revenue of 10.3 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion). Today, their bubble milk tea sells for 7 yuan (approximately $1). More from NextShark: Largest Chinese city to date, tens of millions put on strict COVID lockdown after record outbreak While other brands operate spacious dine-in stores, MXBC operates shops in small cities with lower income levels and mostly serves takeout only. The company established its own central factory and R&D center to self-produce most of its core ingredients, keeping their production costs at a minimum. Our own Research and Development Center makes the best products possible, the brand wrote on their website. We source high-quality ingredients globally. Our patents and cutting-edge know-how enable us to produce core ingredients independently with strict standards applied. The brands success reflects on the cost-conscious Chinese citizens, especially during the nations strict zero-COVID approach. As the pandemic brought on unemployment, MXBC emerged as an employer for those in lower-tier cities. More from NextShark: Chinese rescue teams struggle to find flight MU-5735s second black box, which recorded flight data The company has since applied for an initial public offering on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. MXBC has also expanded abroad by opening in Vietnam and Indonesia, where it operates a total of nearly 600 stores. The brand has also registered its trademark in about 30 markets, including the U.S., Europe, Japan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Story continues Featured Image via Just.In.Videos More from NextShark: Ice Cream Shop Releases Delicious Asian-Inspired Flavors to Fight Hate Against Asians Charlotte Hornets guard James Bouknight was arrested Sunday after he was found in an uptown parking deck asleep in his car, The Charlotte Observer reported. Arrest records from the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office show he was booked on complaints of driving while impaired. He is also accused of hitting two police vehicles before his car was discovered near the Stonewall Station light rail stop just before 1 a.m. Sunday, WSOC reported. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, it is illegal to drive while noticeably impaired or with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. Bouknights blood alcohol content was tested at the scene and revealed a concentration of 0.14, twice the legal limit, WSOC reported. Was Bouknight technically operating his vehicle if he was asleep? The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office said Bouknight had been driving while impaired because his vehicle was positioned in drive when discovered by police. But, suppose Bouknight didnt crash into other vehicles and his car was parked and turned off. Would he still have been arrested for driving under the influence? Several legal experts in North Carolina say yes. You can still be charged with a DWI, even if you arent driving Pork Law PLLC, a criminal defense and personal injury firm based in Raleigh, explained that people often misunderstand the true meaning of driving while impaired. You dont have to be driving your car, in the way most people think of driving, to be charged with a DWI, Pork Law stated on its website. Some law enforcement officers and prosecutors believe that when a person is found drunk in their parked car, they likely were driving while intoxicated beforehand. Another North Carolina law firm, Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh, also in Raleigh, strongly advises that drivers avoid getting into their cars if they have been drinking. Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh suggested requesting a ride from Uber or Lyft or asking a sober friend, or calling a family member for a ride. If these suggestions arent an option, the law firm recommends placing keys in a secure spot and moving from the drivers seat. Story continues If you wind up in your car, place your keys in the glove box or under the front seat, and then get in the back seat, the law firm stated. A DWI lawyer could later argue that you could not have operated the vehicle, even if you wanted to. North Carolina drunk driving laws at a glance NC DPS outlines five levels of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated with Level I being the most serious and Level V holding the least weight. Level V Punishable by a fine of up to $200, a minimum jail sentence of 24 hours and a maximum of 60 days. Level IV Punishable by a fine of up to $500, a minimum jail sentence of 48 hours and a maximum of 120 days. Level III Punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, a minimum jail sentence of 72 hours and a maximum of six months. Level II Punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, a minimum jail sentence of seven days and a maximum of one year. Level I Punishable by a fine of up to $4,000, a minimum jail sentence of 30 days and a maximum of two years. A North Carolina judge cannot suspend the minimum sentence for this offense as opposed to Level II through V. By definition, Level I and II drivers can be repeat offenders, anyone whose license has been revoked, an impaired driver, a driver who was transporting young children while intoxicated and impaired drivers who hurt someone else in a crash. Mequon Alderman Mark Gierl The Ozaukee County Circuit Court has ruled in favor of a city of Mequon alderman who filed a second open records lawsuit seeking access to additional email distribution lists from the Mequon-Thiensville School District. In an oral ruling on Oct. 18, Ozaukee County Circuit Court Judge Steven Cain ordered the school district to turn over those email distribution lists to Mark Gierl, which follows a similar ruling last year that the district has appealed, according to an emailed statement from Gierl's attorney, Tom Kamenick, who works with the Wisconsin Transparency Project. Gierl's most recent request was made in November 2021. It asked the Mequon-Thiensville School District for three email distribution lists: alumni, Momentum newsletter recipients and recreation department participants, as well as messages sent to those lists over a two-year period. The "alumni" list is email addresses of former students, the "Momentum Newsletter" list is email addresses of parents/guardians and community members and the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation" list is email addresses of Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department participants. When the district refused to turn over the email distribution lists and messages, Gierl filed another open records lawsuit in February. According to Kamenick's emailed statement, in denying Gierl's request, the district said "it would be too burdensome to turn over the email messages and that the pending appeal excused them from providing the email addresses." "Judge Cain rejected both of those arguments in his ruling yesterday. He concluded that the districts reference to pending litigation was not a proper denial, that the balancing test favored disclosure of the email addresses, and that Gierls request was not burdensome because it generated only a few dozen responsive email messages," Kamenick's statement said. "Government records are our records," Kamenick said in the statement. That goes for distribution lists government officials use to send out its preferred messages, as the Attorney General has advised for decades. Story continues District says it is protecting residents' privacy In an Oct. 18 statement on its website, the Mequon-Thiensville School District said state public records law requires public entities to weigh privacy interests against the public interest when deciding whether to release certain records. The district accused Gierl of requesting the email addresses "for the stated purpose of spreading messages supporting his political agenda." "In applying the balancing test, the District believes the privacy interests of those individuals who have entrusted the District with their personal email addresses outweighs Mr. Gierls stated interest. Because we have given reasonable assurances to those individuals that the District will not provide their private email addresses to any outside entity, the Mequon-Thiensville School District has been fighting for over 10 months to protect this personal information of our community membersjust like we did for our families in the first lawsuit," the district said in its statement. "Unfortunately, on the morning of Tuesday, October 18, the Judge presiding over Mr. Gierls second lawsuit ruled against the District. The District is working with our legal counsel to determine what impact this ruling will have on the information provided by those who have entrusted their private, personal email addresses with us. As soon as a written decision is produced by the Judge and details are finalized among counsel on both sides of the case, the District will provide an update on the direction of any further action by either side." Gierl won first lawsuit against the district Gierl's new lawsuit came after winning his first lawsuit in October 2021. That suit, filed in August 2020, asked the court to order the school district to turn over email addresses of those who received a link to "The Talk: A necessary conversation on privilege and race with our children." Cain ordered the district to turn over the email addresses to Gierl. The district then appealed Cain's decision in December 2021 to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Online court records show that the district's appeal has not been decided yet. The original ruling by Cain in October 2021 was publicized by Amber Schroeder, an organizer of a group that attempted to recall four Mequon-Thiensville School Board members in November 2021. Gierl also donated money to the recall effort. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Court orders Mequon-Thiensville School District to turn over email lists Magnus Granath, who goes by Hodlonaut on Twitter, has won a lawsuit in Norway against Craig Wright, court documents revealed Thursday. Wright has long claimed he is the pseudonymous Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamotobut Hodlonaut and many others have publicly challenged Wrights claims. I won. Welcome to law, Hodlonaut tweeted in response to the Norwegian judges decisiona callback to Wrights now infamous welcome to law threat that he issued against Hodlonaut and several others in 2019 after filing a series of defamation lawsuits. Hodlonaut filed the case in Norway in an effort to prove that the numerous tweets he published about Wright and Wrights Nakamoto claims were, in fact, not defamatorya way of getting ahead of a pending defamation case in the U.K. Hearings for the Norwegian case began last month on September 12. I won. Welcome to law. hodlonaut (@hodlonaut) October 20, 2022 I expected to win, since truth is so clearly on my side in this case, Hodlonaut told Decrypt via DM. I am very happy that the judge saw it the same way. According to the Norwegian ruling, translated by CoinDesk, Hodlonaut tweeted in 2019 that Wright was a pathetic scammer, cringe, clearly mentally ill, and repeatedly called him a fraud, even creating a hashtag slamming Wright in a satirical manner. During the trial, Wright called such statements obviously very defamatory. Theres a difference between a debate and strong language and truth, Wright said. Hodlonaut appears to have many supporters. A website called DefendingBTC links to a donation page that indicates nearly 2,700 individuals donated over 71 Bitcoin and $74,000 toward legal defense costs for the bitcoiner. In 2019, Binance CEO Changpeng CZ Zhao also tweeted in support of Hodlonaut with the message, Craig Wright is not Satoshi. Story continues Andrew Rossow, an adjunct professor of law and attorney who is familiar with Holdonaut's case, told Decrypt via email that Thursday's ruling was to be expected, arguing that Wright's claims were of such a bold, controversial nature, that it almost inevitably welcomes pushback and disagreement. Self-Professed 'Bitcoin Inventor' Craig Wright Advanced False Evidence in Libel Lawsuit: UK Court There isn't any proof that we know of right now that would affirm Wright's claims, which opens the door to such criticisms that we've seen here from Granath, Rossow said. Preston Byrne, legal partner at Brown Rudnick, called Wrights previous U.K. victory in August against podcaster Peter McCormack pyrrhic. Wright had sought damages from McCormack but was only awarded a single English pound, currently worth $1.13 USD, in part because Wright presented deliberately false evidence in the case, the court said. The Neuse River has been named "River of the Year" by a national organization that advocates for the conservation of waterways across the country. American Rivers, a national organization that advocates for the conservation of waterways across the country, has named this Craven County river as its 2022 River of the Year. The Neuse River, a critical waterway that flows from Durham County into the Pamlico Sound, the river is one of the widest rivers in the U.S., according to U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Six nautical miles across at its widest point, it averages over three miles in width between the Intracoastal Waterway and New Bern. It is also believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the US. Archeological evidence indicates that early Native Americans settled near the Neuse as early as 14,000 years ago. In a release highlighting the announcement, Tom Kiernan, president of American Rivers, said the River of the Year honor celebrates outstanding progress toward a cleaner, healthier Neuse River that is vital to every person who lives in this region. More:What neighborhoods are people moving to in New Bern? The top answer may surprise you More:Which Craven County stores have the biggest wins for lottery players? We've got the answer The national honor coincides with the 50th anniversary of the federal Clean Water Act, bipartisan legislation that protects the fundamental right to clean water nationwide. Prior to the signing of the Clean Water Act into law in 1972, the Neuse River faced pollution from industrial runoff from nearby textile mills and other manufacturing. Kiernan noted that safeguards provided by the Clean Water Act, combined with local efforts to stem polluted runoff, improve water management and remove aging dams have played key roles in the rivers ongoing recovery. We applaud the frontline communities and partners who speak up for the river every day and continue to push for solutions, Kiernan said. This river is a success story that we must keep writing together. The Neuse River, which is estimated to be 2 million years old, is the longest river contained entirely within North Carolina. The Neuse flows 275 miles from the Piedmont of North Carolina to Pamlico Sound on the Atlantic coast. Roughly 2.5 million people, a quarter of North Carolinas population, live in the Neuse River watershed, which includes Raleigh-Durham, Johnson County, Goldsboro, and New Bern. The river provides drinking water for the vast majority of the watersheds population. Story continues Due to its lack of dams, the Neuse River has long been a popular recreation destination. In 2021 the Neuse River Blueway was launched creating an interconnected network of paddle and walking trails from Raleigh to Clayton. From Smithfield, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail returns to the water as a paddling trail past the 100-foot Cliffs of the Neuse canyon before ending in Havelock. American Rivers announced the winner of its River of Year Award during a press event in Goldsboro Monday. The event was attended by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth Biser, U.S. Congressman G. K. Butterfield, N.C. House of Representatives Majority Leader Rep. John Bell, and Sound Rivers Executive Director Heather Deck, among others. American Rivers urged leaders across the watershed to continue to work together to reduce pollution, and to advance productive clean water solutions for communities. Healthy rivers are essential to all life. This River of the Year honor should serve as a rallying cry for continued progress on the Neuse, setting a positive example for rivers and communities nationwide, Kiernan said. Pollution, climate change still threaten the Neuse Samantha Krop, Sound Rivers' Neuse riverkeeper, noted the importance of funds invested by local and state governments to upgrade failing wastewater facilities, reduce polluted runoff, and protect critical areas of the watershed. The Neuse shows whats possible when strong federal clean water safeguards meet innovative, community-led solutions, Krop stated in the press release. And we have more work to do. Frontline communities have long been burdened by pollution and flooding...Now is not the time to turn back the clock on protections for clean water and public health. To highlight both its beauty and the perils it faces from climate change and industrial pollution, Krop recently took part in the Neuse River Rising paddle, an 11-day, 150-mile journey down the river that began in Smithfield and ended in New Bern on October 8. During an interview with the Sun Journal prior to her departure, Krop said that although the Clean Water Act was an important step in fighting water pollution, challenges still remained. Even though we have regulations on pollution we still have a nutrient-sensitive waterway. The Neuse suffers from excess levels of nitrogen, from runoff coming from underregulated and sometimes unregulated factory farms and from old sewer infrastructure that needs updating, she explained. In announcing their River of the Year award, American Rivers noted that while communities along the Neuse should celebrate the rivers progress, important work remains. The organization pointed to a pending U.S. Supreme Court case, Sackett v.EPA, as a decision that could weaken Clean Water Act safeguards. Ongoing commitment from national leaders and local communities is critical to address growing challenges such as agricultural pollution, aging water infrastructure, and increased flooding driven by climate change, the announcement noted. Reporter Todd Wetherington can be reached by email at wwetherington@gannett.com. Please consider supporting local journalism by signing up for a digital subscription. This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Critical Craven County waterway has been named River of the Year Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" - Landscapes Smoke billows from one of many chemical plants in the area Oct. 12, 2013. 'Cancer Alley' is one of the most polluted areas of the United States and lies along the once pristine Mississippi River that stretches some 80 miles from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, where a dense concentration of oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and other chemical industries reside alongside suburban homes. Credit - Giles ClarkeGetty Images In Monroe County, home to the Florida Keys, climate change disaster isnt 50 or 100 years offits here now. Sea level there rose about 4 inches from 2000 to 2017 and will push up another 6 to 13 inches by 2040, according to county projections. Many homeowners will need to elevate their houses by at least 4 to 6 ft., at a minimum cost of $200,000, says Caroline Horn, who heads up an effortthe Keyswide Home Elevation Projectto educate them about whats coming. The county also is launching an initiative to raise more than half its roads by up to 3 ft., at a price of $1.6 billion. We have a lot of people leaving because they cant afford to live here anymore, Horn says. America still mostly runs on fossil fuels. And that goes for most of the developed world too, with the exception of a few countries. (Iceland gets nearly 100% of its energy from renewable sources, mostly hydropower and geothermal. France and Sweden get more than half of their energy from non-fossil-fuel sources, though both rely heavily on nuclear power.) One big reason for all that use of fossil fuels is that prices for them dont reflect the costs that their emissions shift onto other people, like residents of the Keys. The United States government is 13 years into an effort to fix that by setting a social cost of carbon, which refers to a price per ton of emissions that it uses in calculating the costs and benefits of policies like how high to set mileage standards for cars or whether to issue oil and gas leases on public lands. But the actual figure has swung wildly depending on whos in control of the White House, and the Biden Administrations interim numberset last January while it comes up with a permanent figurefaces threats in federal court. On July 19, the administration asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to dismiss a lawsuit led by Louisiana and other Republican-led states. Meanwhile, the administrations updated number is months overdue. Story continues Paying a Price for Carbons Impacts on Society Nearly all economists agree that the harm caused by pollution should show up in what we pay for gasoline and other fossil fuels. A 2007 study, for example, estimated that paying for the damages caused by driving would add as much as $2.10 to the cost of a gallon of gas. Enter the social cost of carbon: a dollar value for each ton of it thats released into the atmosphere to reflect the cost to society. A ton of airborne carbon is about what an average U.S. car emits in three months of driving. The figure is mainly used by the federal government in determining the costs and benefits of new pollution rules. (Since 1993 the government has been required to estimate whether the benefits of a new regulation justify its cost.) At least four other countries also set a social cost of carbon. France and Canada use the same model that the U.S. does, calculating a price per ton to account for the harm caused. Germany and the United Kingdom set a price designed to cut emissions to a level that meets their national targets. To come up with an actual figure, analysts use economic models to determine how much adding a ton of carbon to the atmosphere will increase global temperatures. Then they translate the temperature increase into a total dollar value of damages it causes in areas like agriculture and physical infrastructure. Crop insurance losses from global warming, for example, caused payments from the U.S. taxpayer-supported federal crop insurance program to increase $27 billion over the past three decades, according to a 2021 Stanford University study. How the U.S. Is Calculating Its Social Cost of Carbon But what comes out of those models depends on what goes in, so the number has bounced around depending on which party has the presidency. The Obama administration appointed the first working group to come up with an estimate, and in February 2010 it calculated a figure of about $43 a ton. Included in that number was an assumptionbased on emissions not being cognizant of bordersthat emissions originating in the United States would impose costs on the rest of the world in areas like agricultural productivity, health, and property damage. The U.S. is the worlds 11th largest per-capita greenhouse gas emitter, according to 2019 World Bank data. Some of the worlds poorest countries with the lowest emissions, like Haiti and Yemen, will be hardest hit by climate changes effects. The Trump administration disbanded the working group in March 2017 and changed how the cost was calculated, mainly by only including carbon damage occurring inside U.S. borders. That cut the number to between $1 and $7, which in turn let it roll back Obama-era environmental rules. President Biden revived the working group on his first day in office, and it temporarily reset the price to $51 while it worked on an updated figure (originally due to be released in January 2022). The number is more important than ever after a Supreme Court ruling June 30, 2022, that curtailed the Environmental Protection Agencys ability to set emissions caps for power plants. That had been a key driver in cutting emissions over the last decade, says Brian Prest, an economist and fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Resources for the Future. So the social cost of carbon gives the agency a metric for assessing the costs and benefits of new and existing tools it uses to replace what the court struck down, he says. But the metric itself isnt immune from court intervention: The lawsuit challenging how the Biden administration came up with its interim $51 number, filed in April 2021 by 10 states in a Louisiana federal court, is set for a hearing this December. It could still take the courts a while to issue a ruling, and the outcome could depend on which judges in the 5th Circuit hear the case, says Michael Gerrard, founder of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School in New York City. How This All Affects Corporate Action Wherever the number ends up, there are reasons for businesses to pay attention to it, particularly companies with any connection to government. As of 2019, for example, New York State has been using its own social cost of carbon of $125 a ton in decisions like who gets a contract or grant, or whether to buy electric vehicles. A growing number of large companies are already factoring an internal carbon priceessentially a private-sector version of the social cost of carboninto their investment decisions. BP and Shell, for example, set an internal carbon price per ton of $40, and the Walt Disney Company uses $10. Theyre doing so because, especially in the energy industry, projects take a long time to come to fruition and can last decades once they start, says Mark Finley, a former BP senior economist. So while the U.S. has no carbon tax, if a company thinks one could be coming, it might want to factor a carbon price into its investment analysis right from the beginning, he says. If Congress were ever to pass a carbon tax, it could use the social cost of carbon in setting the price. In turn, some researchers suggest the government could then use the revenues to compensate those hit hardest by climate change. Poor countries have called, without success, for exactly that in international climate-change negotiations. It remains to be seen whether others facing thousands in extra costslike Monroe Countys homeownersmight ever benefit from a system to use carbon tax revenues to make them whole. This article is part of a series on key topics in the climate crisis for time.com and CO2.com, a division of TIME that helps companies reduce their impact on the planet. For more information, go to co2.com An 18-year-old has been charged with second-degree murder after a Miami teenage girl was found shot to death in a parking lot Tuesday night and its not the first time hes been charged in a shooting. Tanecia McElliott, also called TaeTae, was 17 years old. A GoFundMe has been set up for Tanecias funeral expenses. Tanecia McElliott Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade & the Florida Keys Cutler Bays Diamante Jean-Philippe is being held with no bond. Jean-Philippe had been out on bond after a January arrest for carrying a concealed firearm. Miami-Dade police say a ShotSpotter alert about eight gunshots brought them to 7701 NW 16th Ave. A block south, in a parking lot, the arrest report says, they found Tanecia, who had been shot several times. The report says one witness heard Jean-Philippe and Tanecia arguing before hearing the gunshots. Then, the witness said Jean-Philippe came around the building with a firearm, went into a nearby abandoned building and came out without that firearm. He then, the witness said, tried to go into the witness house, claiming Tanecias brothers were going to kill him because hed done something to Tanecia. The witness said Jean-Philippe was refused sanctuary and he said hed turn himself in to police. Police said they found an AR-15 in the abandoned house with cartridges matching the casings found around Tanecia. The AR-15 rifle Miami-Dade police say they found in an abandoned house at 7611 NW 17th Ave. that matched casings found near the body of Tanecia McElliott Miami-Dade Police Department What happened to the attempted murder charge According to a closeout memo from assistant state attorney Alexandria Lewis, on May 1, 2020, Miami-Dade police took a statement from a Perrine resident who had been shot in the shoulder at his home. He told police 10 guys walked up to his house, the one he knew from the neighborhood as Montay shot him and everybody ran. He told police he and Montay were in rival gangs and picked Jean-Philippe out of a photo lineup as the shooter. Police found 11 casings and a pair of Nike slides. Jean-Philippe, then 16, denied having anything to do with the shooting, but was charged as an adult with attempted premeditated murder. Those charges were dropped in August 2021. Story continues In an unfortunate turn of events and unrelated to this case, the victim has since passed away, the closeout memo stated. This was confirmed by his mother. Without the victims testimony, nothing directly tied Jean-Philippe to the shooting. He wasnt arrested with a gun, so the casings meant nothing, and even if his DNA was in the Nike slides, it only placed him at the scene with nine other people. Daytona Beach police are investigating the death of a woman pulled from the Halifax River last week. According to a Daytona Beach police report, a man's fishing line hooked onto the woman's clothing at 199 E. Fairview Ave. near the Main Street bridge on Friday. Daytona Beach police spokeswoman Carrie McCallister said Thursday there is nothing suspicious about the woman's death. Investigators are waiting on the Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death, she said. Seventh body found in Volusia: Daytona Beach police ID body found in Halifax River Volusia medical examiner: Woman found dead in Halifax River was strangled Police responded to the scene on Friday at 6:38 p.m. where the body had been pulled to shore. The woman was found facedown in the river and the body was taken by the Medical Examiner's Office, police said. Police had previously conducted a well-being check on the woman after her friend drove from South Carolina and could not find her, police said. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Body of woman found in Halifax River in Daytona Beach Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he plans to call a special legislative session to provide property-tax relief to people affected by Hurricane Ian, with the session possibly addressing property-insurance issues. DeSantis also said he planned to issue an executive order that would delay tax-payment deadlines in storm-impacted counties until lawmakers can put changes into law. The order would apply to counties that have received a disaster designation from the federal government. Well have those dates [for a special session] nailed down very soon. But it will certainly be before the end of the calendar year, DeSantis said during an appearance in Fort Myers Beach. And I think that there may be a whole bunch of other stuff thats storm-related that we may be talking about. DeSantis did not immediately release the executive order and did not take questions during the appearance. Floridas property-insurance market has long been troubled, with private insurers dropping customers and raising rates because of financial losses. Since February, six property insurers have been deemed insolvent. In a special session in May, lawmakers took a series of steps to try to stabilize the system, including earmarking $2 billion in tax dollars to provide additional reinsurance to property insurers that otherwise might not be able to buy the crucial backup coverage on the private market. However, the market continues to sputter, with homeowners flooding into the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. for coverage. There were some very positive reforms that were done [during the special session.] But there were also things that we wanted to do that the Legislature at that time was not willing to do, DeSantis said. I think we will be able to do that in this special session. Incoming House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said another special session on property insurance is long overdue. Obviously, we will need to see what they propose, Driskell, who will become minority leader after the November elections, said in a statement. Our last special session was specifically about property insurance, and it didnt even come close to solving the problem. Well need to see specific plans and how theyll actually help the people of Florida. This is not the time for half-measures. Story continues DeSantis announcement came ahead of his debate Monday in Fort Pierce with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, who has focused on property insurance in recent stump speeches and television commercials. Crist has called the May special session special for the insurance industry. For years, Floridians have been begging Ron DeSantis to do something anything to lower property insurance rates. Hes failed twice, Crist said in a statement released by his campaign on Thursday. Why would we expect the third time to be the charm? DeSantis said the special session will be timed so lawmakers can retroactively allow residents who sustained damage from Ian to benefit from a tax change approved this year. That change, Jan. 1, is slated to offer property-tax rebates on residential properties rendered uninhabitable by catastrophic events. Crafted as part of the response to last years fatal condominium collapse in Surfside, the law creates rebates when residential properties are rendered uninhabitable for 30 days or more by catastrophic events. The executive order would delay property tax payments on personal and commercial properties destroyed or otherwise made uninhabitable in 26 counties designated for disaster assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. I do not have the ability as governor to eliminate property tax obligations, DeSantis said. So, this will delay that payment date. Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell, a former state legislator, said about 100,000 of the approximately 550,000 parcels in his county will need to be significantly reviewed over the next eight months. The special session agenda might also include additional funding to help Southwest Florida communities slammed by the Category 4 hurricane, which made landfall Sept. 28 in Lee and Charlotte counties, DeSantis said. If youre giving property tax rebates to taxpayers, property owners, you know, thats great for them, but obviously, that revenue funds essential services, DeSantis said. So, there may be a need for us to help with a local fire department or something. And all that stuff will be on the table. Comedy duo Dick and Dom have joined calls for the UK government to call a general election. The Dick & Dom in da Bungalow stars real names Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood shared their thoughts on Twitter following a turbulent day in British politics. Wednesday (19 October) saw the sudden dismissal of home secretary Suella Braverman after just weeks in the role. #GeneralElectionNow you twisted f***s, tweeted Dick and Dom, from their official shared Twitter account. Since Truss took over as prime minister just weeks ago, calls have been mounting for a general election. The Independent has launched a petition, known as Election Now, calling for an election to be held following the turmoil of recent political events. Bravermans dismissal is but the latest episode of upheaval in Trusss short but controversial leadership. Last week, chancellor of the exchequor Kwasi Kwarteng was removed from the role after a disasterous mini-budget which saw the value of the pound drop to a historic low against the dollar. Kwarteng, who had been in the position for just over a month, was replaced with Jeremy Hunt. In his first days as chancellor, Hunt reversed many of Kwartengs policies, a U-turn which many believe left Trusss position more precarious than ever. Ads detailing the abuse that allegedly occurred under Republican Senate hopeful Mehmet Ozs watch while he was a principal investigator at the Columbia University Institute of Comparative Medicine have resulted in an embittered back-and-forth between the Oz campaign and the super PAC who funded them. The ads, funded by a top Democratic super PAC, Senate Majority PAC, depict dogs in various forms of distress along with images of Oz in a lab coat and scrubs. They first hit the airwaves Oct. 11, and have since aired hundreds of times across Pennsylvania. Ozs campaign has denied his involvement in the abuse , claiming he was not in the operating room during or after operations, and that he was not alerted to the abuse until after the cases were finished. Since the ads release, Ozs campaign has attacked their validity, on Thursday releasing a statement claiming SMP was forced to remove them from the air. Over the last few days, we were informed by both Comcast and broadcast stations across Pennsylvania that the Senate Majority PAC is no longer running their ridiculous lies about Doctor Oz's medical work, Oz campaign communications director Brittany Yanick said in a statement. But SMP did not back down. Shortly after the Oz announcement, SMP announced that they plan to air an encore round of their puppies ad campaign. Any implication or suggestion from the Oz campaign that these ads were taken down against our intent is categorically false and discredited by the fact that both spots ran continuously in countless markets across the state for over eight days, SMP spokesperson Veronica Yoo said in a statement Thursday. This lie is a clear indication that Ozs losing campaign is trying to distract voters from the facts presented in our ads: Mehmet Oz supervised the lab that killed more than 300 dogs. Oz has put himself first and screwed over Pennsylvanians so frequently and in so many ways that were constantly creating new ad campaigns to remind voters of how unfit he is to be their Senator. SMP also says they have received no communication from Pennsylvania stations or from Comcast indicating they intend to take down the ads. Oct. 19RAPID CITY, S.D. The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against two Rapid City hoteliers alleging steps taken to ban Native Americans from the property violated the Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit, filed against Grand Gateway Hotel and Cheers Sports Lounge in northern Rapid City, alleges that owner Connie Uhre and her son, Nicholas, denied access to Native American patrons in violation of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in places of public accommodation, such as hotels and other places of entertainment. Federal authorities cite the lawsuit stems from an email chain in which Connie allegedly told various hotel owners and managers in Rapid City that she doesn't want to allow Native Americans on property belonging to her. "I really do not want to allow Natives on property. Every time we have problems I call the police with it, the first thing they ask is what nationality is he or she and 98% of the time I have to say native, and we call at least once a week," an email from Connie reads. "They kill each other walk around with guns... The problem is we do not know the nice ones from the bad natives...so we just have to say no to them!!" Following the email, to which Nicholas "did not disavow or otherwise disagree with, Connie allegedly posted to Facebook that Native Americans would no longer be welcome to the hotel or sports bar. "Do to the killing that took place at the Grand Gateway Hotel on March 19 2022 at 4 am plus all the vandalism we have had since the Mayor and Police Department are working with the non profit organization ( Dark Money)," her comment read. "We will no long allow any Native American on property. Or in Cheers Sports Bar. Natives killing Natives. Rancher and Travelers will receive a very special rate of 59.00 a night. Book Direct." Story continues Court documents allege that on the following day, on March 21, two Native Americans entered the hotel and inquired about rates. As the booking process was underway, the employee allegedly refused to rent the rooms, citing a policy which was not in writing at the time that rooms could not be rented to "locals," a policy which the employee said came from "Nick." On March 22, five Native Americans, each representatives of a Rapid City-based non-profit, attempted to rent five rooms. They were allegedly told the hotel was not renting rooms. After showing an employee an Expedia website that indicated rooms were available, the employee allegedly acknowledged vacancies, but told the group that the hotel was "not really renting out rooms right now." The employee told the group the policy came from management. In the lawsuit, the Department of Justice argues that the conduct of the businesses "constitutes a pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of rights" by Native Americans and that said practices are in violation of federal law. The Department of Justice requested a federal court find the businesses' actions in violation of the Civil Rights Act and enjoin the defendants from engaging in further discriminatory practices. "Restricting access to a hotel based on a person's race is prohibited by federal law," said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell for the District of South Dakota. "At the U.S. Attorney's Office, we are called to ensure that individuals are treated equally at public accommodations in South Dakota. We are committed to protecting that fundamental right for Native Americans." Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division agreed. "Policies prohibiting Native Americans from accessing public establishments are both racially discriminatory and unlawful," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department will continue to vigorously protect the rights of all people to go about their daily lives free from discrimination at hotels, restaurants and other public accommodations around the country." No hearing dates have been scheduled for the case as of Wednesday afternoon. This is a developing story. Check back with Forum News Service for updates. Native American protesters and supporters gather at the Black Hills, now the site of Mount Rushmore, on July 3, 2020 in Keystone, South Dakota. Micah Garen/Getty Images The Grand Gateway Hotel of Rapid City, South Dakota, was accused of banning Native people. After the owner said in March she was banning Natives, tribes issued the hotel a trespassing notice. On Wednesday, the Justice Department sued the hotel, alleging discriminatory practices. The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against a South Dakota hotel and its owners after accusations of discrimination against Indigenous people. Prosecutors said Natives were banned from accessing the Grand Gateway Hotel, located in Rapid City, and its accompanying sports bar starting in March. Also named in the suit are the Retsel Corporation, which owns the hotel, and two of the company's directors, Connie Uhre and her son, Nick Uhre. "Policies prohibiting Native Americans from accessing public establishments are both racially discriminatory and unlawful," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said in a statement. The hotel is located in the Black Hills, which is sacred to Native people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. But in March, as Insider previously reported, hotel owner Connie Uhre wrote on Facebook she was banning Indigenous people after a Native man was arrested in connection to a shooting at the hotel that took place days prior. "We will no longer allow any Native American on property," Connie Uhre wrote in a comment that was shared and condemned by Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender. The comment also said that ranchers and travelers would receive a special rate of $59 a night. According to the Justice Department complaint, Connie Uhre made a similar statement in an email chain around the same time. "I really do not want to allow Natives on property," she wrote, per the complaint, adding that whenever the hotel calls the police with "problems" it involves Native people "98% of the time." "The problem is we do not know the nice ones from the bad nativesso we just have to say no to them!!" she continued, according to the complaint. Story continues A lawyer for Connie Uhre and Nick Uhre did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Nick Uhre has previously acknowledged his mother's statements to South Dakota Public Broadcasting but said he did not support them, adding: "Natives are welcome at the Grand Gateway Hotel, always have been, always will." The complaint also said that in the days following the email the hotel refused to rent rooms to Sunny Red Bar, a Native American, and another Native person. It also said five Native Americans from the nonprofit NDN Collective were also denied rooms. NDN Collective had filed its own lawsuit against the hotel alleging discrimination after sending representatives to try and rent rooms following Connie Uhre's comments. "We are grateful that the Department of Justice has joined our efforts to hold the Grand Gateway Hotel responsible for their actions," Brendan V. Johnson, a lawyer for NDN Collective, told Insider in an email, adding he could not comment further due to ongoing litigation. In addition to NDN Collective's lawsuit, local tribes responded to the alleged discrimination earlier this year by issuing the Grand Gateway Hotel a trespassing notice, citing a 154-year-old treaty. "It was shocking, but not too much surprising, because we kind of live with this here in South Dakota," Harold Frazier, chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux and a signer of the notice, told Insider in April. "But to really see it so blatantly, it was really concerning." The notice, which was signed by several tribal leaders, said the hotel was in violation of the Treaty of Fort Laramie, also called the Sioux Treaty of 1868, which established that the land of the Black Hills belonged to the Sioux. When gold was found in the area a few years later, the US broke the treaty by allowing white settlers to move there, an action the Supreme Court deemed illegal in 1980. The treaty states that non-Native people may only pass through treaty lands with the consent of Natives, and that any white person who commits wrongdoing against a Native person can be referred to the federal government for arrest and prosecution under US law. James Meggesto, an attorney who specializes in Native American law and a member of the Onondaga Nation, previously told Insider that under the Constitution treaties are the law of the land, regardless of when they were made. "A treaty is the supreme law of the land whether it was made five years ago or hundreds of years ago," Meggesto said, noting that US courts have repeatedly upheld Indian treaties. However, despite the validity of treaties, he added that the government is often not set up to enforce them. Have a news tip? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@insider.com. Read the original article on Insider By Brian Ellsworth (Reuters) - The Dominican Republic has approved a request by a trading firm to export 20,500 gallons of diesel to Haiti for use principally in hospitals, according to letters seen by Reuters, as gangs continue blocking a key fuel terminal in Haiti. Fuel shortages created by the gang blockade have left Haitian hospitals without diesel to power their generators, which are the only way they can ensure consistent electricity due to chronic outages in Haiti's power grid. Most hospitals have curtailed or halted operations in recent weeks, just as the country is facing a cholera outbreak on top of a humanitarian crisis driven by shortages of food and water. A firm called AFA Trading in an Oct. 17 letter to the Dominican industry ministry sought permission to export the fuel via the land border between the two countries, with the intent of supplying three hospitals and one manufacturing facility. The industry ministry approved the request in a separate letter of the same date seen by Reuters. The letters describe the operation as a re-export, indicating the fuel in question was originally imported to the Dominican Republic. The Dominican industry ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters was unable to obtain comment from AFA Trading. Haiti is facing acute fuel shortages due to a blockade by a coalition of gangs that are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The United Nations has discussed sending a military force to confront the gangs and reopen the terminal. The fuel shortages have halted almost all economic activity, grinding most transportation to a halt and forcing many hospitals to shut down or curtail their operations. (Reporting by Brian Ellsworth in Miami; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Alexyz3d - Getty Images A report in Italys La Repubblica newspaper says Russia may be close to a live test of its Poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo. Poseidon is a giant underwater torpedo armed with a two-megaton thermonuclear warhead. Experts believe the submarine Belgorod, currently in the Barents Sea, could be the test vehicle. However, reports from Naval News and Reuters could not confirm the La Repubblica story. A full-fledged Poseidon testat least in the near futureis unlikely. Russia could be gearing up to test a new nuclear-powered torpedo, called Poseidon. An Italian newspaper, citing an unnamed NATO intelligence report, says the test is tied to movements of the new Belgorod submarine. The Poseidon torpedo is one of a slew of new weapons introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Dont miss any of our best-in-class military coverage. Join our squad. La Repubblica claims that NATO suspects Belgorod is about to test Poseidon in the Kara Sea . The intel is supposedly from a NATO intelligence report sent to the most important allied commands, according to the newspaper. Belgorod is one of two submarines, along with the Russian Navys Sarov, that can launch the Poseidon torpedo. However, Naval News has cast some doubt on the La Repubblica story. Photographs obtained by the website show Belgorod in the Barents Sea, not the Kara Sea, about 500 miles away. Analyst H.I. Sutton believes a test is possible, but it may also be possible Moscow has sortied Belgorod as a message to Washington and the West, particularly those countries helping Ukraine beat back a Russian invasion. Reuters also couldnt confirm the intel cited by La Repubblica, reporting that both a Western diplomat and a NATO official denied such a warning was sent out. H.I. Sutton/Covert Shores The U.S. Navy describes Poseidon as an Intercontinental Nuclear-Powered Nuclear-Armed Autonomous Torpedo, or INPNATP. Its just as well to call it by its nickname, the Apocalypse Torpedo. Poseidon is a large, 100-ton, nuclear-powered torpedo. It is an autonomous weapon system, meaning it is uncrewed and can navigate to its target on its own, without outside control. It travels at depths of up to 3,280 feet, farther than NATO submarines and their torpedoes can dive, at a speed of 70 knots (80 miles per hour on land.) A nuclear propulsion system gives it virtually unlimited range. Story continues Poseidon is armed with a two-megaton thermonuclear warhead. Two megatons is 2,000 kilotonsfar more catastrophic than the 16-kiloton bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in World War II. Poseidon is designed to attack coastal areas, like naval bases, ports, oil refineries, and cities. While it is relatively slow for a nuclear weapon, its speed and operating depth will make it difficult, if not impossible, to intercept. Poseidon is not a first-strike weapon, but rather one meant to ensure the destruction of enemy targets after a nuclear conflict has already begun. HI Sutton/Covert Shores A Poseidon test would not involve detonating an actual 2-megaton warhead, as Russia is a party to the Partial Test Ban Treaty that prohibits underwater explosions. Putin could decide to abrogate the treaty and test regardless, but that seems unlikely. While it is in his interests for the outside world to see him as irrational for now, keeping the U.S. and NATO guessing his next moves, ripping up the treaty would create long term diplomatic problems for Russia that arent easily fixed. Belgorod is one of the largest submarines in the world. It measures 604 feet long by 60 feet wide, and displaces 30,000 tons submergedthree times that of a U.S. Virginia-class attack sub. The submarine, originally an unfinished Oscar-class guided missile sub, was finished as a special mission submarine capable of acting as a mothership to smaller submarines, remotely operated vehicles, and the Poseidon torpedo. Belgorod can carry up to six Poseidon torpedoes, launching them from far off at sea. Russia will test Poseidon sooner or later. Such a test might come in a matter of days or years, but it is inevitable. But at the same time, Western sanctions have hit Moscows economy hard, and some form of belt tightening is inevitable. Even if Russia tests Poseidon, it might be as a one-hit wonder and never a fully operational weapon system. You Might Also Like Chanel Ayan is THAT girl! The Real Housewives of Dubai cast member has become an audience favorite with her over-the-top style, incomparable beauty, and unapologetic confidence. Ayan embodies her opening credits tagline, They dont hate me because Im beautiful. They hate me because they are basic. Shes also part of BRAVOs first international group in the Housewives franchise. Unlike most cast members, she doesnt come from a picture-perfect background. As Shadow & Act previously reported, the Somalian-Ethiopian beauty grew up in a traditional religious family in Kenya. And unfortunately, under the guise of her family, was a victim of forced genital mutilation when she was just 5-years-old. Ayan has shared that the cultural practice is to force young girls to remain a virgin until marriage. Ayan eventually had the gruesome procedure reversed and used the traumatic event to fuel her purpose in life. In a previous episode of RHODubai, Ayan opened up about the mutilation and the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. The 44-year-old proudly claimed victory over her past, saying, Im a survivor! Her survivor mindset led to Ayan building a successful career in modeling. And being the owner of a talent agency and makeup brand, Ayan Beauty. Her cosmetic brand is made in collaboration with celebrity makeup artist Toni Malt. While some might see the ultra-glamorous lifestyle of Ayan and her castmates as extra, she is very vocal about being more than just a pretty face who loves the finer things in life. We are too glamorous. We are too funny. We are too outgoing. We are dramatic, Ayan told WWD. We are also mothers. You get to see every one of us showing [our] lives, and we are all literally incredible women in different ways, she said. So you get to see all that from us, and we are very open. I think thats the best thing about us. Were so proud of our lives. Story continues Ayan also spoke about her need to command attention in every room she enters with her style. My style is as big as my personality: outrageous, she said. I bring drama with my fashion. And how does Ayan bring big drama? With very big hair, of course. In a recent TikTok video, celebrity hairstylist Janel Cocoa Mane Smith shared behind-the-scenes footage of Ayans BravoCon look. And while preparing the reality star for the day, she let viewers in on a wig hack that was anything but basic. In the video, the luxuriously long, thick, bouncy, curly mane that Ayan rocked at BravoCon was actually a combination of three Sensationnel What Lace Latisha wigs, which can be purchased on Amazon. Theyre priced at $55-$80 depending on the color. Damn Chanel, you look like a Barbie! Smith said. I know. Do you know why? Because I have on three wigs, Ayan says as she flips her hair. Three wigs, and it looks gorgeous. Chanels finished look was a fan favorite on the BravoCon stage, as she paired her triple wig hairdo with a beautiful ball gown. Dutch people can be blunt. You might say candid. Or maybe outspoken. Does forthright sound better? How about curt? Brusque may often be the way it feels, especially to a visitor. I suppose the way you describe the phenomenon depends on how you experience it. The Dutch people I have come to know during my first few weeks in the Netherlands dont hesitate to say whats on their minds. If theyre thinking it, theyll probably say it, which can be a good thing. But not always. Cultural stereotyping is almost never a good idea in my experience, but some generalizations about a culture are unavoidable. Last month, in my column, I wrote about the Dutch and their bicycles. Its hardly a generalization to say that the Dutch love their bicycles when there are 24 million of them in a country of only 17 million people. Douglas Brouwer But to say that Americans are obsessed with guns (using a similar comparison between the number of guns and the size of the U.S. population) might make us feel uncomfortable. Still, there seems to be at least some truth behind most generalizations, including the one about Americans and their guns. Most people who have spent time in the Netherlands have been on the receiving end of more than one surprisingly personal comments. Why did you get your hair cut so short? someone said to me, disapprovingly, after I had my first haircut at the neighborhood barbershop. I had been mostly pleased with how my hair looked, and I had enjoyed my conversation with the person who cut my hair. She spoke Arabic, French, and English, in addition to Dutch, and I found the entire experience enjoyable. But my hair was short, and my new Dutch friend was merely stating the obvious. Why not say it? Good question. Many Americans and Ill generalize further here by saying, many Midwesterners prefer to be polite. We keep our opinions to ourselves, especially if we think those opinions might not be welcome. The result can be, and often is, a lot of dancing around what seems obvious to everyone like a really short haircut. Story continues For Midwesterners, the most important value seems to be being nice. We pride ourselves on how nice we are (unless of course we are leaving comments on social media sites), and truth is typically a secondary concern. Not so with the Dutch. Whats valued here above all is straightforwardness. Theres even a Dutch word for it: bespreekbaarheid or, literally, speakability, meaning that everything can and should be spoken aloud. In this country, there are very few taboo topics. Do you have a medical problem? A problem in your marriage? A stain that youre having a hard time getting out of your shirt? You can talk about all of those topics and more at normal volume over coffee at the bakery next door. Why not? Most people think of the Netherlands as a liberal country with a generally progressive outlook. Dutch people, in other words, are straightforward but tolerant. Many scholars tend to associate Dutch attitudes, values, and beliefs with Calvinism, a major branch of Protestantism, with roots in 16th century Europe. Calvinist teachings may have shaped the nations way of life, but the Netherlands today is one of the most secular in western Europe. Over half of the population claims to be non-religious, according to a 2020 study by the Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek. Claiming that a centuries-old religious movement led an entire country to be direct in its interpersonal communications today might seem like a stretch. After all, the Dutch Calvinists who settled in western Michigan are not known, at least not today, for sharing these same traits neither tolerance nor straightforwardness. An intercultural consultant, Eleonore Breukel, who assists Fortune 500 companies around the world in cultivating effective business cultures, likes to say that Calvinisms emphasis on individual responsibility, more than anything else, led an entire population toward total honesty and, interestingly, a rejection of pleasure as well as the enjoyment of wealth. So, there are, after all, a few topics that the Dutch prefer not to talk about. Among them would be salaries and pensions. Anything to do with luxury, really. You would never, for example, talk about how beautiful your house is. I learned this exception to the Dutch directness rule one day when I said something about the house where I am living for the year. I think my words were: The house where Im living is amazing. The person I was with looked appalled and said, You might want to keep that to yourself. Douglas Brouwer is a resident of Park Township, except for the school year 2022-2023, when he is living and working in The Hague, Netherlands. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Douglas Brouwer: Dutch directness (Bloomberg) -- Italys outgoing prime minister, Mario Draghi, told his fellow European Union leaders that the region was in a recession and that divisions in the bloc would be a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to people familiar with his remarks. Most Read from Bloomberg The warning comes as leaders debate a contentious energy package and after Germany was criticized over a 200 billion ($196 billion) national aid plan that some have said would create imbalances in the EU. The former head of the European Central Bank, 75, struck a forthright and bleak tone at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, said two of the people, who asked not to be named on closed-door discussions. A spokesperson for Draghi declined to comment on the remarks. The premier, who is due to be succeeded by right-wing coalition leader Giorgia Meloni, warned about EU countries financing the Russian leader, according to the people. He said that the blocs economy is in a recession, underscored by market fragmentation which has a negative impact on the EUs unity. Creating division among EU countries is part of Putins strategy and if the EU does not show unity, then Putin wins, Draghi said, according to the people. --With assistance from Alberto Nardelli and Ania Nussbaum. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. After four consecutive failed rainy seasons, harvests in East Africa have become so barren that one person is likely to die every 36 seconds from hunger, according to a new report about acute food insecurity in the region. Amid a fifth rainy season from October through November currently projected to fail, conditions are deteriorating so fast across Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya that human rights experts say its the worst hunger crisis in the regions history with little relief in sight. The situation is extreme, Margret Mueller, regional coordinator for East and Central Africa of Oxfam International, the global organization that focuses on the alleviation of global poverty and released the report, told Yahoo News. The next potential improvement of the situation is the next rainy season, which is March to May. So the first time that we can hope to have any harvest is next year [in] June. Until then, the situation is going to deteriorate, and already, 9 million animals have died in the region. An estimated that 31 million people across the three countries are facing some level of acute food insecurity, while 11 million are expected to face high levels of insecurity, which means they are in dire need of food assistance, according to the latest data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a tool for improving food security analysis and decision-making. At least 6 million children face or are already suffering acute malnutrition. A child eats at a school in Dollow, Somalia, on Sept. 19. At midday, dozens of hungry children from the camps try to slip into a local primary school where the World Food Program offers a rare lunch program for students. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Without adequate food and water at their disposal, millions of people in the region are in survival mode. Food costs have sometimes doubled and often tripled in recent months, Mueller said. More than a million people have abandoned their homes in search of nourishment and pasture for animals. In dire circumstances, adults are going days without food in lieu of feeding their children and animals, and education has become an afterthought for many communities, which will have a long-lasting impact. Story continues It seems, unfortunately, that history is at grave risk of repeating itself, Kiersten Johnson, team leader for the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) team, told Agrilinks, an online community for food security and agricultural development practitioners. In Somalia in 2011, alarm bells rang months in advance, but the response from the rest of the world was passive. What we are saying to the world is that this moment right now is our last chance to change the course of events. Famine is set to be declared in parts of Somalia this month, which means that at least 20% of households are facing an extreme lack of food, about 30% of children are suffering from acute malnutrition, and 2 of every 10,000 people are dying each day, either from starvation or from the interaction of malnutrition and disease. A 2011 famine in the country claimed the lives of 260,000 people, more than half of them children under the age of 6. Experts fear this drought will result in many more fatalities. We cannot wait for famine to be declared, Rein Paulsen, irector of the U.N.Food and Agriculture Organization's Office of Emergencies and Resilience, said after visiting Somalia in August. We must act now to safeguard livelihoods and lives. Water dribbles from a faucet at a camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Dollow on Sept. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) Resource scarcity has only been compounded by the economic impact of COVID-19 and the rising costs due to Russias war in Ukraine, which is known as Europes breadbasket. Making an already fragile situation worse are extreme water and food shortages that prevailed even before the war in Ukraine. Somalia alone imports about 90% of its wheat from Ukraine and Russia, and the war there has significantly reduced shipments, causing a sharp rise in prices. Across the sub-Saharan region, most people are fishermen, herders and farmers who depend on agriculture. Without a harvest, neither people nor animals can survive unless outside assistance is provided. Right now, it's the livestock, and next, it's going to be our children, Mueller said, describing those at risk. Climate change, regional conflict and extreme poverty have exacerbated the issues, and meanwhile, many people are unaware the crisis even exists. A poll from last month of Americans aged 19 to 34 conducted by the IRC and YouGov found that 69% did not know there was a drought in East Africa until they took the survey. Another 57% said politicians are not doing enough to address climate change and related food shortages. There is clear bipartisan consensus across the US on the need to do more and do so urgently to avert climate change-induced famine in East Africa, David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said in a statement. The worst drought in forty years is symptomatic of the growing impact of climate change and the international neglect that allows hunger to run rampant, particularly in countries already reeling from conflict. The U.S. public, especially youth, are in agreement: Global leaders must do more to counter the worst effects of climate change, especially on the worlds most vulnerable. Somalis from rural areas hit by drought wait for food at a camp for the internally displaced on the outskirts of Baidoa, in the South West State of Somalia, on Oct. 12. (Geneva Costopulos/WFP via AP) The U.S. has so far donated over $2 billion in critical humanitarian assistance across the Horn of Africa to affected regions, more than the rest of the world combined, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). But they acknowledge a gap of $1 billion remains, according to the U.N. We are very concerned that the amount of funding that is available right now is not going to meet the needs, Tracy OHeir, head of USAIDs Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance East Africa Division, told Yahoo News earlier this year. For others, its as if the crisis doesnt exist. This seems to be an invisible famine, Gayle Smith, CEO of One.org, and a former USAID administrator under President Barack Obama, told Time magazine. I think theres some awareness, but it has not triggered the kind of international response that one would expect, and is in fact needed. As crops continue to fail year after year, its not lost on advocates that the G-20 group, an intergovernmental forum made up of the worlds largest economies, accounts for 80% of the world's emissions, and that the most vulnerable countries experience the harshest effects, which trickle down to food, health and education. The remains of dead livestock and a donkey are scattered at a camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Dollow on Sept. 21. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) While political leaders have made many promises to help the region, little has changed. We have been ringing the alarm, but only see the situation continue to deteriorate, Abby Maxman, Oxfam Americas president and CEO, said in a statement. It is not an act of aid, but our collective obligation to act now. For Mueller, it comes down to will and compassion. This is where we need to ask ourselves, How do we deal with empathy? and How are we intentional about it? she said. Hunger is a political choice that we take as a global community to not take action. It's not some event, it's not an earthquake. If we're not going to accept a death every 36 seconds of hunger we need to help East Africa. _____ Cover thumbnail: AP Photo/Jerome Delay PHOENIX (AP) Gathered at a table in the Capitol in Phoenix a little less than two years ago, two Republicans and a Democrat took part in a ceremony prescribed by state law that made official Joe Biden's 10,500-vote victory in Arizona's 2020 presidential contest. While sifting through pages, with pen in hand and cameras rolling, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey stopped to silence the hail to the chief ringtone on his cellphone. It was a call from then-President Donald Trump, who was in the midst of a frenetic fight to reverse the results of the election he had lost. Ducey continued signing the papers, in what some saw as a dramatic affirmation of democracy at work. How a similar scene would play out in 2024 if the three Republicans running for the top statewide offices win on Nov. 8 anyone's guess. They have all said they would not have signed off on the 2020 results if they had held office at the time. Kari Lake, the Republican nominee for governor, and Mark Finchem, running for secretary of state, have signaled support for vastly overhauling election rules. Lake, Finchem and Abraham Hamadeh, the attorney general nominee, are running for offices that play a central role in administering or certifying elections and the candidates earned Trump's support by spreading falsehoods about the 2020 election. When you have stolen, corrupt elections, you have serious consequences, even deadly consequences, Lake said in June while she was competing in the GOP primary. And unfortunately, we had a stolen election, and we actually have an illegitimate president sitting in the White House. The Democratic nominees Katie Hobbs for governor, Adrian Fontes for secretary of state and Kris Mayes for attorney general have all defended the security of elections and say they would fight for voting rights. Multiple reviews in battleground states, including in Arizona, dozens of court cases and Trump's own Department of Justice have found there was no widespread fraud in the last presidential election. Story continues Despite that, Republican candidates up and down the ballot continue to deny the legitimacy of Biden's election. Several are running for governor, secretary of state or attorney general in some of the closely contested states where Trump disputed his loss, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Nevada. The possibility of those candidates winning next month raises questions about what they might do regarding elections and certification of results once in office, especially in regard to the 2024 presidential race. Arizona's candidates for top statewide office offer a window into that possible future. Election experts say any of the three, if elected, could try to tilt that election toward Trump if he runs again. That could happen through a refusal to certify an election he loses or long before that through preemptive changes to the election process. Arizona has a recent history of extremely close elections, so small changes to its election laws could have a huge impact. The Republicans say they are motivated by boosting faith in elections, not returning Trump to power or helping his allies. Lake said last month that she would certify the 2024 election if courts did not substantiate any official election challenges. That answer runs counter to her message through much of her campaign, when she said she would not have certified the 2020 results despite courts rejecting all challenges. Finchem said in a text message that he would certify the election "as long as all lawful votes are counted and all votes cast are under the law." He did not respond to follow-up questions about who decides if the votes were lawful or whether he would accept results of court proceedings. Hamadeh said in a statement that he would faithfully follow the law." The governor, secretary of state and attorney general in Arizona have enormous power over election decisions. If all three Republicans win, the steps they could take would be nearly limitless, according to Arizona election lawyers versed in the laws, rules and norms that govern the process. The Republicans could rewrite the state's elections procedures manual, which details the rules for conducting elections and certification. Its written by the secretary of state and must be approved by the attorney general and governor. If all three sign off, the changes carry the force of law. That's even without any of the more expansive changes that could be made by the Legislature, which is almost certain to be controlled by Republicans. If you have people who are supportive of the Big Lie in charge of our elections, theres a lot of stuff they can do, said Jim Barton, a longtime Democratic election attorney in Arizona. And they can do it in ways that look pretty boring. Finchem, who was outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, but says he did not join rioters who attacked the building that day, has pledged to rewrite those rules. He has said little about what he would change. He could create rules for accepting voter registrations, eliminate the right for county officials to provide drop boxes to accept mail ballots, and even refuse to accept filings for voter initiatives, just to name a few, Barton said. On registration alone, the secretary could adopt small changes, such as when forms need to be turned in or the color of ink that must be used, and pass them off as needed to make processing easier, Barton said. Small changes affecting comparatively few voters could add up in a close race. Nobodys winning the elections anymore by 10%, Barton said. So you dont have to say, Oh, Im not going to count any of the votes from Pima County to sway the vote. If you make it a little bit harder for low-income people to vote, then the states not purple anymore. And thats just the start if someone really wants to seize the reins of election rules and make small but substantive changes. Eric Spencer, an attorney who represents Republican and conservative organizations and is a former state elections director, said a slew of rules could be changed under a new administration. That could include eliminating unattended ballot drop boxes, which are convenient spots for voters to turn in their ballots. The trio also could pursue changes to rules for ballot-counting machines and the election canvass, in which elected leaders certify the results, Spencer said. Thats where a new triumvirate could make some radical, radical changes, he said. For example, a new secretary of state could remove a provision Spencer developed that says county and state officials must certify the election results and cant change the vote totals. Spencer developed that rule after a county official balked at certifying a local election in 2016 and nearly derailed the statewide certification. Any controversy over certification could create a pretext for Arizonas electoral votes to be challenged when Congress meets to count them in early 2025. As secretary of state, Finchem also would have unilateral authority to certify or not election equipment. He told CBS News that vote tabulating machines should be banned unless the manufacturer shares the source code. No voting system manufacturers release the underlying software for their systems to protect code they regard as proprietary and to prevent hacking. Finchem and other Trump allies claim they cant trust the systems if they cant review the software that powers it line by line. Lake and Finchem also both signaled they want to ensure that voting rolls are accurate, which election experts worry could lead them to purge certain voters or force people to continuously re-register. We must protect the count of all legal votes and quarantine votes that are outside of the law, Finchem said. Lake, who has emerged as one of the most popular new figures in Trumps Make America Great Again movement, has avoided disclosing specific changes she would pursue for elections. But shes offered clues. She has said she wants Arizonans to go to bed on election night knowing the results, which some regard as a threat to the mail balloting system used by the overwhelming majority of voters. Im going to work with the lawmakers to make sure we have a system where voting is honest, Lake said. Im not sure what its going to look like. ___ Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter, https://twitter.com/ap_politics Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images A federal appeals court ruled the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's funding as unconstitutional. The agency currently receives funding through the Federal Reserve, rather than Congress. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who helped create the agency, called the ruling a "reckless decision." A court shaped by Republicans just ruled against a key consumer agency Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren helped shape. On Wednesday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)'s funding structure is unconstitutional because the Federal Reserve funds the agency, rather than requiring funding approval through Congressional legislation. Under former President Barack Obama, Warren helped create the CFPB with the key idea that it would function as an independent agency without political influence so it could conduct oversight as effectively as possible, and this ruling could fundamentally change that. "This is a lawless and reckless decision," Warren wrote on Twitter. "@CFPB has returned billions of dollars to Americans by doing its job, and its funding is clearly constitutional. Extreme right-wing judges are throwing into question every rule the CFPB enforces to protect consumers and businesses alike." "This reckless decision could stop the CFPB from enforcing rules that prevent debt collectors from harassing you," she added. "Rules to stop banks opening fake accounts or closing your account without asking. Rules to stop financial firms charging you outrageous junk fees." A three judge panel in the Fifth Circuit all appointed by former President Donald Trump wrote in a ruling that "Congress did not merely cede direct control over the Bureau's budget by insulating it from annual or other time limited appropriations. It also ceded indirect control by providing that the Bureau's self-determined funding be drawn from a source that is itself outside the appropriations process a double insulation from Congress's purse strings that is 'unprecedented' across the government." Story continues The CFPB has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision. A spokesperson for the agency said in a statement that there's "nothing novel or unusual about Congress's decision to fund the CFPB outside of annual spending bills." "Other federal financial regulators and the entire Federal Reserve System are funded that way, and programs such as Medicare and Social Security are funded outside of the annual appropriations process," the spokesperson said. Over the past decade, the CFPB has helped oversee big banks, and particularly, the student-loan industry. At the end of September, for example, the agency released a report with extensive findings of potentially illegal actions by student-loan companies, including hampering borrowers' access to targeted loan forgiveness programs and income-driven repayment plans. And in March, the agency hit a student-loan company with a $1 million fine for "making deceptive statements" to borrowers with privately-held student loans regarding their repayment options. Mike Pierce, executive director of advocacy group Student Borrower Protection Center and former regulator at the CFPB, said in a statement that for over a decade, "the CFPB has taken on big fights with powerful financial companies and stood up for working people." "Because the Bureau has been so effective, it has become a favorite punching bag for Wall Street and their army of lawyers and bought-and-paid-for judges," he said. "Today's decision has nothing to do with fairness or justicethis is a raw game of reactionary politics played by people who want to keep families trapped in debt." Read the original article on Business Insider Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images Elon Musk says he's "obviously overpaying" with his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter. The tech mogul added that he's "excited" about the takeover and that the site has "incredible potential." Musk is the world's richest person with an estimated net worth of $209 billion. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, the world's richest person, says he's "obviously overpaying" to buy Twitter, just a week before a judge's deadline for his $44 billion takeover of the company. Musk's purchase of Twitter has been fraught with controversies, including lawsuits and a potential upcoming trial. Musk is buying the social media site for $54.20 a share, an offer he first made in April, though he came close to scoring an 8% discount, sources previously told Insider. "Although obviously myself and the other investors are obviously overpaying for Twitter right now, the long-term potential for Twitter in my view is an order of magnitude greater its current value," Musk, who is Tesla's CEO, said at the electric-vehicle maker's earnings call Wednesday. "I'm excited about the Twitter situation, because obviously I know their product incredibly well," he said. "And I think it's an asset that has sort of languished for a long time but has incredible potential." Musk is the world's richest person, with a current net worth of $209 billion, according to estimates by Bloomberg. Musk U-turned on his decision to buy Twitter and then U-turned again Musk initially offered to buy Twitter in April after accumulating a 9.2% share, making him its biggest shareholder, and trying to join its board of directors. But the next month he seemed more hesitant about buying the site, and in July he sent a letter to Twitter terminating the deal, claiming that the social-media giant had withheld or distorted data on the number of bot accounts on the platform. Twitter says bots make up less than 5% of its 238 million monetized daily active users. Within days, Twitter sued Musk, accusing him of "refusing to honor his obligations." Musk countersued later in July, alleging that the company intentionally miscounted the number of spam accounts as part of what he called "its scheme to mislead investors about the company's prospects." Story continues After months of Musk trying to abandon the deal, it is now back on the cards. Talks to buy the company for $50 a share fell through after the two sides clashed, with Musk's attorney saying that Twitter's executives and board wanted "all kinds of things" in the renegotiated deal that the tech mogul refused to accept. Musk's lawyers ultimately said he would renew the original offer at $54.20 a share on October 4. The judge overseeing Twitter's case against Musk in Delaware Chancery Court has agreed to halt proceedings in the case until October 28 to give them time to to close on the transaction, or otherwise the parties will face a trial in November. Musk's legal team has said the deal can close by then. Bloomberg reported that Twitter froze its employees' ability to access and trade shares on Monday in a sign that Musk's deal is close to completion. Read the original article on Business Insider Nathan Howard/Getty A 5-year-old girl in Oregon weighed just 29.5 pounds when she was rushed to a Portland hospital last fallher father allegedly fearing suffering from seizures or throwing a fit. But according to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Oregonian on Wednesday, doctors allegedly made a harrowing discovery while examining the child. Her ribs and spinal bones were visible, and open sores surrounded her mouth. Her arms were filled with scrapes and cuts. Her feet were swollen, and her ankles were so weak that doctors said she mustve been tied up for an extended period, the affidavit said. The Randall Childrens Hospitals official diagnosis for the girl, according to the court records: Torture. An investigation into the poor girls injuries was opened. Detectives quickly determined the likely culprit behind her suffering was allegedly her own father, 30-year-old Javon Markquez Ingram. He was arrested and faces multiple charges of criminal mistreatment and assault. According to the court documents cited by The Oregonian, which were also requested by The Daily Beast on Thursday, police interviews with the child and Ingram brought more terrifying details to light. The girl, who was not named in the documents, allegedly told detectives that her father regularly tied her to a door using dollar store zip ties and duct tape, and put her into a dog collar that would shock her. Hed then leave her in a bathroom or a shed, restrained in a high chair, the filing says. Assisting in the torture, police said, was 45-year-old Larissa Danielle Ducan, who is not related to the girl. The child said the duo would beat her with a belt when shed go to the bathroom, and that Ingram would shove socks in her mouth whenever she was whiny, a prosecutor wrote in an affidavit. Detectives said the girl had never attended school, never received medical care, and was only served blended food. Her body is filled with lasting and prominent scars, which include scars around her eyes from being blindfolded, and on the sides of her mouth from being gagged, the affidavit said. Story continues Making the girls terror even more sickening, Ingram regularly recorded his acts, the affidavit added. That allegedly included videos from Ingrams phone that showed the girl being forced to run laps around their home as punishment, her hands tied behind her back. During a search of Ingrams home in November, police said they found multiple zip ties, duct tape, and a shock collar next to a bed. Ingram initially chalked up his daughters injuries to self harm, the affidavit said, but investigators said he later confessed. Ive done some horrible things in these pictures, he told police as he looked at photos of his daughters injuries, according to the affidavit obtained by The Oregonian. I know what I did was (expletive) up. Ingram also allegedly admitted to some of the acts in writing. I Javon Ingram did tie, bound, and zip tie and hold you in place to calm and have you in a controlled state, Ingram wrote, according to the affidavit, before asking officers, So what am I being charged with, torture? The girl moved in with Ingram when she was two after her mom lost custody for methamphetamine addiction, the affidavit said. The alleged abuse by Ingram and Ducan began in Jan. 2019 and continued through Nov. 2021, police said. Ingram was indicted last week on 24 counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, three counts of first-degree assault, nine counts of third-degree assault, and is being held without bail. He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court. An arrest warrant is out for Ducan, who faces seven counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment, three counts of first-degree assault, and two counts of third-degree assault. Court documents say the girl now lives with her grandmother. 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. Liv moments before her Emmerdale death. (ITV) Emmerdale fans have been sharing their grief over the death of popular character Liv Flaherty, the latest victim of the soap's storm. Fans of the show praised the acting of Isobel Steele in her final scenes as Liv, who was crushed by a caravan that blew towards her in strong winds but was still alive for long enough that husband Vinny (Bradley Johnson) and brother Aaron (Danny Miller) could say goodbye. Read more: Emmerdale horror stampede scenes leave viewers in stitches Viewers couldn't believe that Liv had been killed off in the ITV soap's 50th anniversary week, which has also seen Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton) crushed by a quad bike, while Faith Dingle (Sally Dexter) died from cancer just before the storm began. Fans praised Isobel Steele, who played Liv. (ITV) One fan tweeted: "Liv's death is one of the most heartbreaking soap deaths." Someone else agreed: "Livs death one of the saddest Ive seen in a while." Another heartbroken viewer wrote: "Just watched Liv's final scenes on Emmerdale and didn't expect to still be a crying mess 30 mins later... not only have we lost Liv tonight, but we've also lost the only asexual character on British TV, and one of the best asexual representations out there. Sad day all around..." Read more: Is Emmerdale the deadliest soap on TV? Miller led tributes to Steele's performance, tweeting: "The moment that young girl walked into the room and delivered what was an outstanding performance. Myself and everyone in that very room knew we had a rising star on our hands. Now, she leaves a woman with the world at her feet. My best friend, my little sister, my Liv.. The moment that young girl walked into the room and delivered what was an outstanding performance. Myself and everyone in that very room knew we had a rising star on our hands. Now, she leaves a woman with the world at her feet. My best friend, my little sister, my Liv.. pic.twitter.com/3OB7tqZBkH Danny Miller (@DannyBMiller) October 20, 2022 "@Isobel_steele - thank you for the last 7 years. The bond Aaron & Liv had was incomparable. Nobody ever came close. And thats why youll always be in my life. Your Mum, Dad & Con will be so proud. Onward and upwards now for you our kid! Love you mate. See you at the caravan." Story continues Viewers agreed, as one person tweeted: "Oh goodness what an amazing performance from the actress playing Liv. You have broken our hearts." Someone else wrote: "just switched over to #emmerdale and can't believe they have just killed liv off. in pieces and can we just talk about the acting from both danny and isobel." Liv and Vinny battled the storm. (ITV) Another fan commented: "isobel steele honestly one of the best talents emmerdale has ever had i am gonna miss liv so much." One fan offered condolences to Miller's character, tweeting: "abused by his dad, been to prison about 30 times, gets attacked all the time, two boyfriends are dead, one sister dead, mum has been in relationships with multiple murderers, husband in prison and now his other sister is dead - the producers hate aaron." Emmerdale continues tonight at 7.30pm on ITV. Watch: The King sends message to Emmerdale cast as soap cleans up at the NTAs Farmers in low-lying regions of Bangladesh are braving rising sea levels by cultivating their crops aboard hand-woven rafts. Faced with inhospitable growing conditions that could threaten their livelihoods, they are adapting to a climate of surging swamp waters by reviving a relic of the countrys past, according to Reuters. These farmers are returning to a traditional technique in which they plant vegetables from cucumbers to papaya on rafts woven from the stalks of invasive water hyacinth, Reuters reported. When floods come as they now do for eight to 10 months per year the crops float, rather than drown. Most of the crops are then sold as saplings, or young trees, according to Reuters. These days, the land is under water for a longer time, one farmer told Reuters. This ancient technique has helped us to earn a living. Bangladesh could lose nearly a fifth of its land area and almost a third of its food production by 2030, the International Monetary Fund reported. As climate conditions become increasingly unstable in the region, floating farms could become a crucial technique for local families, according to Reuters. Already, some 6,000 subsistence growers across Bangladeshs swampy southwest are now cultivating their crops aboard these rafts, Reuters reported. It requires less space than conventional farming and does not need pesticides, local agricultural official Digbijoy Hazra told the outlet. When were fighting the impact of global warming, floating farming could be the future, Hazra added. Floating afield: The similar chinampa system of Central Mexico in which crops are grown on rafts floating in highland lakes could also have significant sustainability benefits, according to a 2019 duty by the American Society for Horticultural Science. Welcome to Equilibrium, a newsletter from The Hill that tracks the growing battle over the future of sustainability. Were Saul Elbein and Sharon Udasin. Story continues Today well start in Ukraine, where officials have called for urgent reductions in power use. Then well explore coals unlikely role in electric vehicle batteries and also see how alligators are getting sick from forever chemicals. Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Equilibrium newsletter Ukrainians asked to cut power consumption Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked residents to reduce their electricity usage, as the country battles power disruptions caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, our colleague Zach Schonfeld reported for The Hill. Chilly timing: Officials requested on Thursday that Ukrainians take steps to reduce their electricity use between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Zelensky warned that blackouts will persist throughout the country, noting that three energy facilities were destroyed by Russia this week. The cutbacks coincide with the start of the heating season, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on his Telegram channel. Water shortages could also occur: Some grocery stores in the capital have observed that customers are beginning to buy more 5-liter bottles of mineral water, according to Reuters. Charge devices, prepare hugs: In anticipation of forthcoming blackouts, Ukrainian national energy company Ukrenergo asked residents to stock up on water, as well as on warm socks and blankets and hugs for family and friends, the BBC reported. The power company urged Ukrainians to charge all phones, power banks, flashlights and batteries, according to the BBC. Residents remain resilient: Russians have invaded our country, there is much anger against Russian leaders and Russian people, Mikhaylo Holovnenko, a Kyiv resident, told Reuters. But we are ready for outages, Holovnenko continued. We have candles, charged power banks. Ukraine is charged to win. Energy, hunger as weapons: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz accused Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday of using energy and hunger as weapons, Reuters reported. Scorched earth tactics will not help Russia win the war, Scholz told the German parliament. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russias Security Council, slammed Scholz in response, declaring that he has clearly forgotten the Nazi past of his country. Acts of terror: Other Western officials have issued similar condemnations, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing the assaults as war crimes, as The Hill reported. Cutting off men, women, children of water, electricity and heating with winter coming these are acts of pure terror, von der Leyen tweeted. Why your EV battery could be made with coal A Southeast Asian battery boom is helping produce a flood of electric vehicle (EV) components essential to both the regional and global energy transition. A clean energy push is particularly gaining momentum in Indonesia, which supplies nickel and other minerals to manufacturers like Hyundai and LG. But that push also comes with a dark side: Its dependence on planet-heating emissions from coal, The Wall Street Journal reported. Indonesias battery industry is a case study in the complication of decoupling clean energy and fossil fuel supply chains. The countrys international deals with battery suppliers raise questions about the true carbon costs of clean energy components and the ability of consumers to untangle them. Building the future: Indonesia is a global mining leader that wants to upgrade its economy by also refining elements like nickel that are needed in clean energy and high-tech manufacturing, CNBC reported. Indonesia is by far the worlds top supplier of raw nickel, which is used in the anodes of electric batteries, according to the United States Geological Survey. The island nation also ties Australia for largest proven nickel reserves. As such, Indonesia has welcomed investments from Chinese firms building new nickel refineries in its territory, according to a September report from the Brookings Institute. Coal liability: But as in China, much of the energy for this cleantech push comes from coal. Indonesia is the worlds fourth largest coal producer, and the largest exporter of thermal coal, according to CNBC. The countrys low-grade nickel also requires more energy than higher-grade ores and therefore carbon emissions to refine it. Investors may not care: Indonesias reliance on coal hasnt stopped big mineral-strapped battery and EV manufacturers from partnering with the country. In April, South Korea-based LG Energy the worlds second largest battery manufacturer signed a $9 billion deal to source nickel from Indonesia, the Financial Times reported. LG Energy is also building a $1 billion battery plant in the country with Hyundai Motor Group manufacturers of the popular IONIQ EV line, according to a news release from Hyundai. A DEVELOPMENT PARADOX Indonesias coal-dependent clean-energy push comes as the country struggles to escape a paradigm in which it exports only low-value raw materials, CNBC reported. A key element of this push was the countrys 2020 ban of exports of raw nickel in order to incentivize a domestic industry. But over the long term, a coal-dependent cleantech push threatens to undercut Indonesias ability to sell to Western markets, according to the Journal. Two-tiered market? If cutting the carbon cost of EVs is important, Western manufacturers and consumers may need to get used to paying more for low-carbon nickel, according to analysis from commodity news site Fastmarkets. For example, Tesla is buying low-carbon nickel from Canada, per a statement from exporter Vale. It all comes down to price and if people are willing to pay more for ESG material, Fastmarkets analyst Andy Farida said, referring to minerals that meet environmental, social and governance standards. Alligators exposed to PFAS show autoimmune issues Alligators exposed to forever chemicals in North Carolinas Cape Fear River may be experiencing adverse clinical and autoimmune effects, a new study has found. Visible injuries: In addition to showing genetic indicators for immune system effects, the animals had many unhealed or infected lesions, according to the study, published on Thursday in Frontiers in Toxicology. Alligators rarely suffer from infections, Scott Belcher, an associate professor of biology at North Carolina State University, said in a statement. They do get wounds, but they normally heal quickly, he continued. Gauging the gators: From 2018 to 2019, Belcher and his colleagues took blood samples and conducted health evaluations on 49 alligators living along the Cape Fear River. They found that the animals had elevated levels of 14 different types of so-called forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). What are PFAS, again? Theyre artificial compounds that can persist for decades in the environment and are linked to many illnesses. Notorious for their presence in jet fuel firefighting foam and industrial discharge, PFAS are also key ingredients in a variety of household items, such as nonstick pans. Why study PFAS in the Cape Fear? This river, located in central and coastal North Carolina, has long been contaminated by PFAS. The basin covers more than 9,300 square miles of waterways that service about 5.2 million residents, according to the study. Upstream contamination has come from fluorochemical production, manufacturing, wastewater treatment discharges and the use of firefighting foams. Why check the gators? Alligators are a sentinel species harbingers of dangers to human health, Belcher said. What did they find? The alligators exposed to PFAS had elevated levels of genes that are responsive to an immune protein called interferon-alpha, according to the study. In humans, high expression of these genes is an important indicator of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, Belcher explained. Already, some PFAS exposures in humans have been connected to chronic autoimmune disorders like ulcerative colitis and thyroid disease, he added. Human-gator links: Seeing these associations between PFAS exposure and disrupted immune function in the Cape Fear River alligators supports connections between adverse human and animal health effects and PFAS exposure, he added. To read more about their findings, please click here for the full story. Wildfires push mountain lions into riskier behaviors Habitat destruction caused by Los Angeless 2018 Woolsey Fire has pushed the citys native cougar population into more risky behaviors that threaten their long-term survival, a new study has found. After the fire, the big cats tended to avoid the burned-out hills, and they remained out of dense urban areas, according to the study in Current Biology. But they were far more likely to cross busy freeways, be active during the day and move across territories of other mountain lions, the authors observed. These behavioral changes raised their risk of negative encounters with humans and other mountain lions, ecologist Rachel Blakey of the University of California, Los Angeles, said in a statement. Focus on connection: The movement patterns of the mountain lions tracked by the researchers demonstrated the importance of cultivating greenways to connect fragmented habitats, Blakey noted. Despite suburban fears, the cats really do not want to run into people, she emphasized. The idea that mountain lions will run across freeways, rather than take their chances in urban areas, really reinforces how strongly mountain lions avoid humans, Blakey said. Thursday Threats Tens of thousands of chickens face an untimely death, a common herbicide could raise risks of a bowel disease and Atlantic hurricane season could make a comeback. Mass chicken cull to avoid mass infection Officials in the Netherlands have ordered the culling of 300,000 chickens after a virulent avian flu was found on a Dutch farm, Reuters reported. Six million flu-exposed birds have been killed in the past year in that country alone, per Reuters. Weed killer may raise risk of inflammatory bowel disease Exposure to a common herbicide may increase intestinal inflammation, raising the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, a new study in Nature has found. The herbicide, called propyzamide, is commonly applied to sports fields and fruit and vegetable crops to manage weeds. Read the full Hill story to learn more about the findings. Atlantic hurricane season may not be over yet With just one month left in Atlantic hurricane season, meteorologists say its too soon to determine whether another tropical storm could make landfall, AccuWeather reported. While it is improbable that a named storm will form by the end of this week, the chance of such a development will rise near the end of October and into November, according to AccuWeather. Thats it for today. Well see you tomorrow! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ethereum Ethereum has shown worrying signs of centralization and censorship since its merge last month. Credit - iStock / Getty Images Plus Last month, the blockchain Ethereum celebrated the successful completion of the merge, a long-anticipated technical update. The merge made Ethereum far more environmentally sustainable and harder to hack, and it laid the groundwork for the network to scale toward mass adoption. But the merge has also brought at least one unintended consequence that critics argue threaten the whole premise of the network: More than half of the networks activity is now subject to new U.S. government sanctions. Its a twist that runs counter to everything Ethereum stands for, as it has long prided itself on being autonomous from governments and resistant to censorship. Some proponents of Ethereum argue that this is a short-term problem with no real consequences. Skeptics say that the current situation sets a dangerous precedent about how much power the government might be able to exert upon pressure points in the network. [Government] regulators will look at this and say, Okay, that was easy. And if Ethereum becomes a centralized, censorship-controlled chain that also has bad scalability, then theres no point in building on Ethereum any more, says Lachlan Feeney, the founder and CEO of the blockchain consulting and development company Labrys. So this issue attacks the core premise of Ethereum. Explaining the crypto sanctions The U.S. crypto sanctions that are now affecting Ethereum were issued about a month before the merge. As crypto has exploded in value and usage over the past two years, hacks and criminal activity on the blockchain have skyrocketed, too. Regulators started to take notice, and in August, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, (OFAC), an agency within the U.S. Treasury Department, banned Americans from using Tornado Cash, a service that provides anonymity to users. OFAC argued that Tornado Cash was the primary tool used by North Korean hackers in a $600 million hack, and that the program posed a significant threat to the national security of the United States. Story continues While crypto evangelists concede criminals use Tornado Cash, they also defend it on ideological grounds, as a huge strength of crypto lies in its autonomy from governmental rule. Several high-powered crypto organizations, including Coinbase, and community members have filed lawsuits against OFAC and accused them of overstepping legal bounds. But given the slowness of legal processes, its unlikely the issue will be resolved in court any time soon. Before that happens, various players in the Ethereum ecosystem have been forced to make their own decision about whether to abide by OFACs rulesin the process, betraying the communitys idealsor potentially risk lawsuits, fines, or even jail time. (In Amsterdam, a blockchain developer was arrested for his connection to Tornado Cash). Read More: A New U.S. Crackdown Has Crypto Users Worried About Their Privacy Why sanctions are affecting Ethereum after the merge Before the merge, many Ethereum community members worried that established centralizing entities like Coinbase would be the ones to cave to governmental pressure. But since the merge, a new category of middlemen, called relays, have emerged, and many of them abide by OFAC rules. Relays are programs that help the Proof of Stake validatorswatchdogs who safeguard the networkmaximize their profit. (You can read more about the technical details of relays here.) Relays have proven very profitable for validators after the merge, so their usage has steadily increased: roughly 60% of transactions are now routed through them, as opposed to just 10% on the day of the merge, according to Labrys. But these relays also possess the power to approve or not approve certain transactions, so theyre increasingly writing the de facto rules of the road. And the most-used relay by far, called Flashbots, is OFAC-compliant, meaning they wont approve any Tornado Cash transactions. The result is that a month after the merge, 53% of Ethereum blocks are effectively being censored. The number is rising so quickly that its hard to keep up, says Feeney. As a result of users acting in their own economic self-interest, weve found ourselves in this situation where half the network is getting censored. Potential ripple effects Crypto users arent necessarily feeling the effects of this. Tornado Cash is routing transactions through non-compliant relaysit takes just twice as long as they did before. But the real battle is over ideals. Many in the community argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for the networks autonomy from governmental oversight. Regulators can look at this and say, All we had to do was ban this smart contract and in three weeks, half the validators complied, Feeney says. They might say, Next, well write a rule that you cant build a chain with these transactions on them, which is hard censorship. John Lo, managing partner of digital assets at the investment firm Recharge Capital, is similarly worried. The product that Ethereum is selling is decentralized blockspace, and there are more centralized alternatives out there that trade off security for speed and performance issues, he says. If Ethereum became less decentralized, I would argue it loses a lot of value. Theyd be in danger of reverting back to a traditional database system that is no different from Citibanks database. Flashbots has acknowledged the problem, and the Ethereum Foundation and other independent developers are also at work on solutions, but say theyre still far off. Alex Stokes, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, described the implementation of technical solutions as a multi-month sort of project, saying, Theres still a good chunk of R&D [research and development] that we need to do to understand what makes sense and how to roll it out. It definitely has everyone concerned, Stokes says. But blockchain technology is well-positioned to navigate these mismatches of incentives. This undated photograph released by the Ukrainian military's Strategic Communications Directorate shows the wreckage of what Kyiv has described as an Iranian Shahed drone downed near Kupiansk, Ukraine. Ukrainian military's Strategic Communications Directorate via AP The EU has agreed to sanction Iran over the drones it has supplied to Russia. Three people and an entity connected to the drones will be sanctioned, the Czech EU presidency said. Russia has not officially admitted using the drones, which have struck civilian areas in Ukraine. The European Union has agreed to hit Iran with sanctions over its supplying drones to Russia in the war with Ukraine, a top EU body said Thursday. The decision came "in record time" after three days of EU discussion, according to a pair of tweets from the Czech Presidency of the EU Council. Three individuals and "one entity responsible for drone deliveries" will have their assets frozen, the tweets said. "After three days of talks, EU ambassadors agreed on measures against entities supplying Iranian drones that hit Ukraine," the Czech Presidency of the EU Council wrote in a tweet. Another four Iranian entities could also receive EU sanctions, it also said. Russia has not officially admitted to using drones manufactured in Iran in its invasion of Ukraine, but their use has been documented in numerous attacks this fall. Iran denies supplying the drones, but Nabila Massrali, a spokesperson for the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, said the bloc has evidence they originate in Iran, Deutsche Welle reported. Swarms of Iran-made Shahed-136 drones known as "kamikaze" or "suicide drones" as they are loitering munitions destroyed in the attack have been used in bombardments of Kyiv and several other cities. On Monday, the US agreed with French and British officials' view that Iran's actions with the drones violate a UN Security Council directive that bars the country from transferring some military technology, the BBC reported. The Czech Presidency did not name the figures to be sanctioned, but a draft sanctions list obtained by The Guardian before the bloc's decision said Shahed Aviation Industries, which developed the Shahed-series drones, would be targeted. Story continues The draft sanctions list also named top generals Maj Gen Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Gen Sayed Hojatollah Qureishi, and Brig Gen Saeed Aghajani. The sanctions are largely symbolic and would freeze any assets held in the EU by the figures targeted, The Guardian reported. Iran is already under a wide swathe of UN and EU sanctions imposed over the last decades, relating to human rights and the development of nuclear military capabilities. The most recent agreement by the EU aimed at key figures in Iran's Morality Police who killed protester Mahsa Amini. Read the original article on Business Insider British foreign minister James Cleverly says he will announce further sanctions in response to Iran's supply of Kamikaze drones for use in "attacking civilian targets and critical infrastructure" in Ukraine. "Iran cannot be allowed to violate UN resolutions," Cleverly said on Friday. Kyiv claims Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones were used in recent Russian missile strikes on Ukraine. On Monday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said his troops intercepted and shot down 37 Iranian drones and several cruise missiles in just 12 hours. It came after the European Union agreed sanctions on Iran over its supply of drones to Russian forces. Tehran, however, denies supplying the drones to Moscow and Russia has denied its forces had used Iranian drones to attack Ukraine. The drones have been referred to as Kamikaze by military officials because they can be packed with explosives and flown directly into a target. A drone is seen in the sky seconds before it fired on buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The drone, of which hundreds are believed to have been sought from Iran by Moscow, is then destroyed upon impact. They can be carried in a soldiers backpack and launched in a matter of minutes to scope out enemy positions within a range of vast range of several miles at speeds of up to around 60 miles per hour. Earlier this week, US and western allies said the supply of drones from Iran to Russia was a breach of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Russia is unleashing successive waves of the Iranian-made Shahed drones over Ukraine (AP) Under Resolution 2231, which endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the six western countries Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US a conventional arms embargo was put in place that had expired in October 2020. US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said: We expressed our grave concerns about Russias acquisition of these UAVs from Iran. We now have abundant evidence that these UAVs are being used to strike Ukrainian civilians and critical civilian infrastructure. We will not hesitate to use our sanctions and other appropriate tools on all involved in these transfers, Price said. While Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes grew frustrated with Donald Trumps response to the 2020 presidential election, members of the far-right anti-government group roamed the US Capitol grounds, waiting for the presidents call to take up arms against the government. During the groups trial on charges of seditious conspiracy, federal prosecutors and FBI investigators revealed the members coordinated movements and explicit calls for violence in message after message, video after video, as a mob stormed the Capitol on 6 January, 2021. Members and allies spent weeks whipping up support with promises of a battle at the Capitol, falsely believing the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Mr Trump, according to messages shown throughout the trial. Prosecutors believe the messages as well as dozens of other pieces of evidence shown to the jury from weeks before the insurrection show how the group plotted to violently disrupt the joint session of Congress. Now its nut cuttin time. Does Trump have balls or not, Mr Rhodes sent in a message on 6 January as we waited for Oath Keepers members to arrive at the Capitol. Were about to find out. In another message, he wrote: All I see Trump doing is complaining ... So the patriots are taking it into their own hands. Where are you? Pence has punked out, defendant Jessica Watkins messaged defendant Thomas Caldwell shortly after 2pm that day, referring to then Vice President Mike Pences rejection of the former presidents baseless attempts to reject election results. We are screwed. Jurors also were shown a Facebook Live video from Oath Keepers attorney Kellye SoRelle, who was arrested in August and separately charged for her actions on 6 January. This is what happens when the people are pissed and when they rise up, she said, according to the video, which also shows Mr Rhodes. Well see whats happening. The storm, said Ms SoRelle, referring to the QAnon conspiracy theory imagining Mr Trump leading a storm of retribution against his political enemies. The storm arrived. Story continues At 2.37pm, defendant Kelly Meggs can be seen wearing a patch that reads I dont believe in anything, Im just here for the violence. In messages shown to the jury, members shared their locations throughout the Capitol, updates on the police response, and the status of a quick reaction force members guarding a stash of weapons in a Virginia hotel room. QRF standing by at the hotel. Just say the word, Ed Vallejo wrote at 2.38pm, according to messages shared with the jury. Mr Vallejo is also separately charged in connection with the Capitol riot. On a Zello chat, Oath Keeper Holden Haney tells defendant Watkins to do your s***. This is what we f***ing lived up for, he wrote. Everything we f***ing trained for. Outside the Capitol at 2.48pm, defendant Caldwell told the group that the crowd is surging towards the building. Doors breached. Today I wipe my a** on Nancy Pelosis doorknob, he said in a video, minutes later. Federal prosecutors also shared how Oath Keepers allegedly prepared organised military formation stacks to breach the Capitol. Defendant Kenneth Harrelson can be heard in a video yelling this is our f****** house and we took the f****** Capitol as the group broke into the building. Oath Keepers defense attorneys argue that the groups private messages and alleged plans were primarily to coordinate security for Mr Trumps rally. A QRF was only to be deployed in the event that Mr Trump asked for the groups insistence after invoking the Insurrection Act, according to attorneys. But prosecutors have sought to debunk that argument, unleasheing dozens of Signal chats, recordings and other pieces of evidence showing the group was prepared to upend the 2020 election regardless of Mr Trumps orders. They dont give a s*** how many show up and wave a sign, pray or yell, Mr Rhodes wrote in a message on 29 December. Only reason to go is so Trump knows we support him in taking Reg gloves off and kickin ass. Days earlier, on 20 December, he wrote that either Trump gets off his ass and uses the insurrection Act to defeat the ChiCom puppet coup or we will have to rise up in insurrection (rebellion) against the ChiCom puppet Biden. Take your pick, he said. Mr Rhodes and Ms SoRelle did not enter the Capitol on 6 January, but Mr Rhodes allegedly instructed the group as he roamed the grounds alongside Ms SoRelle. After a message questioned whether the breach was mounted by Trump supporters, the pair insisted they were patriots. We are acting like the founding fathers. Cant stand down, Ms SoRelle replied. Per Stewart and I concur. A former New York state correction officer was arrested Thursday on a federal indictment charging him with falsifying records related to his assault of an inmate at Green Haven Correctional Facility two years ago. Taj Everly, 32, of Cortlandt Manor, is accused of filing a report that falsely claimed his punching of the inmate was justified because the inmate hit him first. He pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in White Plains. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement that Everly had abused his position. Green Haven Correctional Facility on March 27, 2020. Crime:Rockland jail officer admits falsifying records, still faces sex charges Opioids:Why 'harm reduction' is latest strategy for combating deaths Overdoses:Here's why opioid deaths are climbing again "This office has no tolerance for correction officers like Everly who, as alleged, commit acts of violence against inmates in their care and custody and then lie to cover their tracks," Williams said. According to the indictment, Everly was stationed at the H-Block end gate at the prison in Stormville on May 28, 2020. When the inmate approached, Everly punched him in the face with no provocation, causing both men to fall to the ground. Green Haven Correctional Facility in Stormville In his "use of force" report on the incident, Everly claimed that the inmate threw an unprovoked punch, hitting him in the area of his left shoulder and neck. Everly claimed he responded by "instinctively" punching the inmate once in the face, executing a body hold and taking the inmate to the ground. Everly joined the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in 2016 and resigned in June 2016. He spent all five years at Green Haven. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. A lawyer representing him could not immediately be reached. Everly is one of several Green Haven correction officers who were sued in federal court last year by John Hamlett, a convicted rapist from Manhattan. Hamlett alleges that Everly smashed his head against a wall in a stairwell in August 2018 in retaliation for several complaints Hamlett made about actions by correction officers and conditions at the prison. The New York Attorney General's Office represents the correction officers in that case and has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Ex-Green Haven prison guard accused of covering up assault on inmate (Reuters) -Two days before a fire ripped through a section of Iran's Evin prison and killed at least eight people, a riot police unit arrived at the compound and began to patrol the corridors, shouting "God is Greatest" and banging batons on cell doors, six sources told Reuters. The patrols at the Tehran jail began without any apparent provocation by inmates, the sources said. These patrols continued from Thursday to Saturday, when some prisoners reacted by shouting for the downfall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, echoing protests raging across Iran since September. "Then we heard shots and chants of 'Death to Khamenei' by prisoners in other wards," said an inmate inside ward 8, which holds mostly prisoners convicted of financial crimes. The prisoner, who was giving his account for the first time, spoke to Reuters on condition he was not named and that no mention was made of the method of communication. The bloody crackdown by the police and the deadly fire on the evening of Oct. 15, whose origins are disputed, have shaken a society already on edge after a month of violence involving security forces and anti-government protesters. Reuters interviews with the ward 8 prisoner, as well as a relative of an inmate and four rights activists with contacts at the prison suggest the inmates' anti-government chants were a reaction to the police patrols and that police then responded forcefully to suppress them. The prisoner and other sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to concern for their safety. Reuters was unable to determine why riot police were sent to the jail, what the government's motives were for the crackdown and how the fire started. But it adds to a growing sense of the authorities' determination to crush dissent and avoid losing control of Evin or other places that have been central to the Islamic Republic's grip on society, four rights activists said. Story continues WAVE OF UNREST The prison, in Tehran's Evin neighbourhood, has been the main site for holding prominent Iranian political prisoners, even before the 1979 Islamic revolution, as well as foreigners and dual nationals. It also holds inmates convicted of ordinary crimes, and is now receiving a stream of dissidents arrested in the continuing wave of unrest sweeping the country, Iranian authorities, prisoners families and lawyers say. The prison is known as "Evin University" because of the many anti-government intellectuals and academics held there. Eight prisoners died of smoke inhalation as a result of the fire, the judiciary said. Inmates and rights activists interviewed by Reuters feared more lives were lost. The assessment was based on the dozens of injured, many severely so, seen by the inmate and those prisoners in contact with the activists interviewed by Reuters. Reuters sought comment from prison officials, the Interior Ministry and officials at the judiciary via telephone and by sending written text messages with questions regarding key points, including the account by sources about the deployment of riot police on Oct. 13. They have not responded. But one Iranian official, who was reached by telephone but declined to be identified by name or the institution he worked for, said he did not know why the riot police were sent to the prison and expressed surprise the authorities seemed to have lost control of the facility for a time on Saturday evening. One anti-government activist, speaking on condition of anonymity due to concerns for his security, told Reuters the government may have planned the prison crackdown in order to demonstrate to protesters the harsh form of detention that await them at Evin if they keep challenging the government. 'LIKE A WAR ZONE' Amnesty International said it had evidence, which it did not disclose, that the authorities sought to justify their bloody crackdown under the guise of battling the fire and preventing prisoner escapes. The group also said prison officials and riot police repeatedly subjected many prisoners to brutal beatings with batons, particularly on their heads and faces. The country was already tense on the evening of Oct. 15, when videos on social media showed a fire and plumes of smoke rising from the prison as gunshots rang out, and objects were seen being thrown into the complex. Around the country, security forces were struggling to contain nationwide demonstrations triggered by the death last month of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police. On the night of the fire, state media reported that a group of prisoners were trying to escape, and had stepped on a minefield outside the complex. This version was denied on Sunday by the judiciary, which said a prison workshop had been set on fire at mid-evening on Saturday "after a fight among a number of prisoners". The prisoner and activists said no inmates could have been at the workshop in mid-evening, because they would have been locked in at that time. Evin's cells are shut between 5 and 6 p.m., depending on prayer time. Reuters could not independently determine what triggered the blaze. 'EVERYONE WAS SCARED' Tensions rose when inmates, provoked by the riot police chanting religious slogans and hammering batons on cell doors, responded with "Death to Khamenei". Then, at about 8 p.m., shots were fired by the riot police, sources said. "When we heard shots and chants, we tried to break the door and get to the corridor to help other prisoners from ward 7 who broke the door and were clashing with the riot police and prison guards in the corridor. Everyone was scared," said the inmate. Ward 7 holds prisoners convicted of general crimes and political prisoners, and is in the same building housing ward 8. Riot police and prison guards fired teargas and metal pellets at hundreds of prisoners and beat people with batons, according to Reuters interviews with the prisoner, the relative of an inmate and activists with contacts at the prison. "They opened the door of our ward (8) and were shooting at us with pellet guns. Fired tear gas. Dozens, dozens of them were there. Many people in our ward were injured and could not breathe," said the prisoner. "We could hear gunshots, prisoners were screaming, guards were shouting, they opened the door and threw so much tear gas inside and used pellet guns. Many inmates fainted, dozens were injured. It was like a war zone," he added. Human rights activist Atena Daemi, who was jailed in Evin for 5-1/2 years and was released nine months ago, has kept in contact with detainees there. "Prisoners from ward 7 tried to break the door of ward 8 to let them out too. It is when the forces started shooting at the prisoners around 20:30 with live ammunition," she said. Neither state media nor the judiciary have disclosed the methods police used to retake control at Evin. Mehdi Rafsanjani, the son of a former president, who is serving a 10-year sentence for financial corruption in Evin and normally has a weekly furlough Wednesday-to-Friday, was told on Wednesday Oct. 12 he should return to the prison only after Saturday, his brother Yasser Hashemi Rafsanjani said on a social media platform. "My brother Mehdi was told not to come back until after Saturday," he said, adding his brother was given no explanation and was now back in prison. (Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by William Maclean and Edmund Blair) Updated Moms for Liberty, one of the fastest-growing and most recognized conservative parent advocacy groups in the nation, paid $21,357 to a company owned by the husband of one of its founding members, campaign finance records show. The group doled out the money to Microtargeted Media, founded by Christian Ziegler, a current Sarasota County commissioner and vice chairman of the Florida GOP, in late August. Moms for Liberty was founded by three people, Tina Descovich, Tiffany Justice and Bridget Ziegler, Christians wife, who served as its director through February 2021. Bridget Ziegler joined the Sarasota County School Board in 2014 and was re-elected this summer. Our year-end campaign starts now! Please make a tax-exempt donation to The 74. Bridget Ziegler (Twitter) She was not named by the two other founders in numerous early press interviews, an omission some critics charged was meant to distance the group from Floridas GOP power structure. Descovich said Ziegler stepped away to pursue other interests. Moms for Liberty contributed $250 to her school board campaign in mid-July, records show. Related: 74 Interview: Moms for Liberty Co-Founder Tina Descovich on Her Groups Stunning Growth, Facing Threats Herself as a School Board Member and Googling Koch Brothers Bridget Ziegler could not be reached for comment. Her husband, who responded to The 74 through Twitter Thursday evening, would not discuss his companys work for Moms for Liberty. I dont share information about my clients as I do not speak for them, Christian Ziegler wrote. You can contact Tina directly for any additional insight. Descovich said they hired Microtargeted Media whose motto is we do digital & go after people on their phones based on its track record. I chose to work with Mr. Zieglers company because we required digital media services and they are the best at what they do, she wrote. She also acknowledged the groups support for his wifes run for office. Story continues The Florida Political Committee supported candidates that the Moms for Liberty chapters endorsed, she said. The Sarasota chapter voted to endorse Mrs. Ziegler. Microtargeted Media, which specializes in targeted text messaging and digital advertising, has made hundreds of thousands of dollars from right-wing political campaigns. Its recent clients also include Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters, chairman of the Florida GOP and an ardent Trump supporter. His campaign paid the company nearly $28,000 for its services. Florida Conservatives United, a PAC, has paid Microtargeted Media more than $15,000. The revelation that Moms for Liberty used a sizable chunk of its political contributions to benefit the company of its co-founders husband provides at least some insight into how the conservative juggernaut used what appears to be its modest campaign finances. The Federal Elections Commissions lists three committees associated with the group, which claims 240 chapters in 42 states: Moms for Liberty PAC, Moms for Liberty Inc. Political Victory Fund and Moms for Liberty Action. All three reported zero dollars in contributions or expenditures with the exception of a single $500 donation to Moms for Liberty PAC on Aug. 29 from Ohio resident Matthew Palumbo, whose long political career includes working for former President Donald Trumps 2016 campaign. Descovich, the groups executive director, told The 74 it has not raised or spent any money from its national PACs, though it hopes to use them in the future to support school board candidates around the country. She said Moms for Liberty has one state-level political committee, Moms for Liberty Florida. Almost all of the money donated to Moms for Liberty Florida came from a $50,000 donation from Publix heiress Julie Fancelli in late June and nearly half of it went to Microtargeted Media. The contribution from Fancelli, a prominent financial backer of the Jan. 6 rally that led to the attack on the Capitol, accounted for all but $837 of the cash raised by Moms for Liberty Florida. Almost all the rest of the committees funds went in $250 donations to dozens of politically aligned Florida school board candidates. Related: In Reelection Bid, DeSantis Keeps Eye on Schools and 2024 Descovich said to date, Moms for Liberty has endorsed 65 candidates in Florida with 43 either declared a winner or advancing to a runoff; 72 candidates statewide in New York, with 40 victorious; three school board candidates in Kenosha, Wisconsin, two of whom won; two candidates in Bedford County, Virginia, both of them successful and seven endorsed in North Carolina, with five winning seats. Most school board elections will be Nov. 8, she said, and the group is working to get endorsement tallies from its chapters. Moms for Libertys 2021 federal tax filing shows the 501(c)4 nonprofit with $370,029 in total revenue and $163,647 in expenses, with most of that money $102,486 going to conferences, conventions and meetings. It lists Descovich as spending an average of 40 hours a week working for the organization and receiving $5,000 in compensation; program development director Marie Rogerson also working on average 40 hours a week and receiving $1,800 while Justice, whose title is director, spent 40 hours a week but received no compensation. Ziegler, the former director, spent an average of one hour a week, according to the filing, and received zero compensation. Descovich said Moms for Liberty has 10 full- and two part-time staffers. EDlection 2022 The 74s rolling coverage of key 2022 candidates, races and votes that could shape the future of American education. Moms for Liberty Foundation, the groups 501(c)3 charitable arm which is prohibited from engaging in political activities, claimed gross receipts of less than $50,000 in 2021 and filed an abbreviated 990 form with the Internal Revenue Service that includes no details about its funders, expenditures or top officers salaries. The group, which has strong ties to Republican leadership, has been at least somewhat successful in curbing classroom discussion of race, sex and gender while also removing civil-rights related texts and LGBTQ literature from school curriculum and libraries, though some schools have brought such texts back. Moms for Libertys leaders have said in the past theyve raised most of their money through T-shirt sales and have grown through free publicity. Right-wing media celebrates its leaders theyve appeared on Steve Bannons talk show while mainstream press have also kept them in the spotlight, if at times offering less flattering coverage of them deriding school board members. Despite their high-wattage name recognition, some question the groups influence, success and staying power. Campbell F. Scribner, assistant professor of education at the University of Maryland at College Park, said they could soon flounder as members might not have the time or capacity to devote themselves to activism in the long term. Campbell called Moms for Liberty and another highly watched group, The 1776 Project Political Action Committee, which has raised $3 million to advocate for conservative school board candidates nationally this year, a weird combination of single-issue organizing, in this case around the topic of education, and a fairly diffuse set of goals either focused on a hot-topic issue that will fade quickly, like CRT [critical race theory] or on goals that are too amorphous to actually be accomplished, like patriotism. Related: Heading into Midterms, GOP Finds All School Politics is Local Scribner doesnt consider either to be solely grassroots. Both have a top-down and bottom-up structure, he said. It would be dangerous to put them in one camp or another, he said. To ignore their grassroots element is to ignore their appeal and power. But they do need to align with public sentiment and when they dont, their support withers pretty quickly. EXETER Some quick detective work has led to the recovery of more than $400 in field trip money that was stolen during a recent break-in at Lincoln Street School, according to police. The investigation into the missing money began when officers responded to the school on the morning of Oct. 13 after receiving a report of stolen cash and vandalism to two classrooms during the overnight hours. Exeter responded to the school on the morning of Oct. 13 after receiving a report of stolen cash and vandalism to two classrooms during the overnight hours. Police said a review of footage from school surveillance cameras showed two juveniles wearing dark hooded sweatshirts and face masks using a ladder to access the second floor around 1 a.m. The juvenile suspects were able to gain entry inside the school and take the money from one of the classrooms before fleeing on foot about a half-hour later, according to police. Through the investigation, police were able to identify the suspects, who are not students at the school. The suspects were cooperative and returned the stolen money, which had been collected from students, just in time for the field trip. The money is being used to send third-grade students to Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls. Half of the grade took the trip Wednesday while the other half will go on Friday. The students and staff are very excited about this trip, said SAU 16 Associate Superintendent Esther Asbell. Everyone at LSS would like to thank the Exeter Police Department for their quick response and their diligent investigation. Exeter Police Chief Stephan Poulin said he was glad the case moved quickly so that the money could be returned to the school in a timely manner. While our detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the burglary and theft, were pleased that the school got their money back before the field trip, he said. The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective John Suglia at (603) 772-1212 or jsuglia@exeternh.gov. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter police: $400 for field trip returned after school break-in KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 17:31 French experts were able to identify the weapons that the Russian forces used to attack an evacuation convoy in the vicinity of the village of Kurylivka in Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Interfax-Ukraine, quoting Oleksandr Filchakov, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office, during a press briefing on Thursday, 20 October Details: Filchakov reported that French experts examined 16 out of the 26 bodies of civilians killed as a result of the Russian attack on an evacuation convoy near the village of Kurylivka in Kharkiv Oblast, as well as two out of six cars in the convoy that were damaged in the attack. Quote: "Parts of 30 and 45 mm highly explosive shells were found in the cars. Our French colleagues concluded that [these shells] are used with military guns mounted on heavy military vehicles, BMP-2 and BRM 3K Rys [Lynx]. These vehicles are in service with the Russian army. In addition, metal remnants of shells were found in 16 civilian bodies they examined. [The French experts] identified these shells and the weapon from which they were fired... It looks like these were VOG-17 and VOG-25." Background: A total of 24 people have been killed, including a pregnant woman and 13 children, as a result of a Russian attack on a civilian convoy near the village of Kurylivka in the Kupiansk district, Kharkiv Oblast. The attack took place at 09:00 on 25 September. Law enforcement officers found the 25th civilian killed in the Russian attack on the convoy during an inspection near the village of Kurylivka. Another person was found on 17 October, bringing the total death count to 26. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Drag queen "Pickle" reads from a book during the Drag Queen Story Hour program at the West Valley Regional Branch Library on July 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. David McNew/Getty Images Republican members of Congress introduced legislation this week to "Stop the Sexualization of Children." The bill targets drag queen story hours for children as "sexually-oriented events." "We refuse to give in," said the executive director of Drag Story Hours program. Nearly three dozen Republican members of Congress introduced legislation this week to "Stop the Sexualization of Children," targeting drag queen story hours for children as "sexually-oriented events." The measure is part of the culture war battles Republicans have been waging across the country against drag queen events, controversial books and discussion on sexual orientation or gender identity in schools as a threat to children. Jonathan Hamilt, executive director of Drag Story Hour, said such legislation is "just part of a nationwide program attacking LGBT people" and attempts to criminalize their work is rooted in "tired homophobia and transphobia and hate and misinformation." "We refuse to give in to politicians who are too bigoted and boring to comprehend our vision for a world in which every child should should be safe, fully expressing who they are," he said. On the day the bill dropped, news broke that a GOP Trump-loving candidate had been busted earlier this month in Arizona for allegedly masturbating near a preschool. "But tell us more about how drag queens reading books are the threat that children need to be protected from," one Democrat tweeted. LA Blue Dot in GA (@namwella1961) October 20, 2022 Hamilt suggested that the now-former candidate, Randy Gene Kaufman, could learn from the lessons his nonprofit organization teaches children. "As with many of the books that we read to kids, we make perfectly clear words and actions have consequences, so maybe if he came to a story hour he would know that," said Hamilt, whose stage name is "Ona Louise." Kaufman suspended his campaign on Tuesday for Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board after being arrested for public sexual indecency on October 4. The Republican Party of Arizona supported his decision. HuffPost said that in a may Facebook post, which is now disabled, he wrote that he wanted "our children protected [from] the progressive left." Story continues In Washington, House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Mike Johnson of Louisiana is leading the charge on legislation to ban the use of federal tax dollars to "expose children under 10 years of age to sexually explicit material." "The Democrat Party and their cultural allies are on a misguided crusade to immerse young children in sexual imagery and radical gender ideology," Johnson said in a statement. The bill would allow parents to file a lawsuit against any public or private entity using federal dollars to expose young children to "sexually explicit materials or programs." Johnson's news release links to a story about federal funds being used to pay for a drag story hour event in Alaska. Hamilt said drag storytellers in his nationwide program have background checks and are trained to read books on gay pride and diverse families. Drag "burlesque" or "adult" shows were never open to children, taking place in bars and clubs where only adults can enter, he said. He said he can't speak for every drag artist, but his program uses drag as a tool for children's literacy. "Drag Story Hour cannot be more disappointed in disingenuous politicians that are trying to score points by attacking programs like ours," he said. The bills further encourage homophobia, hatred and discrimination "disgused under the false claim of caring for children's safety," he said. "We remain committed to creating safe opportunities for kids to learn about the diversity of the world around them and express their most fabulous self." Read the original article on Business Insider By Emma Pinedo MADRID (Reuters) - Flor Baena has spent decades trying to clear the name of her brother Jose Humberto, who was one of the last five people executed under General Francisco Franco's fascist regime just two months before the dictator's death in 1975. But on Thursday, the leftist government's Democratic Memory law tackling the legacy of the 1939-1975 dictatorship and the three-year civil war that preceded it was published in the official gazette. As of Friday it annuls all convictions for political, ideological, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. "I want it to be all over the media saying that he was an innocent man who was executed by a firing squad...I want his honour to be restored and for him to go down in history as a murdered person, not as a murderer," she told Reuters. A military court sentenced 24-year-old Baena, a member of the Revolutionary Anti-Fascist and Patriot Front (FRAP), a leftist underground movement, to death for allegedly killing a police officer. Baena denied involvement in the killing. Testimony said he did not look like the shooter but this was not admitted by the court. The executions, which also included two members of Basque separatist group ETA, on Sept. 27, 1975, sparked outrage and protests in Spain and abroad. Having unsuccessfully taken the case to Spanish courts and the European Court of Human Rights, Flor Baena, 69, welcomed the new law, but still lamented that their parents had died with her brother's name still marred by murder. The sister of Jose Luis Sanchez Bravo, another FRAP member executed on the same day as Baena, remembered the pain her mother endured after his death, which she said deprived her of the will to live. "If at least my brother's name is cleared, I'm satisfied," Victoria Sanchez Bravo said about the new law that aims to eliminate loopholes and cover a wider range of victims and crimes related to Francoism, 14 years after the first memory law was passed. Story continues But memory associations say it still fails to address key issues, such as having legal rulings on the actual crimes or bringing perpetrators to justice. "We are not going to have that legal truth as it happened in Argentina, for example," lamented Rosa Garcia of La Comuna association of Franco-era prisoners who, as a medicine student in 1975, was sentenced to two years for "unlawful propaganda and assembly". In a bid to heal the wounds, left and right-wing parties agreed on a Pacto del Olvido (Pact of Forgetting) in 1977 to avoid confronting a painful past and to ease the transition into democracy. However, Franco's legacy remains a divisive issue in Spain, especially following the rise of the hard-right Vox party in the past few years. MASS GRAVES With the new bill, the state will also promote the search and exhumations of victims buried in mass graves, which until now were handled by memory associations. Government estimates point to 114,000 civilians who disappeared, presumably killed by Franco forces during the war and throughout the dictatorship. Earlier this month, several families received the remains of their loved ones from a mass grave in the eastern city of Paterna, where volunteers have so far discovered a total of 154 such graves, exhuming 1,200 victims. Up until July, the government has given the green light to 448 exhumation projects, including one in central Valladolid where associations hope to recover 160 victims. Under the new law, studies of the legacy of Francoism will be part of the compulsory school programme and required for seekers of civil service jobs. Until now, Francoism was included in the school history programme but rarely addressed in detail. Carles Vallejo, a former trade unionist who fled into exile in 1971 after being convicted of unlawful assembly and propaganda, hopes such teaching will raise awareness in younger generations. "This could be the antidote to the rise of neo-fascism, post-fascism, or the extreme right in Europe," he said, lamenting that Spain had not provided such education earlier to explain the dangers of Francoism and other dictatorships and how they curtail rights and freedoms. (Additional reporting by Juan Medina, editing by Andrei Khalip and Angus MacSwan) A man was shot to death Wednesday in Northwest Baltimore, police said. Baltimore Police arrived in the 4400 block of Pall Mall Road in Greenspring at about 4:40 p.m. Wednesday and found a man with gunshot wounds. Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene. In an initial news release, police said the victim was taken to a hospital in serious condition. At about 6 p.m. Wednesday, there was a body covered in a white sheet on the sidewalk outside an unoccupied home on Pall Mall Road. Tito Salazar of Elkridge owns that house at 4406 Pall Mall, which he bought two years ago and recently renovated to sell. His neighbor called to tell him about the shooting Wednesday afternoon. Its a sad situation, Salazar said. Its sad that they killed someone right in my walkway. Investigators had removed the body from the sidewalk by 6:50 p.m. Salazar said most of the blocks residents are older people. During construction, he could leave materials behind the house without worrying that they would be stolen. It used to be a quiet neighborhood, he said. Many of the rowhomes on surrounding streets are recently renovated. Raheem Dorsey, who moved into his house on Loyola Northway in February, said the shooting was unusual for the area. Since Ive been here, I aint seen nothing or heard nothing, Dorsey said, although he said he occasionally hears gunshots from blocks away. The 28-year-old wasnt home when the shooting occurred, but he found crime tape extending from his railing when he arrived. Its sort of scaring me a little bit, Dorsey said. What if I was sitting on the steps and shots rang out? Dorsey, a photographer who also resells cars, said he had considered taking pictures of the crime scene but decided it would be offensive to the victims loved ones. Thats somebodys father, somebodys brother, somebodys son, he said. Dorsey typically shoots weddings, portraits and scenes from nature. As he watched from his porch while police removed the victims body from the street, Dorsey said he was glad that the small group of neighbors near the scene didnt include any children. It messes me up mentally and Im grown, he said. Its definitely not normal. Its far from normal. Anyone who has information about this incident is urged to contact detectives at 410-396-2455 or the Metro Crime Stoppers tip-line at 1-866-7LOCK-UP. PARIS (Reuters) - Faurecia does not intend to let go of its pollution control business despite the scheduled end of combustion engine sales, as the business will remain profitable for a long time and help reduce debt, the automotive equipment supplier's chief executive told Reuters. "We occupy more than 65% of the market share (with our two main competitors), so our probability of being the last of the Mohicans is very strong, and that is very valuable," CEO Patrick Koller said at the press days of the 89th Paris Motor Show. "Other companies will have to throw in the towel because they will no longer have the space to operate ... and since customers need a supplier, we can regain market share without investing in capacity," he added. Although Koller emphasised that the plan to go all-electric by 2035 - meaning no exhaust pipes - is a European plan, not an American or Asian one, depollution is still set to weigh less heavily in its turnover, around 15% in 2025 and less than 10% in 2030. Yet the cash generation from this business, focused on long-term contracts, will help Faurecia reduce the debt incurred in the acquisition of German equipment maker Hella that created the Forvia group. The new group, whose activity portfolio now includes hydrogen storage, seats, cockpit, lighting, and pollution control, will present its medium-term strategy on Nov. 4. Koller also confirmed the group's objective of reaching 250 million euros ($244 million) in synergies and one billion euros in asset disposals, which he announced shortly after the Hella acquisition. "As for synergies, we are perfectly in line with our business plan. As for asset disposals, we are perfectly confident in our ability to deliver on this billion," he said. After the sale of 33.33% of HBPO for 290 million euros, the group is "in the final stages of negotiation" for other divestments and expects to announce the signing of several of these transactions by the end of the year, Koller added. ($1 = 1.0227 euros) (Reporting by Gilles Guillaume, writing by Louise Rasmussen; editing by Milla Nissi) The pro-Hong Kong independence protester who was filmed being beaten inside the Chinese Consulate in Manchester has rejected Beijings version of how the incident unfolded, saying the attack was unprovoked. The Hong Kong national, identified as Bob Chan, insists that he was dragged into the consulates grounds during the peaceful protest his group had organized on Sunday, contradicting Chinas assertion that he stormed his way into the territory. Let me say it again so I am clear: I was dragged into the consulate. I did not attempt to enter the consulate, Chan told a news conference in the British Parliament on Wednesday. The chaos, which was caught on now-viral security footage, has since sparked global outrage, with many condemning the consular staff. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly summoned Yang Xiaoguang, Chinas second-most senior diplomat in London, to explain the incident. More from NextShark: China's Mystery Virus' Now Found in Thailand, Japan Consul-General Zheng Xiyuan, who heads the Manchester consulate, confirmed his involvement in the violence in an interview with the Manchester Evening News. He claimed the protesters were asked politely to remove offensive posters, but they refused to do so. Story continues Chaos then ensued, with one protester allegedly grabbing a consular staff member and refusing to let go. As other staff members pulled their colleague back in, the said protester plunged into the property himself, Zheng said. More from NextShark: Racist Plaques Are Being Put on Businesses Around East Atlanta Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin echoed Zhengs version of events. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said the protester illegally entered the consulate and jeopardized the security of the Chinese diplomatic premises. The diplomatic missions of all countries have the right to take necessary measures to maintain the peace and dignity of the premises, Wang said, as per the Associated Press. What I want to stress is that the peace and dignity of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad must not be violated. More from NextShark: Man Gives Wife Bouquet of Over $700 in Cash as a Wedding Anniversary Gift Chan disputed the Chinese officials accounts as he described his experience in detail at the British Parliament. He reportedly received treatment for injuries that included a swollen and bruised head, a sore waist, a bruised neck and a bruised back. I am shocked and hurt by this unprovoked attack. I am shocked because I never thought something like this could have happened in the U.K., he said. I then found myself being dragged into the grounds of the consulate. I held onto the gates where I was kicked and punched, I could not hold on for long. I was eventually pulled onto the ground of the consulate. I felt punches and kicks from several men. Other protestors were trying to get me out of this situation, but to no avail. The attack only stopped when a man who turned out to be a uniformed officer from the Greater Manchester Police pulled me outside the gates. The incident remains under investigation by the Greater Manchester Police. Chan, who fled Hong Kong last year and now fears retribution against his family, is urging the British government to act more swiftly. They said that they need to take time to act. I would hope that they can act faster and quickly reach a conclusion on whether or not they will carry out actions against [the] people involved, Chan said. Featured Image via Global News / Reuters Meeting federal emissions goals may require federal agencies to acquire about 30,000 emissions-free vehicles per year and about 25 times the current number of charging ports, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The Biden administration in December issued an executive order mandating all new federal vehicle acquisitions be emissions-free by 2035, with the requirement applying to all light-duty vehicle acquisitions by 2027. The order covers about 380,000 vehicles, including about 260,000 light-duty vehicles, according to the report. A GAO analysis found that agencies replace about 8 percent of their fleets annually, 73 percent of which are light-duty vehicles. Acquisition of zero-emission vehicles is likely to be relatively simple for federal agencies, according to the office. The analysis also reported that the General Services Administration (GSA) estimates electric options for all categories of light vehicles within five years. The report also found that typical agency vehicle mileage is well-suited for a transition to electric. Charging infrastructure, however, will likely be a more complicated prospect, according to the report. Access to such infrastructure is typically in limited supply at federal facilities, and the GSA estimates indicate the government will likely require as many as 100,000 charging ports to meet its needs. Federally owned and operated charging ports currently stand at about 4,000 across fewer than 500 cities, according to the GAO report. The locations and jurisdictions of the ports are also a potential logistical problem, according to the report. Washington, D.C., contains the single zip code with the most federal vehicles, but only has 110 charging ports in 35 locations, compared to California, which has more than a quarter of all federally owned charging infrastructure. Nearly half of federally owned charging infrastructure is owned by either the Department of the Navy or the Department of Education. Story continues The necessary charging infrastructure build-out will require major financial investments, according to the report, which notes that the costs per charging station can range from $1,000 to $100,000. GSA officials said that rural locations and other facilities that are unable to cost-effectively install charging infrastructure or to access public charging may want to acquire plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to fulfill requirement, the report adds. The federal government has faced potential obstacles to its electric vehicle goals before. Earlier this year, congressional Democrats and the Environmental Protection Agency raised objections to a new vehicle order from U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that was only 10 percent electric. USPS maintained that increasing the proportion of electric vehicles was always an option, and announced moves to expand the percentage later this year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Donald Trump on October 8. Jose Luis Villegas/AP A federal judge said Wednesday Trump lied under oath about voter fraud in the 2020 election. Trump knew the fraud figures were wrong but touted them in court and publicly, the judge said. This came in a ruling saying a GOP lawyer must give his communications to the Capitol-riot panel. A federal judge said Wednesday that former President Donald Trump lied under oath about voter fraud in Georgia while trying to get the state's 2020 election results overturned. US District Judge David Carter made the determination in a ruling ordering the conservative lawyer John Eastman to turn over to the House select committee investigating January 6, 2021, a batch of his communications related to Trump's and his allies' efforts to subvert the 2020 election results. On December 4, 2020, Trump's legal team filed a lawsuit in Georgia state court alleging that Fulton County had miscounted thousands of votes. It also contested the state court's proceedings in federal court. But later that month, according to Carter's ruling, Eastman said in an email that while Trump had "signed a verification for [the state court filing] back on Dec. 1, he has since been made aware that some of the allegations (and evidence proffered by the experts) has been inaccurate." Eastman added: "For him to sign a new verification with that knowledge (and incorporation by reference) would not be accurate.'" Trump and his lawyers still filed their complaint citing those numbers, and Trump signed a letter "swearing under oath that the incorporated, inaccurate numbers 'are true and correct' or 'believed to be true and correct' to the best of his knowledge and belief," Carter wrote. He added: "The emails show that President Trump knew that the specific numbers of voter fraud were wrong but continued to tout those numbers, both in court and to the public." Wednesday wasn't the first time Carter suggested the former president committed a crime in connection to his crusade to undermine the 2020 election results. Story continues In a March ruling, the judge said Trump likely obstructed Congress a felony when he tried to disrupt the election-certification process on January 6. Carter pointed out the dozens of lawsuits Trump's campaign and his Republican allies filed in court contesting the election results in battleground states that now-President Joe Biden won. After "filing and losing more than sixty suits, this plan was a last-ditch attempt to secure the Presidency by any means," the ruling said, adding that the "illegality of the plan was obvious." Trump and Eastman "launched a campaign to overturn a democratic election, an action unprecedented in American history," Carter wrote, adding: "Their campaign was not confined to the ivory tower it was a coup in search of a legal theory." Read the original article on Business Insider A federal judge on Thursday refused to issue a preliminary injunction to block a 2019 law that bans workers gathering petitions for ballot initiatives from being paid based on the number of signatures they collect, saying plaintiffs waited too long to ask for the law to be put on hold. The law, passed by the Republican-dominated Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, made it a crime to continue a longstanding practice of paying petition gatherers based on the number of signatures they collect. Experts have said the changes doubled the cost of getting initiatives on the ballot. The law also requires petition forms to include information identifying petition gatherers, who are required to register with the state. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, including the Florida Right to Pray Together committee, allege, in part, that the law is unconstitutional because the compensation restriction and personal identification requirements only apply to paid circulators working on ballot initiatives and are not imposed on workers who gather signatures for political candidates to qualify for elections. The plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in January and in August filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to block the compensation restrictions. But after hearing arguments Thursday, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle said the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate the urgency required to block the law. The Florida Right to Pray Together committee is backing a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit government officials from shutting down or limiting gatherings in churches and other houses of worship for longer than 21 days without approval from the Legislature. The proposal was filed with the Florida Department of State last year. Other plaintiffs include Virginia-based Citizens in Charge. In the lawsuit, Citizens in Charge said it intends to sponsor a proposed constitutional amendment for the 2024 ballot that would allow voters to change Florida statutes through ballot initiatives. Such a proposal, however, has not been released. Story continues Pointing to an 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in a case known as Wreal v. Amazon, Hinkle said the appeals court found that a failure to act with urgency undermines a finding of irreparable harm. Hinkle also noted the plaintiffs havent collected any signatures for the initiatives. Here its not just a question of how long its been since the lawsuit was filed. These plaintiffs havent made much progress on these proposed initiatives. They havent acted with much urgency, the judge said. Earlier, Hinkle pressed Paul Rossi, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, on the delay in filing the motion for a preliminary injunction. Rossi said plaintiffs waited to gather more data before seeking the injunction. We wanted to have a fulsome record, Rossi said. The ban on per-signature payments is among a series of efforts by Republican legislators in recent years aimed at making it harder to place initiatives on the ballot. When crafting the restriction in 2019, supporters said the compensation changes were necessary to reduce fraud in ballot-initiative campaigns. But Rossi argued Thursday that the payment restriction will prevent experienced signature gatherers, who travel throughout the country working on campaigns, from wanting to work in Florida. Those professional workers are less likely to commit fraud because they would get blacklisted in the industry, he said. Paying by the signature also allows initiative backers to tell donors how much money they think they will need to get a proposal on the ballot, the lawyer said. Theres no evidence that per-signature payment increases fraud and that hourly payment is a bulwark against fraud, he told the judge. Rossi also argued that the pool of workers willing to collect signatures based on an hourly wage is limited. He said only a single company --- Advanced Micro Targeting --- pays petition gatherers by the hour instead of per signature. But William Shepherd, who represents the Standing Up for Florida, Inc., committee, defended the law. The Standing Up for Florida committee, funded by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, 2020 fought against a ballot initiative that would have opened the door to casinos in North Florida. The proposal did not make the ballot. Shepherd said several petition-gathering companies pay their workers by the hour. The companies also provide benefits and bonuses to workers, Shepherd said. Florida Right to Pray Together organizers have made zero effort to engage volunteers in the faith community to circulate petitions, Shepherd said. Citizens in Charge doesnt even have language for a proposal, he argued. The plaintiffs are serial litigants who file these lawsuits all around the country, Shepherd told the judge. Throughout Thursdays two-hour hearing, Hinkle repeatedly suggested that the best way to eliminate the incentive for fraud would be to pay workers only for valid signatures. If there was a system where a collector only gets paid for a valid, honest signature that would probably be the safest way to reduce fraud, he said. But Karen Brodeen, an assistant attorney general representing the state, said fraud sometimes isnt identified. For example, she said, Hinkles suggestion wouldnt stop some signature-gatherers who trick people into signing multiple petitions at the same time. Rossi, however, argued that the per-signature ban wouldnt stop what he called the petition stacking issue. He said prosecuting signature gatherers who break the law would be a better way of addressing fraud. Speaking to The News Service of Florida after the hearing, Rossi said Hinkles ruling will keep his clients proposals from making it onto the 2024 ballot. Florida lawmakers want to make it harder to place initiatives on the ballot because the initiative process takes power away from them, Rossi said. The Legislature knew darn well that this would stop the initiative process in Florida. It has nothing to do with fraud. Everybody knows that he added. [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. Female dogs judge human competence and are more likely to approach those who are able to accomplish tasks for them, according to a study from Kyoto University in Japan. In the study Female dogs evaluate levels of competence in humans, Japanese researchers examined how both male and female dogs reacted to competent and incompetent people attempting to open containers of food. Dogs are highly sensitive to human behavior, and they evaluate us using both their direct experiences and from a third-party perspective, the researchers wrote in the Elsevier journal Behavioural Processes. Dogs pay attention to various aspects of our actions and make judgments about, for example, social vs. selfish acts. The 30 dogs in the experiment sat in front of both actors, who each had a clear container with a lid on it. The competent human was instructed to easily remove the lid while the incompetent person was asked to struggle and fail in removing the lid. This was also repeated with two more containers: one containing food and one that was empty. More from NextShark: Asian and Black patients in England wait longer for cancer diagnoses than white patients, study finds The study found that the female dogs stared at the competent human significantly longer than the male dogs. The female dogs were also more likely to approach the human that did not make mistakes. The authors suggest that the female dogs can recognize a humans competence and adjust their behavior based on their evaluation. Researchers also noted that age, neuter status and the type of container used had no impact on the dogs decision making. This result suggests that dogs can recognize different competence levels in humans, and that this ability influences their behavior according to the first situation, the researchers wote. Our data also indicate that more attention should be given to potential sex differences in dogs social evaluation abilities. More from NextShark: Report: Anti-AAPI hate crimes in Orange County continued to surge in 2021 Story continues Featured Image via Marieke Koenders More from NextShark: Negative views of China around the world are higher than ever, reveals new Pew survey Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Dogs shed tears of joy when reunited with their owners, study suggests By Valentine Hilaire MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Spin by Oxxo, the financial technology initiative launched by Mexican bottler and retailer Femsa, is set to reach 10 million users by 2023, up from four million currently, Spin's Director General Asensio Carrion told Reuters. "The porosity we have allows us to reach more distant places and offer services where there are none. We are in every Mexican state," Carrion said in an interview on Wednesday. Femsa, the parent of convenience chain Oxxo, believes their ubiquitous stores, which according to company data number over 20,100, make for ideal sites to connect customers with debit cards and digital account services. Some 60%-65% of Spin by Oxxo's users are active, which the firm describes as customers who have made a transaction or hold deposits in their accounts in the last 56 days. Spin by Oxxo, which has been financed with internal funds, has quickly become a major player in Mexican fintech. For comparison, Latin America's largest fintech Nubank has about 2.1 million customers in the country, while local player Stori aims to hit the two million client mark by 2023. Mexico's Grupo Financiero Banorte, in its second-quarter results, said it had 6.7 million digital clients. It disclosed the launch of a new digital bank earlier this month. Firms have set their sights on Mexico, a country where less than 50% of the population has a bank account, according to official data. Spin by Oxxo was granted a new license to operate as a financial technological institution in Mexico earlier in October, which will broaden its presence in the remittances market by allowing customers to receive money from abroad in accounts. The move mirrors other foreign and local fintechs such as Argentina's Uala and Mexico's Bitso, which also entered a remittances market that brought $51.6 billion to Mexico in 2021. Femsa is also seeking permits to offer accounts that allow customers to deposit larger amounts of money and receive their salaries. Story continues The company has more than 20,600 Oxxo stores across Latin America, and has plans to increase the number by 50% over the next decade. Carrion also did not rule out international expansion of Spin by Oxxo in the future. (Reporting by Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Months of undercover drug deals landed a 43-year-old Vero Beach man a nearly six-year prison sentence from a U.S. District judge Tuesday, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Indian River County Sheriffs Office detectives along with Homeland Security agents organized the investigation and monitored four reported drug transactions conducted at the Pemberly Palms Apartments complex south of Vero Beach from December 2021 to April 2022. Following the investigation and an April 27 search of his apartment, Kendrick Williams was charged with sale of fentanyl and a fentanyl cocaine mixture for each monitored transaction, according to a U.S. Attorneys Office Southern District of Florida news release. Tornadoes in Treasure Coast: Confirmed tornadoes cause damage in Indian River and Martin counties Civilian resource: When law enforcement needs civilian help, some turn to Treasure Coast Guardian Angels Prosecutors stated Williams' apartment was used to package and sell "large quantities of fentanyl." Officers also reportedly found four handguns and ammunition in the unit. From late December 2021 through April 18 law enforcement surveillance of four controlled purchases through confidential sources documented purchases of fentanyl and cocaine, totaling over 40 grams, or just under 1.5 ounces, of fentanyl. Court records show Williams was on pretrial release following an Aug. 15, 2018 arrest on charges of cocaine, cannabis, alprazolam and paraphernalia possession along with resisting an officer without violence and driving with a suspended license. Williams had pled guilty previously to two charges of fentanyl distribution, according to the news release. Court records show guilty verdicts on drug and weapons possession charges back to 2000. U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced Williams to 70 months in prison for drug trafficking Tuesday. Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Corey on Twitter @coreyarwood, or reach him by phone at 772-978-2246. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Vero Beach man receives 70-month sentence for drug trafficking charges (Bloomberg) -- Finland is taking action to stop real-estate deals it says endanger national security. Most Read from Bloomberg The Nordic country with 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) of border with Russia seeks to plug loopholes in its legislation after tightening laws already in 2020. The moves by the NATO aspirant follow disclosures in local media showing fortified sites owned by Russians and concerns of holdings in strategic location. Most recently, local media reported Russians had acquired a 100-room residential facility, including a morgue, within miles from a garrison. A proposal to curb transactions of property located near the defense forces or border guard sites was submitted to parliament on Thursday. The law would give the state a pre-emptive right to buy certain properties and let authorities reject a license application if the real estate to be acquired is not suitable for the purpose stated in the application. The law also gives officials improved access to information and the right to determine the source of funds for the acquisitions. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Equality Florida supporters The Florida Board of Education Wednesday adopted rules on restroom use and teacher licensing over the objections of many LGBTQ+ rights advocates. One rule requires public and charter schools to notify parents by mail and also post online if they allow students to use restrooms and changing rooms according to some criteria other than biological sex at birth. This is an attempt to bully and intimidate districts that accommodate transgender students, Joe Saunders, senior political director at Equality Florida, said in a press release. The Board of Educations facilities separation rule does not and cannot prevent transgender students from accessing facilities aligned with their gender identity we know federal law and the constitution protect these rights, Saunders said. Florida school districts have been following federal law for more than a decade, establishing policies we know will continue to work long after this politically motivated proposed rule. What it does do is attempt to bully and intimidate districts that are providing these accommodations. [Gov.] Ron DeSantiss war on transgender Floridians must end. All students deserve access to school facilities that are inclusive and safe. At the meeting in Orlando where the rules were voted on, Nikole Parker, director of transgender equality at Equality Florida, said the restroom rule is designed to intimidate school districts from following federal guidance, making schools less safe and adding fuel to a politically motivated crusade against LGBTQ youth and their families, Orlando Weekly reports. About 100 people attended the meeting to speak out for LGBTQ+ rights, and more than 1,000 sent messages to board members in support of teachers, families, and LGBTQ students. Manny Diaz Jr., the recently appointed Florida education commissioner, has been a critic of the Biden administrations guidance calling for accommodation of transgender youth in public schools and has directed Florida districts to ignore it. Story continues Another rule approved Wednesday enforces part of the states infamous dont say gay law, which Diaz sponsored when he was a state senator. Under this rule, teachers licenses can be suspended or revoked if they are found to have been teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K-3, something prohibited under the law, which was enacted this year. Teachers shouldnt be punished or silenced for acknowledging and valuing every family, Rin Alajaji, a public policy associate with Equality Florida, said at the meeting, according to Orlando Weekly. This board is putting careers of educators in jeopardy and intensifying the harmful and chilling effects that the dont say LGBTQ law has already had in providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming schools. The Board of Educations move to target individual teachers' jobs and licenses is another cruel attack from an administration that has spent months punching down at Floridas LGBTQ youth and families, Saunders added in the press release. Qualified, effective teachers are fleeing the profession in Florida thanks to the constant politicization of their roles and discrediting of their characters by the DeSantis administration. Rather than help to clarify the dont say LGBTQ laws scope, the Board of Education has taken this bigoted law to yet another extreme, threatening teachers if they dare to acknowledge LGBTQ families in the classroom. This escalation in deference to the far-right agenda of the governor makes our schools less inclusive and less safe. The rule also directly contradicts an interpretation of the law by U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor when he dismissed a lawsuit against it this year, Equality Florida points out. The law is enforced against school districts not individual teachers, Winsor wrote. There have been numerous other attacks on LGBTQ+ rights in Florida this year, the group notes. The state recently ended Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care, and the Florida Board of Medicine is going through a rulemaking process that could threaten the licenses of medical professionals who provide this care to young people. DeSantis has also threatened the liquor license of a bar that hosted a drag brunch, and the state is considering legislation to strip parental rights from people who take their children to drag shows. The Florida Legislature will hold a special session before the end of the year to consider providing property tax relief for people and businesses whose property was destroyed by Hurricane Ian, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday. Also Thursday, DeSantis signed an executive order extending the deadline for property taxes for homes and businesses destroyed or left uninhabitable after the September storm. I do not have the ability as governor to eliminate property tax obligations, so this will delay that payment date, DeSantis said in front of a damaged Sanibel Island restaurant. I want to give us time so the Legislature can come in sometime after the election but before the end of the year to provide rebates for the affected homeowners or property owners. DeSantis said the session could also address other issues related to the hurricane, including property insurance and helping local governments to pay for essential services. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [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. Francisco Franco and Anthony Sabatini (Getty/Florida House of Representatives ) A Republican state congressman in Florida raised eyebrows when he shared a quote from fascist Spanish dictator Francisco Franco on Twitter. On Thursday, Anthony Sabatini a member of the Florida House of Representatives shared a quote to his Twitter page from Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 until 1975. I answer only to God and to History, Mr Sabatini wrote, quoting the dictator, who seized power after winning the Spanish Civil War. Some said they found it shocking that an elected representative would quote one of the 20th centurys most notorious figures. Mark Yzaguirre, a lawyer, said "admiring a fascist dictator offends God and History." You are quoting a vicious fascist dictator and revealing your true vision for destroying American democracy. Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) October 20, 2022 Walter Shaub, a senior ethics fellow at the Project on Government Oversight, also found the tweet disturbing. "You are quoting a vicious fascist dictator and revealing your true vision for destroying American democracy," Mr Shaub wrote. Franco was a general who took power after the Nationalists overthrew the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War. During World War II Spain remained officially neutral, but Franco supported the Axis powers largely because Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler supported his Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War. Mr Sabatini defended his tweet by posting a photo of former US President Dwight D Eisenhower and Franco together during the formers visit to Madrid along with a message lashing out at his critics. "Anyone who criticised the above tweet is extremely un-American," he wrote. Earlier this year, Mr Sabatini spoke at the American Virtue conference to praise the idea of nationalism, Florida Politics reports. "God bless the nationalist populist movement," he said during his speech. Story continues During his speech, he said that Republicans who vote to provide aid to Ukraine as it fights Russias invasion should be primaried. The future of the Republican Party is a party of peace and prosperity, and that means no more meddling in European affairs when they dont directly address the interest of the American people, he said. He envisioned a future Republican party led by nationalists. This is a seed thats just been planted, he said. Its only going to be a few years before we take over the Republican Party but the work that remains before us is work. That must be done before anything can happen. We are still a minority within the GOP. The GOP is still full of empty suit establishment Republicans that really hate our country. He also complained about the adoption of Juneteenth which celebrates the end of slavery in America as a national holiday. We need to repeal the Juneteenth holiday that the woke Congress passed last year, he said. Thats non-negotiable. No more woke holidays. Its time to go back to the Fourth of July. SAN JOSE, CA - (NewMediaWire) - October 19, 2022 - (King NewsWire) - FlyFin, a human plus A.I.-powered tax prep and tax filing service, announced a free tax guide dedicated to helping gig drivers prepare their taxes. The new tax guide is for self-employed people leveraging their cars to make money as independent contractors. Ideally suited for delivery drivers to learn about Doordash taxes, Postmates taxes, Instacart taxes and Grubhub taxes, FlyFin's new tax guide is also helpful for rideshare drivers, to learn about Uber taxes and Lyft taxes. Gig workers are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the gig economy for full-time or part-time work, or as a side hustle. Approximately 16% of Americans nearly 53 million people earned money on gig platforms in 2021. Gig workers, however, should be on their toes with the new tax reporting standards. The stimulus bill signed by President Joe Biden last March amends the tax code and places even more responsibility for reporting accurate wages onto gig workers. Effective January 2022, the new tax reporting standards lower the tax reporting threshold on income from these gig platforms from $20,000 to $600. Gig drivers who make $600 or more annually will now need to report their taxes on all Instacart 1099, Doordash 1099, Postmates 1099, Grubhub 1099, Uber 1099 and Lyft 1099 forms. However, now that the IRS has lowered the reporting threshold, the new tax reporting means that gig drivers need to track their income and report it accurately. As independent contractors, gig drivers are still responsible for paying the taxes on their earnings. Further, self-employed individuals, who expect to owe $1,000 or more in annual taxes, must also make quarterly estimated tax payments. FlyFin's Ultimate Tax Guide for Gig Drivers is beneficial as gig drivers can sometimes miss out on all the deductions they might not have been aware they are eligible to take. Missing any tax credits or deductions means paying more money in taxes. FlyFin's free tax guide includes: Clearly understand how drivers can calculate their taxes A comprehensive list of the expenses drivers can deduct from their taxes An easy-to-understand run-down on how deductions work for drivers Tools to automate taxes FlyFin's new guide is part of a larger initiative the company is undertaking to build a comprehensive resource center for tax preparation dedicated to the needs of self-employed people, freelancers and independent contractors such as delivery drivers. The following is one of several resources the company introduced this year that benefit delivery drivers and other self-employed people. FlyFin's 1099 Tax Calculator tool helps self-employed individuals quickly compute quarterly or annual income taxes, so they know what amount their next tax payment needs to be. About FlyFin FlyFin is an A.I.-powered platform that provides self-employed, sub-contractors, independent contractors, gig workers, freelancers and creator economy workers with a convenient, easy-to-use and affordable tax filing solution. FlyFin helps individuals maximize self-employment tax deductions and income tax refunds. With a "Man + Machine" approach, FlyFin leverages A.I. paired with highly experienced tax CPAs to deliver automation that eliminates 95% of the work required for 1099 self-employed individuals to prepare their taxes. FlyFin is a privately-held, venture-backed company based in San Jose, California. Media Contact Name: Carmen Hughes Company Name: FlyFin Phone: +1.650-576.6444 Email: carmen@ignitepr.com Website: https://flyfin.tax/ City: San Jose State: CA Country: United States Former Arizona State Legislator Sylvia Laughter, the first Navajo woman to serve in the legislature, died Oct. 15 after a 10-month battle with COVID-19. Former State Rep. Sylvia Laughter, who served in the Arizona Legislature from 1999 to 2005, died Saturday in Mesa after a 10-month battle with COVID-19, according to her family. She was 63. The family did not disclose any other information. Laughter, a Navajo whose maternal clan was the Towering House Clan and paternal clan was the Red Running into the Water People Clan, was the first Dine woman to serve in the Arizona Legislature. She was also the first and only legislator to serve as an independent since Arizona statehood, according to the Arizona Capitol Times. First elected as a Democrat, she switched affiliation in 2003 after winning her third term. As a young girl, Laughter lived with a foster family in Mesa as part of the "placement" program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the time, it was a common practice for Native children to be baptized into the faith and live in LDS foster homes, to receive "educational, spiritual, social, and cultural opportunities that would contribute to their leadership development," according to a 1976 document. The program ended in 2000. "The choirs of heaven just gained a beautiful angel with a lovely soprano voice," Laughter's foster sister, Teresa Smith Starr, posted on Facebook. Laughter earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast communications with a minor in music from Brigham Young University in 1993. After working at a Utah television station, Laughter returned to Arizona and ran for state representative. During her three terms at the Legislature, Laughter secured more than $20 million in funding for education, veterans and elders. She also sponsored the bill that created the Navajo Nation license plate, which is a revenue-sharing venture to address transportation needs in the largest reservation in the United States. Laughter was a founder of the Navajo Code Talker Memorial Foundation and raised funding to erect two Navajo Code Talker Memorials, one at the Navajo Nation Capitol in Window Rock and the other at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. Story continues After losing her bid for a fourth term, Laughter formed a consulting firm and also served as chair of Native Broadcast Enterprise, the parent company of radio station KTNN, the "Voice of the Navajo Nation." "As the first Navajo woman in a high position, Ms. Laughter always fought for the interests of her home community and the Navajo Nation, said Navajo Nation Speaker Seth Damon. Even before my time as an elected leader, Ms. Sylvia Laughter was a key figure in the development of not only Kayenta, but surrounding communities, said Navajo Nation Council Delegate Nathaniel Brown. As a woman in the field of politics, Ms. Laughter always held her head high and remained humble towards the many families she helped. Arizona state Reps. Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, D-Red Mesa, Myron Tsosie, D-Chinle and state Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, D-Coalmine, offered condolences to Laughter's family. We are saddened to hear of the passing of Rep. Sylvia Laughter, Blackwater-Nygren, Tsosie and Hatathlie said in a statement. They said Laughter worked tirelessly while in office and continued to make an impact in the Navajo Nation after her service. "She was a true trailblazer for other Navajo women to serve in the Legislature. Its heartbreaking to lose such a humble true Dine Asdzani Naataanii. Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers said he was "quieted" when he heard the news of Laughter's death. "I reflect on her strong personality and dedication to the Dine people, and her putting them first above party or pettiness," he said. Laughter brought Bowers to the Navajo Nation with other legislators to learn about their needs. "She endured much criticism for working with Republicans for the good of the state and her people, and I considered her a friend." he said. "I know she will continue to assist others on the other side of the crossing." Rosie Tsosie Bingham of Show Low called Laughter a dear friend and said, "She was a beautiful lady, well-educated and very loving." A longtime political consultant, also a citizen of the Navajo Nation, Bingham worked and traveled with Laughter on various projects, including an effort to secure funding for Dine College and scholarships for Native students. Bingham also mentioned that Laughter had a talent that some didn't know about. "She had a beautiful singing voice, and sang with a vocal group at BYU." The group, once called the Lamanite Generation, is now known as the BYU Living Legends. Laughter's daughter, Nakita Nez Guminiak, said her mom loved to be with her three grandchildren, 9-year-old Grayson Vlack, Orson Guminiak, 3 and Wyatt Guminiak, 1. "She loved being a grandmother," Guminiak said. Laughter and Grayson visited thrift shops together, Guminiak said, and Laughter also enjoyed gardening, Laughter is survived by daughters Tasha Vlach and Guminiak, both of Mesa, and seven sisters. Her son, Ned Mitchell Nez, died in a car crash in 2003. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bunker Family Funerals in Mesa. Laughter's daughters have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for funeral and other expenses. Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on Twitter at @debkrol. Coverage of Indigenous issues at the intersection of climate, culture and commerce is supported by the Catena Foundation. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Former Rep. Sylvia Laughter of the Navajo Nation dies at 63 A former St. Johns County day care employee faces over a dozen charges, accused of molesting several students at the school. Anthony Josiah Guadalupe was accused of just one count of lewd and lascivious acts on a minor when he was arrested in late July; now, there are 13 more charges. This comes two months after parents of several alleged victims filed a lawsuit against The Chappell School. That civil lawsuit filed against The Chappell School back in August accused the day care of knowing what was going on, but did nothing about it. Guadalupe, 19, now faces 14 total charges in this case after court documents show there are more alleged victims. RELATED: Day care employee accused of inappropriately touching girl at school, St. Johns deputies say We tried to go inside The Chappell School for more answers on Wednesday, but were told to leave by a man carrying a letter from the property landlord. Action News Jaxs Nick Gibson spoke with a grandparent who picked her grandchild up from this same school. She said this news was very surprising. Its heartbreaking to know that something could even happen to our babies, Daniela Carbonell said. RELATED: Nine families sue St. Johns private preschool following arrest of employee for molesting child According to documents sent to Action News Jax from the State Attorneys Office, these incidents involving Guadalupe happened between May and July of this year. At least nine families have sued The Chappell School since Guadalupe was first charged. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The lawsuit didnt name Guadalupe in it, but rather the school instead. We reached out to Dale Carson, a former police officer, current defense attorney and Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert, to ask why he thinks this is the case. If the defendant in this particular matter is not listed on the previous litigation, this would be something new and may add evidence to that suit if its not already concluded, Carson said. Story continues [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Carson adds if Guadalupe is convicted of all charges, he could face significant jail time. These are extraordinarily serious charges. They are first-degree felony charges and multiple other charges could result in 30 to life, Carson said. Guadalupe is currently being held without bond in the St. Johns County Jail. According to court documents, his next court appearance is Nov. 3. 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. A former Keller police sergeant pleaded guilty on Thursday to illegally pepper-spraying and arresting a man who filmed his sons interactions with Keller police in August 2020. Blake Shimanek entered the plea on a charge to official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor. With this plea, Shimanek was admitted to the Public Safety Employee Treatment Court, which is a diversion program run by Judge Charles Vanover, who presides over County Criminal Court 8. The diversion program can last anywhere from nine months to two years. The incident occurred on Aug. 15, 2020, during the arrest of Marco Puente, when officers pepper-sprayed him in the face while pinning him to the ground and handcuffing him. As part of the plea, Shimanek was required to forfeit his peace officer license, which means he is barred from working in law enforcement in Texas. Our top priority is to make sure that he never works in law enforcement in Texas again, Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney Sharen Wilson said in a Thursday news release. That has been accomplished. We also consulted with the victim and he agreed to this plea. If Shimanek successfully completes the diversion program, the judge will later dismiss the case. If he fails, he will be sentenced for the offense. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum fine of $4,000 and jail time of up to one year. A Tarrant County grand jury indicted Shimanek on the charge in May 2021. Shimanek resigned from the Keller Police Department on Feb. 1, 2021. The Puente family settled their civil rights claim with the city of Keller for $200,000. Marco Puentes arrest gained national attention after the family filed a lawsuit against Shimanek and another Keller officer. The entire incident was video recorded on multiple police dashboard and body cameras. The Keller police chief apologized for his officers behavior two days later and said they were in the wrong, according to the federal lawsuit Puente and his attorneys filed against the officers on Dec. 15, 2020. Story continues Shimanek ordered Officer Antik Tomer to arrest and pepper-spray Puente while Puente filmed his sons arrest following a traffic stop. Puente, an emergency electrician who grew up in Keller, was left without medical attention for 15 minutes. It was a terrible feeling, Puente told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in a December 2020 interview. It was claustrophobic, I couldnt breathe. I was hot, burning. In the police video you can hear me yelling for help, and saying, Give me something to alleviate this. Shimanek claimed Puente blocked a roadway, but a subsequent investigation found Puente did nothing wrong. Shimanek had pulled Puentes son over for making a wide right turn. In the video, Shimanek walks up to Dillon Puentes window, which is about three-fourths of the way rolled up, and tells him to roll it the rest of the way down. He asks Dillon Puente to step out and put his hands on the car, which he does. He starts handcuffing the 22-year-old, and asks him, Why are you acting so suspicious? Marco Puente pulls up in the truck across the street and yells to his son, asking what happened. Dillon Puente yells back that he rolled up his window and Shimanek got mad. Marco Puente starts recording the arrest on his cell phone. Youre about to be arrested for blocking the roadway if you dont park and get out, Shimanek yells to Marco Puente, who is parked by the curb on the opposite side of the street. Youre interfering with my job. Marco Puente, at Shimaneks demand, backs up the truck and parks in front of his wifes grandfathers house. He gets out of the truck and walks up the sidewalk, still recording. Tomer then pulls up at the scene and begins trying to arrest Marco Puente on Shimaneks orders. Shimanek walks across street and puts Puente in a headlock and knocks his phone from his hand. He and Tomer push Puente to the ground and Shimanek sits on his back and cuffs him. Shimanek tells Tomer to spray Puente, and Tomer starts spraying him in the face. He takes Puentes sunglasses off and sprays him again in the eyes. Dillon Puente paid the traffic ticket for making a wide right hand turn and was released from jail shortly after his arrest. Marco Puente wasnt charged with anything. Keller Police Chief Brad Fortune hosted two town halls about Puentes arrest as the community demanded accountability. Shimanek was demoted from sergeant to officer before he resigned. Tomer was not disciplined because he was following orders from a supervising officer. The internal affairs investigation found Shimanek showed conduct unbecoming of an officer, and that Marco Puente did not block the roadway or interfere with Shimaneks duties, as Shimanek claimed. This report contains information from the Star-Telegrams archives. Clearview AI, the controversial facial recognition firm that scrapes selfies and other personal data off the Internet without consent to feed an AI-powered identity-matching service it sells to law enforcement and others, has been hit with another fine in Europe. This one comes after it failed to respond to an order last year from the CNIL, France's privacy watchdog, to stop its unlawful processing of French citizens' information and delete their data. Clearview responded to that order by, well, ghosting the regulator -- thereby adding a third GDPR breach (non-cooperation with the regulator) to its earlier tally. Here's the CNIL's summary of Clearview's breaches: Unlawful processing of personal data (breach of Article 6 of the GDPR) Individuals' rights not respected (Articles 12, 15 and 17 of the GDPR) Lack of cooperation with the CNIL (Article 31 of the RGPD) "Clearview AI had two months to comply with the injunctions formulated in the formal notice and to justify them to the CNIL. However, it did not provide any response to this formal notice," the CNIL wrote in a press release today announcing the sanction [emphasis its]. "The chair of the CNIL therefore decided to refer the matter to the restricted committee, which is in charge for issuing sanctions. On the basis of the information brought to its attention, the restricted committee decided to impose a maximum financial penalty of 20 million euros, according to article 83 of the GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation]." The EU's GDPR allows for penalties of up to 4% of a firm's worldwide annual revenue for the most serious infringements -- or 20 million, whichever is higher. But the CNIL's press release makes clear it's imposing the maximum amount it possibly can here. Whether France will see a penny of this money from Clearview remains an open question, however. The U.S.-based privacy-stripper has been issued with a slew of penalties by other data protection agencies across Europe in recent months, including 20M fines from Italy and Greece; and a smaller U.K. penalty. But it's not clear it's handed over any money to any of these authorities -- and they have limited resources (and legal means) to try to pursue Clearview for payment outside their own borders. Story continues So the GDPR penalties look mostly like a warning to stay away from Europe. Clearview's PR agency, LakPR Group, sent us this statement following the CNIL's sanction -- which it attributed to CEO Hoan Ton-That: There is no way to determine if a person has French citizenship, purely from a public photo from the internet, and therefore it is impossible to delete data from French residents. Clearview AI only collects publicly available information from the internet, just like any other search engine like Google, Bing or DuckDuckGo. The statement goes on to reiterate earlier claims by Clearview that it does not have a place of business in France or in the EU, nor undertake any activities that would "otherwise mean it is subject to the GDPR", as it puts it -- adding: "Clearview AI's database of publicly available images is lawfully collected, just like any other search engine like Google." (NB: On paper the GDPR has extraterritorial reach so its former arguments are meaningless, while its claim it's not doing anything that would make it subject to the GDPR looks absurd given its amassed a database of over 20 billion images worldwide and Europe is, er, part of Planet Earth... ) Ton-That's statement also repeats a much-trotted out claim in Clearview's public statements responding to the flow of regulatory sanctions its business attracts that it created its facial recognition tech with "the purpose of helping to make communities safer and assisting law enforcement in solving heinous crimes against children, seniors and other victims of unscrupulous acts" -- not to cash in by unlawfully exploiting people's privacy -- not that, in any case, having a 'pure' motive would make any difference to its requirement, under European law, to have a valid legal basis to process people's data in the first place. "We only collect public data from the open internet and comply with all standards of privacy and law. I am heartbroken by the misinterpretation by some in France, where we do no business, of Clearview AIs technology to society. My intentions and those of my company have always been to help communities and their people to live better, safer lives," concludes Clearview's PR. Each time it has received a sanction from an international regulator it's done the same thing: Denying it has committed any breach and refuted the foreign body has any jurisdiction over its business -- so its strategy for dealing with its own data processing lawlessness appears to be simple non-cooperation with regulators outside the US. Obviously this only works if you plan for your execs/senior personnel to never set foot in the territories where your business is under sanction and abandon any notion of selling the sanctioned service to overseas customers. (Last year Sweden's data protection watchdog also fined a local police authority for unlawful use of Clearview -- so European regulators can act to clamp down on any local demand too, if required.) On home turf, Clearview has finally had to face up to some legal red lines recently. Earlier this year it agreed to settle a lawsuit that had accused it of running afoul of an Illinois law banning the use of individuals biometric data without consent. The settlement included Clearview agreeing to some limits on its ability to sell its software to most U.S. companies but it still trumpeted the outcome as a "huge win" -- claiming it would be able to circumvent the ruling by selling its algorithm (rather than access to its database) to private companies in the U.S. The need to empower regulators so they can order the deletion (or market withdrawal) of algorithms trained on unlawfully processed data does look like an important upgrade to their toolboxes if we're to avoid an AI-fuelled dystopia. And it just so happens that the EU's incoming AI Act may contain such a power, per legal analysis of the proposed framework. The bloc has also more recently presented a plan for an AI Liability Directive which it wants to encourage compliance with the broader AI Act -- by linking compliance to a reduced risk that AI model makers, deployers, users etc can be successfully sued if their products case a range of harms, including to people's privacy. PARIS (Reuters) -France said on Thursday it carried out a new operation to return French nationals - 40 children and 15 women - from Kurdish-run camps in northeastern Syria. The children were handed over to the child care services and will have medical and social follow-ups, the foreign ministry said in a statement, while the women would be transferred to the judicial authorities. "France expresses its thanks to local authorities... for their cooperation which has made this operation possible", the ministry added. In September, The European Court of Human Rights ruled that France must re-examine repatriation requests from two French women who travelled to Syria with their partners to join Islamic State. The requests were also for the children they gave birth to there. The French citizens were among more than 40,000 foreign nationals, most of them Iraqis, in detention, according to Human Rights Watch. According to earlier estimates by rights groups, some women and children likely still remain in the camp after Thursday's repatriation operation which followed a similar mission in July. (Reporting by Tassilo Hummel; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Kim Coghill) PARIS (Reuters) - Strained relations between France and Germany amid the war in Ukraine and energy crisis need a "reset" to forge a stronger alliance between the two biggest EU countries, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Thursday. Ties between the two countries, traditionally the driving force behind broader EU policy initiatives, have hit a rough spot with their governments postponing a meeting planned for next week until January. Le Maire, a fluent German speaker with long-running political contacts in Germany, said that relations were currently "difficult", firstly because the war in Ukraine had prompted Berlin to turn towards Washington while Paris championed "European sovereignty". And the halt to gas flows from Russia exposed Germany's dependence and called its energy model into question while France was making a new push on nuclear energy, Le Maire said. Lastly, Germany was struggling to get to grips with new more difficult business conditions in China, which had long been an "El Dorado" for German industry, Le Maire said. "The war in Ukraine, the gas and energy question and the China issue must lead us to a strategic redefinition of relations between France and Germany," Le Maire told a business conference. That would "create a new, possibly stronger, alliance by resetting on a certain number of issues", Le Maire added, speaking a day after a meeting with Germany's finance and economy ministers. French officials have expressed frustration with what they say has been a series of unilateral decisions by Germany, including a 200 billion euro energy package unveiled by Berlin without giving advanced warning to Paris. For its part, France irritated German officials with its opposition to a German and Spanish proposal to build a new gas pipeline across the Pyrenees to replace dwindling Russian supplies, preferring instead to focus energy investment on France's nuclear sector. Germany's decision to procure weapons systems from the United States instead of Europe has also raised eyebrows in France. (Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Nick Macfie) Garth Brooks Terry Wyatt/Getty Images It seems that Garth Brooks finally paid the piper and got the tattoo he promised daughter Allie Colleen. During a recent appearance on Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton Garth shared that he recently got inked to fulfill a vow he made back in 2014. Except instead of one tattoo, he ended up with several. The country megastar initially promised Allie that he would get a tattoo when he headlined Croke Park in Ireland in 2014. When those shows fell through, he said he thought he was in the clear. But the matter came up again this year when he booked five nights at Croke Park in September. "When we announced Ireland this year, she reminded me of my promise," Garth told Helton. "So with me forever, I'll take the five women in my life: my mother, my three daughters and [wife] Miss [Trisha] Yearwood, all in places on my body." Though he's yet to show off his new ink, he pointed out their locations on Monday's episode of his weekly Facebook Live series, Inside Studio G. "It's all about them! It's left chest and it's left back. And it's a full sleeve," Garth revealed. "I have five women in my life, my mom, Miss Yearwood, and my three daughters. It's all about themand it's all about them being on my shoulder, and around my heart and by my side." "I love it I know my three daughters have my back and are by my side 'til I'm in the grave," he continued. "But something about having them inked on your skin right here, by your side the rest of your life [is] pretty frickin' cool. So my mother is on my shoulder, and Miss Yearwood is right here on my heart." So sweet! Gary ONeil maintained he is content in his caretaker manager role at Bournemouth (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire) Gary ONeil maintained he is content as Bournemouth caretaker boss amidst calls for him to be handed the job permanently. The 39-year-old has led the Cherries since Scott Parker left the club four games into the Premier League season. Wednesdays defeat to Southampton was the first loss under ONeil, who was nominated for Septembers Premier League Manager of the Month award. Im very happy with how things are at the moment, said ONeil. Im managing a club in the Premier League, the boys are responding and giving me absolutely everything. The fans stuck with them all night last night, even though we were 1-0 down for 80-odd minutes, they stuck with them right until the end because they could see they were giving everything. We will continue to work hard, improve, be competitive and keep trying to put points on the board for the club. ONeils temporary tenure in the Bournemouth managers chair has officially outlasted Liz Truss time as Prime Minister, with the Conservative leader handing in her resignation on Thursday. Asked for any news on the Cherries leadership search, ONeil said: No, were the same as we were. Well get the boys ready for West Ham, make sure were ready to go again, make sure were in a good place. Thats what Ill be focused on in the next few days. I enjoy it, I love managing. Im really enjoying it. The first defeat was going to come. I cant wait to show how were going to respond. While some players have picked up some bumps and bruises, ONeil has no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday nights clash in east London. David Brooks (hamstring) and Lloyd Kelly (ankle) remain unavailable for selection, while Joe Rothwell and Siriki Dembele could see more action after making their Premier League debuts on Wednesday. Im really pleased for them both, added ONeil. Its just a shame we couldnt get a better result to mark the occasion for them. Conservative attorney George Conway on Wednesday called information in a new ruling a smoking gun that effectively established former President Donald Trump committed perjury and other federal crimes. U.S. District Court Judge David Carter handed down the ruling Wednesday, which ordered the release of emails between Trump and one of his attorneys, John Eastman, to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. According to Carter, Trump signed a legal document claiming that the information he provided in a lawsuit challenging the results of the 2020 election in Georgia was true, even though the Eastman emails demonstrated he knew the numbers were wrong. Conway said the development would be a smoking gun for the state prosecutor in Georgia, where Trump is under criminal investigation for election interference. What this is, is a smoking gun in Georgia because if you look at what the judge describes here of these emails is: they file a lawsuit, a state court lawsuit, [on] Dec. 4, making various allegations about dead people voting, about felons voting, about unregistered voters voting, Conway told CNNs Anderson Cooper. And by the end of December, theyre aware that these allegations are false. And thats the email that the judge quotes here. Conway read aloud part of the email, in which Eastman said Trump had been made aware that some of the allegations were inaccurate. Nonetheless, Trumps lawyers then had him file a federal lawsuit where Trump certifies, under oath, verifies under oath, that these allegations were in fact, true, Conway said. Thats perjury and thats certainly evidence of federal crimes. The Georgia investigation is very advanced and this is going to be a very important document in exhibit in the charges that Im sure [the prosecutor] is going to bring, he added. Watch the interview below: This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Authorities in Troup County are looking for an inmate who didnt return from his work release early last week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Troup County Sheriffs Office is searching for Zachariah Murray. He has has an active warrant for escape. Authorities say Murray failed to return from his work release on Oct. 11. TRENDING STORIES: Murray is facing charges of possession of firearm by convicted felon, theft by receiving, obstruction of an officer and probation violation. If you have any information or know of Murrays whereabouts, youre asked to call the sheriffs office at 706-883-1616 or Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: WASHINGTON (AP) Police at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday arrested a Georgia man who they say had several guns in his van and claimed to be in Washington to deliver documents to the Supreme Court. Tony H. Payne, 80, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, was arrested on charges of possessing an unregistered firearm, possessing unregistered ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license. His arrest came after police surrounded his van which officials said was illegally parked and shut down several streets around the Capitol and Supreme Court for hours. Police said Paynes van came to their attention shortly before 4 p.m. as a suspicious vehicle that was illegally parked on Capitol grounds. Police initially detained Payne and two other people when Payne admitted to having guns in the white van. The other two people were released without charges. Inside the van, police found two handguns and a shotgun, authorities said. The people detained by police told investigators they were here to deliver documents to the U.S. Supreme Court, police said. Investigators conducted an extensive search of the van after they found a pipe and containers inside, but the vehicle was eventually cleared. A Macon man has been convicted of collecting thousands of dollars worth of disability benefits while running a cleaning company, according to the Department of Justice. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Demetris Hill, 54, was convicted of one count of theft of government property and one count of false claims against the government. The release states that in May 2012, Hill applied and was approved for disability benefits from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Hill consented during the application process he would report any work, income or changes in his disability status. TRENDING STORIES: From 2014 to 2019, RRB sent six annual reminders for Hill to report any work or money he made regardless of the work he did. Hill was receiving disability benefits for almost a year, when in 2013 he opened a cleaning company, authorities say. According to the release, he positioned himself as an executive and partner of the company, as well as a resident agent. In the following years, Hills role at the cleaning company included client management and day-to-day operations, while still collecting full disability benefits, which authorities said he was not entitled to due to his work and income. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Officials said the benefits totaled well over $100,000. Hill faces a maximum of 15 years plus a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Sentencing will be on Jan. 10, 2023. IN OTHER NEWS: A brutal text exchange obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has revealed just how ugly the fight over Donald Trumps election lies became in the Peach State. The texts in question were sent by Tricia Raffensperger, wife of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, to the states former senator, Kelly Loeffler. In the messages, Ms Raffensperger excoriates the Republican senator for buying in to Donald Trumps election fraud lies as she sought (and ultimately lost) re-election in a runoff that occurred a day before the January 6 attack. She blames the senator for a wave of death threats and other hateful messages that her family withstood in the wake of the refusal of her husband, also a Republican, to aid Donald Trump in his efforts to overturn the election. The messages were sent on 9 November 2020, just days after the presidential election took place Mr Raffensperger had instead provided a damning recording of a call between him and the president to The Washington Post, which would later go on to spark a criminal investigation into the efforts of Mr Trumps legal team to influence Georgias results. Never did I think you were the kind of person to unleash such hate and fury on someone in political office of the same party. My family and I am being personally besieged by people threatening our lives because you didn't have the decency or good manners to come and talk to my husband with any questions you may have had. Instead you have put us in the eye of the storm,, the secretary of state's wife wrote to Ms Loeffler. I hold you personally responsible for anything that happens to any of my family, from my husband, children and grandchildren, she continued. Ms Raffensperger went on to tell the soon-to-be-ousted senator that she did not deserve to hold elected office. Ms Loeffler lost her bid to complete a full term and was replaced by Rev Raphael Warnock, who is now seeking election to his first full term this year. Story continues The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that its reporters did not know the identity of the person who provided the texts to the newspaper but noted that it had independently verified the messages' veracity with some of those participants in further leaked texts provided to the newspaper. "The copies of the text exchanges were sent to the AJC anonymously, and its not immediately clear how the messages were obtained. The AJCs efforts to identify who sent the text messages were unsuccessful," wrote the papers reporters. Neither Ms Loeffler nor Ms Raffensperger have commented on the messages, and it does not appear that the senator sent a response from the leaked images. Fulton Countys investigation into Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election is just one of the criminal probes looking into that matter. The Justice Department is pursuing a similar probe before a grand jury in Washington DC and has vowed to follow the facts wherever they lead, seemingly hinting at a willingness to criminally charge members of the Trump White House should evidence of a crime be sufficient. Then-Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia waves to supporters during a runoff election night party at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Buckhead on January 6, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alex Wong/Getty Images Tricia Raffensperger chastised Kelly Loeffler for endangering her life in 2020 for political gain. The wife of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger slammed Loeffler in heated text messages. Loeffler called for Brad Raffenspergers ouster to further Trumps 2020 election denial scheme. Terrified grandmother Tricia Raffensperger ripped into then-Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia for unleashing "such hate and fury" against her family a week after Trump's 2020 election denial machine turned her life into a living hell. "My family and I am being personally besieged by people threatening our lives because you didn't have the decency or good manners to come and talk to my husband with any questions you may have had. Instead you have put us in the eye of the storm," the wife of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger wrote to Loeffler on November 9, 2020 in a series of text messages obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Loeffler spurred the digital dressing-down by repeating the embattled former president's baseless claims of election fraud and calling for Brad Raffensperger's resignation. "Unlike you my husband is an honorable man with integrity to do the right thing," Tricia Raffensperger continued, taking to task the freshman lawmaker who was trying to shore up Trump's much-needed support after being thrust into a runoff against Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock. "I hold you personally responsible for anything that happens to any of my family," Tricia Raffensperger wrote, adding, "You do not deserve to be in elected office." Loeffler and scandal-plagued delegation mate Sen. David Perdue would go on to lose their seats to Warnock and Sen. Jon Ossoff, respectively pivotal defeats that flipped control of the Senate to Democrats in early 2021. President Joe Biden also temporarily turned the Peach State blue by beating Trump there just a few months earlier. Trump allegedly tried to negate Biden's lawful win by calling Brad Raffensperger and demanding that he "find" the 11,780 votes he would need to cling to power. The twice-impeached former president has since devoted his life to trying to ruin Raffensperger and incumbent GOP Gov. Brian Kemp for not buying into his election fraud scheme. Story continues Brad Raffensperger told the January 6 select committee about the myriad threats his family has endured along the way, recounting how enraged MAGA supporters sent his wife sexually explicit text messages "which were disgusting," his phone number and email were posted online so election deniers could personally harass him, and deranged individuals broke into the home of his widowed daughter-in-law. "I think sometimes moments require you to stand up and just take the shots, you are doing your job. And that's all we did," Brad Raffensperger said. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis continues to investigate Trump's alleged election meddling in Georgia and has said indictments could come down before the end of the year. Meanwhile, Trump reportedly relished that Loeffler and Perdue got ousted from the Senate because they "didn't defend him enough." Read the original article on Business Insider ATLANTA (AP) A Georgia sheriff standing trial on federal charges that he abusing detainees' rights by strapping them into restraint chairs as a form of punishment denied wrongdoing Thursday, insisting the chairs are safe as long as jailers follow provided rules. Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill took the witness stand a day after prosecutors rested their case in U.S. District Court in Atlanta. They say Hill violated the rights of seven detainees at the Clayton County Jail whose placement in restraint chairs was unnecessary, was improperly used as punishment, and caused pain and bodily injury. Hill testified that the chairs are used to protect jail staff and detainees, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. He said some are strapped into the devices as a precaution because they exhibit pre-attack indicators, or behavior that suggests they might become violent. The best proactive use of force is restraint, Hill said. Hill is widely known as one of metro Atlantas most flamboyant lawmen. He calls himself The Crime Fighter and uses Batman imagery to promote himself on social media and in campaign ads. Hill has pleaded not guilty to the civil rights charges. The sheriff testified he was convinced the restraint chairs were safe when he first purchased them for the jail in 2018. He also said jail staff have been provided with clear rules for using the chairs, including requirements that jailers check detainees every 15 minutes they spend strapped into the chairs. Hill also denied responsibility for two former detainees who testified in the case Tuesday. They said they had spent hours in the chairs with their hands cuffed behind their backs and arms bound. Both men said they were restrained for so long that they urinated on themselves. This is Hill's second trial on criminal charges. Clayton County voters reelected Hill in 2012 while he was under indictment the first time, accused of using his office for personal gain. He beat those charges. Ghost hunters talk about their paranormal investigations. (Photo: Getty Creative) Theres a good chance that the thought of having an encounter with a ghost sends a shiver down your spine whether youre a skeptic about the afterlife or not. But for some, it's a passion. Though theyre called ghost hunters, theyre not seeking to trap or capture any spirits. Instead, these paranormal investigators explore places (or even objects, or people) that seem to have some supernatural entity attached to them. Oftentimes, that means seeking out energy where energy simply shouldnt be which is why tools like an EMF reader, which tests for electromagnetic fields, and thermogenic cameras, which can sense heat, are used. Ghost hunters also try to hear messages from beyond with simple digital recorders, which can pick up on sounds the human ear misses. And then there's the "Spirit Box," which jumps through AM radio channels, creating a white noise effect that investigators claim allows spirits to come through with words and phrases. Wes Leslie is the cofounder of The Haunt Ghost Tours, which operate out of Los Angeles and San Francisco. He first got interested in ghost hunting in New Orleans, where he had a ghostly encounter at his local swimming pool while doing laps, alone. until he wasnt. He says a ghostly figure joined him in the pool. I just didn't feel very scared, he explains, calling his experience a residual impression haunting. I didn't feel like this was a spirit that was going to try to drown me or something like that. So I started researching more, and a lot of people see water as a portal in and out of the spirit world. That experience led Leslie to a growing fascination with the spirit world, culminating with his tour company, which focus primarily on the Chinatown neighborhoods of L.A. and San Francisco. That's where, Leslie says, theres plenty of spiritual activity to mine. But instead of merely sharing stories of the ghosts that supposedly reside there, Leslie and his fellow guides allow the people on their tour to practice ghost hunting, using the tools that paranormal investigators use on their own journeys. Story continues Leslie, who covers the Los Angeles tour, says that there isnt an encounter with a spirit every night, something that he thinks gives The Haunt some credibility. But, when there is a ghostly encounter, its often enough to give even the greatest skeptic pause. I was leading a tour once when we were using the Spirit Box, and we're just kind of standing there, Leslie explains. These three women that were on the tour, who werent a part of the same group and didnt know each other, all just scream and jump. They all look at each other like 'You heard that right?!' They all heard, very clearly, this old woman's voice whispering something into their ear. No one else on the tour heard it. If ghost hunting is on your radar, thats likely because of shows like Ghost Hunters, which premiered on SyFy in 2004 and now airs on Travel Channel. Steve Gonsalves, a producer and host of that show as well as Travel Channel's Ghost Nation, is one such person who has helped usher ghost hunting into the mainstream. He's been fascinated with the spiritual world since childhood, and even worked with Ed and Lorraine Warren the subjects of the horror franchise The Conjuring on paranormal investigations. Steve Gonsalves, pictured in 2019, has helped usher ghost hunting into the mainstream. (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) Hes also a former police officer, a job which may seem like it bumps a bit against his other-worldly investigations. But, he says, its the opposite, because just like real-world investigations, its important for him to go into a supposed haunting with logic in mind. It's why his team, the Atlantic Paranormal Society, once disproved a haunting in a court of law because if you are going to legitimize ghosting hunting as a science and a practice, he points out, its important to also understand that not every claim of a haunting is the real deal. You need to make sure that what you're experiencing is really there in the environment, he tells Yahoo Life. If you stare out into darkness, you will start to see faces and you will start to see your brain play tricks on you. Of course, Gonsalves says hes experienced plenty of real supernatural events and hauntings, too many of which are documented on camera for his TV series. But while he says the experiences can be unsettling, hes never been afraid. He likens these hauntings to proof of science, noting that theyre all "energy-based." However, he notes that there are no facts in the field of paranormal investigations only theories. Anybody who says that they have a fact they're lying to you, he says. There's no such thing. There are patterns that I've recognized in case studies that do lead me to believe that there are some energies here that are conscious, and it would seem to be of people who have passed. Its true that even the most dedicated ghost hunter cant prove the existence of ghosts or any kind of supernatural beyond yet that hasnt stopped many people from trying their hardest to find proof of the afterlife. Ghost Magnet podcast host (and former Girls Next Door star) Bridget Marquardt, for example, will point to an experience that solidified her belief in the paranormal. It all started with a Ouija board, which she and her cousin were using to contact Marquardts recently deceased great-grandfather after which strange things began happening: Her cousin noticed inexplicable indents on her leg, while Marquardt says she saw her great-grandfather in her house and developed an unsettling sense of being watched everywhere she went. It became so concerning for her family, she says, that they sought out both the church pastor and a psychiatrist for help. The pastor told her to keep a diary which eventually went mysteriously missing. The psychiatrist, thinking the ordeal may have to do with some unresolved childhood trauma, told her to go to her great-grandfathers gravesite and ask him to stop the haunting. It did eventually stop, but it took a long time," she says. "Looking back on it now, as an investigator, I feel like it wasn't really him. It was something else impersonating him." While Marquardts experience may have been unsettling, it fueled her fascination with ghost hunting. Now, on her podcast, she speaks to paranormal investigators and other people with ghostly ties. She and her former Girls Next Door co-star Holly Madison who, Marquardt says, lives in a haunted house also regularly go on paranormal adventures together and even co-own some ghost-hunting equipment. Marquardt says shes experienced lots of spooky things during her investigations. A recent trip to the allegedly haunted Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, Calif., for example, featured a door being pushed open with no explanation. Yet shes cautious about making sure to leave her her encounters at work. I dont allow anything to come home with me. I feel like it's about intention and what boundaries you set within yourself. Some people use crystals, some people will say a prayer. For me, it's more about a mindset. I'm here because I wanted to have an experience and because I want proof that this exists. But when I leave here, I'm done nothing can follow me, you're not coming home with me. I'm done with this experience when I walk out the door. For people who want to get started in ghost hunting, Marquardt says there are some simple ways to go about it. First, she points out its important to know the history of a place that youre investigating. And when it comes to finding if theres a ghostly presence, she believes your own body can be the best tool. Your own senses will tell you a lot of things, she notes. I can tell, within a few seconds of walking in somewhere, whether its haunted or not," she says. "Its a heaviness or pressure of my chest. It feels like the air is a little thicker. For those eager to take it to the next level, she adds, The number one thing every ghost hunter should have is a voice recorder that will let you listen back to everything, and see if you picked up any [electronic voice phenomena] because sometimes you'll get a disembodied voice, which is something you can hear in real time like somebody saying hello in the room with you. Of course, proceed with caution when you seek out the paranormal, theres no telling what you will find. Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here. Former Ambassador Gordon Sondland was standing with former President Trump in August 2019, waiting for the president of Romania to arrive for a meeting, when Trump pulled out a container of Tic Tacs and ate a few. What the f, arent you going to share? Sondland recalls asking him, prompting Trump to give Sondland a few of the mints. When you call him out on not acting like a normal person, it catches him off guardand then he kind of likes it. People do it too infrequently, Sondland writes in his upcoming book, The Envoy: Mastering the Art of Diplomacy with Trump and the World, which The Hill obtained a copy of before its release next week. Sondland, who spent roughly two years serving as Trumps ambassador to the European Union, is best known for his testimony in the Houses first impeachment of Trump in 2019 over allegations the former president withheld aid to Ukraine as he pushed for an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. His book separately offers an assessment of how he was able to successfully work with Trump, a man with no previous political experience, despite having no prior experience in the foreign service. U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, finishes a day of testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, pictured here in 2019. I certainly think Trump treated me differently because I was also a successful hotelier, but its not just my place in business that won his respect, Sondland writes. Its an attitude that you have to have with him in order to survive. None of the politicians in office, from Ted Cruz to Josh Hawley to [Marjorie] Taylor Greene to Tom Cotton, know how to adopt this approach, Sondland continues. Theyre sycophants who built careers on dissembling and playing roles that arent authentic. Thats not the way to get things done when it comes to a guy like Trump. Sondlands new book focuses on how he went from being a hotelier, to a $1 million donor to the Trump inauguration, to ambassador to the European Union, to central figure in an impeachment investigation, to being fired by the former president for his testimony. Story continues In the book, Sondland discusses how he believes his lack of government experience made him an effective diplomat and better able to communicate with Trump, a fellow businessman. President Donald Trump pictured with the then U.S. ambassador to the European Union, Gordon Sondland, with first lady Melania Trump in Brussels, Belgium. Sondland describes another episode in which Trump bemoans to German business leaders that the seats in German automobiles come with too many knobs and buttons. When Trump asks Sondland how the meeting went, Sondland responds, It went great until you started in on the seats. He looks at me and grimaces. What the f do you know, Sondland? Get out of here, Sondland writes. I turn and leave the Oval Office, smiling. In an interview, Sondland said a major theme of the book focuses on how political appointees can actually be more effective than career foreign service officials who steadily rise through the ranks to become an ambassador. Sondland argued that, if properly vetted, political appointees like himself can do what others cant by aggressively moving a presidents agenda forward when time is a major constraint for all administrations. He also noted that political appointees arent dependent on the government job for their careers, and therefore are more willing to take risks. Heres my take: many who disdain political appointees say that a career-groomed Georgetown foreign service graduate is more qualified to hold the position of chief of mission than the head of a hedge fund who knows relatively little about foreign policy but knows how to manage people and make and close deals, Sondland writes in the book. The former has subject matter expertise, but the latter understands business, knows how to negotiate, knows how to get things done, and has access to the commander-in-chief. Who do you want running the embassy? Sondland writes that he felt a sense of kinship with Trump, who also ran hotels as part of his business empire, and that the two were able to communicate more easily that way. Former President Donald Trump is joined by Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, in Brussels, Belgium. Sondland, in his book and in an interview, spoke highly of Trumps accomplishments on the economy, on shifting international focus to China and on recalibrating the trade deals between the U.S. and the EU. Sondlands experience has only become more relevant with war breaking out in Europe after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. The former ambassador said the Biden administration has done a laudable job in providing support to Ukraine. But he suggested Trumps skill set and willingness to bluntly confront other leaders might have prevented the invasion in the first place. Trump, Sondland argued, has permanently changed the way foreign policy is conducted by exposing the reality that many relationships are transactional and that its better to acknowledge that up front. Trump also normalized informal calls directly between leaders, Sondland said, something he expects to continue in place of calls that are prefaced by months of prep work. Ultimately, though, Sondland will likely be remembered by much of the nation as the figure in the first Trump impeachment inquiry who acknowledged there was a quid pro quo at play when Trump held up aid to Ukraine while pushing for an investigation into the Biden family. Roughly three years after his testimony, Sondland writes that he merely sought to tell the truth in a highly polarized environment where Democrats wanted him to implicate Trump and Republicans wanted him to exonerate the president. He expresses frustration over the toll the ordeal took on him and his family, but ultimately downplays the significance of the phrase at the center of his testimony and the whole first impeachment saga. Yes, Im the quid pro quo guy, but you know what? Everything in life is some kind of a quid pro quo, Sondland writes. The fact is that when you give someone somethingtime, affection, devotion, money, loyaltyyou expect something in return. Its how diplomacy works. Its how life works. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An open letter to Delaware Gov. John Carney Dear Governor Carney: Since the 1967 appointment of Thurgood Marshall, who became the first Black justice to serve on the United States Supreme Court, to the 2022 swearing-in of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson the first Black woman to serve on our highest court our nation has made significant, though long overdue, strides in advancing diversity and inclusion in our judicial system. Everywhere except Delaware, that is. Because despite the important strides President Joe Biden has made in diversifying the federal courts in the first two years of his administration, that effort has yet to be matched at the state level and there is perhaps no more egregious example than in Delaware. While the justice system at large still has a long way to go, Bidens work in diversifying the courts has been historic, setting a nationwide standard for governors across the country to follow as we continue that critical work and we write this letter to urge you to live up to the presidents example. Bidens appointment of Delaware State Supreme Court Justice Tamika Montgomery-Reeves of Delaware for a vacancy on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals poses a significant threat to the integrity of the Delaware justice system, as her departure when she is confirmed by the U.S. Senate would mean that the First States two highest courts would be without a single justice of color. Her confirmation took a major step forward last week as the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance her nomination to a full Senate vote. Earlier coverage from 2020:Al Sharpton calls out state judiciary for not being diverse enough The Honorable Tamika Montgomery-Reeves gives hugs to members of the Supreme Court of Delaware after she was publicly sworn in for her first term as a Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court making her the first African-American justice in Delaware history, Friday at Howard High School. The elevation of Justice Montgomery-Reeves, while an important advancement, leaves her seat vacant on the Delaware Supreme Court in the state you are charged with governing. To date, you have yet to name a replacement for Montgomery-Reeves seat, which would result in an all-white Delaware Supreme Court in a state where 25% of residents are Black. Moreover, there are a number of qualified and honorable Black justices and legal professionals in Delaware who would make fine Supreme Court justices it is incumbent on you to elevate them. Story continues Representation in government is integral to our nation's fabric and must be addressed with urgency. Real action, not lip service, is required. Sadly, you have thus far failed in this regard, leaving us with nothing but complete doubt in your commitment to judicial diversity. Keandra Ray, sister of Jeremy McDole speaks at press conference to support the passage of SB 149 to make police disciplinary records public and create community review boards with police oversight Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, outside of Legislative Hall in Dover. Diversifying institutions creates stronger and more innovative entities. Of three state Supreme Court justices you have nominated, two have been white men; of four Chancery Court justices, all have been white; and of nine justices you have appointed to the state Superior Court, seven are white. Knowing these statistics, it is plain to see that your judicial appointments in recent years have failed to live up to democratic ideals of representation, and at this point, given the myriad voices that have joined together urging you to change course, it is difficult to see your record as anything other than intentional. Civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton speaks at a press conference at Ezion Methodist Church in Wilmington on Thursday morning to commend Delaware Gov. John Carney for his appointment of Court of Chancery Vice Chancellor Tamika Montgomery-Reeves to the Delaware Supreme Court. Montgomery-Reeves is the first African-American named to the StateOs highest court. Put simply, your judicial selections have led to an ineffective and unrepresentative judiciary that cannot adequately address the concerns of marginalized groups. There is no excuse not to care for progress, as these issues affect all of us in Delaware. Furthermore, your nominations to the Delaware Chancery Court which like the Supreme Court, is also void of any justices of color are even more damning. Following impassioned calls from countless Delawareans to fill a vacancy on that body, a leader that reflects the people, you instead chose Nathan Cook, a white man and another in a long line of "old boys club" members, to fill the position of Vice Chancellor Slights. With the impending promotion of Montgomery-Reeves from Delawares most prominent court to the federal bench, there is an opportunity to begin to right the wrongs of the long-standing inequities in Delaware's courts. There is an opportunity for you to join us in this fight, to use your voice and influence to make sure our courts represent the people they serve more appropriately. You have the opportunity to ensure that every individual that faces the Delaware Supreme Court is entering a system with less inherent bias. You have the opportunity to change lives with just your voice, through an appointment that considers the numerous qualified people of color in Delawares lower courts and legal industry. We will communicate that diverse, equitable, fair and just representation is the key to restoring trust in ournation's judicial system. Keandra McDole, Wilmington The Rev. Al Sharpton Pastor Blaine Hackett, pastor, St. John AM Church, Newark This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware justice system needs diversity John Carney Joe Biden A ceremonial turkey pardoning at the governor's mansion Thursday was quickly overshadowed by questions over the latest edition in a long-running series of tense moments and jabs thrown between the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi. On multiple occasions, during his answer to a question over who would field bids for staffing the city's water plants, Gov. Tate Reeves called Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba "incompetent" and said the mayor has "irrevocably broken" the Unified Command Structure that was put in place in August when the city's water system failed. "This city was once a great city, and it has the potential to be a great city again," Reeves said, blaming the mayor and his administration for many of the woes Jackson has faced, including crime, water and a dispute over the trash contract. The question Reeves was answering concerned the existence of competing bid requests between the state and the city for private companies to provide operators and maintenance staff to Jackson's water system. On Friday, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency posted a Request for Qualifications for companies to bid on providing such a service. That bid would have left the decision on who a contract is awarded to up to the city, the Mississippi Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency. "Now of those three, not one of them reports to me. And I'm perfectly happy with that. I don't want to pick the operator," Reeves said Thursday. "All I want is someone capable and competent of managing the system so that it doesn't fail yet again under this mayor." Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba speaks to Jackson residents about the plan to improve the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant during a town hall meeting at College Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. Jackson has been under a boil water notice since the end of July. Days after the state posted its request, Reeves released a statement accusing the city of pulling out of the Unified Command Structure because it wanted to choose the contract on its own. Lumumba released a statement claiming that Jackson remains in the Unified Command Structure, but the city did ultimately post its own Request for Proposal, which, while similar to the request MEMA posted, did not include the health department or the EPA in roles alongside the city selecting a vendor. Story continues Throughout the Jackson water crisis, Lumumba has been critical of any attempts to privatize or regionalize the city's water system and has been resistant to any levels of permanent state-takeover. The mayor has said the city should receive the revenue from the water system, and any of those moves would put that revenue at risk. Reeves said if the city would like to operate the water system on its own, and if the EPA allows it, the state will step back. "The mayor has decided it's the city and only the city that can participate," Reeves said. "Now, what we're looking at today is the mayor has said through his actions, because actions speak a lot louder than words, that the city is prepared to run the water system. What the EPA has said is that they are evidently OK with that. The reality is that the emergency, the fact that the state has come in and run this water system, is nearing its end. We know that." Reeves gave some timelines for the pullout of state staff at the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant. "What we're looking at is, in the request for proposals, the city says that they can have a water operator into that plant by November the 17th, and so I would anticipate that the state (involvement) and the state of emergency will end sometime between now and Nov. 17, but no time later than Nov. 17," Reeves said. However, the governor also expressed concern that city leaders would be unable to find any company willing to work with them. "I will tell you that what we found as we went into the plant on August the 29th is one of the reasons that there was a real challenge for the city to operate the plant in July and August is because virtually every vendor in town that did anything around water treatment facilities, virtually every one of them was unwilling to do any work for the city," Reeves said. "Why? Because they don't get paid. "And so, we're obviously going into next week in which we will find out if there are any legitimate contractors that are willing to work for the city to operate the O.B. Curtis and the (J.H) Fewell treatment facilities. And I will tell you that I have a great fear that there is no legitimate water operator that will be willing to work for the city. But time will tell." A news release from the city, which came after Reeves' comments Thursday, said the state's request did not have certain components that the EPA had asked for, while the city's did. "While the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) released by Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) on October 14 accurately reflects the scope of work, as the contracting party, the City of Jackson is responsible for its evaluation, contract terms and funding. This is, and was always intended to be, a one-year emergency agreement funded by the City of Jackson," city spokesperson Justin Vicory said in the release. "Interested proposers should respond to the RFP the City of Jackson issued, as it provides specific terms requested by the EPA, terms that were not included in MEMAs RFQ." Reeves said he had no knowledge of the EPA saying that the state's request was lacking in any way, and that the state's involvement in the bidding process came at the request of federal partners including those at the agency. He also emphasized that the city's request was extremely similar to the state's, other than regarding who decides which vendor receives a contract. "The reason the state has issued this RFP is because for the last several weeks the EPA has strongly encouraged us, this is the Biden administration, has strongly encouraged us to be engaged in the process," Reeves said. The city's release also doubled down on Lumumba's previous statement that the city would remain in the Unified Command Structure. "The City of Jackson has worked closely with members of the Unified Command Structure and will continue to work beside our local, state and federal partners," Vicory said. "The City is grateful to these partners for their ongoing support and investments in our water infrastructure. Together we will ensure that Jackson residents have the sustainable, quality drinking water they deserve." However, Reeves said it is wrong for Lumumba and city leadership to claim they are still active contributors to the Unified Command Structure after posting their own request. "Well, obviously, the mayor wants you to believe that he hasn't backed out of the Unified Command Structure. That is absolutely laughable," Reeves said. Jacksons mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba (center) briefs the media concerning the ongoing water crisis at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, Miss., on Sep. 1, 2022. This is the first time that Jacksons mayor and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves (right) have been seen together since the water crisis. Reeves acknowledged that he was "a little bit upset" about the mayor's recent actions. At one point, as he was discussing it, the turkey that had just been pardoned began flapping its wings and making noises. Reeves turned toward it and proclaimed, "I agree!" "He's lying about the people of this state. I don't care what he says about me," Reeves said. "I've been in politics a long time, and I'm a big boy, I can handle it. But when he goes and claims what he claims, he's not attacking me, he's attacking the people of the city of Jackson. When he goes on national news, and makes the claims that he knows are lies, he's not attacking me, he's attacking the people of the great state of Mississippi. We have a lot of good people here. We have a lot of good people that live in this city. By the way, a lot of them disagree with me on political issues, and that's OK. The right thing to do is to get beyond politics." Reeves repeatedly said the mayor was happy to accept the state's help when the city needed it most, but now it does not want to work with the state on next steps. "And as long as the state over the last 52 days was doing little things to make sure the water system operated, the mayor was perfectly fine with it," Reeves said. "But when it comes time to put your thumb on the scale for a contractor, just like he did in garbage, exactly like garbage, he decided, 'Hey, not only do I want to have a seat at the table, I want to control it.'" This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Gov. Tate Reeves calls Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba incompetent Oct. 19MONTEVIDEO A Granite Falls man was sentenced for stealing a van after the owner of the vehicle confronted him in an alleyway before calling police. Sean Anthony LaBatte, 34, was sentenced Sept. 26 by Judge Thomas Van Hon to 18 months in prison for motor vehicle theft. LaBatte pleaded guilty in August in Chippewa County District Court. A misdemeanor charge of obstruction and a gross misdemeanor charge of third-degree damage to property stemming from Labatte struggling with officers and resisting entering the police vehicle during his arrest were dismissed. LaBatte received 105 days credit for time served. Under Minnesota law, offenders have to serve two-thirds of their sentence in custody before being eligible for supervised release. According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections website, LaBatte's expected release date from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud is June 12, 2023. According to the criminal complaint, an officer was dispatched to an alley in the 300 block of South Third Street in Montevideo on Aug. 8, 2021, for a recovered stolen vehicle. When the officer arrived, the owner of the vehicle was confronting LaBatte, and the owner also alleged LaBatte had offered him $20 not to call police, according to the complaint. LaBatte told an officer he had permission from someone he did not name the owner to move the van, according to the complaint. The owner indicated a cinder block in the back seat and a yellow bicycle in the cargo area were not his. The complaint states that LaBatte said he had ridden the bike, which may be stolen, and had put it in the van. LaBatte removed a key from his pocket, which was determined to be the key to the ignition of the van. CRIME NEWS, POLICE CAR, FOR ONLINE A Great Falls man originally charged with five counts of attempted homicide took a plea agreement on Wednesday, pleading no contest to amended charges. Jacob Joseph Sims, 37, was accused in September 2021 of shooting a man in the parking lot of the Alumni Club, nearly running over another person and shooting at a vehicle with a family inside. The binding plea agreement amends the charges to three counts of assault with a weapon. On count one, the agreement calls for a sentence of 20 years in Montana State Prison with five suspended. Counts two and three each call for a 20-year sentence with all time suspended to run consecutively to all other counts. The net sentence is 55 years, with 40 of those suspended. According to charging documents, police responded to the Alumni Club on Sept 10, 2020, for a report of a man being shot. The victim was injured in the hand and the leg and was transported to the hospital. Bystanders described Sims' vehicle and said he'd left the scene. Shortly afterward, dispatch advised that someone had gone through a barrier at 1st Avenue North and River Drive North where a music festival was taking place. A volunteer at the event had to move out of the way to avoid being struck. While officers were at that scene, they received a report that there had been an altercation involving a gun at approximately 10th Avenue South and 13th Street. While en route to the location, another call came in that a vehicle's windshield had been shot at the City Car Wash on 10th Avenue South. A family of four, including two children, was inside the vehicle. They gave descriptions matching Sims and his truck. After he was apprehended, Sims told police that he'd shot the man at the Alumni Club because he believed the man had stolen his gun in the past. He said he thought the man was reaching for a weapon, although no weapon was found on the victim. Sims admitted to police that he had shot at an unknown individual at a second location and also told officers that he shot a car's windshield because he was at the car wash and "his temper got the best of him." Story continues At Wednesday's plea hearing, Sims' attorney said he was pleading no contest because he couldn't remember the events because he believes someone gave him a substance without his knowledge. The affidavit notes that Sims appeared to be under the influence of opiates at the time of the incidents. A sentencing hearing will be set after Sims completes a pre-sentence investigation. This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Man facing 5 counts of attempted homicide pleads to lesser charges GREEN BAY - Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis said Thursday that people should be careful not to believe misinformation circulating on social media in connection with the fatal shooting Monday of a 5-year-old girl outside an east-side apartment building. Davis wasn't specific about those rumors, saying only that some of the content on social media sites is misinformation and "some of it is just flat out not true." City police continue to seek a "person of interest" in the shooting and identified a 35-year-old man. They have not called him a suspect, but in a news release police said he was "reported to have been at the residence ... when a gun was discharged," killing Skye Bleu Evans-Cowley. Skye Bleu was shot as she played near her apartment in the 1600 block of Amy Street on the city's east side shortly before 5 p.m. Monday. Right now we have a mother, we have a family and we have a community that have experienced an unspeakable loss. Chris Davis, Green Bay police chief Davis said he could release only limited information because he wanted to avoid harming an ongoing investigation. "I will say, obviously, that this is a terrible tragedy," the chief said during a press briefing Thursday at the Police Department in downtown Green Bay. "And I would just ask that we remember in this situation that right now we have a mother, we have a family and we have a community that have experienced an unspeakable loss, and that we don't lose sight of that as we deal with this situation." On Wednesday, police said they had taken possession of a Mercury Milan sedan they believe the man had been driving after the shooting. They received a tip Tuesday the car was in Beloit, and police there helped investigators recover the vehicle so it could be returned to Green Bay and processed as evidence in the shooting investigation. As of Thursday morning no charges had been filed against the man, and no further information has been released about what role he might have played in the shooting. Police have not said that he is considered dangerous to the general public. Police ask that anyone with information about the shooting immediately call 920-448-3200 and reference case #22-257268. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 920-432-7867, submit a tip online at www.432stop.com or use the "P3 Tips" app for crime tips. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay police chief warns about rumors in 5-year-old shooting death CDC Committee Unanimously Votes to Add COVID Shots to Childhood Vaccination Schedule NEWS PROVIDED BY Oct. 20, 2022 WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2022 / Christian Newswire / -- A Center for Disease Control Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 15-0 today to add the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID shots to the child and adolescent immunization schedules for children who attend public schools. This means that public schools will now be able to mandate the shots in order for children to attend public school. The Committee voted in favor of this despite receiving thousands of negative public comments. The immunization schedule does not dictate what vaccinations are required for school entry, as only states can decide that. However, it is likely to prompt some to add the COVID vaccine to their list. Currently, more than a dozen states including Virginia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, New Jersey and Vermont, follow the CDC vaccination guidelines to set requirements for children to be educated. There is information about vaccine laws and exemptions in every state here. In response to today's vote, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, "As long as I am governor, there will be no COVID shot mandate for children in our schools." By adding the COVID shots to the childhood schedule, this transfers liability for vaccine injuries to the federal government's National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This delivers permanent legal protection to Pfizer and Moderna by allowing them to bring an FDA-approved shot to the market without facing lawsuits and bring in billions of dollars in revenues for the drug companies. Pharmaceutical companies are not liable for injuries or deaths associated with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) injections but can be held liable for injuries caused by a fully licensed "vaccine," unless that shot is added to the CDC's childhood schedule. This means liability protection also includes the adult COVID shots as well. This will allow the pharmaceutical companies to escape product liability which means the "emergency" can end, but the liability protection continues. Yesterday, the Committee voted unanimously 15-0 for the CDC to recommend that children get the COVID-19 shots and be added to the Vaccines for Children program, a federal entitlement program that pays for vaccines for children who do not have other insurance. This was not necessary since the CDC cannot buy EUA vaccines. The COVID shots and other drugs such as monoclonal antibodies and PCR and rapid tests are unlicensed experimental products and taxpayer dollars pay for them. In fact, the CDC spends about five billion dollars annually to buy vaccines on the childhood schedule for kids on Medicaid or without insurance. Ironically, the CDC presented data at its ACIP meeting on September 1, 2022, that confirms the COVID shots are not safe for children. The data presented were summaries of reports from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), Vaccine Safety Data Link (VSD), a private insurance-based system that monitors hospital records, and V-safe, a voluntary smart phone-based monitoring program that relies on text messages and web surveys. The data presented at the ACIP meeting revealed that within seven days after vaccination, 40-50 percent of children 5-11 years of age reported a "systemic reaction," 10-15 percent had a "health impact," and 2-4 percent needed "medical care." Within seven days of vaccination, 60-75 percent of children 12-17 years had "any systemic reaction," 10 to 25 percent were "unable to perform daily activities," and 5 to 20 percent were "unable to work or attend school." Therefore, more than 30 percent of children in this age group had a health impact after the second shot and booster dose and approximately 2 percent needed medical care. The CDC data clearly shows that these injections are not safe for children and teens and should be discontinued immediately. Other countries, like the United Kingdom, stopped the COVID shots for children under 12 years, except for children in high-risk categories. Sweden has also decided against recommending COVID shots for children aged 5-11. Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "Every state must reject this CDC mandate for children immediately. Even the CDC's own data reveals that these COVID shots are harming children. Pharmaceutical companies merely see children as a budget item to increase their bottom line and they continue to ignore the serious adverse events and deaths caused by these experimental shots." Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost. SOURCE Liberty Counsel CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org Harry Dunn was killed near RAF Croughton, in Northamptonshire three years ago (PA Media) A US citizen has admitted responsibility for the death of a British teenager in a crash near a US military base. Anne Sacoolas, 45, pleaded guilty to causing the 19-year-old motorcyclist Harry Dunns death by careless driving in August 2019. Sacoolas had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US government following the crash near RAF Croughton, in Northamptonshire and was able to leave the UK 19 days after the incident. In December 2019, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised Northamptonshire Police to charge her with causing Mr Dunns death by dangerous driving. On Thursday, she denied that charge but admitted the lesser offence when she appeared in Court One of the Old Bailey by video link. Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC said the plea was accepted by the Crown. Mr Dunns family were sitting in court. The defendant, who is on unconditional bail, had identified herself before entering her pleas before senior judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb. Harry Dunns mother Charlotte Charles (Getty Images) Speaking about the first time the family saw her in court, Mrs Charles told reporters: Walking towards court, there was still the apprehension of is she going to appear? Until it actually happened you cant allow yourself to fully believe that its going to happen this time. Weve been here before, it was meant to happen in January and at the 11th hour the rug was pulled from beneath our feet. We were strong as a family we walked tall and proud, held our heads up high and just aimed for those front doors. Even sitting in the courtroom was terrifying. It seemed to take forever for her to appear on that screen, Mr Dunn added. It was probably the hardest time in the whole three years, that 12 minutes or 15 minutes waiting for her to appear. We could see other people on there (the video-link) but we couldnt see her, the judge was coming out and I was thinking is there a last minute technical hitch and they cant get in? Court sketch of US citizen Anne Sacoolas, 45, (right in TV screen) (Elizabeth Cook/PA) (PA Wire) Mrs Charles continued: The link took a while to come up they were 10-12 minutes late and it felt like hours. Story continues Our knuckles were blue holding on to each other, from gripping each other so tightly. And then when she did appear it was almost like, relief. When she did appear, it was like this is actually going to happen Mr Dunn said. Becoming emotional, Mr Dunns mother said: If I wasnt sat down I probably would have fallen down because for me it was like OK, Harry promise done. So it was a good job I was seated. It was extremely emotional. I just didnt take my eyes off of her on screen. I think I probably darted across to her lawyer once or twice but I didnt take my eyes off of her because I had no idea whether she could see us. But I needed to show those that have tried pretty damned hard to break me and us, they didnt quite achieve it. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initially announced that Sacoolass case would be heard in January, but the hearing date was vacated at the 11th hour to enable ongoing discussions. Tributes are left in memory of Harry Dunne near RAF Croughton on 7 October, 2019 (Getty Images) Speaking about how she felt after the first court date was vacated, Mrs Charles said: I had a massive breakdown. Yeah, complete meltdown. Nobody saw me for a week. It makes me upset now because number one, it was my birthday and it was just going to be a nice quiet family day at home, and then to to get that news was just beyond devastating. I cant even begin to describe the anger, the upset, the amount of tears that were shed. I was extremely angry. Asked if she knew the reason for the delay, Mrs Charles said: We still dont know. We may never get to know. But theres so many things that we have questions about and thats going to be one of them. Well push for an answer on that. Mr Dunn interjected: Id just wanted to add as well the other family members, my parents, it devastated them that day. They thought this was it, and to have it taken away with no explanation it took my mum ages to get over it. When youve campaigned for so long and you think youre there, and then for no reason its gone, and you dont know when its coming back, it took ages and ages for people to get over it. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a Circuit Court judge should not have closed a bond hearing to the media and public early last year for a Newport News police officer charged with murder. Bond hearings, the high court ruled, are subject to the judiciarys long-held presumption of openness particularly because such proceedings include a judges assessment of the risk that the defendants freedom could be a threat to the safety of others. While court hearings can be closed for limited purposes, the Supreme Court said, the reasons Circuit Court Judge Margaret Poles Spencer cited for barring public access to the hearing werent adequate. Except in the rarest of circumstances, this decision ... must be made in open court so that the public including victims of the defendants charged crimes and any potential victims of his future crimes would know how and why, not simply what, the court has ruled on the issue, Justice D. Arthur Kelsey wrote in a 28-page unanimous opinion. The Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot cited the First Amendment and Virginia law in challenging Spencers decision to close the hearing. The Virginia Supreme Court agreed last year to hear the newspapers appeal and held a hearing in June. The seven-member court had never taken up a case on a closed bond hearing, calling it a question of first impression in Virginia. In its ruling Thursday, Supreme Court also ordered that the previously sealed transcript of the closed bond hearing be released. We have independently reviewed the transcript of the hearing and determined that there is no other basis for it to remain sealed, the courts opinion reads. For this reason, we will unseal the transcript and make it available to the (Daily Press and Pilot) and the public. Spencer a retired Richmond judge sitting on the case after Newport News judges recused themselves barred the press and public from attending the April 2021 hearing at which prosecutors sought to revoke bond for Newport News Police Sgt. Albin Trevor Pearson. Story continues Pearson was pending trial on a second-degree murder charge in the December 2019 killing of Henry Hank K. Berry III, who was shot in his Oyster Point home after Pearson and three other officers went to arrest him on a misdemeanor charge of abusing the citys 911 system. Though Pearson had been out on bond since his November 2020 arrest, an outside prosecutor from Suffolk, Brandon Wrobleski, asked Spencer in early 2021 to jail him pending trial. Wrobleski made that request a few weeks after getting hundreds of pages of internal affairs documents from the Newport News Police Department, with the prosecutor finding something concerning in the files. In late August, a jury in Newport News Circuit Court convicted Pearson of the reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter and unlawfully entering Berrys property. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 9. The Virginia Supreme Court stopped short of immediately granting the newspapers request for some 450 pages of sealed documents which include the prosecutions motion to revoke Pearsons bond and hundreds of pages of internal affairs documents. But the high court remanded the case back to Newport News Circuit Court for more hearings on whether those documents should remain sealed, telling Spencer to keep in mind the presumption of open access to court documents. We are very pleased with the decision, said Brett Spain, the attorney from Willcox & Savage who argued the case on behalf of the Daily Press and Pilot. Having access to judicial proceedings and records is extremely important to the medias ability to report on the affairs of government, Spain said. This opinion clearly recognizes and affirms not only the presumptive right of access, but also the important societal benefit it provides. Jefferson James, one of the prosecutors with the Suffolk Commonwealths Attorneys Office thats now handling the Pearson case, couldnt be immediately reached. Pearsons attorney, Timothy Clancy, declined to comment on Thursdays ruling. During the discussion in early 2021 about closing the hearing, he said he backed the closure but couldnt cite any legal authority to make that request. On the day of the scheduled bond hearing in early 2021, Wrobleski asked Spencer to close the proceeding from the press and public, saying in part that he wanted to protect Pearsons right to a fair trial. But a Daily Press reporter stood and objected to the closure, causing Spencer to delay the hearing so the newspapers attorney could make the case for openness. Spencer ultimately granted the prosecutions request to close the hearing. She cited difficulties in seating a jury during the pandemic, getting an impartial jury on a high-profile case at a time of heightened scrutiny about police shootings, and the fact the evidence at the bond hearing would relate to occurrences that took place before Berrys killing. After the closed hearing, Spencer modified Pearsons bond conditions slightly including requiring him to get regular alcohol and drug screening but allowed him to remain out of jail pending trial. She declined a request by the newspapers to release the transcript of that proceeding. In its ruling Thursday, the Virginia Supreme Court said the reasons Spencer gave for closing the hearing were inadequate. The high court noted the judge had no firm evidence that the pandemic was creating problems seating jurors, beyond an October 2020 news article before the vaccine and more than a year before Pearsons trial that Norfolk was having difficulty seating juries. And while the Supreme Court said it appreciates Spencers concern about fairness to Pearson in a high-profile prosecution, courts have robust ways to weed out biased jurors during the jury selection process. With these safeguards available, we see no basis for the courts concern that Pearsons right to an unbiased jury would not be fully protected, Kelsey, a former Suffolk Circuit Court judge, wrote in the Supreme Courts opinion. And just because the incidents discussed at the bond hearing took place before Berrys 2019 slaying, the high court ruled, thats also no basis for closing the hearing. When the newspapers asked for the sealed internal affairs documents at the time of its challenge to the court closure, the City of Newport News objected, asserting the documents should remain sealed. Because police officers are promised confidentiality when they are compelled to cooperate with internal investigations, the city reasoned, the documents must stay protected. At the time, Spencer ruled that the city doesnt have standing to intervene as a non-party in the criminal case. But on Thursday, the Supreme Court said the city did have such standing for the specific, narrow purpose of objecting to the release of the citys own records. Still, the high court rejected the citys contention that the documents must forever remain sealed because they were not introduced as evidence in court. The city documents became judicial records, the Supreme Court ruled, when prosecutors attached them to the motion to revoke Pearsons bond. As such, the court said, Spencer will need to make specific findings on why such documents should be redacted or sealed from the public and medias view. The public has a strong interest in knowing whether, how, and why a court concludes that a criminal defendant awaiting trial should be released back into the community or held in pretrial detention, the Supreme Courts opinion said. While citizens dont demand infallibility from institutions, the ruling said, it is difficult for them to accept what they are prohibited from observing. Peter Dujardin, 757-897-2062, pdujardin@dailypress.com Sheriffs homicide officials are investigating the death of 16-year-old Robert Schmidt Jr., whose body was discovered behind a business on Navajo Road and near James Woody Park in Apple Valley. Sheriffs homicide officials are investigating the death of a teenager in a neighborhood north of James Woody Park in Apple Valley. Apple Valley Sheriffs Station deputies on Tuesday responded to the report of a man down in the 13500 block of Navajo Road. The area includes an empty field and easement behind the Navajo Center and near a playground of a head start preschool. Upon arrival, deputies found and identified 16-year-old Robert Schmidt Jr. of Apple Valley, who authorities said suffered traumatic injuries to his body and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division Homicide Detail responded and conducted the investigation, which is continuing. No suspect has been identified. Further information will be released when available, sheriffs officials said. Apple Valley Unified School District officials said they were made aware of the death of Schmidt and shared condolences to the family and those impacted by his passing. In accordance with student privacy regulations and out of respect for Schmidts family, the AVUSD did not disclose information, district officials said. Store employee Vince Del Rio told the Daily Press that a vigil for Schmidt is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department asks anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Michelle Del Rio, Specialized Investigations Division, at 909- 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or online at wetip.com. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Homicide officials investigate death of 16-year-old in Apple Valley Florida Same Sex Silencing Wilfredo Lee/AP/Shutterstock A new Republican-led House bill is being described as the national equivalent of Florida's controversial Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, which was passed into law earlier this year. On Tuesday, Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana and 32 other congressional Republicans introduced what they're calling the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act of 2022, which would prevent the use of federal funds from developing or funding "any sexually-oriented program, event, or literature for children under the age of 10, and for other purposes." The bill, if passed, would prevent schools from providing books about LGBTQ topics to children under 10. And beyond that, it would impact federally funded facilities like public libraries, schools, hospitals and more. RELATED: What to Know About Florida's Controversial New Bill Banning LGBTQ Topics in Schools BREAKING Republicans are introducing the Stop the Sexualization of Children Actthe first bill to ensure that none of your tax dollars go to federal programs, state or local government agencies, or private orgs that expose children under 10 to sexually explicit material. Rep. Mike Johnson (@RepMikeJohnson) October 18, 2022 As NBC News points out, the bill defines "sexually-oriented material" as "any depiction, description, or simulation of sexual activity, any lewd or lascivious depiction or description of human genitals, or any topic involving gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgenderism, sexual orientation, or related subjects." LGBTQ advocates are now pointing out their concerns with the bill, which has wording that legal experts have said may open teachers of any grade level to lawsuits, per NBC. Specifically, the bill prohibits instruction "in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards." Story continues "The Democrat Party and their cultural allies are on a misguided crusade to immerse young children in sexual imagery and radical gender ideology," Johnson said in a statement. "No federal tax dollars should go to any federal, state, or local government agencies, or private organizations that intentionally expose children under 10 years of age to sexually explicit material." RELATED: Florida Teens, Families Sue School Boards Over 'Don't Say Gay' Law: 'Forces Us to Self-Censor' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit held at the Tampa Convention Center on July 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. The event features student activism and leadership training, and a chance to participate in a series of networking events with political leaders. Joe Raedle/Getty Ron DeSantis The bill is the first introduced at the federal level that characterizes LGBTQ people and concepts as inherently sexual, and follows some Republicans calling LGBTQ-inclusive curricula, or drag events, "grooming," which NBC reports as false moral panic about LGBTQ people. Framing sexual orientation and gender identity as "sexually explicit" in all contexts is deceiving and harmful. "A new NATIONAL bill by Republicans would ban 'any exposure to transgenderism to children under the age of 10,'" activist Erin Reed wrote on Twitter. "This would fire all trans teachers, Trans workers in hospitals that serve children, counselors, social workers. It defines being trans as 'sexual.'" Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law School, also spoke out about the proposed bill on Twitter, writing that "equating LGBTQ people to sexually explicit material is dehumanizing and disgusting." RELATED: White House Describes Scene in Florida as 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Takes Effect: 'More Fearful and Less Free' Florida introduced its state-level version of the bill back in January, when Republican Dennis Baxley argued his intent was "to give, really, some relief to the school staff that they're not responsible for every issue in every person's life." During a press conference for the bill signing in March, Gov. Ron DeSantis argued that "we will continue to recognize that in the state of Florida, parents have a fundamental role in the education, health care, and well-being of their children. We will not move from that." 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. When it was initially introduced, it was condemned by thousands of Walt Disney employees across the country, and while DeSantis claimed he didn't "care what Hollywood says," the company later issued a statement condemning his law as well. "Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that," the statement read. Check your voter registration, locate your polling place, and make a voting plan at Vote.org to ensure that your voice is heard this election season. Poster Brussels sanctions are destroying us Read also: Hungary again blocks EU sanctions against Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill RTL.hu referred to a policy document from the prime ministers office, as well as numerous characteristic billboards and posters around the country. It noted that the contract was signed in early July, but the document was released only on Oct. 13. According to the media outlet, the New Land Media Reklam and Lounge Design Szolgaltato companies, which regularly receive orders from Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government won a competition to design the slogan and poster, as well as to place them on outdoor advertising boards. Read also: The growing circle of Putins friends in the West The countrys Cabinet of Ministers expects advertisers to perform tasks related to government communications in the international and domestic arena, affecting the future of Europe, as well as tasks related to government decisions that have a major impact on the lives of citizens. Last weekend, the Hungarian governments Facebook page also changed its cover to the same poster with an image of an aerial bomb and the words Sanctions from Brussels ruin us. Local journalists say that in recent months, the government has tried hard to blame EU sanctions on Russia for increases in energy prices, although the EU has not limited gas imports at all, and the measures taken against the import of crude oil have not yet come into force. Read also: Hungary to continue issuing visas to Russians, FM Szijjarto says Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Royal Caribbean International just announced its new 'Icon' class of ship with some of the most over-the-top features in cruising history. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean When it arrives next year, the new Icon of the Seas ship will be one of the most over-the-top in history, not to mention one of the biggest in the world. Which stands to reason: The amenity-packed Royal Caribbean International ship, slated to arrive in late 2023, is designed to be the end all, be all of family fun, the brand announced Thursday morning. We set out to create, frankly, the best family vacation in the world, said Royal Caribbean International chief product innovation officer Jay Schneider, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. More than anything we've ever done before, this really is designed to compete with any vacation on the planet. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Years in the making, Icon of the Seas will be the first in a series of ships known as the Icon Class. Each promises to have a head-spinning array of features; on Icon, thatll include an enormous waterpark, seven swimming pools, a private suites-only retreat, an improved Central Park filled with live plants, a cocktail bar dedicated to frozen drinks, a swim-up cocktail venue (a first for the line), dozens of restaurants, a rock-climbing wall, and even a 55-foot indoor waterfall. "Its been more than five years since we started to design Icon with the dream to create the best family vacation in the world," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, in an email to T+L. "Everything you could want from a getaway is all in one place, and after the past few years, an experience like this is more than what adventurers are looking for its what they couldve hardly imagined." Courtesy of Royal Caribbean The Icon will accommodate thousands of guests, with 2,805 staterooms across 28 different room categories, including what Royal Caribbean International, or RCI, calls the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with its own white-picket fence and mailbox. Not that this mega-ship is all about the numbers, Schneider said. Story continues Courtesy of Royal Caribbean I would say the best thing about the ship is the connection we made to the water, the views we've created through the heart of the ship, he explained. The new Icon heralds a brand-new class of ship for RCI, which consistently ranks among the Worlds Best mega-ship lines, according to T+L readers. We went through a creative design process that really built on 50 years of innovation, said Schneider. Its really built on every class of ship that has come before. I get a lot of questions of, Can I compare this to the last new class of ship or another class of ship? And the answer is, No. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Despite the evolution in design, Icon will, like other RCI ships, be arranged around neighborhoods such as AquaDome, Chill Island, Surfside, and The Hideaway, each of which promise a different experience and vibe for guests. One particularly noteworthy area will be Thrill Island, Schneider told T+L. It has the world's largest water park at sea you could argue the only water park at sea with six mind-blowing water slides, Schneider said. And on the other side, you've got Crowns Edge, where, for the first time ever, youll be able to do a mini little course, walk around the world's largest crown and anchor, RCIs famed insignia, which is perched on the side of the ship. Youll be tethered, then fly around the crown and anchor, while 154 feet above the ocean, before you safely return back to the ship. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Notably, this mega-ship will be the first vessel in the brands fleet powered by liquid natural gas, a comparatively cleaner-burning alternative to whats typically used in the cruise industry. The ship will also have a fuel cell that allows for some operations to run off battery power, reducing in-port emissions in certain destinations. Smart heating and cooling systems aboard the Icon, which switch on and off when guests board and disembark, will also help with energy efficiency, Schneider said. When it starts sailing, Icon of the Seas will offer seven-night round trips from Miami that include a stop at Royal Caribbeans private-island retreat, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Rates havent yet been announced. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. For the past few years, prime minister Narendra Modis government has been pushing businesses to make in India and lessen his countrys reliance on China-made goods. The idea is to reduce Indias trade deficit with its neighbour. A trade deficit happens when a countrys imports exceed its exports. Read more Yet, after spending billions of rupees to build such self-reliance, Chinas trade surplus with India has only exceeded $1 trillion, The Hindu reported yesterday (Oct. 20). Bilateral trade between India and China Trade ties between India and China began to grow in the early 2000s, driven by imports to India from China. A large portion of these imports, according to the Indian government, include footwear, iron and steel, copper, nuclear reactors, animal and vegetable fats, mineral fuels, and inorganic chemicals among others. In the past five years alone, imports from China have increased by nearly 30%, the Indian informed parliament in July (pdf). In 2021, annual two-way trade crossed $100 billion for the first time, reaching $125.6 billion, with Indias imports accounting for $97.5 billion, pegging the imbalance at close to $70 billion, according to The Hindu. Calls for Boycott of Chinese products The increase in Chinese imports has come amid growing calls in India to boycott Chinese products. Indian customers attitude towards Chinese products turned so hostile by the end of 2020 that some Chinese firms switched the Made in China label on their products to Made in PRC where PRC stands for the Peoples Republic of China. This made the products country of origin a little less clear. Tensions between the two nations increased when India banned a host of Chinese apps and the Modi government reportedly advised all states to avoid signing any deals with China. None of these moves has apparently helped India. The country is now dependent on China more than it ever was. India has issued an advisory urging its citizens to leave Ukraine at the earliest due to the deteriorating security situation of the European country amid the nearly eight-month-long war. Indian citizens, including students, currently in Ukraine are advised to leave Ukraine at the earliest by available means, the Indian embassy in Ukraine said in a statement on Wednesday. India has also advised its citizens against travelling to the war-torn country, citing an escalation of hostilities as Kyiv counterattacks Russian forces in response to Moscows kamikaze drone strikes. The advisory comes after president Vladimir Putin imposed martial law in four Ukrainian regions Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk and Donetsk that Russia claims to have annexed. This was Indias second notification on Ukraine in 10 days amid Russias incessant bombardment of Ukrainian cities, including capital Kyiv. In the new phase of Russias war, Moscow has been raining drones on Ukrainian cities, destroying power stations, waterworks and other key infrastructure. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces have destroyed nearly 30 per cent of the countrys power stations in a week, while energy officials claimed about 40 per cent of the electric power system remains severely damaged. India is deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including targeting of infrastructures and death of civilians, the foreign ministry said in a statement. We urge immediate cessation of hostilities and the urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. Following Mr Putins unprovoked invasion on 24 February, New Delhi carried out Operation Ganga to evacuate nearly 20,000 citizens from Ukraine during the early days of the war. Meanwhile, thousands of civilians and Russian-appointed officials fled the Kherson region ahead of a potential counter-strike by Ukrainian forces. People were seen fleeing by boats after Moscow-installed officials told them it was not safe and said they were relocating their own staff before the area became a combat zone. Mr Zelensky, in a nighttime address on Wednesday, warned that Russias military will try to recruit locals in more occupied Ukrainian territories in the coming days. In the near future, the occupiers will try to recruit men into their army. Everywhere is the same as in Donetsk and Luhansk, Mr Zelensky said. Officials are responding to a Boston neighborhood after a juvenile was shot Wednesday night. Boston Police say they received a call just after 7:00 p.m. for a report of a male juvenile shot on Rockland Street in Roxbury. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital with non life threatening injuries, according to authorities. No arrests have been made at this time. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. No further information was made available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Jupe and Gordy Nope First ever exploding fist bump between Jupe and Gordy from Jordan Peeles Nope This is Halloween and its time for costumes that will make us scream in horror or delight. For week three of io9's official costume show, we have some costume party goodness and comment submissions. And of course dogs in costumes, thanks to our editorial team! Dont forget to leave us costume comments below and here are some helpful suggestions if youre still on the hunt for this years look. You can submit from Halloweens or conventions past. Show us what youve got to rep your favorite fandoms. Heres this weeks highlights, which include awesome looks inspired by Jordan Peeles Nope and Mavel Studios shows on Disney+ like She-Hulk, Werewolf by Night, and Moon Knight. Theres also adorable spookiness from Beetlejuice and Halloween. Read more Nope Ricky Jupe Park costume Nope The details on paranormal investigator and horror storyteller Sapphire Sandalos handmade Jupe getup from Nope are incredible. Jupiter's Claim costume gordy's home costume nope Jupe looks up while Gordy approaches. What a great duo costume idea! Wongers Bestie from She-Hulk Madisynn costume She-hulk Writer and actress Dani Fernandez is ready to watch Sopranos with the Sorcerer Supreme. Marvel by Night Moonknight, konshu, mister knight and jack russell Pop culture commentator Mike Manalo shows off his versatile Marvel Studios looks as Moon Knights Marc Spector, Steven Grants Mr. Knight, and Konshuplus Werewolf by Nights Jack Russell. Squid Game squid game cookie Scariest costume from the scariest game on the Netflix show, as worn by pop culture writer Laura Sirikul. Team Rocket Team Rocket Meowth thats right! An adorable couples look from NightRunner and NightWife. Its Showtime! Dog Beetlejuice and Ghostface My dog Gus Gus as Beetlejuice with a lurking Ghostface. Say Beetlejuice three times and get three times the juice. Here I am with Gus Gus and partner Jonathan Graves, Looney Tunes fandoms This Means Podcast host. dog beetlejuice, beetlejuice in dress and beetlejuice The ghosts with the most. Halloween Ends Leroy the dog and michael myers mask And editorial team member Cheryl Eddys dog Leroy says its time to put the Halloween movies to bed for now. Story continues Submit your costumes below! And dont forget, as always: please post pictures of yourself (and only yourself), and tell us who you are, what youre dressed as, and a little bit about how you put your costume together. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel and Star Wars releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Russia's latest onslaught inside Ukraine has been led by Moscow's new weapon Iranian supplied drones. It could possibly mark the dawn of a new kind of warfare in Ukraine. On Wednesday, self-detonating drones launched by Russia struck power plants, and forced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to convene an emergency meeting to avoid what he called a "breakdown of [Ukraine's] energy system." Retired U.S. Gen. Frank McKenzie, who was at one point in charge of all U.S. forces in the Middle East, said the 11-foot-by-8-foot drone carries a relatively small 90-pound warhead that is powerful enough to destroy transformer yards. Rescue workers inspect a building destroyed by Russian drone strikes as they continue their field work following the wave of Russia's attacks in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine on Oct. 18, 2022. Local authorities reported airstrikes in Ukraine's capital Kyiv on Tuesday morning, as a wave of drone and missile strikes on the country's capital and other cities continued its second week. / Credit: Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images "If you launch enough of them, the theory is you will be able to overcome air defense, because they fly at low altitudes, and they're very cheap to produce," McKenzie told CBS News. He added that Iran produces thousands of the drones. Since the first self-detonating drone was launched last month, Ukraine claims it has shot down 223 of them. U.S. officials estimate Ukraine has a roughly 50% success rate, which would mean Russia has launched nearly 450 drones. A 50% rate means more than 200 have gotten through, even though the Ukrainians use everything from guided missiles to small arms fire to try to bring them down. "They don't necessarily fly a straight line," McKenzie said. "They can do dog legs, different routes to try to avoid where they think you have your own air defenses up that can shoot at them." Report uncovers former President Donald Trump's efforts to repeal mail-in voting Misinformation spreads online ahead of midterm elections Rishi Sunak wins Conservative Party leadership, will become next British prime minister An exchange during Wednesday nights Oklahoma gubernatorial debate underscored some common misperceptions about crime in the United States. In the race, which polling shows to be surprisingly competitive for the conservative state, Democrat Joy Hofmeister addressed incumbent Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt during the pairs lone scheduled debate. The fact is the rates of violent crime in Oklahoma are higher under your watch than New York and California, said Hofmeister, the Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction, who switched parties last year. Thats a fact. Stitt interjected Thats not true and laughed. When Hofmeister tried to continue, Stitt, still laughing, addressed the audience, saying, Oklahomans, do you believe we have higher crime than New York or California? Thats what she just said. The back-and-forth came after a lengthy and contentious discussion of the death penalty and sentence commutations. Joy Hofmeister at a news conference in Oklahoma City in June. (Sue Ogrocki/AP) John Roman, a senior fellow at NORC at the University of Chicago, told Yahoo News that Hofmeisters numbers were accurate. Citing FBI data, Roman said that Oklahoma is 12th in violence per 100,000 residents and 7th in property crime per 100,000 residents. California is similar but lower for each, and New York is much safer and below the national averages in both property and violence. Overall, putting violent crime rates and property crime rates together, Oklahoma is on the list of the top 10 highest crime rate states. Roman noted that the National Incident-Based Reporting System now being used by the FBI is new and that California and New York only provided estimates for 2021, which were factored in the data. However, Roman added that the old system prior to 2021 shows the same general trend in recent years: California and Oklahoma are similar, with Oklahoma a little higher on property crimes, and New York much lower on both. In a statement to Yahoo News, Stitts campaign manager, Donelle Harder, said, The FBI has admitted that the 2021 data is incomplete and incomparable, as it was the first year to transition to a new reporting method for States. We know Governor Stitts pro-safety, smart-on-crime policies are working because Oklahoma has the lowest recidivism rate in the nation; and he has invested in training and recruitment of public safety professionals, increased state law enforcement pay by 30%, and made record investments in mental health resources both for Oklahomans and our law enforcement. Story continues According to the Oklahoman, the state has one of the nation's highest incarceration rates but a recidivism rate which refers to the number of convicted felons who reoffend of about 20%, one of the lowest. Using the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, Oklahoma ranked ahead of both California and New York in homicide rates from 2014 to 2020. A study released earlier this year by the center-left think tank Third Way found that murder rates were higher in states that voted for former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. According to Roman, there are a number of explanations for why people would be surprised by that statistic and why its accurate. Gov. Kevin Stitt at the White House in 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Oklahoma has a higher percentage of people living outside of cities, and cities typically have a higher crime rate, so Oklahoma has a built-in advantage, which explains why people are surprised by the data, Roman said. Easy access to firearms explains some of the difference in aggravated assault, robbery and homicide, because the more people are carrying a gun, the more likely it is that a fistfight becomes a gun fight. But the strength of the social safety net is also really important, he added. Just as one example, studies have shown that access to prescription medicines for mental health conditions has a substantial effect on the crime rate, [reducing] as much as 10 percent of crime over time. The states that have more crime overwhelmingly invest less in prevention. Ahead of next months midterms, the conservative cable network Fox News has been promoting stories about crime, following host Tucker Carlsons own August advice for Republican candidates to focus on law and order to cause a red wave at the ballot box. This coverage has generally focused on cities typically controlled by Democrats including accusations of police defunding following the protests of 2020. However, few cities actually decreased police budgets, and most increased them over that time. The coverage of crime extends beyond right-wing media and GOP attack ads: A Bloomberg analysis in July showed that while shootings in New York City were relatively flat although higher than pre-pandemic levels news coverage of the shootings were at a much higher rate than last year. Polling has shown that for decades, Americans almost always think crime is worse than it is, regardless of its level at the given time. An officer at the scene of a shooting in lower Manhattan on Sept. 1. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) While Republicans are running on being tough on crime, their proposed solutions generally do not address the social safety nets. At a debate earlier this month, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., replied to a question about what he would do to combat crime rates by saying he would fully fund police and thank them for their service. He said he would not support new gun laws, despite studies showing an increased number of firearms leads to more crime. In Pennsylvania, Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz and his allies have hammered his opponent, Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, for being soft on crime, tightening a race that had looked to be tilting in Fettermans favor for much of the summer. Oz, however, has said he also wouldnt support new firearm laws. The gun safety group Everytown pledged a $2.1 million ad buy against Republicans in the state, after supporting retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey, who worked on a bipartisan background check bill. In its first ad, the group says Oz wont keep us safe, citing his opposition to background checks. A corrections officer at the Jasper County Detention Center faces several charges after admitting to being paid to pass along contraband to an inmate, according to a South Carolina Law enforcement Division news release. Cody Smith, 30, of Ridgeland, was charged with furnishing or possessing contraband and misconduct in office. Smith has been accused of arranging to meet with an unidentified person via text message and was paid to receive contraband which he then gave to a detention center inmate, according to a warrant. Smith allegedly hid the contraband in his coat pocket before waiting until the middle of his shift, a time when inmates are in their cells, to slide the items into the cell. Smith handed out the items on several occasions spanning from June to July 2022, officials said Thursday in the warrant. Jasper County Detention Center Arthur Benjamin requested that SLED investigate on Aug. 9, 2022, according to SLED spokesperson Renee Wunderlich. Benjamin could not be immediately reached for comment. Wunderlich declined to release information regarding the amount Smith was allegedly paid to dole out this contraband and the items that he received. Smith was in custody at the detention center in Jasper County as of Thursday afternoon. When we publish mugshots The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette publishes police booking photos, or mugshots, in the following instances: In situations where a public figure or someone in a position of public trust is arrested In cases where there is an immediate and widespread threat to public safety In cases where the arrested person is accused of a crime reporters have evidence to believe involved numerous, unknown victims Reporters will avoid using mugshots as lead images for online articles in order to limit their circulation on social media, except in cases where the public is served by the immediate identification of the accused. Reporters and editors may use discretion in situations that dont meet the criteria outlined in this policy but still present a compelling reason to publish a mugshot. Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images and Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Elon Musk said Tesla is "pedal to the metal" whether there's a recession or not on Wednesday. The Tesla CEO said the carmaker has no plans to slow ambitious production targets. Jeff Bezos warned on Tuesday companies should "batten down the hatches" amid an economic downturn. The two richest men in the world appear to have differing opinions when it comes to weathering the next few months and a potential recession. Earlier this week, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos warned that companies should be cautious and prepare for an economic downturn. "The probabilities in this economy tell you to batten down the hatches," Bezos said in a tweet on Tuesday. The second-richest man in the world made the comment in response to a video clip from Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, who said companies should be ready for the US to enter a recession. Bezos' warning comes as tech companies have issued a slew of layoffs amid slowing economic growth and rising labor costs. While Bezos is no longer CEO of Amazon, his successor appears to share similar concerns. Last month, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said the company has slowed hiring. The retail giant also abandoned plans for dozens of US warehouses, according to a Bloomberg report. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed a different sentiment on Wednesday. During the electric-car maker's earnings call, Musk said Tesla has no intention of slowing down when an analyst asked how the company will fare in a potential recession. "To be frank, we're very pedal to the metal come rain or shine," Musk said. "We are not reducing our production in any meaningful way, recession or not recession." Musk said that he believes Tesla is in a "good spot" when it comes to the future economic conditions. "I wouldn't say its recession-proof, but it's certainly recession-resilient," the billionaire said, attributing Tesla's stability to a shift from gasoline cars to electric ones. Story continues In the past, Musk has been critical of the Federal Reserve Board as it has hiked interest rates to combat inflation. "The Fed's decisions make sense if you're looking through the rearview mirror, but not if you look out the front windshield," Musk said on Wednesday, noting Tesla has seen more deflation than inflation when it comes to purchasing commodities. Despite his recent statement, earlier this year Musk warned the US is likely entering a recession, though he added "recessions are not necessarily a bad thing." The CEO also said in June he planned to lay off 10% of Tesla's salaried staff but increase the headcount for hourly workers in the factories. Musk has always had a "pedal to the metal" mentality when it comes to Tesla. The billionaire has repeatedly pushed ambitious targets at Tesla, planing to scale production by roughly 50% a year. During the earnings call, the billionaire said Tesla is on track to hit the goal, though it would have to produce over 475,000 vehicles in the next quarter to hit the target about 30% more than it produced in the third quarter. It's not surprising that Bezos and Musk would have differing opinions on how to run a company. They've come head-to-head in the past on any number of issues from building reusable rockets to vying for NASA contracts. For the most part, Bezos' advice appears to echo that of other top executives. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has been warning of a recession, though the executive has said the bank has no plans to cut its headcount. In July, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg reportedly said in an internal meeting that the nation could be "facing one of the worst recessions in recent history." Read the original article on Business Insider Right now on eBay, buyers can get their hands on a Joe Exotic/"Tiger King" costume. They can bid on Jack the Ripper outfits, top hat and cape included. Or any number of "sexy" versions fictional murderous characters. There are even costumes for a fictional "Night Stalker," though they don't resemble Richard Ramirez at all. What they can't do is bid on a Jeffrey Dahmer Halloween costume not the glasses, not a wig no matter how much they loved the Netflix's hit miniseries "Dahmer." Not even a gray hoodie, beige jacket or striped shirt if they are advertised in connection to the cannibalistic serial killer. EBay, which did not respond immediately to The Times' request for comment Thursday, has pulled all items invoking Dahmer from its website, according to BuzzFeed News. "Items closely associated with or that benefit violent felons, their acts, or crime scenes within the past 100 years" are prohibited on the auction website under eBay's "violence and violent criminals" policy. (That's the same policy that prevents the sale of "[f]ilms, images, or devices that contain or claim to contain real acts of violence, rape, execution, torture, crime scenes, morgues, dead bodies or body parts of dead persons." So it's a good thing.) Dahmer was sentenced to 15 consecutive life terms without possibility of parole in 1992 after pleading guilty to the murders of 15 young men and boys he lured to his Wisconsin residence. He drugged his victims and then killed them, butchered them and had sex with the corpses. He ate some body parts. Dahmer confessed to killing 17 people one in Ohio, the rest in Wisconsin between 1978 and his July 1991 arrest. A Wisconsin judge dismissed his insanity plea before sentencing him. Dahmer later received a 16th life sentence for the Ohio murder. There was insufficient evidence to prosecute one of the Wisconsin killings. Story continues Dahmer was beaten to death by another prison inmate in November 1994, at age 34. Netflix's "Dahmer Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story," which premiered in September, is the streamer's second-most-watched English-language show, behind the sci-fi/horror juggernaut "Stranger Things." "Conversations With a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes," a documentary about the killings, is also available on Netflix. So, those who simply can't make it through Halloween without dressing up as Dahmer will have to buy their creepy 1980s aviator glasses elsewhere. However, if they want an "If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em" shirt featuring the killer's face, those were still available Thursday on eBay. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jesse Marsch believes he still has the confidence of the Leeds board (PA) (PA Wire) Under-fire boss Jesse Marsch insists he retains the support of the Leeds board despite their poor form. United only sit outside the Premier League drop zone on goal difference after Robin Kochs own goal and Harvey Barnes strike condemned them to a 2-0 defeat at Leicester. Luis Sinisterra hit the bar for Leeds but the visitors fell away dramatically in the second half as the Foxes climbed off the bottom of the table. The travelling fans vented their fury at the end of a seventh winless game with some even chanting former manager Marcelo Bielsas name, forcing Marsch to defend himself. He said: The board, we are totally unified. Thats not an issue. One of the things I saw before I came was the way the board supported Marcelo for many years. I can only say I felt that same support. Everybodys p****d off. Were all feeling like were letting ourselves down but weve got to be ready to stop the bleeding and fight for each other on Sunday (against Fulham). Its the first time Ive heard that from fans. They have the right. Im here doing what I can to help. Its nothing against the fans, maybe I should go over to them next time no matter what, I need to say sorry to them. I know Im supported by the club. There were parts of the first half which were quite good but we lost the ball and almost their first time down the pitch they get a weird own goal. It was a big hole we dug for ourselves. It wasnt as if it was terrible but we let ourselves down. Leeds had already probed for an opening before they fell behind by shooting themselves in the foot after 16 minutes. Marc Roca lost the ball to Dennis Praet and, after a good advantage when Jamie Vardy was fouled, he tried to find Barnes in the box, only for Koch to turn his cross past Illan Meslier. Leeds tried to hit back and Sinisterra hit the bar after a quick break before Crysencio Summerville curled wide. But Barnes who now has six goals in his last six games against United continued his scoring streak 10 minutes before the break. Story continues The industrious Praet was involved again, winning the ball which rolled to Vardy and he flicked the ball to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on the edge of the area. Barnes had been left criminally unmarked by Leeds and Dewsbury-Hall easily found him to beat the exposed Meslier. Leeds were unable to recover, with Danny Ward blocking Liam Coopers second-half effort, and Leicester are now just a point behind Leeds after a second win in four games. Boss Brendan Rodgers said: I thought it was a very good performance. We should have won at the weekend, we didnt but it was a continuation of that. It was a very confident performance. It was a third clean sheet at home, we have to keep making small steps. Harvey is always a threat, his pace and directness is so important for us. He was someone I said a few years ago needed to score more goals. He was outstanding. If you looked at us tonight you would not have thought we were in that position. We have to play with fight. Iranian military personnel are on the ground in Crimea training Russian troops on how to pilot drones, including those that have struck Ukrainian positions in recent days, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Thursday. While Iranian troops havent flown the drones themselves, their technical support has been critical for Russian soldiers unfamiliar with the technology, Kirby said. There are a relatively small number of Iranians assisting in Crimea, he added. The fact is this: Tehran is now directly engaged on the ground and through the provision of weapons that are killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure in Ukraine," he said. The Daily Mirror first reported the Iranian deployment. Kirby also warned that Russia will likely receive more shipments of drones from Iran, and that Moscow may seek to acquire advanced conventional weapons, such as surface-to-surface missiles," confirming a weekend report by The Washington Post. The comments come hours after Kirby shared his advice to fighting-age men in Russia, urging them to not fight in Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine. They should not fight, not agree to fight in Ukraine. And many of them have obviously left the country and some of the others are bravely resisting efforts to be mobilized and to be called up inside their own country, Kirby said on CNN. Putin has ramped up efforts to escalate the war in recent days, and on Wednesday he declared martial law in four regions of Ukraine that Moscow illegally annexed. Kirby said the new security measures from Putin show that he has dwindling options available to him and that there is increasing popular discontent about the war and the way hes fighting it. While Putins invasion of Ukraine remains popular in Russia, hundreds of thousands of citizens fled the country after the Russian president announced on Sept. 21 plans to draft at least 300,000 additional soldiers. Other people hoping to avoid the draft are hunkering down and avoiding public places as they hear of widespread reports of forced conscriptions, even for men who are above the age limit for mobilization. Kirby said on Thursday that Russia is putting mobilized reservists who have just been called up into the fight with maybe a week's worth of training and some small arms and ammunition and that is it. They are being thrown into a fight against an enemy, though smaller, is much better equipped, much higher morale, better leadership, better command and control. And its not a place where a lot of Russian soldiers want to be right now, Kirby said. Comedian Jon Stewart has slammed Kanye West and Donald Trump for their weird Jew paranoia bulls***. The former Daily Show host addressed the rappers antisemitism controversy and the one-term presidents comments on Israel in the companion podcast to The Problem with Jon Stewart. I dont have a ton of time today because I have a Jewish media mafia meeting, Stewart joked. Weve just got a lot of stuff to talk about in terms of censorship and what we have to control. A lot of stuff has been sneaking through the cracks. Stewart first addressed Mr Trumps comments about how US Jews have to get their act together and appreciate what they have in Israel Before it is too late! The comedian, who changed his name from Jonathan Leibowitz, has been previously accused by Mr Trump of rejecting his Jewish heritage. Stewart said on his podcast that Mr Trumps comment was one of the most explicit expressions of just pure Jews have only loyalty to Israel and I dont know that it even made the top 10 antisemitic bulls*** of the week. And he added: In fact, the word antisemitic doesnt even carry it anymore. Its just weird Jew paranoia bulls*** that its mind-blowing to me how easily it flows from peoples mouths and everybodys just like, Wow, that was weird. Stewart then turned his attention to West, who has made a string of antisemitic comments over the past week. If you are Jewish, then youre part of the Jewish mafia. But if youre not, then youre just a guy whos a dick to him in business. But if youre a Jewish guy whos a dick to him in business, then its part of the cabal, he said. Its f***ing wild! But at least we know now what Candace Owens says in private, he said and added, I think its pretty clear that thats the s*** thats flying around. Stewart then joked about how billionaire West seemingly now blames Jews for his problems. Youre a billionaire who was married to the Kardashians. How bad have we been f***ing you? Six years after the end of Key & Peele and two years since the release of their movie Keanu, comedic duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele got back together in a studio for Wendell & Wild, the stop-motion animated movie from The Nightmare Before Christmas director Henry Selick. They saw each other for about 4 hours that first session as they began work recording the voices for the titular brother demons, Wendell (Key) and Wild (Peele), who trick an Afro-punk teen orphan, Kat (Lyric Ross), to summon them up to the land of the living. They wouldn't see each other for about five months afterwards, at which point they would record for another 4 hours. That cycle would continue throughout the production process, but each time brought back fond memories. "It's like you had a dance partner for years and years and years. You come back, learn a new routine, but then you know you're not gonna do the routine again for another five months... It's that riding-a-bike feeling," Key tells EW in an interview with Peele and Selick out of the Toronto International Film Festival in September. "When you spend that much time with somebody, especially a person that you lived with we lived together for 4 months when we first started our career together at Mad TV there is a real connection and there are times when it gets downright symbiotic. It was just locking those pieces in again." EW can reveal an exclusive clip from Wendell & Wild, teasing the fruits of this latest team-up for Key and Peele. Peele knew he would agree to work with Selick ever since he was approached by the stop-motion maven behind films like Coraline and James and the Giant Peach even if Selick didn't know that himself. Selick based the idea off of a short story concept he wrote years earlier, accompanied by a sketch of his young sons as demons. (They were acting a bit like demons at the time, as it were.) The plan was to write a book, but that directive never came to fruition. When Selick circled back on the idea as a movie, it coincided with his viewing of the sketch comedy show Key & Peele and he had its stars in mind for the demon roles. Story continues "I think what he probably didn't realize was how much I wanted to produce and how much I wanted to let Henry know about the things I loved about his work and all the things that I would have died to see as a 13-year-old or a 12-year-old watching his work," Peele says. "So that's how we started to shape the story into something that feels very Monkeypaw [Peele's production company behind Get Out, Us, and Nope] and very Key & Peele." "As we got way further into the process and we started recording, things that would occur to me were Jordan and I had developed a relationship nomenclature, if you will," Key adds. "This is gonna be a peas-in-the-pod relationship. This is going to be a one-upmanship relationship. This is going to be a Mexican standoff relationship. This is gonna be whatever it is, a Laurel and Hardy relationship. I just had to hone in based on the script, even though it was ever evolving, what the kernel of the relationship between them would be. They are brothers, so I just had to make sure how much would my character be similar to Jordan's character and how much would be diametrically opposed. Eventually, I came to this place where Wendell's the big brother. Wherever there is a peak for Wild, there's a valley for Wendell." Wendell and Wild Netflix Keegan-Michael Key as Wendell and Jordan Peele as Wild in Netflix's 'Wendell & Wild' This reunion between Key and Peele has seemingly already gotten the gears churning for what this pair could do together next. "The beauty of it is it keeps bringing us together to have that conversation," Peele says. "Just a half hour ago we were reminiscing and saying, 'Who knows?'" "It's like we put the water in the pot. We just haven't put a teabag in yet," Key adds. "Who knows what that's going to lead to?" Wendell & Wild premieres Friday in theaters and Oct. 28 on Netflix. Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more. Related content: Judi Dench has called on Netflix to include a disclaimer at the start of The Crown that states it is a fictionalised drama as a mark of respect to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Skyfall star, 87, expressed her concerns with the forthcoming fifth season of the show based on the British royal family in a letter to The Times on Wednesday 19 October, in which she accused the series of crude sensationalism. The closer the drama comes to our present times, the more freely it seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism, she wrote. In the letter, Dench said that she was especially concerned with the way the show may be perceived by audiences overseas, who may take its version of history as being wholly true. The Oscar-winner also claimed the fictionalised accounts of historical events expected to play out in the upcoming season are cruelly unjust to the members of the royal family they are based on, and damaging to the institution they represent. Season five of the show will be released on 9 November, and will be set in the early to mid- 1990s, with the latest installment expected to portray the struggles in then Prince Charles marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales. It has also been suggested that the show may see Charles requesting the then prime ministers support for the Queens abdication. No one is a greater believer in artistic freedom than I, but this cannot go unchallenged, Dench wrote. Despite this week stating publicly that The Crown has always been a fictionalised drama the programme makers have resisted all calls for them to carry a disclaimer at the start of each episode. Dench then alleged that, in light of the late Queens death on 8 September, the time has come for Netflix to reconsider its stance regarding the inclusion of a disclaimer. The time has come for Netflix to reconsider - for the sake of a family and a nation so recently bereaved, as a mark of respect to a sovereign who served her people so dutifully for 70 years, and to preserve its reputation in the eyes of its British subscribers, she wrote. Story continues The actors request comes after Sir John Major, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, described the rumoured plot lines in the shows upcoming season as nothing other than damaging and malicious fiction and a barrel-load of nonsense. The politician, who was in office from 1990 to 1997 and who is portrayed in the new season by Jonny Lee Miller, condemned his role in the upcoming season in a statement to The Telegraph released through his spokesperson, who said that Sir John has not cooperated in any way with The Crown. Sir John has not cooperated in any way with The Crown. Nor has he ever been approached by them to fact-check any script material in this or any other series, the spokesperson said. Discussions between the monarch and prime minister are entirely private and for Sir John will always remain so. The spokesperson also denied speculation that there was any discussion between Sir John and the then Prince of Wales about any possible abdication of the late Queen Elizabeth II. At the time, a spokesperson for Netflix said: The Crown has always been presented as a drama based on historical events. Series five is a fictional dramatisation, imagining what could have happened behind closed doors during a significant decade for the royal family one that has already been scrutinised and well documented by journalists, biographers and historians. The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment. Judi Dench wrote an open letter in the British newspaper the Times criticizing Netflix's "The Crown." (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Actor Judi Dench will probably press skip on the next season of Netflix's "The Crown." In an open letter she wrote to the British newspaper the Times, the Oscar winner dismissed the Emmy-winning series as "inaccurate and hurtful." "The closer the drama comes to our present times, the more freely art seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism," Dench wrote in her letter published Thursday in the U.K. with the headline "The Crown is crude and cruel, says Dame Judi Dench." Weeks before the hit show's fifth season debuts, the "Belfast" and "Shakespeare in Love" actor said she worries viewers, specifically those overseas, will see the streamer's "brilliant but fictionalized account" of the royal family as "wholly true." Since debuting in 2016, "The Crown" has tracked major milestones in the history of the British monarchy, including the ascension of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Season 5, which drops Nov. 9, will further explore Princess Diana's time as a royal. Dench, who was honored with damehood by the British monarchy in 1988, said the upcoming chapter of "The Crown" includes "wounding suggestions" around newly crowned King Charles' upbringing and relationship with his mother. "This is both cruelly unjust to the individuals and damaging to the institution they represent," Dench added. The actor's sentiments echoed those of former prime minister John Major, who dismissed the series as a "barrel-load of nonsense" over the weekend. Netflix responded to Major, who is depicted in the series by Jonny Lee Miller, and doubled down on its assertion that the series "has always been presented as a drama based on historical events." After previous backlash from U.K. culture secretary Oliver Dowden in November 2020, Netflix has said that it will not include a disclaimer to its episodes reminding viewers that "The Crown" is fictionalized. Dench, who said there is no "greater believer in artistic freedom than I," wrote that "the time has come for Netflix to reconsider" its disclaimer decision. Story continues Representatives for Netflix did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment. "For the sake of a family and a nation so recently bereaved, as a mark of respect to a sovereign who served her people so dutifully for 70 years, and to preserve its reputation in the eyes of its British subscribers," she concluded her letter. Dench, of course, was referring to Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September at age 96 at her summer home in Balmoral, Scotland. "As a mark of respect," Netflix paused production on Season 6 of "The Crown." "'The Crown' is a love letter to [Queen Elizabeth] and I've nothing to add for now, just silence and respect," series creator and writer Peter Morgan told Deadline. "I expect we will stop filming out of respect too." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes Justice Barrett dismissed a bid to block Biden's student-loan forgiveness program. A taxpayers group in Wisconsin filed the emergency request at the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Biden's plan aims to cancel up to $20,000 for millions of borrowers. Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Thursday dismissed a legal challenge to block President Joe Biden's student-loan forgiveness plan. The decision came a day after the Brown County Taxpayers Association in Wisconsin filed an emergency request at the Supreme Court, claiming that Biden's student-debt cancelation program should be halted because the president exceeded his constitutional power by enacting the relief without Congress' approval. Barrett, who handles emergency requests out of Wisconsin, rejected the group's bid. She did not provide an explanation nor refer the matter to the full nine-member court. The request was widely considered a long-shot given that lower courts had already dismissed the group's challenges to Biden's program, ruling that they lacked legal standing. As the appeals process was still playing out, the taxpayers group escalated its bid to the Supreme Court, which ultimately failed. The Supreme Court's rejection delivers a win for the Biden administration, which is set to cancel $10,000 for federal borrowers earning less than $125,000 and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients earning less than $125,000. Biden on Monday announced that 8 million borrowers had already applied for relief through the online form that takes minutes to fill out, requiring basic information like a borrower's email address and Social Security number. Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON (AP) Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Thursday rejected an appeal from a Wisconsin taxpayers group seeking to stop the Biden administration's student debt cancellation program. Barrett did not comment in turning away the appeal from the Brown County Taxpayers Association, which also has lost rounds in lower federal courts. The group wrote in its Supreme Court filing that it needed an emergency order to put the program on hold because the administration could begin canceling outstanding student debt as soon as Sunday. Barrett oversees emergency appeals from Wisconsin and neighboring states. She acted on her own, without involving the rest of the court. U.S. District Judge William Griesbach had earlier dismissed the group's lawsuit, finding they didn't have the legal right, or standing, to bring the case. A panel of appellate judges refused to step in with an emergency order. Eligible borrowers can apply to have up to $20,000 of debt canceled. Other legal challenges to the program are pending. Associate Supreme Court Justice Breyer Speaks At Library Of Congress Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer smiles during an event at the Library of Congress for the 2022 Supreme Court Fellows Program hosted by the Law Library of Congress on February 17, 2022 in Washington, DC. Credit - Evan VucciPool/Getty Images Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer suggested that marriage equality is safe, despite the high courts recent overturn of the constitutional right to an abortion in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization. Breyers Oct. 19 conversation at Harvard Kennedy School with Nancy Gibbs, the former Editor-in-Chief of TIME and director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, and Daphna Renan, a professor at Harvard Law School, was one of the first public talks hes given since he left the Supreme Court in June, after serving as Justice for nearly 30 years. The conversation repeatedly turned to the consequences of Dobbs, how it was decided, and how it may have weakened public faith in the court. Gibbs asked Breyer how much faith he has in the majoritys assurances in Dobbs that things like marriage equality are safe. In his majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that nothing in the Supreme Courts opinion should cast doubt on any other precedents that dont concern abortion. But in a separate concurrence, Justice Clarence Thomas argued that all rights on similar legal footing rooted in the Constitutions Due Process Clause should be revisited, explicitly naming the rights to contraception, same-sex consensual relations, and same-sex marriage. Read More: Jim Obergefell Helped Secure the Right to Same-Sex Marriage. Now Hes Fighting to Keep It In response, Breyer gave a hypothetical example in which he argued with someone who believes allowing access to abortion effectively sanctions murder, while he believes people should have the right to chose whether to pursue the procedure. If you read the [Dobbs] opinion that wayand Im not saying you should, Im not taking a view of how to read the opinionyou might also think that what theyre saying is that where you have a country where people believe both [arguments], it should not be decided whos going to prevail, either through Breyers system, which is give a woman her choice nor should should the court decide, he continued. We should decide at the ballot box. Story continues Im being a little complicated because I dont want you to get the idea that Im quoting one of my colleagues, or thinking about what they think, he continued. But if you think that is the approach of the majority, it has very little to do, very little to do with marriage and the case youre thinking of, and contraception and gay rights and so forth. So we both have a theory that puts [those issues] over here, and says this case doesnt have much to do with them, he said. And we have a writing in the majority in this case, which says this case does not stand for anything outside the area of abortion. During the hour-long talk, Breyer also argued against the jurisprudence of originalism that some of his conservative former colleagues practice, which interprets legal texts based on the original public meaning they would have had at the time they were written. He also affirmed his support for imposing term limits on Supreme Court Justices, which progressives have called for in recent years in an effort to reform the bench. It would have to be a very long term 20 years, something like that, he said. You dont want someone in that job to be thinking about what is my next job. Democrats have introduced bills in the House and the Senate that would impose term limits on Justices, but they have not advanced. In 2021, President Joe Biden established a commission of legal experts to provide analysis of several reform efforts, including imposing term limits as well as expanding the number of seats on the bench, but the panel ultimately did not take a position on either issue. In their Wednesday discussion, Gibbs also raised the Supreme Courts dismal public approval rating, pointing out that a June Gallup poll found that only 25% of the American public has confidence in the court. She asked the former Justice if he thinks Chief Justice John Roberts has failed in his mission to preserve the court as an institution. No, because we dont know what will happen, Breyer responded, citing previous tumultuous times in U.S. history, like the Vietnam War. We [as a country] have gone through a lot of difficult periods. And despite these difficulties, the country has emerged, he said. So naturally, I think it will emerge. A Kansas City area man once employed under contract as a translator in Afghanistan for the U.S. Department of Defense is accused of lying about his contacts with two recruiters aligned with the ISIS group that was responsible for the bombing of Kabuls airport in August 2021, which killed 13 American service members. Mohammad Rafi Mohammadi was arrested Sunday in Kansas City as part of an investigation led by the FBIs local field office. He faces one charge in the U.S. District of Kansas of making false statements in reference to obtaining his security clearance, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. According to an affidavit filed in the case by an FBI agent, Mohammadi sought that clearance for work as a contract linguist, and answered a question falsely on a federal form in August 2019. On that document, Mohammadi denied ever associating with anyone involved in activities to further terrorism, court papers say. Before then, the FBI and federal prosecutors allege Mohammadi sought to provide support for two people who were actively seeking to recruit and train members of ISIS-K, a division of the terrorist organization centered in Afghanistans Khorasan province. Investigators based their conclusions in part on a review of Mohammadis public Facebook posts, social media messages, and statements he allegedly made to a confidential informant in 2021. Mohammadi was also interviewed by the FBI in early October. Among the evidence referenced in support of the criminal charge were records obtained from Western Union that allegedly show Mohammadi wired $2,000 from a branch in Lenexa to a person in Afghanistan with the aim of having $400 given to an ISIS-K recruiter, identified as Individual #1, in May 2018. Authorities allege Mohammadi also shared Facebook posts around the time concerning that persons arrest by Afghani national security forces. In October 2019, Mohammadi was deployed to Afghanistan for work as a linguist. He was allegedly caught sneaking back onto a military base the following month after he left without official permission. Story continues The FBIs informant alleges Mohammadi admitted to knowing about the arrest of a second ISIS-K recruiter identified as Individual #2. Mohammadi allegedly sought to facilitate that persons release from custody while overseas, the FBI determined based on the informants statements. As of Wednesday night, court papers did not list an attorney who could speak on Mohammadis behalf. The Stars Luke Nozicka contributed to this report. A 41-year-old Lansing, Kansas, man was found guilty last week of aggravated battery after attacking a neighbor with a hammer during an ongoing feud at outside his home, according to the Leavenworth County attorneys office. Austin M. Davis pleaded no contest and was found guilty to the felony charged Friday in Leavenworth County District Court, said Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson. The charge stems from a disturbance between neighbors on Sept. 4. When Lansing Police officers arrived, they found a man on the ground who had been struck in the head with a hammer. Officers learned that there was an ongoing feud between Davis and the victim. Prior to the attack, the victim had stepped onto Davis property. Davis exited his home and struck the victim with the hammer. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Nov. 16. Too often when we become aware of a neighbor dispute we may be beyond ways to de-escalate the situation, Thompson said in a release. We always hope we can resolve the problem. Look at the issue in an objective manner. Our goal is to stop any further violence. Sadly, sometimes the best answer is one of the parties moving. Former reporter Kari Lake has wandered into another controversy as she runs for governor of Arizona. The Republican candidate is now facing heat online after her latest outrageous suggestion that Dr Martin Luther King Jr would be a so-called America First Republican, or a Maga acolyte, were he alive today. She made the bizarre claim during a campaign event in Arizona alongside Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who has made a name for herself since leaving Congress by turning away from the left and embracing the Maga mantle. If MLK, Rev Martin Luther King Jr were alive today, if [former President John F Kennedy] were alive today, if our Founding Fathers were alive today, theyd be America First Republicans, she said as Ms Gabbard smiled and nodded. The claim resulted in immediate backlash on Twitter. This is a [baby-brained] thing to say, John Iadarola of The Young Turks wrote with emojis. This is a thing for Kari Lake to say, but its also deeply embarrassing to be the person next to her, just smiling along to this bullshit. https://t.co/tOC8qu3UMh John Iadarola (@johniadarola) October 19, 2022 Hey dumb ass @KariLake, MLK campaign[ed] AGAINST Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater. You are truly an idiot, wrote Roland Martin, the journalist, pointing out that Dr King had indeed campaigned against and opposed conservative Republicans in life. Hey dumb ass @KariLake, MLK campaign AGAINST Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater. You are truly an idiot. https://t.co/zVqEkljhLI rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) October 19, 2022 Democratic strategist Paul Begala, meanwhile, cut directly to the chase. Story continues Not sure shes right about that. What do you think, @BerniceKing? he wrote, tagging the late civil rights champions youngest daughter in a tweet. She quickly responded, rebuking Ms Lake: Dear @KariLake: What you share here is false and dismissive of Daddys seminal work and beliefs, including: Ending/preventing voter suppression, [and] treating all, including immigrants, with dignity. I invite you to study my father via http://thekingcenterinstitute.org. Dear @KariLake: What you share here is false and dismissive of Daddys seminal work and beliefs, including: Ending/preventing voter suppression Treating all, including immigrants, with dignity I invite you to study my father via https://t.co/CrTgmzSrti#MLK https://t.co/9BESeOYSSA Be A King (@BerniceKing) October 19, 2022 Its the latest self-made controversy for Ms Lake, a close ally of Donald Trump who polls show is within the margin of error for polling of the Arizona gubernatorial race. Shes poised as a result to take over one of Americas most important swing states and would therefore be the only governor of such a state to be fully supportive of Donald Trumps conspiracies about his 2020 defeat. The ex-reporter has continually lashed out at the media in recent weeks for what she calls an unfair focus on those conspiracies, which she embraced during the GOP primary as she sought Donald Trumps endorsement. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz A New York jury on Thursday concluded that Kevin Spacey should not be held liable for allegedly sexually assaulting a then-adolescent actor, bringing a close to a $40 million civil lawsuit and marking the end, for now, of any legal threat to the A-lister on American soil. Taking about an hour to deliberate, the jury dismissed the battery claim at the core of a lawsuit filed by Anthony Rapp after nine days of testimony in Manhattan federal court. Rapp and Spacey both took the stand to tell their respective versions of an encounter Rapp says took place when he was 14 years old. The result marks another legal win for Spacey, who has dodged allegations of sexual violence and misconduct from over a dozen people since Rapp first detailed his story in a 2017 Buzzfeed article. Despite the wide array of claims of predatory abuse, Rapps civil trial was the first time Spacey actually faced a jury in connection to the allegations against him. In the United Kingdom, he has pleaded not guilty to charges he sexually assaulted three men between March 2005 and August 2008 during his tenure as artistic director at Londons Old Vic Theatre. He will face that trial next June. As the verdict was read, Spacey stood up and hugged each of his lawyers, and Rapp appeared emotionless. Spacey defense lawyer Jennifer Keller told The Daily Beast after the verdict that her client is grateful to live in a country where the citizens have a right to trial by impartial jurors who make their decision based on evidence and not rumor or social media. And he is deeply thankful to this particular jury. Their verdict was swift and decisive. Justice was done today, Keller added. Richard Steigman, an attorney for Rapp, told The Daily Beast on Thursday that his client told his truth in court and that while we respect the jurys verdict, nothing changes that. Throughout the civil trial, Rapps lawyers said that Spacey invited him to a party in his apartment after a night out with another actor, John Barrowman. At the party, they said, a drunk Spacey lifted Rapp up, placed him on a bed, and climbed on top of him in an attempt to initiate sex. Story continues It felt very wrong, Rapp said on the stand about the incident. I didnt want him to do it, and I had no reason that made any sense of why he would do it. I felt like a deer in headlights. Kevin Spacey Sexual Assault Defense: My Dad Was a Neo-Nazi To support his claims, Rapps lawyer called Andrew Holzman to the stand. Holzman, 68, told jurors that Spacey lifted him by the crotch while he was a former New York public film coordinator in 1981. He was wearing tight blue jeans and through the jeans, I very clearly saw a very large erection, he added. He sort of lifted me up by my crotch and sort of pushed me back on my desk. During closing arguments on Thursday, Rapps lawyer insisted that his client had consistently told the truth about the 1986 incident for decades, while suggesting Spaceys only defense was to accuse his client of carrying on a 35-year crusade. This was trauma. But they say he just wants to bring Spacey down, Steigman told jurors. If this were only about bringing Mr. Spacey down, couldnt he have come up with a better story? Anthony has done this to hold Kevin Spacey accountable. But Spaceys lawyer, Jennifer Keller, planted enough doubt in jurors minds, arguing that Rapp has falsely alleged abuse that never occurred at a party that was never held in a room that did not exist. Urging jurors to ignore the politics of his case, Keller insisted that Rapp tried to hitch his wagon to the #MeToo movement and stressed that Barrowman did not corroborate Rapps story. Mr. Rapp is well known now for taking down one of the greatest actors of his generation, Keller added, maintaining that Rapp was jealous of Spaceys career. After Rapps allegations Buzzfeed article, several other accusers came out with similar Spacey storiesincluding at least eight crew members on House of Cards. Ultimately, two possible prosecutions collapsed and one of his accusers died. Spacey himself denied the incident on the stand, growing emotional as he told jurors that he never had any sexual attraction to Rapp. He also told jurors that his father was a neo-Nazi who verbally abused him and often called him gay slurs, Spacey said he was frightened when he first heard of Rapps allegations against him but insisted they were bogus. His only regret, he said, was coming out as gay in a 2017 statement addressing the sexual assault allegation against him, rather than in some other context. In the statement at the time, which Spacey posted on his Twitter, he said that while he did not remember the alleged encounter with Rapp, he apologized for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior. I was being encouraged to apologize and Ive learned a lesson, which is never apologize for something you didnt do, Spacey said on Monday. 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. Actor Danny Masterson appears at his arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court in Los Angeles, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. Lucy Nicholson/Pool Photo via AP One of Danny Masterson's accusers continued her testimony in an LA courtroom on Wednesday. The woman, identified as Jen B., said Masterson assaulted her on two separate occasions in 2002 and 2003. Jen testified that Masterson pulled a gun out of a nightstand after the second incident. A lead witness in Danny Masterson's ongoing rape trial offered harrowing testimony on Wednesday as she alleged the "That 70s Show" actor sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions in 2002 and 2003, and brandished a gun to threaten her after the second incident. Arguments in Masterson's Los Angeles Superior Court trial, which is expected to last several weeks, began Tuesday. One of Masterson's accusers, Jane Doe 1, or Jen. B., was first to take the stand and continued her testimony on Wednesday morning. The trial comes after Masterson's ex-girlfriend Chrissie Carnell Bixler and three other women filed a civil lawsuit in June 2019 accusing Masterson of sexually assaulting them between 2001 and 2003. Their accounts in the civil lawsuit led to the criminal charges filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in 2020. Masterson and his legal team have denied the allegations, calling them "outrageous." He pleaded not guilty to the charges, and during opening statements Tuesday, Masterson's attorney said the women's accounts of the incidents had inconsistencies and that they had potentially discussed the details with one another. The 2019 civil lawsuit also names the Church of Scientology Masterson is a longtime member of the organization, and his accusers are all former members though the church is not on trial in the current, criminal case. The first alleged assault In court on Tuesday, Jen described the first alleged incident, which the district attorney did not bring as one of the three criminal counts against Masterson. She told the courtroom that she first met Masterson around 1997 when she was 24 years old. As a lifelong member of Scientology, Jen said she would frequently see the actor at church events and gatherings. She testified that her best friend at the time worked for Masterson and often ran errands for him. Story continues Jen said she had a "friendly, informal" relationship with Masterson leading into the first alleged assault incident. In September 2002, Jen said she and a friend met up with Masterson at a bar after seeing a movie. Masterson offered to let them stay at his house nearby as the group continued to drink, according to Jen, who said the actor was ordering strong drinks for her throughout the night. Around 2 a.m., Jen said she rode back with Masterson to his house. "I was really drunk, I couldn't walk up the stairs," she testified. "I was laughing and he was shushing me." Jen said she realized she wasn't particularly "mentally alert" and said she kept asking Masterson "what's happening." She said she fell asleep and the next thing she remembered was awaking to Masterson moving her and feeling a sharp pain in her rear side. Jen testified that she didn't remember having any clothes on. Jen told the courtroom that she pulled on the bed and swatted at Masterson to try and get him to stop as she screamed "no" in response to intense pain. She said she fell asleep soon after and Masterson was not in the house when she woke the next morning. She testified that she felt "embarrassed and ashamed" in the aftermath, especially as her fellow Scientologists and friends expressed disbelief and suggested she was to blame for the incident. "I was forced to make peace, and bury the hatchet, so we could be 'cool,'" Jen said. Actor Danny Masterson watches DJs at the Smirnoff Vodka, Casino Royale, & DJ AM "Shaken And Stirred DJ Contest" on November 8, 2006 in New York City. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz/Getty Images The second incident Jen said she avoided seeing Masterson through the end of 2002. But in April 2003, she was with a group of friends who were tasked with picking up a pair of keys from Masterson's house. When the group arrived at Masterson's house, there were already about 15 people partying as Masterson DJed in his living room, she testified. The plan, Jen said, was to pick up the keys and immediately leave, but Masterson soon greeted the group and brought her a drink. As she sipped on the drink, Jen said Masterson started to pressure her to get in the jacuzzi and began dragging her by her wrists up the stairs to the tub. She testified that she was beginning to feel weak and confused, despite only having had about half a drink. Wiping tears from her eyes in court on Wednesday, Jen said she protested as Masterson forced her into the jacuzzi. As she sat in the tub, she said her vision began to go blurry and she felt like she was "slipping under." She began to deteriorate even quicker and said she remembered Masterson saying he was going to stick his fingers down her throat to make her throw up. "He stuck his fingers down my throat," she testified through tears. "I started to vomit into the toilet and onto my hair. I laid down on that floor, and my face was on the tile. It felt nice because it was cold and I wasn't moving and I felt safe." She testified that she came to in the shower and found Masterson assaulting her. The actor then picked her up, put her on the bed, and began to have sex with her, she testified. Jen said she tried to fight back, putting a pillow in between their two bodies, but Masterson grabbed the pillow and began to smother her until she went unconscious. "I thought I was gonna die and that he was gonna kill me," she said. At this point in her Wednesday testimony, Jen began to cry and had to excuse herself for a five-minute break. When she returned to the stand she testified that Masterson angrily told her not to tell anyone about the incident in the immediate aftermath. She said she "faded to black" for a bit and then remembered a man's voice at the bedroom door. Jen said she tried to reach for the nightstand but Masterson slammed the drawer on her hand and pulled out a gun. Jen described the weapon as a "more modern" firearm and said Masterson told her to "shut the fuck up" and "don't fucking move." A couple of days later, Jen said she and Masterson had a brief phone conversation where she asked him to explain what exactly had happened that night. "He said 'we had a good time,' and I said 'no, no, no' and hung up," Jen testified. The second incident Jen described is one of the three counts of forcible rape for which Masterson is standing trial. Masterson's denial Philip Cohen, a defense attorney for Masterson, briefly addressed Jen's allegations during his Tuesday opening arguments, rejecting her previous statements about the assaults. Cohen accused Jen of having inconsistencies in her story from the time she first reported the incidents to now. The attorney also said that Jen did not make mention of a gun, or the first instance of sexual assault when she first spoke to police in 2004. Under cross-examination on Wednesday, Jen said she didn't understand her first sexual interaction with Masterson in 2002 to be rape until around 2018, after a criminal investigation was underway. Read the original article on Insider Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said on Wednesday that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthys (R-Calif.) recent remarks suggesting a GOP majority would limit Ukrainian aid are giving aid and comfort to the enemy. Maybe in his mind, he actually did believe that all he was saying is, Hey, we want to have some oversight in this, Kinzinger said on CNN on Wednesday night. But what he did youre giving aid and comfort to the enemy, intentionally or unintentionally. Kinzinger suggested that McCarthy may be trying to appease the more conservative members of his party in an effort to build support for a bid for House Speaker after the midterm elections. His whole point in going out and giving that interview is to try to assuage those folks, to try to assuage the intense kind of members of the party that he knows hes going to need to be Speaker, he added. McCarthy warned in an interview published on Tuesday that if the Republican Party retakes the House in Novembers elections, they will not write a blank check to Ukraine as it fends off an invasion from Russia. I think people are gonna be sitting in a recession and theyre not going to write a blank check to Ukraine, McCarthy said. They just wont do it. He doubled down on his remarks on Wednesday, saying he was amazed they somehow made news. There should be no blank check on anything, he added. Fellow Republicans have since attempted to walk back McCarthys remarks. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said on Wednesday that the majority of Republicans support aid to Ukraine and simply want further oversight, as Kinzinger also suggested. Former Vice President Mike Pence also urged continued support on Wednesday in order to provide Ukraine with the resources to defend themselves. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) chimed in as well, calling it a mistake to withdraw funding for Ukraines defense. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Firefighters work after a drone attack on buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine on Oct. 17. Waves of explosive-laden suicide drones struck Ukraine's capital as families were preparing to start their week early Monday, the blasts echoing across Kyiv, setting buildings ablaze and sending people scurrying to shelters. Credit - Roman HrytsynaAP As scenes of firefighters flocking to the wreckage in Ukraines capital, Kyiv, emerged in the aftermath of a Russian drone attack earlier this week, the type of drone that was used to cause this destruction has sparked a debate about the state of play in the ongoing war. Does the increasing deployment of Iranian Shahed-136 dronespopularly known as kamikaze dronesthat are launched from a distance and explode on impact, show strength or desperation from Russian forces? Shahed-136 drones have a triangular wing and dive toward a target carrying a warhead of around 80 pounds. The small cruise missiles are typically launched from the back of a flatbed truck and have a range of up to 1,500 miles. The uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) were first spotted in Ukraine two months ago, when they were used to destroy a U.S-supplied M777 howitzer that was being used by the Ukrainian military. Experts take this as a sign that Russia is lacking precision-guided missiles that can target the howitzers that Ukraine has deployed to great effect. But it also shows that Russian ties with Iran remain strong, despite Tehran denying that it supplied them. Below, heres what to know about the drones. Why is Russia using Shahed-136s? The Shahed-136 is an autonomous weapon that affords Russia the ability to inflict damage to Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian targets without direct risk to military personnel. Additionally, Russia may be resorting to new weapons if it has used up the majority of its guided missiles. Oleksii Reznikov, the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, estimated on Oct. 14 that Russia only has 124 out of 900 medium-range Iskanders left, just over half its Kalibr missiles, and less than half its air-launched cruise missiles. Reznikov wrote: By using hundreds of high-precision missiles against civilian objects of Ukraine, the aggressor state reduces its ability to strike the military targets. Story continues Drones are not a new addition to the conflict, as Ukraine has also used drones throughout the war. The nation has deployed Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, which are lightweight with a 12-meter (40-feet) wingspan and can each carry four laser-guided missiles. They have also been provided with Switchblade loitering munitions by the U.S., which are able to use a drones thermal and daylight cameras to locate a target and destroy it. Read More: Ukraines Secret Weapon Against Russia: Turkish Drones Where have the autonomous weapons been deployed? Local residents walk past police officers after a drone attack in Kyiv on Oct. 17 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Sergei SupinskyAFP/Getty Images The first use of Shahed-136 drones in Ukraine took place in August in the northeast of the country and was tested on Ukrainian artillery. Since then, critical infrastructure has been targeted with drones attacking Dnipro, Sumy, Bila Tserkva, and Kyiv, resulting in power cuts in many residential towns and villages. At least eight people have died as a result of kamikaze drones across Ukraine, including a young couple in Kyiv who were expecting their first child. Drone attacks on Monday also targeted the headquarters of Ukraines national energy utility in the capital and damaged homes; around 18 people were freed from the rubble of a collapsed apartment building in the capital. Ukrainian forces continue to shoot down the Shahed-136 drones, claiming a 60% success rate. Britains Ministry of Defense said, There is a realistic possibility that Russia has achieved some success by attacking with several UAVs at the same time. Why is Iran supplying kamikaze drones? The Iranian supply of weapons to Russia suggests a deepening of ties between Tehran and the Kremlin. On Tuesday, Iran denied selling drones to Russia but doubled down on its right to sell arms to other nations as any restrictions imposed by the 2015 Iran nuclear dealwhereby Iran agreed to halt its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions reliefceased to have jurisdiction in 2020. Moving away from future prospects of improving relations with the West, Iran appears to be redirecting its ally-ship toward China and Russia. Vladamir Putin was seen visiting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran in June, and they met once again in September at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to progress a new trade and security treaty. How has the international community reacted? The U.S State Department along with other Western allies have said that Irans supply of drones to Russia violates U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231. At a NATO conference last week, it was announced that the West would send more arms in response to escalating Russian attacks in Ukraine, including the kamikaze drones. On Wednesday, officials and diplomats told the Associated Press that the European Union was finalizing a list of sanctions to swiftly impose on Iran for supplying the drones. The anonymous officials told the news agency this would likely include an asset freeze on one entityoften a government agency, company, or other organizationin addition to asset freezes and travel bans for individuals linked to the drone sector. Israel has maintained a strategically neutral position since Russias invasion of Ukraine began last February. The nation has provided Ukraine with humanitarian assistance but resisted requests for military equipment and pressure to enforce strict economic sanctions on Russia. But there is now very real potential for Israel to take a more explicit stance on the conflict in light of Russias partnership with Iran, whom Israel has long regarded as an enemy. LOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles City Council appears headed into a long power struggle that threatens an already strained government, as two disgraced councilmen resist widespread calls for their resignation amid a racism scandal and state investigation. The chaos worsened Wednesday when one of the councilmen, Kevin de Leon, disclosed in media interviews that he would not step down but wanted to take a leave from council meetings to attempt to restore his reputation. City Council President Paul Krekorian called it unacceptable. The standoff is unfolding even as there seem to be few hard rules about personal conduct and consequence for public officials. De Leon's prospects for holding his job remain unclear and he again was out of sight Thursday. The council already has stripped De Leon of much of his power in an effort to pressure him to resign, but it has no authority to expel members. Those calling for his resignation for his involvement in a recorded meeting peppered with crude, racial insults include President Joe Biden as well as other elected officials and council members who say they are unwilling to ever work with him again. The problem for Kevin de Leon is there is a tape. Its race-related in a city with difficult racial tensions, said veteran Republican consultant Rob Stutzman, who advised former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger when the one-time action star weathered accusations of sexual misconduct during his 2003 campaign for governor. This one seems like it would be difficult to stick out, Stutzman added, referring to the cascade of calls for his resignation and frayed racial relations. To survive you have to come up with some type of coalition to support you in the next week or it starts to look pretty grim. No such coalition has emerged. Disclosure of the recording has been followed by days of public outrage and protests. A sign of more trouble came from two Black developers working on a downtown project who said in a letter to the council that they could no longer work with de Leon, whose district includes the project that would be anchored to two hotels. Story continues The developers R. Donahue Peebles and Victor MacFarlane called for his resignation and wrote that de Leon had been dismissive of their proposal, meeting with them just once over two years. The uproar began with the release nearly two weeks ago of a previously unknown recording of a 2021 private meeting involving de Leon, two other council members and a powerful labor leader, all Latino Democrats, in which they schemed to protect their political clout in the redrawing of council districts during an hourlong conversation laced with bigoted comments. Within days, then-City Council President Nury Martinez and the head of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Ron Hererra, had resigned. De Leon and Councilman Gil Cedillo, who also attended the meeting, appear intent on keeping their jobs, though Cedillo has said little publicly about the tape and has not appeared at recent council meetings. Cedillo's term ends in December, but de Leon also could face a recall election. In recent decades, Americans generally have displayed a greater tolerance for bad personal judgment, indiscretions or worse by public officials and candidates. Former President Donald Trump was accused by more than a dozen women of sexual misconduct. Former President Bill Clinton had a sexual relationship with a White House intern. But racial matters are different. The language on the recording upended years of delicate relations between Blacks and Latinos in Los Angeles, who often form coalitions to achieve political ends. Many said that trust was broken. It is unforgiveable, Councilman Curren Price, who is Black, said on Twitter. Some of the looming unknowns include whether more tapes could surface. No one knows who made the recording or why. Meanwhile, the state is investigating how the districts were drawn and whether the process was rigged. Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, has said his investigation could lead to civil liability or criminal charges, depending on what is found. Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio said it's possible for de Leon to survive, but he must make sincere apologies and win back his constituents' trust. That would start with small private meetings with business leaders, or coffee with community groups any larger event would attract protests. He pointed to former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who survived calls for his resignation after a picture surfaced from his 1984 medical school yearbook showing a man in blackface standing next to someone in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe. The Democrat initially acknowledged he was in the photo and apologized, then reversed course, saying he was not in it. De Leon's efforts to remain in office might have a financial motive. Disclosure forms filed with the state show he holds only modest investments tech stocks valued between $8,000 and $40,000. Los Angeles City Council members are among the highest paid in the country with annual salaries of nearly $229,000, along with pension and medical benefits. One person unlikely to lend a sympathetic ear to de Leon will be the states most powerful Democrat, Gov. Gavin Newsom. The governor and the councilman, who was once a Democratic leader in the state Senate, have had strained relations for years that worsened when de Leon embarked on a failed attempt to oust U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in 2018. Its no secret Gov. Newsom did not appreciate it when Kevin ran against Dianne Feinstein. It was viewed by Newsom ... as a gesture of disrespect that was doomed from the beginning, said Newsom adviser Nathan Ballard. Kevin seemed to have thin skin in relation to all things Newsom, Ballard added. A rivalry with the governor existed only in Kevins mind. I support Prop 2 to help more voters cast their ballots I support Proposal 2 on the Nov. 8 Michigan ballot because it will help more eligible voters cast their ballots safely and securely. The Michigan Constitution does not expressly protect the right of eligible citizens to vote. Proposal 2 would correct that by adding an express right to vote without harassment, interference or intimidation into the Michigan Constitution. Proposal 2 will ensure that our right to vote cannot be infringed upon in the future by the courts or the Legislature. In recent years, special interests have tried to convince us that we have to choose between security and access when it comes to voting. Michigan voters deserve a voting system that is both secure and accessible. By voting "yes" on Proposal 2, we can make voting more accessible, while still being secure, and insure no voter is left behind. Emily MeyersonPetoskey Abortion bans add to overpopulation The average decrease in the planetary population of vertebrates since 1970 is 68%. This includes the complete loss of 562 animal species. The one outstanding exception to this amazing decrease in our vertebrate population is the 20% increase in the population of human vertebrates during the same 50-year period. This would suggest a strong connection between the loss of many vertebrates and the gain in human population. This is most likely because of human land use in the conversion of many native habitats like forests and grasslands into agricultural systems, and to climate change which is primarily due to the increased concentration of atmospheric CO2 caused by humans. Climate change is also responsible for an enormous acceleration of an already damaging level of human migration. It should be obvious to anyone that putting a curb on human population growth is essential to the ultimate preservation of all life on our planet, and that the outlawing of abortion in our country is just one more source of unnecessary human population growth. Story continues Bob RossPellston Debate over abortion more about power over women When examining abortion rates in numerous countries, there is a glaring finding. Countries in which abortion is legal, have a lower abortion rate than countries where it is illegal. In statistics, this is referred to as the effects from confounding variable(s). Abortion being legal is not the reason for the lower abortion rate. It is because countries where abortion is legal also have sex education and easy access to affordable contraception. Countries that have sex education and contraception have noticeably fewer unwanted pregnancies, which then result in a lower abortion rate. Conversely, countries where abortion is illegal not only have more abortions, but are guilty of the heinous act of forcing women and girls to bear children who are unwanted and/or whom the mothers cannot take care of nor financially support. If there was true concern over abortion, there are simple steps to take. Namely, provide accurate and comprehensive sex education and easily available contraception. Unfortunately, it appears those who spout that they are anti-abortion are more anti-sex education and anti-contraception than they are anti-abortion. It is analogous to drivers demanding smooth running car engines but being vehemently opposed to changing the oil and filter. The debate over abortion in the U.S. is more about having power over women. Too many legislators believe that womens bodies are community property to regulate however they please. I would fight to stop someone passing laws to assume control over my power to decide my medical decisions. I cant imagine any woman not doing the same. I strongly urge voting for legislators who acknowledge and support women having control over all their medical decisions. If Proposal 3 passes, I expect those legislators who deny women their rights will immediately start trying to weaken, or even nullify the womens health protections specified in Proposal 3. Jim RudolphPetoskey This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Letters to the Editor: Debate over abortion more about power over women Mayoral candidate Rick Caruso listens as residents of Highland Park talk about homelessness on Friday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: In an earlier column than his most recent one on the mayoral candidates and homelessness, Steve Lopez called Rick Caruso's plan to build 30,000 housing units a "short-term fix at best." I've worked with homeless people for nearly a decade, and I believe that we need a short-term fix. New York does not have sidewalk encampments like Los Angeles. This is not because it has low rents or a surging economy. It's because encampments are illegal. As long as a bed is available, a person cannot camp on the sidewalk. In L.A. we need more beds, and we need to make encampments a less appealing option than staying in one of those beds. And if 30,000 beds can't happen, perhaps we could at least create more off-street encampment areas with security, food and showers. Otherwise, we maintain the status quo, which is trying to convince people to get off the street using little more than the power of persuasion. Diane Cyr Thompson, Los Angeles .. To the editor: I would encourage Caruso to do what he can as an individual better than, I believe, he would be able to do as a mayor. And that is to use his personal wealth in a big way to help the unhoused residents of Los Angeles. He could build new structures or give over some of his existing properties and help finance support staff for the purpose of housing and helping homeless people. I propose this because I do not believe he is the better mayoral candidate when it comes to experience in government, and we've already had enough inexperienced politicians in this country. But he could do this for the city if he's anxious to help. Mary Hetherington, Los Angeles .. To the editor: I agree with Jane Demian, who does volunteer homeless outreach and was quoted in Lopez's column, that Caruso's view of homelessness and unhoused people is not nuanced. Karen Bass is a much better choice to deal with homelessness because she has a master's degree in social work and will be able to be more effective in dealing with the several issues that will arise from this. Caruso is basically a developer, and everything and anything he has done has been geared toward making money. Story continues The 30,000 new beds, especially ones that will be in new homes that Caruso says are "a couple hundred square feet," seem incredibly unrealistic and untenable. To do this he'll have to think about more than just money, including whether they will or will not be used, not to mention where they will be built. Gerald Orcholski, Pasadena This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Editors note: This story was updated after the Department of Justice clarified that the defendant was convicted of running an interstate prostitution service. A Lexington man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for running an interstate prostitution service, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Michael Allen Comberger, 57, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove after he pleaded guilty to transporting someone across state lines to engage in prostitution, according to the DOJ. Comberger admitted to running an interstate prostitution business, Fantasys Escort Service, out of Lexington, according to his plea agreement. Comberger used a website to showcase female escorts in different locations in the United States. The website featured information about the escorts and prices. Comberger also admitted that he set up appointments for the escorts and, on multiple occasions, drove them to their appointments in other states, the DOJ said. The money gained from the appointments for commercial sex was split between the escorts and Comberger, the DOJ said in a news release. Comberger hired prostitutes from Kentucky and other states and often drove them to meetings with customers, according to court records. He admitted driving women to meetings in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia. In one example, Comberger picked up a woman from Texas at the airport in Northern Kentucky and took her to a motel in the Cincinnati area to meet a customer charging $640 for two hours and then took her on to Indianapolis later that evening to spend the night with another man at a cost of $1,800, according to a sworn statement from an FBI agent. In addition to prison time, Comberger was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, the DOJ said. Hell have to serve at least 85% of his sentence and will be on probation for three years after his release. Comberger pleaded guilty in June. The case was investigated by Lexington police and the FBI Louisville field office. Oct. 19LIMA The Lima Police Department is hosting a Community Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 29 from noon to 2 p.m. The event will be held at Lima Senior High School in the west parking off Spartan Way located at 1 Spartan Way. LPD is looking for additional businesses or organizations to sign up to pass out candy. Community members attending can park in the main west-side parking lot off Spartan Way. For the organizations giving away candy, set up will begin at 11 a.m. Participants are welcome to bring their business logos. LPD is available to provide a limited amount of candy to organizations if needed. Local organizations can register by contacting Sgt. Matt Douglass at 419-223-7350 or by email at matt.douglass@cityhall.lima.oh.us. Logout Sign In (Getty Images) Senator Lindsey Graham must testify before a Georgia grand jury investigating efforts by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election in the state, an appeals court ruled. The Republican politician from South Carolina had asked the 11th Circuit US Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court ruling requiring him to testify before the Fulton County special grand jury. Senator Graham has failed to demonstrate that he is likely to succeed on the merits of his appeal, the 11th Circuit said in its ruling which was released on Thursday. The grand jury wants to question Mr Graham about a phone call he conducted with Georgia election officials following election day 2020, when Mr Trump refused to accept he had lost the state to Joe Biden. Lawyers for Mr Graham argued that a subpoena to get his testimony violated the speech and debate clause of the US Constitution, which protects members of Congress from legal exposure over their comments on legislative business. That argument was rejected by the appeals court. As the court determined, there is significant dispute about whether his phone calls with Georgia election officials were legislative investigations at all, the appeals court ruling stated. The courts partial quashal enabled a process through which that dispute can be resolved. In a continuation of utter chaos for Britain's Conservative Party, Prime Minister Liz Truss has resigned after just six weeks in office. After weeks of political and economic turmoil, Truss ultimately decided Thursday to leave No. 10 Downing St. In her short stint as leader, Truss oversaw the state funeral for Britains longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, and overturned a national ban on fracking. British Prime Minister Liz Truss announces her resignation outside No. 10 Downing St., in London, on Thursday. (Henry Nicholls/Reuters) In a bid to tackle Britains cost of living crisis, Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Britain's finance chief, announced a mini-budget in which even the rich were given tax breaks. The announcement caused the pound to plummet to an all-time low, forcing the Bank of England to step in. Kwarteng resigned on Oct. 14, after being told by Truss to stand aside. Home Secretary Suella Braverman would follow after violating ministerial rules by sending an official document to another lawmaker from her personal email. In Trusss final days, several Conservative MPs submitted a letter of no confidence to the prime minister, calling for her resignation. How long did Truss last as prime minister? Truss served 44 days the least time a prime minister of the United Kingdom has ever served. The next shortest was in 1827, when, after 118 days, two months longer than Truss, George Canning died of tuberculosis or pneumonia. What happens now? The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben on the River Thames in London. (Getty Images) In her resignation speech, Truss said that she had met with the chairman of the 1922 Committee, a group of senior Conservative members of Parliament (MPs), and agreed to hold a leadership election within the next week. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our countrys economic stability and national security, she added. Under the rules of the Conservative Party, current MPs must put themselves forward to a vote by the 327 members of the party. Unlike the last leadership race, where the top two in the pool advanced to a second round, only one vote will be held. Candidates will be required to have the backing of at least 100 MPs by 2 p.m. on Monday. Story continues Who are the contenders? Rishi Sunak, former chancellor of the Exchequer, on the hustings at Wembley Arena in London in the race for Conservative leadership on Aug. 31. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Truss entered her premiership at a point when the Conservative Party was in chaos, and left it in no better shape. Since 2019, a revolving door of Conservative politicians have served in government positions, none of whom stand out as obvious contenders to take over the role of prime minister. Rishi Sunak, a former chancellor and Truss's runner-up in the last leadership race, is the favorite to replace his former opponent. He lost favor with some members of his party after his resignation as chancellor led to the collapse of Boris Johnsons premiership. Penny Mordaunt, the current Leader of the House of Commons, who came third in the previous leadership race, is also tipped to take over as prime minister. Last week, senior members of the Conservative Party held talks to replace Truss with a joint ticket of Sunak and Mordaunt, the Times reported. Boris Johnson, who was ousted from No. 10 three months ago, could run to become prime minister again. In his farewell address, he fueled speculation when he compared himself to a Roman statesman, Cincinnatus, who later returned to power. Braverman, the former home secretary, and Defense Secretary Ben Wallace have also been mentioned as among those who could make a bid for leadership. The current chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has said he will not run. Could there be a general election? Ballot papers being counted at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, during the 2017 General Election in 2017. (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire via AP) Several lawmakers from Britains main opposition Labour Party, including its leader, Sir Keir Starmer, have called for a general election. The Conservative Party has shown it no longer has a mandate to govern, Starmer said. "The Tories cannot respond to their latest shambles by yet again simply clicking their fingers and shuffling the people at the top, without the consent of the British people. We must have a chance at a fresh start. We need a general election now." Under legislation reintroduced by Johnson in 2022, only the prime minister can call for a snap general election. Liz Truss Resigns As Prime Minister Of The United Kingdom Larry the cat sits outside 10 Downing Street after Prime Minister Liz Truss announced her resignation on Oct. 20, 2022 in London, England. Liz Truss has been the U.K. Prime Minister for just 44 days and has had a tumultuous time in office. Credit - Leon Neal/Getty Images Following Liz Trusss resignation on Thursday, in which she became the countrys shortest-serving Prime Minister in British history, the country once again finds itself in need of a new leader. And this time, it wont be waiting months to find out who that person is going to be. Unlike the last leadership contest, which spanned eight weeks, Conservative officials said that the process for determining Trusss successor as party leaderand therefore Prime Ministerwould last only a week and conclude by Oct. 28. Typically, a Tory leadership contest would involve campaign events (also known as hustings), televised debates, and a formal vote among the partys roughly 200,000 dues-paying members, who act as the final decision-makers. But this time, the process will be streamlinedlikely with fewer such events and debates, if they happen at all. The members vote will be conducted online. That, of course, is if the contest goes to a members vote at all. According to the updated Conservative Party rules, all candidates will require the backing of at least 100 of their lawmakers in order to be nominateda threshold considerably higher than past contests, the most recent of which featured nearly a dozen leadership contenders. While it is conceivable that at least three Conservative candidates could emerge with 100 supporters each (the party has 357 MPs), a runoff could be avoided if only one contender achieves the requisite support. Whether the contest goes to a members vote will have a substantial impact on its outcome. Thats because, in terms of politics and overall makeup, Conservative members are largely out of step with the wider British electorate, as well as with many of their parliamentary representatives. As a group, they tend to be older, wealthier, and whiter than the rest of the country. They also tend to be more ideologically right-wing. Its for this reason that candidates such as Truss, who campaigned on a platform of slashing taxes, and Boris Johnson, who was seen as synonymous with Brexit, were considered darlings of the Tory grassrootsuntil they werent. If the next vote were put to Conservative members, polls indicate that Johnson would be the top choice. Story continues Read More: Britains Conservative Party Cant Get Its Act Together Unlike members of the opposition Labour Party, who have a nominal role in Labours policy making during its annual party conference, selecting the partys leader is one of the sole ways in which grassroots Conservative members wield influence. Should the party choose to bypass them, as some lawmakers have suggested they could, They might think, What the hell am I going to be a member for?, Anand Menon, the director of the U.K. in a Changing Europe think tank, tells TIME. Such an outcome would not only mean a decline in Conservative membership, which has already declined substantially over the past several decades, and the revenue that comes from it, but a loss of power and influence at the local level. You need members because theyre the people who go around doing your canvassing for you. Should Conservative lawmakers choose to unite around one unity candidate, then Britains next Prime Minister could be decided as soon as Monday. Among those believed to be in contention is former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who unlike Truss was the first choice among Conservative MPs during the last leadership contest. Another is defense secretary Ben Wallace, who opted against contesting the last leadership contest despite being tipped as an early favorite among party members. While Johnson is considered the favorite to succeed Truss among Conservative members despite having resigned in disgrace over numerous ethics scandals just a few months ago, its seemingly unlikely that the former Prime Minister will attract enough support among his fellow lawmakers to make the cut. He could also be seen as a risky choice for Conservatives, especially considering that he remains under investigation for misleading Parliament over the so-called partygate scandal that led to his resignation. If it were up to the opposition parties, however, Britains next Prime Minister would be decided by a general election. The British public deserve a proper say on the countrys future, Labour leader Keir Starmer said in a statementa call that was echoed by the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, as well as the leaders of the Scottish Nationalist Party and the Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru. While a future Conservative leader could choose to call for an election, the chances of them doing soand enough Conservative lawmakers supporting themis slim so long as the Tories remain behind in the polls. The other path to a general election would be for the government to lose a confidence motion. Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de Leon told CBS Los Angeles on Wednesday that he has no plans to resign after a leaked audio recording captured him, Councilmember Gil Cedillo, Council President Nury Martinez, and L.A. County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera making racist comments in October 2021. De Leon described the situation as "the biggest [challenge] I've ever confronted in my life" in the exclusive interview with CBS Los Angeles political reporter Tom Wait. "I accept my responsibility for a lot of that pain that exists today," he said, adding that he's reached out to various city leaders, organizations and his constituents to have "hard conversations." "I have to do the hard work. I have to repair. I have to help heal. I have to help restore," the councilman said. A sign calling for the resignation of L.A. City Council member Kevin de Leon is posted on the garage of de Leon's home in the wake of a leaked audio recording on October 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. / Credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images In the recording, Martinez was heard referring to Councilman Mike Bonin's 2-year-old son, who is Black, as a "Parece changuito," which means "that little monkey," when translated from Spanish to English. De Leon responded by comparing the toddler to one of Martinez's handbags, which he called a "flippant remark." During a speech at a City Council meeting shortly after the recording's release, Bonin teared up, saying, "People should not ask me for forgiveness. I can't forgive them because it's not my prerogative. It's the prerogative of a boy who is too young to really understand what's going on." Martinez and Herrera have since resigned. Cedillo is due to step down from his seat in November, after losing to Eunisses Hernandez in the July race for the District 1 seat. Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin sheds tears as he speaks about the racist comments directed towards his son during Tuesdays council meeting on October 11, 2022. / Credit: Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images When asked why he did not do more to intervene during the racist conversation, de Leon told Wait: "I failed in my leadership." But he said he won't leave his position because he wants to continue to advocate for his district, which has historically been "underrepresented" and "has gone through much difficulty in the past without real political representation." De Leon claimed to have apologized "profusely" to Bonin and his family in a voicemail, and said he has not spoken to Martinez, Herrera, or Cedillo since the audio leaked. Story continues In a statement posted to Twitter on Wednesday, Bonin called de Leon's interview "gaslighting of the highest order," and said the comments about his son were "cruel" and "dehumanizing." "He says he should have 'intervened,' as if he were a mere bystander to a racist conversation in which he played a central and ignominious role," Bonin said. "He cannot be part of the healing as long as he refuses to resign. His stubborn refusal to do what everyone else knows is necessary is deepening the wound he has inflicted on Los Angeles." Community members confront with police officers during a protest to condemn the racist comments made in a 2021 at the City Hall Tuesday October 18, 2022 in Los Angeles. / Credit: Ringo Chiu / AP Many in the Los Angeles community were similarly outraged by the contents of the audio recording. According to CBS Los Angeles, protestors calling for de Leon's resignation were gathered outside of his Eagle Rock home for four days before being moved. After a Tuesday City Council meeting was held virtually due to COVID-19 concerns, protestors at Los Angeles City Hall clashed with police who were attempting to close the building. Neither de Leon nor Cedillo were in attendance. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and even President Biden have called for all involved in the scandal to resign. FILE -- Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de Leon speaks during Politicon at the L.A. Convention Center on Oct. 21, 2018. / Credit: Michael S. Schwartz / Getty Images U.K. PM Liz Truss contends with soaring inflation, rising food prices Fauci says new COVID-19 variants "are of concern" Iranian rock climber who competed without hijab returns to Tehran Every investor in Lloyds Banking Group plc (LON:LLOY) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 84% to be precise, is institutions. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Institutional investors would probably welcome last week's 3.9% increase in share prices after a year of 13% losses as a sign that returns are likely to begin trending higher. In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Lloyds Banking Group. Check out our latest analysis for Lloyds Banking Group What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Lloyds Banking Group? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Lloyds Banking Group. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Lloyds Banking Group's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. Hedge funds don't have many shares in Lloyds Banking Group. BlackRock, Inc. is currently the largest shareholder, with 9.4% of shares outstanding. The second and third largest shareholders are HBOS Investment Fund Managers Limited and The Vanguard Group, Inc., with an equal amount of shares to their name at 4.6%. A deeper look at our ownership data shows that the top 25 shareholders collectively hold less than half of the register, suggesting a large group of small holders where no single shareholder has a majority. Story continues Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Insider Ownership Of Lloyds Banking Group The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Lloyds Banking Group plc. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own UK32m worth of shares. It is always good to see at least some insider ownership, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 15% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Lloyds Banking Group better, we need to consider many other factors. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for Lloyds Banking Group (1 is significant) that you should be aware of. If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. 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 Louis Vuitton founder Bernard Arnault announced on Monday he sold his private jet after people started tracking it on Twitter. No one can see where I go he said. According to Business Insider, the billionaire said hed started renting private aircraft for his trips instead. The decision is to avoid being tracked by climate activists. These activists say that private jets are 10 times more carbon- intensive than airliners on average. In September, Arnault was ranked by Forbes to be the worlds second-richest person with a fortune of $153.8 billion. The 73-year-old co-founder of the world-famous luxury goods maker conglomerate told French media that he has been renting private jets after selling the company-owned aircraft. Louis Vuitton founder Bernard Arnault| Source: Wikimedia Commons His announcement was made during an interview with Radio Classique and reported by Bloomberg. The radio station is owned by LVMH. Indeed, with all these stories, the group had a plane and we sold it. The result now is that no one can see where I go because I rent planes when I use private planes, LVMH CEO said. Twitter accounts that track the Louis Vuitton cofounders flights are @i_fly_Bernard and @laviondebernard. Both were created earlier this year. On Monday, Arnaults son Antoine Arnault defended the companys use of a private jet after his father faced criticism from French media outlets over the jets influence on carbon emissions, according to Business Insider. Elon Musk and Taylor Swift As Travel Noire has recently reported, celebrities have been tracked and their flight data shared publicly over the past year. Taylor Swift, for example, received a lot of criticism after her jet was exposed as a major carbon emissions producer. At the time, spokespeople for the music star said the jet is regularly loaned out to other individuals. Earlier this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his concerns over the sharing of flight data on social media. He offered $5,000 to Jack Sweeney, the man behind the Twitter account that tracked his travel, asking the Twitter user to shut it down. However, the Twitter account stays active. I dont love the idea of being shot by a nutcase, Musk said in a text about the issue. Sweeney also tracked Facebook founder Mark Zuckerbergs private jet. IRYNA BALACHUK THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 12:37 Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, has announced that people need to be given full information about the processes taking place in Belarus and the existing threats, so that they can choose for themselves whether "to live quietly and calmly or go through troubled times". Source: Belarusian state-owned news outlet BelTA, quoting a statement made by Lukashenko at a meeting held on 20 October on the formation of the Belarusian People's Congress and amendments to electoral legislation Details: The self-proclaimed president reminded his audience that he had previously instructed defence, security, law enforcement and other agencies to keep people informed about what was happening. According to Lukashenko, he is not doing this to scare people, but in order to "inform people about everything that is going on, and then let people make a decision". Quote from Lukashenko: "If you want to go through troubles please go ahead. Off you go, and good luck with that. If you want things to be quiet and peaceful, so that even if you don't take a shower yourself in the morning and evening (although I think everyone has the opportunity to do that), you can at least bath your children in warm water, [if you want] to have a warm house, with gas, oil and so on, something to snack on or eat in the morning and evening, and something to wear - if this is what you want (this is also an option), then grit your teeth and go ahead, do what I tell you." Details: Speaking about the upcoming elections in 2024, Lukashenko said that they should be held under new rules and will not be easy. In particular, he said preparations must be made "to counter attempts to disrupt the elections". Background: Lukashenko has previously confirmed that Belarus is taking part in the war in Ukraine, but is supposedly doing so by treating wounded Russian soldiers and providing food and shelter to Ukrainian refugees. Lukashenko has also insisted that there is no need to declare a conscription campaign in Belarus, although he has been preparing for war for the entire span of his presidency. The Chief Intelligence Directorate of Ukraines Defence Ministry has reported that Lukashenko is aware that the announcement of partial mobilisation in Belarus may lead to disastrous reactions in society. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Italys Lux Vide has unveiled first-look images of the second series of Good Morning Mom, starring Raoul Bova and Maria Chiara Giannetta. The show, which debuted in 2021, sees Bova as a father who tries to keep his family together after his wife falls into a coma. But her presence, albeit a silent one, is still very important to everyone around her. More from Variety The first season sold to multiple territories, including Hungary, Croatia, Brazil and MENA territories. Everything will change for the Borghis in the shows second outing, promises Lux Vides chief Luca Bernabei at Mipcom, with the audience treated to a new mystery and finally able to discover details about their complicated past. Something big happens to this family. Its like an atomic bomb, dropping on all of them. This season, everything will be different. Bernabei, fresh off announcing his companys move into unscripted, calls Good Morning Mom one of the shows he is most proud of. Its about waiting. What does it mean, to wait in life? Waiting for love, for friendship. These days, we dont like to wait anymore, but these people decide to do it. In this fast world, they try to stay together as a unit. Bova, coming off a successful outing in Don Matteo Season 13 the next one is currently in the process of writing embraced the chance to play an imperfect father, he says. And husband. I fell in love with this series because I was wondering how this man can love this woman so much that, as Luca said, he just decides to wait for so long. And deal with all these problems, with the children, hoping he will get to talk to her again. He was shocked by the second seasons twists and turns, he admits. Story continues We will see a completely different side of this family. Its an intense show, very emotional. You think you know one thing only to be proven wrong. Raoul Bova One of Italys most recognizable actors, he has also appeared in the likes of The Tourist, Under the Tuscan Sun or All Roads Lead to Rome alongside Sarah Jessica Parker. One of my friends went through something similar. I saw how it affected him or his children, how difficult it was, also financially, he admits. What goes through your head in a situation like that? What helps you accept it? Its weird with Luca, because sometimes I am going through something and then he appears with a script that reflects it. The show is based on a true story of a woman who stayed in a coma for 29 years. In Good Morning Mom, Maria Chiara Giannettas character is revealed through flashbacks. The actual father of that family told me: I wasnt a father and a mother. Despite her condition, his wife was still at the center of this family, everyone was talking to her, says Bernabei. I was surprised when the show became a hit because it was risky. But then Raoul became a priest and [Giannetta] became a star thanks to [another show] Blanca, he jokes, adding that Bova, despite his star status, is looking for different roles now. In the first season, he was emoting strength. Now, he is not afraid of weakness. He has been brave as an actor, refusing to play the same character over and over again. You change, once you get older. When I was 18, I wanted to be an action star. Of course I am looking for something different now, says Bova. Luca is right we were scared to talk about this series at first. Whats interesting about a woman who just lies in bed all the time, who doesnt talk? At first, we wouldnt even mention her being in a coma. We would just talk about this family. About how they refuse to give up. Raoul Bova 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. An artists rendering shows a hydrogen-fueled Dash 8 airplane equipped with a MagniX propulsion system, highlighted in the green cutaway view. (MagniX Illustration) MagniX has been working on electric propulsion systems for years, but now the Everett, Wash.-based venture is adding hydrogen fuel cells to its power repertoire for carbon-free flight. The expansion plan follows up on MagniXs partnership with Universal Hydrogen, announced two years ago, and on last months initial flight test of an all-electric Eviation airplane equipped with MagniXs 650-kilowatt motors. Last year, MagniX and Universal Hydrogen said theyd work with Plug Power and AeroTEC to create a Hydrogen Aviation Test and Service Center at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Wash., where the Eviation flight test took place. Today MagniX announced that it would start developing hydrogen fuel cells to complement its battery electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems. The future of sustainable aviation will require a mix of solutions, MagniX CEO Nuno Taborda said in a news release. We are bringing our experience and expertise to advance hydrogen fuel cell technology, which will enable us to power even more aircraft. MagniX is leading the charge into the future with passion and innovation. Providing enough power for all-electric airplanes is a key challenge for the aviation industry. Eviations battery-powered Alice airplane which is being developed in Moses Lake and at that companys headquarters in Arlington, Wash. is designed to carry just nine passengers. Last month, Eviation CEO Gregory Davis said battery technology would have to progress in tandem with Alices development cycle to hit a 2027 target for delivering the planes. In contrast, MagniX says hydrogen has a relatively high energy density, providing the capability to power electric aircraft with 50 to 90 passengers that is, five to 10 times as many passengers as Alice can handle. Just as MagniX has led the world in electric propulsion, now we have the chance to lead again in the development of hydrogen technology, said Riona Armesmith, MagniXs chief technology officer. This technology has the potential to play a significant role in ushering in the era of zero-carbon flight. By complementing our existing battery electric and hybrid electric programs, it will allow us to best serve the electric aerospace marketplace, meeting the needs of the planet and of our customers. Story continues In addition to Universal Hydrogen and Eviation, MagniXs partners include the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Desaer, New York-based Blade Urban Air Mobility, Britains Faradair, Australias Sydney Seaplanes, Swiss-based H55 and Vancouver, B.C.-based Harbour Air. MagniX also has a $74.3 million NASA contract to demonstrate electric propulsion technologies. Another aviation company focusing on hydrogen fuel cells is California-based ZeroAvia, which is working with Seattle-based Alaska Airlines to outfit a De Havilland Q400 aircraft with its hydrogen-electric propulsion system for demonstration purposes. That work is being done at a research-and-development center at Everetts Paine Field, not far from MagniXs headquarters. More from GeekWire: KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia will hold a general election on Nov. 19, its election commission said on Thursday, in a contest that the ruling graft-tainted party hopes will strengthen its hold on power. The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) may have the edge in next month's election as the opposition is in disarray, and as turnout is expected to be lower due to voter apathy and the ongoing monsoon season, analysts say. Voters' familiarity with UMNO in uncertain economic times is also expected to favour the party, which was defeated in 2018 largely due to the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB corruption scandal that has landed former premier Najib Razak in jail. Parliamentary candidates will have to file their nominations on Nov. 5, commission chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh told a news conference on Thursday. Campaigning will be held for two weeks. About 21 million Malaysians are eligible to vote this year, to elect lawmakers to the 222-seat lower house of parliament. The party or coalition that wins a simple majority - 112 seats will form the next government. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who has been nominated as UMNO's PM candidate again, dissolved parliament on Oct. 10th and called for snap polls, saying an election would end years of political instability. In the 2018 election, the opposition won for the first time in Malaysia's history due to widespread corruption allegations against UMNO, which had governed for more than 60 years since independence. But the opposition coalition fell apart in just 22 months due to infighting, returning UMNO - a Malay nationalist party that prioritises interests of the ethnic-Malay majority - to power as part of another alliance. Malaysia has had three prime ministers since the last election in 2018. Disillusionment with the events after the 2018 election is expected to keep some pro-opposition voters away this year, denting their chances of another win. Opposition leaders Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim have also gone their separate ways since the collapse of their alliance, leaving the opposition disunited. The polls come earlier than the September 2023 deadline and during the annual monsoon season that has already triggered floods across Malaysia. (Reporting by A. Ananthalakshmi, Rozanna Latiff and Mei Mei Chu; Editing by Martin Petty) MUNCIE, Ind. A Delaware County man charged in the shotgun slaying of his neighbor appeared in court Thursday to ask a judge to set a bond in his case. A few hours later, Delaware Circuit Court 1 Judge Marianne Vorhees denied that request. Cy Erik Alley, 29, is charged with murder in the Aug. 23 slaying of 59-year-old Gerald Lee Copley. His trial, in Delaware Circuit Court 1, is set for Dec. 19. Murder defendants are generally held in jail as they await trial, although judges can set bond if they find evidence in the case seems lacking. At Thursday's hearing, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman called a single witness Rick Richman, a lieutenant with the Delaware County Sheriff's Department who testified that an eyewitness saw Alley fatally shoot Copley outside the victim's home. Richman also said while being questioned by investigators, Alley provided a full confession, acknowledging he had intended to kill Copley and fired four shotgun blasts at the victim. The shotgun used in the slaying and a rifle were recovered from Alley's truck, Richman said. More:Delaware County jury finds Muncie man guilty of murder, recklessness Hoffman said that testimony easily met the standard necessary for the bond hearing, showing it was "more likely than not" that Alley had committed murder. Defense attorney Ron Smith posed no questions to Richman. His only witness was Alley, who said if he was able to post a bond and leave jail, he would likely stay at the house he was living in at the time of the August killing, along Delaware County Road 500-N south of Albany. Alley acknowledged the shooting victim's family members still reside in the home where the killing took place, just down the road from the defendant's house. (Relatives of Copley were in attendance at Thursday's hearing.) The Delaware County man did not say how he would raise funds to post a bond. Judge Marianne Vorhees took the request to set bond under advisement, and on Thursday afternoon issued an order denying the motion. Story continues Vorhees said the state's evidence in the case "shows a strong presumption in favor of guilt" and also noted there were also "public safety reasons" to detain Alley. In February, the judge ruled deputies could keep firearms that had been seized from Alley at the request of his family members. Hoffman's office had filed a petition alleging Alley was a "dangerous person." Relatives had told authorities Alley had been "off his medication," leading to "psychotic episodes" as a result of schizophrenia. Thursday's hearing did not address how Alley obtained the guns that were in his possession on the day of Copley's slaying. Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Judge declines to set bond for Delaware County man charged in slaying Prosecutors on Wednesday said a federal grand jury indicted a Pennsylvania man for threatening to kill House Jan. 6, 2021, committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) in a letter sent to his Capitol office last week. Maverick Vargo, 25, threatened President Biden, Thompson, Thompsons family, and U.S. District Court Judge Robert Mariani in the letter, also sending what appeared to be a white powder and alluding to anthrax, prosecutors said. Vargo, who is from Berwick, Pa., is charged with threatening the president, sending interstate communications with a threat and influencing a federal official by threat, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced. Prosecutors alleged Vargo sent the letter from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and he could now face up to 25 years in prison for the new charge. The letter arrived at Thompsons office in the Rayburn House Office Building days before he and his colleagues on the Jan. 6 panel held what may be their final hearing in the committees months-long series to convince the public of former President Trumps culpability for the Capitol attack. Prosecutors said Vargas wrote to Thompson, Im going to kill you! I will make you feel the rest of our pain & suffering. There is nowhere or nobody who can keep you from me. I am going to kill you & those you love. I promise you that I will keep my promise until the day of my death. The letter also allegedly said, you & Joe Biden soon will face death for the wrongs youve done to US. U.S. Capitol Police announced last week that congressional staff had reported a suspicious letter to law enforcement, and the agency cleared the area near Thompsons office as they screened it. A Capitol Police spokesperson said staffers initially thought a stain inside the letter could be white powder, but it was not. This story was updated at 9:20 a.m. Oct. 20. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Shreveport man convicted last month of kidnapping and murdering local couple Heather and Kelly Jose in 2018 was sentenced Wednesday, Oct. 19, to two back-to-back life terms in prison. Dewayne Willie Watkins, 38, received the mandatory life terms, unusual in that they are consecutive rather than concurrent. Watkins was convicted by a 12-person Caddo Parish jury on September 14 of kidnapping and first-degree murder. Watkins kidnapped, robbed and then killed Heather Angela King Jose, 32, and her husband, Kelly Dean Jose, 43, on November 8, 2018. The two were found burned beyond recognition in a vehicle in the carport of a vacant home in the 3400 block of Penick Street in the Queensborough neighborhood. Watkins was arrested several days after the slayings following a six-hour standoff with police. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Man convicted of killing Shreveport couple in 2018 sentenced An investigation is underway after a park shooting left one man seriously injured, according to Texas authorities. A 14-year-old girl met up with an adult man in a park in Houston around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, the Houston Police Department said in a news briefing filmed by KHOU. Two of the girls family members went looking for her and got into an argument with the man she went to meet, Houston police said. The man pulled a gun, shot one of the girls family members and fled, police said. The victim, an adult man, was in serious condition but expected to survive, officers said. KHOU and ABC 13 reported that the man was the girls boyfriend. ABC 13 reported she snuck out to meet him. The Houston Police Department did not respond to McClatchy News request for confirmation on Oct. 20. Stolen U-Haul erupts in flames after leading police on hourslong chase, Texas cops say Youth football coach fatally shot as practice lets out, Ohio cops say. A cornerstone Woman killed in apartment when downstairs neighbor fires gun into ceiling, NC cops say A Kansas inmate who attacked a prison guard and caused a traumatic brain injury pleaded guilty to aggravated battery, the Leavenworth County attorney announced Thursday. Ron L. Larsen, Jr. a 37-year-old inmate in the Lansing Correctional Facility, was convicted Friday of aggravated battery and trafficking contraband in a correctional facility after he attacked a female prison guard in November 2021, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said in a news release. Larsen will be sentenced on Nov. 30. When Larsen was serving a sentence in the Lansing Correctional Facility for kidnapping, aggravated burglary and theft in Johnson County, he came behind a prison guard and punched her in the head until she was unconscious and fell to the floor, Thompson said. Larson kept striking the woman in the head while she was on the ground, causing multiple fractures to her face and ribs and causing a traumatic brain injury, Thompson said. Two other inmates pulled Larsen off of the woman. A plastic bag containing methamphetamine was later found concealed in Larsens belly button. The officer was hospitalized and continues to undergo rehabilitation, Thompson said. All people should expect to go to work and be safe, this includes our law enforcement and correction officers, Thompson said in the news release. We are grateful to those who have jobs that put their well-being at risk, and we need to protect them. The attack was the first of two at Lansing Correctional Facility in November 2021. Both times, inmates assaulted prison guards, officials said. At the time, Sarah LaFrenz, president of the Kansas Organization of State Employees which represents the prison guards, said understaffing in the prison led to safety problems in which one or two officers were assigned to monitor areas that hold several hundred inmates. There were 73 uniformed vacancies at the prison on Nov. 1, 2021, a few days before the incident. The female prison guard who was injured was assigned an area that holds 127 inmates, LaFrenz said. Story continues Theres one person there, LaFrenz said. So when someone attacked her, there was no one to call. Theres no one else to see that. LaFrenz said the situation at the prison has improved, but changes still need to be made. While the vacancy numbers have risen to 86 as of Oct. 3, LaFrenz said the prison has alleviated some of the burden on officers by lowering the number of inmates, moving beds around and placing higher risk inmates in other facilities. The situation may also have improved a bit because of veteran officers returning to the job and COVID-19 posing a lower risk than it has in recent years, she said. LaFrenz said she believes the Department of Corrections and Gov. Laura Kelly are taking the issue seriously, but she emphasized the importance of filling the roles. Its going to continue to be dangerous if its understaffed, LaFrenz said. And all these people are still working 12 hours shifts. It will be harder to fill the open positions, LaFrenz said, because the job market is more competitive than it was six months ago and hiring managers are looking to fill specialized roles. Not everyone is willing or able to work in a correctional facility, she said. A Duson man will spend life in prison after he was found guilty of raping and impregnating a 10-year-old. Delands Brown, who was found guilty of first-degree rape, intimidation of a witness and attempted intimidation of a witness, was sentenced Wednesday by 15th Judicial District Judge Royale Colbert to life in prison for the rape charge and 10 years for the intimidation charges to be served concurrently. "Just give me the life so I can go on to Angola," Brown asked Colbert. His attorney, Ronald McCann asked the judge to request Brown be sent to the Louisiana State Penitentiary as quickly as possible. Brown, now 32, was accused of raping the girl in 2019 in Duson when she was 10. The girl, now 13, testified during the July trial but did not testify during Wednesday's sentencing. Previous coverage:Lafayette jury finds man guilty of raping 10-year-old During sentencing, the child's guardian said Brown "took everything" from the guardian, including the guardian's children. "Most nights I toss and turn because I miss them," the guardian said. "I cry myself to sleep at night because I don't have my babies to hold tight." Brown was accused of abusing the girl for years, multiple times a week until she became pregnant, Assistant District Attorney Roya Boustany said after the trial. Brown told the girl to lie to investigators about who raped her but she later told them it was Brown. DNA played a pivotal part in the prosecution's case, led by Boustany and Assistant District Attorney Lance Beal. Brown also testified on the stand and incriminated himself, Boustany said. Contact Ashley White at adwhite@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter @AshleyyDi. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana man gets life in prison for rape, getting child pregnant A man on trial this week for an October 2020 homicide in eastern Sioux Falls is alleging self-defense, according to his defense team during the trial's opening arguments. Marcus Jerell Anderson, 34, was charged with two counts of first-degree manslaughter, one count of aggravated assault, one count of possession of a firearm and one count of being a habitual offender, according to court documents. The charges stem from an incident on Oct. 21, 2020, when Anderson got into a disagreement with Jarrell King at the residence of Anderson's girlfriend, also King's ex-girlfriend, according to court documents. King wanted to see his son and got into an altercation with Anderson, eventually ending in King getting shot. More:2020 Sioux Falls homicide suspect makes trial appearance this week But Anderson wasn't arrested until February 2021, according to court records. Police held off on making the arrest initially to look into the circumstances surrounding the disagreement and wait for forensic evidence, according to prior Argus Leader reporting. Prosecution argues ownership of gun used to kill King, defense claims justifiable homicide In this week's opening arguments for Anderson's trial, the defense argued Anderson acted in self-defense when he shot King and said Anderson received threatening messages from King prior to the incident. Anderson told detectives King brought the gun that was eventually used to kill King, according to court documents. "The evidence will also show you that Jarell King, through these messages with ... the mother ofthe child, had threatened not only my client but also (the mother)," said Jason Adams, defense lawyer at Tschetter & Adams Law Office. More:What's the COVID-19 outlook for winter in South Dakota? Adams said King was shot after the two wrestled in a struggle for the gun and that his client was compliant through the course of three interviews done with detectives. The prosecution argued although Anderson originally told detectives King owned the gun used to kill him, evidence indicates the gun was registered to Anderson's ex-girlfriend. Story continues "The defendant denies seeing the gun before yet his DNA is found on the gun in a place it would only be found if you had taken it apart previously," said Carole James, attorney at the Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office. Testimony is still being given this week. Closing arguments are expected to occur sometime next week for the full verdict. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Defense claims justifiable homicide in 2020 fatal Sioux Falls shooting Remains of destroyed restaurants, shops and other businesses are seen after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Oct. 4, 2022. Remains of destroyed restaurants, shops and other businesses are seen after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Oct. 4, 2022. Credit - Marco BelloReuters When Hurricane Charley hit Punta Gorda, Fla., with 145 mph winds in 2004, the storm demolished Diane Caputos restaurant, Montys. It took her more than three years to reopen at the original location. When Hurricane Ian made landfall last month at similar strength, Montys fared much better. I have an outdoor bar patio that took a pretty bad hit, we have water in here and weve been cleaning up ever since Ian passed, Caputo says. But, within a week, she was able to reopen the Italian eatery, which has been a Punta Gorda fixture since 1983. It wasnt just good fortune that spared Montys from the wrath of Hurricane Ian, which left Florida with upwards of $40 billion in property damage, making it one of the costliest to ever hit the state. The new Montys was built to Floridas building codes, some of the strictest in the country, which are intended to ensure new construction can withstand even hurricanes. Charley was pretty devastating, she tells TIME. The buildings were a lot older [then]. As Floridians pick up the pieces from Ians cataclysmic path, which was one of the strongest to hurricanes to hit the continental U.S., a long-standing tension has resurfaced. Many of the residents and business owners hardest hit by the storm are those least able to afford the high costs of rebuilding. They know what to do to prepare for the next stormbuild back strongerbut having that knowledge doesnt make it any more affordable. Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a scientific research nonprofit, points out that the cost of reconstruction and building better structures to withstand future storms will be expensive. It likely means that there will be a different demographic living there five years from now, then who may have lived there for the last 30 years, he tells TIME. Story continues Hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows alone, required in new construction, add thousands of dollars in additional building costs, for instance. The average cost for a new home in Florida is about $20,000 higher than the U.S. average, according to Home Advisor. Hurricane damage exacerbates disparities Despite the states storm history, Florida didnt have comprehensive regulations to ensure buildings could withstand hurricanes until after Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida in 1992causing some $25 billion in damages ($54 billion in 2022 dollars.) A statewide code went into effect in 2002. Although the code has been updated every few years since, it doesnt protect buildings that were constructed before the code came out. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable with rising sea levels, just like Pine Island where Todd Lurty ran FunShine Island Services, a boat tour business that offered dolphin-watching, shell-collecting excursions, and other marine activities. Ian destroyed Lurtys home and base of operations. I lived in a large camper, just trying to live life kind of simple, running charters right on the water, he says. It took about five tosses and tumbles and flips and rolls. Lurty has also had to stop work since Ian cripped the islands infrastructure and abruptly halted the flow of tourists. I havent lost hope, and thats pretty much all we have at this point, he says. It will come back, but I think its just going to take a minute. The damage in St. James City, Fla. after Ian passed. Courtesy of Todd Lurty Florida, long touted as a lush utopia for the wealthy that doesnt levy income or estate taxes, also hosts a serious affordable housing crisis. Wealth disparity can be particularly brutal in the sunniest towns. In that Fort Myers area [where Hurricane Ian hit], you can move from $5 million mansions to $100,000 mobile homes in two-and-a-half miles, Wright says. They can be in the same community, yet live very different lives. The most vulnerable homes were those built during Floridas suburban boom between the 1960s and 1980s, which were built using cheaper materials and methods than both older homes, and new construction. These also tend to be homes that retirees on fixed incomes and service workers can afford. Ultimately, the cost of rebuilding is often prohibitive for the owners of less expensive homes, who are statistically less likely to have property insurance. Lurty wishes there were more options for people living in precarious homes to relocate. I would like to see them make that affordable, for your average Joe, working-class guy, not just a millionaire-billionaire that can come in and build these great big fancy houses, he says. The super-rich people arent the ones at the restaurants working and cooking your food. Theyre not the ones driving the boats out here taking people around. Following Hurricane Michaels decimating hit to the Florida panhandle in 2018, the average sale price of homes in the coastal region skyrocketed when longtime residents couldnt afford to rebuild. According to reporting from the Wall Street Journal, in Mexico Beach average home prices rose from $271,000 in 2019 to $453,000 in 2021. Just like decaying structures, much of the existing infrastructure across the state is beyond its useful life, having been built 60-70 years ago, says Wright. For instance, the Transportation Department estimates that more than 3,500 miles of highway in Florida is in poor condition. Caputo faced the infrastructure crisis firsthand. Im trying to help my staff. Im limiting my hours, because I know theres no streetlights where they have to drive and I dont want them getting hurt, she says. At least 127 deaths in Florida are linked to Ian. Ahead of the storm, more than 2.5 million Floridians received evacuation orders, but for many who stayed behind, relocating somewhere safe wasnt possible because of the cost. Evacuees rack up costly expenses, including transportation, housing and food, that typically span a multi-day or multi-week period. The average family shells out $5,000 to safely evacuate a hurricane, according to Globalpro Recovery. Theres definitely going to be a tremendous financial burden for people here, Caputo says. My dad always told me, you can replace everything you have, but you cant replace your life, and I live by those words. Johnny Lee Kerney and Francisco Mancheo fix a roof on a damaged home in Fort Myers, Fla., on Oct. 7, 2022. Joe RaedleGetty Images Rebuilding for the future Wright hopes that in addition to the federal disaster aid relief coming into Florida after Hurricane Ian, there will be more state and local investment to help lower-income residents take preventative measuresincluding upgrading infrastructure and improving existing buildings. Lurty explains that although he knows storm intensity exacerbated by climate change is happening worldwide, hes grateful that for his home the risk seems manageable. Were facing storms thatre rebuildable. Other parts of the world are facing things that arent, he says. As for Caputo, she realized after Charley, its vital to take these disasters seriously and learn from them while rebuilding. Were going into our 40th year of business on Oct. 23, so its not our first rodeo, she says. You cant control mother nature, so youve just got to prepare. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced on Wednesday that Donald Bannister, 17, has been indicted on a laundry list of charges. Bannister was arrested for the 2021 murder of 30-year-old Norval Bailey in August after Marietta police say he spent more than a year on the run. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Bailey was found bleeding in the middle of Massachusetts Avenue with several gunshot wounds and taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Carr says that Bannister is also known as Lil Ghost, a known member of 2Solid, a street gang with ties to the Bloods. Our new Gang Prosecution Unit is fighting to root out violent gang activity in every corner of our state, said Carr. This is our first indictment to come out of metro Atlanta, as we continue our efforts to keep all of Georgias families and communities safe. TRENDING STORIES: Bannister is named in two indictments. The first indictment charges him with: Two counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, which holds a maximum sentence of 20 years per count Murder, which holds a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole Felony murder, which holds a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole Aggravated assault, which holds a maximum sentence of 20 years Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, which holds a maximum sentence of five years Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, which holds a maximum sentence of 10 years Criminal attempt to sell marijuana, which holds a maximum sentence of five years The second indictment charges Bannister in connection to a fight inside the Cobb County Jail in 2020. It charges him with: Story continues Two counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, which holds a maximum sentence of 20 years per count Aggravated assault, which holds a maximum sentence of 20 years Simple battery, which holds a maximum sentence of 12 months The Cobb County Police Department is immensely proud of the actions of all our officers, investigators, and civilian personnel involved in the indictment of Donald Bannister, said Cobb County Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer. Carrs Gang Prosecution Unit began working in July 2022. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Veteran actor Mark Hamill said in an interview that he has sent at least 500 drones to Ukraine through the countrys fundraising platform, as Ukraines ongoing conflict with Russia enters its ninth month. During an appearance on Bloomberg Radios Sound On, Hamill, widely known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the acclaimed Star Wars film franchise, told host Joe Mathieu that he only sent the equipment to Ukraine because they desperately need it. Very simply: Ukraine needs drones. They define war outcomes, they protect their land, their people, they monitor the border, theyre eyes in the sky, Hamill told Mathieu in the radio interview published Thursday. I was really shocked because they give me these updates at least two or three times a week about whats going on and they said theyve received over 500 drones since I started this, Hamill concluded. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced last month that the 71-year-old actor had been named an ambassador for the countrys fundraising platform UNITED24s Army of Drones project. United24 is an initiative that provides for the regular procurement of drones, their repair and prompt replacement, as well as pilot training for military forces. Actor and musician Barbra Streisand also joined the initiative as an ambassador, another of many celebrities who have used their platforms to lend support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. In a statement, Hamill expressed his gratitude for joining the initiative, saying this is the best time for everyone to come together and help Ukrainians defeat Russia in the ongoing conflict. In this long and unequal fight, Ukraine needs continuous additional support. Thats why I was honored President Zelenskyy asked me to become an ambassador for the Army of Drones, Hamill said in his statement. I know for certain that Ukrainians need drones to protect their land, their freedom and the values of the entire democratic world. Right now is the best time for everyone to come together and help Ukraine stand up in this war with the evil empire. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, hit back at Kari Lake for suggesting that had the rights activist been alive today, he would have been a Maga Republican. Ms Lake, the Republican governor hopeful for Arizona, said at a campaign event on Wednesday that Martin Luther King Jr would have been a so-called America First Republican, or a Maga acolyte, were he alive today. After Ms Lake's bizarre comments drew people's ire on social media, Martin Luther King Jr's daughter tore into her for being dismissive of her father's "seminal work and beliefs", such as ending voter suppression and treating people, including immigrants, with dignity. Ms King invited the Republican candidate to study more about her father using the King Centre Institutes website. "I also recommend you read these books by my father immediately if you are going to express what you believe he would think/support," she wrote on Twitter. Dear @KariLake: What you share here is false and dismissive of Daddys seminal work and beliefs, including: Ending/preventing voter suppression Treating all, including immigrants, with dignity I invite you to study my father via https://t.co/CrTgmzSrti#MLK https://t.co/9BESeOYSSA Be A King (@BerniceKing) October 19, 2022 Ms Lake, a close ally of former president Donald Trump and one of the most prominent election deniers, said: If MLK, Rev Martin Luther King Jr were alive today, if [former President John F Kennedy] were alive today, if our Founding Fathers were alive today, theyd be America First Republicans. Story continues She made the claim during a campaign event alongside Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who has made a name for herself since leaving Congress last week by embracing the Maga mantle. Ms Gabbard said she became a Democrat, inspired by the party of Dr Martin Luther King and JFK, which she said was by and for the people. She added that the party no longer exists today. Its a very different party, she said, which was then followed by Ms Lakes statement. Her intended audience, I am sure, eats this up. The rest of us are Just waiting for the inevitable debunking by MLKs surviving family members, wrote Matthew Zimmerman on Twitter. Her intended audience, I am sure, eats this up. The rest of us are Just waiting for the inevitable debunking by MLKs surviving family members. https://t.co/lALtvYTw9v Matthew Zimmerman (@Zimmsy) October 19, 2022 Journalist Roland Martin pointed out that in reality, Martin Luther King Jr campaigned against Republican Arizona senator Barry Goldwater. You are truly an idiot, he added. A Marysville man was indicted Tuesday on charges of traveling to West Virginia to have sex with a minor, according to the Department of Justice. Nathaniel James Davis, 33, was indicted on one count of interstate travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of committing a felony involving a minor by a person required to register as a sex offender. Davis, a registered sex offender, is accused of traveling to West Virginia to have sex with a minor and having child pornography on his phone. Davis faces up to 50 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000. The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. A mother and her son were recently rushed to a Massachusetts hospital with severe liver damage and treated with a compassionate use drug after they consumed mushrooms that they had foraged for dinner. Kam Look and her son, Kai Chen, of Amherst, were outside a few weeks ago gathering mushrooms similar to ones that they had been able to safely forage in Malaysia, UMass Memorial Medical Center said in a news release. As they ate their meal, they became ill and transported themselves to nearby Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. Medical officials immediately recognized that they needed a higher level of intervention, so both patients were transferred to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The mother and son were both said to be suffering from severe, life-threatening liver damage with a death rate between 30 and 50 percent. A toxicology expert then identified the mushroom poisoning, knew the patients had no time to waste, and had an investigational new drug that required special approval flown in from Philadelphia, according to the hospital. Fellow toxicology experts from around the country then consulted with dozens of UMass Memorial caregivers on how to save the mother and son. These desperate measures led to slow improvement for Kai and he was able to be discharged a few days later, but medical officials say Kam needed more dramatic intervention. Kam was placed on the transplant list in hopes that a donated liver could save her due to the severity of her organ damage. Fortunately, within a few days, she received the liver, and a high-stakes surgery was performed. The mom spent several days intubated in the ICU and was carefully monitored by specially trained transplant caregivers who used a complex array of medications to keep her stable. She slowly recovered, was moved to an acute care floor, and eventually a rehabilitation facility. She is now set to return home. Kam, Kai, and her clinical team are slated to gather Thursday at the hospital to share a major message of caution about mushrooms for others. Story continues UMass health officials say the mushroom poisoning is part of a larger concerning trend involving a subculture of foragers who have been scouring the internet to find and identify mushrooms not only to eat but for a psychedelic experience. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Republican gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano on Wednesday vowed that if he wins election to Pennsylvania's top office, hell begin busing illegal immigrants to President Joe Bidens home state of Delaware. On Day 1, were no longer a sanctuary state. When those ghost flights show up, our beautiful Pennsylvania State Police will escort those busloads of illegals down to Delaware, Mastriano said during a Fox News town hall hosted by Sean Hannity in York, Pennsylvania. Joe Biden can have them. His description of transporting migrants echoed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recent move to fly several dozen migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard, a maneuver denounced by Democrats and immigration advocates. Stay updated on these races: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter But after hearing Mastrianos plan for addressing immigration and other issues, Hannity praised the Republican candidate, whos facing off against Democrat Josh Shapiro in the gubernatorial contest. Thats a pretty good platform, Hannity said. Doug Mastriano, Republican nominee for governor of Pennsylvania, speaks during a rally at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie on Oct. 14, 2022. Mastrianos mention of ghost flights refers to a GOP claim that the Biden administration is covertly dropping off undocumented immigrants in various states. It's a reference to the routine procedure of transporting migrant children, many of them to federally licensed shelters where they can be reunited with family members. The same procedure was used during former President Donald Trumps term, The New York Times has reported. Mastriano, a state senator, has also said he wanted to introduce legislation to transport undocumented immigrants from Pennsylvania to Delaware. Hannity, Oz pile on Fetterman during town hall While Mastriano appeared near the end of Hannitys town hall, the majority of the hour-long program centered on Pennsylvanias Senate race and gave Republican Mehmet Oz a platform to deliver a barrage of attacks against his opponent, Democrat John Fetterman. Hannity began the town hall by mocking Fetterman for his clothing style (the Democratic lieutenant governor is known for eschewing a suit-and-tie for a hoodie and shorts) and then on his recovery from a life-threatening stroke in May. Story continues The pile-on continued after Oz took the stage in the Valencia Ballroom in York, where Hannity taped his show in front of an audience. Oz, a surgeon-turned-celebrity doctor, said voters recently have realized the stark contrast between him and Fetterman. The Democratic candidate had been leading by a wide margin over the summer, but Oz has closed much of that gap in the lead-up to Election Day. All of a sudden, over the last few weeks, more and more Pennsylvanians are doing their homework; smart people, he said. And theyre realizing who he is and what we stand for. More: Fetterman's lead on Oz slips as Shapiro's widens over Mastriano in USA TODAY/Suffolk poll After that, Oz proceeded to accuse Fetterman of being soft on crime and blame Democratic policies for problems of violence and drug addiction in various parts of the state. The GOP candidate also called for creating a federal fund that could help parents send their children to parochial schools and spoke about supporting fossil fuel extraction. Allow natural gas to be unleashed in Pennsylvania, he said. Newt Gingrich defends Dr. Oz Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., joined the program a bit later to defend Ozs Pennsylvania bona fides something that has come into question over the course of the campaign. Ozs opponents have labeled him a carpetbagger for moving to Pennsylvania about a year before he announced his candidacy. And Fetterman recently tried to drive the point home by stationing billboards outside the Eagles stadium accusing Oz of rooting for the Cowboys. But Gingrich vouched for Oz, saying hed known the doctor for years, dating back to when he was already an Eagles fan. The town hall also included Sens. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, and Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, who decried the crime in various parts of the nation and advocated for more natural gas extraction. Town hall attendees said they were unhappy with nation's direction Eric Murach made the 40-minute drive from his home in Boiling Springs to York Wednesday morning, arriving at his destination, the Valencia Ballroom in York, at about 12:30 p.m. He wanted to make sure he was able to get in the ballroom for that afternoons town hall meeting. You dont know how long the lines going to be, the 73-year-old mechanical engineer said. I didnt want to get here one person too late. He had little to fear. By 3:30 p.m., when the doors opened for the 5 p.m. town hall, the line was only halfway down the block on North George Street. It did not appear that the ballroom would be filled to capacity. More: Control of the Senate is now a coin flip: These are the midterm election races to watch He said he came to the campaign event because I want to hear these people. He is a registered Republican and he said he supports Oz. Dr. Ozs opponent is a joke, he said. Of Oz, he said, the TV doctor has a pretty good track record. That record includes, as far as he knows, he was a doctor and somehow got into television. He said he never watched Ozs show, but his wife had. I dont like that stuff, he said. But I guess he did a good job at it. He made money at it. Eric Murach, a 73-year-old retired mechanical engineer, drove from Boiling Springs to York to attend Mehmet Oz's town hall meeting at the Valencia Ballroom. He arrived at the ballroom at 12:30 p.m. for the 5 p.m. town hall. He said he wanted to make sure he got in. Farther back the line, Steve Becker, a 69-year-old produce wholesaler from Dillsburg and a Republican committeeman, said he wanted to view Oz in person to see how he comes across. It seemed like a fun thing to do, he said. He said he believes people are looking for a change. There certainly is a lot of dissatisfaction with how things are going nationally and in the state. Deanne Bardo, a 57-year-old self-described trophy wife from Dover, echoed that sentiment. Her husband worked for General Electric and his job required overseas postings. She recalled living in India where those with wealth lived behind the walls of compounds and, when you stepped outside the walls, you saw people living in shacks constructed from corrugated steel with no running water. Thats the direction were going in this country, she said. You have the elites and you have the poor. She also decried the state of politics in this country. Have you ever seen politics be so nasty? she asked. Im sure it was ugly during Vietnam, but this is the ugliest time ever. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hannity's York PA town hall features Oz, Mastriano attacking Democrats Photo: The Canadian Press B.C. NDP leadership candidate Anjali Appadurai attends a news conference in Vancouver, B.C., Monday, Oct. 17, 2022. New Democratic Party leadership hopeful Anjali Appadurai has urged the party executive not to use what she called an undemocratic "nuclear option" to disqualify her, a move that would make David Eby the sole contender to become the next premier. Party executives were expected to decide later Wednesday whether Appadurai can stay in the contest to replace Premier John Horgan. A report from the NDP's chief electoral officer, Elizabeth Cull, obtained by The Canadian Press, recommends Appadurai be disqualified over alleged breaches of contest rules, such as an alliance with an environmental group and the wooing of former B.C. Green Party members. Appadurai denies her campaign has done anything wrong. She says they used grassroots organizing to sign up thousands of new members to vote in the race significantly more than Eby, the former attorney general and minister responsible for housing. "And so the party had a choice. Let all the members of the party, new and old, choose the next leader and risk having a climate champion in the premier seat or take this undemocratic approach and disqualify the candidate," Appadurai said at a news conference in Vancouver on Wednesday. "It's distressing that they have taken the nuclear option, that risks ripping the party apart, further alienating the grassroots, tainting the new administration, and damaging the NDP chances in the next election in 2024." The party, which had approximately 11,000 members going into the race, has not confirmed how many new memberships have been sold since. Appadurai told reporters a ruling against her campaign could be fought in an appeal process, but the campaign hasn't decided if it would do so. "I'm really hoping to call on the provincial executive to act in the best interests of the party tonight," she said. Cull's report found there was "improper co-ordination" between the Appadurai campaign and the environmental group Dogwood BC, which used mass emails, text messages, social media and phone banks as part of a drive to recruit NDP supporters. "The improper coordination with third parties (primarily Dogwood) played such a significant role in the Appadurai Campaign that it is impossible to create a level playing field at this point, and thus impossible to restore the Leadership Election Campaign to a state of integrity in which I could have confidence," the report says. In a statement, Dogwood denies it broke any rules. "Dogwoods sign-up drive followed multiple conversations with Elections BC compliance officers," the statement says. "Third parties like unions, businesses, faith groups and NGOs are allowed to encourage supporters to join a political party. Social movements are core to grassroots democracy in B.C., and sign-up drives are part of every leadership race." Cull also found Dogwood solicited "fraudulent memberships" by encouraging members of other political parties to join the B.C. NDP. Appadurai said there's no evidence to support that claim. "There is nothing wrong when someone joins our party from another party hoping that under new leadership, the party will embrace a more ambitious direction," she said. "There's equally nothing wrong with that person cancelling their membership and joining another party if our party doesn't elect their preferred candidate." According to Cull's report, an audit of five per cent of the B.C. NDP membership as it stood on July 1 found 98.5 per cent of the members contacted were deemed to have valid memberships. A spot check of new membership applications had since found only 72 per cent of the individuals contacted were deemed to have valid memberships, she reported. A political communications expert said he read the Cull report and agreed with the conclusion to disqualify Appadurai. The insurgent candidacy from Anjali Appadurai is on its face problematic, said Prof. David Black, at the school of communications and culture at Royal Roads University in Victoria. They just crossed a number of lines here, so I think the NDP is on the right side of this issue, he said. But Black said the party now faces the issue of convincing supporters and B.C. voters that Eby is the right person to succeed Horgan if he takes the job without facing a membership vote. Its going to take some fancy public relations footwork to ensure the public and the membership that the party has made a difficult but right decision to preserve the integrity of their own leadership electoral process, he said. Eby said he has been focused on touring the province. "The party has their process around ensuring the fairness of the race. They're gonna focus on that process. I have confidence in them to be able to do that," he said at an event in Vancouver. Lorna McClusky hesitated the day she was sworn in after graduating law school. She was widowed with four kids and hearing "that we would demean ourselves in the practice of law," gave her pause. "I thought about that because my husband had died and I had four kids," McClusky said. "I said, 'Wow, this means I've got to put this first.' I nearly didn't walk into that room. And then I thought this is key to who we are in this country. This is it. This is the one part that you can, on either side, say, 'I am upholding what this country stands for every single day'." Over 20 years of practicing law and fighting "like a little monster sometimes in court," she said, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has tapped McClusky to head up the office's new conviction review unit. McClusky told The Commercial Appeal on Wednesday that she never imagined she would be working in the DA's office and expressed her excitement for the new role. "It truly is one of those moments of alignment, when you're not looking for anything," McClusky said. "You're just doing what you do and there's suddenly this man with a vision for how he believes advocacy should be on the prosecutor side and he certainly believes they should advocate and it aligns with my beliefs and advocacy. I had never thought of myself in this position, but I am I have to say ridiculously excited." McClusky's name first came into the fray when Barry Sheck, a prominent lawyer who founded the Innocence Project, a non-profit that focuses on overturning wrongful convictions, suggested Mulroy reach out to her to lead the charge on the unit's formation. "[Barry Sheck] gave me an enthusiastic recommendation of Lorna McClusky and then I asked around. Everybody I spoke to, whether the defense bar or current prosecutors or anybody else said, 'Boy, you know, she's the dean of the local defense bar. You would be lucky to get her.'" Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy speaks after bond is revoked for Cleotha Abston during his second court appearance Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Memphis. Abston is charged in the abduction and murder of Eliza Fletcher, a 34-year-old teacher and mother who was reported abducted Friday on the University of Memphis campus. The unit is still on pace to start up by the end of the year, Mulroy said, and has already picked up another attorney to bolster the staff in Robert Gowen. Gowen currently works in the public defender's office as a capital case trial lawyer. Story continues "He's another very veteran, very well respected defense lawyer," Mulroy said. "He's a brilliant guy and has come over to the DA's office and, at least tentatively, we're assigning him with Lorna's office to be the second attorney in the unit." McClusky gets into criminal defense McCluskey began practicing civil law but decided to delve into criminal defense after representing some children in juvenile court. "When I was in civil practice, I started representing some children in juvenile court and it was quite disturbing to me," McClusky said. "I didn't know anything about criminal defense. But what little I did and I was starting to learn a lot more I just felt like it wasn't fair. So that launched me over to 201 Poplar and I wanted to know how to be the best at this. I thought, 'When I go back to juvenile court, I'm going to be so tough that they will quake when they see me because I'll be on top of everything'.'" The Walter L. Bailey Jr. Shelby County Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar Avenue. In the years that followed, McClusky has received a number of awards for her criminal defense work, and has already had conversations with Sunny Eaton, the lead attorney at Nashville's conviction review unit, about common practices in organizing the unit. McClusky and Mulroy have both emphasized the importance of independence in the conviction review unit. "Looking at the best practices and procedures, this unit will be extremely independent," McClusky said. "We won't be completely severed from the rest of the system, but we will have to maintain a high level of confidentiality. We're not going to be picking up the phone and chatting with people about cases. No one has an inroad to this unit." McClusky said she views the unit as a way forward in ensuring justice and making the community safer as a whole. "The confidence the community can have in our job, knowing that the right person or persons will be convicted, that's huge," she said. "Lessening the chance that someone is wrongly convicted is very important and fits into DA Mulroy's vision that we have to make the community feel safe. If you lock up the person who did not commit the crime, then the person that committed the violent crime is still out there and we don't have a safe community." Lucas Finton is a news reporter for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by email at Lucas.Finton@CommercialAppeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton. Katherine Burgess covers county government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com, 901-529-2799 or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Mulroy and McClusky 'excited' to cultivate conviction review unit For people who work in downtown L.A.'s frenetic jewelry district, St. Vincent Court with its relaxed restaurants and Old World atmosphere is a charming haven. But on a recent afternoon, jewelers slouched in worn chairs outside of Le Cafe Bonjour considered an urgent question consuming their tightknit community: What happened to the goods stolen in the multimillion-dollar Brink's heist? As passersby offered greetings in Farsi and Hebrew, the jewelers all of them men, most of them older agreed on this: The thieves worked quickly to unload the pilfered merchandise, which could now be anywhere. The theft occurred in July when a Brink's big rig paused at a Grapevine truck stop while transporting jewelry from a Northern California trade show to the Southland. Some of the jewelry might even be in L.A., perhaps in businesses just feet from the bricked alley between Broadway and Hill Street where the men were sitting, they said. The jewelers asked that their names not be published so they could speak frankly about their industry, including its unsavory side. It is likely, they said, that the bulk of the precious wares had been altered to make them unrecognizable. A man walks through St. Vincent Court in downtown L.A.'s jewelry district in 2013. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Other experts far from the quaint, tucked-away alley concurred, including an ex-jewel thief, and the writer of a book about an infamous 2003 diamond heist in Antwerp, Belgium, the epicenter of the trade. "What you want to do is quickly sort and flip these items," said Scott Andrew Selby, co-author of Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History," who added that "fungible" items such as loose diamonds would be unloaded first. "You could take them all to Antwerp and sell them in a day easy." At the center of such illicit trafficking are "fences" who buy ill-gotten wares and sell them to buyers who may, or may not, know the goods are stolen. Because fences allow thieves to dramatically lower their risk by offloading purloined goods, they often drive a hard bargain, acquiring items for a fraction of their value. Story continues Some jewelry would be sold as is, though certain items could be so distinct that thieves might wait before trying to sell them. In any case, experts said, the thieves who carried out the late-night heist at the Flying J Travel Center in Lebec planned carefully. Larry Lawton, a former jewel thief who spent more than a decade in prison after being convicted of racketeering in connection with jewelry store robberies in the 1990s, believes the thieves "knew where to get rid of the stuff before they" burgled the 18-wheeler. "You don't go into a robbery of this magnitude without having all your ducks in a row," he said. "Whoever planned this ... planned a good one." Indeed, investigators believe the heist was carried out by sophisticated criminals, given the lack of violence and the speed of the operation, among other factors. When thieves broke into the Brinks tractor-trailer shortly after 2 a.m. on July 11, one of the drivers was asleep in the vehicles sleeping berth and the other was getting food at the Flying J, the company has said. Brink's spokeswoman Dana Callahan said in a statement that the company is cooperating with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and wants "the criminals arrested and convicted, and the stolen goods returned." The Flying J Travel Center, just west of the 5 Freeway in Lebec, was the site of a Brink's big rig jewelry heist in July. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) The heist victimized at least 14 jewelers, one of whom was among those theorizing at St. Vincent Court. As the scent of doner kebab perfumed the air, the jeweler said that after the incident, he showed photos of his missing wares to merchants at four or five stores in downtown L.A. Nothing. Grasping for clues, he visited a psychic duo, who told him the stolen items were "sitting in a warehouse, storage facility or garage." It was, he conceded between sips of espresso, a futile endeavor. "I don't even believe" in psychics, he said. Provenance erased Although none professed firsthand experience with the dark arts of the business, the jewelers in St. Vincent Court described what they said were widely understood realities of their industry and explained how criminals might attempt to reintroduce ill-gotten merchandise into the marketplace. Rings, bracelets, earrings and other pieces can be easily dismantled, either manually or by submerging them in a solution that's used to "separate the gold and diamonds," one jeweler said. Another man explained that the liquid, which he said is commonly referred to as "acid" he didn't know its chemical makeup causes the precious metal to soften and detach from gems. The conversation flowed, and the men nibbled at slices of Turkish honey cake the victim jeweler had purchased for the table. Once jewelry has been broken down into its component parts, gold, platinum and silver can be melted and reconstituted as untraceable bars. Diamonds and other precious stones can be polished and re-cut to remove tiny inscriptions and other marks that tie them to registries kept by gemological laboratories. Their provenance erased, the precious metals and gems could be sold to diamond dealers, pawnshops or disreputable jewelers, one of the men said. "The industry was and is very corrupt," he added with a sharpness that momentarily punctured the languid ambience. A white gold necklace with diamonds and emeralds at the office of Forty-Seventh & Fifth, one of the companies whose wares were taken in the Brink's heist. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) Reputable buyers, however, would cross-check a stone's identifying information with one of a handful of laboratories' databases before completing a purchase. The biggest player in the space is the Gemological Institute of America, whose grading reports for diamonds are the industry standard. Stones authenticated by the GIA receive 10-digit numerical inscriptions that cannot be seen with the naked eye. "Buying a diamond with a GIA report does give consumers the confidence that what they are receiving is what they intended to buy," said Stephen B. Morisseau, the nonprofit's director of corporate communications. (The GIA also inscribes rubies and sapphires, but not other colored stones.) Headquartered in Carlsbad, the GIA works with authorities when they reach out regarding stolen diamonds. Did it get a request about the Brink's heist? Morisseau declined to comment, saying: "We don't discuss the details of any request." He acknowledged that the inscription on a diamond graded by the GIA "can be polished off ... without any loss of weight." But it would still be difficult for a thief to resubmit a stone for GIA grading without it being detected. Morisseau said the organization's reports on diamonds are so detailed the GIA tracks many measurements and characteristics, including the size, nature and placement of so-called inclusions that it can identify a stone whose inscription has been removed and even its dimensions modified. Yet he conceded that drastic alterations could mask a gem's provenance. "If you had a three-carat diamond and cut it down to a one-carat diamond, that would possibly evade our flagging but you'd have a diamond that weighed far less," Morisseau said. "Even if a diamond has been re-cut, we are confident we are able to identify the majority of them." Trafficking stolen material London or Antwerp? Perhaps New York or Los Angeles. The merchandise taken in the Brink's heist could be in any number of locales and the question of its whereabouts has bedeviled the affected jewelers. Jerry Kroll, attorney for the victim jewelers, said many of them cannot avoid dwelling on the issue, which contributes to the intense "emotional distress they are going through." "It really is like playing a movie in your head over and over again, except each time the scenario changes," he said. "For most of my clients, it is getting worse given the enormity of the loss, the quantity of the goods taken. I can think of multiple scenarios, and they can, too. You wonder, what if the merchandise shows up in a pawnshop? You almost have to stop thinking about it, but that's impossible because it's their whole life." A jewelry designer at St. Vincent Court said that gold bars and loose diamonds could be sold in New York which houses the country's biggest diamond district or Miami. "Lots of turnaround in Miami," he said. "Business is good." Not all of the jewelry would be broken down and sold piecemeal. Items that are not recognizable "signature pieces" might be quickly resold, Lawton said. "You could unload this stuff at estate sales," he said. "Some lady died who can tell that lady didn't have that brooch?" Lawton, however, cautioned that moving the stolen jewelry overseas presented additional risk. "You are taking a big chance taking $100 million of stuff in suitcases," he said. "Do they put it on a private plane? Customs does check those. Where do you take that kind of load? It's a mega load." While a fence is typically involved in the dispersal of ill-gotten jewelry, in a highly sophisticated operation, the thieves may have the means to resell diamonds and gold themselves, Selby said. It's next to impossible to know whether any of the stolen items have been reintroduced to L.A.'s jewelry district, in part because of its vast size. Also, jewelers said that they wouldn't know what to look for, noting that pictures of the missing merchandise haven't circulated in the district, although the FBI has shared images of some purloined items with the news media. Also among the cache of stolen items were hundreds of pricey wristwatches from companies including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Cartier. A gold Rolex adorned with diamonds at the office of Forty-Seventh & Fifth, a Brink's heist victim. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) Watches can be stripped of their serial numbers and given new, fake ones. But some timepieces, including newer Rolexes, are marked with a serial number in tough-to-reach places, making it difficult to remove or replace them. Still, there are some unscrupulous watch dealers willing to take on timepieces they know to be stolen, Lawton said. "I know enough jewelers that would take those Rolexes so quickly your head would spin," he said. "Listen, I used to rob them all the time; I used to get a flat $2,000." Not every insider has a jaundiced view of the business. Jeremy Auslander, partner at L.A.-based Roxbury Jewelry, said that trust is a cornerstone of the industry, noting that jewelers "trade merchandise tens of thousands of dollars on a handshake." "Trust is what we have in this business. If you don't have good credit social credit, references you will not survive in this industry," Auslander said. "In this business, you can't screw over other people." Suspicious wares peddled Each of the jewelers in St. Vincent Court said that even as they run honorable businesses, they are exposed to the shadowy side of the industry on a regular basis. One of the jewelers said that unscrupulous actors regularly peddle precious metals and gems, asking him, "Do you buy diamonds?" "I don't even look at it," he said. "I say, 'No.' But there are people in the market looking for that." Said another jeweler based inside neighboring St. Vincent Jewelry Center: "Every day they come. I've never bought in my entire life. Certain people, that's all they do." The Flying J truck stop in Lebec was the site of the July 11 Brink's heist. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Two St. Vincent Court jewelers said there has been an uptick in this sort of unwelcome proffering over the last year or so an increase that has coincided with the rise of smash-and-grab robberies at jewelry stores across the L.A. area. Not far from the alley, there was a startling example of such a crime and an illustration of the risks jewelers face. The St. Vincent Jewelry Center's ground floor brims with the stores of dozens of merchants, including one whose display cases were badly damaged in September during a brazen smash-and-grab carried out by several men. Asked about the incident, a jeweler recounted it with a nonchalance that seemed to underscore how pervasive the violence has become: Men in dark hooded sweatshirts used gloved hands to smash showcases while workers tried to fend off the attackers by throwing stools and other objects at them. The jeweler shared chilling security footage of the episode showing the center descend into chaos amid flying fists and shattered glass. The takes in the smash-and-grab robberies are dwarfed by the haul in the Brink's case at least according to the jewelers' estimates. They've pegged their total losses at about $100 million, but Brink's has said the merchandise is worth less than $10 million. The disagreement is the subject of two ongoing lawsuits filed in August. This dispute isn't the only one to arise out of the heist, with questions also mounting about the timeline of the mysterious crime. Back at St. Vincent Court, the victimized jeweler finished his coffee quietly, the din of the jewelry district hushed by the tall buildings that hem in the alley. Nearby, pigeons patrolled the gutters as men huddled around a table littered with paper cups, a half-drunk bottle of Evian and a pack of Marlboro Golds. A Mercedes-Benz SL crept by. And every so often, someone would recognize the man whose merchandise was stolen. A Brink's truck parked near the entrance of St. Vincent Court on Sept. 23. (Daniel Miller / Los Angeles Times) He got up to leave, walking toward the 7th Street entrance of St. Vincent Court, which is marked by a desecrated replica of the Statue of Liberty. Her robes were covered in graffiti, her lips marked with a slash of orange paint. On this day, a curious vehicle idled next to the statue. A Brink's truck. A sign on its rear door read, "How's my driving." Walking past the hulking vehicle, the victim jeweler could only offer a wry smile. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Alison Frankel (Reuters) - Meta Platforms Inc has almost no chance of barring the chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan, from participation in the FTCs challenge to Meta's planned acquisition of virtual reality content developer Within Unlimited Inc. But that has not stopped Meta from continuing to wage a campaign for Khans disqualification, as evidenced most recently in a filing this week with U.S. District Judge Edward Davila of San Jose, California, who is overseeing the FTCs bid for a preliminary injunction to block Meta from acquiring Within. The background: Meta and its predecessor Facebook have been arguing for more than a year that Khans pre-FTC speeches, writing and testimony showed so much animus toward Facebook and other big tech companies that she cannot be relied upon to make unbiased decisions as FTC chair. Its been a complex and multi-pronged effort. Meta first moved formally for Khans recusal last October, after she cast the deciding vote for the FTC to file an amended complaint in federal court accusing Facebook of antitrust violations related to its acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp. The FTC rebuffed the recusal demand, noting that its case against Facebook was being prosecuted in federal court, not in an administrative proceeding, so the company would receive full constitutional protection from the trial judge. Meta then argued that Khans bias required dismissal of the FTCs amended complaint because she cast the deciding vote for the commission to revive its lawsuit. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of Washington, D.C., rejected that argument last January. The judge ruled that Khan was acting more like a prosecutor than a judge in voting for the FTC to file an amended complaint. Her previous expressions of her policy views about alleged big tech monopolists, Boasberg said, did not require Khans recusal under the standard for federal prosecutors. But now Meta is contending that a different disqualification standard applies in the Within litigation, in which the FTC has brought both an administrative proceeding alleging that the proposed deal violates federal antitrust laws and a lawsuit in federal court to enjoin the transaction. In a recusal petition at the FTC last July, Meta lawyers from Weil, Gotshal & Manges said that Khan would be acting as a judge in any administrative case brought by the FTC, so the case would be marred by "the prejudicial effect of her predetermined views of Meta. Story continues Meta subsequently sought to stay the administrative proceeding, arguing, among other things, that Khans participation undermines the legitimacy" of the case. (The petition and stay motion are not in the FTC docket but are exhibits in the preliminary injunction case.) Meta also raised the issue of Khans purported bias as an affirmative defense in the preliminary injunction case before Davila in San Jose federal court, though not in a motion calling for her disqualification. Instead, its lawyers at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick have asserted in an affirmative defense that Khans role in the FTCs merger challenge has so tainted the litigation that the FTC cannot ultimately prevail and moreover that it would be unfair to grant a preliminary injunction to the FTC, given the agencys patently improper and inequitable conduct. Khan has declined to step aside from the merger challenge. We know this from an Oct. 6 letter from the FTC to Weil Gotshal in the administrative proceeding. The letter said that under the FTCs recusal rules, Khans decision to remain in the case will now be reviewed by the other FTC commissioners. Meta informed Davila of that procedural development in a filing this week in the preliminary injunction case, noting that it could be relevant to the FTCs motion to strike Metas affirmative defenses. Meta, as I mentioned, is almost certain to lose on the recusal issue before the full commission. FTC rules require that an individual commissioners decision not to recuse can only be overruled by a majority of the other commissioners. At the moment, there are only three FTC commissioners other than Khan, following the departure of Republican commissioner Noah Phillips. Its unlikely that two of those three would vote to kick Khan off the Meta merger challenge. In response to my query, Meta sent a statement about its recusal efforts: We have previously expressed concern about Chair Khans impartiality in matters involving Meta, and we have the same concerns with regard to this case. An FTC spokesman referred me to the agencys recusal rules. So why is Meta pushing so hard on an issue it has already lost once and is likely to lose again? To tease out that question, I talked to Louis Virelli, a professor at Stetson University College of Law. (Virelli correctly predicted last year that Metas disqualification play in the case before Boasberg would fail.) The company, he said, has a stronger argument for Khans recusal in the Within merger litigation because the FTC chair is acting as an adjudicator in the administrative proceeding. But the FTCs internal standard for recusal is "very vague and open-ended," Virelli said, leaving plenty of room for the commissioners discretion. If Meta ends up losing the FTCs administrative case, it will probably cite Khans refusal to recuse as one of its grounds for appeal, Virelli said, but the bar is very high in such appeals. In the meantime, though, Virelli said, Meta can point to its protest of Khans ongoing participation in the administrative proceeding to argue against a preliminary injunction in federal court. Remember, Meta is not asking Davila to order Khan off either the preliminary injunction case or the administrative proceeding. It is instead relying on its assertion that the administrative proceeding is tainted to refute the FTCs arguments that it will ultimately prevail on the merits of the administrative proceeding and that the equities weigh in favor of blocking the deal while that case is litigated. The company is paying a lot of lawyers across two parallel cases to play this multi-dimensional chess game. Well know more about whether the stratagem accomplished anything when the preliminary injunction case goes to a hearing in December. Read more: FTC files slimmed-down complaint in fight with Meta over Within acquisition Facebook judge rejects argument for FTC chair's recusal: 'Courts must tread carefully' Facebooks backup argument to toss FTC case is public policy pickle An East Point woman has filed a class action lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai claiming their vehicles contain a defect that makes them prime targets for theft. The lawsuit comes following a nationwide TikTok trend that shows users how to break into the cars and hotwire them using a USB cable. Channel 2 Action News spoke to one victim in September who said he was a victim of the so-called Kia Boyz. Its really crazy to think that its so accessible, victim Charlie King said. That all someone has to do is just break the glass and just go right in and take your car. In the lawsuit, plaintiff Mary Horne, of East Point, said thefts of the cars are up across the country over a defect in the vehicles and says the companies are refusing to install vehicle immobilizers that would help stop the thefts. Because vehicles manufactured and sold by Kia and Hyundai suffer from a defect, thieves only need to gain access to a vehicle, and once inside, strip the ignition column and insert a screwdriver, knife, or even a USB cord to start the vehicle, the lawsuit says. Despite the rise in vehicle thefts, Kia and Hyundai have not issued a recall or offered to install vehicle immobilizers in the affected vehicles. According to the lawsuit, Horne had her Kia Optima stolen in September. TRENDING STORIES: When she recovered her Optima, the steering column was torn up and a USB cord was still plugged into the vehicles ignition, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit goes on to say the expenses from the car theft are ongoing. Plaintiff would not have purchased Defendants defective vehicle if she had known it was defective and more susceptible to theft, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit demands a jury trial to look into the allegations. So far, no ruling has been made. Story continues In a statement to Channel 2 Action News, Hyundai said: We remain concerned about the increase in thefts of certain Hyundai vehicles that have been targeted in a coordinated social media campaign. Currently, Hyundai provides steering wheel locks, as available, to law enforcement agencies in impacted areas. In addition, Hyundai will provide two other options for owners of these earlier model year vehicles targeted by thieves. Hyundai has released a glass break sensor security kit that targets the method of entry used by thieves to break into these vehicles. These kits are available for purchase and installation at Hyundai dealerships and Compustar authorized installers across the country. The MSRP for the kit is $170, and the estimated cost for installation may vary by location. Hyundai is also developing a software update to further secure these targeted vehicles. We anticipate that this software update will become available for certain vehicles in the first half of 2023, with updates for other vehicles following thereafter. Please note that all Hyundai vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Some earlier models, without a push-button ignition, do not have engine immobilizers. In November 2021, engine immobilizers became standard on all Hyundai vehicles produced. Customers who have questions can contact the Hyundai Customer Care Center at 800-633-5151. Channel 2 Action News has also contacted Kia for a comment on this story. The company sent the following statement: Kia America is concerned with the rise in vehicle thefts in your area. While no car can be made completely theft-proof, criminals are targeting vehicles equipped with a steel key and turn-to-start ignition system as opposed to those equipped with a key fob and push-button-to-start system. Kia America continues to work closely with local law enforcement in affected areas to provide steering wheel lock devices at no cost to concerned owners of steel key operated Kia vehicles not originally equipped with an immobilizer. All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the year or as a running change, and all Kia vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. In addition, Kia is developing and testing software updates to further secure these targeted vehicles and will share more information as it becomes available. Kia customers with questions regarding their Kia vehicle should contact the Consumer Assistance center directly at 1-800-333-4542 (Kia). RELATED NEWS: Acting legend Michelle Yeoh recalled how she had to fight her way to success in her acting career during her speech at Elles 29th annual Women in Hollywood event on Monday. Yeoh, who was one of the honorees at the star-studded event, looked back on her start in Hong Kong cinema and the struggles that came with pursuing her childhood dream. When I was growing up, I loved going to the movies with my parents, Yeoh shared with the audience at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. I was transported and awestruck by the heroes and heroines, the humor, the heartbreak. It was magic for a little girl in Malaysia. More from NextShark: Lana Condor Was Once Asked to 'Be More Like Hello Kitty' During Casting The beloved actor then described literally fighting my way into the film industry as she had to train to punch, kick, tumble, and fall and then get up and do it all over again take after take, film after film as a budding Malaysian action star. The fruits of her labor include memorable performances in international hits such as Supercop, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Tomorrow Never Dies. Yeoh had previously revealed that she nearly died while filming a scene in Supercop since she did her own stunts at the time. More from NextShark: Immortal Studios Releases First Comic Based on Legendary Wuxia Authors Hit Series The skills she developed while training for those earlier films remain evident in her recent projects, such as the superhero blockbuster Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the surreal hit Everything Everywhere All at Once. Yeoh noted that she encountered a different kind of battle after transitioning to Hollywood, sharing that in those days [Hollywood] didnt have many women who looked like me or stories that echoed my culture. Story continues At the age of 60, Yeoh now looks back on her past struggles as a means to celebrate her and her peers successes. More from NextShark: K-pop hitmaker Gen Neo drops new single Blame It On Me As women, we are told to take all the work we can when we are young because when we dont look quite as good, or move quite as gracefully, the best years of our careers are behind us, she said near the end of her speech. If that is true, how can a night like tonight be possible? she continued. There are many of us having the best times of our career well beyond our quote-unquote prime years. Which is why it still feels like a dream to be standing here with all of you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ELLE Magazine (@elleusa) Yeoh similarly touched on the subject of aging in an earlier interview with Elle for the event, sharing that it is just something that one needs to accept. I might try to delay it a little bit with masks, good creams, lotions, and sunblock, she said. But a fact of life is that when youre born, two things are guaranteed. You will age and then you will die. You might as well accept the whole process and enjoy it. Sometimes you can get a little help, like a laser treatment or whatever, but for me, less is more. Aside from Yeoh, this years Women in Hollywood event honored other industry superstars such as Ariana DeBose, Anne Hathaway, Issa Rae, Sydney Sweeney, Sigourney Weaver and Olivia Wilde. Featured Image via WhereistheBuzz TV Flanked by the Board of Trustees and members of the presidential search committee, newly announced Michigan State University President Samuel Stanley Jr. addresses the press Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Update: The date of the MSU Academic Congress vote has been changed to close on Oct. 27. EAST LANSING The University Council at Michigan State University Tuesday approved a symbolic vote of no confidence in the Board of Trustees following President Samuel Stanley Jr.s resignation. The University Council, which is chaired by Stanley and consists of the Faculty Senate, deans of colleges at MSU, administrators, and undergraduate and graduate student representatives, approved a one-sentence resolution at a meeting Tuesday: That the University Council has no confidence in the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. The resolution passed 85-6. The University Council becomes the third governing body at MSU to approve a vote of no confidence in the Board of Trustees, following the MSU Faculty Senate and Associated Students of MSU. The resolution did not include reasons why University Council members supported the vote. The votes of no confidence are symbolic as trustees are elected through a statewide vote of the public. University Council's membership includes, among others, the entire Faculty Senate and several ASMSU representatives, so many members were likely motivated by the reasons underlying previous votes of no confidence, Karen Kelly-Blake, chairperson of the Faculty Senate, said in a statement. But regardless of the rationale, the overwhelming support for yesterday's motion makes one thing perfectly clear: Students, faculty, deans and administrators are united in their lack of confidence in the Board of Trustees. Jack Lipton, a professor in the College of Human Medicine and a University Council member, agreed. The vote demonstrates that larger constituencies of the university are united regarding the boards overreach, micromanagement and thereby the diminishment of the reputation of MSU, he said. The MSU Academic Congress, which includes all voting-eligible faculty and academic staff, or about 3,500 members, was called into session on Wednesday to consider an electronic vote of no confidence in the board. Voting will close on Oct. 27. Story continues The strife stems from concerns trustees have with the handling of Title IX reports by Stanley and other university officials, as well as the Title IX-related resignation of former Broad College of Business Dean Sanjay Gupta. Trustees initiated an investigation into Gupta's forced resignation by Provost Teresa Woodruff, which Stanley supported. Gupta failed to report claims that an official in the Broad College of Business got drunk at the Gatsby Gala, a party for MBA students, on April 22 at The Studio at 414 in Lansing, according to a Crains Detroit Business report. The publication reported that an unnamed official inappropriately touched at least one student while also dancing in a sexually suggestive manner. Gupta has welcomed an investigation into the circumstances that led to his resignation. Stanley criticized the boards investigation as micromanaging. Trustee Renee Knake Jefferson, who is running for re-election Nov. 8, issued a statement Wednesday. She was appointed to the board by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "The MSU Board of Trustees Code of Ethics and Conduct provides that only the Chairperson of the Board may communicate with the media about Board business," Knake Jefferson wrote."As a candidate on the ballot in the upcoming election, however, I recognize that it is important for the public to hear from me directly regarding the recent no confidence votes. I take these votes very seriously. It is clear that the Board must improve communication. I hope that the students, staff, faculty, and the entire Spartan community, as well as the public, will judge me on my individual record as someone who is committed to academic freedom, accountability and transparency in governance, and campus safety and healing. "The role of the Board of Trustees is to engage in oversight of the university, and not to be involved in the day-to-day management of university affairs. I have faithfully honored and fulfilled my duties as a trustee since Governor Whitmer appointed me in 2019 and I will continue to do so." Trustee Pat OKeefe declined to comment. None of the other trustees immediately responded to requests for comment. Stanley announced his resignation on Thursday, Oct. 13. He said hed also lost confidence in the Board of Trustees, including some trustees who have reportedly been pushing for his ouster for months. We were saddened to learn of President Stanleys resignation, and we wish him all the best in his next endeavors. We must now turn to the universitys next challenge: MSUs ability to attract quality candidates for the presidency is threatened every day that the Board of Trustees continues its unbecoming behavior, said Kelly-Blake and Stephanie Anthony, vice chairperson of the Faculty Senate, in a Sunday statement. The trustees have an opportunity to ease tensions by working with faculty, students, and staff to identify an interim president quickly and collaboratively. The institutions future depends on selecting an interim leader with substantial academic credentials, a commitment to teaching and research, and the trust of the Spartan community. We will hold fast to our principles and demand that the board respects the essential academic freedoms that have made research universities like MSU sources of immense intellectual value for the worlds great democracies. Trustees released a statement Tuesday saying they would reach out to students, faculty, staff and alumni as they look to quickly appoint an interim president. An audit conducted by MSU Chief Audit, Risk and Compliance Officer Marilyn Tarrant, dated Sept. 13, found a dozen Title IX process weaknesses along with recommendations to address those concerns about the Title IX report review process. Numerous statements from different factions of faculty have been released in past weeks. A group of College of Business professors said they supported the Boards investigation. Other groups have slammed trustees for their interference in academic management. The MSU Coalition of Racial and Ethnic Minorities released a statement Tuesday explaining that the Coalition had also lost confidence in the Board of Trustees. It appears to us that the BoT has failed to follow MSU policy and procedures and does not have the best interests of Michigan State University, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni in mind, according to the statement. Upon President Stanley's departure, CoREM expects and demands that MSU continue and strengthen the development and implementation of the DEI strategic plan and the building of the Multicultural Center. Development and implementation can only happen when MSU fully invests resources into the DEI strategic plan. We also expect to be involved in the next Presidents selection process. Going forward, CoREM demands transparency in decision-making and the BoT must meaningfully respond to concerns voiced by ASMSU and the Faculty Senate. We expect transparency, we deserve transparency, and we demand transparency! Contact Mark Johnson at majohnson2@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByMarkJohnson. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State's University Council passes no confidence vote in Board Microsoft, Apple, Meta and dozens of other Fortune 500 companies launched an ad campaign Thursday to push Congress to pass a new law that would secure the fate of migrants known as Dreamers, part of a last-ditch effort to save the protections as federal courts seem likely to end the executive order that has protected them since 2012. But both Republican and Democratic Senate aides say the effort has a slim chance of working and predict that Dreamers will most likely begin to lose their work authorization and security from deportation sometime early next year. Republicans, who are expected to increase their numbers in Congress in Novembers midterm elections, largely oppose protecting Dreamers unless Democrats make significant concessions to beef up border security and turn away asylum-seekers, which they are unlikely to do. More than 600,000 Dreamers migrants brought to the U.S. as children but who lack legal status are protected under the 2012 executive order known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, and advocates say hundreds of thousands more are eligible. The ad, running in The Wall Street Journal, The Dallas Morning News and The Charlotte Observer, warns congressional leaders that ending DACA would hurt the economy. Collectively, we represent the backbone of an American economy facing tremendous workforce challenges as a result of the pandemic. We face another crisis if Congress fails to act on an issue that has strong bipartisan support from the American people, said the letter, signed by Target, Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Apple, Google, MGM Resorts and other companies, as well as the Business Roundtable. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that DACA was illegal but allowed more than 600,000 current DACA recipients to keep their status while a lower court reviewed a new DACA rule the Biden administration put forward. Last Friday, the judge in the lower court, Andrew Hannen of U.S. District Court for Southern Texas, asked for more information from both sides. He is predicted to rule against the new DACA rule ultimately, because he found its previous iteration illegal. Story continues The case may ultimately go to the Supreme Court. Although the justices in 2020 blocked the Trump administration from ending DACA, legal experts believe the court, now more conservative, will ultimately rule that DACA itself is illegal, particularly because it allows for work authorization for undocumented migrants. The recent court rulings spell the end of DACA, advocates of the program say. Tragically, the 5th Circuit and courts have made it clear that not only did they rule the current DACA rule is illegal, but the new DACA rule will be illegal, too, said Todd Schulte, the president and executive director of FWD.US, a group that has advocated for DACA to continue. DACA is an already dead zombie program the question now is will Congress actually pass something in lame duck, which could be the last chance before the horror that comes from nearly 700,000 DACA recipients being forced from their jobs and subjected to deportation. Apple CEO Tim Cook said: Dreamers are an essential part of the fabric of our nation. They make our communities stronger, they make our companies more innovative, and they deserve a right to live in America with dignity. I stand with the bipartisan majority of Americans who agree that granting permanent protections for Dreamers is the right thing to do. Its time for Congress to act. DACA legislation would need at least 10 Republicans to sign on to pass the Senate, which is unlikely, say Senate aides from both Republican and Democratic offices. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., chair of the Judiciary Committees subcommittee on immigration, said the brutal reality is that the lame duck session of Congress after the midterms is absolutely critical because of the strong possibility Republicans will take the House. I certainly welcome [the business community's] increased engagement and advocacy," he said. "Anything that can continue to add to the sense of urgency is also welcome." A Republican aide said the business community always underestimates how hard it is to get legislation through on this topic and tends to misread the political environment. The business communitys long-standing influence within the Republican Party showed its limits on the issue of immigration in 2013, when the Chamber of Commerce and a host of business leaders endorsed a comprehensive overhaul that passed the Democratic-led Senate and died in the GOP-controlled House, amid implacable opposition from conservatives to a legalization program. Slimmer bills to normalize the status of Dreamers have also run into GOP opposition, including in the Trump administration, as conservatives insisted on pairing normalization with cuts to family-based immigration. Another Republican aide said there is zero chance to pass immigration legislation while Joe Biden is president. Now, no one trusts Democrats of the Biden administration to actually enforce the law and crack down on illegal immigration. Until that changes, there is no deal to be had, the Republican aide said. A Democratic aide agreed that the business community can accomplish only so much with an ad buy and encouraged companies to put their lobbying power behind reaching out to individual Republicans on DACA and immigration reform. From what Im seeing and hearing, Republicans are not budging on this, the Democratic aide said. Im glad these companies are doing this now, but theyre only as effective as their outreach. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said the business community could play a major role in shaping the immigration debate. At some point, the business community will wake up and say: Hey, we need immigration in order to meet our labor challenges. We have 11 million jobs that are going unfilled, Menendez told NBC News. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Then-President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Nov. 2, 2020, in Grand Rapids, Mich., with then-Vice President Mike Pence Evan Vucci/AP Pence dodged a question about whether he would vote for Trump again in 2024. "Well, there might be somebody else I'd prefer more," Pence said, smiling. He said he is now focused on the midterm elections, but will think about "the future" after that. Former Vice President Mike Pence coyly dodged a question about whether he would vote for former President Donald Trump again in 2024. Pence was answering questions during an event at Georgetown University on Wednesday. He was asked by a student if he would vote for Trump if his ex-boss became the 2024 Republican nominee for president. Pence paused for a moment before smiling and saying: "Well, there might be somebody else I'd prefer more." The former vice-president added that he had "every confidence that the Republican Party is going to sort out leadership." "All my focus has been on the midterm elections and it will stay that way for the next 20 days," Pence said. "But after that, we're going to be thinking about the future, ours and the nation's. And I'll keep you posted, ok?" he told the student. Pence has not announced a presidential run himself. But a former Pence adviser, Olivia Troye, told CNN in July that Pence has long "desired" the presidency himself, calling this a "known thing in Pence's orbit." Troye made these comments when Pence made a trip to Capitol Hill in July, his first since leaving office in January 2021. There, he was lauded by GOP lawmakers for "defending our Constitution" on the day of the Capitol riot. Pence now has a strained relationship with Trump after the latter tried and failed to get him to overturn the 2020 election. In June, White House aides told the January 6 panel Trump had a "heated" call with Pence on the morning of January 6, 2021. During this call, Trump spouted profanities at his vice president and called him a "pussy" for presiding over Congress' certification of the 2020 vote count, per aides' testimony to the panel. Many Trump supporters turned on Pence when he broke with his then-boss and certified the vote. Some erected makeshift gallows and chanted "hang Mike Pence" during the Capitol riot actions that Trump later privately expressed support for, the Jan. 6 panel revealed. Trump also tweeted during the attack that Pence did not have "the courage to do what should have been done." Story continues For his part, Pence has stood by his decision to not help overturn the election. In February, he told the Federalist Society that "Trump is wrong" about him having the right to overturn the election." During that event, Pence also called the idea that one man could choose the president "un-American." Pence also said in November 2021 that he was guided by the Bible and founding father James Madison when he stood up to Trump and certified the vote. "Psalm 15 says he keeps his oath even when it hurts," Pence said at the time, referencing his oath of office to defend the Constitution. Pence also distanced himself from Trump after the Capitol riot. The Washington Post reported in June that Pence has not spoken to Trump in more than a year. The Post spoke to Pence's advisers, who said the former vice president has turned down several invitations to visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. A spokesman for Pence did not immediately respond to Insider's question on Pence's intention to run for president in 2024. Read the original article on Business Insider Farmers harvesting corn. Scott Olson/Getty Images When Minnesota farmer Scott Legried wasn't able to harvest his soybean crop, more than a dozen people showed up to get the job done. Legried was seriously injured in an August car accident; when he swerved to avoid hitting a puppy in the road, Legried went off the road, and ended up breaking his collarbone, a shoulder blade, and seven ribs; cracking two vertebrae; and sustaining a collapsed lung and concussion. Doctors said he wouldn't be able to get on a tractor for several months, which was a major problem, as Legried runs his farm in the town of Frost almost entirely on his own, and the harvest from his 600 acres of corn and soybeans is his lone source of income. Once word spread in Frost population 198 of what happened, one neighbor was able to recruit 18 farmers to help Legried. On Oct. 4, they arrived at Legried's farm with their equipment and in no time had the soybeans harvested; they will come back later in the month for the corn. "This is a busy time of year for farmers, so it meant the world to me," Legried told The Washington Post. "But I guess I really wasn't surprised. I'm lucky to live in a community where people have always looked out for each other." You may also like Russia appears to be signaling a retreat from key Ukrainian port city of Kherson Why Russia losing everywhere else in Ukraine is still trying to capture Bakhmut Due to inflation, IRS raises standard deduction and tax brackets for 2023 Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, July 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) The White House said Thursday that the U.S. has evidence that Iranian troops are directly engaged on the ground in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure and civilian population. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Iran has sent a relatively small number of personnel to Crimea, a part of Ukraine unilaterally annexed by Russia in contravention of international law in 2014, to assist Russian troops in launching Iranian-made drones against Ukraine. The information we have is that the Iranians have put trainers and tech support in Crimea, but its the Russians who are doing the piloting," Kirby said. The U.S. first revealed this summer that Russia was purchasing Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles to launch against Ukraine. Iran has denied selling its munitions to Russia. U.S. officials believe that Iran may have deployed military personnel to assist the Russians in part because of the Russian's lack of familiarity with the Iran-made drones. Declassified U.S. intelligence findings showed that Russians faced technical problems with the Iranian drones soon after taking delivery of the weapons in August. The systems themselves were suffering failures and not performing to the standards that apparently the customers expected, Kirby said. So the Iranians decided to move in some trainers and some technical support to help the Russians use them with with better lethality. The Biden administration released further details about Iran's involvement in assisting Russia's war in Ukraine at a sensitive moment. The administration has levied new sanctions against Iran over the governments brutal crackdown on antigovernment protest in recent weeks spurred by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in Iranian security custody. Morality police had detained Amini last month for not properly covering her hair with the Islamic headscarf, known as the hijab, which is mandatory for Iranian women. Amini collapsed at a police station and died three days later. Her death and the subsequent unrest have come as the administration tries to bring Iran back into compliance with the nuclear deal that was brokered by the Obama administration and scrapped by the Trump administration. But Kirby said that the administration has little hope for reviving the Iran nuclear deal soon. Were not focused on the on the diplomacy at this point, Kirby said. What we are focused on is making sure that were holding the regime accountable for the way theyre treating peaceful protesters in their country and supporting those protesters. The search continues for a Princeton Junior student who went missing over the weekend. Misrach Ewunetie, 20, was last seen around 3am on 14 October after she returned to her dorm from volunteering at an on-campus eating club. Her phone last pinged around 3.27am at a location seven minutes away driving from the prestigious universitys New Jersey campus, The Sun first reported. Universe Ewunetie, Ms Ewuneties brother, told the outlet that she was sharing her location with a family member before her phone was turned off near what seems to be a housing complex in ens Neck. Authorities used K-9 units to investigate the building but were unable to obtain warrants to search the apartments, Mr Ewunetie said. Her roommates said they saw her at 3am, Mr Ewunetie said in a separate interview with NBC News. Then another roommate of hers said she didnt see her after 4, and then after that that no one has seen her. Mr Ewunetie, whose family is originally from Ethiopia, said his sister failed to show up to a citizenship appointment on Saturday, prompting fears among family members. Princetons Department of Public Safety (DPS) was contacted by relatives on Sunday and a Tiger alarm was issued on Monday, the university said in a statement. Ms Ewunetie is a junior student at Princeton. She received a full scholarship after graduating high school as a valedictorian. Shes loved and cared for, and were missing her. Were looking for her, her brother told NBC News said. Shes a very smart, empathetic person who cares for people. A reserved person. Shes dearly loved by her family and everybody that has known her and that has ever come to her. People that are from her middle school to high school, from people that even interviewed her. She was valedictorian. Shes a very smart girl. I hope she comes home safe to us, he added. Ms Ewuneties family requested that Princetons DPS conducted a well-being check on her after she failed to communicate with them for days. The department is now working along with the prosecutors office and local and state police in the investigation. She has brown eyes, brown hair and a light complexion. Ms Ewunetie is described as 54 and weighs 130 pounds. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact DPS at (609) 258-1000. Jim Bennett/Getty An Australian athlete at the center of frantic search efforts after he vanished from a nightclub in Spain was found dead inside the music venuewhere he may have laid dead for up to 30 hours while revelers inside apparently failed to notice him. Rising rugby league star Liam Hampson, 24, was on an end-of-season trip traveling around Europe for several weeks. Friends accompanying Hampson on the trip became alarmed after Hampson went missing for 24 hours, with his companions writing in a social media post that he hadnt been seen since around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Sala Apolo nightclub in Barcelona. They added that his disappearance was very out of character. Then at around midday on Wednesday, authorities found a body believed to be Hampsons on the floor of the nightclub. Authorities said it appeared Hampson had fallen from a substantial height of as much as 30 feet. Curiously, the Sala Apolo hosted a show by English metal band Paradise Lost on Tuesday evening, raising questions about how a huge crowd of revelers had apparently not spotted Hampsons body. Police in Spain did not disclose exactly where in the venue the body was discovered, confirming only that staff at the club had made the upsetting find. Hamspons death is being treated as an accident, officials said. Hampson played rugby for the Redcliffe Dolphins, a team based in the Queensland state of northeastern Australia which is about to enter the top division of the countrys National Rugby League (NRL). His father, Brett, wrote on Facebook that his family was heartbroken to say the least. Liam had a heart of gold and was a much loved son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend, he added. Words can not express our grief. We can not thank his mates enough for being there with Liam having the time of his life and assisting in the search for our boy. Our thoughts are with them. Liams sister, Tiarna, also paid tribute to the friends traveling with her late brother, writing: [You] made sure his last days were the best of his life. Story continues 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. Chatham County Police Department As the FBI and police comb through a landfill for the remains of missing 20-month-old Quinton Simon, his mother was seen drinking at a local bar. Alongside Leilani Simon, who is now the prime suspect in Quintons disappearance, was her mother, Billie Jo Howell. They were here, they drank, they left, a staff member at Sting Rays on Tybee Island, Georgia, told The Independent. Waitstaff said the flirty group was drinking shots and demanded a waiters number, according to WSAV, as protesters sat in front of their house, holding signs and screaming for an arrest. They had shots, were flirty and demanded a waiters number the wait staff from a Tybee Island bar told me. Leilani, Billy Jo Howell, and friends racked up a tab over 300 dollars, while protestors were in front of their house, as the search continues in a dump for Quinton. pic.twitter.com/UOObFVnI7L Brett Buffington (@BrettWSAV) October 19, 2022 They were having a great time, like they didnt have a care in the world, a server told the New York Post. They were drinking Patron shots in the deck area, being loud and laughing. Its almost like they were trying to draw attention to themselves. The unidentified server said that one of the employees recognized the Savannah, Georgia, family from news reports and they subsequently felt uncomfortable and angry over their presence. People were getting upset, the worker said. They just wanted them out of here. But they stayed for a long time, for hours. It was really strange. Missing Toddler Quinton Simon Believed DeadWith Mom Prime Suspect: Cops Simon, Howell, and their friends allegedly racked up a tab of more than $300 Tuesday night. Howell was seen on a motorbike speaking to police on Wednesday morning as she was about to leave the island. The search for Quinton began again Wednesday in Chatham County and after searching for hours combing through garbage, wrapped up amid warnings it could take weeks to find his body. Story continues Were in for the long haul, Chief Jeffrey Hadley of the Chatham County Police Department said. Were not just randomly searching this landfill, we have evidence, specific evidence which leads up to this large property, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Will Clarke said Tuesday. It is the only place authorities will be searching. Cops believe Quinton was placed in a specific dumpster at a specific location and was brought to the landfill by regular means of disposal. Chatham County Police posted Wednesday night, repeating Hadleys words as true today. Were not ready to charge anyone yet. We still have work to do. We still have an investigation to do, and were not going to do anything pre-emptively that would harm future prosecution. I believe in our investigators. I believe in the expertise weve brought to bear here. Were tracking in the right direction. Cops said Tuesday that they do not believe Simon is a flight risk. As true today, as when CCPD Chief Jeff Hadley said this to reporters yesterday: "We're not ready to charge anyone, yet. We still have work to do. We still have an investigation to do, and we're not going to do anything pre-emptively that would harm future prosecution." pic.twitter.com/hUimxlD9js Chatham County Police Department (@ChathamCountyPD) October 19, 2022 Quinton was last seen early on Oct. 5 at approximately 6 a.m. after his mother, Simon, texted his babysitter alerting her he would not be coming that day. At 9:40 a.m., Simon reported the 20-month-old missing and allegedly told cops that his biological father had taken him. Police said that was not the case. Last week authorities announced Quinton was presumed dead based on multiple search warrants and interviews. We are saddened to report that CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simons family that we believe he is deceased, a statement read at the time. 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. In recent months, the concept of "comprehensive sex education" has been a popular point of discussion among legislators, school districts, sex education advocates and parents nationwide. These conversations have been sparked by several different catalysts, including the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court in late June. Minutes after the federal ruling, a "trigger law" was activated in Missouri, making abortion illegal in the state. Missouri was one of 22 states that did not require school districts to teach sex education in 2020, per SEICUS, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States. But HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infection prevention and some healthy relationship content are mandated. Because sex education, specifically, is not required by the state, districts have flexibility for what it looks like. Parents fall on both sides of the sex education discussion. Some are in favor of its presence in school and others are not, believing this education should occur at home. Meanwhile, data indicates states like Missouri that do not mandate sex education in school have higher teen pregnancy and STD rates. More:MO commission unveils plan to address urgent teacher shortage, says pay must increase Lack of sex education correlated with higher rates of teen pregnancies, STDs The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 18.8 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19 in Missouri during 2020. Among states with similar sex health standards, Missouri is near the top of the list for teen birth rates. Over the years, the federal government has funded two types of sex education: abstinence-only sex education that promotes abstinence before marriage and comprehensive sex education which includes scientifically and medically accurate information about contraception and reproductive health. According to the American Public Health Association, abstinence-only programming proved ineffective in reducing teen birth rates. In fact, this programming displayed a "perverse effect, increasing adolescent birthrates in conservative states." Story continues Brea Ford, now 29, was 17 years old when she became a mom. At age 13, Ford and her mother moved to the Springfield area from a larger city in northern Oklahoma. Ford said at her old school, sex was not a popular discussion and many of her friends had never had their first kiss. When she moved to the Ozarks, this dynamic changed. Soon, she was meeting people her age who were actively having sex and some kids, a few grades above her, were getting engaged. At age 14, she lost her virginity. Ford and her mother didn't talk about sex at home and the little she did learn at school was about "basic anatomy." "Nobody taught me how to use a condom," she said. "If you handed me a condom and we were in a sexual act, I wouldn't have known what to do with it at that point. Asking somebody to put on a condom would have been even more intimidating because how would I know he was putting it on right?" Today, Ford has four children between the ages four and 13 who she homeschools. Ford said homeschooling originated as a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she finds her children work better in the at-home environment. As for what sex education looks like in her home, Ford described it as naturally-occurring conversations, rather than a structured setting like a health class. Teaching her children about bodily anatomy, using proper medical terminology, is important to her. "I had a close friend who was involved in a really terrible childhood abuse process and one of the major factors in her case was that she was able to use anatomical words," Ford said. "In public school and day care situations, where kids will report abuse, they don't realize they're reporting abuse because they're using words like 'cookie' or 'monkey.'" More:Proposed Missouri rule would restrict minors' access to 'age-appropriate' materials in state libraries Ford also stresses the importance of consent and self trust with her children. "The more information your kids have, the better decisions they can make for themselves," she said. STD rates follow the same trend as teen births among youth in the state. In 2020, 3,765 per 100,000 women ages 15-24 in Missouri reported cases of chlamydia. For men the same age, 1,503 cases were reported, according to the CDC. CDC data shows 1,065 cases of gonorrhea among young women and 812 cases among young men were reported the same year, placing Missouri in the highest percentile for cases of this STD. AIDS Project of the Ozarks Director of Prevention and Outreach Nicole Massey said STD rates are traditionally higher among women because of grant funding. She said grants issued to states from the CDC typically have a focus on young women. Up until December 2013, CDC grant money was awarded through the Infertility Prevention Project, as one symptom of having a STD as a woman is infertility. "There have been some minor expansions to what we can use that for," Massey said. "In recent years we've been able to offer a little bit more services for men who have sex with men, but those resources have traditionally just been limited to women." Massey added that women are often more likely to seek health services. Narrowing the scope even further, Greene County has the fourth highest rate of reported STDs in the state of Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Not all believe sex education belongs in the classroom According to an academic article in PLOS ONE, a scientific journal published by the Public Library of Science, 93% of parents supported sex education in middle and high school settings in 2014. This research surveyed 1,633 parents of diverse backgrounds across the country. For the parents who do not believe sex education should be taught in these settings, there are several key concerns. These include a breach of religious ideologies and concern about education centered around sexual orientation and gender identity. More:Election 2022: Springfield's guide to candidates and questions on the Nov. 8 ballot in Missouri One Facebook user commented in the public Facebook group, "Welcome to Springfield, MO": "The problem I see with schools teaching them is introducing ideas that a parent may not agree with like there are more than two genders." This user did not wish to be interviewed for this report. Another user voiced that she would prefer if sex education curriculum taught the importance of abstinence. "Sex education does not belong in the school system!" the user commented in the public Facebook group, "Springfield Public Schools - Parents Speak Out!" "How about teaching ABSTINENCE!! No pregnancies, no STDs, and no unnecessary emotional wounds!!" This user also did not wish to be interviewed for this report. According to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, abstinence is taught as the preferred choice of behavior when it comes to sexual activity. What is 'comprehensive sex education'? "Comprehensive sex education" is defined as science-based, age-appropriate education about human sexuality, including biological, emotional and social perspectives. Comprehensive sex education begins in early grades and continues through high school. The Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy nonprofit whose mission is to improve sexual and reproductive health worldwide, outlines seven components of comprehensive sex education: gender, sexual and reproductive health and HIV, sexual rights and citizenship, pleasure, violence, diversity and relationships. Inclusive teaching about human sexuality, aimed for LGBTQIA+ youth, youth of color and youth with disabilities is also a component of comprehensive sex education. More:Obstacles persist as LGBTQIA+ youth, families in Springfield work to find resources Sex education in Missouri, the Ozarks Per Missouri Health Education Grade Level Expectations, last updated in 2007, learning about the reproductive system begins around fourth or fifth grade. In elementary school, students should be able to identify and describe the function of the male and female reproductive systems, along with analyze the physical, emotional and social changes which occur during puberty. HIV and AIDS are defined to students around grades three and four. Elementary-aged students are also introduced to healthy relationships. According to SIECUS, Missouri mandates "some" healthy relationship education, which means that teachings about proper communication skills, decision-making, violence prevention and consent are lightly discussed. In middle school, students should be able to describe how hormones impact one physically and mentally, understand how heredity and lifestyle choices impact the reproductive system, explain how to maintain a healthy system and identify cancer signs with monthly self-examinations. Education about sexual harassment is also introduced to this age level during the communication portion of a district's health curriculum. HIV and AIDS are expanded upon in middle school, with education focusing on the difference between the two and behaviors that could enhance transmission, such as "tattoo piercing, sex, syringe use." In high school, students should be able to recognize normal and abnormal conditions of the reproductive system, understand how cancers associated with the reproductive system impact its function and discuss the importance of routine physical exams, such as pap smears, mammograms and prostate exams. High schoolers also learn more about HIV and STDs, including common systems and how they are transmitted. Lastly, the impacts of teen pregnancy are discussed in high school health curriculum. This education includes how teen pregnancy can impact one's life, the relationship between a mother and her unborn child and reliable contraceptive methods. Springfield Public Schools Coordinator of Health and Physical Education Brad Brummel said SPS' health curriculum is aligned with these state standards. Expectations for SPS' sexual health instruction are outlined in the school board's policy, last revised in 2020. SPS educators are trained both internally and externally, to ensure they know the best ways to create a safe environment while teaching these topics. At the Republic School District, state standards are followed, along with the implementation of Choosing the Best curriculum, Superintendent Matt Pearce said. Established in 1993, Choosing the Best provides "abstinence-center, sexual risk avoidance education" to students and training for both educators and parents. This curriculum is used sixth through 12th grade. Other school districts in the area outsource both their sex education curriculum and educators. Bolivar R-I School District Superintendent T.C. Wall said the district partners with the Alpha House Pregnancy Resource Center to provide two weeks of sex health education to seventh and ninth graders. Alpha House provides the curriculum and educators. A parent of two students at the Bolivar R-I School District, Erin Villarreal said her eldest received a workbook to bring home and complete with parents during the sex education program. Villarreal said she was "disappointed" by the workbooks' contents, which stress abstinence. Villarreal said while she understands abstinence is the only way to 100% avoid pregnancy, she wishes the curriculum would be more realistic. "(The workbooks) mention, 'Sure, condoms work some of the time,' and that part really had me," Villarreal said. "Teenagers, they're going to do what they're going to do, and they just need to have the most comprehensive, informational curriculum, so that they can make an informed decision when they do decide to become sexually active." The News-Leader reached out to Alpha House with questions but did not hear back by press deadline. At the Willard Public School District, high schoolers receive instruction from Willard educators, guided by a textbook from McGraw Hill. In addition, the Pregnancy Care Center visits and teaches their Choices Curriculum, Willard administration said. For all public school districts in the state, guardians must be notified about the content of any human sexuality or sexual abuse instruction, with the right to remove their student. Available educational resources Several organizations in the Ozarks provide folks with sex education resources, whether it be through digital materials, presentations or one-on-one conversations. Massey said prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, AIDS Project of the Ozarks worked with school districts and youth organizations to host presentations. These presentations included an introduction to STDs, how they are transmitted, how they can be prevented, and what STD and HIV testing looks like. Today, the majority of APO's education is through one-on-one interactions. Upon completing the necessary intake paperwork, patients meet with a prevention specialist to go over any concerns and what steps make the most sense for them. Naturally through this process, folks are able to learn more about STDs and HIV. Jim House was a staff member of AIDS Project of the Ozarks from 1992 until his death on March 6, 2019. The public-health organization held a ribbon-cutting and open house for its new building at 1636 S. Glenstone Ave. on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017. "I think it's our responsibility to arm young people with all of the knowledge and tools that they need to make the best decision for their own sexual health, whenever that time comes," Massey said. "We have 14 year olds who don't know much about sex and are not ready for sex, and that's great for them and we can provide them with information. Then we have 14 year olds who have been having sex for a couple of years and need a whole different level of education." Massey said this tailoring of information is what makes comprehensive sex education successful. For those interested in getting tested through APO, walk-ins are welcome at both offices. All testing is free, and youth do not need consent from a guardian. The main office is located at 1636 S. Glenstone Ave. Testing is available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. Downtown APO is located at 303 Park Central West. Testing is available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m., along with Friday from 1-3:30 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. For more structured classwork, the Unitarian Universalist Association and United Church of Christ hosts Our Whole Lives "OWL," a lifespan sexuality education program. Locally, OWL is held by First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield and St. John's United Church of Christ. Although OWL is hosted by religious organizations, it is often used in secular settings, too. Through OWL, "lifespan sexuality education" prioritizes discussions about sex and related topics beyond the classroom and traditional age of learning about what sex is. AJ Fox, director of religious education at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield, compared OWL's program to youth physical education. "It's like if we said, 'The kids who have a P.E. class at school, their families should never hike on the weekend, they shouldn't participate in any extracurricular sports,'" Fox said. "This is a lifespan thing that everybody can be engaging with in ways that are age appropriate." OWL's interactive workshops are planned and led by trained facilitators. Each facilitator is trained to work with one of the seven OWL age groups: grades K-1, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, young adults, adults and older adults. Each group discusses age-appropriate topics. For example, in the grades K-1 group, children learn about family, trusted adults and the basics of human conception (a baby is made with an egg, sperm and uterus). Fox said a unique part of OWL is that parents of children in this age group decide collectively from two curriculum paths. Children can either learn about conception metaphorically or more realistically. This decision is made completely by the parents. In the older adult age group, curriculum may be centered around attitudes about aging, disability and chronic illness, dating as an older adult, and body image topics not usually addressed when talking about sex education. Fox said OWL programs are typically between six to eight weeks and each age group program is offered once a year, due to local supply and demand. Prices vary. For more information, contact Fox at dre@springfielduu.org. History of sex education in Missouri Missouri's sex education statute was first established in 1999 and most recently updated in 2018. 1999: Missouri's core sex education law requires that any course materials and instruction related to human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases must be "medically and factually accurate." Abstinence is also stressed as the preferred choice of behavior in relation to all sexual activity for unmarried students because "it is the only method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity." The advantages of adoption were to also be taught, in conjunction with discussions about potential "emotional and psychological consequences" of youth sexual activity. 2007: A new clause about contraception was added, in addition to language about abortion. As medically factual information was taught, students were to also learn about contraceptives and pregnancy in a way consistent with the federal abstinence education law. School districts were also not allowed to provide abortion services or allow the furnishing of materials about human sexuality or STDs to students if from an abortion services provider. 2015: New language was added about the education of online predators and consequences of inappropriate text messaging, even among friends. 2018: School districts now must incorporate education about sexual harassment, sexual violence and consent. News-Leader reporter Galen Bacharier contributed to this story. Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Comprehensive sex education in Missouri may impact teen pregnancies A 17-year-old Kansas City, North, teen was sentenced to 26 years in prison in the shooting of another teen in the head over $20 worth of marijuana at a Riverside park, according to the Platte County Prosecutors Office. Platte County Judge Thomas Fincham handed down the sentence Wednesday to Jay Palmer, who was 15 years old at the time of the shooting and was certified to stand trial as an adult. A Platte County jury found Palmer guilty of second-degree assault, stealing and two counts of armed criminal action after a seven-day trial in May. The jury recommended a prison sentence of 14 to 26 years. On Dec. 30, 2020, Palmer arranged through a series of text messages to buy $20 of marijuana from the 17-year-old girl at Homestead Park in Riverside. Once there, there was a disagreement over the method of payment. When the girl tried to get the marijuana back, Palmer shot her in the head. Several callers heard the gunshot and saw the girl lying in a pool of blood and called 911. Riverside police and firefighters responded to the park and found the girl with a gunshot wound above her left eye. The girl, who spent several months in the hospital recovering, remains partially paralyzed and blind in one eye. She also can only communicate using one or two-word sentences, according to the prosecutors office. During the trial, Palmer claimed the girl attacked him when she tried to get the marijuana back. He said the gun accidentally went off after he pulled it out, according to the prosecutors office. This is a truly tragic case, said Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd. One teenager will live with serious brain injuries for the rest of her life, and another will spend many years in prison. And it was all over $20 worth of marijuana. Terrible choices to use a gun during a crime comes with terrible results. Carli Williams, of Texas, went from following an influencer on Instagram to crediting the woman with saving her life. Williams, 33, said she felt a small lump in her breast last year, but was told by doctors that it was probably just a cyst. When one doctor told her she could get an ultrasound if she wanted to, Williams, a fitness trainer and mom of three young kids, said she did not follow up. "I was like, 'She told me I did not have breast cancer and I'm not going to go out of my way to schedule this,'" recalled Williams. "I'm a busy, working mom of three and taking time for yourself when you are married and working and a mom is really hard." Several months later, as the lump began to grow and thicken, Williams said she got a second opinion from a different doctor and was told, again, that she was "young and healthy" and the lump was most likely a cyst to keep monitoring, not breast cancer. Meanwhile, a woman whom Williams followed on Instagram, Delia Chatwin, was facing a breast cancer diagnosis at age 28. Chatwin, now 29 and a model and designer with more than 37,000 followers, said she was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive breast cancer in January 2021 after doing a self-breast exam. Chatwin said she kept the diagnosis private for several months, describing herself as "in a place of numbness" as she chose not to share it with her followers. PHOTO: Delia Chatwin, of Utah, is pictured during her battle with breast cancer. (Delia Chatwin) Last April, after undergoing her first several rounds of chemotherapy, Chatwin, of Utah, began to share her battle against breast cancer on Instagram. "I felt like I'd be doing a disservice," Chatwin said of her decision to share her cancer diagnosis publicly. It was really hard. It was really, really hard putting myself in a vulnerable place like that, but I am so thankful that I did." Shortly after going to the doctor for a second opinion, Williams said she opened Instagram and saw Chatwin's posts about her breast cancer diagnosis. The posts, and a series of Instagram stories Chatwin shared, spurred Williams to call her doctor and request a mammogram. Story continues "My spirit was screaming at me that I needed to call them back after I saw Delia's stories because I'm like, 'Wait, she's young and healthy. She's not a candidate. She's not in the statistics,'" said Williams. "And right when I went into mammography they're like, 'This is very concerning.' The tone of the conversation switched very quickly." MORE: Mom of 2 battles breast cancer while pregnant Williams said the mammogram and further testing revealed she had stage 2 ductal carcinoma breast cancer that had metastasized to her lymph nodes. Since the diagnosis, Williams has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a mastectomy. She said she believes that Chatwin sharing her story saved her life. "Because Delia posted and because I listened to my own intuition about my own body, I'm going to be in a position now where I'm going to be alive for my kids and I'm going to be OK," said Williams. "I've seen the ugly side of social media and this has been a beautiful side." PHOTO: Carli Williams, of Texas, is pictured during her battle with breast cancer. (Carli Williams) Williams and Chatwin have since become closer friends and have supported each other through their breast cancer journeys, which for Chatwin has included radiation and a mastectomy, in addition to chemotherapy. The two women said they feel it is more important than ever to share their stories so that other women in their 20s and 30s know not to ignore the signs of breast cancer. "[Doctors] kept saying, 'You are so young and healthy,' and I am, and Delia is young and healthy and she had it," said Williams. "Just because you're young and healthy, it doesn't matter." PHOTO: Delia Chatwin, left, and Carli Williams each battled breast cancer. (Courtesy Delia Chatwin) Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in the United States, with over 260,000 new cases reported in 2019, the latest data available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease can affect women of all ages, though most breast cancers are diagnosed in women ages 50 and older, according to the CDC. Although the risk for breast cancer in young women remains low, breast cancer found in young women can be more aggressive and more difficult to treat, Dr. Margaret Thompson, a doctor in breast services at Cleveland Clinic Florida, told ABC News this month. MORE: Woman diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 shares viral message on TikTok Breast cancer can also be more difficult to spot in young women. Younger breast tissue tends to be dense so spotting tumors, even on mammograms, can be more challenging and may be misdiagnosed, according to the Cleveland Clinic. PHOTO: Carli Williams, of Texas, is pictured during her battle with breast cancer. (Carli Williams) The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 45-54 should have annual mammograms, and by the age of 55, can be screened every other year. Younger women, between the ages of 40 and 44 should discuss the risks and benefits of annual screening with their a physician. Chatwin said given that she was well below the age of 45 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she has learned to be her own best advocate when it comes to her health. PHOTO: Delia Chatwin, of Utah, is pictured during her battle with breast cancer. (Delia Chatwin) In addition to her Instagram account, Chatwin created a YouTube channel to share her cancer journey to help other women. "You have to be the advocate for yourself," she said. "Do your research. Stay on top of things with your own health. Stay connected to your body." Williams echoed that advice, saying, "My biggest advice is show up for yourself fiercely in your own doctor's office. My intuition saved my life." At 33, mom spotted breast cancer diagnosis thanks to Instagram influencer's story originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Each May, the U.S. Social Security Administration releases the list of the most popular baby names in the country for the previous year. In October, our friends across the pond reveal their top names. The U.K. Office for National Statistics has published the list of the most popular baby names in England and Wales in 2021. Perhaps unsurprisingly, theres a fair bit of overlap between their picks and ours. Just as Olivia tops the list of most popular names for girls in the U.S., its also No. 1 in England and Wales. Amelia, Ava and Mia also appear among the top names on both lists. There's a lot of overlap between the most popular baby names in England and Wales and the top picks in the U.S. (Photo: Paul Cunningham via Getty Images) There's a lot of overlap between the most popular baby names in England and Wales and the top picks in the U.S. (Photo: Paul Cunningham via Getty Images) As for boys, Noah is the top pick in England and Wales, and it takes second place in the U.S. Oliver and Henry appear among the top names on both lists as well. Its also worth noting that Archie the name that American Meghan Markle and the United Kingdoms Prince Harry gave to their son is also in the ranking. Similar to trends in the U.S., the 10 most popular names in England and Wales dont vary too dramatically from year to year. The only new addition for boys was Henry, which bumped Jack off the list. Meanwhile, Freya, Florence and Willow replaced Isabella, Rosie and Sophia for girls. Without further ado, here are the most popular baby names of 2021 for England and Wales. For more information on the data (including regional breakdowns and other popular names), visit the Office for National Statistics website. Girls Olivia Amelia Isla Ava Ivy Freya Lily Florence Mia Willow Boys Noah Oliver George Arthur Muhammad Leo Harry Oscar Archie Henry This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... A mother and her two children died in a fire at their home early Thursday morning, the Nassau County Sheriffs Office said. Nassau County Fire Rescue and the State Fire Marshal responded to the fire on Jane Lane in Hilliard around 3:30 a.m. NCSO said investigators found that the mother and her two children, ages 11 and 7, had died in the fire. Family and friends were gathering Thursday afternoon, waiting to go onto the property where their loved ones died. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Action News Jaxs Josh Navarro spoke with the mothers uncle, Mitchell Tanner, who said his niece was disabled and loved her children very much. He said hes distraught and asking how something like this could happen. I want to know how all three of them, none of them, even got up or anything. And its, like I said, its a brand new trailer; not even three years old. How does it burn, to the frame, before the fire department or anything can get here? I dont understand it. Im lost, Im hurt, Tanner said. The State Fire Marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire and more information will be released when it becomes available, deputies said. [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. A Nesbit, Mississippi man was sentenced to 2 years in prison after threatening to kill members of minority groups. Aubrey Suzuki, 21, made the threats on an encrypted messaging platform with members of a white nationalist organization, according to court documents. Authorities were alerted when Suzuki began making threats to accelerate and wage a race war in the United States said a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. Suzuki also made numerous statements about Nazi and white supremacist ideology, the release said. Honestly I dont want to be a normal person. I want to breathe revolution, Suzuki posted in the group chat, adding that he wanted to be in the middle of the boondocks with my mates killing people from Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ communities. Suzuki was arrested after FBI agents discovered he was attempting to buy an AR-15 rifle online. The defendant in this case made credible threats to shoot members of various minority groups, and then purchased a semi-automatic rifle, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said in a press release. While all Americans enjoy a constitutional right to free speech, that right does not include a right to threaten or terrorize other individuals. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs. Photo: The Canadian Press RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, front, arrives for a change of command ceremony for incoming B.C. RCMP Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, in Langley, B.C., Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. The inquiry into the Nova Scotia mass shooting today released partial recordings of a tense RCMP meeting that is at the centre of allegations of political interference into the police investigation of the massacre. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck The inquiry into the Nova Scotia mass shooting has released partial recordings of a tense RCMP meeting at the centre of allegations of political interference into the Mounties' investigation of the massacre. In recordings made on April 28, 2020 nine days after the killings RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki says she understands the police force can't release certain details about the investigation into how a lone gunman killed 22 people during a 13-hour rampage. "I respect the protocol around keeping certain information back so that you keep the integrity of the witnesses," Lucki said during the conference call with senior officers and staff from Nova Scotia and Ottawa. "I've been involved in those kind of investigations." But she goes on to say she felt frustrated when she learned the speaking notes used for an RCMP news conference earlier that day did not include basic information about the killer's weapons. "I felt completely disrespected by the fact that I was told that (RCMP Supt. Darren Campbell) was going to talk about the guns in his speaking notes, and it wasn't there," Lucki said. "I don't know what happened, but I think we have to do better." Lucki said her desire to publicly share these basic facts was in response to a request she received from a minister's office, though she did not specify which minister or the exact nature of the request. "I flew it up the flagpole because it was a request that I got from the minister's office," she said. "And I shared with the minister that in fact it was going to be in the news releases, and it wasn't." There are three recordings in all, capturing almost 24 minutes of conversation. It is not clear whether the recordings released Thursday represent the entirety of what was said that day. At one point during the meeting, the RCMP's director of media relations, Dan Brien, said the Mounties' "command triangle" and Campbell were not comfortable with releasing the make and model of each weapon, but he said they had agreed to use the phrase "semi-automatic handguns (and) what can be considered assault weapons." Lia Scanlan, director of strategic communications for the Nova Scotia RCMP, took responsibility for failing to include that description in Campbell's statement. "I will own the fact that that was not included or adjusted in his remarks," she told Lucki during the call. Though references to semi-automatic or assault weapons were not included Campbell's statement, the senior Mountie did use a similar description in response to a reporters question. But that wasn't good enough for Lucki. "What I don't get is that I was told that there was a certain line that was going to be used, it was eventually used in a question ... but I was expecting it to be part of the narrative that went forward," Lucki said. "And it was only by fluke. Had the question not been asked, nothing about the guns would have been mentioned." Campbell's handwritten notes from the meeting, released June 21, prompted allegations of political interference because they indicated Lucki had assured then-public safety minister Bill Blair and the Prime Ministers Office that the RCMP would release information about the firearms in a bid to support the government's pending gun control legislation. Both Lucki and Blair have denied that any political pressure was applied before the meeting in question. But it is clear from the recordings that the legislation was on Lucki's mind. "Does anybody realize whats going on in the world of handguns and guns right now?" Lucki asked those on the call after Scanlan admitted to her mistake. "The fact that they're in the middle of trying to get a legislation going. The fact that the legislation is supposed to actually help police." Campbell's notes fuelled a political firestorm in Ottawa, where public hearings were held last summer to determine if there was any political interference with the national police force. During his testimony, Campbell said he understood that the purpose of the meeting on April 28, 2020, "was to allow the commissioner to express her disappointment with the fact that I did not relay specific or detailed information about the firearms used by Gabriel Wortman." At no time during the recorded meeting does Lucki ask for the public release of detailed information. Aside from the debate over the weapons, Lucki scolded her colleagues for mishandling public communications in the days after the killings in northern and central Nova Scotia. "To watch the media chew us up, eat us up and spit us out, or to hear what the minister and the prime minister had to say about the RCMP's inability to communicate, I will never forget it," she said. Lucki said she had to apologize to a federal minister and the prime minister after the Nova Scotia RCMP failed to deliver a chronology of the tragic events with an accompanying map by a set deadline in the week following the shooting. "Its disheartening for me to try to manage the RCMP, which is bigger than Nova Scotia, and try to at least give the prime minister a bit of information before he hears it on the news. That's kind of a normal course of events, and yet we couldnt do that," Lucki said. At one point Scanlan, in response to a question from Lucki, said she did not have a meeting with the "command triangle" in charge of the investigation until five days after the shooting began. Lucki said Scanlan should have met with them the day after the shooting stopped. The recordings did not come to light until September of this year, when RCMP Deputy Commissioner Brian Brennan told the federal-provincial inquiry in Halifax that RCMP media relations director Dan Brien had recorded portions of the meeting. Brennan told the inquiry he learned of the recordings in April or May, but he said he believed they no longer existed. Meanwhile, the RCMP released a statement Thursday saying briefings with the public safety minister are necessary, particularly during significant events. "This is standard procedure, and does not impact the integrity of ongoing investigations or interfere with the independence of the RCMP," the statement said, adding that Lucki stands by previous statements she has made about the meeting on April 28, 2020. A spokesperson for Blair, who is now minister of emergency preparedness, said in a statement that while the minister was regularly briefed about the Nova Scotia shootings, decisions on what information to release were always at the RCMPs discretion. "At no time did Minister Blair or his office direct the RCMP in any of their operational decisions, including during and immediately following the tragic events in April 2020, and in regards to releasing which weapons were used during the mass casualty event," the statement said. OAKLAND, Calif. (Reuters) - Elon Musk on Wednesday said he was excited about his pending acquisition of Twitter Inc, although he and other investors were overpaying for the social media company. Musk, the chief executive of Tesla, was answering a question during a call after the electric vehicle maker's quarterly report. The world's richest person is pursuing the Twitter purchase after earlier trying to back out of the $44 billion deal. Musk described Twitter as an asset that had "languished" for a long time. "Myself and the other investors are obviously overpaying for Twitter right now. The long term potential for Twitter in my view is an order of magnitude greater than its current value," he said. In the same conference call Musk also spoke optimistically about Tesla. Tesla, with a market cap now under $700 billion, could be worth more than the combined value of Apple Inc's $2.3 trillion and oil producer Saudi Aramco's $2.1 trillion, he said. Musk has been trying to raise cash to fund the Twitter purchase, and some experts say he may need to sell about $3 billion more in stock after the Tesla quarterly report to do so. A Delaware judge ordered a pause to Twitter Inc's lawsuit against Elon Musk, giving the billionaire until Oct. 28 to close the deal. Tesla investors feared that the billionaire may sell more Tesla stocks to finance the deal and may be spreading himself too thin, pulling down shares. Musk, CEO of SpaceX, and Neuralink and Boring Company, said on Wednesday that he does not have a current plan to combine them with Twitter under one umbrella. (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin and Peter Henderson in San Francisco and Akash Sriram in Bangalore; Editing by Sandra Maler) Boris Johnson, who resigned as prime minister in September, is believed to be considering another run following the departure of Liz Truss. (PA Images) Boris Johnson is understood to be considering joining the running to be prime minister following the resignation of Liz Truss. Truss stood down on Thursday after losing the backing of Conservative MPs, making her the shortest serving PM in history. In her resignation speech, she confirmed a successor would be appointed next week. According to The Times, Johnson will announce his intention to run shortly, and considers his decision to be "a matter of national interest". A number of Conservative MPs have backed him to take over, leading to widespread criticism from opposition figures. Labour MP Rushanara Ali said: "[The] Tory party are a complete joke. We cant go on like this. Time for a general election. Time for a Labour government." Watch: How Liz Truss became the UKs shortest serving PM Her colleague Maria Eagle called the idea of Johnson's return "a farce". Deputy Liberal Democrat leader Daisy Cooper said Johnson should be barred from competing in the Tory leadership contest. The fact that Conservative MPs are even considering putting Boris Johnson back in Number 10 shows how out of touch they really are, she said. They think theres one rule for them and another for everyone else. Boris Johnson was forced to resign in disgrace after countless lies, scandals and failures. He shattered public trust in the government and plunged the UK into a political crisis. He must never be allowed near Downing Street again." Chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives Sir Graham Brady confirmed a new PM would be in place by 28 October. (PA Images) Tory MP Justin Tomlinson said it was wishful thinking to imagine that Johnson could return to the top job. Tomlinson, who described himself as someone who had strongly supported the former prime minister in the past, told Sky News: I just think its too soon. I was there supporting him to the very end but he did lose the confidence of the majority of our colleagues. Other candidates in the running include former chancellor and Truss leadership rival Rishi Sunak, as well as current leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt. Story continues A spokesperson for Betfair said there was a "lot of momentum for the former prime minister" whose odds had shortened to 11/2 from 27/1 in the space of an hour. However, Sunak (11/10) remains the clear favourite, ahead of Mordaunt (9/4). Shortly before Truss's resignation, Johnson supporter Nadine Dorries called for his return, claiming he is the only candidate with a mandate from the public. Read more: Truss tells MPs she is sorry and has made mistakes as she fights for survival "One person was elected by the British public with a manifesto and a mandate until January 25," said Dorries. "If Liz Truss is no longer PM there can be no coronation of previously failed candidates. MPs must demand return of Boris Johnson if not it has to be leadership election or a general election." Nadine Dorries was a long-time ally of former PM Boris Johnson. (PA) How will the next prime minister be chosen? Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, outlined the process in a statement on Thursday afternoon. Candidates to replace will need to gather at least 100 nominations from Conservative MPs by 2pm on Monday. If only one candidate secures that number, they will become prime minister. If more than one meets the threshold, Conservative Party members will choose the winner in an online ballot. Tory party chairman Jake Berry said the board of the Conservative Party met at 4pm and, in conjunction with the 1922 Committee, had decided on the process. We have decided that if the party should decide to put forward two candidates there would be an expedited, binding, online vote of Conservative Party members to choose its next leader, Berry said. In her brief resignation speech, Truss said she will stay on as PM until a successor is chosen. Congressional Republicans introduced what some are calling a national version of Floridas Parental Rights in Education bill or what critics have dubbed the Dont Say Gay bill. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana and 32 other Republican members of Congress on Tuesday introduced the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act of 2022, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to develop, implement, facilitate, or fund any sexually-oriented program, event, or literature for children under the age of 10, and for other purposes. The bill defines sexually-oriented material as any depiction, description, or simulation of sexual activity, any lewd or lascivious depiction or description of human genitals, or any topic involving gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgenderism, sexual orientation, or related subjects. The sweeping legislation would affect all federally funded facilities and programs, which would include public libraries, federally funded schools, military bases and hospitals. It would prohibit schools, for example, from providing sex education or library books that include LGBTQ topics to children under 10. It would also bar public libraries from using funds to host Drag Story Hour events a national program started in 2015 in which drag performers read childrens books to kids. Johnson described the bill as commonsense. The Democrat Party and their cultural allies are on a misguided crusade to immerse young children in sexual imagery and radical gender ideology, he said in a statement. No federal tax dollars should go to any federal, state, or local government agencies, or private organizations that intentionally expose children under 10 years of age to sexually explicit material. Some critics on social media have called the bill a version of Floridas recently enacted Parental Rights in Education law on steroids. LGBTQ advocates dubbed the parental rights measure the Dont Say Gay bill because it prohibits classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill in March. Story continues Proponents of the law say it applies only through grade 3, but critics have emphasized the age appropriate or developmentally appropriate clause, which some legal experts said could open up teachers of all grade levels to lawsuits from parents. Advocates say the law stigmatizes LGBTQ families and queer youths, who already face disproportionate rates of bullying and harassment at school. Your bill defines sexually oriented material as anything that involves sexual orientation, gender identity, or related subjects, Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law Schools Cyberlaw Clinic and a transgender-rights advocate, said on Twitter in response to a post from Johnson. Equating LGBTQ people to sexually explicit material is dehumanizing and disgusting. Lets call this what it is, a national Dont Say Gay bill. But some advocates say the federal bill would actually go further than Floridas measure, because its impacts would extend outside just classrooms to any institution, program or event that receives federal funding or takes place on federal property. The bill is part of a national wave of legislation over the last few years that characterizes LGBTQ people and concepts as inherently sexual, although it is among the first introduced at the federal level. In addition to measures like Floridas parental rights bill, some Republicans have gone so far as to say exposing children to drag performers or LGBTQ-inclusive curricula is a form of sexual grooming resurfacing a decades-old false moral panic about LGBTQ people. Just a day before Johnson introduced the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, Blaine Conzatti, the president of the conservative Idaho Family Policy Center, told the Idaho Capital Sun that state representatives would introduce a bill in January to ban drag performances in all public venues in the state. No child should ever be exposed to sexual exhibitions like drag shows in public places, whether thats at a public library or a public park, he said. Follow NBC Out on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The National Museum of the United States Air Force will be hosting the Troops & Treats Trick or Treat event today. The event is from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and is free and open to kids of all ages, according to a museum spokesperson. >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: National Museum of the US Air Force to host World War I Dawn Patrol Rendezvous It will feature several activities including candy stations under aircraft with Halloween-themed names. The Air Force Band of Flight will perform pop-up concerts throughout the day, a spokesperson said in a news release. Candy stations will open at 9:00 a.m. and all other activities will begin at 11:00 a.m. Admission and parking will be free. To see a complete schedule and list of events, visit here. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO allies will act if Sweden or Finland come under pressure from Russia or another adversary before they become full members of the alliance, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday. "It is inconceivable that allies would not act should Sweden and Finland come under any form of pressure," Stoltenberg said at a news conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. (Reporting by Bart Meijer and Philip Blenkinsop) Nearly a dozen people, including five Russian nationals and two oil brokers from Venezuela, were arrested and charged in a scheme to send American military technology to Russia, some of which was allegedly found on battlefields in Ukraine, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Federal prosecutors, with help from the departments Task Force KleptoCapture, revealed two separate indictments Oct. 19. The task force was created earlier this year to enforce sanctions against the Russian elite. As I have said, our investigators and prosecutors will be relentless in their efforts to identify, locate, and bring to justice those whose illegal acts undermine the rule of law and enable the Russian regime to continue its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a release. The charges come as the U.S. looks to crack down on Russia and its allies while the war in Ukraine continues into its eighth month. Pentagon replacing HIMARS launcher and rocket stocks sent to Ukraine In the first case, filed in the Eastern District of New York, Russian nationals Yury Orekhov and Svetlana Kuzurgasheva are charged with creating shell companies to illegally send military tech and oil to U.S.-sanctioned Russian buyers. Orekhov and Kuzurgasheva used their fake German business to purchase a wide range of sensitive American military tech, including advanced semiconductors and microprocessors used in fighter aircraft, missile systems, smart munitions, radar, and satellites and other space-based military applications, according to the release. The defendants allegedly caused U.S. banks to illegally process tens of millions of dollars to facilitate the transactions and sent the tech to Russians Timofey Telegin and Sergey Tulyakov, who are also being indicted. Some of the electronic components obtained in the scheme were found in Russian weapons platforms seized in Ukraine, the release said. In 2019, Orekhov also allegedly traveled to the U.S. to source parts used in a Russian-made fighter aircraft and the American-made F-22 Raptor. Story continues Additionally, Orekhov and Artem Uss, who is the son of a Russian governor, allegedly used the fake business with help from oil brokers Juan Fernando Serrano Ponce and Juan Carlos Soto to smuggle hundreds of millions of barrels of oil to Russia and China from Venezuela. Orekhov and Uss were arrested Monday in Germany and Italy, respectively, and are in the process of being extradited to the U.S., the release said. The U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned Orekhov and two of his companies on Oct. 19. The defendants are charged with an array of counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. If convicted, they could face more than 30 years in prison. We will continue to investigate, disrupt and prosecute those who fuel Russias brutal war in Ukraine, evade sanctions and perpetuate the shadowy economy of transnational money laundering. - U.S. Attorney Peace US Attorney EDNY (@EDNYnews) October 19, 2022 In a related case, filed in the District of Connecticut, a group of Latvians and other foreign individuals are charged with conspiring to violate U.S. export laws and smuggle into Russia a machine called a jig grinder, which can be used in nuclear proliferation and defense programs. The Latvians and others were arrested in Riga, Latvia, on Tuesday and are in the process of being extradited to the U.S., the release said. The FBI, along with our U.S. and international partners, will continue to aggressively disrupt the procurement of oil, laundered money, and unlawfully obtained military technology from U.S. companies to support Russias unprovoked war in Ukraine, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in the release. Vietnamese citizens in Ukraine advised to evacuate from major cities amid rising tension Vietnamese citizens in Ukraine are advised to evacuate from major cities as Russia intensifies strikes in the escalating conflict, according to the foreign ministry. Spokesperson for the ministry Le Thi Thu Hang made the announcement on Thursday during the regular press conference in Hanoi. We follow the situation in Ukraine with keen interest and we pay particular attention to the citizen protection measures for the Vietnamese nationals currently residing and working there, Hang said. As the situation in Ukraine is witnessing new, complicated and unpredictable developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urgently directed the Embassy of Vietnam in Ukraine to maintain regular contact with the Vietnamese community in Ukraine in order to grasp the situation and to arrange officials for the citizen protection hotline, and to stand ready to receive information and provide assistance in a timely manner, to discuss and ask competent authorities in Ukraine to have measures to support and ensure the lives, livelihood and properties for the citizens as well as Vietnamese businesses in Ukraine, the spokesperson remarked. According to the Vietnamese Embassy, there are currently 500 Vietnamese nationals residing in Ukraine and there have not been any casualties recorded in recent conflicts. On October 18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consular Department along with the Embassy of Vietnam in Ukraine issued recommendations asking the Vietnamese citizens to maintain regular contact with Vietnamese associations as well as the embassy in Ukraine, be ready to take measures to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including evacuation from major cities and staying away from the danger zones. The citizens are also asked to contact the competent authorities immediately through the citizen protection hotline of the consular department as well as representative agencies of Vietnam, in Ukraine and in other neighbouring countries, according to the spokesperson. With regard to the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, Hang said Vietnam wishes to call upon all parties concerned to resume dialogue, to settle issues by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, especially the fundamental principles including respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We also wish that the lives, livelihoods, and properties of people in Ukraine, including those of Vietnamese citizens, are ensured and guaranteed, the spokesperson noted. As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam is willing to contribute to promoting dialogue and seeking a resolution to stabilise the situation for peace and stability in the region and the world, Hang told reporters. Workers stranded in Africa Reporters also raised the question on the Embassy of Vietnam in Angolas advisory warning Vietnamese citizens to not be tempted into dubious jobs in some African countries following a row of inquiries for help from stranded Vietnamese nationals. The spokesperson said the ministry has discussed this matter with the Embassy of Vietnam in Angola, which is concurrently accredited to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and we have received information that the embassy has received requests for assistance and repatriation from Vietnamese nationals residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to difficulties with their employers, regarding employment placement, accommodation, and also those who have had their salaries reduced or owed by their employers. The Vietnamese Embassy in Angola has worked with competent authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo to provide information and to request that the competent authorities have measures to ensure the livelihoods of Vietnamese workers," Hang said, adding that the Embassy of Vietnam has contacted the Vietnamese community in Congo in order to provide temporary residence for them as they await the resolution of these difficulties. At the same time, the embassy has issued recommendations for workers to carefully research information before deciding to take up labour contracts in Congo, the spokesperson noted, adding that currently, the situation of the stranded citizens here has seen certain improvements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the Embassy of Vietnam in Angola to continue working closely with local competent authorities and employers in order to resolve emerging issues, she said. The consular department is also told to work with the Vietnamese Embassy in Angola as well as other government agencies in order to implement the citizen protection members in a timely manner. The spokesperson also urged Vietnamese to figure out all the information necessary before agreeing to work contracts abroad in order to avoid being scammed by illegal brokers, and when problems emerge, contact the Vietnamese agencies abroad directly or through the ministrys citizen protection hotline. Human smuggling in Cambodia Also related to Vietnamese workers overseas, Hang was asked for comments on the recent case of over 100 citizens tricked into forced labour in Cambodia and held captive in a resort near the Cambodia-Thailand border. The spokesperson said the area in question falls under the jurisdiction of the General Consulate of Vietnam in Battambang, Cambodia. According to the consulate, recently Vietnamese authorities have worked with authorities of some Cambodian provinces in this border area to implement many measures in order to support and rescue Vietnamese nationals who have been illegally scammed and brokered into labour, Hang said. From July to September of this year, the General Consulate has helped to rescue and repatriate over 100 citizens from this area. Since the end of September this year, through surveying in the area, the consulate has worked with local authorities and rescued an additional 171 individuals, Hang said. After rescuing the Vietnamese nationals from these illegal business facilities, the General Consulate has sent officials to meet with the victims, and implement citizen protection measures, as well as to provide essentials to these individuals and to support them in finalising procedures for repatriation as soon as possible. Domestically, the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with competent authorities in Vietnam to identify these individuals and to work on receiving them from Cambodia. The spokesperson said that Vietnamese authorities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Vietnam in Cambodia, as well as the General Consulate of Vietnam in Battambang will continue to work with Cambodian authorities to monitor the area to seek and rescue additional Vietnamese nationals if necessary, and to implement citizen protection measures to safeguard their rights and interests. A Nevada developer has closed on its $232 million purchase of the former Allstate headquarters and is set to break ground on a massive logistics facility in the northern suburbs. Dermody Properties plans to redevelop the sprawling 232-acre campus along I-294, which was recently annexed to Glenview, as a 10-building, 3.2 million-square-foot logistics park, reflecting both the rise of e-commerce and the shift to remote work, trends that have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement The project, which is expected to cost more than $500 million including land acquisition, will be one of the largest urban logistics developments in the U.S., bringing new jobs, a new streetscape and vastly different traffic patterns than the former insurance headquarters. This is, ultimately, a sort of an indicator of this new economy we live in, Neal Driscoll, Midwest region partner at Dermody, said Wednesday. Everybody wants to order online, to get their product faster. Advertisement A rendering shows plans for a massive logistics hub at the former north suburban headquarters of Allstate Insurance. Dermody Properties has closed on a $232 million deal for the 232-acre site and plans to break ground next week. (Dermody Properties / HANDOUT) Dermody plans to break ground Oct. 27, beginning the first phase of construction on five buildings totaling 1.2 million square feet on the northern end of the campus, with completion targeted for the second and third quarters of 2023. The remaining 125 acres will be available to develop up to five more buildings totaling 2 million square feet. The logistics campus will create 1,900 full-time jobs when completed, based on employment at similar developments, Driscoll said. Located on Sanders Road, the Allstate campus had been a corporate fixture in what was previously unincorporated Northbrook since 1967, when it moved its offices from Skokie to a six-building complex near I-294. In November, with most of its nearly 8,000 Illinois employees working remotely during the pandemic, the insurance giant agreed to sell its campus to Dermody. Allstate purchased a 10-story building at 29 N. Wacker Drive in Chicagos Loop in January, and it also leases Chicago office space in River Point, at 444 W. Lake St., and the Merchandise Mart. But the company still lists Northbrook as its corporate headquarters, with many employees continuing to work remotely. Allstate employees have more flexibility with where and how they work, so our office needs are changing, Allstate spokeswoman Mallory Vasquez said in an email. Were considering options for a modern headquarters in Illinois that will support the way our employees are working now and into the future. Dermody has already had to navigate some logistical hurdles to redevelop the Allstate campus, starting with annexation of the property into a neighboring suburb. In July, Glenview annexed the entire campus after agreeing to pay Prospect Heights 18% of the property and sales taxes collected annually on the logistics park. About 30 acres of the campus were previously located in Prospect Heights. Driscoll said Glenview topped Northbrook and Prospect Heights as the best pathway to facilitating the logistics development. We get the horsepower of Glenviews staff and scale to execute permits very quickly, and Prospect Heights, in exchange for de-annexing that 30 acres, got the opportunity for tax revenue going forward, Driscoll said. Advertisement The campus will also shift from well water to Lake Michigan water through Glenview, Driscoll said. Job one is demolishing more than 2 million square feet of office space on the Allstate campus, before beginning construction on the first buildings near Sanders and Willow roads on the north end of the campus. When fully developed, the logistics park will see about 6,000 vehicle trips per day, or about 75% of what the Allstate campus generated at its peak. While there will be more trucks plying the roadways, travel will be spread out across the day, as opposed to the rush hour traffic jams that used to clog Sanders Road, Driscoll said. There will be more trucks, but we designed this in a way that we think its going to be primarily on-and-off traffic jumping onto the interstate, Driscoll said. So in sort of a global sense, its going to feel like less, even though it will be more truck traffic at the intersection itself. For passersby on I-294 and Sanders Road, the new development will look different than the familiar Allstate campus. The industrial buildings will include lots of glass features and deeper setbacks, with almost all of the landscaping remaining in place, Driscoll said. Dermody is meeting with the Glenview arborist this week to discuss the relocation of hundreds of trees that have already been tagged. Advertisement To a great degree, the whole sight line is going to change, Driscoll said. But I think it will be very attractive. Its really meant to blend in. rchannick@chicagotribune.com A man has been charged with first-degree murder in relation to a fatal stabbing in a Norwalk apartment in September. Authorities found Karisa Shendelman, 31, dead in an apartment at 608 Knoll Drive at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release. Shendelman appeared to suffer from multiple stab wounds, the release said. When police arrived on scene, they located Antonio Lavell Lewis, 38, of Marshalltown, inside the apartment and arrested him on unrelated warrants out of Marshall County. Police later charged Lewis with Shendelman's murder, according to an updated release. Francesca Block is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at FBlock@registermedia.com or on Twitter at @francescablock3. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: One arrested in relation to fatal Norwalk stabbing HILLSBOROUGH Township police and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office are investigating a fatal crash early Thursday morning at the intersection of Amwell and Marshall roads, about a mile west of Hillsborough High School. One person was killed in the crash at about 6:37 a.m., Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said. The identity of the victim was not released. Amwell Road between Beekman Lane and Auten Road was closed during the morning rush hour because of the crash, causing traffic backups on side roads. The investigation is being conducted by township police and the Somerset County Collision Analysis Reconstruction Team. Authorities are asking for anyone with information to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office at 908-231-7100 or the Hillsborough Police Department at 908-369-4323 or via the STOPit app. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Hillsborough NJ crash on Amwell Road leaves one dead First Emanuel Baptist Church, New Orleans, in March 2022 Google Maps A New Orleans pastor pleaded guilty to defrauding his church of almost $900,000 on Tuesday. Charles Southall III transferred money meant for his church into his personal accounts, per the DOJ. After his court appearance, Southall denied money laundering but apologized for breaking the law. A New Orleans pastor pleaded guilty on Tuesday to money laundering and admitted to defrauding donors of almost $900,000 meant to benefit his church, according to the Department of Justice. Rev. Charles Southall III, the executive pastor of First Emanuel Baptist Church in New Orleans, diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds to accounts under his personal control, prosecutors said. In a Facebook Live prayer session he held after Tuesday's court appearance, Southall apologized to his congregation and claimed that he had not laundered money, but said he had pleaded guilty to "something that went against the banking laws." Southall's attorney did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside of working hours. According to court documents seen by Insider, Southall solicited multiple major donations meant for the church then diverted them to a personal account. One victim gave a tithe of $10,000, while another victim gave donations totaling $106,408.38 which was meant for charity and to improve the church building, prosecutors said. Southall pocketed another $150,000 from rent on church properties, as well as $537,805.51 from the proceeds of selling off several church properties, prosecutors said. He also took in $85,351.97 from a school building project that never materialized, according to the DOJ. In 2013, his church secured funding for a school in Baton Rouge, and hired a consultant, named only as Person A in court documents, to help run the project. Person A's payments went into an account jointly controlled with Southall, allowing him to use the money for himself, prosecutors said. In total, Southall obtained $889,565.86 through the schemes, the DOJ estimated. Story continues They alleged Southall used the money to pay credit-card bills, buy a $95,000 car, put a $10,764.11 down payment on another, and open a personal investment account with JP Morgan. A court ordered him to forfeit a 2017 Mercedes Benz convertible and $100,000 on Saturday, documents seen by Insider show. On Tuesday, Southall led a prayer session on Facebook live where he spoke about the court's decision, saying it had been a "very difficult" day but disputing the Justice Department's characterization of money laundering. "It was not money laundering at all," he said. "It was something that went against the banking laws, that I plead to. Because they say it was illegal for me to move money from an account that I have, to an account that I have. That's what I plead to." He continued, saying: "According to the law, I have made some missteps, and for that I am remorseful and very concerned. But I accepted the responsibility... that it was wrong. I did not think it was. But it went against federal banking laws." Southall, who has led the church since 1989, faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000, as well as having to pay back the stolen sums to his victims and the church, the DOJ said. Read the original article on Insider a flat rock backlit by the distant sun Five years after spotting the first known object from beyond our solar system passing through, scientists are still figuring out what the strange object says about planetary systems. Marauding ice giant planets like Neptune could be flinging many trillions of small bodies into interstellar space, some of which visit our solar system , as 'Oumuamua notably did in 2017. If true, then the population of such rogue objects moving between the stars could be in the hundreds of trillions of trillions (that's a digit followed by some 26 zeroes). 'Oumuamua was discovered on Oct. 19, 2017, having arrived from interstellar space, where it is headed once more after swinging through our solar system. And the existence of small bodies visiting from interstellar space wasn't a surprise. In fact, interstellar interlopers such as 'Oumuamua and Borisov , the only two discovered so far, had been predicted long before. "We know that when the solar system was forming, several dozen Earth masses' worth of small, icy bodies would have been ejected into the interstellar medium," Greg Laughlin, an astronomer at Yale University, told Space.com. "So if you take our solar system as a representative example, then you would expect to have quite a bit of stuff drifting through interstellar space." Related: 'Oumuamua: The solar system's 1st interstellar visitor explained in photos The mechanism that ejects these myriad small bodies is the result of planetary migration, in particular the rampage of giant planets. In 2005 astronomers proposed the "Nice model," so named because the astronomers who developed it worked at the Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur in Nice, France. The Nice model depicts how interactions within a rich disk of asteroids and comets prompted Saturn , Uranus and Neptune to migrate outward and Jupiter to migrate inward slightly over hundreds of millions of years. The Nice model has since fallen out of favor somewhat, to be replaced by similar alternatives such as the "Grand Tack" model, which describes how Jupiter initially moved inward, only for Saturn's gravity to stop it and pull it back. But according to Laughlin, in the context of interstellar objects, it doesn't matter which model is right. Story continues "Any model that has any sort of movement of giant planets as they are forming amidst a large sea of planetesimals is going to produce interstellar objects," he said. When planets stir up a neighborhood Laughlin and Caltech astronomer Konstantin Batygin coined the term " throw line " as a description of where such ejections can take place. "The 'throw line' is just a riff on the term 'snow line,'" Laughlin said, referencing the distance from a star where water is more stable as ice than as vapor. The throw line, in turn, is located where a giant planet is able to slingshot a small body with enough acceleration to achieve escape velocity from the gravitational pull from its star. The farther out the planet is, the easier this becomes because the star's gravity decreases with radial distance. purplish ringed planet with small icy blob In our solar system, according to Laughlin, the throw line is at about 372 million miles (about 600 million kilometers) from the sun , which is about the same distance as the snow line. All four of the gas giants in our neighborhood Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are beyond the throw line, and all could have ejected bodies into interstellar space, but the process doesn't necessarily need all four. "It doesn't require something as dramatic as Jupiter," Laughlin said. "Neptune readily does the trick." As the most distant planet that orbits in a region where the escape velocity is low and there are plenty of icy bodies to throw around, Neptune would have acted as the solar system's bouncer as the planet migrated outward, ejecting many of the small bodies that got in its way. "If 'Oumuamua is typical, then that's suggesting that the average star has a Neptune-like planet, just like our solar system" Laughlin said, adding that there is observational evidence to support this, in the form of images taken by ALMA , the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, of planet-forming disks of dust around young stars. Many of these disks appear to have ring-shaped gaps in them that may have been cleared out by the gravity of Neptune-like worlds. eight orange disk structures with varying ring features While this might not sound like a revelation, it is important for astronomers who have been seeking to determine just how typical, or atypical, our own solar system is compared to systems around other stars. Many gas giant exoplanets discovered so far are so-called " hot Jupiters " and " hot Neptunes ," which have migrated inward and now orbit very close to their stars. These worlds cannot eject small bodies into interstellar space because the escape velocity that close to their star is too great. Furthermore, these systems with hot giant planets are very unlike our own solar system, whose innermost worlds are small, rocky and comparatively far from the sun. However, the predicted abundance of interstellar objects implies that the architecture of our outer solar system, at least, may be fairly regular. Recipe for an interstellar object This ejection mechanism would explain conventional interstellar comets such as Borisov. However, 'Oumuamua was anything but conventional. Its shape was most likely that of a flattened, disk-like sliver , rather than that of a long shard as was initially suggested. We have seen a somewhat similarly-shaped body in the form of Arrokoth , the Kuiper Belt object that NASA's New Horizons spacecraft flew past on New Year's Day 2019. two greyish circles stuck together However, most comets are not shaped like 'Oumuamua or Arrokoth. In addition, 'Oumuamua didn't have a comet's signature coma, the "atmosphere" around the comet 's main body. Moreover, its acceleration changed as though it were being pushed by outgassing that was typical of a comet, even though astronomers couldn't detect any outgassing . Unconventional explanations aside, one hypothesis that Laughlin likes is the idea that 'Oumuamua was a chunk of solid hydrogen ice . The only location where such an object could form would be in the cold core of a dense molecular cloud of gas. Such clouds, once they are gravitationally destabilized, become the birthplaces of stars , but are they cold enough to form a chunk of solid hydrogen like 'Oumuamua? "If the hydrogen-ice theory were true, then all of 'Oumuamua's properties would be straightforwardly explained," Laughlin said. The theory suggests that 'Oumuamua would have formed inside a molecular cloud as a much larger object that became whittled down over time. Laughlin likes to draw the analogy of a bar of soap, which begins life as thick block, but after numerous washes it reduces to a thin oblate sliver the same shape as 'Oumuamua. "The problem with this theory is that it's very hard to get the environment cold enough so that molecular hydrogen freezes out quickly enough," Laughlin said. Molecular hydrogen freezes at about 14 kelvin that's 14 degrees above absolute zero, or minus 434 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 259 degrees Celsius). The cores of molecular clouds can reach similar temperatures, but the conditions would have to be just right for the hydrogen to condense quickly into a solid, and its not clear how regularly those conditions occur. However, if they are common, then "'Oumuamua would have been something that was assembled before star and planet formation in its cloud took place," Laughlin said. One piece of supporting evidence for this lies in 'Oumuamua's path through space before it arrived at our solar system. Astronomers have traced it back and found that, 45 million years ago, 'Oumuamua would have been in the same spot where a giant molecular cloud would have been about to form the stars of the Carina moving group. A dearth of interstellar objects If indeed 'Oumuamua were a hydrogen iceberg, or even if it was just some freak of nature ejected from a planetary system like Borisov was, then surely space should be filled with more of these visitors from far-off stars. Do astronomers find it surprising that besides 'Oumuamua and Borisov, we have yet to discover any other interstellar interlopers? When 'Oumuamua was found in 2017, astronomer Dave Jewitt of the University of California, Los Angeles, who co-discovered the first Kuiper Belt object in 1992 alongside Jane Luu, predicted that there were in the range of 10,000 interstellar interlopers in our solar system at any one time, based on the likelihood of discovering 'Oumuamua when we did. That estimate still holds, he told Space.com. However, Jewitt admits that he was surprised that Borisov came along so quickly after 'Oumuamua, and is "disappointed that we haven't had another one since." Laughlin is still clinging to the most optimistic scenario regarding the numbers of interstellar interlopers, but only just. The current dearth of interstellar objects "is not quite surprising yet, but it's starting to become surprising," he said. Based on the current discovery rate of just two in five years, he said that current estimates of the abundance of such objects should be halved. Jewitt, however, points out that finding interstellar interlopers is difficult, even if they are visiting our solar system in vast swarms. "Those 10,000 objects are spread over the whole volume inside Neptune's orbit, and none of them will be detectable unless they pass close to the Earth , just as 'Oumuamua was only noticed for those reasons," he said. Related stories: Interstellar Comet Borisov shines in incredible new Hubble photos Interstellar comet: Here's why it's got scientists so pumped up Hubble Space Telescope spots interstellar Comet Borisov (video) However, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile will begin observing by the middle of this decade. With its 8.4-meter, wide-field survey telescope, it will embark on the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) and, if predictions hold true, it is expected to discover at least one interstellar interloper every year. (Scientists are already better poised to understand these objects than they were five years ago. With the James Webb Space Telescope now up and running, astronomers have a powerful tool for studying these objects that wasn't available when 'Oumuamua was cutting its course through the solar system.) "If objects like 'Oumuamua are discovered in short order by RubinLSST, then that's pointing to a large population of Neptune-like planets," Laughlin said. "But if it finds no such objects, then the degree to which 'Oumuamua was unusual will become more and more pronounced." Captured Russian soldiers in Ukraine At the same time, project spokesman Vitaliy Matvienko said that for security reasons, he could not disclose the number of those who had already voluntarily surrendered. However, he said that the project has fully justified itself since there has been an obvious result and the Russian military is actively surrendering. Read also: Russian soldiers are surrendering en masse Matvienko added that information about the project is quickly spreading throughout Russia and producing positive results. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said on Oct. 20 that Russia had mobilized about 200,000 people for the war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia blocked the I Want to Live projects website on its territory on Oct. 18. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A Louisiana pastor accused of pilfering more than $889,000 from his church and its affiliated charities could spend the next decade in prison, federal prosecutors say. Charles Southall III, 64, pleaded guilty Tuesday, Oct. 18, to money laundering following a yearslong scheme in which he stole from congregants, the churchs rental properties and a charter school, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Louisianas eastern district. Money meant for First Emanuel Baptist Church, where Southall served as executive pastor, was used to pay down his credit cards and other expenses, court documents show. In one instance, prosecutors said Southall used $95,000 of the stolen money to buy a car and put more than $10,700 down on a second car. The guilty plea comes about a month after Southall was charged in a one-count bill of information in mid-September, court documents show. He faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. McClatchy News reached out to Southalls lawyer on Thursday, Oct. 20, and was awaiting a response. The minister maintained churches in New Orleans and Baton Rouge where he was accused of embezzling donations totaling more than $116,000 from two members, according to prosecutors. The money was supposed to go toward repairs and charitable projects at First Emanuel Baptist but was deposited into Southalls personal bank account instead, prosecutors said. Southall is also accused of stealing $150,000 in rental payments and profits from the sale of multiple properties owned by the church. In total, (he) improperly caused approximately $537,805.51 of profit from the sale of FEBC-owned real properties located on Amelia Street, Fourth Street and Baronne Street to be diverted to Southalls personal benefit improperly and without authorization, prosecutors wrote. Between about September 2013 and September 2017, authorities said the money awarded to a charter school founded by Southall and payments to a consultant he hired were frequently diverted to his personal financial accounts. Story continues As part of his plea deal, Southall is required to pay back the nearly $900,000 hes accused of stealing. A sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 17, 2023. Son had father killed at McDonalds drive-thru to take over family business, feds say Fake Navy SEAL scammed victims out of $1.5 million to buy luxury cars, feds say Real estate agent stole landlords identity while getting evicted from home, feds say (Getty Images) The civil rape trial against Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis has begun in New York. The lawsuit was filed by Haleigh Breest, a publicist who said the Million Dollar Baby screenwriter lured her to his Manhattan apartment and allegedly raped her after a 2013 movie premiere. During opening statements on Wednesday (19 October), the plaintiffs lawyer Zoe Salzman told the jurors that Haggis is manipulative. The evidence in this case will show Mr Haggis used his storytelling skills and fame to prey on, manipulate and attack vulnerable young women in the film industry, she said. He lured Haleigh [to his apartment], manipulated her into being alone and he attacked her. He did not stop when she said no. He did not stop when she struggled and resisted. Haggis, on the other hand, has accepted that he and Breest did have intercourse but he says it was consensual. Furthermore, the defense maintained that this rape charge came in retaliation for Haggiss decision to leave and criticise the Church of Scientology. Haggis reportedly left the Church of Scientology after 30 years in 2009 over its opposition to gay marriage. (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) He has since alleged that leaders of the controversial religion were trying to find dirt on him before the rape allegation charge was brought up. Scientology is very successful at destroying its enemies without leaving a single fingerprint behind, Haggiss defense attorney Priya Chaudhry said in opening remarks. She alleged her client was targeted by the church because he did not leave quietly. Breests attorney disputed the Scientology claim by saying: Haleigh Breest has nothing to do with Scientology. Scientology has nothing to do with this case. After opening statements, the jurors heard from the plaintiffs first witness, Nancy Manoogian, who alleged in a video deposition that Haggis sexually assaulted her in 1996 when she was a film and television publicist in Canada. Additional reporting by outlets WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek abortions but are based in states where they are now illegal, according to a new department policy released Thursday. The military will also increase privacy protections for those seeking care. The order issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlines the rights and protections service members and their dependents will have regardless of where they are based, which was a key concern of troops after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. Access to abortion has become a central issue in the midterm elections. President Joe Biden promised this week that the first bill he sends to Capitol Hill next year will be one that writes abortion protections into law, if Democrats control enough seats in Congress to pass it. And he said, in a forum with NowThis News, that he would support a federal fund to reimburse some costs for those who have to travel for the procedure. I do support that, and Ive publicly urged companies to do that," he said. "Ive urged them publicly as president of the United States saying, This is what you should be doing. The high court ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson case stripped away womens constitutional protections for abortion and left it to states to determine whether the procedure is legal within their borders. In the months since, abortion has been banned or sharply restricted in more than a dozen states. The new military policy sets guidelines so that local commanders aren't allowed to influence whether service members get access to care or face a culture where they or their dependents do not come forward out of fear of repercussions. It builds on an initial reaction by the Pentagon in June, when, days after the Supreme Court decision, the Pentagon said it would continue to allow medical leave for service members who needed to travel out of state to get abortions but noted it needed to review the court ruling and subsequent state laws to see if further guidance would be necessary. Story continues Austin directed the services to implement the new policy by the end of this calendar year. The Pentagon has also been concerned that the Dobbs decision could affect recruitment and retention as service members or potential recruits weighed the risk that they would be assigned to states where abortions are illegal. Many of the Pentagons major military bases are located in states including Texas and Florida where anti-abortion laws are now in place. The new guidelines also direct each military base to publicly display what reproductive heath care support is available for service members and their dependents, extend the time in which a service member must report a pregnancy to commanders to 20 weeks and provide additional protections for defense health care providers who furnish abortion services. Under federal law, the Pentagons health care system can provide abortions only in cases of rape or incest or when a mothers life is in danger. That doesn't change under the new policy. The funds the military would provide service members would cover transportation only; they would not pay for abortion services that are not covered by federal law. Attorney Natalie Khawam, who represented the family of slain U.S. soldier Vanessa Guillen, whose body was found last year outside the boundary of Fort Hood, Texas, said the policy is part of a continued effort by the Pentagon to address a military culture that has not been supportive of female service members. Guillens death led to sweeping changes as to how sexual harassment and assault are addressed in the military. When you are protecting a woman, you are protecting a family, you are protecting everyone that's in her nexus. It could be her children, it could be her parents, it could be her spouse or siblings, and you are definitely protecting the country as she's serving the country," Khawam said. ____ Associated Press writer Lolita Baldor contributed to this report A passenger waits to board a train at the 95th Street CTA Red Line Station in Chicago on Aug. 30, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) The CTA is planning no changes to base fares or pass prices in 2023, as ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels and the agency continues to rely on federal pandemic relief money. Advertisement The transit agencys 2023 budget proposal also focuses on hiring and retention efforts and boosts funding for security contractors amid persistent service and safety concerns. The CTA unveiled its $1.8 billion operating budget proposal Thursday, marking a 4.6% increase over the $1.75 billion 2022 budget. Advertisement The proposal comes as the CTA has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels of riders, recently reaching an average of more than 900,000 riders on weekdays, down from about 1.5 million pre-pandemic. Bus and train service has been unreliable, which CTA President Dorval Carter attributes to a shortage of bus and rail operators, and the CTA has faced concerns about violence on the system. With ridership down, revenue from fares is expected to be just over half of 2019 fare revenue. The agency gets also gets money from a variety of other sources, like sales taxes, but traditionally fares have made up about half the budget. During the pandemic, the CTA has relied on federal COVID-19 relief funding to make up for lost revenue, including $390 million this year to close a budget gap. The CTA is expecting the federal relief funding to run out after 2025, after which CTA officials said the agency will need to find additional state or federal funding to make ends meet. A woman boards a CTA bus at S. Austin Blvd., and W. Madison St., on Aug. 10, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) In 2022, as the CTA looked to lure back riders from pandemic lows, the agency made permanent price cuts to daily and monthly passes and eliminated transfer fees. Though ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels heading into 2023, no additional changes to prices are proposed, though some passes will now be available to riders of suburban Pace buses at no additional charge. We remain watchful on ... the growth coming back to the system, which is really predicated on employment trends, so we continue to watch those as well, Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Fine said. CTA riders have contended with long, unpredictable wait times for buses and trains, and Carter has said the agency would adjust schedules to take into account a limited number of bus and train operators, which could mean marginally longer wait times. The current budget keeps the same level of service the agency is currently providing. The agency intends to ramp up service as it hires more operators, and efforts to recruit and retain employees are underway, spokesman Brian Steele said. The CTA is down about 650 bus drivers and about 100 train operators from 2019 levels, according to the agency. Advertisement The CTA has also put more money toward contracts for security guards, upping the amount to $41 million in 2023 from $26 million budgeted in 2022. The money would go toward private unarmed security, K-9 teams and a program that allows off-duty police officers to work on the CTA. Chicago police also patrol the CTA. Multiple times this year, the CTA and police have said they would boost security and police presence on the system in response to violence. Chicago police officers Manuel Garza, left, and Paul Lauber patrol the 95th Street Red Line CTA station on Aug. 8, 2022. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Along with the budget, the CTA proposed a $3.4 billion spending plan for capital improvements, like construction, for 2023 through 2027. Among other projects, the plan would put money toward electrifying buses, efforts to eventually make all CTA stations accessible to people with disabilities, and the planned 5.6-mile extension of the Red Line south to 130th Street. The CTA is also seeking other funding for the Red Line project, including City Council approval for a transit tax district. The special transit tax increment financing district would allow tax revenue increases from one designated area along the south portion of the Red Line to be used for the construction farther south. A similar transit-specific taxing district is in place for the ongoing Red-Purple modernization project that is rebuilding tracks and stations along the north end of the Red Line. sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com The Pentagon will reimburse service members who need to travel to obtain an abortion, the department announced Thursday, a move thats aimed at helping soldiers or their family members stationed in states where the procedure is no longer allowed. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a memo said the travel requirements of being in the military should not impact a persons access to reproductive care. As a result, the department will provide leave and reimburse travel and transportation expenses for service members and their dependents. Since the Supreme Courts decision [to overturn Roe v. Wade], we have heard concerns from many of our Service members and their families about the complexity and the uncertainty that they now face in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion services, Austin said in the order. The cost of the procedure itself will not be covered. The practical effects of recent changes are that significant numbers of Service members and their families may be forced to travel greater distances, take more time off from work, and pay more out of pocket expenses to receive reproductive health care, Austin wrote. In my judgment, such effects qualify as unusual, extraordinary, hardship, or emergency circumstances for Service members and their dependents and will interfere with our ability to recruit, retain, and maintain the readiness of a highly qualified force, he wrote. Military providers on-base cant perform abortions, and military health insurance doesnt cover abortion, even if its obtained from a private sector doctor. The Hyde amendment prohibits federal funding being used for abortions except in the case of rape, incest or threat to the pregnant persons life. The memo lays out new privacy protections for service members, and also directs the Pentagon to establish protections for military providers so they wont face criminal or civil liability from state officials, or risk losing their licenses, for performing official duties. The department will also work to develop a program to reimburse applicable fees for Pentagon health care providers who wish to become licensed in a different state to prevent that from happening. The memo stated that all actions will be completed no later than the end of this calendar year, to the maximum extent possible. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Pentagon has decided that an overhaul aimed at reducing risks to civilian casualties will not include reinvestigating past incidents, even those that were erroneously dismissed, according to a department spokesperson. The plan also will not involve reopening past cases in which civilian casualties were confirmed but the department did not make amends to the victims families, Lt. Col. Cesar Santiago-Santini said. The agency will, however, continue its policy of reviewing cases if new evidence emerges, he added. The Pentagon's new action plan, released in August, is a forward-looking document that focuses on how DoD will further refine our capabilities and processes to better mitigate and respond to civilian harm, and provisions relating to reevaluation of past incidents of civilian harm are therefore outside the scope of this plan, Santiago-Santini said in a statement. In the near term, in accordance with the new action plan, DoD will further expand the sources of information used in assessments and investigations so that DoD has access to more information and is more capable of assessing and investigating the results of military operations, he said. Outside groups focused on preventing civilian casualties said they were disappointed with the decision. The groups have long urged the Pentagon to provide better accounting of the incidents, many of which they say were improperly adjudicated or summarily dismissed. The groups have pressed DoD to reopen previous cases as part of the overhaul, in part to learn lessons from past mistakes. If you don't reopen those cases, you don't really understand what's gone wrong, said Emily Tripp, director of U.K.-based airstrike monitoring group Airwars. Can you really know if you're getting to learn your lessons if you don't know why the thing has gone wrong in the first place? The question of reviewing past cases of alleged civilian harm was considered to be one of the main gaps in the Pentagons 36-page action plan for reducing civilian casualties, which was released in August. The directive proposed broad changes to military planning, training and doctrine aimed at helping commanders better understand risks to civilians before operations even begin but experts said it left many questions unanswered. Story continues Pressure on DoD to do more to prevent and account for civilian casualties has increased in recent years, as recent reporting by outside groups and media outlets have uncovered systemic failures to prevent civilian deaths in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The New York Times most prominently revealed officials attempts to cover up a 2019 strike in Syria that killed dozens of women and children, and a botched drone strike in Kabul that killed 10 people, primarily children, in August last year. The likely death toll from the campaign against ISIS alone could be as many as 13,247 civilians, Airwars estimates . But the U.S. has conceded causing only 1,417 civilian fatalities. It has rejected 2,674 claims as noncredible, but Airwars has associated those cases with thousands of casualties, Tripp said. That's cases where according to our methodology, all the sources agreed that it was the U.S. that was responsible, there was clear evidence that civilian harm occurred, she said. Under existing policy, the Pentagon considers relevant information from all available sources in investigating incidents involving civilian casualties, and takes measures to mitigate the likelihood of future incidents and civilian casualties, Santiago-Santini said. Over the past several years, DoD has continued to refine its practices and procedures for reviewing reports of civilian casualties, he said. Implementation of the new directive is still in its early stages. Members of the Pentagon steering committee for the new effort met for the first time last week, POLITICO reported . Jonathan Lord, senior fellow and director of the Middle East Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, said DoD should take an iterative, methodical approach to first ensuring it is in a position to mitigate and respond to future civilian harm. But once that is done: Systematically reviewing and responding to old cases that did not have the benefit of being investigated to updated standards could heal old wounds and restore the U.S. militarys credibility among many of the communities in which it has operated for the past 20 years, he said. Its not necessary to reopen every case, said Marc Garlasco, a former Pentagon official and military adviser at PAX Protection of Civilians, a Dutch NGO. But experts have a list of cases still considered open, because DoD either didnt look at all the evidence from the victims and witnesses and NGOs or else they summarily dismissed them without explanation. We want them to reopen those cases and also use past cases as the basis for lessons learned. How can they learn lessons without looking at 20 years of problems and learning from them? Why start from scratch? he said. On the whole, experts praised DoDs vision for the action plan. Ultimately, the plan envisions adding 160 people across the U.S. militarys regional commands focused on reducing risk to civilians from military operations from beginning to end, said a DoD official with direct knowledge who requested anonymity to discuss details that are not finalized. On the front end, the action plan establishes civilian environment teams in each regional command that will help illuminate the nonadversarial aspects of the battlefield for the commander, the DoD official said. The Pentagon envisions these teams will comprise urban planners, civil engineers and others who have expertise in the local area. At each regional command, civilian harm mitigation and response officers will convene working groups to ensure that expertise is integrated throughout the commands operations. The plan also calls for red teams, or specially trained staff to serve as a devils advocate to help prevent target misidentification. Finally, the plan calls for civilian harm assessment cells under each regional command to investigate and assess civilian harm after an incident occurs, the DoD official said. The new personnel will not interfere with the targeting process and they certainly wont have a veto of an operation but will help ensure the commander has the full picture of the battlefield when making decisions about operations, the official said. The Pentagon has always taken civilian harm seriously, the DoD official said. The difference now is that the department will have people specifically focused on the issue who are integrated throughout operations. We will take into consideration, as a matter of our ordinary approach, issues related to the civilian environment and how we can preserve it to the extent feasible as part of our plans, the official said. We are going to place that upfront, so its not going to be an incidental concern, its going to be a primary concern. McDonald's People are spending big money to snap up limited-edition toys from McDonald's adult Happy Meals. Each box comes with a figurine, including iconic McDonald's characters like the Hamburglar and Grimace. One eBay account is selling some sealed toys for $49.95 each, or $119.95 for a pack of all four. People are splurging out to get their hands on the limited-edition toys from McDonald's adult Happy Meal. The fast-food giant has been selling a limited-edition version of its famous meal boxes for grown-ups since early October in a collaboration with streetwear brand Cactus Plant Flea Market. The meals are available with a Big Mac or 10-piece box of McNuggets, complete with fries and a drink, and each comes with a collectable figure. Three are based on returning McDonald's characters the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Birdie while the fourth is a new one called Cactus Buddy. Dozens of listings for the figures have popped up on eBay, and they're selling for a wide range of prices, including some still in sealed packaging. Some users have listed the merchandise for thousands of dollars, though it does not appear anyone has actually bought figures for that much. One eBay account is charging $24.95 each for sealed Grimace and Cactus Buddy toys and $49.95 for Hamburglar and Birdie toys, or $119.95 for a pack of all four. Nearly 160 people have bought the lots. Another account selling the toys individually and in four-packs for slightly cheaper has sold 116 lots. And an auction listing for a four-pack of the toys is going for $81 at the time of writing with 23 bids and it has eight hours still to go. As well as being sold on eBay, a number of the figures are listed for sale on popular sneaker and streetwear resale site StockX for similar prices. The Cactus Plant meal comes in a box that features McDonald's iconic bright yellow and red color scheme, as well as pops of other bold colors. Alongside the four mascots available as toys, drawings on the box include other famous McDonald's characters such as Ronald McDonald, Mayor McCheese, Captain Crook, and Officer Big Mac all inexplicably with two sets of eyes. Story continues As well as selling the figurines, some accounts have listed the empty boxes for sale. One account is charging $9.99 and has already sold 32, while another is charging $10.99. Accounts are also selling woven bracelets with McDonald's and Cactus Plant branding. One eight-pack is currently selling for $51 with 10 bids with four days still to go, while a four-pack is currently at $28. The McDonald's and Cactus Plant collaboration has proved incredibly popular. Within days of the meals launching, three workers told Insider that their stores had run out of toys or boxes. "We had a line outside our store the first day," one McDonald's worker in San Antonio told Insider, and "we were sold out [of boxes] by 6 p.m." McDonald's and Cactus Plant released a range of limited-edition merchandise, too, all of which have sold out. Items included $150 hoodies, $60 T-shirts, $130 sweatpants, and 19-inch-tall plush toys that it sold at $250 for a four-pack. Read the original article on Business Insider By Michael S. Derby NEW YORK (Reuters) - Factory activity in the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's district contracted again in October, the bank said in a report Thursday. The bank's index for general activity stood at -8.7 for last month, a modest improvement from September's -9.9 reading. Economists had expected a better performance, however, at a forecasted reading of -5. The bank said the negative reading was the fourth such performance over the last five months and noted "nearly 24 percent of the firms reported decreases in general activity this month, while 15 percent reported increases," while a small majority of firms held steady last month. The report found local factory operators reporting higher employment and inflationary pressures, and that they also see activity falling over the next half year. The Philadelphia Fed said more respondents to the survey expect to increase capital spending over the next six months rather than cut them, but noted "the share of firms expecting to decrease spending exceeded the share of firms expecting to increase spending in four out of six categories." (Reporting by Michael S. Derby; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Michael Martinez was released from jail and resigned from his position at the Phoenix Police Department. A Phoenix police officer resigned on Tuesday after being arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution. Michael Martinez, 30, was arrested early Sunday morning, according to Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Phil Krynsky. Martinez has since been released from jail. Court documents obtained by The Arizona Republic state Martinez engaged in sexual conduct under a fee arrangement at a motel on Sept. 16. Martinez asked a woman from a website, whom he had met before, to help him meet with one of her friends he had seen in a picture. In an interview with police, Martinez admitted he paid $100 to the woman before engaging in sexual intercourse with the friend. He said he felt he was meeting with an escort, "which he viewed as different than a prostitute," court documents say. Martinez acknowledged to police that when he paid, he believed sexual intercourse would happen. Court documents state he also admitted that what had happened between him and the friend fell under the Arizona Revised Statutes' definition of prostitution. Krynsky said Martinez resigned as of Tuesday. The Police Department didn't have evidence that suggested any sex act occurred while Martinez was on duty or in a police vehicle, according to Krynsky. Phoenix police did not provide additional information as the investigation was ongoing. Reach breaking news reporter Angela Cordoba Perez at Angela.CordobaPerez@Gannett.com or on Twitter @AngelaCordobaP. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police Officer Michael Martinez resigns after being arrested A Fayette County middle school student has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a school bus driver, stealing the keys to the bus and running from the scene, Lexington police said Thursday night. Around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a disturbance on a school bus near Fourth Street and Ohio Street, police spokeswoman Hannah Sloan told the Herald-Leader. The bus driver reported having been assaulted by a student, after which the student stole the keys to the bus, said Sloan. The juvenile suspect then fled on foot, and was located a short time thereafter away from the scene. The juvenile was arrested, and charged with Robbery 1st degree and Assault 3rd degree on a school employee, Sloan said. Since the student is a juvenile, police are withholding their identity. Lexington Traditional Magnet Middle School Principal Bryne Jacobs told families in a letter that during the afternoon bus ride home, there was an incident on Bus #962 which resulted in a physical altercation with the bus driver and a student. In accordance with transportation protocol in such a situation, the Lexington Police Department responded, as did the Lexington Fire Department EMS, he said. Fayette County schools spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall said district leaders were made aware of the incident shortly after it happened and began an investigation with assistance from LPD and the Fayette County Public schools police department. As you can imagine, other students on the bus were upset and concerned about what happened. We communicated with families of bus riders last night and had a team of district counselors at school today to provide emotional support and reassurance for students as they processed the incident, Jacobs said. WLEX reported that a video the media outlet posted was taken on the bus during the incident. Students could be heard screaming in the video. Deffendall told the Herald-Leader Thursday that while district officials could not comment further, we want to reassure our community that we are taking this matter seriously and will take appropriate action. Dr. Oleksandr Sarzhevskyi, from left, Dr. Oleksandr Serhiienko and Dr. Nataliia Mizynets, of the Ukrainian blood banking delegation, tour of the Northwestern Memorial Hospital blood bank on Oct. 18, 2022, in Chicago. The three Ukrainian doctors are touring blood banks in the region in an effort to modernize their country's blood bank system during the Russian invasion. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) The entourage walked slowly through Northwestern Memorial Hospitals blood bank, winding past lab technicians, centrifuges and refrigerators holding blood samples. Every few steps, the three people at the heart of the visit blood bank and blood system leaders from Ukraine paused to ask questions through a translator. Advertisement They had traveled more than 5,000 miles, during a war, to see how Northwestern and other Illinois hospitals and blood centers operate, in hopes of improving blood services in Ukraine. The country had already begun work to reform its blood system before the start of the war, a crisis that made the job more important than ever. Its a blood system that serves civilians and military personnel. Advertisement The war began unexpectedly for everyone in Ukraine, said Oleksandr Serhiienko, deputy director general for the Ukrainian Transplant Coordination Center, through a translator. We had to modernize all our efforts to ensure that the donor blood will be present in all the places where its needed. In Ukraine, the war with Russia has meant the closure of some blood centers and the destruction of others, he said. We deliver blood to places where blood centers are ruined as well as to the front lines, he said. The Ukrainian officials spent the day at Northwestern Tuesday learning about how the American health care and blood donation systems work, and sharing their experiences. Northwestern blood bank leaders explained how they plan for disasters, mass casualty events and how they manage blood shortages. Ricardo Sumugod, laboratory administration manager at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital blood bank, left, shows a device to Dr. Oleksandr Serhiienko, center, and Dr. Oleksandr Sarzhevskyi, of the Ukrainian blood banking delegation, on Oct. 18, 2022, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) The Northwestern blood bank gets most of its blood from Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, said Dr. Glenn Ramsey, medical director of the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Blood Bank. Versiti holds blood drives and has centers where people can donate blood, plasma or platelets. Red blood cells are given to patients who need more blood, and plasma and platelets are for patients who need help clotting, said Ramsey who is also director of transfusion medicine in pathology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. When a patient needs blood, Northwesterns blood bank performs tests to make sure donor blood is compatible with a patients. It then dispenses the blood, platelets and plasma to operating rooms, inpatient wards and outpatient clinics, Ramsey said. Its not unusual for hospitals to face blood shortages during the summer and winter holidays, when people are too busy to donate or not going into offices, which often host blood drives. During the last few years, those shortages have been compounded by the challenges of COVID-19, he said. Northwestern tries to limit the use of blood to those who really need it most during those times, sometimes changing the criteria for who can get a transfusion, Ramsey said. Advertisement Its part of what Northwestern discussed with the visiting Ukranians Tuesday. Were hoping this will be useful for them, Ramsey said. Were hoping they can take back the information. Its a whirlwind visit for the Ukrainians, who are visiting several additional Chicago-area hospitals and blood centers this week, including University of Chicago Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Vitalant and Elmhurst Hospital. Their trip is sponsored by the Congressional Office for International Leadership, which is an agency that has an exchange program for Eurasian leaders and future leaders to visit the U.S. Their visit is being coordinated by the Council of International Programs in Chicago. The trio in Chicago is one of a number of groups of Ukrainian medical professionals visiting the U.S. now. We almost dont sleep because we have to respond to (our places of work), and the needs in Ukraine and, at the same time, learn here, said Nataliia Mizynets, head of the blood bank at Rivne Regional Clinical Hospital, through a translator. But the Chicago area visit is important, she said, because we receive both civil and servicemen during the war, and the number of wounded will only grow. Advertisement lschencker@chicagotribune.com By Seun Sanni and Temilade Adelaja LAGOS (Reuters) -Police fired several rounds of tear gas at demonstrators marching at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on Thursday to mark the second anniversary of peaceful protests against police brutality that ended in a hail of gunfire. Reuters witnesses saw police fire five rounds of tear gas to disperse around 200 people marching at the gate, some waving Nigerian flags and singing "solidarity forever." Police also arrested two people, according to a Reuters witness. Neither a Lagos state spokesman or a police spokesman immediately responded to requests for comment. "We refuse to allow the government to forget," demonstrator Yemi Adamolekun told Reuters. "People were killed...Nigerians will not let them forget." By early afternoon, most protesters had left the scene. On Oct. 20, 2020 security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters demanding an end to what they said was endemic police brutality, particularly from a unit called the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), according to a judicial panel investigating the incident and set up by the Lagos state government. The panel said 11 were killed, four missing and presumed dead and multiple others had suffered gunshot wounds. It added that nearly 100 other unidentified corpses in Lagos state could be linked to the incident. The army and police both denied using live rounds, and the Lagos state and federal governments rejected the judicial report, saying it was strewn with errors and its conclusions were not backed up by evidence. The SARS unit - which rights groups had long accused of extortion, harassment, torture and murder - was disbanded on Oct. 11, 2020 in response to the protests. The shootings triggered the worst street unrest since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999. After the shootings, some protesters depicted a pattern of intimidation, detentions and even asset freezes. Amnesty International said that more than 40 protesters were still in prisons nationwide following the 2020 demonstrations. Neither the police nor Nigeria's attorney general immediately commented on the figure. (Reporting by Libby GeorgeEditing by Alexandra Hudson) KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 22:47 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls on the international community to convey to Russia that a possible terrorist attack on the KHPP [Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant] will be equated to the use of mass destruction weapons, and urged Ukraines foreign partners to take preventive measures. Source: the President's evening address Quote: " All of us Europeans, world leaders, international organizations must make it clear to the terrorist state that such a terrorist attack on the KHPP will mean exactly the same as the use of weapons of mass destruction. The consequences for Russia must be appropriate. The world must react preemptively. This is the key now. The principle of preventive response to security threats should finally become one of the basic principles of international politics." Details: Zelenskyy said that the occupiers could annihilate the very possibility of supplying water from the Dnipro to Crimea with the planned terrorist attack on the KHPP. Quote: "The North Crimean Canal will simply disappear in the event of the destruction of the KHPP dam. And if Russia is preparing such a terrorist attack, if it is seriously considering such a scenario, it means that the terrorists are very clearly aware that they cannot hold not only Kherson, but also our countrys entire south, including Crimea." More details: Zelenskyy also noted that Russia "tried to blackmail Europe with gas and oil, organised sabotage on underwater gas pipelines and critical cables in Europe, tried and is trying to freeze people." However, the president said, Russia has only lost its power in the European energy market, which it gained since Brezhnev's times [the 1960-1980s], "and will definitely be treated as the most inadequate international criminal." Background: On 20 October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russians had mined the dam and units of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (KHPP) and were planning to commit a terrorist attack under another flag [Ukraines ed.]. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! IRYNA BALACHUK THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 11:14 Andrii Yermak, the head of the President's Office, is convinced that Ukraine's membership of NATO will strengthen the Alliance. Source: Yermak on Telegram Quote from Yermak: "Ukraine has already destroyed almost 50% of the potential of the main threat to NATO in the form of the Russian Federation. Ukraine's membership of NATO will definitely strengthen the Alliance." Background: Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! WOBURN A Virginia man serving a life sentence for murder in a Massachusetts prison said he assaulted a corrections officer in an attempt to return to his home state, prosecutors alleged at the mans arraignment Thursday. Roy Booth Jr., 40, is accused of beating Matthew Tidman of Leominster several times with a metal bar Aug. 31, while Tidman was on duty in the medium-security section of the Massachusetts Correctional Institution-Shirley. Tidman suffered severe injuries to his skull. He has been slowly recovering from the assault, moving a couple of weeks ago from Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington (where he was since the assault) to a rehabilitation center. Roy Booth Jr., accused of beating MCI-Shirley corrections officer Matthew Tidman, is seen during his Oct. 20 arraignment at Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. Mr. Booth had made statements previous to this incident that he was looking for a way to get back to Virginia, that one of the ways he could get back to Virginia is if he hurts someone. And that is exactly what he did on Aug. 31, Assistant District Attorney Thomas Brant said at the arraignment in Middlesex Superior Court. Brant gave the following account of what happened Aug. 31: Booth walked into the weight and exercise area of the gym at MCI-Shirley around 2:15 p.m. and picked up a metal bar around 2 feet long. He placed the bar on his left hip, pulling it right parallel to his hip and walked out of the gym in a manner that would not allow other corrections officers or inmates to see him. He stood against a wall and waited for other people to leave the area where Tidman was standing about 10 feet away. Mr. Booth immediately runs over, goes up behind Mr. Tidman and strikes him on the side of the head with that hard metal bar, which weighs, I would say, probably 5 or 6 pounds, Brant said. He strikes him severely, brutally and quickly, [and] knocks him to the ground. He then as he's down on the ground, he hits him four more times. Middlesex Assistant District Attorney Thomas Brant speaks during the Oct. 20 arraignment of Roy Booth Jr. at Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. Two other corrections officers working inside the gym wrestled Booth to the ground. Booth was immediately moved to the maximum-security Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center next door. Story continues Kevin Flanagan, legislative representative for the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, told reporters after the arraignment that what happened to Tidman is one of the most heinous assaults I've ever seen in my career. It's just heinous. I don't know how else to put it. Ten days after the assault, Brant said, Mr. Booth made a statement to one of the other corrections officers there. Basically, the words that he used was, The way you get these pigs ... is you sneak up on them when they're not looking from behind and get them. Pig is a derogatory term for a police officer. Ban of free weights sought Booth arrived at MCI-Shirley in March 2021 as part of the Interstate Corrections Compact, which transfers inmates between states in certain circumstances. Booth was serving a life sentence for a 2001 murder in Portsmouth, Virginia. After the assault, weight rooms in prisons across Massachusetts were ordered temporarily closed. Kevin Flanagan, legislative representative for the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, speaks with reporters after the Oct. 20 arraignment of Roy Booth Jr. at Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. We want that to be a permanent removal of all free weights inside the prison, Flanagan said. Members of Tidmans family and 50 to 75 corrections officers attended the arraignment. Today was a difficult day, Flanagan said, explaining how the Tidman family was feeling. Obviously I don't want to speak for them, but I think it was a difficult day, not just for the family, but for all correction officers. We come together in solidarity, and we support not only Matt Tidman but the family as well and all of the coworkers that work with him at the Shirley medium [prison]. Booth was arraigned on charges of armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, and mayhem. He pleaded not guilty and, in a symbolic move since he is serving a life sentence, is being held without bail. He will be back in court Oct. 27. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Roy Booth, accused of beating prison guard Matthew Tidman, arraigned ROME (Reuters) - The 20 bottles of vodka sent to Italy's Silvio Berlusconi as a birthday gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin breach European sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission said on Thursday. Former prime minister Berlusconi, whose Forza Italia party is set to be a member of Italy's new coalition government, caused controversy this week when he said he was back in touch with Putin and had recently exchanged "sweet letters" with him. "For my birthday he sent me 20 bottles of vodka and a very sweet letter," Berlusconi, who turned 86 last month, told his lower house lawmakers, according to the audio issued by news agency LaPresse. An EU sanctions package agreed in April extended an import ban for Russian goods to include spirits, including vodka, a Commission spokesperson said in a statement, adding there was no exemption for gifts. However, it is up to individual EU member states to implement the sanctions, they said, and it was not immediately clear if any action would be taken to pursue the case by Italian authorities. In response to Berlusconi's reported comments on Putin and the war in Ukraine, Giorgia Meloni, who is expected to be Italy's next prime minister, said on Wednesday her new government would be pro-NATO and fully a part of Europe. (Reporting by Bart Meijer and Alvise Armellini; Writing by Keith Weir, Editing by Angus MacSwan) The search for missing toddler Quinton Simon is zeroing in on a Georgia landfill nearly two weeks after he vanished. Quinton was reported missing from his home in Savannah on the morning of 5 October. A week later, Chatham County police announced they believe the 20-month-old is dead, and his mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, is considered the prime suspect. No arrests have been made so far. In a grim update on Tuesday, authorities revealed that the search - with assistance from the FBI - is now focused on a landfill where Quintons body is thought to have been taken after being put in a dumpster. The FBI later released photos of dozens of investigators combing the landfill with rakes. "We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team," Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said. "We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else." FBI searches for Quintons remains in landfill 13:00 , Andrea Blanco The FBI has released chilling new images that offer an insight into the gruelling search for Quinton after it was revealed on Tuesday that evidence led authorities to believe that the 20-months-olds remains were disposed of in a dumpster and then taken to a Waste Management landfill in Savannah. Quinton was reported missing on 5 October. His mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, made the 911 call reporting that she had woken up to find her son was gone and that she believed someone came in and took him, WJCL reported. Ms Simon, who has two other children who have since been removed from the home, is now the prime suspect in Quintons disappearance. Andrea Blanco has the story: Police comb Georgia landfill for missing toddler Quinton Simon in eerie new images Quinton Simons mother and grandmother seen at bar amid landfill search 11:50 , Andrea Blanco As the FBI continues searching for Quintons body in a landfill in Savannah, local news station WSAV first reported that Leilani Simon, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Rays, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island. Story continues When contacted by The Independent, a staff member at the bar said: They were here, they drank, they left. The Independents Andrea blanco has more: Quinton Simons mother downed tequila shots at bar amid landfill FBI search Quinton is believed to be buried in landfill 09:30 , Andrea Blanco Local police and the FBI announced the grim development at a news conference on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after 20-month-old Quinton vanished on 5 October in Savannah. Officials said there is evidence to suggest the toddler was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area. A search is now underway. We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said. We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else. The FBI released this photo of investigators combing through garbage in the landfill search for Quinton Simon (FBI) Leilani Simon appeared in court Monday over custody of two other children 08:15 , Andrea Blanco On Monday, Leilani Simon attended a court hearing over the custody of Quintons siblings, a 6-months-old baby and a 3-years-old. The hearing was sealed from the public, local news station WOC11 reported. Other attendees are prohibited from discussing the hearing. Ms Simon is the prime suspect in Simons disappearance and possible death but has not been charged with any crime. Quintons babysitter received odd text" 07:10 , Andrea Blanco Quintons babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the day the toddler disappeared that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling. I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.], Diana McCarta told WSAV last week, She continued: Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesnt work. And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton, said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quintons mother. I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didnt want that. So, Ive been just waiting around like everyone else. Quintons babysitter and grandmother had argument 06:00 , Andrea Blanco In a video obtained by WSAV, Billie Howell and Diana McCarta are reportedly seen engaging in a verbal dispute over the disappearance of Quinton. The grandmother accused the babysitter of organising a memorial for Quinton in the video and exclaimed: Youre awful to say youre going to put up a memorial...My babys not dead. Ms McCarta responded by denying the memorial idea and calling Ms Howell a liar. Most of the comments made in the video are inaudible, however. The babysitter claimed to the news station that she had previously alerted Georgias Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) about Quinton, and that the department had an open case. Video showing Quintons babysitter (left) and grandmother (right) in a verbal dispute (WSAV3 / Diana McCarta) A mentally and physically gruelling search for remains continues 04:57 , Andrea Blanco At a press conference on Tuesday, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said that the search ahead would be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team. We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else, he added. No arrests have been made in the case, according to WJCL. Quentin is believed to be buried in a landfill and his mother, Leilani Simon, is considered the prime suspect. FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. Mr Clarke added that this will not be quick and it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain. The FBI released this photo of crews collecting rakes to dig through a landfill in their search for Quinton Simon (FBI) Investigators previously searched several areas in hopes to find Quinton alive 03:47 , Andrea Blanco After Quinton was reported missing, search warrants were carried out on a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the house itself. Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained. Police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence that we believe will help move this case forward. That evidence went under analysis, police said. On Tuesday 18 October, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill. The Independents Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have more: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia FBI leads search for Quinton 02:37 , Andrea Blanco The FBI is supporting the Chatham County Police Department in the investigation, with law enforcement spending 18 to 20 hours a day looking for the 20-month-old child, CNN reported. Theyre now focusing on a landfill after reviewing evidence that suggests the toddlers remains are buried there. Chatham County police said in an earlier statement that it had executed search warrants and continued to interview those who might have information that could be helpful in the investigation with the help of the FBI. FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during a press conference on Tuesday that we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here, he added. Quintons mother first reported abduction 01:27 , Andrea Blanco Quinton went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah. He was last seen at about 6am that day at an address in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road, and was reported missing at approximately 9.40am by his mother, Leilani Simon. She told police her son was playing in a playpen when he was last seen, although earlier reports suggested Quinton had wandered off, CNN reported. A dispatch call by emergency service, which has been obtained by local media, suggested the front door to the family home was found open and that Ms Simon told 911 she Thinks someone came in and took him. The Independents Gino Spocchia has everything we know about the case: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia Leilani Simon did not have custody of Simon Thursday 20 October 2022 00:17 , Andrea Blanco Ms Howell reportedly lived at the same address as Quinton and his mother, Leilani Simon, along with her husband Thomas Howell, and her daughters boyfriend, WJCL reported. The news outlet obtained court documents alleging an eviction despite, with Ms Howell seeking to remove her daughter and her boyfriend from the property over alleged damage and a lack of peace. This remains unconfirmed, however. The same documents also stated that Quintons grandparents have custody of the child. Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesnt, Billie Jo Howell told ABC30. I dont know what to think right now...I dont know if I can trust her or I dont. I just know Im hurting and I want this baby home. Hes my baby. Quintons babysitter was told she was not needed on day of disappearance Wednesday 19 October 2022 23:05 , Andrea Blanco Speaking in an interview with WSAV on 10 October, Quintons babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the morning that Quentin went missing that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling. I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.], said Diana McCarta. She continued: Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesnt work. The Independents Gino Spocchia has the story: Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simons disappearance Quinton Simons mother and grandmother seen drinking Wednesday 19 October 2022 21:46 , Andrea Blanco As the FBI continues searching for Quintons body in a landfill in Savannah, local news station WSAV first reported that Leilani Simon, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Rays, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island. When contacted by The Independent, a staff member at the bar said: They were here, they drank, they left. The @WSAV Investigative Unit has learned as federal agents were ending their first day of searching for #QuintonSimon in a dump, his mom and grandmother were taking shots and drinking at a popular Tybee Island beach bar. pic.twitter.com/iQ1nXxFSGO Brett Buffington (@BrettWSAV) October 19, 2022 Search for Quintons body continued in Savannah landfill Wednesday 19 October 2022 21:27 , Andrea Blanco On Tuesday, local Georgia police and the FBI revealed they believe Quinton is buried in a landfill after his body was disposed of in a landfill. Pictures released also on Tuesday show investigators combing through the Waste Management landfill in Savannah. Quinton was reported missing on 5 October. His mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, made the 911 call reporting that she had woken up to find her son was gone and that she believed someone came in and took him, WJCL reported. Ms Simon, who has two other children who have since been removed from the home, is now the prime suspect in Quintons disappearance. Andrea Blanco has more details: Police comb Georgia landfill for missing toddler Quinton Simon in eerie new images Babysitter was sent odd text the day Quinton was last seen Wednesday 19 October 2022 20:24 , Andrea Blanco Speaking in an interview with WSAV last week, Quintons babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the day the toddler disappeared that she would not be needed to look after him and his sibling. I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.], said Diana McCarta, who expressed surprise at the seemingly last-minute decision. She continued: Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesnt work. And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton, said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quintons mother. I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didnt want that. So, Ive been just waiting around like everyone else. Quinton Simon went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah, Georgia (Chatham County Police Department) Investigators discuss mentally and physically gruelling search Wednesday 19 October 2022 19:07 , Andrea Blanco Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said Tuesday that the search ahead would be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team. No arrests have been made in the case, according to WJCL. Quentin is believed to be buried in a landfill and his mother, Leilani Simon, is considered the prime suspect. FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here, he added. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has more details: Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say Former partner says Leilani Simon is unpredictable Wednesday 19 October 2022 18:06 , Andrea Blanco The father of one of Leilani Simons children told the US Sun that she is unpredictable. Shes always been unpredictable, Cody Wharton told the outlet. But I wasnt worried about Zaynes safety until all this started going on. She was a good mother. I dont know what happened. Mr Wharton added that at times when he was picking up his child for a visit, Ms Simon would seem overwhelmed. He also told the Sun: Even now, Im questioning everything. Is he hurt? What is he doing? I dont want to get a call saying your son is hurt and going to the hospital. Ms Simons other two children have been removed from the home. Leilani Simons mother had guardianship of Quinton Wednesday 19 October 2022 17:05 , Andrea Blanco According to court records obtained by WJCL, Leilani Simons mother, Billie Jo Howell, had custody of Quinton and his three-year-old brother. Ms Howell lived at the home with their mother and her boyfriend. Ms Howell reportedly tried to evict the couple over alleged damage and a lack of peace, the outlet reported. Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesnt, Ms Howell told ABC3 of her 22-year-old daughter last week. I dont know what to think right now. I dont know what to believe, because I dont think anybody ever believes this is going to happen to them. Quinton Simon, aged 20 months, and his mother, Leilani Simon (Screenshot / WJCL / Facebook / Billie Jo Howell) Investigators dig landfill where Quinton is believed to be buried Wednesday 19 October 2022 15:59 , Andrea Blanco After Quinton disappeared, authorities searched a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the Savannah house where he was last seen. Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained. While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence that we believe will help move this case forward. That evidence went under analysis, police said, and it was revealed that Quinton was believed dead. On Tuesday, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill. Local Georgia police and the FBI think the 20-month-old was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area. The FBI released this photo of investigators combing through garbage in the landfill search for Quinton Simon (FBI) Police continue gruelling search for Quintons remains Wednesday 19 October 2022 15:27 , Andrea Blanco Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said at a press briefing on Tuesday: We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team. We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else, he added. FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke also said that we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here, he added. Investigators added that the search will not be quick, and the outcome is uncertain. Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley at a presser on Tuesday (AP) Quintons mother had said somebody took him Wednesday 19 October 2022 14:50 , Andrea Blanco The 20-year-old was last seen at his home in Savannah around 6am on 5 October. His babysitter has told local media she received a text that morning telling her she was not going to be needed to take care of Simon and one of his siblings. Leilani Simon, Quintons mother and the prime suspect in his disappearance, called authorities hours later saying somebody took him. Early reports also suggested that he had wandered off, according to CNN. Investigators searched several areas and bodies of water near the residence where Quinton was last seen before announcing last week that he was believed to be dead. Theyre now focusing their search on a Chatam County landfill, where they think Quinton is buried after his remains were reportedly disposed of in a dumpster. Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have everything we know about the case: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia FBI releases chilling photos of investigators digging in landfill Wednesday 19 October 2022 13:33 , Megan Sheets The FBI has released several photos of investigators combing through the landfill where Quinton Simons body is believed to be hidden. The photos show more than 20 crew members dressed in white forensic suits, heavy-duty boots and neon vests as they rake through the garbage. Backhoes are also being used to loosen the packed ground. The photos were released hours after authorities announced evidence led them to believe Quintons body was placed in a dumpster before being transported to the landfill. Its unclear how long the body may have been there. Quinton was last seen on 5 October. The FBI released this photo of investigators combing through garbage in the landfill search for Quinton Simon (FBI) Crew members are seen collecting rakes to dig through the landfill in their search for Quinton (FBI) FBI agents oversee the landfill search for Quinton (FBI) Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say Wednesday 19 October 2022 13:00 , Andrea Blanco After announcing on 12 October that Quinton was feared dead, local police and the FBI announced the grim developments on Tuesday. He is now believed to be buried in a landfill after his remains were disposed of in a dumpster, police said. FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference: We, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here. Mr Clarke said that this will not be quick and it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has the story: Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say Leilani Simon used drugs during pregnancy Wednesday 19 October 2022 12:00 , Andrea Blanco The US Sun reports that Ms Simon was described as a chronic, unrehabilitated substance abuser of cocaine and cannabis, in court documents. According to the outlet, she consumed illegal substances while she was pregnant and tested positive for cocaine at the time of one of her births. Ms Simons mother, Billie Howell, had custody of Quinton and another one of their children. The minors have been removed from the home following Quintons disappearance. Quintons babysitter received odd text message before he went missing Wednesday 19 October 2022 11:00 , Andrea Blanco The woman told WSAV that she was surprised to receive a message that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling on the day the 20-month-old went missing. I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.], said Diana McCarta. She continued: Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesnt work. And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton, said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quintons mother. I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didnt want that. So, Ive been just waiting around like everyone else. Gino Spocchia has more details: Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simons disappearance Quinton believed to be buried in a landfill Wednesday 19 October 2022 10:00 , Andrea Blanco The toddler was reported missing from his family home in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road 9.39am by his mother, Lelani Simon, police said. In an update last week, Chatham County police said the discovery of evidence that we believe will help move this case forward had been located and that evidence was now undergoing analysis. No further details were given. Chatham County Chief Jeffrey Hadley said everybody was being interviewed and that all parties had cooperated with the investigation, which has seen as many as 40 FBI agents on the ground. Authorities announced last week that Quinton was feared dead. On Tuesday, they revealed he is believed to be buried in a landfill. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has the story. Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say Quintons remains believed to be in a landfill Wednesday 19 October 2022 09:00 , Andrea Blanco In the aftermath of Quintons disappearance, authorities searched a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the house itself. Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained. While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence that we believe will help move this case forward. That evidence went under analysis, police said. On Tuesday 18 October, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill. Local Georgia police and the FBI think the 20-month-old was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area, prompting a search that is now underway. The Independents Gino Spocchia and Gutsaf Kilander have more: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia FBI is assisting in the search for Quintons remains Wednesday 19 October 2022 08:00 , Andrea Blanco The FBI is supporting the Chatham County Police Department in the investigation, with law enforcement spending 18 to 20 hours a day looking for the 20-month-old child, CNN reported. Chatham County police said in an earlier statement that it had executed search warrants and continued to interview those who might have information that could be helpful in the investigation with the help of the FBI. In the days after Quinton was reported missing, search warrants were carried out on a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the house itself in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road in Savannah, police said. However, police said that unspecified evidence had led them to believe Quinton was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill. Gustaf Kilander has more: Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say Quintons mother named prime suspect by police Wednesday 19 October 2022 07:00 , Andrea Blanco Early into the search for Quinton, Chatham County police said they did not believe foul play was involved in his disappearance and that they hoped to find him alive, WJCL reported. Despite that, police said they were saddened to report on 12 October that they believed the 20-month-old was dead and that his family had been informed. In a statement that was shared on Facebook, police said. The CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simons family that we believe he is deceased. His mother, Ms Simon, has been named a prime suspect. The Independents Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have the story: Authorities not ready to charge anyone yet' Wednesday 19 October 2022 05:46 , Andrea Blanco FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during a presser on Tuesday: We, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here. Mr Clarke said that this will not be quick and it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain. Weve been following the evidence, where it has taken us and the evidence has taken us to this landfill. Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said he was unable to share what evidence led the authorities to the landfill. I cant thank the FBI enough for all that they have done, the chief said. They have been tremendous and phenomenal. Were not ready to charge anyone yet, we still have work to do, he added. We still have an investigation to do and we are not going to do anything preemptively that would harm future prosecution. Gustaf Kilander has more: Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say Quintons grandmother had guardianship of him Wednesday 19 October 2022 04:36 , Andrea Blanco Court records obtained by WJCL show that Leilani Simons mother, Billie Jo Howell, had custody of Quinton and his three-year-old brother. Ms Howell lived at the home with their mother and her boyfriend, who she also tried to evict over alleged damage and a lack of peace, the news station reported. Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesnt, Ms Howell told ABC3 of her 22-year-old daughter last week. I dont know what to think right now. I dont know what to believe, because I dont think anybody ever believes this is going to happen to them. Law enforcement officials discuss gruelling' search for Quinton Wednesday 19 October 2022 03:26 , Andrea Blanco We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said during a press conference on Tuesday. We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else. The update comes days after police announced they believed Quinton is dead and his mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, is considered the prime suspect. No arrests have been made in the case so far. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has the story: Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say Quintons grandmother and babysitter had confrontation after he disappeared Wednesday 19 October 2022 02:16 , Andrea Blanco In a video obtained by WSAV, Billie Howell and Diana McCarta are reportedly seen engaging in a verbal dispute over the disappearance of Quinton. The grandmother accused the babysitter of organising a memorial for Quinton in the video and exclaimed: Youre awful to say youre going to put up a memorial...My babys not dead. Ms McCarta responded by denying the memorial idea and calling Ms Howell a liar. Most of the comments made in the video are inaudible, however. The babysitter claimed to the news station that she had previously alerted Georgias Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) about Quinton, and that the department had an open case. Video showing Quintons babysitter (left) and grandmother (right) in a verbal dispute (WSAV3 / Diana McCarta) Quintons babysitter received odd text the day he disapeared Wednesday 19 October 2022 01:16 , Andrea Blanco Speaking in an interview with WSAV last week, Quintons babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the day the toddler disappeared that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling. I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.], said Diana McCarta, who expressed surprise at the seemnigly last-minute decision. She continued: Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesnt work. Police said Quiton was last seen at 6am, about half an hour after the babysitter says she was told she was no longer needed for the day. And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton, said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quintons mother. I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didnt want that. So, Ive been just waiting around like everyone else. Gino Spocchia has the story: Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simons disappearance Quintons grandmother shared bizarre post Wednesday 19 October 2022 00:16 , Andrea Blanco Last week, Billie Jo Howell, who reportedly has legal custody over the 20-month-old and his three-year-old brother, shared an old Facebook post from years ago, Fox News reported on Tuesday. In the post, Ms Howell thanked those who stood by her side throughout her life and that calm was coming following a storm. The meaning behind the message remained unclear, however. Seems theres always a storm before the calm in my life, the post reportedly read. Boy let me tell you it felt like a tornado was spinning everything at once. Finally, I feel the calming peaceful sunshine hitting my face. Ms Howell posted that the message stands true today. The Independents Gino Spocchia has more: Grandmother posts unusual message on Facebook in case of Quinton Simon Quinton is believed to be buried in landfill, police say Tuesday 18 October 2022 23:36 , Andrea Blanco Local police and the FBI announced the grim development at a news conference on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after 20-month-old Quinton vanished on 5 October in Savannah. Officials said there is evidence to suggest the toddler was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area. A search is now underway. We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said. We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else. Chief Jeff Hadley during a presser on the Quinton Simon case (AP) Leilani Simon is not a flight risk, authorities say Tuesday 18 October 2022 22:56 , Andrea Blanco After it was revealed that Quinton is believed to be dead, authorities named his mother, Leilani Simon, as the main suspect. She has not been charged with any crimes but does not pose a flight risk, investigators said during a press conference on Tuesday. Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley was asked by the press how long he expects the landfill search to take. Its kind of up to what happens ... this is not going to be quick, he replied. This is not going to happen within a day or so. We are here for the long haul. The police chief was asked about Ms Simons whereabouts. I believe shes still here in Chatham County, the chief said, later adding that he doesnt think shes a flight risk. Asked why, he said, I cant get into that. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has more details about the case: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia Quintons mother used drugs while pregnant Tuesday 18 October 2022 22:16 , Andrea Blanco Court documents obtained by the US Sun describe Ms Simon as a chronic, unrehabilitated substance abuser of cocaine and cannabis. The outlet reports that Ms Simon consumed illegal substances while she was pregnant and tested positive for cocaine at the time of one of her births. Ms SImons mother, Billie Howell, had custody of Quinton. Leilani Simon is unpredictable, former partner says Tuesday 18 October 2022 21:46 , Andrea Blanco The father of one of Leilani Simons children told the US Sun that Ms Simon was unpredictable. Shes always been unpredictable, Cody Wharton told the outlet. But I wasnt worried about Zaynes safety until all this started going on. She was a good mother. I dont know what happened. Mr Wharton added that at times when he was picking up his child for a visit, Ms Simon would seem overwhelmed. Mr Wharton also told the Sun: Even now, Im questioning everything. Is he hurt? What is he doing? I dont want to get a call saying your son is hurt and going to the hospital. Ms Simons other two children have been removed from her care. Quintons mom appeared in court Monday over custody of two other children Tuesday 18 October 2022 21:16 , Andrea Blanco On Monday, Leilani Simon attended a court hearing over the custody of Quintons siblings, a 6-months-old baby and a 3-years-old. The hearing was sealed from the public, local news station WOC11 reported. Other attendees are prohibited from discussing the hearing. Ms Simon is the prime suspect in Simons disappearance and possible death but has not been charged with any crime. Quinton is believed to be in a landfill Tuesday 18 October 2022 20:50 , Andrea Blanco Investigators with the Chatham County police and the FBI revealed they believe that 20-month-old Quinton was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area. His mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, is considered the prime suspect and no arrests have been made in the case so far. Authorities said they are not releasing more information about the case in hopes that Ms Simon can be ultimately arrested. Gino Spocchia has more details: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia Investigators searched several areas before announcing Quinton was believed dead Tuesday 18 October 2022 20:25 , Andrea Blanco In the days after Quinton was reported missing, search warrants were carried out on a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the house itself in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road in Savannah, police said. Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained. While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence that we believe will help move this case forward. That evidence went under analysis, police said. On Tuesday 18 October, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill. The Independents Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have more: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia FBI is assisting the search for Quinton Tuesday 18 October 2022 19:54 , Andrea Blanco The FBI is supporting the Chatham County Police Department in the investigation, with law enforcement spending 18 to 20 hours a day looking for the 20-month-old child, CNN reported. Chatham County police said in an earlier statement that it had executed search warrants and continued to interview those who might have information that could be helpful in the investigation with the help of the FBI. FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during a press conference on Tuesday that we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here, he added. Police has reviewed evidence that suggest Quinton is dead Tuesday 18 October 2022 19:28 , Andrea Blanco Police said they were saddened to report on 12 October that they believed the 20-month-old was dead. The CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simons family that we believe he is deceased, a statement shared on Facebook said. His mother, Leilani Simon, has been named a prime suspect. Officials held the first press conference on the case on 13 October, where they reiterated the belief that Quinton is deceased. To the Chatham County community, our heart breaks along with yours trying to comprehend what we believe happened here. The FBI along with our law enforcement agencies have followed every lead, every tip and every piece of evidence to get to this point and we will continue to do so, FBI Supervisor Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said. Officials did not disclose the nature of evidence suggesting Quinton is dead, or why Ms Simon is the main suspect. The Independents Gino Spocchia has more: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia Authorities have only one shot to arrest Quintons mother Tuesday 18 October 2022 19:08 , Andrea Blanco Georgia Police have revealed tragic developments in the investigation, saying Quinton is now feared dead. They have zeroed their search in on a landfill nearly two weeks after he vanished in Savannah. During a 13 October press conference, officials said they could not publicise much information on the investigation yet because they only have one shot to arrest and charge Ms Simon. Asked for an update on the case against Ms Simon on Tuesday, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said: I cant get into that. Quinton Simon went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah, Georgia (Chatham County Police Department) Quintons babysitter had allegedly reported the family to DFCS Tuesday 18 October 2022 18:48 , Andrea Blanco Diana McCarta told WSAV last week that she babysits Quinton and his sibling. She said in an interview on 11 October that she had previously reported the family to Georgias department of families and children services (DFCS) with concerns, but this was unconfirmed. The department told The Independent: DHS/DFCS is bound by both state and federal law to protect the privacy of the people we serve. As such, we are unable to comment on the specifics of any reported abuse or neglect cases nor confirm or deny the existence of any abuse or neglect records. It continued: We take seriously every report that might be made to the Department and work with law enforcement when appropriate to ensure the safety of Georgias children. Gino Spocchia and Gustak Kilander have more details about the case: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia Grandparents had custody of Quinton Tuesday 18 October 2022 18:25 , Andrea Blanco Quintons grandparents have said the boys mother hasnt always done the right thing after he vanished. Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesnt, Billie Jo Howell told ABC30. I dont know what to think right now...I dont know if I can trust her or I dont. I just know Im hurting and I want this baby home. Hes my baby. Ms Howell reportedly lived at the same address as Quinton and his mother, Leilani Simon, along with her husband Thomas Howell, and her daughters boyfriend, WJCL reported. The news outlet obtained court documents alleging an eviction despite, with Ms Howell seeking to remove her daughter and her boyfriend from the property over alleged damage and a lack of peace. This remains unconfirmed, however. The same documents also stated that Quintons grandparents have custody of the child, according to WJCL. Un cartel de personas desaparecidas para Quinton Simon (FBI) Authorities warn of mentally and physically gruelling search for remains Tuesday 18 October 2022 18:05 , Andrea Blanco At a press conference on Tuesday, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said that the search ahead would be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team. We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else, he added. No arrests have been made in the case, according to WJCL. Quentin is believed to be buried in a landfill and his mother, Leilani Simon is considered the prime suspect. FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here, he added. Mr Clarke said that this will not be quick and it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has more details: Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say Quintons mother first told authorities someone came in and took him Tuesday 18 October 2022 17:45 , Andrea Blanco The toddler went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah, a coastal city on the border between Georgia and South Carolina, in Chatham County. Quinton was last seen at about 6am that day at an address in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road, and was reported missing at approximately 9.40am by his mother, Leilani Simon. She told police her son was playing in a playpen when he was last seen, although earlier reports suggested Quinton had wandered off, CNN reported. A dispatch call by emergency service, which has been obtained by local media, suggested the front door to the family home was found open and that Ms Simon told 911 she Thinks someone came in and took him. Gino Spocchia has everything we know about the case: Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia Quinton Simons babysitter revealed odd text sent before disappearance Tuesday 18 October 2022 17:25 , Andrea Blanco The woman who babysits Quinton Simon said last week that she received an unusual text message the morning he went missing from his home in Savannah. Speaking in an interview with WSAV on 10 October, the babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the morning that Quentin went missing that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling. I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.], said Diana McCarta, who expressed surprise at the seemnigly last-minute decision. She continued: Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesnt work. The Independents Gino Spocchia has the story: Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simons disappearance Quintons body believed to be in landfill Tuesday 18 October 2022 17:04 , Megan Sheets Authorities offered a tragic update in the search for missing 20-month-old Quinton Simon on Tuesday, revealing he is believed to be buried in a landfill. Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley told a press briefing that Quintons body is believed to have been taken to the landfill after being placed in a dumpster at some point after he vanished on 5 October. We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team, Mr Hadley said of the narrowed search. We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else. FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts. We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here, he added. Mr Clarke said that this will not be quick and it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has more: Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say A new restaurant has debuted after a decade of anticipation at a historic site on the West Side of Chicago. The SoulFood Lounge just opened at the Dr. King Legacy Apartments building in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Oct. 5. The building originally opened in 2011. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived with his family in an old building on the site to highlight housing segregation in 1966. Quentin Love sits in the dining room of his new North Lawndale restaurant The SoulFood Lounge on Oct. 19, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) Chef Quentin Love, who also owns Turkey Chop Gourmet Grill in West Humboldt Park, partnered with the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, the developers behind the rental property, to launch a fine dining experience with what may be a surprising menu. Its soul food fusion, Love said. Soul food is not just for African American culture, he said; soul food is for every culture. In the African American community, we coined this concept of soul food. But if you go into a Latin community, their soul food might be pollo guisado, or in a Mexican community, they have tortillas. Thats their soul food. The SoulFood Lounge is a variety of American, Italian, Asian and Mexican cuisine, all under one roof, the chef said. The menu offers a Grand Tasting option with your choice of three entrees, plus a drink and dessert. Love suggested Louisiana blackened salmon with shrimp scampi, Korean rib tips and cavatappi. The blueberry basil lemonade at The SoulFood Lounge. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) Then you can chase it down with blueberry basil lemonade, or cucumber mint lemonade, he said. Were BYOB. The drinks we do sell are lemonade- and tea-based. One dish that has emerged as an early fan favorite is the truffle lobster mac and cheese finished with a Parmesan crumble, especially for one diner in her 70s. I love when our elders come and eat, because theyre the real food critics, the chef said. The young palate isnt the food critic. The most important thing, however, is that the restaurant is in North Lawndale, added the restaurateur. North Lawndale represents what its like to revitalize any inner city across the nation, Love said. Most inner cities are food deserts, from grocery stores to restaurants. That leaves an open market for all types of criminal activity and violence. You have amazing people that live in these communities, but there are no businesses. Without the businesses, its almost like a free fall. He credits the developers for revitalizing the area by building apartments for residents in the community and adding an upscale restaurant that will further help the neighborhood flourish. Theres nothing like being able to get dressed up, and to just walk outside your door to go somewhere nice, the chef said. What Im experiencing right now is so powerful. It gives us hope. It inspires us to want things better for our community. Its a cute little 30-seater, he added. Its also one of the few indoor dining restaurants thats not a fast-food establishment in the neighborhood. The SoulFood Lounge offers beauty in the form of plated desserts, including a deconstructed peach cobbler, a crusted banana custard and, Loves personal favorite, a grilled pound cake. I wanted to do something that I felt that would be a touch of home and comfort, the chef said. He also added warmth and texture from another sweet inspiration. I like creme brulee, because I like the crispy sugar crunch when I press into it, and the custard is so soft, Love said. With the pound cake, its crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside. The grilled cake is served with fresh berries and vanilla gelato for dessert, but also makes an appearance with the maple-glazed fried chicken and crispy rosemary potatoes. Grilled pound cake with berries and ice cream at The SoulFood Lounge. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) The restaurant is currently open Wednesday to Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. for dinner, and weekends from noon to 8 p.m. Were reservations only, the chef said. But if someone comes in, and we have space, we definitely would not refuse you. Its part of Loves mission to increase the understanding and significance of violence prevention. When you love your area, when you love your people, then theres really no need for no violence, he said. I want people to really understand that this is a love thing. 3804 W. 16th St., 773-799-0620, thesoulfoodlounge.com. More new and notable restaurant and bar openings, in alphabetical order: Advertisement Almendro Cafe A mother-and-daughter opened this cozy coffee shop in April in Hyde Park, next to the Hyde Park Art Center at the site of a former Bridgeport Coffee offshoot. Drip coffee and espresso, smoothies and teas are available, as well as light Mexican fare such as churros, tamales, elotes and conchas. Reviewers recommend trying an iced horchata with shot of espresso. 5020 S. Cornell Ave., instagram.com/almendrocafe_hydepark Advertisement Bambola This Istanbul-inspired restaurant is Bonhomme Groups latest offering to the Chicago dining sphere, following the likes of Porto, Celeste and Beatnik. Bambola opened in September, and its menu highlights cuisines along the historic Silk Road with a modern twist. The restaurant is led by chef de cuisine Alisha Elenz whose work at mfk garnered a Jean Banchet Award in 2019 and Bonhomme Groups Michelin-starred executive chef Marcos Campos. Bambola features dishes such as banana leaf-wrapped branzino, and smoked lambchetta, studded with pistachios and raisins. 1402 W. Randolph St., 312-526-3983, bambolachicago.com Advertisement Big Star Mariscos Big Star Mariscos, an offshoot of Wicker Park taco joint Big Star, opened in West Town on Sept. 27, offering seafood, cocktails and more tacos. Dine on traditional Mexican coastal fare like ceviche, cocteles and aguachiles, served with coarse, masa-based tortillas from Pilsens El Popocatepetl Tortilleria, specially crafted to complement seafood offerings. Cocktails and margaritas plus an extensive bourbon selection are also featured. 551 N. Ogden Ave., 312-521-5169, bigstarmariscos.com Advertisement Indienne Chef Sujan Sarkar, the opening chef for West Loops ROOH, launched fine-dining restaurant Indienne on Sept. 28 in River North. Touting a tasting menu (available by reservation only), an a la carte menu, specialty cocktails and a distinctive wine selection. Other offerings of note include a traditional tea service, a rolling gin and tonic trolley and tandoor-baked bread. 217 W. Huron St., 312-291-9427, indiennechicago.com Advertisement Pompette Bucktowns Pompette opened this month as an all-day cafe and wine bar from alums of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Alinea, Moody Tongue and Acadia. Inside the former location of Izakaya Mita, patrons can dine on shareable European-inspired plates like quiches, burrata, salads and Old World wines, with daytime and dinner menus available. 1960 N. Damen Ave. 773-799-8072, pompettechicago.com Advertisement Sophia Steak Lake Forest Sophia Steaks Lake Forest location opened earlier this month, after it first launched in downtown Wilmette in 2020. While steaks are its mainstay, the restaurant also serves seafood, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Like in Wilmette, Sophia Steak Lake Forest has a private dining room available for holiday gatherings and dinner parties. 181 E. Laurel Ave., Lake Forest; 847-920-7002; sophiasteak.com Advertisement The Meadowlark From the owners of Lardon and Union, this cozy cocktail-forward bar in Logan Square boasts rotating menus and opened last week. Its inaugural menu is a testament to birds like its namesake, with cocktails like the Red-Tailed Hawk, with creme de cassis, Cardamaro and housemade falernum; or the Chicago Pigeon, a piquant gin sipper stacked with hickory-smoke Malort, Earl Grey tea and upcycled citrus oil syrup. 2812 W. Palmer St., 773-697-8070, meadowlarkchicago.com Advertisement Valhalla Valhalla opened in late September as the first stand-alone restaurant in Time Out Market Chicago, helmed by S.K.Y. and Apolonia chef Stephen Gillanders. Its 11-course tasting and a la carte menus contain dishes inspired by cuisine from all over the world, from chilled Kusshi oysters with yuzu oil and caviar, to crab arroz caldo. A collection of wine parings and a few specialty cocktails and desserts are also a part of dining options 916 W. Fulton Market, 2nd floor; 708-222-7971; valhallachicago.com Know of a Chicago-area restaurant or bar thats new and notable? Email food critic Louisa Chu at lchu@chicagotribune.com. Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here. The 15-year-old accused of a shooting rampage on a Raleigh greenway that left five people dead last week was found with a handgun and a shotgun when he was arrested, authorities said Thursday. More details about the shooting emerged from a publicly released four-page preliminary report that Raleighs police chief delivered to the city manager. Such summaries are written within five business days of an officer-involved shooting. The victims in the Oct. 13 shooting include the suspects 16-year-old brother and an off-duty city police officer who lived in the Hedingham neighborhood where the shootings began. Two others were hurt, one critically. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Witnesses described a shooter wearing camouflage and firing a shotgun in the attacks in the subdivision and on a nearby walking trail. Police said the suspect identified by his parents earlier this week as Austin Thompson was captured more than four hours after the shootings began. Thompson was hospitalized in critical condition after his arrest. The top local prosecutor has said the suspect will be charged as an adult. According to the report from police, Thompson traveled nearly two miles from the start of the mass shooting until his arrest. He was found inside a barn suffering from a gunshot wound after exchanging gunfire with police. It was not clear who shot him. OPEN for the full report delivered to city leaders by Raleigh police He had a handgun, shotgun, large hunting knife and several types of ammunition, the report said. Thompsons parents released a statement earlier this week saying they are overcome with grief and saw no warning signs that Austin was capable of doing anything like this. Police also detailed the believed order in which the victims were wounded. The suspects brother was shot and stabbed first, police said, followed by Marcille Gardner, Nicole Connors and her dog, Officer Gabriel Torres, Mary Marshall, Susan Karnatz, and Officer Casey Clark. Story continues Services were set for Saturday for Torres, a Raleigh police officer who was off duty when he was shot, and Karnatz. Five people were killed, including an off-duty officer, and two more people were injured in a shooting rampage in Raleigh Thursday, Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin confirmed. All week, people have stopped by a growing memorial in front of the Headingham neighborhood. On Thursday, the family of Karnatz made a visit as part of their grieving process. Everybody is in this together, but we feel it so strongly, its such a hole in our hearts, said Kristen Gaither, Karnatzs mother. Karnatzs sister, Sharon Kavani, shared fond memories. Very soft spoken, very kind, she had a smile for everyone, she met you trusting you automatically, she said. Kavani said the teen suspects numerous weapons was on of the most concerning details released on Thursday. RELATED: Runners worldwide finish slain Raleigh mothers last run It was definitely bothersome to hear how heavily he was armed, but it doesnt change anything, I guess, she said. The report makes no mention of a motive or rationale behind the shooting, but families say it wouldnt matter. Shes just gone, knowing why wont make any difference, Gaither said. I feel that it is a tragedy all the way around, I just cant imagine what his parents are feeling, Kavani said. In an update to Raleigh City Council Tuesday, Patterson also said one of the shooting victims is showing improvement and a second has been released from the hospital. On Wednesday, Thompsons mother told WTVD that hes improving in the hospital. A citywide Raleigh Healing Together vigil is expected to be held outside the Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh on Sunday at 3 p.m., city officials said. The Associated Press generally does not name people under 18 who are accused of crimes, but is identifying Austin Thompson because of the severity and publicity of the shootings and because his parents voluntarily named him. The Associated Press contributed to this report. (WATCH BELOW: Parents of teen suspect in Raleigh mass shooting issue first statement) NEW YORK (AP) He was a famous moviemaker. She was a publicist working a film premiere where he was a VIP guest. He'd offered her a lift home and then invited her to his apartment for a drink. Once there screenwriter-director Paul Haggis abruptly tried to kiss her, backed her into his refrigerator, and had a question for her, accuser Haleigh Breest told a jury Thursday. Are you scared of me? he asked, according to her testimony. And so began, Breest said, a sexual assault that ended with the Oscar winner raping her. She's suing him in a civil case that's now on trial. Haggis maintains the 2013 encounter was consensual, and his lawyer has argued that Breest called it rape because she's out for money. She's seeking unspecified damages. In a steady, unsparing tone, Breest recounted what she said was a terrifying, painful attack that left her shocked and really struggling to comprehend what had happened. I couldnt understand how somebody who seemed like a nice guy would do that, she said. As she spoke without looking at him, Haggis, 69, watched largely expressionlessly, sometimes rubbing his bearded chin or taking notes. The Associated Press generally doesnt identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Breest has done. Breest, now 36, said she first met the Crash" and Million Dollar Baby screenwriter in 2012 at a premiere afterparty where she was working. Breest and Haggis exchanged occasional professional emails and party chitchat, she said, over the months before their paths crossed again at another premiere party she worked on Jan. 31, 2013. A tipsy but not stumbling drunk Breest accepted the filmmaker's offer of a ride, and then his invitation for a drink, she told jurors. She said she suggested someplace public instead, but he pushed for his apartment in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood, and she didn't want to offend one of her employer's red-carpet guests. Story continues But just so you know, she testified that she told him, I'm not sleeping in SoHo tonight. Yet Haggis' advances began as soon as she put her bags down in his loft's open kitchen, Breest said. You've been flirting with me for months, he soon said, according to her. I don't even know you, she said she replied. Breest said she dodged him and thought she'd politely defused the situation when he started showing her the apartment. But when they reached a guest bedroom, Haggis became aggressive very quickly, pushed her onto the bed and pulled off her tights and clothes as she tried to keep them on and told him to stop, she said. Then, she said, he forced her to perform oral sex and wanted intercourse. She said she asked to take a shower as a subtle way to get out of the room, but he followed her there, then steered her back to the guest bedroom and made a further series of unwanted sexual moves that culminated in rape. I was like a trapped animal. There was nothing for me to do, she said. Breest said she passed out soon afterward, awoke alone on the bed the next morning and left without seeing Haggis again. That day and in the ensuing months, Breest said, she told a half-dozen friends that she had been sexually assaulted, naming Haggis to some. She said she informed her boss the next year that Haggis had done something bad to her. Breest didn't tell police. She testified that she was scared and concerned about how her allegation would be handled. Nor did she confront Haggis when he emailed her the day after the encounter to ask about photos from the premiere. Nor at subsequent screenings or in emails, some of which she initiated, about social events and movie matters. I didnt want my work experience to be awkward, she testified, so I pretended like everything was normal. And it wasnt. Behind the scenes, Breest anguished over what had happened and what to do, according to text and other electronic messages shown in court. The communications, sent to friends, veer from frank descriptions of forced sex and I kept saying no to moments when she seemed to downplay it ("it sort of is" rape). At times she said she wanted to avoid Haggis, at others she mused about seeing him again to try to regain some equanimity and not be the victim. The messages are salted with lighthearted texting slang lol," omg, haha that Breest says were attempts to use humor to defang a tough subject. Haggis hasn't testified thus far, and his lawyers haven't yet gotten their chance to question Breest. In an opening statement, defense attorney Priya Chaudhry pointed to some of the accuser's messages such as a comment that she needs to get something out of this to question her credibility. Breest said her remarks just reflect her horror at being victimized, her desire to seize back a sense of control in her life, and her confusion at how someone she thought well of could violently turn on her. Now, she said, she understands that night. I thought I was getting a ride home. I agreed to have a drink. What happened never should have happened," she told the jury. "And it had nothing to do with me, and everything to do with him and his actions. By Lizbeth Diaz and Dave Graham MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Voluntary returns of Venezuelan migrants in Mexico by plane back to their homeland are likely to begin in the next few days, four people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Mexico is grappling with a sharp increase in Venezuelans, both from those arriving on its southern border and due to thousands of expulsions from the United States following a deal last week aimed at curbing the flow of people. Under a bilateral plan announced on Oct. 12, Washington said it would grant up to 24,000 Venezuelans humanitarian access to the United States by air. It also enabled U.S. officials to expel to Mexico those caught trying to cross illegally by land. The voluntary returns to Venezuela by air should begin this week, according to two Mexican officials familiar with the matter. It was not immediately clear how many people would be returned on the first flight, nor how many journeys were planned. One official said there could be several flights. Mexico's foreign ministry and the government's National Migration Institute (INM) did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Venezuelan embassy in Mexico could not immediately be reached for comment. The Biden administration has come under pressure to curb illegal immigration after a record number of border crossings this year. Venezuelans seeking a better future away from their economically-battered homeland have helped fuel that trend. The Mexican government said on Oct. 12 that Venezuelans entering its territory from that day onward would not be allowed to apply from Mexico for access to the United States by air. Those Venezuelans who have entered Mexico illegally and want to stay in the country will have to request asylum, according to a Mexican official familiar with the matter. However, if they do that, they cannot apply for U.S. asylum, the official added. That could mean voluntary return to Venezuela is more attractive to some than staying in Mexico, the official said. For the past four years, Venezuela's government has provided special flights to its citizens abroad who lack the means to pay the fare. It is currently also offering low-cost commercial flights home from Mexico on the state airline Conviasa, according to a person familiar with the matter. (Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz, Dave Graham and Ana Isabel Martinez; editing by Richard Pullin) Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in the movie "The Banshees of Inisherin." (AP) Its hardly an original insight to note that The Banshees of Inisherin, Martin McDonaghs caustic and mournful new movie, is also his latest work to give its location top billing. Longtime admirers of this British-Irish writer-directors stage work know his fondness for regionally specific titles like The Cripple of Inishmaan and The Lieutenant of Inishmore, two plays that together with this film form a loosely connected trilogy, tied together not by common characters but by common ground. If character is destiny in McDonaghs work, then both are also inextricably tied to location and landscape. Here, as before, he draws us into an insular Irish enclave, where the air is thick with salty insults and bitter laughs, and cruelty seems to well up from the soil like highly acidic groundwater. Which is not to suggest that Ireland either the country of McDonaghs firsthand experience or the one of his fictional imagination has a monopoly on cruelty. That much is clear from his farther-flung plays, like A Behanding in Spokane, and also from his movies such as Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and In Bruges. That 2008 comedys co-leads, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, are superbly reunited in The Banshees of Inisherin, only this time, rather than playing two hit men on a less-than-idyllic Belgian holiday, theyre playing longtime best friends who have never known any home beyond Inisherin. And from our first glimpse of this small, fictional island, with its lush greenery and not-infrequent rainbows (beautifully filmed by Ben Davis), that might not seem like such a bad state of affairs. By movies end, we know better. The year is 1923, and in the distance the Irish civil war is raging, providing some blunt yet hazy thematic scaffolding for this more intimate tale of men in conflict. The beauty of Inisherin will soon turn sour and corrosive, much like the once-harmonious friendship between Padraic Suilleabhain (Farrell), a sweet-souled dairy farmer, and Colm Doherty (Gleeson), a gruff, gimlet-eyed fiddle player. In the opening scene, Padraic sets out to meet Colm for their usual afternoon pint, only to find the man sitting at home, his back to the window, quietly ignoring Padraics knocks and entreaties. Can a man scowl not just with his face but with his entire hulking frame? Somehow, Gleeson manages. Bewildered by this silent treatment, Padraic remains unperturbed surely it must be some sort of joke or misunderstanding and refuses to accept that the friendship is over, even after Colm later spells it out for him down at the pub: I just dont like ya no more. After a pause that lasts a small eternity, Padraic responds, with a mix of confusion, disbelief and heartache that Farrell plays to perfection: Ya do like me! And the funny thing is, hes right. Colms abrupt decision stems not from a lack of affection but a lack of time: Gripped by despair and newly aware of his encroaching mortality, he wants to live out his days playing and composing music, the only thing that provides him with any semblance of comfort or meaning. He also wants to consume his last pints in peace, away from Padraics incessant yammering. Incessant yammering, of course, is one unflattering if essentially correct way to describe McDonaghs own flavorsome dialogue, which uses staccato rhythms and purposeful word repetitions to generate a sustained back-and-forth almost as musical as Carter Burwells lovely score. Apart from feck, the favored expletive of this early 20th century Irish milieu, the scripts most frequently deployed four-letter words are dull and nice, two words that are often hurled in Padraics direction. Agreeable and simple-minded, Padraic gets along with just about everyone, from his sharp-as-a-tack sister, Siobhan (a flat-out wonderful Kerry Condon), to the animals placed in his reliable care. (None of the latter is more beloved than his miniature donkey, Jenny, the most important member of the movies splendid four-legged ensemble.) Colms rejection of Padraic is also, in its way, a rejection of the tyranny of niceness, and an assertion that greatness whether in the form of a Mozart symphony or, God willing, the humbler violin piece hes trying to compose is of far greater value. All of which opens up a rich, thorny dialogue concerning McDonagh himself, who likes to blur the lines between humanism and nihilism, and who in The Banshees of Inisherin comes perhaps as close to greatness as hes ever gotten. One measure of the movies skill, and its generosity, is that it embraces the wisdom of both its protagonists. Youll share Colms exasperation and defend his right to pursue an unimpeded life of music and the mind, but youll also concede Padraics point that kindness and camaraderie leave behind their own indelible if often invisible legacies. Colin Farrell in Martin McDonagh's "The Banshees of Inisherin." (AP) Muddying the waters still further: Colm, despite his strict enforcement of boundaries (including a not-so-idle threat to harm himself if Padraic doesnt leave him alone), nonetheless finds ways to treat his hapless former friend with decency and compassion. Meanwhile, Padraic, for all his talk of niceness, is the one whose escalating harassment of Colm takes on menacing overtones, lubricated by whiskey, desperation and anger. To watch these two characters rage against each other is to acquire an entirely new understanding of what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. And no one ultimately understands that dynamic better than Siobhan, who as both Padraics loyal, loving sister and the one person on Inisherin who can keep intellectual pace with Colm could hardly be more divided in her sympathies. Siobhans presence and her own fiercely individual decisionmaking opens up another dialectic. Although centered on the conflict between two equally unyielding men, the movie is no less about the tension between a small, isolated community and the vast world that lies beyond its overcast horizon. Mocked by the provincial townfolk for being single and bookish, Siobhan is eyeing her own possible escape. And who can blame her? The Banshees of Inisherin, like much of McDonaghs earlier work, uses its physically remote setting to map out an entire human cosmos of greed, spite and self-delusion, populated by characters including a gossipy shopkeeper (Brid Ni Neachtain), a physically abusive policeman (Gary Lydon), a witchy prophesier of doom (Sheila Flitton) and, on the more likable side, a village idiot named Dominic (Barry Keoghan). With the exception of Dominic, a perpetual troublemaker whom Keoghan invests with wit, mischief and unexpected pathos, none of these peripheral characters reveals more than one or two dimensions. If The Banshees of Inisherin marks a significant improvement on the wildly uneven Three Billboards, it still doesnt entirely shake off some of the reflexively glib, cynical aspects of McDonaghs writing, namely his tendency to reduce some of his characters to one-note personalities, or to make them the butt of cruel comic (and sometimes cosmic) punchlines. They are the playthings of a God who dispenses punishments with a whimsical, even arbitrary hand, and whom few of these habitual churchgoers maybe not even the meddlesome priest (David Pearse) whos enlisted to mediate the central conflict ultimately really trusts or believes in. And so Colm is only right to be consumed with despair. Which doesnt make Padraic wrong to assume that there are salves for lifes woes, and that he might, in fact, be one of them. Farrells performance, one of the finest hes ever given, is a balm in itself, a thing of rough-hewn simplicity and exquisite delicacy, nailing comic beats and striking emotional chords with the same deft touch. Without ever turning leaden or oppressive, he shows us a man who isnt the same by movies end, whos experienced more loss, fury and grief than hed ever thought possible. All he can count on anymore, really, is the ground beneath his feet and in that respect at least, McDonagh suggests, he may be far less alone than he realizes. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Switzerland is a country of 8.6 million people. As of Oct. 16, according to data compiled by Our World in Data, it had delivered a total of 16.1 million doses of the covid vaccineor 1.85 doses per person (though only 70% of the Swiss population actually decided to receive at least one shot). Like many other wealthy nations, the country bought many more vaccines than it neededa total of nearly 32 millionto account for potential quality issues, or supply delays. As a result, it has large amounts of excess doses it did not useand now wont. Read more This week, the nation announced it would destroy 9 million doses of Moderna vaccines that have already expired, and more than 5 million more will likely follow, as they are due to expire in February. By February, Switzerland likely will have destroyed more than14 million dosesor more than four times the 3.2 million doses it donated to low-income countries. Yet with such short shelf life remaining, there is little hope that even the doses set to expire in February can be repurposed. Low-income nations have already had to reject last-minute donations of doses from wealthy countries, or destroy donated doses that arrived too close to their expiration dates, making it logistically impossible to administer them in time. Greed led to millions of wasted covid vaccine doses Switzerland isnt the first country to destroy doses that could have put to better use. Earlier this year, Canada destroyed nearly 14 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses because its population preferred one of the mRNA vaccines. (The AstraZeneca vaccine, like the Johnson and Johnson one, is still commonly administered in low- and middle-income countries, as its easier to store, only requires one dose, and is cheaper to manufacture.) This kind of waste is emblematic of wealthy nations hoarding doses during the pandemic, which is one of the main causes of vaccine inequality. Despite pledging a more equitable distribution and committing to sharing vaccine doses with low-income nations, rich countries have resorted to vaccine nationalism, securing all the vaccines they could get their hands on, even as large parts of the world struggled to get any doses at all. Story continues The inequality was stark from the beginning. Early in the vaccination campaign, and before any doses had reached low-income nations, rich countries entered into agreements with vaccine makers to secure about 350% of the doses they needed, according to Unicef. Now in the second year of vaccination, the discrepancy continues. While countries like the US and many European nations have made up to three boosters available to their citizens, only about 23% of people in low-income countries have been fully vaccinated against covid. Overall, the African continent, home to most of the nations with the lowest vaccination rates, has received only about half the doses it would need to give its population the first full round of immunization. More from Quartz Sign up for Quartz's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. MANILA, Philippines (AP) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday backed a decision by his predecessor to cancel a deal to buy 16 Russian military heavy-lift helicopters and said his administration has secured an alternative supply from the United States. Marcos Jr. said at a news conference that the Philippine government will negotiate to get back part of the down payment it made to the Russian aircraft manufacturer. It was the first time Marcos Jr., who took office in June, has commented publicly on the touchy issue involving Russia. His predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, signed the deal to buy the Mi-17 helicopters but decided before his term ended to cancel the contract due to fears of possible Western sanctions. I think it was already determined by the previous administration that that deal will not carry through, will not go on, Marcos Jr. said when asked to comment on a call by the Russian ambassador to Manila for the Philippine government to honor the helicopter deal. We have secured an alternative supply from the United States, the president said. He added, without elaborating, that the U.S. aircraft to be ordered by the Philippines would be manufactured in Poland. Moscows ambassador to Manila, Marat Pavlov, told reporters Wednesday night that the Philippine government has not officially notified Russia of its decision to cancel the deal and a Russian company was proceeding to manufacture the Mi-17 helicopters after the Philippines made an initial payment. Filipino pilots who would operate the helicopters have undergone Russian training, he said. The Russian aircraft manufacturer was ready to deliver one of the helicopters in June but unfortunately, it was not accepted by your government, Pavlov said. We are ready to fulfill all our obligations as a reliable partner of the Philippine side in the field of technical military cooperation and we consider that it will also be done by the Philippines, Pavlov said. Story continues The Department of National Defense in Manila, however, said it formally notified the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sovtechnoexport in June and last month of the Philippine decision to cancel the contract. The defense department has convened a committee to thresh out the details of the withdrawal from the deal, department spokesman Arsenio Andolong said. Unfortunately, we made a down payment that we are hoping to negotiate to get at least a percentage of that back, Marcos Jr. said. Former Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez first confirmed the governments decision to terminate the deal in interviews with The Associated Press in July. The decision, which was approved by Duterte, was made amid concern over possible Western sanctions which could include restrictions that would slow down bank transfers of the huge amounts of money that Filipino workers send home from the U.S. and other Western countries, according to Romualdez. One of Dutertes Cabinet members, Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, had warned Duterte then that Western countries may withhold assistance that could help the Philippines deal with and recover from coronavirus outbreaks, two Philippine officials told the AP on condition of anonymity because they lacked the authority to discuss the issue publicly. Romualdez has said Washington did not pressure the Philippines to drop the 12.7 billion-peso ($215 million) deal with the Russians. But following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February, countries that purchase Russian defense equipment could face Western sanctions, he said. I think it was really prudent specially for President Duterte to approve the cancellation of that contract because it can save us a lot of trouble, Romualdez told Manila-based foreign correspondents in August. A U.S. offer to sell Boeing CH-47 Chinooks which was discussed last year by Lorenzana and his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, could be considered to replace the Russian helicopter deal, Romualdez said. Under the scrapped helicopter deal, which was signed in November, the first batch of the multi-purpose helicopters was scheduled for delivery by Russias Sovtechnoexport in about two years. Aside from the 16 helicopters, one would have been given free to the Philippines, defense officials said. The Russian-made helicopters could have been used for combat, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations in the Southeast Asian archipelago, which is often battered by typhoons and other natural disasters, Philippine officials said. In March, the Philippines voted yes on a U.N. General Assembly resolution that demanded an immediate halt to Moscows attack on Ukraine and the withdrawal of all Russian troops. When Duterte was in office, he nurtured close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he once called his idol, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping while frequently criticizing U.S. security policies. The Philippines is a treaty ally of Washington, which has imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow aimed at pressuring it to withdraw from Ukraine. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia plans to start production of the Soviet-era Moskvich cars in December, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday, more than six months after French carmaker Renault's exit set the wheels in motion for the classic car's return. Renault sold its majority stake in carmaker Avtovaz to the Russian state for reportedly just one rouble ($0.0165), but with a six-year option to buy it back. The same state institution snapped up Nissan's assets this month for one euro. Sobyanin in May said Moskvich production would preserve thousands of jobs, but the plant, renamed Moscow Automobile Factory Moskvich, has stood idle since then. "The automobile industry has seriously flopped this year, but nevertheless, I hope that we can launch the Moskvich plant in December with the help of the Industry and Trade Ministry," Interfax news agency quoted Sobyanin as saying. The Moskvich, which translates as a native of Moscow, ceased production around two decades ago. The Moskvich plant on Thursday said it hoped to produce about 600 cars this year, including 200 electric vehicles, and 50,000 cars in 2023. The plant cited Sobyanin as saying that Moscow has all necessary expertise to be a centre of the electric vehicle industry. The Moscow mayor's office and Russia's largest truckmaker Kamaz agreed in August to invest 5 billion roubles in the Moskvich plant. Kamaz is searching for a foreign partner to produce cars in Moscow. Sources have said Kamaz could partner with a Chinese design, engineering and production platform. ($1 = 60.4500 roubles) (Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov; editing by Alexander Marrow and Elaine Hardcastle) IRYNA BALACHUK THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 16:12 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine predicts that the Russian military command may withdraw experienced personnel from the right bank of the Dnipro river in Kherson Oblast and leave conscripts there to deter the Ukrainian Armed Forces offensive. Source: Brigadier General Oleksii Hromov, Deputy Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, at a briefing on 20 October Quote from Hromov: "Concerning the Kherson front Russian units may move from the right-bank part of Kherson Oblast to the left-bank part. We are considering one option, namely that the Russians may retreat and leave newly conscripted soldiers there first and foremost to deter the Ukrainian forces, to cover the retreat of their troops and transfer the most combat-ready units in advance to the left-bank part of Kherson Oblast." Details: Hromov also emphasised that the General Staff realises that the Russian conscripts will not be able to offer strong resistance against the Ukrainian forces. He said that no matter what decisions are made by Russias military and political leadership, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are fulfilling their liberation objectives and will continue to do so. Background: Earlier, it was reported that Russian occupiers are transferring military equipment and personnel from the right to the left bank of the Dnipro river in Kherson Oblast against the backdrop of the recent rapid successful liberation of the oblast by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Representatives of the occupation "administration" of the city of Kherson and Kherson Oblast have claimed that they are planning to evacuate approximately 50,000 to 60,000 residents from 4 right-bank districts of Kherson Oblast to the left bank of the Dnipro river or to Russia due to alleged preparations for a counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Vladimir Saldo, a collaborator and a Russian-appointed official in Kherson Oblast, claimed that the so-called administration of Kherson Oblast had decided to move to the left bank of the Dnipro river in connection with the alleged preparations for a by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The racketeering Jones brothers of Chicago George, Edward and Mack are the subjects of "King of Kings," a documentary made by Edward Jones' granddaughter, Harriet Marin Jones. (Harriet Marin Jones ) Harriet Marin Jones never knew her grandfather; he died in 1964, a few years before his granddaughter was born, in Mexico, just before the U.S. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act. So he never really saw the end of segregation, she says. But Edward Jones managed to live a crazily eventful, largely illegal, widely admired and substantial chunk of the 20th century. In Chicago, this son of a Mississippi preacher ran a numbers racket known as policy, which later went legal, and state-run, as the lottery. Advertisement The Jones brothers, Ed, George and Mack, were the policy kings. And for much of the 1930s and 40s, the Joneses didnt care about keeping up with any Joneses but themselves. Clifford Davis, left, Edward Jones, center, and Theodore Roe (all seated) were found not guilty in the policy racket on Feb. 5, 1952 by Judge Wilbert F. Crowly in Chicago. (Fred C. Eckhardt / Chicago Tribune) They brokered a hands-off arrangement with the mob, the police and most of Bronzeville and other South Side neighborhoods. He reinvested in the community, Marin Jones says, putting a lot of money into legitimate Black-run businesses. Advertisement For more than a decade the filmmaker, who lives and works in Paris, has been thinking about, researching, filming and editing her first feature documentary, King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones. The world premiere, made possible by the Chicago International Film Festival, took place earlier this week at the Chicago History Museum which, as Marin Jones notes, didnt have a single piece of information on her grandfather or his $25 million policy racket when she first visited Chicago with a camera in 2017. Now, though, the story of Big Ed Jones has gathered some momentum. On Friday, a free encore festival presentation of King of Kings will be shown in the Hamilton Park Cultural Center in Englewood. The documentary, seeking a distributor, will soon be accompanied by a book on the same subject, Marin Jones third book. Its a ripe and relatively unknown piece of Chicago underworld lore. It has everything from mob warfare to kidnapping (Ed Jones was abducted in 1946) to prison stretches to federal investigations. Filmmaker Harriet Marin Jones at the Chicago International Film Festival earlier this week. She'll also attend a Friday screening at the Hamilton Park Cultural Center in Englewood. (Sean Kennedy) Marin Jones own zigzag is very much in the spirit of her ancestors, without (presumably) the racketeering. Born in Mexico. Moved to Spain her father was from Madrid; her mother from Chicago. Then Switzerland, France, Haiti. A 17, Marin Jones moved to Chicago for a year at Loyola University. She lived with her grandmother, the wife of the late Edward Jones, at Lake Point Tower. I remember! It was 505 N. Lake Shore Drive! she says. I still remember that address. The filmmaker, who made her feature film directorial debut with the French comedy Marry Me in 2000, studied in Washington D.C. and later in New York City, where she received her graduate degree in filmmaking from New York University. She has two grown children, a son in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a daughter in London. Their father, Marin Jones former husband, is French producer Patrice Ledoux. They met at the Cannes Film Festival. Someday, Marin Jones says, shed love to have one of her films shown there. King of Kings, she says, cost about 500,000 euros, roughly 20% of the budget coming from an initial Kickstarter campaign. In Paris, Marin Jones runs the online film production and screenwriting learning center stardustmasterclass.com. For the documentary, she traveled to Washington D.C. (for Library of Congress research), to Los Angeles (for interviews, among them music producer Quincy Jones, whose father worked for Ed Jones) and, in 2017 and 2020, to Chicago, for the majority of the interviews used in King of Kings. Advertisement Over coffee in the Pump Room at the newly swanked-up Ambassador Hotel, one of the festivals home bases, Marin Jones says she has met with producers in LA to discuss turning her familys Chicago story into a streaming or cable series. Shes focused for now on getting King of Kings a buyer. But its easy to see the adaptation possibilities, especially since Marin Jones grandmother onetime Cotton Club dancer, later a colleague of Josephine Bakers at La Revue Negre in Paris has her own pretty wild story. It was Marin Jones grandmother who first told her about her late grandfathers life and times. Another dancer at the Cotton Club at that time was Lena Horne, Marin Jones says. My grandfather this storys in the film always said he had the choice between the two of them. And he chose my grandmother. The Hamilton Park screening, she says, feels like a circle closing around her seminal family tale. Its a Chicago story. Its a South Side story. Its fabulous were screening it there. King of Kings will be screened at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Hamilton Park Cultural Center in Englewood, 513 W. 72nd St.; free, more information at chicagofilmfestival.com Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic. mjphillips@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @phillipstribune Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here. Correction: The caption for this image previously misidentified the aircraft. Before the invasion of Ukraine, Russias aerospace leadership had planned to market the next generation heavy fighter bomber, the Su-57, and its highly touted derivative the Su-75 to several foreign military buyers. These plans now appear to be in ruins. The Su-57 suffers from a low production rate. Export models are unlikely to be available until the end of the decade. As for the medium-weight Su-75, the so-called Checkmate aircraft, it has been only realized in models and computer graphics. Its yet to have a single successful test flight. For foreign buyers, that leaves the Sukhoi 35 (Su-35), the only Russian military aircraft in serial production. This is Russias signature heavy fighter bomber although its combat record over the skies of Ukraine is mixed. But even the Su-35 might not be successfully exported in any significant numbers this decade. Even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Counter Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was an important factor in deterring potential buyers of the Su-35 such as Egypt, Algeria and Indonesia. To discourage countries from buying Russian weapons and deny Russia the revenue from those sales, Congress passed third-party sanctions legislation to require the executive branch to sanction them if they did. Several countries have cancelled contracts to buy Russian weapons and sought equivalent defense capabilities from other countries rather than face the prospect of U.S. sanctions. Now the Ukraine war and ensuing sanctions are having a devastating impact on the Russian aerospace sector. Sanctions are crippling the Russian capacity to finish the development of, much less mass produce, next-generation combat vehicles such as the Su-57 and Su-75. Many Russian manufacturers depend on imported advanced machine tools. And analysis of the remains of Russias missiles, drones, and aircraft downed in Ukraine has revealed that they contain Western components and subsystems that can no longer be legally exported to Russia. Story continues Russias Aerospace Forces also need to replace warplanes lost in combat including some number of Su-35s. Indeed, the military reputation of the Russian Aerospace Forces has been badly tarnished by its poor performance during the invasion of Ukraine and that is rubbing off on the aircraft. Even with a clear numerical and quantitative superiority over the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia has failed to gain any measure of operational or tactical superiority over the battlefield from the air. Furthermore, the military attractiveness of the Su-35 as a multi-purpose fighter bomber has been diminished since Russia has reportedly lost two squadrons in Ukraine due to various defects. Both Ukrainian and Russian air forces have suffered fixed and rotary wing losses over a battlefield infested with a wide range of air defense capabilities. Less expensive systems like artillery, missiles, and drones have proven to be the more decisive weapons systems in the conflict. Reportedly, Russia traded more than 60 Su-35 to Iran in exchange for several thousand drones that they are now using to terrorize Ukrainian civilians and disabling elements of Ukrainian critical infrastructure. Squeezed by sanctions and pressed to replace Russias destroyed equipment, Russias aerospace sector isnt likely to have aircraft to sell, even if it wants to. If purchasing countries start to change their minds and invest in drones and other less-expensive precision guided munitions the market for Russian combat aircraft might start to rapidly decline. Peter A. Wilson is an adjunct international defense researcher and John V. Parachini is a senior international defense researcher at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Rand Corporation. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday that it will reassess cooperation with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres if he sends experts to Ukraine to inspect drones that Western powers say were made in Iran and used by Moscow in violation of a U.N. resolution. Speaking after a closed-door U.N. Security Council meeting on Moscow's use of drones, Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy called on Guterres and his staff to "abstain from engaging in any illegitimate investigation." "Otherwise, we will have to reassess our collaboration with them, which is hardly in anyone's interests. We do not want to do it, but there will be no other choice," he told reporters. Polyanskiy did not elaborate. The Security Council met on Russia's use of drones in Ukraine at the request of the United States, France and Britain, who argue that the drones are Iranian made and used by Moscow in violation of a 2015 resolution endorsing the Iran nuclear deal. Tehran denies supplying the drones to Moscow and Russia has denied its forces had used Iranian drones to attack Ukraine. "Iran has obligations not to export these weapons," Britain's Deputy U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki posted on Twitter after the meeting. "As a member of the U.N., Iran has a responsibility not to support Russia's war of aggression." Ukraine this week invited U.N. experts to inspect some downed drones. Guterres reports twice a year to the Security Council - traditionally in June and December - on the implementation of the 2015 resolution. Any assessment of the drones in Ukraine would likely be included in that report. "As a matter of policy, we are always ready to examine any information and analyze any information brought to us by Member States," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday. GRAIN DEAL Iran and Russia both argue that there is no mandate for Guterres to send experts to Ukraine to inspect the drones. Story continues In a letter to Guterres on Wednesday, Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Ukraine's invitation to U.N. experts "lacks any legal foundation" and called on Guterres "to prevent any misuse" of the resolution and U.N. officials on issues related to the Ukraine war. French U.N. Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere said Guterres has a "clear mandate twice a year to report on all these things and to make technical assessments, so I think the U.N. secretariat will have to go and will go." Under the 2015 resolution, a conventional arms embargo on Iran was in place until October 2020. But Ukraine and Western powers argue that the resolution still includes restrictions on missiles and related technologies until October 2023 and can encompass the export and purchase of advanced military systems such as drones. The U.N. Security Council is unable to take any substantial action over the war in Ukraine because Russia holds a veto on the 15-member body, along with China, the United States, France and Britain. Dujarric declined to comment on Polyanskiy's remarks. Guterres and senior U.N. officials are negotiating with Russia to extend and expand a July 22 deal that resumed Ukraine Black Sea grain and fertilizer exports. The pact could expire later next month if an agreement is not reached. Polyanskiy said he was not optimistic about a renewal because Russian exports of grain and fertilizer were being hindered. But when asked if Russian cooperation on the Black Sea grain deal could be at risk if Guterres sends experts to Ukraine to look at the drones, Polyanskiy said: "I don't make direct link so far." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Grant McCool) (Reuters) - A Russian court on Thursday ordered the arrest of television journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, Interfax news agency said, more than six months after she flashed a sign on air saying the Kremlin was lying about the Ukraine war. Ovsyannikova has already fled Russia, her lawyer said this week, after refusing to observe house arrest measures to which she had been subjected. "With regard to Ovsyannikova, the court ordered her held in custody for one month and 29 days, imposed from the moment the accused is extradited to the Russian Federation or from the moment of her arrest in the Russian Federation," Interfax quoted court officials as saying. It said the court had refused a request earlier this month from investigators to issue an arrest warrant. Ovsyannikova had earlier been subject to house arrest on allegations of spreading false information about the armed forces after staging a one-person protest near the Kremlin. Security forces raided her home in August. Ovsyannikova faces up to 10 years in prison under the rules on spreading false information approved by parliament after the start of the conflict on Feb. 24. She said in an online post this month that she had fled as she had no case to answer. Ukraine-born Ovsyannikova burst onto the studio platform of Russia's First Channel television during a live broadcast in March holding a placard saying "No war. Stop the war." She was initially fined for her outburst. (Reporting by Ronald Popeski; editing by David Ljunggren; editing by Sandra Maler) A Russian defense advisor recently revealed that Russia uses Iranian-made drones in Ukraine. His remarks came during a recent TV interview, when he didn't realize he was actually on air. Both Russia and Iran have denied that Tehran's suicide drones are being deployed in Ukraine. An advisor to Russia's defense ministry was caught on a hot mic revealing that Moscow has used suicide drones made by Iran to attack Ukrainian cities something the Kremlin has refused to publicly admit. Ruslan Pukhov, who is also a military expert, recently joined Russian Business Channel (RBC TV) for a television interview. After he is introduced by the presenter, Pukhov can be seen in a clip shared to social media walking on stage and taking a seat. Pukhov appears unaware that the show is already on the air, and he reveals before the interview gets started that Russia has been using Iranian-made suicide drones, even if the Kremlin isn't acknowledging it. "Now, I wouldn't want to rock the boat, so let's go easy on the subject of drones," Pukhov could be heard saying to the presenter. "You know the expression, 'we all have an asshole but we don't use the word?' We all know the drones are Iranian, but the government has not admitted to it." Pukhov's reference is alluding to a children's song about a parent's attempt to curb their daughter's use of profanity. Despite accusations and evidence presented by Western governments and intelligence agencies, Moscow and Tehran have denied the use of Iranian-made suicide drones in Ukraine which have emerged recently as a weapon of choice by Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces. Russian troops have ramped up attacks on Ukrainian cities far from the battlefield in recent weeks using these explosive suicide drones identified as the Shahed-136 model in a deadly Blitz-style terror campaign across the country. In addition to the Shahed-136, Russian forces have also deployed Iranian-made Shahed-129, Shahed-191, and Qods Mohajer-6 drones. Story continues Ukraine's foreign ministry said Wednesday that Kyiv has managed to down 223 Shahed-136 drones since mid-September and called for sanctions to be imposed on Iran, something the US has signaled could be on the table. Smoke rises from a destroyed building after Russian attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine on October 17, 2022. It was reported that at least four explosions were heard in Ukraine's capital Kyiv on Monday as authorities reported attacks by Russian kamikaze drones. Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images "The United States began warning in July that Iran was planning to transfer UAVs to Russia for use in Russia's brutal war against Ukraine, and we now have abundant evidence that these UAVs are being used to strike Ukrainian civilians and critical civilian infrastructure," US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a Wednesday statement. "As Iran continues to lie and deny providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, we are committed to working with allies and partners to prevent the transfer of dangerous weaponry to Russia," he continued. "We will not hesitate to use our sanctions and other appropriate tools on all involved in these transfers, Price said. "We will also continue to surge unprecedented security assistance to Ukraine, including air defense capabilities, so that Ukraine can defend itself from these weapons." Read the original article on Business Insider UKRAINSKA PRAVDA THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 15:15 During a television broadcast, Ruslan Puhov, member of the Civil Council at the Ministry of Defence of Russia, asked the hosts not to focus on the Iranian origins of the drones since everyone already "knows they are Iranian-made". Source: fragment of a programme broadcast on RBK [Russian 24-hour business television channel]; Arina Borodina, a Russian journalist; Russian media outlet Sirena on Telegram Quote: "We dont wish to rock the boat, so I am asking you not to focus on these Iranian-madebecause this is a classic case of storytelling just to create something sensational out of thin air, right? We all know they are Iranian-made, but the authorities will not admit it". Details: As reported by Sirena, Puhov was saying this without realising the microphones were already on. Later, Puhov complained to the Podyom media outlet about his memory problems and added that he may have said this or may not, or maybe all this was fake. Quote: "I dont remember saying this, I guess it was some kind of a staging. Maybe it happened, or maybe not. Unfortunately, I do not remember. Its been a long time. Ive had neurological issues after Covid". Background: Recently, Russia has started using the Iranian-made Shahed-136 kamikaze drones in the war against Ukraine. These drones bear the Russian title Geran-2 on their bodies, and the Russian government insists that the drones are not Iranian-made. Iran itself also denies its involvement. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! OLENA ROSHCHINA THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 09:01 Russian occupiers are beginning to transfer goods looted from the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the satellite city of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Source: Energoatom, the state operator of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, citing Enerhodars Telegram channel Quote: "The occupiers are starting to flee Enerhodar. The panic, fear and expectation of defeat that had taken hold of the occupiers in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts have now reached Enerhodar. Yesterday, on 19 October, and overnight, looted goods were being transferred from the residences of the Russian military and occupation administration." Details: Enerhodar residents reported that the Skifskyi hotel has been looted. According to their reports, Russian occupiers "have taken everything they possibly could TVs, fridges, furniture, kettles and other household goods and crammed it all in their buses and trucks." "This is a kind of evacuation accompanied by looting, or, in fact, marauding, enabled by Putins latest decree introducing martial law on Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia," the Telegram post reads. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! IRYNA BALACHUK THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 10:21 Russian troops shelled Mykolaiv with S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems on the morning of 20 October. Source: Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration on Facebook Quote from Kim: "S-300 strikes on the city. No casualties or damage were reported. They just messed up the lawns." Details: At the same time, Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration reported that the occupiers attacked Mykolaiv again with Shahed-136 kamikaze drones on the night of 19-20 October. Four drones hit one of the city's educational institutions. Another fell on enclosed private territory. The attack also caused two fires to break out in open areas - they were promptly extinguished. There were no casualties. Information on the damage is being updated. The invaders also fired mortars in the direction of the Port of Ochakiv, its water area, and along the recommended sea routes. The Russians shelled the territories and settlements of the Bereznehuvate hromada [an administrative unit designating the village of Bereznehuvate and its adjacent territories - ed.]. Anti-aircraft defence forces from Air Force Command Pivden (South) reportedly shot down nine Shahed-136 drones on the night of 19-20 October. Another two drones were destroyed by the Naval Forces and the National Guard, and one more was destroyed by the National Police. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! In almost eight months of the war against Ukraine, the Russian army has already lost more than 16,000 pieces of equipment Read also: Kharkiv territorial defense fighters tell the story of the liberation of Kharkiv Oblast The total combat losses of the enemy from Feb. 24 to Oct. 20 are the following: Personnel about 66,650 (+370); Tanks 2,567 (+13); Armored combat vehicles 5,255 (+20); Artillery systems 1,646 (+9); Multiple launch rocket systems 372 (+0); Air defense systems 189 (+0); Warplanes 269 (+0); Helicopters 243 (+1); UAV operational-tactical level 1,311 (+25); Cruise missiles 329 (+6); Warships / boats 16 (+0); Motor vehicles and fuel tankers 4,005 (+6); Special equipment 147 (+1). According to the General Staff, data are being verified and updated. Read also: Ukrainian army repels Russian attacks, air force strikes invaders, General Staff says Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Oct. 20 is the 240th day of full-scale war. The invading forces initially tried to advance from the north, east and south, shelling peaceful cities throughout Ukraine using artillery and bombing them from the air. During this time, the Kremlin has changed the goals of its war in Ukraine several times. After a failed operation to seize Kyiv and then the retreat of its troops from Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy oblasts, Russian forces concentrated on fighting for the parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts that were under Ukrainian governmental control before the full-scale Russian invasion. Read also: Russian missile strike hits school in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, Presidents Office says Kherson remains the only provincial capital under Russian control. Invading Russian forces currently occupy parts of Kherson, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Mykolayiv, and Zaporizhzhya oblasts. The Ukrainian Armed Forces has launched a counter-offensive in the south and east of Ukraine, striking at Russian ammunition depots and manpower clusters. Read also: Russia moves to buy more Iranian suicide drones, kidnaps Deputy Director of ZNPP Shortly after the beginning of the Kherson counter-offensive, Ukrainian army launched another counter-offensive in Kharkiv Oblast in the north-east of the country. Most of the oblast was liberated from Russian occupation in just a few days. Story continues The Ukrainian military has already liberated more than 8,000 square kilometers of territory. After the successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the battlefield, the occupying authorities in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya oblasts held sham referendums on accession to Russia, and on Sept. 30, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced the claimed annexation of the occupied Ukrainian territories. On Sept. 21, a partial mobilization was declared in Russia. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Two Russian nationals were arrested in a scheme to obtain sensitive U.S. military electronics and technology to provide it to the Russian defense sector, prosecutors said Wednesday, noting that some of the items were found on the battlefield in Ukraine. Yury Orekhov and Artem Uss are accused of using false documents and a front company to purchase electronics like advanced semiconductors and microprocessors used in fighter aircraft, missile systems and smart munitions. The men sent the items to sanctioned Russian companies that serve the defense sector, according to federal prosecutors. Some of the same electronic components obtained through the criminal scheme have been found in Russian weapons platforms seized on the battlefield in Ukraine, prosecutors said. The operation was part of a broader scheme that involved smuggling oil from Venezuela to companies in Russia and China and millions of dollars in cryptocurrency transfers to launder the proceeds of the criminal enterprise, according to a 12-count indictment that charged a total of seven people. "This network schemed to procure sophisticated technology in direct support of a floundering Russian Federation military industrial complex," Assistant FBI Director Michael Driscoll said in a statement. The indictment says Orekhov admitted in electronic communications that he was acting on behalf of a sanctioned Russian oligarch when he facilitated the sale of smuggled oil from Venezuela. A senior U.S. law enforcement official identified the oligarch as Oleg Deripaska, who was indicted last month on U.S. sanctions violations unrelated to the case announced Wednesday. A lawyer for Deripaska did not respond to a request for comment. Orekhov, who is 42 and lives in the United Arab Emirates, was arrested in Germany on Monday. Uss, who is 40 and lives in Moscow, was arrested in Italy the same day. Both men will undergo extradition proceedings, prosecutors said. It was not immediately clear whether they had hired lawyers. Story continues The Justice Department also charged three other Russians in connection with the scheme: Svetlana Kuzurgasheva, 32, also known as Lana Neumann; Timofey Telegin, 39; and Sergey Tulyakov, 52. Two other men were charged in connection with the allegedly illicit oil deals: Juan Fernando Serrano Ponce, who is 47 and lives in Dubai, and Juan Carlos Soto, whose age and hometown were not provided by U.S. authorities. Ponce and Soto are accused of brokering oil deals worth millions of dollars involving a front company operated by Orekhov and Uss and purchasers in Russia and China. The deals were routed through a complex web of shell companies and bank accounts to disguise the transactions, prosecutors said. Ponce and Soto are not accused of being involved in the weapons scheme. When Orekhov and Kuzurgasheva sought to buy the sensitive U.S. military and "dual-use technology," they falsely claimed it was going to the Russian space agency Roscosmos. Prosecutors described their approach as a common method of sanctions evasion used by Russian actors to obtain sensitive technologies, as the space program was subject to less stringent oversight and regulation by the United States. The indictment alleges that Orekhov and Uss discussed sanctions the U.S. imposed after Russian's invasion of Ukraine and joked about their criminal exposure. "Have you decided to leave Russia?" Orekhov asked Uss in an electronic message dated March 30, the indictment says. "[Y]ou want to be an international fugitive? It's too much," Uss replied sarcastically. "[A]nd you? Would you like to? I can arrange, very easy," Orekhov wrote back, according to the indictment. In an exchange with Soto, Orekhov used colorful language to allay his concerns about dealing with Russian companies. There were "no worries, no issues," Orekhov wrote, the indictment says. "This is the s-----t bank in the Emirates...They pay to everything." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Al Sharpton talks to a journalist at the AMC River East 21 movie theater in Chicago before a screening of the documentary Loudmouth at the Chicago International Film Festival on Oct. 17, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks this line in the documentary Loudmouth, the first on his legacy: People call me to blow up issues. Im the blow-up man and I dont apologize for that. Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, was in Chicago Monday for the premiere of the film at the Chicago International Film Festival. Over the course of two hours, viewers watch Sharptons trajectory from a teenager honoring James Brown on Soul Train to becoming a face and voice for the civil rights movement for decades. Advertisement Written, directed and produced by Josh Alexander, the film features Sharpton sharing his thoughts and views on key moments of his past alongside footage of his activism surrounding the death of George Floyd, the Tawana Brawley case (a Black teenager who in 1987 said she had been kidnapped and raped by a group of white men in New York), and the death of Michael Griffith (a 23-year-old Black man who died in New York in 1986 after he and two other Black men were attacked by a gang of white people outside a restaurant), among other incidents of police brutality, systemic injustice, racism and white supremacy in America. Sharpton said the director came to him wanting to do the documentary because growing up as a white kid in San Francisco, he said he was shocked by what he found when doing research. Advertisement Al Sharpton poses for photos at the AMC River East 21 movie theater in Chicago before a screening of the documentary Loudmouth. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) He said I never knew you almost got killed, Sharpton said. He said all I saw was the last 15 years. He convinced me that his intention was to expose what he didnt see, including flaws. I was convinced that it (the documentary) had to come now for people to have to deal with this stuff. Take the personal side of me out of it You need to look at the kind of racism the North had and how the media had been building it. If the media had told the stories correctly of Bernhard Goetz (a 37-year-old white male who shot four young Black men on an NYC subway in 1984) or even the Tawana Brawley case on into now, we wouldnt have been as shocked with Donald Trump, he said. Right now, America is living nationally what we had to live with all our lives in New York. ... I think people underestimated how biased people were and I think this documentary, more than telling my story, tells how bigoted a certain part of this country was that we covered up until Donald Trump took the covers off. We spoke with Sharpton about his work, the films impact and the midterm elections. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Q: How did the documentarys title come about? A: Some will look at it as controversial. I said, Ive been called worse. I intentionally became a loudmouth because those that were more reserved in how they spoke would not tell our stories, so I had to be loud in order to be heard, and to speak for the unheard. And it caught on. Now youve got not only young people in NAN, but young people all over the country standing in the streets like I did 30 years ago, stopping subways. Loud has become trendy. Q: In the film, you talk about the media narrative more than once. Was that also part of your plan? Talk about it enough in this documentary, maybe somebody will get it right? A: I intentionally wanted to say that because the reason I had to be a loudmouth is (that) the media was not covering those issues. The media would condemn me as a loudmouth, but if yall would open up your mouth, they wouldnt need a guy like me. And what the media didnt understand, that you saw in the film, is I also built an organization being a loudmouth. I wasnt the only one calling the march at Howard Beach (in 1986 in response to Michael Griffiths death). I was the only one that got hundreds out there like that. All the way to George Floyd ... when you see that footage of how we wrapped 200,000 people around the Lincoln Memorial in 2020 in the middle of a pandemic, thats because of 30 years of work. A lot of people would say we put out a press release, well have a little rally. I said, No, we have to close the town down, theyll have to cover that. Thats what we did. I started doing things that I knew would make them have to deal with the drama and kept it nonviolent. I learned a certain amount from the generation ahead of me I wanted the generation behind me to know you cannot do one or two rallies. You gotta keep going until you win. We were able to stop stop-and-frisk but that took years. We were able to get racial profiling laws that took years. With George Floyd, we got an executive order by President Biden, but thats not enough. We need a law and were gonna stay on it. Advertisement Q: I sat down with Bishop Tavis Grant, acting national executive director of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, to talk about leading the next generation. Civil rights are still very relevant but how do you keep such organizations relevant? A: Why were they ever relevant? Because they dealt with the issues of the day. Why does everybody from Trayvon Martins family to George Floyds family call the National Action Network? Because they know well get something done. Thats how you stay relevant. We started the Martin case. From there, it went and years later it was Eric Garners case and then I get a call from Ferguson, Missouri on and on and on all the way to George Floyd. Relevance is based on filling the needs of people. Too many times I think people get involved with wanting people to come to them and they never go to the people. Thats why we get the calls and we respond to the call. We have an infrastructure that can produce. Q: Theres a statement in the film that wonders if were going to be prophetic or pathetic in a time of action. Where do we tend to be leaning these days as a society? Advertisement A: We have been more prophetic, but if we blow the midterm elections were going to have pathetic results. We were prophetic and able to energize the biggest turnout of a presidential election in the history of the country in 2020. But we can be pathetic if, in three weeks, we lose all of what we built. Everything from womens rights to affirmative action is in front of the Supreme Court this session. It can all flip. A guy from the outer borough of New York (Donald Trump) stacked the Supreme Court and stacked the federal courts hes from Queens. I know that kind of manicured racism. Thats what Loudmouth is about, manicured racism. These are not the guys with the billy club, chewing tobacco. These are the guys that get manicures and pedicures. Q: How do you keep the fires going when people can get distracted on the civil rights path? A: You have to be determined and know in the beginning, that if they wanted to do it, they would have done it. Youre gonna be a long-distance runner, and you have to be strategic and sometimes strategy calls for you to be a loudmouth. You got to make noise. What I try to tell young activists is dont have the noise be the end, have it be the means to the end. We convicted cops in George Floyd, we convicted those guys in Ahmaud Arberys case all of that last year. A win now is to change the laws. The problem is sometimes people just get caught up in the noise. I always sort through the noise. Advertisement Q: How are we looking as far as translating action into legislation? Is there a certain state that youve seen in doing your work that is closer to it than other states? A: Weve been able to see some progress in Minnesota. Some progress in South Carolina, some in New York, with the Eric Garner no chokehold law. But we need federal law. And I think that if we could get the right results in the midterm elections dont forget the John Lewis (voting rights) bill passed the House, it didnt pass the Senate. We can run it right back through if we get the right result. Q: The film shows your 1991 stabbing, and security conversation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Does anything scare you? A: I was stabbed leading a march. I was prosecuted, they showed that. And since then Ive done 90 days in jail. Ive been arrested 30 times. So on this side of heaven, death, jail, indictments are about as bad as you can get they cant do nothing more to me. So my thing is I get up every day, and Im not looking at bars and Im not in a grave, its a good day for me because I have been that close to death and Ive been in jail. Im not new to this. Im true to this. Thats the strength of this movie: to show that sometimes you got to risk being ridiculed to get your point out there. And if you can endure it, youll turn it around. You got to have faith bigger than your career. And it was always my faith that drove me. The theatrical release of Loudmouth is set for Dec. 9, 2022. Advertisement drockett@chicagotribune.com What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. Sign up for our Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here. LONDON (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday inspected a training ground for mobilised troops and was shown firing shots from a sniper rifle in footage apparently intended to show his personal backing for soldiers heading to fight in Ukraine. Putin was accompanied on the trip to Ryazan, southeast of Moscow, by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who reported to him on how the men were being trained, the Kremlin said. Footage showed a figure who appeared to be Putin lying flat on the ground and firing from a rifle. In the next frame, Putin was seen dusting down his overcoat, slapping a soldier on the shoulder and wishing him good luck. The visit came a day after Putin raised Russia's war footing and declared martial law in four occupied regions of Ukraine that he moved to annex last month in a step condemned as illegal by Ukraine, its allies and the United Nations General Assembly. Faced with a series of defeats in the war, Putin last month declared a "partial mobilisation" to call up hundreds of thousands of extra troops. It has proceeded chaotically, with frequent cases of call-up papers going out to the wrong men, and even Putin has been forced to acknowledge mistakes. Hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled abroad to escape being drafted. Putin said last Friday the mobilisation would be over within two weeks. On Thursday he ordered all Russia's regions to do more to support army needs and stressed that all mobilised men needed to be sent to the front with proper equipment. (Writing by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Alexandra Hudson) James Cordens week may have just gone from bad to worse after Ryanair tweeted that he was banned from its flights. The actor and presenter came under fire in recent days for allegedly shouting at serving staff in New York restaurant Balthazar. Keith McNally, owner of the famed Manhattan eatery, called Corden out in a stinging Instagram post that called him a hugely gifted comedian, but a tiny Cretin of a man and claiming he was the most abusive customer to my Balthazar servers since the restaurant opened 25 years ago. James Corden BANNED from Ryanair pic.twitter.com/JcmSgNA2fO Ryanair (@Ryanair) October 18, 2022 He said he had chosen to 86 Corden as a result, an American term that means to refuse to serve a customer. Following the edict, Ryanair, Europes biggest low-cost airline, issued its own ban with a tongue-in-cheek social media post. The carrier tweeted, James Corden BANNED from Ryanair, along with a picture of the Late Late Show host on a plane with a red no entry sign plastered over his face. The tweet clearly struck a chord with social media users, receiving nearly 300,000 likes and 12,600 retweets at the time of writing. Followers had a field day with the tweet, with one commenting, Your excess baggage charges, seat charges, and extortionate alcohol on board charges are all now forgiven. Another replied: Fly Ryanair; the only airline that guarantees you wont have to sit next to James Corden (use this one for free, next marketing lines will cost). The Balthazar ban was short-lived, having already been lifted after a contrite Corden called McNally to apologise. But who knows when hell be allowed to take advantage of Ryanairs low-cost fares again? Navy sailor Jason Jablonski pleaded guilty to manslaughter Wednesday after being charged with murder in March in the killing of a man with a dumbbell during what was described in court documents as a crack bender. In the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to not seek a sentence higher than the maximum of 10 years for voluntary manslaughter, a Class 5 felony. Witnesses found the body of 45-year-old Herbert Bryant in the breezeway of the Eastwyck Village Apartments on the morning of March 11. An autopsy the following day showed the cause of death was a combination of asphyxia, blunt force trauma and a stab wound to the shoulder, according to the evidence submitted by the prosecution. Jablonski, Bryant, and Heather Totty were smoking crack cocaine in a residence, according to court documents. Jablonski, 41, told detectives he initially engaged Bryant because he threw an ashtray at Totty and jumped on her, saying Bryant became possessed like a demon. Jablonski, of Virginia Beach, admitted to punching Bryant two or three times in the head before ultimately using the dumbbell to choke him until he stopped moving. Totty told detectives she saw Jablonski hit Bryant in the head with the dumbbell. A witness said Jablonski dragged Bryants body out of the apartment and not to not call the police. Totty admitted to cleaning the blood off the dumbbell and trying to clean up the blood in the apartment. Police later found Bryants drivers license and wallet in a dumpster at the apartment complex, according to court documents. Totty was found guilty in August and sentenced to 12 months in prison. Jablonskis sentencing hearing will held Jan. 10. Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com FTX boss Sam-Bankman Fried thoroughly broke down his ideal regulatory framework for the crypto industry on Wednesday. The billionaire said he is a proponent of regulation using blacklists or blocklists, a model where individuals may freely trade unless explicitly sanctioned. This is in contrast with whitelists or allowlists where individuals are banned from trade by default unless explicitly granted permission. We need fast, reliable lists of addresses associated with illicit finance, said the CEO. But peer-to-peer transfers should generally be free as long as they're not going to sanctioned actors. 2) At a high level: a) we need regulatory oversight and customer protection b) we need to ensure an open, free economy, where peer to peer transfers, code, validators, etc. are presumptively free c) we should establish regulation--and until then standards--to ensure (a/b) SBF (@SBF_FTX) October 19, 2022 In a more detailed document on FTXs website titled "Possible Digital Asset Industry Standards," the exchangelikely channeling its top executivefurther argued that using allowlists would be a massive burden on innovation and commerce that freezes out the economically disadvantaged. On the other hand, the exchange noted, simply allowing all transfers would open the floodgates to financial crime. Blocklists, it argues, strike a much healthier balance between the two. This can simultaneously enforce sanctions compliance effectively while also making sure that you don't need a passport and social security number to buy a bagel from 7-11, said SBF. Enforcing such sanctions compliance can be difficult in practice, however. FTX raised the issue of timing. What happens if funds from illicit financial activities are moved after the activities are discovered but before thats communicated to all of the platforms? the service asked. Story continues When it comes to the blockchain, crypto addresses do not equal users. Stolen funds can be transferred through a virtually infinite number of addresses, with little way of knowing to who each address belongs. That leaves exchanges with the tough task of constantly monitoring which addresses are associated with illegal funds and blacklisting them accordingly. Even that creates its own set of problems. In August, a Twitter troll dusted hundreds of high-profile addresses with tiny amounts of tainted Tornado Cash ETH, shortly after the privacy protocol was sanctioned by OFAC, creating a legal mess for the unwitting recipients. Tornado Cash User 'Dusts' Hundreds of Public WalletsIncluding Celebs Jimmy Fallon, Steve Aoki and Logan Paul FTX suggested that OFAC create an address specifically for any dusting victims to send their illegal funds to, thus curing their address from blocklist status. The exchange also recommended that trusted actors maintain their own lists of addresses suspected of being related to financial crime, but which are still legal to transact with. In other words: sending sanctioned funds is sanctioned; receiving them should come with an opportunity to cure, it concluded. San Francisco Mayor London Breed apologized for comments she made this month suggesting that "a lot of" Hondurans are drug dealers. During KQED-FM's "Political Breakdown" show on Oct. 5, Breed discussed her initiatives for public safety and economic development and how the November elections might influence her agenda. In response to a question regarding the citys approximately 1,700 overdoses since 2020, she said: "There are unfortunately a lot of people who come from a particular country from Honduras. And a lot of the people who are dealing that drug happen to be of that ethnicity," referring to fentanyl. She added it was not about racial profiling, saying, We all know it, its the reality. Its what you see. Its whats out there, referring to the citys Tenderloin neighborhood, home to many Latino immigrant families. As the video of her remarks circulated, some began condemning Breed for scapegoating the citys Honduran community. But Carlos Solorzano-Cuadra, CEO at The Hispanic Chambers of Commerce of San Francisco, told NBC Bay Areas Gia Vang that he accepts her apology because she meant well. In the interview, Solorzano-Cuadra refers to his groups 2018 study, which found most drug sellers in the Tenderloins neighborhood were juveniles from Honduras looking to make money to send back home to their families. There is a "but," though, he told Vang. We also have to understand that were not naming only one ethnicity. That is not good enough anymore, Solorzano-Cuadra said. With all the turmoil that we have between the Latino community, the African American, the Asian communities, we need to work more together. So, we need to be more conscious of what we say, when were pointing fingers especially on that. Breed apologized Wednesday for her comments. In trying to explain what is happening in the Tenderloin, I failed to accurately and comprehensively discuss what is an incredibly complex situation in our City and in Central America," she said in a statement. Follow NBC Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Law enforcement officers in two South Carolina counties have charged eight men they say were involved in sexually exploiting children. In Anderson, the Sheriffs Office worked with Homeland Security over many months on a case in which a Westminster man is alleged to have blackmailed children across the country into giving him videos of a sexual nature. In Oconee, the Sheriffs Office, also working with Homeland Security, arrested seven men and charged them with sexual exploitation of a minor for distributing videos and photos. The cases are not related, officials said. Anderson Detective Adele Davis said in a Facebook video released Thursday that she was able to identify 17 victims in South Carolina and 10 other states Arizona, California, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. All were younger than 12. There were thousands of images on the phone seized during the investigation, Davis said. Were talking prepubescent children, Davis said in the Facebook video. This was somebody that we needed to hone in on and get off the street as soon as possible. The investigation began in March 2021 and an arrest was made in May 2021, citing one victim. Working with Homeland Security, Davis was able to identify 16 more victims. Those charges were brought in August, Sheriffs Office spokesperson Shale Remien said. She said some victims were coerced into sending videos and photos through the use of fear tactics. Some victims could not be positively identified. Sherman Alexander Turner, 28, of Williamston, faces federal child pornography charges. He is being held in Columbia, Remien said. In Oconee County, seven men were arrested over two days this week after the Sheriffs Office received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The victims all but one were girls were 3 to 16 years old, the Sheriffs Office said in a news release. At this time, Investigators do not have any evidence that any of the Child Sexual Abuse Material was manufactured inside of Oconee County, the release said. The evidence seized indicated that the material was possessed by all seven suspects, and in some instances, was then distributed over the internet. Arrested were Ernest Joseph McDonald, 23, Westminster; Thomas Gerald Allred, 45, Seneca; Terry Randall Belk Jr., 23, Seneca; Jon Joseph Carranza, 26, Seneca; Richard David Raffl; 74, Walhalla; William Douglas Minner, 59, Tamassee; and Robert Mann Hagan, 74, Seneca. By Liz Hampton (Reuters) -Oilfield services provider Schlumberger is evaluating unspecified options for its thousands of Russian employees as the war in Ukraine escalates, Chief Executive Olivier Le Peuch told Reuters an interview. Among Western companies that did not exit following the February invasion of Ukraine, Schlumberger is one of the biggest employers in Russia. It has some 10,000 people in the region and has come under pressure for remaining in the country as fighting has escalated and Russia's casualties led to a military mobilization. "We clearly continue to condemn the Russia invasion," he said in an interview on Wednesday, adding its executives "continue to watch and monitor escalation in the region." Le Peuch did not say what would cause the world's largest oilfield service firm to leave the country. But he said: "We continue to evaluate options in light of our employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in a tweet blasted the firm's Russia presence as contributing to war crimes and genocide. "The only way to save (what) remains of its reputation is to PULL OUT of Russia NOW," he said. Schlumberger employees have told Reuters they risk losing their jobs by seeking to escape the military mobilization and face receiving draft notices at their workplaces should they remain, moves they saw as Schlumberger supporting the war. President Vladimir Putin last month issued a decree seeking to add 300,000 troops to the war effort amid high casualties in Ukraine. The decree prompted tens of thousands of Russians to flee the country. Le Peuch said Schlumberger "management in the country is pursuing all options to assist employees," without providing details. The company suspended new investments and technology deployment, but stopped short of withdrawing as some rivals did. Some companies with Russian operations, including Roche Holding and Novo Nordisk, have sought military deferments for employees. Schlumberger last week said its Russian managers were "relentlessly working with clients and the government to evaluate all exemption opportunities for their employees within the existing legal framework." (Reporting by Liz Hampton in Denver; Editing by Stephen Coates) FBI agents carry away boxes after searching the apartment of James Lewis in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2009. (Josh Reynolds/AP) Nearly a quarter-century after the Tylenol murders, retired FBI agent Roy Lane Jr. received an unexpected phone call from Robert Grant, special agent in charge of the bureaus Chicago office. It seemed investigative reporter Bob Arya had been looking into the 1982 case since joining CLTV, then a regional 24-hour news station, more than a decade earlier. And now he believed he had solved it. Grant really didnt know much about the poisonings, but he thought it was worth hearing what Arya had to say. He asked Lane and a few others to meet with the reporter. Lane agreed immediately, his desire to close the case still burning strong. He had helped put away judges, mobsters, aldermen and even a former Illinois governor during his legendary 26-year career, but the Tylenol killer had always been beyond his reach. Bob Arya, a former investigative journalist who has devoted years to the Tylenol case, holds a set of green folders containing his research this month in Barrington. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) On a spring morning in 2006, Arya walked into a conference room at the FBI field office in Lisle and presented his case to several current and former agents. I went through it like I was presenting a case to the grand jury, Arya said. It was one of the most important moments in my life. Arya didnt think the killer was James Lewis, the man convicted of attempted extortion after the poisonings. He also had ruled out Roger Arnold, the wannabe chemist who caught the interest of a few Chicago detectives. Instead, he offered an entirely new suspect. The Tribune is not naming the man because law enforcement has never charged him or seriously considered him as a person of interest. After Arya left, the agents talked. They didnt think the award-winning journalist had the right guy the group thought the evidence in the dormant investigation still pointed at someone else but Grants interest had been piqued. Robert Grant, now retired, helped revive the Tylenol investigation in 2006 as special agent in charge of the Chicago field office of the FBI. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) This would make a perfect cold case, Grant said he told his agents. Everyone agreed especially Lane. Before retiring in 1996, Lane had kept tabs on Lewis, the man the Tylenol task force considered to be its prime suspect. Lane and former federal prosecutor Jeremy Margolis had even flown to Boston in 1985 to interview Lewis wife, LeAnn, while Lewis was serving time in prison for attempted extortion. Lane and Margolis met LeAnn Lewis at her apartment building one evening as she returned home from work. Lane told the Tribune she expressed a willingness to talk but wanted her husbands permission first. After raising the agents hopes, she called Lane back a few days later and said she wouldnt be able to speak with him after all. James Lewis didnt want me to interview her, Lane said. And then an attorney called me and said: Dont go near LeAnn. And thats kind of how that ended. Until Arya spoke up in 2006. The FBI wasnt the only agency newly intrigued by the Tylenol case. About six months after Arya met with the FBI, an Arlington Heights police detective was paged to his departments lobby. A woman was waiting there with an explosive story: She believed her ex-husband was the Tylenol murderer and responsible for the deaths of three people Adam, Stanley and Terri Janus in that town. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 Helena and Jan Tarasewicz, center left, the parents of Theresa "Terri" Janus, grieve at the funeral Mass for Terri, her husband Stanley and her brother-in-law Adam Janus at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church. (Carl Hugare / Chicago Tribune) Detective Scott Winkelman began reading up on the case and quickly ruled out the ex-husband, sources said. Beyond a general disdain for her ex, the womans suspicions were based on the fact that the man knew where the killers first victim, 12-year-old Mary Kellerman of Elk Grove Village, had lived with her parents. It turned out that lots of people in town knew where the Kellermans once lived. The community wasnt that big, and the Tribune had even printed the familys exact address in the paper in cooperation with the FBI and her parents. The more Winkelman dug, though, the more interested in the case he became, sources told the Tribune. But there was a problem: The records, the evidence, the institutional memory they were scattered across the various agencies involved in the original task force. The grave of Adam Janus is at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery in Niles. A tip about the deaths of Adam, Stanley and Terri Janus helped revive interest in the Tylenol investigation in 2006. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Winkelman reached out to the FBI for help. His newfound interest dovetailed perfectly with Grants desire to take a fresh look at the case. It all came together, Lane said. The second Tylenol task force was born. The sting The new law enforcement team which would informally call itself Task Force 2 had assembled by the early weeks of 2007, with detectives from several local municipalities joining FBI agents and an Illinois State Police investigator. The Chicago Police Department, which had clashed with the bureau during the original investigation, agreed to cooperate with the reboot. Records show the department assigned two detectives from its cold case unit to take another look at the death of Paula Prince, the only Chicago resident to die from tainted Tylenol. Two detectives from the Chicago Police Department's cold case unit reexamined the death of Paula Prince, the only Chicago resident to die from tainted Tylenol. (Chicago Tribune archive) The FBI has declined to comment on Task Force 2 and denied requests for records related to its work. Winkelman the former Arlington Heights detective who would become the driving force behind the investigation told the Tribune he was not authorized to speak publicly about the case. The Tribune traced the teams efforts through sealed court documents, an undercover recording, available police records and interviews with more than a dozen people with direct knowledge of the investigation. Reporters also have reviewed a confidential presentation given to prosecutors in 2012, a slideshow that ends with the task force asking that witnesses be called before a grand jury. As Task Force 2 began its work, James Lewis was in a Massachusetts jail awaiting trial on charges that he kidnapped and raped his neighbor amid a 2004 business dispute. Grant said those allegations strengthened his commitment to reexamining the Tylenol murders. In my calculation, he was an ongoing threat, Grant told the Tribune. Hes out there and his still being a threat to people concerned me. Thats not to say hes a killer. This October 2007 photo shows James Lewis at a restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He had recently spent more than three years in jail before charges against him were dropped. (Neil W. McCabe/AP) The charges against Lewis were dropped in 2007 after the woman declined to testify against him. Lewis, who always maintained his innocence, was released after more than three years behind bars. Lane was the only member of the original Tylenol task force to play an active role in the new investigation. He initially had been asked only to introduce another FBI agent to LeAnn Lewis and let his colleague take it from there. But that role quickly expanded. Around the time Lewis was released from jail, investigators had launched an elaborate sting operation to get him talking, according to records reviewed by the Tribune. And Lane knew Lewis well, having met with him several times in 1983 while Lewis awaited sentencing for trying to extort money from the company that made Tylenol. For the sting, records show, Lane introduced Lewis and his wife to a woman Lane called Sherry Nichols, saying she was an investigative journalist working on a book about the Tylenol murders. In reality, the woman was an undercover FBI agent. Her name was not Sherry Nichols. Roy Lane Jr., shown in August, retired from the FBI in 1996 but stayed involved in the Tylenol case, helping run an elaborate sting operation involving James Lewis. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) Crafting a story reminiscent of Aryas meeting with FBI agents in 2006, Lane told Lewis that Nichols had done copious research on the case and firmly believed someone else was responsible for the killings. With Lewis help, Lane said, she could clear his name. Broke and never afraid to engage with law enforcement, Lewis jumped at the opportunity. Sounded like a great idea, Lewis later wrote on his website. I had endured nearly 30 years of being publicly vilified in the press worldwide as the prime Tylenol mass murder suspect. Lewis, who declined to be interviewed for this series, wrote extensively about the sting on his website. Lane would not discuss details of the undercover operation but he told the Tribune Lewis account was about 50% accurate. In a brief interaction with a Tribune reporter in August, Lewis disputed that description. Its absolutely, very carefully, 100% correct, Lewis said. A quandary Lane and Sherry Nichols met with the Lewises more than five dozen times between April 2007 and November 2008, records show. The agents spoke with James and LeAnn both separately and together. Behavioral analysts worked with the team throughout the 19-month sting, offering advice on how to stroke Lewis ego and make him comfortable enough to share his thoughts on the poisonings, sources said. During the operation, Lane helped Lewis with a novel he had begun in jail a few years earlier. Titled Poison! The Doctors Dilemma, its the story of a brilliant doctor from rural Missouri who works with a law enforcement task force to find a rogue government employee named Agua Naranja Spanish for orange water and figure out who has poisoned underground water supplies. The book, which Lewis self-published in 2010, opens with a mass poisoning in Chicago and the doctor testifying at the same federal courthouse where Lewis attempted extortion trial was held. Poison! The Doctors Dilemma is a self-published 2010 novel by James Lewis about a brilliant doctor from rural Missouri who works with law enforcement. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) It is dedicated to his wife, with gratitude for her generosity and understanding, and their daughter, Toni, who never lived to see this book. According to Lewis website, Nichols gave him money to buy a new laptop. He said the agents also treated him and his wife to nice dinners, encouraging them to drink even though they are self-described teetotalers. Jim was very impressed, said Roger Nicholson, a community access television host who befriended Lewis around 2007. You know, he was being wined and dined and treated like a dignitary. Thats what the attraction was but Roy was pulling a number on him. Lewis describes Nichols paying for the couple to take a weeklong vacation to Missouri, as well, according to his website. Sources told the Tribune that undercover officers from Task Force 2 trailed the couple the entire time, following them as they did research for Lewis novel in Kansas City and in his small hometown outside Joplin. As part of the operation, Nichols and Lane also went to New York with James and LeAnn Lewis at separate times, visiting the hotels where they had lived, the offices where she had worked and the library where Lewis had been arrested for the Tylenol extortion letter in December 1982. In 2007, the foursome traveled to Chicago and visited, among other places, the condo building where Prince lived and the Old Town Walgreens where she purchased her poisoned bottle. After he left the pharmacy, Lewis told the undercover agents he had a sense of deja vu, police records show. Lewis said, I havent been this excited since I met my biological mother, according to a law enforcement document. As part of their sting operation, undercover agents brought James Lewis to the Walgreens at Wells Street and North Avenue where Paula Prince bought the Tylenol that killed her. (Don Casper / Chicago Tribune) At the drugstore, Lewis walked directly to the shelf where Tylenol had been displayed in September 1982 but was no longer kept there, the document states. He hadnt lived far from the pharmacy during his brief stay in Chicago. Also in Chicago, Lane carefully confronted Lewis with a piece of new information about the extortion letter Lewis had mailed years earlier. The men were in a suite at the Sheraton Grand Chicago at the time, with FBI behavioral analysts and other task force members monitoring the conversation from an adjacent room with the help of eavesdropping equipment, according to records reviewed by the Tribune. A hidden camera also was used to record the conversation. The Tribune has reviewed a clip of the video that begins with Lewis seating himself on a couch next to Lane, who is dressed casually in jeans. Reporters also verified the videos contents with a half-dozen sources who have seen it in full. In the recording, Lane tells Lewis there is a problem with the timeline Lewis provided in regard to the extortion letter. Lewis confirms that he told the agents he spent at least three days working on the letter before mailing it to Tylenols parent company, Johnson & Johnson. It arrived at the firms corporate headquarters in New Jersey on Oct. 5. James Lewis was convicted of attempted extortion for sending this letter to Johnson & Johnson, the makers of Tylenol, demanding $1 million to "stop the killing." (The National Archives) At Lewis 1983 trial for attempted extortion, prosecutors could not determine the exact date on the letters postmark. They told jurors only that it had been sent in early October. Since then, however, advancements in technology had allowed the FBI to determine the letter was mailed Oct. 1, 1982, the Tribune has learned. On the recording, Lewis does not dispute that date. After confirming he spent three days writing the letter, Lewis asks Lane when the homicides took place. Lane picks up a manila folder, sketches out a calendar and shows it to Lewis, who has a messenger bag strapped across his body. The agent calmly counts back three days from Oct. 1, landing on Sept. 29 the day all seven victims swallowed poisoned capsules. News of the poisonings didnt become public until Sept. 30. There was an obvious problem with Lewis timeline. Lewis is quiet for a moment on the recording and then hugs the messenger bag to his chest. I see your quandary, he says on the recording. Ive been telling myself for 25 years I worked on it for three days. But its impossible. The Oct. 1 postmark also created another issue for Lewis. During his interviews with Margolis and Lane in 1983, Lewis said he had learned about the poisonings from an article in The New York Times, authorities told the Tribune. The newspaper printed its first story about the killings on Oct. 1. Jeremy Margolis, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago, worked on the Tylenol case and interviewed James Lewis in 1983. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) If Lewis statement about the Times was correct, he had less than a day to hatch his extortion plan, research the companys address in a pre-internet world, write the letter and get it in the mail. Lewis friend Nicholson said he has had many discussions with Lewis about the events surrounding the extortion note. According to Nicholson, Lewis told him he wrote six drafts of the letter before mailing it. Nicholson said he did not know the date it had been mailed. He did say he wrote it six times so it sounded at a sixth-grade or fifth-grade level of writing, Nicholson told the Tribune. He was very calculated. In the Chicago video recording, Lewis blamed faulty memory for the problems with his timeline. But the FBI later cited his words as one of the reasons for a search warrant executed on his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Feb. 4, 2009, sources said. As the raid began, James Lewis learned there was never any book about the Tylenol murders. And that Roy Lane was never his friend. The raid With reporters waiting outside and news helicopters hovering above the building where Lewis lived, the agents combed through the two-bedroom condo that LeAnn Lewis purchased while her husband was in prison. They also knocked on doors in his building, inquiring whether the occupants were renting any basement storage space to the Lewises. Lewis, meanwhile, walked to a nearby indoor shopping mall and passed hours milling around a bookstore and sitting in a coffee shop, according to sources. Authorities tracked Lewis throughout the day but did not try to interview him, which some members of Task Force 2 considered to be a mistake. The FBI wrapped up its search around 7:30 p.m., leaving through a side door with several boxes and a large Apple computer, records show. They also took items from storage units in the building and elsewhere. The items seized during the raid remain under seal, despite the amount of time passed and the lack of an arrest. FBI agents carry away boxes after searching the apartment of James Lewis in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2009. (Josh Reynolds/AP) Documents reviewed by the Tribune, however, show investigators found a four-page, handwritten timeline of the Lewises movements in the weeks before and after the Tylenol killings. The detailed list included everything from buying a frying pan at Gimbels department store in New York on Sept. 16, 1982, to visiting the library a few days earlier. Its unclear who authored the list, when it was written and for what purpose. The writer refers to James Lewis in both the first and the third person. At the time of the raid, Lewis had been helping the FBI agent he knew as writer Sherry Nichols reconstruct the events leading up to the Tylenol poisonings. Though the pages include entries for LeAnn Lewis throughout the month of September 1982, theres no log of James Lewis activities between Sept. 25 and Sept. 28. His next entry is for Sept. 29, the day the seven victims took poisoned Tylenol capsules. The document says he arrived at a Manhattan temp job around midnight on that date. The gap in the timeline caught the attention of the task force because investigators had long thought the bottles were tampered with sometime between Sept. 26 and Sept. 28. That conclusion was based on when the bottles were delivered to the stores and when they were purchased, beginning on the afternoon of Sept. 28 when Mary Kellermans mother purchased a 50-count bottle of Extra-Strength Tylenol. The handwritten timeline notes that security cameras could confirm Lewis arrival at work on Sept. 29. Nicholson told the Tribune that Lewis repeatedly said he made a point of waving to security cameras to prove he was in New York around the time of the murders. Nicholson found that odd, as Lewis was not yet a suspect. Im like, why do you need people to know where you are? Nicholson said in a recent interview. Why does anyone need to know where you are at that point? Authorities also seized a handwritten list titled Yes, I am a killer but I got 10 good reasons. Again, it is unclear who wrote the list and for what purpose, but it is among the evidence that has been presented to prosecutors over the years. Killing people is OK if you got good reasons, it states. Among the reasons listed in the document, which the Tribune has reviewed, are to wipe out scum, to show who is boss, to protect my family and to teach a lesson. The document does not specify the crime being justified; it also does not mention Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson or anything related to the 1982 poisonings. At the time of the raid, Lewis was still working on the novel for which Lane had provided advice. Many documents seized in the search were connected to his literary efforts, according to Lewis website. The books villain is an unscrupulous, high-ranking FBI agent who targets the handsome hero. FBI agents carry out boxes after searching the apartment of James Lewis in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2009. Documents reviewed by the Tribune show investigators found a four-page, handwritten timeline of the Lewises movements in the weeks before and after the Tylenol killings. (Josh Reynolds/AP) Lewis contends on his website that Lane and Nichols urged him to make the books fictional protagonist whose backstory had many similarities to the authors eventually confess to a mass killing in Chicago thats referenced in the novels opening scenes. Lewis said he refused. Got the picture? Writing a murder mystery can be extremely dangerous, he wrote. But it didnt work out the way Roy and Sherry promised their bosses, who were bankrolling the sting operation. Regardless, theres no mention of Lewis novel in task force presentations reviewed by the Tribune. The Roger Arnold question At the behest of Task Force 2, Chicago police supervisors assigned a cold case squad in fall 2007 to dig through eight boxes of evidence from the Paula Prince murder investigation. Many of the original detectives had retired or died by that time, but Jimmy Gildea was still investigating crimes on the North Side. Former Chicago police Detective Jimmy Gildea, shown in July at his Chicago home, declined to get involved with the revived Tylenol investigation. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Unhappy about how quickly state and federal investigators dismissed Arnold as a potential suspect a quarter-century earlier, Gildea declined to take another shot at the case. He offered to answer any questions that arose, but he worried the FBI simply wanted to cross Arnold off the list of suspects so it could remain focused on Lewis. It was pretty clear what was happening, Gildea said. Arnold, then 73 and living on the Southwest Side, had rebuilt his life after prison, thanks in large part to a surrogate family he had formed in the decade since his release. Steve Schulman, owner of A-1 Truck and Auto Supply in the Archer Heights neighborhood, had hired him after Arnold answered a help-wanted ad for a part-time delivery driver. Arnold proved a reliable employee who showed up early for work and did whatever was asked. In his new co-workers, Arnold found acceptance and a sense of belonging that had eluded him his entire adult life. His colleagues talked with him, shared jokes and generally cared about his well-being. We became his family, Schulman said. Steve Schulman, who owns A-1 Truck & Auto Supply in Chicago, employed Roger Arnold for many years and helped take care of him after he retired. "We became his family," Schulman said. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Arnold didnt talk much about the time he spent in prison for killing John Stanisha, a father and computer programmer whom Arnold mistakenly blamed for making him a suspect in the Tylenol case. But he did disclose his past to his co-workers and his landlord, none of whom held the information against him. He was upfront about it, said Jasmin Breitung, who rented her upstairs apartment to Arnold while completing a medical residency. So I immediately appreciated his honesty. Thirty years his junior, Breitung told the Tribune she came to view Arnold as a favorite uncle. He joined her for family holidays, ran errands with her and often confided in her about the drinking problem he had before going to prison. Arnold rented the apartment from Breitung for about five years until she finished her residency and found a job out West. The two kept in touch by telephone on holidays and whenever Arnold had a medical question. In the spring of 2008, Arnold called to say the VA hospital would no longer give him a prescription for antidepressants and he had fallen into a terrible state. He had quit his job at the auto parts store after about a decade, telling his boss he feared he might get into an accident because he was distracted and troubled by the Stanisha murder 25 years earlier. Roger Arnold, center, surrenders to police in connection with the fatal shooting of John Stanisha in 1983. Arnold, who was convicted, remained haunted by the murder for years, friends said. (Jerry Tomaselli / Chicago Tribune) He was seeing the person that he shot, his face, in front of him, Schulman told the Tribune. He couldnt concentrate, couldnt sleep. He was having nightmares. He was very much haunted. Aware of Arnolds deepening depression, Schulman and another employee regularly checked on their friend and brought him food. They even gave him a cat named Harley to make sure he wouldnt be too lonely. After not hearing from Arnold for several days in June 2008, Schulman drove to his apartment and found him dead on the bathroom floor. Heart disease was listed as the official cause of death. Schulman made sure Arnold, who served two years in the Army in the late 1950s, was buried with full honors at a nearby military cemetery. But Arnolds rest would soon be disturbed. In November 2009, investigators came to Schulmans business, hoping to glean a viable DNA sample off Arnolds old hats, winter gloves, ties, belts or a wallet that Schulman and an employee had kept after donating most of Arnolds stuff to a veterans charity. Its unclear whether the items yielded the evidence the investigators had sought, but prosecutors asked a DuPage County judge the following summer for permission to seek his DNA by more dramatic means. According to a sealed court order obtained by the Tribune, the task force received approval to exhume Arnolds body in June 2010. The DNA testing is necessary to attempt to either include or exclude Arnold as a perpetrator in the crimes being investigated, prosecutors wrote in a sealed petition to the court. Authorities secretly exhumed the body of Roger Arnold from Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, shown here in September, for DNA testing related to the Tylenol case. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) According to the petition, prosecutors stated that developments in forensic technology had allowed them to identify DNA profiles on three of the tainted Tylenol bottles and the capsules inside. The petition detailed the limited circumstantial evidence against Arnold, including the fact that he worked for the grocery store chain that sold two of the poisoned bottles. It also mentioned his subsequent conviction for Stanishas murder. A forensic pathologist removed Arnolds femur bone and the body was returned to his grave that same day, records show. Tylenol investigators also interviewed several of Roger Arnolds friends and a former cellmate, most of whom didnt know Arnold at the time of the poisonings. None thought he was capable of the cyanide murders, despite killing Stanisha, records show. Two task force members even flew to New Mexico, where Breitung had established her medical practice. Breitung, who completed a dual residency in psychiatrics and internal medicine, told them the Tylenol killings were premeditated, calculated and detailed all characteristics Breitung said Arnold lacked. I felt like he committed his murder out of impulsive, irrational, highly emotional behavior at the time, she told the Tribune. I mean, Im not saying he couldnt have done (the poisonings), but personality wise, I dont think he did it. I dont think he wouldve held a grudge and been angry for such a sustained period of time as to carry out serial killings like that. This photo of Roger Arnold belongs to Steve Schulman, who hired him as a delivery driver. Several of Arnold's friends told the Tribune they do not think Arnold was capable of the Tylenol killings. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Given her areas of medical expertise, Breitungs insights played a role in the task force eliminating him as a suspect, sources said. His DNA also did not match the profiles on the bottles, records show, though that alone would not be enough to clear him. More than 14 years after his death, Breitung keeps a framed photo of Arnold in her hallway alongside pictures of other loved ones. Schulman also keeps his friends photograph on display in his auto parts store. I dont think he found peace, Schulman said. It was just a bad situation. The Chicago police cold case squad ended its investigation into the Tylenol murders in March 2012, and most of the Prince murder files were returned to the departments warehouse. The city detectives offered no written conclusion about who poisoned her, but they did send a box of records to Task Force 2 with a picture of Arnold right on top. Some on the task force thought it a message, but it did not change their focus. James Lewis remained their prime suspect. Back to Kansas City While Lane worked Lewis in 2007, records show Task Force 2 agents reexamined Lewis life in Missouri before the Tylenol murders. The investigators traveled to Kansas City to look into critical moments in their suspects life the mail fraud conviction, the dismemberment of his former tax client Raymond West and the death of his 5-year-old daughter, Toni Ann with fresh eyes. They needed to know if anything had been missed by the FBI during their initial investigation in 1982. James Lewis, front, leaves a federal courtroom in Kansas City, Missouri, after pleading not guilty to income tax and mail fraud charges on Jan. 13, 1983. (The Kansas City Star/AP) It wasnt an easy task. Many people were already dead and others refused to cooperate, sources told the Tribune. Among those still alive and willing to speak was Dr. Keith Ashcraft, the well-respected pediatric surgeon who operated on Toni Ann in 1974. In a meeting with investigators, Ashcraft, who died in 2019, confirmed the findings in Toni Anns autopsy report, which showed that she died after the sutures used to fix her congenital heart defect tore. The sutures were made by Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, according to a medical document reviewed by the Tribune. The information which was not included in FBI reports from 1982 offered investigators an elusive piece to a decades-old puzzle: a potential motive for the Tylenol murders. Records show the task force had considered multiple motives over the years, including whether Lewis had hoped to compete with Johnson & Johnson with his failed tablet press business in the 1970s. They also weighed whether Lewis could have poisoned the pills as an excuse to write the extortion letter that pointed the finger at his wifes former boss. Prosecutors, of course, arent required to provide or prove motives at trial, but juries like them. And defense attorneys use it to their advantage when they dont exist. Its unclear if Lewis ever read the autopsy. In 1982, family members and health care workers told investigators that Lewis seemed to accept his only childs death and never faulted anyone, according to confidential records obtained by the Tribune. Lewis did not respond to Tribune questions about his daughters medical procedure. His website, however, contains several rants against Johnson & Johnson and even questions whether the companys executives bribed the original Tylenol task force. One post takes direct aim at Ethicon, which has lost millions in jury awards over marketing claims related to its pelvic mesh products. In one of the cases, a federal magistrate ruled that the J&J subsidiary was negligent when it destroyed documents relevant to one of the cases. Johnson and Johnson is at it again! Lewis wrote. A Tribune reporter spoke briefly to Lewis in late August while he was walking near his home in Cambridge. He gave no direct response to questions about the ongoing investigation but he did fire a shot at Johnson & Johnson. He questioned why the corporations employees were allowed to test more than 10 million recalled capsules after the murders. Records show the capsules were burned following the testing and only untainted bottles were destroyed. A Tribune reporter spoke briefly to James Lewis in late August while he was walking near his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. What have you done on that story about J&Js destruction of all the evidence? he asked. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Lewis has long maintained that the company was given too powerful a role in an investigation that centered around its own product. What have you done on that story about J & Js destruction of all the evidence? he asked. Johnson & Johnson did not respond to repeated requests for comment for this series. The companys employees found one bottle containing poisoned pills and handed it over to investigators, records show. The Tribune also recently learned that investigators obtained a second tainted bottle after a contractor for a J&J subsidiary flagged it as suspicious. In addition to investigating Toni Anns passing, Task Force 2 agents also took another look at the death of Raymond West, the 72-year-old retired delivery driver who was found dead and dismembered in his attic in August 1978. Lewis had been charged with murdering West, but the case was dropped on the eve of trial after a judge found Lewis had not been read his rights before being questioned about his former tax clients death. After interviewing witnesses in the West case, Illinois investigators asked Kansas City police to reopen their homicide investigation. A judge previously ruled much of the evidence inadmissible, but Task Force 2 thought a forged note found in Wests home and a forged $5,000 check cashed by Lewis around the same time his client disappeared were enough to merit another hard look. Lewis has long denied killing West and created a website about the case, which questions whether the victims longtime friend or even the Kansas City police could be responsible. How did Raymond West die? Lewis wrote. No one knows! The sun rises over the grave of Raymond West, who is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Carrollton, Missouri. James Lewis has long denied killing West, who died in 1978. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Records show the Kansas City Police Departments cold case unit reviewed the case file at Winkelmans request and consulted a local prosecutor. According to a memo obtained by the Tribune, the prosecutor searched for the files related to Wests death, but they had gone missing from the office archives. We both agreed that nothing has changed from the time this was originally charged and then later dismissed, Detective Billy Martin wrote in March 2007. He (the prosecutor) also agreed that it would be highly unlikely that this case could be re-charged against James Lewis. The result was clear. If the rebooted task force hoped to see Lewis indicted, it wouldnt be for Wests death. The Tylenol investigators would have to close their own case. The DNA In 2010, DuPage County prosecutors filed a sealed affidavit outlining their case against Lewis in order to obtain a DNA sample from him. The affidavit, which multiple sources have described to the Tribune, included, among other things, details from Lanes undercover operation, references to the sketches Lewis made for law enforcement while awaiting sentencing in 1983 and fingerprints found on a poison handbook once belonging to Lewis. A DuPage judge granted the request, prompting Lewis to fight the order in a Massachusetts courtroom. After Lewis lost during a closed hearing, a task force investigator swabbed Lewis mouth in a backroom near the judges chambers and took his fingerprints, as well. Lewis sample did not match any of the profiles identified on the bottles, sources said. The FBI has never publicly confirmed the testing, but Lewis taunted investigators on his website afterward. OK, boys and girls, now you have my DNA and your jillionth set of my fingerprints, he wrote. You could have saved thousands of taxpayers dollars coming here to Massachusetts for DNA which you knew would never match anything in your archive, because you already knew that I was never near that evidence in the first place. A year after the courts ordered Lewis to provide a sample, investigators also sought Unabomber Theodore Kaczynskis DNA. Kaczynski revealed the effort in a court motion seeking to halt the governments plans to auction his belongings in 2011 on the grounds the items could help prove his innocence in the Tylenol case. Sources told the Tribune that Kaczynski, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, was never seriously considered a suspect and did not match the identified DNA profiles. Instead, investigators wanted to test his sample so no one could accuse them of overlooking the possibility that the murders were committed by a known domestic terrorist from the area. The FBI has helped cover the cost of forensic testing since at least 2006, according to documents obtained by the Tribune. The work included examining buccal swabs the noninvasive scraping of cells from inside a persons cheek taken from investigators, public health officials, scientists and medical professionals who handled the poisoned Tylenol in 1982. Chemists at the Illinois Public Health Department extract the contents of Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules for testing in 1982. (Carl Wagner / Chicago Tribune) As technology improves, forensic scientists are working to identify new profiles connected to the tainted bottles so that they can be compared with the existing samples. Sources said several profiles already had been eliminated from suspicion, including one belonging to an FBI analyst who tested the evidence during the task force reboot. The second task force, however, insisted they didnt need forensic evidence to move forward. The ask In summer 2012, the task force presented its findings to both Cook and DuPage County prosecutors, in the hopes that at least one of their offices would take the largely circumstantial case. The meeting was held in Grants corner office at FBI headquarters in downtown Chicago, where investigators gave a PowerPoint presentation that outlined the evidence they had collected during the reboot. Over the course of several hours, they explained the highlights of their work. The Tribune reviewed the presentation and verified its authenticity with several people who have seen it. Among the alleged evidence cited: The Handbook of Poisoning found among Lewis belongings in October 1982, which contained six of his fingerprints. One was located on a page that listed how much cyanide would be needed to kill the average person. Statements Lewis reportedly made regarding the Old Town Walgreens, in which he later described having a sense of deja vu. The undercover FBI video in which Lewis says he spent three days writing the extortion letter to Johnson & Johnson. The handwritten list titled Yes, I am a killer... The timeline that doesnt account for Lewis whereabouts during the period in which investigators think the tainted bottles were placed on the shelves. Toni Ann Lewis autopsy, which shows she died after the sutures used in her heart surgery tore. The sutures were manufactured by a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary. The letters to both Johnson & Johnson and President Ronald Reagan, which an appellate court described as an inferential admission to the poisonings. The match the FBI found between Lewis right thumb and the fingerprint on the pulley used to hoist Raymond Wests dismembered body. Statements Lewis is alleged to have made to five inmates who spent time with Lewis in either a federal prison or local holding facilities in Illinois, Oklahoma and Massachusetts over two decades. The task forces presentation also stressed the importance of the speculative drawings Lewis made for Margolis and Lane shortly before his 1984 sentencing. The sketches, which Lewis said he made in an effort to help solve the murders, had been shared with a world-renowned poisoning expert who determined them to be feasible methods of filling and transporting the capsules with cyanide. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 This James Lewis drawing depicts a way to use a test tube and paper to fill Tylenol capsules with poison. (National Archives and Records Administration) Dr. Christopher Holstege, a toxicologist at the University of Virginia and medical director of the Blue Ridge Poison Center, has consulted on some of the worlds most famous poisonings, including the 2001 anthrax attacks and the dioxin poisoning of Viktor Yushchenko, the pro-Western president of Ukraine from 2005 to 2010. Holstege confirmed his involvement in the Tylenol investigation but said he would not go into detail about his analysis because the case remains an open investigation. However, he told the Tribune that the 1982 poisonings and the copycat incidents that followed were relatively simple crimes, which Lewis drawings reflect. From my perspective, I think all of these are feasible, he said of the methods shown in the drawings. Again, its just not hard to manage these. The real question is: How do I hold the capsule to put the cyanide in? And how do I get the cyanide into the capsule? And theres lots of different ways you could do that. At the time of the 2012 meeting, Grant already had planned to retire from the bureau after a storied 29-year career that netted convictions against former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Chicago Outfit and two men involved in the Mumbai terrorist attacks. He held the rebooted task forces work in such high regard, he made the presentation to then-Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez and DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin one of his last formal meetings before leaving the job. Theres not, as the prosecutors say, a smoking gun, said Robert Grant, former special agent in charge of the FBI's Chicago office. But smoking guns can come in a lot of different places and they can come from a compilation of evidence." (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Theres not, as the prosecutors say, a smoking gun, Grant told the Tribune. But smoking guns can come in a lot of different places and they can come from a compilation of evidence. Its all the pieces assembled on the table that makes a gun. And its all those pieces I think we have. Members of Task Force 2 acknowledge the case is not unassailable. Over the course of the groups investigation, prosecutors raised questions about the amount of time passed and wondered whether they could meet their obligation to ensure all evidence could be turned over to the defense. Legal experts also have told the Tribune that Arnolds story could provide the kind of reasonable doubt that would make it a tough case to win. The investigators also had the same problem as their 1982 colleagues: No records placed Lewis in Chicago during the three-day window investigators suspect the tainted bottles were placed on store shelves. Their presentation, however, notes that Lewis already offered a possible explanation for why that might be in his letter to Reagan. James Lewis wrote this letter to then-President Ronald Reagan in 1982, signing it "Fred M." (The National Archives) I caused the issuance of many airline tickets in many names, he wrote. With these tickets I can fly to any city quickly and plant more cyanide in stores all over the country. After the PowerPoint presentation, prosecutors asked then-acting U.S. Attorney Gary Shapiro, whom Grant invited to the meeting despite the lack of federal jurisdiction in the case, for his impressions of the evidence and whether they should move forward with a grand jury. Shapiro was unequivocal, according to a half-dozen people with knowledge of his comments. I dont know what youre waiting for, the sources recalled him saying. Shapiro, who is now retired, declined to comment, saying that if such a meeting occurred he could not discuss it. Grant told the Tribune that Shapiros opinion mattered to him and other officials in the room. Hes not a fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants prosecutor, Grant said. Hes very methodical, very smart, very cautious. He would not have said that unless he felt that there was a real case to be made here. The meeting ended with the states attorneys neither rejecting the teams findings nor significantly advancing them. The Tribune reviewed a memo to prosecutors in which investigators said they had a chargeable, circumstantial case against James Lewis. They asked prosecutors to use a grand jury to obtain sworn testimony from nearly a half-dozen witnesses. Multiple sources told the Tribune one critical witness did appear before a DuPage County grand jury after the 2012 presentation. That witness invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, the sources said. No charges were approved. Our position was this may be the last, best chance to bring this to public light, but its a prosecutors decision, not an investigators decision, Grant told the Tribune. I felt very bad for the families. I felt very bad for the people who might be at risk. Theres a public interest to (put all the evidence out there) but thats a prosecutors decision. A year after the 2012 meeting, the FBI pulled out of the task force and turned over responsibility for the investigation to the Arlington Heights Police Department, which remains the lead agency on the case today. Two accordion-style folders containing Tylenol documents sit on a table at the Arlington Heights Police Department on Sept. 19, 2022. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) An Arlington Heights police detective is assigned to the case, but no one in the various local, state and federal agencies involved in the investigation works on it full time. The present-day detective work is focused primarily on forensic testing, authorities said. Investigators are currently waiting for the results of multiple items of evidence being tested at out-of-state laboratories, including tainted capsules, bottles, boxes and cotton balls. Authorities have sent at least three items for testing within the past year, police records show. The most recent was a document sent to the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory for a forensic biology examination on Sept. 22 the same day investigators returned from interviewing Lewis in Boston. Arlington Heights police Sgt. Joseph Murphy, who was in charge of the investigation until a very recent promotion, declined to provide specifics about particular leads. However, he told the Tribune the department is relying upon new technology that allows scientists to separate and identify a specific DNA profile from evidence that contains a mixture of genetic samples. Thats our focus right now seeing what we have available and making sure that weve exhausted every option available, Murphy said. Were making sure that were doing everything we can to solve this case. DuPage County States Attorney Berlin has held several recent meetings about the case, in sessions that brought his staff together with Illinois State Police and officials from Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxxs office. Representatives for Berlin and Foxx both acknowledged the case is active and ongoing but declined further comment. An Illinois State Police spokesman confirmed the agency was involved in the most recent investigative efforts, but could not provide further details about an active investigation. But investigators, past and present, agree that time is running out to solve the murders. Grant, for one, has urged prosecutors to move forward with the case while remaining witnesses are still alive to testify. He fears, however, that the elected states attorneys would prefer to run out the clock than to risk losing a circumstantial case. Forty years is a long time for witnesses to still be alive, a long time for victims and family members to be left in the dark about who killed their loved ones, he said. It begs to be prosecuted even if the chances of not winning are not what you normally would want. Hoping for an answer Several victims families told the Tribune they havent been offered an update from investigators in years, though some received phone calls related to media coverage of the anniversary. A few have given up hope. Others think theres still a chance to hold someone responsible for the seven murders. Joseph Janus, whose younger brothers Adam and Stanley and sister-in-law Terri Janus were all fatally poisoned, isnt sure where he falls on that spectrum. The past 40 years have taught him to temper his expectations for justice, though he prays his brothers killer will be caught before he dies. Joseph Janus, shown in the Wisconsin Dells in June, said he prays that the person who killed his younger brothers Adam and Stanley and sister-in-law Terri will be brought to justice. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) Janus wants the killer to know what the murders have done to them all. To Adams widow. To Adams children. To Terris family. And to his parents, Tadeusz and Alojza Janus. The elder Januses spent the rest of their lives shrouded in grief and regretting their decision to leave Poland. They visited Adam and Stanleys grave sites almost daily, spending hours there on lawn chairs and weeping over their loss. I hope before I die, I see the face of the person who did that, Joseph Janus said, tears running down his face. My parents wanted that too before they died. Alojza and Tadeusz Janus, center and right, grieve outside St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Chicago, which hosted the 1982 funeral for their sons Adam and Stanley and daughter-in-law Theresa. Their son Joseph is behind at right. (Carl Hugare / Chicago Tribune) Joseph Janus 12-year-old granddaughter, Isabel Tischer, recently wrote a paper about the murders as part of a sixth grade history assignment in which students were told to research their familys heritage. As someone who has borne witness to her grandfathers sorrow her entire life, she considers the poisonings to be as much a part of the Janus family history as their immigration to America. Her 72-year-old grandfather cried when she read her paper to him. Isabel promised him she would keep pushing for justice, even if hes no longer alive to see it. Ill keep going, Isabel told the Tribune. Maybe Ill solve it or maybe Ill help someone solve it. But this is something we should get an answer to. He deserves to know who did this to our family. Isabel Tischer, left, recently wrote a paper for school about the Tylenol murders. Her mother, Monica Janus, is the daughter of Joseph Janus. "He deserves to know who did this to our family," Isabel said. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) The afterword After more than a dozen years on the Tylenol investigation, Arlington Heights police Detective Scott Winkelman retired in 2019. Records show he took a job with the Inverness Police Department a short time later, but sources said he never really stopped working the case. He knows the documents, the facts, the history and the key players better than anyone. Winkelman works on the Tylenol murders in his spare time, reading over reports, reviewing DNA test results and consulting with other investigators when hes not out on patrol. He has told people that he fears time is running out to close the case. According to multiple sources, he has big names supporting his efforts, including Lane, Margolis and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly. In January 2022, Winkelman discussed the case with officials from the Cook County states attorneys office, using an updated version of the PowerPoint that investigators have used for the past decade. Seven months later, he met with DuPage County prosecutors in a video conference to talk about the investigation, as well. Representatives from Cook County and the Illinois State Police also attended. And a third meeting was held in August. Charges are not thought to be imminent and may not come at all, according to sources. Last month, Winkelman and two Illinois State Police investigators traveled to Cambridge to interview Lewis. Sources said they persuaded Lewis to meet with them by offering to return a personal item seized in the 2009 raid. Lewis agreed, continuing the protracted game of cat-and-mouse. He met with investigators on an overcast afternoon at a hotel within walking distance of his condo. James Lewis is now 76. Authorities publicly named him as a prime suspect in the Tylenol murders in the 1980s and raided his Cambridge, Massachusetts, condo in 2009. He has not been charged in the murders. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) Then he spoke for several hours in a recorded interview that sources would not discuss in detail. Investigators left Boston the next day, having provided the decades-old case with its most significant sign of activity in a decade. So the suburban detective keeps working. For now, the Tylenol murders which took the lives of Mary Kellerman, Mary McFarland, Mary Lynn Reiner, Paula Prince and Stanley, Adam and Terri Janus remain just as they were at the first task force meeting 40 years ago: Unsolved. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty Belarus opposition, led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, is plotting to form an alliance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to try to hamper any hopes that Russia may have of territorial expansion beyond Ukraine and further into Europe. The concern is that Russian President Vladimir Putin is eyeing Belarus much like how hes eyeing Ukraineand hoping to envelope Belarus into Russia itself, Valery Kavaleuski, a foreign affairs representative for the Belarusian opposition leader, told The Daily Beast. Russians are looking at us in the same light as they look at Ukraine, Kavaleuski said. This is a state that is temporarily dependent. This is the nation that does not deserve to be next to Russia, so they all have to be Russified. This is their basic understanding of how the world should work. Concerns have been mounting in European countries that Putin is interested in invading countries beyond just Ukraine for months now. Some fears have grown that Putin is interested in attacking the Baltics, Poland, or even the U.K. and the United States. And an incursion or takeover in Belarus, in theory, could give Putin easier access to Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Putin Pal Drops Menacing Hint: a Cleansing Is Coming for Europe When you look at the map, you see that these are basically the most important countries on the way from Russia to Western Europe, Kavaleuski told The Daily Beast. Democratic Belarus and Ukraine should be working closely to resolve the grave threat to our statehood in both countries, he said. Its not clear if Putin has designs over Belarus in the near term. Belarus relationship with Russia is complexthe U.S. State Department assessed early this year that its not clear where the power of the Belarusian dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, ends, and where Putins power begins. Moscow and Minsk have established what they call a union state, in which each year the two countries fuse their banking, military, and other sectors closer and closer together. Story continues Just this year, Lukashenko has allowed Russia to barrel in and use Belarus as a launching ground for attacks on Ukraine, including the failed effort to capture Kyiv early in the war. In recent weeks, Belarus and Russia have been working on launching a joint military grouping and are conducting live fire exercises in Belarus. Russia is currently sending approximately 9,000 troops and hundreds of armored vehicles into Belarus in preparation for potential deployment, just as Russia faces mounting losses in Ukraine, Belarusian defense officials said. But Tsikhanouskaya, who ran for president in 2020 against Lukashenko and is recognized around the globe as the legitimate representative of the Belarusian people, is reading between the lines that Lukashenko is not an equal partner to Putin and has almost entirely ceded his power to Moscow. Her judgment is that now is the time to turn a new page with an eye to the futureone where Lukashenko is not necessarily in power. Belarusians are not equal to Lukashenko. Lukashenko is a disgrace to my country. It is him and Putin who are dragging our country into the war. Lukashenko is not the decision-maker anymore, the Kremlin is, Tsikhanouskaya said in her alliance proposal to Zelensky. Tsikhanouskaya noted in remarks early this month that recent battlefield losses could weaken Lukashenko, providing pro-Democracy Belarusians a window. "We have a distracted Russia that is about to lose this war. It won't be able to prop Lukashenko up with money and military support as in 2020,'' she said at the Warsaw Security Conference. Ukraine and her team ought to band together for joint action moving forward, she said. We are proposing to build an alliance with democratic Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya said in her proposal. I am convinced that Russia will be defeated, and Ukraine will restore its territorial integrity and defend its independence. Ukrainians are now writing the history not just of their own, but that of the world We are ready for joint action with Ukraine. The alliance would be focused on building close relations across multiple spheres, from social to economic, as well as military and diplomatic relations, her team told The Daily Beast. Kavaleuski said their team would be interested in security guarantees that Ukraine is working to gain as well. Forming an alliance would likely be a natural next step, Scott Rauland, the former chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Belarus, told The Daily Beast. It would be in Zelenskys best interest to make common cause with the Belarusian opposition. They have a common enemy, Rauland said. They've faced similar levels of repression from Russia in different ways, but the pattern has been been largely the same. And if Lukashenko were to one day be ousted from power, pushing back against Russian influence would be key, Rauland noted. Tsikhanouskaya and her team would be ready to serve as a transitional government should Lukashenko ever leave the scene, he said. Tsikhanouskaya is on the same page. In August, she and her team established a temporary executive body, the United Transitional Cabinet, in an attempt to centralize her teams efforts to create conditions for free elections and ensure the transit of power from dictatorship to democracy. Panic as Russia Drags Another Neighbor to the Brink of War Belarus opposition is not expecting a quick response from the Zelensky administration on the potential partnership, Kavaleuski said, noting that his team suspects that the quick formation of any such alliance might be viewed by Lukashenko as a provocation. The Ukrainian government now is very, very cautious with regard to communicating with the Democratic Belarus, they are concerned that these contexts might provoke Lukashenko into invasion, Kavaleuski said. We understand as a region so we are taking our time. We are not sort of pushing them because we understand that the stakes are very, very high. Zelenskys office did not immediately return a request for comment. Lukashenko has been warning in recent days that he views neighboring countries activities and partnership with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as aggressive and provocative, with an eye towards Poland and Ukraine. Ukraine has maintained a defensive line near the Belarus-Ukraine border in a recognition that Belarus could potentially launch an attack on Ukraine from the north. But as the Belarusian opposition sees it, theres room for positive thinking. Even though we don't have the resources of the state, we have the legitimacy of the Belarusian people we have legitimacy of the international community, and if we have the supportthe political support, diplomatic supportof Ukraine, now we can do much more for Ukraine and for our own country, Kavaleuski said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Pier College in Scalloway, Mainland Shetland, Scotland, UK. Fishing boats are the likely suspects of a major outage which has left the Shetland Islands cut off from broadband, TV and phone services. Police said on Thursday that engineers are currently working to fix the problem, which has left islanders cut off from mainland Scotland. The disruption has meant some cash machines are not working, while shops have been unable to process card payments, according to local media. BT has sent text messages to customers saying it is trying to fix the "major outage", with disruption currently expected to last until Saturday. It comes after another cable connecting Shetland and the Faroe Islands was broken last week, with repairs expected to be completed on Saturday. Head of infrastructure for Faroese Telecom, Pall Vesturbu, said: We expect it will be fishing vessels that damaged the cable but it is very rare that we have two problems at the same time. Read more: Sturgeon: No country would choose to be in travesty partnership with Westminster The cause of the disruption has not been confirmed, but trawller boats are a likely suspect. (Getty Images) Read more: King meets refugees who have settled for new life in Scotland A BT spokesperson said: Due to a break in a third-party subsea cable connecting Shetland with the Scottish mainland, some phone, TV, broadband and mobile services are affected. "Engineers are working to divert services via other routes as soon as possible and well provide further updates. "Our external subsea provider is also looking to restore their link quickly. Anyone who needs to call 999 should try their landline, tv or their mobile, even if they dont have signal from their own mobile provider. Were sorry for any inconvenience. Police Scotland's chief inspector Jane Macknzie told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland that officers would be made more visible during the outage. For people who can't get through to 999, she advised they flag down an emergency vehicle that isn't using a blue light, or report the incident directly to their nearest police statio, fire station, hospital or ambulance station. Its been almost four months since the layer-1 blockchain Solana announced its web3-focused smartphone Saga and as the phone is approaching its official release date, the plan has shifted. Our goal isnt to sell 10 million units, Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, said onstage at Disrupt 2022. We would be very happy with 25,000 to 50,000 units sold in the next year, that would be awesome. While its not easy to launch a new phone successfully -- as weve seen with countless other companies efforts -- Solana is looking to approach the launch differently, Yakovenko hinted. This is a tool to attract developers, Yakovenko added. This is a developer play. Prior to launching Solana, Yakovenko spent most of his professional career at Qualcomm and has helped other major tech companies like Facebook and Windows create mobile phones. Its worth noting a bunch of those failed. But the main difference now is its not as capital intensive, Yakovenko said. This is one of the moon shots, Yakovenko said. The reason why we can do this is because its cheap enough to try. Its not going to break the bank or anything like that. The phone market has matured to a point where teams can build a device quickly with small modifications to an Android so it can enable a web3 experience, Yakovenko noted. The opportunity exists right now because we dont need to get $10 million sales off the bat. We can actually target a very small niche audience which is crypto-heavy web3 users. If theres a web3 distribution channel for mobile crypto developers, it can open up opportunities for them to build experiences outside of the laptop-centric digital asset ecosystem, Yakovenko said. Users wont have to sign into four different applications to create a crypto transaction, he joked. Those are the flywheels we need for the next cycle. Imagine you have 50,000 to 100,000 people who trade daily on Magic Eden, Yakovenko said. Thats a more lucrative distribution channel for developers than the app stores with hundreds of millions of users. For web3 all the money is in these small niche groups right now. Story continues Separately, the web3-focused phone will allow content creators and platforms to enable digital ownership rights to both organizations and users opposed to handing over the 30% tax Apple and Google have for in app sales. The idea of true digital ownership means the digital items have to be treated like physical ones, and this isnt something Apple or Google are built around, Yakovenko said. Theyre built around a rent-seeking model where all the content is owned by the creator and you as a user rent it. When you buy a video from Amazon, you dont actually own it; everyone realizes that you dont own it. So neither Google nor Apple want to really take on web3 because true digital asset ownership disrupts their business models, Yakovenko said. When youre the content creator and you have an app on the iOS store, you can take the 30% fee and eat it and give it to Apple. Magic Eden cant sell a $10,000 NFT for $13,000 on the iOS app, they cant tack on tax nor can they eat it because thatll destroy profits. The opportunity is here right now, Yakovenko said. Both Google and Apple, I dont know whats going to have to change internally for them to give up the 30% tax on apps. Its just too good for them to give it up in the next five years. So while those two mega companies continue implementing their 30% tax, theres a wedge that exists. Saga plans to implement digital asset products and services, so users can transact with their cryptocurrency through the device, opposed to a laptop browser. In addition to the announcement of Saga, it is also launching Solana Mobile Stack, or SMS, which is a web3 layer for Solana built on the phone. Lets say crypto actually grows from 10 million monthly active users to 100 million monthly active users in the next five years I would imagine so does the SMS stack or the phone itself, Yakovenko said. Then, maybe Google or Apple might change their mind on the tax and would allow for similar web3 experiences that Saga is hoping to have. That would be a win, Yakovenko said. We would have won for everyone in crypto. That would be awesome. By Rachel Savage JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Cryptocurrency financial companies in South Africa will need to apply for a licence between June 1 and Nov. 20, 2023, in order to operate legally, the country's financial conduct regulator said on Thursday. A declaration on Wednesday that crypto assets are financial products does not mean that they are legal tender, Eugene Du Toit, head of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority's Regulatory Frameworks Department, said at a press conference. "We are not legitimising crypto assets," Du Toit said. "We are not giving credence to crypto assets." Financial watchdogs around the world have been grappling with how to regulate the growing number of digital cryptocurrencies and tokens, the prices of which have fallen from historic highs reached in November last year. The FCSA deliberately referred to crypto assets rather than cryptocurrencies, as regulators do not believe they qualify as currencies, the regulator's head Unathi Kamlana said. The declaration will enable authorities to tackle scams and protect customers, having previously had no power to do so, he said. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are not covered by the declaration as they act more like traditional art investments, Kamlana said, adding they would continue to monitor the NFT market. The declaration and regulations to follow could help South Africa avoid being greylisted by global watchdog the Financial Action Task Force, having deficiencies in its regime against terrorism financing and money laundering, the regulators said. South Africa's central bank governor said in August the country was at risk of being greylisted, which IMF researchers said last year reduces capital flowing into a country by an average of 7.6% of GDP. Further regulation on financial institutions' exposure to crypto assets is likely, as well as possibly more customer verification requirements, Kamlana said in an interview with Reuters, declining to give details on timing. "South Africa is actually amongst the few (countries) that's ahead of the curve in this space," he said, when asked whether regulators had been slow to respond to the boom in interest in crypto assets in recent years. (Reporting by Rachel SavageEditing by Gareth Jones and Bernadette Baum) MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish police arrested a woman who allegedly abducted a newborn from a hospital in the northern city of Bilbao by posing as a nurse, before abandoning the baby unharmed nearby, officials said on Thursday. According to a preliminary investigation, the suspect walked into a ward wearing a nurse's uniform at around 9 p.m. (1900 GMT) on Wednesday and picked up the newborn. She told staff she was going to carry out a blood test, said Josu Erkoreka, the Basque regional government's head of security. The baby, since safely reunited with his family, was found on Thursday morning by local resident Alicia Lopez outside her eighth-floor apartment near Basurto Hospital. "I was making breakfast when the doorbell rang. I looked through the peephole but didn't see anybody. I opened the door and there he was, lying on the mat," a visibly upset Lopez told reporters. "I got emotional, thinking: Poor parents and poor child." Police tracked the 24-year-old suspect down after identifying her through the hospital's CCTV footage. She was with a friend and in an agitated state at the time of her arrest, Erkoreka said. The suspect had opened doors to other rooms in the ward, though there was no reason to believe she was specifically looking for the baby who she snatched, he said. The chief of the Basque health department, Gotzone Sagardui, said the hospital's patient safety committee would investigate what appeared to be an isolated security breach. (Reporting by David Latona; Editing by Andrei Khalip and John Stonestreet) SpaceX Crewed Mission Launches To International Space Station CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 05: Crew-5 member NASA astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann departs for Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on October 05, 2022 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Credit - Getty Images; 2022 Getty Images Nicole Mann, a member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, has long treasured the dream catcher her mother gave her when she was a child, and does not discount the help it offered her when she flew 47 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, beginning in 2003. Earlier this month, Mann, 45, now a NASA astronaut, blasted off aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the first Native-American woman in space. And her dream catcher came along for the ride. Since her launch on Oct. 5, the media have been clamoring to talk to her and this week she gave her first interview, to the Associated Pressand spoke of the power she draws from her tribal community on Earth. Its the strength to know that I have the support of my family and community back home and that when things are difficult or Im getting burned-out or frustrated, that strength is something that I will draw on, she said. As for the famed overview effectthe sense of awe astronauts describe upon looking down on the Earth from spaceMann experienced it straightaway. It is an incredible scene of color, of clouds and land, she said, and its difficult not to stay in the cupola all day and just see our planet Earth and how beautiful she is, and how delicate and fragile she is. That overview perspective is especially important as a war continues to rage on the surface of our planet, with Russian troops now in the ninth month of their invasion of Ukraine. The crew aboard the ISS includes three Russian cosmonauts, three American astronauts, and one astronaut from Japanand the power of that international collaboration is not lost on Mann. What that does, she says, is just highlight our diversity and how incredible it is when we come together as a human species, the wonderful things that we can do and that we can accomplish. ALBANY The visibility level of the race to be New Yorks comptroller might best be summarized by how the lone debate in that contest started on Wednesday night: Moderators took the time to explain to viewers what exactly a comptroller is. Democrat Tom DiNapoli is seeking what amounts to a fifth term in that role, which handles tasks like overseeing the states $246 billion pension fund, one of the largest public pensions in the nation. His Republican challenger is Paul Rodriguez, an investor who received 5.6 percent of the vote as the Conservative Party nominee in last years race to be New York Citys comptroller. The Spectrum News debate between the two was relatively amicable and polite by modern standards. I have to agree in many ways with Mr. DiNapoli on this, Rodriguez said about concerns about the states approach to gambling. Al Smith is a very good answer, actually, he said when the incumbent responded to a lightning-round question about who the best New York governor has been. They had some differences, particularly on how much of an activist role the pension fund should take in the companies it invests in. More diverse representation, more women on boards, makes a company better, DiNapoli said. The Wall Street mentality of only looking at numbers and being blind to what a company is actually doing is the wrong strategy. Rodriguez disagreed, saying that he doesnt think that public pension plans should be managed like private activist hedge funds. But there was nothing that seemed likely to catch the attention of any New York voters who did not watch a debate that overlapped with a Yankees playoff game that might have been on a few more television screens throughout the state. There is thus likely little chance that the shared stage will dramatically shift the dynamics of the race. And all signs are that DiNapoli, who received more votes than any state-level candidate in both 2014 and 2018, probably has less to worry about on Election Day than any Democrat in the heavily blue state. Story continues A Siena College Research Institute poll released earlier this week found DiNapoli with a 24 percentage point lead. Sen. Chuck Schumer, who had a 20-point lead in that same poll, was the only other statewide candidate who had a similar lead. It seems highly unlikely that any major last-minute advertising campaigns might be responsible for a shift in those numbers. Rodriguez has raised $3,184 for his campaign to date $3,000 of which came in the form of a transfer from state GOP Chair Nick Langworthys congressional committee. He has spent a total of $10.86 so far, state records show. DiNapoli has spent 201,733 times as much money as his opponent: about $2.2 million this election cycle. And he could plausibly double that, as he had about $2 million left in the bank earlier this month. DiNapoli, a former Long Island assemblymember, was appointed comptroller in 2007 by the state Legislature to succeed Alan Hevesi, who resigned in scandal, and was subsequently elected in 2010, 2014 and 2018 making him the fourth longest-tenured top executive branch official in state history. Based on the Siena poll, based on everything else Ive seen, theres no reason to think he wont accomplish that feat [of being the states top vote-getter] for a third time, Siena poll spokesman Steve Greenberg said. Hes got a base of a million New Yorkers that he talks to regularly because hes managing their pensions, and they're active employees or theyre retirees. Traditionally, the comptrollers office has been seen as the nonpartisan office and whoever is the steward, if they run it that way, the voters reward them. U.S. officials say they have abundant evidence that Russia is using Iranian-built drones in its months-long conflict with neighboring Ukraine. In a statement late Wednesday, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the U.S., along with its British and French allies, raised the issue of Irans transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia during a United Nations Security Council meeting. Price noted that the U.S. began warning U.N. officials about Irans planned drone transfer to Russia in July, adding that Moscow has used the UAVs to conduct strikes on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure in the country. As Iran continues to lie and deny providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, we are committed to working with allies and partners to prevent the transfer of dangerous weaponry to Russia, Price said in a statement. We will not hesitate to use our sanctions and other appropriate tools on all involved in these transfers. In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council on Wednesday, Ukraines ambassador to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya, accused Iran of violating a Security Council resolution that prohibits the transfer of drones capable of flying 300 kilometers. Kyslytsya also encouraged U.N. experts to investigate whether Russia used the drones to target Ukrainian civilians. Both Moscow and Tehran have denied that the UAVs came from Iran, with Russias deputy Russian ambassador to the U.N., Dmitry Polyansky, saying that the drones were manufactured in Russia. Polyansky also accused the U.S., U.K. and France of trying to pressure Iran by alleging Tehran violated the resolution. Price late Wednesday also said that the U.S. plans to continue sending weaponry and artillery to Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. We will also continue to surge unprecedented security assistance to Ukraine, including air defense capabilities, so that Ukraine can defend itself from these weapons, Price concluded. Separately, The Washington Post, citing two U.S. officials, reported on Thursday that U.S. officials have examined the wreckage of Iranian-made drones shot down in Ukraine in an effort to better identify and defeat the UAVs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON The White House said Thursday that Iranian troops are directly engaged on the ground in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraines power stations and other key infrastructure, troubling evidence of Tehrans deepening role assisting Russia as it exacts suffering on Ukrainian civilians just as the cold weather sets in. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Iran has sent a relatively small number of personnel to Crimea, a part of Ukraine unilaterally annexed by Russia in contravention of international law in 2014, to assist Russian troops in launching Iranian-made drones against Ukraine. Members of a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps were dispatched to assist Russian forces in using the drones, according to the British government. Advertisement The revelation of the U.S. intelligence finding comes as the Biden administration seeks to mount international pressure on Tehran to pull back from helping Russia as it bombards soft Ukrainian civilian targets with the help of Iranian-made drones. The Russians in recent days have increasingly turned to the Iranian-supplied drones, as well as Kalibr and Iskander cruise missiles, to carry out a barrage of attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure and non-military targets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this week that Russian forces have destroyed 30% of Ukraines power stations since Oct. 10. Advertisement The information we have is that the Iranians have put trainers and tech support in Crimea, but its the Russians who are doing the piloting, Kirby said. He added that the Biden administration was looking at imposing new sanctions on Tehran and would look for ways to make it harder for Iran to sell such weapons to Russia. The U.S. first revealed this summer that Russia was purchasing Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles to launch against Ukraine. Iran has denied selling its munitions to Russia. White House officials say that international sanctions, including export controls, have left the Russians in a bind as they try to restock ammunition and precision-guided munition stocks that have been depleted during the nearly eight-month-old war. As a result, Russia has been forced to turn to Iran as well as North Korea for weaponry. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters that military officials wouldnt be surprised if the Russians sought more drones from Iran given their situation. Zelenskyy said last week that Russia had ordered 2,400 from Iran. U.S. officials believe that Iran may have deployed military personnel to assist the Russians in part because of the Russians lack of familiarity with the Iranian-made drones. Declassified U.S. intelligence findings showed that Russians faced technical problems with the drones soon after taking delivery of them in August. The systems themselves were suffering failures and not performing to the standards that apparently the customers expected, Kirby said. So the Iranians decided to move in some trainers and some technical support to help the Russians use them with better lethality. Advertisement The Biden administration released further details about Irans involvement in assisting Russias war at a sensitive moment. The administration has levied new sanctions against Iran over the brutal crackdown on antigovernment protests spurred by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in Iranian security custody. Morality police had detained Amini last month for not properly covering her hair with the Islamic headscarf, known as the hijab, which is mandatory for Iranian women. Amini collapsed at a police station and died three days later. Her death and the subsequent unrest have come as the administration tries to bring Iran back into compliance with the nuclear deal that was brokered by the Obama administration and scrapped by the Trump administration. At the United Nations this week, Ukraine accused Iran of violating a Security Council ban on the transfer of drones capable of flying 300 kilometers (180 miles). Britain, France and the U.S. strongly back Ukraines contention that the drones were transferred to Russia and violate a 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed the nuclear deal between Iran and six nations the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany aimed at curbing Tehrans nuclear activities and preventing the country from developing a nuclear weapon. Kirby said the administration has little hope for reviving the Iran nuclear deal soon. Were not focused on the on the diplomacy at this point, Kirby said. What we are focused on is making sure that were holding the regime accountable for the way theyre treating peaceful protesters in their country and supporting those protesters. Advertisement The White House spoke out about Iranian assistance to Russia as Britain on Thursday announced new sanctions on Iranian officials and businesses accused of supplying the drones. These cowardly drone strikes are an act of desperation, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a statement. By enabling these strikes, these individuals and a manufacturer have caused the people of Ukraine untold suffering. We will ensure that they are held to account for their actions. Among the individuals hit with asset freezes and travel bans by the British were Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, chairman of the armed forces general staff overseeing the army branches supplying Russia with drones; Brig. Gen. Seyed Hojjatollah Qureishi, a key Iranian negotiator in the deal; and Brig. Gen. Saeed Aghajani, the head the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Aerospace Force UAV Command. Shahed Aviation Industries, the Iranian manufacturer of the drones being used by Russia, was also hit by an asset freeze. Associated Press writer Tara Copp contributed reporting. The State of Oklahoma executed Benjamin Cole Thursday. Cole was convicted in 2004 of killing his infant daughter in Rogers County in 2002. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted against recommending clemency during a hearing last month. Coles attorneys argued that the death row inmate was mostly catatonic and suffered from severe mental illnesses. The Supreme Court also denied a stay of execution earlier this week. The State of Oklahoma said Coles execution was carried out without complications. His time of death was 10:22 a.m. Justice is now served for Brianna Cole and the people of Oklahoma. Nothing can fill the void experienced by the loss of a loved one and this does not bring Brianna back to her family. Our hearts and prayers are with them, said Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnor. Coles attorney, Tom Hird, said in statement that Cole had a serious mental illness that went untreated for many years. It is unconscionable that the State denied Ben a competency trial. Ben lacked a rational understanding of why Oklahoma took his life today. As Oklahoma proceeds with its relentless march to execute one mentally ill, traumatized man after another, we should pause to ask whether this is really who we are, and who we want to be. Cole did not request a last meal. He received the scheduled facility religious meal of vegetarian lasagna, salad with dressing, a tortilla and a fruit drink packet. Coles execution is the sixth since Oklahoma resumed executions in Oct. 2021, and the fourth execution in 2022. Oklahoma death row inmates Richard Fairchild, Richard Glossip and John Hanson are expected to be executed before the end of the year. Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier According to the report, the visit has been planned for several weeks, and its cancellation "caused irritation" in Kyiv. Bild quoted an unnamed Ukrainian government official, who said that many foreign diplomats and guests are usually eager to show their presence in Ukraine right now. Read also: German foreign minister calls air defense systems a priority for Ukraine, not tanks Steinmeier was reportedly advised to cancel the visit by German security services, the Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of the Interior, although Berlin expects that the trip will still take place in the near future. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic visited Kyiv on Oct. 19. Back in April, media reports suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy uninvited Steinmeier over his Russian ties. Zelenskyy and Steinmeier cleared the matter up in a phone call on May 5, and the Ukrainian leader invited Steinmeier to visit Kyiv. Read also: Zelensky talks by phone with Germanys Steinmeier following previous misunderstandings German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis visited Ukraine on June 16. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine NEW YORK (AP) Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testified Thursday that there was nothing suspicious about his interactions with a Donald Trump ally who is being tried on allegations that he secretly fed confidential information to the United Arab Emirates. Tom Barrack, the onetime chair of the Trump's inaugural committee, is accused of using his unique access as a longtime friend of Trump to manipulate Trump's campaign and later his Republican administration to advance the interests of the UAE. Prosecutors say that while UAE officials were consorting with Barrack, they were rewarding him by pouring millions of dollars into his business ventures. Mnuchin, during brief testimony as a defense witness in federal court in Brooklyn, described Barrack as a friend who was among hundreds of businesspeople offering him "thoughts and advice while he served in the Cabinet. In those discussions, I would never share anything that I thought was confidential, he testified. The defense sought to use Mnuchin to demonstrate Barrack wasn't always in lockstep with the UAE. He recounted how Barrack set up a meeting with him to voice his opposition to a UAE-led blockade of neighboring Qatar a move initially supported by Trump. He asked me to pass those views on to the president, Mnuchin said. I merely listened to him. Mnuchin declined to disclose whether he said anything about it to Trump, claiming, My internal discussions with the White House would be sensitive and covered by executive privilege. Before Mnuchin's court appearance, prosecutors had raised questions about whether he could testify impartially about issues involving the UAE and Saudi Arabia, since his private equity fund has a large financial stake in the region. Barrack, 75, has pleaded not guilty to acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, obstruction of justice and making false statements. His lawyers have denied he did anything underhanded. Story continues Mnuchin was the second ex-Trump Cabinet member to take the witness stand. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson testified this month for the government that he was in the dark about Barracks dealings with Trump and the Emirates. Within the Trump administration, Mnuchin promoted Saudi Arabia as a trusted U.S. ally in the Middle East, even meeting with Saudi Arabias crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in 2018 when the prince was facing international criticism over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul. Mnuchin left court Thursday without speaking to reporters. The government rested its foreign influence case Wednesday. Much of the evidence focused on emails and other back-channel communications between Barrack and his high-level contacts in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Prosecutors say those communications show how Barrack and his foreign contacts strategized over how to win over Trump. Before being indicted, Barrack drew attention by raising $107 million for the former presidents inaugural celebration following the 2016 election. The event was scrutinized both for its lavish spending and for attracting foreign officials and businesspeople looking to lobby the new administration. Totem Films has sold The Super 8 Years, by Nobel laureate Annie Ernaux and her son David Ernaux-Briot, to several territories. The documentary collects 8mm souvenirs of Annie Ernaux before her breakthrough as a writer. It has sold to Scandinavia (Non Stop), Italy (I Wonder), Spain (Filmin), Portugal (Midas), Germany and Austria (Film Kino Text) and Switzerland (Bande a Part). Other key territories are in discussion. More from Variety The film debuted at the Cannes Directors Fortnight earlier this year and has had a stellar festival run since then including at Busan, Rome, New York and Zurich. New Story will release the film in France on Dec. 14, after it is broadcast on Arte. An eminent writer, Annie Ernaux won the 2022 Nobel Prize for Literature in 2022. Berenice Vincent and Laure Parleani of Totem told Variety: This documentary is the on-screen expansion of her powerful, universal and politically charged oeuvre. The Nobel Prize, a truly well deserved recognition, pushes the film even further. The film overlays the images with a text written by Annie Ernaux, which she reads as a voice-over. Annie Ernaux says about the film: In re-viewing our super 8 films, shot between 1972 and 1981, it occurred to me that they comprised not only a family archive but a testimony to the pastimes, lifestyle and aspirations of a social class in the decade after 1968. I wanted to incorporate these silent images into a story which combined the intimate with the social and with history, to convey the taste and color of those years. 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. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday batted away an emergency appeal from a Wisconsin taxpayer group challenging President Joe Biden loan forgiveness program. Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett denied the request to temporarily block the program's implementation a day after it was filed without explanation, as is often the case on the court's emergency "shadow" docket. Barrett declined the request Thursday without referring the appeal to the full court. The appeal from the Brown County Taxpayers Association is one of several percolating in federal courts seeking to stop the effort, which opponents argue exceeds the Department of Education's authority. Biden announced the program in August. Biden's plan would cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for other borrowers, for people earning up to $125,000 a year or part of a household where total earnings are no more than $250,000. The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a request from a Wisconsin taxpayer group to temporarily block implementation of President Joe Biden's loan forgiveness program. Biden enacted the debt relief plan under the HEROES Act, which was passed after 9/11 sparked an American-led military campaign against terrorism. The act gave the administration authority to forgive student loan debt in association with military operations or national emergencies. The administration asserted that the law allows loan forgiveness for Americans dealing with financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributing: Chris Quintana, The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court denies challenge to student loan forgiveness program A federal judge in Missouri has dismissed a lawsuit from Republican officials from six states and a conservative legal group that sought to prevent President Joe Biden from implementing a sweeping student loan debt relief plan. The ruling from US District Judge Henry Autrey on 20 October arrived shortly after the US Supreme Court dismissed an appeal in a different case seeking to block the debt cancellation plan. The decisions mark a victory for the Biden administration and more than 40 million federal student loan borrowers eligible for up to $10,000 in canceled higher education debts, or up to $20,000 for borrowers that relied on Pell grants. A group of Republican officials from six states argued that the Biden administration overstepped its authority and threatened the economies of states that benefit from taxes on forgiven debts. But Judge Autrey appeared to doubt whether the plaintiffs have legal standing to sue the administration, as he heard oral arguments in the case last week. It is hard to make a cake if you dont have a pan to put that cake in, he said. That pan is standing. It doesnt matter if you have all the ingredients. The lawsuit was filed by attorneys general from GOP-led states Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Carolina and on behalf of Iowas Republican governor. President Biden, the US Department of Education and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona were named as defendants. Millions of Americans have already submitted their applications for debt cancellation after the administration rolled out a website this week. Borrowers earning up to $125,000, or $250,000 for married couples, are eligible for up to $10,000 of their federal student loans to be wiped out, or up to $20,000 if their received Pell grants. Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett also rejected a separate emergency request from the Wisconsin-based Brown County Taxpayers Association, which also argued that the Biden administration overstepped its authority. Story continues Lawyers representing the group argued in an emergency request to the high court that there is no legal justification for this presidential usurpation of the constitutional spending power, which is reserved exclusively for Congress. The assault on our separation of powers and upon the principle that the spending power is vested solely in Congress is extraordinary, and perhaps unprecedented, according to the lawyers. Justice Barrett, without referring to the other justices, summarily denied the request. Thus far, none of the several GOP-mounted legal challenges facing the Biden administrations student loan debt plan have survived. In remarks to announce the launch of a website for debt relief applications on 17 October, Mr Biden called Republican outrage against the plan wrong and hypocritical. Republican members of Congress and Republican governors are trying to do everything they can to deny this relief, even to their own constituents, he said. I will never apologize for helping working Americans and middle-class people as they recover from the pandemic especially to the same Republicans who voted for a $2 trillion tax cut, the president added, referencing cuts approved by congressional Republicans and Donald Trump in 2017. Republicans didnt pay for a penny of it and racked up the deficit, Mr Biden said. He also condemned Republican officials who have criticised the student debt plan while accepting hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in aid through forgivable federal loans approved by Congress during the pandemic. The student loan debt crisis has exploded to a total balance of nearly $2 trillion, held among more than 40 million Americans, mostly wrapped up in federal loans. Millions of Americans also continue to tackle accrued interest without chipping away at their principal balances years after graduating, or have been forced to leave their colleges or universities without obtaining a degree at all while still facing loan repayments. A pandemic-era pause on student loan repayment and interest will expire on 31 December, with payments to resume on 1 January. The suspect in a carjacking Wednesday in Jackson County was identified Thursday and faces multiple charges after robbing an elderly couple, taking their SUV and running from deputies. Jackson County Sheriffs Department identified the suspect as Nathan Thomas Cook, 32, of Hancock County. He is being held in the Jackson County jail without bond. He is charged with Armed robbery Armed carjacking Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Possession of stolen property Kidnapping Fleeing arrest According to Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell, Cook robbed an elderly couple around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at a church in St. Martin. He then fled in the victims dark blue SUV, which deputies found a short time later. Deputies began pursuit of the vehicle and Cook, who pulled off the road into the front yard of a home on Old Biloxi Road in Latimer. Thats when shots were fired, the sheriff said in a press release. Cook was taken into custody without incident. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation will determine who fired the shots, Ezell said. Justin Mitchell and Jesse Lieberman contributed to this report. LONDON (AP) Staffers at the World Health Organizations Syrian office have alleged that their boss mismanaged millions of dollars, plied government officials with gifts -- including computers, gold coins and cars -- and acted frivolously as COVID-19 swept the country. More than 100 confidential documents, messages and other materials obtained by The Associated Press show WHO officials told investigators that the agencys Syria representative, Dr. Akjemal Magtymova, engaged in abusive behavior, pressured WHO staff to sign contracts with high-ranking Syrian government politicians and consistently misspent WHO and donor funds. Magtymova declined to respond to questions about the allegations, saying that she was prohibited from sharing information due to (her) obligations as a WHO staff member. She described the accusations as defamatory. Complaints from at least a dozen personnel have triggered one of the biggest internal WHO probes in years, at times involving more than 20 investigators, according to staffers linked to the investigation. WHO confirmed in a statement that it has been reviewing charges made against Magtymova and said it has also enlisted the help of external investigators. It has been a protracted and complex investigation, with the situation in the country and the challenges of gaining appropriate access, while ensuring the protection of staff, bringing additional complications, WHO said. The agency said progress has been made in recent months in assessing the complaints regarding Magtymova and gathering relevant information. In view of the security situation, confidentiality and respect for due process do not allow us to comment further on the detailed allegations, WHO said. It gave no timeline for when the investigation was expected to be completed. WHOs Syria office had a budget of about $115 million last year to address health issues in a country riven by war -- one in which nearly 90% of the population lives in poverty and more than half desperately need humanitarian aid. For several months, investigators have been probing allegations that Syrians were badly served and WHO staffers were ill-treated: Story continues Financial documents show Magtymova once threw a party costing more than $10,000 -- a gathering held mostly to honor her own achievements at WHOs expense, staffers say, at a time when the country was struggling to obtain coronavirus vaccines. In December 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, she tasked the more than 100 WHO personnel in the country with learning a flash mob dance, asking officials to film themselves performing the choreographed steps for a U.N. party, according to videos and messages seen by the AP. Six Syria-based WHO public health experts said Magtymova called staffers cowards and retarded on multiple occasions. Even more concerning, the officials told agency investigators that Magtymova provided favors to senior politicians in the Syrian regime and met surreptitiously with the Russian military, potential breaches of WHOs neutrality as a U.N. organization. The staffers asked not to be named for fear of retribution; three have left WHO. In one complaint sent to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in May, a Syria-based staffer wrote that Magtymova hired the incompetent relatives of government officials, including some accused of countless human rights violations. Dr. Akjemals aggressive and abusive actions are negatively impacting WHOs performance to support Syrian people, the staffer wrote, adding: Vulnerable Syrian people are losing a lot due to favoritism, frauds and scandals instigated and supported by Dr. Akjemal, which is breaking all trust (and) pushing donors away. Tedros did not respond to the staffers complaint. In May, WHOs regional director in the Eastern Mediterranean appointed an acting representative in Syria to replace Magtymova after she was placed on leave. But she is still listed as the agencys Syria representative in its staff directory and continues to draw a director-level salary. ___ Magtymova, a Turkmenistan national, previously served in a number of roles, including as the agencys representative to Oman and as emergency coordinator in Yemen. She assumed her position in Syria in May 2020, just as COVID swept around the world. What we (at WHO) do is noble, she said in a statement upon her appointment. We gain respect by competency, professionalism and the results we accomplish. Numerous WHO staffers in Syria have told the agencys investigators that Magtymova failed to grasp the severity of the pandemic in Syria and jeopardized the lives of millions. During COVID-19, the situation in Syria was deplorable, one former WHO staffer said. However, WHO was not providing adequate aid to Syrians. Medical supplies were usually focused on Damascus only, and not covering other areas in Syria, where there was an acute shortage of medicines and equipment. Syrias health care system has been devastated by more than a decade of war; for years, the country relied almost exclusively on international health assistance. WHOs presence in areas controlled by the government has often raised criticism that its aid is directed by Damascus, which is sanctioned by the US and the EU. Nearly 7 million people are displaced by the war inside Syria and most live in tented camps in areas beyond government control. Staffers also questioned some of Magtymovas own behavior and directives to staff as coronavirus cases spiked worldwide -- and even as WHOs chief claimed that the entire organization was working tirelessly to stop COVID-19. At least five WHO personnel complained to investigators that Magtymova violated WHOs own COVID-19 guidance. They said she did not encourage remote working, came to the office after catching COVID and held meetings unmasked. Four WHO staffers said she infected others. In December 2020, deep in the first year of the pandemic, Magtymova instructed the Syria office to learn a flash mob dance popularized by a social media challenge for a year-end U.N. event. At the time, senior WHO officials in Geneva were advising countries to implement coronavirus measures including the suspension of any non-essential gatherings. Kindly note that we want you to listen to the song, train yourself for the steps and shoot you dancing over the music to be part of our global flash mob dance video, wrote WHO communications staffer Rafik Alhabbal in an email to all Syria staff. Magtymova separately sent a link to a YouTube website, which she described as the best tutorial. Multiple videos show staffers, some wearing WHO vests or jackets, performing the Jerusalema challenge dance in offices and warehouses stocked with medical supplies. Magtymova praised the very good looking and beautiful people in videos made in Aleppo and the port city of Latakia. The following October, when the country was enduring one of its worst waves of COVID, Magtymova hired a choreographer and film company to produce a video of staffers performing another dance to mark U.N. Day. Photos and video show there was no social distancing during the party Magtymova held for dozens of unmasked people, which included a cake-eating ceremony. Magtymova posted one of the dance videos on WHO Syrias social media accounts, but it elicited so much criticism that her superiors ordered her to remove it. The video was disgraceful, said Anas al-Abdah, a leading Syrian opposition politician: The organization should have (instead) filmed the catastrophic condition of our people and demanded justice. Magtymova, however, was unrepentant. My message here is to ask you not to be discouraged, she told staff. We have an important job at hand to perform and a huge responsibility for people, we have done something really out of (the) box: we dared to shine. ___ Internal documents, emails and messages also raise serious concerns about how WHOs taxpayer-provided funds were used under Magtymova, with staffers alleging she routinely misspent limited donor funds meant to help the more than 12 million Syrians in dire need of health aid. Among the incidents being probed is a party Magtymova organized last May, when she received a leadership award from Tufts University, her alma mater. Held at the exclusive Four Seasons hotel in Damascus, the party included a guest list of about 50, at a time when fewer than 1% of the Syrian population had received a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine. A hotel invoice shows the receptions menu included Singaporean-style beef satay, fried goat cheese with truffle oil croquettes and sriracha chicken sliders, alongside a selection of seasonal mocktails. A production company was hired to film the event and make a promotional video, according to an internal WHO summary. The evenings agenda featured remarks by the Syrian minister of health, followed by a reception and nearly two hours of live music. WHO documents show while the event was called to celebrate WHOs designation of 2021 as the Year of Health and Care Worker, the evening was devoted to Magtymova, not health workers. The cost, according to a spreadsheet: more than $11,000. Like many other U.N. expatriate staff in Syria, Magtymova lived at Damascus ornately decorated Four Seasons hotel. But unlike other staffers, she chose to stay in a spacious, multi-room suite with two washrooms and a panoramic view of the city. U.N. documents suggest she stayed in the suite from October 2020 to this past May at a discounted cost of about $450 per night, more than four times the price of rooms occupied by other U.N. staff. A hotel staffer said such suites normally cost about $940 a night. The hotel was sanctioned by the U.S. and U.K. because of its owners role in financing the regime of Bashar Assad; the U.N. is estimated to have spent $70 million there since 2014. Other WHO officials were concerned with the agencys inability to track its support of health facilities in Syria. In correspondence from January, staffers wrote about a worrisome spot check made to a health project in northern Syria, noting discrepancies between what WHO paid for and what was found. Among the issues identified: the medicines quantities checked were not matching the invoices, the staff did not have medical training, there were missing items including wheelchairs, crutches and hearing devices, and most of the building rented to store such supplies was empty. Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandari, WHOs regional director in the eastern Mediterranean and Magtymovas boss, also chastised her for the Syria offices failure to account for its spending. In an email last October, he told her there were many unresolved audit and compliance issues. Al-Mandari said Magtymova had not completed several long overdue reports detailing how money was being spent in Syria that needed urgent attention. Without those reports, donors had little evidence Syria and WHO were using their resources as intended. Three WHO officials involved in procurement told investigators that Magtymova was involved in several questionable contracts, including a transportation deal that awarded several million dollars to a supplier with whom she had personal ties. Another staffer said to be close to Magtymova reportedly received $20,000 in cash to buy medicines, despite the lack of any request from the Syrian government, which was normally required to trigger such a purchase. At least five staffers also complained Magtymova used WHO funds to buy gifts for the Ministry of Health and others, including very good servers and laptops, gold coins and expensive cars. The AP was not in a position to corroborate their allegations. Several WHO personnel said they were pressured to strike deals with senior members of the Syrian government for basic supplies like fuel at inflated prices, and were sidelined if they failed to do so. The accusations regarding WHOs top representative in Syria come after multiple misconduct complaints at the U.N. health agency in recent years. Last May, the AP reported that senior WHO management was informed of sex abuse during the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in Congo but did little to stop it; a panel later found more than 80 workers under WHOs direction sexually exploited women. And in January, the AP reported that staffers at WHOs Western Pacific office said the regions director, Dr. Takeshi Kasai, used racist language to berate staff and improperly shared sensitive coronavirus vaccine information with his home country, Japan. In August, WHO removed Kasai from his post indefinitely after an initial investigation substantiated some of the claims. Javier Guzman, director of global health at the Center for Global Development in Washington, said the latest charges regarding WHOs Magtymova were extremely disturbing and unlikely to be an exception. This is clearly a systemic problem, Guzman said. These kinds of allegations are not just occurring in one of WHOs offices but in multiple regions. He said though Tedros is seen by some as the worlds moral conscience during COVID-19 -- he repeatedly decried vaccine inequity and called for countries to act in solidarity -- the agencys credibility was severely damaged by reports of misconduct. Guzman called for WHO to publicly release any investigation report into Magtymova and the Syria office. WHO said investigation reports are normally not public documents, but that aggregated, anonymized data are shared with its Executive Board and made publicly accessible. ____ Sarah El-Deeb in Beirut, Lebanon, contributed to this report. Rebel fighters are seen outside Mekelle, the capital of the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray, on June 29, 2021. Fighting erupted on the border of the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia on Aug. 24, 2022, shattering a five-month cease-fire between rebels and the government. (Finbarr O'Reilly/The New York Times) While the worlds eyes are trained on the war in Ukraine and whether Vladimir Putin is unhinged enough to use nuclear weapons, another war rages mostly unseen some 3,000 miles away in Ethiopia. The war is centered on the northern region of Tigray, where a long-standing political conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) turned violent in 2020. The region has been under a near total blockade for most of the time since, cut off from humanitarian aid, electricity, telecommunications and banking, leaving 5.3 million civilians in dire straits. The Ethiopian governments renewed offensive has escalated the crisis even further. Advertisement Accurately estimating the dead while war continues is difficult, but the best estimates available suggest at least half a million people have died so far from direct violence, starvation and lack of access to health care. Starvation seems to be a feature rather than a bug in the governments battle plan. More recent estimates suggest that this number have died in combat alone, possibly bringing the overall deaths closer to a million. To put it in perspective, the United Nations estimates about 6,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine so far, and estimates put military deaths in the tens of thousands. Even if these estimates are low, the best available numbers suggest that the scale of death in Ethiopia exceeds that in Ukraine many times over. And yet Ethiopia has received a small fraction of attention, both from policymakers and the media. Advertisement The U.S. and others must take a more direct approach before the worst fears of the Tigrayan people are realized. Those fears include a genocide of the people of Tigray. In response to the latest offensive, the United Nations, African Union, United States and other countries have called on all sides to cease hostilities. But generic calls for everyone to stop fighting and quiet behind-the-scenes diplomacy that has been the favored approach so far are a woefully inadequate response. Tigrayan authorities have indicated that they would respect a cease-fire, but Ethiopian government officials have instead doubled down to lambaste the evils of its enemy. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government has reportedly dropped leaflets in Tigray stating that anyone remaining behind would be considered a combatant, raising clear concerns that all Tigrayans, a distinct ethnic group, would be targets in an assault. Sources from the area claim Ethiopian and Eritrean forces (their allies) have been instructed to kill three Tigrayans each, including elderly and children, and that victims limbs and skulls are on display. These stories are unverified given the lack of humanitarian and media access to the region. But given the language and actions of Ethiopia so far, along with the death toll and atrocities already committed, there is little reason not to take them seriously. Eritreas role has complicated efforts to reach a peace too, as few countries have any leverage to influence its actions, and the TPLF is its sworn enemy. There is no guarantee that Eritrea will stop fighting even if the Ethiopian government comes to the table. While its true that all sides have committed abuses, the scale is hardly comparable, with Ethiopia and Eritrea committing the lions share of wanton violence and harm against civilians throughout the conflict. When one side holds this level of responsibility for continuing conflict and suffering, those who hold any sway must speak out clearly and directly against it. At this stage, peace looks like a long shot, but that does not excuse the inadequate efforts made so far. Advertisement The United States and the United Nations are often loath to invite criticism by directly calling out states for violent acts against their own people when those states are friends and partners, as Ethiopia is. It wont likely end the war, but that is a weak excuse for not trying harder. The innocent people of Tigray deserve acknowledgment, and there is a chance that such international pressure, in combination with policy choices that reduce Ethiopias support, through international institutions and individual countries alike, could influence the path Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed chooses. Calling out the atrocities for what they are would at least put Ethiopia and Eritrea on notice that the world is watching, and the long arm of international justice could ultimately prevail. Offenders in Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia and Sierra Leone, to name a few, ultimately faced justice after all. We must stop shying away from uncomfortable conversations when so many lives are at stake. If U.S. leverage is inadequate, we should press the countries who arm and support Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the international financial institutions like the World Bank which keep the country afloat as its economy falters. The time for quiet diplomacy is over. The time for alarm has long since passed. Echoing what weve heard repeatedly about the plight of Ukraine: If Ethiopia stops fighting, the war ends, but if Tigray stops fighting, in the absence of international oversight and an inclusive peace process, the impoverished people of Tigray might end instead. Elizabeth Shackelford is a senior fellow on U.S. foreign policy with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She was previously a U.S. diplomat and is the author of The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age. Advertisement Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Union employees with Louisville's bus system took a big step Thursday, with a vote to authorize a strike amid contentious contract negotiations. An overwhelming majority of Transit Authority of River City workers who voted were in favor of the move, according to union leadership, with 95% voting in favor of authorization. A strike is not yet in place, but Lillian Brents, president of the union that represents TARC employees, said they got their point across. "The employees will continue to show up until TARC gives them a reason not to," Brents told The Courier Journal late Thursday evening. "They sent a strong, positive message. This is part of the process of negotiating a contract for a safer workplace and wages. In an email just before 10 p.m. Thursday, TARC spokesperson Jenny Recktenwald said the bus service "must accept this vote at face value" and plan as if a strike could begin at any time, with TARC planning to "make every effort possible to continue operating with minimal to no disruption for passengers." The move could have major consequences for the city, TARC said in a press release earlier this week. The bus service, which helps thousands move around the city daily, could be "significantly impacted or halted entirely throughout the duration of a strike" if it happens. It's important to note workers only authorized a strike with the vote they did not initiate one. This vote doesn't mean the wheels will stop turning immediately at TARC. From July:Union and TARC not seeing eye to eye on pay raises, working radios on Louisville buses "We hope TARC takes our negotiations seriously," Brents, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1447, said before the vote. "It is unfortunate that TARC is not willing to bend, listen, or negotiate in good faith in regard to safety, wages and working conditions. We hope this sends a message to the community that we stand together." Story continues In an email early Friday, Recktenwald said TARC leadership "has not seen anything this morning to indicate that union members are participating in a work stoppage or sick out." "We are not experiencing higher than normal absenteeism today," she said. "At this time, all routes are in service and TARC is continuing with regular operations." Public employees in Kentucky are barred from taking part in strikes, though they've happened before, including a "sickout" by thousands of protesting public school teachers in 2019. Employees who violate that statute are subject to fines by the Labor Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, according to TARC. Negotiations between TARC and the union have stalled over the last four months, ATU Local 1447 had previously said, which led to Thursday's vote. TARC's latest offer included a 9% increase for mechanics, a 7.5% increase for drivers and a 3% increase for non-technical maintenance employees over the course of the three-year deal, plus an attendance bonus of $1,000 per year. ATU Local 1447, meanwhile, had called for a 6% raise for all employees after one year and 4% raises after years two and three, and a cost of living adjustment raise of 1.25% every six months. The union has also pushed for measures to create a "safe workplace," citing instances where bus drivers have had medical emergencies but have been unable to reach TARC's safety department due to radio malfunctions. TARC, meanwhile, has said the union has been unclear about what safety improvements are needed. "This membership stands in solidarity, meaning they are giving the board permission to fight for a safe workplace and a fair contract," Brents said. Between the Lines:Why literacy rates are low among Kentucky children Before the vote, TARC said it would "immediately implement contingency plans for service and issue public notification that service will be impacted" should the strike authorization vote be approved. TARC and the union are set to meet at the negotiating table again on Nov. 2 and Nov. 17, the bus service has said. Contact Caleb Stultz at cstultz@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Caleb_Stultz. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville TARC bus employees approve strike authorization in vote The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission voted to approve Tennessee Nature Academy for operation in southeast Nashville Tuesday. The charter school now scheduled to open in August 2023 in the fast-growing Antioch and Cane Ridge areas of Nashville will focus on student-led projects and spending time learning outdoors, and plans to serve students grades 5-12. Stanley Phanthavong holds Cinnamon, a two-month-old goat, outside the Metro Nashville Public Schools administrative building ahead of a school board vote on proposed charter school Tennessee Nature Academy on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. The nature-based school would connect students to the outdoors, school officials said. Cinnamon was there to help rally support for the school. The school faced two denials from Metro Nashville Public Schools and then decided to pursue an appeal with the state. At Tuesday's meeting, the school also faced a recommendation of denial from the charter commission's executive director Tess Stovall due to questions concerning its finances. "The sponsors plan does not include a realistic plan sufficient to support the opening of a new charter school," she wrote in her report. In her report, Stovall wrote the school had a strong curriculum and clear community support. However, she had concerns regarding whether its small executive team could handle the financial responsibilities and whether current budgeting assumptions including for salaries lower than those for the same positions at MNPS and for technology were sound. In defense of the school's financial viability, Nature Academy leaders, including board chair Roger Waynick, listed several organizations, like the Joe C. Davis Foundation and City Fund, that have promised funds to the school since it submitted its appeal application. "We're ready to open and serve southeast Davidson County," he said. Despite Stovall's recommendation, the commission voted 5-3 to approve the school. Commissioners who voted for approval said the new information changed their opinions of the school's readiness. "You have this great school in a part of the city that desperately need a great school," commissioner Wendy Tucker said. "Do we risk that this school never happens?" Commission vice chair Chris Richards said that she believed in looking at the "overall tone of the approach" of the Nature Academy and that the school had worked to address any concerns. Story continues "There's a lot of risk in this application, but it's the responsibility of this team if they are approved today to immediately address those areas of risk," she said. Commissioner Eddie Smith was one of the three to vote for denial, along with commission chair Tom Griscom and Alan Levine. Smith advocated for the sponsor to do more work on the financial piece of the puzzle. This stamp of approval marks three charter schools planned for opening in the Antioch area between now and 2025. The school announced on social media it would be opening applications for parents and educators in a matter of days. Anika Exum is a reporter for the Tennessean covering youth & education. Reach her at 615-347-7313, aexum@tennessean.com or on Twitter @aniexum. Stay up-to-date on Tennessee's top education news by signing up for our new weekly newsletter, School Zone. Sign up here. Want to read more stories like this? A subscription to one of our Tennessee publications gets you unlimited access to all the latest news throughout the entire USA TODAY Network. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Nature Academy charter school approved for Nashville Photo: The Monitor (AP) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the state is suing Google for allegedly collecting biometric data from millions of Texans without consent, his office said in a press release Thursday. The case is part of a recent flood of lawsuits against tech companies over biometrics, which measure physical characteristics like faces and fingerprints. But this new lawsuit makes an unusual and potentially gamechanging argument: Paxton alleges Google violated the privacy of people who arent even Google users. Googles indiscriminate collection of the personal information of Texans, including very sensitive information like biometric identifiers, will not be tolerated, Paxton said in the press release. I will continue to fight Big Tech to ensure the privacy and security of all Texans. Its Paxtons sixth case against Google. Read more A Google spokesperson said in a statement, AG Paxton is once again mischaracterizing our products in another breathless lawsuit. Elaborating on specifics, the statement reads, For example, Google Photos helps you organize pictures of people, by grouping similar faces, so you can easily find old photos. Of course, this is only visible to you and you can easily turn off this feature if you choose and we do not use photos or videos in Google Photos for advertising purposes. The same is true for Voice Match and Face Match on Nest Hub Max, which are off-by-default features that give users the option to let Google Assistant recognize their voice or face to show their information. We will set the record straight in court. Paxtonan election denier, hater of the LGBTQ community, and alleged fraudster under indictment for seven yearshas indeed been committed to fighting big tech, to varying degrees of absurdity and seriousness. But as the saying goes, a stopped clock is right twice a day, and the biometrics lawsuit is part of a recent series of reasonable privacy critiques that are gaining momentum. He also accuses Google of collecting voice data via its Assistant and Nest thermostat products. Story continues Earlier this year, Paxton filed a separate lawsuit against Google, alleging among other changes that Chromes Incognito Mode deceives people by suggesting that private tabs protect your data (they definitely dont). Paxton filed another biometrics lawsuit against Meta (aka Facebook) this year, and with the new case against Google, he may have another good argument against the search giant. The lawsuit says that Googles services collect biometric data without user consent, which is a well-trod legal issue, but the privacy rights of people who arent actually users of the service is a topic that hasnt garnered much attention in the courts. The Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act, passed in Texas in 2009, prohibits collecting or sharing biometric data without informed user consent. The lawsuit points out that products like Google Photos include features like Face Grouping, which uses facial recognition to sort together photos of the same people. Even if you gave Google permission to collect your own facial recognition data, the people youve taken pictures of probably didnt. To Google, it does not matter that the three-year-olds, the bystanders, and grandma never consented to Google capturing and recording their biometric data, the lawsuit says. The most effective way to protect peoples privacy through legislation is often to ban certain practices outright, but so far, privacy regulation across the globe focuses on consent, which is sometimes referred to as a notice and choice model. Thats an impossible standard to meet for services that collect data about people who arent even users. This is a gap in a lot of privacy laws right now, said Tiffany Li, assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. It also shows that we need to move past the notice and choice regime. We need privacy laws that not only give individuals the right to advocate for their own rights, but we also need privacy regulation that regulates entire industries. Theres precedent to suggest that the case has merit. Collectively, Google, Meta (aka Facebook), Snap, an a variety of other tech companies have agreed to pay out hundreds of millions of dollars over lawsuits alleging they broke state biometrics laws. The strongest state biometrics law is Illinois Biometrics Information Privacy Act, which stands apart from other data regulations because it lets anyone, not just regulators, sue companies for violating their rights. In the absence of strong federal privacy standards, biometric data, including our fingerprints, face, and other personal identifiers, will continue to be surveilled and collected without informed user consent, said Nicol Turner Lee, director of the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution. What the recent lawsuit suggests is that we have not come to national consensus on the norms and standards for the most appropriate use cases in the collection of biometric data. Paxtons efforts may be part of a cynical effort to curry favor with Republicans whove grown increasingly disillusioned with the tech industry. But with this Google case, Paxton is pushing the boundaries of privacy law, and depending on how that plays out it could set a new precedent for holding tech companies accountable. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Texas A&M University (TAMU) has passed a resolution endorsing its pro-diversity programs, including one accused of anti-Asian and anti-white discrimination in an ongoing class-action lawsuit. The resolution, which was passed by the Faculty Senate, was conceived last month in the wake of the suit filed by Richard Lowery, a finance professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Several members reportedly asked the body to reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. On Monday, the Senate passed the resolution 54-12. Now, therefore, be it resolved, the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate of Texas A&M University reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Senate Secretary Janice Epstein, Ph.D., read at the virtual meeting. Be it further resolved that the executive committee supports the goals of programs such as ACES Plus that aim to diversify the ranks of faculty to better represent our state and our student body. I move approval of this resolution attachment. More from NextShark: Mystery woman spotted near Kim Jong-un in recent months sparks speculation The relatively new ACES Plus, or Accountability, Climate, Equity and Scholarship Faculty Fellows Program Plus, seeks to hire faculty from underrepresented minority groups, which a memo defined as African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Native Hawaiians. The program is set to be implemented throughout the TAMU System, which includes TAMU and 10 other state-run universities. In his suit, Lowery alleges that ACES Plus violates Title VI and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibit sex and racial discrimination in education programs that receive federal funding. He also claims violations of Section 1981 (42 U.S.C. 1981) and the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause. More from NextShark: Honolulu Councilman Accused of Racism, Transphobia for Blackface in Americas Next Top Model Skit Lowery, who is white, said he is able and ready to apply for a post in the TAMU System. However, its policies allegedly prevent him from competing with other applicants for these faculty positions on an equal basis. Story continues These discriminatory, illegal, and anti-meritocratic practices have been egged on by woke ideologues who populate the so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at public and private universities throughout the United States, his lawsuit states. The existence of these offices is subverting meritocracy and encouraging wholesale violations of civil-rights laws throughout our nations university system." Some faculty senators who opposed the resolution believe that ACES Plus could be illegal. Among them is Adam Kolasinski, Ph.D., who questioned the logic of even debating such a resolution amid the programs legal woes. More from NextShark: Teen Pleads Guilty in Coronavirus-Related Attack on Singaporean Student in London I believe that voting on or even debating this resolution is extremely unwise because one of the programs it endorses is subject to litigation, Kolasinski said. Weighing in on a program that is subject to litigation whose outcome is highly uncertain is an extremely bad idea as we are not court and we are not lawyers. The Mays Business School senator and associate professor of finance also questioned whether the Senate is ready to lose a majority of the universitys Asian faculty in the name of ACES Plus. So far, the program has no procedure for terminating current faculty members. If you are serious about supporting the ACES Plus programs goal of moving the structural composition of our faculty to parity with the state of Texas, then we are effectively supporting the replacement of two-thirds to three-quarters of our Asian faculty solely because of their race, Kolasinski said. If you support this resolution, I ask you, which three-quarters of your Asian colleagues do you want to get rid of? Featured Image via NSFP TAMU A concerned mother released surveillance video she obtained from a Texas school showing a teacher throwing her child against a wall after an altercation. The incident occurred on 29 April at the GOALS Learning Centre in Round Rock, Texas, which is a school for students who suffer from emotional disturbances. Tatiana Alfano, the childs mother, told Fox 7 Austin, that the school called her and informed her that her son had fallen and hit his head after yelling at his teachers. However, her son, 17-year-old Quintin Proctor, told his mother that a school administrator actually threw him into a wall. She requested surveillance video from the school and discovered her sons version of events was accurate. The footage shows Quintin in a hallway with two female teachers, with whom he got into a verbal fight. They took him into a "cool down room" where they were joined by a male administrator. When the two teachers turned to leave, and Quintin tried to follow the women, the administrator was seen grabbing the student and throwing him into a corridor. Quintin hit the ground and slid into a wall. Quintin lept back to his feet and reeled back several times as though he was going to throw a punch, prompting the female teachers to rush into the corridor to calm Quintin down and separate him from the administrator. "When I hit the wall, I didnt really know what to think, like my mind just kind of went blank," Quintin told Fox 7 Austin. A spokesperson for the school told Fox News that the administrator is no longer on the campus of the school. "The incident was fully investigated by the district and reported to all appropriate state agencies," the spokesperson said. "The staff member is currently employed by the district but is no longer on a campus. He is assigned to special projects at Central Administration." The mother said she wanted to share the video because she had heard similar stories from other parents whose children attend the school. "What happened with Quintin isnt all that unique or special or rare. Its just that we happen to have footage of it because these things are generally happening behind closed doors, so now its grown, its bigger," Ms Alfano told Fox 7 Austin. "We need to do right by all the children. This shouldnt be happening." WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Texas has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet's Google for allegedly collecting biometric data of millions of Texans without obtaining proper consent, the attorney general's office said in a statement on Thursday. The complaint says that companies operating in Texas have been barred for more than a decade from collecting people's faces, voices or other biometric data without advanced, informed consent. "In blatant defiance of that law, Google has, since at least 2015, collected biometric data from innumerable Texans and used their faces and their voices to serve Googles commercial ends," the complaint said. "Indeed, all across the state, everyday Texans have become unwitting cash cows being milked by Google for profits." The collection occurred through products like Google Photos, Google Assistant, and Nest Hub Max, the statement said. Google said it would fight the lawsuit, saying that users of the services had the option to turn off the biometric collection feature. "AG Paxton is once again mischaracterizing our products in another breathless lawsuit," said Google spokesman Jose Castaneda. "We will set the record straight in court." The lawsuit is one of several filed by states against Google alleging unfair practices with regard to privacy. Arizona settled one in early October for $85 million. Texas, Indiana, Washington State and the District of Columbia sued Google in January over what they called deceptive location-tracking practices that invade users' privacy. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement that the "indiscriminate collection" of such data "will not be tolerated." (Reporting by Diane Bartz and David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Diane Craft) A new company is taking a leaf out of Stripe's API playbook with a platform that makes it easy for any company to create clear API documentation, while also allowing non-technical team members to contribute to the process. Demoing as part of the Battlefield 200 cohort at TC Disrupt this week, TechCrunch met up with Theneo to find out how they plan to get their slice of the $4.5 billion API management market -- a figure that's predicted to rise to nearly $14 billion within five years. APIs, or "application programming interfaces," are the glue that hold most modern software together. They're what allow Uber to offer in-app messaging without building the entire infrastructure themselves from scratch, fitness apps to visualize your running history through maps and online merchants to support payments powered by Stripe. Internally, companies also create their own APIs to connect all manner of back-end systems and data stores. In short, APIs are the hidden, often unsung heroes of the modern technological era. But creating an API that's easy to use and adopt by developers comes with inherent challenges. It isn't enough to just build the API -- its features, functionality and deployment instructions need to be recorded and presented in a format that's easy to follow. Getting the API documentation right is imperative, which is where Theneo is hoping to make its mark. Sample API documentation from Theneo. Image Credits: Theneo Stripe-like API docs Theneo co-founder and CEO Ana Robakidze said that she'd worked on hundreds of APIs in a previous role heading up an engineering team, concluding that quality API documentation is often lacking. "I personally witnessed the effect API documentation had on our project's delivery, cost, and efficiency," Robakidze said. "As a result, as a team leader, I spent a considerable amount of time and effort searching for a tool that would assist us in creating excellent API documentation -- similar to what Stripe has, as it is considered one of the best in the industry. The problem with most of the tools is that they were either time-consuming or had too many limitations." Story continues The root of the problem, according to Robakidze, is that developers aren't necessarily technical writers -- they'd much rather "create another API than document it," she said. Consequently, a lot of internal APIs specifically (i.e. APIs built for connecting a company's internal systems and apps) either go completely undocumented, or if they are documented, aren't synchronized and maintained as the API evolves. This issue is compounded as developers come and go within a company, often leading to an unwieldy mess. "Theneo was created through frustration, with the aim of making high-quality API documentation quick to generate, and simple to maintain," Robakidze said. With Theneo, developers connect their GitHub repository or upload their API collection, and Theneo then analyzes everything and delivers the required API documentation. It also offers an AI assistant that uses natural language processing (NLP) to improve the documentation, including automatically describing the different API attributes, which are basically the parts of the API specification that developers need to request, send and delete data, and so on. So a "create customer" object, for example, contains various attributes each with a definition so that the user (i.e. developer) knows exactly what the attribute is for. "Our AI assistant develops descriptions for these fields, which often take a developer or technical writer a significant amount of time to create, especially when there are thousands of fields in your APIs," Robakidze explained. Theneo: Sample API document showing fields / attribute descriptions. Image Credits: Theneo While Theneo is designed to automate the process as much as possible, it's clearly not going to deliver a gift-wrapped API documentation entirely off its own volition -- it acknowledges that developers and other team members will need to fine-tune formats and wording, add more images or whatever it needs. "We analyze the API, parse it, and then return an already well-structured API doc," Robakidze said. "The user can then choose whether to add more details, such as images, and different API widgets, and add team members so they can collaborate." While the engine underpinning Theneo is the same across both internal and external APIs, the company provides additional tooling for the latter, acknowledging that third-party developers appreciate a slicker interface that's easier to follow. So this basically amounts to a white-label product that can be tailored and branded in accordance with the company's requirements. In terms of pricing, Theneo currently has a basic plan that costs around $20 per month per user, rising to $45 per month for unlimited API projects on the business plan. It also offers an enterprise plan that unlocks features such as customized branding and the ability to self-host. It's also working on a completely free version, though Robakidze said this wasn't ready for prime time quite yet. Theneo co-founder and CEO Ana Robakidze. Funding The Y Combinator (YC) graduate has already raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding since it was founded exactly a year ago, and this week confirmed it's in the process of raising further funding. And it also unveiled an updated documentation editor, which Robakidze described as something akin to "Figma for APIs," designed for everyone involved in a software project to contribute, regardless of their technical prowess. "We realized that there are multiple players when it comes to building APIs or API docs, and that it is crucial for these users to collaborate," Robakidze explained. "Similar to what Figma did with collaboration, our API documentation editor allows users to collaborate, so managers and non-technical members can easily work together on content and produce high-quality documents." Robakidze said that the company is pretty much open to working with any size and type of business, and it's currently working with some 3,000 companies, spanning everything from fintechs and government agencies to agriculture companies. "Our biggest customers are fintech companies, usually with 20-plus developers," Robakidze said. It's somewhat fitting that Theneo is seeing particular traction within fintech, given that it's looking to emulate one of the biggest fintech startups to emerge in the past decade. Stripe is well-known for its payment processing API used by startups and big tech firms alike, including Google and Amazon, and the documentation it provides plays a part in why it's liked by developers. "One of the reasons I like working on the Stripe integration is because their API documentation is very well organized, has a very well-thought-out user interface, and generally makes it simple for developers to obtain the information they need to integrate with them," Robakidze said. "When I was working on other Stripe alternatives, it would often take me twice as long because of how challenging it was to browse and locate the necessary API information. Developers adore Stripe's API documentation, so we wanted to make sure that other businesses and developers could generate the same high-quality documentation." IRYNA BALACHUK THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 15:08 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine believes that the threat of a new offensive from the territory of Belarus is growing, but the direction of the offensive might be different this time, targeting the western part of the Belarusian-Ukrainian border. Source: General Oleksii Hromov, Deputy Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during a press briefing on 20 October Quote from Hromov: "There is a growing threat of a renewed offensive by the Russian Armed Forces on the northern front. The direction of the offensive could be different this time, [with Russian forces targeting] the western part of the Belarusian-Ukrainian border in order to interrupt main weapons and equipment supply routes used to deliver aid from Ukraines western partners." Details: Hromov said that Russia is continuing to deploy its aircraft and other military units in Belarus. Moreover, Belarus is continuing to undertake covert mobilisation and to allow Russia to use its territory to launch its drones and ballistic missiles on Ukraine. Hromov additionally explained that Russian MiG-31 aircraft have been deployed at Belarusian airfields; these aircraft might be armed with Kinzhal cruise missiles. The representative of the General Staff said that Ukraine was responding to these developments by monitoring the situation and taking measures to protect its borders on the northern front. Background: The Ministry of Defence of Belarus has reported the departure of Russian fighter aircraft, allegedly to "patrol" the borders of the Union State [an organisation aiming to deepen the relationship between Russia and Belarus through integration in economic and defence policy ed.]. Russia deployed MiG-31 interceptor fighter jets to Belarus, some of which can carry Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. They took off from Machulishchy air base on 20 October. Recent satellite photos show that the volume of Russian equipment and troops has increased at Zyabrovka airbase (Belarus) near the border with Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Oct. 20Support for educators is a top priority for candidates in the race for the District 3 seat on the Portland school board. Three candidates are vying for the seat in the Nov. 8 election. Julianne Opperman and Sam Rosenthal are running against incumbent Adam Burk, who was first elected three years ago. District 3 represents Libbytown, Stroudwater, Nason's Corner, Oakdale and part of Woodfords Corner. Two incumbents are running unopposed for two at-large school board seats. Sarah Lentz, 40, and Ben Grant, 45, won their seats in a June special election held to fill the seats of two former board members who stepped down after winning City Council seats last November. JULIANNE OPPERMAN Opperman, 68, worked as a teacher for 40 years before retiring just before the pandemic. One of the primary reasons she is running in District 3 is because she thinks there should be someone with classroom experience on the school board, she said. "I believe the people who are on the school board care about kids and want the best for students," said Opperman. "But good policy doesn't always translate to good practice in the classroom. I will bring the voice of the educator to the school board." If elected, Opperman will advocate for increasing transparency from the board and district, raising educator salaries, growing the capacity of schools to provide students with individual support, and expanding summer school programming, she said. "As a school board member, I would make sure that students receive the support they need and that the administration is being fiscally responsible and being held accountable," she said. ADAM BURK Burk, 42, a parent of two Portland Public School elementary school students, joined the school board in 2019 and was recently elected vice-chair. Burk, who uses they/them pronouns, said they have collaborated effectively with the school board, administration and others, listened to educators and brought their concerns to the school board, and supported educators and equity within the school district. Story continues Burk pointed to a time soon after they took their seat when there was a proposed cut to salary increases. "I made sure that was not the way we addressed our budget issues," Burk said. "We want to invest in our staff." Burk was a first-generation college student and has degrees in psychology, history and education. Burk has worked in social work and in charter and private schools and is now a director at Intentional Philanthropy, a philanthropic advisory and management company. Their education and work experiences have taught them that education is not one-size-fits-all and makes them well-suited to continue to help lead the district as a school board member, Burk said. If reelected, Burk said, they would continue to support outdoor learning, address systemic inequities, support educators, and bring healthy, locally sourced food into Portland schools. SAM ROSENTHAL Sam Rosenthal, 69, ran for the school board in 2019, also against Adam Burk. Rosenthal attended Portland public schools and has been volunteering as a computer science teacher at Portland High School since 2015, when he retired from his career as an engineer working for NASA and MIT, among other institutions. If elected, Rosenthal said he will work to give teachers more say in how the district is run and what is prioritized. "Decisions are made in a really top-down way now, with the school board deciding the direction of the district," said Rosenthal. "But a lot of teachers have years or decades of experience and I think the school board should tap into that knowledge and ask teachers what they need so all students can succeed." Another priority, Rosenthal said, would be to raise academic standards across the board to ensure students are being challenged in school and are ready to succeed in higher education and the workforce after finishing high school. Rosenthal also said he would work to increase district and board transparency, especially to make it easier for taxpayers to understand how their money is being spent. MORE ON THE DISTRICT 3 SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES Adam Burk Age: 42 Occupation: Director for Intentional Philanthropy and senior program director at the Peter Alfond Foundation Education: B.A. in history and psychology from Thomas Edison State University; M.A. in Education from Goddard College Political/Civic Experience: One term on the Portland Public School Board of Education Online: Website, Instagram, Facebook Julianne Opperman Age: 68 Occupation: Retired, former teacher Education: B.A. in Molecular Biology from Wellesley College; M.S. in nutritional biochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; PhD in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine specializing in educational policy and leadership Political/Civic Experience: None Online: Website Sam Rosenthal Age: 69 Occupation: Retired, former engineer Education: B.S. in math from Northeastern University; M.S. in applied mathematics from Northeastern University Political/Civic Experience: None Online: Website By Dan Whitcomb (Reuters) - Three men wrongfully imprisoned for 28 years for a New Orleans murder have been freed after prosecutors agreed with defense attorneys that their conviction was based on shoddy evidence and the involvement of two corrupt police officers. Kunta Gable, Leroy Nelson and Bernell Juluke were released from prison on Wednesday night after a New Orleans judge threw out their convictions in a fatal 1994 drive-by shooting. "Mr. Juluke maintained his innocence from the moment of his wrongful arrest. I am relieved that he has finally been vindicated, if dismayed that it took so long," said Juluke's attorney, Mike Admirand of the Southern Center for Human Rights. "Nothing can make up for the three decades Mr. Juluke and his family lost because of his wrongful conviction, but thanks to the Courts action yesterday, at least they will have their future together," Admirand said. Reuters could not reach the office of New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams for comment on Thursday. Prosecutors and attorneys for the three men filed an agreement with the court stating that they had been found guilty in March 1996, based on the testimony of a single witness who got the color of the car involved wrong. That agreement also cites the presence at the crime scene of two New Orleans police officers who were later found to have helped cover up murders for drug dealers and to have manipulated evidence in the case. One of those officers, Len Davis, was later convicted and sentenced to death for a separate murder. "These convictions were obtained in violation of the Constitution and may well have resulted in the conviction of three innocent teenagers. The convictions should have long ago been vacated," the two sides said in court documents. Gable and Nelson were 17 at the time of their 1994 arrest and Juluke was 18. (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis) House Bill 3653, also known as the SAFE-T Act, started as a short, uncontroversial shell bill unanimously passed in the House and sent to the Senate. It resided there for almost two years, until, a short time before the start of the normal legislative session, when it was replaced by a 764-page Senate amendment. The resulting revised bill was then unveiled for the first time in both legislative houses in the waning hours of the last day of a lame duck session. On Jan. 13, 2021, a Senate committee approved the newly revised bill, and the Senate passed it and sent it to the House, which employed the same lightning-fast procedures used by the Senate. That was in obvious violation of the constitutional requirement that a bill shall be read by title on three different days in each house. The bill was passed despite objections based on insufficient time for reading and understanding. Advertisement This hasty passage, absent transparency, has resulted in various remedial revisions. And now, after several states attorneys of both political parties filed lawsuits challenging the act, elected constitutional officers and various legislators have promised that clarifications, adjustments and tweaks will occur after the November election, either during the veto session or in the lame duck session. But clarifications, adjustments and tweaks cannot salvage the act. It is irretrievably unconstitutional. The Illinois Supreme Court has uniformly held that violation of the constitutional requirement that bills shall be confined to one subject results in rendering an act null and void from its very beginning. The acts multiple unrelated subjects including the end of cash bail on Jan. 1 ensures its demise. As the Supreme Court has made clear, it is futile to try to salvage a null and void act by seeking to explain or amend it. Advertisement The legislatures policy-driven decision to avoid transparency especially on a bill of monumental significance deprives legislators of the ability to understand a pending bill and to fully engage in reasonable debate. Lack of transparency also denies citizens information to determine the legitimacy and wisdom of proposed legislation and whether our elected representatives are acting in our best interests. When the legislature refuses to act transparently, false or insufficient information about the subject matter from citizens, politicians and even the news media, whether inadvertent or intentional inevitably fills the gap. Imminently approaching is our vote on Amendment 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that supporters have given the widely accepted title of the Workers Rights Amendment. Amendment 1 provides another interesting example of how lack of transparency invites misinformation. Though a law may be amended or replaced by another law, a constitutional amendment is different. It trumps all laws that are inconsistent with its requirements, thus automatically overriding existing Illinois statutes. Its different also because, unlike mere lawmaking, such amendments face rigorous requirements that make overturning them difficult unless, as in the Workers Rights Amendment, lack of transparency and misinformation are in play. Consider the Illinois law requiring that, when a constitutional amendment is scheduled for the ballot, a pamphlet providing the amendment and arguments for and against it must be sent by the secretary of state to every Illinois mailing address. But that statute, so vital for enlightenment, was amended by the legislature, effective on April 15, as part of Public Act 102-699. The amended statute provides that, for the general election on Nov. 8, in lieu of mailing the pamphlets, a postcard shall be sent advising that a proposed constitutional amendment will be considered at the general election. Except for that information, no other explanation of the amendment is provided, except for a lengthy link to the secretary of state website to obtain information previously provided by mailed pamphlets. The lack of transparency leads to several questions: How many Illinoisans followed the link concerning the proposed amendment? How many read the explanation and understood it? Why did the legislature determine that a constitutional amendment is preferable to lawmaking? Would the amendment result in significant tax increases? Should public-sector unions for government workers have the constitutional fundamental right to collectively bargain? Could public-sector unions strike if their fundamental demands are not met? Because there are collective bargaining rights under federal law, the amendment would have limited effect on private-sector unions. The SAFE-T Act is now before the courts and thus beyond our ability to have influence except to demand answers from our elected representatives responsible for the shocking lack of transparency that gave rise to it. But Amendment 1 has flown under the radar for too long. As early voting continues, theres reason for concern and little time for answers. Advertisement We must have answers because transparency is the lifeblood of democracy. We must demand transparency from our elected representatives to ensure that misinformation does not end up filling the gaps left by the absence of transparency. Gino DiVito is a co-founder and a partner in the Chicago law firm Tabet DiVito & Rothstein LLC. He formerly was a trial court judge and a justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. An Asian content creator has gone viral for sharing a video of himself being allegedly racially profiled and mistaken for a thief at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Toronto. TikToker Lewis Chia (@lewis.chia) posted the video on TikTok and Instagram on Sunday. In the two-minute clip, three employees can be heard accusing Chia of being the alleged thief who has purportedly been stealing from their store on a frequent basis. @lewis.chia 10/10/22 - this was at the yonge + charles location, honestly didnt think i would get racially profiled AND mistaken for a white man in 2022, @shoppersdrugmart original sound - lewis The incident occurred at the Shoppers Drug Mart branch on Yonge Street and Charles Street on Oct. 10, according to Chias recent posts. In his TikTok post, which has already garnered more than 5.8 million views and over 931,000 likes, the content creator can be heard saying that he goes to the store "all the time" since he lives across the street. More from NextShark: Filipino family who went viral for their kindness seek support for their daughter's rare condition The employees show a picture of the alleged thief, who Chia describes in his videos onscreen text as an Asian-fishing white man. Chias friend, who accompanied him to the store, spoke out in his defense. Im so sorry, are you being racist? That doesnt look like him at all, she tells the employees. This is a completely different person. Youre being extremely racist right now. This is not OK. The employees explain that the person in the picture has been causing a lot of trouble and stealing items worth "thousands and thousands of dollars" from the store daily. More from NextShark: Amigurumi artists human-sized Totoro plushie delights Studio Ghibli fans learn how to make your own Chia and his friend tell the employees in a composed manner that their comments are unacceptable. Its not OK to accuse my friend of this when he comes in here all the time. And Im so sorry but that looks nothing like him, Chia's friend says. Story continues I think you shouldve been a little more certain before telling me that Im banned from this store because thats very clearly not me. Just because we both wear makeup doesnt mean its the same person, Chia adds. More from NextShark: Hong Kong star Andy Lau goes viral for doing housework A store manager eventually appears and tells them that there might have just been a big misunderstanding. [Because] there is someone thats banned, the manager explains before another employee interrupts her and says, And you said you came yesterday as well, and he came too. "Three of you all said please leave the store when it wasn't him," Chia's friend eventually points out. "That's not acceptable. Can he even come into the store without being accused at this point? If all three of you thought it was him this is not OK! More from NextShark: Michelin star French chef skewered online for his pho recipe After the manager tells Chia that they are super, super sorry for what happened, the content creator says, Thats fine, but I think you guys should at least approach people a bit differently [because] that was so out of the blue to just say that Im banned from the store, when if you took a look at the picture, you would know thats not me. Even though the manager continues to apologize for the incident, another employee interjects and says, The thing is, that person keeps changing himself, you know We cannot be sure what exactly he looks like. But then maybe you have to be a bit more sure before you come and tell me that, right? I hope you guys find him, Chia says. But Im going to look like this for a while so lets not have this happen again, OK? Chia shared in his recent social media posts that he is still waiting for a reply from Shoppers Drug Marts headquarters. Some TikTok users criticized the store's employees for how they handled the situation, with one user writing, They apologized but still very feels like their being defensive instead of just admitting their mistake period. I'm glad the manager was on your side, I never heard a single apology from the guy worker smh, another commented. Meanwhile, other TikTok users praised Chias friend for how she spoke up for him. I'm so sorry to experience this, but I'm so happy you had a guardian angel by your side, one user wrote, while another said, I love how your friend instantly stood up for you, she's definitely a real one! Honestly dont know what i wouldve done without her, Chia wrote in one of his replies. Featured Image via @lewis.chia Prime Minister Liz Truss during a press conference in the briefing room at Downing Street, London. Picture date: Friday October 14, 2022 (Daniel Leal/PA) (PA Wire) Just over six weeks after taking the reins in No 10, Liz Truss has resigned as prime minister. Here are the key moments in the shortest reign in Downing Street as the PM lost two cabinet members, watched her economic strategy go up in smoke and ultimately succumbed to a mutiny by her own MPs. September 5: Liz Truss is the victor in the Tory leadership contest and will become the countrys next prime minister. She promises a bold plan to cut taxes and grow the economy and deliver on the energy crisis. September 6: Ms Truss becomes Prime Minister after being invited to form a new government by the Queen at Balmoral. Later that afternoon, in her first speech in Downing Street, she says she is honoured to take on the role at a vital time for our country. Kwasi Kwarteng is appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer. September 7: Ms Truss uses her first Prime Ministers Questions to promise to work with MPs across the House to tackle the challenges we face at a vital time for our country. She confirms she will set out her package of support to deal with soaring energy bills the following day. September 8: In Parliament shortly before midday, the PM announces a new energy price guarantee and promises support for businesses struggling with bills for six months, with targeted help for vulnerable firms beyond that. She describes it as the moment to be bold, adding: We are facing a global energy crisis and there are no cost-free options. Soon after her economic announcements in the Commons, Buckingham Palace issues a statement saying doctors were concerned for the Queens health, and that the head of state was under medical supervision. A Palace statement is released at 6.30pm, saying: The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. September 9: The King holds his first in-person audience with Ms Truss at Buckingham Palace. Politics all but comes to a halt as the country observes a national period of mourning. Story continues September 19: The Queens funeral is held at Westminster Abbey in London. September 23: Mr Kwarteng announces the biggest raft of tax cuts for half a century. Using more than 70 billion of increased borrowing, he sets out a package which includes abolishing the top rate of income tax for the highest earners and axing the cap on bankers bonuses while adding restrictions to the welfare system. The pound falls to a fresh 37-year low as spooked traders swallow the cost of the spree. Questioned by reporters later that evening, the Chancellor insists his plan will encourage investment in the UK and rejects the suggestion his economic announcement was a gamble. September 29: Almost a week on, the PM insists the Government had to take urgent action to get the economy growing in her first public comments since the mini-budget market turmoil. October 2: Ms Truss acknowledges mistakes over the mini-budget but says she is standing by her tax-cutting plan as she refuses to rule out public spending cuts. The PM admits she could have done more to prepare the ground for Mr Kwartengs financial statement, and she faces accusations of throwing her Chancellor under the bus by saying the abolition of the 45p top rate of tax was made by him, and not discussed with the Cabinet. October 3: In a dramatic U-turn, Ms Truss and Mr Kwarteng abandon their plan to abolish the 45p rate of income tax for top earners. We get it, and we have listened, the Chancellor says, in language echoed in a tweet from the PM less than 24 hours after she said she remained absolutely committed to the cut. Somewhat embarrassingly, Ms Truss was still defending the 45p tax rate in a TV interview filmed just hours before the U-turn. October 4: Mr Kwarteng says the Queens death added to the high-pressure environment around the preparation of the mini-budget. In an interview with GB News, he says it is important to place the so-called fiscal event in the context of the Queens death and funeral. October 5: Ms Truss pledges she will get us through the tempest and get Britain moving as she delivers her first Tory conference speech as party leader. October 8: Four Cabinet ministers urge colleagues to rally behind Ms Truss as the PM battles to steady the Tory ship following a week blighted by infighting. October 10: Mr Kwarteng bows to pressure to bring forward the publication of his financial strategy and independent economic forecasts. Completing another U-turn, he agrees to set out his medium-term fiscal plan alongside Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predictions on October 31. October 11: As Parliament returns, the Chancellor is warned, during a session of Treasury questions, that the Governments economic credibility would be further shredded if he tries to push through the policies without the support of Conservative MPs. October 12: Ms Truss insists she will not cut spending to balance the books, despite economists and the financial markets continuing to question her plans. She says she is absolutely not planning public spending reductions, but insists taxpayers money will be used well. October 13: Mr Kwarteng says his total focus is on delivering on the mini-budget in response to speculation about a U-turn on the measures. October 14: Mr Kwarteng is sacked, having flown back early from International Monetary Fund talks in Washington. He says he has accepted Ms Truss request he stand aside as Chancellor. The Prime Minister replaces her ideological soulmate at the Treasury with Jeremy Hunt, the former foreign secretary who backed her rival Rishi Sunak in the Tory leadership contest. Ms Truss dismisses calls for her resignation at a hastily arranged eight-minute press conference in Downing Street, during which she takes just four questions from journalists. She announces she is abandoning Mr Kwartengs commitment to drop the planned rise in corporation tax from 19% to 25% even though it was a central plank of her leadership campaign saving the Exchequer 18 billion a year. Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, speaks to Mr Hunt following his appointment. October 15: The new Chancellor indicates the PMs immediate economic plan is now largely defunct in a series of broadcast interviews. Mr Hunt criticises the mistakes of the Truss administration and warns of difficult decisions to come on tax and spending. In an unusual intervention, US President Joe Biden appears to join in the criticism of Ms Trusss original plan, telling reporters I wasnt the only one that thought it was a mistake and calling the outcome predictable. October 16: Former minister Crispin Blunt becomes the first Tory MP to publicly call for Ms Truss to quit, saying the game is up for the Prime Minister. He is followed by Andrew Bridgen and Jamie Wallis, while other senior figures within the parliamentary party express deep unease with the PMs leadership but stop short of calling for her to go. Labour urges Ms Truss to come before Parliament to face MPs. October 17: Mr Hunt ditches the bulk of the PMs economic strategy in an emergency statement designed to calm the markets. The Chancellor scales back the energy support package and scraps almost all the tax cuts announced by his predecessor. He abandons plans to slash the basic rate of income tax by 1p which had been due to be brought forward to April saying it will remain at 20p in the pound until the country can afford to reduce it. The cut in dividend tax promised by Mr Kwarteng is also axed in the policy bonfire, along with VAT-free shopping for overseas tourists, the freeze on alcohol duty, and the easing of the IR35 rules for the self-employed. Ms Truss sits silently in the Commons for roughly 30 minutes as her Chancellor informs MPs of the change of direction, staring straight ahead as he bins huge chunks of her plan. The PM admits to a meeting of the One Nation group of Tory MPs that we tried to do too much too quickly, as she seeks to shore up support for her premiership. In a sit-down interview with the BBCs Chris Mason, she apologises for her mistakes and pledges to lead the Tories into the next general election. October 18: Ms Truss survives a meeting of the Cabinet without any ministers calling for her to quit, while Mr Hunt tells colleagues they must review departmental budgets to find ways to save taxpayers money. Downing Street sparks a backlash by indicating ministers could ditch their commitment to the pensions triple lock. The Prime Minister addresses Tory MPs from the European Research Group (ERG), telling them that she found axing her tax-slashing programme painful and did it because she had to. Mr Hunt meets Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives. October 19: The PM declares she is a fighter, not a quitter and insists she is completely committed to the triple lock on state pensions at PMQs. Tory MPs are told a Labour vote in the Commons seeking to ban fracking is being treated as a confidence motion in Ms Trusss embattled Government. Deputy chief whip Craig Whittaker warns his colleagues the vote is a 100% hard three-line whip, indicating that dozens of Conservatives who oppose the controversial gas extraction method face being kicked out of the parliamentary party if they do not follow orders in the lobbies. But confusion ensues when climate minister Graham Stuart tells the Commons: Quite clearly this is not a confidence vote. It leads to ugly scenes at Westminster, with Cabinet ministers Therese Coffey and Jacob Rees-Mogg among a group of senior Tories accused of pressuring colleagues to go into the no lobby. Labour former minister Chris Bryant claims some MPs were physically manhandled. Meanwhile, Suella Braverman dramatically quits as home secretary, citing a technical infringement of the ministerial rules, and criticising Ms Trusss tumultuous premiership. Labours motion is defeated by 230 votes to 326, majority 96, but there is speculation that Chief Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy, Craig Whittaker, have resigned in fury at the handling of the affair. At 9.49pm more than two hours after the vote No 10 issues a statement saying both remain in post. Overnight, Downing Street says Mr Stuart was mistakenly told to say it was not a confidence motion, adding that Conservative MPs were fully aware it was subject to a three-line whip. A spokesman says the whips will be speak to the Tories who failed to support the Government, and those without a reasonable excuse will face proportionate disciplinary action. October 20: Cabinet minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan says she believes at the moment it is still the case Ms Truss will fight the next election as Prime Minister. But pressure on the PM continues to mount, with more backbenchers adding their names to the growing list of Tory MPs publicly demanding her resignation. At 1.30pm, Ms Truss gives a statement outside Downing Street announcing her resignation as PM. She said she recognised she cannot deliver the mandate on which [she] was elected by the Conservative Party. A top talent agent has called for Apple and Spotify to ban Kanye Wests music from their platforms following his antisemitic controversy. Ari Emanuel, the CEO of William Morris Endeavor, made the demand in an op-ed for The Financial Times and called for businesses to speak out against antisemitism. Those who continue to do business with West are giving his misguided hate an audience. There should be no tolerance anywhere for Wests antisemitism, he wrote. This is a moment in history where the stakes are high and being open about our values, and living them, is essential. Silence and inaction are not an option. West remains locked out of his Instagram and Twitter accounts following a string of antisemitic tirades over the past week, which he has so far refused to apologise for. Mr Emanuel added: Some of Wests behaviour has been dismissed over time, citing mental illness, given that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being hospitalized in 2016. However, mental illness is not an excuse for racism, hatred or antisemitism. West is not just any person he is a pop culture icon with millions of fans around the world. And among them are young people whose views are still being formed. The rapper said he was absolutely not sorry for his string of antisemitic comments during an interview on Wednesday with Piers Morgan on the UKs TalkTV. During the interview, he called Joe Biden f***ing ret***ed for not meeting with Tesla billionaire Elon Musk and even stormed out halfway through the interview before returning to complete it. You know, one per cent of the world are placed in power, and ninety-nine per cent of the world are the audience, West told Morgan. So that one per cent of the world this idea of a united nations this is the world that needs to come together. Heres the obvious go-to: Biden doesnt listen to Elon Musk. The President of the United States does not have meetings with Elon Musk. Thats f***ing ret***ed. And he added: I know Im not supposed say that Biden, but thats thats f***ing ret***ed Biden. West was unclear about why he wanted Mr Biden to meet with Mr Musk, who has publicly insulted the president on Twitter. In April senior officials from the Biden administration met with Mr Musk and other automotive leaders, including General Motors chief executive Mary Barra to discuss electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. YWCA Northeast Kansas is among 10 organizations demanding the federal Department of Justice investigate the Topeka Police Department in the wake of incidents in which Black men were killed and numerous gunshots fired. The groups suggested Topeka police have recently been quicker to use deadly force against Black people with kitchen knives than against white people with swords or machetes. "We see this call for an investigation by the Department of Justice as a moral imperative to ensure that women of color are supported and protected, not unfairly criminalized, profiled, or harmed by systems, laws and policies," YWCA Northeast Kansas CEO Kathleen Marker told The Topeka Capital-Journal. Stephen Wade, Topeka's city manager, provided a two-sentence, written response to The Capital-Journal. It is standard procedure that the Department of Justice is notified through the local FBI office when officer-involved shootings occur," Wade said. "That procedure was followed in all recent officer-involved shootings, and occurs within the first few hours after the incident." Topeka police killings of two Black men is a 'public safety emergency,' groups say The 10 groups seeking the Department of Justice probe made that demand Saturday. "The escalation of police shootings and the killing of two Black men is a public safety emergency that requires immediate action by the city of Topeka," they said via news release. It identified the groups requesting the probe as being YWCA Northeast Kansas, Topeka Independent Living Resource Center, NAACP Topeka Unit, Kansas Poor People's Campaign, Stay Kansas True, African American Democratic Caucus of Kansas, African American Democratic Caucus of Shawnee County, Kansas People of Color Legislative Action Coalition, Lassiter Saunders Law and Justice Center, and My Better America Inc. "It is imperative to identify the systemic issues that have improperly prepared police officers to equitably and confidently respond to crisis situations involving Black and brown citizens in distress without killing them," the release said. Story continues More:Defunding the police concept hasnt gained much traction here Topeka faces 'public health crisis with deadly results,' groups say The 10 groups called upon Wade, Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla, the Topeka City Council and the police department to request the Department of Justice audit. "We are standing as a united community voice to demand immediate actions be taken by the city torequest a review and inquiry from the Department of Justice on the Topeka Police Department policingand practices," it said. Topeka faces a "public health crisis with deadly results for Black and brown people in our community," the release added. "A review of this nature would be standard in any workplace where an unhealthy situation has beencreated for both the employees and the employer. "This is of critical importance as it involves the entity that is beholden to a code of ensuring public safety and is dependent on the public's trust to function effectively." Wade talked at Tuesday's council meeting about the city's response to the questions. "We've had a couple media inquiries in regards to a couple incidents we've had in the community over the last month and the potential of referring those incidents to the Department of Justice," he said. "Our comments to the media, to the governing body, are that in both of the incidents that involved individuals where we had fatalities, they have been referred to the Department of Justice as part of standard practice. "So we refer any incidents to this effect by standard procedure to the FBI, and the FBI at this point in time has referred both to the DOJ." More:Topeka police officer shot in gun battle after pursuing suspect car from earlier homicide 'Many officers shooting many bullets' into areas containing bystanders Saturday's release contended Topeka's mayor and city council fell short of achieving meaningful police reform July 12 when they approved eight recommendations aimed at accomplishing that purpose. Padilla, who served on the committee that put forth those recommendations after having met since late 2020 to discuss police reform, described their approval as having been a positive "first step." But the release stressed that Topeka police subsequently shot and wounded a fleeing homicide suspect in a Sept. 29 gun battle near S. 6th and Kansas Avenue, then fatally shot a man they said charged them with a large kitchen knife Oct. 13 after attempting a carjacking outside the Kwik Shop at 4500 S.W. Topeka Blvd. Both situations involved "many officers shooting many bullets into areas where bystanders were in direct proximity, though not involved in the incident," the release said. "These actions put citizens at risk." More:Topeka police fatally shot a man as he tried to steal a car with 2 women and a child in it Nine Topeka police officers and one Shawnee County Sheriff's deputy were put on paid administrative leave after firing shots during the Sept. 29 gun battle, and five Topeka police officers were put on paid administrative leave after firing shots during the Oct. 13 incident, authorities said. Both situations remain under investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. "The city requires an independent review of all officer-involved shootings in Topeka," city communications specialist Taylor Schley said Monday. "Due to the KBIs ongoing and independent review of Thursdays officer-involved shooting, the city is choosing not to comment further at this time." Complaint: Black men with knives were killed; white men with machetes weren't Saturday's release said that twice in recent months, Topeka police shot and killed Black men wielding "only kitchen knives." One was Taylor Lowery, whom police fatally shot Oct. 13 outside the Kwik Shop, where five officers fired their guns. The KBI is investigating. More:Topeka police refuse to release body camera footage of June fatal officer-involved shooting The other was Christopher Kelley, fatally shot June 24 after allegedly charging police near S.E. 4th and Holliday. Three Topeka police officers fired at Kelley, according to Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay, who ruled that they acted justifiably. The Topeka Police Department in late September denied a request by The Capital-Journal seeking body camera video of the incident. The groups' complaint contrasted the fates of Lowery and Kelley with those of three white men involved in similar situations. "In the last three months, officers have detained without discharging their firearms, at least three white men who were threatening officers, and others, with lethal weapons such as swords and machetes," it said. Local law enforcement officers control a crime scene after a Topeka police officer shot a man near the Amtrak Station on Aug. 24. Arrested in those cases were a man accused of chasing people with a machete Aug. 24 at a motel at 3846 S.W. Topeka Blvd., a man police tased after allegedly disturbing people with machetes Sept. 11 at 4501 S.W. Topeka Blvd., and a man who allegedly threatened an officer with a sword-like weapon Sept. 16 near S.E. 24th and Minnesota Avenue. Racial inequity in terms of police shootings has taken place for years, USA Today reported last year. It quoted Mapping Police Violence, a research collaborative, as reporting that Black people represented 27% of all police deaths in 2020, though they make up 13% of the population, and that Latinos comprised 21% of police deaths that year, though they are 17% of the population. YWCA Northeast Kansas CEO explains why her group took part YWCA Northeast Kansas stands with local organizations "to call for justice, as our community has faced an influx of police-related shootings over the last two years," CEO Marker told The Capital-Journal. That organization pursues a mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and standing for social justice for all. "The recent deaths of Black community members at the hands of police are deeply intertwined with our nations long history of racial injustice and with our founding origins as a nation that prospered through the enslavement of Black people," Marker said. "As our community's oldest womens organization with a longstanding mission to eliminate racism and empower women, we are devastated by the police violence and systemic racism that continue to exist locally and throughout our country." Unless critical steps are taken, the trauma of racial violence will continue to reverberate across the next generations of children and families for whom YWCA Kansas provides child care, job training, housing, and safety from domestic and sexual violence, she said. YWCA values relationship with law enforcement but sees call for investigation as a 'moral imperative' YWCA Northeast Kansas values its relationships with the Topeka Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies, Marker said. "We dont pretend to understand the decisions made by law enforcement officers when they are protecting our community," she said, "but we believe all organizations should operate with transparency and that the Black and brown community deserve to feel safe in Topeka and Shawnee County." YWCA Northeast Kansas recognizes the critical role law enforcement plays in protecting women and children from domestic and sexual violence, and proudly partners with other local agencies on the Mayor's Taskforce on Domestic Violence to ensure this community's systems and policies support and protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable, Marker added. "It is from this perspective that YWCA Northeast Kansas will continue to advocate for specific, concrete, and long-overdue reforms to ensure that not another Black life is taken by police violence and unequivocally affirm our long-standing and valued partnership with law enforcement and government institutions," she said. Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: YWCA Northeast Kansas among groups seeking probe into Topeka police Liz Truss announced her resignation after a turbulent six weeks in office. (PA) The UK will have a new prime minister by the end of next week after Liz Truss announced her resignation. Her premiership will be the shortest running in British history, having only stepped into 10 Downing Street on 6 September. What little was left of her authority crumbled on Wednesday following home secretary Suella Braverman's resignation and reports of "manhandling" and "bullying" of Conservative MPs over a vote on fracking. Now, key details of the leadership race have been confirmed: candidates will need the backing of 100 MPs to be in the running; the Tory membership could still get a say via electronic voting; and one the favourites to emerge is none other than Boris Johnson. Here's what we know - and what happens next: What happens next? Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 committee of Conservative backbenchers and whose role means he is responsible for overseeing leadership elections and votes of confidence, told reporters he expected a new leader to be in place before Friday, 28 October. This would be just in time before the upcoming fiscal statement on Halloween, setting out a medium-term fiscal strategy and independent economic forecasts. Read more: How an almighty migration row led Suella Braverman to turn against Liz Truss Rishi Sunak is among the favourites to replace her. (PA) Brady confirmed that nominations to be the next leader will open on Thursday evening. He said hopefuls will need the backing of at least 100 MPs by Monday at 2pm to be in the running. The first ballot of MPs will then be held between 3.30pm and 5.30pm that day. If there are three candidates, the candidate with the fewest number of votes will be eliminated - with the result announced at 6pm. If two candidates remain, MPs will hold an indicative vote between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, with the result announced at 9pm. Tory party members will then have the opportunity to vote on their preferred candidate online, with the ballot closing at 11am on Friday 28 October and the result announced later that day. Story continues However, if only one candidate reaches the 100 MP threshold needed on Monday, they will automatically become the next leader of the Conservative party and the next PM. The process will be considerably speedier than the previous leadership contest, which ran from 13 July to 5 September longer than Truss' time in Number 10. Who is in the running? With the Conservative Party now bitterly divided, there will be some struggle finding a unity candidate to replace Truss, who succeeded Boris Johnson on 6 September. Some of the main contenders to replace Truss include Rishi Sunak, who came second to her in the last Conservative Party leadership race. Penny Mordaunt is also another favourite, but chancellor Jeremy Hunt is understood to have ruled himself out. Boris Johnson could announce his intention to run, according to the Times. (PA) Former leadership contender Tom Tugendhat has also said he will not stand, while other figures who have been suggested include Kemi Badenoch, Kemi Badenoch and Ben Wallace. There is speculation that Boris Johnson could attempt a return to Number 10. According to The Times, Johnson will announce his intention to run shortly, and considers his decision to be "a matter of national interest". A number of Conservative MPs have already backed him to take over, leading to widespread criticism from opposition figures. Will Conservative Party members definitely have a say? Tory members will only get to vote on a candidate if more than one leadership hopeful reaches the 100 MP threshold needed to qualify for the leadership contest. Allowing the members to have a final say on the next leader could pave a route back for Johnson, should he reach the 100 MP threshold, with polling in August revealing 53% of Tory members believed he should have remained PM. A British tourist has sparked backlash after she was filmed posing nude on the steps of an Italian cathedral with just a red veil of fabric as coverage. The incident took place on Monday when three tourists visiting Italys Amalfi Coast were seen staging the impromptu photoshoot on the steps of the cathedral of Amalfi. The stunt was captured by locals, according to local news outlet Amalfi Notizie, which shared a video of the photoshoot on Facebook. The shoot included a male photographer, the model and an assistant. In the clip, the woman, who some outlets have identified as an influencer, could be seen posing on the steps near the cathedral doors with the piece of fabric draped around her otherwise naked figure. As she posed for the male photographer in front of doors cast in Constantinople in 1067, the female assistant could be seen artfully arranging the veil. [This] is crazy. Are they crazy? the woman who captured the moment could be heard saying in Italian as she watched the tourists. According to the outlet, the model arrived at the location fully clothed, but began undressing on the steps shortly after. The video shows others in the square stopping to watch the spectacle. The backdrop of the unauthorised photoshoot has added to the backlash, as one local noted the mediaeval cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew whose relics are said to be kept inside, is a place of worship. per CNN. That it happened at the church is what made the episode so shocking, Laura Thayer, an art historian who lives in Amalfi and writes the Ciao Amalfi blog, told CNN. The Duomo is a place of worship and a place very close to the hearts of the Amalfitani. That specific backdrop touches the historic memory of the locals. The bronze doors hearken back to the days of the Republic of Amalfi. These doors open for processions, for weddings, for funerals - moments that make life. Yes, its beautiful, but Amalfi is so much more than a pretty backdrop for a photo on social media. Story continues The photoshoot was also met with criticism on Facebook, where one person claimed theyd understand if the photos had been taken in front of a beautiful sculpture, but that it was shameful they were staged in front of a church. The scandalous thing is not the fact that she is doing a nude photo shoot, but that she has chosen the facade of a church as the location, another person wrote. Couldnt [they have chosen] the beach or maybe a pastry shop? According to local news outlet Positano News, the tourists were apprehended by police before leaving the town and taken to the municipal police station,where they reportedly told officers they had been trying to create a memory of their trip. A representative for the Amalfi police told CNN that the police had referred the group to the public prosecutors office for obscene acts in a public place. "This was a radical act of self-love, not an act of desperation or out of hating my body. I loved my body enough to affirm it," said Rose Montoya, a 27-year-old from Los Angeles. (Photo: Angelica Alzona for Huffpost) Check out more stories from Busted, our series that offers an unfiltered exploration and celebration of our boobs and ourselves during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When Zoe Tunnell, 31, finally got her breast implants, her gender euphoria was through the roof. In the trans community, gender euphoria is a phrase used to describe the comfort and elation a person feels about their body or their identity. Its the exact opposite of gender dysphoria the sense of unease that a person may feel if the sex they were assigned at birth doesnt match their gender identity. For Tunnell, top surgery did what years of hormone therapy alone couldnt do: It gave her a shapely, more-than-an-A-cup figure in which she truly felt like herself.(Both breast augmentation and chest masculinization for trans men are considered top surgery.) Tunnell has nothing against just doing hormones I think a lot of people view breast augmentation for trans women as optional, and for some, it is. Hormones do enough to make them happy in their body, and that is such a wonderful thing, she told HuffPost. But for her, top surgery made everything click, gender-wise. It was something she wanted to do solely for herself, not for any outside validation or anything else. I think due to the overall hyper-sexualized and male-gaze-dominated view of breasts, getting breast implants gets labeled as a decision purely made for sexual reasons, she said. But for people like me, it isnt a fun extra to look hotter or whatever narrative is being pushed lately. Its vital to care as much as any other affirming procedure. It helps us feel like ourselves, more complete. Luckily, many in the plastic surgery community have strived to educate themselves on how to handle top surgeries sensitively, said Dr. Tim Sayed, a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla and Newport Beach, California. Story continues Many plastic surgeons recognize that for most patients who are considering or going through a gender-affirming transition, this isnt so much body dysmorphia that we usually think about but its rather an effort to have the external signs of physique and body image match the internal sense of gender identity, he told HuffPost. Gender-affirming surgeries are life-saving and should be more easily accessible and affordable. Being trans is not a choice, but trans people are forced to prove we are who we say we are again and again.Rose Montoya, 27 When Sayed meets with his trans clients, he first discusses where the patient is on her gender affirmation journey: It is important to get a sense of what the aesthetic and self identity goals are for the patient, he said. Some aspects of breast augmentation are similar for trans and cisgender women, but some unique anatomic considerations must be considered, he said. These include things like the use of hormone therapy to enlarge the native breast gland, how well developed the muscle is, the relatively lower and lateral position of the areola and its smaller size, and the width of the breast bone, the doctor explained. While some insurance companies cover breast augmentation for trans women if it is deemed medically necessary, others exclude breast augmentation and consider it a cosmetic or elective surgery. (Most insurance companies provide coverage for people who require gender confirmation surgery, sometimes called bottom surgery.) Courts in the U.S. have repeatedly ruled that such treatments may be medically necessary while recognizing that treating gender dysphoria is a serious medical need. If the insurance covers top surgery, specific criteria may need to be met first, Sayed said. This may include psychological evaluation to determine the level of commitment on the part of the patient for surgical body alteration, use of hormones to stimulate natural breast growth, and then the usual considerations regarding general health, smoking status and other factors that might influence wound healing and postoperative recovery, he said. Rose Montoya, 27, got top surgery two years ago. Some of the extra hoops trans women have to jump through before surgery in particular, obtaining a letter stating the medical necessity of the procedure from a mental health professional irk her and many others. Gender-affirming surgeries are life-saving and should be more easily accessible and affordable, she said. Being trans is not a choice, but trans people are forced to prove we are who we say we are again and again. No hurdles could hold Montoya back, though. She calls getting a boob job the best decision I ever made. Below, we talk to Montoya and others about what went into their decisions to get breast augmentation and how they feel about their breasts today. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and style. Talk a little bit about your journey coming out and your thought process on getting top surgery. What was your life like as a trans woman before you got your implants? Rose Montoya, a 27-year-old from Los Angeles: Growing up, I always knew I was a girl. I called myself Queen Rose at the age of 4 and told my mom Im a girl. I wasnt taken seriously and I was shamed for it, so I suppressed those feelings. I learned what trans identity was when Orange Is the New Black came out. A week after graduating college, I publicly came out and started hormones. I was 19. I hoped hormones would feminize my body and give more of an hourglass shape, but even after years, [they] didnt. I wanted breast augmentation so badly but I couldnt afford it and my insurance wouldnt cover it, though many do for trans patients. I had immense dysphoria about how flat my chest was. It felt so masculine and didnt connect to my identity. During the pandemic, I was forced to move in with my parents. While staying there, I was able to save money and I started a GoFundMe for my surgery. I was finally able to afford it and scheduled my surgery for September 2020. This was a radical act of self-love, not an act of desperation or out of hating my body. I loved my body enough to affirm it. Rose Montoya calls getting breast augmentation a Rose Montoya calls getting breast augmentation a "radical act of self-love." (Photo: Rose Montoya) Zoe Tunnell, 31: I didnt always know I wanted implants, but I always considered it a likely possibility. Since I began my transition at 28, I was well aware that hormones getting me the results I was hoping for on their own was a long shot. The women in my family are all pretty well-endowed, so Ive always associated that sort of figure with femininity and it had an impact on my transition goals. After two years, I was still an A cup and it was a major source of dysphoria for me, so I made the decision. Andrea, a 27-year-old from North Carolina: I realized I was trans around April 2020, during the first COVID lockdown, like a lot of other people. During the period off work, I began to seriously question a lot of things and felt like I had a safe space to come out. I had just turned 25 years old. I started hormones two months later in June 2020 because I was certain this was what I wanted. I was on hormones for almost two years. By that point, I had developed small breasts from HRT. I was happy that I wasnt flat-chested anymore, but I had a lot of dysphoria about them. They werent as full on the top as they were on the bottom Ive been told tangentially this is common for some trans women and so bras and clothing always gapped and fit me weirdly. Im relatively tall (58) and my shoulders are broader than my hips, so I felt that my small breasts didnt look proportional to my body compared to cis women who were around my height and build. I was misgendered much more frequently because of that compared to now. I began to think of receiving a breast augmentation around 1.5 years into HRT. I knew that most trans women dont get more than a modest amount of breast growth an A cup to a B cup, I think? and I feared I had grown as much as I could. I had heard from some transfeminine friends that their breasts grew more in their third or fourth years of HRT and beyond, but I was told by my primary care doctor that this basically depends on genetics and isnt guaranteed. By May 2022, I hadnt had any breast growth in a long time, so my doctor thought I might be a good fit for breast augmentation if I wanted it. Comfortable and joyful arent the same feeling. I didnt want to just feel OK I wanted to feel happy.Serena Rice, 31 Serena Rice, a 31-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina: When I was little, I knew I was different from the other boys my age. Growing up, I didnt hate being a boy, but I always felt like I was something else and I always felt like dressing as a boy was like wearing a Halloween costume. As I entered puberty, I began to hate the changes to my body. I wished I had breasts and I wished I didnt have facial hair. I wished I could click my heels and become a young woman, but that wasnt what the universe intended for me at that time. As I grew older, I became comfortable with my body but comfortable and joyful arent the same feeling. I didnt want to just feel OK I wanted to feel happy. I was in my 20s when I went to my first drag show, and it wasnt long before I decided I wanted to start performing, too. With the help of friends, I created the stage persona Lilli Serena Frost, and I loved every moment I spent onstage as a showgirl. Then, when 2020 came, coronavirus took the stage away from me, and I felt like a piece of my soul was missing. I sat at home, not wearing wigs or makeup, and I realized I was missing something huge. I missed being me. After a year of this feeling, I made the decision to schedule an appointment with my primary care doctor. I started taking hormones in 2021, and I began laser hair removal treatments. Not having breasts caused tremendous dysphoria for me, and I knew that was a problem I needed to fix. After being on hormones for a year, I had a consultation with an incredible doctor in Atlanta named Dr. Amy Alderman, and less than two months later, I had breast augmentation surgery. The work she did changed my life. What considerations did you make when figuring out what look you were going to go for? Did you feel pressured to go a certain size because of cultural beauty standards? Rose: I wanted a natural look. I wanted my new body to look as if my body had naturally developed. I also didnt want to experience worsened back pain since I already have scoliosis. I think its impossible to separate our societally based images of beauty, or of what a woman or what a man looks like. That being said, I just wanted to look like myself. The woman that Ive always been. The woman Ive always seen myself as inside. Zoe: I went with a small D/large C. I cant deny going so large was partially due to social influence I think that applies to most people, whether cis or trans/nonbinary who are getting augmentation to some degree but the decision was very much for my own happiness first and foremost. Zoe Tunnell successfully crowd-funded her top surgery and then began her search to find a trans-friendly cosmetic surgeon. (Photo: Zoe Tunnell) Zoe Tunnell successfully crowd-funded her top surgery and then began her search to find a trans-friendly cosmetic surgeon. (Photo: Zoe Tunnell) Andrea: I wanted to get silicone implants that would give me some size but wouldnt be too obviously fake. I like to exercise, and so I was a little concerned about having more trouble exercising if I went too large. I was also nervous about getting more harassment going too large or if my boobs were too obviously fake-looking, if that makes sense. After trying some different ones on in a soft bra, I settled on 445cc silicone gummy bear implants that went under the muscle. I talked about it with my surgeon and she told me [that] after several months when the skin had stretched to accommodate the implants and the implants had settled, they would sag a little and look mostly natural. There were options for other types of implants that would give me more lift and cleavage but I decided against them because I wanted to go with the more natural look. Also, maybe Im strange, but I like boobs that sort of sag! At the same time, I was figuring out what I was looking for, I was told by many people, including a transphobic ex, that receiving any kind of plastic surgery would make me vapid, insecure, or even misogynistic, as if I was betraying other women by changing my body. Im not sure if receiving a boob job is a good thing in societys eyes or not, but I wanted the implants in part because most clothing and bras wouldnt fit me and because I was tired of misgendering and the occasional harassment. For trans women, being cis-passing is a matter of safety more than its a matter of personal happiness. I recognize there are many trans women who live full and happy lives with trans-looking bodies and breasts, and theyre still beautiful. But Im never without fear when I step outside. Serena: When I met with my doctor, I explained I wanted the largest size she could give me that didnt make me look like a blow-up doll. Im a performer, but Im also a woman who has climbed the corporate ladder. It was important to me to have work done that fit my stage costumes just as well as it fit a blouse. Serena Rice asked her doctor for large implants but not so large that she looked Serena Rice asked her doctor for large implants but not so large that she looked "like a blow-up doll." (Photo: Serena Rice) What was the process like doing this in terms of insurance and finding a doctor to do the procedure? Rose: I knew that I wanted a surgeon who specifically worked with transgender patients. I did a lot of research and I had a couple of surgeons in mind. I had a consultation with Dr. Ellie Zara Ley at the Meltzer Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. I loved her results and her team and how comfortable I felt being around her. So once I could afford it, I booked my surgery. Zoe: I was incredibly lucky two times over in that I was able to have a successful crowd-fund for my surgery and find a trans-friendly cosmetic surgeon. My insurance at the time refused to cover anything except the medication I took during recovery, so without the help from my friends and so many kind folks on the internet, I never would have been able to afford it. Andrea: I tried to go through my insurance, but there were very few surgeons that would accept my insurance. They told me it was too much of a hassle. I found a few surgeons who would accept it, but I wasnt as happy with how their results looked on other women on their website. My insurance would make me pay the first $6,000-ish and then cover the remaining few thousand. So I thought to myself, Im basically paying the full amount of the surgery to go to a worse surgeon who is further away from me. I decided to do it out of pocket with a payment plan instead and go to my first-choice surgeon, who was much closer to where I lived. Im very fortunate in that I had money saved and work a job that made this possible. Serena: I paid completely out of pocket for my surgery, which was doable for me. I am incredibly fortunate because that is not the case for everyone. I believe its always important to note that despite this being something I wanted, it isnt what made me a woman. Trans women are women, and this surgery, while the right choice for me, may not be everyones choice. While some insurance companies cover breast augmentation for trans women if it is deemed medically necessary, others exclude breast augmentation and deem it a cosmetic or elective surgery. (Photo: Westend61 via Getty Images) While some insurance companies cover breast augmentation for trans women if it is deemed medically necessary, others exclude breast augmentation and deem it a cosmetic or elective surgery. (Photo: Westend61 via Getty Images) What was the reaction to your boob job like from your loved ones or partner? And in public, did you feel like you were perceived differently? Rose: Most of my family told me that I didnt need it. A lot of people thought that the surgery was about vanity or societal pressure or perpetuating unhealthy beauty standards. But none of them understood what dysphoria felt like. None of them truly knew what it was to be trans, at least not on a personal level. After I had surgery, though, everyone could immediately tell the difference in my confidence. The way I hold myself changed. I became more outgoing. I became more of myself than ever before. People like this new version of me a lot. In public and online, I definitely get objectified more. Its interesting because Ive always gotten looks being a trans person in public but the glances that I receive have changed. People dont look at me with disgust or confusion as often anymore. Now they look at me with interest or lust. Im not sure I feel any safer, but I do feel more confident and more like myself. Zoe: The reaction from everyone whose opinions I care about has been outstanding. They supported me from day one and have been nothing but complimentary and lovely. My partners have definitely had no complaints, either. As far as the general public goes, its a double-edged sword. If I wear a low-cut top while going out to run errands, the chances of me getting clocked and harassed are much lower than they used to be, which is depressing for several reasons but does make my life easier. However, as a trans woman who has a decent online presence, I am constantly objectified and harassed by creeps, ranging from the vilest things youve ever heard to, Oh you post pictures with cleavage, why not just open an OnlyFans and get it over with. Its endless and something I run into every single day. Andrea: Im fortunate that friends and family were supportive. The first time I ever even jokingly floated the idea of getting a boob job was about three or four months into HRT. It wasnt a thing I wanted immediately, it was a joke like, Maybe someday Ill get a boob job and have huge tits or something. My partner at the time, now my ex, had a very hard time with me being trans and told me in no uncertain terms that she would leave me if I ever got any type of trans surgery, including bottom surgery. She was one of the people who told me it would be misogynistic of me to get surgery and it would mean Im insecure and stupid. Even now that were broken up and have gone no-contact with each other, her words still stick with me. I wonder if Ive betrayed the average woman by getting a boob job. As for the general public, Ive been misgendered and harassed less. I can get away with wearing more comfortable clothing (like a T-shirt) and still look more feminine, which makes me happy. Serena: My best friends and family were beyond supportive. Im incredibly blessed when it comes to my friends. My boyfriend, mom, and two of my best friends all took excellent care of me following my surgery. Unfortunately, work was the one place I had an issue. I was sexually harassed by someone I worked with at my former employer. He was far too fascinated by my breasts, and his fascination led him to ask questions that made me feel violated as a woman and as a person of trans experience. I had to resign because I couldnt stay there. How do you feel about your top surgery today? Any regrets or things youd do differently? Rose: Having a chest that isnt flat makes me feel like I have the body I was always meant to have. I dont believe in the idea of feeling like I was born in the wrong body. I dont mean to invalidate anyone elses feelings, but I dont feel that way. My body is perfect and it is mine. I love my body so much that Im willing to affirm it in the hopes that I can feel more connected to it and honor it. Whats interesting is I dont have any dysphoria about my chest anymore, but because that was my biggest source of dysphoria, now my biggest source of dysphoria has changed to the next biggest thing: Ive had other surgeries since then, including a tracheal shave, and a genioplasty, or the feminization of my chin. And I want to get more work done. I dont regret showing myself the love that I deserve. I dont regret having surgery. It was the best decision I ever made. Zoe: I dont have any regrets. For all the extra hassle from chasers and otherwise, my mental health has never been better. I am more confident, I can look in a mirror and feel good about it, and my body feels right in a way it rarely did before surgery. One of the best decisions I ever made and one Id happily make again. Andrea: As I said earlier, I feel more complete now that Ive received this surgery. It significantly decreased my dysphoria. I actually wonder if I couldve gotten away with going a bit larger than the 445cc and still had the natural-looking result I wanted, but its not a serious regret. Serena: I dont have words for how happy I am. My life had changed forever. I feel not even the smallest iota of dysphoria now that Ive had this work done. My only regret is not doing it sooner. Also on HuffPost This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... UCG via Getty Transgender teenagers who begin gender-affirming treatments using puberty blockers are overwhelmingly unlikely to discontinue hormone replacement therapy moving forward, according to a new study published Thursday in The Lancet. The gender identity clinic of the Amsterdam UMC hospital center in the Netherlands conducted the study, recruiting 720 adolescent patients who had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and prescribed puberty blockers. Of the cohort, 98 percent (704 patients) reported continued use of hormone replacement therapy in a follow-up after starting. To our knowledge, this study is the first to assess continuation of gender-affirming hormones in a large group of transgender individuals who started medical treatment with puberty suppression in adolescence, the study said. This Top Doctor Says Transgender Hormone Therapy Is Safe These results run contrary to one of the major political talking points against gender affirming care for transgender youth: that kids, when given time and space, largely move past gender dysphoria. This false narrative has been used to justify bans for gender affirming care, despite this study confirming past research about transgender youth who seek medical transitions for gender dysphoria. Due to data collection limitations, there is no conclusive data that the patients stopped pursuing hormone treatment due to regret or desire to de-transition. The studys authors speculated those who stopped could have done so due to non-binary gender identities, satisfaction in their medical transition, lack of knowledge about continued care following gender confirmation surgery, or cost. The key message [of the study] is that the majority of people, who went through a thorough diagnostic evaluation prior to starting treatment, continued gender-affirming hormones at follow-up, Dr. Marianne van der Loos, a physician at Amsterdam UMC and a co-author of the study, told The Daily Beast. This is reassuring regarding the recent increased public concern about regret of transition. Story continues Opponents of gender affirming care frequently cite a 2011 study that showed most adolescents followed in a cohort had gender dysphoria desist after time, or return to identifying as the gender they were assigned at birth rather than persisting in the gender they self-identify as, when advocating for a ban on gender affirming care until the age of 18. However, the study has routinely been criticized for its lax methodology, and flawed reporting thresholds and mechanisms. Critics also point to supposed social-contagion, or a lack of oversight in prescribing hormone replacement therapy, when arguing against its prevalence. However, studies continue to show the social-contagion theory is a false narrative around transgender identities. Currently, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health suggests using a multidisciplinary approach of care that includes psychiatric assessments, and regular monitoring of hormone levels when determining when to offer transgender adolescents hormone replacement therapy and puberty suppression. This approach helps cut down on any medical complications that could arise from hormone therapy, while helping patients better understand what a medical transition can give them and if it is the right approach. The authors of the latest Dutch study went to great lengths to highlight how patients received continued multidisciplinary assessments before startingand when choosing to continuehormone replacement therapy. U.K. Appeals Court Overturns Rule Preventing Puberty Blockers for Kids Under 16 The study comes at a precarious time for the fate of gender-affirming care for minors in the United States and United Kingdom. Both countries have seen a rise in politicians seeking to use state intervention to limit the access of gender affirming care for transgender teenagers. Arkansas was the first state in the U.S. to pass a law banning all gender-affirming care for minors. That law is currently being challenged in court. Several more states have followed suit with their own laws or executive actions aimed at barring transgender adolescents from receiving care. In an especially pernicious move, Texas authorities have designated providing gender-affirming care as child abuse, leading to investigations from the states Department of Family and Protective Services into familes with transgender kids. The legality of the directives from the states Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, is still being decided in the courts, although DFPS has confirmed investigations into at least 11 families. Dr. Jack Turban, an assistant professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at The University of California, San Francisco who researches the mental health of transgender youth, told The Daily Beast the results from this study largely confirm past research into the usefulness of treatments like puberty blockers before hormone therapy, and that current guidelines requiring holistic assessments before beginning treatments are important in educating patients. With such guidelines in place, patient regret for these treatments remains low, despite misinformation from policymakers. Arkansas Court Case Will Decide Future of Trans Youth Health Care I hope that studies such as these, and other past studies that had similar findings, will make their way to policymakers desks so we can have evidence-based public policy that promotes the health and wellbeing of young people, Tubman said. Dr. Turban added that its important that those who are crafting laws about access to gender affirming care properly understand the landscape for adolescents and the mental and physical health risks they face when misinformation is prevalent. I worry that the recent political misinformation about trans youth, their medical care, and the reality of their lives, is creating psychological harm to these young people, he said. I suspect the mental health impacts of these media and political environments will be studied by psychiatric epidemiologists in future years, and I worry what the results will show in terms of the negative impact these conversations have had on public mental health. 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. Tremaine Emory is looking to his upbringing for his latest fashion collection. Emory, the founder of sportswear label Denim Tears and the creative director of Supreme, is teaming up with utilitarian-inspired fashion brand Sky High Farm Workwear for a capsule collection for the fall season thats inspired by the foods the designer grew up eating in the Jamaica section of Queens, New York, such as okra, collard greens, black-eyed peas and watermelon. More from WWD Through his Denim Tears brand, the designer is fusing his streetwear sensibility with Sky High Farm Workwears classic aesthetic. Pieces in the collection include a tailored, emerald-green suit featuring images of seed packets, a canvas coat also designed with images of seed packets, Sky High Farm Workwears signature carpenter pants, a green cashmere sweater and a vintage leather jacket hand-painted by artist Fernando Ruiz. The collection ranges in price from $118 to $1,098 and will be available through both brands websites and Dover Street Market starting Friday. Styles from the Denim Tears x Sky High Farm Workwear collection. Sky High Farm Workwear launched this February by artist Dan Colen and Daphne Seybold, the former head of communications of Comme des Garcons. The brand is inspired by Sky High Farm, which is a nonprofit organization and farm located in Ancramdale, New York, that donates produce and meat to marginalized communities. A portion of proceeds from Sky High Farm Workwear go back to the organizations nonprofit work. The brand is carried by Dover Street Market. The collaboration comes during a hallmark year for Emory, who in February was named creative director of Supreme. Emorys appointment came after the streetwear brand was acquired by VF Corp. in a $2.1 billion deal in 2020. Styles from the Denim Tears x Sky High Farm Workwear collection. Click here to read the full article. CPC kicks off 20th National Congress, opening up new prospects for socialism with Chinese characteristics People's Daily) 13:28, October 19, 2022 Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Hu Jintao attend the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 16, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opened on Oct. 16 in Beijing. The congress takes place at a critical time as the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups embark on a new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects and advance toward the Second Centenary Goal. The congress clearly identifies the banner the Party will hold, the path it will take, and the goal it will continue to strive for. Goals, tasks and policies for the cause of the Party and the country for the next five years and beyond will be made at the congress. The congress is of key importance to building on past successes to further advance the cause of the Party and the country, to the future of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is of important significance to mobilizing and motivating the Party, the armed forces, and Chinese people of all ethnic groups to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, to building China into a modern socialist country in all respects and to comprehensively driving forward the historic process of national rejuvenation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. The complicated and grave circumstances and environment the Party has faced and the arduous tasks it has undertaken were rarely seen in the world and history. Especially the period between the 19th and the 20th National Congresses of the CPC was a period in which the timeframes of the Two Centennial Goals converged. It was extremely unusual and extraordinary for the development of the Party and China. Over the past 10 years, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has implemented the national rejuvenation strategy within a wider context of the once-in-a-century changes taking place in the world. It has demonstrated great historical initiative, tremendous political courage, and a powerful sense of mission, taken forward Chinas great struggle, great project, great cause, and great dream, united and led the whole Party, the military and Chinese people of all ethnic groups in effectively responding to the grave and complicated international and domestic situation and a series of major risks and challenges that kept emerging, and pushed forward socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era in an energetic manner. It was through the endeavors made in the past 10 years that China has achieved a great success for socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The Party has taken a series of strategic measures and promoted a series of transformative practices. A series of breakthroughs have been achieved, and a series of landmark achievements have been made. Many tough problems that remained unsolved for a long time have been solved; many things of vital importance and long-term significance have been accomplished. China has overcome many political, economic, ideological, and natural risks and challenges. The country has completed poverty eradication targets and built a moderately prosperous society in all respects on schedule, achieving its First Centenary Goal and embarking on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects. The historic achievements and historic shifts in the cause of the Party and the country have provided stronger institutions, firmer material foundations, and a more proactive mindset for realizing national rejuvenation. The great transformation in the past 10 years was of milestone significance in the history of the Party, of the People's Republic of China, of the reform and opening up, and of the development of socialism and the Chinese nation. It was through the endeavors made in the past 10 years that China has successfully promoted and expanded the Chinese path to modernization. Upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and promoting coordinated economic, political, cultural, social and ecological development, the country has pioneered a uniquely Chinese path to modernization, created a new model for human advancement, and provided a Chinese solution to aid the exploration of a better social system for humanity. Scientific socialism is full of vitality in 21st century China, and the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics is now flying high and proud for all to see. It has been fully proved by practice that socialism with Chinese characteristics is a fundamental achievement of the Party and the people, forged through innumerable hardships and great sacrifices, and a sure path toward a better life for the people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. As long as China remains firmly committed to its aspiration and its path, follows socialism with Chinese characteristics and advances the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation along the Chinese path to modernization, the country will be able to make sure that the future of its development remains firmly in its own hands. It was through the endeavors made in the past 10 years that China has brought together a mighty force for making national rejuvenation a reality. In the past 10 years, China has encountered severe challenges and risks. With firm confidence and rising to challenges, the country has pooled as much strength as possible for collective endeavors. Today, the Chinese people are more self-confident, self-reliant, and capable of self-improvement, and have greater ambition, grit, and determination. The tremendous strength they have accumulated over this historical process is being fully unleashed, exhibiting historic initiative and creativity never seen before. With brimming confidence, the Chinese people are now writing a great history for Chinas development in the new era. The historic achievements and shifts in the cause of the Party and the country were made possible fundamentally because General Secretary Xi Jinping, as the core of the CPC Central Committee and the whole Party, has steered a steady course at the helm, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has provided scientific guidance. The Party has set comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and set Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guiding ideology. This reflects the common will of all Party members, the military and people of all ethnic groups. It has a decisive bearing on the development of the cause of the Party and the country in the new era and the historic course of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This is an important historical conclusion the Party has drawn from its endeavors over the past century and since the 18th CPC National Congress, an important political judgment that mirrors the will of the Party and the people, and the most important political achievements made by the Party since the 18th CPC National Congress. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era provides answers to the questions of China, the world, the people and the times. It is the Marxism of contemporary China and of the 21st century. It embodies the best of the Chinese culture and ethos in our times, adapting the basic tenets of Marxism to Chinas specific realities and Chinas fine traditional culture. It offers a guide to action for China as the country strives to achieve national rejuvenation. Today, the Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation - it has stood up, grown rich, and is becoming strong. The Party, having gone through a glorious journey in the past century, is now leading the Chinese people in advancing toward national rejuvenation with unstoppable momentum on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Nowadays profound changes unseen in a century are evolving rapidly in the world and the Chinese nation has entered a critical period on its path toward rejuvenation. The country is closer, more confident, and more capable than ever of realizing the goal of national rejuvenation. In the meantime, it is also prepared to work harder than ever to get there. It is expected that the 20th CPC National Congress will view the prevailing trends in domestic and international development in a science-based manner, scientifically cope with the strategic opportunities, risks and challenges facing the world, and comprehensively grasp the new requirements for the development of the cause of the Party and the country on the new journey in the new era, as well as the new expectations of the people. It is also expected that the congress will make planning and deployment on the cause of the Party and the country from a strategic and overall perspective, guide the Party, the armed forces, and the people of all ethnic groups to gain greater confidence and initiative from history, open up new prospects for socialism with Chinese characteristics and advance the historic process of national rejuvenation. Xi stressed that the Party is advancing an unprecedented great cause in an era of unprecedented changes. Bearing the people in mind, upholding truth and ideals and walking on the right path, China has the confidence and strength. Despite the changing international situation and severe challenges, the Party will champion its great founding spirit, stay true to its original aspiration, remain mindful of potential dangers, make Party building an unceasing endeavor, run China's own affairs well, and work for its goals with the determination to never let up. China will rally more closely around the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, hold high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The country will also acquire a deep understanding of the decisive significance of the establishment of both comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and boost its consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership. It will stay confident in the path, the theory, the system, and the culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It will firmly uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. With courage and unity, China will strive to build a modern socialist country in all respects, achieve a new victory for socialism with Chinese characteristics, and make new impressive miracles on a new journey toward realizing its Second Centenary Goal. Wish the 20th CPC National Congress a complete success! (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the the Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018, in Helsinki, Finland. (Doug Mills/The New York Times) Former President Donald Trump has offered to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine, a bizarre concept that illustrates just how far America has fallen from the days when leaders of both major parties collaborated to support global democracy. Eighty years ago, in the midst of World War II, American Republican leader Wendell Willkie traveled around the world on a tour that Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt backed in an effort to bolster Americas attack on fascism. Willkies trip, which lasted from August to October 1942, was a stunning display of Americas powerful bipartisan defense of democracy. Advertisement Like Trump today, Willkie was his partys most recent unsuccessful presidential nominee he lost the election of 1940 and was preparing another run for the presidency. Despite the risks, FDR provided an Army plane and crew for Willkies trip, explaining that it would show the world we have unity and that we are going all out. Willkie was part of a Republican alliance with Roosevelt that included former Republican Secretary of State Henry Stimson, who in 1940 became FDRs secretary of war. The two Republicans helped convince Congress to approve FDRs Lend-Lease program for sending arms to Americas allies. Advertisement Trump made his suggestion about negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine on Sept. 28, shortly after an explosion damaged gas pipelines beneath the Baltic Sea. He wrote on his Truth Social website, Do not make matters worse with the pipeline blowup. Be strategic, be smart (brilliant!), get a negotiated deal done NOW. Both sides need it. The entire World is at stake. I will head up group??? Trumps musing might be rejected as just another in a spate of wishes that the war would stop. Even the worlds richest man, Elon Musk, has offered a peace plan on Twitter. But there are signs that some people consider Trumps involvement a good idea. On Oct. 11, Viktor Orban, conservative prime minister of Hungary, embraced the concept that Trump could resolve the conflict. The hope for peace is Donald Trump, Orban said. Trump is oddly suited for such a role. He and Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin are cut from the same cloth. They dismiss the tenets of democracy and the rule of law, valuing instead untrammeled power. In February, when Putin announced he was sending Russian forces into Ukraine, Trump praised the move as genius and savvy. Trumps bond with Putin might give him an entree to urge the Russian dictator to stop his criminal war. By all means, Trump should have at it. He probably has a private phone number for his strongman pal Putin. In May, Russia banned President Joe Biden and nearly 1,000 other Americans from entering Russia but not Trump. So Putin could now easily invite Trump to the Kremlin for talks. A B-24 plane, which transported Wendell Willkie around the world on a tour of battle fronts as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal representative, serves as a backdrop at Washington National Airport on Oct. 14, 1942, as the former Republican presidential nominee, seen at microphone, greets newsreel camera operators and a small crowd. (Charles Gorry / AP) Trump, however, is no Willkie. Far from supporting Americas allies in the struggle against fascism, Trump has opposed sending Ukraine aid. In May, when Congress was debating sending $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, Trump derided the bill, and 11 of his Republican followers in Congress voted against it. In contrast with Willkies clarion call for democracy, Trump has lauded Putin and other foreign dictators. Trump also tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election, sending his supporters to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to further his anti-democratic plot. Trump is not an apostle of democracy he is its nemesis. Advertisement It is true that Biden would be wise to draw from FDRs playbook and collaborate closely with prominent Republicans to protect democracy. Thats because there are signs that the Republican Party, which is expected to control the House of Representatives in the next Congress, will turn against aid to Ukraine. Biden could, for instance, forge a bipartisan alliance in support of Ukrainian democracy with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who visited Kyiv with other Republicans in May and who has vigorously supported military aid for Ukraine. But it would be morally bankrupt and politically unwise for Biden to bring the Republican Partys leader, Donald Trump, into any effort to negotiate for peace and democracy in Ukraine. Peter Shinkle is the author of the recently published book Uniting America: How FDR and Henry Stimson Brought Republicans and Democrats Together to Win World War II. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Donald Trump has shared a graph outlining his popularity among Republican primary voters on the heels of Mike Pence saying that he wont necessarily vote for the former president if hes the GOP nominee in 2024. Mr Trump shared a graph on his social media platform Truth Social from McLaughlin & Associates, a strategic consulting and polling firm, showing his strong support among Republican primary voters. According to FiveThirtyEight, McLaughlin & Associates has made the right call in 69 per cent of races, with 27 polls having been analyzed by the outlet. The graph based on polling conducted last month showed 81 per cent of GOP primary voters supporting Mr Trump if he were to run for the Republican nomination in 2024 64 per cent strongly and 22 per cent somewhat supporting him and 11 per cent opposing him. Polling from the firm also revealed that 71 per cent of GOP primary voters want Mr Trump to run again, while 18 per cent want him to stay out of the race. A poll from McLaughlin & Associates showing Donald Trumps support among GOP primary voters (McLaughlin & Associates) A poll from McLaughlin & Associates showing Donald Trumps support among GOP primary voters (McLaughlin & Associates) Mr Trump also re-shared an article from the far-right outlet Breitbart, published earlier this month, which said that former President Donald Trump enjoys significantly more support from his Republican base than President Biden sees from Democrats. The former president boasted of his support within the GOP as his former second-in-command Mr Pence said in front of an audience at an event hosted by the Young Americas Foundation at Georgetown University in Washington, DC on Wednesday night that he might not vote for Mr Trump in 2024. Following his speech, he took questions from the students in attendance. Mr Pence, if Donald Trump is the Republican nominee for president in 2024, will you vote for him? one of them asked, according to Mediaite. Following some gasps from the audience and a brief silence from Mr Pence, he said well, there might be somebody else Id prefer more, prompting applause from the crowd. What I can tell you is I have every confidence that the Republican Party is going to sort out leadership. All my focus has been on the midterm elections and it will stay that way for the next 20 days, he added. Story continues The former Indiana governor said he would be thinking about the future after the midterms on 8 November. Mr Pence has been willing to publically distance himself from Mr Trump following the January 6 2021 insurrection, during which Trump supporters took part in chants exclaiming hang Mike Pence because he wouldnt support the then-president in his efforts to overturn the results of President Joe Bidens 2020 election victory. Mr Trump has falsely claimed that Mr Pence had the ability to keep him in the Oval Office. Mr Pence said in February that Mr Trump was wrong in that belief. There are those in our party who believe that as the presiding officer over the joint session of Congress that I possessed unilateral authority to reject Electoral College votes, he told the Federalist Society earlier this year. And I heard this week that former President Trump said I had the right to overturn the election. President Trump is wrong, Mr Pence added, according to Mediaite. I had no right to overturn the election. The presidency belongs to the American people, and the American people alone. And frankly, there is almost no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person could choose the American president. Mr Pence has been visiting early primary states, such as Iowa, in what could be preparations for a 2024 run of his own. Former President Donald Trump, left, Eric Trump, center, and Donald Trump Jr. watch golfer during the final round of the Bedminster Invitational LIV Golf tournament in Bedminster, N.J., Sunday, July 31, 2022 Seth Wenig/AP Donald Trump and his sons had repeatedly asked for a new judge in NY's $250 million fraud lawsuit. The current judge, state Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, once held Trump in contempt of court. On Wednesday, Engoron's boss denied the Trumps' request to move the case. Donald Trump and his two eldest sons on Wednesday lost what had been their escalating legal effort to switch judges in New York Attorney General Letitia James' $250 million fraud lawsuit. The suit, filed September 21, alleges Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization exaggerated his worth by billions of dollars in business filings over the past decade; it will now remain in the courtroom of the same Manhattan judge that once held the former president in contempt and fined him $110,000. The judge, state Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, has presided over two years of often heated legal disputes in the runup to the lawsuit, refereeing as James' side fought with Trump's side to get the business documents and deposition testimony she needed for her investigation. At times during hearings over the past several months, Trump attorney Alina Habba tangled openly with Engoron, to the point where, in February, his law clerk, Allison Greenfield, warned her to stop interrupting when the judge was speaking. "If you would like a bunch of more affidavits, you can order that," Habba complained to the judge during a heated May hearing on the contempt matter. "You can order anything you like," Habba snapped. "I don't understand why we are still in contempt," she complained in a hearing in June, when Engoron refused to budge on holding Trump in contempt for failing to fully comply with James' subpoenas for his documents. "I just think the opinion is based on who my client is," she told the judge then, implying he was biased in the case. "And that's concerning to me." That protracted evidence dispute, which involved more than 800 court filings and exhibits, technically remains an open and related court matter, with Engoron still its judge. Story continues In his written decision on Wednesday, Engoron's boss, Administrative Judge Adam Silvera, ruled that Engoron should preside over the lawsuit as well, as a matter of "judicial economy and expediency." Related video: Supporters and experts react to raid on Mar-a-Lago Lawyers for the attorney general had argued that moving courtrooms would only delay things by "requiring another judge to develop the level of familiarity Justice Engoron already has developed over several years." The attorney general is hoping to set a trial date before the end of 2023. Silvera in Wednesday's decision also dinged Trump's side for having delayed accepting service of the lawsuit for three weeks, even as lawyers for Donald Trump, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump, Jr., filed written requests to have it moved to the court's commercial division. Ivanka Trump did not join in on the request to change judges. That delay also delayed his ruling, Silvera wrote. Meanwhile, Engoron has only become more enmeshed in the new lawsuit. Last week, he set an October 31 date for a hearing on the attorney general's demand that the Trump Organization, the former president's multi-billion-dollar real-estate and golf-resort empire, be immediately ordered to submit to an independent monitor. The attorney general is also seeking an order from Engoron barring the Trump Organization "from engaging in any fraudulent or illegal acts" while the lawsuit winds its way through pretrial litigation that could go on for another two years. James is especially concerned that Trump may try to move assets from the Trump Organization to a new entity he created, the Trump Organization II. Trump's lawyer in the matter, Habba, called James' latest demands a "stunt." In a press statement Thursday she said, "We have repeatedly provided assurance, in writing, that the Trump Organization has no intention of doing anything improper." Read the original article on Business Insider A middle school music teacher in Tucson was charged with making a terroristic threat after state investigators said he sent an email targeting Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers and a Trump merchandise store in Show Low. The Arizona Department of Public Safety arrested 58-year-old Donald Glenn Brown, who teaches orchestra at Pistor Middle School in Tucson, on Sept. 7 following an investigation of the incident. Though Brown lives in Tucson, authorities believe the email was sent from his mother's residence in Pinedale, about 15 miles from the eastern Arizona town of Show Low. Brown emailed the threat to the Trumped Store in Show Low on July 4 from a fake account with the subject line "Wendy Rogers is going to (expletive) die," according to a DPS report. Rogers was in Show Low for the Independence Day parade. Donald Glenn Brown The expletive-laden email, which appeared to come from a "Jessica James," stated that "Jim and Jessica" were parked at at a fast-food store located next to the Trumped Store with "a pair of AR-15s." "We are going to walk in your joke of a store, and start shooting," the email said. The writer threatened to shoot Rogers who is called a "traitor" in the head before shooting up the store. "Some real patriots are going to Hit Back and Rogers is going to die," the email continued. "(Expletive) your Traitor... tRump." Brown could not be reached for comment. The Tucson Unified School District didn't immediately return a call about Brown's employment status. A receptionist at Pistor Middle School said he was not at work Thursday. Store owner: 'We took it very seriously' The small northern Arizona town's parade, which featured elected officials including Rogers, R-Flagstaff, and state Attorney General Mark Brnovich, had just ended when the email was sent around 11 a.m. Rogers, a Trump-supporting Republican who has gained national prominence for promoting election conspiracies and harsh online rhetoric, had posted a photo of herself and supporters at the Trumped Store on her Twitter account at 9:40 a.m. before walking in the parade. Story continues The store's co-owner, Steve Slaton, said Rogers came back to the store at about 11:30 a.m. along with another parade participant, Eli Crane, the Republican nominee running against Democrat Tom O'Halleran in Arizona's Congressional District 2. Crane's family members and several campaign workers also were in the store. By the time Slaton checked his email at about 1 p.m., Crane and his family had left but Rogers was still inside. Sen. Wendy Rogers and congressional candidate Eli Crane at Show Low's Fourth of July parade. Slaton and a Rogers' campaign worker hustled Rogers out of the store and notified police, Slaton wrote in an email to The Arizona Republic. Rogers worked with Show Low police "the rest of the day and night" as she changed locations, Slaton wrote. Rogers didn't return a message seeking comment. "Needless to say we had a lot of high-value targets here at the store that day," Slaton said in the email. "We've had threats over the years, but this one was more chilling than those in the past. We took it very seriously." While in custody after his arrest, Brown told DPS officers he had created the email account and sent the threat, records state. "Brown stated he sent the email out of frustration and was apologetic," according to DPS records. Montini: Republican state Sen. Wendy Rogers urges voters to lie to poll workers on Election Day Charge is class 3 felony Pima County Attorney Laura Conover's office sent a letter to Slaton last month informing him that prosecutors have "tentatively" decided to decline prosecution of Brown based on the evidence. Conover later said that her office could not prosecute the case because the alleged offense didn't happen in Pima County, but she didn't say why the letter, signed by a deputy county attorney, did not mention jurisdiction. Navajo County Attorney Brad Carlyon took the case and sought the indictment. Both Conover and Carlyon are Democrats. Carlyon declined to discuss specifics of the case but released a copy of the case report to The Republic. A Navajo County grand jury indicted Brown on Oct. 4 on a charge of making a terroristic threat, a Class 3 felony. He faces a potential of 3.5 years of prison. Brown was released after his arrest and has a court date for his initial appearance at Navajo County Superior Court in Holbrook at 9 a.m. on Oct. 31. Rogers, with her far-right politics and Trump endorsement, has an intensely loyal following nationwide and has raised millions in campaign funds. Yet she's also caused division in the Republican Party. Controversial endorsement: Lake changes course while Finchem and Rogers stay quiet She was censured by her Republican peers in March for "conduct unbecoming of a senator" for inflammatory posts, including one in which she called for the public hanging of political enemies. The state Senate investigated her for a bizarre post referencing "fed boy summer" interpreted by some media outlets as the promotion of an anti-FBI conspiracy theory following the massacre of 13 Black people at a grocery store by a racist gunman in Buffalo. Rogers beat fellow election denier Kelly Townsend in the August primary election and appears headed to reelection in her heavily Republican district, which stretches from Flagstaff to Apache Junction, against Democrat Kyle Nitschke. Other AZ officials targeted by threats Three other men, all from other states, were arrested in recent weeks by federal authorities on suspicion of sending threats to Arizona officials. A Massachusetts man was arrested in July for sending a bomb threat directed at secretary of state and gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs, a Democrat. A Missouri man was indicted in August for leaving a threatening voicemail for Republican Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer. And this month, an Iowa man was arrested in connection with an email threatening to "lynch" Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman. The U.S. Department of Justice's Election Threats Task Force are handling those cases. Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on Twitter @raystern. Subscribe to azcentral.com today This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: State Sen. Wendy Rogers, Trumped store threatened; teacher arrested ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's defence ministry and top government officials on Thursday firmly rejected allegations that the Turkish Armed Forces had used chemical weapons in their operations against Kurdish militants. Media close to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group published videos this week which it said showed chemical weapons being used by the army against the PKK in northern Iraq. Separately, an international medical groups' federation published a report this month seeking independent investigation of possible violations of the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention. "Allegations that 'the Turkish Armed Forces used chemical weapons' are completely baseless and untrue," the defence ministry said in a statement. "All these disinformation efforts are the futile struggles of the terrorist organization and its allies," it said, adding that ammunition prohibited by international law and agreements was not used by, or in the inventory of, its armed forces. The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and United States. More than 40,000 people have been killed in fallout from the insurgency that it launched against the Turkish state in 1984. International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), which represents thousands of doctors and campaigns to prevent armed violence, said it found indirect evidence of possible violations during a September mission to northern Iraq. "The chemical weapons lie is a futile attempt by those who try to whitewash and airbrush terrorism. Our fight against terrorism will continue with resolve and determination," presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter. Omer Celik, spokesman of President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party, described those who make chemical weapons' allegations as part of "a vile slander network". In its report, the IPPNW said Defence Minister Hulusi Akar openly acknowledged in Turkey's parliament last year the use of tear gas during an operation against the PKK in northern Iraq. Story continues "This is an outright violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and should be pursued legally by the international community," it said. The IPPNW said it found in northern Iraq material near an area abandoned by the Turkish army including containers for hydrochloric acid and bleach, which could be used to produce chlorine, a chemical warfare agent. At the same site containers were found for gas masks protecting against chemical weapons, it said. It said none of its evidence was definitive proof of chemical weapons use but it warranted further independent investigation. (Reporting by Daren Butler; Editing by Jonathan Spicer, William Maclean) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin are working together to make Turkey a natural-gas hub. Mikhail Svetlov / Getty Images Ankara will work with Moscow to create a natural-gas hub in Turkey, Turkish President Erdogan said. This is a week after Russia's Putin offered to redirect natural-gas supplies to Europe via Turkey. Putin's proposal last week caught Turkish officials by surprise. Russian president Vladimir Putin whose plans to directly sell natural gas to Europe have been rebuffed is now enlisting Turkey's help to sell fuel to the continent instead. On Wednesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said his country will be working with Russia to create a "natural-gas hub," Turkey's Anadolu Agency reported. The development comes a week after Putin offered to redirect natural-gas supplies to Europe via Turkey a proposal that caught Turkish officials by surprise. "It is the first time we've heard this. Thus it is early to make an assessment," Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said at the time, per Reuters. "These are things that need to be discussed." Putin and Erdogan met a day after Putin suggested the plan, and the Turkish leader said on October 14 that energy authorities from the two countries will start work on the proposal immediately. "We will create a hub here with Turkish gas coming from Russia," Erdogan said, per Anadolu, referring to gas coming from Russia as "Turkish gas." "And in his own words, Putin announced to the world that 'Europe can get its natural gas from Turkey," Erdogan added to members of his AK Party in parliament on Wednesday, per Anadolu. Turkey has held long-time ambitions to become an energy hub. Erdogan's quick endorsement of Putin's proposal for a natural-gas hub in Turkey highlights deepening ties between Moscow and Ankara, a development that's worrying the West. Turkey a NATO member and a candidate country for European Union membership has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but has not sanctioned Russia or closed its airspace to the country. Russia is one of Turkey's top trading partners. Europe is weaning off natural-gas imports from Russia but Putin's still trying to sell the fuel to the continent Erdogan's deal with Putin comes three weeks after leaks were discovered on the key Nord Stream pipelines that transport natural gas from Russia to Germany. Story continues Both pipelines, which run under the Baltic Sea, have been damaged, with Denmark and Sweden telling the UN the leaks were caused by hundreds of pounds of TNT. The US and Germany are among countries that believe sabotage is involved, with some senior lawmakers in Germany openly pointing the finger at Russia. Putin, for his part, has labelled the incident "an act of international terrorism." Russia was already slowing natural-gas exports to Europe before the pipeline to damage, but gas supply via the two pipelines have ceased indefinitely after the leaks. The Nord Steam 1 supplied around 35% of the European Union's gas imports. Even so, Putin is keen to continue selling natural gas to Europe. Energy is a key pillar of Russia's economy, accounting for over one-fifth of its GDP, so cutting off the country's energy revenue would hit its war chest for the war in Ukraine. Last week, he said Russia could continue supplying the fuel through alternative routes, including under the Black Sea that borders Turkey in the south. "We could move the lost volumes from the Nord Streams along the bottom of the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea region," Putin said at an energy conference in Moscow on October 12, according to Reuters. This would create a new route for the transport of natural-gas to to Europe via Turkey, thus "creating the largest gas hub for Europe in Turkey," Putin said. He also offered to send natural gas to Germany through a section of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that isn't damaged if the EU wants it. "We are ready to supply additional volumes in the autumn-winter period," Putin said, per Reuters. But the German government flat out rejected the proposal to use Nord Stream 2 on October 12, saying "Russia is no longer a reliable energy supplier." It wasn't not the first time Putin has suggested the use of the Nord Stream 2. Last month, he said the EU can simply turn on the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline if it wants more natural gas from Russia. The Nord Stream 2 never started commercial operations because Germany shelved the project days before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Construction of the pipeline, which runs under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, was completed in September 2021. Alexander Novak, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, said in September that the country's gas exports to the EU will fall by around 50 billion cubic meters in 2022, Interfax news agency reported. This would be about one third of the 155 billion cubic meters of Russian gas the EU imported in 2021, per International Energy Agency data. Read the original article on Business Insider Students walk through UCLA's campus in February. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) When UCLA students Samea Derrick and Lydia Dixon were hired as camp counselors at Bruin Woods, a Lake Arrowhead summer getaway for alumni, they were excited to land the coveted job with its networking opportunities. But after less than one week at the camp, the two would head back down the mountain and return home, traumatized by intense hazing at the hands of other counselors, they said. During those five days in June, Derrick, 19, and Dixon, 20, said they were sexually assaulted and hazed by returning student counselors, including physical and verbal abuse, sensory deprivation, forced nudity, and coercive drinking games. Derrick and Dixon spoke with The Times and filed a lawsuit this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the University of California regents and other camp counselors, including two men accused of sexually assaulting them. The lawsuit alleges the hazing activities, referred to by counselors as "traditions," have taken place for decades at the camp, established in 1985 for UCLA alumni and their families. It references a 1999 news article by the Daily Bruin student newspaper, which mentions activities such as swimming in the lake naked and partying as prerequisites for becoming a counselor. "The reason that we're doing this is to expose the dangerous behavior at Bruin Woods and to hold the regents accountable for allowing the behavior to go unchecked for so long," said Scott Carr, an attorney who filed the lawsuit Tuesday on the students' behalf. The suit alleges negligence, civil rights violations, hazing, gender violence, two cases of assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It seeks a jury trial, $50,000 in damages and compensation for legal fees and medical expenses. Before arriving at the camp, Derrick and Dixon said they had heard rumors of heavy drinking, partying and sex. Incoming counselors were given a packing list that included a fake ID for under-21 students, condoms and birth control, the lawsuit said. Story continues During the drive up the San Bernardino Mountains, Derrick, Dixon and other counselors were forced to drink and were challenged to keep from throwing up as the cars snaked through the winding roads, they said. Staff and returning counselors welcomed the newcomers with open arms, referring to the group as a "family" and a "team that will be with you for life." But "every single night, it would just become more and more intense, like they would cross more and more boundaries," Derrick said. Communication with the outside world was discouraged; counselors were chastised for calling friends and family, and phones were banned during most of the "traditions," the students said. Drinking was encouraged each night at parties hosted by returning counselors at camp facilities, according to the lawsuit. During a party at the start of the week, Dixon lost consciousness after heavy drinking and, while asleep, was sexually assaulted by a male returning counselor, she said. The next day, she said, her supervisors kicked out the counselor after she reported the incident to them, and she decided to carry on with hopes that things would improve. On the third night, around 11 p.m., Dixon said she was too tired and wouldn't join the evening's party. However, a returning counselor assured her this was one of her "favorite traditions" and convinced her to attend. Newcomers were told to bring pillowcases and a shoelace. The new counselors were forced to remove their shoes and place the pillowcases over their heads, and were marched into the woods where they were told to hold their arms up until they lost circulation, the lawsuit said. Then, they were brought to a room where other counselors yelled insults at them. Dixon, who is a part of Greek life on campus, said she had never been hazed before and didn't expect such "demeaning" treatment while working at a UCLA job. "And so I was kind of confused, but I thought, you know, maybe that's the worst of it," she said. But the next night, newcomers were "peer-pressured" into taking off their clothes and jumping on a slip-n-slide that led to the lake. "I was scared," Derrick said. "Like, I barely knew these people." On Wednesday evening of that week, the newcomers were invited to a party at a camp warehouse, where the returning counselors greeted them while standing completely naked and encouraged the newcomers to remove their clothes as well, Dixon said. "When I walked in that room, I just felt like everyone was like just the same as the boy who had assaulted me," Dixon said. "I was so mortified." Dixon and Derrick were among the newcomers who tried to leave the party early, they said, but they realized the doors were locked from the outside. When returning counselors tried to convince them to stay, Dixon said she felt uncomfortable and referred to her assault. The counselors assured her that "if I just took off my clothes, I'd feel so much better and this is how they build trust." Both stayed at the party clothed. "I honestly still really wanted them to like me," Dixon said. After the party, naked counselors ran up and down the hallways of the two-story, co-ed house shared by counselors and were jumping into showers together. Dixon said she and other newcomers locked themselves inside a room where some were in tears and others were having panic attacks. Later that night, Derrick lost consciousness and was also sexually assaulted by a male counselor while she slept, according to the lawsuit. "When I woke up on Thursday morning, I was naked in my bed, and I just had like sheer panic ... because I didn't know what had happened," Derrick said. She confronted a counselor whom she remembered spending time with during the party, and he admitted to the assault, she said. When reporting it to her supervisors, she said she was peppered with intense questioning. Derrick immediately called her father, who picked her up Friday and returned to their Santa Clarita home. Other new hires had also expressed a desire to leave early but decided to stay after speaking to returning counselors. Dixon worried the same would happen to her and decided to keep to herself until her parents arrived from their home in the Northern California city of Paradise for camp counselors' traditional opening-week musical theater show. "I remember thinking, even if they changed my mind, they won't be able to change my mom's mind," Dixon said. By the end of the week, after walking her parents through the events of the last several days, Dixon also left the mountain with her family. Soon after, Dixon reached out to Derrick. Both reported their experiences to the university's Title IX office, then decided to look for an attorney. A UCLA spokesperson said the university has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual violence and hazing. "When we learned of the alleged incidents earlier this year, they were referred to our Title IX Office and are being handled according to university policies and procedures," the university said in a statement, declining to comment further to protect the privacy of those involved. "Our top priority is the well-being of our students, staff and families, and we have robust policies in place to review all claims of misconduct." UCLA had been a dream school for Dixon, a political science major who grew up in Northern California falling in love with the idea of living in Los Angeles and had heard glowing stories from her sister-in-law who attended the university. Derrick, who studies environmental science, was drawn to UCLA for its research opportunities and variety of clubs. But since camp, Derrick and Dixon said their mental health has suffered, making their return to campus difficult. Derrick took a gap quarter this fall after she had several panic attacks while seeing other camp counselors on campus. She was also prescribed medications for her mental health. "I didn't physically feel safe on campus anymore," Derrick said. Dixon said she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder over the summer and was prescribed medications. The next few months were filled with anxiety and depression, and she found it difficult to leave her house. Although she returned to campus for classes this fall, Dixon said she still freezes up when she sees other camp counselors, whom she also shares some classes with. "It's just been really difficult to deal with, so I want to make sure that no one else has to," Derrick said. It is unclear how many supervisors at the camp and at UCLA were aware of the hazing, Carr said. He expects that will be revealed during discovery in the case. Dixon said she spoke with other female counselors who shared experiences of assault, with some waking up to male counselors touching their genitals. During training, she said counselors shared that four separate Title IX cases were filed after the previous summer's camp. She was told the "traditions" were more intense in previous years with even less consent, and had since been toned down. "I'm sure there's like so many people who were victims of this in the past, who weren't able to speak out for whatever reason," Dixon said. Carr, who has represented survivors of sexual assault at school districts and churches, as well as hazing survivors from universities, said such behavior thrives in secrecy. "They bring you in, talking about how they're going to be your best friends, and they get you to trust them, and then once you trust them, they get you to protect their secrets," Carr said. "And that's exactly what happened here." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Tyson Fury said he rates Derek Chisora as highly as Oleksandr Usyk (Getty Images) Tyson Fury has talked up the threat posed by his next opponent, Derek Chisora, despite his 2-0 winning record against the veteran. It was announced on Thursday that Fury will defend the WBC heavyweight title against his fellow Briton on 3 December, and a press conference soon followed at Londons Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where the fight will be held. In terms of selling Derek Chisora to the fans, I aint gotta sell nothing to nobody, said the unbeaten Fury, 34. You offer [the fight] to him, boom hes sat here. Hes got b***s. If he lands a punch on me, a big swing, Im getting knocked out. If I land a punch on him, a big swing, hes getting knocked out. Someones getting chinned. I can beat anybody in the world, always have been able to, and always will be able to. Theres nobody that can touch me. Im in a league of my own, I believe. But he did very well against Oleksandr Usyk [in a decision loss in 2020]. I rate Derek Chisora as highly as I rate Usyk, and I will train as hard for Derek as I would for anyone in the world; Id have to be an idiot not to. The 38-year-old Chisora whom Fury outpointed in 2011 and beat via TKO in 2014, said: Im buzzing, its a great fight. I cant really say much, because they put a gag on me in the contract... Is there bad blood? Not really, but I wanna take whats his and make it mine. I cant box him, so I have to get in the mindset that theres gonna be loads of leather chucked, punches chucked Im excited about that. Im a black belt in crazy! The mindset is unbelievable right now, its crazy. Its gonna be toe to toe. I have to knock him out. Im gonna drop him, Ill beat him. Im gonna knock him out, Im gonna stop him 100 per cent. Fury (33-0-1, 23 knockouts) last fought in April, knocking out compatriot Dillian Whyte at Londons Wembley Stadium to retain the WBC heavyweight title. Meanwhile, Chisora (33-12, 23 KOs) last competed in July, beating Kubrat Pulev via split decision, six years after the Bulgarian beat him by the same means. Story continues It was expected that Fury would face Usyk next, after the unbeaten Ukrainian outpointed Anthony Joshua for the second time in 11 months this August, with the winner of the potential contest being crowned undisputed heavyweight champion. However, WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO champion Usuk said he would not be fit to compete again this year, and Fury subsequently turned his focus to Joshua. Negotiations fell through, though, and Furys team resumed talks with Chisoras following discussions reported by The Independent in September. Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora will clash for a third time in December (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire) Tyson Fury will press ahead with a trilogy fight with old foe Derek Chisora on December 3 after the collapse of negotiations for a prospective domestic showdown with Anthony Joshua earlier this month. The bout against Chisora, whom Fury previously beat in 2011 and 2014, will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and represent the 34-year-old Furys first fight since a routine sixth-round stoppage of another domestic rival, Dillian Whyte, in April. Furys promoter Frank Warren said: I am thrilled to be delivering a Tyson Fury world title defence in front of the British fans in London. Tyson clearly conquered America across his trilogy with Deontay Wilder and there is also huge demand to stage his fights from sites across the world. Tyson wanted to fight in his home country again this year following his special night at Wembley Stadium in April. This brings us to the magnificent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a match against an old rival in Derek Chisora. Derek, also a big favourite with British fans, has reinvented himself in recent years and Tyson has long stated his wish to fight him for a third time. Warren reiterated Furys plan to take on Joshuas conqueror Oleksandr Usyk in a unification fight in the first part of next year. The Ukrainian previously indicated he had no desire to fight before the new year. Tyson cant afford any slip-up in this fight as he has the much-publicised undisputed match-up with Usyk in the new year which were really looking forward to, added Warren. Daniel Dubois will make the first defence of his version of the WBA title against Kevin Lerena on the undercard. In a contentious closed-door U.N. Security Council meeting late Wednesday, the U.S., U.K. and France accused Iran of selling drones to Russia in violation of a U.N. Security Council ban against the transfer of drones. Russia has used drones in a series of devastating attacks on Ukrainian cities this past week. Both Russia and Iran claimed to reporters that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or drones, were not sold by Iran to Russia, and not used in conflict. Nate Evans, spokesperson and communications director for the U.S. Mission to the U.N., called for an "expert briefing" in the Security Council "on recent evidence that Russia illegally procured Iranian UAVs that it is using in its war on Ukraine." Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's U.N. ambassador, wrote a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday requesting U.N experts visit Ukraine to inspect the recovered UAVs which have been used to attack Ukrainian cities. The attacks have caused about 30% of Ukraine's power to shut down. In his letter, Kyslytsya noted that the drones used in the attacks meet the requirements under U.N. Security Council resolution 2231, passed in 2015, which bans the transfer of drones capable of traveling more than 300 kilometers. People clear blast debris outside a house on Oct. 19, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine, where a couple was killed in a Russian drone strike two days beforehand. Recent Russian attacks around Kyiv and across Ukraine have targeted power plants and killed civilians. / Credit: Ed Ram/Getty Images "The United States began warning in July that Iran was planning to transfer UAVs to Russia for use in Russia's brutal war against Ukraine, and we now have abundant evidence that these UAVs are being used to strike Ukrainian civilians and critical civilian infrastructure," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement following the meeting. Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said that the 15-nation Security Council had no authority to send inspectors, an issue that will be taken up on Friday in an open Security Council meeting on Ukraine. Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's U.N. ambassador, denied that Iran transferred drones to Russia for use in the war. James Kariuki, U.K.'s deputy ambassador to the U.N., tweeted Wednesday that "Iran has obligations not to export these weapons." On Wednesday, self-detonating drones launched by Russia struck power plants, and forced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to convene an emergency meeting to avoid what he called a "breakdown of [Ukraine's] energy system." Beginning about a week ago, Russia launched a flurry of attacks using Iranian-made self-detonating drones packed with explosives. Since the first kamikaze drone was launched last month, Ukraine claims it has shot down 223 of them. U.S. officials estimate Ukraine has a roughly 50% success rate, which would mean Russia has launched nearly 450 drones. David Martin contributed to this report. Story continues Ina Garten: "I'm just having fun here" | 60 Minutes Climate activists cover waxwork model of King Charles III with chocolate cake Powerball jackpot climbs to $625 million Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey walks off after conceding on election night, Nov. 8, 2022, at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) SPRINGFIELD Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey received the largest contribution of the general election cycle from his most generous benefactor, billionaire megadonor Richard Uihlein, according to Illinois State Board of Elections records. Uihleins $2 million donation to the state senator from southeastern Illinois came on Tuesday, the same day that Bailey and incumbent Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker had their second and final televised debate. Advertisement It was the packing and shipping firm CEOs second donation to Bailey since he won the Republican primary in June. On Aug. 29, Uihlein contributed $1 million to Baileys campaign. Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey participates in a gubernatorial debate against Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker at WGN-TV Channel 9 studios in Chicago on Oct. 18, 2022. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) Baileys mother, Norma Jean Bailey, donated $700,000 to her sons campaign on Oct. 7, bringing her total campaign contributions to more than $1 million, state records show. Advertisement With Tuesdays donation, Uihlein has given about $54 million to back Bailey, most of it as the chief funding source for a political action committee allied with the state senator and wealthy farmer from Xenia. That PAC, the People Who Play By The Rules, is run by right-wing radio talk show host Dan Proft, of Naples, Florida. Uihlein gave the PAC $20 million in July, and a $13.9 million contribution on Oct. 5 brought his total contributions to $42 million. The PAC aired $12.5 million worth of ads from July through September and has since spent another $5 million on campaign commercials aimed at helping Bailey get elected. According campaign finance reports for the years third quarter, Bailey raised $2 million from July through September, with half of that coming from Uihlens Aug. 29 contribution. Bailey spent $1.6 million during the third quarter, leaving about $767,000in cash on hand as of Sept. 30, the reports show. Campaign finance reports show Pritzker, a billionaire who is self-financing his campaign, spent more than $38 million between the start of July and the end of September jgorner@chicagotribune.com By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States unsealed criminal charges on Thursday against seven Chinese nationals accused of waging a surveillance and harassment campaign against a U.S. resident and his family, in a bid by the Chinese government to repatriate one of them back to China. The eight-count indictment, unsealed in a U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, New York, is the latest case by the Justice Department targeting China's apparent expatriation campaign, known as "Operation Fox Hunt." The seven individuals charged are Quanzhong An, 55, of Roslyn, New York his daughter Guangyang An, 34, and five others still in China: Tian Peng, Chenghua Chen, Chunde Ming, Xuexin Hou, and Weidong Yuan. The lead defendant, Quanzhong An, and his daughter were arrested on Thursday morning. The rest of the defendants remain at large. The United States does not have an extradition treaty with China. According to the indictment, Quanzhong An is accused of working at the behest of China's Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection to harass and intimidate a Chinese man and his son living in the United States. The man and his son are identified only as "John Doe-1 and John Doe-2." As part of the plot, the defendants allegedly coerced a relative of the family to travel from China to the United States in a bid to convince John Doe-1 to return to the country. At a meeting in a restaurant in Sept. 2018, the relative explained to John Doe-2 that he had been forced to travel there by the government as part of a plan to repatriate the 100 most-wanted fugitives, the indictment said. Other examples of harassment the family endured included a letter-writing campaign, with one letter warning that "coming back and turning yourself in is the only way out." The Chinese government also filed a lawsuit against the father and son in a New York state court, claiming the father had stolen money from a Chinese employer and his son illegally profited from the scheme. The victims in this case sought to flee an authoritarian government, leaving behind their lives and family, for a better life here. That same government sent agents to the United States to harass, threaten, and forcibly return them to the People's Republic of China," said Michael Driscoll, the FBI's assistant director in charge in the New York office. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Bill Berkrot) By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -A federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday that the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's funding apparatus is unconstitutional, faulting a system Democrats designed to insulate the agency from requiring congressional appropriations. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the CFPB's independent funding through the Federal Reserve rather than budgets passed by Congress violated the separation of powers principles in the U.S. Constitution. That ruling, by a panel of three judges appointed by then-President Donald Trump, a Republican, in the process vacated a 2017 regulation the agency adopted aimed at combating "unfair and abusive" practices in the payday lending industry. The Community Financial Services Association of America sued in 2018 to challenge the rule, which barred lenders from making a new attempt to withdraw funds from an account where two consecutive attempts had failed unless consumers consented. "Even among self-funded agencies, the Bureau is unique," U.S. Circuit Judge Cory Wilson wrote. "The Bureau's perpetual self-directed, double-insulated funding structure goes a significant step further than that enjoyed by the other agencies on offer." A CFPB spokesperson said there was "nothing novel or unusual about Congress's decision to fund the CFPB outside of annual spending bills." The bureau could ask the full 5th Circuit to reconsider the case or take it to the U.S. Supreme Court. Multiple other courts have deemed the CFPB's funding constitutional, a point the 5th Circuit acknowledged but disagreed with. The ruling marked the latest in a series of legal challenges to the CFPB, which Congress created in 2010 through the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act during Democrat Barack Obama's presidency, in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Republicans have long opposed the agency. The Supreme Court in 2020 ruled in another case that the protection Congress originally afforded the CFPB director, who could only be fired for cause, was unconstitutional. "Extreme right-wing judges are throwing into question every rule the CFPB enforces to protect consumers and businesses alike," U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democrat who proposed the CFPB's creation, wrote on Twitter. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Stephen Coates and William Mallard) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will discuss North Korea's recent missile launches, China and tensions over Taiwan, in meetings with her Japanese and South Korean counterparts in Tokyo next week, a senior State Department official said on Thursday. Sherman's Oct. 24-26 Tokyo trip will include a trilateral meeting with Japanese and South Korean counterparts and bilateral meetings with each country, the official told reporters. "We will discuss a range of issues, including the DPRK's numerous ballistic missile launches this year, the PRC, and Russia's unprovoked and devastating war against Ukraine," the official said, referring to North Korea and China by the initials of their official names. "We intend to discuss the whole panoply of issues that deal with regional security, and Taiwan is a big part of that." The talks with Japan are also expected to cover Japanese defense reforms and a new national security strategy Tokyo is working on, the official said. Sherman will travel to Asia at a time of heightened tensions over North Korea and Taiwan, a self-administered island China claims as it own. North Korea has conducted an unprecedented number of ballistic missile launches this year and Washington and its allies believe it may also be about to resume nuclear bomb testing for the first time since 2017. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Monday that Beijing was determined to pursue reunification with Taiwan "on a much faster timeline," though he did not specify a date. The top U.S. general said last year that China was unlikely to try to militarily seize Taiwan in the next couple of years and the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at that time told Congress this threat could manifest itself within six years. However, the head of the U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday, told the Atlantic Council on Wednesday that U.S. forces must be prepared for the possibility of an earlier Chinese invasion, without predicting one. Story continues "When we talk about the 2027 window, in my mind that has to be a 2022 window or potentially a 2023 window," he said. China's leader Xi Jinping told the five-yearly congress of China's ruling Communist Party on Sunday that Beijing would never renounce the right to use force over Taiwan, but that it would strive for a peaceful resolution. (This story has been corrected to fix dates of Sherman's travel to Tokyo to Oct. 24-26, not 24-27.) (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Simon Lewis; Editing by Paul Simao) (AFP/Getty) Uber has announced that it will start playing ads to riders during journeys as a way to increase revenue. The company claimed it was an engaging way for brands to connect with consumers throughout the entire ride process, adding that Journey Ads place relevant brand content and offers in front of purchase-minded audiences as they transact throughout their journey while waiting for their driver and during their trip. As well as Uber rides, ads will also appear on Uber Eats. These include sponsored listings and emails, ads on the homepage, post-checkout ads, and ads in the menu. Cars will become our next living rooms, Mark Grether, general manager of Uber Advertising, told the Wall Street Journal. We spend eight hours a week in a car; its a huge advertising opportunity. Uber will use advertising data based on riders recent travel history and their precise geographic destinations meaning if a user books a car to a cinema or shop, they could start seeing ads based around that location. The company claims that it does not share individual user data with advertisers; rather, the data it does share is aggregated and users can opt out of targeted ads. Ubers announcement comes after Ubers top competitor in the United States, Lyft, officially launched its own advertising division in August. While these consumers are making purchase decisions and waiting for their destination or delivery we can engage them with messages from brands that are relevant to their purchase journeys, Mr Grether said, With 1.87 billion trips last quarter, that means we can connect advertisers to consumers on average five times per month across rides and delivery. The ride-hailing apps are not the only ones adding adverts into its product in order to increase revenue. Netflix recently announced a low-cost subscription supplemented with ads that will launch next month. UC Berkeley Works to Repatriate Indigenous Artifacts (CNN) The University of California, Berkeley is working on repatriating thousands of ancestral remains and sacred belongings to the Indigenous tribes they were taken from over a century ago. The Wiyot tribe in northern California is one of hundreds of tribes now in the process of taking back what was stolen from them. So far, the tribe has received more than 20 remains of their ancestors, according to tribe chairman Ted Hernandez. Those people who think this is not a big deal or doesnt matter: Imagine someone goes to your cemetery, digs up your ancestors, packs them in boxes, and puts them on a shelf. Our ancestors should not be in boxes or on shelves, they should be home with their families, Hernandez, who is also the tribes historic preservation officer, told CNN. For thousands of years, the Wiyot people were the stewards of Duluwat Island, situated in the marshes and estuaries of whats now Humboldt Bay along Californias northern coast. Then in 1860, a group of White settlers interrupted the tribes annual world renewal ceremony and massacred scores of Wiyot women, children, and elders. It wasnt right for past generations to dig up their remains and take them to Berkeley or anywhere else. But people can learn from their mistakes and the new generation has been able to finally see why this was wrong, Hernandez said. The repatriation is part of a larger movement of Indigenous tribes getting back remains and items across the country as they gain more legal and economic resources. Other universities have created similar roles and processes. Vassar College and the University of Tennessee have repatriated thousands of native remains. Indiana University changed its policies last month to stop research on remains and create a board with tribal leaders to facilitate consent that would allow for research or repatriation of remains. UC Berkeley is returning the remains through the schools Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act committee, which processes claims made by tribes requesting artifacts in the schools possession. Story continues The act was passed in 1990 to recognize that remains deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that objects removed from tribal lands belong to descendants and museums and universities must return them. We have had a very difficult relationship with Native people in the US because institutions and museums took their ancestors and belongings without their consent for more than 100 years, Sabrina Agarwal, bio-archaeologist and UC Berkeley NAGPRA Committee chair, told CNN. This is part of restorative justice across the country. If we want to rebuild those relationships, repatriation is the first step. There cant be healing or rebuilding trust without repatriation, she said. The ancestral remains that were repatriated to Wiyot people in the past year are at least 150 years old, according to Hernandez. Welcoming home their ancestors marks long-anticipated justice and a sense of peace. When we bought our ancestors back, we held a ceremony for them, and thats an important part of our healing process. As Wiyoti people, we are known as the world-people, which is bringing balance into the world, Hernandez said. By bringing our ancestors home, thats part of bringing back balance, not to just the Wiyot people, but to the rest of the world. Our ancestors need to be home with their families so they can continue their dances up with the creator and continue to heal the world and the sickness that surrounds us. Hernandez said his tribe is in the process of receiving more ancestral remains and objects from the university and hopes the partnership between Berkeley and Indigenous tribes can set a precedent for other institutions. Building back trust with the Indigenous community The University of California system started prohibiting research on all Indigenous ancestral remains in 2018. After reports exposed UC Berkeleys Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology o falling behind on repatriation efforts, in 2020 the university created the new NAGPRA committee Agarwal now leads. Composed of three university faculty members and three tribal community members, the committee has so far returned at least 1,000 ancestral remains and more than 53,000 sacred belongings, according to Agarwal. Today, there are 9,000 remains and more than 200,000 NAGPRA-eligible belongings the university plans to return, Agarwal said. Decades of structural racism towards native people is a big reason why their artifacts and ancestors were collected in the first place and not given back, she added. We intend to repatriate all our Native American belongings, objects, and ancestors home. More than a decade ago, the Wiyot tribe made a request for the return of sacred objects and were denied, Agarwal says. The campus committee found their unfairly denied claim during a review. We had our bad days with Berkeley when they didnt want to work with us, so we were definitely skeptical in the beginning, but Ive seen the honesty coming from the staff today and how much they do want to help, Hernandez said. Weve been put through a lot. We were massacred, enslaved, and hunted. So, trust is a hard word, but were slowly getting there. It takes work. Yet some tribes in other states still continue to face obstacles to getting their artifacts back. In Texas, the local Miakan-Garza tribe, which is not federally recognized, has been petitioning the University of Texas at Austin to return ancestral remains for years. As Indigenous people, our ancestors are spread all over the world. All of them need to come home, and that will only happen when institutions take the lead to return what belongs to us, Hernandez said. This is history in the making, and we will make sure everything that belongs to us is returned to our people. The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. LONDON (Reuters) -A Russian fighter jet released a missile near an unarmed British spy plane patrolling in international airspace over the Black Sea on Sept. 29, defence minister Ben Wallace said on Thursday. Wallace told parliament that Russia had blamed the issue on a technical malfunction and that British aircraft were now being accompanied by fighter aircraft escorts. He said Britain suspended patrols following the incident and had expressed the government's concerns to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. "A reply by the Russian Minister of Defence on the 10th of October, stated that they have conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and stated it was a technical malfunction of the SU 27 fighter," Wallace said. "They also acknowledged that the incident took place in international airspace." The patrols now have fighter aircraft escorts, he added. Wallace said British allies had been informed. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, writing by William James; editing by Kate Holton and Angus MacSwan) By Muvija M and Kylie MacLellan LONDON (Reuters) -Britain expects China to waive diplomatic immunity for any official facing police charges over an attack on a protester who was dragged inside the grounds of a Chinese consulate, a junior British foreign office minister said on Thursday. The British government has described as "unacceptable" the treatment of the man who was protesting outside the Chinese consulate in Manchester, northern England, and who said he was dragged inside the grounds by masked men, kicked and punched. China has disputed the account of events which took place during a demonstration on Sunday against Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying protesters had stormed its grounds. British police have said they are investigating. "I've instructed our Ambassador to deliver a clear message directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing about the depth of concern with apparent actions by Consulate General staff," Jesse Norman told parliament. "Let me be clear that if the police determine there are grounds to charge any officials, we would expect the Chinese Consulate to waive immunity for those officials. If they do not, then diplomatic consequences will follow." Britain on Tuesday summoned China's Charge d'Affaires in London to explain what had happened. Norman said the Chinese Ambassador was not currently in Britain. Footage on social media showed a man, wearing a black cap and a ponytail, being hauled through a gate into the consular grounds, where he was assaulted by five men as he lay on the ground. Bob Chan, who is aged in his 30s and originally from the former British colony of Hong Kong, said the attack started when masked men came out of the consulate to take away banners from peaceful protesters. The Chinese Consul-General Zheng Xiyuan told Sky News it was an emergency situation and his colleagues' life had been threatened. "I dont attack anybody. I am the peaceful one," he said. "The man abused my country, my leader. I think it's my duty." Story continues When asked if that included pulling the man's hair, he responded: "Yeah, I think any diplomats if faced with such kind of behaviour." Alicia Kearns, a Conservative lawmaker and chair of parliament's foreign affairs committee, said on Twitter this was an admission of guilt from the Consul General and "he must be expelled immediately". The protest took place at the start of a twice-a-decade congress of China's ruling Communist Party in Beijing at which Xi is widely expected to win a third leadership term. (Reporting by Muvija M and Farouq Suleiman, Writing by Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Kate Holton and Nick Macfie) Liz Truss at 10 Downing Street on October 19, 2022. Leon Neal/Getty Images UK Prime Minister Liz Truss announced her resignation on Thursday. She said she would remain in the role until a new leader of her party is chosen. Truss' economic growth plan sparked chaos in the markets and her own party. UK Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned on Thursday just over six weeks after she took on the role, making her the shortest-serving prime minister in her country's history. Her resignation came amidst an economic crisis in Britain and after a series of policy reversals by her government which badly eroded Truss's authority. Her announcement on Thursday came on her 45th day in office. The previous record for the role was 119 days. Speaking outside Downing Street, Truss said that she was not able to deliver the mandate that she was elected on and would leave the role after her successor is chosen in a party leadership contest. That process will be done in less than a week, the head of an influential party committee said. A string of Tory MPs publicly urged Truss to resign earlier on Thursday, with many of them describing her government as unsustainable. It followed a fractious vote Wednesday night in parliament, where the government narrowly won a vote on energy policy but was faced with furious allegations of bullying MPs into voting. Truss became the prime minister on September 6, after she won her party's leadership contest. But since that victory, her time in office was marked by controversy, leaving her the least-popular Conservative prime minister in history and with her party's polling numbers plummeting. Her mini-budget last month spooked the markets, prompted a plummeting British pound and forced her to replace her finance minister, who reversed almost the entire package of economic measures. The Home Secretary also resigned on Thursday, which meant Truss' top two Cabinet members were gone from her government within weeks of their appointments. The leader of the Labour party, the UK's biggest opposition party, said that the country should have a general election instead of another prime minister being appointed by the Conservatives. Story continues He said the Conservatives lack the "basic patriotic duty to keep British people out of their own pathetic squabbles." This story is developing. Please check back for updates. Read the original article on Business Insider STORY: Wallace told parliament he had expressed the government's concerns over the incident to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, and in reply Russia on October 10 said they had investigated and blamed it on a technical malfunction. He said Russia acknowledged that the incident took place in international airspace, adding that patrols have now resumed, and British aircraft were now being accompanied by fighter aircraft escorts. Gov. J.B. Pritzker walks on stage after declaring victory on election night at a rally at the Marriott Marquis Chicago hotel on Nov. 8, 2022. He was challenged by Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) In the final weeks of the campaign for Illinois governor before the Nov. 8 election, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey are visiting voters in small towns, big cities and suburbs throughout Illinois. From July 1 through Nov. 4, Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton had made 223 stops in 86 Illinois cities, making appearances at labor rallies, speaking with faith and equity leaders, and meeting with Democratic groups in various counties throughout the state. Bailey, a state senator from downstate Xenia, and his running mate, Stephanie Trussell, had made 337 stops in 150 cities since the start of July. The Bailey campaign has organized frequent bus tours, attended county fairs and fundraising events, and met with local chapters of law enforcement, as well as religious and conservative action groups. Notably, both Pritzker and Bailey visited the city of Chicago more than anywhere else, visiting the states most populous city 85 and 66 times, respectively. Heres a look at where the governors campaigns have made appearances from July 1 through Nov. 4. Hover over the names in the legend to view all the stops for each campaign. Click on the marker for more details on that stop. By Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) - Washington said on Thursday it believed Iranian military staff had been deployed in Crimea to provide assistance to Russian forces using Iranian-made drones to attack Ukraine, as the West slapped sanctions on Tehran in response. The drones have been used to destroy Ukrainian power plants and other utilities in strikes that appear designed to disrupt and demoralise as winter approaches. Ukrainian citizens endured the first scheduled power outages since the war began on Thursday as authorities sought to begin repairs. "Russian military personnel based in Crimea have been piloting Iranian UAVs and using them to conduct kinetic strikes across Ukraine, including in strikes against Kyiv," State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news briefing, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles. "We assess that ... Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted Russia in these operations." Russia's defence and foreign ministries did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tehran has denied the drones are Iranian-made. European Union members had agreed on new measures against Iran over its supply of drones to Russia, the bloc said, and Britain imposed sanctions on senior military figures and a firm it said were involved in the supply of Iranian drones to Moscow. "Iran's support for Putin's brutal and illegal war against Ukraine is deplorable," Britain's foreign minister James Cleverly said in a statement. A White House spokesman said Washington was looking at imposing new sanctions on Tehran over the drones and considering air defence solutions for Ukraine. BLACKOUTS People across Ukraine were urged to use less power as the government enforced nationwide curbs on electricity usage between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. The first such restrictions since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion included blackouts in some areas, and followed a barrage of Russian attacks that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said had struck a third of all power plants. Story continues The northeast region of Sumy went without water as some Kyiv grocery stores reported sales of bottled water picking up in preparation for possible shortages there. "There is much anger against Russian leaders and Russian people," Mikhaylo Holovnenko, a Kyiv resident, told Reuters. "But we are ready for outages. We have candles, charged power banks. Ukraine is charged to win." Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday inspected a training ground for mobilised troops and was shown firing shots from a sniper rifle in footage apparently intended to show his personal backing for soldiers heading to fight in Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry said it was again targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, a strategy it has stepped up since the appointment this month of Sergei Surovikin - nicknamed "General Armageddon" by the Russian media - as commander of what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko told national TV that Russia had carried out more than 300 air strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities since Oct. 10. He said the government was seeking a 20% reduction in energy use as a result. Kyiv and Kharkiv announced curbs on the use of electric-powered public transport such as trolleybuses and reduced the frequency of trains on the metro. Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that the power problems would take time to resolve. "We assume that Russian terror will be directed at energy facilities until, with the help of partners, we are able to shoot down 100% of enemy missiles and drones." He was due to address a European Union summit later on Thursday. Leaders of the 27 member states will discuss options for more support to Ukraine, including energy equipment, helping restore power supply and long-term financing to rebuild. KHERSON ADVANCE On the ground, the Ukrainian military continued to try to press its advance towards the southern city of Kherson, the only regional capital Russian forces have captured. The Russian-appointed administration on Wednesday told civilians to leave the city - control of which gives Russia a land route to Crimea, which it seized in 2014, and the mouth of the Dnipro river. Kherson residents were shown on footage taken by Russian media gathered at the city river port waiting in long queues to board boats to get to the left, eastern bank of the Dnipro River which bisects Ukraine. (Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Andrew Osborn, Alexandra Hudson; Editing by Angus MacSwan, John Stonestreet) Spanish army uses NASAMS during a military exercise with Nato countries in Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, 27 September 2022. ( EPA/TOMS KALNINS) On the ground, Ukraines military has been clawing back swathes of territory from Russia in a series of blistering counteroffensives in recent months. It has demonstrated an ability to strike far behind enemy lines, most notably when it hit the Kerch Strait Bridge linking Crimea to the mainland. But despite those successes, it has remained vulnerable to attacks from the air. Russias response to the strike on the strategically important bridge was fierce and swift: it rained a flurry of more than 75 missiles on Ukrainian cities across the country, hitting both civilian and military targets. Although not all the missiles hit their mark , it was a painful reminder of that vulnerability. Speaking after the strikes, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky asked allies to step up their deliveries of advanced air defence systems. When Ukraine receives a sufficient quantity of modern and effective air defence systems, the key element of Russias terror rocket strikes will cease to work, he told Zelensky told Group of Seven leaders this week. Now, Kyivs allies are doing just that. In the days since the missile barrage, which left energy infrastructure damaged and killed at least 14 civilians, the United States and its Nato allies have pledged deliveries of advanced air defence systems. At the top of that list was a pledge by the White House to speed up the delivery of sophisticated National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS a short to medium range ground-based air defence. The US had approved the delivery of eight NASAMS in August, following repeated requests from Zelensky. The first two of which were due to arrive in November, and the rest at a later date. But that order has been expedited following the Russian missile attacks, the White House said, and Ukraines defence minister now expects the first two to arrive before the end of October. The systems cost around $23m per unit , according to the Department of Defence. Story continues "Systems will be provided as fast as we can physically get them there," Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters on Tuesday . "Were going to do everything we can, as fast as we can, to help the Ukrainian forces get the capability they need to protect the Ukrainian people. So what are NASAMS? And will they be enough to protect Ukraine against further missile attacks? The NASAMS is a mobile, mid-range air defence system capable of identifying, engaging and destroying current and evolving enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and emerging cruise missile threats, according to manufacturer Raytheon Missiles and Defense, which developed the system with Norwegian defence and aerospace firm Kongsberg. The systems have been used to protect the airspace around Washington DC and the wider Capitol region since around 2005 . A new era of air defence has begun in . IRIS-Ts from are already here. NASAMS are coming. This is only the beginning. And we need more. No doubt that russia is a terrorist state. There is a moral imperative to protect the sky over in order to save our people. pic.twitter.com/jvbXUwDjc8 Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) October 11, 2022 The system is armed with three launchers, each of which can carry up to six missiles, and can identify targets up to 25 miles away. Those launchers are capable of engaging 72 targets simultaneously in active and passive modes and, using active seeker missiles, can intercept targets beyond visual range, according to the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance , a missile defence lobby group. Currently, Ukraine is using an existing stock of Soviet-made air defence systems, such as the S-300 long-range surface-to-air missile system. It has also made use of the SA-11 Buk mid-range system near front lines, according to the Financial Times . But most of those systems were designed nearly 40 years ago and have failed to fully protect Ukraines airspace, as the latest Russian missile strikes showed. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after the US agreed to expedite the delivery of its NASAMS, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen Mark Milley said Ukrainians has used their current systems very effectively, but that they have been asking for more comprehensive protection in the form of an integrated air missile defence system that is a mix of systems with different ranges. That doesnt control all the airspace over Ukraine, but theyre designed to control priority targets that Ukraine needs to protect, Gen Milley said. It is not just the US that is bolstering Ukraines air defences. The NASAMS will be supported by Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) sent by the United Kingdom, the UK Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday. The rockets, which cost around $1.2m each , will be the first donated by the UK which are capable of shooting down cruise missiles, the MoD said in a statement. These weapons will help Ukraine defend its skies from attacks and strengthen their overall missile defence alongside the US NASAMS, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said. In addition, the UK will send hundreds of additional air defence missiles, of other types previously provided, will also be donated as part of the package, along with hundreds of additional aerial drones to support Ukraines information gathering and logistics capabilities, the MoD said in its statement. Some Nato allies have moved even faster than the United States. Four German-made IRIS-T Surface-Launched-Missile (SLM) systems, which can defend against missiles at a range of 25 miles , have already arrived in Ukraine this week. Like the NASAMS, their delivery was sped up following the Russian missile strikes. German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht told reporters in Brussels that a further three air defence systems would be delivered to Ukraine next year. Ukraine urgently needs air defence systems and artillery and this is exactly what Germany delivers, she said. Ukraines minister of defence Oleksii Reznikov heralded the arrival of the German systems and impending US delivery as a new era of air defence in Ukraine. A new era of air defence has begun in [Ukraine]. IRIS-Ts from [Germany] are already here. [American] NASAMS are coming. This is only the beginning. And we need more. No doubt that Russia is a terrorist state, he wrote on Twitter. There is a moral imperative to protect the sky over [Ukraine] in order to save our people, he added. The question that now remains is whether the new air defence systems will be enough to stop future Russian missile attacks. Some military analysts have suggested that even the most comprehensive defence systems in the world could not fully protect Ukraine and that its military leaders will still have to make critical choices about how to distribute the systems it has been given between civilian and military targets. But Tyler Rogoway, an aviation and defence writer, argued that the most important aspect of the NASAMS is the widespread availability of the ammunition needed to fire it. NASAMS primary armament is the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Yes, the exact same missile used around the world by fighter aircraft in air-to-air applications, he wrote in The Drive . This means NATO alone, which sits on an inventory of many thousands of AMRAAMs, can provide Ukraine with the ammo it needs to maximize the systems impact. There are few modern SAM systems that have enough ammunition sitting on the shelf to last over a sustained high-intensity conflict like the one in Ukraine, he wrote, describing it as an absolutely critical advantage. The most urgent task now for Ukraine will be learning how to coordinate the various different systems on the way to its armed forces, Gen Milley said in his briefing. The task will be to bring those together, get them deployed, get them trained because each of these systems is different make sure that they can link together with the command-and-control and communication systems and make sure they have radars that can talk to each other so that they can acquire targets on the inbound flights, he said. So its quite complicated from a technical standpoint. It is achievable, and thats what were aiming at, he said. By Carolyn Cohn and Noor Zainab Hussain LONDON (Reuters) - Insurance for humanitarian workers, journalists, engineers and others heading to Ukraine is now more expensive and harder to organise than during the Iraq war. While initially nervous about providing cover in the immediate aftermath of Russia's February invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow refers to a "special military operation", a few more insurers have become willing to do so in recent months, industry sources say, although it is costly. "The rates in Ukraine are currently higher than previously experienced in Iraq and Afghanistan...Principally, it's a more active war zone rather than an insurgency situation," said Alexis Fehler, accident and health underwriter at Lloyd's of London-backed insurer OneAdvent. "Instability caused by Ukrainian gains and the subsequent retaliatory actions of the Russian forces will have a further dramatic impact on costs," he added. Another Lloyd's of London-backed insurer, Battleface, charges an average of 3,500 euros ($3,429) a week for a combination of 250,000 euros personal accident cover and 250,000 euros medical cover for Ukraine, said senior underwriter Roger Perry, although accident cover alone can cost up to 4,375 euros a week for higher-risk parts of the country. "Our underwriters charge in 7-day tranches...because everything changes so quickly," he said, adding that "the further east you go, it does get higher". Nonetheless, Battleface excludes the Donbas - two eastern Ukrainian provinces that Russia has unilaterally declared part of its territory - and the Odesa region in the south, although it can make exceptions, particularly for short periods such as one day. During the 2003 Iraq war, Lloyd's of London and other insurers carried out daily reviews of the premiums charged to cover journalists operating in the Gulf given fears reporters could be used as human shields or executed, according to media reports at the time. Story continues A third insurance source who declined to be named said the daily insurance cost of sending a journalist to the riskiest parts of Ukraine could be 5-10% of the amount covered, meaning an organisation could bust through the total value of an individual's cover after 10 days, an untenable situation for most. A typical policy covers accidental death and dismemberment, emergency evacuation, repatriation and out of country medical benefits. Organisations have been sending more media and medical workers and reconstruction experts to Ukraine, sources said, but insurers and security experts are particularly concerned about the risks to civilians after missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, following an attack on the bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula on Oct. 8. "As resources on the Russian side have changed...they've started using things like ballistic missiles, old anti-shipping missiles and then adapting them for land attack, these are a lot less accurate," said James Dennis, regional security coordinator at consultants Healix. The United Nations and other aid organisations in Ukraine said last week that the missile attacks had disrupted their humanitarian work. "As Ukrainian counteroffensives ramp up ahead of anticipated further Russian mobilisation, the situation outside of areas directly affected by conflict will remain volatile," said Sally Llewellyn, regional security director at consultants International SOS. A shortage of providers is also adding to insurance costs, sources said, pointing in particular to reluctance among some U.S. insurers to offer Ukraine cover. AIG, which declined to comment, was drawing up broad exclusion clauses for Russia and Ukraine, Reuters reported earlier this year. "We do see some willingness by select insurers to consider writing coverage in Ukraine," said Steven Capace, government contracting practice leader at broker Marsh, though he added: "The recent Russian missile attacks in population centres like Kyiv and Lviv...will likely create new apprehension among insurers." ($1 = 1.0206 euros) (Editing by John O'Donnell and Kirsten Donovan) (Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia must compensate his country for the destruction that has been wrought by the invasion. Almost eight months into Russias invasion, Ukrainians were warned of rolling blackouts because of damage to the countrys power infrastructure from missile attacks. Camping stoves, generators and winter underwear are in high demand. Controlled limits were placed on electricity consumption in Kyiv and several northern and central areas on Thursday. Most Read from Bloomberg The UK defense secretary said a Russian warplane in late September fired a missile in the vicinity of an unarmed Royal Air Force jet flying in international airspace over the Black Sea. Weeks after Russia and Belarus announced the formation of a new joint force, and days after the force started to assemble in Belarus, Ukraines army faces rising military threats from the north. Russian servicemen, equipment and aircraft are flooding into Belarus. (See RSAN on the Bloomberg Terminal for the Russian Sanctions Dashboard.) Key Developments White House Says Iran Sent Trainers to Aid Russian Drone Strikes Russia Threatens Thousands With Mined Dam, Zelenskiy Tells EU Putins Belarusian Ally Lets Him Build Up Forces Near Ukraine Again US and Five APEC Allies Issue Joint Statement Blasting Russia Ukraine Faces Rolling Blackouts After Attacks on Power Stations Italys Rising Coalition Dealt Blow After Berlusconi Lauds Putin On the Ground Zelenskiy said in his Thursday evening address that the situation at the front remains difficult, especially in the vicinity of Donetsk, near Bakhmut and in some areas in the south. Russia launched three missiles, delivered 20 air strikes and used multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) as many as 10 times on Thursday, Ukraines General Staff said. Of 20 Iranian drones launched today, Ukrainian forces shot down 15. Iran has called claims its sending missiles to Russia baseless. Russia hit Mykolaiv and the surrounding region with C-300 missiles on Thursday morning, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the presidents office, said on Telegram. Story continues (All times CET) Zelenskiy Says Russia Must Compensate Ukraine (12:10) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed that Russia would pay for the devastation that it has caused in his country with isolation, degradation and assets, of the state and of quasi private individuals linked to this Russian regime. Russia is trying to demolish Ukrainian energy systems, to force our people suffer even more, but instead this only mobilizes the world community to provide us more help and to apply more pressure on the terrorist state, Zelenskiy said in his nightly address on Thursday. All our expenditure for the protection of power blocks and the renovation of our infrastructure after Russian strikes will be compensated at the expense of Russia assets. US Says Iran Sent Trainers to Aid Russian Drone Strikes (11:50 p.m.) The White House accused Tehran of sending trainers and technicians to Crimea to support Russian attacks on Ukraine with Iranian-made drones, and pledged to interrupt further Iranian aid for Russian forces. John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, said in a briefing for reporters, said that Iranian advisers are helping Russian pilots based in Crimea to operate the drones. Russian forces initially had trouble using Iranian drones, so the Islamic Republic decided to move in some trainers and some technical support to help the Russians use them with better lethality, Kirby added. Zelenskiy Calls on EU to Ratchet Up Sanctions on Iran (9:14 p.m.) The Ukrainian president told EU leaders that the bloc must impose additional sanctions on the Iranian regime for deliveries of single-use attack drones to Russia, which have been used to attack energy infrastructure and civilians across the country. The 27-member bloc backed sanctions on three Iranian individuals and one entity this week. It is good that the first step has already taken place, Zelenskiy told leaders by video at a two-day summit. New individual sanctions against Iranian figures and companies have been approved. But a few individuals and companies are not a responsibility yet. More systematic steps are needed. Zelenskiy Met Goldman Sachs Executives in Kyiv (8:45 p.m.) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Goldman Sachs Executive Vice-President John Rogers and President of Global Affairs and co-head of the Office of Applied Innovation Jared Cohen in Kyiv, according to his press office. The group discussed Goldman Sachs possibly helping attract investments for Ukraine, including cyberdefense and fighting against fakes. I highly appreciate when such people are not scared and come to Ukraine to support us, Zelenskiy said. And it is very important to share true information about the situation in Ukraine, Russias attacks and their consequences via smart people. The visit took place as Russia intensified air raids to destroy Ukraines energy infrastructure. Ukraine Limits Electricity Supply in Kyiv, Seven Regions(6:04 p.m.) Ukraines national grid operator Ukrenergo said its been forced to temporarily introduce controlled limits of electricity consumption after usage levels rose sharply at a time citizens have been asked to conserve as much as possible, according to a statement on its Telegram channel. The limits are in place for Kyiv and its surrounding regions, as well as for Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv and Zhytomyr in the north, and the central regions of Poltava and Cherkasy. Putin Practices Sniper Shooting With Reservists (5:48 p.m.) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday visited a training center for mobilized reservists, where he shot a snipers rifle several times, state television reported. Dressed in civilian clothes, Putin spoke with one of the reservists briefly and hugged him, the footage showed. Putin last week said his recent order to call up 300,000 reservists for what he calls a special operation in Ukraine would wrap up soon and wont be extended. The order spurred an exodus of draft-age men from the country, hurting consumer confidence and business activity but would likely weigh on the economy for months to come, including by worsening an already-acute labor shortage. Ukraine Sees Growing Threat of Russian Offensive From North (4:15 p.m.) Ukraines armed forces see a rising threat of a fresh new military offensive from the north, where Russian and Belarusian troops have assembled a joint force, spokesman Oleksiy Hromov said Thursday at a video briefing. Putins Ally Lets Him Build Up Forces Near Ukraine Again Increasingly bellicose rhetoric from Russian and Belarusian leadership has accompanied the deployment of forces in Belarus, which started last weekend, he said. The offensive may be repositioned to the northwest part of the Belarus-Ukraine border -- that is, closer to Poland -- in a bid to cut the main logistical arteries supplying weapons to Ukraine from allies, Hromov said. Read more: Ukraine Army Sees Growing Threat of Russian Offensive From North Turkey Wants Another Russian-Built Atomic Plant (4:08 p.m.) Turkey asked Russia to build its second nuclear power plant, in the latest sign of closer economic ties even as the US and its allies try to isolate the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the request in talks last week in Kazakhstan with Vladimir Putin, their fourth meeting in four months, according to people familiar with the situation. Read more: Turkey Asks Russia to Build Another Nuclear Plant, Defying US Russia Snubbed at Atomic-Energy Summit in Washington (3:45 p.m.) Russia will lose its place on stage at an atomic energy summit in Washington next week, as US authorities seek ways to limit the influence of Kremlin-controlled nuclear fuel and technology suppliers on the global market. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that executives from Rosatom Corp. and Russias industry regulator were dropped from the agenda. White House officials have been considering for months ways to reduce the Kremlins influence on global nuclear markets. Read more: Russia Removed From Nuclear-Energy Stage at Washington Summit Ukrainians Stock Up on Power Banks, Generators (3:48 p.m.) Demand for power banks, generators and candles jumped in the week since Kremlin forces launched widespread attacks on power infrastructure, said Prom.ua, one of Ukraines biggest online sellers. The demand for electric generators rose fivefold, and the average check grew to 20,000 hryvnia ($541), the retailer said in an emailed comment. Gas cylinders, headlamps and camping stoves are also in demand, along with thermal underwear. In September, radiation meters and preventative medicine were the most-coveted items, Prom.ua said. Push For New EU Sanctions on Russia (2:41 p.m.) Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland proposed broadening EU sanctions on Russia by adding a ban on cooperating with Russia on nuclear energy, according to a document seen by Bloomberg News. The nations also want to ban the sale of real estate to Russian citizens and companies and limit the concessions that Belgium previously won on the import of steel products from Russia. The ninth sanctions package should broaden the ban on information and communication technology services to include computer software and extend the scope of a ban on business services to cover marketing and opinion poll services, according to the document. Schemes involving marketing and leasing services are regularly used in Russia as a cover-up to facilitate flows of a large scale providing funds for military sector, the countries said. Ukraine Expects Electrical Equipment Next Week (2:10 p.m.) Generators, components and spare parts needed to replace equipment damaged by recent Russian strikes are expected to start arriving in Ukraine next week from Italy, France, Lithuania, Finland, Germany and Poland, Ukraines foreign minister said. The equipment will help to ensure uninterrupted functioning of Ukrainian households, hospitals and schools, Dmytro Kuleba said in a statement. Separately, on Twitter, Kuleba welcomed the EUs moves against Iran for its provision of drones used by Russia in recent attacks on energy infrastructure and other targets. Ukraine Sanctions Thousands of Russian Citizens, Companies (2 p.m.) Ukraine sanctioned 1,374 Russian companies and companies affiliated with Russia, and 2,507 individuals, mainly Russian citizens, in decrees signed on Wednesday. Billionaire Roman Abramovich was sanctioned, with the proviso that the measures only take effect after an exchange of prisoners and bodies of deceased soldiers between Ukraine and Russia is complete. Among others, Ukraine sanctioned billionaire Mikhail Fridman; Petr Aven; Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of the cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab, and the daughter of President Vladimir Putin, Ekaterina Tikhonova. UK Says Russia Fired Missile Near RAF Jet in September (1:34 p.m.) A Russian aircraft released a missile on Sept. 29 near an unarmed British plane patrolling in international airspace over the Black Sea, UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace told parliament during an update on the situation in Ukraine. The UK temporarily suspended patrols after the potentially dangerous incident and raised its concerns with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Russia, in an Oct. 10 response, blamed a technical malfunction by its fighter jet, Wallace said. After consulting with allies, I have restarted routine patrols but this time escorted by fighter aircraft, he added. Russias Defense Ministry didnt respond to requests for comment. Ukraine Keeps Key Rate Steady (1:04 p.m.) Ukraines central bank kept its benchmark borrowing rate unchanged at 25% as the bodys new governor presses ahead with negotiations with the IMF on a financial lifeline for the war-battered economy. Continued cooperation with international partners remains an important factor in maintaining the Ukrainian economy during the full-scale war and postwar recovery, the Kyiv-based bank said in a statement. Russia Controls Only 1.8% of Kharkiv Region, Official Says (12:58 p.m.) Russia retains control over 1.8% of the area around Kharkiv in the east of Ukraine, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram. Since September, our military has expelled the occupiers from 544 settlements in the region. Only 1.8% of the regions territory remains under temporary occupation -- thats 32 settlements, Syniehubov told. Ukraines armed forces and local authorities have formed three lines of defense in liberated areas, he said. Kremlin troops continue limited assaults in a bit to recapture lost territory, according to the Institute for Study of War. Germany Probing Fire at Refugee Shelter (11:45 a.m.) German authorities are investigating a suspected arson attack at a former hotel housing housing Ukrainian refugees in the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a tweet that if arson is confirmed the perpetrators would be prosecuted with the utmost severity. Emergency services rescued the residents an no one was harmed, she said. Italys Coalition Roiled by Berlusconi Lauding Putin (11:30 a.m.) Giorgia Meloni, the right-wing leader poised to be Italys next prime minister, said shed give up on her fledgling coalition if her allies cant commit to supporting Ukraine along with Italys European Union and NATO partners. Meloni commented after audio surfaced of coalition partner Silvio Berlusconi saying he rekindled his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and laying the blame for Russias invasion on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. EU Adopts Sanctions Against Iran for Drone Sales to Russia (11:23 a.m.) Bloomberg reported the measures targeting three Iranian generals and Shahed Aviation Industries, a company responsible for the design and development of the Shahed series of Iranian drones that have been supplied to Russia and are currently being used in Ukraine. Iran denies sending weapons to Russia. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. The attackers were recruited by the FSB as the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation began The agents tasks included, among other things, identifying army positions and the numbers of Javelin anti-tank missile systems they had. Read also: Ukraines SBU interrogates PMC Wagner members, digs more proof of war crimes In addition, the agents collected information about the deployment of Ukrainian military and monitored their movements, as well as being engaged in other reconnaissance and subversive activities near the front line. According to the SBU, Russias FSB security service recruited the agents at the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Subsequently, the agents were in contact with the FSB through supervisors from the sham Donetsk Peoples Republic terrorist organization. Read also: SBU neutralizes Russian mercenary squads in Kharkiv Oblast The aggressor used the information obtained to prepare missile and artillery strikes on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the SBU stressed. Currently, both detainees have been served with charge papers. The court chose a preventive measure in the form of detention for them. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine EUROPEAN PRAVDA THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 23:15 Dmytro Kuleba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, held a phone conversation with Yair Lapid, the Prime Minister of Israel, on Thursday. Source: European Pravda I spoke to Israeli Prime Minister @YairLapid and informed him on unspeakable suffering, loss of life, and destruction caused by Russian missiles and Iranian-made drones. We discussed in detail Ukraines request for Israel to provide air and missile defense systems and technology. Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) October 20, 2022 As Kuleba wrote on his Twitter, he told the Israeli Prime Minister about "unspeakable suffering, loss of life, and destruction caused by Russian missiles and Iranian-made drones." Quote by Kuleba: "We discussed in detail Ukraines request for Israel to provide air and missile defence systems and technology," Ukraines Foreign Minister added. In his turn, Lapid has pointed out that he shared "deep concern about the military ties between Iran and Russia" with Kuleba. "Israel stands with Ukrainian people," he added. This evening, I spoke with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, @DmytroKuleba, who gave me an update on the war in Ukraine. I shared with him our deep concern about the military ties between Iran and Russia. Israel stands with the Ukrainian people. - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) October 20, 2022 Amid Russias active use of UAVs from Iran, who is the strategic opponent of Israel in the Middle East, and the message of possible purchase of Iranian rockets by Moscow, Ukraine has stated that it would ask Israel for an immediate supply of air defence systems. Earlier, Benny Hanz, the Minister of Defence of Israel, announced that his country would not provide Ukraine with weapons to counteract the Russian invasion; however, he said, they could send Ukraine systems of early warning about rocket or drone attacks. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! STANISLAV POHORILOV THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 08:46 The Armed Forces of Ukraine killed 370 Russian soldiers and destroyed 25 UAVs and a helicopter on 19 October. Russia has lost a total of 66,650 soldiers in the course of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: Total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February and 20 October 2022 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses - ed.]: Approximately 66,650 (+370) military personnel; 2,567 (+13) tanks; 5,255 (+20) armoured combat vehicles; 1,646 (+9) artillery systems; 372 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems; 189 (+0) air defence systems; 269 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft; 243 (+1) helicopters; 1,311 (+25) operational-tactical UAVs; 329 (+6) cruise missiles; 16 (+0) ships/boats; 4,005 (+6) vehicles and tankers; 147 (+1) special vehicles and other equipment. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Now, Ukrainian kids can be seen playing in large craters, left by Russian air strikes, which destroyed childrens playgrounds. Many Ukrainian cities now have schoolchildren attending makeshift classes in bomb shelters, as air raid alerts often last for several hours at a time. Little Askold enjoyed spending time in Kyiv's Shevchenko Park. On Oct. 10, a Russian cruise missile turned his favorite set of swings into a gaping crater. Moscow is clearly attempting to knock out Ukraines energy sector ahead of the coming winter season. In order to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses, many additional missiles and kamikaze drones are launched at seemingly random civilian sites, apparently devoid of any military significance. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Chicago police process a crime scene on West Madison Street at North Pulaski Road after a shooting that reportedly left one person wounded and indications of rifle and handgun fire on Aug. 30, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Ald. Sophia King, a Chicago mayoral candidate, on Thursday unveiled a plan to reinvigorate the citys police department by enticing retired officers to return, expanding surveillance technology and overhauling work schedules to allow for more time off. King, who represents the 4th Ward, rolled out her public safety platform as Chicago officers continue to grapple with morale and retention issues since the start of Mayor Lori Lightfoots term, which has coincided with the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and multiple rounds of civil unrest. And while shootings and homicides have slightly decreased this year compared with this point in 2021, a record year for violence, the numbers remain higher than 2019 levels. Advertisement Crime and policing remain a key issue on the campaign trail leading up to the 2023 mayoral election. King, who announced her candidacy in August, is part of an eight-candidate field that includes more conservative-leaning figures who want to water down accountability measures and let police be police, but also progressives who call for defunding or reallocating portions of the Chicago police budget. [ Who's in, who's out and who's thinking about running for Chicago mayor in 2023 ] King, for her part, has sought middle ground by deriding the idea that police accountability and cracking down on crime cant go together. Beyond that, she vowed to also boost anti-violence street outreach programming by $200 million. Advertisement Ald. Sophia King, 4th, who is also a candidate for Chicago mayor, speaks about policing in the city on Oct. 20, 2022, outside Chicago Police Department headquarters. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) Our citys in a crisis, King said in an interview with the Tribune. People are really afraid and have their heads on swivels. ... Im optimistic that we can both reduce crime and get to some of the root causes so that were not back here in 10, 20 years. King said she hopes to address the staggering amount of police vacancies 966 openings for patrol officers and 77 for detectives, according to the citys figures this month by implementing a proposal from Ald. Matthew OShea, 19th, to attract recruits via a $10,000 down payment for any officer who is a first-time homebuyer and a $5,000 signing bonus. She also called for a reserve of 1,000 retired Chicago police officers focusing on less dangerous duties such as festivals, case management and desk work to free up active personnel to tackle crime. King also promised to add 200 detectives by promoting officers and hiring back retirees, citing the need to bolster lackluster clearance rates for shootings and homicides. Areas 1 and 2 the South and Southwest sides would see the most extra manpower. Asked why a retiree would return to the police force after burnout and other workplace issues, King said she talks to former officers who work private security and want to return to their old job, but simply feel fed up with low morale. New officers stand as an honor guard marches during a Chicago Police Department graduation and promotion ceremony at Navy Pier on Oct. 20, 2021. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) In addition, King called for using technology such as drones to decrease police reliance on high-speed car chases, which have cost the city millions in lawsuits over pursuits gone awry. These drones, she argued, would track fleeing vehicles, allow police units to know when to converge on a suspect andhelp prevent drivers from escaping. King also wants to change the police departments work schedule to address concerns that officers dont have adequate time off, contributing to mental health issues and burnout. Rather than keep the current workday, which is split into three, eight-hour shifts, King would implement a staggered two-shift day so that officers could work 10 hours a day for four days and then be more likely to have more days off in a row. Other aspects of Kings plan include disbanding the citywide units that had at times diverted beat cops from patrolling neighborhoods, expanding 911 response models that dont involve police and installing an office of gun violence prevention that offers high-risk Chicagoans $600 a week to participate in intervention programs. Her proposal also said more surveillance cameras, whether operated by police or at homes and businesses, are needed. And following most other mayoral candidates, King said she would fire Lightfoots hand-picked police superintendent, David Brown, and replace him with someone who has closer ties to Chicago. King, who aims to thwart Lightfoots election to a second term, noted how her ward stretches from downtown, where she sees flashing blue police lights all the time, to the South Side, where police response times are slower despite a heavier concentration of violence. Advertisement That inequity is tangible, right? And its literally killing people, King said. Thats because the current administration puts what I would say is public relations over public safety. And thats something that Ill change. ayin@chicagotribune.com Col. Jay Bertsch, commander of the 8th Maintenance Group at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, was fired Oct. 11 due to a loss of confidence in his leadership, Air Force Times has learned. Bertsch was reassigned outside of the unit after four months in the job, 8th Fighter Wing spokesperson Capt. K. Paige Hankerson said Tuesday. His deputy, Lt. Col. David Breuer, is standing in as the groups new boss. The Air Force declined to say why the unit lost faith in Bertsch or what disciplinary action he may face. Ellsworth command chief was fired after investigation backed sexual harassment claim As a reflection of the importance of our mission and responsibility leaders bear to guide airmen, the Wolf Pack holds its leaders to a high standard, Hankerson said. Out of respect for the member and due to the legal process, no further information is to be provided at this time. Bertsch assumed command on June 10, taking control of 1,100 people and a $2.4 million annual budget. The 8th Fighter Wing flies F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets in the Pacific, the Pentagons top-priority region. He is responsible for daily flying and maintenance operations, intermediate-level maintenance, component repair and maintenance training for a combat wing with 43 permanently assigned aircraft, a cached version of his now-deleted official biography said. Two leaders fired from Dyess aircraft maintenance squadron amid investigation Bertsch enlisted as a mechanic in 1990 and was commissioned as an officer in 2001. He started his officer career at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in 2002 before moving to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, in 2005, according to his biography. There, he earned the title of Company Grade Officer of the Year as a captain at the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Bertsch went on to hold multiple positions on the Joint Staff and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, as well as at Air Force and Air Combat Command headquarters. He deployed to Iraq and Qatar in leadership roles and served as a squadron commander at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, stands near a damaged residential building in Irpin, Ukraine, on Sept. 8, 2022. Genya Savilov/Pool/AFP via Getty Images The United States and European countries continue to pledge their support to Ukraine as Russias invasion drags on into its ninth month and have backed their alliance with recurrent deliveries of advanced weaponry and money. But despite Russian President Vladimir Putins threats to Western powers of nuclear strikes, neither the U.S. nor any Western European country, unified under the military coalition NATO, has actually declared it is part of the war. The U.S. has provided US$17.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia first invaded Ukraine in February 2022. But it can be difficult to track foreign aid and to distinguish between money that governments have promised and actually delivered. Some unofficial estimates place U.S. commitments to Ukraine made in 2022 much higher, at $40 billion. European countries, meanwhile, have collectively donated an estimated 29 billion euros or more than $28.3 billion in security, financial and humanitarian aid in 2022 not including additional aid to Ukrainian refugees. This support has made it possible for Ukraine to fend off a Russian conquest of the country. Without Western aid, equipment and training, Ukraine would likely have already suffered defeat to the Russian incursion. As a scholar of war and military interventions, I think the situation in Ukraine represents a classic case of a proxy war, in which outsiders give allies money, weapons and other kinds of support but not at the risk of their own soldiers or civilians lives. A better understanding of what proxy wars actually are, and what purpose they serve, provides useful context for the the U.S. and NATOs current unofficial involvement in the Ukraine war. Sergiy Kyslytsa, Ukraines ambassador to the United Nations, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, speak on Aug. 24, 2022, in New York. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images What proxy wars are Proxy wars are armed conflicts in which one nation sends resources other than its own military personnel like weapons, trainers, advisers, surveillance drones, money or even mercenaries to support another country fighting in a war. This is often done to achieve a political objective, like regime change in another country. Story continues Most proxy wars feature a government trying to determine an outcome in another countrys war. The U.S., for example, supported France with aircraft, vehicles, and weapons in Frances effort to reestablish control of what was then known as Indochina from 1946 to 1954. The Vietnam War started just one year after, in 1955. Proxy wars allow governments to hurt an adversary without actually declaring war and sending in troops. Of course, not every government has an equal capacity to financially support other wars. This is why relatively powerful governments with global reach, like the U.S. and the United Kingdom, tend to sponsor proxy wars. Why proxy wars are taken on Proxy wars became especially useful for the U.S. and other major powers after World War II, because the 1945 United Nations charter outlawed war except in cases of self-defense. They also gained prominence because the U.S. and the Soviet Union each possessed nuclear weapons during the Cold War. That meant any direct clash came with a very large risk of escalating from conventional fighting to a species-ending nuclear war. Both the U.S. and Soviet Union sponsored proxy wars in places like Angola, where communism and oil were both factors, and El Salvador, where the rise of communism was also a concern for the U.S., during the 1970s and 1980s. This involvement was a way for each government to hurt the others interests without significantly risking further military escalation. Proxy wars may also help establish a foreign governments legitimacy. If the U.S. directly supports one side in a smaller countrys civil war, it may look like a bully. But if the U.S. defends its engagement by saying it is trying to oppose major foreign adversaries like the Soviet Union or China, then meddling in a third countrys affairs can look necessary and vital. After his initial February 2022 assault of Ukraine faltered in March, Putin increased his attacks on Western countries, saying that economic sanctions Western countries approved shortly after the invasion were like a declaration of war. Putin says that Russia is fighting the West and the U.S. this could help justify Russias losses and maintain domestic support for the war. Other kinds of proxy wars There are two other main kinds of proxy wars, both intended to accomplish political goals without risking a countrys own people. The first kind is government support of terrorist groups that attack other governments. Irans financial and political support of Hezbollah a Muslim political party and militant group in Lebanon that seeks Israels destruction is an example. But while Irans use of Hezbollah to attack Israel is by proxy, this wouldnt exactly count as proxy war. Although terrorism involves lethal armed violence, it doesnt rise to the level of war, in terms of loss of life and control of territory, for example. The second form involves supporting an internationally recognized government engaged an international war. This is a rare occurrence, mainly because wars between different countries are more rare than internal conflicts. Russias assault on Ukraine in 2022 is an international war, but NATO cannot easily risk a direct attack on Russia, since Russia has nuclear weapons and is also a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. Russia is also unlikely to withdraw from Ukraine short of defeat on the battlefield, making Ukraine an ideal proxy client or, at least, ideal for NATO, but very costly in terms of human life for Ukraine and Russia. If NATO succeeds in helping Ukraine defeat Russia, powerful governments are likely to see proxy wars as a useful tool. But if Russia escalates to attacking NATO countries directly, or uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, proxy wars may be replaced by direct confrontation and, by extension, a third world war. Lets hope that doesnt happen. This article has been updated to correct the conversion of euros to dollars. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: Monica Duffy Toft, Tufts University. Like this article? subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Read more: Monica Duffy Toft does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. A man passes by a poster that "We are being punished by the Brussels sanctions", in Budapest on October 18, 2022. Hungary's leaders have objected to the severity of EU measures against Russia. FERENC ISZA/AFP via Getty Images The US called out Hungary stance on the invasion of Ukraine, which has been softer than many nations. The US embassy reminded the EU and NATO member that the US and Hungary are supposed to be allies. It shared a joke quiz highlighting how so many Hungarian officials made anti-West statements. The US embassy in Hungary trolled the country over its soft response to Russia, reminding the EU and NATO member that the US and Hungary are supposed to be allies. The US Embassy in Budapest shared a video of a joke quiz on Monday that let people guess whether statements came from Russian President Vladimir Putin or from Hungarian officials. US Embassy Budapest (@usembbudapest) October 17, 2022 It wrote alongside the video: "In recent weeks, several senior Hungarian government figures and government-funded commentators have made harsh anti-Western and anti-American statements. Hungary and the United States are Allies." "As Russian aggression threatens us all, we must stand together, not move apart." The questions included one that said "The United States has attacked the European Union. Our response should be that we will put our gloves, and we go to war against America." Viewers were then asked to guess if the comment came from the editor of a media outlet that gets government funding, or Putin. The comment was made by the editor, the embassy said. Hungary has been the EU member least critical of Russia since it invaded Ukraine in February. Its far-right leader Viktor Orban, who is popular with former US President Donald Trump and Fox News host Tucker Carlson, said he condemned Russia's invasion. But he been repeatedly criticized by Ukraine, the US, and EU for not taking actions to back it up. As EU countries repeatedly sanctioned Russia, Orban denounced that approach. He said in September that the EU should scrap its sanctions, and earlier in the year blamed them for the EU's energy-supply crisis. Story continues Orban has long been an ally of Putin, and he called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy one of his "opponents" when he was reelected to a fourth term in April, two months after the invasion began. The embassy's quiz, which asked seven questions, was seemingly inspired by a similar questionnaire that the Hungarian government is giving to citizens, the BBC reported. The pamphlet featured loaded questions seemingly designed to demonstrate public support for Hungary's anti-EU stance, the BBC noted. One question was: "Household utility bills across Europe have risen to record levels. In response to the sanctions, Russia is threatening to cut off gas supplies. This is endangering supplies for home heating and the viability of the European economy." "Do you agree with the sanctions on natural gas supplies? Yes or No." The campaign also involved a government poster that describes EU sanctions as bombs falling on Hungary. It says "We are being punished by the Brussels sanctions," sparking criticism from the EU commission. Separately, the EU parliament voted last month to declare Hungary no longer a democracy, rebuking the country for the steady erosion of its political opposition, independent judiciary, and approach to academic freedom. Read the original article on Business Insider (Reuters) - Venezuela's opposition parties are considering a plan to wind up the country's U.S.-backed interim government led by Juan Guaido, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing a senior figure in the opposition alliance. Three of the four main parties in the Unitary Platform opposition alliance backed the move and had enough votes to push ahead with it, the FT said. A spokesman for Guaido told the paper that there was no clear position among the opposition parties about the continuation of the interim government. Venezuela's 10 main opposition parties have agreed to hold primary elections in June 2023 to choose a single candidate for the presidency. Elections are set to be held in 2024. Guaido and his allies accuse President Nicolas Maduro of committing fraud in his 2018 reelection bid, which Maduro denies. The parallel interim government led by Guaido was formed at the beginning of 2019 but has failed in its aim to dislodge Maduro from power. (Reporting by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Joe Biden gives a speech promising to enshrine abortion rights in law should Democrats control Congress (AP) For a while, Republicans looked like they might be on the ropes headed into this years midterms but it appears they have found a new way to flip the script: simply ask the Democrats whether they support any limits on abortion. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in June, Democrats have been highlighting what they say is the Republican Partys anti-abortion extremism, focusing in particular on attempts to limit legal access to abortion to the extremely early stages of pregnancy, if at all. The opinion data in this area is murky. In April, prior to the courts bombshell ruling, a Wall Street Journal poll found 48 per cent of American voters would support a ban at 15 weeks while 55 per cent of American voters said abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Of course, that was before the court ruled on Dobbs v Jackson, the case that ended in Roes demise. A late June Harvard-Harris poll in the days after Dobbs found that 23 per cent of voters supported a 15-week ban and 18 per cent supported a 24-week ban. But since then, political circumstances have changed wildly. Republicans first tried putting the onus on Democrats with ploys like Lindsey Grahams proposed legislation banning abortion after the 15th week of pregnancy. That particular move appeared to backfire, mostly highlighting that the Republican Party is dedicated to limiting abortion one way or another. But as a result, throughout debate season and as the general election approaches, plenty of debate moderators and reporters have asked Democratic candidates whether they support any restrictions on abortion at all. Last week, during the first Georgia Senate debate, a moderator asked Senator Raphael Warnock whether he believed there should be any government-imposed limit on abortion. To this he replied: I think that a patients room is too small and narrow a space for a woman, her doctor and the United States government. On Sunday, CNNs Dana Bash asked Arizona gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs whether she supported any limits. She repeatedly dodged, saying rather that late-term abortion is incredibly, extremely rare, noting that most people who seek one do so because something has gone wrong with their pregnancy. Story continues Similarly, during Floridas Senate debate on Tuesday, Republican Senator Marco Rubio dinged his Democratic opponent Representative Val Demings for not supporting any restrictions. She supports no restrictions, no limitations of any kind, he insisted, noting how she voted against four-month and five-month bans. She supports taxpayer funded abortion on demand for any reason at any time, up until the moment of birth. Thats what she supports. In response, Ms Demings responded that she does indeed support some restrictions. Ive said time and time again and he knows that I support a womans right to choose up to the time of viability, she said. Whether that line is enough for her and her fellow candidates will be determined on 8 November. Janice Hollis, seen in a new political ad, once represented a group of Black clergy members opposed to then-President Barack Obama's support for same-sex marriage. (Photo: Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund/YouTube) Janice Hollis, seen in a new political ad, once represented a group of Black clergy members opposed to then-President Barack Obama's support for same-sex marriage. (Photo: Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund/YouTube) A Republican super PAC supporting Mehmet Ozs Senate campaign has spent $1.5 million to air two TV advertisements aiming to discredit Democratic opponent John Fetterman in the eyes of Black voters. The ads, funded by the Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Fund, feature two Black Pennsylvania voters arguing that a 2013 incident in which Fetterman pursued an unarmed Black jogger is disqualifying. (Fetterman, who was armed with a shotgun, said he was responding to hearing gunshots and did not see the mans skin color until later on.) My message to Black voters: Do your homework about John Fetterman, says a woman identified as Janice H. in the spot, titled No Way. The ad does not tell us anything about Janices political or professional background. But Janice H. is Janice Hollis, an evangelical minister and media consultant who has been involved in conservative politics for years. Hollis was active in a coalition of conservative Black ministers that criticized then-President Barack Obama for supporting same-sex marriage in 2012, and that later rebuked the Congressional Black Caucus for engaging in what the clergy called the CBCs sophomoric protest during then-President Donald Trumps State of the Union address in 2018. (Members of the CBC had worn kente cloth to the speech.) Her byline also appears on an op-ed endorsing Mitt Romneys presidential run in 2012 that cast doubt on whether Obama was born in the United States. We have a sitting president whose religion is questioned, whose nationality is questioned, whose passport is questioned, whose economic theory is questioned, whose so-called apology tour is questioned, and whose policies governing the fate of the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi is questioned, said the op-ed, which appeared in Christian Newswire. There is a lot we do not know about him. Story continues Hollis told HuffPost that she did not author the op-ed, she never signed off on having it attributed to her, and she was furious with the person who solicited her participation in it. I did not like a lot of the things that President Obama stood for, Hollis told HuffPost. However, as a Black person, was I happy to see him be elected? Yeah, it represents progress in our country. Referring to the insinuation that Obama might not be a U.S. citizen, she added, They were trying to stir up something racial and it was a very cheap shot. In addition, the Republican Jewish Coalition Victory Funds second television ad, We Do Too, features a Black Pennsylvania voter identified as Melvin J. Melvin J. is Melvin Prince Johnakin, head of an economic development corporation in Philadelphia. In 2020, Johnakin ran as an independent write-in candidate against Rep. Dwight Evans (D) in Pennsylvanias 3rd Congressional District after failing to collect enough signatures to qualify for the ballot as a Republican. (An effort to run for the seat as a Democrat likewise collapsed following a challenge to his eligibility.) In an interview with the Philly Leader, Johnakin said he had always been a Republican and made an impassioned case for Black Philadelphians to vote for then-President Donald Trump, whom he said seems like an awesome guy. Itd be foolish for anyone in this area to vote for anyone but Trump, he said. He is now listed as public relations director for the American Real Voice PAC, which supported America First policies and candidates who advocated for those policies. The groups media gallery includes photos of members posing with Doug Mastriano, Pennsylvanias far-right Republican gubernatorial candidate. It is not uncommon for candidates to imply that seasoned activists who appear in their advertisements are simply ordinary people supporting their bids. What makes Hollis and Johnakins participation more notable is that it is part of a pattern of Oz and his allies employing professional Republicans and conservatives to claim he is making inroads with Black voters. In late September, Ozs campaign held a panel discussion on violent crime in northwest Philadelphia where he spoke empathetically with local resident Sheila Armstrong as she discussed losing her brother and nephew in shootings. Some of the reporting initially failed to note that Ozs campaign has employed Armstrong, making it seem instead as though she were a neighborhood resident without any ties to Oz. Hollis claimed that she was unaware of the name of the group behind the TV ad, telling HuffPost that she had done it at the behest of a friend. She also said that while she is conservative, she is not enamored with either party, and that she has advised Democratic candidates as well. Hollis even implied that she is leaning against voting for Mastriano. I dont think he has it within him to be open to different perspectives, she said. Asked for comment about the choice of two individuals with a history of professional work or activism in Republican politics, Matt Brooks, executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, dismissed the idea that their backgrounds are relevant. The important thing here is these are REAL voters and leaders in the African American community who participated voluntarily and were not compensated in any manner, he wrote in an email. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu has called for stronger punishments against Russia. Sergei Grits/AP Estonian Foreign Affairs Minister Urmas Reinsalu was asked Tuesday about Vladimir Putin. Reinsalu has criticized western countries for not throwing more support to Ukraine. Estonia, which was occupied by the Soviet Union until 1991, announced more sanctions for Russia. Estonia's minister of foreign affairs Urmas Reinsalu had a few choice words for Vladimir Putin during a Tuesday interview in Berlin. When political reporter Nina Haase-Trobridge of DW News asked Reinsalu, "Would you like to see Vladimir Putin go to jail," the foreign minister had another place in mind. "To hell," he said bluntly, after briefly mulling it over. Reinsalu's forward answer may not come as a surprise given his outspoken support for Ukraine and denunciation of Putin's war. The foreign minister previously defended his country's decision to ban Russian tourists and stop issuing new visas to Russians. In the same interview with DW News, Reinsalu said that the West has not done enough to support Ukraine and that the "price is paid by the blood of Ukrainians." At the outset of Russia's invasion, Estonia donated one-third of its military budget to Ukraine, according to the foreign minister. By August, the Baltic state had donated 220 million, or roughly $215 million, in support about 0.8% of the country's GDP, according to Politico. In addition, the country has imposed several packages of sanctions against Russia. On Tuesday, Estonian parliament members also almost unanimously voted to declare Russia a "terrorist regime," with only three lawmakers abstaining to vote, according to Radio Free Europe. Estonia shares a 183-mile border with Russia. The country, along with the Baltic states of Latvia and Lithuania, was under Soviet occupation for five decades until 1991. Read the original article on Business Insider NEW YORK (AP) The spooky, sublime stop-motion animation worlds of Henry Selick are feasts for the eye that can burrow into the imaginations of young minds. In films like The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach and Coraline, the dark, handmade curiosities of Selick have tended to leave a mark. Thats what I hope for all my films, says Selick, 69, smiling. To shake up those kids but not mess them up for good. Jordan Peele, the writer-director of Get Out," Us and Nope, was one of those shaken kids. I remember seeing Nightmare Before Christmas when I was a kid, Peele says of the 1994 film. My mother had the wherewithal to buy all the figurines at Macys before the film came out. She was like: This is going to be a classic. It was transformative for me as an artist. But, partly due to an abruptly canceled passion project for Pixar called The Shadow King, it's been 13 years since Selick's last film, Coraline. Back in 2015, Selick met with Peele about making what would become Wendell & Wild." At the time, Peele and Keegan-Michael Key were still making Key & Peele. Get Out," which would launch Peele as Hollywood's foremost horror practitioner and an in-demand filmmaker, hadn't come out yet. He let me read the screenplay. I knew it was good," says Selick. He was like, We've got to set up Wendell & Wild before the film comes out. It might not work out. I said, Dont worry about it. Seven years after that first meeting, Wendell & Wild, produced and co-written by Peele, is finally arriving in select theaters Friday and on Netflix on Oct. 28. It heralds not just the return of Selick but the anticipated reunion of Key and Peele, who voice the film's titular demons. But Wendell & Wild is also a stop-motion animation unlike any before it. Its lead character something Peele pushed isn't Wendell or Wild but Kat (Lyric Ross), a young orphan with green Afro puffs of hair who attends Catholic school. There are elements of death, grief and whimsy that will remind moviegoers of Selick's earlier films. But there is also a vivid Afro-punk spirit to match the movie's Black protagonist, who carries a boombox with an eyeball woofer. The multicultural cast includes Ving Rhames, James Hong and Angela Bassett. The giddy needle drops feature Living Colour, TV on the Radio and Ibeyi. Story continues It was a character and a world that if I had seen this when I was that age, it would have been a whole different level of transformation, Peele, 43, said in an interview alongside Selick, Key and Ross at the Toronto International Film Festival last month. In the opening scenes of the PG-13-rated "Wendell & Wild, Kat's parents are killed in a car accident. She's later coaxed into summoning them from the underworld by the devious Wendell and Wild. She's no pushover, though. Years of foster care and juvenile detention have hardened the combat boot-wearing Kat into brash goth heroine. Ive never seen anything like that before, Ross says recalling the first time she saw a model for her character. What I loved is the whole Afro Punk style and the green, natural hair. I feel like if anyone can rock that, its Black girls. I was in awe. Shes gorgeous. Wendell and Wild were rendered more like caricatures of Peele and Key with a demonic twist. The belly on Wild, Peele thinks, is a touch too large. But the film meant the comic duo's most substantial collaboration in years. They were determined to spend as much time together recording to get the natural rhythm of their still stunningly funny interplay. Selick estimates that he has several comedy albums worth of outtakes from their sessions. That you would let somebody improvise in this art form, marvels Key. The fact that he would allow us that freedom knowing it would take two months just to make someones mouth open. Later this fall, Wendell & Wild will be joined on Netflix by another stop-motion animated film, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio." But such releases remain a rarity for the form, a painstaking process requiring great patience. It comes in fashion for very brief amounts of time, and then the executives at the studios go: 'Oh my god! No stop motion. It takes too long,' says Selick. Its a rare occurrence. During the early pandemic, while computer animation revved into high gear, production at the Portland, Oregon, set of Wendell & Wild had to shut down. Selick would sometimes have 30 sets going simultaneously, each requiring constant, minute manipulation. Nearby fires also intruded on the production. How many weeks did you shoot that first one? Selick asks Peele. Three weeks, responds Peele, causing Selick to let out a prolonged cackle. Yet Peele knows something a bit about the artform, Selick notes, referencing the logo for Peele's production company, Monkey Paw Productions. Youre going for perfect, but youll never get there, Selick says. But thats what makes it wonderful, the flaws. To a remarkable degree, Wendell & Wild represents the melding of Selick and Peele's equally unique sensibilities. Intricate, otherworldly stop-motion landscapes fuse with antic comedy and sly social commentary: Two visionary filmmakers in one eye-popping sandbox. Part of that first meeting, Henry was explaining his journey. From my perspective, we have one of the modern masters of animation, says Peele. As many Henry Selick movies as we get is the amount we deserve. I hope we get a lot more. ___ Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP Therese Terry Sundberg, left, a charter member of what became the Southwest Community Concert Band, and Holly Schwider play together in 2012. (Southwest Community Concert Band) Forty years ago, Therese Terry Sundberg was out of college with a degree in music education and starting a family. A graduate of Richards High School in Oak Lawn, Sundberg started getting together with other people who were in band. Word-of-mouth spread to people from other high schools with the help of Milton Potter, who once directed the band at Sandburg High School in Orland Park. Advertisement Those connections formed the foundations of what became the Southwest Community Concert Band, with Potter as its first conductor. Sundberg, a French horn player from Alsip, was one of the bands charter members and plays with the group. Therese Terry Sundberg, of Alsip, holds her French horn in Cantigny Park this past Fourth of July. She is a charter member of the Southwest Community Concert Band, which was formed 40 years ago. (Southwest Community Concert Band) It kept growing and it keeps making more music, Sundberg said. We keep getting new people. Advertisement The band will perform its 40th Anniversary Concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at the United Methodist Church of New Lenox, 339 W. Haven Ave. Admission is free, and the concert will feature selections from throughout the bands history as well as the world premiere of a composition by Robert Sheldon called Freefall, commissioned for the occasion. Thats exciting for me, Sundberg said. Just looking back and saying Ive been here for 40 years is amazing to me. The Southwest Community Concert Band has always been active in Chicagos southwest suburbs, though its base of operations has moved over the years, according to President Jim Valtman, of Minooka. As a nonprofit organization, the band relies on donations and the proceeds of paid performances, as well as buildings willing to host it. The band once practiced at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. Then they played at First Nazarene Church in Lemont and Eagle Rock Community Church in Homer Glen before landing at the Orland Park Cultural Center. But band members are uncertain it they still be there after this calendar year. Its just up in the air, Valtman said. We have a search team out looking for new locations. The best of all worlds would be to have a home we can perform in. Sundberg, now also the bands business manager, librarian and grants chairperson, said she never thought about the longevity of the organization until those moves. That the band held together through the changes was a sign of something special, she said. I thought, well, this is going to keep going, Sundberg said. People felt so strong that they wanted a place to play. The band also had a few conductor changes in its early days. After a couple of years with Potter at the helm, Neil Dunlap, a jazz trumpeter and conductor from Beverly, took the baton. Leo Henning, a longtime Southland director with history at St. Laurence and Brother Rice high schools, took over a few years later and helped create a governing board for the band. Advertisement When Henning retired, he passed the baton to Ray Forlenza, the band director for Kirby Elementary District 140, who has led the musicians for more than 20 years. Good people are involved, Forlenza said. Its a good way for them to escape the stress of their jobs or anything that may be going on in their life. For two hours a week we play music, and every six weeks or so we put on a nice performance to go out and showcase what theyve been working with. And those musicians come from a variety of professions. While the Southwest Community Band has attracted a lot of band directors who enjoy playing in their free time, Valtman said the demographics include players in their 20s to late 80s, music educators, people who perform for a living as well as physicians and mechanics. Its a very, very diverse organization, Valtman said. Forlenza, of Tinley Park, said the band members make connections through their shared language. They find the love of music and theyre able to continue on this passion and share it with others, he said. The people are just very dedicated to what they do. When they come to perform or rehearse, they take what they do pretty seriously and take a lot of pride in what they do. Advertisement The Southwest Community Concert Bands Brass Ensemble has featured, from left, Cindy and Jim Valtman, Terry Sundberg, Cheryl Ciammetti, Ken Kirschner, Paul Benck, Steve Imig and John Trzesniak. (Southwest Community Concert Band) The band is always looking for brass, woodwind and percussion musicians with some high school or college experience. The band will take members as young as 16, but Sundberg said they are not allowed to give up school band or obligations associated with it. It also works with college students who may be home on break or recently graduated. Members rehearse weekly, with multiple indoor and outdoor concerts throughout the year. We do a lot of cool things, musically speaking, Valtman said. The band also has outreach programs to offer youth music education through an annual winter band day and summer band camp. Forlenza has overseen those elements, which have reached close to 3,000 students. The anniversary concert is part of the bands first full concert season since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For roughly two years, the band did not make any music, erring on the side of caution and shutting down operations, Valtman said. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > That was really tough for everybody, Forlenza said. Its good to get back into playing and at the level were able to perform at once again. Valtman said it was a great feeling when the band started rehearsing in an outdoor pavilion and then playing park concerts again. But it is even better that they have been back to a full schedule in time for the 40th anniversary. Advertisement When we came back full force this spring, everyone got into it, Valtman said. Musicians seem to spring back. Im not quite sure whats in the DNA or the attitude. It helps having a group of people that are dedicated to it. While Sundberg may be the longest-tenured example of that dedication, she is far from the only example. The shared passion for music held by members of the Southwest Community Concert Band has been key to its longevity. It takes a village to do this, to run this band, she said. Weve been doing pretty good, and we have people who are willing to help. Its here to stay. For more information about the band, go to swcommunityband.com. Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. Nonetheless, only a fool would ignore the risk that a loss making company burns through its cash too quickly. So, the natural question for Greenland Minerals (ASX:GGG) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'. Check out our latest analysis for Greenland Minerals How Long Is Greenland Minerals' Cash Runway? A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. When Greenland Minerals last reported its balance sheet in June 2022, it had zero debt and cash worth AU$27m. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through AU$6.2m. Therefore, from June 2022 it had 4.4 years of cash runway. A runway of this length affords the company the time and space it needs to develop the business. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below. How Is Greenland Minerals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? While Greenland Minerals did record statutory revenue of AU$72k over the last year, it didn't have any revenue from operations. That means we consider it a pre-revenue business, and we will focus our growth analysis on cash burn, for now. With the cash burn rate up 3.0% in the last year, it seems that the company is ratcheting up investment in the business over time. However, the company's true cash runway will therefore be shorter than suggested above, if spending continues to increase. Admittedly, we're a bit cautious of Greenland Minerals due to its lack of significant operating revenues. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth. Can Greenland Minerals Raise More Cash Easily? Since its cash burn is increasing (albeit only slightly), Greenland Minerals shareholders should still be mindful of the possibility it will require more cash in the future. Companies can raise capital through either debt or equity. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate). Since it has a market capitalisation of AU$66m, Greenland Minerals' AU$6.2m in cash burn equates to about 9.3% of its market value. Given that is a rather small percentage, it would probably be really easy for the company to fund another year's growth by issuing some new shares to investors, or even by taking out a loan. So, Should We Worry About Greenland Minerals' Cash Burn? As you can probably tell by now, we're not too worried about Greenland Minerals' cash burn. In particular, we think its cash runway stands out as evidence that the company is well on top of its spending. Although its increasing cash burn does give us reason for pause, the other metrics we discussed in this article form a positive picture overall. Looking at all the measures in this article, together, we're not worried about its rate of cash burn; the company seems well on top of its medium-term spending needs. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 3 warning signs for Greenland Minerals you should be aware of, and 2 of them are significant. If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow. 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 Months away from the peak of COVID-19 in South Dakota, the state is prepping for another winter during the pandemic, but this year might not see a surge in cases as the previous two years. The latest weekly COVID-19 update from the South Dakota Department of Health showed a steady decline in cases and deaths reported. Three South Dakotans have died within the last week based on the latest figures, with 63 others hospitalized with the disease. In 2020 and 2021, the end of the year saw increases in the spread of the virus as fall went into winter, but this year an Avera doctor said cases won't spike as much. More:South Dakota's average ACT composite score was higher than the national average, again "That's kind of encouraging. We haven't seen a steady increase piling on top of each other like we've seen the last couple of years, at least so far," said Dr. David Basel, of Avera Health. A year ago, there were 453 active cases of the virus across South Dakota, according to the state. As of Wednesday, the state reported 130 cases across the state. Basel, an internal medicine physician and pediatrician, said one thing that does worry the medical community is the Omnicron variant of COVID-19 is more contagious than previous variants. "Because it's more contagious, immunity to it wanes faster than some of the previous ones," Basel said. Hospitalizations aren't expected to increase like in previous surges, Basel said, but less severe cases can present themselves in people who are vaccinated or had COVID-19 in the summer. "People out with COVID is gonna continue to happen," he said. "As far as hospitalizations, I don't think we're headed back toward the huge numbers that we had say last spring." Another benefit hospitals like Avera and Sanford Health have in South Dakota is experience dealing with surges in COVID, Basel said. And now vaccines and booster shots are also an option for those wanting to avoid a serious case of COVID-19. Story continues More:More South Dakota students going hungry after federal free meal program ends Dr. Mike Wilde, vice president, medical officer at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, said hospitalizations remain low in large part due to vaccine usage. We continue to see a low number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. With the new bivalent booster available, we recommend people get their bivalent booster dose along with their influenza vaccine to help keep themselves and others healthy this winter, Wilde said. Basel said it's possible to catch the flu and COVID-19, but avoiding either virus is as simple as scheduling a shot. You can even get both administered in a single visit. Overall, South Dakota has seen a total of 263,468 cases since the start of the pandemic in spring 2020, and a total of 3,049 deaths. The deaths are defined as those who died with a COVID-19 infection. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Avera doctor says COVID-19 surge in South Dakota unexpected this winter David Sedaris Youre f**king queer! For those of us of a certain age, a statement like that, delivered with venom, can elicit terror. For those of this generation, a statement like that, delivered euphorically, can elicit joy. Case in point, while talking with participants at the Helsinki Pride March this summer, my body jolted when I heard a young woman scream, Youre f**king queer! When I turned around to see what prompted that, I saw two young teenagers hugging and jumping up and down. I surmised that she saw an acquaintance, who she didnt know was queer, and feigned shocked excitement. And notice how I used the word queer to describe her friend. I could have said lesbian, but would that have been a presumption? Perhaps the young woman was bi? Or nonbinary? Whether to use the word queer positively has been hashed out many times before, so this argument is nothing new; however, last weekend, gay (queer?) humorist and author David Sedaris did a commentary for CBS Sunday Morning during which he attempted to find humor in the growing use of the word queer. He lamented that he started as a homosexual, then became gay, then LGBT, and now queer. He said it was like coming out all over again. He doesnt want to be rebranded as queer, and thats his prerogative. And then, in a discomforting way, he announced that he was straight since that never changes. What about heterosexual, heteroromantic, or hetero? He compared the term straight with Jewish or female because he said those terms are consistent. I wont go too deep there, but what about Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform? And saying the word woman is consistent seems a bit misogynist? Im going to let feminist legend Gloria Steinem dive into that one. OK, back to queer. Sedaris's harangue is about one minute and 30 seconds, with so much to unpack. He says he met a tall woman who identified as queer, though shes never been with a woman, and shes queer because shes tall. That seems like a bad example of why queer is bad. But if she says shes queer, then shes fine to identify however shed like. Story continues This brings us back to Sedaris. No one is asking that he, as an individual, identify as queer. He can continue to identify as gay or as a homosexual. His stance posits as if queer has replaced homosexual or gay, and that's not the case at all. Personally, because Im a bitter old queen (I have every right to say that since Ive seen it in the comment section many times during the last three years), I prefer not to be called queer. That doesnt mean I dont like the word queer. I spoke to one of our lesbian staff members since, as a gay man, I shouldnt be speaking for lesbians. It was pointed out to me that when you think about it in context, if any label could make this case, it's certainly the lesbians, as the term really disappeared for quite a while. Remember when lesbians were first gay, and then they were lesbians, and then women who became queer? When I speak to women who are lesbian or bi or nonbinary, almost to a person, they describe themselves as queer. I did a column with Lea DeLaria, who is queer. And I just spoke to global pop star Betty Who, and she also identifies as queer. As a writer, Im happy to be able to use the word queer, and Sedaris, as a writer, should feel the same way. I get to talk to a lot of people writing for The Advocate, and many of them, particularly from this current generation, prefer to be called queer, and Im all for that. In addition, it is a great umbrella term. Writing for the LGBTQ+ community, you can only use LGBTQ+ so many times in a column. Many, including myself, appreciate the fact that we, as a community, have reclaimed a word that once brought terror into our hearts, i.e. a threatening Youre f**king queer! Thats not to say it was easy for some of us to accept queer. I remember when I started writing three years ago how hard it was to type that word and then to look at it staring back at me. But over time Ive accepted that word and the positivity that now surrounds it. I think Ill be subconsciously hearing the young woman in Helsinki using the word queer so proudly for a long time. Im proud of this generation for embracing the word queer, because its helping to inform prior generations about the inclusiveness and openness of our community. Thats what the word really represents. Older generations scoff at us for having too many letters in our acronym. They dont need another reason to mock us. CBS Sunday Morning is a show that skews to an older demographic in TV and ratings parlance, those over 50. And that audience is predominately straight, even with gay contributors like Sedaris and Mo Rocca. What Im afraid of is that Sedariss riff that trashed the word queer just gave older straight Americans another reason to disparage us. Further, by adopting the word straight in a humorous way to describe himself implies that being queer is somehow indecisive as opposed to being a conclusive straight person. Ive always liked Sedaris and wish he would have explained why the word queer matters. When I first saw his commentary, I laughed, and related to the fact that I didnt like to be called queer either. Doesnt mean I dont like the word, just that I prefer not to be called queer like Sedaris. But then I watched his observation again and again and again, and I began to see why it wasnt funny at all. Sedaris admits to being 64 as a way perhaps to approach it from a POV of a sexagenarian (Oh, the irony!). But that doesnt give him a pass. Look at 80-year-old comedian Robin Tyler, who identifies as queer and nonbinary. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the meaningfulness and affirmative use of the word queer can be traced back to the late 1980s and early 90s when activists created the slogan Were here, were queer, get used to it to draw attention to the AIDS crisis and inequality. And that phrase, with queer as the crescendo, made an everlasting, historic impact. As a 64-year-old, Sedaris, Im sure, doesnt need to be reminded about that. Im here, and Im gay and proud of it. And Im also proud that I typed the word queer almost 40 times in this column without a second thought. John Casey is editor at large for The Advocate. Views expressed in The Advocates opinion articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, Equal Pride. (Getty Images) Wikipedia has been forced to ask users to be more specific when searching for the UKgovernments political crises. The online encyclopedia added a disambiguation page for the phrase 2022 United Kingdom government crisis on Wednesday, to distinguish between the scandal that forced out former prime minister Boris Johnson and the one that has now resulted in the resignation of Liz Truss. Liz Truss became the shortest serving prime minister in history after announcing her resignation having clocked up just 44 full days in the role a long way behind the next shortest premiership, that of Tory statesman George Canning, who spent 118 full days as PM in 1827 before dying in office from ill health. Ms Truss was to have overtaken this number of days on January 3 2023, but instead she will fall short by more than two months, with her successor due to be elected within the next week. In a brief statement at a lectern in Downing Street, Ms Truss said she accepted that she cannot deliver the mandate on which she was elected. Weve agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week, she said. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our countrys economic stability and national security. I will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer issued a demand for an immediate election once a new Tory leader is in place. The Conservative Party has shown it no longer has a mandate to govern, he said. After 12 years of Tory failure, the British people deserve so much better than this revolving door of chaos. The Independent has also called for a general election due to the turmoil under Ms Truss government because it is a simple and fundamental principle that the government derives its democratic legitimacy from the people. The future of the country must not be decided by plotting and U-turns at Westminster; it must be decided by the people in a general election. Additional reporting by Press Association. Update:U.S. Supreme Court rejects Wisconsin lawsuit challenging Biden's student loan forgiveness plan A Wisconsin conservative law firm asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to temporarily block President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan just days before debt cancellation may begin. The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed the emergency appeal on behalf of the Brown County Taxpayers Association, which argues Biden's plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt is illegal executive overreach. What Constitutional power does Biden have to take John Q. Publics money and pay Jane Q. Publics school loans?" Brown County Taxpayers Association President Rich Heidel said in a statement. "Why not her mortgage, why not her car loan? How did the college-educated caste become the lucky ones? When and how does this stop? This nonsense not only defies the US Constitution it defies common sense!" Heidel's argument received little traction in the lower courts. U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach, who was appointed to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush, ruled earlier this month that the taxpayers association doesn't have standing before the court, or the grounds to sue. The appeals court also dismissed the group's request to temporarily pause the program from taking effect. The Biden administration is facing several legal challenges relating to the program but this is the first to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Student loan debt forgiveness could begin Sunday The U.S. Education Department has said in court filings that the soonest it may forgive student debt is Sunday. The emergency request to keep the plan on hold while the groups legal challenge goes forward was filed to Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who has jurisdiction over the lower court that ruled on the case. The case arrived on the court's "shadow docket," which is typically used for ruling on procedural and scheduling matters. But the shadow docket has taken on a larger role in the court's work in recent years, allowing the court to make decisions quickly and without the traditional written briefs, oral arguments and signed opinions. Story continues A decision could be made in a matter of days. Biden enacted the debt relief plan under the HEROES Act, which was passed after the Sept. 11 attacks and gives the administration authority to forgive student loan debt in association with military operations or national emergencies. Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty removed race argument to U.S. Supreme Court The conservative group also previously argued that Biden's plan has an "improper racial motive" and violates the Constitutions guarantee of equal protection of the laws because the White House has said the debt cancellation will help narrow the racial wealth gap and advance racial equity. WILL removed the race argument from its petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. The application for borrowers to apply for one-time loan forgiveness officially opened on Monday and is available at https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application. More than 12 million people have already applied. Borrowers have until Dec. 31, 2023, to apply, but the administration has recommended people apply by Nov. 15 of this year to have the form processed before the pause on federal student loan payments is lifted in January. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin group asks Supreme Court to block Biden's loan forgiveness An investigation is underway after private videos and photos of the University of Wisconsin womens volleyball team were shared online without consent. The unauthorized sharing is a significant and wrongful invasion of the student-athletes privacy, including potential violations of university policies and criminal statutes, the universitys athletics department said in a tweeted statement on Tuesday. The department said the images were never intended to be shared publicly. Team members contacted university police after becoming aware that the images had been posted online, the department added. UWPD is investigating multiple crimes, including sharing sensitive photos without consent, the department said. UWPD is not investigating the volleyball student-athletes for wrongdoing in this matter. Statement from UW Athletics pic.twitter.com/M2lK2OYg8a Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) October 19, 2022 According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, one of the images appears to have been taken after the team won the Big Ten Title in November of 2021. The paper reported that the image showed players with their sports bras lifted. Our top priority is supporting our student-athletes and we are providing them with the appropriate services and resources, the athletics department said. Most of the posts have been removed, The Sentinel reported. The paper called the team a national powerhouse and arguably the athletic departments most successful program. The team reached the Final Four during the last three seasons and the final three times in the last ten years. Its currently ranked fifth in the US, The Sentinel noted. Angela Titus, left, assistant deputy director and chief program officer for the Wisconsin Historical Society, and Peter Baker, president of the Lake Ivanhoe Homeowners Association, unveil the Lake Ivanhoe historic marker on Saturday in Burlington. The marker focuses on a place considered to be Wisconsins first Black-owned resort community, founded by three Black community leaders from Chicago in 1926. After nearly two decades of advocating for historic recognition of his hometown, Peter Baker on Saturday unveiled a marker from the Wisconsin Historical Society recognizing Lake Ivanhoe as the state's first Black-founded resort community, established in 1926. While the population has shifted over the years, residents past and present reunited Saturday at the Lake Ivanhoe Clubhouse to share memories and thank Baker for fighting to remember their community. Baker hasnt left. When I stepped foot on Lake Ivanhoe I knew I was home, and I dont have any intentions of leaving this community; its something thats in my heart," Baker said. Baker, inspired in the early 2000s when he read the 1972 masters thesis about Lake Ivanhoe by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student Samuel Gonzalez, has been giving presentations for years about the history. He helped untie a red ribbon Saturday to reveal the sign that he helped write in collaboration with the historical society. The Lake Ivanhoe historic marker was unveiled Saturday in Burlington. It is the Wisconsin Historical Society's eighth marker focused on Black history, out of over 600 in the state. The historical society plans to erect about 40 new markers in the next three years focused on "underrepresented histories," supported by a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Historic markers, which can cost up to several thousand dollars, have traditionally been conceived of and paid for by local organizations, so cost has been a barrier, said Fitzie Heimdahl, Historical Markers Program coordinator. The grant allowed the Wisconsin Historical Society to fast-track the Lake Ivanhoe marker. "It fills in the history of who African Americans are in Wisconsin," said Angela Titus, assistant deputy director for the Wisconsin Historical Society. "You tend to hear one-sided stories, not the full complexity of peoples lives, having this wonderful place to come away and be tranquil and be with family." Members of the Lake Ivanhoe Homeowners Association prepare to unveil the Lake Ivanhoe historic marker Saturday. Marking the state's first Black-owned resort community Baker first saw Lake Ivanhoe in 1966. A pre-teen growing up in Chicago, he visited the nearly all-Black rural subdivision on a fishing trip with his friend Keith Woods and Woods' grandfather. Story continues Upon hearing about the community, Baker's parents bought a home there soon after. Like many residents, Baker didn't learn the community's history until stumbling across it years later. Lake Ivanhoe had been founded in 1926 by Chicago Black men who wanted a safe place to vacation amid segregation and sundown towns white communities where Black people were not welcome after dark. The men attorney Jeremiah Brumfield, business executive Frank Anglin and politician Bradford Watson purchased 86 acres and built up a thriving vacation destination through the 1920s. While the businesses suffered in the Great Depression, Lake Ivanhoe saw a revival in the 1950s and '60s when families like Baker's rediscovered the area as a safe haven. Some of those families still live there. Others have moved away but return for regular visits. Serving barbecue at the event Saturday was former resident Anthony Madison, whose grandparents came from Alabama and ran a restaurant down the road until the 1970s. Madison now lives in Milwaukee but said he comes back frequently and works on renovation projects. Peter Baker, president of the Lake Ivanhoe Homeowners Association, gets emotional as they prepare to unveil a historic marker for Lake Ivanhoe, an African American founded community, on Saturday in Burlington. The marker focuses on a place considered to be Wisconsins first Black-owned resort community, founded by three Black community leaders from Chicago in 1926. Madison said he was grateful to Baker for pushing to remember the history and motivating residents come back together. "It means a lot that this is not a lost, historical place for African Americans, for us as Blacks," he said. "People do not understand how much that means to us, being out here in the middle of predominantly non-Black area. For us to be out here is very important." Woods, the friend who first brought Baker to Lake Ivanhoe, has always returned to the community. As a teen, with his family still living in Chicago, he would visit Baker every other weekend and for the summers. He left for college, then moved to Lake Ivanhoe after college. He spent 13 years in California, then moved back and doesn't plan to leave. Like many people at the event Saturday, Woods said he didn't know the history until he heard about it from Baker. Titus said the goal of the historic markers is to help more communities uncover forgotten histories. "Often people dont know the history of their local communities because its been hidden or people have migrated out of the area," Titus said. "Even for here at Lake Ivanhoe, Ive met people today who had no idea until someone else mentioned it to them, and they were shocked that in Wisconsin there was this lake community for Black folks." How to get a historic marker Titus said the Lake Ivanhoe designation is "just the start of telling more of these stories." She said the historical society has brought on more staff to make the process faster and easier for more communities to apply for markers. To apply, fill out a form on the historical society website or contact Fitzie Heimdahl at 715-471-0770 or fitzie.heimdahl@wisconsinhistory.org. Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @RoryLinnane. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Black-owned Lake Ivanhoe community gets historic designation Danny Masterson is pictured backstage at a music festival in Nashville on May 24, 2017. John Shearer / Getty Images LOS ANGELES A woman who has accused Danny Masterson of violently raping her broke down in court on Wednesday as she described how she came in and out of consciousness as the That '70s Show actor allegedly assaulted her. Speaking in graphic detail, the woman, who is being referred to by her initials, J.B., testified through tears that she woke up multiple times to find Masterson on top of her penetrating her vaginally without her consent at his Hollywood Hills home early in the morning on April 25, 2003. The first time, she said, she reached up and grabbed the hair on the back of his head to try to get him to stop, but he quickly removed her hand and continued to rape her. J.B. then grabbed a pillow from behind her neck and smashed it into his face to try to push him away, she testified, but that also didnt work. He shoved it back in my face harder and I completely with all this body weight on me just smothered, J.B. said, struggling to get the words out as she cried. I could not breathe. I couldn't breathe. She said after that, she lost consciousness, and when she came to again, the pillow was no longer on her face but Masterson was still on top of her. This time, she testified, she grabbed onto his throat; his face was inches away from her and looked angry as shed never seen him before. He was so scary, J.B. said. According to her, he then pulled her hand off his throat. His face, Id never seen it look like that, she testified. Holding her hands down with one of his hands, Masterson then wrapped his other hand around her throat, she said, and squeezed really hard. I thought that I was going to die, she said, shaking as she cried. Hes going to kill me. J.B. is one of three women Masterson, 46, a celebrity Scientologist who is best known for playing Steven Hyde on That '70s Show, is charged with raping by force or fear at his Hollywood Hills home in 2001 and 2003. The women, who are all former Scientologists, say that in each incident, Masterson supplied them with alcohol, and when they became disoriented, he took them upstairs to his bedroom and violently raped them. Story continues Masterson has pleaded not guilty to the charges and claimed that he had only consensual sex with the women. If convicted, he faces up to 45 years to life in prison. As J.B. described the 2003 incident on the witness stand, Masterson stared at her from across the room, at times resting his face on his hand. She testified that she had not intended to end up at the actor's house that night but went there with a friend to pick keys to the home of Brie Shaffer, her best friend and Masterson's assistant. She'd planned to sleep at there before taking Shaffer to the airport early in the morning. But they couldn't locate the keys, she said, so J.B. and her friend planned to crash on Masterson's couch until they could connect with Shaffer. But then Masterson brought J.B. a drink, she said, and after she had consumed about half of it, forced her into his jacuzzi. While sitting in the water, J.B. said she noticed her vision had become blurry, and she felt nauseous but was unable to pull herself out of the hot tub. Masterson then took her upstairs and stuck his fingers down her throat as she vomited into his toilet, she testified. After getting her in the shower, Masterson laid her down on his bed. She said she passed out until being woken up by the pain of him penetrating her vagina. In the middle of her testimony, J.B. began crying and shaking uncontrollably, saying, I cant do this. I cant do this. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo paused the proceedings for several minutes, then the testimony continued. Earlier on Wednesday, J.B. testified about the aftermath of a September 2002 incident in which she said Masterson penetrated her anally without her consent. After that incident, which is not charged in this case, she said she told a number of her and Mastersons mutual friends who were members of the Church of Scientology including Lisa Marie Presley, who left the church in 2014, and Shaffer. She said Presley was shocked, and Shaffer was upset not with Masterson, but with J.B. It was her boss that I was speaking ill of, J.B. said. She added several of her friends wrote and submitted what she called knowledge reports to Scientology officials for upsetting the group. She said it was her understanding that members would write these reports when they had relevant information about something that was nonideal, so church officials could then call people in to take steps to fix what we did wrong or to stop us from doing that again. As a result, J.B. said, she was summoned to the churchs ethics office and underwent ethics programs over several weeks in which she was pressured to make amends with Masterson and other members. She testified that she was also told to take responsibility for what happened and stop blaming Masterson or holding him responsible for what she says he did. J.B. said church officials told her to look at my actions, what I did wrong, and how I was probably not an unwilling participant. When Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller asked whether that instruction surprised her, she said it didnt because she understood from growing up in Scientology that you can never be a victim. Nothing ever happens to you that you didn't cause, J.B. testified. No matter how horrible, no matter what happens to you, you are responsible. You created that. Jurors have been instructed by the court to not take witnesses testimony about Scientology and its practices as fact but to only consider them in order to judge their credibility. Even so, the church, which has been heavily scrutinized for its beliefs, secrecy, and alleged physically and financially abusive practices, is expected to play a prominent role in the proceedings. During opening statements, Mueller narrowed in on several rules and terms used by the church to show how Masterson escaped accountability for so long and why the women initially feared turning to law enforcement. Following the alleged assault in 2003, J.B. said she went to the ethics office and spoke with the same official she had talked to after the 2002 incident. It was during this meeting that the official warned her against using the word "rape," she testified during a preliminary hearing last year. On Wednesday, she referenced the warning by stating that "he corrected a word that I used." It wasn't until over a year later in June 2004 that J.B. first reported the incident to the Los Angeles Police Department. She testified that she didn't go to the police sooner because in the church community "you cannot report another Scientologist in good standing," as she understood Masterson was, to the authorities. "I immediately would be guilty of a high crime," J.B. said. The penalty for which was "expulsion" from the church, meaning that no members could speak or have any contact with her. For J.B. that meant being cut off from her parents, who were also Scientologists and who she lived with and worked for, and all of her friends. "My life would be over," she testified, choking up again. "My parents would have to disconnect from me. My daughter couldn't go to ... school. I couldn't talk to my friends ever again. ... I wouldn't have anywhere to work or live." Prior to reaching out to the LAPD, J.B. said, she sought permission from the church's international justice chief to press criminal charges against Masterson, but her request was denied. After talking to police, J.B. said, she assumed that an order to declare her a "suppressive person," or what prosecutors described to the jury as an enemy of the church, had been prepared and that she was to accept it unless there was another way to fix the issue. That's when, she testified, that her father and a church attorney offered her the option to enter into a nondisclosure agreement. The details of that agreement are not to be discussed in court under a previous ruling by the judge, but as part of the terms J.B. was paid $400,000. She said that in her eyes, her options were to sign the agreement or essentially "end [her] existence" and "go get declared." No charges were ultimately filed against Masterson in relation to J.B.'s 2004 complaint. She testified that she was first contacted in 2016 about the police investigation that resulted in the current charges. When asked by Mueller whether she had any concerns about testifying in these proceedings, J.B. said she thinks she's broken the NDA "about 50 times" and could face financial penalties as a result. He followed up by asking whether she feared any retaliation or harassment from other members of the church. "Half this courtroom," J.B. said without pause. As she spoke, Masterson's wife, actor Bijou Phillips, as well as his siblings, and other family members and friends were among those seated in the court gallery. J.B. is expected to continue testifying on Thursday morning under cross-examination by Masterson's attorney. More on this Younger people these days seem less inclined to seek public office amid a toxic political environment that appears to discourage good people from becoming involved in government. From the halls of Congress to south and southwest suburban schools, municipalities and other taxing bodies governed by locally elected officials, the median age of public servants seems to be increasing. Advertisement We need a new generation, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said on NBCs Meet the Press Oct. 9. We need new blood, in the House, the Senate and White House. I think that the country has been saying that. Ill add that we need new blood on city councils, village boards, township boards, park boards, library boards and other local units of government. Advertisement Statistically, people in their late teens and 20s are least likely to exercise their right to vote in elections. Voter turnout has historically been lowest among eligible voters who are 18 to 27 years old. With the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and other seismic shifts in our legal system, young people are about to discover that if they dont get involved in politics, politics is going to get involved in them. The best way for future leaders to gain experience needed to capably serve in statehouses and Congress is to seek and hold local offices. A good example is state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights. DeLuca, 52, served on the Bloom Township High School District 206 Board from 1995 to 2003 and as mayor of Chicago Heights from 2003 to 2009 before becoming a state lawmaker. I was 25 when I was first elected to the school board and 32 when I became mayor, DeLuca told me Wednesday. When I was running I talked about bringing in a fresh set of eyes. We often talk about, Well, thats the way weve always done things. Usually younger people bring a new perspective. Robbins Mayor Darren E. Bryant also sets a good example for the next generation of civic leaders. Bryant, who teaches physical education at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, was 29 when he took office last year. Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant speaks at an Aug. 12, 2022, groundbreaking ceremony for a $20 million food control project in his village. (Metropolitan Water Reclamation District) Bryant said at the time his research indicated he was the youngest Black person ever elected mayor in Illinois and the second youngest person overall to be a mayor in the state. Face it, many of our nations leaders are getting long in the tooth. President Joe Biden, the oldest person to take the oath of office as president, turns 80 on Nov. 20. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is 82. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is 80. Former President Donald Trump is 76. Advertisement This older class of politicians appears to be a relatively recent phenomenon. President Barack Obama was 47 when he took office in 2009. Bill Clinton was 46 when he was sworn in as president in 1993. They were only slightly older than the youngest person ever elected president, John F. Kennedy, who was 43 in 1960. The percentage of members of Congress age 70 or older has skyrocketed from about 10% in 2000 to 23% today. The increase in median age of elected officials seems to correlate with the rise of partisanship and division and the decline of civility in our political discourse. Who can blame younger people for staying on the sidelines? What young person today would want to give up spending time with family and friends to serve the public and subject themselves to lies and vicious attacks from political opponents? Our communities and our nation benefit from the wisdom and experience of older leaders. But those leaders should be sharing their expertise directly with a younger generation. Ideally, local governing bodies and legislatures would have a balanced mix of younger and older members. People in the 20s getting involved in public service should be the norm, not the exception. Donors clarify campaign contributions A representative of donors to state Sen. Emil Jones III, D-Chicago, contacted me to offer clarity and context about contributions that Jones recently reported to the Illinois State Board of Elections. I initially included information about the donations in a column that appeared in Wednesdays edition of the Daily Southtown. Advertisement I routinely examine quarterly campaign finance reports that candidates are required to file with the state. The information is public record and I share it with readers because I believe it is important to follow the money and to let people know who is financially supporting their elected officials. Jones has represented the 14th Senate District since 2010. The district covers part of Chicagos Far South Side and all or parts of Palos Heights, Oak Forest, Crestwood, Blue Island, Alsip, Midlothian and Riverdale. In September, federal authorities charged Jones with bribery in connection with an investigation into corruption involving red-light cameras. Jones has pleaded not guilty. He is uncontested in the Nov. 8 election and has resisted calls by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others to resign from the Senate. Public records showed that during the quarter ending Sept. 30, Jones reported $24,000 in donations from two trusts and another entity linked to Todd Schwartz, founder and CEO of OppFi and partner and Schwarz Capital. Additionally, Jones reported a $12,000 contribution Oct. 17 from OppFi, also known as Opportunity Financial. A representative of Opportunity Financial asked to share a statement about the contributions. Advertisement Emil Jones had represented to us that he was concerned with access to credit, financial education and inclusion, things we care deeply about, OppFi said. This was our understanding of Emil Jones beliefs and policy objectives when we made these donations to Jones in July 2022, prior to federal charges being filed against him in September 2022. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Todd Schwartz and OppFi are committed to the mission of expanding credit access and financial education, and will continue to support the leaders and legislators, on a state and federal level, that are aligned with this mission, OppFi said. Entities that help entrepreneurs in the south suburbs and elsewhere gain access to capital provide valuable services and opportunities that historically have not been easily available to small business owners and others in the Southland. In other words, theyre the good guys. The companys response raises questions about the timing of when Jones reported the contributions. Candidates are required to report when contributions are deposited. In other words, candidates must report when they cash checks, not when they receive them. Jones did not immediately respond Thursday to a message left at his district office. Efforts to contact his campaign were unsuccessful. Advertisement Ted Slowik is a columnist for the Daily Southtown. tslowik@tribpub.com US-CLIMATE-IMF-ENVIRONMENT Climate activists protest outside the World Bank headquarters against fossil fuel projects during the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Washington, DC on October 14, 2022. Credit - OLIVIER DOULIERY-AFP When David Malpass, president of the World Bank, was asked point-blank in September if he accepts the scientific consensus that the burning of fossil fuels is dangerously warming the planet, he dodged the question multiple times before finally responding I am not a scientist. These days you dont have to be a scientist to recognize the clear connection between burning coal, oil, and gas and the climate-fueled flooding this summer in Pakistan that killed nearly 1,500 people, displaced hundreds of thousands, and fueled an outbreak of waterborne illness. Or the catastrophic flash floods Hurricanes Fiona and Ian unleashed on Puerto Rico and Florida in the past few weeks. Many of the people most impacted by the climate crisis reside in countries served by the World Bank. In the public furor that erupted in the weeks since, Malpass walked the comment back, proclaiming, Im not a denier, and even trying to defend his position during the World Bank meetings in Washington, DC, last week. The trouble is, its not his statements that are actively driving climate devastation. Its Malpass own record. Analyses indicate that over $1 billion dollars in World Bank funding have gone toward fossil fuel projects since Malpass became president. And while the World Banks stated mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, its continued funding of fossil fuel projects fails to account for the impacts that climate change is already having on the global economy. In 2021, extreme weather and climate-related events led to nearly $240 billion in global losses. Malpass is not alone. Multilateral development banks (MDBs)like the World Bankhave extraordinary influence over the global energy sector, effectively determining what kinds of projects can and cant be built. And while they commit to aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and tackling the climate crisis publicly, they effectively deny it in practice, providing an estimated $18 billion in financing for fossil fuel projects from 20182020 alone. Story continues We are out of time for this one step forward, three steps back policy from the worlds financial institutions. Last month, as Malpass equivocated, a report co-authored by the International Energy Agency projected the world would need at least $1 trillion in annual investments in renewables by 2030 to accelerate energy transition on the scale and at the pace necessary to avert climate catastrophe. Signals matter. Especially coming from the worlds pre-eminent MDB. Malpass indicated that hed welcome meeting with climate scientists. Is it conceivable that he hasnt even met with experts in the field or is ignorant to the consensus scientific reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change? Malpass has had years to live up to the World Banks stated commitment to end financing for fossil fuel projects in all but exceptional cases. Instead, hes used the Bank to slow walk the energy transition we so desperately need to stop warming and give the planet any shot of preventing the worst of climate change. His delay has contributed to millions already suffering through rising droughts, storms, floods, and more and millions more in the years ahead. We need real leadership on the climate crisis from the World Bank and other MDBs. Especially with the UNs critical COP 27 climate conference fast approaching and an opportunity for global finance to supercharge the just transition to clean energy already underway. Change has to start at the top. Malpass had his chance to lead and passed. Its time for a new way forwardand a new World Bank president. The exterior of the house. Eric Staudenmaier A funky, trapezoidal house in Venice, California, is for sale for $5.8 million. J. Stewart Burns, a writer for "The Simpson," and his wife, screenwriter Lillian Yu, own the home. Burns says architecture students sometimes gather outside the property to study its design. From a distance, J. Stewart Burns' house in Venice, California, looks like it's upside down. A flat roof rises up from a triangular-looking base. One wall is a nearly unbroken slab of gray, and one side of the home appears to be supported by an all-glass room. The exterior of the house. Eric Staudenmaier "I first saw the house a few weeks before buying it. I loved it," Burns told Insider via email. He initially lived there with his daughters, who moved away when they got older. Soon after, he got married to screenwriter Lillian Yu, and the couple had three children together in the house. "The house is very flexible," Burns, who's a writer on "The Simpsons," said. "It wasn't set up for a family, but I saw how it could be, and that's what we did." Now, after eight years of living in the home, Burns is putting it on the market for $5.8 million. This is the first time he's tried to sell the house since he bought it for $2.3 million in 2014, per property records. Located steps from Abbott Kinney Boulevard and Venice Beach, the house consists of two towers connected by a bridge. The primary living area downstairs. Eric Staudenmaier The Venice, California home, also known as Tectonic House, was completed in 2001 by Viennese architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, per the listing. "Venice is filled with all different styles of homes, from cutting-edge, architecturally significant residences to beach cottages that date back to the 20s and 30s," Sandra Miller, the listing agent from Engel & Voelkers Santa Monica, told Insider. The house fits right into the neighborhood, which is known as a laidback beach community with strong art and cultural ties, Miller said. Architecture students sometimes gather outside the home to study its design, Burns added. Houses in Venice, California, have a median listing home price of $2.6 million, per data from real-estate platform Realtor.com. There are currently 95 single family homes for sale in the area, with prices that range from $1.1 million to $12.8 million. Story continues The most striking interior feature of the Tectonic House is a plywood art installation that weaves around the staircase and along the walls of the house. The plywood art installation weaves along the staircase and up the walls of the house. Eric Staudenmaier The installation, known as Parasite, was not part of the home's original design. Instead, the couple had it added later on. The couple described it as having high artistic value, but also a practical function: It was, they said, "a way to add some shelving, a bench, a coat closet, an office space, and make our bedroom a lot more interesting." The original architectural firm, Coop Himmelb(l)au, was not involved in any of the renovations, Eva Jussel, the head of communications for the company, told Insider. Burns is selling the house because he and his wife want a larger space to accommodate their growing family. The plywood art installation doubles as a storage shelf. Eric Staudenmaier "We had a baby, and then another, and then another," Burns said. "The house is very flexible, but it's not a clown car. We finally had to give up and get something bigger." The house has an open floor plan that allows natural light to filter in through the windows. The kitchen. Eric Staudenmaier "I live in the neighborhood and had driven by so many times. When I stepped in, I immediately fell in love with the volume of the space," listing agent Miller said. The house is designed to allow wind to enter from its base and exit through the openings on the roof, per a press release sent to Insider. Because the house is close to the ocean, the natural sea breeze keeps it cool without air conditioning. For the couple, the house is like a living piece of art that changes every time they look at it. One of the four bedrooms in the house. Eric Staudenmaier "We kept seeing new things in it the entire time we lived there," the couple said. "We could go on and on about our interpretations, but don't want to rob the next owner of getting to experience the house the way we did and forming their own ideas." The house is not for everyone, and Burns and Yu know it. One of the three full bathrooms in the house. Eric Staudenmaier "If you're into puzzles or art or sci-fi or history and want to live in a place that's an experience, this house could be for you," the pair said. "But if you buy Legos only to build what's on the front of the box, and then hate how long it takes, it's probably not." Read the original article on Insider By Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping would become a "sinner" of all Chinese people if he attacked Taiwan and would not win a war as he would face international sanctions and diplomatic isolation, Taiwan's top security official said on Thursday. China has ramped up military and political pressure against democratically governed Taiwan over the past two years as it seeks to assert its sovereignty claims, which the government in Taipei strongly rejects. Opening a twice-a-decade congress of China's ruling Communist Party on Sunday, Xi said it was up to the Chinese people to resolve the Taiwan issue and that China would never renounce the right to use force but still strive for a peaceful resolution. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of parliament, Chen Ming-tong, head of Taiwan's National Security Bureau said Xi would face disaster if he followed through on his threats of ever attacking Taiwan. "There is no possibility of winning in using force to attack Taiwan," Chen said. China would face international sanctions and diplomatic isolation for doing so, he added. "Xi would forfeit the so-called great rejuvenation of the Chinese people, and become a sinner of the Chinese people," Chen said, using a term that refers to those who are ethnically Chinese rather than of Chinese nationality. Taiwan's government says only the island's 23 million people can decide their future, and that as Taiwan has never been ruled by the People's Republic of China its sovereignty claims are void. "It's very clear that the two sides should respect each other and develop separately, which is the way that will bring happiness to the people," Chen said. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly offered to resume talks with China based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, but Beijing has rebuffed those advances insisting she must first acknowledge that Taiwan is part of China. Tsai is overseeing a military modernisation programme to respond to China's growing threat, which in August included war games carried out near the island as Beijing angrily responded to a visit to Taipei by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (Reporting by Yimou Lee; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) NBC News Washington Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor and former Republican Florida Congressman David Jolly join Peter Alexander to discuss the special police force in Florida arresting felons that voted despite being part of a category of felons who do not qualify for voting rights. Alcindor reports, These people say well, why did you give me a voting card? Why did you give me voting material? Why did you let me register? Less than three weeks away from the 2022 midterm elections, Alcindor explains that the felons that are watching this, the ones that are perfectly legal to vote, they're going to be intimidated by watching people get arrested like this. Jolly adds, This is a political stunt by a governor who has national aspirations and wanted to be seen as a heavy on rooting out voter fraud." The U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially licensed the import of Vietnamese pomelo fruits. Known as a popular summer citrus fruit in Vietnam, the importation of pomelos into the United States was confirmed on Oct. 17 after five years of negotiations. The news was announced in a meeting between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Hoang Trung, director of the Plant Protection Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Following mango, longan, lychee, dragon fruit, rambutan and star apple, the pomelo will be the seventh Vietnamese fruit to enter the U.S. market. Although the USDA published the importation of Vietnamese pomelos on Oct. 4, the news was confirmed by a delegation of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to the pomelo growing and packing facility in Ben Tre. More from NextShark: Security Guard Stabs 37 Children at Elementary School in China The exportation of the fruit will be achieved via the Plant Protection Department working closely with necessary parties to meet the U.S. importation requirements. Trung also added that the pomelo batches exported to the U.S. will be subject to the supervision of the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Plant Protection Department. Symbolizing perfection and completeness, the pomelo plays a large role in both Vietnamese cuisine and culture. The pomelo is a refreshing fruit with many nutritional benefits, including high vitamin C content and medicinal uses. The fruit is also a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, specifically che buoi, Vietnams signature dessert. Generating nearly 905,000 tonnes of fruit, Vietnam is expected to heavily contribute to the USs heavy demand of 12 tonnes of fruit per year. Although 70 percent of this demand is met with domestic production, 30 percent (3.6 million tonnes) is met through importation. More from NextShark: South Korea, China criticize new Japanese PM's offering to controversial Tokyo shrine honoring war dead Story continues Featured Image via Weird Explorer More from NextShark: Former Obama Staffer Runs for Congress, Promises Families Up to $500 a Month Per Child Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Police Captain Who Said Atlanta Shooter Had a Bad Day Posted Anti-Asian Shirts on Facebook , Oct 19 ( standard.co.uk ) - A Japanese worker whose role is preserving cultural heritage accidentally ploughed his car into the countrys oldest toilet in a centuries-old Buddhist temple. Tofukuji Temple in the western Kyoto region houses a toilet said to date back to the 15th century, winning it designation as an important cultural asset. But the original wooden door leading to the site was ruined after the driver, a 30-year-old man from the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association, accidentally backed his car into it on Monday morning, Japanese police said. Having parked in front of the toilet, the man hit the accelrator to restart the car without realising he was still in reverse, invesigtators said. ...continue reading ancient-origins.net - Nov 14 The wako (also called wokou or waegu) were a group of marauders that dominated the seas of East Asia for centuries. They have been seen by Western historians and culture as a kind of Japanese pirate, but as scholars dig deeper into the history of these people, questions arise about their true nature. Whats Speak Out? Speak Out allows readers to comment on the issues of the day. Email Speak Out at speakout@southtownstar.com or call 312-222-2427. Please limit comments to 30 seconds or about 120 words and give your first name and your hometown. Chicago voted the rattiest city in the USA for the 8th consecutive year, according to Orkin. Great job, Chicago politicians. Advertisement Joe, Homer Glen Orkin exterminator company just announced Chicago beat out New York and Los Angeles as the rattiest city. All three towns are controlled and run by the Democrats, so I guess they included the politicians also. Advertisement Mick, Chicago Heights The education system should really be revamped to specialize in critical thinking skills. In the age of information, everyone seems to be misinformed. Mr. Jones, Richton Park Gov. J.B. Pritzker pays six-figure salaries to many in his administration. This borders on bribery. So they are biased toward his decisions instead of answering to the taxpayers. Rus, Tinley Park I saw a commercial admonishing Black people to not vote for Pritzker because he didnt keep his word about marijuana. Really, if I had a beef with Pritzker, and I dont, marijuana wouldnt be on my list. Geri, Tinley Park Its nothing but nonstop campaign ads on TV on radio. Pritzker alone is put in over $50 million, I believe, and Im sure the other politicians are putting in a load of money. Instead, why dont they offer rewards for people who have been shot and killed in Chicago and all over the suburbs, throughout Illinois. Id vote for them then because I knew the money was being spent well. Advertisement Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Jimbo, Chicago Heights This is for JK of Tinley Park. We have J.B. Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot, Kim Foxx and Toni Preckwinkle. How dumb are the people from Illinois? Bill, Orland Park The article regarding Pritzkers taxes made me want to vomit. The man and those like him have no clue what it is like to be an ordinary person to struggle and live payday to payday. He has not worked a day in his life. Never without a home or clothes on his back and certainly never without a meal. Offshore? Really? And the arrogance really shows John, Tinley Park Before you blow out the candles on your next birthday cake, announce to your mother, siblings or children at the table how you support abortion? Advertisement Guy, Oak Lawn Sumit Mukherjee, MD, has been honored with an Iowa Hospital Associations Hospital Hero award for demonstrating exceptional commitment to care and service. Dr. Mukherjee a pulmonologist with Methodist Physicians Clinic and the medical director of the Critical Care Unit at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital was one of 12 employees of Iowa hospitals to receive the 2022 recognition. Since 2007, the Hospital Heroes program has celebrated employees who have acted courageously in a crisis or who have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. Hospital Heroes are nominated by their peers more than 30 nominations were submitted this year and award recipients are selected by other state hospital associations. Hospital Heroes are recognized during the Iowa Hospital Associations annual meeting in October. Dr. Mukherjee was recognized for his leadership and patient care at Jennie Edmundson as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, straining the hospital and community. Throughout the uncertainty of the pandemic, Dr. Mukherjee was a beacon of hope to countless patients, families, staff, as well as our community and critical-access partners, said David Burd, president and CEO of Jennie Edmundson. As medical director of the hospitals Critical Care Unit, Dr. Mukherjee instantly became one of our most important front-line staff members during the fight against COVID-19. He handled this responsibility more professionally and more humbly than one could ask. Although the stress of the pandemic pushed many to their limits, Dr. Mukherjee never let this affect the care and attention he provided patients and their families. One patient in particular, who spent two months in the hospital fighting for his life, said it best: I have never received care like this from anyone. Doctor Mukherjee is my hero. Kyle Kreger, MSN, RN, who manages the Critical Care Unit, worked alongside Dr. Mukherjee and saw firsthand the characteristics that made him deserving of the Hospital Hero award. To this day, we still have COVID patients from years ago who stop by the hospital just to say thank you and shake Dr. Mukherjees hand, Kreger wrote in his nomination letter. That provides everything you need to know about Dr. Mukherjee not just the care he provides, but the type of person he is. Our hospital is tremendously lucky to have him as a physician in our facility. Because of his leadership, we were successful during COVID despite immense losses. Dr. Mukherjee is without a doubt one of best providers youll ever meet, and those who get to work with him are honored that hes in their corner. The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences. Over 115 community hospitals are association members. HARLAN Loess Hills Agriculture in the Classroom was recently awarded $8,000 from the Monogram Loves Kids Foundation to conduct programming with a focus on pork and pork products. Melanie Bruck, education program coordinator for LHAITC, attended the awards ceremony held at the Monogram plant in Harlan. It was really nice meeting the Monogram employees that select the award recipients, Bruck said. This award will greatly increase the number of students in Harlan who will receive agriculture literacy programs. Funding from the grant will help Bruck offer hands-on experiences for teachers and students. Due to firsthand and working knowledge of farming in Iowa, Bruck is able to provide authentic classroom programs as well as visual aids to excite and encourage students and teachers alike. Teachers are able to utilize Bruck as a resource whether she teaches the entire lesson, works in cooperation with the teacher or serves as a consultant. There is no limit on programs that are offered, and all lessons are provided at no charge to the schools. Loess Hills Agriculture in the Classroom is a regional effort of the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. The inception of LHAITC was led by the Farm Bureaus in Carroll, Crawford, Harrison, Shelby and West Pottawattamie Counties. The organization serves school districts in those counties. Classroom programming has increased dramatically over the past four years. Teachers are requesting programs monthly and this award will help to support training as well as agriculture supplies necessary to conduct agriculture literacy programs. The grant will support teachers within Shelby County and will highlight the IALF lesson plans available to teachers. This project will use agriculture to connect core learning for students. The goal is to increase agricultural literacy among students. The Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation is the giving organization founded by Monogram Foods in 2010. Plans are for the groups to undergo extrication and transportation training from 9 a.m. until about midday Saturday, according to a press release from Iowa Western. Council Bluffs firefighters will demonstrate to the students how to extricate patients from vehicles that have been involved in an accident. LifeNet will then land a helicopter to show how they transport patients from a motor vehicle crash. The simulated patient will be extricated from the vehicle, the students will take over patient care and transfer care to the LifeNet helicopter crew. From there, LifeNet will instruct on the care that is provided during transportation. 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. Burundi reaffirmed, on Wednesday in Rabat, its commitment to the principle of Moroccos territorial integrity, while considering the autonomy plan as the basis for achieving a sustainable, pragmatic and realistic solution to the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. This position was expressed in a joint statement issued after a meeting in Rabat between the Burundian and Moroccan Foreign Ministers Albert Shingiro and Nasser Bourita. Shingiro reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Burundi to the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco, the statement says, adding that the Republic of Burundi considers the autonomy initiative, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, as the basis for achieving a sustainable, pragmatic and realistic solution based on compromise. The Burundian minister also reaffirmed his countrys support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to relaunch the political process on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions, the statement notes, adding that the two parties are committed to supporting each other on the major issues concerning their fundamental interests. During a press briefing held after the talks between Bourita and Shingiro, the Burundian minister explained that for his country, the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty and national unity are principles that highlight the shared values between us and Morocco but also with other nations. During their talks, the two officials commended the exemplary character that marks the two countries relations and reaffirmed their commitment to make every effort to develop, intensify and diversify an ambitious and fruitful economic cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, energy, vocational training, infrastructure, health, public finance and mining, the joint statement notes. In this regard, the two ministers stressed the important role that should be played by the Moroccan and Burundian private sectors in boosting cooperation relations, given the mutually beneficial economic potential of the two countries. They called in this vein on economic operators and investors of both countries to seize the opportunities offered in various economic sectors. The talks highlighted by the signing of two agreements, concerning the creation of a Joint Cooperation Commission; and the exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports. Cooperation between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates in the field of defense, exchange of experience and the setting up of joint defense industry projects was discussed at meetings in Rabat Wednesday. The first meeting gathered the Minister in charge of National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi and Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces Lieutenant General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi. Lieutenant General Rumaithi, who is on an official visit to the Kingdom at the head of a large delegation, met the same day with Lieutenant General, Belkheir El Farouk, Inspector General of FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone. This meeting discussed various topics related to cooperation between the FAR and the UAE Armed Forces, including the operational component. The two officials welcomed the level of this cooperation, while reiterating their willingness to further strengthen it in accordance with the supreme will of the leaders of the two brotherly countries. The two officials agreed on the strengthening of cooperation in military training, either in a bilateral or in a multilateral framework, through their participation in large-scale exercises, such as African Lion. The cooperation between FAR and the Emirati Armed Forces dates back to 1980, when the two countries signed their first military agreement. The deal was strengthened by the framework agreement signed in May 2006. The OCP Group has inaugurated in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, a state-of-the-art fertilizer blending plant, its first on the continent. Extending over 10 hectares, this facility houses a blending unit with a production capacity of 120 tons per hour; a 25,000-ton storage unit; a modern training center dedicated to the various partners; a laboratory equipped with the latest analysis technologies to ensure product quality control and soil analysis and characterization; and a pilot farm for carrying out agronomic trials and training farmers. On this occasion, the Director General of OCP Africa, Mohamed Anouar Jamali, who attended the inauguration ceremony said this installation is not only intended for the production of fertilizers, but also to have a profound impact on the agricultural value chain of the country. OCP Africa is committed to contributing to the transformation of the food system on the continent, and Nigeria represents a strategic hub for our group, he said. More than an industrial facility, the Kaduna blending unit is a center of excellence and service delivery available to OCP partners and Nigerian farmers to improve and increase soil yields in order to achieve food security. It is also a space for sharing experiences, knowledge and know-how between the OCP Group and stakeholders in the agricultural sector in Nigeria. As one of the three fertilizer blending units planned in Nigeria (the other two are under construction in Ogun and Sokoto), this plant is part of the partnership between the OCP Group and the Nigerian government aimed at supporting the development of Nigerian farming. It is also part of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) and the project to develop a multi-purpose industrial platform for the production of ammonia and fertilizer, which will allow Nigeria to produce fertilizers locally while enhancing local Nigerian natural resources and benefiting from the supply of Moroccan phosphate. Every new factory, every new store, every new industrial complex generates employment and income that helps support families and reduce poverty in our state, said the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. OCP Africas establishment of a fertilizer production plant in Kaduna State also widens our farmers access to fertilizers, El-Rufai said, noting that it helps to improve the availability of a very essential component for agriculture. For his part, the Vice-President West Africa and Managing Director of OCP Africa Nigeria, Mohamed Hettiti, declared: At OCP, we are convinced that the efficient use of customized fertilizers is one of the best ways to increase farmers productivity. In 2016, OCP Group entered into a partnership with the Fertilizer Producers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) under the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), supported by the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund (NSIA). This collaboration spans the entire agricultural value chain, from implementing fertilizer solutions tailored to local soils and crops, to improving the availability of fertilizers at competitive prices on the local market, through the implementation of support measures for Nigerian farmers and the contribution to the development of the logistics chain and the strengthening of the local distribution network. A nature scavenger hunt following mobile clues is available for the west end of the Riverwalk in an area known as Sindt Woods. It's designed for children ages 4 to 10. (Naperville Park District / HANDOUT) LWV holding DuPage Voting Expo meet and greet Sunday The Leagues of Women Voters from several DuPage County communities will host Ready, Set, Vote! DuPage Voting Expo from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Cantigny Park Visitor Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Candidates running for offices in DuPage County will talk about their credentials and platforms in candidate forums throughout the day. Among those expected to attend are vying for county board seats, countywide offices, forest preserve district board, circuit, appellate and supreme court judgeships, Illinois House and Senate seats, and Congressional seats. Advertisement Forums will be held at 12:30 p.m. for candidates for the DuPage County Board chair; 1:30 p.m. for DuPage County clerk; 2:30 p.m. for DuPage County Forest Preserve District president; 3:30 p.m. for Illinois Supreme Court District 3; and 4:30 p.m. for the DuPage County treasurer. Those in attendance can also watch a demonstration of the countys new voting equipment. Advertisement The free event is sponsored by the Leagues of Women Voters of Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Roselle-Bloomingdale, Naperville and Wheaton. 22 locations open for early voting Monday in DuPage Starting Monday, Oct. 24, DuPage County will open 22 early voting locations. According to the clerks office, the number of locations has doubled from 11 in 2018 and now include areas previously been underserved by early voting. Some of the local early voting locations include College of DuPages IRC Building, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn; DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton; Islamic Center of Naperville, 25W530 75th St., Naperville; and the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville. Hours can be found at www.dupagecounty.gov/Election/Voting/EarlyVoting/ DuPage County voters can vote by mail, vote at an early voting location or vote at one of the 269 polling places on Election Day, Nov. 8. As part of the Vote Anywhere initiative, voters may cast ballots at any early voting location and polling place on Election Day regardless of where they live. Mary Helen Ekstam will speak about music, memory and the brain at a program being held Tuesday at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center in Naperville. (Mary Helen Ekstam / HANDOUT) Program on musics effect on memory, brain to be held Mary Helen Ekstam will present a lecture, A Neurological Perspective on Music, Memory and the Brain, at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave. Advertisement The event is free, and light refreshments will be served starting at 5:15 p.m. Ekstam, a Naperville resident, is a board certified music therapist and certified dementia practitioner. She has expertise in neurological rehabilitation, hospice, palliative care and music therapy and presents programs throughout the country. Interested participants should RSVP to Riverwalk Adult Day Services at 630-357-8166 or riverwalkadultcare@att.net. Mobile Scavenger Hunt set up at Riverwalks Sindt Woods The Naperville Park District has created a nature scavenger hunt for the west end of the Riverwalk in an area known as Sindt Woods. The Sindt Woods scavenger hunt is for children ages 4 to 10 years old and their families as well as scout troops or school groups. Families can go on a scavenger hunt during park hours from sunrise to one hour after sunset. The scavenger hunt will lead participants through a series of clues to find destinations. Once they have reached each destination, they will be asked to participate in an activity or answer a question. Each stop includes fun facts, photos of plants and wildlife, recordings of song birds or tips on observing nature, park district officials said. Advertisement The scavenger hunt as well as outdoor mobile tours of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center can be found at www.napervilleparks.toursphere.com. Chads President Mahamat Idriss Deby has declared a state of emergency over flooding that is affecting more than a million people in 636 localities in the country while swallowing up more than 465,000 hectares of fields. While not uncommon during Chads rainy season, which usually runs from May to October in its southern regions, this years floods are exceptionally devastating, as the rains came early and were the heaviest in decades. Starting now, a state of emergency will be instituted to better contain and manage this natural disaster, said Deby in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday (19 October). NDjamena, the capital, has not been spared either, with hundreds of people having fled their homes due to flooding in the last few days. The government has put in place a response plan to provide shelter, food and sanitation, Deby said. The exceptional floods in the landlocked nation of Chad, one of the poorest and most arid states in the world, has affected more than 340,000 people in Chad since the end of June, according to a provisional UN report. Some people have found shelter with their families and the local authorities had distributed bags and sand to inhabitants to provide makeshift flood-walls, and the government and NGOs had also pitched in. The rainy season in the Sahel typically runs from June to September and routinely claims lives but this year, the devastation, and the rainfall, have been exceptional, say experts. All our studies say that these rains can be linked with climate change, Katiellou Gaptia Lawan, head of the national meteorological agency in neighboring Niger, the poorest country in the world by the UNs development benchmark, has also been coping with devastating foods of similar proportions. Botswana has expressed concern over an influx of asylum seekers who fled from countries, including 700 refugees from neighboring Zimbabwe and hundreds more from South Africa, where they had already been granted refugee status. Those who have arrived from neighboring Zimbabwe were citing poor conditions at the refugee camp, while others have come from South Africa said they were driven out by xenophobic attacks. Botswanas Minister of Justice, Machana Shamukuni, said on Tuesday (18 October) the country has seen the arrival of onward movement asylum seekers. He said Botswana expressed its concern over the issue at a recent executive committee meeting of the UN refugee agency in Geneva, Switzerland. Once you are accorded international protection, the expectation is that you should stay there so that you are protected, you enjoy protection there, but when you proceed to another country and seek protection again when you are accorded protection in another jurisdiction, then it becomes problematic. The majority of the 688 recent arrivals, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, more recently lived at the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe. The minister added that others are Somalis who left South Africa due to xenophobic attacks. Issues of housing, education, issues of access to health. These are the reasons they state, Shamukuni said. But also you will recall, in South Africa, there was the issue of xenophobia. It drove out a lot of them, particularly the Somalis. Due to its isolated location, Botswanas refugee population has never been high, and is now down to 1,019 from more than 3,000 three years ago, as the UN refugee agency scales down operations. The majority of refugees, mostly from Namibia and Zimbabwe, were repatriated over the last two years. Kenya wants to renegotiate a multibillion-dollar loan from China that was used to build a major railway because though the country is up to date on its payments, it cannot continue with the current 20-year schedule. Answering questions from a parliamentary committee, Kenyas incoming transport minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, said the country will have to ask for an extended period to pay, especially in regard to the loans used to build what is known as the Standard Gauge Railway. There was a strategic decision that was made at that time that we take to invest in the infrastructure and the government of Kenya pays within 15 to 20 years. Now we are choked with loans because we are paying $80 million per year to the lenders for the SGR, he said. Kenya borrowed $5 billion to build the railway line from the port of Mombasa to the city of Naivasha, west of Nairobi. The railway was opened for business in 2017 and the government forced businesses to transport goods by rail to help repay the loan. The railway, however, has lost money. It becomes impossible to be able to pay that loan by revenue that comes from the railways. And even in 50 years, it will not break even if you load the loans to the railways, Murkomen said. Kenyas previous government is accused of over-borrowing to finance development projects, which has also increased corruption. China also financed a 27-kilometer expressway in Nairobi, costing $734 million. Most of Kenyas infrastructure deal with China has been shrouded in secrecy. The agreement that led to the newly built railways has remained secret despite a court order demanding it be made public. With China accounting for one-third of Kenyas external debt, there have been reports that the misuse of money and corruption are to blame for the countrys debt problems. The United States has pledged to disburse additional $44 million to Niger to help the West African country address food insecurity. The announcement was made by Victoria Jane Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, following a meeting with President Mohamed Bazoum in a capital Niamey on Wednesday. I had a rewarding conversation with the President about continuing to work together to achieve our common goals, and I am equally encouraged by the Presidents work to improve transparency in governance, support social inclusion, education sector reforms, and his commitment to regional security, she told the media. We also discussed the challenges of our time, including the food crisis and food insecurity and we reaffirmed our mutual condemnation of the war provoked by Russia against Ukraine and its repercussions on the world food supply causing the rise in food prices and exposing millions of Africans to an increased risk of starvation, the US official added. Nuland indicated that the US aid agency, USAID is collaborating with several partners, including the World Food Program (WFP), to provide to support to Niger which is struggling with food insecurity. To this end, we have announced an additional $44 million in assistance for Niger to protect vulnerable populations from the effects of food insecurity and build resilience. In addition, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MMC) has approved a $504 million Benin-Niger Regional Compact to reduce transport costs along the corridor between the port of Cotonou in Benin and Niamey, she said. WFP estimates that more than 1.9 million people in Niger were affected by severe food insecurity in 2020. Another 1.5 million are estimated to be chronically food insecure, and millions more experience periodic food shortages during the lean season. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has pledged to guarantee loans extended to Moroccan exporting SMEs operating in the automotive, textile, agro-industry and agricultural sectors. An agreement was signed Wednesday in Casablanca with Moroccos Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP) to enable SMEs to get funding to modernize their operations, reduce CO2 emissions, expand working site, and increase working capital. Commenting the agreement, EIB Vice-Pdt. Ricardo Mourinho Felix stressed the importance of supporting Moroccan exporting SMEs to strengthen their competitiveness and reduce their carbon footprint to get easy access into the EU market within the frame of the EU Green Deal. We are moving towards more low-carbon economic models and it is our role, as the EU Bank and Climate Bank, to accompany our partners, he said. For her part, EU Ambassador to Morocco Patricia Pilar Llombart Cussac said the guarantee agreement is part of the Morocco-EU partnership which supports sustainable development, competitiveness and green transition of SMEs. Chairman of BCP Group, Mohamed Karim Mounir, hailed partnership with EIB, saying his Bank will offer exporting SMEs tailored lending to enhance their competitiveness and trade with the European bloc. On Tuesday, Morocco and the EU agreed to partner in the fight against climate change, energy transition, environmental protection and the transition to a green economy. The partnership aims at supporting the transition to a green economy through carbon emissions reduction, investments in renewable energy and green technology. Belgium has joined the chorus of European countries that clearly support the Morocco-proposed autonomy plan, saying it considers the plan, presented in 2007, as a good basis for a solution accepted by the parties regarding the Sahara issue. This stance was expressed in a joint statement issued in Rabat Thursday after talks between the Belgian and Moroccan Foreign Ministers Hadja Lahbib and Nasser Bourita. Belgium considers the autonomy plan, presented in 2007, as a serious and credible Moroccan effort and as a good basis for a solution accepted by the parties, says the joint statement. The Belgian official reiterated Belgiums long-standing support for the UN-led process for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara issue. According to the Joint Statement, the two ministers agreed on the exclusivity of the UN in the political process and reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2602, which noted the role and responsibility of all parties in the search for a realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and compromise-based political solution. Morocco and Belgium also welcomed the appointment of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Staffan de Mistura, and reaffirmed their active support to his efforts to advance the political process on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Joint Statement said. With this new support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara, 11 European countries, namely Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Hungary, Romania, Portugal and Serbia, have so far expressed their clear and irreversible support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom, evidence of the effectiveness of Moroccos diplomatic strategy. Two years ago, only France was on the list of European countries to have declared support for the Sahara autonomy plan, under Moroccan sovereignty. Today, with the position expressed this Thursday by Belgium, the number of the European countries to have recognized the prevalence of the solution given by Morocco to end this conflict created by Algeria and its mercenaries, the Polisario, has increased to 11. Morocco and Germany have agreed on a 242 million cooperation program to be carried out in 2023, focusing on green energy, sustainable economy, employment and reforms. The joint program has been unveiled following talks held Oct.18-19 in Berlin between the two countries which turned a new page in their relations after resolving their diplomatic row over the Sahara. During the Berlin talks, Morocco and Germany hailed their excellent new relations and welcomed the messages exchanged between President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and King Mohammed VI, stressing the importance of establishing a multi-dimensional partnership oriented towards the future. Germany has reiterated, on this occasion, its strong backing to the reforms carried out by Morocco for a more open and dynamic Moroccan society and economy, citing in this regard the New Development Model and the advanced regionalization program. In a joint statement, Berlin has also reaffirmed its supportive stand of the serious and credible autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007, saying it offers a good basis for reaching a political solution to the Sahara regional conflict. Morocco and Germany have also agreed to look into triangular cooperation prospects in their partnership and continue implementing their joint programs already underway. The Episcopal Church of Our Savior received $20,000 in ARPA funds for its Episcopal Extras program to help with COVID-related issues. The church applied for the grant through the Lincoln County State and Local Recovery Funds program. In addition to the ARPA funds, private donors gave $10,000. One donation of $5,000 came from a private donor through the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation. The Episcopal Extras program offers three kits to help individuals or families with various needs related to COVID-19: The COVID kit includes over-the-counter medications, free COVID-19 tests, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, pain relievers, cough drops, allergy medication, tissues and other items for those who have tested positive or have been exposed to the virus. It will not be required to verify that you have tested positive to receive this kit. The cleaning supply kit includes sponges, cleaning and disinfecting items, paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissues, plastic gloves, masks, dishwashing soap, laundry detergent and other supplies to help stop the spread of the virus. The personal hygiene kit includes shampoo, soap, body wash, toothpaste and toothbrushes, combs, antiperspirants, lotion, razors, tweezers, nail clippers and other hygiene products. Individuals and families can come to the Episcopal Church at 203 W. Fourth St. during the following hours: Monday 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., Tuesday 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. and Thursday 1 to 3 p.m. The Episcopal Extras will be closed on Fridays. All persons receiving kits will need to provide their name, address and a valid identification card the first time they pick up items. The church will keep a list of the kits each family or household receives. Each will receive one free kit a month for a total of 12 kits per year. As the program expands, there will be opportunities to receive other kits that will be announced later. For questions or more information, call the Episcopal Church at 308-532-0515; Shari Shore, program director, at 308-539-1715; or Wesley Smith, program manager, at 308-539-4384. Those wishing to donate to Episcopal Extras may contact Shore. Leading Nebraska Republicans and political action committees have stepped up campaign donations in the Nov. 8 general elections state-level races all featuring Republicans that most directly affect western Nebraska. That includes the legislative race in North Platte-centered District 42, where appointed Sen. Mike Jacobson has seized a roughly 2-to-1 fundraising lead over Lincoln County Board Chairman Chris Bruns. The falls first finance reports also show donations in various regional state-level races by the Nebraska GOP, outgoing Gov. Pete Ricketts, 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen and defeated Republican gubernatorial hopeful Charles Herbster. Jacobson, appointed by Ricketts Feb. 23 to finish resigned state Sen. Mike Groenes term, had raised $257,884 to Bruns $121,764 through Oct. 4 in initial fall reports to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Bruns, who declared his candidacy in July 2021, led Jacobson by a scant 137 votes in the May 10 primary. His campaign figures include totals from both 2021 and 2022. Both District 42 candidates had five-figure cash balances as of Oct. 4, with Jacobson reporting $59,348 on hand and Bruns $36,516. A 2021 redistricting law added McPherson, Logan, Hooker and Thomas counties and most of Perkins County to the districts Lincoln County base. Despite his late start, Jacobsons first fall financial report listed 17 PACs as donating $1,000 or more to his campaign since his appointment. North Platte-based Mid America Bio Energy & Commodities led those entities with a $10,000 contribution, followed by $9,500 from the Nebraska Bankers State PAC. Jacobson is founder and CEO of NebraskaLand Bank. PACs representing other banks, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Realtors, contractors, hospitals, agricultural cooperatives, medical professionals, beverage distributors and ethanol plants appear among Jacobsons donations of $1,000 or more. Besides $1,329 from his own bank, Jacobsons individual business donations include $1,000 each from AT&T, Peter Kiewit Sons Inc. of Omaha and Tyson Foods, which owns Lexingtons beef processing plant. Bruns list of PAC donations is shorter but also includes contributions from co-ops, Realtors and optometrists. The Kennedy Ranch leads Bruns individual business or PAC donors at $9,000, with TD Angus coming in second with $3,500. Both are based outside North Platte. Both Bruns and Jacobson have received $1,000 donations from the PAC for SMART-TD, the national union representing train engineers and conductors. Neither has received donations from the Union Pacific Railroad or BNSF Railway. But the Nebraska GOP chose Bruns over his fellow North Platte Republican for its official endorsement and $1,000 donation. The campaign fund of Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard also has donated $1,000 to Bruns. Herbster, who lost to Pillen in the May 10 GOP primary for governor, donated $5,000 to Bruns campaign in 2021. Both District 42 candidates show donations from notable North Platte business and community leaders. Two of them, Robert Lundeen and Pat Keenan, have donated to both. Jacobson has donated $30,000 and loaned $60,000 to his own campaign, which shows an unpaid loan balance of $40,000 on its first fall report. Bruns has donated $1,000 to his campaign, while wife Ashley has donated $3,032. Several leading PACs also have donated to the District 44 campaign of Teresa Ibach of rural Sumner. Grant City Superintendent Edward Dunn dropped out of that race after finishing second to Ibach in the primary. Banking, Realtors and contractor PACs lead Ibachs business and PAC donor list. None has topped Ricketts $10,000 personal donation to her campaign, which also has received $1,000 from the state GOP. Ricketts also has given $10,000 to North Platte banker David Gale, who opposes incumbent Bill Hoyt of McCook in the Subdistrict 4 Nebraska Public Power District race; $25,000 to Elizabeth Tegtmeier of North Platte, challenging State Board of Education Vice Chairman Robin Stevens of Gothenburg in District 7; and $20,000 to former state school board member Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City in her University of Nebraska Board of Regents District 7 race against outgoing Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg. The state Republican Party has endorsed Tegtmeier over fellow Republican Stevens and given $1,000 to her campaign. Pillen has donated $1,000 to Tegtmeier, as has 3rd District U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith of Gering. Herbster, a Falls City cattle grower, has given $1,500 to Tegtmeier and $1,000 to Wilmot since the final pre-primary campaign finance reports in June. Campaigns that have either raised or spent at least $5,000 must file their second fall finance reports by Halloween. Final reports are due after the election. Total and top individual donors to regional candidates Inside are combined total and top individual donations and spending (including in-kind values) for listed candidates as of Oct. 4. At the Opelika City Council meeting on Tuesday night, the council decided to table a resolution that would allow a 144-foot-tall cell tower to be built at 600 Floral Street. During a public hearing, about 10 citizens expressed their concerns and outrage over the possibility, wondering if it could lower property value and saying it would be an aesthetic eye sore. Level-Up Towers, the company looking to build the cell tower, said their studies confirmed this was the best location. For this construction to proceed, the council would need to make exceptions to the city ordinance to allow the tower to be built taller and closer to residential neighborhoods. When the time came to vote, George Allen, councilman for Ward 1, made a motion to table it so they could receive more information. Cell tower Clay Brogdon, a telecom site development consultant for Level-Up Towers out of Georgia, requested a special use permit from the city of Opelika to allow for a 144-foot-tall communications tower to be located at Floral Park. Brogdon said Level-Up met every item that was required by the citys ordinance, except for two, which he asked the city to waive. In Opelikas ordinance, it states that no tower can be built within 1,000 feet of the border of a single family residential zone district or neighborhood and that the maximum height of any tower cannot be taller than 100 feet. If our request for one strategically placed tower, tall enough to support colocation of up to four carriers, is not granted, then more towers would be needed to build the coverage gaps in the area, leading to greater visual and environmental impacts, Brodgon told the council. He also said that Verizon Wireless and Dish, two companies that would use this tower, require the height to be 125 to 135 feet to provide coverage and capacity necessary to upgrade their networks. The type of monopole tower that Level-Up designs is built with certain safety measures. Brogdon said that in the unlikely event of an unusual weather catastrophe, the tower is designed to buckle at the location of highest stress and fold over onto itself. If it were to fall over like a tree, Brogdon said it would not fall across any residential property lines. Because the city would be leasing the land to Level-Up, Brogdon said that the city would also benefit from receiving tens of thousands of dollars from the lease over time which could be used for special projects around the city. Rules and regulations During public hearing, several citizens said theyve heard that cell towers can present health risks. However, City Attorney Guy Gunter said that the citys authority to regulate cell towers is severely restricted by federal law and heavily regulated by the Federal Communication Commission. Any application to build a cell tower must go through the FCC and the city. Gunter said the city can only regulate the aesthetic, the distance the tower can be from other property lines and safety issues. One thing that the federal government has made plain is that the city council cannot regulate radio emissions from cell towers, he said. The FCC is the sole judge of that matter, and the FCC has adopted regulations. The FCC says it has conducted numerous scientific studies, and that its scientific studies demonstrate that if the cell tower is built and operated in accordance with their federal standards, it does not constitute a safety issue. Gunter said that according to the law the city cannot deny a cell tower based on claims of alleged harmful effects of radio emissions from the tower. If the council denied a permit based on radio emissions and that was challenged in court, federal court would rule against the city in order of the permit grant, he said. There is a city ordinance that list reasons that the city can use to deny a permit, which include the following: if the project does not meet the design guidelines; if the design or location does not comply with state and federal laws and regulations; if the applicant does not pay the city fees; if the design does not meet technical or structural safety or construction standards; if the applicant is not authorized to conduct business in the state of Alabama; or if the applicant fails to comply with the requirements of the ordinance in regard to another wireless telecommunication system. Gunter said for the city to deny the permit, the council would have to explain why and have substantial evidence based on the FCC, federal regulations or the citys ordinance. Other concerns Several other citizens wanted to know why Floral Park was chosen as the location for this cell tower. Theres lots of other land in Opelika that doesnt have quite so many families living in close proximity enjoying this park even before it was renovated, said Kristen Williams, who lives on Fifth Avenue. Jeff Bass, a consultant for Center for Municipal Solutions, said the options are to either have one tower thats over 140 feet tall or to have four towers around the city that are 100 feet tall. Bass said locating the tower at Floral Park meets all the needs for cell coverage. Other citizens believe the tower would likely ruin the aesthetics of the area. Mike Akins, who lives on Tenth Street, added that it would hinder the natural beauty of Opelika. He asked the council not to sacrifice the park to technology. I would just like for the council to seriously consider what a 140-foot metal tower parked on the corner of the park means, Akins said. Sherri Reese, who lives on Floral Street and is a candidate for State Senator of District 27, said the cell tower will make the property value in the area go down. I know you guys are gonna do what you want to do, but Im here to say Im not excited about the tower. I would love for the tower to be somewhere else in Opelika, she said. Tim Aja, councilman for Ward 3, said hes interested in learning more about the cell tower. While Aja was running to be elected to the council seat, one of his main focuses was enhancing and improving the use of Floral Park. Many citizens who spoke at the public hearing on Tuesday stated that they love the work that has been going into the park recently but believe the tower will be a detriment to the progress. Well see what further information comes out over the next couple of weeks, Aja said. Were legally prohibited, apparently, from making EMF radiation a health concern. That will be overpowered by the FCC is how weve been advised by the city attorney. That being the case, it sounded tonight like the vast majority, if not all of the concerns really from the Opelika citizenry was based off of health hazards from the radiation and that doesnt give us a footing to stand on, he continued. Since the vote to approve the cell tower was tabled, Aja said the next step will involve getting more information before the next council meeting where the resolution could possibly be voted on. Two women from Wisconsin were charged with stealing merchandise from Nordstrom Rack in Oak Brook after reportedly leading police on a high-speed car chase Tuesday. Kaphree Jordan, 25, of Milwaukee and Aaliyah Guy, 24, also of Milwaukee, each appeared at a bond hearing Wednesday where Judge John Kinsella set bond at $50,000 with 10% to apply for Jordan and at $40,000 with 10% to apply for Guy, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced. Advertisement Jordan and Guy have each been charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 Felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 Felony). Jordan has also been charged with one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding (Class 4 Felony), according to a news release. Around 4 p.m. Tuesday, the release said, Oak Brook police officers were patrolling the Shops of Oak Brook when they allegedly observed a woman, later identified as Guy, run out of Nordstrom Rack with a backpack and enter the passenger side of a Kia automobile. Moments later, officers allegedly observed a second individual, later identified as Jordan, exit the store and enter the drivers side of the Kia. Advertisement Officers followed the vehicle and activated their emergency lights and sirens at which time the Kia alleged attempted to flee on southbound Route 83, the release said. Police allege the Kia led officers on a high-speed pursuit on Route 83 to eastbound I-88, to eastbound I-290, to northbound I-294. The Kia ultimately was stopped on I-294 when officers deployed spike strips. Allegedly, the Kia was traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph during the pursuit, according to the release. Both women were then taken into custody. Police said a duffel bag containing 21 bottles of cologne and perfume valued at $1,273 was found in the Kia. Public safety is our top priority in DuPage County, Berlin said. The allegations that after committing a burglary at the Nordstrom Rack, the defendants led authorities on a high-speed chase in excess of 100 mph, demonstrates their complete disregard for the rule of law. This will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be aggressively prosecuted. Last nights arrest was another outstanding example of proactive policing, Strockis said. The Oak Brook Police Department will continue to aggressively address crimes in our jurisdiction and throughout DuPage County. The next court appearance for both women is scheduled for Nov. 9, for arraignment in front of Judge Kinsella. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body A new study from Auburn Universitys Harbert College of Business reported that consumers who buy online and pick up in store, a process known as BOPIS or click and collect, are more likely to be satisfied with substitutions for out-of-stock products when the item is a staple like ketchup or paper towels rather than an indulgence item like coffee or perfume. For products viewed as utilitarian or fulfilling consumers practical needs, retailers should use substitutes that have similar specifications, but are not necessarily the same brand, said Dora Bock, associate professor in the Department of Marketing. For products that are more hedonic or experiential, we see that consumers react somewhat similarly to substitutes that are either the same brand as the original order or [have the] same specifications. Bock conducted the study with Miami University in Ohio faculty members Yao Henry Jin, associate professor of management, and Monique Ueltschy Murfield, associate professor and director of the Center for Supply Chain Excellence. Their paper, Do as you say or I will: Retail signal congruency in buy-online-pick-up-in-store and negative word-of-mouth, was published online Sept. 15 in the Journal of Business Logistics. The popularity of BOPIS shopping for groceries, apparel, home furnishings, beauty items and other products accelerated during the past two years as some consumers chose to limit their outings in public. BOPIS grew over 500% in some industries, said Bock, citing data from unified commerce leader Kibo, which helps retailers, manufacturers and brands engage their shoppers. This increase is largely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more shoppers willing to try alternative shopping methods for health and safety reasons. In addition to the shift in shopping preferences, nearly all retailers, including Target, Walmart, Kohls, Kroger and Publix, experienced unprecedented supply chain snafus that resulted in product shortages. Given the convergence of these two phenomena, their research has practical implications for retailers who offer BOPIS as an option to customersnamely their results provide new insight into how customers react to different substitutions and will play a role in demand and inventory planning. BOPIS out-of-stock situations happen, as inventory records are not always 100% accurate, Bock explained. Retailers who offer a broad assortment of products should understand customer perceptions of the product category, as it will impact the effectiveness and a customers satisfaction of a given substitute. Utilitarian product categories are easier to substitute than hedonic product categories. In the study, Bock and her colleagues addressed the dearth of research on how customers react to BOPIS shopping experiences when retailers run out of stock and make product substitutions on orders. Drawing from the principles of signaling theory, they conducted a series of five scenario-based role-playing experiments. In one experiment, they asked more than 250 participants to assume the role of a customer whose BOPIS experience involved product substitutions; they then had the participants write online reviews of their experience. The researchers then used text analysis software to evaluate the participants reviews. We found that the type of substitute the retailer provides, whether its the same brand or similar specifications, will lead to different customer reactions of the substitute, depending on the customers motivation for purchasing the product, Bock said. If [retailers] care about spreading positive word of mouth, or reducing negative word of mouth, it is important [for them] to understand the customers motivation for purchasing that product [so they can] provide the most satisfying substitution. Bock and her colleagues are currently expanding their research to examine situations where retailers offer their customers other options in out-of-stock items purchased through the BOPIS method. Well look at how customers react to being referred to another nearby store or purchasing the item for delivery but delayed shipment, she said. Like I give a shit about the opinion of a Kevin Spacey defender. Reply Thread Link Ugh, she defended him? She just keeps getting worse and worse. Reply Parent Thread Link You'd be surprised of how many people in the theatre community both in the UK and here supports him. He was a big donor for Rada and Lamda Reply Parent Thread Link Or a fake tattoo of Weinstein's name on her ass. Reply Parent Thread Link If there had been Twitter during Princess Diana's era, Dame Judi Dench would probably have had a burner account blaming the wife for her husband's infidelity.#TheCrownIsaDocumentary #TheCrown pic.twitter.com/Eagiu1e2qg Alexis( sowing discord in the west) (@ArchewellBaby) October 20, 2022 Judy is a friend of Camilla. This whole hoopla is over the tampon phone call being filmed. Like Charles thinks he can get The Crown canceled. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link she's also a Depp fan Reply Parent Thread Link The way people talk about this family is so weird. Speaking of, my sister said Chuck is having 400m in renovations done on Buckingham Palace. Is that true???? JK, I Googled. It is. Even if they were renovations already planned and not specifically on his say so, thats just sick. Reply Thread Link They spent millions on the house at Windsor where William is stashing Kate and the kids while he stays at Kensington Palace on his own. It's his fourth home, btw. His allowance is 22 million a year. Reply Parent Thread Link Sorry for the dumb question, I don't know much about the royals or anything, but are William and Kate living apart? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link He is, but tbh he'll probably not be around long enough to actually enjoy the finished product. It's pretty well-known that Buckingham is old, full of mildew, and actually does need repairs, but the Queen just never bothered. So people think Charles is doing it now so it will be done and ready for William and his fam, and he doesn't GAF about anyone criticizing him for the cost so he can also spare William that lmao. Reply Parent Thread Link Slight correction here: Charles isn't having it done. BP is not his private property. The renovations have been underway for a while (well prior to the Queen's passing) and are in fact desperately needed. (The last major work to BP was done when Elizabeth was a new queen. You can imagine what a disaster the Palace is for safety and power costs alone.) Yes, there are absolutely other priorities out there, but this isn't a case of throwing away money wildly on glitz and glam. Charles himself was a major proponent of opening the Palace to the public for tours during Elizabeth's lifetime; this was done finally, but only during the months when the Queen was not in residence. (Money from the tours helps pay for its upkeep, as I recall.) He's also made it clear that he views BP as a national museum of sorts, so it seems likely he will expand the timeline for tours, as well as push for the renovations to make BP more environmentally and fiscally responsible. Reply Parent Thread Link I've never watched this show but the way the royalists are acting I may start watching. Reply Thread Link it's kind of like Mad Men in that the acting is really good but it's also really fucking boring Reply Parent Thread Link I've never watched Mad Men either. But that description helps! Lol! Reply Parent Thread Link yaasssss fuck the royals off time Reply Parent Thread Link I mean, it's also super sympathetic and whitewashes a lot of what the monarchy actually did tbh, it's nowhere near some anti-monarchist statement. As others have said it's also super boring lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Judi is yelling at youths to get off her lawn. Reply Thread Link Time to sleep, grandma Reply Thread Link Well, now I want to watch it Reply Thread Link I feel as though the crown has always been up the queen's arse so I doubt disrespecting the queen will be an issue. Charles on the other hand... But that disrespect was hard earned Reply Thread Link It's been a while since I watched this show (I only watched each season when it originally aired and haven't rewatched any of the episodes since then) but I recall thinking that everyone got a very generous edit so it cracks me up whenever royalists get their knickers in a twist about anything depicted on the show. Reply Parent Thread Link People say this, but I've been rewatching the previous seasons before the new one comes out and I don't think they're necessarily portrayed in a flattering light. Or rather, they're presented as more layered than just good or bad aside from maybe a few of the outsider characters. Sure there are storylines that at times may make one sympathize with an aspect of them and their history, but while it's not like a fully republican point of view it's not a fluff piece that paints them as fundamentally good people. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah I agree, they always seem to try and portray the Queen in a decent-ish light, its obvious that what everyone is really worrying about is how the Charles and Camilla affair will be portrayed, especially as the last season already saw a ton of younger people coming after them on Instagram and getting mad after finding out about a lot of this stuff for the first time Reply Parent Thread Link this gif instantly took me back to 2011. Wow, I used to love watching Kingsleys videos! Reply Parent Thread Link Oh my god Ive been looking for their videos for everrrr. Bless you Reply Parent Thread Link People speaking out against this season makes me want to watch. Which I assume is not thier intention Reply Thread Link the most interesting thing about the show is the historical events it goes through. Lizzy really did see a lot of shit while she reigned. Reply Parent Thread Link Dench acknowledges that many viewers know the show is fictionalizing certain events she still fears, "that a significant number of viewers, particularly overseas, may take its version of history as being wholly true." so she thinks everyone outside of the UK is dumb There wasnt a disclaimer before I watched Shakespeare in Love so I guess its safe to assume that was all factual ma'am go have another beans on toast and settle down Reply Thread Link Well to be fair, I did see some comments about people realising that the queen was real when she died, because they assumed she was just a character in a show. Similar to what happened with the Titanic anniversary Edited at 2022-10-20 05:12 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Wait, what??! The Titanic was a real ship?!?! JK. Reply Parent Thread Link It is wild to me that people thought titanic was a fictional ship lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link gonna need one for Armageddon now actually just to be absolutely SURE Reply Parent Thread Link Why cant members of the silent generation ever shut the fuck up? Reply Thread Link did Blonde have a warning like this? I'm not necessarily opposed to the reminder of events being dramatized, but that's not because I'm afraid of the BRF's feelings getting hurt. The BRF doesn't need defending Reply Thread Link Iirc Blonde does say based on a novel during the opening credits Reply Parent Thread Link lol shut up Reply Thread Link hmmmmm just spitballing based off of the post but I get the feeling he's a pedo, and if not a pedo, a foreign agent. Reply Thread Link my first thought was obviously pedo charges but i thought i read specifically that the FBI was looking for "classified documents" which made sense because his main reporting was on government corruption. i wonder where he went/hope he's safe (unless he's a very bad person, in which case, i don't care). is it normal for somebody to be detained and for their family to not be alerted? Reply Thread Link I think authorities can only detain someone without arresting them for, like 48 hours, and they have the right to an attorney. Reply Parent Thread Link If it was CP then surely her would have been arrested Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, the article said it was classified documents but did go on to say it's unusual for journalist to keep classified documents on their computer. His lawyer gave a quote that basically said "how did you know about classified documents? That means there's a leak with the government" and gave no sign of the guy being under duress in my opinion. It seems like he went underground to hide--from the government or something isn't known. Reply Parent Thread Link Uh..... this seems very sketch. No one knows where he is since April??? Sounds like maybe he fled or is in hiding?? idk. Reply Thread Link Scary stuff. Have his daughters commented on his disappearance? Reply Thread Link i'm high and watching the handmaid's tale (s2 the part where they introduce the AU jan 6) so im deeply spooked rn Reply Thread Link you mean while the Waterfords were happily watching a movie? Reply Parent Thread Link Im guessing 99% of the time when people disappear on their own accord, theyre dead. Reply Thread Link I think you're right. He may be gone, one way or another. Reply Parent Thread Link I think he had something on the government. He said a lot of unpopular things - well, things that the government and military would not want us to know. That was a lot of fire power to bring in on a p*do, he would have gotten a perp walk. US citizens should be afraid that the government can make people disappear, including pesky Green Berets. Reply Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link This is obviously not true and I need a journalist to investigate Reply Parent Thread Link Where is Rodrigo when we need him?! Reply Parent Thread Link Creepy. Sounds like something Russia would do but even in their cases, there is usually a dead body Reply Thread Link As soon as I read that he did a lot of investigating into the government it all makes sense. I hope hes safe Reply Thread Link Anyone has book recs on the FBI? I find it fascinating, probably bc I know shit about it except for the film/tv versions of it which I'm sure are not it lol Reply Thread Link I personally really enjoyed "Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34" by Bryan Burrough. Reply Parent Thread Link well this is very sus. Reply Thread Link hope he's safe! this sounds very sus netflix peeps working on the next documentaryhope he's safe! this sounds very sus Reply Thread Link I was shocked how fast they did that Lori Vallow doc! but yeah call up Netflix, ABC = Disney = not owned by Netflix! Reply Parent Thread Link When I saw his name attached to ABC producer & child sexual abuse material - I figured welp another creep, hope he's dead and gone. The headlines and even general summaries on my feed leave out that he's a journalist and that his producer credits are for news shows. A lot of his work reports on our govt. Hmmmt. Reply Thread Link The FBI scares and I wouldn't put past them to have done something to him to discredit something he discovered tbh Reply Thread Link there are also fbi raids for things like tax evasion or trafficking of various things Reply Thread Link The 955,000-barrels-per-day Paraguana Refinery Complex, Venezuelas largest refinery center, stopped all operations early on Thursday after a fire and a blackout at the site, multiple sources close to the facilitys operations told Reuters. A small fire erupted at a vacuum tower at the Amuay oil refinery, which, together with the Cardon refinery, makes up the huge refinery complex. The blackout is widespread in the complex, and all operations are halted, Reuters sources said. Venezuelas state oil firm PDVSA, the operator of the large refining complex, was trying to restore power in the refineries early on Thursday, according to the sources. Reduced oil processing rates in Venezuela will exacerbate an already precarious situation with fuel supply in the country, which is home to the worlds largest crude oil reserves. Over the past decade, Venezuelas oil industry has crumbled due to mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of investment in maintenance. Additionally, the U.S. sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry and exports, enacted by former President Donald Trump, have also crippled the industry and discouraged foreign operators from working in the country. Earlier this month, reports emerged that the United States was considering an easing of sanctions on Venezuela in order to increase the flow of Venezuelan oil to U.S. and European markets, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources in the know. The sanction relief is aimed at Chevron, which used to operate in Venezuela, but sanctions made it pull out of the country. Thursdays blackout at the Paraguana Refinery Complex was not the only incident at the site this year. In July, the Amuay refinery, with a capacity to process 645,000 bpd, was again halted due to a blackout. At the time, Amuay was actually the only refinery that was producing gasoline at the complex after the Cardon refinery was out until a reformer fault was being fixed. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee moved on Tuesday the bill that would allow the U.S. to sue OPEC for antitrust behavior and market manipulation to the Senate, Congress records show. The so-called No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act, which proposes to amend the Sherman Act to make oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal, was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Chances are that the bill wont be debated until after the midterm elections on November 8, but that will depend on whether Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer moves the bill for debate. Considering the packed legislative schedule before the midterms, the NOPEC bill could only realistically be up for discussion after the elections, Reuters notes. NOPEC has been an on-and-off topic for U.S. lawmakers and Administrations for over two decades but has never moved past discussions at committees in Congress. Forms of antitrust legislation aimed at OPEC were discussed at various times under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, but they both threatened to veto such legislation. NOPEC was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee in May this year, but calls for passing such legislation have intensified since the OPEC+ group decided in early October to reduce their headline oil production target by 2 million bpd as of November. Following the OPEC+ decision, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, author of the bipartisan NOPEC Act, called for action to hold foreign oil producers accountable for colluding to fix global oil prices. If this administration insists on making us more dependent on less friendly, less environmentally conscious foreign oil producers, we should at least be able to hold them accountable for their unfair price fixing. My bipartisan NOPEC Act would crack down on these tactics by the foreign oil cartel, Senator Grassley said in early October. The White House has vowed a response to what it described as a short-sighted and misguided decision of the OPEC+ alliance. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil prices rose early on Thursday after China signaled an easing of its strict Covid policy, which has battered market sentiment in recent months. As of 6:46 a.m. ET on Thursday, WTI Crude prices were rising by 1.67% at $86.98, and the international benchmark, Brent Crude, was up 1.41% to trade at $93.72. Chinas strict Covid measures could be partially eased, which could be supportive of oil prices. The Chinese city of Xian, for example, home to more than 13 million residents, has said it would implement Covid control measures only in risk areas instead of city-wide static management, CN Wire reported on Thursday, citing the citys health authorities. Just this past Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled that the countrys zero-Covid policy would remain in place for the time being. Yet, officials in China are discussing the idea of reducing the mandatory quarantine for travelers into China to seven from 10 days, Bloomberg News reported today, quoting sources with knowledge of the discussions. The zero-Covid policy is not only isolating China from the rest of the world, but it weighs on market sentiment in the whole commodity complex, considering the fact that China is the worlds largest consumer of raw materials and the biggest importer of crude oil. Early on Thursday, oil prices were up despite the announcement of more SPR releases coming, as there are concerns that the strategic reserves for emergencies are estimated to now contain oil for only 22 days of consumption in case of an actual emergency. Prices were also pushed higher on Thursday by Wednesdays weekly U.S. oil inventory report by the EIA, which showed a decline of 1.7 million barrels in crude oil, a small draw in gasoline stocks, and a slight increase in distillates. Commenting on the weekly data, analysts at Saxo Bank noted on Thursday that Four-week seasonal demand for distillate fuels soared to the highest since 2007 while inventories remained at the lowest point on record for this time of year. Despite the small increase of 124,000 barrels in distillate stocks, which include diesel, there are still concerns going into winter over distillate inventories as they are at their lowest levels in at least 25 years for this time of year, ING commodity strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey said on Thursday. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Over the past couple of years, Wall Street banks, E&P companies and investors have faced mounting pressure to disinvest in fossil fuels. Last year, BlackRock Inc. (NYSE: BLK), the worlds largest asset manager with $10 trillion in assets under management (AUM), sent shockwaves through the fossil fuel sector after it vowed to double down on climate activism by backing more shareholder resolutions on climate change and social issues. Also last year, New York Citys Mayor Bill de Blasio and Comptroller Scott M. Stringer jolted the sector after announcing that the citys $226B pension fund plans to divest majority of its fossil fuel investments over the next five years and also cut ties with other companies that have been contributing to global warming. Shortly thereafter, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a family foundation built on one of the worlds biggest oil fortunes, followed suit by announcing that it would ditch its oil and gas investments and cease making any new investments going forward. The $5-billion foundation was initially carved from oil money in the 19th century by John D. Rockefellers son of Standard Oil fame. But Russias war in Ukraine and the global energy crisis have completely flipped that playbook, with oil and gas sectors now attracting big money especially from private investors. According to Preqin data, so far this year, private capital funds worldwide have raised a combined $27.9 billion for oil and gas investments compared with $19.4 billion raised in all of 2021. "The fundraising environment for oil and gas is better than it was in the last five years. It's all a juggling act in the sense that it is relative to other sectors and overall fundraising is down," Fraser Van Rensburg, New York-based co-founder and managing partner of placement agency Asante Capital Group, has told Pensions & Investments. Climate Resolutions Failing in the Face of Big Money In another surprising development, whereas some Wall Street and European banks have cut financing to fossil fuel, the massive private equity industry is happily taking their place. According to a recent analysis from the Private Equity Stakeholder Project and Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund (AFREF), the eight largest buyout firms have put nearly as much money into coal, oil and gas as the big bank. According to the nonprofit groups, the PE firms, which include Apollo Global Management, Blackstone Group, Brookfield Asset Management, Carlyle Group, KKR and Warburg Pincus, collectively oversee $216 billion worth of fossil-fuel assets--on par with the amount of money that big banks put into fossil fuels last year. Another surprising find: the 10 largest private equity funds have 80% of their energy investments in fossil fuels. "The billions of dollars private equity firms have deployed to drill, frack, transport, store, refine fossil fuels and generate energy, stand in stark contrast to what climate scientists and international policymakers have called upon to align our trajectory to the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming scenario," states a report cosigned by major climate groups including Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Project, Sierra Club and the Sunrise Project. Related: Biden Plans To Refill The SPR When Oil Prices Fall Below $72 "These polluting assets are shifting from the public markets, where there is greater amount of regulatory and public scrutiny, into the shadows of our financial industry, where private equity usually operates," Riddhi Mehta-Neugebauer, research director at the Private Equity Stakeholder Project, has told CBS News. "Private equity firms are emerging as pollution financiers of last resort," Oscar Valdes Viera, research manager at AFREF, has told CBS MoneyWatch. The report notes that the Blackstone Group is not only one of the world's largest private equity funds but is also one of the worst polluters. In 2020, Blackstone-backed power plants generated 18.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the same as 4 million gasoline-burning cars, according to calculations by PESP. The report reveals that Carlyle Group still maintains $24 billion in carbon-based energy through NGP Group, in which it holds a stake, despite earlier this year pledging to have net-zero emissions by 2050. Indeed, the report notes that 60% of Carlyle's profit in the first half of this year came from NGP. Its going to be a lot harder to persuade these PE firms to stop financing fossil fuel projects if this years happenings on the climate front are any indication. Back in April, shareholders at Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs voted on resolutions recommending the companies stop any additional financing for fossil fuel projects. All the resolutions failed spectacularly, managing to garner just over 10% of the vote. In May, nearly two-thirds of investors in ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX) rejected proposals for the oil giants to align their climate strategies with the Paris agreement. It was yet another resounding defeat for climate activist investors, who are having a less successful proxy season this year than in 2021, as fossil fuel firms reap record profits fueled by the war in Ukraine. Just last year, activist investor Engine No. 1 managed to install three directors on the board of Exxon with the goal of pushing the energy giant to reduce its carbon footprint. That was despite the firm only owning 0.02 percent of Exxons shares. But these companies, their shareholders and PE firms simply are not going to pass up an opportunity to reap billions of dollars from the oil and gas boom. Its a sentiment that was present in commentary by a Carlyle executive who disagreed with the environmentalists' timeline on how quickly it's possible to retire fossil-fuel plants. "Carlyle's approach to invest in, not divest from, the energy transition is a different one, grounded in seeking real emissions reductions within portfolio companies over the long term. In order to work toward meaningful progress on climate change, we will continue to partner with companies across the energy spectrum to collect better data and strive for clear progress reducing greenhouse gas emissions," the company said in a statement. The fund says its focused on energy security as much as sustainability, which means keeping natural-gas plants online longer than initially planned. Meanwhile, theres an issue of accountability. Whereas banks and oil firms are accountable to their shareholders and to the public, private equity firms are only accountable to their limited partners. PE firms raise and manage investment funds on behalf of large investors, including public pension plans thus making them more resistant to public criticism. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com General Secretary Xi Jinping did not mention America in his opening report to the 20th Party Congress (Xinhua, October 16). Nevertheless, Xi made clear that China faces a difficult international environment, precipitated in large part by the U.S. challenge, which threatens the realization of national rejuvenation. For Xi, the threat appears particularly acute in two areas: technology and Taiwan. He called for winning the battle of key core technologies by building on breakthroughs in areas such as supercomputing and quantum computing, space exploration, nuclear energy, satellite navigation and biomedicine (Xinhuanet, October 16). On Taiwan, Xi issued a thinly veiled ultimatum to Washington, stating that the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) will strive for peaceful reunification to incorporate Taiwan into the Motherland, which he called an inevitable requirement for realizing the great rejuvenation. Should this approach fail, Beijing reserves the right to employ military force to counter interference by external forces and Taiwan independence separatists (Central Committee Taiwan Work Office, October 16). Earlier this month, the U.S. took two actions that would have elicited a more vociferous response from Beijing had the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) not been enmeshed in the run-up to the 20th Party Congress. On October 7, the Department of Commerce passed sweeping export controls on high-performance chips and machinery that will hamper the PRCs ability to develop its domestic semiconductor industry. A spokesperson for the PRC Ministry of Commerce lamented the move as technology bullying (Xinhua, October 10). On October 12, the Biden administration released its National Security Strategy (NSS), which identifies the PRC as Americas only strategic competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to advance that objective (The White House, October 12). Nevertheless, the Biden administrations approach, both in practice and as laid out in the NSS, cannot be characterized as solely focused on strategic competition with China. The new NSS expresses a willingness to work with the PRC where our interests align, asserting that disagreements cannot obstruct cooperation on transnational challenges such as climate, pandemic threats, nonproliferation, countering illicit and illegal narcotics, the global food crisis, and macroeconomic issues. For better or for worse, the Biden administration has sought to make the case to Beijing that strategic competition need not obstruct cooperation on shared transnational challenges. These moves put the ball in Xis court following the 20th Party Congress. Does he leverage the Biden administrations desire to collaborate on transnational challenges to seek to reduce the competitive dynamics in relations and entice Washington to pare back its economic and technological curbs? Or does Xi double down on his current hardline approach to the U.S. of linking transnational cooperation to strategic accommodation? Although Xi might opt for the first approach, there is no guarantee that he will do so. On the plus side, achieving a limited thaw with Washington would provide time to achieve greater self-sufficiency in finance, technology, food, energy and other key areas (China Brief, June 17). However, much of Xis domestic political legitimacy is bound up in his reputation for standing up to America, which could incentivize him to embrace strategic competition in spite of the enormous risks that it carries (China Brief, October 4). Crossed Signals The term wolf warrior has almost become a cliche to describe Chinese diplomats in the Xi era. One reason that PRC diplomats often sound irascible to western audiences is that their primary audience is their superiors back home. In the U.S., the PRCs public diplomacy has both irritated relations and strengthened the very anti-China forces that Beijing blames for its poor international image (Xinhua, January 15). For example, shortly after assuming his new post in Washington last year, Ambassador Qin Gang made an address to the Carter Center and the George H.W. Bush Foundation for US-China Relations on the PRCs whole process democracy (PRC Embassy in the U.S., September 22, 2021). In his remarks, he likened the CCP to the most venerated American president: Isnt it obvious that both Chinas people-center philosophy and President Lincolns of the people, by the people, for the people are for the sake of the people? Last month, the PRC Embassy in Washington sent a letter to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing concern over groundless accusations that he made in a Hudson Institute video series on the CCP (VOA Chinese, October 12). The video series directly addresses ordinary Chinese, which is surely irksome to Beijing (YouTube, September 4). The letter was an immediate public relations boon for both the Hudson Institute and Pompeo, who tweeted a screenshot of it along with a promise not to be silenced by the CCP. Missives such as the Pompeo letter are clearly designed to appeal to the top leadership at home, but they are also indicative of the PRCs diplomatic rigidity, which makes managing what the Embassy routinely calls the most important bilateral relationship in the world even more difficult (PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FMPRC) September 28). After its fury over Speaker Pelosis visit to Taiwan finally subsided in September, Beijing, seeking to avoid major flareups in relations with the U.S. heading into the Party Congress, conveyed some limited openness to a resumption of diplomacy, albeit largely on its terms. Last week, Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng held discussions with Scott Kennedy, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in a rare in-person meeting with an expert from an American think tank (FMPRC, October 9). During the meeting, Xie Feng called for deepening U.S.-China expert exchanges to enhance mutual understanding. In late September, Foreign Minister Wang Yi traveled to New York to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meetings. During his visit, Wang also sought to reinvigorate ties with the U.S. expert and business communities (PRC Embassy, September 22). On the New York think tank circuit, he stressed that strong U.S.-China ties are essential to global peace and stability, but also repeatedly stressed that the relationship has hit a breaking point. In his speech to the Asia Society, Wang quoted its president (and former Prime Minister of Australia) Kevin Rudds analogy of U.S.-China relations as a workshop with exposed wires and cables lying everywhere, water on the floor and sparks flying (FMPRC, September 23). However, Wang blamed the deterioration of relations entirely on Washington for miscasting China as an authoritarian rival. He said the U.S. has made repeated provocations on issues involving Chinas core interests and development rights and interests, yet on the other, expressed a desire to keep the bilateral ties stable and prevent conflict and confrontation. This is self-contradictory in both logic and reality. In other words, Beijing cannot accept a relationship with Washington that allows for selective cooperation in the broader context of strategic competition. Dashed Expectations When President Biden entered office, there was considerable hope in official Chinese circles that his administration would adopt a more accommodating policy. In a January 2021 Global Times interview, Wang Yi stated that we hope that the next U.S. administration will return to a sensible approach, resume dialogue with China, restore normalcy to the bilateral relations and restart cooperation (Global Times, January 2, 2021). This highlights a prevailing belief in Beijing that the U.S.s adoption of a more competitive China policy beginning in late 2017 was driven by the Trump administrations ideological orientation and not by a more broad-based shift in American attitudes toward China. However, Beijing was disabused of these notions early on. Taiwans de facto ambassador to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim attended Bidens inauguration, a first since Washington switched relations from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 (Taipei Times, January 21, 2021). Moreover, Biden opted not to immediately repeal the Trump administrations tariffs on China. Related: U.S. Looks To Punish Saudi Arabia For Large OPEC+ Cut The Trump administrations adoption of a tougher line on China in 2017-2018 was a shock to Beijing. However, the Biden administrations decision to sustain many of its predecessors policies was perhaps equally jolting as it underscored that shifts in U.S. China policy stem largely from bipartisan threat assessments rather than U.S. domestic political divisions. In a recent U.S. media interview, the PRCs Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington Xu Xueyuan acknowledged this shift: Its been two years since the Biden administration came into office, but the China policy of the U.S., to be frank, has not stepped out of the shadow of the previous administration the root cause lies in the big problem of the U.S. mentality toward China. The U.S. side takes China as the most serious competitor and the most serious long-term challenge (The China Project, September 29). By the time that Chinas top foreign policy officials, State Councilors Yang Jiechi and Wang Yi met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Alaska in March 2021, Beijings frustration was palpable. The PRC foreign ministry meeting readout stated that the previous U.S. administration went against the trend of the times, and carried out highly erroneous anti-China policies, which seriously damaged both Chinas interests and China-U.S. relations. As a result, China urges the U.S. side to eliminate the impact of the previous administrations wrong policy towards China and avoid new problems (FMPRC, March 20). List Diplomacy Since mid-2021, Beijing has shifted from urging that Washington take steps to repair ties to demanding that it do so. In July 2021, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman traveled to Tianjin, where she was presented with two lists of demands that Beijing said the U.S. must fulfill before relations can move forward: the List of U.S. Wrongdoings that Must Stop and the List of Key Individual Cases that China Has Concerns with (Xinhua, July 26, 2021). Beijings action items for Washington included the revocation of sanctions on CCP officials; ceasing the suppression of Confucius Institutes; and revocation of the registration of PRC state media entities as foreign agents. In the interim, Beijing has doubled down on its list diplomacy. When Wang and Blinken met on the sidelines of the G-20 foreign ministers meeting this July, the PRC Foreign Minister reiterated that relations are still not out of the difficulties caused by the previous U.S. administration and [are] even facing mounting challenges (FMPRC, July 9). Moreover, Wang presented Blinken with two new lists: Acts in the 117th Congress of high concern to China and the list of cooperation proposals in eight areas, including climate change and public health. Implementing the final list is contingent on the U.S. making progress to address the other three lists of Chinese concerns. Conclusion Beijing has made rhetorical ultimatums to withhold cooperation on transnational issues unless Washington abandons strategic competition with China. However, through the NSS and semiconductor export controls, Washington has responded with its own tacit ultimatum to Beijing: accept a US-China relationship that is a mix of managed strategic cooperation and guarded competition, or be prepared for one that is defined wholly by competition. Xi should think carefully about which route he chooses. By the Jamestown Foundation More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Asian fuel sellers are increasing their shipments of diesel to energy-starved Europe, benefiting from the premium European buyers are willing to pay for the fuel amid a deepening global and regional deficit. Global diesel inventories have declined precipitously since demand rebounded over the last two years, largely due to a decline in refinery capacity during the pandemic. The refinery workers strike in France certainly did not help matters in Europe specifically, adding to diesel supply woes, perhaps the most important of the oil derivatives as it fuels transport and agriculture. "East of Suez is sending everything they can ship... it's just a question of how much China exports in November," one unnamed trader told Reuters this week. The agency cited tracking data as showing that loadings of gasoil from China and South Korea to northwestern Europe this month could reach 289,000 tons, up from 137,500 tonnes in September. Yet the shortage is not limited to Europe. In fact, one of Europes biggest fuel suppliers is now snapping cargoes back. Per another Reuters report, from earlier this week, at least two cargos of diesel fuel and jet fuel originally scheduled to arrive in Europe were diverted to the U.S. Distillate fuel stocks in the U.S. are at decades-low and refineries are not ramping up production in any meaningful way, likely for a lack of processing capacity. Meanwhile, India and Middle Eastern countries are also sending more distillates to Europe. Indian exports to northwestern Europe this month were seen at 480,000 tons, per Refinitiv data cited by Reuters. Middle Eastern exports were calculated at 834,000 tons. Both figures are substantial increases from September's export rates. Volumes will likely grow further in November, too, according to industry insiders. Reuters quoted its trading source as saying that shipments from east of Suez could reach 3 million tons next month, with Middle Eastern producers accounting for about two-thirds of this total. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: For the first time since Russia invaded, Ukraine is facing large-scale nationwide disruptions to electricity and rolling blackouts from extensive damage to the countrys power infrastructure from Russian missile attacks this month. Ukrainian officials have sought to restrict supply to allow energy companies to repair power facilities that have been pounded by Russian air strikes. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged people to use as little electricity as possible from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and prepare for temporary blackouts if this was not done. Russian attacks have knocked out 30% of the country's power plants, causing massive blackouts. The new development comes just weeks after Russia and Belarus announced the formation of a new joint force, with the Ukrainian army seeing rising military threats from the north. On Thursday morning, Russia hit Mykolaiv and the surrounding region with C-300 missiles, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the presidents office, has revealed on Telegram. Russia hit an industrial facility and energy infrastructure in the Kryvyi Rih district of the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight, inflicting serious damage. However, Ukrainian forces have successfully repelled Russian assaults near nine settlements in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraines General Staff has said. Last month, Ukraines state nuclear company Energoatom reported that the final working reactor at the six-reactor facility at Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine was disconnected from Ukraine's grid after Russian shelling disrupted power lines. The vast Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP)--the largest in Europe--was captured by Russian forces in March, but is still run by Ukrainian engineers and staff. Ukraine has been unable to repair the power lines because of heavy fighting and shelling raging around the station, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko posted on Facebook. According to Galushchenko, fresh shelling hit soon after most of the inspectors from a mission by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), left the plant earlier on Monday. Reactors number five and six remain in use but are currently disconnected from the grid having suffered repeated disconnections due to heavy shelling. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: "Since China has a rich culture with prosperous economy, its language Chinese is important and interesting," Afghan teenage Mohammad Ismael Adib told Xinhua. "I have decided to learn Chinese and become a bridge of communication between Afghanistan and China," said Adib, a junior student in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Kabul University, while mentioning that learning the Chinese language could help him find job easily after graduation from the university. "Those graduated from the department of the university in past years have already had job. They work either as teacher in the department or interpreter, and some have launched businesses," Adib said. Afghanistan's only Confucius Institute, also known as the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, opened in 2008 at Kabul University. Since then, the department has facilitated hundreds of young people to learn Chinese, the language of the most populous country in the world. "More than 90 students including boys and girls are currently learning Chinese in the department of the university," said Hamid Ghulami, director of the department. Ghulami, also a teacher of Chinese language in the department since 2014, said that learners of Chinese have been on the rise. "Although the department is new in Afghanistan, the number of students getting enrolled with Confucius Institute is increasing and we have also offered courses of Chinese language in Nangarhar University," Ghulami told Xinhua. "I have been learning Chinese over the past four years, it is a very important language and I like it," Khawaja Abdul Basir Sediqi told Xinhua in a classroom. As a senior student in the Confucius Institute, Sediqi said that China is a major economy with rich culture and old civilization, and learning Chinese is essential for cultural exchanges and connecting civilizations. "After graduation I could work as translator or teacher in Afghanistan to help push forward ties between the two neighboring nations," Sediqi said. The U.S. Justice Department has charged nine people and two companies with the illegal sale of dual-use technology to Russia and money laundering. The first case involved five Russian nationals, the Justice Department said in a news release, and the businesses are oil brokers working with Venezuela. They have been charged with participation in a global sanction evasion and money laundering scheme. One defendant was arrested on Oct. 17 in Germany and another defendant was arrested on Oct. 17 in Italy, both at the request of the United States. As alleged, the defendants obtained military technology from U.S. companies, smuggled millions of barrels of oil, and laundered tens of millions of dollars for Russian industrialists, sanctioned entities, and the worlds largest energy conglomerate, the Justice Department also said. These charges reveal two separate global schemes to violate U.S. export and sanctions laws, including by shipping sensitive military technologies from U.S. manufacturers including types found in seized Russian weapons platforms in Ukraine and attempting to reexport a machine system with potential application in nuclear proliferation and defense programs to Russia, Attorney-General Merrick B. Garland said. As I have said, our investigators and prosecutors will be relentless in their efforts to identify, locate, and bring to justice those whose illegal acts undermine the rule of law and enable the Russian regime to continue its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Garland added. In addition to selling military technology to Russia, those indicted in the first case were charged with selling Venezuelan crude oil to Russian and Chinese buyers. The scheme involved a myriad of transactions involving shell companies and cryptocurrency, said the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York where the case will be heard. The second case concerns three Latvian nationals and a Ukrainian who attempted to smuggle a high-precision export-controlled item to Russia where it could have been used in nuclear proliferation and Russian defense programs, per U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery of the District of Connecticut. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: Ukraine on October 20 began restricting electricity consumption for the first time since the start of Russia's invasion as the country sustained serious damage to its infrastructure following waves of Russian air strikes targeting its electricity grid ahead of the onset of winter. Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian civilian and infrastructure facilities in Ukraine since October 10, mainly using kamikaze drones that Ukraine and its Western allies say are Iranian-made. Moscow and Tehran have denied the accusations. The supply restriction started at 7 a.m. local time and is due to last until 11 p.m., with grid operator Ukrenergo urging Ukrainians "to charge everything" before the start of the cuts, warning temporary blackouts were possible if people did not reduce their use of electricity. "We do not exclude that with the onset of cold weather we will be asking for your help even more frequently," Ukrenergo said, referring to the restriction that is limited to October 20. Ukrenergo called on Ukrainians to stock up with water and make sure they have "warm socks and blankets and hugs for family and friends." The company urged people to make sure they have charged mobile phones, power banks, flashlights, and batteries. In the latest Russian attack, an energy facility was struck and damaged in the Kryvorizka district of the Dnipropetrovsk region, the head of the regional administration, Valentyn Reznichenko, reported on October 20. Earlier, a missile strike hit a major coal-fired power station in the city of Burshtyn in western Ukraine, the region's governor said. "Our region experienced missile fire today. The Burshtyn thermal power station was hit, which caused a fire," Svitlana Onyshchuk, governor of Ivano-Frankivsk region, said in an online video statement. The Burshtyn power station supplies electricity to three western regions and 5 million consumers. "There is new damage to critical infrastructure. Three energy facilities were destroyed by the enemy today," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address late on October 19. "We assume that Russian terror will be directed at energy facilities until, with the help of partners, we are able to shoot down 100 percent of enemy missiles and drones," said Zelenskiy. Oleksandr Kharchenko, an adviser to the energy minister, said on October 19 that there will be outages, including some that are scheduled. "Unfortunately, according to new data, about 40 percent of the total infrastructure is seriously damaged. Repair and connection work is ongoing, but outages are expected today and tomorrow," Kharchenko said on Ukrainian television. Zelenskiy is due to address EU leaders on October 20 as they gather for a summit to discuss options for more support to Ukraine, including energy equipment, helping restore power supply, and long-term financing to rebuild. Ahead of the summit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed lawmakers in Berlin on October 20, condemning Russia's latest drone attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine and saying that "such scorched-earth tactics will not help Russia win the war." Scholz said such tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin would "only strengthen the resolve and the will of Ukraine and its partners to persevere." "In the end, Russia's bombing and missile terror is an act of desperation -- just like the mobilization of Russian men for war," Scholz said. "He wants to sow fear, divide, and intimidate. He is speculating on our weakness, but he is wrong -- we are not weak." Scholz said the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war would be a "generational task in which the entire civilized community of states must join forces." In London, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace will also make a statement to parliament on Ukraine later on October 20, the House of Commons said on Twitter. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The major oil exporters in the Arab Gulf will see their economies grow at a lower rate next year compared to this years growth and previous expectations due to weaker-than-projected global oil demand growth, a Reuters poll of economists showed on Thursday. The six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)are forecast to record overall economic growth of 6.6% this year. But next year, growth will slow, although it will remain strong by international standards. Growth is now expected at 4.2% in 2023, according to the economists polled by Reuters. The stronger U.S. dollar, to which the GCC currencies are pegged, is also expected to weigh down on the 2023 economic growth. GCC countries have benefitted from sharply higher oil prices, turning budget deficits into surpluses, and increased oil production which has bumped up GDP growth. However, the outlook for 2023 is more challenging, given the strength of the U.S. dollar, Khatija Haque, head of research and chief economist at Emirates NBD, told Reuters. Saudi Arabias GDP is expected to grow by 3.5% next year, significantly down from last years projection of 8.1% growth, according to the Reuters poll. This year, GCC economies are on track for the fastest economic growth in years and for budget surpluses, for some of them the first surpluses in a decade. But growth is expected to slow down next year due to the weaker oil demand, the OPEC+ production cuts as of November, spiking food prices, and fears of a recession in major oil-importing countries. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), economic growth is projected at 5.2% this year for the oil exporters in the Middle East and Central Asia, with high oil prices and robust non-oil GDP growth offsetting the global headwinds. However, economic activity in these countries is expected or so to slow next year as OPEC-plus production cuts, and oil price decline, and global demand is expected to slow, Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, said last week. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Louisville Public Schools canceled classes Thursday because of an uptick in illness among students and staff. The illness swept through the districts building, which houses kindergarten through 12th grade, on Wednesday, leaving staff and students with flu-like symptoms, said Andrew Farber, the districts superintendent. He didnt know the total number of people who had fallen ill. The district already had Friday slated as a day off. Officials opted to cancel classes Thursday, too, Farber said, so that buildings could be cleaned and sick people could recover at home. We just wanted to be extremely cautious, he said. We want to protect our families, our staff and our community. Farber said the district has been working closely with the Sarpy/Cass Health Department on the matter. The district has about 700 students. Louisville is about 25 miles south of Omaha. In the past 16 years as Douglas County attorney, Don Kleine has overseen the prosecution of about 50,000 felonies. Add in his 12 years as chief deputy of the office, and there are another 36,000 felonies. He personally has tried more than 100 jury trials. And he prosecuted four of 12 killers on Nebraskas death row: Nikko Jenkins, Anthony Garcia, Roy Ellis and Arthur Lee Gales (who died of natural causes last year). But in his opponents eyes, the 2022 race is in part a referendum over Kleines decision-making in just one of those thousands of cases: His decision to not charge White bar owner Jake Gardner in the May 2020 death of a young Black man, James Scurlock, in Omahas Old Market. Without that case, the Nebraska Democratic Party wouldnt have passed a resolution saying that Kleines decision perpetuated White supremacy. In turn, Kleine, a longtime Democrat, wouldnt have switched to the Republican Party. And Dave Pantos, an attorney and political consultant who has no post-law school prosecutorial or criminal-defense experience but bills himself as a criminal justice reformist, likely wouldnt have challenged Kleine. The two are vying for the states highest-paying elected job. At $208,000 a year, the county attorney oversees an office of 60 attorneys who handle 4,400 felonies a year, plus juvenile and parental abandonment cases. The county attorney also advises the Douglas County Board and prosecutes misdemeanor domestic abuse cases. The race has gotten intense, with Pantos and Kleine trading barbs over several issues, during interviews and at a Southwest Omaha Neighborhood Alliance community forum last week. An article in Wednesdays World-Herald delved into the experience of the two candidates as well as their views on abortion since Roe v. Wade, prison overcrowding and criminal justice reform. This article looks at their views on former President Donald Trump and office turnover. It also explores their endorsements. But first, Gardner. The background On May 30, 2020, Omaha residents protesting the death of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer spilled into downtown Omaha. Gardner, a former Marine, sat that Saturday night in his darkened bar in the Old Market. Someone threw a brick and a signpost at the windows of the bar, causing the glass to spider. Gardner, 38, and his father, David, rushed out of the bar and confronted two young men who had hurled objects at the windows: James Scurlock, 22, and Tucker Randall, 21. David Gardner, 69, twice shoved a young bystander, then got decked by Randall. Regaining his feet, David Gardner shoved Scurlock; Scurlock shoved a man next to Jake Gardner. Jake Gardner pulled a gun and held it to his side walking backward while Scurlock walked toward him. A young woman saw the gun in Jake Gardners hand and jumped on his back, tackling him into a puddle. Gardner fired two shots, sending the woman and Randall scurrying. Scurlock then jumped on Gardner, grabbing from behind, an arm around his upper chest or neck. The two struggled for 18 seconds. Gardner yelled get off me several times. Gardner switched the gun to his other hand and fired over his shoulder, hitting Scurlock in the neck and killing him. Scurlocks supporters have suggested that he was trying to subdue an active shooter. Kleine spent that Sunday discussing the case with Omaha homicide detectives and his chief deputy, Brenda Beadle. He also reviewed several videotapes that were obtained by Omaha police, as well as their reports. That Monday, he announced his decision: He would not charge Jake Gardner, ruling that Gardner reasonably believed his life was in danger. Beadle and every homicide detective who reviewed the case agreed with the self-defense ruling. The decision sparked outrage and protests among those who pointed out that Gardner and his father were the only ones who brought weapons into the confrontation. Two days after he announced his decision and after hearing from several people, including elected officials who represent predominantly Black neighborhoods Kleine said he was not afraid to have a second set of eyes look at the case. He asked a judge to appoint a special prosecutor and grand jury. Three months later, Fred Franklin, a retired federal prosecutor, led the grand jury on an investigation that ended with Gardner being charged with manslaughter, attempted first-degree assault, terroristic threats and weapon use. Gardner killed himself in Oregon before he could be captured and returned to Omaha. The case and the campaign Among several criticisms, Pantos said Kleines decision-making in the case was an abject failure. State law says self-defense protections do not apply to someone who provokes someone in order to use deadly force. The fact is, theres no reason Jake Gardner should not have been arrested after murdering James Scurlock, Pantos said at the forum. That man came to his bar, loaded to bear, ready to hurt or kill someone. Im not saying he came down to kill James Scurlock personally, but he went there to kill someone. In an interview, Pantos referred to the Sunday interview of Gardner as a meet and greet, noting that Gardner was never placed under arrest by Omaha police the day after the shooting. Pantos further upbraided Kleine over his criticism of how Franklin led the grand jury investigation. I think his attacks on the grand jury and on Fred Franklin helped to further divide our community, Pantos said. Kleine said he spent that Sunday and Monday reviewing all the videos and all the reports and asking for input from every Omaha police detective on the case. Kleine called the idea that it was a meet and greet nonsense. Kleine said he never met Gardner, nor spoke with him. Omaha police homicide detectives interview suspects; county attorneys do not. State law supports self-defense if a person has a reasonable belief that their life is in danger, even if that belief is wrong, Kleine said. Kleine pointed out that the video shows Scurlock on Gardners back and Gardner repeatedly yelling get off me. Eighteen seconds into the struggle, Gardner fired over his shoulder, killing Scurlock. After Gardners suicide, Kleine said of the grand jury process: I know Fred Franklin hes a good man. But he really seemed to have his mind made up before he went in there as to what his theory of the case was. Kleine said he must make difficult calls in difficult cases all the time. The Gardner-Scurlock case was no different. He called it a very sad and sensitive situation. I wish that Jake Gardner and James Scurlock wouldnt ever have come into contact with each other that night, he said. But they did. ... Although it was a difficult decision in some ways because we knew it wouldnt be a popular decision, it was the right decision. At the community forum, Kleine turned to Pantos. Its hard to listen to somebody who has absolutely zero experience in the courtroom ... who doesnt understand the law of justification or self-defense, he said. Youve never seen the police reports. You had nothing to do with the investigation of this case. You have no idea what happened. Former President Donald Trump The case had political consequences. In September, Ja Keen Fox, who had staged protests outside Kleines house, and fellow Democrat Precious McKesson introduced a resolution at a Nebraska Democratic Party meeting saying that Kleines actions in the case perpetuated White supremacy. Kleine was given no opportunity to address party members before they voted to pass the resolution. Kleine was miffed and mystified. Several prominent Democrats objected, with one former Democratic leader, Vince Powers, calling the resolution the most divisive, negative and mean-spirited resolution he had seen. Kleine noted that his office represents people of color afflicted by many crimes more than 60% of victims last year were Black, he said. He and his chief deputy regularly meet with Black leaders, including pastors. A handful of Black judges in Douglas County launched their careers in Kleines office. Stung by the resolution, Kleine announced in October 2020 that he was switching to the Republican Party. He was flanked by every major Republican in the state. To me, the Democratic Party left me when they said what they said, Kleine said in a recent interview. You can say a lot of things about Don Kleine, you can say hes a jerk or whatever, but promoting White supremacy? Sorry, thats unforgivable. At the press conference announcing his party switch, Kleine was asked if he had voted for then-President Donald Trump. He said he had. Im a law-and-order guy, and the presidents a law-and-order guy, he said then. So its an easy choice. Pantos has pounced on that. On social media, he has made a point to mark the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2020 the day when Kleine declared his allegiance to Donald Trump. He recently posted an online video that showed Kleine on one half of a split screen, Trump on the other. He said he voted for him and supported him, Pantos said in an interview. So he paired himself with Trump. I dont think hes adequately unpaired himself. Kleine resisted that at the community forum. Im not going to let you get away with the Trump stuff, Kleine told Pantos. I was asked I said I voted for Trump. I didnt endorse Trump. It was before Jan. 6. And you know, that doesnt have any impact on how I run the office. Asked in an interview about his comments that Trump is a law-and-order guy, Kleine said: I was very upset I didnt think I was treated fairly by the Democratic Party. At the time I said that, most law enforcement agencies supported him thats what I meant by a law-and-order person. Obviously, that view changed after I saw what happened on Jan. 6. Turnover Pantos has questioned what is going on with Kleines leadership of the office, pointing to attorney turnover over the past two years. I recognize one or two attorneys got promoted (to judgeships), but you know theres like 30 or 40 who have left, Pantos said. The actual number is closer to 20 over the past 2 years. In that time span, six of those attorneys were appointed to judgeships and another three became prosecutors in other counties. Most of the rest left for jobs as defense attorneys or to work in civil insurance defense in the private sector. Kleine acknowledged that turnover hit a quick clip during the pandemic. He said several district attorneys offices across the country have dealt with the Great Resignation, as have other sectors of the nations workforce. It isnt unusual, he said, for younger attorneys to leave for more lucrative, less stressful jobs. In their place, Kleine and Beadle have hired several experienced deputy county attorneys from Dodge, Saunders and Lancaster Counties, among others. Kleine said his staff is back to full strength. Of Ricketts six judicial appointees from Kleines office in the past three years, five were women. More than half of Kleines staff is female, he said. Theyre great attorneys, and Im really proud of them and all my staff, he said. Proud of the work weve done in difficult times. Kleine said he found Pantos comments about leadership ironic pointing out that Pantos was forced out of the last law firm he ran, Legal Aid of Nebraska, after he had an affair with, and promoted, an underling. Endorsements As a new Republican, Kleine has predictable endorsements from major Republicans. But he also has endorsements from prominent Democrats, including longtime Douglas County Public Defender Tom Riley, who sent out a statement praising Kleines ethics and fairness after battling him in court for nearly 40 years. Other Democrats endorsing him include former Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, former U.S. Attorney Deb Gilg, former congressional candidate Ann Ashford and State Sen. Mike McDonnell, a former Omaha fire chief who now heads the Omaha Federation of Labor of the AFL-CIO. Pantos didnt respond to a request for a list of his endorsements, but he has used social media to announce that he has been endorsed by former Omaha City Council member Brenda Council, Republican State Sen. John McCollister of Omaha and Moms Demand Action, a national anti-gun violence group. Theatrics Wednesdays World-Herald detailed Pantos recent TV ad featuring dubious claims about his experience and about Omahas murder rate. Questions became loaded at last weeks community forum. During a time designed for audience questions, Beadle, Kleines chief deputy, and her daughter an attorney who interned in Kleines office as a law student stepped to the lectern. Her daughter asked Pantos a pointed question about abortion. Beadle asked Pantos about Ja Keen Fox, who has served as a Pantos campaign adviser. In 2020, Fox made headlines when he praised a man who killed five Dallas police officers, tweeting Rest in Power and saying the killer valued his life and the life of Black people enough not to wait around to be killed unjustly. Beadle asked Pantos about that controversy: One of your team members that you tout has openly applauded police officers getting killed. What do you have to say about that? Pantos: Im not aware of that. Really, you dont know about that? Beadle said. Thats convenient. LINCOLN Renee Jones didnt expect the announcement on Thursday, let alone before 9 a.m. when the students in her first-period oral communications class were still waking up. So its understandable that the speech teacher seemed nearly at a loss for words herself during a surprise ceremony in which she was named the 2023 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. I feel like Im a Kardashian or something, Jones said with a laugh as state and local education officials and camera crews filed into her classroom. Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matthew Blomstedt presented the award to Jones, who teaches oral communications, creative writing and Holocaust literature at Lincoln High. She previously taught English at the Bryan Community Focus Program for six years before coming to Lincoln High in 2021. Jones is also a published author and has presented on education at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. She received the Lincoln Public Schools Foundations Inspire Award in 2019 as well. The reality is this is both an honor for you but really an honor for teachers, Blomstedt said. We want to recognize the great work that teachers have done in the middle of the pandemic, but also just annually this is such a great thing youre going to be a part of. As the state teacher of the year, Jones will be Nebraskas representative in the National Teacher of the Year competition and participate in professional development with other states winners. She will also get to travel the state and country to take part in various educational conferences and workshops. I know Im going to have to do things that are really awesome but also challenge me as a person, which is exciting, she said. A panel of state educators tabbed Jones for the award, which is bestowed annually to teachers who are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, skilled and who have the ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. Freshman DeAdrian Walker, who is in Jones first-period oral communications class, said he overcame his fear of public speaking thanks to her. I was barely even able to come up to the classroom and talk about myself, he told a group of reporters. I feel like I wouldnt be here talking if it wasnt for her helping me. Walker said Jones makes sure her students are comfortable speaking in a classroom setting and instills confidence in them. She always makes sure theyre in a good mood, he said. Jones, a Lincoln North Star graduate, joins other past Lincoln High teachers to earn the award, including 2019 winner Sydney Jensen and current State Education Board President Patsy Koch-Johns, who was in attendance Thursday. These kids are so lucky to be Links and to have this wonderful teacher, Koch-Johns said. China-proposed Digital Silk Road creates new opportunities for global development 13:42, October 19, 2022 By Lin Zihan ( People's Daily The Digital Silk Road cooperation mechanism, established by China in 2017, has constantly assisted Belt and Road countries to improve digital infrastructure, raise internet penetration, and promote digital infrastructure connectivity. Photo taken on June 22, 2022 shows the Future Space, a technology experience center established by Chinese tech firm Huawei, in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. The center is the first technology-themed exhibition hall invested and built by a Chinese company for the public in Saudi Arabia. It showcases advanced technologies including autonomous driving, smart home and robotic arms. (Photo courtesy of the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia) It has created new opportunities of economic growth and digital transformation for relevant countries, advancing the innovative development of Belt and Road cooperation. Digital economy is an important engine driving global recovery and growth, and one of the important areas of cooperation defined by the Global Development Initiative (GDI). China enjoys a sound industrial foundation and a huge market for promoting the Digital Silk Road cooperation mechanism. According to statistics released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's digital economy grew from 27 trillion yuan ($3.75 trillion) to 45 trillion yuan from 2017 to 2021, ranking second in the world and registering an annual compound growth of 13.6 percent. A recent report by the Cyberspace Administration of China also indicated rapid development of China's digital technologies in terms of innovation. The country is now among the world's best players of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data, block chain, quantum information and other emerging information technologies. A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying the last satellite of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan province, June 23, 2020. (Liu Huaiyu/People's Daily Online) Based on this, China has continuously deepened its cooperation on digital economy with the countries and regions along the Belt and Road to share its development dividends. Memorandums of Understanding on building the Digital Silk Road were signed between China and 17 partner countries. China has also established a Silk Road E-commerce bilateral cooperation mechanism with 23 countries and built 34 cross-border land cables and multiple international submarine cables with neighboring countries. In recent years, China's information technology, as well as relevant hardware and software products, has been widely used in countries and regions along the Belt and Road. A number of cooperation projects in the field have been implemented, benefiting local communities. Alibaba, Baidu and other Chinese tech giants have entered the commercial and telecommunications markets in the Middle East and Northern Africa. China's Huawei, considered to be a global leader in 5G technology and one of the largest suppliers of telecommunication devices, became one of the first fully-owned technology companies operating in Qatar in 2018. It has significantly promoted 5G development in the country. A year later, Huawei signed a partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia's leading telecommunications provider, Zain, to launch the first 5G local area network in the Middle East and North Africa. Besides, the Chinese tech firm has also set up an open laboratory in Cairo, Egypt, that maintains cooperation with many local universities and offers training courses for local students. In Kenya, a "mobile wallet" application co-developed by China and Africa has become an indispensable transfer, paying, receiving and loaning tool for local people. Under the technical support of the Chinese side, the application is now under stable operation and comes with rich functions. According to statistics released in March this year, the application has gained over 30 million monthly active users. The national data center of Senegal is inaugurated in Diamniadio, Senegal, June 22, 2021. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Senegalese President Macky Sall and Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Xiao Han. (Photo courtesy of the Chinese Embassy in Senegal) China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has also joined agriculture, telecommunication, marine monitoring and disaster relief activities along the Belt and Road. It is reported that China has exported its basic products of the BDS to more than 120 countries and regions, including those along the Belt and Road. The Chinese navigation system is widely applied in agriculture and land surveying in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Laos. Besides, China has established a ground-based augmentation system of the BDS in Pakistan. At present, some countries and regions along the Belt and Road are still seeing weak digital infrastructure and low access rates to the internet. China is working to help these countries and regions reinforce digital infrastructure, in an effort to create new opportunities and areas of growth for their economic development. So far, China and South Africa have jointly released the first 5G independent networking commercial network in Africa, and a national data center has also been put into use in Senegal with the financial and technical support of China. The State Council rolled out a plan to facilitate the development of the digital economy in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in January this year. The plan encourages Chinese enterprises in the digital economy sector to engage in international cooperation in a more active manner. China will strengthen its efforts to expand international cooperation on digital economy, and further improve the institutional environment in this regard, the plan said. China has made efforts to address complex topics related to the digital economy and will pioneer solutions to global development, said the World Economic Forum on its website. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Li Ruxiu, 60, walks the runway wearing a cockscomb-shaped hat and black, red, yellow and green clothing, displaying traditional Yi ethnic costumes to tourists. The woman is from the Yi ethnic group and has been showcasing traditional Yi costumes featuring handmade embroidery for more than half a century in Yongren County of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. "I have been obsessed with embroidery since I was a little girl," Li said. She learned to do embroidery work at the age of eight and could make her own costumes at 12. "Yi girls here who can hold a needle can embroider. Embroidery is a skill in our genes," she said. Yunnan is home to about 5 million Yi people. With ancestral embroidery skills, Yi people needle nature designs onto their costumes, such as flowers, butterflies, birds, tigers and cats, as well as the sun, moon and stars. For more than 1,300 years, Yi people have been passing on their embroidery traditions, a form of intangible cultural heritage. However, steep mountains used to cut off the unique culture from the outside world. For a long time, the Yi embroidery art remained a mystery. Local authorities have thus taken a series of measures, including training embroiderers, holding fashion shows, and promoting Yi costumes in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Li's daughter Yu Kunyao opened a Yi embroidery studio in the county after her graduation from college, incorporating new fashion elements and winning the hearts of young consumers. "Life is like embroidery. It is in need of patience and dexterity," Li said. "Yi embroidery is amazing. People like it but have no idea how to apply it to modern life," said Fan Zhiyong, vice president of the Yi embroidery association of the Chuxiong prefecture. She has devoted herself to returning Yi embroidery to something more than just art hanging in a museum. After graduating in 2007, Fan returned to her hometown to establish the Yunnan Naxi Cultural Creative Development Co., Ltd. and registered the brand "Nasu," leading more than 300 embroiderers to participate in Yi embroidery. Concerted efforts have yielded promising results. There are now 56 Yi embroidery associations and cooperatives as well as 538 embroidery workshops in the prefecture, including 12 enterprises each with an annual output value of more than 5 million yuan (about 703,300 U.S. dollars). Yunnan has invested more than 30 million yuan to promote the Yi cultural industry, whose output value increased from 20 million yuan in 2012 to 200 million yuan in 2021. Among the 57,000 female embroiderers in Chuxiong prefecture, Li Guoxiu earns more than 6,000 yuan monthly from working at the Colorful Yi Embroidery Culture Co., Ltd. in Nanhua County. Ding Lanying, head of the company and mother to two daughters, has been dedicated to helping rural mothers work near home, enabling them to take care of their children. As a provincial inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Yunnan, Ding has mastered over 70 Yi embroidery techniques. Last year, her company developed more than 1,000 products across over 300 categories, such as handbags and shawls, with an annual income of 15 million yuan. Now, her elder daughter has also become a county-level inheritor of Yi embroidery. "Yi embroidery is our life, and we have worked hard to make the old art brand-new," Ding said. How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago Oct. 20, 1922: Parking problems in the Bloomington business district as well as traffic regulations will occupy the attention of the city council shortly. The completion of the new asphalt pavement in the business district will necessitate some changes in parking, traffic conditions and speed regulations. There are some who argue that a congestion of vehicles will result from the coming of the Illini Boulevard, Meridian trail and Diagonal trail, which will increase state traffic moving through the city via Main and Center streets. Read the story. 75 years ago Oct. 20, 1947: The 1947 homecoming at Illinois Wesleyan ended solemnly with the dedication of the new red brick Memorial Center. President Merrill J. Holmes, flanked by 10 other school and visiting dignitaries, dedicated the new $375,000 structure to Wesleyan's 51 servicemen who died in World War II. "Let this building be a real tribute to the memory of the boys," he said. Read the story. 50 years ago Oct. 20, 1972: The Rev. Otto C. Simonsen, founding pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Pontiac, died at age 81 after being ill for several months. Simonsen served the Pontiac church for 35 years for his retirement in 1956. In addition, he was interested in institutional ministry and served at Pontiac State Prison, Livingston County Home and the Livingston County TB Sanitarium. Read the story. 25 years ago Oct. 20, 1997: A third canine unit is being added to the Bloomington Police Department to devote more coverage to the war against drugs. A $10,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will pay for the cost of the dog a 15-month-old Belgian Malinois named Rexx plus specialized training and equipment, Chief Dick Ryan said. The department's two existing canine officers are Mark Cook, who works with Wolff, and Randy Craft, who works with Niko. Each averages between 30 and 50 calls for service each month. Read the story. WINNETKA A white woman charged with a hate crime following a confrontation where she told a group of Black men in 2020 that they couldn't be at a suburban Chicago beach has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to a lesser charge. The felony hate crime charge Irene Donoshaytis had faced in Cook County was amended Wednesday to misdemeanor battery under a plea agreement. She pleaded guilty to the battery charge and was sentenced to one year of probation. The Northfield woman's plea agreement includes a requirement that she attend an anti-racism class, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Donoshaytis, then 65, was accused in August 2020 of aggressively confronting Otis Campbell and two other Black men who were riding bicycles near a pier along Lake Michigan in Winnetka, police said. Campbell captured the interaction in a video that was uploaded to Twitter. In the video, Donoshaytis complains to a Winnetka Park District employee that the three Black men didn't belong in a certain area without a pass. The employee responds that the men were on public property and a beach pass wasn't required. Donoshaytis disagrees. She asks Campbell, "Are you crazy? What, you want to kill me? No? It feels like it." "Why would I want to kill you? Is it because I'm Black?" Campbell says. "Yes," Donoshaytis responds, nodding her head. After that, Donoshaytis tries to knock the phone out of Campbell's hands, and the recording shakes and stops. Campbell said she hit his arm twice. Campbell said the woman confronted him just after he finished a 15-mile bike ride with his cousin and friend from the nearby suburb of Skokie, where Campbell says he grew up. Campbell said Donoshaytis told them, "This is America. This is America. You can't do this. I'm from Winnetka. You need to go back where you're from." Donoshaytis' attorney, Jeffrey Fagan, said in 2020 that Donoshaytis was a refugee from the Soviet Union who fled persecution there. The opening of the first two licensed cannabis infusers in Illinois shows that having startup money and making business connections are crucial to overcome some of the obstacles facing the industry. Infusers buy cannabis oil from growers, and infuse it into edibles, lotions and other products. Both Contract Canna and Krown LLC self-financed their startups, and formed partnerships with established companies, while many of their competitors are still on the sidelines, trying to get investments or loans. Contract Canna, licensed as MME Illinois LLC in Hazel Crest and already operating for three weeks, is selling its Dibz gummies in some 30 licensed cannabis stores, and Krown is making its Enliven brand of tarts, mints and cookies in downstate Pekin. But both companies have also contracted to make products for other companies. Krown will make fruit-flavored gummies for Oregon-based Wyld. Contract Canna will make cannabis-infused beverages for another yet-to-be-named brand, and is certified in good manufacturing practices to offer manufacturing, packing and distribution. The contract work not only gives them quicker income, but access to experience and expertise in the field. Being self-financed by family and friends, the two companies can also make decisions quickly. We have knowledge of how to produce the product. They can focus on sales and marketing, Contract Canna CEO and co-founder Ben Dreyfuss said. State regulators classified both infusers as preferred social equity applicants. Dreyfuss said Contract Canna qualified because he and his father come from qualifying areas in the south suburbs near Hazel Crest. While beverages make up a tiny percentage of the cannabis market, its a niche that has potential for growth. Lagunitas, for instance, has started selling HiFi Hops, a nonalcoholic cannabis infused sparkling water, in California. Dreyfuss said its unfortunate that the other 52 infusers have been unable to open, mostly because of delays in licensing and a lack of capital. Money is the biggest thing, because the delay in the Illinois market and economic factors caused money to go to other states, he said. COVID hit, money dried up. Now its drying up again because people see whats happening with share prices of cannabis companies (going down). Krown held a ribbon-cutting Tuesday to mark the opening of its 13,000-square-foot industrial kitchen. Krown majority owner is Allison Dries, who previously worked in chemical and manufacturing engineering for Caterpillar Inc. Using their own savings and investments from family and friends, Dries and co-founder Eric Labraaten bought an old warehouse and converted it into their dream cannabis kitchen. To meet the states preferences for social equity businesses, the majority of Krowns 17 employees had a prior minor cannabis arrest or conviction, or came from a neighborhood that was poor or had a high rate of marijuana arrests. Were offering high-paying jobs to people who may not have had those opportunities, Dries said. Thats a long-term thing. While the state recently reversed its policy and allowed infusers to make vape cartridges, Dries said she has no plan to do so for now, considering much larger companies make some 200 cartridges on the market. We want to be much more niche than that, she said. Krown aims to make low-dose edibles that, as required by law, are laboratory-tested for potency and contaminants. Were offering a safe, reputable amount of THC, so you can very closely control your experience, Dries said. Start with a low dose and go slow. However, the Department of Agriculture decreed that infusers may not extract cannabis concentrate from flower they have to buy concentrates from growers. Cultivators can make their own infused products, so when they sell to an infuser, theyre selling to their competitor. Infusers may also buy and process products made from hemp, such as CBD, but may not make intoxicating compounds from it, such as delta-9 THC, the main component that gets users high, or similar knockoffs such as delta-8 THC or THC-O. Since 2021, the state Department of Agriculture has issued 88 craft grow licenses, 54 infuser licenses and 189 transporter licenses, and approved 10 community colleges to offer cannabis job training. Only one craft grower, Star Buds in Rockford, has announced its opening so far, though another dozen are expected soon. Most new state licensees are far behind, in size, time and name recognition. The 21 cultivation centers originally approved to operate under the medical cannabis program generally began operating around 2015. Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II welcomed the openings. We have seen this industry adapt and overcome a number of challenges these past two years, he said, and with roughly two dozen others close to opening their doors, its a time of great momentum and growth in the Illinois cannabis field. SPRINGFIELD The state will reopen a mortgage assistance program for pandemic-impacted homeowners on Nov. 1. The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund, run through the Illinois Housing Development Authority, provides up to $30,000 in assistance to homeowners through payments made directly to mortgage servicers, taxing bodies or other approved entities. The program is funded through an appropriation from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and can be used for past-due mortgage payments and up to three months of future payments. The funding can also be used for delinquent property taxes, homeowners insurance, condominium or homeowner association fees, and mobile home lot rent. Funds received do not need to be repaid. More information is available at illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf, and the application portal will be open from Nov. 1 through the end of January 2023. The state of Illinois is committed to ensuring that homeowners who are struggling due to this terrible pandemic can stay in their home, IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said in a news release. We designed the ILHAF program to ensure the most vulnerable households are prioritized in order to stave off foreclosure to ensure they are given the opportunity to become current on their monthly housing expenses. To qualify, Illinois homeowners must: Have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020, or a hardship that began before that date and continued afterward. Currently own and occupy the home in the state as their primary residence. Be at least 30 days late on their monthly housing payment. Have a household income at or below 150% of the area median income. Be able to demonstrate they have either communicated with their mortgage provider about their inability to pay or sought counseling with a federally approved counseling organization. Individuals who participated in a previous round of mortgage assistance may apply again in the upcoming round, but the maximum amount a person can receive is $30,000 cumulatively. As of Sept. 22, the state had approved $20.5 million in assistance through the program with 1,840 approved applications, according to IHDA. The average assistance amounted to $12,732 per household. Another 3,721 applications had been submitted to the servicer, 1,485 were under review, and 6,948 had been denied. IHDA and its housing partners will hold information sessions on the program, and a schedule is posted online at illinoishousinghelp.org. Information can also be obtained by contacting the ILHAF hotline at 866-454-3571. The dearth of American males attending college has generated a lot of discussion. But little has been said about another crisis among young males their struggles to remain buoyant, let alone succeed, once theyre in college. Ive witnessed this firsthand. As happened last semester and semesters before that, many of my male college students, especially Black males, are falling through the cracks. Male students are showing up to in-person and even Zoom class meetings less frequently, and theyre struggling to complete assignments. This jibes with what little research exists: The August 2022 report PDP Insights, sponsored by the National Student Clearinghouse, found that freshmen women in both community college and four-year institutions complete more courses attempted than male peers. It also found that male students of color attempt and earn the equivalent of one course worth of credits less than their Asian and white and female peers in their first year alone. Here are more of the puzzle pieces: Yes, males still predominate in science, technology, engineering and math majors, but female classmates outperform them with grades and overall GPA. In fact, the lower grade point averages boys earn in high school stays with them throughout college. And from at least fourth grade through high school, boys read at a 10 point deficit, minimally, from girls. This hounds them into college, where literacy is a defining factor in success. Despite how pervasive this problem is, the metrics are barely catching up with this trend. A Senior Research Analyst at a two-year college in Maryland who has observed this falling off among male students told me that higher-ed folks are just getting around to honestly addressing gender disparities. He said that this awareness is mostly among analysts such as himself. An uncomfortable truth is that some colleges and universities are not as male-friendly as they would like to believe. Anecdotal evidence abounds of male students feeling disconnected from college classrooms and cultures. Recently, I gave a talk at a two-year college about how males academic and mental health struggles, as well as the alienation they feel, are impacting their academic performance. I was met with this: Men have had the spotlight for far too long, one self-described gender studies professor boomed to round applause. Why are we putting it on them yet again? Its a question that needs to be addressed if schools want to not just keep male students enrolled but actually help them. And they need help: Recent research conducted by the American College Health Association found that, among other things, nearly half of male college students surveyed felt that things were hopeless. About 56% felt very lonely, 59% often felt sad and nearly 35% experienced depression that made it difficult to function. Nearly 50% experienced overwhelming anxiety. Forty-three percent of them confessed that academics was the most traumatic and difficult thing for them to navigate. A 2017 small-sample study brought to light another problem universities need to address: Males who embrace a traditional masculine identity have lower GPAs and can resort to behaviors that preserve their masculine image, such as social isolation and substance abuse, instead of asking for help. This is crucial: The male students in this study feared appearing weak by seeking help, which further eroded their resilience to bounce back from academic struggles. Then there was this: Official warnings from an instructor or the university, designed to alert and intervene, may push male students into despair and increased deceleration toward goals. If colleges, whose counseling centers are taxed, are going to truly address this if they are truly invested in male students then they need to find new ways to better serve students emotional and mental health needs. At the student level, this can start with mentored, peer-driven support groups for young men. At the administrative level, academic advisors can lead with empathy, support and curiosity (Why do you think youre struggling?), which will encourage collaboration. The real emotions beneath struggles arent just the problem for males and education. They are the solution. Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) Ghana, a revenue assurance and audit firm, has hosted MBA students from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, Washington D.C, USA, to seek practical exposure on how Ghanaian businesses are leveraging technology to impact lives and transform the economy. The students, made up of different nationalities, are part of Georgetowns Emerging Markets Network (EMN) a student-led organization that promotes an understanding of emerging markets within the Georgetown community, facilitates a network of globally-minded individuals, and provides the community with resources to enable them to gain promising careers and opportunities in emerging markets. The EMN organization facilitated the international trek experience to Ghana which has taken them to other companies in other sectors of the economy. Students backgrounds before business school were in management consulting, tech, real estate, finance, non-profit, and healthcare. Addressing the students, Managing Director for SML Ghana, Christian Tetteh Sottie expressed his gratitude for the recognition of the company's work across the world adding that the visit serves as a springboard to continue to offer the best services possible in order to advance the nation. The use of SML Ghana as a case study by these international students is highly welcomed, and we appreciate it because what we are doing is valued both domestically and internationally. These students have traveled to visit us in order to learn about what we do and how it affects our economy, and this visit will only strengthen our resolve to keep doing what we are already doing whiles we look for additional ways to improve, he said. He said the organization's next goal, is to provide such added value services across other economic sectors to aid in the country's economic transformation. We are in the downstream sector and in our next phase,we hope to be in the upstream sector where there is the drilling of hydrocarbons and the crude gas. Our aim is to also move into other sectors including the mining sector, he said. SML Ghanas use of technology at more than 16 petroleum depots across the country has seen a significant rise in government revenues from the sector. Due to its end-to-end audit technology, revenue loopholes have been blocked and the direct impact has seen more than a billion cedis accrue to the government within 10 months of operation. The President of Georgetown's Emerging Markets Network (EMN) and an MBA student, Esther Adusei, explained that the goal of the trek to Ghana is for students to explore diverse business models and industries in Ghana and learn about how start-ups, established companies, and small and medium enterprises are adapting their business models to meet the needs of their customers, impacting their communities. This year, EMN has picked Ghana as our first destination for what we plan to be an annual trek to the African continent. We will be visiting companies in Ghana in various industries to learn about how business is done in Africa. Our trek, in accordance with the goals of the McDonough School of Business, fosters a global learning experience through the understanding of the business landscape and the cultural experience of an emerging market like Ghana, she explained. Touching on the SML Ghana experience, she noted that SML Ghana was chosen as a case study due to the significant impact it has made in a short period of time. One of the things we wanted to do as a network was to bring emerging markets to the perspective of MBA students, because we believe it is the next frontier of opportunities and investments. We wanted to explore how businesses can be profitable and also impact communities and SML is really unique in that way because they have shown significant impact. So, while reviewing businesses making great impact in Ghana, SML came as one of such great companies to use as a case study to inspire the students, she said. She urged the government to increase economic transformation in the nation by examining more transparency in other sectors using the SML approach. The President of the Student Government at Georgetown, Luke McGinty extended gratitude to SML for the warm reception and exposure of the organizations facilities to them. I have had the good fortune to travel to Ghana and it is truly amazing to learn about the incredible advancements SML has achieved. One of the things that was most interesting is seeing how technology and business can intersect to make government more accountable, and to basically just create more resources for people to do, he said. The students also toured Ghanas Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and other companies in the Financial Services and Energy sector which include Chipper Cash-fintech; Blackstar Group-financial services; Letshego-microfinance; Cenpower-power utility; and Cybele Energy-Oil & Gas. The full list of students include Esther Adusei; Nii Adamah Annan; Joao Felipe Gomes de Almeida; Chamme Moratwa; Jessica McLemore; Alexander Fine; Madison Moore; Laura Caicedo; Dazell Washington; Herrera Arturo; Seth Tanvi; Samad Reed; Caroline Fernandez; Andres Brillembourg; Luke McGinty; Tarun Thomas Philip; Samantha Poremba; Natalia Velasquez; Wucheng Wen; Genevieve Enowmbitang; Maesha Ulcena; Lauren Robinson; Wyesha Dillard; Andres Ramos; Renzo, Morales Miraval; Kofi Sakyi; Denise Morris; Kilandra Bass; Tereza Yerimyan; Sean Stanton; James Cogman; Erin Buthman; Shaurya Singh; and David Keptsi. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Waste management company, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) has announced a $100,000 package to support school children to learn more about sanitation and the need to protect the environment. The Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, who made the announcement, indicated that Zoomlion was also sensitising school children more through its Zoomkids. "The whole idea of Zoomkids is to catch the kids young and educate them on good sanitation practices and hygiene," he explained. The Executive Chairman of JGC made the announcement at the launch of Waste Water Education organised by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) in Accra on Thursday, October 20, 2022. According to him, through Zoomkids, Zoomlion inculcates the culture of sanitation and hygiene into children. He said since its inception in 2008, Zoomlion Foundation can boast of about 526 Zoomkids in various schools in the country. In 2016, he said, Zoomkids organised a quiz competition where a young girl emerged as the winner and was sponsored to Dubai to continue her education. "The 2022 winner will be sent to Hungary for further studies," he disclosed. Dr. Siaw Agyepong gave a firm assurance that Zoomlion will also continue to sponsor schools that have Zoomkids with facilities that to aid them in learning as well. The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, cautioned farmers who farm on the banks of water bodies in the country to put an end to such practice. She said stopping such a practice will contribute to polluting water bodies. She reinforced that the fight against illegal mining (popularly known as galamsey) was a collective commitment, hence urged Ghanaians to support President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on that front. "We should all help fight against the few selfish people who want to destroy our water bodies and lands," she charged. The galamsey war, she asserted, cannot be won without the support of Ghanaians. According to Mrs. Dapaah, President Akufo-Addo has shown massive commitment in tackling sanitation, stating that the evidence was obvious for all to see, especially as the country has been recording zero cases of cholera and other sickness relating to sanitation, for some time now. Further, she maintained that her ministry was equally not relenting on its efforts to bring an end to irresponsible mining across the country. She stressed that it was crucial that "we start inculcating good sanitation practices and protection of our water bodies and environment into our children." This, she pointed out, will sink deep into the minds of children to consciously and always protect the environment. For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Pureco Group, Mr. Balint Horvath, stated that it was important for such programmes to be organised to protect Ghana's environment. He lamented the damage galamsey was causing to Ghana's environment and water bodies. Pureco Group seeks to let children know the importance of sanitation and hygiene through games," he said. "We want to bring a new way or alternative way of teaching in Ghanaian classrooms on sanitation and hygiene," he further added. Mr. Balint Horvath indicated that his outfit was in collaboration with Zoomlion to organise other projects aimed at helping the country to safeguard its environment. 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 Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Member of Parliament for Suame constituency, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has said that parliament is expected to resume from its long break on Tuesday, October 25. According to him, a number of Bills are expected to be presented before the House during this session of Parliament. These include the Affirmation Action Bill, 2022, Ghana Housing Authority Bill, 2022, Minerals and Mining (Amendment), 2022, Small Scale Mining Bill, 2022, Petroleum Revenue Management (Amendment Bill, 2022) The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2021. A Private Members Bill which was referred to the Council of State will also be presented before the House. Speaking on Okay FM's Ade Akye Abia programme, he explained that eleven bills are currently at the committee level, of which seven are Public Bills and four are Private Members Bills. Among them include the Intestate Succession Bill, 2022 at the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2022 at the Committee on Defence and Interior, the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 at the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2021 at the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. "There are also Instruments at various stages to be presented before the House". Watch Video Below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A media expert and academic, Prof. Kwame Karikari, has urged the media to strive to uphold the high standards of professionalism and fight against the cheap but attractive path of unprofessional conduct. That, he said was the only way self-respecting journalists and responsible media organisations could earn back peoples trust and confidence and confront democratic recession in West Africa. He was speaking at the opening of the two-day regional conference on The media, press freedom and the democratic recession in West Africa, in Accra yesterday. The conference was organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in collaboration with the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS). Prof. Karikari was speaking on the topic Confronting the democratic recession in West Africa- The role of the media. He indicated that there was the need for media professional associations and human rights advocacy organisations to rekindle their commitment to the fight to protect and defend press freedom across the continent. It ought to be appreciated that the media are not a homogenous industry or institution. Indeed, to advance democracy, we must always strive to promote and protect media pluralism, diversity, and principles which are under attack by democracy capture, he stated. Individual journalists with democratic persuasion must play active roles in their professional associations so as to prevent the high-jacking of their organisations by mercenary agents of the enablers of democracy capture, he added; Prof. Karikari said independent media must also continue to report issues of human rights abuses and support the social justice cause though it was difficult and frightening. He indicated that these would help end the recession of democracy being experienced on the continent, adding that the conference would come out with resolutions for strategies to enhance the roles of media in the struggle to defend, promote and strengthen the values, principles and institutions of democracy in our countries. Mr Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director, MFWA, said it was imperative for the region to redouble its efforts towards rebuilding and intensifying democracy as there were issues of military takeovers and coups with its attendant calls for constitutions amendment in some West African countries. He emphasised that despite the heckles, democracy remained the most preferred and could not be substituted for any system of governance for which reason all were required to get on board to salvage the situation. Mr Braimah said it was also necessary for press freedom to be safeguarded as it was fundamental for democracy. Source: ghanaiantimes.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 Mr Samuel A. Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has called for support from all and sundry in the fight against illegal mining saying that the fight against galamsey is not going to be an event but a process that will be won eventually. In a telephone interview with some media outlets in Kumasi, yesterday Mr Jinapor said governments efforts and measures to bring an end to galamsey would continue unabated, taking on board the various ideas and suggestions from the general public. Operation Halt II is in session with soldiers all over the country, and we are also working earnestly to bring up reforms in the mining sector and this fight is not going to be an event, it has to be a process and we need the support of all and sundry He, however, dismissed the idea for illegal miners to be shot and killed on site, stressing that We are a country of due process and the rule of law must prevail so, no, we cannot do that, it will be against the laws of human rights. He, however, warned that nonetheless, government would continue to enforce the law to ensure that those who were still engaged in illegalities of any sort were brought to book. The Lands Minister reiterated a number of measures that government had instituted to nip the menace in the bud, citing Operation Halt II, Community Mining Scheme, the involvement of chiefs, Regional Security Council (RECSECs) and the Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies, (MMDAs) as examples. Confident about the measures of the government to fight illegal mining, the Minister said, that, if all these interventions, which were geared towards the resolution of the menace were followed through, galamsey would soon be an issue of the past. Source: ghanaiantimes.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 Besides "wow" and "great", what else would you say when flying over the Earth in space? Samantha Cristoforetti, the first Italian female astronaut in space, posted several lines of a famous ancient Chinese composition on Twitter to share her joy. She first wrote in Chinese, and then attached an accurate translation of the lines in both Italian and English to help more people understand. "Looking up, I see the immensity of the cosmos; bowing my head, I look at the multitude of the world. The gaze flies, the heart expands, the joy of the senses can reach its peak, and indeed, this is true happiness," it says. The text she quoted is from the Preface to Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion, a Chinese calligraphy masterpiece by Wang Xizhi (303-361) of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420). She also attached three photos taken in space of China's Bohai Bay and the day-night view of Beijing. Two days before she landed on Earth, the beauty of space and Chinese literature resonated on her Twitter account. Before long, her posts went viral on Twitter with thousands of retweets, likes and replies. The poem and views are both magnificent; if everyone could enjoy the same sight, a lot of pain in the world would be dissipated, one user comments. A European astronaut in space recites Chinese ancient poetry, how romantic, says another. As the first Italian female astronaut in space, Cristoforetti carried out her first space mission on Nov 23, 2014. She started the second mission in April and returned to Earth on Friday night after a 127-day stay in orbit. When not traveling for work, she is an avid reader and has a great passion for languages. "Always looking to the future, Samantha (Cristoforetti) is learning Chinese in her spare time," the European Space Agency says on its website. Meanwhile, Cristoforetti has been active in Sino-European cooperation in the field of manned spaceflight. She was a working group member tasked with liaising with Chinese counterparts to define and implement cooperation in the field of astronaut operations. In 2017, she took part in a sea survival exercise organized by the Astronaut Center of China in the Yellow Sea, which was the first joint training of Chinese and foreign astronauts in China. An agreement was signed in 2015 between China and Europe on cooperation in the field of manned spaceflight, specifying the participation of China and Europe in each other's astronaut training activities. Speaking clear Chinese, Cristoforetti once told the media that the teams from China and Europe were working very well together in the field of astronaut training. She joined the Italian Air Force in 2001 and had accumulated more than 500 hours of flight experience. In May 2009, Cristoforetti was one of the six chosen from 8,000 European applicants to join the ESA astronaut corps. Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), a group that seeks the interest of Ghanaian traders, has appealed to them to resume work following days of protest against the government. The traders, who closed their shops and refused to undertake their daily activities, complain about economic hardships under the Akufo-Addo administration. They have asked the State authorities to address their concerns before they open their shops. But the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana shares a different opinion on the action taken by the traders. Speaking in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", the General Secretary of TAGG, Nana Poku and his Deputy, Juliet Kusi found the traders' action 'illogical'. According to them, closing the shops won't resolve the traders' plight but rather affect them abysmally. They called on the traders to call off their strike and commit to an ongoing meeting with the relevant authorities in relation to their situation. "It's not like the government is unwilling to address the concerns of the traders. The government has opened her doors to them and ever ready at any day any time to have productive talks that will meet their needs. We don't understand why they will close their shops. Will closing the shops solve their current problem? Meanwhile, as they have closed their shops, the foreigners have opened theirs. So, they will do business and take our money away while our traders remain in their houses. This won't benefit them but rather affect them badly because staying home won't give you any profits," the TAGG General Secretary said paraphrastically. Miss Juliet Kusi advised that, "the traders should go back and do their work" while "we are still engaging" with the government. " . . we will continue to engage until we get the right policies that will help our trade and ease our situation," she assured them. 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 Ghanas Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye had the honour to present the final adopted communique at the recently concluded launch of the Global Action Plan Framework on Informal Settlements and Slums, held in Pretoria, South Africa. The two-day high-level meeting that brought together world leaders, including Ministers and other senior government representatives sought to find lasting solutions to the global menace of informal settlements. The Honourable Minister for Works and Housing in his presentation mentioned that the world leaders, after the two-day high-level meeting had endorsed the Global Action Plan Initiative for transforming informal settlements and slums. He further highlighted this Action Plan as a timely and strategic multiple-partnership initiative with the leaders committing to initiating global, regional, national, and local transformation. We commit to look at eight years of the Decade of Action to build the foundation for transformation in future and introduce an initial benchmark that is catalytic to meet the needs of 1 billion slum dwellers today and 3 billion in 2050, if no action is taken, said Minister Asenso-Boakye. Read Below Excerpts of the Declaration: We are committing to the following key actions towards scaling slum transformation: 1. Multi-level participatory governance: Institutionalizing multi-level participatory governance integrated frameworks with multi-sector, horizontal and vertical coordination among government spheres including democratic participation of all groups in planning and decision-making. 2. Data: Improve methodologies at census level in order to reflect more accurately the reality of informal settlements and households, and disaggregated data. Collect data across all settlements, regardless of tenure status or legal regularization, through an integrated approach that goes beyond the isolated settlement level. 3. Policies: Design and review enabling legal, regulatory, planning, investments, and institutional frameworks, at local, metropolitan, and national levels. This should aim at establishing transformation targets with a long-term perspective as well as mid-term benchmarks, to create, mandate and capacitate institutions for implementation. 4. Comprehensive packages: Target incremental provision of affordable, habitable, and accessible housing with available basic services, in thriving locations. This should be characterized by availability of education and social facilities, integrated and targeted health care services, and safe and accessible public spaces of high quality, connected through inclusive mobility options and economic opportunities. 5. Finance: Establish and adequately resource flexible finance mechanisms to respond to the needs of lowest income groups. Apply integrated fiscal transfers enabling slum transformation to go to scale, leveraging multiple partnerships and investments including the private sector and communities. 6. Land: Recognizing the bridge and social function through (i) guaranteeing secure tenure and land regularization, and (ii) increasing the supply of well-located land for housing through underutilized and vacant land and buildings. Strengthen land governance systems and planning of land city-wide mainstreaming informality and housing needs, maximizing the use of public land available. 7. Community Resilience and Empowerment: Strengthen local level governance ecosystem to ensure community participation and political empowerment. Ensure strengthening of institutions to make community participation effective. Mainstream community participation in the formulation of transformative public policies. 8. Socioeconomic empowerment: Integrate actions by socially and financially strengthening peoples positions to contribute to the development. Support innovations in identifying potentials of the community through data generation and solution finding by collaborating with the public agencies. Support and identify champions and key stakeholders from communities and nurture them through various public institution engagements. Strengthen knowledge on climate-resilient upgrading, including tailored adaptation and mitigation measures and building climate-resilient public infrastructure. 9. Capacity Enhancement: Produce and create new knowledge based on the local experiences on resilience and community behaviour. Establish knowledge platforms to enable exchange between stakeholders to enhance capacities. 10. Ensure equitable and empowered participation of the residents through direct involvement in the design of solutions, following a people-centred development approach. Public sector, private sector and civil society capacity should be as much as possible fully leveraged. 11. Implementation framework: Develop and provide operational capacity for multiple partnership frameworks and regional consultations to inform the way forward, that are supported at different levels (global, regional, national, local), expanding, and diversifying existing partnerships in consolidated and coordinated structures accelerating the implementation from the Global Action Plan. 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 Africa Executive Director of the Christ for all Nations (CfaN) Ministry, Reverend John Kwasi Darku, says Africa is making no progress in its economic and social policies because her leaders only make a public show of religiosity but pursue selfish agendas which have impoverished the continent. God has a blueprint for human development. To let this blueprint work for a nation, the leaders have to be God-fearing. Unfortunately, our plan for development has effectively taken out the God factor, says Reverend John Kwasi Darku who is convinced that It is this lack of the fear of God that leads African leaders into corruption, born of greed and selfishness. Addressing the launch of this years Great Asanteman Gospel Crusade at a ceremony in Kumasi, to be organised in Ashanti in November by CfaN, Rev Darku appealed to African leaders to give God a chance in their private and public lives. He is convinced that Africa could be much richer and more prosperous than it is if we cut out corruption. Corruption is the result of godlessness. The Executive Director, who has directed CfaN crusades in more than 30 African countries covering a period of over 36 years, said this years gospel event had been dubbed Asanteman Crusade because, for the first time, the main crusade will be preceded by the arrival of 200 evangelists from across the world, including USA, India, the UK, Germany and La Cote dIvoire who will be sent out into villages and small towns in Ashanti to carry out evangelistic work. Altogether, some two million people would be expected to make a decision for Christ. In answer to a question, Rev Darku disclosed that the CfaN ministry, founded by the late evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, took the gospel of Jesus everywhere but much of its work was in Africa. In 45 years, CfaN mounted record-setting crusades which reached over 120 million people with the gospel, leading to the conversion of some 79 million people. He told newsmen that with the passing of Bonnke, God had prepared his successor, Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, for the work of the ministry. Like Elisha inheriting the mantle from Elijah, Kolenda has received a double portion of the anointing, and is it is showing in the number of souls who are being saved in droves and the miraculous attestation, Rev Darku said He disclosed that the Kumasi crusade itself will deploy 100,000 counsellors and 10,000 ushers. In an exhortation at the launch, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, spiritual head of the nearly 600,000 member Church of Pentecost, with congregations in 136 nations,told the 1,500 pastors that the light which the gospel of Jesus Christ is supposed to shine into the world had become ineffectual because some pastors and prophets were, by their deeds, blocking the light. Wondering, for example, why a minister of the gospel who arrives at the church premises will not get down unless someone opens the door of his car, and why so-called pastors and prophets are multiplying money for their congregations instead of using the Bible to teach them either how to improve themselves or be creative and pro-active at work, Apostle Nyamekye, said people are looking for Jesus in his pastors and they are not seeing it. The three-day crusade, featuring Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, successor of the late Reinhard Bonnke, is targeting to win two million souls for Jesus Christ. In 45 years, CfaN has won 84,628,467 souls to Christ. Source: ghanaiantimes.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 Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, nominated to the Supreme Court, has advocated the abolition of the Death Penalty. The Death Penalty, also known as capital punishment, is a state-sanctioned practice of killing a person as a punishment for a crime. Justice Asiedu made the case on Wednesday in Accra at the public sitting of the Appointment Committee of Parliament when he took his turn at the vetting for his approval as a Supreme Court Judge. The President, in July this year, nominated for appointment as Supreme Court judges; Justice Asiedu, Justice Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu, Justice George Kingsley Koomson, Justices of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court. Mr Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina and Human Rights Lawyer, wanted to know from Mr Asiedu whether he shares the view that the death penalty, which was irreversible, must indeed, be replaced with life sentence. Justice Asiedu reiterated that those who advocated against death penalty had done, so from about two or three angles. Life is precious. Life is so fundamental, and that we as human beings cannot create life and so we have no right to take away life. Once life is taken it is irreplaceable, he said. He noted that in the judicial system, there was that likelihood that a mistake could have been made; saying So, a person could have been convicted, when in actual fact he has not committed the crime he is alleged to have committed. And meanwhile if he is put to death and later on evidence comes up to show that the person was innocent, we just cannot bring that person back (to life). And so, nobody should be put to death or for that reason, the death penalty must not be made to continue to exist in our statutes books. Justice Asiedu said judges were to interpret the law and apply it and as long as that punishment remained in the statutes book, the judge had no alternative but to apply it. He said it was a step in the right direction that bills had been initiated to amend the Criminal Procedure Code and the Criminal and Other Offences Act; Act 29 and Act 30. I think it is a step in the right direction, he said. Currently about 27 African countries have abolished the death penalty. Mr Sosu said there were about 171 persons currently on death rolls in Ghana. In 2010, the Government commissioned a Constitution Review Commission, which recommended that the death penalty be replaced with life sentence. He said the recommendations were accepted by the Government, and a Government Whitepaper was issued but for over 10 years nothing had been done about it. He said currently Parliament was considering two bills that sought to replace the death penalty with life sentence for ordinary crimes. I say for ordinary crimes because those bills do not seek to touch the Constitution with respect to treason and high treason, he said. He said the bills were seeking to amend the Criminal and Other Offences Act, the reason being that almost all the 171 people on the death roll were tried under the Criminal Offences Act. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A number of walls built to secure plots of land along water courses at the Ramsar site at Klagon in the Tema West municipality have been pulled down in an exercise carried out by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC). The exercise, undertaken in partnership with the Tema West Municipal Assembly and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), saw some structures that were under development up to the lintel level also being demolished as part of an exercise officials claimed was aimed at protecting the remaining land space within the Ramsar site. Contrary to earlier reports that all buildings identified to be on the encroached land were going to be demolished, no completed property was touched. The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, who led the exercise, as the head of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), explained that the exercise was being undertaken in phases. We are working in phases and today's focus is on fence walls on plots of land which are yet to be developed, and this we want to do to protect water bodies," he said. He explained that the demolition was required because it would allow water from the wetland to flow into the Sakumono Lagoon to avert flooding when it rained. Encroachment Ramsar sites are internationally recognised lands that collect and store water from nearby sources and so encroaching on them by building houses on such reserved lands causes flooding in the catchment area. The Forestry Commission estimates the Sakumo Ramsar site to be a 4,200-acre plot of purchased by the government. However, there has been extensive encroachment by individuals and real estate developers who have erected homes on various parts of the site that makes up the sites buffer and transition area. Hundreds of acres of the once vibrant wetland have disappeared, to be replaced by endless rows of completed and uncompleted structures. Exercise When the Daily Graphic arrived at the scene of the exercise at 7 a.m. yesterday, it observed that heavy duty equipment, mainly excavators and other machinery, had already been deployed at the area, along with a heavy police and military presence The heavy security presence curtailed the usual drama associated with such demolition exercises, as policemen and military men were seen walking off property owners who had come to the site to witness the exercise. There was a near two-hour suspension of the exercise when some people alleged that there had been telephone calls from some higher authorities who had asked for the exercise to be suspended owing to the status of some of the people who owned property in the affected area. However, Mr Quartey debunked the claims, saying: "I don't know of any order from above. He said the exercise would be carried out in phases, and that once further assessment had been done, the next phases would be carried out. He stressed that once the walls were brought down, there would be another critical assessment, during which the Forestry Commission would identify buildings that were still on water courses and mark them for the next phase of the demolition. While some of the affected people shed tears as they watched their structures being razed to the ground, others were in groups observing and discussing the demolition. The Tema West Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwasi Opoku Bosompem, was at the site, following complaints said he had received from some of the constituents about their structures being pulled down. Saving the site In an interaction with the media, Mr Quartey said the main objective of the exercise was to save the Ramsar site and the nation as a whole, given the impact of human activity through encroachment. He intimated that already the Ashaiman under-bridge linking Ashaiman to Lashibi and Sakumono was experiencing the effects of flooding each time there were rains. "If we don't deal with this issue now, in the next two or three years we will be dealing with much bigger disasters than we witnessed at Weija and other areas. "The area, which was acquired by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, with the head lease under the Tema Development Corporation (TDC)and some parts of the acquisition being ceded for a Ramsar, has seen more than half of its acreage gone. We are undertaking the exercise, which will be in three phases, to protect what is left and also avert future disasters like we saw recently at Weija where homes were submerged in water," he stressed. He debunked any suggestions that the exercise was politically linked, aimed at victimising people. "The exercise is not in any shape or form to victimise people; rather, it is targeted at removing walls that have been erected in the core areas by people wishing to develop the apportionments into homes," he said. Regularisation Mr Quartey hinted that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and his team were putting in place measures to ensure that those who had already encroached on the land would go through proper processes to ensure that their properties were regularised. "The minister will speak to that once they are able to outline the modalities for any such processes," he said. Previous efforts Since 2018, the Forestry Commission has tried to pull down illegal structures at the Ramsar site to protect it, but it has not succeeded in its bid due to interference and court injunctions. In the past, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) also tried to seek legal backing to demolish structures on water courses to avert flooding in urban areas but it was not successful. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A Social Commentator and former Central Regional Minister, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has responded to a viral video showing some traders in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, hooting at the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during his visit to the Region to inspect some infrastructure projects. The video showed the President's convoy passing through the market with the traders, who had paraded the sides of the road, shouting to drive him away and some threatening to vote against the ruling New Patroitic Party in 2024 elections. This comes in the wake of GUTA members closing their shops in protest against the government for visiting economic challenges on them. The traders complain bitterly about the cedi depreciation and an imposition of a tax on them and has warned the government to rectify the problem or they won't return to their shops. But according to Allotey Jacobs, the protesters are not members of GUTA. He seemingly accused the political detractors of the President to have mobilized the protesters, who he said formed just a small group, to make the President unpopular. "If someone says it was GUTA members who were hooting at the President, I don't believe that that is true. It is never true because it was so selective . . . It has happened to every President and Presidential candidate. And that is part of our character that for Ghanaians, they don't like hardship," he said. To him, the President is a competent leader doing great things for the nation and must be appreciated. "Aren't we appreciating what the President and his Vice are doing?", he asked Ghanaians. The former NDC Central Regional Chairman made these comments on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo". Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, has expressed strong faith in President Akufo-Addo's administration to stop the galamsey menace. Kwamena Duncan was happy that the Military has been placed in charge of the 'Operation Halt II', an exercise to prevent the miners from engaging in illegal activities. "As I speak with you now, they have seized almost close to 30 excavators. It has already begun. It started about two or three days ago and it's going to be sustainable . . . The soldiers are going to go on for as long as it takes. They will decide. They will make those decisions, not me, the Minister . . . they will have command and control responsibility in terms of when to go, how to go, where to go, how to go about their operations; all of it will be in the hands of the Military. We are responsible for policy but they will conduct operational implementation," Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor stated in an interview on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo" while detailing on the Operation Halt II. The Regional Minister believed the involvement of the soldiers plus other efforts by the President and the Minister against the galamsey must make this menace a thing of the past. But should galamsey persists even in the face of the Military fighting it, he stressed; "I will never discuss galamsey again". "This is our last chance!", he exclaimed. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South Constituency and Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is accusing journalists in Kumasi of taking bribes from some groups to make the ruling government unpopular in its stronghold. Even though he did not mention the media houses of those journalists, he said, Journalists have taken money and they sit on radio to insult the government and the officials. According to him, their plan is to make the New Patriotic Party (NPP) unpopular in the Ashanti Region but the government is going well in the region. Addressing the chiefs and people of Suame in Kumasi during the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of four-tier interchange, Dr Opoku Prempeh argued that the NPP is the only political party in the country that can transform the region. He appealed to the residents and the good people of Ashanti Region to be grateful to the ruling government on numerous projects currently going on in all parts of the region. Even God created us, He requests for thanks from us anytime He does something good for us, he said. He chastised those who use the absence of the Suame interchange to accuse the ruling NPP government of not developing Ashanti Region by saying, Suame, other roads and infrastructure have been spread throughout the region. 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 One of the conveners of #FixTheCountry movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has stated that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo does not deserve to finish his current term as president. His comment comes on the back of the arrest of the morning show host on Onua TV, Captain Smart by officials of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) yesterday October 19 when he was on his way home from work. In a Facebook post, Barker-Vormawor said the arrest of the journalist indicated that the president was begging to be overthrown. He later clarified that President Akufo-Addo must be forced to exit office either through street protests or through impeachment by Parliament and not a coup detat. Captain Smart arrested violently by National Security over broadcast pointing the finger at the President for his involvement in and indulgence of Galamsey. This short man is just begging to be overthrown at this point, Barker-Vormawor wrote on his page on October 19. Because this issue keeps coming up every now and then, I want to be as clear as possible. I have no desire for Akufo-Addo to be kicked out through a coup detat! That will be ending our makeshift democracy. He is not worth the price. But he doesnt deserve to end his term too. So What I want is for him to either be forced to resign through street protests and agitations; or impeached by Parliament. These are things that affirm our democracy not destroy it. Democracy is important to me! And it will be a huge coup to force him out of office that way, he added in clarification of his earlier post. Barker-Vormawor is currently before the courts over a post claiming he will stage a coup if the E-Levy was passed. Meanwhile, Captain Smart has been released by the NIB, his employers have confirmed. It is alleged that he was arrested for claiming that President Akufo-Addo was involved in galamsey a statement the Ministry of Information has debunked. 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 A key item on the tight schedule of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, during the Party's five-yearly national congress is his participation in group discussions as one of the over 2,000 congress delegates. During such a discussion earlier this week at the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region delegation, Xi called on all Chinese people to stay united as "one piece of adamantine iron" for national rejuvenation. The discussion was not just about grand strategies to rejuvenate China. It went into details. Conversing with the delegates from Guangxi, Xi offered his advice to a tea plantation, inquired about the ticket policy of a well-known park and wondered how much a master technician earns. As casual as the chat may have appeared, it focused on a key aspect of the report Xi delivered to the congress -- the CPC's commitment to achieving common prosperity, an essential requirement of Chinese modernization. Zhu Xuelan, Party chief of a Yao ethnic village, told Xi how the development of the tea industry transformed her village, which was once impoverished. Zhu, who comes from a family of master tea-makers, has led the villagers in boosting their average annual income to more than 20,000 yuan (about 2,778 U.S. dollars). "The tea industry is very promising," Xi said, before offering his counsel. "In the next step, you will need to build your brand and make the business thrive." Zhu's fellow villagers in Shanping were among the nearly 100 million Chinese who had been lifted out of poverty over the past decade. Under China's targeted poverty alleviation campaign, the achievement is considered a feat unparalleled in human history. "We are fully confident in and committed to attaining common prosperity under the CPC's strong leadership," Zhu said. Zhou Jiabin, Party chief of Guilin, home to one of the most picturesque mountains in the world, briefed Xi on the city's efforts to preserve environment while improving the people's livelihoods. Zhou informed Xi that the city has done away with entry tickets for the iconic scenic spot Xiangbi Shan, or Elephant Trunk Hill, as part of the city's efforts to become a global tourist destination. "Is the ticket exemption policy temporary or for the long run?" Xi asked. "It will be free for good," Zhou replied, as Xi nodded in appreciation. "The scenic beauty of Guilin is the best in the world," Xi said, citing the catchphrase for the city. "Guilin shall thrive on its natural endowment." The Lijiang River, which flows through the city, holds a special place in Xi's heart. He had visited the city when he was 13. In his mind, pristine rivers and a profusion of jumping golden carp were "too good to be true," and he has always cherished the importance of nature. Over the past decade, historic changes have taken place in ecological and environmental protection. Across the nation, people enjoy bluer skies, greener mountains, and cleaner waters. In the report to the Party congress, Xi also said the modernization China pursues is one that boasts harmony between humanity and nature. "We shall not only set our mind on developing the economy. Protecting the Guilin mountains and waters well would be a deed truly worthy for the country," Xi said in the group discussion. Later, Zheng Zhiming, a fitter-turned master technician, drew Xi's attention to the manufacturing sector. Zheng said his company, Guangxi Auto, started out by learning from Japanese car makers. Today, Japanese automobile manufacturers have started to pay attention to Guangxi Auto's products. "This demonstrates the development and transformation of China," Xi said, expressing his delight in the progress. Zheng, who now runs his own workshop in Guangxi Auto and helps develop machinery and train technicians for the company, is one of the grassroots delegates from the "front line of production and work," which account for more than one-third of the 2,296 elected delegates to the congress. Displaying his curiosity about the benefits of industrial workers, Xi asked for more details about Zheng's professional life. Zheng said without the country's favorable policies, vocational school-trained workers like him would never have the chance of becoming senior technicians. "How is your income?" Xi went on to ask. "Very satisfactory," replied Zheng. The quick answer drew hearty waves of laughter from fellow delegates. While he did not reveal the figures, China's per capita disposable annual income has, overall, risen from 16,500 yuan to 35,100 yuan over the past decade. The country has over 400 million middle-income earners, the largest in the world. China's manufacturing sector is also the largest in the world. And Xi has a particular interest in further boosting the sector. "For China to achieve modernization, we must develop the manufacturing industry and the real economy," he said. "We must change our mindset, and nurture more industrial workers." Monday's group discussion lasted about an hour and a half, and before it ended, Xi delivered a pep talk on China's new journey ahead. The entire Party and all the Chinese people need to unite under the banner of the Party, and "stay committed to the common goal and work together to steer the giant ship of our great rejuvenation, braving winds and waves, toward its destination," Xi said. A Supreme Court nominee, Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, has told the Appointments Committee of Parliament that he is no longer a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He said he resigned from the party on September 16, 2020, and, therefore, gave the assurance that if approved as a justice of the apex court, he would discharge his mandate devoid of any political interference. Answering a question by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Bodi, Sampson Ahi, who wanted to know what his position would be if a case involving the NPP and the NDC was brought before him as a justice of the Supreme Court, the nominee gave an assurance that he would remain a neutral arbiter in all cases involving the NPP and the NDC. Questions The nominee responded to various questions from the 25-member committee, chaired by the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu. The questions pertained to interference by the Supreme Court in the mandate of the legislature; whether the Standing Orders of Parliament were in conflict with the Constitution; his views on whether the Deputy Speaker formed part of quorum in decision-making in Parliament; his views on the integrity of the Judiciary; the death penalty and compliance with the asset declaration law. Per the curriculum vitae of the nominee, while he was in private practice as a lawyer, he was politically active, particularly between 2009 and 2016, having served as a constituency chairman and parliamentary candidate of the NPP in the Ho West and the Ho Central constituencies. Neutral arbiter Justice Gaewu said while there were no provisions in the Constitution that barred a justice of the High Court from being a member of a political party, the manner in which the Judiciary was created required one to be a neutral arbiter. He said there was no way a justice of the court could belong to a political party. Agreeing that the Constitution itself was a political document and that every decision a judge made contained some amount of politics that could be private, he, however, said judges were barred from being partisan. Supreme Court rulings His views were sought on the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that gave the notion in certain circles that the Judiciary was interfering in the mandate of the Legislature. Responding, Justice Gaewu said he did not necessarily share the view that the apex court was interfering in the mandate of the Legislature. Experience When he was quizzed if he had the experience to assume the highest office of a justice of the Supreme Court, given that he had been a justice of the High Court for just two years following his appointment in September 2020, Justice Gaewu said: I have the required and requisite experience to sit as a justice of the Supreme Court. The qualification is 15 years at the bar, but I have 22 years qualification and I am not the first person to have ever been appointed. There are people who are appointed straight from the bar without any judicial or bench experience; I have been on the bench and I already have the necessary experience to sit there, he said. Judicial independence On what must be done to insulate the Judiciary from political influence, the nominee said the Constitution provided for the administrative, judicial and financial independence of the Judiciary. He, however, said while the two first independent elements were guaranteed I cannot speak on financial independence of the Judiciary. On the question whether he did comply with the law on asset declaration when he was appointed a justice of the High Court, Mr Justice Gaewu said I did. Justice Asiedu vetted Earlier, another nominee, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, had suggested that rather than worsening the current overcrowding situation in the prisons, suspects should be engaged in community service, especially in their communities. To him, that would help decongest the prisons and also serve as a deterrent to suspects who might be uncomfortable being seen by members of their own communities doing such exercise. Answering questions asked by the committee, Justice Asiedu, who is currently a justice of the Court of Appeal, said as part of measures to free the prisons, suspects who commit minor crimes could even be allowed to visit home during weekends to exercise their conjugal rights. Law School admission Commenting on the admission system to the Ghana School of Law, the nominee said lack of infrastructure was the cause of the restrictive admission process. When the chairman of the committee suggested to the nominee that physical infrastructure could not be a barrier to study the programme because it should be possible to access education without physically being present, Justice Asiedu said the programme was such that one could not simply stay at home, read and come and write the examinations but would need physical training to prepare students to perform. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Late actor Ekow Blankson will be buried on Saturday, December 17, 2022. The actor died on Monday, October 3, 2022 at a hospital in Tema. It is unclear what killed him. He was 50. On Saturday, October 15, several movie industry stakeholders joined his friends and family at the Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESEC) Park at Tema Community 11 where his one-week observance was held. Among them were Lydia Forson, Fiifi Coleman, and Fred Amugi. Family, friends and fans of the renowned actor, following news of his passing, have paid tribute to Ekow, who was the Commercial Manager for GhanaWeb. On October 7, GhanaWeb held a vigil in honour of Ekow Blankson with a virtual Book of Condolence opened to the general public. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The United Kingdom is a party zone and undoubtedly one of the finest Djs that leaves clubbers craving for more music is DJ Shakez, an award-winning Disc Jockey. DJ Shakez as part of his effort to conquer the world has announced a United Kingdom Club tour across his social media handles. This forms part of his effort to expand his brand and eventually get to gather his massive fans across the UK under one roof. The Club tour which started in September is expected to end in the month of November. With a massive turn-out so far, below are some of the venues announced for his tour: SUPPORTING UK CLUB TOUR ROSES BIRMINGHAM 25th September ZINC FLEET 30th September MOOMOO SOUTHEND EMBASSY PETERBOROUGH 141 ROSIES CHESTeR 15th OCTOBER ARK MANCHESTER 22nd OCTOBER FEVER PLYMOUTH 12 NOVEMBER MOOMOO CHELTEMHAM 19th NOVEMBER FEVER NUNEATON 26th NOVEMBER DJ Shakes Biography He is a Sierra Leonean Dj based in the United Kingdom. Celestino Oladipo Mahib was born in October 1988, popularly known by his stage name IAMSHAKEZ or SHAKEZ. As a music lover, he started learning how to DJ while he was pursuing a degree in business and law. He describes himself as a very professional and precise person who strives to bring the best out of whatever task he is faced with. His ability to juggle between the business and music world has gained him lots of respect and recognition. Although DJ Shakez is based in the UK, he never fails to carry the Sierra Leone flag at any of his performances. He believes a lot of young people in Sierra Leone look up to him and it is his duty to be a better person to inspire the youth. He has been able to work on a lot of international platforms in his short time as a DJ. One of his biggest moments to him as a Dj, was being able to play for the global star Snoop Dog. I will never forget the time I actually Dj and warmed up for Snoop Dog in Manchester, Shakez said. He has a buzzing social media presence. Follow @IamShakez on all social media platforms (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) for the intriguing content he shares with his fans. Do not be left out! 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 In 2010, two of the study's authorsDavid Shuster of UC Berkeley (left) and Yosemite Park geologist Greg Stock (right)collected rock samples from the rim of Yosemite Valley, where the granite has eroded only slowly over the last 50 million years. In the distance is the upper Merced River valley. Former UC Berkeley graduate student Johnny Webb is at center. Credit: Kurt Cuffey, UC Berkeley First-time visitors to Yosemite Valley gape in awe at the sheer granite wall of El Capitan and the neatly sliced face of Half Dome, aware, perhaps vaguely, that rain and glaciers must have taken a long time to cut and sculpt that landscape. But how long? Did it all start 50 million years ago, when the granite through which the valley cuts was first exposed to the elements? Was it 30 million years ago, when data suggest canyons in the southern Sierra Nevada began to form? Did the valley only begin to form after the Sierra tilted toward the west some 5 million years ago, or was it mostly deue to glaciers that formed in a cooling climate 2 to 3 million years ago? Geologists from the University of California, Berkeley, employed a novel technique of rock analysis to get a more precise answer, and concluded that much of Yosemite Valley's impressive depth was carved since 10 million years ago, and most likely even more recentlyover the past 5 million years. This shaves about 40 million years off the oldest estimates. Rivers performed the initial carving in a preexisting shallow valley, they determined, and then both rivers and ice contributed recently. While the scientists are unable to be more precise, the new estimate is the first to be based on an experimental study of the granite rocks in and near Yosemite, rather than on inferences based on what was going on elsewhere in the Sierra Nevada. "Yosemite Valley is one of the most famous topographic features on the planet," said glaciologist Kurt Cuffey, UC Berkeley professor of geography and of earth and planetary science. "And of course, if you go to Yosemite Park and read the signage, they will give you numbers for when it became a deep canyon. But up until this project, every single claim about how old this valley is, when it formed a deep canyon, was just based on assumptions and speculation." Yosemite National Park geologist Greg Stock admits that the story told about the origin of the park's iconic granite topography has been a little vague, because geologists still do not agree about what has happened since the Sierra's signature granite formed underground between about 80 and 100 million years ago, up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) under a mountain range that looked a lot different than it does today. "We know that the Sierra was a high mountain range 100 million years ago, when the granite was forming at depth. It was a chain of volcanoes that might have looked a bit like the Andes Mountains in South America," Stock said. "The question really is whether the elevation has just been coming down through erosion since that time or whether it came down some and then was uplifted again more recently. At this point, based on studies I've done for most of my career and supported by this study, I see a lot of evidence for recent uplift happening sometime in the last 5 million years." That uplift, which happened at the same time that earthquake faulting in the eastern Sierra Nevada created an escarpment several kilometers high, steepened the western slopes and rivers, causing them to incise valleys more quickly. Cuffey, UC Berkeley geochemist David Shuster and their colleagues, including Stock, published the findings this week in Geological Society of America Bulletin. Rock cooldown Shuster, a professor of earth and planetary science, developed a technique 15 years ago that he thought at the time might shed light on the origins of the valley, something that has fascinated both him and Cuffey since they first saw Yosemite as kids. Shuster, a California native, has visited it since early childhood. Cuffey, from central Pennsylvania, made his first trip to the park at the age of 15. Tenaya Canyon (center) and part of Yosemite Valley (foreground) as seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. Tenaya Creek likely started to scour this granite canyon below Half Dome (center right) about 5 to 10 million years ago, with glaciers arriving about 2.5 million years ago to sculpt the classic glacial valley outlines. Credit: Greg Stock/National Park Service Much of what they remember learning is that the valley was carved by glaciers, giving short shrift to what happened before Ice Age glaciers arrived in the Pleistocene some 2.5 million years ago. "What I learned from the signage in the valley when I was a kid wasn't quite right, given what the scientific literature said at the time. Nevertheless, the topography has been interpreted to be significantly modified by ice," Shuster said. "How to quantify that with geochronological tools, rather than just make up a story about it based on geomorphology, is one thing we were trying to do here." Shuster's technique, called helium-4/helium-3 thermochronometry, reconstructs the temperature history of a sample of rock based on the spatial distribution of natural helium-4 in minerals, which is measured by comparison to an artificially-produced uniform distribution of helium-3. Because temperature increases with depth underground, the temperature history can tell when a rock was uncovered as the landscape eroded. "The temperature of the rock is a function of the surface lowering down into it," Shuster said. "It's very analogous to removing a down comforterthe rock beneath it progressively gets colder. This progression through time with the rock cooling is what we get from the geochemistry and thermochronometry." The expectation is that granite bedrock exposed on the broad uplands of the Sierra should show a long history of cool surface temperatures, since they've been exposed for tens of millions of years longer than bedrock more recently exposed on the floor of Tenaya Canyon, which feeds into Yosemite Valley from the northeast. The experiments, conducted at the Berkeley Geochronology Center, indicated that, while rock from the uplands has been close to the surface for about 50 million years, bedrock at the bottom of Tenaya Canyon has been exposed much more recently. The temperature history of the rock obtained from the bottom of Tenaya Canyonfrom an exposed area of bedrock at the base of Half Domeindicates that it was more than a kilometer underground 10 million years ago, and most likely only 5 million years ago. This means that a kilometer of rock was eroded away since that time. "This upland surface that people are familiar with from parts of the Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadowsthat's a very old landscape," said Cuffey, who is the Martin Distinguished Chair in Ocean, Earth and Climate Science. "The question is: What about the deep canyon? Is that also very old, or is it relatively young? And what we found in our study, our big contribution, is that it's fairly young. The best guess for the timing is in the last 3 to 4 million years, but maybe as far back as 10 million years for the start of the rapid incision." Bedrock studies The geologists collected samples of granite bedrock from nearby highlands and the bottom of Tenaya Canyon, but not from the bedrock bottom of Yosemite Valley itself, which lies buried under about 500 meters (1/3 mile) of sediment that today forms the valley floor. But since the two formed at the same time, one can infer the timing of the formation of Yosemite Valley from the time of the scouring of Tenaya Canyon. "The brief history of Yosemite Valley would be that there was some kind of valley in place for tens of millions of yearsa river-carved canyon associated with the ancient Sierra Nevada. And then, in the last 5 million years or so, renewed uplift of the range through westward tilting caused rivers to steepen and deepen the canyons that they were in," Stock said. "So, that probably carved out more of Yosemite Valley and may have started forming Tenaya Canyon. And then in the last 2 to 3 million years, as the climate cooled and glaciers came down through Tenaya Canyon and into Yosemite Valley, they further sculpted the rock, deepening those valleys. And in the case of Yosemite Valley, widening it out considerably. So, there's some component of an old Yosemite Valley. But I think this recent work shows that much more of that topography is younger, rather than older." Stock, who has held the position of park geologist for 17 years and is the park's first geologist, said the new study will revise how the park tells the geological history of Yosemite Valley. "The timing of this new study is perfect in the sense that, over the next several years, we're hoping to completely redo the Geology Hut displays at Glacier Point. I'm very excited to include these new results in those displays," he said. "It's a perfect place to tell that story, because there's a view straight up Tenaya Canyon." More information: Kurt M. Cuffey et al, Late Cenozoic deepening of Yosemite Valley, USA, GSA Bulletin (2022). DOI: 10.1130/B36497.1 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The international community must prepare for "climate change refugees"displaced either within their home countries or across bordersexperts from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy argue in a new report. By 2050, up to 216 million people across the globe could be forced to move within their countries due to the onset of climate crises such as water scarcity, lower crop yields and rising sea levels, according to the World Bank's Groundswell report. Additionally, about 3.3 billion to 3.6 billion people are living in countries with high human vulnerability to climate change, according to the 2022 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. The report, authored by Kelsey Norman, Pamela Lizette Cruz, Ivonne Cruz and Ana Martin Gil, examines how climate refugee policies vary throughout the world and investigates the possible pathways to ensuring migrants' legal protection. Currently, those forced to move due to the effects of climate change aren't protected by international law or by the domestic policies of most receiving countries. "Individuals who migrate due to climate change impacting their livelihood or safety are not entitled to protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 protocol, which form the backbone of most asylum systems worldwide," the authors wrote. "Many argue that opening the U.N. Refugee Convention and revising the definition of who classifies as a refugee could result in an even narrower definition given today's highly politicized climate." The report highlights that the Global South hosts more than 80% of the world's refugees, yet those countries will be the ones most impacted by climate change and have fewer economic and technological resources to apply mitigation techniques. The sheer number of people who could be affected means the international community must prepare now, the authors argue. "Historically, migration has been a mechanism of societies to respond to climate stress. While migration is not usually the first adaptive response to climate change, it can become a necessity when other means of adaptationsuch as selling crop yields or livestockbecome insufficient, and individuals can no longer rely on their governments for assistance or are unable to support themselves or their families," they wrote. The United States, for instance, does not have a federal framework to address climate-induced displacement, but will sometimes enact provisions for specific nationalities of migrants wishing to stay in the U.S. due to an environmental disaster in their home country. These options though are temporary and apply only to people already in the U.S. In February 2022, President Biden signed an executive order directing the national security adviser to draft a report on climate change and its impact on migration. The report provided an overview of the current protection landscape for individuals displaced by climate change and policy recommendations for the U.S. government, but it has not yet resulted in any changes. "Moving forward, whether at the international, regional or individual country level, it is important that collective efforts include climate-resilient policies and responses that are inclusive and provide targeted investments and developmental assistance for the countries and regions most impacted by climate change," the authors wrote. More information: How Can We Protect "Climate Refugees"? www.bakerinstitute.org/researc ect-climate-refugees Sudanese environmental activist Nisreen Elsaim says urgent environmental action must go hand in hand with political change. Conflict, coups, dire poverty: Sudan is reeling from multiple crises, but environmental activist Nisreen Elsaim warns a bigger problem dwarfs them allclimate change. A determined climate campaigner for nearly a decade, both at home and on the world stage, she speaks passionately of the growing threat a heating planet poses to her northeast African nation. "Climate change needs to be prioritised in Sudan," 27-year-old Elsaim said, speaking weeks before the COP27 climate conference starts in neighbouring Egypt. Elsaimwho joined the protests which toppled longtime president Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and now favours a return to civilian rule following a military coup in 2021argues that urgent environmental action must go hand in hand with political change. Sudan is the world's fifth most vulnerable country to the impacts of climate change, according to a 2020 ranking in the Global Adaptation Index, compiled by the Notre Dame University in the United States. "There has also been a noticeable increase in temperature," said Elsaim about her arid country. "There is no winter anymore." The war-ravaged nation has been hit hard in recent years by erratic weather patternsharsh droughts and boiling temperatures followed by torrential rains. Severe floods that wreck property, infrastructure and crops have killed more than 145 people this year, Sudanese authorities say. This file photo taken on August 19, 2022, shows an aerial view of the aftermath of floods in the village of Makaylab in Sudan's Nile River State. 'Ecological crisis' Egypt, which borders Sudan to the north, will from November 6 host the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. For Elsaim, named chair of the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change in 2020, it is an opportunity to ring the alarm bell on the climate impacts her youthful country faces62 percent of Sudan's 45 million people are aged under 30, according to UN figures. Sudan is already struggling from what experts and activists say is the results of shifting weather patterns: worsening conflicts over scarce land and water resources. Increasing demands on dwindling natural resources has fuelled inter-ethnic conflicts, including the 2003 war that erupted in the arid western region of Darfur. "Such conflicts are caused primarily by scarcity," said Elsaim, who has a degree in physics and a masters in renewable energy from the University of Khartoum. COP27 is an opportunity to ring the alarm bell on the climate impacts her youthful country faces, Elsaim says. "And the reason for said scarcity is climate change." In Darfur, the war pitched ethnic African minority rebels against the Arab-dominated government of hardline president Bashir, who responded by unleashing the notorious Janjaweed militia. The war in Darfur would leave about 300,000 people killed and 2.5 million displaced, according to the United Nations. Then UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, writing in The Washington Post in 2007, argued that "amid the diverse social and political causes, the Darfur conflict began as an ecological crisis, arising at least in part from climate change". 'Threat multiplier' Linking the heating planet to conflict is complex: the International Crisis Group calls climate change "a threat multiplier", that increases "food insecurity, water scarcity and resource competition, while disrupting livelihoods and spurring migration". Sudan remains gripped by regular protests following the October 2021 military coup led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan that upended a post-Bashir transition to civilian rule. Increasing demands on dwindling natural resources has fuelled inter-ethnic conflicts, including the 2003 war that erupted in the arid western region of Darfur. Organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross note that climate change "exacerbates existing social and economic factors that may lead to conflict", while at the same time, insecurity can "limit people's ability to cope with climate shocks". Sudan also remains gripped by regular protests following the October 2021 military coup led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan that upended a post-Bashir transition to civilian rule. Elsaim says the authorities have given little attention to climate change. As COP27 approaches, she remains committed to doing what she can to make changeeven while admitting progress from previous climate summits she has attended has been "very small". "Though the small progress will not save us," she said, "it's still better than nothing." 2022 AFP Wurzburg psychologists studied what makes people more susceptible to fake news. Credit: Jan Philipp Rudloff / Unversitat Wurzburg People who deny the existence of facts believe in fake news more often. People with dark personality traitsthose who always put their own benefit firstare particularly often affected. These are the findings of a new study at the Human-Computer-Media Institute at Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg (JMU) in Bavaria, Germany. "Some people believe fake news even when the scientific facts clearly contradict them," says psychologist Jan Philipp Rudloff. "We wanted to know why this is the case and investigate the role played by our ideas about the nature of knowledge and facts." Rudloff, who is doing his Ph.D. at the department of communication psychologist Professor Markus Appel, conducted an extensive experiment on this matter. Together with Appel he confronted more than 600 individuals from the U.S. with various short headlinessuch as " Trump's first three years created 1.5 million fewer jobs than Obama's last three." Participants were asked to assess the accuracy of these statements. Epistemic beliefs were assessed with a questionnaire Afterwards, they filled out a comprehensive questionnaire. Among other things, the participants were asked to indicate how much they trust their gut feeling when evaluating the accuracy of information, how important solid evidence is to them and how much they assume that politics, science and the media "fabricate" facts according to their interests. "We summarize these aspects as 'epistemic beliefs,'" Rudloff explainsepisteme comes from the Greek and means "cognition" or "knowledge." In addition, the questionnaire assessed how important it was for the participants to assert their own interests (even at the expense of their fellow human beings). This characteristic is also called the "dark factor of personality." It is considered the core of various dark personality traits such as narcissism, psychopathy or Machiavellianism. "Everyone is selfish to a certain degree," Rudloff explains. "However, it is problematic when people focus on their own well-being so strongly that the interests of their fellow human beings no longer play any role." People with dark personality traits bend reality according to their own benefit The study showed that the less the participants believed in the existence of facts, the more difficult it was for them to distinguish true statements from false ones. In addition, there was a second finding: the stronger the "dark factor of personality" of the participants was, i.e., the more pronounced their self-interest at the expense of others, the more they doubted that there was a difference between scientific findings and mere opinions. "You could call their beliefs post-factual; they only believe what feels true to them," Jan Philipp Rudloff says. Accordingly, they find it difficult to distinguish true statements from false ones, so they particularly often believe fake news to be true. "People with dark personality traits bend reality to their own liking. For example: I don't wear a mask because the coronavirus was just invented by the media anyways," Rudloff explains. "Bending the facts based on selfish motives works especially well when people are convinced that there are no independent scientific facts anyway." In another study published in spring 2022, Rudloff and Appel, together with Dr. Fabian Hutmacher from the JMU department of Psychology of Communication and New Media, were already able to show that people with dark personality traits were more likely to endorse to COVID-19 conspiracy theories during the pandemic. Rudloff emphasizes, however, that it is by no means only this group that is susceptible to conspiracy theories and fake news. "Epistemic beliefs are the decisive factor," he says. "People who don't believe in the power of sound evidence and arguments won't be swayed by even the most impressive fact-checkingregardless of their other personality traits." Epistemic beliefs develop at a young age In psychology, epistemic beliefs are thought to develop and solidify during childhood and adolescence. For young children, there is only black or white on many issues: an idea is good or bad, a proposition true or false. Later they learn to differentiate: Whether someone likes Beethoven or is into pop songs is a matter of taste. During this time, they tend to see different opinions as equaleven those on matters such as climate change being caused by humans. "In the best case, at some point we learn to evaluate different positions," says Rudloff. "For example: yes, there are different opinions, but some more by backed by evidence than others." But not everyone seems to take this step. In situations like climate change or COVID-19, where a rational assessment of arguments is crucial, this deficit can have serious consequences. Provided by Universitat Wurzburg Jer Clifton is a senior research scientist in the Positive Psychology Center in the School of Arts & Sciences at Penn. There, he directs The Primals Project, which promotes empirical research on the origins and psychological impact of primal world beliefs. Credit: University of Pennsylvania For anyone paying attention in the lead-up to the United States midterm elections, it should come as no surprise that people who consider themselves politically conservative see the world differently than those who consider themselves politically liberal. "Humans actually have 26 beliefs about the world as a whole, way more than we knew," says Jer Clifton, a senior research scientist in Penn's Positive Psychology Center. "Most of them collapse down into three categories: that the world is a safe versus dangerous place, that the world is enticing versus dull, and that the world is alive versus mechanistic. Researchers call these beliefs primal world beliefs or primals." Decades of research suggested that conservatives see the world as more dangerous than liberals, a primal thought to drive their attitudes about immigration, policing, and many other issues. But new findings from Clifton and Penn postdoctoral fellow Nicholas Kerry call into question that idea. "I looked at sample after sample expecting to find something I didn't find," says Clifton, who runs The Primals Project. "I like thinking I was wrong. We were all wrong." In a paper published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, Clifton and Kerry show that the connection between conservative thinking and a danger-is-everywhere mentality has likely been exaggerated, that both ends of the political spectrum see the world as similarly dangerous. Instead, other viewpointsthat the world is hierarchical, for examplebetter explain the divide between conservatives and liberals. "The primal world beliefs that distinguish the left from the right make a weird amount of sense," Clifton says. "This has huge implications for researchers in how they study this but also for the average person. We don't need to be so mad at each other. There can be honest disagreement about the world and what policies are needed. It can be the beginning of empathy and compromise, the ability to see how the world looks from another side." Clifton has spent the better part of a decade studying primals, the fundamental beliefs that shape a person's life, publishing a seminal paper on the subject in 2019. The Penn Primals Project, an outgrowth of Clifton's Ph.D. work now supported by Penn's Martin Seligman, Crystal Park of the University of Connecticut, and Stanford University's Alia Crum, is currently delving into a range of questions, from the plasticity of primals to the relationship between primals and personality and, of course, the role of primals in politics. For the politics-specific research, Clifton and Kerry looked at nine samples totaling more than 5,400 people to determine which world beliefs actually distinguish left from right on the political spectrum. Big picture, they hypothesized a relatively weak link between political ideology and dangerous world belief. "When we made what we all believed was a better scale, we thought we would see a bigger effect showing that conservatives see the world as a dangerous place," Clifton says. "Instead, it dropped to almost nothing. With the first sample, I thought it was a fluke. Then I did it again and again and got the same outcome." For example, Bernie Sanders supporters saw a more threatening world than Donald Trump supporters in 2016, an outcome different than Clifton and Kerry expected. The researchers had also guessed that they would find a stronger association between conservatism and the hierarchical world belief, which says that people, places, and things all have a value and rank. They confirmed that hypothesisand in fact, "hierarchical world belief" explained 20 times more variance in political ideology than "dangerous world belief"and in the process, took the field in a new direction. For one, the Penn team assessed this viewpoint as an "is" belief rather than a "preference" belief. In other words, Clifton explains, the research framed the question around the idea that the world is a hierarchical place, whether we like it or not, rather than the idea that a hierarchical world is the one in which someone prefers to live. Previous research had also focused on hierarchy in human social contexts specifically. "But we found that it's not just about people. It's about the difference between cars, food types, animals. It's the idea that there's a top predator and a hierarchy that falls out of it," Clifton says. "Past research assumed that hierarchical thinking was an attitude specifically about people, but instead it's much bigger. It's about everything." This matters, he says, because it affects how researchers can conceptualize the underlying psychology of political differences going forward. It can also help people see the world from another perspective. "We debate policy; we never debate the underlying primal," he says. "If I personally had different primals, I'd probably have different views on policy, and that insight has made me a little less angry at the other side." The more people who have that understanding, the better the chance of lessening the anger that contributes to the current political chasm separating Americans. More information: Jeremy D. W. Clifton et al, Belief in a Dangerous World Does Not Explain Substantial Variance in Political Attitudes, But Other World Beliefs Do, Social Psychological and Personality Science (2022). DOI: 10.1177/19485506221119324 Journal information: Social Psychological and Personality Science Credit: MIT Press Elizabeth Losh, the Duane A. and Virginia S. Dittman Professor of American Studies and English at William & Mary, is paying close attention to the social media posts of candidates running for office in the upcoming mid-term elections. A media theorist and digital rhetoric scholar, Losh recently wrote "Selfie Democracy," a book that examines the unintended consequences of politicians' digital strategies. There is no tried-and-true road map for successful social media strategy by politicians, Losh says. That's why she calls it "a tricky dance." "You need to be authentic, but you need to also in some ways acknowledge the presence of the platform and the ways that you are self-consciously managing your own image," Losh said. "You have to have the right amount of self-deprecation. And you have to have the right degree of intimacy. The tricky dance influencers have to do is they have to both be special enough that you want to watch them and yet they need to be relatable." Losh joined W&M News to discuss her book and the upcoming election. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: What is selfie democracy, and what does your book explore? A: When people hear the word selfie, a lot of times they think about narcissism, exhibitionism, a kind of curated personality. I think that's important when we think about the ways that Barack Obama's image was packaged, the way that Donald Trump's image was packaged, but more importantly the way that Obama and Trump's followers are doing identity work online that shows their loyalty and their emotional ties to candidates. This kind of identity work around politics that's happening online is really important. In the past, if you wanted to see a politician, you'd go to a speech or you'd go to a fundraiser. Maybe you'd shake that politician's hand or if you had a baby, the politician would kiss the baby. But now it's selfies with politicians and this sense that not only is politics personal, but it's personalized. The selfie is sort of an ideal way to signal co-presence and to signal that intimacy with a political leader, and that's part of why I called the book "Selfie Democracy" because it's a book that's really about identity politics and how identity performance online is now part of the larger political strategic landscape. Things like "shares" and "likes" and all of these social forms of communication are often how a political message gets out. In the book, I'm arguing that there are a lot of positive effects from that. People feel more politically engaged, but they're also more politically polarized and are also more likely to consume misinformation. Q: What other observations did you make about how Barack Obama and Donald Trump used social media during their campaigns and time in office? A: The big argument of the book is that Barack Obama and Donald Trump are often seen as political opposites, but they actually share a lot of essential ingredients. They both rose to power as political outsiders. They both used social media as part of that successful move. They both used the smartphone as a way to facilitate that feeling of direct digital democracy. And that energizes people, but it also gives them this false sense of intimacy with their political leaders. Q: You spoke about the tricky dance politicians have to do when it comes to social media. What have you noticed about some of the current candidates running for office in upcoming mid-term elections? A: In the Pennsylvania Senatorial race, Democratic candidate John Fetterman is really smart on the relatability front, like, "You know, I had a stroke. Have you or family members ever had a medical emergency?" He's trying to be relatable, trying to do this kind of everydayness stuff while Republican candidate Mehmet Oz is doing the "I'm an accomplished surgeon, and I had this huge business empire, and I'm a media personality," trying to play up his accomplishments. And when he tries to do an everydayness performance like he did at the grocery store where he didn't know what the name of the grocery store was and it was like he was there doing his crudite performance, that just totally fell flat. It's a very hard terrain. Q: What other 2024 presidential candidates interest you, particularly in how they are using social media? A: Most of them are kind of bad at it, which is sort of interesting. People always point to Beto O'Rourke, but I think people who study social media closely are probably less impressed with Beto O'Rourke than maybe journalists are. And obviously someone like Ted Cruz, who famously "liked" the pornographic Twitter post, has had some rough patches. Ron DeSantis has not knocked it out of the park for me in terms of social media strategy. I'm definitely keeping an eye on it. I feel like it's such a fluid pool right now. I think the midterms are going to really be important. They were important for Obama, and the midterms were important for Trump, too. I think that there are ways that those midterms often kind of set the tone in terms of, I wouldn't say issues, but what kind of themes, what kind of emotions are going to be the ones that are going to be most politically active. Q: You have said social media makes people more politically polarized. There's no better example of this than the January 6 insurrection. Where are we headed with this? A: That's one of the things I write about in the book that I find particularly frightening. I was working on the book and saying, "What's the ending to it?" And then Jan. 6 is the obvious ending because there you see that mistrust in representative government because this direct digital democracy undermines representative government, so we have the building that represents representative government being attacked and then people are in there shooting selfies. How could it be more demonstrative than that? But what's also interesting, and one of the things I wrote about in the book, is how many people there were at one time on the political left. So this is a phenomenon a lot of people write about called horseshoe politics where people who are on the really far right or the really far left can actually hop over to the other side. This extremism, this mistrust of compromise, of representation and this hatred of bureaucracy, to me that's a particularly potent Molotov cocktail because those are people who do not believe in rules or norms. Q: You say in the book that algorithms are distorting the whole human knowledge system. Is regulation the answer? A: I do think social media companies need to be regulated at the very least, and I think this is something that the people on the right and people on the left agree with. The problem I think comes around the issue of fake news because I think conservatives are concerned about censorship and liberals are concerned about disinformation and misinformation, but I think privacy is something that people on the left and people on the right agree on. I feel like on the privacy front we could at least try to move toward the European standard where we have mechanisms against tracking across platforms, although legislation takes so long that tech companies usually figure out some sort of work-around by the time that the legislation actually comes into force. I'm a radical in some ways in that I think that the amount of data that social media companies gather and search engine companies gather should be taxed. I think that there should be incentives to not collect huge amounts of user data, particularly things like location data. A pond covered in duckweed. Credit: Joseph Rabaey, University of Minnesota Plants typically absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as part of photosynthesis. Most people associate greenery with reduced carbon levels, and in the case of Minnesota's trees, that is certainly true. But in the thousands of duckweed-covered ponds across the state, the reality is more complicated. Due to organic matter carried into ponds by rain and melting snow, ponds actually emit greenhouse gasses. All of that organic matter is eventually broken down by microbes into methane and carbon dioxide, which can then escape into the atmosphere. Duckweed, a small floating aquatic plant, can completely take over the surface of some ponds and cause even higher greenhouse gas emissions. New research published in Frontiers in Environmental Science, co-authored by Joseph Rabaey, a fellow in the Graduate School, and James Cotner, a professor in the College of Biological Science, examined the causes of greenhouse gas emissions in ponds. During the summer of 2021, the research team sampled 26 ponds around the Twin Cities for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ) emissions and concentrations in the water. To measure emissions of CO 2 and CH 4 over time, a floating chamber, like an upside-down bucket, was placed on the surface of the water and attached to a portable gas analyzer. Using this setup and a kayak or canoe, gas emissions were measured at multiple points on every pond. The research found: The biggest factor leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions among different ponds was the presence of duckweed. When ponds become fully covered in duckweed, the duckweed shades out other plants and algae in the water, and less oxygen is being produced in the water column, while the oxygen produced by duckweed in photosynthesis is primarily released into the atmosphere directly. Because duckweed ponds had less oxygen and methane forms in the absence of oxygen, these ponds produced more methane than ponds without duckweed. "It can be hard to imagine gas escaping from a pond or lake when we can't see it happening. It's a bit like opening a can of pop," said Cotner. "The carbonated pop is supersaturated with CO 2 , and when you open the can you can hear the gas escaping into the air. The same thing is happening in these ponds." "We were a bit surprised by the large effect the duckweed was having," added Rabaey. "Ponds fully covered in duckweed were really pumping out a lot of methane." Stormwater ponds are numerous in urban environments, and in the Twin Cities alone there are tens of thousands of ponds. There is potential to better manage these ponds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to Rabaey, "we now know that duckweed coverage is a warning sign that management is needed, and it really comes down to oxygen. Management strategies that focus on keeping ponds oxygenated, such as fountains or bubblers that discourage duckweed growth and mix the water, could help reduce methane emissions while allowing stormwater ponds to still function in their roles of runoff control and nutrient capture." Next steps in the research will involve determining whether ponds emit more gas at certain times of day and measuring total emissions over the course of a year. More information: Joseph Rabaey et al, Pond greenhouse gas emissions controlled by duckweed coverage, Frontiers in Environmental Science (2022). DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.889289 John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivered on Wednesday his first policy address to the HKSAR Legislative Council since taking office. The report covers a raft of policies and measures to boost growth and improve people's livelihood. It aims to boost Hong Kong's competitiveness and start a new chapter for the international financial hub. Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, Lee said. Having direct access to the huge mainland market and strong international connectivity at the same time, Hong Kong serves as a bridge linking the mainland and the rest of the world, he said. Key national strategies including the 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the Belt and Road Initiative provide Hong Kong with unlimited opportunities, said Lee. "In the next five years, I will lead the government team to unite and motivate all sectors of the community, and give full play to our fine traditions of inclusiveness, unity and respect for different viewpoints," he said. "We will make our best endeavor, all for better serving our people and better developing Hong Kong." The report laid out measures to build a solid foundation for security while upholding the principle and leveraging the advantages of "one country, two systems," further improve governance, create strong impetus for growth, earnestly address people's concerns and difficulties in daily life, safeguard harmony and stability, let young people thrive, and combat the COVID-19 epidemic, tell good stories of Hong Kong and scale new heights. "Over the next five years, I look forward to working with you all to build a more promising and united Hong Kong where people enjoy living and working," said Lee. "Together, let us start a new chapter for Hong Kong advancing from stability to prosperity." Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Dutch health authorities said Thursday they had culled around 300,000 chickens after the largest outbreak of highly contagious bird flu this year, saying almost six million birds have been killed so far in the ongoing epidemic. The latest outbreak of a highly contagious H5 strain of the virus hit a chicken farm at Heythuysen in the southern Limburg province, the Dutch food security agency NVWA said. "We have immediately instituted a ban on transport" of all poultry products, the NVWA said, adding it included eggs, bird meat and bird manure. Five other poultry farms within a radius of five kilometres (three miles) "are being screened and will be monitored for bird flu for the coming two weeks," the agency said in a statement. Dutch authorities said Thursday they have culled some 5.8 million birds including chickens, turkeys and aquatic birds at 98 locations across the country since the outbreak of the new strain of avian flu was first detected in October last year. Agriculture Minister Piet Adema warned in a letter to parliament last week that the situation "is not sustainable". "Not for the animals, or the poultry farmers and not for society," the minister said. "I therefore believe we need to intensify our approach to bird flu," the minister said. The country has ordered all poultry to be kept indoors since October 5 in a bid to curb the virus. Authorities are attempting to prevent farm birds coming into contact with wild migratory ones to prevent the virus from spreading. The Netherlands was worst hit in 2003, when a deadly strain of H7N7 avian influenza broke out, killing at least one person and infecting 255 flocksleading to the culling of 30 million birds according to the National Library of Medicine. 2022 AFP Illustration of the formation process of the planar electric field contraction that accompanies the propagation of a near-light-speed electron beam (shown as an ellipse in the figure). Credit: Masato Ota, Makoto Nakajima Albert Einstein, one of the most celebrated modern scientists, proposed the revolutionary theory of special relativity more than a century ago. This theory forms the basis of most of what we understand about the universe, but a part of it has not been experimentally demonstrated until now. Scientists from the Institute of Laser Engineering at Osaka University have used ultrafast electro-optic measurements to visualize for the first time the contraction of the electric field around an electron beam moving at close to the speed of light and demonstrate the generation process. In the theory of special relativity, Einstein proposed that in order to properly describe the motion of objects moving past an observer at close to the speed of light, one needs to employ a "Lorentz transformation" that mixes the coordinates of space and time. He was able to explain how these transformations made the equations for electric and magnetic fields self-consistent. While various effects of relativity have been demonstrated many times to a very high degree of experimental precision, there are still aspects that remain unrevealed in experiments. Ironically, these include the contraction of the electric field represented as a phenomenon of special relativity in electromagnetism. Now, the research team at Osaka University has demonstrated this effect experimentally for the first time. They accomplished this feat by measuring the profile of the Coulomb field in space and time around a high-energy electron beam generated by a linear particle accelerator. Using ultrafast electro-optic sampling, they were able to record the electric field with extremely high temporal resolution. It has been reported that the Lorentz transformations of time and space as well as those of energy and momentum were demonstrated by time dilation experiments and rest mass energy experiments, respectively. Here, the team looked at a similar relativistic effect called electric-field contraction, which corresponds to the Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic potentials. "We visualized the contraction of electric field around an electron beam propagating close to the speed of light," says Prof. Makoto Nakajima, the project leader. In addition, the team observed the process of electric-field contraction right after the electron beam passed through a metal boundary. When developing the theory of relativity, it is said that Einstein used thought experiments to imagine what it would be like to ride on a wave of light. "There is something poetic about demonstrating the relativistic effect of electric fields more than 100 years after Einstein predicted it," says Prof. Nakajima. "Electric fields were a crucial element in the formation of the theory of relativity in the first place." This research, with observations matching closely to Einstein's predictions of special relativity in electromagnetism, can serve as a platform for measurements of energetic particle beams and other experiments in high-energy physics. The paper is published in Nature Physics. More information: Koichi Kan, Ultrafast visualization of an electric field under the Lorentz transformation, Nature Physics (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01767-w. www.nature.com/articles/s41567-022-01767-w Journal information: Nature Physics Trends of the retrieved papers on citizen participation in NBS. Credit: Dai, L. (2022). Engaging the unengaged: Exploring citizen participation in nature-based solutions in China. [Phd Thesis 1 (Research TU/e / Graduation TU/e), Built Environment]. Eindhoven University of Technology. Pressing unsolved environmental issues such as super-storms, floods, droughts, and heatwaves have become a critical challenge in many Chinese cities, such as Beijing and Guangzhou. The severe climate-related risks result in economic losses and threaten citizens' safety, and decrease urban resilience, sustainability, and livability. Nature-based solution have received extensive attention to address increasing socio-environmental challenges. For his Ph.D. research, Li Dai explored the implementation of nature-based solutions and the role of citizens in these solutions. Recurring urban disasters have raised considerable concerns and reflections over current urban development strategies, and a "low-impact development" strategy is highly supported by experts and researchers. Against this backdrop, nature-based solutions, a vital component of the urban low-impact development method, have received extensive attention to address increasing socio-environmental challenges. Barriers However, efforts to adopt, implement, and diffuse nature-based solutions can confront various barriers and fail to achieve the expected results. One of the dominant barriers is a lack of public awareness and engagement. Upscaling nature-based solutions projects requires integrated, coordinated, and multifaceted strategies involving a wide range of citizens to co-design and co-create at the neighborhood level. The externalities caused by these projects, such as visual landscape degradation, land acquisition, and inconvenience, often incite public opposition and protest, threatening project success and social stability. Although making citizens' voices heard has become legally indispensable in China, citizen participation in the decision-making process of nature-based solutions is still "in its infancy." Citizen participation For his Ph.D. research, Li Dai examined citizen participation in nature-based solutions. He observed that the lack of citizen participation could be exclusively attributed to the local government's predominant or even exclusive role in the decision-making process. For citizen participation to happen, citizens' response is largely overlooked. Therefore, Dai's research aims to deepen the understanding of citizen participation in the nature-based solutions decision-making process within the Chinese context and contribute to future participatory design and planning suggestions. The overall conclusion of Dai's research is that citizens should be thoroughly involved in nature-based solutions to achieve community acceptance and project sustainability rather than saying yes or no in the feasibility study. The research also highlights the following. First, there is an urgent need to underline the equal representation of the silent majority. Second, local government should be responsible for initiating and guiding the unengaged in participating in nature-based solutions due to their dominant position. Third, local government should improve the efficiency of information dissemination and consultation service to avoid citizens' reliance on the informal network. Notably, Chinese citizen participation in nature-based solutions continues to focus on informing citizens and lacks a standpoint for more profound levels of participation. The complicated social, political, cultural, and environmental situation in China requires a contextual and inclusive methodology to balance the informal and formal networks, and better facilitate participation in nature-based solutions. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The claim: Study shows that 'CO2 emissions play no role' in Antarctic Larsen ice shelf melt The Larsen C ice shelf of the Antarctic Peninsula is considered to be vulnerable to collapse under certain global warming scenarios, according to researchers. The loss of ice shelvesthe part of a land-based ice sheet that floats on the oceanallows land-based ice to flow into the ocean more quickly, contributing to sea-level rise. Some social media users are sharing an article that claims a new study minimizes the potential impact of human activity on the ice shelf. "New study: Man-made CO2 emissions play no role in Larsen ice shelf melt," reads the article's headline in an Oct. 5 Facebook post. The article, which was published on a website called Climate Change Dispatch, was shared on Facebook more than 850 times in less than two weeks, according to Crowdtangle, a social media metrics tool. But the article misrepresents the new research, which does link Larsen C ice shelf melt to human-driven global warming, according to Ella Gilbert, the study's lead author and a climate modeler at the British Antarctica Survey. USA TODAY reached out to Climate Change Dispatch and the Facebook user who shared the claim for comment. New study lists causes of ice shelf melt that are exacerbated by global warming The study referenced in the article is titled, "A 20-Year Study of Melt Processes Over Larsen C Ice Shelf Using a High-Resolution Regional Atmospheric Model: 2. Drivers of Surface Melting" and was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, in April. It sought to "identify and rank, for the first time, the most significant causes of melting over the recent past." The study identified a number of causes of ice melt on the shelf, including solar radiation; warm, dry wind events (called foehn); cloud behavior and large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns. The Climate Change Dispatch article takes this to mean that human activity and CO2 emissions are not the cause of the melting of the Larsen C ice shelf. But that is not the case, according to the study's lead author. "On the contrary, the paper explicitly notes that climate change is causing temperatures to rise, making melting more common and changing which drivers of melting happen most frequently," Gilbert told USA TODAY in an email. The Climate Change Dispatch article correctly notes that the list of melt factors in the paper does not include the phrase "CO2 emissions," but this does not mean global warming caused by anthropogenic CO2 emissions has no role in Larsen ice shelf melt, Gilbert told USA TODAY in an email. "As noted in the paper, melt occurs only when surface temperatures are at 0 degrees Celsius," she said. "Rising temperatures (caused by increased CO2 emissions) mean this threshold is reached more frequently. This increases the impact of all drivers of melt." Erin Pettit, an ice sheet researcher and professor at Oregon State University, also told USA TODAY that human-driven warming influences melt factors on the Larsen C ice shelf. She explained that, for example, increasing global temperatures change global wind patterns because wind redistributes heat between Earth's higher and lower latitudes. These changes likely increase the frequency of foehn wind events on the Larsen ice shelf, which then increases melting. "CO2 emissions definitely play a role in this," Pettit said. Our rating: False Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that a recent study shows that "CO2 emissions play no role" in the Antarctic Larsen C ice shelf melt. The study lists causal factors for Larsen C ice shelf melt, the effects of which are influenced by human CO2 emissions and resulting global climate change, according to the study author. (c)2022 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain About 70% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 use Instagram, and it's hard to spend much time scrolling without encountering a sponsored post from an influencer. The same holds true for just about any other social media platform. New research from the University of Washington examines how factors related to influencers, their posts and their followers impact marketing success. Social media influencers are typically digital creators who have built a large following due to their knowledge on specific topics, such as beauty products, food or pets. Recently published online and forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, the study is one of the first to include cost data in its examinations of influencer marketing. Researchers found that if firms spent 1% more on influencer marketing, they would see a nearly 0.5% increase in engagement. They also concluded that reallocating spending based on the study's insights could result in a 16.6% increase in engagement. Engagement is the way people react to online content, such as such as liking, commenting or reposting. For this study, researchers prioritized the number of reposts because it represents a deep form of engagement where followers are choosing to share content with their own networks. Robert Palmatier, co-author and professor of marketing in the UW Foster School of Business, said influencer marketing is currently producing higher return on investment, or ROI, than most other kinds of marketing. "I predict that in the future, a lot of marketing is going to be crowdsourced," Palmatier said. "As a marketing manager, you're going to manage a portfolio of influencers, just like Nike manages a portfolio celebrities." For this study, researchers tested data obtained from Weibo, a microblogging website that is one of the largest social media platforms in China. The data consisted of 5,835 posts written by 2,412 influencers related to 1,256 campaigns for 861 brands in October 2018. The brand sponsors spanned 29 categories, including beauty products, e-commerce platforms and food and beverages. Researchers found that influencer originality, follower size and sponsor saliencethe prominence of the brand in a postenhance the effectiveness of a message, while posts that announce new products diminish it. Followers are less likely to repost product launches due to the heightened risk of vouching for something unknown to their networks. The influencer's activity rate, level of post positivity and follower brand-fit, or the degree to which the interests of an influencer's followers match the sponsor, all produce inverted U-shaped effects. It hurts engagement if influencers post too much, for example, but engagement also suffers if they post too little. This suggests that a balanced approach is most effective. "If you don't post, I'm going to forget who you even are," Palmatier said. "But if you're doing too much, it kind of cheapens you. It's what we call an inverted-U shaped effect, which means there is an optimal point of activity where something performs the best." When it comes to brand-fit, researchers found that firms should search for influencers with followers that overlap but aren't an exact match. "If you're only talking to people who are most likely to buy your product, those people already know about it," Palmatier said. "Now if you go to people who are a terrible brand match, they're never going to buy it because it's just a poor fit. You want people that have some interest, but probably don't know about this product." Palmatier used Tiffany & Co. as an example of a brand that has successfully utilized influencer marketing. There was a time when the company had trouble acquiring younger customers, he said, because it was mostly popular with longtime consumers. "If you think about Tiffany's marketing department, it was probably a group of people that knew their historic targets," Palmatier said. "What they did was spend a very small part of their budget to bring in some influencers, and those influencers got multiple times higher returns than their own product managers." Influencers compete in the free market to increase their followers and engagement, Palmatier said, which is a major factor in their success. "They had to be clever," he said. "They had to find a niche. In other words, influencers win their following by understanding their audience very well. When I go to an influencer with my product, they're going to create posts that resonate with their followers. Tiffany never understood how to position its product for that group, but influencers were able to connect." Another advantage of influencer marketing is microtargeting, Palmatier said. Customers can self-segment on social media by following specific topics that interest them. For example, a person might follow hashtags related to Paris before a vacation. "This is crowdsource positioning," Palmatier said. "You give influencers a product and they go position it. People also see influencers as being more authentic because mentally, you feel like you're actually 'friends' with the people you follow on social mediaeven though you've never met themso they appear more authentic when they're positioning the product." More information: Fine F. Leung et al, Influencer Marketing Effectiveness, Journal of Marketing (2022). DOI: 10.1177/00222429221102889 Journal information: Journal of Marketing Male superb blue-wren (Malurus cyaneus). Credit: Andrew Katsis (Flinders University / University of Vienna) Contrary to their pretty name and appearance, some Australian superb fairy-wrens can be "aggressive" in the wildwhich may be important for their survival. When it comes to nest defense or territory intrusions, international bird experts have found that the well-known fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus) can display differing levels of aggression depending on their "personality." With predation from other bird species, feral and domestic animals, and humans impacting native species, it is important to understand which innate qualities of Australian flora influence their survival, say the animal behavior experts from Flinders University and the University of Vienna. Researchers studied the perky little songbirds in Australian bushland and captured wild superb fairy-wrens to assess their personalities in short-term captivity. Their results have been published in Animal Behavior and PeerJ. "Personality syndromes in animals may have adaptive benefits for survival," says researcher Dr. Diane Colombelli-Negrel, principal investigator from the BirdLab at Flinders University. Aggressive behaviour can help superb fairy-wrens protect their offspring from predation in the nest. Credit: Andrew Katsis (Flinders University / University of Vienna) Female superb fairy-wrens were studied in the Flinders University research. Credit: Andrew Katsis (Flinders University / University of Vienna) The tests applied were based on birds' shyness-boldness, exploration vs avoidance behavior, and low-high aggression. The birds were then released in the wild and tested in different threat situations. "In one experiment, wild birds that attacked their mirror image responded more strongly to predator audio playback compared to those with low aggressiveness," says Dr. Colombelli-Negrel. "We also observed that birds with extreme exploration behavior were more aggressive (approached closer, faster and for longer periods of time) against these stimuli." Another interesting observation was that blue-wren pairs with mismatching exploration behaviors also responded strongly to intruders, researchers found. The studies, published in two journal articles, support the ecological validity of personality measured in short-term captivity for survival-related contexts in the wild. More information: Jack Bilby et al, When aggressiveness could be too risky: linking personality traits and predator response in superb fairy-wrens, PeerJ (2022). DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14011 Diane Colombelli-Negrel et al, Superb fairy-wrens with extreme exploration phenotypes respond more strongly to simulated territory intrusions, Animal Behaviour (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.08.015 Farmers are becoming more involved than ever in the work of developing new, sustainable crop varieties. Credit: Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Farmers are becoming more involved than ever in the work of developing new, sustainable crop varieties, with a recent study from researchers at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT showing how a "citizen science" approach for on-farm experimentation called tricot, generated agricultural data via local organizations in Central America. Jacob van Etten, Principal Scientist and Director of the Digital Inclusion research program at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, explains that the idea for tricot (an abbreviation for triadic comparison of technologies), came from a frustration that he felt years ago, when participating in formalized experimental plots designed to test crop varieties that are conventionally bred for selected traits. "In the 1990s, some felt the role of the scientists was to get feedback from farmers but it wasn't an interesting exercise, the farmers weren't excited about it," he said, "It's also not as useful for scientists as the breeders didn't trust the information from the farmers." So, instead of crop varieties and other technologies being tested in large-scale field plots under generic conditions, tricot allows new crop varieties to be tested directly in farmers' fields, the same context where they will hopefully be grown after the study. In the paper "Rank-based data synthesis of common bean on-farm trials across four Central American countries," published in the journal Crop Science, 14 trials of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were established by five organizations working in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Van Etten said the exciting thing about this study is that it shows that we go one step further: putting all these data together from several places and seasons and deriving more insights from them than would be possible with any dataset alone, even for places in which no trial was done. Van Etten said tricot has enabled organizations to expand trials because of a lowering of costs. "We found that we have halved the costs of doing equivalent trials, it's not just that the farmers contribute their time and land, but the logistics and hand holding has gone down," he said. Hale Ann Tufan, an associate professor at Cornell's School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Breeding and Genetics Section says Van Etten's team has a useful understanding of plant breeding as well as statistical methods and social science in equal measure. "I believe Jacob and his team's deep experience and knowledge of local communities helped make tricot an appropriate innovation, " she said. "I believe it is the simplicity and agility of tricot which make it a success." Research partnerships create ownership Van Etten said consistent on-the-ground engagement increases applicability, that is, the more informed farmers are, the more empowered in their decision-making. Happy Daudi, a senior research officer and plant breeder at the Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute is a groundnut project leader in Tanzania and her main role is to initiate the trial and make sure everything in the project went well and conducive environment for farmers and extension agent in order to get good and quality data, produce the report and select good varieties for release or other breeding purpose. "They feel ownership of the process and their voice on what kind of varieties they need now are considered," she said. "The alliance makes the process interactive from the beginning to the end, which makes the researcher own it and make the process a success," Daudi said, adding that the alliance was ready to receive any feedback from the researchers who implement it and that training for scientists vastly improved the process. Brazilian scientist Kaue de Sousa, an associate professor at Inland Norway University, said that a farmer in Tanzania told him that they like when they know that tricot plots are not only about having new varieties to test, but also improving other farmers' lives by informing about the performance of varieties across different locations. "The alliance has great experience in building partnerships with the National Programs and tricot is all about good partnerships and when the partners see the value of the work, with good and reliable information coming out from the farms and new and cool ways to analyze the data and provide decision-making tools, they get motivated to do another round, and again," he said, "This happened in Central America, West Africa and East Africa people like it because they see the value of the data and the engagement with the farmers." More information: David Brown et al, Rank-based data synthesis of common bean on-farm trials across four Central American countries, Crop Science (2022). DOI: 10.1002/csc2.20817. acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com s/10.1002/csc2.20817 Provided by The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture Detail of f. 53v, beginning of the first column of undertext (Syriac overtext in dark brown, and faint traces of a few letters of the undertext). Credit: Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. Museum of the Bible, 2021. Journal for the History of Astronomy (2022). DOI: 10.1177/00218286221128289 A trio of researchers from CNRS, UMR, Tyndale House and Sorbonne Universite, respectively, have found what might be the famous Hipparchus's map of the stars. In their paper published in Journal for the History of Astronomy, Victor Gysembergh, Peter Williams and Emanuel Zingg describe a palimpsest manuscript that was found at the Greek Orthodox St Catherine's Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula, and what they believe it describes. Historians have long believed that a catalog of the stars was created long ago by early Greek astronomer Hipparchushis catalog was believed to represent the earliest map of the stars. But lack of physical evidence of such a map has left the record for creation of the earliest star map to Ptolemy. In this new effort, the researchers believe they have found part of the catalog that Hipparchus created sometime between 162 and 127 BCE. Detail of f. 53v (multispectral image, by the Early Manuscripts Electronic Library and the Lazarus Project of the University of Rochester processed by Keith T. Knox: the enhanced Greek undertext appears in red below the Syriac overtext in black). Credit: Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. Museum of the Bible, 2021. Journal for the History of Astronomy (2022). DOI: 10.1177/00218286221128289 The work began with study of a palimpsest manuscript that was originally found at the Greek Orthodox St Catherine's Monastery and is now owned by the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The team noted that the material on which the text had been printed was written over text that had been scraped away, allowing for reusea common practice during the period. Intrigued, one of the team members asked a group of students to see if they could make out any of the prior text. One of them, Jamie Klair, found what appeared to be a line of text that had previously been seen in work by Eratosthenes, an astronomer. Detail of f. 53v (yellow tracings based on full set of multispectral images). Credit: Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. Museum of the Bible, 2021. Journal for the History of Astronomy (2022). DOI: 10.1177/00218286221128289 Next, convinced that the subtext may have importance, the manuscript was sent to Early Manuscripts Electronic Library, where it was scanned using a variety of lighting techniques. The researchers were able to recover most of what had been erased. The overwritten text described the positions of several constellations and other star positions. By using precession (the amount of Earth's wobble), the team was able to ascertain not only the precision of the star coordinates but the dates that the measurements had been taken. They found the coordinates to be quite precisemore so than the work by Ptolemy. And the date that the mapping had taken place was 129 BCE. The researchers conclude that their evaluation of the manuscript very strongly suggests it was created by Hipparchus and that it represents the oldest star map known to exist. More information: Victor Gysembergh et al, New evidence for Hipparchus' Star Catalogue revealed by multispectral imaging, Journal for the History of Astronomy (2022). DOI: 10.1177/00218286221128289 Journal information: Journal for the History of Astronomy 2022 Science X Network Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Amplify Energy will pay $50 million to individuals and businesses that lost money last year when nearly 25,000 gallons of oil flowed into the ocean from of a ruptured pipeline about 4 miles off the coast of Huntington Beach, California, according to terms of a preliminary class action settlement filed late Monday, Oct. 17. The deal calls for Amplify, which owns the pipeline, to compensate three specific groups$34 million to people connected to the fishing industry, $9 million to homeowners and $7 million to area tour operators and others. In all, an estimated 10,000 people could be eligible for compensation, and it's not yet known how much any individual or company will receive. Though Amplify and attorneys for the plaintiffs have agreed to terms, the deal filed Monday is not final. An approval hearing is slated for Nov. 16 in federal court in Santa Ana. After a deal is finalized, attorneys will reach out to people who were harmed by the incident, contacting some directly and setting up websites and other outlets for others who believe they lost home value or income. "This might be a good day for the lawyers, but it's a much better day for the people of Orange County, particularly those who were harmed by the spill," said Wylie Aitken, a Santa Ana lawyer who represents the class of people who lost money. Aitken noted that some individuals, notably the fishermen and lobstermen who were about to start their peak season when the spill hit, on Oct. 1, 2021, probably will be compensated more than others. "It turned out, fortunately, that the spill wasn't as big as predicted. And that's lucky. But some people were severely harmed," Aitken said. "We've had experts calculating the damages for each of these groups and we'll get into the details when that's appropriate." At least some people who lost money because of the spill say it's too soon to know how to respond to the deal filed Monday. "We don't know exactly what our settlement is, so I can't say if I'm happy or not," said Rachel Vernes, owner of Bongos Sportfishing, based in Davey's Locker in Newport Beach. Bongos runs two, six-person fishing boats, and Vernes said both were filled with customers when the spill hit and forced to dock in Alamitos Bay. That meant customer refunds and short-term logistical headaches. It was also just the start of the financial impact. Through the rest of October, typically one of the busiest months of the fishing season, the spill prevented Bongos from returning its boats to their home docks, meaning they weren't licensed to operate. And while fishing operations resumed in early springMarch is the start of the rockfish seasonVernes said a lot of potential customers were wary of fishing in local waters until at least early summer. "Basically, it impacted our business quite a bit." The class action involving economic victims is just one of several legal entanglements involving Amplify and the spill. Earlier this year, Amplify agreed to pay about $13 million to settle criminal charges related to its response to the pipeline rupture, and $1 million to the county to cover clean-up expenses. And other civil cases, including one with the operator of the Pacific Air Show, which had to cancel the third day of its three-day event, and another related to long-term environmental harm the spill brought to local wetlands, are still being negotiated. In recent weeks, Amplify said it has received permission from the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers to retrieve and replace the section of pipeline that ruptured. After that, if the new pipeline passes inspection, the company hopes to win approval to resume offshore drilling in the area, possibly as soon as the first half of next year. Amplify has argued that the spill would not have happened if two tankers hadn't dragged anchors over the pipeline during a storm in January 2021. The company said it was never notified about those incidents and is seeking compensation from the tankers' owners, something Aitken said his clients also are pursuing. But in their criminal case against the company, federal prosecutors said Amplify could have responded much sooner after the pipe started spewing oil into the ocean. Though an alarm indicating a rupture went off on the afternoon of Oct. 1, 2021, workers initially shut down and restarted the pipeline several times during the night, and didn't notify authorities about the spill for 13 hours. On Monday, a spokesman for Amplify released a statement attributed to Martyn Willsher, the company's CEO, indicating the company is happy with the current terms of the class action: "We negotiated in good faith and believe we have come to a reasonable and fair resolution." Not all of the proposed terms in the class action are financial. As part of the deal, Houston-based Amplify has agreed to several conditions aimed at improving the environmental safety of its Southern California operations if drilling resumes. Specifically, Amplify has agreed to: Hire more people and train its employees on how to respond if a pipe is damaged or leaking. Last year, workers failed to notify the state, as required by law, after alarms sounded indicating the pipeline was ruptured. Spend at least $250,000 to upgrade its pipeline response procedures. Work with a contracted company or other entity that can detect oil in the ocean at night or in low-light conditions. "Those terms are aimed at making sure this never happens again," Aitken said. "Of course, the best way to do that is to not have offshore drilling at all. But that's beyond our purview; that's up to legislators and others," he added. "So, we've put in every type of potential safety measure that we can into this settlement." 2022 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The crystal structure of OsExo70F2 in complex with AVR-Pii reveals hydrophobic residues dominate the interaction interface. (A) Schematic representation of OsExo70F2 in complex with AVR-Pii. Both molecules are represented as cartoon ribbons, with the molecular surface also shown and colored as labeled in green and yellow for OsExo70F2 and AVR-Pii, respectively. (B) Close-up view of the interaction interface between OsExo70F2 and AVR-Pii. OsExo70F2 is presented as a solid surface, with the effector as cartoon ribbons and side chains displayed as a cylinder for AVR-Piiinteracting residues (Asp45, Tyr48, His49, Tyr64, Phe65, and Asn66) in addition to the residues coordinating the Zn2+ atom (Cys51, Cys54, His67, and Cys69). (C) OsExo70F2 surface hydrophobicity representation at the AVR-Pii interaction interface; residues are colored depending on their hydrophobicity from light blue (low) to yellow (high). (D) Representation of OsExo70F2 surface electrostatic potential at the AVR-Pii interaction interface; residues are colored depending on their electrostatic potential from dark blue (positive) to red (negative). AVR-Pii residues 20 to 43 were not observed in the electron density used to derive the structure. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2022). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210559119 A mechanism used by a fungal pathogen to promote spread of the devastating cereal crop disease, blast, has been revealed in fine detail. The Banfield group at the John Innes Centre, in collaboration with the Iwate Biotechnology Research Centre in Japan and The Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich describes how an effector protein (AVR-Pii) used by the blast fungus Maganaporthe oryzae binds with the rice host receptor protein Exo70. Using protein structure analysis, the study reveals a tight binding mechanism in which a significant proportion of the effector surface is involved in the interaction with the host target. In revealing the structure of AVR-Pii, the research group have also shown that this effector belongs to a new protein family in the blast pathogen, termed "Zifs", as they are based on a Zinc-finger motif. This research is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). "We have identified a new family of Zif effectors, a finding which has implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms of blast disease. These proteins could be useful in our quest to engineer new disease resistance properties against blast," said Professor Mark Banfield a group leader at the John Innes and corresponding author of the study. Previously, all effector structures in the blast pathogen were from a family known as the MAX fold. The team hypothesized that AVR-Pii would not be a MAX effector, and speculated the research could discover a novel protein family. This AVR-PiiExo70 interaction was already known to support disease resistance in rice plants expressing the NLR immune receptor protein pair Pii. But how the interaction underpinned resistance was unknown. Future research will explore how the association between AVR-Pii and Exo70 leads to immune recognition by the NLR receptor. NLR receptors belong to a family of proteins that enable plants to sense the presence of pathogen effector molecules and mount an immune response to resist disease. Plant diseases destroy up to 30% of annual crop production, contributing to global food insecurity, and blast is a major disease of cereal crops. Discovering how pathogens target plant hosts to promote virulence is essential if we are to understand how diseases develop, in addition to engineering immunity. More information: Juan Carlos De la Concepcion et al, A blast fungus zinc-finger fold effector binds to a hydrophobic pocket in host Exo70 proteins to modulate immune recognition in rice, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2022). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210559119 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences With the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opening on Sunday, the world is paying close attention to the programs of action and overarching policies that will be formulated during the landmark event. When delivering a key report to the CPC congress, Xi Jinping said China has always been committed to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development, reiterating the country's dedication to promoting a human community with a shared future. The world has once again reached a crossroads in history, and its future course will be decided by all the world's peoples, he said. In the face of headwinds from setbacks in economic globalization, the COVID-19 pandemic and flare-ups of regional conflicts, global collective efforts are in urgent need to address growing deficit in peace, development, trust and governance. Against such backdrop, Xi has proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Offering Chinese wisdom to human society standing at a crossroads, the two initiatives have been greeted with applause from the international community. Bridging development gaps Development is at the top of governance agenda and the perennial theme of human society. Epitomizing Xi's global vision and people-centered philosophy, the GDI aims to focus global attention on development, foster global development partnership, and achieve more robust, greener and more balanced global development. Targeting the deficit of development, it aims to overcome the challenges brought by the pandemic and accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. "The holistic Global Development Initiative is a valued contribution to addressing common challenges and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive future," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Putting the people front and center, a fundamental pursuit of the initiative is to meet the aspirations of people around the world for a better life and realize the common values of humanity. To that end, China has been walking the talk. In January, China launched the Group of Friends of the GDI at the United Nations, and over 60 countries have joined it. In the same month, China launched Phase III of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)-China South-South Cooperation Trust Fund with a total amount of 50 million U.S. dollars, providing considerable resources for international cooperation in poverty reduction and food security. In February, the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Cooperation Center was inaugurated to support relevant countries in enhancing their capacity to cope with climate change. The GDI is "a 'remobilization' of world development cooperation and a 'reaffirmation' of the people-oriented concept," said Fahd Almenei, researcher with the Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge of Saudi Arabia. Common security "With peace, a country enjoys prosperity, just as with rain, the land can flourish," Xi once quoted an Uzbek proverb. The world today is not a peaceful place. And rivalry between two sets of policy choices -- unity or division, cooperation or confrontation -- is getting more acute. Deeming that humanity is an indivisible security community, Xi proposed the Global Security Initiative to create a new path to security featuring dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum. The GSI, which emphasizes the need for common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, provides the right guiding philosophy to ensure global peace and security, said David Monyae, director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg. "The China-proposed Global Security Initiative is crucial as it comes at a critical time when the world is grappling with multiple crises," Monyae said. Sergei Lukonin, head of the Department of Chinese Politics and Economics at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said the GSI "can certainly bring additional new directions for the peaceful development of the whole world." "I believe that the GSI will help build an indivisible, just and equitable security global community," said Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh. Chinese solution As Xi has said, "only when countries develop together can there be true development; only when countries prosper together can there be true prosperity." As a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods, China has been committed to promoting the development of its own and the whole world at large. China will continue to follow the Chinese path to modernization to achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and will continue to promote the building of a human community with a shared future, Xi has said. "By doing so, we will create new opportunities for the world with new advances in China's development and contribute our vision and strength to world peace and development and human progress," he added. Commenting on the two important initiatives, Sudheendra Kulkarni, former chairman of the Mumbai-based think-tank Observer Research Foundation, said the GDI and the GSI presented by China are of immense benefit to the international community. "These initiatives are noble ones because they are in the interest of the whole mankind" and look for "the contribution of all countries in order to sustain peace and stability in the world and in order to work all together for the common interest," said Algerian Ambassador to China Hassane Rabehi. In a highly interconnected world where non-traditional threats are more challenging, countries can promote peace and preserve the gains of development only through common development and cooperation, said Pramod Jaiswal, research director of Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement. Therefore, China's vision of building a human community with a shared future is peculiarly worth appreciation, Jaiswal observed, voicing confidence that China has been playing a crucial role and will encourage more participation in the cause. Computer rendering of the VASI instrument on the side of the DAVINCI Descent Sphere (probe). Credit: NASA/GSFC The VASI (Venus Atmospheric Structure Investigation) instrument aboard NASA's Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging, or DAVINCI, mission to Venus, together with the other instruments on this mission, aims to investigate Venus's mysterious atmosphere by painting a more detailed picture of it than ever before. VASI will be installed on the DAVINCI mission's descent sphere to parachute through Venus's atmosphere. The descent sphere carries a sophisticated suite of five instruments, including VASI, collectively designed to study the characteristics of the atmosphere and measure how they change as it descends. VASI measurements will provide new information about Venus's temperature, pressure and winds and will provide the primary altitude reference for the descent sphere's atmospheric composition instruments during the plunge into Venus's searing, crushing atmosphere. "There are actually some big puzzles about the deep atmosphere of Venus," said Ralph Lorenz, a scientist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, who is the science lead for the VASI instrument. "We don't have all the pieces of that puzzle and DAVINCI will give us those pieces by measuring the composition at the same time as the pressure and temperature as we get near the surface." Among the many mysteries of the thick Venusian atmosphere are its structure, how volcanoes may have interacted with the atmosphere, and what that interaction can tell us about Earth's future. "The long-term habitability of our planet, as we understand it, rests on the coupling of the interior and atmosphere," said Lorenz. "The long-term abundance of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, which we really rely on to have kept Earth's surface warm enough to be habitable over geologic time, relies on volcanoes." One key question is whether volcanoes are still active on Venus. Detailed, altitude-resolved measurements of the atmospheric temperatures, winds and composition will contribute to answering this question. DAVINCI will send a meter-diameter probe to brave the high temperatures and pressures near Venus' surface to explore the atmosphere from above the clouds to near the surface of a terrain that may have been a past continent. During its final kilometers of free-fall descent (shown here), the probe will capture spectacular images and chemistry measurements of the deepest atmosphere on Venus for the first time. Credit: NASA GSFC visualization by CI Labs Michael Lentz et al. Yet clouds of sulfuric acid, surface atmospheric pressure about 90 times higher than Earth's, and surface temperatures around 900 F (about 460 C) make Venus incredibly challenging to explore, and it's a Herculean task to create instruments that can make sensitive measurements while being exposed to Venus's harsh environment. Because of this, most of DAVINCI's sensors and other subsystems are enclosed in a descent sphere built like a submarine, with sturdy construction to withstand the intense atmospheric pressures and effective insulation to shield these systems from the intense heat near Venus's surface. However, VASI's sensors must be directly exposed to these harsh conditions to do their job. "Venus is hard. The conditions, especially low in the atmosphere, make it very challenging to engineer the instrumentation and the systems to support the instrumentation," Lorenz said. "All that has to be either protected from the environment or somehow built to tolerate it." As the sphere descends toward the surface of Venus, VASI will record the atmosphere's temperature variations with a temperature sensor wrapped in a thin metal tube, like a straw. The atmosphere heats up the tube, which the sensor measures and records while being protected from the corrosive environment. Simultaneously, VASI will measure atmospheric pressure using a small silicon membrane encased in the instrument. On one side of the membrane is a vacuum, and on the other is Venus's atmosphere, which will push on the membrane and stretch it. This stretch will be measured and used to calculate the strength of the pressure. VASI will also measure wind speed and direction using a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes installed in the descent sphere, plus Doppler tracking. Accelerometers measure changes in speed and direction while gyroscopes measure changes in orientation. Doppler tracking also measures changes in speed and direction by measuring the frequency shift of a radio signal from a transmitter in the descent sphere, similar to how an ambulance siren changes pitch as it speeds by. The various sensors and housings for VASI are being assembled by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, with science direction from APL's Lorenz. The Doppler measurements are implemented in DAVINCI's radio system, which is built at APL. NASA Goddard is the principal investigator institution for DAVINCI and will perform project management for the mission, provide science instruments as well as project systems engineering to develop the descent sphere. Goddard also leads the project science support team with an external science team from across the U.S. and including international participation. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain For most drivers in the United States, obeying a stop sign upon approaching an intersection is an unavoidable annoyance. But for George Mason University Finance Professor Jiasun Li, it's a problem waiting to be solved. His recent working paper proposes a simple and economical improvement: removing one stop sign from every four-way intersection. According to his calculations, this would boost not only driver safety, but environmental sustainability as well. Li specializes in game theory, which models strategic interactions where rational agents seekas humans generally doto optimize outcomes for themselves. As he drove around Fairfax, Virginia, Li could not help but view four-way intersections through this academic lens. He was struck by the suspicion that having four stop signs at an intersection was a flawed way of preventing traffic accidents. In effect, they lowered the potential cost of not stopping at the intersection, because drivers could assume that motorists from other directions, should there be any, would come to a stop. Drivers turning right, a shallower maneuver with less exposure to oncoming traffic, have the least risk to begin with and would have the greatest incentive to ignore the sign. Li surmised that the outcome of all drivers obeying the sign fell short of a Nash equilibriumgame theory's term for a stable set of norms that all parties are incentivized to follow. His working paper presents mathematical models that support his intuition. Comparing the risks of collision against the gains from ignoring the sign (i.e. a smooth driving experience or conserving gasoline), he finds that a symmetric equilibrium under the current four-sign mechanism to be one in which left-turners and straight-line travelers honor the stop sign but right-turners do not. In real life, of course, fear of getting slapped with a moving violation increases the likelihood of compliance with stop signs. But the need for law enforcement is less than ideal, Li says. If the four-way stop system were self-enforcing, expensive police resources could be directed toward serious crimes and away from preventive punishment for traffic violators. Li's working paper first considers what would happen if traffic laws were changed to allow right-turners to run the stop sign legally. In an intersection with four stop signs, this would indeed prevent accidents. However, many U.S. intersections have only two signs, which would place right-turners at risk of colliding with traffic coming from the left. In addition, Li argues that old habits die hard, including behind the wheel. "If you need people to change their behavior, that's going to be difficult," he says. Instead, Li recommends removing one signany signfrom among the four. In that case, drivers would know that running a stop sign could send them straight into the path of an oncoming car that has not been directed to stop. The universal fear would incentivize compliance without relying on the threat of police punishment. "Importantly, although the safety and incentive analysis rely on game theoretical reasoning, once implemented, a three-sign mechanism does not require any changes in behaviors for law-abiding drivers," Li says. Further, Li's back-of-the-envelope math suggests that his relatively mundane change could be surprisingly impactful. Based on official statistics from various U.S. authorities, he estimates there are about one million four-way intersections with stop signs in the U.S., each one being traversed by more than 760,000 vehicles per year. That amounts to more than 760 billion (760,000 x one million) stops and starts in a year, one-fourth of which (190 billion) would be avoided in a three-sign setup. According to Li's calculations, assuming it takes 124.9 kilojoules of work to bring a car of average weight to a full stop, and the same amount to resume the previous level of speed, adopting a three-sign system would save a total of 118.65 trillion kJ in the U.S. per year. That equates to one billion gallons of gasoline, or about 2.7 days' worth of national gas consumption. Looking farther out on the technological horizon, Li speculates in the paper that "when self-driving cars finally become real, our new simpler mechanism may also economize AI computational costs." Li has no illusions about the resistance his recommendation may provoke. "You're challenging people's conventional wisdom. If there's criticism, that's to be expected. For example, some cops might not like this idea, because I'm taking away one of their income sources, even though there could be an overall gain to the whole society." This paper is only one manifestation of what Li sees as a scholarly mission to apply novel perspectivesin this case, an economics viewpoint derived from game theoryto real-world problems, especially those that have been taken for granted for so long that they are not even recognized as problems. "Economics thinking should be applicable to a lot of different fields and improve our daily lives," Li explains. What seems totally natural in one context, after all, may be foreign in another. Many countriesincluding China, where Li was borndon't use four-way stop intersections. "If I grew up with these stop signs, I probably wouldn't think about it," he says. This is an example, Li suggests, of how diverse experiences and ideas imported via immigration can enrich host nations. Far from wanting the last word on the issue, Li is hoping to inspire wide-ranging conversation about how to change environments and communities for the better. "I would rather have the discussion ongoing and people give me ideas," he says. "Only through debate will people understand it better." More information: Jiasun Li, Four-Way Stops, SSRN Electronic Journal (2022). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4197885 Artist impression of ultra fluffy gas giant planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Credit: National Science Foundation A gas giant exoplanet with the density of a marshmallow has been detected in orbit around a cool red dwarf star by a suite of instruments, including the NEID radial-velocity instrument on the WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory, a Program of NSF's NOIRLab. The planet, named TOI-3757 b, is the fluffiest gas giant planet ever discovered around this type of star. Astronomers using the WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, a Program of NSF's NOIRLab, have observed an unusual Jupiter-like planet in orbit around a cool red dwarf star. Located approximately 580 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Auriga the Charioteer, this planet, identified as TOI-3757 b, is the lowest-density planet ever detected around a red dwarf star and is estimated to have an average density akin to that of a marshmallow. Red dwarf stars are the smallest and dimmest members of so-called main-sequence starsstars that convert hydrogen into helium in their cores at a steady rate. Though "cool" compared to stars like our sun, red dwarf stars can be extremely active and erupt with powerful flares capable of stripping a planet of its atmosphere, making this star system a seemingly inhospitable location to form such a gossamer planet. "Giant planets around red dwarf stars have traditionally been thought to be hard to form," says Shubham Kanodia, a researcher at Carnegie Institution for Science's Earth and Planets Laboratory and first author on a paper published in The Astrophysical Journal. "So far this has only been looked at with small samples from Doppler surveys, which typically have found giant planets further away from these red dwarf stars. Until now we have not had a large enough sample of planets to find close-in gas planets in a robust manner." There are still unexplained mysteries surrounding TOI-3757 b, the big one being how a gas-giant planet can form around a red dwarf star, and especially such a low-density planet. Kanodia's team, however, thinks they might have a solution to that mystery. They propose that the extra-low density of TOI-3757 b could be the result of two factors. The first relates to the rocky core of the planet; gas giants are thought to begin as massive rocky cores about ten times the mass of Earth, at which point they rapidly pull in large amounts of neighboring gas to form the gas giants we see today. TOI-3757b's star has a lower abundance of heavy elements compared to other M-dwarfs with gas giants, and this may have resulted in the rocky core forming more slowly, delaying the onset of gas accretion and therefore affecting the planet's overall density. The second factor may be the planet's orbit, which is tentatively thought to be slightly elliptical. There are times it gets closer to its star than at other times, resulting in substantial excess heating that can cause the planet's atmosphere to bloat. The planet was initially spotted by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Kanodia's team then made follow-up observations using ground-based instruments, including NEID and NESSI (NN-EXPLORE Exoplanet Stellar Speckle Imager), both housed at the WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope; the Habitable-zone Planet Finder (HPF) on the Hobby-Eberly Telescope; and the Red Buttes Observatory (RBO) in Wyoming. TESS surveyed the crossing of this planet TOI-3757 b in front of its star, which allowed astronomers to calculate the planet's diameter to be about 150,000 kilometers (100,000 miles) or about just slightly larger than that of Jupiter. The planet finishes one complete orbit around its host star in just 3.5 days, 25 times less than the closest planet in our solar systemMercurywhich takes about 88 days to do so. The astronomers then used NEID and HPF to measure the star's apparent motion along the line of sight, also known as its radial velocity. These measurements provided the planet's mass, which was calculated to be about one quarter that of Jupiter, or about 85 times the mass of the Earth. Knowing the size and the mass allowed Kanodia's team to calculate TOI-3757 b's average density as being 0.27 grams per cubic centimeter (about 17 grams per cubic feet), which would make it less than half the density of Saturn (the lowest-density planet in the solar system), about one quarter the density of water (meaning it would float if placed in a giant bathtub filled with water), or in fact, similar in density to a marshmallow. "Potential future observations of the atmosphere of this planet using NASA's new James Webb Space Telescope could help shed light on its puffy nature," says Jessica Libby-Roberts, a postdoctoral researcher at Pennsylvania State University and the second author on this paper. "Finding more such systems with giant planetswhich were once theorized to be extremely rare around red dwarfsis part of our goal to understand how planets form," says Kanodia. The discovery highlights the importance of NEID in its ability to confirm some of the candidate exoplanets currently being discovered by NASA's TESS mission, providing important targets for the new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to follow-up on and begin characterizing their atmospheres. This will in turn inform astronomers what the planets are made of and how they formed and, for potentially habitable rocky worlds, whether they might be able to support life. Historian Jared Farmers new book Elderflora published this week. It looks at the complex history of the worlds oldest trees, and how they can help us address the climate crisis. Credit: Basic Books Humans have a long history of venerating ancient trees. That reverence and care taking took a modern turn in the 18th century, when naturalists embarked on a quest to locate and date the oldest living things on Earth, as historian Jared Farmer narrates in "Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees." His book, which hits shelves this week, takes readers from Lebanon to New Zealand to California, looking at the complex history of the world's oldest trees and how they can help us address the climate crisis. Penn Today spoke to Farmer about the book, why humans have no trouble looking at the ancient past but can't seem to envision the deep future and what trees can teach us. "Ancient trees are bridges between short time and deep time, between lived human time and abstract geological time," Farmer says. "We have to create emotive connections to the far future in order to work together on climate now." What inspired you to tackle this topic? First, I wanted to write a book about climate change. Second, I wanted to write about long-term thinking, another great challenge of our time, and closely related to the first. We've already changed the climate going forward centuries, maybe millennia, yet we humans are surprisingly bad at thinking about the long future. However, we're really quite good at thinking about the long past. It's one of the notable characteristics of humans: We care about our ancestors; we care about ancient civilizations; we visit cemeteries; we observe days of the dead; we're constantly referencing people and events that happened hundreds or thousands of years ago. Of all the ways I could have grounded those two themesclimate and timeI kept coming back to trees, tree-rings, and tree-ring science. Previously, I'd written a history of California with treesit's called "Trees in Paradise"but this time I decided to write a book about trees. To my surprise, I became a serious botany nerd and major tree-hugger, a term I no longer regard as a pejorative at all. For several reasons, trees are ideal for long-term climate thinking. Specimens of certain species can live for thousands of years. The cambium layers inside their wood contains data about past climates. At the population level, trees affect the water cycle and the carbon cycle. And, of course, a changing climate affects forests. Moreover, people have cared aboutand cared forancient trees since ancient times. There's a deep and powerful history here. Unlike the deep time of geology, which is all intellectual, the deep time of botany has emotional content. Much of my book concerns long-term relationships between people and individual trees. So, I go as local as possible and then go as global as possible. Trees are hyperlocal. They cannot move. Their commitment to place is absolute. But they're also connected to a dynamic planet that is constantly changing and changing faster now because of human influence. I came up with this notion, also an ambition, to write a "place-based planetary history." Why is it important to look at the topic right now? There's been an incredible series of tree-themed books in the last decade. There's the oeuvre of Peter Wohlleben, the German forester who's now an international phenomenon. There's Richard Powers, whose novel "The Overstory" won a Pulitzer. Before him, Pulitzer-winner Annie Proulx wrote "Barkskins." The forest ecologist Suzanne Simard has a best-selling memoir, "Finding the Mother Tree." I could go on. As for why this is happening, I think it's due in part to the resurgence of the field of plant communication, especially the "wood wide web," the way that trees are connected to other plants through their roots with the assistance of fungi. The technical term is mycorrhizal network. There are cultural and political dimensions to this new interest in arboreal science. "Mother tree" is a metaphor for connectivity based on mutualism and care. This idea is very attractive in our current moment of miscommunication, disinformation, animosity, distrust, and political breakdownbasically everything we've seen since the advent of social media, as magnified by politicians in the United States and elsewhere. People are just so angry all the time and distrustful of others, despite being ever more connected. So, this notion that there are beings out there who have a wholly different model of sharing and cooperating is inspiring. Now, you don't want to anthropomorphize trees too much, but frankly some amount of personification is unavoidable, and I'm okay with that. There's a venerable history of thinking of trees as person-like beings. In the end, I celebrate that tradition rather than denigrate it. So, that partially explains readerly interest in woody plants. But there's also a real crisis right now for forests and trees, especially old trees, and most especially big old trees, whose climate of establishment is now long gone. Anyone who follows the news has seen stories about climate-induced mass mortalities and diebacks of ancient sequoias, ancient olives, ancient kauris, and other long-lived species. The book is interdisciplinary in an unusual way. It has a lot of ethics, tree-ring science, philosophy, cultural history, and even religion in it. How did that come to be? I don't think you can solve the problem of long-term climate thinking without spirituality and religion, or at least by finding common ground with people who use the emotive power of religion to do their own kind of long-term thinking. Trees are such important cultural symbols, including religious symbols, and now they're incredibly important data producers and data containers, thanks to tree-ring science. There's a way you can get at science from religion, and vice versa. When we talk about old trees, it's often as sacred beings, as sanctified plants. Often they grow in temple compounds or shrines or church yards. But they can also be sacralized through science and set apart by the state. Here in the U.S., there's Sequoia National Park and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. These are essentially secular sacred groves. They don't have priests, but they have rangers who are called to protect these trees that most visitors would describe as sacred. Somewhat like ancient scriptures, ancient trees are bridges between short time and deep time, between lived human time and abstract geological time. There's a lot of geology we can relate to emotionally, if we include trees, and there's time for a shared geologic future with trees. We have to create emotive connections to the far future in order to work together on climate now. As person-like plants, as ethical beings, ancient trees help get us there. Trees figured out so long ago how best to live on Earth. They're solar-powered, vegetarian, and committed to their locale. There's something deeply inspiring and deeply Earth-appropriate about that way of living. There's a reason why woody plants have been going strong for hundreds of millions of years. But there's no reason to think our species can't have at least a few million more years in its future, if we learn to live appropriately alongside life-forms that preceded us and will surely outlast us. What do you hope people take away from this book? First would be an appreciation for the depth of history of people caring for old trees. There's such a long record of care taking, of veneration, of stewardship. I also hope readers come away with an appreciation for tree-ring science. It has immediate applications to the humanities and social sciences. It's not abstract. These trees generate and store proxy data about climate, weather events, and natural disastersplanetary to regional to local events that can be tied to calendrical dates that can be tied to historical chronicles. Tree-rings really enrich our understanding of the human past. I also want readers to get a sense of urgency that this is a time of crisis for megaflora. There's no way around that. For a lot of the biggest, oldest trees, this is the time of twilight. It's very melancholy. I want to suggest to readers that we are so lucky to know these trees, to know where they are, and to have opportunities to live with them or visit them. No one should take that for granted. Lastly and maybe most important to me is the sense that trees help us think about longer units of time, backward and also forward. There are few human faculties we need to develop more than hindsight and foresight, preferably by combining them. Having written this book, I might even say there's nothing better than hugging a tree for nurturing habits of long-term thinking. Do you have a favorite tree? I do have special feelings about Great Basin bristlecone pine, since I'm from the Great Basin. Those are trees I visited as a child with my father, and the mountainous environment they grow in makes me feel deeply at home even though the area seems inhospitable. But the more I read about ginkgo, the more amazing I find the species. Its lineage goes back to the Jurassic. Ginkgoes survived multiple mass extinction events and persisted through ice-free periods and ice ages. They'd almost gone extinct when humans came on the scene. So, their modern history is one you can feel good about. As of the 18th century, ginkgoes were restricted to East Asia. Now they're everywhere in the temperate zone. Ginkgo is a common street tree in Philadelphia, which frankly seems more inhospitable to me at times than Great Basin mountains. You see them growing in tiny plots of soil that are surely contaminated. Each one has multiple wounds healed over. Today, because of online delivery, they get hit by trucks all the time. In the 20th century, these trees managed to grow upward and claim canopy space above the rowhouses, despite the city's terrible air quality. When I walk to and from Penn's campus, and see these scraggly ginkgoes miraculously still existing, I feel the depth of tree time. Of course, there's the smell of the fallen fruit in fall. But when you think about the journey of this species across the vastness of time and space to get to this place, right here in Philadelphia, suddenly that sweet-rotten smell doesn't seem so bad. Sure, it stinks, but it's also the atmosphere of deep-time persistence. There has been a very long past for people and trees, and we should keep the relationship going, as long as humanly possible. Female mountain gorillas with offspring. Credit: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International New research from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, just published in the journal Animal Conservation, analyzes more than 50 years of demographic data to examine factors influencing variability in the growth rate of the mountain gorilla population and what this may mean for their future conservation. Mountain gorillas are a rare conservation success story. The subspecies was on the verge of extinction in the early 1980s but through long-term investment by the governments of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as conservation organizations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, they are currently the only great ape whose numbers are increasing. But with approximately 1,000 individuals left, they remain a highly conservation-dependent subspecies. As shown in this and previous studies, the mountain gorilla population in Rwanda began a slow recovery in the mid-1980s, demonstrating the benefits of strengthened conservation practices, which included anti-poaching patrols, daily monitoring, the economic benefits of ecotourism, community engagement and veterinary care. This allowed the subpopulation monitored by the Fossey Fund to grow at relatively high rates from the 1980s through the mid-2000s. "Historically, as a result of the poaching and habitat disturbance in the 1970s and early 1980s, the mountain gorilla group density was low in the area of the Volcanoes National Park where the Fossey Fund works," says Felix Ndagijimana, Rwanda program director for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and one of the study's authors. "Groups interacted infrequently, maybe every other month, and there was stability in group leadership. One of the groups we monitor grew to 65 individuals, which is six times larger than the average mountain gorilla group." Group stability starts to decrease In 2007, this group stability started to change, as these now very large groups began to split from each other. "The group density tripled in the space of only two years, as young males left to form their own groups," says Ndagijimana. This increase led to more spatial overlap and group interactions. Such interactions range from tolerant to highly aggressive, and this aggression can even be lethal. An earlier study by the Fossey Fund revealed that these increased interaction rates resulted in higher male and infant mortality, contributing to a significant slowing of the population growth rate. However, the authors reported that mortality alone did not explain this pattern. In the study now published in Animal Conservation, further analysis by the Fossey Fund team revealed that changes in female reproduction also played a role. The increase in intergroup encounters gave females more opportunities to move between groups. But these moves were associated with delays in reproduction, specifically the period between successful births. Infants are usually born about four years apart but females changing groups one time extended this interval by nearly eight months, while females changing groups multiple times led to an 18-month extension. "Female choice of which group to live in is an important part of gorilla life history but is limited to when groups interact with each other. Historically, the low rates of group interactions meant that females had relatively few opportunities to move, as they generally only transfer when they are not pregnant or don't have a dependent offspring. The significant increase in group interactions provided us with the first opportunity to study the implications of females changing groups multiple times," says Robin Morrison, Ph.D., postdoctoral researcher at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and lead author on the paper. "Our study shows that female movement patterns and their reproductive consequences follow broader trends driven by social dynamics across the population. It adds to our growing understanding of how social dynamics can impact conservation, particularly when groups are living at a high density," Morrison says. Groups begin to spread out Fortunately, over the last several years, the groups have been able to spread out, suggesting this period of group instability, high mortality and slowed reproduction may be coming to an end. "We are already beginning to see infant mortality as well as female transfer rates return to what was more typical in the 1980s and 1990s," says Morrison. However, the results underscore the challenges facing the population as it continues to grow within a limited habitat. "The mountain gorillas of Rwanda are one of the longest-studied animals on the planet, and this research really emphasizes the value of such an investment to understanding big-picture questions about the population," says Tara Stoinski, Ph.D., the Fossey Fund's president and CEO/chief scientific officer and an author on the paper. "We often think of extrinsic conservation threats, such as climate change, poaching or habitat loss, but these data highlight some of the intrinsic challenges species may face as habitat shrinks. This is critical information that can help inform longer-term conservation strategies to ensure the continued growth of the population." More information: Tara Stoinski et al, Cascading effects of social dynamics on the reproduction, survival, and population growth of mountain gorillas, Animal Conservation (2022). DOI: 10.1111/acv.12830 Provided by Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International It took a broken air conditioner for Tom Bowling to figure outafter nearly eight months of failurehow to breed the coveted pink-yellow tropical fish known as blotched anthias. Bowling, an ornamental fish breeder based in Palau, had kept the fish in cool water, trying to replicate the temperatures the deep-water creatures are usually found in. But when the air conditioner broke the water temperature rose by a few degrees overnightwith surprising results. "They started spawningthey went crazy, laying eggs everywhere," said Bowling. Experts around the world tinker over water temperature, futz with lights, and try various mixes of microscopic food particles in hopes of happening upon the particular and peculiar set of conditions that will inspire ornamental fish to breed. Experts hope to steer the aquarium fish trade away from wild-caught fish, which are often caught with poisons that can hurt coral ecosystems. PROPER AMBIANCE REQUIRED Most of the millions of glittering fish that dart around saltwater aquariums in the U.S., Europe, China and elsewhere are taken from coral reefs in the Philippines, Indonesia and other tropical countries. Trappers often stun them using chemicals like cyanide. They are then transferred to middlemen and then flown across the globe, ending up in aquariums in homes, malls, restaurants and medical offices. Experts estimate "large percentages" die on the way. Part of the problem: only about 4% of saltwater aquarium fish can be bred in captivity, largely because many have elaborate reproductive cycles and delicate early life stages that require sometimes mysterious conditions that scientists and breeders struggle to reproduce. For decades experts have been working to unlock the secrets of marine fish breeding. Breakthroughs don't come quickly, said Paul Andersen, head of the Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign, which works to support sustainable coral reef aquarium fisheries. "It requires years of investment, research and development, oftentimes to make incremental steps," he said. And then even longer, he said, to bring newly captive-bred species to market. The Moorish idol, a black-and-yellow striped fish with a mane-like dorsal fin spine, requires lots of space. Squiggle-striped green mandarins prefer to spawn just before the sun sets, requiring very particular lighting cycles to breed in captivity. As Bowling discovered in Palau, blotched anthias require very specific temperatures. "You've got to pay attention to all the parameters that will make a fish happy," said Andersen. "Some species are really gentle, delicate and sensitive to these kinds of things." FRAGILE EARLY DAYS After fish spawn, breeders often find themselves facing the most challenging part of the process: the larval period, which is the time just after the fish hatches, before it develops into a juvenile. The flow of water has to be just right, but they are so fragile they have to be protected from filters and even tank walls. The first feeding is also crucial, said Andrew Rhyne, a marine biology professor at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. During the first days many larval fish don't have eyes or mouths, instead living off their yolk. "When they finally do form eyes or mouths it's so important to have created an environment that allows them to get a first bite of zooplankton so they can get a little stronger and continue to grow," said Rhyne. "That's kind of been the magic for all of this." Often that first bite is a critical part of the ocean food system that harbors its own mysteries: called copepods, they are microscopic crustaceans that provide vital nutrients to larval fish and are key for breeders around the world. At the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskinwhere the blue tang "Dory" fish popularized by the movie Finding Nemo was successfully bred for the first timeassociate professor Matt DiMaggio and his students have been working to produce copepods. But even the copepods haven proven to be difficult to raise. Mort than 10,000 miles away from the Florida lab, on the tropical northern coast of Bali, Indonesia, renowned fish breeder Wen-Ping Su walks between large cement fish tanks, his own zooplankton recipe churning in a circular tank nearby. Su said he has 10 different keys to success that he's been developing for nearly two decades. Those keys have enabled him to breed fish that no one else has, including striped regal angelfish and frilly black-bodied, orange-rimmed pinnatus batfish. VALUABLE SECRETS But asking Wen-Ping Su if he'll share details, his answer comes quickly, with his hands crossing to form an X in front of his big smile: "No." It's the same sentiment echoed by Bowling, who pauses when asked about sharing the secrets to his most high-profile successes. "That's the part I really don't want to tell you," he laughs. Those secrets are their livelihoods. The blotched anthias Bowling bred after the broken air conditioner are listed for $700 on his company's website. Fish bred by Su also sell for hundreds of dollars online. But in the past five years there are some organizationssuch as Rising Tide Conservation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to developing and promoting aquaculturethat have worked to promote information sharing, said DiMaggio. "That's helped to accelerate the number of species that we've been able to raise in during that time and the variety of species too," he said, highlighting species such as wrasses, butterflyfish and tangs. Rhyne's research labwhich includes breeding toothy queen triggerfish and red-striped yasha gobies has been working to share his research with breeders as well. But Rhyne and other breeders concede that it's unlikely all aquarium fish will be raised in captivity because some are just too difficult, while others are so abundant in nature. And breeding a fish doesn't guarantee it will make it to or do well on the market, said Rhyne. Captive bred fish cost more, and experts in the fish industry recognize that it will take time to convince consumers should pay more for them. "How do we market aquaculture fish the way that we market organic foods, you know, and demand that premium price point?" said Andersen, from the Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign. "The marketing is really important." 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. NASAs Curiosity Mars rover used its Mast Camera, or Mastcam, to capture this panorama while driving toward the center of this scene, an area that forms the narrow Paraitepuy Pass on Aug. 14, the 3,563rd Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS After journeying this summer through a narrow, sand-lined pass, NASA's Curiosity Mars rover recently arrived in the "sulfate-bearing unit," a long-sought region of Mount Sharp enriched with salty minerals. Scientists hypothesize that billions of years ago, streams, and ponds left behind the minerals as the water dried up. Assuming the hypothesis is correct, these minerals offer tantalizing clues as to howand whythe Red Planet's climate changed from being more Earth-like to the frozen desert it is today. The minerals were spotted by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter years before Curiosity landed in 2012, so scientists have been waiting a long time to see this terrain up close. Soon after arriving, the rover discovered a diverse array of rock types and signs of past water, among them popcorn-textured nodules and salty minerals such as magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt is one kind), calcium sulfate (including gypsum), and sodium chloride (ordinary table salt). They selected a rock nicknamed "Canaima" for the mission's 36th drill sample, and choosing was no easy task. Along with scientific considerations, the team had to factor in the rover hardware. Curiosity uses a percussive, or jackhammering, rotary drill at the end of its 7-foot (2-meter) arm to pulverize rock samples for analysis. Worn brakes on the arm recently led the team to conclude that some harder rocks may require too much hammering to drill safely. Curiosity used its Mast Camera, or Mastcam, to capture this image of its 36th successful drill hole on Mount Sharp, at a rock called Canaima. The rovers Mars Hand Lens Imager took the inset image. The pulverized rock sample was acquired on Oct. 3, 2022, the missions 3,612th Martian day, or sol. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS "As we do before every drill, we brushed away the dust and then poked the top surface of Canaima with the drill. The lack of scratch marks or indentations was an indication that it may prove difficult to drill," said Curiosity's new project manager, Kathya Zamora-Garcia of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "We paused to consider whether that posed any risk to our arm. With the new drilling algorithm, created to minimize the use of percussion, we felt comfortable collecting a sample of Canaima. As it turned out, no percussion was needed." The mission's scientists look forward to analyzing portions of the sample with the Chemical and Minerology instrument (CheMin) and the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument (SAM). Difficult driving The journey to the sulfate-rich region took Curiosity through treacherous terrain, including, this past August, the sandy "Paraitepuy Pass," which snakes between high hills. It took the rover more than a month to safely navigate in order to finally reach its destination. While sharp rocks can damage Curiosity's wheels (which have plenty of life left in them), sand can be just as hazardous, potentially causing the rover to get stuck if the wheels lose traction. Rover drivers need to carefully navigate these areas. The hills blocked Curiosity's view of the sky, requiring the rover to be carefully oriented based on where it could point its antennas toward Earth and how long it could communicate with orbiters passing overhead. After braving those risks, the team was rewarded with some of the most inspiring scenery of the mission, which the rover captured with an Aug. 14 panorama using its Mast Camera, or Mastcam. NASA's Curiosity Mars rover used its Mast Camera, or Mastcam, to capture this panorama of a hill nicknamed Bolivar and adjacent sand ridges on Aug. 23, the 3,572nd Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS "We would get new images every morning and just be in awe," said Elena Amador-French of JPL, Curiosity's science operations coordinator, who manages collaboration between the science and engineering teams. "The sand ridges were gorgeous. You see perfect little rover tracks on them. And the cliffs were beautifulwe got really close to the walls." But this new region comes with its own challenges: While scientifically compelling, the rockier terrain makes it harder to find a place where all six of Curiosity's wheels are on stable ground. If the rover isn't stable, engineers won't risk unstowing the arm, in case it might bang into the jagged rocks. "The more and more interesting the science results get, the more obstacles Mars seems to throw at us," Amador-French said. But the rover, which recently marked its 10th year on Mars, and its team are ready for this next chapter of their adventure. A mountain gorilla mother sits with her infant in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park in 2020. Credit: Gorilla Doctors A mountain gorilla walks in the forest of East Africa's Virunga Volcanoes conservation area. It stops at a piece of wild celery, sits down, and begins to chew. It strips the vegetable's fibrous threads through its teeth, extracting the fleshy, juicy bits, then drops the chewed stalk on the ground and ambles away. Minutes later, wildlife veterinarians observing the scene write down the name of the gorilla and retrieve the saliva-drenched plant, which carries vital information about that gorilla's health. This simple, noninvasive tool of a chewed plant is helping Gorilla Doctorswho know each gorilla by nameprovide personalized health care to wild, endangered mountain gorillas living in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. Scientists from the University of California, Davis, used the technique to rule out the presence of human herpesviruses among the region's mountain gorillas. Their findings are described in a study published in the American Journal of Primatology. Gorilla Doctors is a partnership between the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center or WHC, within the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. The program monitors the health of mountain gorillas and provides veterinary care to injured and ill gorillas. Individual care While a human herpesvirus may amount to no more than a cold sore in a person, it could be more serious if introduced to gorillas or other species. After extracting the DNA from the discarded plants and screening them for orally shed pathogens, the study found no evidence of human herpesviruses infection among the free-ranging gorillas. "We were able to do this study entirely using chewed plants," said lead author Tierra Smiley Evans, research faculty with the WHC and One Health Institute at UC Davis. "That allowed us to collect specimens from every known, habituated mountain gorilla in Uganda and Rwanda. This shows we can monitor gorillasand potentially other primate speciesover time, noninvasively, at the individual level and help answer questions regarding their conservation." Mountain gorillas spend much of their time chewing and spitting out plants. Veterinary scientists found that collecting and analyzing the discarded plants can help them detect viruses. Credit: Tierra Smiley Evans/UC Davis Staying vigilant Gorilla trekking in this region is a major draw, and the wild gorillas here are accustomed to humans. While gorilla tourism incentivizes the conservation of their habitat, it also requires a high level of care to prevent people and gorillas from exchanging diseases. The study's finding that human herpesviruses have not spilled over indicates that guidelines Gorilla Doctors and gorilla management authorities use to limit the distance between humans and gorillas in the park are helping to prevent the spread of disease. It also serves as a reminder to stay vigilant to prevent novel viruses from entering the population. "Gorilla Doctors research has proven that human viruses cause respiratory disease in endangered mountain gorillas," said co-author Kirsten Gilardi, DVM, executive director of the Gorilla Doctors and director of the WHC at UC Davis. "Dr. Evans' research findings that human herpesviruses were not detected in gorilla saliva was reassuring. It's further evidence that park rules for gorilla visitation, like wearing face masks and keeping a minimum distance of 23-33 feet, are effective in reducing the risk of transmission of human diseases to mountain gorillas." Mountain gorillas spend much of their time chewing and spitting out plants. Veterinary scientists found that collecting and analyzing the discarded plants can help them detect viruses. Credit: Tierra Smiley Evans/UC Davis Gorilla IDs Chewed plant analysis is a relatively new tool for Gorilla Doctors to provide personalized care to this endangered species. Face time, of course, is also important, and the Gorilla Doctors and rangers know individual gorillas by sight. Such recognition is greatly aided by the wrinkles above each gorilla's nose. Mountain gorillas have distinct noseprints used by veterinarians and rangers to identify them, much how fingerprints are used to identify people. Evans said the personalities and dramas of gorilla life become quickly apparent when observing mountain gorillas. Evans recalls watching a young male gorilla a decade ago when she was collecting samples for her Ph.D. studies. "He was in his teen years and always causing problems. He was also my favorite because he was an interesting, very inquisitive guy," she said. "I recently went back, and there, 10 years later, is this chill, big silverback, with babies crawling all over him. Someone said, 'That's Kabukojo.' I said, 'You're kidding me!' We'd all gotten older; we'd all changed." More information: Tierra Smiley Evans et al, Simian homologues of human herpesviruses and implications for novel viral introduction to freeliving mountain gorillas, American Journal of Primatology (2022). DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23439 Journal information: American Journal of Primatology Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Every parent wants the best possible school for their children. But as the saying goes, you can't always get what you want. A new study from the University of Kansas shows that low-income parents, those from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds and those with lower educational attainment tend to compromise more on school features they prefer compared to their predominantly white, affluent peers. This difference in preference compromise correlates directly with differences in parents' degree of satisfaction with schools they choose. There is an ongoing debate in American education about "school choice"an increasingly popular policy of allowing public school parents to freely choose schools above and beyond those to which they are assigned. Conventionally, such choice only extended to private schools, but contemporary school choice policy has expanded this to a growing body of charter and magnet schools. In some districts, traditional neighborhood schools are also open to parental choice in varying degrees. The argument in favor of school choice goes that if people are able to choose which school their children attend based on the school's qualities, their desires will be satisfied to a greater degree, and students and families will all do better. "The commonsense view seems to be that if you provide choice, people who choose their school will be happier with what they get," said study lead author Argun Saatcioglu, KU professor of educational leadership & policy studies and sociology. "One thing that has always bugged me about that is the question: 'Are people really able to act on their true preferences and to what degree?'" Whether parents compromise on school features they prefer has not been thoroughly studied, an issue that goes to the heart of the "school choice" policy. To bridge the gap, Saatcioglu and co-author Anthony Snethen, who earned his doctorate in educational leadership & policy studies from KU in 2021 and is currently at the International School of Panama, relied on data from a statistically representative sample of 436 parents in Kansas City, Missouri. The data were collected in 2015-2016 across multiple locations to find out what parents looked for when choosing a school, where their children attended school and how happy the parents were with their chosen school. Importantly, the parents were asked to provide information on their school preferences under ideal world conditionswhere one can have anything they want, such as good teachers, diverse students, foreign language, good location, safety, good facilities and other factorsand then again provide the same information under actual, real-life conditions, where constraints may limit the preferences one may act on. The study develops a novel methodology and related procedures to compare the two sets of responses in order to estimate the degree of "preference compromise" of each parent. The results show that parents of all incomes, ages, education levels and various demographics look for a wide array of factors in a school. However, the lower-income and lesser-educated parents, and those from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds, are forced to compromise more on their preferences. And greater compromise is related to lower satisfaction with a chosen school. The study was published in the journal Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis. The researchers chose KCMO because it is a metropolitan location with abundant school choice. Parents are allowed to choose what public, charter or private school they send their children to, regardless of their location. "There are always capacity issues," Saatcioglu said, but technically all schools are open to all parents. Kansas City, Missouri, is also a location with greater economic and racial variance among residents. "The idea was to see who's more susceptible to making compromises," Saatcioglu said. "People who are most in need of choices are making the most compromises. That doesn't make sense to me. It should be the other way around." The affluent parents in the study were shown to make less compromises between what they desired in a school in an ideal world setting and what they viewed as the most important factors in the schools their child attended. Those who were less affluent and those with lower educational attainment had to make more compromises. And the former group was more satisfied with the schools their students attended. Saatcioglu said the results also showed that low-income and historically marginalized populations do not have "choice illiteracy" or an inability to understand what school would be best. This cynical view toward low-income populations is common, he said, but disproved by data that showed all demographics had a very wide variance of the qualities they most desired for their students. "The question became, 'Are low-income and less-educated parents just as heterogeneous as everyone else in their preference formation?' It turns out they are," Saatcioglu said. "This shows they are just as capable of making complex choices as anyone else." Researchers also considered geographic data. Participants reported the ZIP code in which they lived and what school their children attended. Those who lived in lower-income neighborhoods were less likely to send their children to reputable charter or private schools, because they rarely are located near such neighborhoods. That adds credibility to the idea that low-income families face more challenges such as lack of transportation or ability to take time from work to take students farther distances to school. The population also indicated they need to focus on basic concerns like safety, less crime in the school area, and providing breakfast and lunch at school. The study results show that if school choice is to be the model educational policy, it is necessary to ensure that current social, economic and racial inequalities in the geographic context are reduced to a significant degree in the first place. "If you want an effective and equitable choice system, you have to make sure that not so much compromise is happening," Saatcioglu said. "Everyone has to make compromises in life, but here the disparities were such that they didn't allow all parents to make choices equitably. The system now is just tending to reproduce existing hierarchies. The affluent tend to make fewer compromises because they don't have to." More information: Argun Saatcioglu et al, Preference Compromise and Parent Satisfaction With Schools in Choice Markets: Evidence From Kansas City, Missouri, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis (2022). DOI: 10.3102/01623737221121812 High-resolution images showing the full length of E1E2 in complex with three broadly neutralizing antibodies, from two angles. Credit: Scripps Research A team led by scientists at Scripps Research and the University of Amsterdam has achieved an important goal in virology: mapping, at high resolution, critical proteins that stud the surface of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and enable it to enter host cells. The discovery, reported in Science on October 21, 2022, details key sites of vulnerability on the virussites that can now be targeted effectively with vaccines. "This long sought-after structural information on HCV puts a wealth of previous observations into a structural context and paves the way for rational vaccine design against this incredibly difficult target," says study co-senior author Andrew Ward, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology at Scripps Research. The study was the product of a multi-year collaboration that included the Ward laboratory, the lab of Gabriel Lander, Ph.D. (also a professor in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology at Scripps Research); the lab of Rogier Sanders, Ph.D., of the University of Amsterdam; and the lab of Max Crispin, DPhil, at the University of Southampton. It is projected that roughly 60 million people globallyincluding about two million Americanshave chronic HCV infections. The virus infects liver cells, typically establishing a "silent" infection for decades until liver damage becomes severe enough to cause symptoms. It is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, liver transplants and primary liver cancers. The origins of the virus are uncertain, but it is thought to have emerged at least several hundred years ago, and then eventually spread globallyespecially via blood transfusionsin the latter half of the 20th century. While the virus was mostly eliminated from blood banks after its initial discovery in 1989, it continues to spread chiefly via needle-sharing among intravenous drug users in developed countries, and by the use of unsterilized medical instruments in developing countries. The leading HCV antiviral drugs are effective but far too expensive for large-scale treatment. An effective vaccine could eventually eliminate HCV as a public health burden. However, no such vaccine has ever been developedlargely because of the extraordinary difficulty in studying HCV's envelope protein complex, which is made of two viral proteins called E1 and E2. "The E1E2 complex is very flimsyit's like a bag of wet spaghetti, always changing its shapeand that's why it's been extremely challenging to image at high resolution," says co-first author Lisa Eshun-Wilson, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research associate in both the Lander and Ward labs at Scripps Research. In the study, the researchers found that they could use a combination of three broadly neutralizing anti-HCV antibodies to stabilize the E1E2 complex in a natural conformation. Broadly neutralizing antibodies are those that are able to protect against a broad range of viral strains, by binding to relatively non-varying sites on the virus in ways that interrupt the viral life cycle. The researchers imaged the antibody-stabilized protein complex using low-temperature electron microscopy. With the help of advanced image-analysis software, the researchers were able to generate an E1E2 structural map of unprecedented clarity and extentat near-atomic scale resolution. Details included most of the E1 and E2 protein structures, including the key E1/E2 interface, and the three antibody-binding sites. The structural data also illuminated the thicket of sugar-related "glycan" molecules atop E1E2. Viruses often use glycans to shield themselves from the immune system of an infected host, but in this case, the structural data showed that HCV's glycans apparently have another key role: in helping to hold the flimsy E1E2 complex together. Having these details of E1E2 will help researchers rationally design a vaccine that powerfully elicits these antibodies to block HCV infection. "The structural data also should allow us to discover the mechanisms by which these antibodies neutralize HCV," says co-first author Alba Torrents de la Pena, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Ward lab. More information: Alba Torrents de la Pena et al, Structure of the hepatitis C virus E1E2 glycoprotein complex, Science (2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abn9884. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn9884 Journal information: Science Delegates to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) continued holding group meetings on Wednesday. They deliberated the lists of preliminary nominees for the candidates of members and alternate members of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as members of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The lists were approved at the second meeting of the presidium of the congress on Tuesday. The delegates also discussed draft resolutions on the report of the 19th CPC Central Committee, the work report of the 19th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and the amendment to the Constitution of the CPC. Adelie penguins hunt for fish in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean. Credit: John Weller This week, an international group of 10 scientists is calling for protective limits on fishing in Antarctica's Southern Ocean, reporting in the journal Science that current levels of fishing, combined with climate change, are taking a concerning toll on a diverse ecosystem of global importance. "We cannot ignore the increasing evidence of the ecosystem impacts of fishing in its current form and the dire threat posed by climate change," said Cassandra Brooks, lead author of the commentary and assistant professor of environmental studies at CU Boulder. "Given the immense global value of the Southern Ocean, we must urgently implement tools toward more sophisticated spatial management and consider the full suite of values, and trade-offs, in continuing fishing in its current form." The vast Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica makes up about 10% of the world's oceans and plays a major role in global climate regulation and carbon storage. As one of the healthiest marine ecosystems left in the world, it is home to a diverse marine ecosystem of fishes, whales, seals, birds, invertebrates and microorganisms, many of which depend on its resources during seasonal migrations. Commercial fishing for Antarctic toothfish, sold to high-end restaurants as Chilean Sea Bass, and krill, used as fishmeal and fish oil supplements, threatens the food chain in the Southern Ocean from both the top and the bottom, respectively. The authors argue that allowing fishing of these and other marine animals to continue in its present form jeopardizes this ecosystem and is increasingly unsustainable, with benefits realized by only a few wealthy nations and contributing little to global food security. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is the arm of the Antarctic Treaty System responsible for managing the marine resources of the Southern Ocean, with a mandate to ensure fishing does not cause harm to the region. CCAMLR is responsible for the adoption of the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area (MPA), the world's largest MPA (600,000 square miles) and a portion of the Southern Ocean which is now protected from commercial fishing through 2052. The evidence-based commentary comes days before CCAMLR's annual two-week meeting of science advisors and diplomats, beginning October 24 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. It's the Commission's first in-person meeting since 2019. "This is a critical moment for CCAMLR," said Brooks. "They showed tremendous leadership in 2016 by adopting the Ross Sea region MPA and they can lead again now." The piece also publishes during the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which supports scientific observations and research on oceans' responses to environmental and anthropogenic pressures as the basis for sustainable development decisions. With a precautionary interim distribution of the catch limit on krill set to expire after 2022, the Southern Ocean's most abundant and important animal is especially at risk. The authors emphasize that short-term gains from fishing should not be allowed to be exploited. Instead, the region's resources, beauty and benefits should be preserved for both present and future generationssomething climate change already threatens. "Amid the ongoing climate crisis and given the growing evidence that fishing in its current form is jeopardizing the Southern Ocean ecosystems, CCAMLR has the incredible responsibility to take conservation action now," said Brooks. More information: Cassandra M. Brooks, Protect global values of the Southern Ocean ecosystem, Science (2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.add9480. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add9480 Journal information: Science Drone image of car driving through the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the fairy-circle regions in Namibia where the researchers undertook grass excavations, soil-moisture and infiltration measurements (April 2022). Credit: Dr Stephan Getzin Scientists have puzzled over the origin of Namibia's fairy circles for nearly half a century. It boiled down to two main theories: either termites were responsible, or plants were somehow self-organizing. Now, researchers from the University of Gottingen, benefitting from two exceptionally good rainfall seasons in the Namib Desert, show that the grasses within the fairy circles died immediately after rainfall, but termite activity did not cause the bare patches. Instead, continuous soil-moisture measurements demonstrate that the grasses around the circles strongly depleted the water within the circles and thereby likely induced the death of the grasses inside the circles. The results were published in Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. About 80-140 kilometers from the coast in the Namib, there are millions of fairy circlescircular gaps in the grassland, each a few meters wide, together forming a distinctive pattern across the whole landscape and visible for miles around. The researchers followed the sporadic rain events in several regions in this desert and examined the grasses, their roots and shoots, and potential root damage induced by termites. Termites, tiny insects that live in large colonies around the world, have often been blamed for the death of the grasses. The researchers took great care to investigate the circumstances of dying grasses within fairy circles right from straight after the rainfall, which triggered the new growth of the grasses. Additionally, they installed soil-moisture sensors in and around the fairy circles to record the soil-water content at 30-minute intervals starting in the dry season 2020 to the end of the rainy season 2022. Researchers investigated grass death within the fairy circles in several regions of the Namib. The roots of the yellowish dead grasses from within the fairy circles are as long and as undamaged as the roots of the vital green grasses outside of the circles. There was no sign of termite activity. Credit: Dr Stephan Getzin This enabled the researchers to record precisely how the growth of the new emerging grasses around the circles affected the soil water within and around the circles. They investigated the differences in water infiltration between the inside and outside of circles at ten regions across the Namib. The data show that about ten days after rainfall, the grasses were already starting to die within the circles while most of the interior area of the circles did not have grass germination at all. Twenty days after rainfall, the struggling grasses within the circles were completely dead and yellowish in color while the surrounding grasses were vital and green. When the researchers examined the roots of the grasses from within the circles and compared them to the green grasses on the outside, they found that the roots within the circles were as long as, or even longer than, those outside. This indicated that the grasses were putting effort into the growth of roots in search of water. However, the researchers found no evidence for termites feeding on roots. It was not until fifty to sixty days after the rainfall that root damage became more visible at the dead grasses. Credit: University of Gottingen Dr. Stephan Getzin, Department of Ecosystem Modeling at the University of Gottingen, explains that "the sudden absence of grass for most areas within the circles cannot be explained by the activity of termites because there was no biomass for these insects to feed on. But more importantly, we can show that the termites are not responsible because the grasses die immediately after rainfall without any sign of creatures feeding on the root." When the researchers analyzed the data on soil-moisture fluctuations, they found that the decline in soil water inside and outside of the circles was very slow after initial rainfall, when grasses were not yet established. However, when the surrounding grasses were well established, the decline in soil water after rainfall was very fast in all areas, even though there were almost no grasses within the circles to take the water. Getzin explains that "under the strong heat in the Namib, the grasses are permanently transpiring and losing water. Hence, they create soil-moisture vacuums around their roots and water is drawn towards them. Our results strongly agree with those of researchers who have shown that water in soil diffuses quickly and horizontally in these sands even over distances greater than seven meters." Credit: University of Gottingen Getzin adds that "by forming strongly patterned landscapes of evenly spaced fairy circles, the grasses act as ecosystem engineers and benefit directly from the water resource provided by the vegetation gaps. In fact, we know related self-organized vegetation structures from various other harsh drylands in the world, and in all those cases the plants have no other chance to survive except by growing exactly in such geometrical formations." This research has implications for understanding similar ecosystems, especially with regard to climate change, because the self-organization of plants buffers against negative effects induced by increasing aridification. More information: Stephan Getzin et al, Plant water stress, not termite herbivory, causes Namibia's fairy circles, Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.ppees.2022.125698 Image captured by the Italian Space Agencys LICIACube a few minutes after the intentional collision of NASAs Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission with its target asteroid, Dimorphos, captured on 26 September 2022. Credit: ASI After months of effort, astronomers have succeeded in capturing the momentary shadow cast by the Didymos asteroid, from tens of million kilometers away as it passed in front of far-distant starsa feat of observation only made possible when both the trajectory of the asteroid and the precise location of the stars are known. Even in that case, to have a chance of success, several observers had to be placed in meticulously predicted locations across the path of the shadow, to glimpse the fleeting fading of the star within just a fraction of a second. Why even attempt such an ambitious challenge? Because "stellar occultations," as they are called, are an extraordinary tool to obtain information on shapes and positions of Solar System objects, with an accuracy otherwise impossible for distant observers. And, crucially, the ultra-precise three-dimensional star maps generated by ESA's Gaia satellite have made this technique much more feasible in recent years. To target the occultations of Near-Earth asteroids in particular, an ESA-backed project called ACROSS, Asteroid Collaborative Research via Occultation Systematic Survey, was supported by ESA's Discovery program through a call on the Agency's Open Space Innovation Platform, seeking out promising space research ideas for support. Paolo Tanga of Observatoire de la Cote d'Azur, project leader of ACROSS and responsible for Solar System data processing in Gaia, comments that "astrometry based on observing 'stellar occultations' was initially exploited for asteroids in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter, then for far-away Trans-Neputnian objects, but ACROSS is extending its systematic exploitation to Near-Earth asteroids as well. This is the challenge: because NEAs move fast and are small, thus producing shorter events and much narrower shadows projected on the ground." How to catch NEAs then, using occultations? By improving the accuracy of their trajectories, by diffusing accurate predictions about where and when the events are visible and by mobilizing networks composed both by citizen scientists (motivated amateur astronomers) as well as professionals, on a global scale. ACROSS has a special focus on Didymosactually a binary asteroid system, with its 780-m diameter main asteroid orbited by a smaller 160-m diameter moonlet called Dimorphosthe target of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirect Test, DART. On the night of 26 September the DART spacecraft slammed into the smaller of the two asteroids shifting its orbit. ESA will then fly the Hera spacecraft to the Didymos system to perform a close-up survey of the post-impact asteroid. Repeating occultations over several years will even permit measurements of the deviation of the system's trajectory around the Sun induced by DART's impactsomething that cannot be done by DART or Hera alone. Occultation of Didymos asteroid recorded on 18 October in Granada, Spain. Credit: Miguel Sanchez ACROSS co-investigator Prof. Kleomenis Tsiganis of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AUTh, adds that "to make such campaigns possible, we needed to perform independent orbit improvement calculations from the currently available data, shrink the uncertainty of the occultation path to a few kilometers, and deploy observers accordingly to catch a momentary blinking out of the star that has to be measured in milliseconds." Logistic efforts have been enormous and unsuccessful for several weeks, such as in the case of the 45 observers deployed in Portugal, Spain and Algeria on 25 August, but prevented from observing by adverse meteorological conditions. In the meantime, efforts on all fronts including a close collaboration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Steve Chesley of the DART team, improved the predictions further. And then, success came: The first confirmation came on 15 October from the deployment of six telescopes, five of which were overseen by a single observer, Roger Venable, in northern Oklahoma, U.S., the other by Robert Dunford. One of themat 9:02 CESTclearly caught the fading of the star over about 0.13 seconds, just slightly shorter than the maximum possible duration. Then, on 18 October came the turn of a team led by Jose-Luis Ortiz observing an event very close to his home institute, the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia-CSIC, near Granada in Spain. Miguel Sanchez, equipped with a portable telescope of 28 cm aperture, clearly recorded the occultation with an excellent agreement to predictions. Later, on the same day, in Japan, some seven telescopes were deployed; those of Hayato Watanabe and Miyoshi Ida through the Japan Occultation Information Network (JOIN) were the lucky onesthis being the first event to be observed by two sites. With Didymos' eclipsing of the stars behind it caught by the first time by astronomers, future events will be easier to catch. Observing more of them should ensure a much more accurate tracking of Didymos orbit, possibly allowing the detection of a tiny change in the heliocentric orbit of Didymos due to the DART impact, and even hope to learn more about the scars left by DART's impact. Estimated change in rates of individual delinquency over time and by transition structure (transition vs. nontransition).Notes: N = 14,535 students (22 transition districts, 4 nontransition districts). The transition between eighth and ninth grade occurs between waves 4 and 5 (noted by the vertical line in the graph). Graph based on results from table 3, model 1 (includes all controls; does not include mediators). Credit: Criminology (2022). DOI: 10.1111/1745-9125.12320 Levels of crime and delinquency vary considerably with age, peaking around age 15 before diminishing considerably by the mid- to late-20s. As youth's involvement in delinquency rises, most transition from middle school to high school, typically at a new location. A new study of middle and high school students examined the degree to which moving to a new high school building between eighth and ninth grade (compared to staying in the same building during these years) affected adolescent delinquency. The study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift than those who did not. The study, by researchers at Randolph-Macon College, Pennsylvania State University, and Northeastern University, appears in Criminology. "Our findings highlight the role of a crucial yet understudied life transition in shaping adolescent delinquency," notes Brittany N. Freelin, assistant professor of criminology at Randolph-Macon College, who led the study. "They also underscore the potential of changing social context to reduce juvenile delinquency in high school." Important life transitions, such as starting to date, having a parent go to jail, and joining a gang, shape young people's participation in crime. Most (12,000 of 13,800) U.S. public schools move students to new high school buildings after middle school. This transition from middle to high school is a critical time, yet little research has studied the effect of this major change on juvenile delinquency. In a quasi-experiment, researchers examined more than 14,000 primarily White students in 26 public school districts who were part of the Promoting School-Community Partnerships to Enhance Resilience (PROSPER) study. All districts were in rural communities or small towns in Pennsylvania or Iowa. To be eligible, districts had to enroll 1,300 to 5,200 students, with at least 15% eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Half of the districts were randomly assigned to participate in a substance abuse prevention program that included school- and community-based components in sixth through seventh grade. The study measured individual students' delinquency by considering their responses to 12 survey items on their past-year participation in delinquent behaviors; these included taking something that did not belong to you, beating up someone, damaging or destroying someone's property, breaking into a building, throwing objects to hurt or scare people, running away from home, skipping school, and shoplifting. Students were followed over eight waves from sixth through 12th grade, which allowed researchers to directly compare students who changed schools after eighth grade with students who remained at the same school after eighth grade. Twenty-two of the districts transitioned students to a new high school; the four districts that did not move students to new buildings for high school served as controls. Students who transitioned between schools reported significantly less delinquency after the shift than those who did not, and this difference persisted through 10th grade. The decline in delinquency was most pronounced when adolescents from several middle schools moved to a single high school (i.e., multifeeder transitions). Students who transitioned to a new school had fewer delinquent friends and participated in less unstructured socializing following the change in school environment, which partially mediated their reduced delinquency. "More than 700,000 adolescents in the United States are arrested every year for delinquent offenses, such as stealing, fighting, and property damage," explains Cassie McMillan, assistant professor of sociology, criminology, and criminal justice at Northeastern University, who coauthored the study. "A key implication of our findings is that middle school students who have already been identified as offenders might be better off changing school settings than remaining in the same social and academic environment." The transition to a new academic setting might be a "shock" to the social environment surrounding an adolescent, which in turn could reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run, the authors suggest. They also suggest that efforts to facilitate students' formation of friendships and involvement in structured extracurricular activities as they adjust to the context of a new school might be beneficial. The study's authors note that the school districts they examined are not nationally representative (e.g., they do not include large urban communities and concentrated minority populations). But while their findings may not generalize to other settings, they point out that residents of the districts studied have relatively limited school choice, which reduces the chance that the effects of transitions are the result of individual-level selection. In addition, while the study considered many behaviors, high school transitions likely shape additional risky behaviors that were not examined (e.g., smoking, drinking, other types of substance use). More information: Brittany N. Freelin et al, Changing contexts: A quasiexperiment examining adolescent delinquency and the transition to high school, Criminology (2022). DOI: 10.1111/1745-9125.12320 Journal information: Criminology Provided by American Society of Criminology Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Sitting 280 feet below water on the floor of the Pacific Ocean just 26 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, a credit-card-sized underwater microphone represents the latest attempt to keep Earth's largest mammals safe from human-caused destruction. The device, called a hydrophone, listens to the calls among blue, humpback and fin whales as they swim and feed off the Northern California coast. Every two hours, it reveals their identities and locations via data transmitted by a buoy on the surface. Back on shore, the locations of whale calls and sightings are superimposed over the routes of ships, revealing the ocean's potentially deadly intersections. The technology, dubbed Whale Safe, alerts the publicand, as important, shipping companiesto whale locations, helping vessels avoid collisions while traveling near busy ports. Last month, Whale Safe launched in San Francisco after a two-year pilot program in the Santa Barbara Channel, which many ships travel through on their way to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The effort seeks to stem the tragic loss of whales due to ship collisions. There were 70 fatal collisions recorded off the California coast from 2007 to 2020, 49 of them involving endangered or threatened species, according to data in the 2021-22 ship strike report from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In addition to locating the beloved marine mammals, Whale Safe evaluates whether vessels are adhering to a recommended slower speed of 10 knots while traveling through whale habitats. This latest effort to reduce fatal whale-ship collisions is a collaboration among The Marine Mammal Center in Marin County, the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory in Santa Barbara and federal agencies. Callie Steffen, the lead project scientist at the Benioff lab, said that linking whale and ship locations is key for the public to appreciate the problem and push for solutions. "We don't often think about what was the ship's behavior or speed when they're coming through whale habitat carrying my iPhone" and other consumer goods shipped from China and elsewhere, Steffen said. The ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland handled about 35% of all U.S. imports in 2020, according to the 2021-22 ship strike report. In 2020, 1,921 large container ships visited the Oakland port. So far this year, five whales have died from ship collisions off the San Francisco coast. One was Monterey Bay's famed and widely photographed humpback whale Fran, who washed ashore on a Half Moon Bay beach with a broken neck in August. Whale researcher Ted Cheeseman said he was devastated when he identified the carcass as Fran; he had personally tracked her movements for seven of her 17 years. But the death toll is likely far greater. According to Steffen, for every one whale found on a beach, roughly 10 whales sink to the ocean floor. In 2014, NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard began asking large ships (over 300 gross tons) to reduce speed to 10 knots in whale habitats outside the Golden Gate. The speed reduction program is in place from May 1 until Dec. 15 during spring, summer and fall migration seasons. Initial responses to the voluntary vessel speed reduction program outside San Francisco were muted: only 45% of ships slowed to 10 knots or less in 2017. By 2020, voluntary cooperation rose to 64%, according to the ship strike report. Shipping company representatives say they want to do what they can to decrease collisions. But slower speeds increase personnel and fuel costs, said Jacqueline Moore, vice president for the Oakland-based Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. The nonprofit trade association represents owners and operators of marine terminals and vessel carriers. Moore said a proposed mandatory lower speed limit "would still need to accommodate for the safety and efficiency of the industry." Shipping companies can sign up to receive Whale Safe's data and a daily rating of the likelihood of whale presence, similar to Smokey Bear's "Fire Danger Today" sign. And the public can also view marine and maritime information along the West Coast. Shipping companies are listed with the yearly total nautical miles their ships travel in speed reduction zones and the percent of those miles spent traveling at 10 knots or less. A month after Whale Safe's launch in San Francisco's shipping lane this year, the data show a wide range in ship compliance. At one end, a cargo ship from the Kisaragi Kisen Co Ltd company based in Japan sailed at 10 knots or slower 97% of the time. But two container ships of the Zim Integrated Shipping Services company based in Israel never traveled 10 knots or slower while entering or leaving the bay. Maria Brown, the NOAA superintendent who oversees two national marine sanctuaries outside San Francisco, said she hopes the data can boost participation in speed reduction efforts. She points to one study that predicted a 25% reduction in lethal whale strikes if over 95% of ships slow down in the shipping lanes. Compliance in Santa Barbara improved 8%, from 46% to 54%, after the program was launched but has hovered around 60% for the last two years, according to data provided by the Whale Safe program. That is not high enough, Steffen, Brown and Cheeseman agree. Cheeseman said he wants to see other solutions next: Make the 10-knot speed limit mandatory year-round, and move the shipping corridors outside whale habitats. "Had (Whale Safe) been implemented five years ago or two years ago, would Fran have not been killed? I find that hard to imagine," he said. "We have a lot of great technology, but as far as reducing ship strikes, legislation and policy is our best tool right now." At a memorial service for Fran last Tuesday on the beach at Moss Landing State Park, Cheeseman urged the dozen or so whale enthusiasts to action. Public comments on the Coast Guard's proposed shipping corridors are open until Oct. 25. While no mandatory speed reduction is currently proposed for the West Coast, NOAA superintendent Brown said she welcomes the public into the conversation about whale-ship collisions. "They can let industry know it's important to them," Brown said. "And that's very powerful." 2022 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A pick-up truck rolls through downtown, Wednesday Oct. 5, 2022, in Richmond, Vt. A town employee in Richmond is under fire for lowering the fluoride level in the drinking water below the state's recommended level for more than three years. A town commission has voted to return the water to full fluoridation after outrage from some residents. Credit: AP Photo/Wilson Ring A town employee who quietly lowered the fluoride in a Vermont community's drinking water for years has resignedand is asserting that the levels had actually been low for much longer than believed. Richmond water superintendent Kendall Chamberlin disclosed in his five-page resignation letter, submitted Monday, that fluoride levels have not been in the state-recommended range for over a decadeinstead of nearly four years, as the state had recently disclosed. Chamberlin said in his letterin language that at times echoes unfounded reports that have circulated online in recent yearsthat he doesn't think the current fluoridation policy is legally required or scientifically sound, and, in his opinion, poses "unacceptable risks to public health." "I cannot in good conscience be a party to this," he wrote. Chamberlin wrote that he has never received a negative job review, has each day accurately measured the fluoride levels in the water, and has provided monthly written reports that were approved and signed by the town manager and submitted to two state agencies. He contends that fluoridation is voluntary and that the amounts are not mandated. While fluoridating municipal water is voluntary, Vermont towns that do "shall control the level of fluoride" within the state's specified ranges, according to the state's water supply rule. The Vermont Health Department said it does not regulate municipal water systems. It communicated frequently with Chamberlin about the target fluoridation, and "Richmond's monthly operating reports would show signs of improvement, but levels would drop back off again," according to Robin Miller, the health department's director of oral health. "We worked on good faith that all parties were working toward the same goal," she said by email. Months after the discovery that the fluoride added to the water was half the amount recommended by state and federal agencies, the town of Richmond said two weeks ago it would raise levels to be within range. People walk past cafe table as cars park curbside, Wednesday Oct. 5, 2022, in Richmond, Vt. A town employee in Richmond is under fire for lowering the fluoride level in the drinking water below the state's recommended level for more than three years. A town commission has voted to return the water to full fluoridation after outrage from some residents. Credit: AP Photo/Wilson Ring Town Manager Josh Arneson said Thursday that he will review fluoride levels monthly and that the town's Water and Sewer Commission will also look at the report. The original news that the fluoride had been reduced for nearly four yearsa much shorter time than Chamberlin revealed in his resignation lettershocked some residents and area doctors, who raised concerns about misinformation, dental health and government transparency, and said it was not a decision for Chamberlin to make alone. Resident Penni Rand said by email Thursday that if her children were still young, she would be livid to learn that the town's water system was not supplying the proper amount of fluoride that she believed it was. "It's not OK!" she wrote. "For me, the bigger issue is the unilateral way in which Kendall operated. He did not want to be told what to do." Dr. Howard Novak, the only dentist in the small town, said Chamberlin is a well-intentioned guy who "made a tactical error" and acted on information "that is more than suspect." "Fluoride in drinking water is considered one of the most successful public health initiatives that our country has ever put forth," he said. The kids he see who do not have fluoride have far more cavities, that are also bigger on average, than the kids who have fluoride, he said. The addition of fluoride to public drinking water systems has been routine in communities across the United States since the 1940s and 1950s. Many U.S. municipalities and other countries don't fluoridate water for a variety of reasons, including opposition, feasibility and the ability to get fluoride other ways. Critics assert that the health effects of fluoride aren't fully known and that adding it to municipal water can amount to an unwanted medication; some communities in recent years have ended the practice. The American Dental Association notes on its website that fluoridealong with life-giving substances such as salt, iron and oxygencan indeed be toxic in large doses. But in the recommended amounts, fluoride in water decreases cavities or tooth decay by about 25%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported in 2018 that 73% of the U.S. population was served by water systems with adequate fluoride to protect teeth. 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Protestors against the government's plans to tax emissions from farm animals gather outside New Zealand's parliament in Wellington on Thursday. Farmers quit their fields and hit the streets of New Zealand's cities Thursday in countrywide protests against plans to tax greenhouse emissions from farm animals. Convoys of tractors, 4x4s and farmyard vehicles disrupted traffic in Wellington, Auckland and other major hubs, as protestors demanded the centre-left government ditch plans for an animal "burp and fart" tax. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern touted a "world first" levy on emissions of methane and nitrous oxide produced by the nation's six million cows and 26 million sheep as a step to tackling climate change. Thousands of farmers gathered Thursday brandishing signs saying the policy "stinks" and warning that the tax would make food more costly, while putting their livelihoods at risk. "Most farmers have had enough," said one Wellington protestor who gave his name only as Chris. "It's getting hard to carry on farming and this government isn't really supporting usit's a tough gig at the moment." Animals produce methane and nitrous oxide as a byproduct of munching on grass and feed. Methane is much less abundant than carbon dioxide and does not linger as long in the atmosphere, but is a much more potent warming agent. Scientists believe methane is responsible for roughly 30 percent of the global rise in temperatures despite being a fraction of the greenhouse gas mix. Ardern has argued the tax is needed to reach climate targets and could even benefit farmers if they can charge more for climate-friendly meat. She also signalled a possible willingness to compromise. "We are out talking to our farmers and food producers as to the best possible design," she told reporters in Auckland. A sign in a vehicle during a protest against the government's plans to tax emissions from farm animals in Wellington on October 20, 2022. 'Stress and heartbreak' Bryan McKenzie of protest organisers Groundswell NZ said the tax was "punitive" and "an existential threat to rural communities". "After years of faux consultation, the government has given up on all pretence of a fair and workable agricultural emissions policy." While the government hopes the tax will reduce livestock emissions by 20 percent, McKenzie argues that any "reductions will be replaced by less efficient foreign farmers". Urban supporters also joined the protest in some regions, with one sign in the southern city of Dunedin reading "Farming tax affects us all". In a joint statement, several mayors from New Zealand's remote west coast regions said they "stand strongly in support" of the protest. Environmentalists argue that protesting farmers are stuck in the mud. "This country's rural and agricultural sector has been hard hit by floods, intense storms and droughts this year alone," said Emily Bailey of Climate Justice Taranaki. "That cost millions in damages and loads of stress and heartbreak for those losing homes, sheds, stock and fences... It's only getting worse," she said. "Farmers can either adapt and rapidly bring down their emissions or they, and everyone else, will suffer more." 2022 AFP QUEENSBURY Three people have been arrested after police said they had counterfeit money. State police were called to a Walmart in Queensbury on Oct. 14 at about 1:18 p.m. for a complaint of a customer attempting to pay for merchandise with forged money. The suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Kayla Vargas, of New York City, had left the location in a vehicle before law enforcement arrived on scene, according to a news release. Police did not identify which Walmart that Vargas entered. Troopers located the vehicle on the Northway in the town of Wilton at around 2 p.m. and pulled it over. Vargas and her passengers 29-year-old Brooklyn resident Nicholas C. Hendricks and 28-year-old Troy resident Terry S. Walley were arrested. All three were charged with two counts of first-degree possession of a forged instrument. Hendricks and Walley were sent without bail to Saratoga County Jail. Vargas was released under the supervision of the Saratoga County Probation Department. Police said they are suspects in other crimes involving use of forged U.S. currency throughout the Capital Region and additional charges are anticipated. GLENS FALLS Lawrence Street diner owner Jerry DiManno said he has asked the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Glens Falls Police Department to investigate a fraudulent political letter claiming that he is urging people to vote against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, in the Nov. 8 election. Its a phony letter, DiManno, owner of Poopies DiMannos Lunch, said in a telephone interview on Wednesday. Theyve got a lot of nerve doing this. DiManno said he wants people to know that he actually has endorsed Stefanik in her re-election bid against Democratic challenger Matt Castelli, a former CIA counterterrorism official who lives in Glens Falls. The letter, dated Oct. 12, was written on a letterhead with DiMannos business name, address, and telephone, and was mailed to business owners in the Glens Falls area, including The Post-Star. The letter, claiming that DiManno was writing on behalf of The Glens Falls Area Small Business Coalition, which is not a known organization locally, suggested that Stefanik has not adequately represented small business and the restaurant industry. However, the National Federation of Independent Business, the nations largest small business organization, has endorsed Stefanik and contributed $3,500 to her re-election campaign. DiManno, contacted to verify the letter, said it is one of several versions of recent letters sent out to area residents impersonating him that falsely claim he is urging people to vote against Stefanik. DiManno said the letters that area residents received were mailed from a New York City address. DiManno said he suspects that whoever mailed the letters is angry about his vocal support of former President Donald Trump. Alex DeGrasse, a senior adviser to Stefanik, said the letter is a desperate attempt by far-left Democrats to deceive voters. Its shameful that they would target Jerry DiManno, one of the hardest-working small business owners, and someone that everyone knows is 100% behind Elise, DeGrasse said, in a statement. Whoever committed this crime should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Castelli campaign, too, criticized the sending of the letter. Obviously, our campaign had nothing to do with this and we hope state and local law enforcement get to the bottom of it, the campaign said in a statement. Beau Duffy, a state police spokesman, said he is looking into the situation. WHITE CREEK A White Creek Highway Department employee has been arrested for allegedly intentionally exposing another employee to a hazardous chemical. On Oct. 9, police arrested John F. Nolan IV, 44, of Cambridge, after investigation into a September complaint from the town. Police received a complaint on Sept. 20 that alleged that on Sept. 13 that an employee was assaulted by another employee at the White Creek Highway Department on county Route 68. The investigation determined that Nolan exposed the employee to the chemical in a confined space. That employee then experienced respiratory issues and had to seek medical treatment. Nolan was charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. He surrendered himself to state police in Greenwich and was processed. He was scheduled to appear in the White Creek Town Court on Thursday. The report delivered at the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing on Oct. 16 has been warmly received and discussed in Luohu. All departments of Luohu said the report inspired them. They vowed to work hard in their respective fields to put the report's spirits into practice and contribute to the district's high-quality development. CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE The Cape May County Zoo is excited to have a new "two-toed" friend that can help educate guests about sloths of her kind. Matilda, or Tilly, will be used for the zoo's Education Department, which showcases animals such as the three-banded armadillo, spectacled owl and Patagonian mara during private animal encounters, tours and birthday parties. The zoo is training the 6-month-old sloth for up-close interactions with humans, Associate Veterinarian Dr. Alex Ernst said on Thursday. As herbivores, sloths eat leaves, fruit and some select fresh green shoots. They're also nocturnal and known to sleep for 15 hours during the day and wake up at night to feast, the zoo said. Cape May County Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, who is a liaison to the zoo, said the Education Department uses intimate interactions with wildlife as a way of educating the public on different species and understanding the needs for habitat conservation. "The Education Department at the Zoo works to encourage the public of all ages about preservation and conservation of wildlife and their habitat," Hayes said on Thursday. Tilly can only be seen through programs run by the Education Department. More information about it can be found online at cmczoo.com, Ernest said. CAMDEN A pharmaceutical sales representative from Ocean County pleaded guilty to his role in a healthcare fraud scheme that defrauded state health benefit plans out of millions of dollars. Keith Ritson, 42, of Bayville, admitted in federal court before Judge Robert Kugler that he prompted unnecessary compound medications for patients of Dr. Frank Alario. Ritson is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiring to wrongfully disclose and obtain patients individually identifiable health information in violation of the criminal provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Ritson is the latest to plead guilty for their role in the health care scheme that paid money to recruiters and their assistants who got people covered under the state health care benefit plans to receive unneeded compound medications. Federal investigators have said the scheme cost state insurance programs nearly $50 million. Ritson is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 21, 2023, the U.S. Attorneys Office said on Thursday. Ritson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the health care fraud conspiracy count, as well as a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $50,000 fine on the criminal HIPAA conspiracy count. From 2014 to 2016, Ritson and other conspirators learned that state health insurance programs would issue reimbursements worth thousands of dollars for compound medications. The drugs were then made at Central Rexall Drugs, a compound medication pharmacy in Hammond, Louisiana. They included compound vitamins, scar creams, anti-fungal gels and libido creams, records say. Ritson operated a LLC named Life Sciences Medical, according to his criminal complaint. Through his company, he was paid commission by William Hickman, of Northfield, who led the conspiracy. Ritson was paid a percentage of the profits earned from the insurance reimbursements, the complaint says. Hickman ran Boardwalk Medical LLC, which provided the payments, the complaint says. Hickman has admitted to leading the conspiracy on June 16, 2020. Ritsons complaint says compound medications are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are only used when a physician finds them necessary to meet a persons medical needs. On Oct. 7, Alario pleaded guilty to violating HIPPA by wrongfully revealing his patients health records to Ritson, who, while not being affiliated with his office, would find those with state plans, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Ritson, with access to Alarios office outside of business hours, used office computers to pull patient records to find the specific health care plan carriers. He earmarked files in advance so Alario would know whom to prescribe the compound meds, court records say. Alario also had Ritson sit in with him during exams, giving patients the impression the Bayville man was a practice employee, records say. Hickman used a group of Atlantic County men, including three brothers, for the scheme. Michael Sher pleaded guilty to his role in March 2018. His brother, John Sher, followed by pleading in July. Thomas Sher, a third brother, fought his charges in Camden federal court by was convicted of committing health care fraud after 12-day trial before Kugler in late August and early September. As part of their plea, both Hickman and Michael Sher testified during Thomas Shers trial. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. A dozen states could see cooler than normal temperatures this winter, according to NOAA's outlook released Thursday morning. That could mean an increase in energy consumption across the northern tier of the US -- amid rising energy costs. "It takes energy to heat your house," Andrew Dessler, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University who was not affiliated with NOAA's outlook, told CNN. "So, the colder it is, the more energy we need for heating. And that's bad news in a world where energy is constrained by things like the war in Ukraine." People from Oregon to Michigan may be feeling the pinch when they get their energy bills as temperatures are expected to be below normal during what is already the coldest part of the year. "Putin has shut off Russian gas for Europe but they still need gas," Dessler told CNN. "So they're going buy US gas. That's going to drive up the price for US consumers. So it's definitely bad news for US consumers." In cities including Minneapolis, Seattle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Portland, Oregon, where the forecast predicts below normal winter temperatures, the concern is how people will react to higher consumer prices. "Since the price will go up, and it will price people out, people will hopefully turn their thermostats down, as opposed to there being shortages," said Dessler. One area where this may be easier is the southern tier of the US, where temperatures are expected to be above normal. Even some of the big cities in the Northeast may catch a break. Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore all have a 33% to 40% probability of above normal temperatures this winter. The forecast also calls for drought-stricken areas such as Southern California, Texas, Oklahoma and the lower Mississippi River Basin to receive below average rainfall during the winter months. "Drought conditions are now present across approximately 59% of the country, but parts of the western US and southern Great Plains will continue to be the hardest hit this winter," said Jon Gottschalck, chief of the operational prediction branch of NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. "With the La Nina climate pattern still in place, drought conditions may also expand to the Gulf Coast." Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas will also see an enhanced wildfire danger over the next few months. Large-scale weather forecasts are strongly influenced by the effect of La Nina versus El Nino. Right now, La Nina is in effect. Essentially this means, "Equatorial sea surface temperatures are below average across most of the Pacific Ocean," according to the prediction center. The prediction center put the odds at 75% that La Nina would be in place through this winter. This will be the third winter in a row where La Nina has influenced the overall weather pattern. La Nina and the polar vortex are driving the winter forecast This typically creates drier conditions across much of the South and wetter conditions for the Pacific Northwest and portions of the Ohio Valley. La Nina also brings warmer temperatures to much of the South and mid-Atlantic, and cooler temperatures to the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies. The climate prediction center is calling for a 75% chance of La Nina during the Northern Hemisphere winter (December through February). "La Nina is an important factor, but I think whether we really have a cold or a warm winter across the US is much more dependent on the state of the polar vortex," said Judah Cohen -- director of seasonal forecasting at Atmospheric and Environmental Research, a climate consultancy. Cohen cites the recent record early snow in the Midwest as an example. "That's related to this polar vortex stretching. I think we can expect even if we have an overall strong polar vortex, I would expect we'll see these stretching events. So, we can get a very sharp turn to cold weather, but it doesn't last long." The polar vortex is a circulation of strong, upper-level winds that normally surround the northern pole, moving in a counterclockwise direction -- a polar low-pressure system. Cohen also points out that we are seeing more weather whiplash in the winter, as far as temperatures go. "I think with climate change, we've actually seen an increase in variability in the wintertime. So, whether we have a mild winter or cold winter, I think we'll see kind of this ping pong or the windshield wiping effect from extreme temperatures." But even if you live in the southern portion of the US which is more likely to have an overall milder winter, there will still be short-term cold blasts that you have to plan for. "You always have to be prepared," Dessler said. "Even without seeing the forecast, I know we have to be prepared for a cold winter, because it can happen even in a warming world." The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. Leadership and citizenship at heart of Dec. 6 conversation with 43rd US president WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Former U.S. President George W. Bush will share the stage with Purdue University President Mitch Daniels, who served in the White House as Bushs first budget director, for the final Presidential Lecture Series event of Daniels tenure at Purdue. A Conversation with George W. Bush, scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Elliott Hall of Music, will feature a discussion of leadership in challenging times and the responsibilities of an informed citizenship. Former First Lady Laura Bush and twin daughters Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager spoke at Purdue in October 2018 in connection with the series of campus events celebrating the universitys sesquicentennial, 150 Years of Giant Leaps. Weve made efforts during these past 10 years to continually enrich the level and quality of intellectual conversations here at Purdue, and we are grateful to the nearly 40 Presidential Lecture Series guests of many viewpoints and perspectives who have joined us, Daniels said. It would be hard to top the honor of ending this series with the former president of the United States. Reserved-seating tickets for entry will be required, becoming available beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 at www.purdue.edu/president/lecture-series/. Individuals will be limited to two tickets each. There is no charge for the event. Tickets will be electronic only and are not transferable. Attendees should plan to bring a photo ID and their mobile ticket for entry. Due to anticipated audience size, guests should arrive early to navigate event parking and entry procedures prior to the lecture. Purdues Presidential Lecture Series and the College of Liberal Arts are co-hosting the event with support from the Louis Martin Sears Lecture Series. The 2022 Presidential Lecture Series is sponsored by the Purdue Presidents Council. As the Bush administrations first director of the Office of Management and Budget, Daniels was dubbed by Bush The Blade for his adherence to spending restraint. Upon Daniels departure in May 2003, Bush praised him as a really good watchdog of the taxpayers money. For his Indiana gubernatorial campaign, Daniels used the trademark slogan My Man Mitch, in reference to another nickname President Bush gave him while serving in his administration. Bush served as the 43rd U.S. president from 2001-09. As commander in chief, President Bush worked to expand freedom, opportunity and security at home and abroad. At home, he championed the No Child Left Behind Act to raise standards in schools and cut taxes for every federal income taxpayer, restoring economic growth after the 2000-01 recession and launching an unprecedented 52 straight months of job creation. After his presidency, Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. The Bush Center is home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a nonpartisan public policy and leadership development center that engages communities across the United States and around the world by developing leaders, advancing policy and taking action to solve todays most pressing challenges. Bush is the author of four bestselling books: Decision Points (2010), 41: A Portrait of My Father (2014), Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chiefs Tribute to Americas Warriors (2017), and Out of Many, One: Portraits of Americas Immigrants (2021). Prior to serving as U.S. president, he was the 46th governor of Texas from 1995-2000. Daniels baptism in public service came as chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar from 1977-82, before serving as a senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan. After a 15-year career in private business, Daniels was confirmed as President Bushs director of the Office of Management and Budget by a U.S. Senate vote of 100-0, serving from January 2001 until May 2003. In this role, Daniels also was a member of the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council. Daniels left the White House in mid-2003 to launch his successful campaign for Indiana governor, serving two terms. On his first day as governor, Daniels created Indianas first Office of Management and Budget. About Purdue University Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last five years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/. About the Sears Lecture Series The Sears Lecture Series was established by Louis Martin Sears. He established the series to present public lectures free of charge. Sears was a faculty member in the then-joint Department of History and Political Science from 1920 until his retirement in 1956. Sears specialized in diplomatic history and biography and was the author of numerous books. The College of Liberal Arts presents the series bearing his name. Writer and Media Contact: Phillip Fiorini, pfiorini@purdue.edu, 765-430-6189 Davenport firefighters battled a blaze on the city's west side. Signage on the building indicates it is occupied by ESCP Corp., which is a metal fabrication and machining company, according to the company website. Just before 3 p.m. a man saw flames coming from a building on the south side of the intersection at West 3rd and Wilkes streets. Lee Seelye was taking out garbage while working at Dimitri's Wine & Spirits when he saw the fire. "I saw flames coming out of the roof of the building. I went back into Dimitri's and told them to call 911," Seelye said. "I came back out and there were a couple of construction guys there, and we ran down the alley, and we were yelling through an open door. "There was this open door and we could see in and we couldn't see any people. We were watching through the door, and we heard some of the ceiling coming down, and when I looked inside everything was on fire." Several fire department vehicles were on scene by 3:30 p.m. and were attacking the building from at least two sides. A woman who identified herself as an employee of the business that occupies the burning building said all the employees got out, and another employee confirmed all workers were accounted for. A third employee told a reporter that an oven had exploded inside the building. A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced a Rock Island man to six years in prison on a gun charge. Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger sentenced Andrew Ryan Demont, 34, to a term of 72 months on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to federal court records. When his time in prison is complete, Demont must also serve three years of supervised release. Authorities allege Demont knowingly had a 12-gauge American Tactical Bull-Dog shotgun on June 26, 2021, despite having a felony conviction that prohibits him from possessing firearms, according to court records. The events that led to the charge began at a Rock Island convenience store, where Demont allegedly threatened people, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Iowa. After both parties left the store, authorities allege Demont removed the shotgun from his trunk, placed it in his vehicle, then threatened to bust at the victims. The people he is accused of threatening fled to Davenport with Demont allegedly in pursuit, the release states. Davenport police confronted him, and Demont allegedly admitted to them that he was a felon and had the gun. Demont also allegedly had shotgun shells in his sweatshirt pocket, the release states. He pleaded guilty to the charge in May, according to the release. A Tuesday afternoon fire damaged a Davenport home, though no one was reported injured. The Davenport Fire Department was called about 5:27 p.m. for a fire on a rear porch in the 1200 block of Main Street, according to a news release issued Wednesday. When firefighters arrived, they saw the fire spreading up the outside of the building from the second floor to the roof on the third story. Firefighters fought the fire aggressively, including from the roof, minimizing damage to the interior of the building, according to the news release. No one was displaced from the residence because of those efforts. The cause of the fire was still under investigation, the department said. One of four people involved in the Aug. 22, 2020, shooting death of 45-year-old Sylvester Eddings was sentenced Wednesday for his part in the conspiracy. Cordell Lashell McDowell, 34, received a 20-year prison sentence in the Iowa Department of Corrections during a hearing in Scott County District Court. District Court Judge Patrick McElyea presided over the sentencing. McDowell had initially been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. On Oct. 29, 2021, during a hearing in district court, McDowell pleaded guilty to one count of the lesser included charge of willful injury resulting in serious injury, a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of ten years. Mcdowell also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, a Class C felony, for which he also was sentenced to 10 years in prison. McDowell's sentence on each count will run consecutive, or back-to-back. According to Davenport Police affidavits and district court electronic records, three others were involved in the conspiracy: Taneshia Nashay Coleman, 39; Damarcus Laron Liddell, 35; and Derrick Dewayne Hargrett, 36. The four planned to lure Eddings to a Davenport apartment where they would rob him. Coleman had been texting with Liddell, both discussing the details of the robbery via text. Coleman let Liddell know when Eddings arrived. When Eddings arrived at the apartment 6537 N. Harrison St., Apt. 5 Coleman let Liddell, McDowell and Hargrett know and let the three men into the apartment. Surveillance video shows the three men entering the apartment. Hargrett was armed with a handgun. Eddings was pistol-whipped and shot during the incident. Eddings, whose last known address was in Moline, was taken to Genesis Medical Center East, Davenport, where he died. The incident took place at 6:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. Coleman had been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. However, on Dec. 8, 2021, she pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge. The murder and robbery charges will be dismissed during her sentencing hearing, scheduled for Oct. 26. Conspiracy to commit a forcible felony is a Class C felony that carries a prison sentence of 10 years. Coleman was being held Thursday night in the Scott County Jail on a cash-only bond of $100,000. Liddell is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. His jury trial is scheduled for Jan. 23 in district court. He was being held Thursday night in the Scott County Jail on cash-only bond of $1 million. Hargrett also is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit a forcible felony and felon in possession of a firearm. His trial also is scheduled for Jan. 23 in district court. He was being held without bond Thursday night in the Scott County Jail. First-degree murder carries an automatic sentence of life in prison under Iowa law. (This story has updated to correct the charges to which McDowell pleaded guilty and length of the sentence.) Flash Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that he and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had agreed to turn Turkiye into a hub for natural gas. "Turkiye will be a hub for natural gas. In our latest discussion, we agreed with Putin on this issue. We will set up a hub here with gas coming from Russia," Erdogan told his party members at the parliament. Following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, many developed countries will likely encounter food and energy supply problems, but Turkiye is in a better position, said Erdogan. "We are working to overcome the crisis with the least possible damage, and even to turn the crisis into a great opportunity for our country and nation," he noted. Putin proposed to make Turkiye a hub for natural gas during a meeting with Erdogan in Astana last week. The proposal came at a time when the Nord Stream pipelines transporting Russia's gas to Europe were recently damaged in a series of explosions. Following the blasts at the two Nord Stream pipelines, TurkStream, a natural gas pipeline running from Russia to Turkiye, along with limited transit flow via Ukraine, is almost the last remaining route as Russia has cut gas shipments to Europe. Its been about two months since students at Eastern Iowa Community College campuses started classes with their new top leadership in place. Dr. Sonya Williams, an Oklahoma native, is EICC's eighth chancellor, and she said her family is settling in to their new home as she settles into her new post. I dont think Ive met an angry body yet, Williams said with a laugh. In past places, we had to travel 30 minutes to go to the grocery store. Here, grocery stores, gas stations, anything you want is available. What that says is opportunities are available. She said she also has been taken by the nightlife downtown Davenport has to offer, making the area even more appealing for prospective job seekers and students. As a leader, Williams plans to carry over past professional and social experiences and successes to help empower others. "To be your authentic self thats one thing Ive brought to every place, and I think it speaks volumes of how you socialize with people, she said. As a leader, I think its important that people feel like they want to be a part of something. How do you do that? You give them the power and authority to act." As a Black woman, Williams said, she hopes to carry diversity into her role at EICC but through a different lens. I think people think diversity is a quality or characteristic. When I think about diversifying something, I dont only think about race," she said. "Thats one part, but it also means diversity of thought, process and how you view people. If we dont do it together, I dont think well get anywhere." The colleges' strategic plan currently prioritizes student success, enrollment, equity and innovation. Williams plans to build on those priorities while emphasizing strategies to increase enrollment and equity. We'll do everything from an equitable lens. Looking at DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) work, thats the first stop for us, she said, listing plans to establish an official DEI statement and Native American land acknowledgment statement at EICC. A shift in culture The culture I want to create is one of unity," Chancellor Williams said when asked about the culture she hopes to foster at EICC. Faculty and staff inclusion and culture in administrative decision-making were flagged as concerns by some staff and faculty responding to the "2022 EICC Great Colleges to Work For survey. The survey is similar to other internal studies colleges and universities conduct annually. Many responding to this year's survey were particularly critical of some in administration and were specific in their criticisms. Williams read the survey and was aware of the responses before beginning her role as Chancellor, she said, but the negative responses were not a deterrent for her. I wouldnt come here if this wasnt a great college to work for already. I bet 70% of the survey shows what EICC is doing right, like supporting our students or employee benefits, she said of responses to some survey questions. Everything wont be 100%, but I recognized that we need to take care of the individuals caring for our students, so my first interest is human capital. Nodding to a sign in Scott Community Colleges Urban Campus stating You deserve more, Williams has adopted her own spin-off of the theme for EICC: We deserve more. There were several things in the survey saying what we were doing wrong, and were looking to see how to right-size and make things right, she said. How thats done is with a collection of people, viewing the same set of data I have, so we can reflect, realign it to our strategic initiatives and say, This is how well correct those things.' One step Williams is taking to combat survey concerns and promote shared governance is to change the cabinet-style of leadership. I give the analogy that a cabinet represents something with closed doors, a very closed-minded concept, she said. We changed the name to senior leadership team.' That means everybody has a call to act. The senior leadership team will work to align the colleges budget with its strategic plan and present investment priorities to the Board of Trustees. The next step of this restructuring is forming a leadership council among mid-level managers. ...So everything isnt top-heavy anymore and mid-level managers can help make decisions, Williams said. It becomes a support of ideas, not just top-down, so everyone can participate in decision-making and be accountable. Her strategies for creating more unified decision-making extend to EICC's Board of Trustees. She plans to provide the Board with high-level summaries of whats happening across the campuses. I like to say were moving forward, better together. If were going to rise to the occasion, we have to do it together, and we have to be forward-thinkers, Williams said. Its about perspective. Everyone has something to contribute; we just have to find what it is. "My goals now are finding key players and putting teams together so we can get work done." Williams' strategy for communication is, simply, being present. Im not married to this desk and chair, she said with a laugh. I think having district responsibilities means getting out to see whats going on. Interacting with people on visits, you can see that they believe in something. She has visited all EICC campuses four or five times this year. In addition to holding weekly in-person senior leadership meetings, she'll hold extended leadership meetings monthly, providing an opportunity for more people to share input and ideas. Despite new endeavors and change, Williams thinks its important to remember EICC's past. All of the good things that have happened did for a reason. We have to carry some of its history forward, without losing that foundational base of why we became the communitys college, she said. But I think people want change. Visible changes While Chancellor Williams plans to introduce new initiatives and culture, a quick walk through an EICC campus will display several physical renovations and additions afoot. In March 2021, voters approved a $40 million bond referendum to expand EICCs "Career and Technical Education" opportunities across all campuses. EICC Career and Technical Education expansions Scott Community College: An expansion and renovation of its Allied Health/Nursing Wing, which will connect the space to the main college Additions and renovations to the Blong Technology Center to support advancing manufacturing/robotics, engineering tech, polymer technology, construction management, mechanical design and welding programs Building an "Ag Innovation Center" facility for agriculture, agriculture transfer and agriculture mechanics/diesel technology programs Expansions to other planned programs, including automotive technology, business and education Muscatine Community College: Building new facilities to support the following planned programs: automotive technology, construction technology, criminal justice and allied health/nursing. Expansion and renovations to its Industrial Technology Center to support advanced manufacturing, engineering technology and welding programs. Expanding programs including agriculture, culinary, K-12 teacher preparation and information technology. Clinton Community College: Building a new facility to support agriculture, automotive technology, construction technology, culinary, engineering technology, education, healthcare, information technology and welding. Purchasing new equipment and renovating facilities at the CCC Maquoketa Campus to support CNC machining, engineering technology, education, information technology and welding. Building a DeWitt Career Advancement Center to support all EICC students and high schoolers in the colleges Career Academies, which allow students to earn career training and college credits while in high school. Planned academies for the DeWitt center include agriculture, business, CNC Machining, construction technology, healthcare and information technology Williams looks most forward to filling these new additions and polished spaces with students and staff. As we transition out of a pandemic, we think about how to attract students back to campus, and I dont think well have a tough time, she said. We advertise and the community is behind us especially with the bond referendum, so people know whats coming and they understand how important it is to bring bodies back into the facilities. But for Willams, its not just a numbers game. Its about the level of education these students will get. I think the schools recognize that, especially with the Career Academy, she said. Im looking forward to seeing growth in that direction. I think it'll be a plus, not only for the Quad-Cities but this quadrant of the state as we train more students in our facilities. In light of these hefty investments, Williams said, EICC is changing how they do business this budget cycle. A key to budgeting is finishing what you start. We tend to have a lot of projects in the hopper, but we have to make sure we get data and closure, she said. If were going to move to the next level, we have to be a college of evidence and inquiry where we say what worked and what didnt work. As a state-funded institution, Williams thinks this approach makes EICC better stewards. We can show our constituents that were properly spending money or resources, she said. Right now, we're working to see how we can best serve students and employees and budget for the right things to support them. Circling back to Williams' goal of unity, EICC also will make a slight change to its branding: Each campus will lead with the overarching EICC in their external and internal communications, as opposed to separating Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott. Williams said she is grateful for EICC faculty and staff and is excited to continue moving forward, better together. "When I walk down these corridors, it gives me a warm and fuzzy sense," she said. "You can see that we're 'the community's college' for a reason." Pleasant Valley junior high school students are getting some ninja training. Students, staff and administration this week unveiled a new obstacle course park at Pleasant Valley Junior High, which has been in the works for several years. "I think this park is really nice because it provides us with a fun way to exercise, and we always feel like we can come here whenever we want," eighth-grader Elise Hiatt said Wednesday at the course's ribbon-cutting ceremony. The course, inspired by the popular reality show, "American Ninja Warrior," contains 15 pieces of equipment. It aims to challenge users' strength, agility, endurance and overall fitness while promoting an active lifestyle. "It's a challenge that teaches our kids and community about what it takes to be a healthy being," Superintendent Brian Strusz said. "I think about what our wellness teachers have done at the junior high when it comes to P.E. (physical education) it's not a typical P.E. class. "They want to teach our kids about being healthy and in tune with your body, and I think this course truly does that." Jason Vice, a junior high wellness teacher, said the project began in 2019 after brainstorming about how to get kids more active, both in and outside of school. "We came up with a fundraiser, and kids and the community jumped onboard then COVID hit, and it all kind of stopped," he said. "It took a bit to go back in. We had the money and support, but it took some time. The kids came out and they did a great job. They love it and have fun with it." Vice gave a shout-out to the P.E. staff and architect Patti Hoffman for their help in bringing their ideas to life. "We seized the moment," he said. "It really was a great opportunity for kids and the community to be physically active. It's been a blast." Like Vice, junior high Principal Mike Peakin commended P.E. staff during the ceremony. He also took time to thank senior Daniel Zietlow, who built the Gaga ball pit addition to the course as part of his Eagle Scout project. "I want to add that our P.E. staff has done a really great job of modeling what a healthy student should be in terms of your physical and mental well-being," Peakin said. "It's events like this, where our community comes together for our kids; it just makes Pleasant Valley such an awesome place to live and raise our families. So thank you to everyone involved for making this possible." Freshman Alayna Arndt volunteered to help set up and mulch the course and enjoyed seeing it finally put to use. "Gym has kind of always been something that's 'forced fun', but this is actually fun," she said. "Its cool to see kids actually getting up and wanting to do these things and be active." Students self-fundraised to help pay for the course, alongside contributions from community donors. Additionally, the Wellmark Foundation gifted a $15,000 grant. "There are a number of people who have helped us make this possible," Strusz said. "Wellmark's mission is to help students in Iowa become well-being people, and they saw us as an example of that. But more importantly, two groups that really helped with this was our class of 2024 and 2025 and our wellness teachers, to have the idea to make this all possible." Sara and Hovey Tinsman sent their three children through the district. They decided to donate to the project to extend this new opportunity for current district students. "Our kids all would have benefited more from having opportunities, especially in junior high, to exert some energy outside the school building," Hovey Tinsman said. As a mother of children with sensory issues, Sara Tinsley said she thought of it as a great way to give back to the Pleasant Valley community. "I really believe that if kids have a place where they can get out some of their extra energy, they can focus better in school," she said. "That, and we wish our kids had that opportunity." The course is open to the public when school isn't in session. Hawkeye Paving Corporation, Liqui-Grow and Hoffman were all involved in constructing the course. The city of Eldridge is asking the state auditor to do an unscheduled review of city records. "It's a personnel matter, and its confidential," Eldridge Mayor Frank King said when asked the reason for the audit. The City Council this week approved a resolution 4-0 to request auditing services from the Iowa Auditor's Office. One council member was absent. King and the city's attorney declined to elaborate on the request and whether it was related to any missing funds and/or city employees. Asked specifically whether an Eldridge employee has been placed on administrative leave, they declined to answer. "Hopefully, the Auditor's Office will be able to shed more light on this when they come to do their job," King said. At the start of the Monday meeting, council members approved removing two closed sessions from the agenda, according to meeting minutes. One of those sessions was to "evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered." The second was to "discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price." Those are two exceptions to the law requiring governments hold open meetings in Iowa. The City Council has met for four closed sessions since Sept. 6, including for personnel and for real estate transactions. But it's unclear if those prior closed sessions are related to the audit request. For example, on Oct. 11, the council returned from closed session to approve City Administrator Tony Rupe negotiating a job offer for an assistant city administrator candidate. A Scott County correctional officer is on administrative leave and facing criminal charges, including at least one felony. Kevin Michael Delveau, 32, of Davenport, faces charges of first-degree burglary and domestic abuse assault, first offense, according to Scott County court records. He additionally is accused of two counts of violating an order of protection. The allegations underlying the charges relate to Delveaus actions at about 12:44 a.m. on Tuesday at a residence in the 1100 block of East Columbia Avenue, Davenport, court records show. Delveau, who has been a correctional officer since October of 2018, was on administrative leave as of Thursday, Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane said. None of the criminal acts for which Delveau is accused occurred while he was working in his county job, Lane said. Authorities allege that Delveau was intoxicated when he arrived at the residence and demanded to be let inside. However, he should not have been on the property, records show, due to an order of protection. Delveau then allegedly forced his way into the home by breaking the glass on a back door and unlocking it. He then confronted the person who holds the protective order, according to court documents. He allegedly yelled obscenities at the person and is accused of threatening the person, court records state. The Scott County Attorneys Office has recused itself from the case, which is instead being handled by the Iowa Attorney Generals Office, according to court records. Delveau was being held in the Dubuque County Jail, rather than the Scott County Jail, the sheriff said. His bail has been set at $55,000 cash only, and his next court date was scheduled for Oct. 28, records show. A 27-year-old Rapid City man who is accused of running over a 14-year-old girl last week, killing her and then fleeing the scene, washed his truck and painted the rims after the incident, according to the Pennington County State's Attorney's Office. Jordan Hare appeared at the Pennington County Courthouse before Magistrate Judge Todd Hyronimus Wednesday morning from the jail via video conference with his retained attorney by his side. The Rapid City Police Department arrested him Tuesday afternoon on a complaint for a felony hit-and-run accident resulting in a death or injury. It's a class 6 felony with a maximum penalty of two years in prison and up to a $4,000 fine. The state asked for the $10,000 cash-only bond at the hearing, noting that Hare not only fled the scene, but took steps to cover up the incident. Hare's attorney, Matthew Skinner, asked the court to set a $10,000 cash surety bond, which would have allowed his client to post 10% of the bond through a bondsman. Skinner noted his client has lived in Rapid City his whole life, is a homeowner, has family in the area and has worked the same job for a decade. Hare's bond was set at a $100,000 bond upon his arrest prior to the bond discussion at his initial appearance. Less than four hours after the judge set his bond at $10,000 cash only, Hare no longer appeared on the Pennington County Jail Roster, indicating that he likely posted bail. Nevaeh Brave Heart's aunt, Leann Iron Hawk, attended the court hearing. She said the rest of the family was unable to because they were making funeral arrangements in Pine Ridge. Iron Hawk said her niece's casket will be closed because of her condition. She said she is "angry and disgusted." According to witnesses at the scene, Brave Heart was alive for a time after the hit, but she died by the time law enforcement arrived. "He just left her there to die," Iron Hawk said, adding she doesn't believe Hare should be able to see the light of day ever again and that a $10,000 bail wasn't enough. A preliminary hearing for Hare is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 3. If a grand jury indicts him, the court will cancel the hearing and move on to other proceedings. The sound of a drum, Lakota memorial songs and cries from devastated family members filled the intersection of East Van Buren and North Lacrosse streets Tuesday night as dozens gathered to hold a vigil for 14-year-old Nevaeh Brave Heart, who was killed after a vehicle ran her over and left the scene Friday night. Brave Heart's cousin, who was with her at the time, flagged down Justin Cober, who was traveling northbound on Lacrosse Street leaving a job site with three coworkers: Gary House, Dick Fidler and Tyler Selting. Cober said she was still alive. "Me and Dick stayed with her until she passed. When the mom showed up, obviously she was hysterical," said Cober, who is a father of two 14-year-olds. "The nightmares are pretty [expletive] wild," Fidler said. "I got a three-year-old and six-week-old, so that's more scary than anything. As a parent it's more scary." Cober said police arrived within minutes. According to the Rapid City Police Department, Brave Heart was dead. The vigil for the girl had already been organized for Tuesday before law enforcement arrested 27-year-old Jordan Hare that afternoon, based on camera footage tracking the 2008 Chevy Silverado as it left the scene to its final destination at a residence in south Rapid City. He is held at the Pennington County Jail on a $10,000 cash only bond on a felony hit-and-run complaint. "You know when you hit somebody or hit something," said Brave Heart's uncle, Curtis Bettelyoun. He said he watched a porcupine cross the same road just before the start of the vigil. "Everybody stopped for it," he said. "How come he couldn't do that?" Bettelyoun said he has three teenage daughters, ages 17, 16 and 14, who lost a cousin they were close to. "All three of my daughters are pretty scarred over this," he said. The vigil started as a group walked toward the intersection carrying candles and singing memorial songs to a drum. The front of the group carried a banner with the girl's photo and the words "Justice for Nevaeh Rose Brave Heart." Once the procession arrived to the spot on Van Buren Street where the girl died, several men made a circle around the drum and began to sing while others joined. Hermus Bettelyoun, also an uncle of Brave Heart's, offered a prayer in Lakota. A tobacco offering was made at the spot of Brave Heart's death. The family stood as vigil-goers lined up to shake their hands and hug as they grieved before walking down the road to share a meal of soup and fry bread. Kyle Akers knew he was going to college, but he didn't know what he was going to do with his life. "My mom was very adamant that I was going to college, so I did go I was undecided for several years," he said. Akers said he went to college part-time for a couple of years and took six years to get his bachelor's degree. He said about midway through his college career, he picked criminal justice. He is now in his 28th year with the Rapid City Police Department. Akers is a senior officer in the Quality of Life Unit, which is a street outreach team meeting those living outside to build relationships and connect them with resources. He said the Rapid City Police Department came out to his college in 1994 in Moorhead, Minnesota, which was about 10 miles from his hometown of Glyndon, a farming community. Akers said when he initially started in criminal justice, he wanted to go into conservation, like Game, Fish & Parks, but those jobs were super-competitive. He decided after he graduated he needed a job and wanted to get away. Akers said he was in his skills class to become certifiable in Minnesota when he applied to Rapid City. He said he had completed his oral interview and the physical fitness test. Later, they told him thank you but try again next time. He was later called and asked if he was still interested. Akers said yes. He came back for further testing and got the job offer. "Everything in the back of my pickup truck, a U-Haul and drive across the state," he said. Akers said he was one of the first officers hired under the COPS grant and was part of a large class he said there were 14 of them all at once. He said they started with field training and once that was completed, they were assigned to shifts. He said he worked three and a half years in investigations, mostly covering domestic violence investigations. Akers said the almost rest of his career he was on patrol as a sector officer on the north side of town. Akers said he primarily worked the East North Street area. Two years ago he joined the Quality of Life Unit. "(A lot of the same) people that I knew from the sectors on working in the north side of town are the clients I have now," he said. "People that I've known for my whole career, I'm seeing now and now they're aging out of this lifestyle and they want help, so it's kind of gone full circle." Akers said he wanted a change and being able to follow through with people he met on the job may have helped with reducing burnout. Outside of the office, Akers spends time with his horses. He said he rides several nights a week, but only got his first horses about two years ago. He and his family took a vacation to the Grand Canyon and did a mule ride along the rim. "That was the first time I'd ever been on a horse or mule, so after that I just decided I wanted to buy some," Akers said. "We had bought the property we live on five years ago and our plan was to eventually get horses." Before he got horses, he was into riding bikes and outdoor hobbies. He said it helps put everything into perspective. Other than that, Akers has a family with five kids that take up much of his time, so they mostly spend time together as a family. Over time, Akers said he saw a lot of employees come and go from the police department and he wonders why it happens. "South Dakota (hasn't been) the highest-paying state, but you don't become a civil servant to become rich in any state," Akers said. He said the mayor, city council and police chiefs over the past few years have stepped up to increase wages, and they're now very competitive. As for change Akers would still like to see, he said he would like the community to continue to make better strides toward combating its high degree of substance abuse. "Every aspect of it affects everybody," he said. "It affects homeless people, it affects business owners, it affects people coming downtown to shop." Akers said he doesn't know what he would do in retirement, although it's not on the horizon any time soon. He said he might like to do something in the equine industry, whether it's more time to buy, train and sell trail horses or just riding. A Meade County Circuit Court judge denied the state's motion to dismiss a civil case Tuesday between the state of South Dakota and homeowners in the Hideaway Hills neighborhood in Black Hawk, where a sinkhole opened in 2020. Circuit Court Judge Kevin Krull wrote in a Memorandum of Decision that the defendants' in this case the state of South Dakota, the South Dakota Commission of School and Public Lands as successors of the South Dakota Cement Plant Commission and the South Dakota Cement Plant Trust motion to dismiss on the grounds that the homeowners lack standing to sue for inverse condemnation is denied, "as to the named Plaintiffs, who are Constitutionally permitted to bring such a claim against the State." According to the release, more than 160 homeowners are represented by the Fitzgerald Law Firm after a sinkhole opened in the Hideaway Hills neighborhood April 27, 2020, exposing an abandoned gypsum mine and forcing 40 people to evacuate from 15 homes. The motion to dismiss from the defendants came before the court during a June 14, 2022 hearing. "The plaintiffs have alleged an injury in fact," Krull wrote. "It is undisputed that the plaintiffs own homes that were physically damaged by the April 27, 2020 collapse, rendering their residences unsafe and likely valueless." Krull wrote the plaintiffs have pleaded a causal connection by asserting the state owns, mined and failed to properly maintain the subsurface prior to the collapse, which resulted in the physical and financial destruction of their properties. "Finally, the named plaintiffs have demonstrated that their injuries likely will be redressed by a favorable decision; i.e., an award of damages, based on their constitutional right to individually bring an inverse condemnation claim against the state," he wrote. According to a news release from the law firm, the lawyers will be able to proceed in litigation under the theory of inverse condemnation against the state. Dr. Mohamed Khalil of the University of Nebraska Lincoln will extend the prior studies commissioned by the law firm into the northern areas of the Northdale Subdivision later in October. This is one of two cases filed against the state regarding Hideaway Hills. The second is a class-action lawsuit that is being proposed by Fox Rothchild, LLP. The Meade County Court awarded class status certification for the case in September. In the Fitzgerald Law Firm news release, it claims the homeowners have, "in an overwhelming majority," rejected membership in the class-action lawsuit. According to a statement from Fox Rothschild's Kathy Barrow, the attorney litigating the case, no one has opted out of the class action at this time because the Meade County court has not yet given notice to Hideaway Hills homeowners detailing how and why a class action was approved and explained the issues at the center of the lawsuit. "Homeowners must have this information straight from the court when they're making such informed decisions, and the court has not yet provided that information to them," Barrow said. She said individual lawsuits can proceed, but Krull reviewed Fox Rothschild's findings and agreed that a class-action lawsuit is the best way for homeowners to obtain justice. "Taking these technically complex lawsuits to court one-by-one is simply too costly and too time-consuming for homeowners," Barrow said. "In addition, the damage done to this neighborhood does not stop at individual property lines it must be considered as a whole in order to obtain a complete picture of the monetary damages that homeowners deserve." Active and retired Montana military members could face hours of windshield time to secure life-saving medications because of a reduction of local pharmacies covered by their health insurance, state and federal officials have warned. Beginning Monday, nearly 15,000 independent pharmacies across the country will no longer be in-network with Tricare, the U.S. military's health care program and government-managed health insurance. That pharmacy network is managed by Express Scripts, a contractor with Tricare. While it's unclear how many pharmacies in Montana may be affected, or where those pharmacies are located, the reduction is expected to hit roughly 400,000 Tricare recipients nationwide, according to federal officials' estimates. Montana had 37,683 Tricare beneficiaries in fiscal year 2020, the more recent year with available data, according Master Sgt. Michael Touchette with the Montana National Guard Public Affairs Office. "According to Express Scripts service center, those Tricare recipients who are affected by this change will be notified by mail that their pharmacy is no longer in network and will have the option to switch to another in-network pharmacy in their community or have eligible medications switched to home delivery," Touchette said in an email to the Montana State News Bureau this week. The Montana National Guard has not received any requests for help nor any complaints about the Tricare reduction, Maj. Ryan Finnegan, also with the Montana National Guard, said. Still, Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Insurance and Securities Troy Downing last week called on the Biden administration to intercede in Express Scripts' decision to reduce the number of in-network Montana pharmacies, saying the change puts Montana veterans and their families at risk. "Montana veterans, who served with honor and distinction, deserve greater and more convenient access to their prescriptions not less. Allowing this plan to move forward threatens our veterans by removing critical access to prescription drugs," Downing said in an Oct. 12 press release. "This is a D.C. decision that fails to consider the needs of rural states. This policy will harm Montana service members, retirees and their families." In its own press release last week, Defense Health Agency's pharmacy operations division chief Edward Norton Jr. said the network will still include 40,000 pharmacies. The Defense Health Agency is confident that the new pharmacy contract maintains the quality of the Tricare retail pharmacy network, Norton Jr. said. Some independent pharmacies are leaving, but Tricare families will continue to have access to an excellent network of pharmacies. In Havre, Gary & Leo's pharmacy co-owner Eric Ward estimated he had over 100 Tricare recipients before his pharmacy was cut from the Tricare network earlier this year. "More of them were retired," Ward said. "We tended to see them more than anyone." The Havre Walmart has already been removed from the Tricare network, Ward said, and another pharmacy Ward's company just purchased was set to lose their contract with Tricare on Jan. 1, 2023. Ward also chairs the Montana Pharmacy Association, which voiced its concerns this week about the reduction, pointing to the Department of Defense awarding its entire network management contract to Express Scripts, a pharmacy benefit manager, which is often referred to as PBM. Managing the entire pharmacy network in a single contract allows PBMs in the middle-man role like Express Scripts to take a greater share of the claim recipients make to the insurance agency. The result is a smaller reimbursement rate for pharmacies, like Ward's. "It was costing me money every time a patient with Tricare came in," he said. And it's not just the arrangement between Express Scripts and Tricare, Ward added. PBMs have had a serious impact on pharmacies around the state. In Great Falls, three of the four independent pharmacies have shut their doors in recent years due to the dwindling reimbursement rates set up by PBMs, Ward said. One pharmacy clinic in Havre, which did not return a call seeking comment for this story, is still in network for Tricare recipients, Ward said, but he's not sure how long that may last. Last year Tricare announced Walmart was leaving its network, and CVS would take its place. Havre has a Walmart, but not a CVS. Tricare recipients can still have medications delivered to them through Express Scripts' program, but, as federal officials have pointed out, mail service can be inconsistent, especially in rural places and particularly in the winter. "Trying to force (Havre recipients) into the CVS network, that's 120 miles from here," Ward said, pointing down the road to Great Falls. "When you need an antibiotic, you can't drive 120 miles when you're sick. You can't really plan on when you're sick and order two weeks ahead of time for it to show up in the mail." Emails seeking comment from Tricare and Express Scripts were not returned Wednesday. Downing's call on the federal administration joined a chorus of federal officials, including the entirety of Montana's bipartisan congressional delegation, in denouncing the reduction. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat who chairs the Senate appropriations subcommittee on defense, sent a letter in late September to Under Secretary of Defense and Personnel Readiness Gilbert Cisneros to take action. "No longer able to rely upon their local pharmacy to access needed medication and in-person pharmacist counseling, (beneficiaries) would be forced to drive long distances to find corporate in-network pharmacies or be funneled into Express Scripts' mail delivery program," Tester wrote. "That is unacceptable." U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican, was one of 100 U.S. senators and representatives who issued a letter to Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Seileen Mullen seeking more information on the reduction in pharmacies as well as reimbursement rates that could affect continuing pharmacies' ability to operate. The reduction in pharmacies, the letter notes, is taking place two months earlier than planned. In an emailed statement this week, U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale, a Republican, noted an approved pharmacy under the new structure could be 30 miles or more away and mail service can be inconsistent. "The Defense Health Agency must reconsider this change that will very likely risk the health of Montana service members and veterans," Rosendale said. Flash The United States is witnessing a surge in gun violence as the gun purchase rate has reached its highest levels in 2020 and 2021, with an estimated 43 million guns bought at a time when the rate of gun deaths also hit the highest records, reported Modern Diplomacy on Monday. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 4,222 people died from gun-related injuries in the United States in 2020, which includes gun murders and gun suicides. Gun violence has experienced a significant rise in recent years. In 2020, 54 percent of all gun-related deaths in the United States were suicides (24,292), and 43 percent were murders (19,384). The remaining gun deaths were unintentional (535), involved law enforcement (611), or had undetermined circumstances (400), according to a Pew research. "The total number of deaths represents 14 percent increase from the previous year, a 25 percent increase from five years earlier, and a 43 percent increase from a decade prior," said the report. On a per capita basis, there were 13.6 gun deaths per 100,000 people in 2020, the highest rate since the mid-1990s. The states with the highest rates are Mississippi (28.6 per 100,000 people), Louisiana (26.3), Wyoming (25.9), Missouri (23.9) and Alabama (23.6), it added. Richmond police discovered a man was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon, after responding to reports of a shooting in the Fairfield neighborhood. Officers responded around 2:37 p.m. to the 2200 block of N. 23rd Street. At the scene, police found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. Police are conducting a death investigation in connection to this incident. Anyone with information about this death investigation is asked to contact police at (804) 646-0729 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. One week after a fire in chemistry class injured three Dinwiddie High School students, two of those students have been released, but a third remains hospitalized. They do expect that student will be in the hospital for some time, said Dinwiddie County Public School Superintendent Kari Weston during a news conference on Wednesday. Weston added that all three students have a very long recovery ahead of them. Weston was joined by Dennis Hale, Dinwiddies chief of fire and EMS, to deliver a brief overview of the chemistry experiment that led to an evacuation of the school on Oct. 12. Hale said the incident was reported around 9:23 a.m. in room 232. An instructor and 19 students were in the classroom at the time. The teacher was attempting a demonstration involving methyl alcohol, or methanol, according to Hale. The demonstration involved placing the methanol in an open beaker with water and igniting it using a smoldering wooden splint. The instructor had successfully conducted the experiment once before, but during the second attempt, as the methanol was poured into the beaker it ignited, said Hale, causing a phenomena known as flame jetting. Flame jetting happens when flammable liquid in a narrow-necked container mixes with trapped air vapor and they reach an ignition source. This caused a large amount of the methanol in the bottle to ignite. Flames shot around 10 feet across the front of the classroom, reaching a whiteboard and setting some paper and other flammable material ablaze. Small amounts of ordinary combustibles were ignited in the same area as the fire traveled, said Hale. When we arrived the fire was out, and we immediately began treating students. The materials used in this demonstration, and the experiment itself, are typically found in a chemistry curriculum, according to superintendent Weston. The instructor who has taught at the school for 18 years was placed on leave. Weston said theyve yet to speak with the teacher. Now I cant speak to why this particular demonstration was chosen, because we have yet to be able to speak to the teacher, but we will be able to get that info in time, said Weston. Weston said the school system was told in interviews that the students were not given gloves, goggles or other safety equipment that are standard procedure, as provided by the Virginia Department of Education. It will be part of our investigation as to why those were not being used in this particular demonstration, said Weston. The Dinwiddie Fire Department and the fire marshal collected evidence and also conducted interviews with students to determine the source of the ignition. Weston acknowledged this incident was deeply traumatizing for the students. The next day, students and faculty held a number of assemblies to address what happened. Also, counselors and social workers were sent to speak with students. Dinwiddie High School Principal Robbie Garnes, said his students, staff and the families have been extremely resilient throughout this process. This is not an easy thing of us, its not a joke, we take this very seriously, said Garnes. If we could all go back on that day, I think we would all love to erase that moment, but we cannot. Garnes said the only thing the community can do is wrap their arms around the families affected and move forward. Dinwiddie schools and the sheriffs office will continue their investigation. Monkeypox cases have declined significantly in Virginia since August, a sign that the outbreak might be under control in the state. There were four new cases in Virginia last week, down from a peak of 61 in early August. Dr. Elaine Perry, director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, said she isnt ready to declare the virus defeated, but she feels good about the progress made combating it. Were not saying its over or were done or were declaring success, Perry said. But we do feel like were on a good trajectory at this point. Altogether, there have been more than 500 monkeypox cases in Virginia since the outbreak arrived in June, resulting in 22 hospitalizations and no deaths. Almost all the cases in the state have occurred in men, and theyve occurred disproportionately in Black men 42% of the cases in Virginia. Interest in the Jynneos vaccine has declined, Perry said. In August, there werent enough shots for everyone who wanted one. Now, supply exceeds demand. Perry said the district will continue offering shots in an effort to reach people still interested. Health authorities have delivered more than 11,000 first shots and almost 7,000 second shots of the two-dose series. In the Richmond and Henrico districts, more than 2,300 people have been vaccinated. Warmer afternoons are ahead for Friday and Saturday, and the overall weather pattern looks dry through most of next week for central Virginia. The burst of chill earlier this week continues to retreat northward, and there are no signs of unseasonably cold weather returning until after Halloween. However, there is one reasonably good chance for rain in the next seven days, and that comes Sunday. A storm will form along the North Carolina coast on Saturday and push northward near Virginia Beach on Sunday. Although a full washout is not expected, be on the lookout for at least a few showers in metro Richmond on Sunday. Once that threat moves north Sunday night, the mild and dry pattern returns, with temperatures near or above normal for most of next week. Afternoons will edge into the 70s, and the daybreak temperatures will be near 50. There was a little snow in the West Virginia ski resorts this week, a reminder that winter is rapidly approaching. This is the time of year that winter outlooks come fast and furious from a number of forecasting outlets. These are great exercises in trying to decode trends and get a general idea of what to expect for the coldest time of the year, but they will usually be thin on details and actionable information. Among these was the winter outlook released Thursday by the meteorologists at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. Like many other outlooks, this one heavily weighs the current conditions over the Pacific Ocean near the equator, fully known as the El Nino and Southern Oscillation. This is the third consecutive year that the phenomenon is in its negative phase, which has been become known as La Nina, indicating that the water in the eastern half of the tropical Pacific is cooler than average. (El Nino refers to the phase when the water is warmer than average.) The ocean and atmosphere are connected, especially so in this part of the world. As a result, the heat and water exchanged between the ocean and atmosphere have cascading impacts on the average flow of the jet stream winds during the winter. Typically in a La Nina winter, a broad area of high pressure sits in the north Pacific near the Gulf of Alaska. Downstream from that, steering winds move from northwest to southeast across western Canada and into the northern United States, bringing cold air southward more often than in an average year. But the jet stream travels in waves, and it often turns back northward just west of the Appalachians in this configuration, meaning the nearby primary storm track also holds several hundred miles to the west. The result for Virginia is a winter that ends up warmer and drier than average. That is not to say there will be no snow in Virginia and it will stay warm the entire winter, but when we look back at the winter as a whole, we probably will not remember it being especially cold or snowy. But fear not snow lovers, there are motions and phases going on in the atmosphere on shorter times scales than La Nina. Fluctuations in the jet stream in the north Atlantic can allow shots of cold air into eastern North America. Known as the North Atlantic Oscillation, it is related to the circular movement of air around the North Pole the polar vortex. In its negative phase, the vortex circulation is weak, becomes more wavy and allows cold air to move farther south. This increases the chance for large snowstorms from the Middle Atlantic to the Northeast. Just like we remind you during the early summer, even if the overall hurricane season is less active than normal, it only takes one to make it a memorable season. Much the same applies to winter. Salems new economic development director is working with city business leaders and other community stakeholders to better understand how to best serve the city. Tommy Miller, who started his new position with the city in April, sat down with roughly three dozen members from the community Thursday morning at the Civic Center as part of a city Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce event to pick their brains on what the city needs to do to grow economically. Ideas from improving the interstate exits in Salem to the always popular we need a Trader Joes, were suggested when those in attendance broke out into three groups. Also mentioned more than a few times was filling vacant industrial sites like the old Valleydale factory and the huge former General Electric facility, which once employed hundreds of people before announcing its closure in 2018. One suggestion for the plant now owned by Phoenix Investors was to use part of the facility for biochemistry research or wet labs, which has been a growing trend in Roanoke and the New River Valley. Miller said after the meeting he still sees the former plant as a future destination for some sort of manufacturing company. Its going to be really hard to fill it with something like what GE did, he said. But he did say the facility remains in good shape, and the city will work with Phoenix to try to find a new company to invest there. They [Phoenix] have a history of acquiring industrial assets and as opposed to using the facilities as warehouses or storage, they have a history of investing in their buildings, and thats what they are doing now We are working closely with them to make sure they get a good industrial user. Miller said his office is also interested in helping businesses already located in Salem continue to succeed. We want to showcase what makes Salem unique, he said. We have to set ourselves apart. Other suggestions from stakeholders included suggestions often heard at these types of meetings: getting college students to remain in the area after graduation, promoting career and technical education jobs, recruiting more affordable childcare options and looking at ways to promote outdoor assets. Others focused more on bringing more shopping and dining amenities to the city. A call for Kroger to revamp its three stores in the city drew a large consensus from those in attendance. Mayor Renee Turk said Miller, who is from Richmond, brings an important outside perspective that is vital when trying to attract new businesses. I think when you bring in someone that has the background Tommy has and has worked with the state and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, there is vast knowledge there that maybe locally we have not been exposed to, she said Thursday morning. Turk added: We like to grow from within our own organization, but sometimes its important to bring in people from outside to get new or different perspectives on things. She and Miller said working with regional and statewide groups such as the area colleges, the Roanoke Regional partnership and the state Economic Development Partnership is an important piece to the puzzle as well. Miller said one of the main things his office is focused on right now is updating its online presence, including a revamped website and marketing efforts to get the Salem brand out there for potential businesses and investors. We need to make sure we have a good presence and get the word out about Salem, he said. We also need to finish the strategic plan. Thats going to be a big driver in understanding where we are at and where we need to put our resources. CHRISTIANSBURG Shawn Michael Tolberts August flight from police departments and sheriffs offices in at least four counties included a moment in which an pursuer reached a speed of 122 mph, an officer testified Thursday in Montgomery County General District Court. Tolbert, 42, of Burkeville, faces charges in four counties after an Aug. 11 chase that ended in a crash in Craig County and Tolbert escaping on foot. He remained on the run until Aug. 31, with law enforcement agencies in Montgomery and Giles counties asking residents to lock doors and be cautious after possible sightings of the fugitive. Tolbert eventually was arrested in Pulaski County. Thursday was the first preliminary hearing connected to the flight. Judge Gino Williams sent a charge of eluding on to a grand jury, which will decide if Tolbert should be tried in theMontgomery County Circuit Court. Williams decision came after Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Nic Lauer introduced testimony from Officer E.A. Harris of the Blacksburg Police Department. Harris described a vehicle chase that ran from Montgomery County into Giles County. At one point, Harris said, my speedometer showed 122 mph. The officer said Virginia State Police took over the chase as it crossed the county line, per the agencies usual practice. Defense attorney Matt Roberts of Blacksburg asked Harris if he had got a clear view of the driver of the vehicle that he was chasing and Harris said that he had not. After the hearing, Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt said that Tolbert was driving a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. State police have said that the hunt for Tolbert began after a reported lottery ticket theft at a gas station near Interstate 81s Exit 162. A state trooper later attempted to stop a vehicle that matched the suspect vehicles description, and when the vehicle did not stop, the pursuit began. Pettitt, speaking after Thursdays hearing, said that according to the notes in her file, We were advised that the subject was a bank robbery suspect out of Roanoke. Tolbert has not been charged with stealing anything. However, other charges he faces include two counts of assaulting an officer, obstruction of justice, falsely identifying himself to an officer and trespassing, all in Craig County; eluding and reckless driving in Roanoke County; and obstruction of justice in Pulaski County. At a hearing earlier this month in Pulaski County General District Court, a judge ordered a mental competency evaluation and scheduled a Nov. 15 hearing to review the case. Pettitt said that she had not been aware of the pending competency evaluation. Roberts, also speaking after the hearing, said that he thought competency questions already had been resolved. The Vinton Police Department is investigating an armed carjacking that occurred outside a dance studio downtown Wednesday night. Police said in a press release that they responded to a call about a robbery at 116 Jefferson Ave. at 8:39 p.m. There, at Studio 45, officers located the victim of the carjacking unharmed. A preliminary investigation indicates the suspects displayed a firearm and stole the victims vehicle, a 2009 Honda Accord, and fled the scene prior to officers arrival, the press release said. The suspects are described as two black males, one wearing a yellow hoodie, one wearing a black hoodie, and both had masks covering a portion of their face. No suspects have been located at this time. Ryan Bartley, director of Studio 45, said in a Facebook post late Wednesday that the carjacking occurred while parents and family members were waiting in the parking lot for the last class of the night to finish up. As they waited, they were approached by [two] people in hoodies and masks, Bartley wrote. They asked them to get into their car, and when the family told them no, they pulled out a weapon and stole the car. Bartley confirmed no one was injured, but some people were shaken up. Bartley said she locked the studios doors, and her students and some of their parents and guardians were barricaded inside until police arrived. They all handled it in the most adult way, and again we are very thankful that nothing happened to anyone, especially our younger dancers that were there tonight, Bartleys post continued. The stolen Honda has been found. Shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday morning, Vinton police detectives located it unoccupied in the alleyway near Raleigh Avenue, the departments press release said. Detectives continue to investigate the incident. No arrests have been made, and no additional information about the investigation has been provided. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Vinton police at (540) 983-0617. We are devastated that this even occurred, Bartley wrote. We want to apologize to the family that this happened to, and we want everyone to know that there are measures being taken to keep everyone safer inside of the studio. Among those new security measures will be a new camera system to survey the studios entrances and parking lot, additional lighting around the parking lot and buddy systems. If your dancer drives themselves, please make sure to talk to them about this situation and tell them that they cannot leave the studio alone, Bartley wrote. They must not sit in their cars for extended periods of time at nights in the parking lot, and they need to park as close to the studio door as possible. Bartley is also asking parents and guardians to enter the studio before picking up their children. No matter age or time of their class, Bartley wrote. We always do our best to make sure we walk out the dancers and get them to their cars, but for the time being, we would feel more comfortable if parents would come up and walk their dancer out after class. The Montpelier Station Post Office in Orange County reopened quietly on Monday following a four-month closure prompted by a historic exhibit on racial segregation in Virginia and America. Christy Moriarty, spokesperson with the Montpelier Foundation, confirmed Wednesday morning the U.S. Postal Service resumed operations Monday in the small office serving around 100 people. It is located on Constitution Highway near the entrance to the plantation estate of fourth U.S. President James Madison in a more than century-old building owned by the foundation. The exhibit, In the Time of Segregation, that caused the postal service to close the rural location earlier this spring is housed separately in the restored train depot, marked as a museum. The foundation and board were subsequently in communication with postal officials about reopening the post office, Moriarty confirmed. The organization has stood by its telling of the story of segregation. The Montpelier Foundation is delighted that the U.S. Postal Service has responded to the voices of the community and the Foundation in reopening the Montpelier Station Post Office, a resource located in the historic Train Depot that has served local customers since 1912, the foundation said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. We invite all members of the public to visit the exhibition housed at the other end of the building. Since 2010, the exhibition has told a full American story, both local and national, of the struggle for Civil Rights during the Jim Crow era, the statement said. Montpelier Station postal customer Betsy Brantley said she was notified of the reopening on the day of the reopening through the Orange Post Office on Main Street in town. I was doing yardwork on Monday when a neighbor texted me to say that he was in Orange and was told that our mail was, once again, in Montpelier Station. I drove straight there, and, lo and behold, so it was! she said in correspondence Wednesday with the Star-Exponent. Brantley said they are all excited the post office is open again. The reopening of the Montpelier Station Post Office means the world to the local community. We only ever wanted our Post Office to continue functioning as it always had, and we are happy that this is so. Many thanks to all of the people that wrote letters, emails, and made phone calls to bring this about! You were heard! she said. The post office along the railway started as a train station built in 1910 by William DuPont. It had separate waiting rooms for white and Black people during the time of government-mandated segregation by race in public spaces. A post office opened in the depot in 1912. A century later in 2012, the Montpelier Foundation established the exhibit depicting segregated waiting rooms, as it once was, with other historical displays and information. When someone from the postal office observed the exhibit for the first time earlier this year a decision was made on the spot to shut it down, over the objections of customers. The Montpelier Foundation was not notified. No explanations were given until a reporter inquired again in August and a USPS spokesman admitted to the Star-Exponent the post office closed due to the segregation exhibit, calling it unacceptable. USPS Spokesman Philip Bosenberger later elaborated when contacted by Michael Paul Williams, the Pulitzer Prize winning Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist about the abrupt closure, and the reason given for it. There are two exterior doors to the museum, and signage above one door reads Whites while the other bears a sign Colored. Information about this museum and its proximity to the Post Office was only recently brought to the attention of senior Postal Service management. Because the Post Office is co-located in the same building as the segregation museum, Postal Service management considered that some customers may associate the racially-based, segregated entrances with the current operations of the Post Office, and thereby draw negative associations between those operations and the painful legacy of discrimination and segregation that marked prior historical eras, Bosenberger said in a statement in August to Williams. The position of the post office garnered quick backlash from the public as well as media coverage and demands for further explanation, including from Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th. She sent a letter to U.S. Postal Service Virginia District Manager Mr. Gerald Roane stating proper procedure had not been followed with the abrupt closure and demanding answers. Following ongoing discussions with the U.S. Postal Service, I am encouraged by reports that the post office has reopened and hopeful that regular mail service will be restored to the Virginians who rely on the Montpelier Station Post Office, Spanberger said in a statement Wednesday. But yet again, the lack of notice from USPS is alarming. Virginians deserve better, she added. Bosenberger, with USPS, responded late Wednesday to the Star-Exponent, confirming the post office had reopened. He did not give a statement on the why, providing only hours of operation. Retail hours are 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. P.O. Box customers will have 24-hour access to their box, he said. WAYNESBORO Once home to one of the regions major manfucturers and source of employment, the historic Virginia Metalcrafters building is home to a new tenant. The City of Waynesboro and the Waynesboro Economic Development Authority hosted an event Wednesday welcoming Common Wealth Crush Company to the building. Common Wealth Crush is a wine-manufacturing company that allows farmers to bring their locally-grown grapes to the company. From there, CWC will press the fruit into wine. Co-founder Patt Eagan said the company connected with Bart Lanman, the president of Basic City Beer Company, which is how they learned about the availability of the space. The ultimate goal, as our name implies, is to create common wealth for all the producers who will be using our facilities and developing our program, and by extension, Virginia wine as a whole, Eagan said. We look forward to raising glasses with you all. Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr attended the event. Lohr said the project would create six new jobs and around $1.5 million in investments to renovate the space. Lohr presented the City of Waynesboro with a $25,000 check as a part of an Agriculture & Forestry Industries Development Fund grant. I love projects like this where you take an old building that has a long history but has been sitting empty for a long time. You come in and renovate, give it new life, and be able to combine all of that with a new vision, Lohr said. It helps farmers, it helps tourism, and it helps the local economy. Del. John Avoli, R-Staunton, said the heart and soul of any community was refurbishing old buildings to enhance communities. Waynesboro Mayor Bobby Henderson praised the development of Waynesboro and how its avoided pandemic-related hurdles. What were being told and what were seeing in Waynesboro is two different things because we continue to grow through the pandemic, Henderson said. Our city is doing really well. Eagan said Common Wealth Crushs tasting room will open in the spring with their inaugural vintage collection of wines. The transition to a wine-manufacturing business is the latest innovation in the history of the Virginia Metalcrafters building. It started as a stove manufacturer before adapting to developing brass household items in the 1930s. A Spotsylvania County grand jury has indicted a woman in the death of her 4-year-old son. Investigators believe the child ingested cannabis-infused gummies. Dorothy Annette Clements, 30, of Spotsylvania, was taken into custody on Thursday, the Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. She is charged with felony murder and felony child neglect. The child died on May 8 after having a medical emergency two days earlier at a home in the 5400 block of Jamie Court, police said. Child Victim Unit investigators were by told by doctors that the child had a high level of tetrahydrocannabinol, a substance found in cannabis, the statement said. "Detectives believe the child ingested a large amount of THC gummies. The attending doctor told detectives that had medical intervention occurred shortly after the ingestion, it could have been prevented the death," the sheriff's office statement said. Statements by Clements also did not match evidence found at the home, investigators said. She is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond. Flash A total of 181 countries have established diplomatic relations with China, up from 172 ten years ago, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said in Beijing on Thursday, as he hailed the country's diplomatic services over the past decade. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Ma said the number of partnerships China has so far established with countries and regional organizations across the world also increased from 41 a decade ago to 113. Ma said the country had advanced the building of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, proposed the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation for China-U.S. relations, and advocated the China-EU partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization. It has also consolidated strategic support from neighboring countries, and embraced unity and closer cooperation with other developing countries. China's national sovereignty, security and development interests have been vigorously protected in the process, Ma said, adding that China has now established diplomatic relations with nine countries that formerly had so-called "diplomatic ties" with the country's Taiwan region. Over the past ten years, China's diplomatic efforts have consolidated international support for the one-China policy, stemmed external forces' intervention in Hong Kong's affairs, foiled anti-China forces' attacks and defamation against China, and safeguarded the country's national interests and dignity, he said. 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. While previous map designs had retained geographical fidelity, Beck understood that wasn't particularly relevant to travelers, to whom lines, stops and connections mattered most, according to Kent. Instead, "his design ruthlessly imagined traveling by Underground, and the problem of planning journeys, from a user's perspective to the extent that geography usually crucial for a map was discarded," says Kent. As a result, Beck's map had a major impact. "The positive image Beck provided encouraged more people to use the Underground to get around the city because it presented the system as a rational, efficient and thoroughly modern means of transport," Kent says. "However, the effect was also to change users' mental maps of London, not just in making the city seem like a functioning metropolis, but actually affecting their geographical understanding of the city. Distance, direction and existence i.e., whether a place is on the Tube map or not all get distorted and continue to do so today." Advertisement " " Harry Beck was an eminent 20th-century English technical draftsman who believed travelers were mainly interested in knowing how to get from one station to another and where to change trains. London Transport Museum While Beck's design was revolutionary, he didn't completely develop it in a vacuum. "When appraising Beck's design, it is crucially important to look at what came before. Hence, people often overestimate the novelty of Beck's design and promulgate the myth that his map was a single stroke of innovative genius that was inherently different to anything that came before," Kent says. The truth is more nuanced. "Looking at the evolution of the design of the map, it is possible to see that Beck built upon the advances made by his predecessors," Kent says. "For example, Max Gill removed the topographic detail from the map, freeing the depiction of the network from its geographical anchor. Fred Stingemore introduced the Johnston font and made the lines clearer to see as well as introducing more distortion. These predecessors paved the way for Beck's introduction of a geometric form to the map limiting angles to 45 and 90 degrees which also resonated with the Art Deco style and its penchant for movement." FLORENCE, S.C. Innovative Construction Group dedicated its 200,000 square foot manufacturing facility at 2570 Florence Harllee Blvd. in a ceremony Thursday. Innovative Construction Group, a subsidiary of PulteGroup, Inc., announced its decision to establish operations in Florence in December 2021. The company invested $35.6 million in equipment at the Florence facility, which will eventually employ 179. The company already has hired 60 employees, and is looking for more. Individuals interested in joining the Innovative Construction Group team should visit the companys website www.icgbuilds.com/careers/ for more information. The Florence facility makes wall panels and trusses that are used to build houses in the Myrtle Beach region. Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chief Executive Officer Gregg Robinson, Florence County Council Chairman Willard Dorriety Jr., South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and PulteGroup, Inc., Chief Executive Officer Ryan Marshall spoke at the dedication ceremony. The dedication ceremony was the culmination of a long process to attract, recruit and bring Innovative Construction Group to Florence, Robinson said. The state, region, county and city worked together to get this manufacturing facility open, and bring jobs to the Pee Dee, Robinson said. Quality, world-class companies know that they can make a profit in our location more than anywhere else. Lets not lose sight of that. What you see today in this 200,000 square-foot facility didnt happen overnight, Robinson said. Florence County couldnt have attracted Innovative Construction Group if the 200,000 square-foot facility wasnt built, the county didnt build roads and the city of Florence didnt supply water and sewage to the building, Robinson said. Teamwork is the key to finding, recruiting and bringing industry to Florence County, Dorriety said. Economic development will continue to move forward in Florence County because of the cooperation between Florence County Economic Development Corporation, the city of Florence and the county. I like to say Florence is the pearl of the Pee Dee, Dorriety said. As we grow economically, so does Darlington County, so does Dillon, Marion, Lee and Clarendon. We are the point, the spear that has to bring economic development. Projects like this are instrumental in what we do. Florence County is glad Innovative Construction Group is here, he said. The County Council hopes the companys success in Florence will create a reason for future expansion. The lieutenant governor also welcomed Innovative Construction Group to Florence and South Carolina. I can say 100% that South Carolina walks the walk we talk. We are a pro-business state, she said. Innovative Construction Group is the right business for South Carolina because there is a housing shortage in the state. Up in Greenville where I hail as home, they are 18,000 homes short on inventory. South Carolina is growing, and we are growing because of good leadership, Evette said. Companies from across our nation and across our globe are looking at South Carolina. South Carolina already is the best state to live, work and raise a family. Florence is an amazing place, she said. PulteGroup, Inc. has been in business for 70 years and has built more than 800,000 homes, Marshall said. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company builds homes throughout the United States. South Carolina is a really important part of our company. For a long, long time, weve built in the cities of Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach. In the last couple of years, we have expanded into Columbia and weve expanded into Greenville, Marshall said. The company, Marshall said, from the start of the process felt Florence was the place for its newest facility. PulteGroup, Inc., plans eight more plants, like the Florence facility, in the future. Florence and South Carolina were attractive, he said, because its business friendly and business first, he said. DARLINGTON, S.C. Five candidates are running for District 5 and 7 seats on the Darlington County School Board. The District 5 seat is held by Richard Brewer, who is seeking re-election, and the schools represented in this district are Darlington County Institute of Technology and Darlington Middle School. Brewer will be facing Amanda Thompsen for the seat. The elections will be held on Nov. 8. Brewer joined the school board four years ago. He is a Christian, married for 42 years, is a father, is a Navy veteran, and is retired from General Electric. I am a servant to my students, teachers, and staff, Brewer said. I do my utmost to make their experience in the school system the best it can be. Amanda Thompsen was born and raised in western North Carolina, attending T.C. Roberson High School in Skyland, N.C. then studying at N.C. State University and Emory Universitys Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta. She and her husband moved to Hartsville in 2003 for his job at Sonoco. Shortly after, their son was born at Carolina Pines RMC and then two years later a daughter was born. The Thompsens have since made Darlington County their home. Amanda Thompsen and her children have encountered many loving and encouraging teachers, and its through this experience that shes grown to appreciate educators as they face challenges. Both of her children chose to attend Mayo High School. Their educational foundations were built at Washington Street Elementary, West Hartsville Elementary and Hartsville Middle School. The District 7 seat is held by Wanda Hassler, who is seeking re-election, and West Hartsville Elementary School is represented by this district. Hassler will be facing Jacqueline DuBose and Jimmie E. Epling for the seat. Wanda Hassler was born in Rockingham, N.C. She earned her bachelors degree in biology from Davidson College and a bachelors degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hassler served in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 1988 and reached the rank of captain. Hassler and her husband, Terry, moved to Hartsville almost 30 years ago. Their four children all attended Darlington County schools. She has served on numerous boards in Darlington County, including the YMCA, the Billy Hardee Home for Boys, the Darlington County Education Foundation, St Luke United Methodist Staff Parish Relations, and president of the United Methodist Women. Her passion for education in Darlington County began while serving in various volunteer roles, including PTO president, co-founder and president of the Carolina Elementary School Education Foundation, co-chair of the Darlington County School District successful 2003 bond referendum and a school board representative for the 2020 South Carolina Accountability Advisory Committee. She also works as a registered nurse with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Jacqueline DuBose was born in Columbia and is the daughter of Lula Hicks and Woodrow Hicks. Her parents moved to Hartsville over 50 years ago and their family has been rooted in Hartsville ever since. She and her siblings attended St. Marys School, Washington Street Elementary School, and Southside Elementary School. DuBose is a bus driver for the school district, a job she has done for over six years. I have observed the needs of the quality of childrens education, DuBose said. I feel that I can contribute to helping make changes that will benefit the children. My mission is to strive to be transparent as a board member in Darlington County School District with the wisdom of God and working alongside other board members to address the challenges, obstacles, and to help prevent the calamity like that was nationally shown. Jimmie Epling was born in Eastern Kentucky. He has over 40 years of library experience in a variety of roles. Epling holds a bachelors degree in secondary education in history and economics from the University of Kentucky and a masters degree in library science from the University of South Carolina. He earned the Kentucky certificate of management fundamentals in 2007. He began his career in libraries at the Boyd County Public Library in Kentucky. He later worked in the reference and genealogy departments at Boyd County Public Library, cataloging the librarys historical document collection and developing a searchable computer database for the collection. He is director of the Darlington County Public Library. He began work on August 1, 2012, moving the library forward with a focus on services and technology, and making it relevant to the community. FLORENCE, S.C. In the Nov. 8 election, Democratic candidate Vincent Coe will face Republican incumbent Wallace H. Jay Jordan for House of Representatives District 63. Jordan said it has been an honor and a privilege to represent his hometown in the state. He has served on several key committees, including chairman of the Ethics Committee and a member of the Judiciary Committee. Jordan said Florence is home. All my memories are here. I want to raise my kids here, he said. I want Florence to be a part of their future. He and his wife, Tara, have three children. He is a member of Florence Baptist Temple, where he graduated from high school before attending the College of Charleston. Jordan said he has spent his entire life in Florence County, except when he was at school. Jordan is an attorney, a 2007 graduate of the Charleston School of Law. He said he had been practicing law for more than 10 years and began his own law firm on Evans Street a few years after returning to Florence. Coe has a home-based business, Balcony Advisors, that serves the Pee Dee region. He is a certified regulatory compliance manager from the American Bankers Association and has a certificate in executive management from Francis Marion University. He also has a law degree. Coe has worked in Columbia, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, but says he has found that there is no place like home and wants to put everything he has learned toward making Florence a better place to live and grow for the next generation. I have been to great places, Coe said. But there is no place like home. My family is here and this is the place where I have grown up. I want to come back and make it better for the next generation. A native of Darlington, Coe is a graduate of Lamar High School, 2003; University of South Carolina; Case Western Reserve University School of Law; and Francis Marion University Executive Education Program. Coe is single. He has two sisters, one brother and several nieces and nephews. He said he also holds the distinction of being his grandparents 51st grandchild. Coe is a member of Center Baptist Church and a licensed minister since 2016. Each candidate was asked a series of questions by the Morning News and given the opportunity to respond. Why did you decide to run for House of Representatives? Coe: I want to continue the calling of mine to help others. And Coe is running because he believes he can make a difference in the quality of life for South Carolinians. Coe said his desire to serve comes from his love of people and his desire to make the community a better place to live. He said he wants to use his past experiences to make it a better place than he found it with no regrets. Coe said he is a person of strong faith with a calling to serve and help others. His parents inspired him to work hard and to treat others with respect even if your opinion is different from his. Every voice matters, he said. Jordan: It is to continue on the commitments and issues that I have worked for these last several terms in the State House, to work on the important things of the day, Jordan said. Things like how can we improve our education system, how can we help law enforcement, how can we keep taxes low, where they need to be so we can have the best possible economic development; how can we continue to make our infrastructure better in South Carolina. All those things are things Ive worked on. I believe I have had some success, and I believe we can continue on that path. Jordan desires to continue the path he has been on, working for the people of Florence and South Carolina. He is running for his fifth term as a republican in the S.C. House of Representatives. He was first elected in a special election in 2015. He said the job is a work in progress which he wants to continue. If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? What will be your top priorities? Jordan: I want to continue to invest in education, infrastructure, public service, and law enforcement to make sure they have the tools to defend us better. Jordan wants to continue with the things he has already demonstrated are his top priorities. He said there are several key elements that government should focus on such as improving economic development, investing in infrastructure and improving education, which includes raising teacher pay. He said South Carolina has already become more competitive with teacher pay but still needs to do better. He said the state has fallen behind in investing in infrastructure but is beginning to catch up. If we focus on those key ingredients those things that government has responsibility to its tax payers for, those are things I make my priority, he said. Broadband access is another area where South Carolina needs to get better, he said. We need to invest in technology, Jordan said. Coe: I would love to bring people together. He said after his first job, it was a no-brainer that he would continue to use his efforts to help people unable to help themselves. Coe said he is looking to be a voice in the House of Representatives. Coe said he stands for increasing teacher pay, advancing small businesses, eliminating state income tax, creating more jobs, making South Carolina a more competitive state and helping the homeless population. Whatever I do to help support the community will include education, he said. I want to make sure everyone has a quality education and the opportunity to have a good education. He said there is no limit to what we can do with a good education. To make sure people get a good education, Coe said we need to increase teacher pay so that we attract the best teachers. He said his sister is a teacher, and he has drawn a lot of inspiration from her. I want to do something about the homeless population, Coe said. Coe said he lived in New York for a number of years. Since he has returned, Coe said, the homeless population here is more than he remembered. He said the cost of housing and lack of job readiness have contributed to this problem. Why are you the better candidate? Coe: I believe my first time running for office I can offer something different and bring more people to the conversation. The opportunity presented itself. I want to inspire the next generation. Coe wants to bring more people to the conversation. He wants to inspire the next generation. Jordan: You know what you get with me I go to Columbia with a mindset as a small-business owner as someone who has run a small business here in Florence for more than 10 years. That I have commitment to doing everything I can to take the things Ive learned from my friends and family and neighbors here in Florence that the things Ive learned operating that small business to try and make life better for all of us by working on those issues that will help us to succeed. Jordan said his time in Columbia prepared him to be better. He said it takes at least a term to get accustomed to the process and the personalities. He said there are representatives from all other parts of the state, and they might come at an issue with another mindset. He said at time you are at odds and have to work through those issues. What experience do you bring to the job? Jordan: My work experience has prepared me to do the job. I have owned my own business for more than 10 years. He said his experience as a small-business owner help when it comes to dealing with how to make government more efficient. That comes from owning my own business, he said. He said his law degree helps him to understand the process and the logical order of things, but he said running a small business is more helpful to the job. Coe: I would like to give back to the state that has made me successful. Coe said he has worked in state government and corporate America, and he wants to be an asset to the House of Representatives. Where do you stand on: Taxes, education, teacher pay and economic development, public safety/crime, law enforcement? Abortion: Coe: Pro-choice. I believe a woman must have the right to do what she wants with her own body. Jordan: Pro-life. I believe I have co-sponsored every pro-life bill that has passed the House. Taxes: Coe: Would agree to do away with state tax. Everyone should pay their fair share. Jordan: Voted this past term to cut taxes. Every dollar was earned by someone. People know better than government what to do with their money. He said looking for ways to lower taxes is the mindset. Government needs to find a way to be more efficient and a better steward of peoples money. Education/teacher pay: Coe: Strong advocate of public education. Teacher pay raises would be a top priority for him. Jordan: For teacher pay increases. Need to invest more in education. He said if you dont have good education you are going to have problems having successful economic development and success in other areas. Economic development: Coe: With a background in banking he sees that we have a responsibility to reinvest. He said the atmosphere is right for growth, job creation and retention. Jordan: Economic development is one of the keys to having a good infrastructure and education. We can do a better job with economic development, he said. Crime/law enforcement: Coe: Strong proponent of public safety and law enforcement being able to respond to emergencies with the best training possible for them. It shouldnt be us against them, he said. Police officers have a hard job and have to make a decision at a moments notice. He said we need more and better training for them, especially with the mentally ill. Jordan: Crime is an issue that is on the uptick. He said there needs to be an increase in pay for law enforcement. We have to continuously try to support law enforcement. One way is to address the bond system and give magistrates more direction. He said we cant have folks who get arrestedg get out on bond, get arrested again and keep repeating the cycle. Manifestation au Tchad : Le Premier ministre annonce une cinquantaine de morts et pres de 300 blesses et accuse Ca a degenere ce jeudi 20 octobre au Tchad. De violentes manifestations ont rythme cette journee. Le motif ? Des citoyens reclament la fin de la transition. Depuis quelques jours en effet, a l'approche de leur date fatidique du 20 octobre, des insurges ont tenu de nombreuses et interminables reunions sans se mettre toujours d'accord sur une marche dite pacifique, en passant par un parti politique quasiment inconnu pour en faire la demande. Le Ministre de la Securite Publique l'a evidemment interdite et, malgre cela, ils se sont resolus a organiser leur projet diabolique et meurtrier , a fait savoir, le Premier ministre, dans sa declaration dont une copie nous est parvenue. Saleh Kebzabo recemment nomme de revenir sur les details des evenements. Tres tot la nuit derniere, ils se sont repartis en petits groupes disperses essentiellement dans le 19, 7e et 9e arrondissements, armes de gourdins, de machettes, de fleches et de lance-pierres. Leur technique eprouvee acquise par plus de 1500 jeunes lors d'une recente formation a la guerilla urbaine etait une mobilite constante et rapide apres chaque coup perpetre , narre-t-il, au cours de la conference de presse. Avant de poursuivre : Comme on le verra plus tard, certains disposaient d'armes a feu utilisees pour en faire porter la responsabilite aux forces de l'ordre. Les evenements se passeront bel et bien ainsi. Ces Insurges portent la lourde responsabilite d'une cinquantaine de morts et de pres de 300 blesses surtout a N'djamena, mais aussi a Moundou, Doba et Koumra. Des morts de trop pour assouvir la soif du pouvoir de Mr Succes Masra et Yaya Dillo . Manifestations anti-junte a Conakry : des blesses et arrestations selon les organisateurs Des heurts ont mis aux prises de jeunes Guineens et les forces de securite jeudi dans la banlieue de Conakry, faisant une vingtaine de blesses, a indique le collectif interdit qui a appele a manifester contre la junte au pouvoir. Le Front national pour la defense de la Constitution (FNDC) qui a appele a la mobilisation a dit dans un communique deplorer "une vingtaine de personnes blessees dont certaines par des tirs a balles reelles, (et) de nombreuses arrestations". Aucune confirmation de ces informations n'a ete obtenue d'autre source. Le FNDC, officiellement dissous par la junte, avait appele a manifester pacifiquement jeudi a Conakry, puis le 26 octobre dans tout le pays, pour reclamer un retour rapide des civils a la tete du pays, ainsi que la liberation des prisonniers detenus selon lui pour des raisons politiques. Le FNDC est la derniere organisation a mobiliser, mais a recu le soutien des principaux partis, reduits a l'inaction. La banlieue de Conakry et la route Le Prince qui la traverse sont traditionnellement le theatre de la contestation. Les medias locaux y ont rapporte des confrontations dans differents quartiers pendant la journee. Des dizaines de pick-ups de police et de gendarmerie ont ete stationnes le long de cet axe. Des jeunes ont cependant brule des pneus et renverse des poubelles sur la route, desertee de tout trafic. De nombreuses boutiques ont garde porte close en banlieue ou sur les grands marches de Madina et Bonfi. A Kagbelin et Kountia, autres zones de la banlieue, des manifestants se sont attaques a de rares vehicules conduits par des civils auxquels ils reprochaient, selon des temoins, de n'avoir pas suivi l'appel a la protestation. Le FNDC avait ete a l'origine de manifestations les 28 et 29 juillet, le 17 aout, et les 5 et 6 septembre. Cinq personnes avaient ete tuees en juillet, et deux en aout. Le colonel Mamady Doumboya qui a pris le pouvoir par la force en septembre 2021 s'est depuis fait investir president et s'est engage a remettre le pouvoir a des civils elus dans un delai de trois ans. L'opposition accuse la junte de confisquer le pouvoir et de faire taire toute voix discordante a coup d'arrestations de leaders politique ou de la societe civile, et d'enquetes judiciaires. Ces manifestations ont lieu alors qu'une mission ouest-africaine se trouve cette semaine en Guinee. "Inflation and the Eighth Amendment" | Main | Might the recent marijuana pardons by Prez Biden "make things worse for criminal legal reform"? October 20, 2022 Lots of coverage of ugly BOP mistreatment of cancer victim called out in court opinion I finally got the chance to read in full this federal district court order from earlier this month authored by US District Judge Roy Dalton Jr., assailing the Bureau of Prisons' treatment of Frederick Mervin Bardell, who died of colon cancer not long after it seems BOP denied he had colon cancer. The full opinion is worth a full read, and it begins and wraps up this way: Judges carry the heavy burden of depriving individuals of their liberty. But the Bureau of Prisons shoulders the constitutional burden of protecting the remaining rights of the incarcerated while in custody. The possibility that the Bureau of Prisons would be so indifferent to the human dignity of an inmate in its care as the facts here demonstrate, increases the burden on the sentencing judge exponentially. This, of course, pales in comparison to the suffering of the inmate and his family.... Though this contempt proceeding focused primarily on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Bardells release, the Court is also troubled by his care and treatment while confined, especially during the latter stages of his incarceration. The Court has serious reservations about the adequacy of his treatment and diagnosis. In light of these concerns, the Court recommends that the Attorney General (or Inspector General for the Department of Justice) undertake an investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Bardells confinement and treatment, the failure of the BOP to respond to his medical needs, and the BOPs misrepresentations in connection with the compassionate release briefing regarding the seriousness of his condition. I believe Reason was the first outlet to highlight this ruling in this article headlined, "Judge Holds Federal Bureau of Prisons in Contempt for Allowing Man To Waste Away From Untreated Cancer." Since then, I have been intrigued to see this case garnering lots more media attention: From the New York Times, "Judge Holds Prison Officials in Contempt for Treatment of Terminally Ill Inmate" From Reason, "Justice Department Inspector General Launches Investigation Into Inmate Death Following Judge's Contempt Order" From Salon, "A federal prisoner's gruesome and shameful mistreatment and why it was all too typical" From the Washington Post, "Judge blasts Bureau of Prisons treatment of dying prisoner" October 20, 2022 at 09:36 AM | Permalink Comments I saw an even worse situation at a BOP medium security inmate who had been diagnosed with testicular cancer. There is a high success rate if the cancerous testicle is surgically removed early, before the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. In this inmate's case, he was due to be released from prison in about 4 months, so the BOP did not want to spend the money to have his testicle removed before release. Before inmates can file lawsuits about such medical mistreatment in custody, they must first exhaust Administrative Remedies, which takes about 6 months. The BOP decided to fight this inmate's request to have his cancerous testicle removed on paper, thru the Administrative Remedies process, knowing that he would be released before he could ever complete the remedies process. Following his release, he would have to seek Medicaid coverage and then try to get his cancerous testicle surgically removed; but by then, the cancer may well have spread to other parts of his body, due to the delay in treatment. This intentional delay, until release from prison, seems to satisfy the "deliberate indifference" standard found in the U.S. Supreme Court's holding in Farmer v. Brennan, but the BOP did it anyway. Those of us who watch it happen found it truly disturbing, but there was nothing we could do to help the inmate. I do not know what happened to him following his release from prison. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Oct 20, 2022 9:55:53 AM It is important to note that Judge Dalton is explicitly retaining jurisdiction, so that he and the Special Master can continue their investigation and pursue additional sanctions. It seems clear to me that this case isn't over yet. I expect that we will eventually see criminal charges for criminal contempt of court and false statements and/ or perjury against BOP officials (including Warden Zook) and others, perhaps even including an attorney or 2. Also, the crime-fraud exception to the Attorney-Client Privilege ma be found to apply here, so the lawyers can be made to divulge what their clients said to them about this man's diagnosis and care. The BOP will receive a lot of press and public pressure to full investigate this case, hold individual employees accountable, and make institutional changes so that situations like this never happen again. See, the U.S. Supreme Court's holding in "Farmer v. Brennan" and the "deliberate indifference" standard. I also foresee the estate of the deceased inmate filing a civil rights lawsuit against the BOP and its employees. Many attorneys will volunteer to represent his parents, as Administrators of their deceased son's estate. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Oct 20, 2022 10:27:40 AM This is far from an isolated case. Neglect and refusal to act are commonplace. I cannot disclose my client's particular situation, but permanent blindness may occur because no one in BOP will take responsibility to act to get them treatment. Posted by: defendergirl | Oct 20, 2022 10:57:33 AM In 2001, I helped an inmate at FCI - Petersburg, Virginia deal with the fact that upon entry into the BOP, the prison physician discontinued his steroid pills to treat his Crohn's Disease. Almost immediately, his Crohn's symptoms returned, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding; and within 6 weeks he lost 60 pounds of body weight. Rather than pursue Administrative Remedies on this issue, we wrote a letter about the problem to his Sentencing Judge, who had seen him only 4 months earlier. She was alarmed, and send a fax of her concerns and his letter to the Director of the Bureau of Prisons! Within a few days of the District Judge's letter being faxed to D.C., the prison doctor put him back on his steroids and the symptoms disappeared. This proved to be much quicker and more effective than pursuing Administrative Remedies. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Oct 20, 2022 11:27:43 AM Truly horrific treatment by the BOP. As the Judge noted, "No individual who is incarcerated by order of the Court should be stripped of his right to simple human dignity. ...The treatment Mr. Bardell received in the last days of his life is inconsistent with the moral values of a civilized society and unworthy of the Department of Justice of the United States of America." The government lawyer who represented the BOP in the compassionate release litigation should be disbarred. Posted by: Michael Levine | Oct 21, 2022 2:53:54 PM Michael Levine: Before we consider disbarring the attorney who represented the BOP in the Compassionate Release litigation, we need to further investigate what the BOP personnel actually communicated to that attorney about the underlying facts and the opinions of BOP physicians. If the BOP personnel lied to or misled the attorney, then we should prosecute them, instead of seeking to disbar an attorney. I have learned thru hard experience that even good attorneys can be lied to and deceived by their own clients, to their detriment. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Oct 21, 2022 3:51:58 PM @Jim: Worth noting that the BOP officials arent the attorney's clients -- the BOP itself is. So BOP itself could also waive privilege and the officials couldn't do anything about it. Posted by: Jason | Oct 21, 2022 10:32:26 PM Jason: Also, the Judge might eventually determine that the "Crime- Fraud Exception" to the attorney-client privilege applies, vitiating the privilege. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Oct 23, 2022 7:36:48 AM Jim Gormley, of course you are correct. If anyone should know that, it's me!! Posted by: Michael Levine | Oct 24, 2022 7:32:36 PM Post a comment CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa Leah Schneider of Cedar Rapids was enjoying the last day and last concert of a three-day music festival on the Las Vegas Strip on Oct. 1, 2017, when she heard three pops of gunfire. It would be followed by 10 minutes of gunfire that would ring out high above the crowd, as a gunman fired more than 1,000 rounds from his 32nd-floor suite in the Mandalay Bay hotel. Fifty-eight people were killed and over 850 injured among a crowd of 22,000. As I ran from what I thought were many shooters in the crowd, I was convinced I was going to be shot in the back, Schneider said. Three years later, almost to the day, Schneider again found herself under siege by gunfire, this time inside the Cedar River Landing bar when a gunman fired at another individual inside. Since the Route 91 Harvest Festival, everywhere Schneider goes she said she is hyper-aware of her surroundings, making sure to locate and mark all exits and formulate an escape plan in her head. But I was blocked and all I could do was crouch down and pray that they would leave, she said. I watched the corner of the bar where I was crouched, waiting for shoes and a gun to point in my direction, convinced that this time I wouldnt be so lucky. Thankfully, the shooter did leave and Schneider was unharmed. But, the sounds of gunfire were deafening, and the mark from another near-miss deepened my trauma, but also deepened my resolve to try and help others not go through this, Schneider said. Schneider was joined Wednesday by fellow gun violence survivor Kayla Panos-Blackcloud as part of an event put on by Iowans for Responsible Gun Laws. Both survivors urged Iowans to vote no on a gun rights amendment on the ballot Nov. 8 they say, if passed, would negatively impact them and other victims of gun violence. Panos-Blackcloud was in a car at a smoke shop near Kirkwood Community College when a gunman shot her in the face on May 18, 2018, killed two of her friends and injured another. I heard one of my best friends scream my name while watching me get shot in the face, Panos-Blackcloud said. And them me watching him get shot, not knowing who would be taking their last breath. Iowa voters will be asked to add language to the Iowa Constitution that states it is a fundamental individual right to keep and bear arms, and that any restraint on that right is invalid unless it meets the stringent demands of strict scrutiny in court. "I say to you, how many others have to die before lawmakers take control of our safety and protect of children, victims in the community in Iowa? Panos-Blackcloud asked. Im asking Iowans to turn your ballot over and vote no on Public Measure #1. Gun-safety advocates say the "strict scrutiny" language goes beyond protections contained in the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment, and would make it nearly impossible to enforce new gun safety measures that many Iowans support like strengthened background checks or extreme risk protection orders, commonly known as "red flag" laws and could weaken or lead to courts to overturn existing gun laws. The Iowa Firearms Coalition, a gun-rights advocacy group, and supporters of the amendment contend its serves as an important firewall to protect Iowans fundamental right to keep and bear arms to protect themselves. These claims that more people will die because Iowa is codifying a fundamental right guaranteed by our creator to keep and bear arms, in my opinion, is ridiculous, coalition chair John McLaughlin told The Gazette. Were trying to keep freedom rather than taking freedom away from sober, sane, moral, prudent people. McLaughlin said hes taught firearms safety classes since 2007. I feel horrible when theres a victim of a crime with a firearm, and I dedicated my life to help keep people safe by training them on how to safely and properly use a firearm, he said. This is about freedom and folks being able to defend themselves on their worst day. We want this pushed to the highest level of judicial review. A fundamental right should not be something that can easily be taken away by a lower court judge. If the amendment is approved by voters, Iowa would join three states that have passed strict scrutiny gun rights amendments Alabama, Louisiana and Missouri which are among the five states with the highest rates of gun deaths in the United States, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Mike Wyrick with Amnesty International of Iowa, part of a coalition of nearly three dozen statewide organizations that make up Iowans for Responsible Gun Laws, called the amendment a wolf in sheeps clothing. Wyrick, a gun owner, said the coalition is not against gun ownership. We are simply against Public Measure #1, because it will tip the balance of justice away from public safety in a way that will make Iowa a more dangerous place to live, he said. China's C919 jet obtains milestone airworthiness permit 14:45, October 19, 2022 By Xu Peiyu ( People's Daily The successful development of the C919, China's first homegrown large jetliner, will become a new engine driving the further progress of the Chinese aviation and high-end manufacturing industries, said Qian Zhongyan, executive deputy director of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). China's C919 jet performs in an air show at an exhibition in east China's Jiangxi province, Oct. 31, 2020. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Guoqiang) Qian, also vice-chair of the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, made the remarks during an interview after the C919 obtained the type certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The type certificate was issued to the COMAC, the developer of the aircraft, on Sept. 29. The C919, which has been in development for 15 years, is a witness to the leapfrog progress of China's aviation industry. Airworthiness certification is a prerequisite step for civil aircraft entry into the market. The C919's obtaining of the type certificate was a milestone in China's development of large passenger jets. It indicates that the design of China's first self-developed trunk jetliner meets airworthiness standards and environmental requirements. The C919 has independent intellectual property rights. The body of the airplane was designed by the COMAC and jointly manufactured by Chinese enterprises. Over the past years, the design and manufacturing teams, following independent innovation and open cooperation, have developed a series of key technologies and forged their core competitiveness. They have nurtured a batch of professionals and driven the development of relevant industries, which forms a platform for China's independent development of large jets. China's C919 jet performs in an air show at an exhibition in east China's Jiangxi province, Oct. 31, 2020. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Guoqiang) The C919 took its maiden flight in May 2017. Over the past five years, test aircraft has completed a series of test flights during which its power, electrical and other systems were comprehensively tested. It also went through tests in various types of extreme situations including stall speed, high temperature, severe cold and freeze. It marked the first time for China to have joined all the development procedures of a large airplane, including designing, manufacturing, testing, test flights and airworthiness certification. It also indicated that China has become a country that is able to develop large airplanes in accordance with international airworthiness standards. The Chinese trunk jetliner is competitive in multiple aspects, which will help it stand firm in the aviation market. It is equipped with advanced systems and materials. According to the COMAC, the supercritical wings of the airplane are able to reduce the resistance by five percent. The advanced materials, such as aluminium-lithium alloy and other compound materials, make the airplane much lighter, safer, more economical and more environmentally friendly. Besides, the C919 is equipped with advanced airborne systems and high-performance engines. China's C919 large passenger aircraft lands at the Turpan Jiaohe Airport in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region for high-temperature test flights, June 28, 2020. (People's Daily Online/Liu Jian) The single-aisle plane has 158 to 192 seats and a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers. It comes with an efficient air filtration system and a passenger-centric lighting system. The safe and reliable C919 enjoys huge potential thanks to the vast Chinese market. It currently has 28 customers with orders totaling over 800 planes. The development of the large airplane is in line with China's economic and strategic development. After the C919 is put into commercial use, it will generate positive impacts on China's civil aviation. It will accelerate the integration of the aviation industry, amplify the correlation effect between the civil aviation industry and the aviation manufacturing industry, and further improve the quality of China's economic development, said Li Xiaojin, director of the research institute of aviation economy under Civil Aviation University of China. The successful development of the C919 will offer more choices for airlines and passengers, bring more opportunities to the suppliers and cooperation partners, and further activate the healthy competition and innovation of the global commercial aviation industry. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Flash The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) provides invaluable insight into China's future path, Moroccan Ambassador to China Aziz Mekouar told Xinhua. Mekouar described China's development over the past ten years as "unprecedented" and said he is inspired by the sheer speed, ingenuity and dedication, with which Chinese people have built modern China under the leadership of the CPC. He applauded the diverse age, ethnicity and gender of the delegates to the congress, saying the diversity shines a bright light on the entire spectrum of the society. Mekouar said he is deeply touched by China's great achievements in the past ten years. "I have been very fortunate to travel across the vast and beautiful Chinese land, and I have witnessed firsthand the vitality of its people, maturity of its infrastructure and openness of its cities, be they big or small, to the outside world," said Mekouar. It is indeed unprecedented for a developing nation to modernize and prosper on such a scale and at such a pace, he said. Mekouar said China does not stumble upon development by accident. China's accomplishments had gone through a long and arduous process, and required clear vision, thorough planning and precise implementation. The Chinese people have discovered a formula that best suits their country's characteristics, capabilities and goals. And yet it is one that other countries may wish to learn from and adapt to their realities and conditions, said Mekouar. Speaking about the report to the ongoing congress, Mekouar said the report revealed, eloquently and with fortitude, a glimpse into the direction that the CPC wants to lead in, as well as priorities it has set for the building of a prosperous Chinese society. Morocco and China have enjoyed friendly relations, which are deeply anchored in mutual trust and respect, said Mekouar, adding that Morocco has remained steadfast in constantly reinvigorating cooperation with China on either a bilateral basis or through regional and multilateral fora. LOS ANGELES Dr. Katerina Kurteeva said she had never seen anything like it before. Kurteeva, an ophthalmologist with California Eye Associates in Newport Beach, Calif., said a patient came into her office complaining of eye pain and blurred vision. She ran through the typical list of diagnoses: a scratched cornea, some type of infection or even lodged debris. What she found were 23 contact lenses lodged inside the woman's right eye. "In nearly 20 years of practice, I had never seen anything like it," Kurteeva said in an essay for Insider. Kurteeva used a Q-tip to gently peel the lenses apart, "like you would deal a stack of cards," she said in the story. One by one, a chain of contact lenses began pouring out of the patient's eye. There were so many lenses removed that at one point, the patient asked Kurteeva if she was still keeping count of them, she said. A photo and video of the removal, recorded by Kurteeva's assistant, was posted on the California Eye Associates Instagram page and has since gone viral, garnering more than 3 million views. "It almost looked like a second pupil. I gently started using a Q-tip to peel the lenses apart one by one, like you would deal a deck of cards," Kurteeva said in the story. "They were coming out in a chain, drooping down her lid. There were a lot of contact lenses I thought this could be my Guinness Book of World Record moment." While she's unsure how exactly her patient forgot to remove nearly a month's worth of contact lenses from her eye, one possible culprit is that the patient may have become desensitized to the feeling of contacts. This is caused by wearing them over so many years and is typical for frequent contact lens wearers, Kurteeva said. Kurteeva said the woman was "very fortunate" not to have caused severe damage to her eye or, worse, suffer permanent vision loss. "I feel really lucky to have captured this on video to remind people to remove their contact lenses every single night," Kurteeva said in the story. "This was a happy ending, but it could have gone sour really quickly." MARCUS, Iowa -- A Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn and Remsen-Union school bus driver was taken to the hospital with injuries Thursday morning, after a crash involving a semi. Three students were also checked for minor injuries, according to a minimal crash report from the Iowa State Patrol. The bus driver, Leslie Pedersen, 62, of Cleghorn, Iowa, was taken by ambulance to Cherokee Regional Medical Center. Pedersen's injuries were also described as being minor. The crash happened at 7:34 a.m. at 470th Street and F Avenue, east of Marcus. A Mack semi, driven by 61-year-old James Nieuwenhuis, of Hospers, Iowa, was traveling northbound on F Avenue at the time of the crash. Nieuwenhuis failed to stop at the stop sign and entered the intersection in front of the school bus, which was westbound on 470th Street, according to the report. The bus struck the right side of the trailer and, then, both vehicles partially entered the ditch northwest of the intersection. MOVILLE, Iowa As it relates to her legal battle against a carbon dioxide pipeline developer, you could call Vicki Hulse a number of things. Concerned landowner. Property rights defender. Underdog. Just don't call her a hero, a title she emphatically rejects. Her fight against Navigator Heartland Greenway isn't about her, and she's not seeking publicity, she said. Rather, it's about doing what she believes to be right. If you want to call her something, call her an example to landowners whose property is along the route of Navigator's proposed CO2 pipeline. She wants others to know they're not powerless. "I just want to be an example that you can stand up for yourself," Hulse said. "You can stand up and say no, this is my land." In June, when Navigator's agents, accompanied by the sheriff and a couple deputies, sought entry onto a piece of land that's been in her husband Bill's family for three generations, Hulse told them no. Navigator sued her and Bill two months later. "I think that's why they chose me," Hulse said. "I was standing up to them and they didn't like that. They're going to make an example of us." Round 1 in the case went to the Hulses when, on Oct. 7, District Judge Roger Sailer denied Navigator's request for an injunction to allow them on the land to complete surveys. Next up is a trial, as yet unscheduled, on the Hulses' counterclaim that Iowa laws giving pipeline companies the right of entry to private land to survey it are unconstitutional. For Hulse, it's a simple fight. She doesn't think companies like Navigator should be able to use eminent domain to gain access to land for pipelines when landowners don't want them. After receiving notice in November that their land was in the proposed route, Hulse researched the $3 billion pipeline, which would carry liquid CO2 through five states before pumping it underground in Illinois. She didn't like what she learned, and liked it even less after attending an informational meeting in Sioux City with neighbors whose land also was in the pipeline's path. "We all had the same idea," Hulse said. "We didn't want this." At the meeting's conclusion, Hulse said, a Navigator representative told her she needed to sign a piece of paper before she could see a map showing the pipeline's route across the 151-acre piece of ground. Hulse refused, and didn't learn of the proposed route until that June day when she met the agent who brought surveyors to the land north of Moville near the Woodbury/Plymouth county line. Though Hulse denied them entry, the agent allowed her to look on his laptop computer at the map, which showed the pipeline route going south to north through the property, 110 acres of it in the Conservation Reserve Program, the rest leased for farming. It's land Bill's grandfather Clarence Hulse bought and farmed, then passed it down to Paul Hulse, who raised Bill and his six siblings on it. Bill farmed it, too, until about six years ago, when Parkinson's Disease made his work too difficult. Exposed to Agent Orange while fighting in Vietnam in the early 1970s, Bill also has dementia and now lives in the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Knowing it would only upset him, Vicki hasn't told her husband of 44 years about the pipeline and the lawsuit. Without Bill by her side, Vicki sometimes feels she's fighting alone, but she's not. She's in contact with other landowners who won't let Navigator's surveyors on their land. Navigator sued Hulse and three others, the company's attorney calling their actions delay tactics. "It's not delaying tactics. It's helping the people of Iowa to see what's going on," Hulse said. "As it drags on, people are more aware." She denied Navigator's claims that the company mailed her notices requesting permission to survey her land. It was revealed during a court hearing that surveyors without her knowledge or permission entered the property on at least one occasion to perform one of their studies. Those are among the reasons Hulse is fighting. "I'm not sitting back, just cowering to them and letting them walk over me. I'm doing something," she said. "I've had some sleepless nights. It hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it." It paid off with the early legal victory, a win Hulse says wasn't just for her, but for all landowners who have said no to Navigator and developers of a second CO2 pipeline being proposed in the area. "Maybe landowners can see that there is hope, that there is a choice that they can say no to eminent domain. That they can say no to surveyors. That you don't have to roll over." Hulse continues to stand up for her rights, and those of other landowners. If she has any doubts, you won't hear them in her voice. You'll hear only strong words showing a willingness to go as far as needed to protect what's hers. Words some might say sound heroic. STORM LAKE, Iowa A Storm Lake man was arrested Monday and charged with choking and hitting a 7-year-old child. Storm Lake police officers were called to Storm Lake Middle School on Sept. 19 for a report of suspected child abuse, which launched an investigation by police, the Iowa Department of Human Services and the MercyOne Child Advocacy Center. In a news release from the Storm Lake Police Department, police said the investigation determined that in the summer of 2020, a suspect identified as Eh Lwe, 24, of Storm Lake, choked and hit the child on the head with a tablet while the child was in his care. The child had minor injuries. Police obtained an arrest warrant and took Lwe into custody at a home in the 900 block of West Sixth Street. He was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail on a charge of child endangerment causing bodily injury, a Class D felony. Bond was set at $5,000. SIOUX CITY The Iowa Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld the murder conviction of a man who stabbed his adoptive mother in a Sioux City apartment building. A three-judge panel denied Paul Belk's claims that District Judge Jeffrey Neary erroneously rejected his insanity defense and that there was not enough evidence presented at trial to show he had malice aforethought before the stabbing. Belk, 33, of Beaufort, South Carolina, stabbed Lisa Belk 16 times with two knives and a pair of scissors inside his sister's apartment at 3811 Peters Ave. Belk waived his right to a jury trial, and Neary found him guilty of second-degree murder and possession of marijuana. During the April 2021 trial, Belk's attorneys called as a witness a psychiatrist who testified that on the day he killed his mother, Belk had schizophrenia and was paranoid, believing his sister's apartment was bugged, people were listening to his phone calls and two people in an alley planned to kill him. Belk believed his mother was part of a plan to hurt him, and he had armed himself with a knife for protection. A forensic psychologist testified for the prosecution that Belk was overexaggerating his symptoms and likely faking some of them. If he was schizophrenic, Belk was able to distinguish right from wrong, the psychologist said. The appeals court said Belk's threats to others prior to the attack, sending children out of the room and collecting everyone's phones so they couldn't call for help supported Neary's finding that Belk knew right from wrong at the time of the stabbing and was not insane. "The district court's finding that Belk was not legally insane at the time of the stabbing was supported by substantial evidence," Judge Paul Ahlers wrote in the appeals court's decision. Evidence also provided ample proof that Belk acted with malice aforethought, the court ruled. Belk's sisters testified at trial that after the family ate dinner, Belk became agitated, pacing and piling items in the middle of the living room floor before going to the kitchen to get a knife. After his sister told him to leave, Belk brandished the knife, stabbed Lisa Belk and stabbed his sister in the arm as she tried to intervene. Lisa Belk, 55, was pronounced dead at a hospital. The appeals court did not consider Belk's claim of ineffective counsel because Iowa law doesn't allow the court to decide that issue on direct appeal. Belk was sentenced in Woodbury County District Court in November to 50 years in prison and must serve at least 35 years before he's eligible for parole. SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa The race for Iowa House District 10 is something of a rarity. It's one of only six races, among more than 150 in the entire state, where a no-party independent is officially listed on the ballot. In the district, which includes Spirit Lake, Milford, Emmetsburg and West Bend, four-term Republican incumbent Rep. John Wills is running against farmer and fellow Spirit Lake resident Dan Wahl. John Wills (copy) Iowa State House Rep. John Wills (R-Spirit Lake) is running in Iowa House District 10 for a fifth term. Wills, 56, works outside of the legislature as a "clean water alliance coordinator" in Dickinson County. He said he's vying for a fifth term, in part, to further advance past achievements in the Iowa House of Representatives. "I will tell you that I dont think were done with taxes yet," Wills said after touting his involvement in passage of the $1.9 billion state income tax cut in the 2022 legislative session. He then emphasized the need for Iowa to continue to address workforce issues. "That has all kinds of ramifications, from childcare, to school, to health care, to mental health," Wills said. "The whole gamut of things really revolves around the workforce. So we need to really have a robust plan for developing our workforce and keeping people here and bringing more people to the state." Dan Wahl Dan Wahl, a farmer from Spirit Lake, is running as a no-party independent in the Iowa House District 10 race against Rep. John Wills. Wahl, 55, said his proudest accomplishment as a farmer on small family farm with a wife and two children is surviving the industry through all of its ups and downs. "I think that has really made me who I am today as far as weathering the storm," Wahl said. According to him, Wahl didn't intend to throw his hat into the electoral ring until he heard about plans to run a portion of the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon-capture pipeline through his land. Wahl said he and a group of fellow concerned citizens raised the issue at a political forum and didn't like what they heard. Now he's seeking office and said he has a lawsuit against him from Summit. "I'm the face of what it looks like to stand up to big corporate money," Wahl said. If elected, he said the stopping construction of the pipeline would be the issue. Dividing lines Wahl said one of the major things that differentiates him from Wills is support for the public school system. "I think it needs to be supported and my opponent just once just pushes the private school vouchers left and right. I don't see where he thinks our schools are going so wrong and need to be pushed into a private voucher system. I think my tax money should stay with my public schools," Wahl said. "It just seems like you know, he's, he's doing whatever the agenda his party is telling him to do and not listening to the people." Wahl then added he has "no interest in being the politician" while Wills has served as Speaker Pro Tempore in the Iowa House. "I feel like he is living with the elites and I'm down on the common ground with the people in our community," he said. Wills believes those lawmaking bona fides are crucial to getting things done that will help folks in House District 10. "Because I have those groups of people that I work with, I can really say that I can get things accomplished that a lot of people don't," Wills said. Wills then heralded his defense of the Bills of Rights, particularly the First, Second and Fifth Amendments. "I believe the Constitution is what it says. So I guess people can take me at face value and know what they're getting." MAPLETON, Iowa -- Daryl Ingram first thought he won $100 in Monday's Powerball drawing, a total that was exciting enough. After having the ticket scanned at the convenience store where he'd bought the ticket, he realized he'd misread one of the winning numbers and had actually won $1 million. "I was pumped up a little bit," Ingram said in a news release from the Iowa Lottery. Ingram picked up his prize Thursday at Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive. He told officials there that when he woke up Tuesday, something told him he needed to check the ticket, which he bought with some of the $11 he won in Saturday's Powerball drawing. He bought the easy-pick play ticket at KCK's Food and Fuel, 503 Iowa Highway 175, in Danbury. Ingram's ticket matched the first five numbers in Monday's drawing: 19-30-36-46-60, but not the Powerball 25. Had he matched all six numbers, Ingram would have won the $485 million jackpot. Still, a $1 million prize is nothing to be disappointed about. His first call was to his girlfriend, Joan Ford. She told lottery officials she didn't believe him at first. "I thought he was just messing with me," she said, "because he does that kind of stuff." A retired trucker who still works in farming, Ingram, 62, said he will invest some of his winnings and pay off his house. He and Ford, who enjoy traveling and take several trips a year, will likely take an additional trip. A ticket sold in Kentucky won a $2 million prize and one in Wisconsin also won $1 million in the same drawing as Ingram. The jackpot has grown to an estimated $550 million for Saturday's drawing. COVID-19 drove a dramatic increase in the number of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth complications in the U.S. last year, a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims. The U.S. Department of Energy is projecting sharp price increases for home heating compared to last winter. Russian troops are fighting to regain lost ground in areas of Ukraine that President Vladimir Putin has illegally annexed. Moscow also is trying to pound the invaded country into submission with more missile and drone attacks on critical infrastructure. Oklahoma is preparing to execute Benjamin Cole, 57, for killing his 9-month-old daughter in 2002. Former President Donald Trump answered questions under oath in a defamation lawsuit filed by a writer who says he raped her in the mid-1990s. The deposition Wednesday provided lawyers for E. Jean Carroll a chance to interrogate the Republican ex-president about Carroll's assault allegations, as well as statements he made in 2019 when she first told her story publicly. A swift-footed lizard that lived millions of years ago in what's now Massachusetts has been named the states official dinosaur. A federal judge says Trump signed legal documents after the 2020 election that included voter fraud claims he knew were inaccurate. U.S. District Court Judge David Carter wrote in an 18-page opinion issued Wednesday that emails between Trump and attorney John Eastman show efforts to submit false claims in federal court for the purpose of delaying the counting of the electoral vote on Jan. 6, 2021. In sports, the Astros struck first in the ALCS while the Padres got even in the NLCS, Ben Simmons struggled in his Nets debut, the Cavaliers wasted a good performance from their top offseason pickup and the Jets knocked off the defending Stanley Cup champs. President Joe Biden is telling voters that he hasnt given up on lowering gasoline prices. Biden says he has ordered the release of 15 million barrels from the U.S. strategic reserve and will consider additional withdrawals this winter. Its a message with clear political implications as the presidents approval rating has moved in the opposite direction from changes in gasoline prices. The Biden administration on Wednesday awarded $2.8 billion in grants to build and expand domestic manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles in 12 states. The announcement comes as the administration seeks to boost production and sales of electric vehicles as a key part of President Joe Bidens strategy to slow climate change and build up U.S. manufacturing. Russian President Vladimir Putin doubled down Wednesday on his faltering invasion of Ukraine with a declaration of martial law in four illegally annexed regions and preparations within Russia for draconian new restrictions and crackdowns. North Korea has fired about 100 more artillery shells toward the sea in response to South Korean live-firing drills at border areas as the rivals accuse each other of dialing up tensions with weapons tests. British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has become the second senior minister in a week to leave embattled Prime Minister Liz Truss government. Her departure came hours after Truss appeared in Parliament to describe herself as a fighter and not a quitter. The South Carolina Supreme Court will hear a case that could determine the scope of abortion restrictions in the state. Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi has returned to Tehran after competing in South Korea without wearing a headscarf. Her move was seized upon by demonstrators as the Islamic Republic has faced weeks of protests over its mandatory hijab. The International Energy Agency said Wednesday that it expects carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels to rise again this year, but by much less than in 2021 due to the growth in renewable power and electric cars. Florida has seen an increase in cases of flesh-eating bacteria this year driven largely by a surge in the county hit hardest by Hurricane Ian. The state Department of Health reports that as of Friday there have been 65 cases of vibrio vulnificus infections and 11 deaths in Florida this year. Black-white disparities exist in fertility medicine and are reflected in life-and-death outcomes for babies. That's according to a large study of U.S. births published Wednesday in the journal Pediatrics. A 75-year-old New York City man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 1976 killing of a World War I veteran. Martin Motta pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the death of 81-year-old George Seitz. Episode 60: After years of steady declines, crime rates have been trending upward over the past few years. And as the midterms approach, this topic is getting lots of attention, with many Republicans focusing on public safety as a prime appeal to voters. Hosts Rick Kyte and Scott Rada discuss several high-tech tactics designed to reduce crime and how to balance privacy concerns with public safety. Links to stories discussed during the podcast: The governor of New York says the installation of two cameras on each New York City subway car is supposed to giver commuters the sense that Big Brother is watching over them and to offer people peace of mind. Stoplight cameras are not new, but some states are looking to expand them, while others are looking to ban them. Congress is considering a bill limiting the use of facial-recognition to apprehend criminals. Cities across Texas are deploying drones to fight crime. In an article titled The best way to end mass incarceration is to catch more criminals, Matt Yglesias says mandatory collection of DNA for those who have been convicted of a felony is a great deterrent. 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, Wisconsin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. As of early this month, five years have passed since a New York Times story about producer Harvey Weinsteins systematic sexual abuse of actresses and other young women looking for work in the film industry ignited the #MeToo movement (though the phrase itself, as a rallying cry for victims of workplace harassment, was originated more than 10 years earlier by the activist Tarana Burke). For the first few years that followed, revelations of sexual misconduct on the part of powerful men were so thick on the ground that it was hard to get enough distance to take in the broader picture. Actors, directors, politicians, musicians, TV talk show hosts, celebrity chefs: Men at the top of seemingly every field were dropping like fliesor being temporarily felled and reappearing, like maddeningly unkillable fliesevery time you woke up and clicked on the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All that time, while our cultural understanding of gender relations, systemic power structures, and the meaning of terms like consent and forgiveness was crumbling and being rebuilt on a daily basis, artists were taking in the same daily onslaught of upsetting information and processing it into new forms. The social change wrought by the ongoing #MeToo movement may not be as universal or far-reaching as those who support it might wish, but as attested by three new movies coming out this fall, it is profound. We now live in a world transformed by the simple act of women talking, which could be the title of any one of these thoughtful, artful, often wrenching films. Sign up for the Slate Culture Newsletter The best of movies, TV, books, music, and more, delivered to your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. That is indeed the title of the fourth feature from the actor-turned-writer-director Sarah Polley, an adaptation of the 2018 novel by her fellow Canadian Miriam Toews. Polleys directing career thus far has been thrillingly unpredictable. She established herself as a filmmaking prodigy of sorts by making perhaps her most perfect film to date, the Alzheimers-themed drama Away From Her, straight out the gate as a 27-year-old. Next came Take This Waltz, a low-key, impeccably acted romantic drama about lovelorn twentysomethings in Toronto. And soon after, in a move that was at once a swerve and a level-up, came Stories We Tell, an autobiographical documentary thats as formally daring as it is emotionally intense. After 10 years out of the spotlight (spent in part raising her three children), Polley has returned with a movie from a whole new genre, or from a subgenre all its own: a prison-break thriller with almost no action, a courtroom procedural with no lawyers, judge, or defendant in sight. What if Twelve Angry Men, but it was eight angry women sitting on bales in a hayloft? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Mennonite enclave where Women Talking is set, such a gathering of women without male company (with an exception well get to in a moment) is in itself suspect. The eight women holed up in that loft, ranging in age from their midteens to their 70s, are able to meet only because the men of their community have traveled to the city. They intend to post bail for a group of young men accused of a horrific collective crime: the mass rape of women and children from the colony, going back several years, aided by the use of an animal tranquilizer as a kind of low-tech Rohypnol. These nightmarish acts actually did take place in an isolated religious community in Bolivia between 2005 and 2009. It was reading about that case and recalling her own Mennonite childhood that moved Toews to write the novel. Advertisement What if Twelve Angry Men, but it was eight angry women sitting on bales in a hayloft? In Polleys cinematic retelling, the viewers knowledge of the rapes comes almost exclusively through the womens later stories (though there are brief but grueling flashbacks to the aftermath: bruised thighs, bloodied nightgowns). But the reason these women have arranged to meet in the hayloft is not to revisit their trauma, something some of them in fact prefer to push away. Its to decide what to do next. In an early scene, the colonys women take a vote to determine which of three paths to take: doing nothing (an approach endorsed by the rigidly pious elder known as Scarface Janz, played by a cast-against-type Frances McDormand), fighting back (the preferred strategy of Claire Foys furious Salome, the mother of a violated 4-year-old girl), or fleeing the colony, children in tow, to create a safer and freer life elsewhere. The results of the vote are inconclusive, but the eight women least willing to accept a default do nothing response decide to meet to debate their options. There to record the minutes is the settlements schoolteacher August Epp (Ben Whishaw), who, since the education of girls is discouraged, is the only literate resident on the womens side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women Talkings most unusual and artistically effective feature is its commitment to, and practical enactment of, the idea that no human community can function without a common understanding that the truth, first, exists, second, matters, and third, can be arrived at via an agreed-upon process of shared public testimony. Its an inquiry into the proper political and personal response to a too-long-concealed moral and legal crisis, and into the crucial role democracy must play in envisioning any future better than the unacceptably cruel status quo. This movie is an act of female imagination, announces a title card at its beginning, a direct quote from the introduction to Toews novel. That declaration serves as both a disclaimerbased on real events or no, this is a story that will unfold in a deliberately artificial, allegorical spaceand a promise. Women Talking sets itself up from the start as a sort of utopian manifesto in progress, however dystopian (and sadly nonfictional) the circumstances of its origin may be. Advertisement This particular woman could go on talking for some time about Women Talking: its radiant cast, a true ensemble of actors who all understand and appreciate the unconventional nature of the movie theyre in, or the scripts bold use of not-quite-naturalistic dialogue, with flights of stylized speech that turn the womens urgent yet unhurried colloquy into a parable for any number of modern debates about democracy, accountability, and faith. I even have a lot to say about the elements of the film I didnt love, like the colors so desaturated that they seem strained through a milky Instagram filter, or the occasional Terrence Malickesque tracking shots through rural landscapes under the sound of a childs lyrical voice-over. The straightforward dialogue-driven scenes in the hayloft, paired with those economical but gut-wrenching flashbacks, have a brisk plainness that makes further aesthetic flourishes seem superfluous and somehow distracting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, though, I want to focus on Women Talking as a potential answer to the question of how to imagine a cinematic response to the hard questions posed in the past few years by #MeToo. As with the other two films under discussion here, Maria Schraders She Said and Todd Fields Tar, Polleys retelling of the womens individual stories of assault proceeds by means of elision and indirectness. Not only is no act of violence ever directly witnessed by the camera, but, except for one man seen from behind as he flees the scene, we never even get a look at the perpetrators. The only male characters on screen are Whishaws shy schoolteacher, the very definition of an ally, and August Winters Melvin, a selectively mute trans teenager with his own history of abuse at the hands of the colonys men. Women Talking takes pains not to reexploit its victimized characters by making them (and us) relive the worst moments of their lives. Polleys choice to focus instead on the women as active agents in the construction of their own future is a gesture of respect toward both characters and audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She Said, based on the nonfiction book of that title by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, the New York Times reporters who broke the Weinstein story in 2017, is equally if not more discreet when it comes to showing the trauma of the multiple Weinstein victims whom the two journalists patiently but doggedly pursued over the course of many months. All we see of the producers now-infamous history of manipulation, workplace harassment, and outright sexual assault are the now-empty spaces where these violent events took placea swanky hotel hallway, a tangle of womens clothes at the foot of a bed. Insofar as it steers clear of luridly reenacting the assaults, She Saids restraint is admirable. But what drama we do see on screenunlike the surprisingly suspenseful debates of the garrulous Mennonites in Women Talkingis a little too restrained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No journalism drama based on a true story is going to be as action-packed as a Jason Bourne thriller, and She Saids script, written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, is to be commended for its brisk pace and narrative clarity. With a minimum of exposition, she establishes the life circumstances of each reporter (Twohey is the first-time mother of a newborn, struggling to get back to work after a bout of postpartum depression, while Kantor is a worn-out mother of two girls, married to a fellow Times journalist) and lets us know a bit about each of the long-silenced victims they speak to. Some are A-list celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd (the only actress who consented to speak on the record for that first Weinstein story, and who appears here in a few brief but crucial scenes to play herself). Others are former would-be film professionals who, after humiliating experiences working with Weinstein, dropped out of the profession entirely (two such women are played, in too-small parts, by the fierce Samantha Morton and the luminous Jennifer Ehle). Advertisement Advertisement There is no shortage of emotional moments in She Saidin fact, its hard to get through several scenes without cryingbut as a complete narrative, the movie lacks the forward momentum that made the book such a page-turner. We know, after all, that the intrepid reporters (under the guidance of Patricia Clarkson and Andre Braugher as editor Rebecca Corbett and executive editor Dean Baquet) will eventually land their prey by publishing a damning and irreproachably sourced expose, and that, as of this writing, Harvey Weinstein is serving a 23-year prison sentence. Given the films choice never to show Weinstein directlywe only hear his voice on speakerphone and see him once from behindthe lead characters never get the chance to grapple openly with the societal evil theyre working so hard to expose. Absent the possibility of that confrontation, a lot of the action takes place over the phone or in close-ups of laptop screens. A great deal of screen time is spent watching the two reporters drive from one place to another. One of them will say something like Im gonna have to go to California to report that out, which is followed by a cut to a car on a highway speeding past palm trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one late scene, a furious Weinstein storms unannounced into the newsroom with his legal team, demanding to talk to the reporters. Twohey dismisses Baquets offer to run interference for them with a taut Ive got this. And in the conversation that follows, which we see only noiselessly, from afar, through the glass of a conference room, she does indeed seem to be coolly refuting the producers blustering complaints. But by tiptoeing around its depiction of the figure at its center, She Said deprives its heroines of the chance to demonstrate not only their sensitivity to the needs of victims, but their equally impressive sangfroid in the face of a formidable adversary. Where the absence of the perpetrators in Women Talking opens up space for the womens own dialogues and debates to take center stage, Weinsteins absence from She Said is more ambivalent: Is the effect to decenter patriarchal privilege or to steer tastefully around it? On the page, She Said was a suspenseful journalism procedural in which the precise wording of an email could make the difference between persuading an understandably wary source to open up and scaring her away. On screen, despite strong performances across the board, the story lacks the gritty push-and-pull that gave investigative journalism movies like Spotlight or All the Presidents Men their edge. In too many scenes, its a film about two nice women asking other nice women questions about a not-at-all-nice, but also conveniently distant, man. Advertisement Advertisement Ive already discussed Tar at length in my (highly laudatory) review of it; Ill limit myself here to examining the way that it, too, strategically deploys ellipsis and absence in its portrait of a powerful sexual predator. In Tars case, though, its the victim who is absent: Krista Taylor, the young woman who kills herself after what were led to believe was an inappropriate affair with world-famous composer and conductor Lydia Tar (Cate Blanchett). Kristas face is glimpsed only in one dream sequence, a swirl of red hair obscuring her features. Otherwise, we have access to her only indirectly: for example, through the subject lines of the pleading emails she addresses to Tar and her assistanta correspondence Tar attempts to delete upon learning of Kristas death. Advertisement Advertisement The argument could be made that leaving Krista out of the movie as a speaking subject diminishes her power and augments that of her exploiter. But that very tacticlimiting the films perspective to what its narcissistic protagonist can allow herself to seeis a deliberate choice, and a big part of what gives the movie its wickedly seductive power. For all of the rumors that swirl around Tar, both online and in the plush confines of the classical music world, the viewer never directly witnesses her in the act of violating a less powerful colleague (with the exception of one physically violent moment that has nothing to do with sex). One effect of this omission is that it forces us to remain inside Tars point of view despite our desire to stand outside the movie judging her. It isnt comfortable to occupy the position of an exploitive, self-serving monster, even if that monster is also a charismatic genius. We dont see Tars victims face to face, as full human beings with a right to tell their stories, because Tar herself doesnta fact that makes her ultimate fate, abandoned by the music establishment she once lorded over with a wave of her omnipotent baton, all the lonelier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the totality of its artistry, Tar may be my personal favorite of this seasons three big #MeToo movies. But in giving over the stage, or the hayloft, to the testimony of those most damaged by male violence, Women Talking does something unique and indispensable. By giving its characters space not only to speak about what happened to them but to collectively imagine an alternative, less violent way of living, it performs before our eyes the kind of restorative community justice that a movie like She Said, for all its commendable intentions, only begins to set the scene for. It was the simple but radical act of listening to women that broke the Weinstein story, and that has made so many other painful but necessary conversations possible since. She Said and Tar, in very different ways, explore the origin and the aftermath of those tough conversations. Women Talking invites us to pull up a hay bale and join in. He knew thered be trouble when he heard Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene utter his name. He may pick you up for a ride, Greene intoned in a live video in June. Then hell dress in womens clothing and read stories to your kids and sell sex toys to college students. Benjamin Gentrywho goes by Courtney Chanel Stratton as a drag queen and works at the Rome, Georgia, adult store the Love Librarywas scheduled to perform at Romes inaugural pride festival nine days later, reading books to children. Greene represents Georgias 14th district, which includes Rome. Advertisement Greene showed a picture of Stratton on screen, the queens curly blonde hair framing sumptuous eyelashes and a glittering necklace. Off camera, Greenes producer intoned, His real name is Benjamin Gentry, and the bad news is that hes a ride-share driver in Rome, Georgia. She flashed a picture of Gentrys Facebook profile on screen and suggested people send him a friend request. That same day, Greene, who is poised to win another term in Congress in next month, tweeted to her nearly 1 million followers, Protecting your children from drag queen child predators is not a hate crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gentry learned what was happening quickly. The death threats began right away. If I catch any one of these sick perverts around my grandkids, they will die, a typical user wrote on Gab, the far-right social network. Gentry knew Greenes claims about predatory drag queens were absurd. But it was less clear what to do about them. Advertisement Advertisement Its not every day that you get targeted by a political figure, so its like, how do I handle this? he told me. It sent me into a really deep depression, and I just didnt want to do anything. Id just go to work and stay at home because Im like, What if I go out and someone attacks me? Gentry quit driving for Uber. He wouldnt even go grocery shopping. But he had spent months planning pride with the other founding members of Romes committee, and he and the others were faced with a conundrum: Should they cancel the citys first-ever prideor proceed and find out what happens when Marjorie Taylor Greene tells people youre a predator going after their children? Advertisement Gentry is 22 and has spent his whole life in Rome. Growing up a low-income gay kid there could sometimes be hell, he said. In elementary school he had a teacher, Mrs. Moss, who stood up for him. But when he got to middle and high school, no adults did. At his public high school, when he got called to the assistant principals office after fighting back against a bully, the principal told him, You knew what you were choosing when you chose this lifestyle, so you cant get upset and react the way you do. Advertisement Gentry started doing drag at 18. He drove to the nearest big city, Atlanta, and competed at talent nights. I was a busted fucking mess my first two years, he said, when he was flitting between drag personas in Atlanta and Chattanooga. Now he has settled on a persona that is glam camp, a regular in Rome as part of the drag group Sizzling Sisters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, Gentry was part of an informal pride celebration at a Rome bar spearheaded by Justin Deal, another young man from the Rome area. About 150 people came. The next year, another pride event saw 350 people show up. By 2021, Deal, Gentry, the leader of PFLAG Rome, and others believed that Rome was ready for its first real pride. They formed a pride board and spent months coordinating a three-day event, which included a march, a church service, and a drag queen storytime. Twenty-five local businesses agreed to sponsor it. The city commission officially declared June Romes pride month. Then came Greenes live stream. Gentry told the others about the threats. Some supporters questioned whether it was a good idea to go forward. Someone claiming to be a Rome citizen wrote to them, Go back to Portland! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fliers announcing an anti-pride rally circulated with a red slash mark through Gentrys face. One day while Gentry was working at the sex shop, he picked up the phone and the caller said, I dont have a question about a product. But is it true that yall are sponsoring this deplorable event thats happening, the drag queen storytime? Gentry responded, Actually, youre in luck. This is the host of that. How may I help you? How can you do such a horrible, disgusting, despicable thing, Gentry recalled her saying. Im like, does this bitch think shes Cher in The Witches of Eastwick? The call continued. Finally, I was like, This line is being recorded right now, he said, and she hung up. Fliers announcing an anti-pride rally circulated with a red slash mark through Gentrys face. A flag outside the sex shop was slashed and burned. Advertisement Gentry decided it wasnt safe for him to perform at pride. He told the board. They debated whether to cancel drag queen story hour altogether. Then one board member, Camilla Carter, 41, stepped in. Carter insisted that the story hour go on. Maybe we need a more seasoned queen to do drag queen story time, she said, referring to herself. Because honestly, everything that people have been saying to them Ive heard from family, so its just like water off a ducks back. Advertisement Advertisement Like Gentry, Carter is from Rome. She got married to a woman in her early 20s and had two kids. When Carter got a divorce and came out as gay in her late 20s, her mother didnt talk with her for years. (Carter asked to use only her drag name in this article for her familys privacy.) Advertisement The rest of the board welcomed Carters offer, and they came up with a plan: reschedule the story hour and hold it at another location. They didnt alert the public until the last minute. Safety was the top priority, Deal said, but we knew it was important to not back down to that fear and misinformation. Carter asked her employer, Summit Hill Foods, makers of Better Than Bouillon, whether they would sponsor the ride. They agreed to. Soon, Carters face appeared on a protest flyer too. I just kind of put myself in the line of fire, Carter said. My character is an old lady. So we laughed about it, because it was like, what can they find to say? That Im sexualizing children? Im the least sexy thing you could see. Advertisement Then another threat emerged. An organization reached out to the pride committee warning of an anti-Semitic group that had been on the rise in the area who they feared might show up at pride. (Perhaps the organization had seen the anti-Jewish comments that had appeared under Greenes post. Fuck Israel and the filthy Jews behind this depravity, one person wrote.) The board quadrupled the number of officers at the event from two to eight. Advertisement Advertisement The day of the rainbow march, the group anxiously awaited the tide of protestors near Romes gazebo where attendees were flocking in adorned in rainbow skirts and hoisting signs that said Have a Gay Day. Advertisement Advertisement Soon the pride organizers saw Greenes impact: protestors showed up, brandishing signs that said Stop Indoctrinating Kids and waving American flags. But there were only 12 or 15 of them. They were honestly pretty peaceful, he said. No members of the anti-Semitic group showed up. Advertisement By the time of the story hour, in the afternoon, the protestors had left. Carter wasnt worried. I kept a smile on and I went for it, she said. I expected to show up with my little chair and sit over in the shade with about 10 kids and read my book. And when I got over to the park. The whole hill was full of families and kidsabout 100 people total. With her gray wig atop her head, wearing grandma glasses and a rainbow skirt, she cracked open The World Needs More Purple People, by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart. Purple is a magic color when red and blue work together, Carter read. Greenes attempt to target her constituents had largely failedbarely anyone showed up beyond comments online. But soon, Greene told another story. Advertisement Advertisement Five days after Romes drag queen story hour, she posted a video. Well, we had a big victory, she said. It got cancelled. She went on, Guess what? People around here we dont want our kids confused about gender. And we dont want men who are selling sex products and all kind of disgusting filthy things to people to dress up like a woman and read gender-confusing books to kids. Greene insisted that most of the people at Rome pride were from out of town, based on research from a member of her team that showed many vehicle tags in the area came from outside the city. Deals survey data at the event showed opposite. If she had lived here longer than an election cycle, she would know that if youre from Rome, and theres an event at Heritage Park, you never park at Heritage Park, Deal said. Advertisement Advertisement In Rome, plans for next years pride celebrations are already underway. Its going to be even bigger. Carter now holds drag queen story hour weekly at a local taco shop. We had twice as many people show up for storytime this past Thursday, Carter said. The attention Greene drew wasnt always in the direction she wanted. (Greene didnt respond to questions for this article.) Advertisement Advertisement Even so, Greenes star is rising. Shes likely to be among a new group of far-right Republicans who deny the 2020 election results and may have more power than ever in Congress. Though few showed up in person to threaten her constituents in Rome, Greene likely achieved her political end. Her comments sparked an online storm, an inflamed base mostly far from Rome. Around the same as the celebration, Greene claimed she would introduce a bill to make it illegal to expose children to drag queensand quickly sought donations off of her comments. Shes now among the top 10 fundraisers in the House this election cycle. When Sam Bankman-Fried was asked during a podcast earlier this year how much money he might give to political candidates over upcoming election cycles, he offered an eye-popping ballpark number. The 30-year-old crypto titan guessed that, at a minimum, he would put down north of $100 million, enough cash to make him one of the countrys most important donors. Pressed by the host on whether he might even spend up to $1 billion, he answered, Yeah, I think thats a decent thing to look at, adding that the number was a sort of soft ceiling on his potential largesse. Advertisement Even if that $1 billion figure sounded outlandishly unrealistic, the comments still seemed to promise a huge tailwind for largely Democratic candidates. After all, Bankman-Fried, who founded the global crypto exchange FTX and is currently worth about $15 billion according to Bloomberg, was one of Joe Bidens top financial backers in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And though he did not pledge to fund Democrats exclusively, he said his top causes included pandemic preparedness and sane governance, issues where Republicans notably tend to be weak. (Pandemic preparedness is a major area of focus for the philanthropic movement known as effective altruism, which counts Bankman-Fried as its most important financial backer). Bankman-Fried got off to a hot start giving during primary season, too; his Protect Our Future PAC laid out $40 million, largely in Democratic races, making it one of the partys biggest individual campaign players. Advertisement Advertisement But now, as the general election nears, Democrats are starting to look like the victims of a political rug pull. With the party desperately low on cash in a number of House races, Politico reported last week that Bankman-Fried had turned off the spigot and was walking back his promises to spend big in the future. That was a dumb quote on my part, Bankman-Fried told the publication, regarding his suggestion that he might donate $1 billion. Elsewhere in the interview, he added that at some point, when youve given your message to voters, theres just not a whole lot more you can do. For Democratic groups facing a number of tightly contested races that could go either way, it must have felt like a twist of the knife. Advertisement Advertisement Bankman-Frieds decision to sit on the sidelines as election day approaches is strange. For one thing, its antithetical to the things the man says he cares about: After spending largely in intra-Dem contests where both candidates were far more pro pandemic-preparedness than their eventual Republican opponents, he is walking away at the critical moment when politicians who dont care much about the threat of deadly viruses could win out. Advertisement Advertisement But its more than an annoyance for House Democrats, who could have really used Bankman-Frieds super PAC spending to boost them in the general election, and even put up some of their own campaign money to elevate one of his candidates during primary season, almost certainly as a show of good faith in what appeared to be a promising partnership. Advertisement Advertisement Protect Our Future PAC announced its campaign season in earnest by pouring money into a low-stakes primary in Oregons 6th district, backing a candidate with no political experience named Carrick Flynn who had a background in pandemic preparedness and, like Bankman-Fried, is connected to the effective altruism movement. The group spent over $11 million, immediately making the race one of the most expensive in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Nancys Pelosis House Majority PAC then took the rare step of throwing in $1 million of its own to support Flynn. At the same time, Protect Our Future routed $6 million back to House Majority PAC, so Democrats effectively made $5 million in return for giving Flynn the seal of party approval. Advertisement Still, as its name suggests, the House Majority PAC is supposed to help protect the Democrats House majority, and it is very uncommon for them to get in on primaries in blue districts. Its involvement in this race was widely seen as a gesture of making-nice with Bankman-Fried and his crypto crew, a group that appeared poised to help bankroll much of the party. Aside from the money, Pelosi was likely heartened, too, by Protect Our Futures penchant for often, but not always, supporting moderate candidates over more progressive ones. Flynn, somehow, lost regardless. But not before wounding the eventual Democratic candidate Andrea Salinas, who now is struggling to beat out her Republican opponent Mike Erickson in what should be a safe blue seat but looks, each day, more and more like a GOP pickup. Part of the reason Salinas cant break away is because Democrats are badly short of money in what has proven to be a challenging fundraising environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many of the partys individual candidates have been able fundraisers, independent expenditure groups affiliated with congressional Democrats have lagged behind their Republican counterparts. For example, the Congressional Leadership Fund, the super PAC associated with top House Republican Kevin McCarthy, has raised $220 million this cycle, outpacing Democrats House Majority PAC by $86 million. Those super PACs can provide decisive support for candidates, especially if they are in tossup districts or short of funds, often by buying expensive air time in the final weeks before election day. Leaving aside the money it wasted on primary losers, Protect Our Futures disappearing act has left Bankman-Frieds winners in a pinch as well. Some of the candidates he pushed through their primaries, such as Francis Conole in New York and Michelle Vallejo in Texas, are now cash-starved in their contests with Republicans, and have become the responsibility of other Democratic and progressive groups to drag across the finish line. Advertisement Meanwhile, Democratic groups are bailing on a number of winnable races because of money shortages. They arent airing TV ads in six of the 14 Republican-held districts that went for Biden in 2020, which represent the biggest pickup opportunities for the partys five-seat House majority. Theyve also cut bait on close contests involving Democratic incumbents in Arizona, Wisconsin, Texas, and Michigan. The No. 1 factor here is money, Tim Persico, executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told Politico. Advertisement Advertisement According to grassroots strategists Ive spoken with, there was a broad assumption among Democrats that Bankman-Fried would be a savior for House Majority PACand repay Pelosis favor when it came time to maintain that House majority. Some hoped that the tycoon would be Democrats answer, at least on the House side, to Peter Thiels Republican kingmaking in the Senate. That hasnt happened. (Though there has been some drama about it, Thiel is continuing to support one of his struggling candidates in the general election). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suffice to say there are a number of Republican candidates in close races opposed to pandemic preparedness who could potentially be defeated with some cash infusion. But when asked about their decision to lay low during the general election, Protect Our Future spokesman Mike Levine told me that the group had always planned to focus on primaries. Bankman-Frieds operation isnt the only big money entity to have left Democrats in the lurch. Almost every major moderate super PAC that spent lavishly in Democratic primaries in the spring and summer has stopped spending to help Democrats with just weeks to go. United Democracy Project, the American Israel Public Affairs Committees super PAC, spent tens of millions in Democratic primaries, often opposing progressives. Their only foray into general election spending has been two ad buys totaling $200k in a Democrat-on-Democrat race in California, boosting Kevin Mullin and opposing David Canepa. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Majority for Israel, another multimillion spender closely allied with those Israel lobby groups, has also gone quiet in the general, despite having Democratic majority in the name. In response to an email query asking both how much the super PAC has spent and how much it intends to spend on behalf of the 85 general election candidates it endorsed, Communications & Development Manager Jake McClory said, Yes, DMFI PAC is spending in the general election. We dont discuss our independent expenditures until after they happen. But recent FEC filings, covering the period through the end of September, show the group has not spent any money since New York states Democratic primary in August. (Update, Oct. 20: After our email exchange, and while this story was in production, Democratic Majority for Israel announced it would purchase digital advertising to aid one House Democrat. On Thursday, McClory told me they anticipated spending six figures.) Advertisement Advertisement A third multimillion dollar spender, Mainstream Democrats PAC, also shows no ad buys since primary season ended. The burden has fallen to progressive groups to pick up the slack. The grassroots organizer Indivisible just launched a new program explicitly aimed towards maintaining the House majority. Theyve pledged resources towards electing a number of candidates that are far from progressive by reputation, including New Jersey moderate Tom Malinowski, a Democratic member of the Problem Solvers caucus who routinely opposes progressive priorities. Other progressive groups have similarly thrown in for non-progressive candidates, hoping to keep the narrow House majority intact. Advertisement Advertisement All these groups who spent huge money in the primaries are declining to show up, Leah Greenberg, executive director of Indivisible, told me. Progressives are scraping together all the money and volunteers we can for everyone, to keep the majority. Moderate Democrats, especially those in House leadership, have long criticized progressive groups for spending their resources on primaries and not helping the party maintain its majority. In an ironic twist, it is now generously-funded moderate groups that have abandoned the party in its fight to hold a majority, and defend its own, more moderate front-line candidates. Its worth adding that the party is led by moderates, and those leadership positions have been awarded in part because of those moderates perceived ability to bring in money. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee just last month blocked a vote on a proposed dark money ban on primaries, after those aforementioned super PACs helped shatter spending records in this years primary season. This is the problem with allowing billionaires and outside groups to spend infinite money when theyre not invested in the health of the Democratic majority, added Greenberg when we spoke on the phone. Its been an infuriating coda to an infuriating primary season. This story was produced in partnership with the Garrison Project, an independent, nonpartisan organization addressing the crisis of mass incarceration and policing. Earlier this month, President Joe Biden released a three-prong plan to fulfill a campaign promise to roll back punishments for people convicted of marijuana possession. He pledged to pardon everyone convicted in federal or Washington, DC courts of simple marijuana possession; encouraged governors to do the same for those convicted in state courts; and he promised he would ask his Secretary of Health and Human Services to examine rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act Advertisement As many were quick to note, the plans immediate impact will likely be slight, at best. No one is in federal prison on marijuana possession charges, and though the White House said perhaps 6,500 people may have marijuana convictions pardoned, the plan will have little effect for those who also have any state conviction or any other federal conviction. Rescheduling may lead to some improvements in how we treat marijuana, but cocaine and methamphetamine are among the drugs in Schedule II, and both are still subjected to heavy criminalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor is it likely that marijuana pardons will prove a gateway policy to the broader use of mass pardons and commutations, a practice that was more widespread in the past but has fallen into almost complete disuse. The most likely issue to follow the Biden plan would be relief for elderly people serving life sentences, but the effectiveness with which Dr. Mehmet Oz is attacking Lt. Gov. John Fetterman on his tenure as chair of the Pennsylvania pardon board suggests that clemency has nowhere near the popular support of marijuana policy. Advertisement Advertisement A bigger concern, though, is not just that the policy might accomplish very little, but that it might make things worse for criminal legal reform in the long run because it reinforces a false narrative about the causes of mass punishment in general and mass incarceration in particular. Its a narrative that shapesor, better put, misshapespolicy. Most Americans are deeply misinformed about why people are in prison. A survey in 2017 found that solid majorities across the ideological spectrum agreed with the claim that a majority of people in U.S. prisons are there for drug crimes. Thats a far cry from reality: 14 percent of people in state prisons were locked up for drug offenses at the time, a number that has fallen since then. (Those held in state prisons make up 90 percent of the nations incarcerated population.) This misbelief likely contributed to the next two results from that survey: while majorities of liberals, moderates, and conservatives favored lesser sanctions for those convicted of non-violent crimes who posed little risk of reoffending, majorities of all three groups also opposed lesser sanctions for those convicted of violence who likewise pose little risk of reoffending. Advertisement Advertisement We think we can decarcerate with easy choices. We cannot. Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, in 2019 almost 60 percent of all people in state prisons were convicted of violence; those convicted of just homicide or rape make up nearly 30 percent of the overall prison population. In states that have seen the biggest declines in prison populations, those convicted of violence make up even greater shares of the prison populations: in both California and New York, 75 percent of all people in prison are there for crimes of violence. If we released everyone held in state prisons convicted not just of marijuana crimes, nor just of drug offenses, but of all non-violent offenses combined, we would still have one of the worlds highest incarceration rates. Unsurprisingly, this means that violent crimes are also at the heart of racial disparities in U.S. prison populations, as a recent study by the Council on Criminal Justice made clear. Advertisement Advertisement Yet reforms continue to refuse to grapple with this reality. A 2020 report by the Prison Policy Initiative found nearly 100 state reforms in recent years that had explicitly refused to extend the changes to those convicted of violence. In some cases, the tradeoff between non-violent and violent crimes is explicit. In 2016, Marylands Democratic legislature scaled back sanctions for non-violent crimes, but also increased punishment for violent offenses. And just recently, California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to limit the use of solitary confinement, long viewed by behavioral scientists as torture, an indication of the lack of stomach for deeper reforms even among so-called progressive state leaders. Advertisement Advertisement The inability to discuss crimes of violence remains clear in our current politics. Ozs attacks on Fetterman on crime are now echoed in Wisconsin, where Republican Sen. Ron Johnson says Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes demonstrated far greater sympathy for the criminal or criminals versus law enforcement or the victims. Anecdotal attacks about violent crime have already caused two different New York governors to roll back the states 2020 bail reform law, before it was even possible to assess its impact. Even with new evidence suggesting reform did not contribute much if anything to rising crime in 2020, further rollbacks loom for 2023. And Virginia recently amended a law that expanded the ability of people in prison to earn good time credits to expressly exclude those who were serving time for any crime of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, as state prison populations fell nationwide by 15 percent from 2010 to 2019, Bureau of Justice Statistics data suggests that the number of people locked up for violence fell by just 1 percent; a separate analysis of the BJS data conducted by the Council on Criminal Justice estimated that the numbers confined for violence actually rose over that time, undermining the declines in drug and property cases. Advertisement Talking exclusively about drugs does little in the short-run and reinforces a narrative that appears to affirmatively undermine the sorts of difficult discussions we need to have about the ways we respond to violence. There are things that Biden could have done, or at least done at the same time, that could have taken advantage of his bully pulpit. Advertisement He could have encouraged state and local governments to think about alternative ways to address not just crime, but serious violence. Bidens August 2022 Safer America Plan did include some funding for just this but that part of the plan was always secondary to the push to hire more police; it was even framed merely as a way to free up the police to focus more on violence. He could have also pushed for states to do things like adopt Medicaid Expansion, which one study found has led to $14 billion reductions in crime costs, mostly due to drug treatment. He could have announced a push for a repeal of the PLRA or AEDPA, two Clinton era laws that continue to impose real costs on people held in prison or challenging potentially wrongful convictions. Or, he could have pushed harder to amend the federal code to eliminate qualified immunity for police, or pushed state legislatures to pass such bills, about 35 of which have been proposed in the aftermath of George Floyds murder only to almost all be thwarted by police union lobbying. Such an approach could help improve police-community relations, which in turn could help address the single biggest challenge we face in reducing violence: the general unwillingness of victims of violence to contact the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its true that these are long-shot proposals. But short of pardoning every single person in federal prisonan impossibilitynothing any president does will have a significant impact on the size and reach of a criminal legal system that is almost entirely driven by local politics, policies, and funding. The presidents biggest power is his ability to shape the debate around criminal legal policy, not the policy itself. Bidens proposal here did nothing to shape that debate. There are lots of ways he could have taken steps to push the discussion in the direction it needs to go, but he disappointingly chose to highlight, once again, marijuana. That choice will make it harder to move the reform discussion beyond where it has mostly been mired for the past decade. Welcome to Source Notes, a Future Tense column about the internets information ecosystem. At first glance, the video seems like an ordinary news recap. So today the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to scientists, says TikTok creator Sami Moog. Then things get really trippy. Your imagination literally makes up your own personal quantum field and it constructs every single thing around you, he says. By the end, hes discussed vibrationally matching your desires and manifesting changes to reality. Advertisement Moogs video is a classic example of quantum mysticism, which is the association of a set of metaphysical beliefs and spiritual worldviews with the science of quantum mechanics. Think of Deepak Chopras quantum theory that humans can control their pace of aging using only the power of their minds. Over the years, professional physicists have decried what they view as the misapplication of quantum physics principles to unrelated self-help topicswhat Caltech Nobel laureate Murray Gell-Mann famously described as quantum flapdoodle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet content of the flapdoodle sort is proliferating on TikTok. Moogs video How to Change Your Quantum Field is among the torrent of videos tagged #QuantumPhysics and #NobelPrize on the app, hashtags that have garnered more than 207 million views across the platform. Hundreds of these quantum science videos claim that quantum cosmology allows humans to literally teleport between different realities or communicate telepathically with their past and future selves. Advertisement Advertisement As a TikTok user, it isnt easy to avoid this mystical element. If you watch a video of a trained scientist explaining quantum mechanics, fringe quantum takes are likely to start appearing in your content stream. Thats because TikToks algorithm groups the videos within the same quantum umbrella. And the recent announcement of the Nobel Prize for Physics has only made this worse. On Oct. 4, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced that Alain Aspect, John Clauser, and Anton Zeilinger had won for groundbreaking experiments using quantum states, where two particles behave like a single unit even when they are separated. The academy noted that these experiments, which built upon the 1960s research of John Stewart Bell, cleared the way for new technology such as quantum computers. Two days later, Scientific American published an in-depth article that explained how these quantum experiments proved the universe is not locally real. Advertisement Advertisement By this point, TikTok creators had begun publishing their bite-sized recaps. Hank Green, the popular vlogger and bestselling author, released his own video on the topic. Im going to try to explain it [quantum entanglement] to you, without lying to you. Green said in his post, which has picked up more than 8 million views. If I succeed, you should feel very uncomfortable. In just under three minutes, Green described how scientists entangled two electrons, each of which has a property called spin. When one such particle is measured, it begins to spin in one direction. The other instantly spins in the opposite direction, even if the two particles are light years apart. As Green says in the video, these experiments proved that Einstein was wrong and that information can pass between quantum particles faster than the speed of light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists from around the world gave the thumbs up to Greens video. He did a great job at engaging viewers and articulating concepts simply without leaving much room for people to jump on misleading pop science, said Alice OKeefe, a science communicator who leverages TikTok and radio and is a Ph.D. student at the University of Wollongong in Australia, where she makes nanoparticles for brain cancer therapies. Advertisement Advertisement But not all of the Nobel prize content on TikTok can be taken at face value. A seven-second video released Oct. 7 that features a young woman reacting with the words The 2022 Nobel prize in physics just got announced and it literally proves that we are all connected has gone viral with 2.4 million views. (Tell me you dont understand physics without telling me, one comment on the post read.) Another video claims that quantum physics proves that an ordinary human voice can affect a star molecule on the edge of the universe. Um what? When I asked OKeefe about this, she said, Like any physicist, Im wholeheartedly against promoting quantum mysticism, or anything with totally unfounded claims. Advertisement Its worth comparing TikToks comparatively lax approach with the way Wikipedia handles quantum mysticism. The online encyclopedias rules about labeling pseudoscience are much stricter. Its article on Quantum mysticism explains that nonbelievers with expert knowledge consider it a pseudoscience and also references some pejorative terms such as quantum quackery and quantum woo. Thats because respectable scientific journalsthe kind of sources that are required for Wikipedias science articleshave not embraced these fringe interpretations. Advertisement (A quick aside: Wikipedia editors were criticized in the past for not having articles on the Nobel laureates, which is why there was no article on Donna Strickland when she won the prize for physics in 2018. But prior to the 2022 announcement, English Wikipedia had articles about all but one of the laureates.) Advertisement Advertisement Should TikTok follow Wikipedias lead and flag its new-age quantum mystical videos as pseudoscience? On the one hand, theres an argument that this puts the user on notice. Perhaps quantum mysticism is not life-threatening in the same vein as COVID-19 misinformation, which TikTok has announced it will suppress. Still, notifying users that these metaphysical beliefs are not mainstream would create more awareness about what scientists actually believe. On the other hand, not everybody agrees on where to draw the line between hard science and spirituality, or how pseudoscience should be defined. Recall that seven-second viral video that purports that quantum physics literally proves that we are all connected. That video was made by Elif Narbay, an undergraduate student studying biochemistry, molecular biology, and neuroscience at Chapman University. When I contacted her, Narbay told me she was not familiar with the term quantum mysticism, and said she preferred to think of science and spirituality as going hand in hand. I made a really bold statement by saying that the Nobel Prize for physics proved that we are all connectedit definitely doesnt directly prove it but I think it does point in that direction, Narbay said in an email. After her video unexpectedly blew up, she was taken aback by some of the mean responses. Only about ten percent of the people who watched her viral video went on to watch her follow-up video where she described her interpretation in more depth. Ultimately, Narbay said she stood by her original philosophical take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, which is it: pseudoscience or philosophy? When I discussed with OKeefethe Australian science communicator and Ph.D. studentshe seemed uncomfortable with a strict binary approach. I think its dangerous to lean too far into scientism, which is when you see the world exclusively through the lens of whether something is backed by science, OKeefe said. Science started as a branch of philosophy, and the scientific method wouldnt be as formidable as it is today if we didnt put theories to the test by asking the right questions. OKeefe told me that quantum mystics definitely take their unfounded claims too far, but that does not mean that scientists should be discourteous toward people who are more spiritually minded. She has even released a video captioned A pragmatic defense of New-Age #manifestation where she suggests that what some mystics refer to as manifesting their reality could be explained by mainstream science as a (potentially useful) cognitive bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Realistically, TikTok is not going to block all quantum mystical content anytime soon. Why would it? All those videos about humans claiming to quantum jump between realities are generating millions of page views for the breakout social platform, which generated $4.6 billion in revenue in 2021. What matters is that users apply the tools of information literacy to gauge authorityand that means remembering what TikTok is for. Obviously, TikTok is no Wikipedia; its not the place to find a reliable summary of quantum mechanics the way scientists understand it. Its essentially a platform where creators can respond to cultural events and offer their own take on it. To use a quantum-ish term, TikTok is for spin. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. InoBat plans to open 2,000 job positions. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Slovak battery manufacturer InoBat intends to build a battery plant in Valladolid, Spain. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish government, the Reuters newswire writes. InoBat focuses on manufacturing electric car batteries. The investment could create 2,000 direct jobs in Valladolid. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Alternative locations are under consideration as well. One potential place for its Western European factory could be the United Kingdom. The declaration with the Spanish government is thus not a final agreement. The final decision is planned before the year's end. The overall cost of the investment is approximately 3 billion. Valladolid is considered an ideal location due to its access to renewable energy, talent and close proximity to support manufacturers, with a strong logistic site for transport links. The investment would be the fourth car battery project in Spain, which already has a partnership agreement with the Envision Group from China. It carries out developments with Spain's Acciona Energia, Germany's Volkswagen AG and Basquevolt. Other than western Europe, InoBat is planning a site in the U.S. state of Indiana. Slovak plant in the making In Slovakia, InoBat is planning to build a factory in Voderady, 40 kilometers from Bratislava. It is situated in the centre of central Europes automotive hub, with more than 4.25 million vehicles produced annually in a 500-km radius of the facility. InoBat is preparing to build a 1GWh Gigafactory in Voderady before scaling up to a 32GWh Gigafactory to support and serve the international market. The centre might be a benefit not only for the four carmakers already located in Slovakia but also European countries, as it will reduce the dependency of electric vehicle manufacturers on the import of batteries from Asia. The goal is to increase the global competitiveness of the European market in this area, and provide the automotive industry with long-term sustainable solutions, said co-founder and CEO of InoBat Auto, Marian Bocek. The batteries made by InoBat Auto were compared with an industrialised battery currently used in several premium vehicles. InoBat batteries have achieved better results in terms of energy capacity, range, and durability. This was proven by tests conducted by the Korean testing agency NCT. European Parliament resolution also warns against far-right extremism. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The European Parliament (EP) has called on the Slovak government to take a "clear step" to protect LGBT+ people from hate crimes and stop their rights being violated following the murder of two LGBT+ people in Bratislava. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement In a resolution supported by 447 MEPs, the parliament condemned hatred and violence against "persons based on their gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sexual characteristics in Slovakia and in the EU", and described the killings as a "cowardly terrorist act" motivated by far-right ideology. The MEPs also called on the Slovak government to show "real determination to make a clear step forward in the protection of LGBT+ people" and to take a decisive stance against violations of their human rights. The resolution comes after a 19-year-old Bratislava grammar school student targeted and shot dead two young people outside Teplaren, one of Bratislavas two LGBT+ bars, on the evening of October 12. Another customer, a woman, was also injured in the shooting, which was later reclassified as terrorism. The murders shocked Slovak society and were followed by massive protests, with an estimated 15,000-20,000 people attending a march in the capital to condemn hate against the LGBT+ community in Slovakia. Related article https://sputniknews.com/20221020/afghanistan-pullout--ukraine-plot-did-missing-abc-reporter-raided-by-fbi-know-too-much-1102469989.html Afghanistan Pullout & Ukraine Plot: Did Missing ABC Reporter Raided by FBI Know Too Much? Afghanistan Pullout & Ukraine Plot: Did Missing ABC Reporter Raided by FBI Know Too Much? James Gordon Meek, a 52-year-old investigative reporter, who was also a former senior counterterrorism adviser and investigator for the House Homeland Security... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T15:45+0000 2022-10-20T15:45+0000 2022-10-20T15:45+0000 americas us opinion cia afghanistan blackwater ukraine nato russian military investigative reporter /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094285630_0:48:2362:1377_1920x0_80_0_0_80f55258ac8a1024659d4a65aa57cfe3.jpg James Meek, an Emmy-winning journalist with ABC News who was writing a book about President Joe Bidens botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, has reportedly vanished after an FBI raid on his apartment.Rolling Stone's Tatiana Siegel broke the story earlier this week. Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, Siegel suggested that Meek was the target of an FBI raid at Siena Park apartments on the morning of April 27. While the bureau refused to comment on the matter "due to an on-going investigation," a federal magistrate judge in the Virginia Eastern District Court signed off on the search warrant the day before the raid, according to the Rolling Stone reporter. Siegel surmised that the FBI ransacked Meek's apartment in connection with having classified material on his computer.Whats even more suspicious is that none of Meek's Siena Park neighbors interviewed by Rolling Stone have seen him since the raids aftermath. His apartment also appears to be vacant. When asked about the Emmy-winning reporter's whereabouts, Siena Park management declined to confirm that he was gone, citing "privacy policies." Likewise, Meek's ABC News colleagues told Rolling Stone that they had no idea about what had happened to the investigative journalist. According to an ABC representative, Meek "resigned very abruptly and hasnt worked for [the broadcaster] for months."His latest story was President Joe Biden's chaotic pullout from Afghanistan in August 2021. According to Rolling Stone, in the months before the raid, the investigative reporter was wrapping up work on a book titled "Operation Pineapple Express: The Incredible Story of a Group of Americans Who Undertook One Last Mission and Honored a Promise in Afghanistan." Meek co-authored this book with Lt. Col. Scott Mann, a retired Green Beret.The book was published in August 2022 with Lt. Col. Mann mentioned as the only author of the "edge-of-your-seat thriller," according to Simon & Schusters official website. Rolling Stone has drawn attention to the fact that after April 27, Meek's bio and credentials were scrubbed from all of the publisher's press materials related to the book.When asked about Meek's abrupt disappearance, Mann responded that the investigative reporter contacted him in the spring, and "was really distraught." Meek told Mann that "he had some serious personal issues going on and that he needed to withdraw from the project." The veteran said that he hadn't heard from Meek since.Meeks last public statement was a tweet from April 27, in which he wrote one word: "Facts." The tweet was in response to former CIA agent Marc Polymeropoulos notion with regard to Russia's special military in Ukraine. Polymeropoulos commented on The Washington Post's Dan Lamothe tweet which cited an unnamed US defense official describing a "bonanza of information the American military has gleaned about Russian 'tactics and procedures' by watching 'how they performed in combat'" since the beginning of the February 24 special operation.Judging from the Twitter exchange, one cannot rule out that Meek could have also been informed about the US' longstanding military cooperation with Ukraine and alleged examination of Russian military capabilities since 2014.Following the US-backed February 2014 coup detat in Kiev, Washington stepped up training and arming of Ukrainian Armed Forces and nationalist battalions. The US has provided $2.5 billion in support of Ukraines military between 2014 and September 2021, according to the White House. Coupled with the recent funding packages, the US overall military assistance has totaled more than $19.6 billion. In March 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense presented Ukrainian military documents obtained in the course of the special operation which kicked off on February 24. Judging from the order signed by Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine Col.-Gen. Mykola Balan on January 22, 2022, the US-backed Kiev regime covertly prepared for a large-scale offensive on the Donbass region scheduled for March 2022. Russia's special military operation disrupted the Ukrainian plans and hijacked the initiative, according to the MoD.*Daesh (ISIS/ISIL) is a terrorist organization banned by Russia and many other countries. https://sputniknews.com/20220831/costs--blunders-hard-questions-linger-on-anniversary-of-bidens-chaotic-afghanistan-pullout--1100208835.html americas afghanistan ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova 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 Ekaterina Blinova us, opinion, cia, afghanistan, blackwater, ukraine, nato, russian military, investigative reporter, fbi https://sputniknews.com/20221020/asteroid-that-wiped-out-dinos-triggered-megatsunami-with-mile-high-waves-1102437121.html Asteroid That Wiped Out Dinos Triggered Megatsunami With Mile-High Waves Asteroid That Wiped Out Dinos Triggered Megatsunami With Mile-High Waves Sixty-six million years ago, the Chicxulub asteroid struck Earth in the Gulf of Mexico, just north of whats now known as the Yucatan Peninsula. The city-sized... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T04:00+0000 2022-10-20T04:00+0000 2022-11-03T19:33+0000 science & tech tsunami study university of michigan gulf of mexico yucatan peninsula earth /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107903/04/1079030406_0:20:1917:1098_1920x0_80_0_0_d47917aecb9f82571e046371a906672e.png Researchers at Purdue University used a three-dimensional computer program called a hydrocode to simulate the first minutes of the asteroids impact 66 million years ago, including the giant crater Chicxulub left behind and the start of the ensuing tsunami.When the asteroid hit, it set off a series of cataclysmic events including global temperature shifts, wildfires and soot-filled air. Similar to what happens when you throw a ball into a puddle or pond, debris sent into the atmosphere from the impact re-entered Earths atmosphere and rained down, compounding the destruction. Then, a few days later, a tsunami with thousands of times the energy of modern tsunamis covered the globe with waves reaching over a mile high.In whats now the first-ever global simulation of the tsunami, scientists were able to use the hydrocode to reveal that the tsunami was powerful enough to wipe away the sediment record of everything before the event.Researchers believe that the asteroid impact was at least 100,000 times larger than the Tonga volcanic eruption, which was hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.Molly Range, lead author of the study who completed the findings as part of a masters thesis at the University of Michigan, said that the ancient tsunami was strong enough to disturb and erode sediments in ocean basins halfway around the globe, leaving either a gap in the sedimentary records or a jumble of older sediments.Hydrocode, the computer program responsible for the simulation, was able to estimate that less than three minutes after the space rock landed in the Yucatan peninsula, rocks, sediments, and debris created a 2.8 mile high wave of water. They called this the rim wave.If you just dropped a rock in a puddle, theres that initial splash; thats the rim wave, Range explained.When this wave subsided, it created even more chaotic waves until eventually, 10 minutes after impact, a mile-high wave radiated in all directions across the ocean. It had calmed down enough and the crater had formed, Range said.After the hydrocode simulated the first 10 minutes of the tsunami, the scientists shifted to using a pair of models developed by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to see how the tsunami operated in oceans across the globe.In addition to helping us piece together exactly how the dinosaurs met their end, the researchers said the findings offered insight into the geology of the Cretaceous period. Ted Moore, a co-author of the study, was able to find supporting evidence of their findings in sediment layers in the oceans plateaus at more than 100 different sites, adding confidence to their simulations.The team hopes to learn more in the future about how much flooding followed the tsunamis, and how far inland the tsunamis effects could be felt. https://sputniknews.com/20220515/tonga-volcano-eruption-caused-rare-atmospheric-waves-high-frequency-infrasound-study-reveals-1095522970.html gulf of mexico yucatan peninsula earth Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Allison Dubois Allison Dubois 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 Allison Dubois tsunami, study, university of michigan, gulf of mexico, yucatan peninsula, earth https://sputniknews.com/20221020/at-least-50-dead-as-chadian-anti-junta-demonstrators-clash-with-military-police-forces-1102478524.html At Least 50 Dead as Chadian Anti-Junta Demonstrators Clash With Military Police Forces At Least 50 Dead as Chadian Anti-Junta Demonstrators Clash With Military Police Forces The Chadian government has worked closely with France, its former colonial ruler, in its sprawling trans-Sahelian War on Terror style campaign, hosting its... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T19:51+0000 2022-10-20T19:51+0000 2022-11-14T12:37+0000 africa chad protesters deaths france central africa /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/14/1102477972_0:135:1618:1045_1920x0_80_0_0_ed9f0918ea8d526dae2043fd4c65c84c.png Dozens of protesters were killed during clashes with Chadian police on Thursday, the Chadian government said, amid demonstrations against the lengthy transition period the military government recently announced for the resumption of civilian rule in the central African country.Most of the deaths reportedly occurred in the capital city of NDjamena, in the countrys west, and the southern cities of Moundou and Koumra. Kebzabo announced an overnight curfew that would be in place until the "total restoration of order" in those areas.However, earlier this month, the Transitional Military Council, formed by 15 generals and headed by Deby, declared Deby the countrys interim president for another two years, which it said was the time needed to prepare free and democratic elections.Local journalists reported that protesters attacked government buildings, set fire to automobiles and shops, and constructed barricades in the streets.Many Chadians reportedly believe that France, the former colonial ruler, which has repeatedly meddled and intervened in Chadian politics, is connected to the violence. In a statement on Thursday, the French Foreign Ministry condemned the use of lethal weapons against demonstrators," but added that "France is not playing any part in these events, which lie strictly in Chads domestic political domain."Kebazo, a former journalist and longtime critic of the elder Debys rule, welcomed his sons rise to power as well. After the younger Deby was sworn in as interim president last week, he appointed Kebazo as head of government. Kebazo promised to "accompany" the young Deby "in a great endeavour - the next two years of political transition, and to steer the country toward a more liberal form of society. africa chad france central africa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier 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 Fantine Gardinier chad, protesters, deaths, france, central africa https://sputniknews.com/20221020/beijing-poached-9-diplomatic-allies-of-taiwan-over-decade-chinese-foreign-ministry-says-1102449389.html Beijing Poached 9 Diplomatic Allies of Taiwan Over Decade, Chinese Foreign Ministry Says Beijing Poached 9 Diplomatic Allies of Taiwan Over Decade, Chinese Foreign Ministry Says BEIJING (Sputnik) - Beijing successfully poached nine countries, which had so-called diplomatic relations with the Taiwanese administration, in the past 10... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T10:40+0000 2022-10-20T10:40+0000 2022-10-20T10:40+0000 world china taiwan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/07/14/1083422469_0:107:2048:1259_1920x0_80_0_0_cf6b12f8d2db19dafbb4b6f4081a7039.jpg Moreover, the Chinese government has prevented the interference of external forces in the affairs of the Hong Kong special administrative region and defeated the anti-Chinese forces that denigrated Beijing, the diplomat added. Thus, the country has protected its "state interests and national dignity," according to Ma.The official also recalled that the number of countries having diplomatic relations with China had increased from 172 to 181 over the past 10 years, while the number of partner states and regional organizations had jumped from 41 to 113.In particular, Beijing has established a comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction with Moscow in a new era, according to the Chinese vice foreign minister. In its contacts with Washington, Beijing has advocated maintaining mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and beneficial cooperation. China has also been in favor of building partnerships with European states, the diplomat said, adding that Beijing's cooperation with more developing countries had become closer.Today, Taiwan's "diplomatic allies" include 14 countries Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini, Tuvalu, and the Vatican. Taipei also maintains economic and cultural ties with some other states. There used to be more of them, but in recent years, many countries have decided to cut diplomatic ties with the island by establishing official relations with China mainland. Those include El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, Panama, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands and Nicaragua.Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing views the island as its province, while Taiwan a territory with its own elected government maintains that it is an autonomous country but stops short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official contacts of foreign states with Taipei and considers Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable. china 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 china, taiwan https://sputniknews.com/20221020/fifty-percent-of-america-has-mistrust-in-the-2022-midterm-vote-counting-process-1102434791.html Fifty Percent of America Has Mistrust in the 2022 Midterm Vote Counting Process Fifty Percent of America Has Mistrust in the 2022 Midterm Vote Counting Process On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including Bill Gates calling the energy crisis in Europe "good", and Putin... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T08:22+0000 2022-10-20T08:22+0000 2022-10-24T10:06+0000 the backstory high mobility artillery rocket system (himars) martial law california radio ukraine saudi arabia oil production bill gates /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/13/1102434645_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_506cf21d51beac2d577df96574fb8462.png Fifty Percent of America Has Mistrust in the 2022 Midterm Vote Counting Process On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including Bill Gates calling the energy crisis in Europe "good", and Putin announcing new security measures in Russia. Mark Sleboda - International Relations and Security Analyst | Russian General Surovikin, Martial Law Implemented by Putin, and Terror Attacks by UkraineKim Iversen - Independent Journalist and Host of The Kim Iversen Show | 7$ Gas in California, Bullying International Partners, and Biden Hurting the Democrats in 2022In the first hour, Lee spoke with Mark Sleboda about the recent press conference by General Surovikin, the Western media coverage of Putin's announcement, and the Russian reservists. Mark discussed the rules of engagement for Russia and how they have changed since the referendum vote. Mark spoke about the Western media and how they have forgotten how many times Ukraine has declared Martial Law.In the second hour, Lee spoke with Kim Iversen about the woke ideology in California, Saudi Arabia cut oil production, and Biden hurting America's relationships internationally. Kim spoke about homelessness in California and how Kim would legally deal with homelessness. Kim explained her opinion on Tulsi Gabbard and the timing of her departure from the Democrat party.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 california ukraine saudi arabia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Lee Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png Lee Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.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 Lee Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png high mobility artillery rocket system (himars), martial law, california, , radio, ukraine, saudi arabia, oil production, bill gates https://sputniknews.com/20221020/finnish-parliament-backs-costly-border-fence-against-russia-1102438652.html Finnish Parliament Backs Costly Fence Along Border With Russia Finnish Parliament Backs Costly Fence Along Border With Russia The border fence is bound to set a new symbolic low in Russian-Finnish relations, cancelling decades of vibrant economic cooperation and buoyant trade. The... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T06:23+0000 2022-10-20T06:23+0000 2022-10-20T06:30+0000 world scandinavia europe news finland russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/104508/39/1045083971_0:0:4000:2251_1920x0_80_0_0_eba91854f0203bb8bba12ba113852feb.jpg All parties in the Finnish Parliament are in agreement about the necessity to build a fence along parts of the 1,300-kilometer land border between Finland and Russia, Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP), herself an eager supporter of the idea, has said after debates on the infrastructure project proposed by the Finnish Border Guard.The Finnish government, Marin said, will set aside funding for a test section of the fence in a supplementary budget later this year and funding for the broader project based on experiences from the test section in a supplementary budget next year.The Finnish Border Guard proposed earlier this autumn that a fence be built along 1020 percent of the eastern border, especially in areas near designated border-crossing points, and cover up to 260 kilometers. Previously, south-eastern Finland, which borders Russia's Leningrad Oblast, was identified as the most likely part of the country to host the fence, due to the highest cross-border traffic.Interior Minister Krista Mikkonen of the Greens Party emphasized that ascertaining parliamentary support for the project was crucial due to the expected duration of the project and the looming April 23 parliamentary elections. She emphasized that the project would take several years to complete, which warrants the commitment of the next government.The opposition, including the center-right National Coalition Party (NCP) and the nationalist Finns Party, backed the project, while voicing their bafflement with estimates that it would take wholly three to four years to complete. NCP leader Petteri Orpo called to make haste and fence up critical areas faster, once the test section is deemed good.However, the fence will make a substantial dent in the Finnish budget. The Interior Ministry proposed earmarking 139 million euros for the main phase of the project, coupled with 6 million euros for the test section. The funding covers the fence as such, together with monitoring technology, road infrastructure and land acquisitions.Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova previously mocked the border fence in her Telegram account. Will that be palisade, corrugated board or lath?, she wrote.The fence is bound to further damage Finland's once mutually beneficial relationship with Russia that since the Soviet era included lively trade and vibrant economic cooperation. Following the start of Moscow's special operation in Ukraine, Helsinki joined the West in several rounds of sanctions against Russia, all but stifling cross-border economic activity. As an indicator of trade nosediving, the Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce has been rebranded as EastCham Finland in order to embrace Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Eastern Europe.Finland has also restricted travel, throttled the issuance of visas and shut down its border for Russian tourists. While bearing mostly symbolic value, this move has had an economic impact as numerous border communities have made a living off of Russian visitors and shoppers. https://sputniknews.com/20221005/finland-removes-last-remaining-lenin-statue-over-ukraine-conflict-1101517537.html scandinavia finland russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Igor Kuznetsov Igor Kuznetsov 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 Igor Kuznetsov scandinavia, europe, news, finland, russia https://sputniknews.com/20221020/germanys-embassy-allegedly-played-significant-role-in-fomenting-unrest-in-iran-1102435558.html Germany's Embassy Allegedly Played Significant Role in Fomenting Unrest in Iran Germany's Embassy Allegedly Played Significant Role in Fomenting Unrest in Iran MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The German embassy in Tehran has allegedly played a significant role in the unrest in Iran and coordinated insurgents' actions and the... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T00:26+0000 2022-10-20T00:26+0000 2022-10-20T00:25+0000 world iran germany unrest protests meddling claims /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/14/1102435405_0:130:2431:1497_1920x0_80_0_0_69964dafc00acfd5288b65a66a74b97f.jpg Unrest in Iran over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has been going on for over a month now.According to the report, the German embassy has allegedly played a significant and effective role in the diplomatic pressure and international coordination to foment unrest in Iran. The embassy coordinated foreign governments and international organizations to increase pressure on the domestic situation in the Islamic Republic, Fars said.German diplomats have also allegedly held a series of meetings with employees of Western embassies in Tehran, during which they were discussing ways to increase unrest and further destabilize the situation in Iran, the report said.On September 13, Amini was detained by Iran's morality police in Tehran for wearing an "improper" hijab, an offense punishable by prison. The woman was sent to a detention center for an explanatory conversation. According to Iranian authorities, she had a heart attack there, after which she was immediately taken to a nearby hospital. On September 16, the young woman died.Her death sparked mass protests, with some suggesting that law enforcement officers hit Amini in the head. Examination of the woman's body revealed no signs of violence, Iranian lawmaker Mohammad Saleh said.Tehran has said that the mass protests were orchestrated by foreign powers and summoned the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Norway, and the charge d'affaires of France. The European diplomats were given a note of protest in connection with anti-Iranian media reports and calls for the overthrow of the Iranian government. https://sputniknews.com/20221016/washington-admits-to-aggressive-meddling-in-iran-as-tehran-recalls-1953-coup-1101906653.html iran germany 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, germany, unrest, protests, meddling claims https://sputniknews.com/20221020/head-of-russias-krasnoyarsk-territory-slams-us-charges-against-his-son-as-political-1102467800.html Head of Russia's Krasnoyarsk Territory Slams US Charges Against His Son as Political Head of Russia's Krasnoyarsk Territory Slams US Charges Against His Son as Political KRASNOYARSK, Russia (Sputnik) - Alexander Uss, the governor of Russia's Krasnoyarsk Territory, said on Thursday that US accusation against his son, Artem Uss... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T06:30+0000 2022-10-20T06:30+0000 2022-10-20T14:48+0000 russia russia us sanctions krasnoyarsk region charges /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107978/68/1079786852_0:0:3641:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_5d0af296d04a62b02f9e6c28a24c6d91.jpg On Wednesday, the US Department of Justice charged two oil traders and five Russian citizens, including Artem Uss, with sanctions evasion and money laundering. Artem Uss and Yury Orekhov are accused of using false documents to purchase sensitive US military equipment to provide it to the Russian defense sector. Uss was immediately arrested in Italy. He is now awaiting extradition to the United States.The companies linked to Orekhov, Nord-Deutsche Industrieanlagenbau GmbH and Opus Energy Trading LLC, were also sanctioned.On February 24, Russia began a military operation in Ukraine after calls for help from the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. Western countries and their allies have rolled out a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow in response. The measures included, among other things, sanctions against Russian oligarchs, officials and their family members, as well as individuals and entities supporting Russia's military operation. Alexander Uss is among the sanctioned individuals. russia krasnoyarsk region 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 russia, us, sanctions, krasnoyarsk region, charges https://sputniknews.com/20221020/laptop-from-hell-watchdog-says-hunter-biden--partners-committed-459-legal-violations-1102470869.html Laptop From Hell: Watchdog Says Hunter Biden & Partners Committed 459 Legal Violations Laptop From Hell: Watchdog Says Hunter Biden & Partners Committed 459 Legal Violations Marco Polo, a non-profit founded by former Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler, has released a 630-page analysis of Hunter Biden's "laptop from hell." The... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T16:23+0000 2022-10-20T16:23+0000 2022-10-20T16:23+0000 americas us opinion hunter biden joe biden laptop the new york post 2022 us midterm elections gop investigation /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/07/1a/1097820677_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_d6e83251d762fed82cbdf8292125caa4.jpg A team of cyber detectives brought together by ex-Trump aide Garrett Ziegler has unveiled a report after a year-long examination of Hunter Biden's infamous "laptop from hell." The Ziegler team claims to have found at least 459 legal violations by the US president's son and his associates.The one-gigabyte report reviews the laptops emails, videos, calendar items, photographs, phone records, financial documents and more, while presenting a huge number of screenshots. Hunter's alleged crimes include serving as an agent for foreign entities without disclosing so, tax fraud, falsifying business documents, prostitution, non-consensual pornography, and distribution of narcotics, according to the reports' authors.The Daily Wire pointed out that "the timing of the reports release, coming two weeks before the midterm elections, has certain symmetry to the laptops initial introduction to the public." The first bombshell concerning Hunter's laptop was dropped by the New York Post in October 2020, a few weeks before the elections. However, US social media giants suppressed the story while 51 ex-US intelligence officials denounced the exposure as "Russian disinformation."However, a lot has reversed since then: the US mainstream media has admitted that the laptops files are authentic, while independent forensic investigators confirmed that all the data belongs to Hunter Biden. For his part, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey acknowledged that censoring the laptop story was a mistake.Marco Polo, a non-profit formed by Ziegler, stated that a goal of the investigation was to provide US Congress deputies and prosecutors a roadmap to pursue charges. The group has already sent its report to every member of Congress.It is widely expected that the Republicans will retake the House of Representatives and, possibly, the Senate in the aftermath of the forthcoming November midterms. Earlier, GOP lawmakers signaled that the party will intensify investigations into Hunter Biden, his uncle Jim and his father Joe if it wins a majority in the lower chamber. Meanwhile, some congresspersons pledged to initiative an impeachment procedure against the incumbent president which could become a headache for Joe Biden, especially if the GOP takes the Senate. https://sputniknews.com/20221018/joe-biden-was-aware-of-son-hunters-potentially-criminal-business-dealings-whistleblowers-claim-1101994540.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova 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 Ekaterina Blinova us, opinion, hunter biden, joe biden, laptop, the new york post, 2022 us midterm elections, gop, investigation US, Select APEC Members Reiterate Support for Ukraine The United States and five member states of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Thursday issued a joint statement reiterating their support for Ukraine. The United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea and New Zealand issued the joint statement at the conclusion of the APEC finance ministers meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand. "Together with the international community and in close cooperation with the government of Ukraine, we remain committed to supporting Ukraine," the statement said. The countries said in the statement that they will further step up efforts to overcome the food crisis in coordination with international organizations and development partners. "[I]n this context, [we] will focus on supporting affected economies in protecting vulnerable populations from the impact of food price shocks and on lifting of export restrictions on food and fertilizers," the statement said. The countries also expressed concerns about the volatility in the energy markets and the need to promote energy resilience, access and security in the region the statement said. In addition, the countries reiterated their support for the so-called "rules-based international order" that they say underpins an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific region and called for Russia to immediately withdraw its military from Ukraine, the statement added. https://sputniknews.com/20221020/martial-law-in-new-russian-territories-eu-facing-a-wave-of-protests-1102434413.html Martial Law in New Russian Territories; EU Facing a Wave of Protests Martial Law in New Russian Territories; EU Facing a Wave of Protests President Putin has declared martial law in the new Russian territories in a move to address Ukrainian offensives. 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T08:21+0000 2022-10-20T08:21+0000 2022-10-24T10:06+0000 the critical hour ukraine crisis abortion haiti china radio russiagate /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/13/1102434268_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_57d75bb9560a36c13edc5eddedf8cfed.png Martial Law in New Russian Territories; EU Facing a Wave of Protests President Putin has declared martial law in the new Russian territories in a move to address Ukrainian offensives. Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss the Ukraine Crisis. President Putin has declared martial law in the new Russian territories in a move to address Ukrainian offensives.Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch, and author of "Let Roe Go: Winning Abortion Rights," joins us to discuss the EU economic crisis. The EU will likely face a long-term energy crisis as Qatar advises that they are unable to make up for missing Russian gas.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor of Economics and Politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. Republicans appear poised to use the current economic crisis to impose austerity measures on the US electorate.Dr. Gerald Horne, Professor of History at the University of Houston, TX, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Africa. Several African nations are moving to elect French imperialism from their lands.KJ Noh, peace activist and writer, joins us to discuss Asia. North Korea has fired many artillery shells in response to US and South Korean provocations.Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of America's Undeclared War, joins us to discuss Turkey. Turkey appears to have secured a deal to become Russia's principal gas hub for the EU.Dr. Jemima Pierre, associate professor of Black studies and anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles, a member of the Black Alliance for Peace, and an editor of the "Black Agenda Review" segment of the Black Agenda Report, joins us to discuss Haiti. Haitians are taking to the streets by the tens of thousands to protest the Biden administration's plan for a military invasion.Ray McGovern, Former CIA analyst, and co-founder, of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, joins us to discuss Russia Gate. A key Russia Gate source for the Steele Dossier a controversial document written by a former British spy which claimed illicit ties between ex-US President Donald Trump and the Russian government, has been acquitted on several felony perjury charges on Tuesday.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 haiti china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Garland Nixon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.jpg Garland Nixon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.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 Garland Nixon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.jpg ukraine crisis, abortion, haiti, china, , radio, russiagate https://sputniknews.com/20221020/new-swedish-foreign-minister-to-make-first-trip-to-finland-1102464806.html New Swedish Foreign Minister to Make First Trip to Finland New Swedish Foreign Minister to Make First Trip to Finland MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom will travel to neighboring Finland on Friday for his first trip since taking office this week. 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T13:44+0000 2022-10-20T13:44+0000 2022-10-20T13:44+0000 world europe sweden finland /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/14/1102464497_0:201:2925:1846_1920x0_80_0_0_0908efb1ba39d1ae732a64068cee57f5.jpg The two diplomats will discuss support to Ukraine and "topical NATO matters," the Finnish foreign ministry said.Swedens new prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, presented his cabinet line-up on Tuesday. The three-party minority coalition government will be backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats for the first time in the Nordic nation's history. sweden finland 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 europe, sweden, finland https://sputniknews.com/20221020/one-killed-in-border-clash-between-pakistan-and-afghanistan---reports-1102460730.html One Killed in Border Clash Between Pakistan and Afghanistan - Reports One Killed in Border Clash Between Pakistan and Afghanistan - Reports Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been going through a rough patch following a surge in US drone movement in recent weeks. Kabul has accused... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T13:18+0000 2022-10-20T13:18+0000 2022-10-20T13:18+0000 world afghanistan taliban tehrik-i-taliban pakistan (ttp) shehbaz sharif war border /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/14/1102461941_0:19:1000:582_1920x0_80_0_0_f9671394483c46defd143aa6d0814e21.jpg A major shootout with heavy weapons has erupted between the Pakistani border guard and the Taliban in the town of Spin Boldaka in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, local media reported on Thursday.A woman was reportedly killed on the Afghan side during the clashes that have continued since Wednesday night. Mawlawi Mahmood, the Taliban chief of police for Spin Boldak district, blamed Pakistani troops for opening fire at the Afghanistan border post last night. The tensions between the two countries soared in recent weeks over a range of issues, including accusations of patronizing terrorists on both sides.Earlier, Senior Taliban leader and Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai threatened to go to war with Pakistan if Islamabad continued to accuse the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan of sheltering terrorists in the war-torn nation.The statement came in response to one by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's General Assembly last month, where he said that terrorist groups based in Afghanistan continue to pose a threat to the global community.*under UN sanctions for terrorist activities https://sputniknews.com/20221013/taliban-warns-senior-pakistani-diplomat-against-contentious-statements-amid-strained-ties-1101814942.html afghanistan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Rishikesh Kumar https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/04/1080055820_0:0:388:389_100x100_80_0_0_40018ee210946d65d49ffba4f4c008e1.jpg Rishikesh Kumar https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/04/1080055820_0:0:388:389_100x100_80_0_0_40018ee210946d65d49ffba4f4c008e1.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 Rishikesh Kumar https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/04/1080055820_0:0:388:389_100x100_80_0_0_40018ee210946d65d49ffba4f4c008e1.jpg afghanistan, taliban, tehrik-i-taliban pakistan (ttp), shehbaz sharif, war, border https://sputniknews.com/20221020/politicians-clash-over-firecracker-ban-in-delhi-shopkeepers-say-they-are-inseparable-from-diwali-1102439470.html Politicians Clash Over Firecracker Ban in Delhi; Shopkeepers Say They Are Inseparable From Diwali Politicians Clash Over Firecracker Ban in Delhi; Shopkeepers Say They Are Inseparable From Diwali Firecrackers were first banned in Delhi in 2017. However, the authorities allowed the sale of green firecrackers fireworks that don't pollute the air as much... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T07:55+0000 2022-10-20T07:55+0000 2022-10-20T07:56+0000 india diwali diwali festival festival festival firecrackers fireworks fireworks arvind kejriwal /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/14/1102440767_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_32a610914083640edbceaac4820c8c99.jpg The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit out at Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over its stringent ban on the sale, stockpiling, or use of firecrackers in the capital city.On Thursday, BJP politician Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga blasted Delhi State Chief Arvind Kejriwal over the prohibition after AAP supporters were seen setting off firecrackers at the residence of a newly appointed minister, Raj Kumar Anand, in the city. Bagga pointed to the hypocrisy, suggesting that when it's about a minister in the Kejriwal government, it appears as if, "oxygen comes out of firecrackers" (in place of toxic pollution).It's worth mentioning that flouting the crackers prohibition can even end up a jail term.This year's complete ban on fireworks has also hurt shopkeepers, since sales of the explosives peak ahead of Diwali. Fireworks are commonly used during the Hindu festival, which is to be celebrated on October 24, this coming Monday."I have been receiving calls from all over Delhi as many people want to buy firecrackers, but due to the government's directive we can't sell fireworks to them," Goyal told Sputnik on Thursday.Another fireworks seller named Rajesh Khurana, whose shop is located in the Paschim Vihar area of the city, was livid about the ban.Meanwhile, an interested firecracker buyer, Raghuraj Singh, claimed that despite the ban people are buying fireworks on the black market. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama from his 14 years of exile as per the Hindu scripture Ramayana. On this occasion, Indians decorate their homes, light up earthen lamps, and illuminate their homes with electric lights.In the evening, people offer prayers to Lord Ganesha (the Hindu God of luck, good fortune, and kindness) and Goddess Lakshmi (the Hindu Goddess of wealth) before distributing sweets among family members, neighbors, and relatives. This is followed by firecrackers being set off at home during the night.For the last few years, Delhi has been grappling with high pollution, especially during winters. One of the main reasons for this pollution has been observed to be stubble burning in neighboring states of Delhi such as the agricultural states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. delhi 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 diwali, diwali, festival, festival, festival, firecrackers, fireworks, fireworks, arvind kejriwal, aam aadmi party, bharatiya janata party (bjp), delhi https://sputniknews.com/20221020/report-trump-deposed-in-defamation-case-filed-by-rape-accuser-e-jean-carroll-1102435743.html Report: Trump Deposed in Defamation Case Filed by Rape Accuser E. Jean Carroll Report: Trump Deposed in Defamation Case Filed by Rape Accuser E. Jean Carroll The former magazine columnist claimed that former US President Donald Trump raped her in the 1990s. The deposition comes months after Trump refused to answer... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T01:35+0000 2022-10-20T01:35+0000 2022-10-20T01:34+0000 americas donald trump defamation lawsuit deposition /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/08/1d/1100138860_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_cb2acce8e8addb5c7cffb0d767c2fb84.jpg Former US President Donald Trump was deposed on Wednesday for a civil lawsuit accusing him of defaming E. Jean Carroll in response to her accusing the one-term commander-in-chief of rape, it has been reported.Carroll, who is now 78 years old, accused Trump of raping her in a dressing room in the Manhattan Bergdorf Goodman department store in the 1990s after the pair met in the store. The accusation first appeared in a 2019 New York magazine article, when Trump was still president.At the time, Trump defended himself, saying Carroll wasnt even [his] type, and accused her of being motivated by political and monetary reasons to make up the story. Carroll responded by suing Trump in New York State Court for defamation.Trump had tried to delay the deposition with a pending appeal, but a federal judge knocked him down, and at the same time rejected Trumps claim to substitute in the federal government in the lawsuit which would have immediately invoked the doctrine of sovereign immunity, a law that protects the government from being sued without consent. In other words, the government cannot be sued for defamation.In 2020, then-Attorney General William Barr attempted to replace Trump as the defendant in the case, arguing that because Trump was president when he allegedly defamed Carroll, the government had the power to step in and act as the defendant because he was a government employee. However, Judge Lewis Kaplan rejected the claim, ruling that the president of the United States is not an employee of the Government within the meaning of the relevant statutes.Even if Trump had been considered a government employee, the judge continued, the former president's allegedly defamatory statements would not have been within the scope of his employment.The US 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that decision about Trump not acting as a government employee at the time he responded to Carrolls article, but the appeals court also asked a Washington, DC, court to decide if Trump made the statements about Carroll within the scope of his employment as president, as defined by DC law.Carroll has said she also intends to take advantage of a new law in New York that will allow sexual assault victims to sue without a statute of limitations in a one-year window, which will allow her to sue Trump in November for the alleged rape itself. According to Carrolls lawyer, the former columnist plans to file the lawsuit on Nov. 24, the day the one-year window opens."We look forward to establishing on the record that this case is, and always has been, entirely without merit, said Alina Habba, one of Trumps attorneys.Carroll sat for her deposition in the case last week. https://sputniknews.com/20220312/judge-strikes-down-trumps-countersuit-in-defamation-legal-battle-with-rape-accuser-1093807345.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Allison Dubois Allison Dubois 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 Allison Dubois donald trump, defamation, lawsuit, deposition https://sputniknews.com/20221020/russia-algeria-hold-joint-navy-exercises-this-week-1102437690.html Russia, Algeria Hold Joint Navy Exercises This Week Russia, Algeria Hold Joint Navy Exercises This Week In 2018, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu named Algeria one of the top priority countries for Russia's military-technical cooperation in Africa. In... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T11:23+0000 2022-10-20T11:23+0000 2022-11-23T11:36+0000 africa algeria russia military & intelligence russian military joint exercises military exercise exercises north africa /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/14/1102448723_0:56:1080:664_1920x0_80_0_0_c308ce409b053eda3ae1dfc188751088.jpg Algeria and Russia launched a four-day joint military exercise in the Mediterranean Sea on Tuesday, Algerian Defense Ministry said. A number of Russian warships have moored at the port of Algiers to carry out Joint Naval Exercises 2022.The exercise aims to strengthen and develop military cooperation between Russia and Algeria, the ministry statement said. Earlier, Russian Ministry of Defense stated that another joint anti-terrorist exercise of the Land Forces of Russia and Algeria, "Desert Shield 2022", will take place on November 16-28, 2022 at the Hamakir training ground in Algeria. In late September, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the upcoming Russian-Algerian anti-terrorist exercises in November are routine and are not directed against a third party.According to the ministry, the exercise will work out the search, detection and destruction of illegal armed groups. About 80 servicemen from each side are planned to be engaged in the exercise.In mid-July, the Black Sea Fleet reconnaissance ship Kildin and the small sea tanker Vice-Admiral Paromov entered the port of Algiers on a three-day visit, Russian outlets reported.The first joint Russian-Algerian tactical exercise took place in October 2021 at the Tarskoye training ground in North Ossetia, Russia, in which approximately 200 Russian and Algerian soldiers took part, about 40 units of military and special equipment were involved. In November 2021, Russian and Algerian warships carried out Joint Naval Maneuvers - 2021. The main objectives of the exercise were the development of Russian-Algerian military cooperation, exchange of experience between the fleets, planning and coordination of joint naval training activities.According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Algeria along with Morocco and Egypt, is one of Russia's top three trading partners on the African continent. Against the backdrop of large-scale sanctions imposed by Western countries against Russia after the start of the special military operation in Ukraine, Algeria did not join the restrictive measures against Moscow and maintains a neutral position.On September 1-7, 2022, the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces hosted The Vostok-2022 strategic command and staff exercises with the participation of military contingents and observers from the CSTO, SCO and partner states. Algeria was among the partner states.As part of the exercises, defensive and offensive activitaya at the air defense ranges, as well as in the waters and coastal zones of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan have been practiced. https://sputniknews.com/20221010/no-one-should-dictate-who-algerias-friends-are-expert-says-in-response-to-us-sanctions-calls-1101698021.html africa algeria russia north africa 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 algeria, russia, military & intelligence, russian military, joint exercises, military exercise, exercises, north africa https://sputniknews.com/20221020/tories-at-pains-truss-resigned-but-no-replacement-lined-up-academics-say-1102477555.html Tories at Pains: Truss Resigned But No Replacement Lined-Up, Academics Say Tories at Pains: Truss Resigned But No Replacement Lined-Up, Academics Say Liz Truss announced her resignation on October 20, becoming the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the United Kingdom. She stepped down after... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T18:44+0000 2022-10-20T18:44+0000 2022-10-20T18:44+0000 opinion & analysis uk opinion liz truss tories kwasi kwarteng tax cuts rishi sunak boris johnson ben wallace /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/07/03/1096905655_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_ef77f05500c792c1f273d17451439788.jpg "Liz Truss has resigned as prime minister of the United Kingdom. What has been interesting is the speed with which this has come around. Earlier in the week, she was talking about fighting the next general election, which is still likely to be in December 2024. So, a lot has gone on in a very short period of time that has actually undermined her," said Alistair Jones, associate professor of politics at De Montfort University in the UK.Clouds started gathering on Truss' horizon after then-Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng, her close ally, unveiled his tax-cut mini-budget which immediately sent markets into meltdown. The pound sterling fell to its lowest-ever level against the greenback. The market chaos, however, wasn't unforeseeable. Previously, Rishi Sunak, who competed with Truss for the British prime ministership, warned that her plan wouldn't fly."[M]any of the policies that she wanted to implement, Rishi Sunak pointed out, were fundamentally flawed," noted Jones. "And what is interesting is that Sunak's predictions came to pass. You can't have unfunded tax cuts while also increasing public spending, and then not to have the Office for Budget Responsibility examine those plans so they could actually provide an impartial, independent commentary on it all. That was a huge mistake leading to the sacking of Kwasi Kwarteng, her chancellor."Having failed to calm the markets, Truss fired Kwarteng after less than six weeks in the job, and backpedalled on her ambitious tax-cut policy. Jeremy Hunt, a former health secretary and foreign secretary, was announced as the new chancellor.According to The Spectator, a right-leaning British outlet, Hunt repudiated Truss' mini-budget and started to work on a medium-term financial strategy at the Treasury, while operating in tandem with Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England. A newly-empowered Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) hailed Hunt's approach, since "each of these institutions the Bank, the Treasury and the OBR were treated with disdain by Truss and Kwarteng," The Spectator pointed out.Therefore, it's hardly surprising that following a string of failures committed by Truss, a considerable number of Conservative MPs made their feelings clear to Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Backbench Committee. "I think the extent of it was such as that he basically advised Liz Truss, 'resign now and go with honor and dignity or be removed in a way similar to that of your predecessor, Boris Johnson'," Jones presumed.Unity Candidate for ToriesThe most challenging question now is who will take the reins of the British government since no candidates stand out to replace Truss, according to Jones.Conservative MPs do not want another long leadership election so they need a "unity candidate," but the problem is that the party is deeply divided, the professor pointed out."The Conservative Party is in danger of falling apart because of serious divisions over policies and personalities," echoed Mark Garnett. "Most MPs will be hoping that there can be a smooth transition to a new leader who has widespread support among all elements of the party. Such a person, however, will be difficult to find."The obvious candidate is Rishi Sunak, who's expected to stand, according to Laura McAllister, professor of public policy at the Wales Governance Centre.At the same time, some see Sunak "as a kind of voice of calm and the stabilizing force that is needed given the unstable markets post mini budget" given his earlier projections with regard to Truss economic plan, according to McAllister.For his part, Jones cited the fact that BoJo is under investigation by the Privileges Committee: "If found guilty and suspended from Parliament for ten days, [he] could suffer a recall election, and he loses his position as an MP," the academic warned.There is a certain clash between the conservative camps supporting Johnson and Sunak, so maybe MPs would look for someone less divisive and more appealing to all factions, according to the observers. Still, some of those potential candidates lack necessary experience.Another potential candidate is Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace. However, he has already signaled that he does not want this job. Jones explained that Wallace "is happy working for defence" and feels quite comfortable in an environment which he knows and understands and can deliver. Likewise, Jeremy Hunt, the incumbent chancellor, has made it clear that he is not standing for prime minister either."If [the Conservative Party] get[s] more than one candidate that will have to go to the party membership unless the rules are going to be changed, whereas the party membership will not be consulted," noted Jones. "Now, if that is to happen, the party membership is going to be furious and they quite likely will potentially remove their electoral support from the party come the next general election in retaliation against the overruling of their mandate." https://sputniknews.com/20221016/no-trust-for-truss-why-end-is-nigh-for-lizs-prime-ministership-1101906468.html https://sputniknews.com/20221020/as-liz-truss-quits-who-are-the-shortest-ruling-british-prime-ministers-1102465152.html https://sputniknews.com/20221019/suella-braverman-quits-as-uk-home-secretary-1102090204.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova 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 Ekaterina Blinova uk, opinion, liz truss, tories, kwasi kwarteng, tax cuts, rishi sunak, boris johnson, ben wallace, jeremy hunt, prime minister https://sputniknews.com/20221020/truss-government-denies-braverman-quit-over-migrant-policy-or-for-leadership-bid-1102446802.html Truss Government Denies Braverman Quit Over Migrant Policy or For Leadership Bid Truss Government Denies Braverman Quit Over Migrant Policy or For Leadership Bid Suella Braverman quit as home secretary on Wednesday afternoon ostensibly over a mix-up with email accounts but with a thinly-veiled call on PM Liz Truss to... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T12:25+0000 2022-10-20T12:25+0000 2022-10-20T13:38+0000 suella braverman world liz truss yvette cooper grant shapps uk andrew bridgen great britain britain /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0a/14/1102458309_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_cfefea099dd06a7351bcb1dc2dc70f2b.jpg Beleaguered Prime Minister Liz Truss' government has denied claims that Suella Braverman resigned as home secretary over a change in immigration policy. Junior Cabinet Office Minister Brendan Clarke-Smith, standing in for new Home Secretary Grant Shapps on Thursday morning, caught the flak from opposition Labour shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper and his own Conservative backbenchers.Cooper repeated media claims that Braverman and Truss had a 90-minute "shouting match" on Wednesday before her resignation accompanied by a scathing letter implying the PM should also quit and speculation that the former home secretary was preparing a leadership challenge just six weeks into the Truss premiership. "This is a disgrace," Cooper said.Clarke-Smith insisted that Braverman had quit purely because she had sent a cabinet document still under discussion to a fellow MP from her personal email account."Ministers only remain in office so long as they retain the confidence of the prime minister," Clarke-Smith said. "She is the ultimate judge of the standards of behaviour expected of a minister and the appropriate consequences of a breach of those standards."Brexiteer RebellionBut a string of Tory MPs also challenged the cabinet office minister on whether Downing Street was going soft on its commitment to reduce the number of low-paid migrant workers in the UK. Several supporters of Britain's exit from the EU which Truss and her all-powerful new Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt opposed rose to ask if the government was still committed to tackling rampant people-trafficking by sea from the European continent that has claimed scores of lives.Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh asked if Braverman's resignation was "entirely due to a technical breach of the rules, and there was no policy disagreement" between Truss and the former attorney general who backed the controversial scheme to resettle asylum claimants who arrive illegally in the east African country of Rwanda. Clarke-Smith replied only that the government was against "illegal" immigration.Ashfield MP Lee Anderson described the Rwanda policy as "excellent" and said he was "not convinced" that the Truss government was "totally behind the previous home secretary."And North West Leicestershire's Andrew Bridgen, a leading Brexiteer, asked Clarke Smith to outline the government's current policy on immigration "for the avoidance of doubt" and asked if it was "under review." https://sputniknews.com/20221019/suella-braverman-quits-as-uk-home-secretary-1102090204.html https://sputniknews.com/20221020/truss-may-be-forced-out-of-no-10-within-weeks-or-even-days-report-says-1102438254.html great britain britain Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 James Tweedie https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png James Tweedie https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.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 James Tweedie https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png suella braverman, liz truss, yvette cooper, grant shapps, uk, andrew bridgen, great britain, britain https://sputniknews.com/20221020/ukrainians-used-electric-shock-torture-on-captive-russian-soldiers--eyewitnesses-1102436263.html Ukrainians Used Electric Shock Torture on Captive Russian Soldiers Eyewitnesses Ukrainians Used Electric Shock Torture on Captive Russian Soldiers Eyewitnesses DONETSK (Sputnik) Ukrainian security forces electrocuted, starved and beat Russian prisoners of war with hammers, two eyewitnesses told Sputnik. 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T02:41+0000 2022-10-20T02:41+0000 2022-10-20T06:20+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine torture donetsk people's republic ukrainian security service (sbu) electrocution prisoners-of-war /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/09/15/1101034725_0:191:3072:1919_1920x0_80_0_0_e2a5292ff2b4c287bb9d9ccd67a3a1f7.jpg Vladislav Yegilnitsky, a member of the Donetsk Peoples Republic armed forces who survived Ukrainian captivity, said Ukrainians routinely beat and maimed detainees at a prison dubbed the Gym.Mikhail Yanko, a soldier with the Lugansk Peoples Republic armed forces, confirmed to Sputnik that he too had seen Ukrainians torture prisoners at the Gym. He said a prisoners ration consisted of a piece of bread no bigger than a matchbox.Captives were held in an unheated room, Yegilnitsky said. They sat huddled under rugs and were called up to a nearby room where they were tortured.Russian nationals had it the worst, Yegilnitsky added. He said the Ukrainian security agency SBU interrogated Russian soldiers.A UN Human Rights Council commission of inquiry on Ukraine considers both sides of the conflict to be responsible for violations of the international humanitarian law. In several cases, it said, Ukrainian armed forces shot, wounded, tortured and executed Russian prisoners of war, which they consider to be war crimes. ukraine 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 ukraine, torture, donetsk people's republic, ukrainian security service (sbu), electrocution, prisoners-of-war https://sputniknews.com/20221020/us-signs-78-million-deal-to-maintain-taiwans-patriot-air-defense-systems-1102473897.html US Signs $78 Million Deal to Maintain Taiwans Patriot Air Defense System US Signs $78 Million Deal to Maintain Taiwans Patriot Air Defense System Taipei has signed a deal with Washington to maintain the islands MIM-104 Patriot air defense system for another five years, a Taiwanese authority posting... 20.10.2022, Sputnik International 2022-10-20T17:31+0000 2022-10-20T17:31+0000 2022-10-20T17:44+0000 world taiwan patriot 3 (pac-3) air defence missile us contract china /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/106374/54/1063745410_0:67:744:486_1920x0_80_0_0_a8da00aaf472791f1f2027447acdd4eb.jpg The deal was announced on the Taiwanese Defense Ministrys online procurement platform, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), which first reported the story.According to the Hong Kong-based paper, a source in the Taiwanese military said that the deal calls for engineering teams from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, two US defense contractors, to be positioned in Taiwan for the long term.The deal was reportedly made after the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) fired 11 missiles over Taiwan during August military drills, which were held in response to a visit to the island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). During the visit, Pelosi, the third-highest ranking US official, spoke with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and condemned the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for trying to reunify with the island.Since 2016, US support for Tsais separatist-friendly government has antagonized US-China relations, and raised new pledges in mainland China to reincorporate Taiwan into the country. At the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China earlier this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping doubled down on that pledge, saying that either peaceful or forceful reunification "must be fulfilled.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Admiral Michael Gilday, the chief of US naval operations, have both voiced new warnings in recent days that Chinas timeline for reuniting with Taiwan might be accelerating."So when we talk about the 2027 window in my mind, that has to be a 2022 window or potentially a 2023 window," he added. "I can't rule that out. I don't mean at all to be alarmist by saying that. It's just that we can't wish that away."The US has stepped up its weapons sales to Taiwan, seeking to make the island as prickly as possible to deter a Chinese attack. This has included large volumes of asymmetric weapons, such as cruise missiles, air defense systems, and torpedoes, as well as radars and other support systems. china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier 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 Fantine Gardinier taiwan, patriot 3 (pac-3) air defence missile, us, contract, china Following clues and solving mysteries, two local historians are documenting burial places in Culpeper, from those of the formerly enslaved to the countys wealthiest landowners. Historian Jim Bish outlined the work this duo has accomplished over the past 18 months in their Culpeper County Cemetery Project, during a recent public presentation at the Culpeper County Library. Bish spoke on Oct. 8 to about 20 attendees about the efforts he and his Culpeper neighbor, retired Marine Lt. Col. Wayne Wildgrube, are making to identify, survey and map more than 450 cemeteries in the county. Bish, a former member of the Prince William County Historical Commission, said their projects primary focus is on small, private family cemeteries. Of the 450 cemeteries theyve identified so far, 52 are public or religious cemeteries, such as Fairview Cemetery, Culpeper National Cemetery and graveyards on church properties, Bish said. Were less interested in those cemeteries because we know they wont be lost, they are known and not under threat, he said. What were trying to preserve are cemeteries that are under threat by development, Bish told attendees. We want to at least identify them and hopefully protect them. In early America, it was standard practice for families to bury their dead on their own property. Across Culpeper County, as in the rest of Virginiahidden in forests, lost on agricultural lands, crowded by housing subdivisions or buried under shopping centersare the remains of the people who made this nation what it is today. According to Preservation Virginia, a history advocacy nonprofit, many family cemeteries in Virginia are endangered by neglect, vandalism, inappropriate development and agricultural practices. We hope this presentation may help in the awareness of Culpepers old, often forgotten family cemeteries, Wildgrube told the Culpeper Star-Exponent last week. It may help to encourage our county officials and those who own the property where the cemeteries are now located to preserve these hallowed grounds where the founders of Culpeper County are buried, he said. Andrew DiNicola, Culpeper Librarys adult services and outreach coordinator, said people hoping to find their ancestors visit the library every day to research its records. Private cemeteries on family properties often have those vital key bits of information that put our collective history into perspective, DiNicola said. Bish and Wildgrube have compiled their work on a website, mapfling.com/qtaopap, where each of the 450-plus known cemeteries in the county can be viewed on a map. (Zoom out by tapping the minus button at the maps bottom right for a wider perspective.) We update the website as we make progress, Bish told the audience. The stars mean weve actually put boots on the ground and positively identified where it is. The triangles mean we tried to find the cemetery but we could find no obvious evidence of a cemetery. The teardrops are cemeteries weve located through secondary sources through genealogies, things like that which was the first thing we did, and now were in the process of confirming that those cemeteries actually are there, he said. Bish said he and Wildgrube spend a couple days each week out in the field, knocking on doors of land owners, confirming locations for cemeteries, recording the approximate number of graves and documenting the size and condition of each burial ground. The project uses surveys, digital mapping, the countys Geographic Information System and ground-penetrating radar to find unmarked graves and cemetery boundaries. On their projects website, Bish and Wildgrube insert photographs, maps, old newspaper articles, genealogies and Wikipedia entries that they find in connection with the cemeteries and graves they discover. For example, the site of the Davenport-Thompson cemetery, off Chestnut Fork Road just north of town, is where the home of Birkett and Eleanor Davenport stood in the late 1700s to early 1800s. Bish and Wildgrube documented the graves of Eleanor, who died in May 1790, and their daughter Susanna, the wife of Phillip Rootes Thompson, who died in 1798. Bish said Birkett Davenport was a successful Culpeper merchant, born about 1740 in Orange County. He married Eleanor Brown in 1765 after opening a store in the new town of Fairfax (Culpeper), having purchased Lot 3 at the corner of West and Cameron Streets, now the site of the Culpeper County Courthouse entrance. Davenport represented Culpeper in Virginias first House of Delegates in 1776. During the Revolutionary War, Davenport was appointed a district commissioner and distributed supplies for the American army in Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange and Spotsylvania counties. In 1782, Davenport became a trustee of the new town of Stevensburg, and later helped establish Fairfax Lodge No. 43, the first Masonic lodge in Culpeper County. He and his wife had two daughters, one of whom became the second wife of Col. John Jameson, another well-known Revolutionary patriot. This is just one example of many stories shared by Bish in his presentation Saturday. The history and progress of Culpeper County in the past nearly 300 years was made by the individuals who are buried in our countys soil, Bish said. They were the people who made Culpeper County, who helped pave the way for our lives here today. We should have more appreciation and respect for these individuals, he added. These cemeteries are a very important historic resource that should not be forgotten. The presentation was recorded by video camera and will be available on the librarys YouTube channel, youtube.com/c/CulpeperCountyLibrary, within the next week, DiNicola said. If you know of an abandoned cemetery or suspect there might be a cemetery on your property, please email bishjd1@gmail.com. Information about any potential cemetery location from a family history or other sources is welcome. Residents can support this volunteer effort by allowing Culpeper County Cemetery Project representatives access to cemetery sites on their land. The Virginia Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulation has taken steps to break down barriers and build opportunity for Virginias growing Hispanic and Latino workforce, according to a release this week from Gov. Glenn Youngkin. In the last six months, the executive branch agency has expeditiously worked to translate contractors application instructions and exams into Spanish, Youngkins release stated. Applications for all contractors and tradesman now include instructions in Spanish as well as English. In addition, effective Oct. 1, the Board for Contractors is offering business and law, tradesman and eight specialty license exams with its vendor PSI in Spanish. This is a big step towards addressing a critical need and creating opportunities for Spanish speaking Virginians to enter the workforce and start their own business, said Youngkin. DPORs efforts will better serve the Hispanic and Latino community, which represents a large, diverse and vital part of the Commonwealth. Spanish is the second most-common language in the United States and the number of Hispanic workers contributing to Virginias economy is steadily growing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Hispanic workers in the labor force has grown from nearly 11 million in 1990 to 29 million in 2020. Hispanics are projected to account for 78% of net new workers between 2020 and 2030, the governors release stated. Providing exams and other essential documents in Spanish will help fill high-demand building and construction jobs, said Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater. This is also a great example of our responsiveness to industry as well as the Hispanic and Latino community, who have been bringing this need to my attention as I have traveled across the state. The state agency plays an important role in ensuring a vibrant and competent workforce, DPOR Director Demetrios Melis said in the release. Offering application assistance and exams in Spanish is just one of many efforts underway to improve the citizen-experience and find solutions to the challenges Virginias workforce is facing, he said. DPOR hopes to expand its application and exam assistance to include other languages. The agency currently has the ability to offer interpreting services in over 300 languages to in-person and call center customers. Theres no separate number to call, customers can simply request assistance in their language of preference from a customer service specialist, according to the governors release. DPOR oversees 18 regulatory boards and program, issuing professional licenses, certificates and registration. A couple of years into the pandemic, Shirley Neville had finally had enough of her shoddy internet service. "It was just a headache," said Neville, who lives in a middle-class neighborhood in New Orleans whose residents are almost all Black or Latino. "When I was getting ready to use my tablet for a meeting, it was cutting off and not coming on." Neville said she was willing to pay more to be able to Zoom without interruption, so she called AT&T to upgrade her connection. She said she was told there was nothing the company could do. In her area, AT&T only offers download speeds of 1 megabit per second or less, trapping her in a digital Stone Age. Her internet is so slow that it doesn't meet Zoom's recommended minimum for group video calls; doesn't come close to the Federal Communications Commission's definition of broadband, currently 25 Mbps; and is worlds below median home internet speeds in the U.S., which average 167 Mbps. "In my neighborhood, it's terrible," Neville said. But that's not the case in other parts of New Orleans. AT&T offers residents of the mostly white, upper-income neighborhood of Lakeview internet speeds almost 400 times faster than Neville's for the same price: $55 a month. This story was reported by The Markup, and the story and data were distributed by The Associated Press. The Markup gathered and analyzed more than 800,000 internet service offers from AT&T, Verizon, Earthlink, and CenturyLink in 38 cities across America and found that all four routinely offered fast base speeds at or above 200 Mbps in some neighborhoods for the same price as connections below 25 Mbps in others. The neighborhoods offered the worst deals had lower median incomes in nine out of 10 cities in the analysis. In two-thirds of the cities where The Markup had enough data to compare, the providers gave the worst offers to the least white neighborhoods. These providers also disproportionately gave the worst offers to formerly redlined areas in every one of the 22 cities examined where digitized historical maps were available. These are areas a since-disbanded agency created by the federal government in the 1930s had deemed "hazardous" for financial institutions to invest in, often because the residents were Black or poor. Redlining was outlawed in 1968. By failing to price according to service speed, these companies are demanding some customers pay dramatically higher unit prices for advertised download speed than others. CenturyLink, which showed the most extreme disparities, offered some customers service of 200 Mbps, amounting to as little as $0.25 per Mbps, but offered others living in the same city only 0.5 Mbps for the same pricea unit price of $100 per Mbps, or 400 times as much. Residents of neighborhoods offered the worst deals aren't just being ripped off; they're denied the ability to participate in remote learning, well-paying remote jobs, and even family connection and recreationubiquitous elements of modern life. "It isn't just about the provision of a better service. It's about access to the tools people need to fully participate in our democratic system," said Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel at the ACLU. "That is a far bigger deal and that's what really worries me about what you're finding." Christopher Lewis, president and CEO of the nonprofit Public Knowledge, which works to expand internet access, said The Markup's analysis shows how far behind the federal government is when it comes to holding internet providers to account. "Nowhere have we seen either the FCC nor the Congress, who ultimately has authority as well, study competition in the marketplace and pricing to see if consumers are being price gouged or if those service offerings make sense." None of the providers denied charging the same fee for vastly different internet speeds to different neighborhoods in the same cities. But they said their intentions were not to discriminate against communities of color and that there were other factors to consider. The industry group USTelecom, speaking on behalf of Verizon, said the cost of maintaining the antiquated equipment used for slow speed service plays a role in its price. "Fiber can be hundreds of times faster than legacy broadbandbut that doesn't mean that legacy networks cost hundreds of times less," USTelecom senior vice president Marie Johnson said in an email. "Operating and maintaining legacy technologies can be more expensive, especially as legacy network components are discontinued by equipment manufacturers." AT&T spokesperson Jim Greer said in an emailed statement that The Markup's analysis is "fundamentally flawed" because it "clearly ignored our participation in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and our low-cost Access by AT&T service offerings." The Affordable Connectivity Program was launched in 2021 and pays up to $30 a month for internet for low-income residents, or $75 on tribal lands. "Any suggestion that we discriminate in providing internet access is blatantly wrong," he said, adding that AT&T plans on spending $48 billion on service upgrades over the next two years. Recent research looking at 30 major cities found only about a third of eligible households had signed up for the federal subsidy, however, and the majority use it to help cover cellphone bills, which also qualify, rather than home internet costs. Connectivity advocates told The Markup that it's hard to get people to jump through the bureaucratic hoops needed to sign up for the program when service is slow. Greer declined to say how many or what percentage of AT&T's internet customers are signed up for either the ACP or the company's own low-cost program for low-income residents. In a letter to the FCC, AT&T insisted its high-speed internet deployments are driven by "household density, not median incomes." But when The Markup ran a statistical test controlling for density, it still found AT&T disproportionately offered slower speeds to lower-income areas in three out of four of the 20 cities where it investigated their service. "We do not engage in discriminatory practices like redlining and find the accusation offensive," Mark Molzen, a spokesperson for CenturyLink's parent company, Lumen, wrote in an email." He said that The Markup's analysis is "deeply flawed" without specifying how. He did not respond to requests for clarification. EarthLink, which doesn't own internet infrastructure in the examined cities but rather rents capacity from other providers, did not provide an official comment despite repeated requests. Internet prices are not regulated by the federal government because unlike telephone service, internet service is not considered a utility. As a result, providers can make their own decisions about where they provide service and how much to charge. The FCC declined a request to comment on the findings. The investigation is based on service offers collected from the companies' own websites, which contain service lookup tools that list all available plans for specific addresses, using a method pioneered by researchers at Princeton University. The Markup analyzed price and speed for nearly 850,000 offers for addresses in the largest city in 38 states where these providers operate. Las Vegas is one city where large swaths of CenturyLink's offers were for slow service. Almost half didn't meet the current federal definition of broadband. These fell disproportionately on Las Vegas's lower-income and least white areas. Las Vegas councilwoman Olivia Diaz said that in the summer of 2020, she approached families where children had stopped showing up to virtual lessons the previous school year to find out what went wrong. City schools were preparing to begin their second school year marked by COVID-19 lockdowns. "We kept hearing there were multiple children trying to connect in the household, but they weren't able to," said Diaz, who represents a district that's predominantly Latino and on the lower end of the city's income spectrum. More than 80% of CenturyLink's internet offers in her district were for service slower than 25 Mbps. Education advocacy group Common Sense Media recommends at least 200 Mbps download speeds for a household to reliably conduct multiple, simultaneous video conferencing sessions. "I think it's unfair knowing that it is slow service that we're paying for that is not commensurate with the faster speeds that they have in the other parts of the city that are paying the same price," Diaz said. "It just breaks my heart to know we're not getting the best bang for our buck." Diaz said city officials have asked CenturyLink to expand high-speed service in her district, but the company declined, citing the prohibitive cost of deploying new infrastructure in the area. CenturyLink did not respond to emails asking about this request. Some officials told The Markup they've been yelling for years about bad service for high prices. "If I was paying $6 a month," Joshua Edmonds, Detroit's director of digital inclusion, "well you get what you're paying for." But he objects to people being asked to pay premium rates for bad service. "What I pay versus what I get doesn't really make sense." In a 2018 report, Bill Callahan, who runs the online accessibility organization Connect Your Community, coined the term "tier flattening" to describe charging internet customers the same rate for differing levels of service. He said The Markup's findings show how much of America's internet market is based on the "basic unfairness" of internet service providers deciding to deprioritize investing in new, high-speed infrastructure in marginalized areas. "They've made a decision that those neighborhoods are going to be treated differently," said Callahan. "The core reason for that is they think they don't have enough money in those neighborhoods to sustain the kind of market they want." The FCC is currently drafting rules under a provision of the 2021 infrastructure bill aimed at "preventing digital discrimination of access based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin." A coalition of 39 groups led by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Center for Accessible Technology urged the FCC to take aggressive action rectifying broadband inequality by examining the socioeconomics of the neighborhoods getting the slowest speeds and the prices they payregardless of whether the companies intended to discriminate. AT&T insisted in filings with the agency that the standard for discrimination should be explicit, deliberate efforts to avoid building infrastructure in areas that are populated by people of color or lower-income residents. It also asked for subsidies to build high-speed internet in lower-income neighborhoods because, as AT&T asserted in its letter to the FCC, "most or all deficiencies in broadband access appear to result not from invidious discrimination, but from ordinary business-case challenges in the absence of subsidy programs." Advocates say that's just not true. "There are very few places in the country where it is not economically feasible to deploy broadband," said Brian Thorn, who served as a senior researcher for the Communication Workers of America, a union representing telecom employees, which has been vocal on the issue and filed its own comment to the FCC. (The CWA is the parent union of The NewsGuild-CWA, which represents employees at The Markup and The Associated Press.) He said members are tired of seeing their employers make inequitable infrastructure deployment decisions. "We would hear from members all the time that they're out laying lines on one side of the neighborhood and not on the other," he said. In a letter to the FCC, the coalition asserted that "broadband users are experiencing discriminatory impacts of deployment that are no different than the impacts of past redlining policies in housing, banking, and other venues of economic activity." The term "redlining" derives from efforts by the federal government to stem the tide of foreclosures during the Great Depression by drawing up maps, with the help of real estate agents, to identify areas that were safe for mortgage lending. Predominantly white neighborhoods were consistently rated better than less-white neighborhoods, which were shaded in red. Echoes of these maps still reverberate today in things like rates of home ownership and prenatal mortality. Notes on the historical map explaining why one part of Kansas City, Missouri, was redlined cited "Negro encroachment from the north." In that same area, AT&T offered only slow service to every single address The Markup examined. Across Kansas City, AT&T offered the worst deals to 68% of addresses in redlined areas, compared to just 12% of addresses in areas that had been rated "best" or "desirable." Redlining maps frequently tracked neatly with the disparities The Markup found. Addresses in redlined areas of 15 cities from Portland to Atlanta were offered the worst deals at least twice as often as areas rated "best" or "desirable." Minneapolis, which is served by CenturyLink, displayed one of the most striking disparities: Formerly redlined addresses were offered the worst deals almost eight times as often as formerly better-rated areas. Pamela Jackson-Walters, a 68-year-old longtime resident of Detroit's Hope Village, said she needs the internet to work on her dissertation in organizational leadership at University of Phoenix online and to virtually attend church services. The slow speeds AT&T offered were a constant annoyance. "They still haven't installed the high-speed internet over here," she said. "How do we get it? Are we too poor of a neighborhood to have the better service?" Hope Village has a per capita income of just over $11,000 and is almost entirely Black. To add insult to injury, last fall, AT&T internet service across Hope Village went down for 45 days before being restored. This summer, Jackson-Walters's internet went down again, this time for four weeks, she said. Jeff Jones, another longtime Hope Village resident, noted a bitter irony amid all the service problems. "To add to the insult, I can look out my bedroom window literally, maybe 150 yards, is the AT&T service facility," he said with a weary laugh. "I'm like, please help me! You're right there! How can you ignore this problem that is just right in front of your face?" Until The Markup told Hope Village residents its findings about AT&T's pricing practices in Detroit, they didn't know that lower-income areas were more often asked to pay the same price for slower internet. "That's the big piece," said Angela Siefer, the executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, which advocates for broadband access. "Folks don't know that they're being screwed." LINCOLN Like a teacher lecturing a student for failing to turn in homework, Nebraska lawmakers Tuesday questioned why state corrections leaders have so often failed to produce reports, plans and other work products mandated by the Legislature. A 2021 law gave the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services money to come up with a plan for a halfway back house, a structured environment for parole violators short of returning them to prison. That same year, lawmakers mandated a comprehensive facilities study, and also required a study to determine whether inmates were being properly classified based on security and programming needs. Back in 2015, lawmakers required the department to produce an electronic medical records tracking system, and also to comprehensively study the effectiveness of its rehabilitation programming for inmates. To date, none of those things have been produced. The willingness to ignore what we have required in legislation is concerning, State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha said during a hearing of the Legislatures Judiciary Committee. He suggested the department intentionally failed to follow the directives. He and other senators cited those failures as among the reasons Nebraska continues to have the nations most overcrowded prison system. Quite frankly, not much has changed, said Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln. It fell to the departments interim director who has been on the job for just days to respond to senators questions. Scott Frakes, who led the department for seven years during the administration of Gov. Pete Ricketts, retired effective earlier this month. Interim Director Diane Sabatka-Rine offered a variety of reasons for the failure to meet legislative mandates. The facilities study, for one, will be done by the end of this year, and the inmate classification study by March, she said. But she also said theres no doubt the department has made meaningful change in recent years, citing improvements in staffing and a recidivism rate that she said ranks in the best one-third in the country. She also said the department will continue to explore best practices that can help offenders succeed upon release. I think we can continue to improve the quality of life in many respects for our population, she said. Lathrop said he called Tuesdays hearing as a way to assess where Nebraskas long-troubled correctional system stands as the state prepares to usher in a new administration. The system for years has suffered from severe inmate overcrowding and chronic shortages of staff. Theres now an opportunity to reset relations between the Legislature and Corrections Department. By next year, there will be a new governor, a new corrections director and much turnover in the Legislatures leadership. In response to a question, Sabatka-Rine indicated she is interested in becoming the permanent corrections director. She is a 40-year department veteran, including 10 years as a warden at three facilities, and seven years serving within central administration. During Tuesdays hearing, Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln expressed frustration at the failure of the department to deliver the evaluation of inmate programming. She said persistent overcrowding in the prisons has led to staffing shortages, which in turn has left too little staff to provide for prison programming, which then led to inmates being released unprepared to succeed, which then meant reoffending and more overcrowding. Its a continuous, vicious cycle, she said. Sabatka-Rine said the 2015 programming study was launched and then lost steam due to some staff turnover. But she said the department does all in its power to get inmates the help they need. She said sometimes inmates enter prison with sentences too short to allow them to complete programming, or at times they refuse to take it. Some senators questioned why inmates dont get clinical programming like alcohol and drug treatment until they are within three years of release. Sabatka-Rine said thats based on best practices nationally, which have found treatment is most effective just before inmates re-enter society. The Legislature this past session renewed its call for a programming study, passing another such law. Sabatka-Rine said the department is now engaged with the University of Nebraska at Omaha to launch the new study. The lack of an electronic medical tracking system despite the 2015 mandate was raised last week as a possible factor in the death of a 40-year-old inmate. The inmate had been in custody for nearly 10 years before she received a Pap smear, a preventative screening that could have revealed her treatable cervical cancer. Sabatka-Rine said the department initially sought to meet the medical records mandate by buying an off-the-shelf program. It then found the program would not adequately integrate with the departments other systems. The department then started to develop the program in house, a process that is ongoing. Lathrop said the comprehensive facilities needs study should have been completed this year, before the Legislature considered Ricketts proposal to build a $270 million, 1,500-bed prison to replace the Nebraska State Penitentiary. In the end, senators decided to set aside the money for a new prison but declined to appropriate it. It needs to be done before we spend one nickel on new space, Lathrop said. While Ricketts had sold the new prison as a replacement for the penitentiary, Lathrop suggested the older facility will ultimately be repurposed for additional prisoner housing. Pressed by Lathrop on whether that was likely, Sabatka-Rine said its difficult to predict future capacity needs. Im closing the door, she said of the possibility. Im not locking the door. Lathrop said he still doesnt understand what happened to the Legislatures request for the halfway-back house. The idea behind the facility was to give parolees who commit technical violations a place to reset their lives short of having them returned to prison. Lathrop said he thought the directive was clear in both the legislation and in a subsequent meeting he held with Frakes. Instead, the department recently produced a report to create 96 beds of transitional housing for paroled inmates. Its not what we asked for, Lathrop said. And we could not have been clearer. The number of COVID-19 cases reported in Nebraska declined slightly last week, continuing a steady decline that began in late August. The state recorded 1,050 virus cases for the week ending Wednesday, down 4% from 1,096 the week before, according to figures reported to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases are down almost three-quarters from peak summer levels seen in late July, when the most recent omicron wave of cases peaked. They are at their lowest levels since late April. Nebraskas COVID levels also rank in the bottom dozen among the states. U.S. cases fell 12% for the week and have been falling since July. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 nationally also were down 6.9% from the week before. In Nebraska, 128 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus, down from 139 the week before. But many pandemic experts have their eyes on Europe, where COVID cases and deaths are rising. Virus activity in Europe often has proven a precursor of whats to come in the United States. But rather than having one variant to rule them all, it appears likely that the next wave will involve multiple variants with the ability to evade immunity, said Dr. James Lawler, a co-executive director of the University of Nebraska Medical Centers Global Center for Health Security. A variant called XBB is driving an increase in cases in Singapore. And another called BQ.1.1 may be behind a rise in cases in Germany. All are derived from the BA.4 and BA.5, the two newish variants upon which a portion of the formula for the new bivalent booster shots is based. I think we may see a very different unfolding of events this time around, Lawler said. However, it is likely the U.S. will see waves rolling across the country as it has seen in past fall and winter seasons, with cases starting to increase in the Northeast and then moving across the Midwest and South as fall turns into winter. Wastewater testing in the Northeast indicates an uptick already has begun there. The testing picks up virus particles shed by people ill with the virus. The original vaccines still do a good job of protecting people from serious illness. But people get better protection, Lawler said, if they recently have been boosted. The new boosters seem to provide some additional protection against the latest variants, but researchers wont know for sure until clinical studies are conducted. Under current guidance, Lawler said, people can get the new boosters two months after their last shot of the original vaccine. The CDC says people who recently have had COVID-19 can consider waiting as long as three months after their symptoms started to get the shot, or three months from when they tested positive if they had no symptoms. But Lawler said hed recommend getting boosted after a month. The new boosters recently were approved for children ages 5 to 11, in addition to everyone 12 and older. In Douglas County, cases and the per-capita case rate crept up slightly during the week ending Oct. 15. Cases and case rates in Sarpy and Cass Counties continued to trend downward. Nebraska added four COVID deaths last week, bringing the total number of confirmed or probable deaths to 4,552. The state has had nearly 540,000 confirmed COVID cases. Sara Lawrence, a 2021 graduate of Lake Norman High School, is headed to Reno, Nevada to serve an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are about 54,500 missionaries serving in 411 missions across the U.S. and around the world. Sister Lawrence, as female missionaries are called, will arrive in Nevada in mid-October and will be teaching others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, studying Scripture and volunteering for community service projects. Lawrence is the third child in her family to serve a mission for the church. Missionaries, who are typically between the ages of 18 and 25, voluntarily serve and provide the financial means to do so, but do not choose the area where they are asked to labor. Her parents, Jennifer and Shane Lawrence, are happy to support her in her desire to share the love of God with others. Jennifer Lawrence said, She has always found ways to perform acts of kindness for family and friends and will now be able to broaden her circle of people to love and serve. Lawrence is excited about her assignment. I am most excited to get to know so many new people, she said, I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I want to share that message of love with everybody I can. In addition to having a quick wit and fabulous sense of humor, Lawrence is known for being an excellent student and loyal friend. Before graduating high school, she was highly involved in improv groups and theater productions at Lake Norman High School and Masterworks School of the Arts. Before her decision to serve a mission, Lawrence attended Brigham Young University as an elementary education major. She also spent four months in Mexico teaching English to children with a group from International Language Programs. Her family and friends are praying for her and excited to hear about the people she will meet and the experiences she will have while she is a missionary. Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday services at 148 Lazy Lane, Mooresville. Services start at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Iredell County Board of Commissioners moved forward with changes to ordinances involving animals on Tuesday night. Changes made were to define what constitutes adequate shelter, which includes dry bedding for the animals. Areas underneath outside steps, decks and stoops, inside vehicles, underneath vehicles, buildings without proper ventilation, and metal barrels wont constitute adequate shelter. Another was to define rules on how animals are tethered, limiting it to 30 minutes if the animal doesnt have access to adequate shelter. How the county handles dogs considered dangerous was clarified, as a dog given the potentially dangerous dog label after an incident can have the label removed if it does not have any reported violations for 36 consecutive months. The owner would have to submit an appeal to animal services to have the label removed. Another was to define the countys Trap-Neuter-Return Program for community cats in an effort to limit their populations from growing and protect the public from strays if the cat isnt being cared for by a community caretaker. While the changes were passed without debate from the commissioners, it wasnt without controversy from the public. Amy Marie Miller asked for more details and rules to be defined and vetted before passing it. She said that she felt that animal services and the board of commissioners didnt have enough time to fully do that, even though she said she supported the efforts of Director Kristian Hernandez of Iredell County Animal Services. She said while rescue groups might have been aware of these proposed changes, the public as a whole might not be. She asked for a task force or a committee to be formed for that reason and asked to vote down the changes. Michael Ochs also expressed concern, saying that animal services hadnt addressed a dog that he felt wasnt being controlled by its owner. He said he felt the new requirements were a housing code for dogs. Fredericka Savage spoke in support of the Trap-Neuter-Return Program, saying that a program for community cats was needed to control the cat population. Scott Ebright said he had to call animal services more than a half-dozen times and claimed a dog fighting ring was going on near his home. He said animal services had come out to address a dog that was continually tethered, but days later heard what they believe was the same dog but now from further away. He questioned if there was enough of a budget for animal services to address issues outlined in the proposed changes. Commissioner Scott Brown praised Miller for contacting him previously with her concerns and agreed that improving communications on this issue was needed. Board members Gene Houpe and Melissa Neader echoed Browns comments. Chairman James Mallory said he was open to feedback and changes going forward, but felt the county needed to go forward with the changes. Other agenda items Planning and development: An amendment was proposed to the Iredell County Land Development Code regarding subdivision standards. Matthew Todd, planning director, said the changes were being considered to help match state statutes and codes, as well as to manage cases where a family property with multiples homes on it is split into individual units. The other concern Todd brought forward was changes to the states fire code, which dealt with access to the property in cases of emergency. He said the county wanted to make sure it and the states ordinances more closely matched. Tax Assessor: A request from Fran Elliott, tax assessor, to approve a number of measures to go forward with a tax reassessment in 2023. Schools Facilities Task Force: The Schools Facilities Task Force provided an update to the board on four items it considered priorities going forward. Those included Harmony Elementary School, particularly a wing of the school that second and fourth graders use. Other items include closing ADR Education Center and moving staff, renovations at Statesville High School and career and technical education facilities, and Lake Norman Elementary, as its gym currently also serves as its cafeteria and auditorium. With that done, the county moved forward with its agenda item where Iredell-Statesville Schools requested to move $4 million from the current expense fund balance into the capital budget, with the ability to move up to $7 million, if needed, in order to help with the completion of several capital projects. The county approved a motion 4-0 to do that to help close ADR and relocate staff to Facilities and Planning in Troutman and to enclose breezeways at Harmony Elementary. Health Department: Dinikia Savage, health promotion manager, made a presentation of the 2021 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and State of the County Health Report (SOTCH) to the board. Savage noted that community surveys had put infant mortality, particularly the disparity between white and African Americans, minors mental health, and chronic disease, as priorities. In the case of infant mortality, it had declined since 2018 in general, with 12.7 deaths per 1,000 among Black residents in 2020, and 4.8 among white residents. Savage said the difference was attributed to a lack of prenatal care as well as smoking and substance abuse. Self-harm visits had risen from 2018 to 2020 according to the data prepared by the state, with the top causes of suicide in teens attributed to firearms and hanging. The health department said it is working to make progress in those areas as it provided information toolkits to healthcare providers, providing trauma-informed community education to communities and organizations, and similar toolkits to community leaders to address smoking and vaping among residents. Pre-meeting agenda The following issues are considered administrative matters by the board and discussed in a pre-meeting before the regular meeting at 7 p.m. All are passed with a consent vote unless moved to the regular agenda. Iredell County Sheriffs Office: Approved addition of a threat assessment detective that would be dedicated to Iredell-Statesville Schools. The addition to the budget would be $41,295 to cover salary and benefits for the position, according to the sheriffs request, but Iredell-Statesville Schools would be paying the cost through the School Resource Officer program. Campbell said online threats had increased roughly 120% over the last year, increasing the need for a dedicated law enforcement officer while their current threat assessment detective will still assist. The ICSO also approved an addition of a full-time deputy position at Mitchell Community College Statesville Campus. The position will be funded by the school for $133,252. The sheriffs office was approved to apply for two grants, one being the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds on behalf of the city of Statesville and the Statesville Police Department. The second being Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant to cover the cost of an ATV, covering up to $50,000. Iredell County Library: Approved to accept a grant from the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management in the amount of $100,000 for a mobile library and approval to submit a letter of intent (LOI) and apply for a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant through the State Library of North Carolina in the amount of $100,000. Tax Administration: Approved the release of $27,323.02 of funds from the month of September, as well as refunds of -$78.85 in North Carolina Vehicle Tax funds. Planning and Development: A public hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., concerning a text amendment to the Land Development Code regarding fill in floodplain. The department also teamed with the Iredell County Parks and Recreation in asking approval to apply to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) for a grant for a trail connection in southern Iredell along with a letter of commitment. According to the county, this proposed trail connection is approximately 2.3 miles and would connect Abersham Park in Mecklenburg County and the Dye Creek Greenway in Mooresville off of Johnson Dairy Road. The grant was applied for last year but wasnt received. The grant does require a 20% match, which would cost Iredell County $500,000. The total estimated cost of this trail is $4,646,690.50. The matches from other municipalities would be $250,000 for Mooresville, $250,000 for Mecklenburg County. Administration: Applied and approved for an easement to the town of Mooresville as part of the countys Government Center South (GCS) property. Presentation of special recognitions and awards The regular 7 p.m. meeting began with Marine Corps ROTC cadet Thomas Sapp and Boy Scout Troop 363 helping lead the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sapp also took part in the county declaring Oct. 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week. According to the county, it is meant to encourage the countys citizens to participate in drug prevention education activities, not only during Red Ribbon Week but all year long, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug-free Iredell County. The Youth Big Band Flensburg from Germany will travel to the United States, and once again, it will visit Statesville and St Johns Lutheran Church. The sanctuary of the church will become a concert hall at 4 p.m. Sunday as the band performs for the church and the public as it has every few years since 2000. Admission is free. The group was founded more than 50 years ago in Flensburg, Germany, by Hans Letschert and plays traditional and modern jazz music and arrangements of contemporary popular music. Tracy Ryan, a member of St. Johns, has helped organize host families for band members when they come to Statesville. Being a host is a rewarding experience, Ryan said, and she invites others to consider doing so. Having been a part of the school and working with the director since 1998, I feel a true connection to the program, she said. They come every three to four years, so it makes it even more special. The trip also has been made in the other direction at times. We have had past host families take a trip to Flensburg, Germany, and reconnect with the students and meet their families, Ryan said. Some of the families have invited our host families to stay with them. They are happy to welcome them into their homes as we have welcomed their children. Since 2000, the band has been conducted by music director Martin Grosser. The band has given numerous concerts in Flensburg, in Schleswig-Holstein, the state where Flensburg is located, and in other parts of Germany. The band also has toured in Denmark on several occasions and the United States in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2015 and 2019. For more than 16 years, the ensemble has regularly visited Great Britain as a participant in the International Youth Exchange with students from Carlisle, England. The band took part in international jazz festivals in Russia, England, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Germany and Japan and has performed on German, English, Danish, Russian and American radio and television. The band has produced eight albums, including one this year. Images discovered on the so-called dark web led to sexual abuse and child pornography charges against a 34-year-old Floyd County man. Aaron David Ray Vest is being held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail facility in Dublin, accused of sexually abusing a 6-year-old girl and distributing lewd images of her via the dark web. The dark web refers to a portion of the Internet that is only accessible by means of special software and is often used as a marketplace for drugs, stolen data and pornography. Vest was arrested in March and was indicted by a Floyd County Grand Jury on Oct. 4. Hes charged with production of child pornography, object sexual penetration, child abuse, child neglect and forcing a child to perform in pornographic acts. Commonwealths Attorney Eric Branscom said the images were uncovered on the dark web by Homeland Security and Virginia State Police investigators. He said on Oct. 17 that the investigation is continuing. Court reports indicate Vest was active on the dark web from Sept. 1, 2021, through his arrest on March 23, 2022. Vests case was one of two involving child sexual abuse in the Oct. 4 grand jury session. Julio Cesar Contreras Canales, 45, of Floyd was charged with engaging in sexual acts with a child under age 18 while serving as the minors custodian. The reports state Canales is charged with engaging in sexual intercourse and having contact with the victims genitals as part of the abuse. Canales sought bail Tuesday, Oct. 18, and was granted a $5,000 bond by Judge Mike Fleenor with orders he must remain in Virginia and be monitored. Branscom said Canales is a flight risk, who has not presented a valid work permit to his employer or the Court. His attorney, Corey A. Diviney of Roanoke, said his client was an asset to the dairy farm where he works and is needed at a key time. In other indictments issued by the Grand Jury in October: Floyd Francis Bain Jr., 74, of Check and Floyd Lane Bain, 52, also of Check, were charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. David William Guynn, 73, of Check was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Andrew Jack Myers, 29, of Willis was charged with attempted malicious wounding. Glenn Loran Reed, 72, Bent Mountain was charged with attempted malicious wounding. Harry Roman Nahtygal II, 33, of Floyd was charged with grand larceny. Norma Jean Rector, 64, of Gastonia, North Carolina, was charged with destruction of property. David R. Scarberry, 45, of Willis was charged with distribution/selling of a Schedule II drug. A grand jury indictment is a formal charge. It does not determine guilt or innocence, only that there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed. Brennen Kauffman is the government and politics reporter for the Daily News, covering topics from city council debates to Congressional races. He can be reached for story ideas at 360-577-7828. Cowlitz County voters should receive Nov. 8 general election ballots this weekend, according to the elections office. Ballots were sent early, with some arriving Thursday, said Hayley Johnson, county elections manager. Registered voters who dont receive one by Monday should call or visit the county elections office for a replacement, she said. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can register online or by mail until 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, and can register or update their address in person at the Cowlitz County Elections Office until 8 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 8. Ballots can be returned by mail, no stamp needed, and must be postmarked by Election Day. Voters can submit ballots at one of eight drop boxes or at the Elections Office, 207 Fourth Ave. N., Kelso. Washington residents can check their voter registration status, register to vote and view the online voters guide at www.votewa.gov. Voters pamphlets were sent earlier this month, but if a resident didnt get one, they can contact the elections office to receive it by mail or pick one up at their local post office, Johnson said. In 2018, general election turnout was just shy of 70%, an approximately 14% jump from 55% in 2014, Johnson said. Cowlitz County has 15,000 to 20,000 more registered voters now than it did in 2014, which could bring down the turnout rate even if the same amount of people vote, she said. But Johnson expects turnout to hit at least 70% and potentially reach 75%. Theres a lot of interest right now and people are kind of fired up, she said. The elections office also expects a large number of voters to cast ballots on Election Day, as they did in the August primary, Johnson said. Other counties reported a similar growing trend among voters, she said. For the Aug. 2 primary, Cowlitz County received the largest amount of ballots the day before, the day of and the day after the election, according to an elections office breakdown. The county received 785 to 1,909 ballots per day up until Aug. 1, when that jumped to 4,728, and continued up to a high of 7,557 on Aug. 3. The county received about 68.4% of the total ballots by drop box and 32.6% by mail. NASA has created a map of sky which provides a glimpse into the past! Heres what you need to know. Did you know that NASA has a way to map the entire sky? No, it does not work like Google Maps where Google uses satellites for satellite navigation combined with Google Car collecting data for Street View. Instead, NASA uses one of its explorer satellites to map the sky by studying and stitching data together. NASA's Near-Earth Object Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer, or NEOWISE completes half its trip around the Sun every six months. The spacecraft takes images throughout the journey which are stitched together to form a sky-map, according to NASA. This sky-map shows the positions and the brightness of millions of celestial objects in space. Amy Mainzer, principal investigator for NEOWISE at the University of Arizona in Tucson said in a NASA blog, If you go outside and look at the night sky, it might seem like nothing ever changes, but that's not the case. Stars are flaring and exploding. Asteroids are whizzing by. Black holes are tearing stars apart. The universe is a really busy, active place. But the NEOWISE wasn't always built for this purpose. It was a data retrieval project to get back asteroid detections and characteristics from WISE, a NASA observatory launched back in 2009. In 2011, the coolant aboard the spacecraft ran out, which is necessary as the spacecraft used cryogenically cooled detectors that made them sensitive to infrared light. Since the spacecraft's infrared sensors were working efficiently, NASA repurposed it to track various Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) such as asteroids, and it was named NEOWISE. Peter Eisenhardt, an astronomer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and WISE project scientist said, We never anticipated that the spacecraft would be operating this long, and I don't think we could have anticipated the science we'd be able to do with this much data. As of now, NASA has stitched 18 sky maps together using the images captured by the NEOWISE, with 19th and 20th maps to be released around March 2023. With the help of these maps, NASA scientists have created a time-lapse of the sky, showing the changes in position of numerous celestial objects, spanning across the last 12 years. This move will help in better understanding of our Universe and enable scientists to study the changes in positions and brightness of space objects in the last decade. This is called Time-Domain Astronomy. Potentially hazardous asteroid Phaethons spinning period is decreasing by 4 milliseconds per year. Heres why. A potentially dangerous asteroid has left scientists' worried with its rising spin rate. The near-Earth asteroid Phaethon is spinning faster and faster. A recent study led by a team of researchers has detected the asteroid's rotational period is decreasing by 4 milliseconds per year. And it could affect Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's DESTINY+ mission launch. The spacecraft aims to fly by the space rock in 2028. However, it's a very small change, it could affect the DESTINY+ observations. The findings of the study were presented at the 54th annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences in London, Ontario, earlier this month. The study of spin rate would help with the asteroid's orientation during the spacecraft's flyby more accurately. Though scientists are trying to find out the reasons for this, it's unclear. Know here's what they suggest. Here's all you need to know about Phaethon's and its spinning period 1. 3200 Phaethon is an asteroid 5 kilometers in diameter. The asteroid is rotating faster and faster on its axis, at the rate of about 4 milliseconds per year. 2. Though rotation of asteroids never changes; but this shocking finding can change our perception of asteroids. 3. It is also possible for the small Yarkovsky-O'Keefe-Radzievskii-Paddack (YORP) effect to apply when the heat of a star affects the rotational velocity of an asteroid. 4. Phaethon is the 11th and largest known asteroid to change its rotational period with an average diameter of 3.4 miles (5.4 kilometers). Sean Marshall, a planetary scientist at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, created a model to study the shape of Phaethon by using data and observations from 1989. Marshall said, "The predictions from the shape model did not match the data." He explained, The times when the model was brightest were clearly out of sync with the times when Phaethon was actually observed to be brightest. I realized this could be explained by Phaethon's rotation period changing slightly at some time before the 2021 observations, perhaps from comet-like activity when it was near perihelion the point in its orbit nearest to the sun in December 2020." TikTok users would still risk having personal data exposed to hacking and espionage by China even if TikTok users would still risk having personal data exposed to hacking and espionage by China even if the Biden administration forges a security agreement designed to spare the video platform from a total US ban. That's the conclusion of former national security officials and other experts as the Justice Department reviews an accord that would keep the popular video-streaming app, which is owned by China's ByteDance Ltd., accessible to its millions of US users. TikTok has been under US scrutiny since 2019 over concerns that Chinese actors might tap those users' information for espionage or other harmful purposes. They built the whole system in China, said Stewart Baker, a national security lawyer at Steptoe & Johnson LLP. Unless they're going to rebuild the system in the United States at great expense, sooner or later, when something goes wrong, there's going to turn out to be only one engineer who knows how to fix it. And he or she is likely to be in China. This analysis of the agreement is based on interviews with former national security officials, lawyers who have worked on similar deals and experts who have studied data security, social media platforms and telecommunications companies. There's no indication a decision has been made. Brooke Oberwetter, a spokesperson for TikTok, said that while the company would not comment on the specifics of its discussions with the US government, We are confident that we are on a path to fully satisfy all reasonable U.S. national security concerns. She also pointed out that while some employees based in China would have access to public data posted by users, they would not have access to private user information, and their use of the public data including videos and comments would be very limited and accessed under the supervision of the oversight board set up by the US government. TikTok is routing all its US user traffic through servers maintained by Oracle Corp. and the database giant is auditing the app's algorithms. Still, additional restrictions on how US user data is stored and accessed will be necessary -- and might not resolve US security concerns no matter how strong a deal looks on paper, the experts said. That's a view shared by Senator Mark Warner, the Virginia Democrat who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee. He said he's aware of the conversations around TikTok and couldn't give details. Nonetheless, he said the company has a big mountain to climb with me to prove the case that it can really be safe. Warner said China has a bad track record on protecting users' privacy. They've shown repeatedly the ability to create this surveillance state that ought to scare the dickens out of all of us. He added that it's much harder today to wall off TikTok's data technically or ban it outright than it was five or six years ago as the popularity of the app has surged. The burden of proof that you can really segregate American data, particularly if the code is still being written in China -- that would be a tough case to make. While TikTok's owner ByteDance has tried to distance itself from Chinese state influence, President Xi Jinping has launched a sweeping crackdown on private enterprises, particularly in the tech sector. The video-streaming app, which has about 1 billion users but is banned in China, has been under scrutiny by US officials since 2019, when the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US began reviewing a merger between ByteDance and Musical.ly. The Biden administration re-opened a national security review of TikTok after former President Donald Trump stopped short of banning the app in an effort to broker a deal to sell the platform to a US buyer, which never came to fruition. ByteDance had sought US approval to sell a stake in the app to Oracle and Walmart Inc., but the transaction didn't materialize. A US court blocked efforts by the Trump administration to boot TikTok from app stores operated by Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.'s Google. Cfius, which is chaired by the Treasury Department but includes members from across the government, has the power to reject or modify transactions involving foreign companies that purchase US entities. The agency is committed to taking all necessary actions within its authority to safeguard U.S. national security, said Treasury spokesperson Michael Kikukawa, declining to comment further. For more: TikTok Names New Head of Security Amid Heightened US Scrutiny If the companies that come under review are able to make concessions to sell or cordon off US assets that raise security concerns, including data, it's possible to work out an agreement with the security panel to allow the transaction to proceed. These arrangements can include establishing a new board of directors and an oversight board that reports to Cfius. You'll get an agreement that commits the company to behave responsibly and transparently, said James Lewis, the director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. And you'll have the ability to pull the plug if it looks like anything's not being honored. Lewis pointed to the purchase of T-Mobile USA Inc. by Germany's Deutsche Telecom AG in 2001 and Sprint Corp.'s 2013 sale to Japanese investment firm Softbank Group Corp. In both those deals, the US put in place monitoring to ensure the data of US citizens wasn't being misused, Lewis said. Nova Daly, a senior public policy adviser for Wiley Rein LLP, and a former Treasury official who worked on Cfius deals, said in some instances, it's better to have the foreign company retain ownership of the US company because it allows for more robust scrutiny of that data. TikTok COO Pressured to Stop China's Access to US User Data Sometimes this kind of data is more securely protected by the enforcement powers of a mitigation agreement, rather than an owner that isn't compelled by law to protect it, said Daly, pointing out that it will still be hard to secure the data against determined efforts to steal it or use it for nefarious purposes. If national security concerns can't be resolved, Cfius can force the companies to walk away from a deal or unwind a transaction. Lawmakers pressed TikTok Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Pappas during a Senate hearing last month about whether the company would seal off Chinese access to all US data. Pappas said the company has strict controls over access to data and where it's stored, and that the company wouldn't give that data to the Chinese government. She said that the company will continue cooperating with federal agencies to secure US data and said a final agreement will satisfy all national security concerns. Steptoe's Baker said that argument suggests that while TikTok may believe it's satisfied reasonable national-security concerns, they shouldn't have to sign in blood that there will never be access. Today, OPPO Malaysia just launched another new budget-friendly phone called the OPPO A17k. Available for purchase at RM499 in Gold and Navy Blue, you can purchase it at My OPPO Space, OPPO Brand Stores, OPPO Official Online Store, OPPO Authorized Dealers, OPPO Authorised Online Store, Chain Store Partners and E-commerce partners such as Shopee and Lazada . There are a couple of highlights for the OPPO A17k. Although it only has 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, you can use its RAM Expansion technology of up to 4GB of ROM. The LCD is 6.56-inches but only supports 720p and a 60Hz refresh rate. The battery is big as expected, with 5000mAh. Further under the hood, the OPPO A17k uses a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset so don't expect it to run graphics-intense mobile games that much. The cameras on the phone aren't that high either, featuring an 8MP main sensor and a 5MP selfie snapper. It's worth mentioning that the phone has an IPX4 rating too. For more information about OPPO A17k, you can visit the official webpage right here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com. Visual representation of the Battery Data Genome illustrates how data flows freely between data hubs, even though not all hubs are entirely open. Credit: National Renewable Energy Laboratory In response to daunting climate challenges, battery researchers are mobilizing to increase collaboration and data sharing. Recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are leading to breakthroughs in battery research. Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) already use these complex computer algorithms to characterize battery performance, lifetime, and safety. However, the continued evolution of data science relies on high-quality and robust data far beyond the capabilities of any single entity. Top battery researchers across the globeincluding those at NRELare joining an ambitious movement to spur technology development through a shared Battery Data Genome (subscription required). "Battery cell suppliers introduce new battery designs roughly every 18 months," NREL Senior Energy Storage Researcher Kandler Smith said. "However, it can take a system designer 12 months or longer to characterize a new cell for their application. As a community, we need to accelerate battery development and deployment to better transfer learnings from one battery chemistry to the next." The Battery Data Genome initiative captures the collaborative spirit, deliberate focus, and urgency demonstrated by the Human Genome Project, an international effort to sequence the human genome in the 1990s. Like the Human Genome Project, the Battery Data Genome aims to encourage increased data generation, collection, and storage with flexible sharing to accelerate the development of new energy storage solutions to meet decarbonization goals. NREL supports the Battery Data Genome project as part of an international consortium led by scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne and Idaho National Laboratories. Building a battery data genome The Battery Data Genome seeks to collect data from every step of the battery life cycle, from discovery to development to manufacturing and all manner of deployments. Having universal standards for data management for each segment of the battery community is required for data creation. This is accomplished using AI algorithms designed to identify everything from new candidate electrode materials to improved battery pack construction to cell lifetimes. "This is a call to action. We're trying to energize and organize the battery community to contribute their data whenever possible, to as many people as possible, to enable powerful data science methods to catalyze breakthroughs," Argonne Battery Scientist Noah Paulson said. "When data come in many different formats, don't include how they're collected, and aren't frequently shared among different groups, it becomes very difficult to do the kind of large-scale AI analysis and predictions necessary to speed the development and deployment of new batteries." Building a repository of consistent and accessible data requires that companies work together to format information in a specific way with uniform standards for metadatawhich identify how the data are collected. Although these standards do not currently exist, enhanced collaboration through the Battery Data Genome is necessary to improve the accessibility and sharing of crucial data. Flexible data sharing increases industry collaboration To attract as many partners as possible, the Battery Data Genome team acknowledges the importance of many options for data sharing. Not all data included within this project needs to be shared openly for successthe perspective provides many examples of different sharing scenarios, and only some are fully open. Even project teams unable to contribute their data, such as industry partners, are invited to join the Battery Data Genome and take advantage of data shared by academic or government partners. "Based on other genome initiatives, we are confident that open battery data and sharing challenges will catalyze researchers to improve algorithms and experimental methods," NREL Energy Storage Scientist Donal Finegan said. "Standardization will speed up the analysis of proprietary and non-proprietary data sets alike." With increased access to valuable battery data, NREL researchers hope to continue improving physics models and AI methodologies to optimize battery development. Information from the Battery Data Genome can help support research into transport properties, reaction rates, and thermodynamic capacity for next-generation cell designs. These models also provide a rough prediction of how a battery might perform and use it to screen new chemistries. "I truly believe that together, we can help accelerate the rate of innovation and increase the adoption of battery-powered electric vehicles and energy storage systems to support a decarbonized electric grid," Smith said. "Principles of the Battery Data Genome" is published in Joule. More information: Logan Ward et al, Principles of the Battery Data Genome, Joule (2022). Journal information: Joule Logan Ward et al, Principles of the Battery Data Genome,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2022.08.008 People walk past a Medibank branch in Sydney, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. Medibank health insurer is being extorted for customers' data in the nation's second major cybersecurity breach in a month, an official says. Credit: AP Photo/Rick Rycroft A cybercriminal was holding for ransom an Australian health insurer's customer data including diagnoses and treatments, in the nation's second major privacy breach in a month, officials said on Thursday. Trade in Medibank shares has been halted on the Australian Securities Exchange since Wednesday when police were alerted that the company had been contacted by what it described as a "criminal" who wanted to negotiate over the stolen personal data of customers. Medibank, which has 3.7 million customers, said on Thursday the criminal had provided a sample of 100 customer policies from a purported haul of 200 gigabytes of stolen data. Details included customer names, addresses, birth dates, national health care identification numbers and phone numbers. Cybersecurity Minister Clare O'Neil said most concerning was that records of medical diagnoses and procedures had also been stolen. "Financial crime is a terrible thing. But ultimately, a credit card can be replaced," O'Neil told reporters. "The threat that is being made here to make the private, personal health information of Australians made available to the public is a dog act," she added. The thief had threatened to sell Medibank data to third parties and singled out records of 1,000 politicians, media personalities, actors, LGBTQ activists and drug addicts for exposure, Nine Network News reported. "We found people with very interesting diagnoses," the thief reportedly wrote to Medibank. Medibank declined to comment on the reported threats and would not release details beyond its statement to the Australian Securities Exchange. People walk past a Medibank branch in Sydney, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. Medibank health insurer is being extorted for customers' data in the nation's second major cybersecurity breach in a month, an official says. Credit: AP Photo/Rick Rycroft The Medibank breach came a month after a cyberattack stole from telecommunications company Optus the personal data of 9.8 million customers. The Optus breach, which compromised the personal data of more than one-third of Australia's population, prompted the government to propose urgent reforms to privacy laws that would increase penalties for companies that fail to protect customers' data and limit the quantity of data that can be retained. O'Neil said cybercrime was a growing problem around the world and that Australia needed to be better prepared. "We are going to be under relentless cyberattack essentially from here on in, and what it means is that we need to do a lot better as a country to make sure that we are doing everything we can within organizations to protect customer data and also for citizens to be doing everything that they can," O'Neil said. "Combined with Optus, this is a huge wake-up call for the country and certainly gives the government a really clear mandate to do some things that frankly probably should have been done five years ago, but I think are still very crucially important," she added, referring to privacy law reforms that the government hopes to pass through Parliament this year. O'Neil described the Medibank breach as a "ransomware attack," which the government defines as an attack with malware that locks or encrypts files so that the owner can no longer access them. O'Neil's office later said she misspoke and meant that the culprit had demanded ransom. Medibank said its systems had not been encrypted by ransomware and its usual customer activities continued. Medibank chief executive David Koczkar said his company was working with specialized cybersecurity firms as well as police and government experts in response to the breach. "I unreservedly apologise for this crime which has been perpetrated against our customers, our people and the broader community," Koczkar said in a statement. "I know that many will be disappointed with Medibank and I acknowledge that disappointment," he added. 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A commission charged by the Texas Legislature to suggest new ways of financing the states community colleges unanimously approved its recommendation Tuesday that lawmakers tie state funding to how successful schools are at getting students to graduate or transfer to four-year universities. The Commission on Community College Finance made minor changes to the draft recommendations initially released last month. That report included the suggested shift to an outcomes-based funding model, but also recommended that the state provide schools more funding for students who are considered more difficult to teach [such as low income or academically unprepared students], increase the pot of financial aid for community college students and financially help schools meet demand for certain programs as the states population grows. The recommendations will now be handed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which must submit its final report to lawmakers by Nov. 1 and start drafting detailed legislation to be introduced during next years legislative session. Im looking forward to working with members to inform the conversations along the way. Ive been encouraged by the kinds of questions weve gotten and encouragement weve gotten across the political spectrum, Commissioner Harrison Keller told the committee Tuesday. Weve got some good early traction. Keller estimates that implementing all of these changes will cost an additional $600 million to $650 million in the first biennium. Higher education advocates are broadly supportive of the measures. By focusing on both the outcomes and needs that matter in the lives of students especially those from low-income backgrounds and adult learners these recommendations offer a strong blueprint for the Legislature to invest in a prosperous future for Texas, said Jonathan Feinstein, Texas state director of The Education Trust, which advocates for historically underserved students. For decades, Texas has funded its two-year public community colleges largely with three pots of money: local property taxes, student tuition and a complicated state funding system that has not kept pace with other resources and now accounts for less than 25% of community colleges funding. During that time, Texas workforce needs have increased and changed, while community colleges have seen enrollment declines. Texas growth has not occurred evenly across all regions, which has negatively impacted small and rural colleges. During the last legislative session, many community colleges lost tens of millions of dollars worth of state funding, largely due to enrollment declines during the pandemic. State higher education leaders are pushing for the proposed funding changes to address the growing demand and better align academic programs with workforce needs to make sure students are leaving school with a degree or credential that nets them a well-paying job. When it comes to the states contribution to funding two-year schools, Texas lawmakers allocate a set amount of money toward public community colleges each biennium that is distributed to individual schools based on a formula. That means schools are essentially competing against one another for funding. You can add students and improve outcomes and lose money in current funding formulas because it all depends on what youre doing relative to every other college in the state, Keller told The Texas Tribune last month. The commission recommended that the state not only shift to a funding system that takes into account graduation and transfer rates, but also set a baseline dollar amount for things such as instruction and day-to-day operations to ensure schools that cant bring in a lot of money via property taxes are not disproportionately underfunded. The report recommends that the baseline funding should be determined by factors like enrollment and the types of courses offered. It also includes some adjustments for students who cost more to educate or need extra support. In Tuesdays final recommendations, the commission said the number of adult learners that a school serves should be considered as one of those adjustments. Texas has around 4 million adults with some college and no degree. State leaders have prioritized in recent years encouraging adult learners to return and complete their certificates or degree programs. The recommendations also include adding financial aid for dual-credit classes in which high school students take college courses, often through a local community college and setting a maximum tuition rate for these classes so all high school students have access to college coursework in high school. We know that students often dont follow a linear path from high school to college to the workforce, said Kenyatta Lovett, managing director of higher education at Educate Texas. That is clearly recognized in the recommendations, where we see a potential for more students to access opportunities to earn academic or workforce credentials while still in high school. This will ensure that students can chart their own path to the workforce, whether that is a workforce credential or an academic degree. In addition to funding, the commission said the state must provide more financial aid to community college students. Texas lawmakers provide financial aid to students in two-year programs through the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program. But the coordinating board estimates the state has enough funding to serve just 28% of eligible students. During the 2021-22 academic year, the average public community college student who received funding received $1,711 per semester. The commission said the state should set a goal to serve 70% of qualifying students, though it stopped short of recommending that the state actually meet that need. The commission also included a note that lawmakers should add a provision in the legislation that ensures that colleges remain financially stable during the first few years of adopting the new funding system. The vote at todays final Texas Commission on Community College Finance showcased a bold vision for our states community colleges, and the recommendations are a win for students and businesses alike, said Libby McCabe, senior policy adviser at the Commit Partnership, a Dallas-based advocacy group working to improve economic opportunities in Dallas County. We encourage the Texas Legislature to expeditiously act on these proposals our students, workforce and overall economy depend on it. A Russian-speaking ransomware group dubbed OldGremlin has been attributed to 16 malicious campaigns aimed at entities operating in the transcontinental Eurasian nation over the course of two and a half years. "The group's victims include companies in sectors such as logistics, industry, insurance, retail, real estate, software development, and banking," Group-IB said in an exhaustive report shared with The Hacker News. "In 2020, the group even targeted an arms manufacturer." In what's a rarity in the ransomware landscape, OldGremlin (aka TinyScouts) is one of the very few financially motivated cybercrime gangs that primarily focuses on Russian companies. Other notable groups consist of Dharma, Crylock, and Thanos, contributing to an uptick in ransomware attacks targeting businesses in the country by over 200% in 2021. OldGremlin first came to light in September 2020 when the Singapore-headquartered cybersecurity company disclosed nine campaigns orchestrated by the actor between May and August. The first attack was detected in early April 2020. In all, the group is said to have conducted 10 phishing email campaigns in 2020, followed by one highly successful attack in 2021 and five more in 2022, with ransom demands touching a record $16.9 million and allowing the actor to net as much as $30 million in illicit revenues. "OldGremlin thoroughly studies their victims," Group-IB explained. "The demanded ransom is therefore often proportional to the company's size and revenue and is obviously higher than the budget necessary for ensuring a suitable level of information security." Known to mainly target enterprise networks running on Windows, attacks mounted by OldGremlin have leveraged phishing emails masquerading as tax and legal services companies to dupe victims into clicking on fraudulent links and downloading malicious files, allowing the attackers to worm their way inside the networks. "The threat actors often pose as well-known companies, including the media group RBC, the legal assistance system Consultant Plus, the company 1C-Bitrix, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and Minsk Tractor Works," Group-IB said. Upon gaining an initial foothold, OldGremlin moves to establish persistence by creating scheduled tasks, gaining elevated privileges using Cobalt Stroke, and even flaws in Cisco AnyConnect (CVE-2020-3153 and CVE-2020-3433), while also gaining remote access to the compromised infrastructure using tools such as TeamViewer. "Around 30% of attacks allowed OldGremlin to gain initial access and start post-exploitation," Oleg Skulkin, head of digital forensics and incident response team at Group-IB, told The Hacker News. "In roughly 10%, the threat actor was able to deploy ransomware enterprise-wide." Some of the aspects that make the crew stand out from other ransomware groups is that it doesn't rely on double extortion to coerce targeted companies into paying up despite exfiltrating the data. It has also been observed taking long breaks after each successful attack. What's more, the average dwell time until ransomware deployment has been pegged at 49 days, well above the reported 11 day median dwell time, suggesting extended efforts on part of the actor to examine the breached domain (which is achieved using a tool called TinyScout). OldGremlin's most recent phishing wave occurred on August 23, 2022, with emails embedding links pointing to a ZIP archive payload hosted on Dropbox to activate the killchain. These archive files, in turn, harbor a rogue LNK file (dubbed TinyLink) that downloads a backdoor called TinyFluff, which is one among the four implants used by the group: TinyPosh, TinyNode, and TinyShell, before deleting data backups and dropping the .NET-based TinyCrypt ransomware. TinyPosh: A PowerShell trojan engineered to collect and transfer sensitive information about the infected system to a remote server, and launch additional PowerShell scripts. TinyNode: A backdoor that runs the Node.js interpreter to execute commands received from a command-and-control (C2) server over the Tor network. TinyFluff: A successor to TinyNode, which is used as the primary downloader for receiving and running malicious scripts. Also put to use by OldGremlin are other tools such as TinyShot, a console utility for capturing screenshots, TinyKiller, which kills antivirus processes via a bring your own vulnerable driver (BYOVD) attack targeting gdrv.sys and RTCore64.sys drivers. It's worth noting that the operators behind the BlackByte ransomware group were also recently found leveraging the same flaw in the RTCore64.sys driver to turn off security solutions in the hacked machines. One other unusual application used by OldGremlin in its attacks is a .NET console app called TinyIsolator, which temporarily cuts off the host from the network by disabling network adaptors prior to executing the ransomware. On top of that, the group's malware arsenal encompasses a Linux version of TinyCrypt, which is written in the Go programming language and launched after deleting .bash_history files, changing user passwords to limit access to the compromised host, and disabling SSH. "OldGremlin has debunked the myth that ransomware groups are indifferent to Russian companies," Ivan Pisarev, head of dynamic malware analysis team at Group-IB, said. "Despite the fact that OldGremlin has been focusing on Russia so far, they should not be underestimated elsewhere. Many Russian-speaking gangs started off by targeting companies in post-Soviet space and then switched to other geographies." CAIRO New Hope Christian School in Cairo has a lot of good supporters. New Hopes building project finished in second place in this years Go Big Give, receiving more financial backing than every nonprofit in the four-county area except for one other powerhouse the Edgerton Explorit Center in Aurora. But the Cairo school still needs $250,000 to finish off its new building. Groundbreaking was held last December for the structure, which is next to the Cairo Community Center. A sneak peak will be held Sunday afternoon for people who are interested in the school and might want to help complete the project. The gathering runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at the new school. If things work out, teachers and students might move into the new building after the Christmas break. Parents and other boosters have done a lot of the work. Scott Reynolds is the main contractor, and Andrew Mendyk has been doing the electrical work. Both have kids in the school. Other volunteers have been hanging insulation, doing cleanup and other jobs. New Hope. which teaches students in kindergarten through the eighth grade, is nondenominational. It is not affiliated with a particular church. New Hope Christian currently consists of two buildings along High Street. Kindergartners, first-graders, fourth- and fifth-graders are taught in a modular unit. The other building formerly served as Cairos Apfel Funeral Home. Owner Derek Apfel lets the school use the structure free of charge. Derek is very good to us, said Bobbi Kaczor, a para who is also on the building committee. Reynolds is her brother. Dawnielle Strong, who has three kids at New Hope, says enrollment has increased steadily over the last decade. Her eighth-grader has been at New Hope since kindergarten. When she started, the school had 23 students. Now New Hope has 53, and Kaczor knows of a few more who are waiting to enroll. In addition to Cairo, students come from Grand Island, Dannebrog and Wood River. New Hope began in 1978 with six students. Referring to Go Big Give, Kaczor says the school has some generous supporters. Its a heartfelt gift when they give to New Hope because either they had kids attend here or they firmly believe in Christian education, she said. Why is New Hopes enrollment growing? Kaczor thinks because of the way the economy and the world are going, people are seeing the importance of Christian education and just having a choice in what their kids are learning. We are seeing great things happen inside the walls of our current school and it is so exciting to watch God work in our children, Strong wrote in an email. Strong and her husband, Jeremy, will send a fourth child to New Hope next year. She says the school has made such an impact on the lives of the families who attend. Its not just a school you send your kids to. Its a family that you become, she said. New Hope means so much to the community and so much to the families around there that I just am so happy to see it grow. Strong thinks enrollment is growing because families are exploring more options for education outside of public school. In addition, supporters of the school have gotten its name out there, Strong said. Many people who graduated from the school are sending their kids and other relatives there, she said. Students and teachers will be glad to move into the new structure. But therell be one bad thing about leaving their old digs behind. April Fools Day wont be as fun when theyre no longer in an old funeral home. Four projects in Grand Island were awarded facade improvement grants totaling $400,000 Wednesday by the Community Redevelopment Authority. The awards are to: 118 W. Second St. (Bartenbach Building), $100,000; 313 to 315 N. Locust St., $100,000; 106 N. Locust St., $100,000; and 3231 Ramada Road, $100,000. A fifth application for 1150 S. Locust St., Long John Silvers, at $77,635.41, was postponed, and will likely be considered in spring. We reviewed all of the applications. The committee was generally in support of all of them, said Regional Planner Chad Nabity. The committee was in favor of the fifth, which is the Long John Silvers project, but felt that one had probably the least impact overall compared to the others, and didnt want to say, Dont fund that one. Director of Operations Brian Adams for DeeJays Group of Restaurants, which owns the Grand Island Long John Silvers, said he understood and explained there was no urgency. Its not a terrible thing, he said. Its a project we probably wont touch until springtime. We gave 13 of these across six states that were working on and so we can certainly shuffle some things around. He added, If we were delayed six months on the project and could re-apply, I would be OK with that. The maximum authorized for any project was $100,000. The Ramada Road project, an office building between the Pump N Pantry and Boarders hotel, was in excess of this amount and capped, noted Nabity. CRA Member Tom Gdowski abstained from the 3-0 vote to approve the grant for Ramada Road. The building at 106 N. Locust St. will host a law firm, said Luke Simpson of Bruner Frank Schumacher Husak (BZ LLC), and will serve as a satellite location to its Kearney office. We currently have at least one attorney in Grand Island generally every day manning that office, he said. Right now we are not happy with the aesthetics of the building. Thats part of the reason we were able to purchase it, I think. We hope to improve it, make it a nicer looking building. He added, We believe we would be using your money for its intended purpose and hope to improve your downtown aesthetics. The former OfficeNet building at 313 to 315 N. Locust St., is being remodeled to serve as housing, said EBMT Properties Owner Jim Pirnie. Were redoing the front there obviously, doing commercial rental space on the main floor, and apartments, were working with Wayne State College to hopefully get on that internship program, he said. CRA Member Sue Pirnie abstained from the 3-0 vote approving the grant. Jose Guerrero-Lopez is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in March. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. RED CLOUD The National Willa Cather Center in Red Cloud will host Signal, a solo exhibition by Native American artist Sarah Rowe, through Dec. 17, in the Red Cloud Opera House gallery. The exhibit is on display in conjunction with Native American Heritage Month, which is observed every year in November. The art in this exhibit brings form to the voices of animals and celebrates our kinship, a press release notes. Works on paper, canvas and wood highlight the human connection to our environment, the cosmos, and the dream realm. The works are bold and lively, yet meditative, with marks exuding a sense of urgency and quietness. Reverence for all species on earth brings us closer to our true selves. Signal is a call to action, to listen to nature, to honor the resilience of ourselves and our ancestors both human and more than human. Rowe is a multimedia artist based in Omaha. Her work opens cross-cultural dialogues by utilizing methods of painting, casting, fiber arts, performance and Native American ceremony in unconventional ways. Rowes work is participatory a call to action and re-imagines traditional Native American symbology to fit the narrative of todays global landscape. Drawing from skewed imagery in historic texts, in conjunction with images from Lakota winter counts, Rowe adds her vision of contemporary Indigenous experience into the mix with an offbeat enchantment. Rowes imagined landscapes are bold and vibrant, containing a shape-shifting bestiary of tales both familiar and strange. Rowe holds a Bachelor of Arts in studio art from Webster University, studying in both St. Louis, Missouri, and Vienna, Austria. She is of Lakota and Ponca descent. An artist reception is planned for 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the gallery. The Willa Cather Center is located at 413 N. Webster St., in Red Cloud. For more information, call 402-746-2653 or 866-731-7304, check online at www.WillaCather.org or check out the Opera Houses page on Facebook. People used to say the Nebraska State Board of Education ran under the radar. Not this year. The publics radar is locked on the four seats up for grabs in the Nov. 8 election. The races are among the hottest in the state, fueled by disagreements over what and when kids should be taught about sexuality and race, what books belong in school libraries, equity versus equality and the boundaries of the boards authority. Student achievement also has emerged as an issue as both sides point to test scores to prove how well or poorly they think the state is doing. Four Republicans hope to make inroads on the board with a back-to-basics message. They face two Democrats, an independent and a Republican all endorsed by the Nebraska state teachers union. Republican Kirk Penner of Aurora, appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts, faces independent Helen Raikes of Ashland, a retired professor of education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in District 5. Republican Sherry Jones and Democrat Danielle Helzer, both of Grand Island, are running in District 6, where incumbent Maureen Nickels declined to run again. In District 7, Republican Elizabeth Tegtmeier of North Platte faces incumbent Republican Robin Stevens of Gothenburg. Stevens received the teachers union nod. In the Omaha metro area, Republican Marni Hodgen is trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Deborah Neary in District 8. The last time all four board seats were contested in a general election was in 2006. Back then, the state was in the midst of a political fight over whether to implement standardized testing of schoolchildren statewide. In the past, seats often have gone uncontested. Board elections occur every two years, when four of the eight seats are up. In the last 11 such elections thats 2000 through 2020 16 candidates sailed into office with no opponent. If campaign donations are an indicator, then the race in District 7 in central and western Nebraska suggests voters are engaged. As of the Oct. 4 deadline for state reporting, Tegtmeier had raised more than $129,000 in her bid to unseat Stevens likely a record for a state board candidate. Four years ago, Stevens ran unopposed. This year, he has raised a hefty war chest, helped by sizable outlays from his own pocket, but its a little more than half as much as Tegtmeier. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, a Republican and former Board of Education member, said no one should be surprised at the contention surrounding the board. These are very important issues, and it shouldnt be a surprise that Nebraskans, when informed of these issues, have become greatly interested in them, Evnen said. Were talking about the education of Nebraskas children here, and their parents care very deeply. Evnen said that during his time on the board, writing social studies standards sparked the most public interest. Other topics drew a crowd, he said, but the tremendous interest being shown now is greater than anything that we experienced on any particular issue. Over the years, the board has drawn crowds when it has addressed climate change in state standards, when Common Core was a thing and when a former board members blog posts were criticized. Roger Breed, a former Nebraska commissioner of education who backs Raikes and Neary, said political fights have occurred in the past, but this one is different. He said there seems to be a national thread where people are repeating what he called extremist views from the radical right. Its somewhat Trumpian in that instead of talking about a policy issue, you accuse your opponents of something so outrageous they have to spend their time dealing with what is outrageous rather than dealing with the policy issues, he said. Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, also called the Republican challengers extremists. They continue to lie about public school teachers, calling them groomers and mind polluters, she said. She is referring to a controversial documentary, The Mind Polluters, making the rounds at conservative gatherings in Nebraska. The movie asserts that some activist teachers in the nations public schools are using sexuality education and social emotional learning to indoctrinate students in a progressive agenda. That is how Republicans treat and think about our public school teachers, Kleeb said. We do not need these extremists making decisions about our public education. Todd Watson, political director for the Nebraska Republican Party, said politicians resort to name-calling when they themselves have no substantive approaches on policy, legislation or leadership. Hopefully people are seeing right through that, Watson said. He said Nebraskans dont like the social agenda in education and they want schools to get back to basics. He said the Republican candidates are problem-solvers with clear plans for what theyre going to do. He noted last weeks release of the average composite ACT score for 2022 grads statewide, which was the lowest in at least 10 years. If you want to call me an extremist for wanting to raise the ACT scores over 21 from sub-20, then call me extreme for that position, Watson said. Watson said that when an organization is not performing, you change out the leaders. Hodgen has said students proficiency on state tests is too low, but Neary has pointed to another national test she says shows Nebraska kids faring better compared to their peers in other states. So, whats at stake on Nov. 8? If the Republicans pick up seats, that would make it harder for the board to revive the controversial health education standards that were postponed a year ago. It appears the newly elected board would be responsible for selecting a replacement for Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt, who announced he will resign in January. Members could select a search firm at their December meeting their last before the January swearing-in of newly elected board members. During a political forum, Neary emphasized the importance of choosing a replacement, noting Blomstedt served nearly a decade. What that means is our board members that you vote for are going to be deciding the future of public education in the state of Nebraska for the next 10 years, and theres a lot at stake, she said. Theres no set term for commissioners, who serve at the pleasure of the board. A lesser-known but key role of the board is ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of state assessments and the accountability system. The system rates the performance of schools and districts and intervenes to help struggling ones. During the pandemic, testing and accountability initially was suspended. It was subsequently revived, but the student participation rates fell, making it difficult to divine how kids and schools were doing. With the pandemic over, it will fall to the next board to ensure that system gets fully up and running again to provide parents, legislators and policymakers with the complete and reliable data they need to evaluate student success. A decision for the next board will be whether to continue writing standards in areas not required under the law. The board drew little public attention when it approved such standards in the areas of fine arts, physical education, world language and career and technical education. But that changed in 2021, when the board unveiled voluntary health education standards addressing sexual orientation and gender identity. The initial draft called for teaching children as young as first grade about gender identity. The public responded with a firestorm of criticism that led the board to postpone development. Hodgen, who is challenging Neary, is running ads in which she promises that if shes elected, shell stick to writing standards in core areas required by lawmakers. Neary said the new education commissioner would set timelines for writing and updating standards that prioritize student needs. YORK In the United States, it is estimated that 30% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year according to the American Cancer Society. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many businesses launch pink products whether it be throw blankets, t-shirts, mugs, or the classic fall staples sweaters. At Kirtseys Clothing and Gift Boutique in York, Breast Cancer Awareness is more than just marking an item with a pink ribbon, its about telling a story. This month, Kirtseys staff has been using their social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, to share the stories of breast cancer survivors and encourage their customers to get examinations and self-checks. Owner of Kirtseys, Kirby Crawford, said supporting breast cancer awareness is close to her heart because she and her sister, Kasey Danielson, personally lived through it on May 5, 2010. That was the day they heard the news daughters never want to hear their mother, Sue Ann Romohr, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Romohrs cancer story began when she had a physical during the spring of 2010, and her doctor asked for her mammogram report. I said they didnt schedule one because it hadnt been long enough since my last one for insurance purposes, Romohr remembers. The same day, Romohrs doctor scheduled her for a mammogram. When the results came back, the doctor scheduled Romohr for a biopsy because there were some irregularities. Romohr said, When the doctor who was doing the biopsy arrived, he said, This really doesnt show much and you really dont need to have this done right now. I was there and ready for the procedure, so I said to go ahead with it. Then on May 5th, Romohr received a call she will never forget. I asked some very ignorant questions and was very naive, said Romohr. I was pretty composed when calling my husband, however the only words that could come out of my mouth were, I have cancer. Romohr had many appointments and tests the weeks leading up to the day of surgery. Romohr said, Bob and I had discussed the options and came to the conclusion that a bilateral mastectomy was the best decision, as they ended up finding cancer in both breasts after further imaging. The day after surgery, the PA came in to talk with us about the results and informed me that I was cancer free. Crawford said she had another scary moment last year when she had a breast biopsy done as doctors found a lump that could have turned into something more. Crawford had a lumpectomy to get it removed. I sent out an email to my dance parents letting them know I would be gone for this surgery, and I had one dance mom realize she hadnt had her mammogram yet, so she went in and found out she had breast cancer, said Crawford. Her story, along with her mothers, is what inspired Crawford to not just sell clothing, but sell stories of those who battling breast cancer or have been impacted through family or friends. Kirsteys is showcasing the touching survivor stories of Natasha Coffin, Karen Snodgrass, Beth Ericson, Joannie Manning, Jill Bathen and Linda Peterson. The goals of these stories are to educate women on breast examination, celebrate the stories of women who are survivors and help those who have a family history of breast cancer. Crawford said another goal is to let them know they are not alone and what steps they need to take for screening, as it can be emotional and will always be in the back of their minds. Thats always been a thing for me, that it will always be in the back of my mind, said Crawford. Every time I go to get a mammogram, I have anxiety. Every time I go in for a MRI, I have anxiety. Just know youre not alone and know there are other daughters of breast cancer survivors who are feeling the same way you are. Crawford hopes by sharing these stories, people will be reminded to get their screenings. If hearing just one story can push someone to get their mammogram rather than put it off, our job is done, said Crawford. Crawford welcomes everyone to read the stories on Instagram.com/kirtseys or facebook.com/ kirtseysclothingandgifts. Mergers & Acquisitions SchoolStatus Buys SI&A, Expanding Product Line with The Achievement Initiative, Good Governance Solutions School communications and data analytics provider SchoolStatus has acquired School Innovations & Achievement, a software company whose solutions aim to help K12 school leaders track and improve student attendance and ensure local and state policy compliance, SchoolStatus said in a news release. The acquisition includes SI&As operations, technology, 73-person staff, and client roster, which includes more than 400 districts across nine states, according to the announcement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. SchoolStatus said SI&A will continue operating independently while its software is tightly integrated with SchoolStatus solutions. SI&As flagship products include its Good Governance solution, which helps school district mitigate risk and keep school operations within policy requirements, and The Achievement Initiative, featuring Attention2Attendance, its software and service component. The Achievement Initiative has proven successful at helping schools address declining enrollment, missing students, chronic absenteeism, the academic side effects of missing school, and disengaged families, SchoolStatus noted. SI&A's offerings will expand to include solutions from SchoolStatus such as multi-channel school-to-home communication, including email, two-way texting, and calling, according to the announcement. SI&A's current customers will keep the same products and services already in use, SchoolStatus said. "The addition of SI&A enables SchoolStatus to offer our district partners leading solutions for improving student achievement, attendance, and district governance," said SchoolStatus CEO Russ Davis. "We've seen that higher attendance leads to better student outcomes, and attendance data is one of the key metrics integrated into the SchoolStatus data platform. We'll now have a platform with enhanced capabilities to spot chronic absenteeism, which will allow educators to intervene in real-time, in the primary language of the family." Founded in 2003, SI&Ais headquartered in El Dorado Hills, California, with two additional California offices and one in Texas. Learn more at SchoolStatus.com and SIA-US.com. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Carbondale business leaders are urging voters to retain the citys home rule status in the Nov. 8 election. As a home rule community, Carbondale has the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals and welfare; to license; to tax; and to incur debt, according to the Illinois Constitution. In essence, the city can enact any code, restriction or revenue source not specifically prohibited by state law. Without home rule, it will lose those abilities. Many say if the community loses home rule status, a number of programs already in place rental inspections, for example will stop as will a number of revenue sources such as increased sales taxes and license fees, too. We dont necessarily like all of the taxes, but there is too much at stake to lose home rule, explained Carbondale Chamber of Commerce President Steve Quinn, who said the organizations board Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution to give full support to retaining home rule. Quinn said the chamber was distributing information about the ballot question to members at meetings, but it was time to do more than just pass along information. Others in the business community also are encouraging residents to vote no on the resolution, thereby hoping to retain home rule. One reason is the economic benefits of home rule. Carbondale specifically needs home rule, said Justin Zurlinden, a Carbondale resident and broker at Keller Williams Realty Pinnacle. We are set up with so many people traveling to Carbondale for school, for work or for shopping, those people, because of the way the sales taxes are set, share the burden of maintaining the public parts of Carbondale which they also use. If Carbondale were to lose home rule, we would lose some of those sales taxes and I expect that cost would get directly pushed to property taxes because the city still needs that money to function. Zurlinden added, There is something to be said about looking for ways to cut the city budget and operate lean, but the city portion of property tax is very low. I pay more in property taxes to the park district, to schools and to the county than I do to the city itself. If we lose home rule, the money to care for our roads and facilities in Carbondale would have to come only from those who live in the city. He added that a lack of home rule would likely end the citys regular inspection of rental properties, leading to more unsightly and more rundown housing. Like Zurlinden, longtime Carbondale retailer George Sheffer is outspoken in his desire to keep home rule. Ive studied the numbers and if Carbondale loses home rule there will be a deficit of at least $6 million. Theres just no way the city can cut enough to absorb that, so theyll have to figure out how to get revenue, and the biggest area theyll have to look at is real estate taxes, he said. He said he believes that if real estate taxes increase, it will be unlikely that new homes will be built in the community and that those trying to sell their homes in Carbondale will face a challenge. A lack of home rule would require state approval for new programs and even changes to existing codes, even those as simple as reducing a speed limit, Sheffer explained. Ive been to Springfield to try to get things accomplished, thats very challenging. You have a much better chance of doing things locally such as with the city council, he said. Zurlinden said he does not agree with efforts from the statewide Illinois Realtors group to encourage voters to remove home rule from Carbondale. He said he does not know of a single realtor in the community who supports the organizations campaign. In fact, he said the effort is a sort of small scale example of what could happen without home rule. This is exactly what it would be like without home rule, he said. A decision (to campaign for home rule repeal) was made in Springfield without considering all of the information about the nuances of our community and it is a decision that is going to hurt us. If we lose home rule, a lot of the decision making goes to Springfield and we wont have a say in things. CARBONDALE The R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Not-For-Profit organization will host an event to break ground on a visitors center across the street from the Fuller Dome Home at 811 W. Cherry St. in Carbondale. The event begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, with speakers followed by a ceremonial ground breaking. Judy Ashby said speakers will include Carbondale Mayor Pro Tem Carolin Harvey, Jon Davey, president of the Fuller Dome NFP board, and Kyle Miller, president of the Arbor District in Carbondale. The dome is the home occupied by R. Buckminster Fuller and his wife, Ann. In 2004, the Carbondale City Council granted the dome home museum status, making it the first home to become a museum in the city. The move was a stepping stone to allow the RBF Dome NPF to apply for national historic landmark status. Later in the year, the dome home was designated "most endangered" historical structure in the state of Illinois by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois. In 2005, it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places. Since those early years, the home has been restored to its look at the time the Fullers lived in the dome. The RBF Dome NPF has restored the structure and interior of the home and brought in many of the homes original furnishings. Thad Heckman is the architect for the visitor center, and he said it is not designed yet. The original home on the site was torn down this month. Heckman said the visitor center will include a community area that can be used by the Arbor District and other groups, archival storage, space for docent, as well as a library, gift shop, kitchenette and rest rooms. Much of our archival records are of our colleague Bill Perk, Heckman said. Perk was a friend of Buckminster Fuller. They also have archives donated by the Fuller family. Those include Fullers papers, art and books. Where do you hang a picture in a building with no vertical walls? Heckman asked, adding that the visitor center will also house some of that art. Heckman said the cost of the new building has not been determined because the design has not been made. The RBF Dome NFP received $155,000 in ARPA funds from the City of Carbondale. $130,000 have been designated for the new visitor center. Heckman added that with the cost of building materials, it will take at least twice that amount to build the visitor center. They will have to raise funds for building. The final amount will not be known until the design is finished and approved by the board. Ashby said the groundbreaking will be a photo op with shovels, but they will need to search for funding. I think it's not unrealistic, but the goal is to have it something there operational by the Eclipse in April 2024, Ashby said, adding that hopefully a lot of international people will be in town for that like they were for the last eclipse. The group hopes that when the visitor center is complete, it will be used for classes to learn about R. Buckminster Fuller and his philosophies. SIU has a semester class about Fuller now and can develop other classes. Then the idea is to keep developing more classes and do seminars, meetings and sessions. We will have a good part of his library and they're available for people to look, Ashby said. He was, I think in truth, one of the very first environmentalists. Heckman said the dome is in pretty good shape. The inside is gorgeous. Its almost exactly like it was when Bucky and Ann lived there, Heckman said. For more information about Fuller and the dome, visit fullerdomehome.com. The State of Illinois is putting another $3.4 million toward the development of an inland port in Cairo. The funds, released through Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Rebuild Illinois Capital program, are to continue advancing the plans for the new Alexander Cairo District project. The money is expected to help complete federal environmental requirements and studies for the project. The additional funding was announced earlier this week by the governors office and the Illinois Department of Transportation. Previously, IDOT released $4 million to the Alexander Cairo Port District to launch preliminary engineering activities and other related work, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity released a $1 million grant for other work. In all, the state has committed more than $40 million to the project. Almost 80% of the nations inland barge traffic travels past Cairo, where the Ohio and Mississippi rivers converge, with the site served by three major interstate highways and Class 1 railroads. Major logistics and commodities businesses already have committed to using the new port to move crops, container shipments and bulk products. The Cairo port is one of the core pieces of Rebuild Illinois and critical to maintaining our states status as the transportation hub of North America, said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. The project will put people to work and strengthen the local economy while giving the region the opportunity to compete in the global marketplace. State Sen. Dale Fowler applauded the release of the additional funds. It's exciting to continue to see the project moving forward, Fowler said. Everybodys wanting to see results no one more than and the people in the region. I'm excited to see it starting to come to fruition. Peter Gray, spokesman for the Alexander Cairo Port District said the latest grant will allow the district to continue work toward making the port a reality. Gray said, We are proud to have completed the business development and preliminary engineering work under the first grant on time and under budget. Private sector partners are prepared to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to build the port once we successfully complete the environmental, engineering and market studies that are required for permitting and financing. We could not agree more that this project is vital for the economic future of the region. The port is planned as a public-private partnership between the Alexander-Cairo Port Authority a governing board that includes officials from Alexander County, the city of Cairo and the Cairo Public Utility Company, which owns the land where the port would be located and a private port operator. Fowler added, We all can't agree more that this project is to the economic future of the region. River transportation opportunities are growing each and every day, and it's the most economical form transportation that there is. DENMARK -- During the month of September, Denmark City Council, in two separate meetings, discussed concerns about an understaffed police department and the City of Denmark not being fully protected from criminals. According to T&D reports, a man was found dead and shot in his car in Denmark on Wednesday, Sept. 28. This occurred a little over a week after the second meeting Denmark City Council had on crime and lack of police protection. Denmark also had at least two documented shootings with injuries toward the end of August and in the second week of September. Councilwoman Hope Long Weldon, in a special meeting held on Sept. 6, said the City of Denmark does not have a fully staffed police department and that she is concerned about the city not being protected. Councilwoman Rosa James, in the regular council meeting held on Sept. 19, said, There are citizens (potential criminals) wearing ski masks in the city, and it is time for action. Some citizens are frightened, Councilman Calvin Odom said in the regular meeting. Odom said in the special meeting earlier in the month, I recommend a citizen meeting on law enforcement. Mayor Pro Tem Jake Bookard said, continuing in the special meeting, Parents, churches, and schools all play a role in decreasing crime. Mayor Dr. Gerald Wright mentioned that the city works with finite resources. He did not specify if he intended the resources to be financial or human. As per finances, previous articles in The T&D have pointed out that the city has an overall total budget of $3 million and received $700,000 in American Rescue Act funds. Wright said in the special meeting, We have done an amazing job with limited resources. He said, however, I recognize that an additional study needs to be done. Wright said he would develop a scheduled time when committees could address council members' concerns. All members of council were in attendance with Wright at the special meeting on Sept. 6, as was City Administrator Heyward Robinson. According to the roll from the minutes, absent from the special meeting were Chief Leroy Grimes of the Denmark Police Department. Also absent were any officers from the department. City of Denmark: City gets clean audit DENMARK Mayor Dr. Gerald Wright announced at the August Denmark City Council meeting that the city obtained a clean financial audit for the Grimes did attend the regular council meeting on Sept. 19, however. Mayor Wright did not attend but had recent bereavement. City Administrator Robinson, during his report, expressed condolences on the passing of Mayor Wright's sister, former mayor of Denmark, the late Elona Carolyn Davis. Mayor Pro Tem Bookard attended in Wright's absence in the regular council meeting on Sept. 19, and the discussion continued about the lack of officers in the city and issues related to crime. Within that meeting, Grimes said, The city has eight police officers. Times have changed, and I agree that more officers are needed. Voorhees professor celebrates 30 years as culinary judge DENMARK Voorhees University mass communications professor Freddie Davis in 2022 celebrates his 30th anniversary as a judge at the Jack Danie Police departments are having problems keeping officers. It may be necessary to increase the pay to $45,000-50,000 a year to keep certified officers, Grimes added. Bookard said, Taxes will have to be increased in order to give officers more pay. Odom said they should have a citizens meeting to address law enforcement. Grimes next gave an example of the problems law enforcement faces with the community. Some employees at the Enmark Gas Station allow citizens to sit outside of the store, and, on other shifts, they want the police to ask the citizens not to sit outside of the store. We cannot do selective policing depending on the shift, Grimes said. Weldon said, in the city, there is insecurity felt by citizens. Councilwoman Bervay Carter suggested that Grimes prepare a list of things that citizens can do to ensure their safety. Grimes said, The community is dragging, and the police are being blamed for everything. We can only do so much. Odom reaffirmed that a community meeting is needed. No date or time for a potential community meeting was given during the regular council meeting. Grimes ended during this portion of the regular council meeting, Burglaries have decreased in town, but guns have increased. Also, parents are not doing what they need to do. For more information on any community meetings, call Denmark City Hall at 803-793-3734. The Regional Medical Centers new board plans to review the hospitals contracts with third parties while a partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina is being finalized. The 11-member board voted unanimously to form a committee which will determine whether such strategic, material contracts should be maintained, renegotiated or terminated. The board chairman will determine which contracts will be reviewed. The committee will report its findings to the full board. The board approved a resolution creating the new committee after a brief, closed session. The newly formed hospital board met for the first time Wednesday at the Orangeburg County Library and Conference Center on Russell Street. The new board members received an orientation on the history, structure, mission and vision of the hospital. Trustees also signed a number of documents, including conflict of interest, code of conduct and confidentiality statements. Trustees also voted to confirm the bylaws for the board and elected board officers. Dr. Lucius Craig III was appointed chairman of the new board. Craig has served as RMCs chief of medical staff. Cynthia Keller was named vice chair. Keller has served on the RMC board since June 2018. Kathy Booker is the board secretary. Booker also serves as the chief of board operations and formerly served as executive assistant to the RMC president and CEO. Also during the meeting, RMC Chief Operating Officer Sabrina Robinson, who serves as the transition liaison to the board, provided trustees with an update on the due diligence that is underway ahead of the MUSC-RMC partnership. Robinson said she has weekly meetings with MUSC leadership, including MUSC Chief Executive Officer Pat Cawley and MUSC Chief Financial Officer Lisa Goodlett. Goodlett served as RMCs CFO from 2008 to 2010. Robinson said all due diligence is to be complete between Nov. 17 and Nov. 22. The financial due diligence includes daily meetings and uploading financial documents. The hospital is working with KPMG, an independent auditing firm working on behalf of RMC. Part of my role as transition liaison is to also ensure that were not being reckless during the transition period, Robinson said. At the end of the day, we want to make sure we are not going into a new system with the perception that we potentially have not really followed the letter of the law during the transition period. Robinson said information technology due diligence has begun, with 13 MUSC information technology members present. RMC expects to transition to a new electronic medical record system called Epic, which is also used by MUSC. RMC has operated under the Cerner system. At the end of the day, we have to quickly move to Epic because that will help enhance our documentation and also our interoperability with regards to different systems, Robinson said. We have some computers that are still Win(dows) 7. Robinson said another system that will be upgraded is its human resource and payroll system. Diligence has begun on the revenue cycle of RMC and a real estate team has started to evaluate RMCs main plant. The MUSC real estate team will also look at the cancer center, the Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Center and the Medical Arts building. We have not been able to maintain our facility, Robinson said. In order to maintain facilities, you have to have a positive net operating income profit. We can't, with operational dollars, fix capital items and we haven't had the luxury of that. Robinson said the hospital needs a new roof, new chillers and new windows, to name a few items. The hospital has a plan for fixing facilities. MUSC does not have a magic wand, Robinson said. You still have to stand alone as a hospital. You still have to figure out how to make your money and how to operate different things from a strategic standpoint. RMC is also doing due diligence on insurance payers and provider compensation. The purpose of that is to ensure that how we have been paying physicians aligns with the contracts, Robinson said. Robinson said that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does not reimburse the hospital for patients without transportation, food and shelter but they are about to start. We are in a perfect situation to begin looking at screening for social determinants for health, Robinson said, noting the hospital could benefit from this as early as 2023. RMC is also looking at its operations as it transitions, such as its days of cash on hand and continuing projects that will come out of the hospital's operational dollars. Robinson said the hospital has continued projects that the former board approved. Prior to the board meeting, the new board members met with both Orangeburg and Calhoun county councils as well as the local legislative delegation. Trustees introduced themselves. Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, expressed her appreciation to the board members who have answered the call, stepped up to the challenge that is before you. We really, really, really see light at the end of the tunnel and that light is not the light of an oncoming train, Cobb-Hunter said. This deal, this partnership is happening in spite of those who still haven't received the message that it is going to happen. It is going through. Cobb-Hunter said its time, not just survive, but to thrive. We are moving forward. We are moving the hospital forward, she said. The first challenge you all will have is dealing with the perception that is rampant in these two counties that the Regional Medical Center is not where you want to go, Cobb-Hunter said. Weve got to change that. We want to restore some of the luster that was here when the hospital first opened back in 1991. Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, challenged the new board to serve the people and not themselves. You face a daunting challenge, Hutto said. I know you are up to it. This is something yall have the capacity to do. Hutto said rural hospitals have been closing throughout the country and they face challenges. That is the challenge we are laying at your feet, Hutto said. Teamwork this is what this has to be about. COLUMBIA U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham must testify before a special grand jury investigating whether then-President Donald Trump and others illegally tried to influence the 2020 election in Georgia, a federal appeals court said Thursday. The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals paves the way for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to bring Graham in for questioning. She wants to ask the South Carolina Republican about phone calls he made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who said Graham asked him whether he had the power to reject certain absentee ballots. Raffensperger said he took that as a suggestion to toss out legally cast votes, an interpretation Graham dismissed as ridiculous. Graham could appeal the ruling to the full appellate court. An attorney for Graham deferred comment Thursday to a spokesman for the senators office, which did not immediately comment on the ruling. Graham had challenged his subpoena, saying his position as a U.S. senator protected him from having to testify in the state investigation. He has also denied wrongdoing. In a six-page order, the judges wrote that Graham has failed to demonstrate that this approach will violate his rights under the Speech and Debate Clause. Willis opened the investigation early last year, shortly after a recording of a January 2021 phone call between Trump and Raffensperger was made public. In that call, Trump suggested Raffensperger could find the votes needed to overturn his narrow loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Willis requested a special grand jury, saying the panels subpoena power would allow the questioning of people who otherwise wouldnt cooperate with the investigation. She has since filed several rounds of paperwork with the court seeking to compel the testimony of close Trump advisers and associates. Some of those associates include former White House counsel Pat Cipollone, who has testified before the special grand jury, according to a person familiar with Cipollones testimony who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private appearance. Cipollone's appearance was first reported by CNN. Cipollone vigorously resisted efforts to undo the election and has said he did not believe there was sufficient fraud to have affected the outcome of the race won by Biden. Graham was in the first group of people close to Trump whose testimony Willis sought to compel in a batch of petitions filed with the court in early July. He challenged his subpoena in federal court, but U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May refused to toss out his subpoena. Graham then appealed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Grahams lawyers argued that the U.S. Constitutions speech or debate clause, which protects members of Congress from having to answer questions about legislative activity, shields him from having to testify. He contends that the call he made to Raffensperger fare was protected because he was asking questions to inform his decisions on voting to certify the 2020 election and future legislation. Lawyers on Willis team argued that comments Graham made in news interviews at the time, as well as statements by Raffensperger, show that the senator was motivated by politics rather than by legislative factfinding. They also argued that the scope of the special grand jurys investigation includes a variety of other topics that have nothing to do with the Raffensperger call. They also want to ask Graham about his briefings by the Trump campaign, including whether he was briefed on the Trump-Raffensperger call, and whether he communicated or coordinated with Trump and his campaign about efforts to overturn the election results in Georgia and elsewhere. Grahams lawyers also argued that the principle of sovereign immunity protects a U.S. senator from being summoned by a state prosecutor. Even if the speech or debate clause or sovereign immunity didnt apply, Grahams lawyers argued, his status as a high-ranking official protects him from having to testify. Thats because Willis has failed to show that his testimony is essential and that the information he would provide cannot be obtained from someone else, they argued. Judge May had found that Graham cannot be questioned about any investigatory fact-finding on his call with Raffensperger because that is protected legislative activity. But she rejected his other arguments, saying Willis team and the special grand jury can ask him about any attempts to encourage Raffensperger to throw out ballots and about any communications and coordination with the Trump campaign on post-election efforts in Georgia, as well as his public statements about the election in Georgia. In their ruling Thursday, the appellate judges ruled that Willis can ask about non-investigatory conduct that falls within the subpoenas scope but may not ask about any investigatory conduct, noting that Graham could note any issues over specific areas at the time of his questioning. Others have already made their appearances before the special grand jury. Former New York mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, whos been told he could face criminal charges in the probe, testified in August. Attorneys John Eastman and Kenneth Chesebro have also appeared before the panel. Paperwork has been filed seeking testimony from others, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich. LAURINBURG, N.C. (AP) A South Carolina-based food processor known for supplying U.S. military combat rations will build a facility in North Carolina, creating 440 jobs in a county with one of the states highest jobless rates. SO-PAK-CO Inc. and Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Tuesday the companys $85 million investment in a new processing and packing operation in Laurinburg. The new positions, which include managers, operators and administrative personnel, will have an average salary of more than $45,000, which is above the countywide average in Scotland County of $40,894, according to a news release from Coopers office. Scotland Countys 7.7% unemployment rate for August, as reported by the state Commerce Department, was the second highest among the 100 North Carolina counties. SO-PAK-CO, based in Mullins, South Carolina, could receive $4.6 million in payments from the state over 12 years if it meets investment and job-creation thresholds. A state economic incentives panel approved the Job Development Investment Grant on Tuesday. SO-PAK-CO is a leading company in producing shelf-stable, ready-to-eat meals. It provides food-processing services to federal, state and local agencies as well as commercial retail customers, Coopers news release said. BUFFALO Uranium Energy Corp., which acquired the Christensen and Irigaray Ranch uranium mines in Johnson and Campbell counties in its acquisition of Uranium One Americas in December 2021, is slowly preparing to restart operations. Thats according to Donna Wichers, vice president of Wyoming Operations for UEC. Uranium is not yet priced high enough to start operations, but UEC appears confident that will happen soon. To sustain operations, the market price needs to jump to at least $60 per pound and stay there. Currently, that price sits around $48 per pound. Theres no telling when that might happen exactly, but what needs to happen is clear, Wichers said. First, more nuclear reactors, which generate electricity using uranium, would increase demand for the resource. And if Congress opts to ban uranium imports from Russia, Wichers said, that would mean heavier reliance on a domestic product that doesnt exist right now. Wyomings congressional delegation has backed a bill that aims to do just that. Introduced in March, H.R. 7222, which is co-sponsored by Rep. Liz Cheney, would ban Russian imports of uranium. Sen. John Barrasso introduced a companion bill in the Senate, cosponsored by Sen. Cynthia Lummis. It is absolutely imperative that we cut off all Russian imports, including uranium, Lummis said in a press release. Every dollar we send to Russia is a dollar used to continue to attack innocent people in Ukraine. Wyoming has more than enough uranium to fill this gap, and we can mine it in a more environmentally friendly and safe way. Both bills were introduced in both chambers, though no further action has been taken. Wichers, however, is hopeful, because reports say the White House may soon ban Russian aluminum imports in response to the countrys military escalation in Ukraine. This shows a willingness to ban Russian imports, which could eventually include uranium. Things like that will definitely help the market price, Wichers said. More utilities buying domestic thats what happens when they cant get it from Russia, which is cheaper than to buy from domestic sources. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States imports most of the uranium it uses as fuel. Owners and operators of U.S. nuclear power reactors purchased the equivalent of about 46.74 million pounds of uranium in 2021. Of that, just 5% was domestically produced. During that time, 35% of the uranium the country used was imported from Kazakhstan, 15% from Canada, 14% from each Russia and Australia, 7% from Namibia, and the final 10% was from five other countries. In testimony to the Senate in March, Scott Melbye, president of the trade association Uranium Producers of America and executive vice president of Uranium Energy Corp., said that American uranium producers cant compete with state-owned companies that use price undercutting tactics. Melbye specifically called out Russia for employing predatory market practices to cultivate Americas dangerous reliance on the Kremlin and its allies for uranium and nuclear fuel. Another factor that could spur domestic uranium production is the proposed national uranium reserve. The Department of Energy issued a request for bids for 2 million pounds of domestic uranium. UEC submitted a bid last month, though the companys bid is confidential, Wichers said. Itll be interesting, whoever wins the bid, to see at what price they sold it for, she said. That will have some impact on the spot price, I would guess. A lot is still up in the air, but UEC is preparing for when it resumes operations for the first time since 2018. When we shut things down back in 2018, we did things like disconnected our piping and things like that, so now were back reconnecting all of our piping, Wichers said. We have a list a mile long: checking wellhead integrity, leak detection systems, cleaning our parts and pieces that go on top of our wellheads, checking pumps, reinstalling wellhead boxes. Were doing all kinds of things to get ready. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that UECs mines in Campbell and Johnson counties could produce 1.3 million pounds of uranium annually. Resumed production would result in ad valorem tax revenue for Johnson County, which has declined as mineral production declined the past few years. In 2014, U1A paid $1 million in ad valorem taxes, according to previous Bulletin reporting. UEC currently has 10 employees working at the mine and five working in the companys Casper office. The company will bring on four to five employees for the preparation process, called preoperational de-risking. When operations begin, Wichers said, there will be close to 20 positions open. And once operations ramp up and the mine is at full capacity, there could be 50 to 70 people at the mine site. When we get the go ahead from our boss, we will flip the switch and we will energize the well fields that we had stopped mining, Wichers said. We will initiate our operations back in those well fields and start construction of new well fields. CHEYENNE (WNE) Cheyenne police early Tuesday arrested a man wanted for multiple violent felony charges, according to a Wednesday afternoon news release. At approximately 2:25 a.m. Tuesday, Cheyenne police officers were dispatched to a report of a man holding a woman at gunpoint in a vehicle at the Red Lion Hotel on Fox Farm Road. Marcus Baumstarck, 25, of Rapid City, South Dakota, and the woman were allegedly traveling in a vehicle together and had a verbal altercation, according to the release. The woman reportedly asked multiple times to exit the vehicle, but Baumstarck refused. He then allegedly held a gun to her head and threatened to shoot her while driving. The woman tried to jump out of the moving vehicle, but Baumstarck allegedly pulled her back and attempted to strangle her. Baumstarck pulled into the parking lot of the Red Lion Hotel, and the woman reportedly screamed for help. An employee heard the scream, approached the vehicle and opened the passenger door, at which point the woman was able to escape. Baumstarck reportedly then drove away from the scene. Officers determined Baumstarck had felony warrants out of Colorado. Officers also completed a probable cause affidavit for strangulation of a household member, aggravated assault, kidnapping and reckless endangering with a firearm. Later that afternoon, police discovered that Baumstarck was at a residence near the 800 block of West Sixth Street. At 4:10 p.m. Tuesday, officers observed him leaving the residence and conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Deming Drive and Ames Avenue, the release said. Baumstarck was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Laramie County jail on the charges listed above. After initially saying he would vote for a Republican write-in candidate in Senate District 1, Rep. Bill Fortner, who lost in that primary race, has distanced himself from all candidates and says he doesnt plan to vote at all in that race. In fact, following a particularly vicious primary election, Fortner told the Star-Tribune on Wednesday that hes done with the Republican party altogether and that he plans to register as an independent for the general elections after a lifetime of being a Republican. Fortner ran against the write-in candidate Roger Connett and the Senates Majority Floor Leader Ogden Driskill in the primary race for Senate District 1. Driskill won that race by 442 votes, with Connett coming in second and Fortner placing third. Driskill, who has been the districts senator since 2011 and previously served as Senate Vice President, isnt facing any other candidate on the November ballot. Following the primaries, Ted Davis, a Crook County resident who unsuccessfully ran for House District 1 in 2014 and 2016, started the Roger is Right campaign to try and get Connett back in the race as a write-in candidate. Connett previously told the Star-Tribune that hes not directly involved in the campaign, although he gave Davis permission to ask people to write his name in for the general election. Earlier this month, the Campbell County GOP denounced the write-in effort in a statement, saying it was frustrated with Republican candidates re-inventing themselves to run in the general election. (Davis defended this, saying that the primary election was distorted through crossover voting.) Davis asked Fortner, a resident of Gillette in Campbell County, if he would write-in Connett in the general election. Fortner said he wouldnt give Connett an official endorsement because hes a liberal, but that he would be willing to vote for him over Driskill. (Connett says on his campaign website that he fully [supports] the Wyoming Republican Party platform.) Fortner said he also gave the campaign permission initially to advertise his willingness to vote for Connett on cards. But Fortner said he was asked multiple times to become more involved in the write-in campaign, which he declined to do. After his stated willingness to vote for Connett started to be advertised in ways he didnt agree with, he said he regretted his decision to lend any support at all. I gave them an inch, and they turned around and took a mile, he said of the campaign, adding that he hopes to go on the radio and say that it was a mistake. Im not going to vote for him, so Im not going to tell you to go ahead and vote for him either. Neither Davis nor Connett immediately responded to the Star-Tribunes request for comment. Fortner said he has endorsed a number of Constitution Party candidates running for legislative seats in the general elections. That includes Constitution Party candidate and fellow Gillette resident Larry Williamson, whos running against Republican nominee and incumbent Rep. Christopher Knapp, who also lives in Gillette. The Campbell County GOP decided earlier this month to donate $5,000 to Knapps bid against Williamson. Williamson said in a text to the Star-Tribune earlier this month that he was previously a Republican, then was unaffiliated for about a year before deciding to join the Constitution Party. He switched parties because he felt that a large percentage of Republicans were not honoring their promises to their base. CHEYENNE Laramie County School District 1 parent Tara Tomlin is searching for meaningful solutions following the discovery of a Ku Klux Klan photo hanging in a classroom. An English teacher at Central High School displayed a picture of three individuals dressed in KKK robes, driving a carriage with a parade float behind them. Tomlin identified the teacher as Shannon Black in an email to community organization members, and said the teacher reportedly told her students this is my grandmother on a Sunday afternoon after church. The email was provided by a fellow organization member. The Central High parent informed administrators as soon as she was made aware of the photo Friday by her son, and had a meeting with Principal Karen Dellbridge and the teacher. Tomlin further described the encounter with Black in an email, and said she was told it was displayed because Black shared a family connection to the photo. Tomlin said in the email the teacher claimed it was the grandmother who took the photo, because she thought it was a parade and was not aware it was the KKK. Black allegedly denied it was a picture of her grandmother, saying she never told students she was in the photo. She claimed it was for education purposes. Administrators said it has not been used for teaching this school year. The Central High parent told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle she was disturbed by what Black said in defense of displaying the photo. Its my understanding the photo was hanging by her desk, along with other personal family photos, Tomlin said. Everyone is allowed to have their own belief system and their own morals, but there needs to be a line drawn about whats allowed to be brought into schools. And this type of ignorance, the harmfulness of this photo the ignorance is just unacceptable. District response LCSD1 administrators removed the photo immediately from the classroom, and a follow-up appointment was scheduled Monday between Superintendent Margaret Crespo and Tomlin. An internal and external investigation has begun, and Central High parents were informed about the incident. Black did not return a message left with school staff seeking comment on Wednesday. Friday, we were made aware of a situation that offended students, Dellbridge said this week through the Remind communications platform. The situation is actively being investigated. Central Tribe family and individuals, know, you have a voice. We continue to work for our students to feel a sense of belonging, and anything less is unacceptable. An additional message confirmed a student reported an offensive picture in a classroom that had previously been used to teach the historical context of a piece of literature. The picture depicted a KKK parade from the early 1900s. Officials said it will not be used going forward. The districts advocacy team was deployed. It is designed to partner with parents and students to support them throughout the process. Crespo told the WTE she could not identify the teacher, or confirm whether disciplinary action was taken. She said the picture is offensive, the investigation will continue, and anything less than an urgent response is unacceptable. Tomlin said she felt as though Principal Delbridge and Superintendent Crespo acted swiftly and appropriately, but she believes teachers and staff need to be educated, and policies should be reviewed. This is a perfect example of why we need to teach clearly and accurately this countrys history of slavery and genocide, she told the WTE. Perhaps, if these educators fully appreciated our history, then they would understand the harmful impact that images such as these cause. Tomlin was joined by Sankhofa African Heritage Awareness Founder James Peebles and the Rev. Stephen Latham in the meeting, who are concerned with the growing number of racist incidents. Peebles told the WTE it was disrespectful for content such as the photo to be posted in the classroom for kids to look at daily, and he was disappointed with officials attitude. None of them seemed like it was a bad thing, or they had done wrong, or were penitent about the situation, regardless of how the children felt, Peebles said. Community action Crespo told the WTE there are multiple ways the district is trying to prevent incidents such as these, and promote inclusion. LCSD1 uses the restorative practice model, which is an education process that takes time, with the goal of bringing everyone together for a discussion to engage in understanding, recognition and the respect of one another. It is a part of the work discussed in the spring to encourage kindness in schools and the community. The official said she is committed to addressing these issues. She mentioned diversity training, and a new campaign focusing on kindness and understanding between students, parents, teachers and community members. The superintendent has met with local faith organizations, and implemented the Sources of Strength program. Crespo said officials will continue to do that work, and help facilitate such conversations. She said she cant do it alone. Crespo said she recognizes racism has been around for a long time, and it needs to be eradicated through community-wide education and conversations. She wants to make sure every student feels like they belong. Thats one of the reasons that we asked for our community partners to come together for Sources of Strength. We saw that we were all having a common conversation, and I would tell you that we would love to have more, she said. We did not have the outpouring of community that we would like. Patterns Stakeholders want concrete plans to address years of incidents. Three years ago, flyers reading its great to be straight its not OK to be gay, black lives only matter because if it werent for them who would pick our cotton, and Join the KKK, with the confederate kid club in parentheses beneath it, were taped to walls and passed out by students at McCormick Junior High School. LCSD1 was led by Superintendent Boyd Brown at the time, and Tomlin said an anti-racism group that she is a member of met with the school board to outline solutions for the overarching issue. She said it was never followed up on. I asked Dr. Crespo if this teacher was a part of that education, and she said she didnt know, Tomlin said. I dont think thats acceptable. There have been recent concerns from 90th Missile Wing Commander Col. Catherine Barrington at F.E. Warren Air Force Base and other military leaders. Barrington worked with Mayor Patrick Collins and the district to bring attention to the bullying and racism airmens children experienced in LCSD1 schools, which led to a fight and a ninth-grade student deciding to attend Cheyenne Virtual School after being called the N-word on her first day of school. Collins has written in his weekly update that families were leaving because of the treatment of their children at LCSD1. I received a call from the Air Force Global Strike Commander. It was one of the hardest conversations I have had since becoming mayor, he wrote. He informed me that a fourth family has unfortunately moved from Cheyenne to another base because their children have been routinely racially harassed at school. It breaks my heart that children are being treated this way. Peebles helped moderate discussions with district officials and the airmen. He said in the 12 years he has been active in the community, the last three or four years have seen such occurrences get out of hand. He said when one issue is solved, a new dilemma pops up. He hopes the community can work toward decreasing the interruptions for students, and learn to communicate better. Tomlin said these experiences hurt students, and not only racial minorities. She hopes the district will consider mandatory training, as well as disciplinary actions for hate advertisements, because there will be no change otherwise. Wyoming is a very racist state, whether people want to admit it or not, she said. This is not just Cheyenne Central High. T&Ts Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) declined by 15.14 per cent between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022, according to the two quarterly reports for the Fund for this year. The HSF reports, which are published on the Ministry of Finance website, indicate that at the start of 2022, the value of the assets in the Fund totaled US$5.62 billion. At the end of March 2022, the total net asset value of the HSF was US$5.29 billion, approximately US$323.63 million lower than the previous quarters closing value. And at the end of June 2022, the total net asset value of the HSF was US$4.77 bllion, approximately US$528 million lower than the previous quarters closing value of US$5,299.5 million. Yi ethnic group invigorates traditional embroidery Xinhua) 17:00, October 19, 2022 KUNMING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Li Ruxiu, 60, walks the runway wearing a cockscomb-shaped hat and black, red, yellow and green clothing, displaying traditional Yi ethnic costumes to tourists. The woman is from the Yi ethnic group and has been showcasing traditional Yi costumes featuring handmade embroidery for more than half a century in Yongren County of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. "I have been obsessed with embroidery since I was a little girl," Li said. She learned to do embroidery work at the age of eight and could make her own costumes at 12. "Yi girls here who can hold a needle can embroider. Embroidery is a skill in our genes," she said. Yunnan is home to about 5 million Yi people. With ancestral embroidery skills, Yi people needle nature designs onto their costumes, such as flowers, butterflies, birds, tigers and cats, as well as the sun, moon and stars. For more than 1,300 years, Yi people have been passing on their embroidery traditions, a form of intangible cultural heritage. However, steep mountains used to cut off the unique culture from the outside world. For a long time, the Yi embroidery art remained a mystery. Local authorities have thus taken a series of measures, including training embroiderers, holding fashion shows, and promoting Yi costumes in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Li's daughter Yu Kunyao opened a Yi embroidery studio in the county after her graduation from college, incorporating new fashion elements and winning the hearts of young consumers. "Life is like embroidery. It is in need of patience and dexterity," Li said. "Yi embroidery is amazing. People like it but have no idea how to apply it to modern life," said Fan Zhiyong, vice president of the Yi embroidery association of the Chuxiong prefecture. She has devoted herself to returning Yi embroidery to something more than just art hanging in a museum. After graduating in 2007, Fan returned to her hometown to establish the Yunnan Naxi Cultural Creative Development Co., Ltd. and registered the brand "Nasu," leading more than 300 embroiderers to participate in Yi embroidery. Concerted efforts have yielded promising results. There are now 56 Yi embroidery associations and cooperatives as well as 538 embroidery workshops in the prefecture, including 12 enterprises each with an annual output value of more than 5 million yuan (about 703,300 U.S. dollars). Yunnan has invested more than 30 million yuan to promote the Yi cultural industry, whose output value increased from 20 million yuan in 2012 to 200 million yuan in 2021. Among the 57,000 female embroiderers in Chuxiong prefecture, Li Guoxiu earns more than 6,000 yuan monthly from working at the Colorful Yi Embroidery Culture Co., Ltd. in Nanhua County. Ding Lanying, head of the company and mother to two daughters, has been dedicated to helping rural mothers work near home, enabling them to take care of their children. As a provincial inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Yunnan, Ding has mastered over 70 Yi embroidery techniques. Last year, her company developed more than 1,000 products across over 300 categories, such as handbags and shawls, with an annual income of 15 million yuan. Now, her elder daughter has also become a county-level inheritor of Yi embroidery. "Yi embroidery is our life, and we have worked hard to make the old art brand-new," Ding said. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Hongyu) AN 89-year-old woman was found dead in Tunapuna yesterday morning after a fire at her home. The deceased has been identified as Zubida Mohammed of Prescott Lane in Tunapuna. Residents of the area told the Express that around 8.45 a.m. they heard a loud explosion, and then observed flames coming from one of the rooms of the bottom floor of the two-storey home. Two weeks ago I spoke about the incivility in our political culture and the need to refrain from making savage attacks against one another. Many people responded favourably to my article. Richard de Lima, writing from Ontario, Canada, observed: I have been reading your columns in the Express several years, which though always informative, sometimes stimulating, and often entertaining, have not prompted me to write you before. On this occasion, I feel obliged to extend my compliments to you on the penetrating remarks made about the conduct of PNM ministers and other senior party officials in regard to challengers for various positions in the forthcoming party elections. The behaviour today is no different from that of yesterday. This then, could be regarded as an intrinsic part of the Partys organisational culture. There could be no doubt that the post-pandemic situation is fraught with many problems ranging from concerns for health, education, economy and personal situations. Among these that may be prioritised according to our individual cares come the national concerns. Even then debate will range over which should be our priorities. My view is that the greatest and most enduring problem will be our loss of effective teaching-learning time over well nigh two years. To understand where Lydia Millet is coming from as a writer, it helps to see where she is coming from as she writes, which is the porch of a small house near her own in the Sonoran Desert west of Tucson. Not near the desert, mind you. In it, in a small clearing surrounded by lush stands of palo verde, mesquite, cactus and creosote. To find Millet this late afternoon, a visitor winds slowly down a narrow dirt road, carefully threading his way through cholla and prickly pear. A saguaro points the way past a parked sedan the owner has re-painted Forest Service green. Some people find solace in soothing meadows surrounded by daffodils. Millet finds it here, which may explain the prickly edge to some of her recent books. Her latest, Dinosaurs, was released last week by W.W. Norton & Co. It is her first novel since A Childrens Bible, a bestselling finalist for the National Book Award in 2020. Dinosaurs is Millets 13th book, all of which have been warmly received and many of which have received national awards. Love in Infant Monkeys was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2010. Sweet Lamb of Heaven was a semifinalist for the National Book Award in 2016. Eleven of her books were written since Millet moved to Tucson and purchased 14 acres of desert real estate in 1999. I just love it here, its my favorite place in the whole world, Millet said of her arid Shangri-La. When I first bought it, I was planning to live here part-time. I had a life and a boyfriend in New York City. I thought Id be spending some of the year here and some of it there. After I moved in, though, I just loved it so much I stayed. Millets move to Arizona may have surprised some of her Manhattan neighbors. She was a city girl, raised in Toronto and educated at the University of North Carolina. Less well-known was the fact Millet had spent four months in the graduate writing program at the University of Arizona. Her mentor there was UA professor and National Book Award finalist Joy Williams. It was Williams who suggested Millet get to know her beloved desert. It didnt quite take at first, either the writing part or the desert part. Millet dropped out after a semester, and instead earned a masters degree in Environmental Policy at Duke. She then accepted a position with the Natural Resource Defense Council in New York. Life was good, but something was missing. She came looking for it in 1999, accepting a position as a writer for the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson. She is still there. Her 30 hours a week at the center are framed by three to four hours of writing in the early morning and late afternoon. My mom doesnt live there now, but she has a small house and some property right beside me, Millet explained. Thats where I usually write. I write outside whenever I can, even when its hot. Its where I feel most comfortable. Who knows who might stop by to say hi. Deer, coyotes, foxes and javelinas are regular visitors to Millets outdoor writing studio. Birds play a starring role her new novel. She mentions a different bird in every chapter, and sprinkles in scientific tidbits about them throughout. The books very title comes from the fact birds are descended from dinosaurs. The dinosaurs who could fly were the only ones who survived, she explains. The next time you see a roadrunner, look how much it looks like the dinosaurs your kids learned about in school. Asked how she separates her day job from her night job, Millet said she doesnt. My writing always includes my day job, she said. Its enmeshed. Millets books are wildly different. No two plot lines are the same, but they all guide the reader into scenes featuring animals, nature and the environment. In Dinosaurs, her protagonist and narrator is Gil, a wealthy loner looking for connection and meaning. The story is set in a prosperous suburb of Phoenix, which is Millets first clue that she will be playing with us some. Gil learns to love his birds. I first wrote the first draft the summer before the pandemic, but I came back to it during the worst times of it in 2020, Millet said. I just wanted to project myself into a scene of warmth, a scene of companionship. I wanted this book to be company for me that summer and fall, when there was so much hostility all around us. Its not long, only 230 pages. It is written with humor, a light touch and simple, straightforward prose. Still, the takeaways are deeply philosophical, and the book has captured the attention of the literary establishment. In the last two weeks, Millet and her new book have been featured in The New York Times Magazine and The New Yorker. She appeared at the Harvard Bookstore last Monday night. Clearly, Millet has become a big deal in the world of letters, but she insists shes still the same person who moved to Tucson in 1999. Whenever somebody tells me they like one of my books, I always feel like Ive been struck by lightning, she said. If you say you like my book, youre my friend for life. FOOTNOTES Oct. 31 is the deadline for the Tucson Festival of Books Literary Awards Writing Contest. Submissions will be judged in fiction, nonfiction and poetry. For more information, visit tucsonfestivalofbooks.org Sandra Cisneros and Liliana Valenzuela will be in Tucson Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. to read at the UA. Learn more at tucne.ws/1lnb. Some people just know people. Millets best friend is fellow author Jenny Offill. They met more than 25 years ago, before either had published her first book. They even have matching tattoos. ICYMI: Watch the Star's top videos from the past week Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona's Over The Top Watch Now: Arizona shocks college football world with upset win over UCLA Counting Southern Arizona's bighorn sheep from the sky Crane cam gives live look at sandhill season in Southeastern Arizona Veterans Day Parade returns to Tucson What's going up around Tucson? Some University of Arizona McKale Center history New shoes for kids at Keeling Elementary School in Tucson Just an ordinary bike ride ... following a bear Bobcats play in Tucson backyard Veterans take off on a Dream Flight from Marana Airport Regional amateur fighters in the Rise of the Prospects Cage Series 3 at Rialto Theatre Watch now: Scenes from the 2022 Tucson Celtic Festival A butterfly park to open in Tucson Thanks to The Good Nurse, youll never look at a saline bag without wondering: Could it be tainted? In the based-in-truth drama, patients in a hospital are dying at an alarming rate. Someone, it seems, has been putting insulin in the bags, prompting death. Whos responsible? Thats a question nurse Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain) asks, particularly since fingers could point in her direction. Another newcomer, Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), has great bedside manner and a gentleness that suggests he cant be responsible. Or can he? As Amy pieces together the clues (and spots those bags), she begins to fear for her children and herself, particularly since the hospital has a laissez-faire attitude about attention. Negative attention. Director Tobias Lindholm does a good job building tension and giving Loughren reasons to stay silent. Since she has a heart condition and no insurance she cant risk the wrath of corporate mentality. Since she doesnt have an immediate supervisor, shes really out on her own. And then, theres the matter of those daughters. If something should happen to her, who would take care of them? Cullen proves to be a good friend, helping her get medications she can afford and serving as baby sitter when she has to work. Police, however, want to figure this out and repeatedly get stonewalled when they ask for information. Hiding behind patient confidentiality laws, hospital officials appear unhelpful, even though they could put an end to a growing problem. Chastain looks appropriately bedraggled, relying on Redmayne to shore her up. He seems like the kind of nurse youd want at your bedside. The film, however, takes place in so many dark rooms you cant get a bead on emotions. Even when they do get close to a lightbulb, the actors are bathed in shadows. Because Redmayne is so good at hiding emotions, he could be under the lights of an operating room and still get buy-in. When his past is revealed, the change is better than any since Norman Bates in Psycho. The Good Nurse doesnt keep the guessing game up for very long. It presents the situation, the problems and the culprit, then waits until someone is ready to pounce. Lindholm could have done more with hospital officials (as The Resident and The Good Doctor have). But getting Chastain and Redmayne to play out seemingly pat roles makes this better than most thrillers. Hes award-worthy; shes respectable. PHOENIX That early ballot you just got in the mail? Odds are it lists Republicans first. And its all because of a 43-year-old Arizona law. Its being challenged by Democrats. They contend its not fair based on research that they say shows a subtle tendency of people to pick whatever is first on any list. But the lawsuit, filed two years ago, is far from being resolved. It even involves Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, now asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let him defend the statute and the claimed GOP advantage. His lawyer is telling the justices that Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who initially had defended the ballot-order statute, acted in a way to keep the attorney general from picking up the case after she decided not to pursue an appeal. There also are claims by Brnovich that politics played a role in all that, noting that Hobbs became a Democratic candidate for governor in the midst of the legal maneuvers. And all that means that the law putting Republican candidates in place on ballots received by most Arizona voters remains in place this year along with the possible edge that gives to GOP contenders. Under the current system, candidates in primary elections have the position of their names on the ballot rotated among various precincts. So no one person gets a built-in advantage. But when the general election comes around, candidates are listed on ballots in each county based on how well each partys gubernatorial hopefuls did in that county in the last election. That means that this year the Republicans for all offices are listed ahead of Democrats in all races in 11 of Arizonas 15 counties where Republican Gov. Doug Ducey outpolled Democrat David Garcia four years ago. That includes Maricopa County which has more voters than the other 15 counties combined. Only in Apache, Coconino, Pima and Santa Cruz counties, where Garcia got more votes than Ducey, have Democrats listed first. Democrats sued, arguing that, all else being equal, there is a tendency of voters to choose the first candidate on a list. As proof, attorneys for the party cited data from Jonathan Rodden, a political science professor at Stanford University. He estimated that first-listed candidates get an advantage average of 2.2 percentage points. And Rodden said that can reach 5.6 percentage points. Those kind of numbers can make all the difference in close races. In the 2020 Senate race, the margin of victory for Democrat Mark Kelly over Republican Martha McSally was 2.3%. And there was a difference of just 0.3% in the presidential race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The lawsuit drew objections from Secretary of State Katie Hobbs who, as the states chief election officer, was named as a defendant. Her attorney, Mary OGrady, argued that even if people tend to choose the first person on the ballot, that doesnt make the system illegal. And she said that nothing in the law precludes those who have sued Democrats and Democrat organizations from voting for the candidates of their choice. U.S. District Court Judge Diane Humetewa agreed. And she brushed aside arguments that some people were having their votes for their candidates diluted because others were simply picking the first name they saw. Plaintiffs will not be injured because other voters may act irrationally in the ballot box by exercising their right to choose the first-listed candidate, Humetewa wrote. Her decision to dismiss the case, however, was overturned by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Jed Rakoff, writing for the three-judge panel said there is a legitimate reason for federal courts to look at such regulations. Rakoff also said the idea of rotating the names of candidates is hardly a radical idea. He said as far back as 1958 the Arizona Supreme Court, considering the question of how to list the names of candidates when machines are used, found that it was a well-known fact that where there are a number of candidates for the same office, the names appearing at the head of the list have a distinct advantage. Hobbs chose not to appeal. And that should have sent the case back to Humetewa for a trial. Only thing is, Brnovich, who had not been a party to the case to that point, sought to intervene on behalf of the state to pursue further appeals. That bid, however, was rejected. Now the attorney general is asking the nations high court to let him defend the ballot-order statute. In his petition to the justices, Brnovich, represented by outside counsel, said they need to recognize what changed between the time the lawsuit was filed and the 9th Circuit decision that the secretary of state agreed to accept. Hobbs was running for governor as a Democrat, wrote attorney Mark Dangerfield. And that, he said, put the objectives of Hobbs in conflict with those of Brnovich. The attorney general wanted to seek further review of the 9th Circuits opinion, Dangerfield told the justices. But Secretary Hobbs in the midst of a very public dispute with the attorney general had decided not to further pursue the case. That public dispute includes a complaint filed by Hobbs with the State Bar of Arizona against Brnovich contending he violated ethical rules by acting on one hand as the agencys legal counsel while also taking action contrary to its interest. That included the attorney generals office receiving confidential attorney-client information and providing advice and then withdrawing from representing Hobbs and taking a legal position materially adverse to the secretary of state. The attorney general escaped sanctions by entering into a diversion agreement that required him to adopt new rules to spell out when he can sue state agencies that are his clients. In a separate action, Hobbs accused Brnovich of an attempted coup detat in demanding that she adopt changes he wanted to the Election Procedures Manual. But Yavapai County Superior Court Judge John Napper ruled that Brnovich was wrong, saying that Hobbs properly exercised her discretion in coming up with rules for this years election. Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott has donated over $1 million to the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. On Tuesday, the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona announced it received a $1.4 million donation from Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The gift is part of an $84.5 million donation given to the Girl Scouts of the USA and 29 of its local councils. Each of the local councils were vetted by Scotts philanthropy team, who dedicated 40 hours of research per council to determine who would receive a portion of the donation, a news release from the local Girl Scouts said. We are honored and humbled to be one of the councils to receive these incredible funds and to have our work recognized by this powerful philanthropist, Kristen Garcia-Hernandez, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, said in the news release. Her gift allows us to elevate and accelerate our work of fueling the female leadership pipeline. We hope this gift attracts the attention of others to invest in girls to change the world. The donation will help the organization create more equitable membership opportunities in under-engaged communities, foster meaningful program innovation, support research staff and volunteer training and invest in climate-resiliency improvements, the news release said. Scotts donation is an incredible catalyst for the Girl Scout movement in Southern Arizona. To use one of our newly adopted phrases, it is our rocket fuel to relevancy, Garcia-Hernandez said. Forbes estimates Scotts net worth at about $35 billion. As part of the couples 2019 divorce, she received a 25% stake in the online retailer. In May 2019, Scott signed the Giving Pledge, promising to give away at least half of her wealth over the course of her lifetime. Since July 2020, Scott has given away about $13 billion to more than 1,200 nonprofits, according to Forbes. Arizona has told the U.S. government the state was within its rights to construct a border barrier of shipping containers on federal land in the Yuma area and will not remove it, the governors office said Wednesday, rejecting federal officials claim of trespassing. Moreover, the state plans to continue placing border barriers on federal land and is looking at all areas where containers may be appropriate, said Gov. Doug Duceys spokesman C.J. Karamargin. The states response comes just as a Tucson-based conservation group, the Center for Biological Diversity, filed a court notice of its intent to sue over Arizonas planned use of shipping containers along a different portion of the U.S.-Mexico border, in Cochise County. The standoff started when the Republican governor signed an executive order in August to place shipping crates in Yuma near the border where large numbers of undocumented immigrants were entering the country. The 130 shipping containers are placed on federal land where the state has no jurisdiction to construct a barrier, costing taxpayers about $13 million. The U.S. asked the state to remove the Yuma containers last week, saying it was an unauthorized placement on federal property and on Cocopah Indian Tribe land. But the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs responded in an Oct. 18 letter that the U.S. Constitution provides for protection of the states and specifically reserves the right of states to defend themselves. Arizona rejects the legal analysis for the federal governments argument that the state needs to remove the crates, Karamargin said. The state of Arizona has no intention to remove the containers. The governor takes his duty to protect Arizona very seriously, so the containers arent going anywhere, he said. The barrier in Yuma does not immediately stop migrants from entering the country in that region, figures show. The number of migrants the Border Patrol apprehended only increased in the three weeks that followed placement of the barriers. Arizona says the federal government incorrectly claims the state is trespassing, and cites several legal statutes and the U.S. Constitution to back up its claim, in the letter addressed to Jacklynn Gould, regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. As well, U.S. Customs and Border Protection told the state Oct. 18 that it will close four gaps in the border barrier near the Morelos Dam in Yuma in the area where the state put the shipping crates. Customs and Border Protection would fill about 1,700 feet the state says it has filled 3,800 using a combination of temporary mesh fencing and mechanized bollard vehicle gates that allow for access to the riverside of the barrier, starting in early 2023, says a letter from the agency. This is completely unacceptable, Karamargin countered. The federal government does not seem to be acting, either with a sense of urgency or in good faith. We have a temporary solution. What Arizona needs is a permanent solution. So the notion that were going to reopen gaps in the border barrier and leave them open for months while the federal government puts its plans together to fill them with an apparently less secure, temporary solution not going to happen. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice of intent to sue to stop the state from putting up a border barrier in the Coronado National Forest in Cochise County where there is a jaguar and ocelot migration corridor. These shipping containers are a shameless publicity stunt that will jeopardize the survival of endangered wildlife, said Robin Silver, a co-founder of the center. There are 3,700 agents covering the Tucson Sector alone, not to mention helicopters, drones and hundreds of cameras. Were in an extinction crisis, and its reckless to sacrifice a critical wildlife corridor and harm endangered animals so Ducey can score political points. The state has put shipping containers immediately to the west of the Huachuca Mountains and plans to put them on the border there, which would block wildlife corridors, says the centers Oct. 19 notice. Karamargin said he cant comment on the notice from the center because state officials havent seen it. The centers 60-day notice of intent to sue the governor, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for Endangered Species Act violations says the area is a critical migration corridor for jaguars and ocelots, which are protected under the act. These useless barriers do nothing to stop people from crossing the border, but theyll stop wildlife in their tracks, Silver said. Unless Ducey wants his legacy to be driving Arizonas most iconic animals to extinction, he needs to end this ridiculous waste of taxpayer money. Photos of the U.S. Mexico border fence U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. 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U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. Pascal (They/Them) joined the Arizona Daily Star in 2022 as a digital producer. Their background in alternative digital journalism excites them about the digital stories being produced. The Cherokee Nation will celebrate Native perspective and influence within the comic book scene by hosting its first Indigenous comic convention, SkasdiCon. The free and family-friendly event will take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 in Northeastern State Universitys University Center Ballroom, 612 N. Grand Ave. SkasdiCon is providing a platform to celebrate and share the Native perspective and influence on comic books, video games, tabletop games, novels, film, television and more, Talisha Lewallen, manager of cultural programs and events for Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, said in a news release. Pop culture has proven its ability to unite people from different walks of life and by combining that with the Native perspective, we hope to give people a safe, shared space and time to be themselves and share what they love. The word skasdi is Cherokee slang. Its a playful word that represents pride, impressiveness, awesomeness, fierceness or feistiness, which describes the many comic book and video game characters often represented within comic con circuits. Con guests can enjoy panel discussions, meet more than 30 Indigenous artists and creators, view a screening of InageI (a Cherokee language animation for kids) and participate in a family-friendly cosplay competition with prizes awarded in seven categories. Attendees must be registered by 1 p.m. to participate in the cosplay competition. The event will be hosted by Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism with support from the NSU Center for Tribal Studies, championed by Cherokee language preservationist and artist Roy Boney Jr. Recognized as the 2022 Sequoyah Fellow by NSU, Boney was tasked with supporting a special project or event that promotes Cherokee language and culture, and collaborated with a committee to bring SkasdiCon to life. For more information, including a full event schedule, cosplay rules and regulations, and a list of participating artists, creators and cosplay judges, visit skasdicon.com. Featured video: A Tulsa man convicted of fatally shooting another man in the hope of impressing a street gang has been sentenced to prison. Chief U.S. District Judge John Heil III on Thursday ordered Devon Bryant Blevins, 29, to serve life in prison in connection with the April 2021 murder of Maurice Burgess. A Tulsa federal jury convicted Blevins in September 2021 of first-degree murder in connection with Burgess death. Burgess, 36, was found shot April 12, 2021, near the entrance to the Waterstone apartments at 1054 E. 57th Place. He reportedly was riding a bicycle near the complex when at least two shots were fired about 8 p.m. He died at a hospital that evening. Police later arrested Blevins and Jacob Bruce Banks, 22, in connection with Burgess murder. Banks pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of accessory after the fact in exchange for a 10-year prison sentence. Banks, in his plea agreement, claimed that he had been driving a red Hyundai in the 61st Street and Peoria Avenue area when he saw Burgess riding a bicycle near the Waterstone apartments. Banks claimed that Blevins leaned out of the car window and then shot across the vehicles hood while sitting on the door frame. Blevins reportedly told police he fired two shots at Burgess after seeing him either reach for a weapon in his waistband or pull up his pants, according to court records. No weapon was found on or near Burgess after he was shot. Blevins later told police that he shot Burgess to ensure that leaders of the Savage Boys, a criminal street gang, knew he was with them, according to court documents. While in prison serving a prior sentence, prosecutors maintained that Blevins was involved in the Indian Brotherhood prison gang while serving a five-year prison term for unauthorized use of a vehicle, larceny, and aggravated assault and battery in Rogers County. Banks and Blevins are both members of federally recognized tribes, and the fatal shooting occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation, qualifying the crime for federal prosecution. Featured video: NORMAN National security experts representing the defense industry, government and academia will be at the University of Oklahoma on Thursday for a first-time gathering. The Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute Symposium will be held at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History on the Norman campus. Hosted by OUs recently established Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute, the event is expected to become a recurring one, officials said. OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. said that given current world events, the symposium couldnt be more timely. Moreover, with OUs prioritizing of aerospace and defense, the university is the right place to have it, he said. One of our most important obligations as a comprehensive public research institution is to contribute our expertise toward the betterment of society, Harroz said. Through a strategic combination of OUs groundbreaking capabilities in applied research and an ever-growing network of industry and government partnerships, OU is poised to lead the nation in supporting Americas national security strategy. I look forward to welcoming such a distinguished group of thought leaders to our campus. Symposium speakers include Ellen Lord, former U.S. undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment; retired Air Force Gen. Herbert Hawk Carlisle, former president and CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association; and Mark Lewis, executive director of the National Defense Industrial Associations Emerging Technologies Institute and former U.S. Department of Defense director of research and engineering. U.S. Reps. Tom Cole and Stephanie Bice and Boeing Executive Vice President Leanne Caret are also scheduled to speak. The symposium will also feature panels discussing warfare in the era of social media, counter-unmanned-aircraft-systems technologies, security implications of emerging technologies and climate security. The institute was established in 2021 by OUs Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships. Featured video: OSU announces launch of Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education Efforts to find and identify victims of Tulsas 1921 Race Massacre buried in Oaklawn Cemetery will resume Wednesday, city officials confirmed this week. The work will be confined to the southwest section of the city-owned cemetery, which in 1921 was reserved for the burial of indigent Black Tulsans. Officials said this phase of the project will involve collecting additional DNA samples from remains exhumed last year and extending an area previously excavated. Oaklawn Cemetery will be closed to the public during the work, which officials said could last until Nov. 18. Screens and other barriers will be erected to prevent public viewing of any human remains that might be exposed. Video taken by a city photographer will be posted to a Facebook page, official said. At least 18 African Americans killed in the 1921 massacre were reported to have been buried in Oaklawn. Although their exact location is not recorded, historians have long suspected an area first explored by researchers. Numerous burials were discovered, including more than a dozen from a trench in which caskets had been stacked two deep. Nineteen sets of remains were disinterred and examined, and DNA samples were extracted. Officials with Intermountain Forensics, a Utah company that has a contract to analyze the genetic material, later said only two samples contained enough DNA for sequencing. About a dozen others had varying amounts. During the upcoming phase of the project, Intermountain will be on site to oversee the selection and collection of samples in the hope of getting better results. Intermountain Forensics came on board after the previous exhumation. The DNA analysis is to be used in trying to identify individual remains. Officials say this round of work will begin with the re-exhumation of the 19 sets of remains tested last year, which were temporarily re-interred in Oaklawn afterward. Plans also call for new excavation work south and west of the original site. This work will be overseen by the Oklahoma State Archeological Survey and a private firm, Stantec, which was previously known as Cardno. Forensic anthropologist Phoebe Stubblefield and her team will then be in charge of transferring remains to on-site mobile labs for analysis. Plans call for further investigation of other possible burial locations, including two areas west of downtown Tulsa, but no firm date for that work has been set. At least 37 people were killed in the 1921 massacre, although experts think the true number was much higher. Stories of bodies being disposed of in various manners date to the massacre itself. Mayor G.T. Bynum announced an initiative to look for massacre burials in 2018. The first excavations occurred in 2020. The effort has been criticized by some for not moving fast enough or for not digging in other locations across the city. Subsurface scanning techniques have been used at a south Tulsa cemetery and in Newblock Park, west of downtown, but Oaklawn is the only place excavations have occurred. Last summer, strong objections to reburying the Oaklawn remains and the manner in which the re-interments were done were lodged. During a meeting in September, some members of a citizens oversight committee voiced skepticism about the searchs direction. Featured video: Race massacre graves researchers need DNA, genealogies to tie burials to victims McALESTER Benjamin Robert Cole Sr. was executed by lethal injection Thursday for the 2002 murder of his 9-month-old daughter, Brianna. Cole, 57, had been on death row at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary since 2004, when a Rogers County jury convicted him of first-degree murder. His trial included evidence and testimony that he broke Brianna Coles back and ruptured her aorta on Dec. 20, 2002, after the infants crying interrupted a video game he was playing in their home. In September, the state Pardon and Parole Board voted 4-1 to deny clemency for Cole, who did not appear at the hearing. Briannas uncle Bryan Young urged the board to reject the bid for mercy. Seven years earlier, in 2015, the board had denied Cole clemency by a vote of 3-2. Corrections officials said Coles execution began at 10:04 a.m., delayed by a few minutes because he had elected to be wheeled in a chair rather than walk to the execution chamber. Oklahoma currently employs a three-chemical cocktail for lethal injection: midazolam for sedation, rocuronium bromide for halting respiration and potassium chloride for stopping the heart. Cole was declared dead by a medical doctor at 10:22 a.m., 18 minutes after the injections began. Five members of the media from Oklahoma City and McAlester were selected to witness the execution and agreed with Department of Corrections officials in a press conference afterward that Coles lethal injection appeared to go off without any complications. Those media witnesses reported that Cole never mentioned his victim or expressed any remorse. Instead, Cole reportedly used the full two minutes allotted for last words on a rambling, sometimes raspy voiced stream of consciousness prayer. He reportedly recommended others choosing Jesus while they still can and said, I pray you receive my spirit, I forgive everyone that I have done wrong, I pray for Oklahoma, and I pray for this great nation. Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnor said in a written statement: Justice is now served for Brianna Cole and the people of Oklahoma. Nothing can fill the void experienced by the loss of a loved one, and this does not bring Brianna back to her family. Our hearts and prayers are with them. Coles attorneys repeatedly opposed the execution in court actions on the basis of his mental state. They claimed that he no longer posed a threat because he had paranoid schizophrenia with brain damage to the point of being incapable of communicating or managing basic hygiene tasks. The attorneys tried to argue that Oklahomas procedure for determining competency is constitutionally flawed, but the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday and early Thursday denied requests to intervene in the execution. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals on Monday rejected a stay request and a request to intervene in a lower court decision that determined Cole was competent to be executed. After an evidentiary hearing in early October, Pittsburg County District Judge Mike Hogan had found that Cole does not meet the required substantial threshold showing of insanity. Although Coles own attorneys said they had not been able to communicate with him, he reportedly participated in a 150-minute evaluation at the Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita in July, which Hogan described as very persuasive on the issue of the defendants current capacity. While being evaluated at the Oklahoma Forensic Center, Cole was reported to have said he understood that he was there to see if he was mentally fit for court and competent here to see if I can go ahead and, I guess, be executed. Tom Hird, one of Coles attorneys, said after Septembers clemency hearing that Cole had a 15-millimeter lesion in his brain that was continuing to grow. Hes not faking it, said Hird, a federal public defender, at that time. Hes not some sort of mastermind. Brianna Coles aunt and uncle sister and brother of her mother witnessed Thursdays execution because they said it was best that Briannas mother not be there. At a press conference afterward, the two lamented that so much attention is paid to death-row inmates, while victims often become footnotes in news coverage and court hearings along the long road of carrying out a death sentence. Their blond, blue-eyed infant niece was killed, they said, just days before her first Christmas and a scheduled family holiday gathering where they were to meet her for the first time. Instead, the first time Donna Daniel of Broken Arrow said she laid eyes on the child, the baby was in a casket. She died a horrific death. This man abused her prior to what he did to kill her and he gets off easy and gets to get a little injection in his arm and go to sleep, said Daniel, adding that Brianna should be 20 years old now. We have this little girl we never got to see grow up. She will always be a part of our family. Young, of Muskogee, noted that Cole was first scheduled for execution in 2015. But he said court maneuvering by attorneys extended the process, only adding hardship for Briannas relatives. 20 years? Give me a break! Young said, adding that he intended to seek out his state legislators to see what could be done to expedite executions after a conviction and death sentence. Cole is the 201st person to be executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary since 1915, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The states death-row population now numbers 40 men and one woman. Related video: Why does my trauma have to be entertainment? daughter says of death-row inmates notoriety OKLAHOMA CITY State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister criticized Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday evening for his handling of abortion, crime and medical marijuana. During a debate between the two, Stitt touted his record and repeatedly tried to tie Hofmeister to Democratic President Joe Biden in a state that is considered one of the most conservative. Outside the Will Rogers Theater in Oklahoma City, where the debate was held, Hofmeister supporters chanted VOTE. Lets vote Joy to victory. They stood next to a handful of Stitt supporters. Inside, the popcorn was popping and the free bar was flowing. Hofmeister, who switched from Republican to Democrat to run against Stitt, said the current governor had hijacked the GOP and has pitted neighbor against neighbor. She avoided the question when directly asked if she is a Democrat, saying she is an independent thinker and is running for Team Oklahoma. I will also say I was a Republican longer than Gov. Stitt was registered to vote, Hofmeister said. Stitt said Hofmeister couldnt see a path forward as a Republican and so she joined Bidens party, which he said believes in open borders and tax hikes. We dont want to put Bidens party back in control of Oklahoma with higher taxes and more regulation, Stitt said. Hofmeister accused Stitt of reading off a national script. While Stitt touted the successes of the states economy under his watch, Hofmeister said the state needs a governor who can close a deal. Some companies have bypassed Oklahoma for other states, despite being offered economic incentives here, she noted. The only business that is thriving under Gov. Stitts watch is his own, Hofmeister said. Under specific questioning, Stitt acknowledged having used marijuana, while Hofmeister said she has not. My parents are in the room and are going to be very disappointed, so yes, Stitt said. State voters have already legalized medical marijuana in Oklahoma, and both candidates were asked about the current State Question 820, which seeks to legalize recreational marijuana. It will be on a March 7 special election. Hofmeister said Stitts implementation of medical marijuana has been a disaster. If you think this governor, with all the scandals and what we have seen, is going to be able to have a safe and robust recreational marijuana (program), then you are smoking something, Hofmeister said. She said she was not sure whether she would support State Question 820, but she said the tax revenue legalizing recreational marijuana would generate is attractive and that people have a right to vote on it. Stitt said the medical marijuana state question was poorly worded and that the situation he inherited with it when he came into office was a mess. But the state has hired more enforcement agents and put a two-year moratorium on new production licenses. He does not support legalizing recreational marijuana, he said. It is still illegal federally, Stitt said. We should not have a checkerboard jurisdiction across the states. The candidates were asked about Oklahoma County killer Julius Jones, who was convicted of killing Paul Howell in Edmond in 1999. Just before his execution was to take place, Stitt commuted his death sentence to life without the possibility of parole following a recommendation from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Stitt said he was not the jury and didnt see all the evidence but met with the prosecution, the defense and the Howell family. He said the commutation was the right thing to do for the state. Hofmeister accused Stitt of not doing his homework in the area of criminal justice. Stitt also commuted of the sentence of Paul Anderson, she noted. Shortly after his release, he was accused of killing Andrea Blankenship, Leon Pye and Pyes 4-year-old daughter. Hofmeister also brought up Stitts parole of Jimmie Dean Stohler, known as the Crossbow Killer. He was serving a life sentence for the 1982 murder of Michele Rae Powers in Tulsa. Stitt later rescinded the parole, saying the change was based on new information. Stitt accused Hofmeister of trying to score political points by bringing up the criminal acts of former inmates and called the tactic a cheap shot and disgusting. He said that as governor he has released low-level offenders and signed the largest commutation in state history in 2019. The state leads the country in the lowest recidivism rate, he said. He also noted that he has closed two private prisons, saving the state money. He said he believes in second chances. Both candidates were asked about abortion. Stitt said he believes that life begins at conception but would be willing to sign a bill that contains exceptions for rape or incest or for women who are pregnant and entering rehabilitation for a chemical addiction if the Legislature put it on his desk. Hofmeister said Stitt has shown no mercy for victims of rape or incest. I am personally pro-life, but I dont walk in every womans shoes, she said. I dont favor extremes on either side of this issue. The debate was sponsored by the State Chamber and moderated by NonDocs Tres Savage and News 9s Storme Jones. The two major party candidates vying to complete the unexpired term of U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe led fundraising among Oklahoma candidates filing Federal Election Commission reports last week. General election candidates must file another report next week for the period Oct. 1-19 and report contributions after Oct. 19 within 48 hours. In the race to succeed Inhofe, who plans to retire at the end of this year, 2nd District Congressman and Republican nominee Markwayne Mullin reported total receipts of just under $1 million from Aug. 4 through Sept. 30. His Democratic opponent, former Congresswoman Kendra Horn, took in almost $700,000 from July 1 through Sept. 30. The difference in reporting periods is because Mullin filed a report ahead of the Aug. 28 GOP runoff election. That report covered July 1 through Aug. 3. Mullins two reports for the July 1 through Sept. 30 period show combined receipts of more than $1.3 million. Of the $694,867.09 that Horn raised during the third quarter, almost all $680,116.71 was from individuals. Much of that came in amounts of $100 or less contributed by the same people multiple times. Many of those people seemed to be retired, based on their occupation information. That made Horns report, at more than 1,100 pages, by far the longest for the most recent period. She did, however, have a few big-name donors, including entertainer Seth MacFarlane ($2,900) and actor Mark Ruffalo ($250). Horns campaign said she does not know either of the two. FEC records show that MacFarlane has contributed more than $2 million to Democratic committees this election cycle and that Ruffalo has made more than 200 donations, mostly in amounts from $100 to $500. Mullin, meanwhile, had the support of some of the states wealthiest and most politically active citizens, including energy magnate Harold Hamm ($8,700), Alliance Coals Craft family ($26,100) and Lawtons Hilliary family ($31,900). Next Wednesday, Hamm and other prominent Oklahoma City-area Republicans are hosting a fundraiser for Mullin featuring former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Mullin and Gabbard, who recently renounced her Democratic Party affiliation, were friends during her time in Washington. From July 1 to Sept. 30, Mullin also received $436,700 from political action committees, including $15,000 from Koch Industries and the same amount from the Automotive Free International Trade PAC, which represents the interests of foreign car dealers in the United States. Tulsa-based Williams contributed $10,000 to Mullin. For the entire election cycle, Mullin has raised $4.6 million, including $1 million of his own money. Horn has raised $1.48 million. Two other candidates, Libertarian Robert Murphy and independent Ray Woods, are also on the ballot for Inhofes unexpired term. The other U.S. Senate race on the Nov. 8 ballot Republican incumbent James Lankford against Democrat Madison Horn and two others, Libertarian Kenneth Blevins and independent Michael Delaney has not generated as much attention or as many dollars. Lankford reported total receipts of $488,823.37 for the quarter, with $260,250 of that from political action committees. Receipts for the election cycle total $6.9 million. Lankford donors of note during the reporting period included Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby ($4,900), retired astronaut Thomas Stafford ($5,900) and big cat expert Carole Baskin ($2,900), whose feud with Oklahoman Joe Exotic provided the backdrop for a popular television series. Baskin, who lives in Florida, has been trying to get Lankford to drop his hold on a bill related to private ownership of lions and tigers. Madison Horn, who is not related to Kendra Horn, reported total receipts of $115,009.23 for the reporting period and $270,471.77 for the cycle. She has put a little under $20,000 of her own money into the campaign. Her report is unusual in that she has spent no money for campaign consultants. She has said in the past that she wants to control her own campaign, is concerned about the amount of money spent on political campaigns and thinks consultants have too much influence. Oklahomas five U.S. House of Representative seats are all on the Nov. 8 ballot. None is expected to be close at the ballot box, and they certainly arent financially. The four Republican incumbents and one GOP nominee to succeed Mullin reported contributions ranging from $160,000 for the 3rd Districts Frank Lucas to $505,000 for the 4th Districts Tom Cole. Their opponents raised a few thousand at best, with some apparently not filing at all. Featured video: Is campaign finance reform possible? Death row inmates raised complaints about the execution protocol in a lawsuit filed in Oklahoma City federal court in 2014. U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot rejected those complaints in rulings in 2020, 2021 and June. On appeal, the 28 inmates still in the case dropped their chief complaint that the first drug, the sedative midazolam, is ineffective and would expose them to excruciating pain as the execution proceeds. In the race to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma voters would do well to choose former U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn as his successor. Horn, who was the surprise winner of the 5th Congressional District race in 2018, served one term in Congress before falling to Stephanie Bice in 2020. In that one term, however, Horn showed just how much could be done if youre willing to work across partisan divides. Horn had 25 of her bills signed into law during her tenure, including legislation that addressed poor on-base housing conditions for U.S. military members. Her legislative experience includes time spent on the House Armed Services Committee, where she served as vice chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. Expertise gained in that time could prove invaluable during a period when geopolitical threats in Europe and Asia seem to be growing by the day. Her insight into defense issues would also be crucial in continuing Inhofes legacy of looking after the numerous military bases here in Oklahoma. Horn also earned a solid reputation of meeting with her constituents rather than avoiding their concerns. Her congressional stint gives Oklahomans a glimpse of what Oklahoma lawmakers of the past looked like. They were pragmatic legislators who looked after their state and found ways to get things done rather than cater to the fringes of their own parties. In this moment, this is the type of senator we need. Over the past decade, there has been enough hardline partisanship in Congress to show us that being dug in to puritanical ideologies is no way to govern. Horn has shown herself to be the opposite of that, a public servant who is dedicated to getting things done rather than checking off partisan boxes to please the loudest few. This is evidenced by one of the main themes of her campaign that extremism is one of the biggest threats to the country. She has criticized members of both parties for taking all-or-nothing stands on important issues and vows to bring a different spirit into the Senate if elected. Horn is opposed by Markwayne Mullin, the Republican nominee and Oklahomas 2nd Congressional District representative in Congress. We have concerns about Mullins hardline approach to politics and his aversion to working across partisan divides. Mullin has not responded to repeated requests to meet with the Tulsa World. Filling Inhofes shoes is no small task. Voters owe it to themselves to elect someone who will do right by the nation and the state and will span partisan fissures to move the country forward. In this race, Horn is clearly that person. Singapore businesses are greatly interested in investing in Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City the countrys economic hub where local administrators consistently support foreign investors, said Singaporean President Halimah Yacob earlier this week. President Halimah was speaking at a meeting with municipal Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Nen during her visit to the city on Wednesday afternoon, part of her and her spouses five-day working trip to Vietnam, which began on October 16. She congratulated the city on its quick and effective recovery from the COVID-19 epidemic, which she said was the result of strong leadership and the efforts and determination of the city's leaders and people. The city is an attractive destination for Singaporean enterprises thanks to its young talent pool, good living conditions, and support that the municipal authorities offer to potential investors, Halimah commented. Appreciating the citys goal of developing itself into the financial-economic center of the country and the region, Halimah also noted the difficulties Ho Chi Minh City faces in the fields of infrastructure, human resources, and engineering. She suggested that city authorities offer incentives to draw more foreign direct investment (FDI) from countries like Singapore. Municipal Party chief Nen hailed Singapore as an important trade and investment partner to the city, adding that Ho Chi Minh City is interested in coopearting with the city-state in the areas of public administration and services, renewable and green energy, infrastructure development, and climate change response. He suggested that the two sides ramp up their long-standing partnership in light of the massive upside offered by their bilateral cooperation. Nen agreed with Halimah that the city faces several challenges as it works toward becoming an economic hub, particularly those obstacles related to its institutions, infrastructure, and human resources that have affected the implementation of many large projects. Regarding these issues, Halimah said Singapore and Vietnam have signed a number of agreements related to digitization and vocational training so that the Vietnamese city can work to overcome the hurdles of its development process. Earlier on Wednesday morning, the Singaporean leader delivered a speech at the Vietnam-Singapore Business Forum in Ho Chi Minh City and met with the local Singaporean community. Before visiting the city, President Halimah held a meeting with her Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi, as well as talks with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, to discuss steps to boost the strategic partnership between the two countries. Many bilateral cooperation agreements in various fields have so far been signed during her stay in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore recorded two-way trade of US$8 billion last year, and the total registered investment capital of Singaporean investors in Vietnam has amounted to $11.9 billion, ranking first among 116 countries and territories investing in the city, according to the municipal Department of Planning and Investment. Like us onFacebook or follow us onTwitter to get the latest news aboutVietnam! A 38-year-old Vietnamese woman who returned to Ho Chi Minh City from Dubai earlier this week has become Vietnams second confirmed monkeypox patient, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health announced on Thursday morning. The patient, from northern Vietnams Tuyen Quang Province, tested positive for monkeypox on a PCR test on Wednesday, just one day after returning from a trip to Dubai from September 29 to October 18. She has been experiencing symptoms including fever, nausea, and blisters since October 11. She and Vietnams first monkeypox patient, a 35-year-old woman who has already recovered from the disease, shared a room in Dubai. The first patient contacted the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) for support upon knowing that her friend was experiencing the same symptoms. Thanks to her alert, HCDC and the Tan Son Nhat International Airport medical team took the 38-year-old woman into quarantine immediately upon her arrival at the airport on October 18. She was then taken to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City for diagnosis and treatment. The plane that she had been on was also disinfected. HCDC will continue to track individuals who came into direct contact with the patient in order to minimize the risk of infection. The countrys first monkeypox patient began experiencing symptoms of the disease, including fatigue, chills, muscle aches, headaches, coughing, and a rash while in Dubai on September 18. She was confirmed to have been infected with monkeypox after returning to Ho Chi Minh City on September 22. She tested negative for the viral infection and was discharged from the hospital on October 14. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern over the monkeypox outbreak on July 23 as infections rose globally, with more than 73,450 cases across 92 countries and territories, including 26 deaths, as of October 17, according to Reuters. Previously, the health ministry said people entering Vietnam from areas with monkeypox outbreaks will be monitored and suspected carriers will be quarantined. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 100% Wolf, which has spawned an ABC animated series, is now getting a feature film sequel, 200% Wolf. A co-production between Flying Bark Productions, Western Australias Siamese and Spains Atlantika Films this sees a returning voice cast of Samara Weaving as Batty, Akmal Saleh as Hamish and Ilai Swindells as Freddy. The sequel will continue the story of Freddy Lupin, a pink were-poodle who needed to prove he still had the heart of a werewolf. In his new adventure, Freddy goes on a mission to save a young moon spirit, where he finds himself caught up in the magic of a werewolf sorceress. The film will focus more on the mysterious and fascinating world of werewolves and the magical moon forces that transform them, introducing exciting new characters and obstacles for Freddy to overcome. We had tremendous success with the North American release of 100% Wolf in 2020, says Victor Elizalde, President of VIVA Kids. We are thrilled to be reuniting with Studio 100 and Flying Bark Productions for the highly anticipated sequel. We know audiences are going to love it! Also returning are director Alexs Stadermann, writer Fin Edquist, producers Barbara Stephen and Alexia Gates-Foale and co-producer Francesca Hope, with producer Carmen Perez-Marsa Roca and Atlantika Films Executive Producer Nano Arrieta joining the team. 200% Wolf is produced with major production funding from Screen Australia, and financed in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest. The Canary Islands 3Doubles will be joining for animation services on the 85-minute comedy adventure film which will be available in 2024 Based on the books 100% Wolf and 100% Hero by renowned Australian author Jayne Lyons, the first film 100% Wolf has been successfully sold worldwide, with strong theatrical releases in the UK, France, Russia, and Italy despite the 2020 global pandemic. The film also performed extremely well on video-on-demand services with Amazon US and Universal Australia, as well as on Netflix Australia. 100% Wolf was a Rockie Awards nominee at the 2021 Banff World Media Festival and director Alexs Stadermann was nominated for Best Direction of an animation project at the Australian Directors Guild Awards 2021. Adding to the success of the film, the ABC ME television spin-off series 100% Wolf The Legend of the Moonstone has been on air internationally since 2020, having sold to more than 100 countries. The series won three Telly Awards, an AEAF Gold Award and the Asian Television Award in 2021, among other wins and nominations. A second season is already in pre-production. Mondays Four Corners story is How Many More? reported by Bridget Brennan, a special investigation into Australias murdered and missing Indigenous women. Its a Black woman gone missing, disappeared off the face of the Earth and no one could locate her. They didnt care. They didnt care. Relative of missing Indigenous woman In Australia Aboriginal women are among the most victimised groups in the world, murdered up to 12 times the national average. Their deaths rarely make the headlines. Im talking about a national silence when it comes to the murders of First Nations women. Friend and colleague of murdered Aboriginal woman On Monday Four Corners features a special investigation into Australias murdered and missing Indigenous women. The story is reported by the ABCs Indigenous Affairs Editor Bridget Brennan. For the first time on Four Corners three First Nations women have come together to investigate a national crisis. Bridget Brennan, a Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman is joined by producer Suzanne Dredge, a Wiradjuri woman, researcher Brooke Fryer, a Dharawal woman and Queensland Journalist of the Year Stephanie Zillman. In the absence of any official data, their research reveals for the first time the staggering number of Indigenous women who have been murdered in the last two decades. This is a serious human rights violation. We call it Indigenous femicide. Human rights advocate The program tells in detail the stories of three Aboriginal women, and the events which led to their shocking deaths. Bridget Brennan and the team examine the cries for help that went unheard and investigate the appalling lack of resources for women at risk of domestic violence We are still responding to domestic violence as though theyre one-off incidents. No one is looking at that full pattern and nobody is then managing that risk. Gender-based violence researcher The Federal Government has announced a plan to end violence against women and children within one generation. With Indigenous women most at risk there are hopes the plan will deliver on its promise. Enough is enough, were all sick of hurting, sick of crying and weve all literally had enough. Relative of murdered indigenous woman Monday 24th October at 8.30pm on ABC. 1800Respect: 1800 737 732 13YARN: 13 92 76 SBS documentary Our African Roots has been awarded at the 2022 Diversify TV Awards at MIPCOM in Cannes. The awards honour excellence in diversity and inclusion in scripted and reality-TV programming worldwide. The 2021 documentary by Chemical Media is an exploration and an insight into Australias lost African history. Presenter and producer, Santilla Chingaipe previously said, For me, the mission is personal. If Australia continues to erase the stories of people of colour, does it mean the contributions of contemporary African Australians like me are also in danger of being dismissed or forgotten? Its time we started telling the truth about the history of colonised Australia. These arent African-Australian stories; these are Australian stories and we should know the names of these men and women. Winners in bold: Representation of Race and Ethnicity Scripted Bangla The Series RAI FICTION Che Peruvian (Che Peruano) Personal (Argentina), Flixxo Pour toi Flora Radio-Canada Representation of Race and Ethnicity Non-Scripted Our African Roots SBS Australia Race Around Britain YouTube Originals Unheard Amazon Prime Video Representation of LGBTQIA+ Scripted Heartstopper Netflix (S)he TF1 Sort Of CBC/HBO Max Representation of LGBTQIA+ Non-Scripted Freddie Mercury: The Final Act BBC Two LA (A Queer History) PBS Queens To The Rescu ATRESplayer PREMIUM Representation of Disability Scripted Audreys Back Quebecor/Club Illico Dodger CBBC and BBC iPlayer Exceptional Kan 11 Representation of Disability Non-Scripted Ellie Simmonds: A World Without Dwarfism BBC One Speechless RTE We Dont Play Dolly Mediacorp Singapore Representation of Diversity in Kids Programming Pre-school CBeebies Presentation CBeebies and BBC iPlayer Lili & Lola Oznoz Proud To Be Me CBC Representation of Diversity in Kids Programming Older Children First Day Hulu, ABC ME Jamie Johnson BBC Onyx Family Dinner YouTube Originals Premio MIP Cancun Because Victoria Amazon Prime Video Che Peruvian Personal, Flixxo Great Latin American Women YouTube/BILLIKEN Behind the Scenes Impact Award FWD-DOC: Documentary Filmmakers With Disabilities Source: Hollywood Reporter ABCs Summer Love has just concluded its debut season with 8 stories all set in a Fairhaven holiday house. The show is yet to receive a renewal from ABC (the broadcaster is expected to reveal Upfronts in November) but as an anthology series, it has the option of switching locations from the Great Ocean Road should it be renewed. Its a pretty extensive coastline around Australia. So surely there are other holiday houses too! Wayne Hope recently told TV Tonight. We hired about 28 houses in Fairhaven, from the end of January this year. Theres only a couple of places on the coast side of the road. Most of the houses are on the other side of the road but we managed to get one (beach side). Interestingly, it was the site of the original shack in Mad Max was shot in 1979. Gristmill, a small independent company he runs with partner Robyn Butler, is also busy developing other project. Weve got a few things at various stages, nothing thats public yet but were busy! Ukraine on Thursday warned of a growing threat of a new Russian offensive from Belarus, after Minsk and Moscow last week announced a joint force "to defend" Belarusian borders. Washington, meanwhile, said it believes Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea to help Russia operate the Tehran-provided kamikaze drones that killed several civilians in Ukraine earlier this week. Read our live blog to see how all the day's events unfolded. All times are in Paris time (GMT+2). This live page is no longer being updated. For more of our coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. 9:11pm: Iranian military were on the ground in Crimea to help Russia pilot drones, US says The United States has determined that Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted Russia in operating the Tehran-provided drones to conduct strikes across Ukraine, State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Thursday. 6:09pm: Russia raids wealth fund to cover budget deficit Russia on Thursday raided its main sovereign wealth fund to the tune of $16.2 billion to cover its budget deficit as its military offensive in Ukraine weighs on public finances. The finance ministry said the government had approved taking the funds from the National Wealth Fund to finance budgetary expenses and ensure the budgets equilibrium. It added the funds would be used primarily to settle public debt and provide loans to regions, as well as pay social benefits to Russian citizens. A government forecast published last month put the budget deficit this year at 0.9 percent of GDP. (FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and REUTERS) Read more on FRANCE24 Read also: Explosions heard in Kyiv as Putin declares martial law in 'annexed' regions Putin turns to Tehran: Can Iranian drones offset Moscow's losses in Ukraine? People of Ukraine win EU Sakharov prize for their fight against Russia UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was saddened to learn of the loss of dozens of lives and damage to infrastructure in Venezuela due to floods and landslides resulting from the heavy rainy season and the impact of tropical storms, said his spokesman on Wednesday. The secretary-general extended his deepest condolences to the Venezuelan government and to the families affected by the floods and landslides impacting several towns across Venezuela, particularly in the northern state of Aragua, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement. The United Nations is providing support, in coordination with the national authorities' emergency response, to address the needs of the most affected people, the statement said. The secretary-general expressed his solidarity with the people of Venezuela and underscored that the United Nations stands ready to offer additional assistance in this challenging time, said the statement. "When I came to UNG as a freshman, I was amazed at the opportunities and degrees offered to students," Yuan said. "The most valuable things are the friendships I have made here in the Corps of Cadets." Yuan was also part of the Russian Club last year. Freshman Pei-Yun Tsai is from Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. She is the first Taiwanese female cadet at UNG and is pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies. Tsai said learning about UNG's great professors, plentiful resources and beautiful scenery helped her choose UNG. "Two of my favorite things about UNG so far are all the kind people and the helpful resources that students can use, such as advising and tutoring," Tsai said. The four are required to serve in the Taiwan army for 14 years and can then embark on civilian careers. "We are in a world that is best understood when we engage globally, but develop relationships locally," Wesley Pirkle, UNG director of Global Military Programs, said. "Hosting the Taiwanese cadets allows us an opportunity to see the world through each other's eyes and develop a deeper understanding of each other's cultures and societies." UNG will also send six of its cadets to exchanges with Taiwan in the spring. These partnerships are important because 18% of the world (1.6 billion people) speak Chinese as their primary language. That is more than the next three languages (Spanish with 460 million, English with 379 million, and Hindi with 341 million) combined, Pirkle said. The three upperclassmen are doing well academically, Terry Baumann, assistant director of Global Military Programs, said. "They're academically superior," Baumann said. "Their GPAs are 3.7 and above when English is not their first language. I'm very proud of that fact. It's very impressive." Six additional Taiwanese cadets are also attending UNG for a semester as part of the Military Semester Exchange Program this fall. They are: HA NOI The Vietnamese stock market retreated on Wednesday as selling force got stronger and liquidity subsided. The benchmark VN-Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) reversed the previous trade's course to close lower yesterday. It dropped by 3.59 points to 1,060.07 points, a 0.34 per cent decrease. The index gained over 12 points on Tuesday. The breadth of the market was in negative territory with more stocks sliding. Meanwhile, liquidity on the southern bourse also decreased, of which trading value on HoSE reached VN8.2 trillion (US$337.6 million). This is the lowest trading value since November 17, 2020. The low liquidity showed that investors are no longer interested in the stock market after the strong volatility of September and October. The 30 biggest stocks tracker VN30-Index also posted a loss of 5.41 points, or 0.51 per cent, to 1,0653.65 points. Nine stocks of the VN30 basket added points, while 17 inched down and four ended flat. According to statistics compiled by financial website vietstock.vn, selling pressure heavily weighed on utilities, manufacturing and real estate industries. Specifically, PV GAS (GAS) led the downtrend with a decrease of 1.71 per cent in market capitalisation. It was followed by Masan Group (MSN), Hoa Phat Group (HPG), Vinhomes (VHM) and Vincom Retail (VRE), down at least 1.7 per cent. Other stocks in banking sector also witnessed big losses, such as Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB) and Sacombank (STB) subdued 1.4 and 2.26 per cent, respectively. However, the index pared losses on gains in some large-cap stocks, including BIDV (BID), Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VIB), Vietinbank (CTG), Vietcombank (VCB), Sabeco (SAB) and FPT Corporation (FPT). The HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) finished at 227.9 points, down 1.22 points, or 0.53 per cent. During the session, VN721.77 billion worth of shares, equivalent to a trading volume of over 39 million ticker symbols, was traded on the northern market. Foreign investors were net sellers on HoSE after withdrawing a net value of VN80.58 billion on the exchange, while net bought VN21.44 billion on HNX. VNS HCM CITY As Japan and South Korea further ease COVID-19 border entry regulations for foreigners, local businesses are confident in the growth of tourism. According to the Japan Tourism Promotion Agency (JNTO), Japan has been ready to welcome international visitors since last week. On October 11, the first tour to Japan, operated by BenThanh Tourist, departed from HCM City to Tokyo after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, South Korea has officially announced the removal of a COVID-19 post-entry PCR test from the beginning of October. With this new policy, visitors to South Korea only need to fill in their personal information on the Q-code website and later receive the Q-code for immigration procedures. Nguyen Minh Man, director of Communications and Marketing Department of TSTtourist Company, said that recent tours to South Korea, with increasingly favourable entry policies, have received positive feedback from tourists. Demand stimulation Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, director of Marketing Department of Vietravel Tourism Company, said that as soon as official announcements were rolled out, the company immediately worked with the General Department of Tourism and airlines to offer the most affordable tours to the two key markets of Japan and Taiwan Island. At the moment, tours to Japan are priced from VN24 million (US$992.9) per person and those to Taiwan from VN11 million per person. Vietnamese tourists who are uncertain of visa procedures to South Korea will be taken care of by the companys consultants, Khanh added. At Saigontourist Travel Service Company, tour routes to South Korea, Japan and Chinese Taiwan have been carefully prepared, with seats being sold until the end of December. The company has also collaborated with service providers in localities and different airlines to build a specific departure schedule for the Lunar New Year, said oan Thi Thanh Tra, director of the Marketing and Communication Department of Saigontourist. Fiditour Travel Company - Vietluxtour is also preparing for the re-opening of foreign tour markets, especially the Northeast Asian market. Tran Thi Bao Thu, Communications director of Fiditour Travel - Vietluxtour, said that the company has re-opened tours departing in November to Japan and South Korea and is ready to open tours to Taiwan Island as soon as possible. Control of the COVID-19 pandemic, together with loosened visa policies and regulations for international visitors will greatly contribute to the recovery of foreign tourism. It is crucial for travel companies to create attractive promotions with better pricing policies considering that Northeast Asian tourism will recover quickly and tourism demand will spike up especially at the beginning of 2023 with cherry blossom season, Thu said. VNS Hester Koch, founder of Breast Buddies Project, makes breast prostheses in Windhoek, Namibia, on Oct. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua) WINDHOEK, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- From her home, a breast cancer survivor in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, turns her healing journey into a story of hope for local women. Hester Koch, the founder of the Breast Buddies Project, is making breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies. Koch started knitting breast prostheses through the Breast Buddies Project in 2015 after she read an article on the initiative in a magazine after a lumpectomy procedure following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2014. Koch started knitting and inserting fiber cushion filling for shape soon after her treatment and realized a high demand for prostheses. "Many women undergo surgical operations to remove the breast due to cancer. Because I was in a similar situation, and I decided that we needed this in Namibia. It is a soft prosthesis which one can easily use after an operation," she said Wednesday. Koch has, over the years, collaborated with the Cancer Association of Namibia, which increased the visibility and demand for prostheses. According to Koch, with the increased demand, she designed different prostheses with softer material from old cotton t-shirts. "With the new design, I sew more breast buddies because it was faster than knitting, which takes more time," she said. The items are available in different sizes to cater to women's unique and diverse physiques. "Also cheaper for most who cannot afford those on the mainstream market," said Koch. Complementary, she tailor-makes small-sized cushions to cater to women drivers who have just had a procedure, especially to shield the breast from the seatbelt. The charitable project has given women a much-needed confidence boost. Over the seven years, she has made over 500 breast prostheses distributed nationwide to women at no cost. "Although I was shattered when I was diagnosed with cancer in November 2014, I found respite in helping others regain their self-esteem. It is self-fulfilling to make breast prostheses because you know that the lady you give it to will wear it close to her heart, which means a lot to her. The breast prostheses are a friend," she said. The project has also received support from FirstRand Namibia company, hoping to transform the lives of more women. Meanwhile, she plans to spread hope by involving more women and training them on how to sew and knit breast prostheses to transform more lives. "The aim is to connect women to establish and nurture relations for a common course, but also to raise more awareness about breast cancer," she said. In the meantime, Koch encourages women to take prevention seriously by going for screening and medical examinations. Rolf Hansen, chief executive officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia, said about five percent of all cases diagnosed in Namibia are women, and breast cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer in Namibia. Statistics by World Health Organization show that at least 2.3 million women globally were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Namibia joins the rest of the world to mark this year's breast cancer awareness month in October. Hester Koch, founder of Breast Buddies Project, displays handmade breast prostheses in Windhoek, Namibia, on Oct. 19, 2022. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua) HA NOI Vietnamese citizens in Ukraine are advised to evacuate from major cities as Russia intensifies strikes in the escalating conflict, according to the foreign ministry. Spokesperson for the ministry Le Thi Thu Hang made the announcement on Thursday during the regular press conference in Ha Noi. We follow the situation in Ukraine with keen interest and we pay particular attention to the citizen protection measures for the Vietnamese nationals currently residing and working there, Hang said. As the situation in Ukraine is witnessing new, complicated and unpredictable developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urgently directed the Embassy of Viet Nam in Ukraine to maintain regular contact with the Vietnamese community in Ukraine in order to grasp the situation and to arrange officials for the citizen protection hotline, and to stand ready to receive information and provide assistance in a timely manner, to discuss and ask competent authorities in Ukraine to have measures to support and ensure the lives, livelihood and properties for the citizens as well as Vietnamese businesses in Ukraine, the spokesperson remarked. According to the Vietnamese Embassy, there are currently 500 Vietnamese nationals residing in Ukraine and there have not been any casualties recorded in recent conflicts. On October 18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consular Department along with the Embassy of Viet Nam in Ukraine issued recommendations asking the Vietnamese citizens to maintain regular contact with Vietnamese associations as well as the embassy in Ukraine, be ready to take measures to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including evacuation from major cities and staying away from the danger zones. The citizens are also asked to contact the competent authorities immediately through the citizen protection hotline of the consular department as well as representative agencies of Viet Nam, in Ukraine and in other neighbouring countries, according to the spokesperson. With regard to the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, Hang said Viet Nam wishes to call upon all parties concerned to resume dialogue, to settle issues by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, especially the fundamental principles including respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We also wish that the lives, livelihoods, and properties of people in Ukraine, including those of Vietnamese citizens, are ensured and guaranteed, the spokesperson noted. As an active and responsible member of the international community, Viet Nam is willing to contribute to promoting dialogue and seeking a resolution to stabilise the situation for peace and stability in the region and the world, Hang told reporters. Workers stranded in Africa Reporters also raised the question on the Embassy of Viet Nam in Angolas advisory warning Vietnamese citizens to not be tempted into dubious jobs in some African countries following a row of inquiries for help from stranded Vietnamese nationals. The spokesperson said the ministry has discussed this matter with the Embassy of Viet Nam in Angola, which is concurrently accredited to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and we have received information that the embassy has received requests for assistance and repatriation from Vietnamese nationals residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to difficulties with their employers, regarding employment placement, accommodation, and also those who have had their salaries reduced or owed by their employers. The Vietnamese Embassy in Angola has worked with competent authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo to provide information and to request that the competent authorities have measures to ensure the livelihoods of Vietnamese workers," Hang said, adding that the Embassy of Viet Nam has contacted the Vietnamese community in Congo in order to provide temporary residence for them as they await the resolution of these difficulties. At the same time, the embassy has issued recommendations for workers to carefully research information before deciding to take up labour contracts in Congo, the spokesperson noted, adding that currently, the situation of the stranded citizens here has seen certain improvements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the Embassy of Viet Nam in Angola to continue working closely with local competent authorities and employers in order to resolve emerging issues, she said. The consular department is also told to work with the Vietnamese Embassy in Angola as well as other government agencies in order to implement the citizen protection members in a timely manner. The spokesperson also urged Vietnamese to figure out all the information necessary before agreeing to work contracts abroad in order to avoid being scammed by illegal brokers, and when problems emerge, contact the Vietnamese agencies abroad directly or through the ministrys citizen protection hotline. Human smuggling in Cambodia Also related to Vietnamese workers overseas, Hang was asked for comments on the recent case of over 100 citizens tricked into forced labour in Cambodia and held captive in a resort near the Cambodia-Thailand border. The spokesperson said the area in question falls under the jurisdiction of the General Consulate of Viet Nam in Battambang, Cambodia. According to the consulate, recently Vietnamese authorities have worked with authorities of some Cambodian provinces in this border area to implement many measures in order to support and rescue Vietnamese nationals who have been illegally scammed and brokered into labour, Hang said. From July to September of this year, the General Consulate has helped to rescue and repatriate over 100 citizens from this area. Since the end of September this year, through surveying in the area, the consulate has worked with local authorities and rescued an additional 171 individuals, Hang said. After rescuing the Vietnamese nationals from these illegal business facilities, the General Consulate has sent officials to meet with the victims, and implement citizen protection measures, as well as to provide essentials to these individuals and to support them in finalising procedures for repatriation as soon as possible. Domestically, the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with competent authorities in Viet Nam to identify these individuals and to work on receiving them from Cambodia. The spokesperson said that Vietnamese authorities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Viet Nam in Cambodia, as well as the General Consulate of Viet Nam in Battambang will continue to work with Cambodian authorities to monitor the area to seek and rescue additional Vietnamese nationals if necessary, and to implement citizen protection measures to safeguard their rights and interests. VNS GIA LAI Computers and digital devices were crucial to students' learning at the peak of COVID-19. However, billions of ong set aside to provide disadvantaged students with accessing online education services remains only on paper - even when they had already returned to in-person classes. In the latter half of 2021, with the complicated pandemic, schools had to switch to online classes that hindered students' learning - especially underprivileged children in remote areas. Following the campaign "Song va may tinh cho em" (Internet Connection and Computers for Children), launched by the Prime Minister to support disadvantaged students in online learning, Gia Lai Provincial Department of Education and Training received more than VN36.3 billion (US$1.5 million) as part of the programme. This amount has been set aside to buy one tablet each for 14,000 schoolchildren. However, this figure is only on paper. Vu Hong Phuc An, an eighth-grade student at Hung Vuong Secondary School in Ia Grai District, said: "I was overjoyed when I heard about the programme, but there has been nothing new since then. It was somewhat disappointing. "My family is a poor household with four siblings. So I asked my teachers and classmates to print out study materials during online classes for me." Van Hoang Lan Nhung, an eighth-grade student in the same school, said: "My family is in difficult circumstances, and we cannot afford a computer for my online classes during COVID-19. "I really wanted one, but it's difficult. My parents can barely make ends meet and don't dare think of a computer. "While my class was studying online, I asked my teachers and friends to print out materials for me and study by myself at home." However, this method was no longer an option when severe outbreaks and social distancing measures escalated. Nguyen Thi Phuong, vice principal of the school, said that since the computer support programme began, the school created and submitted the list multiple times to no avail. While teachers also print handouts to students who don't have a computer, their learning was still more or less affected when they had to go through the lessons without instructions from teachers. Vo Tri Hoan, principal of Quang Trung Primary School in Ia Pa District, said that all the students at the school are part of the Jrai people, and 496 of them need support for a computer. Upon receiving the programme announcement, the school submitted a list of needy students but received no response. The teachers said that the devices would have made teaching and studying much easier. Receiving the report on this delay, the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) on September 8 issued a document requiring Gia Lai Province to promptly implement the Song va may tinh cho em programme and procure tablets for students. In March, the provincial department of education and training received more than VN36.3 billion ($1.5 million) for the programme, of which VN35 billion ($1.4 million) came from the MoET and VN1.3 billion from the locality. It also signed a contract with a price appraisal unit for an official price appraisal paper. Based on this document, the department created a budget estimate and implementation solution following the guidelines from the MoET and the Ministry of Information and Communications. The product is an 8-inch K8 tablet, costing VN2.5 million ($102) per device and manufactured by the Chinese company Shenzhen TPS Industry Technology in 2021. Pham uc Hue, head of the finance and planning division of Gia Lai Provincial Education and Training Department, said that the unit made five reports to the local finance department for approval. It has also consulted with the provincial People's Committee on the list of devices, budget estimate and contractor selection to deploy the programme following the guidelines from the MoET. However, the reports have not been approved. The finance department said that the price appraisal is not guaranteed and required records of similar procurement contracts and invoices of this tablet type at VN2.5 million. Hue said: "This requirement from the finance department is too difficult and infeasible. "The appraisal unit can be based on the device's specifications and quotation from companies to issue the price appraisal. However, the survey showed that no other locality has purchased and sold this product, so there are no similar procurement contracts and invoices." Addressing this issue, the Gia Lai education and training department sends a document to the provincial People's Committee and the MoET's department for educational facilities, equipment and children's toys, asking to change the model of the device. The new model is a 10-inch tablet at more than VN3 million ($122) per piece, which would reduce the number of devices procured by about 2,000. The local education and training department is now completing the report and is expected to finish the purchase this November. VNS HCM CITY The HCM City Health Department on Thursday confirmed Viet Nams second monkeypox case who was a friend of the countrys first patient who stayed together in the same accommodation in Dubai. The 38-year-old resident of the northern province of Tuyen Quang, who visited Dubai from September 29 to October 18, has shown symptoms such as fever, nausea and blisters since October 11. When the first patient noticed symptoms similar to her own, she immediately informed the HCM City health sector for assistance. After receiving the information, the HCM City Centre of Disease Control (HCDC) and Tan Son Nhat airport medical staff took the woman into quarantine right upon her arrival at the airport for testing on October 19. The PCR test result showed that the patient was positive for monkeypox. She was then taken to the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases for diagnosis and treatment. The plane she was on was also disinfected. The HCDC will continue to track those who had direct contact with the patient so as to minimise the risk of spreading. The first case of monkeypox in Viet Nam, who has fully recovered, was a 35-year-old woman who displayed symptoms such as fatigue, chills, muscle aches, headaches and coughing, as well as rashes on several body parts from September 18 while she was traveling in Dubai. She was also confirmed infected with monkeypox in HCM City after returning on September 22. According to the test results and genome sequencing, the patient had the monkeypox virus of clade IIb, a strain that has circulated throughout many regions of the world since the beginning of this year. The health ministry has said recently that people entering the country from areas with monkeypox outbreaks would be monitored and suspected carriers will be quarantined. The monkeypox virus is usually transmitted from animal to human, but experts suggested that the current worldwide outbreak is spread through close contact with patients. Common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, lymph node swelling, and rashes. The disease can also cause rashes similar to smallpox in the face, anus and genital areas. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids, such as boils and blood, and also through objects that patients use. Most cases will heal after 10-14 days and cannot spread after 21 days. However, to protect the community, people are recommended to take all the precautionary measures recommended by the health sector. Plans and scenarios for dealing with monkeypox in Viet Nam have also been prepared. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency over the monkeypox outbreak as infections rose globally. More than 57,000 people have been confirmed to have had monkeypox across 92 countries and territories, and 22 have died as of September 13. VNS Vietnamese renewable energy developer The Green Solutions intends to sell commercial products from its Tra Vinh green hydrogen production facility in 2023. Besides serving the local market, The Green Solutions will export green hydrogen, green ammonia, and green oxygen to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Europe. The Tra Vinh green hydrogen production facility will create an annual output of 24,000 tonnes of hydrogen However, there are some obstacles hindering the progress of the project. The Tra Vinh Green hydrogen production facility was slated to go into trial operation in the first quarter of 2024 if it was inaugurated by mid-June this year. However, the legal procedures have yet to be finalised by the investor and the province. Covering an area of 22.7 hectares, the Tra Vinh green hydrogen production facility has the total investment capital of VND19.5 trillion ($814 million). In the first phase, the project will create an annual output of 24,000 tonnes of hydrogen, 150,000 tonnes of ammonia, and 196,000 tonnes of oxygen. Hydrogen has become one of the key focus areas under Vietnams energy transition roadmap given that Vietnam aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Dang Thanh Tung, representative of the Strategy Department at the state-run Vietnams oil and gas group PetroVietnam, said the group has favourable conditions to produce hydrogen commercially after 2030, which will help it penetrate the global market. PetroVietnam is researching the development of hydrogen energy and carrying out feasibility studies for projects that produce hydrogen from renewable energy. PetroVietnams facilities like Dung Quat and Nghi Son are formulating a long-term research plan for hydrogen. In 2021-2030, renewable energy will account for 5-10 per cent of the groups total capacity. This rate will rise by 20 per cent in the following 15 years, Tung added. Several energy developers have warned that Vietnam will face some challenges like technology, workforce, and finance to make its transition to hydrogen energy. Energy prices and water electrolysis expenses still account for a large proportion of the costs of producing hydrogen from renewable energy. In addition, the development of storage, transportation, and distribution infrastructure is currently very limited, hindering the widespread application of hydrogen energy. Vietnam is pursuing an energy transition with a view to creating a carbon-neutral society by producing renewable energy and reducing fossil fuels in the national energy system. Tran Thien Khanh, a senior researcher at the Institute for Circular Economy Development under the Ho Chi Minh City National University, said that Vietnam is facing a shortage of energy. If there are no measures, the shortage will become more severe in the future. Developing new energy sources is the only way for Vietnam to ensure energy security, Khanh said. There are ample opportunities for investments in hydrogen in Vietnam given that the global hydrogen market is predicted to grow fast after 2030. According to data from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the global hydrogen demand will reach 78 exajoules in 2050, a tenfold increase from 2025. One exajoule equals seven million tonnes of hydrogen. The large-scale adoption of hydrogen is predicted to generate a revenue of $2.5 trillion per year and 30 million jobs. The production expenses for green hydrogen will decrease significantly (by 50 per cent) in 2030. This is due to the decline in power prices and investment costs. Green hydrogen prices will be reduced to $2 per kg in 2030 and $1 per kg in 2050, making it more competitive with traditional hydrogen and natural gas. Hydrogen prices will be lower than those of renewable energy. Other factors such as efficiency, equipment lifespan, and operating hours will contribute to lower production costs. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the countrys electricity demand will maintain its growth rate of about 8 per cent per year in the next five years. However, there are many challenges to ensuring the electricity supply towards 2025, especially in the event of extreme weather phenomena and energy fluctuations in the global market. The ratio of the national capacity reserve by 2025, excluding renewable energy, is only about 18 per cent. In order to reduce carbon emissions, the draft Power Development Plan VIII sets high goals for the use of green hydrogen and green ammonia in future coal- and gas-fired power plants to produce electricity by blending them partially with these fuels. Meanwhile, green hydrogen will also be employed as a backup for flexible coal-fired power plants to ensure system reliability and backup for the operation of wind and solar power plants. Many energy developers think that the Vietnamese government should issue policies to encourage the development of hydrogen. To shape the domestic hydrogen market, more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets must first be introduced. Incentives to encourage the expansion of hydrogen production are also needed, as are policies to support the development of clean hydrogen. Escalating national hydrogen production and exports When contemplating the growth of the hydrogen industry in Vietnam, it is necessary to examine the industrys export focus towards key Asian markets. This seminar was part of a series of digital business development programmes organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Industrial Zones Business Association together with the DTS Digital Transformation Alliance and Smartlog Supply Chain Solutions Company. It aims to equip the necessary knowledge and skills to help leaders and officers and employees of manufacturing enterprises orient plan and implement the roadmap for digital transformation of enterprises. Speaking at the conference, Dao Xuan Duc, standing vice chairman of the association shared, The rapid development of technology is leading to a new industrial revolution. This revolution is challenging and creating opportunities for enterprises to transform the traditional method of production. This is also an opportunity for all businesses to explore, seize opportunities and affirm their position in the domestic and foreign markets. Nguyen Hoang Giang, general director of SATRACO, at the conference Nguyen Hoang Giang, general director of Saigon Beer Trading Company Limited (SATRACO), a company fully owned by SABECO in charge of its entire logistics system, affirmed the logistics industry's transformation is a long and difficult journey that any business that wants to develop must overcome. To start this journey, businesses need to prepare carefully in terms of human resources, capacity, team thinking, budget, and communication strategy. Detailed data preparation will help the process is most efficient and appropriate for every enterprise, Giang said. SABECO has a wide supply chain and complex network with a system of 26 factories, 10 member trading companies, and a network of more than 200,000 points of sale spread across the country. SABECO has officially launched digital transformation in 2020 to improve the way of working through optimisation, standardisation, and automation of processes, including the supply chain, warehouse operation, sales, and business intelligence systems. In the pre-digital era, SABECO's logistics and distribution system was like a matrix of hundreds of vehicle trips running on many routes in a day, hundreds of thousands of distribution points, warehouse systems, and daily inventory. To get these numbers, we had to wait for the subordinates to check them manually. Information is very slow, sometimes it took up to two days to get data. And the consequences of this slowness are poor service, low productivity, and incorrect business plans, said Giang. SABECO's Board of Directors determined it was necessary to carry out digital transformation immediately. Only digital transformation can improve business efficiency, improve service, and product quality, and finally, strengthen SABECO's brand in the market. In addition, digital transformation helps SABECO improve the service quality of the warehouse system, control inventory well at any time, and reduce operating costs. Clearly, digital transformation helps us build a complete data system. We use this system to analyse and make the most effective business decisions and directions, he said. Nearly five years since the beginning of the digital transformation process, SABECO has achieved encouraging results. However, Giang said that the digital transformation journey is not over yet. We will continue this journey to suit the needs of businesses and customers in the near future. This is a never-ending process, he said. SABECO applies transport and warehouse management systems since 2020 to effectively manage the production and distribution of its beer The role of digital transformation in logistics activities is increasingly concerned by governments and businesses. According to the National Digital Transformation Programme to 2025 approved by the prime minister, logistics is one of eight industries that need to be prioritised for digital transformation. Up to now, players in this field have been implementing the digital transformation process to enhance competitiveness as well as improve effective supply chain management. SABECO has a wide supply chain and complex network with a system of 26 factories, 10 member trading companies, and a network of more than 200,000 points of sale spread across the country. SABECO first beverage enterprise to be honoured at Vietnam Glory Awards SABECO has become the first enterprise in the beverage industry honoured to receive the Vietnam Glory Award for its practical contributions to the country's socioeconomic development through initiatives around sustainable development. SABECOs activities backing up key goals Along with the goal of instilling the pride of its domestic brands in the hearts of Vietnamese people, Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Corporation, known as SABECO, is aiming to do even more for the sustainable development of communities, in tandem with attaining strong business results for the year. SABECO supports capacity building in Vietnamese sports 50 talented athletes have been granted support from Bia Saigon, a leading brand owned by SABECO, to compete on the path to Asiad 2023 and the 2024 Olympics. Vietnam has a decent amount of renewable energy sources but less solar potential than nations such as Australia, Morocco, and Chile, which prefer to export green hydrogen. In Southeast Asia, Vietnams wind potential is considered the best. According to our early evaluation, the price trend value of green hydrogen in Vietnam is greater than for many possible rivals. Nguyen Anh Dung-Senior officer German Agency for International Cooperation In 2040, the price of green hydrogen in Vietnam is anticipated to be between $1.75 and $2 per kg, compared to $1.25 to $1.5 in Morocco, Australia, Chile, and South Africa. Moreover, Vietnams land resources are scarcer than many other nations. The global shift to purchasing environmentally friendly hydrogen is gaining momentum. Numerous nations have identified growth prospects, including those with the ability to export green hydrogen, such as Vietnam, and nations that import petroleum. In Europe, the Middle East, India, the United States, and Canada, dozens of green hydrogen generation facilities are now in development. By 2025, it is anticipated that 600 projects will become operational in Europe alone. Numerous nations have begun to adopt strategies to expand the local green hydrogen market and the export industry to rapidly ascend the global value chain. Renewable energy sources play an important role in developing green hydrogen, accounting for 60 per cent of the total cost of environmentally friendly hydrogen generation. Vietnam has an abundance of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar. As a result of suitable policies of assistance and encouragement, the country has become Southeast Asias leader in the development of renewable energy. Vietnam has the capacity to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen in the area, targeting prospective markets in Asia and the global market. Europe is estimated to be one of the areas that will be a net importer of green hydrogen in the future. To fulfil net-zero goals in Europe, the EU developed a hydrogen strategy for carbon neutrality in 2020. From now until 2024, at least one million tonnes of green hydrogen will be generated annually, and about 10 million tonnes will be generated by 2030. The era between 2030 and 2050 is seen as the harvest stage in Europe, during which time green hydrogen will be heavily developed and replace fossil fuels. Germany, in particular, is a leading nation in this area. The annual demand for green hydrogen in Germany will reach 3.3 million tonnes by 2030 and 11.6 million tonnes by 2040. By 2050, Germany plans to replace between 55 and 95 per cent of its domestic gas consumption with green hydrogen using a framework of 38 incentive schemes. Japan and South Korea are the two major hydrogen markets in Asia that need to be focused on in the near future. Japan was the first nation in the world to establish a basic hydrogen strategy, in 2017, with several primary objectives to stimulate research, technological development, and market creation across sectors. Also, Japan is estimated to need three million tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2030, 9.6 million in 2040, and roughly 20 million in 2050, with 17 million tonnes imported. South Korea announced its Hydrogen Economy Roadmap in 2019, which outlines several national objectives. According to the plan, this nation will need around two million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030, 3.6 million tonnes per year by 2040, and more than 20 million by 2050, of which 16 to 17 million are projected to be imported. Because of its relative proximity to both countries, Vietnam should focus more on the Korean and Japanese markets. The estimated shipping distance to South Korea is about 5,000km, and to Japan it is over 5,700km, which is insignificant compared to many other nations. To accomplish hydrogen exports, Vietnam must define medium to long-term policies and objectives for the green hydrogen sector, as well as construct a viable green hydrogen supply chain structure that meets national and international technical requirements. To assist Vietnams socioeconomic development in the future, it is essential for the government to establish an effective policy structure to promote the growth of the green hydrogen industry. Germany rolls out world's first hydrogen train Germany on Monday (Sep 17) rolled out the world's first hydrogen-powered train, signalling the start of a push to challenge the might of polluting diesel trains with costlier but more eco-friendly technology. Hydrogen fuel cell maker Plug Power to expand operations with SK Group Hydrogen fuel cell maker Plug Power, the leading provider of comprehensive hydrogen fuel cell turnkey solutions, is signalling interest in potential markets, including Vietnam, South Korea, and China through a joint venture with SK Group. TGS Green Hydrogen to develop new plant for nearly $850 million TGS Green Hydrogen from Germany plans to develop a green hydrogen plant in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre with the total investment capital of VND19.5 trillion ($847.8 million). According to the latest statistics from the General Department of Taxation (GDT), more than six months since the portal for foreign providers was launched, 36 overseas companies have registered, declared, and paid taxes. This includes six of the largest technological multinationals: Meta, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, Netflix, and Apple, accounting for 90 per cent of the e-commerce market share in revenue. These 36 companies have paid $50 million in tax. Large foreign tech groups are now being asked to contribute part of their profits in Vietnam Photo: Le Toan On October 1, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an official dispatch directing the various ministries and localities to improve the efficiency of tax collection for digital commerce. The dispatch emphasised that ministries need to share data with each other to serve the development of e-commerce and prevent tax losses. According to Nguyen Thi Minh Huyen, deputy director of the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), state management of e-commerce is one of the priorities within the framework of the agreement of coordination between the MoIT and the Ministry of Finance. Regarding database sharing, we are also coordinating regularly to ensure 2-way data connection to facilitate e-commerce tax management, Huyen said. Nevertheless, there are industry-specific issues that businesses are facing while the compliance process is being refined. Le Thi Kieu Nga, partner and head of corporate tax at KPMG in Vietnam, noted that similar to the global situation, Vietnams tax laws on new digital forms of commerce still require clarification from tax authorities. While the laws specify that foreign providers must pay taxes through the portal, it is still unclear whether direct registration is mandatory or optional. In terms of taxable turnover, its also quite complex to determine taxable revenue for various e-commerce models and payment flows, including marketplace operator, developer, sellers, and logistics, Nga said. In addition, there are issues concerning taxing time, tax relief under double tax treaties, VAT credit, and accrued liabilities prior to the tax portal launch. Nga noted that a common action plan for fair and effective tax collection was a challenge everywhere, not only for Vietnam. Recognising the rapid growth of this industry, some European countries have introduced a digital service tax (DST) scheme, which is different from any traditional form of taxes, Nga said. On the other hand, countries like the US or Germany are against a DST, as most tech companies are located in these countries. Since each country is trying out its own tax law, there can be cases where a service provider is taxed many times rather than once. A representative from one of Vietnams big four e-commerce platforms, who did not want to be named, told VIR that the company has been in talks with the GDT on the various obstacles in declaring taxes for sellers, but so far there have been no specific solutions. Some obstacles include determining the sellers revenue, whether it is possible to deduct all kinds of costs that the sellers have to bear when selling goods, such as shipping fees, discounts and promotions, how to identify and manage items with different tax rates, and how to handle cases where individuals and household businesses register for different tax calculation methods, the representative said. Moreover, declaring and paying tax on behalf of others is a type of tax agency service and is a conditional business line. How can e-commerce floors meet this requirement? The e-commerce representative added that the testing timeline for the e-commerce portal - which was set to be October 11-21 - was not feasible, as the company needed time to discuss internally and arrange personnel before submitting feedback to the GDT, making it difficult to comply with all current regulations. Hoang Van Cuong-Member National Assembly Finance and Budget Committee I think more universality is needed. For example, we currently collect taxes through cash, but many people pay for things through digital currencies, which we do not recognise. These objects need to be somehow included in the regulatory mechanism because they are still a part of income-generating activities. Another point to watch out for when creating tax legal frameworks is that we, as a nation, encourage startups, most of which are on digital platforms. If we are not careful, tax collection will be effective, but the startup environment will be affected. Therefore, our legal mechanism needs to be designed in a way that encourages taxpayers to comply. The goal should be to alter behaviours sustainably so that individuals and businesses have more incentive to pay taxes than not. On the other hand, tax authorities must avoid the scenario where the compliance cost is more than the amount of tax collected. This is a challenge not only for Vietnam but also for developed countries. Management of tax collection with the e-commerce system is currently very confusing, especially regarding cross-border business. Vietnam is one of the four leading countries in Southeast Asia in terms of online cross-border tax management. Nevertheless, digital transformation must be in harmony with a synchronous legal framework for tax management to be most effective. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh-Director Tax Administration for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Tax Magazine last month launched an initiative on e-commerce tax and received several great recommendations from experts and businesses, the most notable of which was VAT deduction at source. The General Department of Taxation assessed that this was a sound solution because it would allow for an inflow of VAT directly into the state budget, without much time and effort from taxpayers and tax authorities, whenever an e-commerce transaction occurs. VAT deduction at source for e-commerce is also recommended and has been implemented in several countries, including Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay. However, to implement this solution, we must strengthen our legal basis and make amendments to the VAT law, personal income tax law, and tax administration law, along with relevant guiding legal documents. We will continue to study this. However, in the short term, while the relevant laws have not been revised, we still need to strengthen tax administration for e-commerce activities. Our current priorities are to strengthen the responsibilities of taxpayers and middle parties like e-commerce floors and create smooth coordination while minimising administrative procedures. This requires a lot of improvement in terms of information technology to build large databases. Timeline extended for e-commerce taxation Vietnam's tax authorities will give five more months for e-commerce platforms to set up data connectivity and begin sharing online sellers' information from January 2022. Green hydrogen is produced when electricity is used to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. According to Enterprize Energy Corporation, the produced hydrogen may be stored as liquid gas, making it appropriate for application in several areas and readily transportable. Asia-Pacific is becoming more aware of the necessity to manufacture and utilise green hydrogen It is anticipated that the market size of the hydrogen economy will continue to expand significantly over time. According to a report published by the Nikkei BP Clean Tech Institute in 2013, even though the global market size of the hydrogen economy was only set to hit $80 billion in 2015, it is expected to grow at a fast pace to $400 billion by 2030, $800 billion by 2040, and $1.6 trillion by 2050. Two months ago, Binh Thuan Peoples Committee submitted a paper to the prime minister, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, seeking to include Enterprize Energys Thang Long Wind gas power project 2 in the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8). The Thang Long Wind 2 project proposes to manufacture hydrogen gas in the sea region off Ke Ga on the coast of Binh Thuan, with a capacity of 2,000MW, a total expenditure of $5 billion, and a projected implementation period from 2022 to 2030. Potential to be utilised Enterprize Energy delivers capital investments in Vietnam as the industry for hydrogen is gradually forming with industry sectors that are anticipated to have requirements for using hydrogen to substitute fossil fuels, such as transport, steel production, fertiliser production, and basic chemical production. Additionally, the expansion of hydrogen-powered stationary fuel cells and the development of fuel cell vehicles are indications that this trend is becoming a reality. According to the draft PDP8 and the draft master plan for the expansion of the seaport system in the 20212030 period, Vietnam will concentrate on building the seaport system and infrastructure for the storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between 2025 and 2035. Along with the power grid development programme, these infrastructure projects are essential for Vietnam to be prepared to generate green hydrogen. Since hydrogen generated from renewable energy has a greater production cost ($4-6 per kg) than hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, it cannot compete at the moment. Long-term prospects exist for developing green hydrogen generated by electrolysis innovation in Vietnam, given the countrys capacity and intent to develop renewable energy sources. In addition, the Asia-Pacific region is becoming more aware of the necessity to manufacture and utilise green hydrogen, which increases the potential for renewable energy. Vietnams offshore wind energy and the direction of building seaport facilities, storing, and transporting LNG offers much potential to create a plan for a carbon-free future using green hydrogen. Hurdles along the way Due to the limited scientific and technological potential in the energy sector, the development of green hydrogen in Vietnam faces more hurdles than possibilities, according to a study by Le Viet Cuong and Nguyen Van Thao of the MoITs Institute of Energy in autumn 2021. Hydrogen has not been emphasised as an inevitable part of Vietnams strategic energy planning, even though it is an optimum form of energy storage when combined with other renewable power sources and is expected to replace the burning of fossil fuels. Vietnam is in the early phases of establishing hydrogen technology, encompassing several scientific and technological disciplines. The administration has not yet formulated or released a hydrogen roadmap, policy, development orientation, or research programme. This shortcoming will impact the development processes uniformity and stability. Consequently, the identification of objectives, tasks, and options for the development and execution of hydrogen is crucial, the study stated. However, no departments, organisations, or agencies have formulated or issued legislative laws governing the administration of hydrogen development operations according to scope and subject. Investment initiatives for hydrogen generation are administered in accordance with organisations active in basic chemical manufacturing. Mechanisms and regulations to encourage hydrogen growth, including direct power purchase agreements, providing auxiliary services for the power system, implementing carbon taxes and carbon market-carbon, and pooling infrastructure for transferring and storing hydrogen, would not yet be functional. In addition, the legislative provisions lack the attribution of duties and responsibilities to the organisation and unit responsible for executing the unified state administration of this sector. The absence of a legislative framework is seen as an important issue by the study that must be addressed by departments and agencies. Meanwhile, the planning for the expansion of the storage and transportation infrastructure of the LNG system and the transmission grid has not accounted for the requirements and public use mechanisms for the development of hydrogen. The aforementioned constraints have connected effects that directly affect the outcomes of the hydrogen development process in Vietnam, the study said. Considering the long-term growth direction of the energy system, the application of green hydrogen production technology for Vietnams hydrogen development is much-needed. Developing green hydrogen production in Vietnam, and the financing problem for specific projects are still implementable, provided an appropriate strategy is adopted. Consequently, to effectively develop such projects, investors must use a holistic and comprehensive strategy including several scientific and technological disciplines, such as energy economics, electrical systems, chemistry and physics, the environment, transport economics, and public policy. For Vietnam to become a producer and exporter of green hydrogen, enhance the efficiency of renewable energy, and fulfil the demands of foreign-invested firms, the country must quickly catch up with the global development of hydrogen. Specific short-and long-term solutions and tasks must be designed and implemented with simultaneous deployment and a sandbox mechanism rather than sequential deployment. Vietnam is dedicated to the long-term goals of generating renewable energy and conserving the environment. Government resolutions have established the following objectives: the proportion of renewable energy sources in the total primary energy supply will reach 15 to 20 per cent by 2030, and 25 to 30 per cent by 2045; greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy activities are planned to be reduced from 20 per cent in 2030 to 15 per cent in 2045. The government also announced a revised version of Vietnams decided commitments under COP21 in 2020. Vietnam promised to cut its overall GHG emissions by 9 per cent compared to the base scenario by 2030 using local resources and increasing its international contribution to 27 per cent via multilateral collaboration, as well as implementing new Paris Agreement procedures. Decision No.38/2020/QD-TTg from 2020 declared that hydrogen energy is on the list of high technologies with investment and development priorities. The development of hydrogen energy technologies is vital. It encompasses green hydrogen generation technology, hydrogen transport and storage technology, and hydrogen use technologies in the future. Consequently, projects using hydrogen energy technology will be eligible for financial incentives in line with legislation governing high-tech investment. TGS Green Hydrogen to develop new plant for nearly $850 million TGS Green Hydrogen from Germany plans to develop a green hydrogen plant in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre with the total investment capital of VND19.5 trillion ($847.8 million). HDF Energy and Saigon Asset Management develop hydrogen power A signing ceremony for the corporation agreement between Hydrogene de France SA (HDF Energy) and Saigon Asset Management Corporation (SAM) for the development of a chain of hydrogen and renewable energy generation projects in Vietnam was held on July 25 at the French Embassy. Phan Duc Trung, permanent vice president of the VBA shared, The association has compiled a number of blockchain presentations and newsletters for member businesses and government agencies, but with quality data sources from Chainalysis, we hope to be able to improve and give better judgments to businesses and investors in Vietnam. Representatives of the VBA and Chainalysis signed the agreement Benard Lim, Chainalysis Asia-Pacific director said, Chainalysis wants to be able to bring analytical data about blockchain to Vietnam to build a transparent and trusted ecosystem here. And connecting with VBA will be the first step for us to achieve this goal. Stemming from the need to trace and strengthen the transparency of data on the blockchain, analysis tools and methods were born. This is understood as the process of checking, defining, and modelling data on the blockchain. The goal of the blockchain analysis process is to discover information about the actors involved in the cryptocurrency trading process, thereby making appropriate reports and statements about the market. Bernard Lim spoke about the cooperation with VBA at the event Chainalysis is committed to providing reports and comments on the Asian blockchain market, so that VBA can build on these to increase the ability for member enterprises to replicate activities and connect with businesses in the international market. VBA will also act as an intermediary between Vietnamese enterprises and Chainalysis. Through this cooperation, VBA will provide information about the Vietnamese market to Chainalysis to help foreign investors through Chainalysis's reports to have a better overview of the potential and opportunities of blockchain market in Vietnam. In Vietnam, the joint property investment model has been adopted by several companies in recent years. The recent launch of a new joint real estate investment company is great news for the market. Especially, in a time of constrained capital flow due to credit control from banks. Trang Bui-Country head for Vietnam Cushman & Wakefield The latest is from Vingroup, who has just announced the establishment of VMI Real Estate Investment and Management Joint Stock Company for the purpose of investing in a certain amount of Vinhomes real estate, then divided into 50 parts so that investors without a large amount of capital can participate. The buyer of each of these pieces will receive certifications of their asset and earn profit depending on the change in value. As announced, VMI commits to a minimum annual profit to ensure that investors still have a fixed income in case the markets condition is not favourable. An online real estate information platform will be created to assist investors in finding investment information, exchanging, and finding other investors, with relevant consulting information and guidelines. The model allows investors with smaller capital to join the market without the need to leverage risky financial instruments. In these types of funds, people contribute money to buy and have representatives to manage, use, and be responsible for selling and paying profits after deducting their own remuneration. While this model is relatively new in Vietnam, it is not a stranger to the global financial market. One example is the Real Estate Investment Trust Fund (REIT) model. A REIT is a company, trust, or association that invests directly in real estate through property or mortgages. They trade on a stock exchange and are bought and sold like stocks. REITs pay dividends as part of their structure. In Vietnam, the first and only REITs is TCREIT, announced in 2021 by Techcom Capital. TCREIT focuses mainly on cash-flow-generating properties such as office buildings, retail shopping malls, hotels, and resorts. REIT fund certificates are still not a popular investment product because the legal frame for this model is not complete and stabilised asset classes are not big enough. REITs in Vietnam are still in the early stage, however, with the fast-growing developments happening in all asset classes we are expecting to see more supply of stabilised income assets in the near future. As the market reaches this point, there will be more interest from institutional funds, banks, and investors to start creating REITs in Vietnam. While joint real estate investment is relatively new in Vietnam, it is not a stranger to the global markets As Investors participating in any new form of capital contribution, they must have the knowledge to understand the value that this model brings and what factors could impact the outcome and their dividend collection. Some important factors to evaluate are profitability, profits, risks, and importantly, all legal aspects. The fund management companies, their reputation, and their experience are also extremely crucial factors to consider. Looking at the nature of this form of investment, we can see that contributing money to these investment funds is no longer an investment in real estate, but more like an investment in a business. Thus, investors need to do in-depth research on that business and understand the capabilities of the leaders, coupled with a deep understanding of the foundations of the real estate market. With clear payment, capital withdrawal, and transfer process along with the economic growth momentum in favourable conditions this model will surely attract a lot of attention. With the rise of this model, the secondary real estate market is poised to become more vibrant, as more and more investors can participate in the market. New technology will also improve transparency and reduce barriers for investors from any location to participate. Developers eager to cultivate funding in industrial real estate As industrial real estate is considered an attractive investment channel, several enterprises are beginning to focus more funding on the sector. Cushman & Wakefield sees potential for investment in Vietnam Gordon Marsden, regional director at APAC Capital Markets Cushman & Wakefield, has recently visited Vietnam. He spoke with VIRs Bich Ngoc about the sentiment of international business and the latest trends in the Vietnamese property market. BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) provides invaluable insight into China's future path, Moroccan Ambassador to China Aziz Mekouar told Xinhua. Mekouar described China's development over the past ten years as "unprecedented" and said he is inspired by the sheer speed, ingenuity and dedication, with which Chinese people have built modern China under the leadership of the CPC. He applauded the diverse age, ethnicity and gender of the delegates to the congress, saying the diversity shines a bright light on the entire spectrum of the society. Mekouar said he is deeply touched by China's great achievements in the past ten years. "I have been very fortunate to travel across the vast and beautiful Chinese land, and I have witnessed firsthand the vitality of its people, maturity of its infrastructure and openness of its cities, be they big or small, to the outside world," said Mekouar. It is indeed unprecedented for a developing nation to modernize and prosper on such a scale and at such a pace, he said. Mekouar said China does not stumble upon development by accident. China's accomplishments had gone through a long and arduous process, and required clear vision, thorough planning and precise implementation. The Chinese people have discovered a formula that best suits their country's characteristics, capabilities and goals. And yet it is one that other countries may wish to learn from and adapt to their realities and conditions, said Mekouar. Speaking about the report to the ongoing congress, Mekouar said the report revealed, eloquently and with fortitude, a glimpse into the direction that the CPC wants to lead in, as well as priorities it has set for the building of a prosperous Chinese society. Morocco and China have enjoyed friendly relations, which are deeply anchored in mutual trust and respect, said Mekouar, adding that Morocco has remained steadfast in constantly reinvigorating cooperation with China on either a bilateral basis or through regional and multilateral fora. The conservation gathered a group of men and talked about things that they rarely talk about. The participants combined representatives of the VBCWE, SWP, VBCSD, and leaders of large groups such as Ericsson and AEON Vietnam. It is a private occasion for guys to express their opinions about the intangible pressure of males in developing career and their responsibility to the family and society. Entire shares of the conversation will be kept secret. In Vietnam, the Guy Talk was co-organised for the first time by VBCWE, SWP and partners in early July. Participants were open to discuss questions, such as what is the model that people build for males in the workplace? Have you ever thought that you do not try to become this model? Or have you ever hidden your sadness and failure to maintain your position? Dao Dinh Dat, business partnership and finance manager at VBCWE, said that outside of work, men are generally expected to be the providers for their families, and they are expected to be strong in every situation. Sometimes, they also feel pressure on these expectations. In my opinion, the overall objective of gender equality is a society in which women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights, and obligations in all spheres of life, Dat said. Guy Talk was founded by Ida Ostensson and made equal as a reaction to a wave of sexual assaults at Swedish music festivals in 2016. The initiative quickly spread across Sweden. Guy Talk is a method for starting conversations on different themes about what its like to be a man. Its based on the idea that the dialogue about gender equality also needs to be owned by men and boys, not only by women. In Vietnam, the Guy Talk was co-organised for the first time by the VBCWE, SWP and partners in early July. Promoting workplace gender equality and diversity in Vietnam Cooperation between civil society organisations and enterprises in gender equality, diversity and inclusion is expected to promote gender advancement and create a better working environment for the bisexual, gay and transgender community in Vietnam, according to a recent workshop. Promoting gender equality considered key to ending son preference The government, in collaboration with civil society organisations, is calling for renewed attention to ending son preference and addressing the undervaluing of girls. For Vietnamese Stature encourages ethnic minority students to pioneer gender equality On October 1, the For Vietnamese Stature Foundation (VSF) organised the Autumn Camp Breaking the Prejudice Circle programme at Ban Lau primary school in Muong Khuong district of the northern province of Lao Cai. Forty ethnic minority students had a memorable day with seven experiential activities. Vietnam works to protect rights of girl child Vietnam has conducted numerous activities to respond to the International Day of the Girl Child 2022 (October 11), which is themed Our time is now-our rights, our future. Minister Dung and Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Minister-President of the government of the Federation Wallonia-Brussels At the meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) in the afternoon of October 17, Minister Dung welcomed Jeholet during his visit on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Wallonia-Brussels Mission (1996-2021). We highly appreciate the support of the Kingdom of Belgium and the Wallonia-Brussels region and wish that the relationship will be levelled up in the coming time, especially in economy, trade, and investment, emphasised Dung. Dung also said, in addition to the common difficulties and challenges of the world situation due to pandemic and climate change, Vietnam has some advantages like geographical position, politics, investment, and business environment, extensive international economic integration, and it is a promising land for every investor. Vietnam wishes that the government of Belgium and the Wallonia-Brussels region will continue to accompany and support Vietnam and utilise all opportunities for development. In addition to the ongoing projects, we should enhance and promote each other's potential and strengths. Belgium supports Vietnam in the areas that are Belgian strengths to overcome our challenges, especially renovating the growth model under the green economy, digital economy, circular economy, inclusive and sustainable development, energy transformation, innovation, smart agriculture, and biotechnology, he pointed out. Moreover, Vietnam is building master plan for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, and would like to listen to the experiences and advices of the government of Belgium and Wallonia-Brussels in boosting regional and inter-regional links. Besides these, Minister Dung also mentioned issues related to the capacity of grassroots healthcare and preventive medicine, skills to respond to the prevention of pandemic and natural disasters, social administration, and wishes to continue to receive support from the government of Belgium and the Wallonia-Brussels region. Vietnam is a reliable partner, and we will continue to strengthen cooperation not only between public entities but also among businesses for the strong development of the two countries, said Jeholet. At the meeting, Minister Jeholet highly appreciated the information and proposals of the MPI minister, as well as thanked the MPI and the minister for the help and cooperation. Minister Jeholet agreed with the comments of Minister Dung and highlighted some industries for cooperation, like smart agriculture, food processing, water management, and treatment. During the business trip, we will visit and work with the governments of some localities to understand clearly the cooperation of the two sides, and strengthen the investment of the two countries, he said. As of date, the Wallonia-Brussels delegation to Vietnam is the only representative delegation of the government of the region in Asia, which confirms the attention of the region to Vietnam. Vietnam is a reliable partner, and we will continue to strengthen cooperation not only between public entities but also among businesses for the strong development of the two countries, said Minister Jeholet. A Waco man was arrested after he posted threats on social media against La Vega schools Wednesday afternoon, according to Bellmead police. Benjamin Walton, 20, of Waco, was arrested at a residence near Fourth Street in Waco on a terroristic threat charge, Bellmead police Chief Shawn Myatt said. Bellmead police received a tip about the threats at about 2:30 p.m. and worked with La Vega Independent School District police to place all of the districts schools on a secured status, Myatt said. Police determined by about 3:45 that there was no actual threat at any of the schools, Myatt said. Students were released about an hour late because of the incident, he said. About half an hour after the original threatening post, Walton made another social media post apologizing and retracting the threat, Myatt said. Police then received a tip that Walton was at a residence on Fourth Street in Waco and arrested him there, he said. La Vega ISD Police also had contact with Walton on Tuesday, when he was reported to be in the parking lot of a La Vega school wearing a mask and acting suspiciously, Myatt said. La Vega ISD police spoke with Walton on Tuesday and determined he did not pose a threat then, Myatt said. He said it was unknown Wednesday whether Walton is a former La Vega student or has another connection to the district. Waco will receive $800,000 in federal help to start its project to tame flood-prone Primrose Creek in South Waco and replace up to seven bridges on the channel. The Waco project is the only Texas project in the first round of funding from the Bridge Investment Program under the federal infrastructure law passed last year. The Federal Highway Administration last week announced planning grants for 23 projects in 23 states under the competitive program, which will ultimately fund $12.5 billion in bridge projects over the next five years. The city of Waco had applied for the planning money for four projects and will continue to seek both planning and construction funding under the infrastructure law, which President Joe Biden signed last November. I was hoping to get all four, Waco Public Works Director Amy Burlarley-Hyland said. We werent really sure what the criteria were, so we tried to put in a variety so we could learn from what we did or didnt get. I would be ecstatic if we got one every year. The city is planning to spend $200,000 to match the $800,000 Primrose Creek grant. Once planning is done, the city hopes to use federal money for the estimated $20 million reconstruction of the bridges and channel. The project area runs more than a mile along Primrose Creek between University Parks Drive and South 21st Street, in the Oakwood and Alta Vista areas. The creek was long ago routed into a straight concrete channel, which has structural failures and is known to flood surrounding blocks during heavy rains. Burlarley-Hyland said the channel can only handle a five-year storm event, or one that has a 20% chance of occurring in a given year. As a result, the seven bridges in the segment often flood, creating risks to neighbors and first responders, she said. The construction work would not only reconstruct bridges but enlarge the channel to give it more flood capacity, Burlarley-Hyland said. We can mitigate it for sure, she said. The city will hire an engineer this year to spend nine months to a year planning a solution. The city will apply for a construction grant from the infrastructure act next year, she said. She said the city is not giving up on getting planning money from the infrastructure act for the other projects submitted in July: $195,000 for the Washington Avenue Bridge on the Brazos River. The city proposed to investigate the structural integrity of the 121-year-old iron truss bridge after a Texas Department of Transportation study in 2020 found cracks in one of the bridges abutments. City officials estimate construction work on the bridge could cost $9.9 million. $200,000 for the New Road bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad. The concrete structure has seen deterioration since it was built in the 1970s. Without rehabilitation, estimated at $3.4 million, it could be downgraded to poor condition, putting it at risk of closure, according to the application. $360,000 for Waco Creek bridges west of downtown. Culvert bridges at 15th Street, Webster Avenue and Clay Avenue would be overwhelmed by a 100-year rain event, or about 9 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. Reconstructing the bridges would cost an estimated $9.4 million. In a separate application filed last month, the city is seeking $15 million in infrastructure act construction funding to replace the Speegleville Road bridge over the Middle Bosque River. Burlarley-Hyland said the city is still waiting to hear on that application. The Texas Department of Transportation has classified the two-lane bridge as functionally obsolete, meaning it lacks adequate lanes and shoulder width to meet traffic demand. The city of Waco and McLennan County worked with U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Waco, to include it in a House infrastructure bill last year. Sessions voted against the bill, citing other items he considered wasteful. The bill cleared the House, but the Senate version that was ultimately adopted did not specifically include the Waco project. The city has already hired Walker Partners for engineering work on the bridge and is moving forward with right-of-way acquisition and environmental clearance. WAHOO More than 100 people attended a meeting last week to reorganize the Republican Party at the county level. An inception meeting for the Saunders County Republican Party was held on Oct. 11 at Hilltop Country Club in Wahoo. State and local leaders spoke and officers were elected. John Zaugg, who represents District 2 in the Saunders County Board of Supervisors, was elected the president of the organization. Chris Brabec will serve as vice president and the new secretary will be Laura Herring. Greg Hohl will serve as treasurer after Jan. 1. Zaugg said the large crowd of over 100 Republicans was a way to start things off with a lot of enthusiasm. It surpassed any of our expectations, he said. The meeting drew several state Republican leaders, including State GOP Chair Nate Underwood, State Board of Education candidate Kirk Penner and District 23 State Sen. Bruce Bostelman. A representative from Congressman Don Bacons office was also there. Zaugg said the county-level Republican Party had been inactive for about 10 years. Last summer, Zaugg spoke to state Republican Party representatives at the Nebraska State Fair who encouraged him to pursue reorganizing the party. State party leaders asked Doug Pedersen of Omaha to help with the task. Pedersen is the chair for the Republican Party in the Second Congressional District. Now that the Saunders County Republican Party has reorganized, one of the first things on the schedule will be to endorse Republican candidates in local races, from village boards of trustees to county officials. Up and down the ticket, Zaugg said. The party has also scheduled a meet and greet with Bacon, who is running for re-election in the Second District. The event will be held at the Clint Johannes Education Building at Lake Wanahoo on Monday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. The first official meeting for the newly-reorganized party will be held on Nov. 17. At the 6:30 p.m. meeting, held again at Hilltop Country Club in Wahoo, members will adopt the constitution and appoint three State Central Committee members, Zaugg said. Suzi Nelson is the managing editor of the Wahoo Newspaper. Reach her via email at suzi.nelson@wahoonewspaper.com. There is a change in the world balance of power. Moscow evacuated a powerful air defense system and some soldiers to boost its battle in Ukraine. This might possibly change Israel's calculations over whether or not to strike Syria or equip Ukraine. Russia, which has been the preeminent military force in Syria since 2015 and has contributed to the Syrian regime's ability to sustain its hold on power, still maintains a sizeable presence in Syria. But the change could herald wider shifts in the balance of power in one of the world's most complicated conflict zones, and it could allow Israel, Syria's enemy and southern neighbor, to rethink its approach to both Syria and Ukraine. The authorities claim that for Moscow to strengthen its military presence in Ukraine, it withdrew a large portion of its air defense system and part of its personnel. The implications of Israel's decision over whether or not to attack Syria and provide weapons to Ukraine are still unknown. Subscribe 100% Free to Wall Street Rebel.com and receive access to investment tools worth $17,500! Two senior Western diplomats and a senior Israeli defense official, speaking anonymously to talk freely, said Moscow had just removed some soldiers and a Russian air-defense system from Syria, eliminating one of the key limits on Israeli military strikes in Syria. Two authorities estimated that two battalionsbetween 1,200 and 1,600 soldierswere removed, while the other estimated significantly more. They agreed that combat troops had decreased. The Israeli source also indicated that some Russian officers have been redeployed from Syria to Ukraine, and Moscow's military leadership has become less active in Syria's daily operations, including military cooperation with Israel. The initiatives are a response to a decline in Russian clout in former Soviet states in Central Asia, whose officials assert that the Ukraine conflict has diverted Russia from its usual leadership position, so weakening Moscow's political and military hold. Since the outbreak of civil conflict in Syria in 2011, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has depended on military help from Iran and its allies, as well as from Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, to keep insurgents at bay. Since the 1970s, Russia has maintained a military presence in Syria, but in 2015, Vladimir Putin considerably augmented it with several thousand Russian soldiers and planes, shifting the tide of the Syrian civil war in favor of Bashar al-Assad. Israel, an adversary of both Iran and Syria, attacks targets in Syria on a daily basis to prevent Tehran from establishing a foothold on its northeastern border. In 2018, the danger to Israeli pilots conducting these missions grew due to Russia's deployment of the advanced S-300 air-defense system to Syria. Although ownership of the S-300 was never passed to the Syrian government, the possibility that it may be used against Israeli aircraft has been a major factor in Israel's refusal to provide military equipment to Ukraine since the Russian invasion started in February. It is claimed that Russia has now pulled the S-300 system from Syria to reinforce its faltering invasion of Ukraine. As a result, Russian influence over Israel in Syria has been reduced, and Israeli concerns concerning Ukraine have been altered. The question of whether or not Israel ought to provide guns to Ukraine has been brought up again in recent days in light of the significant military assistance that Iran is providing to Russia. This support comes in tandem with an increase in the number of Russian attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine. The Iron Dome, a short-range air defense system that Israel uses to intercept rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, and the Barak 8, a longer-range air defense system, are examples of the types of air defense systems that Israel uses, manufactures, and exports to Ukraine. Nachman Shai, a member of the Israeli cabinet, said this week on social media that there is "no longer any ambiguity where Israel should stand in this deadly fight" about Iran's provision of military help to Russia. The moment has come for the United States of America and other NATO nations to provide military assistance to Ukraine. Benny Gantz, the defense minister of Israel, issued a statement in which he stated the following: "Israel supports and stands with Ukraine, NATO, and the West; this is something we have said in the past and continue to say now." Subscribe 100% Free to Wall Street Rebel.com and receive access to investment tools worth $17,500! These factors include Russia's continued military presence in Syria, which consists of a different air defense system known as the S-400 and substantial air and naval facilities in the western part of the country. According to a senior Israeli defense official, Russia has replaced the combat forces it removed from Syria with military police officials. This is even though Russia evacuated its combat troops from Syria. Israeli officials have voiced their fear that Iran may be able to increase its influence in Syria if Russia continues to withdraw its forces from the country. Additionally, Israel wants to prevent any disruptions to the protocols that enable Israeli and Russian commanders to interact and avert armed combat. In 2017, a secure telephone connection was built between a Russian aviation base in western Syria and an Israeli Air Force command center underneath a Tel Aviv military installation. Dmitri A. Medvedev, a former president of Russia and now the deputy chairman of the Russian security council, warned Israel on Monday to refrain from providing "reckless" military assistance to Ukraine. In a post on one of his social media accounts, Mr. Medvedev said, "it would ruin all interstate connections between our nations." However, there are indications that Israel is providing more assistance to Ukraine than it did in the first few months of the conflict when its assistance to Ukraine consisted primarily of humanitarian aid and included a field hospital. During those first few months, Israel's assistance to Ukraine was limited to these areas. According to senior Ukrainian and Israeli officials, Israel is providing Ukraine with essential intelligence regarding Iranian drones used by Russia and has also offered to examine the remains of drones that crashed in Ukraine. Subscribe 100% Free to Wall Street Rebel.com and receive access to investment tools worth $17,500! WATERLOO A committees recommendation on the Waterloo Community Schools dress code may bring to an end a 12-year policy that doesnt allow jeans and, until last year, usually required students to wear collared shirts. Formed in September, the committee met for a final time this week to revise its draft dress code policy. The proposal, which is headed to the districts policy review committee, would no longer include a four page list of clothing that cannot be worn. The 1 1/2-page draft shows a streamlined list of what students wouldnt be allowed to wear. It largely does not specify certain types or styles of garments. Tuesdays meeting was held to tie up loose ends on issues such as headgear, tank tops and closed-toed shoes. The students, parents and educators who made up the group met two previous times after a survey found most of the school community is unhappy with the current dress code. Hats and hoodies were the most contentious topic the group dealt with. A subcommittee was even formed on the issue following a previous meeting after members found no success in coming to agreement. Gina Weekley, a parent, pushed for hats and hoodies to be allowed in the new dress code. Hats are worn in movie theaters, concerts, churches and every other public space, Weekley said. There are changes that must be made. We must ask where our traditions are rooted and how they have been harmful to others in our history and are still harmful in the present. Weekley also stated that young Black people wear headwraps and caps for style or to get them to their next hair appointment. She noted that policing the issue can cause microaggressions, or subtle incidents of discrimination. Along with allowing hats and hoodies in school, she also recommended cultural competency training for all educators. The recommended language she penned stated that hats and hoodies should allow the face to be visible and not interfere with line-of-sight. Hoodies students wear must allow the face and ears to be visible. Everyone in the committee listened, and about half of the room agreed to remove headgear restrictions. Others werent comfortable sending it to the committee yet. Some were worried about the safety aspect and not being able to identify a student if they were to break the law at school. (The U.S.) has the most school shootings and in Waterloo we got gang violence, one student said. It will be hard to find a student if the perpetrator is wearing a hood and everyone in the hall is wearing a hood. The draft will be considered by the policy review committee on Nov. 3. It will have no statement on hats and hoods. Rather, one person from the dress code committee on each side of the issue will be present to talk to the group. Another issue of discussion was tank tops. Under the proposed draft, tank tops will be allowed as long as undergarments are not exposed. This brought up the question about mens undershirts and if they are really undershirts. Language decided on is that students not be allowed to wear clothing disguised as undergarments, such as womens camisoles or mens undershirts. The proposed dress code is also more lenient, allowing dresses and skirts that are not shorter than mid-thigh. Pants can be worn that have holes below mid thigh. Clothing must cover the back, chest, stomach, bottom and private areas, according to the draft. Changes could also be coming to footwear. The group is proposing any shoe be allowed, except slippers, for middle and high school kids. They are still recommending elementary students have closed-toed shoes safe for recess. After the policy review committee, the proposal will then head to the Board of Education on Nov. 14. Policies are required to go through two readings before approval by the board. The second meeting is expected to be on Dec. 12. The board would use spring semester as a test period for the new dress code if it is approved. This story has been updated to reflect that Gina Weekley is the parent of a student. WATERLOO Waterloo Leisure Services is inviting people to attend a public input meeting regarding proposed play structures and features for the new inclusion playground and spray park in Gates Park. Two meetings will be offered. The first will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, the second at 6 p.m. Oct. 27. Both will take place in the multi-purpose room at the Cedar Valley Sportsplex, 300 Jefferson St. Mark Kuiper of Ritland+Kuiper Landscape Architects will present options for the two play areas followed by a public input session. Waterloo Leisure Services staff will also help answer questions. For more information about the project and the input sessions, contact Leisure Services Director Paul Huting at (319) 291-0165 or Paul.Huting@Waterloo-IA.org. ADEN, Yemen, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of Yemen's pro-government security forces survived an explosion that struck his motorcade in the country's southern oil-rich province of Shabwa on Thursday, a government official told Xinhua. "The explosion apparently caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), targeted the motorcade of Brigadier Awad Dhiban along with his soldiers while they were passing through the main street in Shabwa's provincial city of Ataq," the local government source said on condition of anonymity. He clarified that Awad Dhiban survived the explosion unhurt, but his son and two soldiers lost their lives as a result of the terror incident. Dhiban used to be in charge of elite security units that worked for the government. He led several campaigns against terrorist hideouts in mountainous areas of Shabwa. He is also considered a prominent social and tribal figure in Shabwa. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion so far. The Yemeni official held militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) responsible for the attack. The AQAP, which was involved in several terror attacks against Yemen's pro-government forces during the past months, has yet to make comments. Attacks carried out by militant groups against the pro-government southern troops securing oil fields have recently surged in various regions of Yemen as a UN-brokered nationwide truce expired without reaching a renewal agreement between the warring sides. WATERLOO Sidewalk repairs will get underway on nearly 600 properties in one area of the city within the next month. Every year, sidewalks are assessed for repair in a different part of Waterloo. This year its Zone 2. The area is bounded by U.S. Highway 63, University Avenue, Washington Street, West Sixth Street, Williston Avenue, Campbell Avenue and Moir Street. A city ordinance states property owners are required to maintain and repair the public sidewalks along their property. Oumie Ceesay, an associate city engineer, said about 590 properties are affected this time. The city should have notified the property owners in writing saying they have a defective sidewalk. Owners can either fix the problems privately or have the city pay for the work. Once repairs are completed, thats when we send out a bill, Ceesay said. If they dont pay it in full it goes to their taxes. Ceesay said the price tag depends on each property and how much sidewalk they need repaired. The City Council this week approved a bid from Midwest Concrete of Peosta in the amount of $576,893 for the work. There was one other bid for $593,017. The project is expected to be finished by Aug. 4, 2023. The council also approved a professional services agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. of Waterloo for design services for pavement reconstruction to Taxiway Alpha West at the Waterloo Regional Airport in an amount not to exceed $227,400 through a future grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The airport is planning on spending a combination of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as well as the standard allocation of funds from the FAAs Airport Improvement Program. The airport and the city will need to provide a match of 10% for all funds received from these. The second project for this construction season is the rehabilitation of Runway 12/30, Taxiway Alpha East and Taxiway Echo for a cost not to exceed $106,600. The project will apply a pavement preservative to extend the lives of the three surfaces. In other business, the council approved: A contract for design services with AECOM not to exceed $249,500 on replacing the Cattle Congress wastewater lift station. It was constructed in 1961 and is housed on the north edge of the National Dairy Cattle Congress complex. An agreement with KL Properties, LLC to construct a 2,400 square foot office building northeast of 3173 Titan Trail with a value of $220,000. The company is purchasing a half acre of land from Youngblut Farms, Ltd. in the amount of $1. The city has a separate development agreement to repay Youngblut the cost of the half acre as well as purchasing the remainder of the lawn owned by them. The building will house a communications company with seven employees. WATERLOO After six years at the helm of the Black Hawk County Public Health Department, director Nafissa Cisse Egbuonye is stepping down. Her last day is Friday. Egbounye is leaving for a private sector job at Molina Healthcare of Iowa, where she will be the associate vice president of community engagement. Molina is giving me the opportunity to understand Medicaid implementation and to expand knowledge on community engagement, Egbuonye said. Thats an important skill set to have as someone who is deeply invested in population health outcomes. Community is the reason Egbuonye came to Black Hawk County, she told the Courier in 2016. Egbuonye, age 39, received her doctorate degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and her masters and undergraduate degrees from San Diego State University. She was born in the West African country of Niger, and was raised in Illinois and College Station. While in San Diego, she worked with the refugee and immigrant population. Black Hawk County has its own refugee population, which also drew her here as a fellow immigrant. When I accepted this position, I was scared. Not because I wasnt capable, but because I was the first of many things, Egbuonye said at Tuesdays Black Hawk County Supervisors meeting. The first Black, the first Black immigrant and the first Black woman to lead the Black Hawk County Health Department. She said she is the first of these descriptors for the entire state of Iowa. Egbuonye said she was recruited to restructure the health department with the goal of gaining public health accreditation. She achieved these things while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, no two days were the same for the public health department. Leading the pandemic was hard, Egbuonye said in an interview. But it gave the community an opportunity to see what we do and why our role and services are important in the community. When communicating with the public about COVID-19, she took herself out of the science world and into the peoples shoes. My responsibility was: How do I communicate in an effective way to get the message across, absorbed and understood by people of all backgrounds, education levels and ages as well as telling the community I feel their pain and their discomfort and their fears, she said. Earlier this year, when COVID-19 was running rampant, the public health department was awarded national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board. The process takes multiple years and shows how the department carries out essential services, manages its department and communications with the county, and how it serves the community. Black Hawk County is one of six county health departments in Iowa to be recognized along with the states public health department, according to PHAB. Egbuonye said the most important thing she learned during her tenure was that not everyone understands public health even elected officials. I never understood the magnitude in which public health could be politicized, she said. I think thats been the biggest lesson, and its taught me to not shy away from politics. Its a lesson I will carry with myself wherever I go, She also addressed the Board of Supervisors for the last time in her official capacity. She urged member to reflect on the countys responsibilities. Its very true that elected officials have fiscal responsibility. Its also very true that elected officials have the responsibility to strengthen our countys infrastructure, she told the supervisors. Both issues are equally important and it is this boards responsibility to strike this balance; a balance I have found to be very difficult to achieve when there is no collaboration, efficiency or adaptability. Egbuonye said the Board of Health has started its search for a new director. The interim director will be Kaitlin Emrich, who is currently the deputy director at the public health department. Two major election-rating outlets have changed their projections of the U.S. Senate race in Iowa, shifting their predictions slightly away from incumbent Republican Chuck Grassley. Cook Political Report and Sabatos Crystal Ball both changed their ratings from safe or solid Republican to likely Republican, signifying a more difficult race for incumbent Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley and putting the race in the same camp as Senate races in Utah and Florida. The ratings change comes after the latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, conducted by J. Ann Selzer, had Grassley with just a 3-point lead over Democratic challenger Mike Franken, down from 8 points in July. In the poll, 46% of likely voters said they would vote for Grassley, while 43% said they would vote for Franken. An article accompanying one change by Kyle Kondik and J. Miles Coleman of Sabatos Crystal Ball noted Grassleys age, at 89, could be affecting his electability. In the Iowa poll, 60% of likely voters said Grassleys age is a concern. Franken also pulled ahead of Grassley in total fundraising as of the latest reporting period, though Grassley leads with three times as much cash on hand. NEW GRASSLEY AD: U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassleys campaign released a new ad criticizing Democratic challenger Mike Frankenss support of President Joe Biden. The ad, which will air online and on television, begins with a clip of Franken saying Biden is doing a fabulous job, then says Bidens policies are leading to a recession and a high cost of living. This November, we have the opportunity to stop the Biden agenda and get our country back on track. That starts and ends with ensuring that Senator Chuck Grassley is re-elected to the U.S. Senate, Grassleys campaign spokesperson Michaela Sundermann said. In a statement, Frankens campaign spokesperson C.J. Petersen said Grassley has spent his career opposing efforts to lower costs. Hes spent this entire campaign bragging about his seniority in the Senate yet somehow wants Iowans to believe that a political outsider who spent his career serving our country in the Navy is to blame for high prices, Petersen said. Senator Grassley has clearly spent decades too long in his Washington bubble and is badly out of touch with what Iowans need. PROGRESSIVE VOTING EFFORT: The Progressive Voices United coalition, a group of Iowa liberal and progressive nonprofits, launched a campaign encouraging Iowans to vote in the 2022 election. The organizations launched a video, titled Whats Possible, encouraging Iowans to be a voter. The coalition includes organizations like Common Good Iowa, Progress Iowa, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, and others. In a statement, Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic encouraged Iowa voters to support things like higher wages, student debt relief, and climate action. We can dream big again and vote to protect the freedom to access abortion, he said. We can elect leaders who fully fund public schools and ensure workers are paid what theyre owed. As voters, we decide whats possible. CEDAR RAPIDS Leah Schneider of Cedar Rapids was enjoying the last day and last concert of a three-day music festival on the Las Vegas Strip on Oct. 1, 2017, when she heard three pops of gunfire. It would be followed by 10 minutes of gunfire that would ring out high above the crowd, as a gunman fired more than 1,000 rounds from his 32nd-floor suite in the Mandalay Bay hotel. Fifty-eight people were killed and over 850 injured among a crowd of 22,000. As I ran from what I thought were many shooters in the crowd, I was convinced I was going to be shot in the back, Schneider said. Three years later, almost to the day, Schneider again found herself under siege by gunfire, this time inside the Cedar River Landing bar when a gunman fired at another individual inside. Since the Route 91 Harvest Festival, everywhere Schneider goes she said she is hyper-aware of her surroundings, making sure to locate and mark all exits and formulate an escape plan in her head. But I was blocked and all I could do was crouch down and pray that they would leave, she said. I watched the corner of the bar where I was crouched, waiting for shoes and a gun to point in my direction, convinced that this time I wouldnt be so lucky. Thankfully, the shooter did leave and Schneider was unharmed. Still, the sounds of gunfire were deafening and the mark from another near-miss deepened my trauma, but also deepened my resolve to try and help others not go through this, Schneider said. Schneider was joined Wednesday by fellow gun violence survivor Kayla Panos-Blackcloud as part of an event put on by Iowans for Responsible Gun Laws. Both survivors urged Iowans to vote no on a gun rights amendment on the ballot Nov. 8 they say, if passed, would negatively impact them and other victims of gun violence. Panos-Blackcloud was in a car at a smoke shop near Kirkwood Community College when a gunman shot her in the face on May 18, 2018, killed two of her friends and injured another. I heard one of my best friends scream my name while watching me get shot in the face, Panos-Blackcloud said. And then me watching him get shot, not knowing who would be taking their last breath. Iowa voters will be asked to add language to the Iowa Constitution that states it is a fundamental individual right to keep and bear arms and that any restraint on that right is invalid unless it meets the stringent demands of strict scrutiny in court. I say to you, how many others have to die before lawmakers take control of our safety and protect of children, victims in the community in Iowa? Panos-Blackcloud asked. Im asking Iowans to turn your ballot over and vote no on Public Measure #1. Gun-safety advocates say the strict scrutiny language goes beyond protections contained in the U.S. Constitutions Second Amendment. They say that would make it nearly impossible to enforce new gun safety measures that many Iowans support like strengthened background checks or extreme risk protection orders, commonly known as red flag laws and could weaken or lead courts to overturn existing gun laws. The Iowa Firearms Coalition, a gun-rights advocacy group, and supporters of the amendment contend its serves as an important firewall to protect Iowans fundamental right to keep and bear arms to protect themselves. These claims that more people will die because Iowa is codifying a fundamental right guaranteed by our creator to keep and bear arms, in my opinion, is ridiculous, coalition chair John McLaughlin told The Gazette. Were trying to keep freedom rather than taking freedom away from sober, sane, moral, prudent people. McLaughlin said hes taught firearms safety classes since 2007. I feel horrible when theres a victim of a crime with a firearm, and I dedicated my life to help keep people safe by training them on how to safely and properly use a firearm, he said. This is about freedom and folks being able to defend themselves on their worst day. We want this pushed to the highest level of judicial review. A fundamental right should not be something that can easily be taken away by a lower court judge. If the amendment is approved by voters, Iowa would join three states that have passed strict scrutiny gun rights amendments Alabama, Louisiana and Missouri which are among the five states with the highest rates of gun deaths in the United States, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Mike Wyrick with Amnesty International of Iowa, part of a coalition of nearly three dozen statewide organizations that make up Iowans for Responsible Gun Laws, called the amendment a wolf in sheeps clothing. Wyrick, a gun owner, said the coalition is not against gun ownership. We are simply against Public Measure #1, because it will tip the balance of justice away from public safety in a way that will make Iowa a more dangerous place to live, he said. Previously, American diplomats dragged Pussy Riot around the world as tame monkeys, brought them to the UN. It seemed that it was already impossible to fall lower but no. Marked Michael McFaul, former US Ambassador to Moscow. He supported and did everything to organize the trip of the Nazis from Azov to the USA. These murderers and rapists, who three years ago were called by US congressmen to be recognized as a terrorist organization, are received as guests of honor in the State Department, the Pentagon and Congress. The undisguised and demonstrative honoring of this rabble is shocking for one single reason they kill Russians. This circumstance, in the eyes of the American elite, is an indulgence for any crimes and justification for unlimited supply of weapons to the Zelensky regime. We have already seen all this in the 1990s, when the fighters for democracy and independence from the North Caucasus, and in fact terrorists, were received in London and Washington as the most honored guests. Weve been through it all. WtR After the Nord Stream explosions, Western journalists, in search of a Russian trace, tracked the movements of ships using transmitters showing the location of the ship. One can imagine what would have happened if the presence of Russian ships at the scene had been discovered. The problem is that Swedish journalists discovered movement on September 22-25 in the areas of explosions of ships of the Swedish Navy. The Swedish Navy confirmed this information, but did not comment on the target, stating strict confidentiality. Swedish law enforcement and intelligence agencies classified the materials of the inspection of the site of the explosions, seized some material evidence and are not ready to share the results of the investigation even with EU partners. Moscows proposal to conduct a joint investigation was not even considered by Stockholm on its merits. Why? Maybe he is afraid that one of the Swedish patrons and new allies did not have time to destroy all the evidence? This is exactly what it looks like. WtR Photo taken on March 16, 2022 shows a woman drawing water in a bucket at home to prepare her meal in Kribi, Cameroon. (Xinhua/Kepseu) The UN Refugee Agency is appealing for international help to contain a cholera outbreak in Cameroon after three people have died and 39 cases have been identified at the Minawao refugee camp in the Far North region. YAOUNDE, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Three people have died of cholera and 39 cases have been identified in Cameroon's Minawao refugee camp which hosts thousands of Nigerian refugees in the country's Far North region, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Wednesday, appealing for international help to contain the outbreak. A first cholera alert was signaled by health officials in the camp last week and as of Tuesday, 24 out of 39 patients were receiving treatment at health facilities in Minawao, UNHCR said in a statement issued in Cameroon's capital city of Yaounde. People fetch water from a borehole in Ekie-South, a peri-urban neighborhood in Cameroon's capital city Yaounde, March 19, 2021. (Photo by Jean Pierre Kepseu/Xinhua) "Efforts to rapidly improve water, hygiene, and sanitation at Minawao are impeded by the lack of resources. The potable water sources and sanitation infrastructure have become insufficient for the camp's growing population which has nearly doubled from 40,000 in 2015, to its current 75,000," the statement said. Up to 250,000 U.S. dollars is needed to increase potable water production and supply from boreholes and pumping systems from nearby rivers and another 200,000 dollars is required to cover an existing gap of 900 latrines and improve waste management in the camp, according to the UN Refugee Agency. "All these needs are extremely urgent," said the statement. Cholera is generally contracted from contaminated food or water and causes diarrhea and vomiting. It can spread in residential areas that lack proper sewage networks or safe drinking water. The US Department of Justice announced the arrest in Italy of the son of the head of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Russians Yuri Orekhov, Sergey Tyulyakov, Svetlana Kuzurgasheva and Timofey Telegin were also charged in the case of sanctions evasion and money laundering. Among the five Russians, charges were brought against Artem Uss, the son of the governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory of Russia. According to the document, Orekhov and Uss were detained on October 17 in Germany and Italy, respectively. They are currently being extradited to the United States. The US Department of Justice emphasizes that if found guilty, the defendants could face up to 30 years in prison. In addition, the US authorities filed charges against two oil traders citizens of Venezuela. WtR The Sparks Police Department has released body camera footage from a deadly officer-involved shooting from earlier this month. Police say the suspect entered the public entrance of the police department building around 2:38 a.m. on October 18. They say he showed a gun to civilian staff who were working in the records division, parking lots and employee entrances about 18 times over the course of 20 minutes. The building security footage shows around 22 minutes later the man firing a shot into the air, while hiding behind some bushes. Police say staff were moved to a secure location as officers arrived and used a loud speaker to negotiate with the suspect for two hours. Officers say it ended after the suspect fired his gun towards the Sparks Police headquarters. Police say he then ran towards officers with the gun still in his hand and that's when officers fired their weapons. Authorities say 36-year-old Jason Thorpe of Sparks was shot and killed by an officer at the Sparks Police Department. Thorpe died on scene. Police say Thorpe fired at least two shots in the area before they fired at him. The Reno Police Department is now investigating this case, as part of normal procedure when an officer-involved shooting occurs. When the investigation is completed, the case will be forwarded to the Washoe County District Attorney's Office for review. ** Note: The below video may be disturbing to some viewers. Weather Alert ...Cold Temperatures, Winds, and Snow Return This Week... After a quiet holiday weekend, a few storms are on track to bring back colder temperatures, periods of windy conditions, and the potential for snow in the Sierra and western Nevada the week ahead. A quick-hitting storm will pass through the region Monday afternoon and evening with gusty winds, colder temperatures, and chances for snow. Highest snow potential will be for the Warner mountains, Surprise Valley and northern Washoe County (60% chance of 2-4 inches) with lesser potential as the storm slides southward across the Interstate 80 corridor (50% chance of a dusting). Snow is anticipated after the Monday evening commute, but could bring localized slick roads overnight and into the Tuesday morning commute. Winds will be more impactful than the snow with this early week storm. Widespread valley wind gusts 35 to 45 mph are forecast with Sierra crest winds gusting 80+ mph. Plan on recreational impacts for backcountry activities and for area lakes as well as turbulence for aviators on Monday. Later in the week simulations are honing in on a couple of potentially more impactful storms. These stronger storms would pack more of a wind and snow punch if they track into the Sierra and western Nevada. China to step up judicial protection of IPR: senior judge Xinhua) 08:21, October 20, 2022 BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese judicial agencies will step up protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) in a bid to support the country's drive to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, a senior judge said Wednesday. Sound rules will be introduced to protect IPR in sectors such as big data, artificial intelligence and genetic technologies, and judicial actions will be enhanced against monopolies and unfair competition, He Rong, vice president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), told a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Greater efforts will be made to regulate and guide the sound development of capital, He said, adding that judicial agencies will also advance international cooperation and exchanges. Over the past decade, China has made notable progress in judicial protection of IPR, according to He. The number of IPR lawsuits closed in the first instance has totaled 2.74 million since 2013, registering an average yearly increase of 24.5 percent, she said. Lawsuits concerning IPR have covered a wide scope of cases involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, business secrets, integrated circuit designs, new plant species, geographic indications, monopolies and unfair competition. Consumers' rights and the rights of people having new forms of employment have been better protected. The IPR court under the SPC and four specialized courts for IPR in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and the Hainan Free Trade Port have facilitated the country's reform on IPR case settlement. With persistent efforts to ensure foreign entities enjoy equal legal protection in China, more and more foreign enterprises have settled their IPR disputes at Chinese courts, He said. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Du Mingming) ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- African Union-led peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) will officially start next week, an Ethiopian official disclosed Thursday. "The African Union Commission (AUC) has informed us that peace talks are set for Oct. 24, 2022, to be held in South Africa. We have reconfirmed our commitment to peace," said Redwan Hussien, the national security advisor to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with a rank of a minister, in a tweet. Hussien further accused unspecified parties of intending to preempt the peace talks and spreading false allegations against the "defensive measures" the Ethiopian government is undertaking in the country's northern Tigray region. African Union-led talks were previously planned for Oct. 8, but they were reportedly postponed for "logistical and technical reasons." The African Union is yet to officially confirm the new date for the proposed peace talks. The TPLF has also not given an official reply to Hussien's statement. Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation, has seen a devastating conflict between government-allied troops and forces loyal to the TPLF since November 2020, which has left millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian aid had been heading to the Tigray region after the Ethiopian government and the rebel forces agreed to a conditional cessation of hostilities and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid into the region in late March. Conflict resumed in August as the Ethiopian government and TPLF accused each other of resuming fighting. The resumption of fighting has led to the halting of humanitarian aid flowing into the Tigray region. Sample election ballots will arrive in your mail soon, according to Washoe County. Mail-in ballots were delivered to the post office on Tuesday, just in time for early voting to begin this Saturday, October 22. Each physical location will have two lines: one for early in-person voting and another for dropping off ballots. Early voting continues through November 4, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 8. The county says ballots will be scanned at early voting locations only to keep track of the number of returned ballots. The county will again feature a 24/7 livestream for vote counting observation. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) shakes hands with visiting Timor-Leste's President Jose Ramos-Horta in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 20, 2022. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Timor-Leste on Thursday signed two deals to boost bilateral ties and cooperation, a Cambodian senior official said. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and visiting Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta presided over the signing ceremony of the documents after their meeting at the Peace Palace here, said Eang Sophalleth, a personal assistant to Hun Sen. One was the agreement on air services and the other was the memorandum of understanding on rice trade between the two countries, he said. Sophalleth said during the meeting, the two leaders vowed to further promote bilateral relations and cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and education. "Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his welcome for the upcoming direct flight connection between Timor-Leste and Cambodia, saying that this direct flight connection would contribute to increasing trade volume between the two countries," he told reporters after the event. Meanwhile, Hun Sen also called on Timor-Leste investors to invest in Cambodia, particularly in the rice industry, in order to export milled rice to Timor-Leste. For his part, Ramos-Horta expressed his gratitude to Cambodia for supporting Timor-Leste's application for the membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Ramos-Horta arrived in Phnom Penh on Wednesday for a three-day state visit at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R, Center, rear) and visiting Timor-Leste's President Jose Ramos-Horta (L, Center, rear) witness a signing ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 20, 2022. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) Annual Report to Shareholders Perth, Oct 19, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - This year enabled Altech Chemicals Ltd ( ASX:ATC ) ( A3Y:FRA ) to aggressively move forward with its patented Silumina Anodes(TM) technology, as well as progressing with securing bond and equity project finance for its HPA production plant in Malaysia. In addition to this, Altech announced that it had executed a Joint Venture Shareholders' Agreement with world-leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS ("IKTS") to commercialize IKTS' revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. Altech, inclusive of associated entity Altech Advanced Materials AG, will be the majority owner at 75% of the JV company, which will commercialize a 100 MWh project to be constructed on Altech's land in Schwarze Pumpe, Germany. The SAS CERENERGY(R) battery uses common table salt and ceramic solid-state technology. The principal activities of the Company during the financial year were: 1. Achievement of game changing proprietary technology by cracking the "silicon barrier" and producing the Silumina Anodes(TM) lithium-ion battery anode material with 30% higher energy retention and capacity than conventional graphite only anodes. 2. Commencement of construction by Kuttner GmbH & Co on the Silumina Anodes(TM) pilot plant that will produce 120kg per day (~37,000 kg per year) of the Silumina Anodes(TM) product for product qualification with end users, that will assist in securing an offtake agreement for the full-scale plant. 3. Finalising the Preliminary Feasibility Study, with outstanding economics, for the full-scale plant to produce 10,000tpa of Silumina Anodes(TM) in Saxony, Germany. Altech acquired an ~14Ha industrial site in Saxony, Germany that is an ideal location for the full-scale plant. 4. Continuing the process of securing the green bond and project level equity to finance the remaining construction for the Johor, Malaysia high-purity alumina production plant. *To view the Annual Report, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/20FP0ITG About Altech Chemicals Ltd Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is aiming to become one of the world's leading suppliers of 99.99% (4N) high purity alumina (Al2O3) through the construction and operation of a 4,500tpa high purity alumina (HPA) processing plant at Johor, Malaysia. Feedstock for the plant will be sourced from the Company's 100%-owned kaolin deposit at Meckering, Western Australia and shipped to Malaysia. HPA is a high-value, high margin and highly demanded product as it is the critical ingredient required for the production of synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is used in the manufacture of substrates for LED lights, semiconductor wafers used in the electronics industry, and scratch-resistant sapphire glass used for wristwatch faces, optical windows and smartphone components. Increasingly HPA is used by lithium-ion battery manufacturers as the coating on the battery's separator, which improves performance, longevity and safety of the battery. With global HPA demand approximately 19,000t (2018), it is estimated that this demand will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% (2018-2028); by 2028 HPA market demand will be approximately 272,000t, driven by the increasing adoption of LEDs worldwide as well as the demand for HPA by lithium-ion battery manufacturers to serve the surging electric vehicle market. Gold Intersections Continue at West Island, Cue JV Perth, Oct 20, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Musgrave Minerals Ltd ( ASX:MGV ) ( 6MU:FRA ) ( MGVMF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to report further assay results from diamond and aircore drilling programs on the Cue Joint Venture with Evolution Mining Ltd ("Evolution") in Western Australia's Murchison district. Diamond drilling (completed by Evolution) at the West Island prospect, approximately 6km north of Break of Day, continues to intersect potential ore grade intersections within a basement dolerite host unit. The West Island prospect is approximately 1.6km long and part of a broad regional 7kmlong anomalous gold corridor within the joint venture (Figure 1*). Regional scale aircore drilling is continuing to identify new regolith gold anomalies in areas of no previous drilling. Musgrave Managing Director Rob Waugh said: "These results are another positive step in defining the scope of the basement gold mineralisation at the West Island prospect. Together with the diamond drilling results, aircore drilling is identifying new gold anomalies within the regolith outlining new untested basement gold targets. Assay results are pending for multiple drill holes." Lake Austin Diamond Drilling Program Evolution drilled a total of 9 diamond holes for 4,699m are reported in this release from the West Island prospect. The drilling program is targeting the key mineralised gold lodes to determine the scale of the mineral system at West Island (Figures 2 and 3*). The mineralised lodes are interpreted as a series of stacked shears and veins, with associated high-grade splays. The drilling program currently underway will further investigate the potential for these stacked lodes. Significant new diamond drill core intercepts at West Island include: o 1.9m @ 34.3g/t Au from 461.0m (22CUDD011), and o 8.1m @ 3.7g/t Au from 563.9m (22CUDD011) o 6.0m @ 6.4g/t Au from 385.5m (22CUDD012) o 1.0m @ 74.2g/t Au from 410.0m (22CUDD016), and o 12.4m @ 3.8g/t Au from 373.6m (22CUDD016), and o 3.0m @ 5.7g/t Au from 186.4m (22CUDD016), and o 1.3m @ 9.0g/t Au from 467m (22CUDD016) Lake Austin Aircore Drilling Program Evolution drilled a total of 117 aircore drill holes for approximately 14,191m are reported in this release. The drilling intersected the favourable host dolerite unit along strike from the West Island prospect with anomalous gold results in a number of new areas to the north (Figure 1*). All significant new aircore drill assay results are presented in full in Table 2a with hole collar information in Table 2b*. The most significant new aircore results include: - 2m @ 1.66g/t Au from 178m to end of hole (22CUAC0226) in weathered dolerite - 4m @ 5.12g/t Au from 172m (22CUAC0245) in coarse gravels (quartz and altered dolerite pebbles) at the base of transported cover *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/7BFOEXY0 About Musgrave Minerals Ltd Musgrave Minerals Ltd (ASX:MGV) is an active Australian gold and base metals explorer. The Cue Project in the Murchison region of Western Australia is an advanced gold and copper project. Musgrave has had significant exploration success at Cue with the ongoing focus on increasing the gold and copper resources through discovery and extensional drilling to underpin studies that will demonstrate a viable path to development in the near term. Musgrave also holds a large exploration tenement package in the Ni-Cu-Co prospective Musgrave Province in South Australia. Images from security video show two men who robbed a Halloween supply store at gunpoint on Monday afternoon near Cottonwood Mall. (Source: Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers) Images from security video show two men who robbed a Halloween supply store at gunpoint on Monday afternoon near Cottonwood Mall. (Source: Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers) Prev 1 of 2 Next Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal A Halloween specialty store manager got a different kind of fright Monday afternoon. Police say two shoplifters put a gun in the managers face when she tried to stop them, and made off with $300 worth of merchandise, including shirts, a Halloween mask and a bag from the West Side store. Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, which released images of the robbery, is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the pairs arrest. Police responded around 1:50 p.m. to an armed robbery at the Spirit Halloween store near Cottonwood Mall, according to an incident report. The store manager told police she gave the pair a basket to shop with before noticing one of the men hide a beanie he had taken off the shelf. Police said the manager told them one man said, what the (expletive) is your issue (expletive)? and she replied, there was no need to be like that and asked them to leave. The manager told police the pair refused and when she tried to grab the basket from one of the men, the other one pulled out a black handgun. She said the man pointed the gun at her and told her to get back, according to the report. The manager told police the pair left on foot, and that she was scared for her life and everyone elses in the store. Another employee told police he watched the entire robbery play out and reiterated what the manager had told officers. Police said officers checked the area for the robbers, but came up empty-handed. Due to the lack of identifying information and not locating the subjects this report will be forwarded to West Side impact detectives for follow-up and possible prosecution, according to the report. The Albuquerque Police Department posted the Crime Stoppers flyer on Facebook and it was shared dozens of times. How embarrassing, one person commented. Another said, At least now they will have a mask for the next place they rob. BRUSSELS European Union leaders struggled to find immediate practical solutions at their summit Thursday called to grapple with the energy crisis fueled by the war in Ukraine and maintain a united front in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin coercion. After lengthy talks in Brussels dragged well into the night, the 27 EU leaders could not bridge divisions between some of the biggest member states and failed to impose a gas price cap to counter Russias strategy to choke off gas supplies to the bloc at will. They agreed, however, to keep working to find a compromise on a list of measures based on proposals unveiled earlier this week by the European Commission, the EUs executive arm, which were discussed in depth and tweaked at the summit. There is a strong and unanimously shared determination to act together, as Europeans, to achieve three goals: lowering prices, ensuring security of supply and continuing to work to reduce demand, said meeting host Charles Michel, the EU Council president. Diplomats said the impact of the proposals, which include the possibility of a price cap, should be properly assessed by experts before approval, and leaders insisted any deal would need to take into account their different energy mixes. There is a lot of work ahead, said Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. We are pushing ourselves into unchartered territory, where we dont have experience yet. The blocs energy ministers will meet next week to further discuss the benchmarks set out by leaders. To make sure the runaway cost of gas doesnt further tank struggling EU economies, the Commission has proposed a system to pool buying of gas and offered a compromise that would allow for a correction mechanism to kick in in exceptional circumstances. In addition, it is pushing for the creation of a new LNG gas index better reflecting the market following the drastic reduction of imports of pipeline gas from Russia. Divisions were so big at the start of the summit that agreeing on further exploration of the plan proposed by the Commission was seen as almost an achievement in itself. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said a price cap would send suppliers away. The gas price cap is like going to a bar and telling the bartender you want to pay half price for your beer. Not going to happen, he said on Twitter. The traditional driving duo of the EU Germany and France weres in opposing camps, with Germany expressing doubts and holding off plans for the price cap, while most others want to push on. French president Emmanuel Macron said he worked hard with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in bilateral exchanges to get a breakthrough on the issue. Macron, who will meet again with Scholz next week in Paris, said it was Frances role to create unanimity between positions. Scholz said any dispute was on the method, not the goal. Prices for gas, for oil, for coal, must sink; electricity prices must sink, and this is something that calls for a joint effort by all of us in Europe, he said. The Netherlands feared that if a price cap was set too high, supplies would simply sail by Europe and go elsewhere. Everyone wants the gas price to come down, but you want to make sure that gas imports keep coming, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said. Natural gas prices spiraled out of control over the summer as EU nations sought to outbid one another to fill up their reserves for winter. The member states have already agreed to cut demand for gas by 15% over the winter. They have also committed to filling gas-storage facilities to at least 80% of capacity by November and as a way of reducing gas-fired power generation to reducing peak demand for electricity by at least 5%. The question of possible EU gas-price caps has moved steadily up the political agenda for months as the energy squeeze tightened, with 15 countries such as France and Italy pushing for such blunt intervention. And where Angela Merkel was the soothing voice often brokering a compromise during her 16 years as German chancellor, her successor Scholz is now at the heart of a division in the bloc. Germany and the Netherlands maintain that market interventions like excessive price caps could hurt both the availability of natural gas and incentives for governments and consumers to save it. At the opening of the summit, the need for rock-solid EU unity in confronting Russia was highlighted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who addressed the 27 national leaders by video conference from Kyiv, asking for continued help to get his nation through the winter. Russia is increasingly relying on drone strikes against Ukraines energy grid and civilian infrastructure and sowing panic with hits on Ukrainian cities, tactics that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called war crimes and pure terror on Wednesday. Diplomats are already assessing more sanctions to come. But Orbans perceived friendliness toward the Kremlin makes life tougher. Even though the previous EU sanctions targeting Russia have been approved unanimously, it has increasingly become difficult to keep Orban on board by agreeing to exemptions. ___ Associated Press writers Lorne Cook in Brussels and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal Traffic on northbound Coors Bypass may be snarled Friday morning as crews repair a sinkhole caused by a water main break on the West Side. David Morris, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority spokesman, said the sinkhole may keep the stretch of Coors Bypass near Ellison closed until Friday afternoon, when crews hope to be able to open one lane. He said Coors Bypass may not be fully open until Monday due to repaving and other construction that has to be done. Weve had people working on it all day, Morris said Thursday afternoon. He said the sinkhole was discovered around 3:30 a.m. after a 12-inch water line busted beneath the roadway. Morris said filling the hole will likely take crews into the weekend. He said the cause of the water main break had not been determined. Police shut down all lanes of northbound Coors Bypass near Ellison on Thursday while crews and heavy machinery worked around the sinkhole. The roadway could be seen flooded with water as a large pile of dirt and asphalt pieces were towering beside the sizable hole in the ground. PENYABANGAN, Indonesia It took a broken air conditioner for Tom Bowling to figure out after nearly eight months of failure how to breed the coveted pink-yellow tropical fish known as blotched anthias. Bowling, an ornamental fish breeder based in Palau, had kept the fish in cool water, trying to replicate the temperatures the deep-water creatures are usually found in. But when the air conditioner broke the water temperature rose by a few degrees overnight with surprising results. They started spawning they went crazy, laying eggs everywhere, said Bowling. Experts around the world tinker over water temperature, futz with lights, and try various mixes of microscopic food particles in hopes of happening upon the particular and peculiar set of conditions that will inspire ornamental fish to breed. Experts hope to steer the aquarium fish trade away from wild-caught fish, which are often caught with poisons that can hurt coral ecosystems. PROPER AMBIANCE REQUIRED Most of the millions of glittering fish that dart around saltwater aquariums in the U.S., Europe, China and elsewhere are taken from coral reefs in the Philippines, Indonesia and other tropical countries. Trappers often stun them using chemicals like cyanide. They are then transferred to middlemen and then flown across the globe, ending up in aquariums in homes, malls, restaurants and medical offices. Experts estimate large percentages die on the way. Part of the problem: only about 4% of saltwater aquarium fish can be bred in captivity, largely because many have elaborate reproductive cycles and delicate early life stages that require sometimes mysterious conditions that scientists and breeders struggle to reproduce. For decades experts have been working to unlock the secrets of marine fish breeding. Breakthroughs dont come quickly, said Paul Andersen, head of the Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign, which works to support sustainable coral reef aquarium fisheries. It requires years of investment, research and development, oftentimes to make incremental steps, he said. And then even longer, he said, to bring newly captive-bred species to market. The Moorish idol, a black-and-yellow striped fish with a mane-like dorsal fin spine, requires lots of space. Squiggle-striped green mandarins prefer to spawn just before the sun sets, requiring very particular lighting cycles to breed in captivity. As Bowling discovered in Palau, blotched anthias require very specific temperatures. Youve got to pay attention to all the parameters that will make a fish happy, said Andersen. Some species are really gentle, delicate and sensitive to these kinds of things. FRAGILE EARLY DAYS After fish spawn, breeders often find themselves facing the most challenging part of the process: the larval period, which is the time just after the fish hatches, before it develops into a juvenile. The flow of water has to be just right, but they are so fragile they have to be protected from filters and even tank walls. The first feeding is also crucial, said Andrew Rhyne, a marine biology professor at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. During the first days many larval fish dont have eyes or mouths, instead living off their yolk. When they finally do form eyes or mouths its so important to have created an environment that allows them to get a first bite of zooplankton so they can get a little stronger and continue to grow, said Rhyne. Thats kind of been the magic for all of this. Often that first bite is a critical part of the ocean food system that harbors its own mysteries: called copepods, they are microscopic crustaceans that provide vital nutrients to larval fish and are key for breeders around the world. At the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin where the blue tang Dory fish popularized by the movie Finding Nemo was successfully bred for the first time associate professor Matt DiMaggio and his students have been working to produce copepods. But even the copepods haven proven to be difficult to raise. Mort than 10,000 miles away from the Florida lab, on the tropical northern coast of Bali, Indonesia, renowned fish breeder Wen-Ping Su walks between large cement fish tanks, his own zooplankton recipe churning in a circular tank nearby. Su said he has 10 different keys to success that hes been developing for nearly two decades. Those keys have enabled him to breed fish that no one else has, including striped regal angelfish and frilly black-bodied, orange-rimmed pinnatus batfish. VALUABLE SECRETS But asking Wen-Ping Su if hell share details, his answer comes quickly, with his hands crossing to form an X in front of his big smile: No. Its the same sentiment echoed by Bowling, who pauses when asked about sharing the secrets to his most high-profile successes. Thats the part I really dont want to tell you, he laughs. Those secrets are their livelihoods. The blotched anthias Bowling bred after the broken air conditioner are listed for $700 on his companys website. Fish bred by Su also sell for hundreds of dollars online. But in the past five years there are some organizations such as Rising Tide Conservation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to developing and promoting aquaculture that have worked to promote information sharing, said DiMaggio. Thats helped to accelerate the number of species that weve been able to raise in during that time and the variety of species too, he said, highlighting species such as wrasses, butterflyfish and tangs. Rhynes research lab which includes breeding toothy queen triggerfish and red-striped yasha gobies has been working to share his research with breeders as well. But Rhyne and other breeders concede that its unlikely all aquarium fish will be raised in captivity because some are just too difficult, while others are so abundant in nature. And breeding a fish doesnt guarantee it will make it to or do well on the market, said Rhyne. Captive bred fish cost more, and experts in the fish industry recognize that it will take time to convince consumers should pay more for them. How do we market aquaculture fish the way that we market organic foods, you know, and demand that premium price point? said Andersen, from the Coral Reef Aquarium Fisheries Campaign. The marketing is really important. ___ Associated Press video journalist Marshall Ritzel reported from Florida. Kathy Young contributed to this report from New York. Andi Jatmiko, Edna Tarigan and Tatan Syuflana contributed from Indonesia. ___ Follow Victoria Milko on Twitter: @thevmilko ___ 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. TEFE, Brazil Just months after enduring floods that destroyed crops and submerged entire communities, thousands of families in the Brazilian Amazon are now dealing with severe drought that, at least in some areas, is the worst in decades. The low level of the Amazon River, at the center of the largest drainage system in the world, has put dozens of municipalities under alert. The fast-decreasing river water level is due to lower-than-expected rainfall during August and September, according to Luna Gripp, a geosciences researcher who monitors the western Amazons river levels for the Brazilian Geological Survey. As most of Amazonas state is not connected by roads, the main concern is the shortage of food, fuel and other goods normally transported through waterways. In Tefe, a city of 60,000 people by the Amazon river, large ships have not been able to arrive at the downtown port. The situation is even more critical in the dozens of communities scattered through the region surrounding Tefe, affecting about 3,500 families. Many waterways, such as lakes and creeks, have dried up, eliminating access to the Amazon River and thus to nearby cities, which function as commercial hubs. In the Sao Estevao community, the fishermen have postponed fishing pirarucu, the Amazons largest fish, because the boat to transport their catch to the city cannot dock. The legal fishing season runs until the end of November. If the water level doesnt rise soon, the seven-family community will lose a significant source of income, fisherman Pedro Canizio da Silva told The Associated Press in an audio message. About six months ago, the community suffered losses due to a heavier-than-expected flood season. I lost my crops of banana and yuca. Moreover, caymans and anacondas got closer to us due to the flood and ate some of my ducks and chickens. The water underneath my stilted house almost reached the floor, Canizio recalled. In the Porto Praia Indigenous community, the nearby branch of the Amazon River has become a vast swath of sand that during the day becomes too hot to walk across. A motorboat trip to Tefe, normally 90 minutes long, now takes four hours, Anilton Braz, the local leader, told the AP, as the water is so shallow in some stretches that it is necessary to paddle instead of using the motor. The local water source has become muddy and no alternatives exist, Braz said. We fear our children will get sick with diarrhea and other diseases. The situation has led Tefes City Hall to declare a state of emergency to speed provision of aid to families, but so far help has been scant. The mayor sent a little bit of food, said Braz. The local civil defense authority said 53 out of 62 municipalities have been affected by floods and drought in Amazonas state this year alone. The drier season, known locally as the Amazonian summer, usually lasts from June to December in this part of the rainforest. In a region as vast as the Amazon, drought severity varies. In Porto Velho, the capital of Rondonia state, the mighty Madeira River registered its lowest ever level since official records began in 1998. And in the Acre state capital Rio Branco, the Acre River, which cuts through the city, reached its lowest level since measurements started in 1967, according the Brazilian Geological Survey. The drought in the Amazon River is not as extreme so far, although Coari, a city close to Tefe, is enduring its sixth worst drought since records began in 1975. As climate change causes extreme weather events, significant droughts in the Amazon is likely a sign of such changes, Alejandro Duarte, a climate researcher at the Federal University of Acre, told the AP. This could be an irreversible trend in coming years. ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. BEIJING Investigative journalist Wang Zhian once exposed corruption, land seizures, and medical malpractice in China, with millions of viewers and a powerful platform: state broadcaster CCTV. Wang now lives alone in central Tokyo after being blacklisted in his homeland. His journey from on-air personality at the heart of Chinas vast state media apparatus to reporter in exile illustrates how even government-backed critical reporting has been curtailed under Xi Jinping, Chinas most authoritarian leader since Mao Zedong. Unlike many muckrakers, Wang hasnt given up. Deep in debt and armed with little more than a laptop, a tripod, and a camera borrowed from a friend, Wang is back in business this time on YouTube and Twitter, both banned in China. Here I can tell the truth, and nobody will restrict me anymore, Wang said, sitting in his Tokyo studio, a living room in his modest three-story walk-up. Thousands of delegates are congregating in Beijing this week to reaffirm Xi as leader of the ruling Communist Party for a third term, at the countrys most important political meeting in a decade. Fearing arrest, Wang said he wont return until Xi is out of power. He demands absolute obedience, Wang said. The media has become like the army: a tool that pledges unconditional allegiance to the party. Under Xi, Chinas once feisty reporters have fallen in line. The Communist Partys propaganda arm has taken direct control of agencies managing newspapers, broadcasters, and radio stations. A powerful new agency has silenced critical voices on the internet, creating a vast censorship apparatus powered by thousands of censors. Privately, many Chinese journalists say Xi has quashed independent reporting. Publicly, they stay silent. Xis very name is mouthed carefully, in scripted lines, whispers or pseudonyms. The change these past 10 years has been dramatic, said Zhan Jiang, a retired professor of journalism at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Wang never imagined a life outside China. A native of mountainous Shaanxi province, Wang joined CCTV in 1998 after obtaining a masters in history. At the time, Chinese media was on the cusp of what Wang calls a golden age. Investigative journalism flourished under then-leader Jiang Zemin, who talked Tibet and Taiwan with Western journalists, and Zhu Rongji, a tough, reform-minded premier who battled corruption. It nurtured hopes of reform in Chinas one-party state more like Singapore than the former Soviet Union, with some space for free discussion. Just because China is under the leadership of the Communist Party doesnt mean it cant have an active media, said Zhan, the retired professor. At CCTV, Wang was first a producer, then commentator, before he moved to investigations in 2011. There, he developed a reputation as a tough, experienced journalist, two former CCTV employees said, though they added his critical tendencies could make him difficult to work with. They declined to be named to speak candidly about Wang. Soon after, Xi took power in 2012. At first, Wang looked forward to the new leadership. With the countrys economic boom, officials raked in millions in brazen backdoor deals, their sons and daughters flashing Rolexes and racing Ferraris across Beijings flyovers. Xi promised to change all that, vowing to crush corruption. He visited a humble bun shop, portraying himself as a man of the people. The crackdown came. Banquets were banned, red carpets rolled up, and thousands of officials arrested. But as Xi consolidated power, signs of trouble started emerging at CCTV. Controls tightened. One by one, top reporters trickled out. Then, in 2016, Xi visited CCTV and other state media. Party media should be surnamed the party, he declared, urging loyalty to the Communist Party above all else. We knew then there would be earth-shattering changes, Wang said. Though Xi was combating corruption, instead of wielding transparency and the rule of law, Xi empowered a secretive organ of the party to detain officials instead. Xi doesnt think the media should be a watchdog, Wang said. He thinks they just need to be propaganda organs. The final straw, he said, was when an investigation he worked on for months was killed. It was an expose of Beijings ambulance dispatch system. Through backdoor connections, Wang found, an official had set up a parallel network that whisked patients to a second-rate clinic in Beijings far north, generating revenue for hospital management but causing life-threatening delays. But days before Wangs story went to air, the partys Central Propaganda Department said it was canning the story. Infuriated, Wang stopped coming to work, then resigned. It wasnt just CCTV. Across China, thousands of journalists quit the industry. At Caixin, a respected financial magazine, the politically connected editor-in-chief stepped aside. At the Beijing Daily News, a tabloid with a rebellious streak, the publisher stepped down and was later detained. At Southern Weekly, a revered liberal broadsheet, propaganda officials tangled with reporters. Wang tried to continue. He switched outlets, hosting an interview show online that garnered tens of millions of views. But in June 2019, Wangs social media accounts were suddenly deleted, depriving him of millions of followers. Overnight, Wang was politically toxic. His new outlet, once eager to capitalize on his star power, backed out of renewing his contract. For a couple of years, Wang mulled what to do. The pandemic left him stranded during a visit to Japan, and when he returned to Beijing late last year, he heard he wouldnt be able to work in media again. If he wanted to stay in China, Wang realized, hed have to quit the job he loved. Wang made his choice: He bought a one-way ticket back to Japan. I cant go on in China, Wang said. If I became a public relations director, itd be a betrayal of my career. Now, Wang is teaching himself Japanese. He has learned how to edit video on his own and operate on a shoestring budget. Since he started broadcasting in May, he has attracted many viewers, with nearly half a million followers on Twitter and 400,000 subscribers on YouTube. Though both are banned in China, Wang hopes his reports will trickle over Chinas Great Firewall and into the country. His aim, Wang said, is fact-based news for mainland Chinese, one that stands apart from conspiracy-laden competitors driven by hatred of the government. Nobody believes a serious Chinese outlet can be established overseas, he said. But I want to give it a try. I think its very important for the whole Chinese-speaking world. In July, he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars hiring a crew and flying to Ukraine. Wang said he wanted to bring frontline reporting to a Chinese audience pointing out that only one channel viewable in mainland China sent reporters to the war. The result, he said, was that Chinas coverage of the war was saturated with Russian misinformation. Such a large country with only one source of information on such a huge event, Wang said. Thats very sad. Wang has plenty of detractors. Nationalists brand Wang a traitor online, questioning why he lives in Japan and accusing him of peddling anti-China content. On the other extreme, anti-Beijing activists suspect Wangs motives, pointing out he spent decades inside state media toeing the party line. Zhang Dongshuo, a lawyer in Beijing, said he appreciates Wangs channel, tuning in occasionally to get news unavailable on state media. But Zhang added that Wangs lack of access has made his reports duller, and the difficulties of scaling Chinas firewall has shrunk his audience. Its going to be tough, Zhang said. Hes in an awkward situation. Still, outside of Xis China, Wang hopes theres space for someone like him. He narrates the news, talking Chinas zero-COVID policy and the recent party congress, peppered with observations drawn on his experience inside the system. At times, he cuts in with commentary. Well have to wait till the day journalists can truly express themselves freely, Wang said, signing off on a recent broadcast. I hope that day comes soon. ___ Associated Press journalist Haruka Nuga in Tokyo contributed to this story. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Vice President Kamala Harris plans to travel to Albuquerque next week to join Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for a conversation on abortion rights. The visit is set for Tuesday, just two weeks before Election Day. Harris will participate in a moderated conversation on protecting reproductive rights, according to the White House, and later deliver remarks at a private campaign fundraiser for Lujan Grisham. The governor will be at both events. Harris, a Democrat and the first woman to serve as vice president, officiated Lujan Grishams wedding earlier this year in Washington, D.C. Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Ronchetti has also appeared with national figures this year, including former Vice President Mike Pence, who visited Roswell earlier this month. Three GOP governors Doug Ducey of Arizona, Ron DeSantis of Florida and Glenn Youngkin of Virginia have joined Ronchetti on the campaign trail, too. Abortion has emerged as a prominent issue in this years gubernatorial race, with Lujan Grisham touting her push to repeal a long-dormant state abortion ban. The repeal effort was approved in 2021 about a year before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. With some states, including Texas, having subsequently enacted abortion bans, New Mexico has seen an uptick in out-of-state residents traveling here to seek abortion services. Ronchetti has proposed banning abortion after 15 weeks, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest and when a mothers life is at risk. He also has called for statewide voters to ultimately decide the issue via a constitutional amendment that would also have to win legislative approval. Joe Biden made his first presidential visit to New Mexico in June for a briefing on the massive wildfires tearing through the state. Two banks based in New Mexicos oil patch are merging in an effort to provide greater resources such as higher lending limits. Earlier this month, Carlsbad-based Western Commerce Bank and Western Bank of Clovis announced a merger that would see the former acquire the latter. The deal was struck through the two banks parent companies, Western Commerce Bancshares of Carlsbad Inc. and Western Bancshares of Clovis Inc. Western Commerce Bank CEO and President Jason Wyatt didnt disclose the terms of the acquisition, nor the cost of the acquisition. Merging the two banks was the wish of my late grandfather, (Sen.) Don Kidd, former Chairman and CEO of both Western Bank of Clovis and Western Commerce Bank, Wyatt said. The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year after regulatory approvals, Wyatt said. The acquisition will give Western Commerce Bank 13 branches in Carlsbad, Loving, Hobbs, Tatum, Clovis, Lovington, Portales and Albuquerque. Once merged, the estimated size of the assets of the combined banks will be $750 million. Wyatt said there will be no change in leadership of the two banks, considering they already share common management and ownership. But the acquisition will ultimately mean that Western Bank of Clovis will change its name and logo to that of Western Commerce Bank. Western Commerce Bank first opened its doors in June 1961 and has since expanded to 11 locations across the state, though primarily located in southeastern New Mexico. The bank originally held the name of Loving State Bank, but received the name of Western Commerce Bank in 1982. Western Commerce Bank acquired Federal Savings Bank in Carlsbad some years later, as well as Liberty National, located in Lovington, in 1991, according to the Carlsbad Current Argus. Western Bank of Clovis, on the other hand, got its start in 1975 and had expanded into Portales before the recent acquisition was announced. WASHINGTON The White House said Thursday that Iranian troops are directly engaged on the ground in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraines power stations and other key infrastructure, claiming it has troubling evidence of Tehrans deepening role assisting Russia as it exacts suffering on Ukrainian civilians just as the cold weather sets in. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Iran has sent a relatively small number of personnel to Crimea, a part of Ukraine unilaterally annexed by Russia in contravention of international law in 2014, to assist Russian troops in launching Iranian-made drones against Ukraine. Members of a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps were dispatched to assist Russian forces in using the drones, according to the British government. The revelation of the U.S. intelligence finding comes as the Biden administration seeks to mount international pressure on Tehran to pull back from helping Russia as it bombards soft Ukrainian civilian targets with the help of Iranian-made drones. The Russians in recent days have increasingly turned to the Iranian-supplied drones, as well as Kalibr and Iskander cruise missiles, to carry out a barrage of attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure and non-military targets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this week that Russian forces have destroyed 30% of Ukraines power stations since Oct. 10. The information we have is that the Iranians have put trainers and tech support in Crimea, but its the Russians who are doing the piloting, Kirby said. He added that the Biden administration was looking at imposing new sanctions on Tehran and would look for ways to make it harder for Iran to sell such weapons to Russia. The U.S. first revealed this summer that Russia was purchasing Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles to launch against Ukraine. Iran has denied selling its munitions to Russia. White House officials say that international sanctions, including export controls, have left the Russians in a bind as they try to restock ammunition and precision-guided munition stocks that have been depleted during the nearly eight-month-old war. As a result, Russia has been forced to turn to Iran as well as North Korea for weaponry. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters that military officials wouldnt be surprised if the Russians sought more drones from Iran given their situation. Zelenskyy said last week that Russia had ordered 2,400 from Iran. U.S. officials believe that Iran may have deployed military personnel to assist the Russians in part because of the Russians lack of familiarity with the Iranian-made drones. Declassified U.S. intelligence findings showed that Russians faced technical problems with the drones soon after taking delivery of them in August. The systems themselves were suffering failures and not performing to the standards that apparently the customers expected, Kirby said. So the Iranians decided to move in some trainers and some technical support to help the Russians use them with better lethality. The Biden administration released further details about Irans involvement in assisting Russias war at a sensitive moment. The administration has levied new sanctions against Iran over the brutal crackdown on antigovernment protests spurred by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in Iranian security custody. Morality police had detained Amini last month for not properly covering her hair with the Islamic headscarf, known as the hijab, which is mandatory for Iranian women. Amini collapsed at a police station and died three days later. Her death and the subsequent unrest have come as the administration tries to bring Iran back into compliance with the nuclear deal that was brokered by the Obama administration and scrapped by the Trump administration. At the United Nations this week, Ukraine accused Iran of violating a Security Council ban on the transfer of drones capable of flying 300 kilometers (180 miles). Britain, France and the U.S. strongly back Ukraines contention that the drones were transferred to Russia and violate a 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed the nuclear deal between Iran and six nations the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany aimed at curbing Tehrans nuclear activities and preventing the country from developing a nuclear weapon. Kirby said the administration has little hope for reviving the Iran nuclear deal soon. Were not focused on the on the diplomacy at this point, Kirby said. What we are focused on is making sure that were holding the regime accountable for the way theyre treating peaceful protesters in their country and supporting those protesters. The White House spoke out about Iranian assistance to Russia as Britain on Thursday announced new sanctions on Iranian officials and businesses accused of supplying the drones. These cowardly drone strikes are an act of desperation, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a statement. By enabling these strikes, these individuals and a manufacturer have caused the people of Ukraine untold suffering. We will ensure that they are held to account for their actions. Among the individuals hit with asset freezes and travel bans by the British were Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, chairman of the armed forces general staff overseeing the army branches supplying Russia with drones; Brig. Gen. Seyed Hojjatollah Qureishi, a key Iranian negotiator in the deal; and Brig. Gen. Saeed Aghajani, the head the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Aerospace Force UAV Command. Shahed Aviation Industries, the Iranian manufacturer of the drones being used by Russia, was also hit by an asset freeze. Associated Press writer Tara Copp contributed reporting. Growing up, Jamila Mila Savoy was always in the kitchen, helping cook for the many parties her Peruvian-American family hosted. My dad was a consummate party thrower, Savoy said. (Its) welcoming people into your space he was the best at that and always did it with open arms. Savoy never lost of her love of food; for two years, she has been running her own catering business, Milas Mesa. And now, shes opening up a brick-and-mortar restaurant and event space at 3409 Central NE on Tuesday. Although Savoy had an art degree, she entered the culinary industry by chance and eventually became director of catering for Blue Plate Catering and later, a brand director for Sadies of New Mexico. But in 2020, the catering industry shrank and Savoy, as well as many of her employees, lost their jobs. The temporary restaurant closures, however, gave Savoy the idea for her own business: a COVID-era catering company. I was out of a job, and a lot of the people that worked with me were without jobs, Savoy said. So I just had this concept what if people still want to have a really good, restaurant-quality meal? They cant go anywhere. So Savoy started bringing a restaurant experience to peoples homes with her catering company, Milas Mesa. Her first clients were a couple celebrating their anniversary; Savoy brought a pan, a knife and a face mask and got cooking. The company, Milas Mesa, later expanded and Savoy started catering small backyard parties with a team that included many of her former staff members. At first, they worked out of Savoys home kitchen; then her garage; eventually, they landed in a commissary kitchen. Weve been all over the state in the last two years, Savoy said. The menu is a combination of Latin American and what Savoy calls Americana cuisines with a Southwestern twist, with items like butternut squash and goat cheese tamales or blue corn cornbread with honey and roasted corn. There will also be pastries, like lemon-lavendar biscochitos, espresso-drinks and non-alcoholic botanical cocktails. We kind of take things that are classics, and we flip them on their head, add New Mexico and make it kind of fun, Savoy said. Thats the other part about eating its supposed to be fun. The location on Central is half-restaurant, half-event space. During the day, its a restaurant open to diners; at night, its a private event space. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and available for rentals in the evening. On Sunday, theyll serve brunch and afternoon tea. Savoy said she wants diners to feel like theyre eating at her own home. For Savoy, food fosters community something she learned as a kid in the kitchen. We were always trying new things, and even on those days were not everything was going great, there was always food, Savoy said. Thats where you come together. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal Teaching all day and then going home to work on an epic dossier about your classroom could be a lengthy, burdensome and sometimes disappointing task for New Mexico teachers. But thats what they had to do to advance through the licensure levels. As of this month, some of them will have a different option. The state Public Education Department is in the process of rolling out its new micro-credentialing program, which uses online courses teachers can take to advance through levels. Education officials are touting the new system as more manageable and useful than its predecessor, which forced teachers to document and summarize what it looks like to be in their classroom. Sometimes, when they failed, they had to wait months for any feedback about why. It was a really intensive process to do the dossier, interim Director of Educator Quality and Ethics Layla Dehaiman said. Whereas this is intended more to support you as youre growing in the field and as youre practicing becoming a great teacher. The first of those micro-credentials, classroom environment, was made available this month to level one teachers. About 356 have already registered for the first series of micro-credentials, Dehaiman said, and will begin taking the first course by the end of the month. The new system is more financially sustainable for educators, Dehaiman said. Each micro-credential will cost teachers $60, whereas the initial submission fee for the dossier system is $320. There are five micro-credentials in the first series, meaning that all told, the new system will run teachers about $300 only $20 less than the cost of the dossier. But Dehaiman noted that the breakup of the series into five distinct micro-credentials makes the system more manageable, both financially and in terms of commitment, because educators are free to jump in when theyre ready. Advancing to the next level of teacher licensure can bring substantial raises. Under legislation approved by lawmakers earlier this year, the minimum salary of a level two teacher is $10,000 more than that of a starting teacher. The new system also provides instantaneous feedback, Dehaiman said, which was previously a concern expressed by many educators. The micro-credentials will be more interactive, she added, because each will be capped at 20 students. Chris Kenner, a Horizon Academy West third grade teacher, failed the first time she submitted a dossier to advance to level three. But she said she never received feedback on her first attempt until she submitted her second one because of a glitch in the system. Kenner, who helped develop one of the micro-credentials, said the new systems a step up, but noted there were times when she felt the feedback she got was copy and paste, and not always relevant. But some of the feedback was useful, Kenner said, as was the content in the actual courses. As long as youre a good teacher, you should be reflective, she said. Even though I took the micro-credentialing course as a level three teacher I thought it was useful. Each micro-credential, in turn, is made up of five courses, and takes 10 to 16 hours over six to 12 weeks to complete. If theyre taken one after another, the entire series would take about a year and three months to finish. The five micro-credentials each cover a specific skill or area in the teaching profession. They are: classroom environment; multi-layered systems of support, which includes school and family supports; assessment literacy, which covers the processes and principles behind assessments; culturally and linguistically responsive instruction; and family engagement. The dossier system will remain in place through May 2024, so teachers like those who are currently level two and who wont see micro-credentials allowing them to progress to level three until next year can still advance that way. American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Whitney Holland said there were some positives about the new system including the reduced financial burden and the fact that the advancement program is less involved. Still, she was somewhat cautious about the shift. Im excited to see the rollout, she said. Change is always tricky, and I think well hit some learning bumps as it happens, but I think it has the potential to be really exciting for educators. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal The National Park Services Valles Caldera National Preserve in northern New Mexico is known for its lush meadows, streams and elk. This week, Caldera Action, WildEarth Guardians and Western Watersheds Project filed a notice of intent to sue federal agencies over alleged illegal cattle-grazing on the land. Cyndi Tuell, the Western Watersheds Projects New Mexico director, said the cattle are entering the preserve through damaged fences and trampling sensitive habitat. But the real issue is theyre getting in there and no one is making anyone get them out, Tuell said. Theyre just being allowed to stay for the entire grazing season. The groups list the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the notice. Cattle are wandering from nearby Santa Fe National Forest grazing allotments. The federal government bought that place so that we could have high-quality hunting and fishing country, and have a restored habitat the one piece of high country in northern New Mexico that doesnt have cows on it, said Tom Ribe, director of the Caldera Action group. I dont think thats extreme. Area residents counted as many as 160 cattle grazing on the land last weekend. Dave Krueger, chief of interpretation at Valles Caldera, said that the agency is not commenting on pending litigation. He did say that when NPS rangers receive a report of trespassing cattle, they verify the animals brands and then report that information to the Forest Service, which will contact the permittees. Weve been working on our fencing and we have not had any cattle on the southern part of our park this year, which has been a big win to show that weve secured that fence line, Krueger said. The agency has spent about $350,000 so far repairing the boundary fence, which the Forest Service will maintain once its finished. The Park Service last did a cattle roundup on the Valles Caldera in 2017. We had a wonderful break at the StayVista property, Vintage Hideaway in Goa, a century-old heritage estate with all the modern conveniences. This villa, designed in the style of the Portuguese Renaissance, is one of the 500 villas hosted by StayVista. Once inside Vintage Hideaway, you'll be able to instantly connect with the decor and sense its old-school allure. All of the villa's historic monuments including the poster beds, wooden cabinets, tiles, and rugs transported us back to the classic Portuguese era. Meanwhile, all the conveniences you'd expect from a place of this calibre in the current era are actually provided. Air conditioning, television, wireless internet access, a wardrobe, hangers, an iron, a torch, geysers, towels, toilet paper, medical supplies, mosquito spray, games, a bar, a library, a pool, and secure parking for at least four cars are all part of the package. The employees at the villa greeted us with warm smiles and coconut water as soon as we checked in, which was a lovely touch. We rested for a while and then set out to explore the surroundings. There are a total of 5 baths and 4 bedrooms at Vintage Hideaway, with 2 bedrooms located on the ground floor and 2 bedrooms located on the first floor. The property is spacious enough for a family reunion with ten or twelve people. The best thing is that the property allows pets. Even though the caretaker isn't present throughout, he or she can be easily reached via phone. There is plenty of space in the living room, dining area, kitchen, and bathrooms. The large green lawn and unique swimming pool make it easy to organise and carry out your evening plans. A gas stove, fridge, water purifier, toaster, and mixer-grinder are all available in the kitchen. As a group, you can use the kitchen to cook your own meals at no extra cost. We did the same, and the facilities provided, including the glassware, cutlery, and cooking utensils, were all of very high quality. The bedroom's view of the woods was its best feature. The atmosphere was quite pleasant. Speaking of meals, guests can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at this facility. Naturally, the crew cooked delicious, varied, and abundant meals that satisfied everyone's appetites. The venue's location is superb, making it convenient for visitors to arrive by car, train, or plane. The neighbourhood had an airy feel because of the tranquil rivers, singing birds, and lapping waves that surrounded it. We had a lot of fun swimming, playing cards, carrom, and ludo, and taking a peaceful walk to look at nature. The adjacent Candolim Beach, Anjuna Market, Fort Aguada Lighthouse, and Grand 7 Casino are just a few of the sights and activities that will make your trip to Goa one to remember. My time at StayVista's Vintage Hideaway was very remarkable. We had a great time, but the streamlined experience we had with StayVista has us eager to explore more of their locations across the country. For booking and traffic please visit stayvista We are living in hypersensitive times. Freedom of expression a right given to every Indian citizen by the Constitution of India ensures that everyone has an equal say, is able to voice their opinion on different matters, is free to convey their thoughts in a judicious manner, without prejudice and malice. Going by the strong opinionated troll army on social media today and the ramifications of the vitriol that they spread, it seems that this Freedom of Expression has been stretched in the wrong direction. It has become My say or the highway. We have been seeing ample examples of this for some time now. Of course, not every social media outburst is counter-productive. Voices raised against the increasing cases of assault on women and children, price rise, unemployment, regressive thinking, toxic patriarchy and, of course, nepotism and drug abuse in Bollywood, have led to some positive developments. But the fringe armies and the mob mentality on social media are now beginning to impact free thought of creators. We have seen films, ad campaigns and all manner of creative art face the collective backlash of this largely anonymous entity whether just or unjust. Particularly in 2022, we have seen several Bollywood films face the #boycott phenomenon for reasons as varied as the people criticising them from something an actor said a long time ago, to regressive content, to offending religious sentiments, to being historically incorrect, you name it and the reasons have been recounted. Laal Singh Chadha, Samrat Prithviraj, Brahmastra, as well as the entire controversy created over the upcoming film Adipurush all have faced this #boycott army. Earlier, one would recall the Karni Sena and how they forced the makers of Padmavati to change the name of the film to Padmavat and also make changes in the films story. The ad angle Ad campaigns, too, have not been spared by this troll army. The latest instance has been that of AU Small Finance Bank, whch featured Aamir Khan and Kiara Advani as a newly married couple entering their new home. Khan is shown walking into the house first ahead of the bride. This was heavily criticised as going against the Hindu tradition of the bride entering the house first and bringing in prosperity and blessings to her new home. Dont mess with my religion, my political beliefs, my traditions, the societal order; dont tell me how to celebrate festivals these are the messages that are emanating out of tweets, feeds, Reels and every manner of social media means of expression. Not that long ago, we saw an innocuous Surf Excel ad featuring a Hindu girl helping her Muslim friend out on Holi being vilified as insensitive to a certain section and even termed as love jihad! A Tanishq ad showing a Muslim family celebrating the baby shower for their Hindu bahu was also heavily trolled. Another Tanishq ad around Diwali, which had women share about how they are celebrating the festival of lights, was also slammed on social media, with people saying, dont tell us how to celebrate our festivals. Such was the hatred around these campaigns that Tanishq was forced to withdraw both of them. In the case of the Diwali ad, there were media reports on some Tanishq outlets being attacked by mobs. Incidentally, AU Small Finance Bank has also withdrawn it ad featuring Aamir Khan, ironically called Badlav humse hai. Ad industry in these hypersensitive times What does all this augur for the advertising industry, for which unfettered creative thinking and execution is its very soul? Will it succumb to this boycott brouhaha? Irreverence, quirkiness, thinking out of the box, challenging outdated myths and stereotypes ad campaigns have been led by creative thought processes that convey the brand message in a relevant and memorable way. One still remembers the ads by Italian clothing brand Benetton, most of which thrived on controversial imageries and tended to shock and awe a white child dressed up as an angel, while the black child is made up to look like the devil; the photo of a dying HIV positive patient; a priest kissing a nun while both are in habit; news images of violence and bloodshed; Pope Benedict XVI and imam Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb shown kissing (which was part of Benettons Unhate series of ads). The Pope ad was withdrawn after massive protests and legal action by the Vatican. We cannot even think of any Indian brand or ad agency willing to experiment with that level of controversial ads. The question here is not about creating controversy as an ad strategy, but seemingly non-controversial and innocuous ad campaigns getting mired in controversy without any intention. Today, one can never be sure whether an ad campaign, created with the best intentions, will end up offending some faction or the other. Fringe armies can rise out of nowhere and create mayhem online and offline. Working amid such uncertain and hypersensitive times makes the work for the creative think tank of brands and ad agencies all the more difficult. When one is more concerned about safeguarding the brand from the troll army and avoiding conflicts with any faction therein begin the curbs on the free creative thought process. Steering away from topics that will lead to problems becomes the diktat topics around religion, politics, history, culture, tradition. Do not question set social norms. As per some media reports, brands and agencies are even going to the extent of getting their ad campaigns ratified by brand consultants and legal experts before releasing them. This brings us to the very important question of will such a safety-first strategy compromise creative integrity of brand campaigns? Will we see a more sanitised approach to campaign strategy? Cybeart, Canadas top gaming chair brand, renowned for producing innovative and next-gen gaming chairs with ultimate comfort levels, has set its foot in India to expand the brands footprints in the country. Originally founded in 2020 during the pandemic to provide a healthier sitting experience for gamers and working professionals, the brand has now grown exponentially with comfort now taking on a completely new meaning, courtesy of Cybearts strong R&D-backed products. Maintaining the temperature despite long hours of usage, patented design innovations, and inbuilt lumbar support for the chairs has not only helped them become popular in Canada but the brand has also created a strong presence in the Middle East region. "Introducing Cybeart to the Indian market has always been my dream due to the deep-rooted connections I have with the country. We can proudly say that comfort now has a new name in Cybeart. Our vision is to change how comfort and ergonomics are perceived and make our presence felt in this market. Being Indias first and only luxury gaming and office chair brand, our main focus is to ensure that our products enrich the daily hustles of life," said Krutik Patel, Founder of Cybeart. A vital part of Cybearts expansion plans in India has been inspired by the various studies that indicate Indias rank among the highest in the world with employees working up to 48 hours a week and these long working hours being connected with posture issues and other health problems. Cybeart chairs have been designed to provide a healthy sitting experience that provides a viable solution to these serious issues. We want to create and fulfil niche brand requirements by providing a sense of relaxation after long working hours. Our well-researched and patented products, which are built from a leather ten times stronger than regular leather, have a mechanism that can be used to recline up to 165 degrees and tilt up to 30 degrees, as well as cold cured foam seats will now go on to back consumers backs in India too, Krutik further added. The brand has also curated products with popular characters from DC Comics, Rick and Morty, Mortal Kombat, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Friends etc., with their multi-year deal with Warner Brothers. With a broad vision for the Indian gaming industry, Cybeart aims to build an ecosystem with best-in-class gaming chairs and other merchandise that will help gamers thrive. With exceptional care and customisation, their gaming products promise to provide gamers with the next level of comfort. Cybeart is going to be a game changer and act as an enabler for the industry by being certified by the worlds top established industry standards such as BIFMA, SGS, and TUV SUD and equipped with next-level features such as 4D PU Padded Armrest, multi-tilt mechanism, supreme leather and adjustable lumbar support. Cybeart stands by the product and provides an unmatchable 5 years extended warranty. Doctor Dreams by Nilkamal Ltd., has rolled out two new brand films for this festive season. The latest campaign, conceptualized by Only Much Louder (OML) intends to educate consumers about the importance of choosing the right mattress and restates its proposition of Happy Sleep, Delivered!. The film encapsulates two stories where characters stay #HameshaChill even in extraordinary situations. The films communicate the product benefits and the brand philosophy with a dash of humor. Doctor Dreams brings to you a whole new way of life. Commenting on the new campaign, Mr. Pinaki Gupta, Senior General Manager Marketing, Nilkamal Ltd. said, At Doctor Dreams we thrive to deliver the best sleep solution to our consumers. Backed by immense research and technology, our mattresses combine comfort with modern day convenience. With our new campaign that coincides with the festive period, we have attempted to entertain our customers while simultaneously encouraging them to be #HameshaChill. We are positive this campaign will connect with our audience. Veena Janaj - Creator Management Division (Writers),OML says, As a talent management agency and a creative house, we have always worked toward highlighting interesting voices like Vishal Dayama and Puneet Chadha. The #HameshaChill campaign by Doctor Dreams has been a step towards that. The campaign is fun, quirky, and as fresh as it gets. Doctor Dreams is creating a comprehensive sleep ecosystem with its host of products, accessories, and softer solutions to aid sleep. Doctor Dreams offers a range of products like Mattress, Pillows, Mattress protector and Beds. Doctor Dreams mattresses have been designed keeping in mind the sleep patterns, body ergonomics and Indias prevalent weather condition. In addition to the world class products, Doctor Dreams has created a host of digital experiences such as the Sleep Journal, Sleep music and Sleep stories. For more details on Doctor Dreams, please visit - https://doctordreams.com/ Plum is an employee health insurance platform that provides health benefits to corporations. The company is on a mission to accelerate the adoption of health insurance in India by making employee health insurance accessible, affordable, and usable for employees. It is re-imagining the health insurance stack and accelerating the penetration of health insurance in India to 100%. Plum aims to reach a milestone of 10 million lives insured by 2025. Today, mental health has become a universal issue pertaining to the workforce, especially those who are under 30. These young employees of various organisations are today seeking support for various issues including burnout, anxiety, anger and severe work pressure. To provide valuable advice and healthy comfort, Plum, as part of their mental wellbeing program, has created a series where they are addressing employees of various organisations and educating them on mental wellness and how to face some of those challenges that one faces in a fast paced and stress bearing life especially post the pandemic. In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Saurabh Arora, Co-Founder-CTO, Head of Healthcare, Plum, speaks about the companys initiative to address mental health of employees at workplaces, its proprietary series Mending, associating with mental health storyteller Tanmoy Goswami, and more. Tell us more about the digital series Mending. Whats the objective of such an undertaking? Mental health is a universal issue especially pertaining to the workforce under 30, who are seeking support for various issues including burnout/ anxiety, anger management and relationship dynamics. Being built on a premise of care, we at Plum consider mental health as a crucial part of employee wellness and as a commitment to it we have created a series of nuanced conversations questioning the status quo of mental health in the workplace; moderated by me and articulated by a lived experience expert Tanmoy Goswami, Founding Editor, Sanity by Tanmoy. Mending is a proprietary series by Plum, where we address workplace mental health issues like hiring therapists, mental health leave, and language at work, amongst other topics. Our objective is to encourage HR leaders to give a fresh thought to decisions, policies, and practices in their organisations related to mental wellness. It is intended to help our target audience understand that workplace policies around mental health require a dialogue with employees. What will be your approach to conduct this series and how do you plan to execute it? Mending is a series of one-on-one conversations between me and Tanmoy, wherein multiple relevant and real-life topics related to workplace mental health are discussed. The video series will be released over several weeks on one of Plums digital properties. We at Plum aim to spread awareness amongst corporations and employees that mental health issues should be better acknowledged and supported. It not only wishes to encourage corporates to cultivate care for their employees, but also equip them to do so. Our Mending by Plum will encompass key themes such as rethinking workplace policies, contesting popular beliefs, and taking more human-centric approaches to workplace wellbeing. Who will be conducting these videos? In our videos for Mending, I will be interviewingTanmoy. These video discussions will serve as an insightful repository of information on topics related to workplace mental health. They are meant to create dialogue between leaders of companies and their teams to enable effective support mechanisms related to workplace wellbeing. How do you plan to measure the effectiveness? Our objective through Mending is to create awareness among corporates about mental health challenges and encourage them to have dialogues with their employees on such topics. We want people leaders across organisations to recognise that re-evaluating internal practices is the first step to appreciate the nuances of mental health. Leaders should introspect from the dual lenses of people and policies. Even within Plum, we are walking the talk and have initiated conversations with our employees to better understand factors influencing their mental health and how we can co-create practices with them to enhance workplace wellbeing for everyone. Kantar India Foundation, part of Kantar, the leading global marketing data and analytics company, is challenging energy poverty by lighting up homes in rural India this Diwali in collaboration with Chirag Rural Development Foundation under their flagship initiative Project Chirag. Through this project, Kantar aims to provide sustainable electrification for 4 villages in Khed and Khalapur, impacting over 1,400 rural citizens of rural Maharashtra. The use of green energy further strengthens Kantars drive towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals Additionally, this project promotes the use of solar power, one of the most viable alternative sources of energy in India. Mere hours from bustling metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Pune, lie thousands of villages in Maharashtra, that drop into darkness after sunset. While our cities come alive after dark, with streetlights casting for safe commutes, and homes with lights allowing families to thrive, some of their rural counterparts continue to be plagued by the lack of sustainable and continuous power. A decade ago, access to conventional electricity was the primary challenge; however, in spite of a number of developmental projects by government and various agencies aimed at electrifying Indias hinterlands, these villages still toil in a vicious cycle of unaffordability and load shedding, amplified by their remoteness and, at times, lack of access. Cyclonic monsoons damage electricity poles and the inability to have connections reinstated post the damage often leaves villages without any source of power for months on end. Women are particularly impacted by this. Every chore must be completed between sunrise and sundown, in addition to several hours being spent every day only to collect water. However, with green energy and development efforts striving to transform the face of our rural landscape, villages are seeing light. In fact, sustainable models to provide the villages with light have been successful in the recent past. Speaking about the partnership, Preeti Reddy, Chairwoman- Insights Division, South Asia at Kantar, said, We are delighted to collaborate with Project Chirag in their mission to light up the remotest locations in India, especially during the Diwali (festive season). Chirag Rural Development Foundations efforts are aligned with Kantars vision of creating a meaningful difference and sustainable solutions for its stakeholders and, particularly for women. We wish the team success in all their endeavors. Sabah Vig, CEO Chirag Rural Development Foundation, said, We are grateful to Kantar for supporting our vision of lighting up lives, particular during this festive season. 11 years and 650 villagers later, we know there is still a long road ahead. Far too many rural Indians survive in darkness. But it is the benevolence of donors like Kantar that understand energy poverty and the need for green energy, that are transforming the socio-economic landscape of our villages, sustainably. With Kantar India Foundations support for Project Chirag, remote locations of Khopevadi, Shendurli, Bhangarwadi and Zhadani will experience a new Diwali with the hope of a brighter tomorrow under the warm glow of solar lamps. Light, after all, isnt just a necessity, but a basic right. Launching in three major India cities, Lufthansas New Horizons campaign seeks to inspire travel from India to major European and North American destinations within the global Lufthansa network. This strategic brand campaign, the first launched in Asia Pacific in three years, encourages Indian travelers to discover new horizons with their families and reaffirms Lufthansas commitment to the growing Indian market. The multimedia campaign, leveraging digital, print, out-of-home, cinematic and Lufthansas earned assets, targets strategic audiences in Delhi, Bombay and Bangalore. With a reported 1% of Indian households accounting for 45% of all air travel, Lufthansa acknowledges the incredible growth potential and thus chose this country for our first brand campaign in the region in three years. Namaste, Dolce Vita. With a projected audience of more than 63m consumers, this six-week campaign reminds consumers that Lufthansa can be a trusted partner for Indian travelers and their families. According to Kathleen de Canha, Head of Marketing, Asia Pacific: With the New Horizons campaign, we are investing in one of the largest growth markets in the Asia Pacific region as we see significant opportunity to develop the affinity Indian travelers have for our brand. George Ettiyl, Senior Director Sales, South East Asia adds: For many years Lufthansa has been Indias first choice when travelling to North America. As Indians are now discovering Europe, we hope to inspire the discerning Indian traveler to explore this region with Lufthansa, Europes leading airline Sebamed, a German Beauty & personal care brand with a legacy of over 50 years, launched yet another insightful campaign Sebamed baby- Jab skin ho paper thin for its baby care portfolio. The integrated campaign takes inspiration from the insight that when babies are born their skin is very sensitive and it requires the highest degree of protection. It further highlights how Sebameds baby portfolio with its pH 5.5 benefits serves as a gold standard for babies right from day one. The TV commercial starts with a series of engaging pictures of newborns delicate skin and poses a thought-provoking question what is safe for such sensitive and paper-thin skin? The advertisement showcases a visual of a pH test on an ordinary soap and then Sebamed baby soap with a perfect pH 5.5. The campaign further highlights how Sebameds products that are made of the highest quality ingredients with benefits of pH 5.5 are best suited for the sensitive skin of a newborn baby. Striking a relatable cord, the film with its compelling tag line Sebamed baby, jab skin ho paper thin encourages all parents to stay curious and reaffirm their choices based on proven scientific facts. Commenting on the same, Shashi Ranjan, Head, Consumer Business shared We are a purpose-driven brand. Truth, transparency and science backed superior product offerings are the basic tenets of our existence. Through the campaign- Jab Skin ho Paper Thin we want to empower our consumers with right information so that they can choose the best for their newborn. Sebamed through its wide portfolio of baby care products made with highest quality ingredients added with pH 5.5 benefits makes the decision-making process easier. We are confident that the campaign will resonate well with our audience. Jaydeep Shah, Marketing Head for Sebamed brands in India said, At Sebamed, we are focused on creating high-quality baby care products backed with robust scientific data. Our goal is to empower consumers with the right knowledge to take care of sensitive skin. While choosing the right products for babys sensitive and paper-thin skin, parents often find themselves in a conundrum on how to make the right decision. This campaign aims to make this process easier for parents by urging them to switch to Sebamed range of baby care products with pH 5.5 that can protect babys delicate skin from day one. Suyash Khyabya, Creative head at The Womb stated, "With every campaign of Sebamed, we empower consumers with new scientific knowledge. And we've developed a brand tone which is affirmative and eye opening. In this baby care campaign, we wanted to highlight the sensitive and paper-thin skin of newborn. We wanted to sharply focus only on the skin and not get lost in the surroundings or cliched fake emotions. Every shot we took, we made sure it looked and felt like a Sebamed shot rather than any competitors. It's a stark yet simple campaign which we're confident will resonate with mothers. Flirting Vision was the production house behind the campaign Shefali Shah is currently on the top of her game with her 5 epic releases Human, Jalsa, Darlings, Delhi Crime 2, and Doctor G being loved and well-received by the audience. This year, the actress has been everywhere. From award functions to movie screenings and promotions, Shefali Shah is the name that has time and again been talked about, both in the industry and amongst the cinephiles. Shefali Shah is one of the biggest stars in India today and she stands solid because she tends to perform as an actor and her charming way of conduct. She is the quintessential actress of this era and no newcomer or an old gold from the industry can match the heights she has been touching lately. Today, the highly anticipated film Doctor G was released and Shefali Shah truly owned every single minute of her screen space. She came, saw and conquered the film with her role as Dr. Nandini Srivastav. She was fantastic and gave a very interesting spin to the film. The actress played a teacher and guide, in Dr Uday's already tough medical life. She tries to teach him about the Male Touch and shows him the way of losing it. Shefali Shah is incredible throughout and watching her play the role so gracefully is certainly a treat. Shefali is a name who is constantly proving her mettle on the screens with her chartbuster performance and while she is receiving all the love from the audience, she is also leaving her imprint on prestigious platforms. On the work front, other than Delhi Crime 2, the actress will be seen in Doctor G along with Ayushmann Khurrana and Rakul Preet Singh. As a recent report by Kaiser Health News (KHN) pointed out, nearly half (47%) of the FDAs 2022 budget came from pharmaceutical industry user fees representing two-thirds of the drug regulation budget, and the work of at least 40% of the FDAs 18,000 employees. The FDA brags that the user fees, along with additional mechanisms at its disposal, merely help expedite drug development and review. Continue reading below the jump. The AofA $10,000 matching gift campaign is underway. PO Box 110546 Trumbull, CT 06611. Donate However, it is questionable whether consumer safety or the pocketbook concerns of the average patient drive much of the FDAs decision-making. Cui bono is Latin for "Who benefits?" It's the sister phrase of "sequi pecuniam/follow the money" and the orphan of "plebes/the people." All roads used to lead to Rome. Today, they lead to chosen industry. There are many sayings about the perils of doing tasks too fast. Haste makes waste. Measure twice, cut once. All cast aside when there is a profit to be made. And it's not the Plebeians who benefit. Today's post is from Children's Health Defense's THE DEFENDER. You can subscribe here . ### Although Americans may not realize it, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decisions loom large in their everyday lives one-fifth of every dollar a U.S. consumer spends goes to a product that the FDA regulates. However, KHN and other critics argue that the 3,000-plus closed-door meetings that take place annually between industry and a captured FDA foster a relationship that is a bit too cozy. During COVID-19, the public learned about the downside of one of the FDAs industry-friendly workarounds the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) discovering that the shortcut not only allowed the FDA to rush unapproved vaccines into American arms but also kept the jabs on the market despite early and widespread safety signals. But the FDAs toolkit of approaches to speed up approvals during ordinary times also deserves scrutiny. For products it deems to be addressing unmet medical needs and serious conditions, the agency can draw on the Orphan Drug Act (1983), Accelerated Approval Program (1992), Priority Review (1992), the Fast Track process (1997) and/or the Breakthrough Therapy designation (2012). Moreover, investigational products often benefit from more than one of these FDA green lights, with 4 of 5 of the New Drug Applications the FDA approves for Fast Track also given Priority Review. According to the experts interviewed by KHN, the push to get drugs approved more quickly using these programs has clear advantages for companies but iffy benefits for consumers. As KHN summed it up, Pharma-Funded FDA Gets Drugs Out Faster, But Some Work Only Marginally and Most Are Pricey. But poor performance and high cost are not the worst outcomes associated with fast-tracking. As even an industry-favorable publication pointed out in 2017, Fast Track and other expedited review programs unnecessarily rush drug approvals without sufficient safety data, with the result that nearly 3 of 5 (57%) Fast-Track-approved drugs end up needing to add black box warnings. In a 2018 article, FDA Repays Industry by Rushing Risky Drugs to Market, ProPublica confirmed that while the FDA may review and approve drugs faster than any other regulatory agency in the world, the aftermath can be deadly. Watching these drug approval trends, a survivor of the disastrous drug thalidomide warned in 2015, We could be returning to a time in which physicians had little way of knowing if their prescriptions would help or harm their patients. Click the covers to order: The Real Anthony Fauci Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health (Childrens Health Defense) by Robert Kennedy, Jr. Pharma-funded mainstream media has convinced millions of Americans that Dr. Anthony Fauci is a hero. Hands down, he is anything but. Lies My Government Told Me by Dr. Robert Malone Available for pre-order now. With contributions from eminent doctors, scientists, and experts in their fields, Lies My Gov't Told Me offers a comprehensive look at the coronavirus pandemicwhere we are today, how we got here, and what's on the horizon. Challenging the mainstream government-pharma-media narrative, the chapters in this book will not only outrage readers but will also inform and give readers hope. Cause Unknown: The Epidemic of Sudden Deaths in 2021 & 2022 by Ed Dowd Available for pre-order now. What is killing young healthy Americans? Edward Dowd, a former Wall Street analyst and BlackRock portfolio manager, examines the epidemic of sudden deaths in America. At the annual National Day ceremony on October 10, Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen pledged to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait, called on Beijing to not resort to war to achieve its goal of reunification with Taiwan, and reiterated the Taiwanese peoples unwavering stance on defending its democracy. Tsais matter-of-fact statements seems to have fallen on deaf ears. In Beijing, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council accused the Tsais administration of kidnapping Taiwans public opinion and inciting confrontation by seeking secession. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned at a press briefing that China will never leave any room for Taiwan secessionist activities. Beijings reactions to Tsais National Days speech came as no surprise. China has long laid out a path for Taiwans future -- namely, a reunification with China, regardless of the will of Taiwans 23 million people, who by a large margin identify themselves as Taiwanese, not Chinese. For China, seizing Taiwan is the ultimate goal. If the planned reunification can be done peacefully, its merely the icing on the cake. And a war with a appropriately timed could be even better, because a nationalistic zeal ignited by a war against Taiwan would make the people in China forget their misery and resentment against the cruelties inflicted upon them by the Chinese government. Beijings Taiwan approach, i.e. peace as bait and force in the making, is consistent with the behavioral pattern of the Chinese Communist Party. Throughout its history, the CCP has never been a peace-loving organization, and the Peoples Republic of China under the CCP has never stopped stirring up conflicts with neighboring countries. Before rising to power in 1949, the CCP twice (1924-1927, and 1937-1945) made peace with the ruling Nationalist Party (KMT) in the form of collaboration. In both initiatives, the CCPs objectives were to utilize the KMTs resources to nourish its own political organization and armed forces, which were in their infancy. And both peace pacts ended ugly when the CCP and its armed forces grew strong enough to undermine and sabotage KMTs implementation of its blueprint for the nation. The second breakup led directly to the three-year Civil War and the subsequent ouster of the KMT from the mainland. The CCP has continued practicing the same old bait-exploitation trick to this day. The Soviet Union, which nurtured the CCP and was the sole patron during the first decade of the PRCs existence, was the first to be bitten by its vicious little brother, who had grown strong enough to claim for the leadership of the world communism revolution after the Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s. The United States, which led the capitalist world in pulling China out of the economic ruin left by Mao Zedong and helped China grow into the world second largest economy, became the latest victim of Communist Chinas time-tested exploitative practice. It turned out that the CCP has always regarded the U.S. as its biggest enemy, even during the U.S.-Sinos honeymoon years in the 1980s-1990s. In all three relationships, the CCP-PRC followed a clear agenda to exploit the goodwill of the unsuspected hosts, while waiting for the opportune moment to expel the rightful owner and take over the assets. In between the Soviet-Sino and U.S.-Sino fallouts, the CCP-PRC managed to engage in numerous territorial clashes and carried out two large-scale invasions (of India in 1962 and of Vietnam in 1979). The pretexts were very similar to what Putin uses today for his Special Military Operation in Ukraine. When it comes to Chinas reunification with Taiwan scheme, the peaceful approach is nothing but an implementation of the deceptive hide capacities and bide time strategy, which was designed by former supreme leader Deng Xiaoping to buy time for China in order to accumulate strength for the ultimate goal of dominating the world order. It is thus perceivable that once the CCP-PRC feels strong enough to take Taiwan at will, it would ditch the peace disguise and resort to military force without waiting any longer. It is the same script that the CCP-PRC has followed since its first day in existence. This assessment is confirmed by President Xi Jinpings opening speech at the CCPs 20th Congress on this month. We will never promise to renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary. Xi said. The complete reunification of our country must be realized and it can without a doubt be realized. China is impatiently waiting for the time of taking Taiwan by force to arrive. Given the track record of the CCP-PRCs domestic and international dealings, that President Tsais call for peace would generate a resonance among the CCPs leaders in Beijing this time around is just as likely as seeing snowfall on a tropical beach. China submits only to steel resolve and swift actions. Kindness, generosity, and reasoning are interpreted as weakness and vulnerability. They invite nothing but exploitation and aggression. President Tsais goodwill call is unlikely to receive a reciprocal response from Beijing. Given Chinas historical pattern of domestic and international dealings, Taiwans peace call might invite more aggressive reactions from China. History has shown that Beijing only understands and respects strength and forceful actions. For Taiwan, peace with China cannot be obtained through wishful thinking only, but must be backed by the ability to deliver decisive strikes whenever necessary. Image: Garoth Ursuul Donald Trump is still the most popular politician in America. Despite the best efforts of a Deep Statesupporting, fake newspeddling, globalist-puppeteering Axis of Evil dedicated to his disposal, President Trump still stands. That any man could be so continuously pummeled by the corrupt efforts of America's criminal (in)justice system, sociopathic officeholders, shady spies for hire, and propaganda-spewing press and yet rise with such vim and vigor is a sight to see! Courage and resilience in the face of unrelenting torment and scorn tend to galvanize those witnessing the bloody spectacle to the sufferer's cause. To remain undefeated while the torturers' whipping arms become weak and weary inspires legions to remain undefeated, too. How do great and powerful systems come toppling down? When one man stands fearlessly before the rot and rancidness with a giant mirror and says, "Look at what you've become." Obama's RINO friend Paul Ryan made a bit of news this last week by confidently predicting that Donald Trump would not be the Republicans' 2024 presidential nominee. The former do-nothing speaker of the House finds it preposterous that primary voters would choose Trump over so many more attractive candidates unburdened by his personal baggage, as if that were not the exact same argument Establishment Saboteurs made against him in 2016. As Yogi Berra would say, "it's deja vu all over again." To the unending surprise of a great number of card-carrying RINO-crats, neither Jeb Bush nor any of the other "approved" globalists running in 2016's All-Star class of candidates sailed to victory. Far from enjoying the presidential perks of a second term today, Ol' Jeb is right now tossing bread crumbs into a pond of mallard ducks, sadly asking just one to "please, quack." President Trump won fifteen million more votes in 2020 than any other Republican candidate in history and did so with the greatest support from black and Hispanic Americans in sixty years. He has reconstituted the old and irrelevant Republican Party into something new and exciting that directly appeals to workers, parents, the religious faithful, and patriotic Americans of every color and creed. He is the standard-bearer of an imaginative and daring path forward for America in the twenty-first century. Wherever he goes today, thousands line up for hours to hear him speak. He is the single most important endorsement in the 2022 midterm election cycle. He leads every poll pitting him in a hypothetical matchup against the decrepit Manchurian candidate currently installed in the White House. For Americans who want to see him complete what he already began and for those who demand justice for the tainted, fraud-filled 2020 election, he is the only choice who will do in 2024. Yet, having "learned nothing and forgotten nothing," Paul Ryan and his dodo flock of extinct, flightless birds still haven't got a clue. Trump embarrasses the "elites" who have wretchedly constructed our very un-American "ruling class." When backstabbing Ryan, Mittens Romney, McTurtle, Sassy-pants, or any of the other NeverTrump Chumps speaks of the "Great MAGA King," every one of them does so with a derision rolling off his tongues that says, "How could anybody support this bourgeois philistine? He's just so gauche and unrefined and barely housebroken!" There was a short minute when I used to mistake this haughty, upper-class demeanor for pure snobbery, until I considered some of the RINOs' favorite bedfellows. Bill Clinton has been credibly accused of rape and tarnished the Oval Office with his vertigo-inducing philandering. Hillary absconded in the middle of the night with the White House china, paintings, and other historic antiques. Joe Biden can't keep from sniffing little girls. Barack Obama's unfamiliarity with basic American history is so calamitous that he pronounces the p in "corpsman," once bragged about having visited all "57 states," and claimed repeatedly yet preposterously that Islam is "woven into the fabric" of the United States' founding. Yet George W. Bush considers Bill and Hillary kin, claims Michelle Obama (whose husband used "W" as a scapegoat for eight years) as his best friend, and has never seemed squeamish around pedophile-ish, Justice Thomaslynching, inveterate liar Uncle Joe. No, Donald Trump doesn't embarrass the "elites" because they perceive him as tacky or unrefined. Their distress has nothing to do with his fondness for gold-plated furnishings, long red ties, or big buildings adorned with his name. They do not care that he is loud and boisterous, down-to-earth, or salty with his language. President Trump humiliates them by simply refusing to bend the knee. And he terrifies them by choosing to stand taller when they wish him to fall for good. For decades, the Uniparty Establishment that quietly conquered America by occupying D.C. insisted that all of America's problems were too complex to remedy. Tens of millions of illegal aliens rampaging through the southern border? America's blue-collar workforce left desolate after international "free" trade "deals" hollowed out manufacturing towns across the country? An insidiously creeping totalitarianism wafting over the land in the guises of "political correctness" and other obscene, destructive Marxist claptrap used to whittle down free speech and incinerate family, civic, and religious institutions? A rising China gaining dominance at Americans' expense? The Establishment "Elite" looked around and said, "Sorry, America, there's just nothing we can do. It's best you accept the inevitable and maybe hurry up and die." Donald Trump looked around and said, "What are you doing? Are you crazy?" You can't have a nation without borders, and you can't claim to be a superpower if those borders aren't controlled. You can't possibly have America's national security at heart if all of the nation's hydrocarbon energy and manufactured goods come from overseas powers often hostile to the United States. You can't possibly claim to want all Americans to do well, if you are committed to stealing their jobs and handing them to our geopolitical foes. You can't possibly wish for Americans to prosper if you dumb down their public education and replace it with race-baiting gobbledygook and gender-bending nonsense. You can't possibly defend Americans from harm when you let China and other narco-terrorist States flood our streets with fentanyl. You can't possibly keep innocent Americans safe by releasing criminals and handcuffing police. You can't possibly wish for international peace if you're constantly engaging in endless, questionable wars. You can't possibly expect American success over the next century without energy independence, sound money, and an end to Washington quid pro quo money-laundering and boondoggle spending. Because no secret puppeteer operating from the shadows owns him, Donald Trump spoke clearly and honestly, and Americans, hearing the truth for the first time in years, liked what he had to say. What is more, even while being endlessly hounded in office, Trump proved that borders could be protected, Main Street could prosper, America could become energy independent, and that peace could be achieved through the projection of Americans' collective economic strength. Lower crime, lower illegal immigration, greater middle-class wealth, and relative global peace proved that Trump is right and that the "elites" are hopelessly wrong. One reason I like Trump is because I despise his enemies, and one reason I despise Biden is because he's in love with our enemies. You cannot serve effectively as an American president if you hate Americans. You cannot fight the growing threat of American communism with milquetoast Mcconnellism as your broken sword. You cannot be polite and quiet and hope to beat back the Marxist hoards already despoiling America from within the gates and bloodying Americans with nasty blows. You have to fight back hard. President Trump embarrasses the "elites" precisely because he is willing to expose them for who they really are. Image: PAHomepage.com via YouTube, CC BY 3.0. (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 20 - Italian police on Thursday seized some 50 million euros from a Mafia lifer who was continuing to run Sicilian transport companies from his prison cell in Siracusa. Among the assets seized from Nardo clan member Filadelfo Emanuele Ruggeri were two lots of land, 244 trailers, six luxury cars and several bank accounts. Police said Ruggeri ran two large transport companies in the province of Siracusa via relatives. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 20 - Brothers of Italy (FdI) leader Giorgio Meloni has warned that the government she intends to lead will back the line of NATO and the Western alliance or it will not take office at all after her alliance partner, Forza Italia (FI) chief Silvio Berlusconi, made controversial comments on the war in Ukraine. On Tuesday an audio of him telling FI lawmakers that he had re-established ties with his old friend Vladimir Putin, with the exchange of gifts and "sweet" letters, caused a furore. The storm grew bigger on Wednesday when a fresh recording was released in which Berlusconi suggested Volodymyr Zelensky's actions had forced Moscow's invasion of its neighbour and casts doubts about the policy of giving aid to Kyiv. Late on Wednesday, Meloni, whose party was the driving force of the right-wing coalition's victory in last month's general election, issued her ultimatum, saying Italy must never be "the weak link of the West". In a statement, Berlusconi said his comments had been taken out of context, stressing that his position and that of FI do not differ with that of the government. FI Coordinator and former European Parliament President Antonio Tajani is set to attend a meeting of the European People's Party (EPP) on Thursday and he has said he will "confirm my and FI's full support of Kyiv". Tajani had been expected to be named foreign minister in Meloni's government but opposition parties have said he should not get this post given what the FI leader has said about the war in Ukraine. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 20 - President Sergio Mattarella on Thursday started a round of formal consultations on the formation of a new government after last month's general election, which was won by an alliance led by Giorgia Meloni's right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party. The consultations began on Thursday morning with talks with the Senate Speaker Ignazio La Russa and Lower House Speaker Lorenzo Fontana. Mattarella will meet the opposition parties separately later on Thursday - the Green-Italian Left group, the centrist Azione-Italia Viva partnership, the 5-Star Movement (M5S) and the centre-left Democratic Party. On Friday the parties of the a Meloni's coalition, which also includes ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia and Matteo Salvini's League, will go together as a unit to have their meeting with the head of State. There had been doubts about whether the right-wing allies would take part in the consultations as a united bloc following tension between Meloni and Berlusconi over the government team. But Berlusconi has confirmed that FI will not take part in the talks separately and will ask Mattarella to give Meloni a mandate to form a new government along with the rest of the alliance. She may get the mandate on Friday evening. (ANSA). Ukraine says threat 'growing' of new offensive From Belarusian territory (ANSA-AFP) - KYIV, OCT 20 - Kyiv said Thursday increasingly hostile statements from Belarus and Russia and the deployment of a joint force signalled a "growing" threat of an offensive launched by Moscow from Belarus, north of Ukraine. This comes after the creation of the new force between Minsk and Moscow, tasked with defending the Belarusian borders, was announced last week. "The aggressive rhetoric of the military-political leadership of Russia and Belarus is intensifying," Deputy Chief of the Ukrainian General Staff Oleksiy Gromov said during a briefing. "The threat of the resumption of the offensive by the Russian armed forces on the northern front is growing," Gromov said. An offensive could be launched "to the west of the Belarusian border, to cut the main logistical arteries for the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine" from countries west of Ukraine, including from Poland. (ANSA-AFP). Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved EU summit draft changes, 'work on price cap to progress' 'Temporary dynamic price corridor' among measures (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, 20 OTT - The European Council has urged the Council and Commission to urgently move forward work on a number of measures based on proposals made by the Commission, evaluating their impact and taking into account different energy mixes and national circumstances, according to a draft of conclusions of the EU Council, which was once again modified during the night as an agreement of EU leaders on a gas price cap remains far. The revised draft of summit conclusions cited among measures a "temporary dynamic price corridor" on natural gas transactions to immediately curb prices. The text could be changed again. In his address at the EU Council, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended the 'shield' worth 200 billion euros launched by Germany to halt gas prices in his country: France, Italy and Spain have also created similar packaged, the chancellor said in the Bundestag. "We set up our shield knowingly to cover for the next two and a half years, and also to be ready for the next winter", he said. He added that the 200 billion euros during this time correspond to about 2% of the country's GDP. "It is the same order of dimension of packages of measures that have been or are being assembled also elsewhere in Europe: in France, in Italy or in Spain". (ANSAmed). Energy: Spain-France agreement for 'green corridor', Sanchez Gas now, hydrogen in future. New Barcelona-Marseille pipeline (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, 20 OTT - Spain, Portugal and Barcelona have reached an agreement for energy connection between the Spanish peninsula and France, abandoning the project of a gas pipeline across the Pyrenees in favor of a new connection between Barcelona and Marseille, a green corridor that will be able to bring hydrogen in the future but will now be used for gas, Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez has said. "Spain has a regasification capacity that can deal with requests of solidarity", he explained. The interconnection will be dual and the peninsula will receive electricity from France. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that in December he will travel to Spain to finalize a new energy project with Spain and Portugal. "This morning - said Macron - we held a meeting with Spain and Portugal on interconnections and we closed a joint political agreement that provides for the abandonment of the historic project MidCat to promote a project on which we will work in the coming weeks" to "connect the Spanish peninsula and build a corridor of green energy between Portugal, Spain, France and the rest of Europe". "The objective - he added - is to work on an intensification of our electrical interconnection and to work on a hydrogen and renewable energy interconnection between Barcelona and Marseille", he stressed, noting that the project is "an important element of solidarity". (ANSAmed). France: last day of Charlie Hebdo, Hyper Cacher trial starts Main defendant Riza Polat says he is 'not a terrorist' (ANSAmed) - PARIS, 20 OTT - Ali Riza Polat, who is on trial in France over his alleged role in attacks carried out in January 2015 against satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and Kosher supermarket Hyper Cacher, proclaimed once again his innocence on Wednesday, the last day of the appeals trial over the attacks in Paris. "I am not a terrorist", the 37-year-old French-Turkish defendant told judges of the special Court of Assizes. Prosecutors have requested a life sentence for him over his alleged central role in preparations for the attacks that caused 17 deaths between January 7 and 9, 2015, including providing weapons to the jihadists. He has denied the allegations during the trial. In December 2020, Ali Riza Polat was sentenced by a court of first instance to 30 years in jail for aiding and abetting in the attacks committed by Amedy Coulibaly (Hyper Cacher) and the Kouachi brothers (Charlie Hebdo). Only two of the 11 defendants who were convicted by the court of first instance appealed the sentence. The other defendant, Amar Ramdani, 41, has been on trial with Ali Riza Polat since September 12. Prosecutors have requested a 20-year jail term against him on charges of criminal association of a terrorist nature over his alleged complicity with Coulibaly. (ANSAmed). Israel: bipartisan disdain over settlers' attack on soldiers Violence must be condemned, reported, army says (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, 20 OTT - An attack carried out by some settlers in the West Bank against Israeli soldiers who were attempting to disperse a violent demonstration near Nablus has sparked bipartisan condemnation in Israel. During the demonstration, the settlers threw rocks at Palestinian cars. "The soldiers - the army explained - were violently attacked by civilians who used pepper spray against the commander of the unit, another soldier and, later, against others". "Violence against soldiers - the army denounced - is a criminal act and must be condemned and reported". Premier Yair Lapid described the attackers as "dangerous criminals"; the leader of the opposition Benyamin Netanyahu did the same, asking that demonstrators be brought to justice. Police said a youth was arrested. The youth - who was in the army for his military service, according to Haaretz - allegedly used a settlers' car to flee the site. (ANSAmed). Tunisia confirms that parents of lone migrant girl arrested Four-year-old travelled to Lampedusa on her own on migrant boat (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, 20 OTT - As revealed on Wednesday by Tunisian lawmaker Majdi Karbai to ANSA, the parents of a four-year-old who reached Lampedusa on her own after a 30-hour-long trip on a boat full of migrants and refugees have been arrested in Tunisia and are currently under pre-trial detention in prison, a Tunisian national guard spokesman has confirmed. The spokesman, Houssem Eddine Jebabli, told local radio Shems Fm that the father has been charged with "criminal association to leave Tunisia's territory illegally". According to the same source, the father allegedly paid 24,000 dinars for a trip for his family of four. Tunisian prosecutors questioned the parents and then issued two pre-trial detention warrants for the child's father and mother. Jebabli said "human trafficking" charges could be pressed against the parents because the father allegedly handed his daughter over to a human trafficker. (ANSAmed). The advertising regulator is to crack down on hot air environmental claims amid consumer confusion around terms such as carbon neutral and net zero. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the public remained wary of green washing by companies and signalled it would consider increased enforcement action to ensure consumers are not misled by brands attempting to boost their environmental credentials. A study by the ASA found broad consumer engagement on environmental issues which influenced their understanding of related advertising claims. However it found that consumers have a low overall understanding of environmental claims used by advertisers, and can tend to cynicism around brands trying to promote their environmental achievements. Offsetting claims such as carbon neutral and net zero are currently the primary source of confusion and misunderstanding. The ASA indicated that simplifying and standardising these definitions, alongside electric and hybrid vehicle claims, was key to providing clarity and policing of their usage by independent bodies. The watchdog said advertising could play an important role in helping consumers make informed choices, and it was important that the environmental claims they see and hear were truthful, responsible and treated them fairly. There are currently no official definitions for terms such as carbon neutral or net zero and no fixed rules for how businesses should achieve these goals. The ASA said there was concern that some methods of achieving carbon neutrality or net zero were not as robust as they could be. It is to update its guidance on such claims before the end of the year before carrying out a six-month monitoring period. It has also pledged to take proactive action immediately to crack down on unqualified claims that are likely to breach existing rules. The findings come a day after the ASA banned two posters for HSBC advertising the banks green initiatives but omitting information about the banks own contribution to carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions. The ASAs director of complaints and investigations, Miles Lockwood, said: Our research shows that there is consumer confusion about the meanings and the evidence behind carbon neutral, net zero and ad claims for hybrid and electric vehicles. It also suggests there is a need for them to be simplified and standardised. All of which signals that while the UK public buy in to companies doing the right thing on the environment, they remain wary of greenwashing. Well act on these findings: updating guidance; sharing with Government and partners; reviewing the evidence and taking enforcement action where necessary; to ensure environmental claims arent just hot air. The Mobo Awards will return to London for a special 25th anniversary celebration on November 30, it has been announced. The annual event, which celebrates and elevates black music in the UK, will take place at the OVO Arena Wembley this year. In recent years the show has honoured trailblazing artists including Dave, Ghetts, Headie One, Central Cee, Aitch, and 2022 Mercury Prize winner Little Simz. In recent years the show has honoured trailblazing artists including 2022 Mercury Prize winner Little Simz (Jacob King/PA) The inaugural Mobo Awards took place in 1996 at Londons Grand Connaught Rooms, and the trophies are now considered one of the highest accolades in UK music. Mobo founder Kanya King praised the incredible journey that the event has been on since its inception. Its a proud moment to see Mobo Awards return to London for our big 25-year milestone, which will see us celebrating our legacy, as well as paying it forward to the biggest stars of the scene, she said. Twenty-five years ago I put my house and sanity on the line to make the first Mobo Awards happen at the Connaught Rooms, and what an incredible journey it has been. Mobo founder Kanya King praised the incredible journey the awards show has been on in the 25 years since its inception (Jonathan Williams/PA) Mobo continues to rise and create a cultural and social footprint, it will continue to be an agent for positive change in arts, culture, music and society as a whole. Via our Mobolise career development platform we aim to create meaningful change, opportunities and equality in the workplace, to level the playing field at entry level all the way up to the boardroom, but there is still work to be done. Meanwhile, our 25th anniversary show will be the biggest celebration we have ever created. I want Mobo to continue being a beacon for the best talent this country has to offer. Heres to the next 25 years! More details of broadcasting, nominees, performers and hosts will be announced in due course, with tickets for the event going on sale on Friday October 21 at 9am. Oil and gas production in the North Sea should be boosted in the coming years through a number of measures, the regulating body has recommended. In a report released on Thursday, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has said drilling activity remained low in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels. It comes after the NSTA said it would expand oil and gas licences, a move which is facing a legal challenge from climate campaigners. The Wells Insight Report said production totalled 480 million barrels in 2021, compared with 600 million in 2019. The NSTA said some wells should be restored (Jane Barlow/PA) However, the licensing round and new wellbores were expected to increase future production. The NSTAs head of technology, Carlo Procaccini, said: Amid the energy crisis, it is vital that North Sea industry works quickly to secure additional supplies of oil and gas, produced as cleanly as possible. That means drilling more new wells and restoring those which can be repaired. The NSTA is working with industry on a number of fronts to support this work. Oil and gas production in the North Sea could be boosted in the coming years through a series of measures we have recommended in our new Wells Insight Report. Find out more: https://t.co/I4kp3xhRk7 #EnergySecurity @beisgovuk pic.twitter.com/RmQZmy0WJi North Sea Transition Authority (@NSTAuthority) October 20, 2022 Part of that involves sharing data, such as those presented in this report, and benchmarking to keep industry better informed on wells performance and priority areas. The high price of oil this year has led to accelerated development of 30 projects which target 1.5 billion barrels of oil, the report noted. The NSTA has called on the industry to restart production at some wells where it has stopped. Some operators are facing logistical constraints on platforms or problems with their supply chains. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will chair the second summit with energy industry leaders in less than two months on Thursday. It comes as the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced on Monday that the energy price guarantee, which effectively capped energy prices for two years, will instead last for just six months with a more targeted approach taking its place next year. The August meeting included charities, energy suppliers such as Scottish Power, E.ON and OVO Energy, and also the Poverty Alliance and Energy Action Scotland. In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Scottish Government said: The Scottish Government is working hard within its limited powers and finite budget to support people, businesses, public services and the economy. Tomorrow (Thursday October 20), the First Minister will host a second summit with energy companies and advice organisations to discuss progress and identify any further action we can take to support households and businesses with the energy cost crisis. Mr Hunt, addressing the nation on Monday as he scrapped most of the Prime Ministers economic initiatives said: This is a landmark policy supporting millions of people through a difficult winter and today I want to confirm that the support we are providing between now and April next year will not change. But beyond that, the Prime Minister and I have agreed it would not be responsible to continue exposing public finances to unlimited volatility in international gas prices. Campaigners have worried the change could leave households facing a cliff edge in their energy bills after April. Sir Keir Starmer demanded a general election now after Liz Truss quit, and said Labour is very prepared with a manifesto ready to go. In the wake of Ms Trusss resignation as Tory leader after a chaotic 44 days in office, the Labour leader said: After 12 years of Tory failure, the British people deserve so much better than this revolving door of chaos. He said the Conservatives do not have a mandate to put the country through yet another experiment and that the British public deserve a proper say on the countrys future. The Tory party will now scramble to find a replacement for Ms Truss, with that person to become its third leader in two months. Sir Keir said: There is an alternative and thats a stable Labour government and the public are entitled to have their say and thats why there should be a general election. If that does happen, Labour is primed, he said. Theres a manifesto that is going to be ready whenever an election is called, Sir Keir told the BBCs Newscast podcast. Ive had a team working on that. Ive had a team working on general election preparedness. Weve moved our teams on to a general election footing. And Ive got in place all the grids I need for a general election. So were very, very prepared should there be a general election. On speculation that Boris Johnson could attempt a comeback, Sir Keir said the former prime minister was unfit for office. Lets remember that it was three months ago pretty much that he resigned in disgrace, he said. So if theyre going to go from this experiment, this chaos, this economic damage, (and) wind back three months to a man who was deemed to be unfit for office, I think that only adds insult to injury for the public (who will be) knocking on the door saying, Hang on, why cant we have a say on this? Hours earlier, before Ms Trusss resignation, Sir Keir used his address at the annual Trades Union Congress (TUC) conference in Brighton to lambast the pathetic squabbles in her Government. The speech came after a calamitous day for Ms Trusss premiership which saw a cabinet minister resign and an open revolt in the Commons. Sir Keir began his speech by making reference to the chaos in Westminster. With everything going on, Im a bit nervous to turn my phone off for half an hour or 45 minutes, he said. We really dont know what will have happened by the time we turn it back on. He said the events in Parliament the evening before had been even by their standards, a new chaotic low. Sir Keir said that his own sister, a care worker, struggles to make ends meet amid the cost-of-living crisis. The Prime Minister is completely out of touch with the reality of the British economy, Sir Keir said. Britain cant afford the Tories chaos. My Labour government will provide the stability and leadership needed. For our economy. For growth. For working people. General Election, now. Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 20, 2022 Working people will not be better off because we make the rich, richer. Its pure dogma the world has moved on from these discredited ideas. And every day the Tories stick to them, is another nail in the coffin of Britains economic credibility Never again can Britain take seriously their claim to be a party of aspiration or sound money. At the same time Sir Keir warned that the damage inflicted on the public finances by Ms Trusss Government would mean that a Labour government would face difficult decisions if it was to restore confidence in the UK economy. BREAKING | Keir Starmer has told #Congress22 that the next Labour government will: End fire and rehireBan zero-hour contractsExtend parental leave Strengthen flexible workingImprove protections for pregnant womenMandatory reporting on ethnicity pay gapsSick pay for all Trades Union Congress (@The_TUC) October 20, 2022 Things are going to be really tough now and during my Labour government, he said, stressing that Labour would be the party of sound money and take no risks with the public finances. When you lose control of the economy, as the Tories have done, you lose the ability to do anything and working people pay the price. That will not happen with Labour, I will not let it. He vowed that a government led by him would put this Tory trickle-down nonsense back in its box once and for all. Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham said Labour must convey a clear and action-based message to show Britons what they can vote for. Warm words are welcome, but we now need a message from Labour that is clear and action-based that shows the country what they can vote for, not just what they should vote against, she said. Former Irish premier Bertie Ahern has criticised Liz Truss, who has resigned as the UKs Prime Minister, describing her stance on the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations as unhelpful. Mr Ahern said he hopes whoever becomes the next prime minister will take a proactive approach to the talks with the EU. The former Fianna Fail leader, one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement, told an Irish parliamentary committee that the Prime Minister had changed on his way through the door of the committee. Whoever the British prime minister is, hopefully they will take a bit of a proactive position, Mr Ahern said. Quite frankly, I didnt think it was helpful what the British Prime Minister of yesterday said, so maybe whoever is there tomorrow might say something different. What she said yesterday was that even if there was negotiations, that what was in the legislation would be the bottom line. Now, I never tried negotiations that declared the bottom line before I went into the negotiation, so thats clearly not going to solve anything. Ms Truss said on Wednesday that she was completely committed to the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and that negotiations with the EU will reflect the same position. The Bill, which would allow the UK Government to effectively tear up parts of the protocol, starts its committee stage in the Lords next week, where it is expected to face stern opposition. The protocol was aimed at avoiding a hard border with Ireland but has created economic barriers on the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, causing resentment and anger among many unionists and loyalists. The dispute has also created an impasse in efforts to form a devolved government administration in Belfast, with the DUP refusing to return to powersharing. Mr Ahern told TDs and senators it would be an awful pity if the UK Government calls an election in Northern Ireland next week. The former taoiseach said it is hard to see much progress being made on the protocol issues before next Fridays deadline. If a Stormont administration is not established by October 28, the UK government has made clear it will fulfil a legislative obligation to call a snap Assembly election December 15 has emerged as the likely date for such a poll The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is saying that hell call an election next week whether thatll happen or not happen, but I think itd be an awful pity, Mr Ahern told the committee. He added: It takes two to tango and if the British Government dont get into the discussions, well, its very difficult to see it (progress being made). Hopefully whoever the next British Prime Minister is, and the officials, hopefully they can get down to real negotiations. But realistically, its hard to see much happening before Friday week. Mr Ahern also told the Good Friday Agreement parliamentary committee in Dublin that restoring devolved government in Stormont will require risk-taking and compromise by all involved. The only way forward is in solutions that work for everybody, he said. That was the spirt at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement and its clear to me that it must be the spirt at the heart of how current difficulties are resolved. Whether one is talking about the Northern Ireland Protocol, the restoration of the Executive and Assembly, legacy or the range of other challenges that we face that will require leadership by everyone. It will require risk-taking by everybody, and it will involve compromise, but just like my generation was able to do nearly a quarter century ago, Im pretty sure that the leaders today will be able to rise to that challenge. Former Irish premier Bertie Ahern has said a border poll on a united Ireland would not have a hope in hell of passing at present. Mr Ahern said work has to be done on how a united Ireland would work both economically and socially before a vote can be held. He added that academic work was under way to examine how that could be achieved. Mr Ahern made the remarks as he addressed an Irish parliamentary committee meeting in Dublin on his role as one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement. There are a whole lot of questions, the former Fianna Fail leader said. How would you bring together An Garda Siochana and the PSNI, how would you bring together the courts? How would you bring together local authorities? How would you bring together the National Health Service and the HSE. Theyre all big questions. But theyre doable. But Mr Ahern cautioned without that work being completed prior to a poll: Ill tell you what the result of the election will be now and I wont charge anything for the advice. It wouldnt have a hope in hell of passing. He added that he thought people would see that it would be illogical to vote for a united Ireland without planning for one being completed. Asked whether a Citizens Assembly might be a way of examining issues relating to a border poll, Mr Ahern said Citizens Assemblies had sorted out thorny issues in Ireland in recent years but he did not believe it was the best option available in this instance. To put the national question that weve been talking about for 100 years into the hands of 100 people. Well, Im not too sure about that, the former Taoiseach said. If I was one of the 100 I might have a different view. But Im not sure I want to hand that over. I think it should be debated within political parties, within civil society. Mr Ahern also told the committee that progress on the Good Friday Agreement had been made due to the work of both the Irish Government and the UK Government. My observation of the evolution of the Northern Troubles from 1969 onwards was that it was only by the two Governments working hand in glove that progress could be made on Northern Ireland, he said. He added that while securing and implementing the Good Friday Agreement was not easy, it has made a huge different. Today, almost 25 years later, we can look back on a generation of peace, a generation in which the guns have been largely silent, a generation in which a life unimaginable over the previous three decades has been possible for everybody in Northern Ireland, he said. To paraphrase John Lennon, peace has been given a chance, and the results have been remarkable. HKSAR chief executive John Lee delivers first policy address Xinhua) 08:26, October 20, 2022 John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivers his first policy address to the HKSAR Legislative Council since taking office in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai) HONG KONG, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivered on Wednesday his first policy address to the HKSAR Legislative Council since taking office. The report covers a raft of policies and measures to boost growth and improve people's livelihood. It aims to boost Hong Kong's competitiveness and start a new chapter for the international financial hub. Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, Lee said. Having direct access to the huge mainland market and strong international connectivity at the same time, Hong Kong serves as a bridge linking the mainland and the rest of the world, he said. Key national strategies including the 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the Belt and Road Initiative provide Hong Kong with unlimited opportunities, said Lee. "In the next five years, I will lead the government team to unite and motivate all sectors of the community, and give full play to our fine traditions of inclusiveness, unity and respect for different viewpoints," he said. "We will make our best endeavor, all for better serving our people and better developing Hong Kong." The report laid out measures to build a solid foundation for security while upholding the principle and leveraging the advantages of "one country, two systems," further improve governance, create strong impetus for growth, earnestly address people's concerns and difficulties in daily life, safeguard harmony and stability, let young people thrive, and combat the COVID-19 epidemic, tell good stories of Hong Kong and scale new heights. "Over the next five years, I look forward to working with you all to build a more promising and united Hong Kong where people enjoy living and working," said Lee. "Together, let us start a new chapter for Hong Kong advancing from stability to prosperity." John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivers his first policy address to the HKSAR Legislative Council since taking office in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai) (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Du Mingming) The business of monarchy continued as usual on the day Liz Truss resigned, with the King holding meetings at Buckingham Palace. Ms Truss said she had spoken to Charles and notified him that she is resigning as leader of the Conservative Party, but she will still have to meet him in person to formally tender her resignation, as is tradition. This will take place immediately before the monarch asks her successor, also in person, to form a government. The King and Moazzam Ahmad Khan (Aaron Chown/PA) On Thursday, Charles held the first credentials presentations of his reign. He met Ukrainian ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko and high commissioner of Pakistan to the UK Moazzam Ahmad Khan. The presentations took place in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace. In these ceremonies, a newly appointed ambassador or high commissioner to the Court of St Jamess presents their letters of credence or high commission known as credentials to the monarch. Credentials presentations take place when a mutually convenient date is found after an ambassador or high commissioner take up their post. Charles also held an audience with the president of the Togolese Republic, Faure Gnassingbe. It is not known when exactly Charles spoke to Ms Truss on Thursday. The King and Vadym Prystaiko (Aaron Chown/PA) He held his weekly audience with her on Wednesday evening at the palace, according to the court circular. When the King held his first weekly audience with Ms Truss on October 13, he welcomed her to the Palace by saying: Back again? Dear oh dear. Ms Truss replied: Its great pleasure. Charles as sovereign plays an important constitutional role in the appointment of a new prime minister. The Royal Encyclopedia states that the appointment of a prime minister is one of the few remaining personal prerogatives of the sovereign. It says that, in the normal course of events, the monarch does not act on advice nor need to consult anyone before calling upon the leader with an overall majority of seats in the House of Commons to form a government. The King meeting Liz Truss during their weekly audience at Buckingham Palace (Kirsty OConnor/PA) But the monarch is guided by constitutional conventions and can seek advice from the outgoing prime minister, any other political leader, senior privy counsellors, or whomever they please within the limits of prudence and caution. Meanwhile, credentials are part of the Kings work on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The letters are addressed to the King, asking him to give credence to the new ambassador or high commissioner in other words confirming that the King can trust the new appointment to speak on behalf of their country. Credentials typically take place on a regular basis, as there are more than 170 ambassadors and high commissioners based in London at any given time, and each one of them will have an audience with the King shortly after taking up the role. They will often bring members of their family to the occasion. After the presentation of the credentials, the King and the visiting party will then speak informally for the rest of the audience. Often the emphasis is on issues of the day in the home country of the ambassador or high commissioner. In March, the King and Queen Consort then the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall lit candles and left floral tributes at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London as they acknowledged the plight of the eastern European nation. They were joined by Mr Prystaiko and his wife Inna Prystaiko. On Monday of this week, Charles welcomed refugees from Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan as he learned of efforts to resettle displaced families in Aberdeen. In a reception at the citys Town House, the King met Inna Skvortsova, a Ukrainian woman who arrived in the city in April. She now has a full-time role at the council assisting with the resettlement programme. In August it was revealed that Charles would make a donation to aid charity Islamic Relief to help those affected by the floods in Pakistan, which he said remind us of the fragility of our planet. He also sent a message to the government of Pakistan in which he said: Times like these remind us of the fragility of our planet and the urgent need for humanity to live in harmony with nature. Cardi B exits federal court as proceedings continue in a $5 million copyright infringement lawsuit against her in federal court, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, in Santa Ana, Calif. Kevin Michael Brophy is suing the Grammy-winning musician for allegedly misusing his likeness for her sexually suggestive mixtape cover art in 2016. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) A heated exchange between rapper Cardi B and the lawyer for a man suing her for copyright infringement got so intense Wednesday that the judge briefly stopped the trial. The Grammy winner delivered pointed answers to several questions by attorney A. Barry Cappello, who is representing a man who claims the rapper misused his likeness on the cover of a 2016 mixtape. The testy back-and-forth between the Cappello and the star witness prompted U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney to send jurors out of the Santa Ana, California courtroom and tell both sides he was considering a mistrial. After a break, he called the arguing unprofessional and not productive but allowed questioning to resume placing new restrictions for both sides. Kevin Michael Brophy is seeking $5 million from Cardi B over the appearance of some of his distinctive back tattoos on the mixtapes artwork, which shows a tattooed man from behind with his head between the rappers legs. The rapper said she felt Brophy hadnt suffered any consequences as a result of the artwork, yet has harassed her legally for five years. At one point she said she missed a special moment with her youngest child, who recently turned 1-year-old. I have empathy for people, she said. I care about people. I feel like Im being taken advantage of. I missed my childs first step by being here. Brophy told jurors Tuesday that he felt humiliated by the racy artwork. At one point, Cardi B pointed out that the mans face cannot be seen in the artwork. Capello asked her to calm down, but she instead barked back at the lawyers contention that she knew about photo-editing software used to put Brophys tattoos which have been featured in magazines on another models body. Its not your clients back, she said about the image, which features a Black model. Brophy is white. The rapper said she posted a photo of the famous Canadian model on her social media. Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, said an artist used only a small portion of the tattoos without her knowledge. She had previously said the cover art created by Timm Gooden was transformative fair use of Brophys likeness. Cappello said Gooden was paid $50 to create a design but was then told to find another tattoo after he turned in an initial draft. He said Gooden googled back tattoos before he found an image and pasted it on the cover. Cardi Bs lawyer, Peter Anderson, said Brophy and the mixtape image are unrelated, noting the model did not have neck tattoos, which Brophy does. Its not him, the rapper said. To me, it doesnt look like his back at all. The tattoo was modified, which is protected by the First Amendment. She said the image hasnt hindered Brophys employment with a popular surf and skate apparel brand or his ability to travel the world for opportunities. He hasnt gotten fired from his job, said Cardi B, who implied that the mixtape was not a lucrative one for her. He hasnt gotten a divorce. How has he suffered? Hes still in a surf shop at his job. Please tell me how hes suffered. Brophy, a self-described family man, said he sent a cease-and-desist letter to Cardi Bs representatives to remove the image, but he never received a response. The rapper said she hadnt seen the letter. At one point, Cardi B said she doesnt check her mailbox because thats for old people leading some in the courtroom to chuckle. When Cardi B left the courthouse, she was swarmed by around 30 high schoolers who were attempting to take selfies with her. As the rapper walked toward her vehicle with security, she smiled and waved before telling them she would be more responsive after the trial. Last month, Cardi B pleaded guilty to a criminal case stemming from a pair of brawls at New York City strip clubs that required her to perform 15 days of community service. Earlier this year, the rapper was awarded $1.25 million in a defamation lawsuit against a celebrity news blogger who posted videos falsely stating she used cocaine, had contracted herpes and engaged in prostitution. COVID vaccine uptake has plateaued in many parts of the world, including in the U.S., where 68.1% of the population is fully vaccinated. Among the fully vaccinated, just 49% have gotten their first booster and 39% of those individuals have received their second booster dose. Improving those booster numbers wont be easy, according to Pfizer (PFE) CEO Albert Bourla. In fact, Bourla is anticipating resistance to public health recommendations because of the constantly-evolving virus. The health authorities will make those recommendations while they see what is the severity of the strains that are available, Bourla said at Yahoo Finances 2022 All Markets Summit (video above). But in many cases, I do not expect that people will comply with these recommendations as they did in maybe the first months of the pandemic when people were really scared. Complacency will get in the way, so I see that the volumes of people that will be getting the vaccine will be less. Most health experts have agreed that a yearly COVID booster will be necessary to keep case counts low and minimize the severity of symptoms, much like the flu shot. I think with the right vaccines, we can prevent infections to hospitalizations to deaths and severe diseases, Bourla said. The vaccine has shown that death and hospitalization, the prevention is very high. When it comes to infections, the bar is a little lower. The uptake for flu shots isnt very high either. According to the CDC, just 51.4% of U.S. adults received their flu shot during the 2021-22 flu season, a 0.7% decrease from the prior year. I think that the goal is to bring vaccines so that they can last a year, Bourla said. I think that will simplify things because I believe that people will not be that diligent to do the vaccinations as they are tired of making too many vaccines and they want stability. But if we have a yearly vaccine, which is something that people are used to like the flu, for example, this is something that will take a significant amount of people to be able to get it. The most recent COVID booster became available in September 2022 and specifically targets the Omicron variant, which has proven to be much more evasive of vaccines than previous variants, albeit with milder symptoms. Dr. Mayank Amin draws a COVID booster vaccine targeting Omicron subvariants at Skippack Pharmacy in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, September 8, 2022. REUTERS/Hannah Beier But new subvariants continue to emerge, and some health officials are bracing for another surge in cases this winter. Two new strains so far account for more than 10% of new infections throughout the U.S., which could mean that the newest booster may potentially become less effective over time and force vaccine manufacturers to develop another updated booster, adding to existing COVID vaccine fatigue. "That's the thing that's so frustrating for me and for my colleagues who are involved in this is that we have the capability of mitigating against this," White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told CBS News. "And the uptake of the new bivalent vaccine is not nearly as high as we would like it to be." All that said, Bourla is optimistic that Pfizer (and perhaps other vaccine manufacturers) will be able to tackle any changes in the virus though he admitted that COVID-19 will likely be around for a long time. Unfortunately, this virus is very nasty and makes a lot of variations, so I think although nobody knows, most scientists are in agreement that for the years to come, the virus will be around us, Bourla said. But we are lucky because we have a vaccine that can adapt. Adriana Belmonte is a reporter and editor covering politics and health care policy for Yahoo Finance. You can follow her on Twitter @adrianambells and reach her at adriana@yahoofinance.com. Click here for politics news related to business and money 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 Kevin Spacey is deeply thankful after winning his US civil lawsuit against actor Anthony Rapp, who had accused him of an unwanted sexual advance at a party in 1986. Lawyers on behalf of the Hollywood actor said justice had been done following the swift and decisive verdict, which was returned on Thursday in his favour. A jury at United States District Court for the Southern District of New York took less than two hours to return their decision. Jennifer Keller, representing Mr Spacy, said in a statement: Mr Spacey is grateful to live in a country where the citizens have a right to trial by impartial jurors who make their decision based on evidence and not rumour or social media. Actor Kevin Spacey leaves court in a civil lawsuit trial in New York (Yuki Iwamura/AP) And he is deeply thankful to this particular jury. This was a highly educated group of six women and five men, all except one college graduates and most with graduate degrees. Their verdict was swift and decisive. Justice was done today. The actor, 63, had categorically denied the accusations and said he did not harbour any sexual interest or desire in Mr Rapp at the time or since the incident, which allegedly at a party when Mr Rapp was 14 years old. The trial, in which Mr Rapp sought 40 million dollars (35.6 million) in damages, lasted just two weeks and was presided over by Judge Lewis A Kaplan. Mr Spacey has been in exile from Hollywood since Mr Rapp, now 50, first accused him of the inappropriate behaviour in October 2017. Mr Rapp sued the actor for battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress in November 2020, though during the trial Judge Kaplan dismissed the latter claim. Throughout the course of the trial, both Mr Rapp and Mr Spacey took the stand, with the American Beauty star repeatedly rejecting suggestions that he was not telling the truth when he denied the claims. He testified that he was sure he was never alone with Mr Rapp on any occasion in 1986, and that Mr Rapps claim he had made a pass at him after a party at his apartment was not true. Actor Anthony Rapp, right, and Ken Ithiphol arrive at a federal courthouse in lower Manhattan in New York (Ted Shaffrey/AP) The court also heard from US actor John Barrowman, as well as several medical professionals. Mr Rapp had claimed that Mr Spacey had surprised him at the party by picking him up like a bride and putting him on a bed. Mr Spacey had allegedly then pushed his body weight against Mr Rapp before the actor wriggled out with no resistance during the brief encounter. In a US civil case, any allegations only need to be proven on the balance of probability rather than to the criminal standard of beyond all reasonable doubt. Its an arrest with lots of buzz. A 55-year-old woman allegedly unleashed hundreds of bees after sheriffs deputies arrived at a Massachusetts home last week to serve an eviction notice, causing multiple officials to get stung, Mass Live reported Wednesday. A group of protesters had congregated at the Longmeadow home when officials from the Hampden County Sheriffs Department showed up on Oct. 12 with eviction papers for Alton King Jr., who owns the residence. A woman identified as Rorie S. Woods then arrived in a trailer carrying multiple bee hives, which she began shaking, according to court records. Deputy Michael Joslyn attempted to stop Woods, who successfully freed one of the hives by breaking the cover. .. causing hundreds of bees to swarm around, the papers state. Deputy Joslyn was stung in the face and had to retreat. Rorie S. Woods, 55, of Hadley, Mass., left, and a Hampden County Sheriff's Department officer, right, vie for control of containers of bees, in Longmeadow, Mass., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. Rorie S. Woods, 55, of Hadley, Mass., left, and a Hampden County Sheriff's Department officer, right, vie for control of containers of bees, in Longmeadow, Mass., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. (Robert Rizzuto/) Woods allegedly put on a beekeeper suit and continued to release bees, causing at least three officials who are allergic to bees to get stung. Oh, youre allergic? Good, Woods told them, according to the report. Woods, who is reportedly a beekeeper, pleaded not guilty last week to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as to disorderly conduct, and was released without bail. This woman who traveled here put lives in danger as several of the staff on scene are allergic to bees, said a spokesman for Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi. We had one staff member go the hospital, and, luckily, he was all right or she could be facing manslaughter charges. I support peoples right to protest peacefully, but when you cross the line and put my staff and the public in danger, I promise you will be arrested. Its unclear what Woods relationship is with King, who allegedly owed $1.2 million for the residence in 2018. He engaged in a legal struggle after receiving a notice to leave that year. Family members of Leroy Nelson, Bernell Juluke, and Kunta Gable smile as they stand outside Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in New Orleans after the three men, convicted for a 1990s crime, were ordered freed on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2022, in part because of the role former officer and convicted killer Len Davis played in the investigation. Prosecutors joined defense lawyers in seeking to have their convictions thrown out. The women said they were going straight from the courthouse to Angola Penitentiary for the men's release today. (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP) NEW ORLEANS (AP) Three men imprisoned since the 1990s for a fatal New Orleans drive-by shooting were ordered freed Wednesday, with prosecutors citing the role of two notoriously corrupt police officers including one awaiting a federal death sentence among the reasons the convictions had to be thrown out. Kunta Gable and Leroy Nelson were 17 when they were arrested soon after the Aug. 22, 1994, death of Rondell Santinac at the Desire housing development. Bernell Juluke, arrested with them, was 18. The men were ordered freed Wednesday by a state judge who vacated their convictions on a joint motion by defense lawyers and District Attorney Jason Williams' Civil Rights Division. The motion outlines multiple problems with the original case. It says the state failed to disclose evidence undermining the claims of the only eyewitness to the crime, Samuel Raiford. And, it notes, the jury didn't know that officers Len Davis and Sammie Williams the first officers on the scene, according to the motion were known to cover up the identity of perpetrators and manipulate evidence at Desire murder scenes to cover up for drug dealers they protected. There is extensive documented evidence that while operating under color of law he engaged in illegal drug trafficking, framed individuals who got in his way, and even went so far as to order the murder of a private citizen who dared to report his systematic abuses, Jason Williams said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Davis would eventually be convicted for arranging the death of a woman who filed a complaint against him in an unrelated matter. The motion notes that Raiford did not initially describe three suspects and the first time three perpetrators were mentioned by anyone is by Len Davis after the three defendants were pulled over ... The 24-page motion also notes the teens were arrested a short time after the crime with no signs of guns or shell casings in their car. We are very grateful to the Court, DA Williams, and the Civil Rights Division for their work in correcting this grave injustice, Juluke's attorney Michael Admirand, said in an emailed statement. Mr. Juluke maintained his innocence from the moment of his wrongful arrest. I am relieved that he has finally been vindicated, if disheartened that it took so long. Ancient rock carvings that are believed to be more than 2,700 years old have been unearthed by a team of archaeologists in Iraq's northern city of Mosul. The marble slabs were found during restoration work on the Mashki Gate, an ancient monument that was partially destroyed by Islamic State militants when they captured the city in 2016. The relief carvings show scenes of war from the rule of Assyrian kings, in the ancient city of Nineveh, the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage said in a statement Wednesday. The gray stone carvings date to the rule of King Sennacherib, in power from 705 to 681 B.C., the statement added. Sennacherib was responsible for expanding Nineveh as the Assyrians imperial capital and largest city siting on a major crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Iranian plateau including the construction of a palace. The discovery was made last week by an Iraqi team, alongside American experts from the University of Pennsylvania who are helping to lead the reconstruction effort. The discovery consisted of eight marble slabs carved with a relief representing scenes of Assyrian soldiers, in addition to palm trees, grapes, pomegranates and figs belonging to the palace of King Sennacherib, Ali Shalgham, the director general of Iraqs Investigations and Excavations Department, told NBC News on Thursday. Fadel Mohammed Khodr, head of the Iraqi archaeological team, said in a statement that the carvings were likely taken from Sennacheribs palace and used as construction material for the gate. We believe that these carvings were moved from the palace of Sennacherib and reused by the grandson of the king to renovate the gate of Mashki and to enlarge the guard room, he added. Detail of rock carvings at the Mashki Gate site in Mosul, Iraq. (Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage ) Iraq is home to some of the worlds most ancient cities, including Babylon. But years of conflict and instability have threatened the ruins of these cities and many cultural sites that were looted or damaged. The project, which is being carried out in collaboration with Iraqi antiquities authorities, aims to turn the damaged monument into an educational center on Ninevehs history. Armed with sledgehammers, axes and drills, militants from the Islamic State group stormed museums in Iraq and destroyed priceless collections of sculptures and statues when the group took control of large areas of Iraq and Syria, in 2014. Dozens of Assyrian, Akkadian, Babylonian, Persian and Roman artifacts held in Iraqs museums were damaged or destroyed completely. The group said it destroyed pre-Islamic works of art because it considered them to be idolatrous. Image: IRAQ-ARCHAEOLOGY (Zaid Al-Obeidi / AFP - Getty Images) Members of ISIS also destroyed ancient sites in the 2,000-year-old Syrian desert city of Palmyra. In October 2015, militants blew up the Arch of Triumph a major monument in the city. Palmyra was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world, according to the cultural agency UNESCO, which has described it as the crossroads of several civilizations. ISIS militants also smuggled the ancient artifacts out of the country and sold them on the black market. The U.S. has said this looting was a significant source of income for the group. Following the invasion of Iraq in 2003 by U.S.-led troops, American Marines also damaged ruins from the ancient city of Babylon, after they built a helicopter pad on the site. A U.S. military officer later said he was willing to apologize for the damage. After a fan announced that a check from the Washington Commanders bounced, the team blamed the issue on a "bank error" and wired him his money. The Commanders addressed the issued a statement on Wednesday after season-ticket holder Drew Shipley called into The Team 980 radio with a story about the bounced check. Per host Chris Russell, Shipley claimed to have won a prize of more than $14,000 from a charity raffle the Commanders hosted during their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Shipley then shared an image of the $14,822 check with local media, which he said came from the "Washington Football Charitable Foundation." Just talked to Drew Shipley, the @Commanders fan whose $14kprize check from the team bounced after winning the 50/50 raffle week 1. The team paid him what he was owed this afternoon but he remains stunned. "Who am I supposed to talk to? Am I supposed to call Dan Snyder myself?" pic.twitter.com/dSndJ8xBIT Eric Flack (@EricFlackTV) October 19, 2022 After the story made the rounds on social media, Commanders media relations confirmed that the check had bounced. They blamed it on the bank and announced that they wired Shipley his money in a statement provided to local media, including Washington Post reporter Nicki Jhabvala: Weve reached out to the fan and sent an electronic payment directly to his account. It was a bank error, and we have reached out to the bank to determine what happened and to ensure it doesnt happen again. Washington Commanders. (David Eulitt/Getty Images) Tuesday's news was the latest in a seemingly endless stream of dysfunction surrounding the beleaguered franchise. It certainly wasn't the biggest or most damning headline. That honor belongs to all things Dan Snyder. But it continued a trend of the team struggling to get things right, big and small. Take, for instance, another Week 1 snafu. Social media caught wind of mugs being sold near FedEx Field that had the team's "W" logo emblazoned over an outline of a map of Washington state not the team's Washington, D.C. home. From team official: These were not INSIDE the stadium. Instead, they were being sold at a truck just outside it https://t.co/DoXPlXEbIJ Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) September 11, 2022 After declaring that the mugs were sold outside the stadium, the team eventually admitted that the mugs were sold from an official team truck. Shipley summed up his take on the state of the franchise on Wednesday in an interview with WUSA's Eric Flack. "You've got to do the small things right," Shipley said. "You have big enough scandals from the top of your organization. You've got to do the little things right, you've got to retain your customers. I have a hard time now thinking about spending a dollar at FedEx Field. President Joe Biden stands after delivering remarks on lowering costs for American families at Irvine Valley College on Oct. 14, 2022 in Irvine, California. / Credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images An F-16 fighter jet, under the direction of the Continental U.S. NORAD region, intercepted a small plane last Friday in restricted airspace over Southern California, close to a community college where President Biden had just begun speaking. The incident occurred over Santa Ana, Calif.; the president's event was in Irvine, just about 12 miles away. According to a NORAD, the fighter jet fired flares to "gain the attention" of the Cessna pilot. Air traffic control audio revealed the F-16 alerted the pilot numerous times he had been "intercepted" by the armed jet on guard and had entered restricted airspace. The pilot asked the errant Cessna to acknowledge a radio call and rock its wings. An unverified tweet of the conversation says the F-16 fighter pilot also tried to get the Cessna pilot's attention with so-called "headbutt" maneuvers, like flying in front of the plane. A temporary flight restriction or TFR is almost always in place wherever the president is traveling. Fighter pilots deployed to intercept a wayward plane will first attempt to communicate with the pilot of the errant aircraft. If communication cannot be established, the fighter pilot will then use "non-verbal" tactics like deploying flares or headbutts. Mr. Biden's speech on the economy at Irvine Valley College started at 3:08 p.m. PT, and the intercept occurred just two minutes later, according to NORAD. Flight records show the Cessna departed from Kingman, Ariz., and landed in Chino, Calif., at 3:24 p.m. The fixed-wing, single-engine plane's altitude was about 5,500 feet when it was intercepted. FlightAware.com shows that the plane was inside the restricted security zone for about four minutes. A Secret Service spokesperson said the agency was aware of the incident and the president's schedule went uninterrupted. Breaches of FAA-restricted airspace during presidential trips are fairly common and almost always a result of pilot error. NORAD and the Secret Service confirmed a second airspace violation occurred last week when a different plane entered restricted airspace in California. In June, President Biden and the first lady were whisked to a secure location in Rehoboth Beach, when a private plane inadvertently flew near the first couple's vacation home. Witnesses spotted two fighter jets responding to the aircraft. A brief investigation found the pilot was tuned to the wrong radio frequency. Kris Van Cleave contributed reporting. Biden campaigns in key Pennsylvania Senate race Grandmother-grandson duo to visit every U.S. national park Fentanyl hidden in candy bags seized at airport Whether or not her Filipino American clients practice Catholicism, they've been imbued with it, says psychologist Christine Catipon. (Alycea Tinoyan / For The Times) Father Rodel Balagtas sees it across the Roman Catholic churches he visits in the archdiocese of Los Angeles: A significant number of the parishioners who fill the pews are Filipino Americans. Balagtas is the priest liaison for the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese and pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, which holds five Masses on Sundays. "If not for the Filipino families in Glendale, we'd probably only have two Masses on Sunday," he said. Father Perry Leiker, pastor at St. Bernard Church, estimates that nearly half of the Glassell Park church's parishioners are Filipino American. "They're just very expressive of their faith and very proud of their faith, and I think they find a lot of support in their faith," he said. For many Filipino Americans, their cultural and religious identities are closely intertwined. Surveys have shown throughout the years that more than 80% of Filipinos in the Philippines are Catholic . Meanwhile, 65% of Filipino Americans identify as Catholic, according to a 2012 Pew Research report . Catholicism was mentioned often in discussions and interviews with people who spoke with The Times for its Filipino American mental health series . The majority of participants in focus groups for the series identified as second-generation, born to immigrant parents. A common experience that emerged was guilt and shame associated with their faith and culture. Yet many also said that their faith was instrumental in assuaging difficulties they encountered in their lives. "Every value has a light side and a dark side like the Force," said Christine Catipon, a staff psychologist at Stanford University Counseling and Psychological Services. She holds a masters degree in spiritual psychology and is a practicing Catholic although she has become less devout than she used to be after recently coming out as pansexual. "A challenging part of Filipinx mental health and faith traditions is our culture is so intertwined with Catholicism and Christianity that it's kind of hard to know: Is my guilt coming from the Catholic faith? Or is it coming from my Filipino [cultural] values ? Or is it coming from my family that believes in both, and it all just kind of gets mixed together in this weird way that people can't navigate?" The faith tradition has a long history in the Philippines that dates to the 16th century . E.J.R. David, a professor of psychology at the University of Alaska at Anchorage, wrote in his book "Brown Skin, White Minds: Filipino -/ American Postcolonial Psychology" that the pervasiveness of Catholicism is rooted in Spanish colonization of the country. David wrote, It took Spain approximately 50 years to quell the indigenous Taos opposition to Spanish rule and cultural transformation. He also wrote that Catholicism was one of the primary tools used to convince the Tao that their way of life was inferior to and less civilized than the Spanish. Catholicism practiced by Filipinos today incorporates unique traditions, which include Simbang Gabi, a devotional nine days of Masses leading up to Christmas; Pabasa, the singing of the Pasyon during Holy Week; and the predawn Salubong, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus ChristonEaster morning. Balagtas noted some key practices that, while not unique to Filipino Americans, appear stronger among Filipino American Catholics: strong Marian devotions, love for the Santo Nino and Marian images, a devotion to the crucified Christ, and the offering of Masses for the dead and sick because of a strong belief in the power of intercession. Saints are viewed as members of the family, which reflects the high value the community places on family. "Theologically, it seems like we connect to Christ because of the suffering and colonialism that we underwent," Balagtas said. "So we are more attracted to the suffering Christ than to the risen Christ." Community members and faith leaders who spoke with The Times illustrated a generational divide. Priests note that the majority of Filipino American parishioners are first-generation immigrants along with their young children. They don't see as many second-generation Filipino American parishioners particularly those in their 30s and 40s at church. The second-generation participants in The Times listening session chronicled a common faith journey of being raised Catholic in the United States. Many came to a pivotal point in their life when they questioned their faith. Some have left the religion completely, while others have maintained certain Catholic traditions. Jeff Genota, 34, a Los Angeles resident, was raised Catholic. He was baptized in the church, attended Catholic school, went to Mass and relied on prayer and reading the Bible to get through high school. But he said his experience has often been hurtful especially within the Filipino culture. He remembered being viewed as someone who brought shame to the family because he didn't want to participate in family prayer. Refusing to do so reflected a lack of family loyalty. He also said his family sometimes made claims that God wouldnt bless the family if they didnt pray together. Jamie Borromeo, a 37-year-old Chino Hills resident, said she's debating whether to pass down Catholic traditions to her children. Her experience with Catholicism was colored by guilt and a decrease in self-esteem. She felt so guilty about disobeying her parents and elders that she brought it to confession on a weekly basis when she was a teenager. Honoring your mother and father is one of the 10 Commandments, she pointed out. She also felt like it was a sin if she didn't put her family's needs before herself. The things that I do are for my daughter, it's for my husband, it's for my family, it's for my work it's for everyone but me, she said. And I think what the guilt and shame teaches you is that everything [else] is more important than you. Catipon said guilt and shame can lead to multiple mental health concerns, including despair, anxiety, depression and negative self-esteem. She added that anxiety and sadness can often be based on thoughts that may not be true such as someone believing they are a "bad person" for various reasons that could be influenced by cultural values and religion. "For example, I was raised that you don't date until after you graduate from college. And then you graduate college why aren't you married yet?" Catipon said. "So of course, a lot of us snuck around." She said clients who have lied to their parents often expressed guilt, which she has challenged through the lens of faith. "I'm like, according to who? Does it say in the Bible that you're a bad daughter because you snuck out to see your partner?" Some second-generation Filipino Americans also said that in the face of difficulties, theyre told to pray harder or that they may not have been praying hard enough. Catipon said these types of statements are dismissive and minimizing. "The challenging part of faith with mental health is that many people who are raised devoutly have come to believe that God is the answer for everything," she said. "What if that person has been praying nonstop 24/7, and then being shamed for not praying enough?" she continued. "We don't know what that person has been doing or going through. And praying is not enough. Action is what changes people's lives. Absolutely pray, but then also be open to the fact that we don't know God's plan." Much of Catipon's job as a therapist is helping clients find a middle ground among "the gray," as she calls it. "Unfortunately, many values are interpreted as extremes, she said. Like, you have to do this and follow this 100% or else you're a bad person, you're a failure, etc. And that's just not possible." Other Filipino American Catholics who spoke with The Times described experiences where their faith was a positive influence on their mental well-being. Joe Nava, 38, a Texas resident, said he found solace in his faith during challenging times in his life when he and his wife endured a miscarriage and when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. "As much as that suffering was, there still was a lot of deep, deep growth," Nava said. "And it didn't stop us from praying." He added that he doesnt believe its possible for anyone to pray their way out of anxiety or depression. Therapy gives him the tools to counter imbalances and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder, while prayer helps him practice gratitude and deepens his trust in God. Mitch Lozada, 37, a Las Vegas resident and staff sergeant in the Air Force, has found it helpful to surrender his problems to Jesus. That isn't to say there's no place for some of the pillars of mental well-being, he said, like exercise, talking with friends and seeing a therapist. But in moments when he's deployed to hostile environments, he leans on prayer to eliminate any anxiety he's facing. "For me, I find a lot of comfort and a lot of grace knowing that Jesus essentially died for our sins," he said. "And anything that we bear in life, he has borne for us. That the cross that we carry is a cross that we don't carry alone." Father John Cordero is thepastor at Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia, where he estimates that more than 80% of parishioners are Filipino American. He is also a member of a Filipino religious congregation called the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross. When it comes to the church's role in mental health, he said contemplative prayer is a practice his church promotes because it has a positive impact on mental health. "When you do these spiritual practices, you're able to rewire your brain to counter the negative effects of anxiety and stress ," Cordero said. He said he's aware of mental health issues among Filipino American parishioners and that some say they have been negatively affected by their experience with Catholicism. This may have been due to "a faulty transmission of the content of the faith," he suggests, such as an overemphasis on guilt. "Of course, that messes people up, he said. We have to rethink some of the practices when it comes to catechesis because we forget about the truth about the love of God. We focus on our sinfulness, we forget the main message of the gospel, wherein God loves us. And of course, that is something that you experience in contemplative prayer." The hope inherent in faith can provide a sense of purpose for someone with depression or anxiety, Catipon said. She has seen faith serve as a protective factor for her clients who experience suicidal thoughts: They won't commit suicide because of their religious beliefs. "I think when we don't have something to believe in, it can be a little harder to believe that there's something better out there," she said. With clients, "If [faith is] a very strong coping strategy for someone who is struggling, I will absolutely use that." When it comes to addressing mental health at the intersection of Filipino Americans' cultural and religious identities, Catipon referenced a study published earlier this year in the Asian American Journal of Psychology that offers insights to potential solutions. Researchers found that Filipino American Catholics seek support from family, friends and faith in that order. Participants in the study also revealed that they wanted more culturally sensitive mental health settings that incorporate their Catholic faith. Catipon said its important for mental health providers to acknowledge the role faith and spirituality play in peoples mental health and that theyre factors that contribute to intersecting identities in the same way that gender, race, sexuality, socioeconomic status and culture do. Catholicism plays an important role in Filipino American mental health, she said. That's their culture. Whether or not they practice it, they've been imbued with it. Balagtas said the church can do more to address the faithfuls mental health needs. Suicide prevention needs much more education and attention, he said. He hopes to establish a mental health ministry at his church, though he acknowledged several challenges. Faith leaders often aren't trained to deal with mental health issues, he said, and there is stigma tied to talking about mental health at the pulpit or even with or among parishioners. But he believes parishioners will trust the church to help with mental health. He also thinks churches and parishes should establish support groups for families dealing with issues as wide-ranging as ADHD, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. "I think it's important for the church to see that God is giving," Balagtas said. "Psychology or therapy are also ways God is giving support. So it's not against our faith. Those are gifts from the Lord." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. JERUSALEM (AP) Jewish settlers stormed through a Palestinian town in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said Thursday, throwing stones at Palestinian cars and using pepper spray on troops who were trying to disperse the settlers. The settler rampage late Wednesday comes days after a similar incident in the same area and as Israeli-Palestinian tensions are surging over Israeli raids in the West Bank and an uptick in shooting attacks by Palestinians. Also Thursday, Palestinian health officials said a 16-year-old Palestinian died after being wounded in clashes with Israeli troops late last month. Meanwhile, the Palestinians launched a general strike throughout the West Bank and east Jerusalem in response to the death of a suspected Palestinian attacker. The rampage took place near Huwara, a Palestinian town in the northern West Bank near the city of Nablus, where a group of disaffected youth has taken up arms against Israel and in frustration with the Palestinian leaderships close security ties to it. Palestinian militants in the area have carried out several roadside shootings in recent weeks. The area is home to a number of hardline settlements, whose residents often intimidate Palestinians and vandalize their property. Critics accuse Israel of turning a blind eye to settler violence against Palestinians and treating them with impunity, while being heavy-handed with Palestinian assailants or protesters. Settler violence has in the past also led to confrontations with soldiers which often sparks condemnations from politicians but rarely leads to a solution to the problem. The military said dozens of settlers ran through the town, throwing rocks at Palestinian cars. The settlers used pepper spray on the battalion commander as well as another soldier. The settlers sprayed another two soldiers at a nearby checkpoint, the military said. Police said the settlers fled the scene by car. They said a 20-year-old suspect was arrested and that more arrests were expected. In a statement, the military's chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, condemned the violence. This is a very serious incident that embodies shameful and disgraceful criminal behavior that demands strict and swift justice, he said. In a tweet, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid called the settlers, dangerous criminals. The violence comes as tensions between Israelis and Palestinians have surged in recent months. More than 120 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli-Palestinian fighting in the West Bank and east Jerusalem this year, making 2022 the deadliest year since 2015. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Mohammed Fadi Nuri, 16, was shot in the stomach last month by Israeli troops near the city of Ramallah and died Thursday. The general strike Thursday targeted all sectors except for vital services like hospitals or bakeries. Some schools were also closed. It was called to mourn the shooting death of Uday Tamimi, the alleged Palestinian gunman who killed an Israeli soldier earlier this month. Tamimi was the subject of a more than weeklong manhunt that culminated when he opened fire at a security guard at a West Bank settlement Wednesday. The fighting has surged since a series of Palestinian attacks in the spring killed 19 people in Israel and more in recent violence. The Israeli military says most of the Palestinians killed have been militants. But stone-throwing youths protesting the incursions and others not involved in confrontations have also been killed. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, territories the Palestinian seek for their future state. Some 500,000 Jewish settlers now live in the West Bank in some 130 settlements. National Park Service biologist Jeff Sikich uses radio telemetry to listen for any nearby mountain lions. On previous days, he said, a male and a female with two kittens have been spotted in the area in front of him. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Conservationists have long warned that Southern California mountain lions could vanish within decades due to inbreeding and loss of habitat. Now, biologists have identified another threat that could hasten their demise extreme wildfires. In a paper published Thursday in the journal Current Biology, UCLA researchers found that the 2018 Woolsey fire had greatly increased the odds of a mountain lion being struck fatally by a motorist or killed by a fellow panther in a territorial dispute. The reason? Mountain lions were so eager to avoid the 100,000-acre burn zone that they chose instead to cross busy roadways within the Santa Monica Mountains or enter the hunting grounds of other adult pumas. The research paints a grim portrait of the mountain lion's struggle for survival as its habitat is increasingly limited and divided by development. It also raises concerns about the potential effectiveness of a long-planned wildlife crossing that seeks to provide mountain lions with safe passage over a 10-lane freeway, in part so that they can mate with pumas from other areas and increase genetic diversity. The researchers found that in the 15 months after the fire burned from the Simi Hills of Ventura County to the beaches of Malibu, potentially lethal road and freeway crossings by radio-collared mountain lions increased from three to five per month. They also found that the distances the animals roamed had doubled growing to 342 from 155 miles per month greatly increasing the risk of deadly clashes between mountain lions over shrinking territory. The UCLA study suggests that the changes in behavior by mountain lions are probably due to a complex trade-off balancing the necessity to acquire food and breed against avoiding encounters with humans in the fire-stripped mountainous landscape. A new study determined that mountain lions avoided 100,000 acres of burned habitat after the 2018 Woolsey fire and increased their dangerous road and freeway crossings to avoid humans. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Ambush predators such as mountain lions, lynx and African lions require the cover of dense native vegetation to successfully stalk prey and avoid territorial disputes, a major cause of mortality among young cougars in the Santa Monica Mountains. However, one habit that hasnt changed is the species strong aversion to heavily populated urban centers. After the Woolsey fire, the study says, mountain lions continued to spend only about 5% of their time in urban areas. The idea that mountain lions will run across freeways rather than take their chances in urban areas really reinforces how strongly mountain lions avoid humans, said Rachel Blakey, lead author of the study, This is an important point, she added, because people who live in the urban-wildland interface often worry that large disturbances like the Woolsey fire could increase the likelihood of conflicts with predators. But the behavior shift that researchers observed could hinder human efforts to restore gene flow among the small, isolated populations of cougars trapped south of the 101 Freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains and cougars confined to the north in the Simi Hills and Santa Susanna Mountains. Specifically, the planned Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which will cross the 101 Freeway at Liberty Canyon Road in Agoura Hills, is located in the Woolsey fire burn scar. Is it possible that mountain lions might not use the 200-foot-long, 165-foot-wide bridge if they are avoiding the burn zone? UCLA researcher Rachel Blakey, center, is flanked by Seth Riley, left, and Jeff Sikich, both with the National Park Service. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Thats a fair question, said Seth Riley, a biologist with the National Park Service and co-author of the study. We hope that doesnt happen. To date, more than 5,000 individuals, foundations, agencies and businesses from around the world have contributed more than $92 million for the project. When it is completed in 2025, the bridge will be the largest and most expensive of its kind in the world and the only one designed to save a species from extinction. All it takes is a mountain lion crossing the freeway safely every few years to spark the kind of genetic dispersal they so desperately need to survive, Riley said. Recent scientific studies suggest theres an almost 1 in 4 chance that Southern California mountain lions, which have the lowest genetic diversity documented for the species aside from the critically endangered Florida panther, could become extinct in 50 years. The increased risk-taking of mountain lions after the Woolsey fire adds to an already long list of threats. P-54, a 5-year-old female mountain lion struck and killed by a vehicle earlier this year on Las Virgenes Road in the Santa Monica Mountains, was pregnant with four kittens. All five animals tested positive for rat poison, National Park Service biologists said. P-54's mother, P-23, was hit and killed by a vehicle on the same road in 2018. One of P-54's offspring, P-97, was killed by a vehicle on the 405 Freeway in April, the biologists said. State officials in 2020 concluded that six isolated and genetically distinct cougar clans from Santa Cruz to the U.S.-Mexico border make up a subpopulation that might warrant listing as threatened under the state Endangered Species Act. Such a step could limit highway construction and development on thousands of acres of real estate. The move to list the clans as threatened followed a petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity and the nonprofit Mountain Lion Foundation, which argued that the populations constitute an "evolutionarily significant unit that should be protected. The California Fish and Game Commission is weighing a final decision on the matter. On Wednesday, Blakey, Riley and Jeff Sikich, an expert on the mountain lions of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, stood on a ridgeline and gazed across steep slopes, valleys, oak forests and chaparral still recovering from the Woolsey fire. Using a telemetry antenna, they detected the pings of two radio-collared survivors prowling in the distance, just a few miles apart: a male and a female mountain lion. Its an incredible privilege, Blakey said, to live alongside these predators in Southern California. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WASHINGTON As the Russian invasion of Ukraine began to falter last spring, a colleague of Boris Bondarev at the Russian mission at the U.N. in Geneva suggested that Russia should obliterate a Washington, D.C., suburb with a nuclear strike. Americans will shit their pants and rush to beg us for peace, the official told Bondarev, until then a career Russian diplomat. Bondarev pointed out that wiping out, say, Bethesda or Chevy Chase from the face of the Earth might occasion a proportional response from the U.S., but the colleague was sure that Washington would be cowed into submission. The exchange, for Bondarev, was a sign of how deluded Russia, and many Russians, had become. Having spent 20 years working in the foreign ministry, Bondarev was now waiting for his wife to return from Moscow with the stray cat they had recently adopted. Russian diplomats including Boris Bondarev (right, with glasses). (Mark Henley/Panos Pictures via Redux) Soon after she did, Bondarev resigned, becoming the most-high-profile official to leave his post because of the war. Never have I been so ashamed of my country, he wrote in a statement condemning Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. At a time when most Russians feared acknowledging that their country was at war the mandated Kremlin phrase was, and remains, spetzoperatsiya, or special operation his public renunciation of his homeland made international news. Now, Bondarev has provided a fuller account of his decision to resign, as well as a broad condemnation of the country Russia has become after two decades of increasingly autocratic rule by Vladimir Putin. The war shows that Russia is no longer just dictatorial and aggressive; it has become a fascist state, he writes in a lengthy essay for Foreign Affairs that was published online earlier this week. It is currently the most-read item on the magazines website. The essay has earned condemnation from the Kremlin, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova comparing Bondarev at a Thursday press briefing to Gen. Andrey Vlasov, a Soviet World War II general who became a notorious Nazi collaborator and who was executed for treason by the Soviets after the war. I would like to say to you that he is on a very different scale to Vlasov, Zakharova said. Zakharova also excoriated the Reuters journalist who asked about the allegations Bondarev makes; those allegations have been scrupulously avoided by Russian media outlets, not to mention the Kremlin officials whom the former diplomat blames for failing to challenge Putins deepening delusions. I would sincerely advise you to keep to journalism, the combative spokeswoman said. Russian President Vladimir Putin at a Russian Security Council meeting on Wednesday. (Sergei Ilyin/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images) Bondarev was born in 1980 into the relatively comfortable Soviet intelligentsia; his maternal grandfather had been a military hero, and the family still lived in the roomy Moscow apartment the grandfather had been assigned after the Great Patriotic War, as World War II is known in Russia. Intending to eventually follow his mother into academia (she taught English; his father was a businessman), Bondarev joined the Foreign Ministry in 2000 as an intern. There, he was stunned to encounter a collection of tired, middle-aged bosses who idly performed unglamorous tasks, he wrote in Foreign Affairs. Vladimir Putin had just assumed power and was not yet the powerful autocrat who would tolerate no dissent. But from the start, the perceptive young president was able to benefit from the lingering Soviet culture of unthinking compliance that rendered most government officials, even at the highest levels, powerless to confront their superiors. Bondarev describes how, in 2002, he raised concerns about a communique from Moscow that was to be passed along to Cambodian officials. The document was riddled with typos, but his superior rebuked him for wanting to correct the mistakes. They know better. Even if there are errors, its not up to us to correct the center, Bondarevs superior cautioned. Bondarev argues that the same strain of fear kept high-ranking Kremlin deputies from challenging Putin, especially as he consolidated his power after returning to the presidency in 2012 following a four-year break from power mandated by the Russian Constitution (the constitution has since been changed). Servicemen at a Ukrainian border guard post in the Crimean town of Balaclava, March 1, 2014. (Baz Ratner/Reuters) The invasion of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 led to sanctions that were far more damaging than Putin was ever given to understand. The sanctions suddenly cut off our access to these products and left our military weaker than the West understood, Bondarev writes. But although it was clear to my team how these losses undermined Russias strength, the foreign ministrys propaganda helped keep the Kremlin from finding out. The consequences of this ignorance are now on full display in Ukraine: the sanctions are one reason Russia has had so much trouble with its invasion. Willful blindness on the Kremlins part also ensured that loyal functionaries like Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would nurture Putins delusion that the West would not stand up for Ukraine, and that victory over Kyiv would be swift. As the last eight months have shown, both of those assumptions turned out to be devastatingly false. Ukraine has for weeks been steadily pushing back Moscows forces, even in territory that Putin ceremoniously annexed as purportedly Russian soil. Ultimately, Bondarev believes that only new leadership in the Kremlin, unencumbered by ties to the current regime, can save Russia from the increasing isolation and condemnation it now encounters. But as long as Putin is in power, he writes, Ukraine will have no one in Moscow with whom to genuinely negotiate. A firefighter battles the 2020 Creek Fire in Madera County, Calif. (Associated Press) A nearly two-decade effort by Californians to cut their emissions of planet-warming carbon dioxide may have been erased by a single, devastating year of wildfires, according to UCLA and University of Chicago researchers. The state's record-breaking 2020 fire season, which saw more than 4 million acres burn, spewed almost twice the tonnage of greenhouse gases as the total amount of carbon dioxide reductions made since 2003, according to a study published recently in the journal Environmental Pollution. Researchers estimated that about 127 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent were released by the fires, compared with about 65 million metric tons of reductions achieved in the previous 18 years. "When we look at the contribution of the 2020 wildfires, it becomes almost like a new sector of emissions in the economy," said Michael Jerrett, a professor of environmental health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and a lead author of the research. "Really, we're about double the reductions." The findings challenge the notion that wildfire emissions should be considered differently than the emissions of tailpipes, industry and other sources because forests eventually grow back, Jerrett said. In fact, the study found that wildfires were second only to transportation as the state's primary source of planet-warming gases in 2020, ahead of industry and electrical power generation. He said that's the essence of the study's title, "Up In Smoke," because "a lot of the hard-earned gains to fight climate change could be wiped out if we don't start changing the way that we manage the forests, manage the interface between human activity and the wildland-urban interface, and really start tracking these emissions more carefully and comparing them with other major sources so that we don't unwittingly think that we're meeting our climate goals when we're not." Dave Clegern, a spokesman for the California Air Resources Board, said the agency does not consider wildfire emissions when assessing its progress toward greenhouse gas targets because the targets are specific to human-caused emissions. The approach is aligned with legislative direction, he said, and was designed to ensure that the state's targets and emissions reductions are comparable with other national inventories. However, that will soon change, because new guidance from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has clarified that to achieve carbon neutrality, "we must consider all emissions sources and sinks," Clegern said. He said the Air Resources Board is starting a process to include wildfire emissions in its 2022 "scoping plan," which focused on achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. "Our efforts have been concentrated on reducing the use of fossil fuels because that is the direct cause of climate change. Wildfires on the other hand, are part of the natural carbon cycle," Clegern said. "However, we are concerned about both the climate and public health impacts from wildfires and that climate change will only exacerbate these impacts in the future. Thats why were addressing it in the draft scoping plan and the state is advancing action to both reduce wildfire emissions and improve forest health." This year, a Times report on the 2020 wildfire season found that it not only offset decades of antipollution efforts, but also contributed to more than $19 billion in economic losses. Jerrett said that's all the more reason to consider wildfires as part of the big picture. "I think the only way that we're going to effectively deal with this is to start tracking these emission very carefully, understanding the magnitude of their impacts in terms of the economic costs and also the potential warming they could cause, and putting them in comparison with other sectors so that we can begin to make societal decisions that are much better informed than what we've made so far," he said. The study's findings could have implications for global warming. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, it is critically important to avoid a 1.5-degree Celsius rise in global average temperature, as increases above that would have dire implications for extreme weather events, infectious diseases, economies, agriculture and many other sectors. Forests have long played a role in that system, with large trees sequestering carbon and helping to alleviate some emissions. But California's new breed of climate-change-fueled fires are burning hotter and faster than those of the past, sometimes slowing the regrowth process and even converting some areas from coniferous trees into grasslands, shrubs and chaparral, the researchers said. "Although wildfires are a natural feature of many ecosystems in California, the increase in severe and frequent wildfire events has raised the possibility of transformed post-fire ecosystems," said Miriam Marlier, a Fielding School professor and co-author of the study. "Even if long-term regrowth occurs, however, the carbon emissions occurring in the next 15 [to] 20 years will make it difficult to reach emission reduction targets needed to avert the increases in mean global temperature advocated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change." Rajinder Sahota, deputy executive officer of the Air Resources Board, discussed the study's findings on KPCC's "AirTalk" on Wednesday. She said California's 2020 greenhouse gas targets, set in 2006, were "focused on the root cause of climate change, which is energy and combustion of fossil fuels in the state." "What we didnt know then, and what we've learned now, is that the climate impacts have accelerated," Sahota said, noting that the combustion of fossil fuels has contributed to the intensification of wildfires in the last decade. (Fourteen of the state's 20 largest wildfires on record have occurred since 2010, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.) "So not only do we need to think about the evolution of how we set our targets past 2020 ... but we also have to acknowledge that we're planning for energy and our forestry sector in a changing landscape," Sahota said. The state is taking steps to achieve carbon neutrality in the coming decades, including banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. In August, Gov. Gavin Newsom also called for more aggressive targets for greenhouse gas emissions, including expanding the current goal of a 40% reduction by 2030 to 55%. But forest management will also play a significant role, especially because a century of wildfire suppression has allowed for an unnatural buildup of carbon inside forests that is getting released almost instantaneously during massive wildfires. The state has allocated billions in funding toward wildfires, including investments in forest management, fuel breaks and community hardening. Managing forests through mechanical thinning, prescribed burns and other methods will make a difference, Jerrett said, especially as researchers and state agencies learn more about the role of wildfires in greenhouse gas emissions. "That conventional wisdom of the wildfires as carbon neutral is something we have to rethink in the context of a climate crisis," he said, especially "when we have so little time to meet critical goals." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A driver is accused of killing two people after troopers said the driver ran a red light trying to escape a traffic stop in Atlanta, according to Georgia State Patrol. The deadly crash occurred just after 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, on Northside Drive and 14th Street, state troopers said. Police tried to stop the driver of a Toyota RAV4, who immediately accelerated and sped off, authorities said in a news release. The driver continued through a red light and plowed into a 2022 Mitsubishi Highlander at the intersection, officials said. The driver and front seat passenger of the Mitsubishi were killed, troopers said. Authorities identified them as Gemini Jerome Jackson, 27, and Guillermo Bracho Barrios, 39. Three passengers in the backseat were taken to a hospital for treatment. The suspects who caused the crash were also hospitalized with severe injuries, authorities said. Troopers did not disclose the suspects conditions as of Thursday afternoon. The crash remains under investigation. Stolen U-Haul erupts in flames after leading police on hourslong chase, Texas cops say Dad with baby in car crashes in chase that reached speeds of 115 mph, NC deputies say Accused robber dies in police chase days after Walgreens stickup, Georgia troopers say Students walk through UCLA's campus in February. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) When UCLA students Samea Derrick and Lydia Dixon were hired as camp counselors at Bruin Woods, a Lake Arrowhead summer getaway for alumni, they were excited to land the coveted job with its networking opportunities. But after less than one week at the camp, the two would head back down the mountain and return home, traumatized by intense hazing at the hands of other counselors, they said. During those five days in June, Derrick, 19, and Dixon, 20, said they were sexually assaulted and hazed by returning student counselors, including physical and verbal abuse, sensory deprivation, forced nudity, and coercive drinking games. Derrick and Dixon spoke with The Times and filed a lawsuit this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the University of California regents and other camp counselors, including two men accused of sexually assaulting them. The lawsuit alleges the hazing activities, referred to by counselors as "traditions," have taken place for decades at the camp, established in 1985 for UCLA alumni and their families. It references a 1999 news article by the Daily Bruin student newspaper, which mentions activities such as swimming in the lake naked and partying as prerequisites for becoming a counselor. "The reason that we're doing this is to expose the dangerous behavior at Bruin Woods and to hold the regents accountable for allowing the behavior to go unchecked for so long," said Scott Carr, an attorney who filed the lawsuit Tuesday on the students' behalf. The suit alleges negligence, civil rights violations, hazing, gender violence, two cases of assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It seeks a jury trial, $50,000 in damages and compensation for legal fees and medical expenses. Before arriving at the camp, Derrick and Dixon said they had heard rumors of heavy drinking, partying and sex. Incoming counselors were given a packing list that included a fake ID for under-21 students, condoms and birth control, the lawsuit said. During the drive up the San Bernardino Mountains, Derrick, Dixon and other counselors were forced to drink and were challenged to keep from throwing up as the cars snaked through the winding roads, they said. Staff and returning counselors welcomed the newcomers with open arms, referring to the group as a "family" and a "team that will be with you for life." But "every single night, it would just become more and more intense, like they would cross more and more boundaries," Derrick said. Communication with the outside world was discouraged; counselors were chastised for calling friends and family, and phones were banned during most of the "traditions," the students said. Drinking was encouraged each night at parties hosted by returning counselors at camp facilities, according to the lawsuit. During a party at the start of the week, Dixon lost consciousness after heavy drinking and, while asleep, was sexually assaulted by a male returning counselor, she said. The next day, she said, her supervisors kicked out the counselor after she reported the incident to them, and she decided to carry on with hopes that things would improve. On the third night, around 11 p.m., Dixon said she was too tired and wouldn't join the evening's party. However, a returning counselor assured her this was one of her "favorite traditions" and convinced her to attend. Newcomers were told to bring pillowcases and a shoelace. The new counselors were forced to remove their shoes and place the pillowcases over their heads, and were marched into the woods where they were told to hold their arms up until they lost circulation, the lawsuit said. Then, they were brought to a room where other counselors yelled insults at them. Dixon, who is a part of Greek life on campus, said she had never been hazed before and didn't expect such "demeaning" treatment while working at a UCLA job. "And so I was kind of confused, but I thought, you know, maybe that's the worst of it," she said. But the next night, newcomers were "peer-pressured" into taking off their clothes and jumping on a slip-n-slide that led to the lake. "I was scared," Derrick said. "Like, I barely knew these people." On Wednesday evening of that week, the newcomers were invited to a party at a camp warehouse, where the returning counselors greeted them while standing completely naked and encouraged the newcomers to remove their clothes as well, Dixon said. "When I walked in that room, I just felt like everyone was like just the same as the boy who had assaulted me," Dixon said. "I was so mortified." Dixon and Derrick were among the newcomers who tried to leave the party early, they said, but they realized the doors were locked from the outside. When returning counselors tried to convince them to stay, Dixon said she felt uncomfortable and referred to her assault. The counselors assured her that "if I just took off my clothes, I'd feel so much better and this is how they build trust." Both stayed at the party clothed. "I honestly still really wanted them to like me," Dixon said. After the party, naked counselors ran up and down the hallways of the two-story, co-ed house shared by counselors and were jumping into showers together. Dixon said she and other newcomers locked themselves inside a room where some were in tears and others were having panic attacks. Later that night, Derrick lost consciousness and was also sexually assaulted by a male counselor while she slept, according to the lawsuit. "When I woke up on Thursday morning, I was naked in my bed, and I just had like sheer panic ... because I didn't know what had happened," Derrick said. She confronted a counselor whom she remembered spending time with during the party, and he admitted to the assault, she said. When reporting it to her supervisors, she said she was peppered with intense questioning. Derrick immediately called her father, who picked her up Friday and returned to their Santa Clarita home. Other new hires had also expressed a desire to leave early but decided to stay after speaking to returning counselors. Dixon worried the same would happen to her and decided to keep to herself until her parents arrived from their home in the Northern California city of Paradise for camp counselors' traditional opening-week musical theater show. "I remember thinking, even if they changed my mind, they won't be able to change my mom's mind," Dixon said. By the end of the week, after walking her parents through the events of the last several days, Dixon also left the mountain with her family. Soon after, Dixon reached out to Derrick. Both reported their experiences to the university's Title IX office, then decided to look for an attorney. A UCLA spokesperson said the university has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual violence and hazing. "When we learned of the alleged incidents earlier this year, they were referred to our Title IX Office and are being handled according to university policies and procedures," the university said in a statement, declining to comment further to protect the privacy of those involved. "Our top priority is the well-being of our students, staff and families, and we have robust policies in place to review all claims of misconduct." UCLA had been a dream school for Dixon, a political science major who grew up in Northern California falling in love with the idea of living in Los Angeles and had heard glowing stories from her sister-in-law who attended the university. Derrick, who studies environmental science, was drawn to UCLA for its research opportunities and variety of clubs. But since camp, Derrick and Dixon said their mental health has suffered, making their return to campus difficult. Derrick took a gap quarter this fall after she had several panic attacks while seeing other camp counselors on campus. She was also prescribed medications for her mental health. "I didn't physically feel safe on campus anymore," Derrick said. Dixon said she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder over the summer and was prescribed medications. The next few months were filled with anxiety and depression, and she found it difficult to leave her house. Although she returned to campus for classes this fall, Dixon said she still freezes up when she sees other camp counselors, whom she also shares some classes with. "It's just been really difficult to deal with, so I want to make sure that no one else has to," Derrick said. It is unclear how many supervisors at the camp and at UCLA were aware of the hazing, Carr said. He expects that will be revealed during discovery in the case. Dixon said she spoke with other female counselors who shared experiences of assault, with some waking up to male counselors touching their genitals. During training, she said counselors shared that four separate Title IX cases were filed after the previous summer's camp. She was told the "traditions" were more intense in previous years with even less consent, and had since been toned down. "I'm sure there's like so many people who were victims of this in the past, who weren't able to speak out for whatever reason," Dixon said. Carr, who has represented survivors of sexual assault at school districts and churches, as well as hazing survivors from universities, said such behavior thrives in secrecy. "They bring you in, talking about how they're going to be your best friends, and they get you to trust them, and then once you trust them, they get you to protect their secrets," Carr said. "And that's exactly what happened here." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A plaque commemorating the Irish woman who shot at Italian dictator Benito Mussolini has been unveiled at her childhood home in Dublin city. On April 7 1926, three years into Mussolinis fascist rule of Italy, 49-year-old Violet Gibson drew a pistol and shot at Mussolini at point blank range as he walked among a crowd in the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome. Mussolini moved his head as she shot and the bullet grazed his nose. Following her attempt on Mussolinis life, Ms Gibson was placed in an asylum in England, where she died aged 80 in 1956. A commemorative plaque was unveiled at 12 Merrion Square in her honour on Thursday. Writer and producer Siobhan Lynam, whose 2014 RTE radio documentary The Irishwoman Who Shot Mussolini highlighted Violet Gibsons story, said that for nearly a century Ms Gibson was a mere passing footnote in the history of Italian fascism. A man photographs a commemorative plaque which was unveiled for Dublin woman Violet Gibson at her childhood home on Merrion Square, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) She described Ms Gibson as a highly intelligent, artistically gifted, well-travelled and bold-thinking woman, who had a strong commitment to social justice and was an avid pacifist. Recalling the moment where the course of history could have been changed, the crowd gathered outside Ms Gibsons family home on Thursday heard that shed been keeping notes on Mussolinis movements before attending the public plaza with a gun wrapped in a shawl. Ms Lynam said Mussolini was there soaking up the adoration of the crowd after speaking at a conference of surgeons. And she took the pistol and a point blank range and shot at him. But just as she fired the gun, he turned his head because the students had burst into the fascist hymn Giovinezza. She took a piece off the end of his nose, he turned around, face pouring blood. She tried to shoot him again but the gun jammed. So this disheveled, grey-haired, five-foot-one Violet, the crowd just set upon her and the police jumped in and arrested her. Mussolini was shocked that a woman would shoot him, and then: an ugly old woman and a foreigner. The commemorative plaque for Violet Gibson (Brian Lawless/PA) She said that headlines around the globe and world leaders condemned the attack, including WT Cosgrave, the president of the executive council of the then-Irish Free State, who called it an odious attempt. Ms Lynam said that Ms Gibson was judged as a mad Irish mystic and a crazy Irish spinster by a world who thought Mussolini was perfectly sane. Speaking at the unveiling, Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy said that the plaque was part of efforts by Dublin City Council to put a focus on the women in Irelands history. Of 45 plaques that have been erected to commemorate those who have contributed to Dublin city, only seven commemorate women, she said ahead of the unveiling of the plaque. We all know that over the years, the role of women in our national life, in the story of our city, has not been given the attention it deserves. We in the city council and have been working through our various activities to put a focus on women in history, she said. Dublin councillor Mannix Flynn, who proposed the plaque for Ms Gibson, was also present at the unveiling. The former head of extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service has said the unprecedented decision to allow Harry Dunns killer to face justice virtually is not likely to be repeated. Nick Vamos told the PA news agency Anne Sacoolas could have simply turned her video-link off and walked away at any point in proceedings. Sacoolas, 45, pleaded guilty to causing Mr Dunns death by dangerous driving as she appeared virtually from her lawyers offices in Washington DC on Thursday. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Max Hill, told PA the proceedings were firmly controlled at all stages by the judiciary, adding: We apply the law that is in force at the time that the hearing takes place. Max Hill (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Vamos, who is now head of business crime at law firm Peters & Peters, said: Whats unprecedented is that the proceedings are conducted entirely remotely from start to finish. There are provisions in the law to allow people to appear through video-links at various stages. But to go from the start to the finish without the defendant ever setting foot in this country, let alone in the courtroom, is unprecedented. Mr Vamos said the CPSs ability to conduct remote proceedings derives from coronavirus legislation, which allows even the most important court sessions, such as plea and sentence hearings, to be done virtually. He told PA: The reason why we dont do that normally is because it means the court has no control over the defendants The whole principle of criminal justice is that the defendant surrenders to the court, is under the control of the court, and has to do whatever the court directs. Yet Anne Sacoolas hasnt done that. She could at any point in these proceedings have simply turned her video-link off and walked away, and theres nothing the court could have done about it. So the idea that it depends on her consent, as opposed to the courts power, is very unusual and its led to these unprecedented circumstances. Im surprised that theyve gone to this option. Its what supporters of the family wanted and its what I advised them the CPS has the power to do, but its still surprised me that the CPS have chosen to do it. Firstly, its a way of circumventing extradition. So forget Anne Sacoolas for a moment; think about an international fraudster or drug trafficker whos managed to leave the country ahead of being charged and therefore couldnt be held in custody. They might say, Well, I dont want to come back to the UK, Id just like to phone it in. Ill join the trial from wherever I am now and well go all the way through to the end and see what happens. Thats just not what anybody would call justice. You dont give the defendant the choice of whether to come back or not. The parents and step-parents of Harry Dunn before meeting Mr Hill in 2020 (Aaron Chown/PA) So it might be justified in Anne Sacoolass case because of the unusual circumstances, because shes effectively consenting. But its really hard to see how it could be justified as a general rule that if youd rather not be extradited and stay put, you can just dial into your trial, or drop out if you choose. It rather does undermine the power of the court because, as I said at the start, the principle is that the court has control over the defendant can order the defendant to come, go, go into custody, released on bail if necessary. None of that applies here. She seems to have as much power as the court as to what happens, and that, in principle, is wrong. Addressing whether other defendants would be able to elect to face virtual criminal proceedings, Mr Vamos said: I hope that this isnt a precedent for doing this again and Im sure that the court agree and the CPS agree. Nobody could come along in the future and say, I now have a right to entirely remote trial because Anne Sacoolas did, because the CPS would just say, Were not going to support that application, your position is completely different. So its a proof of concept, which I think was justified in in this case because its so exceptional, but I dont think it will be repeated. Asked why the CPS decided to conduct remote proceedings in Sacoolass case, the DPP said: We apply the law that is in force at the time that the hearing takes place. The law as enacted by Parliament on remote attendance at court hearings has changed, first during the Covid period and now looking forward after recovery. But these proceedings are not concluded, they are firmly controlled at all stages by the judiciary, its quite wrong for me to comment any further than saying that I hope it is clear to everyone that we at the CPS are doing everything we possibly can to achieve justice for Harry Dunns family. FILE - In this photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine then President Rodrigo Duterte meets cabinet officials at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines on March 7, 2022. Russia wants the Philippine government to honor a signed contract to purchase 16 military heavy-lift helicopters, which the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte had cancelled due to fears of possible U.S. sanctions. (King Rodriguez/Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) MANILA, Philippines (AP) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday backed a decision by his predecessor to cancel a deal to buy 16 Russian military heavy-lift helicopters and said his administration has secured an alternative supply from the United States. Marcos Jr. said at a news conference that the Philippine government will negotiate to get back part of the down payment it made to the Russian aircraft manufacturer. It was the first time Marcos Jr., who took office in June, has commented publicly on the touchy issue involving Russia. His predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, signed the deal to buy the Mi-17 helicopters but decided before his term ended to cancel the contract due to fears of possible Western sanctions. I think it was already determined by the previous administration that that deal will not carry through, will not go on, Marcos Jr. said when asked to comment on a call by the Russian ambassador to Manila for the Philippine government to honor the helicopter deal. We have secured an alternative supply from the United States, the president said. He added, without elaborating, that the U.S. aircraft to be ordered by the Philippines would be manufactured in Poland. Moscows ambassador to Manila, Marat Pavlov, told reporters Wednesday night that the Philippine government has not officially notified Russia of its decision to cancel the deal and a Russian company was proceeding to manufacture the Mi-17 helicopters after the Philippines made an initial payment. Filipino pilots who would operate the helicopters have undergone Russian training, he said. The Russian aircraft manufacturer was ready to deliver one of the helicopters in June but unfortunately, it was not accepted by your government, Pavlov said. We are ready to fulfill all our obligations as a reliable partner of the Philippine side in the field of technical military cooperation and we consider that it will also be done by the Philippines, Pavlov said. The Department of National Defense in Manila, however, said it formally notified the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sovtechnoexport in June and last month of the Philippine decision to cancel the contract. The defense department has convened a committee to thresh out the details of the withdrawal from the deal, department spokesman Arsenio Andolong said. Unfortunately, we made a down payment that we are hoping to negotiate to get at least a percentage of that back, Marcos Jr. said. Former Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez first confirmed the governments decision to terminate the deal in interviews with The Associated Press in July. The decision, which was approved by Duterte, was made amid concern over possible Western sanctions which could include restrictions that would slow down bank transfers of the huge amounts of money that Filipino workers send home from the U.S. and other Western countries, according to Romualdez. One of Dutertes Cabinet members, Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, had warned Duterte then that Western countries may withhold assistance that could help the Philippines deal with and recover from coronavirus outbreaks, two Philippine officials told the AP on condition of anonymity because they lacked the authority to discuss the issue publicly. Romualdez has said Washington did not pressure the Philippines to drop the 12.7 billion-peso ($215 million) deal with the Russians. But following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February, countries that purchase Russian defense equipment could face Western sanctions, he said. I think it was really prudent specially for President Duterte to approve the cancellation of that contract because it can save us a lot of trouble, Romualdez told Manila-based foreign correspondents in August. A U.S. offer to sell Boeing CH-47 Chinooks which was discussed last year by Lorenzana and his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, could be considered to replace the Russian helicopter deal, Romualdez said. Under the scrapped helicopter deal, which was signed in November, the first batch of the multi-purpose helicopters was scheduled for delivery by Russias Sovtechnoexport in about two years. Aside from the 16 helicopters, one would have been given free to the Philippines, defense officials said. The Russian-made helicopters could have been used for combat, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations in the Southeast Asian archipelago, which is often battered by typhoons and other natural disasters, Philippine officials said. In March, the Philippines voted yes on a U.N. General Assembly resolution that demanded an immediate halt to Moscows attack on Ukraine and the withdrawal of all Russian troops. When Duterte was in office, he nurtured close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he once called his idol, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping while frequently criticizing U.S. security policies. The Philippines is a treaty ally of Washington, which has imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow aimed at pressuring it to withdraw from Ukraine. By Joey Roulette WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Elon Musk's SpaceX is expanding its satellite internet unit's foray into in-flight WiFi services with the rollout on Wednesday of Starlink Aviation, offering customers a $150,000 airplane antenna amid mounting competition for airborne connectivity. Starlink, SpaceX's growing network of thousands of internet satellites, will charge customers seeking broadband internet on private jets between $12,500 to $25,000 a month for the service, on top of a one-time $150,000 hardware cost, the company said on its website. Starlink Aviation will begin delivering terminals in mid-2023, it said on its website, with reservations requiring a $5,000 payment. It added each terminal can deliver up to 350 Mbps, fast enough for video calls and online gaming. Companies building low-Earth orbiting satellite networks beaming broadband internet, like SpaceX's Starlink and Britain-backed satellite operator OneWeb, are racing to court airlines and private jet services in a market dominated by companies such as Inmarsat and its rival ViaSat, which are planning to merge. OneWeb on Tuesday announced an agreement with in-flight broadband giant Panasonic Avionics, which offers service to some 70 airlines, to market and sell OneWeb's broadband service to airlines by mid-2023. Britain's competition regulator last week referred Viasat's planned takeover of rival Inmarsat for an in-depth investigation over concerns the tie-up could hamper new competition in the aviation connectivity market and increase prices for airlines' on-board Wi-Fi. SpaceX plans to offer Starlink internet connectivity to Hawaiian Airlines planes next year. The company offers the service for maritime customers and RVs, and already has tens of thousands of individual consumers paying $110 a month with a $599 terminal. (Reporting by Joey Roulette; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) Spirit Airlines shareholders voted Wednesday to accept a $3.8 billion buyout from JetBlue Airways, but the deal could still face a challenge from federal antitrust regulators. JetBlue emerged as the winner in a bidding war with Frontier to acquire Spirit, the nation's biggest budget airline. Spirit announced the outcome after a brief meeting, which was held online. Spirit said only that the JetBlue deal was supported by a majority of shares voted; it promised an exact count within four business days. Wall Street widely expected shareholders to approve the sale after they forced Spirit to drop a proposed merger with Frontier Airlines in favor of JetBlues richer, all-cash offer. This is an important step forward on our path to closing a combination that will create the most compelling national low-fare challenger to the dominant U.S. carriers," Spirit CEO Ted Christie said after the vote. JetBlue issued a statement calling the vote a major milestone in our plan to join with Spirit to create a high-quality, low-fare national challenger to the Big Four airlines" a reference to American, United, Delta and Southwest. JetBlue vowed to work through the regulatory process. JetBlue is expected to repaint Spirit planes and fold its pilots and other employees into the JetBlue workforce. The deal would make New York-based JetBlue the nations fifth-biggest airline with more than 450 planes and about 7,000 pilots and it hopes help it win customers from the bigger airlines. However it would also eliminate Spirit, the nations biggest budget carrier, and that might not sit well with regulators, who appear to oppose any further consolidation in the airline industry after a round of mergers between 2005 and 2016. The Justice Department is currently fighting to kill a partnership in New York and Boston between JetBlue and American, which the airlines call the Northeast alliance or NEA. Department lawyers say the alliance is anti-competitive and will drive up prices for consumers. A trial that began last month in federal court in Boston resumes Monday. The outcome of the NEA trial could have a huge impact on whether the Justice Department lets JetBlue buy Spirit or sues to block the sale, according to Florian Ederer, an antitrust expert and economics professor at Yale University. If (JetBlue and American) win the case, and the judge thinks the NEA does not harm consumers enough, its almost guaranteed that there will be an antitrust challenge to the Spirit acquisition, Ederer said. JetBlue argues the alliance with American should be allowed because its not a merger. The acquisition of Spirit, however, would merge two airlines. JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes has said he is confident of winning regulatory approval to buy Spirit. The airlines hope to close the sale in the first half of 2024. Spirit and Frontier announced their planned merger in February. Both are so-called ultra-low-cost carriers that charge lower fares than other airlines but tack on more fees to make up some of the difference. JetBlue, which tried to buy Virgin America in 2016 but lost a bidding war with Alaska Airlines, topped Frontiers stock-and-cash offer in April. JetBlue overcame the opposition of Spirits board and management to drive out Frontier. The JetBlue offer calls for Spirit shareholders to get $33.50 per share in cash, including an advance of $2.50 per share upon approval of the deal by Spirit shareholders, plus a ticking fee of 10 cents per share per month while regulators review the matter. If regulators kill the sale, JetBlue would pay $70 million to Spirit, which is based in Miramar, Florida, and $400 million to Spirit shareholders. Even after losing the bidding war, Frontier is likely to benefit from the Spirit sale. If Spirit disappears, Denver-based Frontier will become the nation's biggest budget airline, catering to the most price-sensitive travelers. After just six chaotic weeks in No 10, Liz Truss dramatically quit, having lost two Cabinet members, the confidence of Tory MPs and control of the economy. Not even 24 hours after declaring herself a fighter, not a quitter, Ms Truss announced her resignation in Downing Street. She is set to become the shortest serving Prime Minister in history. Here, the PA news agency looks at the key moments of her disastrous premiership. September 5: Liz Truss is the victor in the Tory leadership contest and will become the countrys next prime minister. She promises a bold plan to cut taxes and grow the economy and deliver on the energy crisis. The Queen welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister(Jane Barlow/PA) September 6: Ms Truss becomes Prime Minister after being invited to form a new government by the Queen at Balmoral. Later that afternoon, in her first speech in Downing Street, she says she is honoured to take on the role at a vital time for our country. Kwasi Kwarteng is appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer. September 7: Ms Truss uses her first Prime Ministers Questions to promise to work with MPs across the House to tackle the challenges we face at a vital time for our country. She confirms she will set out her package of support to deal with soaring energy bills the following day. September 8: In Parliament shortly before midday, the PM announces a new energy price guarantee and promises support for businesses struggling with bills for six months, with targeted help for vulnerable firms beyond that. She describes it as the moment to be bold, adding: We are facing a global energy crisis and there are no cost-free options. Soon after her economic announcements in the Commons, Buckingham Palace issues a statement saying doctors were concerned for the Queens health, and that the head of state was under medical supervision. A Palace statement is released at 6.30pm, saying: The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. September 9: The King holds his first in-person audience with Ms Truss at Buckingham Palace. Politics all but comes to a halt as the country observes a national period of mourning. The King welcomes new Prime Minister Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace (Kirsty OConnor/PA) September 19: The Queens funeral is held at Westminster Abbey in London. September 23: Mr Kwarteng announces the biggest raft of tax cuts for half a century. Using more than 70 billion of increased borrowing, he sets out a package which includes abolishing the top rate of income tax for the highest earners and axing the cap on bankers bonuses while adding restrictions to the welfare system. The pound falls to a fresh 37-year low as spooked traders swallow the cost of the spree. Questioned by reporters later that evening, the Chancellor insists his plan will encourage investment in the UK and rejects the suggestion his economic announcement was a gamble. As chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng announced the biggest raft of tax cuts for half a century (Aaron Chown/PA) September 29: Almost a week on, the PM insists the Government had to take urgent action to get the economy growing in her first public comments since the mini-budget market turmoil. October 2: Ms Truss acknowledges mistakes over the mini-budget but says she is standing by her tax-cutting plan as she refuses to rule out public spending cuts. The PM admits she could have done more to prepare the ground for Mr Kwartengs financial statement, and she faces accusations of throwing her Chancellor under the bus by saying the abolition of the 45p top rate of tax was made by him, and not discussed with the Cabinet. October 3: In a dramatic U-turn, Ms Truss and Mr Kwarteng abandon their plan to abolish the 45p rate of income tax for top earners. We get it, and we have listened, the Chancellor says, in language echoed in a tweet from the PM less than 24 hours after she said she remained absolutely committed to the cut. Somewhat embarrassingly, Ms Truss was still defending the 45p tax rate in a TV interview filmed just hours before the U-turn. Liz Truss U-turned on her controversial plan to abolish the 45p rate of income tax for top earners (House of Commons/PA) October 4: Mr Kwarteng says the Queens death added to the high-pressure environment around the preparation of the mini-budget. In an interview with GB News, he says it is important to place the so-called fiscal event in the context of the Queens death and funeral. October 5: Ms Truss pledges she will get us through the tempest and get Britain moving as she delivers her first Tory conference speech as party leader. October 8: Four Cabinet ministers urge colleagues to rally behind Ms Truss as the PM battles to steady the Tory ship following a week blighted by infighting. October 10: Mr Kwarteng bows to pressure to bring forward the publication of his financial strategy and independent economic forecasts. Completing another U-turn, he agrees to set out his medium-term fiscal plan alongside Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predictions on October 31. October 11: As Parliament returns, the Chancellor is warned, during a session of Treasury questions, that the Governments economic credibility would be further shredded if he tries to push through the policies without the support of Conservative MPs. October 12: Ms Truss insists she will not cut spending to balance the books, despite economists and the financial markets continuing to question her plans. She says she is absolutely not planning public spending reductions, but insists taxpayers money will be used well. October 13: Mr Kwarteng says his total focus is on delivering on the mini-budget in response to speculation about a U-turn on the measures. October 14: Mr Kwarteng is sacked, having flown back early from International Monetary Fund talks in Washington. He says he has accepted Ms Truss request he stand aside as Chancellor. Outgoing chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng leaves 11 Downing Street after he accepted Prime Minister Liz Truss request he stand aside (Victoria Jones/PA) The Prime Minister replaces her ideological soulmate at the Treasury with Jeremy Hunt, the former foreign secretary who backed her rival Rishi Sunak in the Tory leadership contest. Ms Truss dismisses calls for her resignation at a hastily arranged eight-minute press conference in Downing Street, during which she takes just four questions from journalists. She announces she is abandoning Mr Kwartengs commitment to drop the planned rise in corporation tax from 19% to 25% even though it was a central plank of her leadership campaign saving the Exchequer 18 billion a year. Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, speaks to Mr Hunt following his appointment. October 15: The new Chancellor indicates the PMs immediate economic plan is now largely defunct in a series of broadcast interviews. Jeremy Hunt leaves 10 Downing Street in London after he was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer (Victoria Jones/PA) Mr Hunt criticises the mistakes of the Truss administration and warns of difficult decisions to come on tax and spending. In an unusual intervention, US President Joe Biden appears to join in the criticism of Ms Trusss original plan, telling reporters I wasnt the only one that thought it was a mistake and calling the outcome predictable. October 16: Former minister Crispin Blunt becomes the first Tory MP to publicly call for Ms Truss to quit, saying the game is up for the Prime Minister. He is followed by Andrew Bridgen and Jamie Wallis, while other senior figures within the parliamentary party express deep unease with the PMs leadership but stop short of calling for her to go. Labour urges Ms Truss to come before Parliament to face MPs. October 17: Mr Hunt ditches the bulk of the PMs economic strategy in an emergency statement designed to calm the markets. The Chancellor scales back the energy support package and scraps almost all the tax cuts announced by his predecessor. He abandons plans to slash the basic rate of income tax by 1p which had been due to be brought forward to April saying it will remain at 20p in the pound until the country can afford to reduce it. The cut in dividend tax promised by Mr Kwarteng is also axed in the policy bonfire, along with VAT-free shopping for overseas tourists, the freeze on alcohol duty, and the easing of the IR35 rules for the self-employed. Ms Truss sits silently in the Commons for roughly 30 minutes as her Chancellor informs MPs of the change of direction, staring straight ahead as he bins huge chunks of her plan. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt alongside the Prime Minister in the Commons (House of Commons/PA) The PM admits to a meeting of the One Nation group of Tory MPs that we tried to do too much too quickly, as she seeks to shore up support for her premiership. In a sit-down interview with the BBCs Chris Mason, she apologises for her mistakes and pledges to lead the Tories into the next general election. October 18: Ms Truss survives a meeting of the Cabinet without any ministers calling for her to quit, while Mr Hunt tells colleagues they must review departmental budgets to find ways to save taxpayers money. Downing Street sparks a backlash by indicating ministers could ditch their commitment to the pensions triple lock. The Prime Minister addresses Tory MPs from the European Research Group (ERG), telling them that she found axing her tax-slashing programme painful and did it because she had to. Mr Hunt meets Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives. Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee October 19: The PM declares she is a fighter, not a quitter and insists she is completely committed to the triple lock on state pensions at PMQs. Tory MPs are told a Labour vote in the Commons seeking to ban fracking is being treated as a confidence motion in Ms Trusss embattled Government. Deputy chief whip Craig Whittaker warns his colleagues the vote is a 100% hard three-line whip, indicating that dozens of Conservatives who oppose the controversial gas extraction method face being kicked out of the parliamentary party if they do not follow orders in the lobbies. But confusion ensues when climate minister Graham Stuart tells the Commons: Quite clearly this is not a confidence vote. It leads to ugly scenes at Westminster, with Cabinet ministers Therese Coffey and Jacob Rees-Mogg among a group of senior Tories accused of pressuring colleagues to go into the no lobby. Labour former minister Chris Bryant claims some MPs were physically manhandled. Meanwhile, Suella Braverman dramatically quits as home secretary, citing a technical infringement of the ministerial rules, and criticising Ms Trusss tumultuous premiership. The resignation letter from Suella Braverman (Suella Braverman/Home Office/PA) Labours motion is defeated by 230 votes to 326, majority 96, but there is speculation that Chief Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy, Craig Whittaker, have resigned in fury at the handling of the affair. At 9.49pm more than two hours after the vote No 10 issues a statement saying both remain in post. Overnight, Downing Street says Mr Stuart was mistakenly told to say it was not a confidence motion, adding that Conservative MPs were fully aware it was subject to a three-line whip. A spokesman says the whips will be speak to the Tories who failed to support the Government, and those without a reasonable excuse will face proportionate disciplinary action. October 20: Cabinet minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan says she believes at the moment it is still the case Ms Truss will fight the next election as Prime Minister. Anne-Marie Trevelyan says she believes at the moment it is still the case Ms Truss will fight the next election as PM (Stefan Rousseau/PA) But pressure on the PM continues to mount, with more backbenchers adding their names to the growing list of Tory MPs publicly demanding her resignation. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle says he has asked the Serjeant at Arms and other officials to investigate allegations made about incidents in the Commons on Wednesday night. At around noon, as the Prime Ministers official spokesperson tells reporters there are no changes to Ms Trusss plan to stay in office beyond October 31, it is reported that she is in talks with Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers. A Downing Street source says Ms Truss invited Sir Graham to Downing Street as part of a taking the temperature exercise, gauging the mood of Tory MPs. Just over an hour later, it emerges that Ms Truss will give a statement at Downing Street, and a lectern is swiftly set up outside the famous black door. At 1.30pm, the Prime Minister steps out to the lectern and says she has told the King she is resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. In a brief speech, she tells the country she recognises she cannot deliver the mandate which Tory members gave her a little over six weeks ago. She says she will stay on as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen via a leadership election to be completed in the next week. President Joe Biden has said the United States and the UK will continue their close co-operation in the wake of the resignation of Liz Truss. In a statement, Mr Biden who only met Ms Truss once in the course of her brief premiership thanked her for her partnership on a range of issues, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The United States and the United Kingdom are strong allies and enduring friends and that fact will never change, he said. I thank Prime Minister Liz Truss for her partnership on a range of issues including holding Russia accountable for its war against Ukraine. We will continue our close cooperation with the UK Government as we work together to meet the global challenges our nations face. The sole meeting between the two leaders took place in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. The encounter came amid tensions between London and Washington over the Northern Ireland Protocol with concerns in the White House that the row with the EU could jeopardise the Good Friday peace agreement. In a surprise intervention at the weekend, Mr Biden criticised Ms Trusss by then abandoned tax-cutting agenda describing it as a mistake. French President Emmanuel Macron said it was important at a time of international tensions to see political stability restored in the UK. He said that his dealings with Ms Truss, who he saw earlier this month at the inaugural meeting of the European Political Community in Prague, had been very constructive. France, as a friend of the British people, wishes for stability, he said. In this context of war and tensions over the energy crisis, it is important that Great Britain sets out again on the path of political stability and thats all I wish for. On a personal level, I am always sad to see a colleague leave and I hope that stability will come back. A US citizen has admitted responsibility for the death of teenager Harry Dunn in a crash near a US military base. Anne Sacoolas, 45, pleaded guilty to causing the 19-year-old motorcyclists death by careless driving in August 2019. Sacoolas had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US government following the crash near RAF Croughton, in Northamptonshire and was able to leave the UK 19 days after the incident. In December 2019, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised Northamptonshire Police to charge her with causing Mr Dunns death by dangerous driving. On Thursday, she denied that charge but admitted the lesser offence when she appeared in Court One of the Old Bailey by video link. US citizen Anne Sacoolas, 45, (right in TV screen) Harry Dunns alleged killer, appearing in court by video link (Liz Cook/PA) Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC said the plea was accepted by the Crown. The defendant, who is on unconditional bail, had identified herself before entering her pleas before senior judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb. Mr Dunns family, who had long campaigned for his killer to face justice, were sitting in court. Both Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn held their heads in their hands as Sacoolas pleaded guilty. Telling the court the Crown accepted the plea of causing death by careless driving, Mr Atkinson said: The Crown recognises putting at risk a vulnerable road user is capable of amounting to dangerous driving. The mother of 19-year-old Harry Dunn, Charlotte Charles The prosecution has taken into account the mitigation available to this defendant and the balance of justice. It has been considered at the very highest level. The Crown considers the plea of causing death by careless driving is one that is acceptable. Mr Atkinson said the Crown would not be proceeding to trial on the causing death by dangerous driving charge. The guilty plea was watched by around 20 members of Harry Dunns family. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb urged Sacoolas to come to the UK to be sentenced in person, but admitted she had no power to force her. Adjourning sentence until the end of November, she said the offence of causing death by careless driving carried a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment with a range of options from a medium-level community order to three years in custody. Addressing the unusual way the hearing had been conducted with the defendant appearing from the United States, the judge said: The fact that the defendant could not be compelled to attend court in person means there was no other way to obtain her plea to the charges. It was in the interests of justice in the particular circumstances of this case to grant a live link for this hearing. That is no reason in itself to grant a live link for sentence. Although I have not yet decided what sentence to impose, I very much have in mind the submissions as to the sentencings. Ms Sacoolas is a convicted offender and a consideration of the interests of justice now must include the ability to enforce any sentence or any ancillary order I impose. It is agreed any sentence I impose is likely to be unenforceable while the defendant remains outside the UK. I have to consider the reason why the defendant does not attend court in person. Alongside an early guilty plea one of the most powerful mitigating factors in cases of death by driving is the degree of remorse felt by the defendant. Attention has been rightly drawn to the remorse by Ms Sacoolas in co-operating with these proceedings at all. Despite her conviction today, there is no order I can make to compel her at the Central Criminal Court for sentence. I direct Ms Sacoolas attend court to be sentenced. If the sentence is one that does not involve immediate custody there is to be no barrier to her returning home after the hearing. The judge reminded the court that the case concerned the sudden and unexpected death of a young man three years ago, adding: Attendance would provide weighty evidence indeed of genuine remorse. The defendant acknowledged that she understood after Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb also imposed an interim driving ban and ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Sacoolas, who wore a white blouse with dark hair tied back, appeared composed throughout the hearing. She only briefly appeared flustered when she mistakenly entered a not guilty plea to the lesser charge before quickly correcting herself. Sentencing will be fixed at the Old Bailey in the week of November 28. 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. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Overnight October 19-20, at around 00:05, the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire from various caliber firearms and mortars at the Armenian military positions located in the eastern direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the Defense Ministry said. The Azerbaijani fire was suppressed. The Armenian side has no losses. At the moment the situation is relatively stable. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. The government is close to making a final decision regarding the formation of a ministry of internal affairs, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting. He reminded that the police reforms are already ongoing. As a goal we prioritize the introduction of new standards in police, national security service, rescue service, state protection service. When we say standards we also mean increase of salaries, the PM said. Salary increase will happen in all security agencies through the certification process. We must realize that a state system is in place which promotes and motivates essential staffers. The system must work approximately in the following way: in the next three years, all employees who have the desire, will pass a voluntary certification process, which will lead to doubling of salaries. As a result, not only will the salaries increase, but also the standard of the work which we expect, the PM said. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. The identification process of the fallen troops in the latest Azerbaijani aggression is completed. 201 bodies were identified, healthcare minister Anahit Avanesyan told reporters. There are no unidentified bodies from the September 13 Azeri aggression, she said. Speaking on the victims of the 2020 war, she said: After the 44-Day War we conducted two identification analysis regarding unidentified bodies also in Netherlands. Weve received the results, but we still have remains which unfortunately werent possible to be identified even there. More than 60 bodies analyzed by us were transferred abroad and were identified, Avanesyan said, adding that there are still identified bodies which havent been buried because the next of kin reject the identification results. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan awarded today Member of Parliament of Bulgaria, Head of Bulgaria-Armenia Friendship Group Atanas Zafirov with a Medal of Gratitude for his contribution to strengthening and developing the friendly relations between Armenia and Bulgaria and for preserving the universal values. The award ceremony took place in Sofia on the sidelines of the Armenian Presidents state visit in Bulgaria. Atanas Zafirov thanked for the award, stating that being awarded by the President of Armenia is a great honor for him. I want to thank you and state that not only I work on the development of the Armenian-Bulgarian relations, but also a lot of my colleagues. This medal is very important to me, it reflects our work, he said. The President of Armenia said that he highly appreciates the attitude of the Bulgarian leadership to Armenians living here, as well as to the citizens of Armenia. We have a chance to express gratitude to you concretely and all of your colleagues who contribute to the development of the Armenian-Bulgarian relations. We highly value the attitude of the leadership of Bulgaria to our compatriots living here, as well as to the citizens of Armenia. We, the moderns, have an obligation to continue these traditions that go back to centuries. Congratulations once again, I wish good luck to you and your colleagues, the President of Armenia said. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan continues to obstruct the Armenian side from recovering bodies of fallen troops in certain areas, Human Rights Defender of Armenia Kristinne Grigoryan told reporters. The Defense Ministry knows where the bodies of fallen troops are located in concrete areas. And as of this moment the Azerbaijani side is still not giving consent for the Armenian side to retrieve the bodies. Azerbaijan still obstructs and doesnt allow the bodies to be recovered, Grigoryan said. 29 people are missing in the latest Azeri aggression. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. At around 16:30 today, the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces again opened fire from various caliber firearms at the Armenian positions located in the eastern direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the Defense Ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that the Armenian side has no casualties and that the situation is relatively stable at this moment. Considered a loyalist of the Gandhis, Kharge will take over as the Congress president on October 26 Lucknow: A day after Mallikarjun Kharge was elected the Congress president, BSP chief Mayawati on Thursday accused the 137-year-old party of remembering Dalits only in its bad times and making them "scapegoats". Kharge (80), a Dalit leader from Karnataka, trounced his 66-year-old rival Shashi Tharoor in a historic election held four days ago to become the first non-Gandhi to head the Congress in 24 years. In a series of tweets, Mayawati said, "The history of the Congress is a witness that it has always neglected/disdained the messiah of the downtrodden Param Pujya Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and his society. This party does not remember the safety and honour of Dalits in its good days, but makes them a scapegoat in bad days." "The Congress party remembers mostly non-Dalits in the long run of good days and puts Dalits in front in their bad days as in the current times. Is this not deceit and pseudo politics? People ask, 'Is this the real love of the Congress towards Dalits'?" she said in another tweet. Considered a loyalist of the Gandhis, Kharge will take over as the Congress president on October 26 as he seeks to steer the beleaguered party out of its current crisis. The arrival of the train in the remote location brought cheers to the entire people of South East region of Manipur The Territorial Army soldiers keep a vigil on the hills for safe train movement at the vital railway project in Manipur. (Photo by arrangement) Kolkata: It was a momentous occasion for the natives of villages like Oinamlong, Kambiron, Thingou and Khongsang in Manipur when the first passenger train, Agartala-Khongsang Jan Shatabdi Express, was flagged off by President Droupadi Murmu on October 13. The arrival of the train in the remote location brought not only cheers to the entire people of South East region of Manipur but also a silent satisfaction to the Territorial Army (TA) troopers, who have been shouldering a key responsibility and even laid down their lives for the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway project. Around the midnight of June 29 this year a massive landslide struck the company operating base of the 107 TA Infantry battalion, comprising the 11 Gorkha Rifles soldiers, deployed near Tupul railway station in Noney district of Manipur to protect the under-construction railway line from Jiribam to Imphal. As many as 30 TA soldiers including an officer died among 61 victims in the natural disaster. The presently operational 54 km-long rail line, which passes through the picturesque valley of Makru and Barak before reaching Khongsang, is a stretch of a strategically important plan to eventually link Moreh by railway network as part of Act East policy of the Centre. It has 19 tunnels and 9 major bridges with the maximum height of 105 meters across the hills. This section of the rail line covers around 300 km in nearly seven hours from Agartala to Khongsang whereas a road journey takes around 19 hours to cover a distance of 600 kms currently. The remaining 56 kms of rail line to Imphal is expected to be completed by December in 2023. While infrastructure development in terms of the railway network is bound to help Manipur immensely through better transport connectivity among local people, the Indian Army will also have an advantage of faster mobilization of troops. The railway project, that was accorded the status of National Project connecting Manipur with rest of the country, was however dogged with numerous security problems in the early stages when various North East-based militant groups indulged in extortion, abductions and indiscriminate killings. The central paramilitary forces were initially tasked to contain the cycle of violence in the region. But in view of continuing threats to the railway personnel and spiraling violence resulting in stoppage of work and mass exodus of contractors, workers and employees, the railways finally approached the defence ministry for provision of security. According to the Eastern Command of the Army, the Terriers, as the TA soldiers are fondly called, took upon the daunting challenge, by staying true to their ethos and professionalism. Their steadfastness, hardwork and determination resulted in creating a safe environment where the railways could work unhindered and achieve success. It said, "The railway authorities have been extremely appreciative of the security cover by the TA which has enabled them to achieve their goal. The TA continues to be deployed and silently provides a conducive environment to the North East Frontier Railway to complete its remaining part of the project from Khongsang to Imphal." by Nirmala Carvalho Some priests have come out against the apostolic administrator Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, appointed by Pope Francis last August. The unified liturgy remains the main bone of contention; adopted by the Syro-Malabar Synod, it has not been accepted by the local community. In April, the pontiff wrote to the archdiocese, saying: We cannot create division. We cannot allow ourselves to be a source of scandal. Kochi (AsiaNews) Tensions continue in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly over the "unified" liturgy adopted by the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church. Local priests issued a strong-worded statement yesterday against the apostolic administrator, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. Pope Francis appointed him in August following the resignation of the metropolitan vicar, Archbishop Antony Kariyil, who chose not to proceed with the liturgical reform because of strong opposition from the local clergy and communities. The priests accuse the apostolic administrator of turning "our mother", the archdiocese, into a "police state, a reference to his request for police protection, as opposed heeding to Pope Francis's call to be shepherds with the smell of sheep. The priests ask that Archbishop Kariyil (who had resigned from the post of metropolitan vicar) be allowed to live in the archdiocese. They also again call for the recognition and approval of the local form of the Eucharistic liturgy facing the faithful, and the reimbursement of losses suffered by the archdiocese for land deals dating back to 2017. The priests who signed the statement note that until their demands are not met, their parishes would not make the statutory payments to the archdiocese while the archdiocesan administrator and his supporters will not be invited to any ceremony. The latest chapter in this saga comes after Archbishop Thazhath argued that the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly ought to join the other 34 dioceses of the Syro-Malabar Church and accept the compromise adopted last advent in favour of a single Holy Qurbana, the Eucharistic liturgy of the Syro-Malabar Church. After years discussing the issue, the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church held in August 2021 established that the celebrant should face the congregation for the first half of the celebration, and then turn towards the altar during the consecration part. Amid the controversy, Pope Francis gave a clear indication last April in a letter addressed to the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, in which he invited the faithful not to call into question the synodal decision to have a single Eucharistic liturgy in the Syro-Malabar Church. In the letter, Francis does acknowledge that for the local clergy and faithful, this was a suffered and painful step, but added that, We cannot live divided. We cannot create division. We cannot allow ourselves to be a source of scandal. The dead include five visitors, relatives of prisoners. According to Radio Free Asia, an urban rebel group claimed responsibility for the attack. In Sagaing, prisoners attempted to escape from a police station. Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) At least eight people (three prison guards and five visitors) died in Yangons notorious Insein prison following an explosion yesterday. According to eyewitnesses, two parcel bombs detonated at the prisons parcel reception area, wounding another 18 people. After the incident, Obo Prison in Mandalay started to refuse packages. According to Radio Free Asia, an urban rebel group called the Special Task Force Agency of Burma claimed responsibility for the attack. The visitors killed were all relatives of the detainees, including the mother of student leader Lin Htet Naing, jailed in June this year for his pro-democracy activities against the military junta, and as well as the mother of a man accused of tampering with an aircraft. The mother of the student activist was bringing rice, while the other mother was going to prison to testify in her sons case. Insein Prison is a large complex on the outskirts of Myanmar's former capital. It holds about 10,000 detainees, mostly political prisoners jailed after the military coup of 1 February 2021. Other attacks were reported in Yangon since the outbreak of civil war a year and a half ago. Meanwhile, 14 prisoners escaped from the police station in a township in the central region of Sagaing. Four others were re-arrested while one, 25-year-old Ah Pon, was killed, while. The dead man had been arrested for drug possession. Local sources told AsiaNews that because of the civil war, drugs are increasingly widespread among young people and youth. The conflict pits Myanmars military and the People's Defence Forces, the armed wing of the exiled National Unity Government (NUG), which is allied with the ethnic militias that emerged following the countrys independence from the United Kingdom. Now that the dry season has arrived, visibility and travel will be easier, with violence expected to rise across the country. According to independent sources, more than 15,000 civilians have been arrested in the first six months of 2022, while more than 11,000 people have been killed. Exceptional find by a group of US and Iraqi archaeologists near al-Masqa, demolished by jihadists. Eight rock carvings with war scenes from the time of King Sennacherib, who led the people between 750 and 681 BC, have been found. Cultural heritage Iraq's real 'black gold', more than oil. Mosul (AsiaNews) - A team of Iraqi and US archaeologists has made an exceptional discovery, bringing to light eight valuable rock carvings over 2700 years old containing war scenes dating back to the time of the Assyrian kings. The mission is operating in the Nineveh governorate and has started an excavation and restoration project near the famous al-Masqa gate, demolished by the Islamic State (IS, formerly Isis) between 2014 and 2017, during the period when the jihadist group controlled the northern Iraqi metropolis. According to Director General of the Department of Investigation and Excavation Ali Shalgham, the unearthed antiquities 'fall within the second season of excavations and contain scenes of war'. Analysing the cuneiform engravings, he adds, 'it was discovered that they belong to the time of King Sennacherib', who led his people between 750 and 681 BC. The discovery consists of eight marble (alabaster) slabs, which bear carvings featuring Assyrian soldiers, one of whom is intent on shooting an arrow, as well as palm trees, grapes, pomegranates and figs that were located inside King Sennacherib's palace. Following the discovery, experts from the University of Pennsylvania will maintain the sculptures to prevent their deterioration due to the climate, which is endangering the country's heritage. The expert explains that the work is to prepare the ground for the maintenance of the foundations and walls of the al-Masqa gate, one of the oldest and located on the western side of Mosul. In a second stage there will be the most demanding intervention, with the restoration of the gate to its original condition before its demolition at the hands of the men of the self-styled 'caliphate' in 2016. This is a large-scale project that is supported by funding from the International Coalition for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (Alef). The restoration of cultural heritage is among the priorities emphasised by the Chaldean Church and the Patriarch, Card. Louis Raphael Sako, to "preserve the heritage and dismantle" the fundamentalist ideology that led to the destruction of monuments and treasures in Nimrod, Hatra and Mosul. Since his time as archbishop of Kirkuk, the cardinal has denounced the dangers posed by what he calls a "universal heritage" to be safeguarded such as archaeology, which alone is worth "more than oil". This is a task that is incumbent on all Iraqis, not just Christians, and one that he also recalled in 2016, during the "International Conference for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Conflict-Theatre Areas" in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Eau). This includes the restoration work on the famous clock church (the Church of Al-Saa, Our Lady of the Hour), also in Mosul, which is proceeding thanks to a joint project involving the Emirates and Unesco and also includes the al-Nouri mosque. The place of worship belonging to the Dominican fathers dates back to the late 19th century and was famous for its bell tower with a clock, a gift from Napoleon III's wife Eugenie of France. Before blowing it up with explosives, Isis militiamen ransacked the building, plundering goods of historical and cultural value inside. by Vladimir Rozanskij Some monks have blessed volunteers and mobilised to the front; others condemn the Putin offensive. Buddhism has tens of thousands of followers throughout the country. Buddhist beliefs admit the defence of the population from external threats. Moscow (AsiaNews) - A delicate debate is underway among Russia's Buddhists on the permissibility of war, which seems to contradict the teachings of the religion, as can be seen from the contradictory statements made by some senior members of local communities. If the head of the traditional Sangha (community) of Buddhists in Buryatia, Damba Ajuseev, blessed the volunteers and those mobilised at the front with the words 'Buddha is with us!', the head of the Buddhists of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoce condemned the military operation in a recent interview. Historian Andrej Terent'ev, editor-in-chief of the Buddhist publishing house Nartang, published an article in the Nezavisimaja Gazeta on the subject of 'whether Buddhists can go to war', recalling that the Buddhist theocratic state of Tibet did in fact have its own army. "Everyone knows, however, that Buddhism is a doctrine about love and peace, in which the deprivation of the life of another human being is considered the most negative action". In addition to the Buriyas, Calyukis and Tuvins, inhabitants of the three Buddhist-majority republics of the Russian Federation, Buddhism today has tens of thousands of followers across the country, even without ties to ethnic origins. Terent'ev recalls the teachings of the 'five vows' that underpin the Buddhist religion, starting with the principle that 'one cannot justify war as a simple result of past actions, i.e. karma'. The Buddha himself did everything he could to avoid wars and conflicts, trying to prevent bloodshed. Karma is for Buddhists the main cause of every event, but 'it is not omnipotent, and by relying on morality in making decisions we can also overcome karmic tendencies', the specialist reminds us, because 'karma is not fatalism, which is alien to Buddhism'. The ethical discipline begins precisely with the prohibition of killing, not only by avoiding criminal actions, but also by refusing to encourage others to carry out such actions, as is also the case with the other four commandments: do not steal, do not lie, do not perform impure actions, do not drink. For monks, the rules are even stricter, and apply to all branches of Buddhism, both the traditionalist Theravada of South Asia and the more widespread Mahayana of the Lotus Sutra, the predominant school even among Russian Buddhists. The latter also adds the development of 'Bodichitta', compassion with all creatures to reach the level of the Buddha himself, without dividing people into own and outsider, friend and foe, and without which one cannot truly speak of Buddhist faith. Terent'ev reminds us, however, that 'Buddhism admits diversity of views, and some doubt the canonical statements of pacifism', recalling a 2014 article by the influential US monk Bhikkhu Bodhi on the need for governments to defend the population from external threats, such as during the Second World War following Hitler's invasions. In such cases, 'fidelity to karma does not mean remaining passive in the face of cruel aggression, and warlike actions are permissible'. In Russia, the opinion also seems to be spreading that only monks would be authorised to fight, having the purest hearts of the lay faithful, and thus living the necessary defence of the people without feeding the criminal hatred of murder. War must be waged 'while preserving the spirit of compassion, without fuelling hostility towards living beings', and in any case, the historian of Buddhism concludes, 'every possible alternative solution to war must be sought'. by Fady Noun The UNHCR and the EU have criticised Lebanons repatriation plan, calling it a soft form of deportation since it would see 15,000 Syrian refugees go home per month. Lebanon wants to see it implemented as soon as possible, but for some analysts, it is no longer a priority compared to electing a new president and forming a new government to pursue future policies. Beirut (AsiaNews) Lebanon has postponed a plan to repatriate 15,000 displaced Syrians per month. Considered vital by Lebanese authorities, the plan has been criticised by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the European Union, and international human rights organisations as a soft form of deportation. In a statement on Tuesday, Lebanons outgoing Minister of Displaced People Issam Sharafeddine said that "the Lebanese state has decided not to adopt the initial plan proposed by the ministry," but this plan "will be activated as soon as possible." Either way, political observers believe that the plan is no longer a priority, pending the resolution of the problem of political transition in Lebanon, with the election of the countrys president and the formation of a new government, two deadlines that promise to be challenging. Officially, the issue emerged at the sixth conference on Syrian refugees held on 9 May 2022 in Brussels. On that occasion, the Lebanese delegation clearly heard advice from donor countries about integrating Syrian refugees into Lebanese society. Initially shocked, the Lebanese delegation quickly realised that the international community, in particular donor countries, did not intend to give the green light to the repatriation of displaced Syrians, and this for many reasons. First, because they bet on the overthrow of the Syrian regime and lost, and so do not wish to cement this failure by helping President Bashar al-Assad. Secondly, according to some unconfirmed rumours in certain political circles, since most displaced Syrians in Lebanon are Sunnis, their presence would counterbalance Hezbollah and the growing Shia community, as long as the future of Lebanon and the region remained unclear. Finally, the war in Syria that began in 2011 is still not over, and even if the regime and its allies have scored points, they have not yet won the victory that would push the international community to give in on the issue of displaced people. Minister Sharafeddine, who visited Damascus last August, said he had received guarantees and assurances from Damascus that Syrian nationals will be able to return to their country without fear of reprisals from the regime. In fact, a convoy of 483 families will leave at the end of this week", from Arsal, a town in eastern Lebanon. However, even this seems to be in jeopardy, since, as indicated by Major General Abbas Ibrahim, head of Lebanons General Directorate of General Security, the government agency responsible for repatriation, Lebanese authorities are still waiting for the green light from Damascus. For Minister Sharafeddine, the repatriation plan was supposed to be implemented with the agreement of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Syrian authorities. However, neither the UNHCR nor Syrian authorities, each for their own reasons, is taking this repatriation for granted. Syria clearly wishes to use this issue to normalise its relations with Lebanon. Although Lebanon has not officially severed ties with Syria after the outbreak of the war in 2011, no top Lebanese official has officially visited Syria since then, and those who go do so in their personal capacity. With the UNHCR, the issue is of a different nature. In particular, Lebanon is calling for the suspension of monthly aid payments to Syrian refugees to encourage them to return home. This aid is a source of tensions with the Lebanese population, who believe that Syrian refugees in Lebanon enjoy a higher standard of living than they do. They also view their presence as part of a plan by the international community to grant Syrian refugees Lebanese citizenship. In reality, Lebanon has made it clear to the European Union and the United Nations that it considers itself a country of transit, categorically rejecting any European plan to integrate hundreds of thousands of Syrians on its territory. Email Newsletters Get the best of The Aspen Daily News in your inbox. Our newsletters are free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles opened an investigation into the Wrangler, Gladiator, and Ram 1500 equipped with this engine on February 2nd, citing potential premature high pressure fuel pump failures which may result in a stall. Through August, in-depth analysis of stall patterns and vehicle history singled out the Bosch CP4.2 as the origin of the stalls.As mentioned in an older story regarding the recall of 138,645 trucks and utilities equipped with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, the CP4.2 is notoriously bad. Back then, FCA recalled the 2014 to 2019 model year Ram 1500 (DS generation) and the 2014 through 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2 gen).FCA is aware of 22 customer assistance records, 205 warranty claims, and 33 field reports potentially related to this problem, with dates of receipt which range from June 2020 to September 2022. On the upside, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles isnt aware of potentially related accidents or injuries. The decision to recall 60,413 examples of the Wrangler, Gladiator, and 1500, came on October 6th, with dealers to be instructed to replace the high pressure fuel pump and if necessary - additional fuel system parts.Both dealers and owners will be notified on December 2nd. The remedy component is described as boasting improved durability, but FCA does not mention if the remedy component is the Bosch-supplied CP4.2 as before.The suspect fuel pumps may introduce debris into the fuel system, causing fuel starvation, resulting in the aforementioned stalling condition. The recalled fuel pump is known as 68211269AA in Chryslers parts system.No fewer than 21,244 examples of the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6-powered Wrangler are called back, 2020 to 2022 models built between August 2019 and November 2021. The Gladiator is listed in the document attached below from June 2020 to May 2022, whereas the recalled population of Ram 1500 half-ton workhorses was produced between May 2019 and January 2022. PHEV MPGe AWD SUV EV Just having celebrated its 30th anniversary , the Grand Cherokee deftly blends a solid chassis and handsome, yet purposeful looks in a two-row five-passenger package that sets the standard for the class. These all-purpose vehicles have been equipped primarily with V6 and in SRT guise, V8 engines, but this time around, in 4xe trim, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor and batter pack with plug-in capability.The result is a powerful package with a combined output of 375 horsepower and a whopping 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and Jeep s Select Trac II all-wheel-drive system. Theelement delivers up to 25 miles of pure electric operation, an EPA rating of 56and a more useful 23 mpg combined when operating as a conventional hybrid.While it may not seem like a significant gain in combined fuel economy (its only two mpg more than theV6 model), it is a considerable bump over the V8 which comes in at 17 mpg. Keep in mind also, that the 4xe delivers 18 more horses and 80 additional lb-ft of torque. Plus, since many SUVs of the Grand Cherokees ilk spend time shuttling around in urban environments, can operate in a fuel-free electric mode for greater savings.Settling into the drivers seat and hitting the start button produces no sound. The 4xe starts off in hybrid mode with the engine kicking in as needed. Theres plenty of low-end grunt which serves double duty in allowing the Grand Cherokee to step smartly off the line while also having tremendous capability in low-speed rock crawling.The prodigious torque feels like its coming from a V8 than a turbo-4 and thanks to the 8-speed automatic transmission, acceleration is smooth and linear. The only tip-off that theres only two liters of displacement is the sound of an engine thats working pretty hard beneath the hood.The only complain here is at low speeds, the variable assist power steering feels a big heavy, but it lightens up with vehicle speed. Also a bit unsettling at first is the high level of regen braking available, which allows for nearly one-pedal operation. It has a bit of a learning curve and can be turned off via a convenient dash-mounted switch as opposed to digging through some digital display.Cruising along at freeway velocity, the Grand Cherokee feels surefooted, quick when summoning up power to pass and composed under braking. Its midsize dimensions offer a good, command of the road seating position without feeling like you have to clamber up behind the wheel as you would in a full-sizeAs a daily commuter, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has all the comfort bases covered. But it also comes into its own as a weekend warrior thanks to the Quadra Trac II 4x4 system that incorporates a two-speed transfer case and a 2.72.:1 low-range gear ratio. Put it into rock crawling mode and it has an incredible 47.4:1 ratio. As a bonus, the 4xe is also rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds.Jeep basically wrote the book on off-road prowess, but its also showing its a fast learner when it comes to delivering a luxury SUV experience. The Summit Reserve trim on our test vehicle has the fit, finish and trim that you expect to see in rivals like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In addition, theres plenty of supple leather, wood veneers and high-end tech like a 19-speaker MacIntosh sound system and three display screens in the dash, one each in front of the driver and passenger in addition to the traditional center infotainment touchscreen.The standard Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe starts at $69,820. Our test vehicle also included the flagship Summit Reserve group which adds $4,480 to the sticker. Included in this package are 21-inch alloy wheels, an active noise control system, the premium MacIntosh audio, Palermo leather upholstery and door trim, and ventilated rear seats.The $2,235 Advanced Protech option adds a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection and a rear-view auto-dimming digital display mirror. With a few other extras like wireless device charging, rear window shades and $1,795 delivery, the total cost of the vehicle comes in at $79,000.Given its ability to add power, fuel economy as well as an ability to cruise off-road insilence, the addition of PHEV technology to a traditional SUV like the Jeep Grand Cherokee not only makes sense, but is also a sign of things to come from the brand. Not only that Google Maps cant be 100 percent accurate, but there are also moments when the smallest error in the way it works could completely ruin your time behind the wheel.This is precisely what seems to be happening right now, as some Google Maps users have noticed that the app silently changes the destination after picking an alternative route. In other words, whenever Google Maps selects a new route due to the changing traffic conditions, the app also configures a new destination, therefore sending users to a completely different location.Its not very clear why this happens, but based on the reports of the affected users, heres what we were able to figure out.More often than not, the error is triggered when Google Maps is being used to navigate to an address by providing the locations coordinates. This means users dont input a specific address but its coordinates, so when Google Maps looks for alternative routes to the destination, it somehow changes the coordinates as well.Then, this weird behavior takes place mostly when eco-friendly routing is being used. The eco-friendly option is supposed to help drivers find routes that reduce their carbon footprint and fuel consumption, but because of this error, it actually sends them to other destinations as well.In most cases, the new destinations arent far from the ones originally configured by users, but there are times when Google Maps completely loses its mind and sends drivers even 20 kilometers (thats some 12 miles for our American readers) away from the desired final point.Google is yet to acknowledge the problem, so for the time being, you should just double-check that Google Maps is always sending you to the desired location, especially when choosing a new route. As expected, this years edition of the National Business Aviation Associations Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) was not only a great opportunity to admire some of the coolest new models in the industry (such as the first ACH130 Aston Martin Edition delivered in the U.S.) but also the place where important business agreements were signed.Fly Alliance, based in Orlando, agreed to purchase four Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 jets, with an option for 16 more. This new Textron Aviation model will be used for luxury charter operations.The new jet was meant for luxurious flights indeed. Some of the sophisticated updates include improved lighting, a new pedestal seat design with individual controls, elegant styling, an entry curtain added for better weather protection on the ground, plus a new lighted airstair door.The XLS Gen2 also offers wireless charging, USB charging ports at each seat, and an optional speaker-less sound system, in addition to an advanced wireless cabin management system.Its not all about the spa-like experience with this new Cessna Citation. The aircraft can get up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) in just 30 minutes, easily reaching speeds of up to 441 knots (507 mph/817 kph). At cruising speed, it can ensure a range of 2,100 nautical miles (2,400 miles/3,889 km).Fly Alliance is not the first customer for the XLS Gen2. The first aircraft was delivered earlier this year to a customer in the Midwest, shortly after the model had obtained the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approval. Fly Alliance is expected to get its first XLS Gen2 in 2023. Well, MINI hasnt given up on those kinds of thrills thanks to their tendency to pop up special editions . And while the MINI Countryman gets the Untamed Edition for those looking for out-of-the-city rugged weekends in nature, the British automaker didnt forget to reward its road-touring fans with the 2023 MINI Cooper S Cabrio Resolute Edition hair blower.Forget what Hollywood has taught us. Spontaneously grabbing your favorite sunglasses, peeling your top back, and letting your hair get kissed by the wind might feel retro, but its a part of driving car lovers miss so much.In a recent press release, the British automakers said "MINI currently offers the worlds only premium convertible in the compact car segment and guarantees typical MINI driving pleasure in the open air.The MINI Cooper S Cabrio Resolute Edition refreshingly fits that bill and, on top of that, adds a classically sporty feel. The Rebel Green shade that symbolizes the call to Rebel for Life, complimented by Resolute Bronze accents and bonnet stripes, the sweet spot to lux and sporting procession adds a unique flair to this open-top four-seater canyon slayer.Under the hood, the MINI Cooper S Convertible Resolute Edition packs a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine good for 176 hp (178 ps). Itll charge from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 6.7 seconds.The MINI Resolute convertible is available in two variables; the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible. Both versions come standard from production in November with driver assist features. DOHC More than 24 years after it first saw the light of day, this 1998 Ducati 748 is still in the original owners possession. That will soon change, however, because the Italian beauty is currently heading to auction with a little over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) on the odometer. In addition, it features an aftermarket rider saddle from Sargents catalog, as well as fresh spark plugs installed earlier this year.Below the gorgeous fairings penned by Massimo Tamburini, Bolognas spartan packs a liquid-cooled 748cc desmodromic L-twin thats linked to a six-speed transmission. Thepower source comes with four valves per cylinder, 11.5:1 compression, and a Weber fuel injection system. When the tachometer displays 11,000 rpm, the engine is capable of producing 97 horses at the crankshaft.On the other hand, a maximum torque output numbering 55 pound-feet (75 Nm) will be supplied at approximately 9,000 revs. Before it eventually plateaus at a top speed of 150 mph (241 kph), the 748 can run the quarter-mile distance in 11.8 seconds. Moreover, itll require a mere 3.4 ticks to hit 60 mph (96 kph) from a standstill.Youll find a steel trellis frame holding everything in place, and suspension duties are handled by adjustable upside-down Showa forks at the front and a piggyback shock absorber at the rear. For ample stopping power, Ducatis phenom uses dual 320 mm (12.6-inch) brake discs up north and a single 220 mm (8.7-inch) unit down south, all of which are paired with Brembo calipers.Excluding any fluids, the 748 weighs in at 432 pounds (196 kg). This great-looking 1998 model will remain listed on Bring a Trailer until Monday, October 24, so there are five days separating us from the auctioning deadline as of now. With no reserve price set by the seller, the highest of the four bids registered thus far amounts to a very modest three grand. Furthermore, there are no signs that the constrained supply would be resolved anytime soon, and now carmakers expect the chip shortage to continue not only in 2023 but even beyond the next year.Qualcomm, which is one of the worlds leading chipmakers, says theres actually a positive side to the crisis. The shortage and the impact it had on almost every single industry sector out there proved chips are essential for everything these days, and handling inventory in a more effective manner is something that all companies should do.Carmakers have often been accused of working with live semiconductor stock before 2020, therefore avoiding creating inventory and transferring the risk of overcapacity to chipmakers themselves.In the last two years, however, building stock was no longer possible because of the insane semiconductor demand, so many car manufacturers started considering alternative backup plans in the long term, including the development of their own chips in-house.Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon called for companies to be more efficient when it comes to chips, explaining that people realized chips are an essential ingredient for the digital economy. Furthermore, Amon explains that predicting how the chip market would evolve is rather impossible right now, especially because of various factors, including the way China tackles the health crisis.General Motors doesnt expect the chip shortage to be resolved until 2023 , with the companys CEO recently saying that the crisis could even continue beyond next year. At the same time, tech giant Intel previously released a forecast projecting the end of the chip shortage in 2024, explaining that the impact of the crisis could continue to generate disruptions in certain industry sectors for several more years. EV Earlier this week, Cadillac formally introduced the 2024 Celestiq , a fully-electric land yacht that should mark the marques return to form and to high-end luxury. Each vehicle, which is expected to go into production in December 2023, will start at $300,000 and be fully customizable, so that impressive figure is more of a guideline than anything. The idea is to have each Celestiq owner at the wheel of their dream Cadillac, because they would have the final say in the final design.For starters, Cadillac got rock star Lenny Kravitz to design his own Celestiq. We dont know yet how it might look, except for what is teased in the ad at the bottom of the page: it will be dark and moody and tough [but] with classic, beautiful lines, Lenny says in a voiceover.It will be in keeping with the cars tagline of Meticulously crafted. Effortlessly iconic, a call for the well-heeled customer to give American-made, handbuilt luxury a try. A combination of heritage and modern touches, harking back to the era when Cadillac was the instantly-recognizable symbol for status and style, but this time, upgraded for modern times and climate-change conditions.Cadillac wants to make a comeback, but it has to be one that doesnt burn a hole into the already damaged atmosphere of our planet, so its taking the luxury route. This isnt a car for the masses, its a car for the people who can afford to go fully green, yet not lose an ounce of the eccentricity afforded to them by their bank account. Still, the task at hand is a difficult one. Its ironic then that they chose a man who hasnt driven a car in the 15 years hes lived in Paris to shill for them Lenny Kravitz, as he admits himself in a recent Vanity Fair coverstory, is not much of a car guy at least, not in the sense most celebrities are, buying the latest releases and packing his garages with them. He had a phase in his life, back in the 90s, when hed drive celebrity cars like Ferraris and Mustangs, Rolls-Royces and G-Wagens, but hes mostly a classics guy. He prefers the elegant lines, the simple and reliable handling of a classic. He loves beat-up s**tboxes (were paraphrasing) that he can fix up, whether theyre Bugs, WV vans or Jeeps.Lenny Kravitz is also a passionate motorcycle rider . Hes been living in Paris for 15 years, and he hasnt driven a car once while there, because he prefers to ride on any of his Triumph Bonnevilles.The irony of the pairing between Kravitz and Cadillac isnt the fact that they chose him for a brand ambassador when hes not the standard car guy, but that this partnership will work despite the fact. Lenny Kravitz might not be much of a car guy, but he is, without a doubt, the king of cool. He is the man who made heeled boots on men cool and scarves, layered clothing, all-leather outfits and heavy knits, and wearing shades at night, like he does in the ad. If theres anything Kravitz can sell that is not music or his own beauty products and perfume endorsement deals, its probably a very expensive and very fancy car, which also happens to be a stand-outSo when Kravitz says he finds the gorgeous heritage of old Cadillacs in the Celestiq , we have no choice (for now) but to take him at his word. He plans to make his one-of-one Celestiq his nighttime vehicle in Paris, because hes mostly a night creature. It will be his silent chariot through the City of Lights were paraphrasing again and he will make sure to drive it only to places where he can park it up front. That last part is probably part of his endorsement deal, but he does seem genuinely invested in creating a Cadillac that recalls the old-timers his grandfather used to drive him around Los Angeles in.To be sure, Kravitz doesnt live only in Paris. He has homes in Miami, Brooklyn, Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and he keeps the few (prized) cars he owns here. The Celestiq will be exclusively his French ride, and hes designed it to be a match for his four-level home in the citys 16th arrondissement, with exotic woods with strong patterns, mixed with colors like camels and chocolates and caramels, and an exterior paintjob that will look sort of black in the dark, but its really a rich brown with a little bit of metal flake. A little bit of dimension.The choice for Kravitz as brand ambassador might seem strange, but the more he speaks, the more sense it makes. Cadillac wants and needs this artsy, moody, cool energy that Kravitz brings attached to the Celestiq. At this point, you might be thinking that there cannot be any ultra-high-performance all-season tires , but you would be wrong. The UHP designation can be placed on all-season tires, not just on summer ones The difference is that this niche of tire involves having an ultra-low profile, as well as being designed to offer the best possible handling in multiple conditions, along with being capable of sustaining driving at high speeds.While we dissect the topic every time we write about tires, we still feel the need to clarify some things. First, every new production tire is a compromise. The same applies to racing rubber, and just about any product that is mass-produced and sold.Second, you cannot have everything to the maximum in a tire it can be better than some at rolling resistance, noise, or durability, but it may not be able to outperform those tires at the same time. In other words, all-season tires might not beat winter tires in the snow or on ice, but some might be really close, especially ultra-high-performance all-season tires.Or if it does, it will cost a lot, but it will not be as good as others at something else. The technology keeps improving, but we are asking more and more from tires without leaving any slack.Third, you must always account for the kind of driving that you mostly do with a vehicle when acquiring tires for it. Moreover, if you have just gotten the keys to a vehicle, check its tires first, and adapt your driving to their type and condition.It does not matter if you are the best driver in the world, you will have a tough time driving with summer tires on snow and ice, and there is a good chance that you might crash while doing it.In this comparison test, Jonathan Benson of Tyre Reviews compares just four premium brand tires that are meant to do their best in the snow, on wet roads, and dry pavement while being driven in a spirited manner.Watch the video until the end to find out what kind of tire Jonathan uses for his car at home, and you will see that what we described above will make sense if you listen to his review of each tire. In spite of how low the brand would fall in the years after, we can see Cadillac still held on to key elements that made them the American byword for quality and obscene luxury. It wouldn't be hyperbole to say that Cadillac's level of luxury and exclusivity in its golden years was on par with that of established European luxury carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and even Rolls-Royce. Looking at this last great Cadillac for generations, we can still see why.With polished chrome, hand-trimmed wood, and supple red leather accenting every nut and bolt of this 76 Caddy, there's an argument to be made the ten-inch longer wheelbase of this Coupe Deville helps smooth out the ride to an even better degree than the equivalent model year Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow or Bentley T2.Speaking of Rolls Royces , the 6.75-liter (412-cubic inch) V8 under their hoods back in the 70s was dwarfed by the 8.2-liter (500-cubic inch) V8 exclusive to the Cadillac brand. Weighing in at just over 5,000 lbs (2,267 kg), don't expect fuel economy in this behemoth to be any better than ten miles per gallon. Unless you drive like an absolute snail, that is. Then again, much like a classic Rolls-Royce, this Coupe DeVille is better suited these days to the occasional Sunday cruise.The biggest difference between the two is that one heavily incentivizes being chauffeured around in it, while the other is much better suited for the owner taking the wheel. Then again, the abundance of ashtrays inside this Caddy makes the back seat VIP a place to sit. Kind of like the first-class seats on an old Pan Am DC-7 . There's a similar level of room on both. The price for it all? That'd be $15,850 before taxes and fees , which is not a bad deal for what you're getting. UKs Armed Forces minister, James Heappey, announced that the law will be modified in order to prevent British military pilots from providing training to the Chinese military, The Guardian reports. The statement came in addition to rumors about the British defense intelligence issuing a rare threat alert on this subject.Heappey explained that although China is an important training partner, its also a competitor trying to access military secrets. And it seems that it has done so by using financial incentives to get experienced pilots on its side.According to the Guardian, the new regulations would be in the form of a two-strike rule, which means that pilots will get one warning. After that, if they commit the same act, they will be prosecuted. This is meant to act as a risk management tool in addition to the existing Official Secrets Act.The MoD apparently confirmed that China is actively recruiting both former and serving RAF pilots to train those in the Peoples Liberation Army. Through these tools and others that will also be implemented in the future, the MoD is trying to respond to what it considers a security challenge.UKs RAF uses several aircraft for pilot training purposes. The Tutor T1 (Grob Tutor T.Mk 1) provides elementary flying training for the University Air Squadron (UAS). The Beechcraft Texan T MK1 (Texan T1) replaced the Tucano T.Mk 1 for basic fast jet training. Next, the Hawk T.Mk 2 is meant for more complex tactical environments connected to advanced, realistic fast jet training. Getting ready for first night of sleep inside the Porsche Pavillion @Autostadt to demand @VW to eventually act to decarbonise the transport sector. 5/ pic.twitter.com/0nSiWYtMvU gianluca grimalda (@GGrimalda) October 19, 2022 Nine environmental activists chose Autostadt on Wednesday evening to raise awareness about what they call a climate emergency by gluing their palms on the Porsche pavilion floor. The group of nine that self-identified themselves as researchers and scientists argue that Volkswagen should do its part in slowing down climate change. They underline the manufacturer plays a big role in the fight against pollution since it is the worlds second-largest car producer. They also point out that VW has the means to lobby decision-makers into doing the right thing.One of the activists, named Gianluca Grimalda, glued himself to the Autostadt floor and decided to also go on a hunger strike. He said in a Twitter video that 12% of the CO2 emissions come from the car sector and pointed out that a change needs to happen. Grimalda spoke for the entire group and argued that there is a real link between CO2 emissions and rising global temperatures. He says decarbonization is important, and it must happen as fast as possible because the target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions set through Roadmap 2050 is too far off to have a meaningful impact.The activist also pointed out that the group chose Porsche s pavilion at Autostadt to denounce VWs role in not stopping climate change sooner.Other supporters of the movement that did not choose to glue their palms to the floor used the adhesive to stick research papers about the rising global temperature on various models that are currently on display.The protesters want Germany to reintroduce the 9 public transport ticket and demand that a speed limit of 100 kph (62 mph) be introduced on all the countrys highways. They are well-known to be an integral part of the Autobahn system, which allows drivers to go as fast as they can on some portions where there is no speed limit.Volkswagen provided the activists with meals, but after the business hours ended, it turned off the lights and the heating. The authorities have been notified, and Autostadts security employees are reportedly checking in occasionally with the people that are stuck on Porsches pavilion floor.At the time of writing, the protesters organization confirmed the people are still glued to the Autostadt floor, and it added that VWs CEO Oliver Blume should get involved in favor of setting the maximum highway speed at 100 kph (62 mph).This action follows up similar movements that happened recently in the UK where activists glued themselves to the public roads because they dont want the government to invest in new natural gas and oil projects.Volkswagen Group bought Porsche in 2012. It also owns other auto brands like Lamborghini, Audi, Seat, Cupra, Ducati, and Bentley. Pashinian, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, French President Emmanuel Macron and EU chief Charles Michel reached an agreement on the mission at an October 6 meeting in Prague. It came three weeks after unusually large-scale border clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops left at least 280 soldiers dead. The Armenian government hopes that the 40 or so civilian monitors which the EU will deploy to the Armenian side of the border will help to prevent further hostilities there. Right from the beginning it is planned that the monitoring mission will operate for two months, Pashinian told a weekly cabinet meeting in Yerevan. Within our expert community there are views that the period of the monitoring mission should be extended or that the mission should be made permanent. Im not sure about that. But in any case, this is a topic which is discussed by our public and expert circles, he said. If we see such a possibility and need, we dont exclude looking into the matter more deeply. Pashinian gave no reason for questioning the wisdom of longer EU monitoring of the situation along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. As recently as on Monday, Pashinian claimed that Azerbaijan is looking for an excuse to unleash new military aggression against Armenia. Azerbaijani forces attacked and seized on September 13-14 some of the Armenian army positions at various sections of the long frontier. Although the hostilities were largely brought to a halt on September 14, the two sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire on a virtually daily basis. The Armenian Defense Ministry said that its troops guarding one of the border sections came under Azerbaijani small arms and mortar fire on the night from Wednesday to Thursday. It said they silenced the gunfire without suffering casualties. An advance team of EU experts already arrived in Armenia last Friday to prepare for the launch of the monitoring mission. They have since met with senior Armenian officials and toured Armenian border settlements shelled by Azerbaijani forces during the September hostilities. Opposition lawmakers claimed that their pro-government colleagues elected Vahagn Hovakimian CEC chairman on October 7 in breach of a legal provision against conflicts of interest in Armenias parliament. Hovakimian was until this month a senior member of Pashinians Civil Contract party. He is a former journalist who worked for Pashinians Haykakan Zhamanak daily from 1998 to 2012. Pashinian hired him as a parliamentary assistant after being first elected to the National Assembly in 2012. Pashinians choice of the new CEC chief, announced in September, was strongly criticized by opposition and civic groups. They said that the appointment of a partisan a figure would call into question the proper conduct of Armenian elections. The parliaments pro-government majority dismissed these concerns before voting to install Hovakimian as CEC chairman. He was backed by 65 members of the 107-seat National Assembly, including himself, getting just enough votes. Hovakimian remained a parliament deputy up until formally taking over on October 12 as head of the body conducting all elections and validating their results. The two opposition blocs represented in the parliament say his decisive vote for himself violated an Armenian law that requires parliament deputies to publicly acknowledge a potential conflict of interest beforehand. They are planning to appeal to the Constitutional Court to declare the CEC chairmans election null and void. First of all, there is an obvious conflict of interest, said Taguhi Tovmasian of the Pativ Unem bloc. He had no right to vote for himself. Parliament deputy Hovakimian could not have voted for candidate Hovakimian to become the head of an independent body. For the first time [in Armenias history,] a party member became the head of an independent body, complained Tovmasian. This is unacceptable because this is the sole body thats supposed to ensure the legality of elections and continuous democratic development in Armenia. Hovakimian denied that his vote in the parliament constituted a conflict of interest. I was elected also because I declared from the National Assembly podium how I will be acting to the benefit of the Republic of Armenia, he said. Regional security was the main theme of the meeting, Mirzoyan said, adding that he briefed Amir-Abdollahian on recent Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks. We highly appreciate friendly Irans principled and clear position regarding the territorial integrity of Armenia as well as the Iranian sides efforts to establish peace and stability in the region, he told a joint news conference. Mirzoyan clearly alluded to Irans stern warnings against Azerbaijans possible attempts to strip it of the common border and transport links with Armenia. Amir-Abdollahian reiterated that this is Tehrans red line. During meetings with our countrys leader, the president of Azerbaijan [Ilham Aliyev] made clear that they do not seek or plan to carry out any geopolitical and border changes in the region, he said. At the highest level, we have made warnings regarding geopolitical and border changes in the region. The Islamic Republic of Iran has the capacity to impede and confront any such moves, stressed the chief Iranian diplomat. Aliyev has repeatedly demanded that Yerevan open a special land corridor connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave through Syunik, the sole Armenian province bordering Iran. The Armenian government rejects these demands while expressing readiness to restore conventional transport links between the two South Caucasus states. Mirzoyan reaffirmed that stance, saying that any extraterritorial corridors through Armenian territory are out of the question. As I said, the main requirement of the Armenian side is that the roads [to Nakhichevan] must be under our sovereignty and operate in accordance with our legislation, he said. Unfortunately, we are faced with Azerbaijans uncompromising position on this issue. We can also see that other, third countries -- sometimes even unexpected third countries -- support the Azerbaijani interpretation of this road, added Mirzoyan. He did not specify which third countries apart from Azerbaijans ally Turkey are also demanding such a corridor. Mirzoyan and Amir-Abdollahian are scheduled to attend on Friday the official opening of Irans consulate general in Syuniks administrative center Kapan. The Iranian government decided to open the consulate last December, underscoring its strong interest in Syunik. Iranian officials have backed full Armenian control of all transport links passing through the strategic region. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Lightstock.com The book of Psalms is the songbook of ancient Israel, and it stands today as a collection of poetry meant to inspire Gods people to worship. Meditating on the words that have been preserved for us, we are reminded of Gods incredible faithfulness and our great need of a Savior. If we dwell on them long enough, we can be lifted up into the throne room of heaven to bend low in awe of our King. The book of Psalms is indeed an invitation to worship, but its also a reservoir of raw emotion. David and the other psalmists never put a phony, positive spin on their struggles, nor did they attempt to hide their true feelings when life came at them with the force of a chariot. They let it all out, as though the words they penned were meant for God alone and would never meet the eyes of another human being. This is where most people stopthat is, they recognize the Psalter is filled with worship and plenty of raw emotion. In that, the book is a comforter and an ally. But the book of Psalms is also a teacher. If we look closely, well find lots of connecting points to the larger story of redemption. Thats what surprised me most about the book when I sat down to read it during the summer of 2020. Like many people who open up the book of Psalms, I was looking to draw closer to God and to find words to express my fears and anxieties in prayer. But what I found were the fingerprints of the Holy Spirit on every page. It was as though He were beckoning me to read the Psalms in light of the other sixty-five books of the Bibleto step into the story God has been writing since the beginning of time, a story that leads to Jesus our King. There are dozens of psalms that offer a majestic journey in the wilds of holy Scripture, but for now, here is a guided tour of three psalms that will draw you into the epic tale of Gods redemption. Psalm 15: Gods Holy Mountain In this reflective psalm, David asks, LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? (v. 1 NIV). He answers his own question immediately, saying, The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous (v. 2). Though David is, of course, thinking of Mount Zion in Jerusalem where a tent housed the ark of the covenant, his Q & A invites us to look back to the beginning, back to Eden, where the first humans lived with God on His holy mountain. (See Ezekiel 28:1314 for a description of Eden as the holy mount of God.) We were created to live with God, to know Him and walk with Him in unbroken fellowship. But then Adam and Eve opened the door for sin to enter our world, and our ties to the Lord were severed. We were no longer permitted to live with God in paradise. Thats why David must ask the question. Davids answer is also telling, for the New Testament reveals the one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous isspoiler alert!Jesus of Nazareth. No one else can walk up the mountain and enter into Gods presence on their own merit. No one else has perfectly reflected Gods heart. And the good news is this: when we come to Him in faith, He gives us His righteousness. You and I are invited to live with God once again, just as in Eden. Psalm 34: Not One Bone Broken With most of the psalms, were left to wonder the situation that prompted the psalmists heart cry to God. Not so with Psalm 34. The title of the psalm tells us Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left. Heres the scene, as recorded in 1 Samuel 21: A young David is on the run from King Saul. He figures that since Saul has men everywhere, theres really no good place for him to hide within the borders of Israel. Therefore, he goes to Gath of the Philistines, the hometown of Goliath, whom he killed in a one-on-one showdown some years earlier. When hes been in town for a while, the people begin to figure out his identity, and David knows hes in trouble. So, he pretends to be insane, banging on doors and frothing at the mouth. After all, theres no honor in killing a mentally disturbed person. The plan works, and David escapes Gath unharmed. Psalm 34 is a song of praise for Gods hand of protection over his life. But theres a curious thing about the psalm. David writes, The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken (vv. 1920). Its an odd thing to say, isnt it? If David had broken a toe on his way out of town, would Gods faithfulness have been diminished? Of course not. Theres something more at work in Davids choice of words. An ancient Israelite reader would have connected the reference to no broken bones with the Passover lambs of Exodus 12. There, God commanded, Do not break any of the bones (v. 46). The blood of those spotless lambs was painted on the doorframes of the Hebrew homes to mark the people inside as belonging to God. The lambs died in their place, unblemished substitutes for sinful people. Their unbroken bones came to symbolize the righteousness that no Israelite could muster. Jesus was the perfect Lamb of God, the righteous substitute that saves us from the judgment our sin deserves. And like the Passover lambs before Him, He was without a broken bone (see John 19:33, 36). Through Psalm 34, the Holy Spirit is beckoning us to look back on Israels early history; then to the cross of Christ, where our salvation was wrought; and finally to our own future, when we will be welcomed into Gods presence as men and women without spot or blemishrighteous people without a single broken bone. Psalm 55: Ancient Curses Turned to Blessings David is not shy when it comes to expressing his emotions in prayer. Throughout the Psalms, he regularly pours out his heart before God, holding nothing back. Psalm 55 is no exception. Though we dont know the particular enemies who are troubling David, we know they have him shaking in his sandals: Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me (v. 5). Is it any wonder, then, that David calls down two of the most famous and ancient divine curses upon those who are threatening him? First, he prays, Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words (v. 9). This is a callback to Genesis 11:19 and the Tower of Babel incident. The people who had settled in Shinar started building a tower that would reach the heavens. This was more than ostentatious architecture; this was an attempt to return to Gods presence by building an artificial Eden. And God put a stop to it by confusing the language of the people. David knows his enemies will no longer be able to plot against him if they receive the same treatment. Second, David petitions the Lord, Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead (v. 15). Again, the origin of this curse can be found in Israels history. In the wilderness, a man named Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, Gods chosen leaders for the newly formed nation of Israel. How did God respond? The ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households. They went down alive into the realm of the dead (Numbers 16:3133). As the king of Israel, David is Gods chosen leader for His people. And so, David wants the Lord to give his enemies precisely what Moses adversaries received. While you and I might read such a sentiment and be reminded of Jesus command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), its hard not to empathize with Davids emotions. God, of course, is better than you or me or King David. God loves His enemies in ways we cannot fathom. He sent Jesus to die for sinners in rebellion against Him. And heres the best part: His love undoes these very curses David invokes. Rather than humanity being forever divided by language and nationality, one day men and women from every nation, tribe, people and language will stand before Gods throne as one holy people (Revelation 7:9). And the earth will open up once again, as it did in Korahs day, but this time it wont swallow anyone alive; it will instead release from the grave those who have died in faith, to live with Jesus forever (Daniel 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). God really is that goodso good, in fact, that He turns curses into blessings. John Greco is a writer, editor, and Bible geek. He and his wife, Laurin, live just south of Nashville, Tennessee, where they daily wrangle their three small boys and dream of someday getting to be the ones who take all the naps. Johns latest book is The Ascent: A Devotional Adventure through the Book of Psalms, and his website is pagesofjoy.com. The word walk is the biblical expression for fellowship and obedience with God that results in divine favor. It refers to the manner of life a person living in nearness to God. Ephesians 4:1 says, I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. This means let our ways of life match what we claim to be; our behavior witnesses our profession. The Bible has much to say about walking with God. Here are some Bible characters that walked with God and held on to their faith. Rachel Public Domain Rachel waited earnestly but patiently to marry the love of her life: Jacob, who would later be named Israel. She was deceived by her father Laban and sister Leah who, after Jacob had worked seven years to acquire Rachel, was tricked into marrying Leah. So Jacob worked another seven years, and Rachel waited another seven years to marry Jacob. Though childless initially, she became the mother to Joseph, who by Gods strength single-handedly saved all of Israel, and Benjamin, the last tribe in Israel to remain faithful to the Lord before the time of exile. Rachels role in the history of redemption is difficult to underestimate, and she should be celebrated for her strength in the face of adversity by the power of the Lord. Hannah Public Domain Hannah was initially childless and prayed desperately for a son. She promised God that if he permitted her to bear a son, she would devote him to God. When God fulfilled this request, she faithfully kept her word. She left her son, Samuel, to be raised in the temple of the Lord while continuing to provide him guidance and mentorship along the way. Hannahs faithfulness was never in question. Samuel, her son, would go on to rescue Israel from centuries of slavery to the Canaanites and idolatry to Baal by anointing King David. His heart was entirely devoted to the Lord and who gifted Gods people with most of the Psalms, which the church uses daily as a source of strength, encouragement, and worship, both through seasons of blessing and tribulation. Miriam Public Domain Miriam was a prophetess and Mosess older sister. She helped to save Moses when he was only an infant. Mosess mother left him in a basket to protect him from being murdered by Pharaoh due to his being a Jewish baby. When Pharaohs daughter found Moses and had mercy on him, Miriam devoted herself to Pharaohs daughter to raise him so that they could remain together. We can credit Miriam with instilling Moses with a devotion to the Lord that manifested itself in later days, which enabled his openness to divine encounter with the one true God and his moral conscience, which guided Israel to the promised land. Mary Magdalene Pixabay Mary Magdalene is often misunderstood. She was a faithful follower of Jesus. After Jesus healed her, she ventured alongside him in his ministry, meeting his needs and encouraging the disciples, eventually bearing witness to his crucifixion and burial. Three days later, she would be the first witness of the empty tomb of Christ and one of the core critical eye-witnesses to his resurrection that would later resource the gospel writers to give the church historical credibility. Enoch Public Domain Genesis 5 tells us that Enoch walked with God. Hebrews 11 says, By faith Enoch pleased God (vs. 5). Enochs testimony of his life and journey of a godly man whose walk and life pleased Almighty God. Enoch walked with God in a walk of dedication and devotion. His walk lived up to His name. Enoch means Dedicated. Enochs walk with God was visible. Enoch lived a life that demonstrated the faith that was in his heart. His life of faith was a consistent, constant, and complete walk with God. The Bible says that he walked with God for 300 years. Secondly, Enochs walk with God was vocal. The Book of Jude tells us that Enoch was a prophet (vs. 14-15). He preached about the coming judgment of God and the need for repentance. He spoke a complex message to execute judgment on all. All the ungodly will be judged; none will escape. Who are the ungodly? They are all who have not believed in the only Son of God (John 3:18). Noah Pixabay Noah appears in Genesis 5:29 as the son of Lamech and ninth in descent from Adam. In the Deluge story (Genesis 6:119:19), he is represented as the patriarch who, because of his blameless piety, was chosen by God to preserve the human race after his wicked contemporaries had perished in the Flood. Noah was the only perfect man in a world filled with sin. By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not seen yet, moved with fear, preparing an ark to save his family and the animals. Noah walked with God because he chose to follow Gods instructions, though he may not have understood them. He trusted that God knew what He was doing. Levi Public Domain Levi was the third-born, and his mother was Jacobs wife Leah. Levi and each of his eleven brothers became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Genesis 34, Levi and his brother Simeon defend the honor of their sister, Dinah, although the way they went about it was appalling. Levi was also involved in selling his brother Joseph to merchants who sold Joseph as a slave in Egypt. Josephs brothers were jealous of him, for their father showed him much favoritism. Before his death, Jacob spoke words of prophecy over Simeon and Levi. Jacobs harsh words showed that Levi and Simeons bloody vengeance for their sisters rape had lasting consequences. Levi's walk with God is detailed in Malachi 2. As you draw close to God, he will not likely take you up to heaven as he did Enoch. However, he desires to reveal the beauty of his face to you. As we walk with him, he will open the Scriptures to us through the Spirit of wisdom and revelation and reveal to us the light of the glory of God that is to be found in Him. When we walk with God, we enter the dimension where God unfolds the secrets of His kingdom 1 of 9 Previous Next Abdul Ghani Salleh, chairman of the Malaysian Election Commission, speaks at a press conference announcing the voting date in Putrajaya, Oct. 20, 2022. Updated at 4:30 p.m. ET on 2022-10-20 Malaysia will go to the polls on Nov. 19, its election commission said Thursday, with graft-tainted UMNO aiming to shore up its return to power via the ballot box and 18- to 20-year-olds voting in a general election for the first time. More than 21 million voters are eligible to cast ballots in Malaysias 15th general election, widely referred to in the country as GE15. The 15th general election is called to fill up the 222 vacant seats in the parliament, election commission chief Abdul Ghani Salleh announced after a special meeting at the commissions office in Putrajaya, Malaysias administrative capital. The party or coalition that wins a simple majority in the lower house of parliament, or 112 seats, is eligible to form the government. This year, Malaysia has three political coalitions entering the fray, instead of two, for the first time in its history. Abdul Ghani said candidates contesting the election would have to file their official paperwork on Nov. 5, giving them just two weeks to campaign. The deadline to register for postal votes or absentee ballots is Oct. 23. The weekend election date could bring more voters to the polls, political analysts said. The 2018 election was held on a Wednesday after just 11 days of campaigning. This years two-week window will give political parties enough time to explain their platforms to voters, said Jeniri Amir, a senior fellow at the Malaysian Council of Professors. This time, it is a perfect date for voters from Malaysia, and [those] outside [the country] or their voting region, to come back. It shows that EC is taking into consideration a lot of factors, Jeniri told BenarNews. It was expected to be on Saturday. The reason was also to have a higher turnout, said Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, a professor of politics at Universiti Utara Malaysia. Opposition members and others have criticized the timing, as the vote is taking place during the monsoon season, which typically begins in mid-November and often brings deadly floods and destruction to public properties. By law, GE15 could be held as late as September 2023. Last year, monsoon-triggered floods killed at least 50 people and caused more than 6 billion ringgit (U.S. $1.3 billion) in losses. The potent cure Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolved parliament on Oct. 10 and called for snap polls in the hope of ending years of political instability. The law requires the general election be held within 60 days from the date of parliaments dissolution. With this announcement, the mandate will be returned to the people. The peoples mandate is the potent cure to manifest political stability and shape a strong government that is stable and respected after the 15th general election, Ismail Sabri said. His United Malays National Organization (UMNO), which had governed for more than 60 years since Malaysias independence, suffered a historic defeat in the 2018 general election linked to corruption allegations against its leaders. But the winning coalition collapsed in just 22 months because of infighting, and Malaysia has been beset with political instability since. UMNO returned to lead the government in March 2021, first by supporting an alliance it later pulled out of, and then by leading its own coalition five months later with Ismail Sabri as prime minister. But it was surviving on a razor-thin majority. In August, UMNOs senior leader and former Prime Minister Najib Razak was sent to prison to serve a 12-year sentence for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering after the Federal Court rejected his final appeal. Three-way fight On Thursday, King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah called on all candidates to conduct themselves in a civilized way by avoiding offensive campaigns and adhering to the legal guidelines and regulations ahead of the Nov. 19 vote, a palace statement said. Meanwhile, leaders of political coalitions seeking to run the government spoke out about the upcoming vote. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, president of UMNO, said the party intended to remain relevant forever. While Zahid leads the party while battling corruption charges in court Ismail Sabri is its candidate for the top office. UMNO is the largest party in the National Front or Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. The National Front coalition may not be seen as perfect by some quarters. However, this political coalition has never stopped working for perfection, Zahid said in a statement. It is a continuous process to ensure that BN remains relevant, progressive forever. Anwar Ibrahim, who leads the Peoples Justice Party and is the opposition Pakatan Harapan coalitions choice to lead the government, called for a debates among prime minister candidates. The debate has to be on the policy and principles and not on cheap allegations as this would give people the opportunity to evaluate the policy that each brings forward, Anwar said. Such a debate would feature Anwar squaring off with Ismail Sabri and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. Muhyiddin heads the Perikatan Nasional coalition, comprising his Bersatu party and Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS). In addition to the three-way fight, another factor introducing uncertainty in GE15 is the estimated 5 million people who have the right to vote in a general election for the first time, after Malaysia lowered its voting age from 21 to 18, in 2021. These youngest voters make up almost a quarter of the electorate. But it remains to be seen how they will vote, said Iskandar Fareez, a spokesman for Research for Social Advancement, a Malaysian think tank. We have seen inspirational youths who champion various progressive issues and advocate for institutional change in recent years, he told BenarNews in December 2021. But we cannot assume that the entire segment will have the same inclinations. Whichever party that can entice them to march to the ballot box and exercise their right, will have an edge over their rivals. A centuries-old Polynesian statue, known as a Moai, damaged by a fire on Rapa Nui in early October, is shown in a photo released on Oct. 15, 2022. The U.N.s world heritage body plans to survey the fire damage to colossal Polynesian statues on Rapa Nui that the remote Pacific islands mayor has called irreparable. The fire broke out in early October and ripped through about 100 hectares (250 acres) of land, charring some world-renowned megaliths. According to updates on the Municipality of Rapa Nuis Facebook page, it continues to burn underground. Leaders on the island, which is part of Chile, have said that people caused the blaze but also blamed a lack of Chilean government support for fire prevention in the Rapa Nui National Park, a World Heritage site designated by UNESCO. Carlos Edmunds Paoa, mayor and president of the islands council of elders, and Leviante Araki, speaker of the Rapa Nui parliament, met this week with UNESCO representatives and conveyed that they feel an abandonment by the State of Chile in matters of prevention, the municipality said Thursday. UNESCO describes Rapa Nui the indigenous name of Easter Island as containing one of the most remarkable cultural phenomena in the world, developed by a society completely isolated from outside influences for more than 1,000 years. Burns marks can be seen on Easter Island in these comparison photos. The left image was taken June 14, 2022 and the right image on Oct. 12, 2022. Credit: NASA The island, about 3,700 km (2,300 miles) from the coast of Chile, was settled late in the first millennium by Polynesians. They built massive ceremonial platforms called Ahu and hundreds of giant statues representing ancestors, known as Moai. Carved from volcanic rock, the Moai range in height from two to 20 meters (6.5 to 66 feet). The municipality said meetings with UNESCO representatives had resulted in proposals for a comprehensive survey of the fire damage and the development of a fire prevention plan for the Rapa Nui National Park. While decisions are not yet written in stone, we have identified the need to see a diagnosis that looks at the extent of the damage, said UNESCOs representative in Chile, Claudia Uribe, according to the municipalitys statement. The protection of the park is an issue that matters to all humanity, she said. The Moai have provoked global fascination since a Dutch ship visited Rapa Nui in the early 1700s. By that time, the society that built the megaliths had already collapsed, possibly due to the depletion of natural resources, according to scientists. Chile claimed Rapa Nui as part of its territory in the late 19th century and leased most of it for sheep farming. The islands original Polynesian language has been supplanted by Spanish, though islanders are striving to keep their culture alive. About 7,700 people inhabit the island, according to the 2017 census. Edmunds Paoa told Chiles Radio Pauta in an interview earlier this month that the fire occurred in Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater that centuries ago was the main Moai quarry, and wasnt an accident. Some Moai were damaged in an irreparable way, he said. Claudia Gonzalez, the municipalitys journalist, told BenarNews that Rapa Nui has a tradition of burning land to renew pastures, but wind can cause such fires to get out of hand. A NASA Earth Observatory satellite image shows a significant burn scar on the slope of Rano Raraku. Carolina Perez Dattari, Chiles undersecretary of cultural heritage, said on Twitter that there are 121 moai within the crater and 265 around it. The municipality, Edmunds Paoa said, lacks the resources to manage everything on the island, which has an area of about 16,600 square hectares, about 40 percent of which is the World Heritage site. The man who allegedly brokered the contract killing of Philippine broadcaster Percy Lapid died inside the national penitentiary this week, the countrys justice secretary announced Thursday. Details of how the unnamed inmate died were not disclosed, but it took place Tuesday, the same day the alleged gunman in the broadcasters killing surrendered and confessed to the crime, implicating at least three others. Suspect Joel Estorial said someone from inside the countrys national penitentiary arranged for the killing for which he and others were paid about 550,000 pesos (U.S. $9,300). Estorials surrender was considered a breakthrough two weeks after the killing of Percival Mabasa (better known as Percy Lapid), a political commentator at DWBL radio. The commentator was known for stinging criticisms of former president Rodrigo Dutertes government as well as some officials in the government of his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced the inmates death to reporters, alleging he acted as the middleman who brokered the killing, but did not provide other details. It is the NBI and the autopsy that is very important, he said, referring to the National Bureau of Investigation, the investigating arm of the justice department. Asked to clarify, Remulla said: I am at a loss here. That is the report I got. I want to be very candid about (it) here. I am just telling you, as I know. Mabasas family issued a brief statement but declined additional comments, citing an ongoing investigation. We are deeply saddened by the report about the mysterious death of the alleged middleman on the Percy Lapid killing inside the NBP facility, it said, referring to the National Bilibid Prison in metro Manila. Before the announcement on Thursday, Remulla told a Manila radio station that authorities were carrying out an independent investigation into Estorials claims. Estorial, 39, surrendered on Tuesday, citing a fear for his safety after his photo was released to the public and a bounty raised for his capture. He named two brothers in the plot, as well as a third person. In addition, he hinted that the order came from inside the penitentiary, although no motive was given. The Philippines ranks among the most dangerous countries for journalists worldwide. Dozens have been killed with impunity since the dictatorship of Marcos late father, Ferdinand E. Marcos, more than 36 years ago. Mabasas commentaries were often bold and sharp as he sought to counter the spread of fake news in broadcasts and on social media. He also hit out against a perceived attempt by Marcos family supporters to distort history and blasted Dutertes war on drugs that left thousands dead. Luis Liwanag in Manila and Jeoffrey Maitem in Davao City, Philippines, contributed to this report. South Africa: Cabinet welcomes efforts to clear Transnet backlogs Cabinet has welcomed the commitment by Transnet to focus on clearing backlogs that occurred across the port and rail system during the recent industrial action. The industrial action negatively impacted the economy as well as sectors that are dependent on Transnet services. The entity is currently implementing recovery plans across its operations, as the company resumed operations on Tuesday following 12 days of industrial action. In a statement on Thursday, Cabinet welcomed the three-year wage deal reached between Transnet and the United National Transport Union (UNTU), which is applicable for the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration mediated this deal, which ended the current industrial action by members of UNTU with immediate effect. Cabinet also welcomed the decision by the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union to call off the strike. Cabinet expressed its gratitude to the support and cooperation given by business during the strike. It encourages a continuous relationship between Transnet management and labour for the benefit of the company and the economy of the country, Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele said. The Minister was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting that was held on Wednesday. Resolving the energy challenge Meanwhile, Cabinet noted that Eskom recently signed 30-year lease agreements with four independent power producer investors to construct new clean-energy generation capacity at Majuba and Tutuka power stations in Mpumalanga. The signing of the lease agreements comes at a time when Eskom power stations continue to face challenges with breakdowns in power generation units increasing the need for consumers to experience load shedding. The land leases will attract an estimated investment of about R40 billion. The four investors HDF Energy South Africa, Red Rocket SA, Sola Group and Mainstream Renewable Power Developments South Africa will contribute at least 2 000 megawatts to the national electricity grid. The new generation capacity is expected to be connected to the grid within 24 to 36 months from financial closure, subject to environmental, land zoning and other regulatory approvals, Gungubele said. Draft Merchant Shipping Bill of 2022 Cabinet has approved the submission of the Draft Merchant Shipping Bill of 2022 to Parliament for further processing. These changes will contribute towards reviving the maritime transport sector and also aligning the country with the International Maritime Organisation Convention. South Africa has ratified this convention, the Minister said. The bill overhauls the 70-year-old Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act 57 of 1951). Once enacted, the bill will provide the merchant shipping legal framework to regulate ships value chain. It will regulate amongst others the designing, registration, naming and scrapping of ships. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-10-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. China destined for more brilliant accomplishments under CPC leadership: Iraqi Ambassador Xinhua) 08:27, October 20, 2022 BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Ambassador to China Shorsh Khalid Said told Xinhua in a recent interview that he believes China will achieve more brilliant accomplishments under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the CPC convenes its five-yearly national congress this week in Beijing to map out a blueprint for China's future development. Noting that the 20th National Congress of the CPC is of great significance to China and the world, Said said he was deeply impressed by China's achievements and the concept of putting people front and center, which are mentioned in a report at the opening session of the congress. "In the past decade, China has made steady progress and accumulated valuable experience in modernizing the country's governance system and capacity," Said said. Said noticed that "people" is a keyword that appears many times in the report. Recalling the experience during his visit to Xinjiang, Said said that Xinjiang has made history by eradicating absolute poverty, building sound infrastructures and achieving high-level development in local economy, society and culture. "This is the embodiment of the CPC's stance of putting the people first," he said. Said believes that the contents of culture, education and other fields mentioned in the report reflect that the CPC pays attention to improving the people's wellbeing and is committed to meeting the people's aspirations for a better life. "China's tremendous accomplishments show that the CPC is able to formulate long-term strategic goals, build the nation and serve the people well," Said added. China has taken a series of measures in international cooperation in poverty reduction, climate change and anti-pandemic sectors, which has improved the wellbeing of people of all countries, especially those of developing countries, said the ambassador. Regarding the foreign policies mentioned in the report, Said said these policies will effectively safeguard world peace and promote common development. "China has closer ties with the world, and China's development is a powerful boost to world peace and development." Next year will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Iraq. Said said that Iraq and China enjoy traditional friendship and he expects the two countries to further enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, push for new progress in their strategic partnership to better benefit the two countries and two peoples. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Du Mingming) 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. Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass. Teachers and counselors greet young students at Manchester-Elementary Middle School on their first day of the 2017-18 school year. It was the last year for the town school district, as it joined the Taconic & Green Regional School District. Now, the district is considering building a new 21st-century middle school. You are the owner of this article. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Nellie McLear, a dental assistant at Yarmosky Pediatric Dentistry, settles Jonathan Molina, 12, into a device that takes a CAT scan of his head. The result is a three-dimensional view of Molina's mouth. Voters are being asked this November to decide whether Massachusetts should be the first state in the country to regulate dental insurance premiums. MassPack Executive Director Robert Mellion writes: "Question 3 on this Novembers statewide ballot is about convenience and safety when it comes to the sale of alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts. Consumers tell us they want the convenience of one-stop shopping when buying beer and wine, but they also say they want to ensure safety. Question 3 tackles both issues and thats why a yes vote is called for." Question 4 asks voters whether they want to keep a new state law that allows Massachusetts residents without immigration status to apply for a drivers license. The law requires people to meet requirements for obtaining a license they must demonstrate their ability to drive by passing a road test, buy insurance, show certain documentation and pay registry fees. What a yes vote means A yes vote would be a vote in favor of upholding the Work and Family Mobility Act, the law that allows undocumented residents to seek drivers licenses beginning next summer. What a no vote means A no vote would be a vote in favor of repealing the law. What proponents say Proponents of the law include Berkshire County lawmakers, public safety officials and labor leaders, who say the law makes roads safer by removing a barrier to ensuring all drivers are licensed and insured. The law passed the legislature by a two-thirds vote and withstood a veto by Gov. Charlie Baker. Already, 16 other states and the District of Columbia offer the option of drivers license to immigrants who lack legal status including the New England states of Rhode Island, Vermont and Connecticut, as well as nearby New York and New Jersey. Among the lead sponsors of the law, called the Work and Family Mobility Act, was state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield. If upheld by the referendum, the law is due to take effect on July 1, 2023. In a recent meeting with the editorial board of The Eagle, she said the law requires residents without federal immigration status to produce two accepted forms of documentation in order to seek a standard drivers license. People must have either a valid passport or a consular identification as well one of the following: a valid drivers license from another U.S. state or foreign country, a birth certificate, a foreign national identification card or certain U.S. marriage or divorce records. Applicants must also prove their Massachusetts residency. Opponents have claimed that that allowing undocumented residents to apply for standard drivers licenses will increase the risk of voter fraud. Farley-Bouvier said that statement is a lie, and called it misinformation. Already, she said there are several different categories of people who have drivers licenses but arent eligible to vote, she said. Moreover, she said the law does not allow noncitizens to vote or to register to vote. Our own our RMV in Massachusetts issues licenses to people who are eligible to drive and not eligible to vote. The most obvious example of that are 16 and 17 year olds, she said. Theres also many hundreds of green card holders each year that get drivers licenses and other visa holders that get licenses, and the RMV has those protections already in place. Supporting the move to allow those without federal status to apply for drivers licenses are the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association and the states Major Cities Chiefs of Police Association, which includes Pittsfield. Berkshire Sheriff Thomas Bowler said it will improve public safety. The data from other states with similar laws on the books show that when immigrant drivers have licenses, hit-and-run crashes and the number of uninsured drivers fall. From a law enforcement standpoint, if you have individuals who are undocumented and driving vehicles without a license and theyre stopped by officers, a lot of things are going through an individuals mind, Im going to get deported, this could be a bad situation for me, and a lot of times they flee. They take off, whether its in the car or whether its on foot, he said. Having this documentation is really going to de-escalate a lot of the risks for law enforcement personnel. Hampshire and Franklin County District Attorney David Sullivan echoed Bowler, saying upholding the law means youre just going to have more responsible drivers. Lets face it, everybody gets the fender benders, everybody has these accidents, small and large, he said. Now, theyre gonna stay there and take care of it. Immigrant workers without legal status comprise a notable portion of the labor force, said Roxana Rivera, executive vice president of the union that represents tens of thousands of workers in New England. They must be able to travel to and from work, and complete necessary tasks like going to the grocery store and doctors office. She said the measure allowing for drivers licenses makes a profound difference for the communities in which our membership lives. Its a membership that includes essential workers whose jobs largely cant be done remotely, she said, such as cleaners, security officers, custodians and airport workers. Were in biotech, higher ed, airports, commercial office, real estate, really the main economic sectors of the economy here for Massachusetts, Rivera said. The law allows qualified drivers without immigration status to receive a standard drivers license, conferring them the ability to drive legally, Rivera said. They will not receive a REAL ID, which beginning May 3, 2023, will be required to board a plane. What opponents say Opponents say the Registry of Motor Vehicles lacks the capacity to verify documentation from other countries and would increase the likelihood that noncitizens will register to vote. Secretary of State Bill Galvin has refuted that claim, calling it baseless. John Milligan of Fair and Secure Massachusetts, the group seeking to repeal the law, declined a meeting with The Eagle editorial board, citing the boards past endorsements of conferring the right to seek drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. In a letter to the editor, Maureen Maloney, chair of Fair and Secure Massachusetts, said permitting those without legal status to seek drivers licenses is unfair and insulting to the millions of legal immigrants that took the time and effort to go through the proper channels to come here. Community News Editor / Librarian Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. HINSDALE The dam that broke above an Ashmere Lake neighborhood and caused serious damage early Saturday was not in the states dam inventory used to track and classify dams according to hazard level should they fail. Quote Saturdays dam failure in Hinsdale has raised curiosity and concern about the condition of the roughly 226 dams in Berkshire County 26 of which were in poor or unsafe condition as of 2004. Officials say more needs to be done to understand what shape dams are in. The dam was undocumented, according to the Office of Dam Safety, a branch of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. And that means no one was monitoring or inspecting it. Saturdays incident raised concern about the condition of the roughly 226 dams in Berkshire County 26 of which were in poor or unsafe condition as of 2004, according to Berkshire Regional Planning Commissions 2012 Berkshire County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The report said there might be even more questionable Berkshire dams that are being ignored. The condition of 21 dams are unknown and 58 dams are non-jurisdictional, thus they are not regularly inspected, the plan says, referring to 58 dams owned either by the federal government or low-hazard dams used for agriculture. State data shows 88 dams rated high or significant hazards to life and property, if breached. These are located throughout most towns and cities in the Berkshires. Dam failures in the county are historically rare. Perhaps for that reason, these structures aren't normally in the spotlight. Local officials are largely unaware of the age and condition of the dams within their communities, the report says. Higher rainfall in a warming climate could shake more dams loose in future, it concludes. The commission has struggled to obtain updated information from the state. And the states own information which it has geographically mapped online dates to 2012. Suddenly, sandbars Meanwhile, owners of a battered and waterlogged lakefront property off George Schnopp Road in Hinsdale are still looking for answers and a lawyer. Having survived the inundation, Denise and William Hill now worry about repair costs. They didnt have flood insurance, since they didnt know they were at risk. All members of the neighborhood's lake association are concerned about the condition of their drinking water wells, Hill says. The breach released virtually the entire pond through the Hills property around 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., packing mud up against their house and taking out their driveway, a shed, deck and dock while they slept. It was powerful, Denise Hill said of the water. We now have sandbars on our cove that we didnt have before. They will know more about the failure Friday, when state engineers arrive to inspect the dam, she said. Dam break in Hinsdale drains pond and damages property on George Schnopp Road Part of a dam gave way in Hinsdale early Saturday morning, causing water and debris to damage Bill and Denise Hill's home bordering Ashmere Lake on George Schnopp Road. The state is investigating the Hinsdale break, which drained a pond, sending water, boulders and debris rushing through a property on its way to Ashmere Lake. The office is also working to find out who is linked to the trust that owns the pond and the dam. The owners are ultimately liable for damage or injury caused by a failed dam. A state-owned dam on the far southern end of the lake will not be strained by Saturday's failure, which released from five to 10 million gallons of water, according to the agency. The dams of Berkshire County State officials are probing the Hinsdale dam failure and the incident because it regulates all the states dams, including private and municipally owned structures. But some dams go unmonitored and unmaintained, opening property owners up to liability should a break cause damage or loss of life. It is the responsibility of property owners public or private to register dams with the state office and notify it of property transfers. They must also make sure the dam is safe if it is more than six feet tall and stores more than 15 Acre Feet of impounded water. That translates to 4,890,000 gallons of water. There are 326,000 gallons in 1 acre foot of water, according to the Water Education Foundation. The only dams exempt from state dam regulations are those owned by the federal government, along with low-hazard dams used for agriculture. The state can fine private or municipal property owners up to $5,000 for not following regulations. The state has grant and loan programs for removing or repairing an aging dam an expensive undertaking. Estimated costs to address two "critical" dams in the town of Washington maintained by Pittsfield as part of the city's water supply and three in North Adams run from $500,000 to over $3 million, according to a 2011 state audit of dams that found 100 statewide to be in poor or unsafe condition. The state has spent millions repairing or removing dangerous dams since 2015. That includes $43.79 million dedicated by the Baker administration. The states dam safety officials, meanwhile, require dam inspections every two years, and every six months for those in poor condition. The state also requires that emergency action plans for high hazard and significant hazard dams be filed with the state. Wake up call The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has to consider the hazards of dams but struggles to keep that data current. We would love to have a full list of all the dams the condition they were in and the hazard level so that we could better do a regional approach to dam safety and dam projects, said Courtney Morehouse, a senior planner in the commissions energy and environment department. There are quite a few that need to be replaced or get removed. She'd like to conduct an updated, comprehensive review of Berkshires dams, but getting up-to-date data from the state has been difficult, she said. Hazards are one issue. Ecology is another. An accelerating dam removal movement is one of the few places where environmental needs line up with financial incentive, said Brian Yellen, a research assistant professor in geosciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The upkeep and liability of owning these old structures really exceeds the cost of removing the dam, Yellen said. Once its gone, the costs go away and the costs to the environment go away. He said it was unfortunate that the Hinsdale dam failed so catastrophically and hes glad no one was hurt. But Yellen says the failure will help restore the ecological balance. Impoundment by dams warms the water, while many species that live in streams do better in cold water. Maybe this can be a wakeup call to the community, Yellen said. If you have a dam youre worried about, one of the best strategies is to get it out of there. Money holes to plug The states 2011 audit found that three high-risk dams in North Adams those in locations where a failure would likely cause fatalities and damage to property and infrastructure were in poor condition. At the most recent inspections in June, conditions at two of those dams, Mount Williams Reservoir Dam and the Notch Reservoir Dam, were still poor. The reports for both dams, required regularly for state compliance, conclude with repair recommendations. Based on this follow-up inspection, and the fact that no significant remedial measures have been implemented since the last inspection, they both say, follow up inspections should continue to be performed at the dam on a 180-day interval until the dam is properly repaired to at least fair condition or removed. The third flagged in the 2011 audit, Windsor Lake Dam, has since improved its rating to fair, said Timothy Lescarbeau, North Adams commissioner of public services. All three dams are more than 100 years old, according to state data. Recently, the city received $500,000 in state grant funding to put toward designing major improvements to Mount Williams Reservoir Dam and the Notch Reservoir Dam. The total cost for design is $672,000, leaving the city with a hole to plug, Lescarbeau said. We will go as far as we can with the half a million dollars we have now, he said. And thats just the first part of the project. Lescarbeau said it would cost an estimated $17 million to complete the two dam improvement projects. Where will the city get that funding? I wish I had that answer for you, he said. Lescarbeau is working to apply for more grant funding. This isnt overnight these dams have been this way for many years, he said. I dont think its going to break tomorrow, Lescarbeau said. I don't think they are anywhere near that yet. If we get the 500-year big one (flood), who knows? When Tropical Storm Irene hit in August 2011, the city lowered reservoir levels to prevent dam problems. That worked fine. Failures of the dam would be a major problem. Much of North Adams would be under water if the large reservoir dams failed, reads the citys Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan, a document completed last year. Alongside flooding and severe weather, dam failure is the highest-ranked hazard. Though its expected frequency is rated as low, defined as events with 0.1 percent to 1 percent chance occurring, it would be catastrophic. Pittsfield inspections Inspectors were out Wednesday in Pittsfield for biennial inspections of high-risk dams, according to Ricardo Morales, the citys commissioner of public utilities, who oversees five city dams on reservoirs. Office of Dam Safety's dam hazard severity in case of failure High: Located where failure will likely cause loss of life and serious damage to home(s), industrial, commercial facilities, important public utilities, main highway(s) or Railroad(s) Significant: Located where failure may cause loss of life and damage home(s), industrial or commercial facilities, secondary highway(s) or railroad(s) or cause interruption of use or service of relatively important facilities. Low: Located where failure may cause minimal property damage to others. Loss of life is not expected. N/A No hazard code: Non-jurisdictional dams do not have hazard codes except when owned and regulated by the Federal Government In the state's 2011 audit, two Pittsfield-owned dams built in the early 1900s were flagged as being in poor condition: Ashley Lake Dam and Farnham Reservoir Dam. Though the dams are both in the town of Washington, they are part of the Pittsfield reservoir system and owned by the city, Morales said. Their physical condition ratings have since improved to satisfactory and fair, 2020 inspection reports show. We have spent several hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last decade on dam repairs, Morales said. Right now we dont have any critical action items on our dams. More investment could be warranted, however, with the citys reservoir dams. I would easily say in Pittsfield, we would have to spend $5 million to bring all of our dams to a satisfactory or good condition. Its not a top priority now. We do take care of immediate issues, he said. Our Opinion Our Opinion: William Galvin for secretary of the commonwealth; Andrea Campbell for attorney general; Anthony Amore for state auditor Massachusetts is at a crossroads of sorts. Our state coffers swell with unprecedented revenue surplus, a hopeful sign of emerging stronger from the COVID era. Were poised to continue being a national leader on environmental issues, and our ambitious but necessary renewable energy development goals synthesize with a strong tech sector to offer healthy 21st-century economic opportunity across the commonwealth. On the other hand, there are tall barriers on the Bay States path to a brighter future: widespread affordability worries; population loss that has hit some regions like ours, rural and overlooked, disproportionately hard; the tough needle to thread of pursuing a laudable climate roadmap in a way that doesnt excessively squeeze already struggling families; an opioid crisis that continues to claim far too many Massachusetts lives. This unique moment for Massachusetts calls for a leader in the governors office who can leverage the states strengths to address these looming challenges and lead the commonwealth to the peaks of its potential while lifting up more its residents. Thats no easy task, but we believe Attorney General Maura Healey is the leader for the job. Rumors of Ms. Healey plotting a gubernatorial run surfaced long before she announced one early this year when Gov. Charlie Baker announced he would not seek reelection. Shes had time to put together her plans and priorities if she wins office and it appears she used her time wisely. When she spoke with The Eagles editorial board, it was refreshing to hear her rely more on concrete proposals than the culture-warring rhetoric thats unfortunately become par for too much political discourse. When she spoke about confronting the affordability crisis, she highlighted her plan to establish a new secretary of housing position and sharpen the states policymaking focus on a matter that looms large in working families budgets. The Democrat also said she strongly favors the tax breaks pitched earlier this year by the current Republican governor. In fact, Ms. Healey took a yes, and approach to tax reform, suggesting a per-child tax credit for Massachusetts families on top of Gov. Bakers cuts. On economic development, Ms. Healeys climate corridor plan envisions a holistic approach to managing the states renewable energy goals and revving the tech sectors engines. Such an approach could positively answer real questions about existing climate benchmarks potential impact on regional competitiveness. If elected governor, what would Maura Healey do to spur economic development in the Berkshires? The state attorney general and Democratic candidate for governor stopped in North Adams and Pittsfield Thursday to talk about it. It was particularly heartening to hear Ms. Healey mention, without prompting, challenges specific to Berkshire communities and potential remedies. She flagged North Adams ailing public safety building and the need for the state to step up critical infrastructure aid to rural, less-populous corners of the commonwealth. She also flagged housing challenges in Pittsfield and North Adams specifically relating to blight and upkeep, wisely noting that rehab and preservation efforts are quick, dollars-wise ways to alleviate pressure on housing stock in many communities. Beacon Hills lack of attention on their constituents in the western part of the state has set the bar quite low, but were pleased at least to hear someone not just recognize but show some granular familiarity with our communities issues while seeking the Statehouse corner office. Meanwhile, her running partner Kim Driscolls experience as mayor of Salem would hopefully inform a Healey administrations ability to communicate and work with municipal officials across the commonwealth. Ms. Healeys time in the Attorney Generals Office would also bring some obvious strengths to the table. Shes demonstrated the capacity to lead and manage a sizable public office, and the casework handled therein speaks to her experience and priorities on crucial issues, too. Shes been a champion for sensible gun control and civil liberties, and her work on landmark settlements with massive opioid distributors has helped bring unprecedented accountability and hundreds of millions of dollars to Massachusetts anti-addiction efforts, including millions to impacted Berkshire communities. Ms. Healeys Republican opponent Geoff Diehl, a former state representative and U.S. Senate candidate, certainly differs from Ms. Healey on a raft of issues. Those policy disagreements are not disqualifying. Heres what is: Mr. Diehl, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has been unacceptably ambivalent about the 45th presidents assault on democracy. In fact, hes carelessly contributed to it by regurgitating baseless big lie rhetoric that contributed to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and continues to undermine our democratic institutions. In a meeting with The Eagles editorial board and at a recent debate, Mr. Diehl seemed exasperated at being asked about Mr. Trumps endorsement, brushing aside the topic while acknowledging that Joe Biden won the presidency. In other venues say, a right-wing radio show he strikes a very different tone. He has said the 2020 election was rigged and stolen from Trump, blaming the FBI and voter fraud without evidence. Further, when The New York Times asked Trump-endorsed Republican candidates for office across the country if they would accept the outcomes of their respective elections, Mr. Diehl was among the candidates who declined to commit to accepting 2022 results. This is a dangerous tack against democratic norms for anyone, much less someone seeking the highest office in Massachusetts. It also suggests to voters that Mr. Diehl could not be trusted as governor to speak honestly and consistently on even the most foundational of matters like the integrity of elections and the importance of defending our democracy from cynical sabotage. Whoever wins the electoral contest to succeed Gov. Charlie Baker, it will be a tough act to follow. Gov. Baker, who has followed in the long tradition of moderate Republicans operating pragmatically in deep-blue Massachusetts, is exiting his two-term tenure on top as the most popular governor in the country. When the Bay State is at its best, it not only benefits citizens across the commonwealth but leads the nation. Its often done so under Gov. Baker, and we believe it will do so under a Gov. Healey, as well. The Eagle endorses Maura Healey for governor of Massachusetts. Niger expects to start exports in July or August next year from its new $2.5bn crude oil pipeline linking the main Agadem production area to a port terminal in Benin, the oil minister of the landlocked West African country told Reuters. Niger's minister of petroleum, energy and renewable energies, Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, speaks during the Saudi Green Initiative Forum to discuss efforts by the world's top oil exporter to tackle climate change. 2021. Source: Reuters/Ahmed Yosri Almost 2,000km long, the pipeline operated by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) will help the impoverished country increase its oil production five-fold by linking to new fields being developed in the Agadem Rift Basin. "The pipeline will be the longest in Africa, so everything will be ready by July or August 2023, so our production will reach 110,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 20,000 now," Mahamane Sani Mahamadou said late on Wednesday, 19 October. Most of the crude destined for export Most of the roughly 90,000 bpd of crude will be destined for export and the rest used as feedstock for Niger's 20,000-bpd refinery, which might be upgraded, he added, speaking on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Week conference in Cape Town. Mahamadou said the pipeline project cost about $2.5bn to build, with the total rising to close to $5bn if CNPC's new oil fields development in Agadem were included. As more fields are developed by British firm Savannah Energy and Algerian state oil company Sonatrach, Niger was bullish for oil production to increase further by the turn of the decade, Mahamadou said. "They have been doing some exploration for the past few years and they are now trying to move into the development stage," he added. "So we think by 2024/25 our production will increase to 150,000 bpd, and hopefully by 2030, we are pretty sure, considering the potential we have in Niger, it will be at 250,000 to 300,000 bpd at least." Savanna's ongoing winning streak cements its position as South Ahhhh's most popular cider. The brand has had momentous growth in volume, market share and brand equity over the last few years and part of this performance is linked to creative excellence through relevant campaigns that deliver a crisp, witty perspective on life in South Africa. Savanna brand team and WPP Liquid member receiving gold at the Loeries 2022 for Jab Jab We are very proud of Savanna and its prominence in popular culture. A true testament and reflection of a brand that is in tune with its community," says Natasha Maharaj, SA marketing director at Distell. "Sustainable creativity is rooted in a clearly defined brand purpose, requiring strategy and creative input to find the right balance between volume and equity growth." Since 2019, the Savanna brand, in partnership with their creative agency WPP Grey Liquid, has won over 100 different awards and accolades both locally and internationally at the Clios, the One Show in NY, D&AD, Little Black Book, Contagious, IDidThat, SAFTAs, SA Comedy Awards, Loeries, Bookmarks, Creative Circle, Sunday Times Coolest Brand, Kantar Best Liked Ads and many more. Savanna Cider brand team and WPP Team Liquid receive gold Lion for Jab Jab radio at the Cannes Lion Awards in France In the last few months of 2022 alone, the brand has won eight Loeries, seven Creative Circle accolades, two Marketing Achievement awards, two Bookmarks, two DSTV Content Creator awards, and two New Gen awards in South Africa. These were won across a range of campaigns including Chilled Chilli: The legend of Chakalaka Norris and Gugu, the Jab-Jab Vaccine campaign, the Twirra Shade project, the People vs. Savanna Cider launch and the Savanna Virtual Comedy Bar. Most notably, Savanna was awarded a gold and bronze lion for the Jab-Jab Vaccine campaign at the Oscars of advertising, the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France. South Africans are a real inspiration to us as our superpower is our ability to laugh in the face of challenges. Our aim is to uplift the nation through humour, and we build our brands to have relevance and real purpose in our consumers lives. That is the essence of what we do with Savanna Premium Cider, as our brand promise is Siyavanna SA which effectively means we get you SA!" says Maijaliina Hansen-Chipps, category lead: Savanna & RTDs. Savanna brand team and Team Liquid members after winning gold at the Loeries for Gugu Savanna was voted one of the coolest alcohol brands in the Sunday Times GenNext Survey 2022, and the top RTD in the RTD Flavoured Alcoholic Drinks category, in the 2022 Ask Afrika Kasi Star Brands Survey. And, still coming up in October 2022, Savanna is the Sustained Success finalist at the Effies South Africa 2022 and has finalists at the Assegai Awards for Twirra Shade and the People vs Savanna Cider. "It is a lot of fun to work with a brand that is honest and relatable, and a brand team who are brave and endure sleepless nights as we break the mould, and sometimes launch work that takes courage to produce together. So far, this recipe has turned out to be one of success with lots of love from our most important audience South Africans," concluded Fran Luckin, chief creative officer at Grey Advertising Africa. Through our collective efforts we continue to exemplify the responsible enjoyment as South Africas most popular alcohol brand. Savanna Premium Cider, its dry but you can drink it. #SiyavannaSouthAfrica #StaySafe Savanna promotes responsible drinking. Not for persons under 18. Food Lover's Market has opened the doors to its new 3,000m2 flagship store in Bothasig, Cape Town, the result of a R100m investment by South Africa's largest privately-owned retailer. Source: Marius Del Carme for Hamiltons Advertising Located at the intersection of Link and Vryburger Roads, Food Lover's Bothasig is a standalone store with a strong emphasis placed on creating an environment of fresh and sustainable shopping. This includes energy efficiencies, such as remote cabinet monitoring capability, ice storage systems for air-conditioning and a solar panel that will generate 359.7 kWp DC of renewable electricity annually. These innovations form part of Food Lovers Markets environmental sustainability journey spearheaded by its Earth Lovers division. Source: Marius Del Carme for Hamiltons Advertising Says Brian Coppin, CEO and cofounder of the Food Lovers Market Group, From the overwhelmingly positive response before the opening, we are certain that this will become the preferred store in the neighbourhood. Were confident that weve created the best store in the community - a superior shopping destination, where the quality and variety is exceptional and will delight every single consumer. Weve really thought long and hard about what it takes to be the best store in the community in the current economic climate and have realised that its about offering a whole shopping experience. Its not just about theatre - although we are the best at creating that visual appeal in our stores. Its also about supporting the community by offering value, quality, and choice. Source: Marius Del Carme for Hamiltons Advertising The new store is designed to offer customers a unique one-stop shopping experience. According to the retailer, its close supplier relationships allow Food Lover's to stock a wide assortment of grocery products that is competitive in terms of range and price. The gourmet butchery's team of 25 employees aims to deliver a premium meat counter with the feel of a traditional butcher. Other departments within the space include fresh produce, an on-site bakery, a wine section, a fresh seafood department, cheese and deli counters. Source: Marius Del Carme for Hamiltons Advertising Hot food offerings include Crispy Chicken, Bubs Fish & Chips and Pie OMy, while The Fresh Society, Love Health and Health & Happiness will appeal to the health-conscious shopper. The Grab & Go includes a sushi counter and a biltong bar, and a Seattle Coffee Co will also be available at the entrance to the store. Source: Marius Del Carme for Hamiltons Advertising Creating visual interest Adults and children alike with be delighted by the animatronics dotted around the store. Food Lovers Market looked to transform the traditional bricks-and-mortar space into an emporium that delights the senses, and therefore incorporated various animatronics and digital screens into the space to keep the customer informed, entertained and engaged while shopping. The retail theatre starts with a nine-metre windmill beckoning shoppers from the road. On arrival, customers will be greeted by a tree of life as they enter the fresh produce section, followed by a band of fresh produce characters - an apple, avocado, strawberry, carrot and broccoli. A dancing banana performs musical theatrics, and shoppers with a sweet tooth will be entertained with the dancing doughnut in the bakery section. Source: Marius Del Carme for Hamiltons Advertising The Bothasig store will be managed by Valentino Ricciardi, who has been part of the retail group for the past 29 years, since its inception. He leads a 150-strong team of employees, many of whom have been sourced from the local area and surrounds, including Du Noon, Milnerton and Edgemead. South African Tourism recently participated at IMEX America, to showcase South Africa as a business events destination. South Africa was represented by 20 exhibitors who showcased business event products from South Africa, with 500 meetings held at the SA Tourism stand. Source: Supplied IMEX America is one of the largest trade shows in the US for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. The 2022 show was 45% bigger than last years, according to IMEX organisers. The show took place from 11 to October 13 2022, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. According to acting chief convention bureau officer, Zinhle Nzama, South Africa meant business. "Team South Africa had their hands full as they moved from one meeting to the next and the message was clear: South Africa is open for business and ready to host quality business events, with our infrastructure fit for global meetings, events and incentives travel," she said. She said South Africas exhibitors were overwhelmed by walk-in clients over and above the scheduled meetings, which bodes well for our tourism industry rebound. Global marketing efforts Nzama also noted that one of the key take-outs from this years IMEX is the shorter lead times for business with all business that is coming to South Africa either earmarked for this year or next year. "This is a clear indication of just how eager people are to host their conferences and to bring incentive trips to South Africa in a short space of time. This is a shift from the pre-Covid-19 environment as lead times were much longer," she added. Nzama believes South African Tourisms relentless global marketing efforts are bearing fruit as buyers coming to the South Africa stand were more targeted and ready to place business. "The buyers we interacted with were not coming to find out information about South Africa; they already knew about South Africa. They were simply coming to find the South African product that is best suited for them," she said. "The bookings for groups coming into South Africa are getting bigger compared to pre-pandemic bookings," Nzama said. She revealed that beyond networking and scheduled meetings, team South Africa took the opportunity to invite the world to South Africa to attend Meetings Africa. Meetings Africa is South African Tourisms Pan African strategic business tradeshow. It provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their offerings to international and local buyers, African associations and corporate planners. "This is the most formidable platform on the continent for exhibitors to meet face-to-face with the most influential buyers in the world and to be part of Africas growth story," she said. Meetings Africa trade show will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, from February 28 - March 1 2023. Understanding how South African consumers react to various factors will be crucial for brands and retailers. Changes in our shopping behaviour were certainly fast-tracked by the pandemic lockdowns, and the question now is - will the upward trajectory of online shopping continue, and if so, what does that mean for retail and e-commerce players in South Africa? Earlier this year, Wunderman Thompson released the global and South African consumer survey results in a report called The Future Shopper. Now, Wunderman Thompson has analysed the responses and is hosting a special deep-dive session into the four key emerging trends to be aware of. Set to take place on Thursday, 17 November 2022, A New Frontier in South African Retail will be hosted as a virtual event and is open to anyone to attend. Both local and international specialists in retail stores, e-commerce, marketplaces, innovation and customer experience will share expert insights on the key trends that have emerged from the research and what to consider navigating the implications of the changes. They include Wunderman Thompson UK commerce specialists Raghbir Rana, wholl be talking about The Rise and Rise of the Marketplace Considerations, and Ariane de Merlis, who will deep-dive into Best Practice for Online Customer Experience. Head of innovation Naji El-Arifi will discuss the differences between South African and international online shoppers. Graeme Brooks, strategic director of Barrows, who has been involved in integrating digital experiences into physical stores both locally and globally over the past five years, will share retail insights in his presentation Bricks & Mortar Is Here to Stay The Store of the Future. Parusha Partab, Wunderman Thompson group strategy director, will start with an overview of the digitally-enabled South African consumer. If youre keen to attend, you can REGISTER HERE. Shortly after registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the virtual event taking place on Thursday, 17 November 2022. If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact moc.nospmohtnamrednuw@itnoc.arual The winners in the RCL Foods Young Chef and the inaugural Young Baker competitions have been announced. Image supplied: Nicole Bowes and Matthew Maree from Silwood School of Cookery Following a gruelling final that tested a wide range of their cheffing and baking skills at the RCL Foods kitchens in Durban, each winner is taking home their share of the total R110,000 cash prize. For the finals, Young Chef competitors submitted recipes for a restaurant main course and an innovation dessert course before the competition, which they then cooked in the finals, with a mystery basket starter, and Young Baker competitors submitted recipes for two types of breads and two types of baked confectionary, which they baked, along with a mystery basket element of six cupcakes and a flavoured buttercream. The top team of two in the RCL Foods Young Chefs challenge are Nicole Bowes and Matthew Maree from Silwood School of Cookery in Western Cape, who achieved over 90% in the finals and won R15,000 each. Brad Kavanagh, head chef of RCL Foods, said this was the first time in many years that a score above 90% was achieved. For some years we have seen competitors do well, but not quite making it to the 90% gold standard. Well done to the winners! The first-ever RCL Foods Young Baker winner is Simthandile Nomandla from FBI Chef School and Patisserie Academy in Gauteng, who took home the top prize of R20,000, against the odds. Kavanagh explained, Simthandile missed her flight from Joburg that morning, but despite her late start, her passion and determination saw her not only catch up but win the top RCL Foods Young Bakers Challenge prize. Were very proud of her excellent baking skills, as well as her problem-solving ability in the face of an extremely stressful situation. The Young Chef silver winners were Matthew Van Heerden and Shanuel Zimba from 1000 Hills Chef School in KZN who each won R10,000, and the bronze winners were Kelly Fletcher and Kara Venter from Silwood School of Cookery in Western Cape, who won R7,500 each. Second place in the RCL Foods Young Baker Challenge went to Ameera Gani from Chefs Training and Innovation Academy in Centurion, Gauteng, and third place to Lynette Spykerman from 1000 Hills Chefs School in KZN, winning R15,000 and R10,000 respectively. The Young Chefs Best Hygiene trophy for clean work, sponsored by Geochem, went to Leandre Mari Engelbrecht and Tebatso Antoinette Mamabolo from Guvon Academy in Gauteng. The Young Baker Best Bread award, sponsored by Anchor Yeast, went to Ameera Gani, who won a Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. The SA Chefs and SA Bakers associations ran the competition, with Adrian Vigus Brown, SA Chefs Competition director, as the overall head judge. Kavanagh thanked all the contributors to the competitions, and particularly the SA Chefs-approved expert judges, for going the extra mile to ensure the participants were given feedback on their performance. Every entrant was scored professionally throughout the stages of the competitions, and the judges evaluations were made available to the entrants to enable them to assess their performance and boost their skills to be the best chefs and bakers they can be, he said. The attempted criminalisation of News24 legal journalist Karyn Maughan this week is the first-time case in South Africa's democratic age. Ironically, nine days later, the country remembers Black Wednesday. Source: Weerapat Kiatdumrong 123rf Black Wednesday in 1977 is remembered as SA Media Freedom Day Appearing in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Monday, 10 October Maughan is being trialled for requesting information already in the public domain about former president Jacob Zumas health. 19 October marks what is known as Black Wednesday in the countrys history. This is when the Apartheid government, in 1977, banned The World, Weekend World and The Voice newspapers, arrested editor Percy Qoboza, and outlawed several Black Consciousness organisations. Free media integral to democracy Commenting on Black Wednesday and the South African media in an open letter to the country, President Ramaphosa states: We are fortunate to have come a long way since Black Wednesday. In a statement on the government site, the Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele says: A free media is an integral part of our democracy and government is committed to press freedom. He adds that government recognises the media as partners in strengthening the countrys democracy and promoting its rights, which many have fought and died for during the years of struggle. We embrace any platform that allows us to strengthen relationships with the media, while also allowing us to speak about the work of government and to share our successes and challenges, says Gungubele. South Africa is currently ranked 35th in the world on the Reporters without Borders Index. This is out of 180 countries. What should be noted here is that in 2021 the country was in the 32nd position, so it has fallen three places. So while Ramaphosa calls the media freedom in South Africa a cause for optimism and pride, he is right to add that it is of concern that we are seeing a resurgence of online and other forms of abuse directed against journalists in our national life. Different threats Today the threats to journalism are very different to 45 years ago writes Glenda Daniels in the Daily Maverick. She says today the threats to media freedom, independence and diversity are different from 1977. But the attacks on journalists are real, hectic and from everywhere. These threats range from job losses. The State of the Newsroom (Wits Journalism) reports from 2013 to 2022 show about half of all jobs were lost in journalism over the past decade and community media has in particular been decimated. Other concerns include cyberbullying and misogyny, information disorder, police and court bullying, and community harassment. Difficult trading conditions For Press Council executive director Latiefa Mobara, South Africas media can be immensely proud of what they have achieved, in the most difficult trading conditions, to reinforce, extend and defend hard-won, responsible media freedom in our country. Quoted in City Press Mobara says since 2013 the Press Council has received more than 5,000 complaints against its members of which most were in favour of the media. In 2021, the Council received 845 complaints of which 32 were referred to the Press Ombud for adjudication, and three were taken on appeal to the Press Councils appeals panel. As a result, South Africas media particularly those who subscribe to the Press Council is trusted in a world where fake news and untested allegations and rumours abound, says Mobara in City Press. Taking stock amaBhungane, managing partner, Sam Sole, says on their website it is appropriate to take stock of where we as media are today. Sole cites examples where despite the current environment that journalists operate in, they continue to do exceptional, priceless work. His examples include: News24s exposes of the background to the murder of health department whistleblower Babita Deokaran. exposes of the background to the murder of health department whistleblower Babita Deokaran. Daily Mavericks evisceration of Zweli Mkhize. evisceration of Zweli Mkhize. Arena Holdings exploration of the political and criminal links of zama zama mining gangs. GroundUps matchless, dogged pursuit of corruption at the National Lotteries Commission. But he also cites examples of abuse, especially to female journalists and refers to the attempted criminalisation of Maughan as a glaring example of abuse, especially towards female journalists. It is no coincidence that it is a continuation of a campaign against media critics launched under State Capture or that its beneficiary is capturer-in-chief Jacob Zuma, states Sole. A new threat A new threat comes from the government itself: the new draft Anti-Terrorism Bill that Parliament is trying to rush through. amaBhungane, has delivered a last-minute submission to Parliament raising concerns about the draft new anti-terrorism Bill. In our view, the Bill in its present form would have a chilling effect on free speech, political debate and negatively affect the work of journalists and other forms of publication, Sole says. He adds: Our media ecosystem is fragile. Iqbal Surve has shown how once proud publications can be captured and dismembered. Looking forward Sole endorses the Presidents statement that: The only counter to the proliferation of disinformation is the growth and expansion of credible news media outlets. The only counter to bad journalism is credible, well-trained journalists whose only interest is educating and informing the public. The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) has opened the call for animation projects in development for the 2023 Pitch and Finance Forum. The DFMI hopes to select 10 official animation projects in development to present to a panel of international decision-makers consisting of potential co-producers, broadcasters, film funds and distributors in the 14th Durban FilmMart (DFM). 2022 marked the first time in which DFM formally welcomed animation projects to pitch at the market, says Magdalene Reddy, DFMI general manager. Pitches were well received from industry, and filmmakers were eager to share their stories, which we cannot wait to see in the very near future. Together with our partners from the Cape Town International Animation Film Festival (CTIAF) and Tshimologong, we hope to deepen the programme for animators on the continent offering more pitching opportunities, extended development, and greater engagements with the industry, Reddy continues. The DFM Pitch and Finance Forum consists of public pitching, one-on-one meetings with decision-makers and eight weeks of online mentorship prior to the pitch in Durban. This year they are able to offer five of the 10 project teams the opportunity to participate in the Road to Annecy at CTIAF in addition to their participation in Durban. The best way to perfect a pitch is to practice a pitch. Events like this are integral to getting market ready and I encourage everyone to enter competitions like this to hone their skills, says Dianne Makings, director of CTIAF. The Animation Pitch and Finance Forum will form part of the 14th annual Durban FilmMart event which will take place in July 2023 in Durban, South Africa. The Road to Annecy will be presented at the 2023 Cape Town International Animation Film Festival which will take place in April 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. Animated Fiction and Documentary projects in development with at least one African citizen in one of the key creative roles (writer, director or producer) will be considered for the programme. Proof of African citizenship or birth must be provided through a certified passport/I.D. or birth certificate. Projects need to have both a director and a producer attached. Projects will be selected by an external panel of industry professionals. Shortlisted projects will be contacted via email in November 2022. To apply, go here. The deadline for applications is 31 October at 11.59pm CAT. The call for live-action projects will open later this year. The Kyalami 9 Hour was revitalised in 2019 and hosted annually since. The 2023 Kyalami 9 Hour has been confirmed for 25 February 2023. The race has been moved from the season finale to the second round of the SRO Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC). The 2023 Kyalami 9 Hour will, once again, play host to some of the best GT3 racers from around the world. It is expected that over 20 entries will fight for overall and class victories. Fans can expect to see racecars from Audi, Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes-AMG, among others, compete at the event. There will, in all likelihood, also be racers from the South African endurance and GT series participating as well. Continue reading the full story on Double Apex... On the outside, they looked like a normal group of college kids, but behind the scenes, they were busy creating cutting-edge technologies. It started with Cotter, a passwordless login feature that websites could add to their platform. Albert Putra Purnama had made something similar when he was a teenager in Southeast Asia, but Cotter was a more sophisticated and broad approach. Proving to be successful, the group of co-founders sold Cotter to Stytch in late 2021, but the natural entrepreneurs had something else in their back pockets: Typedream Albert Putra Purnama During the refinement of Cotter, it became clear to Albert that there was a demand for no-code website building tools. We live in a digital age and business owners of all types are expected to have an online presence, but many are not equipped with coding skills to develop their own websites. Though tools like WordPress and Squarespace exist, they are a bit clunky, and it was time for an updated approach to no-code website building, which is where Typedream came in. Typedream and Cotter are two separate products, but they exist under the same umbrella and have the same co-founders. For many, the fact that a group of young 20-somethings sits at the helm can come as a shock, but Albert always knew he was destined for something impressive. As a child, his father used to remind him of the saying, 'Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, youll land among the stars'. Albert was always ambitious, but he didnt have perfect grades and he didnt end up getting into his dream university in the US. But still, he shot. Where he landed was where the idea for Typedream came together, and suddenly, everything made sense. Typedream has already been put to use in many arenas. It enables businesses and individuals to make websites in record times, so its great for responding quickly to current issues such as Covid-19 and many other causes. Because it streamlines the website development process, it makes the internet more accessible and beneficial for organisations of all sizes. Typedream is shaping up to be this generations go-to no-code development tool. With an interface similar to Microsoft Word and Google Docs, users can learn how to use Typedream with ease. With the future in mind, Albert and his team made sure that Typedream websites could handle the requirements that are going to become more prominent in the coming years. Enabling NFT minting pages and Web3 technology are just a few of the features that set Typedream apart from similar tools. With Typedream, no-code website developers can also use features like gradients, glassmorphism (blur) navigation bars, containers with shadows, and elements over a video or image. These features are critical in creating websites that look and feel intuitive. Since 74% of users accessing mobile sites will leave if they take longer than 5 seconds to load and are not engaging, its critical the websites are made with quality features. These types of features can be difficult to enable for non-coders, but not with Typedream. Albert could have taken the traditional path of a software development career. The booming industry would guarantee him job security and high pay for the rest of his life, but at the young age of 20, he decided to take a risk. He worked with dedication to develop not one, but two impressive products in the technology space. In fact, it might be warranted to say that Albert didnt just land among the stars -- he reached the moon. The Hawks on Wednesday pounced on an alleged kingpin of a syndicate linked to the theft of fuel, which has caused damage to essential infrastructure. Image source: Kindel Media from Pexels The 35-year-old suspect was arrested in Pretoria by a multidisciplinary team, led by the Free State Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, together with Bidvest Protea Coin Security and the Gauteng Traffic Department Saturation Unit. Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase, said the arrest followed further investigation into the arrest of two suspects, aged between 35 and 41, on Saturday. The two were arrested for the theft of fuel and tempering with the Transnet national pipeline in Vrede, Free State and were arrested on delivering the stolen fuel in Kromdraai, Witbank. The duo, Mauro Aurelia Langa (41), a Mozambican national and Solly Khoza (35) appeared in the Vrede Magistrates Court and are expected be back in court on 24 October 2022. They were arrested by a multidisciplinary team comprising the Hawks Non-Ferrous Metals, Tactical Operations Management Section, with Secunda and Middelburg-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, assisted by Bidvest Protea Coin, Ekurhuleni District Operational Task Team, Badboyz Security and South African Revenue Service (SARS). "Police seized the tanker with fuel, which was involved in Saturdays incident. The alleged kingpin is expected to appear in the Witbank Magistrates court today and will later appear in Vrede with other suspects. Nkwalase said it was now on public record that almost 8.5 million litres of fuel, valued at approximately R102m, has been stolen from national Transnet pipes in the last year. There are 46 suspects arrest in the last three months owing to the multi-disciplinary approach operations which prove to be a working formula. Now with the additional three linked to this incident, we are sitting at total of 49 suspects arrested in the country, he said. With an astonishing 1,230m2 of roadside digital out-of-home (DOOH) in South Africa already, Primedia Outdoor is elated to unveil three new roadside LED billboards across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, contributing to their highly effective DOOH networks, offering advertisers increased audience reach. Primedia Outdoor was first to market with their 4.5 x 18.0-metre Freeway Digital Network offering in 2014 and have now added a ninth, large format, digital billboard, strategically located along the N1 Ben Schoeman freeway in Gauteng. This high-definition LED captures an audience travelling North from Joburg to Pretoria with an impressive audience impression delivery of 9,828,682 over a typical four-week period (ROAD 17/18/19). The newly extended Freeway Digital Network, measuring a total of 729 square meters across major highways in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, is the biggest freeway LED holding in South Africa. Furthermore, the Urban Digital Network, located on main arterials in the central hubs of Joburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, KZN, and East London, now offers brand exposure across 466 square meters of digital display with the addition of two new urban LED billboards. The network sees the expansion into KwaZulu-Natal with a breath-taking new 3.0 x 6.0-meter LED, located in Stanford Hill Durban Central and delivering on remarkable audience impressions of 1,310,421 over a typical four-week period (ROAD 17/18/19). As well as a new LED in Gauteng, measuring at 4.0 x 8.0-meters that is strategically placed in the heart of Sandton the richest square mile in Africa, and targets consumers travelling along Grayston towards Sandton Drive from Rivonia Drive delivering audience impressions of 857,632 over a typical four-week period (ROAD 17/18/19). We are ecstatic to add three more LEDs to our existing network, as Primedia Outdoor prides itself as the leader in digital advertising solutions, offering advertisers the opportunity of audience attention at high dwell areas; scaled reach and effective brand exposure in the right locations, says Peter Lindstrom, sales executive. The Freeway and Urban Digital Networks are fully equipped with a wide range of dynamic capabilities that allow for online and offline collaboration, enhanced multichannel campaigns as well as being programmatically available to advertisers. About Primedia Outdoor Primedia Outdoor is the premier provider of out of home media solutions within Sub Saharan Africa. A Level 1 BBEEE contributor, Primedia Outdoor is currently the largest wholly South-African-owned outdoor advertising media specialist offering national outdoor exposure throughout South Africa and high reach in key markets in rest of Africa. Primedia Outdoor offers flexible coverage of the entire LSM/SEM spectrum, targeting cosmopolitan consumers in major urban areas through to those living in rural communities. Primedia Outdoor delivers exposure across a mix of media opportunities and audience environments, including high-end digital billboards, freeway and suburban spectaculars and street furniture, as well as classic roadside advertising. Localisation has the potential to boost economic activity, but the manufacturing sector is underperforming and it isn't having the impact that it otherwise could be having. Source: Dambisa Maqoga. Top economist and leader of the Pan-African Investment and Research Services team, Dr Iraj Adedian and chief marketing officer of Proudly SA, Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi. These are the key findings that have been released by a 60-page study - Revitalising SAs Manufacturing Sector - commissioned by Proudly SA. The study is the third in a series of research papers that both highlight the sectors notable contribution to the South African economy and the need to effectively support the sector, so as to unlock the sectors potential. It covers the industries of agro-processing, the automotive industry and pharmaceuticals, among others. "The manufacturing industry is under stress and mostly neglected," said Dr Iraj Abedian, who led the Pan-African Investment & Research Services team in producing the report. He was speaking at Proudly SA's national roadshow presentation, hosted by the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday, 19 October. Abedian said South Africa's lack of reliable energy was a major reason for the manufacturing sector's decline over the last 15 years, as were job losses spurred on by the automation of jobs. The need for data-based decision-making "We found that people were willing to support buying local if they understood the economic impact they had when purchasing locally made products, but the sentiment wasn't enough. "It came to a point where we needed to find scientific data that proves localisation works. As a result, we reached out to Dr Iraj Abedian a few months ago to conduct this research," said the chief marketing officer of Proudly SA, Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi. "It's important to note that this study is not a survey of players. It's a quantification based on Stats SA's social accounting model. So we did not survey anybody; we looked at the structure of the South African economy as captured in the social accounting matrix of Stats SA," said Abedian. "The social accounting matrix (Sam) quantifies the structure of the economy in terms of different sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and energy. There are nine sectors that each command sub-sectors and Sam quantifies the relationships that exist among these sectors. "Take agriculture, for example, which depends on manufacturing for all shipment of tractors; it relies on the energy sector for power and fuel, and requires funding, hence the interplay of the finance industry. Turning crisis into opportunity "As part of our report, we wanted to technically make an attempt at quantifying what, for example, a 10% increase in investment in this sector would lead to.in terms of output in jobs and what the resultant tax-contribution outcomes would be, and what this framework would bring about in terms of social development." The report's investment scenario shows that a mere 10% increase in investment spending in the manufacturing sector could lead, in the medium term, to: 13% GDP growth 8% more jobs created 8.3% overall boost to investment across the economy, and a 9% jump in tax revenues "These are the latest and only actual quantifiable statistics that Stats SA has produced, which gives us the relationship between different sectors and different sub-sectors," Abedian said. "This translates into the creation of an estimated 73,000 jobs." The findings show that a process of de-globalisation is at play, partly driven by ongoing global supply-chain disruptions; highlighting the need for increased localisation as a means of expansion, security and survival for specific industries. From research to policy implementation If ever there were a time to bring together government, the private sector and labour unions to make this a reality, now would be it. A masterplan is what is needed. "The next steps would be implementation, and based on the existing asset class, classifying the masterplan as a policy framework," Abedian said. "We would need to be intentional with our timelines, and we would need to systematically monitor and track our success, and sometimes our failures so we can learn from them." Ultimately South Africa does have the potential to turn this crisis in the manufacturing sector around, Abedian said. "We do have the opportunities. We just need to maximise them. We need to improve our ports. Our private sector needs to invest and we need to invite the labour unions to roundtable discussions. "More importantly SMEs need to be integrated into the value chain." Manufacturing in South Africa has huge potential, availability, socio-economic impact, and environmental impact," said the chief executive officer of Proudly SA Eustace Mashimbye. "SMEs are at the centre of this as the creators of jobs and opportunities. If the government listens and engages more with SMEs, sector by sector, region by region, we can get manufacturing revitalised." "We do have the capacity," said Abedian. "We do have what it takes. "We have done it before." Celebrated in mainstream US media for its anti-Russian trolling, the Twitter operation known as NAFO was founded by a Polish antisemite to raise money for a militia that has hosted war criminals, white nationalists and wanted murderers. Whether they know it or not, anyone who has checked Twitter for recent coverage of the Ukraine proxy war has likely encountered at least one of the thousands of trolls that comprise NAFO, or the North Atlantic Fellas Organization. Thanks to the efforts of NAFO and its fellas, any journalist or prominent figure critical of Ukraine or NATO on Twitter is likely to receive hundreds of replies accusing them of being paid by Russian President Vladimir Putin (or even performing fellatio on him) from accounts with Shiba Inu dog avatars. Since its inception several months ago, NAFO has earned gushing praise from the Washington Post, which hailed it for show[ing] that the tables could be turned on Russia, when it came to trolling. The arms industry-funded, Washington DC-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), meanwhile, hosted an online panel highlighting NAFO as an instrumental weapon in the Russia-Ukraine infowars. Yet NAFOs beltway boosters often gloss over its role as a fundraising machine for the Georgian Legion, a US-backed Ukrainian fighting group that stands accused of gruesome battlefield atrocities. Several former members of the Legion have produced first-hand testimony documenting its perpetration of war crimes, including the torture and execution of POWs and civilians. One NAFO founder explained that he chose the Georgian Legion as a funding recipient precisely because of the units reputation as a band of mercenaries and criminals that was willing to carry out barbarous acts which could cause foreign governments to shy away from supporting it. Another NAFO founder has praised the Georgian Legions leader for killing Russians since the 90s. Among the Georgian Legions most notorious members are US fugitive and murderer Craig Lang, as well as Paul Gray, an American whose past involvement in several neo-Nazi organizations was never mentioned during the friendly primetime interviews he was granted by Fox News and its local affiliates. While providing a financial feeding tube to a militia that revels in its own atrocities, NAFO continues to attract effusive support from mainstream US journalists and think tankers who portray the operation as little more than a grassroots expression of online solidarity with Ukraine. Obsessively online interventionists find meaning and purpose as fellas Employing cartoon memes of the Shiba Inu dog breed, NAFOs postmodern aesthetic, irreverent style and dedication to viciously trolling any critic of the Ukraine proxy war has garnered the adulation of Western media and interventionist government officials alike. To outsiders, the lingo that flows through internal NAFO chats might seem unintelligible: fellas refers to members; nafoarticle5 is a call to action that urges fellas to dog-pile on a particular social media post; vatnik serves as a pejorative for Russians and virtually anyone critical of the US-backed proxy war. Phrases such as NAFO expansion is non-negotiable and sarcastic claims that they are funded by the CIA (which they simultaneously claim doesnt exist) are also ubiquitous. Behind the anonymously named Twitter accounts of NAFO members lies a base of extremely online, mostly male civilians seeking a sense of purpose and community. Some participants have tattooed Shiba Inu avatars onto their bodies while others have published photos of their newborn babies in the arms of an adult sporting a NAFO shirt. One founder of the troll farm tweeted a photo of an elaborate NAFO tattoo emblazoned on his arm, but has since deleted it. In public, NAFO leaders market the image of a charity-focused community of do-gooders, however, many posts by its fellas reflect the kind of psychologically deranged outbursts familiar to young adult men who spend endless hours ranting on a messaging platform built for gamers. In mid-October, for example, an administrator complained that she was forced to ban two members of the NAFO Discord for publicly plotting the murder of a third member of the community. While US corporate media have declared that within NAFO there is no command structure, effectively releasing the groups founders from accountability for the fellas behavior, this reporter found all the hallmarks of an organizational hierarchy. The groups Discord server is run by founders, assigned administrators, moderators, and forgers who make memes used for harassing people on social media. Verified fellas are granted access to otherwise locked channels, while regular fellas are assigned more mundane roles. Its preferred that people who are not heavily involved in the day to day do not speak on behalf of NAFO or what NAFO is to the press, one administrator wrote in the servers announcements channel. Inside NAFOs social media crowdfunding nexus There are three ways to obtain a NAFO avatar and become a verified fella. The first is to make a donation to the Georgian National Legion through an email address attached to PayPal and belonging to Taras Reshetylo, a field commander of the Georgian Legion. Another way to join is by donating to an organization called Protect Ukraine Defenders, or a merchandise purchase from a website called Saint Javelin. Saint Javelins logo depicts the Virgin Mary bearing a US-manufactured Javelin missile. How to get a fella: Donate to the @georgian_legion, @vorobyov, or make a purchase from @saintjavelin Once youve done this please send your proof of donation or purchase to @Kama_Kamilia and @BravoKilo6464 with a description of your fella requests North Atlantic Fella Organization (@Official_NAFO) September 19, 2022 Though distinct from NAFO at its foundation, Saint Javelin sold merchandise for the organization and recently incorporated NAFO into its brand. For months, all of Saint Javelins proceeds from NAFO merchandise went directly to the Georgian Legion, according to its website. Like NAFO, Saint Javelin estimates that it has raised huge sums for the war more than a million dollars. Besides fundraising for the Georgian Legion, Saint Javelin passes on proceeds to United24, an initiative launched by Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. It also channels money to the Ukrainian World Congress, an organization which has defended the legacy of World War Two-era Nazi collaborator and mass murderer Stepan Bandera, branding him the undisputed symbol of Ukraines lengthy and tragic struggle for independence. Saint Javelins partnership with Zelenskys United24 aims to help raise funds to build an army of drones. HUGE announcement. In our goal to build a Vatnik free Ukraine, Saint Javelins has joined forces with President Zelenskys @united24_gov_ua Together we are building an Army of Drones. Donate directly: https://t.co/S551GWwM2H pic.twitter.com/Yk8mZR5dWl Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) July 25, 2022 The Saint Javelin website was launched by a former journalist named Christian Borys whose employment history spans NATO state-funded outlets including Canadas CBC and Britains BBC. Borys has also authored articles for the US government-sponsored outlet Radio Free Europe. One of Borys most notorious journalistic escapades consisted of a night of bar-hopping in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, where he patronized an antisemitic restaurant and returned with a review for Vice News portraying it as one of the citys many weird and wonderful haunts. The Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv was the oldest synagogue in what is now Ukraine, built in 1582, destroyed in 1941. Today the site hosts a "Jewish-themed restaurant," where there are no prices because "its Jewish tradition to haggle." Diners get black hats with fake sidelocks. pic.twitter.com/KriTf41B59 Joel S. (@jh_swanson) February 12, 2022 The restaurant converts anti-Jewish tropes into a marketing gimmick; its waiters dress as Orthodox Jews who haggle with patrons over the prices of menu items. If you play your cards right [its] ridiculously cheap, Borys gushed in his review. Noting that Lviv was home to around 220,000 Jewish people, Borys wrote that the population now only hovers around 1,100, Strangely though, he neglected to explain how the genocidal rampage of Stepan Banderas Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists helped violently extinguish the local Jewish population. He merely stated that the restaurant pays homage [to the local Jewish population] in a weird way. The Ukrainian ethnic-owned restaurant contains a terrace that overlooks the ruins of one of the most important synagogues in Eastern Europe. In the same 2015 article, Borys described going to a bar where youre served by little people, visiting another that forces you to recite ultra-nationalist slogans before entering, and emptying an AK-47 clip in a target depicting Putins face at a local shooting range. VICE News publishes a supplied photograph of President Zelensky being handed a Saint Javelin t-shirt by the countrys Minister of Defense On Twitter, Borys erupted with glee when a member of the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion was spotted wearing a Saint Javelin patch. He seemed equally thrilled when his former employer published photographs from an unstated source of Ukraines Defense Minister Olekseii Reznikov handing President Zelensky a Saint Javelin t-shirt. In the NAFO Discord chat, Borys suggested paying protesters to hold NAFO demonstrations outside Russian embassies. A retired Marine and amateur conflict pundit named Matt Moores claimed to have established the relationship between NAFO and Borys after co-founding the former organization. On October 7, NAFO was incorporated into the Saint Javelin brand, with the latter becoming the formers parent company, according to a post by a NAFO administrator in the Discord servers announcement channel. The third organization for which NAFO fundraises, Protect Ukraine Defenders, was launched by a well-connected functionary of the Brussels-based intelligentsia named Ievgen Vorobiov. Vorobiov started as an intern for the European Union state-funded Centre for European Policy Studies think tank, then moved on to gigs at the Polish government-founded Polish Institute of International Affairs and Foreign Policy magazine. Before founding Protect Ukraine Defenders, Vorobiov spent nearly four years at the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine. The mural "Saint Javelin" is completed, #Kyiv. It was realized by artists from the creative group Kailash-V. ZMiST pic.twitter.com/emHCvoTama UkraineWorld (@ukraine_world) May 28, 2022 An anchor for amplifying pro-proxy war Twitter accounts While Twitter has responded to NATO state pressure to suppress accounts associated with Russian state media, and has banned numerous other users for simply questioning the official Western version of events in Ukraine, organizations connected with NAFO have seen explosive growth since the Ukraine proxy war began. Saint Javelin, for its part, has received verification from Twitter and amassed nearly 70,000 followers since launching an account this February. A NAFO founder who operates under the pseudonym Kama Kamilia had less than 200 Twitter followers in April 2022; today they broadcast to an audience of over 22,000. NAFO co-founder Christian Borys had less than 5,500 followers in February 2022 and now boasts more than 36,000. Similarly, Matt Moores Twitter account grew by more than 16,000 followers since January. Kama Kamilia has explicitly linked the Georgian Legions follower count to the popularity of his NAFO organization: I think they had 4,000 followers when we started [now] they have more than 20,000. As of early October, that number is more than 110,000. In September, the Discord tech company granted NAFO partnered status, meaning it now serves as a corporate role model and is considered one of the best servers out there. Yet it is composed of just over 3,000 members, raising questions about the tens of thousands of new followers NAFO has suddenly accumulated on Twitter. NAFOs expansion has also driven the growth of hundreds, if not thousands, of otherwise insignificant Twitter accounts which have participated in online harassment and used the group to push crowdfunding efforts. One NAFO-stylized account which the Georgian Legion follows and at least one administrator of the NAFO Discord boasted that they were able to purchase gear for a Ukrainian soldier named Igor. In the photographs attached to the Tweet, Igor can be seen wearing a Nazi Sonnenrad patch. Guys, you remember Igor? Here is he with the helmet, the plate carrier, and boots we got him. Rain uniform and gloves are on the way. Happy soldier! Thank you #NAFO pic.twitter.com/R7qytI0r3o (@IamBohhi) October 12, 2022 The war crimes of the Georgian Legion Behind the goofy Shibu Ina avatars and rambunctious chat sessions lies a mission that defines NAFO: to raise as much money as possible for the Georgian National Legion. One administrator of the official NAFO discord put it succinctly: NAFO has always been about supporting the Georgian Legion first and foremost. ^^^ NAFO has always been about supporting the Georgian Legion first and foremost. The list doesnt mean that these are the only legit charities/battalions. Fellas are more than welcomed to support whoever they want. I support Dimko and hes not on the list. Goblin Borshch (@goblin__soup) September 6, 2022 Another administrator stated on July 2 of this year that $43,000 (USD) has been raised by the fellas for the Georgian Legion. Three months later, a NAFO member estimated the figure to be likely totaling over $1 million, a metric of the explosive growth of the group. It is the most organic movement Ive been involved with, he told the Wall Street Journal. While NAFO fundraises for several allied organizations, supporters are most frequently directed to donate to the Georgian Legion. Matt Moores, the US Marine veteran who co-founded NAFO and describes himself as very online, has explained in interviews that NAFO started as a fundraiser really. Beyond the memes, beyond the jokes, beyond the humor, there is a real component of it with, you know, fundraising. These little cartoon dog avatars that they have, each one of them is made by a volunteer, a fella forger, in our community and these little small donations have raised close to $300,000 so far, Moores explained. With an existing Twitter following, Moores reached out to someone who posts online under the Kama Kamilia in May. It was then that NAFO was born. I was looking and saw that someone was posting these little cartoon dogs and using them to, you know, mock and to belittle these, you know, propaganda statements and the supposed achievements of the Russian military and just trying to throw these little jabs wherever you could get them in, Moores said. One day someone asked Kamil how do I get one of these? And he said if you send $20 or whatever it is to the Georgian Legion well make you one of these. So from there it has really gotten quite out of hand. Little is known about the NAFO co-founder Kama Kamilia, as corporate media outlets hyping them as a pro-Ukraine influencer extraordinaire have refused to disclose his real name. However, this reporter and researcher Moss Robeson have determined that he is Kamil Dyszewski, a 29-year-old Polish national and failed criminologist-turned-video game reviewer living somewhere near London. Video game reviewer and Polish antisemite Kamil Dyszewski The NAFO founder has posted a number of antisemitic memes, including some mocking Jewish victims of the Holocaust, seemingly glorifying Adolf Hitler, and calling for the deportation of President Trumps Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to Tel Aviv. NAFO founder Kamil Dyszewski (@Kama_Kamilia) is an antisemitic gamer from Poland pic.twitter.com/q5YPmDOFYZ Moss Robeson (@mossrobeson__) October 14, 2022 I just stumbled my way through life, now into this. What fuels it for me is the absolute hatred and vitriol I have towards the Russians, Dyszewski has said. I just found a way which we could expedite the process of getting them [the Russian government] removed. Dyszewski explained that he chose the Georgian Legion to be the recipients of the funds he raised because he believed their reputation as mercenaries and criminals would preclude them from receiving support from foreign governments. The fighting group, which was incorporated into the official Ukrainian military, is led by Mamuka Mamulashvili, a Georgian-born veteran of several conflicts against Russia who swore to execute Russian POWs, an act which constitutes a war crime under the Geneva Convention. We will not take Russian soldiers we will not take prisoners, not a single person will be captured, Mamulashvili has said. Yes, we tie their hands and feet sometimes. I speak for the Georgian Legion, we will never take Russian soldiers prisoner. Not a single one of them will be taken prisoner. Mamulashvilis comment came in response to a viral video which depicted one of his fighters casually executing wounded Russian POWs. Ukrainian and Georgian Legion fighters celebrate after executing captive Russian soldiers on video Mamulashvili is a key suspect in the massacre by snipers of 49 protesters in Maidan square in 2014, a likely false flag attack designed to intensify opposition to the elected government of Ukraine. At the same time, he has been awarded the National Hero of Ukraine recognition, the highest national title in the country. As warlord Mamuka Mamulashvili boasts of executing Russian POWs, the legion he commands carried them out just five miles from Bucha on March 30. I expose this war criminal's longstanding ties to key American foreign policy officials for @TheGrayzoneNews https://t.co/naSeNsEJgm Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) April 8, 2022 In a March 2022 interview with this reporter, Henry Hoeft, an American veteran named who volunteered with the Georgian National Legion, described witnessing war crimes committed by members of his unit. According to Hoeft, two men blew a checkpoint after members of the Georgian Legion accused them of being Russian spies. His fellow soldiers shot their car up [and] black-bagged them. Georgian Legion fighters then fucking slit their throats in the basement of the fucking building, Hoeft recalled. We dont even know if they were actually spies or just people who ran a checkpoint. Former Ukraine volunteers describe savage war crimes by the Georgian Legion the same group that NAFO was founded to fundraise for as its founder believed their reputation as "mercenaries & criminals" would preclude them from foreign support. Read more https://t.co/4OIo8PSK8y pic.twitter.com/zhkvGFfQ98 Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) October 20, 2022 Another former American volunteer in Ukraine known only by the alias Benjamin Velcro described witnessing fellow Georgian Legion volunteers torture and execute a captured teen whom he estimated was about 18. Velcro remarked, Wed been told to take no prisoners. The Georgian Legion veteran continued: We made a lesson to him. We fucking cut his achilles heels and made him swim across the Severdonetsk river and he drowned. Or he was shot. We were all taking kind of like practice shots at him to see how well our shot was as he swam without achilles heels either way hes dead, Velcro said. Of course those fucking Georgian Legion guys did that stuff because theyre Georgians and theyre retards, Velcro remarked. The Georgian Legion has hosted two other notorious US foreign fighters profiled by The Grayzone: Craig Lang and Paul Gray. Lang was a member of the group before he returned to the United States, where he is wanted for robbed and murdering a married couple to finance his return trip to Ukraine. The Federal Bureau of Investigations has obtained video showing Lang participating in war crimes in eastern Ukraine, including beating and drowning a girl after a fellow fighter injected her with adrenaline so that she would not lose consciousness as she was drowned. DHS is 'concerned' over Nazis returning after fighting in Ukraine. I examine two Americans now fighting Russia, one a veteran of various street brawls against leftists and the other a lunatic that murdered a couple in Florida & tortured women in Donbas https://t.co/3zkGHAznhN Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) May 31, 2022 Gray, who is still active with the Georgian Legion, has been involved with multiple US-based neo-Nazi organizations, including Atomwaffen, which is listed as a terrorist organization by several countries. On its Twitter account, the Georgian Legion promoted a Fox News appearance by Gray. Similarly, Mamulashvili has posted Langs photograph on his Facebook page. The Georgian Legion boss, Mamulashvili, has enjoyed close ties to Washington throughout years of low-intensity conflict in the eastern Ukraine, junketing to Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers with seats on foreign affairs committees in the House and Senate. Though NAFO co-founder Moores speaks only infrequently about the Georgian Legion, he makes no secret of his support for the outfit: Anywho, how about those Georgians, he has written on Discord. Boy they sure do kill Russians good, Ill tell you what. Similarly, Moores has praised the warlord Mamulashvili, marveling that this dude has been killing Russians since the 90s. On Twitter, Moores posts under the handle @iAmTheWarax, where he has discussed Mamulashvilis surprised reaction to the fact that cartoon dogs were raising thousands of dollars for his legion. also very funny to me that journalists have to explain this to their audiences matthew. (@iAmTheWarax) September 5, 2022 Moores, a former banker who joined the Marine Corps to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a tank operator, was first deployed to Libya in 2011, where the US and NATO overthrew and murdered the countrys longtime leader, Muammar Gaddafi, instantly transforming a once prosperous African country into a despotic hellhole. Moores has described his experience in Afghanistan, a country occupied, destabilized, and abandoned by the US military, as based. For his part, Kamil Dyszewski or Kama Kamilia as he is known online has promoted the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion and celebrated the Ukrainian governments October 8 suicide bombing attack on the Kerch bridge, retweeting several posts from fellow NAFO members that photoshopped Shiba Inu dogs into the scene of the attack. In the Discord server, Dyszewski wrote, I need Russia to apologize for its audacity to exist. It can do so by ceasing to exist. The Grayzone has closely reviewed NAFOs Discord server and gained access to channels accessible only to verified members. As the second part of this two part investigation will show, the server is a cesspool of hatred, with fellas delighting in videos of wounded and dying Russians and cracking gay jokes at their expense. Prominent journalists can also be found in the chats colluding with NAFO leaders on how to spin their coverage of the troll farm and cultivate support from DC power-brokers. More than a decade and a half ago, Vladimir Putin masterminded the seizure of privately-owned oil behemoth Yukos from its major shareholder Mikhail Khodorkovsky. It was a turning point in Putins rule. But little did the world know that it would become the playbook for what is now taking place with increasing regularity inside Russia, as he punishes Western multinationals for wanting to pull out of the country in protest at the invasion of Ukraine. Undeterred by a ruling in the Court of Arbitration in the Hague in 2014 that the Kremlin must pay $US50 billion ($80 billion) in damages - the worlds largest ever such award - to Yukoss former shareholders, the Kremlin has since been busy seizing the assets of foreigners as well as Russian businesses. Putin has hammered the final nail in the coffin of Russia as an international economy. Credit:AP This week, the $US400 billion energy titan Exxon Mobil has become the latest victim of Putins kleptocracy, announcing that it had exited Russia after the states expropriation of the vast Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project in the far east of the country. Exxon said Russia had unilaterally terminated its interest in the oilfield, transferring it to a domestic operator. On the scale of seriousness, the Optus cyberattack may have been highly damaging but the Medibank data breach is a disaster. Given the intimate nature of the data stolen from the medical insurer, the information is of greater value to the perpetrators and potentially poses a bigger risk to the customers exposed. But as any cyber expert will attest - Medibanks record as Australias worst cyber incident wont hold for long. Police are investigating threats made in the wake of a major cybersecurity breach at Medibank Private. Credit:Louise Kennerley We are now a few years into a major escalation of cyber crime - both in terms of numbers and sophistication. Sold out Joe Cocker, with a toy koala stuffed in his shirt, walks with friend, Eileen Webster, to the aircraft in Melbourne, 21 October 1972. Credit:Staff Cocker, who was ordered out of the country after he pleaded guilty to drug charges in Adelaide, was allowed by the Immigration Minister, Dr Forbes, to leave Australia of his own accord on the first available plane. The delay allowed the group to give two more concerts in Melbourne on Friday night, cutting down the heavy financial loss. As it was, Cocker left without giving his planned concerts in Brisbane and Perth, all of which were sold out. The controversial star, who arrived at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne, about 20 minutes before he was due to board his plane, said he did not know whether he would be allowed to enter the United States. Cockers manager, Mr Nigel Thomas, said everything had been arranged to go through the United States. When asked if the group would be allowed to land in the US, Mr Thomas said: Everythings fine this time. Cocker and about 12 members of his travelling group arrived at Melbourne Airport in a fleet of cars. Hundreds of teenage fans and a large number of TV and press reporters mobbed the star as he stepped from the car. Cocker said he believed the authorities had handled the whole situation badly. I believe I was given a raw deal and someone squealed on me when I was busted in Adelaide, he said. Cocker said he did not know whether he would return to contest the appeal against his Adelaide conviction. Joe cocker and his manager Nigel Thomas. When asked if the group would be allowed to land in the US, Mr. Thomas said: Everythingss fine this time. 17 October 1972. Credit:Staff Appeal out? Asked why he was appealing against the Adelaide sentence after he had already pleaded guilty to the charges, he said it was because of the deportation order. We wanted to appeal against the deportation order but we found we couldnt so then we took the other line, Cocker said. I dont really want to have to come back for the appeal. We may even drop it. Asked about his performance at his opening concert in Melbourne when he drank champagne, whisky and beer on stage, Cocker said: I dont do it every night. I got angry - it was a couple of your bottles of cream sherry. I was not excessively boozed, though. Cocker said he did not know what his future would be when he returned home, adding: We hope to make a few records. Mr Thomas said later he believed the tour would break even. In Britain and the United States, meanwhile, managers of top pop groups scoffed at suggestions that future Australian tours would be threatened by his experiences here. The manager of top US band, Three Dog Night, Mr John Halsall, said in London yesterday: The general feeling is that Cocker brought the trouble on himself and will have to accept the consequences. He said there was no way that the group he manages wouldnt tour Australia as planned next month. Mr Keith Altham, manager of the English groups The Who, Humble Pie and Emerson, Lake and Palmer agreed: Cocker is prone to trouble and everyone else knows it. Loading I feel it is very unlikely that any groups will cancel Australian tours just because of this trouble. A member of a US rock group said in New York yesterday: Its obvious that any group going to Australia in the future will be told to watch their behaviour. Respectable Premier Daniel Andrews has defended his governments decision to close Victorian schools during the pandemic after an independent report criticised Australias widespread school closures, while the prime minister reiterated his intention to call a royal commission into the pandemic response. The review of Australias COVID-19 response found it was wrong to close schools en masse, particularly when they werent seen as high-transmission environments. An independent review found that schools should not have been closed en masse during the pandemic. Credit:Eddie Jim Instead, the Fault Lines report found specific schools should have been targeted for closure and that schools should still have been accessible to vulnerable children not just those of essential workers. The same should have been applied to universities and vocational education and training schools, with a clear cost-benefit and risk-management framework established, the report said. Melbourne became one of the most locked-down places in the world, reaching 262 days between 2020 and 2021, and teachers have reported learning loss and behavioural and mental health issues as a result of extended remote learning. Penny Wong has stepped so warily around so many traps over the past five months that it was jarring to see her playing Twister in a minefield this week when she had three positions on Israel within a day. The foreign minister lost her footing from the moment on Monday afternoon when her department was caught in the act of changing policy on whether Australia recognised West Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. From a small start just a quiet change to a website the government stumbled into a mess. And while some debates are messy by necessity, like the public argument over the stage three tax cuts, this one was not. It was all avoidable. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong: an out-of-character misstep. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Wong did not take long to recover. She never does. She took a position to federal cabinet on Tuesday morning and had an agreement around the table very quickly to restore Australian foreign policy on the treatment of Jerusalem as the capital. Jerusalem will be, once again, a final status issue for any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has apologised to the Jewish community for the way the federal government revealed its decision to no longer recognise West Jerusalem as Israels capital, saying the timing of the announcement was deeply regrettable. The opposition urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid to apologise for the way the decision was handled. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government regretted the timing of the decision. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen In an opinion article for The Australian Jewish News, Wong said she understood there were few issues more central for many Jewish people than the status of Jerusalem. It is more than a political issue, she wrote. It is definitional. It is about history, faith, identity. What has happened? Medibank Private detected a cyberattack on its systems last Wednesday. It has since confirmed hackers have at least accessed data on the systems of its budget arm, ahm, and international student division, which together have about 1 million customers. The data includes names, addresses, birthdates, Medicare numbers, contact information and claims data from the private health insurer. The exact number of people who have had data stolen is not known, but Medibank confirmed that details of 100 policyholders sent to it by the hackers match its records. The customer details are believed to come from ahm and its international student policyholders. These students are required to have private health insurance when they study here. It is not know if customers of its core Medibank brand are also affected. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age first revealed the hackers threat, in which the unknown group said they would sell 200 gigabytes of stolen data unless Medibank paid a ransom. It contains a threat from the hackers to first target 1000 high-profile Australians with their own data as a warning. Medibank has a total customer base of close to 4 million customers. In 2019, Li Long, a manager of an international travel agency in China had 50 tour guides in Beijing, 10 in Qingdao and 20 in Shanghai. Now he has only three staff in Beijing and moonlights as a car share driver. Most of those who were laid off have not been able to find a decent job, many are working as Didi drivers or deliverymen, he said. Billboards of Chinese President Xi Jinping and former leader Mao Zedong in eastern Beijings Tongzhou District on Wednesday. Credit:Sanghee Liu Li, like many Chinese business owners, is struggling to stay afloat as Chinas leaders show no sign of easing their COVID-zero policy. On Wednesday, Shanghai released plans to build a 3250-bed COVID-19 quarantine facility on Fuxing Island in the middle of a river that splits the metropolis. The same day, video emerged of a 16-year-old girl dying in a quarantine centre in Henan, central China, as her family pleaded for help triggering an outpouring of grief across Chinese social media. In September, 27 people were killed while they were being taken to a quarantine centre on a bus in south-western China. London: The premiership of Liz Truss has effectively been over for days, perhaps even weeks, but cruelly shes yet to be put out of her misery. It is coming, theres no doubt. And for everyones sake, it should really hurry up. The problem is that her colleagues cant agree on a replacement and dont want to further spook the financial markets. Theres also a Conservative rule that a new leader cannot be challenged within 12 months. So, that would have to change with a majority vote of the party room, or 179 of the 357 MPs. The speculation is that the numbers are already there. Liz Truss leaves 10 Downing Street before Wednesdays events unfolded. Credit:Getty Of course, the easiest option is for the PM to realise her position is irredeemable and her government and party are headed for oblivion. There are no signs that shes there yet. After tearing her policy platform up and starting again, Truss had hoped this week might be clear sailing. But in just a few hours on Wednesday, her already hopeless and hapless reign turned from absurd to outright ridiculous. Truss shock statement outside Number 10 at 1.35pm (UK time) lasted for less than two minutes. She did not take any questions but said she had notified King Charles III in a short telephone conversation that she was standing down as Conservative leader and a new leader and prime minister would be chosen next week. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance. And we set out a vision for a low-tax, high-growth economy - that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit, she said. I recognise though that given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party, she said. Truss, 47, said she had met 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady on Thursday morning to take the mood of the party room after at least a dozen Tory MPs had called on her to resign. Conservative Party Chairman Sir Jake Berry and Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey were also seen entering Downing Street, adding to the sense that the crisis surrounding Truss premiership was coming to a head. She said she had agreed with Brady that there would be a leadership election within the next week. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our countrys economic stability and national security. I will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen, she said. Brady later told journalists the party had set a high threshold of 100 MP nominations for candidates to appear on the ballot, which he said should be achievable for any serious candidate. He said with 357 Conservative MPs, it would allow for as many as three candidates to run. After MPs have reduced the list to two, the 170,000 Conservative Party members will vote online for the next leader. Nominations are open now and will close at 2pm on Monday. The leader will be chosen by October 28. Former British prime minister Theresa May called for MPs to compromise as they started the process of selecting a new leader. May, who led the country between 2016 and 2019, said the party had a duty to provide sensible, competent government. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer issued a statement immediately after Truss resignation, saying the Conservatives had shown they no longer had the mandate to govern. The Tories cannot respond to their latest shambles by yet again simply clicking their fingers and shuffling the people at the top without the consent of the British people. They do not have a mandate to put the country through yet another experiment; Britain is not their personal fiefdom to run how they wish, he said. Britain needs a general election now, says Labour leader Keir Starmer. Credit:Getty We must have a chance at a fresh start. We need a general election now. Truss six-week tenure has been engulfed in financial chaos following a disastrous growth-focused mini-budget that included borrowing billions of pounds to subsidise energy bills and massive tax cuts that sent the currency to record lows against the US dollar. Her short reign saw her economic strategy crash and burn, the sacking of her chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng after just 38 days, and Suella Bravermans forced resignation as home secretary on Wednesday. Loading The Bank of England was forced to take emergency action to calm turmoil in financial markets amid the collapse in the pound and the increase in government borrowing costs and Truss authority was stripped when she was forced to abandon all her promises weeks later. Truss had won the support of 57 per cent of Conservative members in September following the resignation of Boris Johnson after just three years, following months of scandal. She will likely end her stint in office after about 50 days - a long way behind the next shortest premiership of George Canning, who spent 118 full days as prime minister in 1827 before dying in office from tuberculosis. Loading Following her resignation the sterling remained higher, trading up 0.5 per cent on the day against the greenback at $US1.127. US President Joe Biden, who was highly critical of Truss economic decisions, said nothing would change the fact that the United States and Britain were strong allies and enduring friends. At least 200,000 men went to neighbouring Kazakhstan, which Russians can enter without a passport, according to authorities there. Tens of thousands of others have fled to Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Israel, Argentina and Western Europe. I feel like we are a country of women now, Stanislava, a 33-year-old photographer, said at a recent birthday party that was attended mostly by women. I was searching for male friends to help me move some furniture, and I realised almost all of them had left. Young military cadets at the World War II museum in Moscow. Credit:Nanna Heitmann/The New York Times Many married women remained in Moscow when their husbands fled, either after getting a povestka a draft notice or before one could arrive. My friends and I meet for wine, and talk and support each other, to feel that we are not alone, said Liza, whose husband, a lawyer for a large multinational company, received a notice several days before Putin announced the mobilisation. He quit his job and escaped to a Western European country, but Liza, 43, stayed behind because their daughter is in school and all her grandparents are in Russia. Women whose husbands were drafted also suffer from loneliness but theirs is overshadowed by fear that their spouse might not make it back alive. Last week at a voenkomat, or military commissariat, in northwestern Moscow, wives, mothers, and children gathered to say goodbye to loved ones being shipped off to fight. Loading These men are like toys in the hands of children, said Ekaterina, 27, whose husband, Vladimir, 25, was inside collecting his rations, and moments away from being shipped off to a training camp outside Moscow. They are just cannon fodder. She wished he had evaded the summons, saying it would have been better for him to sit in jail for a few years than to return home dead. If Muscovites were able to indulge in a hedonistic summer in which it felt like nothing had drastically changed since the invasion of Ukraine, the situation is much different as winter sets in and the consequences of the war, including sanctions, become more evident. On Monday, Moscows mayor announced that mobilisation in the capital had officially ended. But many businesses were already feeling a downturn. In the two weeks following the call-up, the number of orders in Moscow restaurants with an average check of more than 1,500 rubles about $US25 ($39.70) decreased by 29 per cent over the same period last year. Sberbank, Russias largest lender, closed 529 branches in September alone, according to Kommersant newspaper. Many downtown storefronts are empty, with FOR RENT signs hanging in the windows. Even Russias flagship airliner, Aeroflot, closed its office on chic Petrovka Street. Nearby, the storefront windows where Western designers had continued to change their mannequins through the summer were finally papered over. Olya, the manager, at the Chop-Chop Barbershop in Moscow. Credit:Nanna Heitmann/The New York Times It reminds me of Athens in 2008, said Alexei Ermilov, the founder of Chop-Chop, comparing Moscow to the Greek capital during the global financial crisis. Ermilov said that of the 70 barbershops in his franchise, the ones in Moscow and St. Petersburg were most feeling the absence of men. We can see the massive relocation wave more in Moscow and St. Petersburg than in other cities, partially because more people have the means to leave there, said Ermilov. Local media report that attendance at one of the largest strip clubs in Moscow went down by 60 per cent and that there are also fewer security guards available because they had either been mobilised or fled. A Russian conscript hugs his partner as he bids her goodbye at a recruiting office in Moscow. Credit:Nanna Heitmann/The New York Times Meanwhile, downloads of dating apps have significantly increased in the countries to which Russian men fled. In Armenia, the number of new registrations on one dating app, Mamba, increased by 135 per cent, a representative of the company told RBK, a Russian financial news outlet. In Georgia and Turkey, the rate of new downloads was above 110 per cent, while in Kazakhstan it was up by 32 per cent. All of the most reasonable guys are gone, said Tatiana, a 36-year-old who works in technology sales, as she watched a game of billiards with her friends at a womens social club in the trendy Stoleshnikov Lane. The dating pool has shrunk by at least 50 per cent. During the summer, the alley was full of hip young Russians enjoying themselves. But on a recent Saturday night, it was relatively empty. Loading Tatiana said many of her clients had left, but she said she would stay. Her job doesnt allow for remote work, and she said she didnt want to subject her large dog to the steerage of an aeroplane. But other Muscovites still plan to leave. Another member of the womens club, Alisa, 21, said she had just graduated and wanted to save up enough money to leave Russia once her friends had finished their studies so they could rent a place abroad together. I dont see any future here in Russia, at least not while Putin is in power, she said. For those men who stayed, navigating the city has become nerve-wracking. I try to drive everywhere because they can give out draft summons on the street and next to the metro, said Alexander Perepelkin, a marketing director and the editor of Blueprint, a fashion and culture publication. Perepelkin stayed in Russia because he felt an obligation to his more than 100 employees to keep the company functioning. But now his offices remind him of the early months of the coronavirus pandemic because of all the missing people. He and his business partners are unsure what to do. Marketing is the type of business you do in normal life, but not in wartime, he said in a posh cafe and coworking space. The cafe was almost entirely filled with women, including a group celebrating a birthday with a class on arranging flowers. At the Chop-Chop barbershop, Ermilov, the founder, said something similar. In late September, he left for Israel, and he now plans to open a business that has no physical presence in his home country and that is less exposed to geographic risks. Washington: The United States unsealed criminal charges on Thursday against seven Chinese nationals accused of waging a surveillance and harassment campaign against a US resident and his family, in a bid by the Chinese government to repatriate one of them back to China. The eight-count indictment, unsealed in a US District Court in Brooklyn, New York, is the latest case by the Justice Department targeting Chinas apparent expatriation campaign, known as Operation Fox Hunt. The FBI has begun investigating more cases of state-directed coercion in the US. Credit:Bloomberg The seven individuals charged are Quanzhong An, 55, of Roslyn, New York his daughter Guangyang An, 34, and five others still in China: Tian Peng, Chenghua Chen, Chunde Ming, Xuexin Hou, and Weidong Yuan. The lead defendant, Quanzhong An, and his daughter were arrested on Thursday morning. The rest of the defendants remain at large. The United States does not have an extradition treaty with China. Air India, which has embarked on expansion plans, on Thursday said it has received more than 1,752 applications for pilots and 72,000 applications for cabin crew in the last two months. The loss-making carrier, taken over by Tata group in January this year, has also received more than 25,000 applications in a little over a week from management postgraduates with three years' experience in ground-based business roles. Also, the airline has received more than 2,000 applications for a new tech centre in Kerala for various positions, including developers, architects, cyber security professionals, programme managers and UX visual designers. The carrier, which had not recruited in non-operations areas for more than 15 years, is quickly adding talent in all spheres of its business, including for commercial functions, business support services and operations, according to a release. "The airline's aggressive expansion plan, which has already seen 17 long-grounded aircraft return to the skies with 12 more to follow, and the lease-in of 30 narrow- and wide-body aircraft over the next 12 months, also necessitates a significant expansion in the flying crew," it said. As part of augmenting its talent pool, said more than 1,752 applications for pilots and 72,000 applications for cabin crew received in the last two months are in the process of assessment. Air India's Chief Human Resources Officer Suresh Dutt Tripathi said an entire generation of workforce has missed the opportunity to work for due to limited recruitment over the years. "Our talent acquisition initiative is focused on identifying and recruiting the right talent in order to ensure that our human resource capabilities keep pace with the growth momentum and evolving needs of the organisation. The induction of new generation talent is also essential to bring about cultural change that will make an employer of choice," he added. The airline has put in place the transformation plan 'Vihaan.AI' and aims to triple its fleet size in the next five years. On Tuesday, Air India MD and CEO Campbell Wilson said the revival of Air India is not a "T20 match" but a "Test match". (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.) Tata Group-owned on Thursday said it has received over 72,000 applications for cabin crew and 1,752 applications for during the last two months. The airlines aggressive expansion plan, which has already seen 17 long-grounded aircraft return to the skies with 12 more to follow, necessitates a significant expansion in flying crew, the airline noted. The airline has recently leased 25 narrow body and five wide body planes and they will join the fleet by 2023-end. currently has 70 narrow body and 43 wide body planes in its fleet. Therefore, the airline's fleet size will increase from 113 planes to 143 planes by 2023-end. Interest from management post-graduates with three years experience to fill ground based business roles has been similarly strong, with over 25,000 applications received in little more than one week, the airline said. On appointment, those selected will be placed in various functions in including airport operations, commercial, engineering and human resources among others, and will form an important part of Air Indias internal talent and future leadership pipeline, it mentioned. The airline said it had not recruited in non-operations areas for more than 15 years, is quickly adding talent in all spheres of its business, ranging from "commercial functions" like revenue management and network planning to "business support services" like human resources (HR) and finance to "operations" like inflight product design, ground, airport services, rostering and operations control. The took control of Air India on January 27 after winning the bid for the airline on October 8 last year. The airline's new Chief Executive Office (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) Campbell Wilson in August this year. Suresh Dutt Tripathi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Air India, said on Thursday that an entire generation of workforce has missed the opportunity to work for Air India due to limited recruitment over the years. "The induction of new generation talent is also essential to bring about cultural change that will make Air India an employer of choice," Tripathi noted. The initial response to our various job postings has been tremendous and the airline is committed to meeting the aspirations of those seeking a fulfilling career with Air India, he mentioned. The Competition Commission on Thursday imposed a penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore on for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem. Besides, the fair trade regulator has directed the internet major to cease and desist from unfair business practices. In a release, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it has also directed to modify its conduct within a defined timeline. In April 2019, the regulator ordered a detailed probe in the matter following complaints by consumers of Android-based smartphones in the country. Android is an open-source, mobile operating system installed by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of smartphones and tablets. The allegations of unfair business practices pertained to two agreements -- Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) and Anti Fragmentation Agreement (AFA) -- which were entered into by the OEMs of Android OS with . In the release, the regulator said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem apart from issuing the cease and desist order. As per the release, said that mandatory pre-installation of entire Google Mobile Suite (GMS) under MADA, with no option to un-install the same, and their prominent placement amounts to imposition of unfair condition on the device manufacturers and thereby contravenes competition law. "These obligations are also found to be in the nature of supplementary obligations imposed by Google on OEMs and thus, in contravention of Section 4(2)(d) of the Act," it added. Section 4 of the Competition Act pertains to abuse of dominant position. Google has perpetuated its dominant position in the online search market resulting in denial of market access for competing search apps. Also, it has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to protect its position in online general search which violates the competition law. Further, CCI noted that the internet major has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to enter as well as protect its position in non-OS specific web browser market through Google Chrome App. "Google has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to enter as well as protect its position in Online Video Hosting Platforms (OVHPs) market through YouTube and thereby contravened provisions of Section 4(2)(e) of the Act," the release 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.) For the past two-and-a-half years, Indias Rs 5,400-crore market has been front and centre of public attention, not always in a positive way. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic saw sales jump, with the characteristic dry cough being a common after-effect of the virus. At the same time, the government has been deliberating on a ban on codeine-based cough syrups, a move that has added uncertainty to the future of a Rs 438-crore segment of the market. Finally, with the recent deaths of 66 children in The Gambia linked to India-made cough syrups many questions have been raised on the state of pharma regulatory bodies in India. Energy India Limited will supply power transformers to Renewable Energy Limited ( REL) for its upcoming 4.75 gigawatt renewable energy park in Gujarat. Energy will provide ten transformers manufactured at its factory in Vadodara. It will be the largest rating of the transformer in solar power evacuation, said a press statement. Energy in December 2021 met its target to become 100 per cent fossil-free electricity in its own operations. The REL facility is part of Indias largest solar park and spreads over 72,600 hectares in Kutch to produce electricity to support 8 million people, said the statement. Around one-third of green power in India flows through Hitachi Energy technologies, such as transformers. The made-in-India power transformers are critical components in power systems. These transformers are manufactured using fossil-free electricity in Hitachi Energys factory in Maneja. The transition from fossil fuels to renewables has only just begun and we are proud to be a part of this ambitious project by Limited, said N Venu, managing director and CEO, India and South Asia, Hitachi Energy. According to a report by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the total installed renewable energy capacity of India stood at 161.28 GW as of July 2022. are increasingly hiring forensic and employment verification to find out the moonlighters and review their compliance. The are also aiming to control the rules as the true extent of the problem emerges, a report in Economic Times (ET) said. Although moonlighting has affected nearly all industries, IT services, ITES, media and consulting are among the worst impacted. During the Covid-19 pandemic, people opted to work as freelancers or in some cases, for the competitors of their current employers. This, along with Work from Home policies, has pushed up rates in the industry. In their financial results for the third quarter, all the top four major IT companies in India, HCL, Wipro, Infosys and TCS recorded an rate of over 20 per cent. "We are getting more calls from concerned clients and the mandates range from pre-screening to investigations," Nikhil Bedi, head, of Deloitte Forensic practice told ET. "We have signed on at least 15 new large clients, including top-tier IT-related companies. The surge in moonlighting incidentally coincided with the Great Resignation," Maneesha Garg, partner and head, Forensics Managed Services, KPMG India, also told ET. To track moonlighters, forensic experts are using software that sources data from public-source databases and social media analytics. In some cases, the UAN number is also being used to identify if a person is receiving money from any other source. Voice samples are also being used to single out employees that are using Zoom for interviews with other companies. The companies that deal with sensitive data of MNCs, including IPs, have been particularly worried about moonlighting. Vendors are liable to pay hefty fines if any information leak is found. "The significant increase in moonlighting is spurring forensic professionals to review internal matters of compliance, policy, controls, and frameworks. Technology is helping create a controlled environment and in continuous monitoring for course correction, Arpinder Singh, leader, of EYs Forensic & Integrity Services practice told ET. Amid the entire buzz around moonlighting, Indias second-largest IT firm has allowed its employees to take up gig work in their personal time, after getting the prior consent of their manager. According to an internal email addressed to managers at Infosys, the company has notified its managers about the companys guidelines around gig work. Any employee, who wishes to take up gig work, may do so, with the prior consent of their manager and BP-HR, and in personal time, for establishments that do not compete with or Infosys clients, the email reads. The IT major has added that it was supportive of the employees learning new skills and gaining experience by taking up additional projects. Moonlighting is doing two or more jobs simultaneously. Indias IT and software industry is divided on whether should allow their employees to do so even after their work hours. Cases of moonlighting increased during the pandemic, as shifted to remote working. Several including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HCLTech, IBM, and Wipro have opposed moonlighting, calling it an ethical issue as well as a breach of employee code. The debate heated up after Wipro sacked 300 employees after finding them working for its competitors. We count on our employees to ensure that this does not impact their ability to work with effectively. In addition, as per the Infosys employment contract, the employee may not work in areas where there is an actual or potential conflict of interest or by accepting dual employment When employees have a discussion with their managers about such projects before taking them up, much of this can be addressed, says the email sent by Infosys. The new guidelines came days after Infosys previous email to employees titled no double lives was cited in media reports, in which the company had clarified that dual employment was not permitted as per the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct. Before Infosys, Tech Mahindra allowed its employees to take up side projects. C P Gurnani, chief executive officer (CEO) of Tech Mahindra, has said moonlighting was all right if employees kept up their efficiency and productivity. Infosys internal email also adds that it has created several opportunities for gig working internally through its accelerator program that enables managers to list gig jobs for employees based on their skills. Manoj Kohli, who was previously the MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel, parted ways with in the first week of October, according to sources. Kohli used to head the Group International and government affairs in the country, said sources in the know. A message to Kohli did not elicit any response and did not comment on the issue. Kohli has supported over 20 portfolio of the Japanese conglomerate and its Vision Fund such as Ola, Oyo, Paytm, Lenskart, Grofers, Snapdeal, WeWork, Delhivery, Uber, Swiggy and Unacademy, among others. Prior to this, he was the executive chairman of SB Energy -- a company engaged in developing over 5 gigawatt of solar, wind and hybrid projects. While at the helm of affairs at Bharti Airtel, Kohli was instrumental in building it as the number 3 telecom player in the world from 2 million customers to over 400 million subscribers. Market regulator approved the government's proposal to convert dues of over $1.92 billion by telecom operator to equity, two senior government officials said on Thursday. Last year, India had approved a rescue package for debt-strapped telecom that allowed them to convert interest on deferred adjusted gross revenue owed to the government into equity. Among the country's three major telecom players, including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries' Jio, the government package was seen as a bailout for Vodafone Idea, which was on the verge of bankruptcy. " (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has approved the government's proposal to come in as a financial investor. This has been communicated to the telecom ministry," one of the officials, who did not want to be named, told Reuters. The government's stake in Vodafone after the conversion could be more than 30%, the official added, which would make it one of the largest shareholders in the company along with UK's Vodafone Group and Aditya Birla Group. has also approved the government's request to classify its shareholding in as public float, both the officials said. The market regulator's guidelines state that only stakes up to 10% can be classified as public shareholding. The finance and telecom ministries, SEBI and did not immediately reply to request for comments. The government will sell its stake in the telecom operator once it is turned around, one of the officials said. (1 = 83.1325 Indian rupees) (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government on Thursday issued an order withdrawing the Rs 500 fine for not wearing masks in public places in the national capital. The Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had in a meeting last month decided to stop levying the penalty after September 30 amid a decline in COVID-19 cases in the national capital. However, no official notification had been issued. (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 Wednesday said his counterpart Jai Ram Thakur should clarify "why the BJP is against old pension scheme" which gives social security to government employees. Gehlot said his government has restored the old in the state from April 4, 2022. For this, necessary changes have been made in the pension rules, he said. " Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has made an unfortunate statement that the old has not been implemented in . "After the implementation of the old in Rajasthan, pension cases of more than 100 personnel have been settled," he said in a statement. Thakur should remember that then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's NDA government had introduced the New Pension Scheme (NPS) replacing the old pension scheme for personnel appointed on and after January 1, 2004, "which created a feeling of insecurity among the employees and they started worrying about the future", he said. "Jai Ram Thakur and the BJP should make their stand clear and explain why they are against the old pension scheme which gives social security to employees," Gehlot 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.) As a part of India's energy diversification playbook, it may soon secure a long-term deal from . According to a report by Mint, the development comes against the backdrop of oil discoveries by French oil majors TotaEnergies and Shell Plc. Recently, Indian Oil Corp (IOC) signed a deal to procure oil from Colombia's Ecopetrol SA and Brazil's Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras). "There has been a huge find in in February this year. We get some oil from but not in large quantities. This is a long-term contract that we are looking for as it sequesters us from the vagaries of the global energy markets," an official aware of the matter told Mint. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) announced a sharp cut of two million barrels per day in the output amid high energy prices. It also planned on imposing a price cap on Russian oil. This might impact India as it has been receiving oil at heavy discounts from Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Namibia has recently found one of the world's largest oil deposits in its territory. They may reportedly contain recoverable reserves of around 6.5 billion barrels of oil. "Results from our exploration wells are encouraging, establishing the presence of a working petroleum system with light oil. Well continue evaluating the data and conduct further exploration activity to determine the extent of the system and how much of the hydrocarbons can be recovered. We look forward to continued close collaboration with our partners NAMCOR, QatarEnergy and the government of Namibia," a spokesperson of Shell said. The Indian embassy in Ukraine has asked Indian nationals to leave the country at the earliest in view of a fresh wave of hostilities. In an advisory, the mission also called upon Indian nationals not to travel to the Eastern European country. "In view of the deteriorating security situation and recent escalation of hostilities across Ukraine, Indian nationals are advised against travelling to Ukraine," the embassy said. "The Indian citizens, including students, currently in Ukraine are advised to leave Ukraine at the earliest by available means," it added. There has been intensification of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow carrying out retaliatory missile strikes targeting various Ukrainian cities in response to a huge blast in Crimea nearly two weeks ago. Moscow blamed Kyiv for the blast. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China one of world's safest countries: official Xinhua) 08:43, October 20, 2022 BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- China is widely acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world, Xu Ganlu, vice minister of public security, told a press conference here on Wednesday. Noting that China is one of the countries with the lowest homicide rate and the lowest number of gun- and explosives-related cases, Xu said the country has witnessed significant drops in the numbers of criminal cases and safety accidents over the past decade. The number of major criminal acts including homicides and rapes in 2021 was 64.4 percent lower than that of 2012, while the numbers of drug-related crimes, robberies and thefts also dropped by 56.8 percent, 96.1 percent and 62.6 percent respectively, Xu told journalists on the sidelines of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. According to a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2021, some 98.6 percent of those polled felt safe living in China, up by 11 percentage points from 2012, he said. The vice minister said some 3,800 police officers had sacrificed their lives in the past 10 years in the process of defending social security and stability. Nonetheless, Xu said China will continue to crack down on organized crime and root out local criminal gangs on an ongoing basis and focus its efforts on serious criminal offenses of major concerns to the public, to better safeguard national security, social stability and interests of the people. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Du Mingming) They said the property and records were seized on September 22, 2021, and a freezing order was passed on September 24, 2022, by the adjudicating authority. The order must be approved within 180 days, otherwise the seizure orders would not be in vogue, the petitioners said. Karvy Hyderabad: The Karvy Group got relief on Wednesday at Telangana High Court, with Justice K. Lakshman suspending an order of the adjudicating authority that was passed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) with respect of seizing of records and some assets by the Enforcement Directorate. C. Parthasarathy of the Karvy Stock Broking Ltd and Karvy Realty and others had filed a petition before the High Court challenging the decision of the adjudicating authority which had approved the ED seizing some properties and records of the group. They said the property and records were seized on September 22, 2021, and a freezing order was passed on September 24, 2022, by the adjudicating authority. The order must be approved within 180 days, otherwise the seizure orders would not be in vogue, the petitioners said. In this case, it was passed long after the expiry of that time limit. Hence, the assets deserve to be unfrozen, they said. The judge passed an interim order suspending the order of the adjudicating authority and posted the case to November 29. No penalty will be levied on people not wearing face masks in the national capital, the Delhi government announced on Thursday. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to withdraw the order that made wearing face masks in public places compulsory and those found violating the mandate were fined Rs 500, according to Delhi's health and family welfare department. The government, however, advised the public to continue wearing masks in crowded public places. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) at the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat. The event was also attended by United Nations Secretary-General . Mission LiFE aims at following a three-pronged strategy for changing people's collective approach towards sustainability. Experts have cautioned against letting the guard down now as the new mutations on the block BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are leading to a surge in cases across the world. What worries the scientific and medical community is that an immune-escape Covid-19 strain coupled with the natural spike in influenza and pneumonia cases during winters may lead to a rise in hospitalisations. According to data from Xpheno, a specialist staffing firm, IT Services cohort has registered a 41 per cent drop in hiring action since April 2022. Tech startups have slowed down their hiring by 63 per cent and the Software products cohort has dropped hiring action by 58 per cent. This overall drop in hiring action has softened the talent war. Xphenos data suggests an overall drop of 60-70 per cent in the number of offers chasing talent. This fall in hiring corresponds with decline in salary hikes and bonuses. The Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested four activists of the proscribed Popular Front of India (PFI) from Panvel in neighbouring Raigad district, an official said on Thursday. Those arrested include a local member of the banned outfit's state expansion committee, a local unit secretary and two other workers, he said. The ATS had specific information about a meeting of two functionaries of the PFI and few workers in Panvel, even as the organisation has been banned by the Government of India, the official said. Accordingly, an ATS team conducted a search in Panvel, located about 50 km from Mumbai, and apprehended the four PFI activists, he said. After questioning, all the four were placed under arrest in a case registered at the Kalachowki unit of the ATS in Mumbai under section 10 of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the official said. Further probe into the case is on, he added. The government had last month banned the PFI and several of its associates for five years, accusing them of having "links" with global terror groups like ISIS. More than 250 people allegedly linked with the PFI were detained or arrested in raids across multiple states last month. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Chandrakant Patil on Wednesday apologised to the residents of for the inconvenience caused to them as a result of unprecedented rains. Two persons died in rain-related incidents, while more than 500 people were evacuated from low-lying areas in district reeled after unprecedented downpour during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday night. The Shivajinagar area had recorded 104 mm in about five hours till 3 am on Tuesday, Magarpatta 116 mm and the Pashan locality 94 mm during the same period, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Talking to reporters here, Patil, who is also district guardian minister, said, "I apologise to all the people of Pune for the inconvenience caused after heavy rains lashed the city as well as the district. The city reported intense spells of rain. I will study what led to multiple problems after rains. We will review the situation and accordingly make plans to avoid the recurrence of such incidents in future." "We have scheduled meetings with multiple bodies, including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (PMPML), police officials and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to discuss the issue. A review of the entire district will be taken during the meeting," he said. Several areas in the city, including Market Yard, Sinhagad Road, Hadapsar, BT Kawade Road, Katraj, NIBM Road, Kondhwa, among others, reported severe due to heavy rains. (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.) External Affairs Minister, on Tuesday met with his Botswana counterpart, Lemogang Kwape at Ektanagar, Kevadia, and discussed trade, investment, including defence and training. "During the meeting, both ministers reviewed the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries and explored means to further strengthen these relations in areas such as health, trade and investment, defence, economic cooperation, training and capacity building among others," read the Ministry of External Affairs press release. This was the first meeting for any foreign minister with Jaishankar in Ektanagar, Kevadia. "First occasion to host a Foreign Minister in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. A warm meeting with FM Lemogang Kwape of Botswana. Particularly apt to meet in Gujarat, since diamonds and pharma are so salient in our ties," tweeted Jaishankar. Regional and international issues of mutual concern including cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN were also discussed. "It was also decided to reinvigorate the existing institutional mechanisms and conduct these meetings at the earliest mutually convenient dates, including the meeting of the ministerial Joint Commission," added the release. India and Botswana enjoy cordial bilateral relations underpinned by strong people-to-people ties. More than 6000 Indians live in Botswana. Bilateral trade between India and Botswana is about USD 806 million. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid an increase in XBB variant cases, Dr Randeep Guleria, former director of Delhi AIIMS, has advised seniors citizens to stay home and to opt Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, a media report said on Thursday. As many as 18 cases were reported of XBB variant from Maharashtra on October 19. The new variant has also been detected in Kerala and other regions of India. The decision to continue observing Covid appropriate behaviour, including mask wearing, came after a high-level meeting between Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other senior health officials on October 18. On Monday, India detected the first confirmed case of BQ.1 variant in Pune. The BQ.1 is a mutation of BA.5, which is behind 60 per cent Covid cases in the US. Maharashtra has also reported XBB, another subvariant. Scientists, physicians, and senior administrators suggested to ramp up surveillance and genome sequencing. Health professionals also advised a faster prophylactic dose for the eligible population on mission mode. Dr Guleria has advised everyone to use a mask, especially when stepping out in crowded areas, Livemint reported. He also elaborated that while it is expected that new variants may continue to emerge and the existing ones will continue to mutate, the current circumstances are different. He also said that there was no immunisation prior to this time, but today everyone is vaccinated. The chances of getting hospitalised and ICU admissions are low, according to Dr Guleria. He expects that this time there will be a mild infection, fever, cold, cough, and body ache. The chances of recovery are within 3-4 days. With the emergence of new variants, many countries are witnessing a steep rise in cases. Mandaviya had stressed on monitoring the points of entries, especially in view of the upcoming festival season. The crazy salary hikes and bonuses with attrition hitting the roof is finally tempering down for the Indian IT services sector. This corresponds with the fall in hiring among the big four IT services players. The MeitY is set to retain the provision creating government-appointed grievance appellate committees (GACs) in the amended IT rules, which are likely to be released by the end of this month. Read more on these in our top headlines. Salary hikes and bonuses start to come down for Indian IT services sector The crazy salary hikes and bonuses with attrition hitting the roof is finally tempering down for the Indian IT services sector. This corresponds with the fall in hiring among the big four IT services players. HR experts believe that the compensation packages are already down and will stay at these levels even for FY24. According to data from Xpheno, a specialist staffing firm, IT Services cohort has registered a 41% drop in hiring action since April 2022. Read more MeitY gets legal dept approval for govt-backed GACs in IT rules The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is set to retain the provision creating government-appointed grievance appellate committees (GACs) in the amended information technology (IT) rules, which are likely to be released by the end of this month. The government has received the department of legal affairs' approval for the final version, according to a source. Read more Tussle over secrecy delays trade data compilation by Commerce Dept: Sources The department of commerce is staring at a crisis as it has not been able to generate crucial foreign trade data for nearly two weeks now, amid differences with the revenue department over secrecy of customs data, people aware of the matter said. The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), which compiles and publishes trade statistics, has not been able to process and validate the crucial daily and weekly trade data. Read more New Covid strains, seasonal ailments may spike hospitalisation in winter Experts have cautioned against letting the guard down now as the new mutations on the block BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are leading to a surge in cases across the world. What worries the scientific and medical community is that an immune-escape Covid-19 strain coupled with the natural spike in influenza and pneumonia cases during winters may lead to a rise in hospitalisations. Read more see slowdown in growth of temporary, contract and casual jobs Some of Indias largest have seen a slowdown in the growth of temporary, contract and casual jobs, as compared to the increase in their total workforce. The absolute number of such jobs is up 30 per cent between financial year 2017-18 and 2021-22 (FY18-22), shows an analysis of data collated from the annual reports of S&P BSE 100 . Forty-eight firms were considered for the final analysis based on the availability of uniform data across the last five years. Read more minister on Thursday said that the import of dry fuel which has declined considerably will be stopped by 2024. Speaking at an event at the office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India here to release a 'Compendium of Asset Accounts on Mineral and Energy Resources', the minister said commercial mine auction which was institutionalised by the present government has made the auctioning process totally transparent. Joshi also complemented CAG's office for bringing out the first ever compendium of asset account on mineral assets of the country. The minister said that the report presents comprehensive picture of the mineral resources spread across different states in the country. He said that the compendium will help in further strengthening sustainable mining process which is of great importance for ecology and future generation. Collating the information of the state asset accounts, the government accounting standards advisory board has prepared the compendium of asset accounts on mineral and energy resources in states. The compendium includes details of all four fossil fuels, 40 major minerals and 63 minor minerals in 28 states and one Union Territory Jammu & Kashmir, and also covers the innovations and good practices noticed during the course of the study. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) and the United Kingdom (UK) are making progress on a free trade agreement (FTA) but the new deadline for its conclusion will depend on talks, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Thursday. The two countries started negotiating in January this year to boost trade and investments, but are set to miss the Diwali deadline for an agreement as they are yet to iron out differences in providing greater market access of certain goods and services. So, we are moving forward very well and we expect that soon we will be able to reach an agreement, Barthwal told reporters at the sidelines of the CII National Exports Summit in Delhi. Barthwal said that negotiators have finalised most chapters in the FTA and some aspects remain. Business Standard reported on Monday that the FTA negotiations may spill over to early mid-next year due to contentious issues. The political crisis in the UK, coupled with the fear of a recession due to slower-than-expected economic growth may play a role in deferring the pact. New Delhi has attracted foreign direct of $1.64 billion in 2021-22. The figure was about $32 billion between April 2000 and March 2022. Barthwal, in a public address at the CII event, said that there is scope for to double its exports and enhance its contribution in the overall global trade ecosystem. A coherent strategy that promotes greater integration and participation of in the global value chains is an imperative. Such a strategy will be crucial to meet the target of achieving $2 trillion target by 2030, he said, adding the necessity for India to leverage its strength in the services sector. The strategy for export promotion will be more specific and will include strengthening data and analytics, increased interaction with exporters, and country- and sector-related plans. Our aim is to make districts manufacturing hubs through enhanced export promotion, he said. The deliberations around the dilution of powers of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) under the draft telecom bill are being conducted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). According to a report in the Economic Times (ET), said that changes can be made to the bill. Vaishnaw further said that the government will only introduce "light-touch regulations" on over-the-top (OTT) communication services like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram. The regulations will be put in place keeping cyber fraud in mind. "We are speaking with all stakeholders, including opposition members of Parliament," Vaishnaw told ET. "We have consistently maintained that OTT communication players would come under the light-touch regulations." Currently, OTT-based calls that lead to cyber fraud escape punishment as they are anonymous. "And once we have a new Telecommunications Act in place, we will also come up with licensing reforms," he said. "The industry has shared its inputs on the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's concerns are being addressed," he added. According to experts, several provisions under Section 11 (1) of the Act that ensures checks and balances have been deleted in the draft. It renders more of a "recommendatory" body than a regulatory body, ET added. The draft bill will replace the India Telegraph Act, of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, of 1933, and the Telegraph Wires Act, of 1950. It may get implemented by mid-2024. Terming exports as a key pillar for long-term sustainability of the domestic defence industry, Defence Minister on Thursday said the government has set itself a target of achieving defence exports of USD 5 billion by 2025. Speaking at an event at the 12th Defence Expo here, he also said the government was eyeing overall turnover of USD 22 billion in defence production in the same timeframe. "Domestic demand alone may not always provide economies of scale to make profitable investments and sustain them," Singh said, speaking at a seminar jointly organised by the US-India Business Council and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers at Mahatma Mandir. The seminar was on the theme 'New Frontiers in US-India Defence Cooperation: Next Generation Technology, Innovation & Make in India'. "The USD 5 billion export target set for 2025 reflects the intent of the government for export-oriented manufacturing," the minister added. He also invited US defence companies to set up manufacturing units in India and develop technological collaboration with Indian industries to create a "global supply chain free from vulnerabilities and uncertainties". Singh highlighted the steps taken by the government to boost local defence manufacturing such as increase in procurement categories. "We are delighted to work with the US, our valued partner, to strengthen our commercial and strategic relationship and to attract US investment for creating a high-technology defence production ecosystem in India. For India, collaboration with US companies would be an important strategic force multiplier, apart from being wealth and job creator," Singh added. The path to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India consisted of a comprehensive set of policy frameworks that seeks to build indigenous technological and production capacity and capability with cooperation, participation and collaborations with reputed institutions and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from friendly nations, he said. "The main objective is to fulfil the requirements of Indian Armed Forces, and at the same time, create long-term linkages to the global supply chains of the foreign OEMs to meet global demands," he said. Through these linkages, India looks forward to collaborating for a "secure and resilient global supply chain for the free world to ensure uninterrupted and reliable access to defence equipment and other strategic materials for our nation and our partners, including the US," he added. Earlier, speaking at the 'Invest in Defence' event as part of the Expo, he appealed to investors to approach him or officials without any hesitation to resolve issues. The Indian defence industry is at an important juncture and not just large corporates but even start-ups and MSMEs (micro small and medium enterprises) are now associated with the sector, the Union minister said. "The Indian defence industry is the sunrise sector of the future," he added. "The government is making efforts to take domestic defence production from the current USD 12 billion to USD 22 billion by 2025. We may even surpass this target of USD 22 billion. There is no dearth of opportunities in the defence sector," Singh said. "In the past, doors of the used to remain shut for private players. The defence ministers and officials of the ministry used to avoid meeting investors thinking that someone would point a finger at them. But we are not worried about that. Our doors are always open for you," he told industry representatives. Post independence, for a long time "India could not achieve freedom from the belief that we will have to compromise on socio-economic front if we focus more on increasing defence capabilities," the minister said. "For a long time, there was a belief that defence and development are two opposite poles. Which means that if we focus on socio-economic development, we will have to compromise on our defence capabilities. But now, I am glad the country has come out of that notion during the last few years," 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.) HYDERABAD: In wake of the Supreme Court hearing the petition challenging the constitutionality of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 and seeking the stand of the Union government, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defend the legislation. In a letter addressed to Modi, Owaisi recalled that while deciding the Babri Masjid dispute, the Supreme Court had stated that by enacting the 1991 Act, the Centre had enforced its constitutional commitment and operationalised its constitutional obligation to uphold the principle of secularism, which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. The court held that in providing a guarantee for the preservation of the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 8,1947, Parliament provided confidence to every religious community that their places of worship would be preserved and that their religious character will not be altered, he explained. The Hyderabad MP, felt that Parliament had intended the Act as a measure to preserve communal harmony and peace. I hope that the executive headed by you will act to uphold the ideal of constitutional morality and defend the Act of 1991, Owaisi urged the Prime Minister. The Act represents the idea that one cannot endlessly litigate against history. That modern India cannot be the battleground of resolving medieval disputes. It puts an end to unnecessary religious disputes and protects Indias religious diversity. Therefore, I urge you to defend the sanctity of this solemn legislation, he added. The number of fresh formal created in August fell below the 1-million mark for the first time in five months, declining 11.9 per cent from July levels, according to the latest payroll data released by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation on Thursday. New Employees Provident Fund (EPF) subscribers in August saw a sharp decline to 986,850, from 1,119,698 in July. Enrolment of new female subscribers fell faster (12.5 per cent) than their male counterparts (11.6 per cent) in August, compared with the previous month. According to the data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) which conducts its own survey India did not do very well on the front in August. The unemployment rate shot up to 8.3 per cent, which was the highest, compared with the rates in the past 12 months. This rise in the unemployment rate reflects the inability of the economy to provide adequate at a time when the demand for from people increased, said in a statement. The data showed salaried jobs fell 4.6 million to 76.2 million in August the lowest level of salaried jobs seen in 15 months. Of the new EPF subscribers added in August, 575,570 subscribers are in the 18-25 age group, down 10.5 per cent from the 643,038 subscribers in July. This is crucial as subscribers in the 18-25 age group are seen as first-timers in the labour market, reflecting the robustness of the job market. However, net payroll additions, which is calculated taking into account new additions, number of exits, and return of old subscribers, was pegged at 1,694,211 in August, up 2.5 per cent from 1,652,818 in July. The number of subscribers that exited the EPF scheme in August declined sharply to 371,101, from 738,438 in July. Of the 1,694,211 net subscribers in the month of August, while 1,331,053 subscribers are male, only 363,199 net subscribers are female. The net monthly payroll numbers are provisional in nature and often revised sharply the following month. That is why the new EPF subscriber figure is accepted with more trust than net additions. The monthly data release is part of the governments effort to track formal sector in the country by using payrolls. Since April 2018, the National Statistical Office has been bringing out employment-related statistics in the formal sector, covering the period September 2017 onwards, using information on the number of subscribers under three major schemes, namely the Employees Provident Fund Scheme, Employees State Insurance Scheme, and the National Pension System. Defence Minister on Thursday said the central government is making efforts to achieve a turnover of USD 22 billion by 2025 in defence production. Speaking at the 'Invest in Defence' event as part of the ongoing 2022 in Gujaray capital Gandhinagar, Singh also appealed to investors to approach him or defence ministry officials without any hesitation to resolve issues. He appealed to private players to come forward and invest in the Indian defence industry, saying it is at an important juncture. Not just large corporates, even start-ups and MSMEs (micro small and medium enterprises) are now associated with the defence sector. This is the golden period for the defence sector, he said. "The Indian defence industry is the sunrise sector of the future," the minister said. "The government is making efforts to take domestic defence production from the current USD 12 billion to USD 22 billion by 2025. We may even surpass this target of USD 22 billion. There is no dearth of opportunities in the defence sector. India is marching ahead in fulfilling the demands of the world in this sector," he said. The Centre has taken several steps and implemented many reforms to boost local production in the defence sector, Singh said. "In the past, doors of the Defence Ministry used to remain shut for private players. The defence ministers and officials of the ministry used to avoid meeting investors thinking that someone would point a finger at them. But, we are not worried about that. Our doors are always open for you," he said. The defence and economic power of a country complement each other and a nation will progress more if it has secured it well from threats, he said addressing the gathering. Singh said even after so many years of independence, "India could not achieve freedom from the belief that we will have to compromise on socio-economic front if we focus more on increasing defence capabilities". "For a long time, there was a belief that defence and development are two opposite poles. Which means that if we focus on socio-economic development, we will have to compromise on our defence capabilities. But now, I am glad the country has come out of that notion during the last few years," 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.) More than 800,000 producers have benefited from a special scheme of the state government, a senior state government official said. producers are getting support from the Mukhyamantri Dugdh Utpadak Sambal Yojana (Chief Minister Producers Support Scheme), leading to an improvement in their financial condition, the official said. too has increased and so has the income of those rearing cattle. The state government started this scheme in 2019. Under it, milk producers were being given a subsidy of Rs 2 per litre. In the 2022-23 Budget, the subsidy was increased to Rs 5 per litre and milk producers started getting it from April 1, 2022. More than Rs 600 crore was paid between February 2019 and March 2022 to milk producers associated with cooperative dairies. It is proposed to give a subsidy of Rs 550 crore to milk producers this financial year. The state government, to give employment opportunities in milk production, has announced opening 5,000 dairy booths this fiscal year. Of those 1,000 will be given to women and women (SHGs). The Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF), according to the chief ministers announcement, has allotted 434 dairy booths till August 31, 2022, including 282 to women and women SHGs. In 2021-22, against a proposal to open 5,000 dairy booths, the RCDF hit the figure 5,269 by March 31, 2022. Rajni Devi of Rampura Dabdi village, Jaipur district, said she got help from this scheme. The money given under this scheme helps her to purchase cattle fodder and other items for her family. This scheme is a boon for cattle rearers, Rajni Devi said. Similarly, Rajesh, a milk producer in Khedla village, Dausa district, said his standard of living had improved with the financial subsidy being given by the state government. Prime Minister will launch 'Rozgar Mela', a drive to recruit 10 lakh people, on October 22 via video-conference and appointment letters will be given to 75,000 candidates during the ceremony, the PMO said on Thursday. The PMO said this will be a significant step forward towards fulfilling the continuous commitment of the prime minister to providing job opportunities for the youth and ensuring welfare of citizens. The development comes amid the opposition's constant criticism of the BJP-led government on the issue of unemployment. Opposition parties have alleged a lack of adequate employment opportunities, a charge rejected by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The drive will also help the BJP counter the Opposition in the poll-bound states of Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. In June this year, Modi had asked various government departments and ministries to undertake the recruitment of 10 lakh people on a "mission mode" in the next year and a half. According to the Thursday's statement, the direction from Modi came following a review of the status of human resources in all government departments and ministries, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. The new recruits, selected from across the country, will join 38 ministries or departments of the Government of India. The appointees will join the government at various levels in Group A and B (Gazetted), Group B (Non-Gazetted) and Group C. The posts on which appointments are being made include the central armed force personnel, sub-inspectors, constables, LDC, steno, PA, income tax inspectors and MTS among others, it read. These recruitments are being done by ministries and departments either by themselves or through recruiting agencies such as UPSC, SSC and the Railway Recruitment Board. For expeditious recruitment, selection processes have been simplified and made tech-enabled, the PMO 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.) (UP), the second largest producing state is looking to expand their exports. According to a government official, the UP government is now taking proactive steps to increase the acreage of by reviving the traditional and indigenous crops under the rain fed farming system. provide a spectrum of low risk crops, which are resilient to climate change. The state government has planned to promote the cultivation of such nutritious cereals in rainfed areas, he added. The Yogi Adityanath government is aiming to increase the bajra acreage from 980,000 hectares (ha) to a million and hike its production from 24.55 quintal/ha to 25.53 quintal/ha. The state also plans to expand jowar acreage from 215,000ha to 224,000ha. Some of the major crops grown in UP are jowar, bajra, kodo and sanwa. UP produces 5 million tonnes (Mt) of which is 20 percent of Indias annual output. India is the worlds fifth largest millet exporter with exports rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3 percent. Shipments from India were valued at $27 million in 2020-21. The global export of increased from $380 million in 2019 to $402 million in 2020 owing to growing consumer preference for healthy and organic food. The on Thursday upheld the decision of the government to provide 20 per cent for in-service officers in postgraduate medical admissions in the state. A bench of justices D Y Chandrachud and Hima Kohli said it was difficult to accept the submission of the petitioners that the government resolution should not apply in the current academic year because of change in rules midway. "We are of the considered view that the judgement of the Bombay High Court does not call for interference," the bench said. The top court was hearing a plea filed by some candidates against a judgment of the high court which refused to grant them relief. "From the academic year 2022-23, government approval is being given to reserve 20 per cent seats for in-service candidates for admissions to PG medical and diploma courses in government and civic-run medical colleges in the state, the government resolution had said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of nine of Thrissur-based have called for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the bank on November 12, in a move to curb the spending powers of its chief executive officer. The nine hold a total of around 13 per cent shares in the company. The group is led by R P Group head Ravindran Pillai, who holds a 9.99 per cent stake in the company. As per a notification, one of the resolutions, have sought the suspension of delegated powers exercised by the managing director and regarding all capital and revenue expenditure except statutory payments like salaries and wages, central and state taxes. All such suspended powers for incurring the expenditures, if any, shall jointly be exercised by any two non-executive directors of the Board during the above-mentioned period, it said. It further added that the powers will remain suspended till the date on which proper quorum and composition of the board of directors of the bank, audit committee, and other mandatory committees of the board are reinstated and the guidelines of Reserve bank of India and SEBI. Through another resolution, the shareholders are also seeking a settlement on the issue of a legal battle with some shareholders regarding board positions. The current directors on the banks board are C K Gopinathan, a former director of Catholic Syrian Bank, who holds 10 per cent equity; Chief Executive Officer J K Sivan; independent director, G Rajagopalan Nair, an expert on fintech with a long experience in banking; and the two RBI nominees: DK Kashyap and Jayakumar Yarasi. In March this year, the high court stopped the bank from holding an annual general meeting for the appointment of directors, until the legal issues are sorted. Shareholders now want Gopinathan and Nair to be empowered to settle the dispute through negotiations. A source said that the curbing of powers of the may not be possible as per banking laws. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday released a draft master direction on information technology (IT) governance for all regulated entities, which will mandate them to put in place a robust governance framework, consisting of governance structures and processes necessary for them to meet their business objectives. The framework will specify the role and responsibilities of the board of directors and the senior management of the entity. will also have to include adequate oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and mitigation of business risks. The key focus areas of governance shall include strategic alignment, value delivery, risk management, resource management, performance management and business continuity/ disaster recovery management, the said. The is going to ask the regulated entities to establish a board level IT strategy committee, which will have a minimum of two directors as members, and atleast one of them must have substantial expertise in managing/ guiding technology initiatives. This committee will ensure that the entity has put in place an effective IT strategic planning process in place. According to RBI, the chief executive officer of the regulated entity will have the overall responsibility and institute an effective oversight on the plan and execution of IT Strategy. He will also be in charge to put in place appropriate mechanisms to ensure IT/ IS and their support infrastructure are functioning effectively and efficiently; cyber security posture of the RE is robust; and overall, IT contributes to productivity, effectiveness and efficiency in business operations. Furthermore, the regulated entities have to institute an IT steering committee, with an objective of assisting the board, IT strategy committee in IT strategic planning and oversight. The regulated entities will also have to appoint a head of IT operations, who is technically competent and experienced in IT related aspects. The person will be responsible for ensuring implementation of IT policy, IT strategy and vision of the regulated entity among a host of other things such as putting in place a documented IT standard operating procedure. A periodic assessment of the training requirements for human resources shall be made to ensure that sufficient, competent, and capable human resources are available. Regulated entities shall have a documented training plan/ programme for periodic training/ awareness workshops for the members of its board, senior management, CxOs, members of the IT function and other employees on aspects pertaining to IT and Information Security, said. Ahead of the crucial mid-term polls, US President has announced a slew of measures to lower gas prices, which have been hurting the middle class. Biden, in a major policy speech, reiterated that Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for the hike in energy prices in the US. When the price of gas goes up, other expenses get cut. That's why I have been doing everything in my power to reduce gas prices since Putin's invasion of Ukraine caused these prices to spike and rattled oil markets, he said in a speech. Biden said the Department of Energy will release another 15 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, extending the previously announced release, through the month of December. He said independent analysts have confirmed that drawdowns from the reserves so far have played a big role in bringing down oil prices. So, we're going to continue to responsibly use that national asset, he said. Right now, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is more than half full with about 400 million barrels of oil. That's more than enough for any emergency drawdown, he said. With my announcement today, we're going to continue to stabilise markets and decrease the prices at a time when the actions of other countries have caused such volatility, he said. The US, he said, needs to responsibly increase oil production without delaying or deferring the transition to clean energy. He asserted that his administration has not stopped or slowed oil production. We're producing 12 million barrels of oil per day. And by the end of this year, we will be producing 1 million barrels a day, more than the day in which I took office. In fact, we're on track for record oil production in 2023, he said. Biden announced a plan to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the years ahead at a profit for taxpayers. The US government is going to purchase oil to refill the reserve when the prices fall to USD 70 a barrel. And that means oil companies can invest to ramp up production now with the confidence that they'll be able to sell their oil to the US at that price in the future, he said. The president also called on oil companies to pass on the savings to the consumers. Consider this: In the second quarter of this year, profits at six of the largest -- publicly traded oil companies were more than USD 70 billion. So far, American oil companies are using that windfall of profits to buy back their own stock, passing that money on to their shareholders, not to consumers, he said. Biden asserted that because of the measures that his administration has taken, the price of oil has fallen. Thanks in large part to the steps we've taken this year; the price of oil has fallen by nearly 30 per cent a barrel since mid-June, he said. Responding to a question, Biden said his decision was not politically motivated at all. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In yet another blow to Prime Minister after Home Secretary Suella Braverman on Wednesday tendered her resignation, it is alleged that Chief Whip Wendy Morton resigned. There had been suggestions that the government's chief whip Wendy Morton had resigned, along with her deputy, Craig Whittaker, reported Sky News. But Number 10 later stated that both remained in their posts. Morton is responsible for enforcing party discipline, MP for Aldridge-Brownhills in the West Midlands since 2015, she was appointed to the position by Truss just six weeks ago. Meanwhile, a Labour motion that would have forced a vote on a bill to ban fracking has been defeated amid farcical scenes in the House of Commons, reported Sky News. Politicians have claimed Conservative MPs were being "manhandled" and bullied into voting with the government to oppose a ban, counter to what their party manifesto said in 2019. Tory whips initially stated the vote on whether to allocate Commons time to consider legislation to stop shale gas extraction was being treated as a "confidence motion" in Liz Truss's embattled government. But after a series of Tory MPs signalled they would not take part in the vote, climate minister Graham Stuart caused confusion by telling the Commons: "Quite clearly this is not a confidence vote." The dramatic scenes come as Truss fights for her political survival following the sacking of chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng last Friday and the axing of the majority of the government's mini-budget on Monday by new chancellor Jeremy Hunt. The turmoil continued on Wednesday as the now former home secretary Suella Braverman announced her shocked resignation and took aim at the PM in her departure letter. Truss on Wednesday appointed Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps as the new Home Secretary after the departure of Suella Braverman earlier today. "The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP @grantshapps has been appointed Secretary of State for the Home Department @ukhomeoffice," Prime Minister's office said in a tweet. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hyderabad: BJP senior leader Gudur Narayana Reddy on Tuesday warned residents of Lenkalapally of Munugode Assembly constituency that they would meet the same fate of Vasalamarri, which was adopted by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, in Turkapally mandal of Yadadri-Bhongir district. In a statement, Narayana Reddy urged Lenkalapally residents: He may make a lot of promises covertly to the village to attract the attention of the voters. But I strongly urge the people of the village not to believe them. If they do, then they would be cheated like the residents of Vasalamarri, Narayana Reddy said. He said the CM had in November 2020 announced that he had adopted Vasalamarri with a promise to modernise it, that the unemployed would get jobs, houses would be built for the homeless, among several other promises. None of them have been kept, Narayana Reddy alleged. on Wednesday put a hold on a proposal by India and the US at the to blacklist Pakistan-based militant Hafiz Talah Saeed, the son of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, in the second such move within two days. Hafiz Talha Saeed, 46, is a key leader of the dreaded terrorist group LeT and the son of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In April this year, he had been declared a terrorist by the Indian government. It is learnt that placed the hold on the proposal under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. It is the second time in less than two days that Beijing put a hold on the bid submitted by India and the US to designate a Pakistan-based terrorist as a global terrorist. In a notification, India's Home Ministry had said that Hafiz Talha Saeed, 46, has been actively involved in recruitment, fund collection, and planning and executing attacks by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in India and Indian interests in Afghanistan. He has also been actively visiting various LeT centres across Pakistan, and during his sermons propagating for jihad against India, Israel, the of America and Indian interests in other western countries, it had stated. Hafiz Talha Saeed is a senior leader of the LeT and is the head of the cleric wing of the terrorist organisation. on Tuesday put a hold on a proposal by India and the US at the to list Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Shahid Mahmood as a global terrorist. Beijing placed a hold on the proposal by India and the US to designate Mahmood, 42, as a global terrorist under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. The US Department of Treasury had designated Mahmood as well as another LeT leader Muhammad Sarwar in December 2016 as part of action to disrupt Lashkar-e Tayyiba's (LeT) fundraising and support networks. According to information on the US Department of the Treasury's website, Mahmood has been a longstanding senior LeT member based in Karachi, Pakistan, and has been affiliated with the group since at least 2007. As early as June 2015 through at least June 2016, Mahmood served as the vice chairman of Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), a humanitarian and fundraising arm of LeT. In 2014, Mahmood was the leader of FIF in Karachi. In August 2013, Mahmood was identified as a LeT publications wing member, the website said. Mahmood was previously part of LeT's overseas operations team led by Sajjid Mir.Additionally, in August 2013, Mahmood was instructed to forge covert links with Islamic organizations in Bangladesh and Burma, and as of late 2011, Mahmood claimed that LeT's primary concern should be attacking India and America, the US Department of Treasury said. This is the fifth time in four months that China has put a hold on listing proposals to designate Pakistan-based terrorists under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee regime. (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 has shown rock-solid unity in confronting Russia over its war in Ukraine, but EU leaders lack that common purpose heading into Thursday's summit to seek joint measures to contain an energy crisis that has already dented their economy and threatens to spread hardship among the bloc's 450 million people this winter. Natural gas prices spiraled out of control over the summer as EU nations sought to outbid one another to fill up their reserves for winter. Now EU leaders will seek to increasingly pool their purchases of gas and set a temporary price cap to make sure an overheated energy market does not return to haunt them again. The 27-nation bloc hit Russia with a series of economic sanctions since the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded by choking off pipelines that used to send plentiful oil and gas to stoke the wheels of industry across much of the EU. Russia has systemically tried to blackmail us through energy, said EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Most EU leaders have vowed to stay the course in the standoff with Putin. But authoritarian Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is bent on being a spoiler at the energy summit, contradicting most leaders by saying that the EU sanctions on Russia primarily hurt EU citizens, not Putin. In addition, finding a common answer to Europe's energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine is proving to be a tall order. The two-day summit, said host Charles Michel, will be difficult. Many EU nations are ready to embrace a proposal to cap natural gas prices, but Germany and the Netherlands have raised major issues about that. A senior German official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with department rules, was adamant about Germany's opposition to the gas cap. The official claimed that market interventions of an artificial nature could have negative consequences on both the availability of natural gas and on incentives for governments and consumers to save it. Dutch comments have gone the same way. Ships sail to where the best price is, the official said. Those who are mobile on the world markets and are flexible have alternatives." A senior EU official concurred, saying we don't want to see all LNG (liquid natural gas) ships heading to China. A plan for the EU to pool joint purchases of gas and measures to improve solidarity with EU nations most hurt by the spiraling energy prices were expected to receive much more support, diplomats said. Russia is increasingly relying on drone strikes against Ukraine's energy grid and civilian infrastructure and sowing panic with hits on Ukrainian cities, tactics that von der Leyen called war crimes and pure terror on Wednesday. Diplomats are already assessing more sanctions to come. But Orban's perceived friendliness toward the Kremlin, however, makes life tougher. Even though the previous EU sanctions targeting Russia have been approved all together, it has increasingly become difficult to keep Orban on board by agreeing to exemptions. The failed sanctions in Brussels are already an almost unbearable burden. We will urge the reconsideration of the war sanctions policy, Orban wrote Wednesday, throwing down a political gauntlet to his colleagues. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) is loading up on cheaper Brazilian ethanol, tripling imports in order to cope with the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. Prices for natural gas and power are so high in that some ethanol makers have considered shutting down plants. As in other countries, its a requirement that ethanol be blended with gasoline in . Luckily, is stepping in with a more affordable alternative, which could bring down the cost of driving. Brazilian ethanol shipments to Europe through September were three times higher than the previous year. The buying binge especially took off starting in July after a policy change caused biofuel prices to plunge in . Demand is so great that companies are boosting production of alternative types of ethanol to keep up. While the majority of Brazilian production comes from cane juice, it can also be made from the fibers leftover after the cane is crushed. Such ethanol has lower carbon emissions and doesnt compete with food production. Raizen, a joint venture between Cosan SA and Shell Plc., is building three new plants to increase its output of ethanol made from these residuals by eight times through 2024. Already, 80% of those volumes have been sold through forward contracts. There is more demand than we can serve right now, Raizens trading vice president Paulo Neves said. The exports will likely continue over the next year, said Luiz Gustavo Figueiredo, commercial director at producer Usina Alta Mogiana, with Brazils production capacity set to rise amid growing investments in biofuel made from corn. Former Vice President on Wednesday warned against the growing populist tide in the Republican Party as he admonished Putin apologists unwilling to stand up to the Russian leader over his assault on Ukraine. Speaking at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington less than a month before November's midterm elections, Pence addressed the growing gulf between traditional conservatives and a new generation of populist candidates inspired, in part, by former President Donald Trump, who has transformed a large swath of the party. Today, on the cusp of a new era of Republican leadership ... I think we need to chart a course that doesn't veer off too far in either direction," Pence told the think tank audience. Our movement cannot forsake the foundational commitment that we have to security, to limited government, to liberty and to life. But nor can we allow our movement to be led astray by the siren song of unprincipled populism that's unmoored from our oldest traditions and most cherished values," he said. "Let me say: This movement and the party that it animates must remain the movement of a strong national defense, limited government and traditional moral values and life. To that end, Pence criticized those in the party who have pushed a more isolationist foreign policy, particularly when it comes to Russian aggression. Earlier Wednesday, Russian President declared martial law for four illegally annexed Ukrainian regions as his forces have suffered stinging battlefield defeats and renewed attacks on Ukrainian cities and vital infrastructure. Now, I know there is a rising chorus in our party, including some new voices to our movement, who would have us disengaged with the wider world," Pence said. "But appeasement has never worked, ever, in history. And now more than ever, we need a conservative movement committed to America's role as leader of the free world and as a vanguard of American values. As Russia continues its unconscionable war of aggression to Ukraine, I believe that conservatives must make it clear that Putin must stop and Putin will pay," he added. "There can be no room in the conservative movement for apologists to Putin. There is only room in this movement for champions of freedom. Pence has been traveling the country, campaigning on behalf of Republican midterm candidates as he lays the groundwork for a potential 2024 presidential campaign. Some of the candidates he has endorsed have espoused the kinds of populist and isolationist views he seemed to take issue with Wednesday. Arizona's Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters, for instance, has labeled the Russia-Ukraine conflict a European problem and has criticized federal spending on Ukraine. Pence's speech largely focused on the conservative Freedom Agenda, which he released earlier this year. It serves as both a concrete policy plan for Republicans as well as an implicit criticism of Trump, who has spent much of his time since leaving office obsessing about the 2020 election instead of looking forward. Pence, who again argued in his remarks that in order to win "we must do more than simply criticize and complain," has been a target of Trump's ire since he refused to go along with the former president's unconstitutional plot to try to overturn the will of voters in January 2021. Pence once again stressed the importance of the oath he took when he was sworn in as vice president, adding that, The American people must know that conservatives will not simply pay lip service to keeping faith with the Constitution, but that we will always keep our oath that we will keep our oath, as the Bible says, even when it hurts" and "stand for the Constitution ... even when it would be politically expedient to do otherwise. (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.) Ukraine has accused of violating a ban on the transfer of capable of flying 300 kilometers and invited UN experts to visit the country to inspect Iranian-origin being used by Russia against civilian targets. A letter from Ukraine's UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and members of the was obtained by The Associated Press ahead of a closed council meeting late Wednesday requested by Britain, France and the United States on Iran's sale of hundreds of to Russia. US Deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters in Washington on Wednesday that the United States will join Britain and France in raising the issue at the council meeting. Kyslytsya tweeted on Wednesday that the issue of Iranian drones used against civilians and civilian infrastructure will also be raised at an open council meeting on Ukraine on Friday. Russia is believed to have sent waves of Iranian-made Shahed drones into Ukraine to strike at power plants, residential buildings and other key infrastructure in Kyiv, the capital, and other cities. Ukraine's Western-reinforced air defences have made it difficult for Russian warplanes to operate, and killer drones are a cheap weapon to seek out and destroy targets while spreading fear among troops and civilians. As we have seen over the course of the past months there is ample evidence that Russia is using UAVs from in cruel and deliberate attacks against the people of Ukraine, including against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure, Patel said. We will convey these grave concerns about Russia's acquisition of these UAVs from in clear violation of (resolution) 2231. France's UN Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere also told reporters Wednesday it seems to be crystal clear" that Iran is violating the resolution. Resolution 2231 was adopted by the UN's most powerful body in 2015 to endorse the nuclear deal between Iran and six key nations -- the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany -- aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear activities and preventing the country from developing a nuclear weapon. Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement known as the JCPOA in 2018 and negotiations between the Biden administration and Iran for the United States to rejoin the deal have stalled. Under the resolution, a conventional arms embargo on Iran was in place until October 2020, but restrictions on missiles and related technologies last until October 2023 and Western diplomats say that includes the export and purchase of advanced military systems such as drones. It is our belief that these UAVs that are transferred from Iran to Russia and used by Russia in Ukraine are among the weapons that would remain embargoed under 2231, Patel said on Monday. Kyslytsya said in the letter that according to public information, Mohajer- and Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were transferred from Iran to Russia in late August, and Ukraine assesses that this is likely part of Iran's plans to export hundreds of UAVs to Russia. He said both UAV models meet the requirement to be banned because they are capable of a range equal to or greater than 300 kilometers. In addition, the Mohajer-series is manufactured by Qods Aviation, which is on the UN sanctions blacklist and subject to an asset freeze by all countries, he said. The Ukrainian ambassador said no country submitted a request to the UN for approval of the shipment of UAVs. Therefore, the transfers from Iran to Russia should be considered as violations of (resolution) 2231, Kyslytsya said. He invited UN experts monitoring sanctions against Iran to visit Ukraine at the earliest possible opportunity to inspect the recovered drones, saying the government hopes the information will be helpful in the UN's investigations into implementation of the resolution. France's UN Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere said: It seems to be crystal clear that servation was issued in 2021, endorsing the JCPOA. (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.) AG agreed to allow generic drugmakers in seven middle-income nations to produce a leukemia treatment, the first time a voluntary license has been granted for a patented cancer drug as part of a initiative. The oral drug, nilotinib, is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia and may be made in Egypt, Guatemala, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tunisia, according to the Medicines Patent Pool, a United Nations-backed organization. Patents on the drug are either pending or in force in those countries. Its not enormous in terms of the impact itll have, but it is enormous in what it represents, Charles Gore, executive director of the Medicines Patent Pool, said in an interview on Thursday. Being the first license in non-communicable diseases and especially in cancer, is really significant. Cancer kills about 10 million people a year, accounting for one in six deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Its impact is often higher in poorer nations, where the cost of treatment means that many of those who need the drugs cant access them. Sometimes theyre simply not available. Theyre not registered, partly because the originators dont see that theres any real market there, Gore said. In other countries its just simply too expensive. The Medicines Patent Pool aims to boost access to medicine for people. gained around $1 on Thursday as investor sentiment rose on news that is considering a cut in the duration of quarantine for inbound visitors. Brent crude futures for December settlement rose 80 cents, or 0.9%, to $93.21 a barrel at 0610 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for November delivery (WTI), which expires on Thursday, rose $1.29, or 1.5%, to $86.84 per barrel. The WTI contract for December delivery was last up 1.4%, or $1.16 cents, at $85.68 a barrel. "The market is bouncing on that quarantine news and by extension a flickering light at the end of the zero-Covid policy tunnel," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, adding that this is "the first positive sign we have seen out of on the Covid front." China, the world's largest crude importer, has stuck to strict COVID-19 curbs this year, weighing heavily on business and economic activity which lowers demand for fuel. Bloomberg news reported on Thursday that is considering cutting the quarantine period for inbound visitors to seven days from 10 days, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said officials are targeting a cut in the quarantine period to two days in a hotel and then five days at home, but there is no clarity yet on how the new restrictions would apply to foreigners and other visitors without a residence in China. Innes, however, cautioned that China's zero-Covid policy is likely to stay in place "at least through Q1" next year, and maintains a bullish view on oil. "Short of an unlikely shale oil revival, there are few lasting policy measures the Biden administration can use to effective push oil much lower." have seen support from a looming European Union ban on Russian crude and oil products, as well as the output cut from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers including Russia, known as OPEC+. The OPEC+ agreed on a production cut of 2 million barrels per day in early October - but analysts expect a smaller decline in actual output of about 1 million barrels per day due to under-production in countries such as Iran, Venezuela and Nigeria. Separately, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a plan on Wednesday to sell off the rest of his release from the nation's emergency oil reserve by year's end, or 15 million barrels of oil, and begin refilling the stockpile as he tries to dampen high gasoline prices ahead of midterm elections on Nov. 8. However, the release is "too small to impact the market," said Commonwealth Bank commodities analyst Vivek Dhar in a Thursday note, estimating it would increase global oil supplies by just 0.04 million barrels per day. "EU sanctions on Russian oil imports will likely become the focus of the oil market in coming weeks... We expect Brent oil futures to average $100 per barrel in Q4 2022 on the back of supply disruption from the EU sanctions," Dhar added. Meanwhile, global demand for fuel remains uncertain. U.S. economic activity expanded modestly in recent weeks, although it was flat in some regions and declined in a couple of others, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday in a report that showed firms growing more pessimistic about the outlook. (Reporting by Laura Sanicola and Emily Chow in Singapore; editing by Richard Pullin, Ana Nicolaci da Costa and Kim Coghill) (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.) After four years, on Friday may exit the grey list of the global watchdog on terror financing and FATF, a development that will allow it to try to get foreign funding to tide over its precarious financial situation. Till June, had completed most of the action items given to it 2018 by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and a few item which were left unfulfilled including its failure to take action against UN designated terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and his trusted aide and the group's 'operational commander' Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. Azhar, Saeed and Lakhvi are most wanted terrorists in India for their involvement in numerous terrorist acts, including 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and bombing of a CRPF bus at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. was put in the inglorious list in 2018 for its failure to check risk of money laundering, leading to corruption and terror financing. The had found Pakistan's deficiencies in its legal, financial, regulatory, investigations, prosecution, judicial and non-government sector to fight and combat terror financing considered serious threat to global financial system. The Paris-based global watchdog on and terrorist financing had recently said that the "first Plenary under the two-year Singapore Presidency of T. Raja Kumar will take place on October 20-21" in Paris. Pakistan has made high-level political commitments to address these deficiencies under a 27-point action plan. But later the number of action points was enhanced to 34. With Pakistan's continuation on the grey list, it had increasingly become difficult for Islamabad to get financial aid from the IMF, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the cash-strapped country. Pakistan needed 12 votes out of 39 to exit the grey list and move to white list. To avoid black list, it needed support of three countries. China, Turkey and Malaysia are its consistent supporters. Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the in June, 2018 and was given a plan of action to complete it by October, 2019. Since then the country continues to be in that list due to its failure to comply with the FATF mandates. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the financial system. The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations -- the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group. (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.) wants the Philippine government to honour a signed contract to purchase 16 military heavy-lift helicopters, which the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte had cancelled due to fears of possible US sanctions. Moscow's ambassador to Manila, Marat Pavlov, told reporters on Wednesday night that the Philippine government has not officially notified of its decision to cancel the deal and a Russian company was proceeding to manufacture the Mi-17 helicopters after the made an initial payment. Filipino pilots, who would operate the helicopters, have undergone Russian training, he said. The Russian aircraft manufacturer was ready to deliver one of the helicopters in June but unfortunately, it was not accepted by your government, the ambassador said. We are ready to fulfill all our obligations as a reliable partner of the Philippine side in the field of technical military cooperation and we consider that it will also be done by the Philippines, Pavlov said. There was no immediate comment from the Philippine government, now led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but the Department of National Defense has said that after the decision to terminate the Russian helicopter deal was made, a government committee would be convened to thresh out the details and work to recover the unspecified amount paid by the Philippine government to the Russian company. The Russians can appeal but there is little room for the Philippine government to reconsider, a defense official said. I know that in any contract, it should be mentioned how it could be solved in case one of the parties would like to cancel, Pavlov said and expressed hope the issue could be resolved under Marcos Jr.'s new administration, which has declared an independent foreign policy. Former Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez first confirmed the government's decision to terminate the deal to acquire the Russian helicopters in interviews with The Associated Press in July. The decision to cancel the contract, which was approved by Duterte, was made amid concerns over possible Western sanctions, which could include restrictions that would slow down the bank transfers of the massive income that Filipino workers send home from the US and other Western countries, among other possible problems, according to Romualdez. One of Duterte's Cabinet members, Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, had warned Duterte then that Western countries may withhold assistance that could help the deal with and recover from coronavirus outbreaks, two Philippine officials told The AP on condition of anonymity because they lack the authority to discuss the issue publicly. Romualdez has said Washington did not pressure the to drop the 12.7-billion-peso (USD 215 million) deal with the Russians. But following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, countries that purchase Russian defense equipment could face Western sanctions, he said. I think it was really prudent specially for President Duterte to approve the cancellation of that contract because it can save us a lot of trouble, Romualdez told Manila-based foreign correspondents in August. A US offer to sell Boeing CH-47 Chinooks, which was discussed last year by Lorenzana and his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, could be considered to replace the Russian helicopter deal, Romualdez said. Under the scrapped helicopter deal, which was signed in November, the first batch of the multi-purpose helicopters would have been scheduled for delivery by Russia's Sovtechnoexport in about two years. Aside from the 16 helicopters, one unit should have been given for free to the Philippines, defense officials said. The Russian-made helicopters could have been used for combat, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations in the Southeast Asian archipelago, which is often lashed by typhoons and other natural disasters, Philippine officials said. In March, the Philippines voted yes on a UN General Assembly resolution that demanded an immediate halt to Moscow's attack on Ukraine and the withdrawal of all Russian troops. Duterte has expressed concern over the global impact of the Russian invasion but did not personally condemn it when he was still president. When he was in office, he nurtured close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he once called his idol, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping while frequently criticizing US security policies. The Philippines is a treaty ally of Washington, which has imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow aimed at pressuring it to withdraw from 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.) Slumped, underwhelmed and mildly irked, listened in silence as Tajikistans veteran autocrat Emomali Rahmon seized the opportunity presented by a regional get-together to berate the Russian president, issue rambling counsel and demand respect. It was a snapshot of Moscows current predicament, eight months into a supposed blitzkrieg in Ukraine and more telling than either side intended. Tajikistan is not just any ally. Its a poor nation of some 10 million thats home to Moscows largest overseas military base. Remittances made up more than a quarter of its GDP even during the pandemic, most of that from migrant workers toiling in . In late June, when Putin needed safe destinations for a post-invasion tour abroad, he started with Rahmon and promptly proclaimed himself on friendly soil. And yet, last Friday, came this awkward, discursive seven-minute-plus soliloquy viewed well over eight million times on YouTube since it began circulating over the weekend. We have always respected and respect the interests of our most important strategic partner, Rahmon told Putin at a summit with other Central Asian leaders, index finger pointed. But we want to be respected too. Central Asia, and Tajikistan in particular, isnt breaking with Putin over Ukraine. Economic and trade ties with are still vital to the wider region, indeed Rahmon was pushing for more investment and attention, not less. Yes, the invasion of a former Soviet neighbor certainly hasnt gone unnoticed especially by states like Kazakhstan, with a significant ethnic Russian minority and directly menaced by Kremlin hawks but Rahmon didnt discuss the war. This was about Russias faltering military, economic and political might, and its implications. The effect may not be too different. That the disastrous assault on Ukraine has distracted the Kremlin from its interests elsewhere has been obvious. Its made it easier for hostilities to boil over, including between Tajikistan and neighbor Kyrgyzstan. Elsewhere, tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan have flared up, too. And yet theres been no repeat of Januarys show of force, when troops from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization were flown into Kazakhstan to help restore order after street protests. In an expression of unhappiness with the response in its own hour of need, Kyrgyzstan unilaterally cancelled Indestructible Brotherhood joint drills due last week. Armenias leader has come under pressure to withdraw altogether. This is more than a temporary interruption. Moscow, long obsessed with its status as a great power, is permanently losing its pull. Central Asia remains tethered to through basics like trade and pipelines, and that wont change overnight. Kazakhstan, for all its careful diplomatic balancing, is dependent on Russia for its main oil export route. And Moscow has long been able to use cultural and historic ties with elites to make up for the inability to engage in Chinese-style infrastructure diplomacy and economic persuasion. But Soviet memories fade, especially when an invasion and economy-crimping sanctions lend a hand. It doesnt help, of course, that Russias military has also been dealt a major reputational blow in Ukraine, one which simultaneously batters its credentials as regional policeman. Moscows ineptitude on the battlefield and its inattention have left the CSTO alliance never quite the match for the Warsaw Pact that Russia hoped for ailing. And thats before considering the impact of Russias clumsy mobilization drive on the region. The campaign has sent hundreds of thousands over the border to flee the draft, filling up every empty bed, driving up rents and other costs from Bishkek to Almaty. Kazakhstan alone said earlier this month more than 200,000 Russians had entered the country. Worse, short of their own, Russian recruiters have tried to catch central Asian migrants in the dragnet to make up the military numbers, promising generous salaries, citizenship (a new bill allows foreign nationals to become Russian citizens after serving for just a year) but also resorting to deportation threats and widespread deception. Several Central Asian states, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, have warned citizens they risk jail if they join the fight. Its important to note that Rahmon isnt by any means the only one pushing back hes just the latest. Kazakh leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, sitting next to Putin at a flagship event in St Petersburg in June, said he would not recognize the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk peoples republics of eastern Ukraine. He has banned Russian propaganda symbols and cancelled the May 9 Victory Day Parade. Out of all its neighbors, Belarus was the only ex-Soviet state to back Moscow last week in a UN vote to condemn Russias referendums in Ukraine. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan all abstained, while Turkmenistan did not vote. Russias backyard isnt what it was, and thats creating opportunities for other powers. China, its trajectory increasingly divergent from Russias, isnt falling over itself to step into the breach. Contrary to popular belief, it would be quite happy for Moscow to continue to play its role as security guarantor while leaving Beijing room in other areas. But China abhors a power vacuum, and its without question becoming increasingly assertive in an area seen as crucial to its security, and to projects like the Belt and Road infrastructure program. Theres a good reason the region was the first President Xi Jinping visited after his lengthy Covid isolation. In Kazakhstan, he pledged resolute support for the defense of its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity a not-so-subtle warning. Having battered the economy by bringing on crippling sanctions and inadvertently strengthened NATO, Putin finds himself tested now even by his most reliable, least democratic allies. The list of self-inflicted wounds is only growing longer. Hyderabad: Congress leaders celebrated the win of party MP Mallikarjun Kharge in the AICC presidential election. Top leaders who had backed him hoped that as a true Gandhian Kharge would implement the partys core ideology. TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy welcomed the win of Kharge, while party functionaries including senior vice-president Mallu Ravi, who strongly supported his candidature, celebrated the occasion by distributing sweets. We are proud to have a leader like him with vast experience as the party president. Taking up the election process for the party president is possible only in the Congress. In the BJP, be it Nadda or any other leader, to get the top post the decision should be mandated from the top and in a sealed cover, he said. CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka described Kharge as atall and towering personality with vast experience and said that he was a phenomenon who from the grassroot had reached the top position. He started as a block president and is now AICC president. He is an extraordinary man. As a true Gandhian he stands by the Gandhian principles and I hope he will implement the core congress ideology, which protects the country with a secular spirit, Bhatti told Deccan Chronicle. Amid a rapid spike in the number of cases globally, the Coordinating Group (ICG) has decided to temporarily suspend the standard two-dose regimen. The group, which is responsible for distributing emergency oral vaccines, has decided to opt for a single-dose approach. (WHO) and its partners, which includes UNICEF, the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in a statement on October 18 said that one dose of vaccine has proven effective in stopping outbreaks, even though evidence on the exact duration of protection is 'limited' and appears to be lower in children. The pivot in strategy will allow for the doses to be used in more countries, at a time of unprecedented rise in outbreak worldwide, added. According to the report, 29 countries, including Haiti, Malawi and Syria, are facing large outbreaks since the beginning of the year. In comparison, fewer than 20 countries on average reported outbreaks, in the past five years. The report added that the global trend is moving towards numerous and more severe outbreaks, because of floods, droughts, population movements, and other factors, which limit access to clean water and increase the risk of cholera outbreaks. This decision is an attempt to avoid making the impossible choice of sending doses to one nation over another, said Dr Daniela Garone, medical coordinator at Doctors Without Borders, one of WHO's partners in managing the global cholera vaccine stockpile, the AP reported. The current supply of cholera vaccines is extremely limited. Out of the total 36 million doses forecast to be produced in 2022, 24 million doses have already been shipped for preventative (17 per cent) and reactive (83 per cent) campaigns. An additional eight million doses were approved by the ICG for the second round for emergency in four countries. The report also highlights the benefit of supplying one dose outweighs no doses. Even though the temporary suspension in the two dose regimen can lead to a reduction and shortening of immunity, the decision will allow more people to be vaccinated and provide them the protection in the near term. Saying that cholera can sometimes kill within a day, Director -General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned about the unprecedented pressure which is being put on the limited vaccine supply amid the outbreaks. Tedros suggested that the authorities should aim to scale up vaccine production. WHO in its report also mentioned that since the vaccine manufacturers are producing at their maximum capacity, there is no short-term solution to increase the vaccine production. Former President signed legal documents challenging the results of the 2020 election that included voter fraud claims he knew to be false, a federal judge said in a ruling. US District Court Judge David Carter in an 18-page opinion ordered that four emails between Trump and attorney John Eastman be given to the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He said the emails cannot be withheld because they include evidence of potential crimes. Though the judge's conclusion has no practical bearing on a separate Justice Department investigation into efforts to overturn the election, any evidence that Trump signed documents he knew to be false could at minimum be a notable data point for criminal prosecutors trying to sort out culpability for far-ranging efforts to undo the results. The judge specifically cited claims from Trump's attorneys that Fulton County in Georgia had improperly counted more than 10,000 votes of dead people, felons and unregistered voters. Those false allegations were part of a filing that Trump's legal team made in Georgia state court on December 4, 2021. Later that month, Eastman warned in a message that Trump had been made aware that some of the allegations (and evidence proffered by the experts)" in that Georgia filing "has been inaccurate. Yet even after the message from Eastman, Trump and his team filed another legal complaint that had the same inaccurate numbers," the judge wrote. Trump under oath verified the complaint was true to the best of his knowledge. "The emails show that President Trump knew that the specific numbers of voter fraud were wrong but continued to tout those numbers, both in court and to the public," Carter wrote. He said the emails are sufficiently related to and in furtherance of a conspiracy to defraud the . Representatives for Trump and Eastman did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The ruling is the latest development in a monthslong legal battle between Eastman a conservative lawyer and lead architect of Trump's last-ditch efforts to stay in office and congressional investigators. Eastman has been trying to withhold documents from the committee on the basis of attorney-client privilege claims. The committee has argued that there is a legal exception allowing the disclosure of communications regarding ongoing or future crimes. And Carter has mostly agreed, ordering the release of hundreds of emails to the House committee since the spring. In a stunning ruling in March, the judge had asserted that it is more likely than not that Trump committed crimes in his attempt to stop the certification of the 2020 election. Carter in his ruling on Wednesday said the messages he has reviewed from Eastman and other attorneys show that the primary goal for some of their litigation was delaying or disrupting the certification of President Joe Biden's election win. The totality of the evidence makes clear that "Trump filed certain lawsuits not to obtain legal relief, but to disrupt or delay the January 6 congressional proceedings through the courts, the judge wrote. The emails from Eastman are part of the House committee's investigation into a multi-part plan by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election and the ensuing violence at the Capitol. The judge ordered Eastman to give the documents to the committee by the afternoon of October 28. (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 energy officials said on Wednesday they had no choice but to introduce restrictions on electricity supplies across the country and scheduled blackouts nationwide after losing at least 40 per cent of the country's power generating capacity following days of Russian attacks. "Unfortunately, according to new data, about 40 pc of the total infrastructure and our generating capacities are really seriously damaged," said Oleksandr Kharchenko, an advisor to Ukraine's energy minister, reported CNN. "Restoration and repair work is ongoing, but miracles are possible only to a certain extent," Kharchenko said in the statement broadcast on national television. "Therefore, we should expect not only emergency but also scheduled outages today and tomorrow in order not to overload the grid," he added. NPC Ukrenergo, Ukraine's national energy company called for the "understanding and support" of its energy users as they have been forced to introduce consumption restrictions following the missile attacks, reported CNN. Ukrenergo said the "consumption restrictions may be applied throughout Ukraine from 7:00 am to 22:00 pm" Thursday. "The outages will be alternate -- the duration of the outage is also determined by the regional power distribution company, but not more than 4 hours," the statement said. "The enemy, who cannot compete with the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the battlefield, attacked the civilian energy infrastructure again. Therefore, tomorrow we will apply controlled and carefully calculated restrictions to consumers, which we must implement to make the system work in a balanced way," the power company said. Ukraine suffered new damage to its critical energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address, reported CNN. "Of course, we will do everything possible to restore the normal energy capabilities of our country. But this requires time and our combined effort," he said. Zelenskyy appealed to Ukrainians to become careful about electricity consumption starting on Thursday from 7:00 a.m. local time, reported CNN. "Please do not turn on unnecessary electrical appliances. Please limit electricity consumption on those appliances that require a lot of energy," the president said, "Tomorrow it is very important that consumption is as conscious as possible. Then the schedules of stabilization outages will be shorter." Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law Wednesday introducing martial law in four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed in defiance of law: Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk. (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 Biden administration has announced a round of criminal charges and sanctions related to a complicated scheme to procure military technologies from US manufacturers and illegally supply them to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Some of the equipment was recovered on battlefields in Ukraine, the Justice Department said, and other nuclear proliferation was intercepted in Latvia before it could be shipped to Russia. The Justice Department charged nine people in separate cases in New York and Connecticut, as well as two oil brokers for Venezuela. The defendants are accused of acquiring the military from US companies and then laundering tens of millions of dollars for wealthy Russian businessmen and other sanctioned entities. Some of the defendants are also accused of brokering illicit oil deals for the Venezuelan state-owned oil company. As I have said, our investigators and prosecutors will be relentless in their efforts to identify, locate, and bring to justice those whose illegal acts undermine the rule of law and enable the Russian regime to continue its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. The five defendants charged in New York are all Russian nationals, and two have been arrested. All four defendants in the Connecticut case three Latvians and one Ukrainian were taken into custody months ago at the request of US authorities. The criminal charges complement the latest round of Biden administration sanctions targeting Russia. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced sanctions on Wednesday against one of the men charged by the Justice Department, designating Yury Orekhov and two of his firms, Nord-Deutsche Industrieanlagenbau GmbH and Opus Energy Trading LLC, for procuring advanced semiconductors and microprocessors used in fighter aircraft and ballistic and hypersonic missile systems among other military uses. Orekhov and the firms ultimately sent the materials to Russian end-users, including companies designated by various federal agencies, in violation of US export controls. The Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control worked in coordination to identify the Russian network. Along with sanctions on members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner-circle, the US has frozen Russian Central Bank funds and imposed aggressive export controls. The latest effort is dedicated to preventing Russia from procuring military technologies. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement on Wednesday that Russia has increasingly struggled to get the technologies it needs to sustain the war thanks to the unprecedented sanctions and export controls imposed by our broad coalition of partners and allies. We know these efforts are having a direct effect on the battlefield," he said, as Russia's desperation has led them to turn to inferior suppliers and outdated equipment. Information from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, presented on Friday at the Treasury Department, said Russia has lost more than 6,000 pieces of equipment since the beginning of the war in late February and is turning to Iran and North Korea for supplies. Russia is reliant on foreign production machinery and ongoing banking sanctions have undercut the Kremlin's ability to obtain financing for importing military equipment, the ODNI 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.) Bank of Maharashtra is quoting at Rs 19.45, up 0.26% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is down 11.59% in last one year as compared to a 3.7% gain in NIFTY and a 11.4% gain in the Nifty Pharma. Bank of Maharashtra is up for a fifth straight session in a row. The stock is quoting at Rs 19.45, up 0.26% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.04% on the day, quoting at 17505.2. The Sensex is at 59079.8, down 0.05%. Bank of Maharashtra has added around 4.57% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Pharma index of which Bank of Maharashtra is a constituent, has added around 1.51% in last one month and is currently quoting at 3153.75, up 0.2% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 31.72 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 52.69 lakh shares in last one month. The PE of the stock is 7.82 based on TTM earnings ending September 22. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DCM Shriram slipped 4.83% to Rs 1,055.55 after the company reported 19.2% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 128.12 crore despite of a 27.8% increase in net revenue from operations to Rs 2,740 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22. Profit before tax slid marginally by 0.3% to Rs 227.99 crore in Q2 FY23 as against Rs 228.60 crore in Q2 FY22. Total expense rose 36.03% to Rs 2,679.80 crore and cost of materials consumed was up 69.72% to Rs 778.25 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22. The company's revenues from chloro-vinyl segment grew 15% to Rs 936 crore in Q2 FY23 as against Rs 814 crore in Q2 FY22, driven by prices & volumes. Revenues from sugar segment rose 5% to Rs 617 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22, on account of better sugar realizations. Revenue from fenesta was up 37% to Rs 178 crore, led by volumes growth & prices. Revenue from fertilizers surged 99% year on year to Rs 585 crore in Q2 FY23, resulting from higher gas prices which is a pass through, said the company. Revenue from Shriram farm solutions rose 33% to Rs 238 crore, driven by growth across product categories. Bioseed revenue grew 13% to Rs 88 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22. The company said that the cost pressures are likely to continue and product prices are expected to support costs, margins are expected to be reasonable. Commenting on the performance in a joint statement, Ajay Shriram, chairman & senior managing director, and Vikram Shriram, vice chairman & managing director, said: We are glad to report a good overall performance during the quarter. The businesses continue to operate in a very volatile economic environment given the geo political uncertainties, climate change, monetary tightening and fears of recession around the corner. India is better placed with strong GDP growth but is not immune to above factors. Our Company also gets impacted by these factors but has inherent strength in its business model and financials to manage the tough operating environment. Our Chemical business has performed well with reasonably firm product prices, a result of global supply chain imbalance. Vinyl business is facing headwinds of lower product prices with global decline in demand and higher sourcing from China. The major concern today for Chloro-Vinyl business is high energy prices which continue to be firm given the geo political instability. We are taking steps to reduce our energy costs by setting up additional 120 MW energy efficient captive coal based power plant and tying up for 50MW renewable power. We plan to take more such steps to reduce our costs as well as increase our green footprint. Sugar industry is poised for growth with favorable dynamics with respect to Ethanol as well as Sugar. For the state of UP there is a need for better policy support to push exports as well as cane juice based Ethanol. The Company is exploring opportunities to build multiple revenue streams beyond Sugar and Ethanol through Circular economy. Agri Input business of Shriram Farm Solutions witnessed growth despite unfavorable monsoons Fenesta business continues its growth trajectory with strong operating performance. It is now entering into business of Facades. Our Investment projects of around Rs 3,500 crore across businesses are under progress as per schedule. Given the health of our balance sheet and operating cash-flow, we will look forward to more growth avenues and enhance our scale, integration and cost efficiencies. Meanwhile, the board of directors declared an interim dividend of Rs 4.60 per equity share for the financial year 2022-23, which will be paid or dispatched on or before 17 November 2022. DCM Shriram is a diversified company with presence agri-rural business, chloro-vinyl business and value added business (fenesta building systems-UPVC windows & doors). Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Granules India reported 80% jump in net profit to Rs 145 crore on a 30% increase in revenue from operations to Rs 1,151 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22. EBITDA improved by 61% to Rs 243 crore in Q2 FY23 from Rs 151 crore in Q2 FY22. EBITDA margin was 21% in Q2 FY23 as against 17% in Q2 FY22. The company's revenue share from the USA increased to 57.8% when compared to 53.8% YoY. Further, active pharmaceuticals ingredients (API), pharmaceutical formulation intermediates (PFI), and finished dosages contribute 29%, 20%, and 51% of revenue from operations, respectively. Free cash flow stood at Rs 124 crore for Q2 FY23 as compared to Rs 32 crore for Q2 FY22. ROCE for Q2 FY23 increased to 25% as compared to 21.8% YoY. Net debt for Q2 FY23 stood at Rs 554 crore as against Rs 613 crore in Q1 FY23. Net debt to EBITDA was at 0.61x in Q2 FY23. Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, chairman & managing director of Granules India, said, The current quarter result is a combination of our relentless focus for supply reliability and customer satisfaction and ability to respond and cater to higher demand with a short turnaround time. Opportunities in Paracetamol are likely to continue and our geography expansion strategy in Europe is likely to yield bigger turnover and EBITDA in future periods. Granules India is a vertically integrated fast growing Indian pharmaceutical company. It is present across the entire manufacturing value chain - from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), pharmaceutical formulation intermediates (PFIs), and finished dosages (FDs). The scrip fell 2.98% to currently trade at Rs 345.15 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after was elected the president, BSP chief on Thursday accused the 137-year-old party of remembering only in its bad times and making them "scapegoats". Kharge (80), a Dalit leader from Karnataka, trounced his 66-year-old rival Shashi Tharoor in a historic election held four days ago to become the first non-Gandhi to head the in 24 years. In a series of tweets, said, "The history of the is a witness that it has always neglected/disdained the messiah of the downtrodden Param Pujya Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and his society. This party does not remember the safety and honour of in its good days, but makes them a scapegoat in bad days." "The Congress party remembers mostly non- in the long run of good days and puts Dalits in front in their bad days as in the current times. Is this not deceit and pseudo People ask, 'Is this the real love of the Congress towards Dalits'?" she said in another tweet. Considered a loyalist of the Gandhis, Kharge will take over as the Congress president on October 26 as he seeks to steer the beleaguered party out of its current crisis. (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.) Congress central election authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry on Thursday accused Shashi Tharoor's team of having two faces -- one for the party's poll body and another for the media -- as he rejected allegations of irregularities during the just-concluded AICC presidential poll, according to sources. In his response to Team Tharoor's letter in which "extremely serious irregularities" were flagged in the conduct of the election in Uttar Pradesh, Mistry said the poll body satisfied the candidate on every complaint but despite that he raised all those points in the media before bringing them to "our notice". "I am sorry to say that you had one face before me which communicated that you're satisfied with all our answers and action and different face in the media which made all these allegations against us," Mistry said in his letter to Tharoor's chief election agent Salman Soz, according to sources. The campaign team of Tharoor, who lost the party's presidential polls to Mallikarjun Kharge, had written to Mistry a day before the counting of votes, flagging "extremely serious irregularities" in the conduct of the election in Uttar Pradesh. Besides demanding that all votes from Uttar Pradesh be deemed invalid, Tharoor's campaign team had also separately raised "serious issues" in the conduct of the election in Punjab and Telangana. In his letter to Mistry, Soz had said the facts are "damning" and the election process in Uttar Pradesh is "devoid of credibility and integrity". In his response to Team Tharoor, Mistry said, "You say in your letter that 'we kept quiet in the party's interest and we saw unjust and unfair treatment that prevented us from operating on a level playing field'. We satisfied you on every complaint you made to us and you agreed to all of them and expressed that you're satisfied, despite that you raised all those points in the media before bringing them to our notice." "You tried creating a mountain out of a mole by creating an impression that the entire exercise was unfair to your candidate," he said. To put the record the straight, Mistry said he must state that the party's poll body showed Tharoor's team the list of all the voters two days before the candidates filed their nomination. "Subsequently, we gave you the list of all the voters along with their telephone numbers. You alleged in the media that you did not receive phone numbers for 3,000 voters despite the fact that you and Mr. Kharge both received approximately 9,400 phone numbers which were available with us," Mistry said. "You alleged that we were putting '1' for voting because Mr. Kharge had '1' against his name as serial number which may indicate as if someone is suggesting to vote for serial number-1. We accommodated your request and changed it to tick-mark...and despite that you went to the media alleging that Central Election Authority was conspiring against you," he said. Mistry said that after receiving the complaint of Team Tharoor, he asked pradesh returning officer (PRO) Rameshwar Dudi and All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Pranav Jha to give him a report detailing the events of the day during the voting process in Uttar Pradesh. "Before embarking on the report of Mr. Dudi (PRO) and Mr Jha (AICC secretary), I must inform you that before beginning the counting, the said six ballot boxes were shown to your counting agent -- Mr Karti Chidambaram. Each ballot box contained approximately 210 votes. Of these six boxes, Mr Karti didn't find any fault in 4 of the boxes," Mistry said. "Of the remaining two, the seal did not have the number embossed on it. These boxes were opened in front of your election agent. Hence, the case you make pertains to only 400 votes out of 9,385 total polled votes," he said. In his letter, Mistry also gave a point-by-point rebuttal of the "irregularities" in Uttar Pradesh flagged by Tharoor's team including the use of unofficial seals for ballot boxes, presence of unofficial persons in polling booths, voting malpractice, no polling summary sheet, presence of AICC secretaries in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. To Team Tharoor's charge of voting malpractice, Mistry said barring an isolated complaint there was no other complaint or witness to any other such instance where a person had been stopped from exercising their voting rights as there were hundreds of voters present in around polling booth at any given time. "Therefore, this charge is imaginary and baseless," he said. On the presence of AICC secretaries, Mistry cited the observer report which stated that AICC secretaries may have been present around the Pradesh Congress Committee premises but they had been disallowed by returning officers from entering the polling booths. After Team Tharoor's letter dated October 18 came in public domain, Soz had said on Twitter, "In light of complaints from our UP team yesterday, we wrote to @INCIndia's CEA immediately, a standard practice. Subsequent discussions with the CEA have assured us of a fair inquiry." Tagging Soz's tweet, Tharoor had said, "It was unfortunate that a strictly internal letter to the CEA was leaked to the media. I hope this clarification by Salman Soz ends an unnecessary controversy. This election was meant to strengthen @INCIndia, not to divide it. Let's move on." Asked about the issue at the presser on Wednesday, Tharoor had said that the leak of that letter was unfortunate, "it is certainly not something we would have done, getting some very educated guesses where it came from". (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 451 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements worth Rs 1.53 lakh crore were signed during the or DefExpo 2022 at Gandhinagar, a senior official said. During the valedictory function of the 12th edition of DefExpo at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar informed the audience that it had broken previous records in terms of business generation. "This was the most outstanding ever. It saw the highest number of exhibitors, which is in addition to tens of thousands of business visitors. The extent of business this has generated has surpassed all the previous records," said Kumar. Defence Minister and Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat were among those present on the dais during the function. "In the last defence expo, which was held in 2020 in Lucknow, 201 MoUs were signed. I am happy to report that today, 451 MoUs and agreements were signed. It involves an estimated amount of Rs 1,53,000 crore," said Kumar. MoUs and agreements were signed between "industry and industry, industry and state governments and industry and central government," he said. The 12th edition of Defence Expo was the best to date and heralded an era of empowerment for the Indian defence sector, said Union minister Singh. "This is the beginning of self-reliance in the Indian . This expo has shown that the future belongs to India. This expo has also shown that India will become a global defence manufacturing hub," Singh 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.) Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Minister Ushasri Charan, and Anganwadi teachers with cell phones after distribution at a review meeting held at the camp office on Wednesday. By Arrangement VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has said the government is spending Rs 1,900 crore per month to provide healthy food to children against the earlier allocations of Rs 500 crore. AP should be number-one in the country in terms of sustainable development goals, he stressed. The CM launched the distribution of cellphones to Anganwadis and supervisors, total of 57,000, for comprehensive monitoring of nutrition and other services being provided to pregnant women, infants and children under age 6. During a review meeting on women and child welfare development on Wednesday, the chief minister asked officials to focus on achieving UNs SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) in the field of women and child welfare by providing nutritious food to lactating mothers and children and ensuring basic infrastructure at all Anganwadis. He said MARKFED will take up distribution of nutritious food to Anganwadis from December. The CM said it must be ensured that the eggs and milk supplied to Anganwadis are of high quality while maintaining quantity. Steps should be taken to run the curriculum in English medium to children from the very beginning through Foundation Schools and Satellite Foundation Schools established under the Nadu-Nedu programme. He said the government has been paying as much importance to women and child welfare as it pays to the education, health and agricultural sectors. Regular supervision and monitoring of Anganwadis would ensure their efficient running. Officials must make efforts to have governments own buildings while providing the best infrastructure to them by coordinating with the education department. He said the government is expecting excellent results in this area in two months time and called for arrangements in all Anganwadis to safely store food and maintain its quality. Welfare assistants in village secretariats, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers and village clinics should take the initiative to ensure proper Medicare and nutritious food are provided to the children in Anganwadis at the right time. Referring to the legal obstacles being faced by the government in the recruitment of supervisors for monitoring Anganwadis, the CM asked the department to complete the recruitments by December by overcoming the present problems. The monitoring should be done efficiently by supervisors by geo tagging and creating necessary Apps. The government would distribute nearly 57,000 mobile phones to the Anganwadis and supervisors, he said while launching the distribution programme. Women and child welfare Minister KV Ushasri Charan and higher officials were present. American software giant on Tuesday announced the 13 (Go edition) operating system for affordable smartphones with limited storage and memory. Introduced five years back, the Go edition operating system powers over 250 million monthly active devices, according to . 13 (Go edition) brings upgrades in three areas reliability, usability and customisation. Here are the details: Play System updates Software updates take a lot of space, which hinders the upgrade cycle for smartphones with limited storage and memory. With Android 13 (Go edition), Google is bringing Google Play System updates. It will allow the devices powered by Android 13 (Go edition) OS to receive major updates through Google Play Store. "The result is a phone that stays up to date over time and you dont have to wait for the next release or a software push from your phones manufacturer to have the latest and greatest," Google said in a blog post. Discover The Android 13 (Go edition) would bring Googles Discover feature. It would allow users to access a list of news articles based on preferences by swiping right from the home screen. Material You Android 13 (Go edition) will bring Material You design, enabling customisation options for personalised experience. Google says the material design will allow users to customise their phones colour scheme and the entire home screen. It offers four corresponding colour schemes to choose from, while changing the wallpaper. Besides, the update also brings key Android 13 features like notification permissions, app language preferences, and more to Android Go devices. From computational photography to Material Design interface, the Pixel series have Google's software prowess going for it since inception. The software giant has moved to its own chip and is catching up fast with the industrys best in terms of other pieces of smartphone hardware such as camera sensors and display. However, Googles software-related enhancements continue to define the Pixel experience. Take for example the newly launched Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The have AMOLED screens of adaptive refresh rate, multi-camera systems on the back, under-screen fingerprint sensors, aluminium enclosures, glossy glass back panels, and Android 13 operating system. The Pixel 7 series may seem ordinary Android on paper, but these are full of surprises in real life experience. In daily usage, Pixel exclusive features such as voice typing with Assistant go big in improving the user experience. The Assistant, besides enabling voice typing, suggests and searches for emojis using voice input to help make texting experience fun. Voice typing is available on other smartphones too, but Googles iteration is polished and works as intended. Lack of support for Hindi and other Indian regional languages, however, is a dampener. Another cool software feature is the transcribe voice messages, which shows transcription of voice messages so you can continue with the conversations in scenarios, such as meeting hours, where you cannot listen to voice messages. However, it is limited to Googles Messages app and use of this app is not prevalent in the country. Therefore, the feature is a novelty of limited benefit at present. Imaging has been the defining trait of the Pixel smartphones, and Pixel 7 series is no different. The Pixel 7 has a dual-camera system on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle sensor. On the front, there is a 10.8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor. The Pro model has a similar set-up, but carries an additional 48MP telephoto lens on the rear for optical zoom capabilities. Besides, the phones ultra-wide-angle sensor has autofocus, enabling close-up shots from up to 3cm distance. Details aside, the primary sensor of both the smartphones works well irrespective of lighting conditions. It takes detailed shots with natural colours and a wide dynamic range. Besides, the pixel-rich sensor creates natural shallow depth-of-field for DSLR-like output. The Pixel 7 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, but allows for digital zoom (up to 8x) powered by Googles computational photography. 2x zoom shots taken in good light conditions look good, but digital zoom limitations come to notice if you go beyond. The Pixel 7 Pro, with dedicated telephoto lens, does better and goes up to 10x zoom with no deterioration in quality at least in good light conditions. Coming to the ultra-wide-angle camera, the sensor in the Pixel 7 is good but has a narrow field-of-view (FoV) compared to other smartphones in the same segment. It lacks auto-focus, therefore, cannot be used for macro shots. The Pixel 7 Pro does not have these limitations. It has a wide FoV and supports autofocus for close-up shots. Besides regulars, both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro come loaded with exclusive camera features for differentiating imaging experience. has baked in the camera interface two new motion pre-sets named Long Exposure and Action Pan for artistic shots. Long Exposure adds a blur to moving subject in the scene, creating a smooth trail of the subject while keeping the background static. Action Pan is right opposite; it focuses on moving subject and adds blur to the background. Currently in beta, these work fine in good light conditions but struggle in low-light. As for videos, the Pixel 7 series is capable of recording 4K resolution videos at 60fps from all available camera sensors. Lifting the video experience in both the smartphones is the addition of 10-bit HDR videos available in up to 4K resolution at 30fps settings. Besides, there is cinematic mode, which seems work-in-progress in its current form -- limited to 1080p at 24fps and requires good lighting to work. Rounding up the package is the swift performance and modest on-battery time. Both the phones perform well with both regular and demanding tasks. Gaming is a mixed experience with performance throttle and rise in thermals noticeable after extended sessions, especially in graphics-intensive games such as Genshin Impact. Nevertheless, the overall experience on the Pixel 7 series is smooth. The interface is clean and there is no bloatware, except Googles own. Navigating the interface is snappy and transitions look smooth. Coming to the on-battery time, the phones keep going for about a day on mixed usage with screen set to adaptive refresh rate and always-on display enabled. Camera usage drains the battery faster, but other power-intensive tasks such as video and music streaming, photos editing, and games have no overpowering impact on the battery time. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro make a compelling buy for Android enthusiasts, but there are caveats. Both the smartphones come with 128GB on-board storage. There are no other storage variants available in India, and both the phones lack external storage options. That said, these otherwise stellar smartphones are set back by limited storage options. 7 series: Specifications Parameter Pixel 7 Pixel 7 Pro Display 6.3-inch AMOLED, 90Hz 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz Audio Stereo speakers Stereo speakers Chip Google Tenson G2 Google Tenson G2 OS Android 13 Android 13 RAM 8GB 12GB Storage 128GB 128GB Rear camera 50MP OIS + 12MP 50MP OIS + 12MP AF + 48MP OIS Front camera 10.8MP 10.8MP Battery 4355 mAh 5000 mAh Protection Gorilla Glass Victus and IP68 Gorilla Glass Victus and IP68 Price Rs 59,999 Rs 84,999 Verdict The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are among the best Android smartphones to experience Googles software prowess. These smartphones seem ordinary on paper, but Googles experience-oriented software-related enhancements put them a notch above other premium smartphones. Therefore, do not judge the Pixel 7 series on the specifications sheet alone. As the Indian government doubles down on modernising its infrastructure in the digital era, on Thursday said its multi-Cloud offerings, which are fresh out of the oven, can help the public sector and state governments move to the cloud faster and in an efficient manner. has two multi-Cloud offerings, one is the database service for Microsoft Azure and the other one is 'One MySQL' database service for Amazon Web Services (AWS), which have generated great traction among the private sector. According to Prasad Rai, Vice President of Global Strategic Clients Group at India, there is a great demand on the multi-Cloud offerings among the government stakeholders as well. "Multi-cloud makes a lot of sense for them as the governments and the public sector have invested in various different technologies. When they move those to the cloud, they will not have to go through the trouble of entirely rewriting it for the cloud. Their first move to the cloud will be in a multi-cloud environment," Rai told IANS. Oracle, which has had several public sector and state governments in as its customer for years, is now in a position to help them move their workloads in a much more efficient way with its multi-cloud solutions. Users can now migrate or build new applications on Azure and then connect to high-performance and high-availability managed Oracle Database services such as Autonomous Database running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). On the other hand, 'MySQL HeatWave' database service can help AWS users run transaction processing, analytics, and machine learning workloads in one service, without requiring time-consuming processes and duplication between separate databases. According to Rai, he sees great opportunities for multi-cloud adoption among the government sector. However, the initial uptake will be in the private sector, especially in the verticals like banking and telecom which is gearing up for 5G. "We have dedicated teams that address the demand in the Indian public sector. They are working closely with the central and state governments as there is a surge in demand for cloud offerings," he told IANS. The state governments want to make sure that they tick off all the right boxes in terms of data security as well as on meeting the necessary requirements and laws of the land. "Both our data centres In are certified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The government and the public sector companies have been our customers for many years. Our multi-Cloud offerings are a great opportunity for them to jumpstart their journey to the cloud," Rai emphasised. The MeitY-empanelled Oracle cloud regions, in Mumbai and Hyderabad, are currently running at full capacity. As a result, the company has doubled its cloud customer base in the country the past few years. Oracle's business saw a tremendous growth in the first quarter of FY23, with the Oracle Cloud Unit (OCI) clocking over 100 per cent growth (year-on-year) for the third year in a row. In India, the OCI is growing at 25 per cent quarter on quarter (QoQ) and the company has clocked double-digit growth across all lines of businesses, in some even triple digit. The company aims to be the preferred cloud provider for the Indian organisations, both in the private and public sectors. New Oracle customers are HDFC Life, Federal Bank, NSE, Cognizant, Manappuram Comptech and Consultants Limited, SBI, Polycab, Forbes Marshall Pvt Ltd and Tensor, etc. (Nishant Arora can be reached at nishant.a@ians.in) --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.) an uncontrolled hard landing on a snow-clad mountain base made for Char Dham Yatra. In this May 31st incident, the helicopter tried to land and bounced and then landed at the helipad of Kedarnath temple. Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation was quick to launch a probe. It also issued an operational advisory to all helicopter operators, demanding strict compliance with safety standards and warned of strict enforcement action against operators and personnel found responsible for such incidents. The regulator also said that a spot check would be conducted. It also said that all operators had to ensure that their pilots were sufficiently qualified. An audit followed. And three months later, in August, the DGCA imposed a fine of 5 lakh rupees each on five helicopter operators, which had been carrying tourists to Kedarnath Dham, for flight disturbances. It also suspended officials of two other operators for three months for violating safety rules. But just four months later, on this Tuesday, seven people lost their lives when a helicopter ferrying pilgrims from the Kedarnath temple crashed into a hill amid poor visibility. Pilot too was among the dead. Reports have it that the ill-fated helicopter hit the base of a hill due to poor visibility. The DGCA has launched an investigation into the incident. According to reports, the owner of the helicopter, Aryan Aviation, was previously fined by the regulator for violating norms after a hard-landing in May. Industry experts have told the media that Tuesday's and the fatal Pawan Hans accident near Bombay High in June have highlighted the gaps in standards. According to them, insufficient updates in training and familiarisation were evident in both accidents, which involved senior pilots who had shifted to flying a new aircraft type only a short period of time before the crash. The pilots involved in these accidents had relatively little experience on the machines that crashed. For example, the pilot in Tuesday's crash had reportedly been an offshore pilot for close to 15 years and mostly flown multi-engine aircraft. He had joined Aryan Aviation only in September, just a month before the crash, and began flying a single-engine helicopter. Against this backdrop, one industry expert told the media that the crucial question was what kind of recurrent training had the pilot been provided to make him proficient in hill-flying. Recurrent training refers to refresher courses that pilots must go through on a regular basis. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration of the US has specific regulations addressing the type, quantity, and frequency of recurrent training required for pilots and crewmembers. Data also points to an urgent need for a comprehensive training and standardisation review. According to a report published on Statista on civil helicopter accidents in India between financial years 2006 and 2019, while loss of control was the most common cause of accidents, most of them were not fatal. Instead, loss of visual reference caused the most fatal accidents. A total of 47 accidents occurred in the fourteen years, with 21 of them being fatal. Loss of visual reference is a situation in which the pilot has lost reference to the horizon or ground. Research by US aviation experts has found that it is either the pilot's decisions or lack of attention that is most commonly associated with such a condition occurring. Thus, they suggest that dealing with loss of visual reference needs to be a part of a pilot's ongoing training, instead of being limited only to the initial training phase. Pilot decisions that are likely to cause such a condition include continuing operations in adverse weather. The Indian civil helicopter market is nascent. In fact, reports last year had indicated that it might even be diminishing in size. Helicopter operations in India are well below its potential, even as their requirement has been rising in areas like tourism, mining, corporate travel and medical services. As of February last year, the total number of civil registered in India was around 250. Meanwhile, Brazil had around 1,250, Australia around 2,000, and the US more than 14,000. The government has been trying to remedy the situation. For example, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently revealed that the government was planning to establish helipads along new highways to allow immediate evacuations during emergencies. As such, it is important to find a comprehensive solution. For that, first we need to identify where the gaps in the system exist. Is it a problem of insufficient regulations? Or, is it more about proper enforcement? [Expert byte] So, are there any solutions at hand? Statutory requirements regarding instructor qualification and helicopter pilot training are also inadequate compared to their fixed-wing counterparts. This is an area calling for urgent attention. Kenya's total debt stood at $70.8 billion in June, equivalent to 67.8% of gross domestic product, according to the National Treasury. Photo: Bloomberg (Bloomberg) Kenya plans to ask China for a longer repayment period on $5 billion of loans it used to build a new railway line, Transport Secretary-designate Kipchumba Murkomen said. Servicing the Export-Import Bank of China loans, which mature in 15 to 20 years, is choking the economy, Murkomen told lawmakers Wednesday at a confirmation hearing in the capital, Nairobi. The TRS car symbol was placed at serial no. 2, but the party says there is a car look-alike symbol of a ship at serial no. 7 (DC Image) HYDERABAD: The TRS, which is complaining of "identical symbols on the Munugode bypoll EVMs, said three similar symbols appear alongside the car symbol on the first ballot unit. The TRS car symbol was placed at serial no. 2, but the party says there is a car look-alike symbol of a ship at serial no. 7, a chapati roller at serial no.12, and a television symbol at serial no. 13. Another car look-alike symbol of a camera was placed at serial no. 41, in the third EVM unit. The EC has rejected the TRS request to bar the symbols of camera, chapati roller, doli, road roller, soap dish, television, sewing machine, and ship and has assigned four of them to Independents. The High Court has also refused to intervene. TRS leaders have asked the party's rank and file to conduct a door-to-door voter awareness campaign and make them aware of where the party symbol lies. Following this, TRS cadres are visiting every house and distributing pamphlets on the location of the TRS symbol. Hyderabad: After a week-long stay in New Delhi, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao returned to Hyderabad on Wednesday following which ministers and TRS MLAs who have been campaigning in the poll-bound Munugode Assembly constituency since Dasara made a 'collective request' to him to stay in the constituency for a week until November 1 after Diwali. The request was made during Raos teleconference with party leaders to discuss the bypoll. The party leaders also wanted the CM to visit the constituency in a cavalcade of thousands of vehicles to demonstrate the party's strength. The CM is believed to have responded positively to their requests and promised to make a decision within a day or two. The TRS leaders reportedly pointed out that BJP state president Bandi Sanjay had visited Munugode constituency on Tuesday with a convoy of nearly 100 cars and conducted a road show in violation of the model code of conduct, but the Election Commission remained quiet. To counter this, the TRS leaders requested that the CM visit the constituency in a convoy of thousands of vehicles. When the Chief Minister visited the Munugode constituency for the first time to address a public meeting on August 20, he arrived in a cavalcade of over 4,000 cars from Pragathi Bhavan. This caused major traffic jams in the city as well as on the Nalgonda-Vijayawada highway. The CM used a helicopter to return. During the teleconference, the ministers and MLAs camping in Munugode reportedly told the CM that the TRS would win with a comfortable majority based on campaigning trends, and that the BJP and Congress would fight for second place. At Pragathi Bhavan, the CM held a meeting with Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and top police officials. The meeting was attended by DGP M. Mahendar Reddy, Hyderabad police commissioner C.V. Anand and Cyberabad police commissioner Stephen Raveendra. Official sources said the CM assessed the law and order situation in the city and the state in the wake of the bypoll. Senior officials of various departments also met CM and briefed the major developments over the past one week. HYDERABAD: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy castigated Telangana Rashtra Samithi calling it a party of hooligans who indulge in deviant and disgusting acts and stoop to low levels and do not even hesitate from building a grave for a person who is alive. Kishan Reddy slammed the TRS leaders and workers for a grave built in Munugode constituency with a picture of BJP national president JP Nadda prominently displayed at its head with a banner that asked why a fluoride mitigation research centre Nadda had promised was not set up. Speaking at a news conference, Kishan Reddy said even by TRS standards, which are very low to start with, this latest of its acts, is shameful, and was an exhibition of the depths of depravity the ruling party in Telangana could dive into. Kishan Reddy said Munugode voters will not tolerate such nast behaviour and teach the TRS a befitting lesson in the November 3 bypoll. How dare the TRS, and the Kalvakuntla family build a grave for our party president? It is only the Kalvakuntla family led TRS in the entire country that performs such acts and even performs last rites for a person who is alive, Kishan Reddy said. Even depraved actions have a limit and the Kalvakuntla family has crossed even these boundaries, Kishan Reddy said. If TRS feels insecure and finds comfort in such actions, it should know not to test out patience, and mistake our forbearing for helplessness. Such actions will result in severe consequences for the KCR family. Kishan Reddy warned. He said the BJP government at the Centre gave around Rs 800 crore to Telangana to further strengthen existing fluoride mitigation measures in 1,041 villages in two years - 2016 and 2017 under the national water quality sub-mission. He said Rs 700.23 crore was given under this sub-mission, while another Rs 94.98 crore was given for piped water supply and purification plants. British Prime Minister Liz Truss announces her resignation outside No. 10 Downing St. in London on Thursday Oct. 20, 2022 Henry Nicholls/Reuters Leadership election to be held, completed within a week, with Truss staying in post until then LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Liz Truss stepped down on Thursday, making her the shortest-serving premier in British history. Truss resignation follows a mini-budget produced by her government and based on her ideas that crashed the economy and sparked chaos in financial markets, resignations and sackings in her government, and the evaporation of discipline and unity within the ruling Conservative Party. A leadership election will be held and completed within a week, with Truss staying in post until then. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Truss said she was elected against the backdrop of soaring energy bills and with a mandate to change Britains low-growth economy. She said: We delivered on energy bills on cutting National Insurance and we set out a vision for a low tax high growth economy, that were taking advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. However, she continued: I recognize though that given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. Truss said he had spoken to King Charles III to notify him about her resignation as the Conservative Party leader. She added: This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady. We have agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our countrys economic stability and national security. I will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen. Truss has served as prime minister for six weeks. Karim El-Bar/AA Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra, in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh (PTI Photo) ANATAPUR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his opposition to sale of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). He assured that Congress will protect VSP from being sold off to private parties. On the third day of his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, the Congress MP had interactions with four different groups at the Mugati camp on Thursday. Steel plant activists were among them. Rahul reiterated that Congress wants to protect public sector companies as they fulfil social objectives, unlike the private sector. On the same lines, he maintained that his party is opposed to privatisation of LIC, which has been serving India well for many past decades. He regretted that high GST is being charged for insurance products, particularly for health. The Congress MP recalled Rajiv Gandhi's pioneering role in ensuring constitutional status to panchayatraj institutions across the country. Rahul Gandhi had darshan at the Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy Muth at Mantralayam on Thursday night. Pontiff Sri Subhudendra Theertha blessed Rahul and offered him prasadam. He also offered prayers to Goddess Manchalamma. The top Congress leader was accompanied by KPCC leader D.K. Shivakumar and former APCC chief N. Raghuveera Reddy. Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss addresses the media in Downing Street in London, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. Truss says she resigns as leader of UK Conservative Party. (Photo: AP) LONDON: Embattled British Prime Minister Liz Truss on Thursday announced her resignation after an open revolt against her leadership in the Conservative Party. "I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected, she said speaking outside Downing Street. Truss said she has told King Charles she is resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. She has been in office for just 45 days - the shortest tenure of any British prime minister. Why Disney thinks Turning Red should be considered Canadian? Speaking with the Canadian Senate committee in charge of the bill last month, Walt Disney Co. vp of global public policy David Fares asked that Parliament reconsider what makes a film or series Canadian, and that the country create a more flexible definition. Disneys argument is that some of its productions which were made in Canada, with a Canadian cast and crew, featuring narratives that take place in Canada, dont qualify under the current rules because Disney is based in the U.S. In one example, Fares used Pixars Turning Red to argue that because that film features a Canadian-set narrative, a Chinese-Canadian protagonist who lives in Toronto, a Canadian voice actress in Sandra Oh, and a Canadian director in Domee Shi, it should qualify as a Canadian film. Other examples of Canadian Disney content cited by Fares were Barkskins and the upcoming Washington Black. Fares also argued that Disney has a longstanding special relationship with Canada which has seen the company invest around $3 billion in the country across six recent features and 18 tv and streaming series, as well as a physical footprint in the form of ILM and Disney Animation studios in Vancouver. His argument is that it doesnt make sense that Disney shows, films, and specials with strong Canadian ties dont qualify as Canadian under the new bill, while shows produced outside of Canada and featuring non-Canadian narratives do qualify because the property rights belong to a Canadian company. Why others say Turning Red shouldnt be considered Canadian content? The Canadian Media Producers Association argues that the financial aid and tax breaks available to Canadian productions should benefit Canadian companies, regardless of narrative content or where a film is made, rather than letting that money flow out of Canada. Its great when a novel by a Canadian author becomes a hit tv series, said Canadian Media Producers Association CEO Reynolds Mastin in the Canadian paper The Globe and Mail. But if the tv rights to that series are owned by a U.S.-based company, and the profits flow out of Canada, that project shouldnt be defined as Canadian content. This is also a concern of Canadian politicians, like senator Paula Simons (Alberta), who told Fares during a Senate committee hearing in Ottawa on September 15: It is true that Disney is spending an extraordinary amount of money on production in Canada and employing thousands of Canadians. I think that is a terrific thing for our film industry and for Canadas international cultural profile. It is also true, however, that Disney insists on owning the intellectual property in large part, which means that Canadian independent producers and directors dont have as much chance to leverage the opportunities that your platform provides. During that same meeting, when senator Julie Miville-Dechene (Quebec) pressed Fares about whether Disney had ever shared any intellectual property rights with Canadian producers, the Disney executive was evasive and ultimately did not provide a single example when Disney had shared IP rights with a Canadian producer. Whats at stake? Fares hinted that it would be in the best interests of the Canadian government to reconsider their definitions, saying, We hope to invest further in Canada, and a flexible regulatory regime will allow us to maximize those future investments. To some that may sound like a threat, to others a bribe, but the truth is that if international companies can access financial incentives in Canada, theyll be more likely to invest there. But, if a Canadian filmmaker telling a Canadian story does so while working in a California studio with California-based artists, should they benefit from incentives designed to help the relatively less affluent Canadian media companies? And when the profits from that film go to the U.S. studio which produced it, how does Canada benefit? And if global studios and streamers cant benefit from incentives and rebates in Canada, might they look to other territories with looser guidelines for future productions? Fares comments seem to indicate that anything is possible. Oni: Thunder Gods Tale will hit Netflix this Friday, October 21, the same day that the series score will be made available to stream on Spotify. Ahead of the premieres, Cartoon Brew asked the creative trio to explain their unique and longstanding work relationship. Here are Tsutsumi, Roberts, and Johnston in their own words: A Unique Arrangement Tsutsumi: Matteo [Roberts] and Zach [Johnston] have always done the music for anything from Tonko House. The way we work together is unique. I consider these guys as a part of my story team and their music as a tool for storytelling. They use music to tell a story much the same way that a storyboard artist would use their drawings. I describe certain story moments or character emotions, and they have the difficult job of creating something with only that early theme or concept. The work they did for Oni was so essential to the story and to the animation performance. The characters motion is all guided by the music. Roberts: On Oni, we got involved during pre-production, on the pilot, and stayed involved pretty much right up to the greenlight and through production. We worked with lots of people at the studio, but from a purely creative perspective we always had a direct line to Dice. We didnt have any music supervisors or producers in the middle, it was pretty much just us. Johnston: We communicated directly with Dice every week, or every other week at least, for two years straight. Every time he had an update, he would come right to us. There were some weeks where wed talk every single day. Although we wrote the music, Dice deserves a lot of credit too. He was always down in the trenches with us when we were arranging something and he was able to push us beyond what we thought were capable of. It really feels like the three of us make the music together, even if Mateo and I are the composers. The Importance of In-Person Work Tsutsumi: Throughout production on Oni, partly because of the pandemic and partly because of geography, we worked remotely. However, we were able to share several important in-person sessions. The guys came up to Berkeley, California, from L.A. and stayed for several days. Working in the same space together, I could see them making the music and it was just magical. It was also no different than when Im writing or when the artists in the studio are storyboarding. The frustration and the stresses are the same. Plus its just not easy to make something good. But after some tough moments on this journey, Im so proud of what these guys came up with. Johnston: This was definitely the hardest thing weve ever done in our lives, but were so grateful for it. The Berkeley sessions are some of my favorite memories from production because we put in 1415-hour days of Oni nonstop, and what we ended up creating together was unbelievable. The time went by faster and faster and suddenly, we got to the end and were working on the final episode. We got through it in record time, partially because we had to since we had limited time together in person, but also because wed established the themes by that time and knew how the story worked. I love this process of filmmaking, and I wonder what it must be like for those who come in and just score something at the end. Communication Tsutsumi: Communication was really important for us, because I knew what I wanted musically but Im not a musician. I couldnt go to them and say, I think this note should be a B flat or anything like that. So, we had to develop a way to communicate that didnt use those technical instructions. Johnston: We communicated purely emotionally and talked about characters and their intentions. There was also always the question of point of view. Should the music reflect one characters point of view, or several? Or should it be the forests point of view? And how much does the audience know? We dont want to give too much away with the music. All three of us agreed that we dont like simple background music and we dont like music that only reinforces whats happening on screen. So, we never talked about anything technical, it was always emotional. Japanese Culture Roberts: We did a lot of research, watched a lot of tutorials on taiko drumming and did some catching up on Japanese scales. A lot of the direct references and info points were things that Zach and I had been fans of for a long time. And of course, Dice gave us guidance when we needed it. Then when we brought in the taiko musicians and flute players, they helped elevate it to the next level. But in terms of references and style, we didnt overcook it too much. We tried to keep it authentic to ourselves while being mindful of those Japanese influences. Our intuition got us pretty close to what we wanted most of the time, and then it was about finessing and fixing things from there. Johnston: In our initial conversations, we talked about incorporating elements of traditional Japanese music. With our first demos, we tried to make something literal, but Dice told us, No, no, make it yours but incorporate the spirit of the Japanese music. And that was a relief, because [doing it the other way] would be hard to do and strange in a lot of ways. Matteo and I have been fans of Japanese music for years, especially festival and traditional folk music. But being a fan and then incorporating that into the score in a meaningful and a sincere way was a huge process. There was a lot of trial and error, but once we landed on our main songs which continued to unfold throughout the process we developed our shared language together. Tsutsumi: We worked with some of the top taiko drummers in Japan. I was so nervous when we recorded because these guys were traditionally trained and must have had all sorts of rules. To play Matteo and Zachs score, I didnt know if that would be against the traditional rules or something like that. But when they got the music, the drummers told me, Oh my god, these guys know how to score taiko. Its great. A lot of Japanese people worked on this film too, including myself, and we all felt so nostalgic hearing the score of Oni. Thats the biggest compliment I can give these guys. They didnt grow up or live in Japan, so to be able to do that was pretty incredible. Advice For Beginners Johnston: Work with your friends. A lot of newcomers have their sights set on the stars, which is great. But with Dice we have an overlap and a chemistry in vision and aesthetic that goes back 10 years. There is an understanding that allows us to make art in a meaningful way. Working with people with whom you share a chemistry and allowing yourself to grow is the best way to create art collectively. A genuine friendship and connection will result in genuine art, and people will notice that. It doesnt matter if the film is small, but it matters that its important to you. Roberts: Its always evident when projects are thrown together formulaically or with a more commercial, monochromatic mindset. When you can make something organic, you have to take those opportunities because that kind of art stays in peoples hearts. I also feel like you can sharpen your skills more when working with someone you trust. You challenge each other more and can get the best from one another more than with a cold, business-like collaboration. Tsutsumi: I always give the same advice to people who want to become concept artists, because thats what I did before directing. People often focus too much on the technical side of things. Technique we finesse throughout our careers; that comes with just doing the work more. But whats important, whether youre a visual artist or a musician working in film and tv, you should study film as much as possible because the language, the way we communicate, is as filmmakers. I communicate the same way with them that I do with my story artists and visual development artists. At the end of the day were making a film together, so anyone who is getting into the industry should study film and become a filmmaker first. Peru's cement dispatches decline 1% in September ICR Newsroom By 20 October 2022 Cement dispatches in Peru slipped one per cent to 1.229Mt in September 2022 from 1.235Mt in September 2021, according to the countrys cement association, Asocem. Of this total, Asocem members supplied 1.17Mt. Cement production in September 2022 increased four per cent YoY to 1.19Mt from 1.145Mt in September 2021. Clinker production declined eight per cent YoY to 0.831Mt from 0.901Mt over the same period. Cement exports were down 16 per cent YoY to 14,000t from 17,000t in September 2021 while clinker exports more than halved to 34,000t from 70,000t. To meet domestic demand, Peru imported 5000t of cement, representing a 93 per cent YoY drop when compared with September 2021 when the country imported 72,000t. Of this total, 4.1Mt was imported from Chile while the remainder originated in Vietnam. Clinker imports were down 45 per cent YoY to 89,000t from 161,000t in September 2021. Japan imported 48,000t and Ecuador 41,000t. January-September 2022 Total cement dispatches in Peru in January-September 2022 edged up 2.4 per cent YoY to 10.132Mt from 9.895t in the 9M21. Of this total, Asocem members supplied 9.645Mt, up 7.5 per cent from 8.971Mt supplied in the 9M21. Total cement production increased 5.1 per cent YoY to 9.825Mt in the 9M22 when compared with 9.347Mt in the January-September 2021 period. Cement exports increased by 3.6 per cent YoY to 143,000t in the 9M22 from 138,000t while clinker exports saw a 32.1 per cent fall to 389,000t from 573,000t. Cement imports contracted by 69.1 per cent YoY to 212,000t from 686,000t in the 9M21. Clinker imports were down 41.7 per cent to 744,000t in the 9M22 from 1.276Mt in the year-ago period. Published under Report charts way to energy security, greener future China Daily) 09:03, October 20, 2022 Employees assemble photovoltaic panels at the site of a new energy project in Zhangye, Gansu province, in June. [Photo/China Daily] The active and prudent approach to climate actions that Xi Jinping has vowed China will pursue is suitable to the nation's conditions, with coal serving as the dominant fossil fuel reserve, experts said. Though coal may still be China's major source of energy in the short term, they said, the country's booming renewable energy sector has created strong momentum that will help it embrace a much greener future. They made the remarks after Xi delivered a pivotal report in Beijing on Sunday to the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The report emphasized that respecting, adapting to and protecting nature is essential for building China into a modern socialist country in all respects. Among the major points that Xi highlighted to promote harmony between humans and nature are accelerating the transition to a model of green development and working actively and prudently toward the country's climate targets. China aims to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Xi said China will implement a comprehensive conservation strategy, boost green and low-carbon industries, encourage green consumption and promote green and low-carbon ways of production and life. "Based on China's energy and resources endowment, we will advance initiatives to reach peak carbon emissions in a well-planned and phased way in line with the principle of building the new before discarding the old," Xi said. The country will use coal in a cleaner and more efficient way and speed up the planning and development of a system for new energy resources, he added. Lin Boqiang, head of Xiamen University's China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy, said that China's energy supply is generally secure as the nation forges ahead to meet its climate targets, despite factors arising from the important role that oil and natural gas imports play in its energy structure. "Compared with many other countries, China has a very secure energy supply system, mainly because of coal," he said. Coal constitutes 94 percent of the fossil fuel reserves in China. Roughly 70 percent of the oil supply in China is imported, according to government statistics, and the country also depends on imports for 40 percent of its natural gas. However, the country has continued to reduce the proportion of coal in its energy mix. The share of coal use in China's primary energy mix stood at 56 percent in 2021, compared with 68.5 percent in 2012, according to the National Energy Administration. The decreases occurred as the installed capacity for renewable energy grew persistently. For example, the combined installed capacity of wind and solar power across the country has reached 670 million kilowatts almost 90 times the 2012 level. China now leads the world in the generation capacity of hydropower, wind, solar and biomass energy. Wang Yi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institutes of Science and Development, said he expects to see the country take a more coordinated approach regarding energy security, climate action and development. Using coal in a more efficient and cleaner manner is among the first choices to ensure the country's energy security, on the premise of which the country can build a new energy system, he said. Wang Weiquan, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association, said that using coal in a cleaner and more efficient way is not only about enhancing the combustion efficiency of the fuel, but also making the entire procedure from coal mining onward more eco-friendly. In coal exploitation, for example, measures can be taken to promote comprehensive use of mine water and mash gas, increase coal recovery and beef up environmental and ecological remediation of mining areas, he said. He said coal can also be used as a raw material for natural gas, methane and hydrogen. Although it won't be easy to quickly move away from coal as a major energy source, there are positive signs that China can spearhead the global low-carbon transition. Erik Solheim, former executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said about 82 percent of all solar panels and 70 percent of batteries for electric vehicles were made in China last year. The nation now accounts for half of the global sales of electric cars, and 98 percent of the world's electric buses are running on roads in China, he added. "It was hard for China to compete in the old, 20th century polluting industries, but it's much easier for China to leapfrog into the future," he said. (Web editor: Du Mingming, Hongyu) Ibeto Cement reopening could provide jobs for Igbo people ICR Newsroom By 20 October 2022 While Dangote Cement's Obajana plant has caused alarm at the manner and violence of its sudden closure, the long-term closed plant of Ibeto Cement still holds the potential for thousands of jobs for the Igbo people in the southeast. Iyke Uzukwu, a Nnewi-based analyst, wants the federal government to reopen the cement plant to release these jobs. Mr Uzukwu has called on the leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo group, which represents the Igbo people, to add its voice to the issue of the Ibeto Cement factory. He said: If President Buhari could, without further delay, order the reopening of Ibeto Cement factory to begin operations, the impression that Igbo are being hated and marginalised will be erased." Mr Uzukwu further urged, Southeast industrialists should be helped to have access to industrial gas as an alternative to power supply for ease of manufacturing and functionality of the Nnewi industrial cluster, as well as other factories scattered across the southeast zone." Published under This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Despite a series of resolutions passed by the County Commission on Wednesday in support of embattled County Attorney Rheubin Taylor, County Mayor Weston Wamp said he remains off the county payroll and his county email is blocked. At an afternoon news conference, he said that county IT has the contents of attorney Taylor's county computer. County Mayor Wamp said he is having to fend against "the good ole boy" system. He said the County Commission does not understand that state law gives the county mayor the authority to appoint the county attorney - not the commission. County Mayor Wamp said, "The dizzying actions taken by the County Commission were not within what state law allows." He said he plans to hire his own attorney - countering the commission's pick of John Konvalinka - "a divorce attorney and strong advocate who was hired to give them the opinion they want." He said he would not deal with attorney Taylor or with three remaining attorneys in the office, saying, "It seems the entire office is conflicted." County Mayor Wamp said of the commission, "I was somewhat stunned by their vicious protection of the status quo." Concerning commission concern about employee job fears, he said the only other personnel change was the resignation of parks director Tom Lamb. He claimed that the Taylor office in the past had been used "for personal business," including case referrals from probate court. He also said the Taylor office had "shockingly destroyed a tremendous number of records." He said a county attorney is needed "who is aligned in spirit with what I'm trying to do." County Mayor Wamp said his office will eventually begin interviewing county attorney candidates. Prayer is at once one of the most intriguing and most intimidating parts of the Christian life. Were talking to a God we cannot see at least in the physical, visual sense. And we approach Him with mixtures of praise, petitions, pleas and perplexities. Sometimes we feel the need to pray but have no clue about how we should pray or what we should pray for. Preachers offer us prayer acronyms like ACTS Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication but were tempted to shortcut through the praising, confessing and thanking portions so we can get right to the asking part presenting our needs, concerns and desires. Within our family of faith, there are those who are called prayer warriors. They have a God-given passion for praying. Some of them designate literal prayer closets or war rooms where they engage in spiritual battle with prayer as their only weapon. The Kendrick brothers even produced a movie called War Room about one such valiant woman. These prayer warriors receive little acclaim and do not seek it but who knows the difference their faithful prayers have made within their families, churches, communities and even the nation? Its said that at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England, where renowned British preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon served for more than 30 years, in the basement there was a boiler room (with no boiler, only chairs) where hundreds of people would gather every Sunday morning to intercede for him as he preached. We sometimes hear folks speculating about whether we all have a guardian angel. Would that we each had a faithful prayer warrior to daily approach Gods throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) on our behalf. But theres another kind of praying person, one I would call the prayer worrier. Ive fit this description at times. Prayer worriers are those who tend to turn to God in prayer only as a last resort, after theyve exhausted all possibilities in trying to resolve their anxieties, concerns and worries. Then they dont even pretend to go through the first three steps of ACTS. They plunge straight into Supplication, opening their prayers with something like, God, its me again. Weve got some troubles here! This isnt to ridicule such individuals, partly because Ive been there. But the problem with prayer worrying is that we pray, presenting the dilemma to God, perhaps submitting a request as we entrust the matter to Him. Then, moments after our amen, we snatch back the concern and resume agonizing, trying to figure out how to solve it ourselves. We dont want to release the worrying part at least it makes us feel like were doing something. I havent met many genuine prayer warriors, so I dont know if sometimes they slip into prayer worrying. But worrying about something is about as effective as attempting to stop a raging river with the palm of our hand. Thats one reason were admonished in Philippians 4:6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We want to protest, Yeah, but what about? As one Bible scholar put it, when it says everything in the Greek, it meanseverything. No exclusions, no exceptions. Not the coronavirus, not the political scene, not when our children arent always making the best decisions. Everything. But how can we make the leap from prayer worrier to prayer warrior? Im hardly the expert, but I suspect a very short, simple Scripture verse can point us in the right direction. Writing to the ancient church in Thessalonica, the apostle Paul exhorted them, pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Or as another translation expresses it even more concisely, pray continually. If we strive to stay in continual contact with God like calling someone on the phone but never hanging up the stresses and befuddlements of life are far less likely to consume us. When a little problem or major crisis arises, our first reaction is to pray, not to panic. In introducing what we commonly know as the Lords prayer, Jesus said, And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him (Matthew 6:7-8). Do we truly believe that? Do we pray not to inform God of whats happening, but to approach Him in reverence and trust, believing that in His time and His way He will answer our prayers, often in ways we could never have imagined? I love His promise from Jeremiah 33:3, Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things that you do not know. Im all in favor of that arent you? * * * Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly published, Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. A weekly business meditation he edits, Monday Manna, is translated into more than 20 languages and sent via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for his blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net. Hamilton County Commissioners, thank you for enacting a new civil service umbrella for the county government employees. Your collective response to age discrimination and the hostile work environment created in the firing of county attorney Rheubin Taylor is pure brilliance. The civil service board will help protect county government employees from political firings and being cheated out of their career. A hostile work environment is unproductive; and therefore, it was incumbent upon the elected commissioners to act. The commission meeting was a display of leadership where viable solutions were presented creating civil service protections for employees. But wait, what about the constitutional offices and their employees? Are the constitutional offices also included? If someone knows, please share. I am thinking that only general government is covered by the new civil service umbrella. Hamilton County government has always sought to retain employee talent, and has historically instituted employee benefits that are earned through longevity in service and being vested in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System. Full retirement is attainable after 30 years of employment in the retirement system. A milestone is met after 20 years. The county benefits are structured to motivate and retain talent. The decision to retire from employment is a very personal and financial decision, and no one should be forced to retire due to age or terminated due to politics. While the newly elected Wamps are versed in political strategy and shiny new in positions usually occupied by people with more age and life experience, neither one has any experience managing people. The county mayors lack of management experience is painfully evident and on full display to Hamilton County employees. County Commissioners, please consider the political impact on employees that were formerly in the District Attorneys Office. A mass exodus of career employees occurred followed by political firings. It is a testament to what job fear and a hostility towards career employees looks like. Decades of professional service to Hamilton County was lost in one election cycle. District Attorney Wamp was recently quoted by the Times Free Press on Clint Coopers page, the District Attorneys office was in worse shape than she ever imagined. Could it be that a mass exodus of decades long career employees and firings impacted the operation of the district attorneys office? I have removed the former employees names out of respect for their privacy, as they are not politicians and were simply supporting their families through career. District Attorney Wamp Fired Employee 1, hired 10/1/2009 - 12 years, 11 months of service Employee 2, hired 6/5/2006 - 16 years, 3 months of service Employee 3, hired 12/1/09 - 12 years, 9 months Employee 4, hired 11/4/2002 - 19 years, 10 months Resigned After Wamp Won Primary Employee 5, hired 7/1/2018 -21 years of service Employee 6, hired 12/1/2007 - 14 years, 9 months of servcie Employee 7, hired 2/2/2013 - 9 years of service Employee 8, hired 7/25/2015 - 7 years of service Employee 9, hired 11/1/2018 - 4 years of service Employee 10, hired 1/17/1989 - 33 years of service The civil service umbrella should be extended to the constitutional offices of Hamilton County, if not already applicable to these offices. The exodus from the district attorneys office speaks volumes to the need of civil service protections for the constitutional offices. As Gerald Mason has written, lets all work across the aisle. Lets please recognize that firing career employees due to age, or political motives is simply wrong, and costs the taxpayers in lost institutional knowledge. Yall be blessed. April Eidson * * * I am not a county constitutional officer. I represent the 11th Judicial District of the State of Tennessee. I have, however, had experience with civil service. During my time at the Sheriffs Office I was heavily involved in the civil service process. The ability for law enforcement agencies to adopt civil service was created pursuant to the County Sheriffs Civil Service Law of 1974. It would seem that municipalities and airport authorities also have the ability to adopt civil service models. I will be very interested to see how and through what authority the county plans to implement civil service for county general government. Its disastrous, in my opinion. And cultivates laziness. Id be happy to discuss my experience with any commissioner who calls. Good luck to them. There was no mass exodus from my office. We had no more turnover than other districts with contested elections. But the turnover in employees did not create dysfunction. The dysfunction was created by a lack of leadership, transparency, presence, and direction. The dysfunction was created by the former district attorney and his wife ignoring state law. The dysfunction was created because on a daily basis no one knew if they were going to be fired. The chaos began when the employees were told in January of 2022 that they would be fired if they spoke to me. It continued when the employees had to line up against a wall and enter Neals office one by one to be questioned about who took a photo of his cleaned-out office in May. It was exacerbated by repeated pleas to employees for campaign contributions. The worst of the chaos was this summer was when the district attorney decided to stop doing his job and stop showing up at the office. It occurred when top assistant district attorneys could not get ahold of their boss because he changed his phone number. A records request with the Sheriffs Office could show how many days the district attorney showed up to his office this summer. I am very proud of my office. I am proud of the employees that decided to stay with me, and the 16 new employees that I have since hired. Were rebuilding. Some of my employees are still recovering from the chaos of the past. Were looking to the future. And as a steward of taxpayer dollars, I will always try to hire the best attorneys that I can find. If an attorney or a member of my support staff is not representing and serving this district well, I will make the difficult retention decisions. Thats called leadership. Our progress will continue and your desperate opinion pieces will continue. To each their own. Coty Wamp District Attorney General The community is invited to show its patriotic support of the U.S. military and first responders by lining LaFayette Road in Fort Oglethorpe on Nov. 5 for the 2nd Annual Honoring Those Who Serve parade. Building on last years success, parade organizers are looking to fill the parade route with flag waving and cheering fans. New for 2022, the parade has been selected by The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band from Fort Benning, Ga. to participate in. We are so excited that The MCoE Band has agreed to travel from Columbus to be in this years parade, says Council Lady Paula Stinnett. With all the requests they get each year we are honored that our parade was selected and we cant wait to show our patriotic spirit as proud Americans honoring our veterans and all those who serve. The parade is just one week before Veterans Day and will honor those who serve and have served in the military first. But like Honor Park, it will also honor all first responders who serve our community, from those who protect us and help us to many others, including teachers. Additionally, the Alhambra Highlanders Pipes and Drums Band, Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School Band and drum line will also perform and be joined by military, civic and community organizations, businesses, car clubs, scout troops and more. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. in the Big Lots parking lot on the corner of Highway 27 and Battlefield Parkway, formerly the Kmart plaza, in Fort Oglethorpe. The parade will travel south on LaFayette Road and end at Harker Road. All businesses, government (fire, police and more), schools, bands, ROTC, hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, churches, civic groups, artists, crafters, car buffs, everyone is invited to participate in the parade. To participate in the parade see guidelines and forms here. About The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band The Maneuver Center of Excellence Bands history dates back to 1916 when the band was first organized in El Paso, Texas, as the 34th Infantry Band, of the 34th Infantry Regiment. During its time with the 34th Infantry Regiment, the band earned campaign participation credit in World War 1 at Lorraine, France. The band served many years at Fort Benning, Ga., until it was deactivated in June 1940. In October of 1942, the band was reactivated at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and this time aligned with the 136th Infantry Regiment. The band was called on to support overseas efforts during wartime, before being deactivated again in December of 1946. After several re-organizations and re-designations, the band was finally activated once again at Fort Benning, Ga. in 1955 as the 283rd Army Band. In 2009, during Fort Bennings transformation with Fort Knox, the band was officially designated as the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band. For over 60 years, the musicians of the United States Maneuver Center of Excellence Band have taken great pride in entertaining the soldiers, families and civilians of the Fort Benning and Phenix City communities in Georgia. Through music, theyve shared the story of our nation and its soldiers worldwide. Currently the MCoE Band, with its eight performing groups accomplishes over 400 missions a year in support of the military and civilian communities in and around Fort Benning, Georgia. The band lives by the Maneuver Center of Excellence motto One Force, One Fight. Over the last 15 years, tnAchieves has recruited more than 85,000 volunteers across Tennessee to encourage high school seniors as they transition to college. This year alone, tnAchieves has over 7,000 committed volunteers who will work with our 62,000 anticipated TN Promise applicants.While these numbers are significant, tnAchieves still needs 2,000 volunteers before tomorrows deadline, officials said. Hamilton County still needs 60 mentors.Our philosophy is easy but critical.We believe every student should have the opportunity to earn a high-quality credential after high school, said tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. TN Promise is more than a scholarship. Its partners understand the importance of removing barriers and building a solid foundation. Our mentors are a pillar of this work. They believe in the power of community, technical and university education and their role is to share this with our students.tnAchieves is reimagining the mentor program in 2023 so that all mentors begin working with their students this November and meet their students in person at the students high school in December or January. tnAchieves mentors serve three critical roles for their students as a task-manager, resource and encourager.Registering is quick and easy. tnAchieves provides training for mentors, so no college expertise is needed. And it is only a 12-hour annual commitment this is one hour per month. The deadline to register as a mentor is this Friday. To learn more and join us, visit https://tnAchieves.org/mentors. Having received further clarity regarding the prior Hamilton County Commission, having the power to approve the four-year contract for Attorney Taylor, that has not yet expired, this indeed does change the issue of County Attorney Taylor remaining in his position. Normally, this power falls under the office of the mayor. However, if the County Commission does have the power to hire the county attorney, then the option to extend or renew that contract, would also be within the commissioners' power. What needs to be made clearer, is who has the right to hire, retain or fire the county attorney - be it the Hamilton County Commission, County Mayor Wamp, or both. County Attorney Taylor seemingly has the overwhelming support of the county commissioners, as well as community support. This speaks well of his service and confidence they have in him, as county attorney. Hopefully, this matter will be resolved swiftly. So that we can move forward in the governance of the people of Hamilton County. Welcome, staying in place, to County Attorney Taylor, and all the best to County Mayor Wamp. Now let us move forward. Dr. Jean Howard-Hill When it comes to educating a child, nearly everything is contingent on the quality of the teacher in the classroom. Teachers make a difference when it comes to the academic performance of students. As much as we talk about teachers, we do not really look at the tremendous human capital challenges and opportunities, right in front of us---until there is a problem. Right now, there is an enormous problem. The challenge is in finding educators willing to teach or remain in the field of public education. To keep it simple two paths are necessary: recruitment and retention. Retention is one of the most significant issues, and we must continue to focus efforts in that area. We have some ideas we will share with policymakers on that issue. When it comes to recruitment, state leaders tend to view solutions through a myopic lens. Becoming a teacher should not mean unnecessary work, institutional barriers, or bureaucratic constraints. The system must be simple to understand and navigate, from potential teachers through retirement. Also, it is worth noting Colleges of Education are also facing another issue: shifting American attitudes toward college. According to the Hechinger Report, the overall number of college students declined by 2.6 million (13%) from 2010-2020. We have looked at the Teacher Pipeline and the Grow Your Own Program. These are two solutions that help in addressing the dire need. We must also consider a New Teacher Corps program here in Tennessee. We should provide college loan forgiveness for an agreement to teach for a specific number of years. Conditions could be attached according to the specific needs of the state, or a local school district. However, these teachers must be prepared and given support to succeed in educating children. This is not a new idea. As part of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs, The United States Congress established a program called National Teacher Corps in the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the number of young people who choose to teach as a profession. The Democrat Leadership Council attempted to revive the program about 25 years ago by offering college loan forgiveness in exchange for a commitment to teaching in underperforming schools. It never really got off the ground and was absorbed by Teach for America with mixed results. It produced a revolving door of teachers who rarely stayed long enough to make a difference. Tennessee Representative and Education Chairman Mark White, along with State Representative Mike Sparks mentioned the possibility of once again examining this method on WGNS Radio in August 2022. It is time we revisit the idea. Chairman White is well-positioned to understand the need facing our state in finding quality educators to provide a high-quality education for every student. The federal government has also entered the fray with its TEACH Grant program, which has been hobbled with bureaucratic red tape and burdensome requirements. The goal is similar and assists K-12 educators in paying for their own education in exchange for teaching a high-need subject, like math or special education, for four years in a low-income community. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have worked to deliver much-needed improvements to the program. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said with the changes educators receive the support to which they are entitled from this important federal program without having to jump through unnecessary hoops. We need to tie this into the New Teaching Corps envisioned by White and Sparks, with state assistance in applying for these federal grants. Beginning with Tennessee Promise and moving toward either state or federal funding we could create a new pathway for potential educators. Our state can only address this daunting teacher shortage if policymakers at every level of government will support our public schools and stakeholders will support and engage in the ongoing work in our classrooms and colleges of education. The New Teacher Corps would be a nice addition to go with Grow Your Own. Grow Your Own could target those who come into teaching as a second career. We can remain highly selective in who gets into the teaching field yet allow our schools and districts the flexibility to build their training systems and work cultures unique to their settings. Paying for a college degree in return for a commitment to teaching is common sense. The public can see a tangible result from its investment. JC Bowman Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee Mayor Tim Kelly announces Mayors Open Office Hours are back."As my administration moves full steam ahead on the One Chattanooga plan, Im committed to continuously gathering community input to shape our initiatives and decisions," Mayor Kelly said. "Thats why on Oct. 27 my team and I will be clearing our schedules to devote time to listen to you about your concerns, priorities and vision for our great city. I invite you to join us by requesting an appointment at cha.city/openoffice."Heres how it works: All appointments will be held on Thursday, Oct.27, from 1-4:30 p.m. at the Family Justice Center, 5705 Uptain Road in Chattanooga. Appointments will be 20 minutes each to allow as many people as possible to participate. Each appointment will be a one-on-one meeting with a member of the mayors office staff, and they mayor will stop by each appointment briefly to meet every attendee. To request an appointment, complete the brief form at cha.city/openoffice and a staff member will follow up with you. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis."Our city is stronger when every voice is heard. Share your voice by registering today at cha.city/openoffice," Mayor Kelly said. Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed Oct. 16 22, as Tennessee Forest Products Week. He encourages residents to recognize and celebrate our forests and the renewable resources they provide as an important part of our state's history, economy, culture, and well-being. The Tennessee Department of Agricultures Division of Forestry (TDF) is celebrating with the Tennessee Forestry Association and their shared ForestryWorks program. To meet our mission to protect, conserve, and enhance all forest resources for all citizens we must work with forest landowners and forest industry stakeholders to encourage active forest management, State Forester David Arnold said. Actively managed forests are more productive, healthy, and resilient and provide the broadest scope of forest benefits. Diverse, competitive, and sustainable forest products markets provide the best incentive for landowners to manage their forests. Planned activities throughout the week include social media posts to raise awareness about Tennessees forest industry and a supply chain tour on Thursday, Oct. 20 with state lawmakers. The group will tour timber management sites in Chickasaw State Forest and visit Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill in Bolivar. 52% (13.9 million acres) of Tennessee is forested, providing raw material to the forest products industry, as well as recreational opportunities and vital ecosystem functions. Most of the states forests (83%) are privately stewarded by an estimated 335,000 landowners owning an average size of 44 acres. Oak-hickory is the dominate forest type covering nearly 10 million acres, making Tennessee one of the top hardwood lumber producing states in the nation. Active forest management provides a renewable resource to meet the global demand for forest products. Encouraging the use of sustainably-harvested wood products fosters growth of the forest products economy in our state. TDF offers forest landowners information to help them make informed decisions in pursuit of their forest management objectives. The forest products sector makes essential contributions to Tennessees overall economic prosperity, especially in rural communities, generating $21.7 billion in goods and services annually and employing more than 85,500 Tennesseans across the state. Tennessees average annual sawtimber removals on timberland are estimated at 1.3 billion board feet, 84.6 percent of which comes from family forest landowners. The Tennessee forest products industry needs workers to fill a variety of jobs. With ForestryWorks, TDF partnered with the Tennessee Forestry Association to provide K-12 and post-secondary programs to encourage students to consider a career in the industry. Learn more at www.forestryworks.com/ tennessee. Tennessee's working forests also play an essential role in providing a wide array of ecosystem services, including providing for clean air, clean water, wildlife habitat and biodiversity. TDF protects and promotes the responsible use of forest resources in Tennessee. Focus areas include assisting landowners with a variety of services, providing quality tree seedlings, supporting forest health programs, collecting forest inventory data, assisting forest industries, and fighting wildland fires. Visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/ forests for more information. The John Sevier Chapter of the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution on Wednesday recognized John McClellan, owner of Mikes Hole in the Wall, for his exemplary patriotism in the display of the Flag of the United States of America at his business. Mr. McClellan said the 50 foot flag pole with light display was the final touch to the Hole in the Wall that he and his late partner Mike Robb desired to have done. It was a challenge, but we wanted a display of patriotism and we did it." The presentation also came at a fitting time as Oct. 19 was the 241st anniversary of the British surrender at Yorktown. The SAR seeks to honor businesses and individuals who demonstrate their patriotism by the display of our nations Flag. Please contact the John Sevier Chapter at: https://johnsevierchapter.org/home for more information. Unemployment in Tennessee remained unchanged between August and September, according to data released Thursday by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The states seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September came in at 3.4% and is just 0.2 of a percentage point away from Tennessees all-time low rate of 3.2%. One year ago, unemployment across the state stood at 3.8%, which is 0.4 of a percentage point higher than the current rate. Tennessee employers created 13,700 new nonfarm jobs between August and September. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector had the largest number of new jobs, followed by the leisure and hospitality sector, and then the education and health services sector. In a year-to-year comparison, the number of nonfarm jobs across the state increased by 140,200. The leisure and hospitality sector created the most jobs while the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, and the education and health services sector came next on the list. Nationally, seasonally adjusted unemployment dropped in September. It was down 0.2 of a percentage point, coming in at 3.5% for the month. One year ago, the United States unemployment rate was 4.7%. The TDLWD has a complete analysis of Tennessees September 2022 unemployment data available here. Job seekers can find in person and online help when searching for a new job. TNWorkReady.com lists all of the resources TDLWD makes available to help Tennesseans find employment. There are also nearly 80 American Job Centers across the state and six mobile American Job Centers that take job seeker services right into our communities. Tennesseans looking for work can use this interactive map to locate the job center closest to them. The state of Tennessee will release Septembers county unemployment data on Thursday, October 27, at 1:30 p.m. CDT. Hamilton County Schools Future Ready Institutes signed an official five year partnership agreement with Coca-Cola Bottling United on Thursday, to support the Hixson High School Coca-Cola Institute of Business. Hixson High Schools Future Ready Institute has been operating since 2018. This partnership allows for an opportunity for a unique specialization of business perspectives and continued community collaboration for HCS. The institute will empower students through student engagement, linking career aspirations, and setting and meeting goals in small learning communities to foster success in the classroom and beyond. The partnership provides a multitude of support avenues for student growth and immersion in real-world possibilities, said officials. Today is an exciting beginning to our 10th branded partnership in our Future Ready Institutes, said Dr. Justin Roberston, HCS Superintendent. Having Coca-Cola as a local community partner on this branded institute offers a unique opportunity for our students to gain valuable resources, support, and collaboration from a local Chattanooga leader for over 100 years. We look forward to seeing how this partnership deepens not only our community connections but also our students success. HCS has 30 Future Ready Institute opportunities throughout the district, which foster student achievement through specialized instruction and tailored learning opportunities. These programs allow students to develop the skills necessary to succeed after graduation while working towards their high school diplomas. The districts continued community partnerships create avenues to provide students with skills that prepare them for future careers with these companies and more after graduation. Hixson High School already has a great institute, and its our privilege to say we want to help enhance that a little bit, said Darren Hodges, Coca-Cola Bottling United Tennessee Valley Division director. Were excited about this and look forward to seeing these students and other students in Hamilton County as they go on to have further careers inside our county. With the partnership of another community leader, HCS strives to ensure all students thrive and experience a future without limits. TL;DR: Keith Richards said flying saucers inspired one of The Rolling Stones songs. He said one of the flying saucers was near his home. The song in question was the B-side to a famous song. Flying saucers | Library of Congress / Contributor Keith Richards said a flying saucer was once spotted near his home. Subsequently, the incident helped inspire one of The Rolling Stones songs. In addition, Richards said the song was inspired by English eccentrics, one of whom was interested in the pyramids of Egypt. Keith Richards said spending time with a ufologist helped inspire 1 of The Rolling Stones songs The book Keith Richards on Keith Richards: Interviews & Encounters, includes an interview from 1971. In it, Richards was asked about the origin of The Rolling Stones 2000 Light Years from Home. We got into a lot of those English eccentrics, he recalled. People finding out all about these magnetic lines. We hung around a lot with [ufologist and far-right author] John Michell, wandered around England a few weekends, and he showed us obvious things. I mean, bloody obvious. Hes into the pyramids in Egypt, he continued. There are an awful lot of straight professors who are aiding in that thing. Michells incredible. I havent seen him for ages. Hes the sort you never see for years and then he pops up. RELATED: Keith Richards Said 1 Rolling Stones Song Sounded Like Vaudeville Music at 1st Keith Richards discussed 1 of the flying saucers that inspired the song Richards said eccentrics werent the only inspiration for 2000 Light Years from Home. And all those flying saucers kept appearing, he said. A whole rash of them in England. There was one right near my place that two cops had seen. We all rushed out to a village about fourteen miles from my place. Theyd seen it and chased it and lost it, he said. The whole story got lost and you never heard any more about it, but two cops around our way, man, were really spaced out. RELATED: Keith Richards Listened to 3 Songs From This Mick Jagger Album and Gave Up How The Rolling Stones 2000 Light Years from Home performed on the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom 2000 Light Years from Home was the B-side to Shes a Rainbow. 2000 Light Years from Home never charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The track appeared on the album Their Satanic Majesties Request. The album hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for 30 weeks. 2000 Light Years from Home was the B-side to Shes a Rainbow in the United Kingdom too. The Official Charts Company reports neither song charted there. On the other hand, Their Satanic Majesties Request peaked at No. 3 and spent 13 weeks on the chart. 2000 Light Years from Home wasnt a hit but it remains an interesting connection between The Rolling Stones and UFOs. RELATED: Marianne Faithfull Wanted All Royalties From a Song She Wrote With The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Keith Richards Digital simulations instead of trial and error: In the PaintVisco project, researchers at the IPA are modeling the development and processing of paints. The data for this is provided by a newly designed rheometer, which for the first time can be used to precisely measure the viscoelastic properties of paints during drying and curing - the model for the technology development was the bat's echolocation. How long does the coating remain flowable? How well does it level out unevenness? Under what conditions does the desired, mirror-smooth surface form? "Until now, painters have had to try out when a paint layer runs optimally in costly and time-consuming trial-and-error experiments," explains Dr. Fabian Seeler. In the PaintVisco project, he has now developed a simulation program that can be used to virtually determine the properties of coatings. Developing the computer model was a real challenge for the IPA researcher and his team, because paints are viscoelastic. This means that - depending on time and temperature - they change their properties: At first they behave more like liquids, later more like solids. The viscoelasticity, in turn, is crucial for predicting the flow, i.e. the ability of a coating to compensate for unevenness - this can be surface brush marks, but also pores, wave structures and edges under the coating layer. A new measuring technique provides the data To simulate this very complex behavior of coatings, a wealth of data is needed. The measuring instruments that are to provide this are called rotational rheometers. They determine the flowability of paints by causing a thin liquid paint sample to rotate or vibrate with a disk attached, and then measure what force is needed to deform it. "However, previous devices prevent the solvents from evaporating, so the results are of limited use to the coatings industry. In addition, such measurements always show only a small arbitrarily selected section of the material behavior, since measurements are often made with only a single vibration frequency," Seeler reports. For computational projections, however, one needs much more comprehensive information about the material behavior, for example the behavior of a paint sample at numerous frequencies. Together with his team, he developed a new measurement technique. Nature was the inspiration: "We copied the measuring principle from the bat," recalls the researcher. The bat uses short ultrasonic calls for orientation: each call contains low and high frequencies that flow into one another and are reflected by the environment. From the echo, the bat recognizes, for example, where obstacles or prey are located. By repeating the call, the bat can track how the distance to an obstacle changes over time or how the prey animal moves. Like the bat, the PaintVisco rheometer works with smoothly merging frequencies. However, it is not ultrasonic calls that are varied, but the frequencies at which the paint sample is deformed. By repeating the sequence of frequencies, the change in viscoelastic paint properties during setting can be recorded. This special signal form makes it possible to determine all the data needed for progression prediction within a very short time, Seeler emphasizes. With the new measuring technique, the researchers at the IPA can now also take into account solvent evaporation, which is so important for industry: In their rheometer, the paint layer is no longer deformed by a closed disk, but by a construction of several rings. The openings between the rings allow the solvent to evaporate. "Our measurements have shown that the multifrequency measurement technique can be used to determine the change in the viscoelastic properties of the paint layer over the entire coating process - from application to drying at room temperature to curing in an oven," Seeler reports. "With the help of this data, we can now not only understand the changes in the material properties of a paint layer that determine its course during curing, but also make digital course predictions and derive optimized paint properties - regardless of whether the paint surfaces were created with a brush or an atomizer." Simulations that save resources Developing and introducing a new paint takes several years and costs millions of dollars. In the future, PaintVisco simulations can help manufacturers optimize the performance of their paints at the development stage, bring new products to market faster, and provide them with additional information for users. Detailed information would help paint stores to save on expensive test runs and thus achieve optimum results more quickly - advantages that can be decisive for competition in times of rising gas or electricity prices and staff shortages. Awards Awards already underline how important the project results are for industry. Dr. Fabian Seeler supervised the student thesis of Nicolas Keinath. It was awarded the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences graduate prize donated by the coatings manufacturer Mankiewicz. Together with Dr. Oliver Tiedje, Seeler also received the Coatings Chemistry Award of the German Chemical Society. Applications are currently being accepted for the Cherokee Nations second Cherokee language immersion school. The Greasy Immersion School is located in Adair County south of Stilwell. If you asked anyone in the City of Oldsmar, they would tell you that J.C. La Verde is a giver who has dedicated his entire life to helping others. Now it is J.C.s turn that needs some help, and his family is humbly requesting any assistance from the community for him after J.C. was attacked by what he believes was a 12-foot alligator in Lake Thonotosassa on August 3. According to the GoFundMe post created for J.C.s medical fundraising, J.C. was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa to prepare for an upcoming event when he encountered the alligator. That thing was huge. That thing wasnt a little gator. It would be funny if it were a little gator, J.C. said in an interview with WFTS. Due to the attack, J.C. suffered significant injuries to his head and face. But fortunately, he was able to escape, made it to the land, and contacted Hillsborough County Emergency Services for help. He was rushed to Tampa General Hospital under Trauma Alert criteria, where he underwent a six-hour surgery to repair and reconstruct the damage to his skull and jaw, Kenney Ceron, the creator of J.C.s GoFundMe page, explained. After the emergency surgery, J.C. was transferred to the ICU to be closely monitored. Unfortunately, his jaw still needed another surgery as of August 10. He was also required to wear a helmet to protect the right side of his head. As his family and friends described, J.C. has always been a fighter with a great spirit. In just eight days at the hospital, he had recovered well to be discharged. GoFundMe; pictured above is J.C. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. A few weeks ago, a commentator identified what he believes to be the dominant mindset of our time. He calls it ark head, borrowing from the biblical account of Noah and the flood. Ark head, argues Venkatesh Rao, happens when we give up on solving our big global problems and look instead for an ark in which to ride out the storms of this age of anxiety. Rao points to the numbness with which most people see the snowballing global problems and crises were hurtling towards, whether the prospect of a nuclear World War III, another global pandemic, or a collapsing economy. He speculates that even news of an alien invasion would be greeted with a What can you do about it? sort of bored acceptance. This, he writes, is a coping mechanism for people in a new dark age. The point of an ark, after all, is to survive a cataclysmic flood while preserving as much of everything you care about as possible, Rao writes. For some in the tech sector, the ark could be cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, or the metaverse. Others seem to be scaling down to their narrow subcultures of work or interest or personal life. If you can retreat within it, and either tune out or delusionally recode the rest of reality, it works as an ark, Rao says. If flood geology is the view advocated by some creationist groups to explain phenomena such as the Grand Canyon, I suppose one could call Raos thesis a kind of flood psychology. His metaphor caught my attention because Im currently teaching through Genesis 111 (which includes the Noah narrative) in a Sunday seminar at my church. I stopped to wonder if his metaphor might actually get at something true about this moment and, if so, what the church can learn from it. Rao is no doubt right that we live in an extraordinarily anxious age. Hes also right that we live in a time when cynicism often manifests itself as self-protective numbness. At least some of this is due to the failure of big utopian problem-solving endeavors that havent worked. For many issuesoften some of the worst onesthe answers are indeed small-scale and local, in the little platoons of church, family, and community. Even so, I think Rao has missed the point of the Noahs Ark story, and maybe we Christians have too. The ark was not a coping mechanism. Noah didnt seek it out. As a matter of fact, the Book of Hebrews describes the construction of this boat as an act of faith by one who was warned by God concerning events as yet unseen (Heb. 11:7, ESV throughout). When Jesus compared the last days with the days of Noah, he was speaking not of how shocking and disruptive these days were but how calm and boring and everyday they were. The people of that age were not anxious, but instead were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away (Matt. 24:3739). The ark wasnt the coping mechanism; everyday life was. The apostle Peter wrote to a dispersed group of Christians in the first century who had been waiting for the return of Christ. Like Jesus, Peter warned that the biggest obstacle to being ready is the sense of everydayness. Scoffers will say, Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation (2 Pet. 3:4). This mundane stability can lead one to forget the suddenness of the flood that once submerged the land. The rainbow sign in the skies points to a covenant in which God pledged to never again destroy the earth by flood. Article continues below To those who believed themselves to be abandoned by Godsince the end had not yet come, the earth had not been purged with fire, and the new heavens and new earth were not yet herePeter wrote that what they were seeing was not Gods inattention but his patience, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). In some ways, whats needed from the church is a version of Raos ark mentality. We are to remember that just as through the ark eight persons, were brought safely through water, we are baptized into Christ. We have, in him, already passed through the greatest crisis of them allthe judgment of God. Thats why the Christian life starts with something as odd as passing under water. The apostle Paul taught us that our ancestors, the people of Israel, were baptized by passing unscathed through the same waters that overwhelmed the Egyptian armies (1 Cor. 10:12). They passed through the waters of the Jordan into the Land of Promise. And at the beginning of his own ministry, Jesus went to that same Jordan River to be baptized. Thats our story. To some degree, what the church does is point to the ark and warn, as the old song puts it, No more water, the fire next time. And yet, maybe too, we should see ourselves not just on the front end of the flood but on the back end of it too. When the waters subsided, the Bible says, Noah sent out some birds as scouts. The raven never returned. This was an ominous sign, since ravens are scavengers who feed off of whats dead. The wreckage was still all around. Then, though, he sent out a dove. At first the dove returned because she found no place to set her foot (Gen. 8:9). Also bad news. On the second flight, the dove returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf. It meant hope and a sign of life. Something was out there on the other side. Even better was when the dove didnt return at all. There was enough of a future out there that the bird could rest outside of the ark. It had found a home. When Jesus underwent baptism, his cousin John was scandalized. Johns baptism, after all, was for sinners and for vipers who needed to fear the wrath to come. John knew from as far back as his days in utero that Jesus did not fall into this category. And yet, Jesus identified himself with us sinners, just as he would when he underwent the baptism of fire on a Roman cross (Luke 12:4950). And, as he came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. Once again, a dove scouted out new creation, found life after judgment, and pointed toward home. When Jesus went away, he told us he hadnt abandoned us but rather sent that same Holy Spirit to remind us that in his Fathers house there are many rooms (John 14:118). The anxiety all around us is real. Sometimes it seems the entire world is having a nervous breakdown all at once. We see it perhaps most pointedly in the uptick of adolescents facing an unprecedented spike in mental health problems. Othersmany of their parents and grandparents and friends and neighborsfeel no anxiety at all but have given up hope for the future. For a world like that, our message should not be to find distractionstrivialities to numb ourselves from what seems like a terrifying world. Nor should we just get used to the way things are, content to feed off of what is dead. An ark head cannot survive in an anxiety-flooded world. The arks we build are no match for the waters we face. Theres life on the other side of the waters, though. Russell Moore is editor in chief of Christianity Today. [ This article is also available in Portugues. ] In the past month, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted more than a dozen pro-life protestors across the country for obstructing access to abortion clinics. Such prosecutions have been rare historically, with just a case or two annually for the past decade. But after the US Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade this summer, the DOJ announced a task force to pursue more enforcement against anyone obstructing access to abortion clinics. Many of those protestors facing charges are Christian. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act, prohibits obstruction of access to, threats toward, and destruction of clinic property. In these recent charges, protestors face up to 11 years in prison. Pro-life activists say the recent prosecutions seem politically motivated; some are now facing charges for incidents that date back more than a year. An October 5 indictment of 11 protestors in Tennessee was about an abortion clinic blockade in March 2021. One case filed October 14 against a pro-life protestor concerned an incident from two years ago, when a group of protestors allegedly tied themselves with ropes and chains inside a clinic, blocking access. Edward Mechmann, a former federal prosecutor who now is the director of public policy for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, told CT it was strange for the feds to go searching for old cases, especially for relatively minor crimes that would usually be dealt with by local prosecutors. Mechmann said he was surprised by the heavy hand in the blockade indictments. Though blockading a clinic is a violation of FACE, he thinks the DOJ could have pursued civil remedies without going straight to criminal prosecution. My suspicion is that a directive has gone out from main Justice [the DC office of the DOJ] to all the US attorneys offices to find FACE cases to bring, he said. Clearly, these cases are message prosecutions: Stay away from abortion clinics. After the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973, pro-life protestors began the tactic of lying down and blocking abortion clinic entrances. Demonstrators shifted to less aggressive tactics after the FACE Act was signed in 1994, following the shooting injury of late-term abortion provider George Tiller. In more recent years, pro-life demonstrations outside clinics have again been growing. In 2015, the National Abortion Federation tallied 22,000 protestors outside abortion clinics; that number rose to 99,000 over the next three years. The newer generation of protestors tend to focus on praying outside clinics instead of trying to block women from entering. One of the recently indicted protestors, Mark Houck, was a volunteer with 40 Days for Life, a Christian group that mobilizes pro-lifers to stand and pray outside of clinics. The organization requires its volunteers to sign a peace statement for protesting outside clinics, which reads in part, I will pursue only peaceful, prayerful and lawful solutions to the violence of abortion by supporting life from natural conception to natural death. If women engage volunteers in conversation, they will offer referrals to services to support them in their pregnancies. A year ago, Houck, a Catholic who leads a ministry for young men, was praying outside a Planned Parenthood in Philadelphia. According to the federal charges, he shoved a 72-year-old volunteer escort of abortion clinic patients to the ground, which resulted in bodily injury. Houck and 40 Days for Life dispute those charges. According to 40 Days for Life, the escort began to verbally abuse Houcks 12-year-old son. The organization said Houck and the abortion clinic volunteer got into an altercation, then local law enforcement was called and determined no charges should be made. At the end of September, a year after the incident, Houck said a large team of agents came to his house and arrested him at gunpoint in front of his children. The FBI has said it was a peaceful arrest, and that agents knocked on the door and asked him to come with them. The charges had been sealed until Houcks arrest, treating him as a flight risk. Some 40 Days for Life vigils are going on now. Jill Gadwood is currently leading one in Bethesda, Maryland, praying outside an abortion clinic belonging to LeRoy Carhart, who is famous for offering late-term abortions. The public sidewalk is far from the clinic entrance, so the volunteers dont usually interact with any women going to the clinic. I personally am not worried about it, said Gadwood, about facing charges. Pro-life activists have also raised concerns that federal law enforcement has pursued these obstruction cases while ignoring the recent incidents of firebombing and vandalism at Christian pregnancy centers in the wake of Dobbs. The legal fight around abortion clinic protesters has also intensified in the United Kingdom, where proposed legislation would ban even peaceful protestprayer, hymn-singing, and the sign of the cross. In response to the federal charges, Shawn Carney, the head of 40 Days for Life, put out a video on whether it was still safe to participate in 40 Days for Life. Weve never had an ordeal happen like this before, Carney said, calling it persecution by the FBI. We will continue to go out and peacefully pray. We cling to the cross, we cling to Jesus Christ, and we go out unintimidated, we go out peacefully, we go out lawfully. We pray to end abortion by offering his hope and his mercy. Nearly 70 percent of students walk away from their previously held faith during their college years. This number is high, and its alarming for parents and faith leaders alike. Recent Pinkston research indicates that over 50 percent of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship college students list loneliness or isolation as one of their greatest challenges. About half of those students said their mental and emotional health had suffered over the course of the pandemic. Only one in four pointed to church involvement as a positive experience in helping them stay grounded. This lack of community has left a generation feeling lost, and its no surprise that they still want to find hope and peace. Todays studentsknown as Gen Z or Zoomerswere born between 1999 and 2015 and are the first to enter college in a post-Christian world. Their formative years were shaped by mass shootings, tensions around inequality, economic challenges, shifting definitions of identity, and now a pandemic. Ultimately, Gen Z is searching for identity, purpose, and ways to make an impact. They are desperate for foundational truths in the midst of seeming chaos. Young people did not end up here in a vacuum, and its not too late for older generations to contribute to their success. What can we do then to ensure that a lonely generation finds community? How can we support them in a way that lays a firm faith foundation while also providing them with the tools needed for their unique contexts? When it comes to understanding Gen Z, our work begins by first laying aside common assumptions to make way for empathy and compassion, building a bridge for Gen Z to cross as they continue to search for an authentic faith that provides hope and peace. Overcoming the Great Divide Our culture is shifting, and we are not going back, says Lisa Liou, a regional director with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship who has been working in student ministry for more than 20 years and who is also the mother of Zoomers. Young people do not want to reinvest in something that has no future. What may look like apathy to some older generations is more likely a difference of priorities. Liou and others who work closely with college students assert that rather than trying to win culture over, work with Gen Z should focus on belonging. Liou has noticed that where her Gen X peers sought justice for the marginalized, her Gen Z kids want to live in the margins with the marginalized, far away from the majority groups they distrust. Young people are keenly aware that the previous path to success was only accessible to certain people, and they are committed to seeing justice delivered through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Success for Gen Z is tied to the empowerment of others who might not have the same opportunities. The spirit of their motivation applies to faith spaces as well. Gen Z hasnt given up on church; instead, they want to belong in authentic, transparent, and inclusive spaces. This is a generation asking important questions and holding the church accountable for its failure to live out unconditional love and grace. Listening and learning with empathy is the best way forward if we want to support Gen Z as they transition to adulthood. As we avoid passing on prescriptive paths and didactic lessons, we might see that their perspective closely mirrors the work of Jesus. Beauty and Justice Reaching Gen Z requires accepting that they are leading us in a new direction. Gen Z grows increasingly justice- and action-oriented. The most important issues for college students involved in InterVarsitys campus ministries are racial justice, climate change, and adoption and foster care. Their concerns are rooted in a desire to see these broken systems fixed. Embracing their passion is embracing a future that centers the gospel. Gen Z are beautiful students, says Kadrian Hinton, associate producer and project manager at InterVarsity. They show real empathy. They care deeply about justice and making sure everyone has space in community. They fight systems that challenge the dignity of people. This is the essence of the heart of Jesusa God who cares for us, fights for us, and creates beautiful things. Reframing our perspective on how Gen Z interacts with the world reveals that they are actually doing the hard work of living out a faith that looks more like Jesusone that prioritizes the community, follows marginalized and oppressed voices, and speaks truth to power. Bridging the Gap While it is difficult to know the best way to lead an entire generation to the answers they are seeking, over 70 percent of InterVarsity students said belonging to a campus ministry was the most helpful way to cultivate their faith. For more than 80 years, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship has been engaging and encouraging university students with these ministries. With 1,100 chapters on 770 campuses ranging from Ivy Leagues to community colleges, InterVarsity continues to be an accessible outlet for students to explore their faith. InterVarsity's basic foundations of prayer, Bible study, and evangelism are essential for this coming generation, says Liou. But I believe the way we are being called to pursue those basic foundations must be with a renewed humility and dependence on God. To the extent that these are empowered by God as gifts for ministry, they bring great hope and joy. Though culture within and outside the church is continually changing, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship knows that the desire for authentic, trustworthy connections is universal and not generation-specific. InterVarsity is rising to the challenge of sharing Jesus on college campuses and seeing Gen Z students transformed and then sent out as world changers. For more information about engaging with Gen Z effectively, visit their website. Missouri rule would withhold funding from libraries displaying 'inappropriate' content for children A new rule proposed by Missouri's Republican secretary of state would withhold state funding from libraries that don't enact policies to shield minors from inappropriate content. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft proposed the rule last week. It will be formally published in the state register on Nov. 15, allowing residents to submit a public comment within 30 days. Under the proposed administrative rule, libraries that receive state funding must certify in writing that they will implement policies to ensure appropriate book selections for children under 18. Libraries would also need to promise that state funds don't go toward purchasing sexually explicit material and that age-inappropriate content is not displayed in children's sections. In addition, libraries receiving state funds may not host or promote events that could be considered inappropriate for minors. The rule would also allow parents to determine which library materials their children could access, and each library would provide an outline online for parents to challenge specific book titles. "Yes, we want to make sure libraries have the resources and materials they need for their constituents, but we also want our children to be 'children' a little longer than a pervasive culture many often dictate," Ashcroft said in a Monday statement. "When state dollars are involved, we want to bring back local control and parental involvement in determining what children are exposed to," he added. "Foremost, we want to protect our children." The secretary of state's proposal has drawn pushback from some library directors and LGBT advocacy groups. Aaron Schekorra, who leads the LGBT group PFLAG Springfield, told The Springfield News-Leader that he fears the rule could be used to restrict books featuring LGBT characters and relationships even if there is no sexually explicit content in such books. "A lot of the times, this definition of sexual content or age-appropriate content is pretty broadly applied to just discussions or mentions of sexual orientation or gender identity," Schekorra said. "Because there's always been a constant effort to try and sexualize people's identities when it's not remotely about sexuality and sexual actions. It's about identities, it's about relationships and love." The proposal comes amid ongoing concerns from parents nationwide regarding the types of materials children are exposed to in libraries, including the content in books and Drag Queen Story Hour events held at libraries nationwide. Last month, the American Library Association released data that purportedly shows that efforts to ban or restrict book titles are rising. Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, the organization documented 681 attempts to ban or restrict library resources, aimed at 1,651 titles. More than 70% of the attempts sought to ban multiple titles. In a statement to The Associated Press, ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom Director Deborah Caldwell-Stone said that the subjects of many of the challenged book titles were LGBT issues and racism. Among the books criticized the most were Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer and Jonathan Evison's Lawn Boy, which critics contend contain graphic sexual content and promote pedophilia. Last year, one student's mother raised concerns about the sexually explicit material in the books during a Fairfax County Public School board meeting in Virginia. The mother, Stacy Langton, read aloud the sexual acts described in each book, arguing that the library containing such titles was not an oversight on the school's part. Another set of parents in Indiana voiced objections during a Carmel Clay School Board meeting last August. They oppose elementary and middle school libraries offering books with graphic sex scenes and titles that promote transgenderism. Last year, the Missouri state legislature sought to pass a bill to address parental concerns that would have restricted drag performers from reading to children in libraries. The bill, which failed to pass, was called the "Parental Oversight of Public Libraries Act." According to The Kansas City Star, the legislation proposed withholding state funding or fining libraries that refused to remove age-inappropriate content. "In some places St. Louis, Kansas City, and I think St. (Joseph) they've had these Drag Queen Story Hours, and that's something that I take objection to, and I think a lot of parents do," the bill's sponsor, Missouri House Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican, said. "That's where in a public space, our kids could be exposed to something that's age-inappropriate. That's what I'm trying to tackle." Over $136K raised for family of pastor killed when driver ran red light An online fundraiser aimed at helping the family of a Wisconsin pastor killed when a driver struck his car after running a red light has raised over $136,000 in donations. Pastor Aaron Strong of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee was killed last week while on his way to work when a man ran through a red light, reportedly because he was late for jury duty. Shortly after the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was launched to financially aid Strong's widow and two children. As of Thursday morning, $136,335 has been donated by over 1,100 different people. "What an incredible outpouring of Jesus' love we are experiencing here!" reads an update to the page posted Monday. "Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and putting your love into action." The webpage raised well over $100,000 in its first three days of existence. "Pastor Strong had a lasting impact on each of our lives, and now we can have an impact on the lives of Abbie, Hannah, and Elijah," church members wrote in the update. "Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, His mercy endures forever." The 40-year-old Strong was killed on Oct. 12, a few days after he preached a sermon at Grace Evangelical Lutheran titled "The Gift That Keeps on Giving," which focused on 2 Corinthians 9:10-15. Strong's church announced his death on Facebook that evening, asking people to keep his family in their prayers. "Like Job, the question 'Why?' troubles all of us regarding this tragedy. Like Job, we are reminded that our majestic God does not always provide an answer to that question. But what brings us everlasting comfort is that God's mercy shines as bright as his majesty," the church's Facebook post states. "It is that mercy of God that filled Pastor Strong's heart and that he so joyfully proclaimed throughout his ministry, including his seven years at Grace. As we process grief, we will cling to the cross of Jesus and the miracle of his empty tomb that assured Pastor Strong and assures us of life forever in perfect joy." Jose Silva, 22, was arrested for allegedly crashing into Strong's car. He was charged with second-degree reckless homicide. According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Silva was driving 74 miles per hour before colliding with Strong. Strong's funeral was held on Wednesday night at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. "Baptized by his own dad as a little tiny baby, and his whole life he knew, believed and trusted that Jesus had paid for all his sins and he was going to die and be in Heaven immediately upon death," the church's Lead Pastor James Huebner said during the service, according to Fox 6. SBC seminary passes resolution affirming pastoral roles should be limited to men A Southern Baptist Convention seminary passed a resolution affirming its president's stance that only men can be pastors, an indirect response to Rick Warren's Saddleback Church ordaining three women pastors last year. At their fall meeting last week, the trustees at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, unanimously approved a resolution encouraging the seminary's administration to continue theologically training both men and women, "but with men alone reserved for the office and function, and thereby title of pastor." "It is further resolved that this Board encourages The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary administration and faculty to continue its theological training with this stated conviction graduating both men and women for service to the church, but with men alone reserved for the office and function, and thereby title of pastor," stated the resolution, in part. The resolution commended the stance of SBTS President Albert Mohler, who helped craft the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, the official statement of faith for the SBC. Mohler took to his official Twitter to post his support on Tuesday for the trustees' resolution, saying he is "thankful" for their work. "Our @SBTS trustees made an important statement last week, passing a unanimous resolution defining pastor as both function and office and limited to men by Scripture as confessed by Southern Baptists in the Baptist Faith & Message," tweeted Mohler. In May 2021, Saddleback Church garnered controversy in SBC circles by ordaining three women Liz Puffer, Cynthia Petty and Katie Edwards despite the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 stating the "office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture." Mohler penned a column denouncing Saddleback's ordinations as "contrary to Scripture" and "an attempt to redefine and reformulate the convictional foundation of Southern Baptist faith and cooperative ministry." "The theological issues have not changed since the year 2000 when Southern Baptists spoke clearly and precisely in the Baptist Faith & Message. More importantly, the Holy Scriptures have not changed and cannot change," wrote Mohler at the time. Some within the SBC pushed for Saddleback to be disfellowshiped from the nation's largest Protestant denomination. However, the SBC Credentials Committee, which handles issues regarding whether member churches are abiding by the SBC standards, announced at the SBC Annual Meeting in June that it would delay a decision on Saddleback. Committee Chair Linda Cooper told the messengers at the annual meeting that "we have concluded that we are not yet prepared to make a recommendation regarding Saddleback Church, recognizing there are differing opinions regarding the intent of the office of pastor as stated in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000." "We feel it is very important for you to know that it is the unanimous opinion of the Credentials Committee that the majority of Southern Baptists hold to the belief that the function of lead pastor, elder, bishop or overseer is limited to men as qualified by Scripture," she added. "[However, we have] found little information evidencing convention beliefs regarding the use of the title of pastor, for staff positions with different responsibilities and authority than that of lead pastor role." The Credentials Committee initially recommended that the SBC messengers vote to create a study committee that would report at next year's annual meeting a "recommendation to provide clarity regarding the office of pastor." However, Mohler voiced opposition to the idea. "If we eventually have to form a study committee over every word of our confession of faith, then we are doomed and we are no longer a confessional people," Mohler said to applause from the crowd. The Credentials Committee rescinded its recommendation for a study committee. On July 29, Mohler joined New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President Chuck Kelley and Richard Land, the president of the SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission from 1988-2013, in issuing a statement clarifying the Southern Baptist understanding of the word "pastor." The three men were previously tasked with writing a study guide for the new 2000 Baptist Faith & Message Confession. "[I]t is important to understand that the word pastor was chosen precisely because of its clarity among Southern Baptists. The statement carefully affirms that both men and women are gifted for service in the church, but the role of pastor is biblically defined and is to be held only by men as qualified by Scripture," the men stressed in the statement. Supreme Court sets date for Christian web designer's same-sex wedding website case The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case of a Colorado web designer opposed to using her business to promote same-sex marriage in December. The highest court in the United States recently announced that justices will hear oral arguments in the case of 303 Creative LLC et al v. Aubrey Elenis, et al. on Monday, Dec. 5. The court agreed to hear the challenge to Colorado's discrimination law in February. The Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal nonprofit representing 303 Creative owner Lorie Smith, announced the date for oral arguments on Twitter Tuesday. "We're asking the Court to send a clear message to state & local governments: the #1A guarantee of #freespeech isn't just for people who share their views. It's for everyone," ADF tweeted. The nonprofit advocacy group has won several religious freedom cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including defending a Christian baker punished by Colorado for not baking a cake for a same-sex wedding. In 2016, Smith filed a pre-enforcement challenge to the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, arguing that the law would force her to provide services contradicting her belief that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. Through her company, Smith wanted to start offering services to build wedding websites but didn't want to be required to build websites for same-sex weddings due to a religious objection to gay marriage. In July 2021, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled against Smith in a 2-1 decision. The majority concluded that CADA was "a neutral law of general applicability, and that it is not unconstitutionally vague or overbroad." "Colorado has a compelling interest in protecting both the dignity interests of members of marginalized groups and their material interests in accessing the commercial marketplace," Circuit Judge Mary Beck Briscoe, a Clinton appointee, wrote for the majority. "When regulating commercial entities, like Appellants, public accommodations laws help ensure a free and open economy. Thus, although the commercial nature of Appellants' business does not diminish their speech interest, it does provide Colorado with a state interest absent when regulating noncommercial activity." Briscoe argued that "Colorado may prohibit speech that promotes unlawful activity, including unlawful discrimination" and rejected Smith's plan to post a statement on 303 Creative's website noting the business' refusal to create websites for same-sex weddings. ADF appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, which released an order in February agreeing to take up the First Amendment appeal. "The petition for a writ of certiorari is granted limited to the following question: Whether applying a public-accommodation law to compel an artist to speak or stay silent violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment," states the Supreme Court order. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of Colorado baker Jack Phillips, ruling that Colorado violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment by penalizing and being hostile to the Masterpiece Cakeshop owner for violating state discrimination law by refusing to bake a custom cake for a same-sex wedding. Phillips, who ADF also represented, argues that using his artistic abilities to make a custom cake carries a significant First Amendment speech component and implicates his sincere religious beliefs. Why Christians worldwide should support the protests in Iran On September 16, 2022, the Islamic Republics chastity police arrested Mahsa Amini for not wearing the mandatory dress code. Mahsa died in custody after being beaten; her death inspired millions of Iranians, including Iranian Christians, to rise up against the theocratic dictatorship and change the regime. Millions of people around the world responded with outrage against the brutal treatment of Iranian citizens. The Christians among them have a special burden because their brethren in Iran have been harshly oppressed since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the new regime, had a dim view of Christianity. Khomeini and his former student, the arch-conservative Ayatollah Mohammed Taqi Mesbah Yazdi, postulated that Jews and Christians deserved little protection because of their enmity toward Islam and their persistent efforts to distort Quran. According to Khomeinis novel reading of the Quran, every aspect of non-Muslims existence was not clean; he called to cleanse Islam and Iran of Judeo-Christian impurity. Khomeini and Mesbah-Yazdi formulated policies to persecute the Christians. For starters, Khomeini rejected the concept of universal human rights, which he described as the secular understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition. He found them incompatible with Islam's principles as articulated in his version of Islamic Human Rights and Obligations. Noteworthy, the document stated that Muslims have the right to kill their religious enemies, however broadly defined. The Islamist regime severely limited Christians functioning, ranging from certification of church property to condoning mob violence against churches and holy sites. Christians in Iran have limited rights to worship. Worship should be within the limits of Islamic law. For instance, there should be no alcohol for Holy Communion or no preaching in Farsi but only in the original language of the Church. Publishing, buying, selling, and even holding a copy of a Christian Bible is banned. Proselytizing is strictly forbidden and converting to Christianity is considered apostasy. Apostates could receive long-term prison and, in some cases, can face the death penalty. Christians are routinely arrested and undergo intensive and abusive interrogations. The notorious Islamic Revolutionary Courts charge them with vague security-related offenses such as crime against humanity, acting against the Islamic regime, or espionage. Many of the prominent evangelical Christian figures were executed. Booksellers who sold copies of the Bible in bookstores were arrested and given prison terms. Ayatollah Khamenei, the current supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, linked conversion and house churches to Zionists and other enemies of Islam. He told senior clerics in Qom that the enemies of Islam intend to weaken religion and promote and expand evangelical churches. Other high-rank Ayatollahs blamed Christianity for polluting the Islamic faith calling Christians najis, ritually unclean according to Islam. As I pointed out in the Invisible Jihad, persecution of Christians by the Islamic Republic is not limited to Iran. The regime, acting through its proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, has been responsible for a good share of the Christian suffering in the region. In Lebanon, Hezbollah created hybrid sovereignty that hit the Christians particularly hard. It limited Christians freedom of worship, imposed an Islamic lifestyle on them, and discriminated in the allocation of public resources, massively diverting state resources away from Christians to the Shiite population. In Iraq, Iran-backed Shiite militias have carried out numerous abductions, killings, and sexual assaults against Christians. The Shiite militia seized large areas of land belonging to Christians and burnt their farmland and shops. In Syria, the Shiite militias have carried out at least 75 attacks on places of worship, with at least nine instances of using a church as a military base. In Yemen, the Houthis were responsible for the persecution and expulsions of Christians. Before the civil war, Yemen was considered a hospitable environment for Christians. The Houthis' takeover of the country brought Christians to the precipice. It is not surprising then that the Christian community in Iran is supporting the anti-regime protests in the country. The Council of Iranian Churches, Hamgaam, the Article-18 Organization, and the Pars Theological Center recently published a statement and said they stand in solidarity with Iranian protesters. Similarly, a petition signed by more than 300 Iranian Christians called on the world to take necessary and practical action against the morally corrupt Islamic Republic. As the Iranian people are fighting to overthrow the ruthless theocracy, it is our moral responsibility to help them. As long as the Islamic Republic remains in power, Christians in the region will continue to suffer. We need to speak out because, as Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, the ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. Christian organizations in the United States should also act. For instance, they can lobby elected officials and call on the Biden Administration to refrain from making a nuclear deal with Iran.If the nuclear program is revived, most of the sanctions would be lifted, and the regime would receive billions of dollars from selling oil. The Islamic Republic would spend this money on supporting proxies, which means there would be more pressure on Christians. Chicago Priest Michael Pfleger placed on leave amid new sex abuse allegation Father Michael Pfleger, a Chicago-based Catholic priest known for his social and political activism, has been placed on leave from ministry amid new allegations of sex abuse. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago sent a letter last Saturday to the Faith Community of Saint Sabina, the congregation Pfleger serves as lead pastor, announcing "difficult news." "The Archdiocese of Chicago's Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review has received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against him. The abuse is alleged to have occurred more than 30 years ago," wrote Cupich. "In keeping with our child protection policies, Father Pfleger has been asked to step aside from ministry and live away from the parish while the allegation is investigated. He has agreed to cooperate fully with this request." In keeping with the archdiocese's policies, Cupich said the allegation was also reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and law enforcement. While Pfleger is on leave, Father Thulani Magwaza will be an administrator and tend to the parish needs after returning from a family visit in early November. Father David Jones will serve as temporary administrator for the time being. "The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who has been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward," wrote Cupich. Pfleger was previously accused of abuse in January 2021 by two brothers who alleged that the priest had abused them over 40 years ago. But following a five-month investigation, Pfleger was cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to the pulpit of Saint Sabina that June. "I worked to say I'm going to forgive, I'm going to let it go, I'm going pray for them and all the others who were taking delight in this," Pfleger told ABC 7 Chicago last year. "Never let temporary situations determine eternal thinking about you and your life." Pfleger also said that during the 2021 investigation, he felt "depressed," "abandoned," "lonely" and wondered "if life is worth living." Pfleger became a national figure in 2008 due to his support for the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama. He continued to garner attention for his political and social activism. In July 2021, weeks after returning to Saint Sabina, Pfleger's church held a gun buyback program focused on young adults and youth, allotting $25,000 to purchase firearms in hopes of getting guns off the streets. PCUSA launching 'Center for Repair of Historical Harms' to advance racial justice The Presbyterian Church (USA) plans to launch a new initiative called the Center for Repair of Historical Harms, which aims to advance historical justice for minority communities that the denomination has reportedly mistreated over the generations. The center, which remains under development, recently named its first director, the Rev. Anthony Jermaine Ross-Allam, who formerly served as associate pastor for social justice at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, Minnesota. Ross-Allam told Presbyterian News Service the center will be "an organized way to go about the business of repairing the harm that the PC(USA) has done to Indigenous peoples and to Afro-Americans and to other groups." Once in operation, the center will likely oversee webinars, group discussions, listening sessions with diverse groups to get their perspectives on what repairing harm can look like. "The church has played a distinct role in creating a political, economic, religious and social environment that gives people permission to participate in creating transgenerational harms," said Ross-Allam. "But it also has historically given people permission to wipe their hands of the damage that has been done to Indigenous communities and to Afro American families across generations, so the church must acknowledge those things so that the church can realize its own complicity in creating those problems and excusing people from walking away from those problems." The nascent center will fall under the umbrella of the PC(USA) Presbyterian Mission Agency, which sponsored a 2023-2024 Mission Work Plan at the 225th PC(USA) General Assembly in July that was approved by the denomination. According to the plan, the center will build off of earlier denominational efforts to combat structural racism, advance reconciliation and possibly champion reparations. "The Center for the Repair of Historical Harms will construct teams tasked with partnering with churches, mid councils, or other entities who are doing the work or interested in doing the work of repair," the plan reads. "The teams will listen and work with our partners to determine innovative and meaningful approaches to deal with repair that are already in place and other approaches that may need to be developed." Ross-Allam believes that "the church is perfectly placed in to begin to lead the culture into believing that repair is necessary and right and possible." "Our work is not to try to find a way to make people feel guilty so that out of their guilt and shame, they will engage all of a sudden in some feverish activity," he added. "I think that cycle ends when people say, 'It doesn't matter if I'm personally guilty or not, but my personal honor and my love for God and my love for humanity will not allow me to see others suffer from legacies that actually prop me up and give me a platform, so that my hard work amounts to something while others are always working at a deficit." At the same General Assembly gathering in July, PC(USA) delegates voted overwhelmingly to approve a resolution to explore the possibility of unifying the PMA with the Office of the General Assembly. Supporters of unifying the two agencies argued that it was a matter of financial necessity, while critics charged that it would hinder the PMA's social justice endeavors. According to a 2019 survey by the Barna Group, 16% of practicing Christians in the United States believed that the Church needs to repent for America's history of slavery and segregation. The Barna study found that 12% of practicing Christians in general and 19% of African-American Christians specifically believed that the Church must "pursue restitution." About 33% of white practicing Christians said they think there is "nothing the church should do" in response to the country's history of slavery, while 15% of African-American practicing Christians said the same. Thirty-three percent of black practicing Christians said the church needs to "repair the damage," while 24% of white practicing Christians and 28% of all practicing Christian respondents said the same. DOJ indicts atheist pro-life activist in connection with abortion clinic blockade The U.S. Department of Justice indicted a 10th pro-life activist in connection to a 2020 blockade of a Washington, D.C. abortion clinic as Republican lawmakers contend the agency may be misusing its power to target opponents of legal abortion. A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia indicted Herb Geraghty of Pennsylvania, an atheist who serves as the executive director of the nonpartisan pro-life organization Rehumanize International, for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act by participating in a blockade of an abortion clinic in the nation's capital on Oct. 22, 2020. Nine other pro-life activists were previously indicted in connection to the same event: Lauren Handy, 28, of Alexandria, Virginia; Joan Bell, 74, of Montague, New Jersey; Jonathan Darnel, 40, of Arlington, Virginia; William Goodman, 52, of Bronx, New York; Paulette Harlow, 73, of Kingston, Massachusetts; John Hinshaw, 67, of Levittown, New York; Heather Idoni, 61, of Linden, Michigan; Jean Marshall, 72, of Kingston, Massachusetts; and Jay Smith, 32, of Freeport, New York. The FACE Act subjects anyone who "intentionally injures, intimidates, or interferes with or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person" seeking to obtain or "provide reproductive health services" to federal charges. Geraghty and the nine other pro-life activists face up to 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $260,000 if convicted. The announcement of Geraghty's indictment restates the charges laid out in the previous indictment of the nine other defendants, specifically that they "engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services." According to the indictment, Geraghty and co-defendants traveled from out of state, "forcefully entered the clinic and set about blockading two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains and ropes." The document characterized their actions as violating the FACE Act by "using a physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere with the clinic's employees at a patient, because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services." "According to the superseding indictment, as part of the conspiracy, Geraghty communicated with Handy to plan the blockade. Handy made lodging arrangements for her co-conspirators from Michigan, New York, and Boston, and she obtained a monetary donation to pay for an Airbnb reservation for herself and Geraghty," the Justice Department's statement adds. The Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, another progressive pro-life advocacy group where Geraghty serves as a founding board member, claimed in a Twitter thread Friday that the 25-year-old's indictment "is part of the Biden administration's ongoing persecution of nonviolent anti-abortion activists and leaders." The group states that Geraghty is the first atheist to be charged with alleged FACE Act violations. "For nearly three decades since FACE was enacted in 1994, it has rarely been used to prosecute life advocates. Yet in 2022 alone, under the Biden/Garland DOJ, there have been at least 22 peaceful pro-life activists indicted under the act." PAAU contends that while the DOJ charged the defendants with conspiring to "deny civil rights," the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this year that abortion is not a constitutional right. While the indictment of the nine other pro-life activists came in March, before the U.S. Supreme Court's June decision reversing the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that declared abortion a constitutional right, Geraghty's indictment takes place nearly four months after the court made that determination. Geraghty's indictment is the latest example of actions taken by the DOJ and the FBI that have caused pro-life activists concern. The event pro-lifers cite as the most troubling is the Sept. 23 arrest of pro-life activist Mark Houck at his home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Houck is the founder of The King's Men, a ministry that seeks to "build up other men in the mold of leader, protector, and provider through education, formation, healing and action." As the DOJ laid out in a statement announcing Houck's arrest, court documents associated with Houck's indictment assert that Houck "twice assaulted a man because he was a volunteer reproductive health care clinic escort" at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Philadelphia, requiring him to receive medical attention. A fundraiser set up by the Houck family provides a different account of what happened outside the Philadelphia Planned Parenthood on Oct. 13, 2021. "Last year, Mark and his son were praying in front of the PP at 12th and Locust. When one of the escorts began harassing Mark's son they walked down the street away from the entrance to the building. The escort followed them, and when he continued yelling at Mark's son, Mark pushed him away." The fundraiser page also claims a team of FBI officers arrested Houck with guns drawn in front of his wife and seven young children. While the fundraiser page claims SWAT team "burst into" Houck's home, the FBI contends that no SWAT team was involved and that agents knocked on the door and presented a warrant for his arrest. Houck's arrest sparked outrage from lawmakers on Capitol Hill and pro-life activist groups. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, PAAU President Terrisa Bukovinac indicated that Houck's arrest motivated her to lead a protest at DOJ headquarters earlier this month, calling for the resignation of Attorney General Merrick Garland. Two days before news of Geraghty's indictment broke, a group of 40 members of Congress sent a letter to the FBI asking for statistics about the law enforcement agency's interpretation of the FACE Act. In the letter, lawmakers suggested that the FBI was engaged in "abuses of federal power against pro-life Americans based solely on their beliefs," citing Houck's arrest as an example of this phenomenon. Earlier this month, 11 pro-life activists were charged in connection to an abortion clinic blockade in Tennessee. Billy Graham chaplains minister to Raleigh community after mass shooting kills 5 Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, to help minister to people affected by the mass shooting that took five lives last week. The response team, which serves as the chaplain ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, sent chaplains trained in crisis response after a teenager shot two people in a middle-class Raleigh neighborhood last Thursday before murdering three more and wounding two others on a walking trail. A 15-year-old suspect was arrested soon after the shooting began. The chaplains oversee a mobile ministry center at the Hedingham Community Pool to pray and speak with locals, according to a statement released by BGEA on Friday. What an incredibly terrifying situation. My heart is heavy to hear about this tragic mass shooting, said Josh Holland, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. [Our chaplains were deployed] to comfort people, listen and cry with them, pray with them, and share Gods love with those who have been impacted by this horrific tragedy. The victims were identified as Nicole Connors, 52; Mary Marshall, 34; married mother of three Susan Karnatz, 49; Raleigh police officer Gabriel Torress, 29; and Knightdale High School student James Thompson, 16. Thirty-three-year-old Raleigh police senior officer Casey Clark and 59-year-old Marcille Gardner were injured in the shooting, with the latter being in critical condition. Churches in the Raleigh area also gathered for services and vigils on Sunday to help people find hope amid the tragedy. I believe theres comfort both ways, Pastor Tim Rabon of Beacon Baptist Church told the Goldsboro-based outlet WNCN. No. 1, theres comfort vertically, from God himself, and then God puts us in community, and thats really what church is. In the Hedingham neighborhood where the shooting started, residents erected a temporary memorial to the victims, which includes five crosses and a photo of each person killed by the shooter. To the Raleigh community, we are grateful for the immediate 911 calls and continuous updates and patience, stated Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson last Friday. We also want to salute the valiant efforts of a broad coalition of public safety partners who assisted in our investigation yesterday. The 15-year-old suspect, whom authorities have kept unnamed, was arrested hours after the shooting and later rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The motive for the shooting remains unknown. Prosecutors have indicated that they may attempt to try the suspect as an adult. Jennifer Metallo, a BGEA chaplain coordinator, told WNCN that more than anything else, her team was on the ground at the neighborhood memorial to offer listening ears. If we can get it out of their heart and out of their mouth, then they can get it out of their mind, and then that can help them start healing, Metallo said. According to The News & Observer, First Alliance Church in Raleigh held a vigil outside its building on Sunday. We just want to care for our neighbors, Pastor Dan Rothra said. I dont have a big agenda except to just let our neighbors be loved. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team often deploys to sites of tragedy, whether they are natural disasters or acts of violence. Earlier this year, BGEA sent chaplains the day after a shootout killed two police officers and injured five others in Allen, Kentucky. Louisiana minister admits to defrauding churchgoers, school of nearly $900K A prominent Baptist minister in Louisiana has pled guilty in federal court to defrauding his church, a school and others of approximately $889,000. He could be sentenced to as much as a decade in prison. The Rev. Charles Southall III, the 64-year-old pastor of the First Emanuel Baptist Church in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, pled guilty to one count of money laundering on Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey of the Eastern District of Louisiana. According to a U.S. Department of Justice announcement, Southall "defrauded FEBC and some of its members in several ways." The pastor is accused of using donations and tithes for personal expenses, diverting around $150,000 of income from the rental of properties owned by his church and its affiliated housing ministries for personal use and diverting funds from a financial account for the Spirit of Excellence Academy to his personal use. "In total, SOUTHALL improperly caused approximately $537,805.51 of profit from the sale of FEBC-owned real properties located on Amelia Street, Fourth Street, and Baronne Street to be diverted to SOUTHALL'S personal benefit improperly and without authorization," the DOJ statement reads. "In total, between about September 2013 and September 2017, SOUTHALL improperly caused approximately $85,351.97 of the funds paid to Person A by Spirit of Excellence Academy to be diverted to SOUTHALL'S personal benefit and use." Southall and others created the Spirit of Excellence Academy to offer a charter school in New Orleans and received grant funding to launch a similar school in Baton Rouge in 2013. However, the Baton Rouge school never opened. Under state law, charter school board members are prohibited from receiving compensation for providing services to the school other than reimbursements of expenses. When combining all of his alleged indiscretions, the Justice Department estimates that Southall "obtained approximately $889,565.86 through his fraudulent schemes." As part of his plea, Southall agreed to pay restitution, including $85,351.97 to Spirit of Excellence Academy "or its designee," $687,805.51 to FEBC, $10,000 to one unnamed victim and another $106,408.38 to a second unnamed victim. Sentencing for Southall is scheduled to take place on Jan. 17, 2023. The pastor faces the possibility of up to 10 years in prison, as much as three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Southall addressed his legal situation in a video posted to his Facebook account on Tuesday evening. He disputed some of the reporting on his plea agreement. "It was not money laundering, at all," Southall insisted. "It was something that went against the banking laws that I plead to. Because they said it was illegal for me to move money from an account that I have to an account that I have." "That plea was basically all that I had to go forth with the judge. The judge accepted it, and it was called a plea deal simply because they had a whole lot of other stuff that went away, simply because a lot of it was untrue." Southall said it was a "very difficult day for my family, my friends, my loved ones and my church," adding that "according to the law, I made some missteps." He said he is "remorseful" for those errors. "But I accepted the responsibility that they said when I moved the money from an account that I have to an account that I have that it was wrong," he continued. "I did not think it was, but it went against federal banking laws." "I am sorry for whatever I may have done that caused me to be in this position." Southall asked viewers to keep his family and congregation in their prayers. "God's got this, and when God has it, we need to keep our hands off of it," he said. In September, Southall was charged with one count of money laundering, which alleged that the pastor improperly transferred $100,000 to a personal investment account in March 2020. According to the bill of information regarding the money laundering count, Southall is to forfeit a 2017 Mercedes Benz and around $100,000 in "proceeds contained in JP Morgan investment" held in his name. Are you a prisoner or a priest? Everyone falls into one of two categories. You are either a prisoner or a priest. Please allow me to explain. The Apostle Paul wrote, The Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin (Galatians 3:22). All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away (Romans 3:10-12). Prisoners of sin are unable to free themselves from its tenacious grip. You need someone much stronger than yourself to set you free. This is exactly what Jesus does for those who are converted through faith in Christ. Believers in Jesus have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:18). What exactly does this mean? Well, for one thing, it means that you are now free to choose good over evil. Prior to conversion, you were in bondage to sin. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. (Romans 6:20). At that point, you lacked any spiritual power to resist evil thoughts and sinful behavior. When God saved your soul through repentance and faith in Christ, you underwent a spiritual circumcision. In Christ you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ (Colossians 2:11). This cutting away of the sinful nature freed you from its corrupt control over your life. You are now free to say No to temptation. You have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 9:14) and liberated to live a new life. Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Romans 6:22). The grace of God teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions. (Titus 2:12). Unconverted people remain prisoners of sin. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God (Romans 8:8). Paul then added: You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you (Romans 8:9). Did you catch that critical point? The Holy Spirit lives within everyone who has been saved, redeemed, justified, born again and forgiven. If the Spirit of God lives within you, then you have been converted. And if the Holy Spirit does not live within you, then you remain unconverted and bound by sin. Are you a prisoner or a priest? Are you controlled by sinful nature, or have you been redeemed by the blood of Jesus through faith in Christs sacrifice on the cross? The New Testament uses the words priesthood and priests to describe everyone who is in Gods family through faith in Jesus Christ. You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. (1 Peter 2:9). To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father (Revelation 1:5-6). In the Old Testament tabernacle, only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood (Hebrews 9:7). Believers in Jesus have been given the privilege to approach God directly. We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). Direct access to God is granted the moment you are converted through repentance and faith in Jesus. Followers of Christ trust Jesus to wash away their sins and have been freed from sin (Romans 6:7). You are now free to say No to those desires and temptations that controlled you in the life you once lived (Colossians 3:7). Christians have their minds set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5). Believers want to obey the Lord. Paul wrote, In my inner being I delight in Gods Law (Romans 7:22). In other words, Paul wanted all of his thoughts and actions to please the Lord. And yet like all Christians, he still found himself falling short of the mark. (Romans 7:14-20) Jesus is the only sinless One. The old nature (sinful nature) remains a slave to the law of sin, (Romans 7:25) but the real you as a Christian is who you want to be as a follower of Christ. The real you has been liberated to serve the Lord. "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness" (Romans 6:18). The Holy Spirit works repentance in the heart and enables people to pray in faith: Wash me, Jesus, with your precious blood. Those in God's royal priesthood have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus! There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Are you saved or lost, converted or unconverted, believer or unbeliever? If you are still lost in sin and unbelief, now is the time to turn to the Lord as you confess your sins to God and trust Jesus to free you from your chains. If you refuse to repent of your sins in this holy moment and decline Christs offer of forgiveness, your heart will become even harder toward God. Therefore, I strongly urge you my friend to choose wisely. Jesus will gladly welcome you into His arms today. After all, He humbled himself (Philippians 2:5-8) and chose to suffer the agony of crucifixion and death on a cross in order to pay for our sins. How will you respond to Christs sacrificial death on your behalf? Will you turn to the Lord and receive Christ by faith? (John 1:12) It is the only way to be set free from the overwhelming power of your sinful nature, and the eternal penalty of sin. So are you a prisoner, or a priest? 4 myths Jon Stewart perpetuated about radical gender theory In an Oct. 7 episode of The Problem with Jon Stewart podcast, The War Over Gender, the comedian and political commentator discussed sex and gender. The episode created a lot of buzz. Leftists praised it for supposedly debunking what they called hateful lies and said it was a breath of fresh air. But a closer look shows the show started out with significant bias that perpetuated at least four myths and false notions that are harmful to the debate and to children in particular. Myth #1: Sex and gender are complicated It didnt help that Stewart went into the podcast determined to highlight the complexities of sex, gender, and gender transitioning. Stewarts own promotional tweet said the episode was dedicated to him break[ing] down the gender binary and gender spectrum. So, he didnt go into this with skepticism, but with a pro-transgender bias. The former host of cables The Daily Show immediately mocked conservatives for asking the question What is a woman? first raised during the Senate confirmation hearings in March for now-Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. He claimed the simplicity of the question was old-fashioned and the answer far more nuanced than it appeared on its face. We are in a new dawn of gender and sex complexity, where those who dont fit into a simple binary are meant to be seen with humanity, Stewart said. The problem with gender and sex? It turns out none of this is simple. Reality: The number of people who are intersex, who have both male and female genitalia, make up less than one-half of 1% of the population. The debate over sex and gender is not about this tiny percentage of people. To suggest otherwise is disingenuous. The debate over sex and gender is quite simple. Its over whether or not a person can have gender dysphoria to the degree that the optimal cure is to adopt social changes, followed by sex-change surgery to assuage it. The facts are that 99.9% of men and women are born with specific genitalia that designate which sex they are, and most tend to adopt mannerisms and clothing that align with that gender. This entire debate is over the remaining minuscule percentage who think gender is fluid, contradicting centuries of science and tradition. Myth #2: Bills against transgenderism are hateful Stewart repeatedly emphasized that dozens of states have introduced legislation that protects girls and women from the privacy and safety concerns associated with being forced to share otherwise sex-segregated spaces with biological males. Instead of recognizing why there have been so many state bills like this, many of which have been enacted into law, Stewart immediately adopted the Lefts position, which is that such legislation is anti-transgender. He mocked the fact that so many measures like this have been introduced all over the country in the first place. Anti-trans legislation increased over 800% since 2018 800%, Stewart said. What could justify this unprecedented urgency? Did trans people storm the Capitol? Did they steal classified nuclear intel from the White House and keep it in a humidor in Florida? What is the threat? Reality: Forcing girls and women to compete with biological boys who identify as female is just plain unfair. Forcing them to share private spaces with biological males, whether in restrooms, locker rooms, or womens shelters, is also inequitable and unsafe. Predators have and will continue to take advantage of areas where legislation does not protect females. Its disingenuous to assert that legislation that protects girls is rooted in bigotry. It most definitely is not. Myth #3: Only transitioning can aid suicidal trans youths In an emotional plea, Stewart suggested parents who really care about their kids pain will indulge them in any treatment necessary to assuage this. If my daughter or my son came to me in agony, and I knew there was a program that I could get them into that had positive effects on their mental health, I would swim across rivers and climb mountains and tunnel through whatever I needed to get to save that childs life, he said. And, my guess is, youd do the same. Stewarts comments imply that if parents dont immediately help their child transition to the opposite gender, when theyre complaining about it, those parents are heartless or harmful. Thats not only presumptuous, its wrong. Reality: First, theres ample evidence that children who complain about gender dysphoria in their teens are experiencing effects of a contagion, not true dysphoria. For that, there is no need to rush to treatment. Second, The Heritage Foundation has debunked the myth that gender-affirming care reduces suicide risk. In fact, until around 2015 when treatment became more commonplace, data shows theres no difference in youth suicide rates between kids that have access to gender-affirming care without parental consent and kids that dont. (The Daily Signal is the news outlet of The Heritage Foundation.) The availability of treatment without parental consent is ironically what seems to be increasing suicidal ideation, not the lack of availability of treatment. Just as an aside, Stewarts fellow comedian-commentator Bill Maher, a traditional liberal but not a reflexive leftist, in May on his HBO show Real Time, offered a diametrically different perspective: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a pirate. Thank God nobody took me seriously and scheduled me for eye removal and peg-leg surgery. Myth #4: Youths dont outgrow gender dysphoria Stewart was applauded for the segment of the show in which he interviewed Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. Rutledge repeated a common statistic many transgender proponents want to ignore; namely, that 98% of all youth with gender dysphoria eventually grow out of it. That is an incredibly made-up figure, Stewart said, saying it didnt comport with any of the studies that exist from medical organizations. Reality: Rutledges statistic is in no way fabricated. Plenty of studies support it. Its just often viewed as flawed because it doesnt support the ongoing, left-wing narrative that kids must transition via sex-change surgery or hormone blockers to be happy. A wait and see approach is best for youths who have dysphoria later in their childhood. Transgender activists just dont mention that because it doesnt fit their narrative. Originally published at The Daily Signal. How a South African pastor transformed lives through the orphanage he founded Pastor Mike Sunker, a good and faithful servant The problems associated with poverty, crime and injustice can overwhelm neighborhoods, cities, even countries. Facing such enormous problems, many people throw up their hands and think, What good can one person do? But others, like Arunkumar Mike Sunker, look at hopeless situations and see endless opportunities to share the love of Jesus. Then they get to work. By the time Mike died in 2021, he had helped thousands of people, and his life stands as a testament to just how much good one person can do in and through the power of Jesus. Mikes legacy of love and service lives on, especially through one of his most successful endeavors, the Christ Church Christian Care Center in the Hillbrow neighborhood of Johannesburg, South Africa. Mike, who died of a heart attack at age 73, is revered as a true champion of poverty-stricken children in South Africa because he rescued kids from desperate need and brought them into a stable environment, where he sheltered, nurtured and educated them. But Mike also aimed to introduce the children in his facility fondly called the 5Cs to the Savior who had rescued him from his own spiritual poverty and changed his life forever. Mike was born on July 4, 1947, in Durban, South Africa. Mikes parents, whose family had roots in India, were Hindu and alcoholics, and Mike and his eight siblings grew up in deep poverty. Not long after Mike married Renu in 1970, Christian missionaries came to their home and shared the Gospel with Mike, whose heart was stirred. Unfortunately, Mike began attending a church with dubious teaching, where he remained for four years. Thankfully, God put other Christians in Mikes path and also opened his eyes through his love of reading. In search of a book to read, Mike one day came across a dusty Bible that his father had thrown on top of a wardrobe when his daughter had brought it home from school. He began to read from Genesis 1:1 but stopped when he got to the first commandment in Exodus 20:3: Thou shall not have any other gods before me. Mikes son, Ajith, explains, Dad would say that the Holy Spirit then and there told him that Jesus really was the way, the truth, and the life. On Oct. 23, 1975, at 6:30 p.m., Mike Sunker was convicted of his sin and surrendered his life to Jesus. Renu and his children followed suit, but Mikes extended family initially rejected him. He was told he was no longer welcome into their home, Ajith recalls, and he received a lot of pushback. But Mike persisted, and through a miracle only God could bring about, he was able to share the Gospel with his parents, who accepted Christ within a year of Mikes conversion. God had revealed His power in Mikes life and given a preview of the lives Mike would touch in the years to come. Mike and his family began attending a Reformed church in their Indian community. Dad would carry us boys on his shoulders as he walked into church, Ajith recalls. As Mikes zeal for his burgeoning faith attracted the attention of several leaders, two Anglican missionaries from Ireland mentored Mike in discipleship training, and Mike became passionate about sharing his faith. After joining a mission organization, he decided to attend a Bible college in Cape Town in 1979, and after graduation, Mike became a full-time pastor with the Church of England in South Africa, which is now known as REACH SA. Times were tight for the young family while Mike prepared for his future as a pastor, but together they sacrificed so that Mike could fulfill his calling. Mike did his practical training at Christ Church Newlands in Durban before planting his own church in the nearby town of Phoenix, where he was instrumental in encouraging people to go into ministry and helping pastors with their theological training. Because of his struggles while attending seminary, Mike became passionate about helping to provide theological books for seminary students who couldnt afford to buy them. "Mike also loved developing lay leaders for a life in full-time ministry," said pastor and friend Raj Moodley, who recalls that Mike had a gift of discerning gifted and godly people and encouraging them to explore how they could use their talents within the church. "Several people were influenced by him. Personally, I thought Mike was amazing with evangelism, and I learned a lot from him about how to present the Gospel to a non-believer in a clear and uncomplicated way." After a long stint at the Phoenix church, Mike received a call to serve as senior pastor at Christ Church Hillbrow, a neighborhood known for high levels of poverty, unemployment and crime that is often considered one of the most dangerous areas in the country. More than 70,000 people are packed into an area that attracts both poverty-stricken citizens from rural areas of South Africa and penniless immigrants from other African countries. Mike not only chose to pastor a church in the heart of this neighborhood, he also became deeply committed to the idea that he could bring restoration to the brokenness he saw all around him. As could be expected, his task was not without its struggles, which began as the family was moving to Johannesburg from Durban in January 1996. The truck carrying all their belongings was hijacked en route, and everything was stolen. We literally started with nothing, Ajith states. As soon as Mike began his pastoral duties, he set about trying to address the neighborhoods justice issues and minister to residents who had fallen on hard times. To rescue homeless men from the streets, Mike started a soup kitchen at the church and opened a mens shelter that welcomed hundreds. Many were transformed through the experience, and several even went into the ministry. Mike also got involved with street kids, opening a shelter for them as well, and that effort became a mission. Ajith remembers, Through his many outreaches in the early years in Hillbrow, Dad realized that working with destitute children was his true calling. In 1999 a hotel came on the market on Mitchell Street at the edge of Hillbrow, and Mike raised money to buy it. He envisioned filling up this former hotel with as many children as possible, Ajith recalls. He visited countless churches, organizations and businesses to raise funds. Mike registered the hotel as an orphanage, and it became a nonprofit in 2000. Ajith adds, It costs a lot to run the 5Cs a half-million rands per month but he never tired of fundraising because he believed in what God was telling him to do. Mike moved his family onto the property and began searching for kids who needed a safe space where children could flourish. He went to nearby townships and asked for referrals, filling up crib after crib with babies who were born with AIDS. The center started off with four to five children, but when word got around that a new orphanage was accepting children, Johannesburg authorities simply began dropping off kids they found in desperate situations. It took only a few years for the facility to reach capacity at 120. So the center expanded to two campuses, employing a staff of 20. It did not take long for Mike to realize that a good education was essential to prepare a child for a successful future, and the 5Cs soon became known for making studies one of its top priorities. Ajith states: "Education is the future, we believe. We saw that when the children came here they lacked basic education. We got in touch with several schools and enrolled each child where they would flourish. We have a dedicated staff member who places kids in the right school, hand-in-hand with a social worker who will oversee their progress." While placing a high value on academics at the 5Cs, Mike was even more concerned about the kids spiritual development. For 20 years, Mike was there for every child who walked through the doors at the 5Cs, serving as a loving earthly father who wanted to provide for their practical needs while also pointing to the heavenly father who could give them eternal life and love them in a way humans could not. Children were required to attend nightly devotions and a youth program at church every Sunday. Buti Nthite was one of the first children at the center, arriving in 2002 when he was 13 years old. He becomes tearful when he talks about Mike. He shared the Gospel and gave the kids dignity so they could become productive citizens in the country. His love for Jesus made such a difference in my life and the lives of so many children in this country. Buti, who rarely had enough to eat before he arrived at the 5Cs, is one of the centers many success stories. After high school, he received a scholarship to attend Boston College where he studied IT and received a degree in business administration. He lives in Johannesburg and now works in the IT department at the international company Bain. I never thought Id be where I am today, Buti says. I never thought I would learn to speak English. I can buy whatever I want to buy. If it werent for the center, I would never have been exposed to anything. But its all because of God working through Pastor Mike. When his father died, Ajith stepped down from a pastoral role to take over as CEO of the 5Cs. He shares his fathers priorities of emphasizing education and looking after the kids spiritual development. I feel confident that we can carry on the great legacy that my father created here. Ajith and his two siblings serve as a testament to their parents faith and emphasis on education. Ajay lives in Texas where he runs an IT business, while Satish is an IT engineer in Johannesburg and Ajith has served as a pastor for more than 25 years. But Ajith says his fathers legacy extends far beyond his biological family. He had a heart of compassion, but he was a man of action. He always was a man who tried to improve others lives and lead them to the Lord. He was someone who handed someone a sandwich wrapped in a gospel tract, aspiring to meet physical needs and spiritual needs at the same time. Buti believes Mike should be remembered as a national hero. In South Africa you hear a lot about the good works and leadership of Nelson Mandela, but in my eyes, Pastor Mike wore the same shoes. He is a hero not just for the center or for all the kids he helped, but really for South Africa. Mike knew what life looked like without the hope of Jesus because he lived that way for many years. And because the hope of Jesus had so radically changed his heart, he dedicated his life to introducing Jesus to the scores of children he saw struggling every day in the poor neighborhoods of Johannesburg. As scores of now grown and successful children can attest, Mike lived the life of a good and faithful servant. Christian couple detained in Iran, sent to Evin Prison to for allegedly leading house church When authorities in Iran summoned a Christian couple in Tehran on Aug. 13, the house-church members supposed it concerned the return of their confiscated belongings. Instead, Homayoun Zhaveh and his wife, Sara Ahmadi, were detained in Tehrans Evin Prison, notorious for its harsh treatment of people deemed political enemies of the state, rights organizations say. Friends are concerned about their well-being, especially as Homayoun suffers from advanced Parkinsons disease, Christian Solidarity International (CSI) said in an Oct. 6 statement, citing information from Middle East Concern. CSI and other advocacy and aid organizations recently issued calls for prayer for Zhaveh, 63, and Ahmadi, 44. Middle East Concern (MEC) reported they were first arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of belonging to an illegal organization, with Zhaveh spending a month in Evin Prison and Ahmadi held there for 67 days half the time in solitary confinement. In November 2020, Ahmadi was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her alleged role in leading a house church, according to MEC, adding that Zhaveh was sentenced to two years for house church membership. The sentences included a two-year ban on membership in any social or political group, a two-year ban on foreign travel and six months of community service. The convictions were upheld on appeal in December 2020, but Ahmadis prison sentence was reduced to eight years, MEC reported. The couple expected to start their prison sentences on June 15, 2021, but upon arrival at Evin Prison in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were told they could return home for an indeterminate time. On Aug. 13, Homayoun and Sara answered a summons to the prison, expecting to have confiscated property returned, MEC stated. Instead, they were both detained. Prayer is requested that their harsh sentences will be reviewed, especially since Homayoun is in poor health, and that they will be acquitted; and that the Iranian authorities will stop the persecution of their citizens for the peaceful expression of their faith. Rash of imprisonments Also serving time in Evin Prison for his faith is house-church leader Joseph Shahbazian, sentenced to 10 years by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on June 7 for founding and leading an organization that aims to disrupt national security, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Initially arrested on June 30, 2020, following raids on house churches in several cities, Pastor Shahbazian was released on bail on Aug. 22 of that year. An appeals court in Tehran rejected his appeal in August of this year, and on Aug. 30 he began serving his sentence at Evin Prison, USCIRF reported. As an Iranian-Armenian he was permitted to worship as part of Irans historic Armenian Christian community, but he was targeted as a pastor of a church that included Iran converts from Islam, according to Barnabas Fund. In the Shiite stronghold of Mashad in northeastern Iran, a grandfather with cancer is being held in Vakilabad Prison for converting to Christianity, according to advocacy group Article 18. Gholamreza Keyvanmanesh, in his late 50s, and three other Christians arrested in Neyshabur face charges of acting against national security through propaganda against the regime and insulting the sacred (blasphemy), Article 18 reported. The other three two women and another man, in their 40s and 50s, whose names cannot be reported are being held in Neyshabur Prison, the organization stated. Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned at least eight other Christians present at the meetings of the four arrested Christians that they will soon be summoned for further questioning, according to Article 18. They were also forced to sign commitments to refrain from gathering with other Christians, Article 18 reported. Bibles and mobile phones were among the items confiscated from the church members. Christianity is among the official minority faiths in Iran, but converts to Christianity are not recognized and are vilified as enemy groups of a Zionist cult, the group stated. Converts are banned from attending the churches of Armenian and Assyrian Christians, who are permitted to teach only in their own ethnic tongues and not to seek new members, Article 18 stated. Hence converts meet at private homes but are frequently raided and charged with belonging to illegal groups with anti-security purposes, even though in reality the meetings are no different from church gatherings anywhere else in the world, Article 18 stated. In recent years, dozens of Iranian Christians have been handed prison sentences of up to 15 years on such trumped-up charges. Iran was ranked ninth on Christian support organization Open Doors World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. 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. According to Statistics Canada, pre-landing Canadian work experience, proficiency in English or French, education, and age were all factors that influenced immigrants' earnings in Canada. The traits of Canadas most successful immigrantsStudy According to Statistics Canada, pre-landing Canadian work experience, proficiency in English or French, education, and age were all factors that influenced immigrants' earnings in Canada. The traits of Canadas most successful immigrantsStudy According to Statistics Canada, pre-landing Canadian work experience, proficiency in English or French, education, and age were all factors that influenced immigrants' earnings in Canada. The traits of Canadas most successful immigrantsStudy According to Statistics Canada, pre-landing Canadian work experience, proficiency in English or French, education, and age were all factors that influenced immigrants' earnings in Canada. Asheesh Moosapeta Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Recently, Statistics Canada released their report Immigration selection factors and the earnings of principal applicants. The report was an update of the 2015 investigation that helped guide development of Express Entrys Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS); the main way that skilled foreign workers are assessed by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Get a Free Canadian Immigration Assessment Analyzing the 2005-2015 immigration cohort (and their earnings from 2006-2017), the study looked at what characteristics of applicants (at the time of landing) were the most predictive of the earnings in Canada, for the short (one to two years), medium (five to six years), and long-term (10 to 11 years). The primary traits measured at landing were: Years of pre-landing Canadian work experience (compared to those with no experience); Ability in official languages (English or French (Native speakers VS. Less proficiency); AgeYounger (25-29 years) VS. Older (50-54 years); and Education (Bachelors VS. Secondary school education); What impacts short-term earnings for immigrants in Canada? According to the study, the main factors that impacted the short-term earnings of immigrants included: Pre-landing Canadian work experience, which was the strongest predictor of earnings in the first one to two years of immigrationevery year of Canadian work experience equated to an 84% increase in earnings; Language abilitythose who had a mother tongue other than French or English, (but who spoke English) earned 29% less than those who had either French or English as a mother tongue; and Education, showing those who had received a Bachelors degree (15 years of schooling) earned 12-24% more in the short-term. What impacts medium-term earnings for immigrants in Canada? Per the results of the study, medium-term earnings were impacted by: Pre-landing Canadian work experiencestill the strongest predictor of earnings five plus years after landing: every one year of Canadian work experience equated to a 52-59% increase in earnings; Language ability, as those with an official language as their mother tongue earned 42% more; Age, which had a stronger correlation to earnings than in the short-term (i.e.: older immigrants earned 27-35% less than younger ones); and Education; with Bachelors degree graduates earning 14-21% more. What impacts long-term earnings for immigrants in Canada? According to the study, long-term earnings for immigrants were influenced by: Pre-landing Canadian work experienceeven after a decade remaining the most impactful factorweakened to a 45% increase for every one year of Canadian work experience; Age at landing, revealing that younger immigrants earned 44% more than older ones, even 10-11 years after landing; Official language ability, which reduced earnings of those less proficient in official languages by 35%; and Education, which yielded a stronger effect: a 23% increase in earnings for those with a Bachelors degree. To summarize As the years in Canada increased for immigrants, the negative effects of age at landing increased; the positive effects of education at landing increased; and the positive effects of official language ability and pre-landing Canadian work experience gradually decreased. The hidden variable: Pre-landing earnings There was also another variable that Statistics Canada measured at landing for immigrants in the cohort: pre-landing earnings. When considered into the analysis, pre-landing earnings accounted for more impact on short, medium, and long-term earnings than any other variable considered in the study. It was by far the most predictive factor of immigrant earnings success across the board. The study comes to the conclusion that this may be down to the fact that pre-landing earnings are associated with a number of factors, including education, pre-landing work experience, and language ability. The study further suggests that it may be the quality of pre-landing work experience (and especially pre-landing Canadian work experience) that appears to be the most predictive factor in an immigrants earnings in the short, medium, and long-term. How does this study influence immigration? This study is an update of the study published in 2015, that served as the initial technical guide to the Comprehensive Ranking System the ranking system that IRCC uses when assessing economic candidates for immigration through Express Entry (the federal governments main stream of economic immigration). Thus, candidates looking to apply through Express Entrys system of programs (including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) should understand the results of this study, and the weighting that it gives to certain immigrant traits (for example the quality of pre-landing Canadian work experience, and age). CRS factors are also covered in this study (education, official language ability, etc.); and updates in the CRS weighting given to these factors may follow along the lines this study has illuminated. Skilled worker candidates eligible for Express Entry, may also apply to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP is another economic immigration program wherein provinces and territories are able to nominate skilled workers for immigration to their provinces, allowing them to arrive and settle in Canada as permanent residents. Receiving a provincial nomination can also help with Express Entry success through the Enhanced Provincial Nominationgiving candidates an additional 600 CRS points, and virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Get a Free Canadian Immigration Assessment CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. 36070 Access in Dominican Republic and Uruguay, new data sources in Colombia and Mexico strengthen regional coverage Vancouver, British Columbia - Trulioo, a leading global identity verification company, has updated its coverage across Latin America, expanding access to the Dominican Republic and Uruguay and significantly strengthening data sources in Colombia and Mexico. Those additions bolster the companys ability to serve customers streamlining operations in Latin America or entering the region. The enhanced Latin American coverage will enable organizations to reliably verify attributes such as age, identity and address to adhere to Know Your Customer, Know Your Business and Anti-Money Laundering regulations. Address standardization across Latin America can vary, making it a challenge to achieve high match rates. However, the Trulioo eIDV service standardizes the address information to significantly increase match rates. The establishment and expansion of identity data partnerships across Latin America is integral to our continued ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers around the world, said Michael Ramsbacker, Trulioo chief product officer. We deeply understand the needs of global companies and are proud to extend improved consumer onboarding to companies doing business in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Uruguay. Fintech activity across the region is thriving, increasing the need for reliable, easy-to-use identity verification solutions. The Dominican Republic experienced 129% year-over-year growth between 2017 and 2021 in its fintech sector, while Uruguay landed in the top 20 of the Global Fintech Index in 2021. Mexico and Colombia are leaders in fintech, holding the second- and third-largest hubs in Latin America, behind only Brazil. Trulioo enables organizations to securely access more than 450 data sources around the world to perform identity verification for consumers and businesses. The Latin America additions and enhancements include 100% of adult population data in the Dominican Republic and Colombia, 90% of the adult population in Uruguay and significant improvements to a key data source in Mexico that will provide substantial verification rate increases. This is on top of robust existing coverage in Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Peru and Venezuela. Learn how Trulioo helps global companies do business in Latin America and beyond with digital identity verification. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access Fifty-one years ago, in July 1967, in response to an explosion of rioting in poor black urban neighborhoods around the United States, President Lyndon B. Johnson created a National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, to be headed by Illinois governor Otto Kerner. The Kerner Commission issued its report seven months later, on February 29, 1968, in what would be the peak year for such disturbances289, by one tally. From 1964 to 1972, a staggering total of 752 riots occurred, resulting in 228 deaths, 12,741 injuries, 69,099 arrests, and 15,835 incidents of arson. Most government reports gain brief notice and then languish on a shelf, never again to be examined, except perhaps by historians. The Kerner Report, by contrast, sold more than 2 million copies, putting it on bestseller lists. More important, it became a liberal policy guide, advocating government programs to provide services to the urban poor, police reforms (including an end to white maleonly hiring), and billions of dollars in housing programs to end residential segregation. In assessing the causes of the riots, the Kerner Report famously declared that white racism is essentially responsible for the explosive mixture which has been accumulating in our cities since the end of World War II. It warned that a failure to change policies and implement its liberal prescriptions would make permanent the division of our country into two societies: one, largely Negro and poor, located in the central cities; the other, predominantly white and affluent, located in the suburbs and in outlying areas. In retrospect, its clear that the reports explanation of the riots and its prediction about increased racial segregation were wrong. Census data refute the grim forecast. From 1970 to 2010, according to population researchers Jacob Rugh and Douglas Massey, data for 287 metropolitan areas showed steady declines in residential segregation over each of the four decades. While some of the reports policy prescriptions were adopted, its unlikely that these changes were responsible for the decrease in urban segregation. More likely explanations include sharp declines in black poverty rates, reductions in violent crime (especially in black communities), a reverse-migration of blacks from northern cities to the South, massive inflows of immigrants, and inner-city gentrification. Maybe none of these developments could have been predicted in 1968, but in an era in which the old Jim Crow system was already crumbling, it would have been more plausible to forecast a future of less residential segregation, not more. The Kerner Commission had a blind spot when it came to positive changes in white racial attitudes and black socioeconomic progress. White racism was in sharp decline in the 1960s. Whites overwhelmingly supported the most significant civil rights legislation since Reconstruction, as well as Johnsons War on Poverty, aimed largely at helping African-Americans. By 1963before the era of riots83 percent of whites favored equal-employment opportunities for African-Americans, and 64 percent said that they would not object to having a black neighbor. Indeed, 62 percent of black interviewees in 1968 said that there had been a lot of progress in the previous ten or 15 years in eliminating race discrimination. Throughout the sixties, whites became steadily more liberal in their racial attitudes. Two-thirds of whites supported laws to prevent employment discrimination and to spend more money for jobs, schools, and housing for African-Americans. Forty percent endorsed laws against housing discrimination. Nevertheless, the Kerner Report called urban black communities ghettos to emphasize blacks limited opportunities for relocation, and it blamed the existence of these neighborhoods on white racism. White institutions created [the ghetto], the commission declared flatly, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it. The report also implicated white prejudice in refusing to rent or sell housing to blacks in white communities as another reason for the persistence of residential segregation. The precise role of this factor in the creation of racially segregated neighborhoods is hard to gauge, though, because of the difficulty of determining whether white prejudice or black poverty and preferences were responsible. Many blacks did not want to move into white neighborhoods, far from the institutions and life of the black community, as August Meier and Elliott Rudwick put it in their classic text From Plantation to Ghetto. On the other hand, 68 percent of whites surveyed in 1968 thought that blacks miss out on good housing because white owners wont rent or sell to them. While this suggests widespread bias in housing, it also demonstrates whites acknowledgment of the situation. The Kerner Commissions racism charge also may have been an allusion to so-called white flight from the cities to the suburbs, the motivations for which were sometimes racial but often were based on a desire to escape the deteriorating environment of the central cities. Setting aside the Kerner Reports assumption that American institutions were run by and for whites, its hard to accept that these institutions, much less whites generally, maintained and approved of black slums. The creation of large-scale black urban communities was the result of many factors, including, of course, the desire of millions of Southern blacks to move north. Scant evidence exists that whites condoned black ghettos, though they may not have known what to do about them. As for black living conditions, the Kerner Commission emphasized the severe disadvantage of blacks compared with whites, finding that [l]ittle basic change in the conditions underlying the outbreak of disorder has taken place. This assessment ignored the impressive black economic progress that took place throughout the 1960s. The drudgery of the black tenant farmer was a thing of the past. By 1970, 28 percent of African-Americans held white-collar jobs. Black family income doubled between 1960 and 1970, though it remained at 64 percent of white income partly because of the rise of the black single-parent family. Throughout the sixties, black male earnings increased more than 4 percent per year, while white earnings went up 3 percent annually. As the economy expanded, black unemployment fell dramatically. In 1960, the black-male unemployment rate was 7.8 percent; by 1970, it had dropped to 4.2 percent, only 1.6 times higher than the white-male rate. Black poverty levels, though more than three times those of whites, also declined sharply. In 1959, 55 percent of blacks lived below the poverty line; in 1970, that figure had fallen to 34 percent, and to only 20 percent in the northeastern states (where most of the riots occurred). Moreover, a burgeoning black middle class had formed, as indicated by homeownership, which, for blacks in 1960, reached nearly two-thirds of white ownership rates. By 1970, African-Americans owned 42 percent of the housing units in which they lived. In short, when the urban disturbances took place, the black economic picture, while not rosy, certainly was not bleak. Black progress was, by almost any measure, considerable, though compared with that of whites, there remained a long way to go. Close analysis reveals that adversity was not a cause of the riots. For American communities in the late 1960s, the only important predictor of rioting was the presence of an African-American populationregardless of socioeconomic conditions. As Seymour Spilerman, the first to prove this statistically, put it: the larger the Negro population, the greater the likelihood of a disorder. Little else appears to matter. Spilerman assessed eight measures of deprivation, including unemployment, family income, and education, in the context of disorders in 673 cities between 1961 and 1968. None of the deprivation factors was positively or strongly related to these episodes. By contrast, the size of a citys black population correlated robustly with rioting. The irrelevance of socioeconomic conditions to the riots represents a major stumbling block for those still holding to explanations that focus on black adversity. One could claim, of course, that virtually all blacks were so low on the socioeconomic scale that every city with a significant African-American population was susceptible to disorder. But riots failed to materialize in many cities. Spilerman found that 75 percent of the 673 cities he studied had zero disorders. And even within riot-torn cities, an estimated 85 percent or more of the black population took no part in the disturbances. The Kerner Commission hinted at, but never pursued, the most likely explanation for the disorder: the unfulfilled expectations aroused by the great legislative and judicial victories of the Civil Rights Movement and the dramatic struggle for equal rights in the South. Those expectations were overwhelmingly economic. Martin Luther King himself fused the civil rights movement with efforts to promote black gains in the workplace. Coming to the aid of striking black sanitation workers in Memphis, King declared: Now our struggle is for genuine equality, which means economic equality. And President Johnson, in an extraordinary speech at Howard University, declared that the next and the more profound stage of the battle for civil rights would seek not just equality as a right and a theory but equality as a fact and equality as a result. This sort of talk by national leaders raised expectations beyond anything that government and the law were capable of providing. It is much easier to legislate rights than jobs or wealth. Civil rights laws could ensure that blacks may be seated at lunch counters, but they could not guarantee that blacks would own or manage those establishments. In one sense, the Kerner Report reflected the liberal optimism of its era: federal programs to provide job training, social welfare, and slum clearance would right the wrongs of racism, it was widely believed. But in its bleak analysis and failure to account for the profound changes that had already been set in motion, the report also signaled the liberal pessimism that has become predominant on racial matters ever since. Its easier to see, looking back 50 years later, that the United States was headed in the right direction. The great crusade for civil rights not only drove down residential segregation; it also created opportunities for genuine African-American socioeconomic advancement. Yet the Kerner Report remains somehow deathless, its erroneous predictions taken as prophecy, its misguided prescriptions still blocking more constructive approaches to the problems that remain. Top Photo: Library of Congress BNM anunta concurs pentru postul vacant de expert coordonator (durata determinata) responsabil de control pe teren si din oficiu a sistemelor de plati Concurs de selectare de consultanti-formatori pentru dezvoltarea capacitatilor profesionistilor din sectorul educatie in vederea sprijinirii incluziunii copiilor refugiati in institutiile de invatamant din RM Over the past month, the New York Times ran some twenty-two articles using the word migrant in headlines and leads, reflecting the prevailing usage on much of radio and television. Yet many of the people in these stories are not migrants but asylum seekers or refugeespeople escaping war, persecution, or local and lethal violence; people who cannot go home. Obviously the word migrant has become popular because it is shorter and easier to use than the clumsy phrase asylum seeker and perhaps seems more neutral than the word refugee. But migrant is not neutral. A migrant is someone who is traveling to find better job opportunities and make money, while asylum seekers and refugees are people who are fleeing for their lives. Even more significantly, asylum seekers and refugees are entitled to legal procedures and protections that migrants are not. The anti-immigrant politicians of the world are well aware of this distinction and deliberately use the term migrant to whip up xenophobia, racism, and prejudice. A telling example can be seen in Greece, where so many people fleeing for their lives from Africa and the Middle East first try to enter the West. In a disturbing echo of the Trump administrations antagonistic and often deadly policies toward refugees in the United States, the Nea Dimokratia (New Democracy) government of Greece, which came to power in 2019 mostly on an anti-immigrant platform, told the public that the majority of migrants in Greece only come to make money and so are not entitled to refugee protections. This declaration, which willfully ignored the reality that more than 75 percent of asylum seekers in Greece had in fact fled war or violence, not only served to whip up local resentment against refugees, but allowed the government to quickly strip away their rights. One of its first acts was to evict all refugees, even children, pregnant women, the elderly and the sick, from government-supported homes; cut off their cash allowances; and deny them free medical care except in emergenciesall of which refugees are entitled to under international law. Even more dangerous than the use of the term migrant is the term illegal immigrant. It is not illegal to seek asylum, even if one is breaking local laws by entering a country without papers; it is a right, enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the UNs 1951 Refugee Convention. By using the word illegal, journalists are perpetuating the fiction that asylum seekers are by definition criminals. The BBC is particularly fond of this phrase, with headlines such as The dangers of illegal migration and Greece toughens policy on illegal immigrants, the phrase repeated in the stories themselves and intermingled with the word migrants. These migrants are usually described as people seeking a better life, another phrase I hear often, when, in truth, many if not all of them are seeking a way to stay alive. Journalists may also be embracing the word migrant because the legal definition of refugee is different from the common definition, which can be confusing. Legally speaking, someone is only a refugee after having been granted international protection by a government, while an asylum seeker is someone who requested but is still waiting for that protection. The popular definition, however, is much simpler. As the New Oxford American Dictionary tells us, A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. Sign up for CJR 's daily email If that is who we are writing about, refugee is the word we should use. Not migrant. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Helen Benedict is a professor at Columbias Graduate School of Journalism and the author of Map of Hope and Sorrow: Stories of Refugees Trapped in Greece, co-written with Syrian writer and refugee Eyad Awwadawnan. JACKSON, Miss (AP) The owners of a Mississippi apartment rental company have agreed to pay damages to four prospective tenants who helped uncover a pattern of racial discrimination by their employee that violated federal law, the U.S. Justice Department has announced. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi ruled in August that Steven and Sheila Maulding and their company, SSM Properties, violated the Fair Housing Act based on the discrimimnatory conduct of now ex-employee James Roe, according to a department statement issued Monday. The Justice Department said the Mauldings agreed to pay $123,000 to resolve the suit, and that Roe is required to pay a $3,000 civil penalty to the government. In 2020, the Justice Department sued the Mauldings and Roe, who had been employed by the couple to manage their three apartment complexes in Pearl, Mississippi. The government filed the lawsuit on behalf of four Black fair housing testers. The suit was based on findings from a series of tests conducted by the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, a nonprofit civil rights organization. The four African American testers in this case were subjected to dehumanizing treatment that was entirely unacceptable, said Cashauna Hill, executive director of the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center. Because of their bravery and willingness to serve their communities as investigators, we hope that tenants in the greater Jackson area will now have greater access to more equitable housing opportunities. Between November 2016 and November 2017, the organization investigated whether apartment complexes in the Jackson area were complying with federal housing law. According to the organization, the tests compared responses given by housing providers to different types of home-seekers in order to determine whether or not illegal discrimination was occurring. During this period, Roe managed the Mauldings apartment complexes. His duties included responding to rental inquiries, renting units to prospective tenants, approving rental applications and showing units. When the Black people hired as testers visited the apartments, according to the complaint, Roe misled them about what units were available and subjected them to racist comments. He allegedly told one Black tester that he wouldnt let her rent an apartment near white tenants, it said. I cant put you at Pearl Manor. Them old menll have a heart attack. Theyll be thinking I done let the zoo out again, Roe said, the complaint stated. Before the woman met Roe in person, he told her on the phone that a unit was available. When she arrived at the rental office, Roe told her she wasnt what he expected, and told her the unit had been rented, the complaint said. Federal attorneys said Black testers were not told about unit vacancies at two of the apartment complexes. They said white testers who visited around the same time were told of vacancies and encouraged to rent there. Roe also asked Black testers more detailed questions about their financial status and ability to pay than white testers, the complaint said. The lawsuit said the Mauldings were responsible for Roes behavior because he was their employee. The married couple has entered into a three-year consent decree with the Justice Department that will require them to pay damages and develop practices for ensuring their apartments meet federal housing standards. Deshun Martin, an attorney for the Mauldings, said they planned to comply with the consent decree. He also said they fired Roe when they learned of his conduct. The Mauldings were going through health challenges _ cancer, heart issues, the loss of a brother _ and they were completely unaware of what was happening at their own property with Mr. Roe and these racist acts, Martin said. They never condoned them. When The Associated Press reached Roe by phone and asked for comment, he hung up. The consent decree permanently banned him from managing any residential property. WHO says COVID-19 still an international health emergency Xinhua) 09:13, October 20, 2022 A man wearing a mask is seen near the Westminster Bridge in London, Britain, Oct. 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying) The WHO's International Health Regulations Emergency Committee said after its quarterly assessment meeting last week that despite a decline in severe cases and the falling number of weekly deaths, deaths from COVID-19 nevertheless remain high compared with other respiratory viruses. GENEVA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that COVID-19 is still a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the WHO's highest alert level. The announcement came although the number of weekly deaths is almost at its lowest level since the pandemic began. The WHO's International Health Regulations Emergency Committee said after its quarterly assessment meeting last week that despite a decline in severe cases of COVID-19, and the falling number of weekly deaths, deaths from COVID-19 nevertheless remain high compared with other respiratory viruses. A flower is seen on the National COVID Memorial Wall in London, Britain, Oct. 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying) It also warned of COVID-19-related complications and post-COVID-19 conditions, with the full impact of these still not completely understood. The outbreak could also evolve during the upcoming winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, the committee said. Meanwhile, the current gaps in global surveillance of COVID-19 have hindered early identification and evaluation of the virus' evolution. With the virus expected to continue evolving, the committee said that the genetic and antigenic characteristics of future variants cannot yet be reliably predicted. Evolving variants may pose challenges to current vaccines and therapeutics, the committee warned. A nurse administers a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to a man in Prague, Czech Republic, on July 18, 2022. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua) "Given the above considerations, the committee concurred that continued coordination of the international response is necessary," and considered that "the situation remains dynamic and requires frequent reassessments, and that the termination of the PHEIC, when considered feasible, should be implemented as safely as possible." The committee recommended that there should be three key priorities in the future: strengthening surveillance and achieving vaccination targets for at risk-groups; continuing to increase access to affordable therapeutics; and strengthening pandemic preparedness planning, while continuing to protect the most at-risk groups. (Web editor: Du Mingming, Hongyu) 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. Archeologists found in war-torn Syria a 1,600-year-old mosaic with Hercules with Neptune depicted with connections to the Trojan War. The artifact is thought to have been created around the fourth century A.D., which has been kept over many generations with the majority of the intricacies. More Relics Discovered in Syria Syria has had a civil war, making it difficult to search for ancient relics from the past. According to Live Science, finding something this relevant reveals more about the country's history. A beautiful mosaic from the Roman era depicts scenes from the Trojan War; Heracles' muscles can be seen alongside the Roman god Neptune and his 40 mistresses. The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, a government organization in Syria that oversaw the process of uncovering ancient works of art, said The 4th-century mural was uncovered in Rastan, located in central Syria, close to Homs, a major conflict area during the revolution. Its dimensions measured about 65.5 feet long by 20 feet wide, remarked agency reps last Wednesday, October 12, according to the agency that worked hard to retrieve the perfectly preserved archaic mural without causing any damage, with images of Hercules with Neptune, noted by Associated Press. Unbelievably, the structure was occupied by rebel fighters up until 2018, the condition after the centuries was evident in such details as the color of stones used on the antique 1,600-year-old mosaic that is as big as 0.5 by 0.5 inches in radius. Once the Syrian government had taken control of Homs, archaeologists could dig out the old ruins beneath the building. The digging is still underway as of this writing, mentions BBC. Read Also: Kim Jong-un Net Worth 2022: How Wealthy Is North Korea's Leader? Roman Mosiac Unearthed Humam Saad, the associate director of excavation and archaeological research at the directorate, stated that they could not determine the building type, whether it is a public bathhouse or something else, as they have not finalized the excavation so far. Saad remarked how the mural is exceptional in its details, which have been well-kept over time. Furthermore, it ranks as the most crucial archaeological gem in Syria after the conflict in 2011 called the Arab Spring. The fresco traces back to the fourth century A.D., after which the Western Roman Empire was divvied from the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire. Entrepreneurs from Lebanon's Nabu Museum had initially bought the premises and donated them to the Syrian state afterward. The work of art includes representations of the Trojan War, a renowned war contested between the Greeks and Trojans in antiquated Troy, which is modern-day Turkey, as described in epic poetry. A depiction of Hercules, or Heracles in Greek, killing the Amazonian Queen Hippolyta after being requested to retrieve her belt, one of 12 tasks he was supposed to perform, is included in the images. Many antiques were either taken or destroyed in the last 11 years as a result of the violence in the country. The painting was not secured while it was being excavated, and some extremists even tried to sell it online. The 1,600-year-old mosaic from the Roman Byzantian era with Hercules and Neptune is related to the Trojan War and has been unearthed by archaeologists in Syria. Related Article: Lost Medieval Art In Dark Ages Uses Zwishgold; Secrets Debunked After Several Centuries @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Joe Biden recently announced the creation of the countrys newest national monument, protecting tens of thousands of acres in the mountains of Colorado from mining and development. The designation preserves a site of great historical interest, an area that was home to the Ute people long before recorded history and remains culturally important. The Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument protects more than 53,000 acres of rugged and visually rich terrain with broad recreation opportunities. The official monument proclamation refers to the Spruce Creek rock glacier: Studied for decades, the Spruce Creek rock glacier, which is fed by a rockfall from Pacific Peaks northeast cirque, has advanced our understanding of the flow mechanics and morphology of rock glaciers. Eric Leonard, professor emeritus of geology, recognized this reference. Hes been studying the Spruce Creek rock glacier, along with CC students and other CC staff, for a long time. As far as I am aware, ours is the only in-depth study of a rock glacier in the monument, he says of the research project that began back in 1985. A rock glacier is a mass of rock fragments and ice that flows slowly downslope under the influence of gravity. They are common throughout the Colorado mountains and in other ranges in the west. Leonard, prompted by interested students, developed a course to study rock glaciers in Fall 1985. That initial class established a survey network at Spruce Creek rock glacier, to monitor its flow and changes in other characteristics. Over the succeeding years, Leonard returned numerous times, with new groups of students, to redo the surveys, most recently in Fall 2019. We set up a survey network of marked boulders that could be used, through time, to assess the flow, deformation, and thickness changes of the rock glacier, says Leonard of the surveys first days. We then did an initial survey and set of related measurements to serve as a baseline for future measurements. When we developed the project, our first goal was to use the repeat measurements to gain a better understanding of the mechanics of rock glacier flow and of the internal composition of the rock glacier neither of which was well understood at that time. Additionally, we thought that we might be able to observe changes related to future warming and possibly to document past responses to earlier climate changes. In addition to the resurveys, students have undertaken projects trying to reconstruct the history of the Spruce Creek rock glacier using a variety of other methods ranging from detailed measurements using old aerial photographs, to using biological and isotopic methods to reconstruct a multi-thousand-year history of the rock glacier and how it has responded to past changes of climate. Over the years, 19 CC students have contributed to the research. The work has led to a fuller understanding of the rock glacier its composition and its movement. It has also shown that the rock glacier has indeed responded to climate changes over many timescales including by thinning and slowing over the last several decades. Leonard says he is thrilled to see this area preserved as part of a national monument. It is a magnificent region of high-mountain terrain with great potential for scientific research. CCs work at the Spruce Creek rock glacier is continuing as new generations of students make use of new technologies to provide insights into the geologic and climatic processes operating there. France proposed a swap with Manila concerning exploration rights in territorial seas for two submarines to seal the deal last Tuesday. Specifically, two French Scorpene diesel-electric subs could bolster the Philippine Navy's presence in the undersea theatre. Paris, Manila Eye Significant Changes in the Pacific Region According to Rappler, a Philippine news website reported the elysee Palace, which offered a defense deal that included NATO standard Scorpene subs if the Philippine Leader Ferdinand 'Bong-Bong' Marcos would allow exploration in Philippine waters. The swap deal came as the Philippines is at its crossroads to modernize its regional armed forces, reported Anadolu Agency. One comment by Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., the Philippines Defense Officer-in-Charge, is that the proposal needs more ironing out. However, he said such an offer was cumbersome. Faustino added that changes in the constitution have got to be done, but not easily accomplished. He gave this statement on Friday when he went to Mati City in Davao Oriental province, per PNA. It is essential to point out that the Philippines shares maritime boundaries with China in the South China Sea, which has persisted as a hotbed of a dispute over the sovereign rights of the seas in the territory. The US has recently been accused of jeopardizing the region's security as Beijing establishes control over the waters in the Indo-Pacific. US Worsens Philippine-China Differences Under the guise of freedom of navigation, Washington and its partners regularly deploy their vessels and aircraft inside the region. Unlike the US and its allies, Paris wants exploration rights in the Philippine territorial seas. Read Also: Vladimir Putin: 3 Facts You Didn't Know About Russia's President - From His Judo Records to His KGB Pseudonym Manila won a dispute at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016, nullifying China's assertions in the region. Other than France, the Southeast Asian nation has gotten offers from South Korea, Japan, and others to construct the two submarines as a component of the modernization program of the nation's armed forces. The Philippines instituted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act in 1995, aiming to help bolster defense against foreign threats. It was amended in 2012 to extend the plan for 15 more years. These two submarines would be purchased under the third phase of the extended modernization program, which ends in 2028. The Philippines has already deposited with Seoul to acquire six nearshore boats. France Offers the Philippines Submarine Defense Deal As stated by its top envoy, France is willing to provide diesel-electric submarines to the Philippines to assist it in reacting to potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region, citing Business World. Michele Boccoz, the French envoy to the Philippines, declared during a media briefing on Wednesday that Paris is committed to collaborating further closely and establishing stronger strategic partnerships with the Philippines. In the Indo-Pacific, Paris maintains a non-confrontational stance, allowing alliances in specific sectors but participating in rivalry and competition in others. The French representative emphasized the importance of becoming prepared for potential disputes. She concluded that the preferred method of action is a deterrent, and they require the proper tools for that. The envoy encouraged the Philippines to consider submarine possession as one of its strongest preventative measures. France made a deal with Manila for two submarines in exchange for exploration rights in Philippine territorial seas, as the South East Asia country is gaining attention. Related Article: J-20 Mighty Dragon with GJ-11 Stealth Drone Captured in First Images as Future Force @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Secretary of State Jena Griswold appointed a supervisor to oversee the upcoming election in Elbert County following breaches of security protocol by the countys clerk and recorder last year. In January, Republican Clerk Dallas Schroeder admitted that he made copies of two hard drives of the county's Dominion Voting Systems equipment, received instructions from two non-election staffers on how to do so and gave images of the hard drives to unauthorized individuals. Months later, a judge ordered Schroeder to turn the copies over to Griswold. In addition, Griswold said Schroeder misplaced dozens of ballots during the June primary election. Those ballots, reported by the countys elections manager after the primary, were counted during the ongoing statewide recount and added to the election results. If the statewide recount was not already in progress, the dozens of misplaced ballots from Elbert County could not have legally been counted, Griswold said. Every eligible Coloradan Republican, Democrat and unaffiliated alike has the right to cast a ballot in accessible and secure elections. Thats why I am taking action to appoint an election supervisor in Elbert County, Griswold said. I will continue to uphold Colorado election law and provide the support and oversight needed to ensure secure access to Colorados elections. Schroeder is currently running unopposed for county commissioner. Griswold tapped Christi Coburn, a professional election administrator, to monitor all decisions made and actions taken in Elbert County related to the administration of the 2022 general election. Coburn began her duties on Wednesday. Coburn also served as an election supervisor for Elbert Countys June primary election. Griswold on Monday also appointed an election supervisor to oversee the November election in Pueblo County, alleging numerous errors by the county's Democratic clerk, Gilbert "Bo" Ortiz, during the June primary election. During the June primary, Griswold also appointed elections supervisors for Mesa County, Pueblo County and Alamosa County. Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Wednesday instituting martial law in four Ukrainian territories under the control of the Kremlin. The areas include Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk. As a result of Ukrainian gains in the areas around Kherson, Russia is currently making a hurried withdrawal from those areas, CNN reported. Putin's Martial Law in Ukraine President Vladimir Putin has announced he will implement the strategy at the next meeting of the Security Council. With concerns about Russia's capability to handle a Ukrainian counter-offensive, Russian-installed officials in the Kherson area began substantially ratcheting up the displacement of up to 60,000 people earlier on Wednesday. In a televised message, Vladimir Putin noted that "in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Luhansk People's Republic, as well as in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, martial law was in effect before joining Russia." According to The Moscow Times, Putin explained that it is necessary "to establish this regime" within Russian laws, which led to the signing of a decree that introduces martial law in the four Ukrainian regions annexed by the Russian Federation, "so it will be immediately sent to the Federation Council." The Russian president has called the conflict in Ukraine a "special military operation" and has ordered the formation of a coordination committee to improve communication across government departments, as per an AP News report. According to the proclamation released by the Kremlin, martial law will go into effect early on Thursday. Putin also promised, "greater power" for the four areas' Russian-appointed governors. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that despite the imposition of martial law, Russia will not block its borders. Curfews, limits on where people may live and travel, censorship by the military, and other measures are all within the purview of the government during a state of martial rule in Russia. According to the Russian Constitution, the rights and freedoms of "citizens of the Russian Federation, foreign nationals, and stateless individuals" may be limited when martial rule is in place. Read Also: Xi Jinping Urges To Forcefully Take Taiwan on Faster Timeline After Calling for China To Build 'World-Class Military' Ukraine: Putin's Martial Law Has No Impact on Battle For Freedom A Ukrainian presidential adviser called Putin's imposition of martial law in four occupied Ukrainian areas an act of pseudo-legal theft, per Reuters. Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak stated on social media that Vladimir Putin's implementation of martial law on the Moscow-controlled areas in Ukraine "should be considered only as a pseudo-legalization of looting of Ukrainians' property by another 'regrouping.'" He added that Ukraine will still fight for freedom and reclaim its territories. The Kremlin's directive from Wednesday allows for "further measures" to be taken under the current martial rule "if required," including "limitations on rights and freedoms" and "extra duties," as well as "full or partial mobilization." After the blast on the Crimean bridge, Russia launched devastating airstrikes on Ukrainian urban centers, parks, and infrastructure as the country prepare for a harsh winter, Fox News reported. Ukrainian troops continue to make gains, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky's Tuesday report. Russian drone and missile raids have reportedly damaged roughly a third of Ukraine's power installations. When Vladimir Putin announced the annexations in September, he said he was acting on the "will of millions" following referendums in the areas, which were widely criticized as illegitimate by Western nations. Related Article: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Continues Attacks on Ukraine Power Plants as Ukrainian Army Gears Prepares To Retake Kherson @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russia looks to be turning to Iran more frequently for assistance as it experiences losses in Ukraine, a development that has alarmed the West and Tehran's rivals in the area. According to sources familiar with US intelligence, Iranian military trainers have traveled to Crimea to train and advise the Russian military in the use of Iranian-built drones that have been used by Moscow to terrorize cities throughout the United Kingdom. Russia-Iran Ties is a Threat Iran's engagement in the conflict in support of Russia would significantly escalate with the presence of Iranian forces in occupied Ukrainian territory, signaling a new stage in the two nations' developing military partnership. Russia might receive surface-to-surface missiles from Iran. The spokeswoman for Iran's foreign ministry, Nasser Kanani, refuted the accusation and stated that Iran has always opposed the continuance of the Ukraine war. Despite their disagreements, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hardline lobby group in Washington, said that Iran and Russia have been advancing their relationship because they have the same threat perspective. He remarked, alluding to the United States, They see a regional order united against them by an extra-regional power. According to him, Iran would be pushing some of its most accurate and precise ammunition closer to Europe if it sold missiles to Russia. It is crucial to consider Iran's alliance with Russia as a component of its bigger conflict with the West. Since Russia's invasion, the two sanctioned nations have worked together on political and economic issues; the military aspect of their cooperation is just the most recent development. The supreme chief of Iran's military, Major General Yahya Safavi, stated on Tuesday that 22 nations are currently interested in Iranian drones, as per CNN. Read Also: North Korea Fires Artillery Shells as Warning to South's Military Drills Amid Increasing Hostilities Iran Faces Sanctions For Helping Russia Meanwhile, Ukraine has accused Iran of flouting a UN Security Council ban on the transfer of drones with a 300-kilometer range and urged UN specialists to check out Russian drones with Iranian origins there. The Associated Press was able to obtain a letter from Sergiy Kyslytsya, the UN ambassador for Ukraine, to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council ahead of a closed council meeting that was called by Britain, France, and the United States late on Wednesday regarding Iran's sale of hundreds of drones to Russia. The United States will raise the issue at the council meeting alongside Britain and France, according to US Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel, who announced to reporters in Washington on Wednesday. Killer drones are an inexpensive weapon to hunt out and destroy targets while instilling fear among troops and civilians. Ukrainian air defenses have been made more difficult for Russian jets to operate by Western-assisted air defenses, according to Independent. Additionally, officials and diplomats said Wednesday that the European Union is putting together a list of measures in retaliation after gathering information that Iran is providing drones to Russia for use in its battle in Ukraine. Killer drones are an inexpensive weapon to hunt out and destroy targets while instilling fear among troops and bystanders. Ukrainian air defenses that have been strengthened by the West are making it difficult for Russian jets to operate. Russian drones reported to have been deployed in waves over Ukraine to attack power stations and other vital infrastructures are thought to have been produced in Iran. The use of drones was addressed by EU foreign ministers on Monday as the 27-nation group gathered proof of Iran's alleged sale to Russia. There is a widely-shared political agreement that the EU should move fast now that we have obtained our substantial information, according to European Commission spokeswoman Nabila Massrali, who made the statement on Wednesday. The council (of EU member countries) is still working on a clear, prompt, and firm EU response. The penalties could be finalized as soon as Thursday, shortly before the EU leaders' summit in Brussels, according to an EU official and two EU diplomats. Asset freezes and travel restrictions would be implemented for several people with connections to the drone industry as well as one entity often a government agency, business, or other organization. The officials and diplomats discussed the plan under the condition of anonymity to give details before it was approved, ABC News reported. Related Article: Vladimir Putin Eagerly Urges To Destroy Ukraine's Power Supplies, Launches 200 Attacks; NATO To Rescue Kyiv by Providing Anti-Drone Systems @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope successfully captured a stunning photograph of the famous Pillars of creation, a popular celestial sight in the cosmos. The image also reveals new details of the region's collection of dust and gas and was announced on Wednesday by the space agency. The photograph is the latest cosmic image from the Webb observatory and adds to the telescope's already impressive array of photographs. Pillars of Creation An astrobiologist at the Planetary Science Institute, David Grinspoon, called the latest image from Webb "just spectacular beyond words." In a Twitter post, the expert said, "Oh. My. Universe." The Pillars of Creation is located at the center of a stellar nursery known as the Eagle Nebula or otherwise called Messier 16, and is found roughly 6,500 light-years away from our planet. The two form a scene that shows wispy towers of gas and dust, which resemble rock formations found on Earth. Previously, the Hubble Space Telescope was able to capture an image of the scene back in 1995 and once again in 2014. But with the Webb telescope's new point of view and more powerful image-capturing capabilities, it can penetrate through some of the dust to reveal more of the region's newly-formed stars, as per NBC News. The stars, which are estimated to be only a few hundred thousand years old, are seen as bright red orbs in Webb's image. Newly-formed stars are found within clouds of dust and gas as dense clumps of gas mass that collapse under their own gravity and begin to heat up. Read Also: Black Hole Seen 'Burping Out' Star 3 Years After Devouring the Cosmic Body Webb was able to capture an image of the dynamic journey in progress, said the associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Thomas Zurbuchen. He posted on Twitter that the wavy lines that look like lava found at the edges of the pillars are baby stars forming within the gas and dust within the region. According to NASA, young stars are known to periodically shoot out supersonic jets that collide with clouds of material, such as the pillars. This would sometimes result in bow shocks, which can form wavy patterns similar to a boat as it moves through the water. Newborn Stars The crimson glow of the stars comes from the energetic hydrogen molecules that result from jets and shocks. This could be seen in the second and third pillars from the top as Webb's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) image is pulsing with their activity. While at first, it may appear that near-infrared light allowed Webb to pierce through the clouds to reveal the stars, there are no galaxies in this view. However, it shows a mix of translucent gas and dust known as the interstellar medium found in the densest part of our Milky Way galaxy's disk, blocking our view of the deeper parts of the universe. A Senior Advisor for Science at the European Space Agency, Prof. Mark McCaughrean, said that he has been studying the Eagle Nebular since the mid-1990s in an attempt to see "inside" the light-years long pillars. McCaughrean said that he expected the images taken by Webb to be stunning, and they did not disappoint, BBC reported. Related Article: [LOOK] NASA Telescope Detects Brightest Explosion from Space as Star Collapses Into Black Hole @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. United States President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program could have a problem after a Wisconsin group asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to block the debt relief as it is scheduled to take effect this weekend. The request was made by the Brown County Taxpayers Association in Wisconsin and was directed to Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The latter is responsible for handling emergency application requests from the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Student Loan Forgiveness Program Earlier this month, a Wisconsin federal judge dismissed the taxpayers association's lawsuit that challenged Biden's student loan forgiveness program. They ruled that the group did not have legal standing to block the plan. The group then decided to file an appeal of that ruling to the 7th Circuit appeals court. The request to Barrett asks that the debt relief program that would cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for millions of borrowers be suspended pending the outcome of the pending appeal. The U.S. Department of Education opened its application for student loan forgiveness on Friday in a beta test. There were roughly 8 million people that submitted their requests for relief over that weekend, as per CNBC. On Monday, the application officially launched and the Biden administration could begin processing the borrowers' requests for student loan forgiveness as soon as this Sunday. However, the legal challenges for the president's debt relief program continue to come his way. Currently, there are six Republican-led states; namely Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Carolina, that are trying to block Biden's debt relief program. They argued that the Democratic president does not have the power to issue nationwide debt relief without Congress. According to CNN, the lawyers for the taxpayers' group said that the implementation of the student loan forgiveness program would deal a "staggering blow" to the U.S. Treasury and Americans as a whole. Read Also: Biden Pledges Abortion Rights Law If Democrats Take Majority of Congress After Midterms Legal Challenges They wrote in the new filing with the Supreme Court that we are now witnessing a gargantuan increase in the national debt due to a complete disregard for limitations on the constitutional spending authority. On the other hand, the Biden administration argues that Congress gave the secretary of education the power to discharge debt in a 2003 law known as the HEROES Act. The independent Congressional Budget Office estimated that the president's debt relief program could cost up to $400 billion. Biden's debt relief program, which was first announced back in August, seeks to provide financial assistance to millions of borrowers before federal student loan payments resume in January next year. Under the Democrat's program, individual borrowers who earned less than $125,000 in either 2020 or 2021 and married couples or heads of households who made more than $250,000 annually in those years can see up to $10,000 of their federal student loan debt is forgiven. The Biden administration previously closed the forgiveness program to borrowers with loans issued by private banks but guaranteed by the federal government. The decision was seen as an attempt to prevent lawsuits by state entities that invest in such loans, such as public entities in Arkansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, Reuters reported. Related Article: Unclaimed Stimulus Checks: 9 Million Americans Can Receive Up to $3,600 This Year If You Receive This IRS Letter @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. At trial on Wednesday, Waukesha prosecutors showed pictures of the red Ford Escape SUV that Darrell Brooks Jr. is accused of ramming into a crowd of spectators during the Christmas parade attack last year. Images depict victims' clothing wedged between the crushed hood and windshield, bullet holes where police attempted to end the attack, and horrifying dents where the car is said to have slammed into parade spectators. Waukesha Christmas Parade Attack Trial Six counts of first-degree intentional homicide are among the many allegations against Brooks being tried in this case. According to the prosecution, Brooks allegedly took his car on a Main Street rampage and drove through the city's Christmas parade last year, just west of Milwaukee, as per Fox News. During his second expulsion from the courtroom during his murder trial, Waukesha parade killer Darrel Brooks was punished for interfering with the cross-examination of his defense witness, who his SUV launched up to 20 feet into the air. Tuesday, before being ejected from the courtroom in front of the jury, Brooks called Juan Marquez as a witness. When Marquez was struck by Brooks' SUV and flung about 20 feet in the air while participating in the parade with the Catholic Communities of Waukesha, he broke his leg. Marquez acknowledged under questioning that he did not see the car that hit him and was asked about his police testimony in which he claimed that the car was not the red one that Brooks was driving. Brooks repeatedly accused Marquez of judicial misconduct during their cross-examination, and Waukesha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Dorow cautioned her to behave properly or she would be expelled. According to a transcript given by FOX6, Ryan Schultz, a mechanical inspector with the Wisconsin State Patrol, testified that despite the car's considerable damage, neither the brakes nor the tires had any issues that would have precluded a driver from stopping the SUV. The Waukesha, Wisconsin, annual parade was taking place when Brooks, a Milwaukee resident, allegedly purposefully drove his car through police barriers and into the spectators. Waukesha has located about 15 miles west of downtown Milwaukee. After allegedly confronting his fiancee outside of a motel just before the parade, Brooks charged into the crowd. Afterward, the police claim Brooks ran over his girlfriend with his SUV and left tire prints all over her body before going back and hitting her in the face, Daily Mail reported. Read Also: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Continues Attacks on Ukraine Power Plants as Ukrainian Army Gears Prepares To Retake Kherson Jury Plays Video Evidence Against Suspect Darrell Brooks Recently, the prosecution made public a previously unseen video of suspect Darrell Brooks' arrest in Waukesha in November 2021. A crucial witness also described to the jury how he allowed Brooks inside his house shortly after the parade attack on the eleventh day of the trial. In addition, the prosecution reportedly played a video showing Brooks requesting to be allowed inside the home right after the assault. Daniel Rider, a resident of Waukesha, stated, "I simply tend to believe people, and I'm from a little town, and we had folks that needed help all the time. So I let him come inside and warm up." Brooks hasn't used the first person and has been speaking for himself since the previous week. The 40-year-old suddenly changed his mind after pleading not guilty due to insanity, according to Meaww. Six counts of first-degree intentional homicide are among the 76 accusations the defendant, Darrell Brooks, faces after allegedly driving through the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, 2021. Over 50 witnesses were questioned by the state in the last ten days. Judge Jennifer Dorow expelled him from court several times for disrupting proceedings to drag out the proceedings. Brooks is accused of first-degree deliberate homicide, among other offenses for killing six people. Jackson Sparks, 8, Tamara Durand, 52, Jane Kulich, 52, Leanna "Lee" Owen, 71, Virginia Sorenson, 79, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81 were among the fatalities, as per CBS58. Related Article: Ukraine War: Iran's Aid of Russia Could Be a Threat to Ukraine ... and the USA @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. US Dollar Outlook: US Treasury yields continue to push higher, cushioning the US Dollar (via the DXY Index) from a more significant pullback. USD/JPY rates have reached a fresh yearly high, helping the DXY Index remain in its symmetrical triangle. The IG Client Sentiment Index suggests that USD/JPY rates have a bullish bias in the near-term. Recommended by Christopher Vecchio, CFA Get Your Free USD Forecast Get My Guide Biding Time The US Dollar (via the DXY Index) has not made much progress one way or the other in recent days, as chaotic political developments from across the pond have translated into some relief for the British Pound. The resignation of UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has alleviated a great deal of pressure in financial markets now that her ill-fated fiscal plans are officially dead, and unlikely to be revived anytime soon. Gains in GBP/USD rates have translated into gains in risk appetite more broadly in FX markets, with EUR/USD rates rising as well. But the DXY Index has not traded all that lower, in part bolstered by the further rise in USD/JPY rates, which have tagged a fresh yearly high and their highest level since August 1990. Rising US Treasury yields, with the short-end of the curve at their highest levels of 2022, are cushioning the DXY Index from a deeper setback. DXY PRICE INDEX TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: DailyTimeframe (October 2021 to October 2022) (CHART 1) Last week it was noted that the DXY Index is funneling into a symmetrical triangle, which given the preceding uptrend, would ultimately suggest a continuation effort higher. Since then, consolidation has continued, with the symmetrical triangle persisting. Trading is a function of price and time, and the triangles termination comes on October 31 setting up a potential breakout opportunity (up or down) by the first week of November. Triangle support comes in closer to 111.90 over the coming sessions, while a break above last weeks high of 113.92 would suggest a bullish breakout has commenced. Recommended by Christopher Vecchio, CFA How to Trade USD/JPY Get My Guide USD/JPY RATE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: DAILY TIMEFRAME (October 2021 to October 2022) (CHART 2) USD/JPY rates have pushed above 150.00, hitting a fresh yearly high and the highest level since August 1990. The commentary has not changed over the past week. The technical structure remains bullishUSD/JPY rates are above their daily EMA envelope, which remains in bullish sequential order. Daily MACD is rising again while above its signal line, and daily Slow Stochastics are holding in overbought territory. Its worth noting that USD/JPY rates have traded above levels at which the Japanese Ministry of Finance has previously intervened to support the Japanese Yen. It remains the case, however, that as long as the policy gap between the Bank of Japan and Federal Reserve remains, it will be difficult for USD/JPY rates to pullback meaningful. IG Client Sentiment Index: USD/JPY RATE Forecast (October 20, 2022) (Chart 3) USD/JPY: Retail trader data shows 17.04% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders short to long at 4.87 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 1.25% lower than yesterday and 18.45% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 10.99% higher than yesterday and 26.98% higher from last week. We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests USD/JPY prices may continue to rise. Traders are further net-short than yesterday and last week, and the combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a stronger USD/JPY-bullish contrarian trading bias. Trade Smarter - Sign up for the DailyFX Newsletter Receive timely and compelling market commentary from the DailyFX team Subscribe to Newsletter --- Written by Christopher Vecchio, CFA, Senior Strategist FTSE 100 Talking Points: UK Prime Minister Liz Truss resigns as political and economic uncertainty looms. FTSE 100 faces critical levels of technical support and resistance. Real-estate and energy stocks lead gains while the health-care sector strains. Recommended by Tammy Da Costa Get Your Free GBP Forecast Get My Guide UK Prime Minister Liz Truss Resigns FTSE Reacts Cautiously After reaching a daily low of 6894.85 earlier today, the resignation of British prime minister Liz Truss initially drove UK stocks higher before peaking at 7017.4. With economic and political uncertainty pressuring both GBP and UK sentiment as a whole, a hold above the weekly open (6858.79) may still provide bulls the opportunity to move higher. As the 200-week MA (moving average) forms an additional layer of resistance at around 6948, the 7000 handle remains key, opening the door for 7200. FTSE 100 Weekly Chart Chart prepared by Tammy Da Costa using TradingView However, with sentiment still shying away from risk assets, further selling pressure and a move below 6858 could pave the way for bearish continuation back towards the October 2022 low at 6707.62. Trading Strategies and Risk Management Price Action Recommended by Tammy Da Costa Start Course FTSE 100 Daily Chart Chart prepared by Tammy Da Costa using TradingView FTSE 100 Biggest Movers With real-estate gaining approximately 2.56%, the energy sector rose by approximately 1.85% while the health care took the biggest knock with an approximate loss of 1.46% (at the time of writing). Refinitiv FTSE 100 Client Sentiment FTSE 100 Mixed Data provided by of clients are net long. of clients are net short. Change in Longs Shorts OI Daily 9% -1% 1% Weekly -19% 20% 9% FTSE 100: At the time of writing, retail trader data shows 64.90% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.85 to 1.The number of traders net-long is 3.10% lower than yesterday and 12.72% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 8.90% higher than yesterday and 11.25% higher from last week. We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests FTSE 100 prices may continue to fall. Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current FTSE 100 price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long. --- Written by Tammy Da Costa, Analyst for DailyFX.com Contact and follow Tammy on Twitter: @Tams707 Earlier this week, a volley of a Russian missile and drone attacks wrecked some power plants, forcing Ukraine to restrict electricity use for the first time nationwide. Government representatives and grid operator Ukrenergo said that today's power supply would be limited from 7 am to 11 pm. While only in effect on Thursday, the grid operator acknowledged that as the colder months approach, additional limits may be required. Ukraine Curbs Power Usage After Russia Attacks Energy Plants On Telegram, a presidential advisor issued a warning that there might be brief blackouts if people did not reduce their use of electricity. There won't be much street illumination in the cities. In recent days, Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's water and electricity infrastructure. Vitaliy Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, pleaded with city residents not to use large electrical equipment, adding that even a minor saving and decrease in electricity consumption in each residence will help to stabilize the operation of the national energy system. Earlier this week, Zelensky claimed that Russian airstrikes had struck a third of Ukraine's power plants. Winter will bring more challenging weather to the invasion in Ukraine, including deep muck, snow, and bitter cold, which will complicate operations for both sides of the conflict. Despite the possibility that weather-related frontlines in Ukraine will become more static than they have been recently in the coming months, offensive activities won't end entirely, as per The Telegraph via MSN. Oleksandr Starukh, the regional governor, claims that numerous cities in Zaporizhzhia, a disputed territory in southern Ukraine that has recently seen significant combat, have already been left without power and water as a result of Russian attacks. The heating season will begin on Thursday in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, allowing buildings to connect to the public heating system that supplies heat during the colder months. Zelensky met with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Chernyshov, and others on Wednesday as Ukraine prepared for what may be a tough winter. The officials discussed security at the important infrastructure that ensures the vital activity of cities, towns, and villages of Ukraine and contingency preparations in case energy was turned off in populated areas, according to a report supplied by Zelensky's office. It was also claimed that Ukraine's allies may help. On Wednesday, the Spanish Defense Ministry said that four 400-kilowatt power generators and a 150-kilowatt generator will be sent. According to the ministry, the generators will be shipped utilizing a logistics center in Poland, another one of Ukraine's allies, within the next three days, according to News Week via MSN. Read Also: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Continues Attacks on Ukraine Power Plants as Ukrainian Army Gears Prepares To Retake Kherson Russia's Iranian-Made Drones Attack Civilians Meanwhile, on Monday, Russia fired a large number of kamikaze drones against Ukraine, damaging electricity infrastructure and killing five people in Kyiv. Because of the loud whirring sound that their engines create as they fly overhead, Ukrainians have given them the moniker mopeds. According to Ukraine, they are Iranian-made Shahid-136 attack drones, which are loitering weapons that travel at a slow speed toward their target before exploding upon impact. Due to their use on Tuesday, Kyiv took action to sever ties with Iran. More sanctions against Iran are predicted to be imposed by Western nations. According to three EU diplomats, the states of the EU have provisionally decided to slap penalties on eight individuals and organizations for the deployment of Iranian-made drones by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine, NDTV reported. Related Article: Ukraine War: Iran's Aid of Russia Could Be a Threat to Ukraine ... and the USA @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Here's a plan. In the interests of stability, why don't the Tories cut out the middle man and invite Keir Starmer to become Prime Minister in a Government of National Unity? After all, he's nailed on to get the job after the next general election. It's not as if Jeremy Hunt and Grant Shapps couldn't work with the Labour leader. They like the same music, they like the same bands, they like the same clothes. When it comes to policy, there's not a cigarette paper between them on high taxes, climate change and, especially, Europe. They're all comfortable with the highest tax burden for 70 years, have signed up enthusiastically to the ruinous Net Zero agenda, and given half a chance would rejoin the EU in a heartbeat. Any one of them would have been happy in a Tony Blair administration. They even sound like him, spouting patronising centrist drivel. After the seat-of-your-pants Boris Johnson razzmatazz and the short-lived Fizzy Lizzie experiment, the grey men of a certain age are back in charge. The defenestration of Truss is the ultimate triumph of the forces of defeatism and decline. It has also hammered another nail into the coffin of British democracy. Extinction Rebellion poster boy Shapps was openly campaigning at the Tory conference against any reduction in the top rate of tax. I wondered at the time what he was even doing in the Conservative party Fizzie Lizzie may have been the naive architect of her own spectacular fall from grace. But at least she attempted, however cackhandedly, to fulfil the promises she made during her successful leadership campaign. It's now glaringly apparent that the hardcore Remainers in her own party were never going to let that happen, even before she foolishly played into their hands. Extinction Rebellion poster boy Shapps was openly campaigning at the Tory conference against any reduction in the top rate of tax. I wondered at the time what he was even doing in the Conservative party, since he would be equally at home in Labour or the Lib Dems. Shapps was the allegedly Tory Transport Secretary who declared war on free movement under cover of Covid by bunging 250 million of taxpayers' money to Left-wing councils to set up a network of widely hated, car-free, jam-creating, pollution-generating Low Traffic Neighbourhoods all in the name of saving the planet. And to hell with opposition from voters, including many of those in his own constituency. Somehow, at least until this time next week, Shapps has ended up as Home Secretary. Meanwhile Jeremy Hunt, who came bottom of the MPs' poll last time round and has twice failed in his leadership ambitions, is for the time being the most powerful politician in Britain. Go figure, as our American cousins say. Strange cove, Hunt. Nice enough chap but a bit of a blank canvas. What we do know is that he was a passionate Remainer, who said in the wake of the Brexit referendum that the result would have to be 'subject to democratic endorsement'. Eh? Hunt is lauded for his six years as Health Secretary. But what did he actually achieve? What's the biggest single popular vote for anything in British history if not a democratic endorsement? Hunt is lauded for his six years as Health Secretary. But what did he actually achieve? Despite swallowing more than 40 per cent of the Government's day-to-day spending, waiting lists have actually risen to a shameful seven million. And still we are told the NHS is the envy of the world. Hunt is also a full-on Sinophile, whose Chinese wife has appeared regularly as a commentator on a TV programme controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. During the pandemic, he endorsed the Beijing government's oppressive total lockdown policies aimed at achieving Zero Covid, though he did concede (reluctantly?) that perhaps importing them wholesale to this country might be a bridge too far. Maybe we should start calling him The Manchurian Candidate, after Laurence Harvey's sleeper assassin in John Frankenheimer's conspiracy movie of the same name. Hunt's certainly done an impressive job of work shooting Liz Truss. If a foreign power had set out to utterly undermine and discredit both Brexit and the British Government, they couldn't have achieved a more stunning success. Starmer may be a shoo-in for PM at the next election, but he's no respecter of popular democracy Over the past few days, the bizarre shenanigans at Westminster have been beyond the most outlandish imagination of any TV scriptwriter even those who came up with such intelligence-insulting nonsense as BBC drama The Bodyguard, starring the ubiquitous Keeley Hawes as a Fizzie Lizzie-style minister. It's been more like an episode of Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds. Anything can happen in the next half hour! To be honest, I still haven't quite worked out whether the chief whip and her deputy have actually resigned or not. Who could blame them if they did? Herding feral cats would be a piece of pickle by comparison. What would possess any party to elect a new leader then jettison her six weeks later? This is the stuff of banana republics. In the event, Truss imploded under self-inflicted pressure. But if MPs didn't want her as Prime Minister, they shouldn't have put her in the final two to go before the membership in the first place. Judging by their antics lately, one can only assume the entire Parliamentary Conservative Party has taken leave of its senses like one of those Waco-style suicide cults who pop up regularly in the U.S. At a time when the economy is going to Hell in a handcart and a Russian jet was yesterday reported to have fired a missile at an RAF patrol, MPs from what passes as our governing party were squabbling among themselves like children fighting in a primary school playground. If MPs didn't want her as Prime Minister, they shouldn't have put her in the final two to go before the membership in the first place The scenes in the Commons on Wednesday night were pathetic, with grown men and women claiming to have been 'bullied and manhandled' into the voting lobbies. And who were these alleged bullies, strong-arming them? Therese Coffey and Jacob Rees-Mogg. We're not talking Ron and Reg Kray here, are we? For heaven's sake, grow up the lot of you. All this hysteria has been unfolding without any reference to the voters they are paid handsomely to represent. As I wrote on Tuesday, those of us outside the Bubble have only been able to look upon this juvenile circus with growing disgust and disbelief. Just when you thought politics couldn't sink any lower than they did during that gurning gargoyle Bercow's disgraceful attempts to pervert Parliamentary procedure to prevent Britain leaving the EU, once again the politicians have lived down to our worst expectations. (And I still haven't got round to Nonce Finder General Tom Watson's shameful elevation to the Lords. Don't worry, I will.) Two and a half years ago, we gave an 80-seat majority to a democratically elected Conservative Government led by Boris Johnson, which pledged to get Brexit done. Last night, it looked as if Boris was trying to make an unlikely comeback, only a few weeks after he left office. Stranger things have happened We've ended up with a palace coup staged by Remainers, determined to keep us in lockstep with the EU, even if they can't formally make us rejoin. Last night, it looked as if Boris was trying to make an unlikely comeback, only a few weeks after he left office. I can't see the dripping wet, EU-diehard, Tory grandees who have now 'taken back control', so to speak, putting up with that under any circumstances. Even if Boris could persuade enough MPs to put him in the play-offs, and then convince the membership to return him to No 10, the fierce resistance from the now dominant Remain faction would make the toppling of Truss look like a Teddy Bears' picnic. Still, stranger things have happened. Mind you, I was only half-joking when I suggested that the likes of Hunt and Shapps would be happier serving under Prime Minister Starmer than a Brexiteer. Yes, Starmer may be a shoo-in for PM at the next election, but he's no respecter of popular democracy either. He spent four years trying every parliamentary and judicial trick in the book to Stop Brexit. He might be calling for an election now, because he thinks he'd walk it, but in truth Starmer's no more a fan of letting the little people have their say than Tories such as Hunt and Shapps. If they thought they could get away with a Government of National Unity, without the inconvenience of having to consult voters ever again in the interests of stability, you understand believe me, they would. After six brief weeks of political mayhem, Liz Truss has stood down. Not with a tear in her eye, a tremble of her lip, nor any semblance or sorrow or regret but with the same baffling arrogance that characterised her catastrophic reign. It was, frankly, unbelievable. Rarely have I felt such a sense of fury while watching a politician speak. I was ready to feel sorry for her, really I was. The poor woman, whatever you think of her, has had a torrid time. And for all her faults, she is by no means a bad person. After six brief weeks of political mayhem, Liz Truss has stood down. Not with a tear in her eye, a tremble of her lip, nor any semblance or sorrow or regret but with the same baffling arrogance that characterised her catastrophic reign As soon as she emerged alongside her husband, I thought I knew what was coming. This is it, I said to myself, shes going to address us human to human. But no. Instead we got the politician. There she stood, the smouldering remains of a once-great party at her feet, our economy in tatters. Yet she was smiling and still! blowing her own trumpet. It was as if this were all just some mildly irritating mishap: as if turning Britain into an international laughing stock and triggering a financial crisis that will mean disaster for millions was just a harmless misunderstanding. I never expected her to emerge in sackcloth and ashes: but surely an acknowledgement of the colossal cock-up she has brought about would have been reasonable. As soon as she emerged alongside her husband, I thought I knew what was coming. This is it, I said to myself, shes going to address us human to human. But no. Instead we got the politician Perhaps Donald Trump is the closest parallel for this catastrophe. Like the former president, Truss is an isolated figure in her party, a lone wolf who never really got along with anyone except those, like her, on the margins Instead, she offered only the same tone-deaf, tin-eared, stubborn attitude she has displayed throughout her doomed premiership. Honestly, Truss is her own worst enemy. She spoke of delivery and vision. Delivery? In full, Liz Truss's Downing St statement I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills. Putins illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent. And our country had been held back for too long by low economic growth. I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance. And we set out a vision for a low-tax, high-growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. We have agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. This will ensure we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our countrys economic stability and national security. I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen. Thank you. Advertisement Even UPS is more reliable, and thats saying something. Vision? A vision of Hell, perhaps. And then, as though she were handing back a slightly soiled item of clothing she had worn once to a party before deciding it didnt really suit her, she washed her hands of it all. I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected, she said. Again, incredible. Maybe you should have thought about that before you took the job and before you drove Britains economic credibility off a cliff. Bad enough that she made such a terrible mess of things. Bad enough that she behaved without a shred of honour or integrity throughout. But failing to show a scintilla of contrition thats the cherry on this whole rotten cake. Not a word of apology to the British people, nor the slightest sense of regret for the agony and embarrassment she has caused us. No acknowledgement of responsibility, not a word of thanks for her Cabinet, or for colleagues who tried to help and who crashed their own political careers trying to save hers. Or, for that matter, her husband Hugh OLeary and her family, for whom none of this can have been easy or fun. Just more about her achievements and that weird smile. Even Theresa May, famously dubbed the Maybot, managed to come across as a human being in the end. Not Truss. In that resignation speech, she showed Trumpian levels of dysfunction and denial. Perhaps Donald Trump is the closest parallel for this catastrophe. Like the former president, Truss is an isolated figure in her party, a lone wolf who never really got along with anyone except those, like her, on the margins. That explains the Cabinet she eventually appointed: a mixture of individuals whose only real connection was the fact that they were, for the most part, fellow outsiders. Also like Trump, she was a consummate self-publicist, someone who pushed themselves forward at every opportunity, regardless of her actual abilities. Such unshakable self-belief is all very well, but it can only get you so far as we have seen. She behaved just as irresponsibly as he did: over-promising with reckless abandon and refusing to listen to voices of reason or experience. And like the ex-president, she believed that all you had to do to govern successfully was to ram through your policies, that only weaklings needed to win the respect of colleagues and find useful compromises. In the end, she presided over a culture that became so toxic that MPs were physically attacking each other in the Houses of Parliament, according to some reports. I was ready to feel sorry for her, really I was. The poor woman, whatever you think of her, has had a torrid time I hate to be so hard on her, and its never nice to kick a person when theyre down. But this is not some minor error of judgment were talking about. This is a person whose naked vanity and lust for power drove her to mislead her own party, making promises that she could never deliver. She treated the job of Prime Minister as a vehicle to serve her own ambitions rather than the best interests of the British people. And that, frankly, is disgraceful. The only good thing about this fiasco is that it was all so mercifully swift. America had to endure four years of Trump and his play might yet have a second act. The Tories managed to dispatch Truss in less than two months. For that, at least, we should be grateful. And it gives me hope, actually, for a divided and fractious party that for some unknown reason seems determined to snatch defeat from the jaws of an 80-seat majority. Already Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Tories 1922 Committee, has wisely announced that leadership candidates will need at least 100 backers before they can put themselves forward. This will not only simplify the process of replacing Truss, it will also ensure that whoever gets the job can command decent support from the parliamentary party. And if, as some are suggesting, Boris Johnson decides to make a return to the fray, it may yet be possible to restore some semblance of respect beyond the confines of Westminster. After all, he actually has a mandate from the British people and a resounding one at that. And if, as some are suggesting, Boris Johnson decides to make a return to the fray, it may yet be possible to restore some semblance of respect beyond the confines of Westminster Whether MPs who so recently deposed him will see it that way remains to be seen. In the meantime, we can only hope that an end to this absurd psychodrama is approaching and that MPs can return to their day-to-day business of representing their constituents, instead of acting like cast members in a particularly over-the-top EastEnders Christmas special. With luck, Truss may yet go down in history as the Tory Partys coup de foudre, a disastrous dalliance that served only to remind us what a real leader looks like. A mad hiatus in which the Tory Party persuaded itself that the one person who knew what they were doing deserved to be ousted over a bit of cake and a glass of wine to be replaced by a political incompetent who very nearly burnt the house down. Now, Kristjna has left the church and is happier than ever with a new non-Mormon husband and has found comfort outside the confines of religion She noted that her upbringing often made her feel unworthy and feeling like she needed to play the role of an obedient housewife An ex-Mormon woman has opened up about her regret over letting her religion skew her understanding of love - detailing how she ended up married and divorced by age 24 after being made to feel as though she was 'unworthy' if she didn't tie the knot at a young age. Kristjana Hillberg, 32, from South Dakota, says she always felt undeserving of love and happiness while she was a part of the Mormon church, but it wasn't until she got married at 21 that she realized it was actually the rigid religious values she once held so close, were making her feel inadequate. From a young age, Kristjana was taught that a Mormon woman's role in life was to settle as an obedient housewife. Gender stereotypes that pushed men as breadwinners and women as homemakers were forced onto and caused her to believe that's all she could ever be. Kristjana Hillberg, an ex-Mormon, revealed she regrets letting her religion skew her understanding of love The 32-year-old, from South Dakota, got married at 21 years old (pictured) and divorced at 24 after feeling trapped by the beliefs of the Mormon church She noted that her upbringing often made her feel unworthy and feeling like she needed to play the role of an obedient housewife In an interview with Insider, the ex-Mormon revealed that in grad school she was told it was a woman's duty to 'replenish the earth', and learned that if she partook in drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and pre-marital sex she was sinner. Although she wanted to empower others as a woman, she learned to push her personal thoughts aside because they didn't align with the beliefs of the church. 'In such a strict religion where everything is off-limits and you don't question anything, you just have blind faith, if you have ''bad'' thoughts, you just pray them away,' Kristjana told Insider. When Kristjana was in college she was a victim of sexual assault and because she learned that pre-marital sex was a serious sin, she began to internalize that belief, and because she was drunk, she convinced herself she deserved the attack and that she was the one who needed to repent for her sins. Following the assault, the now 32-year-old found herself doing everything to escape the negative thoughts that told her she was unworthy, such as continuous partying. Two years later, she met a fellow student and a Mormon who 'changed that belief in me that no one would ever love me,' she said. While dating him, she was shocked by how accepting he was towards her despite her rule-breaking when it came to alcohol, sex and drugs, especially because he was the son of a Mormon bishop, who is the leader of the Mormon church. In an interview with Insider, the ex-Mormon revealed that in grad school she was told it was a woman's duty to 'replenish the earth' After suffering from sexual assault, Kristjana found herself doing everything to escape the negative thoughts that told her she was unworthy, such as continuous partying She married a fellow Mormon at 21, but couldn't escape feelings of unworthiness (pictured with her mom, who is still a member of the church) What it takes to be a Mormon: 10 rules members must follow to be part of church No alcohol, tea, coffee, or caffeinated beverage of any kind No drugs No pre-marital sex, birth control or abortion No vulgar language No single mothers or surrogate mothers No homosexuality No gambling No tattoos Women must not wear any sleeveless tops No dating before the age of 16 Advertisement The two married after nine months together, during which time they abstained from sex. After marrying they had a child together. And while Kristjana was happy he accepted her for who she was she couldn't shake her thoughts of wanting to do something more with her life. While her now ex-husband traveled for work and she spent time alone and with their baby, she once again began to question the beliefs the church had instilled in her, especially when it came to family dynamics. She felt as though she had everything the church told her she'd want, yet, she still wasn't happy. 'I was fighting all of these inner feelings of, "You're being extremely selfish. You just need to like have faith and be quiet and do your job, Kris,"' she told Insider. Kristjana tried to be happy and thankful for the role she was told she was supposed to play, but she couldn't shake the feelings of unworthiness. She felt like she could never escape her life or her thoughts. She knew she could no longer live within the Mormon church's beliefs that fueled her shame and low self-worth. Right before she turned 25, she filed for divorce, left the church and began her healing process through therapy, which she noted helped her find peace and joy. She began trying new things, became a burlesque dancer and co-created Step Into Your Magic, a course designed to help those who are struggling figuring out their true selves and what they want out of life. Right before she turned 25, she filed for divorce, left the church and began her healing process through therapy, which she noted helped her find peace and joy She began trying new things, became a burlesque dancer and re-married to a non-Mormon named Keith Hillberg (pictured) Now, Kristjna is a mother-of-three and is happier than ever because she has found comfort outside of the confines of religion Now, Kristijna is married to a non-Mormon, Kurt Hillberg, with whom she has two kids. She and her ex-husband co-parent their 10-year-old daughter and Kristjna noted that he's a 'fabulous' dad, but says she doesn't regret filing for divorce. The mother-of-three added that her marriage with Kurt makes her feel safe outside the confines of religion and has helped her find her passions while coming to terms with her true self. 'It was a lot of experimenting and even still, I'm shifting and unlearning and figuring it out. But I'm just more me now. I go strictly off of my intuition and what feels good,' 'It's so different than when I was in my early twenties being like, "Oh my God, God hates me."' Bright lights can be unpredictable and even seasoned celebs have inadvertently exposed body parts and unmentionables amidst the flashes of paparazzi cameras. But what would have once been labeled a horrible wardrobe malfunction, is what young starlets today are intending to show off when they step out onto the carpet. From Florence Pugh to Olivia Wilde and Kaia Gerber, see-through gowns are all the rage. Don't Worry Darling's Florence Pugh attended the Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 22/23 fashion show in Rome, Italy leaving very little to the imagination Don't Worry Darling's Florence Pugh is a huge fan of the bold trend. In the last couple of months the 26-year-old has attended several events wearing sheer ensembles that leave very little to the imagination. At the Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 22/23 fashion show in Rome, Italy, she turned heads by going braless under a hot pink tulle gown. Sleek hair, barely there makeup and colossal confidence is all she needed to pull off the risque look. Florence later wore a peek-a-boo black dress to The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Reception in London and a see-through two-piece set during Paris Fashion Week. Don't Worry Darling's Florence Pugh is a huge fan of the cheeky trend. In the last couple of months she has attended several events in sheer looks that leave very little to the imagination Olivia Palermo flashed a glimpse of her nipples by going braless under a crystal embellished tea-length gown in Milan She's always on trend and Olivia Palermo didn't disappoint at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards during the Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 on September 25, 2022 in Milan, Italy. The 36-year-old influencer flashed a glimpse of her nipples and black underwear under a crystal embellished tea-length gown. Her look was made complete with a sleek low bun and mustard sandals. In a see-through Alexandre Vauthier Couture gown featuring a pink feather hem, Olivia Wilde had everyone talking about something other than her love life Kaia Gerber brought her fashion fearlessness to the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California Olivia Wilde awed onlookers at the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. In a see-through Alexandre Vauthier Couture gown featuring a pink feather hem, the 'Don't Worry Darling' director had everyone talking about something other than her love life. Kaia Gerber brought her fashion fearlessness to the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Posing for the cameras, the 21-year-old daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford worked all angles of her statuesque frame in a sheer Alaia ensemble. Posing for the cameras the 21-year-old worked all angles of her statuesque frame in a sheer Alaia ensemble Gizele Oliveira attended the REVOLVE presentation in a totally sheer, black net dress accented with silver paillettes, with a nude bodysuit Emily Ratajkowski dropped jaws at W Magazine's 50th Anniversary party in a long-sleeve fishnet dress by Tory Burch and satin Fleur du Mal lingerie underneath Not all celebs are going braless under their sheer dresses, stars like Gizele Oliveira and Emily Ratajkowski are opting for nude underpinnings. Gizele, 29, attended the REVOLVE Gallery NYFW presentation at Hudson Yards on September 8, 2022 in New York City showing off her enviable curves. The Brazilian Victoria's Secret model wore a totally sheer, black net dress accented with silver paillettes, and a nude bodysuit. Emily Ratajkowski dropped jaws at W Magazine's 50th Anniversary party. The newly single stunner donned a long-sleeve fishnet dress by Tory Burch and satin Fleur du Mal lingerie underneath. Her revealing look was made complete with soft mermaid waves, gleaming drop earrings, and a black clutch. A federal judge claimed on Wednesday that former United States President Donald Trump signed a document that his lawyer told him contained false voter fraud claims, swearing under oath that the information was true. The judge also ordered the release of emails that were sent by John Eastman, who is a former Trump attorney, to House investigators. He said that the communications were made in furtherance of a crime related to the former president's effort to subvert the 2020 election. Voter Fraud Claims Judge David O. Carter wrote in his order that the emails show that the Republican businessman knew that the specific numbers of voter fraud were wrong. However, Trump continued to tout those numbers both in court and to the public. Carter added that the Court found that the emails were sufficiently related to and in furtherance of a conspiracy to defraud the United States. The judge, who sits on the federal district court in central California, had already released many of Eastman's emails from around January 2021 to the House Select Committee, as per CNN. However, the two sides were still arguing over 562 additional documents from Eastman's Chapman University email account. Carter's latest order also cited one email where Trump's attorneys state that merely having the case pending in the Supreme Court and not ruled on may be sufficient to delay consideration of Georgia. The House Select Committee has been, for months, trying to get access to Eastman's emails as they consider him the intellectual architect of plans to subvert the 2020 elections. This includes Trump's efforts to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to block or delay congressional certification of the Electoral College results on Jan. 6, 2021. According to the New York Times, the panel repeatedly argued that a "crime-fraud exception" pierces the typical attorney-client privilege that often protects communications between lawyers and their clients. Read Also: Joe Biden Headache: Student Loan Forgiveness Program Could Have A Big Problem Inaccurate Numbers Judge Carter wrote that the email that talked about the delay in the tally of Electoral College votes, when read in context with other documents included in the review, makes it clear that the former president filed certain lawsuits not to obtain legal relief, but to disrupt or delay the Jan. 6 congressional proceedings through the courts. In another email that was related to the lawsuit, Trump and his lawyers contended that thousands of votes had been improperly counted. They cited specific numbers of dead people, felons, and unregistered voters who had cast ballots. In one instance, Eastman made plain his view that Trump should not sign a document making specific claims about voter fraud in the county because his legal team had learned they were inaccurate. However, the former president signed the document despite the knowledge that some of the information was incorrect. Carter added that Trump signed a verification swearing under oath that the incorporated, inaccurate numbers are "true and correct." The judge said that this means the former president knew that the specific numbers of voter fraud were false but still continued to tout the data as accurate to support his claims, Politico reported. Related Article: Biden Expected To Announce Release of More Oil From Reserve Ahead of Midterm Elections @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NBC News correspondent Emilie Ikeda has opened up about how her wedding was almost derailed after her husband was bitten by a venomous snake on the night of their rehearsal dinner. The 28-year-old detailed the scary incident in an essay published by Today on Tuesday, saying she and her then-fiance, Pat, spent 12 hours at the LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville, Tennessee, after his unfortunate run-in with a copperhead. Emilie explained the incident occurred when they were leaving a rental home on a peak in the Smoky Mountains. They had planned on spending the night in separate cabins and were headed to their car when he was bitten. NBC News correspondent Emilie Ikeda opened up about how her husband, Pat, was bit by a venomous snake the night before their wedding in Tennessee The journalist explained in her essay for Today that she and Pat were leaving a rental home in the Smoky Mountains when a snake bit him on the ankle 'Walking on a dimly lit path, suddenly I saw Pat jump and grab his ankle,' she recalled. 'He assumed it was a very angry hornet. Following a few steps behind him, I knew it was worse. A snake slithered away.' The journalist said the snake had managed to 'bite him just above his leather shoe and below his pant leg,' saying they were 'impressed by its precision.' Their family assured them that it likely wasn't a venomous snake, but they didn't want to take any risks. Emilie had Pat track down the serpent and take a photo of it. They quickly identified it as a copperhead thanks to its triangle-shaped head. They realized the serpent was a copperhead after tracking it down and taking a photo. Copperhead snakes are venomous, but their bites are rarely fatal After Pat's ankle started to get numb, they marked the initial swelling with a pen and headed to the emergency room together The couple spent 12 hours at the LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville after Pat's unfortunate run-in with a copperhead Emilie said she couldn't believe that her outdoorsy partner ended up getting bitten by a venomous snake while walking to their car the night before their wedding. After Pat's ankle started to get numb, they marked the initial swelling with a pen and headed to the emergency room together. 'Being on the edge of Smoky Mountains National Park, we figured medical professionals were very familiar with snake bites. Nope,' she said. Emilie recalled how one nurse said she hadn't treated a snake bite in roughly six years while another asked, 'Arent copperhead bites typically fatal?' Emilie couldn't believe that her outdoorsy partner ended up getting bitten by a venomous snake while walking to their car Emilie said the stress she felt about seating charts and flowers in the months leading up to their wedding dissipated, and they spent the night in the hospital laughing and talking Luckily, they already knew that was not the case and didn't panic. Copperhead snakes have relatively mild venom, and their bites are rarely fatal for humans, according to Live Science. Emilie said they were initially able to find the humor in the situation because Pat's symptoms and swelling were minor. 'Despite an ankle and calf the size of a grapefruit, Pats prognosis was good,' she explained. 'He needed rest, and fortunately, not anti-venom, which was a relief after Google results for "the cost of treating a snake bite" suggested a six-figure hospital bill.' Pat was discharged the next morning and was able to 'hobble down the aisle' at their wedding Emilie thanked the snake at the end of her essay, saying it helped remind them that the most important thing on their wedding day was each other It was nearing midnight when the doctor told them that Pat had to be monitored in the hospital for 12 hours, which would barely give him any time to make it to their ceremony. Emilie said the hospital room didn't have any TV or magazines, and she had to pull two chairs together to make a makeshift bed for herself, but they still managed to make the best out of a bad situation. The stress she felt about seating charts and flowers in the months leading up to their wedding dissipated, and they spent the night laughing and talking. Pat was discharged the next morning and was able to 'hobble down the aisle' on his swollen foot, and while it wasn't an ideal situation, it brought them closer together. 'So to the snake, I say, thank you,' she concluded her essay. 'Thank you for helping remind us of the most important thing on one of the most important days: each other.' Princess Eugenie looked sophisticated as ever as she donned a chic black and white ensemble for an art fair in Paris yesterday. The royal, 32, wore an elegant tweed sleeveless cardigan, featuring ornate golden buttons, over a tulle black dress. The slinky fabric added a romantic touch to the look, and the princess sported some black tights for an autumnal touch. The Duke of York's daughter elevated the outfit with some simple golden jewellery, which complemented the embellished buttons on the two-toned cardigan Princess Eugenie looked sophisticated as ever as she donned a chic black and white ensemble for an art fair in Paris yesterday Eugenie smiled as she posed for photos at the Hauser & Wirth Booth - the international gallery at which she is a Director - during the press preview for Paris + Par Art Basel at the Grand Palais Ephemere. The fair will take place from October 20 to 23. Others pictured at the event included artists Marc Quinn, Yan Pei Ming and Jean-Marie Appriou. The daughter of Prince Andrew swept her chestnut tresses back, leaving a few face framing strands out in a side-part. She opted for a minimal make-up look, focusing on accentuating her eyes and dewy skin complexion. Eugenie smiled as she posed for photos at the Hauser & Wirth Booth during the press preview for Paris + Par Art Basel at the Grand Palais Ephemere It comes as she last week shared a touching birthday greeting with her 'dearest mumsy' Sarah Ferguson. The royal took to Instagram to post the message to the Duchess of York, who turned 63 on October 15. Eugenie shared a selection of candid images featuring her mother, and wrote a caption alongside them. It said: 'Half an hour left to go of October 15th 2022 but better late than never.. Happy Birthday my dear mumsy!' The daughter of Prince Andrew swept her chestnut tresses back, leaving a few face framing strands out in a side-part Four photos shared by the princess, which were all taken in rural locations, showed Sarah posing with her daughters and alone. Meanwhile the royal marked her birthday on Instagram herself by sharing a series of heartwarming pictures of her snuggling up with The Queen's corgis - calling Muick and Sandy the 'present that keeps on giving'. The Duchess of York adopted the animals with her ex-husband Prince Andrew, 62, after the monarch's death last month, and now cares for the two dogs at their Royal Lodge home near Windsor Castle. Others pictured at the event included artists Yan Pei Ming (pictured), Marc Quinn and Jean-Marie Appriou The fair will take place from October 20 to 23. Artists Marc Quinn (left) and Jean-Marie Appriou (right) were also at the event Muick and Sandy touched the hearts of millions of people when they were part of the Queen's funeral last month, waiting outside Windsor Castle for Her Majesty's coffin processional to pass. Earlier this month, the Duchess said that being asked to take care of them has been a 'big honour', according to the Telegraph. Speaking at the Henley Literary Festival, Sarah said that she's well aware that the two new additions to her household are 'national treasures' who have been 'trained well'. As Sarah and Andrew already shared five Norfolk terriers, the two corgis have had to integrate with them. She said: 'They all balance out, the carpet moves as I move but Ive got used to it now.' Jay Blades has revealed preparations for his upcoming wedding to fiancee Lisa Zbozen are 'all sorted'. The Repair Shop star, 52, announced the his engagement to the fitness trainer in December last year and now he's admitted their plans for the big day are complete. In a rare comment about his personal life, the restoration expert told Hello! that he is an 'organiser' suggesting he is well and truly involved in the planning. Jay's engagement is his second following his marriage to ex-wife Jade, and the former couple share 15-year-old daughter Zola together, before splitting in 2015. It comes as the star prepares for a special episode of the BBC hit show to air - where he will welcome King Charles into The Repair Workshop. Jay Blades revealed preparations for his upcoming wedding to fiancee Lisa Zbozen are 'all sorted' while speaking to Hello at the National Television Awards Speaking at the National Television Awards, he said 'the plans are all sorted', adding that he's an 'organiser'. Last year Jay shared a snap of Lisa-Marie's stunning ring, and told fans: 'Good afternoon all. Lunchtime Treat. 'It gives me great pleasure to announce that I got engaged to @lisamariezbozen.' He continued: 'We wanted to share this news with you as we are very happy and hope to bring the same happiness your way. Ring designed by me & made by @rtfj.' Richard, best known for his work as a goldsmith on The Repair Shop, also shared a glimpse of the beautiful ring on his Instagram. The Repair Shop star, 52, announced the his engagement to the fitness trainer in December last year and now he's admitted their plans for the big day are complete Jay shared the news with fans last year, writing on social media that he and Lisa-Marie were 'very happy' He wrote: 'It was a real honour to make this engagement ring for another one of my #repairshop family! 'Congratulations to Lisa @lisamariezbozen & Jay @jaybladesmbe on your engagement!' In February Jay revealed he hit rock bottom after his marriage broke down and his charity went bust - and he spent a week living in his car believing he 'wouldn't see tomorrow'. The presenter took to Instagram to announced he'd proposed to his girlfriend Lisa-Marie with a ring specially designed by his co-star and goldsmith Richard Talman In 2015 his High Wycombe-based charity Out of the Dark, which he'd set up with his ex-wife Jade - the mother of his daughter, whom he'd met at 30 while a mature student at Buckinghamshire New University - to help give disadvantaged youngsters practical skills, was forced to close after 15 years due to cashflow problems. Jay, who also has two children from previous relationships, told how he got in his car and drove as far as he could until he needed petrol, by which point he'd reached Wolverhampton. He then spent a week 'effectively homeless' and living in his car in a retail park. Speaking to Susannah Constantine on her My Wardrobe Malfunction podcast, Jay told how he broke down in tears when he finally asked a friend who he'd sold furniture to in the past for help. 'My marriage broke down, my business, my charity, there was a number of young people I had employed. I was a pillar in the community that people used to go to and ask for support in more ways than one,' he explained. Jay's life has significantly turned around since those dark moments as he is due to welcome King Charles into The Repair Workshop later this week - as part of a special episode to mark the BBC's centenary celebrations. King Charles is to guest star in a special episode of show as part of the BBC's centenary celebrations - the programme will air on October 26th Blades receiving his MBE from King Charles in May last year for services to craft and he was appointed the first Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University in May 2022 He'll get to inspect pottery made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and an 18th century clock before handing the regal items over to his colleagues for repair. The furniture maker has seen his career - and love life - flourish since BBC producers put him at the helm of the hit craft show, which restores family heirlooms to their former glory, in 2017. Such success relatively late in his career - including an MBE in May last year - is in sharp contrast to Blades' troubled early life in Hackney, where he grew up in poverty after his father abandoned his much-loved mother Barbara. By his twenties, Blades ended up homeless and wondering 'Is this what my life has come to?', he told Channel 5 documentary makers earlier this year. The father-of-three said he could fit all his belongings in one carrier bag when he lived in a hostel before he was given social housing on the Victorian Peabody estate. The team will also mend two precious items chosen by the monarch - a piece of pottery made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and a 18th century clock. Charles met with Jay and his team in 2021 In the programme, Charles, pictured with Blades, Steve Fletcher, Kirsten Ramsay and Will Kirk, will meet with the show's host Jay Blades and his expert team of craftspeople to explore their shared passion for preserving heritage craft skills Dyslexic and unable to read, it wasn't until the star reached 51 that he began to tackle to illiteracy problem that had haunted him all of his adult life - after he'd found fame on the show that tapped into the nation's obsession with heritage crafting. Speaking about when he was homeless, Blades said: 'At 21 I was all over the place, I had no direction, I left London because I was getting into loads of fights and there were people after me. 'My mum moved to Luton and I lived up there with her for a bit. 'I had my first child, and then split up with the missus, and moved back to London, then I ended up homeless and went into a hostel.' 'I had a supermarket carrier bag with all of my stuff in there and it wasn't a lot. I remember thinking, 'is this what my life has come to, is this the end for me?'' But the TV star was helped out of the hostel and was given social housing on the Peabody estate, which was built in 1910, along with three other young men. Jay has seen his career flourish in recent years after he took on the main presenting role on the hugely successful BBC craft show; marking a stark contrast to a tough childhood growing up in North London with his mother Barbara (pictured) Dyslexic and unable to read, it wasn't until the star reached 51 that he began to tackle to illiteracy problem that had haunted him all of his adult life The BBC show has propelled Blades to being a household name after the furniture maker was picked to host the show When Jay lived on the estate, it had a strict list of 17 rules for tenants which banned dogs and wallpaper and said everyone had to be vaccinated against smallpox. The Peabody estate was founded by American philanthropist George Peabody who wanted to provide affordable housing for Londoners living in slum conditions, but with rules on moral conduct. Blades said it was when he was living in the flat that he found voluntary work which kickstarted his career as a furniture restorer and designer. His earlier life was similarly bleak, he's revealed previously that he used to live amongst rats in his childhood home in Hackney, north-east London. The star told how he was brought up in impoverished conditions, after his mother Barbara was abandoned by his father when he was a baby. He said: 'When I was born my mum came to live here with my uncle. My mum got pregnant with the man who contributed towards my birth and he left her high and dry.' Blades has spoken previously how he was brought up in impoverished conditions, after his mother Barbara (pictured) was abandoned by his father when he was a baby Jay added: '[He] took all her money from her, said he was going to promise her this and that, and he didn't, he just disappeared. The time for my mum must have been quite desperate I would say. 'There was loads of rubbish everywhere, there was rats.' Last year, the presenter starred in the BBC documentary Learning to Read at 51, which saw the once-illiterate star tackle the written word after years of being unable to read. The presenter learned how to read last summer using the same techniques children use, such as phonics. Speaking to The Sun at the time, Blades recalled how he was brought to tears when he received a letter from his daughter Zola, 14, who lives in Turkey with his ex-wife Jade, and was able to read it. Jay also has two other children from previous relationships. He said: 'Reading is something most people do every day and I didn't know it would mean so much to me. It grabs you emotionally. 'It was the first letter Zola had ever sent me she had never sent one before because she knew I couldn't read it. Jay was given the honour by the Prince of Wales on Tuesday for services to craft and in recognition of his work promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK Jay made the admission on his new documentary series, There's No Place Like Home, where he revisited his old flat on the Peabody estate (pictured) The Repair Shop team will mend two precious items chosen by the monarch - a piece of pottery made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and a 18th century clock. Pictured meeting the team of experts at the start of the video 'Reading her letter gave me everything I'd ever wanted but didn't think I would ever experience.' Jay, who left school without any qualifications, suffers from dyslexia which went undiagnosed until he was 31. The success of The Repair Shop seems to be as much as a surprise for Blades as anyone else. In May, he was given an MBE by the then Prince of Wales for services to craft and in recognition of his work promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK. The star said he never expected that the programme 'would become so big' when it began five years ago. He said: 'I knew it was special, because you wouldn't have all of those different disciplines in the same building. You wouldn't have a ceramic next to a fine art next to woodwork and a clock restorer, you just wouldn't have that.' Jay left school at 15, and has set up a charity encouraging young people who struggle academically to get involved in practical jobs, such as restoration and craft. He is also an ambassador for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, which provides people with up to 18,000 in funding to study a traditional craft. Jay previously lauded his co-stars for giving him the 'confidence' to speak about his dyslexia. The special episode with King Charles was announced during The One Show on Tuesday, with the episode airing on October 26 at 8pm on BBC One. Advertisement A self-portrait that was allegedly painted by serial killer John Wayne Gacy has gone up for sale for $8,000. The chilling artwork is available on Cult Collectibles, a dark website that sells things that are linked to notorious murderers; the site recently made headlines after it listed infamous cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer's urn, said to have once contained his ashes, for $250,000. Gacy, who raped, tortured, and murdered 33 young men and boys during a six-year killing spree in a Chicago suburb between 1972 and 1978, allegedly made the painting while he was on death row. Titled 'Patches the Clown,' the artwork appears to even have been signed by the killer - with a scrawled 'J.W. Gacy' visible in the left corner - however the website has not confirmed where they sourced the artwork. A self-portrait that was allegedly painted by serial killer John Wayne Gacy has gone up for sale for $8,000 Gacy raped, tortured, and murdered 33 young men and boys during a six-year killing spree in a Chicago suburb between 1972 and 1978 While he was committing the horrifying crimes, Gacy (seen with his second wife) presented himself as a beloved member of the community and a devoted family man The father-of-two was an aspiring politician, was active in local charities - and he even enjoyed performing at children's hospitals as his alter ego, 'Pogo' or 'Patches the clown' The alleged self-portrait was painted in bright, bold colors and portrays a sad-looking clown holding balloons with a forest of trees and a dark gray sky behind him. Gacy was known to have painted numerous artworks while he was behind bars on death row awaiting execution. Several of his eerie pictures were auctioned off in 2017, including several chilling pieces that featured Pogo the Clown, the evil alter-ego Gacy used to lure children and young men before raping and killing them. While he was committing the horrifying crimes, Gacy presented himself as a beloved member of the community and a devoted family man to everyone who knew him. The father-of-two was an aspiring politician, was active in local charities - and he even enjoyed performing at children's hospitals as his alter ego, 'Pogo' or 'Patches the clown.' On the back of the painting, the killer allegedly wrote in script handwriting, 'Patches the Clown. John W. Gacy. Oil 781-93' - referring to the brand of the canvas that was used. Back in April, Netflix released a chilling documentary with never-before-heard recordings made by Gacy from his death-row prison cell, called Conversations With a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes. In the eerie recordings, Gacy was heard boasting to his lawyers about 'outsmarting' the cops and preying on 'the innocent virile ones' during his six-year killing spree, revealing that, to him, his victims were 'not human beings.' He allegedly made the painting, which shows a sad-looking clown holding balloons, while he was on death row, and it appears to be signed by him On the back of the painting, the killer allegedly wrote in script handwriting, 'Patches the Clown. John W. Gacy. Oil 781-93' - referring to the brand of the canvas that was used The chilling artwork is available on Cult Collectibles, a dark website that sells things that are linked to notorious murderers Gacy was known to have painted numerous artworks while he was behind bars on death row awaiting execution, including this image of Pogo the Clown, the evil alter-ego Gacy used to lure children and young men before raping and killing them Several of his eerie pictures were auctioned off in 2017 He even admitted at one point that murdering a young man gave him 'a mind-numbing orgasm.' The site recently made headlines after it listed infamous cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer's urn (seen above), said to have once contained his ashes, for $250,000 Born in Chicago in 1942, Gacy had a tough childhood under the punitive thumb of an alcoholic father who was physically and mentally abusive. The closeted homosexual married a woman named Marlynn Meyers in 1964, and the couple moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where he managed three Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises for his father-in-law. The pair welcomed two children shortly after, Michael in 1966 and Christine in 1967. During this time, Gacy joined the local 'Jaycees' - a civic organization for men between the ages of 18 to 40, who are interested in doing charitable work. But his picture-perfect family man image came crashing down in 1968, when Gacy was convicted of sodomy for assaulting a 15-year-old boy named Donald Voorhees, who was the son of a fellow Jaycee. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but was released on good behavior after 18 months; Marlynn filed for divorce shortly after and Gacy remained estranged from his biological children for the rest of his life. After prison, Gacy was desperate to put his past behind him and re-invent himself in Chicago. Gacy married a woman named Marlynn Meyers in 1964, and the couple welcomed two kids, while he managed three Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises for his father-in-law But his picture-perfect family man image came crashing down in 1968, when Gacy was convicted of sodomy for assaulting a 15-year-old boy named Donald Voorhees He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but was released on good behavior after 18 months; Marlynn filed for divorce shortly after and Gacy remarried a woman named Carole Hoff In 1972, he got remarried to a woman named Carole Hoff, a divorcee with two daughters, and the two moved into the middle class blue collar suburban neighborhood of Norwood Park Township. Over the next six years, Gacy kidnapped, molested, and killed multiple men and boys around the area - and would store their bodies in a crawlspace in his house. During this time, he began regularly performing as 'Pogo' or 'Patches the clown' at charitable functions, while also running a construction company called PDM Contracting. In the doc, he said he chose to dress up as the jester because he 'enjoyed the limelight' and 'being involved with something,' comparing it to the 'feeling you get out of coming out of church on Christmas Eve.' He also enjoyed the invisibility of it, explaining 'When you clowned, you're hiding your image. Over the next six years, Gacy kidnapped and killed multiple men and boys around the area - and would store their bodies in a crawlspace in his house. Some of his victims are seen During this time, he began regularly performing as 'Pogo' or 'Patches the clown' at charitable functions, while also running a construction company called PDM Contracting Gacy was arrested on December 21, 1978, and later admitted to all 33 killings. The Killer Clown was sentenced to death in 1980 and executed by lethal injection in 1994 29 bodies were found on his property, while four others were discovered dumped in a nearby river. Police are seen removing remains from his home 'There are things that you could do that you wouldn't do as a person. Clowns can get away with anything. Clowns can get away with murder.' As time went on, Police started to become suspicious of Gacy after they noticed that many of his co-workers had gone missing. They soon obtained a search warrant for his house and discovered pornography, shackles, drivers licenses related to missing persons, and a ring that was owned by one of the victims. Gacy was arrested on December 21, 1978, and later admitted to all 33 killings. 29 bodies were found on his property, while four others were discovered dumped in a nearby river. The Killer Clown was sentenced to death in 1980 and executed by lethal injection in 1994. Unremorseful to the end, his last words were: 'Kiss my a**.' Charles waited patiently for six months as experts restored a piece of pottery made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and a 18th century clock The monarch, 73, entrusted the team with two antiques in August 2021 King Charles shared a laugh with Jay Blades and joked that the 'suspense is killing him' as The Repair Shop team restored his beloved 18th century clock. In a new trailer for the BBC special, which airs on October 26, the monarch, 73, expressed his appreciation for experts; ability to breathe new life into antiques. During his tour of The Repair Shop's premises in Chichester, the King - who filmed the TV special before the Queen's passing - stressed how important it is to preserve historical pieces. Speaking to the show's host one-on-one, Charles said: 'Premierships are vital. I see the difference we can make.' King Charles waited patiently for six months as experts restored a piece of pottery made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and a 18th century clock. The monarch looked thrilled to be reunited with the pieces The King stopped to speak to other experts at work on The Repair Shop site. King Charles pictured with The Repair Shop host Jay Blades in March 2022. Jay said the monarch was a 'joy' to film with In August 2021, Charles left his 18th century clock and a piece of pottery made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in the hands of the team. After waiting patiently for them to be restored for six months, the King said he couldn't wait to see how they how they'd got on. Moments before the clock was unveiled, Charles said: 'Have you sorted this? The suspense is killing me.' Although the teaser trailer didn't show the King's immediate reaction to the restoration, he looked thrilled as he beamed at the antique. In the programme, Charles, pictured with Blades, Steve Fletcher, Kirsten Ramsay and Will Kirk, will meet with the show's host Jay Blades and his expert team of craftspeople to explore their shared passion for preserving heritage craft skills The team will also mend two precious items chosen by the monarch - a piece of pottery made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and a 18th century clock. Charles met with Jay and his team in 2021 Last year, Blades' team, ceramics expert Kirsten Ramsay, horologist Steve Fletcher and furniture restorer Will Kirk were invited to Dumfries House in Scotland to meet the King, then the Prince of Wales, and learn about The Prince's Foundation's work in training the next generation of craftspeople. 'We're going to take these items to take a better look at them, and maybe you might join us at the barn,' Jay told the sovereign. 'I've got a barn, you've got a barn,' the monarch joked. 'We can have a barn dance.' Blades cheekily said: 'I'll put the kettle on,' to which the King replied: 'oh, will you?' Speaking of the sovereign, Jay told the One Show: 'I think it's fair to say that he is a fan of the show, and he does come down to the barn. In spring 2022, Blades and the team welcomed the King to The Repair Shop barn to be reunited with the items. Charles (pictured earlier this year) was still the Prince of Wales at the time of filming 'When you see King Charles in this show, you're never going to see him like this, he was so relaxed, unbelievable, filming with him was such a joy, he was absolutely normal,' he added. Blades, who grew up in Hackney, London, said: 'You've got someone from a council estate and someone from a royal estate that have the same interests about apprenticeships and heritage crafts and it is unbelievable to see that two people from so far apart, from different ends of the spectrum, actually have the same interests.' Meanwhile, the collections manager of Dumfries House, Satinder Kaur, gives Kirk, Ramsay and Fletcher a tour of its collection of 18th century furniture and decorative arts. BBC commissioning editor Julie Shaw said: 'This is an incredibly special programme which has the magic that Repair Shop viewers have come to know and love. The special episode will air on October 26 at 8pm on BBC One 'People will see the former Prince of Wales as you rarely see him - and he is as captivated by the skills of the team who work on his items as any of our Repair Shop visitors. 'The episode is a real treat and we hope that people enjoy it as much as we do.' Kaur, collections manager for Dumfries House, said: 'At The Prince's Foundation, we are very proud to have partnered with The Repair Shop for this very special episode. 'It was a joy to welcome Jay Blades and the talented restorers to our Dumfries House headquarters to explore our collection of 18th century furniture and decorative arts, including many examples of Thomas Chippendale's work, which were a huge hit with the team. 'They also met with students benefiting from our Building Craft Programme, which helps preserve heritage building craft skills that are at risk of being lost through education and training. 'Over the past five years, The Repair Shop has done of a wonderful job of showcasing the skill involved in craftsmanship, and of highlighting the importance of repairing items, rather than replacing them, so it was a very natural collaboration.' The programme was filmed between autumn 2021 and March 2022, before Charles became King following the death of his mother the Queen. The special episode of The Repair Shop will air on October 26 at 8pm on BBC One. Liz Truss wore the same Arlington Dress while delivering her resignation speech The colour navy blue is meant to signal power, authority and confidence Outgoing prime minister wore the same navy blue dress on her first day in job It has long been said that the colour of navy blue represents power and authority - which has perhaps been reflected in the dress of many female leaders over time. For outgoing prime minister Liz Truss, it may not have been an accident that she chose to wear a 225 navy dress from The Fold to officially be confirmed as prime minister when she met the late Queen in Balmoral last month. On 6 September Truss curtseyed and shook the hand of the monarch, who was swearing in the 15th prime minister of her reign. Prime minister Liz Truss wore a 225 navy blue dress from The Fold as she resigned as leader of the Conservative party today Truss wore the same jersey Arlington Dress from the London-based brand as she met with the Queen at Balmoral on 6 September to be officially sworn in as prime minister Later that afternoon, Truss donned the jersey Arlington Dress from the London-based designer as she spoke to the nation in a televised address from outside no. 10 Downing Street. The midi dress, which has a v-neckline and is clinched at the waist with a wrap effect, allowed the prime minister to cut a striking, authoritative figure as she spoke of economic growth to come out of turbulent times. Truss accessorised the smart navy dress with a gold chain which has an oval pendant - a necklace she is also frequently spotted wearing. The Fold describes the Arlington Dress as 'the ultimate wear-anywhere dress'. Its product description reads: 'Theres no need to sacrifice style or comfort with the navy Arlington dress. Liz Truss and her husband Hugh O'Leary outside 10 Downing Street on 8 September, after Truss accepted the Queen's invitation to form a government 'Cut from a recycled fibre blend, this luxurious jersey dress is soft to the touch and offers plenty of sculpting stretch. 'Designed with the strategic drapes and folds that define our brand and flatter your figure, the three-quarter sleeve dress has a wrap waist and peplum detail. 'A raised V-neck and lining through the body ensure a flawless finish.' Today, after weeks of turmoil in the UK economy and the prime minister's own party, she made the decision to resign, speaking once again at a lectern placed outside 10 Downing Street. Perhaps making a statement, Truss wore the same navy blue dress to announce the end of her turbulent 45-day premiership, during which she oversaw a national period of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and faced scrutiny for an economic plan that was blamed for causing financial instability. Alongside power and authority, navy blue is also said to invoke confidence, which perhaps suggests the outgoing prime minister wanted to project an image of stability in her resignation speech. King Charles held an audience with international officials at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. The Monarch, 73, met with Ukraine's ambassador Vadym Prystaiko as he presents the Letters of Recall of his predecessor and his own Letters of Credence alongside his wife Inna in Central London. He also greeted the President of Togo Faure Gnassingbe at the palace and the pair beamed as she shook hands. His appearance came as The Crown released an explosive new trailer for the next series, which is set to air from 9 November. Scenes included in the teaser showed Charles and Camilla passionate kissing, and a dramatisation of Diana's interview with Bashir. King Charles held an audience with international officials at Buckingham Palace on Thursday - as the new trailer for the latest series of The Crown was released Throughout the trailer, emphasis is placed on pressure the royal family faced during the 1990s as the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana broke down - while also covering the late Monarch (Imelda Staunton) and her reaction to the Windsor Castle Fire of 1992 Also in attendance was Moazzam Ahmad Khan, who is the High Commissioner for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and his wife Mrs. Moazzam. King Charles seemed relaxed during the engagement as he greeted the officials warmly. He looked smart in a dark navy suit which he paired with a white shirt and pale blue tie. Yesterday, his Majesty met with Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the palace. King Charles held an audience with international officials at Buckingham Palace on Thursday including Ukraine's ambassador Vadym Prystaiko and his wife Inna The monarch also greeted the President of Togo Faure Gnassingbe at the palace and the pair beamed as she shook hands Also in attendance was Moazzam Ahmad Khan, who is the High Commissioner for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and his wife Mrs. Moazzam The High Commissioner for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan beamed as he greeted the King as he wife watched on His appearance came as a brand new trailer for season five of Netflix's The Crown has shown the royal family in crisis during the new episodes, detailing the events leading up to Princess Diana's 1997 death. The Sovereign shook hands and shared a smile with the foreign official during their meeting. He appeared relaxed, although the engagement came hours before the explosive trailer was released. The sneak peek shows Elizabeth Debicki, who portrays the late Princess of Wales, whizzing away from paparazzi as she drives at full speed in a tense car chase scene. Vadym greeted the King as he presents the Letters of Recall of his predecessor and his own Letters of Credence Faure Gnassingbe was warmly welcomed by King Charles inside Buckingham Palace during the official meeting Yesterday, his Majesty met with Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the palace The President of the Togolese Republic and the King appeared in great spirits as they met at Buckingham Palace The Crown hits back! Creator Peter Morgan says he has 'enormous sympathy' for King Charles The Crown creator Peter Morgan has hit back at critics who have accused the Netflix series of 'exploiting' the Royal Family. The award-winning British screenwriter, 59, has come out in defence of his show, which will dramatise the breakdown of King Charles and Diana's marriage and the late royal's tragic death in 1997. Last month, a friend of the King's told the Daily Telegraph that the series was 'exploitative' and claimed Netflix has 'no qualms about mangling peoples reputations.' Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Peter acknowledged that the new season - which lands on the streaming platform next month - doesn't shy away from the Royal Family's 'difficult time' in the 1990s. Describing how King Charles 'will almost certainly have painful memories' of that period, the screenwriter said: 'That doesnt mean that, with the benefit of hindsight, history will be unkind to him, or the monarchy.' 'The show certainly isnt. I have enormous sympathy for a man in his position indeed, a family in their position. 'People are more understanding and compassionate than we expect sometimes.' Advertisement Being released on November 9, another scene from the new season displays the character floating in a pool in a skimpy swimsuit - as she battles the crisis of royal protocol and family scandal in front of the nation. Throughout the trailer, emphasis is placed on pressure the royal family faced during the 1990s as the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana broke down - while also covering the late Monarch (Imelda Staunton) and her reaction to the Windsor Castle Fire of 1992. lt will also include an entire episode focusing on Diana's controversial sit-down interview with BBC journalist Martin Bashir in 1995, in which she sensationally said 'there were three of us in the marriage' - a reference to Charles and Camilla. Over the first three series of The Crown, the Netflix hit has become well known for bending facts to suit its narrative, and while some artistic license is inevitable, some critics have been outraged in its rewriting of history and relationships. But in it's most controversial series yet, the brand new trailer declares that the 'royal family is in genuine crisis', as it depicts at-the-time Prince Charles and Diana's divorce. Actress Elizabeth's voice can be heard explaining that Diana 'never stood a chance' in the trailer, as shots show the royal whizzing down a street while driving a black car at high speed to avoid paparazzi. The dramatic scene shows an overwhelmed Diana at the wheel, donning a red puffer jacket as she struggles to keep control of the wheel. The Queen's annus horribilis saw the fire break out on 10 November at the royal residence Windsor Castle, which destroyed 115 rooms, including nine State Rooms. While the on-screen monarch can be seen telling son Charles that he 'has a duty as future king', during the family turmoil. The dramatised trailer shows the royal family declaring that Diana 'wants to bring down the temple', before depicting her famous interview with BBC journalist Martin Bashir, played by Prasanna Puwanarajah. Fireworks: Dominic West and Olivia Williams' portray at-the-time Prince Charles and Camilla as they're seen locking lips with a firework display going off in the background Discipline: The Queen can be seen telling Charles that he has 'a duty', while discussing the disgraced divorce Princess Beatrice made a very chic appearance at the UK premiere of Confetti at BAFTA in London. The royal mother-of-one, 33, looked elegant in a tailored grey coat which she paired with black leather boots. The trendy ensemble was completed with a long black dress and the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson accessorised with a small leather handbag. The film which follows a mother and her seven-year-old daughter moving from China to New York, also dispels myths about dyslexia. Princess Beatrice made a very chic appearance at the UK premiere of Confetti at BAFTA in London Beatrice looked elegant in a tailored grey coat as she greeted guests who also attended the event The mother-of-one swept her long red locks behind her ears as she beamed on the red carpet. Her neutral makeup enhanced her naturally pretty features as she struck a pose before the event. The royal posed for a snap with director Ann Hu ahead of the Confetti premiere. The topic of dyslexia, which is featured in the film, is a subject close to the Princess' heart as she was diagnosed with the learning difficulty when she was seven years old. The royal, 33, donned neutral makeup which enhanced her naturally pretty features as she struck a pose before the event However she has repeatedly spoken out about how she has chosen to see the diagnosis as a blessing rather than a curse. Through her work she is determined to change the narrative around the condition in the hopes of removing the stigma of dyslexia. It comes after Beatrice made a very stylish appearance at Mayfair's Maison Estelle private club last night. The royal was spotted leaving the exclusive establishment, wearing thigh-high boots and a miniskirt by the designer Misha Nonoo, who also happens to be a close friends of the Duchess of Sussex. She looked elegant in the trendy monochrome look, which she completed with a black trench coat. The royal posed for a snap with director Ann Hu ahead of the Confetti premiere. The film dispels myths about dyslexia in a heartfelt story about a mothers love and determination to give her daughter the best chance The trendy ensemble was completed with a long black dress and she accessorised with a small leather handbag She seemed to have enjoyed a night on the town without her husband Edo Mappeli Mozzi, 38. Beatrice seemed in good spirits as she strutted out of the members' club front door, her trench coat from RedValentino perched on her shoulders. Maison Estelle is one of Soho's most prized members clubs and is so exclusive that membership fees are only available on request. The mother-of-one looked relaxed during her outing, which comes after it was announced last week that her husband's flourishing property development venture is expanding into Australia's Gold Coast. Edo took to his Instagram to share snaps featuring the stunning interiors of the project, comprised by five 'Sky Homes' and two penthouses in Gold Coast, Queensland. The princess signed the Confetti movie poster during the event in Central London along with other guests The business mogul, 37, pictured a bedroom decorated with rustic off-white aesthetics and modern low-hanging lamps amid the background of the city's gorgeous scenery. Another photo of the development - which is titled Masthead - captured a modern kitchen, fitted with a jade-hued marble island counter. Edo tagged the interior design firm Banda, which he runs, and started age 23. In the captions, the Italian property developer outlined the project as promising '28 residences on the Northern end of Main Beach' with each 'sky home' offering 312 square metres of lateral space. Banda's website also claims there is one 'super penthouse on the upper levels of the building'. According to an online description, residents can expect amenities to include a wellness centre, spa and sauna facilities, a private dining room and an 'owner's club lounge with a fully stocked wine & whisky bar'. A mother has shared the bizarre moment she discovered that her contractor had trapped her cat inside a wall while she was on a business trip - revealing that she only realized the feline was stuck when she heard him meowing. Ashlin Hadden, 38, who runs an Insurance Agency in Noblesville, Indiana, opened up about the 'Cat-a-strophic' DIY mishap in a now-viral series of TikTok videos, detailing how she had to punch a hole through her newly-renovated bathroom wall when she realized that her cat was trapped inside it. The single mom captioned her first post: 'Contractor dry walled MY CAT into the drywall while I was on a business trip. Story of my life.' During the clip, Ashlin explained that her beloved cat Stripes had been missing for nearly three days when she heard a bizarre noise from inside the bathroom ceiling. 'So I hired somebody to redo the bathroom,' she explains in the video, while showing off her newly-installed bathtub and tiled walls. 'They pulled out the bathtub and put in the new shower. And as I'm sitting here trying to figure out where my cat is, I can hear the cat crying from somewhere in here,' she continues while gesturing at the bathroom wall. An Indiana woman has revealed that a contractor trapped her cat inside a wall after patching up a hole, without realizing that the feline had snuck inside Single mother Ashlin Hadden, 38, from Indiana, returned from a business trip to find her beloved cat, Stripes, was missing She began searching her house to try and track down the feline, and eventually heard his meows coming from inside the ceiling 'Only me. Only me. So, I end up punching a hole in the wall and out comes [Stripes]. 'Yes, the contractor, the stupid a** contractor drywalled my cat into the drywall underneath the bathtub. 'This poor kitty was locked in there for three days, stuck underneath the drywall.' In a later video, Ashlin revealed that Stripes had been checked over by a vet and was 'fine' - while admitting that she had been furiously criticized by TikTok users for 'shaming' her contractor and for failing to ensure that her cat was properly cared for while she was away on her trip. 'Yes we [are all] well aware it's my fault for not locking up the cat!' she captioned a second video of herself walking around the house trying to find Stripes. 'I have officially been beat up [in the comments]. Assumed locking [the cat] out of the [bathroom] was enough.' Speaking to NeedToKnow.online, Ashlin explained that she allowed the contractor to continue working on her home while she was away because he was 'behind' in his work and she wanted to get the job finished before she returned. 'He was aware that the cats were in the house, I locked the cats out of the bedroom and the master bathroom,' she explained. 'Upon my return from my business trip, one of my cats (Cookie the girl) met me at the door, and she was acting unusually vocal. After realizing that Stripes was trapped inside the wall, Ashlin ended up punching a hole through the drywall in order to free him, having initially tried and failed to cut a square According to Ashlin, her cats, Stripes and Cookie, were trapped inside her bedroom while she was away, however Stripes managed to get out and ventured into the bathroom Ashlin says that Stripes was stuck inside the wall for three days - however she had him checked over by a vet and insisted he was 'fine' 'As I'm sitting here trying to figure out where my cat is, I can hear the cat crying from somewhere in here,' she says in the video while gesturing at the wall 'I went into the room to check on their food, water and litter box and everything looked good, but I still didn't see Stripes. 'So I started meowing to see if he would respond, it wasn't like him to not come to the door, I was looking around the house and didn't see anything.' Suddenly, Ashlin heard a 'faint meow' but couldn't believe where the sound was coming from. She said: 'I started this little cat conversation where I would meow and he would meow back to me. 'I was starting to get worried because I could not figure out where he was. After a few minutes, it seemed like the meow was coming from the ceiling. 'I ran upstairs and heard him scratching on the wall in my closet. 'I could tell that there was a patch in the drywall so I ran to the neighbors' house and asked for a drywall saw. Then I started to cut the drywall.' After realizing Stripes was trapped, Ashlin took evasive action. 'He started meowing even louder so I thought maybe I was hurting him, so I just punched a hole right in the wall and then kinda kicked it in,' she revealed. 'The cat came jumping out! I was crying and scared and nervous. I was concerned for the cat but also how my oldest child Gavin, was going to react. Ashlin revealed that she phoned her contractor to ask if he had trapped the cat inside the wall, to which he responded: 'Well yeah I guess, we didn't cover the hole when we left the other day' After her initial video went viral, Ashlin later shared Ring camera footage of herself walking around the house trying to find Stripes In the footage, the single mother can be seen looking up at the ceiling after hearing her cat's meows coming from above her 'He has ADHD and an emotional disorder and this cat is his life, he loves Stripes.' TikTok viewers have been left stunned by the bizarre incident, with users quick to share their reactions. 'Poor kitty. Glad they're ok,' commented one person. [sic] 'HOW DO U EVEN DO THIS,' commented a second viewer. [sic] One user said: 'Im shocked by how many people think this is okay. That was not okay & glad your cat is safe & out these guys. They need to come back to fix the wall.' [sic] However, critics also soon came out of the woodwork, bashing Ashlin for failing to take proper precautions. 'Sounds like that's your fault, not the contractor's fault,' said one user. 'Plus, they don't get paid to pay attention to where your pets are while they're working. if it sneaks in, that isn't their fault...' commented a second viewer. After finally getting Stripes to safety, Ashlin called the contractor. She claims: 'I asked if there was any possibility that they drywalled the cat. 'I knew darn well what the answer was because I just got the cat out of there, and he said, "Well yeah I guess, we didn't cover the hole when we left the other day."' Ashlin, who is devoted to helping her local community, is now using the popularity of her viral clip to raise money for her local animal rescue 4 Precious Paws. Advertisement Sasha Obama made a stylish statement with her jumbo tote as she headed to class at the University of Southern California on Wednesday the day before her older sister, Malia, was spotted in West Hollywood. The college senior, who is the youngest daughter of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, looked as stylish as ever with a $275 Telfar Clemens faux leather shopper in the crook of her arm as she strolled through campus. Sasha, 21, beat the heat in a black patterned mini dress with ruffles as temperatures soared to the mid-90s across Los Angeles on the unseasonably warm fall day. Sasha Obama, 21, was seen strolling across campus at the University of Southern California on Wednesday The next day, her older sister, Malia Obama, 24, was seen running errands in West Hollywood She gave the bohemian summer frock an autumnal update by pairing it with thick black socks that were pulled up to her calves and tan suede lug sole boots. The former first daughter was right on trend with her extra large tote bag and boots, two must-haves for fall, according to fashion devotees. Her Telfar Clemens tote, which comes in multiple sizes and colors, was dubbed an 'It' bag by The Wall Street Journal in 2019, but it is currently sold out in every style on the brand's website. Sasha, who is known for her flair for accessorizing, had on three layered necklaces, including a gold chain with a large pendant. She also wore a stack of bracelets on her left wrist and rings on most of her fingers. Her long dark hair was center-parted and styled in loose waves that flowed over her shoulders and back. Malia moved to Los Angeles last year to pursue a career as a screenwriter, and Sasha followed in her footsteps when she relocated to the West Coast to finish college after transferring from the University of Michigan to USC Sasha had plenty of room for books on Wednesday as she strolled through campus with a $275 Telfar Clemens faux leather shopper in the crook of her arm The former first daughter beat the heat in a black patterned mini dress with ruffles as temperatures soared to the mid-90s across Los Angeles on the unseasonably warm fall day Sasha gave the bohemian summer frock an autumnal update by pairing it with thick black socks that were pulled up to her calves and tan suede lug sole boots Sasha had Airpods in her ears and her cellphone in her hand as she walked, suggesting that she was listening to either music or a podcast. She looked right at home on campus, where she often blends in with her fellow students, despite being one of the most famous daughters in the world. Sasha moved to Los Angeles earlier this year after transferring from the University of Michigan to USC to finish college. She is following in the footsteps of her older sister, who relocated to the West Coast to pursue a career as a screenwriter after graduating from Harvard University last year. Malia, 24, was seen running errands in West Hollywood on Thursday wearing a white button-down shirt and denim cutoff shorts. Sasha was right on trend with her extra large tote bag and boots, two must-haves for fall, according to fashion devotees Her Telfar Clemens tote, which comes in multiple sizes and colors, was dubbed an 'It' bag by The Wall Street Journal in 2019, but it is currently sold out in every style on the brand's website Sasha had on three layered necklaces, including a gold chain with a large pendant. She also wore a stack of bracelets on her left wrist and rings on most of her fingers She kept her outfit from looking too fussy by leaving the top buttons of her shirt open and cuffing her sleeves. The screenwriter added another layer of comfort with her gray ankle socks and running sneakers. She topped off the off-duty look with a canvas tote that she slung over her shoulder. Her long rust-colored braids were loose around her shoulders, and her dark sunglasses sat on the top of her head. She was seen walking through a parking garage, carrying her cellphone in her hand, as she headed to her destination. Malia scored a lucrative position working on Donald Glover's upcoming Amazon show about a 'Beyonce-type character' after previously working as an intern on Lena Dunham's HBO series Girls in 2015 and at The Weinstein Company in 2017. She had Airpods in her ears and her cellphone in her hand as she walked, suggesting that she was listening to either music or a podcast The college student's long dark hair was center-parted and styled in loose waves that flowed over her shoulders and back Sasha looked right at home on campus, where she often blends in with her fellow students, despite being one of the most famous daughters in the world Glover, who is also known by his stage name Childish Gambino, confirmed in March that he gave the former first daughter her first job writing for the series, which is tentatively titled 'Hive.' 'Shes just like, an amazingly talented person,' he told Vanity Fair of Malia. 'Shes really focused, and shes working really hard.' The two girls have received regular visits from their high-profile parents, including their father, who was recently spotted dining with them at Hamasaku, a sushi restaurant in West LA. The Obama girls seem to be loving life on the West Coast, and they both are believed to be in relationships at the moment. DailyMail.com exclusively revealed in April that Sasha was dating Clifton Powell Jr., 24, who is the son of Ray actor Clifton Powell. Clifton Jr. and Sasha are understood to have met after she relocated to California, and it appears that he is already close with the family as he has been seen hanging out with her older sister on numerous occasions. It's unclear what Sasha is majoring in, but she is believed to be in her senior year Malia, who has a sportier style than her younger sister, stepped out in a white button-down shirt and denim cutoff shorts on Thursday The screenwriter added another layer of comfort with her gray ankle socks and running sneakers. She topped off the off-duty look with a canvas tote that she slung over her shoulder Meanwhile, Malia is dating music producer Dawit Eklund. They were first spotted grabbing takeout food together on July 26, and their relationship appears to be going strong. Dawit, 33, is the son of retired State Department officer Jon Eklund, 72, who worked at several U.S. embassies in Africa, and his Ethiopian wife, Yeshi, 66. He co-founded Washington, D.C.-based record label 1432 R, which specializes in Ethiopian music, and graduated from George Washington University, where he studied International Development in Africa. In April, Sasha and Malia's mother, Michelle, opened up about how they are all grown up during a final appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. DeGeneres, 64, reminded her of how her daughters had first visited the program as little girls who wanted to see the Jonas Brothers. But over a decade later, they've graduated from boybands to boyfriends. 'Now they're bringing grown men home,' she said. 'Now they have boyfriends and real lives and all that stuff. They have grown up right before our very eyes and they are doing well.' Russia declares martial law in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson Xinhua) 09:20, October 20, 2022 MOSCOW, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Wednesday, declaring martial law in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson from Thursday. "It (The decree) will immediately be sent for approval to the Federation Council," the Kremlin said, citing the president at a meeting with members of the Security Council. Putin also announced the "formation of a coordinating council" under the Russian government, which would work towards meeting all necessary objectives that arise in the course of the country's special military operation, the Kremlin said, adding that the council would be headed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) British Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced that she was quitting her post, adding to Prime Minister Liz Truss' political woes that consist of bullying and financial turmoil. A chaotic day in Parliament has left the UK prime minister's survival even more in jeopardy amid angry scenes during a fracking vote in the Commons. Opposition MPs argued that some Tories were being bullied and manhandled into voting with the government on fracking. Suella Braverman Quits However, a minister has denied the claim but many Tory MPs ended the day feeling angry and let down by their own party. Furthermore, conservative MP Charles Walker said that the situation in the region was a "shambles." He said that there was no "coming back" for the British government, being seen visibly furious at the situation. He added later that he expects the prime minister to resign in the near future because he claims that she is not up to the job. On Wednesday, Downing Street started believing that Truss was on a more solid footing after the appointment of Jeremy Hunt as chancellor. The latter's decision to reverse much of the prime minister's mini-Budge appeared to have calmed the markets somewhat, as per BBC. Truss also survived Prime Minister's Questions, which is the weekly question session with MPs, relatively unscathed. However, the situation started to turn on Truss shortly afterward as it now seems impossible that the chaos can be bottled and buried to be forgotten. The problem has become too profound with the outrage among Conservatives being too deep-seated for any sense of serenity to be established for as long as Truss is the prime minister. According to CNN, Braverman's resignation only added fuel to the flames that are burning Truss' political career. The former home secretary noted her reason for the decision was over the use of a personal email address that breached ministerial rules. Read Also: Vladimir Putin Declares Martial Law in 4 Ukraine Territories Annexed by Russia; Here's What You Need To Know Liz Truss' Political Woes In a thinly veiled criticism of Truss' numerous reversals, Braverman said that the business of the government relies upon people accepting responsibility for their mistakes. She added that pretending not to make mistakes and moving on is not serious politics. The former home secretary said that she had her concerns about the direction that the British government was heading. Braverman noted that not only have they broken key pledges that voters were promised, she doubted the government's commitment to honoring manifesto commitments. On the other hand, Truss accepted Braverman's resignation, saying that it was important that the ministerial code is upheld and that cabinet confidentiality is respected. Hours after the announcement, politicians shared accounts on Twitter showing the angry scenes of shouting and altercation in the UK Parliament. The government whips, which is responsible for imposing party discipline and telling the party how to vote, made the opposition Labor Party motion on banning fracking a vote of confidence in the government earlier today. The chaotic situation follows other woes for the prime minister as she struggles with firing Kwasi Kwarteng, her former chancellor, and the financial turmoil that was caused by the government's experimental mini-Budget, OilPrice reported. Related Article: Joe Biden Gets Brutally Honest Why Tax Cut Plan of UK Prime Minister Liz Truss Was a Big 'Mistake' @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Woolies fans were surprised and delighted to hear about the money saving deal One lucky Aussie mum discovered Woolworths sells their popular deli chicken sandwich schnitzel by the box. She made big savings by buying the box of 30 schnitzels at it's bulk price with each schnitzel coming to $1.25 each instead of the usual price of $2.50 a pop. The mum shared her post to popular Facebook group Budget Friendly Meals Australia. One lucky Aussie mum scored a box of 30 Woolworth deli chicken schnitzels after discovering the store sells them by the box 'Not sure if I've been living under a rock but you can buy the Woolworths deli sandwich schnitzels by the box!' the mum said. 'There's 30 schnitzels in a box and as they were $1.25 each I got them for that price. You just ask at the deli counter.' The mum advised that to get the deal you just 'ask for them by the box at the deli meats counter'. Fellow Woolies fans who knew about the bargain informed the mum she could buy many things in bulk from the deli, including kievs, chicken skewers by a tray of 20, hot dogs, burgers and chicken mignions. The box of 30 schnitzels costs 37.50, which is only $1.25, half the price of the product if you were to buy it individually Woolies fans in the Facebook group couldn't believe their eyes at the amazing haul. 'Excuse me, what? I need this!' one woman said. One woman went straight to the deli and ordered two boxes of kievs: 'the check out lady thought I was mad,' she laughed. Many wondered if the schnitzel come frozen but apparently they generally come thawed. Another woman advised that the 12 pack of schnitzels from the meat section are only 92c per schnitzel. Each schnitzel normally costs $2.50 each from the deli counter in Woolworths Several people started nastily questioning the nutrient value of the chicken schnitzel, and the mum had to turn comments off on the post. 'Ok I'm shutting off comments. A lot of people who commented in this thread need to reread the [group] rules,' the mum said. Many other mums defended the post. 'Can someone enlighten me to where [the shopper] asked for the health benefits/lack of for this product? Oh that's right, she didn't! one woman said. 'She posted a budget friendly meal which *shock* is exactly what this group is about. Some of you need to find a different group to discuss chicken contend and the health benefits of this product.' Lateral flow tests for monkeypox are set to be developed by Government-backed scientists amid fears of future outbreaks and the virus becoming endemic. A group of 25 researchers from across the UK are set to develop tests for the virus which will work in the same way as Covid swabs following the nation's unprecedented monkeypox outbreak. Experts hope the tests, which would be rolled out internationally, would see people diagnosed quicker and slow the spread of the virus. The team will also study the spread of monkeypox which has been detected in 3,686 Britons since May and monitor how effective vaccines are against it. Until this year, the UK had only logged seven monkeypox cases and there was no documented community spread of the virus, which is usually confined to west and central Africa. But an outbreak, almost entirely confined to gay and bisexual men, took off in May across the UK and internationally. It has since tailed off and just 13 new cases were detected in the last week. However, scientists still fear the virus could become endemic in Britain if it spreads to animals. And they warn that future outbreaks are likely due to increasing levels of international travel. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a Government body backing the project with 2million, labelled the new consortium a 'huge boost' in the fight against monkeypox. A group of 25 researchers from across the UK are set to develop tests for the virus which will work in the same way as Covid swabs (pictured) following the nation's unprecedented monkeypox outbreak As part of efforts to thwart the ever-growing outbreak, both confirmed cases and close contacts are offered the Imvanex jab (pictured). The strategy, known as ring vaccination, has been used in the past and is proven to work Officials are urging gay and bisexual men to be aware of new lesions, rashes or scabs and get in contact with a sexual health clinic How DO you catch monkeypox and what are the symptoms? EVERYTHING you need to know about tropical virus How do you catch monkeypox? Until this worldwide outbreak, monkeypox was usually spread by infected rodents including rats, mice and even squirrels in west and central Africa. Humans can catch the illness which comes from the same family as smallpox if they're bitten by infected animals, touch their blood, bodily fluids, or scabs, or eat wild game or bush meat. The orthopoxvirus, which causes monkeypox, can enter the body through broken skin even if it's not visible, as well as the eyes, nose and mouth. Despite being mainly spread by wild animals, it was known that monkeypox could be passed on between people. However, health chiefs insist it was very rare until the current outbreak. Human-to-human spread can occur if someone touches clothing or bedding used by an infected person, or through direct contact with the virus' tell-tale scabs. The virus can also spread through coughs and sneezes. In the ongoing surge in cases, experts think the virus is passing through skin-to-skin contact during sex even though this exact mechanism has never been seen until now. How deadly is it? Monkeypox is usually mild, with most patients recovering within a few weeks without treatment. Yet, the disease kills up to 10 per cent of cases. But this high rate is thought to be in part due to a historic lack of testing meaning that a tenth of known cases have died rather than a tenth of all infections. However, with milder strains the fatality rate is closer to one in 100 similar to when Covid first hit. The West African version of the virus, which is mild compared to the Central African strain, is behind the current spread. No deaths have been reported as part of the ongoing outbreak. How is it tested for? It can be difficult to diagnose monkeypox as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox. Monkeypox is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in the UK's specialist lab the UKHSA's Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory. The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts. What are the symptoms? It can take up to three weeks for monkeypox-infected patients to develop any of its tell-tale symptoms. Early signs of the virus include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion meaning it could, theoretically, be mistaken for other common illnesses. But its most unusual feature is a rash that often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body, commonly the hands and feet. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. Advertisement The research group, backed by 2million of Government funding, will see 25 experts from 12 institutions across the country study the ongoing outbreak. They will develop tests to speed up diagnosis, including lateral flow and LAMP tests that have also been used during the Covid pandemic. The lateral flow swabs will be manufactured 'at scale' in partnership with test maker Global Access Diagnostics, so they can be dished out worldwide. Currently, monkeypox is difficult to test and diagnose, as it is often confused with other infections such as chickenpox. The virus is confirmed by a clinical assessment by a health professional and a test in the UK's specialist lab the UKHSA's Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory. The test involves taking samples from skin lesions, such as part of the scab, fluid from the lesions or pieces of dry crusts. Professor Bryan Charleston, co-head of the consortium and director of The Pirbright Institute, said better tests would provide vital information to clinicians on whether a rash is caused by monkeypox or another ailment. Swab tests would also speed up the process of diagnosing monkeypox and limit the spread of the virus. Professor Charleston said: 'The implications of the current monkeypox outbreak are huge. 'As well as tackling the current outbreak, we also need to be fully prepared for the next outbreak, because worldwide there's a huge reservoir of infection. 'One of the key ways we can do this is to develop rapid tests, which are very important to help clinicians on the front line to manage the disease.' Additionally, the researchers will trial monkeypox drugs by exposing human cells to the potential treatments in lab experiments. They will then decide which can medicines should be further tested. The team will monitor how the virus infects people, along with how the immune system responds to identify future targets for medicines. Positive monkeypox samples from infected Britons will be studied to monitor how the virus is evolving. The consortium will also identify potential spill-over routes of transmission between animals and humans. Health chiefs are concerned the virus could become endemic in the UK meaning it exists naturally here by spreading from humans to animals such as rodents and squirrels. This would increase the chance of outbreaks, as Britons could catch the virus by coming into contact with an infected animal. Thousands of infected people, their close contacts and those at high risk of encountering monkeypox, such as health workers, were offered a smallpox vaccine as part of the UK's efforts to thwart the outbreak. The jabs work against its milder cousin monkeypox and is offered to close contacts and some gay and bisexual men as part of efforts to thwart the ever-growing outbreak. The researchers will monitor the effectiveness of these injections by tracking up to 200 vaccinated people's immune responses after their first and second doses. This will determine how effective the jabs are and how long they offer protection for. The team is led by the Pirbright Institute and the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research. They will work with officials at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the UK Health Security Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to inform the UK and global public health response to monkeypox. Professor Massimo Palmarini, co-lead of the consortium and a virologist at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, said: 'Monkeypox is a public health challenge, so taking decisive, collective action to better understand this virus is paramount. 'By bringing together research expertise in different areas, we will harness the UK's world-leading knowledge to learn more about how the virus works and spreads and provide the foundations for the development of potential new treatments.' Professor Geoffrey Smith, a virologist at the University of Cambridge, said: 'Few would have predicted that monkeypox virus would be causing a global epidemic in 2022. 'The ability to respond quickly to this new challenge has been helped greatly not just by the swift and welcome response of UKRI, but also by decades of support for the study of orthopoxviruses from UKRI and the Wellcome Trust. 'The information gained from those studies is valuable in the fight against monkeypox virus.' Professor Melanie Welham, executive chair of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, said: 'One of the real strengths of the UK's scientific response to disease outbreaks is the way that we can draw on leading researchers from all over the country, who can pool their expertise to deliver results, fast. 'Long-term support for animal and human virus research has ensured we have the capability to respond with agility. 'This new national consortium will study the unprecedented monkeypox outbreak to better understand how to tackle it. This will feed rapidly into global public health strategies, developing new diagnostic tests and identifying potential therapies.' Being surrounded by inactive people can lead to a person losing healthy habits Social groups that are entirely inactive are more likely to stay that way An Army study found that moderately-active people were most effective Sedentary people can be motivated to adopt active habits by those around them Being surrounded by active friends can help a person living a sedentary lifestyle get more exercise each day, a new study finds. Researchers at the US Military Academy found that people who are in social groups were exercise is valued are more likely to be more active themselves. The reverse affect is true as well, with those in relatively inactive social groups less likely to partake in exercise themselves. Lonely people are also more likely to live sedentary lifestyles without another person around to give them a boost. The findings highlight the idea that the company a person keeps can be a boost to their overall health and direction in life. A high prevalence of sedentary lifestyles has become a problem in America - fueling the nation's surging obesity rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 40 per cent of Americans are obese, included in the 70 per cent that are overweight. An study finds that surrounding sedentary people with those who are moderately active can boost their activity levels. The reverse affect is true as well, as sedentary people will be motivated by each other to remain that way (file photo) Dr Diana Thomas, a professor at West Point and study author, told DailyMail.com that the idea for the research came from real life experiences on the campus. She said that her team had noticed a trend of people becoming more interested in fitness and other activities once arriving. This is not usually the case at other schools and workplaces - where there is no significant impact on fitness. Thomas believed that this trend could be the result of in-group social conditioning, where people will take part in activities that others around them are doing. Using data from annual fitness tests on campus, researchers looked at the impact that social groupings could have on a person's performance. Dr Diana Thomas (pictured), a professor at West Point, said that the habits of a moderately active person were more attainable to a sedentary person than those of extremely active individuals One thing that jumped out to them was that the slowest times in a two-mile run test were often recorded in pairs 'These findings suggest that many of the slower participants, who were unlikely to have identical aerobic (running) fitness levels, made the social decision to run, jog, or walk the two-mile event together,' researchers wrote in the study. Thomas explained that this could be used the other way as well. People whose data was gathered for the study were split into three groups based on their physical activity level - sedentary, moderately and extremely active. Moderately active folks were the most important for drawing people who are sedentary to become active, and to sustain that activity,' Thomas said. She explained that sedentary people would be unlikely to change their behavior when placed in a group of the extremely active, as it would seem unattainable. Sedentary people are more likely to develop moderate habits if they are around others with those routines. Moderately active people are also crucial to keeping an entire social group active, Thomas explained. What we found is if you have moderately active folks dropping out at a certain rate it would drive exercise to extinction,' she explained. A model built by the researchers to simulate exercise trends - using data gathered from West Point - found that without those who took part in moderate activity, eventually everyone would stop exercising. Thomas believes it is possible to use social engineering to convince people to exercise more. Pregnant women or those who have just given birth are more likely to be murdered than die from pregnancy complications in the US, experts say. Researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital made the statement in a letter published in the BMJ today. They cited 2019 research from May this year to back up their statement, which found homicide rates were two-fold higher than the leading causes of pregnancy complications. These were hemorrhage, sepsis and blood pressure disorders. The researchers blamed the results on intimate partner violence, with one in three women experiencing physical, sexual or psychological abuse. Pregnant women are considerably more likely to be killed by their partners than to die due to common pregnancy complications such as becoming septic or hemorrhaging. The majority of homicides involving pregnant women perpetrated by their partners are carried out using guns. The new study reported that as numbers of firearm homicides increase, gun violence has become a health emergency for pregnant women in the US. Black women were at substantially higher risk of being murdered by their partners than were Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. 'With numbers of firearm homicides increasing in the US, gun violence has become a health emergency for pregnant women,' authors of the report said. What is added by this report? Scientists determined that pregnant women are more vulnerable to murder than death due to common pregnancy complications The vast majority of intimate partner deaths in the US were caused by firearms Black women were at much higher risk of being murdered by their partners than were Hispanic and white women Intimate partner violence involving firearms was more common in states with the most permissive gun laws Ending male violence against women, including gun violence, is an urgent priority for the health and safety of women everywhere Advertisement In the decade after 2008, intimate partner homicides caused by weapons declined overall, though homicides caused by guns climbed 15 per cent in that time period. The US leads the developed world when it comes to maternal mortality. Federal tracking for 2020 determined that the maternal mortality rate for 2020 was 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births compared with a rate of 20.1 in 2019. Infection, or sepsis is also a leading cause of maternal death. From 2013 to 2016, 23 per cent of all maternal deaths were sepsis related. Hypertensive disorders, which are very common during pregnancy, can be severe. Federal tracking shows that among maternal deaths that occurred during delivery hospitalization between 2017 and 2019, nearly 32 per cent had a hypertensive disorder. And in the US from 2016 to 2018, at least 11 per cent of maternal deaths were caused by hemorrhaging. When tracking deaths among pregnant women in the United States, the CDC does not classify homicide, accidents or suicides as causes of maternal mortality. People with greater access to firearms were more likely to use them against their partners, the report said. The risk of intimate partner violence typically increases in areas where guns are easy to obtain. The federal government just recently answered renewed calls from the public to pass gun control measures following the devastating school shooting in Uvalde, Texas last spring. President Joe Biden signed the bill in June. It included a wide range of policy initiatives meant to keep people safe and provide critical support to states and local governments working to tamp down gun violence. Still, it fell far short of accomplishing what Democrats have been advocating for, such as universal background checks and a ban on military-style semiautomatic weapons. The new law also took steps toward reducing intimate partner violence. In a major policy change, the new law closed the legal 'boyfriend' loophole. Federal law had already barred convicted domestic abusers from owning firearms, but that only applied to spouses, not dating partners. Opponents on the right in Congress, including Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert, have already introduced legislation to quash the gun violence package. Boebert, a staunch opponent of gun control measures, said the gun violence bill 'Tramples on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens, and will have no significant impact in stopping mass shootings and deterring gun violence.' Study found the conditions raised the risk of death for children by a quarter Children born to mothers who suffer a dangerous condition during pregnancy are more likely to die after birth and in adolescence, a study has found. Chinese researchers tracked 2.4million children born in a European country for about the first two decades of their lives. They included about 100,000 women who suffered from a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (HDP) a group of conditions such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and high blood pressure. Two-thirds had pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Children born to women who had any of these condition were 26 per cent more likely to die from any cause, results showed, compared to those that were not. The leading cause of death for the group was perinatal issues that developed while in the womb , but they were also at a higher risk of heart, digestive and urinary tract issues among others. The researchers suggested this was because the pregnancy conditions created an 'adverse' environment in the womb damaging the baby's development. Celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Beyonce have both suffered from pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. About one in 10 pregnant women suffer from pre-eclampsia high blood pressure and higher protein levels in the urine , the scientists said. The above graph shows the fatality rate among infants born to mothers who suffered a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia (blue line) and those who did not face this condition (yellow dotted line) Kim Kardashian (left) and Beyonce (right) have both faced pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, and opened up about their ordeals HDP is already known to raise the risk of diabetes, immune problems and mental development issues among young children. But little research has been carried out on how it affects children into later life. This study published today in the BMJ is believed to be the first to look at the risks of death from HDP in such a large group of infants. It was led by researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and Aarhus University, in Denmark. For the paper, scientists combed through national records in Denmark for children born between 1978 and 2018. Each individual was tracked until their death, emigration or the end of 2018 whichever came earlier. They were followed for about 19 years on average, and not longer than 41 years. In that time there were 20,140 deaths among the youngsters. A total of 17 deaths were recorded out of the 662 children born to mothers with eclampsia, while 781 out of the 66,900 with mothers who had pre-eclampsia died. A further 223 deaths were recorded among the 33,510 children born to mothers with high blood pressure. But among children born to women who had a normal pregnancy there were 19,119 deaths out of 2.3million youngsters. Researchers then worked out a rate per 100,000 children to allow comparison between the different groups, and adjusted for risk factors including year of birth, sex, mother's age and family income. Analysis showed that children born to mothers with eclampsia were 188 per cent more likely to die than those born to mothers with a normal pregnancy. Being born to a mother with pre-eclampsia raised the risk of death by 29 per cent, while to one with high blood pressure raised it by 12 per cent. Dr Cheng Huang, a demographer at Fudan University, and others suggested in the paper that HDP could lead to 'dysfunction' in the placenta. 'HDP-related placental dysfunction is associated with impaired fetal development and could have a negative long-term effect on health outcomes in offspring,' they said. But the researchers noted that their study was observational, and could not prove what the underlying cause was. Kim Kardashian has revealed that she suffered from pre-eclampsia while carrying her eldest daughter North, now nine years old. She eventually delivered North about six weeks early after having labor induced. Beyonce also experienced the condition while pregnant with her twins Rumi and Sir, now both five years old. She said at the time that she suffered significant swelling and was put on bed rest for a month, before the twins were born via emergency C-section. Pre-eclampsia is when a mother has high blood pressure and / or high levels of protein in the urine that indicate kidney damage. It normally starts at 20 weeks of pregnancy, with the only cure being to deliver the baby. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, headaches, upper right belly pain and a general feeling of illness or being unwell. Most mothers who suffer it will be recommended to take bed rest to bring down their blood pressure. In more severe cases they may also be taken into hospital for monitoring until their baby can be delivered. It can also progress to eclampsia, which is when mother's start experiencing seizures or go into a coma. This can develop without warning, although early warning signs include severe headaches, visual problems and mental confusion. About one in 25 pregnant women in the United States develop pre-eclampsia, studies show. The NHS prioritising Covid care and a lack of in-person appointments have all been blamed for the downturn 100 fewer Britons daily were told they had cancer but experts fear the figure is just the 'tip of the iceberg' It marks the biggest drop logged since records began 50 years ago and lowest number logged in a decade Just 290,000 people in England were told they had cancer in 2020, down by a tenth on one year earlier Advertisement Almost 40,000 cancers went undiagnosed during the first year of Covid, according to official statistics which lay bare the 'true and catastrophic impact' of the pandemic. Just 290,000 people in England were told they had cancer in 2020, down by roughly a tenth on one year earlier the biggest drop logged since records began half a century ago. It was also the fewest annual diagnoses in a decade. It means 100 fewer Britons daily were told they had cancer, equating to one every 13 minutes prompting fears of a cancer timebomb. Half of the missed tumours are thought to be prostate and breast cancers. The NHS prioritising Covid care, a lack of in-person appointments and the public avoiding the health service due to fear of catching the virus or adding to NHS pressures have all been blamed for the downturn. Top experts today warned the figure is just the 'tip of the iceberg' as the backlog in diagnosis is 'still present and actually growing', with tens of thousands facing 'agonising' delays. Continued Covid disruption means more Britons are living with missed and untreated serious cancers, which will cause cancer deaths to shoot up within years, doctors warned. Just 290,000 people in England were told they had cancer in 2020, down by a tenth on one year earlier the biggest drop logged since records began 50 years ago and the lowest number logged in a decade The graph shows the number of new cancer diagnoses in England between January 2019 and June 2020. In April 2020, in the early days of the pandemic, new cancer diagnoses fell to 17,039, down by a third compared to 24,802 in March 2020 Today's NHS Digital data shows there were 288,753 new cancer diagnoses in 2020, which is 38,421 fewer than in 2019. The 2020 figure marks an 11.7 per cent drop the biggest logged by the NHS in its 50 years of cancer diagnoses data. Until now, the largest annual decline was 7.1 per cent in 1990. New diagnoses had been trending upwards, with 2 per cent more cancers spotted each year, on average, in the five years before the pandemic. But the latest data shows that the average number of new diagnoses each day fell from 896 in 2019 to 789 in 2020 107 fewer. Rather than the prevalence of cancer declining in the population, more cancers were missed in 2020 as the country was plunged into an endless cycle of on/off lockdowns. In August, NHS England performed a record number of cancer checks. However, the graph shows the health service still failed to hit a key target to start treatment for the disease within two months of an urgent referral (red line) and near-record numbers of people were left waiting more than two months to have cancer ruled out or confirmed (blue lines) NHS England figures show the five-year survival rates for different types of cancer. Rates are highest for lung, stomach and colon cancer Non-smoking single mother who thought her cough was due to Covid is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer after being unable to see a GP face-to-face during lockdown A mother who has never smoked and blamed her persistent cough on Covid was devastated after learning she has terminal lung cancer. Becky Davis, 36, from Redditch, Worcestershire developed a cough at the start of 2020. As the pandemic had just struck, she became convinced she was suffering with Covid. With tight restrictions keeping people apart, she was only able to speak to her GP on the phone when she contacted the surgery in April. The single mum was blindsided in July 2020 when doctors revealed her symptoms were down to a rare form of cancer, which chemotherapy is not effective against. She said: 'I do think the pandemic could have affected how things ended up for me. 'I couldn't see anyone. No one was able to listen to my chest. I just kept having telephone appointments, being prescribed more antibiotics, then left to get on with it. 'All the while, my cough was getting worse and worse.' She desperately wants more time with her daughter Lexi, six, and is combining targeted therapy on the NHS with a form of specialist radiotherapy only available privately at her stage. Becky's family have raised 16,000 to fund a course of the treatment, which she described as the 'last shot' to prolong her life. 'I never thought it'd happen to me. I'm so young. I don't smoke,' said Becky. 'At first, I just couldn't understand it. But I want everyone to know that any of us can get cancer. It can happen to anyone at all.' Mother-of-one Becky Davis, 36, from Redditch, Worcestershire, who has never smoked and blamed her persistent cough on Covid, was told she had terminal lung cancer. The single mother is pictured with daughter Lexi, six Advertisement Cancer care effectively ground to a halt for some patients when the pandemic first reached the UK's shores, with appointments cancelled and diagnostic scans delayed because of the Government's devotion to protecting the NHS. The 2020 cancer data also revealed that the drop-off in cancer diagnoses was unevenly spread. While the rate fell by 11.7 per cent year-on-year across all cancers, the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer fell by 24 per cent (11,463). Among women, 8,175 fewer breast cancers were diagnosed (17 per cent drop), while 1,319 melanomas are thought to have been missed (18 per cent fall). The number of people diagnosed with cancer has been going upwards. The figures also confirm that prostate, breast, bowel and lung cancer continue to make up more than half of all those diagnosed. Minesh Patel, head of policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'We have been sounding the alarm on the impact of the backlog for two years now. 'But it does not make it any easier to see the true and catastrophic impact of the pandemic laid bare like this. 'Today, delays in being diagnosed and treated for cancer remain an agonising reality for tens of thousands of people. 'There simply aren't enough professionals to care for people living with cancer, and despite their best efforts, this is leaving existing staff struggling under ever-increasing workloads. This is unsustainable, and unsafe. 'Every person who waits too long to hear the life-changing news that they have cancer is also faced with a potential risk to their chances of survival. 'This is devastating and frightening for cancer patients and can have a real impact on their mental health and wellbeing. It doesn't need to be this way. 'It's astounding that the UK Government has not yet committed to addressing the gravity of the challenges facing cancer care. We need assurances now that funding for cancer services will be protected. 'We cannot afford for people living with cancer to be forgotten any longer.' Professor Karol Sikora, consultant oncologist and founding dean at the University of Buckingham Medical School, told MailOnline: 'I'm very concerned this just represents the tip of the iceberg of cancer numbers. 'The backlog in diagnosis is still present and actually growing. 'Although the death rate was lower last year it will almost certainly take two to three years for the effect of missing cases to show up in the mortality figures. 'I am truly shocked that the politicians have not put more emphasis on getting cancer diagnosed and treated.' New Health Secretary Therese Coffey last month unveiled her 'ABCD' list of priorities for the health service, promising to put ambulances, backlogs, care, doctors and dentists at the top of her agenda leaving cancer off the list. Professor Sikora added: 'What is it they don't understand? More people will die because of the lockdowns and their consequences compared to Covid. 'And those that lobby for further restrictions as the infection rate increases need to get a sense of balance. Its not just cancer patients that suffer but those with a range of other conditions too.' Despite being more than two years on from the pandemic, official figures show the health service's cancer performance is near record lows. In August, 255,055 people had a cancer check following an urgent GP referral, the highest number since records began. The health service attributed this in part to the 'Deborah James' effect encouraging people to get checked for bowel cancer after the campaigner's death earlier this year. But the NHS continued to fail to hit its cancer treatment targets in August. Only three quarters of those who received an urgent cancer check got it within two weeks. The health service's own rulebook states that 93 per cent of people should be seen within this timeframe. And too many cancer patients faced long waits treatment for the disease, with nearly four in 10 not starting treatment within two months. Some 85 per cent are supposed to start treatment in this time frame. Experts have warned of a 'vicious circle' of patients with cancer symptoms being unable to get a GP appointment, or believing they can't bother the NHS. Once they are seen, there are mammoth delays for referrals for vital tests, biopsies and scans, followed by even more waits for surgery and radiotherapy, according to cancer doctors who warn the delays are only getting worse. For every four weeks that a cancer patient's treatment is delayed, their chance of surviving falls by 10 per cent. And if their cancer has spread to another part of their body while they wait, it may be incurable, potentially rendering surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy ineffective. On top of this, patients with this late-stage cancer require more support from the NHS, which reduces its capacity to treat other cancer patients. Visiting Professor Justin Stebbing, an oncologist at Imperial College London and editor of cancer journal Oncogene, told MailOnline 'many things' in the pandemic contributed to the drop-off in screening and diagnoses. Lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, people's fear of infection and hospitals as well as patients avoiding seeking medical treatment that they thought was non-urgent all played a part, he said. As did limited access to in-person medical examinations and the reorganisation of hospital departments, he added. He said: 'Such disruption in care will have both short and long-term consequences and the specific issue here that is most relevant is an increase in death rate, due to untreated missed serious cancers. 'Public health measures should be implemented in this country to mitigate the deleterious effects of this health crisis on the diagnosis of cancer.'# Peter Johnson, NHS England's clinical director for cancer said: 'Today's data provides a snapshot of the short term impact of the pandemic on the number of people coming forward for cancer services back in 2020, but a lot has changed since then. 'Since March 2021 cancer referrals have been running at record highs, with the latest figures showing over a quarter of a million people referred for urgent checks in a single month, and a record 2.8million people coming for checks in the last year up almost a fifth on pre-pandemic levels. 'This is good news because more people are now having treatment for cancer than before the pandemic, with tens of thousands starting treatment every month as the NHS continues to roll out the latest pioneering cancer treatments for patients. 'We know there is still more to do, and we continue to urge people to come forward we are making it easier than ever to get lifesaving tests from mobile units offering scans for liver and lung cancer to one stop shops for tests and checks these actions will ensure we catch more cancers earlier and improve survival across the country.' Dozens of genes thought to cause dyslexia have been uncovered by scientists. The learning difficulty, which causes sufferers to frequently spell and read words wrong, is known to run in families. But, until now, experts weren't entirely clear on which genes were responsible. The findings, from the largest study of its kind, could one day lead to DNA tests that flag up dyslexics. Edinburgh University researchers analysed the DNA of more than one million adults, including 50,000 dyslexics. It's estimated as many as one in 10 Brits and in one in five Americans have dyslexia. Some sufferers hide their condition out of embarrassment. Celebrities and historical figures affected include Orlando Bloom, Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, Leonardo da Vinci and Richard Branson. Scientists have found 42 genes that may be linked to dyslexia, a common learning difficulty that causes problems with reading and writing correctly Ex-health secretary Matt Hancock (pictured earlier this month) hid his dyslexia for decades out of embarrassment. He is currently pushing all children to be screened fot Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver spoke this month about his own battle with dyslexia and the stress it caused him in school The study allowed experts to hone in on 42 genes that nay be responsible for the condition. About a third of the genes have been previously linked to general cognitive ability and educational success. Some are also linked with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ambidexterity, the ability to use both hands equally well rather than favouring the right or the left. Many, however, are new discoveries. Lead researcher Dr Michelle Luciano, an expert in language sciences said the study sheds light on many unanswered questions around dyslexia. 'Our findings show common genetic differences have very similar effects in boys and girls, and there is a genetic link between dyslexia and ambidexterity,' she said. 'Our results also suggest dyslexia is very closely genetically related to performance on reading and spelling tests reinforcing the importance of standardised testing in identifying dyslexia.' But it is still too soon for the findings to be used to diagnose dyslexia through genes, the scientists said, publishing their findings in the journal Nature Genetics. Ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed in December last year that he kept his dyslexia secret for 20 years out of embarrassment. He only learnt he had the condition in university and had to relearn how to read and write by deconstructing sentences and visualising words as pictures. In September, Mr Hancock introduced a Bill in the House of Commons that would make it a requirement for all children to be screened for dyslexia before they leave primary school. Earlier this month, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver described his struggle with dyslexia and the impact it had on his schooling. 'In the old days at school it made me very frustrated and resentful about school as an institution and over the years I've come to terms with not learning the same way as most people not as a failure but an opportunity,' he wrote on Instagram. Intelligence is not affected by dyslexia but people with the learning difficulty can struggle in school unless offered additional support. Dyslexia is tricky to diagnose early as some signs, like making frequent spelling or pronunciation mistakes, occur normally as children learn to read and write. Most children with the learning difficulty are only spotted in primary school but some people with the condition are missed until well into adulthood. Parents concerned about their child's reading and writing should talk to their teacher first, then consider seeking advice from a GP. Adults who think they have dyslexia can arrange a dyslexia assessment. A young boy in Nevada has died of a brain eating amoeba that officials believe he contracted at Lake Mead, local officials reported. The child, a Clark county resident who has not been named, may have been exposed to Naegleria fowleri at the lake just on its Arizona side in early October. He began exhibiting signs of infection about a week after being exposed, according to an investigation by the Southern Nevada Health District. Officials did not reveal the juveniles exact age - only saying he was under-18 - name or where in Clark County he resided. Naegleria fowleri infection is extremely rare. Only 31 cases were reported in the US between 2012 and 2021, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. reports. The majority of infections are diagnosed in young males, especially those under age 14. They are also more common in the summer months, as the amoeba thrives in warm freshwater settings such as hot springs and lakes. Infection is also fatal over 97 per cent of the time. In the US, there were 143 infections from 1962 through 2017. All but four of them were fatal. The amoeba travels up the nose and into the brain. Early symptoms include severe headache, stiffness, and nausea. But as the infection advances, brain tissue begins to die, causing confusion, seizures, and coma. Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as a brain-eating amoeba, typically resides in warm freshwater settings. The amoeba enters through the nose and travels to the brain, causing a severe central nervous system infection that is fatal in 97 per cent of cases. The victim is believed to have been exposed to the amoeba when swimming on the Arizona side of Lake Mead in early October. Health officials say he began exhibiting symptoms about a week later. My condolences go out to the family of this young man, said Dr Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Health District. Dr Leguen added, While I want to reassure the public that this type of infection is an extremely rare occurrence, I know this brings no comfort to his family and friends at this time. Three cases of infection were reported over the summer. Thursday's announcement marks the third fatality the US has suffered this year. What is Naegleria fowleri? Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that 'literally eats the brain tissue,' according to Dr Anjan Debnath, a parasitic disease expert at the University of California, San Diego. It thrives in warm climates in freshwater including hot springs and lakes. Improper water treatment in pools, private ponds and even tap water can lead to deadly exposure to the amoeba as well. The amoeba travels up the nose where it has a direct route to the brain. Once a person's olfactory nerve in the nose is exposed, symptoms typically come on within one to nine days. Those who are infected will usually die within five days of symptoms first appearing. Early stage symptoms resemble those of the flu. Symptoms as the infection worsens include severe neurological issues like seizures, hallucinations, confusion, and coma. Advertisement While infection is not always fatal, the recovery process can be arduous. In July, Florida teen Caleb Ziegelbauer contracted the infection. Having spent roughly two months in the hospital, having endured a seizure and intubation, Ziegelbauer, 13, is stable and has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Chicago. The amoeba causes Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, a rare and lethal central nervous system infection that causes inflammation and destruction of brain tissue. Early symptoms resemble those of bacterial meningitis, an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. If left untreated, the infection has a case-fatality rate that can be as high as 70 per cent. Infection with Naegleria fowleri can occur if freshwater containing the amoeba is pushed up the nose through activities such as jumping or diving into the water. Symptoms of infection early on include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. But those symptoms can worsen very quickly. In the later stages, an infected person may experience stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Even with antibiotic treatment, most people with this infection die within 10 days of symptom onset, though rapid diagnosis and treatment may increase the likelihood of survival. The amoeba thrives in temperatures of around 115 Fahrenheit, making it more common in states where hot weather is not uncommon such as Florida and Texas. While the amoeba typically survives best in hot climates in the warmer months, experts say it is not unheard of for an infection to arise in the fall. Dr Brian Labus, an epidemiologist at the University of Nevada Las Vegas told Dailymail.com, 'While fall is underway in the rest of the country, early October is still part of the warm season in Las Vegas.' 'As a result, Naegleria infections can happen much later here in the desert and still be part of when they are normally expected. 'There are also a number of year-round hot springs around the lake where Naegleria has been identified in the past, so there is the potential for cases to occur even in the colder months.' A majority of infections have been reported in states that experience high temperatures. While infection is rare, there have been several cases reported over the past few years. In August, a Nebraska boy died of the infection after having been exposed while swimming in Elkhorn River, which crosses through the Omaha area. Before him, a Missouri man contracted the infection in early July after swimming in the Lake of Three Fires in southwestern Iowa. He died about a week later. The amoeba can also lurk in water that has been insufficiently sanitized through chlorination. A three-year-old boy died in Texas this time last year after swimming in water at a splash park that had not been properly sanitized. Advertisement Federal health officials have launched a probe into a controversial Boston University study where scientists created a form of COVID-19 with an 80 per cent fatality rate. The National Institutes of Health confirmed to DailyMail.com that it is probing whether the university would have needed to declare its experiment which was partially backed by public money. 'NIH is examining the matter to determine whether the research conducted was subject to the NIH Grants Policy Statement or met the criteria for review under the [guidelines put in place by the agency],' a spokesperson said. It comes after a senior US health official admitted this week that the controversial Covid manipulation research carried out in a laboratory in Boston was not authorized despite being funded by taxpayer money. DailyMail.com exclusively revealed this week that a team from Boston University had developed a hybrid Covid virus combining the Omicron and original Wuhan strains. Public records indicate it was partly paid for using a grant awarded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the federal government's main research agencies. As part of any Government-funded research grants, teams have to explain what the money is being used for and how it will benefit the public. Dr Emily Erbelding, director of NIAIDs division of microbiology and infectious diseases, said Tuesday the Boston team did not clear the work with the agency. She claims she only found out the experiments might have involved enhancing a pathogen of pandemic potential after reading reports in the media on Monday. Dr Erbelding admitted feeling uneasy about the type of research the grants had been used to fund given the lingering questions about the role of virus manipulation studies and the origins of Covid. Boston University's biosafety level 3 National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory extracted the spike protein from Omicron and attached it to the original Wuhan strain that first emerged in China. The team then exposed it to human cells in a petri dish and to live mice. The mutant virus killed 80 per cent of the rodents. The researchers quickly came under fire from many scientists and politicians alike who said they were 'playing with fire' and accused them of conducting 'gain-of-function' research. Boston University did not respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment on the NIH probe. Pictured above are scientists working at Boston's high-tech infectious diseases lab in the South End neighborhood of the city. Experiments on Covid here were funded by Boston University, but grants from NIAID were credited as a 'courtesy' because the research used tools developed using them Pictured above are scientists working at the lab. Controversy surrounds the center after it emerged scientists there had carried out potential gain-of-function experiments The above passage from the paper shows that the research used money from NIAID and NIH grants. It was funded by Boston University, which they said meant they did not need to contact NIAID to get clearance for the work In the new research , which has not been peer-reviewed, a team of researchers from Boston and Florida extracted Omicron's spike protein the unique structure that binds to and invades human cells. It has always been present but it has become more evolved over time. Omicron has dozens of mutations in its spike protein that made it so infectious. Researchers attached Omicron's spike protein to the original wildtype strain that first emerged in Wuhan at the start of the pandemic. The researchers looked at how mice fared under the new hybrid strain compared to the original Omicron variant Dr Emily Erbedling, from the division of NIH that part-funded the research, said she was not aware of the specific nature of the research until she read about it in the news This type of research has become a hot-topic during the pandemic because of theories suggesting it is how Covid emerged. These types of experiments involved making a disease more lethal or infectious for the sake of studying it and trying to get ahead of future outbreaks. Boston University insisted it was not technically gain-of-function research because its chimeric virus only killed 80 per cent of mice. The original Wuhan strain, for comparison, killed 100 per cent of the rodents. A spokesperson for the university told DailMail.com: 'In fact, this research made the virus less dangerous.' But independent researchers have already challenged that claim, pointing out that the currently dominant Omicron virus was far milder than the new hybrid variant. Dr Erbelding said that if it emerged the experiment had been funded by NIAID, she 'wished' that the scientists had informed them of the work. She told Stat News: 'What we would have wanted to do is to talk about exactly what they wanted to do in advance... [and then] we could have put a package forward for review.' A spokesman for Boston University told DailyMail.com on Tuesday it 'did not have an obligation to disclose this research'. They said the experiments were carried out with funds from Boston University. 'NIAID funding was acknowledged as a courtesy because it was used to help develop the tools and platforms that were used in this research, they did not fund this research directly,' they said. This left the school with no obligation to report the research to the agency, they added. The Boston University study has been published as a preprint in bioRxiv but has not been peer-reviewed by other scientists. The team removed the spike protein from Omicron the part of the virus' structure that it uses to infect cells and attached it to the Wuhan virus. The goal of the study was to determine if the mutations in the spike were responsible for this variants heightened ability to evade immunity, and whether it made Omicron more mild. There is now a row about whether the study qualifies as gain-of-function. Dr Richard Ebright, a microbiologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, said it was 'demonstrably false' and 'deeply embarrassing' to suggest otherwise. He pointed out that the edited virus was more dangerous than BA.1 the Omicron sub-variant the spike proteins were taken from that is currently dominant in the United States. No rodents infected with BA.1 during the experiment died, but 80 per cent of those infected with the edited virus did. He told DailyMail.com: 'The claims in BU's public statement that: "this research is not gain-of-function research", "it did not... make it more dangerous", and "this research made the virus replicate less dangerous [sic]" are demonstrably false and should be deeply embarrassing. 'The novel lab-generated coronavirus exhibits the high immune escape of Omicron BA.1 and higher lethality than Omicron BA.1 albeit lower lethality than original Wuhan-1 SARS-CoV-2 in mice engineered to display human receptors for SARS-like coronaviruses. 'It is concerning that this research like the research in Wuhan that may have caused the pandemic ' was not identified as gain-of-function and reviewed appropriately. A Boston University spokesman told DailyMail.com today: 'There was no gain-of-function with this research. If at any point there was evidence that the research was gaining function, under both NIAID and our own protocols, we would immediately stop and report.' GOP Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall told DailyMail.com it was 'unconscionable' that the US was continuing to sponsor this type of research 'in densely populated areas'. He warned it created the 'potential to kill more people than any singular nuclear weapon', adding: 'History has taught us that viruses have managed to escape from even the most secure labs.' 'This is not a risk that scientists alone should be able to take without concurrence from the American public. This research must stop immediately while the risks and benefits can be investigated.' Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul added that he was 'troubled' by the news, telling DailyMail.com that oversight of these experiments needed to be strengthened to avoid the next pandemic. 'As the first senator to hold a congressional hearing on gain-of-function research that can create dangerous new viruses, I am troubled by the news of this research from Boston University,' he said. GOP Senator Roger Marshall for Kansas (left) told DailyMail.com it was 'unconscionable' that the US was continuing to sponsor this type of research 'in densely populated areas'. Republican senator Rand Paul for Kentucky told DailyMail.com he was 'troubled' by the news from Boston University Gain-of-function research tweaking with viruses to potentially make them more lethal or infectious was halted in the US from 2014 to 2017 over fears it could inadvertently trigger a pandemic. But five years ago it was allowed to restart with NIH-backed grants with proponents arguing it could help the world prepare for the next severe illness. It has been carried out against a backdrop that Covid may have emerged in the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) rather than via jumping from an animal to a human. At the time the pandemic began WIV was carrying out gain-of-function experiments on similar strains found in bat coronaviruses. Questions have continued to swirl about the lab's involvement in the start of the pandemic. Several staff came down with a mysterious flu-like illness months before the official timeline of the pandemic and China has stifled all independent investigations into the lab. Professor David Livermore, a microbiologist at East Anglia University in the UK, blasted the Boston University research as 'profoundly unwise'. 'Given the strong likelihood that the Covid pandemic originated from the escape of a lab-manipulated coronavirus in Wuhan, these experiments seem profoundly unwise,' he said. Professor Karol Sikora, a biochemist and past head of the World Health Organization's cancer programme, told DailyMail.com there was a risk the study may lead to 'nasty variants emerging'. 'We don't do it with anthrax, so why this!', he said. Professor Sikora, from Buckingham University in the UK, added that the study had not added to scientific knowledge after tweaking the virus. 'As was known before its the spike protein that determines whether the virus will bind and enter the nasopharyngeal epithelium but other properties determine how much damage it causes and how long it will last.' A BRIEF HISTORY OF PASTA by Luca Cesari (Profile 16.99, 362pp) What on earth did we British rustle up for a quick supper in the days before we discovered pasta? Cheap, nutritious, versatile and loved by small children and adults alike, pasta was something of a rarity in Britain until the 1950s. Today more than two-thirds of us eat it at least once a week, although we only get through a tenth of the amount the Italians do. In this exuberant book, studded with tempting recipes, Italian food historian Luca Cesari tells the story of pasta and how it has conquered the world. Italians have been eating pasta since the Middle Ages, and possibly much earlier, but until the end of the 18th century it was eaten with nothing more than a garnish of butter and cheese. Then some bright spark had the idea of adding meat juices and with that the great sauce revolution had begun. Pasta was something that was a rarity in Britain up until the 1950s. Today, however, more than two-thirds of us Brits eat pasta at least once a week Pasta and tomato sauce seem like the most obvious of combinations, yet the first mention of this classic pairing didnt come until 1790, when a cookbook suggested boiling pasta in a thin tomato broth, to which could also be added herbs, vegetables or gulp frogs. Half a century later, the discovery that tomato sauce could be stored for months in a sterilised glass jar made it affordable all year round. Even today, many Italian families still prepare their own tomato sauce every summer and Spaghetti al Pomodoro has become the king of pasta dishes. The more lavish Spaghetti alla Carbonara first made its appearance in a 1950s American cookbook; rather than being an Italian recipe it may actually have been invented by GIs stationed in Italy at the end of World War II. With its rich combination of eggs, pancetta and lashings of cheese, it came to sum up the abundance and optimism of the post-war era. Although Italian purists shudder at the frequent addition of cream to the recipe, Cesari says it helps the dish achieve its velvety smoothness. Without the cream, you can end up with a slimy soup of raw egg. We British tend to think of Spaghetti Bolognese as a speedy dish but the standard Italian recipe for the sauce is labour-intensive, requiring two different kinds of meat and two hours of simmering. Luca Cesari's new book details the evolution of pasta since Italians started eating it in the Middle Ages - possibly much earlier The addition of milk or cream to the recipe is now considered heresy by many food purists, Cesari writes, and not just in Italy. Mary Berry fell foul of the spag bol traditionalists a few years ago when she recommended adding white wine and double cream, which left TV viewers shocked and appalled, according to one British newspaper. Cesari concedes the fierceness with which Italians debate the correct way to make pasta dishes can seem comical to outsiders. Yet the handing down of traditional recipes from one generation to the next is surely what keeps Italian food so mouth-wateringly good. Pasta is the ultimate communal food, easily prepared in large amounts and relatively cheap to make. In Italy, says Cesari, a plate of pasta is much more than just fuel: its an opportunity to strengthen family ties and friendships, the consummate binding agent. The United States government reportedly wants to jointly produce American weapons with Taiwan despite rising tensions with China as Beijing continues to assert that it has territorial jurisdiction on the self-governing island nation. The plan was announced by a business lobby on Wednesday and is seen as an initiative that aims to speed up arms transfers to bolster Taipei's defense against China's potential aggression. US-Taiwan Weapons Production Since 2017, United States presidents have approved more than $20 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan as China continued to ramp up military pressure on the democratically-governed island. However, Taipei and the US Congress have warned of delivery delays due to supply chain difficulties and backlogs that were caused by increased demand for some systems amid the war between Russia and Ukraine. The president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, said that the plan was right at the beginning of the process. Hammond-Chambers, who leads the council that counts numerous US defense contractors as members, said that it was not yet determined which weapons would be considered as part of the deal, as per Reuters. He added that the effort would most likely focus on providing Taiwan with more munitions and long-established missile technology. However, Hammond-Chambers warned that any such move would require weapons makers to obtain co-production licenses from the State and Defense departments. There could also be resistance within the US government in issuing co-production licenses due to the uneasiness about approving critical technology that will be given to a foreign platform. He noted that the plan is a piece of the puzzle and not a game changer. According to Nikkei Asia, three people familiar with the matter were the ones that revealed the plan. It comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during an October 17 event in California that there has been a change in Beijing's approach toward Taiwan in recent years. Read Also: Russia Destroys 3 Power Plants, Prompting Ukraine To Revise Emergency Energy Plan; More Evidence Shows Kremlin Uses Iranian Drones Defense Against China's Aggression The American official added that there was a fundamental decision that was made that the status quo is no longer acceptable for China. Blinken said that Beijing was now, more than ever, determined to pursue reunification with Taiwan on a much faster timeline, using force if needed. On the other hand, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to receive a third term as leader at the Communist Party's 20th National Congress, which will run until Oct. 22. This means that he may further increase military pressure on Taiwan to further his agenda. One source said that discussions regarding the joint US-Taiwan production had already begun and it was likely that US defense companies would provide technology to manufacture weapons in Taiwan or produce them in the US using Taiwan-made parts. A representative of the US-Taiwan Business Council said that the Hsiung Feng II and III missiles are Taiwanese missiles that were developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). When asked about the matter, one US State Department spokesperson said that all of their options were being looked at to ensure "rapid transfer of defensive capabilities to Taiwan. They added that the swift provision of weaponry was essential for Taiwan's security, ABC reported. Related Article: Ukraine War: Iran's Aid of Russia Could Be a Threat to Ukraine ... and the USA @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The BBC: A PEOPLE'S HISTORY by David Hendy (Profile 10.99, 656pp) The BBC: A PEOPLE'S HISTORY by David Hendy (Profile 10.99, 656pp) As the BBC celebrates its 100th birthday it faces an uncertain future, with competition from streaming, the licence fee and the very concept of a national broadcaster up for debate. David Hendys history traces the Beeb from 1922 when three war veterans, former fighter pilot Cecil Lewis, businessman John Reith and wireless engineer Arthur Burrows, agreed to set up an enterprise whose nature even they didnt fully understand, but which would eventually become the nations most cherished and criticised cultural institution. Hendys account is packed with stories of infighting, eccentricity and personal dramas, such as that of Mary Lewis, a typist who, late one night during WWII, was given a document to type. It turned out to be the plans for D-Day. Her efforts were rewarded with a couple of eggs. 22 SECONDS by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (Century 8.99, 400pp) 22 SECONDS by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (Century 8.99, 400pp) The 22nd novel in James Pattersons Womens Murder Club series finds journalist Cindy Thomas and homicide detective Lindsay Boxer up against the gun lobby. A restrictive gun law has split San Francisco and Lindsay has been suspended during the investigation of a shooting. A blog post by Cindy in support of her friend only adds to the fury of a pro-gun group calling themselves Defenders of the 2nd. Cindys kidnap is the start of a wave of violence that will include the abduction of a young girl, the bodies of ex-cops found with their lips stapled and You talk, you die written on their foreheads, and a prison inmate found hanged. Throughout runs the theme of strong female friendship and Boxers struggle to reconcile her job with her love for her husband and daughter. WOKE RACISM by John McWhorter (Forum 9.99, 224pp) WOKE RACISM by John McWhorter (Forum 9.99, 224pp) Few would argue with the principle of social justice. But what happens when that principle becomes an ideology whose influence spreads throughout society, to the detriment of many? This, John McWhorter argues, is what has happened to the civil rights movement in the U.S. elevating antiracism to a religion, whose believers regard themselves as the Elect. One effect is the cancelling of anyone who appears not to share its beliefs. Another, Mcwhorter suggests, is the harm done to communities encouraged to see themselves as victims. An African-American academic, McWhorters specialism of linguistics makes him acutely aware of the power of language. His polemic insists that what we must do about the Elect is stand up to them. NO PLAN B by Lee Child and Andrew Child (Bantam 22, 384pp) NO PLAN B by Lee Child and Andrew Child (Bantam 22, 384pp) This year marks the 25th anniversary of the appearance of Childs uncontainable solo vigilante Jack Reacher and this is his 27th outing the third collaboration between Child and his younger brother Andrew. The structure is exactly what millions of readers around the world have come to expect. Reacher witnesses the death of a young woman who is pushed in front of a bus and tracks the hooded killer. Meanwhile, a dark plot is being hatched in a high security prison in Mississippi, which involves the prison warden, the chief of police and the two founders of the Correctional Facility. The two plots are clearly linked and Reacher is a fly in the ointment, as he has been so many times. It tears along, constantly asking Reacher to escape seemingly impossible situations. There is never a moment to draw breath, which is one reason why a Reacher novel is sold somewhere in the world every nine seconds. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next LITERARY FICTION HISTORICAL Share this article Share THE BOYS FROM BILOXI by John Grisham (Hodder 22, 464pp) THE BOYS FROM BILOXI by John Grisham (Hodder 22, 464pp) No one except perhaps Scott Turow writes courtroom dramas like Grisham. Here he returns to his favourite southern U.S. stamping ground and the thriving Gulf Coast town of Biloxi, famous for its gambling and sex trade, as well as wonderful seafood. It focuses on two school friends during the 1960s. Keith Rudy goes to law school, watching as his father becomes the legendary criminal prosecutor determined to clean up the Coast, while Hugh Malco settles for the shadier life of his fathers nightclubs. Inevitably, the two former friends find themselves in a legal confrontation that may have terrifying consequences for them both. As ever with Grisham there are corkscrew twists and turns as he ratchets up the suspense. It is exceptional story-telling, which leaves the reader begging for the novel never to end. Grisham has sold more than 300million copies of his work. This shows exactly why. BLEEDING HEART YARD by Elly Griffiths (Quercus 22, 352pp) BLEEDING HEART YARD by Elly Griffiths (Quercus 22, 352pp) This standalone novel from the talented Griffiths is a long way from her crime stories featuring forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway. There have been 14 of those, all set in Norfolk. But this story is set firmly in London and features an intriguing new heroine, DI Harbinder Kaur, a Sikh who is not only gay but also on the rise in the Met. A group of school friends meet at a reunion 21 years after leaving school, only for one of their number, a Rightwing Tory MP, to be found dead in the toilets with traces of what looks like cocaine on his nose. At first the assumption is an overdose, but that is quickly discounted. Then another of the reunion group, this time a Labour MP is stabbed to death with what looks like a human heart set out beside his body. What is the link? Part locked room mystery, part unnerving thriller, this intensely satisfying, fast-moving story underlines Griffithss skill. Markets like certainty, we are told. But people like certainty too and thats why I cant help but think Jeremy Hunt made a mistake by tearing up the energy price guarantee. The new Chancellor has sought to put a very big expanse of clear blue water between himself and his predecessor: demonstrating that hes very different from that nice Kwasi man who wanted to give us all money and would much rather take it off us instead. And so, after three of the most astonishing economic weeks that Ive seen in my time at This is Money a period that includes the credit crunch, financial crisis, eurozone debt crisis, Brexit and Covid lockdowns - Hunt binned almost every single one of Kwartengs ill-fated tax cuts. Tough medicine: New Chancellor Jeremy Hunt tore up Kwasi Kwarteng's tax cuts and then also ditched the two-year energy price guarantee for good measure But that wasnt enough for our tough medicine Chancellor. He also decided to go a step further and announce the energy price guarantee that stalls the price cap at 2,500 for the average household would not last two years, as we had all been assured, but would end in April. This was an extra bonus measure designed to please those pesky markets, but it came with the kicker that the average households energy bill is now forecast to rocket to about 4,300, according to Cornwall Insight figures. To put this in context, thats a 73 per cent rise from already very high energy bills. Allow for what households are actually paying and come April peoples annual bills are forecast to be 105 per cent higher than now Furthermore, factor in the removal of Rishi Sunaks 400 energy rebate for all, which is also due to end in April, and the annual cost of the energy price guarantee is 2,100. Allow for what households are actually paying and come April peoples annual bills are forecast to be 105 per cent higher than now. That would also make gas and electricity prices 3.4 times higher than they were in September 2021. The average energy price cap tariff bill if forecasts are correct will be about 360 per month from April onwards. For any unfortunate household staring down the barrel of a fixed rate mortgage up for renewal between now and then, there will be a double whammy hit to their finances. With average two and five-year fixed rates at about 6.4 per cent, a borrower with a 200,000 mortgage over 25 years coming off a two-year fix is looking at monthly payments rising by about 450. This is a colossal squeeze on household budgets and one that most people cannot afford. Of course, even if the base rate keeps rising, mortgage rates may come down by next April it does feel as if we may be at the height of the storm at the moment. Similarly, if gas and electricity prices fall, those energy price cap forecasts may prove too pessimistic and bills will be cheaper. But there are unlikely to be many people banking on that glass half full scenario. Even among those I speak to whose mortgage fixes dont end for a year or longer, a common thread of the conversation is the worry over how much their monthly costs will rocket when it finally is time to remortgage. The exact same fears were being expressed about energy bills through late summer, over the looming October price cap rise to 3,549 and forecasts of even higher bills ahead. For many people it was an ominous statement... they know what targeted support translates as: it means they wont be getting it Until Hunt dropped his energy price guarantee bombshell this week, the one bit of good news was that at least we didnt have to worry quite as much as before about energy bills thanks to Liz Trusss two-year lock in. That has now been swept away and we have only the vague promise of some new help with a Treasury-led review to find a way of targeting support that will cost the taxpayer significantly less. For many people that was an ominous statement. They know what targeted support translates as: it means they wont be getting it. Its entirely understandable why Jeremy Hunt felt the need to limit the energy price guarantee, it was predicted to be hugely expensive, amounted to something of a blank cheque and did little to promote energy efficiency. Yet, it is not the fault of British households that their energy bills have sky-rocketed and they did need help across the board. They are not to blame for years of government mismanagement of the energy market, a move to renewable energy that somehow still left us paying fossil fuel prices, and a shift to being overly reliant on foreign gas while closing storage facilities. Vladmir Putin has weaponised energy prices in his war on Ukraine and you could also question whether the impact of that is something that should really be laid at the door of ordinary peoples energy bills too. The energy price guarantee was an imperfect emergency solution, but the general reaction was that in the absence of any better ideas it at least provided help to all - avoiding awkward cliff edges and winning the support of the higher-earning taxpayers who will end up paying most for it and gave people certainty. Markets also had no problem with it, gilt yields didnt even budge when it was announced despite immediate forecasts of the eye-watering cost. But now the energy bills certainty for households has been blown out the water and people will hunker down further. This is likely to lead to a more painful recession and unless a solution is come up with swiftly, well spend the next six months debating what it could be and how bad bills will get. To my mind, even if the new Chancellor wanted to limit the energy price guarantee it would have been wise to sit tight until a replacement had been come up with, or energy prices looked as if they would fall, and spare Britains households another dose of worry. 'Disaster deal': Elon Musk is the world's richest man Elon Musk has admitted he is paying too much for Twitter. The 51-year-old tycoon, the world's richest man with a 185billion fortune, is buying the social media platform for 38billion. But asked about the price tag, the boss of electric car maker Tesla said: 'Myself and the other investors are obviously overpaying for Twitter right now.' The comments confirmed what many had been saying for months. Musk's $54.20 per share offer was around a third higher than Twitter's price at the time, and social media firms including Facebook-owner Meta have since been hit by a devastating sell-off. Analyst Dan Ives at wealth manager Wedbush said: 'Musk buying Twitter is a train wreck, and he is likely overpaying by 18billion. 'Elon got himself into a disaster deal and he finally realises the 38billion price tag is pure madness. 'The problem for Tesla investors is that more stock sales are likely by Musk to fund this deal, which we believe will go down as one of the worst, most overpaid M&A deals in the history of the market. 'Selling Tesla stock to fund Twitter is like trading caviar for a $2 slice of New York pizza. The easy part for Elon is buying Twitter, the hard part will be fixing it.' But Musk struck a bullish tone on Twitter's future, saying the microblogging site would be valued far higher in the long run. The South African revealed he had taken a 9.2 per cent stake in Twitter in April before launching his audacious 38billion takeover. Twitter backed his bid, but chaos ensued when Musk tried to pull out over claims about the number of fake accounts on the platform. After months of legal wrangling, with Twitter suing Musk to force through the deal, he agreed to 'close the transaction' at the original price. A face-off between the two sides in a Delaware court was avoided when a judge suspended the case and gave Musk until October 28 to close the deal. An Instagram account was set up for the police station's mascot and it is followed by more than 120,000 users on the platform The cop recalled he playfully dressed the dog like a police officer and shared photos with other departments before the images went viral The pooch, who is named 'Corporal Oliveira,' was found with an injured paw and hungry near the 17th battalion station An abandoned dog has become the darling of a southeastern Brazilian police department and a star on Instagram with more than 120,000 followers. Police officer Cristiano Oliveira has been joined at the hip by his four-legged partner, 'Corporal Oliveira,' after he spotted him injured and abandoned near the Rio de Janeiro Military Police's 17th battalion station in 2019. Oliveira, who has two cats and two bulldogs at home, decided to adopt him and eventually took him home seven months ago. 'When he appeared here in the battalion, he was very aggressive. [He was] even hungry and thirsty, he didn't accept anything I offered,' Oliveira told Brazilian news portal Extra. 'He started walking behind me. If I went into the room, he would stay in the air conditioning. If I got in the car, he would go after me.' Police officer Cristiano Oliveira, who is assigned to the Rio de Janeiro Military Police 17th battalion, poses with 'Corporal Oliveria,' a stray dog he adopted in 2019 after he spotted the injured dog near the police station 'Corporal Oliveira' is now a sensation on Instagram with an account that has more than 120,000 followers The dog was injured and hungry when it was found near the Rio de Janeiro Military Police 17th battalion's station in 2019 'Corporal Oliveira,' a rescued dog who has became a police mascot, chases a motorcycle outside the Rio de Janeiro Military Police's 17th battalion Within months, the dog was sporting a police vest that Oliveira had ordered from an online store in China, a pair of sunglasses that fit perfectly over his eyes, and carried an old toy gun that Oliveira's brother had collecting dust at home. Oliveira, who was assigned to the police station's strategy department and now forms part of the social media team, took it all in as a prank before 'Corporal Oliveira' became an internet superstar. 'I took a picture and sent it to our station's roster groups and posted them there,' Oliveira said. 'And then the joke started going viral.' Police officer Cristiano Oliveira is now living with 'Corporal Oliveira' (pictured), the dog he rescued in 2019, along with two cats and two bulldogs 'Corporal Oliveira,' a rescued dog who has became a police mascot, observes the street outside the Rio de Janeiro' Military Police's 17th battalion Police officer Carlos Oliveira said he spends his off days and weekends taking pictures and videos of 'Corporal Oliveira' A motorist hands over his driver's license for a quick inspection by 'Corporal Oliveira' 'Corporal Oliveira' is pictured pressing an ATM's keys The furry corporal now has his own Instagram account and followers get restless when there isn't any new content, which is produced during the cop's off days and on weekends. There are playful pictures of the police dog pressing an ATM's keys, handling desk duties, and even checking to see if a motorist's license is up-to-date. A woman who traveled to Rio de Janeiro from the northeastern city of Recife visited the police station to pose for a photo with Corporal Oliveira. 'If I don't post a picture for three days people are already demanding `Where is Oliveira? `Where did Oliveira go?' said the officer, laughing. The pooch's presence also did plenty to strengthen the relationship between the residents and cops, according to the cop. 'The (Military Police) in Rio has a very bad image. With Oliveira we can change that a little bit,' he said. 'The change is reflected even in the personnel here in the battalion. People come here laughing.' Man threatened with $330 fine for walking dog without a lead in Sydney A Sydneysider revealed he was recently stopped by police and threatened with a significant fine for walking his dog without a lead. Willoughby resident Peter McLaughlin posted on a local Facebook page warning people to ensure their pets are harnassed or face severe financial penalties. 'I was stopped by police yesterday for walking my dog off-lead. The police were very polite however informed me there are laws in relation to walking with a dog off-lead in the street,' Mr McLaughlin said. A Sydneysider revealed he was recently stopped by police and threatened with a significant find for walking his dog without a lead (stock image) 'So a public service announcement, it's a $330 fine for not having your dog on a lead. Looks like council and police are cracking down.' According to Willoughby City Council, dogs must be on leashes in all public areas, including paths, roads and open spaces. They're also prohibited from entering eating areas, school or childcare grounds, wildlife protection areas or within 10metres of playground equipment. According to Willoughby City Council, dogs must be on leashes in all public areas, including paths, roads and open spaces (stock image) The council has a minimum fine of $330 for an off-leash dog - which is reciprocated in other areas. Randwick City Council and Waverley Council also have minimum penalties of $330. Meanwhile, residents in Australia's most expensive suburb are up in arms after a teenage girl tried desperately to save her beloved groodle from the jaws of a notorious aggressive dog. The groodle, a golden retriever and poodle cross, was left with $13,000 worth of injuries following an unprovoked dog attack on September 19 (pictured, the groodle in recovery) The beloved pup was left 'bleeding out' after the owner and their aggressive dog fled the scene (pictured, the groodle two weeks after the attack) Outraged locals in Bellevue Hill, in Sydney's east, have rallied around the 15-year-old girl who was left to care for her injured dog after it was attacked by a large black malinois, similar to a German shepherd, on September 19. The young girl was taking her pup for a night stroll down the stairs connecting Victoria Rd and Rupertswood Ave when the large dog turned around and bit her groodle without provocation. The owner of the large dog then fled the scene, leaving the 'traumatised' teen alone with her pet as it 'bled out'. Local dogwalker Dee Bee shared the disturbing story to find out more information about the dog and its owner. She said she has since received multiple messages from former victims of the angry dog and called for the local council, Woollahra, to take action. 'Ive found out this dog has attacked several local dogs,' Ms Bee told Daily Mail Australia. 'Yet council has done nothing because those other dogs were off-lead on the street which is technically illegal but so is having a dog on lead thats not under control by a competent owner.' Bellevue Hill is Australia's most expensive suburb, located in Sydney's east (pictured, homes in Bellevue Hill looking out at Sydney Harbour) The aggressive dog, a black shepherd malinois (example above), is known in the neighbourhood to be a repeat offender Ms Bee said it was a long road to recovery for the attacked pup with its vet bills already above $13,000. 'On Monday it will have been a month since the attack and he is still on pain medication and antibiotics,' she said. 'It was so bad he had to be hand fed and used water syringes. He couldnt walk because he was too sore so had to be lifted onto grass and into bed.' Above all, Ms Bee said she was infuriated council didn't act the first time the large dog attacked another beloved pet. 'I understand that dogs cant be off-lead in the street but the fact the dog attacked several and now has done it to our groodle who was on lead is just unbelievable,' she said. 'Entirely preventable.' Ms Bee said police have been notified of the attack and were confident they already knew the owner. Another pet in the area is believed to have been injured by the same dog in March with its family forced to pay $4,000 in vet bills. 'Again, (the owner) just fled the scene and went into his house,' Ms Bee said. The groodle was left with severe injuries from the attack and is still undergoing treatment (pictured, the groodle's injuries immediately after the attack) Ms Bee said Woollahra Council were 'hypocrites' for posting information related to dog safety on their website but failing to act. '(The dog) will end up killing a dog or child and council will be sued,' she said. Woollahra Council confirmed it has received complaints about the dog and said it was taking action to prevent another attack. 'Council officers have contacted the owner of the dog and issued a Notice of Intention to declare the dog dangerous,' it said in a statement. 'The Notice means that while the investigation process is undertaken, when in public the dog must be muzzled, secured on a leash and walked by a competent person over the age of 18. 'Penalty notices of up $1760 apply for non-compliance with the Notice and Council Rangers are proactively checking the area. 'I can confirm that the owner understands these obligations. The owner does have a right of appeal and may also elect to have a court determine the outcome.' Council originally commented under Ms Bee's post saying it was taking the matter 'very seriously', which was met by harsh criticism. He was deliberately inhaling an aerosol deodorant when he suffered a seizure The tragic final moments of a boy who died from inhaling aerosol deodorant while having a sleepover at his friend's house have been revealed as a doctor admitted any medical efforts to save his life were 'too late'. Bradley Hope, 16, was at his friend's house in Tweed Heads, in northern NSW, on December 7, 2019, when he engaged in a practice known in medical circles as volatile substance misuse (VSM) or 'chroming' - the act of deliberately inhaling fumes from aerosol deodorants. Just a few hours after inhaling the intoxicating chemicals, Bradley suffered a seizure, with the teen quickly going into cardiac arrest. A coronial inquest into his death is being held at Byron Bay Local Court this week, with State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan hearing on Wednesday it was 'too late' to save Bradley's life, despite his friend and his friend's mum giving him CPR. Bradley Hope, 16, (left) from New South Wales, died at a sleepover after trying chroming for the first time with an aerosol deodorant can Queensland Children's Hospital Emergency Doctor Daniel Bodnar commended Bradley's friend and mum for trying to revive him but admitted their efforts were in vain. Bradley was seen as acting 'normal', Dr Bodnar told the court, before his friend fell asleep. However, after waking up, his friend saw that Bradley was having a seizure. Bradley's friend and the mum immediately called triple zero and started CPR, advising emergency services that the friends had been chroming. 'His mum and his friends should be commended for starting CPR on a loved one,' Dr Bodnar told the court. Bradley's cardiac arrest was 'unwitnessed' which led to a delay in medical treatment, Dr Bodnar added. A cardiac arrest is called unwitnessed if the patient is found without a pulse and no one was present at the time he collapsed. Paramedics treated Bradley as they rushed him to hospital however he presented with agonal breathing - a natural reflex which happens when the brain is not getting oxygen and is a sign that a person is near death. A coronial inquest into Bradley's (pictured) death has heard that his friend and his friend's mother were 'too late' to save him despite calling emergency services and administering CPR Dr Bodnar also gave evidence of the effects of VSM, particularly on how it can disturb the rhythm of the heart, after treating a number of teenage patients. 'It looks like a bag of worms,' Dr Bodnar said. 'It hasn't got time to fill.' Dr Bodnar told the court parents and children should receive education on the risks of inhaling aerosol deodorants and the life-saving actions that could save a person's life. 'There shouldn't be a fear of seeking help because you are going to get in trouble,' Dr Bodnar said. 'I do think it is under-recognised by the public on the risks and harms. As the discussions you would have with drugs and alcohol this should be discussed as well. 'I think CPR should be mandated in schools and as a father of four girls, I think it should start at 12 years old.' Corinne Mair, Bradley's mum, has called on aerosol deodorant companies to better educate their customers by placing warning signs about chroming on their products. 'They'd seen it on social media or had been exposed to it somewhere, so I think one of the kids had a can and they inhaled it,' Ms Mair told A Current Affair. 'I blame them [the deodorant company] for my son's death, I mean I know my son had a part to play in what happened that evening but I hold them accountable, for my son's death. 'They've actually even publicly acknowledged that their product has been linked to five deaths, Bradley will now be the sixth.' Bradley's mother Corinne Mair (pictured) has openly blamed chroming for her son's death and has called on companies to better educate their customers The court heard Bradley had been involved in chroming for about a year prior to his death and did it every weekend. Counsel Assisting the Coroner Emma Sullivan told the court Bradley 'was not a heavy user in any sense'. Ms Sullivan said it was the first inquest into aerosol propellant deaths in NSW despite a number of other teens dying from chroming. She told the court 13 deaths in Australia since 2009 have been linked to inhalation of aerosol deodorants but the true scale of the 'complex' and 'global' issue was difficult to asses. Ms Sullivan cited a 2017 Australian Secondary Student Alcohol and Drug Survey that showed 13 per cent had tried inhalants - with the practice prevalent between the ages of 12-15-years old. From 2010 to 2017, the number of emergency calls on inhalants was steady at 50-60 a year, but in 2018 it rose to 75, in 2019 to 96 and in 2020 to 107. About half of the calls involved children younger than 11 years old, and another 20 per cent were less than 19. Last year, Coles and Woolworths started locking their deodorant can supplies behind cages, cabinets and behind service desks in an attempt to stop inhalant and substance abuse. Woolworths supermarket store director Jeanette Fenske told the court the company became aware of the chrome problem in 2014 and implemented measures to try and curb the practice. She said aerosol deodorants from identified hot spots in Queensland and the Northern Territory were removed and replaced with roll-on products, while other outlets installed locked cabinets with reinforced glass. 'We really want to be a part of solving this difficult problem,' Ms Fenske said. The coronial inquest into Bradley's death continues. Advertisement The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have today published the shortlisted images for their 2022 competition. This year's final shortlist of 40 standalone photographs and 10 Portfolio entries includes a charming little raccoon waving to the camera, a cool fox tipping us the wink, a squirrel superhero flying through the air and a galloping zebra, really giving it some welly. These images have been whittled down from thousands of entries submitted from professional and amateur photographers from all around the world presenting a wonderful eclectic mix of hilarious wildlife. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards were co-founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam who wanted to create a competition that focused on the lighter, humorous side of wildlife photography but also had an important role in promoting wildlife conservation at its heart. The Overall Winner, Category and Highly Commended Winners will be announced on December 8. Martin Grace, 'Keep calm and keep your head', King Penguin (Volunteer Point, East Falkland) - Two King Penguins at Volunteer Point in the Falklands. The right hand bird may have an inscrutable expression but it must be wondering where its mate's head has gone Emmanuel Do Linh San, 'I'm gonna strangle you!', Meerkats (Kalahari Trails Game Reserve, South Africa) - I was following a group of meerkats on foot in the Kalahari Trails Game Reserve, in South Africa. Most individuals, including adults, were in a playful mood. It gave me a unique opportunity to capture very interesting and dynamic interactions between some members of the group. In the photo that I have selected, there is no aggression between individuals, but rather an interaction that reminds us of humans when one of your friends jokes about you and you pretend to strangle them and, in response, they open their mouth like a simpleton Jean Jacques Alcalay, 'Misleading African viewpoints 2', Hippo and Heron (Kruger National Park, South Africa) - Hippo yawning next to a heron standing on the back of another hippo Arturo Telle Thiemann, 'Say cheeeese', Grey triggerfish, Ballistes capriscus (Faial, Azores) - A couple of triggerfish looking into the camera, captured at the Azores.Even they may look funny, these fish can be quite aggressive. In this case they didn't attempt to bite me, but the domeport of my camera housing ended up with some scratches... life is hard... at least it wasn't me who was hurt John Chaney, 'Fight Back', Bear (Alaska) - This salmon decide to punch the bear in the face rather than be lunch Ahmed Alahmed, 'Cute', Monkey (Saudi Arabria) - Monkeys of the city of Abha, where they gather and steal food from people in various ways Timea Ambrus, 'I jump instead of flying', Screech Owl (Hungary) - The screech-owl chose to jump instead of flying. He was a bit lazy Corinne Kozok, 'Tombstoning Guillemot', Guillemot (Farne Islands) - the Guillemots were arriving with fish for their young and seemed to just dive into the middle of the horde of young ones Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, 'Shark Moose', Moose (Wyoming, USA) - Is this bull moose smiling ... or getting ready to attack!? Shuli Greenstein, 'Rushing Little owl fledgeling', Little owl fledgeling (south of Israel (Judean Lowlan)) - I was told that I can find a lot of little owls in the Judean Lowlands in Israel. So, I went on a journey early in the morning and really, I found a lot of little owls standing on the ground, on stones, near the nest and on tree branches. Suddenly, my eyes were caught by two fledgelings that were playing with each other on the ground. One of them crossed my field of vision. I started taking pictures in sequence and this is what came out Mark Schocken, 'Tight Fit!', Eastern Screech Owl (Largo, Florida, USA) - I was going to see and photograph this eastern screech owl nest in a local park in Florida. One morning, a few days before the two owlets fledged, one owlet tried to squeeze into the nest hole with Mom, maybe to see the outside world for the first time. It was hilarious and I was glad I was there that morning to photograph it. The moment lasted only a few seconds as Mom didn't seem very happy with the arrangement. Check out the expression on her face Andrew Peacock, 'Uncomfortable pillow', Southern elephant seal (Snow Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica) - These elephant seal weaners were practising their jousting skills for many minutes before they collapsed in exhaustion. One looks to be resting far more comfortably than the other! Vince Burton, 'Buck-a-roo!', Zebra (Amboseli, Kenya) - A zebra does a great impression of the 80's children's game Buck-a-roo. It also looks like its been fart-powered Bojan Bencic, 'Funny Walk', Mute Swan (Maksimir Park, Zagreb, Croatia) - The swan was in the middle of a fight with another swan, chasing him around on a frozen lake Lee Zhengxing, 'Lisper Squirrel', Squirrel (Zhuque National Forest Park, Xi'aan, China) - We encountered this little squirrel when climbed mountain in June. When noticed our approaching, instead of escaping right away, he just kept standing on the edge of cliff and overlooked into the distance, then turned around to staring at us as if we had interrupted his meditation. We left him with some biscuits for inconvenience and I took a photo of him telling thanks, just found that he was a lisper Sophie Hart, 'Mum life', Long-tailed macaque (Singapore) - A baby long-tailed macaque clings on to its weary mother Jennifer Hadley, 'Not so cat-like reflexes', Lion cub (Serengeti Tanzania) - This 3 month old cub and his sibling were in a tree. The other lionesses were in other trees and on the ground. He wanted to get down and walked all over the branches looking for the right spot and finally just went for it. It was probably his first time in a tree and his descent didn't go so well. He was just fine though after landing on the ground. He got up and ran off with some other cubs Lincoln Macgregor, 'Your Picnic's Mine!', Cassowary bird (Etty Bay, Queensland, Australia) - When this Southern Cassowary sat confidently down on a picnic blanket, it scared all of the picnickers away and start eating up the fish and chips that were laid out before it. I captured this photo just as this cassowary swallowed some food, lending the bird a cheeky and mischievously satisfied look! Dave Shaffer, 'Curtain Call II', Black bear cub (Wi. U.S.A.) - This little guy had a blast playing with a stick. I also had a very good time watching him Valtteri Mulkahainen, 'Romatic', Brown bear (Martinselkonen, Finland) - No info Saverio Gatto, 'Maniacs', Lappet-faced Vulture (Kruger National Park (South Africa)) - Lappet-faced Vultures in display Paolo Mignosa, 'Three headed ('Kerberos')', Kamchatka brown bears (Kuril lake, Kamchatka, Russia) - The three cubs seem to form a 'Kerberos', the three headed dog of Greek mythology Arshdeep Singh, 'I CU boy !', Spotted Owl (Bikaner, India) - Few hundred miles away we went to explore wildlife of a small town named 'Bikaner'. It was after almost a year I travelled because of covid. We hired a guide to explore places around. During last day of our trip we came across a pipe in a city where we spotted an owlet. I have earlier clicked owls in a pipe before so I was sure that I wasn't mistake. We waited for a short while and it didn't take a long time and one of the spotted owlet came out of the pipe. It was really funny when he came out and looked at me straight, before going inside he closed one of his eyes and felt like he wanted to say I CU boy ! and I immediately snapped a picture when he gave this pose Thomas Vijayan, 'Happy Feet', Emperor Penguin (Antarctica) - This chick has grown old enough to take to the seas and fish for their own food Ryan Sims, 'Excuse Me... Pardon Me!', a duckling and turtles (Juanita Bay Park, Lake Washington, Kirkland, WA. USA) - A duckling walking/waddling across a turtle covered log at the Juanita wetlands, the duckling fell off after a few turtle crossings, it was cute Miroslav Srb, 'Hello everyone', Raccoon (Florida, USA) - I photographed raccoon on a Florida beach, where I fed him shrimps. Then he thanked me like that Alex Pansier, 'Jumping Jack', Red Squirrel (Netherlands) - A red squirrel jumps during a rainstorm, so you can see the drops flying around Federica Vinci, 'Monkey Wellness Centre', Monkey (Cambodia, Baphuon Temple) - Walking near a cambodian temple where groups of wild monkeys lived, I came across this scene: a wild monkey in total relax, while its friend was taking care of it Jagdeep Rajput, 'Pegasus, the flying horse', Bluebull and Indian saras Crane (Keoladeo National Park, India) - Actually this is Indian Saras Crane attacking a Bluebull from behind, the bull happened to venture close to Saras's nest, where in, it had laid a single egg. The Saras Crane, which is tallest flying bird in the world, opened it's huge wings and attacked the bull from behind, driving the bull away from the nest Paul Eijkemans, 'Barf', Picasso Triggerfish (Marsa Shagra, Egypt) - This picture of a Picasso Triggerfish was taken in Marsa Shagra, Egypt. The fish just vomited the coral residues that it picked up while nibbling on the coral Michael Eastwell, 'It's all kicking off!', Wallabies (Cape Hillsborough, Queensland, Australia) - Apart from its beauty, Cape Hillsborough is renowned for its resident kangaroos and wallabies. I visited the area for three consecutive sunrises, but it was on my final morning that I captured this beautiful spectacle, two wallabies playing / fighting on the beach as the sun burst through the surrounding clouds Kevin Lohman, 'The Wink', American Red Fox (San Jose, California, USA) - An American Red Fox casually walked up to the edge of the woods and sat down, then turned around and gave a wink. Moments later, this sly fox disappeared into the trees Jennifer Hadley, 'Talk To The Fin!', Gentoo Penguin (Falkland Islands) - This was shot on the Falkland Islands. These two gentoo penguins were hanging out on the beach when one shook himself off and gave his mate the snub Andy Evans, 'Stop and stare', Probiscis monkey (Kinabatangan River, Sukau, Borneo) - After hearing Borneo's borders would reopen again in April 2022 I couldn't wait to visit and photograph some of the weird and wonderful wildlife on the island. After 2 years with no tourists it seemed like the wildlife was just as shocked to see me as I was to see them. This young proboscis monkey watched in amazement as I cruised by on the kinabatangan river Meghan Markle claims she quit her short stint as a briefcase girl on Deal or No Deal in 2006 because she didn't like being objectified as a bimbo. Primped and preened, she took exception to being told to suck in her stomach, while she was reduced to a confection of fake lashes, hair extensions and padded bra, she claims. But now, the Duchess of Sussex stands accused of hypocrisy, as newly resurfaced footage, seen here on DailyMail.com, shows she had no trouble playing the bimbo once more when she dived into a part in 90210, a full two years after her supposedly seminal moment. In blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo on the Beverly Hills 90210 reboot's series premiere, Markle, then 27, is seen playing Wendy. Meghan said she quite Deal or No Deal because she disliked 'how it made me feel, which was not smart' . She said: 'I didn't like feeling forced to be all looks' Meghan (circled on the show in the back row ) had very differing opinions about the way in which briefcase girls were treated to her former co-star Claudia (circled in front) In the scene, hunky Ethan played by Dustin Milligan is surprised when his girlfriend Annie (Shenae Grimes) spots him sitting in his car. His shock is soon explained when he adjusts his clothing and Wendy's head emerges from his lap. Speaking on the most recent episode of her podcast, Archetypes, Markle was in conversation with original small-screen airhead, Paris Hilton when she made her claim about leaving the Howie Mandel-helmed Deal. I ended up quitting because I was so much more than what was being objectified on the stage, she told Hilton, 41. 'I didn't like feeling forced to be all looks. And little substance. 'And that's how it felt for me at the time being reduced to this specific archetype, the word bimbo.' In the podcast episode called Breaking Down the Bimbo Meghan, 41, said she wants her daughter Lilibet to be valued first for her mind, rather than 'beauty not brains' as she was on the TV gameshow. The Duchess, who appeared in Deal or No Deal between 2006 and 2007, calling it 'a short stint' to pay the bills, added: 'I want our daughter to aspire to be slightly higher. Yeah, I want my Lili to want to be educated and want to be smart and to pride herself on those things.' But despite the duchess's protestations, beady-eyed fans have pointed out that Markle was quick to embrace the bimbo role just two years later. One online critic posting as LaNiceGata summed it up, She must have forgotten she was BJ girl in that show AFTER she left her briefcase girls stint due to being objectified. Down and out in Beverly Hills: Initially, Meghan's head is nowhere to be seen as her character Wendy makes the most of pleasuring high school hunk Ethan Emerging talent: She soon lifts her head up as Ethan appears fearful that they've been caught Saving face: With her raven tresses obscuring her face, Wendy sheepishly peers out Cut short: Wearing a blue off-shoulder top, Meghan's character soon realizes the jig is up Annie Wilson, played by Shanae Grimes, is horrified by the scene that plays out before her in Ethan's car Bluesy tweeted about the 90210 appearance: 'No one forced you. No one reduced you. You willingly took those jobs.' And Terri added: 'What was going through her mind when she read for that role? Was that going to be her breakout starring role? Markle was reportedly hesitant to take on the role of the clueless temptress in the off-the-shoulder blue top and gold hoop earrings but, despite claiming to put her foot down two years earlier. But she took the view that, struggling actresses cant be picky, according to the Finding Freedom, a biography of Harry and Meghan, that was written with the cooperation of the duchess. Wendy Stanzler, 60, who directed the episode that aired on September 2 2008, admitted she barely remembered Markle in the minor role but told DailyMail.com, We had a lot of great young actors in that show who went on to get breaks and she was among them. Milligan, 37, declined to comment when DailyMail.com reached out to him. On her podcast, Markle compared her gameshow role with another high-profile job she had had. 'There were times when I was on set at Deal or No Deal and thinking back to my time working as an intern at the US Embassy in Argentina, Buenos Aires, and being in the motorcade with the secretary of treasury at the time and being valued specifically for my brain,' she said. Meghan contrasted her gameshow experience with her time as an intern at the US Embassy in Argentina where she was 'valued specifically for my brain' Meghan Markle opened up on being a Deal or No Deal briefcase girl and revealed she quit, claiming she felt 'objectified' and like a 'bimbo' Meghan and Claudia both appeared as briefcase models on Deal or No Deal, but Claudia lasted longer staying for four seasons while Meghan only made 34 episodes Actor Dustin Milligan declined to comment when asked by DailyMail.com about the scene Markles comments have also brought pushback from her former Deal or No Deal co-star, Real Housewives of Atlanta alum, Claudia Jordan who posted a furious rant on Instagram. Markle claimed that that during her 34-episode stint between 2006 and 2007 she was made to feel not smart because it was all about looks'. 'We were even given spray-tan vouchers each week because there was a very cookie cutter idea, of precisely what we should look like. It was solely about our beauty,' Markle said. Meghan added that a woman 'in charge' of the show would tell her to 'suck it in' before filming began, presumably an order to suck in her stomach on camera. Not so, according to Jordan, 49, who stated that inclusion on the NBC game show was dependent on having the most outgoing and fun personality and that executives chose models they knew would engage with the contestants. The duchess claimed that the briefcase girls had to go to beauty stations, including one for padding her bra and there were spray tan vouchers. She said that she wants her own daughter Lilibet to be valued for her brain rather than her beauty Meghan and Prince Harry have signed a three-year podcast deal with Spotify for an estimated $15million to $18million Claudia insisted on Instagram that producers worked to highlight the models with the 'most outgoing and fun personalities', adding that she never felt like a 'bimbo' while on the show Although Claudia insisted that she wasn't trying to 'attack' Meghan, the Real Housewives star noted that Deal or No Deal gave people opportunities if they 'seized their moments' Jordan, who appeared on Deal or No Deal for four seasons from 2005 to 2009, slammed Meghan for her comments, explaining that the show 'never treated them like bimbos' and it helped provide 'so many opportunities' for them. 'For clarity - yes getting a modeling gig on a game show isn't necessarily about your intellect, but every show the executive producers picked five models with the most outgoing and fun personalities to place mics on, who they knew would engage with the contestants,' she wrote in a post on her Instagram. Meghan's Spotify podcast has returned after a brief pause following the death of Prince Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth 'And Deal or No Deal never treated us like bimbos. We got so many opportunities because of that show.' The reality star added that it's the 'kind of opportunity' that 'is what you make it'. She added: 'If you just show up and don't engage - then you'll just get your check and not get much out of it. 'But if you show up and seize your moments, there's no limits to what you can do with the opportunity.' Claudia explained that she 'enjoyed' working on Deal or No Deal, and claimed it helped launch a major career for her. 'It was a step on the ladder I've been ascending on for 25 years that paid all my bills, put me in front of 13 million people a night, and led to me getting on Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Apprentice All Stars, a breast cancer awareness campaign, guest hosting Extra, getting into People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful issue, and so much more,' she continued. 'It also led to me co-hosting the 2009 Miss Universe pageant with @BillyBush in front of half a billion people. Not to shabby for a "bimbo".' While the 49-year-old wanted her followers to know that she was not 'attacking' Meghan, she said it was important for her to defend the show, and all of the people who worked so hard to make it a success. 'Lord knows I've been defending this woman in the media for years,' she explained. 'And I still will, but I just didn't want any misunderstanding about the climate and environment on the Deal or no Deal set. 'And I'm especially protective of Howie Mandel, who was nothing but kind and respectful to all 26 of us.' A Michigan man who acknowledged killing his Grindr date and hanging his mutilated body from a ceiling will face life in prison without parole after a judge said Wednesday it was premeditated murder. Mark Latunski, 52, pleaded guilty in last month, but it was up to a judge to determine whether the death of Kevin Bacon in 2019 was first-degree murder or another type of homicide. 'The court finds that this is a crime of cold calculation,' Shiawassee County Judge Matthew Stewart said. 'Kevin Bacon's death was Mark Latunski's design.' First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The next hearing is December 15. Kevin Bacon (left) was brutally killed by Mark David Latunski (right) in December 2019 Latunski has admitted to killing and mutilating Kevin Bacon in court, accepting a plea into open murder Latunski is pictured as he arrived in court for a hearing on Wednesday. A judge in the case ruled that Latunski planned Bacon's murder Mark Latunski (pictured December, 2019) was ruled competent to stand trial two years ago, in October 2020 ICYMI: Disturbing accounts from a taped interview with accused killer Mark Latunski. This happened Tuesday in court. Later tonight on @midmichigannow I will have the decision from the judge on the degree charge in this case. pic.twitter.com/ir4BlgX19Z Courtney Bennett (@court_bennett11) October 19, 2022 Police said Latunski admitted to killing Bacon, 25, whom he had met through the dating app Grindr, and eating parts of the body in Bennington Township, 90 miles northwest of Detroit. Latunski initially was found incompetent to stand trial, but that status changed after mental health treatment. Defense attorney Mary Chartier said first-degree murder didn't fit the case. Mark David Latunski in his head shot photo on the Grindr site She noted that Latunski allowed police inside the home knowing that Bacon's body was hanging from the ceiling in a secret room in the basement on December 28, four days after friends and family had last seen him alive. 'He did not measure the consequences at all,' Chartier said. The two had met on Grindr, which is described on its website as 'the world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people.' Bacon was found hanging by his ankles from rafters in the home with stab wounds and his throat cut. In September, court video taken by MLive shows Latunski admitting to the events, including the gruesome and inhumane acts that followed the murder. 'Did you use a knife to stab Mr. Bacon' the prosecutor asks Latunski in the video. 'Did you know that stabbing Mr. Bacon with a knife would most certainly create a very high risk of death or great bodily harm to Mr. Bacon?' 'Yes I did,' the self-proclaimed cannibal responds. Latunski shared in court that he stabbed Bacon in the back at his home, catching his date by surprise. 'After Mr. Bacon was dead, did you remove part of his body, specifically his testicles,' she follows up. 'Did you move those testicles to the kitchen?' 'Yes I did,' Latunski responds. Before pleading guilty, Latunski's was scheduled to stand trial this month. Kevin Bacon, 25, was found in a secret room inside the basement of Latunski's Bennington Township home four days after he was last seen alive Mark David Latunski poses in a photo posted to his Facebook page prior to his arrest The guilty plea came as a shock to some, including his own legal counsel, who had been hoping to use an insanity defense during the trial. 'While this is not an outcome that (defense attorney) Mr. Krause and I think is in Mr. Latunski's best interest, we do have to follow Mr. Latunski's wishes,' Chartier said in court. 'We have discussed this matter and consistently he's been very clear, more than once, multiple times, on his choice and on his reasoning.' In October 2020, the cannibal was deemed mentally fit to stand trial after undergoing months of psychiatric care at a hospital in Michigan, according to ABC 12. Shortly after Latunski was arrested, police shared that it hadn't been their first encounter with the Michigan man. In October 2019, a man visiting Michigan from New York called law enforcement as he was running away from Latunski's home after allegedly waking up in the basement. 911 calls retrieved by The Flint Journal-MLive showed two different men on two separate occasions reaching out to police, asking for help getting away. Kevin Bacon, 25, of Swartz Creek was reported missing that day after he reportedly didn't come home for a family breakfast Latunski told police he murdered Bacon, pictured, by stabbing him with a knife in the back one time, then slitting his throat. Latunski told police he wrapped rope around Bacon's ankles and hung him from the rafters on the ceiling The Michigan home where Latunski brutally killed Kevin Bacon in 2019 'I want you to know like I've never ever had anything like this happen. I don't know if he drugged me. All is know is I ended up locked up in the f***ing basement, okay? Chained in the basement,' the said the man in the October 2019 incident. A police report indicated that on November 25, 2019, Latunski was stopped by officers as he attempted to chase another man down the street, wearing nothing but a kilt. At the time, the man he was chasing told the officer that he had fled from Latunski's house, fearing that the 52-year-old was going to hold him against his will, chained up in his basement. 'I'm trying to get away from some creepy guy,' the caller told the dispatcher. 'He had me tied in his basement.' Kevin Bacon's parents, Pam and Karl Bacon, said they would be happy if Latunski spent the rest of his life in jail for the gruesome murder of their son Kevin's parents, Pam and Karl Bacon, spoke about the need for justice back in October 2020 when the 52-year-old was deemed fit to stand trial. Karl, who filed the missing person report for Kevin when he didn't show up to Christmas breakfast, said that he wants Latunski to rot in prison. 'We're hoping he gets prison for the rest of his life,' they said at the time. 'That's what we're going for.' The pilot of an F-35 fighter jet was rescued after it crashed at Hill Air Force Base, south of Ogden, Utah, on Wednesday. According to official reports, the incident was reported on social media and claimed the F-35A Lightning II went down at around 6:15 p.m. local time. The crash occurred at the runway's northern end, and nobody on the ground was hurt. The 388th Fighter Wing based at Hill Air Force Base warned people to stay away from the crash site. The public was advised to avoid the South Weber Drive area out of respect for the emergency workers on the site, the wing stated on Twitter, KSL reported. Hill Air Force Base reported that the pilot had ejected, been found, and was being evaluated at a nearby hospital. However, as of the present reporting, no further information was provided regarding the pilot's condition. The wing stated that further investigation is needed to determine what caused the incident. Pilot Did His Best To Prevent Further Damage At a press conference, Colonel Craig Andrle, commander of the 388th Fighter Wing, stated that the pilot had ejected from the plane while returning from a regular training mission recovery, according to CNN. The official noted that the pilot made his best attempt to prevent any buildings and other objects on the ground before ejecting. Several witnesses from far and wide in Davis and Weber counties said they could see smoke from the incident. Kyler Rynearson, a local of South Weber, was tending to his car when he spotted a pair of fighter planes practicing their maneuvers. He said that while working on his car, he heard the "weirdest explosion," like a huge firework burst, he encountered, but he did not pay attention to it. And when he looked back, he noticed a massive cloud of smoke going up. Read Also: Russia Destroys 3 Power Plants, Prompting Ukraine To Revise Emergency Energy Plan; More Evidence Shows Kremlin Uses Iranian Drones There were several reports from Salt Lake County stating that individuals spotted multiple fighter planes approaching Salt Lake City International Airport, according to KUTV. Nancy Volmer, a representative for the airport, confirmed that numerous base planes landed in Salt Lake. They have not disrupted routine airport operations, she added. Authorities Continue To Monitor Situation The crash was witnessed by 13-year-old Mitt Nilson, who lives nearby the crash site. The minor claims he was riding his dirtbike at the time of the incident. He recalled that smoke was flowing from the F-35's engine, which was the first sign of trouble. Video footage and photos taken at the scene showed a massive column of smoke rising from the Air Force installation where the military jet crashed. Here is the second plane flying over West Jordan pic.twitter.com/PILG8ysb2x Telisa May (@m_telisa) October 20, 2022 In addition, government authorities have spoken out about the tragedy. Utah's governor, Spencer Cox, has stated that he has been in touch with HAFB representatives. Governor Cox said that the authorities would continue to monitor the situation and pray "for the safety of the pilot." Rep. Blake Moore, whose district includes the base, said they were keeping a careful eye on developments. In a tweet, he expressed appreciation for the quick action of the rescue teams. Related Article: Russian Bombers Enter Alaska Air Defense Zone, US Air Force Launches F-16 Fighter Jets To Intercept @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A mother who became the fourth member of a British family to mysteriously die of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Bangladesh has been pictured. Hosne Ara Islam, 46, died in hospital three months after her family were struck down in the tragedy. Her husband, taxi driver Rafiqul, 51, and son Mahiqul, 16, were found dead in their rented apartment in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh on July 26. The couple's daughter, 20-year-old Samira, died in hospital 11 days later. While initial reports suggested the family may have been poisoned in a meal they'd eaten on the night of July 25, local police have since revealed they believe the family to be victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. Hosne Ara Islam, 46, died in hospital three months after her family were struck down in the tragedy Eldest son Sadiqul, 24, was the sole survivor in the tragedy and has since been released from hospital. Superintendent Farid Uddin said officers have since visited the property where the tragedy occurred to run samples of a backup generator in the apartment. Before her death, Hosne had reportedly told police there was a faulty generator which was used in emergencies. 'We collected a smoke sample from the generator and we sent it to fire service to see if chemicals were also found in the bodies of the deceased and of the survivors,' Mr Uddin said. It will take days before the chemical analysis report is completed. The family of five travelled from Riverside, Cardiff, to visit relatives in Bangladesh on July 12. Her husband, taxi driver Rafiqul, 51, was found dead inside the rented apartment on July 26 But Rafiqul's father-in-law Anfar Ali said the trip was shrouded in secrecy, sparking further questions about their tragic deaths. He said Rafiqul gave specific orders not to tell anyone - including other relatives - they were in the country. The family rented the flat in the same building as Anfar on July 18, six days after arriving, to help treat one of their sons who was sick. Local media reported the family all bought burgers and juice from a nearby Taipur market which they ate together before falling unconscious. After dinner police say the family fell asleep in the same room. Between 10am and 10.30am on Tuesday their relatives tried to open the door to the flat. They called the police when they heard no sounds inside. Police found the door locked, broke it open, and recovered the five unconscious victims inside. Hosne's death was confirmed by the Cardiff Bangladeshi Society. He suffered a head injury during the attack and had to have it stapled together After getting off the bus, he was ambushed and beaten by three older students A young boy has had his head stapled back together after he was ambushed and ruthlessly beaten by a group of high school bullies. Boston Yarran, 13, was heading home on the bus from Rockingham Senior High School in Perth, Western Australia. But when the Year 8 student, who has ADHD and global developmental delay, got off at his stop in Wilmott Drive, he was viciously assaulted by three older students. Boston's head was split open during the attack and began gushing with blood. Boston Yarran (pictured), 13, was leaving Rockingham Senior High School on the bus and was viciously attacked by three older students after he got off at his stop Two of the bullies filmed the assault on their mobile phones and mocked Boston as he was being beaten. Boston managed to flee to a nearby skate park and urged a friend to call for an ambulance, leaving behind a trail of blood as he ran. The young boy was rushed to Rockingham General Hospital and had to have his head stapled back together. Boston believed he was 'going to die' while he was assaulted, reports 9News. His school uniform, backpack and shoes were covered with blood. Blood was also on the footpath where he was attacked. His distressed mother, Jaycinta, recalled the horrific assault and the traumatic effect it's had on her son to 9News. 'There was blood everywhere when I came into the room, he was hysterical, dazed, in shock still, it was awful, absolutely awful,' she said. 'He's got headaches, he's in pain, he woke up several times last night having bad dreams from the whole incident...it's traumatising, I'm going to be picking him up more and making sure he's close to me and safe.' The young boy's head split open during the assault as the bullies filmed the attack on their phones. Boston had to have his head stapled together after he was rushed to hospital Boston's mother Jaycinta (pictured right with her son) recalled the horrific assault and the traumatising effect it's had on her son Boston is now too scared to catch the bus again. His family have reported the matter to police. WA Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that they were conducting inquiries into the assault. WA's Department of Education said in a statement that they were aware of the attack on Boston and were supportive of the police investigation. 'The Department of Education is aware the Police are investigating a disturbing incident that occurred in the community after the end of the school day.' 'When students are impacted by incidents of violence, support is prioritised and this includes access to school psychologists.' 'Violence or aggression towards others is not tolerated, and this kind of behaviour is never acceptable.' She spent months in hospital in the UK before succumbing to her injuries Daniella DiMambro was on a beach with her daughter when lightning hit her A British physiotherapist holidaying in Croatia with her two children died after a freak lightning strike hit her right ear, an inquest has heard. Daniella DiMambro's death has been described as a 'desperately sad case' by senior coroner for Nottingahmshire, Mairin Casey. Ms DiMambro was relaxing on a beach in Split, Croatia, with her daughter on August 20, 2022, when she was struck by lightning. A bystander performed CPR but Ms DiMambro suffered hypoxic brain injury - which is formed when the oxygen supply to the brain is limited - and could not be saved. She was rushed to hospital in Croatia, then managed in intensive care before she could be repatriated to the UK. A British physiotherapist holidaying in Croatia with her two children died after a freak lightning strike hit her right ear, an inquest has heard She died from the brain injuries on October 7, the coroner determined. 'The lightning strike is thought to have entered through the right ear,' Ms Casey said at the Nottingham Council House hearing on Wednesday. The mum was reported to have been at a beach near Split with her daughter when the incident happened. Ms DiMambro, 48, of Mansfield Road, Nottingham, was on ventilation in intensive care in Nottingham and her condition was regularly reviewed. She was placed on seizure medication and treated for a high body temperature and urinary infection. Her family sought expert opinion from a specialist in London - who agreed the prognosis was 'poor'. Daniella DiMambro's death has been described as a 'desperately sad case' by senior coroner for Nottingahmshire, Mairin Casey The specialist said the mother-of-two and physiotherapist was unlikely to make significant neurological improvement. After discussion with her family, including her brother and her parents, this led to a decision that 'neurological pathway' care, as advised by treating clinicians, was the most acceptable way forward. 'And, sadly, following her exacerbation, she was put on palliative end-of-life care,' Ms Casey said. Ms DiMambro died on October 7 this year in hospital in Nottingham. Her identity was confirmed by her treating clinician. The death was referred to Ms Casey by the same doctor. The primary cause of death, which is termed as 1a, was hypoxic ischemic brain injury, followed by 1b, cardiac arrest, then 'lightning strike' and urinary tract infection. The mother and her daughter were sunbathing at a popular beach on the outskirts of the holiday resort of Split when tragedy struck (file image of Split, Croatia) 'This is a very unusual and desperately sad case,' Ms Casey, who opened and concluded the inquest at the same hearing, said. 'It seems to be so unusual, the appropriate conclusion is narrative. I find she was struck by lightning on August 20, 2022. This caused injuries which ultimately led to her death in the UK on October 7. 'Her death was due to a lightning strike, leading to cardiac arrest and hypoxic ischemic brain injury.' Ms Casey ended by expressing her sincere condolences to Ms DiMambro's family and children, who were not at the short hearing. A JustGiving page has been set up in her memory, which is fundraising for The Brain Charity, and donations have risen to 115. Details of her funeral have been posted on her public page, DiMambro Pilates Physiotherapy, to be held on Friday, October 28, at 9am at Gedling Crematorium, Catfoot Lane, NG4 4QH. A statement reads: 'Rather than buying tons of flowers, we would be grateful if you might instead contribute to one of these three charities.' The kangaroo then tried to drown Bundy in an epic 45-minute struggle Bundy the Rottweiler leapt to her rescue chasing away the aggressive roo Pam Baldwin was walking her dog when she was knocked down by the roo An elderly woman who was kicked and slashed open by a kangaroo is lucky to be alive after being saved by her brave dog, who fought off the roo for 45 minutes until help arrived. Pam Baldwin, 71, was walking her Rottweiler named Bundy when she was attacked from behind by an aggressive kangaroo at Nail Can Hill in Albury, Western Australia. She was kicked in the stomach and slashed across the arm by the vicious roo, who knocked Ms Baldwin to the ground and left her arm needing stitches. When her loyal companion caught wind of his owner being in trouble, he launched into action, chasing the kangaroo away before the roo set its sights on him. Ms Baldwin said the kangaroo then tried to drown Bundy in a nearby dam before both she and her dog were saved by paramedics after she managed to alert nearby walkers. On Neil Mitchell's 3AW radio show, Ms Baldwin said she had a feeling something was behind her before she was thrown to the ground. 'I just got this feeling someone was behind me and I turned around and went "oh..." and he [the kangaroo] was just looking me in the face and next minute he went bang. I gave him a few choice words and then I hit the ground,' Ms Baldwin said. 'I dont know if I blacked out or he knocked me out but I remember Bundy coming and jumping over the top of me and chasing the kangaroo away. 'He was protecting me, he chased it away. 'Bundy fought the kangaroo for about 45 minutes. He wouldn't let the kangaroo come near me.' Ms Baldwin was told Bundy was about 20 seconds from death when he was finally rescued, completely exhausted. Horrified witnesses said the kangaroo was at least six feet, or 1.8m tall. Pam Baldwin, 71, is lucky to be alive after she was kicked and slashed open (right) by a kangaroo before her brave dog Bundy (left) came to her rescue, fighting off the roo for 45 minutes until help arrived Ms Baldwin said the aggressive encounter may have been due to kangaroo mating season but it wasn't the first time she had encountered a furious roo. 'I had an encounter with another roo a couple of times last year and he used to hide in the grass and you'd be walking along and the bloody thing would jump up at you,' she said. Ms Baldwin admitted it was probably time to find another hill to walk her loyal companion on. A doctor who treated a baby boy allegedly murdered by Lucy Letby said he had no problems and she was 'surprised and upset' to find out he had died. Dr Sally Ogden had cared for Baby A, a premature twin boy, and his sister, Baby B, soon after their birth and had no concerns for either child's health. But just over 24 hours later Baby A was dead. It is alleged that neo-natal nurse Letby killed the day-old infant by injecting air into his blood stream while setting up a glucose infusion around 8pm on June 8, 2015. Letby, 32, from Hereford, is accused of murdering seven babies and trying to kill 10 more at the Countess of Chester Hospital, in Cheshire, between June 2015 and June 2016. She denies the charges. Yesterday jurors at Manchester Crown Court were read a witness statement from Dr Ogden, who came on shift the morning after Baby A, who had been born nine weeks early and weighing 3lbs 12oz, died. 'I received a handover from Dr Rachel Lambie,' Dr Ogden said. 'She informed me and the team that Baby A had died during the evening. 'I remember this came as a big surprise. It was completely out of the blue and very upsetting. Lucy Letby (pictured) carried out repeated Facebook searches of Baby A's mother less than two hours after the infant's 'sudden and unexpected' collapse A court sketch of Lucy Letby at Manchester Crown Court on Monday, where she stands charged with the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of another ten Jurors were shown texts sent by Letby to a colleague in which she described having a 'mini meltdown' following the deaths of three babies over three weeks in June 'Baby A showed no signs of any problems throughout the day. He was handling well. I had no concerns at all for him or his twin sister.' The court heard that Baby A and his twin sister, Baby B, were born by Caesarean section around 8.30pm on June 7, 2015 after their mother developed dangerously high blood pressure due to the pregnancy condition pre-eclampsia. Doctors considered the girl the more poorly of the twins and, although both needed help with their breathing, Baby A was soon able to breathe for himself and was considered 'stable' during his first day of life. The following evening, however, he collapsed suddenly soon after Letby came on duty for her night shift. On Wednesday the trial, which is in its eighth day, heard from the first live witness, nurse Melanie Taylor, who also cared for Baby A before handing over his care to Letby around 8pm on June 8. She told the court that she co-signed with Letby for the glucose infusion and was writing up her notes for the day at a computer when she realised Baby A was 'deteriorating.' She is said to have had a clear line of vision into the nursery containing Baby A. 'He started to deteriorate, his heart rate dropped and his saturations dropped and Lucy Letby was standing by the incubator,' she said. 'I initially stayed there (by the computer) because he was fairly stable and Lucy was there. When I realised actually he wasn't recovering from the deterioration, I got up to help Lucy.' She explained that it was not uncommon for babies in the unit to deteriorate and then quickly improve, so for a short time she thought Baby A was recovering. Susan and John Letby have supported their daughter throughout the trial as the third week draws to a close Ms Taylor said she wasn't certain but thought it was after the glucose infusion had begun that she sat down at the computer to complete her notes. When she got to Baby A Letby was 'giving him some breaths by a Neo-puff (a face mask used to aid neo-natal resuscitation),' she added. Ms Taylor described attempts to save Baby A and his death as a 'bit of a blur.' 'I know that it was lengthy and carried on,' she said. 'I kept thinking he was going to recover, but he didn't.' She had come on duty at around 7.30am on June 8, 2015. The twins had been born during the night shift. Her role that morning was to be the designated nurse for Baby A, taking over from a colleague Ashleigh Hudson who had been on the night shift. She recalled Baby A being in Incubator 2 of Nursery 1 the room in which staff looked after the most vulnerable babies. His twin was beside him in Incubator 1. 'I had no concerns with him, he was stable on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), but stable. One thing was he didn't have fluids for a couple of hours because of issues with lines,' she told the jury. Baby A was still stable when she ended her shift at 8pm. The nurse she handed over to was Letby. However, six years after the event she had no direct recollection of that handover. The court has heard that Baby A's mother 'sobbed uncontrollably' and pleaded with medics, 'Please don't let my baby die,' as they tried to resuscitate him. But he could not be saved. Ms Taylor explained that it was not uncommon for babies in the unit to deteriorate and then quickly improve, so for a short time she thought Baby A was recovering. The following night his twin sister collapsed in, what the prosecution say, are almost identical circumstances. Fortunately, she was successfully resuscitated and survived. Ben Myers, KC, defending, told the nurse he was going to ask her some questions on behalf of Letby. He reminded her of the statement she gave police in 2018, then asked: 'Do you find that even with the notes it can still be difficult to remember the detail?' She agreed, saying: 'It's because time passes. However, in my statement if I wasn't sure I said so'. She confirmed that she had left the Countess of Chester for about two-and-a-half years, but had since returned. Full indictment against Lucy Letby Lucy Letby is charged as follows: Count 1 - Charged with murder of Baby A on June 8, 2015 Count 2 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby B between the June 8, 2015 and June 11, 2015 Count 3 - Charged with murder of Baby C on June 14, 2015 Count 4 - Charged with murder of Baby D on June 22, 2015 Count 5 - Charged with murder of Baby E on August 4, 2015 Count 6 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby F on August 5, 2015 Count 7 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby G on September 7, 2015 Count 8 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby G on September 21, 2015 Count 9 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby G on September 21, 2015 Count 10 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby H on September 26, 2015 Count 11 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby H on September 27, 2015 Count 12 - Charged with murder of Baby I on October 23, 2015 Count 13 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby J on November 27, 2015 Count 14 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby K on February 17, 2015 Count 15 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby L on April 9, 2016 Count 16 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby M on April 9, 2016 Count 17 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby N on June 3, 2016 Count 18 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby N on June 15, 2016 Count 19 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby N on June 15, 2016 Count 20 - Charged with murder of Baby O on June 23, 2016 Count 21 - Charged with murder of Baby P on June 24, 2016 Count 22 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby Q on June 25, 2016 Advertisement Mr Myers asked whether staff at the hospital talked about the events now being looked at in Letby's trial. Nurse Taylor replied: 'Yes, because they were significant events that happened'. Letby denies murdering Baby A and attempting to murder Baby B. Instead she claims Baby A collapsed because he received 'sub-optimal care' on the unit. The court has heard that Baby A was left for hours without fluids because doctors - who had twice attempted and failed to put a cannular into his belly button - were busy with other patients. He was, however, given small amounts of milk - 1ml - every two hours via a tube in his nose. Earlier, jurors were shown texts sent by Letby to a colleague in which she described having a 'mini meltdown' following the deaths of three babies over three weeks in June. She texted: 'I had a mini-meltdown last night about what's happened at workI just need some time with mum and dad'. The court heard that on June 10, while Baby B was still recovering, her alleged assailant messaged a colleague to ask: 'Will you let me know if any change?' The other nurse sent a later message saying there had been 'no change' in Baby B's condition. When Letby enquired again at 10.08pm, her colleague replied to say B was 'looking really good'. As well as Baby A, she allegedly murdered another premature boy, Baby C, on June 14, and a full term baby girl, Baby D, on June 22. In another text, following the death of Baby B and collapse of his twin sister, she told a friend: 'I don't want to talk about it. The last week or so has just been a bit tough.' Letby also searched for the parents of the alleged victims on Facebook after they died, the court heard. However, jurors were told that the nurse carried out numerous searches on social media for the parents of many babies she cared for at work, and not only those involved in the trial. The court heard analysis of Letby's internet usage showed she carried out repeated Facebook searches of Baby A's mother just hours after the infant's collapse. At the same time, she was also being consoled by colleagues, with Letby telling one nurse: 'It was awful. He died very suddenly and unexpectedly just after handover. Not sure why. It's gone to the coroner. They are querying a clotting problem. Very sad.' Referring to the end of her own shift earlier the same day, the colleague responded: 'Oh God, he was doing really well when I left.' Letby then told her: 'Just collapsed very suddenly. Awful. He had really good day on Monday then I took over Monday night'. The colleague expressed sympathy that Letby was on duty at the time, adding: 'I'm sorry it happened when you were taking care of him. You're not having a good run at the moment.' Letby replied: 'I wasn't supposed to be in either. But these things happen unfortunately.' The trial is approaching the end of its third week, and is expected to last six months. The case continues. A U.S. grand jury has indicted a jailed Pennsylvania man for threatening to kill the chair of the congressional committee investigating the January 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol, prosecutors said on Wednesday. Robert Vargo, 25, of Berwick, Pennsylvania, also threatened to kill the committee chair's family and President Joe Biden, prosecutors said. He was charged with threatening the president of the United States, threat by interstate communications, and influencing a federal official by threat, the U.S. Attorney's office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said in a statement. Pictured: Robert Vargo, 25, of Berwick, Pennsylvania. A grand jury indicted Vargo on Wednesday for threatening to kill the chair of the congressional committee investigating the January 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol, as well as president Joe Biden and a judge Vargo, who once escaped from the Pennsylvania jail where he is being held, could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the federal charges. Prosecutors allege Vargo sent a threatening letter and white powder to the congressional office of U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the committee that is investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The letter, which referenced the congressional probe and anthrax, also threatened U.S. District Court Judge Robert Mariani, according to prosecutors. 'I'm going to kill you! I will make you feel the rest of our pain & suffering,' the letter to Thompson said. 'There is nowhere or nobody who can keep you from me. I am going to kill you & those you love.' It added: 'You & Joe Biden soon will face death for the wrongs you've done to US.' U.S. Capitol Police who investigated the threat found the white powder to be harmless. Vargo sent the letter from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, prosecutors said. Vargo was charged with threatening the president of the United States (Joe Biden, poctured Wednesday), threat by interstate communications, and influencing a federal official by threat, the U.S. Attorney's office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said in a statement Prosecutors allege Vargo sent a threatening letter and white powder to the congressional office of U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (pictured, October 13), chairman of the committee that is investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol Vargo had escaped from the Pennsylvania jail in July and was caught several days later in South Carolina, according to media reports at the time that cited Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce. He was serving a burglary sentence out of Columbia County, and was scheduled to be released on parole on September 11, according to Times Leader. Reuters news agency said it could not immediately identify the lawyer representing Vargo in order to seek a comment in his defense. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police, Protective Service Bureau and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case, according to the press release from the US attorney's office. While threats against lawmakers have been rising for years, there has been a notable spike in cases since the Jan 6. 2021 Capitol insurrection, according to Axios. The news site said data from June showed the number of threats against members of Congress investigated by U.S. Capitol Police jumped by 144 percent from Trump's first year in the White House to Biden's. Liz Truss was yesterday accused of a fresh U-turn over her pledge to scrap smart motorways. Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said ministers will not axe the controversial roads, but will continue the last Governments policy of pausing their roll-out. During the Conservative leadership contest last summer, Miss Truss said the smart motorways experiment hasnt worked. During the leadership contest Miss Truss also said she was prepared to look at effectively scrapping motorway speed limits by making them advisory, as they are in Germany. The PM is pictured above on her way to PMQs Asked at the time whether she planned to scrap them if she became Prime Minister, she said yes. But appearing before the Commons transport committee yesterday, Miss Trevelyan was asked by Tory MP Karl McCartney if she believed that smart motorways are, indeed, smart? She said: They are a different way of managing traffic. Im someone who used them quite a lot. I think the challenges with safety are real. My predecessor set a very good pause mechanism so we can gather a substantial amount of data [to see how safe they are]. We are going to gather the evidence... and then we will assess it. She added: We are putting a complete pause on the programme. We are continuing safety improvements on those already there. Its important we finish that bit of the job... so those in place have the emergency measures they need. Asked if the Government will scrap smart motorways, Miss Trevelyan replied: If thats what the evidence indicated, then that would be the right decision. During the Conservative leadership contest last summer, Miss Truss said the smart motorways experiment hasnt worked [File photo] During the leadership contest Miss Truss also said she was prepared to look at effectively scrapping motorway speed limits by making them advisory, as they are in Germany. But asked about this, Miss Trevelyan said: Its not something thats at the front of my agenda at the moment. Former transport secretary Grant Shapps paused the roll-out of 120 miles of all-lane running (ALR) smart motorways, which have their hard shoulders removed and turned into an extra live lane, in January. He said no more would be built until five years worth of safety data became available. But it means existing ALR motorways, of which there are around 450-500 miles if both sides of the carriageway are included, remain open. The Daily Mail has long-campaigned for better safety on smart motorways. Critics want the roads scrapped and say they are death traps, as broken down cars can be smashed into from behind as theres no safety lane. Claire Mercer, whose husband Jason was killed on a smart stretch of the M1 in 2019, said: She [Truss] promised action and this is inaction. Its a let-down. Miss Trevelyan also said Mr Shapps plans for establishing Great British Railways, scheduled to be created in 2024, is unlikely to be created until 2025 or after. It said there were midwives who were bullying and dismissive towards mothers Devastated families were left asking how many more babies must die following the latest catastrophic maternity scandal to shame our health service. A damning report yesterday exposed the outrage that at least 45 babies died unnecessarily due to deep-rooted failures in care at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust. In total, 97 babies and mothers came to significant harm over 11 years due to deplorable care by maternity staff. Investigators had no doubt the numbers were minimum estimates and said a lack of meaningful action meant it is likely similar incidents are happening elsewhere. Dr Bill Kirkup, who led the investigation, warned that such incidents can no longer be seen as a one-off and called for a new national system to break the cycle of maternity scandals. He called for a public service accountability law to be introduced so organisations can be prosecuted if they stage cover-ups in future tragedies. Last night, grieving parents said this had to be the last maternity scandal to hit the NHS, while asking why there had not been more of an outcry about two full classrooms of children who never came home. Dr Kelli Rudolph, who lost daughter Celandine when she was five days old in 2016, said this has to be the end point. Bex Walton, who lost her son Tommy when he was two days old, said: Sorry is not good enough' The mother said she would 'never be able to forgive' after losing her son Tommy (pictured) Danielle Clark suffered a traumatic birth with her son Noah now nine and felt her concerns at at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust were dismissed The mother said: 'Things have got to change. Babies are dying just through bad care and pure neglect (pictured: her son Noah when he was just hours old) She said: If in this period of time, a serial killer had killed 45 babies it would be in the headlines from here until the ends of the earth. But 45 babies are dead. Its one thing to read that, but to sit there and [hear they were] avoidable deaths. What does 45 children look like in a classroom in a school? Its two full classrooms. Danielle Clark suffered a traumatic birth with her son Noah now nine and felt her concerns were dismissed because she was a first-time mother. She said: People need to be held accountable. Things have got to change. Babies are dying just through bad care and pure neglect. And Bex Walton, whose son Tommy died in 2020, two days after being born at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, said: Sorry is not good enough. I will never be able to forgive. The harrowing 182-page report was severely critical of the staff who presided over the poor care at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate and the William Harvey Hospital between 2009 to 2020. It described a culture of tribalism, which included midwives who were bullying and dismissive towards mothers. One woman whose baby had died was told by a member of staff: Its Gods will; God only takes the babies that he wants to take. Another, named only as C, was left bleeding after a traumatic delivery with her family told staff are all in the staffroom having a cup of tea to recover. The womans baby died the following day. The harrowing 182-page report was severely critical of the staff who presided over the poor care at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) (pictured) in Margate and the William Harvey Hospital between 2009 to 2020 The report described how maternity services suffered as consultants expected junior staff and locum doctors to manage clinical problems themselves, discouraged escalation, and on occasion refused to attend out of hours. It recorded 97 incidents where mothers or babies either died or suffered injuries or disabilities as a result of poor treatment. These included 45 cases where babies died 12 of brain damage and 23 incidents of mothers dying or suffering injuries. In a letter to Health Secretary Therese Coffey and NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard, Dr Kirkup said the report must be a catalyst for tackling embedded, deep-rooted problems. He wrote: It is too late to pretend that this is just another one-off, isolated failure, a freak event that will never happen again. Since the report of the Morecambe Bay investigation in 2015, maternity services have been the subject of more significant policy initiatives than any other service. Yet, since then, there have been major service failures in Shrewsbury and Telford, in East Kent, and (it seems) in Nottingham. If we do not begin to tackle this differently, there will be more. In April, Donna Ockenden, who led a report into the worst maternity scandal in which 201 babies and nine mothers died at Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals called for sweeping reforms. Now Dr Kirkup, an obstetrician, said it should be a criminal offence for NHS staff and public sector workers to lie to members of the public and urged a maternity signalling system to be set up within months to monitor data and flag abnormally high rates of baby deaths at NHS trusts. Miss Coffey had been expected to respond to the report in Parliament but remained silent. Health minister Caroline Johnson apologised to families and said the NHS was committed to preventing families from going through the same pain in future. The National Childbirth Trust said: The devastating truth is that this report is not a one-off. Birte Harlev-Lam, of the Royal College of Midwives, said: We cannot have review after review, report after report, and nothing fundamentally changes. Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, chief midwifery officer at NHS England, said: It is clear that there have been severe failings in the care they received, when they should have been protected and cared for by our services. Harry, Archie, Daisy, Harriet, Jessica... Too many names. Too much loss By Beth Hale, Kate Pickles and Mary OConnor Seven years ago, Bill Kirkup published a report into what was then one of the most distressing maternity scandals to have struck the NHS. In a harrowing 205-page Morecambe Bay review, he wrote of a distressing chain of events that began with serious failures of clinical care, the result of which was avoidable harm to mothers and babies, including tragic and unnecessary deaths. Who could have imagined the spiralling catalogue of scandals that would follow. Morecambe Bay led into Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust in Shropshire; Nottingham still looms on the horizon each fresh outrage laying bare a litany of tragedy, shattering the confidence of families in maternity provision in the UK and eroding morale within a beleaguered profession. And yesterday, there was Bill Kirkup again. Delivering words in East Kent that sounded heartbreakingly familiar. When I reported on Morecambe Bay maternity services in 2015, I did not imagine that I would be back reporting on a similar set of circumstances seven years later, he said. It is too late to pretend that this is just another one-off, isolated failure, a freak event that will never happen again. Among those hoping his words will, this time, mark a turning point for maternity care are the families of those whose children and grandchildrens lives were cut short sometimes before birth, sometimes shortly afterwards when they could have been saved. There are far too many of them. In East Kent alone, Kirkups review found that the outcome (put less clinically, thats life or death) could have been different for 45 out of 65 baby deaths. Sarah and Tom Richford with their son Harry who died seven days after he was born in November 2017 at the QEQM Among them was Harry Richford, whose death at William Harvey hospital a week after he was delivered at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in November 2017 triggered the inquiry. Harry died a week after his chaotic birth, which involved a catalogue of errors by medical staff that were exposed only through the determined efforts of the little boys family. Parents Sarah and Tom, both teachers, had been excitedly planning the arrival of their much-wanted child. After a textbook pregnancy, Sarah had an emergency caesarean section which was performed too late and by an inexperienced locum who had not been fully assessed by the trust. Harry was born silent and limp, and there was a delay in resuscitating him. He died seven days later from irreversible brain damage and yet, initially, East Kent refused to refer his death to the coroner, claiming it was expected. It was his grandfather, Derek Richford, now a passionate campaigner for transparency and improvements in maternity care, who fearing a cover-up did so in March 2018. The three-week inquest in January 2020 exposed serious failings at the trust and ruled that Harrys death was wholly avoidable and amounted to neglect. There followed a landmark decision by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to prosecute the NHS trust for failing to provide safe care and treatment. Meanwhile, other grieving families came forward with devastating tales of potentially avoidable tragedies. Dr Bill Kirkup, who led the investigation, warned that such incidents can no longer be seen as a one-off and called for a new national system to break the cycle of maternity scandals Archie Batten, Archie Powell, Harriet Gittos, Reid Shaw. Too many names. Too much loss. Iris Crowhurst, like so many other mothers, still grieves the loss of her daughter Jessica, who would be 11 if events had unfolded differently. Iris was thrilled to discover she was expecting a second child in 2011. At the time she was running several of dental practices, while juggling looking after her four-year-old daughter Felicity. Jessicas arrival would complete the family, but it was never to be. After a pregnancy made gruelling by sickness, a series of failures to correctly monitor the mother culminated in a harrowing stillbirth. Iris, 45, who still lives in Ramsgate and now works in security after her business crumbled under the weight of her loss, says: It was a catalogue of errors. It wasnt just one. At 30 weeks pregnant, Iris was told her unborn child was much larger than expected and she would need to be induced. But for reasons she cannot fathom, her gestational diabetes high blood sugar which develops during pregnancy, and which can cause a baby to grow larger than usual went undiagnosed and just four weeks later, a consultant told her: Dont worry, your baby is large but no more scans, no nothing. Mothers are convinced that failures in treatment at the QEQM hospital led to the death of their children We got to 39 weeks and I was huge and my blood pressure was through the roof, says Iris. I went to the hospital a few times to be checked and they deemed her to be okay. But I later found out there were signs she was in distress. Worse was to come in her final desperate visit to hospital. Inexplicably, midwives mistook Iriss heartbeat for that of her unborn child and sent her home. She wasnt alive, she had died at four oclock in the afternoon, which they knew when they looked back at the trace [from the monitor Iris had to wear], but I was sent home, Iris says quietly. In the ensuing operation to deliver Jessica, Iris suffered a devastating haemorrhage in which her partner Andy feared he was losing her too. When she came around she was in a tiny room at the end of a corridor where she could hear medical staff talking about keeping her away from new mothers on the maternity unit so she didnt upset them. So harrowing was the experience, Iris didnt even hold her child; she felt it would be just too painful. If I had held her, I didnt know how I would be able to give her back. Iris battled two years of terrible health, a break-up with her partner and her business crumbling before being diagnosed with the auto-immune disorder Graves disease. Last year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and is convinced it is her bodys response to the strain of losing Jessica. Now she runs a small charity helping other bereaved families. The open wounds of loss have healed, but the deeper ones and the anger at how she and others were treated remain. Harder still is the stark fact so many have to bear. It was entirely avoidable, she says. If I had been induced she would have lived, even on that last day there was a chance for her to survive. Thoughts of what might have been haunt so many parents. Emma Robinson, 27, is convinced that failures in her treatment at the QEQM hospital led to her daughter Daisys death at just an hour old in 2014. In yesterdays long-awaited report, Bill Kirkup says: An over-riding theme, raised us with time and time again, is the failure of the trusts staff to take notice of women when they raised concerns, when they questioned their care, and when they challenged the decisions that were made about their care. Emma, a trainee nurse and mother-of-three, feels she was stereotyped as a young mother, whose concerns were dismissed by unsympathetic staff. After a straightforward early pregnancy, it was in her final trimester that she found herself making repeat visits to hospital with issues such as swelling and high blood pressure, but says she was dismissed by nurses, who told her not to be silly. Emma Robinson believes failure in care contributed to the death of her daughter Daisy. An inquest recorded an open verdict, with the cause put down as sudden infant death She was scheduled to be induced at 42 weeks, but at 41 weeks, suffering swelling, itchy skin and migraines, she returned to hospital, where despite tests revealing she had high blood pressure and protein in her urine classic symptoms of pre-eclampsia, which can cause serious complications for both mother and baby and requires careful monitoring she was sent home. Her designated induction day was marred by more worrying warning signs elevated blood pressure and meconium in the waters (this is a babys first faeces, and can be a sign of distress). Daisys joyful arrival at 8lb 2oz was heartbreakingly brief. She came out crying and fed on me, passed a poo and we had a cuddle, says Emma. Then they went out of the room for a bit, did what they had to do and stitched me up and then they came to grab Daisy. But when they did, they ran out the room. They were trying to resuscitate her for way over an hour. Emma needed further treatment to stabilise her blood pressure, meaning she had to stay in hospital while trying to process what had happened. They left me in that ward until 11pm, listening to everybody else have their babies, she says. A subsequent inquest recorded an open verdict, with the cause put down as sudden infant death. But Emma believes failures in her care contributed. I was made to feel like it was just one of those things, that people lose their babies. I was told babies die and I was made to feel like there was no blame. But Daisy should still be here now, she says. Families caught up in the scandal report a familiar refrain: Everything is okay, dont worry. Until, that is, it was too late. Shelley Russell, 41, was repeatedly told not to worry during her high-risk pregnancy with a longed-for third child in 2019. After being told she had a blocked fallopian tube in July 2017, she had lost hope, but fell pregnant with her miracle baby after 18 months of trying. When midwives first remarked on her daughters rapid heart rate, they told Shelley and her partner Nicholas (from whom she has since split) that their little girl was destined to be an athlete. Tracey Fletcher, Chief Executive of East Kent Hospitals providing a statement following the publishing of Dr Bill Kirkup's report into failings in maternity care and treatment of mothers and babies at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust Shelley, from Dover, had her first inkling something wasnt right at 36 weeks pregnant when she woke and realised baby Tallulah-Rai wasnt moving as much as normal. She phoned her midwife and was told to go to Buckland hospital for a CTG (cardiotocography scan) to monitor the babys heart rate. A student midwife and a more senior midwife were involved in a protracted process of trying to detect the heart rate, culminating in the senior midwife signing off on the reading. She came in, looked at the monitor, said Are you happy?. I said If you are happy, I am happy. That was it, off I went. She said if anything changes come back. But the next day, nothing had changed. Then the following day I remember waking up and feeling no movement whatsoever. Shelley and Nicholas returned to hospital, only to have their worst fears confirmed their baby had died. Following a C-section delivery, a post-mortem examination revealed Tallulah-Rai had died of oxygen deficiency. Now, in the process of taking legal action against the trust it has denied liability in her case not a day goes by when she doesnt think of her daughter and what might have been. Shelley was not in Kent for the delivery of the report, but on holiday in Dorset. Tallulah-Rais ashes, in a box decorated with Sleeping Beauty and her name, were beside her as they are every night. After she was born I spent two days and one night with her and I thank my lucky stars for that time. For all she has been through, her feelings about the care she received tell two different tales of maternity provision. I remember asking a midwife to look after Tallulah-Rai while I went to the toilet. As I walked back down the corridor, I heard singing, and there was the midwife holding Tallulah-Rais body and singing to her. I had three midwives during that time and they were amazing. I experienced the best and the worst of care. And therein lies one of the most bitter twists in scandal after scandal sweeping maternity provision. The best can so often be lost under the weight of the worst. From insolent staff to bosses in denial, probe lays bare baby ward failures By Kate Pickles Health Editor The independent inquiry into maternity services at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust heard harrowing accounts from families. Its excoriating report found: UNCARING STAFF Staff were at the heart of many of the failures. There was a clear pattern of staff providing suboptimal clinical care that led to significant harm, failing to listen to families, and acting in ways which made families experience unacceptably and distressingly poor. Families did not just suffer physical harm, with the equally disturbing effects of the repeated lack of kindness and compassion by some staff. LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM There was a repeated lack of professionalism, where mothers and babies were not put first and often blamed when something went wrong. Staff often put their own needs ahead of the mothers and babies they treated. Some staff were disrespectful and disparaging towards colleagues in front of pregnant women, who would then lose confidence in services as a result. Others sought to deflect responsibility when something had gone wrong, with some mothers blamed for their own misfortune. A woman admitted to hospital to stabilise her type 1 diabetes pointed out to antenatal ward staff that they were not adjusting her insulin correctly. She was told that were midwives not nurses and we dont deal with diabetes... its not our issue and you dont fit in our box. Midwives who were not part of the favoured in-group or A team were sometimes assigned to the highest-risk mothers and challenged to deliver babies with no intervention. This was described as a downright dangerous practice. LACK OF COMPASSION The report found many shocking examples of uncompassionate care. A woman who asked for additional information on her condition during an antenatal check was told to look on Google. A mother who asked why an additional attempt at forceps delivery was to be made, was brusquely told that it was in case of death. Women who said their spinal or epidural analgesia was not effective and they were in pain, were ignored or disbelieved, with one saying they didnt listen... they carried on, obviously, to cut me open. I could feel it all. FAILURES OF TEAMWORK Gross failures of teamworking across maternity services were found, with problems between the midwives, obstetricians, paediatricians and other professionals involved. Some staff acted as if they were responsible for separate fiefdoms, cultivating a culture of tribalism. Divisions among the midwives, including bullying, was to such an extent that the maternity services were not safe. Some obstetric consultants expected junior staff and locum doctors to manage clinical problems themselves, discouraged escalation, and on occasion refused to attend out of hours. The report found clear instances where poor teamwork hindered the ability to recognise developing problems. It said the dysfunctional working between and within professional groups was fundamental to the suboptimal care provided. CULTURE OF DENIAL Senior managers and the trust board knew about problems but put professional reputation ahead of acknowledging the scale of the issues. There was a culture of deflection and denial when families sought answers over substandard care. Although no evidence of a conscious conspiracy was found, the effect of these behaviours was to cover up the truth. The trust focused on reputation management and would often put incidents down to individual clinical error, usually on the part of more junior staff, or to difficulties with locum staff. There was a failure to challenge poor behaviour among midwives and consultants, with some staff left in tears, being shouted at and having things thrown at them. The trust did little to change the poor working culture; instead, it tolerated bad behaviour. WHAT ABOUT REGULATORS? Since 2010, the trust has had the involvement of at least ten external bodies, including the Royal College of Midwives, NHS England, regional managers and the Care Quality Commission. The inquiry criticised external bodies for failing to take proper action, with numerous missed opportunities dating back to at least 2010. Investigators described a bewildering array of regulatory and supervisory bodies, but the system as a whole failed to identify the shortcomings early enough to ensure real improvement. Dr Bill Kirkup, chairman of the independent inquiry, said the East Kent report was simply the latest to focus on failings in an individual NHS trust with similar harrowing practices dating back to the 1960s, and he called for urgent change. The obstetrician wants it to become a criminal offence for NHS staff and public sector workers to lie to the public. Dr Kirkup also called for a national maternity signalling system to monitor data from all NHS trusts for abnormally high rates of baby deaths. The report identified four areas where urgent action is needed within the NHS: better identifying poorly performing hospitals, ensuring care is given with compassion and kindness, better teamworking, and responding to issues with honesty. Nadine Dorries was last night leading a Tory revolt over Treasury plans to delay the social care price cap. The former culture secretary said Boris Johnsons flagship policy to limit the costs of care in later life was at risk of being killed off by Treasury orthodoxy. The warning came after Downing Street confirmed its planned introduction could be delayed to save money. No 10 said postponement was on the table as part of discussions with new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to try to fill a 40billion black hole in the Governments books. Nadine Dorries said the Government could not afford to renege on another manifesto commitment The care cap is designed to limit the amount anyone will have to pay for care in later life to 86,000. Delaying it for a year would save the Treasury 1billion, with savings of up to 3billion a year possible if it is postponed for longer. But Mrs Dorries warned that the Government could not afford to renege on another manifesto commitment. She said Mr Johnson had driven through the reform in the face of Treasury resistance from then chancellor Rishi Sunak, whose leadership campaign was backed by Mr Hunt. She added: Social care reform is something Treasury officials dont want and this move is designed to kick the can down the road indefinitely. What we are witnessing is a full turn reversal to Treasury orthodoxy. Tory former minister James Cartlidge also savaged the idea of delaying the reform, which was designed to end the scandal of people having to sell their homes to pay for care in later life. The cap may now be delayed or even not come into force at all we should all be very concerned about that, he said. Downing Street said the delay was 'on the table' as Chancellor Jeremy Hunt tries to fill a 40billion black hole in the Governments books Mr Cartlidge said he would have been sorely tempted to have voted against the repeal of the Health and Social Care Levy last week if he had realised the care cap was in peril. The whole point of the levy was to deliver a solution to social care, but also to help fund the NHS through these difficult times, he said. David Fothergill of the Local Government Association said: It is important that the funding allocated to move towards paying a fair price for care is still made available so that councils can begin to increase the fees paid to providers to more sustainable levels. President Joe Biden returned to the site of the Pittsburgh bridge collapse Thursday to talk infrastructure and appeared alongside Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman - who ditched his trademark hoodie and sported a suit for the occasion. At the top of his remarks Biden, whose microphone briefly didn't work, thanked Fetterman, the state's lieutenant governor, for running for Senate - where he's in a tight battle against Republican, Dr. Mehmet Oz. 'I was saying something nice about you. That's why it went out,' Biden told Fetterman, referencing the misbehaving mic. To Gisele Fetterman - who uses the acronym 'SLOP,' the second lady of Pennsylvania - Biden said: 'You're gonna, you're gonna be a great, a great lady in the Senate.' The president then went to tout the 'billion 200, a trillion, 200 billion dollars' infrastructure law, flubbing the dollar amount. President Joe Biden (left) returned to the site of the Pittsburgh bridge collapse Thursday to talk infrastructure and appeared alongside Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman (right) - who ditched his trademark hoodie and sported a suit for the occasion. President Joe Biden (center right) greets Gisele Fetterman (left) and John Fetterman (center left) in Pittsburgh, alongside Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (right) President Joe Biden (right) shakes hands with Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman (left) at the Pittsburgh airport Thursday President Joe Biden jogs over to talk to reporters Thursday morning before departing for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he'll return to the site of the Pittsburgh bridge collapse alongside Democratic Senate hopeful, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman 'That's not true, there have been 15. Count, kid, count,' President Joe Biden said when a reporter pointed out he hasn't done many campaign appearances with Democratic candidates ahead of the November 8 midterms President Joe Biden waves as he board Air Force One en route to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he'll give an infrastructure speech before traveling to the other side of the state to headline a Philadelphia fundraiser for Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman The law, which Biden signed in November had a pricetage of $1.2 trillion, including $550 billion in new spending. 'Instead of infrastructure week, which is a punch line for four years under my predecessor, it's infrastructure decade - a headline on my watch,' Biden boasted. Behind Biden was the worksite for the Fern Hollow Bridge, where on January 28 its predecessor, which was constructed in 1970, crashed into a ravine in Frick Park - taking a Port Authority bus with it. Nobody was killed in the incident, but at least 10 were injured. Since then, the bridge has been almost nearly rebuilt - and is expected to be completed in December - much faster than the two to five years it usually takes to finish a project of that caliber. While the funds allocated in the law weren't directly used for the Pittsburgh bridge project, Pennsylvania was able to finance the construction and not interfere with other projects due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dollars coming in, the White House said. 'The governor knew he could count on the new law to fund other projects to ensure the projects he had already started for infrastructure in the state would not be slowed down in the process,' the president explained in his remarks. 'The result: Pennsylvania's been able to repair Fern Hollow Bridge in less than a year and by Christmas, God willing, we'll be walking - I'm coming back to walk over this sucker,' Biden said. Biden is set to deliver remarks at the site of the nearly completed Fern Hollow Bridge, which replaces the bridge that collapsed in January, taking a Port Authority bus and several vehicles with it President Joe Biden (center) will be joined by Democratic Senate hopeful, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (right), who is locked in a tight race against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz. Rep. Conor Lamb (second from right) will also be there. Fetterman beat Lamb in the Senate primary The Pittsburgh bridge collapse happened in the hours before a planned trip to the city by President Joe Biden (left). He is pictured shaking hands with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey (right) upon arriving at the scene An overhead shot shows the Pittsburgh bridge collapse in January. As a portion of Forbes Avenue crashed into a ravine that is part of Frick Park in the city's East End Pennsylvania Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman has been hopscotching the state in recent days, including to red counties like Butler, appearing in Harmony, Pennsylvania on Tuesday He then laughed and said his staff told him before Thursday's trip: 'You realize how many times you've been to Pittsburgh.' With the president joking, 'don't tell them in Scranton,' the Pennsylvania city where he was born. Appearing alongside Biden was Fetterman's Senate primary opponent, Rep. Conor Lamb. Fetterman easily won the Democratic Senate primary in May, despite suffering from a stroke just days before. His stroke recovery has become a central campaign issue as he vies for Pennsylvania's open Senate seat against Oz, in a race now classified as a 'toss-up.' On Wednesday, after previously not committing to doing so, Fetterman released a new doctor's letter saying he was still having some issues with 'auditory processing' but that his 'communication is significantly improved.' An NBC interview last week that showed how Fetterman used closed captioning, renewed the attention on his stroke. President Joe Biden expressed stopped at a Primanti Brothers Thursday afternoon in Moon Township as he departed Pittsburgh to hold a closed door fundraiser with Senate hopeful John Fetterman in Philadelphia President Joe Biden (left) shakes the hand of workers at a Primanti's in Moon Township, en route back to the Pittsburgh airport, as he's accompanied by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (center) and his wife Gisele (right). Fetterman is the Democrats Senate hopeful Presidnet Joe Biden is captured talking to reporters inside Primanti Brothers in Moon Township Thursday. After his remarks wrapped, one diner asked reporters: 'Why didn't you ask him about the border?' In recent days, Fetterman has been hopscotching the state - including to the red counties of Butler and Cambria - and delivering remarks at rallies, where he addresses the 'elephant in the room,' his health, and makes stroke jokes in an attempt to put voters at ease. After the Pittsburgh speech Biden headed to Philadelphia with the Fettermans. Fetterman won't, however, hold a rally alongside Biden - with the president instead holding a closed door fundraiser for the Senate hopeful. While some reporters will be present, cameras will not be invited inside. Earlier, Biden pushed back when a reporter pointed out that not many candidates have appeared with him in the run-up to the November 8 midterm elections. 'That's not true, there have been 15. Count, kid, count,' Biden said on the South Lawn Thursday morning, before boarding Marine One. He also said he planned to hold more campaign events with Democrats in the next three weeks. At a stop at Primanti Brothers in Moon Township, en route to the Pittsburgh airport Biden said he felt 'good' about the forthcoming election, which historically could see his party lose both chambers of Congress. While retaining the House would be more difficult, Biden said he believed Democrats could hold onto the Senate. 'I think so. It ain't over 'til it's over,' the president expressed. Fetterman is the Democrat most likely to flip a Republican-held Senate seat, as Pennsylvania's GOP Sen. Pat Toomey is retiring. But other Democratic seats are in danger, especially in the swing states of Georgia and Nevada. Asked if he planned to travel to those locations - to boost Democratic incumbents, Sens. Raphael Warnock and Catherine Cortez Masto, respectively, Biden answered: 'I've got about 16 to 18 requests.' 'We're trying to work it out now,' Biden said. With less than three weeks to Election Day, the White House has played coy about the president's campaign travel schedule - as his sluggish approval numbers have made some vulnerable Democrats jittery about appearing alongside him. When asked for specifics, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remained tight lipped on board Air Force One Thursday. 'I don't have any travel to preview for you at this time,' she said. At Primanti's, where the president went in to get take-out, he motioned to diners when asked if his economic message was resonating with voters. 'Well, we'll find out. You'll have to ask these folks right here,' Biden said. One diner piped up, 'Don't ask us!' He also affirmed that he'd be able to work with Republicans if they took over Congress. 'I've always been able to do that,' the president said. 'I got a lot of bipartisan stuff passed you guys never thought I never could have passed.' As the president left one diner asked the reporters in the room, 'Why didn't you ask about the border.' 'All these guys want to do is eat their lunch,' Biden said, putting his hand on one male diner's shoulder as he exited the establishment. Primanti's sandwiches are a Pittsburgh staple, served with a layer of coleslaw and French fries stuffed between giant pieces of bread. Biden ordered the 'Pitts-burger' - beef patty, lettuce, tomato, slaw and fries - and tipped $40, the White House said. Biden was supposed to travel to Orlando in late September for a political rally, but that event was canceled due to Hurricane Ian. It was never rescheduled. Before that, Biden headlined a Democratic National Committee rally in suburban Maryland in late August alongside the Democrats' gubernatorial pick, Wes Moore. Moore is running against a super Trumpy Republican, Dan Cox, with FiveThirtyEight giving the Democrat a 99 percent chance of winning. The massive warehouse in Pontoon Beach, Illinois, acquired by Tesla, might be used as a distribution center for its service division in the middle of the country. However, Tesla did not say how it will utilize the new building. Gigafactories A local newspaper, Courier Tribune, reported that the electric car maker had leased a 667, 000-square-feet warehouse at Gateway Tradeport. The location is part of the proposed industrial park in Pontoon Beach, near St. Louis. The latest acquisition does come as a surprise for the industry, knowing Tesla's penchant for big buildings or gigafactories. On its website, Tesla wrote the gigafactories in Nevada and Texas are part of its goal to ramp up the global transition to sustainable energy by increasing the production of electric cars and energy products. Neither Tesla nor its developer did not respond to a request for comment from the local newspaper. 'Distribution Center' While the electric car maker did not make public its plan for the massive warehouse it has leased, it added a number of job listings for Pontoon Beach. One of the job listings was for the position of Area Supervisor for Tesla's "highly dynamic parts distribution center." It appears the massive warehouse will be Tesla's giant distribution center. Read Also: Tesla Cybertruck's Design Astonished in Initial Aerodynamic Simulation Test 'Revolutionize' Service The acquisition of the warehouse in Illinois came several months after Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced he wanted to "revolutionize" service. In a company-wide meeting, Musk said the company still has "a relatively conventional approach to servicing." He wanted the company to explore how to revolutionize the service division by as much as 10 times better than others. Availability of parts for speedy service is one of Tesla's weaknesses. That is why a better inventory of all company's service centers is part of the plan, Musk said. And Tesla's aim to make at least two-thirds of appointments same-day repairs appears to be moving along in this direction. Parts Inventory a Critical Part To achieve a majority of appointments, same-day repair requires a dynamic procedure of parts inventory. Service centers can only do so much while waiting for parts to complete repairs. Suppose the massive warehouse in Pontoon Beach will be Tesla's giant distribution center strategically located in the middle of the country. In that case, it will speed up getting parts to service centers across North America. It is not yet clear when the electric car maker can start the giant distribution center. The massive warehouse it has acquired is still undergoing construction. Musk Wants More People, More 'Specialization' Musk wanted more people who would repair cars. The present ratio of people that repair cars to customers need improvement, he said, A higher ratio of people fixing cars is needed, he said. Not only more repairmen, Musk also wanted Tesla to move in the direction of "specialization" like what the factories are doing. The company is going to be a model of bigger service centers with more specialization, he said. Musk hinted the changes are not only about North America. It will be global, he said. Related Article: Tesla Recalls 130,000 Vehicles With Overheating Ryzen CPUs The Pennsylvania doctor who declared Democrat Senate candidate John Fetterman fit to serve five months after his stroke was a campaign donor. Fetterman, 53, suffered a stroke on May 13 and his health has become a campaign issue in a bad-tempered tussle with TV doctor Mehmet Oz, who has claimed his rival is now ill-equipped to serve in high office. On Wednesday Fetterman's doctor, Dr Clifford Chen, said he was recovering well but still had some difficulties with 'auditory processing.' It later emerged that Chen, who works out of a clinic in Duquesne, a suburb of Pittsburg, had given cash to Fetterman's campaign and dozens of other Democrat causes - with more than 300 mostly small contributions since 2015. Chen donated $500 to Fetterman's fund, Fetterman For PA, in June 2021, according to campaign records. Dr Clifford Chen (left) on Friday examined John Fetterman, and the results were published on Wednesday - with Chen saying Fetterman was recovering well from his May 13 stroke. It has since emerged that Chen is a Democrat donor Chen donated $500 to Fetterman's campaign in June 2021 He also gave money to the campaigns of Democrats including Val Demings in Florida, and Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in Georgia. Chen contributed $170 to Joe Biden's presidential campaign, and gave to Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in previous cycles. His biggest contributions were to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), to whom he gave at least $1,100. Chen's intervention came as Oz upped his attacks, asking on Wednesday whether Fetterman's wife would have to take the seat instead of her husband. At times Fetterman has stumbled over his words and he has used closed-captioning video equipment to help him respond to interview questions. In his one-page letter, Chen said Fetterman continued to recover well. 'His speech was normal and he continues to exhibit symptoms of an auditory processing disorder which can come across as hearing difficulty,' he wrote after examining him on Friday. 'Occasional words he will "miss" which seems like he doesnt hear the word but it is actually not processed properly.' John Fetterman on Wednesday released a doctor's letter saying that he was recovering well from his stroke but still had some difficulties with 'auditory processing' In a one-page letter, Dr. Clifford Chen said Fetterman continued to recover well after suffering the medical emergency five months ago. He said he had examined him on Friday He added that Fetterman exhibited no ill effects on his 'cognitive ability.' The letter also said his vita signs were all normal and included a declaration that he was fit to work. 'Overall, Lt. Governor Fetterman is well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices,' it concluded. 'He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office.' Fetterman said the emergency had encouraged Pennsylvanians to share their own stories of health problems and made him only more determined to help them. And he hit back at his opponent. 'Unfortunately for Dr. Oz, I'm ready to serve and continue to get better every single day,' he said. The bad-tempered race has been marked by frequent exchanges of insults as the two candidates battle for Pennsylvania's open Senate seat. FiveThirtyEight's rolling average of polls suggests the Democrat holds five-point lead over his rival. Oz has turned Fetterman's health into a hammer, repeatedly accusing his opponent of hiding his condition. Pennsylvania GOP Senate nominee Dr. Oz takes takes the moral low ground and questions if John Fettermans (D) wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, might be the senator if Fetterman is elected. pic.twitter.com/evPe9sPG2X The Recount (@therecount) October 19, 2022 TV's Dr. Oz has turned Fetterman's health into a campaign issue, questioning whether the Pennsylvania lieutenant governor has the cognitive ability to serve in the Senate 'This is not about me or him. This is about the voters,' he told the Hugh Hewitt show. 'They have a right to know what's going on in his body so they can tell if his wife is right or not. Is she going to be the senator or is he going to be the senator. 'These are topics that he is continually ducking.' The White House defended Fetterman on Monday, saying he had President Joe Biden's full support. 'Speaking only about the president's personal conversation with Lieutenant Governor Fetterman, the president has found him to be an impressive individual, and just as capable ... as always, who is carrying out his office,' said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Biden is due to fly to Philadelphia to raise funds for Fetterman on Thursday. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey is refusing to remove 60 shipping containers stacked along the southern border after the Biden administration ordered for it to be taken down. The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs was defiant in its letter to the federal Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation saying 'the containers will remain in place until specific details regarding construction are provided. Allen Clark, the director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, then went on to clap back at the federal government for failing to protect southern states from the onslaught of illegal immigrants. 'The myriad of federal agencies that claim jurisdiction on the southern border, but do nothing to prevent the public nuisance caused by illegal immigration and criminal activity that exploits the open border is quite frustrating to those that live, work and recreate on the border and in our state,' Clark wrote. His letter comes just a week after the Bureau of Reclamation sent the state a cease-and-desist letter saying the containers on the southern border were unauthorized and violated United States law. It also demanded that no new containers be placed on the southern border and asked for Arizona's help in removing them, saying it wanted to prevent conflicts with two federal contracts already awarded and two others still pending to fill the 4,000-foot border wall gaps near the Morelos Dam near Yuma. A regional spokeswoman for the Bureau of Reclamation did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Arizonas refusal. Arizona Gov Doug Ducey's administration has hit back at the Biden administration after the federal government requested he tear down shipping containers on the southern border Ducey first ordered the installation of more than 100 double-stacked containers over the summer, saying he could no longer wait for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to award contracts it had announced to fill the 4,000=foot gap in the border wall Ducey first ordered the installation of more than 100 double-stacked containers over the summer, saying he could no longer wait for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to award contracts it had announced to fill the gap in the border wall. 'Arizona has had enough,' the Republican governor tweeted at the time. 'We can't wait any longer. The Biden administration's lack of urgency on border security is a dereliction of duty.' Construction soon began on the 60 double-stacked shipping containers, which were welded shut and topped with four feet of razor wire. But migrants have continued to avoid the recently-erected barriers by knocking them down or going around them, including through the Cocopah Indian Reservation. The Cocopah Indian Tribe has since complained that Arizona acted against its wishes by placing 42 of the double stacks on its land. The federal government stepped in last week, arguing in a cease-and-desist letter on October 18 that the Arizona state government placed the containers on lands within the vicinity of the dam and on part of Cocopah Indian Tribe's West Reservation. It also argued that the placement of the shipping containers interferes with the Customs and Border Patrol plan to fill the gaps, and called on the state to stop further construction of the 22-feet tall barriers. 'The unauthorized placement of these containers constitutes a violation of federal law and is a trespass against the United States,' the bureau argued in its October 18 letter. 'That trespass is harming the federal lands and resources, and impeding Reclamation's ability to perform its mission.' A spokesperson for the bureau told FOX News Digital that its priority is to ensure the integrity of the water delivery infrastructure and the safety of its workforce in order to maintain operational readiness. The US Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation said the containers were placed on the southern border illegally The Bureau argued in a cease-and-desist letter on October 18 that the Arizona state government placed the containers on lands within the vicinity of the dam and on part of Cocopah Indian Tribe's West Reservation They stand at 22 feet tall with four inches of razor wire on the top to deter crossings The letter came as Customs and Border Patrol put out a notice of its own plan to close the gams near the dam. Those gaps would be filled with 'a combination of temporary mesh fencing and mechanized bollard vehicle gates that allow for access to the riverside at the border.' Allen Clark, the director of Arizona's Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, clapped back at the federal government for failing to address illegal immigration But, CBP officials said in their notice, construction on that project would not begin until 'early 2023.' Now, Arizona state officials are hitting back at what it said was a 'lack of coordination' from federal agencies, which it says means states on the southern border 'cannot rely on the federal government to ensure its safety.' He also said the state disagrees with the feds claim that Arizona has trespassed against the US, noting that the regulation in question provides n exemption for federal and state employees when carrying out official duties. Clark said Arizona remains 'committed to working with all our federal partners,' but added that federal officials previously said the border construction would begin in December 2021. 'However, to date, Arizona has not seen any action by the federal government to do so, and was therefore required to take its own action. 'For this reason, the containers will remain in place until specific details regarding construction are provided.' President Joe Biden had pledged to cease all future wall construction but has since agreed to make an exception at areas deemed unsafe for people to cross, including the gaps near Yuma The Biden Administration previously announced that it had authorized completion of the Trump-funded U.S.-Mexico border wall near Yuma, even though the president pledged during his campaign to cease all future wall construction. He then followed-through, halting wall construction his first day in office, leaving billions of dollars of work unfinished but still under contract. The Biden administration has since made a few exceptions for small projects at areas deemed unsafe for people to cross, including the gaps near Yuma. Meanwhile, the Center for Biological Diversity raised a different objection to the shipping containers on Wednesday, filing a notice of intent to sue Ducey's administration over what the environmental group said are plans to erect more shipping containers along the border. The group said the move will obstruct a critical jaguar and ocelot migration corridor. Ducey's office said it could not comment because it had not received an official notice from the center. Cruise ships returned to the bay after the Covid-19 cruise ban was lifted in May Locals argued the harbourside suburb was built for docking working vessels Huge cruise ships docking in an affluent harbourside suburb in Sydney has kicked off a bitter neighbourhood feud with residents telling outraged locals to 'toughen up'. A resident in the harbourside suburb of Balmain, 2km west of Sydney's CBD, shared a picture on Tuesday of a cruise ship to the Balmain Living Facebook group. The P&O ship was pictured leaving White Bay Cruise Terminal after spending some time docked at the port, at the foot of Sydney's Anzac Bridge. 'About time this thing b*ggered off,' the Balmain resident captioned the post. Residents in the harbourside suburb of Balmain, 2km west of Sydney's CBD, have argued over cruise ships docking in White Bay after a local said it was time mammoth vessels 'b*ggered off' (pictured) The post divided Balmain locals with many suggesting residents should move if they had a problem with the mammoth vessels. 'Guys, you live in a beautiful suburb in a beautiful harbour city,' one resident wrote. 'You are going to get ships docking and leaving and more ships docking and leaving. If you don't like it, sell up and move on.' Another local commented: 'If you don't like the ships in Balmain then move house pretty simple.' A third resident chimed: 'It's a working harbour! What do you expect?' Other commenters argued that Balmain's foreshore was built for small working vessels and not 'floating blocks of flats!'. 'Balmain was built for small working vessels, not for the air, noise and visual polluting, eleven storey tall, floating blocks of flats!' 'Filthy polluting monstrosities spewing out sulphuric smoke all day and night: we love them and how dare you question they be there,' another resident sarcastically replied. The original poster also hit back, questioning whether the commenters, who told him to 'toughen up princess', had ever lived within smelling distance of 'dirty sulphur-laden cruise ship emissions'. On September 12, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the people of Balmain were 'justifiably upset' with the arrival of P&O's Pacific Adventure cruise ship into White Bay Cruise Terminal. Cruise ships returned to White Bay Terminal (pictured) after a two-year ban Covid-19 travel ban was lifted. The terminal lacks an on-shore power source which means vessels are unable to power down and continue to emit CO2, noise and air pollution Cruise ships in the White Bay Terminal have to keep their engines running because, like other ports in Australia, it lacks an on-shore power source - which allows vessels to power down auxiliary engines reducing CO2 emissions, noise and air pollution. 'Shore to ship power allowing ships to plug into the electricity grid is the only way to ensure the houses, schools and playgrounds of the local community will not be adversely affected,' Mr Byrne said. 'It's an insult that in 2022 the public still have to endure last century technology, risking their health from the airborne pollutants which ships like this emit. 'If its emissions exceed the international standards, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority must shut the ship down for the good of our community.' Earlier this year, the NSW government announced a $60 million renewable shore-to-ship power plan for Glebe Island and White Bay. The net-zero energy infrastructure is estimated to eliminate 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide produced by docked cruise ships every year. The shore-to-ship power plan will be introduced in 2024 - a date Mr Byrne said was 'not good enough'. Ships returned to the White Bay foreshore after the Australian government lifted a two-year Covid-19 travel ban on cruising earlier this year. The city recorded a 75mm downpour in 17 mins which turned streets into rivers Photos have re-emerged of the floods that swept through Melbourne in 1972 Extraordinary photos have re-emerged of the catastrophic 1972 Melbourne floods - as a torrent of water once again devastates parts of the city and saturates central Victoria. Historical images surfaced on Thursday showing the record-breaking downpour in February of that year which turned bustling inner-city streets into rivers and saw waves crash into buildings. Cars, belongings and debris were swept down roads, pedestrians were evacuated to higher ground and all forms of public transport were effectively shut down. Melbourne's streets turned into rivers one afternoon in February, 1972, following a record-breaking downpour Melbourne recorded a 75mm downpour in the space of 17 minutes that drenched the inner city as well as surrounding suburbs such as Carlton, Brunswick, Fitzroy and Richmond. The floods began to form in the city between 4pm and 5pm in the afternoon, creating further chaos with the peak hour traffic. In some sections of the road, the water was 1.2metres deep. Vehicles floated down the street or became completely submerged underwater. Police officers attempted to rescue Melbournians who became trapped or isolated. At one point, an elderly woman had to be saved after she fell into a flooded manhole. The downpour began to slow down from around 5:30pm as emergency services worked to clear out the area. Trams and trains were shut down during the storm, with workers spending the night trying to fix services for the morning afterwards. Cars and belongings floated down the road or were submerged underwater as waves swept through the busy streets Melburnians evacuated the area to seek higher ground or took shelter in shop fronts to escape the deluge No one was seriously injured but all 50 ambulances in the city were in use during the storm. Emergency Roadside Assistance received 1,200 calls in the four hours from the start of the flooding event. The traffic leading out of the city slowed to a crawl after the rain slowly dissipated, making little progress over the next three hours. Abandoned cars or those that broke down due to the floods significantly hampered the flow of traffic. The historic scenes have become reminiscent of the floods that have rolled through Melbourne's north-western inner suburbs and towns in central Victoria. Clean-up efforts are underway in Maribyrnong after the suburb was ravaged by floodwaters when heavy rain combined with a saturated catchment saw the Maribyrnong River peak at 4.18 metres. The deluge damaged more than one hundred properties in the low lying tidal area of the municipality. The water rose to 1.2m in some sections of Elizabeth Street, Melbourne as police attempted to rescue pedestrians trapped or isolated The images from the 1972 floods come as floodwaters wreaked havoc across Melbourne north-western inner suburbs and towns throughout central Victoria (pictured, emergency workers evacuate residents during floods in Maribyrnong) Clean-up efforts are underway in Maribyrnong (pictured) after the suburb was devastated by floodwaters that damaged more than one hundred properties Meanwhile, fresh evacuation orders have been issued for some residents living near Australia's biggest river, the Murray River, with warnings of further flooding and forecasts for more rain. Residents in Echuca, near the Victoria border, are preparing for the Murray River to peak from late Friday, amid reports of bare supermarket shelves after road closures cut off supplies. 'We are traversing some of those local roads with both supply and emergency services at this point in time, but the next 24 hours is going to be critical,' Victoria State Emergency Service chief officer of operations Tim Wiebusch told ABC television. Evacuation warnings are also in place for the smaller towns of Barmah, Lower Moira and Bunbartha, with swollen rivers threatening to burst their banks. In Echuca, locals have spent days building a two-kilometre makeshift flood levee through the town to protect thousands of homes and businesses. Residents in Echuca (pictured) and Moama near the Victorian border have been told to evacuate immediately as the Murray River rises to record levels Pictured: Flood affected areas in Rochester, 190km north of Melbourne, on Monday Eighteen volunteers from the Queensland State Emergency Service were deployed across Victoria on Thursday, providing more flood boats and swift-water rescue teams. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said up to 500 defence personnel would assist flood recovery, with hundreds already on the ground filling sandbags as military helicopters were deployed on evacuation and resupply missions. Several layers of sandbags have been placed in front of shops and homes in Echuca, television footage showed. Up to 100mm of rain could drench Australia's east - about one-tenth of the annual rainfall for some areas - over the next five days. Though the Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday downgraded its forecast, any amount of rain raises the risk of flash flooding from the already swollen rivers. Residents in Echuca are building sandbag walls against the possibility of rising floodwaters (pictured, residents building the wall outside a local pub) Residents in flood-prone towns across northern Victoria have been warned they could be isolated for up to a week if they don't evacuate soon. Victoria emergency services also urged Echuca residents to limit water use after flooding damaged sewerage systems. Police reported one more death from the floods, which began last week, taking the total count to three. The SES has received more than 8,000 requests for assistance since the flooding started, including almost 730 rescues. Australia has been battling frequent flooding along its east since early 2021 due to La Nina, which brings more rain. The weather phenomenon is under way for the third year in a row and would likely last into next year, suggesting more flooding likely for the next several months. An 80-year-old Georgia man has been arrested after illegally parking a white van with three guns inside on Capitol Grounds. Tony Payne, of Tunnel Hill was charged with unlawful activities for bringing two handguns and a shotgun near Capitol Hill where weapons are forbidden. Documents obtained by DailyMail.com show he has a fishing and hunting license. Payne, another man and a woman who were not named allegedly told U.S. Capitol Police they were there to drop off documents at the Supreme Court. The two other passengers with Payne were not arrested. It remains unclear if Payne has an attorney who can speak on his behalf. Capitol Hill police said they first noticed a white van parked illegally near the Capitol at around 3.45pm Wednesday Officers with the Hazardous Incident Response Division searched the van and found the two handguns and a shotgun inside The Library of Congress had to be evacuated during the search, and officials closed off several roads near Capitol Hill Capitol Police say they first noticed Payne's white van parked illegally along the 100 block of East Capitol Street at around 3.45pm Wednesday. Authorities say Payne admitted to having guns in the vehicle, and was shortly detained with two other passengers as officers with the Hazardous Incident Response Division searched the van and found the two handguns and a shotgun. They also found a pipe and containers inside the vehicle, prompting officers to do a more thorough sweep before clearing the vehicle. But during the search, FOX 5 reports, the Library of Congress had to be evacuated, and officials closed off several roads near Capitol Hill. Desperate mothers attempting to cross the English Channel on dinghies are tossing their babies across the ocean to rescue crews in an effort to ensure they're saved. Simon Ling, the head of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), said on Wednesday volunteer crew members are faced with 'chaotic' and 'distressing' scenes every single day at sea. The revelation comes after harrowing footage was released of a 14-year-old Afghan girl drifting in and out of consciousness during a rescue attempt. In the helmet footage, a RNLI volunteer shouts: 'This is serious, one person is not breathing.' Nearly 37,000 people are now known to have risked their lives making treacherous crossing so far this year, including 502 on Tuesday alone. More footage from the same incident shows a woman holding a tiny baby above her head as she made her way to rescue crews. Mr Ling told the BBC his crew - comprised primarily of volunteers - 'often see women and children huddling in the middle of the boats, men sitting on [the] side'. 'It's very chaotic with screaming and panic, mothers holding up babies and in some cases throwing the babies at our lifeboat crew to catch, such is the level of distress.' Mr Ling said the volunteers 'understand the potential human cost' and leave behind their own families each time their pagers go off to rush to the aid of others. 'We are accustomed to seeing spikes in activity around our coast throughout the summer months, partly as a result of new trends in water use but seeing year-round increases in launches and the potential impact these types of rescues have on our crew's emotional wellbeing is not something the RNLI has been faced with before.' The 'constant exposure' to such distress affects the rescuers, who are given trauma support but sometimes decide they 'no longer want to volunteer', Mr Ling said. The charity has an attrition rate of between 5% and 10%, he added. 'Volunteering is very difficult, that's across all of the RNLI.' Nigel Farage controversially claimed last year that the RNLI was running a 'taxi service for migrants', adding it was 'to the dismay of all involved'. The footage captured on the helmet cameras of the volunteer crew of the Dover RNLI lifeboat station is from a call out earlier this year The RNLI defended helping Border Force tackle the migrant crisis, saying it was 'humanitarian work of the highest order'. Chief Executive Mark Dowie said: 'The people of these islands (the UK) fundamentally are decent people, and all decent people will see this as humanitarian work of the highest order. 'Our crews should not have to put up with some of the abuse they received.' However, it was then claimed the charity was having to delay other rescue work because of the number of migrants it is now picking up in the Channel. On Tuesday 502 people made the crossing in 12 separate incidents, according to officials. Images released by the RNLI show a number of migrants, including a family of four from Afghanistan, being rescued by Dover lifeboat crew from the English Channel Dramatic footage has been released by the RNLI of an operation to rescue desperate migrants from a dinghy as they tried to cross the English Channel - including a young family of four Among the rescued group were a family of four - including a 14-year-old girl - believed to be from Afghanistan The latest arrivals takes the number intercepted in small boats in the Channel so far this year to 36,965 in 911 boats, according to official government figures compared to 28,526 in 2021. In October alone there has been 3,964 people detained after making the treacherous voyage in 87 boats. The Home Office confirmed 11 Albanians were sent home on a charter plane last week as part of a pilot scheme. When the migrants arrived from northern France earlier this month they were taken to a former RAF airbase at Manston, Kent, which is being used to process Channel migrants. It is understood they refused to claim asylum and, as a result, were told by immigration officers that they were liable for immediate removal. Harrowing video shows migrants in orange life jackets being pulled to safety on the deck of a lifeboat from a flimsy dinghy in the middle of the sea The latest arrivals takes the number intercepted in small boats in the Channel so far this year to 36,965 in 911 boats, according to official government figures compared to 28,526 in 2021 The development which could mark a major breakthrough in tackling the Channel crisis came seven weeks after former home secretary Priti Patel secured a landmark deal with her Albanian counterpart for a 'rapid removal' scheme. Although that project has not yet been finally ratified it is believed renewed cooperation with the Tirana government played a role in the removal of the 11 Albanians. The number of Albanians arriving across the Channel surged at the start of the summer. They now make up 60 per cent of arrivals from northern France. A Home Office spokesman said: 'We urge anyone who is thinking about leaving a safe country and risking their lives at the hands of people smugglers to urgently reconsider. Despite the lies they have been sold, they will not be allowed to start a new life here.' Falling on her sword will have financial comforts for Liz Truss. She will become the seventh living ex-PM to enjoy a payoff of 115,000 annually to fund her 'public life'. She will also retain a chauffeur-driven car and get round-the-clock protection for life, the costs of which are never discussed. With a new round of spending cuts in the offing no one seems to have looked at the costs of the growing list of has-beens, many of whom will be a long-term drain on the public purse. David Cameron is only 56, Boris Johnson is 58 and Liz Truss is just 47. Falling on her sword will have financial comforts for Liz Truss. She will become the seventh living ex-PM to enjoy a payoff of 115,000 annually to fund her 'public life' King Charles might favour Penny Mordaunt in Number 10. Named after a frigate, she is a member of the Royal Naval Reserve and has met Charles before they apparently got on very well. Her dad was in the Parachute Regiment of which Charles remains Colonel-in-Chief. And she was once a magician's assistant. Charles is a member of the Magic Circle. Should Theresa May, whispered by some delusional Tories as a Truss replacement, re-enter Downing Street she might pay more attention to her restoration outfit. Designer Amanda Wakeley was appalled May planned to wear a navy suit by a German designer last time. 'I said, 'Woah, our second female prime minister in history cannot take office wearing a German designer',' wailed Wakeley. 'I don't care who she wears, she's got to wear British.' She lent her one of her outfits. At least it didn't include Amanda's Hairy-Bikers-lookalike 995 leather trousers! Should Theresa May, whispered by some delusional Tories as a Truss replacement, re-enter Downing Street she might pay more attention to her restoration outfit Sharp-elbowed flavour of the month Amol Rajan, pictured, reporting on the BBC's 100th birthday on Tuesday's Six O'Clock News, showing footage of Jimmy Savile, said the Beeb had 'been responsible for some appalling scandals'. Four hours later on the Ten O'Clock bulletin Amol apparently had an inspired rethink, stating merely that the BBC had 'been through some appalling scandals'. Who prompted the change? Sharp-elbowed flavour of the month Amol Rajan, pictured, reporting on the BBC's 100th birthday on Tuesday's Six O'Clock News, showing footage of Jimmy Savile, said the Beeb had 'been responsible for some appalling scandals' Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle jokes in a Channel 5 documentary tonight that he'd prefer Westminster Abbey's medieval Chapter House to the House of Commons. 'The acoustics are better for 'order, order',' he says, before belting out his famous catchphrase, adding: 'What better sound! I think I need to move the chamber back here, I have more authority in this room than any other!' Biographer Gareth Russell confirms that the Protestant Queen Mother had no bias against Roman Catholics as he recounts details of her Clarence House lunch with the late RC Archbishop of Westminster Cormac Murphy-O'Connor. 'All afternoon we played the piano and we sang the old music hall songs,' she said. When her equerry came to retrieve her, he found the pair belting out Lonnie Donegan's My Old Man's a Dustman. 'I think [my Dubonnet] must have been spiked,' she said, unconvincingly. Premier Dan Andrews boasted about Victoria showing the rest of the country The 97-page Fault Lines review urged the government to learn from its mistakes Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has lauded his Covid decision making in the wake of a new report that shone a light on pandemic failures, including the overuse of lockdowns and border closures. The independent review into Australia's Covid response slammed politically driven health orders and the excessive use of lockdowns - finding they ultimately failed to protect the nation's most vulnerable people. The 97-page review, spearheaded by former secretary to the prime minister's office Peter Shergold, urged federal and state governments to learn from their mistakes and overhaul their processes in order to restore trust. Yet on Thursday, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews defended his Covid restrictions, which resulted in the state enduring the world's longest lockdown - lasting 262 days. Victorian premier Dan Andrews doubles down on his Covid decision making as a new report shines a light on pandemic failures, including the overuse of lockdowns and border closures 'There are many things, many, many things that we wish we didnt have to do, many many decisions we wish we didnt have to make,' Mr Andrews said. 'Obviously that is why when I say these decisions were not made lightly and they were the subject of debate and discussion and very careful consideration, its for exactly those reasons, because there are consequences. 'We made a decision as a community that we would make the difficult, challenging sacrifice to avoid (the consequences) and that is exactly what we did. 'The challenge is to weigh up those consequences versus having death rates like they did in Italy, in most of the United States and like they did in the United Kingdom. 'We certainly avoided some of the scenes, some of the things that we saw in different parts of the world.' Dan Andrews boasted about how Victoria tackled Covid with the world's longest lockdown saying, 'we showed the rest of the country' Mr Andrews then applauded his state before taking aim at how the rest of Australia mocked Victoria saying, 'we showed the rest of the country'. 'We have always said they are very difficult decisions, none of them were easy, none of them are lightly made and that is why we are so deeply proud of every single Victorian who did so much,' he said. 'We showed the rest of the country, many of whom thought it was good sport to have a go at Victorians, that when we stick together and have that sense of unity, we can achieve anything and that is what we did.' The Covid report, funded by the Paul Ramsay Foundation, John and Myriam Wylie Foundation and Andrew Forrest's Minderoo Foundation, concluded that the closing of the country's schools was wrong. An independent review into Australia's Covid response found actions taken exacerbated existing issues within the country, noting 'overreach' must be avoided in future crises 'It was wrong to close entire school systems, particularly once new information indicated that schools were not high-transmission environments,' the review said. 'For children and parents [particularly women], we failed to get the balance right between protecting health and imposing long-term costs on education, mental health, the economy and workforce outcomes. 'Rules were too often formulated and enforced in ways that lacked fairness and compassion. Such overreach undermined public trust and confidence in the institutions that are vital to effective crisis response.' Mr Andrews said to ensure all school children catch up on any work they missed due to school closures, his state was going above and beyond by engaging 'thousands of tutors'. 'We can be optimistic about the future and there is direct supports to make sure every child gets every chance,' he said. 'That is why we have thousands of tutors working in every school making sure every child gets every support to catch up on anything they might have missed.' 'It was wrong to close entire school systems, particularly once new information indicated that schools were not high-transmission environments,' the review states Mr Andrews said while there were things his state could have executed better, the pandemic was not an 'academic' challenge and there were always learnings to come from any crisis. 'There are always learnings, and there are many, many reports,' he said. 'There was nothing academic about this event, it was very, very real. 'This is all a continuous process of improvement and learning.' The Fault Lines review was carried out over a six-month period and involved more than 350 confidential submissions and consultations from health experts, economists, public servants, business and community groups. It consisted of more than 160 submissions, 3,000 hours of research and policy and data analysis. The 97-page Fault Lines review urged federal and state governments to learn from their mistakes and overhaul processes in order to restore trust in the decision making process The review concluded various lockdowns and shutting of borders should have been used as a 'last resort'. 'Too many of Australia's lockdowns and border closures were the result of policy failures in quarantine, contact tracing, testing, disease surveillance and communicating effectively the need for preventive measures like mask wearing and social distancing,' the review stated. 'Lockdowns, especially when targeted at a particular location, brought a deep sense of inequity among those who were most restricted. Lockdowns, overall, created a universal feeling that the pandemic was being policed rather than managed. 'As with lockdowns, border closures particularly between states and territories should be used sparingly and only in extreme situations. They should be applied with greater empathy and flexibility.' The review noted despite the pandemic affecting everyone, 'its burden was not shared equally'. The review concluded various lockdowns and shutting of borders should have been used as a 'last resort' DAMNING QUOTES FROM COVID REPORT 'It was wrong to close entire school systems, particularly once new information indicated that schools were not high-transmission environments.' 'Rules were too often formulated and enforced in ways that lacked fairness and compassion. Such overreach undermined public trust and confidence in the institutions that are vital to effective crisis response.' 'Lockdowns, especially when targeted at a particular location, brought a deep sense of inequity among those who were most restricted. Lockdowns, overall, created a universal feeling that the pandemic was being policed rather than managed. Advertisement It stated that the failure to plan adequately for the 'differing impact of Covid' meant the disease 'spread faster and more widely'. The review also noted while Australia had early success in limiting infection rates and deaths, in comparison to other countries, this success 'started to falter in 2021'. 'Cases and deaths have risen even further during 2022, dramatically reversing our early competitive advantage,' the review notes. 'As of September 30, 2022, Australia has recorded 378,617 cases per million people in 2022. 'The latest available official data shows that by May 2022 excess deaths in Australia had spiked to almost 359 per million people in 2022.' The document also said the 'absence of transparency' in the expert health advice 'helped mask political calculations'. 'Political calculation was never far from the surface of COVID-19 decisions,' the review stated. 'It is neither realistic nor desirable to remove politics from decision-making in an accountable democracy. 'But the absence of transparency in the expert advice going to leaders helped mask political calculations. 'It was difficult to gauge the trade-offs that were being considered between health and economic outcomes. It made it easier for leaders to be selective in the 'expert advice' they followed.' The Republican who could win Oregon's governor's race for the first time in 40 years called out her Democratic opponent Wednesday night for her 'stunning' reversal on defunding the police and backing prolonged COVID lockdowns. But Christine Drazan, who led the GOP in the Oregon state House, wouldn't disentangle herself from election deniers and QAnon conspiracy theorists in her own party. 'It's not about other races. It's not about other candidates,' Drazan answered when pressed by moderators for her views on Oregon's Republican Senate hopeful Jo Rae Perkins, who thanked 'Q' and former President Donald Trump when she won the GOP primary. In August, Drazan was quoted saying she 'wishes all other Republican candidates well.' Drazan stood onstage alongside Democrat Tina Kotek and unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson, a former state senator who left the Democratic Party, for a final gubernatorial debate with less than three weeks to go before Election Day, and a narrow lead in the polls. The debate was dominated by the topics sullying the image of the state: homelessness, drug use and support, or lack thereof, of the police. The Oregon gubernatorial race is now being closely watched because a Republican, Christine Drazan (pictured), could be the first Republican to win the governor's mansion in 40 years Drazan participated in the final gubernatorial debate Wednesday night against Democrat Tina Kotek (left) and independent candidate Betsy Johnson (right), who left the Democratic Party over some of the progressive policies she said 'spoiled' the state Kotek, the former Oregon House speaker, said the homelessness issue wasn't helped because Drazan urged her Republican colleagues to walk off the job. 'We lost momentum,' Kotek said. The tactic, so the House failed to meet quorum, was used to slow down legislation, in a legislature dominated by Democrats. Drazan found Kotek's complaint laughable. 'The assertion that the speaker of the House, that's had responsibility for this challenge for over a decade, would hand responsibility to the House Republican leader - you know, it's a little bit flattering, but it's really, really, really off base,' Drazan said. Drazan charged that Kotek prioritized 'almost everything' before tackling homelessness. 'She's failed to lead on this issue. And you can't pass it off to Kate Brown,' she said referring to the outgoing Democratic governor, who in the spring had the lowest approval rating in the nation, according to Morning Consult. 'You certainly can't pass it off to the Republicans.' 'This is the greatest indictment of Tina Kotek's leadership is how she failed to act on this issue,' Drazan said. All three candidates said they tentatively approved of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's homelessness plan - which would put people in three large homeless campuses and ban camping in downtown Portland. Kotek expressed support for keeping ballot initiative 110 - a 2020 initiative that decriminalized possession of heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, oxycodone and other hard drugs. 'Starting over, I think, would just result in more people dying,' the Democrat said. Johnson said she'd ask the state legislature to 're-refer' the ballot initiative to voters. 'I think that there was not an adequate conversation about the the downstream effects of ballot measure 110, which has functionally legalized hard drugs,' Johnson said. For those found with drugs, the ballot initiative allowed them to be fined $100 or attend an addiction recovery center. The latter option, however, has been seldomly chosen. 'People are not going to seek those services and why should they with our streets awash with inexpensive potent drugs? Why, why would this work?' Johnson asked. 'I would start again,' the independent candidate added. Drazan spoke about talking to drug users who had no interest in getting help. 'We must resolve this crisis and to do that we must repeal ballot measure 110,' the Republican said. Next, candidates were asked if they supported more law enforcement on the streets - something Kotek said she did. 'You know, Tina Kotek is the original "defund the police" candidate,' Drazan said when it was her turn. 'She did not support police even when rioters were attacking a police station. It's stunning to me that she would talk now that she supports law enforcement.' Johnson also jumped at the chance to attack her former Democratic colleague. 'I will join Ms. Drazan in saying I'm surprised by Tina's answer because we've got to start by respecting our police. That does not mean walking with the rioters or excoriating the police when the riots were happening,' Johnson said. 'We've created a culture of lawlessness under Tina Kotek and Kate Brown,' Johnson added. Johnson accused Kotek of penning a letter to Mayor Wheeler 'siding with the rioters,' a characterization Kotek objected to, explaining that she wrote the letter to the Portland mayor to complain about the inappropriate use of teargas in a residential neighborhood. 'I think it's important when you're running for governor that you don't lie to voters. They're both misrepresenting my record,' Kotek charged. On the topic of COVID protocols, Drazan and Johnson both hammered Democrats for prolonged lockdowns - as Oregon had some of the longest school closures in the nation. 'You know Kate Brown and Tina Kotek threw our kids under the bus,' Drazan said. 'Tina Kotek just lectured all of us about being honest with voters. She could not be more dishonest with voters on this issue. We had the opportunity to reopen schools. She voted no.' Johnson said 'the single worst thing we did during COVID was to shut kids out of the classrooms,' and blasted Kotek for being too cozy with teachers' unions. Kotek said she agreed 'we kept students too long from the classroom.' The candidates also engaged on issues plaguing their respective political parties. Drazan was told by moderators that a pick-up truck showed up at an Oregon political event sporting signage in support of her and Trump and was decorated with the Confederate flag - considered a racist symbol to many Americans. 'I was not aware of that and I will absolutely - will stand against racism in all of its forms,' the Republican said. 'And certainly the Confederate flag would not be welcome in any of my campaign events.' Drazan also was questioned about her stance on abortion, with Kotek pointing out, 'The national Republican agenda is to ban abortion.' 'Abortion is legal in Oregon and as governor it will remain so,' Drazan said. She added, however, that she wouldn't support Oregon taxpayers' dollars going toward helping out-of-state woman obtain abortions, something Johnson agreed with. Kotek said that with abortion legalization currently shrinking around the U.S. 'that might mean using Oregon taxpayer money to help those individuals have the care they need.' Johnson, as a former Democrat, was made to answer whether she would be a 'spoiler' in the race, as she's been polling around 16 percent. She used the question to lampoon the woke, progressive wing of the party. 'Well, let me start by refuting that premise. I got into this race because I believed I was the best candidate - the capability, the courage, the institutional history - to provide real leadership for a state that has gone off the rails under the leadership of Kate Brown - and during the time that Tina Kotek was speaker.' Johnson also blasted Kotek as the 'spoiler' in the race. 'Tina has spoiled the state I love, she's spoiled the party that I used to belong to, with these outrageously progressive policies that I spoke out against during my time in the legislature,' Johnson went on. 'I kept saying to my colleagues, you continue to go on this progressive rounte that is ostensibly waging war on the rest of Oregon and there is going to be a price to pay.' Johnson said the policies resulted in a 'spiral into urban decay in our urban areas and a lack of opportunity in our rural areas.' With Kotek and Johnson splitting the traditional Democratic vote, that leaves room for Drazan to win. The Real Clear Politics polling average has Drazan 2.8 points ahead of Kotek. 'We don't need to take a hard right turn to put our state back on track,' Kotek argued. 'It's not a hard right, it's called balance,' Drazan said. An $80 million fighter jet crashed shortly after takeoff in Utah, bursting into flames after the pilot ejected. The 388th Fighter Wing confirmed in a tweet on Wednesday the accident, and said emergency crews were responding. 'An F-35 from the 388th crashed at the north end of the runway. Pilot ejected. Emergency crews are responding,' they said. The accident happened near Hill Air Force Base, 30 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City. Large plumes of smoke were seen where the F-35 crashed, just outside of Salt Lake City Flames could be seen from the downed plane in Utah on Wednesday An F-35 is seen in action. The air base, Hill, is the second largest in the U.S. Air Force The crash could be seen for several miles across Utah The base tweeted: 'The pilot ejected, was recovered and has been taken to local medical center for observation. 'The cause of the crash is unknown and will be investigated. More information will be provided as it becomes available.' Last week, the air base announced it was carrying out the 'first of its kind, F-35 crash recovery course here', which they said was using a newly-retired, now reassembled F-35A Lightning II. They said the five-day course included 29 maintainers from across the F-35 program, sister services as well as F-35 partner nations. The training covered how to handle different scenarios safely and effectively, such as a collapsed nose gear, pilot extraction and aircraft hoisting. 'This training is invaluable for not only our U.S. military, but also for our partner countries who operate the F-35,' said Master Sgt. Andrew Wilkow, instructor and one of the course designers. 'Unfortunately, occasional mishaps take place, which necessitates having personnel properly trained on recovery procedures and how to safely accomplish these tasks.' Smoke can be seen billowing from the crash site, 30 miles from downtown Salt Lake City The pilot safely ejected from the $80 million fighter jet and has been taken to hospital for evaluation Training for these 'worst-case' types of scenarios takes an aircraft that can be roughed up a bit, he said. 'It's simply impossible to lift an operational jet with a crane, collapse the front landing gear and then set the nose of the aircraft on the ground without significant risk of damaging it,' Wilkow said. 'Real-world, hands-on training can best be accomplished using a repurposed demonstration airframe.' Hill Air Force Base is an Air Force Materiel Command base. It is the Air Force's second largest base by population and geographical size. There are 21,938 people working within Hill Air Force Base (5,014 military; 14,263 civilians, and 1,600 contractors). The airspace is situated over 2.3 million acres of land and contains the largest block of overland contiguous special-use airspace in the continental United States. Virgin Orbit wants to be better prepared for its landmark orbital launch soon. Virgin Group's launch company recently announced that its carrier aircraft has touched down in the United Kingdom earlier than expected for Virgin Orbit's first UK orbital launch. Virgin Orbit's landmark orbital launch was initially announced to be underway sometime in the summer of 2022 at Spaceport Cornwall, in Newquay, Cornwall. Virgin Orbit Cosmic Girl Early Arrival Details Virgin Orbit mentioned in a statement that its Cismoc Girl carrier aircraft had landed at Newquay Airport in Cornwall on Oct. 11, half a month before the launch of its "Start Me Up" mission. The company's carrier aircraft came with the ground support equipment (GSE) and equipment necessary to fulfill its moon following the first successful round of wet dress rehearsals on Oct. 5. For those unaware, Virgin Orbit's Start Me Up mission is a collaboration between the US and the UK to launch various satellites into orbit that will fulfill military, maritime, scientific, or navigational purposes, per a separate statement. According to Space.com, the mission will go as such: Cosmic Girl will have Virgin Orbit's rocket, LauncherOne, attached under its wing and fly it into the Earth's upper atmosphere. Once Cosmic Girl enters it, the company will launch the rocket to bring its payload of satellites into Earth's orbit for government and commercial customers. These satellites come from various government agencies and private companies. For example, the UK's Ministry of Defense has placed two Prometheus 2 cubesats on the mission's manifest. Read More: Konami Confirms Silent Hill Rumors in Latest Event Here;s What You Need To Know These cubesats will be used to support the Ministry's science and technology activities in orbit and on Earth through the development of ground systems of its Defense Science & Technology Laboratory site near Portsmouth. Another satellite, the "ForgeStar," is a new small-class vehicle from Space Forge to manufacture products that are impossible to create on Earth due to them requiring microgravity. The company claims that using this process is more responsive and flexible than the traditional one of having rockets launched from the ground, such as NASA's and SpaceX's rockets. Additionally, launching from the air means that Virgin Orbit won't need to construct and maintain a launch pad to launch their rockets from, turning airports into make-shift spaceports at the same time. The launch is an important milestone for Virgin Orbit and the UK. It will be the first orbital launch ever executed from the UK, the company's first international launch, and the first commercial launch from Western Europe. The launch will also showcase the growing space industry, which could provide jobs and play a role in "catalyzing investment, generating growth and prosperity," per UK Minister of Science Nusrat Ghani. Virgin Orbit Start Me Up Mission Launch Details The launch of Virgin Orbit's Start Me Up mission is set to occur at Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay, Cornwall, sometime in November, though the company didn't provide a specific date when it will occur. This launch will be the fifth consecutive launch the company will execute to launch satellites into orbit for private companies and government agencies. Related Article: Virgin Orbit Rocket Carries 7 U.S. Defense Stallites in a Launch Controversial Greens senator Lidia Thorpe has resigned as the party's deputy leader in the Senate, after admitting to a 'brief' romance with a Rebels bikie boss who is the uncle of AFL star Dustin Martin. In what her leader Adam Bandt said was 'an error of judgement', Ms Thorpe on Thursday revealed she met Dean Martin, the ex-president of the Rebels Victoria chapter, through the 'Blak activism' group and they dated in early 2021. 'We remain friends and have collaborated on our shared interests advocating for the rights of First Nations peoples,' she told the ABC in a statement on Thursday afternoon. Hours later, she had quit from her senior role in the party - although she remains a member of Parliament. Ms Thorpe's relationship with Martin came to light after reports her staff had expressed concern about the relationship, given she sat on a joint parliamentary law enforcement committee. That committee heard confidential briefings about outlaw motorcycle gangs. Ms Thorpe said she met Dean Martin, the ex-president of the Rebels Victoria chapter, through the 'Blak activism' group and they dated in early 2021 Martin stepped down as president of the Rebels Victoria chapter in 2018 after his brother, Dustin Martin's father Shane, was deported to New Zealand over his bikie links Martin is the uncle of Richmond Tigers star Dustin Martin - seen above during a match in Brisbane earlier this year In her resignation, Ms Thorpe said in a statement that she had 'made mistakes' and 'not exercised good judgement'. 'I will now reflect on this and focus on my important portfolio work, especially advocating for First Nations people,' she said. In a press conference on Thursday, a visibly angry Mr Bandt said he had asked Senator Thorpe to resign from he Greens leadership team. 'As a leader I expect my senators and MPs, especially those in leadership positions, to exercise good judgement,' Mr Bandt said. 'At a minimum, Senator Thorpe needed to disclose to me her connection to Mr Martin and her failure to do so showed a significant lack of judgement. 'I have spoken to Senator Thorpe, and she has told me that at no stage was there any breach of the rules regarding those committees or her work, no sharing of confidential information, and to date no-one has suggested otherwise. 'But that is not enough. It was clear that this could be perceived as affecting her work and her failure to disclose that, at the very least, to me was an error of judgement.' Mr Bandt is seeking a meeting with the Federal Police. The ABC reported that Ms Thorpe had failed to tell Mr Bandt about the relationship despite staff urging her to do so. He only became aware once questions were asked about it. Fearing perceptions of a conflict of interest, staff members reported concerns about the relationship to the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service, an independent authority with an ambit to investigate workplace incidents at Parliament House. Ms Thorpe's staff feared her brief relationship with former Rebels boss Dean Martin would create perception of a conflict of interest with her position on a parliamentary law enforcement committee hearing evidence on outlaw motorcycle gangs The committee of which Ms Thorpe was a member heard evidence about bikie gangs as part of an inquiry into the trading of illicit drugs online. Her membership of the committee ended earlier this year. Lidia Thorpe gave a black power salute as she was sworn into the Senate in August 'Obviously, I'm concerned about the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle clubs in general. But when we met, Mr Martin was no longer involved with that world,' the senator told the ABC. She said she at all times treated documents provided to the committee in confidence. Martin stepped down as president of the Rebels Victoria chapter in 2018 after his brother, Dustin Martin's father Shane, was deported to New Zealand over his bikie links. He has no criminal convictions. It's understood Ms Thorpe disclosed the relationship to two different members of her staff in May and June last year, with one of them confronting her about it in August 2021. The staffer had noted that confidential documents on how the Australian Federal Police monitors outlaw motorcycle gangs arrived in Ms Thorpe's Melbourne office only hours after she had met with Martin in a park, the ABC reported. The staff member later wrote in a work diary: 'My advice to Senator is that she must speak to leader's office, that she is at extreme risk of being extorted, particularly if someone finds out.' Read Lidia Thorpe's statement in full about secret relationship Greens leader Adam Bandt has requested my resignation as Deputy Leader in the Senate and I have given him my resignation. I accept that I have made mistakes and have not exercised good judgement. I will now reflect on this and focus on my important portfolio work, especially advocating for First Nations people. Advertisement Ms Thorpe recently drew unfavourable attention after it was alleged she unleashed a furious rant at First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria co-chairs Marcus Stewart and Aunty Geraldine Atkinson at a committee room meeting in Parliament House on June 22, 2021. It was claimed Ms Atkinson, who is aged in her 70s, was so shaken by Senator Thorpe's behaviour she sought assistance from the parliamentary nurse after the meeting. An error of judgment Adam Bandt on Lidia Thorpe's resignation Ms Thorpe's former chief of staff, David Mejia-Canales, who was at the meeting, later apologised for not ending it sooner after Senator Thorpe's 'appalling' behaviour. 'The conduct that I witnessed at that meeting was by far one of the most unprofessional displays I have ever seen, not just during the length of my career, but in my life,' Mr Mejia-Canales said in the email, reported in The Sydney Morning Herald. A passenger attempting to board a plane at Los Angeles International Airport has been found with thousands of suspected fentanyl pills hidden in candy boxes. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said they had tried to go through security screening with snacks and bags of candy at about 7:30am. 'However, it was discovered that inside the SweeTARTS, Skittles, and Whoppers candy boxes were fentanyl pills,' the sheriff's office said in a statement. About 12,000 pills were seized by sheriff's detectives and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents assigned to a drug task force at the airport. The suspected trafficker fled but has been identified, authorities said, without providing details. Authorities recently have warned that drug dealers have been disguising fentanyl in candy wrappers and manufacturing them in rainbow colors. Suspected fentanyl pills seized at the Los Angeles airport are pictured on Wednesday The pills were found disguised inside candy boxes, sheriffs said on Wednesday Sheriffs estimated that 12,000 fentanyl pills were contained inside the packets of candy and snacks 'With Halloween approaching, parents need to make sure they are checking their kids candy and not allowing them to eat anything until it has been inspected by them,' the sheriff's department said. Parents should not touch any suspected drugs and should immediately call law enforcement, the department said. Fentanyl seizures have rocketed in recent years. The latest Customs and Border Protection data shows that, in the year to August, 12,900lbs of fentanyl has been seized. The figure is more than for the entire of 2021 - in which 11,200lbs were confiscated. The data shows that three times more fentanyl was seized in the first eight months of this year than in the entire year for 2020 - and more than four times the total for 2019. In September 2021, the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) launched the One Pill Can Kill - a public awareness campaign to combat the fake pill threat and educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl pills being disguised and sold as prescription medications. They stressed that drug traffickers have expanded their inventory to sell fentanyl in a variety of bright colors and packages. Rainbow fentanyl was first reported to DEA in February 2022, and it has now been seized in 21 states, the DEA said last month. Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing the country, accounting for 66 percent of all drug overdose deaths last year. A record number of Americans 107,622 died from a drug poisoning in 2021. Earlier this month a DEA task force carried out the largest fentanyl bust in New York City history, dramatically surpassing the previous record - which was broken just days prior. Around 300,000 rainbow fentanyl pills and 22 pounds of the drug in powdered form - with a combined street value of $9 million - were seized from an apartment in the Bronx. The fentanyl seized by the DEA Task Force on October 13 - 300,000 rainbow pills and 22lbs in powdered form A loaded Tec-9 semi-automatic pistol was found in the Bronx apartment where the drugs were recovered along with an extended magazine and a box of ammunition Rodriguez-Pichardo was hanging from the window sill of a third floor apartment at 4030 Bronx Boulevard when DEA agents discovered him The approximately 300,000 multicolored fentanyl pills were in two closets in the hallway of the apartment, which was located at 4030 Bronx Boulevard, and were organized by color in zip lock bags The 22 pounds of powdered fentanyl was found in the kitchen, bedroom and living room and wrapped in clear plastic packaging, prosecutors say A loaded Tec-9 semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and a box of ammunition was also discovered in a closet in the apartment, prosecutors said in a press release. Erickson Lorenzo, 30, and Jefry Rodriguez-Pichardo, 32, were arrested during the raid on October 7. Police allegedly found Rodriguez-Pichardo hanging from a third floor window sill with no fire escape beneath him. Other items found include 11 GPS devices and a hydraulic device for opening doors. Frank Tarentino, the DEA agent in charge of the operation, said: 'There is no question this seizure of poisonous fentanyl saved lives. 'In today's world, the potential to overdose is dangerously high. There is no quality control in these fake pills and it only takes two milligrams of fentanyl to be lethal.' The DEA have claimed that the rainbow colored fentanyl pills are part of a marketing scheme by Mexican drug cartels to drive addiction among kids and young adults. They claim the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel are responsible for mass producing the pills. Some of the pills in the Bronx apartment looked like pharmaceutical-grade drugs such as Xanax and oxycodone, allegedly part of a scheme by drug trafficker's to deceive consumers. On September 28 the fentanyl pills were found in a LEGO box in Manhattan, the NY Special Narcotics Prosecutor said The DEA have claimed that the rainbow colored fentanyl pills are part of a marketing scheme by Mexican drug cartels to drive addiction among kids and young adults NY Special Narcotics Prosecutor suggested that the pills were in the LEGO box to 'to deter law enforcement attention' The record-breaking Bronx bust came around a week after 15,000 pills were recovered in Manhattan, on September 28. They were hidden in plastic bags in a LEGO box and were being carried in a tote bag by a woman on 10th Avenue. 'Disguising fentanyl as candy - and concealing it in children's toys - will never hide the fact that fentanyl is a deadly poison that harms our communities, our families, and our city,' said Keechant Sewell, NYPD Commissioner. Ms Higgins alleges Bruce Lehrmann raped her in 2019. He pleaded not guilty Brittany Higgins went public with her allegations on The Project in February 2021 Rules imposed by Channel 10 mean she is not reporting on high-profile case Lisa Wilkinson is pictured at Brisbane Airport on Thursday Lisa Wilkinson and her husband Peter FitzSimons were named during the trial of Brittany Higgins' accused rapist, Bruce Lehrmann. And The Project host is keeping a lower profile as a jury considers its verdict in the major case, where one of her TV interviews and her husband's book dealing have both been raised as evidence. Wilkinson was spotted cutting a casual figure at Brisbane Airport on Thursday, as she flew into Queensland with her daughter Billie, carting a black wheelie suitcase and thatched designer handbag. TV viewers have been seeing less of the high-profile anchor throughout the three weeks of Ms Higgins's case. The Australian's Media Diary column reported this month that Wilkinson is banned from reading news headlines about the case. Under rules imposed by her employer, she wasn't permitted to appear on the show when Ms Higgins was giving evidence earlier this month. Meanwhile, Wilkinson has been focusing on smaller reports, such as about the dangers of online gaming, which was aired on the most recent Sunday Project. Lisa Wilkinson is pictured carting a black wheelie suitcase and a thatched designer handbag. She wore an oversized black blazer and slacks combo, chunky sandals and a white T-shirt Brittany Higgins is pictured outside the ACT Supreme Court on Friday. She went public with her rape allegations in February, in an interview with Lisa Wilkinson, and the case is unfolding Her low profile comes as it was revealed in the ACT Supreme Court that Ms Wilkinson's husband, author and activist Peter FitzSimons, landed Ms Higgins a $325,000 book deal. Ms Higgins alleges ex-Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped her in Parliament House in March 2019, and went public with her allegations during an interview with Ms Wilkinson on The Project in February 2021. Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty. The jury were asked to retire on Wednesday afternoon and are deliberating. Ms Wilkinson was among the 50-odd people on the original witness list, but the number was whittled down by about 21 people last week and she was no longer required. On October 7, the court heard Mr FitzSimons suggested she write a biography about her experiences - to which Ms Higgins told them she had already started drafting chapters. Ms Higgins told the court they met at an event in March 2021, before Mr FitzSimons said: 'You need to write a book'. Defence lawyer Steven Whybrow questioned Ms Higgins about a book deal and texts she sent to Ms Wilkinson and Mr FitzSimons (pictured together) Bruce Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent. He is pictured outside court '[Mr FitzSimons said he] would act as my agent, and I said 'sure' and within a day he came back with offers,' she told the court. Lehrmann's defence lawyer Steven Whybrow put to Ms Higgins that she asked Mr FitzSimons about a potential book, to which the alleged victim replied: 'I really didn't ask - he approached me.' 'He said, 'I know people, I'm going to ask them for you'.' Mr Whybrow then put to Ms Higgins that she was offered $325,000 to write a book outlining her experiences. He then cited a text Ms Higgins sent to Ms Wilkinson and FitzSimons that said: 'I am blown away. 'Yes I can absolutely do this ... I've had the chapters outlined for the last month or so.' The court heard the offer came before she had finished recording her evidence-in-chief interview with police. During his closing statement on Wednesday morning, Mr Whybrow claimed in court there were '325,000 reasons why this case is important from (Ms Higgins's) perspective.' The jury will continue deliberating through Friday. An Arizona Republican running for a seat on a local college district governing board has dropped out of the race after police caught him allegedly masturbating in the parking lot of a preschool. Randy Kaufman was arrested on October 4 in Surprise, Arizona, after police found him fondling himself in his car while parked in the lot of Rio Salado College - one of the colleges he was running to represent - in full view of Wirtzie's Preschool. A police report notes that several children were playing on the playground outside the school. Kaufman seemed to fess up to cops on the spot, explaining he 'f***ed up,' and didn't realize where he was parked. The Republican suspended his campaign for the Maricopa County Community College Governing Board on Tuesday after news reports of his arrest began to circulate, according to the New York Post. Randy Kaufman was arrested on October 2 after he was allegedly caught masturbating in the parking lot of a pre-school The Wirtzie's Preschool and Child Care Center in Surprise, Arizona, where Kaufman was allegedly masturbating while parked in the parking lot Officers found Kaufman seated in his car with his pants around his thighs, 'manipulating his genitals in a masturbatory manner,' according to the police report. When the officer on scene approached Kaufman he said 'seriously?' to which the hopeful politician began his explanation. 'I'm sorry,' he allegedly said to the officer. 'I f***ked up. I'm really stressed.' Kaufman said he had been at a store buying rebar when he was overcome with stress that he needed to let out. He allegedly parked up and watched 'interracial porn' in the seat of his Ford pickup truck outside the preschool. He said he had been so stressed that he didn't realize where he had pulled into. Kaufman said had been stressed and pulled his car over to relieve himself with some 'interracial porn,' but did not realize where he had parked Kaufman was running as a Republican for a seat on the Maricopa County Community College Governing Board, but dropped out on Tuesday Kaufman told the officer he was retired but had worked for the Department of Corrections for 27 years. Asked whether masturbating in pre-school was something he had done before, Kaufman said no, and reiterated multiple times that he had 'f***ked up.' He also explained to the officer that he was familiar with the police, and noted that he was running for office. 'Can I say something off the record?' Kaufman said. 'I know officer Jim Hill; He works with you guys and I'm running for the Governing Board for the colleges. I didn't even know this was one of your sites but now I see the signs all over the parking lot.' Several hundred homes could be sacrificed for sake of thousands of properties Murray River is expected to reach 95 metres by Friday with more rain on the way Echuca residents on Vic/NSW border ordered to leave before cut off by floods Residents have been ordered to flee their homes before they're isolated for days as their town braces for its worst flood in 30 years. Victoria's ongoing flood crisis has entered its second week with four major flood warnings issued for northern parts of the state. The biggest concern is for Echuca, on the NSW-Victoria border, where the Murray River could reach 95 metres by Friday, higher than its peak during the devastating 1993 floods. Locals have banded together to build a 2.5km-long flood levy from sandbags, dividing the town, in an attempt to protect thousands of homes and businesses. With the water expected to peak in the coming hours, authorities issued an emergency evacuation warning for parts of Echuca along the Campaspe River and Echuca Village on Thursday afternoon. Residents in impacted areas were ordered to leave now before it's too late. Residents in the regional Victorian town of Echuca have built a sandbag levy to protect thousands of homes and businesses (pictured, residents building the wall outside a local pub) The town of Echuca on the NSW-Victorian border is part of 'severe storm trifecta' set to smash Australia's east coast 'If you do not relocate now you may become isolated for a number of days. If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you,' the VicEmergency warning stated. 'The evacuation route is currently open but may not stay that way.' Floodwaters have impacted sewerage systems in Echuca with residents urged to minimise water use and limit showers. 'This will reduce the volume of water being sent to the sewer while flood levels are high, authorities added. An emergency relief centre has been set up at Bendigo Showground for evacuees. Emergency evacuation orders were also issued for the neighbouring towns of Barmah and Lower Moira. River levels at Barmah peaked at 6.88m on Thursday, just below the record peak of 7.2m in 1993. Authorities have warned that record will smashed in the next 30-48 hours with the river expected to peak at 7.6m. It comes as several hundred Echuca properties could be sacrificed because they're located on the wrong side of the levee. Despite the evacuation orders, the town is a hive of activity with countless residents having spent the past few days building the manmade levy. Harrowing photos showed dozens of Echuca residents struggling to build walls made out of sandbags to protect their town from devastating floods. The death toll from the state's ongoing flood crisis also rose to two on Wednesday as communities hit by the severe weather conditions were offered more cash relief. Echuca residents who live near the flooded Campaspe River (pictured on Monday) were urged to evacuate immediately on Thursday afternoon Echuca residents are urged to restrict water use after floodwaters impacted the town's sewage system. Pictured are locals keeping a close watch on rising floodwaters Dozens of residents have built walls to protect homes, shops, pubs and McDonalds from ongoing floods (pictured, locals walking past sandbagged shops) Several hundred properties on the wrong side of the levy (in red) in Echuca are at risk to protect thousands of homes and businesses on the other side (in green) Photos from Wednesday showed locals struggling to pile up the heavy sandbags while others use building equipment to set up fences of dirt. Fire crews were also seen helping construct the mounds with residents working to protect pubs, businesses, homes and the local McDonald's. Meanwhile, another wild bout of weather is set to bring torrential rain to Australia's east coast with the border between NSW and Queensland set to be the worst affected. A massive sandbag wall was built along the outside of Echuca's McDonalds (above) to protect it from flooding One home in Echuca is seen lined with sandbags as flood water continue to rise Parts of South Australia's outback received record amount of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday with some areas receiving more rain than that recorded in Victoria. Queensland's outback is also copping heavy storms with some areas forecast to see more than 80mm of rain by the end of the week. The system will also bring more heavy rain to Victoria with the wet weather set to continue over all eastern states through to Sunday. The Victorian floods have claimed the lives of two men, a 65-year-old man and a 71-year-old man (pictured, residents in Echuca walking past sandbagged shops) The state government has announced a $73.5 million relief package to help farmers and business owners recover from flood damage (pictured, a sandbag wall in Echuca) It means homes and businesses destroyed or damaged can have the properties cleared of hazards at no cost and the first phase will be coordinated by Emergency Recovery Victoria. Up to 400 ADF personnel have been deployed to the worst-affected areas to assist with sandbag distribution and doorknocking. 'We've already seen our ADF members hard at work filling sandbags in Shepparton, building levee banks in Echuca, and helping out in Wagga Wagga,' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. 'Now they will also be supporting more people as we move to the clean-up phase of this disaster.' Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the extra assistance would help some of the nation's hardest-hit communities. Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is returning to his alum mater to teach a class on public service. De Blasio, 61, will be putting on his professor hat come January 2023, nearly 40 years after he graduated from New York University in 1984, where he majored in metropolitan studies and engaged in activism. He will be teaching a graduate course at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service as a fellow. The former mayor, who failed to secure a spot in Congress after handing over his role to Eric Adams, will begin working with the school in January and said he is 'excited' about the opportunity. 'When I graduated from NYU in the 1980s, I never dreamed of a path that would lead me to City Hall and then back to my alma mater,' he said in a joint statement with NYU on Monday. 'Now I get to help others develop their dreams.' In July, de Blasio also said 'public service is what I want to do, and that can take all sorts of forms: nonprofits and any number of good causes.' De Blasio, 61, will be putting on his professor hat come January 2023, nearly 40 years after he graduated from New York University in 1984, where he majored in metropolitan studies and engaged in activism NYU said it was excited to have de Blasio offer 'students, faculty, and graduates an incomparable opportunity to learn from someone with enormous experiences and many hard-won successes in the political arena and in policymaking and management.' 'I am extremely pleased to welcome him as Marnold Visiting Fellow at NYU Wagner for the upcoming year,' Sherry Glied, Wagner's dean, said. After de Blasio lost the mayoral seat to Eric Adams, he left City Hall for the ritzy Brooklyn neighborhood Park Slope. Earlier this month, he was spotted walking around the streets of Manhattan, unfazed and unrecognizable, while wearing a Brooklyn t-shirt. He was spotted shortly after it was announced the father-of-two would be teaching a course at Harvard's Kennedy School's Institute of Politics. De Blasio announced the position with Harvard last month, and tweeting that he was delighted to be teaching at the venerable institution. 'I am VERY optimistic about the generation of leaders and activists coming up,' he said. 'It will be a privilege to offer lessons I've learned through decades of public service. He will be teaching a graduate course at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service as a fellow in the spring and teach a course on public service 'My key message to them: we CAN make bold progressive change. I know because I've lived it.' De Blasio, who served as mayor from from 2014 to 2021, will take part in 'a variety of discussions, events, and programming' at the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School. He will also teach classes on leadership and public service at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. De Blasio and his family will remain in his adopted hometown of Brooklyn, according to The New York Times, but it is unclear if he relocated part-time to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the duration of his tenure at Harvard. De Blasio was born in New York City, but he was raised mostly in Cambridge. Speaking to the Times earlier this month, he said it would 'be sweet to spend a little time in the town I grew up in.' The deeply unpopular Democrat took the gig with Harvard after announcing he was running for congress in May, but then dropping out in July when it became clear he stood no chance of victory. After De Blasio announced the fellowship last month, Tucker Carlson laughed at the appointment and said it was 'to pay for his weed habit.' 'He tried to be a congressional candidate, but no one wanted to vote for him,' Carlson said, 'So what do you do if you are Bill de Blasio? 'You've got to pay for your weed habit. Where do you go? Well, there's one place in America that would hire Bill de Blasio. Harvard University.' The progressive politician has long been dogged by online rumors of regular marijuana use, without any evidence. He said he tried it as a teenager, but has not smoked since college. He did, however, commend the 2021 legalization of marijuana in New York, having initially been against it. His wife, Chirlane McCray, has been open about seeking therapy to try and stop smoking marijuana, and his daughter Chiara said she abused alcohol and marijuana when she became depressed. He is currently a visiting fellow at Harvard's School of Politics and since moved to Brooklyn after losing the mayoral seat to Eric Adams (pictured: de Blasio in October) Carlson ridiculed Harvard for hiring de Blasio - who he said 'oversaw the resurgence of the bubonic plague in New York.' Carlson declared: 'You can't say Bill de Blasio doesn't get stuff done. It only took him only eight years and he basically destroyed the country's biggest city.' He added: 'It's measurable. De Blasio saw a 65 percent jump in homelessness. People living on the street, addicted to drugs. During the pandemic he set government bureaucrats on small business owners.' 'He forced employees of private businesses to take the COVID vaccine, and ruined the lives of anyone who resisted. So naturally you would think Bill de Blasio would have a shining career as a homeless person himself after his time in office.' Former Victorian cop jailed for sexual offences against a woman and a child While Simon Luebbers prosecuted Victorian sex offenders, he was secretly filming a woman and then a teenage girl for his own sexual gratification. The 44-year-old ex-police prosecutor was jailed for three years on Thursday, after pleading guilty to stalking, possessing and using child abuse material, and dissemination offences. The crimes began just three years after he joined Victoria Police. Luebbers was immediately taken into custody at Moorabbin Magistrates Court, where he will spend at least the next two years in jail. Magistrate Luisa Bazzani said Luebbers' offending, which included secretly filming a teenage girl in her bedroom while she undressed last year, was 'heinous' and 'deviant'. 'It served no purpose other than for your own greedy desire for sexual gratification at the cost of a child's happiness and safe development,' she said. Former police officer Simon Luebbers - who prosecuted cases against sex offenders - has been jailed for years of sexual offending against a woman and a child Magistrate Bazzani said Luebbers had breached the community's trust in committing the crimes while working as a judicial officer, which was a 'sad irony'. 'While you purported to be fulfilling obligations to uphold and protect the community, you were committing instead vile criminal acts,' she told the court. She said his decision to film a woman in the shower without her knowledge, before turning the seven videos into more than 1000 images and putting them on the internet, was 'breathtakingly deceitful, planned and devastating'. 'I have to live with the fact that they're out there somewhere on the internet and they're out there forever,' the victim previously told the court. The court heard Luebbers worked for Victoria Police for two decades and was working as a police prosecutor while he committed the offending, which began in 2005. His barrister Tom Acutt said Luebbers also worked in a managerial position for Victoria Police, where he trained prosecutors and helped 150 of them become certified. Mr Acutt said Luebbers life's had been 'stripped bare' after losing his career, friendships and being subjected to significant media attention over the offending. He said his client was remorseful and had a sexual disorder that required treatment. On Wednesday, the court heard Leubbers installed a secret camera in a woman's bathroom and filmed her when she showered over several years, continuing the covert recording even when she moved house. Magistrate Bazzani sentenced him to three years jail. He will become eligible for parole after serving two years of his sentence and will be placed on Victoria's sex offender list for 15 years The 44-year-old ex-Victoria Police prosecutor then edited these seven intimate videos, filmed between 2005 and 2010, turning them into more than 1000 still images and eight shortened clips, which were shared with other men. Years later, in September 2021, Luebbers hid a spy camera inside a child's bedroom and filmed her in various states of undress, turning the videos into files and storing them on his mobile phone. He tried to run from police when he was arrested in March this year, fleeing out the back door of a supermarket and into a laneway, where he was tackled by officers and taken into custody. As Magistrate Bazani handed down Leubbers' sentence on Thursday, he was asked to stand in the courtroom, in front of his two victims and dozens of their supporters. 'Take him into custody immediately,' Magistrate Bazzani said, before he was handcuffed and escorted out by officers. Prosecutor Anne-Marie Stephanidies earlier recommended the court sentence Luebbers to immediate jail-time due to the gravity of his offending, and as it represented a breach of trust given his former status as a police prosecutor. 'The community's expectations of trusted members, judicial officers, creates a higher duty of care than the average member of the community,' Ms Stephanidies said. Leubbers will become eligible for parole after serving two years of his sentence and will be placed on Victoria's sex offender list for 15 years. A brazen thief was caught on camera stealing a 14-foot-tall skeleton from a Texas front lawn in broad daylight. Footage from a neighbor's Ring doorbell camera captured the moment the thief drives up to the victims' home in Austin in a white SUV at around 4.45pm Saturday before dissembling the skeleton and putting it in her trunk. The apparently female thief with red hair could be seen in the surveillance footage getting out of her SUV and lifting its trunk. She appears to take stock of the gangly Halloween decoration, pulling on the skeleton's legs slightly before removing its base. The woman then tips the giant skeleton over and could be seen trying to shove it in her trunk. Afterwards, FOX News reports, the woman decided it was easier to pull apart the bones as she shoved them into her vehicle and drove away. Surveillance footage caught the moment a brazen thief pulled up to an Austin home Saturday evening and stole the resident's 14-foot-tall skeleton The apparently female thief could be seen taking stock of the gangly Halloween decoration before she removes its base She could then be seen trying to shove the giant decoration into the back of her SUV Grazia Ruskin, the president of the condominium community's Home Owners Association, said the neighborhood was left shocked that the theft occurred when so many people are outside. The neighborhood, located on a private drive, hasn't seen any similar thefts since a string of car break-ins three or four years ago, Ruskin told KXAN. After that, she said, the community upgraded its neighborhood lighting and requested residents use security cameras as a deterrent. Ruskin said the victim is a single mother who was sick at the time, and her neighbors are now offering a $50 reward for any information on the skeleton's whereabouts. 'It is "just a Halloween decoration," she told the news station. 'But somebody invaded our space and they took [her] property, and thats not okay with me.' Neighbor Grazia Ruskin said the skeleton belonged to a single mother who was sick at the time Ruskin now hopes that the $50 reward will hopefully incentivize whoever stole the decoration to return the piece. 'The person that took this, maybe that $50 would go a long way in helping clear their conscience and, you know, pointing us in the right direction,' she said. 'If somebody is struggling to a point that their desperation leads them to stealing a Halloween decoration.we would come together, you dont have to steal from us In the meantime, neighbors are hoping that other Austinites may be able to identify the body snatcher from the video, in which she appears to be driving a third-generation Denali, manufactured between 2007 and 2014. Other identifiable features include possible damage to the front bumper on the drivers side; a black or chrome roof rack; a black antenna on the roof above the drivers seat; and possibly missing license plates. Anyone with information about the missing skeleton is asked to contact the neighborhood at oakshadowsatx@gmail.com. Police and volunteers are scouring dense bushland for a young woman who mysteriously vanished last weekend. Lucinda Miller, 24, was last seen in the Melbourne suburb of Dandenong around 11am last Sunday. She ordered a rideshare drive which dropped her off near a bush track along McDougal Road in Neerim South. Police are searching for missing woman Lucinda (pictured), 24, who went missing after she ordered a rideshare drive to a bush trail 2.5kilometres from her home in Neerim South The trail is about 2.5kilometres from the young woman's home. There are now 50 police officers, including a dog squad, and volunteers searching for Ms Miller in dense bushland. Police have also interviewed the rideshare driver who dropped Ms Miller off but there is no evidence to suggest they were involved in her disappearance. Victoria Police Inspector Peter Fusinato said Ms Miller was familiar with the bush trail to her house and said it was strange she never came home. 'There's tracks all the way through it, it's out of character that she didn't come home,' he said. He added there was 'no indication' that a 'second party' was involved in her disappearance. Detectives have also been doorknocking on neighbours homes and other properties in the area. There is now 50 people searching for Ms Miller in the dense bushland including police officers, a dog squad and volunteers (pictured, McDougal Road in Neerim South) The young woman was last seen wearing a white top, a pair of pink pants, a green jumper, beanie, scarf and face mask in Dandenong Officers have appealed to the public for help in locating Ms Miller as both her family and police hold concerns for her welfare. She is described as being 165cm tall (or 5'5) with a thin build and blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a white top, a pair of pink pants, a green jumper, beanie, scarf and face mask. Other agencies have assisted police in the search in the dense bushland including the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria State Emergency Service and CFA (Country Fire Authority). Anyone who has seen of has information about Ms Miller is urged to call Warragul Police Station on 5622 7111. Farmers quit their fields and hit the streets of New Zealand's cities today in countrywide protests against plans to tax greenhouse emissions from farm animals. Convoys of tractors, 4x4s and farmyard vehicles disrupted traffic in Wellington, Auckland and other major hubs, as protestors demanded the centre-left government ditch plans for an animal 'burp and fart' tax. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern touted a 'world first' levy on emissions of methane and nitrous oxide produced by the nation's six million cows and 26 million sheep as a step to tackling climate change. Thousands of farmers gathered Thursday brandishing signs saying the policy 'stinks' and warning that the tax would make food more costly, while putting their livelihoods at risk. Farmers drove in a convoy of vehicles throughout the major cities in New Zealand, with one farmer putting a sign in the back of his car which read 'fart tax my a**e' in Wellington. 'Most farmers have had enough,' said one Wellington protestor who gave his name only as Chris. 'It's getting hard to carry on farming and this government isn't really supporting us -- it's a tough gig at the moment.' Farmers drove in a convoy of vehicles throughout the major cities in New Zealand, with one farmer putting a sign in the back of his car which read 'fart tax my a**e' in Wellington Convoys of tractors, 4x4s and farmyard vehicles disrupted traffic in Wellington, Auckland and other major hubs, as protestors demanded the centre-left government ditch plans for an animal 'burp and fart' tax Thousands of farmers gathered Thursday brandishing signs saying the policy 'stinks' and warning that the tax would make food more costly, while putting their livelihoods at risk A tractor drives down the southern motorway in central Auckland during a protest on climate change proposals to make New Zealand farmers pay for greenhouse gas emissions on Thursday New Zealand farmers protest in central Auckland on government plans to make them pay for greenhouse gas emissions on Thursday Animals produce methane and nitrous oxide as a byproduct of munching on grass and feed. Methane is much less abundant than carbon dioxide and does not linger as long in the atmosphere, but is a much more potent warming agent. Scientists believe methane is responsible for roughly 30 percent of the global rise in temperatures despite being a fraction of the greenhouse gas mix. Ardern has argued the tax is needed to reach climate targets and could even benefit farmers if they can charge more for climate-friendly meat. She also signalled a possible willingness to compromise. 'We are out talking to our farmers and food producers as to the best possible design,' she told reporters in Auckland. Bryan McKenzie of protest organisers Groundswell NZ said the tax was 'punitive' and 'an existential threat to rural communities'. Bryan McKenzie of protest organisers Groundswell NZ said the tax was 'punitive' and 'an existential threat to rural communities'. Pictured: A farm vehicle drives through central Wellington during the protests A protester holds up a sign which reads 'no farmer tax' while driving through Wellington People protest against the government's plans to tax emissions from farm animals in Wellington on Thursday Protesters cheer as a convoy of farming vehicles drive past them in Wellington on Thursday 'After years of faux consultation, the government has given up on all pretence of a fair and workable agricultural emissions policy.' While the government hopes the tax will reduce livestock emissions by 20 percent, McKenzie argues that any 'reductions will be replaced by less efficient foreign farmers'. Urban supporters also joined the protest in some regions, with one sign in the southern city of Dunedin reading 'Farming tax affects us all'. In a joint statement, several mayors from New Zealand's remote west coast regions said they 'stand strongly in support' of the protest. Environmentalists argue that protesting farmers are stuck in the mud. 'This country's rural and agricultural sector has been hard hit by floods, intense storms and droughts this year alone,' said Emily Bailey of Climate Justice Taranaki. 'That cost millions in damages and loads of stress and heartbreak for those losing homes, sheds, stock and fences... It's only getting worse,' she said. 'Farmers can either adapt and rapidly bring down their emissions or they, and everyone else, will suffer more.' A real estate agent who sells multi-million-dollar homes has avoided getting a criminal record for assaulting a bouncer and trying to kick his groin at a small pub. Eliza Priddis, 29, pleaded guilty to common assault on Wednesday after hitting a bouncer at The Settlers Inn in Port Macquarie, on NSW's north coast, on July 16. Priddis was attending a 50th birthday party at the pub when she started acting 'obnoxious' after having a few too many drinks. The chaos began when Priddis threw her water bottle at the bar after staff cut her off, according to agreed police facts, The Daily Telegraph reported. She then kicked her phone towards a nearby Keno machine and then at a table where it was caught by a man. Eliza Priddis (above) pleaded guilty to common assault after trying to kick a Port Macquarie bouncer in the groin and hitting his ear The security guard then decided to kick out Priddis from the venue because her behaviour was 'dangerous' to other patrons - telling her she needed to leave immediately. He asked Priddis to leave the pub several times but she refused and instead tried to kick him. '(She) swung her leg a second time in an attempt to kick the victim in the groin (which was) blocked with his hand (causing Priddis) to spin around,' court documents said. The bouncer then took Priddis' wrist in an attempt to move her form the venue but she started screaming he was 'breaking' it. '(He) released his grip on her and she swung and hit the (him) in the right ear where his earpiece sits,' police facts said. The real estate agent was eventually moved off into the carpark by her male companion. Priddis was attending a 50th birthday party at The Settlers Inn in Port Macquarie (above) when the court heard she attacked the security guard The magistrate found alcohol played a part in Priddis' (above) assault and she was sentenced a 12-month conditional release order for the common assault She turned herself into police two days later and told the court she attempted to apologise to the pub's security in person. Priddis's lawyer said she was intoxicated at the time of the assault and pointed to her almost clear criminal record, which only contained one mid-range offence for driving under the influence in 2016. 'I've since told her you've got to be so careful with how much you drink,' her lawyer said. The magistrate agreed the incident appeared to be related to intoxication and sentenced Priddis to a 12-month conditional release order for common assault. The parents of Harry Dunn broke down in tears today as their son's killer pleaded guilty to causing his death three years after mowing him down and fleeing the UK - but she may avoid prison by remaining in the US. Diplomat Anne Sacoolas today admitted responsibility for the death of the 19-year-old motorcyclist in a collision outside RAF Croughton, a US military base in Northamptonshire, in August 2019. There were gasps in the Old Bailey as the 45-year-old mother-of-three, appearing by video-link from the US, pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving - but admitted a lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. It comes three years after she fled the UK using diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US government 19 days following the crash. Today in court prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC said the plea to the lesser charge would be accepted by the crown, and the case was adjourned for sentencing in the week commencing November 28. She now faces up to five years in prison, with Mr Dunn's family saying they accepted Saccolas's plea to the lesser charge as they 'didn't wish to separate her from her children'. Sacoolas has been ordered to attend her sentencing hearing in person, but may avoid jail if she remains in the US. Speaking outside court Mr Dunn's mother Charlotte Charles said she 'of course' wants the diplomat to return to the UK for the hearing. Harry Dunn's alleged killer, Anne Sacoolas, has pleaded guilty to causing his death by careless driving, more than three years after a crash left him fatally injured US citizen Sacoolas (pictured in Virginia) was accused of killing the teenage motorcyclist in a road crash outside US military base RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27, 2019 Sacoolas, who appeared via video-link at a previous hearing in the case on September 29, joined the proceedings remotely again today A court sketch of Sacoolas (on the screen, right) during an appearance at the Old Bailey today. Tim Dunn (right) held his head in his hands as Sacoolas pleaded guilty The family of Harry Dunn, wearing green in memory of the teenager, arrive at the Old Bailey today Sacoolas, pictured right, sat next to her lawyer during a previous hearing and remained facing forward throughout it Harry Dunn's parents Tim Dunn and Charlotte Charles, pictured here arriving at court today, held their heads in their hands as she pleaded guilty WHAT IS DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY AND HOW DOES IT APPLY TO HARRY DUNN CASE? By Josh Payne, PA Chief Reporter US citizen Anne Sacoolas has pleaded guilty to causing the death of Harry Dunn by careless driving during virtual proceedings at the Old Bailey. Here, the PA news agency looks at how diplomatic immunity affected the 19-year-old's case, and why Sacoolas was able to appear in court via video-link from her home country. - What is diplomatic immunity? Diplomatic immunity is a legal exemption from certain laws granted to diplomats by the state in which they are working. It ensures they will not be liable to be prosecuted under the host country's laws. It is governed by an international treaty called the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and UK legislation called the Diplomatic Privileges Act. - Why was diplomatic immunity asserted on Anne Sacoolas's behalf? The US Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) position is that dependants (such as spouses or children) of US administrative and technical staff at RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire had diplomatic immunity at the time of the crash. The Dunn family have disputed this but the High Court ruled Sacoolas was entitled to immunity in November 2020. - Why could diplomatic immunity be asserted for Sacoolas but not her husband? The Vienna Convention states waivers of immunity must always be 'express'. In an agreement drawn up for RAF Croughton in 1994-95 between the UK and the US, the immunity enjoyed by administrative and technical staff would be waived for actions outside the course of their duties. Dependants were not mentioned in the agreements. - Why was Sacoolas not extradited? An extradition request, submitted by the Home Office in January 2020, was rejected by the US State Department - who described it as 'highly inappropriate'. President Joe Biden's administration said the decision not to extradite Sacoolas was 'final'. - Why has Sacoolas appeared in a UK court virtually? The court's ability to conduct remote proceedings derives from coronavirus legislation, which allows even the most important court sessions, such as plea and sentence hearings, to be done virtually. - Is Sacoolas able to walk away from proceedings? The former head of extradition at the CPS, Nick Vamos, said Sacoolas 'could at any point in these proceedings have simply turned her video-link off and walked away, and there's nothing the court could have done about it'. - Does the conclusion of criminal proceedings mean the end of the Dunn family's campaign? Although the main objectives of their campaign have been achieved, Harry's parents are still to keen for there to be an inquest into their son's death and a parliamentary inquiry. Advertisement The hearing today marked the beginning of the end of the three-year battle by Mr Dunn's family, who were sitting in court today, for accountability over the crash. The diplomat had been driving on the wrong side of the road after leaving the airbase on August 27, 2019. She hit the teenager as he was travelling in the opposite direction on his motorbike. Sacoolas appeared via video-link in Court One of the Old Bailey for a plea and case management hearing this afternoon. The defendant, who is on unconditional bail, identified herself before entering her pleas before senior judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb. When she was asked how she pleaded to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, she leaned forward in her chair as she answered not guilty. When asked how she pleaded to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, she stumbled over her words before saying: 'Guilty.' Gasps rang out from the public gallery where ten of Mr Dunn's family and friends watched on, some of them bursting into tears. Both of Mr Dunn's parents held their heads in their hands as Sacoolas pleaded guilty. Telling the court the crown accepted the plea of causing death by careless driving, Mr Atkinson said: 'The Crown recognises putting at risk a vulnerable road user is capable of amounting to dangerous driving. 'The prosecution has taken into account... the mitigation available to this defendant and the balance of justice. 'It has been considered at the very highest level. 'The Crown considers the plea of causing death by careless driving is one that is acceptable.' Mr Atkinson said the Crown would not be proceeding to trial on the causing death by dangerous driving charge. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said that no evidence was offered to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, which carries the maximum of 14 years, and directed that a not-guilty verdict should be entered. She told Sacoolas: 'Sentence will be adjourned until a convenient date in the week commencing 28 November 2022.' The judge said there was no order she could make that could compel Sacoolas to travel to the UK to be sentenced. 'One of the most powerful mitigating features... is the degree of remorse felt by the defendant. 'Attention has rightly been drawn to the remorse demonstrated by Mrs Sacoolas by cooperating in these proceedings at all. 'I direct that Mrs Sacoolas attends court in person to be sentenced. 'I remind everyone that this case concerns the sudden and unexpected death two years ago of a young man who was lawfully riding his motorbike with proper care and attention. 'Personal attendance and voluntary surrender to the court of Mrs Sacoolas for sentence will provide weighty evidence indeed of genuine remorse.' Sacoolas said she understood. The judge granted Sacoolas bail ahead of her sentencing on a date in the week commencing November 28. After the hearing, Harry's mother Charlotte Charles told the PA news agency it was important that Sacoolas 'did what you and I would have to do' when facing the UK justice system, saying they had to 'rely' on the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to carry out 'whatever process they felt was suitable'. Asked if she was happy the CPS had accepted the plea to the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving, Mrs Charles said: 'Yes, absolutely. 'Before we knew she'd left the country, from day one, alongside fulfilling that promise to Harry, we wanted to make sure that she did do what you and I would have to do. 'Immediately, we said that we didn't wish to separate her from her children. It's not their fault. Some of them were in the car with her that night. 'I can't even begin to imagine what nightmares they've had since then, because from the bits and pieces we do know, it was horrific. 'So with it being a remote process, we were more than happy with that, for their sake. They've always been in the forefront of our mind. 'When you're a mum and you know that you always want to be there to protect your children, her children are still important. 'So we just had to put our faith in our justice system, and we always did have faith in our justice system. And we had to rely on them to carry out whatever process they felt was suitable. 'We've never put any investment of thought or effort or any of our personal time into worrying about that. We're just happy with accountability.' Mrs Charles added she 'of course' wants Sacoolas to return to the UK for sentencing. Mr Dunn's mother said she had finally fulfilled the heartbreaking promise she made to her son on the night he died - that they would seek justice for him. Becoming emotional when recalling the night he died, she said: 'That night was and will always be the worst ever of our lives. 'I had no idea of what laid ahead, I had no idea that it was going to be this hard, but making that promise not only to him directly, hoping wherever he was at that point...' Mrs Charles took a moment to compose herself, before adding: 'I've never broken a promise to either of my boys, and I damn well was not going to start when I found out that it was not going to be as easy as I would have assumed it should have been. 'Getting to court and getting to where we are now has been the most monumental thing for me because I can talk to him now and tell him we've done it. Promise complete. 'I feel I can breathe easier. I don't have that guilt on my shoulders of not having done it yet. 'I've gone from not being able to feel proud because it hadn't yet been done, to now where I can say I now do feel proud. 'Most of all I feel proud of Harry because, without the values he had when he was with us, I'm not sure if we would have been as strong as what we are to get the job done.' Mr Dunn's father Tim said: 'I'm a bit different from Charlotte because I speak to Harry every day. 'I go up to the crash site quite a lot - I went there a couple of days ago to strim and put some daffodils in ready for the spring. The mother of Harry Dunn, Charlotte Charles, pictured centre, with stepfather Bruce Charles, right, arrive at Westminster Magistrates' Court where US citizen Anne Sacoolas made her first appearance in a British court on September 29 A court sketch shows Anne Sacoolas, 45, (right in TV screen) Harry Dunn's alleged killer, making her appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video-link from the United States on Thursday, September 29, as the 19-year-old's extended family watched on from the public gallery 'I speak to him every morning. I've got a photo - well, it's not actually, it's a drawing that a friend of mine had done - at the bottom of the stairs, of one of my favourite photos of me and Harry at the football. 'So I say to him every morning, "hello", and ask him if he's all right - it's just what I do. 'That night was horrific. It was the worst night ever. 'I have regrets. So, so bad - because at the time, at the crash, it never entered my head when I was at the scene and he was speaking - he was in a mess, don't get me wrong - but he was talking and I didn't think he was going to die. 'I really, really didn't. I regret, knowing now that he did die, that I didn't do more. 'I just beat myself up because I didn't go up to him up close, I only stood away and spoke to him. 'I wish I'd have gone and held Harry's hand or something - I don't know if it would have made any difference.' Asked what message he would have for his son now, Mr Dunn said: 'I would say to him, "hopefully we've done you proud". I miss him like mad. I miss him so much. 'But hopefully we've given hope to other families that they can do the same as us and get justice and believe and fight because it will happen in the end, it will happen.' Last month, Sacoolas made a first appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video-link. The hearing had been supposed to happen earlier, but was vacated to allow 'ongoing' discussion with the US suspect. At that hearing her lawyers said she would plead guilty to causing death by careless driving as Mr Dunn's extended family watched from the public gallery. Harry's mother, Charlotte, is consoled after the family spoke to the media outside the City of Westminster Magistrates Court on September 29 Wearing a blue suit jacket and a spotted scarf, she appeared next to her lawyer Amy Jeffress via video-link from the United States for the six-minute hearing. Harry's parents, alongside his twin brother Niall, arrived wearing either a green tie or a green scarf in memory of the teenager. Sacoolas looked straight ahead throughout the hearing. Asked to confirm her name she said: 'Hi, I'm Anne Elizabeth Sacoolas.' She went on to confirm her date of birth as August 28, 1977. The Dunn family told the PA news agency they would not be commenting on the case until the conclusion of criminal proceedings. Pictured is Harry's mother, Charlotte, after the hearing on September 29 Her barrister, Ben Cooper KC, said: 'I just wish to confirm for the record there is no indication of plea in relation to the charge of death by dangerous driving. 'There will in due course be a guilty plea to the charge of death by careless driving.' Prosecutors will have to decide whether that plea is acceptable to them or not, the court heard. Mr Atkinson said: 'She is charged with causing death by dangerous driving which is an indictable only offence and we therefore invite her case to be sent to the Crown Court.' The offence of causing death by dangerous driving carries the maximum of 14 years. Sending the case to the Old Bailey, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told the defendant: 'I hope you followed most of that. 'The first thing I have to do is send your case to the crown court. 'I'm going to grant you unconditional bail in this case - that means there are no restrictions from the court on you.' The Dunn family told the PA news agency they would not be commenting on the case until the conclusion of criminal proceedings. Mr Dunn's parents, Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn, pictured above on This Morning in October 2019 said they will make no comment until legal proceedings are finished In December the CPS said it remained 'committed to securing justice in this matter'. Immediately after that statement, Sacoolas' legal representatives said: 'While we have always been willing to discuss a virtual hearing, there is no agreement at this time.' An extradition request for Sacoolas was submitted by the Home Office after she was charged with death by dangerous driving, but that was rejected by the US State Department in January 2020. The family Mr Dunn were then advised that, although there could be no criminal proceedings in the US, they could bring a civil claim for damages against Sacoolas as her immunity was no longer valid when she returned to her home country. Lawyers acting on behalf of Sacoolas and her husband Jonathan attempted to throw the case out on the grounds it should be heard in the UK. Judge Thomas Ellis dismissed Sacoolas's submissions that the UK was a 'more convenient' forum, keeping the case in Virginia, describing the motion as 'not warranted'. Harry's parents then flew out to the US to give evidence under oath as part of the 'discovery' process. No 10 insisted that it was a confidence vote and rebels would be punished only for minister to undermine this There was also confusion over whether her chief whip Wendy Morton and her deputy Craig Whittaker quit The government defeated Labour's motion last night - but MPs reportedly barracked their own Prime Minister Advertisement Liz Truss' premiership appears to be in its death throes today after an anarchic 12 hours that saw her Home Secretary resign, reports of tears and tear-ups in the Commons over fracking and the Tory leader apparently chasing the Tory chief whip while begging her not to resign as her own MPs yelled 'shambles' in her face. Ms Truss may soon be the shortest serving Prime Minister in history with some of her MPs calling on her to go this morning 'in order to stop the shambles' and Tory backbencher Simon Hoare declared that she has just 12 hours to save her job. But admitting her survival looks unlikely, Mr Hoare said: 'The unsettling thing is that there isn't a route plan - it is hand to hand fighting on a day to day basis'. After just six weeks in the job, her power further drained away when Suella Braverman quit at 5pm last night, apparently after a 90-minute screaming match that was apparently heard reverberating through the office door and into No 10. And around two hours later it all kicked off in the Commons for a fracking vote billed by Downing Street as a confidence vote in the Prime Minister. The Tory MPs who have publicly called for Liz Truss to resign 1) Crispin Blunt 2) Andrew Bridgen 3) Jamie Wallis 4) Angela Richardson 5) Charles Walker 6) Will Wragg 7) Gary Streeter 8) Steve Double 9) Sheryll Murray 10) Henry Smith 11) Miriam Cates 12) Matthew Offord Advertisement Labour MP Chris Bryant said that some Conservatives were 'physically manhandled into another lobby and being bullied' and revealed that he had 'utterly desperate' Tory MPs 'crying on my shoulder'. He added: 'There will be individual MPs who went to bed crying - I know because they've told me so'. Chief Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy Craig Whittaker then appeared to quit after Truss reversed her plan to expel Tory MPs who voted against the Government on fracking. At 1.30am this morning Downing Street then insisted it was a confidence vote only for a minister to go on TV at 7.30am to say that it wasn't, as party discipline imploded as Tories were 'effing and blinding' at each other. Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan also repeatedly refused - including four times on the Today programme - to say if Liz Truss would lead the Tories into the next election. Amid chaotic scenes in the Commons, Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey and Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg were accused of 'manhandling' MPs through the voting lobbies a claim both ministers denied. As Government discipline collapsed, Mr Whittaker was heard telling his colleagues: 'I am f***ing furious and I don't give a f*** any more.' Tory MPs were seen shouting at an ashen-faced Miss Truss: 'It's a shambles.' The PM was apparently seen running after her chief whip begging her not to quit while she was barracked by her own backbenchers. Jacob Rees-Mogg later revealed he had no idea if the party still had a chief whip. And today there is still confusion over whether Ms Morton and Mr Whittaker are in post. Anne-Marie Trevelyan said the chief whip did not resign after last night's Commons vote, to her knowledge. Asked if Wendy Morton quit on Wednesday evening, she said: 'Not that I'm aware of, no.' One MP who voted for fracking told the Mirror: 'F***ing c**ts! I should have rebelled. I am f***ed in my constituency now'. Tory MP Gary Streeter said the party must ditch Liz Truss - the 8th backbencher to call for her resignation. 'Sadly, it seems we must change leader BUT even if the angel Gabriel now takes over, the parliamentary party has to urgently rediscover discipline, mutual respect and teamwork if we are to (i) govern the UK well and (ii) avoid slaughter at the next election,' he said on Twitter, adding the hashtag #lastchance. Cornwall MP Sheryll Murray said: 'I had high hopes for Liz Truss but after what happened last night her position has become untenable and I have submitted a letter to Sir Graham Brady'. As Ms Truss's fate seems to be slipping out of her hands just 44 days into her premiership: Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he has asked the Serjeant at Arms and other officials to investigate allegations made about incidents in the Commons on Wednesday night; The 1922 Committee meets this morning with Sir Graham Brady being urged to step in and tell the Prime Minister her time is up. One member of the 1922 told ITV News that the 'odds are against' Liz Truss surviving the day; Cabinet members are said to be eying November 1 for her departure - after Jeremy Hunt delivers his medium term fiscal plan. But backbenchers say she must be removed immediately to 'avoid slaughter at the next election'; Her supporters claim that she is 'determined to go on' and is working as normal in Downing Street with several calls with foreign leaders in the diary; Liz Truss arrives at the Houses of Parliament last night where Tory discipline vanished and she was yelled at by her own MPs Suella Braverman returned home from the school run this morning after quitting as Home Secretary yesterday amid claims she had a 90-minute row with the PM over immigration first Labour MP Chris Bryant shared this photo on Twitter that he says shows Jacob Rees-Mogg and Therese Coffey walking Tory MP Alex Stafford through the lobby to vote against Labour's motion on fracking. There were claims that MPs were being bullied and manhandled Chief Whip of the House of Commons Wendy Morton arrives in Downing Street this morning amid confusion about whether she has quit. Liz Truss apparently chased her in the Commons to beg her to stay in her job last night Chris Bryant speaks to the Deputy Speaker in the House of Commons, demanding an investigation into the goings-on within the lobby Pressed on whether Ms Morton resigned at any time and then was convinced to return to her post, Ms Trevelyan told Sky News: 'So, I wasn't there. I voted early in the lobbies and then had important security issues to deal with at the Department (for) Transport. The chaotic evening at Westminster that left Liz Truss on the brink October 19 4.55pm: Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigns. The popular figure among the Tory right told Ms Truss she had made a 'technical infringement' of the rules by sending an official document from a personal email and was now taking responsibility. 'I have made a mistake; I accept responsibility; I resign,' she wrote in a barely-coded dig at the Prime Minister whose disastrous mini-budget sparked financial turmoil. In her resignation letter, she added an attack on Truss, declaring: 'The business of government relies upon people accepting responsibility for their mistakes. 'Pretending we haven't made mistakes, carrying on as if everyone can't see that we have made them, and hoping that things will magically come right is not serious politics. 7.43pm: Chaos breaks out in the voting lobby of the Commons. Deputy PM Therese Coffey and Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg faced claims that they were present when Conservative backbencher Alex Stafford was 'physically pulled' into a voting lobby. There were also allegations of shouting and finger-pointing which left some Tory MPs in tears during turbulent scenes in the Commons after they were ordered to support fracking against their wishes. In another dramatic twist, Conservative Chief Whip Wendy Morton was said to have quit on the spot after she was undermined by a last-minute change in the terms of the vote by Downing Street, which appeared to mean it was no longer a confidence vote in the Government. Meanwhile her deputy Craig Whittaker was seen storming out of the lobby and declaring: 'I am ****ing furious and I don't give a **** any more.' 8.10pm: Sir Charles Walker, the MP for Broxbourne, told BBC News: 'I really shouldn't say this but I hope that all those people that put Liz Truss in Number 10, I hope it was worth it. 'I hope it was worth it for the ministerial red box. 'I hope it was worth it to sit around the Cabinet table, because the damage they have done to our party is extraordinary.' 9pm: Labour's motion to secure Commons time to consider legislation to ban fracking was defeated by 230 votes to 326, majority 96. October 20 1.30am: Downing St says the fracking vote was a confidence vote - and those who opposed the Government will be punished 7.30am: Asked if it was a confidence vote, Transport Secretary Anne Marie Trevelyan tells Sky: 'No.' She said 'most' rebels will have 'very strong constituency reasons' for breaking the whip. Advertisement 'So I didn't follow the machinations in detail. I'm afraid I was busy doing my job. But as is clear, they are both in post and that's good news.' Conservative MP Crispin Blunt said Liz Truss's position is 'wholly untenable'. Asked how he would describe her position on Thursday morning, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Wholly untenable. And if she doesn't understand that then I would be astonished. 'But one of the qualities she has shown is a lack of self-knowledge to this whole process, because it ought to have been clear that she did not have the capacity to lead our party and I don't think she should have put herself up for the leadership in the first place. 'All of that has now been confirmed. It's plain what is required. We need to affect a change, frankly, today, in order to stop this shambles and give our country the governance it needs under our constitution.' He said there is an 'obvious' choice for who should be the next prime minister - Jeremy Hunt or Rishi Sunak. Mr Bryant said he has never seen scenes like the ones that unfolded ahead of the fracking vote in the Commons on Wednesday. The MP of 21 years told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I have never seen scenes like that, and lots of other MPs have said the same, including you know Charles Walker was saying pretty much the same last night. 'Honestly, this was the most extraordinary scene that I've seen in my time, and anyway, even if it has happened in the past, that is not how we should do our business - we are not the Italian parliament - and all of this is happening because there is complete chaos in Government. There isn't a Government. 'And when the thread of Government sort of falls apart, this is what will end up happening day in day out: you will just have complete and utter chaos. 'I had Tory MPs later in the evening literally, including one whip actually, crying on my shoulder. 'They are in the territory of being utterly desperate about what's going on.' In an astonishing few hours, she sacked Suella Braverman after a 90-minute 'shouting match' and saw her Chief Whip 'resign'. The ousted Home Secretary launched an outspoken attack on the PM, accusing her of breaking key pledges and wobbling over manifesto commitments such as reduced migration. One Cabinet ally of the PM said it looked impossible for her to recover her authority, adding: 'It feels like it's over.' Senior Tory MPs were urgently discussing strategies for ousting Miss Truss, although the precise timing and mechanism remain unclear as does the question of who might succeed her. Some MPs believe her authority is draining away so quickly that she will be forced to resign by the weekend, possibly as early as today. The departure of Mrs Braverman came just five days after Mr Kwarteng was sacked in the wake of the market turmoil triggered by last month's emergency Budget. A source said the email she sent from her phone about immigration policy was a 'clear breach' of the ministerial code's requirement to respect confidentiality. Mrs Braverman last night acknowledged the 'mistake' but said the policy was due to be announced 'imminently', and that much of it had already been briefed to MPs. One Whitehall source said the 'trivial' episode appeared to be a pretext for removing a senior minister who had made no secret of her continuing leadership ambitions. 'She's obviously gone because of a bust-up,' the source said. 'She was always a flight risk, like Penny Mordaunt she's positioning herself for what's to come.' Two sources said the Home Secretary's departure followed a meeting between the pair the previous evening over immigration policy. Commons Speaker launches investigation into claims of manhandling and bullying by Tory MPs during fracking vote Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said today he has asked the Serjeant at Arms and other officials to investigate allegations made about incidents in the Commons on Wednesday night. In a statement to MPs, he said: 'I remind Members that the behaviour code applies to them as well as to other members of our parliamentary community.' Sir Lindsay then told the Commons: 'I wish to say something about the reports of behaviour in the division lobbies last night. 'I have asked the Serjeant at Arms and other senior officials to investigate the incident and report back to me. I will then update the House. 'I remind Members that the behaviour code applies to them as well as to other members of our parliamentary community, and this gives me another opportunity to talk about the kind of House I want to see and I believe that the vast majority of MPs also want to see. 'I want this to be a House in which we, while we might have very strong political disagreements, treat each other courteously and with respect, and we should show the same courtesy and respect to those who work with and for us. 'To that end I will be meeting with senior party representatives to seek an agreed position that behaviour like that described last night is not acceptable in all circumstances.' Advertisement One described the 90-minute encounter as a 'shouting match', saying raised voices could be heard outside. Another said Mrs Braverman was furious at being asked to relax immigration rules in order to boost economic growth and satisfy the Office for Budget Responsibility that the Government's economic plans added up. A source said she told Miss Truss the idea was 'insane, adding: 'Are we just going to junk every manifesto commitment going?' Mrs Braverman has also clashed with the PM over her plan to relax visa rules as part of a major trade deal with India. Downing Street is now braced for the possibility of a resignation speech in the Commons from Mrs Braverman later today. Miss Truss is said to have initially planned to appoint Mr Javid as Home Secretary, a role he has filled before. But the two were locked in stand-off because of the briefing row over which has seen Truss' aide Jason Stein suspended. Some MPs believe her authority is draining away so quickly that she will be forced to resign by the weekend, possibly as early as today. Downing Street said Mrs Braverman, the shortest serving Home Secretary of modern times, had resigned after sending a confidential document to a Tory MP in breach of the ministerial code. But multiple sources said her departure followed a 'fiery' 90-minute meeting between the pair in No 10 the previous night in which the Home Secretary warned the PM it would be 'insane' to relax immigration rules in order to boost economic growth. In an explosive resignation letter last night Mrs Braverman suggested that the PM should quit and savaged her record. 'It is obvious to everyone that we are going through a tumultuous time,' she wrote. 'I have concerns about the direction of this Government. Not only have we broken key pledges that were promised to our voters, but I have had serious concerns about this Government's commitment to honouring manifesto commitments, such as reducing overall migration numbers.' The Deputy Prime Minister and at least one other Cabinet member were personally involved in 'manhandling' Conservative MPs through the lobby to vote against Labour's motion to ban fracking, Labour MP Chris Bryant has said. The vote turned into chaos after climate minister Graham Stuart caused confusion by telling the Commons as the debate ended: 'Quite clearly this is not a confidence vote.' This was in direct contradiction to earlier briefings, when Conservative whips initially stated the vote was being treated as a 'confidence motion' in Liz Truss's embattled Government. But when Conservative MP Ruth Edwards (Rushcliffe) asked to clarify if those Tories who abstain or vote against the motion will lose the party whip, Mr Stuart added: 'That is a matter for party managers, and I am not a party manager.' The Government defeated Labour's bid to ban fracking amid farcical scenes in the House of Commons this evening. Allegations of bullying were levelled against Government whips, with Labour former minister Chris Bryant saying some MPs had been 'physically manhandled into another lobby and being bullied'. He told Sky he had seen Conservative MP Alex Stafford being 'manhandled' through the lobby by a group of MPs which included Therese Coffey, Deputy Prime Minister, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. But Mr Stafford later tweeted that 'no-one pushes me around' in a denial of Mr Bryant's version of events. Sources close to Deputy PM Therese Coffey have also denied that she was involved in any 'manhandling'. Jacob Rees-Mogg has also denied the claims, saying there was a 'heated exchange' but no bullying. He said: 'There were discussions going on, and there was a discussion about the vote that was taking place, and this was what normally goes on outside the division lobby.' 'I heard one person swear and use an expletive... a Conservative, when going into the division lobby, swear and say, sort of, 'get on with it', but he wasn't saying it to an individual. 'I didn't see any bullying and I saw nobody being manhandled.' Mr Rees-Mogg said there had been 'confusion' after a 'junior official' from No 10 had relayed a message to the Government front bench that it was no longer a confidence vote. 'Nobody else was aware of that. Most members thought it was a vote of confidence,' he said. Mr Bryant told the Speaker in the moments after the vote result was announced: 'I would urge you to launch an investigation into the scenes outside the lobby earlier. As you know members are supposed to be able to vote without fear or favour. 'And the behaviour code which is agreed by the whole of the house says there will never be bullying or harassment of members. 'I saw members being physically manhandled into another lobby and being bullied 'If we want to stand up against bullying in this house of our staff, we have to stop bullying in this chamber.' While Mr Bryant was speaking, several other Labour MPs sitting behind him could be heard alleging some of those forced through to vote by Conservatives were 'crying'. He added to Sky News: 'In the area just as you go into the no lobby, which is where the Tory whips were gathered, the MPs were clearly uncertain whether they were allowed to vote with the Labour motion or against it because of what had been said in the chamber... 'There was a group including several Cabinet members who were basically shouting at them and at least one member was physically pulled through the door into the voting lobby. 'That is completely out of order in our system. 'I have never ever seen a member physically manhandled through a division lobby. 'Four members I think it was. I know Therese Coffey was in the group and Jacob Rees-Mogg was in the group, and there were others as well. 'The group all moved forward with the one member, and that person was, to my mind, he will have to speak for himself, he was to my mind physically manhandled into the lobby.' He named the MP in question as Alexander Stafford, but Mr Stafford has since said on Twitter that 'no-one pushes me around'. Liz Truss is on record as having not voted last night - after whips were threatening to remove the whip from any MP who didn't vote against the motion. He added he has photos of the scenes in the lobby which he will pass on to the Speaker and Deputy. Mr Bryant also said that before MPs allegedly resorted to manhandling, there was 'very aggressive' pointing. He concluded: 'I've been an MP for 21 years. I've never seen that.' It was thought that both Chief Conservative Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy Craig Whittaker had quit their roles after the shambolic vote, after multiple sources said Ms Morton walked into the lobby area and said: 'I'm no longer the Chief Whip' before storming out, followed by Liz Truss. Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg was asked live on Sky News whether the Chief Whip remained in post, to which he said he did not know. After more than two hours, No10 confirmed shortly before 10pm on Thursday that both the Chief Whip and Deputy remain in post. One miserable Cabinet source told MailOnline: 'At this rate I'm going to be PM by Christmas. 'The writing was on the wall for Wendy since the day of her appointment.' Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said he was 'not entirely clear what the situation is with chief whip'. Meanwhile Chris Walker, a Conservative MP of 17 years, told the BBC: 'This whole affair is inexcusable. It is a pitiful reflection on the Conservative Party.' When asked whether there is a way back for the government, Mr Walker said: 'I don't think so.' He added: 'This is an absolute disgrace. 'I think it's a shambles and a disgrace. I am livid. 'I hope all those people who put Liz Truss in No.10 I hope it was worth it. [...] Because the damage they have done to our party is extraordinary.' 'I've had enough. I've had enough of talentless people putting their tick in the right box, not because it's in the national interest, but because it's in their personal interest.' But former Culture Secretary described Mr Bryant's comments as 'nonsense', despite dozens of tweets from MPs in the lobby at the time which appear to back up his claims. Earlier, Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg sought to limit the rebellion by insisting communities will have a 'veto' on fracking in their area. He said national government would be unable to overrule the objections from communities, with one option under consideration involving local referendums for areas where fracking is proposed. Mr Rees-Mogg, in a message directed at Conservative MPs, told the Commons: 'There's an absolute local consent lock. 'Any process to determine local consent must be run independently and this House will vote on any scheme that we bring forward.' Labour's motion was defeated by 230 votes to 326, majority 96, but the Commons heard there were 'very strong rumours' the Government chief whip Wendy Morton had resigned. Liz Truss's government was in the grip of a wider massive meltdown after Suella Braverman quit as home secretary just hours before the Chief Whip left too. In yet another day of madness in Westminster Ms Braverman was removed for breaching protocol by sending an email from her personal account to a contact revealing details of an announcement on immigration policy. It is unclear whether she resigned herself or was asked to by the Prime Minister. But in another hammer blow for the PM's chances of clinging on, she also complained that the government was breaking promises. She swiped that when people made 'mistakes' - something Ms Truss has admitted - the right thing to do was quit. Ms Truss responded with a much briefer letter saying it is 'important the Ministerial Code is upheld' and quickly installed Grant Shapps - a Rishi Sunak supporter - as a replacement. But the feeling of a rudderless government later deepened in the Commons. In another sign of evaporating Government control, 40 MPs refused to back the government in a vote over fracking. The rebrand cost $220,000 and was questioned by the environmental minister On Thursday, the BoM clarified Aussies could refer to them 'any way they wish' The bureau had on Tuesday asked not to be referred to as the 'Bom' The Bureau of Meteorology has backed down on their bizarre media request The Bureau of Meteorology has backflipped on its very costly demand to not be called the 'BoM' - now telling Australians they can refer to the bureau in 'any way they wish'. The agency had spent $220,000 on external consultancy firms for the rebrand of its name and logo, which included conducting research and developing banners. The bureau had on Tuesday requested it be referred to by its full name, and not the BoM, saying it was concerned differing names for their agency would lead to confusion amid an 'ever-increasing number of severe weather events'. But the bureau has now backed down on their demands following widespread mockery of the rebrand. 'The community is welcome to refer to the Bureau in any way they wish, including referring to us as the 'BoM',' a BoM spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology bizarrely requested it no longer be referred to as 'BOM' earlier in the week - despite using the name on its social media and applications The bureau's Twitter account also features the 'BOM' name for its handle and display picture 'It is up to individual media outlets to determine their style guidelines.' The forecasting service's update has come just two days after their original statement. 'With an ever-increasing number of severe weather events, it is more crucial than ever that the Bureau of Meteorology's insights, wisdom and information are shared, understood and acted upon,' read the media release, despite appearing under a Twitter handle featuring the 'BoM' acronym. It comes despite the Bureau featuring the 'BoM' acronym on all of its social media accounts and applications A number of prospective Twitter handles the bureau may want have were snapped up by cheeky Aussies 'To support this need, the Bureau of Meteorology asks that media outlets update editorial style to ensure references to the organisation are by its full name, the Bureau of Meteorology or the Bureau for short, and not BOM or the Weather Bureau.' The initial statement was blasted by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. 'My focus and the focus of the BoM should be on weather, not branding,' Ms Plibersek said on Wednesday. 'The Bureau of Meteorology, the BoM Australians will make up their own minds about what they call it.' 2GB radio host Deborah Knight was also left bewildered by the rebrand and subsequent backflip, describing it as a 'complete failure'. 'What a load of b*****ks,' she said. 'What was the point of this entire exercise? It's an absolute joke. 'Stop wasting your money on ridiculous thought bubbles and consultants and just get the forecast right for God's sake!' When the bureau first announced the rebrand, it became apparent they hadn't reserved three of the Twitter handles they intended on using. Cheeky Aussies created accounts under the proposed handles within minutes of the BoM's announcement on Tuesday. 'TheBureau_AUS', 'TheBureau_NSW' and 'TheBureau_ACT' were all taken up by a man, nicknaming the accounts 'Australia's Little Bureau' and 'Human Guy People Man'. Volunteers frantically working to keep the swollen Campaspe River at bay as the flooding risk in Echuca, Victoria continues The most brutal takedown came from a parody account titled The Bureau WA. 'We know half the country is under water, and that we should be preparing for all the cyclones that'll hit WA this year, but rest assured our top priority is that you stop calling us 'the BOM'. #TheBureau,' they tweeted. The widespread lampooning did not end with the Twitter accounts, parody groups, journalists and notable Aussies all mocked the rebrand on the website too. Journalists shared the release, confused by the fact it was coming from profiles that clearly read 'BOM AU'. 'The weather bureau: Do not call us the BOM. Also the weather bureau,' one Twitter user posted under a picture of their handle reading the 'BoM'. 'The Bureau of Meteorology (whose website is bom.gov.au and whose app is called BOM Weather) is asking media not to refer to the organisation as 'BOM',' another wrote under the BoM's tweet. The BoM's official Twitter account has even 'liked' some tweets poking fun at the rebrand. Advertisement The US Marine accused of kidnapping an Afghan orphan from her relatives by luring them to the US last year is the Mennonite son of a pro-golfer who is married with two sons, DailyMail.com can reveal. Joshua Mast, 39, and his wife Stephanie, 38, have been sued by the child's adult cousin and his wife in a federal court in Virginia. The Afghan couple, who have not been named, say the American pair stole her from them last year, after trying unsuccessfully to have her brought to the US for years. The complex saga began in September 2019 when the girl's father, mother and siblings died in a US raid on their home. Mast claims her father was a terrorist who detonated a suicide vest as US troops moved in on their home. She survived the blast but was taken to a US military hospital and spent two months there until she was handed to her surviving relatives - the cousin and his wife. Joshua Mast, 39, and his wife Stephanie, 38, have been sued by the child's adult cousin and his wife in a federal court in Virginia. They are shown with one of their two sons in a years-old family photo The couple are both named as defendants in the lawsuit. They are shown with their two sons (left) at a family wedding Stephanie and Joshua are accused of trying to use US courts to force the girl into their custody, rather than following Afghan law Mast with other members of his family. His father, Dick (far left) is a pro-golfer who used to play for the PGA. His mother Roberta (second left) is a realtor in Virginia College records show Joshua was homeschooled in Florida. He later moved to Virginia, and now lives in North Carolina with his family Mast has been trying to get the girl to the US for years. He said in court filings that he wants to 'save her from terror' Mast believed she would be 'condemned' to sex trafficking or terrorism if left in Afghanistan, even if she had family there to care for her. He tried unsuccessfully for years to get the family to send her to America, according to court records obtained by The Associated Press. In 2021, as the final US troops were pulling out of Afghanistan and the Taliban was taking over, he secured passports for the family. He arranged for them to travel to the US via Germany. They arrived at Fort Pickett Base in Virginia late in the summer of 2021 and, the couple claims he physically took the baby from them. They say they haven't seen her since, and are now suing in federal court to get her back, while living as refugees in Texas. Meanwhile Mast, his wife Stephanie, the girl and their two older sons are living in Hampstead, North Carolina. DailyMail.com can reveal that he is the son of pro-golfer Dick Mast, a 71-year-old PGA golfer with four professional wins under his belt. Joshua is one of Dick's many sons, who all share a passion for their faith. His brother, Richard Mast, is a lawyer and advocate for The Liberty Counsel, a right-wing, religion-driven organization. The Afghan couple have not been named, but shared their story anonymously with The Associated Press, the first media outlet to report on the extraordinary chain of events. Mast's story is that in a raid in 2019, the girl's birth father killed himself, her mother and her siblings by detonating a suicide vest during a raid. She was only two months old and survived. He wanted to save her from 'terror', so started the process of trying to adopt her. By 2021, he was no closer but had made repeated appeals to the White House, Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. In the meantime, the girl's adult cousin and his wife had taken her into their care. They considered themselves her legal guardians, as did the law in Afghanistan. Joshua Mast's 71-year-old father Dick is a pro golfer who used to play on the PGA tour When the last troops were pulling out of Kabul last September, the couple brought the girl to the airport and begged the Marines there to be put on a plane. Mast was among them. He presented them with a passport for the baby girl, but it had his last name on it. They nonetheless hopped on one of the refugee flights to America, grateful to have been taken out of the reach of the Taliban. But within weeks of their arrival, they say Mast physically snatched the girl from them - and has since refused to give her back. 'After they took her, our tears never stop,' the woman told The Associated Press. 'Right now, we are just dead bodies. Our hearts are broken. We have no plans for a future without her. Food has no taste and sleep gives us no rest,' they said. In a federal lawsuit filed in September, the Afghan family accuses the Masts of false imprisonment, conspiracy, fraud and assault. The family has asked the court to shield their identity out of concerns for their relatives back in Afghanistan. The Masts call the Afghan family's claims 'outrageous, unmerited attacks' on their integrity. They argue in court filings that they have worked 'to protect the child from physical, mental or emotional harm.' They say the Afghan couple are 'not her lawful parents,' and Mast's attorney cast doubt on whether the Afghans were even related to the baby. 'Joshua and Stephanie Mast have done nothing but ensure she receives the medical care she requires, at great personal expense and sacrifice, and provide her a loving home,' wrote the Masts' attorneys. The baby's identity has been kept private, listed only as Baby L or Baby Doe. The Afghan couple had given the baby an Afghan name; the Masts gave her an American one. Originally from Florida, Joshua Mast married his wife Stephanie and attended Liberty University, an evangelical Christian college in Lynchburg, Virginia. He graduated in 2008, and got his law degree there in 2014. In 2019, they were living with their sons in Palmyra, a small rural Virginia town, when Joshua Mast was sent on a temporary assignment to Afghanistan. Mast, then a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a military lawyer for the federal Center for Law and Military Operations. That September in 2019 was one of the deadliest months of the entire U.S. occupation in Afghanistan, with more than 110 civilians killed in the first week alone. On Sept. 6, 2019, the U.S. attacked a remote compound. No details about this event are publicly available, but in court documents Mast claims that classified reports show the U.S. government 'sent helicopters full of special operators to capture or kill' a foreign fighter. Mast said that rather than surrender, a man detonated a suicide vest; five of his six children in the room were killed, and their mother was shot to death while resisting arrest. 'After they took her, our tears never stop. Right now, we are just dead bodies. Our hearts are broken. We have no plans for a future without her. Food has no taste and sleep gives us no rest Afghan couple Sehla Ashai and Maya Eckstein, attorneys for the Afghan couple, dispute Mast's account. They say the baby's parents were actually farmers, unaffiliated with any terrorist group. And they described the event as a tragedy that left two innocent civilians and five of their children dead. Both sides agree that when the dust settled, U.S. troops pulled the badly injured infant from the rubble. The baby had a fractured skull, broken leg and serious burns.She was about two months old. Mast called the baby a 'victim of terrorism.' His attorney said she 'miraculously survived.' The baby was rushed to a military hospital, where she was placed in the care of the Defense Department. The International Committee of the Red Cross told AP that they began searching for her family with the Afghan government, often a plodding process in rural parts of the country where record-keeping is scant. At first, they didn't even know the baby's name. Meanwhile, Mast said, he was 'aggressively' advocating to get her to the U.S. Over several months, he wrote to then-Vice President Mike Pence's office, according to exhibits filed in court. He said his colleagues in the military tried to talk to President Donald Trump about the baby during a Thanksgiving visit to Bagram Airfield. Mast also said he made four requests over two weeks to then-White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, asking for help to medically evacuate the baby 'to be treated in a safe environment.' The Afghan couple say that they were lured to the US in summer last year. They claim Mast told them to leave Afghanistan while they had the chance and arranged passports for their family, ensuring the girl traveled with them. But they say once they got to the US, he snatched the baby from them at a refugee camp and has since refused to give her back The Masts were represented by Joshua's brother Richard Mast, an attorney with the conservative Christian legal group Liberty Counsel, which says it is not involved in this case. In emails to military officials, Mast alleged that Pence told the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to 'make every effort' to get her to the United States. Mast signed his emails with a Bible verse: '`Live for an Audience of one, for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.' The U.S. Embassy never heard from Pence's office, said a Department of State official, who requested anonymity because they did not have permission to speak publicly about the situation. But they did begin getting highly unusual inquiries about the possibility of sending the baby to the U.S. The diplomats were rattled by the suggestion that the U.S. could just take her away; they believed the baby belonged to Afghanistan. 'I was aware that it may not be smooth sailing ahead, but that just made me more determined to do the right thing,' the State Department official said. About six weeks after the baby was rescued, the U.S. Embassy called for a meeting, attended by representatives of the Red Cross, the Afghan government and the American military, including Mast. The State Department wanted to make sure everyone understood its position: Under international humanitarian law, the U.S. was obliged to do everything possible to reunite the baby with her next of kin. The couple claim that they were lured to the Fort Pickett base in Virginia last summer and were separated from the girl by Mast At the meeting, Mast asked about adoption, the State Department official said. Attendees from Afghanistan's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs explained that by Afghan law and custom, they had to place the baby with her biological family. If that did not work, the Afghan Children's Court would determine a proper guardian. The American concept of adoption doesn't even exist in Afghanistan. Under Islamic law, a child's bloodline cannot be severed and their heritage is sacred. Instead of adoption, a guardianship system called kafala allows Muslims to take in orphans and raise them as family, without relinquishing the child's name or bloodline. American adoptions from Afghanistan are rare and only possible for Muslim-American families of Afghan descent. The State Department recognizes 14 American adoptions from Afghanistan over the past decade, none in the past two years. Yet two days after the embassy meeting, a letter was sent to U.S. officials in Kabul from Kimberley Motley, a near-celebrity American attorney in Afghanistan, the State Department official said. Motley wrote that she was representing an unnamed concerned American citizen who wished to adopt this baby. Motley declined to be interviewed by the AP. Mast also continued his appeals to American politicians. The U.S. Embassy began hearing from Congressional staffers about the baby, and diplomats met with a military general, the official said. The general in turn put a 'gag order' on military personnel about the baby and said 'no one was to advocate on her behalf,' Mast wrote in a legal filing. But he wasn't ready to give up. The Masts searched for a solution halfway around the world - in rural Fluvanna County, Virginia, where they lived. They petitioned the local Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, describing the baby as a 'stateless minor recovered off the battlefield.' In early November 2019, a judge granted them legal custody. The name of this judge is not publicly available because juvenile records are sealed in Virginia. A few days later, a certificate of foreign birth listed Joshua and Stephanie Mast as parents. The custody order was based on the Masts' assertion that the Afghan government - specifically now-deposed President Ashraf Ghani - intended to waive jurisdiction over the child 'in a matter of days,' according to a hearing transcript. The waiver never arrived. In an email to AP, Ghani's former deputy chief of staff Suhrob Ahmad said there is 'no record of this alleged statement of waiver of Afghan jurisdiction.' Ahmad said he and the head of the Administrative Office of the President do not remember any such request going through the court system as required. The U.S. Embassy heard that Mast was granted custody. Military lawyers assured them that the Marine was just preparing in case Afghanistan waived jurisdiction, but would not interfere with the search for the baby's family, according to the State Department official. Yet all along they planned to adopt the baby, according to records obtained from the state of Virginia under a Freedom of Information Act request. Richard Mast wrote the Attorney General's office in November 2019 that the Masts 'will file for adoption as soon as statutorily possible.' In the meantime, Joshua Mast enrolled the baby in the Defense Department health care system, made an appointment at a U.S. International Adoption Clinic and asked to have her evacuated. Then came a surprise: The Red Cross said they'd found her family. She was about five months old. International attorney Kimberly Motley was at some stage involved in the girl's case. She is also being used by the Afghan couple, who say the US Marine is trying to breach international adoption law In late 2019, Afghan officials told the U.S. Embassy that the baby's paternal uncle had been identified, and he decided his son and daughter-in-law were best suited to take her, according to court records. They were young, educated newlyweds with no children yet of their own, and lived in a city with access to hospitals. The young man worked in a medical office and ran a co-ed school, which is unusual in Afghanistan. His wife graduated from high school at the top of her class, and is fluent in three languages, including English. They had married for love, unlike many Afghans in arranged marriages. Mast expressed doubts about the newly-found uncle, describing him in court records as 'an anonymous person of unknown nationality' and claiming that turning the baby over to him was 'inherently dangerous.' He asked the Red Cross to put him in touch, but they refused. Mast believed she was the daughter of transient terrorists who are citizens of no country, his attorney said. He also speculated that if reunited with her family, she could be made a child soldier or a suicide bomber, sold into sex trafficking, hit in a U.S. military strike, or stoned for being a girl. But Afghanistan did not waver: the child was a citizen of their country. Mast's attorney sent the U.S. Embassy a 'cease and desist' letter warning them not to hand the baby over, according to the State Department official. But on February 26, 2020, the Masts learned that the U.S. was preparing to put the baby, now nearly 8 months old, on a plane early the following morning to join her family in another Afghan city. The Masts, represented by Richard Mast, sued the secretaries of Defense and State in a federal court in Virginia, asking for an emergency restraining order to stop them. The Masts claimed they were the baby's 'lawful permanent legal guardians.' Within hours, four federal attorneys - two from the Justice Department and two from the U.S. Attorney's Office - were on the phone, and Richard Mast was in Federal Judge Norman Moon's office. Richard Mast said the baby should not be 'condemned to suffer.' He complained that the Afghan government had not conducted DNA testing to confirm the family they found was truly related to the child. But the Justice Department attorneys said they had no right to mandate how the Afghan government vets the family, and that the Red Cross - which has reunited relatives in war zones for more than a century - had confirmed it was done properly. Further, the federal government's attorneys described the Masts' custody documents from state court as 'unlawful,' 'deeply flawed and incorrect,' and 'issued on a false premise that has never happened' - that Afghanistan would waive jurisdiction. Judge Moon asked Richard Mast: 'Your client is not asking to adopt the child?' 'No sir,' Mast responded. 'He wants to get her medical treatment in the United States.' Justice Department attorneys argued that the United States must meet its international obligations. Attorney Alexander Haas put it simply: Taking another country's citizen to the United States 'would have potentially profound implications on our military and foreign affairs interests.' Judge Moon ruled against the Masts, and the baby stayed in Afghanistan. The next day, she was united with her biological family. The Afghan couple wept with joy. 'We didn't think she would come back to her family alive,' said the young Afghan man. 'It was the best day of our lives. After a long time, she had a chance to have a family again.' As the months passed in her new home in Afghanistan, the girl loved getting henna painted on her hands and dressing up in new clothes, the Afghan couple said. She always wanted to do her new mother's makeup, or brush her hair. 'She knew about Allah, about clothes, about the names of food,' the woman wrote. The couple cared for her as if she was their own daughter, but with an extra measure of tenderness because of the unimaginable tragedy she'd already suffered. 'We never wanted her to feel she couldn't have something she wanted,' said the young man. Meanwhile, Mast continued to worry that the child was 'in an objectively dangerous situation,' Richard Mast wrote in court documents. The Masts asked Kimberley Motley, the attorney, to track down the family, saying he wanted to get the child medical treatment in the U.S, Motley said in court records. Motley contacted the Afghan family in March 2020, about a week after the baby was placed in her new home. Motley is named as a defendant in their lawsuit, but her attorney, Michael Hoernlein, told AP the claims against her are 'meritless.' In court documents, Motley's attorneys describe her role as professional and above-board, and asked that the claims against her be dismissed. Motley had originally gone to Afghanistan in 2008 under an American-funded initiative to train local lawyers. She stayed, largely representing foreigners charged with crimes. She took on high-profile human rights cases, gave a TED Talk and wrote a book. Over the course of a year, Motley called for updates about the child and occasionally asked for photos. In July, around the baby's first birthday, the couple sent Motley a snapshot of the child in swim trunks, smiling and splashing in a wading pool. At the same time, the Masts' adoption case was still winding through the court system in Fluvanna County, Virginia. In December 2020, the state court granted the Masts a final adoption order based on the finding that the child 'remains up to this point in time an orphaned, undocumented, stateless minor,' according to a federal lawsuit. Fluvanna County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Richard E. Moore did not respond to repeated requests for clarity on how the cases progressed. International adoption lawyers were baffled. 'If you have relatives there who are saying, `no, no, no, we want our daughter, we want our little girl,' it's over,' said Irene Steffas, an adoption and immigration attorney. 'There is no way the U.S. is going to get into a match with another country when it comes to a child that's a citizen of that country.' Karen Law, a Virginia attorney who specializes in international adoption, said state law requires an accredited agency to visit three times over six months and compile a report before an adoption can be finalized. The child must be present for the visits - but this baby was thousands of miles away. On July 10, 2021, around the baby's second birthday, Motley facilitated the first phone call between the Afghan couple and Joshua Mast, with the aid translator Ahmad Osmani, a Baptist pastor of Afghan descent. Mast told the Afghan couple that unless they sent the child to the United States for medical care, she could 'be blind, brain damaged, and/or permanently physically disabled.' But the Afghan man now raising her, who had worked in the medical field, did not think her burn scars, a leg injury and mysterious allergic reactions amounted to a life-altering condition in the way Mast described. The couple declined sending the baby to the United States. The woman was pregnant, and worried about the risk of such a long flight. They said they asked Mast: Could they take the baby to Pakistan or India for treatment instead? The answer was no, their lawsuit says. The conversations continued for months. Osmani, the translator, vouched for the Masts and described them as kind and trustworthy, according to the lawsuit, which names him as a defendant. Osmani did not respond to requests for comment. He asked a federal judge to throw out the lawsuit, and said he never deceived anyone. He was only a 'mere translator.' His attorneys wrote: 'No good deed goes unpunished.' In late summer 2021, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Mast said he contacted the family to bring the baby to the U.S. 'before the country collapsed.' He said he was 'extremely concerned that they may not get another chance.' The couple agreed. Mast applied for special visas for the Afghan family and for relatives of Osmani, the translator, according to court records. They characterized the Afghan couple as an escort for a 'U.S. military dependent' - the baby. In an email to U.S. officials filed in court, Mast wrote that Osmani was 'very instrumental to helping a U.S. Marine adopt an Afghan child.' Soon, the Afghan family began their days-long journey to the U.S. Joshua Mast told them to say he was their lawyer. 'If anyone asks to talk about your documents, show them this text: I am Major Joshua Mast, USMC. I am a Judge Advocate.' Mast texted them detailed directions for how to deal with U.S. authorities, their lawsuit says. When the family arrived in Germany for a stopover, Joshua Mast and his wife greeted them at the air force base. It was the first time they had met in person. In Germany, the Masts visited the Afghan family's room three times to try to get the baby to travel separately with them, 'insisting that it would be easier for the toddler to enter the United States that way,' the Afghan couple recalled in their lawsuit. They refused to let the girl out of their sight. When the Afghans finally landed in the United States, they began explaining that the child was too young to have Afghan documents. That's when they claim Joshua Mast pulled out an Afghan passport. Inside was the same photo of the child in the wading pool, but altered to change the background, add a shirt and smooth her hair. Mast told the Afghans to 'keep quiet' about having his name on her passport, their lawsuit alleges, so it would be easier to get medical care. The Afghan couple asked to be taken to Fort Pickett Army National Guard base, a location specified by Mast, according to the lawsuit. Thousands of Afghan refugees were temporarily housed there. Soon after, they said, soldiers came to their room and told them they were moving. A strange woman sat in the back of the van next to a car seat, according to court records, and the baby fussed as she buckled her in. The van pulled up to a building they didn't recognize, where a woman who called herself a social worker said the Masts were the girl's legal guardians. Confused and frightened, the child cried and the couple begged. But it did no good. Mast took the baby to his car, where his wife was waiting, the lawsuit says. They had lost her. In their heavily redacted response to the lawsuit, the Masts acknowledge they 'took custody' of the child; they said their adoption order was valid and they did nothing wrong. Richard Mast is also named as a defendant in the Afghan family's lawsuit. He wrote in legal documents that his brother's adoption of the child was 'selfless;' it saved both the child, and the Afghan family fighting to get her back, 'from the evils of life under the Taliban.' The Afghan couple believed that their baby was stolen, and they immediately sought help at Fort Pickett to get her back. 'But the playing field was not level,' their attorney, Ashai, told the AP. The couple 'were forced to navigate a complex and confusing system in a foreign country in which they had just arrived, after having survived the greatest trauma of their lives.' Meanwhile, the couple says in court documents, Osmani warned them not to contact a lawyer or the authorities, and suggested that Mast might give them the baby back if they dealt directly with him. And so they tried to maintain contact with Mast. They were also scared of him. If he could abduct their child in broad daylight, they worried he might hurt them too, their lawyers wrote in legal filings. The Afghan woman plunged into a deep depression and, despite being nine months pregnant, stopped eating and drinking. She could not sleep. Her husband was afraid to leave her alone. 'Since we have come to America, we have not felt happiness for even one day,' the Afghan man told the AP. 'We feel like we are living in a dark jail.' His wife gave birth to a girl on October 1, 2021. The young mother's grief became overwhelming. A month later, she considered suicide and was hospitalized. Soon the couple sought legal help; by December 2021, the Afghan couple had asked the Fluvanna judge to reverse the adoption. But those proceedings, almost one year in, have been opaque and slow. On Feb. 27, 2022, when the Afghan baby was two years old, the Masts traveled to the Mennonite Christian Assembly in Fredericksburg, Ohio, to share their joy during a special church service. In a video advertising the event called 'Walking in Faith,' the pastor apologized to congregants that it would not be online, because the Marine would share 'very confidential, classified information.' 'Unforeseen events gave the couple an unexpected opportunity to stand up to protect innocent life,' read the program flyer. 'Come hear how God's mighty hand allowed for a remarkable deliverance.' Pastor John Risner told the AP that the Masts had requested the service be confidential, and he didn't want to betray their trust by disclosing any details. All he would say is that their story is 'amazing.' The fate of the Afghan child is now being debated in secret proceedings in a locked courtroom in the village of Palmyra, Virginia, home to about 100 people. Earlier this month, Joshua Mast arrived at the Fluvanna County courthouse along with his wife and his brother Richard. Mast was dressed in his starched Marine uniform, holding his white and gold hat in his hand. The hearing stretched on for roughly eight hours. The proceedings have been completely shielded from public view, mandated by presiding Judge Moore. The AP was not allowed inside the courtroom. Court clerk Tristana Treadway refused to provide even the docket number, saying she could 'neither confirm nor deny' the case existed at all. More than a dozen lawyers streamed into the courthouse, carting boxes of evidence, and each said they were forbidden from speaking. Mast remains an active duty Marine, and has since been promoted to major. He now lives with his family in North Carolina. The Afghan toddler has been with them for more than a year. In Texas, the Afghan couple continues to grieve the loss of the child. The baby the woman gave birth to shortly after arriving in the U.S. just turned 1. The young mother had planned to raise the girls as sisters. But they've never met. 'There is nothing to celebrate without her. There is no happiness here,' the Afghan man said. 'We are counting the moments and days until she will come home.' The national inquiry into decades of child sex abuse set up in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal will delivery its final report today after victims accused politicians, church leaders and others in authority of failing to act or turning a blind eye to horrific attacks by predators. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), one of the largest and most expensive investigations of its kind ever undertaken in Britain, was set up in 2015 following a series of horrific revelations of abuse, some of which dated back decades. The most notable scandal involved ex-BBC star Savile, one of the country's most well-known celebrities who after his death was uncovered as a monster paedophile who used his fame and power to systematically groom and attack potentially hundreds of victims, including children as young as five. Victims had complained of cover-ups at the behest of powerful establishment figures including senior lawmakers, spies, police officers and school leaders. The inquiry, led by social care expert Professor Alexis Jay, has held 325 public hearings with 725 witnesses and processed nearly 2.5million pages of evidence. More than 6,000 victims and survivors of abuse also related their experiences to the inquiry's 'Truth Project'. It has already published 19 investigation reports and other research findings, cataloguing details of appalling abuse at institutions including the Catholic Church, the Church of England and in Westminster. Politicians and church leaders had ignored and actively covered up allegations to protect perpetrators and reputations, its reports have found. The inquiry itself was riven by setbacks before it got under way, with Prof Jay the fourth person to appointed to lead the investigation after her three predecessors stepped down. A national inquiry into decades of child sex abuse will deliver its conclusions today, after hearing that politicians, church leaders and others in authority had failed to act or turned a blind eye (stock image) The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), one of the largest and most expensive investigations of its kind ever undertaken in Britain, was set up in 2015 following a series of horrific revelations of abuse, some of which dated back decades - mostly notably by Jimmy Savile (pictured) One victim, who wishes to go by the name Joanne, said she hoped a mandatory reporting law would be recommended, forcing priests to pass allegations of child abuse to police even if made during confessions. She said: 'The 15 investigations have shown across the board catastrophic failings to protect and safeguard children - not just historically but in the very recent present. There's no ambiguity as to how serious that is. The only outcome should be and must be mandatory reporting, and very uncompromising mandatory reporting.' Joanne said she was 'almost conditioned' to believe the abuse inflicted on her was OK, describing it as her 'private nightmare'. I think what the inquiry has shown is those that cover up and take no action are effectively enabling abuse - they are collaborators of it,' she said. 'The inquiry has shown the consequences of doing nothing. It goes beyond those who are victims of the abuse to those who have been at risk of abuse, and I think that's unacceptable. 'I think the Government who commissioned this inquiry have an absolute duty of care to act on whatever the recommendations are... and not postpone doing anything about it.' Asked what she hoped would come of the report, Joanne said: 'Quite a lot of people keep talking about historic abuse and I think a lot of the cases that have been heard had that terminology - as if it's something in the dim and distant past. 'The act of abuse is perhaps historic but the impact is past, present and future. It's a life sentence. 'All of us who have given evidence to the inquiry are not just doing it in the 'wallowing in the past' sort of way - we are telling our stories to show that this must not happen in the future. The inquiry, led by social care expert Professor Alexis Jay, has held 325 public hearings with 725 witnesses and processed nearly 2.5million pages of evidence 'If, on the back of the evidence that has been heard... there isn't something very hard-hitting, I and other victims will feel very cheated and it will be very hard to get closure.' Asked if she thought abuse would ever be rooted out of the church, she said: 'I believe it will potentially be reduced but I don't think that's coming from the church. 'The protection comes from third parties, not from within the church. 'I think the church can't be left to regulate itself, I think it's for statutory bodies to take that control.' In 2019, a scathing report into abuse allegations at the Church of England concluded the King, who was then the Prince of Wales, was 'misguided' in his support for shamed clergyman Peter Ball who was cautioned for gross indecency in 1992. Asked if she found it troubling that the inquiry had heard that abusers received support from high-profile figures, Joanne said: 'Very troubling. I've been a victim of that power that these men have had. They've got very senior positions in society, they've got very strong networks. 'I was silenced by the hierarchy at the church but I was also silenced by the power of the network around them, which my abuser and other abusers in the church knew they had.' Addressing what it was like for the victims giving evidence at the inquiry, Joanne said: 'I think we've all paid a very high price giving evidence. It's been very traumatic to do it. It's in the title, really - public inquiry. It put a lot of very personal and traumatising information into the public arena. 'I felt often like a human sacrifice and I felt angry that I had to be exposed to this and for it to be exposed and heard. If the legacy of that can bring about some meaningful change and not just some wishy-washy words... then that will help me get some closure. 'We can let it go knowing others are taking control to protect others. When I went to seek help at the time I was being abused, and in the years afterwards nothing was done. I expected my abuser to lie and cover his tracks but I thought all those in positions of power would stand up for the truth.' Commenting on what she wanted to happen after the report's publication, Joanne said: 'Nothing we have done has been about some self-indulgent wallowing in the past - we have done this to show why things need to change for others in the future. 'I think the Government has an absolute responsibility to own this inquiry, own the findings, and act and give it priority. Then I think I and other victims can get an element of closure. 'I have been burdened for decades by the anxiety and fear for other children knowing my abuser was surrounding himself with children. 'Everybody I went to disclose my abuse to, who knew he was an abuser, kept him close to children. 'If there are statutory bodies who take away that risk then it helps me to let go of that burden - and it has been a burden for most of my life.' The final IICSA report will comprise two parts: victims and survivors' voices and the inquiry's conclusions and recommendations for change. A toddler has been horrifically crushed to death and her mother critically injured when a giraffe thought to be protecting its calf attacked them in a safari park. The tragic mum, 25, and her 16-month-old daughter were staying on the Kuleni Game Farm 170 miles north-east of Durban, famed for its nature trails with their father. The park is home to giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, nyala and duikers with strictly no predators and promises guests at the 150-a-night lodges a 'safe environment'. The tragedy is being investigated by South African Police and animal experts to discover exactly what happened when the mum and daughter were attacked without warning. Giraffes use their legs and necks with two potentially deadly ossicones on top of their heads effectively horns to attack which they can use as powerful whiplash weapons. After the giraffe was driven off the critically injured mother and daughter were rushed to a doctor but nothing could be done to save the toddler who died in his surgery. The young mum was transferred in critical care unit to hospital where she is fighting for her life and the 14-lodge game farm were not making any comment to the media. The tragic mum, 25, and her 16-month-old daughter were staying on the Kuleni Game Farm 170 miles north-east of Durban, famed for its nature trails with their father (file image of Giraffes in South Africa) Police spokesman Lieut-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said: 'The 25-year-old mother and her 16-month-old child were at Kuleni Game Farm in Hluhluwe when they were trampled by a giraffe. 'The child was taken to the nearest doctor's room where she died and the mother was rushed to hospital for medical attention and is reported to be in a critical condition. 'The circumstances surrounding the attack are still under investigation' she said. It is understood the mother and daughter were not tourists to the wildlife reserve but were a local family staying at the lodge with their father who worked in the area. The tragedy is being investigated by South African Police and animal experts to discover exactly what happened when the mum and daughter were attacked without warning (file image of giraffes) In 2018 British scientist Dr Katy Williams, 36, and her son Finn, 3, were both attacked by a female giraffe protecting its calf and left critically injured in South Africa. Only the intervention of her husband Dr Sam Williams, 36, who was out jogging on the wildlife estate where they lived and work saved them both from being killed. After bravely driving off the protective giraffe he called the emergency services and both were airlifted from the Blyde Willdlife Estate in Hoedspruit in Limpopo province. They were both in comas for a month and it was feared Finn would be brain damaged by the severe head injuries but both made a long but remarkable and full recovery. In 2018 British scientist Dr Katy Williams, 36, and her son Finn, 3, were both attacked by a female giraffe protecting its calf and left critically injured in South Africa. Pictured, Katy, Finn and Sam Williams Only the intervention of her husband Dr Sam Williams, 36, who was out jogging on the wildlife estate where they lived and work saved them both from being killed. After bravely driving off the protective giraffe he called the emergency services and both were airlifted from the Blyde Willdlife Estate in Hoedspruit in Limpopo province. Pictured: The family Sam, now 40, was jogging on the wildlife estate where both wildlife scientists live and work and stumbled across the horrific attack just a few hundred yards from home. A few months earlier a wildlife cameraman working on TV's Wild at Heart was attacked and killed by an agitated giraffe when it battered him with a swipe with its long neck. South African Carlo Carvalho, 47, was knocked 16 foot through the air at the Glen Africa game park in Broederstroom, North West province where the series was filmed. He was rushed to hospital but died from severe head injuries. In 2019 Swiss tourist Roland Koller was killed by a giraffe in the Kruger National Park when a speeding minibus hit the young female and knocked it up into the air. Advertisement Prince Andrew has effectively been in lockdown in the three years since his disastrous Newsnight interview, as insiders reveal the shamed Duke of York binge-watches TV box sets, barely leaves home and has been left wondering how his reputation has been left in tatters by his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Friends claim Andrew privately admits his appearance on the BBC's flagship news programme in 2019 - where he was grilled by Emily Maitlis over claims that he abused Epstein 'sex-slave' Virginia Roberts Giuffre while she was a minor under US law - was 'by no means his finest hour'. Though furious allies believe he was 'thrown under a bus' and cast as the 'archetypal pantomime villain' in the fallout, they insist the duke is 'philosophical' about his exile from public life. Instead, the three years have been a period of 'intense self-reflection' for the duke - once dubbed the 'Playboy Prince' - who has spent time poring over 'every aspect of his life' to understand how 'everything went so wrong, and why'. Friends say Andrew, who was stripped of his HRH title, military affiliations and royal patronages in the fallout from Newsnight, has finally resigned himself to playing a 'back seat' role and is committed to acting 'absolutely in the background' as a 'supportive figure' for 'The Firm'. Now living with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York at Royal Lodge, their 30-room home in Windsor Great Park, the duke is a 'virtual recluse' who only ventures out to go horse-riding on the estate twice a week, for the occasional swim, or to walk the royal corgis Muick and Sandy and his and Fergie's five Norfolk terriers, insiders have revealed. His forays outside have also diminished sharply since the death of his mother the Queen, who he visited almost daily before she passed away at Balmoral last month. However, Andrew is regularly visited by his daughters Princess Beatrice - who it has emerged was the only person in his inner circle to warn him against the Newsnight interview - and Princess Eugenie, and their husbands Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank. The father-of-two is also focusing on spending more time with his grandchildren, Beatrice's daughter Sienna and Eugenie's son August, both one. It is reported that 'jobless' Andrew - who receives no taxpayer funding, may be paid just 20,000 a year from his Royal Navy pension yet recently splashed out on a new 220,000 Bentley Flying Spur - likely lives on the proceeds of the 15million purchase of Sunninghill by a Kazakh billionaire in 2007. It is also claimed that he is being financially supported by Fergie's business interests, including her lucrative book deal with Mills & Boon, which the Telegraph claims could be 'in the low millions'. There is also speculation that the Queen might have 'added to their coffers' to keep the duke financially secure and thereby 'protect the monarchy'. Yet allies have indicated that Andrew is wary that Ms Giuffre could speak up again, having only been tied into what the paper claims is a one-year gagging clause after the duke reportedly paid around 8million out of court to settle her bombshell sex abuse lawsuit in the US. The Duke of York speaking about his links to Jeffrey Epstein in his car-crash Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019 Prince Andrew driving near Windsor Castle. Friends say he has been 'on lockdown' since his Newsnight interview The Duke of York is a 'virtual recluse' who only goes out horse-riding twice a week, allies say Andrew with Virginia Roberts and Ghislaine Maxwell at Maxwell's home in Belgravia, central London, in March 2001 A friend told the Telegraph: 'He has a much better understanding of the challenges he faces than at any other point in his life. He has a better sense of perspective - partly because he's had these three years to reflect to do the work, and to focus on his immediate family. The Duke of York of today is much more thoughtful and more mindful than he has ever been.' They added: 'He acknowledges privately that Newsnight was by no means his finest hour. 'The feeling that he has been treated abysmally is held by his nearest and dearest, but the duke's attitude is more along the lines of: It is what it is.' Representatives for the duke declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. Andrew, 62, was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages in January as he fought allegations that he abused Ms Giuffre as a teenager in London, Manhattan, and the US Virgin Islands. He has repeatedly and vehemently denied the claims. He settled out of court with Ms Roberts, who now uses her married name Giuffre, for an undisclosed sum but made no admission of guilt. A legal document submitted to a US court in January by the duke's lawyers contained 41 separate denials of allegations made by Ms Roberts, including her claim that 'Prince Andrew was a close friend of Ghislaine Maxwell'. But in her interview with the Mail on Sunday, disgraced socialite Maxwell spoke in glowing terms of her friendship with the duke. 'I feel so bad for him,' said the convicted trafficker, who has known Andrew since she was a student at Oxford University in the 1980s.'Yes, I follow what is happening to him. He is paying such a price for the association [with Jeffrey Epstein]. I consider him a dear friend I care about him.' Quizzed on the denial by Andrew's lawyers that they were close friends, Maxwell said: 'I accept that this friendship could not survive my conviction.' She dismissed a photograph, first revealed by this newspaper, of the Prince with his arm around Ms Roberts at Maxwell's home in Belgravia, central London, in March 2001, saying: 'I don't recognise that picture and I don't believe it is a real picture. There's so many things wrong with it. 'There is no original and there isn't a true picture and there are that many other things besides that I cannot hardly get into I don't know how many points there are, but there are over 50 problems with the picture.' Andrew with Sarah Ferguson in their car just hours after Ghislaine Maxwell gave her interview to the MoS Andrew and Maxwell at Ascot in 2000. A legal document submitted to a US court in January by the duke's lawyers contained 41 separate denials of allegations made by Virginia Roberts that he sexually abused her when she was a minor under US law, including her claim that 'Prince Andrew was a close friend of Ghislaine Maxwell' Andrew has always denied claims that he abused Ms Roberts Earlier this year, Euan Rellie, a former friend of Maxwell's, told ITV he believed she and Andrew 'had probably been girlfriend and boyfriend in the past'. Asked about press reports that they were 'like a couple, an item', Maxwell said she would not address such speculation until after the appeal against her conviction. 'I have read and seen and heard and had reported to me so many monstrous inaccuracies that I can't start to pick apart all of them. If I pick apart one and then don't address all the others, it's going to say, "Well, she said no to this, what about all those others?" I'm not going to discuss anything of that nature until after the appeal.' She has been in jail since July 2020 when more than 20 armed FBI agents raided her 156-acre, 800,000 New Hampshire home. The MoS interviewed her on June 22 this year at the MDC, six days before she was sentenced, and then weeks later after she was moved to the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, a low-security jail in Florida. She was prepared to discuss her friendships with some of the rich and powerful men connected to her and Epstein, including former President Clinton. 'It was a special friendship, which continued over the years,' she said of Clinton. 'We had lots in common. I feel bad that he is another victim, only because of his association [with Epstein].' She also spoke of her gratitude to former President Trump, who bestowed his good wishes on her after her arrest. 'I was very grateful when he wished me well. He got bad media for it, but he dared while others didn't. It gave me a big boost.' Maxwell said the food at the MDC was 'truly terrible' and she was once so hungry she ate Vaseline. She is now in a cell measuring 10ft by 8ft that is too small for her and her three cellmates to all stand up in. 'It's very far from a cushy country club,' she said. After Epstein killed himself as he awaited trial, prison bosses put her on suicide watch prior to her sentencing. Maxwell, who said she had never contemplated taking her own life, described wearing an anti-suicide smock - a long tunic made of thick nylon - adding: 'They strip you of any remaining shred of dignity that you have. They have you with no clothes, and they put you in a suicide smock, which has Velcro straps on it. So there's nothing to protect your modesty.' The MoS revealed in June that a fellow inmate at the MDC had bragged she was going to murder Maxwell, claiming that there was a $1 million bounty on her head. Maxwell this weekend confirmed that a woman had threatened to murder her as she slept. Maxwell now works in the prison's legal library, where she helps other inmates with their cases. The duke declined to comment when the MoS contacted him. White Americans are now more likely to die from Covid-19 than black Americans, according to new analysis of coronavirus figures. The shift has surprised experts. An imbalance in death rates among the country's racial groups has been a defining feature of the now-two-and-a-half-year-long pandemic, but it was not expected that the ratio would reverse. From the start in early 2020, Covid-19 was killing more black people than white, a phenomenon experts put down to a disparity between the healthcare access available to the different groups, and the prevalence of underlying health conditions. Inequality in exposure, spread, vulnerability and treatment among communities that needed the most protection from the virus meant that black, Latino and Native American people were, cumulatively, 60 percent more likely to die from Covid-19 than their white compatriots. However, when the Delta variant peaked in September 2021, the racial differences in Covid-19 deaths began to fade, according to analysis by the Washington Post. While black deaths declined, white deaths never did - and instead increased steadily until the ratio between the groups flipped. White Americans are now more likely to die from Covid-19 than black Americans, according to new analysis of coronavirus figures. Pictured: A graph showing a comparison of the Covid-19 death rate among white and black Americans, per million people The Washington Post said it analysed every death during the pandemic, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It found that early in the crisis, the disparity between racial groups was particularly stark in dense urban areas, where black people died at several times the rate of white people - giving the examples of Memphis and Fayette County. The gap in death rate fluctuated over time, getting wider and narrower, but never vanishing until mid-October 2021. Then, for the first time in the pandemic, the death rate among white Americans rose above other groups. The ratio flipped back again in the winter of 2021-2022, when the Omicron variant ran rampant through communities, with the black death rate once again soaring over the white death rate and overwhelming healthcare providers in the Northeast. When this surge once again subsided, the black death rate again dropped below the white rate, and has remained roughly equal or higher ever since. Looking into why this has occurred, the Post first pointed to the way Covid-19 works, and said the spread of the virus was affected by centuries of racial and economic inequalities deeply ingrained in the United States long before the pandemic began. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions - such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity - are more likely to suffer from severe illness and death. All such underlying health conditions affect members of the black communities in American at a younger age, thanks to factors such as stress. But the virus is also worse for unvaccinated adults, which polls have found are more likely to vote Republican, the Post said. The unvaccinated are also at much higher risk of infection, severe illness and death. Covid-19 spread across America at an already divisive period of American history, with politics greatly polarized. Anti-coronavirus measures - such as vaccines, lockdowns and whether to wear masks - became flashpoints in modern politics, and a matter of identity. Pictured: A man is given a dose of Covid-19 vaccine, August 5, 2020 (file photo) As the pandemic rolled on for months and then years, the damage done by the virus - with its new variants - increased as these debates became more fractious. At the start of the pandemic, black people were more than three times more likely to die from Covid-19 than white people. This gap narrowed as 2020 wore on, but not because fewer black Americans were dying - but because white Americans were dying in increasing numbers. Summer 2021 saw a glimmer of hope, when some of the lowest numbers of Covid-19 deaths were being recorded as vaccines were rolled out across the country. But the virus mutated, and the Delta variant swept across the United States, particularly among the unvaccinated. The Post said this came at a time when the trust in government, medicine and institutions was also eroding. This slowed the vaccine uptake, and thus lessened their societal protection. The lull between the Delta and Omicron waves saw white deaths overtake Black deaths for the first time in the pandemic, and while deaths among black Americans again overtook their white compatriots during Omicron, it flipped again once the largest Omicron wave subsided. Tasleem Padamsee, an assistant professor at Ohio State University who researched vaccine use, told the Washington Post that when a 'health disparity' is described as 'disappearing,' this means that 'the worse-off group is getting better.' 'We don't usually mean that the group that had a systematic advantage got worse,' she said. The Post said one explanation for the unexpected shift is that many Republicans chose not to be vaccinated, and not to follow the public health guidance. Rural hospital closures also took their toll, while many people - particularly in red states - became fatigued with measures, such as lockdowns and masks. Pictured: A woman recieved a dose of Covid-19 vaccine, December 14, 2020 Meanwhile, vaccine sceptics pushed alternatives to proven Covid treatments, and the use of things such as masks became a social stigma among some groups. The Post said initially, vaccine skepticism was around the same rate among both black and white Americans. However, Padamsee said black communities were quicker to overcome this hesitancy, and soon realized the necessity of vaccination. Therefore, the Post's research argues, many black Americans suffered because of the entrenched social inequalities in terms of health and access to healthcare, while many white Americans suffered as a result of apathy and ideology. When the alarm was raised over the risk Covid-19 posed to the most at risk racial groups in America, work was done to counter the racial inequality. Vaccine access and acceptance among people of color expanded. Meanwhile, the belief that vaccines and other preventative measures infringe civil liberties grew among white conservatives, the Post said. As one problem was addressed, another was growing, going some way to explaining why the gap between the two death rates has shrunk and flipped. Nancy Krieger, professor of social epidemiology at Harvard Universitys T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told the Post that the shift in death rates has 'vastly different implications for public health interventions.' She said now, officials must not only contend with 'the cumulative impact of injustice' on black Americans and other deprived groups, but also must work out how to connect with Americans now 'ideologically opposed to the vaccine'. A line marking machine left to charge overnight sparked a huge fire that caused $500,000 in damage to one of Sydney's most prestigious private schools. The massive blaze at St Ignatius' College Riverview, on the north shore, broke out inside a 60m by 20m work storage shed at about 3.45am on Thursday. Sixteen fire engines were called to the scene with shocking footage showing the shed completely engulfed in flames. A line marker (pictured) that was left charging overnight is being blamed for a major fire at a Sydney school on Thursday The massive blaze at St Ignatius' College Riverview, on the north shore, broke out inside a 60m by 20m work storage shed at about 3.45am on Thursday Paint cans, paint thinner, petrol and a maintenance vehicle were all scorched as the blaze tore through the maintenance shed roof. Pictures from the scene also show the line marker completely charred, as well the entrance and insides of the shed. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus fought the blaze from multiple sides and gained control by 5.30am. No one was injured during the incident and no evacuations were necessary. The school, whose past pupils include former prime minister Tony Abbott and 2GB radio presenter Ben Fordham, continued lessons as normal on Thursday, with HSC students sitting their maths exams. Fire and Rescue NSW investigators determined the line marker had started the inferno. FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the St Ignatius' school blaze is a reminder that calling 000 for a fire emergency can be the difference between life and death, or a building or other property being saved or destroyed. The massive blaze at St Ignatius' College (pictured) caused an estimated $500,000 in damage Gin Han-sai, the writer of Netflix series "Glitch," is seen in this photo provided by Netflix. Yonhap Netflix's new sci-fi mystery series "Glitch" began as a story about unidentified flying objects (UFO) and added elements of conspiracy theory and religion to deal with a broad range of contemporary social issues, its writer said. Gin Han-sai wrote "Glitch," directed by Roh Deok, which centers on a young woman who joins forces with a UFO enthusiast to investigate her boyfriend's sudden disappearance and stumbles into a wild conspiracy. The 10-episode series was the second-most streamed drama series on Netflix Korea in the first week of its release on Oct. 7, and is now ranked fourth. Following his sensational debut work "Extracurricular" (2020) on teenage crimes, Gin once again captured viewers' attention with an unusual plot about UFO and extraterrestrials that blended crime thriller, pseudo-religion and women's comradeship. The 37-year-old said he doesn't believe in UFOs but was struck by the personal experience of his wife, who claimed she saw a UFO in her early childhood. "I had long debates with my wife about whether UFOs exist or not, and the focus was later turned to what to believe," Gin said in a media interview on Wednesday. Although Gin, a Christian, doesn't believe in the conspiracy theory, he occasionally search related materials to find evidence that could prove he is wrong. "I think it's weird. Why am I keep searching UFO-related materials while I don't believe in it?" he said. In the drama, the main character, Hong Ji-hyo (Jeon Yeo-been), randomly sees a green alien and receives mysterious messages from the media, but can't trust what she sees. Her friend, Hong Bo-ra (Nana), is an UFO enthusiast who helps her friend's investigation. A poster for Netflix series "Glitch" / Courtesy of Netflix Advertisement A freight train carrying 1600 tonnes of cement derailed and two wagons are thought to have plunged over a bridge last night, leaving a trail of destruction that has forced engineers to close the line for 'several days'. Network Rail said seven carriages carrying cement came off the tracks over the River Petteril near Carlisle, Cumbria shortly after 8pm yesterday. No-one was injured. The railway has been closed in both directions, affecting Northern services on the routes from Carlisle to Newcastle and Morpeth, and from Carlisle to Skipton and Leeds. Network Rail said there will be 'a significant number of unavoidable cancellations over the coming days' as the incident is likely to have caused 'significant damage' to the railway bridge, track and lineside equipment. The infrastructure management company added: 'The route is expected to be entirely closed to all trains for several days. 'Disruption is expected until at least the end of the day on Sunday October 23.' Two wagons full of cement have plunged into the River Petteril near Carlisle, Cumbria after a freight train derailed last night The freight train came off the line near Carlisle just after 8pm yesterday, causing significant disruptions to services between Carlisle, Newcastle and Skipton According to reports this morning, one of the wagons collapsed into the back of a B&Q store on London Road. Access to the garden centre is being restricted and public paths along the River Petterril have also been cordoned off. Two of the wagons have reportedly fallen off the side of the bridge and into the river. The crash follows months of strikes by RMT members from Network Rail, with more having been announced in recent days. Engineers are among the thousands of railway workers who have walked out in recent weeks, potentially leaving railway lines less well looked after. Phil James, Network Rail's north-west route director, said: 'I'm extremely sorry to passengers who are facing disruption today while we deal with this incident in Carlisle. 'Thankfully train derailments are rare and our priority now is to protect the safety of people using the railway, those living beside it and the surrounding environment while we carry out the necessary detailed investigation and complex recovery work. Network Rail are on site carrying out investigations and have said the incident is likely to have caused 'significant damage' to the railway bridge, track and lineside equipment Inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are on site and have to examine the scene before any efforts can be made to remove the train and repair the railway 'We will work around the clock with all agencies to do this and then speedily make our repairs to get the line reopened again for passengers and freight as soon as possible. 'In the meantime, please check National Rail enquiries for the latest travel information as the scale of the damage means it will be some time before we get things back up and running as normal.' Despite the assertion that 'derailments are rare', a number involving freight trains have taken place in recent months. In August, a freight train service from Birmingham to Felixstowe collided with agricultural machinery being towed over the railway by a tractor, causing the locomotive and one wagon to derail and leaving the driver with minor injuries. The previous month a freight train operated by GB Railfreight collided with the rear of a stationary freight train causing a number of wagons in both trains to derail and significant damage to the vehicles and infrastructure. Inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will have to examine the scene before any efforts can be made to remove the train and repair the railway. The government agency said in an update at 10.15am that they have a team on site who have begun gathering information and evidence. In a tweet the RAIB added: 'Initial reports are seven wagons have derailed.' According to Rail Charter Services, which runs tourist services on the Settle-Carlisle line, wagons ended up in the water following the derailment of the Clitheroe to Carlisle cement train. Northern said a bus replacement service is in place between Carlisle and Wetheral and Carlisle and Appleby. It added that passengers could use their tickets on Avanti and TransPennine Express services. A spokesperson for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said this morning: 'People are asked to stay away from this area while emergency workers deal with the incident. 'Highways engineers are at the scene working with our crews assessing any damage to the bridge as well as carrying out a full area search.' The incident comes as more days of strike action on the railways are announced for November as the dispute over pay and conditions rumbles on. Services between Carlisle, Newcastle, Preston and Leeds are all expected to be disrupted for 'several days' according to the operator, Northern Northern has warned that 'due to a derailed train at Carlisle some lines are blocked', causing disruption until at least the end of day on Sunday The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has organised a fresh round of widespread strikes for Thursday 3, Saturday 5 and Monday November 7. Previous national RMT strikes have seen around 40,000 workers walk out and just one in five trains running, causing significant disruption. Train managers on Avanti West Coast who are members of the RMT are set to strike on October 22 and November 6, while ScotRail staff will walk out on October 29. Meanwhile, RMT members on London Overground and London Underground are set to strike on November 3, while staff at 14 other train companies will walk out on November 3 and 5. The RMT's general secretary Mick Lynch accused the Rail Delivery Group of being 'completely unreasonable' throughout the dispute and lashed out train firms 'making millions of pounds of profit'. My Lynch had already slammed Network Rail, hitting out on Tuesday at what he called 'dishonesty' and 'a new low'. The RMT accused Network Rail of attempting to impose 'drastic changes' in working practices on its staff and of writing directly to staff 'undermining delicate talks'. But Network Rail's chief negotiator Tim Shoveller insisted that an 8 per cent pay deal had been offered and said the RMT was 'more intent on damaging strikes rather than giving members a vote on our offer.' He wrote to Mr Lynch inviting him to 'intensive' talks next week in a bid to avert the fresh wave of strikes. All the items will go under the hammer in London on Saturday, October 29 Now a treasure trove of memorabilia from Ray's former home will be sold off Ray Galton is celebrated as one of Britain's greatest comedy writers A typewriter used by comedy legend Ray Galton could fetch hundreds of pounds at auction after being discovered at the scriptwriters home. Comedy fans will get the chance to own a piece of British TV history when the typewriterhe owned goes under the hammer next week, alongside a treasure trove of other memorabilia. They include a Christmas gift of vintage Macallan whisky from Canadian poet, songwriter and novelist Leonard Cohen thanking Ray for all the laughs. The typewriter used by comedy legend Ray Galton is being sold at auction along with a vintage Macallan whisky given to Steptoe and Son writer, Ray Galton by famed Canadian poet and novelist, Leonard Cohen Steptoe and Son was a smash hit sitcom in the 1960s and early 70s, once commanding an audience of 28million viewers. Pictured is a scene from the show All the items once owned by the late comedy genius was unearthed at his former home near Hampton Court Palace, London. The typewriter and whisky will be sold alongside Rays Bechstein grand piano at Hansons Auctioneers, in London, on Saturday, October 29. Chris Kirkham, Hansons associate director, said: 'The period splendour of Rays former family home is certainly a far cry from the tatty rag-and-bone yard the nation came to know and love in Steptoe and Son. 'Ray was a former union worker struck down by tuberculosis at 18. Nevertheless, he went on to achieve phenomenal success as a radio and television scriptwriter. 'Just how far he came is illustrated by the place he called home. All the items up for auction we uncovered from the home of the late Ray Galton in Hampton Court Palace, London (pictured) Among the treasure trove being auctioned off in London next week includes this Bechstein piano 'As well as being awash with memories of his life and times, it is simply a magnificent place to be, enriched with a sense of history and happiness. 'Its been an absolute privilege to go inside.' He added: 'To walk into a room and see his BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards decorating a Bechstein grand piano, or to pick up a bottle of whisky to read a personal message from Leonard Cohen, was special for me. 'And the moment I saw Rays typewriter I immediately pictured him hammering away at the keys, bringing a comedy moment to life. 'Whoever is fortunate enough to buy that will own a very special memento of British television history.' Experts believe the typewriter, estimate 100-200, Macallan whisky, 200-400, and Bechstein piano, 500-700, could smash their guide prices. Comedy icons: Ray Galton, left, pictured with his writing partner and long-term friend, Alan Simpson, who together wrote the scripts for Steptoe and Son Ray's BAFTA awards will be sold off alongside his typewriter and piano during the auction, on Saturday, October 29 Also up for grabs is this book from Ray's former home. Auctioneers expect many of the items going under the hammer to sell for hundreds of pounds Galton and Simpon: British comedy giants The pair of comedy legends first met in 1948 while recovering from tuberculosis at Milford Sanitorium in Godalming, Surrey. This chance encounter ignited the embers which would lead them to comedy stardom and form a 50-year partnership. Their first big break in comedy came after writing for Derek Roy in Happy Go Lucky. Although this was an immediate success, it opened the door for the duo to join radio variety series Hancock's Half Hour in 1954. Honing their craft, the duo continued to write scripts for the popular broadcast, which later ran on TV between 1956 and 1961. A year later and the pair created their pioneering sitcom Steptoe and Son, which became one of Britain's most beloved comedies. The format, exported across the globe, pulled an audience of 28million Brits at its peak and lasted an impressive eight series over 12 years. Critics hailed it as 'sad, tragic and funny', with Steptoe and Son spawning two features and a 1974 Christmas special. Although their future endeavours never quite lived up to the huge success of Steptoe and Son, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson were celebrated as comedy icons, who helped to inspire a new form of television genre. The duo were both awarded OBEs in 2000 for their contribution to British television. To cement their place in history, the British Comedy Society unveiled a blue plaque at the Milford Hospital - the former sanatorium where the pair first met. In May 2016, the two men was awarded a BAFTA fellowship for their comedy writing. Advertisement Ray, who died in 2018 aged 88, was best known for his writing partnership with Alan Simpson. They devised and wrote 1950s and 60s BBC sitcoms including Hancocks Half Hour (1954-1961), the first two series of Comedy Playhouse (1961-1963), and Steptoe and Son (1962-1974). As well as work with Tony Hancock and Steptoe actors Harry H Corbett and Wilfrid Brambell, they wrote television, film and stage scripts for the likes of Frankie Howerd, Peter Sellers, Leonard Rossiter and Arthur Lowe. Their work is still screened regularly around the world in English and in foreign language versions. Steptoe and Son was adapted for US TV as Sanford and Son and ran for several years in the 1970s on NBC. The much-loved show Steptoe & Son happened after Mr Galton came up with the idea of a comedy series about two rag and bone men. It featured a 'dirty old man', Albert Steptoe who was played by Wilfrid Brambell, and his frustrated son, Harold - played by Harry H Corbett. Critics lauded the 'sad, tragic and funny' sitcom, which ran for eight series, spawned two feature films and ended with a 1974 Christmas special. Ray was born in Paddington, West London. After leaving school he worked for the Transport and General Workers Union. He contracted tuberculosis at the age of 18 in 1948 and was admitted to Milford Sanatorium near Godalming, Surrey, where he met fellow patient Alan Simpson, the man who became his writing partner. Ray married Tonia Phillips in 1956, and they had three children. Sadly, Tonia died from cancer in 1995. Ray won two BAFTA awards among many others accolades, and received an OBE in 2000, with Ray and Alan receiving the Bafta Fellowship, the academy's highest honour, in 2016. Mr Galton and Mr Simpson were honoured with lifetime achievement awards from the Writers' Guild in 1997, and OBEs in 2000. The iconic scriptwriter died in 2018 after a 'long and heartbreaking battle with dementia'. ITV's Robert Peston has called the new Chancellor 'Jeremy C***', becoming the latest presenter to make the on-air blunder. The political editor, 62, made the slip-up while discussing a tumultuous Wednesday which saw the Home Secretary resign and reports of tear-ups in the Commons over fracking. The presenter of the weekly politics show Peston was speaking about Jeremy Hunt's planned public spending cuts. He said: 'That means the hole in the public finances is bigger than it would have been, and Jeremy C***'s - Hunt's - cuts will be more painful.' The MP for South West Surrey has previously told broadcasters to 'grow up' and stop mistakenly mispronouncing his surname as an extremely offensive word. The political editor (pictured), 62, made the slip-up while discussing a tumultuous Wednesday which saw the Home Secretary resign and reports of tears and tear-ups in the Commons over fracking The presenter of ITV's Wednesday night politics show Peston was speaking about Jeremy Hunt's planned cuts to public spending. Pictured: Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt during PMQs Social media was quick to comment on the former business editor's mistake. One Twitter user said: 'Another broadcaster manages to say "Jeremy C***" on air.' Another asked: 'How does this keep happening?' 'I'm beginning to suspect that these news readers are doing it on purpose,' a third added. Several presenters and politicians have made the mistake including Victoria Derbyshire, James Naughtie, Nicky Campbell and Harriet Harman. Mr Hunt told the Daily Telegraph that broadcasters should 'grow up' and stop it. He said: 'I'm used to it. I had this when I was at school. 'Personally I think people should just grow up and get over the fact that my last name rhymes with a rather unpleasant word.' He said: 'That means the hole in the public finances is bigger than it would have been, and Jeremy C***'s - Hunt's - cuts will be more painful' The MP for South West Surrey has previously told broadcasters to 'grow up' and stop mistakenly mispronouncing his surname as an extremely offensive word It comes after a Channel 4 News anchor issued a grovelling apology after he was filmed referring to Tory minister Steve Baker as a 'c***'. Krishnan Guru-Murthy had a 'robust' interview with the Minister for Northern Ireland on Wednesday about Suella Braverman's decision to step down as Home Secretary. After the interview, the live feed switched to Prime Minister Liz Truss's Downing Street home. Guru-Murthy believed he was no longer on air, but his comments were picked up by other livestream broadcasts nearby. The presenter said: 'It wasn't a stupid question, Steve, you know it. I'm very happy to go up against you on [PM Liz] Truss any day. What a c***.' Krishnan Guru-Murthy (pictured) conducted a 'robust' interview with the Minister for Northern Ireland on Wednesday about Suella Braverman's decision to step down as Home Secretary Mr Baker told Times Radio it was an 'unfortunate' mishap, but added: 'If it's in breach of his code of conduct I hope they sack him.' Guru-Murthy then issued an unreserved apology for the blunder. 'After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air,' he said. 'While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly. I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry.' Mr Baker replied: 'I appreciate you apologising. Thank you.' A millionaire barrister who grew up on an Essex council estate has won a legal fight to keep his 15-year-old daughter in a London state school after his ex-wife demanded a 230,000 lump sum for private education. Jason Galbraith-Marten KC has been repeatedly pursued in court by former spouse Catherine de Renee, a portrait artist, since their split in 2009 after two and a half years of marriage. Ms De Renee, 45, was unhappy with the 72,000 settlement she received after their divorce, while Mr Galbraith-Marten, 55, stayed in his 1.6million home in Fulham, west London, with his current wife. The Australian-born artist, who specialises in 'sensual' female portraits which she says create a 'mood filled with drama, intensity and lingering eroticism,' said she was left relying on benefits. In 2019, Ms de Renee was banned from further legal challenges without permission after several 'fabricated' allegations against Mr Galbraith-Marten, including criminal behaviour ranging 'from attempted murder' to 'attacks on her cat'. Now High Court judge Mr Justice Mostyn has thrown out her latest bid for a 230,000 lump sum for her 15-year-old daughter, who attends a London state school, to be privately educated. But he has granted her permission to pursue increased child maintenance payments, as Mr Galbraith-Marten's career has become more successful since the last order. Mr Galtbraith-Marten (right), pictured with his current wife Jo (left), won his legal battle to keep his 15-year-old daughter in a state school Portrait artist Catherine de Renee, 45, has repeatedly pursued her former husband for increased payments since their split in 2009 Mr Galbraith-Marten, a top employment law specialist who took silk in 2014, had fought to keep his teenage daughter in state school. Neither of the KC's other two children are privately educated. Under the most recent court order in 2018, the lawyer was ordered to pay child maintenance of 1,315 per month and 'has paid this amount punctually for the last four years', the High Court heard. Ms de Renee asked Mr Justice Mostyn to increase those payments from 1,315 to 4,350 per month, backdated to April 2020. The judge granted her permission to bring her case on child maintenance, saying that as an elite barrister and 'a leader in his field,' he 'would be surprised' if Mr Galbraith-Marten's gross income was less than 350,000. 'At that level, applying the guideline, his liability for child maintenance would be 2,361 per month,' he said. 'I have to say, notwithstanding the oppressive nature of the mother's conduct towards the father, that the present level of general maintenance strikes me as too low. 'There is a very lengthy history to this case. Proceedings between the parties began in Australia in March 2009, when their daughter was merely 15 months old. 'Furious litigation has continued ever since, both in Australia and England.' Mr Galbraith-Marten still lives in the 1.6million home in Fulham, west London, with his current wife Jo He also allowed an application by Mr Galbraith-Marten to extend the civil restraint order preventing his ex from dragging him to court without permission from a judge. Mr Justice Mostyn said it was justified because 'in numerous respects... the mother had been deliberately untruthful when making accusations of the utmost seriousness' about her ex. He went on to dismiss Ms de Renee's bid to make her ex-husband pay out 230,000. He said: 'Even if the father now has the means to pay for private education for his daughter, it would in my judgment not only be contrary to her interests but fundamentally unjust were he to be ordered to do so.' But granting permission for the mother to challenge the level of child maintenance, he added: 'There is no evidence of the present level of the father's income. 'In June 2018, District Judge Aitken found his gross taxable income to be 185,000, inclusive of dividends from (his company) Assurety Ltd. 'He is now a silk of eight years' standing, practising from an elite set of chambers. 'He is a leader in the field of employment and equality law. I would be surprised if his gross taxable income - including dividends - was less than 350,000. 'In my judgment the mother's proposed application to vary the general maintenance is arguable, and permission should be granted to bring it.' Ms de Renee has won her attempt to seek increased child maintenance payments, with her ex-husband due to provide evidence of his earnings before the next hearing Jason Galbraith-Marten KC, 55, grew up on an Essex council estate and rose to become one of the top employment barristers in the country He ordered Mr Galbraith-Marten to provide evidence of his earnings to the court before the next hearing. In the 2016 case, throwing out the wife's Court of Appeal challenge to the initial Australian divorce settlement, Lady Justice Black said: 'The wife was legally advised when she reached the Australian agreements. 'She could have sought help there if she thought they were not fair and did not provide for her needs. 'When she subsequently realised how dissatisfied she was, she was able to air her views before the Australian court and they were examined and not established. 'Even in the English courts, considerable weight would have been given to the agreements reached. 'The fact that the wife has more need now would, even in this country, not be reason to re-open an agreement reached by consent. 'There was nothing to show that the settlement was unfair. This was a short marriage, though there was of course a child born. 'This court is not here to provide a top up for every foreign divorce.' Advertisement Furious members of the public have dragged Just Stop Oil protesters from the road after the activists sprayed orange paint across the world-famous Harrods before blocking all traffic outside. Two eco-zealots splattered the store in Knightsbridge, central London, with the substance at around 9am as part of a month-long protest over new oil and gas licences and consents. A further 20 supporters of the group have also glued themselves to Brompton Road, directly outside Harrods, with some using locks to attach themselves together. A video shared on its Twitter page showed protesters spraying their distinctive orange paint on the windows of the luxury shop, as members of the public could be heard asking: 'What are you doing?' Footage then appears to show Harrods security staff taking those spraying paint inside the store. But furious members of the public have attempted to drag the protesters, all of whom are wearing orange jackets and holding a banner aloft, off the road as traffic is brought to a standstill. One man, dressed in a black suit, who is seen hauling and throwing banners away from the road, shouted: 'People have places to be instead of f*****g wasting time.' Another man said: 'How are you saving the planet? These cars are now kicking up more fumes.' The Metropolitan Police has said specialist officers are in the process of removing protesters from the road, adding that two people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. It comes as police have made more than 500 arrests across 20 days of highly disruptive protests as Just Stop Oil continues its 'civil resistance' throughout October. In a similar stunt on Sunday, activists sprayed orange paint over the Aston Martin car showroom on Park Lane, central London, in an apparent spontaneous act of vandalism. Among them were a pregnant mother and a musician who all vowed to continue with their deeply divisive campaign. Police also arrested 24 protesters on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage after activists sprayed orange paint at New Scotland Yards revolving sign in Westminster earlier this month. Today's demonstration comes as two men have been charged by police after scaling and suspending themselves from Dartford Bridge for more than day - causing chaos for drivers in the area. Do you know the man in a suit dragging protesters from the road? Furious members of the public have attempted to drag the protesters, all of whom are wearing orange jackets and holding a banner aloft, off the road as traffic is brought to a standstill. One man, dressed in a black suit, who is seen hauling and throwing banners away from the road, shouts: 'People have places to be instead of f*****g wasting time.' Do you know the man? Email jamie.phillips@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement Marcus Decker, 33, of no fixed address, and Morgan Trowland, 39, of Islington, north London, have been charged with conspiracy to commit a public nuisance after suspending themselves from the bridge and stopping traffic for two days. The pair of eco-zealots, who put themselves 275ft above one of the busiest roads in the country on Monday morning, were brought down on Tuesday afternoon after a 'super cherry picker' arrived to pluck them from the girders. They have been remanded in custody and will appear at Southend Magistrates' Court today. Yesterday, meanwhile, police arrested all 25 activists who blocked traffic in one of London's busiest roads after detaining others thought to be on their way to join the latest protest by the eco-mob. The protesters caused traffic chaos after stopping vehicles on the A4 Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum, west London. Around 30 activists walked into the carriageway at the junction with Exhibition Road at 9.40am, before gluing themselves to the road surface and using lock-ons. Images also showed police appearing to arrest a group of protesters before the demonstration had even begun, with two men seen being led into into a police van outside Gloucester Road Tube station. One furious man, dressed in a black suit, who is seen hauling and throwing banners away from the road, shouted 'people have places to be' The member of the public is seen dragging a protester from the road after Just Stop Oil activists blocked the busy hub this morning Members of the public are seen remonstrating with the Just Stop Oil protesters after they blocked the road outside Harrods this morning Another member of the public is seen dragging a protester from the road as fury grows over Just Stop Oil's latest stunt in central London Orange paint was sprayed across the world famous store earlier this morning as part of Just Stop Oil's latest act of 'civil disobedience' Police officers deal with activists from Just Stop Oil during their protest outside Harrods department store in Knightsbridge this morning Police officers on Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, work to remove a lock-on used by two of the protesters to attach themselves together Police officers seen hauling the protesters away from the scene, including having to use a large drill to separate two activists who had used lock-ons Two police officers drag a Just Stop Oil activist towards a police van following their latest stunt outside the Harrods store in Knightsbridge today Two eco-zealots sprayed the store in Knightsbridge, central London, at around 9am today as part of an ongoing protest The front of Harrods department store in Knightsbridge is cleaned after activists from Just Stop Oil sprayed an orange substance on its windows Police officers deal with activists from Just Stop Oil during their protest outside the world-famous store, with some having locked themselves together Police officers haul a protester towards two vans during the 20th day of protests being carried out by the Just Stop Oil group Specialist officers are seen removing a lock that is connecting two protesters occupying the middle of the road in Knightsbridge Around 20 supporters of the eco protest group have either glued themselves to the road or have used locks to attach themselves together Cleaners were on hand shortly after the incident to begin wiping away the orange substance sprayed on to the department store following Just Stop Oil's latest stunt Activists on the road outside Harrods in Knightsbridge, central London, as part of the eco group's 20th day of civil resistance which is set to last through all of October A further 20 activists have also glued themselves to the road outside, with others using locks to attach themselves together. Pictured: Some of the group hold a Just Stop Oil banner as they occupy the middle of the busy central London street A spokesman for the group today said: 'Just Stop Oil supporters have stopped traffic on Knightsbridge in London and sprayed paint on the outside of Harrods to demand that the government halts all new oil and gas licences and consents 'At 9am today, 20 Just Stop Oil supporters walked on to Knightsbridge in central London and disrupted traffic by sitting in the road with banners. 'Some supporters glued on to the tarmac and others locked themselves together. 'Two supporters have also sprayed the outside of Harrods department store with orange paint.' The group's website appeared to have been taken offline this morning, with a message displayed saying the account had been 'suspended'. Just Stop Oil said the stunt is part of a sustained campaign to get the Government to stop all new oil and gas projects. Protesters have been carrying out demonstrations every day this month, leading to hundreds of arrests. On Tuesday, a driver was filmed out his car shouting at a police officer as a group of more than 20 eco-zealots staged a sit-down demonstration outside Barons Court Tube station in west London - blocking one of the main roads into the capital. Activists walked into the road at 7.30am and sat down with banners on the road near Hammersmith flyover before gluing themselves to the tarmac and using lock-ons to avoid being forcibly removed. 'You allow these idiots to waste my time,' the driver shouted to officers as he gestured to the protesters blocking huge queues of traffic from getting into London. 'All these low-life people,' he added. He then stormed off as protesters continued to sit in and block the backlogged road. Another Londoner also angrily confronted Just Stop Oil protesters in the middle of the road and demanded the 'lazy b*****ds get a job'. Video shows angry motorists confronting the group, while Met officers attempted to remove the eco-zealots from the carriageway. The Metropolitan Police has said specialist officers are in the process of removing protesters from the road, adding two people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage A Just Stop Oil protester is carried towards a police van outside the Harrods store following the group's latest protest this morning Another protester, dressed in a suit and tie, is dragged away by police for his part in the demonstrations in central London this morning Officers drag an activist from Just Stop Oil into the back of a police van during the protest outside Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, London The Met later confirmed it had arrested 26 people and reopened the road, with the protesters taken into custody at a south London police station Rosie Sauvage, a 64-year-old a grandmother from Tunbridge Wells involved in the protest , said: 'I want my three-year-old grandson and all of his generation and generations to come to have a livable climate and enough food to eat. 'They don't deserve to suffer because of the indifference and inaction of our current leaders. We demand that the UK government stops granting licences for new fossil fuel exploration which is in direct contradiction to stated government Net Zero policy.' Protests have seen the group also block roads around Parliament Square, Waterloo Bridge and Trafalgar Square as they continue to demand the Government stops new oil and gas projects. But tension between the activists and members of the public has reached boiling point, with irate drivers regularly berating the eco-zealots and often physically removing them from the road. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has slammed the group as 'attention-seeking middle-class' activists and suggested that protesters who were black or working class would be treated with much greater condemnation. Mr Cleverly said: 'When people deface, vandalise and it is vandalism incredibly significant cultural works of art, business and public property, if they weren't and I have to say attention-seeking middle-class people, I think the general condemnation would be a lot harder. 'If these were working-class boys, as I say, black boys from Lewisham or working-class boys from Wolverhampton, I think that it would be treated as criminality and nothing more. 'And I think that giving this kind of behaviour some kind of implicit acceptance because of who's conducting it, I think is completely inappropriate, we should see it for what it is this is criminal damage and that's how it should be treated.' Do you know the man in the black suit? Get in touch by emailing jamie.phillips@mailonline.co.uk Kanye West has branded President Joe Biden 'f**king ret***ed' for not meeting with world's richest man Elon Musk in a foul-mouthed rant. The rapper, who was being interviewed by Piers Morgan, apologised for his bad language, but excused it by saying he has 'mental health' issues. Also in the interview, West addressed the Jewish community after his anti-Semetic Twitter tirade, and doubled down on some of his antics. Despite offering up a half-hearted apology, West (now known as Ye), said he 'absolutely' does not regret his comments - which resulted in a huge backlash, with some of his social media accounts being suspended and sponsorships canned. The apology came two hours into the interview in which West mocked Morgan by calling him a 'Karen', while offering him advice on how to become as rich as he is. He also stormed out of the interview mid-way through, The Sun said. The rapper, who sat down with Piers Morgan, apologised for his bad language, but excused it by saying he has 'mental health' issues Kanye West branded President Joe Biden (left) 'f**king ret***ed' for not meeting with world's richest man Elon Musk (right) in a foul-mouthed rant last night 'You know, one percent of the world are placed in power, and ninety-nine percent of the world are the audience,' West said. 'So that one percent of the world - this idea of a united nations - this is the world that needs to come together [...]. 'Here's the obvious go-to: Biden doesn't listen to Elon Musk. The President of the United States does not have meetings with Elon Musk,' he said. 'That is f***ing,' West said, before gesturing to the camera saying 'here, come, come, come get me,' in an apparent challenge, before saying: 'That's f***ing ret***ed.' The screen cut to interviewer Morgan, who looked confounded by West's comments and appeared to be holding back from responding. 'I know I'm not supposed say that Biden, but that's that's f***ing ret***ed Biden,' West continued. 'And obviously because I've been deemed with mental health, all this, I have a right to use whatever words that I like to use.' The clip did not show West elaborating on why he thought Biden should be meeting with Musk. In April, senior officials within the Biden administration held a meeting with the Tesla CEO and other major leaders of America's car industry. At another point in the interview, that will air fully on Friday, Morgan challenged West over his anti-Semetic comments on Twitter. 'I will say I'm sorry for the people that I hurt with the 'death con' [comments],' Ye said on the show with the British talk show host. 'I feel like I caused hurt and confusion. And I'm sorry for the families of the people that had nothing to do with the trauma that I had been through, and that I used my platform where you say hurt people hurt people. I was hurt.' At times, the rapper looked upset and disinterested when pressed by the British TV host West wore a '2024' hat during the Piers Morgan interview, a sign that he may still be considering a 2024 presidential run The rapper and clothing designer said on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored' that he was only referencing certain Jewish people who he believes have screwed him over. Less than two weeks ago, the rapper wrote in a tweet: 'I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE. Deafcon - also known as defense readiness condition - is an alert used by the US Armed Forces to indicate how quickly the military can be deployed during deadly emergencies and attacks. Ye was pressed by Morgan on whether his anti-Semitic remarks were racist, and he says they were, although at one point, the rapper says 'it's not racism' when asked about his comments. 'When you insult the Jewish people and say you're going 'death con 3' on the Jewish people, that is as racist as anything you say you've been through,' Morgan said. 'Racism is racism and you know that I think. Don't you.' At the time of his initial tweets, West claimed that he couldn't be anti-Semitic because all Black people are also Jewish. 'The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also. You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda,' Kanye wrote last week. The rapper's Twitter account was later suspended. In a statement Twitter confirmed that West was locked out of his account. In the interview, Ye clarified that he wanted to apologize to the Jews who did nothing wrong. West's comments were specifically geared towards Jewish Hollywood executives for their treatment of Black entertainers. Ye had also previously leaned in on stereotypes about Jewish people owning the banks, calling out JPMorgan leaders. It had been less than three days since he had returned to the social media app after being banned by previous ownership. Twitter's new owner, Elon Musk, had reviewed his initial suspension and then welcomed him back with open arms. 'Welcome back to Twitter, my friend,' Musk tweeted on October 8. West's current Twitter page shows a spot where a tweet used to be, stating that the message 'violated the Twitter Rules.' Before he was once again kicked off, he was able to tweet twice about cancel culture and the current protests underway in Iran. He later tweeted he would be 'going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE' while bringing back his 'White Lives Matter' T-shirt West, 45, defended his anti-Semitic comments in yet anothe rbizarre outburst while at a studio with new beau Juliana Nalu During his Wednesday interview with Morgan, the rapper accused the British television host of 'being a Karen' and not 'holding accountability to his pain.' The interviewer said that he did acknowledge Ye's troubles, but that 'I think you don't understand the pain that you have been causing with some of these comments.' Ye also says that Morgan is trying to 'pull him' back to the 1960s and 'a week ago' rather than living in the present and dealing with the now. As Morgan attempts to give Ye advice on how he can grow and progress from this moment, the rapper abruptly changes the topic by asking 'how much money are you worth?' After the TV host responds, 'not as much as you, sadly,' Kanye says 'why would I listen to you.' In a Monday evening interview with NewsNation's Chris Cuomo, West launched into another anti-Semitic rant, saying that a 'Jewish underground media mafia' is ruining his career. West complained a 'mafia' of Jewish media executives attacked his White Lives Matter stunt at the Paris Fashion Week and are always calling him a rapper instead of a billionaire. 'When I wore that White Lives Matter t-shirt, the Jewish underground media mafia already started attacking me,' Ye said from the back seat of a car. 'They canceled my store, SoFi stadium shows,' he claimed. 'Right, they have the press saying on 78 outlets that when I was arguing with Pete Davidson and Trevor Noah, they called me an abuser for arguing with people about my ex-wife and my family and when I get to see my kids and when I don't. 'And they just immediately disrespect me, they keep this crazy narrative going. 'They never call me a billionaire,' he continued. 'We never talk about even one right here, Hey, tycoon, billionaire, visionary, inventor. These are never used.' In that interview, Ye claimed that the 'Jewish people that I'm talking about' have a certain 'privilege' and he is now 'calling out the Jewish community as a whole.' Cuomo tried to assure the rapper there is no secret group of wealthy Jews colluding to harm his career, saying it is 'either a figment of your imagination or a projection of your prejudice. 'You may have had bad business dealings with people, OK,' the disgraced CNN anchor said. 'It's about those people, it's not about religion or faith. 'And I know that you are intelligent and understand that when you target people because of their faith, other people may do the same,' Cuomo told the 45-year-old rapper, adding that people 'may be abused or killed because of what they believe and who they are. 'We won't tolerate that,' Cuomo declared. 'And I won't tolerate it as a black person,' Kanye interjected as he doubled down on the idea of a Jewish cabal, noting the large number of Hollywood executives who are Jewish. In an interview from the back seat of a car Monday night, Kanye West launched into another anti-Semitic rant, blaming a 'Jewish underground media mafia' for ruining his career Disgraced CNN anchor Chris Cuomo tried to assure the rapper there is no secret group of wealthy Jews colluding to harm his career 'That's different than saying there's a mafia and they act as Jews in some was as opposed to just being businessmen,' Cuomo responded. 'One plays to a prejudice, the other one just plays to people in an ugly business. So you may have your feelings about it, just don't ascribe it to their faith,' the rapper said. On Wednesday a source close to the situation told the New York Post that Cuomo, who just recently joined the television station, was furious over how the interview looked as the 'No Church in the Wild' rapper took the call from a dimly lit car. 'Cuomo tried to get Ye to do the interview in the studio,' the source said. 'Chris was insulted that he sat down with Tucker Carlson and that all he got was a Zoom interview from his car.' 'Chris thought it was at least going to be well-lit,' the source said. 'He wouldn't have accepted that at CNN.' Employees at NewsNation also expressed anger over the show and Cuomo's decision to give a platform for the rapper, according to sources. 'People didn't want to appear on the [other two] shows following Chris Cuomo's interview because they didn't want to talk about anti-Semitism and to give Kanye more attention,' a source told the New York Post. That was just another interview in a long line of sit-downs that put the rapper in the spotlight. Owens and West promoting his White Lives Matter t-shirts at his show in Paris after he made several anti-Semitic comments Floyd's family have since lodged a $250million lawsuit against the star over the comments, calling them 'repugnant' and saying he used 'false statements' to 'promote his brands' In an interview with former rapper Noreaga aka N.O.R.E and DJ EFN on their Revolt TV's Drinks Champs podcast that 'the Jewish media blocked me out. 'This s**t lit, right? I'm lit right? I'm lit,' the rapper said in the podcast, released on Sunday, after JP Morgan Chase ended its relationship with West 'JP Morgan, I put $140 million in JP Morgan, and they treated me like s**t. So if JP Morgan Chase is treating me like that, how are they treating the rest of y'all?' In other parts of the interview, West said that 'Jewish people control the black voice,' and sarcastically stated that the 'Jewish media' would cancel one of the hosts for saying: 'F**k Black Lives Matter.' And later in his Drinks Champs interview, West claimed contrary to the coroner's report that fentanyl caused George Floyd's death in 2020. Floyd's family have issued a cease-and desist letter to West, 45, for the comments he made on the Drink Champs podcast, which has now been taken down West claimed that George Floyd was killed by a fentanyl overdose, instead of suffocation at the hands of police brutality 'He said a prayer for eight minutes, they hit him with the fentanyl. If you look, the guy's knee wasn't even on his neck like that.' Bizarrely, West goes on to say that Floyd's death made him think of his 'friend' Virgil Abloh, the fashion designer who passed away in November 2021 following a short battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare, aggressive form of cancer. He was 41 years old. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, it was announced that West's interview on The Shop would not air. The show's co-host, Maverick Carter ,said in a statement that the it was pulled was because West 'used to reiterate more hate speech and extremely dangerous stereotypes.' Carter's usual co-host, LeBron James, was not present for the taping. After the interview, Floyd's family launched a $250million lawsuit against the star over the comments, calling them 'repugnant' and saying he used 'false statements' to 'promote his brands'. Drink Champs have been forced to delete the entire episode after a fierce backlash, with host N.O.R.E apologizing for his guest's comments. The father-of-four said that he is being disrespected by being called a rapper, because he is the 'richest black man of all time, worth $11billion' When asked about N.O.R.E's apology, West said: 'He's under a lot of pressure, if you look at the first thing he says, N.O.R.E. does an interview with Rosenberg. 'He is a good guy. Like he said, he called me this morning. He said, 'Maybe politics is a little bit too much for me.' Everybody back up off of N.O.R.E. 'What's the exact thing I was saying? I said the Jewish media controls so many things. 'It's not all the Jewish people, but there's specifically Jewish people in media that are in power that try to, they bought the black voice, but they haven't been able to buy my voice. 'So instead they blackballed me. They threatened people to not interview me. They threatened people to get away from me.' On Tuesday, Ye stepped out with his new girlfriend, Juliana Nalu. 24, and spoke about his decision to wear a 'White Lives Matter' shirt during a recent fashion week appearance. West said: 'I feel like Black Lives Matter is a like warm water, it's a hot shower, and White Lives Matter is a cold shower. 'The funny thing about woke culture is like, woke culture is not really woke like that.' The rapper, who has a history of mental illness, appeared at the Nashville premiere of Candace Owen's new documentary, The Greatest Lie Ever Sold, which accuses the BLM organization of misappropriating millions of dollars in donations In the same rant, he went on to say: 'I love rappers. Rappers are artists. 'But when media calls me a rapper specifically to not bring up the fact that I'm worth $11 billion, that I'm the richest black man of all time, that I'm a billionaire and I'm a tycoon, that I'm a visionary. 'And if I say that, if I say those three things, then they'll say I'm a narcissist, right? But they push you down so much that you got to fight just to say who you are.' In response to Kanye's antics, Jewish community members across the country and the world have pushed back on his words, calling them 'dangerous.' West has been in the hot seat recently for his White Lives Matter T-shirt, which he was seen recently wearing to his daughter's game (pictured) Earlier this week, the Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles invited the Chicago rapper to visit their exhibitions. The museum said in an Instagram post: 'Words matter and words have consequences Ye. 'We urge you to come visit us at Holocaust Museum LA to understand just how words can incite horrific violence and genocides. 'The Holocaust started with only words that sadly begat stereotypes, racial and religious tropes and blaming others and led to the murder of six million Jews.' According to the American Jewish Council, Jewish people are the targets of 60 percent of religious hate crimes in America despite making up two percent of the population. Advertisement They are images which provide documentary evidence of one of the 20th century's greatest horrors. Faces etched with fear; mothers holding their children close; piles of possessions giving a hint to the horrific fate of the arrivals. Now, some of the photos of thousands of Hungarian Jewish men, women and children after arriving at Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in 1944 have gone on in display in a new exhibition. Taken by the Nazis themselves, the images are a meticulous record of the murder of 1.1million Jews at the site, which was in occupied Poland. The Jewish victims who died in the camp were among six million murdered by Adolf Hitler's forces. The exhibition, Seeing Auschwitz, opened today at 81 Old Brompton Road in south-west London and will run until the end of December. The images were taken over a three-month period in the summer of 1944, when an estimated 400,000 people, nearly all of them Jews, were murdered in Auschwitz's gas chambers. The display also shows the enormous piles of possessions that Jews both selected for work and for death had to surrender on arrival. The photos, of which there are 193 in total, were found in an album by Holocaust survivor Lilly Jacob-Zelmanovic Meier in the aftermath of the Second World War. The collection, which is known as the Auschwitz Album, is held by Israel's Yad Vashem museum. The photographers are likely to have been SS men Ernst Hofmann and Bernhard Walter. When taking the images, they often stood on the roof of a train to get a better composition. Some of the photos of thousands of Hungarian Jewish men, women and children arriving at Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in 1944 have gone on in display in a new exhibition. Above: Mothers are seen lining up with the children by their sides. Many of them wear the enforced stars n their clothes signifying that they are Jewish Taken by the Nazis themselves, the images are a meticulous record of the murder of 1.1million Jews at the site, which was in occupied Poland. Above: Nazi officers are seen standing by as lines of elderly men make their way into the camp. Many of the elderly were murdered in the gas chambers because they were not deemed fit enough to work Victims arrived at Auschwitz on trains that had previously been used to transport cattle. The conditions in the packed carriages were horrendous. Above: Thousands of people are seen carrying their belongings after emerging from the carriages Female inmates are seen sorting through an enormous pile of shoes of the dead. The images were taken over a three-month period in the summer of 1944, when an estimated 400,000 people, nearly all of them Jews, were murdered in Auschwitz's gas chambers As well as the arrival of Jews, the images show the selection process that led to many of the elderly and children being sent to the gas chambers, whilst healthy men and women were chosen for forced labour. Survivor Renee Salt, 93, was among the first visitors to see the new exhibition. She arrived at Auschwitz aged 15 with her parents. She and her mother survived Auschwitz as well as Bergen-Belsen, another death camp in northern Germany. However, her mother died 12 days after the camp's liberation. Speaking in the Guardian, Ms Salt said that seeing the images made her 'broken-hearted'. The pain 'never goes away but it hits you every time you see these scenes,' she added. The exhibition also displays drawings made by an inmate known only as MM. They survived after being hidden inside a bottle. The drawings depict the brutality of the camp guards, as well as the sorrow of separated family members. Elderly men are seen lying on the ground after emerging from the trains that took them to Auschwitz. The photographers are likely to have been SS men Ernst Hofmann and Bernhard Walter. When taking the images, they often stood on the roof of a train to get a better composition After arriving at the camp, men, women and children were separated. Those selected for work had their heads shaved and their own clothes taken away. Above: Hundreds of Jewish women are seen lined up after having their heads shaved Camp inmates are seen performing the heartrending task of sorting through clothes that had belonged to arrivals at the camp Lead curator and one of the world's leading experts on the Holocaust, Paul Salmons said: 'They look like faithful portraits of an instant, but these photographs are not neutral sources at all: we are looking at a piece of reality but seen from the Nazi perspective. 'It is necessary to stop and analyze them to really see what each image truly reveals, not only about the place and the moment, but also about their own authors, the people portrayed, and even about ourselves as viewers'. Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive, Holocaust Educational Trust says: 'Jewish men, women and children were stripped of their humanity before being murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. Survivor Renee Salt, 93, was among the first visitors to see the new exhibition. She arrived at Auschwitz aged 15 with her parents Jewish children are seen with their mothers on a grassy area at the camp. Many of the small children were sent to the gas chambers shortly after arriving Nazi guards are seen walking through a huge crowd of inmates at Auschwitz-Berkanau. Some prisoners are wearing the camp uniforms, whilst others are seen with their own clothes Jewish mothers are seen with the children in a wooded area at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Lead curator and one of the world's leading experts on the Holocaust, Paul Salmons said: 'They look like faithful portraits of an instant, but these photographs are not neutral sources at all: we are looking at a piece of reality but seen from the Nazi perspective' 'Their family photos and prized possessions were seized, their bodies were used for slave labour, and they were ultimately slaughtered in the gas chambers. The Nazis intended there to be no trace of the centuries-old Jewish communities of Europe. 'But a few of these photos survived, hidden in Auschwitz by prisoners sorting the possessions of the dead. 'And in this display, some of these photographs are presented alongside those taken by the perpetrators, showing us the real faces of the victims, and allowing us to remember them as individuals and to bear witness. We are proud to support this important exhibition.' Tickets are available at Fever, starting at 10 for adults. Customers inside a busy M&S coffee shop in central London bravely tackled a knifeman as he repeatedly stabbed a woman. Police were called to the scene on Edgware Road this morning, in west London, after they received reports that a woman in her 30s had been harmed. The woman was rushed to hospital with multiple knife injuries after the attack. Her condition is currently not known. Customers inside a busy M&S coffee shop in central London bravely tackled a knifeman as he repeatedly stabbed a woman Police were called to the scene on Edgware Road this morning, in west London, after they received reports that a woman in her 30s had been harmed A man was detained by members of the public who intervened and has now been arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). Police believe that the male and the stab victim were known to each other, although they noted they are in a 'very early stage' of their investigation. One witness praised the staff at the coffee shop after the 'utterly horrific' incident. She wrote on Twitter shortly after the attack: 'Just been at the M&S on Edgware Road when a stabbing happened out side the store.. utterly horrific.. but have to say to M&S all your staff where absolutely amazing they were so brave and all deserve a pay rise.' The woman was rushed to hospital with multiple knife injuries after the attack. Her condition is currently not known Another witness claims that a person attacked a woman, before hero passers-by stepped in to help her. He tweeted: 'Sickened witnessing a woman being beaten in the road [...] on the Edgware Road - I hope she's OK, brave people getting involved and fighting him off/ dragging her to safety, I was too far away to instantly help.' He added: 'Builders jumped out of van and pedestrians men and women all trying to help I was behind M&S. Horrific to watch.' Westminster Police issued the following statement: 'Police received multiple calls this morning to Edgware Road following reports of a stabbing in a coffee shop. olice believe that the male and the stab victim were known to each other, although they noted they are in a 'very early stage' of their investigation 'Officers responded with LAS. A female, in her 30s, was treated for stab injuries. She has been conveyed to hospital; we await an assessment of her condition. 'A man was detained by members of the public who intervened. He has been taken to hospital. He has been arrested on suspicion of GBH. At this very early stage it is believed the male and victim are known to each other. 'Specialist firearms officers were among those responding. No taser or police firearms have been discharged. Police remain on scene and enquiries are ongoing.' The owner of a shop across the road from the scene of the stabbing in Edgware Road, said members of the public chased and beat the suspected attacker and held him before police arrived. Omar Awada, 47, said: 'He tried to run away but the local guys managed to catch him and they beat him until the police came. 'It was like Tom And Jerry, they were on him right and left, the guys', Mr Awada said. Forensics investigators have been combing the scene for evidence and taking photographs. A police cordon was set up around Maison Du Sultan and a neighbouring Costa coffee shop, with officers standing guard. A glass shisha pipe lay on its side on the ground outside the front door of the business, while three chairs and a small table were also knocked over. A first aid bag could be seen next to a coat and a pair of boots in a neighbouring doorway. These were later collected in a clear plastic bag by a police officer. An 11-year-old girl is 'extremely lucky' to be alive after she filmed herself unknowingly holding one of the world's most venomous snakes. The young girl had been on a walk in Newport, in Melbourne's south-west, when she came across the eastern brown snake - which is responsible for the most snakebite fatalities in Australia. She filmed the reptile entwined around her fingers, completely unaware of how dangerous the 'snakey' was. The child mistakenly thought the reptile was a harmless garter snake and had no hesitation in picking it up. The young girl had been on a walk in Newport, in Melbourne's south-west, when she came across the eastern brown snake - which is responsible for the most snakebite fatalities in Australia Stewy the Snake Catcher (pictured) said the little girl is incredibly fortunate to be alive after mistaking a deadly snake for a harmless one Victorian man Stewy the Snake Catcher said it was incredibly fortunate the girl wasn't harmed after her case of mistaken identity. 'This is an extremely dangerous eastern brown snake,' he wrote on Facebook, where he also posted the video. 'The girl in the video is extremely lucky that she wasn't bitten by the snake, and her parents should probably go and buy a lottery ticket.' A grandparent of the girl sent the video to the snake catcher only because he wanted him to identify the reptile. 'Eastern brown snakes are a nervous snake and are responsible for the most deaths caused by snake bites in Australia,' Stewy said. 'This little girl could have actually died from a bite from this snake.' The child mistakenly thought the reptile was a harmless garter snake and had no hesitation in picking it up Stewy has issued an urgent warning to 'please, please, please' remind children not to interfere or interact with wildlife. 'Education is the key to making sure these situations never happen,' he said. Snake catchers in Victoria are not allowed to post photos or videos online of the snakes they catch, which is making it harder to educate young people about the dangers, Stewy said. 'We need to teach our kids right from wrong, and handling any wildlife is dangerous, and should be left to the professionals.' Mystery surrounds Russian nuclear tests that were expected to take this week and never materialised, amid claims they are being 'disrupted' from within. Moscow typically carries out large-scale atomic drills dubbed 'Grom' at this time of year and in recent days had issued a number of airspace alerts over its usual testing grounds - heavily suggesting they would be going ahead. But the US says it has received no alert from Moscow about any upcoming tests and there has been no official word from the Kremlin explaining their absence, with the air alerts due to expire Saturday. That has led one prominent Russian academic to speculate that Russian top brass have been 'sabotaging' the nuclear tests - either because they fear Putin trying to use the weapons in Ukraine, or because they don't work. Russia was due to hold it annual 'Grom' nuclear drills this week, but so far has given no sign that it is preparing the drills (pictured, tests in 2019) Air alerts that are typically issues during weapons drills popped up across Russia's traditional testing grounds this week, but so far no launches have been reported Varlery Solovey, an expert on Putin and former professor at Moscow's prestigious Institute of International Relations, claimed that two tests were supposed to have taken place by now. One warhead was supposed to have been detonated under the Barents Sea and the second was supposed to have been blown up at an underground test site at Arkhangelsk, which sits on the White Sea, he claimed. 'Both times the tests were not held,' he said. The president got reports that there was an emergency situation, that it didn't work out.' Solovey added: 'Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence. 'Butif the third time tests end the same way, with nothing, [it will look like] sabotage... not fulfilling.the orders of the chief commander.' He spoke out amid rising fears in the West that Putin's finger could be creeping closer to the Red Button as his invasion goes into reverse. Professor claims two bombs were supposed to have been detonated by now, and Putin's plans might have fallen victim Earlier this month, Italian media reported a NATO alert had been sent warning that nuclear submarine Belgorod had departed its base in the White Sea. The note speculated that Belgorod could be headed to the nearby Kara Sea to test a Poseidon underwater nuke, reports suggested. Poseidon is a one-of-a-kind Russia weapon that state media claims is capable of exploding with such terrifying force that it causes radioactive tsunamis designed to drown entire coastlines or countries. Days later, it was reported that a train used by Russia's shadowy 12th Chief Directorate - which handles its nuclear weapons - was on the move toward Ukraine. Amid those warnings, Joe Biden spoke out to share his fear that the world is now closer to 'Armageddon' than at any time since the Cold War. Ben Wallace, UK defence secretary, was then summoned to an emergency meeting at the Pentagon this week to have discussions that his deputy - armed forces minister James Heappey - said were 'beyond belief'. Grom is Russia's annual nuclear training exercise and typically takes place in mid-October, but the Kremlin has shown no sign it is going ahead (file image) Fears are growing Putin may resort to nukes as his invasion of Ukraine fails and his army is pushed back in both north and south (file image) That sparked further fears of nuclear escalation, as it came against the backdrop of Russian forces being pushed back in southern Ukraine. Sergei Surovikin, overall commander of the 'special military operation', has been laying the groundwork for a potential retreat from the city - the only regional capital Putin's forces have managed to capture in eight months of fighting. Experts have suggested that Putin could detonate a nuke either over the Black Sea or on a remote testing ground to show that Russia's huge but ageing stockpile of warheads still works. But if Putin's nukes don't work, or his generals are sabotaging attempts to use them, then it could quickly erode his authority and one of the last means he has to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Luna founder Do Kwon, right, speaks with Unchained Podcast host Laura Shin during an online interview, Oct. 18. Screenshot from Unchained Podcast's YouTube channel By Lee Min-hyung Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, is being met with a deluge of criticism for declining to confirm his whereabouts even after making apologies for the recent Luna coin debacle. Earlier, Kwon argued he is not "on the run" or evading investigation by the police, though it has turned out he left Singapore and headed for Dubai in September. He did not enter the United Arab Emirates city, but instead stayed there briefly before transiting to another country. It remains unknown where his next or final destination was. The investigation authorities here requested cooperation from neighboring countries to identify his specific whereabouts. Kwon expressed his apologies to investors in the ill-fated Terra-Luna ecosystem, saying that he is to blame for the fiasco. Previously, he had not made a sincere apology after the collapse of the once-promising crypto ecosystem, only leaving some sarcastic comments about the authorities and investors who doubted the ecosystem. "Whatever issues existed in Terra's design, its weakness to the cruelty of the markets, it's my responsibility alone," he told host Laura Shin on the Unchained Podcast interview. But the public ire did not show any signs of mitigation even after he apologized, as Kwon continues to keep his location hidden. Up until recently, Kwon reiterated his willingness to cooperate sincerely with any investigation by the authorities, but ended up breaking the promise again by becoming a fugitive whose passport will soon be invalidated. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kwon's passport will no longer be valid after Nov. 2. He was ordered to return his passport on Oct. 5, but did not respond. If he does not surrender his passport within the next two weeks, he will become an illegal alien no matter which country he is in. "It's not in the interest of being on the run," he said. "I don't want to disclose where I live. It's just that every time the location where I live becomes known, it becomes almost impossible for me to live there." An Interpol Red Notice has been issued for Kwon, making him a fugitive in almost 200 countries across the globe. He is unlikely to make any public appearance on his own due to safety concerns. He said he has been threatened on many occasions after the meltdown of the Terra-Luna cryptocurrencies in May. He is currently only using online channels for communication. James Nesbitt said he is unnerved and saddened after he was threatened with 'crosshairs' Northern Ireland graffiti, which police are treating as a hate crime. The message directed at the Cold Feet actor, 57, was daubed on a wall in the predominantly unionist town of Portrush in Co Antrim. The graffiti read: '1 x king 1 x crown no pope in our town James Nesbitt'. It appeared weeks after Nesbitt was the keynote speaker at an event in Dublin organised by a campaign group advocating for a united Ireland. The Northern Ireland-born actor, who is from a unionist background said he thinks people 'may have misunderstood' him and that he doesnt believe the graffiti reflects the views of the majority of people in Portrush. Its a bit unnerving of course ... it really saddens me because I am just sorry this has been brought to Portrush, brought to my neighbours, brought to a community I love, he told the BBC. In a democracy people are entitled to engage in a public conversation about the future and that is all I was intending to do when I took part in the Irelands Future debate, he said. I was simply saying a conversation about what this island might look like in the future is worth having. I certainly dont promote any solution and I dont support any outcome. I went down there as someone who is a proud Protestant from the north of Ireland. I have never shied away from my Protestant culture but it doesnt define me.' The message threatening the Cold Feet actor, 57, was daubed on a wall in the predominantly unionist town of Portrush in Co Antrim It appeared weeks after Nesbitt was the keynote speaker at an event in Dublin organised by a campaign group advocating for a united Ireland The Coleraine-born star also said the graffiti suggests an element of sectarianism, adding he wants to see sectarianism eradicated. A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: 'Police in Coleraine received a report of graffiti on a wall in the Bushmills Road area of Portrush on Wednesday 19th October. 'The graffiti is believed to have been written on the wall some time between 5pm on Tuesday and 7.30pm on Wednesday evening and is being treated as a hate crime.' Officers have asked anyone with information to come forward. The graffiti has been condemned by local political representatives. East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said Nesbitt should be free to express his views. 'Jimmy Nesbitt is a local lad who has invested in his own community,' said the DUP representative. 'Those painting threatening graffiti such as this should stop. Their actions are wrong and to be condemned. 'I fundamentally disagree with Mr Nesbitt's position on Northern Ireland's future but he has every right to express his political views in whatever forum he wishes. He should be able to do so free from fear. 'That's a democracy and it's why I have opposed Sinn Fein all my life as they believed you could justify violence at the same time as doing politics. 'We must be consistent in always opposing violence as well as any threat of violence and attempted intimidation.' Sinn Fein's Caoimhe Archibald said the graffiti represented an attack on freedom of expression. Nesbitt, who is from a Unionist Protestant background, speaks to the audience during the Ireland's Future Together We Can conference which discussed planning for a united Ireland on October 1 Officers have asked anyone with information to come forward. The graffiti has been condemned by local political representatives 'The appearance of threatening and sectarian graffiti directed at James Nesbitt in Portrush is disgusting,' she said. 'These threats are an attack on the right to freedom of expression. They come only weeks after James Nesbitt addressed thousands of people in Dublin from right across the political spectrum to discuss the future of the island of Ireland. 'This is clearly a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion. 'There is no place in society for the threats and hatred directed at James Nesbitt. 'Political leaders should stand shoulder to shoulder in opposition to these threats. 'Those responsible for this hate crime should be held to account. 'Anyone with information on those responsible should bring it forward to the PSNI.' Nesbitt has had a long association with Troubles victims' organisation, the WAVE Trauma Centre. A spokesman for the centre said: 'As a patron of the WAVE Trauma Centre for over 20 years, Jimmy Nesbitt has been a true friend to victims and survivors right across Northern Ireland. 'That speaks to his commitment to support those who have suffered so much during our violent past but yet are too often ignored.' The Victoria Cross won by one of 'Britain's bravest soldiers' who was mortally wounded by friendly fire while waist deep in a flooded trench is tipped to sell for 250,000. Lieutenant Colonel Bertram Best-Dunkley was a survivor of both the Somme and the first mustard gas attack in the First World War at Ypres. His fateful heroics in the hell of the Battle of Passchendaele came just days after his wife gave birth to the baby son he never got to meet. On July 30, 1917 at Pilckem Ridge in Belgium he watched as dozens of men and officers were cut down by enemy machine gun fire from positions believed to have been in British hands. Medals awarded to the late Lieutenant Colonel Betram Best-Dunkley Best-Dunkley was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in action in a counter attack against German forces in Belgium in July 1917 before he was mortally wounded by a British shell which fell short of enemy lines Realising all of the officers in the advance had been knocked out, Lt Col Best-Dunkley stepped forward to lead what was left of the unit into the murderous onslaught. Not only did he and the men retake the positions, they launched a successful attack on the German lines. The next day, he commanded his unit in repelling a fierce German counter attack from a trench filled with rain water. It was against the hellish backdrop of bodies of men and horses strewn across the muddy and flooded battlefield Lt Col Best-Dunkley was struck by a shell from a British gun that fell short of its target. Although he survived the impact and was taken to a hospital clearing station he died from his wounds five days later. On his deathbed, he told the battalion padre how he hoped his general was not too disappointed with his efforts. A note of reply came back from Major General Hugh Jeudwine which read: 'Disappointed? Indeed, I am more proud of having you and your battalion under my command than anything that has ever happened to me. 'It was a magnificent fight, and your officers and men behaved splendidly, fighting with their heads as with the most superb pluck and determination.' At his burial service, the Maj Gen Jeudwine said: 'We are burying one of Britain's bravest soldiers.' On his deathbed, he told the battalion padre how he hoped his general was not too disappointed with his efforts Lt Col Best-Dunkley was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery at Pilckhem Ridge - Britain's highest award for valour in the face of the enemy Lt Col Best-Dunkley was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery at Pilckhem Ridge - Britain's highest award for valour in the face of the enemy. Now over 100 years later his medals are being sold by auctioneers Spink & Son of London for 250,000. Marcus Budgeon, a medal specialist at Spink & Son, said: 'When you think of a commanding officer being killed in action during the Great War, you quite probably think of a man doing his job and being unlucky in losing his life. 'But not so with Lt Col Best-Dunkley. He was right in the thick of it, leading his men from the front. 'His is a story of tragedy and heroism that has got everything. A survivor of the Somme, he had only just discovered his new wife back at home had given birth to a son just a few days before he died. 'The official account of the action in which he suffered his mortal injuries brushed over what actually happened. When you look into it you realise that it was a British shell that fell short that did for him. 'Passchendaele is known for being a horrific battle, with the ground littered with the bodies of men and horses, trees reduced to stumps and shell holes filled with water. 'It was against this hellish backdrop that Lt Col Best-Dunkley showed his true colours and where he ultimately met his end. 'It is an incredible Victoria Cross group and one of the best groups we have ever seen. 'The market for these medals has changed massively in recent years and the prices they command reflect this. 'There is a whole new generation of collectors who want to own a unique piece of British military history.' Lt Col Best-Dunkley was born in York in 1890 and attended a military school in Germany before he was commissioned into the British army. He left the military to work as a school teacher in Ireland and then a school master in China. When war broke out he returned home to answer the call to arms and joined the Lancashire Fusiliers as an officer. Of the 593 men of Lt Col Best-Dunkley's battalion that went into action, a staggering 473 of them became casualties He arrived on the Western Front in July 1915 and was appointed captain a year later and went through the horrors of four Somme battles. Due to shell shock at the Somme he developed a customary squint and twitch of the nose. Thomas Hope Floyd, a junior officer who served under Lt Col Best-Dunkley, described him as a 'budding Napoleon' who 'nobody ever anticipated for a moment would win the VC.' On July 12, 1917, the battalion came under a mustard gas attack at Ypres which accounted for over 3,000 British casualties. Three weeks later at the start of the Third Battle of Ypres, known as the Battle of Passchendaele, thousands of Allied soldiers went over the top to take ridges above the city of Ypres. Thomas Floyd wrote in his account of how the men of the C Company of the 5th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers were He wrote: 'Suddenly we were rained with bullets from rifles and machine-guns.. Men were being hit everywhere. 'It was impossible to recognise anything in this chaos when the inevitable happened. I felt a sharp sting through my leg. I was hit by a bullet. 'My platoon seemed to have vanished just before I was hit. Spotting that all the officers of 'C' Company had become casualties, Best-Dunkley rushed forward in his VC-winning action. Floyd wrote: 'About a hundred yards on my right, I saw Colonel Best-Dunkley complacently advancing, with a walking stick in his hand, as calmly as if he were walking across a parade ground. 'I afterwards heard that when all 'C' Company officers were knocked out he took command in person.' Lt Col Best-Dunkley led the men through intense enemy fire to clear German soldiers from their positions on two different lines. The officer consolidated his battalion's position ahead of the expected enemy counter attack the next day. Floyd wrote: '...at that time also rain came down in torrents and continued; shell holes filled with water; mud became slime; the conditions were completely discouraging.' Another soldier, S.F Rothwell, later wrote: 'Col. Best-Dunkley and myself held the front trench whilst Jones and Andrews held the rear. Andrews came on forward to speak to the Colonel and was killed. 'Later in the afternoon Colonel Best-Dunkley was hit very badly. We were up to our waists in water and it was not very comfortable.' Another witness to Lt Col Best-Dunkley's actions was Capt J.F Jones. He wrote: 'I heard that he was wounded and wanted me. I ran across and had almost arrived at his position when I was blown head over heels into a little trench and wounded in several places in the thigh. 'Unfortunately both Col. Dunkley and myself were hit by our own gunners.' Of the 593 men of Lt Col Best-Dunkley's battalion that went into action, a staggering 473 of them became casualties. After he died he was buried at the Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium. The Lancashire Fusiliers were the most decorated regiment during the First World War, earning a combined 18 VCs. Lt Col Best-Dunkley's VC medal group will be sold on November 24. Keir Starmer twisted the knife on embattled Liz Truss today as he gave a speech to union barons. Addressing the TUC conference in Brighton, the Labour leader repeated his demand for an immediate general election - with the Tories up to 36 points behind in the polls. Accusing the government of 'pathetic squabbles, he insisted the political choice was 'stark'. And in a clear signal of intent to unions Sir Keir identified 'the distribution of wealth' as a dividing line with the PM. 'The Prime Minister is completely out of touch with the reality of the British economy,' Sir Keir said. 'She doesn't care about the distribution of wealth in Britain, She hasn't U-turned on that'. Addressing the TUC conference in Brighton, the Labour leader repeated his demand for an immediate general election - with the Tories up to 36 points behind in the polls Liz Truss (pictured) is engaged in an increasingly desperate battle for survival today after 24 hours of carnage that saw the Home Secretary quit, confusion over whether the Chief Whip had followed her out of the door, and MPs wrestling in Commons voting lobbies He went on to say: 'Congress, forget about lines on a graph. If you leave this many people behind, a nation will not grow fairly. 'You can't do it with low wages, you can't do it with insecure jobs and bad work, and you can't do it without a modern industrial strategy. 'This isn't a debate. The evidence is in.' Sir Keir said: 'Britain deserves better, Britain cannot afford the chaos of the Conservatives any more, we need a general election now... 'Never again can Britain take seriously their claim to be a party of aspiration or sound money. 'Last night in Parliament, even by their standards, a new chaotic low.' Ms Truss is engaged in an increasingly desperate battle for survival today after 24 hours of carnage that saw the Home Secretary quit, confusion over whether the Chief Whip had followed her out of the door, and MPs wrestling in Commons voting lobbies. The PM has been warned she only has 12 hours to save herself, with a series of previously-loyal MPs joining calls for her to go. Even supportive Cabinet ministers had been conceding the situation is 'terminal'. Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan was sent out to prop up the PM this morning, but would only say that 'at the moment' she believes Ms Truss will lead the Tories into the next election. The growing clamour came as 1922 committee chief Graham Brady is expected to meet other officers to consider Ms Truss's future. Yet another bout of madness at Westminster yesterday culminated in stories of tears and tantrums in Parliament, with Ms Truss allegedly engaging in a shouting match with her own enforcers. Deputy PM Therese Coffey was accused of 'manhandling' Tory MPs to vote against a Labour motion that could have killed the government's plans to resume fracking - something she denies. The premier tried to force the issue by declaring that it was a matter of confidence, meaning a defeat the would have collapsed the government. But at the end of the debate a minister declared that it was not in fact a confidence vote - triggering fury from Chief Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy Craig Whittaker. Other whips told MPs they had resigned, but after three hours of silence and frantic wrangling behind the scenes Downing Street announced they were still in post. A 1.33am statement then made clear that it had been a confidence vote, warning that around 30 MPs who abstained will be disciplined. However, in another twist this morning, Ms Trevelyan said that it had not been a confidence vote. They are demanding that the German transport sector be decarbonised Eco activists have remained there for nearly 24 hours and are refusing to leave Group of activists from the Scientist Rebellion group glued themselves to floor at Porsche showroom in the Autostadt, a Volkswagan museum in Germany A group of eco activists have glued themselves to the floor of a Porsche showroom in Germany and have vowed to remain there until their demands for the government to decarbonise the German transport sector are met. The group of 9 activists from the Scientist Rebellion group glued their hands to the floor of the Autostadt, a Volkswagan museum in the northern city of Wolfsburg, Germany. The eco activists, most of whom are wearing white lab coats, have remained sitting on the floor - surrounded by the Porsches - for nearly 24 hours and are refusing to leave after spending the night there. Some of the activists are on hunger strike, while others complained that Volkswagan had denied their request to have a bowl so that they could go to the toilet 'in a decent manner' while they are glued to the floor. A group of eco activists have glued themselves to the floor of a Porsche showroom in Germany and have vowed to remain there until their demands to decarbonise the German transport sector are met The group of 9 activists from the Scientist Rebellion group glued their hands to the floor of the Autostadt, a Volkswagan museum in the northern city of Wolfsburg, Germany Meanwhile, other Scientist Rebellion protesters threw red ink on the steps in front of the VW factory in Wolfsburg before holding up signs which read 'no new car factory' Meanwhile, other Scientist Rebellion protesters threw red ink on the steps in front of the VW factory in Wolfsburg before holding up signs which read 'no new car factory'. One of the activists, PhD student Teresa Santos, tweeted that the activists remain inside the showroom after 19 hours stuck to the floor. 'We're not doing this because we like it,' Santos said. 'We don't, but business as usual isn't enough to face the climate and ecological crisis. We're acting like we're in an emergency because we are in an emergency.' Gianluca Grimalda, a researcher at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy who is part of the protest, said in a video from the floor of the Porsche showroom that the activists are there to 'denounce the responsibility of Volkzwagan in the climate emergency that we are facing'. He continued: 'Volkzwagan is the largest car manufacturer in Europe and the second largest in the world and the car sector has a huge responsibility in the climate emergency - 12 per cent of CO2 emissions that come from the car sector.' The group are calling for an introduction of a speed limit on motorways in Germany and an introduction of a pass that would allow the public to travel on public transport in the country for nine euros. Grimalda added that 'we must stop CO2 emissions and we must decarbonise'. The eco activists, all of whom are wearing white lab coats, have remained sitting on the floor - surrounded by the Porsches - for nearly 24 hours and are refusing to leave after spending the night there Some of the activists are on hunger strike, while others complained that Volkswagan had denied their request to have a bowl so that they could go to the toilet 'in a decent manner' while they are glued to the floor Climate protesters have been wreaking havoc across Europe as they demand governments act on addressing climate change. In Knightsbridge, central London, Just Stop Oil protesters glued themselves to a road outside the world-famous Harrods after the activists sprayed orange paint across the building today. Earlier this month, protesters from Just Stop Oil tried to block another road and sprayed paint over an Aston Martin showroom. And on Saturday, two protesters appeared in court a day after throwing tomato soup over the van Gogh painting at London's National Gallery. The painting itself was protected by a screen but damage was caused to the frame, according to the gallery in Trafalgar Square. An activist from just stop oil sprays orange paint on an Aston Martin Store on Park Lane as other members of Just Stop Oil block roads near Park Lane In Rome, furious drivers have resorted to dragging away a group of eco protesters who sparked fury by halting traffic on a busy motorway in Rome. Rush hour motorists were blockaded on the Grande Raccordo ringroad outside the Italian capital on Monday by Last Generation activists who unfurled large banners protesting fossil fuels. The disruption led to angry scenes as drivers got out of their vehicles to remonstrate with the eco-zealots and plead with them to get out of their way. Some took matters into their own hands, physically dragging protesters out of the way. Italy's 'Ultima Generazione' (Last Generation) climate activists block a motorway to highlight the need to combat the climate crisis, in Rome on October 17 Last Generation activists unfurled large banners protesting fossil fuels and called for an end to oil and gas One man on a motorbike begged to be let through, loudly arguing: 'I have to go, I'm a doctor.' But a female activist refused to grant him permission to get through without seeing his medical identification and demanded he handed it over. He eventually brandished his ID card and the demonstrator allowed him to bypass the human barricade. Thunderstorms, large hail and damaging winds are also on the forecast South Australia, Queensland, NSW and Tasmania will see into next week Hundreds of Echuca locals moved thousands of sandbags to build flood walls Already saturated parts of Victoria could receive up to 50mm, including Echuca A massive band of thunderstorms stretching from the tip of Queensland through to critically flooded Victoria is set to wreak havoc over the weekend. Two severe storm systems are hovering over NSW and are forecast to spread south overnight on Thursday and bring rain to already saturated parts of Victoria. But in welcome news, soaked Australians will finally start to enjoy something resembling an early summer from Tuesday next week - with sunshine coming to NSW and the rain easing in Victoria. Widespread showers and thunderstorms bringing damaging winds and large hail are also expected to lash Queensland and NSW, with Victoria and Tasmania to cop heavy rain over Friday and Saturday. A massive rain band starting at Moree and extending down to the border between Victoria and NSW delivered high amounts of rainfall to NSW's centre and southwest on Thursday. Meanwhile, a second system covering the Hunter Valley, central coast and north coast brought light to moderate showers to the state's east. Major flood warnings (above) have been issued for central NSW and north Victoria with upcoming rain set to pour on already saturated areas Echuca locals have moved thousands of sandbags to build flood walls (above) to protect their town from the rising river Forbes recorded the highest rainfall in the state with 39.4mm falling on Thursday, just a few millimetres short of the town's usual monthly average. That rain is expected to push down into Victoria overnight and into Friday morning. Victorians can expect average rainfalls between 25mm and 50mm while up to 100mm is forecast to fall in parts of Queensland and western NSW. Residents in the Victorian border town of Echuca have banded together amid the ongoing flood crisis to protect against more damage. Hundreds of locals worked to build walls around homes, businesses and pubs out of thousands of sandbags. Hundreds of locals showed up to make and move the sandbags in Echuca on Thursday (pictured, a local giving out free 'beer') Victoria SES have issued emergency flood warnings for the state's central north and watch and act warnings for several other areas in the state (pictured, a map of flood warnings) Among the crowds were the graduating Year 12 class from St Joseph's College who got busy filling sandbags for crews to take into town. Victoria SES issued an alert on Thursday warning upcoming rain could push the Murray River in Echuca up to 94.8m and possibly 95m by Tuesday. The warning also urged people living in Moama, Torrumbarry and Barham to evacuate as the Murray rises. Most of the rain in Victoria on Friday is forecast to stick close to the NSW border and central parts of the state with light showers moving down to Mt Gambier. However, the system will continue to spread heading into Saturday with rain forecast across the state. Melbourne is expected to see showers through the weekend into next week with up to 20mm forecast for Saturday. Large parts of NSW and Victoria have been told to be on alert for floods are more rain is forecast for the week ahead (pictured, residents in Echuca) Hundreds of Echuca locals worked to construct sandbag walls to protect the town from flood damage (pictured, locals on Thursday) That rain is set to worsen from Monday with the heaviest falls forecast in Victoria to settle near Albury. Storms are expected to continue through to mid next week. Queenslanders can expect their wet weather to continue over the weekend and into next week, with severe storm warnings issued over a large part of the state's east coast. The state's coast has taken a battering this week with the central and north the worst affected. Central Queensland town Gladstone recorded a whopping 117mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on Thursday and is set to see another 70mm of rain on Friday. More than 100mm is forecast to fall slightly north in Rockhampton. Heavy rain is expected to develop on the border from St George down to Tamworth with more than 50mm set to fall over Moree on Friday. SES volunteers and Echuca locals (above) spent all day Thursday making and moving sandbags Residents in Echuca worked together to 'flood proof' the town using sandbag walls (above) Cape York, in north Queensland will also be hit with storms over the weekend, as will residents in Cairns with up to 20mm of rain to fall before Saturday. Brisbane is also forecast to see a storm on Friday before showers move in for the rest of the weekend with up to 40mm to fall on Saturday. Light to moderate showers are expected to cover NSW on Friday with the worst of the rain focusing on the Queensland border. Sydneysiders won't face storms like the majority of the east coast but can expect showers through to mid next week. NSW SES have issued an emergency flood warning for Moama, sitting across the border from Echuca. Heavy rain to light showers are forecast to continuing falling along Australia's eastern and southern coasts through to next week (pictured, rain forecast for Sunday) Sydneysiders are forecast to see showers through to mid next week (pictured, a Sydney pedestrian) Residents living near the Lachlan River, Macquarie River, Bell River and Barwon Darling river system have been told to stay alert as there is a high risk of flooding. South Australians will likely avoid most of Friday's wet weather with light showers sticking close to the Victorian and NSW border. However, a system will develop in the state's west on Saturday morning and spread across most of the state by Sunday morning. Canberra will also cop some of the miserable weather with storms forecast for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The light showers are expected to hang around through to next week. Adelaide is forecast to avoid the rain on Friday before showers move in on Saturday. The Northern Territory is expected to mostly stay bone dry on Friday with light showers moving in on the state's south from SA on Saturday. Flooding alerts have been issued widely across Victoria and NSW (pictured, a father and son hugging in front of Shepparton floodwaters) Canberra residents are set to face storms on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (pictured, a pedestrian in the rain) However, residents in Darwin can expect to see a storm on Friday before the rain recedes in showers on Saturday before clearing on Sunday. Light showers are expected to linger in WA's southwest on Friday before spreading to cover most of the state's south on Saturday, connecting with SA's rain. Slightly heavier showers are forecast to move in near Albany from Sunday night and into Monday. Perth residents should stay mostly dry on Friday and Saturday before showers arrive on Sunday. Forecasts show light showers will cover most of Tasmania from Friday night and continue through to Monday. Hobart is set to see showers through to next Thursday. Detectives have today charged a man with the murder of a three-week-old baby boy found dead in Birmingham. Kadees Mohammed was arrested at the scene early on Tuesday after Mohammed Ibrahim was found to be not breathing when paramedics were called to a terraced house in Dovey Road, Sparkhill. West Midlands Police said the 29-year-old, of Dovey Road, has been charged with murder, assault and two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was remanded in custody today, to appear at Birmingham Crown Court tomorrow. Police have previously said the baby was pronounced dead in hospital shortly after officers were called to Dovey Road at about 3.40am on Tuesday. Forensic officers on Dovey Road in Sparkhill, Birmingham In a tribute issued through police, the infant's distraught family said: 'To our beautiful baby boy, Mohammed Ibrahim. A beautiful flower in our lives. 'Your family loves you so much. We will be together again one day. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.' A police statement said: 'The family continue to be supported by specialist family liaison officers. The scene on Dovey Road, in Sparkhill, Birmingham 'Two women injured in the incident were treated and discharged from hospital. 'A cordon remains at the property on Dovey Road as specialist forensic examinations continue. Extra officers will continue to patrol the area so please speak to them if you have any concerns. 'We would like to thank the local community for their care and assistance in this deeply upsetting investigation.' Children as young as four and five are being given war lessons in Vladimir Putin's Russia. Shocking footage shows an officer in combat fatigues demonstrating a Kalashnikov machine-gun and an anti-tank grenade launcher to kindergarten youngsters. The 'teacher' is Pavel Firsov, from a militaristic pro-Kremlin movement called Combat Brotherhood. Children at Kindergarten No. 31 in Korolev, near Moscow were taught the 'qualities that distinguish a true defender of the Motherland'. Firsov is a 'veteran of military operations' and regularly gives military lessons to older children. The classes come as tens of thousands of Russian troops have died in Putin's attempt to invade and emasculate independent country Ukraine. Shocking footage shows an officer in combat fatigues demonstrating a Kalashnikov machine-gun and an anti-tank grenade launcher to kindergarten youngsters The 'teacher' is Pavel Firsov, pictured, from a militaristic pro-Kremlin movement called Combat Brotherhood. Children at Kindergarten No. 31 in Korolev, near Moscow were taught the 'qualities that distinguish a true defender of the Motherland' One critical commenter asked in disbelief: 'Did I understand correctly that a combatant brought a machine gun and a flamethrower to the kindergarten?' But another replied: 'It is better that a combatant who wishes well for children brings a machine gun and a flamethrower to the kindergarten than a terrorist.' Another commenter despaired: 'In my school childhood, someone's grandfather with noble grey hair came bedecked in medals and told us that war is scary, with pain and tears. 'We were told how wonderful victory was and how to cherish world peace. 'I don't remember a word about weapons. 'Now happy Russian children are being told how and what to use to kill bad people. Feel the difference.' Firsov, pictured, is a 'veteran of military operations' and regularly gives military lessons to older children The classes come as tens of thousands of Russian troops have died in Putin's attempt to invade and emasculate independent country Ukraine. Pictured: Firsov Another complained: 'I'm shocked. 'Why, why show this in the kindergarten? Degenerates!' A parent at the nursery school expressed outrage. 'We were not warned. We were only lucky that our child was not in the kindergarten on this day.' People were outraged by the footage and photographs on social media. One person wrote: 'i'm shocked. Why, why show this in the kindergarten? Degenerates!' And a parent from the kindergarten said that they were not 'warned' about the class, sahying their were lucky they were not in the kindergarten that day Another critic said that it was 'awful' to show children the weapons and that children should not be involved in military propaganda Another critic said it was 'awful' to show children the weapons. 'The law says it is not permitted to involve children in military propaganda. It is necessary to report this violation to the prosecutor's office.' A supporter said that unless boys are taught about weapons they will become 'cowardly men'. But a supporter said that if boys are not taught about weapons then they will become 'cowardly men' Pictured: Russian school children from the Young Army Cadets National Movement are taught about war Russian children attend kindergartens before they transfer to school at seven. Pictured: Children learn about war and weapons at kindergarten Another said: 'The girls will probably not be interested, but the boys - 100%. 'We have become too soft and pampered as we see from so many indignant comments.' In Russia, children attend kindergartens before transferring to schools at the age of seven. A jealous Bumble stalker launched a vengeful smear campaign against a man she had a one-night stand with by telling his bosses he was a drug addict. Vengeful single mother Irina-Alexandra Resteanu rang Joseph Collins bosses and lied to them, claiming he was abusing narcotics, after he told the 22-year-old he could not see her for three weeks due to 'work commitments'. 'Obsessive' Resteanu, who went on just two dates with Mr Collins, launched her hate campaign earlier this summer, bombarding him with 150 abusive messages on Snapchat in just four days. He called police hoping officers would warn her off but she contacted his colleagues at a firm of electrical contractors to wrongly tell them he took drugs before arriving for work and threatened to contact his former employers to repeat the slur. In a statement to police Mr Collins, of Mobberley, near Knutsford, Cheshire, said he been traumatised by her vindictive abuse. He said: 'During the time of the incident I did not know how bad it would get. I very quickly sank into a depression and a huge drop in mood which was noticed by others. Vindictive: Irina-Alexandra Resteanu rang Joseph Collins bosses and lied to them, claiming he was abusing narcotics, after he told the 22-year-old single mother he couldn't see her for three weeks. Resteanu is pictured arriving at Warrington Magistrates' Court 'I was not my normal self. I struggled with the loss of conversation and was worried about how bad it was going to get. 'I struggled with focusing at work and with everyday tasks. I found myself losing my sense of humour and confidence. 'I found that it was all I could think about. The worst part was the bad headspace was getting more intense as the harassment and stalking progressed. Bumble: making every woman a 'Queen bee' The dating app was launched by Whitney Wolfe Herd in Texas in 2014, with the backing from Russian billionaire Andrey Andreev, founder of European online dating site Badoo. The platform proved popular with young people, and now has about 45 million users worldwide. For heterosexual women looking to meet a man, the woman is in control - with the app allowing them to make the first move. However, for same-sex couples looking to meet, either person can send the first message. Advertisement 'I was quickly feeling trapped and powerless. I did not know what to do. At one point I felt that if I contacted the police she would get worse.' Mr Collins said that after having only met Resteanu on a couple of occasions, he worried what she was capable of and feared she would try to ruin his holiday or target his family. 'I do not know what is going through her mind or how far she will take it.' he added. 'My confidence is really knocked by this and I have trust issues. 'I am going to struggle to connect with someone romantically at least for some time until I really know them.' At Warrington Magistrates' Court Resteanu - who claims to have studied at the University of Cambridge and lives in Orford, Warrington - pleaded guilty to stalking and was sentenced to an 18-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work. Natatsha McAdam, prosecuting, said the pair met on Bumble and went on a date on July 2, before spending a night together in a hotel a week later. But when Mr Collins told Resteanu he could not see her until July 30, because of work, Miss McAdam said the stalking mother launched a furious four-day campaign, bombarding him 'around 150 times' between July 15 and 18. 'He reported it to the police,' the prosecutor told the court. 'The complainant did not want to make a complaint at that stage but wanted them to warn the defendant.' But relentless Resteanu ignored a police warning on July 20, Miss McAdam said, calling Mr Collins on the same night 'numerous times'. Resteanu pleaded guilty to stalking and was sentenced to an 18-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work. Pictured is Warrington Magistrates' Court Her campaign of hate escalated the next day, when the spiteful single mother called Mr Collins' work to tell them he was a drug user. 'He was shocked because he had not told her where he worked,' added Miss McAdam. 'On the same day she told him that if he contacted police she would tell his former employers about his drug use. 'As a result of the defendants behaviour he deleted the Snapchat and Bumble apps and contemplated changing his phone number. 'He was worried that the defendant would find out where he lived from Snapchat maps and attend his property.' Miss McAdam asked the magistrates for compensation and also a restraining order. Because Collins didnt want Resteanu to know where he lives, she asked that the restraining order simply prohibit her from going to the village of Mobberly, where she knows he lives. 'That would make him feel safer,' the prosecutor said. Solicitor Philip Green, representing Resteanu, said she was remorseful and asked that she be given credit for making a prompt guilty plea at the first hearing. Bumble is a dating app that allows women to make the first move. It is where Resteanu and Mr Collins first met 'There are no previous convictions recorded against her,' Mr Green said. 'The incident took place over a relatively short period of time. Miss Resteanu is remorseful in relation to her behaviour. 'She is a single mother looking after a child on her own. Clearly there has been a situation where the parties met on a dating website and its clear that both parties were wanting something different from the relationship. 'It appears that the victim in this case wanted a short-term relationship and Miss Resteanu was clearly looking for something more permanent.' Resteanu was also ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity and pay 236 in costs and a victim surcharge. She was also banned from contacting Mr Collins for two years under the terms of a restraining order. District Judge Jack McGarva told her: 'Your conduct was quite obsessive and had a big impact on the victim in this case. There will be no compensation as that would add insult to injury. It would mean you having continued contact with the complainant which is not what he would want.' Royal Mail, BT and Openreach employees across the UK have walked out over pay and working conditions in one of the largest strikes of the year. A picket line is in action at the Royal Mail delivery office in Brighton, Sussex on Thursday, with other members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) protesting outside the TUC Congress. Union leaders at the Congress are set to stage a protest in support of the CWU strikes. The strike, which is one of 18 walkouts scheduled from October to December, comes as workers have embroiled in long-running rows with Royal Mail, BT and Openreach. Many have already taken strike action in recent weeks. Protesters allege the demonstrations are 'not just about pay' but also about the changes the postal service has recently made. Royal Mail, BT and Openreach employees across the UK have walked out over pay and working conditions in one of the largest strikes of the year. Members of trade union Unite are pictured in Northern Ireland on Thursday The strike, which is one of 18 walkouts scheduled from October to December, comes as workers have embroiled in long-running rows with Royal Mail, BT and Openreach. Many have already taken strike action in recent weeks. Strikers are pictured in London on Thursday Protesters allege the demonstrations are 'not just about pay' but also about the changes the postal service has recently made. A protester on the picket line Thursday at the Edinburgh Mail Centre is pictured with a dog Protester Tom Coles-Rogers, who has worked at Royal Mail for five years, is among those assembled along the picket line in Brighton. Mr Coles-Rogers said: 'It's not just about pay but the terms and conditions - these changes they want to bring in are trying to make Royal Mail unrecognisable and make as much profit as possible. 'This job is a public service and I'm happy to do that and don't mind going out in the rain. When I first started people told me 'work hard and you'll have a job here for life' but not any more.' The CWU accused Royal Mail chief executive Simon Thompson of side-stepping talks aimed at avoiding strike action. The union claims relations between worker and employer have deteriorated in recent weeks, with Royal Mail serving legal notice that it was withdrawing from existing agreements with the CWU. The union alleged Royal Mail has also threatened to cut 10,000 jobs following strike action last week. The union claims relations between worker and employer have deteriorated in recent weeks, with Royal Mail serving legal notice that it was withdrawing from existing agreements with the CWU. Striking workers are pictured at the Royal Mail Dudley Delivery Office The union alleged Royal Mail has also threatened to cut 10,000 jobs following strike action last week. Striking Royal Mail workers gather on a picket line outside Wandsworth Delivery Office CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: 'Instead of sitting down and sorting out his problems like an adult, Simon Thompson chose to be a vanishing act instead. 'When someone like him earns 62,750 a month and can give himself six-figure bonuses, it is a disgrace that he sees it fit to disrespect our members in such a way. 'Simon can't dodge the reality that a mood of rebellion is sweeping postal workers who won't accept Thompson's hostile and bizarre behaviour. 'Postal workers go above and beyond every day and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We won't be backing down until we get just that.' A Royal Mail spokesperson said: 'On Friday, 14 October, we announced losses of 219 million in the first half of the year. 'This once again demonstrates the urgent need for Royal Mail to change. 'Further strike action would materially increase our losses for the full year and may necessitate further operational restructuring and job losses. Members of trade union Unite, currently on their eleventh week of strike action at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, are pictured protesting on Thursday The CWU has also accused Royal Mail chief executive Simon Thompson of side-stepping talks aimed at avoiding strike action. Two striking workers are pictured on a picket line outside Clapham Delivery Office Striking Royal Mail workers gather on a picket line outside Wandsworth Delivery Office as they stage a 24-hour industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay 'Four weeks have passed since we invited the CWU to enter talks with Acas to resolve the change and pay dispute. 'We once again urge the CWU to join us in Acas talks. 'This is the only way to reach a resolution and secure Royal Mail's future and jobs for our people. 'We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience the CWU's continued strike action will cause. We are doing all we can to minimise delays and keep people, businesses and the country connected.' Royal Mail said the CWU's statement on Simon Thompson's salary was incorrect, pointing out the correct figure was 525,000. A British Army sniper sexually assaulted a sleeping female colleague after they had been to the funeral of their fellow soldier, a court martial heard. Fusilier Jack Laing, 22, allegedly left his colleague 'frozen' in fear during the attack, in which he had been drinking. After coming into her room while she was sleeping, he then began touching her. She told the court she originally awoke to a 'pleasurable' feeling with 'butterflies in my stomach', thinking it was her boyfriend being intimate with her. But after realising where she was and that it was Fus Laing 'taking advantage' of her while she was asleep on a yoga mat on the floor, she was left feeling 'dirty, disgusted and angry'. The alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been left suffering from sleepless nights due to 'nightmares' following the incident, the court martial was told. Fusilier Jack Laing, 22, allegedly left his colleague 'frozen' in fear during the attack, in which he had been drinking Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard how Fus Laing allegedly touched the woman intimately after joining her in the spare room of her apartment following drinks to celebrate the life of their late colleague. The 22 year old sniper, of 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment Fusiliers, denies sexually assaulting her, claiming it was consensual. Prosecutor Wing Commander Michael Saunders told the hearing: 'The complainant says she woke in the spare room to Fus Laing touching her. At first she thought it was her boyfriend. 'Of course she cannot consent when she was asleep.' The court martial heard that after the funeral for a fellow Fusilier, in a 'last minute decision', the woman allowed Fus Laing and several other male colleagues to stay at her flat with her friend. Although there had been 'a lot of alcohol' during the day and evening of the funeral the sniper only started drinking when he got to the apartment and the woman had not been drinking at all. Wing Commander Saunders continued: '[The woman] said that under no circumstances could anybody sleep in her double bed. 'She went to bed at 2 o'clock in the morning, and left the others drinking.' The alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been left suffering from sleepless nights due to 'nightmares' following the incident, the court martial was told The court heard she was left 'annoyed' as one of the other soldiers had come into her room and and fallen asleep on her bed, on the duvet. She ended up sleeping on a yoga mat on the floor of her spare room, the court martial heard. 'Her next memory is waking up shortly before her alarm clock to [Fus Laing] sleeping next to her,' Wg Cdr Saunders said. 'The crown's case is that by the time he [Fus Laing] went into the room, was drunk, and slept next to her and at some point woke up when she was asleep. '[Whether it was] spur of the moment, or opportunity to take advantage, he either knew she was asleep or didn't bother to check.' Giving evidence the woman said: 'I went into the bedroom, pulled out a yoga mat and slept on that.' When asked of her next memory, she replied: 'Being woken up to the feeling of pleasure. It was butterflies in my stomach. [Fus Laing] was causing that. Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard how Fus Laing allegedly touched the woman intimately after joining her in the spare room of her apartment following drinks to celebrate the life of their late colleague 'At first I thought he was someone else - my boyfriend, but then I realised where I was. 'I froze I didn't know what to do. I stayed in that position until my alarm went off and I told him to stop. 'I didn't tell anyone what had happened, to be honest I don't really think it had registered it until a bit later on. I was more ashamed than anything else, at first.' The court heard that when back on camp, the female soldier was suffering from sleepless nights because of 'nightmares about what happened on that night'. The following week, her platoon sergeant noticed she was acting 'strangely'. She told the court: 'A couple of days later he saw me and asked how I was doing. I told him I was still struggling and he told me to go and see him. 'He said what's going on and I tried to say nothing, but he said 'something's wrong' and I told him. I felt dirty, disgusted and angry.' Fus Laing, claims the woman was awake and a 'willing participant' in the sexual activity. He denies one charge of sexual assault by penetration. The trial continues. The corporate logo of Upbit is displayed at its headquarters in Seoul in this file photo. Yonhap By Yoon Ja-young Dunamu, the operator of the nation's largest crypto exchange, Upbit, is accelerating its pace to make a leap forward as a global trading platform. Dunamu set up Levvels, a joint venture with HYBE in the U.S. early this year, driving its efforts to take on the global market on top of the U.S. market. Its metaverse platform, 2nd Block, as well as Upbit NFT are also getting the spotlight, as the two main pillars in the plan envisioned by Dunamu are expected to create a synergistic effect with diverse businesses through organic connections. Dunamu has been leading the trend here, presenting innovative services including Stock Plus, Upbit and Stock Plus Unlisted, by grasping the changes of the era in time. It has been the frontrunner of the market thanks to its status as a "trading platform," which enables the trading of anything with value in a convenient and safe manner through technology. Dunamu plans to use this recipe of success once again, to rise as a global platform that links the world of blockchain with the real world and expands the items available for trading. For this, Dunamu has set out "Connect & Unlock Value" as its new corporate vision, and chosen "maximization of value," "diversification," "globalization" and "sustainability" as four core values. Dunamu plans to establish trading channels of all digital assets and secure continuous growth momentum by unearthing new opportunities such as with the metaverse and NFTs. It plans to take a full swing to advance into the global market based on partnership, and invest 100 billion won by 2024 while making the borderless expansion to establish its own ESG practices. 2nd Block, first domestic metaverse platform to include video chat Upbit's logo A memorial to a 17th-century slave trader that campaigners want to remove from the inside of a Cornish church should stay where it is, a historian has said. The marble dedication to Thomas Corker (1670-1700) has been mounted on the wall of King Charles the Martyr church in Falmouth, Cornwall, since the early 1700s. Born the second son of a mercantile family, Corker joined the Royal African Company as an apprentice aged 14 on the Guinea coast and rose through the ranks to become an agent at York Island, now Sherbro Island, in Sierra Leone. He married an African chieftain's daughter known as 'Seniora Doll', of the Ya Kumba ruling house of the Yawri Bay area. The couple had two sons, whose descendants remained in Sierra Leone. Corker died in Falmouth on a business visit in 1700 at the age of just 30 and his memorial was erected by his elder brother Robert, who also paid towards church improvements in 1708. A Facebook campaign and online petition calling for the memorial to be removed were set up last month. They urge the church to do 'the right thing'. 'We should condemn, not memorialise the slave traders of England's past,' the petition on Avaaz.org states. But historian Dr Zareer Masani, who has previously argued against critics of the British Empire at the Oxford Union, told MailOnline the monument will have been put up when slavery was 'widely practised'. He added that critics who wish to remove memorials 'forget' how 17th-cenutry slavers also gave large amounts of money to charity. Revd Canon Bill Stuart-White with the Thomas Corker memorial at King Charles the Martyr Church in Falmouth, Cornwall The Facebook campaign, 'Remove Slave Trader Memorial in Falmouth UK', was set up by Falmouth resident Kate Thomas. Ms Thomas also set up the petition, which has garnered 84 signatures. Text on the petition page reads: 'We should condemn, not memorialise the slave traders of England's past. 'We want King Charles the Martyr Church in Falmouth to do the right thing and remove the memorial to Thomas Corker from its premises. Dr Zareer Masani believes the memorial should remain 'The presence of this memorial in the Church conflicts with the Christian values of belonging, inclusion, integrity and respect as the Church of England states.' She added on Facebook: 'If the Corker family and the Reverend had been proud of how Thomas Corker made his wealth as a slave trader, it would have been included in the eulogy. It was omitted. Instead, he was glorified.' The church itself is now consulting over whether the memorial to Corker, who was born into a prominent Falmouth family and was himself baptised in the church, should remain. Criticising the removal calls, Dr Masani: 'Monuments like this were erected when slavery was widely practised across the world, and they need to be seen and preserved in context. 'The UK led abolition of slavery in the early 19th century and the subsequent policing of the practise. 'Seventeenth-century slavers like this were often also major charitable benefactors. Strange we forget their charity while demolishing their memorials.' The dedication to Thomas Corker (1670-1700) has been mounted on the wall of King Charles the Martyr church since the early 1700s, when it was commissioned by his brother Robert The memorial to Corker is over 300 years old and contains macabre depictions of a skull, as well as a rope around its borders The memorial to slave trader Thomas Corker (1670-1700) is housed in the church of King Charles the Martyr, Falmouth, Cornwall, where he was christened WHO WAS FALMOUTH SLAVE TRADER THOMAS CORKER? Thomas Corker (1670-1700) was born in Falmouth, Cornwall, the second son of a merchant family, and baptised at King Charles the Martyr church on February 4, 1670. His father died early and at the age of 14, Corker was sent to the Guinea coast of western Africa as an apprentice to the Royal African Company. The group had a monopoly on British trade with West Africa, including gold, silver and slaves. The Royal African Company promoted Corker to agent at the Company fort of York Island in the estuary of the river Sherbro in Sierra Leone. He married an African princess known as 'Seniora Doll' and had two sons. Their sons inherited a claim to the west African chiefdom from their mother, and through their father, they were part of the mercantile class and educated in England. In 1700, Thomas Corker made a business trip to Falmouth, bringing with him enslaved Africans, where he died on September 10, aged 30 years. His elder brother Robert (1668-1731) who remained in Falmouth as a merchant, commissioned a 'baroque marble and freestone monument' at the church he was baptised at in his memory. Robert also donated money for church improvements in 1708. Thomas Corker's Euro-African sons established a family dynasty in Sierra Leone. The spelling of the family surname became Caulker. A family history titled 'The Caulkers of Sierra Leone: The Story of a Ruling Family and Their Times', written by Imodale Caulker-Burnett was published in 2010. Source: Whistler History Advertisement Ms Thomas added on Facebook: 'The omission [of Corker's career] has created a collective amnesia about Falmouth's involvement in the Transatlantic slave trade down the generations of the people of Falmouth and instead Thomas Corker's memorial and the man himself have been admired by visitors to the church for over 300 years.' The campaign has called for the memorial to be moved elsewhere as part of an exhibition. Organisers intend to hold an online meeting on Friday to discuss their options. Bishop Hugh Nelson said: 'We condemn the slave trade, which was abhorrent. We are deeply troubled by the existence of a memorial to Corker, who was a slaver, in a church which points us to the God of freedom and justice. 'Because the church is a public building, we want to continue this conversation with the wider community, and we welcome the opportunity to hear everyone's perspectives and views. 'It may be that removing the memorial is the best option, but there might also be better and more creative ways to remember those who suffered from the horrors of slavery in the past and to encourage more people to commit to a just and good world today. 'We want to explore those options as well - and then to come to a clear decision.' In 2020, the Church of England began to roll out a consultation to churches with the aim of getting them to review memorials as part of a process on Contested Heritage. King Charles the Martyr Church began their own process late last year to decide on action regarding the memorial's future. In the months that have followed, there have been conversations with local councillors, members of the black community, local historians and a direct descendant of Thomas Corker who is of mixed heritage himself. As a result of that first meeting, a decision was made to add a temporary notice while work continued which states: 'There is contested heritage around this memorial. 'The church is working with members of the black community and interested parties to move forward and to investigate whether this can be used as an educational tool to address the past wrongs.' Meetings so far have been fruitful, however there has been slow progress over the last 12 months. A church spokesperson said: 'There is however a clear commitment by everyone involved, including the church community, to find a way to use this as an opportunity for education and awareness about issues of race, slavery and discrimination both in the past and today.' 'The Slave Trade' by George Morland, 1867. Captured Africans are shown being rounded up on the shoreline by slave traders. A young apprentice (centre) helps tow a boat Captives being brought on board a slave ship on the west coast of Africa The memorial sits close to one for Joseph Emidy, a prominent black musician and freed slave who married a local woman and settled in Falmouth. The church said that the proximity of these memorials, with hugely contrasting stories relating to the transatlantic slave trade, would present an opportunity to educate about Falmouth's part in the slave trade and the 21st century response to it. Revd Canon Bill Stuart-White, vicar at King Charles the Martyr Church, said: 'The Corker Memorial is in a prominent position in the church and the message it currently conveys about the despicable transatlantic slave-trade clashes starkly and profoundly with the message of the Christian Gospel. 'None of the present generation of worshippers would wish to be associated with the sentiments of the memorial or to glorify in any way the acts of the man it recalls. 'This is an issue the Church takes very seriously and we are committed to finding the best and wisest way to make good the complex failings of the past.' To see the campaign petition, visit here. German TV reporter swore in her live report speaking in English when quoting reports that deputy chief whip said he was f***ing furious' After Truss announced her resignation after just 44 days in power, the world's media observed that 'political chaos continues in the UK' Newspapers across world have been filled with mockery for 'hopeless' Truss Britain has become the laughing stock of the world's media as Liz Truss resigned today after her leadership went 'from absurd to ridiculous' amid daily scenes of 'abject chaos' in Parliament. Column inches from Australia to America, Ireland to India, and across mainland Europe have been filled with mockery for both 'hopeless and hapless' Miss Truss and a Tory party they said has been doomed 'by its own idiocy'. But the tone was far from cheerful. Many seemed deeply shocked that the British Parliament, a 'temple of democracy and the oldest traditions', has been reduced to a 'circus' that one said risked turning the venerable UK into a 'Banana Republic'. After Miss Truss announced her resignation to the British public today after just 44 days in power, the world's media observed that 'political chaos continues in the UK'. One German TV reporter even swore in her live report, speaking in English when quoting reports that Craig Whittaker, the Deputy Chief Whip, said he was 'f***ing furious and I don't give a f*** anymore' after a chaotic vote on fracking. In near-daily onslaughts since Miss Truss's 'fiscal event' flung a wrecking ball into the financial markets, commentators have been reduced to head-shaking incredulity at each new twist and turn in the ever-deepening 'farce.' In a scathing comment piece, Suzanne Breen, of the Irish Independent, wrote: 'We underestimated Liz Truss, we underestimated how awful she would be as PM'. Le Monde, one of France's largest daily papers, said Miss Truss resigned as Prime Minister after the 'debacle' around her mini-budget and calls for her resignation. The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia said that Miss Truss's leadership had been 'engulfed in financial chaos following a disastrous growth-focused mini-budget'. Now that she has resigned, the German newspaper Bild reports the 'chaos' continues. Liberation, a French daily newspaper, ran the headline: 'Liz Truss resigns, political chaos in the UK'. Liz Truss resigned as the UK's Prime Minister today, after just 44 days in office After Miss Truss announced her resignation to the British public today after just 44 days in power, the world's media observed that 'political chaos continues in the UK' The Greek newspaper Proto Theme mocked the UK and Truss by saying: 'Bury the Queen first, then her Prime Minister In near-daily onslaughts since Miss Truss's 'fiscal event' flung a wrecking ball into the financial markets, commentators have been reduced to head-shaking incredulity at each new twist and turn in the ever-deepening 'farce' In a scathing comment piece, Suzanne Breen, of the Irish Independent, wrote: 'We underestimated Liz Truss, we underestimated how awful she would be as PM' One German TV reporter even swore in her live report, speaking in English when quoting reports that Craig Whittaker, the Deputy Chief Whip, said he was 'f***ing furious and I don't give a f*** anymore' after a chaotic vote on fracking Meanwhile, the Greek newspaper Proto Theme mocked the UK and Truss with the headline: 'Bury the Queen first, then her Prime Minister'. Journalist Annette Dittert used colourful language when reporting on the chaotic scenes in the House of Commons over a vote on fracking. The fracking vote was billed by Downing Street as a confidence vote in Miss Truss. But Labour MP Chris Bryant said that some Conservative MPs were 'physically manhandled into another lobby and being bullied' and revealed that he had 'utterly desperate' Tory MPs 'crying on my shoulder'. Reporting on the chaotic scenes, Dittert told German TV station Tagesschau before Truss finally resigned: 'You really can't call it anything else anymore. 'This is a government that is clearly no longer capable of acting and these chaotic scenes here last night have made it clear to everyone that Liz Truss is simply no longer in control of the situation and her party. 'There was manhandling in the lobby, where the votes are cast. Government members are said to have physically pulled other Tory MPs into the right box. 'Then suddenly it was said that it was not a three-line whip, although this had been announced beforehand, whereupon the deputy leader of the parliamentary group left the parliament.' Dittert quickly changed to speaking English as she translated that Craig Whittaker had left the parliament with the words: 'I'm f***ing furious and I don't f***ing care anymore.' Speaking in German again, Dittert said: 'I won't translate that now, but this is a party where all discipline has really broken down.' Britain has become the laughing stock of the world's media as Liz Truss resigned today after her leadership went 'from absurd to ridiculous' And now that Truss has resigned, the German newspaper Bild reports, the 'chaos' continues Le Monde, one of France's largest daily papers, said Truss resigned as Prime Minister after the 'debacle' around her mini-Budget and calls for her resignation The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia said that Miss Truss's leadership had been 'engulfed in financial chaos following a disastrous growth-focused mini-Budget' Before Miss Truss announced her resignation, The Hindu newspaper wrote that Britain is fast becoming a 'cautionary tale' about the effects of 'bad politics'. Rob Harris, in the Sydney Morning Herald, summed up last night's bust-up in the Commons by saying Miss Truss's reign had gone 'from absurd to outright ridiculous'. 'The premiership of Liz Truss has effectively been over for days, perhaps even weeks,' he wrote. 'But cruelly she's yet to be put out of her misery. 'It is coming, there's no doubt. And for everyone's sake, it should really hurry up.' Liberation detected 'something rancid in the Tory tea', saying the 'circus to which we have now become accustomed' has descended into 'absolute, total and abject chaos'. Britain has become the laughing stock of the world's media as Liz Truss's leadership goes 'from absurd to ridiculous' amid daily scenes of 'abject chaos' in parliament. Pictured: Le Monde , one of France's largest daily papers, said that Truss is now a Prime Minister 'without authority or a political ideology', having scrapped almost all of her major policies since coming to power Britain, The Hindu newspaper wrote, is fast becoming a 'cautionary tale' about the effects of 'bad politics' Rob Harris, in the Sydney Morning Herald, summed up last night's bust-up in the Commons by saying Miss Truss's reign had gone 'from absurd to outright ridiculous' Reacting to the other political drama of the day - the resignation of Home Secretary Suella Braverman - The Irish Times said it showed 'that Truss is nowhere near to getting out of the jail into which her tax-cutting obsession has landed her' 'The Parliament of Westminster, temple of democracy and the oldest traditions, but also the most hushed and civilized, found itself the scene of absolutely bewildering scenes,' as ministers were 'manhandled' through the voting lobbies, the paper said. Reacting to the other political drama of the day - the resignation of Home Secretary Suella Braverman - The Irish Times said it showed 'that Truss is nowhere near to getting out of the jail into which her tax-cutting obsession has landed her.' Columnist Martin Kettle added: 'These posts once used to be called some of the great offices of state. 'Now they are just batons that are passed, dropped and exchanged in the endless ministerial relay race and permanent leadership contest to which the party has now been reduced by its own idiocy.' The Tories, he concluded, 'are an ungovernable party that is more than ever unable to govern the country.' Italy's La Repubblica likened Truss's government to 'a ship desperately throwing ballast overboard in order not to sink' Liberation , a French daily newspaper, detected 'something rancid in the Tory tea' saying the 'circus to which we have now become accustomed' has descended into 'absolute, total and abject chaos' Meanwhile Columbian daily newspaper, El Colombiano , dubbed the Prime Minister 'Liz Truss the Brief' Le Monde, one of France's largest daily papers, agreed - saying that Truss is now a Prime Minister 'without authority or a political ideology', having scrapped almost all of her major policies since coming to power. 'How long can she hold on?' was the headline in Germany's usually Conservative-friendly tabloid Bild as it described a 'haywire' evening in parliament that 'stretched Tory nerves to breaking point'. It added: 'The government crisis in London, which has been smoldering for weeks, has worsened considerably.' Italy's La Repubblica likened Truss's government to 'a ship desperately throwing ballast overboard in order not to sink.' Meanwhile Columbian daily newspaper, El Colombiano, dubbed the Prime Minister 'Liz Truss the Brief'. 'What is happening in the UK is an interesting hard landing exercise in reality,' it said. 'Liz Truss, British Prime Minister for just six weeks, has managed to drag her party and the country into a debacle like never before. And at such speed. 'Clinging to her ideology, and removed from the reality of the country, Truss perfectly exemplifies what it means to go against common sense.' It added: 'She is not alone, behind her is all the stubbornness of a Conservative Party that believed that by supporting Brexit and disconnecting from the European Union, they would be able to recover the empire they once were. 'That is not reality. That train left a long time ago.' Truss is today engaged in an increasingly desperate struggle for survival as the 1922 committee chief headed into Downing Street for talks. Sir Graham Brady is in No10 meeting the PM after 24 hours of carnage that saw the Home Secretary quit, confusion over whether the Chief Whip had followed her out of the door, and MPs wrestling in Commons voting lobbies. No10 sources said the premier invited the party shop steward in for a discussion following a 'difficult day' - but denied that she has any intention of resigning. The showdown comes as a series of previously-loyal MPs joining calls for her to go. Even supportive Cabinet ministers had been conceding the situation is 'terminal'. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has accused Russia of using its jets 'recklessly' after one of Putin's fighters went within 15 feet of a Nato aircraft. Mr Wallace also revealed that a fighter jet accidentally fired a missile 'in the vicinity' of an RAF patrol above the Black Sea. Speaking to the Commons, he said Russia was using its fighters in a 'reckless' and 'unnecessary' way, which includes flying 'very, very' close to Nato aircraft. 'In one event I was aware of, a Russian fighter went within 15 feet of a Nato aircraft,' he said. Mr Wallace said two Russian Su-27 fighters had 'interacted' with an RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint spy plane on patrol above international waters to the south of Crimea on September 29 when one of them 'released a missile'. Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, blamed the incident on a technical malfunction and Britain does not believe it was a deliberate attempt to escalate, Mr Wallace added. But it will do little to ease fears that the war in Ukraine could spiral into World War Three. A Russian Su-27 jet shadowing an RAF RC-135 spy plane over the Black Sea 'released a missile... in the vicinity' of the British plane, it has been revealed Two Russian Su-27 fighter jets were following the British plane when one suffered a 'technical malfunction' and fired a missile, Ben Wallace said (file image). Defence Secretary also said one jet went within 15 feet of a Nato aircraft An RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint spy plane had been flying over international waters near Crimea at the time of the incident last month (file image) Detailing what happened between the Russian fighter and the UK plane, Mr Wallace said: 'I would also like to share with the House details of a recent incident which occurred in international airspace over the Black Sea. 'On September 29 an unarmed RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint, a civilian-style aircraft on routine patrol over the Black Sea was interacted with by two Russian armed Su-27 fighter aircraft. 'It is not unusual for aircraft to be shadowed and this day was no different. 'During that interaction however, it transpired that one of the Su-27 aircraft released a missile in the vicinity of the RAF Rivet Joint beyond visual range. 'The total time of the interaction between the Russian aircraft and the Rivet Joint was approximately 90 minutes. 'The patrol completed and the aircraft returned to base.' Mr Wallace told MPs Russia blamed the missile release on a 'technical malfunction'. 'The patrol completed and the aircraft returned to its base,' he said. 'In light of this potentially dangerous engagement, I have communicated my concerns directly to my Russian counterpart, defence minister (Sergei) Shoigu, and the chief of defence staff in Moscow.' He added: 'In my letter I made clear the aircraft was unarmed, in international airspace, and following a pre-notified flight path. Ben Wallace said he had suspended spy flights after the incident, but they have now resumed with Typhoon fighter escorts 'I felt it was prudent to suspend these patrols until a response was received by the Russian state. 'The reply by the Russian minister of defence on October 10 stated they have conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and stated it was a technical malfunction of the Su-27 fighter. 'They also acknowledge that the incident took place in international airspace.' Mr Wallace concluded his report by telling the Commons: 'The UK Ministry of Defence has shared this information with allies and, after consultation, I have restarted routine patrols, but this time escorted by fighter aircraft. 'Everything we do is calibrated with regard to ongoing conflict in the region and in accordance with international law. 'We welcome Russia's acknowledgement this was in international airspace, and the UK has conducted regular sorties with the RAF Rivet Joint in international airspace over the Black Sea since 2019 and we will continue to do so.' The Defence Secretary suggested the Black Sea incident shows the Russian military are 'not beyond' deciding 'the rules don't apply to them'. He also asked the public to have faith in the UK's attempt to 'walk that sometimes tightrope' when responding to Russian aggression. He added: 'Calibration is incredibly important to me. We are dealing with the president and indeed a Russian forces who, as we have seen from the Rivet Joint incident, are not beyond making the wrong calculation or indeed deciding that the rules don't apply to them. British spy planes have been regularly flying from UK airbases out over the Black Sea to track electronic chatter in Ukraine (pictured) RAF Typhoon jets have been escorting the spy planes ever since the missile incident (pictured, two Typhoons and an RAF plane above Black Sea) 'And that is why for those constituents of ours who will be fearful that this support could lead somewhere, I ask them to have faith in us, and indeed all of us in this chamber, that we do work this very detailed response to try and make sure we walk that sometimes tightrope, and make sure it is in the right place to do it.' Labour MP Luke Pollard thanked Mr Wallace for his 'calmness and professionalism' amid 'much Government chaos'. The shadow defence minister described the Russian fighter jet incident as 'serious', and welcomed the fact that RAF flights have restarted. 'The RAF have this House's full support and we are grateful to them, to other UK forces, and our Nato allies in their work protecting the alliance and protecting freedom,' he said. 'This incident also acts as a serious reminder about the importance of avoiding escalation and miscalculation while continuing the UK's united support for Ukraine.' He added: '(Vladimir) Putin needs to be in no doubt that our resolve will continue and, whether it's his (Mr Wallace's) party or my party that's in charge, that will not change.' He also asked about the Government's position on defence spending, saying: 'Last night the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, threw into doubt the planned rise to 3 per cent of GDP on defence spending when in a speech he referred to it as a potential increase.' Sukhoi Su-27 Top speed: 1,550mph Length: 72ft Wing span: 48ft Range: 2,193 miles Cost: 27million Crew: 1 Weapons: 30mm gun with 150 rounds, range of missiles, rockets and bombs mounted externally on ten hardpoints Advertisement He said the whole neighbourhood shouldn't be punished with less parking She complained the view from her driveway was blocked by other vehicles Woman in Penshurst, south Sydney, request council set up the no parking sign Residents in a Sydney suburb have been left outraged after their neighbour took it upon herself to request a 'no parking' sign be set up outside her house. The no parking zone was requested by a woman in Penshurst, in the city's south, after she complained about other cars blocking her view while coming out of her driveway. The dispute started 18 months ago when her landscaper neighbour Michael Bajjada bought a caravan. Now there is a 15 metre no parking spot outside his house. 'I've never seen anything like this in this council area before,' he told 9News. Locals in the Sydney suburb of Penshurst are outraged they weren't consulted about a drastic parking change (pictured) requested by just one person Landscaper Michael Bajjada (pictured right) is outraged that he was not consulted by a parking change that affects him and his whole street 'Just approving one person in a street to put up a no parking sign purely because she doesn't want anyone to park out the front of her house.' Despite it being a public road, there was no consultation with neighbours. According to Georges River Council report on the proposal, it said there was 'no consultation required' as the sign was directly outside her house. The woman had told the council she'd experienced many 'near misses' when leaving her driveway due to the large vehicles and camper vans parked nearby. But Mr Bajjada is adamant that the council should have spoken to him and the other residents of the street - with parking already scarce to come by. 'They could have consulted me, they could perhaps have asked me if I had a strategy for removing the caravan and putting it in storage,' he said. The dispute started 18 months ago when landscaper Mr Bajjada bought a caravan (pictured), and now there is a 15 metre no parking spot outside his house He said if they had spoken with him he would have moved the caravan 'instead of (the council) punishing the entire neighbourhood with less parking'. The area's traffic advisory committee is chaired by the council but also includes local police, a state MPs and delegates from Transport for NSW. They voted unanimously to install the signs at a cost of $700 to ratepayers. Mr Bajjada said the sign's installation sets a bad precedent of the council acting to benefit just one person to the detriment of others. Britain has warned that 'diplomatic consequences will follow' if China does not waive immunity for any officials charged with assaulting a protester at the Chinese consulate in Manchester. Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner Bob Chan had to be rescued by police after being dragged into the grounds of the consulate and beaten. The incident was branded as a 'chilling escalation' of violence by members of the Chinese Communist Party. Now, in a fresh political attack, Foreign Office minister Jesse Norman told MPs: 'We have made it absolutely clear to the Chinese embassy that the apparent behaviour of consulate general officials during the incident, as it appears from footage, which even now more is coming out, is completely unacceptable. Scuffles broke out outside the building after 30 to 40 pro-democracy protesters gathered and put up posters Hong Kong pro-democracy protester Bob Chan was rescued by police after being dragged into the Chinese consulate in Manchester. He poses with a picture on his phone showing injuries following the assault 'The independent police investigation is now under way. Greater Manchester Police have been clear there are many strands to what is a complex and sensitive inquiry and it may take some time. 'As the Foreign Secretary (James Cleverly) has said, we will await the details of the investigation, but in the meantime Ive instructed our ambassador to deliver a clear message directly to the ministry of foreign affairs in Beijing about the depth of concern at the apparent actions of consulate general staff. 'Let me be clear: if the police determine there are grounds to charge any officials, we would expect the Chinese consulate to waive immunity for those officials. If they do not, then diplomatic consequences will follow.' Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith used an urgent question in the House of Commons to ask about the role of the Chinese consul general, Zheng Xiyuan, who it 'appears now took part in the assault of Bob Chan'. Sir Iain told the Commons: 'It now appears that the consul general played a part in that physical assault.' He added: 'I say to (Foreign Office minister Jesse Norman) that now, overnight, we discover that the consul general himself admitted that, not only did he take part in this attack, but that he was responsible, in his own words, for pulling his hair and tearing his scalp. 'This is the consul general, let alone the others that were there.' Sir Iain the UK Government to be 'much, much clearer than just using diplomatic language'. Foreign Office minister Jesse Norman said the UK Government is 'extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence' on Sunday and had told the Chinese embassy of the need to allow people to protest peacefully. Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the UK Government to be 'much, much clearer than just using diplomatic language'. He is pictured right, with Bob Chan on Wednesday 'I urge the Government to make it clear in the light of this new evidence that its not just unacceptable that any consulate individual should have taken part in anything like this, but that any consulate individual who is proved to have been one of the perpetrators of this outrageous and violent attack on Mr Chan will be made persona non grata immediately and sent back to China,' he said. 'The Government has the diplomatic power to dismiss them, whether or not there are criminal proceedings. The fact is we do not want them here in the UK and they must go.' It is a 'political decision' to expel, not a 'policing decision', the Conservative chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee has said. Alicia Kearns told MPs: 'It is quite clear that the House is unhappy with the course the Government has taken, and Im afraid I must challenge my right honourable friend on the comments he has made this morning. It is not apparent involvement: there are no ifs, there are no buts.' Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, told the Commons: 'We cannot allow the CCP to import their beating of protesters, their silencing of free speech and their failure to allow time and time again protests on British soil. This is a chilling escalation.' She added: 'It is a political decision to expel not a policing decision. So can he please confirm as he suggested from despatch just now that his preference is to prosecute these individuals and see them in British prisons? 'And secondly, what are the diplomatic consequences that he references? Is it to expel? We need plain speaking at this time.' Foreign Office minister Jesse Norman replied: 'She has made clear her view that a crime was committed here, and I think that is the view that many others have taken, but it is not in fact, I think a determination of facts at the level that we would need.' On Tuesday Mr Norman admitted the Government was 'extremely concerned at the apparent scenes of violence' on Sunday. The drama flared up on Sunday during a peaceful protest outside the consulate building. Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters had reportedly organised a peaceful protest outside of the Consulate in response to the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, where President Xi Jinping is widely expected to announce another five years in power. But scuffles broke out outside the diplomatic HQ after 30 to 40 pro-democracy started to put up posters. China's foreign ministry has provoked uproar over the events by saying its diplomatic missions abroad have the right to 'take necessary measures' to maintain security, and rejected the protester's claims of ill treatment. Video footage showed Mr Chan being dragged inside the gates of the Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in Rusholme. He is forced to the ground and assaulted by at least five men while a police officer tries to pull the attackers off him. Speaking at the time, Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the video was deeply worrying and called on then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman to look into this urgently. The Government must demand a full apology from the Chinese ambassador... and demand those responsible are sent home to China, he said. He told The Daily Telegraph: 'I guess that like everything else the police are endlessly conflicted and are probably worried about a diplomatic incident. But this is on British soil, for God's sake.' The UK officers appeared reluctant to step into the Chinese consulate itself while attempting to drag the protestor away. Unlike embassies, consulates remain under the jurisdiction of the host country, but are often afforded special privileges such as immunity from certain laws. Labour MP for Hornsey and Wood Green Catherine West, who also serves as shadow minister for Asia and the Pacific, said she would raise the issue in parliament 'urgently' and called on both the Home and Foreign Secretaries to investigate. MP Andrew Gwynne and local Rusholme Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar echoed the message of their colleagues. 'This would be unacceptable on the streets of Hong Kong and against the provisions of the Joint Declaration to uphold democratic rights and freedoms. BUT this is Manchester,' Gwynne told the Manchester Evening News. The former U.S. Capitol Police chief who was forced to resign in the aftermath of the January 6 riot has inked a million-dollar book deal where he promises to reveal harrowing new details of the day and a 'cover-up' that followed. Steven A. Sund's 'Courage Under Fire: Under Siege and Outnumbered 58 to 1 on January 6' is slated to be released on January 3, just shy of the two-year anniversary of the riot by supporters of former President Donald Trump. 'It's time to break my silence and reveal everything that I know happened,' Sund said in a statement released by Blackstone Publishing. Blackstone CEO Josh Stanton told Publishers Weekly that Sund's account contains details that 'will alter some of the accepted facts about January 6' as well as 'new insights about the cover-up that followed, including shocking new information that the American public needs to know.' Sund, who became Capitol Police Chief in June 2019, resigned under pressure - including from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - soon after January 6, and testified the following month that he hadn't seen an FBI field report warning of potential violence. Since resigning, he has maintained that the overrunning of the U.S. Capitol was the result of 'widespread failures'. Former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund promises to reveal harrowing new details of January 6 and a 'cover-up' that followed. Pictured is the cover image released by Blackstone Publishing of 'Courage Under Fire: Under Siege and Outnumbered 58 to 1 on January 6' Sund, who resigned under pressure soon after the riot and testified that he hadn't seen an FBI field report warning of potential violence, has promised that his account contains details that 'will alter some of the accepted facts about January 6' According to Blackstone, Sund will provide 'a detailed and harrowing minute-by-minute account of the attack' and trace 'Sunds extraordinary journey from his command post on January 6 to his explosive behind-closed-doors testimony before the January 6 committee.' Sund's book will include a 'never-before-heard accounting of a call from the White House' during the siege and 'never-before-detailed conversations' between himself and Congressional leadership. He had testified a month after the riot that none of the individual agencies tasked with protecting the Capitol were prepared to take on such an attack. 'No single civilian law enforcement agency - and certainly not the USCP - is trained and equipped to repel, without significant military or other law enforcement assistance, an insurrection of thousands of armed, violent, and coordinated individuals focused on breaching a building at all costs.' Last month, Random House and Celadon Books announced that they will release editions of the Jan. 6 committee's final report once it is completed. Panelists aimed to wrap up the report prior to the November 8 midterm elections, but members have said that date will likely slip to the end of the year. Celadon Books, for its own part, have said the book version will be go on sale November 29. Sund's book will be released on January 3, just shy of the two-year anniversary of the attacks, and will include never-before-seen photographs never seen before and details of audio recordings, documents, and government records along with Sunds own account of the day. Sund made the request for the National Guard to Paul D. Irving, the House sergeant-at-arms at the time, but Irving said he needed to run the request for National Guard troops 'up the chain of command,' according to a letter the former police chief wrote to Congress. By then, just after 1 p.m., it was clear rioters were becoming a threat. Sund said he did not hear back from Irving until 2:10 p.m. - a full hour after his plea for help. And it wasn't until 3.51pm - nearly four hours after Trump spoke at the rally - that 1,100 armed National Guardsmen were finally mobilized. Five people died as a result of the riot, including a Capitol Police officer and a woman who was shot as she tried to enter the House chamber with lawmakers still inside. Supporters of President Donald Trump breech the U.S. Capitol as election results were certified in Washington DC on January 6, 2021 after breezing past cops Video stills show how the cops were completely overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowd. They breezed past them before storming into the Capitol building TIMELINE OF THE CHAOS 6AM: Crowds start to gather for Trump rally that is scheduled for 10am On December 19, Trump told his fans on Twitter to gather in Washington DC. He said: 'Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, be wild! They gathered peacefully in their thousands outside the White House to first wish Eric Trump a Happy Birthday, and then head from the President himself. 11.50am: Trump speaks at Save America Rally, promises to walk with crowd down to the Capitol In a long, sermon-like speech that went on for more than an hour, Trump told his fans that he'd walk with them. At that stage, there was no mention of violence. 'And after this, we're going to walk down there, and I'll be there with you, we're going to walk down ... to the Capitol and we are going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,' he said. He did not, however, walk with with them as promised. 1pm: Lawmakers gather in the House chamber to certify Biden's election win 1.10pm: Rioters arrive at the Capitol building and start clashing with police. At 1.26pm, Capitol police order the evacuations of Library of Congress, Madison Building and Cannon House Office Building but not the House chamber 1.40pm: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bows orders a 6pm curfew but does nothing to address the escalating situation at the Capitol. Meanwhile, Capitol police request back-up. 2.11pm: The rioters scale the walls of the Capitol. Vice President Mike Pence is evacuated from the House chamber moments later. 2.39pm: Videos and photographs emerge showing rioters smashing the windows of the Capitol building 2.47pm: Rioters are seen at the dais 2.53pm: Congress is removed from the Chamber in breathing masks and escape hoods 3:51 p.m. The District of Columbia National Guard, about 1,100 troops, is mobilized to support local law enforcement. 6pm: Washington DC curfew begins, many ignore it to stay put 8pm: Lawmakers return to the Chamber to certify Biden win Advertisement Sund described a scene as the mob arrived at the perimeter that was 'like nothing' he had seen in his 30 years of policing and argued that the insurrection was not the result of poor planning by Capitol Police but of failures across the board. 'No single civilian law enforcement agency and certainly not the USCP is trained and equipped to repel, without significant military or other law enforcement assistance, an insurrection of thousands of armed, violent, and coordinated individuals focused on breaching a building at all costs,' he testified in early 2021. The hearing was the first of many examinations of what happened that day, coming almost seven weeks after the attack and over a week after the Senate voted to acquit Trump of inciting the insurrection by telling his supporters to 'fight like hell' to overturn his election defeat. Fencing and National Guard troops surrounded the Capitol in a wide perimeter, cutting off streets and sidewalks that are normally full of cars, pedestrians and tourists for weeks after the insurrection. The joint hearing, part of an investigation by two Senate committees, was the first time the officials testified publicly about the events of Jan. 6. In addition to Sund, former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger, former House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving and Robert Contee, the acting chief of police for the Metropolitan Police Department, testified. Irving and Stenger also resigned under pressure immediately after the deadly attack. They were Sund's supervisors and in charge of security for the House and Senate. Sund told the lawmakers that he didn't know then that his officers had received a report from the FBI's field office in Norfolk, Virginia, that forecast, in detail, the chances that extremists could bring 'war' to Washington the following day. The head of the FBI's office in Washington has said that once he received the Jan. 5 warning, the information was quickly shared with other law enforcement agencies through a joint terrorism task force. Sund said that an officer on the task force had received that memo and forwarded it to a sergeant working on intelligence for the Capitol Police but that the information was not sent on to other supervisors. Even without the intelligence, there were clear signs that violence was a possibility on Jan. 6. Far-right social media users openly hinted for weeks that chaos would erupt at the U.S. Capitol while Congress convened to certify the election results. Sund said he did see an intelligence report created within his own department warning that Congress could be targeted on Jan. 6. But he said that report assessed the probability of civil disobedience or arrests, based on the information they had, as 'remote' to 'improbable' for the groups expected to demonstrate. Sund and Irving disagreed on when the National Guard was called, and on requests for the guard beforehand. Sund said he spoke to both Stenger and Irving about requesting the National Guard in the days before the riot, and that Irving said he was concerned about the 'optics' of having them present. Irving denied that, saying Sund's account was 'categorically false.' After smashing through the barriers at the perimeter, the invaders engaged in hand-to-hand combat with police officers, injuring dozens of them, and broke into the building. Shortly before 2pm, the rioters descended on Capitol Hill while lawmakers were inside certifying the vote. Over the next two hours, the violence escalated. Some broke into politicians' offices, tauntingly sat at their desks and left threatening notes. One of the protesters was shot dead by cops (bottom right) Just before the U.S. Capitol building is breached, the Capitol Police are hit with bear spray while trying to keep the protestors outside An outnumbered Capitol Police officer in the Capitol building as Trump supporters storm in Protestors storm inside the US Capitol, Washington DC on Jan. 6, 2021 Once the violence had begun, Sund and Irving also disagreed on when the National Guard was requested Sund said he requested it at 1:09 p.m., but Irving denied receiving a call at that time. Contee said he was 'stunned' over the delayed response. He said Sund was pleading with Army officials to deploy National Guard troops as the rioting rapidly escalated. Police officers 'were out there literally fighting for their lives' but the officials appeared to be going through a 'check the boxes' exercise, he said. Pentagon officials said it took time to put the troops in position, and there was not enough contingency planning in advance. They said they offered the assistance beforehand but were turned down. Trump supporters break through a police barrier on Jan. 6, 2021 at the Capitol in Washington Demonstrators break TV equipment outside the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 'There's appetite' for Circle K to work with Green Thumb in other states Products will only be sold to Florida residents with medical marijuana cards - an estimated 700,000 people in the state The stores will be called 'RISE Express' and will have a separate entrance The new deal will provide the US with its first non-hemp-based THC products at gas stations Green Thumb CEO Ben Kovler said the deal will 'continue to normalize' marijuana by providing 'more access to cannabis' Floridians with medical marijuana cards will soon be able to fulfill cannabis prescriptions while they fill up their tanks at select Circle K locations in the state. A partnership between Green Thumb Industries and Circle K will allow the convenience-store chain to sell medical marijuana alongside 10 of its 600 Florida-based locations. Products will be available at Circle K-adjacent locations to be called 'RISE Express,' which will have a separate entrance from the convenience store. The stores are expected to open in 2023. All products will only be sold to Florida residents with medical marijuana cards - an estimated 700,000 people in the state, according to the Florida Department of Health. The new deal will provide the US with its first non-hemp-based THC products at gas stations, joining alcohol as another over-21 product sold at convenience stores. Despite future sales taking place just steps away from where drivers fill up their tanks, driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal in every state - even if you have a prescription. Green Thumb Industries will now sell medical marijuana at Circle K-adjacent stores Green Thumb CEO Ben Kovler said the deal will 'continue to normalize' marijuana products by providing 'more access to cannabis.' Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has previously stated that he is opposed to fully legalizing marijuana use in the state. DeSantis' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on the forthcoming gas station dispensaries. 'The opening of RISE Express stores at Circle K locations is a game-changer,' Kovler said. 'Convenience is a strong channel in retail, and people want more access to cannabis.' Green Thumb CEO Ben Kovler (pictured) said the brand will sell products at 10 locations called 'RISE Express,' which will have separate entrances from the convenient store Green Thumb currently operates medical marijuana dispensaries all across Florida. Some of their 600 locations in the state are located in Bonita Springs, Deerfield Beach, Hallandale Beach, Kendall, Oviedo, Pinellas Park and West Palm Beach. Should the Circle K store expansion be successful - in addition to Green Thumb's new 28-area cultivation facility in Ocala - Kovler said 'there's appetite' to keep expanding to other Circle K locations across the US. Since its first stores opened in Mundelein, Illinois, in 2014, Green Thumb has expanded its RISE stores to 67 locations across 11 states, including seven in Florida. Circle K already has a deal with another cannabis retailer, Fire & Flower Holdings Corp., in Canada, which follows the same model proposed by Green Thumb. Florida is one of eight states to have only medical marijuana legalized, including Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and South Dakota Voters in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota will in November decide whether to legalize weed for residents aged 21 or older, changing the rules in states with a combined population of nearly 16 million Currently, Florida has more than 450 dispensaries, according to Pot Guide Florida is one of eight states to have only medical marijuana legalized, including Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. Currently, Florida has more than 450 dispensaries, according to Pot Guide. Voters in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota will in November decide whether to legalize weed for residents aged 21 or older, changing the rules in states with a combined population of nearly 16 million. If those states vote in favor of adult-use, roughly half of the US population would live in areas where the possession and use of marijuana is legal for adults. National polling shows that three in five voters support federal weed legalization. Support for legalization in Maryland is even stronger than the national average, according to a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll 73 percent are in favor of letting over-21s get high. Green Thumb currently operates 67 RISE locations across 11 states, including seven in Florida Pictured is Alter Native Holistic Wellness store selling CBD, THC and Cannabis products in Miami Beach, Florida Green Thumb's CEO said 'there's appetite' for Circle K to work with the company in other states The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge drivers to avoid using marijuana will operating a vehicle. The 'mind-altering' psychoactive 'affects areas of the brain that control the body's movements, balance, coordination, memory and judgment,' the CDC writes. It can also impair driving-critical skills, including distorted perception, memory loss, difficult with problem-solving and slower reaction times. Studies have indicated the risk of being involved in a crash is increased after marijuana use, according to the CDC. Letby denies the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of 10 more A doctor caring for a baby allegedly murdered by neo-natal nurse Lucy Letby 'was in tears' and had to take time off work after the death, a court heard today. Dr David Harkness, a registrar at the Countess of Chester Hospital, told the trial this afternoon of the 'extraordinary' discoloured patches on the baby's skin which he'd never seen before. The newborn twin died just over 24 hours after his premature birth. Summing up the episode, Dr Harkness highlighted the 'unexpected' deterioration and the fact that he and his team had encountered 'a baby that had an unusual skin change'. He added: 'It was a very unusual, unexpected situation'. Ben Myers KC, defending, told Dr Harkness that despite him saying he had found the discolouration 'personally striking', he had not mentioned it in his medical notes at the time. Dr Harkness agreed, but said he had mentioned it after noticing similar discolouration on another baby in the unit. 'It was a very emotional time. This was something I only picked up on after the event'. He denied being influenced by conversations he had had about the discolouration with colleagues. 'This was one of the first neo-natal deaths I'd dealt with. It was incredibly upsetting for me. I was in tears. I had time off work because of mental health problems'. In another statement read to the court Lisa Walker, a neonatal nursery assistant, said she could 'recall the sadness in the atmosphere in the unit' on the night of Baby A's death. In her 10 years at the hospital she had known of only a couple of deaths in the neonatal unit. Following Baby A's death, she remembered thinking 'What on earth is happening,' the court heard. Letby, 32, of Hereford, is on trial for the murders of seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, Cheshire, and the attempted murder of 10 more between 2015 and 2016. She denies all charges. A colleague of neonatal nurse Lucy Letby (pictured) could not recall the alleged killer going to comfort a baby's family as he collapsed, a jury heard today Susan and John Letby arrive at Manchester Crown Court today. They have supported their daughter throughout the trial Full indictment against Lucy Letby Lucy Letby is charged as follows: Count 1 - Charged with murder of Baby A on June 8, 2015 Count 2 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby B between the June 8, 2015 and June 11, 2015 Count 3 - Charged with murder of Baby C on June 14, 2015 Count 4 - Charged with murder of Baby D on June 22, 2015 Count 5 - Charged with murder of Baby E on August 4, 2015 Count 6 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby F on August 5, 2015 Count 7 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby G on September 7, 2015 Count 8 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby G on September 21, 2015 Count 9 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby G on September 21, 2015 Count 10 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby H on September 26, 2015 Count 11 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby H on September 27, 2015 Count 12 - Charged with murder of Baby I on October 23, 2015 Count 13 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby J on November 27, 2015 Count 14 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby K on February 17, 2015 Count 15 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby L on April 9, 2016 Count 16 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby M on April 9, 2016 Count 17 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby N on June 3, 2016 Count 18 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby N on June 15, 2016 Count 19 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby N on June 15, 2016 Count 20 - Charged with murder of Baby O on June 23, 2016 Count 21 - Charged with murder of Baby P on June 24, 2016 Count 22 - Charged with attempted murder of Baby Q on June 25, 2016 Advertisement Giving evidence today, Dr Harkness told the jury of eight women and four men of the moment he was alerted to a rapid deterioration of Child A on the evening of June 8, 2015. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Child A was pronounced dead at shortly before 9pm. Dr Harkness said: 'It was incredibly unexpected. This was a completely stable, well baby who had no reason to deteriorate. I was very surprised to be called back. 'There was very unusual patchiness on his skin which I had not seen before. There were patches of blue/purple colour, patches of red and of white that didn't fit. 'This was bright red patches... that means you have blood going round your body.' He said the patches were all over the body and were 'there from shortly after the event started'. 'It didn't come and go,' said Dr Harkness. 'It came. It was there. He had a cardiac arrest. 'Unfortunately I have seen lots of babies who have had the pattern that fits with death or dying and I have not seen these.' The Crown say Letby injected a fatal amount of air into Child A's bloodstream within 90 minutes of coming on duty. The defence do not accept an air embolus, or air bubble, was the cause of death and say the care given to Child A on the unit - not by Letby - was 'suboptimal'. Dr Harkness agreed with Mr Myers that the discoloured patches struck him personally as 'something quite extraordinary'. But the medic accepted he did not make a recorded note of those particular skin colour changes at the time. He said it was 'something I only picked up later' when similar further incidents with babies took place at the hospital. Mr Myers said: 'Certainly by the time you came to make your police statement in July 2018, you talk about the colour changes then?' 'Yes,' said Dr Harkness. Mr Myers said: 'I am going to suggest that you have been influenced in that recollection by conversations that have taken place about skin colours?' 'No,' said the medic. 'This was worth mentioning because it was a pattern recognition. 'At the time this was one of my first neo-natal deaths I had to deal with as a registrar. I was in tears. I required time off work.' The doctor accepted he also did not mention the 'striking' skin patchiness in a statement to the coroner ahead of Child A's inquest in October 2016 when he said he thought he was 'still upset'. Mr Myers said: 'I am going to suggest there is a possibility that by this point the discussions had set in your mind about this colour when it really had not been there at all.' Dr Harkness replied: 'No.' Asked by junior prosecutor Simon Driver if he was sure about Child A's 'unusual' skin discolour, he said: 'Categorically yes. There was skin discolouring.' A court order prohibits reporting of the identities of surviving and dead children allegedly attacked by Letby, and also prohibits identifying parents or witnesses connected with the children. The court had earlier heard from Melanie Taylor, a colleague of Letby's who said she could not remember the defendant going to comfort Baby A's family as he collapsed. Mr Myers suggested it would have been very difficult to recall the detail of what happened as the emergency developed on June 8, 2015. He put it to the nurse: 'When the family came in, Lucy Letby went to support the family at one point'. Speaking from behind a screen, Miss Taylor replied: 'I don't recall that'. She agreed that it was likely, although it was also possible that Letby, Baby A's designated nurse that evening, had been with him along with other staff. She added: 'Often the designated nurse would be the one with the family'. Miss Taylor acknowledged telling police in a statement taken in February 2018 that babies who collapsed and died did not always have a recognised condition. 'It's a shock to us because we have such a low rate,' she said. Asked whether she still believed her view to be correct, she replied: 'Whether that's true I don't know. That was my opinion at the time'. Simon Driver, for the prosecution, asked whether she now felt qualified to express any opinion on a cause of death. 'No,' she replied. 'I feel I probably shouldn't have said that. I was trying to rationalise what happened. Miss Taylor agreed that there had been a delay in Dr Harkness, putting a long feeding line into Baby A because he was busy with other children. She also agreed with Mr Myers the UVC line intended to give sustenance to Baby A was still not in the correct position after two attempts. A medical note shown to the jury read: '7.05pm UVC was reinserted by (doctor). In wrong position. Two attempts to fit it. Doctors busy on Ward 30. Aware no fluids running for a couple of hours'. The long line was eventually fitted to Baby A by about 7pm. Mr Myers suggested this was not ideal. She replied: 'To be honest, I don't really know the timings of that. We'd try to get fluids started as soon as possible'. Mr Myers: 'Normal practice is to do it straight away?' Nurse Taylor: 'Yes, but ideally we'd want to get an x-ray quickly'. This had been delayed because doctors were so busy. Letby, 32, of Hereford, is on trial for the murders of seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, Cheshire, and the attempted murder of 10 more between 2015 and 2016. She denies all charges Letby was on the night shift. Her notes, written in retrospect at 7.56pm on June 9, were shown to the jury. They read: 'glucose commended via the long lineUVC remained in situ from day shift, instructed line not to be used by registrar. (Baby A) noted to be jittery. Was due to have blood gas and blood sugar then. 'At 8.20pm A's hands and feet noted to be white. Centrally pale and poor perfusion. A became apnoeic. Reg (Note to desk: as in, Registrar) Harkness in nursery and assistance called forNo respiratory effort. Neopuffed with guedal airway. Shortly after no heart rate'. Mr Myers asked: 'He should have been getting fluids during this four-hour period, shouldn't he?' Nurse Taylor replied: 'Yes'. She agreed that the deterioration in Baby A's condition happened within 15 minutes of the long line being used to give him dextrose. Letby denies all offences. The trial continues. The 160,000-plus Tory party members have been promised a vote to pick the next Prime Minister by next Friday - but there are fears amongst the grassroots that MPs may 'stitch up' the process to cement a 'coronation' of their favoured candidate. Under the rules of the Conservative leadership election announced tonight, Tory members are due to hold an online vote to choose between the final two candidates. But, if there is only one candidate left, as some Tory MPs have demanded, there would be no need for the members' vote. Opening the door to that scenario, Sir Graham said today: 'If there is only one candidate, there is only one candidate.' A general election that Labour and the SNP are demanding is also possible if Tory MPs and members fail to find a clear winner. Poll Who do you want to be the next Prime Minister? Boris Johnson Rishi Sunak Penny Mordaunt Ben Wallace Suella Braverman Kemi Badenoch Grant Shapps Other Who do you want to be the next Prime Minister? Boris Johnson 20436 votes Rishi Sunak 8773 votes Penny Mordaunt 3006 votes Ben Wallace 1692 votes Suella Braverman 942 votes Kemi Badenoch 901 votes Grant Shapps 168 votes Other 4002 votes Now share your opinion Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt are the favourites with the bookies - but may be less popular with members than Boris Johnson. To avoid going to a poll of party members they may strike a deal to be the 'unity candidate' with the other dropping out. If Mr Johnson, who is currently in the Caribbean, stands then a members' vote is certain with sources close to Mr Sunak claiming he is ready 'to battle for the soul of the party'. Pollster Matt Goodwin said today: 'If Boris stands, and it goes to members, Boris wins'. With just a week-long process pencilled in to choose the new Tory leader, the use of an online poll for members was the only feasible way forward. But there were problems over the summer when Liz Truss was elected because spy chiefs warned that internet ballots 'could be vulnerable to hackers'. Sir Graham spoke minutes after Ms Truss' resignation speech this afternoon and insisted it will be 'possible to conduct a ballot and conclude it' before the fiscal statement that will take place on Halloween. He also appeared vague about whether Tory MPs could just whittle down the candidates themselves to present a united front. He told reporters: 'So the reason I've spoken to the party chairman and I discussed the parameters of a process is to look at how we can make the whole thing happen, including the party being consulted, by Friday next week.' Sir Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 Committee, speaks to media in front of parliament in the minutes after Liz Truss resigned. He said they wanted a quick process ending on Friday October 28 Liz Truss's bombshell resignation today sets up a lightning fast election for a new Tory leader with no obvious unity candidate to take over How will the new PM be chosen? Monday 2pm: Nominations will close in the Tory leadership contest. Candidates will need 100 MPs to support them in order to make it through to the first ballot. If only one MP passes this threshold they will become prime minister without a vote. 3.30pm to 5.30pm: The first ballot of MPs will be held to choose between the leadership candidates. There will be a maximum of three contenders, due to the high nomination threshold. 6pm: The result of the first ballot of MPs is announced. If three candidates get through, the candidate with the fewest number of votes will be eliminated. But, if only two candidates made it through to the first ballot, this would become an indicative vote for MPs to express their preference between the final two contenders. 6.30pm to 8.30pm: If three candidates made it to the ballot, and the lowest was removed in the first vote above, a second ballot could be held. This would become the indicative vote on the final two candidates, allowing MPs to show party members who they want to be PM. 9pm: The result of the second ballot of MPs will be announced. The two candidates will then proceed to an online vote of Conservative members. Friday 11am: The online membership vote will close. The result will be announced later that day and the identity of the new Tory leader revealed. Advertisement Sir Graham added: 'I think we're deeply conscious of the imperative in the national interest of resolving this clearly and quickly.' He was vague about whether one or two candidates would be likely to run for the Conservative Party leadership. He told reporters: 'The party rules say there will be two candidates unless there is only one candidate.' Pressed on whose idea it was to truncate the process into one week, he said: 'I think it's a matter on which there is a pretty broad consensus'. Sir Graham also said: 'It certainly is not the circumstances I would wish to see.' An online vote proved a problem when Ms Truss was chosen as leader over the summer. Originally, Conservative Party members were going to be given a postal ballot which had a code with it, individual to each voter. Afterwards, they could then submit their choice by post or online for the first time- and were able to change their decision later in the contest. The chance to change the vote was scrapped due to National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advice, after the organisation raised concerns about online hackers changing votes online which could have thrown the process into disarray. The new plans meant that each voter had their unique code deactivated after they have made their candidate choice. There were concerns a foreign enemy such as Russia could try to influence the result. This time round, senior Tories appear to be pinning their hopes on a single unity candidate can be identified who can effectively step in and avoid any further unpleasantness, with the party hemorrhaging support in the polls. However, that unity candidate has yet to emerge, with several big names suggesting it should be them. Those in the frame include Mr Sunak, the former chancellor, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Sir Graham told reporters he wants to complete a leadership election, including a vote of 160,000 party members, before the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt makes a fiscal statement on spending on October 31 Boris Johnson, who was forced out of Downing Street in the summer after a scandal-plagued three years in charge, is believed to be sounding out advice on mounting a comeback. The party is keen to avoid a re-run of the summer's bitter and protracted 55-day race in which Liz Truss beat Rishi Sunak Penny Mordaunt is currently second favourite Odds on the next PM: Rishi Sunak: 11/10 Penny Mordaunt: 7/2 Boris Johnson: 3/1 Ben Wallace: 7/1 Theresa May: 16/1 Michael Gove: 31/1 Grant Shapps: 35/1 Suella Braverman: 55/1 Tom Tugendhat: 75/1 Dominic Raab: 80/1 James Cleverly: 85/1 Steve Baker: 90/1 Sajid Javid: 120/1 Advertisement Ex-Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries warned the only person who could return in a 'coronation' is Mr Johnson. One senior MP, not previously a fan of the ex-PM, told MailOnline Sir Graham has to come up with a 'plan'. 'Bring back Boris or get Jeremy Hunt in. If you get Boris back in you just hit the reset button,' they said. Ms Truss has said she will stay on as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen. Speaking in Downing Street, she said: 'This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. 'We've agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. 'This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our country's economic stability and national security. 'I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen. 'Thank you.' Here we look at who could take over power: BORIS JOHNSON Could Boris Johnson make an unlikely come-back just three months after resigning in disgrace? He was eventually pulled from office after a massive ministerial rebellion in July, after Partygate, Wallpapergate and a myriad of other scandals including the removal of whip Chris Pincher pulled down his premiership. But he still has his supporters in the parliamentary party and wider conservative ranks - though polls show a majority of voters believe he was right to quit. One MP told MailOnline he could be the best solution to the problems the party faces. 'If you can find a unity candidate you are a better man than I,' the former minister said. 'There isn't one. It is a funny kind of strength. 'The membership didn't want to get ride of Boris... They would welcome it. He is the only one with a personality that can appeal to anybody.' They added: 'He is like Heineken. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility.' Boris Johnson was the preferred option as a replacement, with 32 per cent supporting him as their first choice, while 23 per cent said Rishi Sunak and 10 per cent Ben Wallace Nadine Dorries, a staunch ally of the former prime minister and a backer of Liz Truss, made a fresh appeal to doubting Conservative MPs to stand behind the current leader. But the former Culture Secretary said 'only one MP has a mandate' from both the Tory party and the British public Mr Johnson However defence minister James Heappey threw shade at the ex-PM today. The Armed Forces Minister told BBC Radio 4's Today programme there was no alternative unity candidate and defended Ms Truss, saying that at least she had apologised quicker than Boris Johnson did when he was prime minister. Last night Tory plotters were told to reinstate Mr Johnson to No 10 or face a general election 'within weeks'. Nadine Dorries, a staunch ally of the former prime minister and a backer of Ms Truss, made a fresh appeal to doubting Conservative MPs to stand behind the current leader. In recent weeks she has called for Ms Truss to hold a fresh election if she was insistent on wavering over her predecessor's policies. But the former Culture Secretary said 'only one MP has a mandate' from both the Tory party and the British public Mr Johnson. RISHI SUNAK The former Chancellor, 42, was the runner-up in this summer's Tory leadership race. He and Ms Truss went head-to-head as the final pairing in the contest to replace Boris Johnson in No10. They engaged in bitter exchanges over their economic agendas during a lengthy series of hustings events across the UK. Now that Ms Truss has abandoned almost all her leadership pledges on tax cuts - and is adopting much of the approach pursued by Mr Sunak when he was Chancellor - some MPs will be wondering why they don't just put him in charge instead. A number of his supporters are also likely to take a 'told you so' attitude to the Government's current travails - after Mr Sunak's warned this summer of market turmoil if Ms Truss followed through with her unfunded tax cuts. Mr Sunak won the support of 137 MPs in the initial stages of the Tory leadership contest - 24 more than Ms Truss - and retains a strong backing within the parliamentary party. After overseeing the Government's economic response to the Covid crisis, he also has experience of political leadership in turbulent times. MPs might be wary of installing a leader who was rejected by the Tory membership little more than a month ago. There is also lingering resentment at Mr Sunak for his resignation as Chancellor in July, which many of Mr Johnson's loyalists still blame for the former PM's ousting from No10. But a new poll today suggests the grassroots of the party may be more accepting than previously thought. The poll of Conservative members by JL Partners for the Daily Telegraph found that 60 per cent of them would now back Mr Sunak for party leader, once undecided and non-voting members are excluded. More than four-in-10 (43 per cent) would support him outright, to Truss's (28 per cent) PENNY MORDAUNT The Leader of the House of Commons, 49, came close to reaching the final round of this summer's Tory leadership contest. She finished third behind Ms Truss and Mr Sunak when she secured the support of 105 MPs. The Royal Navy reservist has since been drafted back into the Cabinet, where she previously served as Defence Secretary under Theresa May's premiership. But, this summer's leadership contest saw questions raised about Ms Mordaunt's ministerial record. There was stinging criticism of Ms Mordaunt's work ethic as she was accused of going missing from her ministerial duties by rival camps. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who was Ms Mordaunt's former boss, moaned about she had 'not been available' at various times as a trade minister and left others to 'pick up the pieces'. Penny Mordaunt finished third behind Ms Truss and Mr Sunak in this summer's Tory leadership contest when she secured the support of 105 MPs It was claimed Ms Mordaunt had instead spent her time focusing on preparations for her leadership campaign. She also had to fight hard during the Tory leadership contest against criticism of her stance on trans issues, including her past claim that 'trans women are women'. Ms Mordaunt blasted critics trying to depict her as 'woke'. One suggestion at Westminster is the possibility of Ms Mordaunt teaming up with Mr Sunak as part of a joint ticket to replace Ms Truss. But plotters are said to be undecided on who would be PM out of the pair, if they were to front a 'government of all the talents' between them. Last night it was reported that Ms Mordaunt's allies reached out to Mr Sunak to be her chancellor, but were rebuffed. BEN WALLACE The 52-year-old is popular with Tory members following the Defence Secretary's efforts in leading Britain's military response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He is also being spoken of as a 'unity' candidate to bring the party back together, should Ms Truss depart. The former Army officer has routinely topped the polls among the Conservatives grassroots. But he did not enter this summer's leadership contest after 'careful consideration' and later backed Ms Truss. At this month's Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Mr Wallace admitted he was 'conflicted' about a possible leadership bid in the future. He told a fringe event: 'At this time of life, the idea was no. I mean do I rule it out? No. I don't rule it out, but will I be here in a few years' time? I don't know either.' The 52-year-old is popular with Tory members following the Defence Secretary's efforts in leading Britain's military response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Mr Wallace might be popular with Tory members, but would be less well-known to members of the public as he has only been a Cabinet minister since 2019. Tory MPs might also fear he is untested as he has never held one of the 'great offices of state' as Mrs May, Mr Johnson and Ms Truss all had before they entered No10. Mr Wallace has also been touted as a possible successor to NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg. Last night be repeated his desire to stay at defence, telling the Times: 'I want to be the Secretary of State for Defence until I finish. I love the job I do and we have more to do. I want the Prime Minister to be the Prime Minister and I want to do this job.' He added: 'I say to the colleagues who think our role is to feed the instability within the party, by proposing other people as leaders no matter who they are, (you) are doing a disservice. 'The markets are responding at the moment in the UK to unsurety about the Government. The best way to give those markets some confidence is for people to stop playing political parlour games.' SUELLA BRAVERMAN Suella Braverman was only in the Home Office for a matter of weeks but she spent most of it seemingly positioning herself for a tilt at another job - that of prime minister. The hardline Brexiteer was handed the top job as an acknowledgement of her popularity with the right of the party in the summer leadership contest, and for switching to Team Truss when she was knocked out. But during her tenure she made a series of outbursts that put her at odds with Liz Truss, raising suggestions she was positioning herself for the next leadership race. In a letter, Ms Braverman said she was resigning for breaching processes by sending an email from her personal account about a forthcoming ministerial statement on immigration. But in another hammer blow for the PM's chances of clinging on, she also complained that the government was breaking promises. She swiped that when people made 'mistakes' - something Ms Truss has admitted - the right thing to do was quit. They had a huge bust-up over visas policy last night. The 42-year-old mother-of two hit the headlines just yesterday with a rant against the 'tofu-eating wokerati' for effectively preventing police from arresting eco-zealots who have caused mayhem and misery during weeks of protest. The hardline Brexiteer was handed the top job as an acknowledgement of her popularity with the right of the party in the summer leadership contest, and for switching to Team Truss when she was knocked out. She hit out at MPs who voted against tough new measures to strengthen police powers to deal with activists more quickly. Addressing the Commons as MPs debated the Public Order Bill, Mrs Braverman said: 'I'm afraid it's the Labour Party, it's the Lib Dems, it's the coalition of chaos, it's the Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati dare I say, the anti-growth coalition that we have to thank for the disruption we are seeing on our roads today.' Her comments came as police arrested two Just Stop Oil protesters who spent 36 hours suspended from the QEII bridge, closing a major transport link between Kent and Essex due to safety fears. At the Conservative Party conference a fortnight ago she also attacked the PM for U-turning over plans to axe the 45p top rate of income tax. She launched a swipe as the PM tried to regain her balance, branding the U-turn on axing the 45p tax rate 'disappointing' and accusing rebels of a 'coup'. She was also blamed recently for jeopardizing a free trade deal with India by accusing its people of being the worst at overstaying visas in the UK. Advertisement Two 16-year-old twins escaped from their abusive mother and her boyfriend who handcuffed, bound and forced them to drink their own urine at their $600,000 Texas house of horrors. The breakout was caught via Ring camera footage that saw the twins, who have not been named, run from their Houston home Tuesday in an attempt to get someone to call the police. The boy wasn't wearing a shirt and both of the siblings were barefoot, the neighbor who eventually let the pair inside told KHOU. The kids told police their mother and her boyfriend had left them in a room and forced them to eat and drink their own waste, refusing to let them use the toilet. The woman who found them added: 'They would only feed them a sandwich, only if they were quiet the whole day, if they made any type of noise they wouldn't be fed. How a mother could do this to her kids and... I feel like my tears are out of frustration anger and sadness. 'They were so skinny and so frail. They just looked like they had been through a lot. They told me that their mom kept them locked in the laundry room, naked, zip tied from the ankles and handcuffed from the wrist.' Louisiana State Police tracked down their mother, 40-year-old Zaikiya Duncan, and her boyfriend, 27-year-old Jova Terrell, at a traffic stop in Baton Rouge at 1:45 p.m. Both are charged with two counts of felony injury to a child and will be brought back to Houston, which a spokesman for local police told DailyMail.com was expected to be 'later today.' Both Duncan and Terrell have been jailed, pending extradition. Duncan is scheduled for an extradition hearing Thursday, according to ABC13. The twins have been hospitalized and are in the custody of Child Protective Services, Jeff McShan said. At least five other siblings - 7-year-old Nicholas Menina, 10-year-old Zayden Menina, 12-year-old Jovion Menina, 12-year-old Javier Menina, and 14-year-old Jarod Menina - were rescued by police, one of whom was still with Duncan and Terrell, while the other four had been left with relatives throughout Louisiana. Two 16-year-old twins in Texas were seen on video making a brave escape from imprisonment by their allegedly abusive mother and her boyfriend Zaikiya Duncan (pictured) has a history of prior child abuse allegations Two 16-year-old twins in Texas were seen on video making a brave escape from imprisonment by their allegedly abusive mother and her boyfriend The woman who eventually found the twins, who also went identified, said she discovered them in appalling shape: 'They were so skinny and so frail. They just looked like they had been through a lot. They told me that their mom kept them locked in the laundry room, naked, zip tied from the ankles and handcuffed from the wrist' They found the twins, a boy and a girl, in terrible shape, with 'marks on their wrists, pretty deep marks from the handcuffs,' according to a county spokesperson The two twins 'were bruised and malnourished in our eyes' when police finally got to them The kids showed the woman who found them that they had just broken free from being handcuffed by their mother The children spent a half hour going door-to-door in their Houston-area neighborhood desperate for help The two can be seen going door-to-door in their neighborhood trying to find someone to help for half an hour in the early morning hours Tuesday, with several neighbors, unsure what to make of the situation, telling the kids to keep moving. A voice can eventually heard on one of the doorbell cameras asking the kids: 'Do you need help?' with one of the kids answering: 'Please help us. We just need somewhere to be right now.' The woman who eventually found the twins, a single mother at home with her daughter who also went unidentified, said she discovered them in appalling shape: Duncan is currently listed as being in a Baton Rouge prison on charges of being a fugitive. Terrell's whereabouts are not known. Photos showed the disturbing bodily harm Duncan had allegedly subjected her children to The breakout was caught via Ring camera footage that saw the twins, who have not been named, run from their Houston home Monday in an attempt to get someone to call the police A voice can eventually heard on one of the doorbell cameras asking the kids: 'Do you need help?' with one of the kids answering: 'Please help us. We just need somewhere to be right now' The two can be seen going door-to-door in their neighborhood trying to find someone to help for half an hour in the early morning hours Tuesday, with several neighbors, unsure what to make of the situation, telling the kids to keep moving Duncan is currently listed as being in a Baton Rouge prison on charges of being a fugitive. Terrell's whereabouts are not known Police set off an Amber Alert for the twins' five other siblings, ages 7 to 14, who were found safe a day later in Louisiana. The twins said that while it was less than what they received, their 12-year-old twin brothers had also been abused. Only one child was with the couple when they were arrested. The other four boys were later found safe with relatives in Louisiana. All seven children were placed in Child Protective Service custody, according to authorities. Police said that they may even have another child, an 18-year-old boy, still missing, according to NBC News. The family had recently been moved to Texas and the twins were not even sure of their address. No one has been able to find out exactly how long they had been living there, though parents told ABC13 their children had been going to school with some of the kids in the house for the past two weeks. The home, on Marina Alto Lane, had sold in late July and was valued between $552,001 and $627,000. Police did not have any background information on Duncan or Terrell and didn't know whether they'd bought or leased the house. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home includes a formal living and dining room, covered patio, two-car attached garage and access to a community pool. The family had recently been moved to Texas and the twins were not even sure of their address. No one has been able to find out exactly how long they had been living there, though parents told ABC13 their children had been going to school with some of the kids in the house for the past two weeks The home, on Marina Alto Lane, had sold in late July and was valued between $552,001 and $627,000. Police did not have any background information on Duncan or Terrell and didn't know whether they'd bought or leased the house The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home includes a formal living and dining room, covered patio, two-car attached garage and access to a community pool The children's mother has a history of child abuse, according to court documents. Duncan had one of her children hospitalized after burns were found on his feet and genitals from hot water. When police arrived at the family home in Louisiana, they found a baby wrapped in clothing with his hands bound. Duncan admitted to regularly forcing at least one her children to stay in a push-up position for an hour, causing their hands to swell. She also made the child sleep on the floor of a closet. She was charged at the time with child cruelty but eventually had her children returned to her. South Korea's unification ministry on Thursday called on North Korea to honor a 2018 inter-Korean agreement on reducing military tensions as Pyongyang's latest artillery firing constitutes a violation of the accord. Since last week, North Korea has launched hundreds of artillery shots into maritime buffer zones set under the 2018 inter-Korean agreement in its "powerful military countermeasure" against military drills under way in the South. "When it comes to the 2018 accord, the government believes that inter-Korean agreements should be mutually respected and implemented," a ministry official told reporters. The ministry said "various" reasons appear to have been behind the North's latest artillery firing. "The North's move seems to have been aimed at protesting joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, pressing for a halt to the drills, and gauging the South's stance on the 2018 inter-Korean deal," the official said. Seoul and Washington have held joint military drills in recent weeks in a bid to maintain a firm readiness posture in the wake of the North's missile and nuclear threats. The South's troops also kicked off the annual Hoguk exercise on Monday to hone its defense capabilities. North Korea's artillery firing came despite speculation that Pyongyang may refrain from military provocations during the ongoing 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. (Yonhap) Images of the girl show her on a trolley with what is left of arm bandaged She was taken to hospital in Sulaymaniyah, where she was set to have surgery The little girl was visiting a zoo in Iraq when she put her hand into the enclosure A three-year-old girl who reached into a bear's enclosure at a zoo in Iraq had her arm bitten off. According to local media, the little girl, whose name has not been released, was visiting a zoo in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, northern Iraq. The three-year-old was taken to hospital in Sulaymaniyah, where she was waiting to undergo surgery. Images of the girl in waiting to undergo surgery show her on a trolley with what is left of her arm heavily bandaged. She has huge bloodstains on the front of her white T-shirt. According to local media, the little girl, whose name has not been released, was visiting a zoo in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, northern Iraq. Pictured: The little girl in hospital The three-year-old was taken to hospital in Sulaymaniyah, where she was waiting to undergo surgery. Pictured: The little girl in hospital An investigation has been launched, with officials ordering the zoo to close temporarily while it is carried out. Safety measures are also set to be reviewed and tightened at the zoo. Opinion was divided over who should be blamed for the attack in Iraq. She has huge bloodstains on the front of her white T-shirt. Pictured: Sulaymaniyah, where the girl was attacked at a zoo Some on social media in Iraq reportedly accused the girl's parents of negligence as she was allowed to put her arm through the fence. But others said that the zoo was to blame for its inadeiuwqate safety measures. The investigation is ongoing. In announcing her resignation today, Liz Truss became the shortest-serving Prime Minister in history. The embattled Conservative politician was forced to quit after just 44 days in Number 10. Whilst she will remain in post to allow a week-long mini leadership contest to take place, Ms Truss's name now tops an ignominious list of occupants of Downing Street who lasted months rather than years. The previous holder of the unwanted title was George Canning, who died in office in 1827 after serving for just 119 days. His successor Viscount Goderich now comes in at third on the list, after he was forced out at the start of 1828 following his failure to hold a flimsy coalition of Tory and Whig politicians together. And Andrew Bonar Law, who lasted for 209 days as Conservative Prime Minister between October 1922 and May 1923, was the 20th century's shortest-serving Number 10 occupant before Ms Truss's resignation. In announcing her resignation today, Liz Truss became the shortest-serving Prime Minister in history. The embattled Conservative politician was forced to quit after just 44 days in Number 10 Liz Truss - 44 days (September 6 - October 19 [and counting]) Ms Truss came to office on September 6, just two days before the death of the Queen. She had served as Foreign Secretary in Boris Johnson's cabinet before winning a bitter Tory leadership contest that culminated in a members' vote between her and Rishi Sunak. Her Majesty's meeting with Ms Truss to formally appoint her as Prime Minister turned out to be where the last photos of her were taken. When the Queen's death was announced, Ms Truss had to put her policy programme to one side for two weeks as millions of people around the country mourned Her Majesty. The PM led the nation in giving tributes to Her Majesty, both outside Downing Street and in Parliament. Ms Truss came to office on September 6, just two days before the death of the Queen. Her Majesty's meeting with Ms Truss to formally appoint her as Prime Minister turned out to be where the last photos of her were taken She then led politicians at the Queen's State Funeral inside Westminster Abbey. When the mourning period for Britain's longest-serving monarch came to an end, the work of the Government continued - with Ms Truss already having announced her energy bills cap before the Queen's death was announced. Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's disastrous mini-budget came on September 23, prompting a cascade of criticism and market turmoil. After working closely with the PM, he announced a scrapping of the top rate of income tax, the bringing forward of 1p cut in the basic rate of income tax, the removal of the bankers' bonus cap and the slashing of stamp duty. Widespread surprise at the size of the tax-cutting agenda the pair had embarked upon - and fears over an increase in borrowing to fund the measures - spooked financial markets and Tory MPs. As pressure grew, Ms Truss and Mr Kwarteng announced a U-turn on scrapping the 45p top rate of tax during this month's Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. But their action was not enough to settle the financial turmoil - or mutinous Tory MPs. Ms Truss then removed Mr Kwarteng from his post and replaced him with former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Within hours, Mr Hunt proceeded to unpick his boss's policy programme, with only the stamp duty cut and reversal in the increase to National Insurance remaining intact. The saga further destroyed Ms Truss's authority, which was then weakened further yesterday when Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigned on Wednesday and issued a furious parting shot to her boss. Ms Truss was ultimately forced to resign after a slew of Tory MPs submitted letters of no confidence in her. She had insisted only yesterday that she was a 'fighter not a quitter.' George Canning - 119 days (April 12, 1827 August 8, 1827) Colourful Canning made it into Number 10 on April 10, 1827 and within days had appointed himself as Chancellor. He might have made it to the top job sooner if he had not been injured in a duel with his rival. the Minister for War Lord Castlereigh in 1809. Canning, who had never fired a pistol before, agreed to the duel in Putney. His shot missed and Castlereagh wounded the future Prime Minister in the leg. Canning was regarded as a tremendous public speaker noted for his wit and intelligence. He was also popular with the public. On the path to Number 10, Canning served as Foreign Secretary for five years and Leader of the House of Commons before that. His time as PM and Chancellor came to a premature end on August 8, 1827, when he died from tuberculosis. Like Robert Peel, George Canning was Prime Minister and Chancellor at the same time Viscount Goderich - 144 days (August 31 1827 January 21, 1828) Canning was replaced in Downing Street by Viscount Goderich, who lasted a mere 130 days. The aristocrat had previously served in a variety of ministerial roles, including as Chancellor war minister. He was asked by George IV to form a government in August 1827, but by January 1828 he had lost the confidence of the King and was asked to find his own replacement. His successor turned out to be Napoleonic Wars hero the Duke of Wellington. According to Number 10's official history: 'Viscount Goderichs tenure as Prime Minister was hampered by a lack of royal support and his own ill-health. 'His administration was overtaken by larger shifts in the political landscape, but he returned to high office after his departure from Downing Street.' George Canning was replaced in Downing Street by Viscount Goderich (pictured), who lasted a mere 130 days Andrew Bonar Law - 209 days (23 October 1922 20 May 1923) Canadian-born Bonar Law became PM on October 23, 1922. He had been leader of the Conservative Party for five years from 1916 until 1921 but then resigned his post as his health deteriorated. Once recovered, was invited to form a government by King George V in 1922 after his Conservative colleagues pulled out of Lloyd George's Liberal-led government. His most significant act was to launch the 'Tranquility Manifesto', which was an attempt to recover from the damage wrought by the First World War. However, Bonar Law resigned in May 1923 due to the effects of throat cancer and died six months later. Andrew Bonar Law, who lasted for 209 days as Conservative Prime Minister between October 1922 and May 1923, was the 20th century's shortest-serving Number 10 occupant before Ms Truss's resignation Alec Douglas-Home - 363 days (October 19 1963 October 16, 1964) Behind Bonar Law in the list of shortest-serving PMs are three 18th Century politicians. The Duke of Devonshire was in post for 225 days; the Earl of Sherbourne lasted for 266 days and the Earl of Bute was in office for 317 days. But the only other 20th Century PM to make it into the top ten by least amount of time in office is the aristocrat Sir Alec Douglas Home, who lasted for 363 days. The childhood friend of the Queen Mother took office following the resignation of Harold Macmillan in the aftermath of the Profumo affair in October 1963. The only other 20th Century PM to make it into the top ten by least amount of time in office is the aristocrat Sir Alec Douglas Home, who lasted for 363 days. Above: Douglas-Home and his wife with the Queen in November 1964 Douglas-Home spent 20 days Prime Minister being unable to sit in either the House of Lords, as he had renounced his peerage, nor in the House of Commons, as he had yet to win his seat. He finally entered the Commons in November 1963 after winning a by-election in the safe seat of Kinross and West Perthshire. Having inherited a government that was widely seen in decline, Douglas-Home ultimately faced a futile battle to turn its fortunes around. He resigned after losing the 1964 election to the Labour Party, who secured a four-seat majority. Douglas-Home then served as Foreign Secretary in his successor Edward Heath's cabinet. Courageous emergency crews have pulled a struggling wallaby from murky Murray River floodwaters as wild weather continues to ravage vast swathes of the southern states. Footage shows the moment the rescue team spotted the drowning marsupial as they patrolled the Murray River at Moama near Victoria's northern border, an area which has been inundated by recent weather in the state. The tiny wallaby was battling to keep its snout and ears above the water. Two workers, from the State Emergency Service and Surf Rescue, had to lean half-way out of their boat to reach the little wallaby. They were unable to haul the animal onto their boat, instead the surf rescue worker had to hold it against the side of the tinny as they headed to the edge of the river. There, two more Fire and Rescue workers had to help lift the wallaby onto the grass of a waterfront backyard. Scroll down for the video. Rescue crews spotted a pair of brown ears and a struggling snout as they patrolled the swollen Murray River (above) After hauling the saturated wallaby to the edge of the river (above) rescuers waited by the side of the shivering marsupial Finally on land again, the wallaby struggled to find its feet and shivered ceaselessly. The 'buggered' marsupial's first attempts at balancing nearly saw it fall back into the water. The emergency workers shepherded the animal away from the water's edge and eventually had to hold the animal down. Eventually they wrapped the animal in a blanket and took it far from the river. There, the wallaby staggered again, but eventually managed to stand and look back at the workers. The wallaby found its feet after the dramatic rescue effort, during which it nearly staggered back into the floodwater on multiple occasions (above) A wombat swims for its life after becoming trapped in floodwaters in Ghin Ghin just north of Melbourne (above) Bedraggled baby possums rescued by Wildlife Victoria in the historic southern floods (above) The rescue was just one of many as emergency response workers have had to help countless animals from the flood waters across Victoria. Wildlife in northern parts of the state have borne the brunt of the incessant rainfall, but the Bureau of Meteorology is now predicting floodwater in the Murray River to peak between Friday and Saturday. Footage emerged earlier in the week of a wombat swimming in floodwater just north of Melbourne. It comes as hundreds of photos of saturated wildlife have been shared online, with the widespread flooding taking a toll on their natural habitats. Wildlife Australia has set up an appeal aimed at raising funds that will go directly to its Emergency Rescue Service. The organisation is running a phone line 24-hours a day so its travelling vets can respond to wildlife emergencies in the field. The organisation has received more than 1000 calls for help over the past 48 hours. While Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday announced a $351 million package to give regional Victorian communities the immediate support they need, the state's wildlife have been left to defend to themselves. Liz Truss has announced her resignation after a chaotic 44 days in office during which she lost the confidence of Tory MPs and the public and oversaw economic turbulence. She is set to become the shortest-serving Prime Minister in history after she battled an open revolt from Conservatives demanding her departure. Speaking from a lectern in Downing Street, Ms Truss said she had told the King she was resigning as the leader of the Conservative Party as she recognised she 'cannot deliver the mandate' Tory members gave her little over six weeks ago. Read her resignation statement in full: Prime Minister Liz Truss resigning on the steps of No10 Downing Street 'I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. 'Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills. 'Putin's illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent. And our country has been held back for too long by low economic growth. 'I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this - we delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance. 'And we set out a vision for a low-tax, high-growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. 'I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. 'I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. 'This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. We have agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. 'This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country's economic stability and national security. 'I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen. Thank you.' Korea's top automaker Hyundai is investigating child labor violations in its US supply chain and plans to cut ties with suppliers in Alabama found to have relied on underage workers, it has been revealed. Hyundai's global chief operating officer Jose Munoz told Reuters the carmaker intends to sever relations with the two Alabama supplier plants under scrutiny for using underage labor as soon as possible. Alabama's state Department of Labor and federal agencies have been investigating the use of child workers at SMART Alabama and the Korean-operated SL Alabama, which supply Hyundai's massive vehicle assembly plant in Montgomery, Alabama. Munoz said he had ordered a broader probe into Hyundai's entire network of US auto parts suppliers for violations, in the automotive giant's most substantive comments to date on child labor violations in its US supply chain. Alabama's state Department of Labor and federal agencies have been investigating the use of child workers at SMART Alabama, a part maker for Hyundai based in in Luverne Eidy Aracely Tzi Coc, 13, ran away with another SMART Alabama plant employee, Alvaro Cucul, 21, sparking a police investigation that lifted the lid on child labor in Luverne Hyundai's $1.8 billion flagship assembly plant in Montgomery produced nearly half of the 738,000 vehicles the automaker sold in the US last year, according to company figures, using a network of dozens of mostly Korean-owned auto-parts plants. Migrant children from Guatemala found working at SMART Alabama and SL Alabama were hired by staffing firms in the region. Hyundai this week said it had already stopped relying on at least one labor recruiting firm that had been hiring for SMART. The use of underage workers was revealed at the SMART plant in Luverne after police in February launched a probe into the disappearance of Eidy Aracely Tzi Coc, 13, who ran away with plant employee Alvaro Cucul, 21. Coc and her two brothers, aged 12 and 15, all worked at the plant earlier this year and weren't going to school, according to people familiar with the situation. Pedro Tzi, Eidy's father, confirmed that his children had worked there in an interview. Coc, who is now 14, was quickly discovered, and safe. The automotive parts maker, which has supplied parts for Hyundai since 2003, reportedly fired multiple underage workers after it fell under the spotlight The automotive parts maker, which has supplied parts for Hyundai since 2003, reportedly fired multiple underage workers some as young as 12 as publicity around Coc's case heated up. The plant has since faced further accusations of child labor infractions from the police, Coc's family and former and current employees. One former employee claimed as many as 50 underage workers were employed across various shifts when he worked there. Several of the youths, officials said, had ignored schooling in order to work long shifts at the plant, a sprawling facility with a documented history of health and safety violations, including amputation hazards. SL Alabama said in a statement this week it had taken aggressive steps to remedy the situation as soon it learned a subcontractor had provided underage workers to the plant in Alexander City. It terminated its relationship with the staffing firm, took more direct control of the hiring process and hired a law firm to conduct an audit of its employment practices, it said. Hyundai gave no further details of how long its probe would take, when the company or any suppliers would end their dependence on third party staffing firms, or when Hyundai could end commercial ties with the suspect suppliers. SOC Investment Group, which works with union pension funds that have more than $250 billion in assets, sent a terse letter on Wednesday to Hyundai, saying investors were worried by the allegations of child labor. Child labor and poor workplace health and safety have regulatory and legal repercussions for Hyundai in the U.S. and can cause reputational damage across the globe, said the letter from the group, which called for an investigation. A daredevil climber died after he refused to use ropes to scale one of Britain's biggest mountains in Snowdonia, an inquest heard. Professional mountaineer Thomas Furey, 30, set off on a 'free solo' climb without taking any safety ropes but he fell and was found at the foot of the notorious Cneifion Arete climb with 'catastrophic' head, chest and leg injuries. A witness said he'd warned him 'I wouldn't want to free solo' but said the mountain climbing instructor, known as Tom, told him 'it's OK. I do this for a living.' Tom and his fiancee Katie Simmons were staying at a friend's house in June when he decided to go on the morning adventure. Thomas Furey, 30, set off on a 'free solo' climb without safety ropes but he fell and was found at the foot of the Cneifion Arete climb - here he is pictured with his fiancee Katie Simmons A witness said he warned Tom not to 'free solo' and Tom said 'it's OK. I do this for a living' Tom and his partner were staying at a friend's house in June when he decided to go on the morning adventure An inquest heard hospital medic Katie went to work and was due to meet Tom later that afternoon - but she never saw him again. Witnesses Andrew Cruse and his son Harry were about to tackle Cneifion Arrete, described as 'more of a scramble than a slope but with a severe drop' when they encountered Tom. Andrew said when Tom asked if he could go in front of them he agreed but seeing Tom had no ropes told him: 'I wouldn't want to free solo.' He said Tom replied: 'It's OK. I do this for a living.' He was meant to meet up with Katie later that afternoon - but she never saw him again Tom was found lying face down at the foot of Cneifion Arete and his helmet was found nearby But later that morning the father and son found Tom lying face down and badly injured at the foot of Cneifion Arete. His bloodied helmet was nearby and a rucksack was still 10 or 15 metres up the slope. They alerted Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team who found him 'barely alive'. The coastguard helicopter flew Tom to Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor, the same hospital where his girlfriend worked. The inquest in Caernarfon heard doctors fought to save his life but he was pronounced dead at 2.27pm that day. He was taken to the hospital where fiancee Katie worked in Bangor but sadly died Dr Mark Atkinson, a histopathologist, found Tom died from multiple injuries. Sarah Riley, assistant coroner for North West Wales, found it was 'more likely than not' Tom had been wearing a helmet at the time of his fall but that he had not been wearing ropes. She concluded Tom, of Wrexham, North Wales, died from 'a deliberate human act with unintended consequences.' She recorded a conclusion of misadventure. With the DOJ's investigation of former President Donald Trump's handling of government documents showing no signs of abating, his lawyers are considering letting investigators back into his private club to conduct an additional search. Trump has fumed that his lawyers weren't allowed to participate when the FBI searched his Mar-a-Lago club in August while his lawyers were outside. Now, after suffering legal setbacks including a failed effort to get the Supreme Court to intervene, his team is considering negotiating an additional search that would likely involve their participation, CNN reported. The August 8th search of his property, which drew a furious response from Trump, came after a court-authorized search warrant where agents spelled out probable cause they would find information there. That in turn followed a June visit to the club by a senior Justice Department official. Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are considering negotiating an additional search inside Mar-a-Lago for materials with the Justice Department that would involve their participation However government filings reveal DOJ is not persuaded Trump has handed over all of the government material that may be in his possession. FBI agents visited three areas of Trump's club during the search, including a storage room and Trump's office, where agents said they located classified material, including in Trump's desk. There have been repeated reports of strategic splits within Trump's legal team, with Florida lawyer Christopher Kise cast as pushing a more accommodating approach. One Trump lawyer, Christina Bobb, spoke to the FBI this month about her own role, having signed a document vouching for a 'diligent search' as the designated custodian of Trump's records. She said fellow Trump lawyer Evan Cocoran asked her to sign the document. The FBI raided Trump's private club in August, with agents taking an additional 20 boxes of material Agents identified 100 documents marked 'classified' Trump lawyer Christina Bobb met with FBI agents amid the ongoing probe Bobb said lawyer Evan Corcoran told her to sign the attestation That came after a visit by DOJ official Jay Bratt, following a May subpoena compelling the return of material. 'It's a risk to invite a DOJ lawyer to lunch let alone back to Mar-a-Lago,' one person close to Trump told the network. During the August search, agents said they collected 20 boxes of additional material, including about 100 documents marked classified. A move toward conciliation follows repeated attacks by Trump, who has even suggested without offering evidence that agents may have planted evidence. It comes after a report that prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to charge the former president with obstruction of justice. Whether they would decide to charge a former president is unclear. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg they believe 'there is sufficient evidence' but the DOJ group 'has not made a formal recommendation' to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has ultimate approval on what would be an explosive decision. The decision to raid Mar-a-Lago provoked a furious outcry among Trump's conservative allies. A young girl was 'left to die' after she was put in a Chinese coronavirus quarantine centre, with her family saying their calls for help were ignored. They have now released tragic footage of Guo JinJin, 14, shaking and convulsing on a bed before her death, amid growing anger towards Beijing's strict pandemic controls. Guo JinJin's family are now demanding justice and accountability over her death, the cause of which has not been made public by the authorities. She was taken to the quarantine centre in Ruzhou, Henan Province, last Friday. In his video, Guo Lele said as his daughter's condition worsened, medical workers at the centre failed to provide any sort of treatment. On Sunday, he said she had begun to 'convulse' and was 'dehydrated and shaking'. 'Health workers at the centre took no care of her, no one even inquired,' he said in the footage uploaded to Douyin, the name in China for social media app TikTok. A young girl was 'left to die' after she was put in a Chinese coronavirus quarantine centre, with her family saying their calls for help were ignored The video was widely shared on the social network, but Chinese censors worked to take it down from the internet in some places, according to the BBC. The father demanded: 'I'm requesting the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and Discipline Inspection Commission come down to investigate the Ruzhou government's neglect... and give my daughter's life back!' It was not until Monday evening, with her condition swiftly deteriorating, that she was taken to hospital, but she was unable to be saved. The tragedy has sparked an unusual backlash against the government and Xi Jinping's draconian Covid policies. But the case has not been reported at all in the media. It is not known if JinJin was quarantined because she was infected or was a close contact with the virus. Guo JinJin, 14, was seem shaking and convulsing on a bed before her death, amid growing anger of Beijing's strict pandemic controls The video was widely shared on the social network, but Chinese censors worked to take it down from the internet in some places, according to the BBC Beijing has today dialled up its anti-Covid measures, strengthening public checks and locking down some residential compounds. The key Community Party congress is underway after a quadrupling of the city's case load in recent weeks. The city of 21 million people on Thursday reported 18 new locally transmitted cases for the previous day, bringing the tally for the past 10 days to 197. That is four times more than the 49 infections detected in the previous 10-day period. Nationally, 962 cases were reported yesterday, of which 751 were asymptomatic. While the number of cases is very small compared with other countries, China's zero-Covid policy has compelled the capital to ratchet up preventive measures, particularly with the Communist Party holding its once-every-five-years congress this week, during which President Xi Jinping is expected to win a precedent-breaking third term as its leader. Cooks and staff from a hotel that is part of a closed loop that houses a press center and journalists covering the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Health workers and staff wear protective suits inside a residential compound after it was locked down due to a coronavirus outbreak in Beijing This photo taken on October 19, 2022 shows a woman undergoing a nucleic acid test for the Covid-19 coronavirus in Lianyungang in China's eastern Jiangsu province Beijing's health authority called for stronger screening of risky individuals and meticulous checks on people entering crowded places including supermarkets and gyms. Some residential compounds with suspected cases were put under three-day lockdowns that could be extended if new infections emerge. 'Ensure that no one is overlooked,' Beijing's health authorities said. China is also considering cutting the time that inbound visitors have to stay in quarantine, from 10 to seven days, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. China now requires travellers to isolate for 10 days on entry into the country, with seven days in a hotel room, followed by three days of home monitoring. Officials are targeting a cut in the quarantine period to two days in a hotel and then five days at home, Bloomberg said. The National Health Commission did not immediately respond to a fax from Reuters seeking comment on the report. This is the heart-stopping moment that a Taser-wielding officer jumped into a river to chase and catch an armed criminal. Officers were on routine patrol in Blackheath, south east London, when their attention was drawn to a grey Mercedes driven by Clive Tebu, 31. They signalled for him to pull over and he led them on a pursuit through residential areas, weaving in and out of traffic and swerving around traffic islands. He narrowly missed an oncoming motorcyclist reaching speeds of more than 77mph in a 20mph zone. In a desperate bid to get away he rammed a member of the public's vehicle before mounting a pavement near pedestrians. When he realised he was blocked in he leapt from the car and began fleeing on foot. One of the officers gave chase and saw Tebu climb over a wall and jump into the River Quaggy on the other side. This is the heart-stopping moment that a Taser-wielding officer jumped into a river to chase and catch an armed criminal Officers were on routine patrol in Blackheath, south east London, when their attention was drawn to a grey Mercedes driven by Clive Tebu (pictured), 31 He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance, possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm while prohibited The officer followed wading into the water wearing full kit. As Tebu tried to get away, the on-duty officer was assisted by an off-duty officer who had seen the chase and stepped in to assist. The off-duty officer - who is normally attached to the emergency response team - raced through the water at full speed before apprehending Tebu and holding him. Tebu was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop after the incident on April 19 this year. During the pursuit he had been seen to throw items from the car, police said. When officers went back to recover the items they found a loaded 9mm handgun, ammunition and a large sum of money. Further searches of property linked to Tebu also found 75,000 in cash. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance, possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm while prohibited. The on-duty police officer gives chase supported by the off-duty officer Tebu was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop after the incident on April 19 this year During the pursuit he had been seen to throw items from the car, police said. When officers went back to recover the items they found a loaded 9mm handgun, ammunition and a large sum of money Tebu, from Bexley, was jailed for five years and 10 months at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday. He was also disqualified from driving for 59 months He also pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition and possession of ammunition while prohibited on May 19 at Woolwich Crown Court. Tebu, from Bexley, was jailed for five years and 10 months at the same court yesterday. He was also disqualified from driving for 59 months. Detective constable Rachael Nelhams, of the specialist crime command at the Met, said: 'Thanks to the professionalism and diligence of these officers, another viable firearm has been taken off the streets. This will inevitably have saved lives and prevented unknown victims suffering serious injuries or worse. 'The police drivers involved in this incident showed a high level of skill in safely following Tebu as he drove in an extremely dangerous manner. The officer who pursued him over a wall and into the river showed impressive determination and commitment. 'I would also like to praise the off-duty officer who saw a colleague in need of help and jumped in - quite literally - to provide vital support. His selfless actions were brave and showed the best qualities of policing. 'Without his intervention it is possible that Tebu, who was not weighed down in the water in the way the fully-kitted officer was, might have got away.' China, on behalf of 25 countries, calls for lifting of unilateral coercive measures Xinhua) 09:26, October 20, 2022 UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday made a joint statement at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, on behalf of 25 countries, calling for the immediate and complete lifting of unilateral coercive measures. The world is facing interlocking global challenges with developing countries disproportionately affected. A true, effective and functional multilateral system based on international solidarity, unity and cooperation is urgently needed more than ever, said Dai Bing, the charge d'affaires at the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations. And yet, despite the grave hardships and challenges, developing countries and their populations continue to fall victim to unilateral coercive measures, which run counter to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, multilateralism and the basic norms of international relations, he said. "We reaffirm the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations as well as the duty of states to cooperate with one another in accordance with the charter. We reaffirm the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which strongly urges states to refrain from promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations," he said. Regrettably, despite the global call to urgently lift unilateral coercive measures, the imposition of these illegal measures continues to cause devastating, sometimes even life-threatening consequences, to targeted countries and their peoples. Unilateral coercive measures, coupled with secondary sanctions and over-compliance, exacerbate existing humanitarian and economic challenges, result in lack of access to essential goods and services such as food, medicine, safe drinking water, fuel and electricity, and negatively affect the enjoyment of human rights, including the right to health and the right to life, he said. "We reaffirm our opposition to unilateral coercive measures and call on imposing states to immediately and completely cease such practice. We call on states to avoid imposing future unilateral sanctions not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The current circumstance calls for solidarity and unity rather than confrontation and division, to address global challenges and promote and protect human rights for all," he said. Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Laos, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, as well as China signed up to the statement. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) South Korea is "positively" considering co-sponsoring a U.N. resolution condemning North Korea's grave human rights conditions after refraining from doing so for years under the preceding liberal administration, according to Seoul's foreign ministry Thursday. "Our government is proactively participating in consultations on the North Korean human rights resolution being deliberated at the U.N.," Lim Soo-suk, spokesperson for the foreign ministry, said during a press briefing. He said the government was "positively reviewing co-sponsoring" the resolution and added that a final decision will be reached after considering various circumstances. When asked whether the move could worsen the strained inter-Korean relations, Lim said Seoul remains open for dialogue while mentioning President Yoon Suk-yeol's "audacious initiative" to help rebuild North Korea's economy in return for denuclearization steps. The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution condemning North Korea's human rights abuses for 20 consecutive years since 2003. South Korea, however, has not participated as a co-sponsor of the resolution since 2019 under the liberal Moon Jae-in administration amid its efforts to avoid tensions with the North and resume inter-Korean dialogue. (Yonhap) Nicola Sturgeon has stuck the boot into Liz Truss after she announced her resignation this afternoon, making her the shortest serving Prime Minister in history. The First Minister of Scotland said a general election was a 'democratic imperative' and took aim at the turnover of Prime Ministers during her time in office. Responding to a tweet questioning whether Sturgeon even had a formal meeting with the short-lived PM, she said: 'If she doesn't mind, I'll now just wait for whoever will become the 5th PM (so far) during my time as FM.' In scathing comments this afternoon, the SNP leader said the UK was paying the price for the 'almighty mess' left behind by the ousted Premier. She added: 'For Scotland, the only way we get Prime Ministers in Government that a greater number of us vote for is to be independent and I think the democratic keys for independence are growing with literally every hour that passes.' Nicola Sturgeon has stuck the boot into Liz Truss after she announced her resignation this afternoon, making her the shortest serving Prime Minister in history. Pictured, the pair at a service of Thanksgiving for the Queen in Edinburgh on September 12 Speaking to Sky News this afternoon, Sturgeon expanded on her concerns - not only for Scotland, but also the 'broken UK political system'. She said: 'Well this is an almighty mess and it's the people of the UK who are paying the price of this. Poll Who do you want to be the next Prime Minister? Boris Johnson Rishi Sunak Penny Mordaunt Ben Wallace Suella Braverman Kemi Badenoch Grant Shapps Other Who do you want to be the next Prime Minister? Boris Johnson 20436 votes Rishi Sunak 8773 votes Penny Mordaunt 3006 votes Ben Wallace 1692 votes Suella Braverman 942 votes Kemi Badenoch 901 votes Grant Shapps 168 votes Other 4002 votes Now share your opinion 'I think Liz Truss's early resignation as Prime Minister was probably inevitable the moment she walked into Downing Street. 'But Liz Truss isn't the problem here, she's the symptom of a much more fundamental problem - a broken Tory party? Certainly. But also a broken UK political system. 'What needs to happen now? Well on a UK level there must be a general election. It is a democratic necessity. The idea that the Tories now can unite behind a Prime Minister - any Prime Minister - let alone one that is in the public interest is for the birds [useless]. 'Fundamentally, the UK needs to have a democratic choice over its next Prime Minister. There's even ludicrous suggestions this afternoon that Boris Johnson is going to try and make a comeback. 'So that's what needs to happen immediately - and of course for Scotland that doesn't really solve the fundamental problem because Scotland's votes don't determine the outcome of UK general elections. 'So as long as we're part of this Westminster system we're always going to be vulnerable to getting Prime Minister's we don't vote for, implementing policies that we don't support and doing real damage to the country. The First Minister tweeted to her 1.5million followers: 'There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. It's beyond hyperbole - and parody' 'For Scotland, the only way we get Prime Ministers in Government that a greater number of us vote for is to be independent and I think the democratic keys for independence are growing with literally every hour that passes.' After a disastrous 44 days in No10, Truss is now the shortest serving PM in history. The next prime minister with the shortest tenure is George Canning, who served for 119 days in 1827 and died in office. Sturgeon - elected as Scotland's First Minister in 2014 - condemned the current government as an 'utter shambles'. The First Minister tweeted to her 1.5million followers: 'There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. It's beyond hyperbole - and parody. 'Reality though is that ordinary people are paying the price. The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now. 'A general election is now a democratic imperative.' In a speech outside Downing Street today, Truss admitted admitted defeat following crisis talks with Tory chiefs and confirmed her departure In a speech outside Downing Street today, Truss admitted admitted defeat following crisis talks with Tory chiefs and confirmed her departure. Revealing she had informed the King of her decision, she said: 'I cannot deliver on the mandate.... I will remain as PM until a successor has been chosen.' Truss - who insisted she was a 'fighter not a quitter' barely 24 hours ago - said the Tory leadership contest will be completed over the next week. She was watched by her husband Hugh as she gave the valedictory speech. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has also called for a general election. He said: 'It's right that Liz Truss has resigned. But in truth, this entire Conservative government must go. 'The next Tory Leader will have no mandate to be prime minister. We need a general election now.' Arizona is refusing to comply with the Biden administration's demand that the state remove double-stacked shipping containers placed at the border as a makeshift barrier in an attempt to quell illegal immigration. Republican Governor Doug Ducey's government started placing the shipping containers on the U.S. side of the Arizona border with Mexico in August and in a letter last week the Bureau of Reclamation instructed the state to not place any new containers and remove the existing ones. Since August, more than 120 containers have been placed to help fill the gaps at the border, Ducey's communications director C.J. Karamargin told the Washington Examiner, adding that they are confused why it took months for the letter to come in. 'It took the feds since August to write a letter? If this is any indication of their sense of urgency, then perhaps that explains the problem we're having,' Karamargin said. 'As for the letter, we question their legal analysis and we are looking at our options,' Ducey's spokesperson added. The Bureau of Reclamation's letter claims that the request is coming in an attempt to prevent conflicts with two federal contracts awarded and two pending to fill border gaps with actual sections of border wall in the Yuma, Arizona region. Arizona's Governor Doug Ducey suggested the state will not comply with a federal government request to take down double-stacked shipping containers to fill gaps in the border Ducey's team said it went forward with filling gaps after the Biden administration failed to move on awarding a construction contract to fill the gaps between border wall in Yuma, Arizona Ducey's team said that the state-funded makeshift shipping container wall started going up over the summer after Arizona lost confidence that the federal government would fill the gaps between existing physical barriers. Governor Ducey announced in January that his state would start planning to put up barriers without waiting for the Biden administration to act on its promise. Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly announced over the summer that the Department of Homeland Security would start hiring a builder to fill in gaps in the wall in Yuma. Illegal immigrants taken into custody after crossing the border unlawfully are, in a majority of cases, released into the U.S. and Arizona is attempting with the container wall to stop the unprecedented flow coming through Yuma and inundating region airports and bus lines. The Bureau of Reclamation instructed the state in a letter last week to take down container and not place any new ones. Pictured: Doubled-stacked shipping containers fill gaps between parts of the border wall in Yuma, Arizona on September 27 In May, Ducey jumped on board with an initiative started by Texas Governor Greg Abbott the month earlier to transport migrants to the East Coast into Democratic enclaves and sanctuary cities. As of mid-July, Ducey sent 27 buses with more than 1,000 total passengers from the border to Washington, D.C. Abbott has sent considerably more migrants to the nation's capital from Texas. He has also sent buses to New York City and Chicago. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered more than 2 million migrants in Fiscal Year 2022 as of August and figures for September have not yet been released by the agency. It is not clear whether the Biden administration has awarded a contract for the project to fill border wall gaps in Yuma, but Kelly's office told the Examiner that the plan was to have a contract by September. A suicidal knifeman who googled 'I hate Britain' and charged at Ministry of Defence officers in Horse Guards Parade has been cleared of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm after he told them he only wanted 'to get shot'. Prashanth Kandhaiah came within seconds of being shot dead at the ceremonial parade ground in St James Park on Easter Monday, April 18. The 30-year-old sprinted towards Ministry of Defence PCs Ravinder Digpaul and Ryan Pariso in the tiltyard of the parade ground, off Whitehall, central London, brandishing a five-inch kitchen knife. PC Digpaul moved to bring his MP7 carbine rifle into position and changed the safety to fire but lost his footing while being chased. While on the ground, he kicked out at Kandhaiah and readied his Glock pistol to fire before his colleague Tasered the knifeman, who said: 'Please shoot me.' Prashanth Kandhaiah, 30, came within seconds of being shot dead at the ceremonial parade ground in St James Park on Easter Monday, April 18. Pictured, the scene outside the Horse Guards building PC Digpaul told Southwark Crown Court: 'I felt, if he had been able to get past my legs, I believe he would've either seriously injured me or killed me.' The day before, Kandhaiah had searched online for the 2019 London Bridge terror attack when Usman Khan was shot dead by police after stabbing to death Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23. Giving evidence, Kandhaiah, from Thamesmead, told jurors he was not a 'terrorist', adding: 'I didn't go there to stab an officer. I went there to get shot.' After just over an hour of deliberating on Thursday, jurors acquitted him to attempting to commit grievous bodily harm. During the trial, the jury was not told Kandhaiah had already pleaded guilty to having a knife and threatening another person with a blade. Judge Adam Hiddleston remanded him in custody at HMP Wandsworth ahead of sentencing on December 9. Kandhaiah had made at least four attempts to kill himself and told doctors of his suicide-by-police plan as far ago as October 2020, the court was told. On the day of the incident he had sent one of his children a message saying: 'Goodbye, love you. Daddy.' He had also googled terms including 'rat poison can kill people', 'I hate Britain' and 'police', prosecutor Suki Dhadda said. Kandhaiah, dressed in two pairs of tracksuit bottoms and four jackets, arrived at Whitehall on his electric bike before the attack, which was caught on CCTV footage played in court. It showed him waiting for several minutes on Whitehall Road before suddenly running through the gates to the courtyard. 'He then chose his moment and took a knife out of his jacket pocket and ran directly towards the officers, PC Digpaul and PC Pariso,' said prosecutor Sukhwinder Dhadda. 'He had asked the officers to shoot him. He pleaded with officers to listen to him when he said he wanted them to shoot him.' PC Digpaul said the defendant had 'quite an angry look on his face' when he ran towards him and his colleague. 'I couldn't think what his actions were other than to attack us and try to kill us,' he said. CCTV footage showed Kandhaiah waiting for several minutes on Whitehall Road before suddenly running through the gates to the courtyard. Pictured, the scene in Westminster after Kandhaiah was arrested 'I was pretty scared seeing the blade and how quickly he was running towards us.' The officer said he had readied his firearm but lost his footing when he tried to create distance between him and the alleged attacker. 'At this point I was scared for my life. I wasn't sure what he was capable of; if he had any other weapons,' he said. PC Digpaul told jurors he felt 'very vulnerable' and 'scared' and was 'trying to do anything I can, really, to avoid being stabbed'. 'He had followed me behind the pillar, following me exactly where I was going. The knife was still in his hand, trying to stab me,' PC Digpaul said. In body-worn camera footage, PC Pariso can be heard ordering Kandhaiah to 'get down' and 'stay down' while the knifeman is screaming before asking officers to 'shoot me'. When PC Pariso deployed his taser both probes hit Kandhaiah causing him to fall to the floor. Kandhaiah told jurors: 'I thought as soon as they saw me they would shoot me. It's central London so they take it very seriously. 'I thought they wouldn't play around.' After the incident Kandhaiah said: 'You lot are monsters. Why didn't you shoot me?' He was interviewed at 11.18pm that evening where he told police officers that he worked for Ocado and was being controlled by a machine. Kandhaiah, of Thamesmead, southeast London, denied attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and was cleared of the charge. For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit local Samaritans This appeared to be a reference to when Truss visited Moscow in February when she was Britain's foreign minister, and confused regions of Russia with Ukraine Russia has taken one last swipe at Liz Truss following her resignation as Prime Minister, saying she was a 'disgrace' of a leader who would be remembered for her 'catastrophic illiteracy,' as world leaders reacted to the news. 'Britain has never known such a disgrace of a prime minister,' Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. 'The catastrophic illiteracy and the queen's funeral immediately after her audience with Liz Truss will be remembered.' The claim of illiteracy appears to refer to Truss's visit to Moscow in February before Russia invaded Ukraine, when Truss was British foreign minister. In a meeting with Russia's veteran foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, she appeared to confuse two regions of Russia with Ukraine, triggering widespread mockery in Russian media. 'Britain has never known such a disgrace of a prime minister,' Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (shown left) said. 'The catastrophic illiteracy and the queen's funeral immediately after her audience with Liz Truss will be remembered'. Pictured right: Liz Truss visits Moscow during her time as Britain's Foreign Secretary in February 2022 Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Twitter: 'Bye, bye @trussliz, congrats to lettuce', referring to the British Daily Star tabloid's days-long livestream asking whether Truss' troubled premiership would outlast the shelf-life of a lettuce. Truss' resignation attracted extensive and gleeful coverage on Russian state TV. A guest on the political talkshow 'Time Will Tell' said Truss had possessed the three traits needed to thrive in British politics: 'Stupidity, arrogance, and belligerence'. Truss has been the target of withering comments from Moscow since she visited in February as part of a fruitless drive by Western politicians to the invasion of Ukraine. Russian officials took a dim view of Truss's premiership from the outset and have revelled in her numerous gaffes. Upon her appointment in September, Lavrov said Truss did not know how to compromise and questioned how the British leader could say she did not know whether French President Emmanuel Macron was a 'friend or foe'. Zakharova also on Thursday mocked Truss' high-profile photo shoot in Estonia last year, where she donned a flak jacket and helmet to ride in a tank during a visit to British troops stationed in the Baltic country. Relations between Moscow and London have deteriorated for years, over issues such as the 2018 poisoning of a former Russian spy in Salisbury. They have reached record lows since Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. The UK is one of Kyiv's staunchest supporters in the fact of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, and Russia considers it as one of the most unfriendly Western countries. Truss announced her resignation on Thursday, just 44 days after being appointed, with a leadership election in her Conservative Party expected within the next week. Truss's tenure was derailed by her economic program, which sent shockwaves through financial markets and was all but abandoned. Other world leaders also reacted as news of Truss's unprecedented resignation as Prime Minister reverberated around the world. France's President Emmanuel Macron wished Britain a rapid return to stability, while the White House reiterated that the US will continue its close relationship. Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin expressed his hope that Truss's successor would be selected quickly to ensure stability. Arriving at an EU summit, Macron said he would not comment on British domestic politics but added: 'It is important that Great Britain regains political stability very quickly, and that is all I wish.' Pictured: French President Emmanuel Macron gives a wink and a thumbs up to photographers as he arrives at a two-day EU Council in Brussels, Belgium, October 20, 2022 - shortly after Liz Truss announced she would be resigning as Britain's Prime Minister Relations between Paris and London have often been sour as Britain negotiated its divorce from the European Union, and threatened to get worse as Truss courted the hardline pro-Brexit wing of her party. During her campaign to be elected leader of the Conservative Party, and thus prime minister, Truss famously said that 'the jury is out' on whether the French leader was a friend or foe of Britain. But there were also signs of a potential rapprochement on strategic issues, with Truss agreeing to attend the first summit in Prague of the Macron-inspired European Political Community. News of Truss's resignation broke as Macron was arriving at the EU summit in Brussels, and he was asked about it by reporters. As he arrived, he gave photographers a wink and a thumbs up. Macron said that he had had several telephone calls with Truss during her brief time in office and had been glad to see her in Prague. 'I want to say that France, as a nation and people who are friends of the British people, wishes them above all stability,' he said, stressing the context of the war in Ukraine and energy price crisis. 'But personally, I'm always sad to see a colleague leave in this way and what I want to say is that I wish stability can return soon.' In August, Mr Macron reacted with anger to Truss's 'friend or foe' comments. Pictured: Macron (left) holds a bilateral meeting with Truss on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on September 20, 2022 In a concerted dig Mr Macron, said at the time: 'The United Kingdom is a friendly nation, regardless of its leaders, and sometimes in spite of its leaders.' Asked further about Ms Truss's perceived insult Mr Macron said: 'It's never a good idea to lose your bearings in life. 'If I'd been asked the question myself [as to whether I'm a friend or foe of Liz Truss], this is how I'd answer it - whoever becomes the next leader of Great Britain, I won't ask myself any questions about them personally. 'Great Britain is a friend of France, and you know we live in a complicated world. 'We have more and more liberal governments, autocratic democracies and other powers that create imbalance, and if we're not able to say whether the French and British people are friends or foes - and the word foes is not a neutral one - then we're heading towards serious problems. 'So yes, I say it with certainty, the British people, the British nation is our friend. The United Kingdom, strong and allied, regardless of its leaders, and sometimes in spite of and beyond its leaders, or regardless of the small mistakes they can make in their speeches,' he said in August. On Thursday, US President Biden vowed to continue close cooperation with Britain following Truss's resignation. 'I thank Prime Minister Liz Truss for her partnership on a range of issues including holding Russia accountable for its war against Ukraine,' Biden said in a statement. Prime Minister Liz Truss holding a bilateral with US President Joe Biden at the UN building in New York, during her visit to the US to attend the 77th UN General Assembly in September. White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said on Thursday that the United States will continue its close relationship with Britain and the successor to Truss 'We will continue our close cooperation with the UK government as we work together to meet the global challenges our nations face.' White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain made a similar statement earlier. 'Our country's always had a special relationship with the United Kingdom without regard to the partisan affiliation of our president or the politics of their prime minister,' Klain told MSNBC in a televised interview. 'That's going to continue no matter who the UK picks as their next prime minister.' Klain cited many shared causes, including Russia's aggression in Ukraine, as areas where the two historic allies would continue to be aligned. 'We're going to work very, very closely with whomever succeeds Prime Minister Truss,' he said. Ireland's Prime Minister Martin said: 'I think stability is very important and we would like to see the UK system within its capacity in a position to have a successor selected as quickly as possible ... during these times when a major war is underway on the continent in Europe.' Donohoe said he is looking forward to continuing Ireland's close friendship with the UK in the wake of Liz Truss's resignation as Prime Minister. Ireland's finance minister said: 'The political and the economic stability of the United Kingdom is a vital ingredient in the economic prospects of Ireland and indeed of Europe, and the Government of the United Kingdom has reaffirmed their commitment to budgetary and economic standards. 'Ireland has always been a close friend of the United Kingdom and of the government of the United Kingdom, and even during tough and challenging moments during the Brexit process. 'We always affirmed the value of that close friendship and we really look forward in the time ahead to continuing that close friendship and co-operation with the new prime minister of the United Kingdom.' Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed his 'annoyance' that she had left the office, and said Truss's successor would be the fifth British Prime Minister he has worked with since he assumed office in 2010. 'I had a good contact with her (...) so I'm annoyed for her personally (...) We agreed on a whole range of views and I'm looking forward to work with who will be my next colleague,' adding: 'It will be the fifth one, I believe.' Advertisement Boris Johnson is believed to be considering a potentially explosive attempt to regain power after the resignation of Liz Truss, as other leading Tories squabble over her successor. The ex-PM, who was ousted by an unprecedented ministerial walk-out just three months ago, is believed to be sounding out advice on mounting a comeback after his successor lasted just 44 days in No10. His interest comes as other leading Tories argue over a unity candidate who can effectively be crowned leader and calm the bitter political and economic crisis of the past six weeks. Backbench leader Sir Graham Brady today set out a week-long timescale for the election of the new Tory leader, who will also become PM to replace Ms Truss. Conservative MPs this afternoon began to coalesce around at least three frontrunners: Mr Johnson, Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt. Every contender will need at least 100 backers to enter the election, five times as many as they needed in this summer's leadership vote. A run by Mr Johnson, if he does go through with it, could be massively divisive. He was forced out of Downing Street by MPs in the summer after a scandal-plagued three years in charge. But he remains popular with party members, who are set to be involved in the final phase of the election of a new leader. Tory MPs today began to split among the frontrunners, with senior figures cautioning against choosing Mr Johnson. Sir Roger Gale said: 'We need to remember that Mr Johnson is still under investigation by the Privileges Committee for potentially misleading the House. 'Until that investigation is complete and he is found guilty or cleared, there should be no possibility of him returning to Government.' But minister Brendan Clarke-Smith, who was given a job by Mr Johnson, told Sky: 'We need someone who can come in, we need somebody who can bring people together, somebody who actually has got that mandate. 'So a mandate from people in the last general election, a mandate from party members and somebody actually who can get this party going again, get us winning elections again. 'The only person that I think that ticks all those boxes is Boris Johnson.' Former prime minister Theresa May said Tory MPs must be prepared to compromise to ensure there is a 'sensible, competent government'. One Rishi Sunak ally told MailOnline he will almost certainly run, and predicted that there would be a 'natural logic' to him facing off against Boris Johnson. 'It will be a battle for the soul of the party,' they added. Meanwhile a 'PM4PM' Twitter campaign, run by grassroots supporters of Ms Mordaunt, began within minutes of Ms Truss quitting in Downing Street today, and a number of MPs gave their backing to the Leader of the House of Commons. MP Bob Seely, who backed Ms Mordaunt in the summer's Conservative Party leadership contest, said he hoped she would run for leader again. The former prime minister, who was forced out of Downing Street in the summer after a scandal-plagued three years in charge, is believed to be sounding out advice on mounting a comeback. Liz Truss's bombshell resignation today sets up a lightning fast election for a new Tory leader with no obvious unity candidate to take over Sir Graham told reporters he wants to complete a leadership election, including a vote of 160,000 party members, before the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt makes a fiscal statement on spending on October 31 The party is keen to avoid a re-run of the summer's bitter and protracted 55-day race in which Ms Truss beat Rishi Sunak Poll Who do you want to be the next Prime Minister? Boris Johnson Rishi Sunak Penny Mordaunt Ben Wallace Suella Braverman Kemi Badenoch Grant Shapps Other Who do you want to be the next Prime Minister? Boris Johnson 20436 votes Rishi Sunak 8773 votes Penny Mordaunt 3006 votes Ben Wallace 1692 votes Suella Braverman 942 votes Kemi Badenoch 901 votes Grant Shapps 168 votes Other 4002 votes Now share your opinion Mr Seely also indicated he did not want to 'go back' to the time when Mr Johnson was leader. 'Good luck to Boris. I don't want to go back to a few months ago where we were so whoever is going to get through I think there's going to be quite a high threshold,' he told Sky News. 'And I will see personally who those candidates are when they get the numbers.' Backing Ms Mordaunt, Mr Seely said: 'I think she has a great set of qualities. She has lots of ministerial experience. I think she comes across very well. And I think she resonates with people. 'Right now when we are facing a couple of international crises, both in energy, but also in the Ukraine war, having somebody with stature, with government experience, who can resonate with people, I think is really important. Ms Truss dramatically quit today, admitting defeat following crisis talks with Tory chiefs in Downing Street and with MPs in open insurrection. After just 44 disastrous days in No10, the PM took to a lectern outside the famous black door to confirm her departure, sealing her fate as the shortest-serving premier in modern political history. Revealing she had informed the King of her decision, she said: 'I cannot deliver on the mandate.... I will remain as PM until a successor has been chosen.' Ms Truss - who insisted she was a 'fighter not a quitter' barely 24 hours ago - said the Tory leadership contest will be completed over the next week. Giving her valedictory statement, she was watched by husband Hugh. Attention immediately turns to the leadership battle - with Jeremy Hunt ruling himself out within minutes. Mr Johnson is the most popular choice with party members but may struggle to win over enough MPs after ministers collapsed his government to force him from power in the summer. The party is keen to avoid a re-run of the summer's bitter and protracted 55-day race in which Ms Truss beat Rishi Sunak. That race saw both sides engage in bitter blue-on-blue infighting, mainly over the economy, that did not help the party in the polls. How will the new PM be chosen? Monday 2pm: Nominations will close in the Tory leadership contest. Candidates will need 100 MPs to support them in order to make it through to the first ballot. If only one MP passes this threshold they will become prime minister without a vote. 3.30pm to 5.30pm: The first ballot of MPs will be held to choose between the leadership candidates. There will be a maximum of three contenders, due to the high nomination threshold. 6pm: The result of the first ballot of MPs is announced. If three candidates get through, the candidate with the fewest number of votes will be eliminated. But, if only two candidates made it through to the first ballot, this would become an indicative vote for MPs to express their preference between the final two contenders. 6.30pm to 8.30pm: If three candidates made it to the ballot, and the lowest was removed in the first vote above, a second ballot could be held. This would become the indicative vote on the final two candidates, allowing MPs to show party members who they want to be PM. 9pm: The result of the second ballot of MPs will be announced. The two candidates will then proceed to an online vote of Conservative members. Friday 11am: The online membership vote will close. The result will be announced later that day and the identity of the new Tory leader revealed. Advertisement Ms Truss spent more than an hour in talks with 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady, Tory chairman Jake Berry and deputy PM Therese Coffey this morning. Afterwards, announcing her resignation after just 44 days in office, she revealed they had agreed a truncated election campaign lasting a week. Sir Graham told reporters that he wants to run it, including a vote of 160,000 party members, before the Chancellor makes a fiscal statement on spending on October 31. Asked if the party faithful will be included in the process, he told reporters: 'Well, that is the expectation. 'So the reason I've spoken to the party chairman and I discussed the parameters of a process is to look at how we can make the whole thing happen, including the party being consulted, by Friday next week.' Sir Graham added: 'I think we're deeply conscious of the imperative in the national interest of resolving this clearly and quickly.' They appear to be pinning their hopes on a single unity candidate can be identified who can effectively step in and avoid any further unpleasantness, with the party hemorrhaging support in the polls. However, that unity candidate has yet to emerge, with several big names suggesting it should be them. The main obstacle remains the lack of consensus on who should take over. There are signs leadership battle lines are already being drawn, with former minister Crispin Blunt openly calling for Mr Hunt to get the keys to No10. Sir Graham was vague about whether one or two candidates would be likely to run for the Conservative Party leadership. He told reporters: 'The party rules say there will be two candidates unless there is only one candidate.' Asked what happens if one candidate drops out, Sir Graham said: 'If there is only one candidate, there is only one candidate.' Pressed on whose idea it was to truncate the process into one week, he said: 'I think it's a matter on which there is a pretty broad consensus'. Sir Graham also said: 'It certainly is not the circumstances I would wish to see.' Those in the frame include Mr Sunak and (top to bottom) Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. How will the new Tory PM be elected? Tory members are likely to be given an online vote to pick the next Prime Minister by next Friday - but there are fears in the grassroots that MPs may 'stitch up' the 'coronation' of their favoured candidate. 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady has said the Conservative faithful should be involved in choosing a new party leader, however, he was vague about the process after MPs vote in the coming days. But with just a week-long process pencilled in, an online poll of members will be the way forward but there were problems over the summer when Liz Truss was elected because spy chiefs warned that interbet ballots 'could be vulnerable to hackers'. Sir Graham spoke minutes after Ms Truss' resignation speech this afternoon and insisted it will be 'possible to conduct a ballot and conclude it' before the fiscal statement that will take place on Halloween. Promising more details 'later', he also appeared vague about whether Tory MPs could just whittle down the candidates themselves to present a united front. If there is only one candidate, there would be no need for a members' vote. Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt are currently the clear favourites but some have claimed that a deal could be done between the two of them to avoid another brutal leadership battle, which looks inevitable if Boris Johnson stands. Asked if the party faithful will be included in the process, Sir Graham Brady told reporters: 'Well, that is the expectation. 'So the reason I've spoken to the party chairman and I discussed the parameters of a process is to look at how we can make the whole thing happen, including the party being consulted, by Friday next week.' Sir Graham added: 'I think we're deeply conscious of the imperative in the national interest of resolving this clearly and quickly.' He was vague about whether one or two candidates would be likely to run for the Conservative Party leadership. He told reporters: 'The party rules say there will be two candidates unless there is only one candidate.' Asked what happens if one candidate drops out, Sir Graham said: 'If there is only one candidate, there is only one candidate.' Pressed on whose idea it was to truncate the process into one week, he said: 'I think it's a matter on which there is a pretty broad consensus'. Sir Graham also said: 'It certainly is not the circumstances I would wish to see.' An online vote proved a problem when Liz Truss was chosen as leader over the summer. Originally, Conservative party members were going to be given a postal ballot which had a code with it, individual to each voter. Afterwards, they could then submit their choice by post or online for the first time- and were able to change their decision later in the contest. The chance to change the vote was scrapped due to National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advice, after the organisation raised concerns about online hackers changing votes online which could have thrown the process into disarray. The new plans meant that each voter had their unique code deactivated after they have made their candidate choice. There were concerns a foreign enemy such as Russia could try to influence the result. Advertisement Nadine Dorries warned the only person who could return in a 'coronation' is Boris Johnson. Other MPs want Rishi Sunak or Penny Mordaunt to take over. MP Bob Seely, who backed Mordaunt in the summer's Conservative Party leadership contest, said he hoped she would run for leader. Mr Seely also said he predicted 'quite a high threshold' for MPs to stand for leader, while also indicating that he did not want to 'go back' to the time when Boris Johnson was leader. 'Good luck to Boris. I don't want to go back to a few months ago where we were so whoever is going to get through I think there's going to be quite a high threshold,' he told Sky News. 'And I will see personally who those candidates are when they get the numbers.' Backing Ms Mordaunt, Mr Seely said: 'I think she has a great set of qualities. She has lots of ministerial experience. I think she comes across very well. And I think she resonates with people. 'Right now when we are facing a couple of international crises, both in energy, but also in the Ukraine war, having somebody with stature, with government experience, who can resonate with people, I think is really important.' Justin Tomlinson said it was 'wishful thinking' to imagine that Boris Johnson could return as prime minister. The Tory MP, who described himself as someone who had strongly supported the former prime minister in the past, told Sky News: 'I just think it's too soon. I was there supporting him to the very end but he did lose the confidence of the majority of our colleagues. 'I thought that was wrong. But you have to respect that. I don't think a sufficient enough time has probably passed for the party to then unite behind him and for me this now is about us, frankly, being grown up, being pragmatic and putting the country first.' One idea being pushed by influential Tories is that MPs vote on a successor, but there is a very high threshold of nominations to get on the ballot. The 1922 committee could ask candidates to agree that they will step aside if they are not in pole position when the field is whittled down to a final two. That would avoid the need for a run-off vote of the entire party membership. A source said of the blueprint: 'That has been put to someone very senior in the party, very, very senior.' Liz Truss has said she will stay on as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen via a leadership election to be held within the next week. Speaking in Downing Street, she said: 'This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. 'We've agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. 'This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our country's economic stability and national security. 'I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen. 'Thank you.' Here we look at who could take over power: BORIS JOHNSON Could Boris Johnson make an unlikely come-back just three months after resigning in disgrace? He was eventually pulled from office after a massive ministerial rebellion in July, after Partygate, Wallpapergate and a myriad of other scandals including the removal of whip Chris Pincher pulled down his premiership. But he still has his supporters in the parliamentary party and wider conservative ranks - though polls show a majority of voters believe he was right to quit. Government minister Sir James Duddridge said it was time for a comeback by Boris Johnson. Nadine Dorries, a staunch ally of the former prime minister and a backer of Liz Truss, made a fresh appeal to doubting Conservative MPs to stand behind the current leader. But the former Culture Secretary said 'only one MP has a mandate' from both the Tory party and the British public Mr Johnson Tweeting with the hashtag bringbackboris, he said: 'I hope you enjoyed your holiday boss. Time to come back. Few issues at the office that need addressing.' Sir James had served as a parliamentary private secretary to Mr Johnson when he was in No 10. Just a few hours before Ms Truss' resignation announcement, close Johnson ally Nadine Dorries tweeted her support for him. She wrote: 'One person was elected by the British public with a manifesto and a mandate until January '25. If Liz Truss is no longer PM there can be no coronation of previously failed candidates. MPs must demand return of @BorisJohnson - if not it has to be leadership election or a GE.' Mr Johnson very reluctantly left Downing Street, saying in a speech in July outside the famous black door: 'I want you to know how sad I am to be giving up the best job in the world, but them's the breaks.' He told how he had been unsuccessful in trying to persuade his colleagues that it would be 'eccentric to change governments' back in the summer. RISHI SUNAK The former Chancellor, 42, was the runner-up in this summer's Tory leadership race. He and Ms Truss went head-to-head as the final pairing in the contest to replace Boris Johnson in No10. They engaged in bitter exchanges over their economic agendas during a lengthy series of hustings events across the UK. Now that Ms Truss has abandoned almost all her leadership pledges on tax cuts - and is adopting much of the approach pursued by Mr Sunak when he was Chancellor - some MPs will be wondering why they don't just put him in charge instead. A number of his supporters are also likely to take a 'told you so' attitude to the Government's current travails - after Mr Sunak's warned this summer of market turmoil if Ms Truss followed through with her unfunded tax cuts. Mr Sunak won the support of 137 MPs in the initial stages of the Tory leadership contest - 24 more than Ms Truss - and retains a strong backing within the parliamentary party. After overseeing the Government's economic response to the Covid crisis, he also has experience of political leadership in turbulent times. MPs might be wary of installing a leader who was rejected by the Tory membership little more than a month ago. There is also lingering resentment at Mr Sunak for his resignation as Chancellor in July, which many of Mr Johnson's loyalists still blame for the former PM's ousting from No10. But a new poll today suggests the grassroots of the party may be more accepting than previously thought. The poll of Conservative members by JL Partners for the Daily Telegraph found that 60 per cent of them would now back Mr Sunak for party leader, once undecided and non-voting members are excluded. More than four-in-10 (43 per cent) would support him outright, to Truss's (28 per cent). PENNY MORDAUNT The Leader of the House of Commons, 49, came close to reaching the final round of this summer's Tory leadership contest. She finished third behind Ms Truss and Mr Sunak when she secured the support of 105 MPs. The Royal Navy reservist has since been drafted back into the Cabinet, where she previously served as Defence Secretary under Theresa May's premiership. But, this summer's leadership contest saw questions raised about Ms Mordaunt's ministerial record. There was stinging criticism of Ms Mordaunt's work ethic as she was accused of going missing from her ministerial duties by rival camps. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who was Ms Mordaunt's former boss, moaned about she had 'not been available' at various times as a trade minister and left others to 'pick up the pieces'. Penny Mordaunt finished third behind Ms Truss and Mr Sunak in this summer's Tory leadership contest when she secured the support of 105 MPs It was claimed Ms Mordaunt had instead spent her time focusing on preparations for her leadership campaign. She also had to fight hard during the Tory leadership contest against criticism of her stance on trans issues, including her past claim that 'trans women are women'. Ms Mordaunt blasted critics trying to depict her as 'woke'. One suggestion at Westminster is the possibility of Ms Mordaunt teaming up with Mr Sunak as part of a joint ticket to replace Ms Truss. But plotters are said to be undecided on who would be PM out of the pair, if they were to front a 'government of all the talents' between them. Last week it was reported that Ms Mordaunt's allies reached out to Mr Sunak to be her chancellor, but were rebuffed. BEN WALLACE The 52-year-old is popular with Tory members following the Defence Secretary's efforts in leading Britain's military response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He is also being spoken of as a 'unity' candidate to bring the party back together, should Ms Truss depart. The former Army officer has routinely topped the polls among the Conservatives grassroots. But he did not enter this summer's leadership contest after 'careful consideration' and later backed Ms Truss. At this month's Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Mr Wallace admitted he was 'conflicted' about a possible leadership bid in the future. He told a fringe event: 'At this time of life, the idea was no. I mean do I rule it out? No. I don't rule it out, but will I be here in a few years' time? I don't know either.' The 52-year-old is popular with Tory members following the Defence Secretary's efforts in leading Britain's military response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Mr Wallace might be popular with Tory members, but would be less well-known to members of the public as he has only been a Cabinet minister since 2019. Tory MPs might also fear he is untested as he has never held one of the 'great offices of state' as Mrs May, Mr Johnson and Ms Truss all had before they entered No10. Mr Wallace has also been touted as a possible successor to NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg. Last night be repeated his desire to stay at defence, telling the Times: 'I want to be the Secretary of State for Defence until I finish. I love the job I do and we have more to do. I want the Prime Minister to be the Prime Minister and I want to do this job.' He added: 'I say to the colleagues who think our role is to feed the instability within the party, by proposing other people as leaders no matter who they are, (you) are doing a disservice. 'The markets are responding at the moment in the UK to unsurety about the Government. The best way to give those markets some confidence is for people to stop playing political parlour games.' SUELLA BRAVERMAN Suella Braverman was only in the Home Office for a matter of weeks but she spent most of it seemingly positioning herself for a tilt at another job - that of prime minister. The hardline Brexiteer was handed the top job as an acknowledgement of her popularity with the right of the party in the summer leadership contest, and for switching to Team Truss when she was knocked out. But during her tenure she made a series of outbursts that put her at odds with Liz Truss, raising suggestions she was positioning herself for the next leadership race. In a letter, Ms Braverman said she was resigning for breaching processes by sending an email from her personal account about a forthcoming ministerial statement on immigration. But in another hammer blow for the PM's chances of clinging on, she also complained that the government was breaking promises. She swiped that when people made 'mistakes' - something Ms Truss has admitted - the right thing to do was quit. They had a huge bust-up over visas policy last night. The 42-year-old mother-of two hit the headlines just yesterday with a rant against the 'tofu-eating wokerati' for effectively preventing police from arresting eco-zealots who have caused mayhem and misery during weeks of protest. The hardline Brexiteer was handed the top job as an acknowledgement of her popularity with the right of the party in the summer leadership contest, and for switching to Team Truss when she was knocked out. She hit out at MPs who voted against tough new measures to strengthen police powers to deal with activists more quickly. Addressing the Commons as MPs debated the Public Order Bill, Mrs Braverman said: 'I'm afraid it's the Labour Party, it's the Lib Dems, it's the coalition of chaos, it's the Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati dare I say, the anti-growth coalition that we have to thank for the disruption we are seeing on our roads today.' Her comments came as police arrested two Just Stop Oil protesters who spent 36 hours suspended from the QEII bridge, closing a major transport link between Kent and Essex due to safety fears. At the Conservative Party conference a fortnight ago she also attacked the PM for U-turning over plans to axe the 45p top rate of income tax. She launched a swipe as the PM tried to regain her balance, branding the U-turn on axing the 45p tax rate 'disappointing' and accusing rebels of a 'coup'. She was also blamed recently for jeopardizing a free trade deal with India by accusing its people of being the worst at overstaying visas in the UK. JEREMY HUNT The 55-year-old was a shock appointment as the new Chancellor on Friday following Ms Truss's sacking of her ally Kwasi Kwarteng. He is now being referred to among some Tory MPs as the 'de facto PM' after he tore up what remained of Ms Truss's mini-Budget plans and outlined a completely new economic agenda. Mr Hunt is being talked up as a potential 'unity' candidate behind which the competing wings of the Conservative Party could rally behind, amid the current economic crisis. He is an experienced Cabinet minister and is the longest-serving Health Secretary in British political history following his spell in charge of the NHS between 2012 and 2018. Mr Hunt has also previously served as Foreign Secretary and Culture Secretary and would be seen as a safe pair of hands. Jeremy Hunt has replaced Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor - but he has ruled out a tilt at the top job and urged MPs to give Ms Truss 'a chance' There have been suggestions he could enter No10 as a 'caretaker' PM to steady the ship before another leader is elected. But Mr Hunt himself is distancing himself from talk about his leadership chances and has ruled out a tilt at the top job as he called on MPs to give Ms Truss 'a chance'. 'I rule it out, Mrs Hunt rules it out, three Hunt children rule it out,' he told Sky News. During this summer's Tory leadership contest, Mr Hunt was knocked out in the first round of voting by MPs when he attracted the support of just 18 colleagues. It is this recent demonstration of a paucity of support for Mr Hunt - who went on to support Mr Sunak against Ms Truss - among Conservative MPs that would count against him if he changed his mind. He was previously the runner-up to Mr Johnson in the 2019 Tory leadership election, in which he was roundly rejected by Tory members. Following his elimination from this summer's contest, Mr Hunt had appeared to admit his hopes of ever seizing the Tory crown were over. 'It's become obvious to me you only get one big shot at this, and I had mine in 2019.' he said at the time. Two men have been remanded into custody after appearing in court accused of scaling a bridge in a Just Stop Oil protest that closed the Dartford Crossing for two days. Morgan Trowland, 39, and Marcus Decker, 33, will face a jury trial after both indicated not guilty pleas at Southend Magistrates' Court to committing public nuisance over the alleged stunt. Drivers were unable to use the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex, after it was blocked when two demonstrators mounted its cables with climbing equipment, the court heard. Prosecutor Ruth Becker said the pair began just before 4am on Monday and eventually climbed so high that police negotiators urging them to descend were no longer able to communicate with them. The pair are then said to have unfurled a Just Stop Oil banner and remained there for almost 36 hours, ending the alleged protest at 5.38pm on Tuesday. Marcus Decker (left) and Morgan Trowland (right) have been charged with conspiracy to commit a public nuisance after allegedly climbing up the Dartford Bridge on Monday morning The pair were apparently taken down from the structure and arrested yesterday afternoon after a 'super cherry picker' arrived at the scene The situation put both protesters and emergency service workers responding to it in danger, she said. Civil engineer Trowland, of Islington, north London, and musician Decker, of no fixed address, appeared in the dock, speaking to confirm their details and indicate not guilty pleas to the offence. Shouts from the public gallery of 'shame on you' were heard after District Judge Christopher Williams denied both of them bail. They were remanded into custody until a plea and trial preparation hearing at Basildon Crown Court on November 17. Speaking yesterday, Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: 'Our priorities have always been to keep people safe and work with our partners to keep Essex moving. 'We have done this consistently during incidents of disruption across the county this year and again this week. 'As we have consistently said, we are not anti-protest but we must take action when we believe laws have been broken and the safety of the public is put at risk.' Three women protesters from Just Stop Oil leave Southend Magistrates Court after Morgan Trowland, 39, and Marcus Decker, 33, were remanded in custody charged with conspiracy to commit a public nuisance Shouts from the public gallery of 'shame on you' were heard after District Judge Christopher Williams denied both of them bail. It is not known if Just Stop Oil activists were responsible for the outburst (Pictured: Three supports of Just Stop Oil leaving court) The two protestors allegedly suspended themselves in hammocks and raised a flag across the bridge Musician and teacher Marcus Decker has previously said he is 'privileged' to have a job that gives him flexibility to take part in protests Trowland took part in a protest in London in May last year, during which he sat in the carriageway and glued his hand to the road on Tower Bridge They duo are said to have come down after agreeing to co-operate with officers and descended as the 'specialised raised platform' arrived on the bridge. They were then arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance. Both men responsible hail from New Zealand and are veterans of climate and environmental protests in the UK. Decker who lives in London, last year spent more than 50 days living in a 120-year-old tree in a bid to stop it being cut down by the local council in Haringay, north London. The 33-year-old, who works as a musician and teacher, filmed himself singing redemption song before he was arrested yesterday and has previously said he is 'privileged' that his job allows him 'some flexibility' to take part in protests. Meanwhile, Trowland, who describes himself as a civil engineer, has bragged about his contributions to protests held by groups such as Extinction Rebellion (XR). The 39-year-old, who also lives in the capital, said he was 'not willing to sit back and watch everything I love burn for the rest of my life' in a selfie video from on top of the bridge. A 37-year-old man was hunted by a vigilante gang, bundled into the boot of an Audi and hacked to death by a vigilante gang who suspected him of rape, a court has heard. Christopher Hughes, from Wigan, was driven to a quiet country lane and viciously attacked with weapons including a machete before his mutilated body was found four days later on grass having bled to death. A dog walker made the shocking discovery at about 11am on February 22 while on White Moss Road South, Skelmersdale, near the M58, after her dog sniffed the air and she looked over a short embankment. A Home Office pathologist 'catalogued over 90 sharp force injuries to Christopher Hughes' head, neck, body and limbs - the vast majority of these injuries were inflicted whilst he was still alive,' John Elvidge, KC, prosecuting, said. 'In the opinion of the pathologist more than one weapon was used, including a machete or hatchet, which was wielded in a chopping motion to inflict deep wounds; these were very severe injuries and the main mechanism of death was external blood loss,' he told a jury. Details of the gruesome attack were given today in Liverpool Crown Court at the opening of the trial of nine men who all deny murder, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and kidnapping. Alongside them in the dock is a tenth man who faces a charge of perverting the course of justice. The body of Christopher Hughes, 37, was discovered by a dogwalker near to the M58 in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on the morning of Tuesday, February 22 Mr Elvidge told the jury the prosecution claim that in the 24 hours before his death, 'nine of the defendants before you were engaged in a man hunt. 'They formed a team to track, trace and capture him. Each lent his assistance and encouragement to the others in support of their common objective. 'They may have played different roles in this joint enterprise but they all acted with the intention that Christopher Hughes should suffer really serious bodily harm.' He claimed that they did this 'to exact retribution for a heinous wrong that they believed, rightly or wrongly, Christopher Hughes had committed.' This was the rape of a teenage girl, said Mr Elvidge. 'Instead of finding Christopher Hughes and taking him to the police to allow a proper investigation to be conducted, the defendants chose to take the law into their own hands. 'After he was killed the defendants continued to support one another, acting together and with others in what proved to be an unsuccessful attempt to conceal this brutal killing and their part in it.' In the dock accused of murder, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm and kidnap are Wigan men - Martin Smith, 34, of Greenwood Avenue; Andrius Uzkuraitis, 27, of Holly Road, Worsley Hall; Dean O'Neill-Davey, 30, of Conrad Close, formerly of Bulteel Street. Mohammed Razgar, 40, of Plane Avenue, Worsley Hall; Alan Jaf, 52, of Ridyard Street, Worsley Hall; Khalil Awla, 48, of Greenwood Avenue, Worsley Hall; Curtis Balbas, 30, of Matheson Drive, Worsley Hall - all from the Kurdish part of Iraq. Also facing the same charges are Albanians Erland Spahiu, 34, of Uppingham, Skelmersdale and his cousin Erion Voja, 21, of Peall Road, Croydon, London. Michael Gibbons, 47, of Bulteel Street, Wigan, denies perverting the course of justice in the aftermath of the murder. This allegedly involves providing false information to the police and helping O'Neill Davey to dispose of the blue Audi car allegedly used to kidnap Mr Hughes. Details of the gruesome attack were given today in Liverpool Crown Court at the opening of the trial (stock image) Mr Elvidge claimed that during the evening of February 17 the defendants believed they had identified Mr Hughes as the man who had raped a girl behind the post office in Ridyard Street, Worsley Hall. 'That evening he was their target as they drove about the Worsley Hall estate asking for information that might help them to a man they believed to be a rapist. 'Acting together, as a team, the defendants approached people in the street and visited homes where they thought they might discover CCTV to help them find their man. 'They believed Christopher Hughes was the culprit and they gathered and shared information about him using social media platforms on the internet,' he alleged. About 8.30pm this large group allegedly visited Mr Hughes' home in Hampden Place, led there by Smith. Some of them allegedly went in but Mr Hughes was not there. Efforts to trace him were suspended overnight but 'as the next day's events show the hunt was not over.' 'About 4.30 pm their efforts bore fruit when Christopher Hughes was cornered on Almond Grove, on the Worsley Hall estate. 'In a slick manoeuvre both Balbas and Spahiu jumped quickly out of a car and captured Christopher Hughes by punching him to the ground and then, immediately, picking him up and forcing him into the boot of the Audi, closing the lid on him before they drove away. 'This is the sort of thing you expect to see in a film, but it happened in broad daylight, on a housing estate in Wigan. It was a premeditated kidnapping, and it was carried out with ruthless efficiency. 'At the time Smith, who acted as a spotter, was in the back of the Audi, and Razgar and Voja were patrolling nearby in a white Mercedes car.' He continued: 'A CCTV camera recorded the Audi as it entered White Moss Road South from junction 4 at 4.48pm. Twenty minutes later, at 5.08 pm the same car was headed towards junction 3 of the M58 and towards Wigan. 'In the intervening period Christopher Hughes was taken from the boot, viciously attacked and then left at the foot of the embankment on White Moss Road South.' Mr Elvidge alleged that in the aftermath, throughout that Friday evening the defendants who were connected by family ties, through work or socially, were in contact with one another as steps were taken to dispose of the body. 'A burial party' said to be O'Neill Davey, Spahiu, Voja and Uzkuraitis allegedly travelled to Skelmersdale and was digging a grave on waste land close to where Mr Hughes had been left when they were disturbed by police cars in the area coincidentally engaged in connection with a road traffic offence. So the burial was abandoned, it is alleged. Mr Elvidge pointed out, it has not been proved that the victim had raped the teenager. 'In a sense it does not matter. What matters is that the defendants believed he had and that he deserved to be physically punished. By their actions the defendants deprived him of the rights we are all entitled to - the right to a fair trial; and, above all, his right to life.' The case continues. Former Vice President Mike Pence hinted Wednesday that he wouldn't lend his support to his ex-running mate, former President Donald Trump, should he run for president again. 'Well, there might be somebody else I'd prefer more,' Pence told students at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Pence was asked directly if he'd back Trump in 2024. The former veep earned applause for his comments, which suggested he would throw his own name in the hat. 'What I can tell you is, I have every confidence that the Republican Party is going to sort out leadership,' Pence offered. 'All my focus has been on the midterm elections, and it'll stay that way for the next 20 days.' Former Vice President Mike Pence hinted Wednesday that he wouldn't lend his support to his ex-running mate, former President Donald Trump, should he run for president again Former President Donald Trump continues to tease a 2024 bid and will hold another large political rally this weekend in Texas 'But after that, we'll be thinking about the future, ours and the nation's,' Pence continued. 'I'll keep you posted.' Last week, Trump continued to tease a 2024 bid. At a fundraiser at his Mar-a-Lago club, he told attendees he would make an announcement about his political future 'very soon' and people would be 'very happy,' Politico reported. Over the summer he told New York Magazine, 'In my own mind, I've already made that decision,' the most definitive statement to date. The ex-president is headed to the red state of Texas this weekend to hold a large political rally, despite the area not hosting any competitive 2022 races. Pence, at the same time, has been hosting donor retreats and building a political operation that he could use to launch his own 2024 bid. After four years of governing side-by-side, Trump and Pence had a falling out when Pence refused to overturn the 2020 election when he presided over the joint session of Congress on January 6 to certify President Joe Biden's win. Trump has since said that if he runs again he'd choose a different running mate. A number of other Republicans are also laying the groundwork to launch presidential bids. Earlier this month, Politico reported on the efforts of Sens. Tom Cotton and Tim Scott. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Monday said he was also considering a bid. Additionally, Arkansas' Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who's been critical of Trump, has indicated he's interested in running for the White House. One poll this week put his party at an astonishing 36 points ahead of the Tories Labour leader seizes on Prime Minister's exit to insist country must go to polls Sir Keir Starmer today stepped up his demand for a general election in the wake of Liz Truss's resignation as he called for an end to the Tory 'soap opera'. Soon after Ms Truss announced she was ending her historically short spell as Prime Minister, the Labour leader insisted voters must have 'their say' at the ballot box. The departing PM intends to hand over to a new leader following a week-long Conservative leadership contest - the second to be held in three months. But Sir Keir, whose party is riding high in the polls in the wake of Ms Truss's chaotic premiership, called for the next general election - which is not due until January 2025 - to be brought forward. His demand was echoed by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey. A Redfield and Wilton poll on Monday showed Labour were 36 points ahead of the Tories - the highest lead ever recorded by any pollster for any party. The survey even suggested the SNP would become the official opposition at Westminster, with the Tories reduced to a tiny number of seats. Shortly after Ms Truss's resignation, Sir Keir told broadcasters: 'Well, what a mess. 'This is not just a soap opera at the top of the Tory party - it's doing huge damage to our economy and to the reputation of our country. 'And the public are paying with higher prices, with higher mortgages. 'So we can't have a revolving door of chaos, we can't have another experiment at the top of the Tory party. 'There is an alternative and that's a stable Labour government. The public are entitled to their say, and that's why there should be a general election.' The leader of the opposition insisted his party was 'ready to form a government' in order to 'stabilise the economy and implement a real plan for growth for living standards to help people through a cost of living crisis'. Sir Keir later told the BBC's Newcast podcast Labour were 'very, very prepared' for a general election and had a manifesto ready. 'Weve moved our teams on to a general election footing,' he said. 'And Ive got in place all the grids I need for a general election. So were very, very prepared, should there be a general election.' Soon after Ms Truss announced she was ending her historically short spell as Prime Minister, Labour's Sir Keir Starmer insisted that voters must have 'their say' at the ballot box Sir Keir could try to force an election by tabling a no-confidence vote in the Commons. If he, as the leader of the opposition, were to do so, convention means the Government is obliged to provide parliamentary time for the motion to be debated. If the Government loses it could trigger a general election. But it would be unlikely that Tory MPs - many of whom might fear losing their constituencies - would vote to bring down their own administration. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed said: 'Boris Johnson failed our country and Liz Truss trashed our economy. The Conservatives have proven time and time again they are not fit to lead our great country. 'We do not need another Conservative PM lurching from crisis to crisis, we need a general election, we need the Conservatives out of power and we need real change. 'It is time for Conservative MPs to do their patriotic duty, put the country first and give the people a say.' SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, who this week has attempted to outline her fresh case for Scottish independence, said a general election was a 'democratic imperative'. She posted on Twitter: 'There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. Its beyond hyperbole and parody. 'Reality though is that ordinary people are paying the price. The interests of the Tory party should concern no one right now.' Earlier today, Sir Keir twisted the knife in the dying hours of Ms Truss's premiership as he gave a speech to union barons. At the TUC conference in Brighton, the Labour leader repeated his demand for an immediate general election. Accusing the Government of 'pathetic squabbles', he insisted the political choice was stark. And in a clear signal of intent to unions, Sir Keir identified 'the distribution of wealth' as a dividing line with the PM. 'The Prime Minister is completely out of touch with the reality of the British economy,' Sir Keir said. 'She doesn't care about the distribution of wealth in Britain, She hasn't U-turned on that'. A Redfield & Wilton poll released on Monday showed Labour were 36 points ahead of the Tories - the highest lead ever recorded by any pollster for any party Addressing the TUC conference in Brighton, the Labour leader repeated his demand for an immediate general election - with the Tories up to 36 points behind in the polls He added: 'Congress, forget about lines on a graph. If you leave this many people behind, a nation will not grow fairly. 'You can't do it with low wages, you can't do it with insecure jobs and bad work, and you can't do it without a modern industrial strategy. 'This isn't a debate. The evidence is in.' Sir Keir said: 'Britain deserves better, Britain cannot afford the chaos of the Conservatives anymore, we need a general election now. 'Never again can Britain take seriously their claim to be a party of aspiration or sound money. 'Last night in Parliament, even by their standards, a new chaotic low.' US District Judge David Carter was derided by Donald Trump in a Thursday morning post on the ex-president's Truth Social app Donald Trump on lashed out against California Judge David Carter on Thursday after he accused the former president of knowing putting his name to false election fraud claims about Georgia's 2020 count. He accused the Bill Clinton-appointed jurist of making 'very nasty, wrong, and ill informed statements' in a setting where Trump cannot represent himself - in ongoing court proceedings for conspiracy theorist lawyer John Eastman. A day earlier, the U.S. district judge issued an 18-page ruling in response to a bid by Eastman to block the release of his emails to the House January 6 Committee. He claimed some of those emails showed that Trump lied to officials when he signed a sworn statement affirming data that he knew was false about Georgia's 2020 election count. 'Whos this Clinton appointed Judge, David Carter, who keeps saying, and sending to all, very nasty, wrong, and ill informed statements about me on rulings, or a case (whatever!), currently going on in California, that I know nothing about - nor am I represented,' Trump wrote on his app Truth Social. 'With that being said, please explain to this partisan hack that the Presidential Election of 2020 was Rigged and Stolen.' He added, 'Also, he shouldnt be making statements about me until he understands the facts, which he doesnt!' Eastman has argued that his emails are protected under attorney-client privilege, and should not be handed over. Carter on Wednesday said the former president had signed a sworn statement asserting that voter fraud numbers included in a 2020 election lawsuit were accurate, despite being told the numbers were not correct John Eastman, Trump's lawyer, has been fighting through the courts to avoid handing over his emails to the January 6 Committee. On Wednesday a California judge ruled eight of them must be submitted On Wednesday, Carter broadly agreed - but found eight emails in particular were relevant, and should be handed over. He found they were in furtherance of a crime - one of the few times those legal safeguards can be lifted. Carter wrote that Eastman warned Trump the data he was using in December 2020, to claim the vote was stolen from him, was not accurate. Trump, Carter wrote, ignored the advice and then lied to the authorities by declaring that voter fraud had occurred on a massive scale. Meanwhile, Trump was embroiled in more legal drama on Wednesday. The former president had been ordered to sit for a deposition by the lawyers of writer E. Jean Carroll, an advice columnist who is suing Trump for defamation after he denied her accusations of sexual assault. 'On December 4, 2020, President Trump and his attorneys alleged in a Georgia state court action that Fulton County improperly counted a number of votes including 10,315 deceased people, 2,560 felons, and 2,423 unregistered voters,' Carter wrote. 'President Trump and his attorneys then decided to contest the state court proceeding in federal court, and discussed incorporating by reference the voter fraud numbers alleged in the state petition. Trump called Carter's statements concerning him in Eastman's trial 'nasty, wrong and ill informed' 'On December 30, 2020, Dr. Eastman relayed 'concerns' from President Trump's team 'about including specific numbers in the paragraph dealing with felons, deceased, moved, etc.' 'The attorneys continued to discuss the President's resistance to signing 'when specific numbers were included.' 'As Dr. Eastman explained the next day: 'Although the President signed a verification for [the state court filing] back on Dec. 1, he has since been made aware that some of the allegations (and evidence proffered by the experts) has been inaccurate. For him to sign a new verification with that knowledge (and incorporation by reference) would not be accurate.' 'President Trump and his attorneys ultimately filed the complaint with the same inaccurate numbers without rectifying, clarifying, or otherwise changing them.' Representatives for Eastman are yet to comment on the order. Carter said Wednesday that Trump had 'signed a verification swearing under oath' that the inaccurate fraud numbers were 'true and correct' or 'believed to be true and correct' to the best of his knowledge and belief. 'The emails show that President Trump knew that the specific numbers of voter fraud were wrong but continued to tout those numbers, both in court and to the public,' the judge wrote. Carter has previously ruled that Eastman and Trump had likely committed a felony by trying to pressure his then-vice president to obstruct Congress. The Clinton-appointed judge has previously ordered Eastman to provide over 200 emails to the committee, after the lawyer resisted the subpoena. Carter, who begun his career as an assistant district attorney, was the initial prosecutor in the case of serial killer William Bonin, also known as 'The Freeway Killer,' who became the first person executed by lethal injection in California in 1996. Clinton appointed him to the federal bench in October 1988. In 2000 he began presiding over the trial of 40 members of the Mexican mafia - the case would become the longest-running in the history of central California. He also, in 2002, awarded over $88 million in damages to Anna Nicole Smith, who was battling for a slice of the estate left by her billionaire late husband, J. Howard Marshall. The judge said Wednesday that the vast majority of emails still being sought by congressional investigators should not be handed over, as legal protections given to attorneys and their clients apply to the records. Carter found that four emails show that Eastman and other lawyers suggested that the 'primary goal' of filing lawsuits was to delay Congress's certification of the 2020 election results. The judge said four other emails 'demonstrate an effort by President Trump and his attorneys to press false claims in federal court for the purpose of delaying the January 6 vote.' Trump and his allies filed over 60 lawsuits challenging the 2020 election, which Biden won, with some complaints alleging voter fraud without evidence to support those claims. Those cases were overwhelmingly rejected by judges, some of which Trump appointed to the federal courts. The Jan. 6 select committee last week voted to subpoena Trump in its investigation. It is set to issue a report in the coming weeks on its findings. Pentagon spokesman U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a media briefing at the Pentagon, Tuesday, Oct. 18. AP South Korea is backed by the "full range" of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear capabilities, a state department spokesperson said Wednesday, apparently dismissing the need for the deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korea. Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the department, made the remarks as North Korea is widely anticipated to conduct a nuclear test in the near future. "I think you saw President (Joe) Biden over the course of this administration affirm U.S. extended deterrence and the commitment to the ROK, using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities," he said when asked about the possible deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korea, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea. The call for the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea has been growing, especially in Seoul, following a recent series of North Korean missile launches. Pyongyang fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles, including one that flew over Japan, in eight rounds of missile tests since last month. Seoul and Washington also believe the North may have completed all preparations for a nuclear test, which, if conducted, will mark North Korea's first nuclear test since September 2017 and seventh in history. The U.S. apparently remains reluctant to deploy its nuclear arms to South Korea. Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, spokesperson for the defense department, on Tuesday said the 28,500 U.S. troops already stationed in South Korea send a "signal of our commitment to our defense relationship and our security cooperation" with South Korea when asked if the U.S. may consider deploying strategic assets to South Korea. Patel expressed concerns over North Korea's recent firing of artillery shells into buffer zones that it agreed to set up with South Korea in 2018 to help reduce military tension on the Korean Peninsula. "The shelling that we've seen over the course of this week is a serious concern," he said. "It is further destabilizing towards the region and has the potential for adverse impacts on our allies and partners, respectfully Japan and the Republic of Korea with whom we continue to remain closely engaged on this." He still reaffirmed U.S. commitment to engaging with North Korea. "We have been consistent over the entirety of this administration that we believe dialogue without preconditions with the DPRK is a key facet of our ultimate goal here, which is the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," said Patel, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (Yonhap) Mayor Eric Adams justified his party lifestyle by claiming it boosts the city's night time economy and sends a message to the public that they should also feel safe going out. In an interview with CNN's Chris Wallace, which will be broadcast in full on Sunday, the mayor also said that he takes the subway at night to 'see if my people are working'. In the city that never sleeps, Adams thinks its mayor should not sleep either. This is the latest criticism the New York mayor has come under for spending too much time partying and visiting expensive restaurants. He has repeatedly hit back at critics of his lifestyle. Eric Adams talks to Chris Wallace on CNN , justifying his busy nightlife Eric Adams outside Osteria La Baia, one of the mayor's favorite spots which he was seen attending 22 times in a month in June Eric Adams attends beloved Zero Bond private members' club, which he is not actually a member of, with supermodel Naomi Campbell (center) 'It's a 24 hour city. When I go out, I am patronizing my restaurants, my hotels, my dishwashers, my cooks,' said Adams during the CNN interview. He added: 'Then what I do next, I got into the subway system to see if my midnight people are working.' Adams suggested that as the mayor of New York its his duty is to understand it at all times of the day. 'I go visit this 24-hour city. This is not a nine to five city and this is a city that never sleeps so the mayor should not be taking a nap,' he said. 'My night-life is a multi-billion dollar industry. 'People are afraid to go back out to restaurants now they see their mayor going out saying, "Come back out to our city,"' Eric Adams (right) with actor Jeffrey Wright (left) at high-end Japanese restaurant Zuma for a private dinner in June 'It's a 24 hour city. When I go out, I am patronizing my restaurants, my hotels, my dishwashers, my cooks,' Adams told Chris Wallace during a CNN interview A New York Times story in August tried to expose the mayor's nightlife and posed the question of who is footing the bill. Reporters from the Times followed Adams around for a month, watching his every step. Adams criticized the reporters by suggesting that they should be spending their time reporting on more important issues. 'The stories that they're writing about me - I know people write stories, you get a lot of clicks when Eric Adams' name is in it - but the front page of the New York Times talked about me going to restaurants?' he said. Adams photographed with the rapper French Montana. He spent Father's Day in June at an event with the rapper in midtown Manhattan Adams was seen attending the same high-end restaurant, Osteria La Baia, 22 times in a single month. The Times reporters claimed they didn't see him pay the bill once. Adams claimed however that he paid his food bill monthly but would not disclose any evidence of those payments. If he wasn't paying for his meals at all, that would be in breach of the city's ethics rules, it has been suggested. Adams' spokesperson said that the mayor conducts both personal business meetings at Osteria La Baia. 'Of course, there is nothing wrong with talking city business at a restaurant,' he told the Times. The mayor attended a private dinner in June sponsored by Florida-based luxury magazine Haute Living at Japanese restaurant Zuma on Madison Avenue The expose lists other venues Adams allegedly visits regularly, including a private members' club in NoHo called Zero Bond. Although Adams is not a member of the club, he has stated he only visits as a guest but has never clarified whose guest he would go as. Owner of Zero Bond, Scott Sartiano, was appointed by Adams to the board of the Metropolitan Museum in February, which could also be a breach ethics rules. Arthur L. Aidala, an attorney and friend of Adams told the Times: 'I dont think he feels like going home at 9 oclock at night and watching whatever is on the television.' The front page news story accused the mayor of skirting ethics rules, suggesting he may not be paying for his meals as he parties at a members-only club without paying the membership fee Adams attended a launch party for an album by rapper French Montana in June. The event was hosted in an upmarket Chinese restaurant in midtown Manhattan, Sei Less In June, Adams was spotted at a party debuting rapper French Montana's new album. The rapper posted a video from Chinese restaurant in midtown Sei Less. Adams appears over his shoulders saying: 'You know this is going to be a hot album! French knows how to do!' Following his loss in court, Rapp issued a statement saying that he will 'continue to advocate' for victims and survivors During the civil trial, Rapp, 51, alleged that Spacey lifted him up and thrust his erect penis onto his body in an office of the NY Shakespeare Festival in 1981 According to Rapp, Spacey gave him his address and invited him over to his apartment a few days later where he was allegedly sexually assaulted He said Spacey invited them out for dinner and then to a club in Manhattan called Limelight. Rapp was 14 at the time Rapp and his friend John Barrowman were invited backstage while watching Spacey perform in the play Long Day's Journey Into Night Accuser Anthony Rapp testified that he had been performing in the play Precious Sons in 1986 alongside Ed Harris when he met Spacey Kevin Spacey's attorney declared justice was served in a statement released by his attorney Thursday after he was cleared of sexual abuse claims Kevin Spacey's attorney declared that justice was served on Thursday after he was found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young actor. Speaking on his behalf to FOX News, his attorney Jennifer Keller said: 'Mr. Spacey is grateful to live in a country where the citizens have a right to trial by impartial jurors who made their decision based on evidence and not rumor or social media. 'He is deeply thankful to this particular jury,' she continued. 'This was a highly educated group of six women and five men, all except one college graduate and most with graduate degrees. 'Their verdict was swift and decisive,' she said. 'Justice was done today.' The jury panel in New York City found after a three-week trial that Star Trek star Anthony Rapp did not prove that the Oscar winner made an unwanted sexual advance on him when he was 14. Immediately after, Keller said: 'We're very grateful that this American jury saw through these false allegations. 'Spacey is deeply grateful,' she said at the time. 'What's next is Mr. Spacey is going to be proving that he's innocent of anything he's been accused of.' Kevin Spacey's attorney declared that justice was served on Thursday after he was found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young actor Spacey's lawyers attempted to rush him through the crowd of journalists and bystanders waiting outside Thursday afternoon Anthony Rapp, now 51, accused Spacey of making an unwanted sexual advance on him 1986, when he was 14-years-old and Spacey was 26. After Rapp's loss Thursday, the 'Star Trek' actor also released a statement thanking the jury for hearing his story and doubling down on his plans to continue advocating for victims and survivors. 'I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have my case heard before a jury, and I thank the members of the jury for their service. 'Bringing this lawsuit was always about about shining a light, as part of the larger movement to stand up against all forms of sexual violence. 'I pledge to keep on advocating for efforts to ensure that we can live and work in a world that is free from sexual violence of any kind. I sincerely hope that survivors continue to tell their stories and fight for accountability.' Anthony Rapp tweeted out his thoughts following the announcement of the verdict in the sexual assault trial brought by him against Kevin Spacey Rapp, known for 'Star Trek' and 'RENT,' arrived at the Manhattan courthouse ahead of the announcement made by the jury in the trail Rapp said after the verdict was announced that he will continue to advocate for victims and survivors despite his own loss in court Over the years, Spacey has repeatedly denied the allegation made by Rapp and said he had never been alone with the actor. Deliberations began in midafternoon after a lawyer for Rapp, Richard Steigman, urged jurors to make Spacey pay for trying to molest Rapp in 1986 after a party in Spacey's Manhattan apartment. He accused Spacey of lying on the witness stand. Rapp's lawyer, Steigman, urged jurors to discredit Spacey's recollection of the events. 'It's inconsistent. It's not worthy of your belief,' Steigman said during closing arguments. Jennifer Keller, a lawyer for Spacey, told jurors that Rapp made up the encounter and said they should reject Rapp's claims. During the trial, Rapp, called five witnesses including Andrew Holtzman, who alleged that Spacey lifted him up and thrust his erect penis onto his body in an office of the New York Shakespeare Festival in 1981. Holtzman said that Spacey did not speak during the incident while he shouted: 'Get off of me!' During his testimony, Rapp described how he had been performing in the play Precious Sons in 1986 alongside Ed Harris when he met Spacey. Rapp and his friend John Barrowman, the star of the BBC series Torchwood, who was 19 at the time, went to see the play Long Day's Journey Into Night starring Jack Lemmon and Spacey and were invited backstage. Spacey invited them out for dinner and then to a club in Manhattan called Limelight. According to Rapp, Spacey gave him his address and invited him over to his apartment a few days later. When Rapp arrived he didn't know anyone else so went into the bedroom to watch TV, he told the court. Closing arguments began on Thursday in Kevin Spacey's civil sex abuse trial, as the Oscar-winning actor fights allegations that he made an unwanted advance on a 14-year-old in 1986. He has denied the claims Spacey is accused of sexually assaulting an actor, who was then 14 years old, in 1986. Pictured: Spacey arriving at court on Thursday Anthony Rapp (right) arrives at court on Thursday. During the trial, he alleged that Spacey lifted him up and thrust his erect penis onto his body in an office of the NY Shakespeare Festival in 1981 Spacey, who was 26 at the time, came in a while later, apparently drunk, after everyone else had gone. Rapp said that Spacey picked him up 'like a groom takes a bride over the threshold'. He said: 'I was confused. I was thinking I didn't know what was happening'. Motioning with his hands to the jury, Rapp said that Spacey's hands were 'up my back, coming over the top of my shoulders'. Spacey's chest was 'pressed firmly into my chest', Rapp said, leaving him feeling 'pinned' to the bed. Rapp said at that moment: 'I knew something was really wrongI had to get out of there. I was feeling very frozen. I felt like a deer in headlights. I didn't know what to do. 'I managed to wriggle out from underneath him', moving his body to show the jury the motion. Rapp told the jury that after the incident he watched Spacey's films including LA Confidential and The Ref out of a sense of professional 'duty' even though it made him uncomfortable. But he stopped doing so after American Beauty because Spacey's character becomes infatuated with a teenage girl. Rapp said it felt 'unpleasantly familiar'. In court Rapp appeared nervous and tense and on breaks he often got hugs from his husband Ken (left), who sat in the front row every day Spacey appeared much more relaxed and calm during the trial, and was seen chatting with his lawyers or his live-in manager Evan Lowenstein, who was in court each day According to Rapp, the incident had a 'lingering' effect on him, shutting his eyes as he said that he sometimes felt 'frozen' and that he had 'disturbing, intrusive thoughts' about it. Asked by one of his lawyers if he was making it up, Rapp's voice went deep with emotion as he said: 'This is something that happened to me. It was not OK'. Rapp became rattled under forensic cross examination from Jennifer Keller, Spacey's lawyer. She suggested that he made up his allegations because he was jealous and claimed that he became 'enraged' every time he read about Spacey winning another award. Ms Keller contrasted Spacey winning his second Oscar for American Beauty in 1999 with Rapp's failed music career where he sold just 26 CDs after one gig. She said that if Spacey was 'Kevin nobody' then Rapp would not have continued to tell people about his 'Kevin Spacey story'. Ms Keller said to Rapp: 'Do you really expect us to believe that you were not envious of someone who won multiple Oscars, Tonys, was nominated for multiple Emmys and Golden Globes? 'You wanted to be that person, didn't you?' Rapp replied: 'I did not want to be this person'. Ms Keller got Rapp to admit that it was not true that he was inspired to speak out in 2017 after reading an article in the New York Times by Lupita Nyong'o. In fact he had started speaking to a Buzzfeed journalist eight days before. Rapp admitted it was 'not true' after the judge admonished him for not answering directly. Spacey listens to closing arguments on Thursday Rapp's lawyer, Richard Steigman, urged jurors to discredit Spaceys recollection of the events. 'It's inconsistent. It's not worthy of your belief,' Steigman said during closing arguments During the trial, Rapp became rattled under forensic cross examination from Jennifer Keller, Spacey's lawyer In another difficult moment for Rapp, he agreed that he was 'accustomed' to having a man lay on top of him at the time as Ed Harris, who played his father in Precious Sons, did exactly that in one scene in the play. Ms Keller also questioned why Rapp's mother would let her 14-year-old son walk around the streets of New York after midnight to go to a party with Spacey, who he barely knew. Rapp said that his childhood was unusual but he had proved he deserved his 'independence'. During his testimony Spacey said that he was 'shocked and frightened' when he learned about the allegations in the Buzzfeed article in 2017. Spacey said that he had 'never been alone' with Rapp and he 'didn't know how that (the allegation) could be possibly true'. With tears in his eyes, Spacey said that his team of advisers and publicists 'knew this wasn't me'. He said: 'I was never interested in children' Spacey hit back at Rapp's claim in the Buzzfeed article he was a fraud for not coming out. He revealed for the first time that his father was a 'Neo Nazi' and that taught him to 'never, ever' talk about his private life. Spacey became emotional as he apologized for coming out after being accused as it linked the incident with Rapp to being gay. He said: 'I was accused by the gay community of trying to change the subject or trying to deflect or conflating allegations with being gay which was never my intention'. Spacey dabbed his eyes with a tissue as he said: 'I would never have done anything to hurt the gay community and I was so upset that happened. 'I have to own that. It's my responsibility and I put it out there. It was really wrong and it was really bad and I'm deeply sorry', bowing his head as he cried. In court Rapp appeared nervous and tense and on breaks he often got hugs from his husband Ken, who sat in the front row every day. Spacey appeared much more relaxed and calm and was seen chatting with his lawyers or his live-in manager Evan Lowenstein, who was in court each day. At one point he went up to a court sketch artist in the public gallery and asked to see her picture of him and nodded in approval. The tension between Spacey and Rapp was palpable and at one point Rapp stopped and closed his eyes to allow Spacey to walk in front of him. Rapp called Lisa Rocchio, a forensic psychologist, who said he was suffering from delayed onset PTSD from his experience with Spacey. Spacey called his own forensic psychologist, Dr Andrew Barday, who disagreed and said Rapp met some of the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder. Another key witness was Barrowman who said in a video deposition that he flirted with Spacey on their night out with Rapp. Rapp said that when he was 14 and appearing in the Broadway play Precious Sons, Ed Harris, who played his father, would lie on top of him and say he wanted sex Barrowman told the jury that while Rapp was in the bathroom, Spacey 'playfully' pushed him onto the bed with his arm so they were lying next to each other. Barrowman said: 'He leaned to the side to talk to me with his arm on top of me. It didn't affect me in a bad way. I didn't feel threatened'. But Barrowman knew it 'probably wasn't the best situation' to be in because of Rapp's age so he pushed the arm off and they both got up. Barrowman said: 'I was a big enough boy and already knew I was gay. I wasn't threatened and was actually to be honest quite flattered that an older man was taking any interest in me. 'I wasn't under age but Anthony was the age he was and I didn't want him to be in that situation'. Barrowman added he felt 'protective' towards Rapp as they grew up in the same suburb of Illinois and acted together in school. The court was shown messages between Barrowman and Rapp in 2017 when Rapp went public. In 2020 Barrowman heard Rapp had sued Spacey and messaged him: 'If you need me I will stand for you in court. He knew you were a minor. He knew what he was doing'. During the trial Judge Lewis Kaplan had repeatedly expressed frustration with how proceedings were moving. He interrupted Rapp several times during his testimony and told him to answer the question. On the morning of the third day of Rapp's testimony, Judge Kaplan said that in his responses he was 'trying to figure out how to answer the question without answering the question, frankly'. Judge Kaplan said: 'We're going to have an end to that'. Born in New Jersey in 1959, Spacey studied at New York's prestigious Juilliard School and made his professional stage debut in 1981. He won an Oscar for his role in 1995's The Usual Suspects and a second Academy Award for American beauty in 2000. In American Beauty, Spacey plays a father and husband who becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend In 2015 he received an honorary knighthood and a special Olivier award for his contributions to British theater. Spacey was fired from the Netflix series House of Cards as a result of the allegations He was accused of groping an 18-year-old at a bar in Massachusetts in 2016 but the case was dropped when the accuser refused to testify about a missing phone. In August a judge in the US ruled he must pay $31m (29.5m) to MRC, the producers of House of Cards, for his firing in 2017. Among the roles taken away from Spacey was oil tycoon J. Paul Getty in Ridley Scott's All the Money in the World which was reshot using Christopher Plummer. A Netflix biopic of Gore Vidal starring Spacey has been permanently shelved. The jury's decision comes ahead of another trial in the UK that Spacey faces next year. Spacey is due to stand trial for five sexual assault allegations related to three men between 2005 and 2013, a period when he was creative director of the Old Vic Theatre. He has pleaded not guilty. Truss resigned Thursday after just 44 days as Britain's prime minister, making her the shortest-serving official to hold the office 'The Mooch' lasted just 11 days as White House communications director under former President Donald Trump Scaramucci made fun of his own short stint in the White House by joking that the U.K. PM lasted '4.1 Scaramuccis' Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, 58, poked fun at Liz Truss' 44 days in office Thursday morning in a tweet Well, that's one way to put it. As the world reels from U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss' resignation, some political figures across the pond have begun to poke fun at the politician's short tenure. One person who weighed in early Thursday morning was former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, 58. 'The Mooch' famously lasted just 11 days inside the White House during former President Donald Trump's administration. On Twitter, Scaramucci joked about Truss' abrupt exit while also making fun of his own short tenure. Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci weighed in on Liz Truss' resignation Thursday morning with a hilarious tweet Scaramucci, no stranger to a short stint in office, famously lasted just 11 days as communications director under former President Donald Trump Liz Truss announced her own resignation Thursday morning outside of 10 Downing Street 'Liz Truss lasted 4.1 Scaramuccis,' the former White House official said in a tweet. Scaramucci's message, sent just before 9am, picked up steam, and received applause from thousands. One political blogger, a staunch Democrat, with more than 650,000 followers laughed at Scaramucci's tweet saying 'Ok. You earned this' with laughing emojis attached. Ok. You earned this. Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) October 20, 2022 Don Moynihan, a professor at Georgetown University according to his Twitter bio, also weighed in on Scaramuccci's tweet. The professor within the McCourt School of public affairs urged anyone thinking about hopping the pond for a trip to do it now. 'If you are interested in visiting the UK, just an incredible exchange rate right now,' Moynihan said. If you are interested in visiting the UK, just an incredible exchange rate right now. https://t.co/AI4nw6wZfk Don Moynihan (@donmoyn) October 20, 2022 Within hours, Scaramucci's tweet had amassed more than 60,000 likes and nearly 10,000 retweets. One mathematically minded Twitter user then tried to correct the former White House employee, telling him that it's actually 4.09. Scaramucci responded playfully: 'we round up. 4.1.' His jokes didn't end there, however. 'The Mooch' interacted with a tweet referencing the livestream of a head of lettuce started by The Daily Star earlier year. The livestream, aptly titled 'Will Liz Truss outlast this head of lettuce' gained internet fame for its hilarious commentary on Truss' expected short time inside 10 Downing. Scaramucci quoted the tweet of one person who shared a photo of the head of lettuce with the caption 'the lettuce is going to win, isn't it?' 'But she outlasted the milk in the refrigerator. I wasnt able to do that! Kudos,' the former White House communications director said. Scaramucci joked that 'we round up' when someone corrected his math on how long Truss lasted as BP when compared to his own time in the White House 'The Mooch' commended Liz Truss for outlasting a carton of milk, a feat he did not accomplish while serving as communications director during the Trump Administration To provide further clarity, Scaramucci gave a clear equation for future comparison of short tenures He then gave a simplified comparison that can be used to measure future politicians who resign after just a short period. '1 Scaramucci = carton of milk,' he tweeted. 'Truss = head of lettuce.' All in all, 'The Mooch' gave Truss his seal of approval to the politician, calling her actions admirable. 'I admire her for being in the arena and for doing what is right by stepping down at this time,' Scaramucci wrote. The former White House communications director ended his series of joking tweets by commending Truss for stepping aside and 'being in the arena' 'The Mooch' was one of six people to hold the job during former President Donald Trump's one-term in the White House. Three of Trump's communication directors lasted less than 100 days in the role, with Spicer clocking in 45 and 49 days during his two stints in the role, Mike Dubke at 88 days, and Scaramucci at 11. The 58-year-old resigned from his position after an interview came out in The New Yorker detailing his anger over leakers and his dislike of Reince Priebus, the former White House chief of staff. Scaramucci believed he was off the record during the interview where he railed against certain aspects of the job and other White House officials. Scaramucci famously resigned after just 10 days in July 2017 following a bombshell piece in The New Yorker where he complained about life inside the White House Since his resignation, the man has gone back to SkyBridge, his capital investing firm, and joined CNBC as a contributor Prior to taking the job, Scaramucci worked at Goldman Sachs before he started SkyBridge Capital, his own company that he later sold to take a position within the Trump Administration. Since his resignation in July 2017, 'The Mooch' returned to SkyBridge in a senior leadership role. The man also took on a contributor role with CNBC in 2021. Scaramucci has made repeated appearances on the network since taking the job, offering insight on the financial world and investing. Truss dramatically admitted defeat and announced she is quitting as PM today with Westminster gearing up for Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak to do 'battle for the soul' of the party. Truss is now the shortest-serving PM in Britain's history. The next shortest-serving prime minister is more than two months away from her stint's length The PM took to a lectern outside the famous black door to confirm her departure, sealing her fate as the shortest-serving premier in modern political history. Revealing she had informed the King of her decision, she said: 'I cannot deliver on the mandate.... I will remain as PM until a successor has been chosen.' Less than 24 hours before tendering her resignation, Truss called herself a 'fighter not a quitter. She goes down in history as the shortest-serving PM in Britain's history. Others have also had short tenures like Truss, but none under 100 days. George Canning was prime minister for just 121 days before he died in August 1827 Canning's successor, Frederick John Robinson, Viscount Goderic, also made it less than 200 days before he was replaced in 1828 George Canning, a Tory, served as prime minister for just 121 days in 1827 before his death. Frederick John Robinson, Viscount Goderich, also served less than 200 days after Canning's August 1827 resignation. He lasted 144 days before he was replaced in January of 1828. A man in his 20s has plunged to his death from a Canary Wharf tower block, while a woman has been rushed to hospital with facial and head injuries. It is thought that the man fell from the 311-foot Talisman Tower in Lincoln Plaza on the Isle of Dogs, east London. Police rushed to the tower block after reports of a disturbance in a flat at around 4.48am. They found a woman in her 20s with facial and head injuries inside and she was rushed to hospital. They then discovered the man outside following a suspected fall from a height. Police administered first aid before paramedics arrived but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A man in his 20s has plunged to his death from the 311-foot, 31-storey Talisman Tower in Lincoln Plaza, Canary Wharf A police tent and cordon is visible at the bottom of the building, where officers discovered the man early this morning No one has been arrested and inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding his death. Forensics teams have been seen on one of the top floor balconies of the 31-storey building. A local construction worker, Greijb koscwitz, told MyLondon: 'There was a lot of blood and medical equipment everywhere, it was something like a horror movie. 'I had never seen anything like it me and the boys were all taken aback, it's not what you expect to see when you turn up to your shift.' Met Police officers were called to the building, in Canary Wharf, at 4.48am and discovered a woman with facial and head injuries A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called at 4.48am on Thursday, 20 October to reports of a disturbance involving two people at a residential block in Lincoln Plaza. 'Officers responded and located a female in her 20s with head and facial injuries. She has been taken to hospital. 'A short time later a male aged in his 20s was located outside following a suspected fall from height. Officers administered first aid prior to the arrival of LAS paramedics but he died at the scene.' The brother of a missing Princeton student says the family has been 'kept in the dark' by police in their search that is now in its sixth day. Universe Ewunetie joined investigators in the search for his 20-year-old sister, Misrach Ewunetie, who went missing from Princeton University's campus in the middle of the night. 'There's no constant update or interaction with us,' Universe told CNN. 'We're really kept in the dark. Misrach was last seen on October 14 at around 3am near the school's Scully Hall, the residential building where she lived. Her cellphone last pinged early Sunday morning from a location seven miles from campus. The ping was located at a New Jersey housing complex near Penns neck. Campus police searched the area with dogs but have not been able to enter any properties because of a lack of search warrants. Police officials told Universe that the investigation was going to take time. 'That's one thing we don't have,' he said. 'We don't have time.' Misrach Ewunetie, 20, was last seen on October 14 at around 3am near Princeton University's Scully Hall, the residential building where she lived Universe Ewunetie, Misrach's brother, says the family has been 'kept in the dark' by police in their search for the undergraduate who vanished Rochelle Calhoun, vice president for campus life at Princeton, said she has 'talked to the head of the Department of Public Safety (DPS)' about the investigation in a letter sent to students Wednesday. 'Since Sunday, DPS has been actively working with the Prosecutors Office and with state and local police departments to follow all leads in the search for Misrach,' Calhoun writes. The university previously stated that DPS has utilized a 'helicopter, drones and watercraft' in the search for Misrach, who is 5-foot-4 with black hair, brown eyes and a light complexion and weighs about 130 pounds. She was first reported missing Sunday night by her family after she had not been heard from in several days. DPS then performed a well-being check at her Scully Hall residence. Any calls to her cellphone now go straight to voicemail after it last pinged at the New Jersey complex. 'It's very unlike her to turn off her phone, kids these days don't turn off their phones, they love their phones,' Universe told The Sun, describing the situation as 'a nightmare that I cannot wake up from.' Misrach had volunteered at Princeton's Terrace Club for a live music event the night she was last seen Pictured: Scully Hall on Princeton's campus. Rochelle Calhoun, vice president for campus life at Princeton, said she has 'talked to the head of the Department of Public Safety (DPS)' about the investigation in a letter sent to students Wednesday Universe said Misrach had been volunteering at Princeton's Terrace Club, one of the school's 11 private eating clubs, on October 13. Terrace Club is one of the non-private clubs at Princeton, requiring members to only sign up for membership, and is not associated with the university. The clubs are for upperclassmen at the school to eat lunches and participate in various activities. Other clubs require prospective members to apply for membership. She was a member on 'duty' performing housekeeping tasks during a live music performance at the club. That night, the club was hosting Raavi with Jackie Marchal, according to its Instagram page. Pictured: The advertisement for Terrace Club's event on October 13, the night Misrach volunteered After the club had closed and all of the responsibilities had been fulfilled, Misrach, together with other members on duty, left for the night. Following the event 'she went back to her dorm at 3am' her brother said. 'Her roommates said they saw her at 3am. Then another roommate of hers said she didn't see her after 4am, and then after that no one has seen her. 'Her housemates didn't look for her because they assumed she went home.' 'With the pandemic, the first year they were not on campus, so that was difficult for her and for a lot of people,' Universe explained. 'But this year she's been trying to get in this Terrace Club, and that was her way of making friends.' Ewunetie was a 2020 graduate of the Minds Matter Cleveland program, which works to help high-achieving low-income students. Sara Elagad, executive director of the nonprofit told CNN that her former student's disappearance was very out of character. 'It is not at all in character for her to purposely go off the radar or be out of touch with family,' Elagad said. 'We are supporting her family as they assist law enforcement efforts to safely locate her.' Ewunetie was valedictorian of her high school and was majoring in sociology with a minor in computer science at Princeton, according to Planet Princeton. Universe said Misrach's friends didn't think she was missing because they assumed she was safe: 'Her housemates didn't look for her because they assumed she went home' Her family who have lived in Ohio since 2008, but who are originally from Ethiopia, say her disappearance is all the more unsettling after she missed a meeting regarding a citizenship application the following day. 'She is the gem of the house, [my parents'] only daughter and the youngest,' Universe said. 'She is very loved.' School officials say she 'has not been in touch with her family or friends in several days,' and sent out a 'Tiger Alert' to the school community at around 9.20pm Monday night reporting her missing, the Daily Princetonian reports. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the school's Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-1000, or submit an anonymous tip online. For years, Cole had a lesion growing on his brain - separate from a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia - that impacted his movement and social interactions His attorneys previously argued that Cole was severely mentally ill and not competent for execution He was convicted of brutally killing his infant daughter in 2002 Benjamin Cole, 57, was executed by the state of Oklahoma Thursday morning Inmate Benjamin Cole was executed by the state of Oklahoma Thursday morning for the 2002 killing of his 9-month-old daughter. He was pronounced dead at 10.22am Central Time. The 57-year-old died by lethal injection. He declined to have a spiritual advisor in the room and did not want his attorneys in the witness room. As his last words, Cole delivered a two-minute religious ramble that included the words 'choose Jesus while you still can,' and 'keep your eyes peeled...Be ready at all times.' He asked that Jesus 'receive my spirit.' His attorneys had previously argued that Cole was mentally ill and not competent to be executed. Cole was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and, according to his attorneys, is 'incapacitated by his mental illness to the point of being essentially non-functional.' Attorneys for the state and members of the victim's family, however, have said that symptoms of Cole's mental illness are exaggerated and that the brutality of his daughter's killing merited the death penalty. Five days before Christmas in 2002, Brianna Cole was murdered by her father, who forcibly bent the infant backwards until her spine broke and her aorta tore. Prosecutors said Cole was angry that her cries were interrupting his video game playing. Cole's was the sixth execution carried out in Oklahoma since October 2021 when the state recommenced the practice. In the execution chamber, Cole did not express direct remorse for the killing of his baby, but did reference 'everyone that I have done wrong.' Cole reportedly did not request a last meal and was given a facility 'religious meal' consisting of a vegetarian lasagna, salad, tortilla and fruit drink. Benjamin Robert Cole, 57, was killed by the state of Oklahoma Thursday morning after being convicted of the 2002 murder of his infant daughter Cole's attorneys unsuccessfully argued for clemency for the murderer due to severe mental illness and a continually growing lesion on his brain that impacted his problem solving, movement and social interactions Brianna Cole was tragically killed by her father in on December 20, 2002. She was nine months old His attorneys, however, argued Cole was both severely mentally ill and had a growing lesion on his brain that gradually worsened as he sat in prison. The lesion impacted the parts of his brain that dealt with problem solving, movement and social interaction. The sort of lesion he has is often associated with Parkinsonism disease. While awaiting execution on death row, Cole reportedly neglected his personal hygiene and refused medical attention. He hoarded food and barely communicated with other prisoners or prison staff. His attorney, Katrina Conrad-Leger, said his 'condition has continued to decline over the course of this year.' According to his clemency petition, Cole lived in an all-but 'catatonic' state. 'His own attorneys have not been able to have a meaningful interaction with him for years, and the staff who interact with him in the prison every day confirm that he cannot communicate or take care of his most basic hygiene. He simply does not have a rational understanding of why Oklahoma seeks to execute him,' said attorney Tom Bird. His attorneys pointed to an 'evolving standard of decency' when it comes to executions of the mentally ill. 'At this moment, Oklahoma has the opportunity to exhibit courage, to follow these standards, and to be on the right side of history by prohibiting the execution of Benjamin Cole, a severely mentally ill and physically infirm person,' they wrote. But the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 4-1 last month to deny clemency and earlier in October, a district judge ruled he was competent to be executed. The curtain went up in the execution chamber at 10.04am Central Time several minutes late. The lethal injection itself took 16 minutes to complete. At one moment during the process, Cole opened his eyes, trembled slightly and yawned as the poison flowed through her veins. Cole's attorneys argued he was living in a near catatonic state and that they had not had meaningful interaction with him for years. They said he was unable to comprehend why the state of Oklahoma wanted to kill him Cole died by lethal injection. He was the sixth inmate to die in Oklahoma after the state recommenced the practice in 2021 Cole's attorneys said his mental state seriously disintegrated over the course of his time in prison to the extent that he was non-functional by the time of his death Cole, on Thursday, became one in a series of more than 24executions Oklahoma is in the process of carrying out Two appeals to the US Supreme Court were rejected also this week and so the execution went forward Thursday morning. A separate case filed Wednesday argued that Oklahoma's execution protocol is unconstitutional because of, among other things, a number of issues that have occurred inside the death chamber. A federal appeals court upheld a lower court's ruling from earlier this year that the state's execution protocol is constitutional. 'Oklahomas earlier problems in the execution chamber are not enough to show that future similar problems are imminent,' read the opinion from the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Furthermore, the state and family of victim Brianna Cole argued that symptoms of Cole's mental incompetence have been overstated. Assistant Attorney General Tessa Henry told the clemency panel that Cole murdered his child because he was angry that her cries were interrupting his video game playing. In a taped confession to the police, Cole admitted he caused his daughter's fatal injuries and said he would 'regret his actions for the rest of his life.' Twice during his initial trial, Cole's attorneys called for competency evaluations due to their client's religious delusions and irrational behavior. He had not yet been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was found competent to stand trial. Prior to his trial, prosecutors offered him a plea deal that would have resulted in a life sentence without parole, which he rejected - a decision his more recent team of attorneys called a 'complete act of irrationality against self-interest.' Prosecutors flagged that the infant had a number of injuries consistent with a history of abuse and that Cole had previously served time in prison in California for aggravated child abuse of a son from his first marriage. Emotional testimony from the family of baby Brianna was also presented to the board. Her aunt, Donna Daniel, said that the first time she got to see her infant niece was in her casket. 'Do you know how horrible it is to see a nine-month-old baby in a casket?' she asked. 'This baby deserves justice. Our family deserves justice.' Cole's execution was originally intended to take place in 2015, but the state halted the practice to investigate a drug mix-up. Dramatic video footage shows the harrowing moment a helicopter crashed at a park in Brazil before residents from a slum rushed and pulled out the pilot and a passenger from the wreckage. The Sao Paulo Military Police said the aircraft was out on a flight test after scheduled maintenance service was completed at Congonhas Airport on Wednesday. The helicopter took off from the airport at 10.46am and crashed at 10.53am. Residents could be seen pulling out the pilot, Lucas Pereira, 51, and Jorge Viana, 38, out of the helicopters and carrying them away. Pereira was airlifted to Das Clinicas Hospital, where he was treated for a head injury. Viana was rushed to Jabaquara Hospital, where he was diagnosed with fractures in both legs. Both men were still hospitalized as of Thursday, according to Brazilian news outlet G1. A helicopter crashed while performing a flight test in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Wednesday morning. Neighborhood residents rushed to the scene and were able to rescue the pilot and a mechanic. Both men were hospitalized as of Thursday morning Residents from a Sao Paulo slum pull out one of the two men who were trapped inside the helicopter after it crashed at a park Wednesday morning One of the videos that were shared on social media showed a Good Samaritan performing CPR on one of the individuals on the lawn at Rocinha Park. Fabio Silva told TV Globo that he was walking his dog when he saw the pilot divert the helicopter away from favela. 'Suddenly the helicopter came around and around. It was going to fall into the favela, but the pilot swerved and [it] fell on its beak,' Silva said. The helicopter crashed seven minutes after it took off from Congonhas Airport on Wednesday morning Lucas Pereira, a 51-year-old pilot, suffered a head injury and was unconscious when he was pulled out of the wrecked helicopter Good Samaritans carry one of the two helicopter crash survivors to a lawn before they were rushed to area hospitals Fuel was leaking when he and other residents sprung into action and rescued Pereira and Viana. 'We took the occupants from being burned to death,' he said. 'We didn't think about our lives, we just wanted to get them out.' Fernando da Silva said Pereira was unconscious when he pulled him out of the wreckage. 'I said, 'If it explodes, it explodes. So, I said to try to get them out both out,' da Silva told TV Globo. The Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents is investigating the cause of the accident. The single-engine helicopter was built in 2013 and can carry up to six passengers. Advertisement Boris Johnson is currently the most popular choice among Tory MPs to become prime minister as the race to replace Liz Truss roared into life today following her humiliating resignation after just 44 days in power. With a quarter of MPs declaring support for their preferred candidates, Mr Johnson currently counts 38 backers, compared to Rishi Sunak's 27 and Penny Mourdant's 12, according to the latest tally by Guido Fawkes. It comes after the Conservative Party announced would-be successors would need to win nominations from 100 MPs to get on the ballot. The threshold means that realistically a maximum of three can make it into a vote, and that there could be a simple coronation of a winner if they get far more than that. Poll Who do you want to be the next Prime Minister? Boris Johnson Rishi Sunak Penny Mordaunt Ben Wallace Suella Braverman Kemi Badenoch Grant Shapps Other Who do you want to be the next Prime Minister? Boris Johnson 20436 votes Rishi Sunak 8773 votes Penny Mordaunt 3006 votes Ben Wallace 1692 votes Suella Braverman 942 votes Kemi Badenoch 901 votes Grant Shapps 168 votes Other 4002 votes Now share your opinion While Mr Johnson has been publicly backed by some MPs to run to return to power, including his former culture secretary Nadine Dorries, several others said they don't believe he will reach the threshold. One said the 'brutal truth' is he is likely to get no more than 60 - leaving some of his close friends to advise him not to run. He also remains on holiday in the Caribbean and faces a race against time to return and launch an effective campaign. However in a boost to his chances, the final two candidates will go head-to-head in a final online vote by party members next Friday. Mr Johnson remains popular with the Tory grassroots and could win such a vote, and allies say he would be able to 'honestly say' he has a mandate for government, and has the ability to 'turn the tide and avert the disaster of a Labour government'. But it remains unclear whether he can reach the 100 threshold, or whether a figure from the Tory right could stand and risk splitting the vote. Meanwhile, Mr Sunak is preparing his leadership campaign from his constituency in Yorkshire after Truss's departure gave him a surprise second chance to be prime minister. The former chancellor has kept a deliberately low profile since he lost to rival Miss Truss in the final round of the last Tory contest on September 5. But he never fully disbanded his team of backers - and on Thursday night allies including ex-chief whip Sir Gavin Williamson were hitting the phones to drum up support for another run. In what appeared to be a coordinated effort, more than 20 Tory MPs publicly declared they were backing him. Allies including former foreign secretary Dominic Raab praised him as the 'most qualified' candidate to lead the country through the economic crisis. Mr Raab said Mr Sunak has the 'plan and credibility' to 'restore financial stability' and 'unite the Conservatives'. How will the new PM be chosen? Monday 2pm: Nominations will close in the Tory leadership contest. Candidates will need 100 MPs to support them in order to make it through to the first ballot. If only one MP passes this threshold they will become prime minister without a vote. 3.30pm to 5.30pm: The first ballot of MPs will be held to choose between the leadership candidates. There will be a maximum of three contenders, due to the high nomination threshold. 6pm: The result of the first ballot of MPs is announced. If three candidates get through, the candidate with the fewest number of votes will be eliminated. But, if only two candidates made it through to the first ballot, this would become an indicative vote for MPs to express their preference between the final two contenders. 6.30pm to 8.30pm: If three candidates made it to the ballot, and the lowest was removed in the first vote above, a second ballot could be held. This would become the indicative vote on the final two candidates, allowing MPs to show party members who they want to be PM. 9pm: The result of the second ballot of MPs will be announced. The two candidates will then proceed to an online vote of Conservative members. Friday 11am: The online membership vote will close. The result will be announced later that day and the identity of the new Tory leader revealed. Advertisement The former chancellor was in his constituency of Richmond in North Yorkshire - some 250 miles away from Westminster - when Miss Truss resigned. He faced accusations of backstabbing Mr Johnson after his resignation from Cabinet triggered the former PM's downfall. Mr Sunak is expected to be among several colleagues who will spend the weekend vying to win the support of Tory MPs before nominations close. Miss Mordaunt, the Leader of the Commons, is also expected to run after coming third in the last contest. The former defence secretary previously faced criticism for her 'woke' views on trans rights, and was warned against running by colleagues last night. One said her views on trans rights would 'put a lot of people off' and suggested she lacked experience for the top job. Around half a dozen MPs had publicly backed Miss Mordaunt on Thursday night, including Digital Minister Damian Collins, who said she has the 'quality and experience to unite the party and rebuild trust in government'. Tory backbencher John Lamont said Miss Mordaunt 'is exactly the kind of calm, cool and collected leader we need right now'. Other possible candidates include ex-home secretary Suella Braverman, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis and International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. Allies of Mr Lewis said last night that he 'hasn't made any decisions' but MPs were 'turning towards him in a way that we haven't seen before'. Newly-appointed Home Secretary Grant Shapps ruled himself out of the race. Earlier, Sir Graham Brady said that after talks with the board of the Conservative Party and the executive of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers that he chairs, nominations begin straight away and will close at 2pm on Monday. 'We fixed a high threshold but a threshold that should be achievable by any serious candidate who has a prospect of going through,' he told reporters outside Parliament. Party chairman Sir Jake Berry said Conservative HQ will be working with broadcasters to arrange one broadcast event so members can hear from the final two candidates - if there are two - before they vote. Ms Truss dramatically admitted defeat and announced she is quitting as PM today, with Westminster gearing up for Mr Johnson and Rishi Sunak to do 'battle for the soul' of the party. As Ms Truss time in power came shuddering to an ignominious end: Sterling shot up to $1.13 before the speech as markets anticipated that Ms Truss would resign, and then pared back gains slightly to stand 0.4 per cent higher at $1.126 after her resignation statement; Labour leader Keir Starmer has twisted the knife by demanding an immediate general election; Ms Truss will be entitled to 19,000 severance after around 51 days as PM, while Mr Johnson would not have to return a payoff because more than three weeks has passed; Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has launched an investigation into the claims of bullying during the votes last night; The Pound has dropped to $1.119 against the US dollar, its lowest level for a week, as markets digest the political turmoil. The candidates could include the former PM, who has been backed by some MPs to run to return to power. But he remains on holiday in the Caribbean and faces a race against time to return and launch an effective campaign. Sir Graham Brady (left) said that after talks with the board of the Conservative Party and the executive of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers that he chairs, nominations begin straight away and close at 2pm on Monday. 'We fixed a high threshold but a threshold that should be achievable by any serious candidate who has a prospect of going through,' he told reporters outside Parliament. Halloween budget may no longer go ahead - risking further spooks to markets By Martin Beckford, Policy Editor for the Daily Mail The highly-anticipated Halloween Budget may no longer go ahead as planned because of the change in Prime Minister. Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng had been forced to bring forward their detailed financial plans from late November to Monday, October 31, under pressure from the City to show they could balance the books. New Chancellor Jeremy Hunt this week vowed to keep the date for the Medium-Term Fiscal Plan and immediately started discussing spending cuts with Whitehall departments, declaring that 'decisions of eye-watering difficulty' would have to be taken. But Miss Truss's dramatic downfall and the rapid Tory leadership election to replace her could now see the statement postponed or even cancelled, rising fresh turmoil in currency and bond markets. If the new leader is not chosen until next Friday, it would give them just a weekend to consider the far-reaching economic plans before they were due to be announced. The winner of the contest may want to change the balance of tax rises, spending cuts and changes to the welfare system needed to fill an estimated 40billion budget black hole. A Whitehall source said the Halloween date was 'still the plan' but added: 'It's a decision for new PM ultimately.' Chairman of the Conservative party's backbench 1922 committee Sir Graham Brady indicated that the budget could still go ahead as scheduled despite the tight timetable. He said yesterday: 'I have spoken to the party chairman Jake Berry and he has confirmed it will be possible to conduct a ballot and conclude a leadership election by Friday, October 28. So we should have a new leader in place before the fiscal statement on October 31.' During the summer Miss Truss pledged to hold an emergency budget if she won the leadership contest in order to provide urgent help for families suffering from the cost of living crisis. In her first act as Prime Minister she announced that household energy bills would be frozen for two years, costing an estimated 150billion. When her Chancellor Mr Kwarteng delivered what was expected to be a 'mini-Budget' on September 23, however, it went far further than anyone had expected. His Growth Plan bet that 45billion worth of spending cuts funded by borrowing would put rocket boosters under the economy, and involved slashing the basic rate of income tax as well as cancelling a planned hike in corporation tax. But he also said he would axe the top 45p rate of income tax and lift the cap on bankers' bonuses, sparking outrage from Tories as well as opposition MPs who said it was wrong for the richest in society to benefit when so many are struggling. And, fatally, the tax cuts were published without the usual accompanying forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility watchdog meaning that investors had no idea how they would be paid for. Mr Kwarteng initially said he would set out his medium-term fiscal plan on November 23rd, two months after the tax cuts were announced. But he was forced to bring it forward to Hallowe'en amid turmoil in the bond markets that wiped billions off the value of pension funds, drove up mortgage rates for homeowners and triggered a dramatic intervention by the Bank of England. Mr Kwarteng also had to U-turn on the 45p tax rate cut, but when this failed to calm financial markets he was sacked just a week ago - with his successor Mr Hunt unceremoniously cancelling almost all of his other plans. Last night the Treasury declined to comment on whether or not the Hallowe'en statement would still go ahead. One insider said: 'It will be up to the new Prime Minister. But internally we're still working very much to what's been announced, unless told otherwise.' Advertisement After just 44 disastrous days in No10, Ms Truss took to a lectern outside the famous black door to confirm her departure, sealing her fate as the shortest-serving premier in modern political history. Revealing she had informed the King of her decision, she said: 'I cannot deliver on the mandate.... I will remain as PM until a successor has been chosen.' Ms Truss - who insisted she was a 'fighter not a quitter' barely 24 hours ago - said the Tory leadership contest will be completed over the next week. Giving her valedictory statement, she was watched by husband Hugh. Attention immediately turns to the leadership battle - with Jeremy Hunt ruling himself out within minutes. However, there are claims that Boris Johnson - currently on holiday in the Caribbean - will bid for a shock return just six weeks after he left office. His MP supporters have been saying it is 'time to come back', but other politicians warned it would be 'f***ing madness' and said some colleagues could choose to defect if he won. 'It ended in chaos with 57 ministers resigning. He lost the confidence of the parliamentary party,' they added. A Boris-supporting former Cabinet minister shot back: 'If we lose 10 MPs we've still got a majority of 51... he's got the stardust that the others simply do not have..' Friends of Rishi Sunak told MailOnline he is almost certain to stand. One close ally told MailOnline there would be a 'natural logic' to him facing off against Mr Johnson. 'It will be a battle for the soul of the party,' they added. The high bar is expected to rule out many hopefuls, potentially including Penny Mordaunt as well as Suella Braverman, Kemi Badenoch, and Brandon Lewis. Conservative 1922 Committee chair Sir Graham Brady told journalists in Westminster that a replacement should be in place by October 28, in time for the Halloween Budget. He suggested that the membership could be 'involved' on that schedule, but refused to give details of how. The bombshelll news follows a week of carnage that saw a bewildering array of U-turns on the mini-Budget, the Chancellor and Home Secretary quit, confusion over whether the Chief Whip had followed her out of the door, and MPs wrestling in Commons voting lobbies. A slew of apocalyptic polls showing Labour up to 36 points ahead had also fuelled outright panic in the Parliamentary party. Ms Truss held crisis talks with Sir Graham, deputy PM Therese Coffey and Tory chair Jake Berry in the building earlier, as they delivered grim message about the mood of the party. A series of previously-loyal MPs joined calls for her to go this morning. Even supportive Cabinet ministers had been conceding the situation is 'terminal'. Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan was sent out to prop up the PM this morning, but would only say that 'at the moment' she believes Ms Truss will lead the Tories into the next election. The main obstacle to removing Ms Truss over recent days was the lack of consensus on who should take over and what the process should be, with little appetite for a drawn-out contest. Nadine Dorries has warned the only person who would be acceptable in a 'coronation' is Mr Johnson. In order to restrict the field, there is likely to be a very high threshold of nominations to get on the ballot - perhaps 100. The 1922 committee could seek tacit agreement from candidates that they will step aside if they are not in pole position when the field is whittled down to a final two. That would avoid the need for a run-off vote of the entire party membership. Events accelerated after another bout of madness at Westminster yesterday culminated in stories of tears and tantrums in Parliament, with Ms Truss allegedly engaging in a shouting match with her own enforcers. Deputy PM Therese Coffey was accused of 'manhandling' Tory MPs to vote against a Labour motion that could have killed the government's plans to resume fracking - something she denies. The premier tried to force the issue by declaring that it was a matter of confidence, meaning a defeat the would have collapsed the government. But at the end of the debate a minister declared that it was not in fact a confidence vote - triggering fury from Chief Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy Craig Whittaker. Other whips told MPs they had resigned, but after three hours of silence and frantic wrangling behind the scenes Downing Street announced they were still in post. A 1.33am statement then made clear that it had been a confidence vote, warning that around 30 MPs who abstained will be disciplined. However, in another twist this morning, Ms Trevelyan said that it had not been a confidence vote. The PM lost her second Cabinet heavyweight in five days after Suella Braverman resigned as Home Secretary, admitting using of her personal email to campaign against the government's own immigration policy - but also hit out at Ms Truss for ditching key policies, suggesting she should also quit for 'mistakes'. The PM appointed Grants Shapps, a Rishi Sunak supporter who as late as Monday was telling media that her government was unsustainable. After just 44 days in No10 - the shortest term in modern political history - the PM took to a lectern outside the famous black door to confirm her departure Ms Truss was watched by husband Hugh as she delivered her emotional announcement in Downing Street today Afterwards the PM and her husband wa;led disconsolately back into the building, where they took up residence little over a month ago One close ally of Rishi Sunak (right) told MailOnline there would be a 'natural logic' to him facing off against Mr Johnson (left). 'It will be a battle for the soul of the party,' they added Boris Johnson ally James Duddridge said it was 'time to come back' as he mulls another bid for Downing Street A 'PM4PM' Twitter campaign, run by grassroots supporters of Penny Mordaunt, began within minutes of Ms Truss quitting in Downing Street today Liz Truss's resignation statement in full I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills. Putin's illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent. And our country had been held back for too long by low economic growth. I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance. And we set out a vision for a low tax, high growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty The King to notify him that I am resigning as Leader of the Conservative Party. This morning I met the Chair of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady. We have agreed there will be a leadership election to be completed in the next week. This will ensure we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country's economic stability and national security. I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen. Thank you. Advertisement Minister James Duddridge said it was time for a comeback by Boris Johnson. Tweeting with the hashtag #bringbackboris, he said: 'I hope you enjoyed your holiday boss. Time to come back. Few issues at the office that need addressing.' Sir James served as a parliamentary private secretary to Mr Johnson when he was in No 10. Another frontbencher, Brendan Clarke-Smith, said he thought Mr Johnson would be 'potentially' interested. 'We need someone who can come in, we need somebody who can bring people together, somebody who actually has got that mandate. So a mandate from people in the last general election, a mandate from party members and somebody actually who can get this party going again, get us winning elections again,' he told Sky News. 'The only person that I think that ticks all those boxes is Boris Johnson.' But other MPs warned that the idea of the ex-PM returning is 'mad'. Former prime minister Theresa May also dropped a broad hint at her view by warning Tory MPs must ensure there is a 'sensible, competent government'. She said: 'The Prime Minister is right to provide a roadmap for an orderly transition. 'MPs must now be prepared to compromise. 'It is our duty to provide sensible, competent government at this critical moment for our country.' Ms Truss's announcement came after Sir Graham gave a privately grim assessment of her survival prospects. 'I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. 'Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills. 'Putin's illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent. 'And our country had been held back for too long by low economic growth. 'I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this. 'We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance. 'And we set out a vision for a low tax, high growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. 'I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. Ms Truss said that the contest should 'be completed within the next week'. 'This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our country's economic stability and national security,' she added. 'I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen.' Labour leader Keir Starmer demanded a general election 'now' so that the nation can have 'a chance at a fresh start'. The Conservatives are set to appoint their third prime minister on the mandate won by Mr Johnson in December 2019. Sir Keir said: 'The Conservative Party has shown it no longer has a mandate to govern. 'The British public deserve a proper say on the country's future. They must have the chance to compare the Tories' chaos with Labour's plans to sort out their mess, grow the economy for working people and rebuild the country for a fairer, greener future. 'We must have a chance at a fresh start. We need a general election now.' As MPs lined up against Ms Truss earlier, Tory backbencher Gary Streeter said he believed she must go, but warned that even the 'Angel Gabriel' will struggle to lead the party because it lacks 'discipline, mutual respect and teamwork'. Fellow Conservative Sheryl Murray said: 'I had high hopes for Liz Truss but after what happened last night her position has become untenable and I have submitted a letter to Sir Graham Brady.' Truss is shortest serving PM ever Liz Truss is now the shortest serving prime minister in British history. She clocked up 44 full days in the role a long way behind the next shortest premiership, that of Tory statesman George Canning, who spent 118 full days as PM in 1827 before dying in office from ill health. Ms Truss was to have overtaken this number of days on January 3 2023. But instead she will fall short by more than two months, with the next prime minister due to be elected within the next week. Some PMs have had shorter terms, but gone on to take charge in No10 again. Advertisement Hendon MP Matthew Offord told the Evening Standard said Ms Truss needs to make a 'dignified exit'. 'I can't see the situation being sustainable. She does need to sit down and discuss it with her Cabinet and with others to manage some kind of dignified exit.' Crawley MP Henry Smith told Times Radio that the Conservatives 'cannot delay' getting rid of the premier. Tory Jill Mortimer, who shocked Labour by winning the Hartlepool by-election just last year, shared an image of her letter of no confidence on Facebook. She added: 'Yesterday, I tried to get called in PMQs to ask Liz Truss for an assurance of support for our town and our promises. 'Sadly I was not called and the deteriorating situation throughout the day left me with no choice but to submit a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister to Sir Graham Brady.' Senior MP Simon Hoare told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm a glass half full sort of person. Can the ship be turned around? Yes. But I think there's about 12 hours to do it. 'I think today and tomorrow are crunch days. I have never known OK, I've only been an MP for seven years but a growing sense of pessimism in all wings of the Tory party.' In a rant during an interview that was retweeted by colleagues, veteran Conservative MP Charles Walker said: 'I think it's a shambles and a disgrace. I think it is utterly appalling. I am livid.' Last night Conservative MPs were confident that between 50 and 100 letters of no confidence had been submitted to Sir Graham, despite current rules stating the committee cannot hold a vote of confidence in Liz Truss for a year after her appointment. After the government declared yesterday morning that the vote on banning fracking was an issue of confidence, climate minister Graham Stuart told the Commons it was not a confidence motion after all. Deputy chief whip Craig Whittaker had written to Conservatives telling them it is a '100 per cent hard 3 line whip!' 'We cannot, under any circumstances, let the Labour Party take control of the order paper and put through their own legislation and whatever other bits of legislation they desire,' he said. 'We are voting NO and I reiterate, this is a hard 3 line whip with all slips withdrawn.' The last-minute shift caused Ms Morton to storm out of the Chamber, before reportedly publicly declaring 'I am no longer the Chief Whip' while standing just a metre away from the PM. While Tory MPs were originally telling reporters that both the Chief Whip and her Deputy, Craig Whittaker, had quit their roles and handed in resignation letters, confusion soon intensified after it was reported Liz Truss followed Ms Morton and pulled her into an intense meeting to prevent her quitting. Mr Whittaker reportedly declared as he walked out of the division lobby: 'I am f***ing furious and I don't give a f*** any more.' For several hours, no-one from the government could confirm or deny the claims that both the top whips had resigned. When pressed on issue, Business Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said he was 'not clear' what the 'situation' with the whips was. By 9pm, Ms Coffey was telling reporters outside the Carlton Club - where with exquisite timing the entire Cabinet was due to attend a dinner for the centenary of the agreement that sunk Lloyd George's government - that Ms Morton had won a 'great victory' by defeating the Labour motion. No10 confirmed at 9.49pm that the pair were indeed remaining in post. Chair of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady speaking after the PM's bombshell resignation today Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was seen deep in conversation on his phone in Whitehall today Deputy PM Therese Coffey and Tory chair Jake Berry have also gone into the building, fuelling speculation that the crisis could be about to peak Chief Whip Wendy Morton and Tory chair Jake Berry were seen going in and out of Downing Street today, although that in itself is not unusual Nadine Dorries warned the only person who could return in a 'coronation' is Boris Johnson. Other MPs want Rishi Sunak or Penny Mordaunt to take over Suella Braverman returned home from the school run this morning after quitting as Home Secretary yesterday amid claims she had a 90-minute row with the PM over immigration first The barely believable scenes in the division lobbies - captured on camera by Labour MP Chris Bryant in defiance of Commons rules - were the latest evidence of the wheels falling off Liz Truss's administration Who takes over now? Tory leadership election will last just a WEEK and new leader will be installed by Friday 28 October as party squabbles over who can be the 'unity candidate' Liz Truss's bombshell resignation today sets up a lighting fast election for a new Tory leader with no obvious unity candidate to take over. Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are both considering a new run at power in the contest that Tories hope will select a new leader by Friday October 28. This would put the new leader in place in time for a crucial financial statement on October 31 which is intended to reassure the City of London that the Government has a plan to repair the nation's finances. Sir Graham said there was an expectation that Tory members would be involved in the process but 'I think we're deeply conscious of the imperative in the national interest of resolving this clearly and quickly'. The party is keen to avoid a re-run of the summer's bitter and protracted 55-day race in which Ms Truss beat Mr Sunak. That race saw both sides engage in bitter blue-on-blue infighting, mainly over the economy, that did not help the party in the polls. Ms Truss spent more than an hour in talks with 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady, Tory chairman Jake Berry and deputy PM Therese Coffey this morning. Afterwards, announcing her resignation after just 44 days she revealed they had agreed a truncated election campaign lasting a week. Sir Graham told reporters that he wants to run it, including possibly a vote of 160,000 party members, before the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt makes the fiscal statement on spending on October 31. Asked if the party faithful will be included in the process, he told reporters: 'Well, that is the expectation. 'So the reason I've spoken to the party chairman and I discussed the parameters of a process is to look at how we can make the whole thing happen, including the party being consulted, by Friday next week.' Sir Graham added: 'I think we're deeply conscious of the imperative in the national interest of resolving this clearly and quickly.' They appear to be pinning their hopes on a single unity candidate can be identified who can effectively step in and avoid any further unpleasantness, with the party hemorrhaging support in the polls. However, that unity candidate has yet to emerge, with several big names suggesting it should be them. Those in the frame include Mr Sunak, the former chancellor, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Liz Truss's bombshell resignation today sets up a lighting fast election for a new Tory leader with no obvious unity candidate to take over. The former prime minister, who was forced out of Downing Street in the summer after a scandal-plagued three years in charge, is believed to be sounding out advice on mounting a comeback. The party is keen to avoid a re-run of the summer's bitter and protracted 55-day race in which Ms Truss beat Mr Sunak. Those in the frame include Mr Sunak and (top to bottom) Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Odds on the next PM: Rishi Sunak: 11/10 Penny Mordaunt: 7/2 Ben Wallace: 7/1 Jeremy Hunt: 9/1 Boris Johnson: 11/1 Theresa May: 16/1 Michael Gove: 31/1 Grant Shapps: 35/1 Suella Braverman: 55/1 Tom Tugendhat: 75/1 Dominic Raab: 80/1 James Cleverly: 85/1 Steve Baker: 90/1 Sajid Javid: 120/1 Advertisement The the main obstacle remains the lack of consensus on who should take over and what the process should be, with little appetite for a drawn-out contest. There are signs leadership battle lines are already being drawn, with former minister Crispin Blunt openly calling for Jeremy Hunt to get the keys to No10. Nadine Dorries warned the only person who could return in a 'coronation' is Boris Johnson. Other MPs want Rishi Sunak or Penny Mordaunt to take over. One senior MP, not previously a fan of the ex-PM, told MailOnline Sir Graham has to come up with a 'plan'. 'Bring back Boris or get Jeremy Hunt in. If you get Boris back in you just hit the reset button,' they said. One idea being pushed by influential Tories is that MPs vote on a successor, but there is a very high threshold of nominations to get on the ballot. The 1922 committee could ask candidates to agree that they will step aside if they are not in pole position when the field is whittled down to a final two. That would avoid the need for a run-off vote of the entire party membership. A source said of the blueprint: 'That has been put to someone very senior in the party, very, very senior.' Ms Truss has said she will stay on as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen via a leadership election to be held within the next week. Speaking in Downing Street, she said: 'This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. 'We've agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. 'This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our country's economic stability and national security. 'I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen. 'Thank you.' Here we look at who could take over power: BORIS JOHNSON Could Boris Johnson make an unlikely come-back just three months after resigning in disgrace? He was eventually pulled from office after a massive ministerial rebellion in July, after Partygate, Wallpapergate and a myriad of other scandals including the removal of whip Chris Pincher pulled down his premiership. But he still has his supporters in the parliamentary party and wider conservative ranks - though polls show a majority of voters believe he was right to quit. One MPO told MailOnline he could be the best solution to the problems the party faces. 'If you can find a unity candidate you are a better man than I,' the former minister said. 'There isn't one. It is a funny kind of strength. 'The membership didn't want to get ride of Boris... They would welcome it. He is the only one with a personality that can appeal to anybody.' They added: 'He is like Heineken. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility.' Boris Johnson was the preferred option as a replacement, with 32 per cent supporting him as their first choice, while 23 per cent said Rishi Sunak and 10 per cent Ben Wallace Nadine Dorries, a staunch ally of the former prime minister and a backer of Liz Truss, made a fresh appeal to doubting Conservative MPs to stand behind the current leader. But the former Culture Secretary said 'only one MP has a mandate' from both the Tory party and the British public Mr Johnson However defence minister James Heappey threw shade at the ex-PM today. The Armed Forces Minister told BBC Radio 4's Today programme there was no alternative unity candidate and defended Ms Truss, saying that at least she had apologised quicker than Boris Johnson did when he was prime minister. Last night Tory plotters were told to reinstate Mr Johnson to No 10 or face a general election 'within weeks'. Nadine Dorries, a staunch ally of the former prime minister and a backer of Ms Truss, made a fresh appeal to doubting Conservative MPs to stand behind the current leader. In recent weeks she has called for Ms Truss to hold a fresh election if she was insistent on wavering over her predecessor's policies. But the former Culture Secretary said 'only one MP has a mandate' from both the Tory party and the British public Mr Johnson. RISHI SUNAK The former Chancellor, 42, was the runner-up in this summer's Tory leadership race. He and Ms Truss went head-to-head as the final pairing in the contest to replace Boris Johnson in No10. They engaged in bitter exchanges over their economic agendas during a lengthy series of hustings events across the UK. Now that Ms Truss has abandoned almost all her leadership pledges on tax cuts - and is adopting much of the approach pursued by Mr Sunak when he was Chancellor - some MPs will be wondering why they don't just put him in charge instead. A number of his supporters are also likely to take a 'told you so' attitude to the Government's current travails - after Mr Sunak's warned this summer of market turmoil if Ms Truss followed through with her unfunded tax cuts. Mr Sunak won the support of 137 MPs in the initial stages of the Tory leadership contest - 24 more than Ms Truss - and retains a strong backing within the parliamentary party. After overseeing the Government's economic response to the Covid crisis, he also has experience of political leadership in turbulent times. MPs might be wary of installing a leader who was rejected by the Tory membership little more than a month ago. There is also lingering resentment at Mr Sunak for his resignation as Chancellor in July, which many of Mr Johnson's loyalists still blame for the former PM's ousting from No10. But a new poll today suggests the grassroots of the party may be more accepting than previously thought. The poll of Conservative members by JL Partners for the Daily Telegraph found that 60 per cent of them would now back Mr Sunak for party leader, once undecided and non-voting members are excluded. More than four-in-10 (43 per cent) would support him outright, to Truss's (28 per cent) JEREMY HUNT The 55-year-old was a shock appointment as the new Chancellor on Friday following Ms Truss's sacking of her ally Kwasi Kwarteng. He is now being referred to among some Tory MPs as the 'de facto PM' after he tore up what remained of Ms Truss's mini-Budget plans and outlined a completely new economic agenda. Mr Hunt is being talked up as a potential 'unity' candidate behind which the competing wings of the Conservative Party could rally behind, amid the current economic crisis. He is an experienced Cabinet minister and is the longest-serving Health Secretary in British political history following his spell in charge of the NHS between 2012 and 2018. Mr Hunt has also previously served as Foreign Secretary and Culture Secretary and would be seen as a safe pair of hands. Jeremy Hunt has replaced Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor - but he has ruled out a tilt at the top job and urged MPs to give Ms Truss 'a chance' There have been suggestions he could enter No10 as a 'caretaker' PM to steady the ship before another leader is elected. But Mr Hunt himself is distancing himself from talk about his leadership chances and has ruled out a tilt at the top job as he called on MPs to give Ms Truss 'a chance'. 'I rule it out, Mrs Hunt rules it out, three Hunt children rule it out,' he told Sky News. During this summer's Tory leadership contest, Mr Hunt was knocked out in the first round of voting by MPs when he attracted the support of just 18 colleagues. It is this recent demonstration of a paucity of support for Mr Hunt - who went on to support Mr Sunak against Ms Truss - among Conservative MPs that would count against him if he changed his mind. He was previously the runner-up to Mr Johnson in the 2019 Tory leadership election, in which he was roundly rejected by Tory members. Following his elimination from this summer's contest, Mr Hunt had appeared to admit his hopes of ever seizing the Tory crown were over. 'It's become obvious to me you only get one big shot at this, and I had mine in 2019.' he said at the time. PENNY MORDAUNT The Leader of the House of Commons, 49, came close to reaching the final round of this summer's Tory leadership contest. She finished third behind Ms Truss and Mr Sunak when she secured the support of 105 MPs. The Royal Navy reservist has since been drafted back into the Cabinet, where she previously served as Defence Secretary under Theresa May's premiership. But, this summer's leadership contest saw questions raised about Ms Mordaunt's ministerial record. There was stinging criticism of Ms Mordaunt's work ethic as she was accused of going missing from her ministerial duties by rival camps. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who was Ms Mordaunt's former boss, moaned about she had 'not been available' at various times as a trade minister and left others to 'pick up the pieces'. Penny Mordaunt finished third behind Ms Truss and Mr Sunak in this summer's Tory leadership contest when she secured the support of 105 MPs It was claimed Ms Mordaunt had instead spent her time focusing on preparations for her leadership campaign. She also had to fight hard during the Tory leadership contest against criticism of her stance on trans issues, including her past claim that 'trans women are women'. Ms Mordaunt blasted critics trying to depict her as 'woke'. One suggestion at Westminster is the possibility of Ms Mordaunt teaming up with Mr Sunak as part of a joint ticket to replace Ms Truss. But plotters are said to be undecided on who would be PM out of the pair, if they were to front a 'government of all the talents' between them. Last night it was reported that Ms Mordaunt's allies reached out to Mr Sunak to be her chancellor, but were rebuffed. BEN WALLACE The 52-year-old is popular with Tory members following the Defence Secretary's efforts in leading Britain's military response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He is also being spoken of as a 'unity' candidate to bring the party back together, should Ms Truss depart. The former Army officer has routinely topped the polls among the Conservatives grassroots. But he did not enter this summer's leadership contest after 'careful consideration' and later backed Ms Truss. At this month's Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Mr Wallace admitted he was 'conflicted' about a possible leadership bid in the future. He told a fringe event: 'At this time of life, the idea was no. I mean do I rule it out? No. I don't rule it out, but will I be here in a few years' time? I don't know either.' The 52-year-old is popular with Tory members following the Defence Secretary's efforts in leading Britain's military response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Mr Wallace might be popular with Tory members, but would be less well-known to members of the public as he has only been a Cabinet minister since 2019. Tory MPs might also fear he is untested as he has never held one of the 'great offices of state' as Mrs May, Mr Johnson and Ms Truss all had before they entered No10. Mr Wallace has also been touted as a possible successor to NATO general secretary Jens Stoltenberg. Last night be repeated his desire to stay at defence, telling the Times: 'I want to be the Secretary of State for Defence until I finish. I love the job I do and we have more to do. I want the Prime Minister to be the Prime Minister and I want to do this job.' He added: 'I say to the colleagues who think our role is to feed the instability within the party, by proposing other people as leaders no matter who they are, (you) are doing a disservice. 'The markets are responding at the moment in the UK to unsurety about the Government. The best way to give those markets some confidence is for people to stop playing political parlour games.' SUELLA BRAVERMAN Suella Braverman was only in the Home Office for a matter of weeks but she spent most of it seemingly positioning herself for a tilt at another job - that of prime minister. The hardline Brexiteer was handed the top job as an acknowledgement of her popularity with the right of the party in the summer leadership contest, and for switching to Team Truss when she was knocked out. But during her tenure she made a series of outbursts that put her at odds with Liz Truss, raising suggestions she was positioning herself for the next leadership race. In a letter, Ms Braverman said she was resigning for breaching processes by sending an email from her personal account about a forthcoming ministerial statement on immigration. But in another hammer blow for the PM's chances of clinging on, she also complained that the government was breaking promises. She swiped that when people made 'mistakes' - something Ms Truss has admitted - the right thing to do was quit. They had a huge bust-up over visas policy last night. The 42-year-old mother-of two hit the headlines just yesterday with a rant against the 'tofu-eating wokerati' for effectively preventing police from arresting eco-zealots who have caused mayhem and misery during weeks of protest. The hardline Brexiteer was handed the top job as an acknowledgement of her popularity with the right of the party in the summer leadership contest, and for switching to Team Truss when she was knocked out. She hit out at MPs who voted against tough new measures to strengthen police powers to deal with activists more quickly. Addressing the Commons as MPs debated the Public Order Bill, Mrs Braverman said: 'I'm afraid it's the Labour Party, it's the Lib Dems, it's the coalition of chaos, it's the Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati dare I say, the anti-growth coalition that we have to thank for the disruption we are seeing on our roads today.' Her comments came as police arrested two Just Stop Oil protesters who spent 36 hours suspended from the QEII bridge, closing a major transport link between Kent and Essex due to safety fears. At the Conservative Party conference a fortnight ago she also attacked the PM for U-turning over plans to axe the 45p top rate of income tax. She launched a swipe as the PM tried to regain her balance, branding the U-turn on axing the 45p tax rate 'disappointing' and accusing rebels of a 'coup'. She was also blamed recently for jeopardizing a free trade deal with India by accusing its people of being the worst at overstaying visas in the UK. Leaked text messages reveal an effort by Georgia House members to press former Sen. Kelly Loeffler to join President Trump's election overturn effort a move that had success until Loeffler suddenly reversed course after the Capitol riot. The switch, which came after Loeffler had lost her election runoff to Democrat Raphael Warnock, came after one of her own advisors warned her, 'This has gone too far.' Marjorie Taylor Green, the who was elected in November 2020 but had not yet been sworn in, texted Loeffler the following month to try to line up her support, even as Loeffler fought for her own political survival. 'Hey! I need to talk with you about a plan we are developing on how to vote on the electoral college votes on Jan 6th. I need a Senator!' the Trump ally wrote, according just one of the stunning texts obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 'And I think this is a major help for you to win on the 5th!!' Green advised. Marjorie Taylor Greene urged then-Sen. Kelly Loeffler to vote to challenge electors certified for Joe Biden, and invited her to a meeting with Trump at the White House In another text, she tried to recruit her to join a White House meeting to game out Trump's election overturn effort. 'Ive organized a meeting with President Trump, his legal team, and Members of electoral college votes for Joe Biden in several key states on January 6th,' she said, in reference to 'fake' electors, including one who had a role on her campaign and had sought Loeffler's guidance to participate. 'Can you come to the White House? Its an informational meeting and planning session,' she said. But Loeffler was occupied, she said. 'Im with Ivanka all day Mon, subject to the time of vote on relief package. But Ive said everything is on table with regard to Jan 6,' she said. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution obtained texts to and from Loeffler Greene invited her to a White House meeting, but Loeffler was 'with Ivanka all day' Loeffler ended up switching her position after the Capitol riot 'Hey! I need to talk with you about a plan we are developing on how to vote on the electoral college votes on Jan 6th,' Rep.-elect Greene wrote her Loeffler was one of several Republican senators who decided not to vote to challenge certified votes after the Capitol riot Georgia GOP Rep. Jody Hice also pressed her to reveal where she stood on the issue, as Trump allies planned to force a debate when Congress met to count the electoral votes that would make Biden president. Loeffler finally got off the fence on January 4th and wrote she would vote to give the president's fraud claims a 'fair hearing.' She said at a rally with Trump the following day: 'Were going to get this done. This president fought for us. Were fighting for him.' The texted a pair of aides in advance: 'Please make sure Trump RTs my statement so I don't get booed off the stage!!' She had hedged when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz tried to enlist her to sign onto a letter about objecting to Biden's win. Cruz wanted to create a group to conduct a special 10-day 'audit.' 'I believe you cant afford to not be on it,' aide Wes Coopersmith told her, although she didn't sign. In explosive texts, Tricia Raffensperger blasted Loeffler after she called for her husband, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, to resign 'This objection will not ultimately prove to change anything but it will feed into the violence and condone it,' advisor Malorie Thompson told Loeffler. The lame duck Senator voted to certify votes from her state for Biden But after the Capitol riot on January 6th, following her defeat and with just days left in office, Loeffler ended up doing an about-face. She was getting advice that Amid the searing images unfolding on TV as a mob ransacked the building where Loeffler worked, media consultant Malorie Thompson advised her: 'This is a tinderbox and its beyond politics now.' 'This objection will not ultimately prove to change anything but it will feed into the violence and condone it,' she advised. She also told her the key Republicans are making political calculations based on jockeying for 2024, according to the texts. Loeffler texted that she was meeting with senators including Josh Hawley of Missouri, who led the effort and whose fist-raised image the day of January 6th became a lasting image. Thompson urged Loeffler to take another course. 'This has gone too far,' she wrote. 'This isnt what we signed on to, we said we would debate and present evidence, not shoot our way through the capital.' In other explosive texts, Tricia Raffensperger blasted Loeffler after she called for her husband, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, to resign. On November 9, 2020, days after the election that forced a runoff, she began: 'This is Tricia Rafffensperger.' 'I met you at the Christmas party in Washington DC.,' she wrote in a second message. 'Never did I think you were the kind of person to unleash such hate and fury on someone in political office of the same party. My family and I am being personally besieged by people threatening our lives because you didn't have the decency or good manners to come and talk to my husband with any questions you may have had. Instead you have put us in the eye of the storm. Unlike you my husband is an honorable man with integrity to do the right thing. We are law abiding people of faith. I hold you personally responsible for anything that happens to any of my family, from my husband , children and grandchildren. What kind of person are you that would purposely do this? I am so disappointed, I thought you were better than that!' The paper said it was provided 59 pages of texts anonymously. It is possible they were obtained by an investigatory authority. A spokesman for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, whose office is probing the overturn effort in her state, said her office 'has not released any documents related to Senator Kelly Loeffler.' A House Jan. 6th Committee spokesman did respond to the paper's request for comment. A drill rapper who appeared on former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood's YouTube channel has been convicted of murdering a filmmaker in a gang-related 'ambush', a court has heard. New York-born Jahtel Williamson, 26, was part of a gang of killers who set upon young music producer Dean Pascal-Modeste armed with knives and machetes. Pascal-Modeste, 21, was 'hunted down' and stabbed 14 times in Lambscroft Avenue, Mottingham, southeast London, on the afternoon of 24 February 2017 - in an attack witnessed by horrified parents on the school run. The victim died at the scene from his injuries including wounds to his left lung and head injuries. 'B-Side members' during a crib session. New York-born Jahtel Williamson, 26, who appeared on former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood's YouTube channel has been convicted of murdering a filmmaker Producer Dean Pascal-Modeste, 21, was 'hunted down' and stabbed 14 times in Lambscroft Avenue, Mottingham, southeast London Williamson, who went by the name Tizzy, fled to the US after the murder and was extradited back to the UK from Washington DC on 1 May last year. Williamson, formerly of Greenwich, denied but was convicted of murder by an Old Bailey jury today. The killing was motivated by a long-standing rivalry between two gangs, Lewisham's 'B-Side' gang and Grove Park's 'Splash Gang'. Mr Pascal-Modeste was not involved in either, but was 'murdered because of the company he had kept', according to the prosecution. Both gangs had previously featured in rap recording sessions with Westwood and were locked in a 'poisonous' YouTube rap feud, exchanging barbs in their online videos on his channel TimWestwoodTV. Crispin Aylett KC had told jurors Mr Pascal-Modeste, from Barking, east London, was not a gang member and had simply been 'looking to make a name for himself in the music business'. On the day of his murder, he had gone with two friends to record a music video to post on YouTube. He was waiting with one of them on a wall when two mopeds pulled up and one of the riders pointed a gun, jurors were told. Corey Donaldson and Alex Scott, both 23, of Lewisham, southeast London, were both jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years for the murder following a trial in November 2017 Williamson's was the third in a series of trials which have already resulted in the convictions of four young men for the killing. Judge Philip Katz KC remanded Williamson in custody ahead of sentence next Tuesday and warned the killer he faces the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Corey Donaldson and Alex Scott, both 23, of Lewisham, southeast London, were both jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years for the murder following a trial in November 2017. Kai Stewart, 22, of Bellingham, and Devone Pusey, 25, of Beckenham, were earlier jailed for at least 17 and 20 years respectively after they were also convicted of murder. Prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC said at the start of Williamson's trial: 'The time has come for him too to face the music.' He told jurors: 'On 24 February 2017, five-and-a-half years ago, 21-year-old Dean Pascal-Modeste travelled from his home in Barking, east London, to Grove Park in Southeast London. Kai Stewart, 22, was earlier jailed for at least 17 years after he was also convicted of murder 'Dean had been looking to make a name for himself in the music business. 'He and two friends of his had gone to take part in a recording of a music video that was to be placed on the internet on YouTube. 'Suddenly from nowhere, two mopeds appeared. The mopeds pulled up not far from where Dean and his friend was sitting. One pulled a gun and pointed it at Dean. 'Six young youths appeared on foot and chased them. That group also seemed to come from nowhere. Those on the mopeds were acting in concert. This was an ambush on two fronts. 'The prosecution allege that the defendant, Jahtel Williamson, was one of those on foot. 'Witnesses described seeing that they were running like mad. 'Dean was hunted down and surrounded. A group of youths crowded around him and attacked him. Devone Pusey, 25, of Beckenham, was earlier jailed for at least 20 years after he was convicted of murder 'During this pitiless attack Dean sustained 14 separate stab wounds. 'Two blows were struck with such force to split Dean's ribs and penetrate his left lung. 'Once they had finished with Dean, they ran off. By this time, the mopeds had already sped away. 'Dean was left lying on the ground bleeding to death. An ambulance was called and a doctor arrived at the scene. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 'This attack occurred in broad daylight at around 3.45 in the afternoon. 'Witnesses had been collecting their children from school. This attack was as outrageous as it was brazen. 'This was a coordinated attack in which a number of those involved were armed with either guns or knives. 'This savage attack you may think bears all the hallmarks of gang related violence. However there's no evidence that his attackers would even have known who he was. 'This murder has its roots in a poisonous feud. Dean was stabbed to death not for who he was, or anything he had said or done, but murdered because of the company he had kept.' The B-side gang appeared on former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood's YouTube channel Four knives were recovered from the area and linked to the killing, the court heard. Both Splash and B-Side gang members made music videos on YouTube that resulted in an ongoing feud. 'One such video featured the well-known disc-jockey, Tim Westwood,' said Mr Aylett. 'From the film, it can be seen that the musicians - who are wearing masks and scarves across their faces - were rather less keen on being identifiable than Mr Westwood himself.' The Splash gang had labelled one of their music sessions as a 'Westwood Crib Session' in which disparaging remarks were made regarding 'B-Side paigon ho' - a reference to prostitutes. Mr Westwood's spokesman has previously said: 'TimWestwoodTV gives up-and-coming artists a platform to be heard by a wider audience. The YouTube channel provides a non-profit outlet for young artists to express their talent and help provide them with an opportunity to get into the music industry.' Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup inspects a unit of the Army Missile Strategic Command, Thursday. Courtesy of Ministry of National Defense South Korea's Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup instructed field officers Thursday to employ "ultra-precision" missiles for an "immediate" response in case of a contingency during his inspection of an Army unit, his ministry said. Lee's visit to the unit of the Army Missile Strategic Command came as Seoul and Washington are striving to sharpen deterrence following a series of North Korean military provocations, including this week's launch of hundreds of artillery shells. The ministry did not disclose the exact name and location of the unit. "The minister directed (field officers) to maintain a firm readiness posture to keep watertight operations under any circumstances and make an immediate response using our military's world-class, ultra-precision high-yield missiles when a mission is given," the ministry said in a press release. The ministry released a photo showing the minister inspecting the unit against the backdrop of what appears to be a Hyunmoo III cruise missile. The minister also stressed the importance of troops' "psychological readiness posture" and their skills to proficiently handle military hardware. (Yonhap) On Thursday Haleigh told the court Haggis 'slobbered' as he approached her open mouthed at his loft apartment A former publicist described Thursday to a Manhattan jury how a 'slobbering' Oscar-winning director brought her back to his Soho apartment in 2013 for a drink before allegedly raping her. Paul Haggis, 69, faces a civil trial in New York for the 2013 encounter with then 26-year-old publicist Haleigh Breest. On Tuesday, jurors were told details of the alleged attack, which is said to have happened at the Crash director's SoHo loft. Breest's attorney, Zoe Salzman, told the jury Wednesday that the alleged attack left her client suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder such that she has only attempted to have sex a single time since the encounter nearly 10 years ago. She was unable to do so. Salzman says Breest experienced 'flashbacks' so severe from the alleged encounter that the sex she later attempted was unsuccessful. Haggis' attorney, Priya Chaundhry, said in his opening statement that Breest's story has changed many times since the incident. She alleges that the day after Breest texted a friend to brag about the oral sex she performed on Haggis. Chaundhry further claims that Breest has concocted the claims to try and get 'a lot of money' from Haggis. The famed director has also claimed that the Church of Scientology, which he left and renounced in 2009, has orchestrated a number of the claims against him in revenge. Oscar-winning director Paul haggis, 69, arrived for another day of court on Thursday in Manhattan, where he is on trial for rape Haleigh Breest testified Thursday before a Manhattan jury about the night Paul Haggis allegedly raped her Haggis recounted the traumatic 2013 incident in which Haggis took her back to his Soho loft with no doormen Paul Haggis shuts his eyes while observing court proceedings in New York on Thursday. He is on trial for the rape of Haleigh Breest Haggis was recently arrested in Italy on separate charges of sexual assault, but the charges were dropped after about six weeks Accuser Haleigh Breest said Haggis brought her back to his Soho apartment after an Upper West Side movie premiere and raped her despite her disinterest in him Haleigh Breest, 36, arrived at court in Manhattan. She has accused Haggis of raping her in 2013 after a movie premiere Haggis has maintained his innocence and claimed that his character has been assassinated by the vengeful Church of Scientology, which he renounced in 2009 The New York City apartment where Breest says she was raped by Haggis in 2013 Breest one year before the alleged 2013 attack Breest is one of four Haggis accusers, though so far the only one to take her allegations to court. She told jurors Thursday that the night of the encounter, Haggis became 'agitated' when she suggested the pair go to a public bar instead of his Manhattan home. 'I didn't want to go to his apartment,' Breest, 36, told the jury. Haggis maintains the sex was consensual. He says he has been smeared with false allegations of sexual misconduct ever since he left the Church of Scientology in 2009. The fallout from his departure from the church will be a key part of his defense. Breest filed her civil suit against the 'Crash' director in 2017 at the height of the #MeToo movement, claiming the renowned director had raped her on January 31, 2013, when she was 26 and working as a freelance publicist. She said Haggis offered her a ride home after a movie premiere on the Upper West Side and over her objections took her to his loft home on Mercer Street. Breest on Thursday recalled her cell phone being dead as she entered the director's doorman-less building and boarded an elevator to his penthouse. She described the kitchen and living room area and said: 'I put my bags down, he walked toward me with his mouth open trying to kiss me.' The director, she recalled, 'slobbered' as he pinned her against the refrigerator and made contact with her lips. 'I said, 'How about that wine?'' testified Breest. 'I wanted to remind him why I was there, for a drink and wanted to let him know without offending him.' 'He was an important guest. He was a friend of my boss and I didn't want to make an enemy,' she said. Therapist, Dr. Catherine Baker-Pitts, who treated Breest from 2017 to 2019, testified that the accuser 'lived in a constant state of fear.' The first witness at the trial, a publicist for a Canadian TV show, testified via video shot in 2019 that Haggis raped her while they worked together on the show Due South. The anonymous woman is one of the four Haggis accusers. Two more of the women are expected to testify against Haggis. One of the director's three daughters is expected to testify on his behalf. Haggis co-wrote the screenplays for Bond blockbusters Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, won two Oscars for Crash in 2006 and was also behind Million Dollar Baby. Haggis won two Oscars for the movie Crash in 2006 Haggis outside court in Manhattan on Monday morning with his attorney Priya Chaudhry. He denies the allegations and says he is being extorted Oscar-winning producer Paul Haggis (shown left arriving at court today) is facing a rape allegation in civil court. He has not been arrested Haleigh Breest leaves court on Monday. She is seeking unspecified damages from Haggis Breest with her attorney at lunch on Monday. She says she has waited 'years' to bring Haggis to justice According to a 12-page complaint filed in 2017, Breest claims Haggis led her to a bedroom where he removed her tights, took off his own Banana Republic boxers, and forced her to perform oral sex, instructing her to 'put my d**k in your mouth.' Haggis then digitally penetrated Breest, telling her 'you're nice and tight', and saying he liked 'anal sex.' She says he then raped her without using a condom, saying: 'I've had a vasectomy, so you're fine. You can't get pregnant.' After the alleged attack, she says she 'lost consciousness' in the bedroom and later woke up to find him in a different part of the apartment. 'An icon' according to her granddaughter, the post later went viral, receiving more than 600,000 likes on Twitter After the October 18 funeral, Perryman's granddaughter, Gracie, shared the card to social media Jo Marie Perryman, 81, died on October 12 surrounded by her loved ones, an obituary stated A Texas grandmother got the last laugh when she had cards with a picture of an Ouija board handed out to funeralgoers, telling them to 'stay in touch' A Texas woman got the last laugh on her loved ones when she handed out a hilarious card telling funeral attendees to 'stay in touch' featuring a picture of a Ouija board. Jo Marie Perryman passed away on Wednesday, October 12, according to an obituary from Andrews County News. Nevertheless, Jo Marie did not let death seize her sense of humor. At her October 18 funeral, the grandmother arranged to have cards given to attendees that would remind them that she's not all that far away. The card handed out features a photo of the grandmother throwing up what appears to be her two middle fingers and sticking out her tongue. Along with the photo, a message states 'let's keep in touch,' placed just above where a small Ouija board decal is pasted. This is the card that was handed out to Jo Marie Perryman's loved ones at her funeral on October 18 in Texas The woman, often referred to by friends and family as 'Jodie' was known for her sense of humor and compassion towards those she loved Received this at my grandmas funeral. What an icon. pic.twitter.com/EhxhzHJfoZ gracie perryman (@qrracie) October 18, 2022 Gracie Perryman, Jo's granddaughter, posted the now-viral picture of the card to Twitter earlier this week, sharing her grandma's hilarious idea with the world. 'Received this at my grandmas funeral. What an icon,' the granddaughter said. The tweet itself blew up on the social media app, receiving 659,000 likes in the first 72 hours since it had been posted. More than 65,000 people have also retweeted the card, with an additional 5,000 quote tweeting it. Jo Marie's hilarious idea quickly branded her 'a legend' on the social media app, with thousands of strangers applauding her sense of humor. 'I am so sorry for your loss. However, this is the stuff of LEGENDS! And now, you have it to look at whenever you feel down,' one person responded. 'This is amazing I am going to do this when I die in honor of your badass grandma! May she rest in peace,' said another. It also led many to share their own loved ones' hope and humor in times of darkness. 'The last time I got to talk to my best friend, before ovarian cancer took her, I asked her to send me a postcard from her next adventure. I get little signs every once and awhile. It's a nice thing so this just make the messaging easier. Brilliant,' one Twitter user wrote. Another woman shared a picture of her own father's funeral card, placed underneath a pair of costume glasses that included a fake mustache. 'Received these at my dads, she wrote. Recieved these at my dads pic.twitter.com/yj9czgRujG via (@titties2000) October 20, 2022 Jo' Marie's niece, Litina Griffin, posted to Facebook Tuesday, taking credit for the cards, saying that she couldn't let aunt down on such a momentous day. 'When Aunt Jodie Perryman asks for this in her final days, I couldn't disappoint,' Griffin wrote in a post. 'Everyone at the funeral got one of these in an envelope marked 'from Jodie,'' the woman said. In her Facebook update, she also shared a screenshot of a post made by Jo, who often went by Jodie, which said that everyone at her funeral should receive an Ouija board with the message. 'I miss her already,' Griffin wrote. 'And apparently now she is famous.' DailyMail.com reached out to the relative but did not receive a response by the time of publication. A screengrab shared to Facebook by Jo Marie's niece showed where the idea to hand out Ouija board cards at her funeral Jo Marie's own obituary even mentioned her joking nature, too. 'She had a quick wit and a clever sense of humor which kept everyone who knew her on their toes. lt was rare to win a battle of wits with her,' Jo Marie's obit said. Aside from her clear sense of humor, she was also noted for pouring love into everything she did. On top of being an avid reader of Stephen King and Dean Koontz novels, the Texas woman also loved crafting, sewing, and making holiday decorations with her loved ones. Jo Marie loved to cook and was known for her chicken enchiladas, burritos, fried chicken, and Christmas candies. She also 'gave her kids a run for their money' when playing video games, a hobby of hers. Jo Marie loved spending time with her family and was known for her being 'compassionate' and 'understanding' Jo Marie (center) had three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and other family members who loved her dearly and 'miss her already' Aside from her everlasting sense of humor, Jo Marie was known for her home-cooked meals, including her special burritos and enchiladas The Texas woman was a devoted mother and grandmother who also welcomed many friends into her family over the years Jo Marie was an avid reader, according to her loved ones. She was always known for having a Stephen King novel or Dean Koontz book nearby Above all, those she loved say they will remember the best parts about her and who she was. 'She was always easy to talk to, and her heart of gold made her home a place anyone could feel comfortable in,' the obit read. 'She will be remembered as a strong, loving, compassionate, and understanding woman.; During a livestreamed funeral for the mother and grandmother, words were shared about her incredible life and the Family livestreamed Jo Marie's funeral for anyone who may have been unable to attend. The service featured words about the woman's sense of humor and love for her family The woman of humor also made one final request to anyone who may want to send flowers or funeral donations. 'Memorial donations in Jodie's name can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,' her obituary read. Jo Marie is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. China could take Washington and the world by surprise and invade Taiwan as soon as this year, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday warned this week. As Beijing launches fresh military exercises by air and sea off Taiwan's coast, the Navy has now adopted a 'fight tonight' mentality, according to the chief of naval operations. The service is now working to become more ready for deadly conflict at a moment's notice. 'It's not just what Jinping says, it's how the Chinese behave and what they do,' Gilday said at an event held by the Atlantic Council Wednesday, referencing Chinese President Xi Jinping. 'What we've seen over the past 20 years is that they have delivered on every promise they've made earlier than they said they were going to deliver on it.' 'It's not just what Jinping says, it's how the Chinese behave and what they do,' Gilday said at an event held by the Atlantic Council Wednesday 'The wheels of history are rolling toward China's reunification' with Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Sunday at the Communist Party Congress, which gathers every five years 'So when we talk about about the 2027 window, Gilday said, 'in my mind, that has to be a 2022 window or potentially a 2023 window,' Gilday said. The senior defense official added: 'I can't rule that out. I don't mean at all to be alarmist by saying that. It's just that we can't wish that away.' Gilday said the Navy cannot justify spending a single penny that does not threaten the rising threat from China, and therefore must continue its decommissioning of 24 old ships to fund other priorities. 'It's readiness over capacity; the ships that we put out there have to be ready to fight,' he added. 'Some of them are three years behind in coming out of maintenance, at [added] costs of $80 million or more, with a weapon system that is not going to be upgraded in time to face the threat that the Chinese pose,' he said. The Navy regularly patrols the South China Sea and the Straits of Taiwan between China and Taiwan. Sec. of State Antony Blinken backed up such predictions earlier this week when he said China is speeding up its timeline to take back Taiwan. Delivering a speech at the Chinese Communist Party Congress on Sunday, Xi restated his goal to 'reunify' Taiwan with China. 'We've seen a very different China emerge in recent years under Xi Jinping's leadership,' Blinken told a forum at Stanford University with former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice. 'There has been a change in the approach from Beijing toward Taiwan in recent years, Blinken said, including 'a fundamental decision that the status quo was no longer acceptable and that Beijing was determined to pursue reunification on a much faster timeline.' 'The wheels of history are rolling toward China's reunification' with Taiwan, Xi said at the Communist Party Congress, which gathers every five years. He said that while China preferred peaceful measures to retake the island democracy of 23 million people it would not rule out 'the option to take all necessary measures.' U.S. officials have worried that Xi may soon take a page out of Russia's playbook - Beijing has not condemned Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Xi has ramped up military drills along Taiwan's coastline in the Taiwan Strait in recent months. Xi in his address described a 'great rejuvenation' of China, putting it at the center of global affairs as an 'irreversible historical process.' Washington-Beijing relations have soured under both President Trump and President Biden as the U.S. calls out China on human rights violations, trade abuses, security threats and Covid-19 origins. China says it conducted 'precision missile strikes' in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 4 Further precision missile strikes launched from an unspecified location in China, as captured from footage run by China's CCTV A Taiwan military vessel is seen from a Navy Force vessel under the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) during the navy's military exercises in the waters around Taiwan, at an undisclosed location in this August 5 Last week, Biden released his official national security strategy that focused heavily on 'outcompeting' China. The president made it clear that despite Russia's nuclear threats, he is more concerned about China in the long-term. U.S.-China frictions heightened after a series of U.S. lawmaker visits to Taiwan, most especially that of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, followed by Biden's curious insistence that the U.S. would defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion. China cut cooperation with the U.S. on climate change and drug trafficking in August after Pelosi's visit. Asked by CBS' 60 Minutes last month whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan, Biden replied: 'Yes, if in fact there was an unprecedented attack.' 'So unlike Ukraine, to be clear, sir, U.S. Forces, U.S. men and women would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion?' CBS asked. Biden simply replied, 'Yes.' However he also toed closer to US policy when stating 'we're not encouraging their being independent' from China, adding that it was up to Taiwan. The White House again undercut the president's forceful rhetoric by saying U.S. policy 'has not changed' after the interview. It's the fourth time in a little over a year that the White House had to pump the breaks on Biden's enthusiastic defense of Taiwan. Responding to Blinken's speech Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accused the U.S. of altering its approach to Taiwan, citing Pelosi's visit and arms sales to the island. 'Peacefully resolving the Taiwan issue cannot coexist with Taiwan separatism,' Wang said. Last year, the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that China's threat to move in on Taiwan would 'manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years.' A female black Republican running for the House of Representatives in Indiana is criticizing the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on Thursday for donating a hefty sum to her opponent, who is a white male Democrat. Recent campaign finance documents show the CBC PAC gave $5,000 to Rep. Frank Mrvan's re-election campaign at the end of September. Jennifer-Ruth Green, a black Air Force veteran who is running to unseat Mrvan in just three weeks on November 8, claimed the lawmaker group was putting 'power' ahead of 'people' in a statement sent to Fox News. 'Its the American people versus the DC politicians and lobbyists,' Green said. 'Im with the American people. The Congressional Black Caucus is with the politicians and lobbyists, and their career politician ally Frank Mrvan. 'Americas poorest communities are proof Frank Mrvan and the CBC care more about power and helping themselves than helping the people of northwest Indiana. Its sad.' The CBC labels itself nonpartisan, but every member listed on the caucus website is a Democrat. DailyMail.com has reached out to Green and the CBC for further comment. In an earlier statement to Fox, however, the CBC reacted to Green's claims by defending Mrvan's left-wing credentials. Jennifer-Ruth Green is a Republican candidate running for Indiana's 1st Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Rep. Frank Mrvan, a Democrat in his first term 'Congressman Mrvan understands the importance of a woman's right to choose and protecting access to healthcare for all people,' the group said. 'One of his first votes in Congress was for the American Rescue Plan which helped end this pandemic, put workers back on the job, and shored up the kinds of small businesses that are the backbone of Black community.' Mrvan, a freshman facing his first re-election effort, is among the most vulnerable House Democrats in an election cycle that has an overall bleak outlook for the left. The vast majority of public opinion polls forecast a Republican victory, though the margin has shrunk as election day looms. Still, Republicans only need 218 members to reach a majority. There are currently 212 voting members of the House GOP. If she wins, Green will be the only black woman elected to Congress as part of the GOP - and the second overall, after former Utah Rep. Mia Love. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rated Indiana's 1st Congressional District as a toss-up, though it leans slightly Democrat. She slammed the Congressional Black Caucus (pictured holding a press conference in April 2022) for donating $5,000 to Mrvan in late September Green, however, has managed to bring in more donor dollars than Mrvan has in the final months of the race. She raked in $1.4 million in the last quarter ending in September, compared to the Democrat's haul of just over $900,000, according to a press release on her campaign site. Republicans nationwide responded with outrage recently when Green accused Politico of publishing her experience being sexually assaulted without her consent. Green released a statement on October 9 revealing that she'd requested a criminal probe be opened into how the records were released and accusing Mrvan of having 'illegally obtained' them. 'I am saddened to have to share publicly one of the most private events of my life, and Im even more saddened that Congressman Mrvan, who I applauded for authoring the Military Sexual Trauma bill, would engage in or tolerate this despicable behavior from his campaign and his allies,' part of her statement read. 'Its unacceptable for every vet, its unacceptable for every woman, and its unacceptable for anyone who has ever been a victim of sexual assault.' CNN released the first trailer for its new morning show on Thursday, featuring a turtle-neck-wearing Don Lemon alongside coffee-sipping Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow. The ad for the show, dubbed CNN This Morning, opens with the trio sitting down for a pseudo-casual conversation around a table as they talk about when they met and started working at CNN, as well as how to best reach busy Americans with the news. Lemon, who is known for ranting about former President Trump on his primetime show, claimed in an interview with Semafor this week that he had grown 'tired' of the way his network handled politics. The anchor has spent the last eight years in the primetime CNN slot spewing anti-Trump diatribes but is now moving into a new role as the primary host of the three-hour-long program set to debut on November 1, a week before midterm elections. Following CNN's announcement of the show, which replaces John Berman and Brianna Keilar's 'New Day,' Lemon promised that a 'younger, more fun' Don Lemon - different than what people are used to. Lemon, 56, however, will likely be outdone in that department by co-host Collins, who is just 30 years old. In the ad, Collins tells both Lemon and Harlow that she was 'a freshman' when they got their start on CNN in 2006 and 2008, respectively. 'High school, college?' Harlow asks. 'Actually, I think it was the eighth grade,' Collins replies to shock from her elder co-hosts. CNN previously announced its new morning show 'CNN This Morning' to replace its 'New Day' programming. The three-hour program will debut November 1 The show will feature Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow (middle) and Kaitlan Collins (left) A promotional video for the show, which is expected to air November 1, shows the trio of hosts having a conversation inside a coffee shop Conversations include details on their personal relationships with each other and how they plan to reach busy Americans with the morning news 'We're the place for accuracy and we're the place for context,' Lemon said 'People's time is so valuable that if they give 15 minutes to watch the news, that's a lot of time,' Collins said The exchange is followed by a montage of dialogue between the future morning anchors, highlighting their philosophy for the show. 'A morning show is like when people walk into a diner,' Lemon says. 'You come in and you get whatever amount of news that you can, then you start your day.' The new show is expected to air November 1. Text on the screen continues throughout the promotion, highlighting each portion of the trio's conversation - when, at one point, 'conversation' is layered over the video. 'People's time is so valuable that if they give 15 minutes to watch the news, that's a lot of time,' Collins says. 'We need to cover more of what is happening across America,' Harlow adds, to which she then follows up on moments later with, 'People just want to be heard.' 'It's really all about the conversation,' Lemon concluded. 'We're the place for accuracy and we're the place for context.' Lemon promised that a 'younger, more fun' Don Lemon - different than what people are used to - will be showing up on the network each morning Lemon previously said the show will be a more authentic version of himself and his style. 'I'll be wearing what I wear in my normal everyday life and not necessarily news guy at night Don Lemon. It will be appropriate to the show. It will also be a lot younger and a lot more fun than what people are used to seeing on TV news' The move to replace 'New Day' and move Lemon from primetime is one of new CEO Chris Licht's most prominent decisions as he seeks to steer the outlet away from 'opinion-based partisan news' and anchors who slam conservatives and the GOP. A big-time critic of former President Trump and Republicans, Lemon has previously called Trump 'the biggest snowflake of them all' following the 2021 White House raid on January 6. He was also widely outspoken about election fraud following the 2020 Presidential Election, and claimed Trump and Republicans were feeding GOP supporters 'bullsh**t.' Lemon added on to his criticism of networks continuing to cover Trump despite not being the active president. 'It was frustrating to say the least, not that I wasn't committed to doing it in primetime. But after Donald Trump wasn't president anymore, and we had a war in Ukraine that changed our approach to what we did in primetime, which was not starting every single night with a monologue about Donald Trump and how bad he was and how terrible things were in the country,' he said. 'So I was ready to move on and I think the audience is ready to move on as well,' Lemon continued. He has worked at CNN for 16 of his 40 years in journalism and served as a co-moderator for the 2020 Democratic Presidential Debate. Collins joined CNN as a White House correspondent in July 2017 after working for The Daily Caller, a news and opinions website founded by FOX's Tucker Carlson. In her time as a correspondent during the Trump administration, Collins was barred from press conferences held by press secretaries Sarah Sanders and Kayleigh McEnany. McEnany once refused to call on Collins, saying, 'I don't call on activists.' Harlow joined CNN as the anchor for CNNMoney.com in 2008. In 2017, Harlow and Jim Sciutto took over as co-anchors for CNN Newsroom's 9-11am slot after Carol Costello moved to HLN. The move is one of new CNN boss Chris Licht's most prominent decisions as he seeks to steer the outlet away from 'opinion-based partisan news' and anchors who slam the GOP As CEO, Licht's decisions have resulted in the termination of popular CNN hosts, including John Harwood and Brian Stelter, along with their shows. Alongside layoffs, Licht also announced the cancellation of CNN+, the network's streaming service. Licht previously warned CNN staffers that changes to the network were coming to the network that they would 'not understand' or 'like.' Advertisement Despite Elon Musk's cars and innovation, Mark Zuckerberg's social media behemoths and Jeff Bezos controlling the sales market, none of them are America's favorite billionaire. T he favorite and least favorite billionaires in every country and every US state were calculated by Businessfinancing.co.uk - a business finance and lending research and information website publisher. Their methodology was put together by collecting geotagged tweets mentioning various billionaires and sorted by location. They then used an AI 'sentiment detector' to determine if each mention was positive or negative. Perhaps surprisingly, British business magnate Richard Branson was considered the most beloved billionaire in the United States, though he is not the most popular in a majority of states. Elon Musk is considered most loved in 12 states, with Jeff Bezos in second with 10 and Bill Gates in third with seven. Despite Elon Musk's cars and innovation, Mark Zuckerberg's social media behemoths and Jeff Bezos controlling the sales market, none of them are America's favorite billionaire Businessfinancing.co.uk - a business finance and lending research and information website publisher - calculated the favorite and least favorite billionaires in every country and every US state Perhaps surprisingly, British business magnate Richard Branson was considered the most beloved billionaire in the United States, though he is not the most popular in a majority of states There was little doubt who came out as least-popular billionaire, with former President Donald Trump finishing first in America There was little doubt who came out as least-popular billionaire, with former President Donald Trump finishing first in America, 43 different states and 83 other countries. Trump was considered the most-hated billionaire everywhere from America, the United Kingdom, China, Brazil, Indonesia, Israel and Kenya. The only states where Trump wasn't declared most hated were Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Delaware. Five of those states listed News Corp chair Rupert Murdoch as their least favorite billionaire, while curiously Mark Cuban was most hated in Delaware. Trump did not finish bottom in America's neighbors to the north and south. Murdoch was most hated in both Canada and Mexico. The most popular billionaire in Canada is Lean In founder Sheryl Sandberg, while Google co-founder Larry Page was tops in Mexico. Their methodology was put together by collecting geotagged tweets mentioning various billionaires and sorted by location. They then used an AI 'sentiment detector' to determine if each mention was positive or negative Trump was deemed most hated in 43 different states and 83 other countries The United Kingdom declared Page's partner Sergey Brin as its most-beloved billionaire, while Ireland chose Sandberg. Bill Gates was declared the billionaire beloved by the most countries with 37, followed by Tesla CEO Musk with 27 and Bezos with 15. Trump was by far hated in the most countries with 83, followed by Bezos with six and a tie between Murdoch and Zuckerberg with four. Cuban, Bezos, Sandberg, Musk, Gates, Page, Branson, Warren Buffett and Steve Ballmer were most beloved in at least one US state. When broken down individually, Musk is seen most positively in Belize, with over 58 percent of impressions positive about the world's richest man. He is most hated in Mali, where 38 percent of tweets are negative. In America, 20 percent of tweets about Musk are positive with 29 percent negative. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was declared most beloved billionaire in 37 different countries and and 12 states, but most hated in three countries, including Saudi Arabia Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is most beloved in 15 counties and 10 states, but most hated in six countries, including Russia Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the most hated billionaire in four countries, including Colombia and Egypt Philanthropist Bill Gates is considered most hated in Cuba and two African nations, but is most beloved in 37 countries, including China and Venezuela Google co-founder Larry Page is the most beloved billionaire in Mexico, according to the data, as well as India Sheryl Sandberg got the most positive impressions in Canada and Ireland, as well as 10 other nations Google co-founder Sergey Brin was cited as the most beloved billionaire in the United Kingdom As for Trump, 57 percent of tweets about the former president were negative in the US, but Suriname saw the highest rate of negative tweets with 68 percent. The nation that saw the most positive tweets from Trump is Myanmar, where 44 percent of the impressions were in praise of the 45th president. Only seven percent of tweets about Trump in America were positive, according to Business Finance. Two UCLA students were thrilled to kick off their summer as camp counselors for children of university alumni, but instead found themselves in an intense hazing ritual that involved stripping naked in front of coworkers and binge drinking that led to sexual assault. Samea Derrick, 19, and Lydia Dixon, 20, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the University of California Regents this week claiming that they were sexually assaulted by two men at the camp. Bruin Woods is a student-run Lake Arrowhead summer getaway camp for UCLA alumni and families that's described on their website as the ideal place for alumni to come together, reconnect as well as make new connections. But for Derrick and Dixon, instead of networking opportunities during their week-long stint in June, they claim they were subjected to physical and verbal abuse, forced to binge drink and strip naked. Both students left the camp less than a week into the 11-week program. Derrick told ABC7 that she had gone to both the leadership of the counselor group and those running Bruin Woods for help but said no one followed up. Samea Derrick, 19, (pictured) and Lydia Dixon, 20, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the University of California Regents this week claiming that they were sexually assaulted by two men at the Bruin Woods camp Dixon said she was pressured to drink and that she drank so much that she blacked out and while asleep, was sexually assaulted by a male counselor Derrick and Dixon spoke to the Los Angeles Times after filing their lawsuit, and said that prior to arriving at the camp, they had heard rumors of the heavy drinking, partying and sex that went on. Their soon-be-bosses even sent them a packing list that included a fake ID, condoms and birth control. 'They're creating a place for people to be assaulted, like with binge drinking, with doors that don't lock and with way more women than men,' Derrick said. 'It's so dangerous.' According to the lawsuit filed on Tuesday, the hazing of Derrick began on the drive to Bruin Woods. Bruin Woods is a student-run Lake Arrowhead summer getaway camp for UCLA alumni and families that's described on their website as the ideal place for alumni to come together, reconnect and make new connections But for Derrick and Dixon, instead of networking opportunities, they claim they were subjected to physical and verbal abuse, forced to binge drink and strip naked 'You stop at this liquor store right before you go up this very windy road, and they give you a Four Loko,' said Derrick, referring to a malt liquor drink with a 12 percent alcohol content. 'The goal is to finish the entire Four Loko as you go up the mountain without throwing up.' Both said they felt forced to drink heavily to fit in. And it didn't matter that they were underage, they said. At the start of the week, Dixon drank so much that she blacked out and while asleep, was sexually assaulted by a male counselor, she said. 'That (first) night, I got really drunk and I actually ended up blacking out,' Dixon said. 'And that's when I got assaulted by the returning staffer.' When Dixon reported the incident, the staffer was kicked out of the camp and she believed things would improve. But it only got worse, she said. In addition to the binge drinking, the lawsuit alleges they were coerced into tasks that were sold as traditions, which included removing their shoes, putting pillowcases over their heads and marched into the woods where they were forced to hold their arms up until they lost circulation. The lawsuit alleges they were coerced into tasks that were sold as traditions, which included being marched into the woods where they were forced to hold their arms up until they lost circulation. Pictured is the camp where the girls lasted only five days Newbie counselors were also 'peer-pressured' into stripping naked in front of everyone and jumping on a slip-n-slide that led to the lake Newbie counselors were also 'peer-pressured' into stripping naked in front of everyone and jumping on a slip-n-slide that led to the lake. 'I was scared,' Derrick said. 'Like, I barely knew these people.' At a party the next night, newcomers found themselves among naked staff members and were once again ordered to remove their clothes. 'All of a sudden I just see all of the returning staffers naked,' said Dixon. 'I was so shocked... when I walked into that room, it felt like everyone was like the guy who assaulted me.' The counselors assured her that 'if I just took off my clothes, I'd feel so much better and this is how they build trust.' That night, Derrick was also assaulted, the lawsuit alleged, but said her complaint wasn't taken as seriously. 'When I woke up on Thursday morning, I was naked in my bed, and I just had like sheer panic ... because I didn't know what had happened,' Derrick said. The students left the camp after less than a week at the camp. After speaking to their families and then to each other, they reported their experiences to the university's Title IX office, then sought an attorney. For Derrick and Dixon, their view of the community was shattered. Derrick, who studies environmental science, took a quarter off from UCLA after having several panic attacks while seeing camp counselors on campus. She's hoping to return in the spring Dixon, a political science major still attends classes in person but fears she'll run into the person who assaulted her 'Before coming to Bruin Woods, I saw them as this awesome community of people who really loved each other,' said Dixon. 'Seeing that's what they did or that's what they had to do to get that community just made me feel really sad, because I thought it was something that it wasn't.' Dixon, a political science major still attends classes in person but fears she'll run into the person who assaulted her. Derrick, who studies environmental science, took a quarter off from UCLA after she had several panic attacks while seeing other camp counselors on campus. She is hoping to return in the spring. Derrick, who studies environmental science, took a quarter off from UCLA after she had several panic attacks while seeing other camp counselors on campus. She is hoping to return in the spring Attorney Scott Carr of Greene Broillet and Wheeler, who represents both Dixon and Derrick, cited a Daily Bruin article from 1999 that quotes one returning staffer who said, 'It takes someone who knows life is a party and who is willing to get naked and swim in the lake' as part of the criteria for what makes a qualified staff member. 'This has been going on for a long time and it needs to stop,' said Carr. 'You look at fraternities. For a long time, they were hazing, and a lot of it was kept under the radar because of secrecy, because of coercion. Things people do to prevent it from becoming public.' A UCLA spokesperson told the Times that the university has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual violence and hazing. 'When we learned of the alleged incidents earlier this year, they were referred to our Title IX Office and are being handled according to university policies and procedures,' the university said in a statement, declining to comment further to protect the privacy of those involved. 'Our top priority is the well-being of our students, staff and families, and we have robust policies in place to review all claims of misconduct.' Defence minister Baroness Goldie has said she thinks Iran would be 'appalled' to see the devastation caused by kamikaze drones in Ukraine it supplied to Russia. The Tory peer told The House of Lords Iran was a country of 'honourable traditions' that takes 'pride in its international position'. She said Iran may reconsider providing such weapons to Russia to use in its invasion. Lady Goldie said: 'I have to say that Iran may be a problematic country in many respects, but historically it's actually a country of honourable traditions and I think pride in its international position. 'And I'd have thought it was appalled at seeing the footage of what these drones were achieving and delivering for innocent citizens of Ukraine and I'd have thought that might want to make Iran consider just where it is in this. A ball of smoke and flames rises over the streets of Kyiv as the city is bombarded by a swarm of Iranian-made kamikaze drones on Monday One of the drones soars towards civilian tower blocks in the centre of Kiev during the attack When asked what the UK might do to try and persuade Iran to end its military support for Russia, she told peers that 'severe sanctions' are already in place. She said: 'I would remind members that sanctions, and severe sanctions, have been applied both by the UK and by the UN against Iran. 'And we continue to review how it is and how we can persuade Iran to reconsider what it's doing.' The drones being dispatched in Ukraine, including in Kyiv this week, are known as single-use or kamikaze drones because they are not intended to survive their mission. According to the US, Russia took delivery of 1,000 drones from Iran at the end of August. Iran has denied exporting any weapons for use in Ukraine, but Volodymyr Zelensky's government has still ejected Iran's ambassador from the country. The weapons rained down on the Ukrainian capital in successive waves of 28 drones earlier this week, according to Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko. Conservative Defence Minister Baroness Goldie made the comments in the House of Lords A security officer tries to shoot down a suicide drone attacking the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Monday Five smashed into the capital itself while 13 or more were shot down in the wider Kyiv region, all of them as they flew in from the south, said a spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yurii Ihnat. One strike appeared to target the city's heating network, hitting an operations centre while another slammed into a four-story residential building, ripping a large hole in it and collapsing at least three apartments on top of each other, killing three. The Shaheds, which Russia has rebranded as Geran-2 drones, pack an explosive charge and be fired one after the other. With a range of more than 600 miles, the explosive-laden drones can 'loiter' above potential targets for hours before being slammed directly into enemy soldiers, vehicles or buildings from above - causing an explosion. They are particularly devastating due to the psychological impact on residents, spreading fear and disrupting daily activity. Meanwhile, Iran has also been in the news over ongoing protests in Iran by women and girls, who are risking their lives to fight the harsh regime. Protests were triggered over attempts to re-impose strict hijab rules, as well as the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman killed in police custody after being arrested for wearing her hijab incorrectly. An investigation has been launched after an elderly patient with a chest infection died in the back of an ambulance outside of a hospital as a result of there being no beds available inside. The patient had arrived at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, Greater Manchester, and despite hospital staff rushing from inside to administer antibiotics, they went into cardiac arrest, NHS sources revealed. A 'do not attempt resuscitation' (DNAR) order prevented paramedics from attempting to restart the patient's heart. An investigation into the death which occurred on Tuesday has been launched by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS). A senior NHS source said: 'A patient was taken to hospital with a chest infection and held outside in the back of the ambulance. 'Treatment began on the ambulance, the hospital started antibiotic treatment. 'The patient has gone into cardiac arrest. The patient was elderly and there was a DNAR in place, so no resuscitation was attempted.' An elderly patient has died in the back of an ambulance outside Fairfield General Hospital (File image) in Bury, Greater Manchester, as a result of there being no beds available inside But outraged staff believe that the death could have been prevented if the patient had been admitted into hospital. One paramedic shared the belief that dying in the back of an ambulance compromised the patient's dignity. They said: 'The patient has died on the back of an ambulance. It's not right, it's just insane. 'Every hospital is holding ambulances outside. I've had occasions where I've taken over from the night shift and the patient hasn't even made it through the door. The patient was given antibiotic treatment by hospital staff who rushed from inside before going into cardiac arrest, NHS sources revealed. (File image: Ambulances wait outside Fairfield General Hospital) 'They've been in the ambulance for eight hours, treated there, and sent back home. Every hospital is really struggling to get patients through the door. Some hospitals will treat us as another ward.' The incident will 'lead to big discussions about treatment in the back of ambulances', another paramedic said. They added: 'What happened on Tuesday might put this at the forefront of what's going on. It's not safe. 'It's doctor-led care when you're outside the hospital but the doctors aren't staying with the patients because they have others to look after inside the building. 'Paramedics have a limited scope of practice - there are things we're not trained to do that are being seen in the care given on ambulances. One paramedic shared the belief that dying in the back of an ambulance compromised the patient's dignity. (File image: Fairfield General Hospital) 'That patient should not have died in the back of an ambulance. What about their dignity? It's not the fault of individual staff members, they're working as hard as they can. There's just not the capacity in the system to deal with the demand.' Ambulances have been pictured outside hospitals throughout summer but there are fears that this could get even worse as the nation grips itself for a winter plagued already by the cost-of-living crisis. Multiple NHS workers in the North West have suggested that demand is only set to increase but there is simply not the capacity inside hospitals. A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said: 'We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the patient's family and friends at this time. This incident was reported by our staff and will be investigated.' NHS waiting list breaches 7million for first time ever More than 7million people in England are now waiting for routine NHS ops such as hip and knee replacements, grim data revealed today. Leading experts fear the 'grim milestone' the equivalent of one in eight people will only get topped as the pressures of winter, Covid and flu kick in. The backlog is up from 6.8m last month and marks the highest total since NHS records began in 2007. Almost 390,000 patients have been forced to endure year-long waits for their treatment, often while in serious pain. Separate analysis by the BBC released suggests the NHS is carrying out fewer operations and treatments than before the pandemic, despite pledges to shrink the ever-growing list. In the past year, an average of nearly 257,500 inpatient treatments, including hip and knee replacements, have been performed each month roughly 12 per cent lower than the year before the pandemic. Damning monthly performance stats from the NHS also revealed that more than 30,000 patients faced 12-hour waits in A&E a record high. Meanwhile, doctors on the frontline have claimed that patients have faced eight-hour waits for ambulances in parts of the country. Advertisement Meanwhile Northern Care Alliance, which operates Fairfield General Hospital, declined to comment at this time. The patient's death follow paramedics across the country fearing that ambulances were and still are 'being treated as extra wards' with the scarcity of beds at crisis point. The NHS remains under immense pressure as demand has outstripped capacity for months, claim its workers. Shortages in social care, including too few community workers, as well as a lack of care home spaces, are among the chief reasons for the lack of hospital beds, causing ambulances to have to wait outside hospitals with their patients until one comes free. Patients who actually get a bed in hospital cannot be discharged, as there are not enough resources to look after them at home or in residential care. NHS staff also claim that the sheer number of people coming to A&E through the doors themselves or via ambulance has shot up in recent months. The country has an ageing population, meaning people are more likely to fall ill, and patients have had their treatments delayed through the pandemic so are more sick and need more serious care. Hospitals are also suffering their own staff shortages, dating back years. Staffing levels can often become thin in the face of such rising demand, long-time doctors have said. Horrifying ambulance delays have seen patients wait more than 40 hours to be taken to hospital. The scandal, which is affecting every region of the NHS, is being fuelled by the bed-blocking crisis, as 999 crews wait outside A&E for a free bed. It comes after grim data revealed this week that the NHS waiting list breached 7million for the first time. Health Secretary Therese Coffey has vowed to tackle the current crisis in the ambulance sector. Meanwhile ex-Health Secretary Steve Barclay, who was ousted in Liz Truss's cabinet shake-up, also had the ambulance crisis at the top of his agenda. And this week the Mirror reported that the NHS will create 24/7 'war rooms' across the UK to divert scarce resources to places they are needed this winter. Care 'traffic control centres' will be established where teams of clinicians will monitor local NHS data to divert staff to hospitals at risk of being overwhelmed. Ambulances will also be diverted to hospitals that have free beds. Auctioneers have been left 'flabbergasted' after a signed print of a painting by King Charles III of Balmoral Castle sold for thousands - at over 14 times its original estimate. The 'charming' print reproduction of a watercolour painting by the King was auctioned off to a private British collector today for 5,737.50, including premium. It had been estimated at just 400-600 by Bonhams at its Scottish Home sale before bids from around the world began to fly in. It is thought to be the first time a print by a reigning monarch has been auctioned. The print reproduction of a watercolour painting by the King was auctioned off today for 5,737.50, including premium The print is number 18 in a limited run of 100 reproductions of a painting of Balmoral Castle by the King Hamish Wilson, curator of Bonhams' Scottish Home sale, said: 'This charming print combined the King's passion for painting and his deep affection for Scotland. 'It acquired special resonance and appeal, of course, because of recent events and I am not surprised there was such keen bidding nor that it exceeded its estimate by so much.' The print, which was sold framed and cased, is number 18 in a limited run of 100 reproductions of a painting of Balmoral Castle by the King. The original piece of artwork was painted in 2001, when he was then the Prince of Wales. Each reprint has Charles' original signature and a certificate of authenticity. May Matthews, Managing director of Bonhams, said: 'We were quite flabbergasted to see the level of interest in this. 'We've had interest from all over the globe. May Matthews, Managing director of Bonhams, said: 'We were quite flabbergasted to see the level of interest in this' Balmoral Castle [pictured on September 20, 2017] was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852 'Prints that Charles has done usually go for around 400-600.' Earlier this year, an exhibition brought together 79 of the King's landscape paintings, including more scenes of the Scottish Highlands as well as scenes from the French countryside and Tanzania, according to his educational charity, The Prince's Foundation. His work regularly depicts the royal family's estates, including Balmoral and Sandringham House. King Charles was encouraged to take up painting when he was a student at Gordonstoun School by his art master Robert Waddell, According to Eastern Daily Press. King Charles was reportedly encouraged to take up painting when he was a student at Gordonstoun School by his art master Robert Waddell At the age of 29, Charles had his first exhibition of watercolour paintings at Windsor Castle and famously also painted the Queen Mother's Scottish residence Castle Mey in 1986. Furniture commissioned by Coco Chanel for Rosehall House in Sutherland, owned by Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, was also auctioned off. A limed oak Tuscan table, estimated at between 800 and 1,200, was modelled on Sir Robert Lorimer's designs for furniture at Balmanno Castle, Perthshire. Jacobite twist glass dating back to 1760 will also be auctioned in Edinburgh An antique oak table in the style of Robert Lorimer goes on sale next week These four lined oak chairs were commissioned by the fashion designer Coco Chanel for her lover Hugh Grosvenor's London home in the 1920's It went for 1657.50 including premium. A set of limed oak open armchairs, which were expected to fetch between 1,500 and 2,000 went for 3570, including premium. Other rare pieces of Scottish jewellery and glassware have also gone on sale, including a Jacobite twist glass thought to be from around 1760. A direction sign for the reception desk for refugee applications is seen at the entrance of Seoul Immigration Office in Yangcheon District. Yonhap An appellate court has granted refugee status to a transgender Malaysian national, recognizing persecution based on sexual orientation as a basis for asylum for the first time, sources said Thursday. The Seoul High Court has recently delivered the ruling in a suit the Malaysian filed against the Seoul office of the Korea Immigration Service to reverse its decision not to give refugee status to her, according to the legal sources. A lower district court had earlier ruled in favor of the immigration office. Born biologically male, the Malaysian has identified as a woman since age 10, and received feminizing hormone therapy and dressed as a woman since age 15. After getting arrested, fined and briefly detained in 2014 under Shariah, a body of Islamic law that punishes homosexuality, for dressing as a woman, she sought asylum in Korea in July 2017 only to have the application denied by the immigration service. The lower court initially ruled in favor of the immigration service on the grounds that the Malaysian had been employed in her country in the capacity of a transgender person and that did not conform to her claim of persecution. Overturning the decision, the appellate court recognized her record of arrest and punishment as persecution as defined in the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the sources said. "The complainant has been arrested and punished for revealing her sexual identity and she is currently not in a position to be able to seek state help against the threat she faces," the court said. (Yonhap) J.D. Vance wants Republicans to go to war with Joe Biden over completion of the southern border wall and said if he gets into the U.S. Senate he would support holding up a government funding bill to get it done. While speaking to supporters in his home town of Middletown, Ohio on Wednesday, Vance said Republicans need to stand up to the president on the border and said it is one of his top two priorities, according to Politico. 'Republicans, we need to have a fight over the border wall,' the Republican Ohio Senate candidate rallied. 'And we need to be willing to say to Joe Biden: 'You don't get another dime for your priorities unless you do your job and enforce and secure the Southern border,' he added. If the GOP takes control of the upper chamber in November's midterms, Vance said they should use their majority to get money to complete Donald Trump's border wall in exchange for keeping the government funded. 'It's all about leverage,' Vance said. Ohio GOP Senate candidate J.D. Vance said if elected he would 'leverage' holding up a government funding bill to get President Joe Biden to allocate money for completion of the southern border wall 'Republicans, we need to have a fight over the border wall,' Vance said. Pictured: Vance on a campaign stop in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, October 19 The comments come as Arizona's Governor Doug Ducey suggests he will not comply with the federal government's demand that he stop placing double-stacked shipping containers to fill gaps in the border wall in the Yuma sector. Vance is going head-to-head with Ohio Democratic Representative Tim Ryan for the Senate seat left open by retiring Republican Senator Rob Portman. The Trump-backed candidate says if elected to the Senate, he would push for $3 billion to secure the southern border barrier and finish incomplete sections of the wall. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered more than 2 million migrants in Fiscal Year 2022 as of August and figures for September have not yet been released by the agency. Ducey's government started placing the shipping containers on the U.S. side of the Arizona border with Mexico in August and in a letter last week the Bureau of Reclamation instructed the state to not place any new containers and remove the existing ones. The shipping containers started going up after Ducey gave up on Biden keeping his promise to secure a construction contract to fill the gaps, especially in the busy crossing area in Yuma, Arizona. Arizona's Governor Doug Ducey suggested the state will not comply with a federal government request to take down double-stacked shipping containers to fill gaps in the border Besides taking action at the state-level, Vance says Republicans should use leverage in Congress to get the wall done. 'We have to be willing to use the leverage that we will have with congressional majorities to actually force Joe Biden to do some of the core functions of the federal government,' Vance said. 'One of the things we have to be willing to do as Republicans is force the conversation on border security. It's killing way too many people.' Since August, more than 120 containers have been placed to help fill the gaps at the Arizona border, Ducey's communications director C.J. Karamargin told the Washington Examiner , adding that they are confused why it took months for the letter to come in. 'It took the feds since August to write a letter? If this is any indication of their sense of urgency, then perhaps that explains the problem we're having,' Karamargin said. 'As for the letter, we question their legal analysis and we are looking at our options,' Ducey's spokesperson added. The Bureau of Reclamation's letter claims that the request is coming in an attempt to prevent conflicts with two federal contracts awarded and two pending to fill border gaps with actual sections of border wall in the Yuma, Arizona region. Ducey's team said it went forward with filling gaps after the Biden administration failed to move on awarding a construction contract to fill the gaps between border wall in Yuma, Arizona Ducey's team said that the state-funded makeshift shipping container wall started going up over the summer after Arizona lost confidence that the federal government would fill the gaps between existing physical barriers. Governor Ducey announced in January that his state would start planning to put up barriers without waiting for the Biden administration to act on its promise. Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly announced over the summer that the Department of Homeland Security would start hiring a builder to fill in gaps in the wall in Yuma. Illegal immigrants taken into custody after crossing the border unlawfully are, in a majority of cases, released into the U.S. and Arizona is attempting with the container wall to stop the unprecedented flow coming through Yuma and inundating region airports and bus lines. The Bureau of Reclamation instructed the state in a letter last week to take down container and not place any new ones. Pictured: Doubled-stacked shipping containers fill gaps between parts of the border wall in Yuma, Arizona on September 27 In May, Ducey jumped on board with an initiative started by Texas Governor Greg Abbott the month earlier to transport migrants to the East Coast into Democratic enclaves and sanctuary cities. As of mid-July, Ducey sent 27 buses with more than 1,000 total passengers from the border to Washington, D.C. Abbott has sent considerably more migrants to the nation's capital from Texas. He has also sent buses to New York City and Chicago. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered more than 2 million migrants in Fiscal Year 2022 as of August and figures for September have not yet been released by the agency. It is not clear whether the Biden administration has awarded a contract for the project to fill border wall gaps in Yuma, but Kelly's office told the Examiner that the plan was to have a contract by September. The company's COO said they were 'highly embarrassed' by the mistake, which exposed addresses of, among other, Trump children and members of congress They added their names to the carbon copy list - visible to anyone who receives it - rather than the blind carbon copy list, which is visible only to the sender In announcing the exciting acquisition, Parler executed accidentally emailed out the addresses of hundreds of VIP users, including politicians and influencers The free speech oriented social media app founded in 2018 was recently acquired by Kanye West Parler accidentally leaked the email addresses of 198 VIP users including Ivanka Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle. The blunder happened after the rapper - also known as Ye - agreed to buy the pro-free speech app on Tuesday. Users deemed VIPs were sent a group email gushing about the acquisition. But recipients addresses were added to the email using the carbon copy (cc) function, rather than the blind carbon copy (Bcc) function. That means everyone who received the email could also see everyone else who received it - and their email addresses. Some of the VIPs whose contact details were revealed included Trump siblings Eric and Ivanka, Don Jr.'s fiance Kimberly Guilfoyle and Eric's wife Lara. Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem were also on the list. Conservative pundits and influencers whose email addresses were shared also include Charlie Kirk, Jack Posobiec, Dan Bongino and Candace Owens, whose husband, George Farmer, is the CEO of the platform. Some of the emails were government addresses, others tied individuals to specific political offices, including those of Ted Cruz and Matt Gaetz. The email that was mistakenly blasted out to hundreds of Parler VIPs who had not been blind copied, thereby exposing their personal email addresses Ye, formerly Kanye West, recently agreed to buy conservative-aligned social media app Parler, which is run by the husband of West's confidant Candace Owens Among those whose private emails were exposed by the mishap was Kimberly Guilfoyle (right), partner to Don Jr. (left) Eric and Ivanka Trump were two of the individuals whose email addresses were mistakenly leaked by Parler earlier this week Project Veritas President James O'Keefe, who has previously had his home raided by the FBI, had his email exposed in the incident Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) were also among the influential conservatives whose email addresses went out with the accidental email Following the accidental leak, COO of the company Josh Levine sent an apology follow up that read: 'Earlier today, we shared with you news about Yes intent to purchase Parler. In the excitement, we inadvertently included your email address in the CC field instead of the BCC field. 'To say were highly embarrassed is an understatement,' he wrote. To add insult to injury, many of those contacted said they'd long-deserted Parler. It was set up in 2018 as an alternative to Twitter, over claims the social media giant was censoring conservative users. But after an initial rush to join, the app was temporarily closed, and has struggled to regain its momentum since being relaunched. Donald Trump has launched his own Twitter rival, TruthSocial, which has been moderately successful. Most conservatives who haven't been banned remain on Twitter itself, which has up to 236 million daily users - to the mere 40,000 believed to use Parler every day. Florida congressional candidate Anna Paulina Luna told Politico 'worked with and was approached by Parler prior to my 2020 election. I was given a badge as I worked in media and they wanted to confirm my account was the official [account] to avoid impersonation accounts. 'I havent spoken to anyone at the org in a few years as I prefer Instagram as a primary means of communication and did not like the interface of Parler,' she said. Another one of the Republicans whose address was on the exposed list said he had engaged with a representative for the app at an event and 'the next thing I know I get am email saying, 'Oops so sorry. We sent your email to everybody on our list.'' Farmer, whose father is a member of the British House of Lords, said that conversations with Ye to acquire Parler began during Paris Fashion Week, during which his wife Owens appeared with the rapper wearing the controversial 'White Lives Matter' t-shirt. In the initial announcement of West's buyout, Farmer is quoted saying: 'this deal will change the world, and change the way the world thinks about free speech. 'Ye is making a groundbreaking move into the free speech media space and will never have to fear being removed from social media again. 'Once again, Ye proves that he is one step ahead of the legacy media narrative. Parlement will be honored to help him achieve his goals.' Parlement Technologies is Parker's parent company. In a statement to app users on Monday, Farmer said: 'Ye is not only a music & apparel titan but he, like Parler, has faced senseless and unnecessary censorship and cancellation by Big Tech. He shares Parlers passion for free speech and independent thought.' 'Parler will remain a place where everyone can think, listen, and speak freely. We will continue the fight against censorship, cancel culture, and authoritarianism,' he said. George Farmer, CEO of Parler and husband to Candace Owens, said he and Ye began discussing a potential business arrangement during Paris fashion week. Ye was then suspended form several major platforms for making offensive comments about Jews Owens recently supported West at his Paris fashion week show, where the controversy of his 'White Lives Matter' shirts began Canceled: Kanye promised to 'go death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE' in a shocking tweet earlier this month West has been the subject of significant recent controversy due to a number of anti-Semitic sentiments he has shared across a number of platforms, which have led companies including Instagram and Twitter to ban his accounts. In a Fox Business interview with Stuart Varney, Farmer repeatedly declined to say whether Parler would or would not allow West to post the same sort of anti-Semitic commentary. Farmer said that ultimately Ye would be the 'controller' when the business venture is complete. In recent weeks, West promised to go 'death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.' 'The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also. You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda,' he added, in addition to peddling several other negative tropes about Jews. President Joe Biden expressed concerns Thursday afternoon that Republicans would cut funding for Ukraine's war effort if they take the majority after the November midterms. 'Yeah, I am worried about that, because they said they'll cut it,' he told reporters who accompanied him inside a Primanti Brothers sandwich shop en route back to the airport in Pittsburgh, after he gave an address on infrastructure near the site of the nearly completed Fern Hollow Bridge. Biden's comments came as NBC News reported Thursday that lawmakers from both parties have discussed adding $50 billion in Ukraine funding to an omnibus spending bill that they'd pass before a new Congress is sworn-in in January. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who is poised to become speaker should Democrats lose control in the House, has warned Republicans are 'not going to write a blank check to Ukraine.' Biden made the stop alongside Pennsylvania's Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, the Democratic Senate hopeful who is locked in a tight race against Republican, Dr. Mehmet Oz. Primanti's sandwiches are a Pittsburgh staple, served with a layer of coleslaw and French fries stuffed between giant pieces of bread. Biden ordered the 'Pitts-burger' - beef patty, lettuce, tomato, slaw and fries - and tipped $40, the White House said. President Joe Biden expressed concerns during a stop at Primanti Brothers Thursday afternoon that Republicans would cut funding for Ukraine's war effort if they take the majority after the November midterms President Joe Biden (left) shakes the hand of workers at a Primanti's in Moon Township, en route back to the Pittsburgh airport, as he's accompanied by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (center) and his wife Gisele (right). Fetterman is the Democrats Senate hopeful Presidnet Joe Biden is captured talking to reporters inside Primanti Brothers in Moon Township Thursday. After his remarks wrapped, one diner asked reporters: 'Why didn't you ask him about the border?' At the restaurant stop Biden said he felt 'good' about the forthcoming election, which historically could see his party lose both chambers of Congress. While retaining the House would be more difficult, Biden said he believed Democrats could hold onto the Senate. 'I think so. It ain't over 'til it's over,' the president expressed. Fetterman is the Democrat most likely to flip a Republican-held Senate seat, as Pennsylvania's GOP Sen. Pat Toomey is retiring. But other Democratic seats are in danger, especially in the swing states of Georgia and Nevada. Asked if he planned to travel to those locations - to boost Democratic incumbents, Sens. Raphael Warnock and Catherine Cortez Masto, respectively, Biden answered: 'I've got about 16 to 18 requests.' 'We're trying to work it out now,' Biden said. Earlier, he clapped back when a reporter pointed out that not many candidates have appeared with him in the run-up to the November 8 midterms. 'That's not true, there have been 15. Count, kid, count,' Biden said Thursday morning, before boarding Marine One. He also said he planned to hold more campaign events with Democrats in the next three weeks. When asked for specifics, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remained tight lipped on board Air Force One Thursday. 'I don't have any travel to preview for you at this time,' she said. At Primanti's, where the president went in to get take-out, he motioned to diners when asked if his economic message was resonating with voters. 'Well, we'll find out. You'll have to ask these folks right here,' Biden said. One diner piped up, 'Don't ask us!' He also affirmed that he'd be able to work with Republicans if they took over Congress. 'I've always been able to do that,' the president said. 'I got a lot of bipartisan stuff passed you guys never thought I never could have passed.' As the president left one diner asked the reporters in the room, 'Why didn't you ask about the border.' 'All these guys want to do is eat their lunch,' Biden said, putting his hand on one male diner's shoulder as he exited the establishment. Biden then headed Philadelphia to hold a closed door fundraiser for Fetterman instead of a rally, where some reporters will be allowed in, but cameras won't be permitted. Police have launched an appeal for 16-year-old Ayub, who has been missing for almost three months. The teenager, from Charlton in south east London, was reported missing on July 26. He was in contact with his family on October 14, but has not been heard from since. Three days later, Greenwich MPS Tweeted out a message asking anyone with information to contact them. '#Missing. Have you seen Ayub, 16 years old, missing from #Charlton since July 2022. He has links to #Kent #Slough #Greenwich,' read the Tweet. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to call 101 with the reference: 22MIS026226. Callers can also dial 116 000 or email 116000@missingpeople.org.uk. MailOnline has reached out for clarification as to why an appeal was launched after a two-month wait. More information is expected to follow soon. Ayub, 16, from Charlton in south east London, is pictured. The teenager was reported missing on July 26 and is said to have links with Kent, Slough and Greenwich The news comes after police in Leicester launched a manhunt for two girls last seen at a train station in early October. Miley McCluskey and friend Carly, both 15, may have last been seen on Monday evening at Leicester train station at 9pm. Police are also appealing for help in finding a missing child from Bromley. Drew, last seen on September 22, is missing from her home. She was last seen on September 22, 2022. But in better news, a 13-year-old boy named Henry was found safe and well last month, after he went missing while traveling to Manchester. He was last seen around 30 miles from home in Over Hulton, but was later spotted on Salford Road at around 9.25pm, and police found him safe and well. The White House said Wednesday that Iran was not only selling lethal drones to Russia but had 'assisted' Russia as it carried out attacks from annexed Crimea. White House national security spokesman John Kirby leveled the startling allegation after Russia had carried out a string of attacks on civilian infrastructure using what videos showed and Ukrainian officials identified as the Iranian drones. 'We can confirm that Russia's military personnel that are based in Crimea have been piloting Iranian UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles], using them to conduct strikes across Ukraine, including strikes against Kyiv in just recent days,' Kirby said. 'We assess that Iranian military personnel on the ground in Crimea assisted Russia in these operations,' he added. White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said Iranian military personnel 'on the ground in Crimea assisted' Russian operations using Iranian-supplied drones to attack Ukraine 'Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted with these operations,' Kirby continued. 'Russia has received dozens of UAVs so far and will likely continue to receive additional shipments in the future.' In another comment he said it was the Russians who were remotely piloting the drones. 'The information we have is that the Iranians have put trainers and tech support in Crimea, but its the Russians who are doing the piloting,' he said. Amid with withering attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr continued to plead with the US and NATO allies for more defenses. It came after Israel declined to furnish Ukraine with its Iron Dome missile defense system. Even before the U.S. statement about Iranian forces inside Crimea, Ukraine had signaled its fury at the arms sale, and the foreign ministry submitted a proposal to break diplomatic ties with Tehran. The killer Shahed-136 aren't having a major impact on the battlefield, but Russia appears to be using them to pound Ukrainian towns and cities, in what could be an effort to try to sap morale in the war, which began in February. Ukraine and the U.S. have blasted what multiple videos and images reveal to be Russia's use of Iranian-made drones Members of emergency services respond to a fire after a Russian attack targeted energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Ukraine on October 18, 2022 A 'killer' drone is seen flying over Kiev Russia's repeated bombings in Ukraine are part of an effort to 'intimidate' people there to try force their capitulation, President Biden said Wednesday at the White House Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly condemned Russia's use of the drones and has sought additional defensive help from the U.S. and allies A drone is seen in the sky seconds before it fired on buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 17, 2022 President Biden and President Zelensky have each rejected the tactic, saying it would only further unify the Ukrainian populace. Kirby's stark statements came on a day Biden fretted that U.S. political support for Ukraine could dip if Republicans take over Congress, following comments by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. 'I am worried,' Biden told reporters on a trip to Pittsburgh. Biden said Wednesday that Russia's repeated attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine were an effort by Russian President Vladimir Putin to force the Ukrainians to capitulate and that it will fail. He was asked about Putin's latest gambit, declaring martial law in four annexed Ukrainian territories seized by Russia, in the latest effort to use force to try impose order and control. 'I think that Vladimir Putin finds himself in an incredibly difficult position,' Biden told reporters, pausing to collect his thoughts while holding a binder of material. 'And what it reflects to me is, it seems his only tool available to him is to brutalize individual citizens in Ukraine, Ukrainian citizens, to try to intimidate them into capitulating. They're not going to do that,' he said. The U.S. already has heavily sanctioned Iran, but the arms sales could bring additional responses. A New York court has dismissed a sex assault lawsuit brought against Kevin Spacey. The allegations were made by 'Star Trek: Discovery' actor Anthony Rapp, who accused the Hollywood star of sexual misconduct towards him when he was 14. A jury found Mr Rapp, who was seeking $40 million in damages, failed to prove Spacey 'touched a sexual or intimate body part,' leading Judge Lewis Kaplan to dismiss the case. The panel took just one hour and 20 minutes to reach their verdict. Mr Rapp, now 51, was seeking compensation for mental and emotional suffering, medical expenses and loss of work. He claimed the House of Cards star pinned him down on a bed and pushed his pelvis against him in 1986 - an allegation Mr Spacey's lawyers strenuously denied. During the trial Mr Rapp's lawyers tried to convince the jury that Mr Spacey carried out the incident in an attempt to 'gratify his sexual desire'. A New York court has dismissed a sex assault lawsuit brought against Kevin Spacey (pictured leaving court today) Mr Spacey was not liable for one count of battery for lying on top of Anthony Rapp, now 51, at his apartment in New York, the jury found Mr Spacey's attorney Jennifer Keller told the court at the start of the trial her client 'wanted justice'. 'Once you've heard both sides, you'll be convinced this alleged assault never happened at all.' Ms Keller said Mr Rapp 'hitched his wagon' onto the MeToo movement when he came forward. In her closing argument, she said: 'This isn't a team sport where you're either on the Me Too side, or you're on the other side. 'This is a very different place. Our system requires evidence, proof, objective support for accusations provided to an impartial jury. However polarized as society may be today, it really should not have a place here'. During his testimony Mr Spacey said that he was 'shocked and frightened' when he learned about the allegations in the Buzzfeed article in 2017. Mr Spacey said that he had 'never been alone' with Mr Rapp and he 'didn't know how that (the allegation) could be possibly true'. With tears in his eyes, Mr Spacey said that he was 'never interested in children' and hit back at Mr Rapp's claim in the Buzzfeed article he was a fraud for not coming out. Mr Spacey became emotional as he apologized for coming out in a statement responding to Mr Rapp's allegations as it linked an alleged incident of paedophilia and homosexuality. He dabbed his eyes with a tissue as he said: 'I would never have done anything to hurt the gay community and I was so upset that happened. 'It was really wrong and it was really bad and I'm deeply sorry', bowing his head as he cried. Spacey's attorney Jennifer Keller told the court at the start of the trial her client 'wanted justice' (Pictured: Court artist's sketch of Spacey on October 6) Throughout the trial, Mr Rapp told the court how he met Mr Spacey while he was performing in the play Precious Sons in 1986 alongside Ed Harris. According to Mr Rapp, the pair met backstage at a theatre production and Mr Spacey invited he and a friend, fellow actor John Barrowman, out to dinner. He alleged Mr Spacey invited him to an apartment a few days later. He told the court he didn't know anyone else at the apartment so went into the bedroom to watch television, and was joined by the apparently drunk actor, who was 26 at the time, later in the evening. Mr Rapp said Mr Spacey picked him up 'like a groom takes a bride over the threshold, adding: 'I was confused. I didn't know what was happening.' Mr Spacey's chest was 'pressed firmly into my chest', Mr Rapp said, leaving him feeling 'pinned' to the bed. Mr Rapp said at that moment: 'I knew something was really wrongI had to get out of there. I was feeling very frozen. I felt like a deer in headlights. 'I managed to wriggle out from underneath him.' Asked by one of his lawyers if he was making it up, Mr Rapp's voice went deep with emotion as he said: 'This is something that happened to me. It was not OK'. Mr Rapp became rattled under forensic cross examination from Ms Keller. She suggested that he made up his allegations because he was jealous and claimed that he became 'enraged' every time he read about Mr Spacey winning another award. Ms Keller got Mr Rapp to admit that it was not true that he was inspired to speak out in 2017 after reading an article in the New York Times by Lupita Nyong'o. In fact he had started speaking to a Buzzfeed journalist eight days before. Born in New Jersey in 1959, Mr Spacey studied at New York's prestigious Juilliard School and made his professional stage debut in 1981 Born in New Jersey in 1959, Mr Spacey studied at New York's prestigious Juilliard School and made his professional stage debut in 1981. He won an Oscar for his role in 1995's The Usual Suspects and a second Academy Award for American beauty in 2000. In 2015 he received an honorary knighthood and a special Olivier award for his contributions to British theatre. Among the other legal challenges faced by Mr Spacey are the ruling by another judge in the US in August that he must pay $31m (29.5m) to MRC, the producers of House of Cards, for his firing in 2017. All the scenes featuring Mr Spacey as oil tycoon J. Paul Getty in Ridley Scott's All the Money in the World were reshot using Christopher Plummer. A Netflix biopic of Gore Vidal starring Mr Spacey has been permanently shelved. One of Danny Masterson's alleged rape victims admitted on the witness stand that over a 14-year period, she changed her story about what happened between her and the actor in their first sexual encounter at his house in September 2002. Jane Doe #1 has testified that when she went to Hollywood police in 2004 to report Masterson for rape, she told the cops that the sex they had during that tryst was consensual. But under cross examination Thursday by the That '70s Show star's attorney, Philip Cohen, she agreed that when she was interviewed by Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller in 2018, she had 'changed her position.' She told the jury that by the time of that interview she had 'changed her view' and she now believed her sex with Masterson in September 2002 was 'not consensual.' The third day of Scientologist Danny Masterson's rape trial was held Thursday in a Los Angeles court Jane Doe #1 testified that when she went to police in 2004 to report Masterson for rape, she told the cops that they had consensual sex. But under cross examination Thursday she agreed that when she was interviewed in 2018, she had 'changed her position' The alleged victim admitted that she 'never said no' to the vaginal sex she had with Masterson, but she did not consent to him penetrating her anally, which she has accused him of The alleged victim admitted that she 'never said no' to the vaginal sex she had with Masterson that night, but she did not consent to him penetrating her anally, which she has accused him of. When Cohen suggested to her that 'Mr. Masterson's penis touching your anus may have been accidental,' she answered 'No.' And when the attorney asked if Masterson apologized to her after the anal contact, she told the court that he did, 'but much later.' Masterson is not charged in connection to the 2002 incident, but is charged with raping Jane Doe #1 the following year. Judge Charlaine Olmedo took exception to Cohen suggesting to Jane Doe #1 that prior to the September 2002 incident, she was 'taking a break from alcohol' because of a bad experience. Clearing the jury from the courtroom, the judge told Cohen, 'Any witness's substance use whether it's alcohol or drugs is off limits. 'It's inappropriate character evidence and we're not going to go there.' Cohen argued that asking Jane Doe #1 about her tolerance for alcohol was 'absolutely appropriate.' He blasted the prosecution's 'inference' that Masterson had spiked his alleged victims' drinks with 'drugs, molly or roofies,' saying that no evidence existed of such 'nefarious' behavior. Cohen tried to cast doubt on Jane Doe 1s claim that he pulled a gun on her during their second sexual encounter in April 2003. When she went to Hollywood police in June 2004 to make a report that Masterson had raped her, she told Officer Alexander Schlegel that the actor had pulled out a gun, she told the court But when Cohen asked her if Schlegel mentions in his report that Masterson pulled out a gun, she responded, No. The morning after the April 25 incident, Jane Doe said she saw and spoke to friend and fellow Scientologist Luke Watson at Mastersons house as she was leaving, the court heard. Did you tell Luke Watson that you had been raped? asked Cohen. No, she replied. Did you tell Luke Watson that you had been choked? he asked. No she again responded. Did you tell Luke Watson that Masterson had pulled a gun on you? he asked. Again, the answer from Jane Doe 1 was No. Jane Doe #1 described how Masterson allegedly threw her in his jacuzzi, raped her and then pulled a gun on her, telling her, 'Don't say a f***king word.' Masterson is seen in a court sketch The alleged victim admitted to the jury that by the time she was interviewed in 2018, she had 'changed her view' and she now believed her sex with Masterson in September 2002 was 'not consensual' Masterson's family and friends were at court Thursday to support the actor On Wednesday Jane Doe #1 told the court that Masterson had grabbed her throat and 'squeezed real hard' during the alleged rape in 2003. 'I thought I was going to die, that he was going to kill me,' she said The woman, now 48, broke down sobbing in the witness box as she recounted her harrowing story and Judge Olmedo called a 10-minute recess for her to regain her composure. In the second encounter at the actor's house, Masterson handed her a 'really sweet, fruity' drink with vodka in it, she said. And later he grabbed her wrists and told her she was going in his jacuzzi. She said no, and tried to resist, but, after drinking half the cocktail, she added, 'I felt weak. I had no strength.' He got her out to the yard and threw her partially clothed into the jacuzzi, where, she told the court. 'I did not feel good I felt like I could fall asleep and slip under the jacuzzi water,' she said. 'My breathing was shallow. Something was wrong. I couldn't see. I couldn't open my eyes.' Feeling nauseous and wanting to be sick, she managed to get out of the hot tub and Masterson carried her upstairs to his bathroom where he stuck his fingers down her throat to make her vomit, the court heard. The court heard how Masterson threatened one of his rape accusers with a gun if she told fellow Scientologist Lisa Marie Presley about the alleged abuse She passed out, she said, but awoke to the sound of Masterson's voice saying 'You're f***ing disgusting. You just vomited all over your hair. You have to go in the shower. He dragged me into the shower. 'In the shower I came to. I was on the floor and he was stroking my breast with his hand.' Masterson picked her up, told her to his bedroom and 'threw me on the bed,' she added. 'I passed out. 'When I woke up he was on top of me and his penis was inside me. I had no clothes on.' She told the jury that she told Masterson to stop, grabbing a pillow and pushing it into his face to push him away. 'But he shoved it back into my face harder. I was smothered. I could not breathe. I went unconscious. 'When I came to, he was still on top of me...I grabbed his throat. 'He grabbed my throat and squeezed real hard. I thought I was going to die, that he was going to kill me. I could not breathe. He said to me, 'You like this. You're not going to f***ing tell Lisa. You're not going to f***ing tell Paige.' Asked by Deputy DA Mueller to clarify, Jane Doe #1 said Masterson was referring to her Scientologist friends, Lisa Marie Presley and another friend, Paige. At this point in the incident, there was a commotion outside the bedroom with knocking on the door and a man's voice yelling, she went on. Masterson pulled a gun from his bedside table and while he was holding it, she said, he said to me, 'Shut the f**k up'.'Don't f***ing move. Don't f***ing move.' She passed out again, she said, and when she woke up, seeing that Masterson was gone, she crawled off the bed and into a closet where she, curled up into a fetal position and went to sleep.' Masterson is facing a sentence of 45 years to life in prison if he's found guilty. He's seen with wife Bijou Phillips Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller arrives at the courthouse on Thursday Explaining why she waited so long to report Masterson, she told the jury, 'If I reported another Scientologist, I would be guilty of a high crime (in Scientology doctrine).' That would mean being declared a 'suppressive person' and 'permanent expulsion' from the church, she added. 'My life would be over. My parents (both Scientologists) would have to disconnect with me. My daughter, (who was seven or eight at the time) would have to come out of school. I would have nowhere to go. 'And if my parents did stay in contact with me, they would be declared suppressive.' For the second time in two days, Judge Olmedo had to call a brief recess after Jane Doe #1 broke down in tears, this time as she recounted - sometimes with confusing answers that seemed to contradict one another - the aftermath of the alleged rape and a phone call with Masterson in which he described their sexual encounter as a good time. The day after the alleged incident at Mastersons house on April 25 2003, she flew to Florida for a vacation with her family and during cross examination from defense attorney Philip Cohen she said that while she didnt really remember the night before, on the plane she kept getting flashes or flash memories of what happened. Did you have a flash memory of Masterson having sex with you against your will? asked Cohen. Yes, she replied. Did you have a flash memory of Masterson being silent and physical with you? Cohen then asked. Again, her answer was Yes. Despite these answers, she said today that when she spoke to Masterson on the phone while she was still in Florida she told him she didnt remember and when she asked him, What happened? he said We had a good time. She burst into tears in the witness box, sobbing that when Masterson told her they had sex that night, her reaction was, No, no, youre lying. Its not true. I didnt want to believe it, she said. She also said she didnt want to believe that the bruising and other injuries she was suffering in Florida were the result of the alleged rape on April 25. I just wanted to believe it didnt happen, said Jane Doe 1 who described her injuries as pain in her anus on a scale of 10 out of 10, bruising all over, red dots on her neck from allegedly being choked by Masterson and for three days she felt like somebody had punched me in the vagina. She told the court that photos of her taken in Florida which showed the bruising, were shocking to her parents. But Cohen challenged the severity of her injuries, showing the jury two blown up photos of Jane Doe1 during her Florida trip in which shes posing in a bikini, smiling - in one with a waiter and the other with her cousin Rachel. Where is the shocking picture? asked Cohen. Deputy DA Mueller objected to the question and the judge sustained his objection. Masterson's mother, Bijou Phillips, sat in the courtroom as the alleged victim spoke Referring to the injuries and pain she said she was in during her Florida vacation, Cohen asked her if she had consulted any doctors while she was there and she responded, No. And when Cohen asked her if she had provided Officer Schlegel - the Hollywood cop who took her June 2004 first report of the alleged rape - with her cousin Rachels name as somebody who could corroborate her claims of bruising and other injuries, she again answered, No. Masterson, 46, who has been free on $3.3 million bail since his arrest in June 2020, has pleaded not guilty to raping three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. He's facing a sentence of 45 years to life in prison if he's convicted at the end of his trial where ex-Scientologist Presley, is on the witness list. His accusers whom DailyMail.com is identifying only as Jane Does 1 through 3 are all former Scientologists and are also suing him and the Church of Scientology in civil court, claiming that they've been harassed and intimidated since reporting him to police. Defence sources have rejected Russia's claims that a 'technical malfunction' caused one of its fighter jets to fire a missile close to a British spy plane. They told the Daily Mail that the incident revealed yesterday by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was more likely a Kremlin warning over Britain's military support for Ukraine. Mr Wallace told the House of Commons that an Su-27 fighter jet had intercepted the intelligence-gathering aircraft over the Black Sea on September 29. The Russian jet fired a missile which missed the RAF Rivet Joint an aircraft packed with sensors and software capable of intercepting Russian military communications. Responding to an official complaint submitted by Mr Wallace, Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu insisted the firing of the missile was a mistake. But defence sources cast doubt over Russia's explanation, claiming the missile was fired deliberately. Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry said: 'Of course it wasn't an accident. The incident displayed clear intimidatory intent. We are in a strategic conflict with Russia now. We need to be tougher and to face down these criminals.' The incident closely resembled another hostile interaction between British and Russian forces in the same region in June 2021. An RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint spy plane had been flying over international waters near Crimea at the time of the incident last month (file image) Two Russian Su-27 fighter jets 'interacted with' the British plane, Ben Wallace said (file image) Then, a Russian coastguard vessel fired machine gun rounds towards HMS Defender when the warship crossed its path in the Black Sea. The captain of the Royal Navy ship had previously ignored warnings that it could come under fire if it approached the coastline of the Crimean peninsula which has been occupied by Russia since 2014. The Russians opened fire once HMS Defender was out of range, ensuring no one aboard the warship was wounded. The more recent incident may have been motivated by Russian concerns that the Rivet Joint was acquiring military intelligence which the UK would give to Ukraine. Defence expert Francis Tusa said: 'If I was in Nato HQ, I'd be concerned there might be a turning point here. 'RAF and US Rivet Joints fly 'racetrack' flight patterns over the Black Sea, the Baltic and eastern Poland gathering intelligence. The role of the aircraft is to hoover up electronic transmissions and communications. 'Do they subsequently pass such intelligence to the Ukrainians? Well, the rate Russian army HQs in the field seem to get hit by Ukrainian artillery seems to point in this direction. A Russian Su-27 jet shadowing an RAF RC-135 spy plane over the Black Sea 'released a missile in the vicinity' of the British plane, Ben Wallace revealed 'If the Russian air force is going to get more aggressive as regards to Nato surveillance aircraft, close protection of these assets becomes a real issue.' Mr Wallace said Rivet Joint patrols were suspended temporarily after the incident. They resumed with Nato fighter jets accompanying the spy planes. He said: 'An unarmed RAF Rivet Joint, a civilian-style aircraft, on a routine patrol over the Black Sea was interacted with by two Russian Su-27 fighter aircraft. It is not unusual for aircraft to be shadowed and this day was no different. During that interaction, however, it transpired one of the Su-27s released a missile in the vicinity of the RAF Rivet Joint beyond visual range. The total time of the interaction was approximately 90 minutes. 'The patrol completed and the aircraft returned to base.' Mr Wallace said: 'Everything we do is considered and calibrated with regard to the ongoing conflict in the region and in accordance with international law. 'We welcomed Russia's acknowledgement this was in international airspace. The UK has conducted regular sorties with RAF Rivet Joint over the Black Sea since 2019 and we will continue to do so.' Mr Wallace added that, in a separate incident, a Russian jet had flown within 15ft of a Nato aircraft. He described such behaviour as 'reckless' and 'unnecessary'. Rivet Joint missions are shrouded in secrecy. The aircraft's crew of up to 30 customarily includes linguists, communications experts and technicians. The equipment they operate is strictly classified. The aircraft is 135ft long and can fly at 540mph. After an hour long standoff, the man was taken into custody by officers at the scene The man reportedly reached speeds upward of 90 miles per hour while driving through San Diego and Orange counties Upon arriving at LAX, the man jumped out of his car and went towards the edge of the freeway overpass The unidentified man led police on a chase up from San Diego to LA The Los Angeles Fire Department set up an air cushion underneath a freeway at LAX Thursday for a man threatening to jump The Los Angeles Fire Department set up an air cushion underneath a freeway just outside LAX Thursday for a man threatening to jump following a high-speed chase. According to ABC 7, the unknown driver led officers with the California Highway Patrol in a pursuit that originate in San Diego County earlier in the day before eventually being taken into custody outside of the Southern California airport. After arriving at the airport, the man jumped out of his vehicle, a dark-colored Nissan sedan, and darted toward the edge of the bridge near LAX. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department engaged in a standoff with the man on top of the bridge for more than an hour before the air cushion was set up. The man was seen looking like he was ready to jump with the 'L' of the LAX in the background Officers originally stood behind their marked vehicles as the man got close to the edge and threatened to jump Thursday afternoon in LA The man at one point appeared to be relaxing on the edge of the highway's overpass as officers and negotiators were brought in to talk him down Not only was traffic on the highway where the man was standing shut off, but because officials deployed an air cushion underneath it, both lanes of traffic on CA-1 were also closed Helicopter footage from ABC 7 showed heavy traffic outside of the area where the freeway was closed for the standoff. Initial reports indicate that the man may have been armed with a weapon. According to CHP officials, the pursuit in San Diego began when police attempted to pull the man over for driving head on at incoming traffic. Rather than stopping, he took off, reaching speeds upwards of 90 miles per hour. Luckily, the highways were not heavily crowded as the pursuit began around midday in the Southern California county. The man took the Interstate 5 northbound all the way up through San Diego County and Orange County before he arrived in Los Angeles. Another angle shows just how close the man came to falling or jumping off the top of the bridge outside of LAX The man drover upwards of 90 miles per hour through at least three Southern California counties Thursday before jumping out of his car on a bridge outside of LAX Firefighters have set up an air cushion underneath the bridge. Traffic on Century Blvd. and NB Sepulveda Blvd. is impacted by the standoff. pic.twitter.com/bMzK3Q0SMN KTLA (@KTLA) October 20, 2022 The northern most point of San Diego County is just under 70 miles from the Los Angeles airport. He eventually got off and transitioned highways and sped through Compton and Inglewood, both located east of the airport. The helicopter caught the man repeatedly sticking his head out of his Nissan's window, checking for police and law enforcement behind him. #LIVE #Chase suspect in standoff with CHP after driving onto overpass near LAX and exiting vehicle https://t.co/N0FNzpdiV8 pic.twitter.com/NtkYgDgodd ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 20, 2022 He arrived at the airport around 1pm, ABC7 reported and ran to the edge of the bridge while officers stood behind their patrol car doors. Traffic between Century Boulevard and northbound Sepulveda Boulevard was impacted by the standoff, officials said. As of 2.30pm Pacific Standard Time, officers on the bridge were within feet of the man, who helicopter footage showed sitting on the barrier of the highway ledge and just before 3pm, the man was taken into custody. LAX officials urged drivers to look for alternate routes while the issue was resolved. 'Police activity is ongoing near the LAX entrance. Westbound Century Blvd. to the departures level is open, but Southbound Sepulveda remains the best way to access the airport,' the airport's account tweeted. Police activity is ongoing near the LAX entrance. Westbound Century Blvd. to the departures level is open, but Southbound Sepulveda remains the best way to access the airport. Flights are not impacted, but traffic will be heavy and delayed. Allow extra time. LAX Airport (@flyLAXairport) October 20, 2022 'Flights are not impacted, but traffic will be heavy and delayed. Allow extra time,' LAX continued. One person responded, calling the backup from the incident 'huge' and advising an alternate route. Under-fire senator Lidia Thorpe used an encrypted messaging app to communicate with her bikie boss lover - as she faces formal punishment for her conduct and faces calls to resign from parliament. On Thursday it was revealed Ms Thorpe had a brief relationship in 2021 with Dean Martin, the ex-president of the Rebels Victoria chapter and uncle of AFL star Dustin Martin. The revelation caused Greens leader Adam Bandt to ask for Ms Thorpe's resignation as deputy leader of the party in the Senate, which she handed in soon after, after Mr Bandt described her conduct as exhibiting a 'significant lack of judgment'. Ms Thorpe's relationship with Martin came to light after reports her staff were concerned by the relationship because she was a member of a joint parliamentary law enforcement committee. That committee heard highly confidential briefings from the Australian Federal Police about its efforts to monitor the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs. On Thursday it was revealed Ms Thorpe (right) had a brief relationship in 2021 with Dean Martin (left), the ex-president of the Rebels Victoria chapter and uncle of AFL star Dustin Martin The revelation of Ms Thorpe's liaison with Martin caused Greens leader Adam Bandt to ask for her resignation as deputy leader of the party in the Senate, which she handed in soon after Martin (left) is the ex-president of the Rebels Victoria chapter and has a long association with the club. He has recorded no criminal convictions According to the ABC, Ms Thorpe told one of her staff members about her liaison with Martin in May, 2021, and another in June. In August, 2021, one of those staff members confronted Ms Thorpe about the dangers inherent in the relationship after confidential committee documents arrived in the senator's Melbourne office the same day she had met Martin in a park nearby. The staffer then made a work diary entry after warning Ms Thorpe the 'risks are catastrophic' of her relationship with Martin being discovered, the ABC reported. The diary entry also revealed Ms Thorpe and Martin communicated by messaging app Signal, writing that 'they clear their conversations once a week, that they never meet at their respective homes and that she was being really careful'. The staffer noted Ms Thorpe chose not to take advice about the relationship: 'I highlighted the huge, real, risk. She assured me the relationship was no longer underway.' The same person was further alarmed in February this year when Martin appeared in Ms Thorpe's electorate office and they spoke privately in a room for 15 minutes. Senator Thorpe explained the meeting was 'to discuss issues related to deportation of First Nations people including his brother [Shane]'. Despite his bikie affiliations, Martin has no criminal convictions. Greens leader Mr Bandt (right, with Ms Thorpe at left) is under pressure to explain why his chief of staff appeared to know about Ms Thorpe's relationship with Martin in October last year but the leader remained unaware until last week Dean Martin is the brother of Dustin Martin's father Shane, who passed away in New Zealand in December, 2021 Ms Thorpe has stressed she has at no time inappropriately shared confidential information received as a committee member. Her position on the committee ended earlier this year. 'Obviously, I'm concerned about the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle clubs in general. But when we met, Mr Martin was no longer involved with that world,' she told the ABC. It's understood members of the committee, including Ms Thorpe, were briefed on highly secretive police operations and investigations into drugs and firearms trafficking by outlaw motorcycle gangs. The revelation of the relationship has led to the possibility of Senator Thorpe being formally censured by the Federal parliament when it sits next week. Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley said there were serious questions to answer, and challenged Labor to back a censure motion against Senator Thorpe in the Senate when federal parliament returns. 'You can't be receiving confidential briefings during the day about outlaw motorcycle gangs and be in bed with one of them at night. That's not on,' she told Sunrise on Friday. 'As I understand it, there will be a censure motion moved in the Senate ... I hope [Labor] support it.' 'I don't think Lidia Thorpe belongs in the parliament,' Opposition leader Peter Dutton told Sky News on Thursday night Opposition leader Peter Dutton has gone further, suggesting Ms Thorpe resign from the parliament. 'I don't think Lidia Thorpe belongs in the parliament,' he told Sky News on Thursday night. 'She should be leaving the Greens and she should be leaving the Australian parliament.' Education Minister Jason Clare said it was a 'no-brainer' that Senator Thorpe appeared to have a 'massive' conflict of interest. 'You can't be on an inquiry investigating outlaw motorcycle gangs and be in a relationship with an (ex) outlaw motorcycle gang member, a bikie,' he said on Sunrise. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Greens leader Adam Bandt had further explaining to do and what he knew and when in relation to the revelations about Senator Thorpe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, visiting Western Australia, said Greens leader Adam Bandt - who said he only learned of Ms Thorpe's relationship with Martin after questions from the ABC last week - had further explaining to do. 'I note that Senator Thorpe has said that this is an error of judgment that is the least description that I would put to it,' the prime minister said. 'Adam Bandt has to explain what his office knew and what he knew and why he wasnt informed about these issues given his office was informed, why that is the case.' Mr Bandt is under pressure to explain why his chief of staff Damien Lawson appeared to know about the matter in October last year but the leader remained unaware until last week. 'People are entitled to trust that where there are issues that affect the work of senators, all members of parliament, that they will be disclosed,' he said on Thursday. In a statement on Thursday Ms Thorpe said she had accepted the mistakes she had made. 'I ... have not exercised good judgment,' she said 'As leader, I expect my senators and MPs, especially those in leadership positions, to exercise good judgment. 'At a minimum, Senator Thorpe needed to disclose to me her connection to Mr Martin and her failure to do so showed a significant lack of judgment.' Senator Thorpe said she had accepted the mistakes she had made. 'I ... have not exercised good judgment,' she said in a statement. 'I will now reflect on this and focus on my important portfolio work, especially advocating for First Nations people.' This file photo shows apartment buildings in central Seoul, Oct. 10. Yonhap The number of households in the capital city of Seoul is expected to gradually decrease starting in 2030, data showed Thursday, as more people move to other areas in search of affordable housing. According to the estimate by Statistics Korea, the number of households in Seoul, which came to 3.95 million in 2020, is expected to grow through 2029 and reach a peak of 4.12 million. Starting in 2030, however, the number is expected to lose ground, eventually reaching 3.79 million in 2050, it added. The number of households in Gyeonggi Province that surrounds Seoul is expected to top out at 6.8 million in 2044, compared with 5 million in 2020. The southeastern port city of Busan and Gwangju, 268 kilometers south of Seoul, are set to see their number of households peak in 2028 and 2034, respectively. Only the central city of Sejong is anticipated to maintain growth in the number of households beyond 2050, the agency added. The average number of members per household in the country was estimated at 2.37 in 2020 but is expected to reach 1.91 in 2050 amid the country's chronically low birthrate. The total number of households in the country, which came to 20.7 million in 2020, is set to reach its highest point of 23.87 million in 2039 before falling to 22.85 million in 2050, the data also showed. (Yonhap) Ministers were last night resisting demands from opposition parties for an immediate general election. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer claimed the Conservative Party has shown it no longer has a mandate to govern and called for the public to be given an opportunity to choose the next prime minister. But the Tories will hold out against the demand after recent polling suggested they faced an electoral wipeout. The latest survey, released on Monday afternoon, put Labour on a 36-point lead the highest lead ever recorded for any party by any pollster. If replicated in a general election, the result would leave the Conservative Party with fewer MPs than the SNP and see several Cabinet ministers lose their seats. However, the past fortnight has left the Tory party in such disarray that some of its own MPs are calling for an election, with one backbencher yesterday saying he was ashamed of his revolting colleagues. Christopher Chope told Times Radio: The Conservative Parliamentary Party has proved over the last several hours that its ungovernable. Im ashamed of the way in which my revolting colleagues have basically destroyed another prime minister and leader of our party. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) claimed the Conservative Party has shown it no longer has a mandate to govern and called for the public to be given an opportunity to choose the next prime minister Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also called for an immediate general election Sir Keir brags Labour is 'party of sound money' By Senior Political Correspondent For The Daily Mail Sir Keir Starmer yesterday criticised the pathetic squabbles in the Tory Government and claimed that Labour was the party of sound money. Addressing the Trade Union Congress conference in Brighton, the Labour leader said his sister, a care worker, struggles to make ends meet because of the cost of living crisis. He warned that the damage inflicted on the public finances over recent weeks meant a Labour government would face difficult decisions if it was to restore confidence in the UK economy. Making a point: Sir Keir Starmer speaking yesterday Sir Keirs speech came as his deputy Angela Rayner was criticised for dodging a picket line yesterday. Union leaders representing workers from rail, education and the Civil Service joined striking postal workers outside a Royal Mail depot in Brighton. But Miss Rayner stayed away, despite being cheered by comrades for saying trade unions are in my bones the night before. Sir Keir has banned his shadow ministers from standing on picket lines to distance himself from militant unions, but the postal workers said Miss Rayner should have got out of bed, and come and support. Advertisement I dont see now that theres any reasonable response we can make other than to call an immediate general election... What we need now is a new mandate from the people. Earlier this year the Fixed-term Parliaments Act was repealed, meaning elections are no longer limited to every five years. There is currently no requirement for the Government to call an election before January 2025, although the most likely date for a national ballot is May 2024. But if repeated prime ministers fail to hold the support of their parliamentary party, preventing them from passing laws in the House of Commons, they will come under pressure to call an election to win a mandate to govern. The most likely mechanism would be a motion of no confidence. If a majority of MPs vote in favour then a general election is called. While MPs are unlikely to vote against the Government when their seat is at risk, senior Tories will be anxious not to try the Kings patience if chaos in Westminster is damaging the UKs reputation on the international stage. Opposition parties demanded that the next Tory leader should call an election once they are elected, claiming that the chaos in Westminster was unacceptable while the country faced recession and a cost of living crisis. Sir Keir said: The Tories cannot respond to their latest shambles by yet again simply clicking their fingers and shuffling the people at the top without the consent of the British people. They do not have a mandate to put the country through yet another experiment. Britain is not their personal fiefdom to run how they wish. The British public deserve a proper say on the countrys future. Insisting Labour were ready for a vote, he added: Theres a manifesto that is going to be ready whenever an election is called. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: We do not need another Conservative prime minister lurching from crisis to crisis, we need a general election. Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a general election is a democratic imperative. The calls for a general election have been strengthened by Liz Trusss decision to move so far away from the manifesto Boris Johnson was elected on in 2019. But levelling up minister Paul Scully said: People elected a government, this is not a presidential system. Of course Labour want a general election but what you will find is that when the [Conservative] Party get their strong leader, eventually things will turn to what Labour have to offer. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has rejected an emergency bid from a taxpayers group to stop President Biden's student loan relief plan from starting on Sunday. Barrett did not comment in turning away the appeal from the Brown County Taxpayers Association, which also has lost rounds in lower federal courts. The group wrote in its Supreme Court filing that it needed an emergency order to put the program on hold because the administration could begin canceling outstanding student debt as soon as Sunday. Barrett oversees emergency appeals from Wisconsin and neighboring states. She acted on her own, without involving the rest of the court. She also did not ask the Biden administration for a response, indicating the application did not have serious legal standing. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has rejected an emergency bid from a taxpayers group to stop President Biden's student loan relief plan from starting on Sunday Student loan forgiveness advocates attend a press conference on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 25 August 2022 U.S. District Judge William Griesbach had earlier dismissed the group's lawsuit, finding they didn't have the legal right, or standing, to bring the case. A panel of appellate judges refused to step in with an emergency order. Thus, the Biden administration is pressing forward with a plan to cancel $10,000 of student debt for federal borrowers who make under $125,000 and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. In filing for an emergency injunction the group claimed the move from the Biden administration is unconstitutional, oversteps its executive powers and targets American taxpayers. Biden had used a 2003 federal law that allows the education secretary to alter financial assistance programs for students 'in connection with a war or other military operation or national emergency.' He argued Covid-19 was a national emergency. Though she did not offer a reason, Barrett likely rejected the application because the plaintiff, Brown County Taxpayers Association, did not prove they had suffered the direct injury needed to have the grounds to sue. Earlier courts have already found the taxpayer's group did not have the standing to bring its legal challenge. None of the judges that heard the case ruled whether Biden had acted lawfully in cancelling the debt. The Supreme Court has said that the mere payment of taxes does not give plaintiffs the standing to sue government programs. But the taxpayer group said that the massive sums being paid out warranted the loosening of standing rules. 'We are witnessing a gargantuan increase in the national debt accomplished by a complete disregard for limitations on the constitutional spending authority,' the association's lawyers wrote. They added: 'The argument that a president may unilaterally forgive debt owed to the U.S. Treasury through executive fiat, and that no one has standing to challenge him, threatens the very foundations of a constitutional republic.' 'If every federal taxpayer could sue to challenge any government expenditure, the federal courts would cease to function as courts of law and would be cast in the role of general complaint bureaus,' Justice Samuel Alito said in 2007. The Biden administration has been attacked from all sides over the debt forgiveness plan. Seven GOP-led states and a number of conservative legal groups have filed suit across the country. Over the weekend the White House rolled out a beta version of the debt forgiveness application and more than eight million people submitted requests for relief. The official application launched on Monday. The Congressional Budget Office last month said Biden's ploy to wipe debt will cost the government $400 billion over 30 years and Republicans have argued it unfairly taxes Americans who haven't been to college. Judge William Griesbach in Wisconsin dismissed the case without ruling on whether Biden acted lawfully, and also questioned whether an injunction would be necessary even if the challenger did have the standing. But, he warned, if the administration did act unlawfully, borrowers could be liable to pay back the money they'd been given. 'A future administration may not be bound' by the Biden program, he wrote, 'and may seek to collect the purportedly forgiven debts.' 'Those seeking to take advantage of the program' may want 'to consider this possibility before placing undue reliance on the benefits promised.' Supporters say he is the only one with a mandate after Liz Truss resigned as PM The former Prime Minister is in the Caribbean mulling a return to Downing Street Clamour for a Boris Johnson comeback was gathering momentum last night. More than a dozen Tory MPs and peers threw their weight behind Mr Johnson who only left office six weeks ago as the best choice to replace Liz Truss. He is understood to be taking soundings from friends, but is said to believe he can turn the Tory party and country around. Mr Johnson, who is currently on holiday in the Caribbean but was last night mulling cutting short his break to fly home to London, believes it to be a matter of the national interest. According to one ally, he is encouraged by early indications of support from MPs and some ministers who forced him out are said to be privately calling for his return. If he believes he can make the final round of the race he is likely to run, the source added. Another close political ally of the former prime minister last night told the Daily Mail that Mr Johnson was itching to take the fight to Keir Starmer. They hailed Mr Johnson as a proven election winner and a great campaigner and the only potential candidate with a direct mandate from voters. The ally said that if the Tory party was serious about power then he was the only choice. Supporters among Tory MPs argue Boris Johnson is the only potential candidate with a mandate to govern after winning a large Commons majority in 2019 Liz Truss's successor will be in Downing Street by next Friday at the latest after her resignation yesterday Supporters among Tory MPs argue he is the only potential candidate with a mandate to govern after winning a large Commons majority in 2019, and say this would diminish calls from Labour for a fresh General Election. A YouGov poll earlier this week found that Mr Johnson being handed back the keys to No 10 was the most preferred option among Tory party members if Miss Truss resigned. But many MPs are opposed to him making a comeback because he has an inquiry by the Commons privileges committee over Partygate hanging over him. It is probing whether he deliberately misled Parliament about Downing Street parties during the Covid-19 pandemic and he could be booted out as an MP were it to find against him, potentially plunging the Tories into fresh chaos. If he won the leadership, Mr Johnson could organise a Commons vote on a motion for the probe to be quashed. If he whipped Tory MPs and won this, the threat would be eliminated. However, the leadership race rules mean candidates will only reach the ballot paper if they get the support of 100 MPs. Several MPs said they dont believe Mr Johnson will reach the threshold, with one saying the brutal truth is he is likely to get no more than 60. It meant Mr Johnson was being advised by some close friends not to run. But among those supporting a comeback by the ex-PM was former minister and Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland. He said: My inbox is full of people asking for us to bring back Boris. Over 25,000 people backed our mandate in Stevenage in 2019 and I would like to see us deliver it for local people. I am not aware he has made any decisions but they are asking and I am relaying their requests to bring back Boris. Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, said he was also supporting Mr Johnson. Fellow Tory Paul Bristow said: We need an election winner and we had an election winner, so as far as Im concerned I will listen to my constituents, and their message was bring back Boris. Michael Fabricant tweeted: To be clear: he may not be the first choice of MPs (I may be wrong) but he most certainly is amongst the membership. Hes a winner and the only MP with legitimacy having been overwhelmingly elected by the country. Without him calls for a General Election will grow. James Duddridge, Tory MP for Rochford and Southend East, posted on Twitter: I hope you enjoyed your holiday boss. Time to come back. Few issues at the office that need addressing. #BringBackBoris. Nadine Dorries, one of Mr Johnsons most loyal allies, tweeted yesterday: One person was elected by the British public with a manifesto and a mandate until January 2025... MPs must demand [the] return of Boris Johnson. Former party chairman Andrew Stephenson also appeared to back Mr Johnson, tweeting: During the last leadership contest [this summer] as party chairman I received countless emails from Conservative members wanting Boris on the ballot. Constitutionally that was impossible. Now it isnt. But one ex-Cabinet minister said the Tories need to rebuild credibility with voters, and so it would be wrong for Mr Johnson to come back as PM and then attempt to axe the privileges committee inquiry. It would be like a re-run of Owen Paterson, the senior MP said, referring to the disastrous attempt a year ago by Mr Johnsons administration to spare one of his allies punishment for lobbying. Johnson was forced to resign in July after losing the confidence of his MPs and Cabinet ministers Meanwhile, John Baron said he would find it impossible to serve as a Tory MP under Mr Johnson. He told the BBC he believes there could be more than a few backbenchers who would give up the party whip. Sir Roger Gale, another opponent, said: We need to remember that Mr Johnson is still under investigation by the privileges committee for potentially misleading the House. Until that investigation is complete and he is found guilty or cleared, there should be no possibility of him returning to Government. Former Cabinet minister David Davis told LBC he was not sure Mr Johnson has enough support among MPs to stand and said his advice to the holidaying former PM would be to go back to the beach. Mr Johnson, the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, was forced to resign in July after losing the confidence of his MPs and Cabinet ministers. It came after a series of controversies, including being fined by Scotland Yard for breaching lockdown rules in Downing Street during the pandemic. But it came to a head when his deputy chief whip, Chris Pincher, was accused of groping two men while incredibly drunk at the Carlton Club in London. Mr Johnson later admitted knowing about separate allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr Pincher. It sparked the resignation of chancellor Rishi Sunak and other ministers. Only Boris Johnson can stop Tories turning into a Blairite blancmange, writes MICK HUME By Mick Hume for The Daily Mail What a mess! After ousting Boris Johnson just three months ago in an act of tragic self-harm, the Conservative Party is now in an even worse state than before. Amid economic chaos and polling that indicates near-total wipeout at the next election, the Tories seem unable to present a successor to Liz Truss to unite their warring factions. But there is, of course, one obvious candidate the only politician in Britain who can claim any sort of mandate to govern the country and calm this turmoil. I am talking about Johnson himself. The Tory Prime Minister who, let me remind you, won a staggering 14million votes less than three years ago. It is time to say what many of those voters will surely be thinking bring back Boris! I am no Tory loyalist. I have no vested interest in saving the Conservative Party from ruin. But I do want whats best for Britain and British democracy. Boris is, quite clearly, the only MP with a track record of strong leadership when it comes to big policy issues and the ability to unite his party with an 80-seat majority. He may currently be persona non grata in Westminster salons, but many polls now show Boris to be the overwhelming choice among Conservative members and many Brits outside the party. Thats because Boris is the only Tory leader with any hope of getting the Government through the terrible mess which lies ahead. And it really would be terrible. In an act of revenge for the EU referendum result, the same Establishment Blob that forced Johnson from office has effectively now staged a Whitehall coup chasing out Brexiteer ministers such as Suella Braverman, installing arch-Remainer Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor and ousting the hapless Miss Truss, who had, for all her vices, tried to implement what she believed to be a truly Right-wing set of policies. They have jettisoned much of the programme on which Boris won the election in December 2019 and, in the process, sucked the Tory Party back into a shapeless Blairite blancmange. That is not the vision of Conservatism that people voted for in 2019 and they wouldnt vote for it next time round. Indeed, we would undoubtedly see a landslide for Starmer and his Lefty cabal of chaos, from the illiberal Lib Dems to Nicola Sturgeons Scottish nationalists. And, piece by piece, everything this country voted for from getting Brexit properly done, to doing away with identity politics, lowering immigration and driving down taxes would be dismantled or overturned. We would witness Keir I dont know what a woman is Starmer going back, cap-in-hand, to Brussels; untrammelled wokery on the march; the break-up of the Union; and our public finances shot in a way that would make the current situation look relatively stable. We would be left living in an Athens-on-Thames economy without the sunshine. The only person who has any chance of stopping all this is Boris. He would, no doubt, face a tough fight but who else is there? The horrified Establishment will protest. The return of a leader so soon would be unprecedented. But unprecedented times call for extraordinary measures. So, for the sake of Britain for the sake of democracy itself we must bring back Boris! Mick Hume is author of Revolting! How The Establishment Are Undermining Democracy And What Theyre Afraid Of (Collins) Musk has previously said that he spent too much to buy the company Current management had already been planning to layoff a quarter of its employees after spending $1.5 billion on personnel last year That would leave the company with just a skeleton crew of just over 2,000 employees, which experts say is not enough to tamp down on misinformation Elon Musk told prospective investors in his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter that he plans to get rid of three-quarters of its 7,500 workers Twitter employees took to the social media site they fear they will be laid off from Thursday night after documents emerged showing that Elon Musk plans to cut the workforce by 75 percent. Corporate documents obtained by the Washington Post reveal that the billionaire told prospective investors in his $44 billion deal to buy the social media giant that he plans to get rid of three-quarters of its 7,500 workers. That would leave the company with just a skeleton crew of just over 2,000 employees, which experts say would make it difficult for the social media company to tamp down on what it deems to be 'misinformation.' Now, a number of employees are expressing their fears they may be one of the more than 5,000 workers laid off from the company when Musk, 51, takes over. Gene Ross, a staff designer for the social media giant, took to the site Thursday night to ask if anyone is 'looking for a below average generalist,' while Patrick Czapla, a product manager, asked if they will 'all go off and start New Twitter together.' Parker Lyons, a senior financial analyst at Twitter, also tweeted a series of memes upon hearing the news, including a tweet reading, 'When you realize you are the 75%' with a clip of Magic Johnson shaking his head and saying 'I'm not gonna be here.' He also tweeted a picture of NBA star Russell Westbrook earning 136 points, 112 rebounds and 118 assists in a single game, captioned: 'The remaining 1,900 employees.' Twitter employees took to the very platform they fear they will be laid off from Thursday night to express their fears after documents emerged showing Elon Musk plans to cut 75 percent of the workforce Matt Walker, a product designer for Twitter, meanwhile, went of on Musk and former CEO Jack Dorsey in a series of tweets Thursday night, writing: 'Every decision Jack has made has gotten us to this point.' He also tweeted that the common thread between the news of MailChimp's CEO writing in an email that pronouns do 'more harm than good' and Musk's planned layoffs is 'billionaires are a**holes.' And in his final tweet, Walker wrote that he was 'doom scrolling on the very source of the doom.' A finance advisor for the company, meanwhile, asked if anyone cared about her while Steph Jeong, a designer, simply tweeted: 'Sigh.' Matt Walker, a product designer for Twitter, meanwhile, went of on Musk and former CEO Jack Dorsey in a series of tweets Thursday night while Steph Jeong, a designer, simply tweeted: 'Sigh' Musk's plans would cut far more jobs than Twitter's current management had been planning to lose, the effects of which would be massive. But it would provide Twitter's leadership with a way to save face and avoid announcing layoffs to one-quarter of the workforce they were already planning to reduce costs. The company spent a whopping $1.5 billion last year on personnel, and had wanted to reduce that amount by some $800 million. Management also planned to make major cuts to its infrastructure, getting rid of data centers that keep the site functioning for more than 200 million users a day. Twitter executives, though, have denied any layoffs, with General Counsel Sean Edgett telling employees on Thursday to expect 'tons of public rumors and speculations' as the closing of the deal nears. 'Since the merger agreement has been in place, there have been no plans for companywide layoffs,' he said, according to Bloomberg. The reported cuts come as Twitter continues to advertise 266 jobs on LinkedIn, and the Tesla CEO's lawyers are ironing out the paperwork to complete the buyout by October 28. He has since said he has paid too much for the faltering company. Corporate documents reveal that Elon Musk told prospective investors in his $44 billion deal to buy the social media giant that he plans to get rid of three-quarters of its 7,500 workers The corporation had already been planning to layoff a quarter of its employees and make cuts to its infrastructure Experts say users would immediately feel the effect of the massive job cuts Musk is proposing. Edwin Chen, a data scientist formerly in charge of Twitter's spam and health metrics who is now CEO of content moderation start-up Surge AI, said that while he believed Twitter was overstaffed, the cuts Musk proposed were 'unimaginable.' He said they would put Twitter's users at risk of hacks and even exposure to offensive materials like child pornography. 'It would be a cascading effect where you'd have service going down and the people remaining not having the institutional knowledge to get them back up, and being completely demoralized and wanting to leave themselves,' Chen told the Post. But Nell Minow, a corporate governance expert, said the Tesla CEO was likely just shopping ambitious plans to potential investors and will have trouble following through with the proposals. 'He's got to be able to show if he makes those cuts, what happens next?' she asked, rhetorically. 'What's he gonna replace it with, AI?' Executives at the company had already been planning to cut a quarter of its workforce after it spent a whopping $1.5 billion on personnel last year. Twitter employees are seen here in March Musk has suggested in the past he planned to layoff employees as part of his planned changes to the social media giant. The Tesla CEO is pictured here in 2015 Documents obtained by the Washington Post, though, suggest executives were already planning to enact layoffs at the company after its exorbitant personnel costs last year. It also spent hundreds of millions of dollars in contracting firms that pay people to review reports of hate speech, child pornography and other rule-breaking content. But Musk expanded on the idea of layoffs, telling employees in June he didn't see a reason why low-performing workers should remain on the payroll. He has also made clear he plans to loosen content moderation standards which he claims are infringing on free speech and restore former President Donald Trump's account as soon as he takes ownership of the company. The Tesla CEO even posted a meme on Tuesday of himself, Kanye West and Trump each holding a sword for a social media company. It has since been deleted. Musk posted a meme on Tuesday of himself, Kanye West and Trump each holding a sword for the social media company. It has since been deleted. But the new corporate documents, based on conversations with executives over the past few months, shed light on exactly how Musk plans to transform Twitter and make it more profitable. To help fix these problems, the Post reports, Musk has told associates he thinks that dramatically reducing the number of employees is the first step to executing a turnaround strategy. He could then bring in more effective workers and expand new services he believes can bring in more revenue, like a subscription business though employees told the Post they do not believe subscriptions would be profitable and may instead harm its business model. The company is also planning to institute a performance review system called stack raking, which requires managers to grade employees on a numerical curve so that a set percentage of workers will always be marked as low performers. Employees have protested the move, but Twitter executives say it is a common practice among tech companies. Twitter was trading at $52.44 on Thursday, up more than 11 percent over the month, but still nearly 13 percent lower than what it was trading at last year Still, Musk would face an uphill battle to save the struggling company, despite promising investors he plans to double revenue in three years and would triple the number of daily users that could view ads during that time. He has offered little information about how he would accomplish these goals, and has admitted to investors that he paid too much for the company. Musk's $54.20 per share offer was around a third higher than Twitter's price at the time and by Thursday, Twitter was trading at $52.44, up more than 11 percent over the month, but still nearly 13 percent lower than what it was trading at last year. The company has never reached the profit margins of other social media sites like Meta or Snap, the Post reports. And following Musk's takeover bid, droves of employees left, with one telling the New York Post that the workers have lost respect for top executives like CEO Parag Agrawal over his dealings with the Tesla CEO. At the same time, the company is not hiring as many new personnel and has stalled projects as its stock prices plummeted. Twitter has since been found to falsify its monetizable daily active users, the number of users who can see ads on the site. Executives haves said that its MDAU is 237.8 million, up nearly 17 percent compared to the same quarter last year. But document that emerged in Twitter's court battle with Musk point to the company having far fewer users, with Musk's side claiming that fewer than 16 million users are able to see the vast majority of ads. And the time they are spending on the site fell 10 percent over the course of 2021, recovering only slightly in 2022. Former President Donald Trump has hired yet another law firm following the House January 6 Committee's vote to subpoena him following a report that the panel was having trouble serving his bevy of existing counselors. Trump has engaged the Dhillon Law Group, a firm that has represented fired National Security Advisor Mike Flynn, Sebastian Ghorka, and others in Trump's circle, Politico reported. The firm is headed by Harmeet Dhillon, who has appeared on Fox News as a commentator and who filed several lawsuits against coronavirus stay-home orders. The news came hours after it was revealed that the House January 6 Committee, which voted to subpoena Trump at the dramatic conclusion of its public hearing last week, had yet to serve him with legal papers. That came in part because the committee investigators were still trying to locate 'someone authorized to accept service of it,' ABC News reported, citing sources familiar with the situation. Former President Donald Trump hired a new law firm, following a report that House January 6 Committee was having trouble identifying a lawyer who was willing to accept service of the subpoena Trump has a bevy of lawyers representing him an extraordinary array of legal fights. But 'multiple lawyers' representing him said they were not able to accept service papers on his behalf. This would not have been a difficult week to track down the former president. He provided a deposition in the defamation lawsuit filed by E Jean Carroll, who accuses Trump of raping her inside a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. Trump denied the allegations and said she is 'not my type.' The clock is ticking on the January 6 panel's mandate. It was created by a vote of the Democratic-controlled House, but House Republicans have vowed to end it. Lawyer Harmeet Dhillon, l, represents a variety of conservative causes and has appeared on Fox News Trump is being represented in the DOJ's investigation of alleged mishandling and removal of government documents at Mar-a-Lago by attorneys that have included Chris Kis, Evan Corcoran, and Christina Bobb, although Bobb met with the FBI and answered questions about the attestation she signed saying a 'diligent search' had been performed subject to a subpoena in that probe. Although the committee vote has occurred, the committee has not yet technically issued it. That came as the panel searched for the person who would represent Trump in the matter. Panel member Liz Cheney said at an event at Harvard University that the panel would subpoena Trump 'shortly.' Trump issued an angry 14-page response to the committee's vote, where he did not state whether he would appear in response to a subpoena. 'This memo is being written to express our anger, disappointment, and complaint that with all of the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on what many consider to be a Charade and Witch Hunt, and despite strong and powerful requests, you have not spent even a short moment on examining the massive Election Fraud that took place during the 2020 Presidential Election, and have targeted only those who were, as concerned American Citizens, protesting the Fraud itself,' he wrote. Dominic Raab said he has the plan and credibility to restore financial stability The Richmond MP lost the last Conservative leadership against Liz Truss Rishi Sunak's allies have been insisting he is the right choice to be Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was preparing his leadership bid from his Yorkshire constituency last night after Liz Trusss departure gave him a second chance to be prime minister. The former chancellor has kept a deliberately low profile since he lost to rival Miss Truss in the final round of the last Tory contest on September 5. But he never fully disbanded his team of supporters and last night allies including ex-education secretary Sir Gavin Williamson were drumming up support for another run. In what appeared to be a coordinated effort, more than 20 Tory MPs publicly declared they were backing him as party leader. Allies, including former foreign secretary Dominic Raab, praised him as the most qualified candidate to lead the country through the economic crisis. Mr Raab said Mr Sunak has the plan and credibility to restore financial stability and unite the Conservatives after weeks of turmoil in No10. The former chancellor was in his constituency of Richmond in North Yorkshire yesterday some 250 miles away from Westminster when Miss Truss resigned. Rishi Sunak's allies have insisted he has the plan and credibility to restore financial stability following Liz Truss's disastrous premiership Mr Sunak lost the Conservative leadership election against Liz Triss - but still has many supporters within the party Mr Sunak, whose resignation from Cabinet triggered Boris Johnsons downfall, had been the original frontrunner in this summers leadership race. But he lost out in the final round amid accusations of backstabbing and a series of gaffes. This included a controversial talk in affluent Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in which he boasted that he had diverted money from deprived urban areas to wealthier parts. Mr Sunak is expected to be joined by several colleagues in the upcoming race, who will spend the weekend vying for the support of MPs before nominations close on Monday. Ex-PM Mr Johnson is expected to stand but faces questions over whether he can win the backing of 100 of his colleagues less than two months after leaving office. However allies claim Mr Johnson can honestly say he has a mandate for government, and has the ability to turn the tide and avert the disaster of a Labour government. Penny Mordaunt, the Commons Leader, is also expected to run after coming third in the last contest. Mr Sunak is expected to be joined by several colleagues in the upcoming race, who will spend the weekend vying for the support of MPs before nominations close on Monday Mr Sunak's last leadership campaign was marred by gaffes such as when he gave a controversial talk in affluent Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in which he boasted that he had diverted money from deprived urban areas to wealthier parts Other possible candidates include ex-home secretary Suella Braverman, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and International Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch. Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis could also run with allies saying that he hasnt made any decisions but MPs were turning towards him in a way that we havent seen before. Newly-appointed Home Secretary Grant Shapps ruled himself out of the race, saying: Its a tremendous privilege to be leading the Home Office in its task of protecting the British people. Government goes on, despite the current political upheavals, and I will remain fully focused on the job as we select the next PM. The then-transport secretary pitched himself as Mr Spreadsheet during the last leadership contest before withdrawing and throwing his weight behind Mr Sunak. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also said he would not run yesterday, with allies saying he wanted to remain in the Foreign Office. Sources close to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt added that he would not be standing, after he said earlier this week that he, his wife and his children had ruled it out. Allies of former Cabinet minister Michael Gove confirmed he too would not be standing. Tory former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said he thought the race is completely wide open. If Boris stands then it is like a rock going into a small puddle, it just displaces, he said. It came as former Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick warned the party faces possible extinction. He told The News Agents podcast: This isnt an ordinary leadership contest. Its more extraordinary than the one we had in the summer. If we get this wrong, the country will face a very serious period of further instability and the Conservative Party will lose the next general election, potentially cease to exist. The jilted partner of controversial Greens senator Lidia Thorpe only 'found out' about her 'affair' with a bikie boss when he saw it on media reports. Gavan McFadzean had been in a long term relationship with Ms Thorpe, who was sensationally dumped as the party's deputy leader in the Senate on Thursday after admitting to a 'brief' romance with a Rebels bikie boss who is the uncle of AFL star Dustin Martin. Mr McFadzean, who manages the Climate Change and Clean Energy Program at the Australian Conservation Foundation, took to Facebook to express his shock over the revelations. Gavan McFadzean and Lidia Thorpe. Mr McFadzean hit social media to reveal how he found out Ms Thorpe was 'having an affair' McFadzean is a climate change campaigner. Pictured with Lidia Thorpe frolicking in a pool Gavan McFadzean and Lidia Thorpe in happier times - and before revelations about her relationship with a bikie boss WHO IS GAVAN McFADZEAN? Mr McFadzean has been a social justice and environmental activist for the last 25 years, working on some of Australias highest profile campaigns, including the national forest campaign, Jabiluka, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforests, Cape York and Kimberley, the Tasmanian Gunns Pulpmill, James Price Point and most recently the Queensland Adani coal mine. He has represented the Australian environmental movement in international conservation and climate negotiations including at the Paris climate talks in 2015. He has been a recipient of Wild Magazines Australian Conservationist of the Year Award. Advertisement 'When you find out via national media your partner was having an affair,' he posted alongside a crying face emoji. Mr McFadzean's Facebook profile suggests the pair had been in a relationship dating back to 2019. Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr McFadzean via telephone on Friday, but he is yet to respond. Both Ms Thorpe's office and Greens leader Adam Bandt's offices have been contacted. On Thursday, Mr Bandt described his former deputy's relationship with the bikie as 'an error of judgement'. Ms Thorpe revealed she met Dean Martin, the ex-president of the Rebels Victoria chapter, through the 'Blak activism' group and they dated in early 2021. 'We remain friends and have collaborated on our shared interests advocating for the rights of First Nations peoples,' she told the ABC in a statement on Thursday afternoon. It was reported a staffer claimed Ms Thorpe said she and Mr Martin were using the encrypted communications app Signal to carry out their alleged affair. 'They clear their conversations once a week, that they never meet at their respective homes and that she was being really careful,' the ABC reported. Gavan McFadzean's heartbreaking post to friends about how he found out about Lidia Thorpe's relationship with a bikie Ms Thorpe said she met Dean Martin, the ex-president of the Rebels Victoria chapter, through the 'Blak activism' group and they dated in early 2021 Martin stepped down as president of the Rebels Victoria chapter in 2018 after his brother, Dustin Martin's father Shane, was deported to New Zealand over his bikie links Martin is the uncle of Richmond Tigers star Dustin Martin - seen above during a match in Brisbane earlier this year Hours later, Ms Thorpe had quit from her senior role in the party - although she remains a member of Parliament. Ms Thorpe's relationship with Martin came to light after reports her staff had expressed concern about the relationship, given she sat on a joint parliamentary law enforcement committee. That committee heard confidential briefings about outlaw motorcycle gangs. The senator had paid tribute to Mr McFadzean in her maiden speech to Federal Senate in December 2020 'I also pay my respects to the other First Nations MPs who have walked this road before me. And I thank my sisters Arika and Meriki, my partner Gavan,' she said back then. Mr McFadzean's friends rallied around him yesterday, offering encouragement under his traumatic post. 'Hey big fella, we are always with you,' one friend wrote. 'You deserve so much better Gav. Sending good thoughts your way,' another posted. In her resignation, Ms Thorpe said in a statement that she had 'made mistakes' and 'not exercised good judgement'. 'I will now reflect on this and focus on my important portfolio work, especially advocating for First Nations people,' she said. In a press conference on Thursday, a visibly angry Mr Bandt said he had asked Senator Thorpe to resign from he Greens leadership team. 'As a leader I expect my senators and MPs, especially those in leadership positions, to exercise good judgement,' Mr Bandt said. 'At a minimum, Senator Thorpe needed to disclose to me her connection to Mr Martin and her failure to do so showed a significant lack of judgement. 'I have spoken to Senator Thorpe, and she has told me that at no stage was there any breach of the rules regarding those committees or her work, no sharing of confidential information, and to date no-one has suggested otherwise. 'But that is not enough. It was clear that this could be perceived as affecting her work and her failure to disclose that, at the very least, to me was an error of judgement.' Ms Thorpe's staff feared her brief relationship with former Rebels boss Dean Martin would create perception of a conflict of interest with her position on a parliamentary law enforcement committee hearing evidence on outlaw motorcycle gangs Mr Bandt is seeking a meeting with the Federal Police. The ABC reported that Ms Thorpe had failed to tell Mr Bandt about the relationship despite staff urging her to do so. He only became aware once questions were asked about it. Fearing perceptions of a conflict of interest, staff members reported concerns about the relationship to the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service, an independent authority with an ambit to investigate workplace incidents at Parliament House. Lidia Thorpe gave a black power salute as she was sworn into the Senate in August The committee of which Ms Thorpe was a member heard evidence about bikie gangs as part of an inquiry into the trading of illicit drugs online. Her membership of the committee ended earlier this year. 'Obviously, I'm concerned about the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle clubs in general. But when we met, Mr Martin was no longer involved with that world,' the senator told the ABC. She said she at all times treated documents provided to the committee in confidence. Martin stepped down as president of the Rebels Victoria chapter in 2018 after his brother, Dustin Martin's father Shane, was deported to New Zealand over his bikie links. He has no criminal convictions. It's understood Ms Thorpe disclosed the relationship to two different members of her staff in May and June last year, with one of them confronting her about it in August 2021. The staffer had noted that confidential documents on how the Australian Federal Police monitors outlaw motorcycle gangs arrived in Ms Thorpe's Melbourne office only hours after she had met with Martin in a park, the ABC reported. The staff member later wrote in a work diary: 'My advice to Senator is that she must speak to leader's office, that she is at extreme risk of being extorted, particularly if someone finds out.' Read Lidia Thorpe's statement in full about secret relationship Greens leader Adam Bandt has requested my resignation as Deputy Leader in the Senate and I have given him my resignation. I accept that I have made mistakes and have not exercised good judgement. I will now reflect on this and focus on my important portfolio work, especially advocating for First Nations people. Advertisement Ms Thorpe recently drew unfavourable attention after it was alleged she unleashed a furious rant at First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria co-chairs Marcus Stewart and Aunty Geraldine Atkinson at a committee room meeting in Parliament House on June 22, 2021. It was claimed Ms Atkinson, who is aged in her 70s, was so shaken by Senator Thorpe's behaviour she sought assistance from the parliamentary nurse after the meeting. An error of judgment Adam Bandt on Lidia Thorpe's resignation Ms Thorpe's former chief of staff, David Mejia-Canales, who was at the meeting, later apologised for not ending it sooner after Senator Thorpe's 'appalling' behaviour. 'The conduct that I witnessed at that meeting was by far one of the most unprofessional displays I have ever seen, not just during the length of my career, but in my life,' Mr Mejia-Canales said in the email, reported in The Sydney Morning Herald. The ACT has become the first jurisdiction in the country to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities. Residents found with personal use amounts of nine different types of drugs, including cocaine, speed and MDMA, will not be criminally prosecuted. Instead they will be cautioned, fined or referred to a drug diversion program. The Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Bill Amendment was passed through parliament on Thursday and will come into effect next year. The ACT has become the first jurisdiction in the country to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities (stock image) Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said focusing on harm-minimisation rather than punishing drug users was the way forward. 'The ACT has led the nation with a progressive approach to reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs with a focus on diversion, access to treatment and rehabilitation and reducing the stigma attached to drug use,' she said. 'This sensible reform is based on the expert advice that a health focused, harm reduction approach delivers the best outcome for people using drugs.' There will be a 12-month transition period, meaning the laws won't kick in until October 2023. The government said they would use the transition period to bolster oversight arrangements and train frontline workers including police. Backbencher Michael Pettersson praised the move after first introducing the bill to parliament in July 2021. 'Today is an important day,' he said. 'Today's bill is not a radical revolution; it is a gradual evolution of our existing laws.' Residents found with personal use amounts of nine different types of drugs, including cocaine, speed and MDMA, will not be criminally prosecuted (stock image) The ACT already has laws allowing residents to possess and grow small amounts of cannabis. 'Today we have expanded that framework,' Mr Pettersson said. 'The many benefits of that scheme for many years will now be applied to a wider range of substances that will capture more Canberrans - with the ultimate goal of making it easier for them to access the help they need.' Canberra Liberals deputy leader Jeremy Hanson condemned the 'radical' move. 'It wasn't taken to the community. It's going to lead to more crime. It's going to lead to more carnage on our roads,' he told the ABC. 'It's not going to change the number of people going into the criminal justice system, and it's not going to fix the problem that we have now which is not enough people being able to access treatment.' Boris Johnson's expected early return to Britain from his Caribbean holiday electrified the race to succeed Liz Truss, who steps down a week today. In order to get his name on the ballot paper he will have to garner the support of 100 of his parliamentary colleagues, a requirement introduced by the Tory 1922 committee designed to keep out the no-hopers. By Monday there will be a maximum of three candidates left competing for the votes of the other 354 Tory MPs. Who are they likely to be? RISHI SUNAK, 42 Former chancellor Odds: 8/11 The man who won the votes of the highest number of MPs in the last leadership contest goes into this race as the front-runner Apart from one brief intervention in a Commons debate, the candidate who lost out to Liz Truss has taken a Trappist vow of silence since she entered No 10. All requests for interviews in recent weeks have been turned down and he has been holed up in a makeshift office in Portcullis House, across the road from Parliament. The man who won the votes of the highest number of MPs in the last leadership contest goes into this race as the front-runner thanks at least in part to his refusal to play to the gallery on tax cuts. His dismissal of Truss's policies as 'fairy-tale economics' now looks extremely prescient. Indeed, in many ways Sunak is a candidate from Central Casting. After graduating with a first from Oxford, privately educated Sunak worked for the blue-chip investment bank Goldman Sachs and had a lucrative career in the finance world. As a former chief secretary to the Treasury and chancellor, his pitch will be that no other candidate is better qualified to calm the febrile financial markets. His opponents argue his wealth which enables him and his wife to keep homes in London, Yorkshire and California will make him appear out of touch. In the summer he became the first British MP to appear in the Sunday Times Rich List. His wife Akshata Murty is the daughter of an Indian billionaire and their joint fortune was estimated at 730million. He was also damaged by the revelation that he had kept his US green card until 2021 and that his wife was a non-dom, which meant she did not pay UK tax on her overseas earnings. She was forced to give up the perk to save her husband's career. Will Boris's supporters forgive him for resigning and triggering the Cabinet revolt which brought down the blond bombshell? The bookmakers certainly think so he's their hot favourite. BORIS JOHNSON, 58 Former prime minister Odds: 2/1 One of the party's most charismatic and effective campaigners, Johnson won an 80-seat landslide in 2019 As Churchill's biographer, Johnson will be only too keen to encourage talk of him emulating his political hero who returned to No 10 in 1951 after losing the 1945 election by making a comeback. When he quit in July, after a string of controversies from Partygate to the Chris Pincher scandal Boris dropped a hint that he might not have given up on politics by referencing the story of Cincinnatus, the Roman statesman who left Rome for a bucolic existence on his farm, but was later called upon to take up the reins of power once again. During his final Prime Minister's Questions, he departed the despatch box with the words 'Hasta la vista, baby' and told MPs 'Mission largely accomplished for now'. One of the party's most charismatic and effective campaigners, he won an 80-seat landslide in 2019 the biggest since Margaret Thatcher in 1987 pledging to 'get Brexit done'. He did just that five months later, securing the deal with the EU which had eluded his predecessor Theresa May and he also won praise for Britain's rapid Covid-19 vaccine rollout. His marginal 7,000 majority in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency is a problem. Labour will throw everything at the constituency. But it's a brave politician who would bet against Boris. PENNY MORDAUNT, 49 Leader of the Commons Odds: 9/2 The only female MP who is a Royal Naval reservist, Penny Mordaunt is fiercely proud of her military heritage The woman who came a surprise third last time behind Sunak and Truss won praise for her dignified role at the meeting of the Accession Council which confirmed Charles as King and for her assured performances in the Commons. But many MPs worry about her lack of time in Cabinet. Before entering Truss's, she had less than two years of top-level experience having spent just 18 months as international development secretary and 85 days as defence secretary. The only female MP who is a Royal Naval reservist, she is fiercely proud of her military heritage. Her father served in the parachute regiment, she was named after HMS Penelope, a Royal Navy cruiser, and today is MP for Portsmouth North, a constituency in the naval town where she grew up. She raised thousands for armed forces charities by making a controversial appearance in ITV's reality show Splash! Her back story as a comprehensive-educated child who was the first member of her family to go to university goes down well on the stump but the former equalities minister upset many Tories when she once used the expression 'pregnant parents' rather than women. Is she too woke for the job? BEN WALLACE, 52 Defence Secretary Odds: 20/1 Ben Wallace was one of the first European ministers to detect the Russian threat and started arming Kyiv 12 months before the war began Despite his popularity with the grassroots, the avuncular Ben Wallace declined to run last time. His marriage had broken down and he was unwilling to expose his three young children to the media spotlight. Unusually for a Cabinet minister he never went to university. After being privately educated at Millfield School in Somerset, he followed in the footsteps of his father a member of the 1st King's Dragoon Guards and attended Sandhurst. As a captain in the Scots Guards in Northern Ireland, Wallace was mentioned in dispatches. He was one of the first European ministers to detect the Russian threat and started arming Kyiv 12 months before the war began. His big disadvantage is his lack of other Cabinet experience. KEMI BADENOCH, 42 International Trade Secretary Odds: 50/1 Born in London to parents of Nigerian origin, Badenoch grew up in the US. When she returned to Britain aged 16 she worked at McDonald's while studying at a college in south London Having served in the Cabinet for only two months, Kemi Badenoch is a very long shot to make it to Downing Street, but even her rivals acknowledge she is going places and fast. State-educated, her self-styled 'anti-woke', small-government pitch has won her plenty of admirers on the Right of the party. Michael Gove has praised her 'focus, intellect and no-bulls**t' approach. Born in London to parents of Nigerian origin, Badenoch grew up in the US. When she returned to Britain aged 16 she worked at McDonald's while studying at a college in south London. A former software engineer, she once headed digital operations for the centre-Right Spectator magazine so beloved by the Conservative Party members. It would not be the first time a former Spectator employee entered 10 Downing Street as PM. Boris Johnson is a former editor. SUELLA BRAVERMAN, 42 Former home secretary Odds: 150/1 Suella Braverman takes an uncompromising line on immigration and thrilled the Tory faithful at the party conference in Birmingham with her pledge to honour the manifesto commitment to rely on 'far fewer low-skilled migrants' Suella Braverman's resignation as home secretary on Wednesday after just six weeks in the job went a long way towards precipitating the end of the Truss premiership. A standard bearer of the Tory Right, she takes an uncompromising line on immigration and thrilled the Tory faithful at the party conference in Birmingham with her pledge to honour the manifesto commitment to rely on 'far fewer low-skilled migrants'. To this end, she successfully deported a group of Albanians only last week. The privately educated daughter of migrants from Kenya and Mauritius, she was named after Sue Ellen, the character played by Linda Gray in the 1980s TV series Dallas. A Buddhist, she studied at Cambridge and worked as a lawyer before entering politics. She was Mrs May's attorney general before resigning in protest at the then-PM's attempts to secure a Brexit deal and is a former chairman of the European Research Group. While she has very little chance of making it to No 10 this time round, she may do enough to ensure she is brought back into the Cabinet in a prominent role. A car has crashed through the front of a childcare centre as it was opening for the day around 9am, injuring four people including a chid. The incident occurred at the Bright Beginnings Family Day Care Centre on Central Grove at Broadmeadows, an outer northern suburb of Melbourne. Vision from 9News of the scene appears to show the vehicle has crashed through the front glass window of the centre and fully entered the interior. A large number of fire and emergency personnel are on the scene. A child was seen being put onto a stretcher and placed into a waiting ambulance, as was a woman who is believed to be the driver of the vehicle. Two other adults with minor injuries were taken to Royal Melbourne hospital with Ambulance Victoria confirming all four patients were in a stable condition. Police said that so far, there appear to be only minor injuries as a result of the crash. The incident occurred at the Bright Beginnings Family Day Care Centre at Broadmeadows, an outer north-east suburb of Melbourne. A child is seen being placed into an ambulance as emergency services attend the scene in Broadmeadows. Police said that so far, there appear to be only minor injuries as a result of the crash It's understood the woman may have been attempting to park the car when she accidentally hit the accelerator. Rubble and debris can be seen strewn across the front of the centre. The car was removed from the building and photographed by police shortly after 9.30am. Four people suffered minor injuries in the incident at Bright Beginnings Family Day Care Centre at Broadmeadows in Melbourne's north Rubble and debris can be seen strewn across the front of the centre after the car was removed at about 9.30am More to come. Participants in a memorial ceremony lay flowers to pay respect to a deceased 23-year-old worker in front of the SPC headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. She died in an accident at a baking factory in Pyeongtaek affiliated with SPC on Saturday. Yonhap By Lee Hae-rin Following the death of a young worker at a factory affiliated with food and beverage giant SPC, public outrage against the company has been escalating due to its handling of the incident. On Saturday, a 23-year-old female employee at the factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province died in an accident in which her upper body was caught in a sauce mixer machine. She was supporting her mother and younger sibling by working at the factory, and aimed to run a Paris Baguette store someday. However, it was revealed that the factory continued to operate two machines on the site of the accident the day after the employee was killed. Also, the factory had another accident a week earlier where an employee's hand was caught in another production line machine but was not sent to the hospital due to their status as a non-regular worker. To condemn SPC's labor practices, a group of labor unionists and general members of the public staged a memorial ceremony in front of the company's headquarters, as well as one-person protests in front of 1,000 Paris Baguette stores, Thursday. The franchise has over 3,400 branches in the country. The company has continued to trivialize workers' safety and health, said Yim Min-gyung, a member of the Korean Women Workers Association, which took part in the collective action during the memorial ceremony. About 50 percent of female bakers who become pregnant while employed at SPC experience miscarriages due to excessive labor, and the company put at a disadvantage workers who raise objections by denying them leave, she said. Researchers attached wearables to volunteers to log their daily social media use Instagram is often slammed for creating unrealistic body ideals, but a new study suggests our loved ones are more to blame than celebrities. In experiments, participants reported levels of satisfaction with their appearance whenever they saw other people's social media posts throughout the day. Researchers found engaging with posts by friends and family to be more 'damaging' than engaging with content posted by celebs and influencers. It's possible that a desirable body image from a famous person is perceived as less attainable, so we worry about it less than if it were from a friend or family member. New research has discovered that social media use is associated with lower appearance satisfaction, and engaging with posts by friends and family is more than twice as damaging as looking at content posted by celebrities (file photo) SOCIAL MEDIA USE LINKED TO BODY IMAGE CONCERNS Social media use is linked to body image concerns and a greater risk of young adults developing eating issues, a 2016 study found. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine experts found that all demographic groups were equally affected by the link between social media and eating and body image concerns. Lead author Jaime E. Sidani said: 'Social media combines many of the visual aspects of traditional media with the opportunity for social media users to interact and propagate stereotypes that can lead to eating and body image concerns.' The experts used questionnaires that asked about the 11 most popular social media platforms at the time - Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Tumblr, Pinterest, Vine and LinkedIn. Advertisement The study was led by academics from Anglia Ruskin University in East Anglia and Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Austria, and published today in the journal Body Image. 'Image-focused social media platforms provide limitless opportunities for users to make negative comparisons and internalise appearance ideals, which in turn leads to more negative body image outcomes,' said study author Professor Viren Swami at Anglia Ruskin University. 'Our study found that engaging with social media reduces appearance satisfaction regardless of who is posting the content. 'Most interestingly, looking at content posted by friends and family had a significantly stronger negative impact on appearance satisfaction compared to content posted by the likes of celebrities and influencers.' Social media use is increasingly linked with negative body image, but most research to date has involved lab tests or surveys, rather than measuring people's social media experiences as they occur. So the researchers recruited 50 adults from Austria and Germany with an average age of 23, who provided feedback throughout each day over a two-week period. To record the real-time impact of social media activity, participants were made to use a wrist-worn wearable device. This let them report their levels of satisfaction with their own appearance each time they engaged with social media content over the two weeks. Participants reported time spent 'actively' using social media (for example creating Facebook posts, writing Tweets and sending WhatsApp messages) and 'passively' using social media (e.g. reading Facebook posts and viewing Snapchat pictures). Image shows assessment points for a single participant during the study period and over the time of the day. Participants reported their appearance satisfaction when they saw a known person (e.g. a friend) on social media and when they saw an unknown person (e.g. celebrity) on social media. They also reported appearance satisfaction at two random time-points each day ('reference assessment') Participants were instructed to press a button on the wearable once for seeing content from friends or family peers, and twice for someone they didn't know in person, such as a celebrity or influencer. Participants did not specify, however, which particular social media app they were using at a given time. On average, the participants 'actively' used social media for 73 minutes a day and 'passively' used social media for 90 minutes per day. The study also found that any form of social media engagement was significantly associated with lower appearance satisfaction. More surprisingly, engaging with content posted by people the participants knew was more than twice as damaging as looking at content posted by strangers, such as influencers or celebrities. Use of social media apps such as Instagram is increasingly linked with negative body image (file photo) 'One possible explanation is that people may perceive a post depicting appearance as being much more attainable if it comes from someone they know, adding a layer of expectation or pressure on the person engaging in the post,' said Professor Swami. 'At the same time, people may be more critically engaged with posts by the likes of models and celebrities, and therefore perceive the images they share to be more unrealistic.' The authors say that their results support a growing body of evidence indicating that social media use is robustly associated with 'negative body image outcomes'. 'Given these findings, practitioners may consider it meaningful to consider the extent of social media engagement when working to improve body satisfaction in individuals and populations,' they conclude in their paper. The study follows other research published this week by the University of Glasgow that found women avoid looking at Instagram images that 'reflect their own areas of insecurity'. The Glasgow researchers examined participants' eye movements as they viewed a range of Instagram images of other women's faces and bodies, varying in size. Participants paid more attention to other women's bodies than their faces, and preferred images of underweight and average women, rather than overweight women. Are you hoarding any old mobile phones at home? It turns out you could be sitting on a goldmine. This week, a bidder paid $39,000 (34,700) for an unopened first generation iPhone - more than 50 times its original price. Unfortunately, it's very unlikely you'll get this much for your old gadgets, but research by Protect Your Bubble suggests you could still make a decent profit. According to the website, the original iPhone model is selling for an average of 542.55 on eBay, while the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X fetches an average price of 1,776.01. Here's a look at the retro handsets that could earn you the most cash. Are you hoarding any old mobile phones at home? It turns out you could be sitting on a goldmine The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X (pictured) was the world's first portable mobile phone, weighing a whopping 784 g (1.75 lbs), and was worth 3,000 in the UK in 1985. Now, it is the most profitable handset to flog online, selling for an average price of 1,776.01 The HTC Touch Diamond2 (pictured) is the second most profitable, with 542.90 made from just one sale this year. This was released in 2009, a year after the second generation iPhone 3G was released, and was branded as a 'personal digital assistant' from Windows Coming third is the original iPhone model (left), referred to unofficially as the 'iPhone 1' or 'iPhone 2G', which sells for an average price of 542.55. It is followed by the second generation iPhone, the iPhone 3G (right), which goes for an average of 301.68 TOP 20 MOST PROFITABLE RETRO PHONES ON EBAY Motorola DynaTAC 8000X - 1,776.01 HTC Touch Diamond2 - 542.90 iPhone - 542.55 iPhone 3G - 301.68 Motorola RAZR2 - 239.25 Motorola Microtac 9800X - 230.36 Motorola International 3200 - 215.50 Nokia 7280 - 180.44 Nokia N79 - 171.62 Ericsson T39 - 146.85 Nokia E90 Communicator - 134.25 Nokia N-Gage - 112.90 Nokia 9000 Communicator - 112.52 HTC Universal - 104.25 Nokia 9110I - 100.75 Motorola RAZR2 V9 - 93.44 Nokia 7600 - 86.69 Nokia 2100 - 66.74 Sidekick LX 2009 - 57.09 Nokia 8110 - 56.70 Advertisement Research has revealed that UK households are storing an estimated 527 million unwanted electrical items. That is the equivalent of 20 discarded devices per home, with mobile phones being the most hoarded piece of tech. According to Ofcom, 45 per cent of UK households have two mobile phones, while research from giffgaff revealed nearly 30 million people are hanging onto an old one. Experts from Protect Your Bubble have discovered which brands and models will fetch the biggest resale value on eBay. While the retro DynaTAC is the most valuable, it doesn't have a huge market, as only 12 have been sold in the last year. After that, the HTC Touch Diamond2 is the second most profitable, with 542.90 made from just one sale this year. This was released in 2009, a year after the second generation iPhone 3G was released, and was branded as a 'personal digital assistant' from Windows. It was the first device to feature the TouchFLO 3D interface, which gave it an easy-to-use array of icons, making it a credible alternative to the Apple handsets. The HTC Touch Diamond2 is worth 528.94 more than its predecessor the HTC Touch Diamond, which has been sold for just 13.42. Coming third is the original iPhone model, referred to unofficially as the 'iPhone 1' or 'iPhone 2G', which sells for an average price of 542.55. The first iPhone was introduced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs in January 2007 at MacWorld San Francisco, with the slogan 'Apple reinvents the phone'. The fifth, sixth and seventh most most valuable retro phones sold on eBay are the , Motorola RAZR2 (left), Motorola Microtac 9800X (middle) and (right), These sell for an average of 239.25, 239.36 and 215,50 respectively That June, the 8 GB version was released to the public at $599 - or 269 at the time - and it became Apple's most successful product. Its iconic touchscreen and layout of apps forever changed the smartphone industry, and was named the Time Magazine Invention of the Year in 2007. In the last year, sellers have grossed 33,100 overall from the sales of 61 handsets. Completing the top six are the iPhone 3G, Motorola RAZR2 and Motorola Microtac 9800X, which sell for an average of 308.68, 239.25 and 239.36 respectively. The Nokia 7280 is the eighth most valuable retro phone sold on eBay, and has an average price of 180.44. It was known as the 'lipstick' phone and had a spinner instead of a keypad The device with the highest number of sales between May 2021 and May 2022 was the Nokia 6630 (left), with 1,614 units sold. The Nokia 6310i (right) from 2002 is the highest grossing retro phone, as sales of them raked in 68,517 in just 12 months However, while these devices bring in the most money individually, they are not necessarily the most in-demand. The device with the highest number of sales between May 2021 and May 2022 was the Nokia 6630, with 1,614 units sold. The Nokia 6630 is said to be the first dual-modem tri-band handset designed to work on 3G, EDGE and 2G networks, and was released in 2004. It's a cheap device, with an average selling price of 4.23, but still managed to gross 6,827 over the 12-month period. In second place is the Nokia 6310i with 1,444 sales, and in third is the BlackBerry Bold with 1,417 sold. As 17 of the top 20 most in-demand devices are Nokias, their classic keypad is clearly a draw for retro phone collectors. This trend is maintained for the top 20 highest grossing mobiles, as 15 of these were also Nokia handsets. The third highest grossing and third highest demand retro phone was the BlackBerry Bold (pictured). This year, in January, BlackBerrys legacy software was decommissioned, possibly spurring more nostalgic purchases TOP 20 MOST SOLD AND HIGHEST GROSSING RETRO PHONES ON EBAY Most sold retro phones Nokia 6630 - 1,614 Nokia 6310I - 1,444 BlackBerry Bold - 1,417 Nokia 8210 - 1,106 Nokia 6100 - 994 Nokia N95 - 950 Nokia 6680 - 882 Nokia 8110 - 612 Nokia 2100 - 596 Nokia E71 - 358 Nokia 7610 - 278 BlackBerry Pearl - 252 Nokia 3310 -237 Nokia 6600 - 229 Nokia 3220 - 215 Nokia 5800 XpressMusic - 192 Nokia 7110 -175 Nokia N97 - 140 Nokia N-Gage - 135 Motorola Startac - 116 Highest grossing retro phones Nokia 6610i - 68,517 Nokia 2100 - 39,777 BlackBerry Bold - 37,903 Nokia N95 - 36,834 Nokia 8110 - 33,470 iPhone - 33,095 Nokia 8210 25,305 Motorola DynaTAC 8000X - 21,312 Nokia N-Gage - 15,241 Motorola RAZR2 - 15,073 Nokia E90 Communicator - 8,995 Nokia E71 - 7,944 Nokia 7110 - 7,859 Nokia 6600 - 7,484 Nokia 6100 - 7,316 Nokia 6630 - 6,827 Nokia 3220 - 5,788 BlackBerry Pearl - 5,620 Nokia N97 - 5,390 Nokia 7600 - 4,953 Data collected from eBay between May 2021 and May 2022 Advertisement As well as being the second most in demand device, the Nokia 6310i from 2002 is also the highest grossing, as sales of them raked in 68,517 in just 12 months. The second top grossing phone is the Nokia 2100, making 39,777 between May 2021 and May 2022, and the third is the BlackBerry Bold with 37,903. This year, in January, BlackBerrys legacy software was decommissioned, possibly spurring more nostalgic purchases. James Brown, Director at Protect Your Bubble, said: 'After 40 years of mobile phones, it's interesting to see which old handsets Brits are willing to pay good money for. 'If you have any old phones lying about, while the UK cost of living continues to rise - now could be the time to abandon nostalgia and get selling. 'But remember, the better condition, the more profitable it will be. Take good care of it with a protective case or cover, clean it regularly and keep software up to date.' Children are watching porn in the UK simply by ticking a box to say they are over the age of 18, Ofcom has revealed. One adult website told the watchdog it had considered using age verification tools but decided against as it would hit their bottom line too much. Ofcom boss Dame Melanie Dawes accused platforms of 'putting profits before child safety' ahead of new internet laws being introduced to tackle the problem. Children are watching porn in the UK simply by ticking a box to say they are over the age of 18, Ofcom has revealed (stock image) A third of young men and one in six women had watched pornography by age 13 A third of young men and one in six young women had viewed pornography by the age of 13, troubling new data has revealed. A major survey found half of the 72 per cent of men aged between 18 and 29 who have seen online pornography were exposed to it before they were teenagers. Among women in the same age group, 61 per cent said they had watched online porn, with almost a quarter having first done so by the age of 13. Experts say early exposure to online pornography has led to an increase in sexually aggressive and abusive behaviour among teenagers. Vanessa Morse, chief executive of The Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (Cease), said: 'These shocking statistics show the prevalence of children watching harmful pornography at a young age. We know that children are more susceptible to mental health problems associated with compulsive porn use such as anxiety, depression, loneliness. 'It also interferes with working memory and concentration, which is obviously going to really impact children in school.' Advertisement Under the Online Safety Bill, users will have to prove they are over 18 to access porn though it will be up to firms to decide how they vet customers. A report published today however has found the UK's largest video-sharing site for adult content, OnlyFans, was the only one to have adopted such checks. Many of its smaller rivals still allow users to access adult material simply by self-declaring they are over 18 often by just ticking a pop-up box or by putting in a date of birth. Ofcom said it did not consider such measures to be appropriate age checks, adding it was clear the platforms were not 'sufficiently equipped, prepared and resourced for regulation'. While some asked for a payment card to access the content, Ofcom said this was not enough to ensure the customer was old enough as some could be held by under-18s. Over the next year, Ofcom said adult sites 'must have in place a clear roadmap to implementing robust age verification measures' ahead of the Online Safety Bill. The legislation will give Ofcom the power to hand out hefty fines of up to ten per cent annual turnover or even block sites from being used in the UK. Only adult websites that have user-generated content will be included under the Bill however, with critics warning companies could get around the rules by removing any material uploaded by users. Ofcom's latest report focused on OnlyFans and five other adult video sharing platforms (VSPs) AdmireMe, Fanzworld, PocketStars, Xpanded and RevealMe. OnlyFans has introduced age verification for all new UK subscribers using Yoti, third-party software that estimates people's age using a selfie they upload. Pictured: The six biggest notified UK-established video-sharing platforms: TikTok, Snapchat, Twitch, Vimeo, OnlyFans and BitChute The company claims the technology can guess whether users between 13 and 19-year-olds are under the age of 23 with over 99 per cent accuracy. If a user fails this test, they go have to verify their age using ID such as a passport through. Anyone who refuses cannot set up an account. Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom's Chief Executive, said: 'Today's report is a world first. We've used our powers to lift the lid on what UK video sites are doing to look after the people who use them. 'It shows that regulation can make a difference, as some companies have responded by introducing new safety measures, including age verification and parental controls. 'But we've also exposed the gaps across the industry, and we now know just how much they need to do. 'It's deeply concerning to see yet more examples of platforms putting profits before child safety. We have put UK adult sites on notice to set out what they will do to prevent children accessing them.' Campaigners have warned for years that vast amounts of porn readily available online were having a worrying impact on children's attitudes to relationships. Half of parents fear web porn gives youngsters an unrealistic view of sex and more than half of mothers think it casts women in a poor light, according to research. BMW is investing $1.7 billion to ramp up development of electric vehicles in South Carolina, expanding its existing plant and building a new high-voltage battery assembly facility nearby - and the total investment is the largest ever made in the state. The expansion will enable the luxury automaker to build at least six fully electric BMW models in the US in the next eight years, which will feature newly developed cells that the firm claims will have 20 percent higher energy density and should charge 30 percent faster than its exciting models. BMW could be looking to make a big push into the US EV market that is set to reach $823.75 billion by 2030, which is likely due to several states banning the sale of new gasoline cars. BMW, however, is concerned about the new US EV tax credit requirements that aim to eventually end the nation's reliance on China for battery supply chain, noting it could restrict its production. BMW is investing $1.7 billion to ramp up development of electric vehicles in South Carolina. Approximately $1 billion will be used to expand its current plant (pictured) and the rest will be used to build a new battery assembly plant BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse told Reuters in an interview that no region could be completely independent especially on battery raw materials and that the United States 'should have a regulation that is not completely unrealistic.' He warned the new $7,500 EV tax credit law adopted in August could prevent automakers from using the credit. 'It would be a disaster if you stop industry from developing,' Zipse said. BMW's South Carolina plant, located in Spartanburg, has built more than 6 million vehicles, employs more than 11,000 people, and has an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles. The new battery plant will be built by Chinese renewable energy group Envision's Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), which will have an annual capacity of up to 30 GWh to supply the automaker. The expansion will enable the luxury automaker to build at least six fully electric BMW models in the US in the next eight years BMW Group had already announced that four additional battery cell factories will be built in Europe and China to meet its needs. Zipse said the location of a sixth planned cell factory would be determined by market demand. The cell factories being built by company partners will each have an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh. BMW, along with other automakers in the US, are preparing for the 2035 mandate that bans the sale of new gas-powered cars, which has been adopted by California and New York. However, Washington, Massachusetts, New York, Orego, and Vermont are set to follow the same path. California made its mandate official on August 25, which requires automakers to reduce the number of gas guzzlers they sell in order to reach the first quota of the plan that mandates 35 percent of new cars, SUVs and small pickups sold in California by 2026 be zero-emission vehicles. The quota increases every two years, with 51 percent by 2028, 68 percent by 2030 and then 100 percent of all new vehicles sold should be battery-powered five years later - 20 percent of these sold can be hybrid plug-ins. Under the new law, California Air Resources Board will also impose a civil penalty for cars sold in violation of the targets. BMW could be looking to make a big push into the US EV market that is set to reach $823.75 billion by 2030, which is likely due to several states banning the sale of new gasoline cars However, there are several obstacles state officials must address to ensure the mandate is reasonable for all Californians such as providing incentives for consumers to buy pricy EVs and providing millions more charging systems. New York announced its ban on October 3, which follows the same quota system as the west coast state and also comes with its own fair share of obstacles. The main hurdle will be how it plans to charge thousands of electric vehicles in a city that lacks private driveways and convince people to pay at least $20,000 more for a new plug-in. There are just 677 charging stations spread across the five boroughs and although the city is set to add 10,000 curbside chargers by 2030, it may not be enough to power the thousands that will be cruising around by 2030 - 68 percent of all new cars sold this year will be electric. Along with where people will charge their cars, comes the question of how they will afford one. Nearly 50 percent of residents are deemed middle class and 17.9 percent are low income, leaving just 35 percent of people who have a disposable income to spend thousands of dollars more on a new plug-in vehicle. New York, however, offers electric car buyers the Drive Clean Rebate of up to $2,000 for new car purchases or leases, but this still may not be enough to tempt consumers into swapping out a cheaper gas guzzler for a more expensive vehicle. This is a new milestone in a trial which aims to see their team using Jet Suits to reach stranded patients Paramedics from the Great North Air Ambulance Service have successfully used jet packs to ascend a slope Advertisement This is the moment a brave paramedic flew up a hill in winds of over 30 miles per hour and heavy rain using a jet pack. It marks a new milestone for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), as this was the first time one of their team has been able to fly up a slope with the Jet Suit. The flight was part of a trial of the Jet Suit technology, with the goal of medics using it to reach patients in remote locations, like in the Lake District. Developed by inventor Richard Browning from Gravity Industries, the flying suit can reach impressive speeds of up to 85 miles per hour at more than 12,000 feet into the air. It relies on five mini jet engines, two built into units attached to each hand and one built into a backpack, which gives it a flight time of up to ten minutes. After about ten days of training, GNAAS paramedic Jamie Walsh made the flight up a short, steep ascent in adverse weather conditions, and was joined by Mr Browning. Mr Browning said: 'It is fantastic to see the progress we have delivered since the proof of concept back in 2020. It was a true privilege to fly, literally, alongside Jamie, noting how far we have come in applying Jet Suit technology in the world of medical response.' After about ten days of training, Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) paramedic Jamie Walsh made the flight up a short, steep ascent in adverse weather conditions, and was joined by the suit's inventor inventor Richard Browning Developed by inventor Richard Browning from Gravity Industries, the flying suit can reach impressive speeds of up to 85 miles per hour at more than 12,000 feet into the air. It relies on five mini jet engines, two built into units attached to each hand and one built into a backpack, which gives it a flight time of up to ten minutes The flight marks a new milestone for GNAAS, as this was the first time one of their team has been able to ascend a slope with the Jet Suit This is the world's first trial of paramedics using jet packs to reach stranded ramblers and deal with life-threatening injuries before helicopters or ground teams reach the scene Jet suit for paramedics The jet suit uses five gas turbines that produce over 1,000 brake horsepower to gain flight. All components of the suits are 3D printed including the aluminium casing for the jets themselves. Turbines: 5 Fuel: Jet A1 Kerosene, Premium Diesel Fight Time: Up to 10 minutes Speed: Up to 85mph Pilot weight: Under 13 stone (85kg) wearing current Jet Suit Advertisement While the Lake District makes for a stunning backdrop for hikers, it is very hilly, which can make rescue missions challenging for paramedics. This is the world's first trial of paramedics using jet packs to reach stranded ramblers and deal with life-threatening injuries before helicopters or ground teams reach the scene. The ultimate goal is to decrease the time it takes for the medics to reach the patients and administer critical care, rather than the time to get them to hospital. GNAAS explained: 'The concept is like a paramedic on a motorbike, the solo paramedic can either treat the person on the scene and discharge them or they can arrange the appropriate ongoing care. 'In the Lake District, any incident like this is already a multi-agency response, so mountain rescue will respond and we could pass information to them to give them better information about how they should respond and what kit they need.' While the jet suit has been in development since 2017, the GNAAS trial began in 2020 when Mr Browning flew over the difficult terrain of Langdale Pike at heights of up to 20ft, proving it was possible. Fast forward to January this year, and Mr Browning completed another milestone test at Scafell Pike and Sharp Edge in the Lake District. By May, the Chief Test Pilot was able to reach the 3,117-foot peak of the Helvellyn mountain in under eight minutes using his Jet Suit, which costs more than 300,000. For comparison, it would take a helicopter three times as long, while a paramedic on foot would take at least an hour. Since then, Mr Walsh has attended training sessions at Gravity Industries HQ based in Goodwood as well as in the Lake District, and is now in the position to be able to reach a casualty on a mountainside in Cumbria. Mr Browning said: 'The Jet Suit produces up to 144kg of thrust; the thrust to weight ratio works out to be greater than any known Jet Fighter we are aware of.' GNAAS explained: 'The concept is like a paramedic on a motorbike, the solo paramedic can either treat the person on the scene and discharge them or they can arrange the appropriate ongoing care' While the jet suit has been in development since 2017, the GNAAS trial began in 2020 when Mr Browning flew over the difficult terrain of Langdale Pike at heights of up to 20ft, proving it was possible Jamie Walsh has attended training sessions at Gravity Industries HQ based in Goodwood as well as in the Lake District, and is now in the position to be able to reach a casualty on a mountainside in Cumbria Earlier this year, GNAAS announced that it has partnered with renewable energy firm rsted to trial the viability of jet suit paramedics for the wind industry Earlier this year, GNAAS announced that it had partnered with renewable energy firm rsted to trial the viability of jet suit paramedics for the wind industry. Richard Mccrilley, External Consultant for rsted, said: 'This project has been a great way to support a worthy charity and a unique opportunity to learn about the Jet Suit technology and understand how it might be used in future to help deliver lifesaving care. 'We pride ourselves on being an innovative business and this collaboration is a great way to look at future technologies and help us assess their maturity, what risks there might be and the potential practical applications on our wind farms.' Andy Mawson, Director of Operations and paramedic at GNAAS, said: 'It has been a huge privilege working with both rsted, and Gravity to deliver a true world first piece of research. 'We know that improving emergency response times is of benefit, therefore improving human mobility has a huge part to play in the delivery of care, especially in a remote environment.' The Jet Suit from Gravity Industries is also being trialled by the British Royal Navy, and last year marines used them to jump from boat to boat in the English Channel to prepare for future boarding operations. In September, they were also picked up by the US Royal Navy, and servicemen used them to fly over the New York Harbour and land on the Queen Elizabeth warship. The spectacle was part of the Atlantic Future Forum (AFF) a defence conference focusing on Anglo-American military, political and strategic relations that was held on the British warship. Advertisement A terrifying simulation shows how a nuclear strike from Russia could trigger a war that kills 34 million people in just five hours. Known as 'Plan A', the four-minute animation aims to highlight the 'potentially catastrophic' consequences of conflict between Russia and NATO countries. It was developed by Princeton University researchers associated with the Program on Science & Global Security (SGS), and was originally released in 2017. However, the Ukraine war has reignited discussions around the prospect of nuclear war, and renewed interest in models like this one. Dr Alex Glaser, one the creators of Plan A, told Newsweek: 'As far as one can tell, this is the most serious crisis with a potential nuclear dimension involving Russia and the United States/NATO since the end of the Cold War, even if the risk of a nuclear war is still considered 'small'as many analysts would argue. 'A crisis like the one we are currently facing often results in miscommunication between parties, exacerbated by the fact that there remain very few active lines of communication between Russia and the US/NATO.' Researchers have developed a terrifying simulation that shows how an escalating nuclear war between the United States/NATO and Russia would play out HOW WOULD THE WAR PROGRESS? The simulation begins with a conventional, non-nuclear conflict. Russia fires a nuclear warning shot from a base on the Black Sea, with the aim of halting a USNATO advance. In response, NATO hits Russia with a single tactical nuclear air strike. After this, the conflict escalates thus: PHASE 1: Tactical Targeting Russia hits NATO bases/troops with 300 nukes. NATO responds with 180 nukes. 2.6 million casualties in three hours. PHASE 2: Strategic Targeting Each side strives to take out the other's offensive nuclear capacity. In 45 minutes, 3.4 million casualties result. PHASE 3: Key City Targeting Both sides fire 510 nukes at the opposition's 30 most populated cities or economic centres. This causes 85.3 million deaths and injuries in 45 minutes. TOTAL FATALITIES: 34.1 MILLION Advertisement The model - based on realistic data on nuclear force postures, targets and causality estimates - predicts that 34.1 million people would die within hours. The catastrophic conflict would leave another 55.9 million injured figures which do not include subsequent deaths from nuclear fallout and other effects. Nuclear war simulators may seem scary, but they can be used by governments to develop contingency plans, and educate the public on how to survive an attack. This simulation begins within the context of a conventional, non-nuclear conflict. Russia fires a warning shot from a base near Kaliningrad, on the Black Sea, to stop a US-NATO advancement, before they retaliate with a single, tactical air strike. Russia then sends 300 warhead explosives, carried either by aircraft or short-range missiles, towards NATO bases and advancing troops in Europe. The international military alliance would then respond with around 180 aircraft-borne nukes. At this stage, casualties would be expected to reach around 2.6 million people within a three-hour period and Europe is left essentially destroyed. Following this, NATO acts from the continental US and nuclear submarine fleets, launching a strategic nuclear strike of around 600 warheads. Before this strike hits and its weapons systems are destroyed, Russia launches nukes from its complement of missile silos, submarines and mobile launch pads. The model projects 3.4 million casualties from this phase of the war, which would last only 45 minutes. In the final phase of the conflict, both sides take aim at each other's 30 most populated cities and economic centres deploying 5 to 10 nukes for each one to attempt to inhibit each side's recovery from the war. Such a move, the researchers conclude, would see another 85.3 million casualties within the space of 45 minutes. Vladimir Putin made remarks in April alluding to using nuclear weapons if 'threatened' by countries 'interfering' in Ukraine The model based on realistic data on nuclear force postures, targets and causality estimates predicts that 34.1 million people would die within a matter of hours The catastrophic conflict would leave another 55.9 million injured figures which do not include subsequent deaths from nuclear fallout and other effects WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF A NUCLEAR BOMB? A nuke's impact would depend on factors like the weather, weapon design and the blast zone's nature. About 35 per cent of the bomb's energy would be released as heat. Flash blindness from a 1 megaton nuke could be triggered up to 13 miles away on a clear day and 50 on a clear night. Those within a 5-mile-radius would receive third degree burns. The blast of air pressure generated would destroy nearby buildings. Winds of up to 158 mph would affect people up to 3.7 miles away, causing objects to fly around. Source: AsapSCIENCE Advertisement Many countries in the model appear to escape being the direct target of a nuke, such as those in the southern hemisphere, and Scotland. However, the effects of the nuclear fallout, collapsing medical systems and longer-term impacts on the Earth's climate, population and food production would have wide-ranging effects. The computer simulation is based on independent assessments of current US and Russian force postures, nuclear war plans, and nuclear weapons targets. The team also used publicly available data of currently deployed nuclear weapons, potential targets for the weapons and the order they would likely be detonated. An online tool called NUKEMAP was used to determine the immediate fatalities and casualties that would occur in each phase of the conflict. It was originally exhibited at Princeton's Bernstein Gallery in 2017, but was made available to the public in 2019. While it gained some interest initially, the video remained relatively under the radar until February this year, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin made remarks in April alluding to using nuclear weapons if 'threatened' by countries 'interfering' in Ukraine. The Russian president said: 'If someone intends to interfere in what is going on from the outside they must know that constitutes an unacceptable strategic threat to Russia. The team behind the video hope that the simulation will highlight the apocalyptic consequences and cost to humanity of nuclear war between the two blocs 'They must know that our response to counter strikes will be lightning fast. Fast. 'We have all the weapons we need for this. No one else can brag about these weapons, and we wont brag about them. But we will use them.' As a result of these references to nuclear attacks, the 'Plan A' video has now gained over four million views. German engineer Dr Ivan Stepanov has also developed his own nuclear war simulator program, which he has used to predict the outcome of a Russian strike. His model is called Nuclear War Simulator and allows users to simulate 'realistic large-scale scenarios between major powers with thousands of warheads'. Dr Stepanov was born in the city of Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, which is less than 100 miles from a site where Soviet authorities once tested most of their nuclear weapons. German engineer Dr Ivan Stepanov has also developed his own nuclear war simulator program, that he has used to predict the outcome of a Russian strike In a series of tweets, he reveals what consequences the Nuclear War Simulator predicts of a Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine. He says that they will differ depending on the wind conditions, but that 'it is very likely that the fallout will be transported in the direction of Russia'. 'However, only small amounts will be deposited there,' the engineer tweeted. 'It is possible to find wind conditions carrying the fallout in the western direction. 'Still, the wind is usually slow and it is unlikely that significant fallout will reach NATO countries.' He goes on to say that predicting nuclear fallout is 'very hard', and that it depends significantly on the wind and rain. NASA describes the Orionids as 'one of the most beautiful showers of the year' There could be 20 shooting stars every hour travelling at up to 41 miles a second If you're a fan of stargazing, make sure you've got an eye to the skies tonight. A 'beautiful' meteor shower called the Orionids will be visible with the naked eye when it peaks on Friday evening. The Orionids occur every autumn when Earth passes through a stream of debris left by Halley's Comet, filling the sky with 'prolonged explosions of light', NASA says. This year, the annual shower will peak on the night of October 21-22 between midnight and dawn (Friday evening to Saturday morning). During this period, there could be 20 shooting stars flying overhead every hour, each travelling at speeds of up to 41 miles (66 kilometers) per second. The radiant for the Orionids (the point in the sky the meteors appear to come from) is in the constellation of Orion, hence the name 'Orionids' Described as 'one of the most beautiful showers of the year', the Orionids (pictured here in 2016) occur every autumn when Earth passes through a stream of debris left by Halley's Comet What is the Orionid meteor shower? The Orioinid shower is made up from the remnants of Halley's Comet. The comet itself was last seen in 1986 and is not due to brighten Earth's skies again until 2061. But each year in mid-to-late October, Earth passes through the comet's dusty debris. When this happens the pre-dawn sky can light up with a stunning display of shooting stars. People living in North America, Europe, most parts of Asia, and northern parts of South America can to see the meteor shower by looking towards the south-eastern sky. Those who live in the southern hemisphere can see the shower by looking to the north eastern sky. Advertisement 'The Orionids, which peak during mid-October each year, are considered to be one of the most beautiful showers of the year,' NASA says. 'Orionid meteors are known for their brightness and for their speed. These meteors are fast they travel at about 148,000 miles per hour (66 km/s) into Earth's atmosphere. 'Fast meteors can leave glowing "trains" (incandescent bits of debris in the wake of the meteor) which last for several seconds to minutes. 'Fast meteors can also sometimes become fireballs; look for prolonged explosions of light when viewing the Orionid meteor shower.' To find the Orionids, members of the public should find a spot away from streetlamps and other sources of light pollution. The meteors can be seen with the naked eye so there's no need for binoculars or a telescope, although a period of 20 minutes is advised to allow the eyes to adjust to the dark. The radiant for the Orionids the point in the sky the meteors appear to come from is in the constellation of Orion, hence the name 'Orionids'. The Met Office told MailOnline that forecasts are looking good for the time of the meteor shower's peak. 'On Friday night, the best chance for seeing the Orionid meteor shower will be across England and Wales, where skies will become increasingly clear as the night wears on,' said the Met Office's senior operational meteorologist Dr Matthew Box. 'Unfortunately, Saturday night looks set to be rather cloudy across much of the UK with far fewer breaks and so my recommendation would be for any budding comet-gazer to make the most of Friday night.' According to Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Orionids is an 'extra-special' display that reliably produces shooting stars that are visible across the globe. Halley's Comet on March, 8 1986. Halley's comet, which left the sand grain-sized particles that produce the Orionids, comes around the inner solar system every 75 or so years Orionid meteor steaks over the Jampayang snow mountain, Yading national nature reserve, Sichuan province of China How to see the meteor shower from the UK The Orionid meteor shower should be visible from anywhere on Earth, and can be seen anywhere across the sky. Look for the shape of Orion the Hunter, and the meteor showers radiant will be near Orions sword, to the north. To make sure you get the best view of the shower, get far away from light pollution such as city lights. The shower will be most visible at around 1:30am on the early morning of October 20 and 21 . Experts recommend you let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20 minutes. Advertisement They're viewable in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres in the hours after midnight. The moon will also be at less than 20 per cent illumination, meaning moonlight shouldn't dim our view of the shooting stars. Meteors, also known as shooting stars, come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids. When comets come around the sun, the dust they emit gradually spreads into a dusty trail around their orbits. Every year, Earth passes through these debris trails, which allows the bits to collide with our atmosphere where they disintegrate to create fiery and colourful streaks in the sky. However, the events don't pose a threat to humans as the objects nearly always burn up in our atmosphere before reaching the planet's surface. Halley's comet, which left the sand grain-sized particles that produce the Orionids, comes around the inner solar system every 75 or so years. It was last visible with the naked eye in 1986, and won't appear again until the summer of 2061. In the meantime, we're left with viewing the meteor shower that comes from its 'comet litter' as it flies through the atmosphere. Meteors, also known as shooting stars, come from leftover comet particles and bits from broken asteroids (artist's impression) It is one of two showers created by the debris from Halley's Comet; the other is the Eta Aquariids in May. Following the Orionids, there's a handful of meteor showers still set to take place this year, including what NASA calls the 'best meteor shower of the year', the Geminids. This meteor shower takes place every year between December 4 and December 17, peaking between December 13 and December 14. Royal Observatory Greenwich says the Geminids gives up to 100 shooting stars per hour, and are thought to be intensifying every year. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may have captured two 'halos' of dark matter in a region where a 'knot' of galaxies are forming around an extremely luminous active galactic nucleus that assembled 11.5 billion years ago. The telescope snapped an image of the three tightly packed galaxies orbiting each other at great speeds, which is only possible if a great deal of mass is present. And astronomers believe the mass is 'two massive halos of dark matter merging together.' Dark matter, although believed to make up 80 percent of the universe, has never been directly detected, but the study led by Heidelberg University in Germany notes JWST is 'likely probing the dense central core of a massive dark matter halo.' The discoveries were only possible with JWST's ability to look back in time, allowing it to see how the first galaxies formed and evolved. The team believes the region with the 'knot' of galaxies is also the one of the densest known areas of the galaxy formation in the early universe, as the quasar they are circling formed just two billion years after the Big Bang that happened 13.8 billion years ago. The image captures three tightly packed galaxies orbiting a quasar. The galaxies are moving at great speeds, leading experts to believe a dense mass of dark matter is present Dominika Wylezalek of Heidelberg University in Germany, who led the study, said in a statement: 'Even a dense knot of dark matter isn't sufficient to explain it. 'We think we could be seeing a region where two massive halos of dark matter are merging together.' The quasar, labeled SDSS J165202.64+172852.3, is an 'extremely red' quasar when viewed through near-infrared wavelengths, which was done by the telescope's Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec). The instrument can collect a range of colors, or spectra, across the telescope's whole field of view, instead of just from one point at a time, which is a technique known as integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopy. The team believes the region with the 'knot' of galaxies is also the one of the densest known areas of the galaxy formation in the early universe This allowed astronomers to simultaneously examine the quasar, its galaxy and the wider surroundings. 'There are few galaxy protoclusters known at this early time. It's hard to find them, and very few have had time to form since the Big Bang,' Wylezalek said. 'This may eventually help us understand how galaxies in dense environments evolve It's an exciting result.' Observations taken using IFU allowed the team to identify the trio of galaxies surrounding the quasar and how the group is connected. Archive data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope hints that there may be even more. Images from Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 had shown extended material surrounding the quasar and its galaxy, prompting its selection for this study into its outflow and the effects on its host galaxy. Now, the team suspects they could have been looking at the core of a whole cluster of galaxies only now revealed by Webb's crisp imaging. Andrey Vayner of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore said in a statement: 'Our first look at the data quickly revealed clear signs of major interactions between the neighboring galaxies. This is the second JWST telescope released in less than day, as Wednesday the world saw the most detailed view of the Pillars of Creation, revealing columns of cool interstellar gas and dust surrounded by countless twinkling stars. This cosmic formation was first snapped by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995 and again in 2014 for what was previously the most detailed view ever seen by the human eye - that is, until now 'The sensitivity of the NIRSpec instrument was immediately apparent, and it was clear to me that we are in a new era of infrared spectroscopy.' This is the second JWST telescope released in less than day, as Wednesday the world saw the most detailed view of the Pillars of Creation, revealing columns of cool interstellar gas and dust surrounded by countless twinkling stars. This cosmic formation was first snapped by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995 and again in 2014 for what was previously the most detailed view ever seen by the human eye - that is, until now. The intricate image from JWST will help astronomers identify far more precise counts of newly formed stars, along with the quantities of gas and dust in the region. This is because, for the first time, the gas and dust can be seen clumping together and populations of forming stars with some still encased in dust are clearly visible. Google is being sued by the state of Texas for using the biometric data, like facial and voice recognition, of millions of residents without consent since 2015 'for its own commercial interests.' The lawsuit, filed by Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas, claims the tech giant used these markers to train deep neural networks that power some of its highest revenue generator products, like its Google Photos app, Nest Hub Max and Google Assistant. The reason for Texas suing Google is that the state has the Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act, which mandates any use of biometric data requires consent and those who break the law are subject to a $25,000 per violation. Texas alleges no such consent was gained from Google users in the Lone Star State. A Google spokesperson told DailyMail.com that Paxton is 'mischaracterizing' Google's 'products in another breathless lawsuit' and plans on setting the record straight in court. Paxon said in a statement: 'Google's indiscriminate collection of the personal information of Texans, including very sensitive information like biometric identifiers, will not be tolerated. 'I will continue to fight Big Tech to ensure the privacy and security of all Texans.' The Attorney General of Texas filed a lawsuit against Google claiming it has been breaking the state's Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act by using Texans' biometric data without their consent The document fires at Google, stating it has been unlawfully capturing biometric data for years with both 'non-consenting users and nonusers throughout Texasincluding our children and grandparents.' Nonusers make it into the database when a user snaps a picture of them that is uploaded to Google's 'Face Grouping.' Powered by an algorithm, when a photo or video is uploaded to Google Photos the technology first detects the faces and creates a record so it can match a specific face with those in new content. In 2015, Google researchers released a paper describing a deep-neural network called 'FaceNet, that directly learns a mapping from face images to a compact Euclidean space where distances directly correspond to a measure of face similarity,' allowing 'tasks such as face recognition, verification and clustering. 'The Google Photos app is a runaway success for Google. The Google Play Store claims Google Photos has over five billion installs,' reads the suit. 'The Apple App Store reports that over 339,000 users have submitted reviews of Google Photos. The document also notes Google's Nest Web Max (pictured) follows a similar blueprint with a feature called 'Face Match' that uses facial recognition to let the device 'see' who is using it to present personalized information 'Given that many installers do not submit a formal review, one assumes that the number of installs of Google Photos out of the Apple App Store is of the same magnitude or greater than installs out of the Google Play Store.' The document also notes Google's Nest Web Max follows a similar blueprint with a feature called 'Face Match' that uses facial recognition to let the device 'see' who is using it to present personalized information. 'For Face Match to work, the Nest Hub Max's camera is designed to be a modern Eye of Sauronconstantly watching and waiting to identify a face it knows,' according to the lawsuit. 'This means the Google device indiscriminately captures the face geometry of any Texan who happens to come into view, including non-users who have never authorized Google to capture their biometric information and who, in all likelihood, may not even know Google is doing so.' And then Google Assistant uses 'Voice Match' to know who is speaking to it in order to also present unique information. The document notes that Google uses voiceprints to develop this feature, which can even 'differentiate the voices of our children.' 'Accordingly, Google recordswithout consentfriends, children, grandparents, and guests who stop by, and then store their voiceprints indefinitely,' it continues. The Google spokesperson told DailyMail.com: 'Google Photos helps you organize pictures of people, by grouping similar faces, so you can easily find old photos. 'Of course, this is only visible to you, you can easily turn off this feature if you choose and we do not use photos or videos in Google Photos for advertising purposes. 'The same is true for Voice Match and Face Match on Nest Hub Max, which are off-by-default features that give users the option to let Google Assistant recognize their voice or face to show their information. We will set the record straight in court.' Advertisement After hinting at getting a boob job on last week's episode of The Kardashians, Khloe Kardashian offered some reasoning behind the possible surgery on this week's episode, dubbed One Night in Miami. The episode follows Kim and Khloe to Miami for an opening of one of Kim's SKIMS pop-ups while Kendall and some of her friends like Hailey Bieber headed to Las Vegas to promote her 818 tequila. Khloe also opened up about the reason for wanting a boob job: to measure up to her statuesque sisters while joking she had 'different parents' than sister Kim Kardashian. Khloe's reasons: After hinting at getting a boob job on last week's episode of The Kardashians, Khloe Kardashian offered some reasoning behind the possible surgery on this week's episode, dubbed One Night in Miami Kim and Khloe: The episode follows Kim and Khloe to Miami for an opening of one of Kim's SKIMS pop-ups while Kendall and some of her friends like Hailey Bieber headed to Las Vegas to promote her 818 tequila The episode begins with a warning that it contains, 'graphic images of surgery' adding that 'viewer discretion is advised,' since matriarch Kris Jenner goes under the knife for her hip replacement in this episode. The episode begins in earnest where the last episode left off, with Kris being wheeled into surgery, with Kim revealing she's, 'not nervous.' 'My mom is 66 years young. It's always scary going into surgery but she's in the best hands and I've threatened everyone's lives so' Kim says to the camera with a smile. Graphic: The episode begins with a warning that it contains, 'graphic images of surgery' adding that 'viewer discretion is advised,' since matriarch Kris Jenner goes under the knife for her hip replacement in this episode Smile: 'My mom is 66 years young. It's always scary going into surgery but she's in the best hands and I've threatened everyone's lives so' Kim says to the camera with a smile They show footage of the doctors driving a large metal spike into Kris' hip while Kim tells Kris' longtime boyfriend Corey Gamble not to be nervous and she'll be all right. Kim adds in confession that, 'surgery is really scary. I'm just low-key freaking out because it's taking so long, but I am the family representative here so I'm just gonna keep it together and be strong.' They cut back and forth from the operating room to the waiting room with Kim and Corey seemingly just outside, as they can apparently hear all of the spike-hammering noises. Driving: They show footage of the doctors driving a large metal spike into Kris' hip while Kim tells Kris' longtime boyfriend Corey Gamble not to be nervous and she'll be all right Kim: They cut back and forth from the operating room to the waiting room with Kim and Corey seemingly just outside, as they can apparently hear all of the spike-hammering noises At some point, the doctor says they're 'good' as Kim and Corey hug, as the episode transitions back to Kris' home, while Khloe walks over for a visit. 'I've walked twice. I got up the first time to walk on my little walker over there. It was painful but it's like, hey, let's keep doing this,' Kris tells Khloe. Kris adds in confession that she, 'doesn't remember the surgery at all,' adding the last thing she remembers is talking to Corey and Kim, 'and then it was a blank.' Hugs: Corey Gamble and Kim Kardashian share a hug after Kris Jenner's hip replacement surgery Visit: At some point, the doctor says they're 'good' as Kim and Corey hug, as the episode transitions back to Kris' home, while Khloe walks over for a visit Walked: 'I've walked twice. I got up the first time to walk on my little walker over there. It was painful but it's like, hey, let's keep doing this,' Kris tells Khloe Back at Kris' place, she tells Khloe that she remembered telling Kim that it would, 'be so great to do something like this with a friend,' which clearly stuns Khloe. 'You know, so you could share it together and hang out,' Kris tries to explain, while Khloe adds she's, 'really contemplating getting my boobs done. It's just something I think about all the time.' Kris lights up - having mentioned getting her boobs done last week - and tells Khloe, 'Oh let's do it together!' Surgery with friends: Back at Kris' place, she tells Khloe that she remembered telling Kim that it would, 'be so great to do something like this with a friend,' which clearly stuns Khloe Together: Kris lights up - having mentioned getting her boobs done last week - and tells Khloe, 'Oh let's do it together!' Khloe rolls her eyes and says, 'OK,' as Kris asks if that's, 'weird, mother-daughter boob jobs' as Khloe admits, 'I don't know what's weird anymore.' Khloe adds in confession that she's wearing a, 'latex top with like a bra top so they look great right now and I just wished they looked great all the time.' 'I just want fuller like when you see me in a bikini I don't have cleavage like my sisters have this uh ample cleavage and it's like I don't know. You just gotta see em without this top on. That's for another show,' Khloe says in confession as a producer is heard laughing. Weird: Khloe rolls her eyes and says, 'OK,' as Kris asks if that's, 'weird, mother-daughter boob jobs' as Khloe admits, 'I don't know what's weird anymore' All the time: Khloe adds in confession that she's wearing a, 'latex top with like a bra top so they look great right now and I just wished they looked great all the time' Khloe also gets more specific about what she really wants out of a boob job during the episode's tiny post-credit scene. Khloe is seen in confession playing with 'bra stuffers' not full breast implants.' 'I'm not saying I want big old jugs, I just want a handful or a mouthful. Just a little fuller it's not a porno over here,' Khloe adds as the scene ends. Specific: Khloe also gets more specific about what she really wants out of a boob job during the episode's tiny post-credit scene Back at Kris' house, Khloe gets a call from Kylie who asks how Kris is doing as Khloe jokes it's a big day because, 'mom's on a walker!' Kris tells Kylie that Kim asked the doctor, 'to save my bone so she can make jewelry out of it,' which Kylie admits, 'That is weird.' Khloe asks Kris if she remembered talking about getting cremated and having necklaces made with her ashes, but Kris insists, 'That's a good idea.' Call: Back at Kris' house, Khloe gets a call from Kylie who asks how Kris is doing as Khloe jokes it's a big day because, 'mom's on a walker!' Weird: Kris tells Kylie that Kim asked the doctor, 'to save my bone so she can make jewelry out of it,' which Kylie admits, 'That is weird' Khloe adds, 'I don't even know why we need to get buried. In the Bible it says we can't get cremated but I just wanna be cremated.' Kris adds that Kylie doesn't want her to be cremated, while Khloe adds in confession that they talk about 'wills and death' and they 'tell each other what our wishes would be if something terrible were to happen.' 'If I'm in a coma, I'm still getting my nails done once a week. And that's in my will. 'Cause people are gonna visit me,' Khloe says in confession. Cremated: Kris adds that Kylie doesn't want her to be cremated, while Khloe adds in confession that they talk about 'wills and death' and they 'tell each other what our wishes would be if something terrible were to happen' Visit: 'If I'm in a coma, I'm still getting my nails done once a week. And that's in my will. 'Cause people are gonna visit me,' Khloe says in confession Back at Kris' home, she asks Kylie if she remembers when they were going to go, 'pick out our mausoleum,' but Kylie isn't sure about that right now. Khloe adds, 'Do you know how many kids we have? We're gonna need a whole f***ing all of Hidden Hills.' Kylie astutely adds that they should say, 'only this many generations are allowed in here,' as Kris jokes, 'it's like a club. Nope, you're not on the list.' Kids: Khloe adds, 'Do you know how many kids we have? We're gonna need a whole f***ing all of Hidden Hills' Khloe brings it back to her point about being cremated, adding, 'That's why I think if we all get cremated, you're like dust to dust, you're one with the earth. But if we're all getting buried, what happens if like Disneyland is like, I'm buying I have all this money, I could buy this place and then they start building on top of things.' Kris adds, 'I would love to be at the base of the Matterhorn,' as Khloe adds, 'People are always like, 'This was once an ancient burial ground.' And then they're like, 'Now my house is haunted, or whatever.' Kris jokes in confession, 'Can you imagine being haunted by The Kardashians? Epic,' while Kylie ends the bizarre phone conversation. Matterhorn: Kris adds, 'I would love to be at the base of the Matterhorn,' as Khloe adds, 'People are always like, 'This was once an ancient burial ground.' And then they're like, 'Now my house is haunted, or whatever' The episode transitions to Kylie's office, as Kendall Jenner comes in to pay her a visit. 'Kylie had her baby a few weeks ago, so I'm just stopping into her office to say hi, check in on her. It is pretty wild that she is a mom of two, also amazing,' Kendall says in confession. Kendall asks Kylie how she is and how the baby is and Kylie says it's been, 'really hard for me.' Kylie's office: The episode transitions to Kylie's office, as Kendall Jenner comes in to pay her a visit Few weeks: 'Kylie had her baby a few weeks ago, so I'm just stopping into her office to say hi, check in on her. It is pretty wild that she is a mom of two, also amazing,' Kendall says in confession 'I cried non-stop all day for the first three weeks,' Kylie says, which Kendall adds was an, 'emotional roller-coaster. Kylie adds, 'It's just the baby blues and then it kinda goes away. I had it with Stormi too,' and that she would cry so much she would just 'lay in bed and my head would hurt so much.' Kylie reveals in confession, 'I'm not a doctor, but I read on Google they call it 'baby blues' when it doesn't last past six weeks.' 'After about six weeks, I started to feel better, but I definitely had a case of the blues,' Kylie admitted, telling Kendall she's feeling better and not 'crying every day so that's great.' Baby blues: 'After about six weeks, I started to feel better, but I definitely had a case of the blues,' Kylie admitted, telling Kendall she's feeling better and not 'crying every day so that's great' Baby blues: Kylie reveals in confession, 'I'm not a doctor, but I read on Google they call it 'baby blues' when it doesn't last past six weeks' 'I don't have bad days with my body, I have bad days mentally and I need my first night out,' Kylie says. Kendall suggests, 'I have to go to Vegas for 818 on Saturday, and then I think the Grammy's are the next day so Kourtney and Travis are gonna be there.' Kendall adds in confession that she's, 'starting a new chapter in my career. 818 is my baby. I've been working on it for about five years now and I can't wait to just continue to grow the brand and it is just the best and really crazy.' Night out: 'I don't have bad days with my body, I have bad days mentally and I need my first night out,' Kylie says Vegas: Kendall suggests, 'I have to go to Vegas for 818 on Saturday, and then I think the Grammy's are the next day so Kourtney and Travis are gonna be there' New chapter: Kendall adds in confession that she's, 'starting a new chapter in my career. 818 is my baby. I've been working on it for about five years now and I can't wait to just continue to grow the brand and it is just the best and really crazy' Kendall asks Kylie to just come with her to Vegas and they can make it a 'girls night' as Kylie admits she hasn't had, 'a night out in almost a year.' Kendall adds in confession she is, 'so glad Kylie is coming, because Kylie is feeling a little down and I tend to get a lot of anxiety in situations like this, I think that us two going together could like almost even us out and we could be helpful towards each other.' Kylie says she would, 'love to support you and your 818, Kendall,' as Kendall says it sounds, 'pretty perfect,' though Kylie immediately starts fretting about something. Girls night: Kendall asks Kylie to just come with her to Vegas and they can make it a 'girls night' as Kylie admits she hasn't had, 'a night out in almost a year' So glad: Kendall adds in confession she is, 'so glad Kylie is coming, because Kylie is feeling a little down and I tend to get a lot of anxiety in situations like this, I think that us two going together could like almost even us out and we could be helpful towards each other Support: Kylie says she would, 'love to support you and your 818, Kendall,' as Kendall says it sounds, 'pretty perfect,' though Kylie immediately starts fretting about something 'Oh my God I need to find an outfit, Kendall. I'm not ready for like a little tiny Vegas minidress, it's just gonna be hot and I'm not there with the outfit yet.' Kendall rolls her eyes and tells Kylie, 'Do not tell me you're about to wear a coat in Vegas,' as Kylie admits she's going to bring her coat. 'I can't a minidress right now. I'm just not there yet,' Kylie says as Kendall says she's, 'setting yourself up for failure.' Outfit: 'Oh my God I need to find an outfit, Kendall. I'm not ready for like a little tiny Vegas minidress, it's just gonna be hot and I'm not there with the outfit yet' No coat: Kendall rolls her eyes and tells Kylie, 'Do not tell me you're about to wear a coat in Vegas,' as Kylie admits she's going to bring her coat 'Nothing's stopping me. I'm feeling like really good about my body. I've seen my body and I'm like I love my body my saggy tits and I'm embracing my PP body postpartum,' Kylie admits. 'I can't wait for my PP drink, my PP body and we're gonna PP all the way there, on the PP the private plane,' Kylie says, referring to her private jet. 'P***y popping party plane post partum. PPPP,' Kylie says with a laugh. PP: 'Nothing's stopping me. I'm feeling like really good about my body. I've seen my body and I'm like I love my body my saggy tits and I'm embracing my PP body postpartum,' Kylie admits The episode cuts back to Kris' house, as Khloe enters and pets Kris and Corey's dog Bridgette before she pours a bottle of Coke into a large coffee mug. Kim arrives in the kitchen and asks Khloe if she's wearing her SKIMS brand, revealing she's wearing both SKIMS and her own brand, Good American. Kim tells Khloe, 'Speaking of SKIMS, we are launching swimwear so we are going to Miami,' as Kris arrives, while Kim marvels that she's, 'walking already.' Brand: Kim arrives in the kitchen and asks Khloe if she's wearing her SKIMS brand, revealing she's wearing both SKIMS and her own brand, Good American Walking: Kim tells Khloe, 'Speaking of SKIMS, we are launching swimwear so we are going to Miami,' as Kris arrives, while Kim marvels that she's, 'walking already' 'Yes I'm feeling so much better,' Kris says before asking Kim if she has a grille on, which she shows her. 'We need to get away. We've had a very stressful few weeks. Did you see in the press that we lean on each other for support?' Kim asks, as they show a People headline. 'Where did that come from?' Khloe asks as Kim says she doesn't know, but tells her that she has to go to Miami and wants Khloe to come with her for the night. Better: 'Yes I'm feeling so much better,' Kris says before asking Kim if she has a grille on, which she shows her Lean: 'We need to get away. We've had a very stressful few weeks. Did you see in the press that we lean on each other for support?' Kim asks, as they show a People headline Where: 'Where did that come from?' Khloe asks as Kim says she doesn't know, but tells her that she has to go to Miami and wants Khloe to come with her for the night 'Our Swim is a whole new category. I'm obsessed with SKIMS. It's like my baby. All of the big banks and VC's, everyone just says like Apple, Nike, SKIMS, like we're in that conversation and it just makes me really proud,' Kim says in confession. She adds that she does, 'take a minute to soak it all in, but not too long because I've just got to keep grinding.' Back at Kris' house, Kim tells Khloe they can bring all of their friends because it's beachy and nothing is going on in LA. Proud: 'Our Swim is a whole new category. I'm obsessed with SKIMS. It's like my baby. All of the big banks and VC's, everyone just says like Apple, Nike, SKIMS, like we're in that conversation and it just makes me really proud,' Kim says in confession Beachy: Back at Kris' house, Kim tells Khloe they can bring all of their friends because it's beachy and nothing is going on in LA Kris interjects, 'I know you guys would love to have me but I can't get on a plane for six weeks. I'll stay here and watch all the kids.' 'We need a Miami night. Just one night, that's all I ask,' Kim says, as Khloe says she can't even remember the last time she was in Miami. Khloe adds, 'A one-nighter, I can do,' while Kim says in confession, 'We've been through a lot and even though I have work to do, I just think it would be so fun for Khloe to take this trip.' Kids: Kris interjects, 'I know you guys would love to have me but I can't get on a plane for six weeks. I'll stay here and watch all the kids' 'She's just with her daughter 24/7, she doesn't leave the gates of Calabasas, and with all of the Tristan stuff, it would just be good for her mental to get out,' Kim adds in confession. Kris says she has to 'get to work' and 'watch a bunch of stuff' as Khloe jokes, 'Is a bunch of stuff like I Love Lucy or something?' But Kris says, 'No I have to watch the trial.' Kris offers a refresher in confession that her son Rob Kardashian's ex Blac Chyna is suing the family for, 'defamation of character and interference of contract,' adding, 'The trial is looming over our head. It's stressful.' Trial: Kris offers a refresher in confession that her son Rob Kardashian's ex Blac Chyna is suing the family for, 'defamation of character and interference of contract,' adding, 'The trial is looming over our head. It's stressful' Khloe adds in the kitchen that, 'Rob said his deposition went well,' though Kris doesn't think they should talk about it now, presumably while filming. The episode transitions to Khloe's house when Malika Haqq comes by to visit, noting, 'a random balloon just floated up your stairs.' 'So Kim invited you to the SKIMS pop up in Miami,' Khloe tells Malika, who says it's such a big deal, which Khloe agrees with but adds 'I know that it's going to be such a s**t show.' Filming: Khloe adds in the kitchen that, 'Rob said his deposition went well,' though Kris doesn't think they should talk about it now, presumably while filming Balloon: The episode transitions to Khloe's house when Malika Haqq comes by to visit, noting, 'a random balloon just floated up your stairs' 'I'm still not sure if I want to go with all of this drama going on. I'm just an introvert. I just like being at home. But I also know I have major FOMO,' Khloe adds in confession. 'But what if it's not a s**t show,' Malika suggests, though Khloe says, 'It's always a s**t show, always paparazzi, always a thing. Do I really wanna deal with all that?' Malika says she should just get her picture taken, but Khloe adds, 'I just don't want to hear the narratives they're going to run with, if I'm dating or .. it's always so annoying.' Not sure: 'I'm still not sure if I want to go with all of this drama going on. I'm just an introvert. I just like being at home. But I also know I have major FOMO,' Khloe adds in confession Not: 'But what if it's not a s**t show,' Malika suggests, though Khloe says, 'It's always a s**t show, always paparazzi, always a thing. Do I really wanna deal with all that?/ 'Everything is so malicious these days people want to catch you how drunk you are, if you're on a date with someone, oh this is how she looks? Shut the f**k up,' Khloe says in confession. Malika says she's just trying to be optimistic and at least they can get a good time out of it, so this might be actually worth it. 'I just love staying in the gates because it's safe and no one gets you here,' Khloe says as Malika says, 'You can still be bothered behind the gates. Malicious: 'Everything is so malicious these days people want to catch you how drunk you are, if you're on a date with someone, oh this is how she looks? Shut the f**k up,' Khloe says in confession Gates: 'I just love staying in the gates because it's safe and no one gets you here,' Khloe says as Malika says, 'You can still be bothered behind the gates Khloe adds in confession, 'Malika has my best interest at heart. Kimberly, 99 percent of the time has my best interest at heart. If I am going to go on a 12 hour trip it's definitely going to be with Kim.' 'I have a migraine I'm going to say yes to get you out of he,' Khloe tells Malika, who jokes, 'That's what I like to hear.' The episode transitions to the airport, where Kendall boards Kylie Air - Kylie Jenner's lavish private plane, equipped with dry ice cocktails, snacks and more. 'I'm going to Vegas because Tao is opening it's beach club and they also carrying 818 so I'm going to support Tao and 818,' Kendall says in confession, as Kendall's friends Hailey Bieber and Justine Skye are boarding the plane. Migraine: 'I have a migraine I'm going to say yes to get you out of he,' Khloe tells Malika, who jokes, 'That's what I like to hear' Plane: The episode transitions to the airport, where Kendall boards Kylie Air - Kylie Jenner's lavish private plane, equipped with dry ice cocktails, snacks and more Going to Vegas: 'I'm going to Vegas because Tao is opening it's beach club and they also carrying 818 so I'm going to support Tao and 818,' Kendall says in confession, as Kendall's friends Hailey Bieber and Justine Skye are boarding the plane Kendall tells them, 'Kylie canceled last minute so we are leaving without her,' adding in confession, 'Kylie dropped out last minute shocker. She has her newborn and I think she was just tired and wanted to stay home so I get it.' Kylie revealed in confession, 'Sorry Kendall, I couldn't make it to Vegas. I have two kids now and it just couldn't work out but I love you and have the best time.' 'I think I was just looking forward to sister time and having her with me and she would have just made a lot of this a lot easier so I am kind of stuck doing this by myself and I'm kinda stressed out because I don't like being in a setting with a lot of people,' Kendall says in confession. Shocker: Kendall tells them, 'Kylie canceled last minute so we are leaving without her,' adding in confession, 'Kylie dropped out last minute shocker. She has her newborn and I think she was just tired and wanted to stay home so I get it' Sorry: Kylie revealed in confession, 'Sorry Kendall, I couldn't make it to Vegas. I have two kids now and it just couldn't work out but I love you and have the best time' Kendall tells Justine that, 'Right now the plan is for midnight I don't plan on raging.' 'If Kendall pulled an 180 tonight and decided to rage in Vegas that would be the most shocking thing I'll ever go through,' Hailey Bieber jokes. Kendall adds in confession, 'When it comes to friends being on the show it went back a really long time to when I was in middle school and the show had just started and friends at school were just a little sus.' Shocking: 'If Kendall pulled an 180 tonight and decided to rage in Vegas that would be the most shocking thing I'll ever go through,' Hailey Bieber jokes Friends: Kendall adds in confession, 'When it comes to friends being on the show it went back a really long time to when I was in middle school and the show had just started and friends at school were just a little sus' 'They just wanted to come over to be on it so my walls went up then. I also get uncomfortable, like, hey do you want to come be on my show. It was always weird for me now I think I've gotten a lot more comfortable with it,' she adds in confession. Hailey adds, 'At the end of the day it's always me Justine and Kendall,' while Kendall adds, 'We're the only ones that hang on because I feel like when we make commitments when we say we're going to do something we mean it we wouldn't say it, whereas I I feel like kylie's like whatevs.' The episode cuts to Kim's private jet - Kim Air - while Khloe adds, 'You guys it's only a three hour and 45 minute flight to Miami because Kimberly has an ER - Extended range - I'm pretty sure that's why.' Walls: 'They just wanted to come over to be on it so my walls went up then. I also get uncomfortable, like, hey do you want to come be on my show. It was always weird for me now I think I've gotten a lot more comfortable with it,' she adds in confession Uncomfortable: 'They just wanted to come over to be on it so my walls went up then. I also get uncomfortable, like, hey do you want to come be on my show. It was always weird for me now I think I've gotten a lot more comfortable with it,' she adds in confession End of the day: Hailey adds, 'At the end of the day it's always me Justine and Kendall,' while Kendall adds, 'We're the only ones that hang on because I feel like when we make commitments when we say we're going to do something we mean it we wouldn't say it, whereas I I feel like kylie's like whatevs' Kim Air: The episode cuts to Kim's private jet - Kim Air - while Khloe adds, 'You guys it's only a three hour and 45 minute flight to Miami because Kimberly has an ER - Extended range - I'm pretty sure that's why' As they take off, Khloe says a prayer 'Dear heavenly father thank you for this journey that all of ust get to take together to Miami and lets have fun and no hang overs in Jesus name we pray amen!' 'I started off hesitant about this trip, now everyone has a phone, everyone's recording you, things are just misconstrued, they turn into some salacious, crazy, clickbait article and I've just been in a funk recently and it's hard for me to get out of that funk which is probably the biggest reason why I need to go on this trip,' Khloe says in confession. The plane lands in the morning as Khloe says, 'We're in Miami b***h' before both Khloe and Kim talk on the phone with their daughters True and Chicago. Pray: As they take off, Khloe says a prayer 'Dear heavenly father thank you for this journey that all of ust get to take together to Miami and lets have fun and no hang overs in Jesus name we pray amen!' Phone: The plane lands in the morning as Khloe says, 'We're in Miami b***h' before both Khloe and Kim talk on the phone with their daughters True and Chicago Khloe gets a call from Kourtney, and tells her, 'I'm getting such flashbacks to when I used to live here,' while Kourtney asks, 'That's so fun. What are you guys doing?' She says they're there to support Kim's SKIMS swimwear line as Kourtney says she, 'never heard about it until just this very second.' 'Really? I should have invited you but I didn't think you'd have come,' Kim admits, as Kourtney admits in confession, 'Look guys, so I probably wouldn't have come to Miami but at least invite me.' Flashbacks: Khloe gets a call from Kourtney, and tells her, 'I'm getting such flashbacks to when I used to live here,' while Kourtney asks, 'That's so fun. What are you guys doing?' Invite: 'Really? I should have invited you but I didn't think you'd have come,' Kim admits, as Kourtney admits in confession, 'Look guys, so I probably wouldn't have come to Miami but at least invite me' Khloe adds, 'It's giving me such flashbacks to what a life we had and it was so f***ing fun. She adds in confession, 'When we were in Miami filming Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, I was 23, single and it was three months of just drunkenness I don't remember a lot of it but it was the f***ing best.' Khloe adds in confession, 'This was before everyone was talking your photos. You could be the biggest sloppiest mess and no one knew about it the next day ah take me back.' Drunk: She adds in confession, 'When we were in Miami filming Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, I was 23, single and it was three months of just drunkenness I don't remember a lot of it but it was the f***ing best' Mess: Khloe adds in confession, 'This was before everyone was talking your photos. You could be the biggest sloppiest mess and no one knew about it the next day ah take me back' While their car is stopped in traffic, a number of fans approach with various items they want the sisters to sign, as Kim adds she gets nervous. 'I just don't think you'll ever get used to being someplace and seeing tons of paparazzi,' Kim adds. 'I just feel like I'm a fish in a fish bowl and it's freaking me out a little bit, but I'm not going to let anything ruin my vibe,' Khloe says. Fans: While their car is stopped in traffic, a number of fans approach with various items they want the sisters to sign, as Kim adds she gets nervous Fish: 'I just feel like I'm a fish in a fish bowl and it's freaking me out a little bit, but I'm not going to let anything ruin my vibe,' Khloe says Kim adds, 'Like when they bang on your windows when you're in the middle of the street, it will never not startle you.' They turn the cars around and leave as Kim says in confession that she is 'so annoyed' and this is 'literally Khloe's worst nightmare.' 'This is why she never goes anywhere, so I hope it gets better because I just want her to have a good time,' Kim adds in confession. Worst: They turn the cars around and leave as Kim says in confession that she is 'so annoyed' and this is 'literally Khloe's worst nightmare' After they get to the hotel, Kim says in confession, 'While we're here in Miami I have to host the SKIMS dinner here tonight, and go to our pop up, I have to have a fitting with a corset maker, shoot tons of stuff in between, it's non stop.' SKIMS: After they get to the hotel, Kim says in confession, 'While we're here in Miami I have to host the SKIMS dinner here tonight, and go to our pop up, I have to have a fitting with a corset maker, shoot tons of stuff in between, it's non stop' Khloe takes a look at everyone out on the beach from the hotel balcony, as Kim adds, 'I think Khloe needed this trip more than anybody.' They episode shifts back to Los Angeles, as Kris gets into her rehab with the trainer, when her surgeon pays a visit. The trainer remarks that he's 'impressed' that Kris isn't taking any pain medication, but she jokes, 'I'm signing too many papers to be on drugs.' Balcony: Khloe takes a look at everyone out on the beach from the hotel balcony, as Kim adds, 'I think Khloe needed this trip more than anybody Trainer: They episode shifts back to Los Angeles, as Kris gets into her rehab with the trainer, when her surgeon pays a visit 'I am determined to live again without this pain. Me and my family have so many exciting things going on, I don't want to miss a thing,' Kris says in confession. 'I got this you guys we're going to be OK. I feel really good about today, so, I don't know, sounds like a Bionic Woman to me,' Kris says to the cameras. The episode shifts to Vegas as Kendall and her friends get into their vehicles, as Hailey shows her dog Oscar the sights of Las Vegas, adding, 'Are you going to see daddy tonight?' Bionic Woman: 'I got this you guys we're going to be OK. I feel really good about today, so, I don't know, sounds like a Bionic Woman to me,' Kris says to the cameras Vehicle: The episode shifts to Vegas as Kendall and her friends get into their vehicles, as Hailey shows her dog Oscar the sights of Las Vegas, adding, 'Are you going to see daddy tonight?' Kendall arrives at The Venetian hotel as she hits the red carpet at the Tao nightclub to discuss her 818 tequila. 'My sisters grew up coming here and now I'm here and it's so cool to put it all together, I love coming here,' Kendall tells a reporter on the step-and-repeat.' 'I know I'm here for work and there's a part of me that's enjoying myself and a part of me that's just real anxious because I don't always love big crowds,' Kendall says in confession, while we see her getting walked through a big Vegas crowd. Kendall: 'My sisters grew up coming here and now I'm here and it's so cool to put it all together, I love coming here,' Kendall tells a reporter on the step-and-repeat' Crowd: 'I know I'm here for work and there's a part of me that's enjoying myself and a part of me that's just real anxious because I don't always love big crowds,' Kendall says in confession, while we see her getting walked through a big Vegas crowd 'Also just I feel like anything I do gets hate like I could be walking down the street doing absolutely nothing and somebody always has something bad to say,' Kendall adds in confession. 'I think the narrative has gotten so out of hand for me and my family that there's just no changing it any more,' Kendall adds. Hate: 'Also just I feel like anything I do gets hate like I could be walking down the street doing absolutely nothing and somebody always has something bad to say,' Kendall adds in confession Crowd: 'I know I'm here for work and there's a part of me that's enjoying myself and a part of me that's just real anxious because I don't always love big crowds,' Kendall says in confession, while we see her getting walked through a big Vegas crowd Narrative: 'I think the narrative has gotten so out of hand for me and my family that there's just no changing it any more,' Kendall adds Kendall is lead to a private cabana where she takes a drink of her tequila with friends Carter Gregory and Victoria Villarroel. A producer asks what are some of the misconceptions she's heard about herself, and she says there are so many. 'I think the one that hurts the most is that people think I'm a mean girl because that's just not the case,' she says, as they show some apparent tweets about her. Friends: Kendall is lead to a private cabana where she takes a drink of her tequila with friends Carter Gregory and Victoria Villarroel 'It can be upsetting when somebody questions your character and if only people knew me,' Kendall says, while, back in Vegas, she's joined by Scott Disick, Brody Jenner and Winnie Harlow. Brody asks where Kylie is and Kendall says, 'She was supposed to come and then bailed this morning Scott adds, 'It's hard when you just had a baby,' while Kendall says in confession that being in a crowded setting like this is 'a lot' for her. Scott and Brody: 'It can be upsetting when somebody questions your character and if only people knew me,' Kendall says, while, back in Vegas, she's joined by Scott Disick, Brody Jenner and Winnie Harlow Hard: Scott adds, 'It's hard when you just had a baby,' while Kendall says in confession that being in a crowded setting like this is 'a lot' for her 'I want to be on a farm in Wyoming with a ton of animals that's where I want to be getting wasted, getting wasted the drunk part is cool,' Kendall says in confession. The episode shifts back to Miami where Khloe meets up with her glam team. Drunk part: 'I want to be on a farm in Wyoming with a ton of animals that's where I want to be getting wasted, getting wasted the drunk part is cool,' Kendall says in confession Glam: The episode shifts back to Miami where Khloe meets up with her glam team 'We're in Miami. It's not LA. It's a whole different vibe and energy you're on the beach and just being a fucking slob kabob it's the best,' Kim says in confession. Kim, meanwhile, is taking the opportunity to work, adding in confession, 'Because we're in Miami and it's a different whole setting I try to kill as many birds with one stone as possible Of course I'll put on a skims bikini and take pictures just in the glam room with the pretty background like, I need content. You guys always like the Instagram grid and that is like a business, honestly.' A producer mentions, 'It seems like you have a hard time relaxing, Kim,' and she responds, 'Yeah I do I definitely have a hard time relaxing, there's so much that has to be done, especially when I'm away from my kids.' Meanwhile, Khloe is checking out her outfit, adding, 'The baby's away, the mom's will play. I didn't fly all the way out here to take a nap, I'll tell you that.' Slob kabob: 'We're in Miami. It's not LA. It's a whole different vibe and energy you're on the beach and just being a fucking slob kabob it's the best,' Kim says in confession Work: Kim, meanwhile, is taking the opportunity to work, adding in confession, 'Because we're in Miami and it's a different whole setting I try to kill as many birds with one stone as possible Of course I'll put on a skims bikini and take pictures just in the glam room with the pretty background like, I need content. You guys always like the Instagram grid and that is like a business, honestly' No nap: Meanwhile, Khloe is checking out her outfit, adding, 'The baby's away, the mom's will play. I didn't fly all the way out here to take a nap, I'll tell you that' She adds in confession, 'Likely to stay up all night? Probably me or Malika. It's either I'm the one to stay up all night or to be asleep the earliest cause I'm either an old lady or a Gen Z.' They head to the pop-up location, as Khloe says in confession, 'I knew there was going to be paparazzi everywhere. It's quite obnoxious when people are elbowing you or stepping on you. Like just f***ing walk with us and let's make this easier and we can all get through this without physically assaulting anyone.' Kim goes to greet her fans and Khloe adds, 'Kim just thinks this is like her paid photo shoot and she's like on a hover board and she's just hover boarding through her to her pop up shop oh hi everyone.' Stay up: She adds in confession, 'Likely to stay up all night? Probably me or Malika. It's either I'm the one to stay up all night or to be asleep the earliest cause I'm either an old lady or a Gen Z Pop up: Kim goes to greet her fans and Khloe adds, 'Kim just thinks this is like her paid photo shoot and she's like on a hover board and she's just hover boarding through her to her pop up shop oh hi everyone' 'I am like, praying for the best and just every step left right You're lucky there's not drool hanging out of my mouth, I'm always just praying for the best,' Khloe adds. They are inside the pop-up as Kim says, 'I wanted to make it like LEGO, so if you want to cover your arms, where that if you want to cover your legs, where that, like everyone pick your insecurity and figure out how to cover it.' Kim says in confession, 'I'm so excited about my pop up. I know Khloe hates all the cameras but I love it, it's all good.' The episode cuts back to Vegas, where Kendall is in curlers, telling the camera, 'I'm ready to go home, I'm forcing myself to stay here right now for dinner, I just want to get in my bed and get cozy.' Lego: They are inside the pop-up as Kim says, 'I wanted to make it like LEGO, so if you want to cover your arms, where that if you want to cover your legs, where that, like everyone pick your insecurity and figure out how to cover it' Ready: The episode cuts back to Vegas, where Kendall is in curlers, telling the camera, 'I'm ready to go home, I'm forcing myself to stay here right now for dinner, I just want to get in my bed and get cozy' A producer says she's a 50-year-old in a 20-year-old's body, as Kendall admits, 'I'm a full on grandmother. Everyone calls me grandma Kenny, it's a thing and I'm not ashamed of it.' Kylie calls and says she's having trouble sleeping, joking, 'You know if I was there I'd be turning the party up.' Kendall says in confession, 'I am mostly an introvert' and when a producer asks who is the most extroverted of her sisters, Kendall says without hesitation, 'Kim. For sure.' Grandma Kenny: A producer says she's a 50-year-old in a 20-year-old's body, as Kendall admits, 'I'm a full on grandmother. Everyone calls me grandma Kenny, it's a thing and I'm not ashamed of it' Kylie calls: Kylie calls and says she's having trouble sleeping, joking, 'You know if I was there I'd be turning the party up' Introvert: Kendall says in confession, 'I am mostly an introvert' and when a producer asks who is the most extroverted of her sisters, Kendall says without hesitation, 'Kim. For sure' Back in Miami, Kim and Khloe are navigating through the massive crowds with Kim signing a few autographs along the way. Khloe adds in confession, 'How my social anxiety works it definitely comes and goes. Maybe when I'm out somewhere, I start to feel claustrophobic, but even if I'm uncomfortable I'm gonna make the best out of any situation or what the f**k, it's only gonna make it worse for me.' Kim tells a group of friends that she comes up with 'all the campaigns, all the fabrics, all the styles, like I really do everything. I'm definitely like a workaholic, it's probably a problem.' Crowd: Back in Miami, Kim and Khloe are navigating through the massive crowds with Kim signing a few autographs along the way Social: Khloe adds in confession, 'How my social anxiety works it definitely comes and goes. Maybe when I'm out somewhere, I start to feel claustrophobic, but even if I'm uncomfortable I'm gonna make the best out of any situation or what the f**k, it's only gonna make it worse for me' Kim adds, 'My sister Khloe hasn't been out of the house I hate saying it's a mom's night out but it really is, so it's a really big deal that I got my sister and all my friends out.' When the dinner starts, Kim makes a toast, stating, 'This is so exciting that I get to be here in Miami,' while adding in confession, 'I always felt like I had to work a little bit harder than the average person just to get a little bit of respect.' 'Tonight is all about celebrating women and being in Miami with good people,' Kim tells the group, adding in confession, 'And once you start working and once you start seeing the results and proving yourself, how do you stop?' Toast: When the dinner starts, Kim makes a toast, stating, 'This is so exciting that I get to be here in Miami,' while adding in confession, 'I always felt like I had to work a little bit harder than the average person just to get a little bit of respect' Celebrating: 'Tonight is all about celebrating women and being in Miami with good people,' Kim tells the group, adding in confession, 'And once you start working and once you start seeing the results and proving yourself, how do you stop?' 'I've always wanted people to see who I really am and I'm not going to stop until I prove every single person wrong,' she adds in confession. During dinner, Khloe marvels, 'This humidity I don't know how you're so perfect, it's wild, you're such a beautiful girl that you honestly I don't know who your parents are but their not my parents.' After dinner, Khloe says, 'I came here to dance girl,' as Kim asks if they all want to go out somewhere. They end up back at the hotel for some pre-gaming, as Khloe toasts, 'To a girls night in Miami to blessings, to love and to some bad ass boss b****es.' Perfect: During dinner, Khloe marvels, 'This humidity I don't know how you're so perfect, it's wild, you're such a beautiful girl that you honestly I don't know who your parents are but their not my parents' Pre-game: They end up back at the hotel for some pre-gaming, as Khloe toasts, 'To a girls night in Miami to blessings, to love and to some bad ass boss b****es' 'If I'm going to go somewhere I'm going to bring my A game and I'm going to be the life of the party, that's who I am,' Khloe says in confession, while Kim is busy, 'approving photos.' 'Those were the images from the dinner and inside.. you have approval of all the images inside our SKIMS pop up. I don't trust anybody else to tell me when I look good,' Kim says in confession, while Khloe clearly gets anxious. 'You guys I'm not sitting in a quiet hotel room,' Khloe says adding in confession, 'I'm going to party like it's 2009 and I'm taking Miami back,' while Kim keeps editing photos. Approving: 'If I'm going to go somewhere I'm going to bring my A game and I'm going to be the life of the party, that's who I am,' Khloe says in confession, while Kim is busy, 'approving photos' Quiet: 'You guys I'm not sitting in a quiet hotel room,' Khloe says adding in confession, 'I'm going to party like it's 2009 and I'm taking Miami back,' while Kim keeps editing photos 'B***h, you'll thank me later because I'm editing all our photos to delete all the bad ones and they have to go to print tonight,' Kim explains in confession.' 'I'll tell you if Malika looks bad I'll delete it even if I look amazing so no one else is going to look at 10 people in a photo, but I do,' Kim adds while the other women keep partying and dancing in the hotel room. 'Get your fucking ass up lets go. You guys are all limp d**k motherf***ers,' Khloe says before finally getting everyone up and out to the club. B***h: 'B***h, you'll thank me later because I'm editing all our photos to delete all the bad ones and they have to go to print tonight,' Kim explains in confession' Editing: 'I'll tell you if Malika looks bad I'll delete it even if I look amazing so no one else is going to look at 10 people in a photo, but I do,' Kim adds while the other women keep partying and dancing in the hotel room Though when they get to the club, it's rather tame, as someone says, 'It's not even a vibe.' 'The club we were at is definitely not what we thought it was. I mean, we are in Miami and for Miami we're still pretty early. I think it's 2 AM and the club's not supposed to get going until 4 AM, so shame on us, but we've got a flight to catch in a little bit,' Khloe says in confession. Kim and Khloe both leave as one of the other women add, 'It was definitely more fun in the hotel room.' No vibe: Though when they get to the club, it's rather tame, as someone says, 'It's not even a vibe' Shame: 'The club we were at is definitely not what we thought it was. I mean, we are in Miami and for Miami we're still pretty early. I think it's 2 AM and the club's not supposed to get going until 4 AM, so shame on us, but we've got a flight to catch in a little bit,' Khloe says in confession Khloe adds in confession, 'I do struggle being in big social crowds and I'm trying every single day. This trip was so good for me I just got re energized I feel really good but I'm also ready to get home to my baby girl I miss her I love her but this has been the best Miami trip. It was super fun.' The episode cuts back to Vegas as Kendall and her friends head out for dinner, as she adds in confession, 'I have hit my Vegas limit, we are wrapping our day with a nice dinner with all of my friends some of which have been here for the Grammys.' 'This dinner is definitely more my speed in a private room with all my friends and just really chill,' she says, as others arrive like Scooter Braun, Zack Bia, Andrew Watt and more. Struggle: Khloe adds in confession, 'I do struggle being in big social crowds and I'm trying every single day. This trip was so good for me I just got re energized I feel really good but I'm also ready to get home to my baby girl I miss her I love her but this has been the best Miami trip. It was super fun' Vegas limit: The episode cuts back to Vegas as Kendall and her friends head out for dinner, as she adds in confession, 'I have hit my Vegas limit, we are wrapping our day with a nice dinner with all of my friends some of which have been here for the Grammys' Others: 'This dinner is definitely more my speed in a private room with all my friends and just really chill,' she says, as others arrive like Scooter Braun, Zack Bia, Andrew Watt and more Kendall jokes she's, 'full Little Mermaid tonight' in her emerald green gown as Zack and Andrew joke about taking a ride in the 'PP' - private plane. 'I'm 10 years into my modeling career. I love modeling and I still want to do it. But in this whole process I want to be a businesswoman. I feel very empowered by it. I feel like I'm working on it but I'm just separating my anxiety from my work,' Kendall says in confession. Little mermaid: Kendall jokes she's, 'full Little Mermaid tonight' in her emerald green gown as Zack and Andrew joke about taking a ride in the 'PP' - private plane Kendall asks Zack why he's in Vegas and he says he's an ambassador for the Grammys but later that night, at 1:45 AM, something else happened in Vegas that apparently no one in the family was aware of. The episode cycles through a number of TV news segments that reveal Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker got married in Las Vegas at 1:45 AM, just hours after the Grammys. Kourtney is in a confession when a producer asks, 'Are you married and we missed it?' as Kourtney looks into the camera and says, 'Well guess what?' as the episode comes to an end. Secret: The episode cycles through a number of TV news segments that reveal Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker got married in Las Vegas at 1:45 AM, just hours after the Grammys Guess what: Kourtney is in a confession when a producer asks, 'Are you married and we missed it?' as Kourtney looks into the camera and says, 'Well guess what?' as the episode comes to an end The preview for next week shows family friend Simon Huck asking, 'So can we talk about Vegas what happened?' 'Many things happened in Vegas,' Travis Barker says, while Kourtney says in confession, 'I guess what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas.' While we don't see what he's looking at, Simon looks at something on a phone and says, 'Oh my God.' Doesn't always stay: 'Many things happened in Vegas,' Travis Barker says, while Kourtney says in confession, 'I guess what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas' Meanwhile, Kris says she's going to get her stitches out and she just wants to get back to her life. Kim says she had an idea to get some of her favorite lingerie models and do a shoot for a SKIMS campaign. 'I'm about to do a shoot with the icons,' Kim says on set, as they show footage of Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Candice Swanepoel and Alessamdra Ambrosio. The end of the promo shows the family getting ready for the premiere of the first season of The Kardashians as Kim is asked who her plus-one is but she won't say, as the promo comes to an end. President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks to reporters at the presidential office in Seoul, Oct. 20. Yonhap President Yoon Suk-yeol lamented the recent death of a young worker at a bread factory Thursday, saying it was "truly regrettable" and that he has instructed officials to determine the details of the incident. A 23-year-old worker at a factory affiliated with food and beverage giant SPC Group died Saturday after getting caught in a mixer at the plant in Pyeongtaek, 65 kilometers south of Seoul, according to police. Her death prompted an outpouring of grief among the public as questions arose about whether the company followed safety protocols and she was found to have been the breadwinner of her family consisting of her mother and younger brother. "It's such a regrettable accident," Yoon told reporters as he arrived for work, relaying what he had read in the press about how people were enraged by the fact that the factory appeared to be running the mixer again even before an investigation into the accident was completed. Sunrise's David 'Kochie' Koch is close to inking a deal with Seven that will extend his record-breaking run after rumours he was preparing to quit. Fresh from celebrating his 20-year milestone with a series of emotional on-air tributes, sources say Kochie will likely re-sign with the top-rated breakfast show until at least the end of 2023. It's understood the veteran co-host has been leaning 'both ways' about remaining in the Sunrise chair but the 66-year-old has been swayed by the prospect of covering King Charles' coronation at Westminster Abbey in May. David Koch, with Nat Barr, is expected to stay on for at least one more year at Sunrise after recently clocking his 20-year anniversary Unrivalled in its pomp and ceremony, the coronation - on May 6 - will be Britain's first in 70 years and is regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those working in the media. Major networks across the world are already preparing their coverage of the event with top anchors and journalists clamouring for their place in history. Seven bosses, meanwhile, are said to be understandably keen for Kochie to stay on at Sunrise which he began hosting as a fill-in in 2002. Since then the show has all but slaughtered rival Today at Nine, winning every ratings year since 2004 and every week across the five-city metro market since 2018. Contacted for comment, Sunrise boss Sarah Stinson said no formal decision on Koch's future was ready for announcement but added 'Sunrise is obviously doing very well at the moment and we are happy'. Seven bosses are said to be keen for Kochie to stay on at Sunrise which he began hosting - as a fill-in - in 2002 Kochie, with former host Mel Doyle, has helped Sunrise slaughter rival Today at Nine, winning every ratings year since 2004 every week across the five-city metro market since 2018. Popular both on screen and off, Koch is also beloved by his colleagues with many tearing up earlier this month when paying tribute to the breakfast TV statesman during his 20-year anniversary celebrations. Koch, too, was misty-eyed as he thanked all those he'd worked with over the past two decades hosting the show. 'Beretts, Nat, Eddy and Dave Walters, who has been in our ear for 20 years as part of the team, Im so very grateful,' Koch said. 'Thank you for having me for 20 years.' Kochie and Nat Barr led Seven's coverage of the Queens funeral in London in September His emotional gesture sparked speculation on social media that his time on Sunrise could be coming to an end. An insider close to Sunrise told Daily Mail Australia the thought of the show without its long-standing host was 'unfathomable'. 'Kochie is awesome... he is a great person to work with and he is great person off camera which always helps,' they said. 'He doesn't buy into any of the TV gossip and BS. 'He just does turns up and does his job and is decent to people.' Sunrisehas enjoyed an all-but unbeaten run over Today since it debuted in 2002. Koch seen here at the 2019 Logies with Samantha Armytage, Natalie Barr and Mark Beretta Koch recently listed his career highlights on his Instagram page and, amongst them, was witnessing the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall during her funeral services last month. Should he stay on at Seven, he will likely lead an all-star team in London in May with the network already assembling its top talent for the coronation which, like the Queens funeral, will be treated with wall to wall saturation on Australian TV. Billions are predicted to watch the ceremony which is expected to be scaled back to just over one hour, according to reports out of the UK. Australia Zoo has announced it will be renting out its grounds as a wedding venue, following rumours the business was in financial strife. The Sunshine Coast animal sanctuary has invited members of the public to have their wedding at the zoo, which famously hosted the nuptials of Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell in 2020. The business promoted its new venture on Instagram, posting a photo of Bindi and Chandler on their wedding day alongside a gushing caption telling how couples can say 'I do' surrounded by native wildlife. Australia Zoo has announced it will be renting out its grounds as a wedding venue, following rumours the business was in financial strife. (Pictured: Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell at their 2020 wedding, which was held at Australia Zoo) 'Tie the knot in our world-famous Australia Zoo grounds with our beautiful animals,' the venue wrote. 'Whether you are looking for a small intimate experience or a larger scale event, we have the perfect location for your wedding celebrations!' Fans took to the comments section to express their support for the initiative, with one writing: 'What a beautiful idea.' The business promoted its new venture on Instagram, posting a photo of Bindi and Chandler on their wedding day alongside a gushing caption telling how couples can say 'I do' surrounded by native wildlife. (Pictured: Bindi and Chandler with Terri Irwin, left) Fans took to the comments section to express their support for the initiative, with one writing: 'What a beautiful idea.' (Bindi and Chandler, pictured when they first met as teenagers, tied the knot at Australia Zoo after more than six years of dating) 'Wow, that would be amazing,' another commented, while a third added: 'What a dream that would be.' 'This is my dream for our ten-year anniversary. A vow renewal and first Australia trip. We're celebrating five years this November,' one fan said. Bindi, 24, and Chandler, 25, wed at Australia Zoo after more than six years of dating. The couple, who became engaged on July 24, 2019, tied the knot just hours before new laws on social gatherings were rolled out due to the Covid pandemic. The announcement follows an unconfirmed report that Bindi's mother Terri Irwin has been considering the option of selling Australia Zoo. The announcement follows an unconfirmed report that Bindi's mother Terri Irwin has been considering the option of selling Australia Zoo. (Pictured from left to right: Bindi Irwin, the late Steve Irwin and his wife Terri Irwin) Terri, 58, is open to the possibility of offloading the business for personal and professional reasons. (Pictured from left to right: Robert Irwin, Terri Irwin, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell) New Idea magazine, citing sources close to the family, reports Terri, 58, is open to the possibility of offloading the business for personal and professional reasons. The zoo, founded as Beerwah Reptile Park in 1970 by her late husband Steve Irwin's father Bob, is one of Australia's most iconic tourist attractions, but suffered financial troubles during the Covid pandemic when tourists were locked out of Queensland. 'There has been joy, unbearable loss, and in recent years some very hard financial times thanks to Covid border closures affecting tourist revenue,' the insider said. Terri is supposedly having second thoughts about handing over the zoo to her daughter Bindi, who only last year welcomed her first child, Grace Warrior. 'It's a beautiful time for her, and Terri doesn't want to burden her with the pressure of running the family zoo,' a source told the Australian tabloid. The Sunshine Coast zoo, founded in 1970 by Steve's father Bob Irwin, is one of Australia's most iconic tourist attractions, but suffered financial troubles during the pandemic when tourists were locked out of Queensland Although selling the zoo is still 'just a thought' at this stage, insiders say the mere suggestion has been 'vehemently opposed' by Terri's 18-year-old son Robert. 'Robert's pleading with Terri to pass Australia Zoo to him,' one source said. 'He understands that it'll be time for his mum to take a step back soon. 'He's voiced to both Terri and Bindi that it would make more sense for him to take over. He'd do anything to make sure his dad's zoo and the realisation of all his mum's hard work stays in the family.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Australia Zoo for comment. The Irwins first acknowledged in February 2021 their zoo was in dire straits due to Covid restrictions. In November that year, an Australia Zoo employee claimed redundancies were taking place at the wildlife sanctuary. (Pictured from left: Robert, Terri and Bindi Irwin) The Irwins first acknowledged in February 2021 their zoo was in dire straits due to Covid restrictions. And in November that year, an Australia Zoo employee claimed to New Idea that redundancies were taking place at the wildlife sanctuary. The source said 'several key staffers' had been let go within a matter of weeks. Also last year, Bindi admitted her late father Steve's legacy was close to collapse as the family struggled to keep Australia Zoo operational during the pandemic. Terri is supposedly having second thoughts about handing over the zoo to her daughter Bindi, who only last year welcomed her first child, Grace Warrior (pictured) The zoo was forced to shut for 78 days in 2020-21 due to Covid, but the Irwins still had to pay $80,000 a week to feed the animals. The huge outlay placed the tourist attraction in a dire financial predicament. 'The zoo relies on international visitors, and with the borders closed, indeed some state borders closed, and even Aussies struggling to get home, that's a sizable chunk of their income gone,' a source said. It comes after Robert praised his mother in an interview last month, saying it was a brave thing for her to continue his late father's conservation work instead of selling the zoo when he died It comes after Robert praised his mother during an ABC interview last month. The teenage conservationist was visibly emotional when he discussed Terri's strength as a single mother, and her choice not to sell Australia Zoo after the shock death of his father Steve in September 2006. 'She could have sold the zoo and just raised us. And we could have just squirrelled away and lived a little hidden life,' he said. The teenage conservationist was visibly emotional when he discussed Terri's (left) strength as a single mother, and her choice not to sell Australia Zoo after the shock death of his father Steve (right) in September 2006. 'She's an absolute wonder woman,' he said Robert admitted that wouldn't have been the 'wrong thing to do', but Terri instead chose to carry on her late husband's treasured work. 'She could see this legacy and knew that it could continue to grow and get bigger and better every single year and she did just that,' he added. 'She raised us. She kept the zoo going through some tough times. I get emotional just thinking about it. She's an absolute wonder woman.' Robert went on to call her the 'force of nature' behind Australia Zoo, much like his father was prior to his death. 'Everyone saw dad as this larger-than-life character, which he was in real life, 120 per cent, every single day. But mum is the one who kept it going; it's pretty special.' Elsewhere, Robert reflected on his admiration for Terri, saying he never fully grasped the roles she was forced to play after his father died. 'I don't think I really fully understood, fully grasped what a powerful human being and brave human being she is, and was, until I really started to kind of step into adulthood,' he said. Gwyneth Paltrow turned 50 years old this year but age just seems to be a number for this Oscar-winning actress. When at the Gwyneth Paltrow for Copper Fit Feel the Fit Event at The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, California on Wednesday, the beauty said taking care of her health is a must - especially now. 'It's important to feel great and these products really help me because they offer support, they support the way women work and live,' the star shared as she added she has found a way to make wearing sky-high heels bearable with the help of arch bands that help tame Plantar Fasciitis. 'Understanding that our bodies need support is OK.' Ageless: Gwyneth Paltrow turned 50-years-old this year but age just seems to be a number for this Oscar-winning actress; seen Wednesday in Santa Monica, California Good look: When at the Gwyneth Paltrow for Copper Fit Feel the Fit Event at The Proper Hotel the beauty said taking care of her health is a must especially now 'I love their stuff, they really work,' she added of Copper Fit's many products. And she uses a range of the products for 'support,' she said. For her feet, she has on the arch supports. Paltrow said she was wearing one of the products to the event, a band around her feet under her strappy shoes. 'Ladies, we need these when we have heels on,' she said. The gloves are good for her hands. 'They offer relief after texting a lot.' So chic: The mother of two looked youthful at the party in a beige dress with black high heels as she addressed the crowd with a speech about how she loves to take care of her health. Here she had on a foot bands by Copper Fit which she said is a must to deal with pain And the compression gripper socks are helpful for when she does yoga: 'Their compression socks are a must.' The star also shared that ever since she broke her knee in 2008 she likes to have on the knee band when working out. The mother of two looked youthful at the party in a beige dress with black high heels as she addressed the crowd with a speech about a pain-free life. There were also aromatherapy oils given out by Kristin Culverwell of Wish Wellness in Los Angeles. She likes the support: 'It's important to feel great and these products really help me because they offer support,' the star shared as she added she has found a way to make wearing sky-high heels bearable with the help of arch supports. 'Understanding that our bodies need support is OK' Gwyneth has been talking up Copper Fit since she joined the brand in January. Paltrow has in the past been very open about what is feels like to be 50. She has also talked about ageing on GOOP: 'My body, a map of the evidence of all the days, is less timeless. A collection of marks and irregularities that dog-ear the chapters. Scarred from oven burns, a finger smashed in a window long ago, the birth of a child. Silver hair and fine lines. Loves it: When speaking at the event she also said that she is a fan of Copper Fit: 'I love their stuff,' she said 'The sun has left her celestial fingerprints all over me, as if she soaked a brush in dark-taupe watercolor, flecking it over my skin,' she noted. And while she strives for good health and longevity to stave off weakening muscles and receding bone, 'I have a mantra I insert into those reckless thoughts that try to derail me: I accept. I accept the marks and the loosening skin, the wrinkles. I accept my body and let go of the need to be perfect, look perfect, defy gravity, defy logic, defy humanity. I accept my humanity.' In January, Paltrow shared a behind-the scenes video for Copper Fit. The gloves fit: She also said she texts so much so she likes to wear the gloves for relief 50 if nifty: She turned 50 this year and has never looked better; seen here posing for the brand 'They're really inspired to support the way women work and live,' the Iron Man start said in the video. Paltrow struck a Warrior 1 and a few other yoga poses. She touched her toes and even went for a run as well. The video showed behind the scenes shots from the photo shoot to promote the brand. Paltrow wrote in the caption, 'I've always been passionate about partnering with companies that make wellness more accessible and help support the way that women work and live. 'Compression products have always been a part of my health and wellness journey, so I'm thrilled to announce my collaboration with @copperfit. Head over to @copperfit for my personal take on some of their staple copper-infused compression products.' The Shallow Hal star hasn't just been working on branding opportunities recently. She also has some projects coming out soon too. Channel Nine has announced that Australian actor Jai Courtney will front its new reality series The Summit, set to debut in 2023. The Suicide Squad star, 33, will host the real-life adventure show, which will be filmed on New Zealand's south island, reports Variety. The format by Endemol Shine Australia will see 14 contestants carry an equal share of a million-dollar cash prize in a race to the top of a mountain. Channel Nine has announced that Australian actor Jai Courtney (pictured in August 2021) will front its new reality series The Summit, set to debut in 2023 They must reach the summit in just 14 days to claim the loot. As the contestants battle severe conditions, they must complete high-risk challenges designed to stop them from reaching their goal. Co-operation is essential if the trekkers want to maximise their share of the cash. The Survivor-type format promises plenty of drama, with the weaker players facing the threat of being left behind, as the stronger ones chase after the money. The format will see 14 contestants carry an equal share of a million-dollar cash prize in a race to the top of a mountain. They must reach the summit in just 14 days to claim the loot 'In a thrilling tale of endurance, survival and greed; morals will be tested, physical limits pushed, and bonds broken,' Nine's synopsis explains. Jai first rose to fame as a regular cast member on Packed to the Rafters. He moved to Los Angles in 2012 and later starred in the Tom Cruise blockbuster Jack Reacher. He also featured in Terminator Genisys. His latest film is Black Site, in which he stars alongside Michelle Monaghan. Jai's Hollywood big break was in the Tom Cruise blockbuster Jack Reacher (pictured) Nine announced The Summit at its Upfronts presentation last month. Other shows confirmed for the 2023 schedule include the new dating series My Mum Your Dad, hosted by Kate Langbroek, and Gordan Ramsay's Food Stars. Meanwhile, the network canned three high-profile reality shows: Australian Ninja Warrior, Celebrity Apprentice Australia and Beauty and the Geek. However, fans can look forward to seeing new seasons of The Block, Married at First Sight and Lego Masters Australia next year. Maya Jama was all smiles as she hosted the launch of Bacardi X NTS at The Standard Hotel on Wednesday evening. The new Love Island presenter looked effortlessly chic in a pair of black cargo trousers which she teamed with an oversized cropped T-shirt. The beauty elevated her frame in a pair of towering pointed toe heels as she accessorised with a gold chain necklace. Looking good: Maya Jama was all smiles as she hosted the launch of Bacardi X NTS at The Standard Hotel on Wednesday evening Maya styled her dark tresses sleeked to one side as her long wavy ponytail fell past her bust. The star seemed in high spirits donning a glamorous palette of makeup as she spoke to the crowd at the event. Maya's stylish T-shirt was from the Wearable Album collection from BACARDI x Nahmias in support of the Music Liberates Music campaign. Stunning: The new Love Island presenter looked effortlessly chic in a pair of black cargo trousers and elevated her frame in a pair of towering pointed toe heels Amazing: Maya flashed her midriff in an oversized cropped black T-shirt as she spoke to the crowd at the event Incredible: The presenter styled her dark tresses sleeked to one side as her long wavy ponytail fell past her bust The launch event was to celebrate Bacardi and it's new weekly radio show that will be broadcast live on global discovery music platform NTS. The show will look to highlight some of the UKs up-and-coming artists, sharing some of their best tracks and getting closer to some of the best new musicians with a weekly special guest. Maya's appearance comes after she was revealed as the new Love Island presenter after Laura whitmore stepped down. It was announced that the presenter is to begin hosting the first of two series of the hit ITV2 show, which will be filmed in South Africa, from early 2023. Chic: The star seemed in high spirits donning a glamorous palette of makeup as she spoke to the crowd at the event Stylish: She completed her look by accessorising with a simple gold chain necklace All smiles! Maya's appearance comes after she was revealed as the new Love Island presenter after Laura whitmore stepped down Maya said in a statement: 'Ive always been such a massive Love Island fan and Im so excited to be hosting one of the nations favourite shows! I cant wait to get into the Villa to meet all of the Islanders.' Both Maya and Love Island shared a video of herself scrolling through stories about her being the rumoured presenter on various media outlets to confirm the news. The Love Island account shared: 'Okay, the rumours are true Say hey to your brand-new #LoveIsland host @mayajama!' Exciting: It was announced that the presenter is to begin hosting the first of two series of the hit ITV2 show, which will be filmed in South Africa, from early 2023 Kourtney Kardashian left producers rather stunned at the end of this week's The Kardashians, after reports surfaced that she tied the knot with Travis Barker at 1:45 AM after the Grammy Awards in Las Vegas. Surprisingly enough, Kourtney did have family in town, with Kendall Jenner promoting her 818 tequila in Sin City... though it doesn't seem she was invited. The happy couple seemingly tied the knot at 1:45 AM, just hours after Barker performed at the Grammy Awards, which left producers quite stunned. Stunned: Kourtney Kardashian left producers rather stunned at the end of this week's The Kardashians, after reports surfaced that she tied the knot with Travis Barker at 1:45 AM after the Grammy Awards in Las Vegas Happy couple: The happy couple seemingly tied the knot at 1:45 AM, just hours after Barker performed at the Grammy Awards, which left producers quite stunned The end of the episode cycles through a number of TV news segments that reveal Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker got married in Las Vegas at 1:45 AM, just hours after the Grammys. Kourtney is in a confession when a rather stunned producer asks, Are you married and we missed it?' Kourtney looks into the camera and says, Well guess what? as the episode comes to an end. Guess what: Kourtney looks into the camera and says, Well guess what? as the episode comes to an end The preview for next week shows family friend Simon Huck asking, So can we talk about Vegas what happened? Many things happened in Vegas, Travis Barker says, while Kourtney says in confession, I guess what happens in Vegas doesnt always stay in Vegas.' While we dont see what hes looking at, Simon looks at something on a phone and says, Oh my God. Vegas: Many things happened in Vegas, Travis Barker says, while Kourtney says in confession, I guess what happens in Vegas doesnt always stay in Vegas' The marriage news seems to take the producers by surprise since they clearly weren't made aware of any wedding plans and it seems unlikely any camera crews were following them for their Vegas trip. Earlier in the episode, Kourtney is talking on the phone with Khloe, just after Khloe and Kim landed in Miami for a SKIMS swimwear pop-up event. Kourtney says that was the first she had heard of it, insinuating she wasn't invited, as Kim says she would have invited her but didn't think she'd want to come with. Surprise: The marriage news seems to take the producers by surprise since they clearly weren't made aware of any wedding plans and it seems unlikely any camera crews were following them for their Vegas trip Kourtney said in confession, 'Look guys, so I probably wouldnt have come to Miami but at least invite me.' Kendall also did mention that Kourtney and Travis would be in Vegas for the Grammys, but it didn't seem they met up before their secretive wedding. Kourtney and Travis had their official ceremony in Santa Barbara on May 15, and had a 'religious ceremony' in Portofino, Italy on May 22. Pixie Geldof put on a typically chic display as she attended the launch of Tears & Tearsheets by Katie Grand on Wednesday. The model, 32, looked stunning in an elegant ruched dress to celebrate the influential stylist's latest book at J Sheekey restaurant in London. She elevated her height with a pair of glitzy stiletto heels and added a quirky pair of printed socks. Pixie Geldof, 32, put on a typically chic display as she attended the launch of Tears & Tearsheets by Katie Grand on Wednesday Pixie pulled her blonde locks back into a sleek updo and opted for minimal makeup to showcase her natural beauty. She posed for a photo with author Katie, 51, who looked sophisticated in a longline double breasted jacket with a scooped neck top. They were joined at the event by model Kristen McMenamy, Jordan Barrett and drag queen Bimini Bon Boulash. Radiant: The model looked stunning in an elegant ruched dress to celebrate the influential stylist's latest book at J Sheekey restaurant in London Celebrating: She posed for a photo with author Katie, 51, who looked sophisticated in a longline double breasted jacket with a scooped neck top Tears & Tearsheets features fashion editorials, styled by Katie with Bella Hadid on the cover shot by Harley Weir, the book tracks a career that spans from her earliest published work in the 90s. It comes after Pixie announced she had welcomed her first child with husband George Barnett in August last year but have yet to reveal her name or exactly when she was born. Pixie has been married to These New Puritans drummer George since 2017, when the couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Majorca. Close friends Alexa and Daisy Lowe were bridesmaids, with guests including Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Nick Grimshaw. Guests: They were joined at the event by drag queen Bimini Bon Boulash Eye-catching: American model Kristen McMenamy also posed for a photo with Pixie Pals: Jordan Barrett opted for a chunky knitted jumper, he joined Katie for a snap Pixie never formally announced her pregnancy but on July 9 last year, she posted an artful photo on Instagram of her pregnant silhouette. Her pregnancy was first reported back in March when she was seen out and about sporting a bump. The couple are also pals with Princess Eugenie and attended her wedding to industry executive Jack Brooksbank in 2018. New work: Pixie could bee seen as she flicked through the pages of the stylists latest photo book Striking a pose: Jordan offered a sultry stare to the camera Pixie is the third daughter of Bob and Paula Yates, who tragically died aged 41 in 2000 after a heroin overdose. Paula left Bob, who she shared daughters Peaches, Pixie and Fifi with, to pursue a relationship with INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, leaving her husband devastated. Paula and Michael soon welcomed daughter Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily, now 26. Fun-filled: Luella Bartley and Phoebe Arnold were beaming at the event Chic: Daisy Hoppen looked elegant in a knitted crop top and long skirt Two years later Michael committed suicide by hanging in an Australian hotel room. At the time Paula refused to accept that he would have voluntarily left her and their young daughter. Three years later Paula was found dead aged 41 following a heroin overdose. Following the tragic death of both of her parents, Bob adopted Tiger Lily so that she was able to stay with her sisters. The story of tragedy repeated in April 2014 when Paula and Bob's daughter Peaches died of an overdose aged 25. Party: Rankin and Charlotte Stockdale stopped for a fun snap together Launch: Rankin appeared to be having a good night Johnny Knoxville has revealed he has not spoken with Bam Margera in over a year as he reflected on their strained relationship and the last time he saw his friend. Speaking with Variety, Knoxville, 51, claimed he last spoke with Margera, who has been treating drug and alcohol abuse issues in rehab this past year, during a group Zoom call before he disappeared from his life. Margera, who has had a falling out with Knoxville, sued Knoxville, Paramount Pictures, and others after alleging he received 'inhumane treatment' when he was fired from Jackass 4. However, earlier this year he filed to dismiss the lawsuit. 'I just want him to get well': Johnny Knoxville has revealed he has not spoken with Bam Margera in over a year as he reflected on their strained relationship and the last time he saw his friend He is believed to have reached a settlement agreement, according to TMZ. 'I haven't spoken to Bam in about a year and a half, give or take six months. [Jackass director] Jeff Tremaine, Steve-O and I had a face-to-face meeting with Bam and his wife, trying to figure out how to get him help,' Knoxville told Variety. 'Then we had a Zoom as a group not long after that, and that was the last time I talked to him.' Knoxville said he cared deeply for Margera and hoped to see his former Jackass co-star improve. 'I love the guy': Knoxville said he cared deeply for Margera and hoped to see his former Jackass co-star improve; pictured September 2022 'I love Bam. I know that a lot has happened. I just want him to get well for himself and his family. I love the guy, and I want him to get well and stay well,' he told the outlet. In terms of Margera potentially returning to the Jackass universe in the future, Knoxville re-iterated he wanted Bam to get better. 'I think that would be a discussion,' Johnny said when asked about a possible Bam return. 'I only want him to get better. Thats the first step. He has to take that step and maintain that step, because everything else is just gravy. Jackass is not important when youre talking about someones life. ' Speaking out: Steve-O recently gave an update on his longtime friend and Jackass castmate Bam, who's currently in rehab for drugs and alcohol Knoxville's interview came after fellow Jackass star Steve-O provided an update on Bam, revealing during an interview with SiriusXMs Faction Talk that he would 'never give up' on Margera. 'I love him and even if I didn't love him, I'm never gonna give up on him because that's how it works,' he told hosts Jim Norton and Sam Roberts. The longtime TV personality admitted that when he recently spoke to Margera 'he sounded super drunk, but he was in good spirits.' Recent history: In June, Bam fled rehab twice and was found days later at a Deerfield Beach, Florida hotel and taken back to rehab After escaping from court-ordered in-patient treatment twice, Bam returned to a rehabilitation center in June. 'Its so f***ing nuts how hes not just resistant to the idea of surrendering to recovery, but just how he literally just doesnt seem to grasp the disease concept,' Steve-O real name Stephen Gilchrist Glover noted. The stuntman explained, 'Hes like, "Man, if I just stay busy Its when Im not busy doing stuff all the time, I get into trouble..." Its, like, thats not how it works, dude. You think you would know that by now.' Longtime friend: Glover, who rose to fame in the early aughts with Margera, added, 'Ive been physically present at almost every stop on his years-long tour of rehabs and psych wards; pictured with Johnny Knoxville in 2002 Glover, who rose to fame in the early aughts with Margera, added, 'Ive been physically present at almost every stop on his years-long tour of rehabs and psych wards. 'Im careful never to try to push sobriety on anybody. I feel strongly that if you do that, what youre actually doing is pushing them away from sobriety,' he said. That awareness seems to have preserved the two stars' friendship, as Steve also stated in the sit-down, 'When I spoke to him a couple nights ago, he goes, "Dude, you know, I just want to thank you, man, because youve always been there for me." 'Im like, "Yeah, Ive always been there to tell you how awful the situation is."' In May, Margera marked 'one year of treatment' for drug and alcohol abuse at a Boca Raton facility and planned on attending outpatient treatment classes for the following two months. But just weeks later he was reported missing by his rehab facility on June 13 after he fled the location for a second time. Sheriff's deputies and a crisis intervention team found the troubled TV star days later at a hotel in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and then took him to a different rehab facility. Margera, a father-of-one, said he left treatment because he was worried that he was being kept from seeing his son. He shares Phoenix Wolf Margera, four, with wife Nicole Boyd, who he married in 2013. Kelly Landry has officially moved on from her ex-husband Anthony Bell. The former Getaway host, 43, has been quietly dating engineer and father-of-two Matt Hanlon for over a year, reports The Daily Telegraph. The pair were introduced by mutual friends in Noosa, where Landry works as a yoga instructor and 'sound healer'. Former Getaway host Kelly Landry (right) has been quietly dating engineer and father-of-two Matt Hanlon (left) for over a year, following her divorce from celebrity accountant Anthony Bell A source close to the couple said Landry and Hanlon haven't moved in together yet. Landry moved to Noosa in 2017 in a failed attempt to rekindle her marriage to Bell, before they eventually called it quits. While she has yet to debut her new romance on social media, Hanlon posted a photo of the couple celebrating their one-year anniversary in August. The pair were introduced by mutual friends in Noosa, where Landry works as a yoga instructor and 'sound healer', reports The Daily Telegraph Landry moved to Noosa in 2017 in a failed attempt to rekindle her marriage to ex Anthony Bell (right), before they eventually called it quits. (The former couple is pictured in October 2010) 'Celebrating one year together and looking forward to many more,' Hanlon wrote on Instagram next to a cosy photo of the pair. Landry confirmed in December last year she and Bell were divorcing after 10 years of marriage. The model and TV presenter told The Daily Telegraph they'd 'been separated for a while now' and 'work better as friends' than spouses. A source close to the couple said Landry and Hanlon haven't moved in together yet Landry confirmed in December last year she and Bell were divorcing after 10 years of marriage The exes were previously believed to be working on their marriage after their bitter public break-up led to a court hearing in May 2017. In February 2018, The Daily Telegraph reported they were attending 'parenting workshops' together in a bid to get back on track. But in 2019, they reportedly split again. A source said at the time Landry was living at the marital home in Noosa with their children during the week, while Bell flew up on weekends. Landry and Bell share two daughters, Charlize, 11, and Thea, eight. Heartbreak High will be getting a second season on Netflix. The streaming platform officially renewed the Aussie teen drama on Wednesday, reports Hollywood trade publication Deadline. Debuting on September 14, the reboot of the popular 1990s TV series of the same name reached a massive 42.2 million viewing hours in just three weeks. Heartbreak High will be getting a second season on Netflix While its popularity in Australia was expected, Netflix bosses were apparently surprised when it reached the top ten in more than 40 countries around the world. Heartbreak High is the first major locally produced drama series from Netflix since the start of the Covid pandemic. The original Heartbreak High (1994-1999) was set in the fictional Hartley High, with plots tackling racism, human rights and other real-life issues. Debuting on September 14, the reboot of the popular 1990s TV series of the same name reached a massive 42.2 million viewing hours in just three weeks While its popularity in Australia was expected, Netflix bosses were apparently surprised when it reached the top ten in more than 40 countries around the world It made household names out of its stars, including Callan Mulvey, who played bad boy Bogdan Drazic, and Home and Away veteran Ada Nicodemou. The eight-episode Netflix reboot gives the show a 21st century makeover. Its quick success silences those who criticised the show prematurely because its diverse cast made it seem 'too woke'. Its quick success silences those who criticised the show prematurely because its diverse cast made it seem 'too woke' While the cast does feature racially mixed, non-binary and even autistic characters, the strong storylines and sharp writing mean it's far from just a diversity showcase. Produced by Netflix and Freemantle, the cast features James Majoos as Darren, who goes by they/them pronouns and is described as 'snarky' and 'brash'. Bryn Chapman-Parish plays Spider, who is described as 'a sprinkling of incel' and 'class clown'. While the cast does feature racially mixed, non-binary and even autistic characters, the strong storylines and sharp writing mean it's far from just a diversity showcase Gemma Chua-Tran plays Sasha, an 'out lesbian at the school' who goes by both she/her and they/them pronouns. Josh Heuston is Dusty, a bisexual character who 'has slept with half the girls and even a few boys at school'. The show's creator, Hannah Carroll Chapman, says the reboot has a 'life of its own'. Original Heartbreak High star Salvatore Coco has given the show his tick of approval. 'I thought it was fantastic. There were concerns about it being too "woke". But no, it touched on the topics and wasn't in your face,' he said on the TV Blackbox podcast. President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks during a meeting on economic policy at Pangyo 2nd Techno Valley in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, in this June 16 photo. Korea Times file The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol said Thursday it will disclose the entirety of an economic meeting to be presided over by Yoon next week in a departure from similar meetings in the past. Yoon launched the emergency economic and public livelihood meeting in July to address various economic challenges facing the country. He has held 10 such meetings so far at a traditional market, a port, a smart farm and other locations symbolic of people's livelihood issues. Yoon's opening remarks have been open to the press, while the rest of the meeting has been held behind closed doors and followed by a presidential office press briefing on what was discussed. The upcoming meeting next Thursday will be disclosed in its entirety to the press and the public to give them a better sense of how the president plans to deal with ongoing economic challenges, deputy presidential spokesperson Lee Jae-myoung said. Sources said the presidential office is in talks with broadcasters to have the 90-minute meeting aired live at Yoon's suggestion that it be televised. "At the upcoming meeting, ministers of economy-related ministries and other relevant ministries will gather to discuss their response to economic risk factors, and ways to secure new growth and export engines," Lee said at a press briefing. "The event is aimed at relaying in detail the president's plans and measures to deal with risks in difficult economic circumstances and at collecting the will to overcome them," he added. (Yonhap) Jen Shah revealed that her lawyer advised her to stop getting botox injections ahead of her fraud trial on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. The 49-year-old reality star during a group trip to Arizona discussed her looming trial while still maintaining her innocence. 'My lead trial attorney Priya [Chaudhry] said, 'You know, Jen, I'm going to need you to not get botox'',' Jen told Meredith Marks, 50; Lisa Barlow, 47, and Heather Gay, 40. Botox ban: Jen Shah revealed that her lawyer advised her to stop getting botox injections ahead of her fraud trial on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City 'I'm like what?,' Jen said as the women looked on incredulously. 'She goes, ''When we were talking earlier, you were talking about something very emotional and you were crying but your face wasn't moving. I need your face to move!'',' Jen added. Jen told the women her trial was coming up in a month and that she was grateful for the group trip because she needed a reprieve from her legal woes. 'I had a full-on anxiety attack this morning,' Jen said earlier in their conversation. Attorney advice: 'My lead trial attorney Priya [Chaudhry] said, 'You know, Jen, I'm going to need you to not get botox'',' Jen told Meredith Marks, 50; Lisa Barlow, 47, and Heather Gay, 40 Jen said she was headed straight to New York from Arizona where her defense team was planning to conduct a mock trial before her actual trial. She said it would be the first time that she would be hearing her side of the case. 'It is hard to sit there and listen to lies and you can't talk,' Jen said. 'I've tried to not take anything for granted anymore and celebrate every single day,' Jen said emotionally in a confessional. 'What if something happens and I'm not here to celebrate it next year?' Getting emotional: 'I've tried to not take anything for granted anymore and celebrate every single day,' Jen said emotionally in a confessional. 'What if something happens and I'm not here to celebrate it next year?' The episode titled Bad Weather Betrayal opened with Whitney Rose, 36, sobbing after Heather yelled at her during their rainy girls weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona. 'Heather didn't even know what I was going through,' Whitney said. 'She never takes the time to even ask me how I'm doing. It goes straight to my abuse. Everyone uses me.' Whitney said in a confessional that because of the abuse that she suffered as a child she never learned how to set boundaries. Loud argument: The episode titled Bad Weather Betrayal opened with Whitney Rose, 36, sobbing after Heather yelled at her during their rainy girls weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona 'I'm really hurt by Heather,' Whitney said in a confessional. 'I'm starting to realize that maybe Heather doesn't give a f*** about me.' Heather returned to the table and told Whitney to not call her a liar. 'You are too drunk right now to be cognizant of what's happening,' Heather said. 'I don't care who Lisa's f***ed. I don't care who Meredith's f***ed. I don't care who you've f***ed. I don't care who Jen's f***ed. I don't care. I want to come together and support our friend who's facing, I'm sorry, 50 years in prison.' Feelings hurt: 'I'm really hurt by Heather,' Whitney said in a confessional. 'I'm starting to realize that maybe Heather doesn't give a f*** about me' Heather said the purpose of the trip was to support Jen and to get focused. 'No, you get focused cause you were f***ing loaded that night, Heather,' Whitney said. Whitney got up and Heather pushed her out of the way. Getting physical: Whitney got up and Heather pushed her out of the way 'You just lost me forever and that was the biggest mistake of your life,' Heather said. Jen and Lisa went to check on Heather. Jen thanked her for being there for her. Whitney went to her room and crashed. At 2am, Jen brought out her makeup artist calling her 'Crystal Pussy' and Crystal then danced around in lingerie. Good times: At 2am, Jen brought out her makeup artist calling her 'Crystal Pussy' and Crystal then danced around in lingerie 'This feels wrong,' Heather said in a confessional. Jen shared that Crystal was a twerking instructor. 'I need you to twerk like you need to make some money to pay your rent,' Jen said. Twerking lessons: 'I need you to twerk like you need to make some money to pay your rent,' Jen said Heather and Meredith got down on the ground and practiced twerking. 'I will not be making rent this week and I'm okay with it,' Meredith said to the camera. In the morning, Heather woke up in her room and found that Whitney had shredded her friendship card. Rent money: 'I will not be making rent this week and I'm okay with it,' Meredith said to the camera Whitney got ready to see her half siblings Curtis and Kelli who were in Arizona and left the house. In a confessional, Whitney said the process of remembering her childhood has been intense for her. She went to her half brother's house to spend time with him and her half sister Kelli. Whitney said that they all share the same father. 'I'm on this massive healing journey,' Whitney said. Childhood abuse: In a confessional, Whitney said the process of remembering her childhood has been intense for her Whitney told them that she realized she had been abused and manipulated as a child. Whitney said in a confessional that their trauma was different but that they all shared the feeling of being let down by a person that they should have been able to trust. Whitney started crying in front of her half siblings. 'It will never make sense to you,' Kelli said. Support system: Whitney went to see her half siblings Curtis and Kelli who were in Arizona after learning that she had blocked out childhood memories due to being abused 'Do you want it to disappear and never feel it because it hasn't for me yet,' Curtis said. 'It never will,' Kelli said. 'No, I just needed to see you both and hear you say it's okay that I let it go,' Whitney said. Healing journey: 'No, I just needed to see you both and hear you say it's okay that I let it go,' Whitney said Whitney said in a confessional that she didn't know what the next steps were to heal but that she was going to try to let go. The next afternoon at the house, the women gathered for breakfast at around 2 p.m. Lisa decided she was going to focus on letting their remaining time together be about Jen. 'I'm going to put all this petty bulls*** aside for a little bit,' Lisa said. Petty stuff: 'I'm going to put all this petty bulls*** aside for a little bit,' Lisa Barlow said as she decided to focus on Jen Whitney returned from her half brother's house. The women helped Jen pack and gave her a group hug when she left which inspired Lisa and Meredith to bury the hatchet and hug. Later that night, the remaining housewives went out to dinner. Whitney told Meredith at the table that she was really hurt by Heather not backing her up and calling her a liar. 'She knows that one of my biggest issues is trust, not being heard, being abused, and being taken advantage of,' Whitney said. Tender moment: Lisa and Meredith opted to bury the hatchet and hug When Heather returned to the table, Whitney told her that she hurt her deeply. Heather said she never heard the story about Lisa that Whitney wanted to back her up on. Whitney insisted that they talked about Lisa. 'Absolutely not about blowjobs for courtside seats,' Heather said. 'You want to talk about s** you talk about it. I don't have to sign up for every single issue.' Heather said Whitney did not need her to back her story up, while Whitney said she did. Deep hurt: When Heather returned to the table, Whitney told her that she hurt her deeply 'Why? To say I've heard Lisa gave a blowjob for courtside seats?' Heather 'Can we stop saying that?' Lisa said. 'That's really upsetting for me.' 'It was supposed to be a trip for Jen,' Heather said. 'Our friend is facing 50 years in prison.' Trip purpose: 'It was supposed to be a trip for Jen,' Heather said. 'Our friend is facing 50 years in prison' Heather told Whitney that she arranged the trip for Jen but then made it all about her. 'You wanted to celebrate Jen not to work through all your personal issues,' Heather said. In a confessional, Whitney said Heather's comments were a huge blow. Personal issues: 'You wanted to celebrate Jen not to work through all your personal issues,' Heather said 'It hurts,' Whitney said. 'Heather, what you need to realize is where my pain is coming from is because the one person that was safe to me, you, that is where my pain is,' Whitney said. 'Abuse. Being taken advantage of. Not having a voice.' Heather said she was hurt as well. Pain source: 'Heather, what you need to realize is where my pain is coming from is because the one person that was safe to me, you, that is where my pain is,' Whitney said. 'Abuse. Being taken advantage of. Not having a voice' 'Why don't you be accountable on a trip to celebrate our friend who's facing real problems and real issues,' Heather said. 'You pushed me into a wall and called me a liar,' Whitney said. 'We are leaving tomorrow, can we just have fun for a minute,' Meredith said. Wall push: 'You pushed me into a wall and called me a liar,' Whitney said Back at the house the women worried about how Jen would cope. 'Do you guys think Stuart [Smith] is going to testify against her?,' Heather asked referencing Jen's assistant who also was charged and accepted a plea deal. Meredith said Stuart already took a plea and that odds were that he was definitely not on Jen's side. Good question: 'Do you guys think Stuart [Smith] is going to testify against her?,' Heather asked referencing Jen's assistant who also was charged and accepted a plea deal 'The conviction rate in the Southern District of New York is extremely high,' Meredith said in a confessional. 'Her statistics aren't good here.' Jen was charged in March 2021 with conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud and initially pleaded not guilty. She later pleaded guilty to commit wire fraud in July and her sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 28 in New York. The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City will return next Wednesday on Bravo. She's been playing Detective Olivia Benson for 23 years. And Mariska Hargitay was back filming the latest chapter of Law & Order SVU in New York City on Wednesday. The Hollywood veteran, 58, commanded the spotlight as she stepped out of a building with cameras rolling. Lights, camera, action! Mariska Hargitay was back filming the latest chapter of Law & Order SVU in New York City on Wednesday She wore a midnight blue trench coat, black top, and flared trousers over her glossy boots. Mariska's brunette tresses were styled in their usual loose waves with glam makeup coating her complexion. True to her character, Mariska commanded the scene as she stepped out of the building with an air of authority. She was joined by a young co-star, whom she was seen following as he dashed down the sidewalk. Rolling! Cameras were tuned in as the actors threw themselves into character Hollywood pro! Mariska commanded the scene as she stepped out of the building Mariska had a concerned expression on her face as she crouched slightly down to his level and placed a hand on his arm. Not pictured on set was Mariska's long-time and hunky co-star, Christopher Meloni, who recently returned to the show as NYPD detective Elliot Stabler. Speaking of reuniting with Meloni with People during a joint interview with her co-star, Mariska told People: 'Never been better. "I mean if you had told me I'd have the career I have at this time in ... the twilight of my life.' Filming in style: She wore a midnight blue trench coat, black top, and flared trousers over her glossy boots Co-stars: Mariska had a concerned expression on her face as she crouched slightly down to his level and placed a hand on his arm 'Its just a dream come true,' Meloni said. The actor added they were 'very lucky' to have such enduring on-screen chemistry. 'It's effortless, and it's weird, and I always look at it as some sort of gift,' Mariska said. 'So much of it has to do with our shared sense of humor, shared perspective, our now history.' In addition to SVU, Meloni also appears in Law & Order and in the new spin-off, Law &Order: Organized Crime. Season 24 of Law & Order SVU is currently airing Thursdays on NBC. Where's Elliot? Not pictured on set was her long-time co-star, Christopher Meloni Scheana Shay was accompanied by husband Brock Davies at an event for actress Gwyneth Paltrow's collaboration with Copper Fit in Santa Monica on Wednesday. The Vanderpump Rules star, 37, sizzled in a muted green corset dress that showcased her ample cleavage and endless legs. Shay's cropped brunette hair was straightened and tucked behind her ears while posing for snapshots with the New Zealand hunk, 31. Afternoon outing: Scheana Shay was accompanied by husband Brock Davies at an event for actress Gwyneth Paltrow's collaboration with Copper Fit in Santa Monica on Wednesday Her sexy mini allowed her to show even more skin through circular cut-outs on the hips that were held together by drawstrings. For the afternoon shindig, the TV personality was decked out in large silver hoop earrings and a dainty silver pendant chain necklace. Shay gave her petite frame a boost by stepping into a pair of iridescent pink heels. To complete her fashion-forward look, the mother-of-one tucked her essentials away in a blush toned leather handbag. Busty: The Vanderpump Rules star, 37, sizzled in a muted green corset dress that showcased her ample cleavage and endless legs Sleek: Shay's cropped brunette hair was straightened and tucked behind her ears while posing for snapshots with the New Zealand hunk, 31 Davies highlighted his muscular frame in a tight black tee styled with mint green trousers. The fitness trainer wore his long brunette hair tied back in a ponytail and he sported light stubble. Gwyneth Paltrow has collaborated with the wellness brand Copper Fit on a line of compression socks, gloves, knee pads, leggings and more that are designed to 'support the muscles and joints' to 'keep you comfortable throughout the day.' Buff: Davies highlighted his muscular frame in a tight black tee styled with mint green trousers Cute! Shay gave her petite frame a boost by stepping into a pair of iridescent pink heels Comfort: Gwyneth Paltrow has collaborated with the wellness brand Copper Fit on a line of compression socks, gloves, knee pads, leggings and more that are designed to 'support the muscles and joints' to 'keep you comfortable throughout the day' The gloves retail for $25 USD on Paltrow's GOOP website, while the compression socks retail for $14.99. Shay and Davies tied the knot this past August at a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico. The ceremony was attended by several of Shay's Vanderpump Rules co-stars, including Brittany Cartwright and Tom Sandoval. Newlyweds: Shay and Davies tied the knot this past August at a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico Baby girl: Shay and Davies got engaged in July 2021, just months after welcoming their daughter Summer Moon in April Speaking to PEOPLE, Shay stressed that the goal of the wedding was to 'have a good time with every person who is important to us.' She added that she and her new husband were thrilled to 'be able to get that time for a few days with all of our friends and family to celebrate us.' Shay and Davies got engaged in July 2021, just months after welcoming their daughter Summer Moon in April. BravoCon: Shay recently attended Andy Cohen's star-studded BravoCon in New York City where she reunited with the cast of Vanderpump Rules to discuss the reality series' forthcoming season; seen Saturday with co-star Raquel Leviss The brunette beauty was previously married to musician Mike Shay. The pair were together from 2014 until their finalized divorce in 2017. Shay recently attended Andy Cohen's star-studded BravoCon in New York City where she reunited with the cast of Vanderpump Rules to discuss the reality series' forthcoming season. She was joined by Davies during the multi-day event. Colin Fassnidge lost his temper on Kitchen Nightmares Australia on Wednesday, admitting he doubts he can 'fix' the issues at Sunshine Coast restaurant Guru Life. The celebrity chef, 48, clashed with restaurant owner Johnny after he kept 'a**ing around behind the counter' with his employees. Meanwhile, Johnny's partner Katie admitted they were in a 'dire' financial situation and 'at risk of losing our home and our business'. Colin Fassnidge (pictured) lost his temper on Kitchen Nightmares Australia on Wednesday, admitting he doubts he can 'fix' the issues at Sunshine Coast restaurant Guru Life When Colin first entered the restaurant, he was immediately annoyed by the 'lazy' buzzers the staff used to alert customers to pick up their own food. 'Oh, he hates the buzzer so much!' Johnny joked as he watched Colin go back and forth from his table to the serving counter. When Colin found a blonde hair stuck to his table water, Johnny was seen laughing with one of his fair-haired waitresses, who admitted it was probably hers. The celebrity chef, 48, clashed with restaurant owner Johnny (pictured_ after he kept 'a**ing around behind the counter' with his employees 'I can fix the food, I can fix the service, but I don't know if I can fix Johnny,' Colin said as Johnny continued to fool around behind the counter. The Irish-Australian chef hatched a plan for Guru Life to switch from the buzzers to table service, develop a proper marketing strategy, and return to basic, fresh meals. While Johnny's staff took to the changes well, he seemed to struggle with the order dockets. Meanwhile, Johnny's partner Katie admitted they were in a 'dire' financial situation and 'at risk of losing our home and our business' 'People have flown to the moon; you can work out the docket,' Colin told the owner. He later confided in producers: 'He has no idea how to run a restaurant, hes floundering and [his staff] are teaching him on the fly.' It comes after Colin recently spoke about the pressure placed on cooks due to staff shortages in the hospitality sector post-Covid. When Colin found a blonde hair stuck to his table water, Johnny was seen laughing with one of his fair-haired waitresses (left), who admitted it was probably hers Colin said the pandemic exposed the crisis at the heart of the industry when lockdowns forced people to stop and examine their lives. 'I've known restaurants that have gone on fire because the hood was full of grease. There was a Sydney chef years ago who killed someone with food poisoning, and he went to jail. That's how serious it gets,' he said. With many chefs working over 80 hours a week, convinced their cooking is the difference between their employer thriving or going under, suicide rates and drug and alcohol addiction among chefs are high, he added. The Elon Musk Show Rating: ** Doc Martin Rating: **** Elon Musk is a genius. We know, because the Beeb's adulatory three-part life story of the Tesla billionaire tells us so every minute. Rocket scientists, company execs, ex-wives, parents, journalists and old friends queue up to repeat the mantra: Elon is the most brilliant human being ever. In case we're sceptical, archive clips show Musk himself frequently affirming that he is a visionary, while warning of the burden such supernatural intellect confers. 'You wouldn't want to be me,' he told podcaster Joe Rogan, who was drooling with admiration. Far be it from me to suggest the world's richest man is a charlatan. But the great thing about claiming to be able to foresee the future is that no one can prove you wrong. He declares on The Elon Musk Show (BBC) that, over four billion years, life on earth has changed in significant ways just half a dozen times the emergence of amphibians from the seas, the evolution of early mammals, the extinction of the dinosaurs and so on. The Elon Musk Show, a three-part series from the BBC, tells the early life of the entrepreneur starting from his days in silicone valley Now it is about to change again, he says, with the colonisation of other planets. He just happens to be the one man who can make this happen, with his SpaceX fleet and his plans to establish a base on Mars. The alternative, he adds, is the obliteration of humankind. So he's not only the most far-sighted man who ever lived and the most influential in history, but also the saviour of the world. But read into the gaps between the sycophantic praises and there's a different portrait, not of a genius but of an emotional simpleton. Musk lacks all interest in anyone else and has no real understanding of his favourite subject, himself. He is devoid of self-awareness. His second wife Talulah Riley, whom he married, divorced, married and left again, between 2010 and 2016, insisted he is a deeply emotional man. But he appears to have little control or comprehension of his feelings. Talulah described how he laughed so excessively during a movie that he was rolling on the cinema floor, to the bemusement and alarm of other filmgoers. At their first wedding, she dressed him as his hero Fred Astaire, in top hat and tails, and asked if there were any extra touches he wanted at the ceremony. 'A hovercraft full of eels,' he replied a puerile reference to a Monty Python sketch. Because he's so rich, the hovercraft and the eels were provided. Small wonder the marriage didn't last. His treatment of the people who work for him appears no better. Former Tesla vice president George Blankenship shook and sobbed as he remembered the stress of meeting Musk's deadlines. He looked like an abuse survivor. Compared to Musk, Dr Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) is a paragon of tact and empathy though according to his friends, he has 'the emotional awareness of a breadstick'. Caroline Catz as Louisa Glasson and Martin Clunes as Dr Martin Ellingham are shown with their baby son. Doc Martin (ITV) is ending after 18 years This was the penultimate episode of Doc Martin (ITV), which is ending after 18 years, and the Portwenn GP was wrestling with his ambitions. Offered a role as dean of medicine at Imperial College in London, he tried to think of his wife's wishes but was unable to know what he wanted himself, until she helped him untangle his feelings. Martin's glorious tactlessness will be missed. Seeing an old friend, he got her name wrong and was unable to say anything but 'how are you?' even when she reminded him that he'd been best man at her wedding. He then blurted out a revelation about her husband's drunken infidelities and during the ensuing row a waitress was somehow set on fire. Such a simultaneously stupid and clever man will be missed. Australian actor Vince Colosimo is set to contest allegations he was issued 169 traffic fines while disqualified from driving. The Wog Boy Forever star is accused of racking up a whopping $65,215 in unpaid fines dating back to 2012. On Wednesday, Colosimo was forced to make an embarrassing exit from the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, rushing down a laneway in an effort to avoid a media pack. Colosimo had pleaded guilty to drug and unlicensed driving and failing to give his real name to police. The ugly 2021 incident during Melbourne's harsh Covid-19 lockdowns saw him convicted and fined again - adding another $2500 to his growing tally of fines. Actor Vince Colosimo is pursued by reporters down William Street in Melbourne after walking from court with another fine on Wednesday Vince Colosimo waits in line with the rest of the alleged crooks outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday Colosimo (right) and Nick Giannopoulos at the Sydney Premiere of Wog Boys Forever last month Film and legal sources close to Colosimo have told Daily Mail Australia the star disputed the number and total dollar values of the fines he allegedly racked up. 'I don't even think it's possible to run up that many fines ... it sounds extraordinarily large to have that many fines,' one source said. Colosimo had been in court over his well-publicised drug-driving charges, which saw him pretend to be his twin brother when pulled over by police. Word of the unpaid fines appeared to come as a shock to both Colosimo and his lawyer George Vassis, who quickly turned around to address his client seated behind him. Prosecutor Bianca Moleta told the court Colosimo had lost his licence again twice through demerit points while disqualified for fines incurred and issued to him in recent years while his licence was cancelled. 'Although he wasn't charged, that's a reflection of the Traffic Camera Office not essentially communicating with Victoria Police, but those are recorded on his demerit point history after his licence was cancelled,' she said. A source told Daily Mail Australia Colosimo maintained he had not incurred the traffic fines himself because he had loaned his Peugeot to a 'mate'. Colosimo and his legal team are said to be in the process of working through the fines to ascertain not only how they accumulated, but who might have been behind the wheel and when. Vince Colosimo engages with a man while entering court on Wednesday Colosimo makes his way out of the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in hot pursuit by reporters On Wednesday, Colosimo's lawyer described his client as a dedicated family man, who lived with his 19-year old daughter and had an 8-year old son. 'He takes his parental role very seriously, he's deeply embarrassed,' Mr Vassis said. The strain of Colosimo's ongoing legal troubles is believed to be taking a dramatic toll on his young family. 'At the end of the day everyone has got kids and family and you wouldn't enjoy what Vince and his family are going through,' a source said. Ms Moleta said Colosimo hadn't filled out a single form to indicate he hadn't been behind the wheel for the traffic offences. 'It is aggravating because there has been a total disregard for his unlicensed status,' she told the court on Wednesday. Ms Moleta had urged the magistrate to at the very least place Colosimo under the court's control via a community corrections order which would have insured he completed drug and driver education courses. While Colosimo admitted he had spent some time in a South Australian rehabilitation clinic, he had failed to complete the program due to 'work commitments'. A source told Daily Mail Australia Colosimo had taken serious steps to address his use of illicit drugs. The court was presented with a bundle of references attesting to Colosimo's recent good character. Colosimo hangs his head as he lines up at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday Vince Colosimo starred as Alphonse Gangitano in the first, and best, Underbelly TV series Vince Colosimo worked alongside Leonardo DiCaprio on Body of Lies. Sources claim the Aussie did himself no favours Mystery surrounds how long Colosimo could finance a legal challenge against the fines while fending off a possible jail sentence should his drug driving sentence be appealed. While he is hot off the back of two movies, the actor has previously found himself working on building sites to make ends meet. On Thursday, Victoria Police spokeswoman Sergeant Megan Stefanec refused to rule out a possible appeal against Colosimo's latest sentence. 'We are unable to predict whether an appeal would be considered,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. A decision over any appeal is likely to be made over the coming days, which would result in a County Court of Victoria showdown sometime next year. Colosimo faces more immediate concerns over revelations Victoria Police are in the process of applying for an arrest warrant over the unpaid fines. The court heard Colosimo blames his mate for incurring the lion's share of the fines. It is understood Colosimo further claims most of the notifications for the alleged infringements were sent to old addresses after several home relocations and Covid-19 disruptions at Vicroads. In March, former WAG Nadia Bartel was fined $1100 after she was caught driving while suspended and failing to update her address with Vicroads. The fashion designer told police she had moved home in December 2010 and didnt know her licence was suspended. The letter was sent to the home she previously shared with ex husband Jimmy Bartel. Former MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann revealed his dramatic new look on Tuesday, one year after being spared a criminal conviction. The 38-year-old bodybuilder and executive chef showed off his outrageously jacked physique in a photo taken in a gym changeroom after a weightlifting session. He wore a grey singlet and black shorts as he posed for a mirror selfie while flexing his enormous biceps. Former MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann revealed his outrageously jacked physique on Tuesday, one year after being spared a criminal conviction 'I GOT 99 PROBLEMS but I'm going to the gym and ignoring all of them. My happy place,' he captioned the post. Ungermann has been showing off his progress in the gym in recent months. In September, he shared an Instagram post about how he turned his life around by improving his physical health. The 38-year-old bodybuilder and executive chef has been showing off his progress in the gym in recent months 'At 38 years young, I attend the gym most days and then step into my role as the executive chef at my busy restaurant House of Nasi Goreng,' he wrote. 'My days are very long and demand a lot from my body. But each day I make a concerned effort to take care of my physical health and it's all about consistency. 'It begins with nourishing ones body in the mornings and giving it the fuel it requires to perform.' Ungermann was spared a criminal conviction last year for physically assaulting a 16-year-old girl in a Melbourne hotel room. The chef was instead placed on a diversion program, allowing him to avoid a criminal record, for the Docklands assault in February 2020. Three sexual assault charges against Ungermann over the same incident were struck out in Melbourne Magistrates Court. They were replaced with one charge of common law assault, with the consent of prosecutors and the girl. Ungermann (pictured on MasterChef: Back to Win in 2020) was spared a criminal conviction last year for physically assaulting a 16-year-old girl in a Melbourne hotel room Ungermann admitted to physically grabbing the girl and pulling her towards him in his hotel room for a few seconds. At the time, he had travelled to Melbourne for filming for the Channel 10 cooking show MasterChef: Back to Win. He and the girl had dinner, drunk sake and spoke about Ungermann's relationship breakdown before the assault. Ungermann said he was going to get 's**tfaced' before returning to the hotel room, asking the girl for a hug and pulling her onto his chest. His barrister, Abbie Roodenburg, said Ungermann took responsibility for what happened. Ungermann admitted to physically grabbing the girl and pulling her towards him in his hotel room for a few seconds 'This was a one-off brief touch,' the barrister also said, adding that it was 'out of character'. Ungermann agreed to write an letter of apology, make a $1,000 donation to charity and undergo mental health treatment as part of the diversion. The girl wanted to read a statement about the effects of the assault to the court. Magistrate Mia Stylianou did not allow it, saying the wording was inconsistent with the charge Ungermann ultimately admitted to. 'I've read that and I'm saddened by it,' the magistrate also said of the statement. Ungermann agreed to write an letter of apology, make a $1,000 donation to charity and undergo mental health treatment as part of the diversion Ms Stylianou emphasised the stress the victim had gone through, particularly as she had prepared to give evidence against Ungermann before the case resolved. Ms Roodenburg said the 'public personality' had lost his reputation and sponsorships gained through his first appearance on MasterChef in 2017, when he was runner-up. 'He understands that this process is stressful for everybody,' the barrister added. 'But certainly for Mr Ungermann, the way in which these charges have come about and the media attention has caused significant extra-curial punishment.' Ms Roodenburg also said a criminal conviction would have made it hard for Ungermann to move forward and pursue work oversees. Ungermann's barrister said the assault was 'a one-off brief touch' and 'out of character' for him He was also represented by Western Australian-based solicitor and fellow 2017 MasterChef contestant Benjamin Bullock. Outside court, Mr Bullock said: 'We welcome the opportunity for Benny to clear his name. It's really just about him going forward now and moving on with his life.' The magistrate acknowledged Ungermann had endured public opprobrium through media coverage of his case. The in-person promotional push for the upcoming acclaimed film The Whale made its way to New York City. Hosting the special event at the American Bar, Variety recognized leading man Brendan Fraser and director Darren Aronofsky for their work on the psychological drama, which focuses on his character, Charlie, 'a reclusive 600-pound man trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter', according to CNN. The lead-up to the theatrical release in December has been an emotional ride for Fraser, who was brought to tears after the world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September, and then nearly shed more appreciative tears again at the BFI London Film Festival last week. Man of the moment: Brendan Fraser, 53, attended Variety's The New York Party edition with a special event that honored the actor and director Darren Aronofsky for their work on their new film, The Whale, held at the American Bar in New York City on Wednesday The event served as a cross promotion of sorts for the publication, considering Fraser and Aronofsky are also on the cover Variety's current 'The New York Issue'. The former star of The Mummy trilogy, 53, kicked his evening off by stepping out in front of photographers decked out in navy blue slacks with a navy blue pinstripe blazer. He also donned a blue dress shirt, black leather boots, and his dark hair cut short and pushed back off his face. After striking a number of poses solo, Fraser then joined up with Aronofsky and the film's screenwriter Samuel D. Hunter. Handsome: The longtime Hollywood leading man stepped out to the special Variety event in a navy blue ensemble The team: Fraser was honored at the event along with director Darren Aronofsky; they are pictured with the film's screenwriter Samuel D. Hunter Aronofsky, 53, opted for a more casual attire in shiny blue jeans with a black sweater and black and white-patterned sneakers. As for Hunter, 41, he wore dark blue pants with a lavender dress shirt underneath a light brown blazer with brown shoes. In a show of support, Fraser also struck a pose on the red carpet with his ex-wife, Afton Smith, who's also the mother of his sons: Griffin, 20, Holden, 18, and Leland, 16. Smith showed off her fashion sense in lovely black dress and matching heels. The former couple, who got married in September 1998 after about five years of dating, announced their split in December 2007, and then finalized their divorce a little over a year later. Show of support: Fraser also got the support of his ex-wife, Afton Smith, who joined him for a round of photos on the red carpet Family matters: Fraser and Smith were married from 19998 to 2009 and share three children Many film pundits have been calling The Whale Fraser's comeback film, considering he stepped out of the limelight a number of years ago, which has since been attributed to a series of traumas he suffered over a period of years While The Whale has been getting Oscar buzz since its debut at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in September, Fraser has also been making headlines for his emotional reactions after getting huge ovations from audiences. The leading man got teary-eyed during what turned out to be a six-minute standing ovation at the famed film festival in Venice, Italy. Just over a month later, he looked to be on the verge of tears again after a screening of the film at the BFI London Film Festival, which got a five-minute standing ovation. Many film pundits have been calling The Whale Fraser's comeback film, considering he stepped out of the limelight a number of years ago after being a leading man in Hollywood since the 1990s. Emotional: Fraser got a standing ovations for his performance as a 600 lb. man in The Whale at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in September Proud tears: The actor was brought to tears by the six-minute standing ovation following the screening at the festival in Venice, Italy It turns out, Fraser's absence from Hollywood was due in part to several traumas he went through, including his divorce, the death of his mother, and health problems resulting in several of surgeries, including a partial knee replacement, a laminectomy, and vocal cord surgery. And then in 2018, the actor confessed that the then-president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Philip Berk molested him in 2003 at the Beverly Hills Hotel after a luncheon hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. While the Berk argued it was all a joke, Fraser didn't see it that that way and felt traumatized, according to Cultura Colectiva. In The Whale, Fraser had to go through a huge transformation to play a 600 lb. man who tries to reconnect with his 17-year-old daughter. The two grew apart after Charlie left his family for another man who later died. Charlie then went on to binge eat out of pain and guilt that resulted in his current appearance. Along with Fraser, the film also also stars Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Samantha Morton, Ty Simpkins and Sathya Sridharan. The Whale is slated to premiere in theaters in the U.S. on December 9. Howard Stern said Kanye West now comes off like Adolf Hitler after the rapper made anti-Semitic remarks over a number of platforms over the past month. 'I almost don't want to give any energy to this Kanye West character,' the radio veteran, 68, said Wednesday on The Howard Stern Show. 'I don't know much about Kanye West. I'm not big into the rap scene, but he is ... I'm really tired of people excusing his behavior by saying, "Well, he's just mentally ill."' Stern's co-host Robin Quivers chimed in, 'So was Hitler and someone elected him to run a country.' The latest: Howard Stern, 68, said Kanye West, 45, now comes off like Adolf Hitler after the rapper made anti-Semitic remarks over a number of platforms over the past month Stern noted how 'a lot of media organizations' were giving West 'attention' over it 'and rightly so' in 'exposing him.' Stern, who is Jewish, went on to note how he has experienced anti-Semitic behavior earlier in his life in 'fights' and 'groups of people with chains hitting' him. He continued, 'Boy, what this guys into, its the same old stuff with the Jews, you know ... but anyway, Kanye was on the Chris Cuomo show, and good lord, you gotta hear the s*** this guy's into, and f*** this mental illness, self-defense thing that he's into, you know, like, "Oh yeah, he's just mentally ill, don't worry about it."' Quivers said, 'If he was so mentally ill, they wouldn't have on TV - he's not so mentally ill, you don't let him say this stuff.' Stern said of West, I'm really tired of people excusing his behavior by saying, "Well, he's just mentally ill"' Stern said, 'If he's so mentally ill, why don't they appoint a conservator over his money like they did with the poor Britney Spears?' Stern noted how 'a lot of media organizations' were giving West 'attention' over it 'and rightly so' in 'exposing him' Stern responded, 'If he's so mentally ill, why don't they appoint a conservator over his money like they did with the poor Britney Spears?' Stern played a clip from the Cuomo chat in which West, 45, said he faced professional consequences from the 'Jewish underground media mafia' via the canceling a series of shows he had set for SoFi Stadium; propagating the notion that he is 'crazy;' and never referring to him as a 'billionaire,' 'inventor,' 'tycoon' or 'visionary.' Stern retorted, saying, 'Guess what, douchebag? When they write about me, they call me the shock jock - you don't have control over - you're a rapper, that is what you are, that's how you became famous.' He added: 'If a newspaper article doesn't point out the fact that you're some sort of designer or genius, maybe that's not because he's Jewish, but maybe because he just doesn't put that much thought into who the f*** you are and what your business is.' Stern described the series of events as 'so depressing,' saying, 'Kanye used to be fun crazy - now he's like Hitler.' Stern played a clip from a Chris Cuomo interview in which West, 45, said he faced professional consequences from the 'Jewish underground media mafia' via the canceling a series of shows he had set for SoFi Stadium; propagating the notion that he is 'crazy;' and never referring to him as a 'billionaire,' 'inventor,' 'tycoon' or 'visionary' West was asked by Piers Morgan Wednesday if he regretted an anti-Semitic tweet and he said, 'No - absolutely not, absolutely not ... I fought fire with fire - Im not here to get hosed down - thats a different type of freedom fighter' West's turbulent month of race-related controversies kicked off October 3 when he and and conservative commentator Candace Owens donned tops that read White Lives Matter during a Paris Fashion Week showcase for his Yeezy line. West faced restrictions on his social media sites after he tweeted October 8: 'I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE ... The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also ... you guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.' The tweet garnered controversy and condemnation from celebs such as John Legend, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sarah Silverman and Josh Gad, who took to social media to call out West for his offensive remarks. West was asked by Piers Morgan Wednesday if he regretted the tweet and he said, 'No - absolutely not, absolutely not ... I fought fire with fire - Im not here to get hosed down - thats a different type of freedom fighter.' He later clarified: 'I will say I'm sorry for the people that I hurt,' he said. 'I feel like I cause hurt and confusion, and I'm sorry for the families of the people that had nothing to do with the trauma that I had been through and that I use my platform where you say, "Hurt people hurt people," and I was hurt.' West made the offensive remarks on October 8 after he faced restrictions on Instagram Quaden Bayles returns to his roots with visit to The Block in Redfern in Sydney Quaden Bayles has returned to his old stomping grounds in one of Sydney's roughest neighbourhoods as his Hollywood acting career takes off. The Indigenous 11-year-old posted a photo to his Instagram on Thursday with the caption: 'Back where it all began', adding the hashtag #GadigalCountry. The upcoming Aussie actor visited 'The Block', a colloquial name given to a group of social housing units on the western border of Redfern in inner-city Sydney. The Indigenous 11-year-old posted a photo to his Instagram with the caption: 'Back where it all began' on Thursday, adding the hashtag #GadigalCountry (pictured, the Instagram post) Quaden Bayles walked his first red carpet in August for the premiere of George Miller's Three Thousand Years of Longing and hopes to continue acting The inner-city area was purchased by the Aboriginal Housing Company in 1973 and was the scene of the Redfern riots in 2004 following the death of an Aboriginal boy. Thomas Hickey, 17, died after his bike collided with a protruding gutter causing him to be impaled on a 2.5-metre-high fence off Phillip Street in Waterloo. It is believed the teenager was being followed by NSW Police when he was injured, with riots taking place at The Block the following day on February 15, 2004. Quaden's return to his roots comes just months after he walked the red carpet for his debut role in George Miller's film Three Thousand Years of Longing wearing a smart navy-blue Calvin Klein suit and white sneakers. The 11-year-old featured as an extra in the film - which was his acting debut - alongside the likes of Hollywood heavyweights Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton. Quaden has since set his sights on an acting career and has recently been pictured rubbing shoulders with other famous Aussies like rapper The Kid Laroi and South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell. He has been cast in a small role in Miller's upcoming blockbuster Furiosa, a prequel in the Mad Max franchise to his 2015 post-apocalyptic action hit Fury Road. Quaden has recently been pictured rubbing shoulders with other famous Aussies like rapper The Kid Laroi (left) and South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell (right) Quaden features as an extra in George Miller's new film Three Thousand Years of Longing - his acting debut - alongside the likes of Hollywood heavyweights Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton 'I love acting, I want to do heaps,' he told NITV News on the red carpet in August. Quaden said his first time on the big screen was 'really great' and he was looking forward to his next acting gig. 'I can't believe I'm in Mad Max. I never knew what it was, my brother was the one who showed me what it was and it blew my eyes,' he said. 'I was like ''wow that's crazy'', and I love working with George Miller. 'It's a really great job for me because of what I've been through.' Quaden was born with a type of dwarfism known as achondroplasia, the most common type of short-limbed dwarfism, which is a condition that affects a protein in the body called the fibroblast growth factor receptor. Miller revealed he had been moved to put Quaden in front of the camera after his mother Yarraka Bayles posted a distressing video of her son to Facebook in 2020. The now-viral video shows Quaden sobbing uncontrollably after he was bullied at his school and asking for a knife so he can kill himself. Miller was moved to put Quaden in front of the camera after his mother Yarraka Bayles posted the distressing video of her son to Facebook in February 2020. In the video, Quaden ,was shown sobbing uncontrollably and asking for a knife to kill himself after being bullied at school Quaden boasts 288,000 followers on Instagram where he can command up to $2,600 per sponsored post At the start of the five-minute clip, Ms Bayles said: 'I just picked my son up from school, witnessed a bullying episode, rang the principal and I want people to know this is the effect bullying has. This is what bullying does.' 'So can you please educate your children, your families, your friends because all it takes is one more instance... and you wonder why kids are killing themselves. 'We try to be as strong and positive as possible and only share the highlights... but this is how bullying affects a nine-year-old kid.' The video captured the attention of Miller as well as Aussie actor Hugh Jackman. The Wolverine actor posted a video on Twitter in which he said: 'Quaden, you are stronger than you know, mate. And no matter what, you've got a friend in me.' Quaden boasts 283,000 followers on Instagram where he can command up to $2,600 per sponsored post. If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit: or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. By Ron Roman I'm sitting down in front of my study room PC pondering what to write of the recent passing at age 96 of England's Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in U.K. history with over 70 years on the throne, and of my old buddy John Sheridan (at 74), long-time Korea Times columnist, who I originally met in 1982 when both of us worked in Seoul. Makes me think of myself as old, not in a physically decrepit sense, but rather with the weight of decades-long memories of Queen Elizabeth, who was part and parcel of British tradition and a staple in the lives of millions, even to those living outside of England and who were not British subjects, and of Sheridan, a long-term teaching colleague who was not even a close friend. The queen was royalty; John Sheridan was a "commoner." In a weird way, I felt connected to both, though no bosom buddies, we. So just what is the meaning of, and gives value to, every human life, be it that of royalty or of so-called commoners in our Era of Twerking Twerps? Let's explore . Queen Elizabeth was, well, the queen. One doesn't get hootchie-kootchie with a queen, perhaps not even members of her own royal family; John Sheridan, while not socially distant or standoffish, was not someone to cozy up to easily, either. I feel guilty in describing him as only my "acquaintance" given the length of our relationship; to state otherwise, though, would mark me as a liar. That simple. After all, in recent years we only met three, maybe four, times a year to reminisce for a couple of hours over coffee with our mutual friend Erik about our old days in Korea, and we always met conveniently for Sheridan in Seoul, his adopted hometown, never where I live. But we nonetheless shared good times with plenty of nostalgic conversation until the Grim Reaper, master interloper that he is, had other plans in doling out a freakish, tragic death for John while he was vacationing in Thailand this past summer. I had been the impetus for John to return to writing for The Korea Times about two years ago. I convinced Park Yoon-bae, a veteran journalist and the chief editorial writer at The Korea Times since before forever, to give him a shot at a journalistic comeback. Always an accomplished writer in addition to being a devoted educator, regular readers will remember John's insightful columns on an eclectic array of topics. He could be stubborn and, like royalty, picky. Though hailing from Philadelphia from distinctly workingman lineage, John oozed a certain royal manner and mien at times. Like the queen, in public he presented an impeccable appearance. Indeed, by way of his expecting others to do the same, he could, and did, rub some folks the wrong way, particularly co-workers. He'd display little tolerance for those who dressed slovenly, having upbraided Erik more than once for appearing as such. He'd sign off his articles with his trademark byline "Urban Flaneur." As a retired American university English professor and novelist, I consider myself hardly deficit in vocabulary, but I must confess "flaneur" sent me scurrying like a grammar school kid to crack open my dictionary; I hadn't seen it in print, much less heard it in conversation, in decades. Then, too, while I was proofreading his articles, we'd often quibble over my edits. Once, after I had pointed out a comma splice error, he became indignant, insisting that it wasn't a comma splice. I soon realized the futility of pursing these matters and abruptly stopped. Our relationship could indeed be prickly at times. Perhaps only between college educators could such trivia be considered significant, eh? Try not to snicker. Erik emailed me of the tragic death while I was vacationing in the U.S. When Sheridan had a public memorial service in Seoul, 10 mourners showed up; Queen Elizabeth II had closer to a million in London, followed by billions glued to their TV screens around the globe. While Sheridan, by way of his dapper style, projected an image of quiet dignity within his inner circle, the Queen exuded that proverbial British stiff upper lip, at least in public, and, more importantly, held her head high with her inimitable grace and aplomb set against the backdrop of a world now awash in vulgarity. In so doing, her image was that of a matronly steadfast anchor and beacon to her "subjects," who yearned for a return to an era of cultural security and stability. They found that in her, and on Sept. 8, when it was taken away from them for good, they grieved so, knowing it would never return. Sense and sensibility. For better or worse, that's what the British masses, and much of the rest of our world, craved. They got just that and more in the quiet, dignified life of Queen Elizabeth II. Ubiquitous paparazzi vultures hovering nearby relentlessly kept alive those royal family raunchy scandals. From Prince Charles' ill-fated marriage to Princess Diana to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's allegations of royal racism at Buckingham Palace, there was never any shortage of paparazzi-inflated smut for the tabloids. Throughout it all, the queen always managed to eke out a poker face, at least in public. Surely as mother and grandmother she must have been hurting behind closed doors, living life under the microscope of public scrutiny. As Shakespeare said, "Heavy is the head that wears the crown." But wear the crown she did, and always with dignity and grace. Few other leaders, royal or not, could have done so with such style under scrutiny. This observation brings me back to the "Urban Flaneur," John Sheridan He was someone born plebeian, perhaps, but also someone whose life and passing, though hardly celebrated to the degree the queen's were, proved just as essential in the eyes of those who knew him and of the Almighty. For who else can be the ultimate judges? When the sun finally sets, every life is precious. Ron Roman (ron_g_roman@hotmail.com) taught English and the humanities for the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC-Asia) all over the Pacific since 1996 until the COVID-19 crisis (2020). His apocalyptic doomsday thriller "Of Ashes and Dust" is scheduled for a Nov. 22, 2022, release by Histria Books. He is a long-term contributor to The Korea Times. Emily Ratajkowski looked effortlessly chic as she attended day three of Advertising Week New York on Wednesday afternoon. The 31-year-old model posed up at the event in a low-cut silky silver blouse that gave a glimpse of her cleavage. Her public appearance comes just days after DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Ratajkowski is romantically linked to musician, DJ Orazio Rispo. Chic chick: Emily Ratajkowski looked effortlessly chic as she attended day three of Advertising Week New York on Wednesday afternoon. The 31-year-old model posed up at the event in a low-cut silky silver blouse that gave a glimpse of her cleavage The brunette bombshell tucked her button-up blouse into a pair of fitted black trousers with a slight flare. She strolled the venue in a pair of pointed black leather booties. Ratajkowski's silky brunette hair was parted down the middle and styled straight. The mother-of-one accessorized with a stunning gold choker necklace. Beauty: The brunette bombshell tucked her button-up blouse into a pair of fitted black trousers with a slight flare As for makeup, the natural beauty rocked a generous amount of shimmery peach blusher and loaded up her lashes with mascara. Her plump pout was painted a glossy nude shade and her skin had a radiant glow. Advertising Week New York kicked off on Monday, October 17 and hosts 800+ speakers on eight separate stages at the The Market Line located in the historic Lower East Side of Manhattan. Silky: Ratajkowski's silky brunette hair was parted down the middle and styled straight Flushed: As for makeup, the natural beauty rocked a generous amount of shimmery peach blusher and loaded up her lashes with mascara Ratajkowski happened to be one of the interviewees during the New Era in Audio event. She appeared to be in her element as she spoke to attendees on Wednesday. Her outing came just three days after she was seen passionately kissing 35-year-old Orazio during a passionate date night. On Tuesday, DailyMail.com exclusively the identity of Emily's new love. Like Emily's ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard, Orazio was born and raised in New York. He has worked as a DJ for two decades; he also owned and operated a record shop in Brooklyn, called Halcyon Record Shop, until it closed in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview: Ratajkowski happened to be one of the interviewees during the New Era in Audio event In her element: She appeared to be in her element as she spoke to attendees on Wednesday New flame? Her public appearance comes just days after DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that Ratajkowski is romantically linked to musician, DJ Orazio Rispo The model looked happier than ever in the wake of her marital breakdown as she packed on the PDA with Orazio on Friday evening. The pair was seen giggling with one another, locking lips, starring into each other's eyes, and sharing a romantic embrace as they strolled through Manhattan, after enjoying an alfresco dinner date. News hit the web that Emily had split from her husband of four years, Sebastian, in July. At the time, it was reported that the model had made the decision to leave her film producer husband, 41, over claims that he was a 'serial cheater.' A source told Page Six at the time, 'It's gross. He's a dog.' The former couple share one-year-old son Sylvester Apollo. Jared Leto looked effortlessly cool while celebrating the launch of his upcoming beauty brand, Twentynine Palms, at Dover Street Market in New York on Wednesday. The Morbius actor, 50, rocked pink ombre highlights in his brunette shoulder length hair, and went shirtless underneath an oversized grey Gucci blazer for the occasion. The Academy Award winner was joined by his business partner Jonathan Keren, who co-hosted the event with him. New business: Jared Leto, 50, looked effortlessly cool while celebrating the launch of his upcoming beauty brand, Twentynine Palms, at Dover Street Market in New York on Wednesday Leto paired his outfit with black slacks and black leather loafers, and accessorized with chunky silver rings. The method actor - who lives a vegan lifestyle and abstains from alcohol and coffee - also wore two silver chains around his neck and rocked a scruffy beard. Meanwhile Keren was casual cool in a plaid button-up over a black tee, and black jeans. Business partner: The Academy Award winner was joined by his business partner Jonathan Keren, who co-hosted the event with him Beauty guru: The Morbius actor rocked pink ombre highlights in his brunette shoulder length hair, and went shirtless underneath an oversized grey Gucci blazer for the occasion Inside the event Leto was pictured posing with some his beauty products, which he allowed his guests to test out. Twentynine Palms will be available for purchase on October 25, through their website as well as in-store at Dover Street Parfums Market in Paris and at the Dover Street Markets in New York City, Los Angeles, and London. The 11-piece range of gender-neutral skin care products will include a $97 eye cream, a $95 clay face mask, an $87 moisturizer, a $69 serum and more. Other products that are to follow in 2023 include personal and home fragrances. Plenty to choose from: The 11-piece gender-neutral skin care line will include a $97 eye cream, a $95 clay face mask, an $87 moisturizer, a $69 serum and more Ageless: 'Ive never been really interested in beauty products. But Im interested in the idea of taking care of ourselves in the most natural way possible,' the age-defying star shared with Vogue on Tuesday More to come: Leto's business partner was seen posing with the brand, which will expand to include personal and home fragrances in 2023 The line is named after the California city that serves as entry point to Joshua Tree National Park, with the products being made with desert botanicals. The age-defying Dallas Buyers Club star - who is next set to portray fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld in a biopic - spoke about his new venture in an interview with Vogue on Tuesday. 'Ive never been really interested in beauty products. But Im interested in the idea of taking care of ourselves in the most natural way possible,' he shared. It seems that Leto had a change of heart about letting fans get an insight into his ever-youthful appearance, despite telling Mens Health magazine in March that he wouldn't share his beauty secrets. 'I probably wont tell you. Just to keep everybody guessing. Really, honestly, at the end of the day, it doesnt really matter,' the Louisiana native stated at the time. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's son Joseph Baena flew to Las Vegas the day after he was eliminated off the 31st season of Dancing with the Stars. The 25-year-old bodybuilder headlined the 'Lowkey in The Library' party at Marquee Nightclub inside The Cosmpolitan on Wednesday night. 'My time on DWTS is over and that's okay, because now we're at the airport heading to Vegas,' Joseph - who boasts 443K social media followers - said via Instastory. Not crying: Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's son Joseph Baena flew to Las Vegas the day after he was eliminated off the 31st season of Dancing with the Stars 'And if you're in the Vegas area, come tonight to Marquee. I'm going to be spinning. I'm going to be DJing. It's going to be a fun time and we'll count it as the elimination party. So I'll be celebrating. 'It's going to be a fun time. We'll have fun together. Listen to good house music and let's freaking have a blast. Everyone's invited, so come to the party!' Before his trip, Tao Group Hospitality co-CEO Jason Strauss treated Baena to a post-elimination meal at LAVO Ristorante in West Hollywood where he indulged in the $21 Tiramisu. Earlier that same day, the ARIA Properties realtor shared a wistful TikTok montage of his time on the Disney+ celebrity dance competition, which he called 'the worst breakup of my life.' Manning the decks! The 25-year-old bodybuilder headlined the 'Lowkey in The Library' party at Marquee Nightclub inside The Cosmpolitan on Wednesday night Joseph - who boasts 443K social media followers - said via Instastory: 'My time on DWTS is over and that's okay, because now we're at the airport heading to Vegas. And if you're in the Vegas area, come tonight to Marquee. I'm going to be spinning' Baena added: 'It's going to be a fun time and we'll count it as the elimination party. So I'll be celebrating. It's going to be a fun time. We'll have fun together. Listen to good house music and let's freaking have a blast. Everyone's invited, so come to the party!' 'Comfort food': Before his trip, Tao Group Hospitality co-CEO Jason Strauss treated the ARIA Properties realtor to a post-elimination meal at LAVO Ristorante in West Hollywood where he indulged in the $21 Tiramisu Sad: Earlier that same day, Joseph shared a wistful TikTok montage of his time on the Disney+ celebrity dance competition, which he called 'the worst breakup of my life' Joseph said he was now 'rooting for all of' his fellow contestants and he feels grateful to have had 'the chance to show people who I really am.' Baena wrote that he was 'truly going to miss' performing for an audience and he gushed that he and his dance partner Daniella Karagach Pashkova were a 'match made in heaven.' The Pepperdine University grad's Instagram post received supportive comments from fellow contestants Teresa Giudice, Sam Champion, Selma Blair, Charli D'Amelio, Jessie James Decker, Daniel Durant, Vinny Guadagnino, and Jordin Sparks. Joseph and the 29-year-old Mirrorball champ were eliminated on 'Prom Night' Tuesday despite scoring 32 points for their cha-cha-cha to Walk the Moon's 2014 song Shut Up and Dance. Baena said he was now 'rooting for all of' his fellow contestants and he feels grateful to have had 'the chance to show people who I really am' 'You taught me so much': The Pepperdine University grad wrote that he was 'truly going to miss' performing for an audience and he gushed that he and his dance partner Daniella Karagach Pashkova (R) were a 'match made in heaven' 'You were amazing': Joseph's Instagram post received supportive comments from fellow contestants Teresa Giudice, Sam Champion, Selma Blair, Charli D'Amelio, Jessie James Decker, Daniel Durant, Vinny Guadagnino, and Jordin Sparks Watching Baena in the studio audience was professional chef Mildred aka 'Patty' Baena - who secretly mothered him with her famous 75-year-old boss, which ended his 25-year marriage to wife Maria Shriver. And while Arnold never made it to a taping, he watched his youngest child 'every night' from the comfort of his seven-bedroom mansion in the Pacific Palisades. 'I keep surprising him!' Joseph told ET earlier this month. 'He keeps saying, every week, he's like "Jesus Christ, I can't even believe that you can move like that!" Because our family's not known for dancing, especially on my dad's side.' 'I was very emotional last night': Baena and the 29-year-old Mirrorball champ were eliminated on 'Prom Night' Tuesday despite scoring 32 points for their cha-cha-cha to Walk the Moon's 2014 song Shut Up and Dance Love child: Watching Baena in the studio audience was professional chef Mildred aka 'Patty' Baena - who secretly mothered him with her famous 75-year-old boss, which ended his 25-year marriage to wife Maria Shriver They've been blazing the promotional trail ahead of the release of their film The Good Nurse. And Jessica Chastain put on yet another stylish display in a sleek green satin dress as she stepped out in New York City with her co-star Eddie Redmayne on Wednesday. The actress, 45, cut a sophisticated figure in her stylish look as she headed into Midtown in the midst of her promotional duties. Chic: Jessica Chastain put on yet another stylish display in a sleek green satin dress (left) as she stepped out in New York City with her co-star Eddie Redmayne (right) on Wednesday Jessica showcased her svelte physique in an olive green wrap dress with capped sleeves and a midi skirt. The Oscar winner teamed her look with gold metallic platform heels and her glossy auburn tresses in loose waves. Meanwhile Eddie displayed his eye-catching sense of style in a 70s-esque striped jumper and grey trousers. Perfection: The actress cut a sophisticated figure in her stylish look as she headed into Midtown in the midst of her promotional duties Flawless: Jessica showcased her svelte physique in an olive green wrap dress with capped sleeves and a midi skirt Smart: Meanwhile Eddie displayed his eye-catching sense of style in a 70s-esque striped jumper and grey trousers The pair have been tirelessly promoting their upcoming Netflix drama, The Good Nurse, which is slated to begin streaming on October 26. The Tobias Lindholm-directed thriller is adapted from the 2013 book of the same name. It tells the true story of a criminal named Cullen - who is confirmed to have killed 29 people but is suspected of killing more than 400 people - and how Chastain's character, nurse Amy Loughren, helped stop him. Stunner: The Oscar winner teamed her look with gold metallic platform heels and her glossy auburn tresses in loose waves Keeping warm! She later wrapped up in a cosy nude trench coat as she stepped out in the city Coming soon: Jessica and Eddie have been tirelessly promoting their upcoming Netflix drama, The Good Nurse, which is slated to begin streaming on October 26 Eddie takes on the role of intensive-care nurse Charles Cullen who's serving 17 consecutive life sentences in New Jersey State Prison for murdering 29 patients in 16 years across nine hospitals. Jessica recently called Eddie 'the kindest person I've ever met' despite him playing such a horrific criminal. 'We went to nursing school - Eddie and I,' Chastain revealed on Tuesday's episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. 'I do have that kind of American cowboy mentality where someone shows me something and I'm like, "Yeah, let me try it." So I would just jump on in, trying to give a mannequin an IV. And Eddie's like, "Oh, hold on." 'And he's really nervous about it. So what we came to realize after our nursing school in our film is that neither of us would be a good nurse. I might look like it but, no, I'm not the one you want an IV from.' Amid a troubling wave of anti-Semitism, the Flight Attendant actress Sharon Stone urged her 3.6M Instagram/Twitter followers to donate to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. The 64-year-old Oscar nominee - who's Buddhist and descended from Irish immigrants - wrote: 'Be a kind neighbor. Stand up.' In the snap, Sharon proudly posed in front of her $10K, 20x20 commemorative brick inscribed 'in honor of our friend Sharon Stone from the Museum family' on the Evan G. Maling Tribute Pathway. 'Be a kind neighbor. Stand up': Amid a troubling wave of anti-Semitism, the Flight Attendant actress Sharon Stone urged her 3.6M Instagram/Twitter followers to donate to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center The Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois and museum were reportedly established as a response to a Neo-Nazi group's attempt to march through Skokie, in which many Holocaust survivors had settled in the decades following the atrocities. Stone traveled to Israel to promote peace in the Middle East back in 2006, and she's referred to former Israeli president Shimon Peres as her 'mentor.' The Pennsylvania-born blonde also used to be married to two Jewish men - producer Michael Greenburg and journalist Phil Bronstein - but she never converted to their religion. Sharon's supportive post came after public figures like President Donald Trump and rapper-designer Kanye 'Ye' West have been posting troubling anti-Semitic rhetoric on social media. 'In honor of our friend': The 64-year-old Oscar nominee - who's Buddhist and descended from Irish immigrants - proudly posed in front of her $10K, 20x20 commemorative brick on the Evan G. Maling Tribute Pathway Never forget: The Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois and museum were reportedly established as a response to a Neo-Nazi group's attempt to march through Skokie, in which many Holocaust survivors had settled in the decades following the atrocities Ally: Sharon traveled to Israel to promote peace in the Middle East back in 2006, and she's referred to former Israeli president Shimon Peres (L, pictured in 2011) as her 'mentor' Exes: Stone also used to be married to two Jewish men - producer Michael Greenburg and journalist Phil Bronstein (R, pictured in 2002) - but she never converted to their religion An estimated 6M Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany through mass shootings, concentration camps, during World War II between 1941-1945. According to IMDb, Stone's eldest son Roan Joseph Bronstein will make his acting debut opposite her in Klaus Menzel's long-delayed movie, What About Love, which was filmed way back in 2012. The European-set romantic drama - now scheduled to hit US theaters February 14, 2023 - also stars Andy Garcia, Kamaliya, Marielle Jaffe, and Miguel Angel Munoz. The 22-year-old private chef is currently a student at the Institute of Culinary Education in Pasadena. Chef: According to IMDb, the Pennsylvania-born blonde's 22-year-old son Roan Joseph Bronstein (pictured July 24) will make his acting debut opposite her in Klaus Menzel's long-delayed movie, What About Love, which was filmed way back in 2012 Braith Anasta's fiancee Rachael Lee has hinted at plans to remove a tattoo. On Thursday, the 33-year-old asked fans on Instagram to recommend a laser tattoo removal clinic. 'Can anyone pretty please recommend a place that does laser tattoo removal?' she wrote. Is it time to laser off her smoking gun ink? Braith Anasta's fiancee Rachael Lee asks fans to recommend a tattoo removal clinic Rachael has previously revealed a large pistol tattoo on her bottom during an outing to Coogee Beach. In a series of photos, the personal trainer revealed her large ink as as she soaked up the sun with her daughter. Rachael's post comes after it was reported she and Braith are still working through things despite speculation that they've split. On Thursday, the 33-year-old asked fans on Instagram to recommend a laser tattoo removal clinic Rachael previously revealed a large pistol tattoo on her bottom during an outing to Coogee Beach According to the Daily Telegraph, the couple 'have been trying to sort through things for quite a few months and have been living apart' but haven't officially broken up yet. It comes after Braith recently confirmed that he and Rachael are going through a 'tough period'. The former Roosters player, 40, posted a statement on his Instagram page on Wednesday, writing: 'Like many couples we are going through a tough period.' 'Can anyone pretty please recommend a place that does laser tattoo removal?' she wrote He insisted the couple were not separated but 'trying to work through this for us and more importantly for our beautiful family and our amazing children'. 'We have always been private and we ask for privacy during this time,' he added. The statement comes as Rachael was spotted without her engagement ring on again while running errands in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. Charlize Theron stole the limelight at the premiere of Netflix's The School for Good and Evil on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The star looked incredible as she worked the red carpet in a billowing skirt with a thigh-high split, while showing off her newly-dyed black hair. Charlize, 47, showed off her legs and her racy fishnets through her skirt's daring thigh-high split as she made her grand entrance. Leading lady: Charlize Theron stole the limelight at the premiere of Netflix 's The School for Good and Evil on Tuesday night in Los Angeles Charlize - who plays Lady Lesso, head of the School for Evil - modelled a billowing black ruffled maxi skirt with a slit that ran high up her thigh. It cinched in her already trim waistline and featured a modest train that added some extra drama to the look. The Academy Award-winner, 47, tucked a chic black semi-sheer shirt into the waistband of her skirt. Looking fab: The star looked incredible as she worked the red carpet in a billowing skirt with a thigh-high split, while showing off her newly-dyed black hair For some feminine flair, she attached a floral adornment to the collar. Charlize strutted along the red carpet in a pair of black lace knee-high boots worn with classic black fishnet tights. The actress' short hair was tied back and her fringe was swept to one side. In Netflix's The School For Good And Evil, Charlize and Kerry Washington are responsible for shaping a new generation of heroes and villains. Wow: Charlize - who plays Lady Lesso, head of the School for Evil - modelled a billowing black ruffled maxi skirt with a slit that ran high up her thigh In the upcoming adaptation of Soman Chainani's popular book series of the same name, Charlize, 47, portrays Lady Lesso, head of the School for Evil while Kerry, 45, plays Professor Dovey, head of the School for Good. The book is the first in a six-part saga released by Chainani, and was an instant New York Times bestseller when it was published in 2013. The series has sold over 2.5 million copies and has been translated into 30 languages, with the final book in the series named 'The School of Good and Evil: One True King' was released by HarperCollins in 2020. New look: Charlize recently dyed her hair dark from her signature blonde (pictured left in 2020) All star line up: Director Paul Feig and cast members Sofia Wylie, Charlize, Kerry Washington, Michelle Yeoh and Sophia Anne Caruso It comes after Charlize spoke candidly about her career and fame to Harper's Bazaar, saying she has has never even hit Kim Kardashian's level. The Oscar-winner said: 'I feel like I'm at a place where it is what it is.' 'Working more isn't, I think, going to change my level of fame. It just has always been a mediocre ride. I've never been one of those people that's at a Kim Kardashian level. But I feel like it's just always been this thing.' Work it: Charlize strutted along the red carpet in a pair of black lace knee-high boots worn with classic black fishnet tights Talented trio: Charlize posed with her equally glam co-stars Kerry and Michelle Charlize didn't pull any punches as she said she believes that her star power has less currency now than it has before. She explained: 'I will say, back in the day, it used to be like, you want to have some of this fame so you can go make the s*** that you really want to make. 'But now its like, I pitch s*** all day long and people are like, "No, thanks." Im like, "I guess theres not cash in the bank anymore." And thats nice. Its nice that youre making things on the merit of how good they are versus this idea of, like, "Oh, youre this thing, and we want to be in business with that thing."' Eddie Redmayne showed off his quirky style in a stitched up suit on Tuesday night as he attended a screening of their Netflix film The Good Nurse at the Paris Theater in Midtown Manhattan. The actor, 40, donned a deconstructed black blazer which featured slits across the elbows and waist and white stitches on the lapels. He completed he look with a pair of matching trousers, a white button-up shirt and stylish patent leather shoes as he hit the red carpet. Edgy: Eddie Redmayne showed off his quirky style in a stitched up suit on Tuesday night as he attended a screening of their Netflix film The Good Nurse at the Paris Theater in Midtown Manhattan The stylish ensemble was created by Maison Margiela, the French fashion house led by designer John Galliano. Eddie - who's colorblind - used to rely on his wife of seven years, public relations executive Hannah Bagshawe, to style him. 'It's all about picking something that you feel comfortable in because red carpet events never stop being surreal,' Redmayne has said of his style in the past. Groomer Amy Komorowski made sure Redmayne's hair and complexion were red carpet ready. Quirky: The actor, 40, donned a deconstructed black blazer which featured slits across the elbows and waist and white stitches on the lapels Looking good: He completed he look with a pair of matching trousers, a white button-up shirt and stylish patent leather shoes as he hit the red carpet Visible splits and stitching: Eddie - who's colorblind - used to rely on his wife of seven years, public relations executive Hannah Bagshawe, to style him The psychological thriller based on Charles Graeber's 2013 non-fiction book premieres October 26 on Netflix, and it currently has a 79% critic approval rating (out of 34 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes. Eddie stars in the true-crime thriller alongside Jessica Chastain who plays a struggling single mother trying to stay afloat with her demanding career as a nurse at a New Jersey Hospital. She initially strikes up a good rapport with a new nurse (played by Eddie), but after several of her patients who seemed to be improving die under unusual circumstances, she comes to suspect him of foul play. Eddie plays Charles Cullen in the film who is responsible for 29 confirmed deaths. Capricorn: Groomer Amy Komorowski made sure Redmayne's hair and complexion were red carpet ready However, the serial killer claimed to have killed as many as 40 people, and some investigators involved in the case believe he may have killed more than 300 people. This makes him possibly the most deadly American serial killer, according to Charles Graeber's 2007 New York Magazine story, which was the basis for his 2013 book and, in turn, the film. The Good Nurse will be released in US theaters on October 19, followed by a streaming release on Netflix on October 26. Benedict Cumberbatch offered his star power to a special screening of the war epic All Quiet On The Western Front at London's Mayfair Hotel on Wednesday. The actor, 46, cut a suave figure in a sharp black suit as he took to the stage to introduce the German film, ahead of its release on Netflix on October 28. Joining Benedict for the screening was the film's star Daniel Bruhl, as well as actress Emily Beecham. Looking smart! Benedict Cumberbatch, 46, offered his star power to a special screening of the war epic All Quiet On The Western Front at London's Mayfair Hotel on Wednesday Benedict showcased his dapper sense of style as he took to the stage to act as the host for a Q&A ahead of the film's screening. The Sherlock star quizzed the film's star Daniel, as well as director Edward Berger, about his adaptation of the iconic 1929 novel. Meanwhile Emily, who was in attendance for the screening, donned a chic olive green dress and a black trench coat as she posed with Maximilian Befort. Sharp: The actor cut a suave figure in a sharp black suit as he took to the stage to introduce the German film, ahead of its release on Netflix on October 28 Suited and booted: Benedict showcased his dapper sense of style as he took to the stage to act as the host for a Q&A ahead of the film's screening Discussion: The Sherlock star quizzed the film's star Daniel, as well as director Edward Berger, about his adaptation of the iconic 1929 novel Screen star: Benedict took to the stage to present a Q&A for those in attendance before introducing a screening of the film Dark: The film follows the life of German soldier Paul Baumer, who, after enlisting in the Army with his friends, finds himself at risk to the harrowing realities of war Opinion: Stars Daniel Bruhl and Albrecht Schuch were among those in attendance for the film's screening, just days ahead of its release The film follows the life of German soldier Paul Baumer, who, after enlisting in the Army with his friends, finds himself at risk to the harrowing realities of war, shattering their hopes of becoming heroes. Since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the drama has earned critical acclaim, and is Germany's submission for Best International Feature Film for the 2023 Academy Awards. It comes after it was reported in July that Benedict made an eye-watering 240,000 by posing for 3,000 photos with fans at a 2017 convention. Chic: Also in attendance for the screening was actress Emily Beecham, who cut a sophisticated figure in a black dress with an olive green coat Beaming: She posed up a storm with fellow guest Maximilian Befort, after it was rumoured last year that the couple had tied the know Say cheese! During the screening, Benedict posted for a snap with the director of the film, Edward Berger Looking sharp! The star was in good spirits as he arrived for the screening of the critically-acclaimed German film Here they are! Dominic Burns and Camilla Rutherford were also in attendance for the screening His earnings at the London Film and Comic Convention could have been even higher with fans at the two-day event forking out 85 for an autograph and 25 to hear him talk to an audience along with 75 for a selfie. The following year some fans complained at the high prices being charged by former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi at London Comic-Con, with 75 for an autograph and 65 for a photograph with the star. Talent manager Jonathan Shalit said: 'Comic-Con has really made fan events massive around the world. 'People involved can sit at a table and make a lot of money in excess of 10,000 in a day.' Screen star: As a star of the German film, actor Daniel Bruhl spoke ahead of debuting the film for the audience Kanye West has been enjoying a burgeoning new romance in recent weeks after being spotted in the company of Juliana Nalu. The rapper, 45, who is currently embroiled in controversy for his repeated anti-semitic rants, has been treating the model, 24, to dinners at swanky LA restaurants. The couple most recently enjoyed an evening out in Beverly Hills on Wednesday where Juliana was seen leaving a restaurant carrying two red roses. Loved-up: Kanye West has been enjoying a burgeoning new romance in recent weeks after being spotted in the company of Juliana Nalu Juliana hails from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and has been modelling since her teens. She first told her mother she wanted to become a model at age six and was selected to be part of L'Oreal Brazil campaign when she was 18. The following year, she flew to Los Angeles and signed with top modelling agency Elite Models. She has been building a profile for herself ever since and currently boasts 670,000 followers on Instagram and almost half a million on TikTok. Date: The couple most recently enjoyed an evening out in Beverly Hills on Wednesday where Juliana was seen leaving a restaurant carrying two red roses In an interview with Latina magazine, Juliana spoke about her ambitions and credited her mother with helping her get to where she is. She said: 'I wanted to do big things outside of Brazil, but I had no idea how to the dream sounded too far for me, but I knew that I could try to reach [it], 'My mom was helping me follow my dreams, travelling to agencies with me, and making brand connections. I lived in the favelas with my family until I was 18.' The beauty added that it was 'hard to deal' with the violence in her area and she didn't have as many 'privileges' compared to others. Career: Juliana hails from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and has been modelling since her teens Speaking about her pride at coming from Rio, she added: 'I want the world to see a Brazilian from Rio, the favelas. Good things exist there. So, for the next girls who come after me, the [industry] will be more open.' Juliana appears to have met Kanye through his brand Yeezy; she previously shared a snap of herself rocking the Yeezy sunglasses and a Gap by Yeezy shirt, adding the caption: 'YZY SHDZ.' Kanye has had a string of short lived flings, including with Uncut Gems star Julia Fox and model Chaney Jones, since splitting from ex-wife Kim Kardashian last year. The reality superstar filed for divorce in February 2021 just before what would have been the pair's seventh wedding anniversary. Beginnings: She first told her mother she wanted to become a model at age six and was selected to be part of L'Oreal Brazil campaign when she was 18 Kanye and Kim share four children: North, nine, Saint, six, Chicago, four, and Psalm, three. The rapper previously stated that his ex-wife 'basically 80 percent of the time, raise[s] those children.' The budding romance comes amid a swirl of controversy surrounding Kanye and his continued anti-Semitic rants, as well as his choice to debut a White Lives Matter tee at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month. He also reignited tensions between himself and ex-wife Kim by airing out their custody issues and making claims about her in the media. She has reportedly distanced herself from the rapper and 'isn't answering Kanye's calls,' according to TMZ. Success: The following year, she flew to Los Angeles and signed with top modelling agency Elite Models Kim, who was represented by divorce attorney Laura Wasser, was declared legally single this past March while in the midst of a hot and heavy romance with SNL alum Pete Davidson. Kanye attempted to oppose Kim's efforts to be declared legally single - however a judge granted her request. The Blast recently reported that Kanye is preparing to finally settle his divorce with Kardashian, over a year after she first filed paperwork to end their marriage. It was claimed that Kanye's lawyer has filed a 'declaration of disclosure', a sign that their case is on the verge of coming to a close. According to the documents, the rapper has turned over all of his financial information to his estranged wife's legal team, and has also reached an agreement with her on how to divide their finances and property. By Carl Bildt STOCKHOLM In addition to dealing with the fallout from open warfare in Eastern Europe, the world is witnessing the start of a full-scale economic war between the United States and China over technology. This conflict will be highly consequential, and it is escalating rapidly. Earlier this month, the U.S. Commerce Department introduced severe new restrictions on the sale of advanced semiconductors and other U.S. high-tech goods to China. While Russia has used missiles to try to cripple Ukraine's energy and heating infrastructure, the U.S. is now using export restrictions to curtail China's military, intelligence, and security services. Moreover, in late August, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS Act, which includes subsidies and other measures to bolster America's domestic semiconductor industry. Semiconductors are, and will remain, at the heart of the twenty-first century economy. Without microchips, our smartphones would be dumb phones, our cars wouldn't move, our communications networks wouldn't function, any form of automation would be unthinkable, and the new era of artificial intelligence that we are entering would remain the stuff of sci-fi novels. Controlling the design, fabrication, and value chains that produce these increasingly important components of our lives is thus of the utmost importance. The new chip war is a war for control of the future. The semiconductor value chain is hyper-globalized, but the U.S. and its closest allies control all the key nodes. Chip design is heavily concentrated in America, production would not be possible without advanced equipment from Europe, and fabrication of the most advanced chips including those that are critical for AI is located exclusively in East Asia. The most important player by far is Taiwan, but South Korea is also in the picture. In its own pursuit of technological supremacy, China has become increasingly reliant on these chips, and its government has been at pains to boost domestic production and achieve "self-sufficiency." In recent years, China has invested massively to build up its own semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities. But while there has been some progress, it remains years behind the U.S.; and, crucially, the most advanced chips are still beyond China's reach. It has now been two years since the U.S. banned all sales of advanced chips to the Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which was China's global technology flagship at the time. The results have been dramatic. After losing 80 percent of its global market share for smartphones, Huawei was left with no choice but to sell off its smartphone unit, Honor, and reorient its corporate mission. With its latest move, the U.S. is now aiming to do to all of China what it did to Huawei. This dramatic escalation of the technology war is bound to have equally dramatic economic and political consequences, some of which will be evident immediately, and some of which will take some time to materialize. China most likely has stocked up on chips and is already working to create sophisticated new networks to circumvent the sanctions. (After Huawei spun it off in late 2020, Honor quickly staged a comeback, selling phones that use chips from the U.S. multinational Qualcomm.) Still, the new sanctions are so broad that, over time, they will almost certainly strike a heavy blow not only to China's high-tech sector but also to many other parts of its economy. A European company that exports to China now must be doubly sure that its products contain no U.S.-connected chips. And, owing to the global nature of the value chain, many chips from Taiwan or South Korea also will be off-limits. The official aim of the U.S. policy is to keep advanced chips out of the Chinese military's hands. But the real effect will be to curtail China's development in the sectors that will be critical to national power in the decades ahead. China will certainly respond with even stronger efforts to develop its own capabilities. But even under the best circumstances, and despite all the resources it will throw at the problem, any additional efforts will take time to bear fruit, especially now that U.S. restrictions are depriving China of inputs that it needs to achieve self-sufficiency. The new chips war eliminates any remaining doubt that we are witnessing a broader Sino-American decoupling. That development will have far-reaching implications only some of them foreseeable for the rest of the global economy. Ukraine is already repairing and restarting the power stations that have been hit by Russian missile barrages since the invasion began in February. But it will be much more difficult for China to overcome the loss of key technologies. As frightening as Russia's twentieth-century-style war is, the real sources of power in the twenty-first century do not lie in territorial conquest. The most powerful countries will be those that master the economic, technological, and diplomatic domains. Carl Bildt is a former prime minister and foreign minister of Sweden. This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). Edward Norton was joined by supportive wife Shauna Robertson at the European premiere of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in Madrid on Wednesday. The actor, 50, cut a stylish figure in a teal suit for the appearance at the famous Callao cinema in the Spanish Capital. Edward, who plays tech billionaire Miles Bron in the murder mystery sequel, kept it simple layering his tailored jacket black t-shirt. Stylish pair: Edward Norton, 50, was joined by supportive wife Shauna Robertson, 46, at the European premiere of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in Madrid on Wednesday Meanwhile film producer Shauna, who shares nine-year-old son Atlas with the star, was the epitome of chic in a royal blue satin gown. The halterneck frock boasted intricate pleated detailing and clung to the 46-year-olds incredible figure. Opting for a radiant palette of make-up the stunner, who married Edward back in 2012, styled her blonde tresses into loose curls. Gorgeous: Film producer Shauna, who shares nine-year-old son Atlas with the star, was the epitome of chic in a royal blue satin gown Dapper: The actor cut a stylish figure in a teal suit for the appearance at the famous Callao cinema in the Spanish Capital The sequel to the 2019 Knives Out, centres on Edward's character inviting his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island - with one turning up dead. In a similar fashion to the first movie, detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) shows up to investigate the murder. Once again written and directed by Rian Johnson film also stars Kate Hudson, Ethan Hawke, Janelle Monet, Kathryn Hahn and David Bautista. Chic: The halterneck frock boasted intricate pleated detailing and clung to the 46-year-olds incredible figure Co-stars: Edward (far right) joined his co stars (L-R) Janelle Monet, Daniel Craig and Kate Hudson on the red carpet It comes after it was reported the late Dame Angela Lansbury would reportedly grace the screen one last time during a cameo role in the forthcoming film. The Murder, She Wrote actress passed away on October 11 at the age of 96, just five days before her 97th birthday. And the late star is said to have filmed a cameo scene for the film prior to her death, with the murder mystery set to premiere in November. Jokers: The group joked around before heading inside to take their seats at the swanky screening Last appearance: It comes after it was reported the late Dame Angela Lansbury would reportedly grace the screen one last time during a cameo role in the forthcoming film (pictured in 2015) According to People, the brief cameo even nods to her Murder, She Wrote heyday - and also features the late Stephen Sondheim. The duo are on a Zoom call with Daniel Craig's detective character, Benoit Blanc for the scene, according to the publication. The film is expected to hit cinemas November 25 before streaming on Netflix December 23 Drama: The sequel to the 2019 Knives Out, centres on Edward's character inviting his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island - with one turning up dead Tom Parker's widow Kelsey has taken to Instagram to share a heartbreaking tribute as she prepared for her son Bodhi's second birthday. The mother-of-two shared a moving montage of her late husband cradling their son when he was just a baby, admitting she feels 'so sad' that her two children will miss out on spending most of their life with their dad. Tom passed away from stage four glioblastoma brain cancer at the age of 33 on March 30 after being diagnosed with the illness in October 2020, just weeks before he and Kelsey welcomed their son into the world. Moving: Tom Parker's widow Kelsey has taken to Instagram to share a heartbreaking tribute as she prepared for her son Bodhi's second birthday Kelsey shared a touching montage of snaps featuring Tom playing with little Bodhi, and his daughter Aurelia, three, while in the midst of battling his terminal cancer diagnosis. In her caption, Kelsey reflected on the realisation that this would be Bodhi's first birthday since Tom's death seven months earlier. She penned the caption: 'Tomorrow will be our little mans birthday, another first without Tom here.' 'Its felt tough today reflecting over the last 2 years and all that has happened. Hard time: She shared a montage of her late husband cradling their children, admitting she feels 'so sad' that they will miss out on spending their life with their dad Family: Kelsey shared a touching montage of snaps featuring Tom playing with little Bodhi, and his daughter Aurelia, three, while in the midst of battling his terminal cancer diagnosis 'My kids are my reason for getting up each day and keeping positive. But some days I feel so sad for them and what they will miss out on by not having their dad here. 'When Tom was here we made as many memories as we possibly could and we will always have that, and I will always remind them how much their daddy loved them. 'Tomorrow will be all about celebrating our boy but right now it feels hard. #PositiveParkersForever.' Hard time: In her caption, Kelsey reflected on the realisation that this would be Bodhi's first birthday since Tom's death seven months earlier Sweet: Another image showed Tom sweetly cuddling their baby son while in the midst of his gruelling cancer battle It comes after Kelsey recently broke down in tears during a heartbreaking Instagram post as she revealed how she's coping with her grief, after Tom's death from brain cancer in March. In a candid series of Instagram Stories she said she was having an 'emotional day' and said that despite being in tears, she has to put on a brave face for their children. Kelsey went on to describe grief as a 'rollercoaster of emotions' and said that brain cancer 'tore their world apart'. 'Just thought I'd jump on, I'm having a bit of an emotional morning again,' Kelsey began in a clip. 'Brain cancer tore our world apart': It comes after Kelsey recently broke down in tears during a heartbreaking Instagram post as she revealed how she's coping with her grief 'Um this is all I can describe grief as, it's a rollercoaster of emotions, one day I wake up and I'm really, really happy and other days like today, I wake up just not happy.' 'I just feel so sad for my life and my kids' life, because all Tom wanted to do was be a husband and dad and he didn't get that opportunity and I want to raise as much awareness for brain cancer as I can.' She added: 'It tore my world apart, our world apart and having a morning... ultimately I've got to go and be a mum now for my children.' Tragic: The Wanted star Tom died on March 30 at the age of 33 after battling stage four glioblastoma brain cancer 'Um this is all I can describe grief as, it's a rollercoaster of emotions, one day I wake up and I'm really, really happy and other days like today, I wake up just not happy,' she said Kelsey also shared a video on her Instagram page, which appeared to be from Tom's documentary Inside My Head. 'Our story, If you can, please support Stand Up to Cancer UK. It was so important to Tom to share his story to help support this cause, and I'm grateful to carry this on for him,' she wrote. Kelsey broke down in tears at the National Television Awards on Thursday night as a clip was shown from Tom's documentary Inside My Head - which was nominated in the Best Authored Documentary category. Inside My head missed out on winning the gong after Kate Garraway's Caring for Derek scooped the prize in that category. But Kelsey said it was a chance to honour his legacy. Overwhelmed: Kelsey broke down in tears at the NTAs on Thursday as a clip was shown from Tom's documentary Inside My Head Kelsey's husband Tom - who found fame in the band The Wanted - passed away from stage four glioblastoma brain cancer at the age of 33 on March 30 after being diagnosed with the illness in October 2020. Posting an old snap of her and Tom on Friday, Kelsey detailed the awards evening to her 368k followers, penning: 'Just wanted to say thank you for all your support & votes for the NTAs. My inbox is full with lovely messages. 'Yesterday was a big, overwhelming day. Walking the red carpet solo - another first without Tom. As always I got my positivity on and went for it. Grateful to have had Tom's parents and The Wanted boys by my side. 'We may not have won but we still got a chance to celebrate Tom's legacy. No matter the result he'll always be our winner #PositiveParkersForever.' Always a winner: She took to Instagram on Friday following the awards bash, noting that while they didn't win, it was a chance to 'celebrate Tom's legacy' Kelsey recently revealed she will front an ITV documentary exploring grief and following her life since The Wanted star's death from brain cancer. Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom will see her allow cameras into her home to follow her very personal journey with grief as she hopes to connect with people in similar situations, including other famous faces. Throughout the six-part ITVBe series, Kelsey try out death cafes, grief yoga and other methods of coming to terms with loss, exploring her bereavement as she tries to rebuild her life without her husband. She revealed she is currently in the middle of filming as she described it as a 'rollercoaster ride' but shared her hope that the series can help other people. The documentary will unflinchingly look at bereavement and will confront death with compassion, empathy, emotional frankness and some humour, according to a description. Asher Keddie confirmed on Thursday she will make her long-awaited return to Australian television by starring in the comedy drama Strife based on Mia Freedman's memoir. The Offspring star, 48, said she was thrilled to be returning to her Australian television roots after appearing in several high-profile Hollywood productions. 'I have been waiting a good four years to make a return to series television. I knew this was it, as soon as the script was brought to me,' she told The Daily Telegraph. Asher Keddie (pictured) will make her long-awaited return to Australian television by starring in the comedy drama Strife based on Mia Freedman's memoir The seven-time Logie-winning actress said the script's authenticity hit home for her and she knew she had to sign on. 'Whats drawn me to it is it's about not being the perfect person we grew up thinking we needed to be,' she said. The mother-of-two added what she loved most about the script was the 'authenticity of the storytelling'. The Offspring star said she was thrilled to be returning to her Australian television roots after appearing in several high-profile Hollywood productions According to reports, Asher's character won't be called Mia, but will share 'striking similarities' with Mia's tell-all memoir. Sydney based production company Made Up Stories is currently finalising the script for the series. Filmmaker Bruna Papandrea, who was behind Nicole Kidman's Amazon Prime Video streaming hit, Nine Perfect Strangers, will produce the show. The seven-time Logie-winning actress said the script's authenticity hit home for her and she knew she had to be involved While Asher has been on TV screens for over 35 years she finally got her big Hollywood break last year in the Amazon series Nine Perfect Strangers. Asher stars in the drama alongside Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy and Luke Evans. The acclaimed actress has been acting since she was 11, first appearing in western television drama series Five Mile Creek, which also starred Kidman. She went on to star in several Australian TV series and movies, but received wide recognition for her roles in the critically acclaimed shows Love My Way and Offspring. He played Short Round in the popular 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. And Ke Huy Quan reunited with Indy himself, Harrison Ford, at the D23 expo event last month after 38 years. The actor, 51, was at the event to announce that he was joining the cast of Marvel series Loki, when he heard Harrison, 80, would be there too. Wholesome: Ke Huy Quan reunited with Indy himself, Harrison Ford, at the D23 expo event last month after 38 years Speaking to Kyle Buchanan of the New York Times, he recalled: 'We were at the D23 event and I was told Harrison was gonna be there. 'We're in this green room with so many actors, producers, and directors, and the person who was assigned to assist me said, "Harrison Ford is right outside the green room. Would you want to go say hi?" He recounted that Harrison was chatting to his Indiana Jones 5 movie co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge when he approached him, worrying that the actor wouldn't recognise him after almost 40 years. Iconic role: He played Short Round in the popular 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (pictured) opposite Harrison as Indiana He said: 'As I walk close, my heart is pounding. I'm thinking, "Is he gonna recognize me? The last time he saw me, I was a little kid."' He continued: 'As I get closer, he turns and points his finger at me, and he has that classic, famous, grumpy Harrison Ford look. 'I go, "Oh my gosh, he probably thinks I'm a fan and he's gonna tell me to not come near him". 'But he looks and points at me and says, "Are you Short Round?" Reunion! Ke Huy captured the wholesome interaction in a string of snaps, embracing the acting legend and shared them to his Instagram to the delight of his fans Sweet: Captioning the viral shots, he wrote: 'I love you, Indy. Indiana Jones and Short Round reunited after 38 years' 'Immediately, I was transported back to 1984, when I was a little kid, and I said, "Yes, Indy." And he said, "Come here," and gave me a big hug.' Ke Huy sweetly gushed: 'When I wrapped my arms around him, all those wonderful memories came flooding back. It felt so comfortable. It was amazing, and he's an amazing man - one of the most generous men on the planet.' Ke Huy captured the wholesome interaction in a string of snaps, embracing the acting legend and shared them to his Instagram, to the delight of his fans. Break: The actor starred as Data in The Goonies (pictured) after the Temple of Doom, before taking a 35-year break from acting Captioning the viral shots, he wrote: 'I love you, Indy. Indiana Jones and Short Round reunited after 38 years.' The actor starred as Data in The Goonies after the Temple of Doom, before taking a 35-year break from acting. Then, after being inspired by the success of Crazy Rich Asians in 2018, he returned to acting. He was cast in Everything Everywhere All at Once, which was released in 2022, and received critical acclaim for his performance. Victoria Hervey showcased her sartorial prowess once again as she stepped out in London's Soho on Wednesday evening. The socialite, 46, showed off her slim figure in a plunging black dress by Philipp Plein which was adorned with sequins. The frock hugged her incredible figure and Victoria held it's train as she strutted her stuff in towering heels. Gorgeous: Victoria Hervey, 46, showcased her sartorial prowess once again as she stepped out in London's Soho on Wednesday evening Her tresses were styled in soft waves and she sported a rich palette of make-up for her evening in the capital. Victoria accessorised the chic look with dangling diamond earrings and a carried her essentials in a black clutch. She showed off a deep golden glow and was in high spirits as she made her way down the busy street. Strutting her stuff: The socialite showed off her slim figure in a plunging black dress by Philipp Plein which was adorned with sequins It comes after Hervey moved back to London from Los Angeles after over two decades of living in the US. The model sparked rumours of a return to the UK last year, and has now made the decision as she believes the A-list packed city is 'not what it used to be'. Not one to mince her words, the beauty told The Daily Mail's Richard Eden: 'All my friends in LA have left because its a s***hole.' Perfection: Victoria accessorised the chic look with dangling diamond earrings and a carried her essentials in a black clutch Chatting to Eden at the opening of the Frameless digital art gallery in Marble Arch, Victoria continued: Its really nice if you dont leave the house, but, as soon as you leave, you see the homeless, crackheads and half-naked women with no teeth throwing things at you. Its not safe and not what it used to be,' explained the former 'It girl'. London-born Victoria is the daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol, half-sister of the 7th Marquess, and sister of the 8th Marquess and Lady Isabella Hervey - and moved to Los Angeles back in 2004. Home turf: London-born Victoria has returned home after two decades in the states, moving to LA back in 1990 Describing LA, Victoria explained: 'Its really nice if you dont leave the house, but, as soon as you leave, you see the homeless, crackheads and half-naked women with no teeth throwing things at you' Victoria has been sharing a slew of snaps to her 443k Instagram followers upon returning to the UK, taking in all of the capital's landmarks once again. And it seems moving wasn't the only big change that the socialite has considered, previously explaining how she was considering starting a family before the Covid-19 pandemic happened - but is glad now she didn't. She admitted that pregnancy magazine Project Baby had also influenced her thinking as she has a prospective sperm donor/father lined up, should she decide to start a family. Six of Hervey's eggs were frozen and stored during IVF three years ago, at a cost of 11,000, and she spent the time afterwards looking for a donor. 'I had a friend who was going to be my sperm donor. He was going to be involved in my child's life, but as a friend, not a partner,' she explained. 'And I was supposed to be pregnant now. But then Covid happened, which was a big blow, but looking back I'm really grateful I didn't do it with that person. He just wasn't right.' Molly-Mae Hague's fans are convinced they know the name she plans to give her daughter after spotting clues online. The former Love Island star, 23, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Tommy Fury and recently told how she has chosen a 'unique' and 'unusual' name. Fans on TikTok have been speculating on what Molly-Mae plans on calling her baby, with many thinking she is going to call her daughter 'Cloud'. Clues: Molly-Mae Hague's fans are convinced they know the name she plans to give her daughter after spotting clues online The users' reasoning stems from Molly-Mae recently sharing photos with cloud emojis, particularly in posts related to her baby. However, it may be more likely that the influencer is consdering naming her daughter Sky. One user said: 'Its going to be cloud, theres no doubt about it,' while another added: 'Its definitely going to be cloud'. Another comment, which received over 1,000 likes, said: 'She has posted a cloud emoji in majority of her insta posts. Baby name will be CLOUD'. Mother to be: The former Love Island star, 23, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Tommy Fury and recently told how she has chosen a 'unique' and 'unusual' name It comes after Molly-Mae shared an insight into her baby girl's name and revealed that she feels like her fans will be shocked by her choice. The reality star teased the name in a video update on her YouTube channel as she told viewers that they will either 'love or hate' the moniker. She said: 'Yes, we do have a baby girl name picked out, I've had the name picked out since I was a baby girl myself,' she said on her latest YouTube video. 'It's always been a dream baby girl name and luckily when I met Tommy and I told him the name I've always dreamt of using, he absolutely loved it too. Name: Fans on TikTok have been speculating on what Molly-Mae plans on calling her baby, with many thinking she is going to call her daughter 'Cloud' 'It's a really really unusual and a different name, I do not know anybody else with the name.' She continued: 'I've not seen any other girls with the name before, it's that different. 'I think you guys are going to either absolutely love it or hate it - but we love it. 'It's super unusual, super different, nobody will guess it because it's not really a name. 'It's not made up, it's totally not made up, I can't explain it. 'It's just not a name that's ever been used before - It's very very different and rare and you're either going to love it or hate it.' Her latest update comes after she explained she's 'disheartened' by how little she can feel her baby move due to her anterior placenta. This is when the placenta attaches to the front wall of the uterus. Tough: The Love Island runner up recently explained she's 'disheartened' by how little she can feel her baby move due to her anterior placenta Molly-Mae looked every inch the doing mother as she penned, 'Hello little girly. The nose and mouth' alongside a video from her scan. The PrettyLittleThing Creative Director then wrote: 'I have been getting quite disheartened at how little I've been able to feel her move... especially when I can feel her and Tommy can't when he touches my belly. 'So it's really reassuring to know it's because my placenta is literally a huge sponge between me and baby that's absorbing all her movement and preventing me from really feeling it. 'Think it'll be a while yet until we see her little legs kicking through or Tommy feels her but I'm keeping my finger crossed.' The PrettyLittleThing Creative Director wrote: 'I have been getting quite disheartened at how little I've been able to feel her move... especially when I can feel her and Tommy can't when he touches my belly.' It comes after she admitted she has 'cried five times a day' during her early pregnancy she updated her fans on Monday. The influencer said she has found the experience 'emotionally hard' so far, after revealing she is now six months pregnant in her most recent YouTube video. Speaking in her Vlog, she recalled the 'shock' of the news and admitted it has not been a 'magical experience' as she and boyfriend Tommy, overcame obstacles. Molly explained: 'We were going through a really tricky time with Tommy and his work and fights happening, then not happening, and situations being completely out of our control. Molly-Mae said: 'Think it'll be a while yet until we see her little legs kicking through or Tommy feels her but I'm keeping my finger crossed.' 'I was in the most emotionally hardest period of my life, whilst trying to also support Tommy, and it was just a very crazy few months.' Tommy was forced to cancel a fight with Jake Paul in August after her was banned from travelling to America for their press conference. Molly continued: 'I literally just can't explain how the shock literally overtook my body for the first month, 100%. I just felt like every single day I was living an outer body experience, my emotions were something I'd never experienced before.' Tough: The influencer said she has found the experience 'emotionally hard' so far, after revealing she is now six months pregnant in her most recent YouTube video Going quickly: Speaking in her Vlog, she recalled the 'shock' of the news and admitted it has not been a 'magical experience' as she and boyfriend Tommy Fury, overcame obstacles 'I cried maybe five times a day for no reason. Just in tears over everything. 'Every time we talk about it, it feels like we're talking about a situation that's not our own because it was a complete shock, I can't lie.' Elsewhere, Molly hinted at her due date as she revealed that she is now six months pregnant, with three months to go. Documenting her 20-week scan in the video, Molly-Mae explained: 'I'm currently 21 weeks pregnant at the moment, I can't believe it. I can't believe that it's been a month since our last scan. 'These months and weeks go so quickly and I'm announcing so soon, at the start of this video I was like 'Oh I wonder if I'll be able to get to five months' and now I'm heading on six months.' Exciting: Documenting her 20-week scan in the video, Molly-Mae explained: 'I'm currently 21 weeks pregnant at the moment, I can't believe it' The Love Island star, who announced the pregnancy news last week, explained in the pre-recorded vlog that when she announces the news she will have three months left. And according to the vlog's timeline, this would suggest Molly-Mae and Tommy will be welcoming their new arrival at the end of December/beginning of January. Explaining that fans will be able to work out roughly when she's expecting the baby via her videos and posts, the beauty continued that she was not planning on revealing the exact date. 'It's just not something I'm going to share. From around my videos you guys are definitely going to work out around the time my baby is due. I feel like sharing dates and stuff, anything can happen.' It was a star-studded night at the press night for The Tina Turner Musical in London on Wednesday night. BBC News Naga Munchetty posted a backstage photo on Instagram, lining up for a snap with the show's star Elesha Paul Moses as well as celeb fans Carol Vorderman and Rachel Stevens. Naga, 47, wowed fans a leather miniskirt as she posed alongside Carol, who looked gorgeous in a tight red midi dress and a sparkling S Club star Rachel Stevens. Star-studded: Naga Munchetty (far left) posted a backstage photo from The Tina Turner Musical on Wednesday night, lining up for a snap with the show's star Elesha Paul Moses (centre) as well as celeb fans Rachel Stevens and Carol Vorderman (also pictured L-R, Caleb Roberts, Paul Gambaccini, Ria Hebden and Irene Forrester) Captioning the post, the broadcaster wrote: 'Well, that was fabulous. Great music. Amazing performances. And a good time had by all as far as I could see!' Maths Whizz Carol, 61, put on a busty display in a tight red midi dress while elevating her height with black heels and accessorising with a silver necklace. Ranvir Singh, 37, put on an eye-popping display in a midi dress with red-and-and-black swirled prints as they embraced one another outside The Aldwych Theatre. Glam trio: Naga, 47, wowed fans a leather miniskirt as she posed alongside Carol, who looked gorgeous in a tight red midi dress and a sparkling Rachel What a pair! Carol and Ranvir Singh (right) wowed onlookers as they attended the media night Also in attendance were Jordan North, Alex Murphy, Sam Rollinson, Jenni Falconer, Jessica Plummer and Paul Gambaccini. Carol has previously opened up about suffering from depression as a result of the menopause. She took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday to reveal she was going to the Houses of Parliament and a rally to call for more action for other women. Looking incredible in a tight-fitted red dress, with a silver belt to cinch her in at the waist, the 61-year-old opened up on her own experiences. Ample assets: Maths Whizz Carol, 61, put on a busty display in a tight red midi dress while elevating her height with black heels and accessorising with a silver necklace Wow! Carol ensured to send temperatures soaring with her red carpet appearance Happy: Carol (left) and Ranvir (right) seemed to be in high spirits as they larked around Chic: Ranvir, 37, put on an eye-popping display in a midi dress with red-and-and-black swirled prints as they embraced one another outside The Aldwych Theatre She said: 'It's World Menopause Day and I'm off the Houses of Parliament and to a rally later to call for more action from government and from the NHS about women going through the menopause. The TV personality went on: 'Because it doesn't just affect women, it affects all of their families. It could be your wife, your sister, somebody you work with, and the symptoms are the same but different. Getting candid, Carol explained: 'Mine were not physical but they were psychological. And to the point where I didn't know how to get out of the blackness for quite some months. 'Anyway 48 hours after I was given the right hormones, I was fine. Back to being the irritatingly happy person, that I always am. And I have never had those thoughts again.' Dapper: Jordan North put on a suave display while Alex Murphy wrapped up amid the autumnal weather Classic: Rachel Stevens wore a classic black ensemble Beaming: She appeared to be in high spirits In July, Carol recalled falling into a 'deep depression' as menopause hit in her early fifties, using her experience to encourage women to speak out. Fronting the This Morning Menopause Bus, Carol made her way all the way from Liverpool to Cardiff - aiming to spread awareness and information on the ageing process. Chatting to Doctor Philippa Kaye, Carol took the opportunity to open up about her own traumatic experience, detailing: 'I'm nearly 62, I've been through all of this. I've been through the years where we were shamed into thinking we were crazy because we had menopausal symptoms.' 'Well I started in my early 50's, I didn't have night sweats or flushes or anything. I started feeling anxious, I've never felt anxious in my life. I started feeling anxious about what trousers I was going to wear, whether I was going to have tea or coffee, you know, all sorts of things.' Posing: Myleene Klass commanded attention in an eye-popping orange jumpsuit Outfit: Sam Rollinson wore a black dress with white floral prints Dressed to impress: Jenni Falconer(left) exhibited her toned physique in a black leather outfit and Jessica Plummer (right) flashed a hint of her midriff Looking great: Paul Gambaccini wore a red polo shirt and khaki trousers She continued: 'That developed into a deep depression, I felt suicidal at times. What saved me was that I kept a note of when my period arrived through an electronic calendar and that helped. 'I started on a bespoke HRT and within 48 hours I felt back to normal and I have never had a symptom since, it is wonderful.' Encouraging women to come that they are not alone, Carol ended the segment by explaining: 'We all go through it, there is nothing to be ashamed about. Making friends: Carol (L) and lead actress Elesha Paul Moses (R) posed for a photo Buddies: Elesha (L) and Rachel (R) appeared to be in high spirits Woah! Alesha put on a dazzling display in a sparkly silver minidress 'There is nothing to feel like you're going crazy about, you are not going crazy, it is simply a hormone change.' Stars such as Holly Willoughby and Lisa Snowdon have taken part in the Menopause Bus campaign - aiming to break the stigma surrounding the hormonal change. For help and support on menopause and symptoms, head to https://www.themenopausecharity.org/. Andy Dick is once again in trouble with he law as he is facing a felony burglary charge in California after he was arrested for allegedly stealing power tools from someone's garage. The 56-year-old comedian was taken into custody by the Santa Barbara Police Department last Thursday, October 13 after responding to a report of a burglary in progress at a home according to TMZ on Thursday. Police sources told the publication that the News Radio star had removed several power tools from a home currently under construction as they caught him trying to flee. The owner of the home told law enforcement that they did not know the troubled actor and he obviously did not have permission to be there. Troubled: Andy Dick is once again in trouble with he law as he is facing a felony burglary charge in California after he was arrested for allegedly stealing power tools from someone's garage, as he is pictured in June 2019 Andy is currently still in jail a week later as the Santa Barbara County District Attorney has charged the comedian with first-degree residential burglary which is has pled not guilty over. The star is awaiting someone to bond him out of Santa Barbara County Jail as his bail was set for $50K. His lawyer, public defender Brian Mathis, told TMZ that they 'are confident additional facts will come to light supporting Mr. Dick as this case moves forward.' This is yet another legal issue for Andy back in June the actor - who is facing a jury trial for allegedly groping a Lyft driver - fought, and ultimately failed, in court to prevent prosecutors from using evidence against him from another case where he was convicted of grabbing a womans butt. The 56-year-old comedian (pictured in December 2019) was taken into custody by the Santa Barbara Police Department last Thursday, October 13 after responding to a report of a burglary in progress at a home according to TMZ on Thursday Police sources told the publication that the News Radio star had removed several power tools from a home currently under construction as they caught him trying to flee (file photo) The Los Angeles District Attorney's office was asking Judge Emily Garcia Uhrig to allow testimony from the News Radio stars victim in the butt-grabbing incident which happened in April 2018, just a week before the Lyft episode. However days later the judge ruled that his butt-grabbing accuser - identified only as Christina S - can testify in the Lyft driver trial in front of jurors who are being selected during the rest of this week. Citing the similarity between the two offenses and close proximity in time - just one week apart, Judge Uhrig told the court that a reasonable jury could find that the act [the butt-grabbing incident] constituted sexual battery. Andy (pictured in February 2016) is currently still in jail a week later as the Santa Barbara County District Attorney has charged the comedian with first-degree residential burglary which is has pled not guilty over In the earlier incident, Dick grabbed the buttocks of a woman identified only as Christina S, and made sexual references, calling her hot, Deputy DA Rachel Brauer told a pre-trial hearing at LAs Airport courthouse Tuesday. Dick was charged with misdemeanor sexual battery for the butt grabbing incident - but that charge was dismissed after he agreed to a deal in which he pleaded no contest to simple battery and a second charge of lewd conduct. He served probation and community service as a result. In his current legal crisis, the comedian - who showed up in court Tuesday in a black sweater and stained black pants - is again charged with misdemeanor sexual battery stemming from a Lyft drivers claim that Dick grabbed his genitals during a car ride, also in April 2018. He faces up to 180 days in jail if the jury convicts him, but Dick has pleaded not guilty, telling DailyMail.com, It did not happen. Andy is also facing 180 days in jail on misdemeanor sexual battery charges stemming from a Lyft drivers claim that Dick grabbed his genitals during a car ride in April 2018. He is pictured her leaving the Los Angeles Superior Court back in June Dick's lawyer, Daniel Kapelovitz, right, opposed the idea saying it would confuse the jury, while his co-counsel Lauren Horner, center, downplayed Dicks intentions when he grabbed Christina Ss butt in April 2018 Prosecutors in his case petitioned Judge Emily Garcia Uhrig on Tuesday to allow testimony from the Dick's victim in a butt-grabbing incident which happened just one week before the Lyft episode. He was charged with misdemeanor sexual battery at the time, but the charges were later dismissed. But this time, unable to get Dick to agree to a plea deal, prosecutors are pursuing the sexual battery charge and intend to bring his butt-grabbing victim Christina S into court to testify against him to show that the Lyft driver episode was not isolated, but part of a pattern of behavior. His attorney, Daniel Kapelovitz, vehemently opposed the prosecutions tactics, arguing Tuesday that dragging up the previous case, is going to confuse the issues, confuse the jury. The main issue is that its too prejudicial. I believe the other case [the butt grabbing] is much stronger and I believe [prosecutors] are trying to use that to bolster this case [the Lyft incident] which is very weak. He added that the Lyft driver alleged victim is trying to seek a lot of money from Mr. Dick. Kapelovitz co-counsel, Lauren Horner, also argued against the judge allowing evidence from the other case, downplaying Dicks intentions when he grabbed Christina Ss butt. You can grab someones butt without intending to sexually arouse, Horner told the court. He was hitting on that woman, he was not intending to humiliate her. No, he was intending to go home with her. It was not sexual battery - which is why he pleaded (no contest) to simple battery (and lewd conduct). Judge Uhrig pointed out that under California law, evidence from the butt-grabbing case could be used in the upcoming trial if it demonstrated that Mr Dick showed a propensity to act in a particular way. The judge will rule on the issue Wednesday before jury selection begins. Police from the Orange County Sheriff's Department swarmed his modest trailer parked at California's O'Neill Regional Park earlier this month after a man claimed the comedian had sexually assaulted him Officers are seen here handcuffing Dick before placing him in the patrol car The moment was broadcast on Captain Content's RV livestream The trial start comes three weeks after Dick was arrested at an Orange County trailer park on suspicion of felony sexual battery after a man claimed the comedian had sexually assaulted him. The 56-year-old actor was accused of a felony of sexual assault at a trailer park in Irvine California on May 11 when police in Orange County, California arrested him. A live-streamed video caught the moment he was arrested from his California trail park earlier this month, but the Orange County District Attorney's office found there was not 'sufficient evidence,' to charge the actor and sent the case back to the sheriff for 'further investigation.' Orange County Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Steinle told DailyMail.com afterwards that 'after re-interviewing the alleged victim, OC Sheriff's Department decided to drop the case .' 'The victim did not want to participate in our investigation,' Steinle said. 'Since the victim does not want to co-operate any more, the investigation will go no further.' Steinle said if the victim decides in the future that he does want to participate then the case could be re-opened. Over the decades, Dick has been open about his alcohol and drug abuse, and has had a string of arrests that have made news headlines A mugshot of comedian Andy Dick taken in 2011 Over the decades, Dick has been transparent about his alcohol and drug abuse, and has had a string of arrests that have made news headlines. In November 2021, Dick was arrested for felony domestic battery after he allegedly hit his boyfriend in the head with a liquor bottle. According to police, Dick and his boyfriend had been at his home when they got into a heated argument that quickly turned physical. When police were called, they determined there was enough evidence to arrest the comedian, as his boyfriend was allegedly bleeding from a sizable wound on his head. Dick was released after he posted $50,000 bond. In October 2021, Dick was arrested for allegedly hitting his boyfriend in the face with a frying pan. In June 2021, the actor was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly attacking a male partner with a metal chair. Dick also made his $50,000 bail after that altercation. In 2019, the actor was sentenced to 14 days in jail after being convicted of battery for allegedly squeezing a woman's rear end. He was released after a single night due to jail overcrowding. The same year, he was seen on video being slammed to the ground after he got into a fight with an Uber Eats driver while seemingly intoxicated. Dick's estranged wife Lena Sved also received a domestic violence restraining order against him in 2018, which required him to move out of their home and remain 100 yards away from her and their adult children: Lucas, 33, Jacob, 27, and Meg, 24. In 2012, he was arrested for allegedly grabbing a 17-year-old girl's top and pulling it down to expose her breasts. He was later found with marijuana and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug and battery charges, for which he was sentenced to three years of probation. In 2010, he was arrested for allegedly grabbing a man's genitals while intoxicated at a West Virginia bar. In 2007, Dick groped Ivanka Trump during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live and was pulled off stage by Kimmel's security staff. Jessica Wright looked nothing short of sensational as she celebrated the launch of her latest baby range with My 1st Years in London on Thursday. The former TOWIE star, 37, lovingly cradled her gorgeous five-month-old son Presley at the star-studded event. It comes after Jess bravely shared a series of candid photographs of her ongoing battle with autoimmune condition psoriasis on Wednesday. Sensational: Jess Wright, 37, looked nothing short of sensational as she celebrated the launch of her new baby range with home wear brand My 1st Years in London on Thursday The reality star begged her followers for a 'miracle cure' and admitted she 'spends my days covering up'. Jess donned a chic tailored white trouser suite for the event which she layered over a matching bandeau top. Accessorising with a gold necklace the stunner added height to her frame with a pair of cream heels. Chic: Jess donned a chic tailored white trouser suite for the event which she layered over a matching bandeau top Doting: The former TOWIE star lovingly cradled her gorgeous five-month-old son Presley at the star-studded event Auntie GC: Gemma Collins (left) also made an appearance to show support for her former co-star Posing: the pals posed up a storm before heading inside to enjoy the party Opting for a glamorous palette of make-up Jess let her brunette tresses cascade down past her shoulders. Meanwhile Presley, who jess shares with husband William Lee-Kemp looked cute in a printed white romper before donning a second look from the range. In her candid post the new mother posed in front of a full length mirror as she displayed the effects of the skin condition, admitting her symptoms have worsened following the birth of her son Presley in June. Flower power: Gemma looked sensational in a floral co-ord as she showcased her incredible weight loss Smarty pants: Meanwhile Presley, who jess shares with husband William Lee-Kemp looked cute in a printed white romper before donning a second look from the range Family: Jess (centre) was supported by Mum Carol (right) and sister Natalya (left) Spoiled rotten: The family doted over the tot who was centre of attention Jess said it had taken her time to build up the courage to share the photos, but hoped it would make other sufferers feel 'less alone'. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where skin cells builds up to form raised plaques, which can be flaky, scaly and itchy. Around two per cent of people in the UK suffer from psoriasis and while its cause remains unclear, flare-ups can be triggered by stress, skin injury, hormonal changes and certain medications. Friends: Tom Parker's widow Kelsey (right) also arrived to support her pal's latest venture Hoping for tips? Ella Baig and Nicola Adams welcomed their son Taylor in August The TV personality displayed the painful red rash on her arms and legs, as well as her forehead, and asked if anyone knew of a 'miracle cure'. Jess captioned the images: 'A very different post to my last one it's taken me a while to get the courage to post this but ultimately, it is what it is. 'My Psoriasis has taken a turn for the worse since having a baby and I wanted to share it for anyone else suffering with it, in the hope it might make you feel less alone with it / we may be able to help each other eventually with remedies.' Chatting: The Mum's all chatted and swapped tips during the swanky party Mum-to-be: Love Island's Amy Hart (right) is expecting her first child Gorgeous: West End star Amy looked gorgeous in a black floral dress which hugged her blossoming bump Hello! Amy appeared in high spirits as she chatted with other guests at the event Chic: Actress and mother Megan Stevens looked chic in a black mini dress Jess continued: 'I spend my days covering up my arms, and now unfortunately my legs & face are pretty bad too and I'm bloody sick of it. 'I have tried so many things in the past but I feel like it's auto immune so ultimately it's what we put into our bodies'. 'If anyone has a miracle cure please let me know, sending love to anyone else suffering a skin condition, especially new mums who have clearly been hit with it by the lack of sleep/stressful first few months.' Brave: In her candid post the new mother posed in front of a full length mirror as she displayed the effects of the skin condition, admitting her symptoms have worsened following the birth of her son Presley in June Health issues: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where skin cells builds up to form raised plaques, which can be flaky, scaly and itchy Jess previously spoke about her struggle with postnatal depression after she welcomed her son Presley with husband William Lee-Kemp in June. Speaking with The Sun last week, she detailed how she had been finding motherhood so far. Jess said: 'I had a bit of post natal depression. And the lack of sleep. For me also, I have always had psoriasis but it went when I was pregnant but now it is back with a vengeance. Candid: Jess spoke about her struggle with postnatal depression after she welcomed her son Presley with husband William Lee-Kemp (pictured together earlier this year) 'It has now gone to the point where it is no return, it is everywhere. I have covered it well tonight. I did not know it would be as bad.' Jess previously admitted her battle with psoriasis had worsened during the stress of the Covid pandemic and the death of her uncle from coronavirus. Speaking in 2021, she said: 'My psoriasis has got a lot worse because of the pandemic. 'With my uncle and all the stress of the past year, it's flared up. It's been a really rubbish few months with everything that's gone on.' Naomi Watts looked typically stunning as she and beau Billy Crudup attended the launch party for her new brand Stripes in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Southern California. The TV and film star, 54, fittingly wore a sparkly striped dress while her partner, also 54, donned a button up shirt and dark pants. The award-winning actress created Stripes because beauty brands were not accurately 'representing' menopausal women. Dazzling: Naomi Watts looked typically stunning as she and beau Billy Crudup attended the launch party for her new brand Stripes The Watcher star - who became perimenopausal at 36 - felt there was a 'clear' need for the beauty industry to accommodate the 'scalp to vag' impact caused by the changes in hormones. The actress told InStyle magazine: 'It became clear to me that even though some brands were catering towards women of my age group, I didn't feel like they were representing the women in an honest way, whether it was through their ad campaigns or just their general messaging. 'You would find 26-year-olds or 28-year-olds in their advertising, and that just seemed like a promise that we could never fulfill. And it actually makes you feel bad because you're not seeing yourself represented in that piece of storytelling.' Naomi - whose brand includes 'hair and body stuff' such as 'Dews As I Do' brightening serum and 'The Crown Pleaser' densifying hair mask - felt it was important to add 'vaginal products' to combat dryness caused by menopause. His and hers looks: The TV and film star, 54, fittingly wore a sparkly striped dress while her partner, also 54, donned a button up shirt and dark pants She said: 'We included hair and body stuff, and then the vaginal products because that's also an area that suffers. 'One thing people say about menopause is that the libido lessens, and of course it does a little bit because our hormones are not driving our moods anymore. But it doesn't mean we stop thinking about sex or we stop wanting sex; we still have desire.' She added, 'You just have to get a little more organized and put a little more effort into it because women can be put off by sex when things are drying and it becomes painful. But I find, actually, post-menopause, things have been pretty good.' Flashy: Watts teamed her eye-catching dress with metallic gold wedge heels Photo-op: Naomi posed up with Amanda Thebe at the event launching her new endeavor The Mulholland Drive star - who shares daughter Kai, 13, and son Sasha, 15, with her ex Liev Schreiber, 55 - isn't 'going to remain silent' through the process, unlike the women that came before her. Naomi said: 'I think we're the first generation who really knows how to use the internet that has gone through menopause, so there's never really been a platform for [this]. 'It feels like an intergenerational thing that we're doing because we're now realizing what our mothers and grandmothers went through in silence, alone. And we're saying we're not going to remain silent through our suffering.' Chinese envoy calls for efforts to consolidate CAR peace gains Xinhua) 09:36, October 20, 2022 UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for efforts to consolidate the gains in the peace process in the Central African Republic (CAR). The overall political and security situation in the CAR is improving and the peace process is moving ahead. Yet many difficulties and challenges remain. The international community should scale up its support in advancing peace, promoting development and peacebuilding, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. The CAR government has been actively implementing the outcomes of the "republican dialogue," showing a positive attitude in talks with armed groups, and promoting comprehensive disarmament in a bid to reinvigorate the peace process. China welcomes this, Geng told the Security Council. "While helping with the CAR peace process, the international community must respect the sovereignty and ownership of the CAR and support its people in independently choosing a development path that suits their national conditions," he said. Geng stressed the importance of strengthening the country's security capacity-building. In recent years, with the deployment of security forces by the government, the security situation throughout the country has seen continuous improvement, and the scope of activities of armed groups has continued to shrink. Facts have shown that only by establishing a professional, efficient and strong security sector can it be possible to deal with security threats, he said. President Faustin-Archange Touadera has recently released a national security policy and strategy for security sector reform. International partners and the UN peacekeeping mission in the CAR (MINUSCA) should provide constructive support for the implementation of this policy and strategy, help the country improve its capability to independently maintain stability and respect its right to engage in security cooperation, he said. Sanctions imposed by the Security Council have a negative impact on the country's security capabilities and should be completely lifted, said Geng. The CAR is facing financial constraints, energy and food shortages, and a severe economic and livelihood situation, with 60 percent of its population in need of humanitarian assistance. The support of the international community cannot relax as the current peace in the country is hardwon, he said. "Relevant countries and international organizations should resume aid as soon as possible to help the country address its economic and humanitarian difficulties." The international community should increase investment in the development of the CAR, help boost its ability of self-sustained development, turn resource advantages into development ones, and break the vicious circle of poverty-induced chaos and relapse into poverty because of chaos, he said. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) Narrow gap between contractors and subcontractors The government unveiled measures Wednesday to narrow the gap among shipbuilding workers and improve the dual structure of main contractors and subcontractors. The dual labor structure refers to the gap in wages and working conditions between workers at main contractors and subcontractors. It has been a chronic problem in the industry over the past three decades. In short, workers at subcontractors receive 50-70 percent of the wages earned by those at main contractors while working 50 percent more than the latter. The keyword in the latest government measures is "autonomy." If the main contractor and subcontractor at a shipyard "autonomously" work out a win-win plan, the government will provide positive support to turn it into reality. It then told major shipbuilders to come up with such plans by early next year. However, one can hardly give a good mark to the government's plan because the structural problem is too deep-rooted to be solved by such a naive idea. Now is the time for the government carefully to grasp this contradiction at shipyards and present an alternative. Due to the shipbuilding slump since 2016, domestic shipyards suffered heavy losses, passing a large part of the burden on to subcontractors. As a result, the number of shipbuilding workers has more than halved from 203,000 in 2015 to 93,000 last year. The situation is so serious that reportedly, "workers have left to go farm or something." Fortunately, the global shipbuilding industry has been showing signs of recovery recently. However, as expectations for business improvement are growing, government and business officials should fundamentally fix the dual structure. The government says unilateral regulations or fiscal input have limitations to improving the dual structure because the divergent interests of labor and management at main contractors and subcontractors are intertwined. It may be partly true, but simply calling for "autonomy" is not a solution. Policymakers must devise active measures by considering the quality of labor and establishing an appropriate wage system. Even if some agreements between labor and management are reached, their fulfillment must be premised to be a sustainable solution. That explains why policy officials should come up with follow-up measures. Danniella Westbrook left little to the imagination on Thursday as she posed for a raunchy social media snap. The former EastEnders actress, 48, went topless as she stripped down to a thong while taking a mirror selfie from behind. She flashed her inked skin as she wore her blonde locks in a messy bun and told her Instagram followers it's 'bath time'. Revealing: Danniella Westbrook left little to the imagination on Thursday as she posed topless for a raunchy social media snap The star showed off her incredible figure from the back but covered her modesty with a love heart sticker. Danniella also shared a montage of sizzling snaps to her Instagram, penning: 'Girls just wanna have fun' She put on a very busty display in a black bra, teamed with blue denim shorts while using a filter. Raunchy: The former EastEnders actress, 48, put on a very busty display in a black bra, teamed with blue denim shorts while using a filter Danniella also shared a montage of sizzling snaps to her Instagram, penning: 'Girls just wanna have fun' It comes after Danniella's daughter Jodie Jenkins has thrown her hat into the ring to compete in ITV2's upcoming revival of Big Brother, which is set to air in 2023. The 21-year-old, who was recently signed by influencer agency Social Inspire Group, has been figuring out how to 'market' herself and currently has 15.2k Instagram followers, which could certainly skyrocket with the platform of the reality show. Speaking to MailOnline back in May, when rumours of BB's return had not yet been confirmed by the channel, Jodie said she'd '100%' be up to follow in her famous mum's footsteps, who appeared in 2016's celebrity series. She said: '100%, Id do it. Obviously not the nude shows or anything like that because I couldnt... personally Im just not like that as a person. Fair enough, go and do it yourself but I cant. 'But, no Id love to do Big Brother or something like that. Id find it really entertaining. Im quite a people person so Id find it really fun to be in somewhere like that.' Fingers crossed! Danniella's daughter Jodie Jenkins has thrown her hat into the ring to compete in ITV2's upcoming revival of Big Brother, which is set to air in 2023 While fellow celebrity offspring Dani Dyer and Gemma Owen have won over audiences on Love Island, the model revealed wouldn't be interested in signing up since she has a boyfriend. Her words came before it was announced during last week's Love Island final that Big Brother would be revived by ITV after a five year hiatus. The programme aired for 18 years in the UK until it was axed in 2018. A cast of 'carefully selected housemates from all walks of life' will live together for up to six weeks as the public watch on via the house's network of surveillance cameras. Loved-up: The model revealed wouldn't be interested in signing up for Love Island since she has a boyfriend (pictured with Formula 3 racing driver Ayrton Simmons) The show's trademark live evictions will also return with the public once again voting throughout the series and ultimately deciding the winner of the cash prize. Paul Mortimer, director of reality commissioning and acquisitions and controller of ITV2, ITVBe and CITV, said: 'This refreshed, contemporary new series of Big Brother will contain all the familiar format points that kept viewers engaged and entertained the first time round, but with a brand new look and some additional twists that speak to today's audience. 'We're beyond excited to bring this iconic series to ITV2 and ITVX where it should especially engage with our younger viewers.' Kelly Brook was left in hysterics after hearing her former Smallville co-star Michael Rosenbaum pronounce her surname wrong. The actress, 42, appeared in the first series of the American show 20 years ago as Victoria Hardwick, a temptress who snared the supervillain in a bid to take over LexCorp. On Wednesday's Heart Drive with JK and Kelly Brook, Jason King spoke to her about her time on the superhero show, which also starred Michael as villain Lex Luthor. Hilarious: Kelly Brook was left in hysterics after hearing her former Smallville co-star Michael Rosenbaum pronounce her surname wrong Jason, 47, told her - to her astonishment - that she was mentioned on a podcast where cast members watch back old episode and analyse people they worked with. Speaking of the series, she quipped: 'I'm in the first season and then I got axed, as I usually do on most things that I work on.' When asked what she thought her co-stars remembered her for, she joked that it would have been that she was a 'good kisser' before descending into fits of laughter. Awkward gaffe: Kelly was played a clip from a podcast, which heard Kelly's former co-star Michael hilariously mispronounce her name as 'Kelly Brock' rather than 'Kelly Brook' Jason asked her: 'Should we see what they said about you?' To which an alarmed Kelly said: 'Oh no! Don't!' But Jason insisted, 'It's not that bad', prompting Kelly to joke: 'That I was a good kisser?' Jason then played a clip from the podcast, which heard Kelly's former co-star Michael hilariously mispronounce her name as 'Kelly Brock' rather than 'Kelly Brook'. He said: 'She was awesome to work with, we worked on those scenes, she wanted to be the best she could be and it was a joy working with Kelly Brock.' Co-stars: The actress, 42, appeared in the first series of the American show 20 years ago as Victoria Hardwick alongside Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor Kelly couldn't help but descend into fits of laughter after hearing the amusing gaffe, with Jason also wiping tears from his eyes as he struggled to contain himself. In between fits of giggles, she said: 'What did he call me! Kelly Brock! It's Kelly Brook Michael!' It comes after Kelly finally tied the knot with Jeremy Parisi in Italy in July following a seven-year romance. She married her Italian hunk within the walls of Torre di Cicero on July 31 after an unexpected rainstorm prompted a last minute change of plans for the outdoor ceremony. Oops! He said: 'She was awesome to work with, we worked on those scenes, she wanted to be the best she could be and it was a joy working with Kelly Brock' But Kelly recently explained she wouldn't have changed a thing about her wedding and poked fun at the drama. She told Heart FM listeners: 'So I don't know if you know but we need have a real big thunderstorm right before my ceremony started and it turned out that I didn't end up getting married where I thought we're going to get married, which was this beautiful aisle and this lovely altar that was all built. 'We ended up getting married in a tower, which has never had a wedding and will probably never see another wedding ever again because why would you go all the way to Italy to get married in a tower!' She added: 'I had to climb the tower in pouring rain to marry my Prince Charming. It was absolutely wild but so much fun and I wouldn't change it for the world.' The bride exchanged vows with Jeremy at Torre di Cicero, the 19th century villa in Italian port town Civitavecchia, a popular holiday destination famed for its historic architecture. Congratulations! It comes after Kelly finally tied the knot with Jeremy Parisi in Italy in July following a seven-year romance It's understood that Kelly pulled out all the stops for the day, with the bride-to-be paying for funfair rides and inviting A-list guest Kylie Minogue, according to The Sun. The publication reported that the former Big Breakfast host has thrown 'the kitchen sink' at her wedding to give her and Jeremy the day to remember, with the plans turning into an 'extravagant affair'. Kelly is said to have splashed out up to 500,000 for her big day, with the insider adding that the villa is a 'beautiful location' and the couple 'fell in love with it' immediately after setting eyes on it. Tune into JK and Kelly Brook from 4pm - 7pm, every Monday to Friday, and every Saturday morning from 9am - 12pm on Heart. Kris Jenner said it would be a 'great idea' to be cremated and have her ashes preserved in necklaces for her children. She made the remarks to her daughters Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner as she sat in bed recovering from a hip replacement on the new episode of The Kardashians. The 66-year-old 'momager' revealed that her other daughter Kim Kardashian was planning to save bits of the removed hip for similar purposes. Planning ahead: Kris Jenner said it would be a 'great idea' to be cremated and have her ashes preserved in necklaces for her children 'Kim asked the doctor to save her my bones so she can make jewelry out of it,' Kris dished to Khloe and Kylie. Kylie, who was participating in the conversation over speakerphone, said Kim's plan was 'weird' and Kris agreed the notion was 'creepy.' 'Remember when you wanted your ashes, you wanted to be cremated and made into necklaces for us?' Khloe reminded her mother. 'That's a great idea,' said Kris, and while Khloe shot back that it was 'weird,' Kris stuck to her guns saying: 'No, it's not!' Supportive: She made the remarks to her daughters Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner as she sat in bed recovering from a hip replacement on the new episode of The Kardashians Bombshell: The 66-year-old revealed her other daughter Kim Kardashian was planning to save bits of the removed hip for similar purposes - an idea Kris regarded as 'creepy' She said in the same episode that she was feeling 'better every day' as she recuperated from surgery and felt like a 'bionic woman' with her artificial hip. In a confessional she shared that she was 'excited' to return to work, play with her grandchildren and give her longtime boyfriend Corey Gamble, 41, 'a little more attention - if you know what I mean.' Kris declared she was 'determined to live again without this pain. Me and my family have so many exciting things going on, I don't want to miss a thing.' She was working towards her recovery with the help of a personal trainer, who told her he was 'impressed' that she was not on pain medication, to which she joked: 'I'm signing too many papers to be on drugs.' What a thought: 'Remember when you wanted your ashes, you wanted to be cremated and made into necklaces for us?' Khloe reminded her mother Her comments about her ashes suggest a change of heart after an incident years ago when she met a fan who kept her grandmother's ashes in a ring. In an exchange captured on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kris looked somewhat perturbed when she learned the fan's jewelry contained human remains. Kris tried the ring on for a few moments but then took it off, saying with a nervous chuckle: 'This is starting to creep me out a little bit.' Sold on it: 'That's a great idea,' said Kris, and while Khloe shot back that it was 'weird,' Kris stuck to her guns saying: 'No, it's not!' Her friend Faye Resnick, whom she was having lunch with when the fans approached her, was more enthusiastic, saying: 'Oh my God, fantastic!' Faye and Kris became public figures together when their pal Nicole Brown Simpson was slaughtered in a brutal double-murder with waiter Ron Goldman in 1994. Kris' ex-husband Robert Kardashian was part of the legal 'dream team' of Nicole's ex-husband OJ Simpson, who was controversially acquitted of killing her and Ron. Wow: Kris' latest comments suggest a change of heart after an incident years ago when she met a fan who kept her grandmother's ashes in a ring Back then: In an exchange captured on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kris looked somewhat perturbed when she learned the fan's jewelry contained human remains Had enough: Kris tried the ring on for a few moments but then took it off, saying with a nervous chuckle: 'This is starting to creep me out a little bit' Shortly after the murders, Faye worked with a National Enquirer columnist to release a book about Nicole that flew off the shelves and was slated by New York Magazine as 'the best-selling apotheosis of trashiness.' Kris' plans for her own mortal remains went public shortly after it emerged that the late rapper Coolio, who died at 59 last month, took similar measures. His ashes are to be encased in necklaces that will be distributed among his 10 children as well as other close relations, his representative told TMZ. Dearly departed: Kris' plans for her own mortal remains went public shortly after it emerged that the late rapper Coolio, who died at 59 last month, took similar measures Danny Hatchard has revealed he was rushed to hospital after suffering an accident in which he broke his arm. The former EastEnders actor, 31, took to his Instagram story on Wednesday to share a snap of him with a cast on his arm. The soap star didn't give any details about how he sustained the injury, but sarcastically captioned the snap: 'Fun'. Ouch! Danny Hatchard has revealed he was rushed to hospital after suffering an accident in which he broke his arm Danny starred as Lee Carter from 2014 to 2017 and made a brief comeback to Albert Square in 2019. It comes after he revealed that he attempted suicide aged 19 after he struggled socially while studying at drama school last October. Danny explained in a series of candid Twitter posts on Friday that he 'didn't want to be alive anymore.' Brave: It comes after he revealed that he attempted suicide aged 19 after he struggled socially while studying at drama school last October Soap star: Danny starred as Lee Carter from 2014 to 2017 and made a brief comeback to Albert Square in 2019 Taking to Twitter, Danny revealed: 'The beginning of my first year at Arts was very difficult. 'I remember Googling the easiest and most painless ways I could take my life. I felt so socially out of my depth that I didnt want to be alive anymore. 'One Friday night in particular I ran a hot bath as per the instructions on google with a blade in hand ready to make a huge mistake, before realising that passing my pain onto my family wasnt the answer. It never is' Danny made the shocking announcement in a bid to defend his former drama school boss Chris Hocking, who was recently fired after investigations found the Arts Ed dance classes were 'overly sexualised'. Sad: Danny explained in a series of candid Twitter posts on Friday that he 'didn't want to be alive anymore' Danny told of how he then asked Chris for help, who went on to pay for a counselor for him. The Ridley Road star explained: 'He told me I was going to be alright and offered to pay for me to see a counselor who went onto completely change my life.' Chris has since stepped down from his role the London drama school after it launched an investigation into 'serious historic claims of misconduct'. 'I remember Googling the easiest and most painless ways I could take my life. I felt so socially out of my depth that I didnt want to be alive anymore,' Danny wrote on Twitter The report, which is being compiled by Rebecca Tuck QC, has found that there was 'an overly sexualised environment within a number of music and dance classes' at the school. A statement from the school's chair of trustees said: 'Terms such as 'sexy dance', 'wear what you dare' and 'naked bond' were notorious and clearly distressed some students. 'They were wholly inappropriate,' they added. Statement: Danny made the shocking announcement in a bid to defend his former drama school boss Chris Hocking, who was recently fired 'She [Rebecca Tuck] found that some staff members exercised poor judgement in their relationships with HE [higher education] students,' the statement concluded. Back in 2017, Danny revealed it was hard to 'switch off' during his character Lee Carter's emotional suicide storyline on EastEnders. Danny revealed he had been working with emotional support charity Samaritans to handle the subject 'delicately' and explained: 'It was nerve wracking but I felt more honoured than anything. 'It is such an issue at the minute, especially with the stigma that surrounds it.' He added: 'As an actor its lovely to stick your teeth into, and to do things to help people. 'Its lovely it was a slow burner not done in a week, its been two and a half years, I think thats important.' For confidential help and support please call Samaritans on 116 123 Paris Hilton stunned as she promoted her new fragrance in Mumbai, India. The 41-year-old heiress looked ravishing in a red gown as she attended the launch of her perfume Rubi Rush on Thursday evening. Her maxi dress showcased her cleavage as it featured a low-cut neckline along with beautiful beads all over it as she teamed the look with metallic gold heels. That's hot: Paris Hilton stunned as she promoted her new fragrance in Mumbai, India She accessorized with dangling silver earrings along with a matching necklace as she sported a pair of red shades. Paris' signature blonde locks were worn down as she showcased her natural looks with complementary make-up. The stunner looked happy to greet her fans as she waved to them as she stepped onto the stage. Promotional trail: The 41-year-old heiress looked ravishing in a red gown as she attended the launch of her perfume Rubi Rush on Thursday evening Stunning: Her maxi dress showcased her cleavage as it featured a low-cut neckline along with beautiful beads all over it as she teamed the look with metallic gold heels Wow factor: Paris' signature blonde locks were worn down as she showcased her natural looks with complementary make-up She even gave them the thrill of a lifetime as she snapped a selfie in front of the packed audience. It certainly seems like the densely populated city is buzzing upon her visit as just a day prior Paris was greeted by a sea of fans and presented with flowers as she touched down in Mumbai airport in India on Wednesday. The arrival of the heiress came shortly after Meghan Markle has admitted she apologised to Paris for 'judging' her based on her looks and success after learning about her 'trauma' on her podcast. Hello: The stunner looked happy to greet her fans as she waved to them as she stepped onto the stage Doing what she does best: She even gave them the thrill of a lifetime as she snapped a selfie in front of the packed audience The goods: She showed off her new fragrance bottle as many snapped photos Meghan, 41, featured Paris as her latest guest for her Archetypes Spotify podcast in an episode entitled 'Breaking Down The Bimbo', and confessed it was the interview that she was most nervous for. Speaking about the episode, Meghan said she was 'embarrassed' to admit she had 'judged' Paris beforehand and had to find a way to 'forgive' her because she 'didn't grow up pretty' herself. During the outing, Paris, who is travelling the world to promote her new fragrance Ruby Rush, opted for casual clothing in a black velvet tracksuit. Her look, which harked back to her 00s heyday, was adorned with silver studs and she layered the look over a simple t-shirt. Arrivals: A day prior Paris was greeted by hundreds of fans as she touched down in Mumbai on Wednesday 'I didn't grow up pretty': It comes after Meghan admitted she apologised to Paris for 'judging' her based on her public image after learning about her 'trauma' on her podcast Gifts: Paris was presented with a HUGE bouquet of flowers by her fans Crowds: The reality star who is travelling the world to promote her new fragrance Ruby Rush, cut a casual figure in a black velvet tracksuit Trendy: Her look, which harked back to her 00s heyday, was adorned with silver studs and she layered the look over a simple t-shirt Paris looked fresh faced after her three hour flight from Dubai opting for little make-up and braiding her long blonde locks. Living up to her image she carried a bright bright pink fan to cool off as she escorted through the crowd. Speaking to Variety, Meghan said it was the most challenging interview she has done so far for her podcast and said she was very 'nervous' beforehand. 'I spoke to Paris Hilton last week. I told her at the beginning that I was the most nervous about her interview,' she explained. Blondie: Paris looked fresh faced after her three hour flight from Dubai opting for little make-up and braiding her long blonde locks Hello! She waved at the crowd as she made her way through the airport Cute: Slipping her feet into comfy and colourful trainers the stunner shielded her eyes behind shades and donned a black Ruslan Baginskiy cap 'I was embarrassed to admit it, but I've had a judgment about her that's based on everything I've seen, and I don't like to come from a place of judgment. But I also didn't grow up pretty.' Meghan said she grew up as 'the smart one' and was 'envious' of Paris and 'judged' her based on her public image, before learning about the 'trauma' in her life. The wife of Prince Harry admitted that she ended up apologising to the media personality for 'judging' her and 'buying into' her public 'persona' before meeting her. Beaming: The reality star looked ecstatic to be in the country Throwback: The velvet co-ord harked back to her 00s heyday (pictured in 2006) Waving: She waved with one hand as she held onto the huge bouquet She said: 'I grew up as the smart one. So much of what I ended up thinking about, when I thought about Paris, was envy and judgment two of the most dangerous things. 'But then you hear about her trauma and her life and her buying into this persona. Ultimately, I told her, "I'm really sorry that I judged you". 'I wanted her to be safe and comfortable. I told her I wasn't looking for a "gotcha" moment. I want a "got you" moment, where we get you.' Cooling off: Living up to her image she carried a bright bright pink fan to cool off as she escorted through the crow Security: She was flanked by a dozen security personel Snap: She grabbed snaps of the crowd from the back of her car Party time: Paris took to her Instagram Stories to share with her followers her lavish trip to promote her fragrance Judgement:It comes after Meghan Markle admitted she apologised to Paris for 'judging' her based on her looks and success after learning about her 'trauma' on her podcast On the podcast, Paris revealed she 'built' her 'Barbie doll' persona as a way to escape her traumatic teenage years at a Utah boarding school. Meghan said she wanted listeners to think about whether they could 'forgive' Paris after learning about how she was 'misrepresented' and see a more 'humanised' side to her. 'That episode is not framed as a defense of Paris; it's the humanization of her. And that's true for everybody,' she said. 'I don't care what situation you're in if a 16-year-old boy or girl, or a woman in the workplace, feels objectified or dehumanized because their character is misrepresented, I hope everyone listening with an open mind could come away thinking, "Could I just actually consider for a second that there's a person there?" Public image: Meghan said she grew up as 'the smart one' and was 'envious' of Paris and 'judged' her based on her looks and success, before learning about the 'trauma' in her life 'I've done a lot of internal work I'm from California, it's in the water and whether you're exercising or meditating, you're sometimes asked to picture a person that makes you angry. 'You think about them, you get it all out, and then you're asked to think about them as a 6-year-old child. Can you forgive them? That's how I contextually approach that.' Paris has alleged that she was 'verbally, mentally and physically abused' during her two years at Provo Canyon School after being sent to the institution by her parents when she was a rebellious teen. Speaking to Meghan about those years, Paris called it 'the most painful and horrific experience of my life,' explaining how 'it really just took away my childhood'. Hard times: Paris has alleged that she was 'verbally, mentally and physically abused' during her two years at Provo Canyon School (she is pictured in 2001) Iconic: Paris it was at the age of 22 when she landed her reality show The Simple Life alongside her best friend Nicole Richie that her 'Barbie doll' persona 'went into full force' She said that the only thing that kept her going during that time was thinking about who she was going to be when she left. 'I just promising myself and saying, "I'm going to work so hard and become so successful that no one will ever be able to control me ever again".' 'And in there, I started kind of building this fantasy Life and this kind of Barbie doll character,' she continued. 'I guess, just to not think about pain and just to think about, oh, unicorns and butterflies and Barbie dolls and pink and sparkles.' She went on to explain that it was at the age of 22 when she landed her iconic reality show The Simple Life alongside her best friend Nicole Richie that the persona 'went into full force.' Opening up: But she never expected the show and therefore her persona to last, pointing out that she thought The Simple Life would only last one season 'The producers just said we want Nicole to be the troublemaker and Paris, we want you to be the rich dumb blonde and that's when I started like really playing into that character'. 'During that time it was encouraged to be dumb and bubbly. I look at it now and I'm like, I think it's so much cooler to be smart and intelligent, but back then it was almost like they wanted.' She added that the character was also 'a mask' to protect herself from the media attention the show bought her. But she never expected the show and therefore her persona to last, pointing out that she thought The Simple Life would only last one season, and not the five it went on to air. Nerves: Meghan began her chat with Paris by telling listeners that she was nervous about interviewing Paris because she'd 'had a judgment' about the socialite 'I almost got stuck and lost in the character and at some point it was like lines got blurred and it was like I forgot who I was,' she said. 'And it makes me sad because I used to be such a free spirit and I was not so closed off, and I feel like with just so many things that have happened to me over the years I just closed off in ways in my mind and I wish that it didn't happen. Going through trauma and life really really affects you.' The Duchess replied: 'I think it's so sad you don't even get the opportunity - it makes me emotional even thinking about it - you don't get the opportunity to start to think about the woman you want to be with a blank slate, so then you come out into the world and they cast you in this thing that you end up feeling trapped.' Paris said that with the release of her recent documentary This Is Paris and her advocacy work 'people are finally seeing the other side...I love being underestimated.' Former Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon has revealed she is 'ready to have fun' after she parted ways with Lord Alan Sugar earlier this year. The business owner, 29, who was hired as the business mogul's partner in 2018, told FUBAR Radio on Thursday that she was now 'ready to do her own thing.' Speaking to the show's hosts Bobby Norris and Stephen Leng, Sian explained: 'We parted ways, I decided that I wanted to do my own thing. Former Apprentice winner Sian Gabbidon, 29, has revealed she is 'ready to have fun' after she parted ways with Lord Alan Sugar earlier this year She continued: 'We had four years together, its been a rollercoaster of a journey, and for me, it was taking back my business and doing things my own way.' Adding of the moment she broke the news to Lord Sugar, Sian said: 'It was just a conversation we kind of came to an agreement and now Im just living my best life, I guess. 'Not in a negative way towards him [Lord Sugar] but its just nice to have a bit more fun.' You're fired: The business owner, who was hired as the business mogul's partner in 2018, told FUBAR Radio on Thursday that she was now 'ready to do her own thing' Sian added: 'Its such a serious show and to go on to win it and become his business partner, its so serious. I just want to enjoy it, and have fun. 'I spent four years of hardcore work and business, so now I just want to have a bit of fun.' In April it was reported that Lord Sugar 'parted ways' with Sian, just weeks after Harpreet Kaur was named his most recent partner. According to The Sun, his position within the company was 'terminated' whilst his investment company, Amvest Limited, has also been removed. Moves: Adding of the moment she broke the news to Lord Sugar, Sian said: 'It was just a conversation we kind of came to an agreement and now Im just living my best life' Previously Lord Sugar has parted ways with the 2015 winner Joseph Valente, Alana Spencer, who won in 2016, and James White who was crowned the winner in 2017. The entrepreneur invested 250k into Sian Marie Fashion, but documents obtained from Companies House have revealed that he stepped down. Lord Sugar chose Sian despite describing her company as a cottage industry' given that she had sold only 400 bespoke swimsuits during its two years trading. MailOnline contacted Sian and Lord Sugar's reps for comment at the time. Kelsey Grammer paid tribute to his late costar Frasier costar John Mahoney earlier this week while laying out plans to honor the actor on an upcoming sequel series. Grammer, 67, called the late Mahoney who died in 2018 at age 77 'man of merit,' and said the show would give him the 'proper attention' while speaking to Fox News Digital on Tuesday. A follow-up to their series Frasier has been in discussions for years, but it was only earlier in October that the new show was officially greenlit at Paramount+. Tribute: Kelsey Grammer, 67, praised his late costar John Mahoney as a 'man of merit' while vowing to pay tribute to him on his Frasier sequel series while speaking to Fox News Digital on Tuesday; (LR) Dan Butler, Peri Gilpin, Mahoney, Grammer, David Hyde Pierce and Jane Leeves Grammer clarified that the show would 'certainly' deal head on with Mahoney's death. The English-born American actor appeared on the series as Frasier and his brother Niles' father Martin Crane. 'His loss is and was devastating and must be given the proper attention in honor of the extraordinary man he was and the contribution he made to the show and to the acting profession,' Grammer said. 'We will most certainly be honoring him according to his merit. A man of merit he remains to this day.' The Cheers star added, 'John was a kind man, and the world cannot afford to lose a kind man at any time.' 'We will most certainly be honoring him according to his merit. A man of merit he remains to this day,' Grammer said. The Cheers star added, 'John was a kind man, and the world cannot afford to lose a kind man at any time' Although Mahoney is now best known for his tenure on Frasier, he had a lengthy career in the theater, as well as on film and television. He had memorable roles in the classic comedy Moonstruck (1987) and the Coen brothers' dramedy Barton Fink (1991) as a William Faulkner stand-in, along with parts in several other high-profile films. One of his later recurring roles was on the Betty Whitestarring comedy Hot In Cleveland. On Frasier, he played a retired police detective and veteran who could usually be found sitting in the recliner at Frasier's apartment. Like Grammer's character, Mahoney was first introduced on Cheers, before the Frasier spin-off was announced. Mahoney was twice nominated for an Emmy for playing Martin, and he won a Screen Actors' Guild Award, along with the rest of the cast, in 2000. Varied career: Although Mahoney is now best known for his tenure on Frasier, he had a lengthy career in the theater, as well as on film and television; still from Frasier Family: He played Frasier and Niles' father, a retired police detective and veteran who could usually be found sitting in the recliner at Frasier's apartment; still from Frasier Elsewhere in the chat, Grammer stressed that the new show is a continuation of the title character's story, rather than a restart for him. 'Frasier, in his third or fourth act, is not a reboot, but a new show centered around the character in a new set of circumstances and a new city,' he explained. 'It is not a reboot.' The actor also gushed about the experience of playing the title character. 'Playing Frasier for 20 years was a presumptive joy,' Grammer said. 'I can say little else except I anticipate equal joy in charting his next chapter.' Few details about the new show have been released, though it is unlikely that the other original Frasier costars would be series regulars. However, they might make guest appearances. Gemma Collins looked effortlessly chic as she celebrated the launch of her former co-stars Jessica Wright's latest baby range with My 1st Years in London on Thursday. The former TOWIE star, 41, looked sensational in a floral silk co-ord as she showcased her incredible weight loss. Gemma elevated her frame in the black and white ensemble with a pair of chic pointed toe heels. Looking good: Gemma Collins looked effortlessly chic as she celebrated the launch of her former co-stars Jess Wright's latest baby range with My 1st Years in London on Thursday She seemed in high spirits as she posed donning a radiant palette of makeup and styled her long blonde tresses in loose waves. The beauty posed alongside Jess who looked incredible in an all white blazer and trouser co-ord which she paired with a corset top. Gemma couldn't contain her smile as she held her former co-stars baby son Presley, who Jess shares with husband William Lee-Kemp. Stylish: The former TOWIE star, 41, looked sensational in a floral silk co-ord as she showcased her incredible weight loss Incredible: She seemed in high spirits as she posed donning a radiant palette of makeup and styled her long blonde tresses in loose waves The appearance comes after Gemma got stuck in a pair of jeans on Tuesday and hilariously documented the whole thing for her followers. The reality star shared a video of herself showing off her curves in her underwear as her pal Mark tried to pull a pair of tight jeans off of her legs. In keeping with her positive attitude that she's known for, Gemma told fans 'put some gusto' into their Tuesday, after quipping to Mark in the clip: 'Put some gusto in it!' All smiles: Gemma elevated her frame in the black and white ensemble with a pair of chic pointed toe heels Pals: The beauty posed alongside Jess who looked incredible in an all white blazer and trouser co-ord which she paired with a corset top 'Pull it off Mark,' she began in the clip, as her male friend tried to pull the skintight jeans off. 'It won't come off!' he shot back. Gemma then began to scream as he pulled. 'It will, put some gusto in it, ahhhh, it's too tight around my legs!' she said. Adorable: Gemma couldn't contain her smile as she held her former co-stars baby son Presley, who Jess shares with husband William Lee-Kemp 'Cut it!' she added. Gemma saw the funny side and captioned her clip: 'Tuesday MOOD. PUT SOME GUSTO IN IT. Make sure whatever you do today is with full gusto or just don't bother hun You get out what you put out.' Former TOWIE star Jess Wright commented underneath: 'This is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS.' 'Put some gusto in it!' It comes after Gemma showed off her curves in her underwear on Tuesday as she got stuck in a pair of jeans in a hilarious video It comes after Gemma shared a body confidence message with her followers last week. Gemma shared a picture of herself in a tiger print bikini while on holiday and told her 2.2 million Instagram fans to remember 'you are beautiful'. Gemma confidently told her followers everyone 'comes in different shapes and sizes and you just got to rock it, honeys'. In keeping with her positive attitude that she's known for, Gemma told fans 'put some gusto' into their Tuesday, after quipping to Mark in the clip: 'Put some gusto in it!' Gemma saw the funny side and captioned her clip: 'Tuesday MOOD. PUT SOME GUSTO IN IT. Make sure whatever you do today is with full gusto or just don't bother hun You get out what you put out' The reality star posed with her hands on her hips as she delivered the positive message and teased her upcoming projects. She said: 'Good morning everyone, this is the GC. Sorry I've not been on Insta for a while, I've been having an amazing holiday. 'I just want to say I've missed you all I'm going to be back on the gram, I've been relaxing but I've got lots and lots of work on and lots of filming. Former TOWIE star Jess Wright commented underneath: 'This is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS' 'But I just want to say to everyone out there, whoever doubts their body, whoever feels down about themselves, who's having a bad day and doubting your beautifulness, your energy, keep reminding yourself you are beautiful.' Gemma recently enjoyed a lavish holiday with her family and fiance Rami Hawash. She is currently focusing on her 1million deal with high street fashion retailer New Look, after shutting down her own fashion range. Drew Barrymore made out with one of George Clooney's closest friends. During her sit down with the Oscar-winning actor - which will air Friday on The Drew Barrymore Show - the beauty admitted that she got amorous with his hairstylist pal Waldo Sanchez, which was no surprise to George. Clooney also said he completely understood as she was newly divorced and needed to unwind. Admission: Drew Barrymore made out with one of George Clooney 's friends. During her sit down with the Oscar-winning actor - which will air Friday on The Drew Barrymore Show - the beauty admitted the hookup This is the man: Barrymore made out with hair stylist Waldo Sanchez, seen here with Dani Behr at the American Ballet Theatre's Annual Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in 2019 The conversation began when the 47-year-old Hollywood icon said, 'I feel like good times follow you wherever you go.' George, 61, replied, 'Yes, well thats cause I drink. Thats a problem really, it does become a problem.' Drew then admitted: 'I got so drunk while we were making Confessions of a Dangerous Mind I made out with Waldo.' She is referring to George's hair stylist Waldo Sanchez. George offered only, 'I remember.' They go way back: George added more: 'We were in Montreal, we were all stuck up there together and you had just gone through a divorce, remember, and you had just come up there and it was an emotional time for you and so it really felt like incumbent upon us to make sure that you were gonna be okay, and that was fun.' Confessions came out in 2002, the year she divorced comedian Tom Green after one year of marriage The film: George, Drew and Sam Rockwell in the movie Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind Drew then explained: 'Waldo is Georges like best friend, and they work together and then yeah the next day at work I was like, "Uh cool," cause everyones just so cool.' George added more: 'We were in Montreal, we were all stuck up there together and you had just gone through a divorce, remember, and you had just come up there and it was an emotional time for you and so it really felt like incumbent upon us to make sure that you were gonna be okay, and that was fun.' Confessions came out in 2002, the year she divorced comedian Tom Green after one year of marriage. Also during his Drew interview he talked his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney with whom he shares two children, twins Alexander and Ella who are age five. The Ocean's 11 actor was looking back at how his love story began when he stopped by The Drew Barrymore Show. 'Well its funny she came to the house in Como with a friend of hers to visit and immediately I was like' began the star who is starring in the new movie Ticket To Paradise with Julia Roberts. They met in Italy: Clooney is happily married to human rights lawyer Amal Clooney with whom he shares two children. He talked about how his love story began when he stopped by The Drew Barrymore Show. Seen on Monday One of their very first sightings: Seen here in London in October 2013 The former ER hunk then explained more about falling for the 44-year-old Lebanese-British barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, who specializes in international law and human rights. 'The funniest thing is Bryan Lourd my agent called me, he had just met Amal at some other thing and she was like, "Yeah I am going to go to Como with a friend of mine," and he called me up and he said, "There's a girl coming to your house that you are going to marry,"' added the Kentucky native. At the time, Clooney thought that sounded off. Where love blossomed: George and Amal had their first meeting at his home in Italy 'I was like, "You're an idiot. You know that's not going to happen,"' added the star who has dated Elisabetta Canalis, Celine Balitran, Lisa Snowdon, Krista Allen and Sarah Larson. 'And then in comes Amal and we stayed up all night talking and I started writing her a bunch of letters,' shared the Money Monster actor. Drew then said, 'Like on pen and paper.' George replied, 'Yep, we still write letters. Leave them on the pillow.' George has been talking about his personal life while promoting his new rom-com Ticket To Paradise with Roberts. On Monday he said Universal is 'brave' to release his film Ticket To Paradise in cinemas. The actor features alongside Roberts in the romantic comedy and was grateful for the studio's backing in what has been a tough time for the movie industry. George told The Hollywood Reporter: 'Universal did a very brave thing. 'These things are only going on streamers now and they did a very brave thing to make a movie like this. We're grateful. We're hopeful.' Their new movie: Clooney, left, and Julia Roberts in Ticket To Paradise Her pal: Asked about the best part of working with George, the Pretty Woman star said: 'Having a backup, having a friend. 'It's such a puppy pile of a job where there's so many people involved and then you're kind of sent off like this satellite to talk about it all by yourself. It doesn't make a lot of sense. And so, to be in lockstep with someone, it just makes it so much more fun' The movie follows George and Julia as a divorced couple who travel to Bali in a bid to sabotage their daughter's (Kaitlyn Dever) wedding and avoid the mistakes they made 25 years earlier and Clooney considers it a 'great success' already. The Up in the Air star said: 'This is all fun. We're proud of the film. We enjoy it. It's a hit already and so we already feel like it's sort of been a great success.' The film is the latest collaboration between Clooney and Roberts after 'Ocean's Eleven', 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind' and 'Money Monster' and Julia always finds it 'fun' working together with her friend. Asked about the best part of working with George, the Pretty Woman star said: 'Having a backup, having a friend. 'It's such a puppy pile of a job where there's so many people involved and then you're kind of sent off like this satellite to talk about it all by yourself. It doesn't make a lot of sense. And so, to be in lockstep with someone, it just makes it so much more fun.' Geena Davis has claimed she was able to shut down Jack Nicholson's advances thanks to advice from her former co-star Dustin Hoffman in a candid excerpt from her new memoir - Dying Of Politeness. While speaking about the book to The New Yorker recently, the 66-year-old Oscar winner claimed that Nicholson called her up sometime in the 1980s, shortly after she appeared with Hoffman in his comedy classic Tootsie (1982). She was allegedly able to get the acting legend, now 85, off her tracks by claiming a sexual relationship would ruin any 'sexual tension' if they worked together in the future. DailyMail.com has requested comment from Nicholson's representatives. Good advice: Geena Davis, 66, claimed she shut down Jack Nicholson's advances in the 1980s by using a blow-off line that her Tootsie costar Dustin Hoffman gave to her during a recent New Yorker interview; seen October 19 in London In her interview, Davis was asked about working with Hoffman and his advice not to sleep with her co-stars, as well as his suggestions on how to shut down their advances. One helpful line the Midnight Cowboy star gave her was, 'Well, youre very attractive. I would love to, but it would ruin the sexual tension between us.' She added, 'And I saved that advice away.' She noted that after the success of Tootsie, her modeling agent would set up dinners with her and several other models as she was splitting her time between modeling and acting at the time and his friend Jack Nicholson was a fixture at several of the dinners. In his orbit: After Tootsie's success, her modeling agent set her up on several dinners with modeling pals as well as his friend Jack Nicholson, 85; seen in 2018 in LA Filing it away: One helpful line the Midnight Cowboy star gave her was, 'Well, youre very attractive. I would love to, but it would ruin the sexual tension between us'; still from Tootsie 'Then one day there was a note under the door that said, Please call Jack Nicholson at this number. I was, like, I cant believe it!' Davis recalled. After giving the Shining star a call back, she claimed that he tried to set up a tryst between the two. '"Hey, Geena. When is it gonna happen?"' Nicholson allegedly said over the phone. Davis said she was shocked and didn't 'realize' why Nicholson wanted her to call him. But she recalled Hoffman's line and was allegedlyable to deploy it against Nicholson. '"Uh, Jack, I would love to. Youre very attractive. But I have a feeling were going to work together at some point in the future, and I would hate to have ruined the sexual tension between us,"' she recalled saying. '"Hey, Geena. When is it gonna happen?"' Nicholson allegedly said after asking her to call him. She allegedly used the line on him and it worked. 'He was, like, Oh, man, whered you get that ?"'; Nicholson seen in The Witches Of Eastwick (1987) Nicholson apparently recognized it as a line to shut down his advances. 'He was, like, Oh, man, whered you get that?"' Davis recalled him saying. 'So it worked.' Geena previously opened up about her unpleasant experience working with Bill Murray on their 1990 comedy classic Quick Change. The acting icon revealed earlier this month to The Times of London how Murray allegedly created an uncomfortable atmosphere during her audition for the film, which he starred in and also co-directed with Howard Franklin. According to her, Murray, 72, also screamed at her in front of 'hundreds' of people on set because she was allegedly late, though she says she was merely delayed by the wardrobe department. Bad times: Geena previously opened up about her unpleasant experience working with Bill Murray on their 1990 comedy classic Quick Change; seen in 1989 According to a Times summary, '[Davis is] introduced to [Murray], she writes, in a hotel suite, where Murray greets her with something called The Thumper, a massage device he insists on using on her, despite her emphatically refusing.' The concerning encounter was followed up by a more humiliating incident when the Royal Tenenbaums actor allegedly lost his temper while filming Quick Change. 'Later, while theyre filming on location, Murray tracks Davis down in her trailer and begins screaming at her for being late (shes waiting for her wardrobe), continues to scream at her as she hurries onto the set and even as she gets there, in front of hundreds of cast, crew, curious passers-by,' the publication added. 'That was bad,' Davis said of her audition with Murray as she mused about how she might have handled the incident differently. Hard time: She wrote that Murray who also co-directed the film used a massage device on her against her will during her audition, and he later screamed at her in front of 'hundreds' of people on set for allegedly being late; still from Quick Change Unacceptable: 'The way he behaved at the first meeting I should have walked out of that or profoundly defended myself,' she told The Times of London, before admitting that she was victim blaming; seen September 12 in LA 'The way he behaved at the first meeting I should have walked out of that or profoundly defended myself, in which case I wouldnt have got the part. I could have avoided that treatment if Id known how to react or what to do during the audition. But, you know, I was so non-confrontational that I just didnt...' she said. However, she conceded that her words could be construed as victim blaming when it was pointed out to her. 'Ha. Point taken. Theres no point in regretting things, and yet, here I was regretting. And yes, exactly, it wasnt my fault,' she said. So far, Murray has not responded publicly to Davis' remarks, either in the interview or in her book. A pattern: Last year, the actress Lucy Liu also described the verbal abuse Murray allegedly threw at her while they worked together on the action comedy Charlie's Angels; seen in July 2021 in Cannes, France Last year, the actress Lucy Liu also described the verbal abuse Murray allegedly threw at her while they worked together on the action comedy Charlie's Angels. 'As were doing the scene, Bill starts to sort of hurl insults, and I wont get into the specifics, but it kept going on and on,' she described on the Asian Enough podcast. The film and television star, who called the former Saturday Night Live star's insult 'unacceptable' and 'inexcusable,' added that she 'was not going to just sit there and take it.' 'So, yes, I stood up for myself and I dont regret it. Because no matter how low on the totem pole you may be or wherever you came from, theres no need to condescend or to put other people down. And I would not stand down, and nor should I have,' she added defiantly. Murray's alleged behavior on set appears to have put the fate of his upcoming film Being Mortal in jeopardy. On hold: In April 2021, his film Being Mortal was suspended due to a complaint about his allegedly inappropriate behavior. He stars with director Aziz Ansar, Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer; Murray, Randy Quaid and Davis seen in Quick Change In April 2021, Searchlight Pictures suspended production on the film, which was being directed by Aziz Ansari, due to complaints about Murray's inappropriate behavior on set, though no details were offered up about what he had allegedly done or who was affected. The film is reportedly still on pause, and it's unclear if it will ever be finished at this point. The film, which also starred Ansari, Keke Palmer and Seth Rogen, was shopped around for a potential new buyer earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, but it doesn't appear to have found a new studio, according to Rolling Stone. 'I did something I thought was funny, and it wasnt taken that way,' Murray said while speaking to CNBC later in April. Changes: He added that the experience has been 'quite an education for me,' before noting that, 'world is different than it was when I was a little kid'; seen in February in Pebble Beach 'The company, the movie studio, wanted to do the right thing, so they wanted to check it all out, investigate it. and so they stopped the production,' he explained. ' But as of now, were talking and were trying to make peace with each other. I think thats where the real issue is, between our peace. Were both professionals. We like each others work. We like each other, I think, and if you cant really get along and trust each other, theres no point in going further working together or making a movie as well.' He added that the experience has been 'quite an education for me,' before noting that, 'world is different than it was when I was a little kid.' Global president and COO of Hyundai Motor Company Jose Munoz attends the Reuters Automotive USA conference, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., Oct. 19. Reuters-Yonhap Hyundai Motor, Korea's top automaker, is investigating child labor violations in its U.S. supply chain and plans to "sever ties" with Hyundai suppliers in Alabama found to have relied on underage workers, the company's global chief operating officer Jose Munoz told Reuters on Wednesday. A Reuters investigative report in July documented children, including a 12-year-old, working at a Hyundai-controlled metal stamping plant in rural Luverne, Alabama, called SMART Alabama, LLC. Following the Reuters report, Alabama's state Department of Labor, in coordination with federal agencies, began investigating SMART Alabama. Authorities subsequently launched a child labor probe at another of Hyundai's regional supplier plants, Korean-operated SL Alabama, finding children as young as age 13. In an interview before a Reuters event in Detroit on Wednesday, Munoz said Hyundai intends to "sever relations" with the two Alabama supplier plants under scrutiny for deploying underage labor "as soon as possible." In addition, Munoz told Reuters he had ordered a broader investigation into Hyundai's entire network of U.S. auto parts suppliers for potential labor law violations and "to ensure compliance." Munoz's comments represent the Korean automotive giant's most substantive public acknowledgment to date that child labor violations may have occurred in its U.S. supply chain, a network of dozens of mostly Korean-owned auto-parts plants that supply Hyundai's massive vehicle assembly plant in Montgomery, Alabama. Hyundai's $1.8 billion flagship U.S. assembly plant in Montgomery produced nearly half of the 738,000 vehicles the automaker sold in the United States last year, according to company figures. The executive also pledged that Hyundai would push to stop relying on third party labor suppliers at its southern U.S. operations. As Reuters reported, migrant children from Guatemala found working at SMART Alabama, LLC and SL Alabama had been hired by recruiting or staffing firms in the region. In a statement to Reuters this week, Hyundai said it had already stopped relying on at least one labor recruiting firm that had been hiring for SMART. Munoz told Reuters: "Hyundai is pushing to stop using third party labor suppliers, and oversee hiring directly." A new hydrogen fuel cell truck made by Hyundai is pictured ahead of a media presentation for the zero-emission transport of goods at the Verkehrshaus Luzern (Swiss Museum of Transport) in Luzern, Switzerland Oct. 7. Reuters-Yonhap Addison Rae was all smiles as she was seen heading to a fitness session in sunny West Hollywood earlier Thursday morning. The media personality, 22, opted for colorful ensemble and donned vibrant, red gym shorts for her early outing. The TikTok star, who currently boasts a whopping 88.7 million fans and followers on the platform, recently celebrated her birthday earlier this month. Morning outing: Addison Rae, 22, was spotted in a colorful ensemble as she headed to a fitness session in West Hollywood earlier on Thursday The media influencer held a cheerful smile as she flaunted her sculpted legs in a pair of tiny, red gym shorts. She paired the bottoms with a sleeveless, pink cropped top with the number 23 printed on the front in a bold font. Addison slipped into a pair of white sneakers along with white and black-striped crew socks. The actress balanced car keys on her finger, and listened to a few of her favorite tunes from white earphones that were plugged into her phone. Pop of color: The media personality donned a colorful outfit comprising of red gym shorts and a pink cropped shirt Addison accessorized the look for her brief outing by donning a pair of see-through shades. Her hair was parted in the middle, and fell down behind her into two separate braids that were adorned with large, black and white scrunchies. The star appeared to be in a happy mood as she headed to enjoy a fitness session in glamorous West Hollywood to start off her busy day. Earlier this month, the TikTok star celebrated her 22nd birthday on October 6, and made a stylish appearance during Paris Fashion Week. Addison's mother, Sheri Easterling, also reached headlines shortly after her daughter's birthday due to her split from rapper, Yung Gravy. Fashionable hairstyle: The He's All That actress styled her hair into two separate braids and adorned each with a large scrunchie Happy mood: Addison sent smiles to the paparazzi's cameras during her brief outing earlier on Thursday Parisian adventure: Addison recently flew to Paris in order to make a stylish appearance during fashion week earlier in October Sheri, who was notably 16-years-older than the musician, was first linked to the rapper earlier this year in July when the two shared a number of back-and-forth TikTok videos, along with a few flirty comments towards each other. One month later in August, the two made their grand, red carpet debut on a date as they attended the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards together. The rapper and Sheri were seen sharing a few affectionate moments both on the carpet and inside the venue when they had taken their seats. However, the two officially parted ways on October 7, one day after Addison's birthday. According to E! News, a source close to Sheri explained the reasoning behind the split. 'It was very short-lived and they wanted to get people talking,' the insider informed the publication. 'Sheri definitely was interested in him and loved the attention but they both knew it wasn't going to be anything serious.' One year older: Earlier on October 6, the TikTok star, who currently boasts 88.7 million followers, celebrated her 22nd birthday Sofia Vergara appeared to be having the time of her life in a new throwback post comprised of memorable snaps taken from her recent trip to New York City. The Modern Family alum, 50, donned an eye-catching floral ensemble as she enjoyed a party with close family and friends. The America's Got Talent judge appeared to have taken a fun-filled adventure with her loved ones, and added the hashtag '#familytrip' to the caption. Throwback: Sofia Vergara, 50, uploaded a throwback photo series of a trip she had taken to New York City with her family In the first snap that she shared to her 27.1 million followers on Instagram, Sofia flaunted her long, toned legs as she posed for a photo. The star sat on a chair made of green velvet fabric next to a circular table, and donned a form-fitting dress with colorful, floral designs. The actress slipped into a pair of tan-colored heels with a shiny gold platform. The shoes were secured with a strap on the back. In the caption of the photo collection, the star typed out, '#tbt to not too long ago in Ny!!!!' She added two Statue of Liberty emojis along with red hearts. Sofia added a few hashtags to give additional details about her getaway, and wrote '#familytrip, #LasVerguero perdon LasVergara' followed by laughing face emojis. Having a blast: In another photo that she uploaded into her photo collection, the actress could be seen holding a bottle of alcohol as she lounged on a couch with relatives Her long hair was parted in the middle, allowing the locks to flow past her shoulders in elegant waves. In another picture that she uploaded into her photo collection, the star could be seen lounging on a couch next to family members. Sofia held a bottle of what seemingly appeared to be alcohol as she glanced up to the individual possibly taking the quick snap. In the post, the TV personality shared two group photos of herself posing with smiling family members. The star also shared a video where a large group of relatives, along with Sofia, had a blast on a dimly lit party bus that drove them through the bustling city. Party bus: The Modern Family alum took a group photo inside of a party bus that drove them through the city Making memories: Sofia appeared to be all smiles in the photos and videos she shared that were taken during her family trip to the big apple The clip panned around the blue lit bus as everyone sang and danced along to the tune, Gasolina. At one point, the camera stopped on Sofia as she showed off some of her dance moves as she listened to the hit song. The actress, who is known for her role as a judge on America's Got Talent, also works alongside Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel. Earlier this month in October, a spin-off of the hit competition series called, America's Got Talent: All-Stars, was announced to be in the making, according to Variety. However, all the judges from the main series will move over to the spin-off, expect Sofia. A reason behind her not appearing on the upcoming competition show has yet to be revealed. Dancing the night away: Sofia was seen dancing on a party bus in a video that she also uploaded in the post Big smile: Along with the actress, other close family members also were singing and dancing along to the hit song, Gasolina, in the clip Sofia has been working on another project which is a Netflix limited series titled, Griselda. The show is currently in the stages of post-production, and follows the actress taking on the leading role of real-life drug queenpin, Griselda Blanco. The premise of the six-episode series follows Griselda's character: 'a devoted mother who created one of the most profitable cartels in history,' according to IMDB. While the series is still in stages of production, an official release date has yet to be announced. Andrew Scott cut a smart figure at the Bros Comic Relief special held at The Ham Yard Hotel in London on Thursday evening. The actor, 45, seemed in high spirits as he donned a bright green knitted V-neck cardigan which he rolled up at the sleeves. The Fleabag star teamed the bold top with a pair of beige trousers and white trainers. Colourful: Andrew Scott cut a smart figure at the Bros Comic Relief special held at The Ham Yard Hotel in London on Thursday evening Andrew completed his ensemble with a simple chain necklace and spiked his dark tresses up. Also at the event was presenter Clare Balding who donned a patterned black silk shirt and dark trousers. The 51-year-old beamed as she added a pair of shiny red trainers to the outfit as she posed for snaps at the event. All smiles! The actor, 45, seemed in high spirits as he donned a bright green knitted V-neck cardigan which he rolled up at the sleeves (pictured with Teo Van Den Broeke) Pals: The Fleebag star teamed the bold top with a pair of beige trousers as he posed for snaps with (left to right) Teo Van Den Broeke, Andrew, Deborah Frances-White and Steve Ali Deborah Frances-White looked effortlessly chic in a black jumpsuit which she added an eye catching leather jacket to the number. The comedian accessorised with a colourful crossbody bag and chic gold trainers. The star teamed the dark look with a bold pendant necklace and a radiant palette of makeup including a swipe of bright red lipstick. Amazing: Also at the event was presenter Clare Balding who donned a patterned black silk shirt and dark trousers Stylish: Deborah Frances-White looked effortlessly chic in a black jumpsuit which she added an eye catching leather jacket to the number Chic: The comedian accessorised with a colourful crossbody bag and chic gold trainers Eye catching: Rosie Jones looked incredible in a red and black leopard print shirt and skinny jeans as she spoke to the crowd Rosie Jones looked incredible in a red and black leopard print shirt and skinny jeans as she spoke to the crowd. Meanwhile Richard Curtis cut a smart figure in a black shirt which he kept the top button undone. The British screenwriter added a pair of dark jeans and trainers with the look as he spoke at the Comic Relief event. There was no missing Kim Kardashian at the listening party for Babyface's new album Girls Night Out. The socialite, 41, poured her curves into a camouflage print outfit as she posed with the man of the hour at the Hollywood bash on Wednesday. While the top clung to every inch of the physique, she kept things a bit more comfortable with a pair of baggy drawstring trousers. Commanding attention! There was no missing Kim Kardashian at the listening party for Babyface's new album Girls Night Out in Hollywood on Wednesday The edgy turtleneck top contained gloved sleeves and hugged every bit of her upper body. Her platinum blonde hair was styled into loose, cascading waves and a pair of sunglasses concealed her eyes throughout the party. A flawless coat of makeup and lip gloss amplified her natural beauty. The reality vet contrasted the look with a tiny yet unmissable silver purse which injected a touch of sparkle to her otherwise edgy ensemble. Throwing shade: Her platinum blonde hair was styled into loose, cascading waves and a pair of sunglasses concealed her eyes throughout the bash Double trouble! Kim posed alongside influencer Olivia Pierson Kim looked like she was having a blast posing with Babyface as she puckered her lips for the camera and flashed a peace sign. Babyface exuded style in a black suit and silver chain necklace. He also wore a large pair of sunnies. The outing comes just as Kim prepares to celebrate her birthday. The reality star is set to turn 42 on October 21. Good vibes only! Kim flashed a peace sign and puckered her lips for the camera Meanwhile, Kim's ex-husband Kanye West is preparing to finally settle their divorce. The Blast reported that Kanye's lawyer has filed a 'declaration of disclosure', a sign that their case is on the verge of coming to a close. According to the documents, Kanye has turned over all of his financial information to his estranged wife's legal team, and has also reached an agreement with her on how to divide their finances and property. Sitting pretty: The ladies shared a seat as they relaxed at the bash Hitting a fashion high note! Babyface exuded style in a black suit and silver chain necklace. He also wore a large pair of sunnies The new developments comes amid Kanye's latest worrying behavior which has reportedly led Kim to distance herself from him, with the pair only communicating via assistants. In terms of their divorce, The Blast writes that: 'Typically, in cases of this kind, the disclosure is filed within days or weeks of the final judgment and settlement being filed.' However, as noted by the outlet, separating couples are capable of settling everything regarding their divorce except for custody of their children, which Kanye may continue fighting over. Kim married Kanye in Florence, Italy in 2014, and welcomed four children with him: daughters North, nine, Chicago, four, and sons Saint, six, and Psalm, three. She ultimately filed to end the marriage in February 2021. Kyle Sandilands has an interesting theory about why there was no winner of Thursday night's Powerball lotto draw. According to The Lott's website, not one punter had all the numbers for the division one prize of $100 million. Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Friday morning, the 51-year-old radio host said he put a hex on the jackpot. Kyle Sandilands had an interesting theory about why there was no winner of Thursday night's Powerball lotto draw during his radio show on Friday 'I think I know the answer,' he began. Kyle explained he 'prayed' for a miracle the night before the numbers were drawn. 'I prayed to Jesus and I went into my own mind. I said, "Dear Jesus, please let me win the free money."' Kyle said he quickly changed his mind about wanting to win because he wanted the prize money to be higher and beat the Australian record holder. According to The Lott's website, not one punter had all the numbers for the division one prize of $100 million Kyle said that he 'prayed' for a miracle that night before the numbers were drawn, before quickly changing his mind about wanting to win 'And then I started arguing with Jesus and I said, "Look, I don't really want $100 million,"' he added. 'If I won it myself if I'll only be this the second highest lotto winner in Australia's history. Some woman won 107 million.' 'I started going, "You know, I can't win the lottery and be the second highest win."' Kyle continued, 'So, I said to Jesus, "Let no one win!"' His co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson explained how she had made a similar call just hours before the draw. Kyle's co-host Jackie O Henderson explained how she had made a similar call last night before the announcement 'Well, I prayed to Jesus too. Isn't that funny?' Jackie said. 'I said, "Jesus, please, please, please, if I win this lotto I promise that I will share a lot of it with charity."' 'Jesus doesn't care about charity!' Kyle interrupted. Jackie added she stayed up late waiting for the winning phone call that never came. 'It just goes to show though, if if people bought that many tickets, you really are more likely to be struck by lightning,' she continued. The next draw will take place next Thursday, October 27 with a $160 million jackpot The radio hosts later asked their colleagues if they had entered Thursday night's lotto, to which newsreader Brooklyn Ross replied he hadn't. 'He's a naysayer, he won't do anything. You didn't speak to Jesus last night either!' Kyle said. There were 15 winners in division two of Thursday night's Powerball, sharing a prize pool of more than $2 million. The next draw will take place next Thursday, October 27 with a $160 million jackpot. During Thursday morning's show, Kyle and Jackie O discussed organising a syndicate amongst their colleagues. 'If I won that, I don't know if I'd be going around telling everyone that,' Jackie O said. She then quickly changed her mind after one of her colleagues said they'd have to share the winnings equally. 'We're in the "rich people already's team" and you guys are in the "never going to have any money to scratch together" team,' Kyle joked. Melanie Griffith made a rare public appearance with her daughter Stella Banderas in Beverly Hills on Thursday. The 65-year-old actress donned a long sleeve white shirt and a pair of pale blue jeans. She walked in gray sandals and black sunglasses. Her 26-year-old daughter, who she shares with Puss in Boots actor Antonio Banderas, wore a low-cut white tank top. Mother-daughter day: Melanie Griffith made a rare public appearance with her daughter Stella Banderas in Beverly Hills on Thursday Low-cut: Her 26-year-old daughter, who she shares with Puss in Boots actor Antonio Banderas, wore a low-cut white tank top She added black slacks, matching open-toed shoes and thin red sunglasses. Her wispy brown hair was tied back into a loose bun. The mother-daughter duo ran errands in the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood Beverly Hills. Griffith gave birth to Stella during her relationship with Banderas, to whom she was married from 1996 to 2015. The Hills: The mother-daughter duo ran errands in the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood Beverly Hills Another famous daughter: The Lolita star has two other children as well: Dakota Johnson, 33, who she shares with Miami Vice star Don Johnson and Alexander Bauer, 37, who she shares with Scarface star Steven Bauer (pictured 2013 with Dakota Johnson) The Lolita star has two other children as well: Dakota Johnson, 33, who she shares with Miami Vice star Don Johnson and Alexander Bauer, 37, who she shares with Scarface star Steven Bauer. Griffith's appearance out came just over a week after she appeared at the Halloween Ends premiere alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Kyle Richards. Melanie was autumnal chic in a simple black turtleneck, which she tucked into a matching long skirt that tightened around her waistline to stress her svelte figure. Movie premiere: Griffith's appearance out came just over a week after she appeared at the Halloween Ends premiere alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Kyle Richards Working together: Antonio Banderas will write and direct the upcoming film Akil which Griffith will star in (pictured 2012 with daughter Stella) Her dirty blonde locks fell in soft waves down the sides of her face as she threw her arm over Richards' shoulder. Though she will not appear in Halloween Ends, Griffith will soon start working on the movie Akil centered on a young boy who flees Africa and takes up residence in an American woman's Spanish home. Antonio Banderas will write and direct the upcoming film. She is preparing for the arrival of her first child. And Heather Rae Young displayed her growing baby bump in a festive yellow dress on Thursday. The Selling Sunset babe, 35, flaunted her blossoming midsection in a photo posted to her Instagram Stories as she posed in a summery frock with plunging neckline. Bumping along just nicely! Heather Rae Young displayed her growing baby bump in a festive yellow dress on Thursday She served a smoldering stare towards the camera, her face accented with fresh lip gloss, bronze blush, and smoky eye shadow. Her blonde hair was swept up and woven into a side braid while large hoop earrings dangled from her lobes and a delicate gold necklace hung around her neck. 'Work Vibes,' she captioned the shot, along with silver and yellow heart emojis and shout-outs to her glam team. Heather is expecting her first child with her husband Tarek El Moussa, and the couple are preparing to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary on October 23. Oh baby! Heather is expecting her first child with her husband Tarek El Moussa, and the couple are preparing to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary on October 23 Over the weekend, Heather paid tribute to her husband ahead of the special occasion. The star shared images from their 2021 wedding and said, 'I cant believe its almost been a year of being husband and wife.' The expectant mom added bride and groom emojis and continued, 'Crazy to think about all the things that can happen in a year.' Romantic: Heather took to Instagram over the weekend to pay tribute to husband Tarek El Moussa ahead of their one-year wedding anniversary An outtake from their wedding day showed the lovebirds kissing passionately as they danced with their arms wrapped around each other. Heather reflected, 'We're now married with another baby El Moussa on the way, happier and more in love than ever.' In the joint post with her real estate mogul beau she said, 'I love this life with you and always tear up a little when I look back on our special day. Engaging with her three million followers on the photo-sharing platform, she noted, 'Maybe I'll do a little roundup of my favorite wedding photos for the week leading up to our wedding anniversary... what do you guys think?' Almost 365 days: The blonde Selling Sunset star, 35, shared images from their October 23 wedding and said, 'I cant believe its almost been a year of being husband and wife' The El Moussas had a small wedding in Montecito, California last year with 150 guests in attendance. Speaking to People, Heather gushed that she and Tarek are 'best friends, we're true soulmates' and that their 'love is so rare and so special.' She continued: 'It's the love I've always dreamed of my whole life.' In agreement with his wife, Tarek told the outlet that he is 'just excited to live this life with her.' 'We've got the two babies, we have a family, and we have a very bright future,' he said, referencing his two children with ex-wife Christina Hall. The former Flip or Flop costars share Taylor, twelve, and Brayden, seven. Over the moon: Heather took to Instagram to share that she and her husband 'felt our baby boy moving for the first time' Heather shares a close relationship with her stepchildren, often gushing about them on social media. Earlier this month she shared an adorable photo of the two, with the pre-teen planting a kiss on her cheek. 'The girl who stole my heart the day I met her,' she wrote. 'I couldnt have asked for a better response from Tay and Bray about our pregnancy, and of course Tay was the very first person to find out.' Precious: Earlier this month Heather shared an adorable photo of the two, with the pre-teen planting a kiss on her cheek In July Heather and Tarek threw a festive gender reveal party and afterward announced that they're expecting a son. In videos shared to social media, the real estate couple launched cannons that showered down blue confetti, confirming that Heather is having a boy. Heather teased the reveal on Instagram as she shared clips from the party with her followers. She stunned in a slinky white dress with a halter neck that was adorned with light feathers. The lovebirds first revealed that they were expecting on July 13, which came after they had struggled with fertility issues. Netflix has quietly added a disclaimer to its marketing for The Crown after a backlash over its blurring of fact and fiction. In an apparent climbdown by the streaming giant, the trailer for the upcoming series of its hit drama is accompanied by the description: 'Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatisation tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal events that shaped her reign.' No trailers for previous series of The Crown on Netflix's YouTube channel have carried such a disclaimer. The Crown's official Twitter account also appears to have been updated in the past month to add the message reminding people it is 'fictional'. Netflix announced its hit drama the Crown would now be accompanied by the description: ''Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatisation tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal events that shaped her reign' The Crown now has a disclaimer on Netflix stating it has been 'inspired by real events' but is a 'fictional dramatisation' Photo taken in 1995 of Diana, Princess of Wales, during her interview with Martin Bashir for the BBC The trailer, featuring Elizabeth Debicki as Diana, shows the late princess sitting down for her infamous 1995 Panorama interview with disgraced ex-BBC journalist Martin Bashir as her voiceover says: 'I won't go quietly.' Netflix has faced a fierce backlash over the latest series, which is set to air on November 9. However, it had, until now, repeatedly resisted calls for it to carry a disclaimer. Actress Dame Judi Dench accused the show of being 'cruelly unjust' and backed calls for a disclaimer. And former prime minister Sir John Major dismissed scenes showing him discussing the Queen's potential abdication with Prince Charles as 'a barrel-load of malicious nonsense'. Dame Judi, 87, who has played Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria, said the series risked damaging the monarchy. The Oscar-winning actress blamed it for 'crude sensationalism' and blurring fact and fiction. The Crown's official Twitter account also appears to have been updated in the past month to add the message reminding people it is 'fictional' In a letter to The Times newspaper yesterday, she called on Netflix to display a disclaimer at the start of each episode to say it is 'fictionalised drama'. She said it would also show respect for the bereavement suffered by the Royal Family and the nation. A Netflix spokesman said: 'The Crown has always been presented as a drama based on historical events. 'Series five is a fictional dramatisation, imagining what could have happened behind closed doors during a significant decade for the Royal Family one that has already been scrutinised and well documented by journalists, biographers and historians.' The Crown has been a huge hit for Netflix. Each episode now costs around 11.5million. Southern Charm personality Naomie Olindo is facing a lawsuit from her ex-business partner Virginia Cox, who accuses her of fraudulent tactics and breaching a contract they held amid Cox's exit from the fashion line they worked on, LAbeye. Olindo, 30, was dishonest and manipulative in her maneuvers in the business; misappropriated funds; and sought to sabotage Cox's future career prospects, Cox said in court docs reviewed by Page Six. In the case which was filed September 19 in Charleston, South Carolina, Cox - who has a background as a retail manager and purchaser - said Olindo offered her a 50 percent stake in the company and co-ownership when she recruited her for the company in 2018. The latest: Southern Charm's Naomie Olindo, 30, is facing a lawsuit from her ex-business partner Virginia Cox, who accuses her of fraudulent tactics and breaching a contract they held. Olindo was pictured last week at Bravocon Cox said she and Olindo went to Los Angeles for meeting with vendors; and worked jointly on the brand's logo, website and promotions ahead of its launch in June 2018. Cox said in legal docs that Olindo received a loan of $50,000 in startup capital from her father, and continually used that as a rationale to not pay her profits from the brand's success. Cox told the court that Olindo also negated the terms of their initial agreement when she had lawyer Brian Collie from the firm Buxton & Collie set up the fashion business as a 'sole member limited liability company,' with Olindo as 'the sole member and owner, which 'effectively and intentionally' stripped her of 'legitimate interests in the business' legally. Cox told the court that Olindo had declared they were partners in multiple interviews, as she had put in hundred of hours to set up the fashion line. The legal dispute stems from Cox's involvement in Olindo's fashion line LAbeye Olindo's legal team said that 'these allegations made by a disgruntled former employee are false and misleading' While Olindo 'took frequent vacations and failed to assist with the operations of LAbeye for weeks at a time,' Cox told the court that she 'worked nearly every day to ensure the success of LAbeye' during her time in the business from early 2018 until May 19, 2022. Cox said in legal docs that she was not paid the proper amount as the 'very successful and profitable' fashion line generated 'significant gross revenue and substantial profit,' as she 'was unaware of the amount of funds that' Olindo, who controlled the businesses finances, was misappropriating. Cox said that Olindo 'terminated' her from the job on May 19, 2022, and stripped her access to all aspects of the company she helped set up. Olindo also sought to sabotage Cox professionally by putting the word out to other companies 'not to hire' her following her ouster from LAbeye, Cox told the court. Cox previously posted an image of herself with Olindo in June of 2019 Cox and Olindo were seen resting in an airport terminal Cox said that Olindo made 'slanderous and defamatory statements' that she had stolen from her, which caused her 'mental pain and suffering, mental anguish, intimidation, embarrassment, and lost income.' Cox has accused Olindo of legal infractions including breach of contract, dissolution of partnership, fraud, and defamation in the suit, in which she is asking for damages accounting for half of LAbeye's' value, in addition to monies for 'consequential damages' as result of Olindo's actions. Olindo's legal team issued a statement to Page Six Thursday, saying, 'Our client does not comment publicly on pending litigation. However, obviously these allegations made by a disgruntled former employee are false and misleading. We will soon be filing a formal response to these allegations that will help to set the record straight.' Lawyers for Cox said that she 'did everything she could to resolve this amicably as between friends, she had no choice but to file this lawsuit when Ms. Olindo refused to recognize her ownership interest in LAbeye. 'Ms. Cox is only asking for what the pair agreed to from the start. She remains hopeful that Ms. Olindo will do the right thing and recognize her as an owner of the business, like Ms. Olindo has consistently done in the past.' 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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 A Kakao-affiliated taxi passes by SK C&C's data center building in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon Both companies about to begin legal battle over compensation for damage By Park Jae-hyuk SK On, the battery manufacturing subsidiary of SK Group, is facing an allegation that a spark from its battery inside SK C&C's data center building in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, caused the worst-ever disruptions in Kakao's digital services last weekend, according to industry officials, Thursday. Kakao CEO Hong Eun-taek said at Wednesday's press conference that a lithium-ion battery in the building's electrical control room caught fire and caused the outage of thousands of Kakao server devices on the upper floor. Hong added that he heard SK On is the manufacturer of the batteries. Before Kakao's press conference, SK C&C had not named the manufacturer of the batteries inside its building. Some members of the National Assembly Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Committee protest the passage of a bill that mandates government purchase of all excess rice with taxpayers' money at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Wednesday. Korea Times file CONGRATS to the Beavercreek High School Marching Band and Color Guard on their recent success at OSU! Beavercreek High School marching band receive highest score at Buckeye Invitational CONGRATULATIONS to the Beavercreek High School Marching Band and Color Guard on their big win at The Ohio State University this past weekend! The Beavercreek High School Marching Band and Color Guard traveled to OSU in Columbus last Saturday to compete in the Buckeye Invitational at the historic Ohio Stadium. The band put on an amazing show in front of thousands, earning them an overall score of 91.84 for "Outstanding Percussion and Outstanding General Effect". Their performance was rewarded with the highest score in the competition. "All season long we have been telling the band "if you work hard, you get better!" and the students have worked incredibly hard this season." Beavercreeks band director, Matt Frost said. "We got better! Receiving the highest score at the OSU invitational is a big deal in the Ohio band world. Scoring that well at this show teaches our students that paying attention to our core values - Discipline, Citizenship, Dedication, Focus, and Unity - really does determine our success. It has been a very successful season!" Frost told us that performing at the Shoe was an incredible experience. The historic stadium was built in 1922, making it 100 years old this year. "It's incredible to walk onto the field knowing the history connected to that space," Frost said. The Buckeye Invitational is an annual high school band competition hosted by The Ohio State University Marching Band and sponsored by the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA). Next up, the band will travel to Indianapolis this Saturday, October 22 to compete in the "Bands of America Super Regional" against more than 80 bands from all over the country. The 2022 season will wrap up at Piqua High School for the Ohio Music Education Association's State Marching Band Finals on Oct 30. What an amazing accomplishment for Beavercreek HS! GO CREEK - and good luck from all of us at Dayton Local for this Saturday! Hyderabad: A division bench of the Telangana High Court has given a last chance to the state government to file a counter affidavit in the writ petition filed by BJP Goshamala MLA T. Raja Singh's wife, challenging his arrest under PD Act. The division bench of Justice Abhishek Reddy and Justice G. Sridevi, hearing the Habeas Corpus petition filed by T.Usha Rani, wife of Raja Singh, challenging the proceedings issued against her husband under the PD Act, has made it clear that if the government does not file the counter-affidavit soon, the orders will be passed. Usha Rani, through her counsel former MLC and advocate Ramchander Rao, contended in the petition that there is no valid ground or reason for invoking the PD Act against her husband, and she objected to police charging Raja Singh as a "goonda" under the provisions of the Telangana Prevention of bootleggers, dacoits, drug offenders, immoral trafficking offenders, and Land Grabbers Act, despite the fact that he was not involved in any such offences or cases registered. Mujeeb Kumar Sadasivuni, special government pleader, informed the court that a 1,650-page counter-affidavit had been sent to the government for signatures and requested time until next Friday. He also informed the court that Raja Singh was involved in up to 100 cases, with him being the main accused in 16 of them. According to Section 3(2) of the PD Act, the government has three months after the advisory board's opinion on whether the detainee should be kept behind bars or not, according to the counsel. The court adjourned the petition to October 28, directing the State to file its response. Rains struck many parts of the city, leaving residential colonies waterlogged (P Surendra/DC Representational Image) HYDERABAD: Rains struck many parts of the city on Wednesday, leaving residential colonies waterlogged, roads muddy and sewage lines overflowing. Abids, Amberpet, Charminar, Saroornagar, Dilsukhnagar, Hayathnagar, LB Nagar, Vanasthalipuram, Gurrumguda, Miyapur, Mehdipatnam, Retibowli, Malakpet received a short burst of rainfall. Sewage water overflowed at Railway Officers Colony in Botiguda. Roads in the Zaminstapur area were filled with potholes after being exposed to city rains. Rain-hit residents took to social media to express their plight. Mud-filled roads in Bowenpally that were washed away spoke of ill-maintained city roads. Residents in Shaikpet said even 10 minutes of rain left the roads flooded with drainage water. A picture of the waterlogged Barkatpura bus depot at RTC Colony in Kachiguda made the rounds on social media. A driver and two labourers were reported to be stuck in water at the Shamshabad underpass at Exit No. 15. Traffic police could rescue three persons but the lorry was submerged. Dayara Market Yakutpura, Nacharam, Prashantnagar, Kattedan, Trimulgherry, Langer Houz, Golconda, and Nandinagar experienced power cuts. Weather report IMD says a cyclonic circulation over the north Andaman sea could intensify, bring rain. Hayathnagar recorded 15.8 mm rainfall, Saroornagar 14.3 mm, Sivarampally at 10.8 mm. Mahbubnagar dist received 43.0 mm rain, Vikarabad 33.8 mm and Kumaram Bheem 32.5 mm. TIRUPATI: Tomato growers of Chittoor district are facing losses due to the banned Jackpot system adopted by greedy middlemen. Jackpot has been prevalent in erstwhile Chittoor district since past three decades. Under the system, tomato producers bring 10 boxes of product weighing 30 kg each. Middlemen pay them for nine boxes and take away the tenth box for free. However, this is in addition to extra commission, ranging from 410 percent charged by middlemen. The system is prevalent in Madanapalle, Punganur and Gurramkonda mandals, putting the farmers to a disadvantage. Combined Chittoor district is popular for cultivation of tomatoes. However, as farmers cannot retail their produce, they often sell their harvest in wholesale markets at prices controlled by middlemen. Taking advantage of the fact that tomatoes are highly perishable and cannot last long without preservation and refrigeration, middlemen form a syndicate and buy the product from vulnerable farmers at a lesser price. They then sell the tomatoes to retailers at a higher price, making a profit. Why cant farmers sell their produce directly? Farmer P. Nayak, who used to sell his produce in Gurramkonda tomato market, said: We cannot sit with the produce the whole day, while traders do. We have other work as well. I am a television mechanic. I have to be present at my shop in the nearby town and repair TVs after my farm work. According to trade sources, middlemen or commission agents make 4060 profit on tomatoes purchased from farmers. Another farmer from Punganur region said: "Government had in the past banned jackpot system at tomato markets in the district. It wanted to introduce a farmer-friendly marketing system with affordable commission rates. But the jackpot system has recently made a comeback, making us victims of cunning brokers." An apartment construction site in Seoul / Yonhap By Park Jae-hyuk Domestic builders are facing growing concerns over the possibility of a series of bankruptcies amid worsening investor sentiment in the wake of the recent slump in the real estate market, according to industry officials, Thursday. Late last month, Wooseok Construction, a medium-sized builder based in South Chungcheong Province, failed to repay its debt in time. If the company fails to make the payment again, it will be forced into bankruptcy. The builder's financial risk is mainly attributed to soaring raw material prices, so most other provincial builders are also feared to follow Wooseok, given that they sought rapid expansions when the real estate market was overheating. Data provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to Rep. Kim Byung-wook of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea showed that eight builders went bankrupt during the first seven months of this year. Among them was a large-size builder that had been paid over 50 billion won ($35 million) for its construction works during the previous year. According to the data, 12 construction firms went broke last year and none of them were paid over 50 billion won for their works a year earlier. "If builders go bankrupt one after another amid fears of a perfect storm, there will be a vicious cycle of a rising unemployment rate and the economic recession," Rep. Kim said. "The Financial Services Commission and the land ministry should take measures to prevent builders from going broke." After Lotte E&C announced on Tuesday that it decided to issue new shares worth 200 billion won, concerns have even emerged over the financial soundness of larger builders. A rumor even spread among securities industry officials earlier this week that Lotte E&C's financial difficulties caused a setback in the fundraising of its affiliate, Lotte Capital, although both companies denied the rumor. "In collaboration with the group and affiliates, we have maintained a stable financial structure," Lotte E&C said in a press release. Korea Investment & Securities analyst Kang Kyung-tae supported the claim, saying that it is inappropriate to forecast a large builder's possible bankruptcy at this moment. "All possible negative factors regarding the construction industry have been reflected in their stock prices," the analyst said. HYDERABAD: With Mission Bhagiratha remaining a distant dream for Choutuppal municipality, the residents are forced to buy water cans for drinking purposes. As the ground water remains polluted because of local factories amid fears of fluorosis, its a common sight at the local government hospitals to see patients with complaints of joint pains and allergies. The locals lament that they are receiving municipal water once every four or five days and use them as non-potable. They are forced to spend Rs 10 for a water can. There is no Mission Bhagiratha here. Everyone buys water cans. We suffer from joint pains ostensibly caused by nearby companies and factories that are polluting groundwater. Even the smell that emanates is unbearable, said K. Swathi, a resident of Cherukubai locality. Another resident, K. Pujitha felt that the factories to make up for the criminal acts by offering small incentives to locals with supply of stationary kits and malted beverage drinks. This issue of groundwater pollution has been long prevalent. Our protests are silenced by them one way or the other, she rued. K. Somaiah from Lakkaram regularly takes his parents to the local government hospital. They are completely dependent on pills. My parents are frequent visitors to the hospital as they are unable to bear the joint pains, he said. Meanwhile, doctors in a local government hospital said that they remain busy attending to 150 such cases every day. This area is known dubiously for fluorosis. Around 60 to 70 factories that exist in Choutuppal and surrounding areas are blamed. There is a need for a scientific study to find out the causes of groundwater pollution. Age could be a possible factor and so also fluorosis for arthritis and joint pains. Unlike diabetes and hypertension, the ailments due to water pollution cannot be measured, explained a doctor working for a local government hospital, seeking anonymity. The road roller is one of the eight symbols which the TRS has urged the EC to delete from the list of 'free symbols' (Representational image: PTI) HYDERABAD: The Election Commission of India sent an official from Delhi to Hyderabad on Wednesday to inquire into the complaint lodged by one E. Shiva Kumar contesting the Munugode Assembly bypoll on behalf of the Yuga Thulasi Party. Shiva Kumar complained that the EC officials in Telangana had colluded with the TRS and allotted him "Baby Walker" symbol although he had got the "road roller' symbol in the draw of lots conducted by the returning officer in Munugode on Monday. The road roller is one of the eight symbols which the TRS has urged the EC to delete from the list of 'free symbols' that is allotted to unrecognised parties and Independent candidates, arguing that they resemble the TRS car symbol and confuse voters. Deputy Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey enquired into the complaint by holding a meeting with Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj and district election officer, Nalgonda, and returning officer. The EC official is expected to submit a report to EC on Thursday. Meanwhile, speaking to media on Wednesday, Shiva Kumar alleged that the TRS had bribed the officer and got his symbol changed illegally. He said that he would move a lunch motion petition in Telangana High Court on this issue. Shiv Kumar said he would not rest till he is allotted the road roller symbol or the bypoll is cancelled. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has called upon the YSRCP cadre to prepare the party from village level for the next elections due in a space of no more than 19 months. DC File Image VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has called upon the YSRCP cadre to prepare the party from village level for the next elections due in a space of no more than 19 months. The chief minister conducted a review meeting here on Wednesday with YSRC cadres of Addanki assembly constituency, where the seat was won by Telugu Desam in the 2019 elections. He interacted with the leaders and cadres. He said there existed a negative wave against Telugu Desam in Addanki and the party cadre should take advantage of this. A sum of Rs 1,081 crore was disbursed under various welfare schemes in this constituency in the last three years, benefiting 93, 124 families. Some 6382 houses were allotted to the homeless in the constituency, land pattas were given to 9368 persons and ration cards sanctioned to 47123 families. Referring to the Gadapa Gadapaku (governance at doorstep) programme undertaken by the party, the chief minister said party cadre should go ahead with the programme as a team, explaining the welfare schemes and trying to solve the issues raised by people. Terming the programme unique and unprecedented, he said nowhere in the country did any other political party take up such a programme two years ahead of the elections. He referred to the grant of Rs 20 lakh to every village secretariat, which brought about revolutionary changes in the rural ambience in the shape of RBKs boosting up the rural economy. The CM said, Local leaders and cadres should make use of the opportunity and stand united like a family to enable us win 175 out of 175 seats in the next elections. With 87 per cent of the families benefiting from our welfare schemes in every village, a majority of the people in each village are favourably disposed to the YSRC and a majority of the people in every constituency will favour our party. Making it clear that he is doing his duty as CM, he said it was their turn to do their duty and ensure victory for the YSRC in all constituencies and repeat everywhere what we have gained in Kuppam. HYDERABAD: Speculations are rife about the ensuing visit of Rahul Gandhi to the city, especially with regard to visiting the famed Bhagyalakshmi temple in Charminar. Incidentally, this temple is frequented by Union leaders from BJP. Though Congress leaders asserted that Gandhi would visit the temple, the move has been stopped. Gandhis Bharath Jodo Yatra is expected to touch the Old City on November 1. The yatra has invigorated the Congress cadre and also has increased the curiosity of traditional voters. According to Aamer Javeed, vice-president of Telangana Youth Congress, who is also in the yatras cultural committee, initially our leader was scheduled to visit various religious places. The plan has changed. He was supposed to visit Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha in Afzalgunj, Bhagyalaxmi temple, Yousufain dargah at Nampally and St Josephs Cathedral in Gunfoundry. The plan was changed because the leader wants to spend more time with the general public and hear their grievances. Do a majority of Indians remember the October 1962 damage which dictator Mao Zedongs Communist Party of China (CPC) and its militia Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) inflicted on New Delhis sovereignty, diplomacy and defence? Sixty years have passed. Has anything really changed for better, or for worse? A few landmark events reflect the harsh reality. The Dragon, regrettably, is still on top as India struggles with present-day CPC dictator Xi Jinpings multi-front assault. India is being harassed from all angles and its diplomacy and defence moving from one front to another, both internal and external. The Dragon is determined to impose its ill will with congenital deception, deceit, duplicity. With Xi Jinping anointed as a re-incarnation of Mao, the CPCs founder supremo, a relook at his malevolence and perfidy (as rightly diagnosed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in his famous November 8, 1950 letter) will give a clearer picture of what awaits Indias future at the hands of the CPCs current core lifetime emperor. After Indias crushing defeat in the battlefield in 1962, the CPC supremos brigade of politico-military guards set Northeast India on fire by creating several liberation armies, fully armed, trained and funded by the Red Chinese to pin India down to its own backyard. The message was clear: Stay put at home, allow the Hans to gallop the globe. The next salvo was fired on May 24, 1967 at Naxalbari, a small hamlet in northern West Bengal, bordering Nepal and a stones throw from what was then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), and just hours by road from Chinese territory. The CPC-PLA had penetrated deep into the relatively industrialised state of West Bengal to strike at New Delhis hinterland with the hard-line violent Marx-Lenin-Mao doctrine of the Naxalites. Mao, after fanning the stormy Cultural Revolution, the fundamentals of which were to castigate, criticise and abuse all Chinese predecessors, unleashed a reign of terror through gangs and goons, known as the Red Guards, who pounced like mad dogs to spit, slit and slap Indian envoys (such as K. Raghunath and V. Pillai) in broad daylight in Beijing. To rub India in the worst possible way, Mao also held an 80-minute meeting in Beijing with a group of Naxal leaders in December 1967. The Dragons dictator was pushing for a peoples revolution in India, using surprise attacks to seize weapons from policemen, and to annihilate small groups of policemen at different locations. Maos ideological gospel of violence ran thus: India should rely on workers, farmers to solve problems. We (proletariat) dont rely on Gandhi and Nehru to solve problems. The Mao-controlled CPC-PLA gang loved interfering in the internal affairs of foreign countries; especially those which were target countries much as Xi Jinping continue to do so today, as evidenced in Ladakh two years ago, no matter what the barbs emanating from the Great Hall of the People in Beijing this week targeted at the West, in relation to Taiwan! India undeniably fell under the CPC-PLA radar from the very beginning and theres absolutely no reason to believe it is any different today. The Hans injected the poison deep into the Indian heartland. One of Maos most diabolical acts was to use Chinas Kathmandu embassy to distribute money to Indian renegades, giving a clear signal that along with India, Nepal too stands as one of the principal targets of the CPC-PLA for expansion, destruction and subjugation through any means, fair or foul. It was clear to Beijing that without breaking Nepals traditional links with India, it wouldnt be possible for the CPC-PLA to expand its footprint in South Asia. Over five decades have passed. Has China sobered down, and become more civilised in its behaviour? Unfortunately, Xi Jinping, who is all set to inherit Maos mantle as core leader, is even more aggressive, and his uncouth wolf warrior diplomats are spreading division, hatred, lies and utter falsehoods, particularly in this region. The Chinese ambassador in New Delhi says that Indias border with Tibet (usurped by China) has now moved to normalised management, a clear indication that the CPC-PLA will stick to their positions in eastern Ladakh, and have no intention to vacate Indian territory they usurped in 2020. For the Dragon, any talk of reverting to the pre-May 2020 status quo ante is dead. The ambassador says: China is willing to continue with the dialogue through diplomatic/military channels for a peaceful solution of border issues. What he is really saying is: Forget your Galwan casualties. The area now belongs to us (China). Just move on, do business and allow China to make one-way profits. The annual bilateral trade, incidentally, amounted to $130 billion last year, with one-way profit of $85 billion for Beijing. But the Indian trading class did not do too badly either, selling cheap Chinese goods in this country. While China has started issuing visas to a few Indian students to return to their classes in that country, there are many thousands waiting, and it is unlikely that many of the 25,000 students left in the lurch will be able to go back. The Chinese always do things according to their convenience, and not because of any other compulsions. The CPC-PLA have been tasting Indian blood for over 60 years, and sadly now there are many Indians who rely on the China trade even if it compromises Indias sovereignty. Taking advantage of the India-Bangladesh water-sharing discussion, the Dragons wolf-warrior in Dhaka has promised to splurge over $1 billion that will lead to irreversible damage in the sub-Himalayan land to ensure establishing its strategic hegemony to peril all in sub-Himalayas. The Dragon todays trying to pin India down on the same terrain adjacent to Naxalbari, where the fire ignited by the CPC in May 1967 engulfed eastern India for more than 15 years. As India completes six decades of the ignominious defeat, political humiliation and loss of sovereignty inflicted by the CPC-PLA, the situation today is far grimmer, with China systematically trying to decimate Indias economy and defence sector, and giving aid, encouragement and refuge to insurgents of all descriptions, especially in Indias Northeast. The CPCs hostility is endless. In 1967 it took Indias Communist Terrorists (CT) to Maos durbar in order to harm Delhi. In 2022, the CPC took a section of Indias Capitalist Traders (CT) to Beijing to assault Delhis economics from within. One can only hope New Delhi makes a course correction, without further delay, and doesnt get taken in by the Middle Kingdom Maoists charm offensive of perfidy and malevolence as Sardar Patel had warned us over 70 years ago. The annual conference of principal secretaries of states and Union territories held recently had one theme that overrode other discussions on administration and administrative reforms-related work. Union minister of state for personnel Jitendra Singh asked the states to spare more IAS, IPS and IFoS officers for Central deputation, which has become a major issue in recent months. And as 2024 approaches, the Modi Sarkar is hastening to address gaps in governance. Mr Singh is now trying to urge babus to overcome their reluctance to serve at the Centre. The Union government has been facing a shortage of IAS officers and to tide over the crisis, it even tweaked the rules in 2021, which said that state government permission is not necessary for a posting at the Centre. But clearly, that carrot has not worked, with even babus from the BJP-ruled states, preferring to keep their distance from Delhi. Meanwhile, reportedly, the Centre has to confront a shortage of 1,472 IAS officers and 864 IPS officers. Clearly, the periodic pep talks and admonitions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Singh to the babus have failed to instil the perception in the states and UTs that a Central posting is desirable for upward career mobility. Until the Centre solves this conundrum, it will continue to suffer from deputation blues. Andhra Pradesh tells senior babus to show your face Fingerprint scanning is passe. Facial recognition is now the next step in recognising the identity of employees. The Andhra Pradesh government has reportedly made facial attendance mandatory for senior IAS officers of the state. Those in the secretary rank and work in the state secretariat may soon be required to face a camera and mark their attendance. Sources have informed DKB that the Jagan Reddy government has prescribed this new standard operating procedure to mark the daily attendance of the secretary, principal secretary and special chief secretary-rank IAS officers. As far as DKB can tell, while fingerprint scanning is prevalent in some states, this is a first-of-its-kind system for senior babus in the country. The government has bought a facial recognition system mobile application with geographical information system tagging to mark the daily attendance of these very senior babus. For now, this system has been implemented in the secretariat, but it will soon be rolled out to cover other IAS officers as well. Apparently, the system has been in the works for more than a year, sources say. Chief secretary Sameer Sharma has been issuing frequent instructions, on the directions of chief minister Jagan Reddy, asking special chief secretaries, principal secretaries and secretaries of all departments to get organised and make things effective. Intrusive or just sensible? And what next, some wonder. Iris scanners? Low-key but powerful, the babus of PMO Even if it is not formally mandated, Narendra Modis PMO is the focal point, controlling all decision-making of the Modi Sarkar. Even the ministries have either conceded their domain or the PMO has simply overridden their decision-making authority, in most cases. Naturally, the men and women who comprise todays PMO invite a lot of interest. For those who want to know how the Prime Minister manages to look at so many decisions on a continuous basis, perhaps a look at the structure below the Big Three is the obvious thing to do. While many of the high-profile names who made waves during Narendra Modis first tenure have moved out of the PMO, the current lot carefully handpicked by Mr Modi now spearheads his flagship programmes and lends their expertise to their given responsibilities. At the top of this select group is P.K. Mishra, now principal secretary to the PM, who has continued his association with the PM since the Gujarat days and accompanied Mr Modi to the PMO in 2014. Besides him, two other senior advisors in the PMO are retired IAS officers Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor. Besides them are four additional secretaries, three joint secretaries, two private secretaries, 10 directors and four officers on special duty, drawn from all services including the IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS. Interestingly, there is one woman officer Punya Salila Srivastava, who was inducted last year. She oversees social and welfare programmes and is in charge of the various announcements made by the PM. It is this team that Mr Modi relies on most for the implementation of government policy. It is these low-profile babus who are pulling the strings behind the scenes. Lufthansa's Frankfurt-Bengaluru flight that was diverted on Tuesday to Istanbul due to a medical emergency landed at the Kempegowda International Airport on Thursday afternoon after over 45-hour delay. Passengers, including senior citizens and infants, were stranded at Istanbul airport with "no assistance from the airlines". #LH754 13:50 IST Update: Landed in BLR with no problems. Immigration and baggage next, hopefully is not a problem. @lufthansa we still expect a detailed report as to why this happened this way, what is being done to avoid it in the future, and how we will be compensated. pic.twitter.com/VagZJ0Gaax Lochan Appannah (@LuzingMyMind) October 20, 2022 Lufthansa in a statement had said that after the emergency, used oxygen cylinders had to be replaced, which took more time than expected. "There were mothers travelling alone with the infants, elderly couples who cant walk, dont understand or talk in English or Kannada. There were people with no access to their medicines," Sowbhagyalakshmi, a stranded passenger, told DH. "There was no official communication from Lufthansa for almost 30 hours. There were some officials walking around saying that it is a technical issue. Timings of the revised flights were not communicated to the passengers either, which led to confusion," she said. Flight LH 754 took off from Frankfurt at 1.05 pm on Tuesday, expected to reach India the next day at 1.25 am. It had to land less than an hour after it took off, at 2 pm, in Istanbul due to the emergency. @lufthansa worst ever service from Lufthansa, stranded in Istanbul airport for 18+ hours..elderly people, babies..everyone struggling ! You promised hotels, quick resolution..but NOTHING! #emergency LH754 pic.twitter.com/mVSDfAIryX Jibin John (@jibinjohn) October 19, 2022 Can't believe how @lufthansa takes Indian customers for granted. My Frnkfurt-Blore flight landed last evening 7pm in Istanbul for medical emergency. 17 hours later - no hotel, no staff, no explanation, 300 passengers stranded, no info whatsoever. @AmbAckermann @GermanCG_BLR Ricky Kej (@rickykej) October 19, 2022 27 hours -still stranded in Istanbul Airport. @lufthansa airline obviously suffering from existential Crisis. Being called Racists, complacent, incapable, indifferent, evil, while 380 passengers - mainly Indian, are treated as homeless. No hotel, no lounge, no access to luggage. pic.twitter.com/XFJBfUKvdq Ricky Kej (@rickykej) October 19, 2022 Passengers were fuming as the airline reportedly promised them hotel rooms and a quick resolution to the problem, none of which materialised. Many took to Twitter to slam the airline's poor management. Heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning, pounded Bengaluru on Wednesday night, causing waterlogging on roads, power outage, damage to road infrastructure and traffic jams. The thunderstorm was the most severe in the citys central, eastern and southeastern areas in what has already turned out to be the wettest year on record. Between 8.30 pm and 11.30 pm, Bengaluru city received 54.5 mm of rainfall and HAL airport 71.2 mm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Bengaluru has received twice the normal rainfall this season, which commenced on October 1. The city observatory recorded 305.5 mm of rainfall until 11.30 pm this month, more than double the average of 132 mm. The HAL airport has received 284.2 mm, more than three times the average of 92 mm. Roads were the first casualty of the torrential rainfall. The BBMP control room received complaints of waterlogging from the railway underpass near Seshadripuram, Freedom Park and Banaswadi, an official said. At least one tree has also fallen near Aiyappa Temple in Banaswadi. Waterlogging was also reported from the Outer Ring Road, between Mahadevapura and Marathahalli, Koramangala, Indiranagar and KH (Double) Road among other areas. The rains were so intense that commuters carrying umbrellas were also stranded at bus and metro stations. Many vehicles were trapped in waterlogged railway underpasses. Parts of Namma Metros retaining wall near Seshadripuram collapsed due to the heavy rainfall. Residents also complained of power cuts in many localities. The IMD has issued a yellow alert (meaning heavy rainfall) for Bengaluru Urban and Rural until Thursday. China on Wednesday put a hold on a proposal by India and the US at the United Nations to blacklist Pakistan-based militant Hafiz Talah Saeed, the son of Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, in the second such move within two days. Hafiz Talha Saeed, 46, is a key leader of the dreaded terrorist group LeT and the son of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In April this year, he had been declared a terrorist by the Indian government. It is learnt that China placed the hold on the proposal to add Hafiz Talah Saeed under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. It is the second time in less than two days that Beijing put a hold on the bid submitted by India and the US to designate a Pakistan-based terrorist as a global terrorist. Read | China puts hold on proposal by India, US at UN to list LeT's Shahid Mahmood as global terrorist In a notification, India's Home Ministry had said that Hafiz Talha Saeed has been actively involved in recruitment, fund collection, and planning and executing attacks by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in India and Indian interests in Afghanistan. He has also been actively visiting various LeT centres across Pakistan, and during his sermons propagating for jihad against India, Israel, the United States of America and Indian interests in other western countries, it had stated. Hafiz Talha Saeed is a senior leader of the LeT and is the head of the cleric wing of the terrorist organisation. China on Tuesday put a hold on a proposal by India and the US at the United Nations to list Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Shahid Mahmood as a global terrorist. Beijing placed a hold on the proposal by India and the US to designate Mahmood, 42, as a global terrorist under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. The US Department of Treasury had designated Mahmood as well as another LeT leader Muhammad Sarwar in December 2016 as part of the action to disrupt LeT's fundraising and support networks. According to information on the US Department of the Treasurys website, Mahmood has been a longstanding senior LeT member based in Karachi, Pakistan, and has been affiliated with the group since at least 2007. As early as June 2015 through at least June 2016, Mahmood served as the vice chairman of Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), a humanitarian and fundraising arm of LeT. In 2014, Mahmood was the leader of FIF in Karachi. In August 2013, Mahmood was identified as a LeT publications wing member, the website said. Mahmood was previously part of LeTs overseas operations team led by Sajjid Mir.Additionally, in August 2013, Mahmood was instructed to forge covert links with Islamic organizations in Bangladesh and Burma, and as of late 2011, Mahmood claimed that LeTs primary concern should be attacking India and America, the US Department of Treasury said. This is the fifth time in four months that China has put a hold on listing proposals to designate Pakistan-based terrorists under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee regime. In June this year, China put a hold, at the last moment, on a joint proposal by India and the US to blacklist Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki under the 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. Makki is a US-designated terrorist and brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed. New Delhi and Washington had put in a joint proposal to designate Makki as a global terrorist under the 1267 ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council but Beijing placed a hold on this proposal at the last minute. Then in August, China again put a hold on a proposal by the US and India to blacklist Abdul Rauf Azhar, the senior leader of Pakistan-based terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM). Azhar, born in 1974 in Pakistan, had been sanctioned by the US in December 2010. C The US Department of Treasury had in December 2010 designated Abdul Rauf Azhar for acting for or on behalf of JEM." The US said as a senior leader of JeM, Abdul Rauf Azhar has urged Pakistanis to engage in militant activities. He has served as JEM's acting leader in 2007, as one of JEM's most senior commanders in India, and as JEM's intelligence coordinator. In 2008 Azhar was assigned to organise suicide attacks in India. He was also involved with JEM's political wing and has served as a JEM official involved with training camps. In September, Beijing put a hold on a proposal moved at the United Nations by the US and co-supported by India to designate Lashkar-e-Tayyiba terrorist Sajid Mir, wanted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, as a global terrorist. Mir is one of India's most wanted terrorists and has a bounty of USD5 million placed on his head by the US for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. In June this year, he was jailed for over 15 years in a terror-financing case by an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan, which is struggling to exit the grey list of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistani authorities had in the past claimed Mir had died, but Western countries remained unconvinced and demanded proof of his death. This issue became a major sticking point in FATF's assessment of Pakistan's progress on the action plan late last year. Mir is a senior member of the Pakistan-based LeT and is wanted for his involvement in the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Mir was LeTs operations manager for the attacks, playing a leading role in their planning, preparation, and execution, the US State Department has said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in his address to the high-level UN General Assembly session in September had said that "The United Nations responds to terrorism by sanctioning its perpetrators". "Those who politicise the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime, sometimes even to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists, do so at their own peril. Believe me, they advance neither their own interests nor indeed their reputation," he had said. Amid repeated holds on proposals to designate terrorists under the UN sanctions regime, Jaishankar had told reporters here last month that terrorism should not be used as a political tool and the idea that something is blocked without assigning a reason challenges common sense. We do believe that in any process, if any party is taking a decision, they need to be transparent about it. So the idea that something is blocked without assigning a reason, it sort of challenges common sense, Jaishankar had said in New York in response to a question by PTI on the issue of repeated holds and blocks on proposals to list terrorists under the UN sanctions regime. Earlier also, China, an all-weather friend of Islamabad, has placed holds and blocks on bids by India and its allies to list Pakistan-based terrorists. In May 2019, India won a huge diplomatic win at the UN when the global body designated Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist, a decade after New Delhi had first approached the world body on the issue. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold". NATO allies will act if Sweden or Finland come under pressure from Russia or another adversary before they become full members of the alliance, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday. Also Read What Putin's martial law in 4 annexed Ukraine regions mean "It is inconceivable that allies would not act should Sweden and Finland come under any form of pressure," Stoltenberg said at a news conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Prosecutors on Thursday raided software maker Hancom and the home of its chairperson, Kim Sang-chul, on suspicions he manipulated the price of the firm's cryptocurrency Arowana and created slush funds, officials said. The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Station sent investigators to Hancom's headquarters in the city of Seongnam, just south of Seoul, and Kim's house to confiscate documents and digital records related to the cryptocurrency, according to police officials. Kim has been facing charges, including embezzlement, over allegations that he created slush funds via Arowana, a Bithumb-listed cryptocurrency, where Hancom With, Hancom's blockchain arm, holds shares. Market manipulation allegations were raised against him after the price of Arowana shot up to 53,800 won ($37.56) from its starting price of 50 won in the first 30 seconds upon its debut on the Bithumb digital asset trading platform in April last year. Hancom has denied such allegations. (Yonhap) Twenty years ago, when a consumer bought groceries or consumer durables in India, he either paid cash or gave a cheque or a Demand Draft to the merchant. Today, he has multiple payment options. He can make the payment by scanning a QR (quick response) code or transfer money to the merchant using his phone number; he can swipe or wave a credit or debit card through the Point of sale (PoS) machine with the merchant; he can also use prepaid instruments like electronic wallets. There are other modes of transfer of money, too. For repetitive payments like payment of salaries, life insurance premium, Systematic Investment Plan, and loan EMIs, individuals and corporates can use the National Automated Clearing House (NACH) credit or debit service. For large value transactions above Rs 2 lakh, there is Real-time Gross Settlement (RTGS). There is also the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) or Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) modes. Also Read: UPI payment crosses Rs 11 lakh crore milestone in September In all these payment systems, the transfer of money from the remitter to the beneficiary is in real-time, and instantaneous. The payment system is growing at a frenetic pace, with thousands of transactions happening every second and millions of new users joining the system every month. Digital transactions have spiked both in terms of volume and value over the last decade. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2022, recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while lauding the evolution of payment systems in India, said that countries such as Singapore, Bhutan, France and others had shown interest in Indias payment system. She said that UPI (Universal Payment Interface) had clocked transactions worth $940 billion in 2021, equivalent to 30% of Indias GDP, and it has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 160% in value terms, eclipsing all other payment forms since its launch five years ago. In the last decade, India has witnessed exponential growth in payment systems, resulting in a paradigm shift in customer behaviour from cash to digital payments. The pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020 accelerated this process. Today, a villager finds it easier and more convenient to transfer money through his phone than to write a cheque! Banks today dont merely accept deposits for the purpose of lending but facilitate the payment and settlement system. Banks have evolved from brick-and-mortar banks to branchless banks. The Reserve Bank of India, while tracing the journey of the payment system in India from 2010 to 2020 in its booklet published in 2021, says that the shift in payment preference in the last 10 years is evidenced by the fact that the volume of paper clearing, which comprised 60% of total retail payments in the financial year (FY) 2010-11, shrunk to 3% in the FY2019-20. Payment systems have always been regarded as a public good and an ancillary activity of banks that can be leveraged as a base to provide various other services. Throughout this journey, the Reserve Bank, recognising the fact that payment systems are the lifeline of an economy and a means to achieve financial inclusion, has played the role of a catalyst and a regulator in achieving its objective of developing and promoting a safe, secure, affordable, and efficient payment system, as envisaged in the Payment and Settlement Systems Vision 2021 document. Institutions like the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI, which was formed in 2009 to integrate all the payment mechanisms in India and which developed UPI) have been instrumental in building a robust payment system. The move toward digital payment systems has also boosted the direct tax collections of the government in recent years. The government abolished the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on transactions using RuPay debit cards and UPI from Jan 2020. While around five million merchants accept digital payments through a point-of-sale machine, nearly 50 million merchants accept payments via UPI by means of the QR code. The government has promised to compensate banks for the costs incurred by them to maintain this infrastructure, estimated to cost over Rs 5,000 crore. Notwithstanding the criticism of skeptics who will keep talking about the vulnerability of gullible customers to cyber frauds in digital transactions, payment systems have come of age in India. However, the government needs to address the issue of convenience fee that consumers pay while making payments online to book a flight, train, or movie ticket or for making utility bill payments. After all, the government wants to discourage cash payments and promote -- not penalise -- digital payments! (The writer is a former banker and currently teaches at Manipal Academy of Global Education, Bengaluru) Released: October 20, 2022 Delaware County is joining with communities across the nation to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary on July 4, 2026 and encouraging all County residents to sign up to be a part of the planning process for this historic celebration. The County has formed a new committee to lead the planning process, which will include events from now through the country's July 4, 2026, semi-quincentennial and running until the end of that year. Delco's effort is part of the national plan to celebrate the country's major milestone birthday and follows last summer's approval of a Resolution supporting the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States semi-quincentennial (America250PA) by County Council. Pennsylvania, as the location where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, and our Constitution was approved, plays a central role in the upcoming celebration. And Delaware County has a special role in celebrating the country's founding. In addition to being the site of critical battles in the Revolutionary War, Delco is where William Penn first landed in Pennsylvania in 1682 and is widely celebrated as Where Pennsylvania Began. The new planning committee will work with national, state, and local leaders and volunteers to plan a celebration worthy of our great country. The committee will work to promote Delaware County and its history to its residents and to all of the visitors who will be coming to the area in the coming years. It will engage Delaware County residents by providing and supporting experiences that ignite imaginations, elevate diverse stories, inspire service, and highlight the founding of America and 250 years of American history through Delcos unique lens. All Delaware County residents, business owners, and workers are encouraged to help celebrate America's 250th birthday by becoming involved with the planning process and/or attending some of the exciting events being planned. Delaware County's America250 Committee will meet every month, and sub-committees meet monthly or as needed. All levels of involvement are welcome. To find out more, visit https://www.america250padelco.org Released: October 20, 2022 Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, and members of Delaware County Council gathered today to provide a progress report on the work of the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods (CPSN) in curbing gun violence in the city. District Attorney Stollsteimer announced that Over the past two years, as a result of the work of my office, the Mayors office, the Chester Police Department, and Delaware County Council with unwavering support from our partners Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon CPSN has continued to have an extraordinary impact on the level of gun violence in the City of Chester. A few of the highlights include: There has been a 59.7% decrease in non-fatal shootings since 2019; There has been a 60% decrease in gun violence homicides since 2020; and There has been a 55% decrease in gun violence incidents since 2019. The DA stated that the progress that has been made in reducing gun violence in Chester is making a difference every day in the lives of City residents and we would not have achieved these results without the support of all of our partners. We are particularly grateful to General Shapiro and Congresswoman Scanlon for their support of our efforts to obtain a $2 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to continue and to expand the work of CPSN. The Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods is an example of the positive impact that a focused, intelligence-based enforcement approach can have on a community. I commend the great work being done by District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and the people of Delaware County to reduce the gun violence that puts our neighborhoods and public safety at risk. There is still more work to be done, and together, through programs like this, we will make our communities safer for all who live there, said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Everyone deserves to live in a safe community, said Rep. Scanlon. Ive worked hard in Congress to deliver the resources critical to making community safety a reality. Im proud to work with District Attorney Stollsteimer and the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods to bring evidence-based solutions to prevent crime and help restore safety in our neighborhoods. While many offer nothing but meaningless rhetoric about being tough on crime, the DAs office and the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods are doing the actual hard work of keeping guns out of the hands of those who shouldnt have them and addressing the root causes of violence by connecting individuals to opportunities such as meaningful employment, educational programs, and appropriate mental health care. In October of 2020 the District Attorney launched CPSN, which is a deterrence-based program aimed at reducing gun violence premised on a data-driven model developed by Swarthmore College alum David Kennedy. The program, similar to ones implemented years ago in Boston and Philadelphia, works on a carrot and stick approach that begins by calling in influential people involved in crime, explaining that law enforcement knows who they are what they are responsible for, and giving them the ultimatum: If you let us, we will help you; if you make us, we will stop you. The help may come in ways big and small, from simply getting a suspended license reinstated, or a present for someones daughter while they are in prison, to getting an offender into an educational or vocational program so they can improve their lot in life legally. With the financial support obtained through PCCD, additional staff will be hired to work with program participants. With the support of County Council, a community resource specialist was hired in 2020, and he continues to work on the streets of Chester every day connecting at-risk individuals with needed services. With funding from PCCD, three additional community resource specialists will be hired, and recently the Green Family Foundation has added its support to CPSN by contributing the funding needed to pay the salary of one of the outreach workers. Mayor Kirkland stated The Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods is a truly collaborative effort bringing public agencies, law enforcement, and community groups in our City together behind the shared goals of improving the public safety and quality of life for Chester residents. I am appreciative of all of our partners who encourage and support this life-saving work. Delaware County Council is committed to the public safety concerns of our community and we are committed to ensuring that every resident in every neighborhood feels safe and protected, said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. Todays announcement demonstrates what can be achieved through genuine collaboration, and on behalf of County government, Id like to commend those who are a part of the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods program and who have worked to reduce homicides and gun violence in the City of Chester." Contact: Margie McAboy, Delaware County District Attorneys Office, 610-579-0429 When police searched an address of a woman who had admitted to doing 'an awful lot of stealing' they found what a police officer said was 'quite a treasure trove' of stolen goods. Teresa Stokes (34) of Dacre Terrace in Derry appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court where she admitted a series of offences of stealing goods valued at more than 1,000. She was charged with stealing goods valued at 800 from Boots in Foyleside Shopping Centre on October 18. She also admitted stealing goods from Frasers also in Foyleside on the same date and attempting to steal more items on the same date. Stokes was also charged with assaulting a female member of staff at Frasers and handling and concealing stolen goods. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client's difficulty was that she was in breach of suspended sentences. He asked for a pre-sentence report and for bail until the report was prepared. A police officer objected to bail and told the court that police on patrol in Foyleside Shopping Centre were told of a theft from Boots where goods valued at 800 were taken. CCTV was examined and Stokes was identified. Police were also told about an incident in Frasers where a woman had taken fragrances valued at 254 and left the store. The officer said that she then returned and tried to steal fragrances valued at more than 400. She was challenged by staff and threw one of the bottles of fragrance at a staff member. The court heard that police searched Stokes' address and found numerous items of stolen goods including fragrances, champagne, expensive whiskeys and other items. Stokes made full admissions and said she had been doing an awful lot of stealing. The officer objected to bail saying the defendant was in breach of 4 suspended sentences and there was an 'extremely high risk' of re-offending. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client had been in temporary accommodation but now had an address in Belfast. He described the stolen goods found in the address as 'an Aladdin's cave' but said she could be managed by conditions. District Judge Barney McElholm said there was 'certainly evidence of a risk of re-offending' but said he would give the defendant 'one opportunity'. He released Stokes on bail on condition she does not enter Derry, nor does she enter any shopping centre or large supermarket. She will appear again on November 16. Errigal Apprentice Brendan Duddy is set to compete on a worldwide stage at the WorldSkills Special Edition Final this month in Bordeaux, France. WorldSkills Competitions are the gold standard of Skills excellence. They inspire young competitors to reach new heights, helping them turn their passion into a profession. Brendan joined the Errigal Training academy back in 2016 to complete his apprenticeship in Drylining. After achieving success in local, regional and National WorldSkills Competitions, Brendan was selected to go forward and compete in The WorldSkills Special Edition which can only be described as the Olympics of skills. The WorldSkills Special Edition Competition 2022 will see over 1000 competitors from 58 countries and regions participate in 62 competitions. Brendan, from Derry city, will compete in the Plastering and Interior Systems competition against Germany, Austria, Jamaica, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, Korea, France, China, India, Hungary, Japan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The four-day competition will consist of a freestanding build, a freestyle piece, and a feature wall. Planning, Speed, accuracy, and attention to detail will be the vital skills that will be put to the test as the 14 competitors battle it out to claim the gold. Brendan has been training hard in the Errigal Training Academy for the past 18 months in preparation for this. Colin McCaughey, WorldSkills Manager said: Brendan is very lucky to have the support of Errigal behind him. He has been given every opportunity possible to prepare and train for this global event. "He is ready, he is also nervous, but nerves are good, and it will help to keep him focused. Brendan has benefited from the additional years training due to the pandemic which has put Brendan in a stronger position going into the competition. "The majority of competitors dont have the level of employer support that Brendan has been given by Errigal. He is in the position where he can concentrate fully on his training and not have to worry about finances due to the support the company continues to give him. Cormac McCloskey, MD of Errigal added: We are immensely proud of Brendan and how far he has come. He joined the Errigal apprenticeship at 17 years of age, and he worked hard, and that hard work has got him to where he is today. "Brendan has a positive attitude and outlook on life, and he knows that hard work and dedication will always pay off. To have Brendan representing Errigal, our Industry and the entire country on a worldwide stage is recognition for the everything that The Errigal Training Academy stands for. "Brendan is already a winner in our eyes, and we wish him every success in the coming weeks ahead. The Errigal Training Academy provides apprenticeships in Drylining and Interior Systems for young people across Ireland and the UK. For more information check out errigalcontracts.com or email careers@errigalcontracts.com. In the wake of the proposed protest against Derrys Halloween carnival parade by members of United Christian Witness, Derry Now was contacted by local druid, Bryan Sutherland. Bryan was keen to point out that the citys traditional parade was a celebration of Samhain, the Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which predated Christianity. Bryan who lives in the Waterside and is originally from Inverness in Scotland began by explaining that Druidism or Druidry was a subsection of Paganism. Druidism is a Celtic religion with Celtic traditions, said Bryan. He added: What made me angry about the proposed protest at the Halloween parade was that we have to believe and respect the beliefs and customs of others, yet, for some reason, they have just decided to attack a holiday of which they have no real grasp. They have this idea that we are weirdos in the forest sacrificing animals to some god, when the actual Halloween origins are completely different. Halloween or Samhain is the last day in the calendar because November 1 would be the start of our New Year. It is a day of feasting and drinking. Yes there is a bit of jollity, I am not going to deny that. Paganism is only out since 1951 when the UK removed the Witchcraft law. Paganism is called the Celtic revival. We do follow some of the old ways, Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, Bealtaine [the Celtic May Day festival] and Samhain. We worship Mother Nature. We worship the goddesses but we are doing exactly what everybody else has done. We have picked the best bits of an ancient religion and modernised it. We have a saying, If it does no harm, do it. said Bryan. Bryan, who has autism is an actor with Stage Beyond theatre group at the Millenium Forum, cautioned this did not mean Druids could do whatever they liked. We believe everything is connected, so, even if you were to pick a flower, it doesnt matter, it is a flower but you have picked the flower and harmed it and maybe that flower was, maybe, a rabbits dinner. So by me picking the flower to give to you, I have starved a rabbit, so I have done harm to something else, he said. Even though it might seem inconsequential, my action might have repercussions, so Druids actually watch what they do as regards nature. We try to make sure there is no litter. Druids are eco-friendly because we believe in Mother Nature. I think people have the misconception that we are in the forest at night howling at the moon. We actually clean up litter, plant trees. We are trying to put back what we take. What I wanted to do is put across an alternative opinion from the United Christian Witness group. Whatever their view is, I am fine with that. They are entitled to their view but they should not be allowed to put their view onto us, just because they dont understand us. I think sometimes we have been persecuted for what happened in the past, said Bryan. Bryan said if he met someone from the United Christian Witness group he would quote to them the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians: Everything is permissible but not everything is benevolent. No-one should seek his own good but the good of his neighbour. Whatever they believe, they have to understand that by putting their views out in the public, it could harm other people. There are proper forums for discussion and ranting and raving about something they dont understand might be harmful. If they want to understand Druidism, Celtic Revival, there were almost 80,000 of us in the UK at the 2001 Census, that could be 90,000 by now. There are also 1,500 Druids in Ireland and I know at least another 15 in the city and we meet up eight times a year, said Bryan. As well as meeting up at historic sites, including the Beltany Stone Circle in Raphoe, Bryan said Druids often travel to their Celtic Temple in County Kerry. I think people dont realise, in Northern Ireland, there are not just two religions, said Bryan. We all have to share the land together and I find, sometimes, the problem is, the two parties fight and they forget about the younger people who are not part of those two groupings. So our views are never heard. Our views are never taken into consideration. For example, the main road from here to Belfast went through Dungiven and Drumahoe. They took away a forest down in Ness Woods. To them that was brilliant. It was a straight line, a beautiful road to Belfast, dont get me wrong. But to us, that is beyond horror because those trees had a history, the stories, the people who lived under those trees, who got married, who fought, the animals in the trees, their lives are gone and now we have a big lump of concrete that drives through a forest and no-one stopped to ask could they do it. Had we been asked, we would have said, Is there any way around the forest? A slightly different route? If you look at the history of the world, all the violence, all the mass killings and wars have not been caused by Pagans. We are peaceful by nature. We try to avoid confrontation as much as possible. The business case for a new addiction centre in Derry has already been submitted to the relevant government decision-making bodies. This would appear to contradict remarks made by a Northern Ireland Office representative to a Westminster committee which discussed the matter on Tuesday. Speaking to Derry Now, Derry City and Strabane District councillor, Emmet Doyle (Aontu), confirmed the business case had been submitted to the First and Deputy First Ministers, the Health Minister and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) in January 2022. Cllr Doyle added: I have been working with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) in the Department of Health around a needs assessment in the North West regarding addiction services, following the submission of the business case by the Derry Detox Campaign. Progress is extremely slow though, as the SPPG has only recently tendered for that piece of work. This did not happen because of the New Decade New Approach deal, which in my mind is dead in the water. It happened because people stood together and continued to demand better services, said Cllr Doyle. Cllr Doyles assessment followed the meeting of Westminsters Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, which was told the British government was working with the Department of Health and would provide the committee with an update on funding for a new addiction centre in Derry. Highlighting the urgent need for an addiction centre locally, the head of treatment at the Northlands Addiction Centre, Tommy Canning, said last weeks report from the NI Statistical Research Agency (NISRA) had revealed the high number of alcohol-specific deaths in the North and reinforced the need for the new centre. Mr Canning added: The statistics reminded us of its urgency. The latest NISRA statistics make frightening reading. They show that 351 alcohol-specific deaths were registered last year. That was exactly the same number as in the previous year and significantly more than 10 years earlier. It means that on average, almost every day in Northern Ireland, last year and the year before, somebody died because of the way they misused alcohol. If someone was dying every day as a result of the Troubles or on our roads, there would rightly be an outcry. But alcohol-specific deaths are hardly registering with the public at large. For the families and friends of those whose lives are being lost, every death is a tragedy. Sadder, still, many may have been preventable. The new statistics from NISRA show there were almost four times as many alcohol-specific deaths in the most deprived areas as there were in the least deprived, and that the Western area had the highest age-standardised rate of alcohol-specific deaths of all the Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland. While men account for almost two thirds of the deaths, the evidence points to an increasing death rate among women, said Mr Canning. Tommy Canning said the new addiction centre was referenced almost three years ago in the New Decade, New Approach deal. He said: There is little sympathy for those whose lives are being lost to alcohol misuse. Yet, addiction is an illness, not a choice, and we should begin treating it as such. Very few of us are untouched by addiction. It affects people from all walks of life, from all social classes, of all genders and denominations. It can destroy lives, not just the sufferers' lives, but their families' and friends' lives, too. Thankfully, though, as we, in Northlands have shown, with timely intervention and the right treatment, recovery is possible. "We are convinced that with proper support and investment we could save many lives that would otherwise be lost unnecessarily. A properly resourced addiction centre, as envisaged in New Decade, New Approach, would make a huge and positive difference to the lives of addicts and their loved ones. It is high time that the promise hinted at in the agreement was fulfilled, and that the new centre was delivered." The addiction centre for Derry was raised by SDLP MP, Claire Hanna, who asked the British Secretary of State, Chris Heaton Harris, whether funding for the centre, referred to in the New Decade, New Approach deal, would still be available in the event of a collapse of the Stormont institutions. Chris Flatt, the director of strategy at the Northern Ireland Office, told the committee it was in touch with the Department of Health and was awaiting a business case. Housing Executive Good Relations Officer Eddie Breslin has been honoured for his work in his native city advancing positive relations. His tireless efforts were recognised in May when the former Mayor, Graham Warke, held a reception in the Guild Hall in recognition of his community work for the city and district. He was also the proud recipient of the Community Champion of the Year Award at last months Advancing Race Equality Awards. Eddie is a familiar face in the Derry City and Strabane area, having worked with the Housing Executive for over 40 years. He is regularly seen out and about meeting community groups and clubs to offer advice and support with community cohesion projects and he also generously gives his time to support local charities in the District. Held in the Waterfoot Hotel, the judging panel couldnt decide on one champion, so Eddie was joint winner with the Belfast Trust Ethnic Minorities Staff Network. Speaking after the awards, Eddie said: I am over the moon to receive this award, I was not expecting it. I was happy just to be nominated! My work with the Housing Executive is very rewarding and makes an impact in the local communities here. Its a pleasure to welcome people into our city and help them become our neighbours. We are very aware of the worries some people face just trying to do normal things like apply for housing, benefits or become part of society here. If I can make someones life easier and help them settle into an area, I consider it a good days work. Eddie Doherty, Area Manager for the Housing Executive in Derry City and Strabane district, was at the awards to cheer his colleague on. He said: I am delighted that Eddie has won the Community Champion of the Year award, it is well deserved. He is a key player in realising our vision of putting good relations into the heart of social housing here. The Derry ones will be making their presence felt at the Omagh Literary Festival honouring renowned author, Benedict Kiely. The event which is taking place in the Strule Arts Centre on Friday and Saturday (October 21 and 22) will feature Derry author Neil Hegarty. Neil will be in conversation with journalist Sam McBride, author of the seminal Burned: The Inside Story of the Cash-for-Ash Scandal and Northern Irelands Secretive New Elite. Neil will be in conversation with journalist Sam McBride, author of the seminal Burned: The Inside Story of the Cash-for-Ash Scandal and Northern Irelands Secretive New Elite. Neils debut novel, Inch Levels was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Novel of the Year award in 2017. Inch Levels is set in the landscapes of Irelands northern borderlands. Its central character, Patrick Jackson, is on his deathbed in Derry and is recalling a complex family history. He also wrote The Jewel, which was described by the Irish Times as a vital book for our time Neils non-fiction titles include Frost: That Was the Life That Was, the authorised biography of David Frost; and the Story of Ireland, which accompanied the RTE/BBC series of the same name. He also co-edited Impermanence, a collection of essays by 12 writers from the North, written against the backdrop of Brexit, Border and Covid, with Nora Hickey MSichili, the director of Centre Culturel Irlandais. Neil Hegarty in Conversation with journalist Sam McBride will take place on Friday at 8pm. Tickets cost 10. Omagh Literary Festival will also feature the Irish premiere of 'A Bend in the River which was written and directed by Tyrone born Colin Broderick, who now lives in New York. The film will be screened on Saturday, October 22, at 7pm in the Strule Arts Centre. Tickets cost 10 and 5 concessionary and include a champagne reception. 'A Bend in the River' is also replete with Derry connections. Its cast includes Kathy Kiera Clarke, better known as Aunt Sarah in Derry Girls, as well as John Duddy, former professional boxer, and John Connor (Love/Hate). Filmed in Tyrone, A Bend in the River tells the story of a writer who returns to Ireland after spending 25 years in New York, to confront the ghosts of his past. Writer and director Colin Broderick is flying to Ireland to introduce the film and talk about his work before the screening. More details about the Omagh Literary Festival can be found HERE. An SK Bioscience researcher handles vials. Courtesy of SK Bioscience By Baek Byung-yeul SK Bioscience, which developed Korea's first COVID-19 vaccine, SKYCovione, said Thursday that the biotech company aims to address the issue of vaccine inequality by intensifying collaboration with international organizations so that people living in low-income countries will be easily able to prevent life-threatening diseases. Rich, developed countries were the first to get access to sufficient doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to fully vaccinate the majority of their populations. However, whereas some developed countries purchase vaccines in numbers that exceed demand, eventually discarding them in large numbers after they expire, most of the population of the countries with the lowest per capita GDP continue to be unable to receive even a single dose. According to "Our World in Data," a website compiling global COVID-19 statistics, 68 percent of the world's population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but only 22.7 percent of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose. To address the issue, SK Bioscience is trying to resolve the inequitable vaccine distribution with its SKYCovione vaccine. "We have submitted an application to grant SKYCovione the World Health Organization's (WHO) emergency use listing status. Once the company is granted the WHO's emergency use listing status, SKYCovione will become available for global distribution through the WHO's COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility," a company spokesman said. The vaccine was developed jointly with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington, supported by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). In June, SKYCovione won approvals for use from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to become Korea's first locally-developed COVID-19 vaccine. The company conducted Phase 3 clinical trials on 4,037 adults aged over 18, in cooperation with 16 institutions, including Korea University Guro Hospital and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), the vaccine induced neutralizing antibody responses against the parental strain. The company said the neutralizing antibody titers or the level of antibodies in a blood sample increased about 33 times two weeks after the second dose. The proportion of participants who seroconverted or saw more than a fourfold increase in neutralizing antibody titers, was 98.06 percent, the company added. "SKYCovione is a self-assembled nanoparticle vaccine targeting the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein for the parental SARS-CoV-2. To let more countries use our vaccine, we also have applied for conditional marketing approval with the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the European Medicines Agency," the official said. County Derry actor James Nesbitt has been the target of sectarian graffiti daubed onto a wall in Portrush last night. The graffiti, accompanied by a crosshairs symbol, read '1 x king, 1 x crown. No Pope in our Town James Nesbitt'. It is thought the vandalism may refer to Mr Nesbitt's appearance at the Ireland's Future event in Dublin last month, where he was the keynote speaker. The meeting also featured a number of nationalist politicians with a clear focus on Irish unity. Police said they are treating the incident as a sectarian hate crime. "Police in Coleraine received a report of graffiti on a wall in the Bushmills Road area of Portrush on Wednesday 19th October," said a spokesperson. "The graffiti is believed to have been written on the wall sometime between 5pm on Tuesday and 7.30pm on Wednesday evening and is being treated as a hate crime." The incident has been roundly condemned, with East Derry MLA Caoimhe Archibald denouncing it as an attack on 'freedom of expression'. "The appearance of threatening and sectarian graffiti directed at James Nesbitt in Portrush is disgusting," she said. "These threats are an attack on the right to freedom of expression. They come only weeks after James Nesbitt addressed thousands of people in Dublin from right across the political spectrum to discuss the future of the island of Ireland. The sectarian threats directed at James Nesbitt in Portrush are disgusting and an attack on freedom of expression. This is a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion on Irish unity. Those responsible should be held to account. Caoimhe Archibald (@CArchibald_SF) October 19, 2022 "This is clearly a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion. "There is no place in society for the threats and hatred directed at James Nesbitt. Political leaders should stand shoulder to shoulder in opposition to these threats. "Those responsible for this hate crime should be held to account. Anyone with information on those responsible should bring it forward to the PSNI." Fellow MLA Cara Hunter said the graffiti was 'disgraceful'. "Whoever carried out this act does not have the support of people in Portrush, who are rightly proud that Mr Nesbitt calls this area home and are grateful for all the work he has done in promoting it over the years," she said. "This attempt to shut down conversation around our constitutional future is a sinister development and I am glad to see it has been condemned by those right across the political spectrum. "Everyone is free to express their own opinion on the future of these islands, but they do not have the right to intimidate anyone else simply for engaging in the debate. "If we are truly going to build a shared future then we need a wide range of voices contributing to make that possible. Nobody should feel they are unable to take part in that discussion because of incidents like this. "I would encourage anyone with any information about what happened here to come forward to police and express my full solidarity with Mr Nesbitt following this incident." Independent MLA Claire Sugden appealed for those responsible to 'wise up'. "While I dont agree with the stance recently expressed by Jimmy on the future direction of Northern Ireland, he is certainly entitled to express it without fear of intimidation such as this," she said. This is a criminal act and one that must be condemned in the strongest sense. Jimmy is a widely respected and much-loved star and all right-thinking people from Northern Ireland are rightly proud of him. "He has done much more for this area than any of those involved in this ever will. The fools behind this action, on the other hand, portray the worst of Northern Irish society and represent little-to-no public opinion. We are all entitled to express our opinions free of such public intimidation. I am pleased that the PSNI are taking this as seriously as it should be and treating it as a hate crime. I hope this is the last we see of exhibitions like this and that those behind this are dealt with appropriately." Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Chris McCaw, who is from Portrush, said it was an example of 'hateful behaviour'. "The people of Portrush do not support hateful behaviour like this," he said. "Hate-filled threats and destruction of property must be condemned by every right-thinking person. This is rightfully being investigated as a hate crime and I hope the PSNI catch the perpetrators." The graffiti on the Bushmills Road, Portrush. The incident also received condemnation from further afield, with former First Minister Arlene Foster and loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson also criticising those responsible. Police enquiries are ongoing and officers have asked anyone with any information to contact them in Coleraine on 101, quoting reference number 1677 19/10/22. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. The social housing sector in County Derry has been handed a boost with the announcement that 15 new properties are to be built in the area. Arbour Housing Association intends to award a contract for the properties on the Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, with the scheme being supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). The build will consist of eight two-bedroom Category 1 apartments generally bungalows and flats for older people, with a further two one-bedroom Category 1 apartments. One two-bedroom and a single one-bedroom wheelchair apartment will be part of the development, with a further three two-bedroom general needs apartments also in store. Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed the announcement. Ive had a number of meetings with Arbour HA and, more recently, the NIHE together with Magherafelt SDLP Councillor Christine McFlynn, to help push this development forward, he said. There are currently 282 applicants on the waiting list for affordable social housing in Magherafelt. When completed these 15 new homes will alleviate some of the housing stress in Magherafelt, but clearly much more needs to be done. There are currently 50 new-build social housing units planned by Housing Associations in Magherafelt, but they will not be completed until 2024/25. Mr McGlone warned that although the recent development is to be welcomed, there is still more work to be done in the area. Even when the additional homes Arbour HA plans to build are added the demand for social housing will continue to far outstrip the available supply in Magherafelt, he said. The SDLP has repeatedly warned the Communities Minister that her housing plan is completely inadequate. Families in Mid Ulster are continuing to live in overcrowded properties and people with disabilities are still in properties wholly unsuitable to their needs. The Communities Minister needs to take action on this issue. People are in need of an affordable home now. Any return to direct rule in Northern Ireland would potentially involve an authority role for the Irish government, the leader of the Alliance Party has said. Naomi Long said she did not believe a majority of people in the region would accept control solely being exerted from Westminster if it proved impossible to resurrect devolution at Stormont. Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie also predicted the possible joint authority scenario if powersharing in Northern Ireland was to crash on a long term basis he said that would be bad for unionism. The politicians were asked about the issue as they spoke to reporters following a meeting with the head of the NI Civil Service Jayne Brady at Stormont Castle in Belfast on Thursday. Im not sure direct rule is the next stage after the collapse of devolution, because Im not sure direct rule would be acceptable to a majority of people in Northern Ireland, said Ms Long. Im not sure it fits in with the Anglo Irish Agreement, with the Good Friday Agreement and everything that has happened subsequently. So, I think we will be talking about a form of direct rule that would involve Irish participation and not just directly from Westminster. She added: Given the chaos in Westminster we would be going from the frying pan into the fire. Its not as though we suddenly have this stable government (in London). Weve often been allowed to behave like naughty children here, squabbling and fighting amongst ourselves because weve had the parents in Westminster and in Dublin able to kind of guide things through. But its actually Westminster thats now losing its mind. So, we havent got the luxury of being able to look to across the water for help on stability and support they are in chaos. Asked about the potential for a joint authority arrangement in the future, Mr Beattie said: Im really concerned. If we look at the New Decade, New Approach document that got this government, the executive up and running again, that was a document which was penned by London and Dublin. So, they had equal say in getting this government up again. If were going to do this again, if people think theres a utopia out there, that its just going to be a direct route from London, then theyre mistaken, theyre politically illiterate. The reality is that if we do not get a government here, if we dont get up and running here, we are going to have influence coming from all different directions and thats not going to be good for unionism. And the one thing that you find with people is this if they look for government and there isnt one there, they will look to the nearest government to give them support, and that might well be looking towards Dublin, and that would be bad for unionism. And Ive said this before, the one thing that really helps unionism, helps us maintain our place in the union and helps us build a Northern Ireland that we all want to live in, is by having stable government. DUP MLA Paul Givan said his party was committed to trying to make the powersharing arrangements at Stormont work. He said direct rule in any shape or form would be bad to the region. I think if devolution ultimately isnt here, we should all be concerned about what that means for Northern Ireland, he said. Because we know that its through these institutions that people have a political voice, they can take their issues forward, they can be heard. And in the absence of that, I dont think direct rule is good for the people of Northern Ireland in any shape or form. So, I think everybody should be concerned about the prospect of direct rule. Actor James Nesbitt has said he is saddened after being targeted in menacing graffiti. The message threatening the Cold Feet actor, which was daubed on a wall in the predominantly unionist town of Portrush in Co Antrim, is being treated by police as a hate crime. It appeared weeks after Nesbitt was the keynote speaker at an event in Dublin organised by a campaign group advocating for a united Ireland. The threat to the Northern Ireland-born actor referenced the King and Crown and also included a hostile reference to the Pope. Mr Nesbitt said he doesnt believe it reflects the views of the majority of people in Portrush. Its a bit unnerving of course it really saddens me because I am just sorry this has been brought to Portrush, brought to my neighbours, brought to a community I love, he told the BBC. He said he is also saddened that some people may have misunderstood his position after he spoke at the Irelands Future conference earlier this month. In a democracy people are entitled to engage in a public conversation about the future and that is all I was intending to do when I took part in the Irelands Future debate, he said. I was simply saying a conversation about what this island might look like in the future is worth having. I certainly dont promote any solution and I dont support any outcome. I went down there as someone who is a proud Protestant from the north of Ireland. I have never shied away from my Protestant culture but it doesnt define me. Mr Nesbitt said the graffiti suggests an element of sectarianism, adding he wants to see sectarianism eradicated. If there is going to be change in the relationship between the north and the south (of Ireland), between our relationship with the rest of the British Isles, I very much was hoping to try and put forward the point that people, particularly from my tradition, would feel that they have their identity, that it is in no way threatened, that they have an equal voice, that they are part of a society that is progressive, inclusive and diverse, he added. I certainly dont take any sides. A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: Police in Coleraine received a report of graffiti on a wall in the Bushmills Road area of Portrush on Wednesday 19th October. The graffiti is believed to have been written on the wall some time between 5pm on Tuesday and 7.30pm on Wednesday evening and is being treated as a hate crime. Officers have asked anyone with information to come forward. The graffiti has been condemned by local political representatives. East Derry MP Gregory Campbell said Nesbitt should be free to express his views. Jimmy Nesbitt is a local lad who has invested in his own community, said the DUP representative. Those painting threatening graffiti such as this should stop. Their actions are wrong and to be condemned. I fundamentally disagree with Mr Nesbitts position on Northern Irelands future but he has every right to express his political views in whatever forum he wishes. He should be able to do so free from fear. Thats a democracy and its why I have opposed Sinn Fein all my life as they believed you could justify violence at the same time as doing politics. We must be consistent in always opposing violence as well as any threat of violence and attempted intimidation. Sinn Feins Caoimhe Archibald said the graffiti represented an attack on freedom of expression. The appearance of threatening and sectarian graffiti directed at James Nesbitt in Portrush is disgusting, she said. These threats are an attack on the right to freedom of expression. They come only weeks after James Nesbitt addressed thousands of people in Dublin from right across the political spectrum to discuss the future of the island of Ireland. This is clearly a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion. There is no place in society for the threats and hatred directed at James Nesbitt. Political leaders should stand shoulder to shoulder in opposition to these threats. Those responsible for this hate crime should be held to account. Anyone with information on those responsible should bring it forward to the PSNI. Nesbitt has had a long association with Troubles victims organisation, the WAVE Trauma Centre. A spokesman for the centre said: As a patron of the WAVE Trauma Centre for over 20 years, Jimmy Nesbitt has been a true friend to victims and survivors right across Northern Ireland. That speaks to his commitment to support those who have suffered so much during our violent past but yet are too often ignored. A 21-year-old man killed in an IRA ambush 50 years ago had his life stolen from him before he had the chance to live it, his brother has said. Robin Bell, a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment from Co Fermanagh, was shot dead as he arrived with his brother and father at the family farm in Newtownbutler to milk their cows on October 22, 1972. His brother Richard recalled their car coming under a period of sustained gunfire. Robin was murdered and daddy was also injured, mercifully I was not physically injured, he said. I returned fire but was not firing at anything in particular, the terrorist gang then fled and escaped over the border by boat, their getaway was well organised. He said his family feel that the IRA had intended to wipe out all the men in their family as Protestants living close to the Irish border. The Provisional IRA were of course attempting to wipe out all the males in our family that fateful morning; Robin, my dad Sidney and myself (Richard), he said. They had made a judgment that in removing the males from our family that they were removing and cleansing our border home and land from a Bell presence. My Mum (Olive) was broken by the loss of Robin, I cant imagine how shed have coped if Daddy and I were also murdered that day. They will of course suggest that they merely targeted us because we were part time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment but this holds no water, they carried out tactical and strategic hits; little on the border happened by chance, it was all carefully planned and designed. He described Robin as a wonderful big brother to him and their four sisters. Robin and I were very close, we grew up together, we shared a bedroom together, we farmed together, we socialised together and we soldiered together, he said. He was stolen away aged just 21 years; his life had but begun and it is a travesty that Robin never had the opportunity to marry, to have his own children and grandchildren, he was so well liked by everyone (or so we thought). Mr Bell attended agricultural college to help develop the family farm. He had previously served with the B Specials, a part time unit which supported police, before joining the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) when it was formed in 1970. His brother Richard was also a member of the UDR. He said they both joined to help defend the whole community from terrorism during the Troubles. Fifty years on he said they have little confidence there will ever be justice for what happened. We do want there to be accountability for what happened but it is questionable if the will exists to pursue these issues, he said. But we are clear as a family that those responsible will have to meet their Maker and no amount of ducking and diving will save them at that point. The day after Robin was killed, two Catholic farmers Andrew Murray, 24, and Michael Naan, 31, were killed by members of the British army who had incorrectly suspected they were members of the IRA. The Bell family said they want to make it clear as as a family they believe these murders were also wrong and this has always been our position. They will remember Robin in a special service at Galloon Parish Church on Sunday. They have been supported by the victims group the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF). Kenny Donaldson, SEFFs director of services, claimed the ambush was an attempt at ethnic cleansing. The Provisional IRAs efforts to murder all the males within the Bell family was an act of ethnic cleansing, but their mission failed, he said. Yes, they brought devastation to the Bell family through the murder of Robin, the early death of Robins father Sidney and the emotional turmoil caused to Robins late Mummy Olive and his siblings but the Bell family remain in the Newtownbutler area and have developed their farm and augmented their presence in the area. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bell family and our thoughts are also with the families of Andrew Murray and Michael Naan who were murdered around 36 hours later. We are clear that their murders were also unjustified and wholly wrong. Minister Brophy announces 5.6 million to support Irish Community in Britain Press release Over 5.6 million in grants to 100 organisations in Britain An increase of almost 400,000 to meet challenges facing frontline services Additional funding for survivor support groups A call for more flexibility in the provision of health supports to overseas survivors The Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy T.D., announced details of over 5.6 million in funding for the Irish community in Britain during a visit to London today to meet Irish community leaders. In Liverpool, the Minister has a number of engagements around the Liverpool Irish Festival. Minister Brophy will meet with Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, who visited Dublin with Mayor Andy Burnham at the end of March. The Ministers programme ends with a visit to the Liverpool Irish Centre and a meeting with Irish community leaders. Speaking at the Irish Embassy in London, the Minister thanked organisations supporting the Irish community in Britain and said: Your tireless dedication is deeply appreciated by myself and the Irish Government. We do not take it for granted. History will reflect that, a time when those most in need in our diaspora communities sought help, you answered this call Noting the particular concerns of members of the survivor community living in Britain, the Minister said: It is fair to say that there is probably no cohort of the Irish diaspora community that is more resilient than the survivor community." It is important, that we are in a position to continue to provide funding to organisations who provide dedicated outreach to the survivor community. I would like to acknowledge the way these organisations have come together to provide crucial support at this time." I know the opening of the payments scheme is keenly awaited by the very large number of survivors living here in Britain. I know, too, that some survivors and their representative groups have expressed disappointment with some aspects of the scheme." I will continue to urge more flexibility around the provision of additional health supports, particularly at the end of life stage, to survivors living outside of Ireland. Minister Brophy added: Above all, it is important that survivors abroad are supported at this time. I will therefore be making additional funding available from the Emigrant Support Programme for organisations working with overseas survivors, including funding for additional outreach workers Looking to the year ahead, the Minister noted: The year ahead is going to be a challenging one on many fronts. I want to assure you of the Irish Governments continued support for you and for your organisations. We will do all that we can to help you to help those suffering disproportionately, as a result of the cost of living pressures." We will continue to work with you to ensure that Emigrant Support Programme funding is targeted to meet the most immediate needs of our community. ENDS Press Office 20 October 2022 Notes to editors Emigrant Support Programme The 5.6 million in funding will assist 100 organisations all across Britain and comes from Governments Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), which is run by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Funding announced has increased by just under 400,000 in recognition of cost of living pressures and impact on service provision facing many of organisations providing frontline services to the Irish community in Britain. Global Ireland: Ireland Diaspora Strategy 2020-2025 sets out what the Government will do over the next five years to support and engage with our diaspora communities around the world. The Emigrant Support Programme remains central to this commitment. Since 1984, the Irish Government has given financial support to voluntary agencies providing advice and welfare services to Irish emigrants overseas. The Department of Foreign Affairs working through Irelands embassy network coordinates the provision of support to communities abroad and administers the programme. The main focus for funding under the Emigrant Support Programme remains frontline welfare service providers that support elderly Irish emigrants, and other vulnerable members of our communities worldwide. In more recent years the programme has also recognised the importance of strong and active Irish communities, funding projects which foster a sense of community, promoting vibrant networks and a sense of Irishness among the Irish abroad. In 2022 the budget for the Emigrant Support Programme is 12,593,000. The Emigrant Support Programme funding year runs from 1 July 30 June. Particular priorities for this year included an emphasis on supporting organisations rebuilding their services post pandemic, as well as seeking to reach out to under-represented groups amongst our diaspora. Further details can be found on www.dfa.ie Please see a list of organisations awarded funding in the 2022-2023 Grant Round Emigrant Support Programme 2022-2023 Previous Item | Next Item Microsoft is working on an Xbox mobile store to compete with Play Store and App Store. San Francisco, Oct 20 (IANS) Microsoft is working on an Xbox mobile store to compete with Play Store and App Store. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently looking into Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and they have discovered the company's plans to create an Xbox-branded mobile game store, reports The Verge. To build a gaming store, the tech giant might use the successful mobile games Candy Crush Saga and Call of Duty: Mobile, which are produced by Activision and King, respectively. According to a graph from the company, the mobile game industry represents a much larger portion of the overall gaming market at 51 per cent. Given Apple's restrictions on third-party app stores on iOS, it is impossible to see Microsoft store on iPhones. But it's obvious that doesn't stop it from planning an Xbox mobile app store. If the company wants to succeed in this plan, it will need to recruit third-party developers, the report said. By agreeing to a set of guidelines, the firm appears to be setting the framework for developers to independently manage their own app stores on its Xbox mobile platform and provide their own payment methods for handling in-game transactions. That is a feature that Apple does not provide. (Except for the headline and cover image, the rest of this IANS article is un-edited) For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in. Outreach Reaching Every Californian Campaign The Reaching Every Californian campaign builds pathways to communities that do not have an existing connection to the LCO within their family network or community resources. This campaign brings the LCO to the community through clinics, workshops, partnerships and multimedia messages. For Employers For Workers For Young People Business Engagement Program (BEP) When a worker is denied workplace protections, it creates unfair competition for responsible employers. The Business Engagement Program (BEP) promotes fair and legal business practices and helps stakeholders in the fight to eliminate unfair competition. Employers are critical partners in identifying cases where law-abiding companies are systematically denied a level playing field. The Labor Commissioners Office is a resource for employers committed to complying with the law, in particular small employers who are a critical part of Californias economy. This program assists employers in understanding workplace protections and obligations. BEP began in 2020 and has quickly become a key resource for employers trying to better understand California labor laws. Our office reaches the business community by partnering with employers and associations to provide free workshops and presentations tailored to meet their needs. Please contact us at MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov if you have questions or you are interested in receiving a training on workplace laws. Resources: Workplace Rights Ambassador Program (WRAP) All Californians have workplace rights to protect their pay and improve working conditions. The Labor Commissioners Office is committed to making workplace protections known to everyone, including workers who may have obstacles in obtaining information due to traumatic life experiences. Those traumatic experiences impact workers who have experienced sexual assault, harassment or domestic violence, young workers who have come through the foster system and workers who may have difficulty accessing services due to language barriers, lack of trust or other negative experiences with government. The Workplace Rights Ambassador Project (WRAP) is an initiative that seeks to build bridges between the Labor Commissioners Office and workers who have experienced trauma. This trauma-informed approach recognizes many workers have barriers to accessing rights and protections. WRAP prioritizes relationships with community organizations that are trusted resources for workers who have experienced trauma that deter them from exercising their rights at work. By investing in trusted community leaders who are providing other support services, the Labor Commissioners Office can reach workers who may not have otherwise learned about their rights. Please contact us at WRAP@dir.ca.gov with your questions or if you are interested in receiving a training on workplace rights. Youth Advocate Program Through our Youth Advocate Program (YAP), the Labor Commissioners Office is investing in reaching young workers. In many families among the working poor, high-school-age children often serve as interpreters for monolingual parents and provide support when parents experience wage theft and retaliation. This program focuses on reaching young workers and providing them with tools to advocate for themselves and their relatives at work. Wage theft happens to all types of workers, especially those who are unaware of their rights. As students and young adults seek employment for the first time, they are more susceptible to wage theft by employers dont follow the law. In collaboration with our education partners, the Youth Advocate Program at the Labor Commissioners Office will help prepare Californias future workers. Please contact us at YAP@dir.ca.gov with your questions or if you are interested in participating in YAP. Follow the Labor Commissioners Office on Social Media: Subscriber content preview SEATTLE (AP) Starbucks is selling its Seattle's Best Coffee brand to Nestle for an undisclosed amount. Switzerland-based Nestle has been in a partnership with Seattle-based Starbucks since 2018 and already distributes Starbucks-branded coffee in more than 80 markets worldwide. The company said acquiring Seattle's Best will offer customers more choice. Nestle also owns the Nescafe, Nespresso and Blue Bottle coffee brands. . . . Subscriber content preview The Dec. 6 sale will target areas in the Pacific Ocean off central and northern California. By JENNIFER McDERMOTT Associated Press PROVIDENCE, R.I. The Biden administration will hold the first-ever lease sale for offshore wind energy on the West Coast, officials said Tuesday. The Dec. 6 sale will target areas in the Pacific Ocean off central and northern California the first U.S. auction for commercial-scale floating offshore wind energy development. The administration hailed the upcoming sale at a conference for offshore wind developers and experts in Providence, Rhode Island. . . . Pedestrians walk along Khreschatyk Street at dusk in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday. AP-Yonhap Rolling blackouts began in Ukraine on Thursday morning as officials attempt to conserve energy amid Russia's continued attacks on its critical civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian electric utility Ukrenergo said that rolling blackouts will occur between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday with local distribution networks to determine when regions will be disconnected. "The enemy's constant missile attacks are destroying our energy infrastructure, and energy workers need time to restore it. At the same time, it is getting colder outside, which traditionally encourages us to consume more electricity. But we need to be very conscious and frugal with our electricity consumption in order to get through the next winter as well as possible," the utility said in a statement published Thursday to Telegram. Ahead of Thursday, Ukrenergo had warned Ukrainians to ensure that their phones, power banks, flashlights and batteries were charged, and that they had water, warm socks and blankets at the ready. On Wednesday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko appealed to residents via Telegram to reduce their electricity consumption as much as possible during peak hours. He called on residents to not use microwave ovens, electric kettles, air conditioners or heaters and for entrepreneurs and owners of shops, cafes and restaurants to reduce the lighting of signs and screens. "Even a small savings and reducing of electricity consumption in each residence will help to stabilize the operation of the national energy system," he said. On Thursday, Klitschko announced that 21 of 38 electric trollies in the city would be replaced with buses as part of the conservation effort. Ukraine has adopted the measures as its energy infrastructure has been decimated in recent attacks by Russia, which has been targeting civilian infrastructure. People walk on a street at dusk in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Wednesday. AP-Yonhap Subscriber content preview SEATTLE A small apartment building at 2200 California Ave. S.W. recently sold for almost $2.1 million, according to King County records. The seller was a local couple that had owned the property for decades. . . . The Irish government is urging householders and businesses to avail of social and financial supports ahead of the winter period. The 'Reduce Your Use' campaign - announced today (October 20) at the ALONE offices in Dublin - is running alongside key partners such as the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities), MABS (Money and Budgeting Advice Service), ALONE and SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland). The 'Reduce Your Use' page and hashtag #ReduceYourUse provides a signpost to specific, existing sources of help that are out there to help people identify appropriate supports for their needs over the coming winter. As part of the multi-media campaign, an information leaflet detailing how to access government supports and advice on how to be more conscious about energy usage will also be delivered to every home in the country. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said, "The research we carried out shows clearly that everyone feels affected by the energy crisis. However, some groups in our society are more affected than others such as older people; people on lower incomes; people with young families, for example. The government is acutely aware of the difficulties people are facing. "This new phase of Reduce Your Use is, first and foremost, about providing clear information to people about the supports, help and advice that is available, from Government firstly, and also through specialist groups like MABS or ALONE, for example. "We are also encouraging families and businesses to save money by being efficient in their energy use, but only when it is safe to do so. It is important that everyone stays warm and well." The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) plays a key role in protecting energy consumers. Additional customer protection measures in place for this winter include extended moratoriums on disconnections, extended repayment periods for customers in debt, and reduced debt burdens on Pay-as-You-Go customers. Aoife MacEvilly, chairperson of the CRU, said, "While this winter will be a challenging time in the face of rising energy costs, it is important for all energy customers to know that there is a wide range of specific measures in place to protect them. Over the last number of months, the CRU has been particularly focused on the customers who may find themselves in the greatest difficulty, including vulnerable customers, customers who may fall into debt and customers on financial hardship prepayment meters. "The new enhanced customer protection measures announced in August will provide an additional layer of reassurance to those customers over the next number of months. The CRU will continue working with suppliers, our Customer Stakeholder Group and the department on the implementation of these measures this winter." SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) is Ireland's national sustainable energy authority, working with householders, businesses, communities and Government. Speaking at todays event, William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said, "We are working in very close partnership with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to help everyone reduce their energy use, now and for good. This starts with advising householders and businesses how to reduce their energy bills through changing habits, better practice and often common-sense guidance on heating and electricity. "We are also delighted to see the huge interest in our government-funded grants for home energy upgrades, helping homeowners to improve the comfort of their homes while reducing their energy bills and harmful CO2 emissions. These schemes provide options and solutions for all budgets and all levels of ambition." MABS is the state-funded Money Advice and Budgeting Service and is available to those struggling with debt (including utility bills) or at risk of getting into debt and need help. Karl Cronin, National Spokesperson, MABS, said, "MABS is delighted to work with the government on this campaign. Electricity and heating costs are priority expenses for every household and should be budgeted for accordingly. Where possible, weekly payments should be made towards electricity and heating costs to keep them under control and avoid arrears building up and becoming a problem. "There are a number of supports available for households struggling to meet these costs. Advice and information on these are available from our MABS Helpline and our network of MABS offices. No one should be left without light or heat this winter MABS is here to help." ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. Any older person who has concerns about their energy costs, finances, health, housing, or wellbeing this winter can call ALONEs National Support and Referral Line for access to services, advice and information, by calling 0818-222-024, 8am-8pm, 7 days a week. Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said, "We know from the older people we work with that many are very concerned about their energy costs this winter, and have been feeling the impact of rising costs for some time. We are pleased to work with Government on the Reduce Your Use campaign to highlight that older people should not restrict their energy usage in ways that could impact their health this winter. "Keeping warm and well is not just an issue of comfort, but a health issue. ALONE staff and volunteers are in place nationwide to offer practical support and to coordinate services for and with older people to address their energy needs this winter, whether that is support with paying a bill, advice on how to minimise your energy costs while staying well, linking you in with relevant practical supports, or if you are simply concerned about the winter to come." For more information on available supports and energy saving advice, click here. A plaque commemorating the Irish woman who shot at Italian dictator Benito Mussolini has been unveiled at her childhood home in Dublin city. On April 7 1926, three years into Mussolinis fascist rule of Italy, 49-year-old Violet Gibson drew a pistol and shot at Mussolini at point blank range as he walked among a crowd in the Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome. Mussolini moved his head as she shot and the bullet grazed his nose. Following her attempt on Mussolinis life, Ms Gibson was placed in an asylum in England, where she died aged 80 in 1956. A commemorative plaque was unveiled at 12 Merrion Square in her honour on Thursday. Writer and producer Siobhan Lynam, whose 2014 RTE radio documentary The Irishwoman Who Shot Mussolini highlighted Violet Gibsons story, said that for nearly a century Ms Gibson was a mere passing footnote in the history of Italian fascism. She described Ms Gibson as a highly intelligent, artistically gifted, well-travelled and bold-thinking woman, who had a strong commitment to social justice and was an avid pacifist. Recalling the moment where the course of history could have been changed, the crowd gathered outside Ms Gibsons family home on Thursday heard that shed been keeping notes on Mussolinis movements before attending the public plaza with a gun wrapped in a shawl. Ms Lynam said Mussolini was there soaking up the adoration of the crowd after speaking at a conference of surgeons. And she took the pistol and a point blank range and shot at him. But just as she fired the gun, he turned his head because the students had burst into the fascist hymn Giovinezza. She took a piece off the end of his nose, he turned around, face pouring blood. She tried to shoot him again but the gun jammed. So this disheveled, grey-haired, five-foot-one Violet, the crowd just set upon her and the police jumped in and arrested her. Mussolini was shocked that a woman would shoot him, and then: an ugly old woman and a foreigner. She said that headlines around the globe and world leaders condemned the attack, including WT Cosgrave, the president of the executive council of the then-Irish Free State, who called it an odious attempt. Ms Lynam said that Ms Gibson was judged as a mad Irish mystic and a crazy Irish spinster by a world who thought Mussolini was perfectly sane. Speaking at the unveiling, Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy said that the plaque was part of efforts by Dublin City Council to put a focus on the women in Irelands history. Of 45 plaques that have been erected to commemorate those who have contributed to Dublin city, only seven commemorate women, she said ahead of the unveiling of the plaque. We all know that over the years, the role of women in our national life, in the story of our city, has not been given the attention it deserves. We in the city council and have been working through our various activities to put a focus on women in history, she said. Dublin councillor Mannix Flynn, who proposed the plaque for Ms Gibson, was also present at the unveiling. The Irish premier has asked that a new British Prime Minister be selected quickly in order to bring about stability in the wake of Liz Trusss resignation. In recent days and weeks, Irish ministers had emphasised how Ireland is closely linked to the UK economy and the need for stability ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter. Taoiseach Micheal Martin told reporters in Brussels that we would like to see the UK system, within its capacity, to be in a position to have a successor selected as quickly as possible. Irelands Foreign Minister Simon Coveney expressed frustration at being back to instability again, referring to tensions around the Brexit Protocol and its impact on Northern Ireland. The resignation of Ms Truss has raised concerns about the progress that had been made on reaching a breakthrough on the Northern Ireland protocol, and on closer relations between the British and Irish governments. In a statement, Mr Martin said that agreement on the protocol was ever more urgent now and that it was vital to maintain a close British-Irish relationship. He said: Working together to protect the gains of the Good Friday Agreement and to support peace and stability in Northern Ireland continue to be vital responsibilities for the British and Irish Governments, particularly now in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly. Substantive EU-UK engagement to reach agreement on outstanding issues around implementation of the Protocol is ever more urgent. Britain is Irelands closest neighbour and a relationship of partnership between the British and Irish Governments is vital for peace and prosperity on these islands. I remain committed to working with the British Government in this spirit. Mr Martin conveyed his best wishes Ms Truss and her family. Mr Coveney said the mood music between Ireland and the UK had been better recently. The frustration for us is we are back to instability again, I had the privilege of being foreign minister for five years, in that time I have dealt with six secretaries of state for Northern Ireland, five foreign secretaries and now its going to be four prime ministers, he told RTE. And were trying to get complex issues negotiated and were trying to find compromises in a very heated and difficult political environment, particularly in the context of Northern Ireland. From an Irish perspective this isnt really about the personalities, its about stability and about having a partner to negotiate with that can help us solve problems together. Unfortunately, part of the consequence of what has happened today is of course more uncertainty for Northern Ireland because, not only will we have a new British prime minister next Friday, but of course if there isnt an Assembly up and running in Northern Ireland by next Friday, by law, whoever is secretary of state at that time is required to set a date for a new election. Speaking minutes after Truss announced her recognition, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said that he hoped the engagement on the future of the Northern Ireland Protocol can continue despite dramatic political developments at Westminster. The political and the economic stability of the United Kingdom is a vital ingredient in the economic prospects of Ireland and indeed of Europe, the President of the Eurogroup told reporters in Dublin. Its very important to us from a financial market perspective, but its very tangibly important to us as a key destination for the sale of Irish goods and Irish services. We, at the moment, dont see any indication that the latest developments in the United Kingdom are having an impact on the performance of Irish businesses, but it is something that we are monitoring. He said that Ireland remained a close friend of the UK, even through tough and challenging moments during the Brexit process. The Irish government believes that a very important contribution to deeper economic and political stability in the time ahead would be a successful completion of the process that is under way with regards to the Northern Ireland Protocol. And if an agreement can be reached, it would be a really strong foundation to a far stronger and more positive-looking relationship between the European Union, the United Kingdom and Ireland, he said. Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd has said that the Governments approval to draft a Health Bill which proposes amendments to the Health Act 2007 will be key in ensuring better governance and accountability in nursing homes. Deputy ODowd, said this will be crucial in addressing the regulatory shortcomings that exist across nursing homes in Ireland. The Fine Gael TD said, It has been clear for some time that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) under their current powers are not equipped to detect, manage and respond to risks in a timely manner, in particular where there are clear health emergencies. Todays amendments are in response to a number of key recommendations in the COVID-19 Nursing Home Expert Panel Report, published in August 2020. The additional powers which will be provided to the Chief Inspector of Social Services will enhance compliance across nursing homes." Deputy O'Dowd continued, I have been calling for the introduction of mandatory reporting to HIQA for years, particularly throughout the pandemic which brought many of these serious issues into sharp focus. The proposed legislation aims to improve the powers available to the Chief Inspector and increase staffing capacity. Fundamentally, this will be pivotal in enhancing the overall quality and safety of care provided to residents. The Louth TD added, I have been extremely vocal on the need for a public enquiry into the circumstances at Dealgan Nursing Home during the initial COVID-19 wave. This is essential." Louth County Council Chief Executive, Joan Martin, told councillors at the local authority October meeting, that Louth County Council is not responsible for Halliday Mills and that it would be entirely inappropriate for officials to attend a meeting with tenants, the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Cooperative Housing Ireland (CHI) and councillors. Cllr Kevin Meenan raised the issue at the October meeting, where he told members that ongoing issues at Halliday Mills had been discussed at the recent Dundalk Municipal District meeting. Cllr Meean said that he wanted to organise a meeting with council officials, councillors, CHI, and a group of residents, to look at the ongoing issues. Director of Social Development, Mr Paddy Donnelly, told the meeting that he had already said at the municipal district meeting that it was a matter for CHI. He said that there was a meeting held between CHI and tenants on 4 October and an invitation had been sent to Louth County Council. He said that it was inappropriate for the Council to attend and instructed staff accordingly. Mr Donnelly stressed that the responsibility for Halliday Mills lies with the AHB but added that they engage with them on a daily basis but that in the main, the maintenance and management of the site is a matter for CHI. He further added that there is extensive work going on in the background and that there has been a number of evictions from the property. Cllr Meenan said that he would continue to organise a meeting. CE Joan Martin responded, saying that the Council has no position in Halliday Mills and are not responsible for it and that it would be entirely inappropriate for us to attend the meeting when there is nothing that we can do in relation to it. Cllr Maeve Yore told the meeting that she believed that they have a duty of care to tenants but Mr Donnelly disagreed, saying that in law they do not have a duty of care and that it lies with CHI. Cllr Emma Coffey said that Halliday Mills was a state of the art complex and that the issues there come down to a couple of individuals, but added that the Council do not have a role in this. Her comments were supported by Cllr Kevin Callan. Authorities call for continued COVID-19 measures in Europe amid renewed surge Xinhua) 09:54, October 20, 2022 People walk past a COVID-19 vaccination center in Brent, northwest London, Britain, on Jan. 28, 2022. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) Authorities have called for a new booster vaccination campaign and tightened measures including the return of masks as a new wave of COVID-19 infections sweeps across Europe. ROME, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- A fresh autumn wave of COVID-19 infections has begun in many European countries, and experts are calling for strengthened vaccination efforts and tighter health measures as cases are set to keep rising this winter. Greece confirmed 55,242 cases in the week of Oct. 10-16, an increase of 8 percent compared to the previous week. Of the new weekly infections, 21 percent are reinfections, the National Public Health Organization reported Tuesday. The report also said that during the week of Oct. 10-16, 1,351 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals, up 23 percent compared to the previous week. In the Netherlands, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has continued to rise, reaching its highest level since April 15. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment said that new infections may rise sharply in the near future. A woman puts a flower on the National COVID Memorial Wall in London, Britain, March 27, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Finnish National radio Yle reported earlier this week that the current rate of deaths caused by COVID-19 in Finland is five times the EU average. So far in October, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has reported 261 deaths. "Although we are not where we were one year ago, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is still not over. We are unfortunately seeing indicators rising again in Europe," said a joint statement released by European health agencies on Oct. 12. "Preparedness measures need to continue in the European region, we should not let our guard down," said a statement by World Health Organization (WHO) European Regional Director Hans Kluge, European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Director Andrea Ammon and European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides. "The potential co-circulation of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza will put vulnerable people at increased risk of severe illness and death. Together with public health measures, vaccination remains one of our most effective tools against both viruses," they said, urging countries to "prioritize protecting the most vulnerable groups by co-administering influenza and COVID-19 vaccines whenever feasible." On Monday, the Italian health ministry recommended the use of new bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for the third booster shot for vulnerable people, which should be administered 120 days after the second booster. The third booster shot is recommended for elderly people aged over 80, vulnerable people over 60, and residents of care homes. In Belgium, health authorities have drawn up a winter plan to contain the latest wave. The plan is based on a new booster vaccination campaign, and the return of mask-wearing in certain places. Vaccination is particularly recommended for people over 50, healthcare providers and immunocompromised people. Vaccination against influenza is also recommended before the virus returns in winter. The Belgian plan also recommends that people with fragile health should wear FFP2 masks on public transport and in busy indoor places. An elderly woman takes a second booster dose against COVID-19 at a retirement home in Marsa, Malta, on April 13, 2022. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua) Since Sept. 14, the updated vaccines have been administered as booster shots to individuals in Greece, but according to health ministry data, just two in 10 people aged over 60 have had their second booster dose. The slow pace has been attributed to generally relaxed concerns over COVID-19, despite health experts and scientists emphasizing that the pandemic is not yet finished. Steve Russell, Britain's National Health Service (NHS) director for vaccination and screening, said this winter "could be the first time we see the effects of the so-called 'twindemic' with both COVID-19 and flu in full circulation." Meanwhile, Dutch Health Minister Ernst Kuipers recently warned: "The current situation presents extra risks, especially for vulnerable groups of people. So stick to the basic advice and for the vulnerable: get the repeat vaccination shot to maintain your protection." (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) A young woman shouting obscenities during a drunken episode on Paul Street in Cork has been convicted and fined for her actions. Garda Razvan Ghetau was on duty on Paul Street, Cork, on July 12 2022. Garda Ghetau saw 38-year-old Christine Babbington of Churchfield Avenue, Cork, running around Paul Street in an intoxicated condition. He said she was shouting obscenities and had to be arrested for her own safety. Babbington did not turn up in court to face the case against her. Judge Olann Kelleher convicted her on the evidence heard in her absence. Sergeant Pat Lyons said the defendant had five previous convictions for the same count in the past. The judge fined her 100. Two northside secondary schools are set to amalgamate and become co-educational from next September, it is understood. Meetings in relation to changes that had been proposed by the patrons of three Cork city secondary schools following a detailed consultation process on the future of second-level education on the northside took place on Wednesday. It comes following a consultation process that involved a series of stakeholders from the three school communities - St Vincents Secondary School, North Presentation Secondary School and North Mon Secondary School that took place between March 2021 and February 2022. The process, facilitated by independent facilitator Frank Smith, resulted in the patrons of three schools deciding on major changes. A source told The Echo that it was confirmed at the meetings that St Vincents and the North Presentation would amalgamate and become a co-educational school. It is also understood that the school could be based in the North Presentation building, but this has not been confirmed. A steering group is due to be set up and organise the amalgamation for September of next year. Read More Proposed eviction ban will exacerbate market problems, claims Cork agent Meanwhile, it was previously confirmed that the North Monastery Secondary School is to become a co-educational school in September 2023. The school, which was established in 1811, will remain an independent school, but last month, the school confirmed in a statement that it would be accepting girls into the school community next semester. This means we are a co-educational school, we look forward to inviting your daughters into our school, the statement read. In an earlier joint statement from the ERST, CEIST, and the Religious Sisters of Charity, they thanked the school communities of North Monastery, North Presentation, and St Vincents Secondary Schools for their participation in the consultation process. The statement read: In May 2022, the relevant patrons and the independent facilitator met with their respective boards of management. The views of parents, students, boards of management, and staff of the three post-primary schools and the views of local primary school students were reflected on and carefully considered. The patrons have decided on the following. The North Monastery Secondary School will remain an independent school and the Edmund Rice Schools Trust will submit an application to the Department of Education to change status to become a co-educational school." CEIST and the Religious Sisters of Charity will submit an application to the Department of Education to amalgamate North Presentation Secondary School and St Vincents Secondary School and for the newly amalgamated school to be a co-educational school. This application will request that the department provide capital funding to facilitate the accommodation of the amalgamated school onto a single site with the location to be determined on the basis of suitability as judged by the department, the Religious Sisters of Charity and CEIST. Ballincollig man, Paul Fitzgerald, yesterday recently experienced the kindness of strangers after he lost his prized ring while swimming in the sea at Garrylucas Beach. The ring, which Paul bought to treat himself following the success of his first tour of the Lebanon with the army 37 years ago, held enormous sentimental value and he was devasted to find it missing when he left the water last September. His wife, Aileen Fitzgerald explained that the ring had so many memories and stories attached to it after 37 years and is worth so much to my husband. Ballincollig man, Paul Fitzgerald, yesterday recently experienced the kindness of strangers after he lost his prized ring while swimming in the sea. Aileen went on the explain how the couple scoured the beach in search of the ring and desperate to find it, even rented 70 metal detectors which she laughed, wouldnt even find a five-cent coin. We were so disappointed. We asked people near the beach if they knew of anyone that could help and they recommend that we contact Tamas Juhasz, who is known for finding things with a metal detector in the beaches around, she explained. Read More Major changes in the works for three northside secondary schools Aileen contacted Hungarian, Tamas, and they searched for the sentimental for two days with no luck. The couple had given up hope until yesterday, nearly a month later, when they were contacted by Mr Juhasz. Paul and Aileen have since deemed Tamas as the Lord of the Rings and are grateful for his help and determination to reunite them with their prize possession. Aileen was delighted: It was a miracle. Tamas had found the ring. My husband didnt believe me until I showed him the pictures of the ring. He was overjoyed. Tamas was so set on finding the ring for my husband and for himself. On such a dreary week, it is so nice to think that there are kind and gentle people out there that are so willing to help. He deserves great fortune; we are so over the moon. Paul and Aileen have since deemed Tamas as the Lord of the Rings and are grateful for his help and determination to reunite them with their prize possession. Gordon Deegan The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has found that the Garda Representative Association (GRA) victimised a female applicant while applying for a senior role in the organisation. They have ordered the GRA to appoint Tara McManus to the post of Assistant to the General Secretary. As part of the ruling, WRC Adjudicator, Jim Dolan has also ordered the General Secretary of the GRA, on behalf of the associations Central Executive Committee (CEC), to provide an assurance to Ms McManus that there will be no negativity shown to her on her appointment. In her case where she was legally represented by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), Ms McManus was not seeking any financial compensation and arising from that, Mr Dolan stated that I therefore award her no financial compensation. The IHREC stated on Thursday that this is a significant case for the interpretation of Irelands employment equality law and how it impacts women in traditionally male sectors of employment. On the role of Assistant to the General Secretary, Mr Dolan stated from the GRA website, the vacancy is still open and should it be the case that the vacancy has already been filled Ms McManus should be appointed as a supernumerary. Mr Dolan stated that Ms McManus was, by far, the most suitable candidate for the position. The WRC has ordered the GRA to appoint Ms McManus to the role after she twice failed to be appointed despite being recommended by the interview board and an external recruitment agency for the role. Ms McManus - who is a serving Garda - failed to be appointed when she did not secure the required two thirds majority of members to vote in her favour at the GRA CEC. Gender discrimination In his ruling, Mr Dolan highlighted comments made by a CEC member prior to a vote by the CEC in November 2021 where the member allegedly stated This is a shitshow. We have to move forward. This vote will bury this Association. I voted on the sole reason shes suing the Associationand you can tell her that. The members comments relate to Ms McManus instigating a gender discrimination claim in July 2020 against the GRA concerning her first failed attempt to secure the role and in the November 2021 vote, Ms McManus could only secure 56 per cent of the vote falling short of the required two thirds majority required. Finding that Ms McManus was victimised for instigating the gender discrimination claim against the GRA, Mr Dolan stated Ms McManus was victimised prior to the ratification process by at least one member of the CEC. He said: It is impossible to say what effect his statement outlined may have had on other members prior to the vote. The complaint of victimisation is well-founded. Ms McManus has been a member of An Garda Siochana since February 2000 and has held several positions since that time including one for three years in the Garda Press Office and is currently assigned as Garda Instructor, Continuous Professional Development Office, at Drumad Garda Station. Instructed by Ms Aine Breathnach of IHREC, Ms Kiwana Ennis BL stated that the appointment to the position of Assistant to the General Secretary would be a significant promotion for Ms McManus but to date has been denied to her and this has been a profound source of disappointment and distress for Ms McManus. Boys club In response to Ms McManuss first failed attempt to be appointed to the role, a member of the interview board in a letter to then GRA General Secretary dated July, 8th 2020 stated that when he informed the members within his division about the outcome of the ratification vote, they expressed extreme anger and frustration with the CEC. Ms Ennis stated that concerning the 2020 CEC vote, two members of the CEC had unsuccessfully applied for the Assistant to the General Secretary position being voted upon yet were present for the vote on the ratification of Ms McManus to the position. Ms Ennis also highlighted an independent 2017 Ampersand Report into the leadership of the GRA. The report found that the boys club metaphor reflects the reality of the 30:1 ratio of male to female membership of the CEC when the Associations membership is 27 per cent female. Ms McManus failed in her gender discrimination claim against the GRA after Mr Dolan stated one cannot conclude that the CEC voted as it did due to the Complainants gender. It is for this reason that I must now decide that the complainant as presented is not well founded. The GRA rejected both claims and in relation to the claim of victimisation told the WRC that Ms McManus could not have been subject to victimisation on November 23rd, 2021 arising from her first complaint as the vote in November 2021 was more favourable in comparison to the February 13th, 2020 decision. The GRA now has 42 days from the date of decision to appeal the WRC outcome and a GRA spokesman said today: While we 100 per cent respect the decision of the WRC Adjudication Officer, we remain within the consultation process and are receiving advice on the same. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment on this matter further until it has been finalised. Tom Tuite Two men accused have been sent forward for trial for assault and violent disorder over an incident where Alanna Quinn Idris and a teenage boy were injured in Dublin. The then 17-year-old girl was left with a shattered tooth, broken cheekbones and a ruptured eyeball following an assault at the Civic Centre, Ballyfermot, on the night of December 30th. Alanna, now 18, underwent several operations to fix her eye socket and lost her sight in the injured eye. In January, Darragh Lyons and co-accused Jack Cummins appeared at Dublin District Court and were granted bail subject to conditions. Darragh Lyons, 18, of Weir View, Glenaulin, Chapelizod, Dublin, is accused of assault causing harm to Alanna Quinn Idris and a male youth. Co-defendant Jack Cummins, 18, Rossmore Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin, was charged with the assault causing harm to the teenage boy. They are also accused of violent disorder. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. On Thursday, gardai served books of evidence on the pair. Judge Paula Murphy granted a return for trial order and warned them to notify the prosecution within 14 days if they intended to introduce alibi evidence in their trial. She told them their case was being sent to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and the case will be listed for mention on November 11th. They spoke briefly to confirm they understood. Then, Judge Murphy granted them legal aid and warned them to obey the bail terms set down earlier. Previously, the district court heard CCTV footage captures the moment "violence erupts", resulting in the injuries of Dublin teen Alanna Quinn Idris. In May, gardai consented to remove curfews from the defendants' bail conditions. Earlier, they had to give gardai their phone number. They must remain contactable, notify of any address change and have no contact with the injured parties or witnesses. At their first hearing on January 7th, the court heard Mr Lyons was unemployed and had no prior conviction and that Mr Cummins worked for a tyre company and had no criminal convictions. YOU may remember that picture of the kindly teacher reading to her young pupils which we featured in Throwback Thursday on September 29. I was hoping somebody would remember that lovely little school on Summerhill, run by Miss Cahill. The first to respond to our article was Mary Horgan from the Local Studies Department at the city library. I wonder if the painting of Miss Cahills school might be by Soirle MacCana (1901-1975), who was Principal of the Crawford Municipal School of Art from about 1937 to 1967? asked Mary. The style reminds me of his work, and he was based in Cork in the late 1950s, the date that you suggest for the painting. I didnt think so, because even though I myself was only nine or so at the time, I knew the artist was a woman, and American, but it was so nice of Mary to write and suggest him. Soirle, incidentally, produced some fine Holly Bough covers back in the day. The painting of Miss Cahills school in the late 1950s which we ran in Throwback Thursday a few weeks ago - a reader identified the artist as Mahrea Cramer Lehman Then the totally unexpected happened! Billy Collins wrote to say he had been looking closely at the picture, and identified the artist as an American by the name of Mahrea Cramer Lehman (1896-1991). She lived in Cork for a while in the 1950s/60s. She was a gifted and experienced artist, and some of her work is still on exhibition in the Art Gallery in Emmet Place. Mrs Lehman was friendly with my mother and was often in our house in Dillons Cross. We have a couple of her pictures. One of them is of me in my First Communion suit (1954). My mother knew Miss Cahill very well and used to visit the house in Empress Villas. In my memory there were two sisters there. There were, Billy, there were. Miss Maureen Cahill, who did the teaching, and her sister, Miss Dove, who kept house and did the cooking. Its possible that my mother introduced Mrs Lehman to them, continues Billy. Her style is to me unmistakeable. She worked live, using watercolours directly with amazing confidence and skill - no preliminary sketches, no pencil, no photograph. The picture would have been finished before Miss Cahill finished reading the story. Mr Collins then looked online and found some more information about Mrs Lehman, including that her work is still sought after. She was married in Chicago to another artist, Paul Lehman, who unfortunately walked out an upstairs window and was killed. She then came to Europe by herself and lived with the gypsies before coming to Ireland. Eventually, she finished up in a hotel suite in Greenwood, Mississippi, as part of a group of artists. I wrote back to tell Billy how delighted I was to identify this artist at last, and coaxed him to tell me more about growing up at Dillons Cross. Mossy, the man who used to deliver vegetables to the Kerrigan family home, called it Clankytane, which I alway thought a lovely name. Yes, Billy remembers Mossy. He was a gentle and decent man, although I didnt really know him well. But if you look at the old maps on the Ordnance Survey site, youll see that Clankittane is indeed a townland across the road from the Barracks. Its called Glankittane on the map I looked at. There was a square of cottages known as Clankittane Square which I remember. My mother had another of her many friends who lived eventually in a house down towards the lower Barrack gate. She called it Clankittane House And Billy promises faithfully to send us his own memories of growing up at Dillons Cross. We wouldnt mind seeing that Lehman painting of your First Communion either! Of course, I got back on to Mary Horgan to tell her of this miracle identification of the artist, and she was as pleased as I was. I will look out for Mahrea Cramer Lehman at the Crawford. The Soirle MacAna painting that I was thinking of, in particular, was also of schoolchildren in class - a really sweet painting. Well, it would be nice to show it on this page, so we must get on to the Crawford and see if they will co-operate. The painting of St Lukes Cross in Cork by Mahrea Cramer Lehman Having checked up on Mahrea Cramer Lehman myself, I know she did some lovely watercolours of Cork scenes - St Lukes Cross with the toll booth, for example, and one of the narrow lanes leading into the English Market. They deserve to be better known. We take the liberty of reproducing a small image of the St Lukes Cross painting, but hope that the Crawford will let us use a better one, perhaps next week. And still more on the same theme, and indeed the same area of old Cork. Tim Cagney, who has regularly blessed us with his wonderful childhood memories, writes to say: You recently wrote a little piece - more of an enquiry, really - on a school run by a Miss Cahill, on Summerhill. It reminds me very much of a similar establishment I attended (at around age five) which was run by a lady called Mrs Hobart, on New Road. I cant remember what said road was previously known as, but I do have a memory of the change to New Road. It remains thus, to this day - God only knows when the New Road will ever become an Old Road! It links Gardiners Hill with Dillons Cross. I note Miss Cahill resided at Empress Place. I once knew a man who lived there. His name was Fred ODwyer, and he taught Art at CBC. My late father was a friend of his - I think they were members of a card-school. Fred never married, but lived with his spinster sister. Now, when it comes to teachers at Christians, I always turn to one reliable source, my brother Tom. Yes, yes, Freddie Dwyer. He wasnt the worst of them, by any means. He was a very short man, and used to wear platform soles to compensate for the lack of inches. I envied him those soles so much! It was just about the time that teddy boys were coming into vogue, and thick-soled shoes were absolutely the thing. But my mother flatly refused to buy them for me, so that was that. Sensible lace-ups that would last the year out with luck were the rule. And the cobbler up at St Lukes Cross could resole them if they wore out with all that walking we did in those days around the city. Tom also recalls Freddie warning him against walking down the Mardyke at night with young ladies because it was very dangerous. When Tom innocently asked why, Freddie said, Its so romantic, and you would never know what might happen! Alan Cambell writes to say that he really enjoys reading this Throwback Thursday page every week. I can relate to so many of the stories from the 50s & 60s, and thought others might like to read of my own experiences in my early schooldays. I lived at Lancaster Quay on Western Road. How many people involved in treasure hunts across the city and have been asked where that is? It is, of course, not really a quay at all, at least in modern times, but rather a terrace of houses across the road from the south channel of the river Lee. My mother ran a shop there at No.2 and it became well known as a tuck shop for Presentation Brothers College. Young students at the new extension to Presentation College, Western Road, Cork, in 1954 How many Pres boys will, I wonder, remember sitting on the counter having a bottle of red lemonade, or buying the now forbidden Player and a match for three old pence? Anyhow, to my first day at school, in September, 1954, aged four. I was sent to Christchurch National School, which was on the Grand Parade end of Christchurch Lane, now part of Bishop Lucey Park. It was a Church of Ireland school and had about 80 pupils in two classrooms in the 1950s. Low & High Infants, 1st, 2nd and 3rd classes in one room with Miss Dawson teaching the lot, and the remaining, more senior kids were in the other room under the stern direction of Mr Price. I was frogmarched to the school by my mother and up the stairs to meet both teachers, who assured her I would be well looked after. My mother left and I was directed to the junior room. I was having none of it, however, and slipped out, down the stairs and up the lane after my mother. When I caught her up, she simply said: Your father will be very disappointed that you didnt stay in school. She later told me that, without a word, I turned around and returned to the school, never to run away again! Now, Miss Dawson was a kindly teacher and she made the little ones feel happy by reading Noddy books to them. What that did for our education was questionable but I must have enjoyed it as I still remember it. The old school was freezing, the only heating being an open coal fire, and Miss Dawson was constantly complaining about the cold. This must have reached a crescendo, because when we came in one morning the caretaker had installed four oil heaters. They were all rather elderly models with pot bellies, and sat on 4 legs. Except that one had only three legs. Of course, the inevitable happened: some child rushing past it knocked it, over it went, paraffin leaked across the floor and immediately went up in flames. The pupils squeezed into the corner screaming, while Miss Dawson ran to get the Principal. In came Mr Price, carrying a sheet of 3 ply, fortunately left after some recent building repairs, threw it on the blaze and jumped on it. It put out the fire but we had a large black mark on the floor ever after. Alan is certain that if little kids got such a fright today, they would have counselling, a few days off, and possibly a visit to a solicitors. Not in 1954. We were told to go back to our desks and get on with our work. Thank goodness, we lived to tell the tale! Great stuff, Alan, and thank you so much for sharing. Now listen, next weekend brings Halloween or Samhain, the Celtic New Year, with all its traditions and ghostly aspects. How many of you have a ghost story of your own to relate to the rest of us? Wed like to feature some of them next Thursday. So, get thinking, recall that inexplicable event which made your spine creep, and tell us all about it. We already know of the Haunted House off Lovers Walk, thanks to Tim Cagney and others, but now we want to hear of other residence or laneways or locations said to be haunted. Email them tojokerrigan1@gmail.com or leave a comment on our Facebook page: @echolive.ie. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Youth climate activists protest outside the Standard Chartered HQ against financing of fossil fuel projects during Defund Climate Chaos global day of action targeting City of London's banking, insurance and investment companies in London, United Kingdom on October 29, 2021. Wiktor Szymanowicz / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Youve heard of greenwashing when companies make false or misleading claims about the sustainability of their practices but what about greenhushing? This is when companies announce a climate target and then make absolutely no plans to promote their progress towards achieving it, according to a new report from climate group South Pole. The organization found that around one in four of the companies it surveyed did not plan to announce their progress. We see that sustainability-minded businesses are increasingly backing up their targets with science-based emissions reduction milestones, which is absolutely the right approach, South Pole CEO Renat Heuberger said in a statement. But if a quarter today arent coming forward with details on what makes their target credible, could corporate green-hushing be spreading? Published today, our annual #NetZero report reveals an emerging practice among companies #greenhushing. Based on a survey of +1,200 companies, we found that many of them do not plan to talk about their science-aligned #climatetargets. Find out more https://t.co/GLnZYAksst pic.twitter.com/SOjdfaQxQK South Pole (@southpoleglobal) October 17, 2022 The finding came as part of a broader yearly look at corporate targets titled Net Zero and Beyond. South Pole focused on 1,220 sustainability-minded companies in 12 different countries and 15 sectors, 67 percent of which identified as heavy emitters. There were many positive trends in the report. Almost two thirds of the companies had committed to making significant changes by 2030. More than two-thirds of companies (67 percent) had announced both a net-zero target and a science-based target. This means a target verified by the UN-backed Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which requires climate targets to be in line with the Paris agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. A further 72 percent had either set or promised a SBT, according to the report. This was up from 11 percent in 2020 and 18 percent in 2021. The sharp rise in SBTs is due to our focus on sustainability-minded organisations this year (those with a head of sustainability or corporate social responsibility), but could also suggest that the overall market is slowly starting to mature and is increasingly aligning itself with best-practice climate action, the study authors wrote. However, 23 percent of these sustainability-minded companies did not plan to publicize their progress beyond basic requirements. This is concerning for two reasons, South Pole said: It makes it harder to assess if a company is meeting its goals. It makes it harder for companies to collaborate and push each other towards more ambitious targets. The speed at which we are overshooting our planetary boundaries is mindblowing. More than ever we need the companies making progress on sustainability to inspire their peers to make a start. This is impossible if progress is happening in silence, Heuberger continued in a statement. Because South Pole did not ask about publication plans in prior surveys, its hard to know if this is a growing issue, POLITICO reported. As to why companies might hesitate to make noise about their targets, its possible that they are under pressure from both sides of the issue. One the one hand, they may be afraid of greenwashing accusations if they promote their sustainability plans too much. On the other hand, some companies actually face criticism for engaging in so-called Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Theres a lot of noise in the system, South Poles head of climate solutions for North America George Favaloro told POLITICO. In the U.S. we have this ridiculous political pushback against ESG, which is really unfortunate, but theres also some confusion about ESG. Others agreed that greenhushing was a problem. Dan Botteril, who founded a sustainability platform called Rio, told The Independent that it was just as duplicitous and cynical as greenwashing. However, he also said that customers could hold companies to account for this practice too. But in the same way consumers are beginning to identify companies that use advertising and social media to appear more climate-friendly and environmentally sustainable than they really are, they will become aware of businesses that hide their climate impact, he said. This might lead to boycotts and reputation damage. On Wednesday, October 19, at a school in Bihar in a Class VII examination question paper, allegedly a question distinguished Kashmir from India. This prompted the Education Department to initiate a probe, officials said. Further, giving more details, officials said that the claim that Kashmir is not a part of India was asked in the English mid-term exam paper which was approved by the Bihar Educational Project Council. These exam papers were distributed among students in Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar districts, they added. We have ordered a probe into the matter and strict action will be taken against those who are found guilty," Dipak Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Education Department), told PTI. What actually happened? The question with an example of China was framed, "As the people of China are called Chinese, what are the people of Nepal, England, Kashmir, and India called?" Meanwhile, the headteacher of the school SK Das clarified that, "We got this via Bihar Education Board. The question had to ask what are people from Kashmir called? But, it mistakenly carried as what are people of the country of Kashmir called? This was human error," stated the ANI report. Alleging this incident, BJP State President Sanjay Jaiswal said in a Facebook post in Hindi that, "The state government is still silent on my concern that they feel Kashmir as not a part of India. This question paper advocates that officials in the Bihar government consider Kashmir as a different country, as stated in a report by PTI. Zhenghong: What lies ahead for Chinese feed company after 25 years of stagnancy? An eFeedLink Hot Topic Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on March 18, 1997, Zhenghong Technology was the first feed company in China to be listed in the domestic feed industry. The company was able to go public early as it is a state-owned holding company. However, this status led to Zhenghong's negligible development for the past 25 years. And, unlike its counterparts that saw exponential growth, Zhenghong Technology's feed output in 2021 was only about 362,000 tonnes, lower than what it produced 20 years ago. In that year, there were nearly 40 domestic feed companies with an annual output of one million tonnes. Last June, Zhenghong announced that Guansheng Investment and its subsidiary, Guansheng Agriculture, will own 34.72% of the total share capital of the company, thus becoming the controlling shareholders of Zhenghong. Zhenghong believes that, with this move, Guansheng Investment can use its logistics and trade resources to expand procurement channels. This means Guansheng could help Zhenghong strengthen its feed business. However, an analysis of Guansheng Investment's financial situation revealed that it lacks sufficient resources. As of September 30, 2021, its net asset was 5 billion, but its asset-liability ratio was at 61.70%. With an income of nearly 9.3 billion (US$1.4 billion), the net profit attributable to the parent company was only over 100 million (US$14.6 million). Zhenghong's shareholding structure shows that Guansheng Investment holds 80% of the shares while Juntai Holdings holds 20% of the shares. Although there are many companies related to agriculture, animal husbandry and biotechnology under Juntai Holdings, the registered capital of these companies is limited to 100 million or less. Hence, Juntai Holdings is expected to be a dormant shareholder. What then is the direction of Zhenghong going forward? Judging from Guanshengs strengths and resources, Zhenghong would have to exploit its advantage, in terms of location, at Yueyang Port to develop grain transportation, warehousing and processing businesses, which would support its feed business. Consequently, one can expect Guansheng to remain focused on the grain processing trade. As of now, Zhenghong Technology has a total share capital of 266.63 million shares and a net asset of 1.16 (US$0.17) per share. Its stock price is 5.97 (US$0.87), with a total market value of about 1.592 billion (US$233.6 million). - David Lin, eFeedLink Plan to phase out caged hens in Australia by 2036 causing confusion There is confusion among Australian egg farmers, supermarkets, and state governments over the implementation to phase out battery hens and caged eggs by 2023, ABC News reported. While proponents of animal welfare have criticised the 15-year phase-out as being too slow, the industry contends that it is not enough time, and some have warned that the change will result in severe egg shortages. According to the new standards, conventional battery cages, which are typically 50 centimetres square in size, will be phased out in Australia by 2036. In order to encourage layer hens to behave more naturally, nesting areas must be added to all new chicken cages beginning this year. Layer hens must also have access to perches or platforms and a scratching area. The manager of Glenview Poultry Farm, Darren Letton, said that the exact details of the phase-out were unclear. Even though the reform won't happen for another ten years, Letton said that some supermarkets were already refusing to accept his caged eggs. Woolworths and Coles, two major supermarkets in Australia, said all of their eggs will be free of cages by 2025. Dion Andary, managing director of Days Eggs, said that there was no support or transition plan for farmers who wanted to switch to free-range farming. In order to keep up with the trend, he said that farming families would have to scramble to find the money to essentially demolish their existing homes and construct new ones at their own expense. Andary said farmers would find it extremely challenging to survive as the cost of egg production inputs is already skyrocketing. Melinda Hashimoto, CEO of Egg Farmers Australia, said state and federal governments should think about exit packages to support farmers financially. Given that farmers borrow millions of dollars from banks to invest in cage eggs, she claimed that the rules prevent them from being able to settle their current debts. It is ten years too soon and could put many small-scale family egg farmers out of business, according to Mrs. Hashimoto. There are worries within the egg industry that the complete switch to free range will not keep up with consumer demand given the evidence of egg producers already declining. Australian consumers may soon pay more for the typical trolley good, farmers said. A recent study by Australian Eggs found that 36% of eggs sold in supermarkets there were caged eggs, which the industry claims demonstrates a significant market for the less expensive product. Hashimoto said Australian families would have fewer options, a shortage of eggs, and higher egg prices without caged eggs. Rowan Ramsey, a South Australian politician, said that completely banning caged hens posed risks as a possible bird flu infection in free range cooks could wipe out flocks. Claie Scriven, South Australia's Minister for Primary Industries, said despite efforts to create a national policy that is consistent, supermarkets are insistent on transitioning ahead of the national agreement. The phase-out will be determined by each state, even though the federal government proposed the new standards for the welfare of poultry. The agriculture ministers will get together again early the following year to finalise those standards, Scriven said. - ABC News South Africa signs beef export deal with Saudi Arabia South Africa has signed a new beef export deal with Saudi Arabia, with up to 1,000 tonnes of beef annually expected to be shipped to the Middle Eastern nation, BusinessDay reported. The new agreement signed between the governments of both countries is expected to provide a significant boost for South African cattle farmers. The beef sector in South Africa has been badly affected recently by a food-and-mouth disease outbreak. The memorandum of understanding was signed during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to Saudi Arabia as part of an investment drive. The shipments could begin as soon as 2023, which would make Saudi Arabia one of South Africa's biggest beef export markets. - BusinessDay In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used. This Policy contains important information about your personal rights to privacy. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com Liz Truss resigns as UK Prime Minister The UK Prime Minister's announced she will resign - and a successor will be in place within a week. Liz Truss has faced growing pressure among her own Conservative MPs to stand down, following weeks of economic and political turmoil. She says she'll remain in post until a successor is chosen. Due to developing regulations in the EU regarding uncrewed aviation regulations, today drone delivery company Wing announced a new service area in Lusk, Ireland that is slated to begin sometime in the coming weeks. Currently, Wing offers drone deliveries in four other cities (Christiansburg, Virginia; Helsinki, Finland; and Logan and Canberra, Australia), with Lusk, Ireland soon to be the fifth. Wing says it chose Ireland as its next area of operation because the country has embraced drone technology and looks to be a "great incubator for future innovations." The company claims it's using existing partnerships and approvals granted in Finland to support its operation in Ireland including recognition from the IAA (Irish Aviation Authority). The company says it hopes to use Lusk as a testbed to expand its European operations and gain more experience when it comes to integrating its service into the local community. However, with Lusk having a population of less than 10,000, Wing's next expansion will be more small-scale with the company admitting its operation in Ireland will function differently than its other commercial services in the US, Australia and Finland. Turn on browser notifications to receive breaking news alerts from Engadget You can disable notifications at any time in your settings menu. Not now Turned on Turn on Recently, Wing says the company completed its 300,000th drone delivery as it continues to seek ways to use autonomous flying vehicles to replace deliveries made by less efficient gas-based cars. Mauritius has secured its position once again as a leading Indian Ocean destination, with the tropical island paradise scooping three prestigious destination awards at the 2022 World Travel Awards (WTA) Indian Ocean region. The annual awards recognise and honour the winners in each category voted as being the best in their travel, tourism and hospitality businesses, since the WTA are regarded as the most prestigious awards of the global tourism industry. The winners, based on votes cast by travel industry professionals and the public, were announced at a prestigious gala dinner held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya on 15 October. The lush forests, wild waterfalls, unique wildlife, rugged mountains and palm-fringed white beaches, together with its world-class luxurious resorts, romantic settings and a focus on sustainable tourism, enabled Mauritius to lift the titles of: Indian Oceans Leading Adventure Tourism Destination; Indian Oceans Leading Wedding Destination; and, for the first time, Indian Oceans Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination. We are delighted with the recognition for Mauritius as a leading Indian Ocean island destination from the WTA and our industry peers across the three categories, as these are all areas within our tourism mandate where we strive to be the best. After almost 18 months, travel restrictions and lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are extremely grateful that global tourism is once again on the rise, as we welcome tourists from across the globe to Mauritius, says Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA). For the tourism sector on the island to receive all these accolades in the various categories at the highest level by the WTA is a significant achievement, and a tribute to our resilient and recovering industry sector, says Arvind. Following the unprecedented and particularly challenging time for the global tourism sector as we all manage the effects of the pandemic, it is important that we continue promoting our unique tourism offerings to ensure Mauritius remains a destination of choice once again. This included the launch of an interactive digital campaign, #MauritiusNow, to showcase the islands natural beauty in real time, and the introduction of a long-stay Premium Visa option, valid for one year, for those seeking an alternative work, live, play lifestyle option in a safe environment. Beyond the beautiful sea, white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts and hotels are many hidden gems off the beaten track just waiting to be explored. As a melting pot of exotic cultures, the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences one encounters in Mauritius are unique to this small but very special island. With the reopening of the tourism industry, we continue to promote the destination to our key markets globally. These WTA awards reaffirm Mauritius as the leading Indian Ocean island destination for adventure tourism, weddings and sustainable tourism, comments Arvind. In the airline sector, Mauritius national carrier, Air Mauritius, was also honoured at the regional event, taking home awards in the Indian Ocean region as Leading Airline Brand and Leading Airline Economy Class. Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: The interest in the World Travel Awards 2022 programme shows that the appetite for travel and tourism has never been stronger and bodes well for the industrys future as the global recovery begins. The category winners represent the very best of the Indian Oceans travel and tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them. They have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires The brand new serial crystallography beamline ID29, one of the Extremely Brilliant Source flagship beamlines, has had its first users, in three different experiments. They all focused on ways of scanning thousands of minuscule crystals (smaller than 10 microns) effectively with the new EBS powerful beam. A bunch of scientists and engineers nervously observe the computer screens in the control cabin until a pattern with dots comes up in front of their eyes. They then draw big smiles: it works. The scene has repeated itself three times in the last month. The scientist in charge of the new beamline, Daniele de Sanctis, is relieved: In a new beamline, and especially if it is unique in the world, you can expect a few teething problems, but weve all been very pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the three first experiments have gone. Together with the other team members, Shibom Basu from European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Julien Orlans, we were confident of our work, but it is nevertheless exciting to see the outcome of such a long project, made possible thanks to EBS. Welcome to the new ID29! The beamline is run jointly with the EMBL, in the frame of the long-standing collaboration that the ESRF and EMBL have set up on the EPN science campus in Grenoble. Levitating crystals It worked on the first shot, says Takashi Tomizaki, scientist at Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) and one of the inventors of the acoustic levitation diffractometer, a device to scan thousands of crystals within a few seconds. After some tests elsewhere, we have finally managed to get really good scans, he adds. What he is referring to is no small feat: the device they have developed uses ultrasonic acoustic wave to levitate and rotate a film dispensed with tiny crystals, which are scanned on ID29 on several rounds. The danger of destroying the sample is very real, but this is overcome thanks to the pulsed beam of ID29. The team came to the beamline because of the high flux, the high brightness of the beam, as well as the fact that it is equipped with the high-frame rate X-ray image detector Jungfrau that is optimized for high-flux experiments, and the flexibility to install our special machine. In fact, thanks to the support of the ID29 scientists in advance, the installation of the levitator was extremely easy, explains Tomizaki. Our set-up will allow us to study samples that are difficult to purify, such as membrane proteins, without damaging the crystals and at room temperature, adds Tomizaki. Ultimately, the PSI team wants to improve the study of these tiny crystals. Today it is very laborious to study crystals of this size, as we need to work on each of the crystals, but we hope this will be a thing of the past soon, concludes Tomizaki. 'Tapedrive Scientists from the Technical Applied University of Lubeck (TH Lubeck, Germany) came this month to ID29 to test their new tapedrive, a project of TH Lubeck led by Manfred Role in cooperation with the ESRF, funded by the German ministry of science and education, the BMBF. The aim of this project: to develop a sample environment for the new beamline ID29 with optimized signal to noise ratio for small protein crystals for serial crystallography, the tapedrive. In it, a perforated polymer belt stays in constant movement with fresh microcrystals supplied onto it, while a second tape blots away mother liquor before the X-ray interaction zone so that quasi naked crystals are irradiated . Our goal is to study time-resolved structural changes induced by light activation, ligand mixing or pH jump in many micrometer-sized crystals, very fast and with a high signal to noise ratio, explains Mia Lahey-Rudolph, researcher at the TH Lubeck. At ID29, they verified the beneficial effect of blotting, and obtained very promising proof-of principle results of a time-resolved pH jump experiment with the fluorescent protein twist-cerulean undergoing a fast pH induced colour change. The tapedrive will be permanently available for ID29 users in 2023. Extruding crystals to study antibiotics mechanisms Viewing the inactivation of antibiotics by enzymes in real time at room temperature may make it easier to develop new, improved treatments to overcome antibiotic resistance in the future. This is the aim of the team from the Instituto de Quimica Fisica Rocasolano (IQFR-CSIC) in Spain, who came to the new ID29 beamline to test the new injector set-up that the ESRF has developed to study multiple crystals of 5-10 microns in a high viscosity medium. Jose Manuel Martin Garcia, researcher at the IQFR-CSIC and leading scientist, explains his first experience on the beamline: It is a privilege to be able to be one of the first ones to exploit the capabilities of this new beamline, we are delighted with the data and expect that, in upcoming experiments, the combination of the Extremely Brilliant Source (EBS) beam and the capabilities of the beamline allow us to discover new information that could make a difference in the development of new treatments. Text and video by Montserrat Capellas Espuny The Essex Reporter is a daily digital news website covering the Town of Essex and City of Essex Junction, Vermont. Our beat reporters are on the ground every day covering local government, schools, sports, business and culture. A shipwreck is in view along the banks of the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, due to low water levels, on Monday Oct. 17, 2022. Archaeologists believe the ship is a ferry that was built in the late 1800s or early 1900s and sunk in 1915. No matter what the enemy plans and does, Ukraine will defend itself: Zelenskyy The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his address said about new Russian attacks against Ukraines energy system. More than 10 Ukrainian regions suffered terrorist attacks. Some of the drones and missiles were shot down. We are working with partners to provide even more protection to the Ukrainian sky. Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a U.S. diplomat, pleaded guilty on Thursday to causing the death of teenager, Harry Dunn, by driving carelessly in England three years ago, a case that led to diplomatic friction between Britain and the United States. CHICAGOThe Republic of France has promoted Chicagoan Dr. Carla Knorowski to the rank of Officer in its National Order of Merit (L'Ordre National Du Merite). The award was bestowed upon Knorowski by Consul General of the Midwest in Chicago, Mr. Yannick Tagand, at a private ceremony at The Fortnightly of Chicago in October. Knorowski was recognized for her many achievements throughout her career, particularly in raising funds for arts, culture, and education. She has served in leadership positions as a Managing Director of the Chicago Humanities Council, CEO of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, and currently as President and Chief Development Officer for the Naval War College Foundation. Knorowski was bestowed the rank of "Officer" for her body of work and efforts to raise funds and awareness for the restoration and rebuilding of the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Knorowski serves on the board of directors of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris (FoND), which she joined in 2019. Shortly after a catastrophic fire swept through the iconic, centuries-old Cathedral--a UNESCO World Heritage Site--Knorowski organized a global virtual fundraising event whose participants included cellist and one-time Paris resident Yo-Yo Ma, actress Glenn Close, filmmaker Ken Burns, journalist Scott Simon, and Notre-Dame Cathedral's titular organist Olivier Latry among others. She continues to work with her French and American directors of FoND to raise much-needed funds for the Cathedral's restoration. Knorowski also has worked with the Paris-Chicago Sister Cities Committee to raise funds to cast and erect a statue of Illinois' favorite son and 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, in the French capital of Paris. Like the Cathedral, this project is ongoing. Knorowski is a cultural explorer and has traveled more than 89,000 enroute to visiting all the cities, villages and towns in the world named, "Paris." Inspired by Ernest Hemingway's literary allusion that "Paris is a moveable feast," Knorowski has set forth on a goodwill journey to visit the world's Parises bridging cultural gaps between French and American cultures, traditions and people. At the midpoint of the journey, she presented an American flag which had flown over every Paris in the United States to the City of Paris, France as a tribute to the City of Light and all her fellow Parises. Her journey continues. Said Knorowski upon receiving the award, "It is a humbling honor to be recognized as an Officer in the National Order of Merit of France. I am wholly and proudly an American citizen, but I am also a citizen of the world and it is in this spirit that I have embraced France and graciously, she has embraced me. I shall not only hold sacred this honor you have bestowed upon me this evening, I shall continue to earn it." The National Order of Merit, steeped in history, was created on December 3, 1963, by then-President of the Republic Charles de Gaulle, who was later bestowed membership. It is the second national Order of France, the first being the Legion of Honor. It is under the authority of the Grand Master, President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron. The Order recognizes distinguished civil or military service. Annually it is awarded to approximately 3,000 French citizens and 300 citizens of foreign nations. Knorowski is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, University Club of Chicago serving on its Civic Affairs Committee, a member and former director of the Society of Midland Authors, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Private Directors Association and a former Trustee of the Naval War College Foundation. She is an alumna of the Harvard University's Institutes for Higher Education Management Development Program, and is a three-time graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago, earning a PhD in Public Policy and Political Science and an MA and BA in Communication. She is the author of Gettysburg Replies: The World Responds to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (Lyons Press, 2015) and Under Lincoln's Hat: 100 Objects That Tell the Story of His Life and Legacy (Lyons Press, 2016, co-authored with James M. Cornelius). Her writing also is featured in Lincoln: An Intimate Portrait (Life Books, 2014). For more about Knorowski, see https://www.carlaknorowski.com/ Thursday, October 20, 2022 Commentary From Crisis Management Expert Edward Segal, Bestselling Author of the Award-Winning Book "Crisis Ahead: 101 Ways to Prepare for and Bounce Back from Disasters, Scandals, and Other Emergencies" (Nicholas Brealey, 2020) The U.S. Department of Labor recentlty proposed an important change in how workers are classified as employees or independent contractors. If implemented, the rule could have a ripple effect throughout the business world and the gig economy. The rule would "make it more likely for millions of janitors, home-care and construction workers and gig drivers to be classified as employees rather than independent contractors," according to the New York Times. Statement By Labor Secretary "While independent contractors have an important role in our economy, we have seen in many cases that employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors, particularly among our nation's most vulnerable workers," Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh said in a prepared statement. "Misclassification deprives workers of their federal labor protections, including their right to be paid their full, legally earned wages. The Department of Labor remains committed to addressing the issue of misclassification," he commented. Effects The Department said the new rule would have these effects: Align DOL's Approach Restore Multi-Factor Analysis Restore the multifactor, totality-of-the-circumstances analysis to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Balanced Analysis Ensure that all factors are analyzed without assigning a predetermined weight to a particular factor or set of factors. Interpretation Of Economic Reality Factors Revert to the longstanding interpretation of the economic reality factors. These factors include the investment, control and opportunity for profit or loss factors. The integral factor, which considers whether the work is integral to the employer's business, is also included. Classification Assist with the proper classification of employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Rescind the 2021 Independent Contractor Rule. Immediate Impact "The immediate impact of the regulations is that workers are more likely to be classified as employees than as independent contractors," Jerry Cutler, co-chair of the American Bar Association's Section of Litigation, Employment and Labor Relations Law Committee and lead author of Legal Guide to Human Resources, said via email. "The immediate impact of the regulations is that workers are more likely to be classified as employees than as independent contractors," Cutler, a lecturer at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, observed. He said this means: "Potential cost increases to companies in meeting the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and [paying the ]payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare." "Workers are likely to become eligible for 'employee only' benefits such as retirement, health insurance, unemployment insurance and workers' compensation." Begin Auditing Activities Of Freelancers Companies are "well-advised to begin auditing the work activities of their independent contractors to determine whether they meet the requirements of the proposed regulations," Cutler recommended. He said the requirements include: The degree of control exercised by the company over the worker The worker's opportunity for profit or loss The permanency of the relationship between the worker and the company Whether the work performed is an integral part of the company's business The worker's investment in equipment or materials required for their work The skill and initiative required to perform the work "Under the proposed regulations, all of these factors are considered, and no individual factor has a greater weight in determining whether the worker is an independent contractor," Cutler concluded. 'Independent Contractors Will Not Benefit' Liya Palagashvili , a labor economist at George Mason University's Mercatus Center, was skeptical that the rule would help independent contractors become employees Liya Palagashvili, a labor economist at George Mason University's Mercatus Center, was skeptical that the rule would help independent contractors become employees. "Most independent contractors will not benefit from this rule because they are supplemental earners who have full-time employment," she noted. "The majority of independent contractors prefer to keep their non-traditional jobs because they provide more flexibility than traditional work. Many independent contractors will neither become employees nor keep their independent work jobs," Palagashvili predicted. PARISThe FIREBIRD Book Awards has named The Devil's Calling by Michael Kelley, the first-place winner in the 'Philosophy' category. Authors and publishers from around the world submitted their work to the International Firebird Book Awards for consideration. The judging panel included a diverse group representing a cross section of ages, cultural heritage, race, religion, gender, and experience. Only entries with the highest of scores were awarded the coveted Firebird. Michael Kelley's stunning new novel, The Devil's Calling, examines and explores the intersections of science and spirituality in the form of an entertaining, literary adventure. Kelley asks the reader to imagine a world where technology allows for direct interface between the human brain and quantum computers. This interface exponentially increases the creative abilities of humanity holding the potential to make war, hunger, poverty, pandemics, and other human suffering obsolete. When human capability is so magnified, how does the human ego resist the temptation toward power and control? Can there be a balance between spirit and ego, between AI and human consciousness? And what happens if this ultimate technological power gets into the wrong hands those who further seek to link minds directly through this quantum computer into an augmented hive-mind? "Michael Kelley has delivered a mystical techno-thriller that examines the difficulty of living a peaceful and spiritual life side-by-side with technologies that can strip us of humanity and enable the forces of evil in the world. You'll want to stop reading so you can catch your breath, but you won't be able to. It's that kind of page-turner." Laura Manning Johnson, former CIA WMD analyst and DHS all threats and hazards planner, current adjunct professor at Georgetown University "I have always loved literature and started writing in college," shares Kelley, "but a lengthy career on Wall Street put my first love on hold. After leaving the financial world, I engaged in studies of quantum physics and the challenges of reconciling the infinitely big with the infinitely small, as well as Eastern mysticism and philosophy that led to me to a theory of everything. That search for an all-encompassing theory inspired the trilogy, serving as a metaphor for the journey of self-realization. In many ways, the story and the writing of the trilogy present the prospect of a second chance at life." "The Devil's Calling is a brilliant and heart-pounding, epic saga of metaphysical science fiction. It's a journey of self-realization and a cautionary tale for generations to comethe kind of book that hooks you from the start and never lets go until the final sentence of the final page. This sci-fi story pits human-based intelligence against automated thought." John J. Kelly, Detroit Free Press It's been nine years since Sean Byron McQueen and quantum physics professor Emily Edensaka Mdiscovered his murdered best friend's Theory of Everything. Now, Sean and M live a near-idyllic life on the campus of a college they've established for young women. M's teaching of the new paradigm-shifting theory of constant creation has made her a rock-star scientist. On the eve of M's European tour, Sean receives a disturbing holographic warning that M is in danger, sending him on a quest to protect, at all costs, his beloved partner. He remembers the events of nine years previously and believes that the hand of his nemesis, the Guru, is behind the threat to M. Sean presumes the Guru is also the mastermind behind Genesis, a super-intelligent Russian computer that will connect humans via a network of direct, brain-to-brain links. Genesis is seen as the next evolutionary step by the wired-in nation (WiN), a group determined to create a New Society. Are the Guru and WiN after M, who is determined to ensure the ethical rollout of the dangerous "hive-mind" technology, or are these threats merely the overactive imaginings of a besotted, overprotective writer? Will the dominoes fall in a way that will threaten not just M, but the very real spiritual potential of all humanity? View the book trailer here: https://bit.ly/TheDevilsCallingTrailer "I was inspired to write a trilogy that tracks the adventures and arc of the protagonist over a journey of self-realization," says Kelley. "I quickly realized this labor of love would also serve as a catalyst to my own research and practices of meditation and yoga. If self-realization is real and obtainable in a lifetime or in the momenthow can that not be the primary focus of one's life? By this, I suggest that we should embrace our duty and responsibility to move into a journey of self-discovery." "Many writers have a daunting task ahead of them to produce a sequel to a complex and involved first novel, especially one as intriguing as The Lost Theory. Michael Kelley has risen to the occasion with The Devil's Callingan equally compelling thriller that finds new and exciting ways to raise the stakes and push the development of established characters in different directions." K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite "This book is for readers who are looking to have fun and be challenged," states Kelley. "It won't be interesting if a reader wants cozy, formulaic genre fiction or a politically correct character who has no room to grow or learn from his experiences." With its sci-fi adventure flavor and emotionally resonant characters, The Devil's Calling invites readers to explore ideas regarding telepathy, consciousness, self-realization, and the implications of emerging technology for humanity. Kelley skillfully wraps deep philosophical concepts in a thrilling, engaging journey of self-discoverypitting spirit against egothat will keep readers in its grip until the last page. Now an Amazon best seller in Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing and a recipient of an Honorable Mention for General Fiction at the Paris Book Festival, The Devil's Calling (hardcover) $25.95, ISBN: 978-1626349629, October 2022, Greenleaf Book Group Press, 476 pages, is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble or https://michaelkelleyauthor.com/ The Devil's Calling was ranked an Amazon Hot New Release in Metaphysical & Visionary Fiction, Technothrillers and in Metaphysical Science Fiction. About Michael Kelley: Michael Kelley, author of The Lost Theory and The Devil's Calling, fell in love with literature and creative writing while at the University of Pennsylvania. He put this passion to the side during a lengthy career on Wall Street, where he worked as a lawyer, built an international business, and founded his own investment management firm. After leaving the financial world, he engaged in studies of quantum physics, Eastern mysticism, and philosophy. From these studies, he developed a "Theory of Everything" which became the basis of his novels. After years of life in New York City, Michael now lives in the peaceful woods of Dutchess County with his wife and daughter. There, he enjoys meditation, yoga, wine, reading, and hiking, all of which inspire his writing. Media Contact: For a review copy of The Devil's Calling or to arrange an interview with Michael Kelley, contact Scott Lorenz of Westwind Communications Book Marketing at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on twitter @abookpublicist. By Steve Miller, RealClearInvestigations October 20, 2022 Public school districts are adopting curricula on climate change from well-funded progressive groups casting the issue as a threat to life on the planet that students should respond to through activism. As of fall 2020, 29 states and the District of Columbia have adopted standards that require science classes to teach human-caused climate change as a peril beyond dispute, according to K12 Climate Action, a group that is part of the progressive Aspen Institute. The school districts often rely on information provided by advocacy groups including the Sierra Club and the U.S. Green Building Council. A Sierra Club teaching toolkit signals a wide purpose across subject areas: The why and the how of moving our entire society to 100% clean energy and for fighting climate change more broadly can be woven into many subject areas, including: biology, chemistry, physics, and even social studies. Still more curricular guidelines and suggestions are distributed by well-funded progressive groups that include the United Nations Office for Climate Education, and the North American Association for Environmental Education. Many scientists agree that human activity has contributed to the warming of the Earth in recent decades. But its still not clear how much temperatures will rise in the future and the effect that might have on society. While the Biden administration and progressive groups who help shape the school curricula argue that it is imperative to end or limit the use of fossil fuels, there is vigorous debate among scientists and policy makers about the best way to balance mitigation measures with economic and other tradeoffs that, critics say, are largely ignored in schools. Its fine to teach climate if you summarize the pro and con arguments of climate change, said John Staddon, professor emeritus of biology at Duke University and author of Science in an Age of Unreason. But you dont talk about it as a concluded issue. Its a very political area and [climate change] is about scientific data, which is not a consensus. A RealClearInvestigations review of materials used to advance climate learning found that many contain an uncritical examination of climate change; they tend to emphasize worst-case scenarios, and to urge encouraging students to organize as activists. There are a lot of resources out there that are helping students draft policies as well, and getting them involved from the beginning. And this is what we want to see, this whole-institution approach where were creating this culture of climate action, Kristen Hargis, who works on research with the North American Association for Environmental Education, told attendees of an August webinar. After the pandemic caused a delay to implementing its standards adopted in 2020, New Jersey this school year became the first state to introduce a mandatory comprehensive curriculum of environmental education in its public schools. State lawmakers in Connecticut earlier this year voted to make climate education in public schools mandatory starting next year, while a group of teachers in Oregon have drafted legislation that would create a curriculum similar to New Jerseys. Activists in other states are also working through legislators and state education boards to make uncontested climate change assertions part of classroom teaching. Glenn Branch, deputy director of the National Center for Science Education, said there are limits to what high schoolers can be expected to read and understand from complicated climate science reports. But you do want them to realize that [climate change] is a real thing and know the causes and that its a serious problem that will be disruptive to nature and society for centuries to come and that there are ways to adapt. To question the widely disseminated doomsday view of much climate science is to invite outrage and personal attacks, as Wade Linger found in 2014. As a member of the West Virginia Board of Education, Linger sought to change the wording in a proposed lesson that would, if his amendment were adopted, allow students to consider factors that have caused the rise and fall of global temperatures over the past century, rather than only considering the idea that temperatures have increased. Linger also suggested students be allowed to consider the credibility of climate change data. The lessons he challenged were developed largely by Next Generation Science Standards, developed by a series of mostly progressive science learning groups; they encourage students to [take] action within their own spheres of influence to combat what is presented as out-of-control global warming. This was a precursor on the education scene to all the indoctrination stuff like [critical race theory] and the gender conflicts, Linger said in an interview with RCI. This was an early trial balloon to see how they can use the system to indoctrinate kids. His stance drew widespread criticism, with strangers shouting him down on social media. State universities and science groups sent letters to the board, denouncing Lingers proposal. Adding the words and fall to [the lesson] risks confusion among students between the concepts of weather and climate, read a letter from the National Science Teaching Association. Despite a widely mixed series of public comments on the planned curriculum, Lingers suggestions were not implemented. He resigned in 2017. No one ever wanted to debate the data, said Linger, who was appointed by then-Gov. Joe Manchin, now a moderate Democratic U.S. senator from the coal-producing state. The National Science Teaching Association did not respond to an interview request. For this story, RealClearInvestigations reached out to six groups advocating for a singular K-12 climate change education approach; one, Branchs National Center for Science Education, agreed to speak. Another, the North American Association for Environmental Education, was unable to meet the deadline for this story. President Biden announced at the outset of his term last year that he would empower every federal agency to aid his pursuit of carbon-free electricity by 2035, according to a 2021 executive order from the White House. Last month, Biden announced the White House will allocate nearly $1 billion for electric school buses along with $50 million for schools to improve indoor air quality, with the goal of moving away from fossil fuel-powered climate control systems. The non-profit National Center for Science Education issued a report card in 2020 evaluating states on how their public schools teach climate change. The report stated that 26 states and District of Columbia have standards that earned a B+ or better. The review said its grading favored instruction reflecting that human activity is responsible for the global change in climate, and that Its bad: climate change is affecting and will continue to affect nature and society. As these standards advance, public school districts, with enrollment this year of some 50 million American students, are also collectively paying millions of dollars to sustainability officers and their staff to ensure schools are following green practices and to help districts meet their self-imposed goals for clean energy and carbon neutrality. And these specialists are well paid. In 2020, Chicago Public Schools in 2020 hired Sandrine Schultz as director of energy and sustainability at $130,000 per year more than twice the salary of the average district employee, according to transparency site GovSalaries. Schultz came from Washington, D.C., where she worked at the U.S. Department of Energy during the Obama administration. The district, which promises to convert its schools to all renewable energy by 2025, also has two open positions for environmental compliance specialists paying $93,500 and $75,000 annually. Dan Schnitzer is sustainability coordinator at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools in North Carolina, where he makes $89,307, more than most of his district colleagues, including school principals. Schnitzer came to the school district from the Academy for Global Citizenship, a public K-8 charter school in Chicago which, according to its Twitter intro, is reimagining the future of education by incubating best practices in environmental sustainability, whole student wellness and international mindedness. Some of these administrators help foster activist student groups. In Denver, sustainability director LeeAnn Kittle is listed as a key community supporter of DPS Students for Climate Action Policy. The student group this year successfully pressed the school board to pass a climate plan that includes a pledge to use 100% clean electric power by 2030. Other student groups, led by adult activists, have filed lawsuits against governments including those in Rhode Island, Virginia, and Oregon. Seven Utah schoolchildren, ranging in age from 9 to 18, in March sued Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. The lawsuit alleges Cox, a Republican, along with several other cabinet offices and officers, are harming the plaintiffs through unconstitutional fossil fuel policies. Kittle, whose career includes serving on the board of the U.S. Green Building Council, said the students in the Denver advocacy group were acting on climate anxiety, fed by what Kittle said were the students' concerns over climate change-related weather and events in the region, including wildfires and increasing temperatures. Over 300 farmers have contacted their MPs demanding the full rollout of key environmental reforms, such as enhancing wildlife, reducing greenhouse emissions and promoting nature conservation. A new letter by the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), sent to 148 Tory MPs, says farmers were "promised agricultural policies that would make our farms the standard bearers for quality, sustainability, and profitability. Last month, Liz Truss announced a review of the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), a new set of subsidies set to replace the EUs Common Agricultural Policy. The key Brexit promise has been in development for six years, but fears are growing it could be watered down by Truss and the new Defra Secretary Ranil Jayawardana. It is thought the new government sees environmental stewardship at odds with Truss's dash for growth. But in the letter, coordinated by the NFFN, farmers say that this is a false trade-off, adding that weakening environmental incentives would be a poor use of public funds and wholly against the direction of travel within the sector. The letter is set to add pressure on Truss and her cabinet to continue rolling out the new farm payments scheme, which seeks to put food production and environmental delivery hand in hand. Last week saw the prime minister criticised publicly over these proposals by senior Tory figures including Michael Gove and William Hague, as well as the Conservative Environment Network (CEN), whose director Sam Hall described ELMS as critical for both food security and farm profitability. Meanwhile, Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg appeared to contradict the prime minister over her plans to ban solar panels from most English farmland. The move to review environmental commitments to farming coincides with a new report from the NFFN, which argues that if the government wants to prioritise food security, then nature and climate-based reforms are of importance. Rethink Food shows that the war in Ukraine, the Covid pandemic, and Brexit-related labour shortages have exposed the fragilities of farming, and that in order to build a resilient sector, farmers must be encouraged to work with nature. Among the policy recommendations from the report is that the government must move at pace to phase out the Common Agricultural Policy and replace it with the initiatives Truss and Jayawardena are 'threatening to dilute'. Martin Lines, UK chair of the NFFN said: Farmers urgently need a clear vision for the future and the right policies and political will to get us therewe need ELMS to work for all farms of every size and system. There is already much evidence showing how nature-friendly farming provides greater profitability, resilience and the foundations to build sustainable enterprises. "Its time the government stood by its commitment in 2019 and joined the solutions to achieving a multifunctional landscape that produces food, recovers biodiversity and delivers ambitious climate action." Gareth Morgan, head of farming at the Soil Association, urged clarity from the government on the future of post-Brexit environmental schemes. Farmers know that healthy soils and a thriving natural environment are good for business; they help create resilient, reliable and productive farms. ELMS is an important component in the transformation needed in farming and we are working closely with NFFN to find practical ways to accelerate the transition to an agroecological food and farming system. Only subscribers with PAID Print or E-Edition subscriptions enter here to gain access. If you are not a Current Paid subscriber do not go through this portal. Please return to the subscription page to purchase one of our offers. Thank you! Exports of fibre, specifically cotton, from Brazil have jumped many folds in terms of value and volume in the last two months as the new marketing season began in August 2022. Brazil exported 189.733 million kg cotton amounting to $382.944 million in September 2022, up from 65.040 million kg cotton (valued at $127.434 million) in August 2022. The monthly shipment in terms of value increased two-fold during September over the shipment in August. In terms of volume, the exports witnessed a 190 per cent rise over the previous month. The shipment during August increased about two times in terms of volume and value over July 2022. Brazil had exported 23.715 million kg fibre worth $53.391 million in July, according to Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro. Exports of fibre, specifically cotton, from Brazil have jumped many folds in terms of value and volume in the last two months as the new marketing season began in August 2022. Brazil exported 189.733 million kg cotton amounting to $382.944 million in September 2022, up from 65.040 million kg cotton (valued at $127.434 million) in August 2022. Brazils fibre exports stood at $168.117 million (69.404 million kg) in June, $197.566 million (87.648 million kg) in May and $315.845 million (142.666 million kg) in April 2022. Brazil exported fibre worth $2.329 billion (1,139.887 million kg) in the first nine months of this year. Its total fibre exports stood at $3.489 billion (2,078.208 million kg) in 2021, $3.314 billion (2,190.566 million kg) in 2020 and $2.733 billion (1,664.626 million kg) in 2019. Brazil is the fourth largest cotton producer country in the world. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) New Microsoft Surface report reveals how a lack of investment in sociable and collaborative workplaces may be holding UK employees back from returning to offices UK businesses are failing to invest in new, collaborative office environments that could encourage staff back into work after the pandemic, a new Microsoft Surface report warns. More than four in five UK workers (83%) surveyed by YouGov on behalf of Microsoft Surface find themselves still in the same office environment as before the pandemic. Meanwhile, only around one third (35 per cent) of IT decision makers (ITDMs) surveyed for the same report have been asked to consider whether the IT in their office is fit for their workforce today. What's clear is that the whole way in which we work has changed irrevocably, but our workplaces have not kept pace. The majority of those surveyed believe that office work is better suited to both socialising with colleagues (57%) and strengthening relationships with colleagues (65%) compared to remote work. However, the new research indicates that staff are stuck in uncollaborative work patterns when they do venture into the office the majority (71%) report 'doing emails' every time they go in. Additionally, less than one third (31%) of office workers say that their organisation has invested in technology to improve collaboration in the past year with just 6% of ITDMs recognising meeting room technology as a priority investment. Perhaps as a result, half (50%) of employees surveyed only go into the office when they've been told that they have to. This is worrying, as Microsoft's Work Trend Index report recently revealed that getting employees back into the office in person is a concern for 80% of UK business leaders in the coming year. Alan Slothower, Surface Business Group Lead at Microsoft UK, said: "Too many UK workers are stuck in the same office spaces as before the pandemic, their organisations having made little investment in building a sociable and collaborative workspace. Employees clearly need more enticement back to offices than an employer mandate. The question for leaders is clear: Are our offices fit for today's workforce and will they really want to come back?" The re-imagined office The Microsoft Surface report, The re-imagined office: not a re-design but a re-define, draws on the views of thousands of UK employees and more than 500 ITDMs to highlight the importance for organisations to re-imagine their offices for the hybrid road ahead. The report shares insights across three dimensions collaboration, productivity and employee engagement surfacing questions for UK business leaders, change managers and ITDMs to consider. In the report, UK employees share their top three frustrations with office work feeling like they achieve less than when working remotely (as cited by 36% of respondents); the cost and length of time commuting (32%); and reduced time spent with loved ones (25%). Interestingly, when asked to imagine a new office workplace, it's the 'basics' they long for. Strong Wi-Fi was the most commonly cited request (49%), followed by good air conditioning with temperature control (47%), and flexible work hours (46%) and good transport links (43%). But wherever they work, four in five employees (81%) think of their work device typically a laptop as their 'personal office' to keep them productive wherever they are. Indeed, devices do remain a priority investment for ITDMs in recognition of the crucial role they play to the modern, hybrid worker, according to the research. Alan Slothower commented: "When the world shifted to remote work a couple of years ago, organisations focused simply on ensuring workforces remained operational by providing people with devices and tools to work from home. Now, as organisations and employees experiment with various types of hybrid models and workers head back to the office once more, business leaders must balance the need for continued productivity with employee expectations of the office and ensure it is fit for purpose. Our research points to a clear need for businesses to not just re-design their offices, but truly re-imagine them for a hybrid future." Ends Notes To learn more about the findings please find the full report here. The Microsoft Surface report outlines three key steps which business leaders and change managers need to take in order to make the reimagined office a reality: Make employees' needs central to business strategy with a change management strategy that considers employees' needs and reasons for using the office. Not only will this ensure that devices deliver on what they need to, but also enhance the employee experience. Accept and address the hybrid paradox - if employers want to encourage greater in-person presence, it starts by understanding that people value flexibility and human connection and letting go of a one-size-fits-all approach. View devices as a productivity powerhouse, not just as a technical necessity the devices which employees use have significant impact on their morale and lead to better productivity and business outcomes. The right devices can also enhance accessibility and create more inclusive experiences for people with disabilities and those working from remote locations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221019005582/en/ Contacts: Microsoft Surface UK Press Office SurfaceCommercial@assemblyinc.com +44 7889 631 510 SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ReshaMandi - India's largest farm-to-fashion natural fibres digital ecosystem - today announced its entry into the Southeast Asian market, with a strong purpose of becoming a one-stop sourcing solution for all natural and recycled fabrics. With this move, ReshaMandi hopes to become the dominant player in the global natural textiles market and also the world's largest natural textile sourcing partner for customers seeking sustainable solutions powered by technology. ReshaMandi has supplied over 10 million metres of natural fibre fabric to 500-plus domestic fabric, apparel and home furnishings manufacturers in India. Among these 500, more than 200 are exporters providing products to well-known brands across geographies. It offers a wide range of natural fabrics while adhering to sustainability, fair trade and ethical sourcing norms. These include silk, cotton, viscose, bamboo, hemp and other natural fibres. ReshaMandi's Founder and CEO, Mayank Tiwarisaid, "The SEA region has emerged as one of the world's fastest growing apparel and textile hubs, playing an important role in the global textile front. It is an attractive and highly competitive textile industry with significant growth potential. Given the rising awareness around sustainability in fashion, our entry into the global market will lead us to be the largest natural fibre sourcing partner in the textile industry for businesses that seek sustainable solutions in apparel, lifestyle, home furnishings, fabrics and other categories. ReshaMandi has touched millions of lives in India by creating jobs, increasing operational efficiencies and paving the path for future growth. We would like to replicate the same model in SEA." ReshaMandi begins its journey in the global markets with categories such as yarn, natural and recycled fabrics, home and living, apparel, accessories and design to living solutions, with an ambition to expand this in future. About ReshaMandi ReshaMandi works with 60,000 farmers, more than 10,000 weavers, 7,500+ reelers and 3,500 retailers in the entire natural fibre supply chain to improve their productivity, impact the bottom line and eventually be instrumental in improving the quality of their lives. URL: https://ecosystem.reshamandi.com/ Contact Sohini Ray sohini.ray@reshamandi.com ReshaMandi Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1894667/ReshaMandi View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/reshamandi-introduces-indias-iconic-natural-fabrics-to-southeast-asia-301653393.html Zane Myers Company, an automotive digital marketing company, releases a new guide to Google's beta program that places a dealership's cars and trucks on top of Google search with pictures as well as text, helping auto dealers make the most of their PPC ad budgets. Bellevue, Washington--(Newsfile Corp. - October 19, 2022) - The recently published guide by Zane Myers Company helps auto dealerships capitalize on Google's dominant search engine and its prevalence as the search method of choice for over 70% of car-buying customers. The beta phase is enabling dealers to deliver their ads in a picture format that appears at the very top of search results, before regular Google ads, the three-pack, and other SEO listings. More details can be found at https://automarketingnews.com. Zane Myers Company Launches Guide to Google Ad Beta Platform for Car Dealerships To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/140954_4c6f7b44c4dfba67_001full.jpg Zane Myers Company's newly released guide explains they take care of the entire process - the required back-end coding and monitoring at each dealership. The development team at Zane Myers Company handles the implementation and ongoing support. The idea is to save dealerships time, money and the typical aggravation associated with new marketing campaigns. A program being in beta mode refers to a form of user acceptance testing that enables a limited number of adopters to road-test software and evaluate a product's performance before its official launch. Zane Myers Company's team is enabling automotive businesses to access Google's beta testing program, providing smaller businesses with a chance to compete with larger industry players. In the guide, Zane Myers Company also explains that the program has proven to be effective in case studies. A small local rural dealership implemented the beta program and immediately started pulling buyers from larger dealers, doubling sales in less than 90 days. Google itself has shared statistics that suggest an average conversion increase for auto dealerships of 25%. By appearing at the top of search results with a photo ad, a dealer's inventory has the best chance of being seen by prospective customers. Zane Myers Company is one of an exclusive number of marketing agencies that can offer access to the beta program. Automotive businesses can not, as yet, simply sign up via Google's conventional channels, making this offer a unique and time-limited opportunity for a select number of dealerships. Zane Myers, founder & CEO of Zane Myers Company, says, "Since most dealers are not on the program, it's made it even more effective for the lucky ones that are. For some, it's leveled the playing field between the huge corporate-owned stores and the traditional local dealership." Additional details can be found at https://zanemyers.com/top-of-google-search. Contact Info: Name: Zane Myers Email: zane@zanemyers.com Organization: Zane Myers Company Address: 15600 NE 8th St. Suite B1457, Bellevue, WA 98008, United States Website: https://zanemyers.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/140954 SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rodller today announced the launch of the Paris Branch. The operations for Rodller France will be driven by two seasoned entrepreneurs, Olivier Metral and Ludovic Bergounioux, and covers all of Europe's Francophone areas. The opening of Rodller France is in line with the Global expansion plans of Rodller Singapore. The unique Cloud Platform of Digital Marketing, Fundraising and Application Development becomes now available to French speaking Founders and Investors alike. Mr Metral and Mr Bergounioux will take on the Business Development and delivery processes for Rodller France. They both are entrepreneurs that understand the lifecycle of startups and more importantly, have full empathy for the challenges that Founders face these days. "I am honored to rejoin Rodller as its COO of Rodller France," said Mr. Metral. "I believe that Rodller has tremendous opportunities to capitalize on its Singapore foundation, and grow its ecosystem. I look forward to working with our global teams to enhance our Customer experiences and provide more capabilities that will help Startups acquire Customers faster and raise funding better. Here in France, we will focus on continuing to evolve the Rodller's strategy," said Mr Metral from France. 'Going into the French market is important for Rodller Singapore since there is a growing startup culture in France. We also want to reduce the funding gap by allowing French Venture Capital to invest in Asian Startup opportunities, and vice versa,' said Carwin Heierman, Rodller CEO and Founder. "That France has posted its highest Q2 on record for VC funding, with 3.7 billion Euros, has not gone unnoticed here at Rodller," he added. Currently, Rodller is in talks to replicate the expansion also in the German speaking part of Europe (DACH) and Dubai. More will be announced on these regions, still in 2022. About Rodller Rodller provides the key ingredients for any firm between Pre-seed and Series B. These ingredients are Digital Marketing, Fundraising and Application Development. All these are processed through a unique Collaboration Cloud Platform. Founders and Investors alike consume this Platform to achieve their Fundraising and Deal Sourcing goals. Rodller was Founded by Carwin Heierman. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925004/Rodller_in_Paris.jp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925013/Rodller_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rodller-announces-the-opening-of-their-paris-subsidiary-301654335.html NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use or CHMP has recommended marketing authorization for a 3-microgram dose of COMIRNATY (COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA), which is based on the wild-type spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, as a three-dose series for children ages 6 months to less than 5 years, Pfizer Inc. (PFE) and BioNTech SE (BNTX) said in a statement. The European Commission will review the CHMP recommendation and is expected to make a final decision soon. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization of the original Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine as a three 3-microgram dose series in this age group in June 2022. Submissions to other regulatory agencies around the world are ongoing. Pfizer and BioNTech are also in discussions with health authorities regarding a regulatory pathway for potential authorization of their Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for use in children under 5 years of age. The companies initiated a Phase 1/2/3 pediatric study in September 2022 to evaluate different dosing regimens and dose levels of the Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine across age groups. For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Refinancing of Revolving Credit Facilities Wereldhave N.V. refinanced its 2017 syndicated Revolving Credit Facility ('RCF') with a new five year 225m syndicated sustainability-linked RCF, pushing out the maturity to Q4 2027. The new facility features sustainability-linked key performance indicators. The lenders in the facility are ABN AMRO Bank, ING Bank and Rabobank. ABN AMRO Bank acted as Documentation Agent and Sustainability Coordinator in this transaction, ING Bank is the Facility Agent. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer advised Wereldhave on the transaction. Furthermore, Wereldhave has reached agreement with ABN AMRO Bank to refinance its secured 80m Green RCF maturing Q3 2024 with a new unsecured 50m RCF maturing in Q4 2027. As a result, the loan book is fully unsecured and Wereldhave more than doubles the group's weighted average term of the (merely undrawn) revolving credit facilities, totaling 385m, to 4.5 years. Dennis de Vreede, CFO at Wereldhave comments: "We are proud of our expanded partnership with ABN AMRO Bank, ING Bank and Rabobank. After strengthening our balance sheet whilst refinancing our credit facilities, Wereldhave is in a better than ever position to keep delivering on our LifeCentral transformation strategy." Supervisory Board changes As from 15 December 2022, Mrs. Francoise Dechesne will become the new Chair of the Supervisory Board of Wereldhave N.V. Mr. Adriaan Nuhn, who currently chairs the Supervisory Board of Wereldhave N.V., has decided to retire from the Board for personal reasons, with effect from the same date. The Board of Management and the members of the Supervisory Board regret to see Adriaan Nuhn leave, but respect his personal decision. Wereldhave would like to express its gratitude towards Adriaan Nuhn for the five and a half years of chairmanship, in which he guided Wereldhave through a difficult transformation. A search for a new Supervisory Board member has meanwhile been started. Attachment JAKARTA, Oct 20, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - The High-Level Intergovermental Meeting on the Final Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (HLIGM-FRPD), has started this morning at Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday (19/10). The meeting took place hybrid from 19 to 21 October, and attended by 53 member states of the United Nations of Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and 9 associated members.Representing the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy was present to open the meeting officially. In his speech, Muhadjir emphasized the commitment and strong support of Indonesian government in fulfilling and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. "This can be seen in the implementation of policies and programs related to the persons with disabilities," said Muhadjir Effendy.On her keynote speech, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP and Under Secretary General of the UN, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana expressed her appreciation to Indonesian government for organizing this event, especially for the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini.Armida stated that the aims of this conference were to review, assess the progress of the Incheon strategy implementation, after 10 years. The second, to build on the commitment of ESCAP members to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, including access to inclusive public transportation and social rehabilitation efforts that have been carried out.The third aim is to make some recommendations of future plans that mark the 4th decade of 2023 to 2032 which will be formulated as the Jakarta Declaration.On the same occasion, Social Affairs Minister Risma delivered a country statement, emphasizing that Indonesian government has taken concrete steps in fulfilling and protecting disability rights, as evidenced by the issuance of Law No. 8/2016 on Persons with Disabilities."With this provision, it marks an important movement in Indonesia from placing persons with disabilities as objects of assistance recipients, to becoming subjects who have rights and are actively involved in making decisions related to their own needs," said the Minister of Social Affairs.Implementation and Evaluation of Respect, Protection and Fulfillment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the national and regional levels, the government also prioritizes persons with disabilities in a policy for a period of 25 years or known as the National Master Plan for Persons with Disabilities, followed by the National Action Plan on Human Rights.Government Regulation 70 of 2019 on planning, implementation and evaluation of respect, protection and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities."Recently, Indonesia also passed Law No. 12 of 2022 on the Crime of Sexual Violence as legal protection for women and children from all forms of sexual violence with a 1/3 heavier penalty if the victim is a person with a disability," said Risma.To further empower and protect persons with disabilities and create an inclusive society, Indonesia launched Indonesia Visualize, Indonesia Hear, and Indonesia Take Steps programs. "Through these programs, accessibility and mobility tools are distributed and cataract surgery and physical therapy are carried out by campaigns to raise awareness in inclusion and capacity building," said Minister Risma.In 2021, the Ministry of Social Affairs has distributed 6,581 units of assistive devices, consisting of 757 units of electric wheelchairs, 354 units of commercial tricycle motorbikes, 5,420 units of adaptive sticks, and 50 units of blind water sensors. "Meanwhile, in 2022, it is targeted that 10,000 aid tools can be distributed," added the Minister.The Government of Indonesia is also increasing its commitment through patented innovations and assistive technology technologies such as the Smart Blind Stick, and incorporating the values of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) into its universal designs.In her statement, the Minister of Social Affairs also emphasized Indonesia's commitment and concrete steps in overcoming stocks. In response to the high prevalence of stocks for persons with disabilities, several efforts have been made, including enforcing laws that prohibit stocks and educating families and communities.To protect persons with disabilities from the COVID 19 pandemic, the government launched protection programs such as Family Hope Program (PKH), Conditional Cash Assistance, ATENSI program, food assistance, health insurance, house renovation for the elderly with disabilities and other inclusive social assistance.Protection against natural disasters, the government formulates regulations on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) that are inclusive at the national and regional levels. "Some of the best practices of disability-inclusive DRR can be seen from Disaster Preparedness Village and Disaster Resilient Village Program, which involves persons with disabilities as disaster volunteers such as Difagana (Disaster Voluntary Workers with Disabilities) and the formulation of technical guidelines for disaster management in sign language for the deaf," said Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini.To increase economic independence, Indonesia strengthens skills development, entrepreneurship training and provides accessibility/mobility tools needed by persons with disabilities to carry out their entrepreneurial activities."In addition, access to employment opportunities is also enhanced through the Inclusive Public-Private Partnership. It is proven that there has been an increase in income from social-inclusive entrepreneurial activities for persons with disabilities," she said.Indonesia recognizes that there are still a lot of work to do. Next, it will focus on improving the monitoring and evaluation of measurable-based policies and programs, roadmaps to adaptive social protection, more accountable disaggregated data, meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in DRR and economic empowerment, and global partnerships in humanitarian nexuses.Website: https://kemensos.go.id/Facebook: Kementerian Sosial RIIG: @kemensosriTwitter: @kemensosriTikTok: @kemensosriYoutube: Kemensos RISource: Indonesian Minister of Social AffairsCopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. London, UK, Oct 20, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Blockchain Chair in the House of Commons, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, has invited Ms. Priya Guliani, (the Government Blockchain Association's Regional Lead for Europe, Middle East, and Africa), to speak at the APPG Evidence Meeting on Sustainability & Climate Change: Energy Consumption & Other Issues.This meeting is part of the APPG's work on blockchain in the UK Parliament, and part of a series of APPG meetings to make the policymakers aware of blockchain technology's developments, applications, and regulatory implications.Representatives of academic institutions and the blockchain industry will bring their perspectives on how blockchain can be utilized to solve sustainability and climate change issues. Specifically, is blockchain harming the causes themselves? The issues surrounding blockchain, sustainability, and climate Impact will be discussed by experts, furthering the APPG's understanding of the technology.The meeting logistics will include speakers from different companies and institutions, followed by a Q&A with the members of the houses of Commons and Lords, the APPG on Blockchain Advisory Board, and the audience.Register for this event HERE: https://bicpavilion.com/about_pavilion/appg-blockchain)Priya Guliani is the EMEA Director at the Government Blockchain Association. She is an impact and technology entrepreneur, building decentralized identity solution to bring social, financial, and digital inclusion. She is an MIT certified leadership professional and Oxford certified Blockchain expert with over 14 years of IT consulting experience. She is also an author and speaker in innovative technology and sustainability space. In response to the world succumbing to the global pandemic, Priya formed and leads the Sustainable Environmental Stewardship, working group within GBA. The group's mission is to help public and private organizations create Sustainable, Attainable, and Maintainable solutions to combat climate change.The Government Blockchain Association (GBA) is a non-profit, global organization, allowing the public and private sectors to connect, communicate, and collaborate over everything blockchain. Developing training materials, assessment tools, white papers, and applications for the blockchain community, GBA brings collaborators together through a variety of events. To find out more, visit GBA's website at www.gbablobal.org.Source: GBACopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) announced Wednesday that its affiliate Philip Morris Holland Holdings B.V. has increased the price in its recommended cash offer to the shareholders of Swedish Match AB (SWMAY.PK, SWMAF.PK) to 116 Swedish kronor per share. The total value of the revised offer amounts to approximately 176.4 billion kronor. The company said it will not further increase the price in the offer. It was on May 11 that Philip Morris Holland announced a recommended cash offer of 106 kronor per share to Swedish Match. The total value of the offer amounted to around 161.2 billion kronor, corresponding to around $16.0 billion. In early October, Philip Morris announced that the acceptance period was further extended until November 4. The revised price per share represents a premium of 52.5 percent compared to the closing share price of SEK 76.06 on May 9. Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer of PMI, said, 'The price in the revised offer primarily reflects the higher net value to PMI related to the portion of Swedish Match's cash flows that are generated in U.S. dollars, given currency movements since the initial offer was announced in May.' Shareholders who have already tendered their shares at 106 kronor in cash per share will automatically benefit from the increased price of 116 kronor in cash per share without taking any further action. The revised offer retains a 90 percent acceptance condition, which is critical to capture the full potential of the combination. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX PHILIP MORRIS-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de First fundraising of 2.77 million through the issuance of 9,879,254 shares with warrants Acquisition of a 28.96% stake in Sanyou (HK) International Medical Holding Co. limited ("Sanyou Medical") Issuance of 9,879,254 warrants allowing an additional fundraising of 2.77 million, with a commitment from Sanyou Medical to exercise the warrants for a total of 2.50 million Regulatory News: IMPLANET (Paris:ALIMP)(Euronext Growth: ALIMP, FR0013470168, PEA-PME eligible) (the "Company"), a medical technology company specializing in vertebral implants, announces the success of the capital increase in cash with maintenance of the shareholders' preferential subscription right announced on September 28, 2022. This operation raised an amount of 2,766,191.12 through the issuance of 9,879,254 shares with warrants at a unit price of 0.28, representing a premium of 60% compared to the closing price of September 27, 2022 ( 0.175), prior to the setting of the issue price by Implanet's Board of Directors. Ludovic Lastennet, IMPLANET's Chief Executive Officer, stated: "The success of this fundraising, at this valuation, demonstrates the support of our historical shareholders and of our new partner Sanyou Medical, which now holds 28.96% of the Company's capital. Our capital increase of 2.77 million will be completed before March 31, 2023 by an additional maximum amount of 2.77 million through the exercise of warrants, Sanyou Medical having committed to exercise its warrants for 2.5 million. These funds will allow us to deploy our range of products dedicated to spine surgery on the Chinese market while reinforcing our R&D investments by relying on Sanyou Medical's know-how and by securing our products at the regulatory level. With these elements and our strategic partnerships, we are confident in Implanet's ability to reach a new milestone and achieve financial stability in the medium term. Implanet would like to thank its shareholders and Sanyou Medical for their confidence and their participation, which have made this transaction a success The proceeds of the issue, amounting to 2,766,191.12, will enable the Company to: ensure the financing of its cash requirements; commercialize its JAZZ range in China, through a distribution agreement with Sanyou Medical, which will be concluded no later than December 31, 2022. China is the world's largest potential market in terms of volume for Implanet's JAZZ technology, with 15,000 pediatric scoliosis surgeries and 750,000 adult surgeries; accelerate innovation by combining Implanet's expertise with that of Sanyou Medical under a technology partnership agreement to be concluded by December 31, 2022 at the latest, to rapidly develop a new complete range of hybrid fixation systems for Western markets, including the latest advances and innovations in spine surgery (deformity, mini-invasive, robotics, artificial intelligence, etc.); capitalize on strategic partnerships to allow Implanet to pass a new milestone and serenely envisage a revenue allowing to reach financial balance in the medium term. Main characteristics of the operation The capital increase was the subject of a global request for 9,879,254 shares with warrants at a unit price of 0.28, at the rate of 1 share with warrants for 2 existing shares owned, i.e. a total amount requested of 2,766,191.12, representing 92.76 of the amount of the initial offer ( 2,982,221.76). In this context, the Board of Directors has decided not to exercise the extension clause. The subscriptions were distributed as follows: 904,703 shares with warrants on an irreducible basis 8,909,127 shares with warrants on a reducible basis 65,424 shares with warrants on a free basis In accordance with its subscription commitment, Sanyou Medical, which held 100,000 Implanet shares, subscribed for 50,000 shares with warrants on an irreducible basis and 8,878,572 shares with warrants on a reducible basis for a total amount of 2,500,000.16 representing a total of 8,928,572 shares with warrants. The subscription of Sanyou Medical has been fully subscribed. As a result of the operation, Sanyou Medical now holds 28.96% of the share capital and voting rights of Implanet. Sanyou Medical has requested a seat on the Board of Directors of the Company as from the completion of its subscription. A general meeting may be convened for this purpose. After the settlement-delivery, which will take place on October 24, 2022, the share capital of Implanet will consist of 31,180,838 shares with a nominal value of 0.01. The new shares will be the object of an application for admission to trading on Euronext Growth in Paris on the same day, on the same quotation line as the existing shares (ISIN code FR0013470168 ticker ALIMP). The shareholding of a shareholder who held 1% of the company's capital prior to the capital increase and who did not subscribe to it is henceforth increased to 0.68%. In accordance with the provisions of articles L.411-2 of the Monetary and Financial Code and, 211-2 and 212-5 of the general regulations of the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), the present issue has not given rise to a Prospectus approved by the AMF, the latter representing a total offer of between 100,000 and less than 8,000,000, it being specified that no similar offer has been made by the Company during the past twelve months. The offer was made on the basis of the 11th and 15th resolutions adopted by the Combined General Meeting of Shareholders of June 9, 2022 and the Board of Directors of Implanet of September 27, 2022 having decided on the principle of the capital increase with preferential subscription rights and its implementation. A notice to shareholders relating to the operation was published on September 30, 2022 in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales et Obligatoires (BALO). Main characteristics of warrants attached to the new shares The warrants will be detached from the new shares as soon as the shares with warrants are issued and will be the subject of an application for admission to trading on Euronext Growth in Paris. Their listing is scheduled for October 24, 2022 until March 31, 2023, under ISIN code FR001400COS8. Eight (8) warrants give the right to subscribe for seven (7) new shares of the company, at an exercise price of 0.32 per share, i.e. a premium of 82.9% compared to the reference price of 0.175, representative of the closing price on September 27, 2022. The holders of the warrants will be able to exercise them and thus obtain Implanet shares from October 24, 2022 until March 31, 2023 inclusive. Any warrants that have not been exercised by midnight on March 31, 2023 at the latest will automatically lapse and become worthless. The exercise of all the issued warrants will thus give rise to the creation of 8,644,342 new shares, representing 27.72% of the Company's share capital after the issue, i.e. a maximum nominal amount of capital increase of 86,443.42, together with an issue premium of 2,679,746.02, i.e. a total amount of 2,766,189.44. In order to exercise their warrants, holders must make a request to the intermediary with whom their shares are registered. Sanyou Medical has informed the Company of its irrevocable intention to exercise a maximum amount of 2,499,999.04 of the 8,928,572 warrants it holds. In this case, and excluding the exercise of any other warrants or other dilutive instruments, Sanyou Medical would hold 43.19% of the Company. Resumption of the option to exercise the right to receive shares of the Company Holders of stock options, business creator share subscription warrants and stock subscription warrants, and holders of bonds redeemable in new shares allocated or issued by the Company, are informed that their right to the allocation of new shares of the Company will resume as from the day following the settlement-delivery of these new shares, i.e. October 25, 2022. The rights of holders of stock options, of warrants to subscribe for business creator shares and of warrants to subscribe for shares, and of holders of bonds redeemable in new shares allocated or issued by the Company who have not exercised their right to the allocation of shares in the Company before September 29, 2022 (00:00 Paris time), will be preserved in accordance with legal and regulatory provisions. Risk factors The main risk factors associated with the issue are listed below: the volatility and liquidity of the Company's shares could fluctuate significantly; no market for the warrants; the market price of the company's shares may never reach the exercise price of the warrants; risk of dilution. The Company draws attention to the other risk factors relating to the Company and its business set out in Chapter 4 "Risk Factors" of the Company's 2017 Registration Document filed with the AMF on April 16, 2018 under number D.18-0337, as well as in the annual financial report for December 31, 2021 available on the Company's website, in the investors-accounts and financial reports section. Partners of the operation Implanet Sanyou Medical Financial advisor: Atout Capital Melanie Bonanno Financial advisor: Rochefort Associes Guillaume de La Hosseraye and Haofei Wu Legal advisors: Cabinet Bird Bird Emmanuelle Porte Sylvie Hamel Celine Sol Legal advisors: Cabinet Leaf - Charlotte Mantoux Gregory Louvel Cabinet Change Nicolas Cuntz Upcoming event EUROSPINE (European Spine Society) annual congress in Milan, October 19 21, 2022 Next financial release 2022 Third-Quarter Revenue, October 26, 2022 after market close About Sanyou Medical Founded in 2005, Shanghai Sanyou Medical Co, Ltd. is a company dedicated to the R&D, manufacturing and sales of innovative and independent orthopedic products. The main products of Shanghai Sanyou are spinal and trauma implants. Shanghai Sanyou is one of the few companies with the ability to make original innovations based on clinical requirements in the field of spinal implants in China. The Company has established a complete product development system with world-class R&D equipment and project management systems to ensure that its products are advanced, effective and reliable. By the end of 2021, the company had 27 registration certificates for Class III medical devices and 395 patents registered including 61 in inventions, 214 in utility models, 116 in designs and 4 in software copyrights. About IMPLANET Founded in 2007, IMPLANET is a medical technology company that manufactures high-quality implants for orthopedic surgery. Its activity revolves around a comprehensive innovative solution for improving the treatment of spinal pathologies (JAZZ) complemented by the product range offered by Orthopaedic Spine Development (OSD), acquired in May 2021 (thoraco-lumbar screws, cages and cervical plates). Implanet's tried-and-tested orthopedic platform is based on the traceability of its products. Protected by four families of international patents, JAZZ has obtained 510(k) regulatory clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, the CE mark in Europe and ANVISA approval in Brazil. IMPLANET employs 39 staff and recorded a consolidated revenue of 6.1 million in 2021. Based near Bordeaux in France, IMPLANET opened a US subsidiary in Boston in 2013. IMPLANET is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris. For further information, please visit www.Implanet.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221019006077/en/ Contacts: IMPLANET Ludovic Lastennet, General Manager David Dieumegard, Chief Financial Officer Tel: 05 57 99 55 55 investors@implanet.com NewCap Investor Relations Mathilde Bohin Nicolas Fossiez Tel: 01 44 71 94 94 implanet@newcap.eu NewCap Media Relations Arthur Rouille Tel: 01 44 71 94 94 implanet@newcap.eu Vancouver, Kanada, 20. Oktober 2022 - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) ("Rock Tech" bzw. das "Unternehmen") gibt mit Freude bekannt, dass es einen bindenden Abnahmevertrag mit der Mercedes-Benz AG uber die Lieferung von durchschnittlich 10.000 Tonnen Lithiumhydroxid pro Jahr geschlossen hat. Uber die funfjahrige Vertragsdauer und einer zuvor beginnenden Qualifizierungsphase umfasst der Vertrag ein geschatztes Umsatzvolumen von rund 1,5 Milliarden Euro und wird den im brandenburgischen Guben geplanten Konverter zu rund 40 Prozent auslasten. Das geschatzte Umsatzvolumen basiert auf moderaten Marktprognosen und -einschatzungen. Im Rahmen der von Rock Tech und Mercedes-Benz am 23. August 2022 angekundigten strategischen Partnerschaft haben die Unternehmen eine endgultige Liefervereinbarung unterzeichnet, die die Bereitstellung von durchschnittlich 10.000 Tonnen Lithiumhydroxid in Batteriequalitat pro Jahr vorsieht. Auf der Grundlage moderater Marktprognosen und -einschatzungen, wird das Umsatzvolumen auf fast 2 Milliarden kanadische Dollar bzw. 1,5 Milliarden Euro uber die funfjahrige Laufzeit und die Qualifizierungsphase des Liefervertrags geschatzt. Der Liefervertrag hat eine Laufzeit von funf Jahren, beginnend mit einer vorangehenden Qualifizierungsphase im Jahr 2026, in der bestimmte Produkt- und Nachhaltigkeitskriterien erfullt werden mussen. Im Durchschnitt wird Rock Tech im Rahmen der Liefervereinbarung voraussichtlich 10.000 Tonnen jahrlich an batteriefahigem Lithiumhydroxid aus seinem ersten Lithiumkonverter in Deutschland an die Mercedes-Benz Lieferkette liefern. Dies wurde mehr als 40 Prozent der geplanten Konverterkapazitat ausmachen. "Die Unterzeichnung des Liefervertrags ist ein bedeutender Meilenstein in unserer Abnahmestrategie, und ich bin sehr zufrieden, dass Mercedes-Benz damit Vertrauen in Rock Tech als neuen, aber zuverlassigen Akteur in einer diversifizierten europaischen Batterielieferkette zeigt", sagte Markus Brugmann, Chief Executive Officer von Rock Tech bei der Vertragsunterzeichnung in Sindelfingen. "Wir sind uns der Bedeutung dieser Vereinbarung fur beide Parteien bewusst. Unser Ziel ist es, Lithiumhydroxid zu liefern, das helfen soll, die Ambitionen von Mercedes-Benz im Bereich der Elektromobilitat in die Tat umzusetzen. Diese Vereinbarung ist ein groer Schritt nach vorn in unseren Planen, einen direkten Beitrag zur grunen Mobilitatwende zu leisten." "Diese betrachtliche Menge an Lithiumhydroxid von Rock Tech wird Mercedes-Benz helfen, die Lokalisierung der europaischen Produktion modernster Batteriezellen voranzutreiben. Die durchschnittlich 10.000 Tonnen Lithium pro Jahr spielen eine Schlusselrolle bei der Sicherung der Lithiumversorgung fur unsere Batterieproduktion in Europa. Dadurch unterstreichen wir einmal mehr unsere ehrgeizigen Elektrifizierungsziele", sagte Markus Schafer, Vorstandsmitglied der Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, verantwortlich fur Entwicklung und Einkauf. Gema der Liefervereinbarung wird Rock Tech Mercedes-Benz und seine Batteriepartner mit hochwertigem Lithiumhydroxid beliefern, das fur die schnelle Steigerung der Produktion von Elektrofahrzeugen benotigt wird. Die jahrliche Liefermenge an Lithiumhydroxid, soll ausreichen, um etwa 150.000 Elektrofahrzeuge von Mercedes-Benz mit Hochleistungsbatterien zu versorgen. Die Elektromobilitat ist ein Kernziel um klimaneutral zu werden - Ein Ziel, das beide Unternehmen teilen, auch fur den Betrieb von Rock Techs Konverter. Zur Unterstutzung dieses Ziels sieht die Vereinbarung vor, dass beide Unternehmen gemeinsam einen Fahrplan fur die CO2-neutrale Produktion von Lithiumhydroxid bis Ende 2030 erarbeiten werden. Daruber hinaus ist beabsichtigt, dass das von Rock Tech gelieferte Lithiumhydroxid aus Minen stammen sollte, die von der Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurances (IRMA") gepruft wurden. ABOUT ROCK TECH INC. Rock Tech is a cleantech company on a mission to produce lithium hydroxide for EV batteries. The Company plans to build converters at the door-step of its customers, to provide supply-chain transparency and just-in-time delivery. Furthermore, Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry. It holds itself accountable to strict ESG standards and plans to source raw material from its own mineral project in Canada as well as procuring it from responsibly producing mines. In the years to come, the company aims to extract its material from discarded batteries. Rock Tech's goal: to create a closed-loop lithium company. ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes-Benz has set the course for CO2 neutrality: With its strategic step from "Electric First" to "Electric Only", the company is accelerating its transformation into an all-electric future. By continuously integrating the most advanced battery cell technology in cars and vans, Mercedes-Benz aims to increase range during the production lifecycle of a model. When it comes to solid-state technology, Mercedes-Benz is working with partners to develop batteries with even higher energy density and safety. Mercedes-Benz has several battery partnerships with multiple providers in different geographies: in Europe ACC and CATL, in the United States Envision AESC and in China Farasis and CATL. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Andre Mandel, phone: +49 (0) 151 2825 4014; or email: amandel@rocktechlithium.com, Rock Tech Lithium Inc.; 777 Hornby Street, Suite 600, Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 1S4; Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.? CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION The following cautionary statements are in addition to all other cautionary statements and disclaimers contained elsewhere in, or referenced by, this press release. Certain information set forth in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which are based on Rock Tech's current expectations, estimates, and assumptions in light of its experience and is perception of historical trends. All statements other than statements of historical facts may constitute forward-looking information. Often, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words or phrases such as "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and all other indications of future tense. All forward-looking information set forth in this press release is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements referred to in this section. In particular, forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, but is not limited to: statements regarding Rock Tech's and Mercedes-Benz's respective vision, strategy and objectives; statements regarding the Supply Agreement, including expected volumes, timing and the source of deliveries pursuant to the Supply Agreement and the estimated sales volumes thereunder; statements regarding the strategic partnership between Rock Tech and Mercedes-Benz, including future actions taken by the parties and the expected timing and benefits thereof; the expected contribution of the strategic partnership and the Supply Agreement to the parties strategy and objectives and the lithium hydroxide supply chain; expectations concerning the Company's planned and prospective projects, including the proposed converter project in Guben and the Company's intentions with respect to the development and timing thereof; statements regarding Rock Tech's future plans and expectations, including the anticipated production of lithium hydroxide and its sustainability objectives; statements and expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on certain assumptions, estimates, expectations, analysis and opinions of the Company and in certain cases, third party experts, that are believed by management of Rock Tech to be reasonable at the time they were made. Such assumptions, estimates and other factors include, among other things: that the Supply Agreement and strategic partnership will result in outcomes consistent with management's expectations in relation thereto; that the Company's proposed converter project in Guben will be developed on-time and on budget in accordance with current expectations; the supply and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and volatility of prices of, feedstock and intermediate and final lithium products; that all required regulatory approvals and permits can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; expected growth, performance and business operations; future commodity prices and exchange rates; prospects, growth opportunities and financing available to the Company; general business and economic conditions; results of development and exploration; and Rock Tech's ability to procure supplies and other equipment necessary for its business. The foregoing list is not exhaustive of all assumptions which may have been used in developing the forward-looking information. While Rock Tech considers these assumptions, estimates and factors to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results. In addition, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Rock Tech's control, that may cause Rock Tech's actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to be materially different from that which is expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to vary materially include: the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Supply Agreement and/or the strategic partnership; the Company's ability to access funding required to invest in available opportunities and projects (including the Company's proposed lithium hydroxide converter) and on satisfactory terms; the current and potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical hostilities; the risk that Rock Tech will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due; changes in commodity and other prices; Rock Tech's ability to attract and retain skilled staff and to secure feedstock from third party suppliers; unanticipated events and other difficulties related to construction, development and operation of the Company's proposed lithium hydroxide converter and/or the Georgia Lake mine; the cost of compliance with current and future environmental and other laws and regulations; title defects; competition from existing and new competitors; changes in currency, exchange rates and market prices of Rock Tech's securities; Rock Tech's history of losses; adverse impacts of climate change; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in Rock Tech's public disclosure documents available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Rock Tech's most recently filed Management Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form, respectively. Such risks and uncertainties do not represent an exhaustive list of all risk factors that could cause actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to vary materially from the forward-looking information. We cannot assure you that actual events, results, performance and/or achievements will be consistent with the forward-looking information and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information reflects Rock Tech management's views as at the date the information is created. Except as may be required by law, Rock Tech undertakes no obligation and expressly disclaims any responsibility, obligation or undertaking to update or to revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, to reflect any change in Rock Tech's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such information is based. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking information set forth in this press release. Die englische Originalmeldung finden Sie unter folgendem Link:https://www.irw-press.at/press_html.aspx?messageID=67882Die ubersetzte Meldung finden Sie unter folgendem Link:https://www.irw-press.at/press_html.aspx?messageID=67882&tr=1 NEWSLETTER REGISTRIERUNG: Aktuelle Pressemeldungen dieses Unternehmens direkt in Ihr Postfach:http://www.irw-press.com/alert_subscription.php?lang=de&isin=CA77273P2017Mitteilung ubermittelt durch IRW-Press.com. Fur den Inhalt ist der Aussender verantwortlich.Kostenloser Abdruck mit Quellenangabe erlaubt.CA77273P2017 HONG KONG, Oct 20, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - VectorBuilder Biotechnology (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "VectorBuilder"), a top gene delivery enterprise, recently announced the completion of its Series C round with CNY410 million, co-led by Legend Capital. The proceeds will facilitate VectorBuilder in continuously promoting the upgrading and capacity expansion of the gene delivery R&D and production technology platform, further accelerate the global business presence, and boost the R&D of life sciences and genetic medicines.VectorBuilder was founded by Dr. Bruce Lahn, a world-renowned molecular biologist who was a tenured professor at the University of Chicago and a researcher at Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The company provides services such as scientific research and clinical carrier CRO, gene-drug CDMO and gene delivery IP out-licensing, covering the entire field of life science and gene medicine. VectorBuilder has provided more than 1.2 million gene delivery solutions to more than 4,000 scientific research institutes and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, and its gene-drug CRO and CDMO projects are spread all over North America, Europe, Japan and South Korea.Dr. Bruce Lahn, Founder and Chief Scientist of VectorBuilder, said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to investors for the support and trust. Due to a robust technical accumulation and an excellent business model in the gene delivery industry, VectorBuilder enjoys the highest market share in the global gene carrier scientific research market, and we jointly launched the construction of a 45,000-square-meter gene delivery R&D and production base with Guangzhou Development District Investment Group in April 2022. We hope to take this financing round as an opportunity to further accelerate the comprehensive upgrade and optimization of the technology platform and promote the expansion of production capacity and global presence. VectorBuilder has become a pioneer in the entire gene delivery industry chain by empowering basic scientific research and accelerating the clinical application of gene drugs. We believe VectorBuilder will enter thousands of life science laboratories worldwide and become a well-known brand in the field of life science. We will empower the gene-drug industry through core technologies and help China to "overtake" on the genetic drug track. At the same time, we hope to overcome genetic diseases, improve human health, and provide irreplaceable value to the industry and the world."Jeff Wang, Managing Director of Legend Capital, said: "VectorBuilder is the world's leading gene delivery company, providing full-chain solutions from basic scientific research to clinical application of gene delivery. It is an honor to participate in the future development of VectorBuilder. Dr. Bruce Lahn is an expert in the field of biotechnology innovation, and we are optimistic about VectorBuilder's comprehensive ecological service platform for gene delivery in life science and biomedicine. VectorBuilder has developed the world's first system providing online design, offline production carrier construction and downstream application service, serving thousands of top biopharmaceutical companies and research institutes. We believe VectorBuilder has a promising future as the genetic medicine industry develops."About Legend CapitalFounded in 2001, Legend Capital is a leading VC&PE investor focusing on the early-stage and growth-stage opportunities in China, with offices across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Seoul, Korea.It currently manages USD and RMB funds of over US$10 billion in commitments, and has invested in around 600 companies, covering technology, healthcare, consumer, enterprise service and intelligent manufacturing sectors. Rooted in China, Legend Capital participated in the rise of many world-leading companies by solid investment coverage and systematic post-investment value-add. Over the years, Legend Capital has also become a widely recognized name in bridging key resources in China and overseas through cross-border activities, and a valuable partner to Chinese and overseas investors.Legend Capital values long-term sustainable investment and incorporates ESG into its long-term development strategy. As a UNPRI signatory since November 2019, Legend Capital is among the first group of top VC/PE firms in China to join the initiative.For more information, please visit www.legendcapital.com.cn/index_en.aspx and follow us on LinkedIn @Legend Capital (https://www.linkedin.com/company/legend-capital).Source: Legend CapitalCopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Eastern Platinum Limited (TSX: ELR) (JSE: EPS) ("Eastplats" or the "Company") announces that Ms. Hannelie Hanson, Chief Operating Officer ("COO"), has resigned from the Company to pursue new career opportunities. Wanjin Yang, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company stated, "Hannelie has been a valued member of the South African management team for several years and provided significant contributions to the retreatment project, restart of Zandfontein underground operations, and the development of our eastern limb projects. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank her for her hard work, commitment, and dedication to the Company and wish her every success in her future endeavours." Mr. Yang will assume the general management role in South Africa, and its tasks and responsibilities, on an interim basis. The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Haiying Wang as Vice President. Mr. Wang recently joined Eastplats to focus on the South Africa mining business. He has over 20 years of experience in international trading and logistics including 10 years of mineral investment and trading in North America. He has over 5 years of experience in operations, supply chain, and human resource management. Mr. Wang is responsible for new project development, planning, marketing and promotion, investment, and socio-economic strategy at Eastplats. He graduated from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies with a Bachelor's Degree of Economics. About Eastern Platinum Limited Eastplats owns directly and indirectly a number of platinum group metal ("PGM") and chrome assets in the Republic of South Africa. All of the Company's properties are situated on the western and eastern limbs of the Bushveld Complex, the geological environment that hosts approximately 80% of the world's PGM-bearing ore. Operations at the Crocodile River Mine currently include re-mining and processing its tailings resource to produce PGM and chrome concentrates from the Barplats Zandfontein tailings dam. For further information, please contact: EASTERN PLATINUM LIMITED Wylie Hui, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary whui@eastplats.com (email) (604) 800-8200 (phone) No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141191 Amazon files first criminal complaint in Italy, first civil suit in Spain, and 10 other legal actions against bad actors in the US in its ongoing effort to protect customers and small businesses from fake reviews Amazon has continued to expand its legal efforts to shut down fake review brokers, filing its first criminal complaint in Italy and its first lawsuit in Spain. These two legal proceedings, plus 10 other new lawsuits recently launched in the U.S., target bad actors that operate more than 11,000 websites and social media groups that attempt to orchestrate fake reviews on Amazon and other stores in exchange for money or free products. "Holding bad actors accountable through litigation and criminal referrals is one of many important ways that we protect customers so they can shop with confidence," said Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon's Vice President of Selling Partner Services. "In addition to continuing to advance our robust detection and prevention of fake reviews in our store, Amazon will remain relentless in identifying and enforcing against bad actors that attempt to engage in review abuse. There is no place for fake reviews on Amazon or anywhere else in the industry." Amazon's first criminal complaint in Europe targets a high-profile broker in Italy selling fake reviews. The defendant claims to have built a network of individuals who are willing to buy products on Amazon and post 5-star reviews in exchange for a full refund. Amazon's decision to seek criminal proceedings in this case signals the company's determination to stop bad actors who profit by misleading customers and selling partners. Individuals convicted of this type of crime in Italy may be subject to imprisonment and fines. Amazon also filed its first civil complaint in Spain against the fake review broker, Agencia Reviews. The Spanish-based operator targets sellers and customers of www.amazon.es and communicates via the instant messaging service Telegram to evade detection. According to Amazon's investigations, the suspected fraudster fully reimburses customers once they publish a fake 5-star review. In addition to these unprecedented lawsuits in Europe, Amazon added to its growing cases in the U.S. by filing 10 more lawsuits1 against fake review brokers and other bad actors attempting to game Amazon's ratings systems. Amazon also sent warning letters to five websites based in Germany that were directing visitors to a fake review broker. All five websites have since agreed to stop this activity by signing a cease and desist letter. Amazon has devoted significant resources to investigating and bringing legal actions against fake review brokers to stop them from orchestrating fake reviews in its store. A dedicated global team of expert investigators, lawyers, analysts, and other specialists track down fake review brokers, piece together evidence about how they operate, and take legal action against them. These legal actions are intended to uncover the perpetrators and stop the fraud where it starts. However, continued collaboration and investment across the industry is critical to stopping fake reviews for good. Amazon has continued to seek assistance and support from other industry players as well as government agencies, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement to improve detection and increase enforcement action against fake review brokers. "Amazon will continue to devote significant resources to fighting fake reviews and ensuring customers have a trustworthy shopping experience," added Mehta. "We continue to improve our proactive controls, invent new technologies and machine learning to detect bad actors, and find new ways to hold them accountable." 1 Accfarm, Amazon Bulk Reviews, Amzonreview.com, Auction Sentinel, Bestsoft.website, Buyreviewservice.com, Buytrustpilot.com, Cash Back Base, Climbazon, Iblmarket.com, Seosmmseller.com, Seosmmworld.com, Seozillow.com, Smmseomarket.com, Smmtopreviews.com, TahoeVine, Usarealshop.com, Usaseoshop.com, Usatopsmm.com, Virtual Experts, Worldtopseo.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005150/en/ Contacts: Amazon.com, Inc. Media Hotline Amazon-pr@amazon.com www.amazon.com/pr Littler, the world's largest employment and labour law practice representing management, has released its fifth annual European Employer Survey Report. Completed by nearly 700 human resources executives, in-house lawyers and business leaders based mainly across Western and Southern Europe, the survey provides insight into the key issues facing employers amid a historic period of workplace transformation. Balancing Remote and In-Person Work The evolving world of work creates a host of novel issues for European employers among the most pressing of which may be determining how far they can go in requiring in-person work. This year's survey finds employers pulled in different directions as their desire to increase in-person work may conflict with the flexibility needed to attract and retain talent. When asked about current requirements for employee work schedules, 30% said employees are working fully in person and 27% said employees are on hybrid schedules, with more days in person than remote. That's compared with only 11% who said employees are on hybrid schedules working more days remotely than in person, and just 5% who said their employees are working fully remotely. The trend toward more in-person work may deepen in the coming months, as 73% of employers who are not already requiring fully in-person work said they are considering reducing remote work options. Those who do may encounter roadblocks from employees who are reluctant to relinquish flexibility. While this year's survey saw greater alignment between employer policies and employee preferences in Littler's 2021 European Employer Survey, just 28% of respondents said their work models match employee preferences, compared to 40% this year 42% still believe that their employees prefer hybrid or remote work to a greater extent than they offer it. "It's encouraging that employers and employees are more aligned on work preferences than they were at this time last year," said Jan-Ove Becker, Littler shareholder in Germany. "However, the fact that companies are still struggling to balance the pros and cons of remote, hybrid and in-person work models even two and a half years into this new world of work is telling of the complex and delicate challenges that come with managing a workforce today." Concerns With Remote Work Remain As employers walk a fine line between pushing for in-person work and providing flexibility, they will have to weigh the benefits of offering remote work options which 79% are looking to increase to help attract and retain talent with those of in-person work. Employers' key reasons for requiring more in-person work centre around culture and teamwork including facilitating collaboration and creative thinking (54%) and improving employee engagement (48%) rather than on productivity and hard costs. Those perceived benefits of in-person work correlate with the main drawback employers see with managing hybrid or remote work arrangements: maintaining company culture and employee engagement (53%). "It's clear that those who got a taste of remote work are reluctant to give it up," said Stephan Swinkels, Littler's coordinating partner international. "This means employers must factor flexibility into their recruitment and retention strategies, and that if they're going to push for more in-person work, they must do so with intention. For companies that want to facilitate greater collaboration, we can't assume that just because people are in the office that will be the case employers need to create those opportunities." No matter the work model, a focus on supporting employee mental health and well-being remains important. While 9 in 10 respondents have placed more focus on such initiatives over the past year, only 28% have done so to a large extent. In addition, when it comes to combatting burnout, offering more flexible work schedules was the only step taken by more than half of respondents (54%), and more actionable steps such as working individually with employees to manage workloads were selected by less than a third of respondents. "Addressing workplace mental health and burnout in sustainable ways continues to be a challenge for employers," said Anne-Valerie Michaux, Littler shareholder in Belgium. "Flexible work schedules, for example, are a step in the right direction, but they often don't account for the added stress and workloads that can accompany remote work." Wandering Workers on the Rise "Wandering workers" employees who work in a different country from where their employer is located continue to complicate remote work policies for employers. Among those who have employees working with this arrangement, the vast majority (89%) are concerned with the legal risks, tax implications and other employment issues that come along with it. Moreover, this issue seems to be growing, as 73% of respondents to this year's survey said they have wandering workers, compared to 61% in 2021. "Employers are rightly concerned about the myriad risks that come with wandering workers, and these risks are particularly heightened for UK-based companies following Brexit," said Raoul Parekh, Littler partner in the UK. "Unfortunately, employee expectations in this area are not aligned with the realities of the global legal system, as it is genuinely challenging for employers to make 'work from anywhere' a reality." AI Tools Gain Traction in a Tight Labour Market Nearly half of respondents (47%) are currently using or planning to use technology solutions and/or AI tools to support recruiting and hiring efforts. What's more, 61% of those who are already using such tools said they increased their use in the past year, underscoring the utility of AI and technology in today's talent landscape. "In a tight labour market, business leaders are slowly but surely increasing their use of AI solutions in hiring and recruiting and seeing how useful they can be," said Laura Jousselin, Littler partner in France. "As usage of these tools ramps up, it's important for legal departments to raise awareness of the compliance steps that must be taken and ensure applications are developed under legal review." With regard to the steps taken by employers, while more than half (54%) of those using AI/technology solutions in recruiting and hiring said they have developed a plan that identifies specific goals and tests outcomes, less than a third have conducted an assessment to ensure data privacy compliance (31%) or coordinated with vendors to conduct reviews of AI algorithms and identify potential biases (28%). Macroeconomic Concerns Emerge Amid rising economic uncertainty, the survey found signs of caution emerging among European employers, though they do not appear to be taking drastic steps en masse at this time. Roughly a quarter (27%) said that macroeconomic concerns have made them hesitant to hire new employees, while 37% are now either considering or implementing workforce reductions. The survey report which was released at Littler's European Executive Employer Conference, held from October 18-19 in Dublin covers a range of additional legal and HR matters impacting European companies, including efforts to address pay equality, the skills gap and compliance with cross-border data privacy rules. It also breaks out country-specific analyses for Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. Download Littler's 2022 European Employer Survey Report About Littler With more than 1,700 labour and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what's happening today, and what's likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005207/en/ Contacts: Jen Klein Littler (213) 443-4245 jklein@littler.com STC-15 is an oral small molecule inhibitor of the RNA methyltransferase METTL3 STORM's first-in-class lead program to enter clinical development in solid tumors in 2022 CAMBRIDGE, England, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- STORM Therapeutics Ltd. (STORM), the biotechnology company discovering and developing novel small molecule therapies targeting RNA modifying enzymes (RMEs) for oncology and other diseases, is pleased to announce that it will be presenting novel data on its lead program STC-15, a first-in-class clinical candidate, at the upcoming 34th EORTC-NCI-AACR (ENA) Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Symposium and the 37th Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting. Dr. Jerry McMahon, CEO of STORM Therapeutics commented: "We are delighted to be presenting data from our first-in-class clinical candidate STC-15, an orally bioavailable, highly selective METTL3 inhibitor at these two scientific conferences. These data provide the rationale for the development of STC-15 both as monotherapy and in combination with checkpoint inhibition for the treatment of solid tumour malignancies. STC-15 is on track to enter a Phase 1 First-in-Human clinical study this year and will be the first molecule specifically targeting an RNA methyltransferase to enter clinical development." Details of the conferences and presentations are as follow: 34th EORTC-NCI-AACR (ENA) Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Symposium, 26-28 October, Barcelona, Spain Session Title: New Therapies in Immuno Oncology Poster Presentation Title: STC-15, an oral small molecule inhibitor of the RNA methyltransferase METTL3, inhibits tumour growth through activation of anti-cancer immune responses and synergises with immune checkpoint blockade Poster Presentation Number: 345 Presenting Authors: Yaara Ofir -Rosenfeld; Oliver Rausch, PhD; Jerry McMahon; Lina Vasiliauskaite; Claire Saunders; Alexandra Sapetschnig; Georgia Tsagkogeorga; Mark Albertella; Marie Carkill; Jezrom Self-Fordham; Josefin-Beate Holz Date & Time: Friday 28 October, 10.00 - 15.00 CET 37th Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting, 10-12 November, Boston, USA Session Title: Novel Single-Agent Immunotherapies Poster Presentation Title: STC-15, an oral small molecule inhibitor of the RNA methyltransferase METTL3, inhibits tumour growth through activation of anti-cancer immune responses and synergises with immune checkpoint blockade Poster Presentation Number: 1373 Presenting Authors: Joanna Obacz, Yaara Ofir -Rosenfeld; Oliver Rausch, PhD; Jerry McMahon; Lina Vasiliauskaite; Claire Saunders; Alexandra Sapetschnig; Georgia Tsagkogeorga; Mark Albertella; Marie Carkill; Jezrom Self-Fordham; Josefin-Beate Holz Date & Time: Thursday 10 November, 09:00 - 21.00 EST About STORM Therapeutics STORM Therapeutics (STORM) is a biotechnology company creating novel therapies that inhibit RNA modifying enzymes (RME) for use in oncology and other diseases. There are more than 150 RNA modifications reported and approximately 300 RNA modifying enzymes which represent novel therapeutic targets. STORM has leveraged its first-mover advantage to establish a novel drug discovery and RNA analytics platform leading to the identification of novel targets and a proprietary pipeline of first in class small-molecule drug candidates for potential use in oncology, inflammation, viral infections and CNS diseases. The pipeline is exemplified by STORM's METTL3 inhibitor (STC-15) for which an IND has been filed with the FDA to support initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial in cancer patients in 2022. STC-15 represents the first RNA modifying enzyme inhibitor to enter clinical evaluation in humans. Additional candidates are planned for advancement into IND-track activities in 2023. STORM investors include M Ventures (the corporate venture capital arm of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Pfizer Ventures, Taiho Ventures, Cambridge Innovation Capital I Limited, Seroba Life Sciences, IP Group, Fast Track Initiative (FTI) and the University of Tokyo Innovation Platform. For more information, please visit www.stormtherapeutics.com About STC-15 STORM's lead program STC-15 is a first-in-class clinical candidate and will be the first inhibitor of RNA modification to enter clinical development in humans. STC-15 is an oral small molecule that inhibits METTL3 which is an RNA methyltransferase implicated in oncology and other diseases. Certain RNA methyltransferase are important regulators of RNA sensing and innate immune activation and represent novel immune-regulatory targets. STC-15 has also been shown to inhibit tumor growth through mechanisms involving anti-cancer immune responses such as changes in interferon signaling and synergy with T cell checkpoint blockade. In addition, STC-15 has shown efficacy in leukemia models via mechanisms including inhibition of leukemia stem cell function. STC-15 is planned for initial clinical study in cancer patients with solid tumors in 2022. About EORTC-NCI-AACR Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Symposium ENA 2022 is the drug development and translational research meeting, focusing on preclinical and phase I studies, enabling and facilitating in-depth scientific discussions on the latest developments in targets and drugs. Attracting academics, scientists, and pharmaceutical industry representatives from across the globe to discuss the latest innovations in drug development, target selection and the impact of new discoveries in molecular biology. For more information, please visit www.aacr.org About Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's (SITC) 37th Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs (SITC 2022) provides a multidisciplinary educational and interactive environment focused on improving the outcome for current and future patients with cancer by incorporating strategies based on basic and applied cancer immunotherapy. The Annual Meeting consists of cutting-edge research presentations by experts in the field, oral and poster abstract presentations and ample opportunity for structured and informal discussions, including important networking opportunities. In addition, the meeting includes updates on major national and international initiatives coming from academia, government, and industry, as well as important society projects. For more information, please visit, www.sitcancer.org View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/storm-therapeutics-to-present-new-data-on-its-lead-program-stc-15-at-the-34th-eortc-nci-aacr-symposium-and-the-37th-sitc-meeting-301654016.html Targeting final lead therapy selection, neutralizing all known previous and current SARS-CoV2 variants of concern by end 2022 Triple mode of action dengue fever program identified for development Industry veteran with exceptional leadership experience to support ExeVir's new progressive pipeline against infectious diseases GHENT, Belgium, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ExeVir is developing robust therapies providing broad protection against infectious diseases, including coronaviruses. The company has identified high potential candidates harnessing its unique, modular Llama-derived antibody (VHH) technology platform to generate multi-specific antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment against COVID-19. ExeVir is evaluating highly potent heavy chain based antibodies that are unique in targeting both S1 and S2 subunits of the coronavirus spike protein via highly conserved epitopes. Multiple high potential binders offer the potential of heterodimer binders to the spike protein in a molecule or a cocktail. ExeVir's multiple candidates demonstrate strong neutralization potency and breath, neutralizing all known previous and current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including Omicron BA.5, currently the dominant variant circulating globally. The Company continues to monitor and screen for neutralization of emerging viral variants of concern. Its COVID-19 development program will focus on development of candidates for both treatment and prophylaxis and will be crucial for protecting the large number of immunocompromised people, approximately 3% of the general [Western] population, who remain at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease despite availability of current vaccines. ExeVir aims to select a final preclinical development candidate before year end 2022 ready for further development in 2023. As part of its broader efforts to combat infectious diseases ExeVir has also identified a triple mode of action dengue fever VHH program for development. Dengue fever is becoming increasingly prevalent in expanding geographies and continues to get more burdensome to global health. ExeVir is pleased to announce today the appointment of Dr Jeanne Bolger as Chair to the Board of Directors. Dr. Bolger has over 35 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in management roles across R&D, Commercial and Business Development and Venture Investments at Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC and at GlaxoSmithKline. She has been leading investments across Europe in start-up and early-stage life science companies and represented JJDC on the Board of Directors of over a dozen companies. She is also a Venture Partner at Seroba Life Sciences Venture Capital and serves on several government taskforces and advisory boards. She is a visiting lecturer on the MSc Pharmaceutical Medicine program at Trinity College Dublin. Dr Bolger received her medical degree from University College Dublin. She is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Ireland (RAMI). Dr. Torsten Mummenbrauer, CEO of ExeVir, said: "The ExeVir team has quickly developed expertise in leveraging its modular VHH platform to address COVID-19. It is now using that experience to find rapid, effective solutions for infectious diseases, particularly as interventions to protect and treat the immunocompromised population. The lack of adequate solutions in that population, leads to significant restrictions in living a normal life. We are extremely pleased to welcome Jeanne as Chair of the Board at such a pivotal time for the Company. Jeanne has an unparalleled track record in the pharmaceutical industry with exceptional expertise in leadership, driving innovation and R&D as well as bringing Commercial and Business Development and significant venture experience. We look forward to working with Jeanne to drive ExeVir's emerging pipeline forward." Dr. Jeanne Bolger commented: "I am delighted to join ExeVir and support the team of leading scientists and entrepreneurs working on research to develop novel treatments for infectious diseases. As genetic pressure increases leading to potential viral mutant escape, ExeVir's new pipeline is in an advantageous position for the long term. I look forward to adding my experience to support their mission in the international effort against COVID-19 and other emerging diseases of importance to global public health such as dengue fever." About ExeVir Bio ExeVir Bio, is a clinical stage company developing nanobody based therapeutics focusing on infectious diseases. ExeVir Bio, is a spin out of VIB, the leading Belgium-based life sciences research institute, harnessing its Llama-derived antibody (VHH) technology platform to generate multi-specific antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment of infectious diseases. ExeVir's focus is on infectious diseases that lead to severe outcomes in a targeted population that do not benefit or are unable to benefit from vaccination, including migrating diseases due to global warming and urbanisation. VHHs can be linked together like building blocks into a single molecule to tackle different epitopes or act through different mechanisms of actions at once, to address the "arms race" in more complex and co-evolving infectious diseases. VHHs are smaller in size giving them access to hidden epitopes that traditional monoclonal antibodies are unable to reach with potential for deeper tissue penetration and simple, cost-effective manufacturing. ExeVir is building an exciting progressive pipeline with its initial focus on SARS COV-1 & 2 in the immunocompromised. It has progressed XVR011 from research to the clinic in less than 1 year and has completed Phase 1a and Phase 1b studies. This showed that ExeVir was able to take an asset very rapidly from its research platform through to the clinic. The compound showed good pharmacodynamics and efficient GMP manufacturability. The Company has extremely promising molecules in preclinical development that are differentiated in targeting both S1 and S2 regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, demonstrating neutralization of all viral variants in circulation, including Omicron BA.5, currently the dominant variant circulating globally. These molecules can be used both as a therapeutic and prophylactic. In addition to its SARS-CoV-2 programs ExeVir has initiated research in dengue, a disease which is rapidly and progressively expanding. ExeVir is backed by strong investors: Fund+, a leading EU Life Sciences-focused investment firm in Belgium which led the series A of 42M pulling together a strong consortium including UCB Ventures, FPIM, V-Bio Ventures, VIB, SRIW, Noshaq, Vives IUF and SambrInvest. In addition, more recently ExeVir received in addition to its Vlaio grant, support from the SPW-Recherche and the European Union, leading to a total of 16.5M in non-dilutive funding. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/exevir-bio-forges-ahead-with-unique-next-generation-covid-19-therapy-and-appoints-dr-jeanne-bolger-as-chair-of-the-board-of-directors-301654011.html OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (RCK.V), a Canadian lithium development firm, said on Thursday that it has signed a definitive five-year supply deal with Mercedes-Benz Group AG (DDAIF.PK), to supply an average of 10,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide per year. German vehicle maker will utilize the raw material to boost its electric vehicles or EVs production. The five-year term will commence with a preceded qualification period in 2026. The agreement represents about estimated sales volume of around C$2 billion or 1.5 billion euros and over 40 percent of the expected annual production from Rock Tech's planned converter capacity in Guben, Germany. The annual volume of lithium hydroxide to be delivered will be sufficient to equip around 150,000 Mercedes-Benz electric cars with premium high-performance batteries, the company said. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. - Move Aimed at Strengthening Automotive Industry-related Logistics Services - TOKYO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nippon Express Europe GmbH (hereinafter "NX Europe"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., has spun off two of its existing business locations in Morocco -- the Morocco Branch and the Tanger Med Logistics Center -- into subsidiary companies, newly establishing Nippon Express Morocco SARLAU this past July and Nippon Express Morocco Free Zone SARLAU in August. An opening ceremony was held in Tangier, northern Morocco, on September 26 to commemorate the founding of these two companies. Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202210128053-O1-GOAN5T75 Opening ceremony attendees: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202210128053/_prw_PI2fl_J8K8medG.jpg Speech by President Mitsuru Saito, NXHD: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202210128053/_prw_PI3fl_oijj771t.jpg - Purpose of spin-off The Nippon Express Group's business development in Morocco began in December 2017 in Casablanca with the creation of the Morocco Branch, which was followed by the opening of the Tanger Med Logistics Center in the Port of Tanger Med in June 2019 to provide air/ocean freight forwarding and logistics services. Morocco is Africa's second-largest automobile producer after South Africa, serving at the same time as a complementary country to Europe. It has for some time seen high demand for import/export, procurement, and sales logistics centered on the automobile industry, and an increasing number of automobile and automotive parts manufacturers are setting up plants in the country. NX Europe has incorporated two of its business locations to further expand its own operations and reinforce its business infrastructure in support of its customers' operations in Morocco. Making full use of its accumulated sales and operational know-how, the Nippon Express Group will accelerate its efforts on behalf of the automotive industry, positioned as a priority industry in the Group's business plan. The Nippon Express Group will be further expanding its logistics capabilities in Morocco and across the rest of Africa, both of which are expected to enjoy continuing growth, and aggressively moving into the African market by leveraging its global network and accrued advanced logistics know-how, all the while contributing to the development of its customers' business activities. More details: https://www.nipponexpress-holdings.com/en/press/2022/17-Oct-22-1.html Nippon Express website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/ Nippon Express Group's official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nippon-express-europe-establishes-two-new-subsidiaries-in-morocco-301654550.html Outlander TOKYO, Oct 20, 2022 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that the total sales of the Outlander PHEV model, its flagship crossover SUV, won the first place in the PHEV sales ranking(1) in Japan with 10,749 units(2) sold in first half of fiscal 2022. In addition, the PHEV model of the Eclipse Cross crossover SUV sold 2,430 units as second place in the PHEV category. With total sales of 13,179 units for both PHEV models, Mitsubishi Motors took the lead in the PHEV category of Japanese market with approximately 65% of total share.The Outlander PHEV model is Mitsubishi Motors' flagship model which brings together the best in electrification and all-wheel control technologies. Launched in Japan in December 2021, it has been highly acclaimed by customers for its bold exterior design based on the product concept of "I-Fu-Do-Do" or authentic and majestic in Japanese; its convenient seating arrangement for seven passengers in three rows; and the smooth and powerful acceleration of a twin-motor 4WD. Mitsubishi Motors launched the new model in Australia and New Zealand this year and will start the sales in North America in November 2022.As a result of its research and development of electrified vehicles since 1964, Mitsubishi Motors launched the i-MiEV - the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle - in 2009. The company then introduced the Outlander PHEV - the world's first plug-in hybrid electric SUV - in 2013, and added the Eclipse Cross PHEV model to the lineup in 2020. The company has been taking the lead in the PHEV category with approximately 310,000 units of Outlander PHEV sold in more than 60 countries around the world. Furthermore, Mitsubishi Motors introduced the eK X ("cross") EV, a new all-electric kei-car(4), in June 2022 and will resume the sales of the Minicab-MiEV, a kei-car4 class electric commercial vehicle, in November 2022. With these solutions, Mitsubishi Motors will continue to contribute to solving climate change and energy-related problems and achieve carbon neutrality.About Mitsubishi MotorsMitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) --a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan--, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, mainland China, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Russia. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification--launched the i-MiEV -the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV -the world's first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. The company announced a three-year business plan in July 2020 to introduce more competitive and cutting-edge models, including the Eclipse Cross (PHEV model), the all-new Outlander and the all-new Triton/L200.For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company's website atwww.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/.(1) April to September 2022; Survey by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (JADA)(2) Total sales of the previous generation and current generation model which launched in December 2021(3) Color available for additional charge(4) Kei-car is a vehicle category in Japan for microcars.Source: Mitsubishi MotorsCopyright 2022 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. UK Buy Box Claim alleges that Amazon abuses its position as the UK's dominant online marketplace Tech firm accused of directing users to offers that benefit itself, while concealing offers that may be better for consumers in breach of UK and EU competition law More than 80% of purchases on Amazon are made via featured offers in the "Buy Box". But Amazon excludes many independent sellers from the Buy Box, even when they offer the same product cheaper or on better terms Tens of millions of UK customers pay more than they need to because of Amazon's alleged self-preferencing Collective action seeks estimated damages of 900 million for UK Amazon customers A ground-breaking new legal claim ("UK Buy Box Claim") alleges that Amazon has breached competition law and caused millions of UK customers to pay higher prices for products sold on Amazon.co.uk and the Amazon mobile app by obscuring better-value deals. The opt-out collective action, to be filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, will allege that the Big Tech company abuses its status as the dominant online marketplace and harms customers by channelling them towards its "featured offer". This featured offer prominently located in the "Buy Box" on Amazon's website and mobile app is the only offer considered and selected by the vast majority of users, many of whom trust Amazon and wrongly assume it is the best deal. However, Amazon uses a secretive and self-favouring algorithm to ensure that the Buy Box nearly always features goods sold directly by Amazon itself, or by third-party retailers who pay hefty storage and delivery fees to Amazon, it will be alleged. The Buy Box is designed and presented in a way that effectively prevents millions of consumers from navigating the site to find cheaper offers, or better delivery options, for the same product, according to the claim. Such manipulation of consumers is a breach of Amazon's obligation as the dominant marketplace not to distort competition. The claim will seek damages from Amazon estimated in the region of 900 million. Julie Hunter, a longstanding advocate of consumer rights, is seeking to represent the interests of tens of millions of Amazon users in the collective action, which is due to be filed before the end of October. Who is eligible Anyone who lives in the UK and made purchases on Amazon.co.uk or on the Amazon app since October 2016 is an eligible member of the claimant class. In accordance with Competition Appeal Tribunal rules, the collective action is being filed on behalf of all potential claimants without them needing to actively opt in to the claim. The case against Amazon The e-commerce giant is accused of unlawfully abusing its dominant position. According to the claim, Amazon steers potential purchasers to products which are not designed to be the best offers for consumers. Rather, the so-called Buy Box offers are systematically biased to favour goods sold by Amazon itself as part of its retail business; and/or by third party sellers who pay to use Amazon's order fulfilment and delivery services (which are a key source of revenue for Amazon). Other sellers, who do not pay for Amazon's fulfilment services, are nearly always excluded from the Buy Box, stifling their ability to offer consumers a better deal, and leaving consumers out of pocket. It will be alleged that Amazon uses the Buy Box feature to manipulate consumer decision-making directing customers to the product featured prominently in the Buy Box, and thereby obscuring the full range of options available to them, which may be cheaper and/or offer greater value. The claim will accuse Amazon of breaching section 18 of the UK Competition Act 1998 and Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It coincides with increased concern amongst the public and policymakers about Amazon's dominant position as both a marketplace and a market participant (see Investigations and regulatory decisions, below). About the class representative Julie Hunter has worked exclusively in consumer research, advocacy and protection for more than 20 years. She is an independent consultant who has worked with leading consumer organisations in the UK and abroad on topics such as consumer vulnerability, digital services, financial services, consumer rights, customer service and complaints. Ms Hunter is Chair of the Consumer Public Interest Network, an independent organisation representing consumers in the development of voluntary standards, supported by the UK standards body BSI. Ms Hunter is also a member of the Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP), an independent statutory body representing consumer interests in the development of UK policy for the regulation of financial services. Earlier in her career, Ms Hunter spent six years leading research projects and investigations at Which?. Investigations and regulatory decisions The European Commission is pursuing two formal antitrust investigations into Amazon. One of these, initiated in November 2020, is evaluating the same alleged "self-preferencing" by Amazon as is alleged in the UK claim. The Commission's preliminary finding was that the rules and criteria for the Buy Box unduly favour Amazon's own retail business, as well as marketplace sellers that use Amazon's logistics and delivery services. The Commission is currently evaluating commitments offered by Amazon to address these concerns. In July 2022, the Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") announced that it was investigating Amazon's business practices, including how it sets the criteria for selection of the featured offer. The CMA indicated that its investigation followed on from that conducted by the European Commission. An investigation by Italy's competition regulator concluded in December 2021 that Amazon had abused its dominant position by making certain benefits to third-party retailers conditional on their purchasing of its logistics service. In the United States, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust concluded that Amazon's online retail dominance gives it monopoly power over third-party sellers on its US marketplace and that it effectively precludes retailers who have not purchased its logistics services from "winning the Buy Box". Statements Julie Hunter, the proposed class representative in the action, said: "Nine out of ten shoppers in the UK have used Amazon, according to surveys, and two thirds use it at least once a month. Like countless millions of people in the UK, I often use Amazon for the convenience it offers. "Many consumers believe that Amazon offers good choice and value, but instead it uses tricks of design to manipulate consumer choice and direct customers towards the featured offer in its Buy Box. Far from being a recommendation based on price or quality, the Buy Box favours products sold by Amazon itself, or by retailers who pay Amazon for handling their logistics. Other sellers, however good their offers might be, are effectively shut out relegated down-page, or hidden several clicks away in an obscure corner of Amazon's website. "Online shoppers have a right to be treated fairly and to be able to make informed decisions. This lack of transparency and manipulation of choice is an abuse of consumers' trust, as well as a raid on their wallets. Amazon occupies an incredibly powerful position in the market, making it impossible for consumers to take individual action. Amazon shouldn't be allowed to set the rules in its favour and treat consumers unfairly. That is why I am bringing this action." Lesley Hannah, one of the partners at Hausfeld Co LLP leading the litigation, said: "Most consumers use the Buy Box when purchasing products on Amazon estimates range from 82% to 90%. This means that millions of consumers have paid too much and been denied choice. This action seeks fair redress for them. "Amazon takes advantage of consumers' well-known tendency to focus on prominently-placed and eye-catching displays, such as the Buy Box. Amazon doesn't present consumers with a fair range of choices on the contrary, the design of the Buy Box makes it difficult for consumers to locate and purchase better or cheaper options. Amazon should not be allowed to take advantage of its customers in this anticompetitive way." "Competition laws are there to protect everyone. They ensure that individuals can make genuine and informed choices, and are not simply led into making selections which benefit the companies they interact with. Fairness is at the heart of competition law and consumers are not being treated fairly by Amazon." Further information Affected Amazon users, on whose behalf the class action is brought, will not pay costs or fees to participate in this legal action, which is being funded by LCM Finance, a global litigation funder. Ms Hunter is represented by Anna Morfey, Lesley Hannah and Aqeel Kadri of Hausfeld Co LLP, and by Marie Demetriou KC, Robert O'Donoghue KC and Sarah Love of Brick Court Chambers. To learn more about Ms Hunter's claim, please visit www.ukbuyboxclaim.com. Notes for Editors About Hausfeld Co LLP Hausfeld is a leading disputes-only law firm specialising in competition law, with significant expertise in all aspects of collective redress and group claims, including abuse of dominance litigation against Big Tech and other large corporates. The firm pioneered the Trucks Cartel litigation in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. It has acted on some of the most complex damages claims of the last decade: on the "Interchange Fee" litigation against Visa and Mastercard, in "Google Shopping" claims on behalf of price comparison websites against Google; against six financial institutions over their participation in unlawful price-fixing of the foreign exchange currency markets; and against Google, Apple and Qualcomm in relation to their alleged abuse of dominance concerning Google Play Store, Apple App Store and the smartphone chip market respectively. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005319/en/ Contacts: Media enquiries Conal Walsh Will Matthews Andreas Grueter, Palatine Communications ukbuyboxclaim@palatine-media.com LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaner times in Fintech mean that after a period of unprecedented growth and investment in Insurtech, we are beginning to see the survival of the fittest while others begin to falter. Babel Cover, a British technology start-up, has emerged as a company in a strong position to flourish having developed an autonomous financial services network that is both highly effective, resilient and scalable. Using shared ledger technologies Babel Cover applications connect buyers, sellers and algotraders of insurance over the internet. The benefit of the Babel Cover network is to eliminate the unnecessary costs of an insurance transaction and at the same time preserve the legal and regulatory integrity. The result of years of planning, preparing, testing and implementation, by founder and CEO Stuart King and the Babel Cover team, the network has been built to be robust and flexible - Babel Cover is a long-term strategic play in the future of digital insurance. In 2018 Babel Cover raised angel funding. In 2020 a controlled 12-month pilot with a European insurer was launched. The proof of concept pilot encompassed a fully digital end-to-end insurance application service including sign-up, quotation, purchase, insurance policy management and claim. In late 2020 Babel Cover secured pre-seed funding from lead investor Soderberg & Partners to ramp-up technology development and to work with its partner network to identify a market fit for its offering. Subsequently mobility, notably motorcycle users, is identified as a first lead out service. Babel Cover now accelerates its efforts with several partners under agreement. The Company recently secured a multi-million seed financing package led by Markd, as part of its US$ 100m debut Insurtech fund that seeks early and growth-stage start-ups advancing the industry. Combined with the financial and strategic support of Soderberg & Partners the Company is now focused on hiring talent to promote services and to deliver the strong pipeline of opportunities developed. About Babel Cover Babel Cover is an early-stage financial services technology start-up firm focused on optimising insurance transactions. Babel Cover's founder Stuart King, an innovative international risk finance practitioner, has set a vision to contribute to, support and co-exist in, the new world of hyper-connected financial services. Learn more at https://www.babelcover.com Soderberg & Partners Soderberg & Partners is a leading Nordic non-bank provider of wealth management, corporate pension and insurance that offers a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, government institutions and individuals. Founded in 2004, the firm is headquartered in Stockholm and maintains offices across Europe. The ownership of the firm is divided between Mr. P-O Soderberg and management together with two prominent financial investors - KKR and TA Associates. Learn more at https://www.soderbergpartners.se Markd Markd is a venture capital company focused on funding and partnering with transformative Insurtechs. With tremendous digital insurance experience, strong relationships with key industry leaders, regulatory environments, insurance carriers, distribution partnerships, and a track record for identifying successful Insurtech start-ups, Markd has a vision for the technology of the future, and how to unite established insurance leaders with new school founders to create opportunities for incoming entrepreneurs, legacy companies, and most importantly, the end consumer. Learn more at https://markd.vc Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925318/Babel_Cover_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/babel-cover-secures-multi-million-seed-financing-package-to-rollout-digital-financial-services-network-301654061.html NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROMTHE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE EEA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") or otherwise. Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any securities referred to in this announcement except solely on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus of TwentyFour Income Fund Limited dated 3 March 2022 (together with the supplementary prospectus dated 25thJuly 2022 (the "Prospectus") including the risk factors set out therein. A copy of the Prospectus is available for inspection at TwentyFour Income Fund Limited's registered office and website at www.twentyfourincomefund.com (subject to certain access restrictions) and at the National Storage Mechanism via https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. 19 October 2022 TwentyFour Income Fund Limited ("TFIF" or the "Company") (aclosed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with registration number 56128) (LEI: 549300CCEV00IH2SU369) Redemption Price and Placing Programme Price The Board of Directors of TwentyFour Income Fund ("TFIF" or the "Company") is announcing the Redemption Price and the Placing Programme Price, as previously described in an announcement published by the Company on 17 October 2022. The closing NAV as at 18 October 2022, less the 1.75p dividend with an ex-dividend date of 20 October 2022, is 93.87p (the "Pricing NAV"). Therefore, prices are as follows: Redemption Price (being the Pricing NAV less 2%): 91.99p Placing Programme Price (being the Pricing NAV plus 2%: 95.74p For more information on the Placing Price, please refer to the announcement of 17 October 2022. Expected timetable Ex Dividend date 20 October 2022 Placing closes 12:00 p.m. on 20 October 2022 2022 Reorganisation Date 21 October 2022 Trade date 21 October 2022 Placing Price and results of Placing announced 21 October 2022 Admission of any new Ordinary Shares 25 October 2022 Please contact Numis before 12:00pm on 20 October to place an order for Ordinary Shares. For further information, please contact: Numis Securities Limited: Hugh Jonathan +44 (0)20 7260 1000 Matt Goss TwentyFour Income Fund Limited: John Magrath +44 (0)20 7015 8900 Alistair Wilson IMPORTANT INFORMATION Words defined in the Prospectus shall have the same meaning in this announcement. Nothing in this announcement shall constitute any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any Ordinary Shares or any other securities. Numis Securities Limited ("Numis"), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), is not acting as adviser to any recipient of this announcement, nor will it be responsible to any recipient of this announcement for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in connection with this announcement or any of the matters referred to herein. This announcement is not for distribution in or into the United States or to any US Person (as defined by Regulation S under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of South Africa, any European Economic Area state or any other jurisdiction in which its distribution may be unlawful. This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or elsewhere. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from such registration. The Company has not been and will not be registered under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors are not entitled to the benefits of that Act. There has not been and there will be no public offering of the Company's securities in the United States. Terms and Conditions of the Placing Each Placee that confirms its agreement with Numis as agent for the Company to participate in the Placing agrees that the Placing shall be made on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in Part 10 of the Prospectus, save that to the extent that part of a Placee's allocation is satisfied by Ordinary Shares provided by the Realisation Opportunity at the Redemption Price, the Placee shall pay: (a) the Redemption Price per Ordinary Share for such Ordinary Shares so allocated; and (b) the Placing Programme Price for the balance of the Ordinary Shares, with the basis of allocation being as detailed in this announcement, and the terms and conditions in respect of the Placing shall be amended accordingly. Information to Distributors Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; (c) local implementing measures; and/or (d) (where applicable to UK investors or UK firms) the relevant provisions of the UK MiFID Laws (including the FCA's Product Intervention and Governance Sourcebook (PROD) (together the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Ordinary Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that such Ordinary Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of professionally advised retail investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II or the UK MiFID Laws (as applicable) and who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II or the UK MiFID Laws, as applicable (the "Target Market Assessment"). Numis will only procure investors in connection with the Placing who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II or the UK MiFID laws (as applicable); or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the securities (a "distributor") should take into consideration the manufacturer's target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to the UK MiFID Laws or MiFID II (as applicable) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Ordinary Shares (by either adopting or refining the manufacturer's Target Market Assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels. University of Tubingen, a leading member of Cyber Valley, Europe's largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) research consortium and Boehringer Ingelheim launch an AI and data science fellowship program for top talents from around the world. Three to five fellowships will be awarded per year for up to three years with a target of nine to fifteen fellows in the program after five years. The partners will define cutting-edge research topics at the intersection of health and applications of AI, which will be selected by a joint steering committee. First fellowships have been published here and interested post-doctoral candidates are invited to submit their applications. The partnership is founded in Boehringer Ingelheim's and the University of Tubingen's joint vision to harness the power of AI and data science to improve human and animal health. The aim is to transform patient's lives through the discovery of new medical breakthroughs, by accelerating timelines, improving scientific and clinical success and further elevating patient centricity. Application areas will reach across the whole biopharmaceutical value chain, from research and development via production and supply chain management to marketing and sales. Jan Nygaard Jensen, Global Head of Computational Biology and Digital Sciences at Boehringer Ingelheim said, "The partnership with University of Tubingen, will boost our AI and data science research and give us the opportunity to develop and recruit the next generation of AI and data scientists. These talents will be key in achieving our goal to accelerate development of novel treatments and transform the lives of millions of humans and animals." "Only if we leverage the potential of new digital technologies will we achieve our goal of bringing the future of healthcare to people around the globe. This is why digital innovation transcends all areas at Boehringer Ingelheim under one consistent strategy to maximize this opportunity. We are very excited to work with the fellows to extend our leadership in the development of next-gen AI and data science solutions," added Brigitte Fuhr, Head of Central Data Science at Boehringer Ingelheim. "This collaboration with a research-driven biopharmaceutical company like Boehringer-Ingelheim is a partnership of mutual interest and could pave the way for further initiatives," says Professor Dr. Peter Grathwohl, Vice-president for Research and Innovation at the University of Tubingen. "The University establishes yet another interface between basic research and practical application here. It also sharpens its profile in a research area of increasing importance: the use of AI in medicine and the life sciences." "Particularly in the combination of AI with relevant healthcare and pharmaceutical data, there is great potential to noticeably improve the wellbeing of many people," says Nico Pfeifer, professor of Methods in Medical Informatics at the University of Tubingen and project director. "Methods research is able to identify problems in the healthcare sector which require new AI approaches and can develop tailored solutions for them." Fellows will do their research onsite at University of Tubingen. They will benefit from the University's extensive expertise, rapid growth in AI and data science and highly reputed medical research. In addition, they will have the opportunity to work closely with scientists, domain experts, and executives from Boehringer Ingelheim globally and locally. Furthermore, it is planned that fellows will be invited to participate in visits at the company's sites, networking events and annual symposia. The University of Tubingen is committed to the transfer of innovations and research results to application and to maintaining a continuous exchange with industry and society. In the field of AI, it is a founding member of the Cyber Valley research network and conducts applied basic research in a wide range of collaborations. It focuses on applications for science itself for example in the Cluster of Excellence "Machine Learning: New Perspectives for Science" -, life sciences and medicine, but also ethical aspects. Boehringer Ingelheim's digital strategy aims to establish a leading data science ecosystem by collaborating with top-notch academic research institutions in the field, by nourishing and developing future talent and by partnering with data initiatives globally to build a comprehensive global data base of genomic and patient data. The company is collaborating with innovative digital startups across the whole value chain and is investing in early digital entrepreneurs via the company's venture fund BIVF. With the newly established collaboration with the University of Tubingen Boehringer Ingelheim continues to foster AI and data science partnerships in multiple innovation spots in Europe, the USA and Asia. Last year a similar fellowship program was established with Yale University together with Boehringer Ingelheim's Ridgefield R&D site. For the full press release and link to 'Notes to Editors' please click here: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/science-innovation/human-health-innovation/aidata-science-fellowship-tuebingen View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005495/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Boehringer Ingelheim Reinhard Malin (CET time zone) Boehringer Ingelheim Innovation Unit/Bio Comms, Corp. Affairs P: 49 6132 77-90815 reinhard.malin@boehringer-ingelheim.com Linda Ruckel (ET time zone) Innovation Unit/Bio Comms, Corp. Affairs P: 1 203-791-6672 linda.ruckel@boehringer-ingelheim.com Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen Dr. Karl Guido Rijkhoek Public Relations Department Director P: +49 7071 29-76788 karl.rijkhoek@uni-tuebingen.de Antje Karbe Public Relations Department Press Officer Phone +49 7071 29-76789 antje.karbe@uni-tuebingen.de Phase 3 REVIVAL study stopped per recommendation of data monitoring committee after per-protocol pre-specified interim futility analysis on the study's primary endpoint, 28-day mortality, without any safety concern. A significant reduction in Major Adverse Kidney Events by day 90 and no difference in overall mortality was observed after review of the data for all 649 patients in the study Clear path forward for ilofotase alfa as potential treatment in acute kidney injury, based on consistent improvement of renal parameters observed in REVIVAL and other clinical studies AM-Pharma B.V., an emerging leader focused on developing therapeutics for severe medical conditions, today provided a business update and the outcome from its pre-planned 400-patient interim futility analysis for the pivotal phase 3 REVIVAL study, which has been stopped for futility based on the study's primary endpoint. The REVIVAL study evaluated AM-Pharma's proprietary recombinant alkaline phosphatase, ilofotase alfa, for the treatment of patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI). The data monitoring committee (DMC) reviewed unblinded safety data and 28-day all-cause mortality data the primary endpoint of the study for the first 400 patients enrolled in the main trial population and recommended to discontinue the clinical study. Importantly, the DMC concluded that there are no safety concerns. AM-Pharma has now conducted a pre-specified analysis of the data from all 649 patients who were included in the phase 3 study combined population prior to termination, consisting of 567 patients in the main trial population, 49 patients with moderate-to-severe CKD and 33 patients with COVID-19, with all patients having sepsis and AKI. In the prespecified analysis of the secondary endpoint of Major Adverse Kidney Events by day 90 (MAKE90) a significant reduction of events was observed in the combined population with 206/319 events (65%) in the placebo group and 187/330 events (57%) in the ilofotase alfa group (p<0.05 KM proportion analysis). Additionally, in the COVID-19 cohort of the study, patients treated with ilofotase alfa experienced a reduction in 28-day all-cause mortality compared to those treated with placebo (p<0.01). The MAKE composite components were death, need for dialysis, substantial kidney function deterioration (>25% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)) by day 90, and rehospitalization. MAKE90 is a potentially registrable primary endpoint. "While futility was observed in the main trial population for the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality at day 28, the renal benefit observed in this study in ilofotase alfa treated patients cannot be ignored," said Peter Pickkers, principal investigator in the REVIVAL study and professor of Intensive Care Medicine in Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, The Netherlands. "MAKE90 is a clinically meaningful endpoint for patients with renal disease as it is predictive for poor long-term outcome for patients, including the development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). I am encouraged by the potential for ilofotase alfa for patients with AKI as we have now seen a MAKE90 benefit in two studies with close to 1000 patients evaluated." "With a strong body of evidence behind us, we are confident that ilofotase alfa has a place in the treatment of patients with renal disease," said Erik van den Berg, Chief Executive Officer of AM-Pharma. "While we are disappointed with the outcome of the futility analysis, we intentionally designed the study with futility stopping rules to ensure that we had the most efficient development plan possible. With the encouraging data for preserving kidney function, we will look to further develop ilofotase alfa for patients with acute kidney injury, and potentially additional orphan indications." "There are millions of patients affected by AKI across the globe without specific therapeutic treatment options available beyond supportive care," said Kathleen Liu, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Anesthesia in the Divisions of Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). "With the data generated from the REVIVAL study and earlier studies, I believe that ilofotase alfa has the potential to help patients affected by this disease." About the REVIVAL study The REVIVAL Phase 3 pivotal trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, parallel-group, multi-center trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AM-Pharma's proprietary human recombinant alkaline phosphatase, ilofotase alfa, for the treatment of patients with SA-AKI. The study was designed to enroll up to 1400 patients with SA-AKI in the main study population. In two exploratory cohorts, up to 100 patients with moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) and up to 100 patients with COVID-19 could also be enrolled. Patients in the study were randomized to receive 1.6mg/kg of ilofotase alfa or placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was 28-day all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included long-term Major Adverse Kidney Events (MAKE), the use of organ support, length of stay in the ICU and 90-day all-cause mortality. Further information on this study can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04411472 (REVIVAL). About Ilofotase Alfa Ilofotase alfa is a proprietary recombinant alkaline phosphatase, constructed from two human isoforms of alkaline phosphatase, that in multiple clinical trials was shown to be stable and highly active. The recombinant enzyme displays exquisite activity towards dephosphorylating and detoxifying damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), ATP, ADP and other extracellular substrates that drive acute inflammation, coagulation and microvascular ischemia found in kidney following sepsis or ischemia-induced damage. Research has shown that ATP dephosphorylation has a double effect in protecting against kidney injury. When the pro-inflammatory ATP is dephosphorylated, the resulting adenosine further reduces inflammation through the activation of the immunosuppressive adenosine A2a receptor pathway. About AM-Pharma AM-Pharma strives to develop medicines for patients confronted with severe medical conditions. Our proprietary asset, Ilofotase alfa, is initially being developed for the treatment of patients with acute kidney injury and has been granted FDA fast-track status. With approximately 1000 patients evaluated to date in clinical trials, ilofotase alfa has a proven safety profile and a demonstrated kidney benefit. We are a dedicated team driven to bring treatment options to severely ill patients, their families and acute care professionals. Find out more about us online at: www.am-pharma.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005456/en/ Contacts: Investors: Lars Boesgaard, Chief Financial Officer l.boesgaard@am-pharma.com Media: Trophic Communications Gretchen Schweitzer +49 172 861 8540 am-pharma@trophic.eu ESPOO (dpa-AFX) - Shares of Nokia Corp. (NOK) were losing around 6 percent in the morning trading in Finland after the Finnish critical networks and communications company Thursday maintained its fiscal 2022 outlook for net sales in constant currency, as well as comparable operating margin towards the mid-point of expected range. In its third quarter, comparable operating margin was weak mainly due to the decline in Nokia Technologies, while net profit and net sales increased. For fiscal 2022, on a reported basis, net sales are now expected to be 23.9 billion euros to 25.1 billion euros, compared to previously expected net sales between 23.5 billion euros and 24.7 billion euros. Nokia continues to expect comparable operating margin at 11 percent to 13.5 percent. The company said it continues tracking towards the high-end of net sales guidance for 2022 and towards the mid-point of operating margin guidance. Beyond 2022, Pekka Lundmark, President And CEO, said, '...we currently expect growth on a constant currency basis in our addressable markets in 2023. Considering our recent success in new 5G deals in regions like India which are expected to ramp up strongly in 2023, we believe we are firmly on a path to outperform the market and to make progress towards achieving our long-term margin targets.' In its third quarter, profit climbed 22 percent to 428 million euros from last year's 351 million euros. Earnings per share were 0.08 euro, up 33 percent from 0.06 euro a year ago. Comparable profit for the period was 551 million euros or 0.10 euro per share, compared to last year's 463 million euros or 0.08 euro per share. Operating margin declined 100 basis points from last year to 8.3 percent and gross margin fell 60 basis points to 40.1 percent. Net sales grew 16 percent to 6.24 billion euros from 5.40 billion euros a year ago. Net sales increased 6 percent at constant currency rates as supply constraints started to ease . Mobile Networks grew 12 percent, due to continued strong demand and supply constraints easing. Sales in Network Infrastructure increased 5 percent with robust demand. Cloud and Network Services declined 3 percent, and Nokia Technologies fell 19 percent, still impacted by expired licenses that are in litigation/pending renewal. In the quarter, Enterprise net sales grew 32 percent with notable strength in private wireless. In Finland, Nokia shares were trading at 4.46 euros, down 6.1 percent. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX NOKIA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de VALLETTA, Malta, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING ("EGM") of Kindred Group plc (C 39017) (the "Company") convened in terms of the Companies Act (Cap.386 of the Laws of Malta) will be held on Monday 14 November 2022 at 10.00 CEST at Kindred's office, Regeringsgatan 25, Stockholm, Sweden (the EGM is to be held without people being physically present). Notice to holders of Swedish Depository Receipts ("SDRs") Holders of SDRs who wish to attend and/or vote at the EGM must: (i) be registered in the register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB by Friday 4 November 2022 (the "Record Date"); and (ii) no later thanWednesday 9 November 2022 at 23.59 CEST cast their votes following this link: https://anmalan.vpc.se/euroclearproxy, navigating to Kindred Group and logging in using BankID. BankID can be used also when voting on behalf of someone, provided the person authorized to vote has access to BankID. Alternatively, votes can be cast by printing and filling out the proxy found at: https://anmalan.vpc.se/euroclearproxy or www.kindredgroup.com/EGM and sending it by regular mail or courier to: Kindred Group, c/o Euroclear Sweden AB, Box 191, 101 23 Stockholm, Sweden. Votes submitted this way must be received by Euroclear no later than Wednesday 9 November 2022. Requirement (i): Holders of SDRs whose holding is registered in the name of a nominee must, to be able to exercise their voting rights at the EGM (by proxy), temporarily register their SDRs in their own name in the register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than by the Record Date. Well before that day such holders must contact their custodian bank or brokerage to request that their holding be temporarily registered in their own name with Euroclear Sweden AB before the Record Date. Requirement (ii): When submitting votes via regular mail or courier the proxy needs to be accompanied by supporting documentation showing the undersigned person/s authority to vote on behalf of the SDR holder. The proxy and any Power of Attorney need to be submitted in original. Votes submitted this way must be received by Euroclear no later than Wednesday 9 November 2022. Requirement (iii): As the EGM will be held without people being physically present holders of SDRs who wish to exercise their voting rights must vote electronically, alternatively by regular mail or courier as set out above. In the event you need assistance with, or have questions regarding, the voting procedure you can contact Euroclear via e-mail at generalmeetingservice@euroclear.com or via telephone on +46 8 402 91 33. Please note that an SDR holder cannot exercise their voting rights via these channels, they are for support purposes only. The complete notice and agenda for the EGM can be found at the Company's website www.kindredgroup.com/EGM . The EGM is being held in accordance with the relevant provisions set out in the Maltese Companies Act (Public Companies - Annual General Meeting) Regulations, 2020 (L.N. 288 of 2020). Please note that conversions to and from SDRs and ordinary shares will not be permitted between 2 November and 14 November 2022. Proposed Agenda It is proposed that the EGM conducts the following business: 1 Opening of the Meeting 2 Election of Chairman of the Meeting 3 Drawing up and approval of the voting list 4 Approval of the agenda 5 Election of one or two person(s) to approve the minutes 6 Determination that the Meeting has been duly convened The meeting will be requested to consider and if thought fit, the following by ordinary resolutions: 7 To amend the number of Board members to eight members (instead of seven members) (Resolution (a)) 8 To appoint James H. Gemmel as a director and legal and judicial representative of the Company with effect from the date of the EGM (Resolution (b)) 9 That conditional on the adoption of Resolution (a) the maximum remuneration payable to Board members be increased from a total fee of GBP 757,000 approved at the AGM held on 13 May 2022 to a maximum total fee of GBP 820,000 (to be adjusted with respect to the additional eighth Director on a pro rata basis as explained below) to cater for the appointment of the additional Board member (Resolution (c)); 10 Closing of the meeting Information about proposals related to Agenda items 7 - 9 Agenda item 7 The Nomination Committee proposes that the Board of Directors should, until the next AGM consist of eight Directors instead of seven Directors as previously approved that the AGM held on 13 May 2022. Agenda item 8 The Nomination Committee proposes the appointment of James H. Gemmel as an additional director to serve until the next AGM. Mr Gemmel is US citizen, born in 1985. Mr. Gemmel is a Partner at Corvex Management, a multibillion-dollar investment management firm that focuses on fundamental, valued-based investments. Mr. Gemmel has spent 15 years in professional investment management performing deep fundamental research and making concentrated investments in companies across a range of sectors. Mr. Gemmel has significant experience working collaboratively with management teams and boards of directors to create shareholder value, including several of the largest US corporations: Exelon Corporation, Occidental Petroleum, and The Williams Companies. Before joining Corvex, Mr. Gemmel worked as an Investment Analyst at Federated Hermes Inc. and as an Investment Analyst for the Prudent Bear Fund of David W. Tice & Associates. He has a BS in Economics from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. He has experience investing in and working with companies in many sectors, including gaming. Agenda item 9 Remuneration due to Board members At the AGM held on 13 May 2022, following the recommendation of the Nomination Committee, it was approved that the maximum total fee payable to Directors who are not employees of the Company shall be GBP 757,000 (2021: GBP 701,000). It was approved that a fee of GBP 63,000 (2021: GBP 60,000) be paid to each Director (other than the Chairman). Conditional on the adoption of Resolution (a) (Agenda item 7), the Nomination Committee proposes that the additional Board member shall be paid a fee at the same level as the other Directors of the Company (GBP 63,000) pro rated to be calculated from the date of appointment of such Board member (being the date of the EGM). Accordingly, the total maximum fee payable to Directors who are not employees of the Company be increased from GBP 757,000 to a maximum amount of GBP 820,000 (as this may be adjusted on a pro rata basis) to cater for the appointment of such additional Board member. For information on how personal data is processed please see https://www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf By order of the Board Kindred Group plc Company number: C 39017 Malta, October 2022 For more information: Johan Wilsby, Chief Financial Officer johan.wilsby@kindredgroup.com The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/824/3651892/1641288.pdf Kindred - Notice EGM 14 November 2022 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/notice-to-extraordinary-general-meeting-of-kindred-group-plc-301654666.html As part of its plans to leverage technology to preserve African languages, Mandla dictionary translates words into 100 languages for a start New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Mandla is pleased to announce the introduction of the Mandla Dictionary, the first multilingual, multidialectal, multiscriptual, and audio-supported online parallel dictionary for African languages. Mandla To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8896/141264_2ee2ca4e94ffe85b_001full.jpg Mandla dictionary is designed to revive disused African scripts like the Adlam, Bamum, N'ko, and Osmanya, one at a time starting with N'ko. This includes giving life to once-dead African writing systems like Nsibidi, Tifinagh, Kassena logograms, and Meroitic. It also provides users with the translation of African languages as well as the transliteration of these languages from Latin and English through the use of writing scripts, voice recognition, and pictorial representation. The Mandla Dictionary uses data sourced openly which is made available to users for free. It features definitions in each language both in a chosen native language and Latin scripts as well as English. Mandla gives users free membership in the platform with the option of allowing members to add new words and examples to the dictionary, including suggesting edits to existing words and examples. Updates are sent to members on the status of words they contributed via email. As part of its all-inclusive plan of African languages, the Mandla Dictionary currently translates words from 100 languages including Igbo, Yoruba, Zulu, Xhosa, Twi, Akan, Amharic, Moore, and many others, highlighting even some dying languages in its mission of digital preservation to avoid language extinction shortly. Since the younger generation of Africans has lost touch with their mother, and some others struggle to find a platform that's all out to teach these languages, Mandla App has taken the lead in making learning these languages easier for them. It also encourages people of non-African descent, especially tourists to the African continent to take advantage of the app and learn how to communicate fluently with locals. The Mandla Dictionary simplifies words and adds the origin of such words. "While this is just the beginning, we hope to by the end of 2022 have the largest existing dictionary dataset for every major African language with transliterations of N'ko script as well as each language's native script," concluded Wenitte Apiou, CEO and Founder of Mandla. The Mandla Dictionary is available at http://dictionary.mandla.ai/ Wenitte Apiou, CEO and Founder of Mandla To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8896/141264_2ee2ca4e94ffe85b_002full.jpg About Mandla Dictionary The Mandla Dictionary is an online word-translating platform that allows users to find out the original spelling, pronunciation, and tonation of 100 African languages by digitizing these words in incorruptible format with the use of the internet. Since its inception, it has grown to include contributors from different regions in Africa as well as Africans in the diaspora. Mandla dictionary has revived the use of ancient writing scripts and systems in Africa with ongoing efforts to revive more. About Wenitte Apiou Wenitte Apiou is the CEO and Founder of Mandla. His mission to help other Africans who seek to know and learn their original languages inspired the birth of his company, Mandla. For two years, he has researched and worked with ten other members of his team to digitize dying languages, especially in Africa for future generations. Media Contact Company name: Mandla Contact person: Wenitte Apiou Email: wenitte@mandla.app Country: United States Website: https://mandla.ai To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141264 This is the first ever public health-oriented voluntary licence agreement on a cancer medicine GENEVA, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On the side lines of the World Cancer Congress, the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) today announced the signing of a voluntary licensing agreement with Novartis AG to increase access to nilotinib, a twice daily oral medication used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), part of the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines (WHO EML) for treatment in adults and children of at least one year of age. Through this agreement, selected generic manufacturers will have the opportunity to develop, manufacture and supply generic versions of nilotinib in the licensed territory, subject to local regulatory authorisation. In particular, the licence includes seven middle-income countries, namely Egypt, Guatemala, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tunisia, where patents on the product are pending or in force. This is the first licence that MPP has signed for a cancer treatment, and the first time a company is licensing a patented cancer medicine through a public health-oriented voluntary licensing mechanism. While there has been tremendous progress in new technologies to treat cancer, major challenges persist in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that face inequity in access to new-generation cancer medicines which could allow patients to live better and longer. Advances in treatment, such as nilotinib, have contributed to a greatly improved prognosis for people diagnosed with CML. Charles Gore, MPP Executive Director, said, "Access to high-quality cancer medicines is a crucial component of the global health response to the cancer burden, therefore I am delighted to be signing our first licence agreement with Novartis for a much-needed cancer treatment in LMICs. Although the remaining patent life is relatively short, this voluntary licence in the non-communicable disease space sets a vital precedent that I hope other companies will follow." Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health and Sustainability, Novartis said, "We're proud to be pioneering this new licensing model with MPP in collaboration with the ATOM Coalition, but we know too that making a medicine available is only one part of the challenge to increase access to cancer treatments. For generic versions of this medicine to reach those who need it, wherever they live, the right diagnostics and quality of care will be critical. That's why we've helped to build the new Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition, and we will be relying on the support of our partners from research, non-profits and the private sector to help deliver on the promise of this initiative." Zeba Aziz, Medical Oncologist at Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, and member of MPP's Expert Advisory Group said "Nilotinib is a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor that offers a great alternative to people who are resistant or intolerant to imatinib, the first-line treatment, that is at least 20% of cases. I am glad more people in LMICs will have access to this essential cancer medicine." Benedikt Huttner, Secretary of the WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, said "Cancer medicines constitute a large proportion of medicines recommended by WHO on the Model Lists of Essential Medicines. Nilotinib is an essential cancer medicine for adults and children with imatinib-resistant CML. We welcome this licence agreement, the first for cancer medicines. We hope this marks the start of a paradigm shift with more pharmaceutical companies following suit with licence agreements for essential patented cancer medicines to help ensure that patients globally can benefit." In May 2022 Novartis and MPP[1] joined the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition . It is a new global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and its partners to improve access to essential cancer medicines in low- and lower-middle income countries, and to increase the capacity for diagnosing cancer and for the proper handling and supply monitoring of these medicines. Through MPP, the Coalition facilitates affordable access to cancer treatments through non-exclusive licences to generic manufacturers for selected products and countries. Nilotinib was added to the WHO EML and EMLc respectively in 2017 and 2019 as second-line therapy for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia that is resistant to imatinib. MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP's main funder. MPP's work on access to NCDs is equally funded by Unitaid and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Access the licence agreement The press release is also available in French and Spanish (translations by MPP). MPP invites Expressions of Interest (EoI) from potential sublicensees for sublicences to manufacture and sell nilotinib in the licensed territory: Access the EoI portal More information about the EoI process Deadline for applying: 18 December 2022, 11.59pm CET About the Medicines Patent Pool The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to, and facilitate the development of, life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders, to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations. To date, MPP has signed agreements with 18 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 12 COVID-19 technologies. MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP's main funder. MPP's work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). MPP's activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and SDC. More information at https://medicinespatentpool.org/ and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. [1] MPP participates in the ATOM Coalition as an observer Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925928/Medicines_Patent_Pool_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-medicines-patent-pool-mpp-signs-licence-agreement-to-increase-access-to-nilotinib-for-the-treatment-of-chronic-myeloid-leukaemia-301654681.html Landmark donation from alumnus Dr. Victor Phillip Dahdaleh will accelerate advances in global health using genomic medicine to inform patient diagnosis and care MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A landmark donation to support McGill University's renowned genomics research and education programs from UK-based alumnus and long-time donor Dr. Victor Dahdaleh is a catalyst for advancements in genomics research. Thanks to gifts from Dr. Dahdaleh totalling more than $30 million, McGill will launch the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine. Today's announcement, which coincides with McGill's annual Homecoming festivities, caps off more than a year of Bicentennial celebrations and transformative expressions of philanthropic support in honour of McGill's 200th anniversary. The announcement will take place on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. on the terrace of the McGill Genome Centre, located at 740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal. McGill has long been a leader in Canada and North America in the increasingly vital fields of RNA and genomics research. Dr. Dahdaleh's investment will further cement the University's international leadership in genomics, while enabling the Institute to expand its high-impact research programs, invest in top talent, and train the next generation of world scientific leaders. "On behalf of the McGill community, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Victor and Mona Dahdaleh for this visionary gift from a couple who have been great friends and loyal supporters of McGill for many years," said Professor Christopher Manfredi, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University. "Dr. Dahdaleh's support will be a catalyst for advancements in genomics research that will improve health outcomes for communities around the world. Dr. Dahdaleh's commitment to forging a healthier future through research is truly inspiring." Next-generation drug discovery research The Institute will harness the interdisciplinary expertise and research infrastructure across McGill's faculties to implement a full spectrum approach to genomic medicine, which draws on information from all of a person's genes and how they interact to inform an individual's clinical care. McGill researchers will lead breakthrough research aimed at the development of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, targeted treatments, and new pharmaceuticals and preventative vaccines. Additionally, the Institute's integral social sciences pillar will draw on expertise across the University to lead important research on the ethical, policy, and legal implications of genomic medicine. "It is an honour to contribute to McGill University's world-leading genomics program," said Dr. Dahdaleh. "I feel strongly that genomic medicine is the key to preventing, treating and one day curing many of the diseases that impact lives, families and communities around the world. I'm proud to be a part of this important effort to improve worldwide health." In concert with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and affiliated hospitals within the McGill University Health Centre, the Institute will maximize opportunities for clinical interventions in high-priority fields where McGill is already an established leader - such as cancer, neuroscience and mental health, chronic inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases, including COVID-19. "Dr. Dahdaleh's generous gift provides crucial resources to help us attract impactful young scientists, students and trainees from around the world and create the conditions for these scientists to pursue their research activities and have a global impact on public health," said Mark Lathrop, Director of the Institute. The gift will also provide important support for leveraging additional grant funding for the Institute. Training students from diverse backgrounds The Institute's training program will have a particular focus on training students from lower- and middle- income countries, a goal that is especially important for Dr. Dahdaleh, who has directed many of his philanthropic efforts toward providing scholarships and training opportunities for disadvantaged students at world-class universities, including the London School of Economics. Likewise, Dr. Dahdaleh's investment in genomic medicine at McGill is an extension of his exceptional legacy of supporting innovative global health and health science research in Canada and internationally. He has previously given more than $20 million to establish the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at his alma mater York University in Toronto. He is also a longstanding supporter of the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London, the British Heart Foundation, and Asthma + Lung UK, where he has contributed to leading-edge research into cardiovascular disease and cancer, including mesothelioma. "Dr. Dahdaleh shares McGill's commitment to propelling innovation in genomic medicine on a global scale to improve diagnosis, treatment and preventative healthcare," said Philippe Gros, Deputy Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation; Professor, Department of Biochemistry; and founder and co-lead of the McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits. "With his support, the Institute's researchers will build new partnerships and deepen existing ties with leading genomics programs internationally, particularly in the UK, where McGill already works closely with researchers at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, and Japan, where we share a joint PhD program with the University of Kyoto." About Victor Dahdaleh Victor Dahdaleh is a leading Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose worldwide charitable work has supported education, health-related research, and social and economic development. Through the Victor Dahdaleh Foundation, he supports several scholarship programs for disadvantaged overseas students to study at top universities, opening the door to higher education in parts of the world where opportunities are limited. In addition, he has supported some of the world's top centres of medical research, including several university health faculties, providing much needed funding to areas such as cardiovascular health, neuroscience, and global health and policy issues. McGill's largest donor from the UK, Dr. Dahdaleh has long been an active volunteer and supporter of the University. For nearly 30 years, he has served as a trustee of the UK-based McGill University Trust, which supports programs and initiatives across McGill, notably the McGill University Trust Scholarships for UK students wishing to study at the University. In 2007, he joined with the William J. Clinton Foundation and went on to establish the Victor Dahdaleh-Clinton Foundation Scholarship Program, which now provides 32 scholarships for outstanding undergraduates from low-income countries, in perpetuity. In 2016, he founded the Victor Dahdaleh Chair in Neuroscience to support an integrated approach to the study of chronic brain disease, incorporating neurology, psychiatry, and rehabilitation science, among other disciplines. More details about the Victor Dahdaleh's Foundation's philanthropic work are available here. Dr. Dahdaleh is the owner and chairman of Dadco [est. 1915], a privately owned investment, manufacturing, and trading group. He is also an Honorary Fellow and governor of the London School of Economics, Fellow of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, board member of the International Aluminium Institute, and a past president of the Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce. About McGill University Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University is Canada's top ranked medical doctoral university. McGill is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It is a world-renowned institution of higher learning with research activities spanning three campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study and over 39,000 students, including more than 10,400 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,000 international students making up 30% of the student body. Over half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 20% of our students who say French is their mother tongue. CONTACT: Cynthia Lee, Media Relations, McGill University, (514) 793-6753, cynthia.lee@mcgill.ca View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/forging-a-healthier-future-through-research-mcgill-university-launches-new-institute-of-genomic-medicine-301654534.html Congress report inspires people in rural Tibet (China Daily) 10:10, October 20, 2022 Dorje Phuntsok (left) dries lingzhi fungus (Ganoderma) together with villagers in Jeling village in Metog, Tibet autonomous region, in July. CHINA DAILY Teacher in highest town, village head in once-isolated county see brighter future Nyima Tsamcho is a kindergarten teacher in Tsogo village of Puma Changthang, China's highest township, at an altitude of 5,373 meters 200 meters higher than the base camp for Qomolangma, or Mount Everest. After taking a hot butter tea on a Sunday morning, Nyima Tsamcho headed to the village activity center, wearing a thick down jacket, to join villagers to watch the live broadcast of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. On the plateau of the Tibet autonomous region, the weather had dropped to around 0 C and there was a chill in the air despite the dazzling sunshine. "I felt excited and overwhelmed when watching the congress on TV," said Nyima Tsamcho. Despite the harsh environment, Nyima Tsamcho volunteered to come and work in this kindergarten three years after graduating from Lhasa Normal College in 2017. The kindergarten has nine kids and four teachers. As it is cold and windy there all year round, courses and activities are mostly carried out indoors. There is no running water from the end of October every year, as it easily gets frozen and teachers have to travel around one kilometer to fetch water. "I am young, so I feel strong enough to work here, and I feel proud to work for the kids in a high-altitude environment," said the 25-year-old, adding she expects to continue to work for five to six years there if her body allows her to stay. She said she is happy to learn that China has built the largest education system in the world and will continue to give high priority to the development of education and speed up the work to build a stronger education system. "I am encouraged by these words, and I will work hard toward the goal of developing education that meets people's expectations," she said. "Inspired by the report, I will read more books to renew myself with new knowledge and skills all the time, and I will be a more responsible teacher for my students," she added. Meanwhile, the report to the congress also inspired the ethnic people in Monba, one of the smallest ethnic groups in China, in the region's Metog county. Metog was only made accessible by highway in 2013, and was known as the last roadless county in the country before that. Dorje Phuntsok, a leader of Jeling village of the county, said the part in the report about comprehensively promoting rural vitalization and developing agriculture and rural areas as a priority provided him with confidence and spirit. Dorje Phuntsok never forgot the hardship he and his fellow villagers endured when his home county was isolated from the outside world because there were no proper roads. Before 2013, his fellow villagers had to trek for three days to travel between his home county and Bomi, another county, to go shopping, but now the trip has been reduced to several hours by vehicle. "Our country, especially my hometown, has seen tremendous changes over the past decade," said Dorje Phuntsok. "Not only is our county accessible by highways, our village and homes were connected with proper roads between 2015 and 2017, and the local people now enjoy better livelihoods thanks to the upgraded traffic and transportation." He said that in the past few years, his village has been developing a cooperative model as a key effort in rural vitalization and agricultural development, including the industries of animal husbandry, plantation and tourism. "As a leader working in a rural village, I will work toward the goal of consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation, and I will try to enrich our village by developing more rural industries," Dorje Phuntsok added. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Alaska Air Group (ALK) said, for full year 2022, the company continues to expect capacity down 8% to 9% compared to 2019. Despite the impact of elevated fuel and new labor deals, the company still expects to deliver a full year adjusted pre-tax margin of 6% to 9%. Compared to 2019, the company projects fourth-quarter total revenue to increase 12% to 15%. Capacity is estimated to be down 7% to 10%. Passenger load factor is expected in a range of 83% to 86%. Third quarter earnings totaled $40 million, or $0.31 per share compared with $194 million, or $1.53 per share, prior year. Excluding items, adjusted earnings was $325 million or $2.53 per share for the period. Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $2.39 per share, according to figures compiled by Thomson Reuters. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company reported adjusted pretax margin for the third quarter of 15.6%. Revenue rose 45.1% to $2.83 billion from $1.95 billion last year. Analysts on average had estimated $2.82 billion in revenue. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Rebel Labs entered into a MoU with its global partners to offer an integrated offering throughout the start-up lifecycle during its launch at the 8th RHT CABA ASEAN Summit SINGAPORE, Oct 20, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - ONERHT has launched Rebel Labs at the 8th RHT CABA ASEAN Summit becoming one of the first homegrown professional services organisation to launch an accelerator programme to incubate creative ideas, business models, and solutions to current industry challenges.Rebel Labs will leverage ONERHT's integrated multidisciplinary platform of professional services, comprising experts from across RHTLaw Asia and the RHT Group of Companies, to help aspiring founders and early-stage entrepreneurs scale their vision into thriving businesses.Presented virtually by RHTLaw Asia, RHT Group of Companies and the China-ASEAN Business Alliance, the Summit's theme is "Opportunities and Growth Drivers in ASEAN's Post-Pandemic Landscape amidst Geopolitical Uncertainties."Panellists including Dr Leo Suryadinata, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, examined macroeconomic growth and risk in the region, new opportunities in the green economy, dispute resolution across China & ASEAN, and the rise of ASEAN's digital economy.Speaking at the launch of Rebel Labs, Mr Victor Tay, Group Chief Executive Officer of RHT Consulting Asia, said, "Through Rebel Labs, ONERHT will take control of the narratives in the disruptive landscape. Entrepreneurs and startups can realise their aspirations through ONERHT's multidisciplinary platform of professional services to co-create ideas, mould minimal viable products, reconfigure business models, access global markets, raise funds and seek public listing."Through Rebel Labs' strategic partnerships, incubatees will have access to mentors from 18 markets across the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Israel, South Africa, China and ASEAN member states.Mr Azman Jaafar, Managing Partner of RHTLaw Asia, said, "It takes fierce determination for aspiring founders to rebel against the status quo, reimagining the future shaped by their vision. To help start-ups in the region, ONERHT is launching Rebel Labs, an accelerator programme to incubate disruptive technologies including legal technology, environmental technologies, and the metaverse."RHTLaw Asia's full legal service capabilities, with presence in 16 jurisdictions through its ASEAN Plus Group, will help aspiring founders overcome the hurdles of regulatory challenges while scaling from ideation to maturity across the region.During the Summit, Rebel Labs entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with its global partners to offer an integrated offering throughout the start-up lifecycle, from mentoring and fundraising to scaling and listing. These partners include MIW (Israel), Fvtura (Italy, Netherlands, UAE), Founders Foundry (US, UK, South Africa), the China-ASEAN Business Alliance, Singapore Digital Chamber of Commerce and Enjinstarter (metaverse) and The Next Level (entrepreneurship programmes).About ONERHTThe ONERHT Universe is an integrated multidisciplinary platform of professional services. Collaborating as ONE, we seek to be a beacon of growth for our clients, stakeholders and communities, empowering them to achieve purposeful growth in Asia and beyond. RHTLaw Asia LLP is a Singapore law practice registered as a limited liability law partnership in Singapore. A leading full-service firm with industry focus, it has presence in 16 jurisdictions through the ASEAN Plus Group. In delivering innovative legal and commercial solutions, it collaborates with ONERHT through entities which are not affiliates, branches or subsidiaries of RHTLaw Asia LLP. For more information, please visit www.onerht.com and https://www.the-rebel-labs.com/Issued on behalf of ONERHTBy Waterbrooks Consultants https://www.waterbrooks.com.sg/For media enquiries, please contact:Elliot Siow+65 8375 0417elliot@waterbrooks.com.sgSource: Rebel LabsONERHTCopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Idaho Champion (CSE: ITKO) (OTCQB: GLDRF) (FSE: 1QB1) ("Idaho Champion" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has mobilized a technical team to begin advancement of the Company's cobalt projects located in the heart of the Idaho Cobalt Belt. The Idaho Champion technical team has arrived in Salmon, Idaho and will prioritize the Company's beneficially located Twin Peaks and Victory projects (the "Projects") (See Figure 1) for the 2022 fall program. 2022 Fall Exploration Program Items: Comprehensive site reconnaissance Field program - preliminary geologic mapping Initial ridge and spur soil sampling Jonathan Buick, Idaho Champion's CEO, commented: "We are pleased to be boots-on-the-ground in Idaho to advance our cobalt properties, where our team has already completed a comprehensive desktop evaluation. The US government has been explicit in the country's needs for domestic critical metals supply, including cobalt. The Idaho Geological Survey recently flew an airborne survey across Butte County, providing valuable regional scale data to all the players in the area. Jervois Mining has recently announced the commencement of production in the district, and exploration activities are ramping up with the strong cobalt demand for use in lithium batteries. All of this has driven Idaho Champion to expedite our first phase of fieldwork and move the projects forward as quickly as possible. We see a real opportunity to make an impact joining our peers in the Idaho Cobalt Belt." The Twin Peaks Project comprises 2,761 hectares (6,820 acres) and includes the historic Twin Peaks Copper Mine. It is located approximately 3 kilometres from Electra Battery Metals' advanced exploration stage Iron Creek Project, which boasts an indicated resource of 2.2 Mt* grading 0.26% cobalt (Co) and 0.65% copper (Cu) and 2.7 Mt* grading 0.22% Co and 0.68% Cu in the inferred category. The Victory Project is comprised of 1,627.5 hectares (4,020 acres) and is 6 kilometres south of the historic Blackbird Mine and Jervois Mining's Idaho Cobalt Operations*, which was officially commissioned on October 7, 2022 as North America's only primary cobalt mine. * The Projects are at an early stage of exploration, and the Company cautions that the qualified persons who have reviewed and approved this news release have not verified scientific or technical information produced by third parties. Further, proximity to projects containing cobalt-copper resources offers no assurance that the rock types or resources reported by Electra, Jervois and others will extend onto the Projects; nor should such proximity be assumed to imply similarity to mineralization and results reported by other companies in the district. Figure 1: Idaho Cobalt Belt Location Map To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8681/141236_4829f3c414c399d3_001full.jpg Qualified Person Patrick Highsmith, Certified Professional Geologist (AIPG CPG # 11702) and director of the Company, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Highsmith has helped prepare, reviewed, and approved the technical information in this news release. About Idaho Champion Gold Mines Inc. Idaho Champion is a discovery-focused exploration company that is committed to advancing its highly prospective mineral properties located in Idaho, United States and shortly, Quebec, Canada. The Company's shares trade on the CSE under the trading symbol "ITKO", on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "GLDRF", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "1QB1". Idaho Champion is vested in Idaho with four cobalt properties in Lemhi County in the Idaho Cobalt Belt. In addition, the Company has been advancing the Baner gold project in Idaho County and the Champagne polymetallic project located in Butte County near Arco. Idaho Champion strives to be a responsible environmental steward, stakeholder and contributing citizen to the local communities where it operates. Idaho Champion takes its social license seriously, employing local community members and service providers at its operations whenever possible. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, "Jonathan Buick" Jonathan Buick, President and CEO For further information, please visit the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or the Company's corporate website at www.idahochamp.com. For further information, please contact: Nicholas Konkin, Marketing and Communications Phone: (416) 567- 9087 Email: nkonkin@idahochamp.com THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY OFFER, SALE, OR SOLICITATION OF SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SALE, OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. Cautionary Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company, including suggested strike extension. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141236 Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Genie Energy Ltd., (NYSE: GNE) (NYSE: GNEPRA), a provider of energy services, today announced that Avi Goldin, Genie's chief financial officer, will present at the LD Micro Main Event XV on Wednesday, October 26, on Track 1 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time/1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Register here for LD Micro Main Event Virtual Presentation: https://me22.sequireevents.com/ Summary of LD Micro Main Event XV "15 years ago, we set out to create an event that could benefit our entire industry. It wasn't fast or easy, but we were honorable in our dealings and worked our tails off to ensure a wonderful time for everyone involved. Today, our community could not be larger, stronger, and more united, as we go through these difficult and turbulent times together. The Main Event is about learning, connecting, and enjoying each other, and it is a hell of a lot more fun than sitting next to your computer," stated Chris Lahiji, Founder of LD Micro. The 2022 LD Micro Main Event XV will be held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles from October 25th to the 27th. The festivities will run from 7:30 a.m. PT - 5:30 p.m. PT on the 25th and 26th, with a half day on Thursday the 27th. This three-day investor conference is expected to feature around 200+ companies, presenting in half-hour increments, as well as private meetings. For more info, please contact Mr. Dean "The Dream" Summers. Dean@ldmicro.com About Genie Energy Ltd.: Genie Energy Ltd. (NYSE: GNE) (NYSE: GNEPRA), is a global provider of energy services. The Genie Retail Energy division supplies electricity, including electricity from renewable resources, and natural gas to residential and small business customers in the United States. The Genie Retail Energy International division supplies customers in Scandinavia. The Genie Energy Services division includes Diversegy, a commercial and industrial brokerage and consultative services company, and Genie Solar Energy and Prism Solar, which design, supply and install commercial solar solutions. For more information, visit Genie.com. Contact: Brian Siegel Hayden IR Senior Managing Director P: (346) 396-8696 E-mail: brian@haydenir.com # # # To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141238 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF), a practitioner focused digital health company that is positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, is pleased to announce that Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and CEO of WELL, will be presenting and participating at the 15th annual LD Micro Main Event The LD Micro Invitational XII will take place at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, California from October 25th to 27th, 2022. Mr. Shahbazi will be presenting on Wednesday October 26th at 9:30am PT in Track #1. Mr. Shahbazi will also be participating in one-on-one meetings with investors throughout the conference. Register to watch the live event here: https://me22.sequireevents.com/. Summary of LD Micro Main Event XV The 2022 LD Micro Main Event XV will be held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles from October 25th to the 27th. The festivities will run from 7:30 AM PT - 5:30 PM PT on the 25th and 26th, with a half day on Thursday the 27th. This three-day, investor conference is expected to feature around 200+ companies, presenting in half-hour increments, as well as private meetings. For more info, please contact Mr. Dean "The Dream" Summers at Dean@ldmicro.com. About WELL Health Technologies Corp. WELL is a practitioner focused digital healthcare company whose overarching objective is to positively impact health outcomes to empower and support healthcare practitioners and their patients. WELL has built an innovative practitioner enablement platform that includes comprehensive end to end practice management tools inclusive of virtual care and digital patient engagement capabilities as well as Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) and data protection services. WELL uses this platform to power healthcare practitioners both inside and outside of WELL's own omni-channel patient services offerings. As such, WELL owns and operates Canada's largest network of outpatient medical clinics serving primary and specialized healthcare services and is the provider of a leading multi-national, multi-disciplinary telehealth offering. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WELL" and on OTCQX under the symbol "WHTCF". To learn more about the Company, please visit: www.well.company. About LD Micro LD Micro aims to be the most crucial resource in the micro-cap world. Whether it is the index, comprehensive data, or hosting the most significant events on an annual basis, LD's sole mission is to serve as an invaluable asset for all those interested in finding the next generation of great companies. http://www.ldmicro.com For further information: Tyler Baba Investor Relations, Manager investor@well.company 604-628-7266 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141247 - First presentation of BPT264, the only Treg-targeting IL-2 for autoimmune diseasethat is both IL2Ra-enhanced and IL2R-dead, displaying best-in-class preclinical properties - -Introduction of BPT323, a cutting-edge, multifunctional immunocytokine combining TNFa blockade and selective T reg expansion for the treatment of autoimmune disease - SAN DIEGO and BASEL, Switzerland, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Peak Therapeutics, a privately held biotechnology company developing next-generation multifunctional precision immunotherapies, today announced the presentation of two posters showcasing the potential of its unique chemical protein engineering platform at the 10th International Conference on Autoimmunity: Mechanisms and Novel Treatments taking place October 20-25, 2022, in Chania, Crete. "We are excited to share, for the first time, details of our innovative IL-2-based therapeutics that selectively activate and enhance Treg expansion for the treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases," said Dr. Bertolt Kreft, Chief Scientific Officer of Bright Peak Therapeutics. Tregs are essential for maintaining peripheral tolerance, preventing autoimmunity and limiting chronic inflammatory diseases. IL-2 is an essential cytokine critical for Treg activation and proliferation, and low-dose IL-2 has demonstrated promising preliminary clinical efficacy in several autoimmune diseases. Dr. Kreft continued, "Our chemical protein synthesis platform enabled us to create an optimized IL-2 payload that is uniquely IL2Ra-enhanced as well as IL2R-dead, with the further capacity to be chemically conjugated. Using this fully synthetic IL-2 payload, we created a PEGylated, half-life-extended molecule with best-in-class preclinical properties as well as a cutting-edge multifunctional immunocytokine combining TNFa blockade and selective Treg expansion." Details of the abstracts are as follows: Dates and Times: October 21-24, 2022, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (CET) Title: Identification of BPT264 - a potent alpha-enhanced/beta-dead and half-life-extended IL-2 Treg enhancer for treatment of autoimmune diseases Abstract Highlights: Using our chemical protein synthesis technology, we rationally designed an enhanced cytokine payload harboring a site-specific chemical conjugation handle and specific sequence variations that retune the biological properties of IL-2 for the treatment of patients with autoimmune disease. Bright Peak's optimized cytokine payload is engineered to uniquely augment binding to IL2Ra and ablate binding to IL2R for the precise and potent activation of Treg over other immune cell types. Conjugation to a 30 kDa PEG generates a fully synthetic cytokine with optimal pharmacokinetic properties that is able to selectively expand Tregs in cynomolgus monkeys up to 60-fold and to strongly suppress antigen-specific T cell-mediated inflammation in mice. Based on these best-in-class properties, IND-enabling studies have been initiated and a first in human trial is planned to start early 2024. Title: Identification of BPT323 - An immunocytokine for treatment of autoimmune diseases combining orthogonal modes of action of TNFa blockade and selective Treg expansion Abstract Highlights: Bright Peak has developed a cell-free chemical protein synthesis and conjugation platform to rapidly generate optimized antibody-cytokine (immunocytokine, IC) therapeutics within weeks. We have site-specifically conjugated a single IL-2 variant that selectively activates and expands Tregs to the Fc region of the well-characterized anti-TNFa antibody adalimumab to generate an anti-TNFa-IL2 IC that fully retains the functions of the parent molecules in vitro and in vivo. TNFa-IL2 IC is apparently able to leverage an additional mode-of-action as its ability to activate and expand Tregs is augmented in the presence of TNFa. This suggests that TNFa-IL2 IC may exhibit higher local activity in inflamed tissues where TNFa is present at high levels. The abstracts are available for viewing on Bright Peak's website, www.brightpeaktx.com, and online at: https://www.aegeanconferences.org/src/App/sessions/posters/155 About Bright Peak Therapeutics Bright Peak is a privately held biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland and San Diego, CA. We are rapidly advancing a robust portfolio of next generation, multifunctional, cytokine-based immunotherapies for the treatment of patients with cancer and autoimmune disease. We accomplish this by leveraging our world class protein engineering capabilities and our unique cell-free technology platform to chemically synthesize and conjugate novel protein therapeutics that reflect state-of-the-art insights into cytokine and immune checkpoint biology. Our pipeline stretches from discovery to IND-enabling and encompasses enhanced cytokines, antibody-cytokine conjugates and other novel formats. Bright Peak is funded by a syndicate of leading healthcare investors. Contact: We hereby inform you that on the initiative and by the decision of the Board of AB Klaipedos nafta, legal entity code 110648893, registered address at Buriu str. 19, Klaipeda (hereinafter - the Company), an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was convened on 20 October 2022 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the registered office of the Company at Buriu str. 19, Klaipeda. Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, held on 20 October 2022, adopted the following resolutions: 1.Regarding the approval of amendment of Remuneration Policy of AB Klaipedos nafta: 1.1. To approve the amendment of Remuneration Policy of AB Klaipedos nafta (enclosed). 2. Regarding the election of the members of the Supervisory Council of AB Klaipedos nafta: 2.1. For the 4 years cadence of Supervisory Council members of AB Klaipedos nafta to elect: 1.Mantas Sukevicius; 2. Robertas Vysniauskas; 3. Dovile Kavaliauskiene. 3. Regarding confirmation of remuneration to the members of Supervisory Council of AB Klaipedos nafta and approval of standard contract form of the members of Supervisory Council of AB Klaipedos nafta: 3.1. To determine fixed monthly remuneration (before taxes) for the members of Supervisory Council of AB Klaipedos nafta: - for independent member of Supervisory Council - 2 637 EUR; - for the Chairman of Supervisory Council - 3 516 EUR; - for the member of Supervisory Council (civil servant) - 2 110 EUR. 3.2. To approve standard contract form, regarding the activity of the member of Supervisory Council of AB Klaipedos nafta (enclosed). Annexes: Approved Remuneration Policy of AB Klaipedos nafta; Approved standard contract form, regarding the activity of the member of Supervisory Council of AB Klaipedos nafta. Mindaugas Kveksas, Chief financial Officer, +370 46 391 772 Attachments ZUG, Switzerland, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The BSV Blockchain Association is excited to announce that it will host the upcoming Blockchain in Business conference in Sydney, Australia. The Association will be joined in hosting the event alongside key partners Webmaster Studios and Keyi Tech . The conference will be held at Wesley Mission Sydney on Thursday, November 17 from 09h00 - 16h00. While blockchain conferences are becoming increasingly common, rarely do blockchain conferences focus on what businesses need and what solutions are available before them. Chief Executive Officer of Keyi Tech and Bitcoin Association for BSV Head of APAC HubLise Li said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to promote and introduce key decision-makers and business leaders to what blockchain technology can do in real business." Eli Afram, BSV Blockchain Association Ambassador in Australia, who is also the founder of AnonSurvey, the first scalable blockchain e-voting application, will be the host of this conference, he is very excited about this conference: "There'll be some focus given to the construction and civil engineering sectors, with attendees invited to learn how the BSV blockchain can assist them with material management, tracking, logistics, and commercial contracts." What to expect from the Blockchain in Business conference: Feedback and networking A learning opportunity Real use cases Find out more about the conference and register for attendance here. About the BSV Blockchain Association The BSV Blockchain Association is a non-profit association (Verein) in Switzerland as Bitcoin Association for BSV. It is the global industry organisation which advances the Bitcoin SV blockchain (BSV). It brings together enterprises, start-up ventures, developers, merchants, exchanges, service providers, blockchain transaction processors (miners), and others in the BSV ecosystem. The Association supports BSV as the original Bitcoin, with a stable protocol and massive scaling roadmap to become the world's new money and global blockchain for enterprise. The organisation seeks to build a regulation-friendly ecosystem that fosters lawful conduct while encouraging digital currency and blockchain innovation. Lightning Sharks on behalf of BSV Blockchain Association Key contact: Haris Khan, PR, and Media Manager Email: h.khan@lightningsharks.co.uk Mobile: +44 (0) 7503 581 563 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bsv-blockchain-association-to-host-blockchain-in-business-conference-in-sydney-301654816.html Presentation on October 25, 2022 Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., (TSXV: CMI) (OTCQB: CYSNF) a leading global provider of commercial grade mobile auto-deploying satellite antenna systems, announced today, that it will be presenting at the 15th annual Main Event on Tuesday, October 25th at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel. Dr. Leslie Klein, President and CEO will be giving the presentation. "15 years ago, we set out to create an event that could benefit our entire industry. It wasn't fast or easy, but we were honorable in our dealings, and worked our tails off to ensure a wonderful time for everyone involved. Today, our community could not be larger, stronger, and more united, as we go through these difficult and turbulent times together. The Main Event is about learning, connecting, and enjoying each other, and it is a hell of a lot more fun than sitting next to your computer," stated Chris Lahiji, Founder of LD Micro. "The C-COM one-on-one presentations will highlight the company's recently released third quarter financial results, and will describe the progress with its Electronically Steered Phased Array Ka-band satellite antenna product, which is in its final stages of development and in the process of commercialization," said Dr. Leslie Klein, President and CEO of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. Summary of LD Micro Main Event XV The 2022 LD Micro Main Event XV will be held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles from October 25th to the 27th. The festivities will run from 7:30 AM PT - 5:30 PM PT on the 25th and 26th, with a half day on Thursday the 27th. This three-day investor conference is expected to feature around 200+ companies, presenting in half-hour increments, as well as private meetings. For more info, please contact Mr. Dean "The Dream" Summers. Dean@ldmicro.com About C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. is a pioneer and world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of transportable and mobile satellite-based antenna systems. The Company has developed proprietary, auto-acquisition controller technology for rapid antenna pointing to a satellite with just the press of a button, enabling Broadband Internet via Satellite across a wide range of market applications worldwide, including regions unserved or underserved by terrestrial access technologies. C-COM has sold more than 10,000 antenna systems, in over 100 countries, through a dedicated dealer network that provides service to a wide range of vertical markets such as Oil & Gas Exploration, Military Communications, Disaster Management, SNG, Emergency Communications, Cellular Backhaul, Telemedicine, Mobile Education, Government Services, Mobile Banking, and others. The Company's iNetVu brand is synonymous with high quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. C-COM is in late-stage development of a revolutionary Ka-band, electronically steerable, flat panel phased array antenna system, in cooperation with the University of Waterloo, with the intent of providing low-cost, high-throughput mobility applications over satellite for land, airborne and maritime applications. For additional information please visit www.c-comsat.com iNetVu is a registered trademark of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. The Company is publicly traded on the Canadian Venture Exchange (TSXV: CMI) and on the US OTC Exchange (OTCQB: CYSNF). Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Statements about C-COM's expectations as to its ability to weather the challenges it faces, future prospects, growth and revenue, and statements about its electronically steered phased array antenna, including the potential for it become a commercially available product are all forward-looking information. Several factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Anticipated benefits of the new technology may not be realized within the time frames anticipated or at all, and new products and services may not be released or, if released may not gain market acceptance. Any of those events and others could influence future performance and C-COM Satellite Systems Inc.'s ability to achieve the results mentioned above. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Readers are directed to the risk factors associated with the business of C-COM Satellite Systems in the company's most recent MD&A available at www.SEDAR.com. About LD Micro LD Micro aims to be the most crucial resource in the micro-cap world. Whether it is the index, comprehensive data, or hosting the most significant events on an annual basis, LD's sole mission is to serve as an invaluable asset for all those interested in finding the next generation of great companies. INVESTOR RELATIONS C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. Tel: (613) 745-4110 ext. 4950 Fax: (613) 745-7144 lklein@c-comsat.com http://www.ldmicro.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/140841 Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - NurExone Biologic Inc. (TSXV: NRX) (FSE: J90) (the "Company" or "NurExone"), a biopharmaceutical company developing biologically-guided exosome therapy for patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries, is pleased to announce that the Company will be participating in the upcoming 2022 Bio-Europe Conference ("Bio-Europe") in Leipzig, Germany, which commences on October 24th and ends on October 26th. Bio-Europe is regarded as one of Europe's largest gathering of professionals in the biopharma industry.1 Over 4000 attendees and more than 2200 companies from around the world are expected to attend this prestigious event.2 NurExone's CEO, Dr. Lior Shaltiel, and Dr. Lyora Aharonov, Director of R&D, will attend the conference to promote the Company's revolutionary exosome-based drug platform, ExoTherapy. In addition, the Company intends to establish new business relationships with companies within the biopharma space to secure more strategic collaborations and partnerships that can accelerate NurExone's growth. "We are delighted to participate in the upcoming Bio-Europe conference where we can raise more awareness about our exosome-based technology in front of a global audience," said Dr. Lior Shaltiel, CEO of NurExone. "This event provides us with the opportunity to meet and connect with top professionals within the biopharma industry where we exchange ideas as well as potentially secure new strategic partnerships that will enable us to advance the development of our unique drug platform. We look forward to attending the conference." Attendees can schedule a meeting with NurExone's team to learn more about the Company and its drug platform during the event. The team will be available for in-person meetings throughout the conference. To request a meeting, please reach out to the info@nurexone.com. For more information about Bio-Europe, please visit: https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope/. About NurExone Biologic Inc. NurExone Biologic Inc. is a TSXV listed pharmaceutical company developing a platform for biologically-guided ExoTherapy to be delivered, non-invasively, to patients who suffered traumatic spinal cord injuries. ExoTherapy was so far conceptually demonstrated in animal studies at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. and the company is translating the treatment to humans. Nurexone holds an exclusive worldwide license from the Technion and Tel Aviv University for the development and commercialization of the technology. For additional information, please visit www.nurexone.com or follow NurExone on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube. For more information, please contact: Dr. Lior Shaltiel Chief Executive Officer and Director Phone: +972-52-4803034 Email: lior@nurexone.com For investors: Investor Relations IR@nurexone.com +1 905-347-5569 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements about the Company's future plans and development activities to be carried out by the company, future potential manufacturing and marketing activities and the treatment of certain conditions. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the Company's early stage of development, lack of revenues to date, government regulation, market acceptance for its products, rapid technological change, dependence on key personnel, protection of the Company's intellectual property and dependence on the Company's strategic partners. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope/ https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope/attendees/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141165 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Datametrex AI Limited (TSXV: DM) (FSE: D4G) (OTCQB: DTMXF) (the "Company" or "Datametrex') is thrilled to announce that Datametrex is invited to the International Cybersecurity Forum ("FIC") event November 1, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. Members of management will attend and present at FIC. FIC represents a united front to unify expert's strength and skills to make a safer internet by developing new technologies, preventing the impact of cyberwarfare and cyberespionage, while protecting vital infrasctructures and putting an end to cybercrime. The Company attending FIC presents an opportunity to connect with experts and those involved in cybersecurity initiatives to discuss strategic stakes of cybersecurity and the best ways to protect and secure data by bringing together and mobilizing global digital trust ecosystems, with the objective to strengthen the links between Canada, the USA, Europe and the World, by sharing experiences and exchanging ideas at all levels, including political, operational and technological. (Source: https://america.forum-fic.com/en/home/) With digital threats surrounding the internet, digital data and the internet is the most vulnerable to data security risks. Cybersecurity is crucial because it safeguards all variants of data against theft and loss, while protecting sensitive data, protected information and personally identifiable information, such as intellectual property, personal information and government and business information. (Source: https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/cyber-security-tutorial/what-is-cyber-security#:~:text=Cybersecurity%20is%20crucial%20because%20it,information%20systems%20are%20all%20included.) The Company has the privilege to be trusted by the Canadian government to work on its cybersecurity and social media defense and looks forward to representing its Nexalogy SMART AI technology and showcase how Datametrex aids in cybersecurity defense. "We are honoured to be presenting our cybersecurity initiatives and technology at FIC. The Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, among other influential leaders in the cybersecurity realm, will be attending this very important event. Datametrex is excited for this opportunity to share our initiatives with others, and look forward to continue growing our AI and cybersecurity efforts," said Marshall Gunter, CEO of the Company. About FIC FIC, one of the most innovative cybersecurity events in the world, is now located on both sides of the Atlantic to play its fundamental role of bringing together and mobilizing all actors of digital trust. In its 11 years of operating, the FIC, International Cybersecurity Forum has become the largest cybersecurity and digital trust event in Europe, with 19,000 participants, 550 private & public sponsors, 520 speakers and 60 countries represented. With the support of the Canadian and French authorities, the event is crossing the Atlantic and will take place in Montreal, Canada, on November 1 and 2, for its first North American edition. To learn more about FIC, please visit: https://america.forum-fic.com/en/home/ About Datametrex Datametrex AI Limited is a technology-focused company using artificial intelligence (AI) to create progressive solutions for the cyber security, telehealth, and electric vehicle (EV) verticals. Datametrex's mission is to provide tools that support companies in fulfilling their operational goals with predictive and preventive technologies. For additional information on Datametrex and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.datametrex.com. For further information: Investor Relations & Communications Priya Monique Atwal, Director of Communications Email: investors@datametrex.com Tel: 416-901-5611 x 204 Marshall Gunter, CEO Email: mgunter@datametrex.com Tel: 514-295-2300 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements All statements included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects, believes, or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Bid. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141196 Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - California Nanotechnologies, Inc (TSXV: CNO) (OTC Pink: CANOF) is pleased to announce today that it will be presenting at the 15th annual LD Micro Main Event which is held on October 25-27, 2022 at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel. Eric Eyerman, CEO, will be meeting 1 on 1 with interested investors and giving the presentation. "15 years ago, we set out to create an event that could benefit our entire industry. It wasn't fast or easy, but we were honorable in our dealings, and worked our tails off to ensure a wonderful time for everyone involved. Today, our community could not be larger, stronger, and more united, as we go through these difficult and turbulent times together. The Main Event is about learning, connecting, and enjoying each other, and it is a hell of a lot more fun than sitting next to your computer," stated Chris Lahiji, Founder of LD Micro. "I look forward to speaking with investors about California Nanotechnologies' unique service offerings. Cal Nano's cryogenic milling and spark plasma sintering services allow our customers to create next generation advanced materials with enhanced performance characteristics. We have a growing basket of business opportunities as a supplier to new cutting-edge businesses with significant growth potential across multiple industries," stated Eric Eyerman, CEO of Cal Nano. Event: LD Micro Main Event XV Date: October 25-27, 2022 Register to watch the virtual presentation here. Summary of LD Micro Main Event XV The 2022 LD Micro Main Event XV will be held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles from October 25th to the 27th. The festivities will run from 7:30 AM PT - 5:30 PM PT on the 25th and 26th, with a half day on Thursday the 27th. This three-day investor conference is expected to feature around 200+ companies, presenting in half-hour increments, as well as private meetings. For more info, please contact Mr. Dean "The Dream" Summers. Dean@ldmicro.com About California Nanotechnologies, Inc. Cal Nano is a provider of sophisticated nanotechnology solutions to complex metallurgical and ceramic customer applications. Our two core technologies are cryomilling and spark plasma sintering ("SPS"). Customer solutions using these technologies are offered by very few companies in North America, none of which have Cal Nano's expertise and know-how. Our technologies allow metals and other materials to take on enhanced performance characteristics which can be tailored for each customer's specific application. Our customers include leading aerospace manufacturers, US national labs, multinational defense companies, and energy corporations. About LD Micro LD Micro aims to be the most crucial resource in the micro-cap world. Whether it is the index, comprehensive data, or hosting the most significant events on an annual basis, LD's sole mission is to serve as an invaluable asset for all those interested in finding the next generation of great companies. http://www.ldmicro.com For further information, please contact: Eric Eyerman, CEO T: (562)-991-5211 E: info@calnanocorp.com W: www.calnanocorp.com Reader Advisory Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to the expected future performance of the Company. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; industry conditions, governmental regulation, including environmental regulation; unanticipated operating events or performance; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, capital, skilled personnel and supplies; changes in tax laws; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141207 CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Celegence, a global provider of regulatory affairs services for the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce that Navignostics, a global developer of drug mechanisms designed to identify ideal treatments for cancer patients, has selected Celegence's CAPTIS technology solution to support Performance Evaluation Reports and other PMS documentation in compliance with the In-Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). Navignostics has been working dedicatedly to leverage unique tumor analysis approaches to improve personalized diagnostics for cancer patients. With highly robust and reliable technology and leading data analytics, Navignostics aims to deliver the optimal cancer treatment for each patient and provide services to pharma and biotech partners. As the EU's IVDR directives went into effect this year, diagnostic manufacturers are now pressed by the complex literature review and data management activities required to write PMS documentation to remain compliant. Celegence's CAPTIS cloud solution provides integration with literature and safety databases to automate the creation of PMS documentation, such as Performance Evaluation Reports and Post Market Surveillance Reports. The solution also provides report writing and document management capabilities, which help in the creation and ongoing maintenance of various reports. Punya Abbhi, Chief Operating Officer at Celegence, said: "We are so glad to support Navignostics in the process of EU IVDR PMS documentation. The CAPTIS system will create significant time savings for Navignostics' medical writing process by reducing manual efforts and helping writers organize and analyze data more seamlessly." "Navignostic's mission of designing client-oriented personalized solutions resonates with our values. Celegence realizes our client's unique demands, and we aspire to provide efficient planning and cost-effective solutions through our innovative technologies." Dr. Stephane Chevrier, Co-Founder at Navignostics, said: "We are genuinely excited to work with Celegence and use CAPTIS for our IVDR documentation, including literature reviews. I believe the CAPTIS platform can better support our compliance efforts related to launching and maintaining focused cancer treatments and medications." If you would like to learn more about how CAPTIS can help organization with regulatory compliance, please contact a Celegence representative today at info@celegence.com. Celegence's expert team is also attending the MedTech Summit US on December 6-8, 2022, at the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago, so please come by the stand - 2 if you are in the area. About Celegence Celegence helps life sciences companies navigate complex global regulatory requirements by providing consulting services and solutions dedicated to regulatory affairs. Celegence supports life sciences customers in the areas of EU MDR compliance, IVDR compliance, regulatory intelligence, RIMS data management, publishing, regulatory labeling including UDI consulting, medical writing and compliance with new regulations for different product portfolios. Celegence's depth of experience and extensive delivery capability allows regulatory affairs and quality teams to operate more efficiently, reduce cost, and improve compliance. For more information, visit www.celegence.com or follow Celegence on LinkedIn. For further information please contact: Rachel Hollos Marketing Director at Celegence rhollos@celegence.com About Navignostics Navignostics is a spin-off company from the University of Zurich, founded in April 2022, which is leveraging spatial single-cell proteomics to perform advanced analyses of tumor samples. As a start-up active in the personalized medicine field, Navignostics strives to provide innovative solutions to identify the best possible treatment for each cancer patient. In addition, Navignostics provides advanced services to pharmaceutical companies to accelerate cancer drug development and to contribute to companion diagnostic development. For further information please contact: Jana Fischer, Founding CEO: jana.fischer@navignostics.ch View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/navignostics-selects-celegences-captis-technology-solution-to-support-ivdr-compliance-301654834.html Four holes completed, hole #5 underway Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Prismo Metals Inc. (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) (the "Company" or "Prismo") is pleased to provide an update on the current drill program at its Palos Verdes project, located in the historic Panuco-Copala district of the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. A total of 1,203 meters have been drilled to date out of a planned minimum of 2,000 metres. The Company expects to complete the current drilling in early November. The Palos Verdes property is contiguous to the Panuco silver-gold project of Vizsla Silver Corp. The drilling program is designed to test the Palos Verdes vein at depths where it is believed that potential for a large ore shoot is present, similar to the drilling accomplished by Vizsla Silver Corp. on their adjacent land package. Four holes have now been completed and the fifth hole is in progress. Technical Summary 1,203 meters drilled to date in four holes; currently drilling the fifth hole of the current drilling campaign (PV-22-15). Wide structural zones are being intersected at depth where the Palos Verdes vein is branching into several strands measuring from about 0.5 meters to nine meters in width, separated by andesite wall rock cut by narrow veins and veinlets, in contrast to a large discrete quartz vein near the surface. Sampling is being completed on the entire structural zone including wall rock with veinlets. Assay results expected in early November. Drill hole data for holes from the ongoing program: Hole Hole # current campaign Easting Northing Elev. Azim Incl Depth (m) PV-22-11 #1 413,761 2,593,096 1,209 355 -82 393.00 PV-22-12 #2 413,759 2,593,095 1,209 325 -75 207.00 PV-22-13 #3 413,758 2,593,094 1,209 300 -80 300.00 PV-22-14 #4 413,610 2,592,919 1,230 330 -75 303.00 PV-22-15 #5 413,610 2,592,919 1,230 15 -80 - *PV-22-15 initiated on Oct 18, 2022. Coordinates in UTM WGS84 using handheld Garmin GPS. "Much wider structural zones were intersected in the current drilling than in previous shallow drilling, which cut mainly discrete quartz veins hosted by andesitic wall rocks. Although not yet assayed, the wider zones with multiple stages of mineralization provides additional opportunities to encounter significant high-grade mineralization that the district is known for. The veins are multistage with several crosscutting and brecciation events, and exemplary epithermal vein textures are visible in the core. Another new feature of these deeper intercepts is the presence of darker gray quartz with sulfides and some fracture fillings of sulfide minerals with relatively minor gray quartz fill in the andesitic rocks adjacent to discrete quartz veins," said Prismo President and CEO Craig Gibson. He added: "As announced on October 11, 2022, after analyzing Vizsla Silver's recent drill data, Prismo adopted a new protocol for sampling in the same fashion as Vizsla Silver over the wide structural zones, including in wallrocks with quartz veinlets. Additional sampling of the second and third holes has been completed and hole #4 samples are currently being prepared, as well as some from the holes from previous campaigns. A shipment to the lab is expected late this week. Assay results will be announced after the Company receives and analyzes the results for the first four holes." Holes #2 and #3 (PV-22-12 & 13) The structural zone in hole PV-22-12 measured 29 meters along the core, and the structural zone in hole PV-22-13 measured 36 meters downhole. The true width of the reported intercepts is believed to be about 60% of the reported downhole lengths, or about 17.4 meters and 21.6 meters estimated true width respectively. The Palos Verdes structure in holes #2 and #3 is observed to be dividing into multiple strands with variable amounts of veinlet mineralization in the andesite wall rock between them. Discrete quartz veins, measuring from 0.5 to 2 meters in width, are multistage and have locally abundant sulfide minerals in bands, mainly pyrite and sphalerite but locally with galena, chalcopyrite and possible silver sulfide. The boundaries of the structural zone are commonly observed to be sheared or brecciated and may contain fragmented vein material as well as sulfide minerals. Hole #4 (PV-22-14) The fourth hole of the current drilling campaign was drilled about 200 meters southwest of the previous holes near the southwestern limit of the Palos Verdes concession. A similar wide structural zone measuring about 70 meters downhole was intersected. The true width of the reported intercepts is believed to be about 60% of the reported downhole length, or 42 meters estimated true width. Several discrete multistage quartz veins measuring about 0.5 to 9 meters in width as well as local zones of gray quartz veins and breccia matrix are present over the 70-meter downhole structural interval. Gray quartz contains locally abundant sulfide minerals, mostly pyrite and sphalerite but locally with galena, chalcopyrite and possibly acanthite. Some of these veins show gray quartz and sulfide minerals filling fractures and breccias. Cross-cutting milky quartz veins with late amethyst filling stand out in contrast with the darker quartz and wall rock. There is more post mineral shearing and brecciation than observed in previous holes. Cross section through hole #4 (PV-22-14) showing interpreted Palos Verdes structure. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/141210_prismofigure1.jpg Longitudinal vein projection showing assays from selected rock samples and drill intercepts as well as drill intersections from the current program (no assays) and planned intersections. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/141210_prismofigure2.jpg Photos of selected portions of the structural intercepts in holes #3 (PV-22-13) and #4 (PV-22-14) are presented below and on the Prismo website. The intercepts reported today are about 50 to 125 meters below previous shallow drilling that had several high-grade intercepts, with the best being 2,336 g/t Ag and 8.42 g.t Au over a true width estimated at 0.8 meters within a larger mineralized interval with 1,098 g/t Ag and 3.75 g/t Au over a true width of 2.3 meters (see Prismo's news releases dated September 30 and December 20, 2020). Hole #3 (PV-22-13) 130.8 to 136.9 meters, boxes 61-63, showing dark and light quartz veins, veinlets and breccia filling with sulfide minerals cutting andesite wall rock. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/141210_prismofigure3.jpg Hole #3 (PV-22-13) 139.1 to 142.9 meters, boxes 65-67, showing dark and light quartz veins, veinlets and breccia filling with sulfide minerals cutting andesite wall rock sheared contact at right. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/141210_prismofigure4.jpg Hole #4 (PV-22-14) 178.3 to 184.9 meters, boxes 80-82, showing light colored and dark gray quartz veins, veinlets and breccia filling with sulfide minerals cutting andesitic wall rock. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/141210_35a4c45c7437381f_010full.jpg Hole #4 (PV-22-14), 193.55 to 200.0 meters, boxes 87-89, showing 2.5 meter multistage quartz vein on the left with wall rock andesite cut by abundant narrow quartz veins and veinlets. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/141210_35a4c45c7437381f_011full.jpg Hole #4 (PV-22-14) interval from 219.45 to 232.65, boxes 99 to 104, showing 9 meter wide multistage quartz vein in variably mineralized andesite. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/141210_35a4c45c7437381f_012full.jpg Hole #4 (PV-22-14) interval from 219.45 to 232.65, boxes 99 to 104, showing 9 meter wide multistage quartz vein in variably mineralized andesite. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/141210_35a4c45c7437381f_013full.jpg Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-01 regulations and President, CEO and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release. About Palos Verdes The Palos Verdes project is located in the historic Panuco-Copala silver-gold district in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, approximately 65 kilometers NE of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, in the Municipality of Concordia. The Palos Verdes concession (claim) covers 700 meters of strike length of the Palos Verdes vein, a member of the north-easterly trending vein family located in the eastern part of the district outside of the area of modern exploration. Shallow drilling (<100m) conducted in 2018 on the Palos Verdes Vein was targeted 30 to 50 meters beneath largely barren vein outcrops and cut a well mineralized multistage vein two to seven metres wide with narrow intervals of high-grade precious metal values and subordinate base metals (see table of intercepts at www.prismometals.com). This mineralization is open in all directions and the currently planned drilling program is designed to follow it along strike and to depth. The Palos Verdes property is contiguous to the Panuco silver-gold project of Vizsla Silver Corp. The current drill program is designed to test the Palos Verdes vein and a structural intersection with a second vein at depths where it is believed that potential for a large ore shoot is present, similar to the drilling accomplished by Vizsla Silver on their adjacent land package. About Prismo Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is junior mining company focused on precious metal exploration in Mexico. Contact: Craig Gibson, Chief Executive Officer and Director 1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6 craig.gibson@prismometals.com Jason Frame, Manager of Communications Jason.frame@prismometals.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement and exploration program results, the ability to complete future financings, required permitting, exploration programs and drilling, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, the analytical results from surface trenching and sampling program, including diamond drilling programs, the results of IP surveying, the results of soil and till sampling program. the quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including CSE acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, the potential impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the Company's exploration program and on the Company's general business, operations and financial condition, and other risks and uncertainties. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141210 Denver, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - CBD of Denver (OTC Pink: CBDD) announces the signing of a letter of intent to work with German CBD and cannabis specialist Home of CBD as a distribution partner for Mellow. Highlights of the partnership: Home of CBD is a Berlin-based German cannabis retailer with seven stores and additional reach into 500 locations and plans to expand its network to 2,000 locations in 2023 Home of CBD will provide warehousing and logistic services in Berlin, expanding CBDD's reach into Germany CBDD will source the best international hemp-based products to market across Germany in Home of CBD stores and with their partners It is estimated the European CBD market is ~$2B in value with Germany, the largest country at $1B or 50% of the market. Germany legalized medical cannabis in 2017, seeing steady growth in patient numbers since then. The coalition government intends to make adult-use cannabis legal for adults. A draft law has been promised by the end of the year, and a leaked report from October 18th shows that Germany has big plans for the cannabis market. CBDD is making ground in this market by forming a strategic relationship with Home of CBD. "This partnership marks the beginning of what we hope will further an already strong relationship. The team behind the Home of CBD is one of the up and coming cannabis retailers in Germany. This arrangement gives us access to the largest cannabis market in Europe, and an easy go-to market option for U.S. brands. We also like their growth plans in country as Germany continues to move closer to a fully legal adult-use market," said CEO Paul Gurney. "This is part of our new multi-country strategy to form close partnerships with retailers and distributors with strong business fundamentals. The CBD industry is in a state of consolidation across Europe and this is the best time to align with the winners and cut the losers," added Gurney. About Mellow Enterprise Mellow Enterprise (formerly CBD of Denver, Inc.) is a Cannabis Roll-Up company is focused on using equity to acquire profitable assets at attractive valuations to create value for all our shareholders and is driven by a passion to improve lives and strengthen communities by unleashing the full potential of cannabis. CBDD has been able to build a strong European customer base by focusing on top quality products and meaningful customer relationships. Follow CBDD & Mellow on LinkedIn & Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbd-of-denver/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mellow-store/ https://twitter.com/mellowentrprise/ About Mellow Mellow group operates as a multi-brand eCommerce Marketplace, a full-service digital & performance marketing agency, as well as a market expansion service into the Asian markets. Recently acquired by CBD of Denver, Mellow is playing a key role in expanding the CBDD business revenue streams, as well as diversifying the brand portfolio, as part of a commercial roll-up strategy. With offices in the UK and Switzerland CBDD is able to offer and end-to-end service proposition for brands wanting to enter and/or operate across the UK / EU markets, including manufacturing, production, supply-chain, distribution, eCommerce and Marketing. Visit CBDD & Mellow: CBD of Denver Mellow Grow by Mellow Investor Contact: Benjamin Muir Pivot Relations ben@pivotrelations.com www.pivotrelations.com Paul Gurney Twitter: @PGurney_ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141261 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2022 / DIGIMAX GLOBAL INC. (the "Company" or "DigiMax") (CSE:DIGI)(OTC Pink:DBKSF) is pleased to announce its subsidiary Spetz Inc. ("Spetz") has entered into a strategic partnership agreement (the "Agreement") with San Francisco based, Oncue, the all-in-one moving management software. Oncue provides moving companies with an operating system that handles everything from capturing leads, booking moves, collecting payments and gathering customer reviews. Spetz utilizes an artificial intelligence-driven platform that dynamically connects consumers of a wide variety of home services to nearby top-rated service providers in around 30 seconds. Spetz is already operating in the United Kingdom, Australia, Israel and is now launching in the U.S. In the United States, over 40 million residential moves occur each year, done by thousands of local small to medium-sized moving companies. Oncue has an extensive presence throughout the U.S., handling more than 50,000 moves per year. As part of this partnership, Oncue users who sign up to join Spetz's platform will get access to real-time leads from consumers looking for local moving services, in addition to new customer enrollment incentives. In return, moving companies on the Spetz platform will get preferred subscription pricing for Oncue's product. The two companies will collaborate on an ongoing basis to drive brand awareness and user adoption on both platforms. Local moving services is one of the most highly requested services on the Spetz platform, which covers more than 400 different types of home services. Oncue CEO, Kate DeWald, commented, "We're excited about our partnership with Spetz and see this as a natural fit with Oncue's moving software and booking platform. The more qualified leads our movers acquire, the more opportunities they have to convert them to loyal customers. Last year alone, we helped movers earn more than $35 million in revenue through our platform. This new partnership with Spetz will help accelerate our growth and create more economic impact for the movers we jointly serve." Spetz CEO, Yossi Nevo, commented, "We are excited to partner with such a successful and forward-thinking company like Oncue. Like Spetz, they provide a full suite of the business tools their service providers require all at one fair price. We believe these more comprehensive, single price solutions that both Oncue and Spetz offer are destined to become the new standard in the industry and we look forward to helping all of our combined service providers to enjoy faster growth in a more profitable manner." About Oncue Founded in 2018, Oncue was designed to bring trust and transparency to the moving industry. Its innovative technology and on-demand booking service helps moving companies scale faster, work smarter and build better futures. Oncue's approach to helping moving business owners grow is ground breaking and saves each of its customers 28 working days a year on average - time they can reinvest elsewhere without giving up any control of their business. Oncue is a registered trademark of Oncue Enterprises, Inc. To learn more about Oncue visit https://www.oncue.co About DigiMax DigiMax Global is a technology company committed to unlocking the potential of disruptive technologies by providing advanced technological solutions across various verticals. DigiMax is an official IBM Watson partner and the Company's engineering team has extensive experience in Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. The company's vision is to create unique technology solutions to better enhance the decision-making capacity of organizations and people around the world. In August 2022 DigiMax acquired Spetz Tech Ltd, a global online, AI-powered marketplace platform that dynamically connects consumers to nearby top-rated service providers in around 30 seconds. Spetz is already operating in the United Kingdom, Australia and Israel with a target launch in the USA, in Q4 2022. Spetz's management and advisory team has significant experience in the service provider industry and in artificial intelligence applications. Spetz website: www.spetz.app DigiMax Contacts: Chris Carl????? President & CEO ccarl@digimax-global.com??? 416-312-9698????? Daniel Mogil ????Investor Relations Manager Investors@spetz.app ?????437-826-4012 Oncue Contact: Matt Cluney Vice President, Marketing mcluney@oncue.co 917-373-5036 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements NEITHER THE CSE, NOR THEIR REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE Certain information in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "plans" "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or negatives of these terms and similar expressions. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the ability of Spetz to heighten market and brand awareness and to broaden the Company's growth potential. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and they may prove to be incorrect. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; and the Company's ability to grow revenues in the the US market. Forward-looking statements also necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including without limitation: risks associated with general economic conditions; increased competition in the mobile application and home-services market; the potential risks associated with potential governmental and/or regulatory action with respect to the Company's business; and the ability of the Company to continue generating a profit. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The purpose of forward-looking information is to provide the reader with a description of management's expectations, and such forward-looking information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as to the date hereof and are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, DigiMax assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. SOURCE: DigiMax Global Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/viewarticle.aspx?id=721321&lang=en Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Northern Graphite Corporation (TSXV: NGC) (OTCQB: NGPH) (FSE: ONG) (XSTU: ONG) (the "Company" or "Northern") is pleased to announce two new management appointments that enhance the company's global team as it executes on its goal of becoming the third largest graphite producer outside of China. Mr. Sam Januarie has been appointed Vice President, Human Resources ("V.P. HR") of the Company, bringing 27 years of Executive Human Resources Management experience to the team. Mr. Serge Theberge, who has more than 35 years of global experience as a mining professional, has been named Vice President, Projects ("V.P., Projects"). Sam Januarie is a Senior HR Professional with 27 years of industry experience working with multi-national companies such Imerys Graphite & Carbon, where he was the Global Human Resources Manager, Learning and Development, as well as the Human Resources Director for Imerys Refractories in South Africa. He has also held the role of senior Human Resources Manager with Dundee Precious Metals and Orano and was the Manager Support Services with Trigon Metals. Sam holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law from the University of Cape Town as well as various other Human Resources Management, Labour Law and Project Management related qualifications. He is pursuing an MBA (Energy and Sustainability) through the Catholic University of Spain. Sam is a Namibian citizen based in Windhoek. Serge Theberge is a Senior Executive with an extensive background in Project Management, Engineering, Construction and Operations with more than 35 years of international, multicultural experience. He has directed and mentored successful projects in West Africa, UAE, South America, and the Caribbean, from engineering studies through execution, commissioning, and start-up. During his career Serge has held various executive management positions with engineering and mining companies such as SNC Lavalin, Bechtel, IAMGOLD, CBG (Compagnie de Bauxite de Guinee), Guyana Goldfields, and Lundin Gold where he was Site Manager for the Fruta Del Norte Project. He's been involved with projects overseeing Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) for major firms like WSP, Fluor, and AECOM. He holds B.Sc. degrees in Engineering and Business Administration from the Royal Military College and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute. Serge is a Canadian citizen based in Montreal. Hugues Jacquemin commented: "I am very pleased to welcome Sam and Serge to our team. They both bring strong commitment and extensive experience that will support Northern Graphite as we transform into a leading graphite producing and processing company." About Northern Graphite Northern is a Canadian, TSXV listed company that is focussed on becoming a world leader in producing natural graphite and upgrading it into high value products critical to the green economy including anode material for LiBs/EVs, fuel cells and graphene, as well as advanced industrial technologies. Northern is the only significant graphite producing company in North America and will become the third largest outside of China when its Namibian operations come back on line in the first half of 2023. The Company also has two large scale development projects, Bissett Creek in Ontario and Okanjande in Namibia, that will be a source of continued production growth in the future. All projects have "battery quality" graphite and are located close to infrastructure in politically stable countries. For additional information Please visit the Company's website at http://www.northerngraphite.com/investors/presentation/, the Company's profile on www.sedar.com, our Social Channels listed below or contact the Company at (613) 271-2124. LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward- looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding, among others, the Company's intentions with respect to bringing its Namibian operations back on line and to advancing its developments projects to production, and developing the capacity to manufacture value added products. All such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by management based on their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, these statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected including, but not limited to unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of other parties to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure and the failure of ongoing and contemplated studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141166 INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Medical Group (IMG), an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company, is excited to announce the winners of its sixth annual Leave Your Mark contest: Forward Edge International, Advocates of Love, and Dare for More. The winning organizations will receive $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 respectively. The first-place winner, Forward Edge, works throughout the world to assist children in need (especially those with disabilities) and their families by providing meals, education, drinking water, healthcare, and more. Forward Edge impacts more than 8,500 lives throughout the world through its programs. "IMG's gift of $5,000 will help pay the salary of a nurse to care for 20 Central American families with disabled children through routine visits," said Forward Edge Director of Development, Nancy Hellman. "We thank IMG for partnering with Forward Edge to provide these children and families with resources and support not available to them otherwise." The second-place winner, Advocates of Love, provides physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual care to neglected and abandoned children in Samana, Dominican Republic. The Florida-based ministry operates its residential Children's Home in the Dominican Republic with 17 staff members and 24 children currently under their care. Advocates of Love also runs a community program for less fortunate children in Samana who have a safe living environment but still require assistance with day-to-day essentials and care. "Advocates of Love operates solely on the support of our partners and monthly child sponsorships to maintain our three properties in the Dominican Republic, house and feed the children in our care, and provide for our staff members," said Advocates of Love Communications Director, Melissa Schol. "We are grateful to IMG for awarding us $3,000 for our annual operating costs, allowing us to reach more children." The third-place winner, Dare for More, gives women impacted by trafficking, abuse, and poverty the opportunity to heal and build a sustainable life for themselves and their children. Dare for More offers two training programs to women in crisis in Guatemala: a baking program and a sewing program. These programs teach women the skills they need to start their own businesses to provide for their families. "Our goal is to meet the immediate needs of women and children through food, clean water, and medical treatment, but then we follow up with long-term transformation by offering education, skills training, mentoring, and more," the Founder of Dare for More, Reba Bowman. "Thank you to IMG for providing us with the funding to help more women and children in crisis through our training programs." "Congratulations to Forward Edge, Advocates of Love, and Dare for More on being the winning organizations of this year's Leave Your Mark contest," said IMG Chief Operating Officer, Amanda Winkle. "It is an honor to support mission and social good organizations such as these, and I look forward to seeing the global impact each of the winning organizations will continue to have in the communities they serve." IMG has insured mission and social good organizations since the early 1990s, providing key benefits and assistance services for thousands of members who travel or live internationally to serve others. The company launched the Leave Your Mark contest in 2017 to give back to organizations with charitable missions. About International Medical Group (IMG) International Medical Group (IMG), a SiriusPoint company, is an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company that has served millions of members worldwide since its founding in 1990. The preeminent provider of travel and health safety solutions, IMG offers a wide range of insurance programs, including international private medical insurance, travel medical insurance, and travel insurance, as well as enterprise services, including insurance administrative services and 24/7 emergency medical, security, and travel assistance. IMG's world-class services, combined with an extensive product portfolio, provide Global Peace of Mind for travelers, students, missionaries, marine crews, and other individuals or groups traveling, working, or living away from home. For more information, please visit www.imglobal.com. About Forward Edge International Forward Edge International conducts child-focused community development programs throughout the world helping vulnerable children and their families have access to nutritious meals, safe drinking water, quality education, health care, vocational training, and spiritual discipleship. Learn more at www.forwardedge.org. About Advocates of Love In 2013, Advocates of Love began the first ministry and children's home within the entire Province of Samana in the Dominican Republic. To date, Advocates of Love is the only children's home and ministry for orphaned and vulnerable children in the province. Advocates of Love's vision is to develop and maintain an approach that meets the spiritual, physical, academic, emotional, and medical needs of the people it serves. Advocates of Love's dream is to see orphans and vulnerable children integrate into a healthy, productive, and caring community by giving them the tools they need to establish themselves as agents of change in their own communities. Learn more at www.advocatesoflove.org. About Dare for More Dare for More builds relationships with communities around the world to create lasting, sustainable change for vulnerable women and children in crisis. The mission of Dare for More is to create an arm of prevention and intervention for women who are impacted by trafficking, abuse, and poverty. Dare for More's approach is both strategic and relational, and the organization bases all of its work on building relationships with individuals and communities. Learn more at www.dareformore.org. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/456500/International_Medical_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/img-announces-2022-leave-your-mark-contest-winners-301653989.html VANCOUVER, British Columbia and LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Construction of General Fusion's demonstration machine, which is being built at the UK Atomic Energy Agency's Culham Campus, advanced significantly with the fabrication of an at-scale fusion vessel trial ring by Sheffield Forgemasters. This critical component will confirm the specifications of the thick-walled fusion vessel, designed to withstand the high temperatures and compressive forces needed to create fusion energy with General Fusion's practical technology - Magnetized Targeted Fusion (MTF). The vessel is designed to be modular, made up of 11 steel rings bolted together on site. In the future, this cost-effective and efficient method will enable General Fusion to deploy its commercial machines quickly. The trial ring's specifications are the same as the rings planned for the fusion demonstration machine and allow the engineering team to validate the performance of the high-strength steel alloy, finalize the vessel design, and confirm the manufacturing process. The fusion demonstration machine will create fusion conditions, including achieving a temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius in a power-plant-relevant environment. Its results will provide the information needed to design and build a commercial pilot plant that generates electricity at an affordable price. "Sheffield Forgemasters brings to this project over 200 years of expertise creating complex steel components," said Greg Twinney, Chief Executive Officer, General Fusion. "Teaming up with world-leading specialists allows us to focus on our commercialization plan and stay on pace to generate zero-carbon electricity by the early 2030s." "At Sheffield Forgemasters, we pride ourselves on our innovation and have extensive knowledge and experience in establishing practical manufacturing solutions for disruptive technologies, such as fusion energy," said David Bond, Chief Executive Officer, Sheffield Forgemasters. "We are thrilled to be a part of this project and to play a role in bringing fusion energy to the world." To create the trial ring, a large steel ingot was forged in an open-die press, forming the steel into a donut shape with a diameter of just over three metres. Next, the ingot will be rolled and expanded into a larger, thinner ring; at this point, the ring will span 7.6 metres in diameter. Then, 56 holes will be drilled into the ring. These replicate the holes that will transmit high-pressure gas from the compression drivers to a spinning interior rotor in the fusion demonstration machine. The pressure change will push smaller pistons to collapse General Fusion's proprietary liquid metal liner around hydrogen plasma and create fusion. The final trial ring will weigh an impressive 42 metric tons. Sheffield Forgemasters' engineering team will complete non-destructive testing on the trial ring, which can include visual, ultrasonic, dye-penetrant and magnetic particle inspection, as well as eddy current testing. "At General Fusion, every decision we make is guided by our mission to bring affordable fusion energy to the electricity grid in a practical way. Projects such as this cultivate our fusion supply chain and show that the time for fusion energy is now," said Mr. Twinney. About General Fusion General Fusion is pursuing the fastest and most practical path to commercial fusion energy and is based in Vancouver, Canada, with locations in London, UK, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA. The company was established in 2002 and is funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at www.generalfusion.com. General Fusion Media Relations media@generalfusion.com +1-866-904-0995 Follow General Fusion twitter.com/generalfusion instagram.com/generalfusion linkedin.com/company/general-fusion facebook.com/generalfusion youtube.com/c/GeneralFusionInc About Sheffield Forgemasters Sheffield Forgemasters specialises in the design and manufacture of high-integrity forgings and castings for the world's most complex engineering challenges. The company operates a fully integrated end-to-end manufacturing process, including steel-making, forge, foundry, machining and testing, from a single site in Sheffield. Some of the largest bespoke engineered steel products in the world are produced with capacity for castings of up to 350 tonnes and forgings of up to 200 tonnes finished weight. Global markets served include Defence, Civil Nuclear, Offshore, Power Generation, Renewables, Steel Plant, Steel Processing and Ingot & Bar. The company was acquired in August 2021 by the Ministry of Defence who intend to invest up to 400m over the next 10 years to re-capitalise defence-critical plant and equipment on site. For further information, contact Agent Public Relations - Billy Greenhalgh on 07730527270 www.agentpr.co.uk. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed65e50a-24bf-4605-89d1-e8f089ef5950 AMSTERDAM (dpa-AFX) - Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) announced Thursday it has entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining equity interests in its European joint venture with Meijer Frozen Foods B.V. for 700 million euros in cash and common stock of Lamb Weston. The transaction consideration comprises of 525 million euros in cash and 175 million euros of Lamb Weston's common stock. The Company expects to fund the cash portion of the acquisition with new borrowings and cash on hand. Upon completion of the transaction, Lamb Weston will own 100% of Lamb-Weston/Meijer v.o.f., formerly operated as a 50/50 joint venture between a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lamb Weston and Meijer Frozen Foods. The Company anticipates closing the transaction in the second half of fiscal 2023, subject to regulatory approvals. As of the transaction closing, Lamb-Weston/Meijer will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Company will fully consolidate Lamb-Weston/Meijer's results in its financial statements. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - Amazon, which is continuing its legal fights against fake reviews, has filed its first criminal complaint and its first lawsuit in Europe. The E-commerce giant filed a criminal complaint in Italy and its first lawsuit in Spain aiming to shut down fake review brokers. The company recently had filed 10 new lawsuits in the United States. With the move, Amazon targets bad actors that operate more than 11,000 websites and social media groups that attempt to orchestrate fake reviews on Amazon and other stores in exchange for money or free products. Amazon's first criminal complaint in Europe targets a high-profile broker in Italy selling fake reviews. The defendant claims to have built a network of individuals who are willing to buy products on Amazon and post 5-star reviews in exchange for a full refund. In this type of crime in Italy, convicted individuals may be subject to imprisonment and fines. The company also filed its first civil complaint in Spain against the fake review broker, Agencia Reviews, who targets sellers and customers of www.amazon.es and communicates though the instant messaging service Telegram to evade detection. The suspected fraudster has been found to fully reimburse customers once they publish a fake 5-star review. In the U.S., Amazon recently filed 10 more lawsuits against fake review brokers and other bad actors attempting to game Amazon's ratings systems. Amazon also sent warning letters to five websites based in Germany that were directing visitors to a fake review broker. All five websites have since agreed to stop this activity by signing a cease and desist letter, it said. Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon's Vice President of Selling Partner Services, said, 'In addition to continuing to advance our robust detection and prevention of fake reviews in our store, Amazon will remain relentless in identifying and enforcing against bad actors that attempt to engage in review abuse.... We continue to improve our proactive controls, invent new technologies and machine learning to detect bad actors, and find new ways to hold them accountable.' Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Topic: Opportunities for the Biomedical Field and for Shareholders CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2022 / NovAccess Global Inc. (OTCQB:XSNX), a biomedical company developing novel immunotherapies for brain tumor patients, today announced the availability of its initial installment in a series of interviews with its corporate leadership on a monthly basis for the next four months, with additional sessions to be made available as company developments arise. Interviews are intended to cover important and timely topics relating to the Company, its platform technologies and the global healthcare and business environments. The initial fireside chat includes interview with select Executive and Non-Executive members of the Company's Board of Directors. The interview is being streamed for public viewing over the Internet and can be accessed via the News tab of the Investors section of the NovAccess Global website at https://novaccessglobal.com/news/ and on all of the Company's social media feeds. During the interview made available today, Company speakers address: NovAccess Global advancing where no measurable survivability and quality of life improvements have been achieved in 50 years for glioblastoma/brain tumors Significant unmet need in the glioblastoma/brain tumor market Progress pathways for NovAccess Global's novel lead product TLR-AD1, including IND and FDA data submissions Representing a new class of immunotherapies shaping the industry Enhanced response and survival potential using the Company's patented platform-based immune booster technology Driving efficiencies with check point inhibitors for improving tumor treatment outcomes Aggressive timeline set to achieve inflection points of safety and efficacy for lead product Licensing opportunities for various cancer treatments Accelerating healthcare innovation through technology transfer Exponential value creation potential for investors available through NovAccess Global Speaker Bios: Dr. Dwain Irvin, Ph.D., MPH, CEO and Executive Board Member of NovAccess Global -- Dr. Irvin is an active participant in many Biotechnology and Health Science endeavors and is an expert including patent generation in such areas as treatments for Parkinson's, brain cancer, and even cosmetic application of advanced bioscience. He is also an expert in the physical operations of laboratories, and hospitals. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA School of Medicine, and Masters in Public Health from UCLA School of Public Health, and trained at The Wallenberg Neuroscience Center at Lund University in Lund, Sweden. He was also a Professor, Faculty member at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. Irvin's Ph.D. is in Pharmacology and Developmental Neuroscience with an emphasis on neural stem cell fate and differentiation. His research focused on neural development and Notch Signaling in mammalian neural stem cells. He also worked as an NIH/NINDS Post-Doctoral Fellow in Dr. Anders Bjorklund laboratory in Lund, Sweden. There, his focus was on research projects that investigated the potential role of cell replacement therapy for patients with Parkinson's disease. They developed several protocols for the efficient generation of dopaminergic neurons from forebrain and ventral midbrain stem and progenitor cells. Additionally, Dr. Irvin led research investigations in the role of adaptive immunity in Parkinson's disease. He also developed two patents in the area of immunotherapy for brain tumor patients, specifically Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). His research team focused on molecular mechanisms that impart therapeutic resistance in cancer cells, including cancer stem cells. They utilized this data to develop novel immunotherapies for brain tumor patients. John Cassarini, Board Member of NovAccess Global -- Mr. Cassarini has spent the last three decades working with and investing in small-cap companies. He began his career on Wall Street as an Associate in the Equity Research Department of Smith Barney. Later, he joined Smith Barney's parent company, the Travelers Corporation, as an analyst responsible for private and public investments in emerging businesses. In addition, he worked as a portfolio manager at several institutions, including Ingalls & Snyder, Lehman Brothers, and Barclays Capital, managing funds focused on small emerging growth companies. Mr. Cassarini graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in business administration from Columbia University. Jason Anderson, Board Member of NovAccess Global -- Mr. Anderson is experienced in the fields of biological discovery, genomic modeling, drug development, and national security. From 2016-2020, he was a co-founder and member of the board of EdenRoc Sciences, LLC, a privately-held biotechnology company formed to cultivate world-class life sciences start-up companies to include Liberty BioSecurity, LLC, where he served as co-founder and Chief Executive Officer from 2014-2020. This integrated life sciences platform leveraged a dynamic intellectual property portfolio spanning pharmaceuticals, novel biology, genomics, and molecular diagnostics. From 1998 to 2014, Mr. Anderson served as a diplomat for the United States Department of State. He has co-authored several granted patents in the life sciences and speaks on international affairs and biotechnology innovation. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and the University of California, San Diego, and speaks Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin). NovAccess Global Fireside Chat Series Schedule: The series will include interviews on a monthly basis over the next four months. Interviews will be made available by NovAccess Global as detailed below: October 6, 2022 - NovAccess Global Board Member Perspectives - Opportunities for the Biomedical Field and for Shareholders Speakers: Select Executive and Non-Executive members of the Company's Board of Directors November 3, 2022 - Patient Advocacy Speaker: Dr. Dwain Irvin, Ph.D., MPH, CEO of NovAccess Global December 1, 2022 - Immunotherapy Advantages Over Surgical Treatment Speaker: Dr. Christopher Wheeler, Ph.D., President of StemVax Therapeutics Inc., a division of NovAccess Global January 5, 2023 - The Glioblastoma and Brian Tumor Market Speaker: Dr. Dwain Irvin, Ph.D., MPH, CEO of NovAccess Global The interviews will be streamed for public viewing over the Internet and can be accessed on the dates provided in this press release through links made available on the NovAccess Global website at www.novaccessglobal.com and on all of the Company's social media feeds. About NovAccess Global NovAccess Global is a biomedical company accelerating novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Our goal is to discover, develop and bring to market novel and innovative medicine and medical devices to improve the quality of care for cancer and neurological patients. NovAccess Global is currently developing a cancer vaccine therapy that enhances the patient's immune response against brain tumors. Our Company has a novel immunotherapeutic approach to treating brain tumor patients with glioblastoma, the most common adult brain tumor with a 15-month median survival after diagnosis. Our patented technology is designed to combine a dendritic cell-based immunotherapeutic approach with a unique combination of toll-like receptor (TLR) adjuvants, TLR-AD1, to help promote an enhanced immune response against the patient's tumor. Our platform technology focuses on enhancing the patient's immune cells to fight their unique cancer by utilizing the antigens specific to the patient's tumor. It is a meaningful technology that could significantly improve the quality of life and prognosis for the many people who suffer from brain tumors. For more information, please visit novaccessglobal.com. Forward-Looking Statement This press release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may," "future," "plan" or "planned," "will" or "should," "expected," "anticipates," "draft," "eventually" or "projected." You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in the Company's disclosures or filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. You are further cautioned that penny stocks and stocks of smaller companies like NovAccess Global Inc. are inherently volatile and risky and that no investor should buy this stock unless they can afford the loss of their entire investment. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date thereof. This press release and the interviews to be published as part of the NovAccess Global fireside chat series are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Interview participants have agreed to participate in this event series and no compensation will be paid or furnished to them or their respective organizations. Participation does not represent an offer to buy or sell any security to or from any person or other entity through their platforms. Prior to making any investment or subscribing to any of the platforms that may be associated with the fireside chat series and re-distribution of related content, listeners/viewers are encouraged to consult with professional financial, legal advisor and tax advisors to assist in due diligence as may be appropriate in determining the risk associated with any investment. Investor Relations Contact: Jordan Darrow Darrow Associates 631-766-4528 jdarrow@darrowir.com SOURCE: NovAccess Global Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/viewarticle.aspx?id=721099&lang=en LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Anglo American (AAUKY.PK, AAL.L) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG to collaborate on developing new pathways for the decarbonisation of steelmaking. The collaboration will focus on joint research to accelerate the development of high-quality feedstock for lower carbon steel production, using both conventional blast furnace and direct reduction iron steelmaking. Peter Whitcutt, CEO of Anglo American's Marketing business, said: 'We are combining the premium physical and chemical qualities of our minerals with Thyssenkrupp Steel's innovative technology to drive more sustainable operations, all the while responding to society's growing expectations for climate-responsible production practices.' Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - British Prime Minister Liss Truss has resigned. In a statement outside Downing Street Thursday, Truss said she could not deliver the mandate on which she was elected as Conservative leader. Truss said she had notified King Charles about her resignation. The Conservative leadership election to find her successor will be completed within the next week, she added. The third woman Prime Minister in British history, Truss had faced growing calls from Tory MPs to stand down, and quit after just 45 days in the office. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE" or "the Exchange") today announced its market statistics for the month of September 2022. September 2022 Operating Statistics Trading volume of CSE-listed securities totaled 1.2 billion shares; Trading value of CSE-listed securities was $522 million; CSE issuers completed 58 financings that raised an aggregate $92 million; and The CSE welcomed listings from 13 new companies, bringing total listed securities to 811 as at September 30, 2022. "The CSE continues to generate stellar listings growth," said Richard Carleton, CSE Chief Executive Officer. "Thirteen new companies listed on our exchange in September, representing a three-month high, including four companies that completed initial public offerings. Over the first nine months of 2022, 21 IPOs were completed on the CSE, representing more than half of all Canadian IPOs this year.[1] This activity highlights the strong global reputation of the CSE and the resilience of emerging entrepreneurial companies. We firmly believe that we provide the best public market fit for entrepreneurs seeking to minimize their cost of capital and maximize trading liquidity." Introduction of CSE2 - A Second Trading Facility During September 2022, the CSE's proposal to launch an additional trading facility ("CSE2") was approved by the Ontario Securities Commission and British Columbia Securities Commission. The introduction of CSE2 is a response to the significant increase in retail investor activity in recent years. The new facility is designed to assist investment dealers in managing their trade execution costs, while ensuring that investors in CSE-listed companies continue to have access to the most liquidity on the Exchange. CSE2 is scheduled to launch on October 24. What's On at the CSE Tech Tuesdays webinars have returned. The second half of Season 2 has already featured deep dives into precision medical technology, AgTech and cleantech. Stay tuned for future episodes featuring a mix of public and private companies harnessing disruptive, cutting-edge technology across a wide range of industries. The webinars last for one hour and air on Tuesdays at 4:15 p.m. EST (1:15 p.m. PST). The episodes are also archived on CSE TV, the Exchange's YouTube channel. CSE team members will be visiting Israel and Australia in the first half of November to connect with existing issuers and to support the Exchange's continued growth. Entrepreneurs in these countries that wish to meet with the CSE team are encouraged to reach out to us via email at ldg@thecse.com. The CSE is pleased to be participating in the 11th annual MJBizCon, the world's largest cannabis conference, taking place in Las Vegas on November 15-18. Conference participants are invited to visit the CSE at Booth #1216. Registration is available here. New Listings in September 2022 ISM Resources Corp. (ISM) Troy Minerals Inc. (TROY) New Break Resources Ltd. (NBRK) Targa Exploration Corp. (TEX) RDARS Inc. (RDRS) Sasquatch Resources Corp. (SASQ) Scope Carbon Corp. (SCPE) Pure to Pure Beauty Inc. (PPB) Big Gold Inc. (BG) Peak Minerals Ltd. (PEK) Spirit Blockchain Capital Inc. (SPIR) Taurus Gold Corp. (TAUR) Silverfish Resources Inc. (SF) About the Canadian Securities Exchange: The Canadian Securities Exchange is a rapidly growing stock exchange focused on working with entrepreneurs to access the public capital markets in Canada and internationally. The Exchange's efficient operating model, advanced technology and low fee structure help companies of all sizes minimize their cost of capital and maximize access to liquidity. The CSE offers investors in Canada and abroad access to a multi-sector collection of growth companies through a liquid, reliable and highly regulated trading platform. The Exchange is dedicated to entrepreneurship and has established itself as a leading hub for discourse in the entrepreneurial community. STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CSE ============================= CSE TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/csetv Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/canadian-securities-exchange Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianSecuritiesExchange/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSE_News Blog: https://blog.thecse.com/ Website: https://thecse.com/ Contact: Richard Carleton, CEO 416-367-7360 richard.carleton@thecse.com [1] Excluding Capital Pool Companies and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. Based on data provided by CPE Analytics. CPE's review of the Canadian IPO market is summarized here. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141282 NOIDA, India, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, theContract Research Organization (CROs) Service Market was valued at more than USD 65 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 9% from 2021-20277. The analysis has been segmented into Service Type (Early Phase Development Services, Clinical Research Services, Laboratory Services, and Regulatory Consulting Services); Therapeutic Area (Oncology, Clinical Pharmacology, Cardiology, Infectious Disease, Neurology, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ophthalmology, and Others); End-users (Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Companies, Medical Device Companies, and Academic Institutes); Region/Country. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/contract-research-organization-cros-service-market/ The Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data on various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market. The Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market at the global and regional levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=21300 With the rapid advancement in technology and rising awareness about the biopharmaceutical products and the associated benefits drives the market growth of the biopharmaceutical industry and CRO market. Furthermore, increasing investment in pharmaceutical R&D and the rising number of clinical trials are the important factors that contributes in the market growth of the contract research organizations. Moreover, with the advancement in the bioinformatics and the new softwares launches by the companies are playing important role in the market growth of the CROs. For instance, the IDBS, a software informatics solution provider for biotech and pharma, launched of Polar, new product category, BioPharma Lifecycle Management (BPLM), aimed at streamlining drug development and manufacturing in biopharma research. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/contract-research-organization-cros-service-market/ The global Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. Based on service Type, the market is segmented into early phase development services, clinical research services, laboratory services, and regulatory consulting services. The clinical research services is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period owing to Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases coupled with growing demand for clinical trials in developing countries is escalating the market growth this is due to the strict government regulation on the release of the drugs for the human safety. For instance, the Government of India have set of rules before the release of the drug under the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 (NDs & CTs Rules, 2019). have set of rules before the release of the drug under the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 (NDs & CTs Rules, 2019). Based on therapeutic area, the market is segmented into oncology, clinical pharmacology, cardiology, infectious disease, neurology, gastroenterology & hepatology, ophthalmology, and others. The oncology segment is predicted to have considerable market share during the forecast period. The increasing number of cancer cases has compelled the medical professionals to develop better methods for the treatment and therapies for the better management of the cancer in future. As per CDC, in 2019, for every 100,000 people, 439 new cancer cases were reported in the U.S. and out of which 146 people died of cancer. Based on end-users, the market is segmented into pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and academic institutes. The pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical companies is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. This is due to the presence of the small and mid-sized companies that are not much competent to conduct clinical trials is responsible for the growth of the segment during the forecast period. Have a Look at the Chapters - https://univdatos.com/report/contract-research-organization-cros-service-market/ Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America ( United States , Canada , and Rest of North America ) ( , , and Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , United Kingdom , Spain , Italy , France , and the Rest of Europe ) ( , , , , , and the Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Australia , and the Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , , and the Rest of ) Rest of the World For a better understanding of the market adoption of the Contract Research Organization, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in the countries such as North America (United States, Canada, and Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, and Rest of APAC), and Rest of World. North America constitutes a significant market for the CROs owing to the rapid growth of biosimilars and biologics market along with this the increasing focus on the development of the better and effective medicines surges the demand for the clinical trials and increases the market share of the region. As per National Institutes of Health (NIH), the 132,736 clinical trials have been registered in the U.S till 2022 and it 32% percent of the total clinical trials registered globally. The major players targeting the market include IQVIA Inc. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd. Syneos Health Inc. Parexel International Corporation PPD Inc. Pharmaron Beijing Co.Ltd Clinipace Inc. ICON plc Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on global competition. Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include: What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market? Which factors are influencing the Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market? What are the demanding global regions of the Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service market? What will be the global market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights Preclinical Imaging Market Live Cell Imaging Market Protein Stability Analysis Market Protein Expression Market Protein Characterization & Identification Market Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2027 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of over 9% Market size 2020 USD 65 billion Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of World Major contributing region North America to Dominate the Global Contract Research Organization (CROs) Service Market Key countries covered United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, China, Japan, India, and Australia Companies profiled IQVIA Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., Syneos Health Inc., Parexel International Corporation, PPD, Inc. , Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd, Clinipace Inc. , ICON plc, Medpace Holdings Inc. Report Scope Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling Segments Covered By Service Type; By Therapeutic Area; By End-users; By Region/Country About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: Ankita.gupta@univdatos.com Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/increasing-investment-pharmaceutical-rd-to-proliferate-the-global-contract-research-organization-service--univdatos-market-insights-301654961.html Paris, France - October 20, 2022 - Atos today inaugurates its new Iseran campus in Echirolles, near Grenoble (France), its second largest site in France and a leading research and development (R&D) center in Europe. The new 19,200 square meter site brings together three areas of expertise (energy, high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence) and 1,000 Atos employees who were previously based at Grenoble and the historic site in Echirolles. With a capacity of up to 1,320 people, the new site will be able to accommodate the 250 new hires planned for 2023. An Artificial Intelligence Skills Center With this new campus, Atos reinforces its innovation strategy as the new European R&D center will promote local excellence on a worldwide scale. Funded by the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and by Grenoble-Alpes Metropole, this center and its 300 employees are mainly focused on Artificial Intelligence. Atos' teams have already partnered with the MIAI@Grenoble Alpes program from the Grenoble Interdisciplinary Institute of Artificial Intelligence (3IA), which has received government support. A site committed to Decarbonization Through its design and the work of its R&D center, the site plays an active role in the Group's CSR and decarbonization strategy. The building has been awarded the EFFINERGIE 2013+ label and meets all the latest insulation standards. It also has nearly 500 square meters of photovoltaic panels and reuses heat from the servers. The R&D center is already working on several projects to reduce energy consumption, including projects to aggregate the building's data to improve the site's energy consumption, and to supervise and reduce its IT carbon footprint using AI and low-tech. Three areas of Expertise to serve International Customers Atos Worldgrid, an international subsidiary of Atos, has activities which address energy operators in water, wind, electricity, oil and gas, with solutions ranging from critical infrastructure maintenance to real-time operation of distributed smart grids. The site's HPC and AI teams work on critical issues regarding national sovereignty in the current race for computing power, as well as the development of AI algorithms and the energy optimization of these technologies. The site also includes teams specializing in cloud and cybersecurity, as well as the Technical Services unit, which supports the digital transformation of manufacturers and organizations in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region. Atos management reiterated its regional roots and commitment at the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by Catherine Staron, Vice President of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, responsible for higher education, research and innovation; Guy Jullien, Vice President of Grenoble-Alpes Metropole, in charge of the economy, industry and economic resilience; Renzo Sulli, Mayor of Echirolles and Steven Perron, Founding President of Fonciere Magellan. Yannick Tricaud, CEO Southern Europe, Atos commented: "The Iseran campus is part of the GrandAlpe project and the revitalization of the south of Grenoble, to which we are contributing with this site marked by innovation and technological expertise. Now the Group's second largest site in France, it is proof of Atos' commitment to the region and the metropole. Our 1,000 employees are at the heart of French sovereignty issues, both economic and industrial, by developing the technologies of tomorrow in the energy, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence sectors. These fast-growing sectors are a lever for economic development and international influence for Atos, the Region and the Metropole." Catherine Staron, Vice President of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region, said: "Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes is the leading industrial region in France and one of the most successful in Europe in terms of research and innovation. The Atos Iseran campus is the Group's Center of Excellence for research, particularly in artificial intelligence. By supporting it, the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region is helping to strengthen the regional ecosystem and the company's links with our academic players. It is therefore a major asset, which contributes greatly to the policy sealed with the President of the Region Laurent Wauquiez in terms of relocation, reindustrialization and technological and economic sovereignty." Christophe Ferrari, President de Grenoble Alpes Metropole also commented: "We are proud to welcome the new Atos campus within the GrandAlpe urban project. This is a global digital services giant confirming its presence in our region. And beyond the technological solutions and innovations that Atos will create, it is also a hotbed for jobs, which further strengthens the metropolitan trademark in this area: a territory of talent, diversified industries, in a territory that is also diversified and where life is good. The arrival of Atos,with the support and impetus of the metropolis, is part of the revitalization and metamorphosis of the GrandAlpe sector,which is now home to jobs, business and housing. We are very happy to have accompanied Atos in this new adventure. May they be satisfied with their establishment in the middle of our jewel cases. I would like to thank them for their confidence, for their choice of our agglomeration and GrandAlpe, which is also part of the RER project for the Grenoble area." Find out more about our new Campus Iseran in the video here. *** About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 112,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 71 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris. The purpose of Atosis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. Press contact Constance Arnoux | constance.arnoux@atos.net| +33 6 44 12 16 35 Attachment Investment will accelerate data integration and scale key product offerings, including Jensen DiversityMetrics, Executive Search and Jensen Diversity Pipeline Tracker NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jensen Partners , a women-owned executive search and corporate advisory firm that enables data-driven talent solutions for the asset management industry, recently announced a strategic investment from JB Capital, a Bellevue, Washington-based investor focused on market areas underserved by institutional investors. The investment will enhance Jensen Partners' ability to empower asset managers with data-driven solutions that address a wide range of talent challenges, including diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), recruiting, hiring and retention. The cornerstone of Jensen Partner's data-driven approach is Jensen DiversityMetrics -- the first enterprise software platform to combine self-reported diversity data and human capital management technology specifically designed to enable asset managers to measure, report and improve talent management. With Jensen DiversityMetrics, firms can benchmark against competitors, source diverse talent, analyze hiring and retention practices, identify biases in workplace culture and report progress to investors. Jensen DiversityMetrics' powerful combination of quantitative analytics and qualitative information also powers Jensen Partners' executive search and recruitment offerings, including Jensen Diversity Pipeline Tracker, an on-demand diverse candidate pipeline. "Our data-driven approach gives our platform a clear advantage," said Sasha Jensen, founder and CEO of Jensen Partners and Jensen DiversityMetrics. "We fundamentally believe data has the power to enable better hiring decisions and instill the accountability necessary to make the asset management industry more diverse, equitable and inclusive. To unlock that power, we track over 25,000 professionals across the asset management industry and leverage demographic, hiring and retention data to help asset managers attract, hire and retain the talent they need to succeed in today's market. The investment from JB Capital will increase our ability to leverage and integrate data across our executive search, advisory and DEI solutions." "Jensen Partners is an industry leader with an innovative suite of technology and data-enabled talent solutions," said Jeremy Hill, founder of JB Capital. "Given the intense competition for talent across asset management, hiring decisions have become increasingly important for firms. At the same time, investors are demanding more comprehensive DEI reporting from managers. Jensen Partners' unique ability to empower confident hiring and DEI decisions sets them apart from competitors and will accelerate customer acquisition and growth across the platform." Over the last several years, Jensen Partners has received several rounds of institutional funding, experienced transformational growth and expanded in both headcount and geographic footprint - with locations in New York, Miami, London and Hong Kong. Jensen Partners is a three-time consecutive winner of Private Equity Wire's "Best Recruitment Company for Investor Relations and Asset Raising," as well as AltCredit US and AltCredit Europe's "Best Recruitment Firm." In 2021, Jensen Partners announced a first of its kind pledge, which guarantees all future human capital searches conducted by Jensen Partners will begin with a candidate pool comprised of at least 51% of candidates who come from underrepresented backgrounds. Jensen Partners' also regularly reports key industry hiring and DEI trends to the public via LinkedIn and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Insider, and WSJ Pro Private Equity. About Jensen Partners Jensen Partners is a woman-owned, data-driven, global human capital advisory firm focused on solving staffing and DEI challenges across the alternative asset management industry powered by Big Data and our proprietary DEI enterprise software platform, Jensen DiversityMetrics. In addition to executive search, Jensen Partners offers LP/GP referencing, proprietary 360 Investor Referencing methodology, and comprehensive benchmarking and analysis. To learn more, please visit www.jensen-partners.com. About Jensen DiversityMetrics Jensen DiversityMetrics combines rich diversity analytics with the latest research from the field of human capital management, providing an objective 360 degree view of where a firm stands on DEI and how they can make meaningful progress towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce, including: verified demographic data for more than 25,000 investment and distribution professionals from across the industry, a candidate pipeline of over 8,000 investment and distribution professionals who self-identify as belonging to one or more underrepresented groups, and a proprietary scoring algorithm that enables objective DEI comparisons across firms and industries. With Jensen DiversityMetrics, firms can benchmark against competitors, develop diverse candidate pipelines, analyze hiring and retention practices, identify biases in workplace culture and report progress to investors. About JB Capital JB Capital provides creative, tailored solutions through the provision of capital, strategy and operational support to facilitate growth strategies for well managed companies. JB Capital partners have more than four decades of combined real estate, capital markets and investment banking experience. As a result, JB Capital offers a level of experience, counsel and resources often times not available to smaller private companies. For more information, visit the website at www.jb-capital.com. Media Contacts Prosek Partners for Jensen Partners Max Berger mberger@prosek.com Lyceus Group for JB Capital Rex Carlin rcarlin@lyceusgroup.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/jensen-partners-receives-strategic-investment-from-jb-capital-to-scale-innovative-platform-of-talent-solutions-for-the-asset-management-industry-301655006.html Justin Bourque is the recipient of the Junior Achievement (JA) Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame 2022 "Innovator" Award. Willow Lake Metis Nation--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Justin Bourque, CEO of Willow Lake Metis Nation in Anzac, Alberta, was awarded the JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame "Innovator" Award at the non-profit's annual gala dinner in Edmonton yesterday evening. "I am truly humbled to receive this honour," says Bourque. "Being a Metis man has shaped my identity and driven my innovative spirit. My lineage will continue to push me to break barriers for the betterment of my community and those around me." JA is the world's largest non-profit organization committed to setting youth up for success in a global economy. For 42 years, the JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame has recognized highly acclaimed business visionaries in northern Alberta for their accomplishments and dedication to the economy, communities, and the future of our province. Willow Lake Metis Nation CEO Justin Bourque, recipient of the Junior Achievement Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame 2022 "Innovator" Award. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8862/141151_willowlakefigure1.jpeg "Justin is an inspiring role model, full of energy, and passionate about his work. He is courageous and a promoter of change on behalf of the public good," says Jennifer Martin, President and CEO of JA Northern Alberta & N.W.T. "In his elected roles and as an active steward of his land, people and culture, Justin embodies the definition of a JA Innovator. We are so proud to welcome him to the JA family. JA's Business Hall of Fame honourees in Alberta, across Canada and around the world, are the bridge to inspiring our JA students. JA programs are the bridge between the business world and young people. Together, they develop youth into the leaders of tomorrow and our next dynamic workforce. The award focusses on the economic impact, community impact, and role modelling of nominees. It is unique in that, unlike many Business Hall of Fame inductees, Innovator Award leaders are in the process of actively creating their legacy. "Every day is an opportunity to improve," continues Bourque. "I continuously strive to be a better version of myself and to make my community a better place to be. As CEO of Willow Lake Metis Nation, a citizen, and a father, it's a responsibility I do not take lightly." Earlier this year, The CEO Publication named Bourque one of the 10 Most Innovative Business Leaders to Follow in 2022 for his forward-thinking leadership - including his Nation's Sohkastwawin initiative, which focuses on climate change and on ensuring a sustainable, resilient future for its citizens. - 30 - About Willow Lake Metis Nation Willow Lake Metis Nation (WLMN) is a Metis community whose citizens now mostly reside in the community of Anzac, Alberta. WLMN's roots lie in the history of the fur trade in Alberta and the economic and political circumstances that evolved during and after the fur trade. The historical Willow Lake community was close to trade and travel routes that connected Fort McMurray and Willow Lake to Lac La Loche to the east, to Fort Chipewyan to the north, and to Lac La Biche to the south. Willow Lake Metis people lived on and derived their livelihood from the lands between these locations through much of the later fur trade period, and WLMN people continue to use these lands to exercise their Indigenous rights, sustain their culture and identity as Metis people, support their community, and pass their knowledge and way of life on to their descendants. Key Metis family lines represented in the WLMN community include Bourque, Cardinal, Huppie, Lavallee, McKenzie, Quintal, and Whitford. For more information, visit www.wlmn.ca Media Contact: Shevaun Boddez Public Relations and Communications Manager, CIPR Communications 403-999-2219 shevaun@ciprcommunications.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141151 Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The pound climbed against its major counterparts in the New York session on Thursday, as U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned amid a rebellion within her Conservative Party about the economic plan. In a statement outside Downing Street, Truss said she could not deliver the mandate on which she was elected as Conservative leader. The leadership election to choose a successor is expected to be completed within the next week. Truss, who is the shortest-serving PM in Downing Street, admitted that she has lost the faith of her party. The Treasury has confirmed that it would present the medium-term fiscal statement on October 31. The GBP/USD pair bounced off to 1.1307, from a 6-day low of 1.1171 seen at 5:10 am ET. The pound may possibly challenge resistance around the 1.27 region. The GBP/JPY pair rose to 169.34, after hitting a 3-day low of 167.42 at 5:10 am ET. Immediate resistance for the pound is likely seen around the 175.00 level. The GBP/CHF pair firmed to a 2-day high of 1.1318, from a 2-day low of 1.1223 hit at 5:10 am ET. The currency is likely to test resistance around the 1.22 level. The pound edged up to 0.8691 against the euro, following a 1-week low of 0.875 seen at 5:10 am ET. Should the currency rallies again, 0.84 is possibly seen as its next resistance level. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to report an updated Mineral Resource Estimate on its 100%-owned Omai gold property in Guyana. The property hosts two gold deposits, the shear-hosted Wenot deposit and the adjacent intrusive-hosted Gilt Creek Deposit (Figure 1). This updated Mineral Resource Estimate includes an expansion to the Wenot Mineral Resource which was announced January 20221 and incorporates the Gilt Creek Deposit that lies below a former pit that produced 2.4 million ounces of gold (Figure 2). Together, these deposits contribute to a more than doubling of the Company's Mineral Resource Estimate on the Omai Property. OMAI MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE UPDATE HIGHLIGHTS: 1,907,600 ounces of gold (Indicated) Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"), a 171% increase over the January MRE of 703,300 ounces (Indicated) Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"), a over the January MRE of 703,300 ounces 1,777,600 ounces of gold (Inferred), an 89% increase over the January MRE of 940,000 ounces The MRE includes: 1) Gilt Creek Deposit Newly introduced into the Company's Mineral Resource Estimate, hosted within a 500 m by 300 m quartz diorite intrusive stock Located 500 metres ("m") north of the Wenot Deposit and below the past-producing Fennell Pit 1,151,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) at a grade of 3.22 g/t Au of gold (Indicated) at a grade of 665,000 ounces of gold (Inferred) at a grade of 3.35 g/t Au of gold (Inferred) at a grade of For the purposes of this MRE, an underground mining approach is applied Open to depth and holds potential for lateral expansion 2) Wenot Deposit Updates the initial MRE for Wenot, announced only nine months ago in January 2022 1 756,600 ounces of gold (Indicated), an 8% increase over the initial Jan 2022 MRE of gold (Indicated), an 8% increase over the initial Jan 2022 MRE 1,112,600 ounces of gold (Inferred), an 18% increase of gold (Inferred), an 18% increase 1.34 g/t Au grade of Indicated MRE, a 2% increase grade of Indicated MRE, a 2% increase 1.72 g/t Au grade of Inferred MRE, a 15% increase grade of Inferred MRE, a 15% increase For the purposes of this MRE, a constrained pit approach is applied Excellent exploration potential along the Wenot shear corridor that hosts this deposit Elaine Ellingham, President & CEO commented, "We are extremely pleased with the results of this updated 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate. In addition to more than doubling our NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate in nine months, we were able to accelerate and exceed our goal of bringing the Gilt Creek Gold Deposit and a Wenot Deposit expansion into the Company's MRE before year end 2022." 1 The Company filed an NI43-101 technical report titled "TECHNICAL REPORT AND INITIAL MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE OF THE WENOT GOLD DEPOSIT, OMAI PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO. 2, GUYANA", prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc dated February 18, 2022 on the SEDAR website www.sedar.com in support of the Wenot Mineral Resource Estimate announced January 4, 2022. Table 1. 2022 (Oct) Mineral Resource Estimates (Please review "Notes to Accompany the 2022 MRE" below the tables for assumptions and additional information) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_table1.jpg Table 2. Comparison between 2022 (Oct) MRE and 2022 (Jan) MRE1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_table2.jpg Notes to Accompany the 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate: 1. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 2. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. 3. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could potentially be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. 4. The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council. 5. Wenot wireframe constrained gold assays were composited to 1.5 metre lengths and subsequently capped between 6 to 25 g/t. Gilt Creek Wireframe constrained gold assays were composited to 1.0 metre lengths and subsequently capped between 12 to 40 g/t. 6. The Wenot Mineral Resource Estimate incorporates 10,647 assay results from 579 diamond drill holes totalling 81,991 m within the mineralized wireframes. The Gilt Creek Mineral Resource Estimate incorporates 7,056 assay results from 46 diamond drill holes totalling 27,997 m within the mineralized wireframes 7. Grade estimation was undertaken with ID3interpolation. 8. Wenot wireframe constrained bulk density was determined from 30 site visit samples. Gilt wireframe constrained bulk density was determined from 28 site visit samples. 9. Wenot gold process recoveries used were 92% for Alluvium/Saprolite and 92% for Transition/Fresh Rock. Gilt Creek gold process recovery used was 92% 10. The gold price used was US$1,700/oz. 11. Wenot US$ open pit operating costs used were $2.50/t for mineralized material mining, $1.75/t for waste mining, $10/t for Alluvium/Saprolite processing, $13/t for Transition/Fresh Rock processing and $3/t G&A. Gilt Creek US$ underground operating costs used were $60/t for mining, $15/t for processing and $5/t G&A. 12. At Gilt Creek, MRE blocks were reviewed for grade and geometric continuity. Isolated/orphaned and single block width strings of blocks were removed in order to only report Mineral Resources with a reasonable prospect of economic extraction. 13. Wenot pit slopes were 45o. "While modelling and evaluating the historical data on the Gilt Creek Gold Deposit earlier this year, we were impressed by the extent of the gold-bearing quartz stockwork and disseminated mineralization within this lower part of the Omai quartz-diorite stock. We are pleased that the higher density of drilling within the upper part of this deposit allowed two-thirds of the Gilt Creek Deposit MRE to be classified as Indicated, and at the 1.5 g/t Au cut-off grade, the 1,151,000 Indicated ounces are at an average grade of 3.22 g/t Au. It is significant that mining of the upper 250m of this intrusive produced 2.4 million ounces of gold, illustrating the robust potential of this deposit. The Gilt Creek Deposit holds potential to expand both laterally, where there has been limited drilling, and to significant depths, providing the potential for expanding the Gilt Creek Deposit through future drilling," continued Elaine Ellingham, CEO. "Our initial plan was to complete further drilling on the Wenot Deposit prior to this MRE, however the opportunity to accelerate the inclusion of Gilt Creek into our MRE drove our decision to proceed with the updated MRE rather than continuing with Wenot drilling at that time. The Wenot Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate increased by 18% to 1,112,600 ounces, with the grade estimate increasing by 15% to 1.72 g/t Au. When drilling resumes later this year, additional drilling at Wenot will be included as part of the program and is expected to contribute to future Mineral Resource updates." "The Wenot shear corridor can be traced 8 km across the Omai Property. Wenot's past production of 1.37 million ounces of gold plus our current Wenot Mineral Resource Estimate are both hosted within about 2.5 km of strike along this shear corridor. Much of the corridor has seen little exploration and it is one of our priority areas for both our current and 2023 exploration programs." Mineral Resource Estimate - October 2022 Gilt Creek - Estimation Methodology Mineralization models were developed by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. in consultation with Linda Heesterman, the Company's consulting geologist. A total of 11 individual mineralized domains have been identified based on combined historical drilling of this lower zone and production data from the overlying pit. The Gilt Creek MRE incorporates 7,056 assay results from 46 diamond drill holes totalling 27,997 m within the mineralized wireframes. Figure 3 presents a 3-D model of the Gilt Creek Deposit. Gold grades were interpolated into 5m x 5m x 2.5m three-dimensional model blocks from capped composites within wireframes constrained by a 1.50 g/t Au cut-off grade. Indicated Mineral Resources were interpolated from a minimum of two drill holes over a 50m search ellipse and Inferred Mineral Resources were interpolated from a minimum of one drill hole over 150m search ellipse parameters. Block model gold grades were validated against raw assays, composites, and Nearest Neighbour grade interpolation. Operating costs utilized in the cut-off grade calculations were taken from a comparable project. Process recovery was taken from documented historical production data. The US$1,700/oz gold price was sourced from the Consensus Economics long term nominal forecast. Figure 3. 3-D Model of Gilt Creek Deposit To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_img.jpg The sensitivity of the Gilt Creek Mineral Resource Estimate to various cut-off grades is shown in Figure 4 below and on Table 3. Increasing the cut-off grade from 1.5 g/t Au to 2.0 g/t Au increases the estimated average grade of both the Indicated and Inferred MRE by about 22% to 3.90 g/t Au (Indicated) and 4.14 g/t Au (Inferred), while reducing the estimated contained ounces by 17% for both the Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource, to 955,000 ounces and 552,000 ounces respectively. Further details on the sensitivities to higher cut-off grades are provided in Table 3. Figure 4. Chart Showing Gilt Creek MRE Sensitivity to Cut-Off Grade (data provided in Table 3) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_img2.1.jpg Wenot - Estimation Methodology For the Wenot Deposit, mineralization models were developed by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. in consultation with Linda Heesterman, the Company's consulting geologist. A total of 11 individual mineralized domains have been identified based on recent drilling combined with historical drilling and production data. In 2022, the Company completed nine diamond drill holes totalling 3,278 m that contributed to this updated MRE for Wenot. Together with the 2021 drilling and supported by the historic data, the MRE incorporates results from 579 drill holes totalling 81,991 m within the wireframes, including 10,647 assays. Figure 5 shows the Wenot Deposit block model in plan and long section. Gold grades were interpolated into 5m x 2.5m x 5m three-dimensional model blocks from capped composites within wireframes constrained by a 0.35 g/t Au cut-off grade. Indicated Mineral Resources were interpolated from a minimum of two drill holes over a 50m search ellipse and Inferred Mineral Resources were interpolated from a minimum of one drill hole over 150m search ellipse parameters. Block model gold grades were validated against raw assays, composites, and Nearest Neighbour grade interpolation. Operating costs utilized in the cut-off grade calculations were taken from a comparable project. Process recovery was taken from documented historical production data. The US$1,700/oz gold price was sourced from the Consensus Economics long term nominal forecast. Figure 5. Wenot Deposit - Long Section (W-E) and Plan Map Showing Block Model To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_img3.jpg The cut-off grade sensitivity of the Wenot Mineral Resource Estimate is shown in Figure 6 below. Increasing the cut-off grade from 0.35 g/t Au to 0.75 g/t Au increases the average grade of the Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources by 30% to 1.82 g/t Au and by 23% to 2.13 g/t Au, respectively, but only reduces the estimated contained ounces by 13% and by 8% respectively. Figure 6. Chart Showing Wenot Pit-Constrained MRE Sensitivity to Cut-Off Grade To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_img6.jpg The 2022 MRE was generated using various cut-off grades: between 0.75-5.0 g/t for the Gilt Creek potential underground mineralization (depending on the deposit and underground extraction method, bulk or selective) and between 0.35-0.90 g/t Au for potential pit-constrained mineralization at Wenot. Specific extraction methods are used only to establish reasonable cut-off grades for the deposits. No preliminary economic studies have been completed to support the economic viability and technical feasibility of exploiting any portion of the Mineral Resources, by any specific mining method. The reasonable prospect for an eventual economic operation is met by having used reasonable cut-off grades both for the potential open pit and underground extraction scenarios and constraining volumes. 2022 Exploration Program While the Mineral Resource Estimates have been underway, the exploration team commenced a geochemical survey along the eastern extension of the prolific Wenot shear corridor. The shear and the central shear contact can be traced at least an additional 5 km east of the Wenot pit, across the Omai Property and this is a high priority area for exploration. The combination of anomalous gold values in historic auger samples and magnetic data suggests several areas along this trend as holding potential for new discoveries. Trenching has commenced on the lower flank of Broccoli Hill in the vicinity of a large magnetic feature that we believe could be another intrusive body, similar to that hosting the Gilt Creek Deposit. Compilation is underway on the exploration work completed earlier this year in a number of areas, to refine drill targets. There are several interesting target areas across the Omai Property that warrant exploration and we will balance investigating their potential with continuing to build Mineral Resources at the Wenot and Gilt Creek Deposits. In the past 18 months, the Company has been very successful at building a substantial Mineral Resource base and for the remainder of 2022 and into 2023 we expect to continue this strategy of expanding our Wenot Mineral Resource in the short term, balanced with pursuing targets with high potential for significant new discoveries. Qualified Person The Mineral Resource Estimate was completed in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards incorporated by reference in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") (2014) and CIM Estimation Best Practice Guidelines (2019). The Mineral Resource Estimate, including verification of the data disclosed, was under the supervision of Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, President of P&E Mining Consultants Inc., who is independent of Omai Gold for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this new release. Omai Gold will file an NI 43-101 Technical Report for Omai: Wenot and Gilt Creek Mineral Resource Estimates on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website www.omaigoldmines.com within 45 days of this news release. Quality Control Omai Gold maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags and shipped to Activation Laboratories Limited ("ActLabs"), a certified laboratory in Georgetown, Guyana, respecting the best pratices chain of custody. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. 30 g of pulverized material are then fire assayed by atomic absorption (AA). Initial assays with results above 3 grams per tonne gold are re-assayed with gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications. About Omai Gold Mines Corp. Omai Gold Mines Corp. holds a 100% interest in the Omai Prospecting License that includes the past producing Omai gold mine in Guyana, and a 100% interest in the adjoining Eastern Flats Mining Permits, together covering 6,109 acres (24.69 km2). Once South America's largest producing gold mine, Omai produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005. Mining ceased at a time when the average gold price was less than US$400 per ounce, leaving significant mineral potential untapped and prime exploration targets untested. As a brownfields project, Omai benefits from good access, and a wealth of historical data that provides knowledge of the geology, nature of the gold mineralization on the property, as well as metallurgy and recoveries. The Company's short-term priorities are to further expand the known Mineral Resources, while advancing exploration on key targets that hold potential for significant new discoveries, providing a solid opportunity to create significant value for all stakeholders. For further information, please see our website www.omaigoldmines.com or contact: Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo. President & CEO elaine@omaigoldmines.com Phone: +1-416-473-5351 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The quantity and grade of reported "Inferred" Mineral Resource Estimates are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define "Inferred" Mineral Resource Estimates as an "Indicated" or "Measured" Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading "Inferred" Mineral Resource Estimates to an "Indicated" or "Measured" Mineral Resource category. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "inferred" or "indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). Cautionary Statements to U.S. Readers This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" as defined in the CIM Standards in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they may not be recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The "Mineral Resource" Estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Figure 1. Geology Map of Omai Gold Property, Guyana and Location of Gilt Creek and Wenot Deposits To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_img1.jpg Figure 2. 3-D Model of Wenot and Gilt Creek Deposits, Omai Gold Property, Guyana To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_img2.jpg Table 3. Gilt Creek Deposit - Sensitivity of Mineral Resource Estimate to Cut-Off Grade To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/141288_table3.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141288 End users and integrators discuss real LTE, 5G and CBRS use cases LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Athonet, a global leader in private network technology, will host its annual UPTIME event January 25-26, 2023 at Villa Griffone, Italy where end users, partners and system integrators will share use cases, challenges, new devices and business cases for private mobile networks. In addition to the in-person event, the presentations will be broadcast globally. "Last year's event featured deployments in several verticals including healthcare, education, government, logistics and manufacturing," said Nanda Menon, chief executive officer, Athonet U.K. "This year will demonstrate why mobile private networks are a must-have asset in today's economically challenging environment to drive productivity, cost reductions and safety." Vodafone will be a keynote speaker from the UK for UPTIME 2023 as well as returning speakers from last year including Accenture, AWS, Airspan, Boingo, Colt, Multitech, TIM, Vilicom and many more. A detailed agenda will be available closer to the event and can be found on the UPTIME website. About Athonet Athonet is a leader in private cellular network technology delivering a mobile core to enterprises and communication service providers to connect applications, devices and radios. With more than 10 years of experience in delivering 4G/5G mobile core solutions to customers and partners in every region of the world, Athonet supports key industries where network control, mobility, security, performance, reliability and cost are important for business outcomes. Find out more www.athonet.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1926152/UPTIME_2023_social.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1799298/Logo_Athonet.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/athonets-uptime-2023-to-present-5g-private-mobile-network-use-cases-301655105.html Great Place to Work Names Millicom One of the Fortune World's Best Workplaces in 2022, Ranking #5 LUXEMBOURG, October 20, 2022 - Millicom , a leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Latin America through its TIGO brand, has earned fifth place among the World's Best Workplaces in 2022 . The list by Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine ranks the top 25 best places to work across the globe. "Thank you to our committed leadership teams and dedicated employees, who make our organization one of the top places to work in the world," said Mauricio Ramos , CEO at Millicom. "Our Sangre Tigo, the DNA of our company culture, drives us to win together every day." The Fortune World's Best Workplaces list is highly competitive. The 25 world's best places to work stood out for creating globally exceptional employee experiences, high-trust relationships, and workplaces that are fair and equal for all. These companies represent approximately 15 million employees worldwide. Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture, selected the list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. Companies were only considered on the basis that they are a Great Place to Work-Certified organization. "We are honored to be one of the top five World's Best Workplaces in 2022 and are grateful to our entire team. Our sense of purpose and unique culture that we call 'Sangre Tigo" serves as a beacon guiding everyone in our organization to perform their best daily regardless of their role. Sangre Tigo is grounded in creating an inclusive workplace, relentless customers focus, and of course getting results," said Susy Bobenrieth , Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Millicom. "Working as One Team at Tigo we continue to raise the bar and challenge ourselves to be better every day!" At Tigo, the team's work has a purpose: to transform lives and communities by increasing access to digital highways for millions of individuals and hundreds of thousands of businesses. Sangre Tigo focuses on four pulses encompassing the key values, practices, behaviors, and beliefs that the organization's team members share. Earlier this year, Tigo obtained 2nd place in the 2022 Great Place to Work ranking for multinationals in the Latin American region and earned fifth place in the "Best multinationals in Central America and the Caribbean" category. In the Great Place to Work 2022 ranking for each country, the company secured 1st place in Paraguay, 2nd place in Costa Rica, 3rd place in Bolivia and Nicaragua, 4th place in El Salvador and 5th place in Honduras. In addition, two Tigo operations were honored in the "Best places to work in Central America with more than 2,500 employees" placing 1st in Guatemala and 4th in Panama. Tigo also achieved ninth place in the "Best Places to Work for Women" category in Colombia, highlighting its efforts to promote a gender-equal work environment in all countries where Millicom operates. "For companies with a global workforce, achieving a consistent experience for every employee is exponentially more difficult-and impressive," says Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. "Despite the many challenges facing global businesses in 2022, these companies have put the well-being of their people first. Their success is proof positive that when companies do right by their employees, no problem is too great to overcome." Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in the world that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on their ability to create a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of employee identity or job role. -END- For further information, please contact: Press: Karla Rivas, Regional Communications Manager press@millicom.com (mailto:press@millicom.com) Investors: Michel Morin, VP Investor Relations Sarah Inmon, Director Investor Relations investors@millicom.com (mailto:investors@millicom.com) About Millicom Millicom. Connect with Millicom on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook, and LinkedIn . Attachments Lyon, Paris, France - 20th October 2022 - 6 pm CEST - Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of neurological diseases and pioneer in the development of drug candidates modulating the interaction between neurons and glial cells, and Inserm Transfert, the technology transfer office and private subsidiary of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), have today announced the signing of a strategic alliance for the identification of potential targets and advanced therapy drug candidates for treating rare neurological diseases. The goal of the alliance is to enable Theranexus to benefit from preferential early access to the technologies developed by Inserm in a bid to treat rare neurological diseases with advanced therapy drugs. This agreement will help place Theranexus a phase ahead of novel targets that are identified by Inserm's research teams and can be addressed by RNA-based or antisense oligonucleotide therapies. The company will also benefit from the expertise of the Nucleic Acids: Natural and Artificial Regulations laboratory (ARNA, Inserm U1212, CNRS 5320, University of Bordeaux joint unit) within the European Institute of Chemistry and Biology in Bordeaux, a pioneer in the design and synthesis of innovative antisense oligonucleotide-type drug candidates. The alliance underscores Inserm Transfert's strategy of developing hubs of technological innovation to produce disruptive innovations within Inserm laboratories. Since 2014, Inserm Transfert has invested more than a million euros in projects launched from the "Antisense Oligonucleotide Hub" within the ARNA unit. The hub facilitates the generation and subsequent optimization of antisense oligonucleotide products for innovative therapeutic targets identified by Inserm researchers all over France. The assets identified within this alliance may be made available to Theranexus under license agreements or options to proceed with their validation and development, particularly through its advanced therapy drug discovery platform. Theranexus is aiming for the first active ingredient to add to its pipeline of projects under development in 18 months. In consideration for this preferential access, Inserm Transfert will benefit from Theranexus' support for the maturation of innovative and entrepreneurship projects in the field of neurosciences. Inserm Transfert can leverage the expertise of Theranexus teams to develop these projects. The agreement is set for a 3-years period. "We are delighted to collaborate with Inserm, a leading name in French and global biomedical research, through its technology transfer office, Inserm Transfert. Thanks to this agreement, we have access to Inserm's research for identifying and characterizing novel targets and RNA or antisense oligonucleotide candidates for treating patients with neurological diseases. This flagship agreement is perfectly in line with our strategy to develop medicinal products blocking the progression of rare neurological diseases such as Batten-1, our Phase I/II agent in Batten disease," explains Franck Mouthon, Chairman and CEO of Theranexus. "Inserm Transfert is proud to launch this alliance with Theranexus. It will provide an opportunity to undertake joint actions for the benefit of Inserm's scientists and the development of their innovative projects. This alliance is in line with Inserm Transfert's aim to create value in partnership with biotech firms such as Theranexus. It underlines the scientific quality of projects from Inserm and its academic partners and aims, thanks to the support of economic stakeholders, to identify novel treatments and ultimately advance research on rare neurological diseases, an area that affects more than 300 million people worldwide and represents major unmet medical needs," concludes Pascale Auge, Chairman of the Inserm Transfert Executive Management Board About Theranexus Theranexus is an innovative biopharmaceutical company that emerged from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). It specializes in the treatment of central nervous system disorders and is a pioneer in the development of drug candidates targeting both neurons and glial cells. Theranexus has a unique drug candidate identification and characterization platform focused on rare neurological disorders and an initial drug candidate in clinical development for Batten disease. Theranexus is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (FR0013286259- ALTHX). For more information, please visit: https://www.theranexus.com Click and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn About Inserm Transfert Inserm Transfert, the private subsidiary of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), is responsible for the value creation of innovations at Inserm and its academic partners in human health and promotes long-term technology transfers in line with international best practices. Inserm Transfert SA was founded in 2000. It manages, under a Public Service Management Contract (Concession de Service Public), the entire promotion and transfer of knowledge emerging from the Inserm research laboratories to the industrial world, from invention disclosure to industrial partnerships and startups incorporation. Inserm Transfert also offers services relating to setting up and managing national, European and international projects, as well as supporting the technology transfer of clinical research and health data/databases and cohorts. In 2009, Inserm Transfert and Inserm established an investment fund to finance proofs of concept. In 2005, Inserm Transfert Initiative, a dedicated seed money fund for life sciences, was created. Since 2017 a pathway for pre-entrepreneurship supports researchers/inventors who aspire to become involved in entrepreneurship. For more information, please visit: www.inserm-transfert.com Click and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn Contacts: THERANEXUS Thierry LAMBERT Chief Financial Officer contact@theranexus.com FP2COM Florence PORTEJOIE Medias Relations + 33 (0)6 07 76 82 83 fportejoie@fp2com.fr NEWCAP Theo MARTIN/Pierre LAURENT Investor Relations +33 (0)1 44 71 94 97 theranexus@newcap.eu INSERM TRANSFERT AGENCE ACORELIS Gilles PETITOT - gilles.petitot@acorelis.com +33 (0)6 20 27 65 94 Ingrid HARGOT - communication@inserm-transfert.fr +33 (0) 1 55 03 01 44 Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Theranexus and its business, including its prospects and product candidate development. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Theranexus considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the universal registration document of Theranexus filed with the AMF on 28 April 2021 under number D.21-0379 (a copy of which is available on www.theranexus.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Theranexus operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Theranexus or not currently considered material by Theranexus. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Theranexus to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. Theranexus expressly declines any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yGtwaZdtYmrJyG1sapVsbmppZ2dkxZGXaWSYmJSbaJqXam1jmGdlacfGZnBnnWdm - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-76820-theranexus_pr_collaboration_inserm_transfert_vdef.pdf Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION 20 October 2022 REDDE NORTHGATE PLC ("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company") Transaction in Own Shares Redde Northgate plc (LSE:REDD) announces that on 20 October 2022 it purchased the following number of its own shares to be held in treasury: Class of shares : Ordinary shares of 50p ("shares") Number of shares purchased : 100,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 320.3845 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 322 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 316.5 pence per share Following the above transaction, the Company's issued share capital consists of 246,091,423 ordinary shares of 50p each, of which 12,991,477 ordinary shares are held in treasury, and 1,000,000 preference shares of 50p each which do not carry any rights to vote. Therefore the total number of voting rights in the Company is 233,099,946 which may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as incorporated into UK domestic law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the Company's buyback programme. Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions (all of 20 October 2022) Number of shares purchased Transaction price (GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 1 316.50 08:12:54 00061665417TRLO0 LSE 773 318.00 09:07:11 00061666861TRLO0 LSE 420 319.00 09:09:18 00061666914TRLO0 LSE 2150 319.00 09:09:18 00061666915TRLO0 LSE 1027 318.50 09:09:56 00061666943TRLO0 LSE 773 318.50 09:09:56 00061666944TRLO0 LSE 368 318.00 09:11:38 00061667002TRLO0 LSE 700 318.00 09:11:38 00061667003TRLO0 LSE 196 318.00 09:11:38 00061667004TRLO0 LSE 700 318.00 09:11:38 00061667005TRLO0 LSE 556 319.50 09:24:14 00061667321TRLO0 LSE 277 319.50 09:24:14 00061667322TRLO0 LSE 1844 319.50 09:24:14 00061667323TRLO0 LSE 784 319.00 09:37:35 00061667842TRLO0 LSE 1127 319.00 09:37:35 00061667843TRLO0 LSE 1759 318.50 09:41:48 00061667960TRLO0 LSE 1003 318.00 09:56:07 00061668401TRLO0 LSE 1132 318.00 09:56:07 00061668402TRLO0 LSE 266 320.50 10:05:29 00061668811TRLO0 LSE 1874 320.50 10:05:29 00061668812TRLO0 LSE 1782 320.50 10:07:35 00061668869TRLO0 LSE 1000 321.00 10:15:22 00061669182TRLO0 LSE 2253 321.00 10:21:41 00061669401TRLO0 LSE 110 320.50 10:21:41 00061669402TRLO0 LSE 2646 320.50 10:21:41 00061669403TRLO0 LSE 1998 320.00 10:22:53 00061669476TRLO0 LSE 3576 321.50 11:09:41 00061670949TRLO0 LSE 1914 321.00 11:17:03 00061671186TRLO0 LSE 986 321.00 11:17:03 00061671187TRLO0 LSE 1065 321.00 11:17:03 00061671188TRLO0 LSE 6 320.50 11:46:03 00061671802TRLO0 LSE 113 321.00 11:50:09 00061671892TRLO0 LSE 540 321.00 11:50:32 00061671948TRLO0 LSE 1466 321.00 11:50:32 00061671949TRLO0 LSE 714 320.50 11:57:13 00061672345TRLO0 LSE 793 320.50 11:58:18 00061672416TRLO0 LSE 612 320.50 11:58:18 00061672417TRLO0 LSE 1897 320.50 11:58:18 00061672418TRLO0 LSE 1953 320.00 11:58:18 00061672419TRLO0 LSE 2041 321.00 12:42:46 00061673723TRLO0 LSE 1656 321.00 12:42:46 00061673724TRLO0 LSE 129 321.00 12:42:46 00061673725TRLO0 LSE 488 321.00 12:48:05 00061673917TRLO0 LSE 25000 321.00 12:55:32 00061674131TRLO0 LSE 1999 321.00 13:07:21 00061674366TRLO0 LSE 2133 320.50 13:15:17 00061674628TRLO0 LSE 692 321.00 13:26:59 00061675504TRLO0 LSE 700 321.00 13:26:59 00061675505TRLO0 LSE 594 321.00 13:26:59 00061675506TRLO0 LSE 1900 321.00 13:55:44 00061676817TRLO0 LSE 1438 319.50 14:07:19 00061677170TRLO0 LSE 522 319.50 14:07:19 00061677171TRLO0 LSE 2170 319.00 14:27:50 00061677922TRLO0 LSE 1953 319.50 14:48:35 00061679515TRLO0 LSE 192 319.50 14:48:35 00061679516TRLO0 LSE 1873 319.50 14:52:47 00061679778TRLO0 LSE 377 319.50 15:05:13 00061680610TRLO0 LSE 861 319.50 15:05:18 00061680617TRLO0 LSE 1798 322.00 15:22:35 00061681646TRLO0 LSE 554 321.00 15:33:35 00061682279TRLO0 LSE 1564 321.00 15:33:35 00061682280TRLO0 LSE 2023 320.50 15:52:22 00061682974TRLO0 LSE 700 320.50 16:02:53 00061683490TRLO0 LSE 1067 320.50 16:02:53 00061683491TRLO0 LSE 2422 320.50 16:18:28 00061684190TRLO0 LSE Notes This announcement is made in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 12.4.6. For further information contact: Buchanan David Rydell/Jamie Hooper/Hannah Ratcliff +44 (0) 207 466 5000 Notes to Editors: Redde Northgate is the leading integrated mobility solutions platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle. The Company offers integrated mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across seven key areas: vehicle rental, vehicle data, accident management, vehicle repairs, fleet management, service and maintenance, vehicle ancillary services and vehicle sales. The Company's core purpose is to keep its customers mobile, whether through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur. With its considerable scale and reach, Redde Northgate's mission is to offer a market-leading customer proposition and drive enhanced returns for shareholders by creating value through sustainable compounding growth. The Group aims to achieve this through the delivery of its strategic framework of Focus, Drive and Broaden. Redde Northgate services its customers through a network and diversified fleet of over 120,000 owned and leased vehicles, supporting over 600,000 managed vehicles, with more than 170 workshop, body shop and rental locations across the UK, Ireland and Spain and a specialist team of over 6,000 automotive services professionals. Further information please visit the Company's website: www.reddenorthgate.com Brunswick, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Miracle Mink Hair and CEO, Shashicka Tyre-Hill donates 10,000 glueless wigs to her customers to keep or distribute to women in need due to hair loss or breast cancer. The company strives to bring all-natural ingredients that supports hair growth without the harmful chemicals. Their mission to create products that work with all hair types, skin, and scalp conditions has made a huge impact by serving over 1+ million men, women, and children worldwide. Miracle Mink Hair CEO, Shashicka Tyre-Hill To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8744/141144_8aaafa167453eaf5_001full.jpg Each year during the months of October and November, the company gifts each of their customers with a free wig. They can choose to keep the glueless wig for themselves or donate it to someone that is in need. This year, the company is giving away 10,000 wigs: their biggest giveaway yet. In the past, customers were still reaching out about helping someone in need, so this year she decided to giveaway even more to help women around the world. "I feel so blessed to give back to women who may be facing hair loss. I have walked in their shoes, and I went into hiding because I didn't want anyone seeing my hair in patches. My hair is my crown and beauty, and I knew if I felt lost without my hair, other women were feeling the same," says Shashicka. Miracle Mink Hair thought of every aspect of her experience and did their research to find the perfect organic ingredients. Their products include hair growth serums, growth shampoos and conditioners, scalp stimulators, protein strengtheners, body and skincare products and an abundance of other tools needed to help rebuild hair follicles. For more information about Miracle Mink Hair, visit www.minkhairwholesale.com. Owner: Shashicka Tyre Hill Company: https://www.minkhairwholesale.com Location: 106 Owens Lane, Brunswick, GA, 31525 Email: miracleminkhairwholesale@gmail.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141144 On September 15th, a large delegation from TenCate Protective Fabrics paid a visit to Saxion University's Sustainable Functional Textiles research group (Enschede, NL), led by Jan Mahy. The TenCate Protective Fabrics group, led by Michael Laton, VP, Global Strategy Innovation, traveled to Saxion from the textile manufacturer's North American headquarters in Union City, Georgia, US, as well as the company's Dutch-based operation in Nijverdal, NL. The group enjoyed a comprehensive tour of the Saxion lab facilities, including both the Circular Textile Lab and the Thermoplastic Composites lab of the Lightweight Structures Research Group, led by Ferrie van Hattum. As a culmination of the visit, the two parties signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) a representation of their shared collaboration commitment going forward. Both organisations serve as hubs of new textile technologies committed to seeking out new advancements around fabric sustainability, comfort, and performance. Recognising the advantages of leveraging their combined resources and industry experience, the TenCate Protective Fabrics-Saxion leadership teams see this partnership as essential in unlocking new protective fabric breakthroughs. "As two organisations devoted to textile innovation, we're excited at the chance to unlock this new, scientific partnership. Capitalising on our collective strengths and capabilities will only aid in the shared goal of bringing fresh perspectives and new solutions to the protective textiles market. This is just the beginning of a long, productive collaboration between TenCate Protective Fabrics and Saxion." Michael Laton, VP, Global Strategy and Innovation, TenCate Protective Fabrics "Saxion's applied research projects have generated growing interest from companies throughout the whole textile chain who wish to enter a sustainable, multi-annual collaboration with Saxion. At Saxion, we look carefully at the company's ambitions in the area of sustainability. The high-quality textiles produced by TenCate Protective Fabrics are a good match for the work of the Sustainable Functional Textiles research group. This enables us to link creative technology and innovation with education and so make an impact in the world around us." Raimond Bartelink, Head of School of Creative Technology, Saxion Now formalised by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), this new agreement serves as the foundation of both parties' commitment to maintaining a structural and strategic collaboration for years to come. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221018006041/en/ Contacts: Media contact: John Stoehr (j.stoehr@tencatefabrics.com) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Tashota Resources Inc. ("TRI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on June 17th the Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation regarding TRI's Larose property located in the historically prolific Shebandowan Greenstone Belt. This mutually beneficial MOU allows the parties to have friendly, on-going and open communication regarding the advancement of their respective exploration plans based on their recognition of and deep respect for Lac des Mille Lacs' treaty and aboriginal rights. Charles Elbourne, President and CEO of TRI stated that, "The execution of an MOU with the Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation is an important step for the Company and we look forward to working closely with Lac des Mille Lacs to develop and implement our exploration plans in Shebandowan." About Tashota Resources Inc. Tashota Resources Inc. ("TRI") is a Prospect Generator junior resource Exploration Company currently focused on defining and monetizing the mineral deposits on its multiple properties in historically prolific gold camps in Northern Ontario. TRI has a stellar management and advisory team with significant exploration, engineering, project financing and permitting experience. This includes decades-long experience in prospecting and mining operations in the Hemlo, Shebandowan, and Beardmore-Geraldton Gold Camps where TRI has significant property interests comprising nearly 45,000 acres. For more information about TRI, please visit www.tashotaresources.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO, Tashota Resources Inc. 82 Richmond St. E. Suite 401 Toronto, ON M5C 1P1 C: 416-315-6490 | O: 647-350-6122 Email: elbourne007@gmail.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing and amount of estimated future exploration and success of such exploration activities. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "schedule", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "continue", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important facts that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of TRI to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which TRI will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, availability of sufficient financial and other resources in order to complete anticipated exploration work on TRI's properties; currency fluctuations; the global economic climate; and competition. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of TRI to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the impact the COVID 19 pandemic may have on TRI's activities and the economy in general; the impact of the recovery post COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on precious metals; risks and uncertainties inherent to any mineral exploration program; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future gold and other metal prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental risks and other risks of the mining industry. Although TRI has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. TRI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141313 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Tashota Resources Inc. ("TRI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on August 31, 2022 the Company signed an Exploration Agreement with the Lac La Croix First Nation ("LLCFN") regarding TRI's Larose property located in the historically prolific Shebandowan Greenstone Belt. This mutually beneficial Exploration Agreement provides for accommodation measures including measures to identify and protect LLCFN's cultural and heritage values, to have ongoing consultation and to provide compensatory benefits to the LLCFN. Charles Elbourne, President and CEO of TRI stated that, "The execution of an Exploration Agreement with the Lac La Croix First Nation is an important step for the Company and we look forward to developing and implementing our exploration plans in Shebandowan in full recognition of and deep respect for LLCFN's treaty and aboriginal rights." Chief Carrie Atatise-Norwegian of the LLCFN, stated that she is, "pleased to have signed the Exploration Agreement as it is respectful of LLCFN's rights and jurisdiction." About Tashota Resources Inc. Tashota Resources Inc. ("TRI") is a Prospect Generator junior resource Exploration Company currently focused on defining and monetizing the mineral deposits on its multiple properties in historically prolific gold camps in Northern Ontario. TRI has a stellar management and advisory team with significant exploration, engineering, project financing and permitting experience. This includes decades-long experience in prospecting and mining operations in the Hemlo, Shebandowan, and Beardmore-Geraldton Gold Camps where TRI has significant property interests comprising nearly 45,000 acres. For more information about TRI, please visit www.tashotaresources.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO, Tashota Resources Inc. 82 Richmond St. E. Suite 401 Toronto, ON M5C 1P1 C: 416-315-6490 | O: 647-350-6122 Email: elbourne007@gmail.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing and amount of estimated future exploration and success of such exploration activities. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "schedule", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "continue", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important facts that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of TRI to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which TRI will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, availability of sufficient financial and other resources in order to complete anticipated exploration work on TRI's properties; currency fluctuations; the global economic climate; and competition. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of TRI to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the impact the COVID 19 pandemic may have on TRI's activities and the economy in general; the impact of the recovery post COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on precious metals; risks and uncertainties inherent to any mineral exploration program; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future gold and other metal prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental risks and other risks of the mining industry. Although TRI has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. TRI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141314 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Strike Copper Corp. ("SCC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on August 31, 2022, the Company signed an Exploration Agreement with the Lac La Croix First Nation ("LLCFN") regarding SCC's Sungold property located in the historically prolific Shebandowan Greenstone Belt. This mutually beneficial Exploration Agreement provides for accommodation measures including measures to identify and protect LLCFN's cultural and heritage values, to have ongoing consultation and to provide compensatory benefits to the LLCFN. Charles Elbourne, President and CEO of SCC stated that, "The execution of an Exploration Agreement with the Lac La Croix First Nation is an important step for the Company and we look forward to developing and implementing our exploration plans in Shebandowan in full recognition of and deep respect for LLCFN's treaty and aboriginal rights." Chief Carrie Atatise-Norwegian of the LLCFN, stated that she is, "pleased to have signed the Exploration Agreement as it is respectful of LLCFN's rights and jurisdiction." About Strike Copper Corp. Strike Copper Corp. ("SCC") is a junior resource Exploration Company currently focused on defining and monetizing the resource potential of its Sungold property in the historic Shebandowan Greenstone Belt just 85 km west of Thunder Bay in Northwestern Ontario. For further information on the Company, visit www.strikecopper.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO, Strike Copper Corp. 82 Richmond St. E. Suite 401 Toronto, ON M5C 1P1 C: 416-315-6490 | O: 647-350-6122 Email: elbourne007@gmail.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing and amount of estimated future exploration and success of such exploration activities. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "schedule", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "continue", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important facts that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Strike Copper Corp. to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Strike Copper Corp. will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, availability of sufficient financial and other resources in order to complete anticipated exploration work on Strike Copper Corp.'s properties; currency fluctuations; the global economic climate; and competition. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Strike Copper Corp. to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the impact the COVID 19 pandemic may have on Strike Copper Corp.'s activities and the economy in general; the impact of the recovery post COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on precious metals; risks and uncertainties inherent to any mineral exploration program; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future gold and other metal prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental risks and other risks of the mining industry. Although Strike Copper Corp. has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Strike Copper Corp. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141338 Holidu, a Munich, Germany-based holiday rental company, raised 100M in Series E funding. The round was led by 83North, with participation from Northzone, HV Capital, Vintage Investment Partners and Commonfund Capital, and existing backers Prime Ventures, EQT Ventures, coparion, Senovo, Lios Ventures and Chris Hitchens Possible Ventures. This round also includes a venture debt component of 25 million of funding from Claret Capital and Silicon Valley Bank. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate Holidu and Bookiplys expansion in Germany and Europe. Founded in 2014 by the brothers Johannes and Michael Siebers, Holidu empowers hosts and guests to enjoy their holiday rental. Under the Holidu brand, the company offers a catalogue of curated and vetted holiday rentals to make booking for guests free of doubt. With the Bookiply brand, the software and service platform enables hosts to attract more bookings while minimising effort. In the past three years, the number of managed Bookiply homes has grown from 5,000 to nearly 20,000. It is now active in 19 local offices across Europe and has become the market leader by the number of managed properties in several key tourist areas in Spain and Italy. The company employs 500 people and is headquartered in Munich. FinSMEs 20/10/2022 On the afternoon of 14 September local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Nur-Sultan on the special plane and began his state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. He was warmly received by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan accompanied by senior Kazakh officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi and Mayor of Nur-Sultan Altai Kulginov at the airport. Some 70 ceremonial guards stood in two ranks saluting the leaders as the military band played a fanfare. Two beautifully dressed Kazakh girls, with flowers in their hands, welcomed the arrival of President Xi. President Xi issued a written address, in which he extended, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, sincere greetings and best wishes to the Kazakh government and people. He pointed out that China and Kazakhstan, connected by mountains and rivers, are good neighbors, good friends and good partners with a shared future. Over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Kazakhstan relations have progressed by leaps and bounds and reached the high level of permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. He noted that, during the visit, he will hold talks with President Tokayev to jointly chart a new blueprint for all-round China-Kazakhstan cooperation. He also expressed his confidence that this visit will inject fresh and strong impetus into the common development and prosperity of both countries. Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and other accompanying officials arrived on the same plane. Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao also came to the airport to receive the delegation. The golden autumn brought fair winds and wispy clouds to the city of Nur-Sultan. On the flagpoles lining the streets, five-starred red flags were flying high. Accompanied by a motorcycle escort, the state guest motorcade of President Xi arrived at the Ak Orda Presidential Palace. He was warmly received by President Tokayev as he exited the car. The two heads of state then proceeded together to the main hall of the Presidential Palace. In the brightly lit, elegant and august main hall, ceremonial guards stood tall and straight. President Tokayev held a grand welcome ceremony for President Xi. The two heads of state jointly stood on the podium as the military band played the national anthems of China and Kazakhstan. Accompanied by President Tokayev, President Xi inspected the honor guard. After the welcome ceremony, President Tokayev invited President Xi to an art exhibition titled Kazakhstan-China: A Dialogue Across Millennium. On display were Chinese and Kazakh art treasures from the State Museum of Arts of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The exquisite Chinese paintings and porcelains and the Kazakh silks and ceramics are vivid testaments to the mutual learning between the splendid Chinese and Kazakh civilizations over the millennium. They also bear historical witness to the friendly exchanges between generations of Chinese and Kazakh people. The two Presidents held formal talks. President Xi pointed out that over the past three decades since China and Kazakhstan established diplomatic ties, the bilateral relationship has stood the test of the changing international landscape, achieving greater substance, higher levels and more fruitful outcomes. The two countries have created many firsts in their relations, including the first in settling the boundary question, the first in laying cross-border oil and gas pipelines, the first in conducting international production capacity cooperation and the first in building a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. China highly values its relations with Kazakhstan, and firmly supports Kazakhstan in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in taking reform measures to preserve national stability and development. China will always be a trustworthy and reliable friend and partner of Kazakhstan. China is ready to work with Kazakhstan in firmly supporting each others development and rejuvenation, and helping each other achieve development and prosperity. The unbreakable friendship between China and Kazakhstan will contribute to the growth of positive and progressive forces in the world and to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. President Xi stressed that China-Kazakhstan cooperation enjoys a solid foundation, huge potential and broad prospects. The two sides should make good use of the existing mechanisms such as the regular Prime Ministers Meetings and the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee to synergize development strategies, leverage each others comparative strengths and bring bilateral cooperation to a new scale and new level. It is important that the two sides work together for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, boost cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, production capacity, connectivity and COVID-19 response, and expand innovation cooperation in such fields as big data, artificial intelligence, digital finance, cross-border e-commerce, green energy and green infrastructure. The two sides need to forge closer people-to-people ties and promote friendly exchanges and mutual understanding between their peoples. President Xi underscored that China supports Central Asian countries in safeguarding political security and social stability and in enhancing cooperation for integration. China will maintain close communication with Kazakhstan to properly handle various new problems and new challenges, oppose external forces interference in the affairs of Central Asian countries, and jointly uphold lasting stability and security in the region. The two sides need to enhance cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the SCO, CICA and China+Central Asia, and jointly support efforts for a successful SCO Samarkand Summit, in order to inject new impetus into the Organizations future development. The two sides should also step up international coordination, practice true multilateralism and contribute their shares to building a more just and equitable global governance system. President Tokayev expressed warm congratulations to China on its great development achievements under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and wished the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China a full success. President Tokayev said the fact that President Xi chooses to visit Kazakhstan on his first overseas trip since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of China-Kazakhstan diplomatic relations, fully reflects the high degree of mutual trust between the two countries and the high-level nature of the Kazakhstan-China permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. The two sides will sign a joint statement to demonstrate their firm commitment to another golden 30 years of Kazakhstan-China relations, which is of special and great significance in the current volatile and complex international environment. It is believed that President Xis visit will mark a new milestone in the history of Kazakhstan-China relations and bring new substance and impetus to the growth of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Kazakhstan will continue to firmly uphold the one-China policy and be a good partner and good friend that China can always rely on under all circumstances. Next year will mark the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by President Xi. The BRI has become an important engine driving the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Kazakhstan will continue to actively support and participate in the BRI. President Tokayev expressed appreciation to China for the valuable support Kazakhstan had received in its battle against COVID-19 and pursuit of economic development. Kazakhstan hopes to better synergize development strategies with China, intensify exchanges at various levels, and deepen cooperation across the board including in economy and trade, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, science and technology, tourism and people-to-people engagements. Kazakhstan stands ready to work with China to implement the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, enhance coordination and collaboration within frameworks such as the SCO, CICA and China+Central Asia, and jointly safeguard security and stability in the region and promote common development. The two heads of state signed and issued the Joint Statement Between the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan on the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, and announced that China and Kazakhstan will work for the goal and vision of building a community with a shared future defined by lasting friendship, a high degree of mutual trust and sharing weal and woe. Relevant departments of the two sides signed bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as economy and trade, connectivity, finance, water conservancy and the media. The two sides decided to set up consulates general in Xian and Aktobe respectively. After the talks, President Xi attended the welcoming banquet hosted by President Tokayev, and the two leaders had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of shared interest. After the banquet, President Xi concluded his state visit to Kazakhstan and left Nur-Sultan for Samarkand on the special plane. He was seen off at the airport by President Tokayev and other senior Kazakh officials. President Tokayev said that President Xis visit, albeit a short one, is highly productive and fruitful. The two leaders reached much important consensus, which will steer Kazakhstan-China relations to an even higher level. President Xi pointed out that his visit is a new starting point for bilateral relations and believed that with the joint efforts of the two sides, China-Kazakhstan relations will enjoy greater development in the future. The two heads of state agreed to keep in close contact through various means. Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and other officials attended the relevant events. On September 19, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the sidelines of the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Both sides agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, and carry forward and develop the unbreakable all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan. Wang Yi said, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a successful meeting on the sidelines of the Samarkand Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. They had friendly and in-depth exchanges, steering the course for the development of China-Pakistan relations and injecting strong impetus into China-Pakistan all-weather friendship. China is ready to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, jointly build a high-quality China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, forge flagship projects of Belt and Road cooperation, and accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future. Wang Yi said, currently, all the people throughout Pakistan are making all-out efforts to fight against severe floods, and they are also faced with heavy and complicated tasks in post-disaster reconstruction. The Chinese government and people will always stand with Pakistan, and firmly believe that under the leadership of the Pakistani government and with the concerted efforts of all sectors, Pakistan will be able to prevail over difficulties at an early date, achieve stronger, safer and more sustained development, and play a more important role in regional and global affairs. China hopes that Pakistan will follow through on the "enhanced version" of the security plan to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan, thus providing a solid guarantee for pragmatic cooperation between the two sides. Bilawal said that the upcoming 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is of historic and milestone significance. He is fully confident that the congress will be a complete success and boost China's efforts to seek greater prosperity. Pakistan always regards its relations with China as the cornerstone of its foreign policy. This has become a common understanding of the whole Pakistani society. Bilawal expressed appreciation for China's support to Pakistan in tackling the pandemic and floods. Pakistan is ready to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain close strategic coordination, consolidate Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, and deepen all-round cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy and stand firmly with China on all issues concerning China's core interests such as Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan. On the afternoon of September 19, 2022, Premier Li Keqiang had a phone conversation with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at Ziguangge of Zhongnanhai at request. Li Keqiang said, China and Vietnam are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong have maintained frequent communication, and it gives a strong boost to the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Vietnam to strengthen exchanges at all levels and deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, so as to bring benefits to the two peoples and contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting common development and prosperity. Li Keqiang pointed out that now the world is beset by sluggish economic recovery and the intertwined impact of various uncertainties and complex factors. Affected by unexpected factors, the Chinese economy is withstanding downward pressure, with intensified efforts being made to stabilize employment and prices. Major economic indicators are kept within an appropriate range, generally showing a recovery momentum. China is glad to see Vietnam's steady economic growth, which will also contribute to the stability of East Asia's industrial and supply chains. We are ready to work with Vietnam to give play to the complementary industrial advantages, expand economic and trade cooperation, ensure smooth customs clearance at border ports, and import more marketable quality agricultural products from Vietnam. On the premise of ensuring COVID-related safety, all Vietnamese students wishing to return to China to resume studies are welcome to do so, and the number of direct flights between the two countries will be increased. Li Keqiang stressed that peace and stability in the South China Sea serve the common interests of all parties. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to take the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea as an opportunity to reach a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at an early date, leverage all parties' wisdom, bear in mind the big picture, advance cooperation, and manage differences, so as to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. Pham Minh Chinh said that consolidating and developing the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is the top priority of Vietnam's foreign policy. Vietnam is willing to work with China to maintain regular high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic coordination, properly handle differences, and promote sustained and in-depth cooperation between Vietnam and China in key areas such as trade and investment, customs clearance and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so as to bring more positive outcomes to bilateral relations. Xiao Jie was present. Voucher scheme highly effective at helping stop smoking in pregnancy A high street voucher scheme has been hailed as a highly effective way to help women stop smoking during pregnancy. In a new nationwide UK study, led by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, Queen's University Belfast, and the Universities of Stirling and York, and published in The BMJ, the addition of a Love2Shop voucher incentive scheme alongside regular UK Stop Smoking Services was shown to more than double the number of women who stopped smoking during pregnancy. The phase three randomised trial examined the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of adding an incentive of up 400 of high street vouchers to existing prenatal care, aimed at helping women to stop smoking in pregnancy. To do this, almost 1,000 pregnant women who were smokers were recruited to the trial, with half receiving standard Stop Smoking Services care and the other half the same prenatal care with the addition of the voucher incentive scheme for smoking cessation. Researchers found that 26.8% of pregnant women quit smoking by the end of their pregnancy from the group which included the addition of the voucher incentive, while 12.3% of pregnant women from the control group, which received only the standard Stop Smoking Services care, stopped smoking. Maternal smoking is responsible for significant ill health and death among women and their children, including 7% of childhood hospital admissions for respiratory infection, 20% of infant deaths and 30% of babies born underweight. Research has shown that women who permanently quit smoking during pregnancy will go on to have a near normal lifespan, whereas women who continue to smoke in pregnancy and beyond are likely to lose up to 10 years of life. The study took place at seven different sites across the UK in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland and confirmed results through nicotine saliva testing. The participants were tested for smoking status between week 34 and week 38 of pregnancy. Most of the pregnant women who quit from both groups relapsed after their baby was born. Research is ongoing to extend support, with financial voucher incentives, for 12 months after the baby is born, to see if mothers remain non-smokers permanently benefitting both parent and child health. Professor David Tappin, lead author of the study from the University of Glasgow, said: We know that smoking in pregnancy can cause significant health problems for both mother and baby. Through this study, we have shown that the offer of high street vouchers, when offered in tandem with the current UK Stop Smoking Services, is highly effective at more than doubling smoking cessation during pregnancy, with a reduction in NHS costs over the long term. Pregnant smokers are usually on low incomes. Stopping smoking saves 70-100 per week by not buying cigarettes, which feeds into the levelling up agenda. We hope our findings will enable services to increase smoking cessation during pregnancy. The number of women who smoke in pregnancy has been declining in countries, including the UK and America, in recent years. In Scotland, between 1995 and 2019 self-reported smoking among pregnant women declined from 30.5% to 14.6% a decline that was matched with falls in the rates of miscarriages and small births. Despite progress in helping pregnant women to stop smoking, there is evidence that engagement with smoking cessation services is variable. Interventions using financial incentives, to encourage better engagement with stop smoking services, were initially piloted in the US and led to the development of this phase three trial in the UK. Professor Linda Bauld, joint principal investigator for the study from the University of Edinburgh, said: Our study shows just how effective high street vouchers are as a quitting aid when added to stop smoking service support. Most women who smoke in pregnancy in the UK are from lower income groups, who will be most affected by the cost of living crisis, and these vouchers will have helped them both make a quit attempt and stay smokefree through pregnancy. This kind of intervention is about prevention, spending up front to avoid much more serious and costly health problems for the baby and the Mum if she continues to smoke. Professor Frank Kee, Director of the Centre for Public Health at Queen's University Belfast and co-author, said: "Smoking during pregnancy poses a high risk to the health of both the baby and the mother. Through this research, we have found that offering an incentive can be an effective way to encourage women to stop smoking, thereby significantly reducing the health risk to the mother and baby. We hope that these findings can be used to inform future health policies." Professor David Torgerson, Co-Director of York Trials Unit, said: "This was a close collaboration between the York Trials Unit at the University of York with colleagues around the country that delivered a successful study, which should have an important impact on smoking cessation among pregnant women." The paper, Financial voucher incentives provided with UK Stop Smoking Services for pregnant women: a phase III Randomised Controlled Trial is published in The BMJ. The work was funded by Cancer Research UK, the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office, HSC Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, HSC R&D Division NI, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke, The Scottish Cot Death Trust and The Lullaby Trust. Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 6557 or 0141 330 4831 Redding, California, Sept. 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled, Biodiesel Market by Blend (B100, B20, B10, B5), Feedstock (Vegetable Oils {Rapeseed Oil, Palm Oil}, Animal Fats {Poultry, Tallow}), Application (Fuel {Automotive, Marine, Agriculture}), and Geography - Forecast to 2029, the biodiesel market is projected to reach $51.47 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period 20222029. Download Free Sample Report Now @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5347 Biodiesel is a non-toxic, clean-burning, biodegradable fuel made from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils and animal fats. It is an oxygenated mono-alkyl ester fuel manufactured from natural, renewable sources, including new or used vegetable oils and animal fats. Moreover, it is a sulphur-free, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly alternative automotive fuel. Its use does not require any major modifications to the existing diesel engine. Some of the major advantages of biodiesel over petroleum diesel fuel include its high cetane number, higher heating value, low smoke and particulates, and low carbon monoxide & hydrocarbon emissions. According to US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57% to 86% and has low toxic and carcinogenic aromatic carbon content. Compared to petrodiesel, biodiesel reduced soot and smog (50% less than diesel fuel), carbon monoxide (48% less), cancer-causing agents (80% less), sulfates, components of acid rain (90100%), and GHG more than 50% compared to petrol. The rising concern regarding greenhouse gas emissions using fossil fuels is driving the growth of the biodiesel market. Consumers across the globe are more likely to opt for environment-friendly biodiesel fuel because of its ability to reduce the effect of greenhouse gas. The rising awareness about environmental issues and safety contributes to the growing popularity of renewable and clean energy sources, attributing to the growth of the global biodiesel market. Impact of COVID-19 on the Biodiesel Market The COVID-19 pandemic adversely hit many economies. Complete lockdown and quarantine to curb the spread of the virus adversely impacted many industries globally. Manufacturing facilities worldwide were shut down during the initial stages of the pandemic. The automotive industry was among the most affected industries during the pandemic. There was a fall in demand for the automotive industry. Along with logistics and freight transportation, the biodiesel market registered interruptions in the value chain, from raw materials supply to government shortages and distribution. The movement restrictions of workers during the pandemic declined the demand for biodiesel from the automotive industry, resulting in the closure of production facilities. The production and trade movements were also affected due to the repeated lockdowns. The decline in business for a few initial months in 2020, coupled with lower demand from a few major markets, put pressure on the profitability of biodiesel manufacturers and vendors. Speak to our Analysts to Understand the Impact of COVID-19 on Your Business: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/speak-to-analyst/cp_id=5347 The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this market were felt in the Latin America region, starting in 2020. The region is one of the largest biodiesel consumers. In Argentina, Peru, and Colombia, in 2020, biodiesel consumption was low due to the reduced demand from the COVID-19 pandemic economic slowdown. In Malaysia, the pandemic affected biodiesel consumption and delayed the implementation of the B20 mandate. In Middle East Africa, the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in the declined demand for biodiesel due to a temporary ban on the production of non-essential items and limited mobility of goods and personnel. A complete halt in the transportation and logistics industry and reduced production in some countries due to lockdowns adversely affected the global biodiesel market in terms of volume sales in 2020 and 2021. However, with the ease of lockdown restrictions, there has been a sudden demand for industrialization activities, likely to boost the biodiesel market's growth Key Findings in the Global Biodiesel Market Study: The global biodiesel market is segmented by blend type (B100, B20, B10, and B5), feedstock (vegetable oils, animal fats, used cooking oil (UCO), and others), and application (fuel, power generation, and others). The study also evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the regional and country-level markets. Based on the blend, the B20 segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is mainly attributed to the increasing government initiatives to adopt B20 in the transport sector, approval for the B20 blend by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in various engines, and the rising environmental concerns. In addition, various developing countries are adopting B20 biodiesel, one of the major factors driving the demand for B20 in the market. For instance, the Malaysia Palm Oil Board plans to adopt the B20 palm oil biofuel program nationwide by the end of 2022. Quick Buy Biodiesel Market- Global Opportunity Analysis And Industry Forecast (2022-2029), Research Report: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/Checkout/79187556 Based on feedstock, in 2022, the vegetable oils segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global biodiesel. However, the UCO segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The fast growth rate of this segment is attributed to the increasing food service industry and the growing use of cooking oil in the production process of biodiesel. Furthermore, the growing awareness about environmental welfare and sustainable energy resources and the high use of UCO in China and India are expected to boost the demand for UCO in biodiesel production. Based on application, the power generation segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The fast growth of this market is mainly attributed to the increasing use of generators to reduce poisonous carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Moreover, the increasing government attempt to adopt renewable energy sources to generate power is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in this market. Based on geography, in 2022, Europe is expected to account for the largest share of the biodiesel market. The large share of this regional market is attributed to the increasing government support and the growing preferences for renewable energy sources. Moreover, the growing demand for biodiesel from end-users, including automotive, power generation, marine, railway, and agriculture, is expected to boost the biodiesel market growth in Europe .However, Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The fast growth of this regional market is attributed to the increasing government blend mandates and environmental concerns over petroleum diesel usage. Furthermore, the growing preference for replacing fossil fuels related to higher greenhouse gas emissions is persuading demand for biodiesel in the Asia-Pacific countries. Some of the key players operating in the global biodiesel market are Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (U.S.), Ag Processing Inc (U.S.), Avril Group (France), Biodiesel Bilbao S.L. (a subsidiary of Bunge Limited) (Spain), Cargill Inc (U.S.), Emami Agrotech Ltd (part of Emami Limited), FutureFuel Chemical Company (U.S.), G-Energetic Biofuels Private Limited (India), Louis Dreyfus Company (Netherlands), Munzer Bioindustrie GmbH (Austria), Renewable Energy Group (U.S), VERBIO Vereinigte BioEnergie AG (Germany), Wilmar International Limited (Singapore), and World Energy LLC (U.S.). To gain more insights into the market with a detailed table of content and figures, click here: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/biodiesel-market-5347 Scope of the Report: Biodiesel Market, by Blend B100 B20 B10 B5 Biodiesel Market, by Feedstock Vegetable Oils Animal Fats Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Other Feedstock Biodiesel Market, by Application Fuel Power Generation Other Applications Biodiesel Market, by Geography North America U.S. Canada Europe Spain France Germany Italy U.K. Netherlands Poland Austria Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific (APAC) China India Indonesia Thailand South Korea Malaysia Rest of APAC (RoAPAC) Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Colombia Rest of Latin America (RoLATAM) Middle East & Africa Download Free Sample Report Now @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5347 Related Reports Green Chemicals Market by Type (Bio-alcohols, Bio-polymers, Bio-organic acids, Bio-ketones, Others), Application (Industrial & Chemical, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Packaging, Construction, Automotive, Other Industries) - Global Forecasts to 2029 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/green-chemicals-market-5008 About Meticulous Research Meticulous Research was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The name of our company defines our services, strengths, and values. Since the inception, we have only thrived to research, analyze, and present the critical market data with great attention to details. With the meticulous primary and secondary research techniques, we have built strong capabilities in data collection, interpretation, and analysis of data including qualitative and quantitative research with the finest team of analysts. We design our meticulously analyzed intelligent and value-driven syndicate market research reports, custom studies, quick turnaround research, and consulting solutions to address business challenges of sustainable growth. THE late Chief Mvuthus daughter Ms Silibaziso Mlotshwa could be one foot closer to succeeding her father after the Chiefs Council endorsed her. Chief Mvuthu, born Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa of Mvuthu area outside Victoria Falls, died in March 2014 aged 61. Headman Mr Bishop Matata Sibanda has been acting Chief to date. The late Chief left behind three daughters, including Ms Mlotshwa, now 26 years and married with one child. There has been a succession wrangle within the family which vowed not to allow Silibaziso to succeed her father claiming her ascendancy would be contrary to the Nguni culture in which its chieftaincy is rooted. The family said the eldest son takes over. In that regard, the family nominated the late chiefs brother Mr Sanders Mlotshwa as the successor in December 2014 but Ms Mlotshwa challenged that in court arguing that she is the one who should take over from her father. The family was divided with one faction in support of Mr Mlotshwa while others backed Silibaziso saying she is being victimised just because she is a woman. At some point, the High Court nullified the nomination of Mr Mlotshwa as a potential successor and ordered the Hwange District Development Coordinator (DDC)s office to restart the selection process concerning human rights. Mr Mlotshwa is the son of the late chiefs brother Simon who is also late. In 2020 the Chiefs Council sent a delegation comprising Chief Sikhobokhobo of Nkayi, Chief Nekatambe of Hwange and Chief Tategulu of Tsholotsho on behalf of the Matabeleland North Provincial Chiefs Assembly to attend a family meeting and have an appreciation of the wrangle. The Matabeleland North Chiefs Assembly recommended to the Chiefs Council after the meeting that Ms Mlotshwa was fit to succeed her father. That recommendation has also been communicated to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission which has been following the case. Gender Commission chief executive Mrs Virginia Muwanigwa confirmed the development. Yes, we received the information that the Chiefs Council has endorsed her but the process is not yet finished. The next process will be for her to be recommended to the President who will decide and we look forward to him acceding, said Mrs Muwanigwa. She said the Gender Commission did not influence the process but merely monitored it. She implored all parties to be guided by the Constitution. We are happy and as Gender Commission, we were coming in because its constitutional that we have equal opportunities in accessing political, economic and social development across gender. Ms Mlotshwa referred questions to her lawyer Mr Thulani Ndlovu of Sansole and Senda Legal Practitioners who confirmed the endorsement but said it was not yet time to celebrate. He said the endorsement is a milestone constitutional achievement. This acknowledgement that she is the rightful heir by the Chiefs Council is not a victory for her but an important constitutional development for Zimbabwe and even beyond, said Mr Ndlovu. He said Ms Mlotshwa is prepared to make peace with the whole of her family for peace to prevail as infighting stifles development and tranquillity within the community. She believes that it is time now to concentrate on development and peacebuilding in line with government policies to leave no one behind. She is calling upon the family to unite and for everyone to work towards community development. The matter has now moved to the realm of local government, said Mr Ndlovu. He said Ms Mlotshwa is happy about the development and responsibility that lies ahead to spearhead the development of her local community in line with the Government development agenda. Mr said if she succeeds her father, she will add to the few female chiefs in the country, and this is an achievement in terms of gender as women have demonstrated that they can lead. President of the Chiefs Council Chief Charumbira could not be reached for comment as he was said to be out of the country. His deputy Chief Mtshane Khumalo of Bubi could not be drawn into commenting saying only Chief Charumbira is allowed to speak about issues resolved by the Chiefs Council. Chronicle BELMONT, CA, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Notre Dame De Namur University (NDNU) School of Business and Management announced today the launch of its online and in-person professional certificate program, offering cutting-edge courses for business professionals looking to expand their career opportunities, develop new skills, gain a competitive edge, and maximize their earning potential. "Employers want leaders who can combine their technical and functional skillsets with executive-level leadership abilities, performance management, innovation, and human resources capabilities," said Jordan Holtzman, NDNU MBA Program Director. "Our certificate programs help working adults become stronger leaders who maintain a competitive professional advantage in their respective fields and organizations." NDNUs certificate programs have been developed by business professionals and NDNU faculty who have cutting-edge expertise in a wide range of topics. Participants learn advanced business practices and applicable skills in an interactive, small class format that they can immediately apply in their organizations. Certificate programs that will be offered include: Entrepreneurship The Business Pitch as a Guide to Understanding Entrepreneurship Venture Capital and Technological Entrepreneurship Technology & Innovation The Silicon Revolution: From light bulbs to a billion transistors in your pocket and the global impact Artificial Intelligence in the Economy Tech Update 2023 Human Resources / Performance Management / Leadership Human Resources International Human Resources Applied Performance Management & Leadership Executive Management Training Certificate Program for Technically Skilled Managers Developing Leadership and Management Foundations Enhancing Team Management and Conflict Resolution Facilitating Ethics and Decision Making Fostering Employee Engagement Managing Change and Innovation Additional certificate programs are in development and will be launched in 2023. About Notre Dame de Namur University Notre Dame De Namur University (NDNU) is a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational institution serving adult learners from diverse backgrounds. Established in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame De Namur, NDNU is the third-oldest college in California and the first authorized to grant women a baccalaureate degree. The university is fully accredited and offers masters degree programs in business, education, and psychology, as well as teacher credential programs. NDNU maintains a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. For more information, visit www.ndnu.edu DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global inflatable packaging market is predicted to reach a value of US$ 4.7 Bn by 2032, with sales growing at a positive CAGR of 6.0% from 2022 to 2032. Predicted to reach an estimated US$ 2.6 Bn in 2022, the target market is fueled by the growing trade of electronic goods. The rising consumption and supply of electronic goods will generate greater demand for safe and lightweight packaging solutions which, in turn, will lead to the growth of the inflatable packaging market during the forecast period. Inflatable packaging solutions are highly popular in the packaging sector as they provide an affordable and convenient cushioning effect. This effect is largely responsible for the safety and security of packaged goods during transportation and delivery. Hence, inflatable packaging is considered to be an effective and protective packaging solution and is predominantly used for providing stability and ensuring safe transit. As a result of this popularity, the sales of the target market are likely to spike over the projected period and create a growth opportunity of US$ 2.2 Bn during the assessment period. Accordingly, the target market is expected to expand by 1.8x its current value. Inflatable packaging provides shatterproof safety solutions for delicate and handle-with-care items like electronic gadgets, glass items, and other products. Get a Sample Copy of the Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-12636 Owing to a surge in the trade of different products, particularly through online retail, is the prime factor that fosters the rising demand for protective packaging solutions such as inflatable packaging. Moreover, elevated demand for consumer electronics is estimated to augment the global sales of inflatable packaging. This is because suppliers and manufacturers are keen on ensuring the safe and secure delivery of products to consumers. Inflatable packaging also aids in lessening the overall weight of the entire package, leading to a decreased warehouse cost. Again, because of less weight, inflatable packaging helps in controlling the carbon footprint. All of these considerations propel the inflatable packaging market to grow over the forecast period. Heightened demand from electrical & electronics, and e-commerce segment will generate several lucrative opportunities for the global growth of the inflatable packaging market over the forecast period, says an FMI analyst. Key Takeaways: Use of sustainable materials like bio-plastics to strengthen market prospects. The inflatable packaging market in the U.S. will expand at a CAGR of 4.2%. Indias inflatable packaging market will hold about 40% of the share in South Asia. By packaging type, the bubble wrap segment will acquire about 4/5th of the market share by the end of 2022. On the basis of end-use, the e-commerce sector will grow by 1.7x during the next ten years. Use promo code ->> FMITODAY to get flat 20% discount Competitive Landscape Sealed Air Corporation, Pregis Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group, Polyair Inc., Sutton Limited, Uniqbag, Green Light Packaging Ltd., Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH, FROMM Packaging Systems Inc., Orion Pack Art, Veritiv Corporation, Jiffy Packaging Co., Barton Jones Packaging Ltd., IVEX Protective Packaging Inc., Intertape Polymer Group Inc., among others, are some of the major players in the inflatable packaging market profiled in the full version of the report. Leading market players are concentrating on increasing their production capacity so as to meet the rising demand. These organizations are also adopting strategies like facility upgradation, product innovation, mergers, and acquisitions to expand and grow their resources. More Insights into Inflatable Packaging Market Report In its latest report, FMI offers an unbiased analysis of the global inflatable packaging market, providing historical data from 2015 to 2021 and forecast statistics for 2022 to 2032. To understand the global market potential, growth, and scope, the market is segmented on the basis of material type (PP, PE, PA, PET), packaging type (bubble wraps, inflated packaging bags, air pillows), end user (e-commerce, shipping & logistics, food & beverage, healthcare, personal care and cosmetics, homecare, electrical & electronics, automotive, other consumer goods), and region. According to the latest FMI reports, based on segmentation, the e-commerce end-use subsegment is expected to be a primary growth driver for the market. This subsegment is likely to expand 1.7 times the current value during the next ten years. The bubble wrap packaging type will continue to dominate the market during the assessment period, holding about 4/5th of the market share in 2022. Based on region, the inflatable packaging market in the United States will show notable growth during 2022-2032 owing to a well-established e-commerce sector. The target market will register a CAGR of 4.2% in this country. The growing online sales which account for 30% of the global online retail sales propel the inflatable packaging market to grow in the U.S. Apart from the U.S., India, too, will demonstrate substantial market growth, accounting for 40% of the market share in South Asia. Before Buying, Visit for Customization @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-12636 Table of Content 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand-side Trends 1.3. Supply-side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 3. Market Background 3.1. Market Dynamics 3.1.1. Drivers 3.1.2. Restraints 3.1.3. Opportunity 3.1.4. Trends 3.2. Impact of Covid-19 3.2.1. Demand in Optimistic Scenario 3.2.2. Demand in Likely Scenario 3.2.3. Demand in Conservative Scenario 3.3. Macro Factors and Forecast Factors 3.4. Value Chain Analysis 3.4.1. Profit Margin Analysis 3.4.2. Raw Material Suppliers 3.4.3. Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Distributors 3.4.4. End Use/ Customers 3.5. Regional Parent Market Outlook 3.6. Production and Consumption Statistics 3.7. Global Average Pricing Analysis Benchmark Browse Full Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/inflatable-packaging-market Explore FMIs Extensive Ongoing Coverage on Packaging Domain FMCG Packaging Market Trends: The global FMCG packaging market is expected to reach US$ 418.8 Bn in 2022, with sales growing at a CAGR of 5.7% through 2032. Beverage Packaging Market Size: The global beverage packaging market is expected to secure US$ 156.7 Billion in 2032 while expanding at a CAGR of 4.1%. The market is likely to hold a value of US$ 104.8 Billion in 2022. Inflatable Bags Packaging Market Value: Inflatable bags packaging is one of the prominent segment in protective packaging which is expected to witness a burgeoning demand in the coming years. Inflatable Void Fill System Market Share: Inflatable packaging is gaining traction among manufacturers, retailers, and logistics service providers due to high level of protection at a low cost. Packaging Bins Market Analysis: Global sales of packaging bins stood at around US$ 1.9 Bn in 2021 and is slated to increase at a CAGR of 4.4% to reach a valuation of US$ 3.0 Bn by 2032. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Contact Us Future Market Insights, Inc. 1602-6 Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower, Plot No: JLT-PH2-X2A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com SEONGNAM, KOREA, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seongnam City will host the '2022 Seongnam Global Healthcare Convention' at the City Hall from October 27 to 29. Seongnam Global Healthcare Convention (formerly Seongnam International Medical Tourism Convention), which marks its fifth anniversary, will be organized as an online and offline event to promote Seongnam City's medical tourism and healthcare industries at home and abroad, combining fourth industrial technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data. The city will hold events for three days including Exhibition on Seongnam Medical Tourism and Healthcare (Oct. 27-29, City Hall lobby and outdoor plaza), B2B Meetings (Oct.27-28, City Hall 3F, Hannuri), International Conference (Oct. 27-28, City Hall 1F, Onnuri), and Lectures on Health & Wellbeing for the Public (Oct.29, City Hall 1F, Onnuri), starting with the opening ceremony at Onnuril of City Hall at 10 a.m. on the first day of the convention. The online participation window includes the official website of Seongnam Global Healthcare Convention and YouTube(channel name: Seongnam Medical Tour). The exhibition event will showcase a variety of items such as artificial intelligence medical services, digital healthcare, concierge (hotel, travel, shopping) products, beauty, quarantine, pharmaceutical & bio, and medical devices from 82 participating institutions and companies. The event will carry out promotional marketing targeting buyers from 44 companies from 14 countries visiting the convention site, including a global big buyer iHerb, a U.S. overseas direct purchase platform as well as CVS Health, a major pharmacy franchise representing the U.S., The B2B Meetings will be operated in such a way that companies participating in the exhibition meet with buyers from 74 companies in 20 countries including the U.S., Austria, and Singapore, and have export consultations. The International Conference will be attended by 20 domestic and foreign experts in the field of medical tourism and healthcare. In the field of medical tourism, there will be topic presentations on the: Pioneering a new market for the sustainable development of medical tourism in South Korea (Ki-nam Jin, Professor, Yonsei University). Medical tourism marketing of Bumrungrad International Hospital (Napas Paorohitya, Chief Marketing Officer, Bumrungrad International Hospital). Medical Tourism Strategy for Malaysia(Talent Management Consultant, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara). In the field of healthcare, there will be topic presentations on the: Data-based hyper-personalized mobile health care service (Hee Hwang, CEO, Kakao Healthcare). 2017/745 EU medical device regulations and certification future trends(Soo-hyuk Uhm, Clinical Assessor, DNV). Through each presentation, changes in the medical tourism and healthcare sectors brought by COVID-19 are diagnosed and future strategies are suggested. Lectures on the Health and Wellbeing for the Public is hosted by comedian Dae-hee Kim, and five lectures will be given by doctors, oriental medicine doctors, and professors, including "Diabetes and blood sugar management," "The introduction of turtle neck & straight neck and correctional exercise method", "How to get pregnant in a proper way", "My inner child" and "Protect myself with ways of thinking: Mental healthcare constants and variables". A city official said, "Seongnam area has the best medical tourism infrastructure in the country, including 1,707 hospitals, 19,100 medical personnel, and 660 advanced bio and healthcare companies." adding, "We will promote globalization by creating a foothold to become a 4th industrial innovation city through this event." Media Contact Brand: 2022 Seongnam Global Healthcare Convention Email: 2022smcbiz@simtc.org Website: http://www.simtc.org SOURCE: 2022 Seongnam Global Healthcare Convention New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kenneth Research has published a detailed market report on the United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market for the forecast period, i.e., 2022-2031 which includes the following factors: Market growth over the forecast period Detailed regional synopsis Market segmentation Growth drivers Challenges Key market players and their detailed profiling United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market Size: The United States financial services cyber security market gathered around USD 6 billion in 2021 and to grow with a CAGR of ~6% over the forecast period. Further, the market is predicted to gather around USD 8 billion by the end of 2031. The growth of the market can be attributed to the rising internet penetration. In the United States, there were reportedly more than 307 million internet users as of January 2022 with a 93% penetration rate. Moreover, it is expected that by 2027, the internet penetration rate would rise to around 96%. Get a Sample PDF of This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10073284 Additionally, 32% of Americans reported using the internet frequently in 2021. The U.S. has a sizable online population for a variety of reasons, including fast broadband, social media engagement, and online commerce. The possibility of financial cyber-attacks is greater as there are more individuals using the internet and on account of financial transactions taking place on websites and digital apps. In the financial industry, web application assaults occurred over 225 times from 2020 to 2021, whereas phishing attacks increased by over 23% in the initial quarter of 2022. Additionally, it has been noted that in the banking, credit, and financial sectors in the U.S. in 2019 there were over 105 data breaches. The rising adoption of internet applications by Americans drives the expansion of the market. United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market: Key Takeaways The banking institutions segment acquires a noteworthy share of the revenue The services segment retains a sizable presence in the market Increased Smartphone Users and Expanding Digital Banking Industry to Fuel the Market Development With a smartphone penetration rate of roughly 79%, the U.S. was listed as the fourth most smartphone-using nation in 2020. In addition, in 2020, there were more than 280 million smartphone users in the United States. Around 95% of people from the age of 18 to 29, possessed a smartphone. In the urban, suburban, and rural sections of the U.S., respectively 90%, 85%, and 81% of people owned smartphones. With more people using smartphones, online financial services are being adopted which helps to expand the market. Browse to access an in-depth research report on the United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market with detailed charts and figures: https://www.kennethresearch.com/report-details/us-financial-services-cyber-security-market/10073284 One of the major advantages of digital banking is the time saved by the users. 90% of American bank clients reportedly prefer online banking. The percentage of digital bank clients in the U.S. who opted to completely forgo branches climbed from 27% in early 2020 to 33% in 2021. Additionally, it has been predicted that 64% of American banking consumers utilize digital banking solutions after the pandemic. Therefore, it is expected that by 2025, the American consumers of digital banking to be more than 215 million. The climbing rate of online banking consumers increases the adoption of cyber security services which further helps to spread the market in the region. United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market, Segmentation by Application Banking Institutions Insurance Companies Investment Management Companies Others By the end of 2031, it is predicted that the banking institutions segment to have the biggest market size. The widespread use of internet banking by Americans can be accounted for this. Additionally, 124 million American homes had a minimum of one person who had a savings or deposit account in 2019 or nearly 95% of all households in the country. The number of commercial banks in the U.S. that are FDIC- insured in 2021 was around 4,240. Among the nations crucial industries, banks are the most secure. The rise of the banking sector increases the volume of bank transactions, particularly digital transactions, during Covid-19, providing chances for the banking sectors cyber security market in the United States to expand. Get a Sample PDF of the United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10073284 United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market, Segmentation by Product Type Hardware Software Services The services segment is estimated to hold a substantial market share over the forecast period. Customers can practically all of the services typically provided by a local branch of banking online, including deposits, transfers, and online bill payments. 90% of U.S. citizens with bank accounts utilize online banking to maintain their accounts. Almost all banks offer some type of internet banking service, which is accessible through desktops and mobile apps. 95% of users of mobile banking utilize online banking services at a minimum once a month. In addition, by 2024, it is predicted to be 3.7 billion global users of mobile and online banking services. Moreover, 56% of users employed credit cards to make online purchases in 2019, compared to 26% who used direct debit. Additionally, almost 28% of clients made payments through internet gateways. Further, by 2023, it is predicted that the banking sector to save USD 7.4 billion in yearly customer relations costs backed by the use of chatbots. The increased online services provided by the banks leads to the expansion of the segment in the region. Few of the well-known market leaders in the United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market that are profiled by Kenneth Research are Broadcom, Inc., IBM, FireEye, FORESCOUT, Cisco Systems, Inc., Tenable, Inc., Threat Warrior, Ernst & Young LLP, Amazon.com, Inc., Zurich, and others. Enquiry before Buying This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10073284 Recent Developments in United States Financial Services Cyber Security Market On 15 th February 2022, the National Football League (NFL) and Cisco Systems, Inc. established a partnership to secure Super Bowl LVI, the major athletic event in the U.S. February 2022, the National Football League (NFL) and Cisco Systems, Inc. established a partnership to secure Super Bowl LVI, the major athletic event in the U.S. On June 2nd, 2021, to assist federal agencies in managing existing and future cyber security risks, IBM announced the launch of the IBM Center for Government Cybersecurity. Browse More Related Reports: Firewall as a Service Market Analysis by Verticals (Healthcare, BFSI, IT & Telecommunication, Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities, and Others); by Organization Size (Small & Medium, and Large Organization); by Service Type (Managed Services, Traffic Monitoring & Control, Security Management, Reporting & Log Management, Professional Services, and Others); and by Deployment (Hybrid, Public, and Private Cloud)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 Threat-Intelligence-Management Market Analysis by Enterprises (Small & Medium, and Large Enterprises); by Deployment (On-Premise, and Cloud); by Solutions (Identity, Risk, and Network Management); and by End-Users (BFSI, IT & Telecommunication, Healthcare, Banking, Retail, and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 5G Market Analysis by Applications (Healthcare, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Manufacturing & Utilities, Retail, and Others); by Component (Device-to-Device Communication, Phantom Cells, and Others); and by Offerings (Services, Software, and Hardware)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 B2B E-Commerce Market Analysis by Applications (Automotive, Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Home & Kitchen, Beauty & Personal Care, and Others); by Payment Mode (Mobile Wallet Apps, Net Banking, Credit Card, and Others); and by Deployment Type (Intermediary, Buyer, and Supplier-Oriented)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 Iot Operating Systems Market Analysis by Component (Professional Services, and Server & Client Services); by Enterprise (Small Enterprise, and Large Enterprise); and by Application (IoT Wearable, Healthcare, Telecommunication, Manufacturing & Retail, Smart Building, Digital Signage, Logistics and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2023-2033 About Kenneth Research Kenneth Research is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates, and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment, etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided the right guidance at a right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decision so as to avoid future uncertainties. Contact for more Info: AJ Daniel Email: info@kennethresearch.com U.S. Phone: +1 313 462 0609 New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Protein Hydrolysis Enzymes Market by Source, Method of Production, Product, Application and Region - Global Forecast to 2027" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06351412/?utm_source=GNW Protein hydrolysis enzymes are increasingly being consumed in the food market with the increased consumption of meat and bakery products. Moreover, the increasing implications of protein hydrolysis enzymes in the pharmaceutical industry pose significant growth opportunities in the market. The growing market demand for protein hydrolysis enzymes is propelling the players in the market to adopt strategies such as product launches, deals and expansions to increase their market penetration. In November 2021, Biocatalysts launched a new product named Promod 324L for the pet food industry. It improved the processibility of the protein by increasing the solubility and reducing the viscosity of the protein. In October 2020, BASF expanded the detergent enzyme technology to provide key ingredients for the home care and I&I industry. Detergent industry has high demand in application segment. The detergent industry dominated the protein hydrolysis enzymes by application segment in 2022.Protein hydrolysis enzymes and other enzymes used in detergent formulations have high activity and stability over a broad range of pH and temperature. Subtilisins are a prototypical group of bacterial serine proteases used extensively in detergents.Protein stains such as grass, blood, eggs, and human sweat are eliminated by proteolysis in laundry detergents. In addition, Serine proteases are the most important group for detergent applications.Adoption of new processing technologies such as ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis offers new avenues to cleaning operations. Specific application of enzymes in detergents includes dishwashing, cleaning of medical devices, laundry, color and fabric care, ware-washing applications, and floor cleaning. The usage of enzymes helps in higher product quality, lower manufacturing cost, and less waste, and reduced energy consumption. Major manufacturers of protein hydrolysis enzymes in the detergent industry include Novozymes (Denmark), BASF SE (Germany), AB Enzymes (UK), and Creative Enzymes (US). Asia Pacific is projected to witness the growth of 8.40% during the forecast period in the protein hydrolysis enzymes market. The protein hydrolysis enzymes market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.40% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing market owing to high population base, rising dispose income, and rising incidences of diseases in the region. The region is expected to grow at a higher rate owing to the growing urbanization and increased demand in the packaged food, soap & washing powder, livestock feed, and pharmaceutical sectors. China, Japan, South Korea, and India have a reputation in the global pharmaceutical market for the continuous innovations done by their homegrown biotechnological firms. Protein hydrolysis enzymes are being developed in various forms to suit the varied needs of the food industries as well. The market for proteases in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to have positive growth in the future. The break-up of Primaries: By Company Type: Demand side 43%, Supply side 57% By Designation: C level 29%, Managers 21%, Executives 50% By Region: North America 34%, Europe 37%, Asia Pacific 16%, RoW 13% Leading players profiled in this report: Novozymes (Denmark) Associated British Foods (UK) DSM (Netherlands) DuPont (US) BASF (Germany) Advanced Enzyme Technologies (India) Chr. Hansen Holding A/S (Denmark) Dyadic International (US) Research Coverage: The report segments the protein hydrolysis enzymes market based on source, method of production, product, application, and region. In terms of insights, this report has focused on various levels of analysesthe competitive landscape, end-use analysis, and company profiles, which together comprise and discuss views on the emerging & high-growth segments of the global protein hydrolysis enzymes market, high-growth regions, countries, government initiatives, drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. Reasons to buy this report: To get a comprehensive overview of the protein hydrolysis enzymes market To gain wide-ranging information about the top players in this industry, their product portfolios, and key strategies adopted by them To gain insights into the major countries/regions in which the protein hydrolysis enzymes market is flourishing Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06351412/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Dublin, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Component and End User" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring Market is expected to grow from US$ 94.74 million in 2022 to US$ 193.72 million by 2028; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.7% from 2022 to 2028. Corrosion is a serious issue as it hampers the overall industrial ecosystems worldwide, and corrosion by products, such as rust, contaminate water bodies. Thus, corrosion can hamper the long-term viability of infrastructural assets, while corrosion-led pollution is detrimental to the environment and ecosystems. Businesses that fail to take appropriate measures to protect their equipment against corrosion tend to incur more costs due to the frequent need for equipment replacement and lengthy downtimes resulting from equipment breakdowns. Further, a rise in demand for asset management services by end-use industries and emerging countries presents opportunities in the corrosion under insulation monitoring market. The corrosion under insulation monitoring market is bifurcated into component and end user. Based on component, the market is segmented into hardware, software, and services. Based on end user, the market is segmented into oil & gas, marine, chemical & petrochemical, energy & power, food processing, and others. Canada accounted for the second-largest market in North America corrosion under insulation monitoring market share. According to the Association for Mineral Protection and Performance (AMPP) report in 2021, corrosion affected industrial sectors in Canada: energy, municipal, manufacturing, and marine. The corrosion-related deterioration and failure costs for the year were US$ 48.95 billion. Further, ~2.5% of the country's GDP is spent on corrosion-related issues. The end user industries, such as oil & gas, will have to take preventative measures to counter the replacement and maintenance costs of the equipment with the help of CUI monitoring solutions. Further, the presence of prominent market players, such as SGS Canada, will boost the growth of the corrosion under insulation monitoring market in the country. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Based on country, the Asia Pacific corrosion under insulation monitoring market is segmented into Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. In 2022, India is expected to account for the second-largest corrosion under insulation monitoring market growth in the Asia Pacific. India has a robust chemical & petrochemical industry with growing investment by both regional and international players. It ranks 6th and 9th in imports and exports respectively in the global market, contributing ~12.8% in total imports and 12.9% in total exports in 2021. The growth of the industry is attributed to the increase in per capita consumption across the country. For instance, the consumption of polyethylene and polypropylene increased from 6.5 kg in 2015 to 8.2 kg in 2020. Additionally, the adoption of digitalization across the chemical companies is expected to contribute to the growth of the corrosion under insulation monitoring market. For instance, organizations are implementing sensors across their production sites to fetch real-time data across operational sites. These factors are further expected to increase the demand for CUI monitoring sensors from the chemical & petrochemical industry of the country. Additionally, the rise in investment by the Indian government to expand their oil refineries is expected to contribute to the growth of the corrosion under insulation monitoring market players of India. Market Dynamics Market Drivers Losses Caused by Corrosion-Related Damages Increasing Demand from Oil & Gas Sector and Rising Investment in Emerging Nations Market Restraints Requirement of Skilled Personnel and Technical Expertise Market Opportunities Rising Focus to Enhance Durability of Equipment in Food & Beverages Sector Future Trends Integration of AI with Corrosion Monitoring Systems Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Key Takeaways 3. Research Methodology 4. Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring Market Landscape 5. Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring Market - Key Market Dynamics 6. Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring Market - Global Market Analysis 7. Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring Market Analysis - By Component 8. Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring Market - By End User 9. Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring Market - Geographic Analysis 10. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Corrosion under insulation monitoring Market 11. Global Corrosion under Insulation Monitoring Market-Industry Landscape 12. Company Profile 13. Appendix Companies Mentioned Sci Limited Alabama Specialty Products, Inc. Eddyfi Technologies iSensPro KAEFER MAXWELL NDT MISTRAS Group TesTex Incorporated QSA Global, Inc. Cosasco For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dcilra Attachment Toronto, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- World Wildlife Fund Canada is asking people to help stop wildlife loss this holiday season by symbolically adopting species as gifts. WWFs recently released Living Planet Report found monitored wildlife populations have declined by 69 per cent, on average, since 1970. WWF-Canadas symbolic adoptions program offers Canadians the chance to bring home their favourite species while also supporting conservation efforts aimed at reversing this trend. Each adoption kit costs between $50 - $100 and comes with an adorable plush, a personalized adoption certificate and an educational poster so recipients can learn more about the species and how their symbolic adoption is making a difference. There are countless gifts to choose from each holiday season, but few will make as enduring an impact as a symbolic adoption. Unwrapping a gift that helps reverse wildlife loss, restore nature and fights climate change is a dream for wildlife lovers and the eco-conscious recipient, says Scott Sandison, WWF-Canadas vice-president of community giving. New species for adoption this year include the melodic humpback whale, the striking red-eyed tree frog and the devoted African elephant family. Also new is Panu Panda, a super soft panda cub plush designed for infants and toddlers. Gift givers can also choose from returning favourites such as grizzly bears, narwhal, polar bears, reindeers, tigers and sloths or save with our brand-new bear and big cat bundles. Check out our complete collection of more than 45 species at wwf.ca/shop. Meet the new species: Each plush is designed with the help of species experts to incorporate unique, true-to-life features and markings. Humpback whale : Known for its beautiful underwater songs, this majestic marine mammal is impacted by ship collisions, pollution, entanglement and underwater noise. Just like humpbacks in the wild, our plush has countershading a dark colour on the surface and a light belly. : Known for its beautiful underwater songs, this majestic marine mammal is impacted by ship collisions, pollution, entanglement and underwater noise. Just like humpbacks in the wild, our plush has countershading a dark colour on the surface and a light belly. Red-eyed tree frog : Masters of camouflage, red-eyed tree frogs can also use their bright colours to throw off predators. In addition to its vividness, our plush was designed with vertical pupils, which help the nocturnal frog see better at night. Red-eyed tree frog numbers are declining due to factors like habitat loss. : Masters of camouflage, red-eyed tree frogs can also use their bright colours to throw off predators. In addition to its vividness, our plush was designed with vertical pupils, which help the nocturnal frog see better at night. Red-eyed tree frog numbers are declining due to factors like habitat loss. African elephant family: Populations were severely depleted by the ivory trade in the 19th century. Today, poaching and habitat loss continue to endanger this animal. The close bond between elephant moms and their calves inspired the newest family adoption. The plush has huge ears because ears play such an important role in keeping African elephants cool on the savanna. Other ways to give meaningfully WWF-Canada has a variety of environmentally-friendly options that make finding the perfect gift easy. Apparel : Show off your love for wildlife and nature with WWF-Canadas collection of branded apparel. Choose from lightweight hoodies, wildlife socks, and T-shirts for adults, children and toddlers. Show off your love for wildlife and nature with WWF-Canadas collection of branded apparel. Choose from lightweight hoodies, wildlife socks, and T-shirts for adults, children and toddlers. Outerwear : Stay warm with our cruelty-free wool mittens, and 100 per cent organic cotton scarf and toque with panda design. : Stay warm with our cruelty-free wool mittens, and 100 per cent organic cotton scarf and toque with panda design. Regenerate Canada print: The concentric rings of a tree stump provide a snapshot of natures past. By denoting significant dates in our planets climate story and casting ahead to the future, this modern 20"x28 print reminds us that we can stay on the right side of the line and choose a better path. Wildlife Cards: Many of the adoptions are now available as a beautiful card-only option. Virtual gifts : With no packaging or mailing, these hassle-free gifts may be virtual, but their impact is very real for the ecosystems and wildlife they help. This holiday season, add Help a polar bear stay cool ($20) or Give a tiger a fighting chance ($100) to your list of favourite things. How to order Visit wwf.ca/shop or call 1-800-26-PANDA. All deliveries are guaranteed in time for the holidays if ordered by Dec. 13 (Dec. 9 for rural delivery). Priority options are available. Shipping is free with the purchase of two or more adoptions kits (or orders of $90 or more) to the same Canadian address. Visit here for multimedia files for public distribution. About World Wildlife Fund Canada WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. For more information visit wwf.ca. Attachments LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MetAlert, Inc. (OTC: MLRT), a pioneer in the field of health & safety, wearable GPS human and asset tracking systems, announced it has received final approval from the regulatory bodies and completed all of the corporate actions filed in their 14c on July 19. MetAlert, Inc., formerly known as GTX Corp, is now operating and trading under its new ticker symbol MLRT. As part of its marketing strategy, MetAlert, has also retained North Equities Corp to provide digital marketing services aimed at building awareness of its rebranding and positioning in the medical device, telehealth, and remote patient monitoring (RPM) industry. Patrick Bertagna, MetAlert CEO, commented on this development by saying, "We believe that North Equities brings unique skills and expertise that will help strengthen our existing team, as we continue to grow and build recognition in the marketplace. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and with our teams expertise in digital marketing and keen focus on strategic brand building, we look forward to achieving great things in the future as we navigate the ever-changing markets of today. Since the rebranding went effective MetAlert has received a significant amount of media coverage both domestically and internationally. The Company was mentioned in dozens of U.S. media outlets including FOX News, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, Yahoo Finance, NY Business Digest, PubCo Insights, Belmont Star, Herald Market and Security Solutions Watch. Internationally, MetAlert news was reported in Mexico, Canada, Japan, India, Thailand, Brazil, Germany, and New Zealand. Link to the recent press: https://metalert.com/metalert-media-coverage-index/ Recent Stock Day Podcast Interview The Company has several scheduled interviews in the coming weeks and will continue its media campaign to increase brand awareness for MetAlert and explain its broader vison centered around solutions that improve health, safety, wellness, longevity, and quality of life. For all press or sales inquiries, please contact us at info@metalert.com About MetAlert MetAlert, Inc. (OTC: MLRT) a pioneer in smart, mobile, and wearable tracking and recovery location-based solutions, supported through a proprietary IoT enterprise monitoring platform and intellectual property portfolio. The Company offers a global end-to-end solution of hardware, software and connectivity and develops two-way GPS tracking technologies, which seamlessly integrate with consumer products and enterprise applications. Utilizing the latest in miniaturized, low power consumption GPS, Cellular, RF, NFC and BLE technology, enabling subscribers to track in real time the whereabouts of people or high value assets. Known for its game-changing and award-winning patented GPS SmartSole -- think Dr. Scholls meets LoJack, the worlds first invisible wearable technology tracking device created for those at risk of wandering due to Alzheimers, dementia, autism, and traumatic brain injury. MetAlerts business model is built around technology innovation and holds dozens of patents, with many issued patents in the area of GPS tracking. The company has international distributors servicing customers across the globe with subscribers in over 40 countries and is a U.S. Military Government contractor. Other customers include public health authorities and municipalities, emergency and law enforcement, private schools, assisted living facilities, NGOs, small business enterprises, senior care homes, and consumers. www.MetAlert.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/metalertinc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metalertinc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metalertinc/ Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. The terms and phrases expects, would, will, believes, and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by MetAlert considering its experience and its perception of current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that MetAlert believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause MetAlerts actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain risk factors that may cause actual results to differ are set forth in MetAlerts Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (which may be obtained on the SEC Website). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on MetAlerts forward-looking statements. MetAlert has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required. Disclaimer: MetAlert does not warrant or represent that the unauthorized use of materials drawn from the content of this document will not infringe rights of third parties who are not owned or affiliated by MetAlert. Further MetAlert cannot be held responsible or liable for the unauthorized use of this documents content by third parties unknown to the company. General information, investor relations, wholesale licensing, consumer purchase: MetAlert, Inc. Tel: 213.489.3019 Email: ir@metalert.com MetAlert United Kingdom, London Nelson Skip Riddle Tel: +44 7785 364100 Email: nsriddle@metalert.com CAMBRIDGE, Neb., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pinpoint Communications and the City of Beatrice are excited to announce they have entered into a Public Private Partnership Agreement for Pinpoint and the City to develop and construct an all-fiber network to all business and residential properties within the city limits. An aerial and underground conduit system deployed with 100% fiber connectivity will be established to enhance the deployment of Fiber-based Broadband services within the community of Beatrice. Installation will begin in early 2023 with completion later that year, upon which, residents and businesses will enjoy the luxury of high-speed Internet and outstanding customer service provided by Pinpoint. Pinpoint will be opening a retail location in the community of Beatrice to further assist the community with its broadband needs. "Pinpoint is proud to continue our expansion efforts in rural America and support economic development. Pinpoint believes that every community should have access to an all-fiber network that has the capabilities to futureproof the technology of the future. Pinpoint is committed to ensuring that all rural Nebraskans have access to high-quality broadband services. Pinpoint is excited about the partnership with the City and looks forward to serving these new customers in Beatrice," said Tom Shoemaker, Pinpoint president. "The City of Beatrice is excited about the opportunity to work with Pinpoint. For many years, we have searched for a carrier to help assist the city with our technology needs. The importance of fiber connectivity and support of the City of Beatrice's economic development goals is important to the long-term viability of our community. We believe that Pinpoint has the ability to assist in this and why we are so excited about this opportunity," said City Administrator Tobias Tempelmeyer. Pinpoint will be entering the community with Internet packages that will allow customers to purchase multi-Gig services to their homes and businesses. Pinpoint is excited to be the first provider in the market to provide multi-Gig solutions to the community for their broadband needs. A community with these broadband speeds allows customers to access internet content and services they previously couldn't enjoy in a fraction of the time. Additionally, a reliable fiber connection is a significant step forward for a community in fostering Economic Development and attracting businesses in today's competitive landscape. Pinpoint will continue to offer packages at affordable rates to the community as it does in all of Pinpoint's current markets. Pinpoint is a proud participant of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline program and provides low-income discounts for eligible customers. Pinpoint strives to help close the affordability portion of the digital divide with these digital inclusion programs to make Broadband more affordable for all. For more information and to pre-sign up for services, visit pnpt.com. Contact Information: Melissa Jackson Marketing Coordinator melissa.jackson@pnpt.com 4024140397 Related Images Image 1: Pinpoint logo This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment VANCOUVER, British Columbia and LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Construction of General Fusions demonstration machine, which is being built at the UK Atomic Energy Agencys Culham Campus, advanced significantly with the fabrication of an at-scale fusion vessel trial ring by Sheffield Forgemasters. This critical component will confirm the specifications of the thick-walled fusion vessel, designed to withstand the high temperatures and compressive forces needed to create fusion energy with General Fusions practical technology Magnetized Targeted Fusion (MTF). The vessel is designed to be modular, made up of 11 steel rings bolted together on site. In the future, this cost-effective and efficient method will enable General Fusion to deploy its commercial machines quickly. The trial rings specifications are the same as the rings planned for the fusion demonstration machine and allow the engineering team to validate the performance of the high-strength steel alloy, finalize the vessel design, and confirm the manufacturing process. The fusion demonstration machine will create fusion conditions, including achieving a temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius in a power-plant-relevant environment. Its results will provide the information needed to design and build a commercial pilot plant that generates electricity at an affordable price. Sheffield Forgemasters brings to this project over 200 years of expertise creating complex steel components, said Greg Twinney, Chief Executive Officer, General Fusion. Teaming up with world-leading specialists allows us to focus on our commercialization plan and stay on pace to generate zero-carbon electricity by the early 2030s. At Sheffield Forgemasters, we pride ourselves on our innovation and have extensive knowledge and experience in establishing practical manufacturing solutions for disruptive technologies, such as fusion energy, said David Bond, Chief Executive Officer, Sheffield Forgemasters. We are thrilled to be a part of this project and to play a role in bringing fusion energy to the world. To create the trial ring, a large steel ingot was forged in an open-die press, forming the steel into a donut shape with a diameter of just over three metres. Next, the ingot will be rolled and expanded into a larger, thinner ring; at this point, the ring will span 7.6 metres in diameter. Then, 56 holes will be drilled into the ring. These replicate the holes that will transmit high-pressure gas from the compression drivers to a spinning interior rotor in the fusion demonstration machine. The pressure change will push smaller pistons to collapse General Fusions proprietary liquid metal liner around hydrogen plasma and create fusion. The final trial ring will weigh an impressive 42 metric tons. Sheffield Forgemasters engineering team will complete non-destructive testing on the trial ring, which can include visual, ultrasonic, dye-penetrant and magnetic particle inspection, as well as eddy current testing. At General Fusion, every decision we make is guided by our mission to bring affordable fusion energy to the electricity grid in a practical way. Projects such as this cultivate our fusion supply chain and show that the time for fusion energy is now, said Mr. Twinney. About General Fusion General Fusion is pursuing the fastest and most practical path to commercial fusion energy and is based in Vancouver, Canada, with locations in London, UK, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA. The company was established in 2002 and is funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at www.generalfusion.com. General Fusion Media Relations media@generalfusion.com +1-866-904-0995 Follow General Fusion twitter.com/generalfusion instagram.com/generalfusion linkedin.com/company/general-fusion facebook.com/generalfusion youtube.com/c/GeneralFusionInc About Sheffield Forgemasters Sheffield Forgemasters specialises in the design and manufacture of high-integrity forgings and castings for the worlds most complex engineering challenges. The company operates a fully integrated end-to-end manufacturing process, including steel-making, forge, foundry, machining and testing, from a single site in Sheffield. Some of the largest bespoke engineered steel products in the world are produced with capacity for castings of up to 350 tonnes and forgings of up to 200 tonnes finished weight. Global markets served include Defence, Civil Nuclear, Offshore, Power Generation, Renewables, Steel Plant, Steel Processing and Ingot & Bar. The company was acquired in August 2021 by the Ministry of Defence who intend to invest up to 400m over the next 10 years to re-capitalise defence-critical plant and equipment on site. For further information, contact Agent Public Relations Billy Greenhalgh on 07730527270 www.agentpr.co.uk. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed65e50a-24bf-4605-89d1-e8f089ef5950 Understanding China's pursuit of common prosperity (People's Daily App) 10:35, October 20, 2022 Common prosperity, an essential requirement of socialism and a key feature of Chinese-style modernization, aims to create a future where prosperity is shared by everyone in the country. While the term "common prosperity" has sparked interest and attracted attention, it has also caused misinterpretations from some overseas observers. For example, some misinterpret common prosperity in China as egalitarianism, saying it means "robbing the rich to help the poor." But the fact is that in China, the prerequisite of common prosperity is that the cake must continue to get bigger. It allows some people to become well-off first, who then inspire and help the latecomers. The protection of legitimate private property has been written into the China's Constitution, and China will not opt for a robbing-the-rich-for-the-poor approach. Rather than being egalitarian or having only a few people prosperous, common prosperity refers to affluence shared by everyone, both in material and cultural terms. Common prosperity will be advanced step by step. Some misinterpret that common prosperity and the encouraged "tertiary distribution" mean that charitable donations could be compulsory. Chinas officials have explained that charitable donations should be encouraged through taxation policies and can improve the distribution structure, but donations are not compulsory. Tencent, Chinas tech giant, explains in this video how its foundation works and what they try to achieve through public welfare. As a resource connector, the company hopes it can ignite more enthusiasm and encourage more participation in public welfare programs. Achieving common prosperity will be a long-term, arduous and complicated task that should be promoted in a gradual and progressive manner. Local authorities will be encouraged to explore effective ways that suit local conditions. China issued a guideline in 2021 on building the coastal Zhejiang Province into a demonstration zone for achieving common prosperity. In the past decade, Zhejiang has achieved balanced and coordinated development. The provinces Eshan and Fenghuang villages in this video have found their own ways to create a better life for the people. Common prosperity should be promoted following a people-centered development philosophy with high-quality development. The pursuit of common prosperity emphasizes the balance between efficiency and fairness, as well as the development of a set of institutional arrangements based on a coordinated three-tier income distribution system. Click on the video to learn more about Chinas pursuit of common prosperity. (Produced by Cheng Weidan, Shan Xin, Liang Peiyu, Lu Dong and Xu Zheqi; Story by Xu Zheqi) (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) A BULAWAYO High Court judge has stripped the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) of its monopoly in the public transport business. Justice Evangelista Kabasa said COVID-19 lockdown regulations which saw private public transport operators being restricted from providing services was unlawful, irregular and invalid. The ruling was triggered by an application by Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Co-operation Limited challenging the Zupco monopoly after its members were ordered to stop operations in line with COVID-19 regulations. In the application, Tshova-Mubaiwa cited Vice-President and Health and Child Care minister Constantino Chiwenga, Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Godwin Matanga, Local Government minister July Moyo and President Emmerson Mnangagwa as respondents. In her ruling, Justice Kabasa said: It is ordered that section 4(2)(a) of the Public Health (COVID-19) Prevention, Containment and Treatment (National Lockdown) Order 2020 be declared unlawful, irregular and invalid and is hereby reviewed and set aside and the first respondent to pay the costs of suit. Tshova Mubaiwa Transport was represented by Josephat Tshuma from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR). Commenting on the ruling, the ZLHR tweeted: We have stripped the State-run @zupcobus of its widely-despised monopoly in the transport sector by outlawing legislation which caused a domination for Zupco to provide bus and commuter omnibus transport services to passengers across Zimbabwe. Government has been insisting that private commuter omnibus operators remain banned unless they join the Zupco franchise. Newsday New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global acquired orphan blood disease market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 10.4% and value of US$ 21.5 Bn by 2032, up from US$ 8 Bn in 2022. North America is expected to remain the leading regional market through the forecast period of 2022 to 2032. Increasing Per Capita Income in Developing Nations At present, the per capita income of people living in developing countries is increasing at a noticeable speed that further bolsters their capacity to spend more on advanced healthcare solutions. The factor is likely to increase sales avenues in the global acquired orphan blood disease market. The emergence of novel therapies is expected to open up new avenues for industry players. Moreover, in many emerging markets, for instance, India is also anticipated to create various new growth opportunities in the market while contributing to the demand avenues. Request for sample copy of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4464 Increasing Prevalence of Blood-Related Diseases in North America North America is anticipated to hold a dominating position in the market owing to the rising count of blood-related diseases in the region. In addition, increased R&D investment in novel drugs and growing access to healthcare insurance facilities, especially in the U.S. are estimated to influence growth opportunities in the regional market. After North America, Europe is also expected to grow at a noticeable speed in the years ahead due to the presence of well-structured and advanced healthcare solutions. East Asia and South Asia & Pacific regions are projected to grow at a rapid pace owing to increasing government initiatives for effective healthcare facilities and rising healthcare infrastructure. The presence of a larger patient population in the regions is expected to drive demand opportunities in the regional markets. Get customized report as per requirement: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/request-customization/4464 Acquired Orphan Blood Disease Industry Research by Category By Therapy: Recombinant Factor Immunoglobulin Infusion Therapy Activated Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists Others By Disease Indication: Acquired Agranulocytosis Acquired Hemophilia Acquired Von Willebrand Syndrome Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) Myelodysplastic Syndrome Other Get full access of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/4464 By Distribution Channel: Hospital Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Key Market Players Key companies operating in this market are Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Amgen, Inc., Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi S.A., GlaxoSmithKline plc, and Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Some of the other companies operating in this market are Onconova Therapeutics, Inc., Incyte Corporation, and CTI BioPharma Corp. Other Trending Reports: About Persistence Market Research: Business intelligence is the foundation of every business model employed by Persistence Market Research. Multi-dimensional sources are being put to work, which include big data, customer experience analytics, and real-time data collection. Thus, working on micros by Persistence Market Research helps companies overcome their macro business challenges. Persistence Market Research is always way ahead of its time. In other words, it tables market solutions by stepping into the companies/clients shoes much before they themselves have a sneak pick into the market. The pro-active approach followed by experts at Persistence Market Research helps companies/clients lay their hands on techno-commercial insights beforehand, so that the subsequent course of action could be simplified on their part. Contact Rajendra Singh Persistence Market Research U.S. Sales Office: 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York City, NY 10007 +1-646-568-7751 United States USA - Canada Toll-Free: 800-961-0353 Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Westford, USA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An increase in the demand for Medical Equipment Rental Market is seen as there is an incline in the number of self-employed workers and a preference for outsourcing the work. Medical rental is rising in demand as it helps provide the patients with the best care and saves costs on purchasing equipment. Hospitals across the world are turning into rental partners. Renting and leasing medical equipment is an alternative for medical institutions and home caregivers as they save costs. As per SkyQuest market analysis of the global medical equipment rental market, main the market is small businesses and hospitals that need equipment but dont have the budget to buy it outright. It is observed that customers typically save between 50% and 80% on average when they rent gear from it instead of buying it outright. The study further suggests that the market growth has been spurred by a number of factors, including the rising cost of health care and the increasing trend of people outsourcing their work. Get sample copy of this report: https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/medical-equipment-rental-market Know More about the Recent Developments in the Medical Equipment Rental Market In August 2022, US Med-Quip, a provider of medical equipment and services rental acquired Freedom Medical, a provider of movable medical equipment and asset management. With the growth in the demand for equipment and services, this acquisition will help meet the expected requirements across the country. As per the data of June 2022, the Health Minister of Malayasia sanctioned considering renting more medical equipment to replace old ones and reduce costs. This was previously done in 2020 with RM 19.6 million over a five-year period. With goals to replace the medical equipment in line with the current technological developments, the ministry has provided RM 67 million until June. This is projected to boost the medical equipment rental market growth in the years to come. In February 2022, First Horizon and Toronto-Dominion Bank signed an agreement for TD to buy First Horizon with a transaction value of USD 13 billion. This acquisition will help the combined organization to have a shared customer-centric strategy and broader client capabilities and will be able to scale benefits immediately. In February 2022, Glaukoss iStent Inject got FDA clearance and was used to minimize intraocular pressure in patients diagnosed with different variants of glaucoma. This innovation in the durable medical equipment rental market fuelled the overall growth of the market. In January 2021, Hillrom, a medical technology company acquired Bardy Diagnostics (BardyDx), which is a cardiac monitor patch to detect arrhythmia. Acquisition of this has expanded their cardiology devices portfolio and these will subsequently be rented along with Holter and resting ECG devices. In June 2020, MedOne Group announced the establishment of new rental medical equipment and services distribution chain in North Carolina. In March 2020, Med-Equip acquired Martab Equipment Management Services to specially cater to the rental of equipment like infant incubators, infusion pumps, and blood pressure monitors. SkyQuest has published a report analyzing the current developments in the medical equipment rental market which will allow an insight into the market structure and the new innovations, M&As, and other strategies. This is help businesses to take decisions and align their business strategies with what is on demand currently and where the untapped potential is left to be fulfilled. Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://skyquestt.com/report/medical-equipment-rental-market With 50% of the Startups Expenditure going towards Buying Equipment, Renting is an Affordable Approach The need for durable equipment rental is expected to grow as the widespread demand in the lease of traction devices, wheelchairs, pressure mats, and so on. The rise in health care startups has raised the growth of medical equipment rental market. For instance, an MRI machine or a CT scanner has an average cost between USD 1 million to USD 3 million, which is a huge amount for any startup to invest in. In such cases, rental equipment is handy, and leasing them helps them maintain their revenue without decreasing the quality of service and reduction in overall expenditure. As per SkyQuests analysis, almost 50% of a startups expenditure goes into buying novice equipment. It is beneficial to rent equipment for the upgraded technology they provide when and as required and the flexibility of the operations renting provides. These reasons are slowly driving startups to opt for renting new and improved equipment without spending their payments on purchasing new equipment which will be updated as soon as more medical innovations hit the market. It can be observed from this study that a 33% share of the global medical equipment rental market is taken by surgical equipment. It is followed by durable medical equipment ad storage and transport devices which take 21% of the market each. 14% of the market share is taken by personal mobility devices and 11% is taken by electronic and digital equipment. SkyQuests survey on the global medical equipment rental market found that medical equipment rental prices are up 5.8% from last year and 8.2% from the year before that. In addition, the average amount rented per month is also on the rise, rising from USD 1,373 in 2017 to USD 1,491 in 2021. It is believed that the demand for medical equipment rental will continue to grow as more people become aware of its importance. As more people experience firsthand how crucial medical equipment is during critical moments in their health, they are becoming more likely to take advantage of this affordable and convenient option. SkyQuest has analyzed leading countries in the global medical equipment rental market like North America. In the report, the key strategies applied by the top players of the market are studied like R&D activities, collaborations, partnerships, capital utilization, and revenue pockets to provide helpful insight for businesses to establish their foothold and gain a competitive edge in the ever-growing market. Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/medical-equipment-rental-market Key Players in the Medical Equipment Rental Market Medtronic (Ireland) Cardinal Health Inc. (US) BD (US) Johnson & Johnson (US) B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany) Boston Scientific Corporation (US) Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US) Baxter International, Inc. (US) Avanos Medical, Inc. (US) 3M (US) Smith & Nephew (Ireland) ConvaTec Group Plc. (UK) Abbott (US) Cook Medical (US) Merit Medical Systems (US) Stryker (US) Terumo Corporation (Japan) Teleflex Incorporated (US) Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (Germany) Coloplast Group (Denmark) Related Reports in SkyQuests Library: Global General Anesthesia Drugs Market Global Herbal Medicine Market Global Antibiotics Market Global Office-based Labs Market Global Prescription Lens Market About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 617-230-0741 Email: sales@skyquestt.com New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Food Contract Manufacturing Global Market Report 2022" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06351351/?utm_source=GNW The global food contract manufacturing market is expected to grow from $126.82 billion in 2021 to $141.62 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%. The food contract manufacturing market is expected to grow to $207.79 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 10.1%. The food contract manufacturing market consists of sales of food contract manufacturing services by entities (organizations, sole traders, and partnerships) that are used to handle the manufacturing of food production activities through other agencies.This includes activities such as preparation of school food services, and in others, meals may be catered for an event. Food contract manufacturing refers to outsourcing in which one company hires another firm to manufacture food products. This helps the customer company focus more on branding and marketing. The main types of services in the food contract manufacturing market are manufacturing services, packaging services, and research and development.Manufacturing services refer to services that are used in the food industry as they allow for the avoidance of investments in food production and packaging machinery, facilities, resources, and highly skilled personnel. The various manufacturing processes include dry blending, spray drying, and extrusion. North America was the largest region in the food contract manufacturing market in 2021.Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food contract manufacturing market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The food contract manufacturing market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides food contract manufacturing market statistics, including food contract manufacturing industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the food contract manufacturing market share, detailed food contract manufacturing market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food contract manufacturing industry. This food contract manufacturing market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry. Increasing food demand during the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to propel the growth of the food contract manufacturing market going forward.The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes the COVID-19 infectious disease. Most people infected with the virus experience mild to moderate respiratory illness.Taking healthy and hot food at regular intervals helps to reduce the effect of COVID-19 and boosts immunity, which has thus increased the demand for food. For instance, according to Oxford Press, a UK-based Oxford University Press, in 2020, in Europe, the demand for fresh bread increased by 76%, and frozen vegetables by 52%. Also, healthy food and beverage consumption increased, with vegetables by 33%, fruit by 29%, legumes by 26.5%, and extra virgin olive oil by 21.5%. Therefore, increased food demand during the pandemic is driving the growth of the food contract manufacturing market going forward. New product innovations have emerged as the key trend gaining popularity in the food contract manufacturing market.Major companies operating in the food contract manufacturing sector are focused on developing new innovative products to increase their market share. For instance, in March 2022, EnWave Corporation, a Canada-based advanced technology company, launched its state-of-the-art vacuum-microwave toll drying facility, REVworx.This facility offers on-demand contract manufacturing services for the production of high-quality, vacuum-microwave dried snacks and ingredient applications for food companies of all sizes. REVwork uses REV technology that would lower the upfront capital investment and increase speed to market. In October 2019, Newrest, a France-based out-of-home food service company, acquired EM Food Services for an undisclosed amount.With this acquisition, Newrest expands its business in the Singapore market. It also expects to significantly speed up its business development in Asias contract food services market and build its retail (bar and restaurant management) activities under concessions in the regions airports. EM Food Services Company is a Singapore-based company that provides contract food manufacturing services. The countries covered in the food contract manufacturing market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06351351/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Orange, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRN , a brand of The Channel Company , has named CBT a winner in the 2022 IoT Innovators Awards. CBT is a recognized leader in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, most notably for its role as the integration leader at Texmark Chemicals Refinery of the Future, which won Best Ecosystem Project at the 2021 PTC Partner Network Awards. In addition, CBT has been tied to large-scale IoT projects with Fortune 50 companies across multiple verticals, including manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, construction, and healthcare. Unlike a traditional systems integrator, CBT bridges the gap between information technologies (IT) and operational technologies (OT), becoming a trusted partner of companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Intel, PTC, RealWear, and more. In addition to the 2022 CRN IoT Innovators Award, CBT was also named CRN Solution Provider 500 and Tech Elite 250 in the same year. CRNs sixth annual IoT Innovators Awards pay tribute to North American solution providers that have displayed an aptitude for not only developing transformative Internet of Things solutions but also helping their customers adopt and implement those offerings to great effect. IoT Innovation Awards winners exemplify the vast potential of IoT technologies, using their considerable technical expertise and services prowess to provide their customers with IoT implementations that unlock powerful data, solve IT challenges and deliver desired business outcomes. Every year, CRN pays particular attention to the organizations that work to make IoT a key part of their larger digital transformation portfolios. IoT facilitates the collection and use of crucial data to provide actionable business insights. Organizations honored with this years IoT Innovators Awards have demonstrated a consistent ability to develop powerful new IoT solutions that add ongoing value for their customers. What a testament to CBTs early entry into all things IoT and our diligence in sustaining through thick and thin! We are honored to be named again to the CRN IoT Innovators Award for the 6th consecutive year, said Kelly Ireland, Founder, CEO, and CTO of CBT. We have been recognized since the inception of this award, a testament to the hard work of the extended CBT team and our ecosystem partners to keep our solutions at the forefront of the industry and ensure our customers success. It has taken an immense amount of investment and years of roll up your sleeves front-line work to persevere in the pioneering aspects of IoT. CBT is proud to lead the charge, delivering the value customers require as they start their digital transformation journeys. This years IoT Innovators Award winners have once again demonstrated creativity and business savvy when it comes to building IoT solutions, said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. As always, award recipients are chosen based on their ability to develop forward-thinking IoT solutions, adapt those solutions for large-scale commercial use, and help their customers implement those offerings so they can exceed conventional expectations and drive innovation in their respective industries. Congratulations to all the 2022 IoT Innovation Award winners! The IoT Innovators Award list is featured online at www.crn.com/IoTinnovators . About CBT CBT is a premier, woman-owned Domain Expert Integrator breaking the mold of traditional technology solution design. Our digital transformation strategies bridge the gap between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) to provide business outcomes beneficial across the entirety of an organization. From the CIO to the COO, to Digital Transformation Leadership and everyone in between, we deliver solutions that unite these unique business cultures for collective success in todays data-driven economy. At CBT, we take our tagline to heart: Delivering Technology with a Human Touch. We put people at the center of our process, products, and technology solutions. With the focus areas of the Internet of Things, IT/OT Convergence, and HPC and Analytics, were ready to take your innovation initiatives from ideas to execution. Learn more at www.cbtechinc.com . Follow CBT: Twitter and LinkedIn Copyright 2022 CBT, Inc. All rights reserved. About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com Follow The Channel Company: Twitter , LinkedIn , and Facebook . 2022 The Channel Company, LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. The Channel Company Contact: Jennifer Hogan The Channel Company jhogan@thechannelcompany.com Attachment BALTIMORE, Md., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MissionGO Unmanned Systems, a leader in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) production and operations announced a 3-year partnership providing UAS inspection services to Southern California Edison, the largest subsidiary of Edison International and primary electricity supply company for much of Southern California. With high temperatures and extreme droughts throughout the region, staying ahead of mechanical issues, malfunctioning equipment and dangerous failures is a priority for energy and utility companies. Using UAS to view and inspect transmission and distribution electricity poles along with other components of critical infrastructure minimizes the time and hazards while increasing the quality and quantity of collected data (read more about the impact of UAS on utility inspections here.) MissionGO is proud of our history with Southern California Edison, and we look forward to continuing our work together, says Chris Corgnati, President of MissionGO, SCEs commitment to safety makes MissionGO the perfect partner to keep the people of California connected and secure. Throughout the last several years working with Southern California Edison, MissionGOs UAS inspection team performed over 6,500 sorties and catalogued more than 1,200 hours of flight time. The team reviewed and captured data from 20,000 distribution poles and 4,000 transmission poles with zero incidents . These flight operations have prevented wildfires and given Southern California Edison the time needed to prioritize and repair infrastructure to keep the community safe. After a rigorous vetting and demonstration process, MissionGO was selected as one of two companies to secure this new contract with Southern California Edison. The contract includes nearly 160,000 poles to be inspected and is estimated at $50 million over the next 3 years . This being one of the largest UAS services contracts in the world, MissionGO is looking forward to bringing on talented pilots and crews to continue this critical work in California. Joe Piazza, MissionGOs Director of Infrastructure Inspections, says the team is ready and excited to continue the work in California. Weve made an impact to the people here not only through our safe and reliable services but also through the community engagement and education of our teams. MissionGO has provided critical infrastructure inspections via UAS since 2019 and is working with companies across the United States to deliver detailed reports on all types of infrastructure in every type of environment. From urban construction cranes to wetland pipelines, remote transmission lines, and more. Learn more about MissionGOs infrastructure inspection services at www.missiongo.io. About MissionGO MissionGO is a leading provider of UAS solutions and services. Formed by the professionals responsible for the first successful human organ delivery used in a transplant surgery via UAS and taking the first single-rotor UAS through the Federal Aviation Administrations UAS Type and Production Certification process, MissionGO has been trailblazing the UAS industry by innovating critical infrastructure inspections, medical and commercial cargo delivery, and UAS training and program stand-up. MissionGO is a portfolio company within JSP Ventures. Learn more at www.missiongo.io. About JSP Ventures JSP Ventures is a founder of visionary brands. Through long-term capital investments and strategic guidance, JSP Ventures is fueling the growth of industries including logistics and supply chain, medical and healthcare, unmanned aircraft systems, and more. Guided by a mission to better communities and improve lives, JSP Ventures has invested $20 million of personally endowed capital to create lasting, positive change. Learn more at www.jspventures.com. Media Contact: Megan Crout Email: mcrout@missiongo.io Web: www.missiongo.io A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd0b1214-c9e7-468b-8430-df82f11df20e Boston, MA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SVN | Desert Commercial Advisors represented Shopoff Realty Investments, in the acquisition of 269.6 acres of land located at E. Elliott and S. Sossaman Road. Situated in the City of Mesa boundaries, in what is considered unincorporated Maricopa County, plans for the purchase include annexing the site into the City. As reported in Shopoffs release; This property is located in a burgeoning employment hub with increasing demand for manufacturing space, said William Shopoff, the firm's president and CEO, in a statement. We plan to work closely with the city to annex the property into the city of Mesa, and subsequently entitle the property for manufacturing use, in order to meet market demands." Previously a dairy farm, Arizona Dairy Co. completed its final disposition in the immediate area with this sale. General Manager Justin Stewart reports that other parts of its agricultural land have been sold over the years, including the sale to Google of 186 acres located at the NWC of Elliot and Sossaman in 2019. Shopoff has proposed potential plans for the development of The Block On Elliot, a premier manufacturing, technology, and employment park. The park could include up to fifteen buildings, at an average size of 500,000 square feet and up to 4.1 million leasable square feet. The 269.9 acres are positioned within the Elliot Road Technology Corridor. Deemed by the City of Mesa as, A Smart Location for High-Tech Manufacturing and Technology Companies. Mesa Economic Development Director Bill Jabjiniak comments, With the success, weve had in the formal part of the Elliot Road Technology Corridor, it sort of makes sense with Google on the northwest corner to continue the theme and focus of technology all along Elliot Road. Dylan Sproul and Paul Borgesen of SVN Desert Commercial Advisors negotiated the transaction on behalf of the buyer, Shopoff Realty Investments. Dylan Sproul stated, It was a pleasure working with Shopoff Realty on this transaction. Given the complexity of taking an active dairy operation to a fully demolished and environmentally clean site in the span of 8 months, in addition to funding this deal in a tumultuous capital market environment, is a true testament to their innovative and nimble approach. Shopoff now owns the largest development-ready industrial park in the entire Southeast Valley. We are very excited to see the economic growth this development brings to the City of Mesa and the Mesa-Gateway Airport. The proposed Block On Elliot development sits just North of Sossaman Park 202. Among the first major ground-up developments around Sossaman and Warner Roads, with the help of Paul Borgesen and Dylan Sproul, the 112 acres of land was acquired by California firm Contour in December 2021. Phase 1 of the 1.55-million-square-foot industrial development broke ground in September 2022. Alongside Googles Project Red Hawk, Facebooks $800 million Meta Mesa Data Center, Apples Global Command Center, EdgeCore Data Center, and many more high-tech companies, these planned developments serve as a catalyst for future growth in the Mesa-Gateway area. About SVN | Desert Commercial Advisors SVN | Desert Commercial Advisors is a full-service commercial real estate services firm providing comprehensive expertise in investment brokerage, leasing, landlord/tenant representation, analysis/valuation and market research. We specialize in multifamily, industrial, retail, office, medical/dental, restaurant, and land/development. Visit our website at www.SVNDesertCommercial.com for more information. About SVN The SVN organization is a globally recognized commercial real estate entity united by a shared vision of creating value with clients, colleagues, and our communities. The SVN brand is comprised of over 1,600 advisors and staff in more than 200 offices across the globe in six countries. Our brand pillars represent the transparency, innovation, and inclusivity that enables all our advisors to collaborate with the entire real estate industry on behalf of our clients. SVNs unique Shared Value Network is just one of the many ways that SVN advisors create amazing value with our clients, colleagues, and communities. For more information, visit www.svn.com. All SVN offices are independently owned and operated. To learn more about becoming an SVN commercial real estate business owner, visit http://www.svn.com/franchising-opportunities/. LinkedIn: SVN International Corp. Instagram: @svninternationalcorp Twitter: @SVNic Facebook: @SVNIC Attachments Gilbert, AZ, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spright, the drone division of Air Methods, has successfully completed the longest UAS Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight in the US by a commercial entity, marking a critical achievement in the pending launch of the first bi-directional US medical drone delivery network. The 29-mile flight was accomplished using a Wingcopter 198 eVtol aircraft, departing from Hutchinson Medical Center in Hutchinson, KS, and flying to the affiliated Rice County District Hospital in Lyons, KS. The flight lasted approximately 23 minutes, a stark contrast to the estimated 45minutes it takes to travel between the facilities by road. We are proud to be leading the UAS industry in opening corridors of opportunity for commercial drone delivery, said Spright President Joseph Resnik. We look forward to the next phase of our effort to establish a US medical drone network that connects communities with the resources needed to expand healthcare access and improve patient care. For rural areas like Lyons, economic pressures often limit the patient services available through community health centers. Supply inventories, including items like whole blood or critical medications, may be centralized in larger healthcare facilities to control costs. Therefore, accessing those products in an emergency medical situation is challenging and time-consuming, delaying care and threatening positive patient outcomes. Looking ahead, Spright drone delivery will enable the faster and more efficient on-demand transport of vital medical supplies, making a measurable impact on the quality of care available to outlying communities. We are committed to delivering the best care possible for our patients. Partnering with Spright on this groundbreaking drone delivery effort will allow us to better serve our patients and communities, but also create internal efficiencies through enhanced resource allocation, said Chuck Welch, Chief Strategy Officer of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System. Its a win for our staff, our patients, and the broader region as a whole. ABOUT SPRIGHT Spright is the drone division of Air Methods, created to help solve for many of the toughest challenges facing communities across North America. This innovative, drone-based solution leverages emerging aeronautical technology to create operational solutions that can be implemented locally. Based in Gilbert, Arizona, Spright as a stand-alone Part 135 Operator with a leadership team that touts more than 70 years of aviation operational experience. VANCOUVER British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP. (Azincourt or the Company) (TSX.V: AAZ, OTCQB: AZURF), is pleased to provide an update on upcoming drill programs at its uranium exploration projects located in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. East Preston Project Preparations are well underway for a winter program at the East Preston Project. The company has entered the consultation phase of the permitting process and will continue to work with the Clearwater River Dene Nation (CRDN) and local communities to ensure opportunities for local businesses and employment are maximized. The primary target area on the East Preston Project is the conductive corridors from the A-Zone through to the G-Zone (A-G Trend) and the K-Zone through to the H and Q-Zones (K-H-Q Trend) (Figure 2). The selection of these trends is based on a compilation of results from the 2018 through 2020 ground-based EM and gravity surveys, property wide VTEM and magnetic surveys, and the 2019 through 2022 drill programs, the 2020 HLEM survey indicates multiple prospective conductors and structural complexity along these corridors. Drilling has confirmed that identified geophysical conductors comprise structurally disrupted zones that are host to accumulations of graphite, sulphides, and carbonates. Hydrothermal alteration, anomalous radioactivity, and elevated uranium have been demonstrated to exist within these structurally disrupted conductor zones. The Company is planning an extensive drill program for winter of 2022-2023, to begin in December with road and camp preparations, as reported in a news release dated July 28th, 2022. The program will consist of approximately 6,000 meters of drilling in 20+ diamond drill holes, to commence in January. The priority will be to continue to evaluate the alteration zones and elevated uranium identified in the winter of 2022. Azincourt Energy continues to be engaged in regular meetings with the Clearwater River Dene Nation and other rights holders to ensure that concerns of the local communities are addressed with regards to the East Preston project. Azincourt looks forward to a continued close working relationship with CRDN and other rights holders to ensure that any potential impacts and concerns are addressed and that the communities can benefit from activities in the area through support of local business, employment opportunities, and sponsorship of select community programs and initiatives. Several members of the Clearwater River Dene Nation have been directly employed on site or to provide support and services to keep the camp and programs running. Hatchet Lake Project The Hatchet Lake Project is a recent addition to the Azincourt portfolio (see news release dated November 10, 2021). Hatchet Lake sits just outside the northeastern margin of the Athabasca Basin, situated along the underexplored northeast extension of the Western Wollaston Domain (WWD) within the Wollaston-Mudjatik Transition Zone (WMTZ). This highly prospective structural corridor hosts the majority of known high-grade uranium deposits and all of Canadas operating uranium mines. The drill program at Hatchet Lake will commence once permitting is received and once the consultation process with the local communities has been completed. Azincourt energy is committed to ensuring that all activities are conducted with the understanding and cooperation of the affected communities. The Company has been in contact with the Yathi Nene Land and Resource Office representing the Hatchet Lake First Nation and expects additional discussions to take place with them and other rights holders to ensure that concerns of the local communities are addressed. Azincourt looks forward to developing a close working relationship with the Hatchet Lake community. The program the Company is proposing, as reported in a news release dated July 28th, 2022, will consist of ground reconnaissance to verify targets, ground geophysics (Horizontal Loop Electromagnetic HLEM) to verify conductor locations, and a helicopter supported diamond drill program. The drilling program is expected to consist of up to 1,500 meters in 8-10 diamond drill holes. Letter of Intent Azincourt is also pleased to report it has signed a letter of intent dated September 15, 2022, with an undisclosed party to evaluate an exploration stage uranium project in Northern Saskatchewan. This LOI grants the Company exclusive rights for 60 days from signing to evaluate the project and make an offer for acquisition. More information will be provided should a deal for the property be finalized. Figure 1: East Preston Project Location Western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada Figure 2: 2022 Drill Holes and Target areas at the East Preston Uranium Project Figure 3: Hatchet Lake Project Location Eastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada Figure 4: Hatchet Lake Target Areas About East Preston Azincourt controls a majority 72.8% interest in the 25,000+ hectare East Preston project as part of a joint venture agreement with Skyharbour Resources (TSX.V: SYH), and Dixie Gold. Three prospective conductive, low magnetic signature corridors have been discovered on the property. The three distinct corridors have a total strike length of over 25 km, each with multiple EM conductor trends identified. Ground prospecting and sampling work completed to date has identified outcrop, soil, biogeochemical and radon anomalies, which are key pathfinder elements for unconformity uranium deposit discovery. The East Preston Project has multiple long linear conductors with flexural changes in orientation and offset breaks in the vicinity of interpreted fault lineaments classic targets for basement-hosted unconformity uranium deposits. These are not just simple basement conductors; they are clearly upgraded/enhanced prospectively targets because of the structural complexity. The targets are basement-hosted unconformity related uranium deposits similar to NexGens Arrow deposit and Camecos Eagle Point mine. East Preston is near the southern edge of the western Athabasca Basin, where targets are in a near surface environment without Athabasca sandstone cover therefore they are relatively shallow targets but can have great depth extent when discovered. The project ground is located along a parallel conductive trend between the PLS-Arrow trend and Camecos Centennial deposit (Virgin River-Dufferin Lake trend). About Hatchet Lake Azincourt entered into an option agreement with ValOre Metals Corp. on November 9th, 2021, to earn up to a 75% interest in the Hatchet Lake property. Previous work on the property identified multiple, shallow, unconformity-related basement uranium targets. Previous work includes diamond drilling, geophysics, boulder, soil, lake sediment and bio-geochemical sampling. The project contains substantial historic exploration datasets with identified uranium anomalism and showings to help guide exploration programs. Historical operators include Gulf Minerals, Saskatchewan Mining and Development Corp, Hathor Exploration Ltd., and Rio Tinto. Two high-priority zones on the property have currently been identified; the Upper Manson and Southwest Scrimes zones. Geochemical anomalies highlight a variety of uraniferous host rocks that are coincident with identified conductive geophysical targets. Rock samples have returned assay results up to 2.43% U3O8 (Valore Metals presentation). The targets are basement-hosted unconformity related uranium deposits similar to Camecos Eagle Point mine. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by C. Trevor Perkins, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Azincourt Energy, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Azincourt Energy Corp. Azincourt Energy is a Canadian-based resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration, and development of alternative energy/fuel projects, including uranium, lithium, and other critical clean energy elements. The Company is currently active at its joint venture East Preston uranium project in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada, and the Escalera Group uranium-lithium project located on the Picotani Plateau in southeastern Peru. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP. Alex Klenman Alex Klenman, President & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release includes forward-looking statements, including forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Azincourt. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. For further information please contact: Alex Klenman, President & CEO Tel: 604-638-8063 info@azincourtenergy.com Azincourt Energy Corp. 1430 800 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2V6 www.azincourtenergy.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05820731-b1fc-4f36-a0da-5e56600485e8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3fb0701-6533-47fb-aa70-d1a428069d6a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e2683e4-e206-4310-a4a6-594cfd121d69 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/546f7259-bf84-4274-868f-452cf782b9af English French COMPAGNIE DE L'ODET PRESS RELEASE Financial information for Q3 2022 20 October 2022 Q3 2022 revenue: +16% at constant scope and exchange rates Q3 2022 revenue: 6,112 million euros +16% at constant scope and exchange rates +20% on a reported basis At September 30, 2022: 17,6 29 million euros +21% at constant scope and exchange rates +26% on a reported basis R evenue for Q3 2022 At constant scope and exchange rates, the Group's revenue for the third quarter of 2022 was up 16% to 6,112 million euros. This growth is mainly attributable to: Transport ation and logistics: +25% . Transport activities benefited from the increase in air freight and higher freight rates. In Africa, port terminals performed well and the recovery in logistics activities continued; Transport activities benefited from the increase in air freight and higher freight rates. In Africa, port terminals performed well and the recovery in logistics activities continued; Oil logistics: +58% owing to the sharp rise in oil prices and a slight decline in volumes sold; owing to the sharp rise in oil prices and a slight decline in volumes sold; Communication (Vivendi): +1% which reflects in particular the good performance at Havas Group (+3%) and Gameloft (+45%), and the slowdowns at Canal+ Group (-5%) and Editis (-8%); which reflects in particular the good performance at Havas Group (+3%) and Gameloft (+45%), and the slowdowns at Canal+ Group (-5%) and Editis (-8%); Electricity storage and systems: -21% due to a decline in 12-meter bus and battery sales, despite the strong results in Systems activities (IER/AS and Polyconseil). On a reported basis, revenue grew by 20% compared to the third quarter of 2021, given favorable foreign exchange (+135 million euros) and scope effects (+41 million euros). Revenue at September 30, 2022 At constant scope and exchange rates, the Group's revenue as of September 30, 2022 was up 21% to 17,629 million euros. On a reported basis, revenue for the first nine months of the year was up 26%, taking into account +213 million euros in changes in scope (mainly including the integration of Prisma Media) and +298 million euros in foreign exchange effects due to the overall depreciation of the euro against the Group's main currencies. At constant scope and exchange rates, compared to the first nine months of 2021, the changes in the main sectors were as follows: Transportation and Logistics, Oil Logistics: Revenue from the transport and logistics business amounted to 7,325 million euros, up 37%. It benefited from the sharp increase in freight forwarding driven by higher freight rates and by the rise in air traffic volumes thanks to the vigorous activity posted by some of its customers (luxury and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, aeronautics). It also includes the growth of Bollore Africa Logistics' activity thanks to the strong results of port terminals (notably Congo Terminal, Abidjan Terminal in Ivory Coast, Owendo Container Terminal in Gabon, Freetown Terminal in Sierra Leone and Togo Terminal) and logistics and handling activities in Africa, driven in particular by the resumption of some oil and mining projects. Oil logistics revenue was 2,570 million euros, up 47% because of the sharp rise in petroleum product prices arising from an international context marked by the war in Ukraine, despite a drop in volumes sold. Communication: Revenue totaled 7,448 million euros, up 3.7% at constant scope and exchange rates and up 8.5% on a reported basis compared to the same period in 2021. This increase was mainly due to the growth at Havas Group (+9%) and Gameloft (+16%), which was notably driven in the third quarter by the success of Disney Dreamlight Valley, the first game launched on platforms, consoles and PCs. The growth also includes Editis' revenue, which was down 8% in the wake of the dip in the French book market after a year of unprecedented growth in 2021. Compared to 2019, a benchmark year, Editis' revenue grew by 14%1. Finally, it takes into account the slowdown at the Canal+ Group (-0.2%), which was penalized in the third quarter by the postponement of certain Studiocanal film releases, despite continued growth in international activities. Electricity Storage and Systems: Revenue from industrial activities amounted to 279 million euros (electricity storage, plastic films, dedicated terminals and systems), up 6% compared to the first nine months of 2021. This growth was driven by plastic films activities, which benefited from higher prices, and by the increase in dedicated terminals (IER/AS) thanks to the development of the pedestrian and passenger business. It also includes a slight drop in Bluebus sales. Change in revenue by activity (in millions of euros) Q3 9-months 2022 2021 Reported Organic 2022 2021 Reported Organic growth growth growth growth Transportation and Logistics 2,507 1,901 +32% +25% 7,325 5,124 +43% +37% Oil Logistics 951 610 +56% +58% 2,570 1,775 +45% +47% Communications 2,578 2,474 +4% +1% 7,448 6,866 +8% +4% Electricity Storage and Systems 73 95 -23% -21% 279 268 +4% +6% Other (agricultural assets, Holdings) 3 3 -7% -8% 7 8 -10% -10% Total 6,112 5,082 +20% +16% 17,629 14,041 +26% +21% Significant and recent events Agreement with MSC Group for the sale of Bollore Africa Logistics As a reminder, at the end of the exclusive negotiations announced on December 20, 2021 and following the favorable opinions issued by each of the employee representative bodies consulted, Bollore Group signed on March 31, 2022 the contract providing for the sale to the MSC Group of 100% of Bollore Africa Logistics Group, bringing together all of Bollore Group's transport and logistics activities in Africa, based on an enterprise value, net of minority interests, of 5.7 billion euros. As indicated, this sale is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2023 at the latest. Share purchases Since the beginning of 2022, Compagnie de l'Odet has acquired 103.0 million Bollore shares (3.5% of share capital) for 484.8 million euros. As part of its share buyback program, Bollore acquired 2.1 million of its own shares for 9.3 million euros. Change in revenue per quarter (in millions of euros) Q1 Q2 Q3 2022 2021 organic 2021 reported 2022 2021 organic 2021 reported 2022 2021 organic 2021 reported Transportation and Logistics 2,361 1,609 1,555 2,458 1,737 1,668 2,507 2,000 1,901 Oil Logistics 848 559 565 772 592 600 951 602 610 Communications 2,376 2,202 2,094 2,494 2,421 2,298 2,578 2,560 2,474 Electricity Storage and Systems 112 77 80 94 93 94 73 93 95 Other (agricultural assets, Holdings) 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 Total 5,697 4,449 4,296 5,820 4,845 4,662 6,112 5,258 5,082 The values shown are expressed in millions of euros and rounded to the nearest decimal place. As a result, the sum of the rounded amounts may differ slightly from the reported total. 1Excluding high school guideline reforms in 2019 Attachment Will Highlight its Pay With Crypto Solution San Francisco, CA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RocketFuel Blockchain Inc. (OTCQB: RKFL) (RocketFuel or the Company), a global provider of payment solutions via ACH bank transfers, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, is pleased to announce its team will be participating at Money20/20 in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 23-26, 2022. Money20/20 showcases the leading lights of the global fintech community in Las Vegas, connecting key players from payments, banking, blockchain, regtech, retail and much more. For additional information on Money20/20, please visit: https://www.money2020.com. Peter Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of RocketFuel, commented, As our crypto payment solution accelerates traction and gains more partners, merchants and customers, the timing is ideal to attend Money20/20 and meet with the worlds leading participants in the global money ecosystem. We look forward to highlighting and demonstrating our Pay With Crypto solution, which we believe is well-positioned with our one day guarantee settlement, transaction speed and ability to accept 100+ cryptocurrencies. About RocketFuel Blockchain, Inc. RocketFuel is a global payments solution company that provides online shoppers with a simple, easy-to-use, one-click checkout process that accepts payments with bank transfers, Bitcoin and 50+ cryptocurrencies. RocketFuel delivers a highly secure and efficient shopping cart experience with significantly low fees for merchants, along with the benefits of no chargebacks and no card declines. RocketFuel's solutions focus on enhanced customer privacy protection eliminating the risk of a data breach while improving speed, security, and ease of use. Shoppers on RocketFuel powered online stores enjoy seamless check-out and forget the clunky cart paradigm of the past. RocketFuel merchants can implement new impulse buying schemes and generate new sales channels that are unavailable in other present-day e-commerce solutions. More information about RocketFuel is available at: www.RocketFuelBlockchain.com Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: The Company believes that this press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Terms such as may, might, would, should, could, project, estimate, pro-forma, predict, potential, strategy, anticipate, attempt, develop, plan, help, believe, continue, intend, expect, future, and terms of similar import (including the negative of any of these terms) may identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the plans and objectives of management for future operations, are based on managements current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the accuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, market acceptance of the companys products and services; competition from existing products or new products that may emerge; the implementation of the companys business model and strategic plans for its business and our products; estimates of the companys future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for financing; current and future government regulations; and developments relating to the companys competitors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because of the risks and uncertainties related to them. For further information on such risks and uncertainties, you are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2022. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by law. For more information, please contact: Corporate: contact@RocketFuelBlockchain.com Investors: Ben Yankowitz, CFO b.yankowitz@RocketFuelBlockchain.com ClearThink Investor Relations nyc@clearthink.capital WESTPORT, Conn., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HMG Strategy, the Worlds #1 digital platform for enabling technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world and recently recognized as a Top 10 Producer of Tech Events by Business Chief, is excited to be hosting its 2022 Greenwich CIO Executive Leadership Summit at Rockrimmon Country Club in Stamford, CT on November 3. HMG Strategys highly interactive events bring together the worlds most distinguished and innovative business technology and security leaders to discuss the most pressing leadership, innovation, strategic, cultural, technology and career challenges and opportunities that they face today and into the future. World-class technology leaders and industry experts speaking at this popular in-person event will examine how the fast-changing socio-economic landscape is prompting technology executives to become more creative than ever and to draw upon authentic and inclusive leadership skills to inspire their teams and embrace innovative approaches to winning in tumultuous times. The war in Ukraine. Supply-chain disruptions. A global talent shortage. These and other challenges are creating headwinds for technology executives and fellow members of the C-suite to execute on and achieve strategic goals, said Hunter Muller, Founder and CEO of HMG Strategy. But its also creating new opportunities for technology leaders to collaborate with business executives across the enterprise and inspire their teams to become more creative and innovative than ever. Top-tier CIOs, CISOs and industry leaders speaking at the 2022 Greenwich CIO Executive Leadership Summit on November 3 will include: Kamran Amin , CIO, Arch Reinsurance Group , CIO, Arch Reinsurance Group Sarah Angel-Johnson , CIO & VP Business Technology Solutions, Save the Children , CIO & VP Business Technology Solutions, Save the Children Snehal Antani , Co-Founder and CEO, Horizon3.ai , Co-Founder and CEO, Horizon3.ai Beth Boucher , Non-Executive Independent Director/Chair Nominating and Governance Committee, Coforge , Non-Executive Independent Director/Chair Nominating and Governance Committee, Coforge Bob Burkhardt , VP of Engineering, Fortinet , VP of Engineering, Fortinet Susan Certoma , Board Director/Executive Leader/Strategic Advisor, Point2Point , Board Director/Executive Leader/Strategic Advisor, Point2Point Stephen M.R. Covey , Global Authority on Trust, Leadership and Culture, The FranklinCovey Global Speed of Trust Practice , Global Authority on Trust, Leadership and Culture, The FranklinCovey Global Speed of Trust Practice Fred Danback , SVP, CIO and CISO, Healthcare Risk Advisors , SVP, CIO and CISO, Healthcare Risk Advisors Mario DiNatale , CIO, Spectrum Virtual , CIO, Spectrum Virtual Ursuline Foley , Independent Board Director, Full Board Member, Risk & Technology Committees (former Audit member), Board Member, DOCOsoft, Provident Financial Services , Independent Board Director, Full Board Member, Risk & Technology Committees (former Audit member), Board Member, DOCOsoft, Provident Financial Services Tsvi Gal , CTO and Board Member, Israel Discount Bank; Head of Enterprise Technology Services, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , CTO and Board Member, Israel Discount Bank; Head of Enterprise Technology Services, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Matthew Lagana , Managing Director, CTO & CISO, MBIA , Managing Director, CTO & CISO, MBIA Danielle Maurici-Arnone , Global Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Combe International , Global Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Combe International Michael OConnor , SVP and Chief Product Officer, Porzio Life Sciences, LLC , SVP and Chief Product Officer, Porzio Life Sciences, LLC Jim Panos , CIO, Central National Gottesman, Inc. , CIO, Central National Gottesman, Inc. Joseph Puglisi , Chairman & Co-Manager, North Andover Investors Collaborative, LLC , Chairman & Co-Manager, North Andover Investors Collaborative, LLC Anna Ransley , CIO, Godiva , CIO, Godiva Gloria Samuels , Global Workday Business Group Lead, Accenture , Global Workday Business Group Lead, Accenture Brook Shuford , CISO, Datavail Corporation , CISO, Datavail Corporation Ramnath Venkataraman , Integrated Global Services Lead, Accenture , Integrated Global Services Lead, Accenture Michael Zanga , Managing Director, Global Head of Technology, Cyber, Data and Change Risk, Barclays , Managing Director, Global Head of Technology, Cyber, Data and Change Risk, Barclays Sigal Zarmi, Board Director, ADT; Hashicorp; BigID Valued Partners for the 2022 Greenwich CIO Executive Leadership Summit include 8x8, Akamai, Apptio, Arctic Wolf, BetterCloud, Darktrace, Delphix, Fortinet, LastPass, NPower, Nutanix, Outsystems, Palo Alto Networks, Ping Identity, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SentinelOne, SIM Fairfield-Westchester, Tanium, Tonkean, Upwork, Zoom, and Zscaler. To learn more about the 2022 Greenwich CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here. HMG Strategy will also be hosting its 2022 Silicon Valley CIO Executive Leadership Summit at The Ameswell Hotel in Mountain View, CA on October 27. CIOs, CISOs, technology executives and venture capitalists at this popular in-person event will explore the role of the technology leader as cultural change agent. World-class technology executives speaking at the 2022 Silicon Valley CIO Executive Leadership Summit will include: Snehal Antani , Co-Founder and CEO, Horizon3.ai , Co-Founder and CEO, Horizon3.ai Suyash Awasthi , Managing Director, Globant , Managing Director, Globant Chris Bedi , CIO, ServiceNow , CIO, ServiceNow Eddie Borrero , VP & CISO, Blue Shield of California , VP & CISO, Blue Shield of California Tim Crawford , CIO Strategic Advisor, AVOA , CIO Strategic Advisor, AVOA Bruce Burroughs , CTO, AAA Northern California Nevada & Utah , CTO, AAA Northern California Nevada & Utah Dr. Sarah Cortes , Privacy Engineering, Netflix , Privacy Engineering, Netflix Tom Cullen , CIO, Corsair , CIO, Corsair Christopher Desautel , SVP & Chief Digital Officer, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies , SVP & Chief Digital Officer, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies Mark Egan , Partner, StrataFusion , Partner, StrataFusion Stuart Evans , Director of the Emirates, Carnegie Mellon University i-Lab , Director of the Emirates, Carnegie Mellon University i-Lab David Hahn , CISO, CDK Global , CISO, CDK Global Emily Heath , Board of Directors, Chair of Technology & Cyber Security Committee, Member of Audit Committee, Norton LifeLock , Board of Directors, Chair of Technology & Cyber Security Committee, Member of Audit Committee, Norton LifeLock Dion Houng-Lee , Managing Director, Human Resources, Silicon Valley Bank , Managing Director, Human Resources, Silicon Valley Bank Rohit Jain , VP of Technology, Applications and Analytics, iRhythm Technologies, Inc. , VP of Technology, Applications and Analytics, iRhythm Technologies, Inc. Sumit Johar , CIO, Automation Anywhere , CIO, Automation Anywhere Datta Junnarkar , CIO Autonomous Maritime , CIO Autonomous Maritime Tony Leng , Managing Director, Practice Lead and OMP, Diversified Search , Managing Director, Practice Lead and OMP, Diversified Search Rob Lloyd , Deputy City Manager for Aviation, Transportation & Technology, City of San Jose , Deputy City Manager for Aviation, Transportation & Technology, City of San Jose Adhir Mattu , SVP & CIO, Marvell Semiconductor , SVP & CIO, Marvell Semiconductor David Morris , Founder & Chairman, HiPER Solutions , Founder & Chairman, HiPER Solutions Wendy M. Pfeiffer , CIO & SVP, Nutanix , CIO & SVP, Nutanix Dave Reisenauer , Sr. Director, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain, NVIDIA , Sr. Director, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain, NVIDIA Sahaar Rezaie , Executive Director, Genesys Works , Executive Director, Genesys Works Sarah Richardson , SVP, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Tivity Health , SVP, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Tivity Health Matthew Rosenquist , CISO, Eclipz.io , CISO, Eclipz.io Parul Saini , Global Head of Business and Enterprise Applications, Uber , Global Head of Business and Enterprise Applications, Uber Chris Starling , Associate VP, NPower , Associate VP, NPower Cynthia Stoddard , SVP & CIO, Adobe , SVP & CIO, Adobe Ravi Thadani , Interim CIO/Head of IT Business Applications, AMD , Interim CIO/Head of IT Business Applications, AMD Kathryn Ullrich , Managing Partner, Technology and Diversity, DHR Global , Managing Partner, Technology and Diversity, DHR Global Dr. Branden Williams, Business Identity Specialist, Ping Identity Valued Partners for the 2022 Silicon Valley CIO Executive Leadership Summit include 8x8, Akamai, Automation Anywhere, BetterCloud, Darktrace, Delphix, Fortinet, Genesys Works, LastPass, NPower, Nutanix, Palo Alto Networks, Ping Identity, Qumulo, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, ServiceNow, Strata, Tonkean, Transmit Security, Upwork, Zoom, and Zscaler. To learn more about the 2022 Silicon Valley CIO Executive Leadership Summit and to register for the event, click here. HMG Strategy will also be hosting its 2022 San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit in Partnership with SIM San Diego at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine on October 25. This popular and long-standing CIO summit will bring together the top CIOs, CISOs, technology executives and industry experts from the Greater San Diego area who will share their insights on the roles that technology executives can play in helping to design fresh go-to-market business models. Top tier technology executives and industry experts speaking at the 2022 San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit in Partnership with SIM San Diego on October 25 will include: Mike Anderson , Chief Digital and Information Officer, Netskope , Chief Digital and Information Officer, Netskope Joshua Barons , Head of Information Security, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance , Head of Information Security, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Amy Benton , VP, IT, Travere Therapeutics , VP, IT, Travere Therapeutics Louise Brandy , SVP & CIO, Quidel , SVP & CIO, Quidel Eric Dube , President & CEO, Travere Therapeutics , President & CEO, Travere Therapeutics Todd Felker , Executive Healthcare Strategist, CrowdStrike , Executive Healthcare Strategist, CrowdStrike Todd Friedman , CISO, ResMed , CISO, ResMed Suresh Gunasekaran , President and CEO, UCSF Health , President and CEO, UCSF Health Houman Haghighi , Partner, Business & Corporate Development, Menlo Ventures , Partner, Business & Corporate Development, Menlo Ventures Dan Hedstrom , VP & CIO, Cubic Corporation , VP & CIO, Cubic Corporation Steve Hoyt , VP, Information Systems, Quidel , VP, Information Systems, Quidel Beto Juarez , CIO, San Diego Housing Commission , CIO, San Diego Housing Commission Abe Lietz , SVP & CIO, KinderCare Education , SVP & CIO, KinderCare Education Christopher Longhurst , Chief Medical Officer & Chief Digital Officer, UC San Diego Health System , Chief Medical Officer & Chief Digital Officer, UC San Diego Health System Aviva McPherron , CIO, NuVasive , CIO, NuVasive Barb Munro , Co-Founder and Membership Chair, SIM San Diego; Co-Founder, Partner, The Carrera Agency , Co-Founder and Membership Chair, SIM San Diego; Co-Founder, Partner, The Carrera Agency Tony Olzak , CTO, Trace3 , CTO, Trace3 Albert Oriol , CIO, Rady Childrens Hospital , CIO, Rady Childrens Hospital Gautham Pallapa , Senior Executive Advisor, VMware, Inc. , Senior Executive Advisor, VMware, Inc. Steve Phillpott , President, SIM San Diego; CIO/CDO, Solidigm , President, SIM San Diego; CIO/CDO, Solidigm Bhavin Shah , Founder and CEO, Moveworks , Founder and CEO, Moveworks Yasmin Shah , CEO, CIO, SeenADriver , CEO, CIO, SeenADriver Jessica Sica , CISO, PETCO Animal Supplies , CISO, PETCO Animal Supplies Mark Taylor , CEO, Society for Information Management , CEO, Society for Information Management Maria Zack , Professor and Chair of Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences Point Loma Nazarene University , Professor and Chair of Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences Point Loma Nazarene University John Zavada, Chief Administrative Officer, PETCO Animal Supplies Valued Partners for the 2022 San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit in Partnership with SIM San Diego include 8x8, Akamai, Automation Anywhere, BetterCloud, Centripetal, CrowdStrike, Darktrace, Delphix, Fortinet, Intelliswift, LastPass, LogicMonitor, Moveworks, Netskope, Nutanix, Palo Alto Networks, Ping Identity, ReliaQuest, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SentinelOne, SHE Information Technology, Sigma, SIM San Diego, Slalom, Snowflake, Tanium, Tonkean, Trace3, Upwork, Varonis, Zoom, and Zscaler. To learn more about the 2022 San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit in Partnership with SIM San Diego and to register for the event, click here. To learn more about HMG Strategys upcoming CIO and CISO Summits, click here. About HMG Strategy HMG Strategy is the world's leading digital platform for technology executives to reimagine the enterprise and reshape the business world. The HMG Strategy global network consists of more than 400,000 CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, CDOs, senior business technology executives, search industry executives, venture capitalists, industry experts and world-class thought leaders. HMG Strategys global media model generates more than one million impressions per week, providing vast opportunities for business technology leaders and sponsor partners to promote themselves and their brands. HMG Strategy was founded in 2008 by Hunter Muller, a leadership expert who has worked side-by-side with Fortune 2000 executives with strategic planning and career ascent for the past 30+ years. HMG Strategys regional and virtual CIO and CISO Executive Leadership Series, authored books and Digital Resource Center deliver unique, peer-driven guidance from CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, CDOs and technology executives on leadership, innovation, transformation and career ascent. HMG Strategy offers a range of peer-led research services such as its CIO & CISO Executive Leadership Alliance (CELA) program which bring together the worlds top CIOs, CISOs and technology executives to brainstorm on the top opportunities and challenges facing them in their roles. HMG Strategys Global Peer Actionable Insights Services Stack is a unique set of research services that are designed to keep business technology executives up to speed on the latest leadership, business, technology and global geo-economic trends that are impacting businesses and industries. To learn more about the 7 Pillars of Trust for HMG Strategy's unique business model, click here . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc117401-b95d-40c5-9894-35ff7420c539 MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evolve Bank & Trust ("Evolve"), a leading financial technology solutions provider, will be a Gold Kite Sponsor for the 40th Youth Villages 5K in Memphis, TN. The Youth Villages 5K raises thousands of dollars each year to support many of the programs that serve children and families. Located in 23 states, Youth Villages is a private, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping children with emotional and behavioral problems and their families live successfully. For 40 years in a row, the organization has held a 5K run to support programs in Memphis. "Youth Villages' work is so critical to our community's success. We are so honored to be asked to be a part of their work. Organizations like Youth Villages help give hope to the hopeless and are true champions of their communities," said Scott Stafford, President & CEO, Evolve Bank & Trust. "We're grateful to Evolve for joining in to support our 40th anniversary of the YV5K. We cannot do the work we do without the support of companies like Evolve," said Richard Shaw, Chief Development Officer, Youth Villages. The 40th Youth Villages 5K will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Donations can be made by clicking here. About Evolve Bank & Trust: Evolve Bank & Trust, a technology-focused financial services organization and Banking-as-a-Service ("BaaS") provider, is a best-in-class financial institution offering specialized services in Open Banking, Personal and Business Banking, Mortgage, SBA Lending, Physicians Capital, Community Funding and Trust. Evolve is recognized as a global leader in the payments industry delivering ACH, Debit/Credit Sponsorship, Card Issuance and unique technology strategies to clients around the world. Evolve has been voted a Top Workplace USA and has been named in Inc. Magazine's 5000 List of the fastest-growing private companies. Evolve Bank & Trust Contact: Thomas E. Holmes Jr. Senior Vice President Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Email: thomas.holmes@getevolved.com Office: 866.367.2611 Contact Information: Thomas Holmes Jr SVP, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer thomas.holmes@getevolved.com 866.367.2611 Related Images Image 1: Evolve Bank & Trust Logo This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global AI In Retail Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Technology, By Sales Channel, By Component, By Application, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2022 2028" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06352693/?utm_source=GNW By employing AI-driven sales and demand forecast accuracy to optimize inventory, for example, merchants may maintain agility while enabling personalization. Physical stores are still the leader in retail, but they must operate in very competitive markets. Similar to physical stores, digital stores compete in a market where they can easily access their rivals. Retailers can utilize AI to enhance the shopping experience for customers and acquire the competitive edge they need to remain relevant. For instance, AI-powered virtual personal assistants and chatbots on a website provide customers personalized recommendations or dynamic pricing depending on their usage of the site, past purchases, and other pertinent information. Retail AI application cases exist in actual stores as well, utilizing data sources including in-store customer interactions via mobile devices and through sensors. Using an algorithm that has been trained with sales data and other pertinent information, retail store owners can even utilize AI to optimize the layout of their stores. This aids in forecasting outcomes, such as a persons propensity to purchase two things simultaneously if they are exhibited near to one another. The retail industry is changing as a result of artificial intelligence (AI). Retailers can use AI to engage with their consumers and run more effectively, from utilizing computer vision to tailor promotions in real time to leveraging machine learning for managing inventory. COVID-19 Impact Analysis Due to the WFH policy brought on by this pandemic, the COVID-19 outbreak is anticipated to accelerate the market growth of next-generation tech fields, including artificial intelligence. In order to increase availability across the globe, tech companies are also increasing the range of products and services they offer. Therefore, the integration of AI significantly increased within the retail industry. Hence, the growth of the market was steadily hampered, however, the increased utilization of AI augmented the growth of AI in the retail industry. Market Growth Factors Higher Efficiency In Saving Cost And Optimizing The Experience AI comprises the ability to drastically change retailing in coming years, impacting everything from cost structures to the shopping experience. E-commerce and AI go hand in hand, and the coronavirus pandemics acceleration of e-commerce growth rates makes AI adoption even more imperative. AI advantages will transform the industry. Retailers must therefore start making plans right away. And not just technology should be included in those plans, but also business strategy. Higher Supply Chain Capabilities As a whole, one of the main advantages of artificial intelligence is that it can assist people with repetitive, time-consuming jobs. A significant number of workers believe that the increased adoption of AI in the workplace has improved productivity. And when AI is used in retail, the same thing may occur. Drivers in the logistics industry can use AI to discover the best delivery routes. Additionally, robots can assist with choosing and packing orders, freeing up staff members to work on other crucial activities. Market Restraining Factors High Costs As Well As Lack Of The Ability To Improve It is an impressive achievement when a machine can imitate human intelligence. However, the initial cost of AI is very high in such operations. It can be very expensive and takes a lot of time and resources. AI is highly expensive because it requires the newest software and hardware to function in order to stay updated and meet criteria. Artificial intelligence is a technology that cannot be created by humans since it is pre-programmed with knowledge and experience. Component Outlook On the basis of Component, the AI in Retail Market is bifurcated into Solutions and Services. In 2021, the solution segment acquired the largest revenue share of The AI in retail market. The management issues facing a number of retail operations are encouraging the development of new automated technology. Retailers can manage warehouse management, supply chain operations, and logistics, and enhance the customer experience with the use of AI-powered solutions. Technology Outlook Based on the Technology, the AI in Retail Market is segregated into Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Chatbots, Image and Video Analytics, and Swarm Intelligence. In 2021, the machine learning segment procured the highest revenue share of the AI in retail market. The growth of the segment is rising due to the higher precision and flexibility of this technology. Machine learning is appropriate for providing customers with individualized experiences because it serves data quickly and deeply. Sales Channel Outlook By Sales Channel, the AI in Retail Market is segmented into Omnichannel, Brick and Mortar, and Pure-play Online Retailers. In 2021, the pure-play segment acquired a significant revenue share of the AI in retail market. The growing popularity of online and virtual shopping is expected to accelerate the development of pure-play internet merchants. AI, IoT, and social media would proliferate, which would lead to an expansion of the AI in retail market. Application Outlook On the basis of Application, the AI in Retail Market is classified into Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain and Logistics, Inventory Management, Product Optimization, In-Store Navigation, Payment and Pricing Analytics, and Virtual Assistant. In 2021, the customer relationship management (CRM) segment witnessed the largest revenue share of the Ai in retail market. A strong need to improve customer service and retention would propel the CRM industry to prominence. Retail suppliers may foster consumer loyalty and solid customer connections with the help of AI-powered virtual assistance, search engines, chatbots, and other technologies. Regional Outlook Region-Wise, the AI in Retail Market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2021, North America accounted for the largest revenue share of the Ai in retail market. As considerable investments are made in AI projects along with related research and development initiatives, there is potential for industrial expansion. Regional retail suppliers are also focusing on extracting the available data on consumer preferences to increase the effectiveness of their customer care. The market leaders use both organic and inorganic techniques in order to grow. The major strategies followed by the market participants are Partnerships. Based on the Analysis presented in the Cardinal matrix; Microsoft Corporation and Google LLC are the forerunners in the AI In Retail Market. Companies such as Amazon Web Services, Inc. (Amazon.com, Inc.), Intel Corporation and NVIDIA Corporation are some of the key innovators in AI In Retail Market. The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Intel Corporation, Salesforce.com, Inc., NVIDIA Corporation, Amazon Web Services, Inc. (Amazon.com, Inc.), Google LLC, IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, and ViSenze Pte Ltd. Recent strategies deployed in AI In Retail Market Partnerships, Collaborations & Agreements: Sep-2022: Microsoft partnered with Infosys, an Indian multinational information technology company. Through this partnership, the companies aimed to enable businesses to swiftly redefine customer experiences, amplify systems with cloud and data, and renew processes. Jun-2022: NVIDIA came into a partnership with Siemens, a German multinational conglomerate. Through this partnership, the companies aimed to integrate Siemens Xcelerator and NVIDIA Omniverse in order to offer an industrial metaverse along with physics-based digital models. Jun-2022: Google entered into a partnership with the H&M Group, a global fashion retailer. Through this partnership, the companies aimed to design and develop an enterprise data backbone encompassing a core data platform, advanced AI and ML capabilities, and data products. Jun-2022: Oracle joined hands with Komax, a retail group. Following this collaboration, Oracle would offer its Retail suite of services over its cloud infrastructure to Komax in order to help the business in introducing the latest clothing, accessories, and shoes from a range of popular brands to customers across Latin America. Apr-2022: SAP entered into a partnership with Kyndryl, a leading IT infrastructure services provider. With this partnership, the companies aimed to focus on bringing novel solutions to address the most complex digital business transformation challenges of customers. Mar-2022: NVIDIA teamed up with Kroger, an American retail company. With this collaboration, the companies aimed to improve the shopping experience for customers through AI-enabled services and applications. Mar-2022: Microsoft came into an agreement with ASOS, a British fashion retailer. With this agreement, the companies aimed to jointly work on a new project intending to expedite their strategic growth plans of Microsoft. Moreover, this partnership would also allow companies to meet the rising demand for better product availability along with personalized and seamless digital experiences. Feb-2022: AWS partnered with Kyndryl, an American multinational information technology infrastructure services provider. Following this partnership, the companies aimed to establish a Cloud Center of Excellence in order to develop joint solutions, including mission-critical infrastructure services, mainframe services, and network and edge computing services. Jan-2022: Microsoft joined hands with Tata Consultancy Services, an Indian multinational information technology services and consulting company. This collaboration aimed to develop and commercialize the newly launched Microsoft Cloud. furthermore, the new solution aimed to aid customers in expediting their transformation and growth journey. Jan-2022: Google came into a partnership with NCR Corporation, an American software, consulting, and technology company. Following this partnership, the companies aimed to develop an additional platform along with new capabilities, such as AI and ML. This partnership aimed to offer access to best-in-class tools along with seamless flexibility to retailers in order to provide enhanced in-store experiences for consumers. Sep-2021: Microsoft expanded its partnership with Honor, a smartphone brand. Under this expanded partnership, Honor would leverage AI translation as well as AI speech built or on Microsoft Azure. In addition, these services would support Honors YOYO Smart Assistant. Jul-2021: Google expanded its partnership with Home Depot, an American multinational home improvement retail corporation. Through this expanded partnership, the companies aimed to advance digital transformation among retailers while also providing enhanced shopping experiences to customers. Jun-2021: Salesforce came into a partnership with AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon. This partnership aimed to streamline it for customers to leverage the complete range of the capabilities of AWS and Salesforce in order to build and deploy robust new business applications quickly. Apr-2021: NVIDIA collaborated with Cloudera, an American software company. Following this collaboration, the companies aimed to expedite AI and Data Analytics in the Cloud with a new software that allows businesses to accelerate data pipelines and also expand the performance boundaries of data and machine learning. Dec-2020: Salesforce teamed up with Yes Bank, an Indian bank. Under this collaboration, Yes Bank would offer personalized and smart customer experiences by leveraging the Salesforce platform to engage customers with a unified experience. Mar-2020: ViSenze collaborated with Pixibo, a fashion tech company. Under this acquisition, ViSenze would integrate its AI-powered visual commerce capabilities into Pixibos fit and size recommendation platform in order to offer suitable goods on the basis of the preferences of the customer. Product Launches and Product Expansions: Aug-2022: ViSenze launched ViSenzes Session-Based Recommendations, a new personalized e-commerce product recommendations solution. The new solution aimed to offer a more customized experience to customers without the requirement for gathering personal data. Jul-2022: Intel released a set of reference kits. The new solution aimed to allow data developers and data scientists to learn the faster and more convenient deployment of AI within manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and other environments. Jun-2022: Salesforce rolled out the Sales Cloud Unlimited, a unified platform. With this launch, the company aimed to propel its growth and also turn sales reps into reliable advisors. Jun-2021: NVIDIA rolled out the NVIDIA AI LaunchPad, a hybrid-cloud providers-delivered comprehensive program. The new solution aimed to offer immediate access to enterprises to NVIDIA-powered software and infrastructure with the aim to facilitate the entire AI lifecycle. Apr-2021: IBM introduced new capabilities for IBM Watson. With this product expansion, the companies aimed to integrate Time Series capabilities within IBM Watson Studio in beta to address challenges in automating, forecasting, and analyzing time series data. Apr-2021: Intel launched the new third Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor, its most advanced artificial intelligence-based data center platform. The new solution aimed to offer a substantial spike in performance in contrast to the older generation. Jan-2021: Google unveiled a new range of retail AI products. Through this launch, the company aimed to increase its focus on reaching new industry verticals. The new product range is developed for large as well as small businesses in order to allow retailers to offer highly personalized product recommendations to their customers. Mergers & Acquisitions: Jul-2022: SAP took over Askdata, a search-driven analytics startup. Following this acquisition, the company aimed to expand its ability to aid businesses in making well-informed decisions through AI-driven natural language searches. Mar-2022: Microsoft took over Nuance Communications, an American multinational computer software technology corporation. Following this acquisition, the company aimed to integrate the best-in-class conversational AI and ambient intelligence of Nuance into its trusted and secure industry cloud offerings. Feb-2022: IBM completed its acquisition of Neudesic, a leader in cloud services. Following this acquisition, the company aimed to expand its hybrid multi-cloud services offerings along with accelerating its AI and hybrid cloud strategy. Jan-2022: Oracle acquired Federos, an IT Services and IT Consulting company. This acquisition aimed to empower service providers through AI-optimized service as well as network analytics, assurance, and automated orchestration. Apr-2020: NVIDIA acquired Mellanox Technologies, an Israeli-American multinational supplier of computer networking products. With this acquisition, the company aimed to allow customers to experience higher performance, lower operating costs, and increased utilization of computing resources. Scope of the Study Market Segments covered in the Report: By Technology Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Chatbots Image & Video Analytics Swarm Intelligence By Sales Channel Omnichannel Brick & Mortar Pure-play Online Retailers By Component Solution Services By Application Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Supply Chain & Logistics Inventory Management Product Optimization In-Store Navigation Payment & Pricing Analytics Virtual Assistant By Geography North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Rest of North America Europe o Germany o UK o France o Russia o Spain o Italy o Rest of Europe Asia Pacific o China o Japan o India o South Korea o Singapore o Malaysia o Rest of Asia Pacific LAMEA o Brazil o Argentina o UAE o Saudi Arabia o South Africa o Nigeria o Rest of LAMEA Companies Profiled Intel Corporation Salesforce.com, Inc. NVIDIA Corporation Amazon Web Services, Inc. (Amazon.com, Inc.) Google LLC IBM Corporation Microsoft Corporation Oracle Corporation SAP SE ViSenze Pte Ltd Unique Offerings Exhaustive coverage Highest number of market tables and figures Subscription based model available Guaranteed best price Assured post sales research support with 10% customization free Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06352693/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ RENO, Nev., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has welcomed the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCEDSV) as an organizational member of the oldest judicial membership organization in the country. The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCEDSV) provides statewide advocacy, education, and support to the frontline organizations that help those impacted by domestic and sexual violence. This includes Nevada's direct service organizations that serve victim-survivors and their families. The organization supports its member organizations by providing resources, assisting them in finding financial resources to maintain their operations, and providing educational opportunities for their staff, board members, and volunteers, ensuring they have access to best practices. Its purpose is to advocate for change at the state and federal level, educate Nevada communities and support organizations, and work with professionals who cross paths with victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence to ensure services are well-rounded and highly effective. "Our Nevada communities are our home communities," said Joey Orduna Hastings, CEO of the NCJFCJ. "The work we do in domestic violence education is some of the most important work we do. We resolve to continuously educate our judges, lawyers, parole and probation officers, social workers, law enforcement, domestic violence advocates, and other professionals to take steps to enhance awareness of the negative impact of domestic violence on children, families, and communities." NCEDSV's mission and vision align with the NCJFCJ's history of supporting judges, courts, and related agencies involved in juvenile, family, and domestic violence cases with the knowledge and skills to improve the lives of families and children who seek justice. Both Nevada-based organizations are committed to training and technical assistance to support domestic violence and sexual violence programs and providers. "We are elated to join the ranks with such a well-established and respected national organization," said Amanda Bullard, interim Executive Director of the NCEDSV. "This is a natural partnership to ensure that we work hand-in-hand to provide comprehensive and victim-centered responses to those experiencing domestic and sexual violence across Nevada. We look forward to the great work yet to be accomplished here." Since 1937, the NCJFCJ's initiatives in family violence and domestic relations have enhanced the safety, well-being, and stability of domestic violence victims and their children by improving the responses of criminal, civil, and social justice systems. In 1994, the NCJFCJ promulgated the Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence to promote consistency across state lines on how domestic violence is handled in the criminal and civil legal systems. The Model Code is a comprehensive code on domestic violence that includes chapters on general provisions, criminal penalties and procedures, civil orders for protection, family and children, and prevention and treatment. The NCJFCJ also offers education through the National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence, a partnership with Futures Without Violence and supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). For more information about the NCJFCJ or organizational membership opportunities, please visit ncjfcj.org. For more information about NCEDSV, visit ncedsv.org. About the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ): Founded in 1937, the Reno, Nev.-based National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges is the nation's oldest judicial membership organization and focused on improving the effectiveness of our nation's juvenile and family courts. A leader in continuing education opportunities, research, and policy development in the field of juvenile and family justice, the 2,000-member organization is unique in providing practice-based resources to jurisdictions and communities nationwide. About NCEDSV The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (previously The Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence), is the statewide coalition of domestic and sexual violence programs. NCEDSV provides statewide advocacy, education and support to the front-line organizations that help those impacted by domestic and sexual violence. To learn more about services provided by NCEDSV, visit ncedsv.org. Contact Information: Chrisie Yabu Director of PR chrisie.yabu@kps3.com (775) 686-7437 Related Images Image 1: NCJFCJ Logo The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aery Aviation, LLC ("Aery)" has been awarded a contract for the United States Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT) Aircrew & Maintenance Training (A&MT) contract. This is a combined maximum-value $194,500,000 IDIQ multiple-award contract. This contract provides Foreign Military Sales students from multiple partner nations and United States Government students for aircrew and maintenance training located CONUS and OCONUS. The single contract was originally three separate contracts and was combined into one. This is a 10-year contract, and Aery along with seven other awardees will compete for the firm fixed price task orders. Founded in 2016, Aery is headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, USA, with additional hangars and facilities in North Island (San Diego), California, and Cleveland, Ohio. Aery supports critical aviation mission requirements for government and commercial customers across the globe, including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, AFRICOM, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, NASA, USTRANSCOM, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Royal Fleet, and the Sultanate of Oman, to name a few. Experts in all aspects of aviation, Aery works on aircraft systems across the full development lifecycle from acquisition and procurement to maintenance and modification. Aery specializes in engineering, aerospace design, systems integration, modifications, certification, maintenance, aircraft procurement solutions, air ambulance services, flight operations, and flight training. Aery's experienced team of professionals provides efficient, economical, and flexible services that respond to the demands of the aerospace industry. Aery is expanding its facilities in Newport News, Virginia, USA with the construction of a 60,000-square-foot hangar and engineering technology center with expected completion Q4 2022. With Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport runway access, the facilities are located next to Aery's manufacturing facilities increasing Aery's maintenance and modification services capabilities and time efficiency. For more information on slot availability, contact Ken Walton, Director, Commercial Business at 614.981.3333 or kwalton@aeryaviation.com. For additional information, please contact Heather McAfee, Director, Business Development and Government Programs at hmcafee@aeryaviation.com. Contact Information: Heather McAfee Director, Business Development and Government Programs 757-439-1238 Related Images Image 1 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment SAN DIEGO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shareholder rights law firm Johnson Fistel, LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of investors of Rite Aid Corporation ("Rite Aid" or the "Company") (NYSE: RAD). The class action is on behalf of shareholders who purchased Rite Aid securities between April 14, 2022 and September 28, 2022 (the Class Period). Investors are hereby notified that they have until December 19, 2022 to move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff in this action. What actions may I take at this time? If you suffered a loss and are interested in learning more about being a lead plaintiff, please contact Jim Baker (jimb@johnsonfistel.com) by email or phone at 619-814-4471. If emailing, please include a phone number. To join this action, you can click or copy and paste the link below into a browser: https://www.johnsonfistel.com/investigations/rite-aid-rad-class-action There is no cost or obligation to you. The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (i) despite representations to the contrary, the number of new members (i.e., "lives") that the Elixir PBM services business was adding during the selling season ending on January 1, 2023, was in material decline; (ii) Rite Aid was likely to recognize a significant charge for the impairment of goodwill related to Elixir due to a decrease in "lives" covered by Elixir's PBM services business; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On September 29, 2022, Rite Aid announced a $252.2 million impairment charge of goodwill related to the Company's Elixir subsidiary. On an earnings call held later in the day, Rite Aid's Chief Financial Officer, Matt Schroeder, explained that the large impairment charge was related to Elixir based on "an update to our estimate of lives for 2023 based on the latest selling season," and that Rite Aid "expected[ed] lives to go down." A lead plaintiff will act on behalf of all other class members in directing the Rite Aid class-action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the class-action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share any potential future recovery of the Rite Aid class action lawsuit is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. For more information regarding the lead plaintiff process please refer to https://www.johnsonfistel.com/lead-plaintiff-deadlines . About Johnson Fistel, LLP: Johnson Fistel, LLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York and Georgia. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. Johnson Fistel seeks to recover losses incurred due to violations of federal securities laws. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://www.johnsonfistel.com . Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. English French CHANDLER, Quebec, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electronic logbooks for fisheries are essential for timely processing and analysis of capture declarations and the sustainable management of Canadian fisheries. Since 2018 in Quebec, fishermen using JOBEL have demonstrated that their fishing activity is compliant with national and international requirements. Also, Department of fisheries and Oceans, the fishermen and scientists now have the information needed to evaluate the durability of the Quebec lobster fishery. Indeed, lobster fishermen in the Gaspe area greatly benefited from being able to provide the Marine Stewardship Council with accurate information on the impact on other species during the certification process for their spring fishery. Today, with the implementation of JOBEL across Canada and a brand-new version of the multi-species Elog, the whole Canadian lobster fisheries and DFO are taking a step forward. Fishermen can not only by reporting catches, by-catch and interaction with endangered species in real time, but DFO can also manage electronically interactions with marine mammal species as well as found and lost fishing gear. Fishermen can also have a good picture of the baits used in their fishery, knowledge particularly important at a time when DFO imposed a moratorium on mackerel and herring fisheries. Fishermen have always been involved in the protection of the oceans they depend on for their living and have actively engaged in the transition towards electronic logbooks. The Canadian fisheries have faced multiple challenges over the years and independent lobster fishermen in Quebec eager to have a tool that serves their sustainable fisheries and meet their reality developed and implemented the JOBEL, the first ever and only Canadian electronic logbook for fishing declaration qualified from 2018 by the Department of Fisheries and Ocean Canada. Today, with the solution going national, other fishing organizations like the Maritime Fishermen Union (MFU) have joined the Regroupement des pecheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspesie (RPPSG) to lead and support fishermen in the transition towards the mandatory use of elogs by 2024. Developed by independent fishermen for fishermen, the elog for fisheries JOBEL received in 2019 the prestigious Mercure award for web and mobile applications. With a proven track record of over 135 000 electronic capture declarations in the Gulf of St Lawrence, it has been overwhelmingly adopted by fishermen for lobster, snow crab, herring and shrimp fisheries. Independent fishermen's organizations such as the RPPSG and UPM are aware that electronic data on national natural resources requires specific protections to ensure that private and foreign interests do not use for commercial purposes the information stored on private servers. They therefore work together for the management of the elog JOBEL to offer their members the highest level of confidentiality beyond the protections currently provided by law. Furthermore, these same organizations ensure that JOBEL remains under the exclusive control of Canadian independent fish harvesters. Media contact National: Claire Canet Regroupement des pecheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspesie Tel : (418) 689 6594 Email : clairecanet@rppsg.ca Omaha, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OMAHA, Neb., October 20, 2022 Today more than 100 attendees gathered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to learn about Nebraskas contribution and leadership in the bioscience and medtech industries. The Innovate Conference, hosted by the Greater Omaha Chamber, Bio Nebraska, Omaha Public Power District and UNeMed, put a spotlight on the many Nebraska-based medical breakthroughs and unique opportunities that have propelled advancements in public health, patient outcomes and commercial patents. Nebraska is a global leader in medical technology and bioscience innovation, said Dr. Michael Dixon, president and CEO of UNeMed, the technology transfer and commercialization office for UNMC. The research done here impacts the health and wellness of people across the world. We often think of Nebraska as an integral part of the agribusiness ecosystem, but our contributions to biotech cannot be overstated. The Innovate Conference featured a keynote from Dr. Jim Linder, CEO of Nebraska Medicine and founder of Linseed Capital. Several panel discussions covered medtech startup companies in Nebraska, opportunities for venture capital and economic development considerations for expansion and growth. There were also VIP tours of UNMCs Davis Global Center, iExcel and National Quarantine Center. These one-of-kind research and innovation centers are a crown jewel for the life science cluster were building here in Omaha, said Mark Norman, senior director of business attraction and expansion for the Greater Omaha Chamber. The Innovate Nebraska conference was a great opportunity for us to connect the amazing breakthroughs being made in Nebraska with business leaders who can help bring those innovations to market and grow our local medtech ecosystem. Innovate Nebraska led into the Bio Nebraska annual meeting, where Governor Pete Ricketts presented the Governors Bioscience Award. Earlier this month, Governor Ricketts officially proclaimed the month of October as Bioscience Month in Nebraska. ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following is an open letter from We The Patriots USA, Inc.: Just hours ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to add the COVID-19 shot to the CDC's childhood immunization schedule. According to We The Patriots USA Vice-President and Co-founder Attorney Brian Festa, the implications of this are staggering. "The shot will now be shielded from civil tort liability under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, which eliminated recovery through the courts and established the so-called 'vaccine court', allowing only limited recovery under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program," Festa explained. "This means that you cannot file a product liability lawsuit against a vaccine manufacturer if your child suffers injury or death from a shot." Festa added that another consequence of today's vote is that this shot is likely to be added to the list of "immunizations" required for school attendance in many states. Many state legislatures have adopted the practice of mandating that students in school receive every vaccine on the CDC's childhood schedule. This especially affects states like California, New York, Maine, Connecticut, Mississippi, and West Virginia, where no personal belief or religious exemption to school vaccination mandates exists. SO WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? 1. SIGN THE PETITION TO MAKE DISCRIMINATION BASED ON VACCINATION STATUS ILLEGAL, AND ASK EVERYONE TO DO THE SAME. If We The Patriots USA's petition to Congress is successful in its end goal of amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make vaccination status discrimination illegal, no school would ever be able to deny a child an education simply because that child has not received one or more shots. No employer would ever be able to fire someone for refusing a shot. No airline, restaurant, hospital, or any other business could refuse service to someone because they did not receive a shot. Please sign the petition today. 2. DONATE TO WE THE PATRIOTS USA SO THEY CAN EXPAND THEIR LEGAL EFFORTS AND FIGHT BACK IN COURT As noted above, it's nearly inevitable that some states will pass legislation to add this shot to the list of shots required for school attendance. This is likely to include not just students in Grades K-12, but college and university students as well. We The Patriots USA will need to file legal challenges in response to any such legislation. While the CDC maintains that the COVID shots are safe and effective, data has recently emerged showing evidence of adverse effects in young people especially, such as myocarditis. Please consider a donation in support of We The Patriots USA today, so they are ready to fight back at a moment's notice. Litigation is slow business, so they want to be able to file lawsuits immediately after these laws are passed. For press inquiries contact info@wethepatriotsusa.org. Contact Information: Brian Festa Vice-President brian@wethepatriotsusa.org Related Images Image 1: Childhood Vaccination This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Mission Viejo, California, United States, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leonhardt Ventures, LLC is pleased to announce the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued U.S. Patent No. 11,471,686 covering bioelectric stimulation control of increasing Klotho, a protein must known for muscle regeneration and other powerful anti-aging properties. More than 3,000 papers have been published describing a clear connection between low Klotho levels and nearly all age-related ailments and major diseases, including heart and cardiovascular disease, muscle atrophy, kidney failure, cancer, brain disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes. "This Klotho patent adds significant support to our goal mission to help people live longer and healthier lives. Adequate Klotho levels may be a critical factor in healthy aging and disease prevention. In landmark studies, mice deficient in Klotho exhibited accelerated aging and died 30% sooner than mice with normal Klotho levels. Mice receiving supplemental Klotho lived 30% longer with fewer aging-related ailments. In recent clinical studies, we have demonstrated up to a 150% increase in circulating Klotho with only two 45-minute bioelectric stimulation sessions a week for four weeks. We are conducting additional well controlled clinical studies to gather data to further demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this technology," stated Howard J. Leonhardt, Executive Chairman & CEO of Leonhardt Ventures, LLC. This Klotho IP and technology has been licensed for use with numerous organ specific therapeutic candidate innovations, including the following: Heart and Cardiovascular applications include heart, heart valve, and aorta regeneration, and high blood pressure management. Brain and Neurological applications include treatments for depression, memory loss, addiction, spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Cosmetic and Personal Care applications include skin and hair regeneration, accelerated teeth straightening and stabilization, and treatment of sleep apnea and breathing disorders, breast augmentation, and erectile dysfunction. Major Organ Regeneration applications include muscle building and regeneration and treatments for bladder dysfunction, kidney failure, liver failure, lung recovery, covid recovery, vision and hearing recovery, and knee joint pain. Cancer Klotho has been shown in some pre-clinical studies to exhibit tumor suppression activity. Our portfolio startup CanceCell is developing Klotho stimulation and other bioelectric and biologic treatments for cancer and has received 10 issued U.S. patents already. The company is developing KlothoYears, a program to provide access to Klotho testing and education on ways to increase Klotho, and to provide participants with a comparison of their level to normal values for their age, gender, and other demographics. The program is in early beta launch research phase in only selected regions at this time and with plans in place to fully launch nationwide in the USA some time in 2023 with a tested full logistics system in place. In 2021 Leonhardt Ventures LLC announced it purchased an exclusive license to intellectual property for KLOTHO EXPRESSING MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS intended to be used in combination with its bioelectric IP for a wide range of longevity and wellness applications. Our research team believes this combination represents the potential to be a potent therapy for patients most in need. About Leonhardt Ventures LLC: Founded in 1982 by Howard J. Leonhardt, Leonhardt Ventures LLC (formerly HJ Leonhardt & Co.) , located in Mission Viejo, CA, is a venture creation lab, product invention development laboratory, venture fund, and angel mentoring network. The Leonhardt team introduced the PolyCath TM line of cardiovascular balloon catheters in the 1980s, the TALENT TM (Taheri-Leonhardt) stent graft, StentValve, ProCell stem cell delivery catheters, PENSIL intravascular lung, RadiCath electromagnetic radiation delivery catheters, and bioelectric stimulators for improving blood flow in the 1990s. In 1987 Howard Leonhardt began a dialogue and collaboration with Dr. Robert. O. Becker Author of The Body Electric which influenced the forward pathway of the company. Since then, the company has primarily focused on the convergence of bioelectrics and biologics for longevity and wellness including tissue organ repair and regeneration. In 1989 the team working with Dr. Race Kao and Dr. George McGovern published their first paper on heart muscle regeneration with muscle stem cells (satellite cells) in The Physiologist. In 1999 working with Dr. Shinichi Kanno the team published their first bioelectric regeneration paper in CIRCULATION. In 2001, the Leonhardt team led the landmark first-ever non-surgical repair of a human heart with muscle stem cells working with Dr. Doris Taylor, Dr. Warren Sherman and Dr. Patrick Serruys. In 2019 Leonhardt led a team that completed the first ever percutaneous aortic stent based circulatory assist pump placement working with Dr. Adrian Ebner. More than 600,000 patients have have been treated with Leonhardt medical device and biotechnology inventions since 1988. The Leonhardt team has over 700 patent claims issued, pending, in process, optioned or licensed. A partial listing is available at https://patents.justia.com/inventor/howard-j-leonhardt . Leonhardts Launchpads founded in 2008 is the innovation and startup launch accelerator arm of Leonhardt Ventures LLC with an R&D lab at University Lab Partners at UCI Research Park, 5270 California Ave., Irvine, CA 92617. Leonhardt's Launchpad's portfolio of startups and innovations receives business mentoring and a variety of other support services from Cal-X Star Business Accelerator, Inc. About Lionheart Health, Inc. : Lionheart Health, Inc. founded in 2021 in beta launch phase, is a sales, marketing, and distribution arm of Leonhardt Ventures LLC focused on commercializing disruptive technologies for longevity and wellness. They plan to launch several products in the U.S. and other markets beginning in 2023. These include; BodStim is a bioelectric bodysuit that augments muscle building exercise and increases Klotho is a bioelectric bodysuit that augments muscle building exercise and increases Klotho SkinStim bioelectric skin rejuvenation bioelectric skin rejuvenation HairCell bioelectric hair rejuvenation bioelectric hair rejuvenation ErectiStim by MyoStim ED bioelectric treatment for men's sexual wellness. The company is working in partnership with established OEM manufacturers with FDA 510(k) market clearances for multiple indications, including muscle stimulation, pain/inflammation relief, and circulation improvement. The company also intends to launch a chain of Longevity and Wellness MedSpas based on its proprietary core technologies in 2024. PUBLIC RELATIONS MEDIA CONTACT: Brian Hardy Leonhardt Ventures LLC Tel: (424) 291-2133 Email: brian@fizzpopmedia.com COMPANY CONTACT: Howard J. Leonhardt Executive Chairman and CEO Email: howard@leonhardtventures.com Related Links: Headquarters Office: Leonhardt Ventures LLC, 1 Kent Court, Mission Viejo, CA 92694 Main Web site: www.leonhardtventures.com Research and Development Lab Leonhardts Launchpads powered by Cal-X Stars Business Accelerator, Inc. @ University Lab Partners UCI Research Park 5270 California Avenue Irvine, CA 92617 For the original news story, please visit https://www.prdistribution.com/news/u-s-patent-for-bioelectric-expression-of-klotho-a-key-longevity-and-disease-fighting-protein-issued-to-leonhardt-ventures/9355049 Attachments **Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or release publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws** CALGARY, Alberta and TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magnetic North Acquisition Corp. (TSXV: MNC) (Magnetic North or the Company) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr. John Kowal, a nonexecutive director of the Company and Chair of the Audit Committee. John was a man of unparalleled ethics and integrity. His wisdom, professionalism and kindness is a tremendous loss to the team. The Board of Directors and management team of Magnetic North express their sincere condolences to John's family during this difficult time. John's advice, common sense leadership and friendship will be greatly missed. Announcements regarding any resulting changes to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee will be forthcoming. About Magnetic North Acquisition Corp. Magnetic North invests and manages businesses on behalf of its shareholders and believes that capital alone does not always lead to success. With offices in Calgary and Toronto, our experienced management team applies its considerable management, operations and capital markets expertise to ensure its investee companies are as successful as possible for shareholders. Magnetic North shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the stock symbol MNC. For more information about Magnetic North, visit its website at www.magneticnac.com. Magnetic Norths securities filings can also be accessed at www.sedar.com. For further information, please contact: Graeme Dick Stephen McCormick Investor Relations VP, Capital Markets 403-561-8989 403-619-6898 graeme@colwellcapital.com stephen@magneticnac.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SYDNEY, Oct. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier event tech platform HeadBox offers lead-generating software and 3D modeling that helps venues proactively fill up their event calendars. Generating quality leads and connecting venues with new bookers looking for the best in Sydney venue hire, HeadBox provides a first-class solution for venues to boost their digital exposure and increase their revenue. According to HeadBox, over $2.9 million worth of leads for function rooms Sydney-wide have come through the platform in the last two months, with 1,000 messages sent by venues as they prepare for their busiest season. HeadBox explains that ahead of the peak Christmas period, function venues Sydney-wide are locking in 3D models of their event spaces to support their marketing and sales strategies. The 3D tool allows venues to book Christmas parties without having to conduct multiple site visits with clients, saving them time and money. Providing a range of features, including photorealistic 3D floor plans, 360-degree images to show users all parts of a room as well as alternative set-up 360-degree images so bookers can visualise different room set-ups plus floor plans and guided walkthroughs, the innovative product from HeadBox can help any function room Sydney-wide stand out from the competition. 'We now have HeadBox 3D Models for 52 of our venues across Australia and we love them! We are using the 3D Models on our website, function packages and in our communications with clients. With a centralised sales team, it has helped us to sell our event spaces and promote our venues, nationally. From pre-shoot to post-production, the HeadBox team has been efficient and supportive throughout the process, and we have seen great results," said Australian Venue Co, a HeadBox client. HeadBox's Lead Feed provides venues with new business opportunities, allowing them to proactively reach out to new bookers. A quick and easy tool for lead generation, the technology generates quality leads and connects venues with new bookers who are looking for venue hire Sydney-wide. To learn more about the products and how to maximise Christmas bookings, Sydney venues can contact HeadBox directly. Contact Information: Headbox AU Founder press@headbox.com 03 8564 3773 Related Images Image 1: HeadBox AU HeadBox AU This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Lewis Hamilton admits ahead of the United States Grand Prix that Mercedes went down the wrong path in the 2022 Formula 1 season. He hopes his team can recover from the disappointing W13 and is betting on a battle between Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing in 2023. Article continues under ad "Unlike at the beginning of the year where I said we don't make any mistakes... We're human and clearly we do," Hamilton admitted at the press conference, broadcast by Sky Sports. However, he is confident his team will come back on top and largely attributes that to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. Hamilton praises leadership Wolff The German racing stable's strength, then, lies in leadership, according to Hamilton. "We have a great leader," he says. "Toto is focused as a leader to elevate people. I don't think I've know any other leader that I've worked with that says 'how are things at home, how can I support you better so you have more time with your wife, husband, partner, kids so that you come to work happier." According to the 37-year-old Briton, this is how Wolff keeps Mercedes' team members optimally motivated. He is therefore confident that his team can come back stronger after a disappointing year. "I would like to think we are going to be the ones that are competing with Red Bull and being able to beat them again. I believe that for sure," Hamilton said firmly. He also hopes Ferrari will be strong again in the coming years. He stresses that the Italian racing stable has had a difficult year, but that there are encouraging signs. Moreover, the Mercedes driver predicts that Red Bull may yet face competition from other teams: "I hope it's more than a two way battle next year. At least three of us, if not surprisingly more, why not McLaren or even Alpine?" DO YOU OWN A HOUSE? Battery-maker LG Energy Solution signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Syrah Resources Limited on partnering to evaluate natural graphite anode material. Under the terms of the MoU, LGES and Syrah will test and verify the natural graphite from Syrahs Vidalia production facility in Vidalia, Louisiana, which is scheduled to start production in 2023. Through the testing and verification procedures, the companies will ensure that the products satisfy LGESs technical requirements for natural graphite, and commit efforts to determine the final product specifications by the end of 2023. Syrah is being awarded $220 million by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to support the expansion of its Graphite Active Anode Material Facility in Vidalia. (Earlier post.) Based on the results of the evaluation, LGES and Syrah will also use commercially reasonable efforts to sign a binding offtake agreement by the end of 2022. The annual procurement targets for natural graphite will begin at 2,000 metric tons in 2025 and continuously increase in the upcoming years. The non-binding MoU with Syrah marks the sixth partnership agreement LGES has signed under its mission to secure key raw materials for EV battery production in North America. Prior to this MoU, LGES has signed non-binding MoUs with Compass Minerals on lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, and with Avalon Advanced Materials and Snow Lake Resources on lithium hydroxide. LGES has also signed binding term sheets with Sigma Lithium (battery-grade lithium) and Electra Battery Materials Corporation (cobalt sulfate). CHEYENNE -Interim Secretary of State Karl Allred has moved quickly to request the removal of absentee ballot drop boxes statewide. Three days after he was sworn into office, he sent a letter on Friday to all 23 county clerks. In the correspondence, he asked them to consider the request, if not for this election, then for 2024 and all future elections. Allred said while his time in the office would be short, he wanted to capitalize on the opportunity to continue the "great work of this office and oversee another successful election." Absentee voting began on Sept. 23 for the Nov. 8 gen... CASPER A man who entered the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot after traveling from Wyoming to Washington D.C. was sentenced Wednesday to 30 days in jail. A federal judge in Washington also fined Andrew Galloway $1,000 and ordered him to pay another $500 in restitution. Galloway, 34, is the first person with Wyoming ties to be criminally punished in connection to the attack on the Capitol. He was living in Cody at the time, but now resides in Tennessee. Galloway pleaded guilty in March to a single charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing inside the Capitol. During the attack... Dear Editor, Since the August 16th Primary elections some members in our Wyoming legislature are conspiring to limit the authority of the Secretary of State. I feel as if those in our State Legislature that want to do this are stripping We The People of this great state of our vote. We voted for Chuck Gray and do not see a need for any reason for the Secretary of State to have some of their authority taken away from that position and handed to other positions. Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, co-chair of the Joint Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions Committee, made the motion to... Both of Google's new phones, which were announced a couple of weeks or so ago, have already been subjected to very detailed video teardowns. But as you may know, the company also unveiled the Pixel Watch at the same event, and if you were anxiously waiting for a teardown of the wearable, you're in luck as that's exactly what the folks over at iFixit have treated us to today. The teardown reveals a very interesting first-generation package. The Pixel Watch is pretty much a puzzle of sorts. On one hand, it has a removable back, something that took Apple multiple generations to do for its wearables. On the other hand, some parts, like the crown and button, seem to be unreplaceable, which obviously hinders repairability. The Pixel Watch also interestingly comes with some very unique and distinctive adhesive on the inside, one that doesn't leave any residue when removed. On a side note, someone at Google should probably inform iFixit that Wear OS hasn't been known as Android Wear in quite some time now. So, there's no such thing as "an Android watch". In the end, it seems like the wearable gets a pass, with improvements to the innards expected from possible future generations. Xiaomi announced at least 18 different Redmi Note 11 smartphones in the past year and the company is finally ready to move on. An announcement on Weibo revealed the Redmi Note 12 series will be launched this month. According to the post, there will be two major technologies, one of them being first in the world. There is no information on what names will be the first devices, but there are reports about three upcoming phones - Redmi Note 12, Redmi Note 12 Pro, and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ that were respectively certified with 67W, 120W, and 210W fast charging. Rumors are pointing to the Note 12 Pro phones being powered by the latest Mediatek chipset, the Dimensity 1080 which was announced earlier this month as an improvement over the Dimensity 920. One of the biggest updates on the SoC that we are likely to see in the Redmi phones is the capability for a 200 MP camera. Source (in Chinese) | Via The Port of Guam as seen from the air in June 2021. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with Guam Shipyard to meet pollutant discharge requirements under the Clean Water Act to protect Apra Harbor. Congressional candidates responded to questions on Guams political status, drug prevention, the military buildup and illegal migration during a debate held by the Rotary Club of Guam Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Guam Resort. Republican candidate James Moylan and Democrat candidate Judith Won Pat faced off during the event sharing their views and plans for the island as they vie for Guams only seat in Congress. Military buildup Moylan, a veteran, said he supports the military buildup and construction of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz and, that if done correctly, it will be a benefit to the local economy. How I could help as your delegate is to be part of the Armed Services Committee to further explain the importance of Guams voice, said Moylan. Won Pat said its significant the buildup has employed many local contractors, engineers and other service jobs, but noted that the buildup also has caused shortages in laborers for civilian residential construction. There must be a balance to benefit both the military and local community, Won Pat said, noting she will achieve this by ensuring contractors follow local laws and making sure the billions of dollars coming to Guam translates to high-paying, skilled jobs. Illegal drugs On the topic of the importation of methamphetamine and fentanyl, Won Pat said the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency has had limited authority to inspect packages mailed to the island and she would provide more federal resources to address the problem. I intend to bring this longstanding issue to the attention of federal officials in Washington, D.C., to get their commitment for more resources, said Won Pat. A former parole officer who served seven years at the Department of Corrections, Moylan said he has seen the effects drugs have on the community and families. If elected, he said he would advocate for more personnel and equipment for Customs and provide more rehabilitation resources. Political status With regard to Guams political status, Moylan said he would prefer statehood, but that ultimately, the decision should be up to voters. He also said he would advocate for more funds to better educate voters about political status options. He didnt oppose status quo as an option. My job in Washington D.C. is not to pick a political status for Guam. The delegates job is to make sure the federal policy for Guam is consistent with the overall federal policy on self-determination and sovereignty, said Won Pat. She said the CHamoru people should have the autonomy to determine Guams political status since they are the original colonized people of Guam. Illegal arrivals In response to the illegal arrivals of Chinese migrants from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Won Pat said that while she has not been briefed properly and is concerned about the security threat level, she does believe more federal law enforcement is needed. As Guams delegate, she would work to find out why the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has not taken a more active role and increase resources to monitor Guams borders. Moylan said he would get support from the Department of Justice for the Guam National Guard and local law enforcement. It is unfortunate that this is not considered a public safety emergency right now, said Moylan. Corrections & Clarifications: this article has been update to reflect the number of petitioners signed on in opposition to detonations occurring at Tarague Beach. No decision will be made on whether to approve or disapprove Andersen Air Force Bases reapplication to detonate ordnance along Tarague Beach until analysis of alternate disposal methods is completed, agency officials said during a Thursday meeting of the Guam Environmental Protection Agencys board. But it is up to the military to determine what the viable alternatives to open detonation are, according to Guam EPAs Don Quinata, because theyre the subject matter experts. The commander of Andersens civil engineering squadron has already expressed doubt that open detonation can be replaced in a previous letter to Guam EPA. When the ongoing analysis of disposal methods being done by Andersen is completed, a 45-day comment period will be opened to the public, Quinata said. Any alternative technology is for expired munitions, that were subject to routine disposal, said Guam EPA Executive Director Walter Leon Guerrero. It doesnt cover emergency needs. I think we should all acknowledge that unexploded ordnance is found both inside and outside the fence, and that there was no mandate for the military to dispose of the World War II-era ordnance routinely found in the community. While it wasnt ideal, Leon Guerrero said ordnance found in the community was often so unsafe that it couldnt be transported to Andersen for detonation, and had to be blown up where it was unearthed. Leon Guerrero said he had communicated with Andersen leadership about closing down the now inactive open burn unit located near Tarague, but said they were informed that closing the burn unit would inhibit future operations. Protests Protesters opposed to the detonations lined the street outside Guam EPA headquarters in Tiyan. About a dozen people, including members of local activist group Prutehi Litekyan: Save Ritidian appeared in person and appealed to the board to pressure management into denying the permit. We know that the board has no vote on whether to approve or deny the permit, but we need you to pressure management and do whats right for the people of Guam, said Prutehi Litekyans Monaeka Flores, pointing to the toxic chemicals such as lead and uranium that were permitted for disposal at Andersen. She said numerous attempts had been made to communicate with management, but had gone unanswered. Flores told board members that, with stricter regulations on open burning imposed by U.S. EPA in June, there was no question that the permit should be denied. Guam EPA has been reviewing the permit for the 40-year-old open detonation and burn unit at Andersen since 2021. Officials from the agency have communicated with leadership at Andersen on the need to review and reassess ordnance disposal methods in line with stricter regulations, the PDN reported. Prutehi Litekyan and members of the public have already sent letters in opposition to the permits approval, and more than 4,000 people have signed on to a petition to stop detonations at Tarague, Flores said. Dededo resident Bobby Benavente said her husband would share stories with her about what he saw while fishing in the waters off of Andersen. Stories where he was startled by a sudden noise and explosion at Tarague Beach, followed by black smoke rising up into the air, she said. Benavente said she was concerned about the future of the land, should detonations persist, for her three children, six grandchildren and great-grandchild. She teared up as she addressed the board. Guam is our home. It is a permanent home. It is not a temporary duty station as it is for some, she said. Patients and visitors to Guam Memorial Hospital will notice new security measures, according to a news release from the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority. New bulletproof security doors and security posts have been installed and renovated at the Emergency Department to protect patients and staff from aggressive or threatening individuals attempting to enter, and the hospitals security force is training to make sure they are ready for any situation. Under the new security procedures, everyone must enter the Emergency Department through the main entrance where the lobby and triage are located. The entrance on the left-hand side is exclusively for ambulances transporting patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses. The security guard stationed at the trauma entrance will only open these doors for ambulances transporting patients in life-threatening conditions, according to the release. The new bulletproofing renovation at this entrance includes inner doors that can be locked down, allowing people to exit the Emergency Room, but not enter. A hardened bulletproof wall protects the security guard. Anyone attempting to enter the ER must walk through the first set of glass doors before approaching the inner doors. This enables the security guard time to trigger the automatic lock. Both areas where security guards are stationed in the Emergency Department have been reinforced with bullet-proof walls. If a potentially violent person approaches through the main entrance, they will be face-to-face with security guards. The security team regularly participates in training through the Department of Corrections, with the next training session scheduled to start in December. In addition to training with DOC, security staff are trained in the tactical deployment of handcuffs and an expandable baton, knife defense, hand-to-hand combat, and basic jiu-jitsu. The security team must be certified in the use of pepper spray every two years. South Africa: Environment conducive for alternative power sources: Mabuza Deputy President David Mabuza assured Parliamentarians on Thursday that government has created a regulatory environment that is conducive to opening up the market for alternative power generation. For instance, regulatory authorities have relaxed the licensing threshold for generation projects from 1 MW to 100 MW. This means that power plants with a capacity of less than 100 MW can supply electricity to a wide range of users, like businesses and homes, the Deputy President said. He was responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) relating to the work of government in the sixth administration. Questions posed to the Deputy President by members of political parties represented in Parliament covered progress made in improving Eskoms plant performance and measures taken to ensure the protection of infrastructure and resolutions of the Communal Land Summit. He said government has been working with the energy sector to remove a cap on private generators, increase the number of requests for proposals issued to the private sector and contract for more megawatts from existing independent power producers (IPPs). The renewable energy programme has connected about 2 000 MW of solar and wind energy to the national grid, courtesy of Bid Window 4. The Bid Window 5 will contribute over 2 600 MW by 2024. The Bid Window 6 will procure some 5 200 MW of wind and solar energy. Updated regulations, according to Mabuza, allow municipalities to procure power independently. Eskom would also buy surplus power from existing producers like mines, factories, malls, and other private generators. Eskom will also import additional power from neighbouring countries. In the meantime, he said Eskom is aggressively maintaining its power station fleet. Maintenance budgets have increased to improve operational reliability, and bureaucratic guidelines have been relaxed. This should lessen Eskoms difficulties in purchasing the necessary equipment and services. Mabuza told the NCOP that the State-owned power entity is embarking on a significant recruitment drive to employ highly competent technicians, including former plant managers and engineers. Eskom has recognised that the ground zero of its operations is at the plant level. Clean energy Eskom has proposed adding 8 000 MW of clean energy projects to the grid over the next two to five years as part of its Just Energy Transition (JET) strategy. This is a mix of greenfield renewables and gas projects, as well as coal power plant repurposing, Mabuza said. He assured the NCOP that government is considering various changes that will speed up the acquisition of IPPs and further reduce red tape. To address energy demands, Mabuza said, Eskom has proposed building 8 000 kilometres of transmission lines over 10 years. Mabuza said the appointment of the new Eskom board will ensure that as a country, we attain the target of improving Eskoms energy availability factor from the currently undesirable levels that are below 60% to a stable level of 75%. Protecting infrastructure He said Eskom has adopted an integrated security approach, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, to address criminal activities relating to critical infrastructure that enables the organisation to function. Work to protect critical infrastructure has not been limited to Eskom, said Mabuza. We are taking lessons from our response to Eskom and replicating it across other critical infrastructure. This fits with making sure all of our efforts to grow the economy are long-lasting. Eskom, according to Mabuza, has analysed all national key point sites and is installing smart technologies at generation power stations. Helicopters and drones are utilised in isolated areas where criminal networks still target infrastructure. Land On the Communal Land Administration and Tenure Reform Summit Resolutions, Mabuza said these include making laws about communal land ownership that define the different ways people can own land in both rural and urban areas. The other recommendation was on the introduction of legislation and other measures to protect communal land from being bonded, alienated, lost, or sequestrated by financial institutions and any other developers. These outcomes, the Deputy President said, also brought to light different points of view and new issues that will need more attention when policies and laws are made about land administration and tenure reforms in communal areas. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-10-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Nation takes giant strides with innovation (China Daily) 13:17, October 20, 2022 [SONG CHEN/CHINA DAILY] Key advances being made in fields of science, technology China's unwavering efforts to pursue innovation-driven growth and promote in-depth integration of cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, 5G and big data with the real economy have drawn praise from experts. They said these advances will further bolster digital transformation and upgrading of industries, and inject fresh impetus into the nation's high-quality economic development. China is playing an increasingly important role in promoting scientific and technological innovation, helping safeguard the stability of worldwide industrial and supply chains, and driving global economic recovery amid downward pressures and uncertainties at home and abroad, the experts added. During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, the nation will uphold the central role of innovation in its modernization drive and take self-reliance in science and technology as the strategy underpinning national development. Long Haibo, a senior researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council, said: "Innovation is the key driver of global economic growth. The worldwide economic recovery is facing severe challenges against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple uncertainties. Therefore, it is necessary to jointly explore and find solutions to global problems through scientific and technological innovation." Noting that emerging digital technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, the industrial internet, big data and blockchain are gaining momentum and accelerating digitalization in a wide range of traditional industries, including manufacturing and agriculture, Long said more efforts are needed to step up investment in frontier technologies and gain a competitive edge in key fields. China's strength in science and technology innovation has taken a qualitative leap in recent years. According to the 2022 Global Innovative Index released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, the nation has risen to 11th place and remains the only middle-income economy in the top 30. The index ranks the world's economies annually on innovation capacity and output. Artificial intelligence, a key technology for driving digital transformation, has played a vital role in speeding the nation's push for industrial upgrading. Significant progress has been made in developing China's AI industry, with technological innovation capabilities in some areas ranking among the best in the world, according to experts. A Stanford University report shows that China filed more than half the world's AI patent applications last year, and the nation continued to lead the world in the number of AI journals, conference papers and related publications. The report said Chinese researchers have been the most prolific in recent years, publishing 27.5 percent of all AI journal articles worldwide, while researchers from the United States accounted for 12 percent. Articles in Chinese journals also topped those of other nations for citations, an indicator of their scientific importance. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT, the value of China's core AI industries exceeds 400 billion yuan ($55.92 billion), and the number of related enterprises stands at more than 3,000, with major breakthroughs being made in key core technologies such as smart chips and open-source frameworks. The nation has issued a plan setting benchmarks for its AI sector, with the value of core AI industries predicted to exceed 1 trillion yuan, making China one of the global leaders in such innovation by 2030. Chinese technology companies have invested heavily in research and development based on AI. In 2017, Baidu was chosen to lead the establishment of the AI national laboratory on deep learning. Self-driving technologies are important for this national research project. Robin Li, co-founder and CEO of Baidu, said the application of AI technology is reshaping the industrial landscape and will be a transformative force revolutionizing development over the next 40 years. The goal for the intelligent transformation of industries and society brought by AI is to fulfill people's needs making technology meaningful only if it serves humanity by creating more value and contributing to society, Li said. An employee checks welding robots at a manufacturer in Tangshan, Hebei province. [Photo/Xinhua] Remarkable progress China has witnessed remarkable achievements in advancing development of the 5G telecommunications network and using next-generation wireless technology for the digitalization of different sectors. As of the end of July, the nation had set up some 1.97 million 5G base stations, with all prefecture-level cities, counties and 96 percent of towns equipped with 5G network coverage, according to the MIIT.The number of 5G mobile users in China has reached 475 million. Speaking at the 2022 World 5G Convention in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, in August, Zhang Yunming, vice-minister of industry and information technology, said efforts will be stepped up to advance the construction of 5G networks, encourage upstream and downstream enterprises in the 5G industrial chain to strengthen cooperation, and accelerate the large-scale application of 5G technology. Zhang said China has entered a crucial period for 5G commercialization, with the superfast wireless technology being applied to 40 of the 97 major economic categories, and large-scale application expanded to mines and ports. The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, a government think tank, said the nation is likely to spend 1.2 trillion yuan on 5G network construction, which will drive more than 3.5 trillion yuan of investment in the upstream and downstream industrial chain and related sectors by 2025. Wang Zhiqin, deputy head of the academy, said the 5G industry is expected to directly create more than 3 million jobs by 2025, with its information market resulting from the commercialization of the wireless technology surpassing 8.3 trillion yuan. Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Information Consumption Alliance, a telecom industry association, said 5G technology is being applied in a wide range of industries and scenarios, including video conferencing, online medical consultations, remote education, short videos, livestreaming events and games. China is also committed to promoting the application of 5G technology in the industrial internet, supporting initial public offerings of eligible industrial internet companies, and accelerating innovation of key technologies to advance enterprises' digital transformation, according to the MIIT. To date, the nation has cultivated 150 large-scale industrial internet platforms, which are connected to more than 79 million units of industrial equipment. Experts also stressed the importance of boosting self-reliance in core technologies and key fields, which is crucial to ensuring independent and controllable industrial and supply chains. Wang Yiming, vice-chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said that against the backdrop of an increasingly complicated and grim external environment, technological innovation is not only a matter of development, but also of survival. "Only by pursuing self-reliance in core technologies and key fields can we break the monopoly of some countries in high-tech sectors," Wang said. China has made great strides in boosting advances in technologies, but it is still reliant on developed countries for key and core technologies such as high-end chips, aircraft engines, core robotic components and premium medical equipment, Wang added. He called for heightened efforts to strengthen the nation's independent innovation capacities, achieve breakthroughs in resolving bottleneck problems, and increase investment in basic research and strategic forward-looking technologies. Chen Duan, director of the Digital Economy Integration Innovation Development Center at Central University of Finance and Economics, said more should be done to give full play to the advantages of a unified domestic market that is highly efficient, rule-based, and fair and open to competition. "We should expedite the translation and application of key scientific and technological breakthroughs, and support leading high-tech companies to pour more money into state-of-the-art technologies to better serve the country's development strategy," Chen said. Enterprises, as key players in technological innovation, are expected to play a positive role in promoting the effective allocation of resources, Chen added. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) Personnel specialist Anthony Cepeda, right, receives supplemental documentation from a employment applicant at the Department of Administration Human Resources Division in Tamuning in this 2019 file photo. The administration department on Thursday announced the temporary closure of its offices, with the exception of the Employee Benefits Office, until further notice. A man who was found not guilty of attempted murder last week was charged Thursday with promoting prison contraband and drug possession. This is the second time this year Jerome Camacho Cruz, 38, has been charged in a prison drug case. The recent charges involve the discovery of a lighter and methamphetamine during an August search at the prison, and the discovery of methamphetamine in Cruzs cell earlier this month, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court. On Aug. 25, police were called to the prison, where an employee told them a random search was performed on Cruz. A green lighter was found in the pocket of Cruzs shorts, and a cut clear straw containing a crystal-like substance was found in his sock. The substance later tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the complaint. On Oct. 2, police were again called to the prison, where an officer met with a member of the Specialized Operations Response Team. The prison worker said methamphetamine was found in a folded piece of paper located in Cruzs cell. The SORT member described that the folded-up piece of paper was located in a gap between the cell door frame and the wall and painted over, the complaint stated. The SORT member further described that strips of paper and white paint could be seen all over the cell. In an interview, Cruz said that if he were to take a drug test, it would come back positive, according to the complaint. Previous charges On Aug. 26 a day after the first incident in the most recent complaint Cruz was charged in two other incidents. On May 25, police were called to the prison after two straws containing methamphetamine were found hidden in a pair of shoes in a cell Cruz shared with another inmate, the complaint stated. At the time, Cruz told investigators someone gave him the shoes to hold, so he believed he had been set up. On Aug. 10, an officer at the prison discovered a small bulging item in Cruzs front waistband area. The item turned out to be a crumpled plastic bag containing three smaller blue bags with a little more than 3/4 of an ounce of methamphetamine, according to the August magistrates complaint. Officials also found a modified glass pipe and a white plastic straw. The complaint said Cruz described smoking ice multiple times in his cell, as well as having access to chewing tobacco and cigarettes. Defendant reported that one of the other guys in the cell brought the items into the cell. Defendant further reported that the contraband discovered was found on the floor in a bag, and not on his person. In that case, Cruz was charged with two counts of promoting prison contraband as a second-degree felony and two counts of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony. Not guilty verdict Cruz was on pretrial release on drug and weapons charges and under house arrest in March when he was charged with attempted murder in connection with a Feb. 20 shooting at a Dededo home. In that case, a man told police he argued with Cruz and the two got into a fight. The man said he heard a loud bang and felt pain in his abdomen. He was taken to Guam Memorial Hospital, where doctors determined a bullet entered his lower abdomen and exited his back. On Friday, Cruz was acquitted of all charges in that case attempted murder with an allegation of the use of a deadly weapon, aggravated assault as a second-degree felony with an allegation of the use of a deadly weapon, aggravated assault as a third-degree felony with an allegation of the use of a deadly weapon, as well as a firearms charge, according to his attorney Brycen Breazeale. Michael Lujan Bevacqua is an author, artist, activist and the curator for the Guam Museum. Democratic congressional candidate Judith Won Pat, left, and Republican candidate Sen. James Moylan shake hands Oct. 14, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Guam after answering questions during a candidate forum hosted by the Guam Womens Chamber of Commerce. Tamuning resident and former Del. Robert Underwood takes issue with lies told for political convenience in his letter to the editor. Yolanda Pilarca, a school counselor at Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School, shares her thoughts on addressing victims who may have experienced injuries or trauma in relation to acts of domestic violence as she and others take part in day one of the two-day 2022 kNOw MORE training conference, hosted by the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence non-profit group, at the Westin Guam Resort in Tumon Oct. 18, 2022. Haiti - Politic : The Fusion Party condemns the remarks of Moise Jean-Charles which threaten the security of the State In a statement, Edmonde Supplice Beauzile, President of the Fusion Party "[...] strongly condemns the aggressive and irresponsible statements of Moise Jean-Charles, representative of the political platform 'Pitit Desalin', inviting individuals to attempt the lives of Haitian Government officials and their families in their respective residences" https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37912-icihaiti-demonstrationmoise-jean-charles-asks-the-demonstrators-to-arm-themselves-with-machetes-to-lead-the-revolution.html "[..] These statements (by Moise) made during a press conference on October 17, 2022 and then broadcast on several radio stations in the Capital clearly threaten the internal security of the State at its highest level. The perpetration of such acts against authorities in the exercise of their functions is clearly qualified as a crime according to article 170 of the penal code and the author of these declarations must be punished according to the rigors of the law. Prompt steps should have already been taken by the Government Commissioner to put public action in motion to crack down on any offender who threatens the security of the state verbally or by actions. [...] The Fusion asks the competent authorities to take all measures to reprimand these acts with the utmost rigor. [...]" See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37912-icihaiti-demonstrationmoise-jean-charles-asks-the-demonstrators-to-arm-themselves-with-machetes-to-lead-the-revolution.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Cholera : 32% jump in hospitalizations in 24 hours Situation and progression of cholera in Haiti as of October 16, 2022 according to data from the Department of Epidemiology, Laboratories and Research of the Ministry of Public Health (latest data available): October 16: (First confirmed case October 2, 2022) Total suspected cases (including the national penitentiary): 877 cases +5.02% in 24 hours (previous: 835 suspected cases) Anyone with acute watery, profuse diarrhea with or without vomiting and dehydration Total confirmed cases (including the national penitentiary): 78 cases in 24 hours +0% (previous: 78 confirmed cases) Any suspect or probable case with a positive culture for "Vibrio cholerae" Total suspected cases hospitalized: 248 cases in 24 hours +31.9% (previous: 188 hospitalized) Total institutional deaths (including the national penitentiary): 34 deaths +0% in 24 hours (previous: 34 deaths) Distribution of suspected cases: Less than 1 year: 13 cases (+) 1-4 years: 150 cases (+) 5-9 years: 93 cases (+) 10-14 years: 44 cases (+) 15-19 years old: 38 cases (+) 20-29 years old: 73 cases (+) 30-39 years old: 64 cases (+) 40-49 years: 49 cases (+) 50-59 years old: 39 cases (+) 60-69 years old: 19 cases (+) 70-79 years: 16 cases (=) 80 years and over: 3 cases () 53.63% men 46.37% women Samples received: 493 +0% (previous: 493 samples) Tests performed: 493 +0% (previous: 493 samples) Positivity rate: 13.4% (=) Distribution of suspected cases: Artibonite Department: Saint-Marc: 1 case (=) Green beetles: 1 case (+) Saint-Michel: 1 case (=) Gros Morne: 1 case (+) Desdunes: 1 case (=) Centre Department: Mirebalais: 13 cases (=) Saut-dEau: 1 case (=) Nippes Department: Small Hole: 2 cases (+) West Department: Cite Soleil: 294 cases (+7.69% in 24 hours) Port-au-Prince: 221 cases (+2.31% in 24 hours) Delmas: 36 cases (+28.57% in 24 hours) Petion-ville: 14 cases (+ 16.66% in 24 hours) Tabarre: 8 cases (+300% in 24 hours) Croix-des-Bouquets: 7 cases (+0% in 24 hours) Crossroads: 3 Cases (+0% in 24 hours) Cumulative National Penitentiary: (Data has not been updated by the Ministry and is as of October 12) 271 suspected cases +33.49% in 24 hours (the day before 203 suspected cases) 12 Confirmed cases +0 in 24 hours (the day before 12 confirmed cases) 14 Deaths +16.66% in 24 hours (the day before 12 deaths) News : Suspected cholera cases continue to rise in Haiti. While the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN are concerned about an epidemic outbreak in Haiti in an increasingly degraded security context. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), to support the action of the health authorities, has already opened four Cholera Treatment Centers (CTC) in Port-au-Prince and its surroundings, i.e. a capacity of 205 beds: in the Turgeau district, in Cite Soleil, Champ de Mars, Raoul-Pierre-Louis Hospital (Carrefour). "We have water purification activities mainly in Carrefour. And we are also strengthening awareness of barrier measures in the most affected neighborhoods such as Brooklyn, Cite Soleil, Carrefour-Feuilles, Bel-Air and Delmas 24," explained Auguste Victor Ngantse le, Medical Coordinator for MSF - Haiti, adding "We don't know exactly what caused the resurgence of cholera in the country, on the other hand, in the slums like the Cite Soleil where we started to identify the first cases, there were very favorable elements such as insalubrity, promiscuity or difficult access to drinking water. Previous bulletin : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37921-haiti-cholera-835-suspected-cases-and-34-dead-in-3-departments.html See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37816-icihaiti-cholera-entry-ban-on-cooked-food-from-haiti-on-the-dajabon-market.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37807-haiti-flash-cholera-the-who-is-sounding-the-alarm.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37803-haiti-flash-already-7-dead-from-cholera-and-dozens-of-suspected-cases.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37795-haiti-flash-cholera-back-in-haiti-fear-of-epidemic-the-un-ready-to-intervene.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Former Senator Joseph front the American courts Wednesday, October 19, 2022, indicted for his role in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021 at his residence https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html , Former Senator John Joel Joseph, arrested in Jamaica on January 15, 2002 hhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35724-haiti-flash-assassination-of-the-president-former-senator-john-joel-joseph-arrested-in-jamaica.html extradited to the United States on April 21, 2022 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36629-haiti-justice-assassination-president-a-third-suspect-appeared-in-federal-court.html claimed his innocence in federal court in Florida. His attorney also requested a jury trial. He risks life in prison if he is found guilty of the charges against him : having rented four vehicles which were used by the Colombian commandos on the night of the attack. He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States and with providing material support leading to the death of Jovenel Moise. National funeral for "Mikaben" Michael Benjamin alis "Mikaben" died on stage during the CARIMI concert on October 15 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37895-haiti-flash-michael-benjamin-mikaben-dies-on-stage-in-front-of-20-000-fans-video.html will be entitled to a national funeral, announced Emmelie Prophet Milce the Minister of Culture who did not mention any date for this funeral. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37920-icihaiti-vigilance-false-fundraising-for-mikaben.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37905-haiti-death-of-mikaben-rain-of-messages-of-sympathy-part-ii.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37895-haiti-flash-michael-benjamin-mikaben-dies-on-stage-in-front-of-20-000-fans-video.html The lives of 30,000 pregnant women at risk The United Nations draws attention to the plight of pregnant women in Haiti due to the blockage of fuel. According to the UN, 30,000 pregnant women are at risk because of this situation. 24 classrooms built and all equipped Thanks to funding from the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID), UNICEF has built 24 classrooms in the national schools of Miserne, Fonds-Palmiste, Lougou and Briyer affected by the earthquake of August 14 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34479-haiti-flash-magnitude-72-earthquake-in-the-nippes.html . In addition, 600 bench tables, 24 blackboards, 24 desks and 28 teachers' chairs were distributed to these schools. In total, 1,200 school students will be able to return to school, and learn in adequate conditions. Social Assistance 21 metric tons of dry rations were distributed from October 3 to 16, to 3,000 vulnerable people in Cite Soleil, informs the World Food Program (WFP). 2,580 children received food/nutrients (plumpy'nut to combat malnutrition). 17,600 hot meals were distributed in the city, including in the Cholera Treatment Centers (CTC). HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2022/10/19 | Source Actress Han Hyo-joo gave off quite the aura. Advertisement Han Hyo-joo decorated the cover of the November issue of Cosmopolitan, a fashion magazine. At the filming site, which was conducted in collaboration with brand Max Mara, Han Hyo-joo received praise from the staff for giving off presence with her intense eyes and elegant poses. Asked how she has been doing, Han Hyo-joo said, "I'm traveling all over the country filming "Believer 2". I tanned to play the strong character 'Big Knife' and worked hard to show muscles. I feel like I'm stronger inside as I'm stronger on the outside", she said, showing confidence. She said, "It will be completely different from the Han Hyo-joo you've seen so far", and added, "Even seniors in the field can't recognize me. It's fun to see a face that I've never seen before while monitoring", she said, raising expectations for her next work. In a subsequent interview, Han Hyo-joo expressed her excitement at appearing in Lee Soo-yeon's drama, "Dominant Species". "It's a smart drama that fits the times. I had goosebumps and tingling for two hours during the meeting with the writer. I think a really interesting drama will come out". She said, "My role is a CEO who's like an onion, and it's huge". Along with her next film, Han Hyo-joo, who has played strong characters in the past, said, "I liked the roles I played in my 20s, but I wanted to act more and more and play a leading character". Regarding the steady filming of overseas content such as the Japanese movies "The Sun Doesn't Move", "Clumsy, Love", and "Treadstone", she said, "Working with overseas teams is an expansion of the playground. We will go to Lotte World, go to Disneyland, and go to Universal Studios. (Laughter) It's incredibly difficult to act in another country's language, but the process of practicing until it gets to my mouth gives me a great sense of accomplishment", she said. "For me, challenges are really important meaning. New work will continue to knock on the door and challenge", she said, showing the aspect of the challenger. Han Hyo-joo, who is working hard, has finished filming the movie "Believer 2" and the Disney Plus series "Moving" and is set to shoot Lee Soo-yeon-I's new drama "Dominant Species". The November issue of Cosmopolitan, which Han Hyo-joo decorated the cover, will be available at bookstores nationwide from October 22nd, 2022. It can also be found on the Cosmopolitan Korea website and social media. Published on 2022/10/19 | Source Actor Jung Hae-in has released a proof shot of his reunion with girl group Black Pink's Ji-soo. Advertisement Jung Hae-in posted a photo on his Instagram story on the 16th with the caption, "BLACKPINK World Tour Fighting!" In the picture, Jung Hae-in is holding a BLACKPINK light stick and taking a proof shot with Jisoo. He looks close to Jisoo and still draws attention with a friendly atmosphere. Earlier, the two worked together as the main characters in the JTBC drama "Snowdrop" which ended in January. "Snowdrop" is a drama about a desperate love story that goes against the era of Soo-ho (Jung Hae-in), a prestigious university student who suddenly jumps into a dormitory of a women's university in 1987 and Yeong-ro (Jisoo), a female college student who hides and treats him during crisis. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK held the "BLACKPINK World Tour [BORN PINK] SEOUL" at KSPO DOME (Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium) in Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul. After the Seoul concert, they will continue their world tour in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Published on 2022/10/20 | Source Korean movies opening today 2022/10/20 in Korea: "The Cave" and Japanese-Korean document "Soup and Ideology" Advertisement "The Cave" (2021) Directed by Lee Young-ah-I With Yoo Da-in, Jo Eun-ji, Ha Kyung, Jung Young-sub,... Synopsis After her husband's sudden passing, Min-hee moves to Jeju Island with a few unresolved questions in mind. She settles into the house he had always wanted, and gets to know a neighbor named Mok-ha and her twenty-year-old son, Tae-kyeong. She takes a liking to self-confident and exuberant Mok-ha, but at the same time, has odd feelings toward Tae-kyeong. As Min-hee learns more about them, she is swept over by turbulence of emotions. "Soup and Ideology" (2021) Directed by Yonghi Yang With Yonghi Yang,... A Japanese-Korean co-production Synopsis The parents were vehemently opposed to the Japanese son-in-law. The mother carefully cooks stuffed chicken for her Japanese son-in-law who is greeting her for the first time in Osaka. Her family is full of incomprehensible things, but it's just amazing to the husband. One day, the mother tells her memories of her hometown, Jeju Island, which she had never told anyone. Now, with painful memories that are gradually being forgotten, they go to Jeju Island together for the first time since born eating white boiled chicken cooked by the son-in-law. "Even if we have different opinions, let's eat together". We are a family. Arduino is a well-known name in DYI, prototyping and Maker circles. Often the first version of a prototype is powered by an Arduino open-source single-board microprocessor. The project which started in 2003 as a student Master thesis creation is now a globally known name. Helsinki Times talked to one of the founders Massimo Banzi at the Maker Faire in Rome where Arduino had its booth visited by thousands of attendants. Massimo Banzi is an interaction designer, educator, open-source hardware pioneer, and TED speaker. His background is in electrical engineering, but he spent most of his early career working as a software architect before spending four years at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea as an Associate Professor. Below are the excerpts from the interview. HT: Your name is mentioned as a sponsor of Maker Faire and this is a natural place for you to be. Have you been involved in Maker Faire for a long time? Massimo Banzi: We're not sponsors in a conventional way. I was part of the group of people who brought the Maker Faire to Roma, so for many years, I was one of the curators of the event. In a way, they're super kind, because they put us on the list of sponsors, but effectively, our sponsorship is the energy that we bring and the things that we do here. We try to help out also by telling them what they should look at. Generally, the Maker Faire is a concept that originated in the Bay Area in the USA. I would say that over there, there were a lot of fun projects, and mostly nothing that would potentially become some kind of innovation. It was just a fun event for the family with a lot of people doing strange things. But I thought there was a lot of interesting value there for showing off the ingenuity, the innovation that people can do. So we organised an event exactly 10 years ago, in a place near the central station in Rome. And there were a lot of people that came to that conference, and we realised there was an interest in this topic. So we, together with the Chamber of Commerce of Rome, talked to the people of at the Make Magazine in California, and they told us hey, why don't you do a European edition over here? And so that's it, since then the Chamber of Commerce has organised this whole thing. And this is in a sense the Maker Faire, and it has been growing every year. Before the pandemic, we got to 120,000 visitors in three days, which was more than the people who go to the one in California, so it was crazy. Well, we had a slightly different model, because we are connected with the Chamber of Commerce, we were always interested in looking at people who either have a company or an innovation, that they would love or dream one day to become a company. Even kids from schools that come up with ideas that could one day become some kind of innovation. So that spirit is what made this version slightly different from the others, and I think more successful. HT: I suppose you feel really good when you go around and see that a lot of these prototypes are using Arduino? Massimo Banzi: It's a great, great satisfaction for me to see this because, we wanted to create tools that would enable people to be creative with technology, without a huge amount of background in programming or hardware. And I think, after many years, to go around and see so many different things built with our tools, is very satisfying. HT: So how did it happen when, if you go back to the moment that you established or started this company, what was the inspiration or idea? Massimo Banzi: We started working on this project when I was teaching at this design school in the northwest of Italy, in Ivrea, which is the city where the company Olivetti was from. I worked on different tools to make it simpler for my students to build prototypes of things with electronics without having to know much about electronics. So we worked on different projects, and what became Arduino is kind of like the third generation of internal experimentation. For a while, this was mostly just an open-source project. We were not trying to do business with it. And, after a while, there was a lot of interest outside from other schools and from people who were starting to experiment. So we set up a company. I think it's interesting because during the history of the company, The things we looked at changed. As the world kind of changed. People were interested in different technologies, and different tools, and we constantly added new things or shifted the direction. That's why we started as a tool for experimentation, and now we have these process products which are for companies to use in industrial applications. HT: How has the company grown? How many people work for you? Massimo Banzi: There are 152, I think right now. And so it's a lot of people. We are spread out in different countries. We have a big office in Torino, Italy where we do a lot of r&d. We have an office in Malmo, Sweden, where we mostly do stuff for schools and integration. We have a smaller group in Switzerland, where I work and live, and then we have people in the US. HT: How much is the revenue of the company? Massimo Banzi: We don't disclose that, but you can imagine that with 152 people, it reads to be significant. HT: How do you come up with a new project? Is it like an internal process or do you look at what is the need in the market? Massimo Banzi: Its always a collaborative process. We observe what people do with our products and listen to what they say. We also get requests from users. For example, we get a lot of feedback from companies regarding the pro products. So in a way, it's a mixture, there's some internal inspiration, feedback from the outside world and actual requests. HT: Where did the name Arduino come from? Massimo Banzi: (laughs) When we were developing the product with my co-founders, I was based in Ivrea. In Ivrea, there are a lot of things that are called Arduino. Because Arduino was one of the kings of Italy in the year 1000. So we needed a name, and there was a deadline and essentially, what happened is that I said, Okay, you know what, let's call it Arduino, like the bar, where I go to have drinks. And so we called it that, just because it was the first random name that wasnt taken. I wanted something vaguely unique and so I sort of screwed it up, thinking that we can always fix it later. In the end, it stayed as Arduino, HT: What is the best seller among your versions and products? Massimo Banzi: It's not easy to say. Some products sell really well. Obviously, we still sell a lot of the "Arduino Uno", which is the original product that we made and has become a standard in schools to teach and use. So that one sells really well. But for example, we have these other smaller products for when you want to shrink your project, which has been very successful. The stuff that we do for the schools is increasingly popular, and so is the stuff that we're doing for companies which are slowly taking over. HT: Do you make them yourself or do you have some contract manufacturers? Massimo Banzi: We use a couple of factories that are based in Italy. We don't manufacture in China. We do it in Italy. They are basically like 45 minutes away from our research and development office. So whenever there's a problem or you need to shift the production very quickly, it's very simple, you can just drive to the factory and do it. This, I think it's a big advantage. Because, during the lockdown, a lot of people that made things in China, had the problem that they couldn't get stuff because there was a lockdown in Shenzhen or the shipping company didnt ship. HT: When there was a shortage of components did that affect you as well? Massimo Banzi: Yes, it affected us as well. Any company that builds something with electronics was affected, because sometimes you may miss a specific component, and maybe it's a 10-cent or $1 component. so like a really, really simple component, but you cannot replace it with something else. And if you wanted to redesign the product, with different parts, it's incredibly expensive. You may have a very expensive product, that's stuck because there's a 10-cent component missing. We managed to survive quite well. We had quite a lot of products that people were waiting to receive because the parts were missing, but in general, we navigated this problem better than other companies. HT: Were you the first to come up with single-board microcomputers of this kind? Massimo Banzi: This kind of product existed in the past. But it was always designed for professionals. So for people wanting to start something, it was always kind of a steep learning curve. People looked at it and thought, Okay, this is complicated, I will never understand it. So they would just give up. One of the things that we learned working with our students is that if you can get something going within 15 minutes it's an incredible value, and people will love that. That's kind of the starting point for us to build something different from existing solutions: you get it, you connect the cables, you download the software, and 15 minutes later, its working. We made it accessible and democratise it. Also, the way that we explain the concepts, is very understandable for a wide audience. HT: But now there are competitors. How have they affected you? Massimo Banzi: Since some of our products are very, very successful, unfortunately, even if you try to protect your products in every possible way, there have been a lot of Chinese cloners. People cloning in China can clone everything including the Arduino. It's not that we are poor, but It affects us in a way that we could be making more money. Sometimes I wish that people would understand that buying the original product that's not incredibly more expensive, helps the original creators and it's a big value. HT: By cloning, you mean they even use your name? Massimo Banzi: Yes, they copy the whole thing, which is okay, but then they put our name on it. So we have to tell them that please stop doing this. And we have a bunch of people that we have in the company who spend their time blocking cloners who are trying to use our name inappropriately. HT: So you have ways to do some legal action? Massimo Banzi: Yes. Our name Arduino and the name of the products are registered as a trademark practically everywhere in the world. But it's a bit like a video game; every time you stop someone, somebody else starts. But apart from this, we are reasonably successful. At least people if they want a copy, now they tend not to put the name on it. But it still affects us, If someone wants to buy a cheaper product, they will always do that. They will never consider that the standard product was 20 euros so it's not incredibly expensive, but some people will always buy the cheapest product even if the difference is one euro, so it doesn't matter what you do. HT: Do you have some patents? Massimo Banzi: Our products are open source. So this means that anybody can build upon them. We would like people to use them and learn and build upon them but not misuse our name. So just do your own thing. HT: What are your future plans? Are you happy with the way companies going or do you have some big ideas for change? Massimo Banzi: Well, one of the things that we have started to do a lot is to build a lot of different software platforms. Because in the beginning, we were more in a way concentrated on building and selling hardware. But then obviously, now that everyone is building product projects and products that are connected, they need software that they can use to connect devices or connect a device to their phone or their computer and building that is not easy. Because also if you are trying to build something secure and safe, which cannot be hacked; it is complicated. So we created this cloud software that you can use to build connected projects very quickly. In seven minutes, you can have something up and running and working very, very quickly. And I think that's another value. There are going to be a lot of people that are starting to use the software that we built also with hardware that we don't make. That's a big shift. And I think also the other big shift is building projects for companies and the industry for use in products for agriculture and other industries. HT: Do companies approach you for those products? Massimo Banzi: Yeah! Some people buy some of our products online, and they build maybe a prototype, and then they come back and say, you know, I'm trying to build this machine, I made a prototype with Arduino, But now I need to industrialise it, and we help them do that. We also are building a network of different partners. So if someone says, Hey, I need to build this thing and we can tell them: talk to these guys, they use our products and they can build you the solution. Some companies approach us directly; some we bump into them, and we talk to them, and some others, they use our technology and they write to us. Alexis Kouros Helsinki Times Planning is currently underway in Kauklahti, Espoo, on the verdant yet urban Lasihytti area. Located primarily south of the coastal railway, the new area connects to the old Kauklahti centre and will include a new public transport terminal that promises to improve bus and train interchanges for the whole area. The revised local detailed plan and proposed amendment to it will now proceed to the approval phase. The Lasihytti area is being planned taking into account the comprehensive development of the Kauklahti station area and the preservation of the natural assets of the Espoonjoki riverbank. In the future, the Lasihytti area will be home to around 4,000 new residents. The area south of the railway is primarily an industrial area, divided by the Espoonjoki River. The Espoonjoki River valley is an important part of the areas cultural heritage. Today, the riverbanks are overgrown with shrubs and partly fenced, but in the future the aim is to turn the area around the riverbed into a pleasant and accessible space for residents, says Architect Sonja Sahlsten from the Espoo Urban Planning Department. The area is set to transform into a dense, centre-like area with housing, park areas, recreational trails and public and commercial services on both sides of the river. The planning has been steered by the coordination of the old Kauklahti centre with the new urban construction. The areas village-like characteristics have been emphasised with facade materials, by placing business facilities at street level and planning various kinds of trails and plazas between buildings, for example. Verdant living and sustainable mobility The Kauklahti station area north of the railway is an old cultural environment. As such, the planning has been carried out taking into account the protection of the culturally and historically valuable old buildings, including the preservation of the old station building and warehouse. The population of Kauklahti has been growing in recent years, and with the development of the Lasihytti area there is an increasing need for sustainable mobility. The plans for the area south of the railway include a new public transport terminal, which will improve bus and train interchanges. The plans also include new park-and-ride parking next to the terminal. In addition to this, the plans include a new underpass by the train platform that will provide access to the Lasihytti area, the public transport terminal, park-and-ride parking and Kauppamaki to the north. The mobility of the areas residents will be further facilitated by the upcoming extension of the City Rail Link to Kauklahti. The plan proposal, which was on public display in autumn 2021, has now been revised and amended based on statements and comments issued in response to the original proposal. The City Planning Committee of Espoo will discuss the approval of the plan in its meeting on 26 October 2022, after which it will be submitted via the City Board to the City Council for approval. HT Source: Espoo City Support for the conservative agrarian party decreased by 1.4 percentage points from the previous month to 10.4 per cent in October, marking only the third time it has slipped below 11 per cent. The party was polling at 10.8 per cent in September 2020 and January 2021. POPULAR SUPPORT for the Centre Party has fallen to an all-time low, according to the latest opinion poll conducted for Helsingin Sanomat by Kantar Public. Although the Centre retained its status as the fourth largest party in the country, the status is increasingly under threat from its main political rival, the Green League (9.0%). Helsingin Sanomat on Wednesday wrote that the polling data indicates that the party would receive the vote of only about half of people who had backed it in previous elections. While many of them appear to have joined the undecided camp, some have shifted their support for the Finns Party and National Coalition. The Centre, Finns Party and National Coalition share value conservatism, but right now the National Coalition is doing particularly well and the Centre particularly poorly, told Sakari Nurmela, the research director at Kantar. Changes in the poll were fairly noticeable also in other regards. The National Coalition saw its popularity increase by 0.6 points to 24.2 per cent, the second highest reading since October 2011. Support for the Social Democrats continued to dwindle, dropping by 0.2 points to 19.0 per cent. The centrepiece of the ruling five-party coalition polled at 20.1 per cent in July. Support for the Finns Party has contrastively risen steadily since June, jumping by 1.2 points to 17.3 per cent between September and October. The Left Alliance was the only red-green party to see an increase in its popularity, rising from 8.0 to 8.3 per cent. Support for the Green League decreased by 0.6 points to 9.0 per cent, while the Christian Democrats and Movement Now registered drops of 0.2 and 0.3 points to 3.2 and 1.7 per cent, respectively. The Swedish Peoples Party saw its popularity creep up by 0.2 points to 4.6 per cent. Support for Prime Minister Sanna Marins (SDP) ruling coalition thereby stands at 51.3 per cent, representing a drop of 1.7 points from September. The next parliamentary elections will take place on 2 April 2023. Aleksi Teivainen HT Muddy Sneakers names new director David Rahahetih Webb Muddy Sneakers Board of Directors has named David Rahahetih Webb as the organizations next executive director. Webbs first day is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 31. Webb comes to Muddy Sneakers as an accomplished nonprofit executive with 26 years of experience as a leader in environmental education. My career has been dedicated to environmental education, science education, and conservation, said Webb. Environmental education is closest to my heart getting children outdoors and building personal connections with the natural world. This role encompases so much of my background and my own ethos. Muddy Sneakers Executive Director Search Committee, a team of board and staff members guided by transition consultants, selected Webb after a comprehensive search spanning several months. The committee touted Webbs accomplishments in organizational leadership, strategic planning, project management, fiscal responsibility, fundraising, and general operations, as well as his empathetic and inspirational leadership style. I chose Muddy Sneakers for my next role because the organization's mission and work so closely aligns with my own values and passion," he said. "Muddy Sneakers has an excellent team and dedicated board in place, and is poised to enter an exciting new phase. The impact that Muddy Sneakers is making across North Carolina is vital to the future of our environment and quality of life, and there is so much potential to grow, internally and externally. Muddy Sneakers is excited to welcome Webbs expertise and leadership to the team. THE Poppy Appeal will begin in Henley next week. Members of Henley Rotary Club will be collecting for the Royal British Legion appeal at Tesco on Thursday from 9am to 6pm. Next Saturday (October 29), there will be an event in Market Place where the Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles, led by Sergeant Gary Hamilton, from Henley, will play from 10.30am to 12.20pm and from 1.20pm to 3.30pm. There will also be a stall staffed by personnel from RAF Benson. On Saturday, November 5, from 9am to 3pm, there will be a display of classic military vehicles in Market Place by the Berks and Oxon Military Vehicle Trust, chaired by Martyn Sheldrake, from Binfield Heath. Sara Abey, Henley Poppy Appeal organiser, said: I hope everyone will enjoy our events as they are for a wonderful cause. The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legions main fundraiser and all the money raised supports the welfare needs of our armed forces community. These needs, from help in dealing with physical and mental trauma to providing housing advice, have never been greater so I urge residents to donate generously and wear their poppies with pride to show admiration for our armed forces commitment to keeping the world a safer and more peaceful place. She said the charity needed more volunteers to help with collections. For more information, email henley@saraabey.com COSTUMES, books and tricks belonging to the late magician Paul Daniels are to be sold at auction. The items were used in his TV and stage shows and include his magicians box into which his wife Debbie McGee would be locked while Daniels appeared to push swords through it. McGee, 63, who still lives in the house that the couple shared in Wargrave, said: When you look at it, its impossible for me to be in there but Paul would wheel it round the stage to prove there wasnt a trap door. Then he would quickly pull out the swords and open the door and there I would be, still shackled inside. Even magicians couldnt work out how his tricks were done. More than 600 lots will be available at the auction, which will take place at Special Auction Services in Newbury on November 23 and 24. They include more than 350 magic posters, the biggest collection ever to be sold in the UK, which has an estimate of 40,000 to 60,000. In total, the items are expected to fetch between 150,000 and 200,000. McGee told Hello!: I dont need to hang on to all of this my memories are what I have. For the magical world to have even a little something of Pauls is a big thing. The couple were married for 28 years before Daniels died in 2016 of a brain tumour, aged 77. McGee said: What grief counsellors tell you is that its not that time heals but that you have to build a bigger life around your grief. And thats how I feel. I had this amazing life with Paul and going through all this stuff reminds me of everything we did. I led a princess life. Usually if youre in a double act, when one partner goes, the other one struggles. The strength of the two has gone. McGee, who is a presenter on BBC Radio Berkshire, said that competing on Strictly Come Dancing helped her reshape her life after Daniels death. She and her professional dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, reached the final of the show in 2017. She said: I had the best partner in Giovanni and I was back in show- business again. People knew who I was before, but I was still the magicians assistant. Since Strictly Ive been Debbie McGee in my own right. ANGER is growing at the closure of the NatWest bank in Henley. The bank said last week that it would close its branch in Market Place in February due to a fall in custom. It said that counter transactions had fallen 61 per cent in three years and the bank had been used by only three personal customers regularly over the last year. Customers have criticised the move, saying they will have to travel to Reading, Woodley or Maidenhead to do their banking in-person. Henley MP John Howell said there would be no NatWest branch left in the constituency and supported the idea of banks sharing premises in order to maintain a service. Janet Waters, of Western Avenue, Henley, who has banked with NatWest since 1967 said the closure decision was taken without customers in mind. She said: My husband and I do some of our banking, including business, with NatWest and clearly over the covid period we were encouraged not to use the bank and get more IT and we have embraced some of that. The thing that really riles me is they are nearly 50 per cent owned by the taxpayer and their level of consultation is nothing. The letter from the bank talks about the decision to close the branch and that the local community can respond by January 24. How can you have a consultation when you cant change the decision? It says there are only three regular personal customers but I have never been in there without anybody else in there. It is absolutely ridiculous. Mrs Waters said she looked after banking for her mother, who is 96, and felt that other elderly people would struggle. She said: My mother doesnt do internet banking and we are being told we can go to a shopping precinct in Woodley or Maidenhead but where is the facility for South Oxfordshire? You can go to the post office but it is always busy, Henley having lost five banks already. I have been to the Woodley branch and people were queuing out of the door. Deputy Mayor Donna Crook said: The closure is going to have a massive impact on the community. There is no regular bus service for pensioners to Maidenhead to find a branch. It is dreadful that so many banks have closed. We need to keep hold of them they are a vital community asset. Sarah Whittaker, from Stoke Row, said: Henley will be left with virtually zero banks and yet, based on property prices, it must be located in one of the wealthiest parts of the country outside London. In the 35 years that I have lived in Stoke Row, NatWest has closed more and more branches and increased the distance to get to a branch significantly. The post office in Henley, due to the lack of sub post offices in the surrounding area, is already very busy with transactions that can only be done at a post office counter and offers no nearby parking, especially for blue badge holders. Like many businesses, NatWest likes to advertise its green credentials but increasing the travel distance by a 15-mile round trip is not eco-friendly. Sterl Greenhalgh, of West Street, Henley, said: I have been a customer since 1987 and have valued their support and advice over that time. I live less than 100 yards away from the branch, walk past it at least twice a day and observe what a community service it provides to many of our less able, mostly elderly, residents. In its letter notifying me of the proposed closure, NatWest kindly advised me that my nearest branch would now be Woodley. This is frankly an insult. One wonders if the desktop whizz kids do their homework to figure out how one gets to Woodley from Henley? NatWest is the fifth bank to move out of Henley since 2019 due to a fall in custom. In March, Barclays closed its branch in Hart Street after reporting a 21 per cent drop in counter transactions in the two years to March 2020. In October last year, Lloyds Bank in Reading Road closed due to significantly fewer transactions over the previous five years. Halifax, which was in Bell Street, and Santander, which was in Duke Street, both closed in 2019. Mr Howell said: This has been happening for some time with the increased use of online banking and has been accelerated by the pandemic. I fully appreciate that some people prefer to visit a branch and indeed it can be a particular issue for the vulnerable and elderly who do not necessarily have access to online banking and who rely on being able to get to a local branch. I have therefore looked into what provisions have been and are being made to address these concerns. In order to try to ensure that there is access to banking facilities in the community for those who need it the Government has been supporting the Post Offices relationship with the banks. I do have a concern on the increased pressure on post office branches that could be a result of this and I have raised this independently. I have raised the possibility of different banks sharing facilities and was pleased to learn that the major banks are looking to identify new ways of sharing physical services. A spokesman for NatWest said: We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives. (JNS) The women and men of Iran are fed up with the regime and are risking their lives for the future of their children, Dr. Sheila Nazarian says. Nazarian, a plastic surgeon, is the star of the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Skin Decision and a passionate social media activist. In the latest episode of Global perspectives, she and host Ellie Cohanim discuss the protests in Iran, anti-Semitism and what it means to be an immigrant in the United States. Ive never been prouder of my Iranian heritage, seeing my people stand up for what they believe in, stand up for their core values, Nazarian emphasizes. They are risking their lives to do so for the future of their children. Nazarian, who lives in Los Angeles, fled Iran as a child. If I was in some extremist Middle Eastern country, Id probably be in jail, but my parents wanted every opportunity for their daughters, she tells Kohanim. We were smart, we had potential, and they just didnt want us limited. A deal with Iran? Nazarian firmly warns against a nuclear accord with Tehran. I dont want this Iran deal, which is basically a sham deal that maybe kicks the problem down the line to the next administration, she explains. I want to see real change, I want to see real support for the people of Iran. The activist recalls how Iran is the No. 1 backer of terror in the Middle East. Can you imagine if the money that was sent to Iran was actually given to the Iranian people and not to make bombs to send to Hezbollah and Hamas? she adds. Antisemitism is like a poison Nazarian and Kohanim also discuss how Jews in Iran face persecution, and how antisemitism can emerge in different forms, from not receiving a school award to getting beaten up or thrown in jail. I always say that antisemitism is like a poison, Nazarian remarks. Any society that is antisemitic, racist against Jews, rots from within. The activist also talks about her efforts to combat anti-Semitism and to defend Israel on social media, where she has an audience of some 1.7 million followers. My message is, find your voice and use it anywhere you can, she says. If you dont have a million followers, that is okay. (JTA) In 1892, an Oklahoma preacher born into slavery received a series of divine revelations that compelled him to launch a new church and, with it, a new religious movement in the United States: Black Israelism, better known as the Black Hebrew Israelite movement. More than a century later, the movements central tenet that African Americans are the genealogical descendants of the ancient Israelites has repeatedly found its way into popular culture through the expressions of non-Jewish African-American entertainers and athletes such as Kendrick Lamar, Kodak Black, Nick Cannon and DeSean Jackson. In some cases, these figures have also trafficked in antisemitic tropes about Jewish mendacity and manipulation. Last week, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, invoked Hebrew Israelite doctrine when he described a friend as a Jew just like all so called black people in an Instagram post. (The friend, fashion designer Jean Touitou, was born in Tunisia to Jewish parents; he is not Black.) A couple of days later, Instagram locked Yes account after he posted a text exchange with Sean Diddy Combs in which he suggested Combs was controlled by Jews. So Ye, who identifies as a Christian, turned to Twitter to announce to his 31 million followers that he would soon go death con 3 on the Jews, adding, The funny thing is I actually cant be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew Twitter removed the tweet for violating its rules. Much of the outcry over Yes posts centered on his use of the phrase death con 3 and a reference to a shadowy Jewish agenda. But some also flagged his pronouncements about Black people being the real Jews as offensive, especially to actual Black Jews. On Tuesday, Vice published portions of an interview Ye gave to Tucker Carlson that were edited out of the broadcast. In them, Ye repeats his claim, though in a more convoluted way: When I say Jew, I mean the 12 lost tribes of Judah, the blood of Christ, who the people known as the race Black really are. (The tribe of Judah was one of the 12 tribes of Israel.) Where did this claim come from, and is it inherently antisemitic? As someone who has reported extensively on the African Hebrew Israelite community in Israel and the context from which it developed, I can offer some essential background. In the late 19th century, two former slaves turned preachers Bishop William Saunders Crowdy of Oklahoma and Bishop William Christian of Arkansas received the same message from God: the Biblical Israelites were Black and African Americans are the true children of Israel. The message was revolutionary, as it subverted earlier theories about the fate of the lost tribes of Israel. (Anglo-Israelism, for example, posited that British people descended from the Israelites.) This idea also served to counter a prevailing and racist notion that Black people belonged to an inferior race of people. The idea that African slavery in the Americas was not a mark of shame but instead a mark of distinction as Gods chosen people appealed to some African Americans, who appreciated the way the doctrine gave them pride and dignity in the context of Jim Crow segregation that sought to subordinate and humiliate them at every turn, historian Jacob Dorman writes in Chosen People: The Rise of American Black Israelite Religions. Crowdy and Christian traveled widely, preaching a form of what scholar James Landing, in his book Black Judaism: Story of an American Movement, called Judaic Christianity. Both prophets were influenced by the Pentecostal Holiness movement and Freemasonry, and they emphasized strict adherence to the Ten Commandments and abstention from alcohol. In an attempt to foster racial harmony, they required white and Black worshippers to ceremonially wash each others feet. Such unorthodox teachings often got Crowdy and Christian into trouble; Crowdy was said to have been jailed 22 times while touring the Southwest. Owing to their strong identification with the ancient Israelites, Crowdy and his followers adopted many Hebraic practices, including Sabbath observance on Saturday rather than on Sunday, Passover celebration and the use of Hebrew. Due to their limited contact with mainstream Jews, they performed rituals based on their own interpretation of the bible, resulting in distinct ceremonies. On Passover, for example, they smeared blood on their doors as the ancient Israelites did to spare the lives of their first-born sons from the angel of death. Eventually, in Chicago, Crowdy earned the nickname Black Elijah, and his followers were referred to as Black Jews. Crowdy incorporated the Church of God and Saints of Christ in Kansas in 1896; the church still operates today in the United States and Jamaica. In the decades following Crowdys 1908 death, a succession of Black spiritual leaders took up his project. Many used the honorific rabbi and introduced their own doctrinal innovations. Among them were Rabbi Arnold Josiah Ford, a Barbadian musician who founded a synagogue in Harlem before moving to Ethiopia in 1930; Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew, who was ordained by Ford and founded the Commandment Keepers congregation in 1919 (significantly, Matthew saw white Jews as being instrumental in helping Black people return to Judaism); Eber ben Yomin (aka Abba Bivens), who broke from the Commandment Keepers to start his own camp, known as One West, in the 1960s; Ben Ammi Ben Israel, the spiritual leader of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, an Israel-based community with roots in Chicago; and Rabbi Capers Funnye, the current chief rabbi of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis who is an integral part of Chicagos broader Jewish community. While all of these communities fall under the Hebrew Israelite umbrella, their beliefs and attitudes toward Jews and Israel are far from homogenous. For example, some groups consider Latin Americans and Native Americans to be descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel in addition to Black people, while others do not. Meanwhile, the more radical Hebrew Israelite groups, many of them offshoots of Abba Bivens One West, transformed the notion that Blacks enjoyed special status granted by God into one about Black superiority over other races. Members of such groups, notably the Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ, often preach on street corners using disparaging language about whites, Jews and LGBTQ people. Perhaps the only shared belief across the communities is the one about Israelite ancestry. After the 2019 attack on a kosher grocery store in Jersey City by gunmen who attended a One West-offshoot church in Harlem, the term Black Hebrew Israelites seemingly became synonymous with violent Black antisemitism. Indeed, a segment of the movement, primarily connected to Bivens and One West, is considered a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, an anti-hate watchdog. But as a whole, the Hebrew Israelite spiritual movement is peaceful, according to a recent report published by George Washington Universitys Program on Extremism, which notes that the predominant threat today is from individuals loosely affiliated with or inspired by the movement rather than by groups, organizations, or institutions. There is debate about whether it is antisemitic simply to posit that African Americans represent the true children of Israel, implying as it does that non-Black Jews are lying or unaware of their real identity and history. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe they, too, come from Israelite tribes, but they do not regularly face accusations of cultural (or historical) appropriation or antisemitism. Further complicating the matter is the fact that virulently antisemitic figures such as Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan have coopted Hebrew Israelite teachings to denigrate the Jewish people. Bruce Haynes, author of The Soul of Judaism: Jews of African Descent in America, is among those who find the Hebrew Israelite belief less antisemitic than ahistorical. Im not sure Id call it antisemitism, Haynes told the Associated Press in 2020 after Nick Cannon made inflammatory remarks on a podcast, including that Black people are the true Hebrews and therefore cannot be antisemitic an idea that Ye echoed in his recent tweet. Its not a good reading of history, but I wouldnt call it antisemitism, Haynes added. On the other hand, some of those groups that call Jews impostors certainly cross the line. Thus, an idea introduced in the late 19th century by preachers seeking to promote African American uplift and racial justice became, over time, a rhetorical weapon used against Jews by Black people who are distrustful of them. Whether one finds the idea hateful or silly, it certainly rubs many Jews the wrong way. JEWS ARE THE REAL JEWS, tweeted author and educator Ben M. Freeman. (JTA) Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has emphatically encouraged dialogue with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, despite his disagreements with the center-right pro-Israel lobby and calls among the pro-Palestinian community to disengage from the group. In a recording of his meeting last month with Palestinian Americans on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City obtained by The Times of Israel, Abbas also faulted the current Biden administration for not doing enough to pressure Israel into reopening Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. You must talk to everyone in order to arrive at your goal You must not exclude anyone including the Zionist lobby, Abbas said. There are many people who say that the Zionist lobby is the most dangerous. No! We must speak to the Zionist lobby. He added that George Mitchell, the former Maine senator who led negotiations with the Israelis and the Palestinians in the first Obama administration term, told Abbas not to meet with AIPAC. Mitchell denied that narrative in a statement to The Times of Israel. President Abbas recollection is incorrect as to me. I dont know about his conversations with others, but I can state categorically that there never was any such conversation with me, Mitchell wrote. Abbas endorsement of engagement with AIPAC is significant as calls from the left and among pro-Palestinians to boycott and disengage from the group grow louder in part because it is friendly with Republicans who are close to former President Donald Trump and in part because it was seen as an enabler of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who largely abandoned the Israeli-Palestinian peace process over the course of his tenure. Abbas said J Street, the Jewish Middle East policy lobby set up as a dovish counterweight to AIPAC, was nice, but he emphasized that it was important to reach out to the predominant voices, noting that he prioritized meetings with Netanyahus Likud Party and has also maintained outreach to U.S. Republicans, who are among the Palestinian Authoritys fiercest critics. Hussein al-Sheikh, the secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, an affiliate of the Palestinian Authority, as recently as Sept. 13 met with an AIPAC delegation and posted about it on Twitter. The Trump administration cut off all funding to the Palestinians, shut down the PLOs Washington office and closed the U.S. consulate in eastern Jerusalem that attended to the Palestinians. President Joe Biden has restored funding, reestablished dedicated diplomatic relations with the Palestinians and hopes to reopen the Washington office. Abbas told the Palestinian Americans that these measures were not enough and that the Biden administration should pressure Israel. He said in his most recent conversation with Antony Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, he derided Blinken for saying that Israel was not ready to resume talks and leaving it at that. I told Blinken, You little boy, dont do that, he said. A source familiar with the conversation told The Times of Israel that Abbas characterization of the Biden administrations work on the issue was not accurate. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid has until recently argued that his fragile right-to-left coalition of parties is not in a position to advance talks with the Palestinians. However, Lapid appeared to modify that position speaking to the U.N. General Assembly last month, when he embraced the two-state outcome for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That effectively reversed the policies of Netanyahu, who rejected Palestinian statehood, and aligned Israel with Bidens policy, which the president emphasized in his own U.N. speech. (JNS) U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid was making history by agreeing to a maritime border deal with Lebanon to end a decade-long-plus dispute over gas-rich waters in the Eastern Mediterranean. In a phone call, Biden told Lapid, You are making history, and expressed his appreciation for the trust and confidence of all Israelis who participated in the U.S.-mediated process, according to a statement by the Israeli Prime Ministers Office. Biden also emphasized his commitment to upholding the Jewish states security and overall regional stability, and noted that his ability to work closely with Lapid was a testament to the strong and unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel. For his part, Lapid thanked Biden for his leadership and the involvement of U.S. officials in the indirect talks with Beirut, in particular lead American negotiatior Amos Hochstein. The phone call came after the Israeli and Lebanese governments earlier Tuesday gave preliminary approval to the deal. This is a historic achievement that will strengthen Israels security, inject billions into Israels economy, and ensure the stability of our northern border, Lapid said in a statement. Last week, the Israeli leader rejected amendments demanded by Beirut to what was meant to be a final draft of the agreement. The latest proposal will reportedly draw a border between the two countries exclusive economic zones based on a boundary known as Line 23, and award a disputed area of around 840 square kilometers (324 square miles) to Lebanon, while recognizing Israels claim to the Karish gas field and to royalties from the section of the Qana field that extends into the Jewish states EEZ. Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Lapid of caving in to Hezbollah. Yair Lapid shamefully surrendered to [Hezbollah chief Hassan] Nasrallahs threats, Netanyahu recently stated, adding: He is giving Hezbollah sovereign territory of the State of Israel with a huge gas reservoir that belongs to you, the citizens of Israel. Israel recently set up a rig at Karish, where gas was set to begin flowing in September but was delayed in order to give the talks more time, and amid repeated threats of war by Nasrallah. The Israel Defense Forces has been on high alert amid concerns that Hezbollah will attack Karish, after the Iranian terror proxy threatened to fire missiles at the installation if Israel extracts gas before an agreement is reached. On Tuesday, two senior Lebanese officials were quoted by Reuters as saying that Nasrallah had agreed to the terms of the maritime border deal and considered related negotiations over. Israeli Minister of National Infrastructures, Energy and Water Resources Karine Elharrar on Tuesday told Army Radio that a signing date for the prospective accord has not been set yet. Israel is holding a national election on Nov. 1 and it remains unclear whether the deal will require parliaments approval. (JNS) Pro-Israel organizations in the U.S. are privately voicing their concerns that two Democratic members of Congress may have meddled in Israeli politics by recently calling on opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu to exclude a controversial, right-wing politician in his coalition should he win next months election. With just weeks to go until elections both in the U.S. and Israel, the private warning by Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), followed by a public tweet with largely the same message by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), departed from the convention of not commenting on the electoral choices of allies. Menendez and Sherman asked Netanyahu to reject forming a coalition with Member of Knesset Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Otzma Yehudit party. There can be no doubt that Itamar Ben-Gvir has a troubling past and that his ascension in Israeli politics would draw attention. This is a man who has been rather strident in his views, which offend many in the West, not to mention a fair portion of Israelis for that matter, Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told JNS. Yet Schanzer noted that it is not typical for the U.S. to get involved in an allys elections, saying that while he thinks the statements are well-intentioned, they veer in that direction of meddling. According to Axios, Menendez warned Netanyahu privately in a meeting in Israel on Sept. 5 that inviting Ben-Gvir into a coalition would hurt American-Israeli bilateral relations as the former prime minister attempts to cobble together an alliance of right-wing parties ahead of the Nov. 1 election. Soon after Menendezs conversation was reported, Sherman publicly echoed the New Jersey senators sentiment on Twitter. As Israel heads towards another election in November, I urge Israeli political leaders from all sides of the political spectrum to ostracize extremists like Itamar Ben-Gvir whose outrageous views run contrary to Israels core principles of a democratic and Jewish state, Sherman tweeted. These extremists undermine Israels interests and the U.S.-Israel relationship, which I and my colleagues have worked to strengthen. Ben-Gvir was once a follower of the controversial extremist rabbi and politician Meir Kahane, leader of the outlawed Kach Party, which Israel deemed a terrorist organization. In 1995, as a teenager, Ben-Gvir appeared on television with a Cadillac emblem that he had broken off of the government car of then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and said, We got to his car, and well get to him too. A few weeks later, Rabin was assassinated by a Kahane follower. Ben-Gvir has reportedly been indicted 46 times and convicted eight times for crimes that include rioting, vandalism, incitement to racism and support for a terror organization. On Thursday, he brandished his gun in response to rioters throwing stones at him in Jerusalem. After being elected to the Knesset in 2021, he built up a record of accusing left-wing Israeli politicians of being traitors and calling Arab politicians terrorists. Ben-Gvir originally called for Arabs to be kicked out of Israel, but has changed his position to calling for the deportation of Arabs who oppose the state or IDF soldiers, and introducing the death penalty for terrorists convicted of murdering Jews. A few days after news of Menendezs conversation broke, Ben-Gvir responded in a statement, saying that he was an anti-racist while expressing concern over the characterization by Menendez, who he called a friend of Israel. Ben-Gvir said that he is instead focused on combating racist anti-Semitism. Those who are enemies of a strong Israel seek to besmirch me by calling me and my party racist. But the truth is that were anti-racistwe are fighting against the racist anti-Semitism fomenting within the boundaries of our homeland, he said. We believe that Israel needs to uproot terror organizations such as Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, just as the United States defeated Al Qaida. Like millions of Americans, we believe that peace comes through strength and that Israels policies should be based upon the firm enforcement of our right to sovereignty and self-defense. According to a director of a major centrist pro-Israel advocacy organization who requested to speak to JNS on background, many Jewish organizations have been expressing discomfort with Menendez and Sherman involving themselves in internal Israeli politics, but are not interested in airing their criticisms publicly so as not to appear to support Ben-Gvir. Some of these organizations, the source said, are pointing out that Ben-Gvirs views are no longer far from the mainstream. They pointed out that even Saudi Arabia has recently been proposing a plan to unite Gaza, Judea and Samaria with Jordan into a Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine rather than forming a standalone Palestinian state. It doesnt seem to me to be too far off from what a lot of the people who are going to be voting for Ben-Gvir are saying, which is basically the idea of maintaining residency for Palestinian Arabs who want to make the decision to live peacefully there and then just to fulfill their national aspirations with citizenship in Jordan, the source said. The source added that more right-leaning groups are calling Sherman and Menendezs statements hypocritical, as nobody complained when the Muslim Brotherhood-aligned party Raam was made part of the last governing coalition, or that Sherman, who is the second-ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, did not push to remove Rep. Ilham Omar (D-Minn.) from the committee for her anti-Semitic statements. Rather than looking at them as friendly advice, the source said that the statements from the two lawmakers are being viewed as threats. Theyre saying that voting for this guy is going to harm the U.S.-Israel relationship. Thats a threat, said the source. Especially to a country and to a society that feels very much dependent on support from the United States. Eugene Kontorovich, a professor of law and director of the Center for Middle East and International Law at George Mason Universitys Antonin Scalia Law School, said that Menendez and Sherman should be more concerned about other issues. It is strange that the U.S. congressmen are concerned about what they believe to be someones unacceptable views, being a minor player in the Israeli government, when according to the U.S. ambassador to Israel, the Biden administration is pressuring Israel to not allow Jews to move to or be born in Judea and Samaria, Kontorovich said. That is a manifestly racist position, especially given the U.S. does not regard settlements as illegal. Other pro-Israel politicians, including Democrats, have avoided making public statements on the matter. Shermans office did not respond to requests by JNS to explain the reasoning behind his tweet. Schanzer said that for better or worse, the U.S.-Israel relationship is held to a different standard. On the one hand, I think, we hear legitimate criticism that Israel is consistently held to a different standard and that thats unfair. On the other hand, this is the special relationship as it is known, Schanzer said. And there will always be intense interest on the part of members of congress but also others in the Washington political ecosystem over a wide range of issues touching on Israeli political perspectives. The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) remains the only organization to publicly criticize Menendez and Sherman. Its an outrage for [them] to interfere in Israeli elections. Its an outrage, said ZOA National President Mort Klein. I mean you didnt have Israel publicly saying, This hurts U.S.-Israel relations if you have [Michigans Rep. Rashida] Tlaib and Omar in your Congress? Klein, who said he considers Sherman a very dear friend, questioned why those who came out with the criticism of Ben-Gvir were, in his opinion, two of the most pro-Israel members of Congress. Yet, the two lawmakers ignored the danger of Israels far-left and Islamist parties, he said. Its because the Democratic Party has moved to the left and become somewhat hostile to Israel, that was never the case years ago, Klein said. They were the most pro-Israel members of Congress in the whole country. The most. The third one that was in that group was [former New York congressman] Eliot Engel, who lost. So they see Engel losing, they see the increased number of hostile to Israel members of Congress being elected, and they feel this is good for them politically and theyre willing to do it. While not mentioning Menendez and Sherman, the Israel Policy Foruma Washington D.C.-based think tank that is influential among Democratsjoined the two lawmakers in warning Israel to reject Ben-Gvir and his allied parties, saying that it would affect the U.S.-Israel relationship and citing his record of anti-Arab discrimination. We respect Israeli democracy and the right of Israeli citizens to select their leaders and representatives. It is that respect that compels us to communicate to our Israeli friends that a government with Ben-Gvir and any coalition with Otzma Yehudit or Noam (another far-right party) would severely undermine Israels standing in the U.S., not only among American Jews but among American political leaders of all stripes, the Israel Policy Forum wrote in a statement. The organization added that any government with Ben-Gvir and any coalition with Otzma Yehudit or Noam will make it harder for American Jews to identify with Israel while eroding a larger sense of Jewish peoplehood. Israeli democracy is for Israelis, but we plead with Israeli voters to take this into account. (JNS) Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered IDF troops to prepare for any scenario on the northern border after a proposed maritime frontier demarcation accord with Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon appeared to have hit a dead end. Gantz held a situation assessment attended by the IDF chief of staff and other security officials, and then instructed the military to increase its readiness for offensive and defensive actions should the enemy attack in the northern arena. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid rejected proposed changes by the Lebanese government to a maritime border and gas extraction proposal. On Tuesday, Beirut turned down the draft text and sent U.S. officials amendments, prompting a U.S. official to tell Israeli media the suggested modifications did not include a poison pill that should torpedo the initiative. Nevertheless, Lapid, who had voiced approval for the U.S. final draft agreement, instructed Israeli negotiators who are in touch with United States mediator Amos Hochstein to oppose the modifications demanded by Lebanon. The deal would reportedly draw a border between the two countries exclusive economic zones based on a boundary known as Line 23, and award a disputed area of around 840 square kilometers (324 square miles) to Lebanon, while recognizing Israels claim to royalties from the section of the Qana gas field that extends into Israels EEZ. The development follows revelations that Ehud Adiri, Jerusalems lead negotiator in the U.S.-mediated talks with Beirut, quit last week due to disagreements with the Prime Ministers Office over how the process was being handled. Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Lapid of caving in to Hezbollahs demands. Yair Lapid shamefully surrendered to [Hezbollah chief Hassan] Nasrallahs threats, Netanyahu stated, adding: He is giving Hezbollah sovereign territory of the State of Israel with a huge gas reservoir that belongs to you, the citizens of Israel. In response, Lapid tweeted that in the prospective deal Israel receives 100% of its security needs, 100% of the Karish [gas] reservoir and even some of the earnings from the Lebanese reservoir. Israel recently set up a rig at Karish, which is in its EEZ and where gas was set to begin flowing in September but was delayed in order to give the talks more time. Nasrallah has repeatedly threatened war unless Lebanese demands are met. Private Binyamin Aryeh Eisenberg (l) and Private Yitzhak Rubinstein were killed during the Battle of Yad Mordechai in May 1948. (JNS) - The remains of two soldiers who fought in Israel's war of independence have been found, 74 years after their deaths. The Israeli Defence Forces announced on Friday that it had identified the remains of Privates Yitzhak Rubinstein and Binyamin Aryeh Eisenberg, who were members of the Palmach-the elite strike force of the pre-state Haganah militia-defending Kibbutz Yad Mordechai from an Egyptian attack in 1948, just days after Israel declared independence. The Egyptians captured the two men along with Palmach medic Livka Shefer during the Battle of Yad Mordechai as Rubinstein and the medic were evacuating the wounded Eisenberg on a stretcher. They were declared fallen and missing in 1952. It is believed they were killed during the battle on May 24, 1948. Shefer's body was found in the village of Majdal (modern-day Ashkelon) in 1949 and moved to a mass grave in Kibbutz Nitzanim, the IDF said. It was identified four years ago. The army conducted what it called an intensive investigation over the past decade and determined that Rubinstein and Eisenberg were also buried in Nitzanim. The IDF has notified their relatives. "Every Hebrew mother should know that we will not give up until all the children of Israel are returned to their graves and we've revealed the burial places of those martyrs whose burial places are unknown," Maj. Gen. Yaniv Assor, head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, said in a statement. "Today, the State of Israel and the IDF have fulfilled their moral obligation in establishing the burial sites of Benjamin Aryeh Eisenberg and Yitzhak Rubenstein." The two men were posthumously awarded ranks in the IDF-which did not exist at the time of their deaths. Their names have also been added to the memorial at Nitzanim, with a ceremony expected to be held in the coming weeks. Eisenberg was born in Poland in 1927 and made aliyah in 1946. Rubenstein was born in Ukraine (then Galicia) in 1913 and immigrated to Israel in 1938. Both men arrived in ships carrying illegal immigrants. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of day is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. The events took place on June 15th. Many seniors are not in a place to stand up for themselves, whether its because theyre physically frail or because theyre scared of speaking up and fear repercussions. Its crucial for all of us to be on the lookout for signs of elder abuse, and to speak up if something seems wrong. Types of elder abuse: Psychological or Emotional Abuse Physical Abuse Neglect Financial Abuse Sexual Abuse Resident On Resident Abuse Frauds And Scams Physical signs of elder abuse: 1. Increased fear or anxiety 2. Isolation from friends or family Unusual changes in behavior or sleep Withdrawal from normal activities Financial signs of Elder Abuse 1. Fraudilent signatures on financial documents Unpaid bills 2. Romance Scam 3. Unusual or sudden changes in spending pattern, will or other financial documents Romance scams cause higher victim losses to American seniors than any other type of fraud. Millions of Americans use dating websites, social networking platforms, and chat rooms to meet people online. And many forge successful relationships. But scammers also can use these sites to find potential victims. Scammers can create fake profiles to build online relationshipsor use other false pretensesand eventually convince victims to send money, often to cover the cost of a purported emergency or unusual opportunity. Source: Federal Trade Commission Government Imposter Fraud Government imposter fraud causes the second-highest losses to seniors. For example, Social Security Administration imposters contact prospective victims by telephone and falsely claim that the victims Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity or involvement in a crime. The imposters then ask to confirm the victims Social Security number, or they may say that they need to withdraw money from the victims bank and to store it on gift cards or in other unusual ways for safekeeping. Victims may be told their accounts will be seized or frozen if they fail to act quickly. Perpetrators often use robocalls to reach prospective victims. Victims may be told to press 1 to speak to a government support representative for help reactivating their Social Security number. Scammers also often use caller ID spoofing to make it look like the actual Social Security Administration is calling. With such trickery, perpetrators routinely convince victims to give up their Social Security numbers and other personal information. Although Social Security Administration imposter frauds currently is the most prevalent government imposter fraud, fraudsters impersonate any number of government agencies, including the IRS, FBI, DEA, and Medicare. Regardless of the agency fraudsters choose to impersonate, the core fraud remains the same: victims are told that they need to share personal information or send money urgently, at times in unconventional ways such as through gift cards or virtual currency. Sources: Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and Federal Trade Commission Lottery Fraud Fraudsters based in Jamaica and other countries call thousands of people in the Unites States every day, telling them that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery. The fraudulent telemarketers typically identify themselves as lawyers, customs officials, or lottery representatives, and they tell prospective victims that the victims have won vacations, cars, or large sums of money. Winners are then falsely told that they need only pay fees for purported shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes. Victims often pay hundreds or thousands of dollars and receive nothing in return, and many are re-victimized until they have no money left. Sources: U.S. Embassy in Jamaica and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Tech-Support Fraud In tech-support fraud schemes, fraudsters make telephone calls and claim to be computer technicians associated with well-known companies or they use internet pop-up messages to warn about non-existent computer or account problems. Scammers involved in the schemes claim they have detected viruses, other malware, or hacking attempts on the victims computer or associated with the victims account. They then pretend to offer tech support and ask that the victim give them remote access to his or her computer. Eventually, the fraudster will diagnose a non-existent problem and ask the victim to pay large sums of money for unnecessary or even harmful services. Refund Scheme After victims make payments to a tech-support scam, perpetrators often call back and offer refunds to the victims, claiming their tech-support services are no longer available. Perpetrators then will claim to send refund money to the victims bank account but falsely claim that too much money was refunded. Perpetrators then induce victims to send payments (often through stored-value cards such as gift cards), purportedly to reimburse the tech-support company for its over-refund. Victims lose hundreds or thousands of dollars to such refund schemes. Source: Federal Trade Commission Family Emergency Fraud Sometimes known as the Grandparent Scam, an individual perpetrator impersonating a relative of the victim contacts the victim via phone, email, or text message and claims that an urgent situation has arisen. The emergency often involves a relatives purported arrest or injury in a foreign location and a need for immediate receipt of money. Victims typically are instructed to pay via cash, bank wire transfer, and prepaid gift cards. Source: Federal Trade Commission Phishing Scams With increasing frequency, fraudsters are turning to spam text messages or emails to lure victims into divulging personally identifying information, which can then be used by the fraudsters to commit identify theft. Many of these messages purport to be from well-known retailers, delivery services, financial institutions, utility companies, or government agencies. The text messages or emails often contain a link, which take the message recipients to webpages designed to unlawfully capture personally identifying information. The sites sometimes infect victims computers with computer viruses and malware. In one trending example, the Department of Justice has received reports that fraudsters are creating websites mimicking government unemployment benefit websites, including state workforce agency websites, and unlawfully capturing consumers sensitive personal information. To lure people to these websites, fraudsters are sending spam text messages and emails purporting to be from a state workforce agency and containing a link. Consumers especially should avoid clicking on such links send by text messages, as actual state workforce agencies will not contact consumers by text message in an unsolicited manner. Source: Federal Trade Commission and Federal Bureau of Investigation While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org The Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org. (JNS) Israeli lawmaker Sharren Haskel called on Christian parliamentarians from around the world to demand their governments sanction Iran, in a dramatic address that culminated with her cutting her hair in a show of solidarity with Iranian women. Demand that your governments and elected officials stand by the Iranian people at this time, support their protests and help them attain the freedom which they deserve, Haskel said. Demand that your countries impose sanctions on the leaders of Iran, the dictators who are leading us to a regional war and who murder and abuse their citizens. How long will it take for the world to step in and truly make a difference? she asked. The answer depends on some of the people in the room here today. We must channel our Judeo-Christian values of justice, morality and righteousness into a global voice of life and freedom for all. Haskel then joined the Iranian women demonstrating against state-sanctioned violence following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by Tehrans modesty police for violating hijab laws and later died in custody. Chanting, Jin, jiad, azadi; women, life, freedom, Haskel cut off two large chunks of her hair. May next year we have [at this event] women representatives from Iran as well, she concluded. The chair of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, Haskel was addressing a room of some 2,000 Christian supporters of Israel, who convened at the Pais Arena in Jerusalem for the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalems annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration. The event was last held in person in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, when nearly 6,000 pilgrims attended. Although fewer in total number this year, the participants included representatives from about 80 countries, influencers of millions of people across the globe. For her part, Haskel used the occasion to also call for Jewish and Christian prayer on the Temple Mount. She stressed that Israel is the only country in the region that protects its Christian minority, pushing back against Jordanian King Abdullahs recent claim at the United Nations that Christianity in the holy city [of Jerusalem] is under fire. Haskel noted that while the most persecuted minority in the Middle East are Christians, in Israel you are protected and cherished citizens. To which Haskel received a hearty hallelujah from the audience, members of which waved the flags of their nations. Palestinian terrorists have carried out attacks on an hourly basis, according to the data of the Judea and Samaria emergency center, which registered 23 terrorist incidents in the past day. These attacks included shootings, one of which killed Staff Sgt. Ido Baruch near Shavei Shomron, explosives, a lynching attempt at Nebi Salah, rock attacks, and arson. Israels security forces continued their counterterrorism operations throughout Judea and Samaria on Tuesday night, including in the villages of Beit Sira, Deir Abu Mashal, Esawiya, and Hizma. The forces operated in the village of Jaba in Samaria and arrested two wanted persons suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. The troops also located ammunition and other weapons. As part of the activity, terrorists fired at the forces. Israeli forces also operated in the village of El Yamoun in Samaria and arrested another wanted suspect. The forces were also shot at here. In the village of Kafar Naama, IDF forces arrested three wanted persons suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. A total of 10 wanted suspects were arrested. There were no Israeli casualties in any of the operations. The terrorists who killed Baruch on Tuesday and Sgt. Noa Lazar on Saturday night in Jerusalem have not been caught. The security forces are still searching for Udai Tamimi who carried out the attack at the Shuafat checkpoint, and the terrorists who shot and killed Baruch. The IDF and Israels security forces have arrested over 1,700 terror suspects and have prevented hundreds of terror attacks in the five months since the commencement of Operation Wave Breaker, Israels counterterrorism operation launched in May following several deadly terror attacks that the country experienced in recent months, leaving 22 Israelis dead. However, Israeli analyst Yoni Ben Menachem, of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, said that the arrest operation is not achieving its goal. The Palestinian Authority cannot be trusted to fight terrorism. There is no escaping the conquering of northern Samaria with large forces for a limited period of time and cleansing it of the nests of terrorism, he said, but Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz are taking their time because of political considerations. (JTA) Israels government has approved an historic maritime accord with Lebanon, as both countries are under pressure to get the agreement signed before October ends and their leaders may change. The Israeli and U.S. governments pushed back against claims that the deal ceded too much to Lebanon. The details of the deal are not yet in place, but Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid said Wednesday at a press conference, hours after his cabinet approved the deal, that Israel had declined two last-minute Lebanese demands. Lebanon had wanted to remove from the agreement Israels freedom to secure a line of buoys installed by Israel as a functional border, and Lebanon did not want Israel to get income from a gas field that the Lebanese plan to launch on their side of the border. The final deal preserves the buoy option and gives Israel dividends from the gas field, Lapid said. Israel will receive approximately 17 percent of the revenues from the Lebanese gas field, the Qana-Sidon field, if and when they will open it, he said. Lebanese president Michel Aoun also approved of the deal. The final version of the offer satisfies Lebanon, meets its demands and preserves its rights to its natural wealth, his official Twitter account said. The deal is a first for Israel and Lebanon, a country still technically at war with Israel. It lacks the normalization component of Israels agreements in 2020 with four Arab countries under the Abraham Accords and is not as comprehensive as the peace deals Israel signed with Egypt and Jordan and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Implementation is not guaranteed; both governments are lame ducks. Aoun is ending his term as president, and Lapid faces an election on Nov. 1. Some reports have said the sides plan to sign the agreement on Oct. 20. Israels hawkish opposition parties, led by the Likuds Benjamin Netanyahu, believe Lapid gave up too much territory, and have indicated they may launch legal challenges to the deal. Hezbollah, the terrorist militia that retains a great deal of power and influence in Lebanon, and which rejects any engagement with Israel, has not yet weighed in on the deal, although it has previously indicated it would support it. Similar criticism has come from right-wing pro-Israel groups in the United States and from Republicans, led by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who allege that Lapid folded under Biden administration pressure. Lapid and his defense minister, Benny Gantz, deny they faced any pressure to sign the deal, and said that if anything, it would tamp down tensions; Hezbollah had been threatening to attack Israel if it launched a gas exploration platform in waters designated under Israeli control under the agreement. Now that Lebanon has signed off on the agreement, that is less likely, Gantz said, in part because income from the gas fields could wean Lebanons government off of Hezbollah and its Iranian patrons. This important agreement serves Israels interests and establishes a new security equation, said Gantz, who last week, when the deal looked shaky, heightened Israels alertness on the northern border. It has the potential to reduce Irans influence on Lebanon. Gantz was quoted on Twitter by Tal Schneider, a reporter for Times of Israel. Notably, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerhouse lobby that tends to be hawkish but that also in most cases follows Israels lead, praised the deal, albeit in cautious terms. AIPAC welcomes the U.S.-brokered deal between Israel and Lebanon that demarcates Israels maritime border and recognizes its economic rights to natural gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean, it said on Twitter. We commend the Biden administration for working with the Israeli governmentt to reach this historic agreement. David Schenker, who led negotiations during the Trump administration as the assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, said Israels apparent concessions to Lebanon were stunning. He said Israel at that time claimed territory north of the buoy line, which it has now relinquished. As per the new agreement, Lebanon will attain virtually 100 percent of its initial negotiating position, Schenker, who now directs a program at the Washington Center for Near East Policy think tank, wrote in the Wall Street Journal. Schenker did not explain how he knew the details of the deal. In a call with reporters, a senior Biden administration official ridiculed claims that Israel gave too much away and emphasized that Netanyahu, whom he did not cite by name, had not made any agreement at all. Many people have said over the last several days that a better deal could have been done for one side or the other, said the official, who requested anonymity to speak frankly. Others have claimed that they could have negotiated a better deal some from the region, some from the United States. They were in power; they did not reach a better deal. And when those so-called better terms for either side were on the table, they ended up not reaching and not concluding an agreement. (JTA) It started with a shirt and ended in a conflagration over antisemitism and Republican politics. Such is the extended news cycle over multiple antisemitic comments during the last week by Kanye West, the artist and provocateur who prefers to go by Ye. On Tucker Carlsons Fox News show, Instagram and Twitter, West made a string of comments reflecting a range of antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories. The spree culminated with Wests vow to go death con 3 ON JEWISH PEOPLE. DEFCON is an acronym that refers to the state of alert of Americas militaries; death con 3 appears to be a muddled use of that term. Still, it conveyed a clear violence to many who saw it. Twitter removed that post, saying it violated the companys policies, but not before it was shared widely by Jews and others alarmed by Wests behavior. The response has become something of a Rorschach test for American Jewish anxieties. Is antisemitism tolerated or sufficiently condemned? Has the vaunted historical relationship between Blacks and Jews frayed beyond repair? And why are Carlson and other prominent conservatives standing by West? The last question has only grown more pointed in the last 24 hours, as footage leaked showing that West had made other antisemitic comments on Carlsons show that did not air and as Orthodox Jews, who are more likely to be politically conservative, began re-engaging after the two-day Sukkot holiday that overlapped with the peak controversy. Back from the Jewish holiday now, right-wing pundit Ben Shapiro, an Orthodox Jew, wrote early Wednesday morning on Twitter. As usual, two things can be true at once: Kanyes moves toward pro-life, faith, and family conservatism are encouraging; his death con 3 posts and Black Hebrew Israelite language are clearly anti-Semitic and disturbing. For Jews emerging from their sukkahs, or who just want to understand this fast-moving saga, heres a recap of YeGate, so far. A string of provocations culminated in Wests vow to go death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE. West has a long track record of provocations, as well as a history of bipolar disorder that he has said causes him to become paranoid. (He has also said it is dismissive to question whether he has stopped taking his medication whenever he speaks up.) But the current moment began with a shirt. In Paris last week to showcase a fashion collection he designed, West wore a White Lives Matter jacket, a dig at the Black Lives Matter movement and a reflection of his long-standing conservative politics. (The Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish civil rights group, says White Lives Matter is a white supremacist phrase.) The shirt elicited revulsion by many in the fashion world and embrace from political conservatives who cherish West as an authentic Black voice who shares their values. On Thursday, Carlson brought West onto his show, where he praised West as advancing obviously true ideas. When their wide-ranging conversation touched on the Abraham Accords, which the Trump administration brokered between Israel and Arab countries, West said he thought Jared Kushner was motivated only by profit. I just think it was to make money, he said, in a comment that echoed antisemitic tropes about Jewish greed. Then, on Friday, West posted snapshots of a text conversation he said he had with Sean Combs, the rapper also known as Puff Daddy and Diddy. After Combs urged West to stop promoting the shirt, West responded, Ima use you as an example to show the Jewish people that told you to call me that no one can threaten or influence me. Shortly afterward, the post which West had captioned Jesus is Jew and which harkened to antisemitic conspiracy theories about invisible Jewish control was deleted, and Meta, Instagrams parent company, said it had removed content that violated its policies. West switched to Twitter, where he had been less active. Elon Musk, the serial entrepreneur and free-speech absolutist who is in the process of buying the social media platform, welcomed him publicly. West first tweeted to Metas Jewish founder, Mark Zuckerberg, Who do you think created cancel culture? Wrote Yair Rosenberg in The Atlantic, in a newsletter analyzing Wests antisemitism, He presumably did not mean the Mormons. It was on Twitter where, early Sunday morning, West posted the unambiguous message heard around the world. Im a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up Im going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE, he wrote. The funny thing is I actually cant be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also, West added, appearing to allude to a belief core to the diverse Hebrew Israelite movement. He then returned to the idea of Jewish control: You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda. Within hours of Wests post, the tweet was no longer accessible. Instead, it was replaced with a notice reading, This Tweet violated the Twitter rules. Criticism of Wests antisemitic comments has come from many corners. The holiest day in Judaism was last week. Words matter. A threat to Jewish people ended once in a genocide. Your words hurt and incite violence. You are a father. Please stop. That was one of the earliest celebrity responses to Wests death con 3 tweet, coming just hours after the post itself. It was by actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who has been involved in restoring the synagogue in her Jewish grandparents Hungarian hometown and later said she cried upon reading Wests abhorrent tweet. Countless people issued similar statements. Whether or not Kanye West is mentally ill, theres no question he is a bigot, the Jewish Friends actor David Schwimmer wrote in an Instagram post that went viral. His hate speech calls for violence against Jews. The celebrity posts followed statements from Jewish groups, including the American Jewish Committee and the ADL, condemning Wests comments before and during the Carlson interview. Kanye West has more twitter followers than there [are] Jews in the world, tweeted Carly Pildis, the director of community engagement at the Anti-Defamation League, on Sunday, in a post that was shared thousands of times. There are an estimated 14.8 million Jews and he has over 30 million followers. American Jews are experiencing a historic rise in antisemitic incidents. His actions are extremely dangerous and must be called out. The episode has been particularly hurtful for Black Jews, some of whom say they struggle to be heard when they push back against that common perception, reinforced by Wests comments, that Black and Jewish identities are mutually exclusive. Black Jews have our own story to tell. We dont need him to say a word, tweeted Michael Twitty, the author of Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew. While some Jews, including the comedian Sarah Silverman, fretted about whether non-Jews cared about Wests antisemitic comments, its clear that criticism of him has come from a diverse swath of people, including the New York Democratic politicians Ritchie Torres and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, journalist Dan Rather and the Black novelist Brandon Taylor. It does not matter if #KanyeWest is mentally ill, a morally well society defends #Jews from #Antisemitic threats, tweeted Cornell Williams Brooks, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and former president of the NAACP, in one representative example. Whether somebodys sick or sane does not make Antisemitism less lethal. Physical attacks often follow verbal assaults. #WordsMatter. But conservatives have mostly stood by West throughout. One set of people appeared to be standing by West after his Carlson interview and the subsequent criticism: right-wing Republicans who have long seen West as an ideological ally. The death con 3 tweet put them in an awkward position. Since at least 2016, West has demonstrated a growing relationship with Americas Christian Right. That year, he told a concert audience that he would have voted for Donald Trump for president if he voted, saying that he appreciated Trumps futuristic way of speaking. He met with Trump shortly after Trump was elected, then endorsed him publicly in 2018. That fall, he wore a Make America Great Again hat to perform on Saturday Night Live, where he delivered a pro-Trump speech that never aired, making him a darling in an emerging discourse around cancel culture in which conservatives allege that their views are not permitted. In 2020, he semi-announced his own presidential candidacy, offering up a platform in an interview where he frequently referenced his belief in God as an animating idea for his politics. (He also expressed concern about needing to combat the effects of the Devil.) To the extent that the campaign ever existed, it was supported by Republican operatives and seen as a potential spoiler effort aimed at helping Trumps reelection campaign; at one point, West met with Kushner in Colorado and said the two were speaking almost daily. On his show last week, Carlson praised West as a kind of Christian evangelist and urged viewers not to discount his ideas as the thinking of someone with mental illness. Amid the backlash after the interview aired, some conservatives who had previously championed West rejected his comments about Jews. But many remained silent, and others pressed forward with their praise, suggesting that they are at best unbothered by Wests antisemitic comments. Its like you cannot even say the word Jewish without people getting upset, Candace Owens, the Black conservative influencer who wore a White Lives Matter jacket alongside West in Paris, said in Wests defense. Owens is employed by Shapiros media company. Kanye. Elon. Trump, the official Twitter account for the Republican House Judiciary posted on Thursday. The post remained up Tuesday night, despite many calls, including from conservatives, for it to be deleted. Meanwhile, Missouris attorney general, Eric Schmitt, tweeted, then deleted, on Tuesday night, America needs a @kanyewest @KidRock tour. Lets go! (The White Michigan rapper has long aligned himself with the political right.) Indianas attorney general, Todd Rokita, tweeted that Kanyes message in this instance is fair and accurate, & regardless, he is entitled to his opinion, adding, The media will steamroll anyone if they do not kowtow to their way of thinking. According to them, youre not thinking correctly if you dont completely agree with them. He later clarified that he was referring only to Wests criticisms of the media and Hollywood elites, not the death con 3 comment, and also emphasized that he supports Israel. For many concerned about antisemitism among Republicans, the response has been telling. Whats striking about Yes naked antisemitism isnt that he crossed a line but that, for some of his powerful allies, he didnt, wrote Michelle Goldberg, the liberal columnist, in the New York Times on Tuesday. Meghan McCain exhorted her fellow conservatives to break with West, saying that because the left can be critical of Israel, the right bears a stronger responsibility to be a reliable ally for Jews. The Republican Party brand is supposed to be anti-celebrity and anti-elite. Yet anytime a big name shows even the slightest interest in conservative causes, they are granted prime time interviews and slobbered over by pundits and politicians, McCain wrote in the Daily Mail on Tuesday. Later, she added about antisemitism, The left cannot be relied upon to take up this cause, so the right cannot compromise itself. If conservatives dont stand with our Jewish friends, who will? Carlson held back footage in which West made additional antisemitic comments. On Carlsons show, Wests comment about Kushner was one of many in which he expressed extreme and controversial views. But unaired footage published on Tuesday by Vice revealed that West had in fact made multiple antisemitic comments that were edited out of the final broadcast. In one comment, he criticized Planned Parenthood as being created to control the Jew population. In explaining what he meant, he made clear that he was approaching the topic from a Hebrew Israelite perspective: When I say Jew, I mean the 12 lost tribes of Judah, the blood of Christ, who the people known as the race Black really are. (Planned Parenthoods does have historical roots in eugenics, which it has disavowed; it also figures in conspiracy theories that often overlap with antisemitic theories.) West also said he regretted that his childrens school celebrates Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday. I prefer my kids knew Hanukkah than Kwanzaa. At least it will come with some financial engineering, he said, in a comment that appeared to allude to ideas that Jews are good with money. And when discussing how Black people criticize each other, he offered Jews as an analogy. Think about us judging each other on how white we could talk would be like, you know, a Jewish person judging another Jewish person on how good they danced or something, he said, before pausing and saying he thought he could get in trouble for saying that and asking for it to be edited out of the final cut. It was. Other comments reflecting paranoia about the people close to him, which West has previously said is a hallmark of his illness, were also edited out of the final cut. The result is calling attention to the role played by Carlson in promoting dangerous antisemitism. Carlson is a leading proponent of great replacement theory, an anti-immigration philosophy that has united white supremacists across borders in their hatred of Jews and immigrants and has inspired multiple mass murders, including of Jews. Earlier this year, Carlson produced a special focused on condemning the Jewish billionaire and philanthropist George Soros, who features in many right-wing conspiracy theories, including great replacement. Carlsons embrace of that theory caused the head of the ADL to call for his ouster last year. The story here isnt that Kanye is antisemitic we already knew that but that Tucker worked to launder that antisemitism into slightly more socially acceptable forms, to maintain plausible deniability with elected officials, tweeted Joel Swanson, a doctoral student in American Jewish history whose study includes antisemitism. Dont focus on Kanye to the exclusion of Carlson. Wests current fixation on Jews follows other notable comments about them over the years. West has had a relationship with Jews that has veered from admiration into hostility, sometimes in the same moment. He has proposed a Christian movement to replicate the solidarity he sensed among Israelis when he visited the country. (His then-wife, Kim Kardashian, baptized their daughter North West in Israel, where she connected with the countrys ancient Armenian community.) As much as he seemed to have appreciated the country, his concert there was weird and alienating. He has said that former President Barack Obama was frustrated in his efforts to legislate in part because Blacks are not as connected as Jews. He has worked with prominent Jews and tried to emulate them; a sitcom he filmed in 2008 inspired in part by Larry Davids Curb Your Enthusiasm was well received in screenings but never widely released. As much as he now criticizes Kushner for being an opportunist, he and his ex-wife, Kardashian, worked with Kushner on one of the Trump administrations rare domestic policy successes, criminal justice reform. (ISRAEL21c) - When a pregnant woman is worried about possible genetic defects in the child she is carrying, amniocentesis is the gold standard test. But amniocentesis is both invasive - a needle is inserted into the womb to extract amniotic fluid - and dangerous, resulting in miscarriage in as many as one out of every 200 tests performed. Furthermore, amniocentesis can only be done after week 15 of the pregnancy, yet many U.S. states and countries around the world ban abortion by that time, limiting a mother's options if an abnormality is detected. Another test - an NIPT or "noninvasive prenatal test" based on a simple blood draw - can be performed earlier, but it catches only some 20 percent of genetic anomalies. Prof. Noam Shomron of Tel Aviv University had a better idea: a blood test that can be done as early as week 10, identifies nearly 100 percent of genetic problems and has no risk of miscarriage. Ten weeks is early enough for intervention. (For those opposed to abortion, Shomron stresses that new tools such as CRISPR may soon be deployed to fix mutations in a baby's DNA while still in utero.) Shomron, who heads the Functional Genomics Lab at TAU's medical school and is the director of the Djerassi Institute of Oncology, tells ISRAEL21c that his lab has been working on and testing its "Hoobari" AI-based software for six years. Now, Hoobari is at the core of a startup, IdentifAI Genetics. The company is headed by Oren Tadmor, a career air force officer who, upon his release three years ago, was looking for a different kind of project to command. Tadmor joined the innovation center run by Israeli life sciences and health tech holding group Shizim as its entrepreneur-in-residence, which is where he met Shomron and IdentifAI's third cofounder, CTO Tom Rabinowitz. IdentifAI's core technology is based on Rabinowitz's PhD thesis work at Tel Aviv University. 'We see everything' IdentifAI is not looking to replace amniocentesis but rather the NIPT. In addition to be limited to detecting just a few mutations, NIPT generates false positives in four out of five cases for specific mutations, according to Tadmor. IdentifAI's secret sauce is its ability to distinguish between the mother's DNA and fragments of DNA from the embryo the mother is carrying that "leak out" and can be found "floating" in the mother's blood. "The mother's DNA and the embryonic DNA look slightly different," Shomron explains. "We computationally separate them until we are more than 99 percent confident that what we're looking at is embryonic DNA." By computation, Shomron is referring to the fact that IdentifAI doesn't look at actual blood smears but rather the billions of letter combinations that represent DNA on a computer level. "We do the checking in silicon," Tadmor points out that is, using the power of PC processing. The results are then matched with a database of potential genetic conditions. Shomron likens IdentifAI's test process compared with NIPT by imagining looking at Earth from outer space. An NIPT can see continents. But if you want to identify a particular country or get as granular as a specific house, that's beyond NIPT's resolution. But IdentifAI can see a million times more clearly, Shomron says. "We see everything," he says. "We see every change, every gene and every letter in the genetic alphabet." NIPT can identify five, maybe 10 mutations at most. Tadmor claims that IdentifAI's technology can locate hundreds. "We aim to be the very best, most popular screening solution." Still experimental IdentifAI's blood test will be priced around $1,000 per analysis. With insurance reimbursement, that should be cut in half, putting it on the same price level as NIPT today. As IdentifAI's technology catches on, the price should drop even more. And, if it can reduce the need for an amniocentesis, the savings become much greater an amnio typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000 and sometimes requires quite a bit of "persuasion" to get insurance companies to approve the procedure. Shomron points out that, while in Israel, amniocentesis is quite common, in the United States, OB-GYNs are reluctant to order the test. Shomron and Tadmor have been working with many of Israel's leading medical centers to prove the efficacy of their approach. That said, an IdentifAI blood test is not yet available on a commercial basis. "We're still experimental," Shomron says, although he is confident the technology will gain approval within a year or two, especially since IdentifAI will be following in the same regulatory pathway that NIPT blazed before them. 'They didn't believe us' Shomron remembers the first time he shared the data with the clinical team at the Recanati Institute of Genetics at Rabin Medical Center. "We sequenced the DNA, performed an analysis and told them that the baby we were studying was a carrier of a particular mutation but that the baby would be okay. They didn't believe us, so they did an invasive test amniocentesis which confirmed our analyses. The clinical team said, 'Wow, this is like magic. If this works that well, we could bypass all invasive tests during pregnancies and get results at an ever earlier stage!'" Detecting cancer mutations IdentifAI is targeting OB-GYNs as its first customers, with the United States as the company's main market. There won't be a home IdentifAI test that you can buy in your local CVS or Walgreens, for now at least. While Shomron and Tadmor are laser focused on detecting fetal abnormalities, that's just the first stop for this pioneering technology. Idan Malka Prof. Noam Shomron, cofounder and CSO of IdentifAI Genetics. Next up: using the same approach to identify cancers with a simple blood test. "We can tweak our algorithm to detect not just embryonic DNA but any kind of foreign pieces of DNA, such as cancer mutations," Shomron tells ISRAEL21c. The 10-person company has raised $2.5 million from the Israel Innovation Authority and from private investors. Given the billions of letter combinations that comprise DNA, Shomron and Tadmor have developed a love for language and the occasional pun. To wit: The name of the company's software Hoobari is decidedly tongue-in-cheek. "Hoobar" is Hebrew for embryo. And "hoo bari" in Hebrew means "he is healthy." Which is pretty much all a new parent wants to hear. (JTA) The U.S. Air Force Academy has pledged to correct its processes to ensure that it does not schedule key events on major faith holidays after a mandatory training exercise took place on Yom Kippur. The U.S. Air Force Academy recognizes the importance of the holy days of all faiths. A training event was unintentionally scheduled this week during the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur, Lt. Col. Brian Maguire, the director of public affairs, said in a statement his office emailed Thursday to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The Academys Academic Year Calendar is developed and maintained through an institutional process that includes input on faith considerations of the cadets, he said. We will correct our processes to ensure this, and mistakes like this, do not happen again. Maguire said cadets observing the holiday got the time off. Religious accommodations were planned and made available to all Jewish cadets wishing to observe Yom Kippur, he said. Commandants Training Day, also known as Commandants Challenge is a once-a-semester mandatory activity when cadets show off the skills they have acquired. It is seen as key to advancement within the academy, which gives the day heavy publicity. A website staffed by academy graduates wrote in 2019 that the day also provides a focus on overall respect, religious respect, sexual assault prevention response training. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a group led by a Jewish graduate of the academy, brought attention to the conflict in a blog post on the liberal political website Daily Kos. Mikey Weinstein, the groups founder, told JTA that multiple Jewish cadets, faculty, and staffers contacted him about the conflict and that he had information that the academy leadership was aware of the clash for weeks. The Colorado Springs Indy obtained an email sent out Tuesday evening, minutes before Yom Kippur started, from the dean of faculty, Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, in which she called what happened a serious scheduling oversight, and said, Obviously, tomorrows Commandants Challenge should not have been scheduled to overlap with this significant religious holiday. Weinstein has filed a freedom of information request to examine how the academy handled the looming conflict. In his post on Daily Kos, he said officials had plenty of time to make alternative arrangements. All anyone had to do was to Google Yom Kippur 2022, and the dates would have happily popped up on pretty much any computer screen on this planet, Weinstein wrote. Troops and other military personnel seeking redress for religious discrimination often turn to Weinsteins foundation because it keeps their identities secret in a military culture that inhibits complaints. The Air Force Academy, situated in Colorado Springs, a center of Christian evangelism, has for decades been a source of multiple complaints from non-Christians who say they face discrimination and proselytization. (JNS) - The Israel Allies Foundation has named Pastor Larry Huch of Dallas, Texas, as the No. 1 Christian ally of the Jewish state in its annual Top 50 list. The list of "Top 50 Christian Allies," published by IAF on the eve of Sukkot, known by Christians as the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrates men and women from around the world and of different Christian denominations who tirelessly support and defend Israel. Besides pastors, the list includes Hollywood stars and politicians, from Pat Boone and Chuck Norris to former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. "Recognizing the invaluable work of our Christian supporters is an important display of our gratitude towards them," said IAF Director Josh Reinstein. "Each and every one of them serves as an example of the far-reaching impact faith-based diplomacy for Israel has, from a local to international level. "It is Christians, not countries, that we can count on to always stand with Israel," he said. Huch is the founding pastor of New Beginnings Church in Dallas. Larry Huch Ministries is a major supporter of aliyah, Holocaust survivors, hospitals and a host of other charities in Israel. Huch said he fell in love with the "Jewishness of the Bible" and Israel nearly 30 years ago. He then began to teach the Jewish roots of Christianity and the importance of "standing with the nation of Israel" and fighting anti-Semitism to his community. Since then, his relationship with Reinstein and the IAF has blossomed, and he has been to Israel dozens of times. "There is no country in the world like Israel," he told JNS. "And no city in any country like Jerusalem. It is the home of God. It is the people, the land and the spirit of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that dwells in this land." Huch accompanied a group of 20 pro-Israel, mostly evangelical lawmakers on an IAF mission to Israel in March 2022, during which they signed a declaration supporting the "sovereign right of the State of Israel to build in its indivisible capital of Jerusalem." "You will never understand the Bible until you read it in the land in which it was written," Huch said. "If God allowed me to, I would live here." No. 2 on the list is Mike Huckabee, host of the popular "Huckabee" program on Trinity Broadcasting Network, the world's largest Christian network. He is a former governor of Arkansas and a pastor who has talked extensively about the importance of defending Israel in the media. Huckabee was among the most outspoken supporters of the decision to move the American embassy to Jerusalem. No. 3 is Harper, who served as Canadian prime minister from 2006 to 2015. During that time, he distinguished himself as a strong voice supporting Israel in its campaign against Hezbollah during the Second Lebanon War and against Hamas during "Operation Protective Edge" in Gaza. The IAF coordinates with 50 Israel Allies Caucuses and 1,200 lawmakers to mobilize international support for Israel based on shared Judeo-Christian values. Among the network are the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus and the European Union Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus. The top 50 list is released ahead of Sukkot because of Christians' connection to the holiday on which we read Zechariah 14:16, which foresees a time when all nations will come to Jerusalem to celebrate. "And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles," the book of Zechariah reads. This year, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem will host more than 2,000 Christians from upwards of 70 nations for its annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration in Jerusalem, including its traditional Jerusalem March on October 13. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, as many as 6,000 Christians traveled to Israel for the annual event. ICEJ President Dr. Jurgen Buhler was named No. 16 on the IAF top list. Pastor Sandor Nemeth, founder and senior pastor of Faith Church in Hungary, is No. 13 on the list. "For me, standing with the modern State of Israel and supporting the Jewish people in general comes naturally and should be reflected in the life of every Bible-reading, God-fearing Christian believer worldwide," he said. Tre Pennie, principal founder of the National Fallen Officer Foundation and a former Dallas police sergeant, is listed at No. 48. "My grandmother was a strong Southern Baptist who believed that Jews were 'God's chosen people' and she was fond of their support of Blacks during the Civil Rights Movement," he said. "She trusted that I would never forget and I never did." (JTA) Since March, Rabbi Daniel Litvak has been required to appear three times a week at the magistrates office in Porto, the Portuguese city where he is accused of submitting fraudulent citizenship applications for Sephardic Jews. His passports were confiscated and he was barred from contacting the lawyer who is the other defendant in the criminal case against him. Now, an appeals court in Lisbon has ruled that Litvak does not need to abide by the stringent restrictions. The court also criticized Portuguese prosecutors for how they have handled the case against Litvak, according to the Portuguese newspaper Expresso. It is said that the accused, in the exercise of his functions, had privileged knowledge and connections which allowed him to give priority to requests for the acquisition of nationality to Sephardic Jews, the judgment said, according to Expresso. But there is not a single fact to materialize this conclusion, namely which officials had privileged links with the applicant and, more importantly, what such knowledge and privileges consisted of. The decision does not end the criminal case against Litvak, an Argentine-Israeli who was arrested in March while preparing to travel to Israel. But it means he is free to leave the country, and it deals a significant blow to the prosecution of a case that a Porto Jewish leader called the greatest attack against a Jewish community in Europe in the 21st century. Litvaks arrest was related to inquiries by multiple Portuguese agencies into how Roman Abramovich, a Russian Jewish oligarch, was able to gain Portuguese citizenship under the countrys 2013 law allowing naturalization for descendants of Sephardic Jews. The law represented an attempt to atone for the Inquisition, a campaign of religious persecution in Spain and Portugal in the 16th century that forced tens of thousands of Jews to emigrate, hide their Jewish identity or denounce it altogether. The government delegated the task of vetting applications for citizenship to two groups, the Jewish Community of Lisbon and Litvaks organization in Porto. Tens of thousands of applicants have become Portuguese citizens under the law which helped turn Porto into a Jewish destination and with their fees of 250 euros each, the applicants have helped reverse the local Jewish communitys cash-flow challenges. Abramovichs citizenship which gave him a European Union passport for the first time raised questions because most Russian Jews are Ashkenazi and do not have Sephardic roots. But Litvak said in January that he was certain an investigation would show that his organization had assessed Abramovichs application as it would anyone elses. Litvaks arrest several weeks later on charges of tax fraud, falsification of documents, money laundering and other crimes took place shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, bringing to the fore questions about whether Russians such as Abramovich with close ties to President Vladimir Putin could flee their country. The ensuing case has drawn attention to divisions between the communities in Porto and Lisbon. In June, the head of the Jewish Community of Porto said in a letter to lawmakers that the probe into Litvak and the community was the greatest attack against a Jewish community in Europe in the 21st century, and was perpetrating a Holocaust against families. A former leader of the Jewish community of Lisbon publicly dismissed Senderowiczs allegations as baseless and absurd. After Litvaks arrest, his group announced that it would not process any more Sephardic citizenship applications, leaving only the Jewish Community of Lisbon with the right to naturalize the descendants of Sephardic Jews. It is unclear how many applications are currently pending with the Jewish Community of Porto, which has handled thousands of such applications since the citizenship law went into effect in 2015. (JNS) - Russia is deploying Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles in its war against Ukraine, and although it is not yet possible to determine their exact operational effectiveness, the weapons could pose a significant challenge for the Israeli military in a future conflict, a prominent drone and missile expert told JNS. Tal Inbar, former director of the UAV Research Center at Israel's Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies, and co-founder of the Ilan Ramon Space Conference, said that footage from Ukraine demonstrates widespread use by Moscow of the Iranian-made Shahed 136, a suicide UAV the Russians call Geran-2. "From gathering photos of parts of the system, it emerges that some 100 UAVs of this type have been used," said Inbar, who also noted that "the Ukrainian air defenses have reported downing a substantial number of these attack systems." On Monday and Tuesday, Ukrainian cities were bombarded by Russian cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and UAVs, with the Shahed 136 among the systems apparently used. It came as part of a major assault the Kremlin described as retaliation for this weekend's bombing of the Kerch bridge connecting Crimea to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday told Reuters that, "We are dealing with terrorists. Dozens of missiles and Iranian Shaheds. They have two targets: Energy facilities throughout the country ... [and] people." In July, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that Russia had requested from Tehran "hundreds" of UAVS for the war in Ukraine. According to Inbar, there is evidence that Moscow is also using the Iranian Mohajer 6 drone in the ongoing conflict. "As this stage, it is not possible to determine the operational effectiveness of these systems in the absence of solid information that links an attack to the attacking system," stated Inbar. "At the same time," he qualified, "these systems are highly precise and if they are not intercepted, the damage that they produce can be substantial to a range of targets." In a Sept. 2021 speech to the United Nations General Assembly, former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said that, "Iran has already used these lethal UAVs, dubbed Shahed 136, to attack Saudi Arabia, U.S. bases in Iraq and cargo ships on the open seas." This likely included a Sept. 14, 2019 attack on two Aramco oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. "UAV swarms reached their targets in the depth of Saudi Arabia's hinterland with complete surprise, remaining undetected by air defenses," Uzi Rubin, a prominent Israeli air defense expert and founder of the Arrow programs, told JNS. "Hence, no attempt was made to intercept them. Their precision was exceptional," he added. The Mohajer 6, meanwhile, can conduct missile strikes and surveillance missions at a reported range of some 200 kilometers (125 miles). The Alma Center, a defense research group specializing in the security challenges Israel faces along its northern borders, assessed in Dec. 2021 that Hezbollah possesses some 2,000 Iranian-manufactured UAVs. For his part, Inbar said that Israel is aware of the threat and cautioned that "a massive activation of these systems, should it occur, will form an event with considerable potential damage." (JTA) An official investigation by Stanford University released Wednesday confirmed longstanding suspicions that university administrators acted to limit Jewish enrollment in the 1950s while publicly denying that they were doing so. In tandem with the release of the report, Stanfords president, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, apologized to the Jewish community on behalf of the university. This ugly component of Stanfords history, confirmed by this new report, is saddening and deeply troubling, Tessier-Lavigne wrote. As a university, we must acknowledge it and confront it as a part of our history, as repellent as it is, and seek to do better. Tessier-Lavigne also wrote that Stanford will work to ensure that it is welcoming to Jewish students today by increasing anti-bias training, creating a dedicated advisory committee, paying more attention to Jewish holiday cycles in university scheduling and other measures. The universitys first day of classes this fall took place on Rosh Hashanah. Stanford convened the task force that produced the report last year after a historian published his discovery of documents left behind by Stanfords admissions director from 1950 to 1970, Rixford Snyder, suggesting that Snyder was biased against Jews and interested in reducing their enrollment at the university. A similar conclusion was reached by the task force, which consisted of faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and students. For decades, its been understood by many Jews in California that Stanford either had or has a bias against Jewish applicants, said Stanford history professor Ari Y. Kelman, who chaired the task force. What we found was that the director of admissions, with knowledge of other members of high administration of the university, took steps to limit the number of Jewish students that were enrolled at Stanford. Evidence of Snyders intentions is found in a 1953 memo written by his colleague Fred Glover that was sent to then-Stanford President Wallace Sterling. Glover noted that Snyder felt too many of Stanfords male applicants were Jewish and that the university must take action to change the situation. Snyder feels that this problem is loaded with dynamite and he wanted you to know about it, as he says that the situation forces him to disregard our stated policy of paying no attention to the race or religion of applicants, Glover wrote. According to the archival material, Snyder acted to accomplish his goal of reducing Jewish admissions by targeting Beverly Hills High School and Fairfax High School, two Los Angeles schools with predominantly Jewish student bodies. If we accept a few Jewish applicants from these schools the following year we get a flood of Jewish applicants, Glover wrote, relaying Snyders concern. After the date of that memo, for example, Snyder dropped Beverly Hills and Fairfax from his recruitment efforts at Southern California schools, according to Snyders travel itineraries found in the universitys archives. An analysis of enrollment data showed that Stanford soon saw a sharp drop in enrollment from these two schools. Stanfords history of discrimination against Jews and other minorities is far from unique among elite universities. At earlier points in the 20th century, many Ivy League schools enacted far more blatant policies of discrimination, such as official religious and racial quotas, controlling the number of Jews enrolled. (The U.S. Supreme Court this year will consider two cases about affirmative action, a contemporary practice aimed at ensuring diversity that its critics say amounts to discrimination against students from some backgrounds.) The fact that the antisemitism uncovered at Stanford was more subtle and came later is instructive as institutions across the country are increasingly reckoning with their past, said Stanford historian Emily J. Levine, who was part of the task force. In the 1950s, it was no longer as acceptable to be so overtly antisemitic, Levine said. Antisemitism didnt so much go away as it went underground. And because the discrimination went underground, specialized research skills, the kind that students can learn at Stanford, were needed to parse the archival material and understand the methods of reducing Jewish student enrollment and their impact, she said. For Levine, a moral commitment accompanied by research and teaching can create an environment for healing from the past. The process of collective institutional memory and self-reflective criticism as a community, right can actually make individuals feel more connected to each other and trust their institution more, she said. About 7 percent of Stanfords undergraduates today are Jewish, according to data shared publicly by the universitys Hillel. Stanfords public apology and commitment to improving Jewish life on campus through concrete steps are in line with the process of redress required under teshuvah, a Jewish concept about returning to the path of righteousness, according to Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper, the universitys associate dean for religious and spiritual life. And the timing, amid the Jewish High Holidays, couldnt have been more appropriate, she said. Has there been change since the 50s? Yes. We have a wonderful vibrant campus now and antisemitism still exists, Hahn Tapper said. So to be able to name it to bring it out of the shadows is step one in continuing to grow our community. (JNS) A movement is now afoot in the United States to drive Jews out of higher education both teachers and students. The movement, using the poisoned spear tip of anti-Zionism, is gaining momentum. It is reminiscent of nothing less than the movement to expel Jews from the educational system in Nazi Germany. In 1933, Germanys new civil service law excluded Jewish university professors as well as Jewish elementary and secondary school teachers from the profession. In the same year, Germanys Law Against Overcrowding in Schools and Universities limited the number of Jewish students who could enroll, forcing Jewish children into private schools. Many student fraternities and other student groups in Germany banned Jews and protested against professors whom they believed did not support traditional German values. Non-Jewish professors joined in shunning their colleagues. As a result, the Nazis quickly succeeded in hounding undesirables and, with them, any opposition to their policies and values out of the educational establishment. Something similar is happening in the U.S. today. The latest attack on Jews in American higher education was just launched by the UC Berkeley Law Schools branch of Students for Justice in Palestine. SJP convinced nine law school organizations to adopt a bylaw refusing to invite or sponsor any speaker who supports Zionism, the apartheid state of Israel and the occupation of Palestine. Zionism is, of course, the movement to realize the self-determination of the Jewish people in its homeland, the Land of Israel. Zionism is a primary tenet of Judaism, and is supported by the overwhelming majority of Jews worldwide, including in the U.S. No wonder a group of leading U.S. Jewish groups called the Berkeley groups ban unabashed anti-Semitism. No wonder former Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education for Civil Rights Kenneth Marcus said the bylaw established Jewish-free zones at Berkeley. The law schools dean, Erwin Chemerinsky, who is Jewish, noted that the ban would prevent him from speaking and, he might have added, 90 percent of American Jews. Antisemitism, according to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition which has been adopted by hundreds of nations and organizations worldwide includes blaming Jews collectively for the actions of the State of Israel or for Israels existence. Yet today, it is increasingly difficult for openly pro-Zionist Jews in the United States to find employment in higher education particularly in the humanities. Virtually no Zionists are hired in Middle Eastern studies, despite Israels status as the regions only democracy. Jewish professors like Dr. Jeffrey Lax, head of the Business Department at the City University of New York Kingsborough campus, complain of open antisemitism, usually tied to anti-Israel sentiments. Lax declines to wear his yarmulke at school. I dont want to be targeted. Thats the reason, he said. I just wish I could do my job. Lax reports that when some fellow faculty members learned he is Jewish and a Zionist, they subjected him to threats and intimidation. While the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has substantiated Laxs claims, CUNY has taken no steps to mitigate the hostile work environment. Lax isnt alone. Pro-Israel students at CUNY Kingsborough and other schools have complained about prejudice and open attacks against them by faculty. The U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights is investigating the University of Southern California for failing to protect a Jewish student from discrimination and harassment because she supports Israel. Federal anti-Semitism investigations are also underway at the University of Vermont, the State University of New York and Brooklyn College. In her recent Washington Examiner article New Loyalty Oath Imposed on Jews, writer Melissa Langsam Braunstein quoted Hussein Aboubakr Mansour, an educator with the pro-Israel advocacy group StandWithUs, said, When I applied for Ph.D. programs, I was told in the face by one of the biggest names in Middle Eastern Studies in the West that your affiliation with pro-Israel organizations is a problem for get[ting] into academia. Imagine a Black American at Harvard University being prevented by his fellow student government members from becoming school president because of his strong identification with African culture. How can he be objective, his colleagues ask him, about the struggles of marginalized people against sexual and other forms of bondage, given his identification with a continent in which there are now large numbers of slaves, i.e., Africa? Or imagine this: At UCLA, a Jewish student is to be confirmed to the student councils judicial board when a fellow council member asks her how she can maintain an unbiased view, given her identification with the Jewish community? After a lengthy discussion of the students Jewish identity, her nomination is voted down. The first story of the Black student at Harvard is fiction. It is, in fact, unimaginable, even though Africa today does have a major problem with slavery. But the second story about the Jewish UCLA student is tragically true. It happened to Rachel Beyda in 2015. Langsam also quoted New York University freshman Kayla Hutt about some surprising advice she got from her high school headmaster regarding her NYU application essay: There was a big chunk of it about the Chabad and Hillel, and the overall Jewish community at NYU. He told me I shouldnt have that in there, that its enough theyll see I go to a private yeshiva high school and I shouldnt rub it in their faces that I was in the Israel Awareness Club and that Im a proud Zionist. How long will Jewish Americans tolerate what no other ethnic group in the United States would stand for to be openly discriminated against for our blessed peoplehood, for our honored identity? When will supporters of free speech say no to this travesty of one of our countrys most sacred values? Antisemitism in the form of anti-Zionism is increasingly permeating American higher education, making it harder and harder for Jewish faculty to teach and Jewish students to attend. Its reminiscent of the Third Reich, one of the most disgraceful periods of world history. This is not just a Jewish issue or an issue regarding one of our greatest allies Israel. Above all, this is about people trying to rob us of freedom of speech in our schools and our society in general. James Sinkinson is president of Facts and Logic About the Middle East (FLAME), which publishes educational messages to correct lies and misperceptions about Israel and its relationship with the United States. (JNS) At what point does a rise in antisemitism stop being viewed merely as a series of isolated, troubling occurrences and start being treated like an emergency? When mass- media programs mainstream hatemongers who target and seek to delegitimize Jews? When elite academic institutions behave as though its acceptable conduct? When Jews are attacked in the streets? The ongoing epidemic of violence against Jews in New York City is mostly ignored, both by the media and much of the organized Jewish world. This is not only because the victims are Orthodox Jews who are easy to pick out. Theyre also not the sort of people with whom opinion leaders, and even most American Jews, identify or associate. But the mainstreaming of antisemitic attitudes on major campuses around the United States is harder to dismiss. Even more difficult to ignore are the widely disseminated programs that embrace open antisemites as legitimate voices worth considering. Indeed, what is unfolding, inch by inch, is the normalization of antisemitism in the U.S. in a manner unprecedented in the post-Holocaust era. Nor is it confined to a specific segment of society or particular end of the political spectrum. Indeed, as the events of the past week illustrate, Jew-hatred is thriving on both the left and the right. Individually, each of these instancesthe legitimization of the BDS movement and targeting of Jewish institutions at Bostons Wellesley College; the establishment of a Jew-free zone by student organizations at the University of California at Berkeley School of Law; the appearance of BDS advocate Roger Waters on the Joe Rogan podcast; and the featuring of the rapper formerly known as Kanye West on the Fox News Channels Tucker Carlson Tonightcan be unpacked, denounced or rationalized and then forgotten, before the publics attention is diverted to new controversies. Taken together, they represent a trend that ought to set off alarms about the way insidious ideas that normalize hatred for Jews and Israel are gaining a foothold in mainstream forums. More than that, the growing tolerance for them and lack of consequences for those responsible bode ill not just for Jews, but for the future of civil society. Antisemitism in academia The goings-on at Wellesley and Berkely are hardly surprising, given the way institutions of higher learning embrace such concepts as critical race theory, which grant a permission slip for antisemitism. Still, when a college newspaper like Wellesleys endorses the so-called Mapping Projectwhich seeks to target a wide array of Jewish institutions, including schools and synagogues, for protestthe line that separates the expression of radical opinions from advocacy for systematic harassment of Jews has been crossed. The same applies to the way an alliance of student groups at Berkeley have agreed to exclude Jews who will not renounce support for Israel. In each case, university officials spoke out against the source of the controversy. And the Wellesley student paper walked back its stand, while falsely claiming that it could support the elimination of Israel without being antisemitic. Yet the main reaction from the academy was either indifference or an attempt to minimize the importance of the phenomenon. Even those of us who worry about these cases should be wary of calling for the silencing of anyones point of view. But we all know that if students at either school were to endorse racist views or target minority groups, let alone support actions that excluded or involved harassment of them, the consequences would be severe. This illustrates the way in which woke politics has enabled a movement whose aim is the destruction of the one Jewish state on the planet and the silencing and marginalizing of Jews. Its a movement thats tolerated among the left-wing activist base of the Democratic Party and in the professional classes that are educated in elite schools. Support for CRT-based antisemitism began in academia and then migrated to the public square. Advocacy for the mapping project and Jew-free zones is just the next step in a natural progression that can be expected to spread to non-academic forums. However, while antisemitism on the left is being mainstreamed, the incidents involving Rogan and Carlson show that the same thing can happen on the right. And just as liberals find it easy to condemn hate on the right but not on the left, the same thing happens when conservative champions themselves dabble in the mainstreaming of Jew-hatred. Joe Rogan embraces BDS hate Rogans decision to grant a platform to Pink Floyd front man and anti-Israel zealot Roger Waters is defended as just one more instance of the countrys leading podcast pushing the envelope when it comes to controversial speakers. Despite the fact that he has never been a political conservative, Rogan became a pinata for many on the left due to his willingness to engage in dialogue with figures like social critic Jordan Peterson and skeptics of the governments COVID-19 policies. Indeed, many leading artists sought to get him de-platformed from Spotify for his unwillingness to suppress dissent from liberal orthodoxy on important issues. That effort rightly failed; Rogans podcast continues to thrive, with an average of some 11 million listeners per episode. But having already cried wolf about him, liberals have little credibility when they criticize Rogan for a show in which notorious antisemite Waters was able to spout hatred for Israelas well as myths about its measures of self-defense in the face of the Palestinian war to destroy itwithout being challenged or contradicted. Waters didnt merely engage in criticism of Israel. He floated conspiracy theories about it that justify Palestinian terrorism and promulgate the lie that its an apartheid state. Throughout the interview, Rogan agreed with Waters that Israels existence is an exercise in segregation and racism, and allowed him to claim that none of this was antisemitic. Tucker Carlson gives Kanye West a platform The same week, Carlson hosted West, who now calls himself Ye, and gave him the opportunity to speak for the entire hour of his highly rated show. Carlson became something of a tribune for conservatives for his forthright condemnations of the Black Lives Matter riots in 2020 and willingness to speak out on other issues dear to the hearts of those on the political right. That made him a target for the left, with groups like the Anti-Defamation League seeking to de-platform him for his discussions of so-called replacement theory about immigration. This said more about the ADLs partisanship than Carlson, since the idea that demographic change will alter American politics is one that originated with and continues to be advocated for by Democrats. Here again, the fact that liberal groups have already cried wolf about Carlson makes it easier for him to dismiss criticisms when he actually does something to mainstream hatred. This is what happened in the wake of the West interview. Carlson embraced West because some of what he says is in line with conservative views about race-baiting (his endorsement of a White Lives Matter shirt) and opposition to abortion. On the program, the rapper/fashion mogul was allowed to claim that Jared Kushner pursued the Abraham Accords for financial profit rather than to advance peace. Carlson is unique among leading conservative media figures in that he is not a supporter of Israel. He is careful, however, to stay away from discussions about the Jewish state, lest he run afoul of mainstream conservative opinion, which is overwhelmingly Zionist. The word Israel, thus, is a word almost never heard from 8-9 p.m. on Fox News. And it is not surprising that Carlson would allow one of the Trump administrations greatest triumphs to be denigrated in this particular manner. While Carlson trumpeted the interview as proof that West was not, as many claim, a disturbed individual or a hatemonger, what was left out of the broadcast was as interesting as what was left in. In outtakes that have subsequently been published, West made numerous allusions to hateful Jewish stereotypes. He even echoed assertions of the Black Israelite sect that African-Americans were the real Jewseffectually denying the existence of a Jewish people. That Carlson would leave this out of his show demonstrates that he was attempting to hide Wests antisemitism. Days later, West dropped the veil. In a series of tweets, he announced that he was going to def con 3 against the Jewish people. Yet conservative talk-show host Candace Owens defended him, in essence instructing Jews on what does or does not constitute antisemitism. Like liberals circling the wagons around left-wing haters of Israel and the Jews, Carlson and Owens are doing the same for West and for the same reason. In each case, legitimizing antisemitism is considered justified if it defends a political ally, regardless of the consequences. What happens at Wellesley and Berkeley or what is said on Rogans, Carlsons or Owenss talk shows do not by themselves mean that all of the guardrails against antisemitism in American society have been removed. But, taken together, they demonstrate how antisemitic attitudes and statements are increasingly legitimized in mainstream discourse. After last week, its no good pretending that Jew-hatred is only a problem on one or the other side of the political aisle. And its the obligation of decent peopleno matter where their political loyalties lieto condemn all expressions of antisemitism unambiguously. That too many otherwise decent people are either ignoring these incidents or downplaying them, because speaking out might entail offending political allies, isnt simply a disgrace. It explains why antisemitism is coming back into fashion in quarters where we thought it had become extinct. Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate). Follow him on Twitter at: @jonathans_tobin. This week in 1986, U.S. President Ronald Regan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev met at a summit in Rekjavik, Iceland. With the nuclear threat of Vladimir Putin today, wouldnt it be wonderful if we had world leaders who could sit down and debate over a few words regarding nuclear disarmament as was done in Rekjavik, rather than brash statements in response to Russian threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. I wasnt in Rekjavik but made my presence felt. My issue was not nuclear weapons, but rather saving Soviet Jews. In that context, I had an unusual hobby which kept me busy and was on full display in Rekjavik albeit with my sitting in my room at Emory University. Long before I arrived at Emory, I had been actively engaged in the struggle to free Jews from the USSR. I learned and took my lead from the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry and Chicago Action for Soviet Jewry among others. In October 1986, I was between my first two trips to the USSR, having returned from one in 1985 and planning the second after my graduation in 1987. I had just returned from my junior year at Tel Aviv Universitys overseas program where I quickly brought my activism to the campus there, earning the nickname Soviet Jon. I used my age and stage in life to my advantage. As a student, I kept erratic and late hours most days. And on most days, I did something in my own little way to be part of the struggle. At some point I had been provided a list of phone numbers of Soviet embassies all over the world. Calling them and protesting the Soviet persecution of Jews was a tactic people employed and were encouraged to do. As a poor student, I was not calling them on my own dime. That would have added up to quite a hefty phone bill. I assumed that at no matter the hour in Atlanta, every day of the week, there was a Soviet embassy open somewhere in the world. So, whether it was in the morning when I woke up, late at night while studying, or in between classes, I would call a Soviet embassy somewhere in the world, on average of once every other day. My strategy was unique. I would call person to person, collect, meaning that the operator participated in my activism. Id tell the operator I was calling collect, looking to speak to a particular person. The operator had no idea I was calling the Soviet embassy. Id ask to speak to famous refuseniks such as Anatoly Sharansky (who had been freed in February 1986), Ida Nudel, Yosef Begun, Alexander Kholmyansky, and others. More often than not, the Soviet embassy would reject the call, and even hang up on the operator and me. Even when that happened, the message was delivered: someone was watching and holding them accountable for the plight of Soviet Jews. Sometimes however, an unsuspecting Soviet embassy staff member would accept my collect call. The operator would drop off the call and Id have a conversation with whoever answered. Id ask repeatedly to speak to one of the famous refuseniks, asking where they were and why they couldnt come to the phone. The message was delivered even if they hung up on me after 20-30 seconds (and they paid the bill which was fun). But I tried to see how long I could engage whoever answered about the plight of Soviet Jews. After a while, I learned how to navigate the conversation to try to stretch it out as long as possible before yelling into the phone, in my best Russian, Otpusti narod moy! Let my people go! Then, Id hang up and go about my work. It made my day, sometimes even my month. With the Rekjavik summit in the news that week, naturally I decided to call the Soviet embassy in Iceland. It was late at night in Atlanta which meant it was the middle of the night in Rekjavik. I dont know what possessed me, but rather than asking to speak to a famous Jewish refusenik, I asked to speak to Anatoly Dobrynin, the longtime Soviet ambassador to the U.S. Miraculously, this was one of those times when the Soviet embassy staff accepted the collect call. I asked to speak to Ambassador Dobrynin. The Russian accented English on the other side of the ocean answered that he was at the hotel. I asked what hotel to which my new Russian dutifully complied. Of course, there was no internet then so, with nothing to lose, I asked for the phone number of the hotel. Guess what? He gave it to me. I gave him my best Russian Let my people go! and hung up, calling the hotel collect, to speak to Ambassador Dobrynin. Whoever answered the phone in the hotel accepted the collect call. I asked to speak to Mr. Dobrynin. Before I knew it, there was a pause and then I heard ringing on the other side. 1, 2, 3 rings and then a sleepy Russian voice answered, Allo? Ambassador Dobrynin? I asked. Yes. Otpusti narod moy! I shouted. Before Ambassador Dobrynin could respond, I hung up, laughing, proud of myself and the circumstances that allowed me to reach him, in the middle of the night, in the middle of the summit. Regardless of how much President Regan put the issue of Soviet Jewry on the agenda of the summit itself, my message was delivered. I dont know if and how much that impacted anything, either in Rekjavik or in the big picture. But I do know that as much as Jews in the USSR were suffering, I had the privilege to disturb one of the Soviets most well-known diplomats, and make it clear that there would literally be no rest until our people were free. I dont know how much that would work with Russian embassies around the world today, to protest their brutal invasion of Ukraine. But if someone wants to get me Vladimir Putins number, Ill be glad to give him a ring. Jonathan Feldstein is a former Soviet Jewry activist, born and educated in the United States, who immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is president of the Genesis 123 Foundation, building bridges between Jews and Christians and Christians and Israel, and writes and broadcasts regularly in a variety of Christian media, sharing the experience of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He can be reached at firstpersonisrael@gmail.com. (JNS) Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 was the 40th anniversary of the 1982 Palestinian terror attack on the Great Synagogue of Rome, in which a two-year-old child, Stefano Tache, was killed and 37 others wounded. Stefanos brother Gadiel, also wounded in the attack, has just published his memoir, The Shouting Silence, in which he deals with the Italian governments complicity with the terrorists. The whole of Italy must thank Gadiel for his strength and determination, and for telling the story of his suffering and that of his whole family, especially his courageous mother Daniela and his father Joseph. His story is a personal one of universal value. It teaches us that victims of terrorism face an emotional tsunami from which they can never completely recover. Their psychological and physical pain is unacknowledged and still far from being fully understood, defined and addressed. In recent months, Israel has faced a wave of terror attacks and attempted attacks. Only the victims know the trauma they must endure, the family heartache, the legacy of physical wounds. During the second intifada, I saw the streets of Jerusalem literally covered in the blood of over 1,000 dead. Yet the aggressors were absolved and even exalted as princes of the worlds oppressed. The victims, however, were erased, and Israel and Jews libeled as oppressors. Gadiel Taches account of his personal experience and the horrific political scandal that allowed the attack sheds light on the true nature of antisemitic terrorism and the suffering it causes. In his book, Gadiel makes it clear that antisemitic terrorism is simply the latest historical iteration of genocidal antisemitic violence, which culminated in the Holocaust. Antisemitic terror today uses political viciousness, media defamation, campus and social media hate and outright physical attacks on Jews around the world. This terror is at its worst in Israel, where anyone, anywhere can fall prey to shooting, knife and car-ramming attacks. There is no family that does not have a relative or friend who has been a victim of terror. But there is also no place in the world that has not known antisemitic terrorism, from the 1972 Munich Olympics to Paris, Madrid, London, Toulouse, the Netherlands, New York and many American cities, as well as Mumbai, Kenya and, of course, Rome. The global pandemic of terrorism, which reached its peak on 9/11, has never been rightly defined as immensely antisemitic, though the terrorists themselves never fail to scream out their hatred of Jews, as in the Rome attack whose anniversary we now solemnly observe. The incidents number in the tens of thousands, always accompanied by the demonization of Israel and cries of death to the Jews paired with from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Antisemitic terrorism has the same purpose today as did in the past: the destruction of the Jewish people. Now, this is to be accomplished by the destruction of the only Jewish state in the world, which is also the only democracy in the Middle East. Indeed, the hatred of Israel that culminates in, as Robert Wistrich called it, the Nazification of the Jewish state has taken on frightening dimensions even in Italian public opinion. This ranges from an article by Valentino Parlato in which he compared Ariel Sharon to Kesserling and Goering to Lucio Lombardo Radice claiming that Israel was implementing the Nazi liquidation of the ghettos in Beirut. Arch-terrorist Yasser Arafat, carrying a weapon, spoke to the Italian parliament, as Gadiel recalls in his book. Arafat was even then formulating the bloody strategy that would lead to the second intifada, with the training of the shahid martyrs and their sanctification, even as Arafat claimed to be searching for the peace he in reality always rejected. Over my career as a journalist, I have met many terrorists. When you meet them, you realize that their upbringing and training have made them immovable, and that their hate has nothing to do with territorial issues. It is ideological and religious, and turns the martyr who kills Jews into a sanctified figure. At home, at school, on the walls of town squares and in summer camps, they learn to follow the road of rejection, hate and terrorism. As they boast, We love death as much as they love life. This is the truth. The mothers who rejoice in the death of their shahid sons are the exact opposite of our mothers, the exact opposite of Daniela, who has fought alongside Gadiel ever since that terrible day 40 years ago. Today, she returns the memory of Stefano to us, alive, a child of us all. Fiamma Nirenstein was a member of the Italian Parliament (2008-13), where she served as vice president of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the Chamber of Deputies. She served in the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, and established and chaired the Committee for the Inquiry into Antisemitism. A founding member of the international Friends of Israel Initiative, she has written 13 books, including Israel Is Us (2009). Currently, she is a fellow at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and is the author of Jewish Lives Matter. This is a translation of an article that originally appeared in the Italian Jewish publication Shalom. Press conference on China's diplomacy held in Beijing Xinhua) 13:32, October 20, 2022 Journalists attend a press conference via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 20, 2022. The press center for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosted the press conference on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Forge Ahead and Strive to Break New Ground for Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics" on Thursday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a new hotel in Tianfu, a modern Business District south of Chengdu, the capital city of Szechuan province. Tianfu New Area is expected to become the future commercial centre of Southwest China. Mandarin Oriental Tianfu, Chengdu is due to open in 2028. The hotel will comprise 267 guestrooms and suites as well as a club lounge. Four restaurants and bars will provide a variety of cuisines, while significant meeting and event space will ensure the hotel is well positioned for business and social gatherings. A Mandarin Oriental signature spa will provide a comprehensive range of beauty and massage treatments, and a well-equipped fitness centre with indoor swimming pool will expand the wellness offering. The Central Business District of Tianfu sits approximately 25km south of the old city of Chengdu and is easily accessible from Chengdu's two international airports, with excellent links to the metro and high-speed rail. The hotel will sit in the primary development zone, comprising regional offices and headquarters of multinational corporations as well as international convention and exhibition venues. The overall district is being designed as a 'Park City' featuring over 3000 hectares of green space which will be within walking distance of the hotel. Adjacent to the hotel is a mixed-use development housed in the tallest skyscraper in Western China, featuring a top floor observation desk with food and beverage outlets, affording unrivalled views of the city, and, in good weather, the Xiling snow mountains to the west. Hotel website With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant and hotel business, Montuori brings his Michelin background, exceptional leadership, organization and culinary skills to the St. Regis Maldives. As Executive Chef, he will further elevate the world-class resort's culinary institutions, using his international experience with iconic five-star luxury properties including Hassler Hotel Rome, National Hotel Moscow, La Reserve Geneva, and One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives. Prior to joining the team at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Montuori was Executive Chef at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, Baglioni Resort Maldives on Maagau Island, and the Kempinski SPA Hotel in Gozo, Malta. Montuori will also pioneer the opening of the resort's new restaurant concept, T-pan. Slated for its grand opening in November, T-Pan will offer Omakase menus with flavors of the finest ingredients from the Maldives and around the globe, in addition to exquisite Japanese whiskeys, teas from Boutique Japanese tea houses and bespoke Sakes from the world-famous Sake house Dassai, the finest collections of gins, beers, and specially curated tasting flights. MUMBAI - Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Indias largest hospitality company, announced the launch of its new Indian-concept restaurant brand, Loya. Debuting at Taj Palace, New Delhi, Loya captures the culinary essence traversing the landscape of North India. Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, IHCL, with its rich culinary history for over a century, has always been renowned for pioneering global and regional cuisines and concepts. With the addition of Loya, IHCL strengthens its food and beverage portfolio of over 400 restaurants and bars. As the first Loya launches in the food capital of the country, the brand will soon travel to Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities in India and overseas. Loya takes diners on a journey through the vivid landscape of the North, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the terrains of Punjab, the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir and beyond. The menu revives lost culinary traditions of cherished and long-preserved authentic recipes made with heirloom ingredients. The spotlight is on the inherent uniqueness and time-honoured cooking techniques of dungaar, the art of smoking and slow-cooking; aromatics of baghar, spices tempered in hot oil; and sigdi, cooking over an open fire; and the practice of pounding masalas with a sil-batta, pestle and mortar. The bar menu, Loya Paanch, inspired by the number five and its significance across India, focuses on indigenous beverages and the Norths botanical abundance with a contemporary twist on local spirits. Guests can also enjoy remix of popular folk music from the Indian Subcontinent; indulge in Loya Qisaa, eclectic storytelling; and Loya Bazaar, curated brunches reminiscent of marketplaces of yore. Loya offers the warmth and comfort of the past intersecting with the energy of today. To know more and make reservations, please visit: Loya. About The Indian Hotels Company Limited The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as the World's Strongest Hotel Brand and India's Strongest Brand as per Brand Finance Hotels 50 Report 2022 and India 100 Report 2022, respectively; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment. Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 245 hotels including 65 under development globally across 4 continents, 11 countries and in over 100 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India's largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is primarily listed on the BSE and NSE. Please visit: www.ihcltata.com; www.tajhotels.com; www.seleqtionshotels.com; www.vivantahotels.com; www.gingerhotels.com Nairita Ghosh IHCL I HG Hotels & Resorts, one of the worlds leading hospitality companies, is delighted to announce a raft of recent signings and openings in Turkey across its Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands. New openings include Holiday Inn Trabzon East, Crowne Plaza Ankara and Crowne Plaza Istanbul Tuzla Viaport Marina. New signings include Holiday Inn Express Ankara Airport, Crowne Plaza Istanbul Ortakoy Bosphorus and Holiday Inn Erzurum. Turkey currently has 28 open hotels and five hotels in the pipeline. (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, VP Development Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, We are delighted to be seeing continued growth in Turkey with several signings across our brand portfolio during 2022. Turkey is an important growth market for IHG, and it is clear to see that this upward trajectory of momentum will only build in the coming months. We are also excited to welcome the InterContinental Grand Ankara to our list of openings for 2024. New hotel openings include: Holiday Inn Trabzon East Having just opened (October 2022), the 110-room Holiday Inn Trabzon East hotel is located close to Turkeys picturesque Black Sea coast. The hotel is owned by Kahraman Konaklama ve Turizm Tic AS. and boasts a restaurant - the colourful Merhan Cafe & Restaurant - as well as conference facilities and a fitness centre. Crowne Plaza Ankara This new-build 191-room property opened in May 2022 and is owned by Angora Birikim Turizm Insaat San. ve Tic AS and operated by Plaza Otelcilik ve Turizm San. ve Tic. AS. Centrally located, the hotel is within easy access of Ankaras Presidential Complex, ancient castle and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Crowne Plaza Ankara can host up to 3,000 guests in its modern ballrooms and meeting spaces and is just 30 minutes drive from the international airport. Crowne Plaza Istanbul Tuzla Viaport Marina Facing Viaport Marina and the Sea of Marmara, this sleek hotel has 259 rooms and opened in Spring 2022. Owned by Oversea Trade Solutions BV, there are two restaurants one serving traditional Turkish fare and another offering international cuisine - and a fitness centre. The hotel is within the Viaport Marina complex which includes a theme park and a large outlet shopping centre and is also close to the main industrial zones on Istanbuls Asian side. New hotel signings include: Holiday Inn Express Ankara Airport Due to open in December 2022, the 122-room property is owned by Asal Grup Otomotiv Insaat Ticaret A.S and is just 4km from Ankaras International Airport. The hotel will have a restaurant and separate meeting space for leisure and business guests. The hotel is also close to some of the citys large national and international factories. Crowne Plaza Istanbul Ortakoy Bosphorus Due to open in summer 2023, the modern 140-room property will house a stunning rooftop restaurant with wonderful city views, plus meeting rooms and a fitness centre. The property is owned by Set Otelcilik Ticaret A. S. Located in Ortakoy district, guests can catch a ferry along the Bosphorus to explore Istanbuls famous sights such as the Blue Mosque. Holiday Inn Erzurum Recently signed with owner Rey Otel Turizm Isletmeciligi ve Ticaret A.S., the 115-room Holiday Inn Erzurum in Turkeys Eastern Anatolian region is due to open at the end of 2023. Facilities will include a restaurant, meeting rooms, swimming pool and fitness centre. The hotel is well-situated for both the city centre and the Palandoken ski centre which is popular with international tourists. The ongoing growth in IHGs Turkey market was marked by a Tourism and Hospitality Trends Turkey event on Tuesday 18th October at InterContinental Istanbul, with over 50 investors and consultants in attendance. The event was sponsored by voco hotels one of IHG's newest and most successful upscale brands and its global expansion has happened at a faster pace than any other IHG brand. Both voco hotels and IHGs newest brand, Vignette Collection a luxury collection brand, are proving to be the most suitable for conversions and redevelopments. About IHG IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Julia Farish IHG Travel demand is increasing rapidly after two years of limited opportunities due to the pandemic. Today, people are dreaming big and want to build experiential journeys that inspire lifelong memories. Before the world knew of COVID-19, destination management organizations (DMOs) such as Dubais Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) were seeking opportunities to create awareness for its city and capture the attention of travelers. With this in mind, DET has renewed its digital media partnership with Amadeus to continue to leverage the power of Amadeus business intelligence solutions and media services on its travel advertising platform. This will pave the way for the delivery of custom, omni-channel marketing campaigns powered by the hospitality industrys most comprehensive business intelligence data. The partnership has enabled DET to measure success and gain further insights into traveler intention and patterns with remarkable results. To date, the advertising campaigns have driven more than 1 million bookings since early 2020, even during pandemic uncertainty. Understanding the changing market dynamics and the need to stay ahead of shifting marketing trends, the Amadeus team has continued to enhance the technology used to deliver tailored marketing campaigns for destinations. Most recently, the team has improved machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities with a growing and diverse set of insights across hotels, airlines, metasearch, and online travel agencies. The predictive analytics enhanced with this rich data over time enable the algorithms to become smarter and deliver continually improving results that meet, and often exceed, customer goals. Enabling our customers to understand how to bring more travelers to their destination is a key aspect of supporting industry recovery, said Scott Falconer, Executive Vice President, Media Solutions, Hospitality, Amadeus. Our ongoing relationship with Dubais Department of Economy and Tourism is a testament to the power of our media offering. The depth of our market insight is unmatched in the industry and were pleased to work with leading destination management organizations such as DET to demonstrate the effectiveness of data-driven, innovative advertising technology to deliver high performing media campaigns. About Amadeus Amadeus powers more personalized and authentic travel experiences. Our solutions are designed to enrich every stage of the traveller journey and help hospitality providers acquire, service, and retain guests by profitably driving demand and converting them into loyal fans. Backed by over 30 years of experience, we design open, cutting-edge software to provide the most efficient, trusted, and reliable systems for our customers. With experts in 175+ countries, we have a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and a desire to enable our hotel partners to create memorable guest experiences. To find out more about Amadeus, visit www.amadeus-hospitality.com. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Alison Guillot This year, more than 5,000 luxury travel professionals (from 100+ countries!) gathered in Las Vegas at Bellagio, Aria, and Vdara resorts for Virtuoso Travel Week. Virtuoso is a global network renowned for creating meaningful experiences in luxury travel, and its annual Virtuoso Travel Week serves as the pinnacle by bringing together the groups worlds-best travel partners and the industrys most influential travel agencies and advisors. With a laser focus on driving future sales while establishing the latest travel trends from around the world, the event sets the stage for the future of travel. Judging by the numbers, the 2022 Virtuoso Week was a tremendous success, providing measurable value to the groups members, advisors and preferred partners. Some statistics from this years event: 98 percent of Virtuoso Week attendees said the event achieved the primary business objective of offering Virtuoso members the opportunity to network and build/further relationships with preferred partners 97 percent of people said that attending Virtuoso Week was a good investment of their time. 90 percent of attendees felt that the new eight-minute meetings were the right amount of time for the one-to-one appointments Globetrotting was among the highest rated events, achieving a score of 9.1 out of 10 New additions featured at this years event proved successful as well. For the first time, Virtuoso introduced a Technology Summit featuring speakers from well-known tech entities such as Hopper and Expedia and Virtuosos own Senior Vice President, Digital & Consumer Products Travis McElfresh, while also including venture capitalists that fund travel technology. Virtuoso also joined forces with Conde Nast Traveller for the first time, revealing research each brand had conducted during an hour-long panel featuring Conde Nast Traveller Senior Features Editor Rebecca Misner and Virtuoso Senior Vice President, Marketing Helen McCabe-Young. Additional features included the first-ever Pinnacle Lounge, a by-invitation-only setting for Virtuosos top producing advisors to meet with select partners, the Cruise Cafe, and partner lounges that invited advisors in for a glimpse at various experiences they can offer. Virgin Galactic was a standout as it brought in an actual seat from its spacecraft and provided attendees with a feel for what suborbital space looks like. As an added nod towards sustainability, this years event totes were responsibly made from recycled plastics pulled from oceans. Attendees also had the ability to opt out of receiving the bag and everything in it, and instead make a donation (paid for by Virtuoso) to one of three charitable organizations: World Central Kitchen, Fairtrade International and Natural Resources Defense Council. Sustainability remains top of mind, not just for the organizers behind Virtuoso Week, but for travelers as well. Below, five other trends from this years event, plus the destinations to watch and must-know insider news. This Years Top Travel Trends Sustainability Remains a Top Priority In a recent survey, 74 percent of Virtuoso travellers said theyre willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going. And 70 percent agreed that traveling sustainably actually enhances their vacation experience. Travellers are increasingly committed to purposeful travel, and not just in a strictly ecological sense. Theyre also seeking out companies and experiences that focus on benefitting local people and the economy and preserving natural and cultural heritage. Travellers of All Ages Are Willing to Splurge on Value-Added Services Like a Good Travel Advisor According to a recent Virtuoso survey, 76 percent of travellers have accepted that were living in a new normal, which explains the growing demand for and increased value of an expert advisor who can save travelers time, energy and the headache of sitting on the phone for hours with customer assistance. Even Millennials and Gen Zers are turning to travel advisors. My daughter is 25 years old and shes an advocate of using a travel professional, said Virtuoso travel advisor Susan Bowman. She tells everyone and her friends also agree. They appear to be a generation that gets it, and theyve figured out that we add value. Between navigating airport travel and handling trip logistics, many travelers are opting to work with a dedicated travel advisor. One of the simplest definitions of luxury goes like this: Of course I can do it myself. I dont want to, said Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. Travellers want to find someone who really knows what theyre doing, has great connections, saves time and has their back. Travellers are Back to Planning Ahead With people hitting the road in record numbers, theres never been so much frenzy around booking flights and hotels. In response to this pent-up demand, travellers are now booking their trips an average of 58 days in advance for domestic hotel stays, and 80 days for international trips (compared to 2019s 44 and 60 days, respectively). Weve seen so much last-minute demand and literally the space is not there, said Virtuoso advisor Beth Washington. Were seeing people now willing to think about things for 2023 instead of planning so last-minute. Off-Season Travel is Gaining Steam If it seemed like everyone was in Europe this summer thats because they were. According to a Virtuoso poll, seven of the top ten international destinations this summer were in Europe, with Italy and France leading the way. The surge in bookings has some destinations, like Italy, concerned about the effects of overtourism. As a result, travel professionals in Italy the second-most popular spot for fall travel are urging travellers to visit in the off-season. Its a win-win for destinations and for travellers who get to see beloved places without the crowds. In a recent survey, the majority of Virtuoso travellers said theyd be willing to visit a popular destination during the off-season. Virtuosos own editors suggest booking a room at Passalacqua, the new Lake Como villa from hotelier Valentina De Santis and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo team, which is open year-round a rarity in the Lake Como region. The Destinations to Watch Palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, island-hopping. No, were not talking about the Maldives, but Indias Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located on the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, the archipelago is known for its spectacular diving and bioluminescent waters, which travellers can experience with nighttime kayaking off Havelock Island. About a 45-minute drive north of Cabo San Lucas is the East Cape, a relatively unknown stretch on the Sea of Cortes where a new Four Seasons resort has just landed. According to the tourism board, the destination is a nature lovers dream, situated near the Cabo Puma National Marine Park, a UNESCO Marine World Heritage site. All eyes are on Greenland! Silversea is set to launch new itineraries in the Arctic countrythe worlds largest islandnext year, with other cruise lines, including Quark and Lindblad, set to expand their offerings. Virtuoso on-site tour connection Access Italy let Virtuoso in on one of their hidden gems: the beautifully preserved hilltop village of Civita di Bagnoregio. Located between Rome and Florence, the medieval town is only accessible by a pedestrian bridge. And as for right now, it remains blissfully under-the-radar. More Insider News from the Week One of the best ways to plan for future travels is by creating a Wanderlist and sharing it with a Virtuoso advisor, who can make dreams of pearl harvesting in Australia or taking a private tour of Georgia OKeeffes home and studio a reality. Virtuoso tapped into its worldwide network to find out what else was on the experiential horizon for its global citizens. A new camp inspired by astronauts is touching down in Antarctica in December. Echo, from super high-end tour operator White Desert, will comprise six futuristic sleeping pods and a common area inspired by a visit from Buzz Aldrin and co-founder Patrick Woodheads love of Star Wars. The experience runs $104,000 per person and includes an excursion to the South Pole and private flights to and from the ice landing strip on the propertys doorstep. On November 3, Auberge Resorts will open a relaxed surf retreat in Punta de Mita, on Mexicos Pacific Coast. Susurros del Corazon will feature 59 rooms and 30 villas clustered around a three-tier infinity-edge pool, which fronts a glorious white-sand beach. Activities include a surf safari that will take guests to lesser-known beaches with consistent breaks and little-to-no crowds. Fiuggi, Italy is the setting of The Ranchs newest outpost. The wellness retreat will offer weeklong detoxes and hikes along ancient trade pilgrimage routes. Armendaris is the newest addition to Ted Turner Reserves, known for its sustainable wildlife preserves in the American Southwest. The four-bedroom hacienda is situated on 360,000 acres in New Mexicos Chihuahuan Desert and comes with a private chef plus experiences like nature photography workshops, wildlife tours and mountain biking. Iceland is due to get its first rooftop bar! Next spring, the Reykjavik Edition will debut a rooftop perch where guests can sip cocktails while taking in the Northern Lights. In November, Abu Dhabis Emirates Palace will unveil six vegan suites, constructed without animal products and featuring vegan menus and amenities. Starting this fall, guests of Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole can hop a private plane and discover a remote corner of Yellowstone National Park, where theyll meet with an expert naturalist to learn about the areas elusive gray wolves and maybe even see a few up close. Safari operator Singita has created art galleries at its Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park Lodges. These spaces will showcase the work of pre-eminent and emerging African artists. The initiative is part of Singitas overarching mission to celebrate and incorporate local culture into its offerings. About Virtuoso Virtuoso is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in over 50 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,200 of the world's best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $25$30 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com. Hudson, NY (12534) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 47F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 26F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Columbia-Greene Media has recently teamed up with the US Postal Service to provide same-day delivery of your local newspaper with your mail. Our expanded daily delivery of your local news reaches into the following areas: remaining of Thank you for using HudsonValley360! On your next view you will be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading. Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is pleased to announce that counsel Douglas Dua has been recognized by the Lawyers Alliance for New York with a Cornerstone Award. These awards are presented annually to a select group of individuals and institutions that have made extraordinary contributions through pro bono legal services. A corporate attorney focusing on renewable and other advanced energy technology deals and asset ownership matters, Dua has been involved for nearly a decade in pro bono services in partnership with Lawyers Alliance for New York, an institution that has helped lawyers to serve New York for more than fifty years. The organization is recognizing him in particular for his governance, intellectual property and other legal assistance that has enabled nonprofit organizations such as Neighborhood Preservation Center and The Knowledge House to better support their local communities through advocacy and education. Dua primarily focuses his practice on the power generation sector, and more specifically on renewables, energy storage, advanced nuclear energy and other next-generation energy technologies. On a regular basis, he represents parties to tax equity financing and loan transactions for renewable projects. Duas experience also includes development and construction of distributed asset portfolios and an advanced nuclear generating facility, portfolio and single-asset mergers and acquisitions, formation and governance of partnerships and negotiation of construction, supply, hedging, service and other project-related agreements. About Lawyers Alliance for New York Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations and social enterprises that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods. Our network of pro bono lawyers from law firms and corporations and staff of experienced attorneys collaborate to deliver expert corporate, tax, real estate, employment, intellectual property, and other legal services to community organizations. By connecting lawyers, nonprofits, and communities, Lawyers Alliance for New York helps organizations to provide housing, stimulate economic opportunity, improve urban health and education, promote community arts, and operate and advocate for vital programs that benefit low-income New Yorkers of all ages. Streaming platforms favor US, European users and artists [Chris Castle] The big pool revenue share method of royalty compensation is designed to overcompensate the English-language big names and reduce payments to artists performing in other languages in their own country. by Chris Castle of Music Tech Solutions Streamers Lack of Local Cultural Contribution Look at Spotifys Global Top 50 playlist on any day and the worlds biggest music service will show all or nearly all English language songs. With few exceptions these songs are performed by Anglo-American artists released by major record companies. These enterprise playlists largely take the place of broadcast radio for many users where Spotify operates and Spotify competes with local radio for advertising revenue on the free version of Spotify. Spotifys now former general counsel told the recent inquiry into the music streaming economy conducted by the UK Parliaments Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Our job is sucking users away from radio[2] and Spotify uses its market power to do just that. However, Spotify has not been subject to any local content protections that would be in place for local radio broadcasters. Enterprise playlists that exclude local music contributes to the destruction of music economies, including performers. Local performers struggle even more to compete with Anglo-American repertoire, even in their own countries. Due to this phenomenon, local artists are forced to compete for shelf space with everyone in their local language and then the Anglo-American artists and their record companies. This also means that local artists compete for a diminishing share of the payable royalties. The big pool revenue share method of royalty compensation is designed to overcompensate the English-language big names and reduce payments to artists performing in other languages in their own country. Local Content Rules Many countries implement local content broadcast rules that require broadcasters to play a certain number of recordings performed by local artists or indigenous people, songs written by local songwriters in local languages, or recordings that are released by locally-owned record companies. Because streaming playlists, especially Spotify enterprise playlists or algorithmically selected recordings, are an equivalent to broadcast radio, there is a question as to whether national governments should regulate streaming services operating in their countries to require local content rules. Implementing such rules could benefit local performers and songwriters in an otherwise unsustainable enviornment. The Fallacy of Infinite Shelf Space Because Spotify adds recordings at a rate of 60,000 tracks daily (now reports of 100,000 tracks daily) and never deletes recordings, there is a marked competitive difference between a record store and Spotify. In the record store model, artists had to compete with recordings that were in current release; in the Spotify model, artists have to compete will all recordings ever released. Adding the dominant influence of Anglo-American recordings on Spotify, the infinite shelf space simply compounds the competitive problems for non-English recordings. Streaming Remuneration Helps Solve the Sustainability Crisis The streaming remuneration model requires streaming servicesnot record companiesto pay additional compensation to nonfeatured and featured performers. Streaming remuneration would be created under national law and is compensatory in nature, not monies in exchange for a license. Existing licenses (statutory or contractual) would not be affected and remuneration payments could not be offset by streamers against label payments or by labels against artist payments. Each country would determine the amount to be paid to performers by streaming services and the payment periods. Payments would be made to local CMOs or the equivalent depending on the infrastructure in the particular country. European Corporate Dominance It must also be said that the two founders of Spotify hold a 10:1 voting control over the company through special stock issued only to them. This means that these two Caucasian Europeans control 100% of the dominant music streaming company in the world. For comparison, Google and Facebook have a similar model, while Apple has a 1 share 1 vote structure as does Amazon (although Jeff Bezos owns a controlling interest in Amazon). The net effect is that the entire global streaming music industry is controlled by six Caucasian males of European descent. This demography also argues for local content rules to protect local performers from these influences that have produced an English-only Global Top 50 playlist. Local governments could consider whether companies with the 10:1 voting stock (so-called dual class or supervoting shares) should be allowed to operate locally. Countries Can Respond to Streamings Homogenized Algorithmic Playlist Culture Many national cultural protection laws have a history of sustaining local culture and musicians in the face of the Anglo-American Top 40 juggernaut. There is no reason to think that these agencies are not up for the task of protecting their citizens in the face of algorithms and neuromarketing. Share on: ici Haiti - Insecurity : The World Bank evacuates its staff from Haiti and closes its offices In a note dated October 18, 2022, the World Bank Representation in Haiti informs that due to the acute security and humanitarian crisis caused by the blockage of the Varreux oil terminal leading to the paralysis of the country, the staff of the office in Haiti was evacuated out of the country. As a result, the World Bank Office in Haiti has been temporarily closed since October 14 for a period of 30 days. In addition, we bring to your attention that Mr. Laurent Msellati will continue to assume his duties as Head of World Bank Operations in Haiti remotely and that the country team has organized itself to ensure the continued implementation of the program. IH/ iciHaiti iciHaiti - Condolences : Assassination of Commissioner Evangelot Bact "The General Directorate of the National Police of Haiti condemns with the utmost rigor the heinous assassination Tuesday, October 18, 2022 of Principal Commissioner Bact in Tabarre in an ambush. Responsible for the Police Station of Croix-des-Bouquets, he was very involved and had distinguished himself by his sense of leadership and commitment in the large-scale operations carried out by the PNH against organized crime, in particular against the gang of '400 Mawozo' and the gang led by Innocent Vitel'Homme alias 'Vitelom'. The High Command of the National Police bows to the remains of this exemplary executive and shares its condolences with the members of his hard-to-be-bereaved family. The General Directorate of the PNH and all the police staff remain in solidarity, in this painful and desolate circumstance, with his family, relatives and loved ones." IH/ iciHaiti Name: Bryan Willett Organisation: Lexmark International Job title: Chief Information Security Officer Date started current role: August 2016 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Bryan Willett is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Lexmark. Under his tenure, Lexmark has made significant investments in security infrastructure, monitoring and operations across all business areas including IT, supply chain, shared services and R&D. These investments are focused on reducing Lexmarks overall security risks and complying with regulatory requirements. Willett holds a bachelors degree in electrical engineering from the University of Louisville. What was your first job? I worked for my father when I was 13-years-old in an office supply store, and it was the best thing ever for me. Naturally, I am an introvert so having to deal with people on a day-to-day basis helped me develop extrovert traits that I never had up until that point. Bringing myself to become an extrovert has served me well throughout the rest of my life. Now, my first job in the real world was far away from security. It was for McDonnell Douglas, as an engineer working on the radar avionics of F-15 and F-18 fighter jets. Those were my Top Gun years, so to speak. How did you get involved in cybersecurity? This is just one of those strange happenstance things of my career. I was deep in firmware development when a senior technical leader came to me concerned that the firmware in the printers had been hacked, and he wanted me to investigate. That was my first foray into the wonderful world of cybersecurity. Flash forward three years, I was assigned to take over managing the firmware security of the R&D group. That broadened me into many different aspects of security technical, governance and customer experience. From there, it just continued to blossom. What was your education? Do you hold any certifications? What are they? I hold a bachelors degree in electrical engineering from the University of Louisville. I also hold a CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Practitioner) through ISC2. In this job, there is the degree you get, and there is the one you get from on-the-job learning. In my case, how I operate today is because of the people around me who were all super smart. They were all unique and tested me in many ways. I probably learned as much in my roles and projects at Lexmark then I did studying engineering, if not more. Explain your career path. Did you take any detours? If so, discuss. You can say the whole first three quarters of my career was a big detour. It was all in engineering. Today, I am responsible for security policy, governance, architecture and operations at Lexmark. That is not what I did before taking this role. But when you look at what the role required at the time, we needed someone who understood R&D, had a strong security background and could bridge regulatory requirements of the U.S. government and customers. Thats where my background really helped. Was there anyone who has inspired or mentored you in your career? I have had many mentors throughout my career. This may sound a little cheesy, but I consider my parents to be the #1 mentor because of the sense of work ethic they instilled in me. They established my foundation for speaking with people and speaking in front of crowds. Throughout my career, I can rattle off dozens of mentors from direct management to peers that I learned life lessons from. To this day, I use their advice in how I deal with the new challenges of this job. They are all fundamental tools in my toolbox. What do you feel is the most important aspect of your job? Its communication. The end user is our first line of defence. If they dont understand why we are doing what we are doing, then it will fail. Theres also communication with management to understand the investments we are making in security, what the risks are to Lexmark, if there is a risk in their own business area that needs to be addressed, or something they are willing to accept. Another aspect is communications with my peers. IT is a separate organisation, but we need to communicate regularly and be tied together. This is the same for my employees. I need to ensure that they understand the strategy and priorities to execute on. What metrics or KPIs do you use to measure security effectiveness? If we dont have good cyber-hygiene, we will not have an effective program. That covers a lot of ground. There are identities and what access do those identities have. Where do I have admins, and what percentage of admins might have exceptions attached to their IDs? What is the patching effectiveness of my workstations or servers? What percentage are compliant with our hardening policy? What percentage of systems are we monitoring with endpoint protection and which are we not? And what is the rate of incidents we are seeing on each one of those. Those are just a few examples of the KPIs l look at, and they all speak to that larger idea of cyber-hygiene I mentioned before. Is the security skills shortage affecting your organisation? What roles or skills are you finding the most difficult to fill? Lexmark, along with pretty much any business today, is being impacted by the current skills shortage. In a security organisation, you need varying levels of skillsets, from new college graduates to experienced industry experts. As an example, security architecture roles that have broad enterprise level of experience have been proving difficult to fill. On the flip slide, the low-level security analyst roles are hard to retain because there are so many other opportunities out there for them to move up quickly. We have had plenty of success getting career Lexmark employees, who are ready for different challenge in their career, to move over into the security organisation and learn a new career to keep them around longer. Thats been a success for us in diversifying the group. We are not just hiring career security people. We obtain fresh perspectives from our R&D group, services group, finance group and audit group. They learn new skills and capabilities and their experience help us on the security front. If we are going to put a new policy in place, I can get got a good diverse set of individuals who will understand what that might mean to their full business areas and how it may impact them. Ive got a story of challenges with shortages. Yet, I have wins with the number of people weve been able to grow externally. Cybersecurity is constantly changing how do you keep learning? I have an RSS feed of cybersecurity of news sources that I read constantly. On top of that, I try to attend various conferences, whether they are local or a big conference like RSA, allowing me to hone my skills. Lastly, its about networking, talking with others in the field and sharing the challenges were having and learning from each other. What conferences are on your must-attend list? RSA is probably my big one. I try to attend regional chapters like a local CISO executive summit. The regional ones are very helpful because they give you a network of local peers. They are the folks I text or call frequently to see if they are seeing the same thing I am seeing kind of like a backyard buddy. What is the best current trend in cybersecurity? The worst? Zero trust is both the best and worse. Its an excellent trend and philosophy something everyone should strive for. But its the worst because its so broad and ambitious that it can be unrealistic to ever achieve. Zero trust is trying to hit on everything segmenting your network, identities, monitoring, access, etc. Holistically, its hitting on all the main control areas that help prevent an incident from spreading in your environment all very good principals. The challenge, though, is that implementing zero trust in an organisation requires an unlimited budget with unlimited resources to make it happen. Or you recognise its not realistic and need to scale it back to something that is a good fit for your organisation, risk tolerance and budget. What's the best career advice you ever received? Be very clear on your career goals. If its something you want to do and achieve, make sure its known particularly to your manager. Everyone reading this will have some role or ambition they are trying to get to next. If you sit around waiting for something to come around to you, it wont happen. You need to be clear on what you are looking to accomplish in the role youre in and what you are looking to next. Otherwise youll be sitting in your current jobs indefinitely, or some variant of it. When creating a development plan for yourself, write out that job description. Write out what you want that job to be and from that job description you can start to build out the career experiences you need, where you have knowledge gaps that need to be filled in, and at the same time making management know this is what I want to be so they can help you get there. What advice would you give to aspiring security leaders? They need a diverse background. Dont go into security solely for security. You get into security only after having other business experiences. Everyone in my group brings a business level of understanding into security that helps us align to the business as we strive to drive risk down. If the individual doesnt understand how the business operates, they can become very black and white and that causes problems with your relationship to the business and users. If you lose those two, youve failed at your job. What has been your greatest career achievement? My teams. I am proud and amazed by the teams weve built and what weve accomplished. I want to specifically highlight the individuals who have come to my organisation. If it was not for them and their commitment to learn, we would not have been able to build out the security program we have today at Lexmark and not just in Lexington, where Lexmark is headquartered, but a worldwide team of security professionals both old and new. Their dedication to making us succeed is the proudest moment in my career. Looking back with 20:20 hindsight, what would you have done differently? I was in R&D for long time. With 20:20 hindsight, I would have told myself to move around to more business areas. Dont get stuck in one area for the purposes of building diversity in your own experiences. I think thats important. The International and European Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) welcome the resolution adopted on 20 October by the European Parliament to pay tribute to the murdered Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and to denounce the lack of political will of the Maltese authorities to fight corruption and guarantee press freedom. Five years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Bidnija the European Parliament has paid tribute to the journalist and looked into the rule of law, organised crime, and corruption in Malta. In its resolution adopted with 564 votes in favour, 10 against (the four Maltese MEPs from the socialist group and six MEPs from the German far-right party AfD), and 17 abstentions on 20 October, the European Parliament has acknowledged progress made in ongoing judicial proceedings, and the Maltese Prime Ministers public apology for the states shortcomings that could have contributed to the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder. However, MEPs have regretted that investigations led to only three convictions in relation to the killing. They have insisted that everyone involved, at every level, needed to be brought to justice and have called onthe full and continuous involvement of Europol. MEPs are concerned that, one year after its publication, the implementation of the recommendations in the final report of a public inquiry into the killing is deficient, despite a number of reforms put forward by the government. They pointed at the lack of progress in prosecuting the high-level corruption and money laundering that Daphne Caruana Galizia had been investigating, and were alarmed by the institutional failure of law enforcement and justice, including recent revelations of repeated inaction on European Arrest Warrants. The Parliament has voiced an array of further concerns, including: the length and inefficiency of investigative and judicial proceedings; allegations of money laundering and corruption; the relatively low number of cases referred to the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO) and the reported lack of cooperation from Maltese authorities; the impunity afforded to the former Prime Minister, his chief of staff, and the former minister for tourism; and obstacles to media freedom and pluralism. MEPs have welcomed the additional resources to support investigations and prosecutions, reforms to the appointment procedure for judges and to the Attorney Generals office and role, several government proposals to improve media freedom (which would need, however, to ensure that relevant European and international standards are met), and the amendment of Maltas Protection of the Whistleblower Act. The European Parliament has also condemned the criminalisation of, attacks on, and killings of journalists, including those of Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in 2018, of Viktoria Marinova also in 2018, and of George Karaivaz and Peter R. de Vries in 2021. The IFJ and EFJ recall that 15 journalists have been killed in the EU since 2015 (in Denmark, France, Greece, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia and the UK). Razer, the worlds leading lifestyle brand for gamers, and Razer Gold, a unified virtual credit for gamers worldwide. Together with AAA gaming title publications such as Activision Blizzard, Garena, and PlayPark, Razer Gold will be joining the Esports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) 2022 in the Philippines with a myriad of activities, giveaways, and fan meet-ups. At its first in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic, Razer Gold is welcoming physical events by bringing together the best of esports and gaming in the Philippines at ESGS 2022. As part of the event, Razer Gold will be holding multiple game activations and showcasing different games available on Razer Golds platform, fans of Diablo Immortal, Free Fire, and more can stand to win prizes of up to Php5,000,000. In addition, Razer Gold will be holding fan meet-up sessions with renowned cosplayers and content creators such as Prince de Guzman, Awie De Guzman, and more. For more information, please visit here. The return of major offline gaming events has seen a spike since the availability of vaccines and boosters. In support of the gaming community and ESGS 2022, Razer is proud to join the community to celebrate the return of in-person events in the Philippines. This will be from October 28 to October 30, 2022, 10am to 6pm at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Razer Golds booth is located next to the main stage. Domestic benchmark indices remain in red on Thursday's market session amid volatility. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks on a muted level on fear of continous aggressive rate-hike path by US Fed. Further, today the rupee hit a new record low of 83.08 against a resurgent dollar as investors worry about a potential recession in the coming months. On the sectoral front, nifty auto and metals were down by 1.2% and 1.09% respectively followed by banking and financial stock whereas IT index outperformed counterparts to climb more than 1% during late afternoon trade today. At around 2:00 PM, Sensex was trading at 59,057.76 lower by 49.43 points or 0.08%. Nifty 50 traded at 17,505.75 higher 6.50 points or 0.04%. . Top Bulls on Nifty 50 are: UPL (+2.76%), HCL Tech (+1.93%), Tech Mahindra (+1.76%) supported by Nestle India (+1.24%) and Infosys (+1.13%). Meanwhile, top losers on Nifty 50 are: InndusInd Bank (-5.24%), Apollo Hospitals (-1.89%), Ultratech Cement (-1.58%), Axis Bank (-1.45%) and Titan (-1.08%). Meanwhile, in broader Asia market, Asia-Pacific shares, excluding Japan, fell to more than two-year low, while the 10-year US yield touched a fresh 14-year high. For feedback and suggestions, write to us at editorial@iifl.com MAM | Marketing GUEST ARTICLE: Impact of 5G in marketing and communication While the 5G discourse has been mainly centred on autonomous vehicles and telecom capabilities, the truth is that there is more to this emerging technology than simply enhancing our mobile connectivity. Read More... MAM | Media And Advertising Hitachi onboards BBH as creative partner Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd, India's premium air-conditioner brand Hitachi, has appointed BBH India as its creative strategy and advertising agency partner. Read More... MAM | Marketing 22feet Tribal Worldwide appoints Diya Sarker & Ishan Mehta as ECDs In a bid to strengthen its creative core, 22feet Tribal Worldwide has appointed Diya Sarker and Ishan Mehta as executive creative directors (ECDs) of art & content. Sarker will use her experience in design and technology to help clients stand out on digital platforms. Read More... MAM | Media And Advertising Devendra Nagle joins edtech platform RISE as VP of marketing RISE, the edtech platform, has announced the appointment of Devendra Nagle as the company's vice president of marketing, in a major boost to its leadership group. Incidentally, this is the first leadership hire outside of the founding team. Read More... Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. Some of the items discussed in the public session are as follows. Directors Work Plan Update Three Executive Superintendent Eric Hardie presented to... Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation Receives Apology from Canada and Ontario Apology given as flooding claim settlement agreement is reached October 20, 2022 NIISAACHEWAN ANISHINAABE NATION Chief Lorraine Cobiness of Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation; the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of CrownIndigenous Relations; and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs, announc... For access to this article please sign in or subscribe. A public interest litigation in the Bombay High Court against the practice of courts taking long vacations will come up for hearing after the Diwali holidays. The PIL was filed by Sabina Lakdawala against the vacations taken by the high court, claiming it violated the fundamental rights of litigants whose rights to seek justice will be affected. BCCL/ File What the petitioner said Lakdawala in her petition said the long court vacations are a relic of the colonial era and have contributed to a collapse of the judicial delivery system. The plea has sought for a declaration that closing courts for more than 70 days for any kind of vacation is a violation of fundamental rights of litigants because it leads to courts becoming unable to hear cases for lack of time. "Such practice of long vacations is liable to be brought to an end," the plea said. The petition sought for making the high court fully functional during the upcoming Diwali vacation by appointing an adequate number of judges to hear and adjudicate all cases and directions to the registry to receive all petitions without insisting on permission from the vacation bench. iStock "Requisite break for lawyers and judges can be provided without the entire institution being shut down," Lakdawala said. She also said her contention was not that vacation be denied to judges and lawyers and their workload be increased. It was only that judges could be encouraged to take leave at different times of the year, the petitioner said. We will hear after Diwali break The plea was mentioned before a division bench of Justices SV Gangapurwala and RN Laddha seeking urgent hearing on Thursday. The bench asked the lawyer why the petition was filed now when the high court calendar for 2022 was made available in November last year itself. The high court said it would hear the plea on November 15. Bombay HC's Diwali vacation Bombay High Court's Diwali vacation is from October 22 and it would reopen on November 9. The high court takes three breaks every year - summer vacation (one month), Diwali vacation (two weeks) and Christmas break (one week). During the holidays, special vacation benches are available for urgent judicial work. Not against judges taking vacation Lakdawala's lawyer Mathews Nedumpara said the petitioner was not against judges taking holidays but members of the judiciary should not take leave at the same time so that the courts remain functional throughout the year. Debate over vacation by courts Vacation for courts has been a long-debated topic in India and many have pointed out that it was Colonial-era practice when the judges were British and called it to be done away with, citing the volume of pending cases in the country. BCCL/File In 2017 a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court demanding that court vacations, be cut short to reduce the number of pending cases. The SC has 193 working days annually, high courts 210 days and trial courts 245 days a year. Even the apex court rules specify that there has to be a minimum of 225 working days, the PIL had said. For more on news, sports, and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. The cyber threats facing the healthcare sector are both severe and concerning, said Nick Lowe (pictured above), director of Falcon OverWatch with CrowdStrike, a global cyber security firm. Read more: Medibank shares plummet after cyber incident A recent report by this firm found that the healthcare space is the object of a rising number of cyberattacks. The CrowdStrike 2022 OverWatch Report said the volume of attempted interactive intrusions against the healthcare industry, many of them ransomware, has doubled year-over-year. A significant majority of these threats can be attributed to financially motivated cybercriminals, known as eCriminals, said Sydney-based Lowe who has more than 15 years experience in cyber security. In fact, eCrime made up over a third of all intrusions against the healthcare sector in APJ [the Asia Pacific and Japan]. The growth in ransomware across all industry sectors is, in large part, tied to the proliferation of ransomware-as-a-service models whereby ransomware developers commoditise their product and sell it to affiliate groups for use in ransomware attacks, said Lowe. He said this model opens the door to less technically proficient criminals and complicates the work of threat hunters like his firm. Indeed, this is what makes the threat hunters job so complex, different affiliate groups often use distinct tradecraft to deploy the same tooling, said Lowe. The cyber security expert painted a picture that could suggest what the attack reported by Medibank may have looked like. CrowdStrikes managed threat hunting team, OverWatch, recently identified an interactive Phobos ransomware affiliate in the early stages of an attempted intrusion against a major healthcare organisation, he said. The first sign of an issue was a high volume of unsuccessful logons, followed by a successful logon, indicative of a brute-force attack. Lowe said this attack, that happened before Medibanks last week, enabled the affiliate to gain access under a local administrator account. They then proceeded to use a remote desktop protocol to extend their foothold to additional hosts, quickly gaining access to multiple Windows servers, he added. Fortunately, at the earliest sign of trouble, upon identifying the brute-force attack, OverWatch threat hunters alerted both the victim organisation and CrowdStrikes managed detection and response analysts in Falcon Complete who were able to contain the intrusion before ransomware was executed. Lowe said his firm also supported this unnamed healthcare organisation to remove the threat from their environment and recommended follow-up actions to mitigate against a return attack. The cyber expert from CrowdStrike had a warning for insurers, however. One of the biggest mistakes any organisation can make is not paying attention to global threats impacting their industry vertical, or even beyond their vertical, he said. Criminally motivated activity is largely opportunistic in nature. Lowe said this analysis is reflected in the data he has seen. This means that the tradecraft leveraged to execute data breaches overseas are highly likely to be replicated to execute attacks locally, he said. Lowe said a cyberattack technique that worked against a healthcare organisation in the US is likely to be reused for targeting healthcare organisations in Australia. Because of this, having access to global threat intelligence is an imperative for any healthcare organisation looking to get on the front-foot against cybercrime, he said. Last month, Ismael Valenzuela, vice president of Threat Research and Intelligence at BlackBerry, said a Cyber Insurance Coverage study by his company is further evidence that the cyber insurance industry is really immature when it comes to insurance. Theres immaturity both from the side of the organisations demanding these policies for protection and also immaturity from the insurance industry in terms of their knowledge about what is happening in the industry, said the New Jersey-based Valenzuela. Read next: CFC showcases latest cyber offering on Sydney harbour In another development on Wednesday, one of the largest cyber insurance providers in Australia officially showcased a new offering in Sydney. The London headquartered cyber team from CFC Underwriters showcased the cyber offering to local broker partners and underwriters while cruising the harbour. Were basically offering a fully integrated, start to finish, in-house claim solution in Australia, said international cyber team leader, Philippa Davis. Weve built an entire team who focus on preventing cyberattacks for clients and its the largest specialist team in the world that does this. Westlands board chair Brenda Eaton commented: On behalf of Westlands board of directors, Im thrilled that Jamie will be Westlands new CEO. Wubs, who will transition to the newly created role of vice chair, head of mergers & acquisitions and strategic initiatives, commented: Jamie has a deep knowledge of the industry landscape, strong business acumen, and exciting strategic perspectives that will help take Westland into this next chapter. As leaders, we all have a responsibility to think about the future, and its critical that we plan now to create an organization that can be at the forefront of our industry for decades to come. Wubs had been Westlands co-CEO and then CEO since 2009. In these roles, he led the brokerage while it grew from a regional company to one of Canadas largest national brokers, with more than 2,300 employees and 200 offices coast-to-coast. In his new role, Wubs will continue to grow Westland through acquisitions, cultural initiatives, and executing organisational strategy. Commenting on Wubss contributions to Westland and the appointments, Lyons said: Jason is an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur in the Canadian insurance industry. His track record of success, in combination with his authenticity and humility, defines Westlands culture. Hes one of the reasons I joined Westland, which is a sentiment shared by many at our organization. Its a privilege to follow him as CEO, especially as Westland continues to write what I believe is one of the most special and unique narratives in Canadian business. Eaton added: Jasons tenure as CEO has led to a period of sustained growth for Westland, and Id like to thank him for his strong leadership. Jamie is a proven leader who has the energy and enthusiasm to lead us into the future. The board and I look forward to working with both Jamie and Jason in their new roles moving forward. The leadership changes follow Westlands triple strike of acquisitions early this month. As part of his expanded role, Hazelton will lead Chubbs efforts to enhance the delivery of comprehensive industry-focused insurance coverages, risk engineering, and claims services to customers across all market segments, a release said. "Chubb has extensive industry-specific expertise throughout our North America organization, explained Lupica. In this new role, Bill will enable us to harness this sector-specific knowledge across product lines and our servicing capabilities to provide clients with comprehensive insurance coverage solutions aligned with the nuances of their exposures and their industry. Lupica added that Hazelton comes to the role with a deep understanding of Chubb's network of distribution partners, the unique needs of our mutual clients, and all that Chubb has to offer them, and that he is excited to see the companys capability to serve clients across key sectors rise to new heights with Hazeltons appointment. Read more: Chubb smashes records in Q2 earnings For the second quarter of 2022, Chubb reported a net income of $1.22 billion, or $2.86 per share, compared to $2.27 billion, or $5.06 per share, in Q2 2021. But the company enjoyed a record core operating income of $1.79 billion, or $4.20 per share, in the quarter, up from $1.62 billion, or $3.62 per share, in Q2 2021. The voluntary carbon market could play a more significant role in combating climate change, Zurich said. However, this would require a common metric to demonstrate the impact of projects that absorb carbon while benefiting nature and local communities. Nature itself is a substantial contributor to climate change mitigation through the absorption and storing of vast amounts of carbon, Zurich said. Biodiversity determines not only the resilience of food systems and the quality of air and water, but also our capacity to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Zurichs newly published report, Net positive: why biodiversity metrics make for more effective carbon markets, examines how this potential can be realized. Read next: Investors reject carbon metrics as best measure of net zero transition risks Nature-based solutions can provide a significant amount of the emission reductions needed to keep global temperature increases under 2C, though this would require investment to triple, said Stephan Van Vliet, group chief investment officer at Zurich. As a large investor and global risk manager and a founding member of the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance and Insurance Alliance we want to see the development of a robust and credible voluntary carbon market. Incorporating a metric on the wider impact of projects on nature can be supportive as there are huge potential benefits for nature and society in supporting nature-based carbon sequestration projects that also enhance biodiversity. Zurich sees the alignment of the voluntary carbon market with biodiversity as vital given the urgency of meeting net-zero targets. However, the company also pointed out the risk of valuing one aspect of nature carbon more highly than others, and the need to promote the full biocomplexity of ecosystems to promote environmental health and resilience. A globally agreed-upon biodiversity metric is vital in order to transform the voluntary carbon market into a driver for positive biodiversity outcomes, Zurich said. Business, governments, scientists and NGOs need to collaborate to fast-track the development of a globally agreed biodiversity metric that can be readily integrated into carbon projects, said Alison Martin, CEO of EMEA and bank distribution at Zurich. This is key to transforming the carbon market into a driver of a positive outcome for biodiversity and to further operationalize the link between carbon offset projects and biodiversity. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Amazon.com Inc. must face a claim that it failed to protect New York City warehouse workers and their families from COVID-19, a U.S. appeals court ruled on Tuesday while dismissing the bulk of the workers 2020 lawsuit. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York reversed a federal judges ruling that said only the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had the power to review complaints about Amazons workplace safety practices. OSHA may have expertise in worker safety, but the legal issues posed in Amazons case are within the conventional experience of judges, Circuit Judge William Nardini wrote for the court. The 2nd Circuit, however, upheld the dismissal of other claims, including that Amazon created a public nuisance by failing to stop the spread of COVID-19 and did not properly provide payments for sick leave. The case involves workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island that employs about 5,000 people and had become the companys first unionized facility earlier this year. The union campaign was spurred by concerns over worker safety amid the pandemic. On Tuesday, workers at an Amazon warehouse near Albany, New York, voted nearly two to one to reject a union campaign in the companys fourth union election this year. Amazon and lawyers for the workers who sued did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Amazon has denied wrongdoing and said it took various steps to protect warehouse workers. The lawsuit, which was filed in Brooklyn federal court, said Amazon had made the Staten Island warehouse a place of danger by forcing employees to work at dizzying speeds. That prevented them from socially distancing, washing their hands and sanitizing their work spaces, the workers said. One employee, Barbara Chandler, said she tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2020 and likely spread it to several members of her household, including a cousin who died. U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan dismissed the entire lawsuit in 2020. The 2nd Circuit on Tuesday reversed with respect to the workers claim that Amazon violated a New York state workplace safety law by failing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo: Amazon warehouse worker. (Photo supplied by Amazon) Topics Lawsuits New York COVID-19 Amazon New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! The school board in Vermonts largest city plans to sue the manufacturer of chemicals that forced the closure of Burlington High School, officials said. Burlington School District officials last Thursday announced plans to sue agro-chemical giant Monsanto after PCBs were found in the existing building and soil during renovations, forcing the closure of the school, which also housed the Burlington Technical Center. In a statement, Bayer, which now owns Monsanto, said Monsanto voluntarily stopped producing PCBs 45 years ago and its conduct has been appropriate at all times. Until the company terminated their production, PCBs were lawfully used in a number of commercial products that were manufactured by other companies, the statement said. We will assess and respond to a complaint if one is filed. School officials now are planning to demolish the existing building and build a new school and technical center in the same area. Burlington voters will cast ballots next month on a proposed $165 million bond, but the city estimates the total cost of the improvements could be $190 million. Burlington Board Chair Clare Wool said the lawsuit could mean long-term financial compensation for the district, but to move forward with the plans for the new school they still need to have the bond approved. Even though we plan to pursue this course of environmental lawsuit zealously and aggressively, we are viewing this as a long-term strategy and are anticipating that this work could consume a number of years, Wool said in a statement. The city did not say when it planned to file its lawsuit. Over the years, a number of state and local governments have sued Monsanto, which was purchased by Bayer in 2018, over PCB contamination. In one example, last winter the state of New Hampshire reached a $25 million settlement with Monsanto over what the state said was widespread PCB pollution in waterways and other state-owned property. PCBs are toxic industrial chemicals, now banned, that have accumulated in plants, fish, birds and people for decades. PCBs were used in many industrial and commercial applications, including in paint, coolants, sealants and hydraulic fluids. Monsanto, based in St. Louis, produced them from 1935 until 1977, two years before they were banned by Congress. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits K-12 Education Vermont Companies worth half of total global market capitalization are now disclosing environmental data after a 42% year-on-year rise in the number of firms reporting, new data published on Wednesday showed. Non-profit environmental disclosure platform CDP said more than 18,700 companies the highest yet since CDP launched in 2000 and worth a combined $60.8 trillion disclosed data on climate change, deforestation and water security in 2022. However, three in five firms more than 29,500 companies failed to respond to requests in 2022 for disclosure. Climate change disclosures are vital for money managers wanting to pick the winners and losers from a shift to a lower-carbon economy, and CDPs standardized data gives investors information to let them compare corporate performance. The data is also crucial for climate negotiators, including at next months United Nations climate summit, COP27, to assess progress and spot laggards. There is unprecedented agreement among stakeholders that environmental disclosure is a necessity to measure and drive progress to show impact, and it clearly now sits at the top of boardroom agendas and government policy, Mercedes Tallo, CDPs Chief Stakeholder Officer said in a statement. With mandatory disclosure on the horizon, were calling on the near 30,000 non-disclosing companies to report and take action to prepare themselves for the future. However, despite more companies disclosing environmental data, few are providing sufficient information. CDP said in March that just 1% of companies which submit climate change-related data provide investors with the information they need to assess whether they have a credible plan for the transition to a low-carbon economy. The United States, China, Japan, Britain and Brazil topped the list of countries for corporate disclosures in 2022, CDP said on Wednesday. The top disclosing industry was manufacturing, followed by services and materials. (Reporting by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes; editing by David Evans) Compre, the Bermuda headquartered legacy group, announced it has signed agreements to acquire the Irish subsidiary of Covea, Medical Insurance Co. DAC (MIC), which provided general liability insurance covering professional medical malpractice risks. MIC entered into run-off in 2015. Compre said the transaction represents a further significant step in its ambition to build a center of excellence for medical malpractice in Europe. Financial details of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, were not released. About Compre With more than 30 years of experience in the acquisition and management of discontinued and legacy non-life insurance and reinsurance businesses, Compre has acquired most classes of direct and reinsurance business, including general liability, marine and motor liability, and US asbestos, pollution and health hazard (APH). Compre has operations in Bermuda, Finland, Germany, Malta, Switzerland, the UK, US and at Lloyds of London. Source: Compre Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Iran ready to help end Ukraine crisis: president Xinhua) 14:15, October 20, 2022 TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Wednesday rejected certain "unsubstantiated claims" about Tehran's stance toward the conflict in Ukraine, saying Iran is ready to play a role in ending the crisis. Making the remarks in a phone call with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, Raisi noted that Tehran is ready to use "all its capacities and potential" to help end the conflict in Ukraine, according to the Iranian presidency's website. He stressed that ever since the eruption of the conflict, Iran's stance has been opposition to it. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry recently decided to downgrade ties with Iran and remove the Iranian ambassador's accreditation over what it called Tehran's "unfriendly act" to "supply Russia with weapons to wage war against Ukraine." Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian said in early October that Iran has not sent weapons to Russia for use in its conflict with Ukraine and will not do so in the future. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) A new managing general agent has launched in London called Specialty MGA UK, which is focusing on providing additional capacity for specialty lines of businesses and hard-to-place risks. Specialty MGA UK provides all line services across all global territories and is backed by rated securities, with more securities currently being added to the panel of reinsurers, the company said. Specialty MGA UK said it is offering new and meaningful capacity to the market, providing brokers and their clients with immediate decisions and instant answers. It is focusing on lines of business which include but are not limited to property, construction, energy, marine, construction, aviation, financial lines, accident & health and surety. Being in very close proximity to the Lloyds market, the MGA will be able to offer brokers easy access to underwriting experts, who are very keen to meet with brokers to discuss their needs, Specialty MGA UK said in a statement. The team is headed up by Philippe Bara, class underwriter for Energy, who has moved from broking to return to his previous expertise in underwriting. Bara has worked for Partner Re as a senior underwriter in the past and brings with him 30 years of experience in the energy market including windfarms, geothermal, offshore energy, power cables and shale gas and oil, in both Paris and London. He is joined by Mark Palmer, senior underwriter for International Property, who has almost 40 years of experience working in the insurance and reinsurance industry. Palmer has written for both Lloyds of London syndicates and London-based companies throughout his extensive career. His underwriting experience covers most trades, occupations and territories with a focus on Central and South America in the last ten years, overseeing property referrals worldwide. Specialty MGA is backed by Specialty Management UK which has interests in other insurance entities including MGAs, insurtech and a Lloyds broker. Specialty Management UK is a holding company used as a special purpose vehicle to set up or acquire insurance related businesses. It is owned by father-son duo: Manoj Kumar and Naman Kumar. Manoj Kumar has been in the insurance industry for 40 years and has set up insurance companies, MGAs, Lloyds brokers and an insurtech company. Naman Kumar comes from a private equity and hedge fund background, having worked in Carlyle and PIF, Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund. Specialty MGA UK will provide brokers and their clients with answers straight away. Our extensive experience as senior underwriters in the industry and deep understanding of our clients industry sectors allows us to respond to any requests or claims immediately without delay, providing clients with rapid underwriting decisions which cannot be matched elsewhere, commented Philippe Bara, Specialty MGA UKs class underwriter for Energy. We deliver real value to our clients through finding unique solutions to their requirements, providing flexible services and covers to sufficiently meet to their ever-changing needs. Based in Central London and a short distance from Lloyds market, we are very keen to meet clients in person to enhance our relationships and discuss their specific needs and requirements, said Mark Palmer, Specialty MGA UKs class underwriter for International Property. As a new and forward-thinking MGA, we will do everything to make brokers lives easier through providing their clients with speedy, concise and predictable services that will significantly reduce their cost of risk, Palmer added. Source: Specialty MGA UK Topics Excess Surplus Insurance Wholesale New Markets The Bank of England said on Thursday it had fined insurer MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd (MSAUL) 9.695 million pounds ($10.84 million) for failings in its governance, controls and risk management which spanned five years. The central banks regulatory arm, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), said the failings, which took place between September 2014 and December 2019, continued despite the watchdog sending a warning to Amlin and its peers in the sector in the first half of 2018. The company organized its underwriting business into three units, and the PRA said it had noted its concerns regarding the risks this, and prevailing market conditions, presented. The penalty reflects the seriousness of MSAULs failure to meet the expected standards in this case, and should deter similar conduct by other firms, Bank of England Deputy Governor Sam Woods said in a statement. The PRA said Amlin agreed to resolve the matter and qualified for a 30% discount to avoid a higher fine of 13.85 million pounds. Amlin said the fine drew a clear and final line under legacy matters that culminated in its adverse financial performance in 2017. The new management team, established in 2020, has completed a comprehensive program of structural and strategic changes which has dealt with these historical matters, and supported a return to profitable growth, Amlin said in a statement. The PRA said its Dear CEO letter sent to all specialist general insurance firms, including Amlin, in May 2018 identified areas where the regulator had found weaknesses in firms oversight of underwriting and associated controls. The PRA expects that when it issues communications such as these that regulated firms act on their content in an appropriate and timely way, and promptly address any identified weaknesses. The Firm failed to do so in this case, the PRA said. ($1 = 0.8947 pounds) (Additional reporting by Caroyn Cohn; editing by Tomasz Janowski and Mark Potter) Topics Underwriting Mississippi Risk Management The Supervisory Board of Munich Re has appointed Dr. Thomas Blunck (age 57) as the chair of the Reinsurance Committee of the groups Board of Management with effect from Jan. 1, 2023. He will succeed Dr. Torsten Jeworrek (61), who will step down from the Board of Management of Munich Re on Dec. 31, 2022 at his own request. The Supervisory Board has also appointed Clarisse Kopff (49), with effect from Dec. 1, 2022, and Mari-Lizette Malherbe (38), with effect from Jan. 1, 2023, as new members of the Board of Management. Kopff will head the Europe and Latin America Non-Life division. Malherbe will take over responsibility for the Life and Health division from Thomas Blunck. Torsten Jeworreks contribution to our company has been extraordinary. I very much look forward to working closely with Mari-Lizette Malherbe, Clarisse Kopff and Thomas Blunck in their new roles, said CEO Dr. Joachim Wenning. Blunck joined the Board of Management in 2005. In addition to becoming the chair of the Reinsurance Committee, he will also chair the Global Underwriting and Risk Committee. On the Board of Management, he will also be responsible for Data and Analytics, Internet of Things, Corporate Underwriting, Claims, Accounting, Reinsurance Development, Controlling and Central Reserving for Reinsurance, and Information Technology. Stefan Golling will take responsibility for Capital Partners on the Board of Management. Originally from France, Kopff has been with the Allianz Group for the past 21 years. She is currently based in Paris, where she works as Allianz Trades Chief Executive Officer. She was previously CFO at Allianz France and Euler Hermes. South African-born Malherbe has been with Munich Re since 2007, and to date headed the Life and Health Reinsurance Europe and Latin America divisional unit from London. Jeworrek has been with the company for a total of 32 years and has been a member of the Board of Management for two decades. The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board thanked him for his many years of outstanding service at Munich Re. *** Lloyds Market Association Appoints 3 New Board Members The Lloyds Market Association (LMA) has announced the appointment of three senior market leaders to its board. The new board members are Jane Warren, chief underwriting officer, Liberty Specialty Markets; Alex Powell, CEO, AEGIS London; and Richard Milner, CEO, Aspen Insurance UK Ltd & Aspen Managing Agency Ltd. In addition to the three new appointments, Sheel Sawhney, group head of Claims and Operations, Brit, who joined the board earlier in the year to deputize for Matthew Wilson, is now a board member. Matthew Wilson, Matthew Moore, Emma Woolley and David Croom-Johnson have stepped down from the board. Sheila Cameron, LMA chief executive, commented that the new additions will further reinforce the strength and depth of the LMA Board with their vast range of market knowledge, experience and leadership, which will be a great asset as we look to develop the LMAs priorities for 2023. I would like to thank Matthew Wilson, Matthew Moore, Emma Woolley and David Croom-Johnson for their dedication and support to the LMAs mission and their contributions as Board members. Topics Trends Excess Surplus Lloyd's A federal judge has dismissed FedEx from a lawsuit filed by relatives of five of the eight people who were fatally shot last year at an Indianapolis warehouse by a former employee of the shipping giant. U.S. District Judge James Sweeney on Monday granted a FedEx Corp. motion to dismiss it and three of its divisions from the wrongful death lawsuit. He found that the federal court does not have jurisdiction over the case, which seeks unspecified damages, because it falls under Indianas Workers Compensation Act. Sweeney wrote in his order that because the Indiana Workers Compensation Board has exclusive jurisdiction over the Act, this Court may not grant any relief on Plaintiffs claims against FedEx. His order does not dismiss from the complaint another defendant, Securitas Security Services, which provides security at the FedEx warehouse on Indianapolis southwest side. The lawsuit was filed in April in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis. The plaintiffs are relatives of shooting victims Amarjeet Johal, 66; Amarjit Sekhon, 48; Jasvinder Kaur, 50; John Weisert, 74; and Karli Smith, 19. Matthew R. Alexander, 32, Samaria Blackwell, 19, and Jaswinder Singh, 68, were also killed in the attack. The suit argues that gunman Brandon Scott Hole, 19, had exhibited emotional and mental instability on multiple instances before the April 15, 2021, shooting. Hole, a former FedEx employee, fatally shot himself after he killed eight FedEx employees, including four members of Indianapolis Sikh community. Five other people were wounded in the attack. Melvin L. Hewitt, one of the plaintiffs attorneys, said Tuesday in a statement that we were obviously extremely disappointed with the judges decision to dismiss FedEx and its parent and subsidiaries from the wrongful death lawsuit. Indiana law and the law of a number of states oftentimes shield large employers from liability through Workers Compensation. However, in this case, Indiana not only shields the employer but also shields the parent of the employer and goes so far as to provide immunity to separate companies the employer owns, Hewitt added. When asked Tuesday whether the plaintiffs would seek redress through Indianas Workers Compensation Board, Hewitt replied that well pursue any avenue thats available to us on behalf of the plaintiffs. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Legislation Workers' Compensation Indiana Ohio Department of Insurance director Judith L. French announced that former attorney Anthony Fusco, of Youngstown, was sentenced on October 7 in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas to 18 months in prison for felony insurance fraud. Fusco was taken into custody after the sentencing hearing. A department investigation revealed that Fusco altered and inflated client medical bills to defraud insurance companies of nearly $1 million. A telecommunications fraud charge was dropped as part of a guilty plea agreement. Fusco, a pre-litigation attorney who worked for Kisling, Nestico & Redick, knowingly submitted inflated medical bills as part of bodily injury insurance claim settlements submitted to insurance companies. Knowingly submitting a false or deceptive statement as part of an application for insurance or insurance claim is a violation of Ohio law. An audit of approximately 1,400 claim settlements Fusco handled between March 2017 and September 2019 revealed inflated medical bills had been included in 399 client claims submitted to 62 insurance companies. The medical bills were inflated by $859,464.44. Fusco resigned from his position with Kisling, Nestico & Redick in October 2019. He joined the firm in December of 2015, approximately one month after admittance to the practice of law. According to the Ohio Supreme Court website, Fuscos law license is inactive. Fusco was indicted in January 2022. SOURCE: Ohio Department of Insurance Topics Fraud Ohio New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! A federal judge has dismissed 32 lawsuits over COVID-19 business interruption insurance claims against Erie Insurance, concluding the claimants failed to plausibly plead that they are entitled to coverage under their Erie policies. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Western Pennsylvania reflects the opinions of other courts that have rejected allegations that COVID-19 viruses and government shutdowns cause direct physical damage and loss that triggers business interruption coverage. The opinion also reflects the analysis the same judge gave in dismissing similar claims against Cincinnati Insurance, Travelers Insurance and Hartford Financial Services Plaintiffs in this multidistrict litigation included retail stores, restaurants, car dealerships, hair salons, and dental practices located in the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each plaintiff had an all risk commercial property insurance policy with Erie that was either the Ultrapack Plus Policy or the UltraFlex Policy. While their businesses may be different, their legal claims were similar to those asserted by business owners in a multitude of similar cases nationwide. The Erie cases were consolidated under Judge Hornak in January 2021. Both Erie policies cover direct physical loss or damage to covered property resulting from an insured peril. Both policies contain a law or ordinance exclusion. The UltraFlex also contains a virus exclusion. After Erie denied their claims, the plaintiffs filed suits alleging that Erie wrongfully denied them coverage under the income protection, extra expense, civil authority, dependent property, and/or sue and labor coverage provisions. They asserted two covered causes of direct physical loss or damage: the COVID-19 virus itself and the mandated shutdown rules issued by governments to mitigate the viruss spread. The parties primary dispute, as in many other cases, was whether those events caused direct physical loss of or damage to covered property. Erie argued that direct physical loss of or damage to property unambiguously requires a tangible, concrete physical harm to the property, which cannot be plausibly alleged by the plaintiffs. The judge agreed. The district court considered the laws and rulings from the various plaintiffs states where similar cases have been decided, noting that while no high court in those states has yet ruled, other courts have and the near-uniform dismissal of claims like plaintiffs applying the law of the jurisdictions involved in this MDL presented an uphill precedential path for the claimants. Hornak said the central question was whether those decisions were correct predictions of how the involved jurisdictions highest court would decide claims that mirror those of plaintiffs. The court said that there is not a persuasive basis to conclude that these cases were not soundly decided and are not reliable indicators of the path the federal court should follow. The court rejected the claimants allegations that the virus particles can become affixed to and remain stable on surfaces for hours or from one to 14 days, and in that way change the surfaces. [T]he natural plausible inference from those allegations is that the virus particles dissipate on their own, after those numbers of hours or days have passed, without any human intervention. Based on those allegations, the impact that COVID-19 virus particles have on property on which it is present is wholly unlike the impact that, say, a fire that burns all or part of a structure has on property where a fire has occurred, the opinion states. The court also rejected the argument that the absence of a virus exclusion in some policies means coverage should be provided under those policies. The court also denied the plea that Pennsylvanias reasonable expectations doctrine in insurance law entitles a policyholder to coverage based on the policyholders reasonable expectations even if the terms of the insurance contract clearly and unambiguously preclude coverage. The court concluded: [I]t is self-evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has had detrimental consequences to people all over the world that cannot be overstated. However, it can also be accurate that the Erie Policies to which the Plaintiffs in this MDL were parties do not provide coverage for the additional consequences that Plaintiffs assert that they as property and business owners suffered as a result of the pandemic and the associated government orders limiting how the properties could be used. Topics Commercial Lines COVID-19 Business Insurance NEW ORLEANS (AP) An outage involving a Coast Guard marine warning system and data gaps in radar systems were factors in last years deadly capsize of an oil industry vessel during severe storms off of Louisianas coast, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report issued Tuesday. Thirteen of the 19 people aboard the Seacor Power died after the offshore vessel capsized in the Gulf after leaving Port Fourchon. Known as a lift boat, the vessel had three legs that could be lowered to the sea floor, converting the ship to an offshore platform for servicing oil and gas facilities. It had been chartered by Talos Energy LLC for work on a Gulf platform when it was hit by high winds in rough seas and capsized on April 13, 2021. An NTSB preliminary report had said the Seacor Power had begun to lower its stabilizing legs and was trying to turn to face heavy winds when it flipped in the Gulf of Mexico. Six people were rescued. The NTSB said in Tuesdays report that the captain of the Seacor Power made a reasonable decision to get underway the day of the disaster. But he didnt have sufficient weather information from the lift boat company. Additionally, due to a Coast Guard broadcasting station outage, the SEACOR Power crew did not receive a National Weather Service Special Marine Warning notifying mariners of a severe thunderstorm that was approaching, the report said. Another problem: a lack of low-altitude radar data that prevented the National Weather Service from identifying and forecasting heavy winds that hit the vessel. The report suggested that the weather service, the Federal Aviation Administration and Air Force jointly consider lowering radar angles to improve coverage. Multiple recommendations for the Coast Guard were included in the report. It suggested development of a procedure to let mariners know when navigational broadcasting is out; modification of regulations to require that lift boats be constructed for greater stability; and development of procedures to involve participation of commercial, local government and non-profit air rescue providers in rescue operations. The Coast Guard also should require that everyone employed on vessels in coastal, Great Lakes, and ocean service have personal locater beacon devices. If the crew members and offshore workers aboard the SEACOR Power had been required to carry such devices, their chances of being rescued would have been enhanced, the report said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Louisiana New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! An employee of a Mississippi wastewater hauling company pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday for his part in illegally discharging industrial waste into the capital citys sewer system. William Roberts, an employee of Partridge-Sibley Industrial Services, admitted to supervising the improper disposal of industrial waste at a commercial entity in Jackson. As a result of Robertss negligence, the waste was trucked and hauled to a facility that was not a legal discharge point designated to receive the waste, federal prosecutors said. The defendants negligent conduct contributed to the discharge of millions of gallons of untreated industrial waste into the Jackson water system, said Chuck Carfagno, a special agent for the Environmental Protection Agencys criminal investigations division. Jacksons water and sewer system has been beset by troubles dating back years. The water system was recently engulfed in a crisis that forced people in the city of 150,000 to go days without running water in late August and early September. In addition to the EPA and local law enforcement officials, the case was also investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An attorney for Roberts did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He will be sentenced on December 14, 2022. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Mississippi New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Floridas chief financial officer has taken a hard line on insurance claims litigation, calling for an outright ban on assignments-of-benefits agreements. At a press conference in Cape Coral, a city hit hard by the hurricane this month, and in a statement Wednesday, CFO Jimmy Patronis also urged Florida lawmakers to establish a statewide insurance fraud prosecutor and to disincentivize public adjusters after a storm. We have bad public adjusters swarming impacted areas, soliciting, and trying to make a quick buck, Patronis said. Not only do individuals need more time to get out of a public adjuster contract during a state of emergency, we need to reduce the percentage a public adjuster is entitled to immediately following a storm, ensuring their motives are aligned with helping Floridians get back on their feet. Patronis, whose Department of Financial Services regulates adjusters, did not say what he based the bad adjusters assertion on. But some Florida insurers have long complained about public adjusters working closely with contractors and promising homeowners free roofs after a windstorm, leading to exaggerated claims and litigation. The CFO also did not provide details on his proposed schedule of fees for adjusters. The call for an end to assignments of benefits, or AOBs, has already met with support from one insurance industry leader. We commend the CFO for calling attention to ongoing abuse of assignment-of-benefits tools by shady vendors whose goal is profit above all else, said Michael Carlson, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida, which represents a number of insurance carriers. Eliminating post-loss assignments that transfer consumer rights to vendors is a good idea. We also believe that addressing exorbitant public adjuster fees is another good idea and a means to reduce predatory behavior by these licensees. Several Florida insurance executives in recent years have called for statutory changes that would allow insurance policies to bar AOB agreements, noting that thousands of lawsuits in recent years have resulted from disputed AOB claims. Data from CaseGlide, a litigation management software firm, shows that as much as 41% of litigated claims against Floridas largest insurers resulted from assignees of benefits, usually from restoration contractors. In July, the AOB share of new litigations reached an 18-month high, the company said. That came despite 2019 Florida legislation that aimed to reduce AOB suits. A number of other states allow insurance policies to include non-assignment of benefits clauses. Carlson said that claims litigation is the storm after the storm, and that one-way attorney fees also need to be addressed to disincentivize unnecessary lawsuits. The Florida Association of Public Adjusters pushed back on Patronis agenda. We are concerned that the recent release misrepresents the important role and work of licensed public adjusters, FAPIA President Chris Cury said in a statement Thursday. Instead of bad actors in the hurricane zone in southwest Florida, it appears there is a focus on lawful and licensed insurance professionals who are truly working to help policyholders in their time of need. Cury noted that, following a declared emergency, adjuster fees already are limited to no more than 10% of any claim made in the first year after the loss. Licensed public adjusters, who are regulated by the Department of Financial Services, adhere to strict standards and continue to serve in an essential capacity for the sake of policyholders, Cury said. Insurance industry advocates have often blamed the adjusters for advertising heavily after storms and encouraging inflated claims. Insurance agents have reported that homeowners in the Hurricane Ian strike zone have fielded dozens of calls and door-knocks from public adjusters. But some adjusters and claimants attorneys have maintained that public adjusters help homeowners achieve a fair payout on claims, while insurance companies sometimes try to minimize the extent of damages. The insurance company has adjusters trained to interpret policies and assess a loss but want to preclude an insured from retaining professionals to assist them in doing the same, said West Palm Beach attorney Gina Clausen Lozier, who has represented policyholders in claims disputes. She pointed out that many insurance policies require insureds to submit statements within a short timeframe attesting to the amount of losses. Failure to submit can result in denial of the claim. If its overstated, insurers have been known to allege fraud. A public adjuster can help provide a timely estimate. Lozier agreed that Floridas insurance market is facing a number of problems, but said that licensed adjusters are not to blame. The public adjusting industry in Florida is highly regulated, despite ongoing insinuations that public adjusters are operating without legal or ethical restraints by preying on insureds, she said. Patronis did not call for another special session of the Florida Legislature to adopt his reform ideas, as some industry advocates have done, but referred to this coming legislative session. The 2023 regular session begins in March. Patronis also reiterated his call for a $3 million anti-fraud and public education campaign. Policyholders need to understand what they are signing, and that litigation will only slow down their claims and could result in liens on their property, Patronis said. Top photo: Workers atop a building that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian at Fort Myers Beach. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves) Topics Florida A federal grant jury has issued a new indictment against a dive boat captain, alleging that he acted with gross negligence when a 2019 fire aboard his vessel led to the deaths of 34 people off the Southern California coast. The new indictment, announced Tuesday, comes more than a month after a judge threw out the original case because it failed to specify that Captain Jerry Boylan acted with gross negligence aboard the Conception during one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent U.S. history. Boylan, 68, is again charged with a single count of misconduct or neglect of ship officer, a pre-Civil War statute that was designed to hold steamboat captains and crew responsible for maritime disasters, and faces 10 years in prison. He is expected to be arraigned in the coming weeks. His federal public defenders did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday. The Conception went down in flames on Sept. 2, 2019 near an island off the coast of Santa Barbara. All 33 passengers and a crew member who were trapped in a bunk room below deck died. Boylan and four other crew members escaped. Boylan originally was indicted on 34 counts of seamans manslaughter _ a colloquial phrase for the misconduct or neglect charge _ in 2020, with each carrying a possible prison term of 10 years if he was convicted. Defense lawyers sought to dismiss those charges because they argued the deaths were the result of a single incident and not separate crimes. Before that issue could be argued in court, prosecutors got a superseding indictment this summer charging Boylan with only one count of seamans manslaughter alleging his negligence caused all 34 deaths. If convicted, he would have faced a maximum of 10 years in prison. But in September, on the third anniversary of the tragedy, U.S. District Judge George Wu said that indictment did not mention gross negligence, which he said was a required element to prove the crime of seamans manslaughter. Related: Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits California California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced several appointments to the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan Advisory Committee, the Curriculum Board and the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau Governing Committee. These statewide programs are based in Sacramento. Newly appointed members include: CAARP Advisory Committee Doug Heller is the director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America. Previously, he served as the executive director of Consumer Watchdog. He is also an appointee to the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance. Heller has been reappointed in the public member representative seat, with a term ending on November 10, 2023. Cynthia Strathmann is executive director for Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, a non-profit economic justice organization that advocates for tenant rights, healthy housing, and equitable development in Los Angeles. Formerly, Strathmann was a research and policy analyst for the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy and a research assistant professor at the University of Southern California. Strathmann has been reappointed in the public member representative seat, with a term ending on November 10, 2023. Bernardo de la Torre is the owner of Law Offices of Bernardo de la Torre in La Mirada, a law firm specializing in the representation of injured workers founded in 1985. He is a former Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem. De la Torre joins the public member representative seat with a term ending on November 10, 2023. Curriculum Board Appointee Michael Lujan is the principal consultant of Michael Lujan Consulting Group, LLC. Previously, Lujan was the inaugural director of sales for Covered California. He created the curriculum required to certify licensed agents to enroll in the program and successfully trained, certified and appointed more than 14,000 agents in the first year. Lujan joins the life agent trade association representative seat with a term ending on October 14, 2025. WCIRB Governing Committee Appointee Lynne Davidsonis president of Titos Tacos Mexican Restaurant. Davidson has been a board member of the California Restaurant Association for the past 28 years and is a past board chair of the Los Angeles chapter of the California Restaurant Association. Davidson has been reappointed to the insured employer representative seat, with a term ending on October 14, 2024. Topics California Los Angeles County agreed to pay $32 million to the family of a 10-year-old boy who died after allegedly being tortured and abused by his mother and her boyfriend. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a deal in a lawsuit over the death of Anthony Avalos of Lancaster. Sheriffs deputies who went to the boys high-desert home in response to a 911 call from the mother on June 20, 2018, were told that the boy was injured in a fall. He died in a hospital the next day. Anthonys mother, Heather Barron, and her boyfriend, Kareem Leive, have pleaded not guilty to murder and torture. Prosecutors have said the couple beat the boy, repeatedly dropped him on his head, smashed him into the floor or furniture, denied him food at times or force-fed him and refused to let him use the bathroom. A lawsuit filed on behalf of Anthonys father and three siblings alleged that the county Department of Children and Family Services and a contracted company that supplied home counseling disregarded reports of abuse. The suit argued that the department was notified 13 times of abuse in Anthonys home. Supervisors approved a tentative agreement that was reached with the county on May 4, which would have been Anthonys 14th birthday. We hope that Anthonys family and loved ones find a small measure of peace and closure in the resolution of this tragic case, the child welfare department said in a statement Tuesday. Anthonys death and other child tragedies demonstrate the complexities of child welfare, and we continue to apply lessons learned to evolve and improve the way we work with children and families. The department said it has taken significant steps to mitigate the risk of harm to children and is committed to continuing reform. The home counseling contractor that was sued previously reached a $3 million deal with the boys family. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits California A pipeline operator has agreed to pay $50 million to thousands of Southern California fishermen, tourism companies and property owners who sued after an offshore oil spill last year near Huntington Beach. A proposed settlement between Amplify Energy Corp., which owns the pipeline that ruptured in October 2021 and spilled 25,000 gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean, and the businesses and residents was filed Monday in federal court in Santa Ana, court documents show. Under the proposal, the Houston-based energy company would pay $34 million to commercial fishermen and $9 million to coastal property owners. It also would pay $7 million to waterfront tourism operators, including businesses that provide surf lessons and leisure cruises and shops that sell swimwear and fishing bait. A federal judge still needs to sign off on the proposal for it to take effect. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16. This is a really dramatic first step and a dramatic compensation for these victims of this terrible tragedy, said Wylie Aitken, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs, whom he estimated number more than 10,000. Though it may not be 100% it is very substantial and very helpful and a good deal of compensation to them. Were going to continue to try to get every last penny that they deserve. The proposal requires Amplify to install a leak detection system and provide spill training to employees, steps that the company also agreed to in a plea deal with federal authorities. It also would require Amplify to increase staffing on an offshore oil platform, court papers show. The leak occurred about 4 miles offshore and sent blobs of crude washing ashore in surf-friendly Huntington Beach and other coastal communities. While less severe than initially feared, the spill shuttered the beaches in the area for a week, fisheries for more than a month, oiled birds and threatened area wetlands. Amplify had no comment Tuesday and referred to a statement issued when the agreement was reached in August calling it a reasonable and fair resolution. The company said it would continue to seek damages from shipping vessels accused of dragging anchor and damaging the pipeline months before the leak. Amplify has $200 million in liability insurance coverage for spill-related claims and as of March the company had incurred costs of about $111 million, according to the court papers filed by the plaintiffs. Earlier this year, Amplify reached a plea deal with federal authorities for negligently discharging crude oil. The company, which authorities said failed to respond to leak detection system alarms that should have alerted workers to the spill, agreed to pay a combined $13 million in fines and expenses incurred by government agencies. Amplify contends that two commercial shipping vessels damaged its pipeline when they dragged their anchors across it during a January 2021 storm. The proposed settlement doesnt apply to the operators of those ships or to an organization that helps oversee marine traffic, which has also been brought into the litigation. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney is to call in the Iranian Ambassador to raise deep concerns over their support of Russia through the supply of drone weapons. Mr Coveney told a meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party that he would also be making it clear that Ireland is not happy with the treatment of women in Iran. The Fine Gael deputy leader said he had spoken recently to the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian regarding drones sourced by Putin. A number of members raised the proposed winter ban on evictions, with Regina Doherty seeking clarity on what will happen vulnerable households in March when the cap is lifted. Ms Doherty and fellow senator Mary Seery Kearney also raised the lack of protection for surrogate families and called on Justice Minister Helen McEntee to intervene in an ongoing court case. Reacting to this week's RTE Prime Time programme on anti-social behaviour on Dublin's O'Connell Street, Ms McEntee said a full operating Garda station will be opened on the street. She said garda numbers have increased but recognised that this has not been happening fast enough. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe provided a briefing on the Finance Bill, due to be published on Thursday, but shot down suggestions from members in relation to capital gains tax and other reliefs for landlords. Tim Lombard called on Pippa Hackett to come before the weekly private Fine Gael meeting to answer questions. Picture: Conor O Mearain / Collins Photos A number of members, including senators Micheal Carrigy and Tim Lombard, hit out at Green Party minister Pippa Hackett over her failure to produce a forestry plan. The plan will now not be ready until April. Mr Lombard described the delay as appalling and said if the same delay was made to the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) there would be thousands of farmers outside the gates of Leinster House. He called on Ms Hackett to come before the weekly private Fine Gael meeting to answer questions. Mayo TD Michael Ring raised concerns about the number of people coming into the country, which drew what was described as "nervous laughter" from those at the meeting. British prime minister Liz Truss has announced her resignation after just 44 days in office. In a speech outside 10 Downing Street this afternoon, Ms Truss acknowledged she had lost the confidence of Tory MPs and the public. At a glance: Liz Truss has announced her resignation as leader of the UK's Conservative Party The next Tory leader, and British prime minister, will be chosen by October 28 Former chancellor Rishi Sunak and MP Penny Mordaunt appear to be favourites to succeed Ms Truss with former prime minister Boris Johnson also expected to stand Opposition leader Keir Starmer called for an immediate general election saying the public deserved better Ms Truss spent this morning battling an open revolt as the number of Tory MPs demanding her resignation swelled after a calamitous 24 hours for her premiership. In her address, Ms Truss said she could no longer deliver the mandate for which she was elected leader of the Conservatives. Ms Truss said she had told King Charles III of her plans to resign this morning. With her husband Hugh OLeary alongside her, Ms Truss said: I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills. She said Britain had been held back for too long by low economic growth. Speaking in Downing Street, she added: This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. Weve agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our countrys economic stability and national security." She also said she will stay on as prime minister until a successor is chosen via a leadership election to be held within the next week. Having been in office for just six weeks, Ms Truss is set to become the shortest-serving prime minister in history. Just 24 hours ago, she told MPs in the House of Commons that she was a fighter, not a quitter. 'Peace and prosperity' Mr Martin said he had a number of opportunities to engage with Prime Minister Liz Truss during her brief period as Prime Minister. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has wished Ms Truss well after she announced her resignation. He said he remains committed to working with the British Government to resolve the issues around the Northern Ireland protocol and getting the Northern institutions back up and running. In a curt statement, Mr Martin said he had a number of opportunities to engage with Prime Minister Liz Truss during her brief period as Prime Minister. "I convey my best wishes to her and her family, following todays announcement of her resignation," he said. Mr Martin said working together to protect the gains of the Good Friday Agreement and to support peace and stability in Northern Ireland continue to be vital responsibilities for the British and Irish Governments, particularly now in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly. "Substantive EU-UK engagement to reach agreement on outstanding issues around implementation of the Protocol is ever more urgent. Britain is Irelands closest neighbour and a relationship of partnership between the British and Irish Governments is vital for peace and prosperity on these islands. I remain committed to working with the British Government in this spirit," he said. Who's next? The Times reports former prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to stand in the leadership contest. Picture: AP Photo/Alastair Grant Among those expected to stand in the leadership contest are Rishi Sunak and Penney Mordaunt, both of whom Ms Truss defeated in this summer's leadership contest, in addition to her predecessor in the role, Boris Johnson. On the prospect of Mr Johnson's return, The Times political editor Steven Swinford tweeted: "He's taking soundings but is said to believe it is a matter of national interest." Meanwhile, The Telegraph cited a source reporting Mr Sunak is "certain to stand" in the contest. Ms Mordaunt has insisted she will keep calm and carry on as she was teased about her leadership ambitions following Liz Trusss resignation. The Conservative minister was in the Commons when Ms Truss appeared in Downing Street to announce her resignation as Conservative Party leader. Ms Mordaunt came third in the leadership contest and when asked in the chamber about Ms Trusss resignation and the state of the Government, Ms Mordaunt said: I am going to keep calm and carry on and I would suggest everyone else do the same. Calls for a general election Following the prime minister's resignation, opposition leader Keir Starmer said the public deserved better than the Conservatives "revolving door of chaos." The damage they have done will take years to fix. Each one of these crises was made in Downing Street but paid for by the British public. Each one has left our country weaker and worse off. The Tories cannot respond to their latest shambles by yet again simply clicking their fingers and shuffling the people at the top without the consent of the British people. They do not have a mandate to put the country through yet another experiment; Britain is not their personal fiefdom to run how they wish. Mr Starmer said it was time for the British people to have "a proper say on the countrys future." "We must have a chance at a fresh start. We need a general election now. Scottish First Minister Nicole Sturgeon said a general election was now a democratic imperative There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately, she said on Twitter. There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. Its beyond hyperbole - & parody. Reality tho is that ordinary people are paying the price. The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now. A General Election is now a democratic imperative. Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 20, 2022 Its beyond hyperbole & parody. Reality tho is that ordinary people are paying the price. The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now." Italys President has begun formal consultations with the aim of quickly giving the country a new government. The task of trying to form a governing coalition is expected to go to far-right leader Giorgia Meloni after her Brothers of Italy party triumphed in the countrys general election last month. However, relations with a key coalition partner recently soured over former premier Silvio Berlusconis sympathies with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Italian President Sergio Mattarella will decide who gets tasked with assembling a coalition after a meeting on Friday with the key players Ms Meloni, Mr Berlusconi and the third main right-wing figure, League leader Matteo Salvini. Ms Melonis party has staunchly backed Ukraine in its defence against Russias invasion. The Quirinale Presidential Palace where Italian President Sergio Mattarella will be holding a round of consultations (LaPresse via AP) Relations with campaign ally Mr Berlusconi have suffered after audio tapes emerged this week of him expressing sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin during a conversation with legislators from his Forza Italia party. Mr Mattarella started sounding out parliamentary and party leaders by receiving the new leader of the Italian senate, Ignazio La Russa. He is a co-founder of Ms Melonis party, which has neo-fascist roots. Mr La Russa described his 15-minute session with Mr Mattarella as cordial. Mr Mattarella devoted his first day of consultations to smaller parties and the larger opposition forces, which are squabbling among themselves, notably the populist 5-Star Movement and the centre-left Democratic Party. Throughout campaigning for the September 25 election, Mr Berlusconi insisted he was an unwavering champion of Nato and the United States. But leaked audio tapes of his take on the Ukraine war, made public by Italian news agency LaPresse, seemed to reveal otherwise. Brothers of Italys leader Giorgia Meloni (AP) Mr Berlusconi, holding court with party legislators, sought to justify Mr Putins decision to send troops into Ukraine nearly eight months ago, saying the Russian leader had aimed for a two-week incursion with the goal of installing a decent, sensible government in Ukraines capital. A longtime admirer of Mr Putins, the former Italian premire is also heard writing off Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky, saying lets forget him. In an interview published on Thursday in Italys Corriere della Sera newspaper, Mr Berlusconi accused the media of distorted and frankly ridiculous interpretations on my thoughts on Russia and Ukraine. He denied trying to justify Russias invasion of its neighbour. On the contrary, I reiterate, for the latest, and I hope, last time, that my position coincides absolutely with that of the Italian government, of the European Union, of the (Nato) Atlantic Alliance, of our American allies, and its a clear-cut condemnation of the military attack against a free and sovereign State, the newspaper quoted the former premier as saying. President of the Lower Chamber Lorenzo Fontana arrives at the Quirinale Presidential Palace for a meeting with Sergio Mattarella (LaPresse via AP) Ms Meloni threw down a gauntlet to Mr Berlusconi with a statement on Wednesday night in which she said there was no room for foreign policy differences in the government she intends to lead. Whoever isnt in agreement with this cornerstone, will not be able to be part of the government, even if it means no government, she said. Mr Berlusconi has pushed for a top aide, former European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, to become the foreign minister in a Meloni government. It was not immediately clear if Mr Berlusconis sympathy toward Mr Putin had eliminated that option. Mr Tajani wasted no time in trying for damage control. He tweeted he would be attending the summit on Friday of the European Peoples Party, a conservative political grouping that includes Forza Italia. At that forum, he said he would confirm his and his partys support for Ukraine. In every institutional venue, we have always supported freedom and condemned the Russian invasion, Mr Tajani wrote. Burma Myanmar Regime Bans Parcel Deliveries at Mandalays Obo Jail Obo Prison in Mandalay. Following fatal parcel bomb explosions at Yangons Insein Prison on Wednesday morning, Obo Prison in Mandalay banned parcel deliveries to inmates around noon the same day, according to sources close to the Correctional Department. Three prison staff and five visitors died and others were injured after explosions hit a crowd queueing to drop off parcels for inmates at Insein Prison on Wednesday, said the junta statement. Obo prison had been accepting parcels in the morning but banned the practice at noon, a resident of Mandalays Maha Aung Myay Township told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. They didnt give a reason and didnt say how long the ban will be in effect. I always send parcels on Wednesday to my brother who is imprisoned for incitement. But I could not send one today, the resident said. A former political prisoner from Mandalay said the ban was possibly triggered by the explosions at Insein Jail. Inmates mainly rely on supplies sent by their relatives. But some political prisoners do not get supplies regularly from their relatives because of financial hardship. So, those who receive regular supplies share them. The ban on parcels is an act of oppression and a serious rights violation against prisoners who have already been cut off from the outside world and are not allowed visits from their families, he said. The ban will not only affect political prisoners but also inmates convicted of other crimes, with those on medication for health problems especially at risk, he added. Prison visits have been banned at Obo Prison since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic in Myanmar in 2020. Parcels are accepted twice daily from Monday to Friday. Security was however not visibly tightened around Obo Prison on Wednesday, according to Mandalay residents. Obo, Mandalays central jail, is among prisons notorious in Myanmar for torture and abuse of political detainees. Located in Aungmyaythazan Township, it currently houses around 7,000 inmates, many of whom are political detainees charged and imprisoned for opposing the coup. Burma Myanmars Civilian Govt and Resistance Groups Condemn Insein Prison Bombing The blast site in Insein Prison. / Cincds Myanmars civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and revolutionary forces have condemned the bombing of Insein prison in Yangon, which left eight people dead on Wednesday morning. After the two explosions, the security forces began shootings. Those killed include the mother of a jailed student activist, relatives of at least two other political detainees and three prison staff. According to the junta, the blasts killed eight people, three prison staff and five visitors including a child, and injured 18 others, including five prison staff and 13 civilians. The NUG said it is investigating the incident. Its defense ministrys code of conduct says only the dictatorship should be targeted and civilians must be protected at all times. It said those found responsible for the prison deaths would be prosecuted. U Aung Myo Min, the shadow human rights minister, said: Civilians should not be harmed while fighting the terrorist army. The organizations formed to protect the people should not harm their security. At least seven revolutionary groups, including urban underground associations and anti-junta strike committees, condemned the attack. Last week three civilians were killed and 19 injured during fighting at the base of the Kyaik Htee Yoe Golden Rock pagoda in Mon State. Burma Three Children Killed By Random Myanmar Junta Shelling James Siang Za Uk and Henry Bawi Za Lian. / Chin Journal Two six-year-old boys in Chin State and one 14-year-old girl in Rakhine State have been killed by Myanmar junta shells, according to residents. Regime troops based at a hill in Yay Soe Chaung village in Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State, shelled Pyain Taw village yesterday morning and Ma Nyein Nyein San, 14, was killed at her house, residents said. A villager said four shells were fired at the village although there had been no fighting nearby. Three shells landed outside the village. The frightened villagers ran from their houses, including the girl. The last shell killed her, he said. Pyain Taw villagers said Arakan Army (AA) troops were closing routes to the Yay Soe Chaung outpost, prompting troops to fire shells at random every day. Villagers were not able to hold a funeral for Ma Nyein Nyein San because they fear more shelling if junta troops see a crowd in the village, said residents. A shell also hit Bon Lun village in Hakha Township, Chin State, on Wednesday afternoon. James Siang Za Uk and Henry Bawi Za Lian, both six, were coming home from school when they were killed by a shell and a six-year-old girl was injured, according to a village pastor. The injured child is in Hakha hospital in critical condition. There was no fighting and no armed groups around the village, the pastor told The Irrawaddy. Fighting with the AA is escalating in Rakhine State and regime troops in Minbya Township in the state were reportedly continuously shelling villages this week. War Against the Junta Young but Determined, Myanmar Anti-Regime Fighter Motivates Others in Sacrificing His Life YDF members salute Ko Phyo at his funeral last week. (Supplied) Yaw Defense Force (YDF) Deputy Commander Ko Phyo Wai Soe was returning with two comrades from a front-line guerilla operation in Gangaw township when they were ambushed by regime forces on the afternoon of Oct. 9. The three YDF fighters were riding motorbikes when they encountered a group of eight junta policemen near Kyun Khone Thar village, 40 kilometers north of Gangaw town in Magwe Region a resistance stronghold. Of the three, only Ko Phyo Wai Soe was armed. The YDF deputy commander had only his 9 mm pistol as he and his comrades confronted the heavily armed police squad. He was hit in his chest and thigh, while his comrade Pwar Lay was shot in the head. Both died in the firefight. The third resistance fighter, Naing Thein, managed to escape back to base to deliver news of their deaths. The untimely death of the 21-year-old technological university student-turned-guerrilla leader was a severe blow to fellow YDF fighters and supporters of the armed anti-regime resistance. YDF Commander Ko Myat Thu said Ko Phyo Wai Soes passing was a big loss for the resistance force but also further motivation to uproot Myanmars military dictatorship as this was what their deputy commander had fought for. His final words were, I do nothing without the consent of the people, Ko Myat Thu said. We will just try harder to achieve what he wanted. Outstanding young man, a person of untold bravery At least a dozen local resistance groups, ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) including the Arakan Army and Chinland Defense Force and two ministries of the National Unity Government (NUG) have released statements of condolence, praising the YDF deputy commander as an outstanding young man and a person of untold bravery. In a condolence letter from the NUGs Ministry of International Cooperation, Union Minister Dr. Sasa described Ko Phyo Wai Soe as one of the heroes who sacrificed themselves for the future of the country, calling his death a big loss not only for the YDF but also for the whole of Myanmar. The powerful Arakan Army (AA) ethnic armed group described him as a model leader in the countrys fight against the junta, commonly known as Myanmars Spring Revolution. The AA praised him not only for his talent on the battlefield but for leading the push to reopen schools in areas outside of junta control where the YDF operates. He was one of the leaders, involved in the revolution since the earliest days. He was decisive and strong-minded in military affairs. I salute him with sadness and praise, said Ma Grace, platoon commander of the Myaung Women Warriors, a regiment of the Civilian Defense Security Organization Myaung (CDSOM) in Magwe Region. Known as Ko Phyo by his comrades, the deputy commander not only led troops on the ground but also networked and cooperated with other armed groups, including EAOs, since their early days of operation. He forged friendships with many other armed resistance groups that emerged in the region after the February 2021 coup, and as well as with EAOs that had been fighting military dictatorship for decades. Rich kid leading fight against brutal junta YDF is a peoples armed resistance group founded and based in Yaw Territory, Gangaw district, covering the Gangaw, Htilin, Saw and Kyaukhtu townships bordering Chin State. The area is now a hotbed of armed resistance to the juntas military forces. YDF is among the areas largest resistance groups formed since last years coup, and now boasts 15 units. It was founded just days after the Feb. 1 coup by Ko Phyo, Ko Myat Thu and two other Yaw residents. A university student and the youngest son of a wealthy family, Ko Phyo had a happy life with a bright future until the military takeover. Unlike many rich kids of his age, he loved reading and getting involved in social activities and the student union, his colleagues said. When street protests against the coup first broke out, he and Ko Myat Thu, three years his senior, organized the rallies in Gangaw. From the beginning, Ko Phyo believed that only armed struggle could root out military dictatorship. Having made their decision to resist the coup regime, he and Ko Myat Thu immediately traveled to EAO-controlled areas for basic military training. They returned to Yaw territory a couple of months later, and the YDF was born with support from EAOs in Kachin, Chin and Karen States. The YDF has offered strong resistance to regime forces in several operations and claims to have killed over 700 junta troops. Ko Phyo was responsible for directing most of the battles on the ground. The Irrawaddy is unable to verify the number of casualties claimed. Ko Phyo was also the first to smuggle Pakistan-made automatic rifles through regime checkpoints to resistance fighters in Yaw territory. But still faced with a shortage of automatic rifles, he helped produced homemade guns and was working on manufacturing contact-explosion cannons. But he was constantly at risk of arrest. In September last year, Ko Phyo was returning from a meeting to buy weapons when he was arrested at a junta outpost. Police and military personnel found out he was a YDF member and interrogated him. Ko Phyo told them he was merely a subordinate and had no serious information about the resistance group. Three days of torture followed, during which was stabbed in the ears by a screwdriver, beaten all over his body, and had his crushed by bamboo, Ko Myat Thu recalled. Fortunately, his young age and stoicism convinced his captors he was telling the truth and they released him on parole. Following his release, he spent one month in hospital. When he had recovered from his torture injuries, he headed straight back to the front line and his YDF comrades. Escaping peril until the last fight In February, the YDF joined up with the Myaing Peoples Defense Force (Myaing PDF) to attack a junta outpost in Min Ywar village, Gangaw Township. Though it was described as a police station, the outpost was housing military troops who were waiting for reinforcements before deploying in the area. Led by Ko Phyo, the resistance operation was a success with at least 20 junta forces killed and about 30 injured. But when Ko Phyo was hit by a bullet that pierced his jaw, entered his chest and severed an artery, his comrades thought he would die on the spot. But though badly injured, he gave a thumbs-up and an order to keep fighting, said a YDF comrade who was fighting alongside him. Luckily, he survived the battle and recovered from his wounds. Ko Phyo recalled the experience in an online speech to mark the YDFs one-year anniversary in May. I was wounded, so our medics rescued me and took me back to the base. My comrades kept fighting for an hour, and we were almost able to capture the station. But reinforcements arrived, so they had to fall back. I still feel regret today about not managing to seize the station, he said. Ko Myat Thu said injuries to arteries usually take years to heal but Ko Phyo recovered in just three months after a strict regime of daily exercise and determination. However, Ko Myat Thu and other leaders urged him to take a back seat and command from behind the lines rather than fighting on the ground. But he refused and had just resumed front-line action when he was caught in the Oct. 9 ambush with just his 9 mm pistol. This time there was no escape. Another who knew Ko Phyo well was Maung Saungkha, commander of the Bamar Peoples Liberation Army (BPLA) resistance group. He expressed his sorrow over losing a revolutionary comrade and seeing yet another young life sacrificed in resisting the military regime. To achieve our goal, we pay with losses like these. Those of us who remain alive need to keep up the fight to get the genuine federation we expect, Maung Saungkha told The Irrawaddy, referring to the democratic federal Union that anti-regime forces are fighting for. Hundreds of vehicles, including goods trucks, are trapped on the Asian Highway linking the border town of Myawaddy and Kawkareik on Wednesday due to yesterdays fighting. On September 9, the Cobra Column seized two junta vehicles loaded with weapons and ammunition from the Light Infantry Battalion 102 in Myawaddy. Following the seizure, 44th LID commander Colonel Tin Moe Naing was summoned to Naypyitaw for interrogation and forced to retire. The regime reportedly suffered heavy casualties in the clashes but failed to retake the camp. Since July frequent clashes have been reported between junta troops from the 44th LID and 13th Military Operations Command and the Karen National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the KNU, and the Cobra Column resistance group. The regime is attempting to retake the Thay Baw Boe camp, which it lost to the KNU. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports. Colonel Win Min Oo was killed by a sniper in fighting at Nyaung Chaung village between Waw Lay and Thay Baw Boe in Karen State. A colonel in Myanmar juntas 44th Light Infantry Division (LID) involved in operations on the Falu-Waw Lay road in Myawaddy Township on the Thai border was killed on Wednesday morning, according to the Karen National Union (KNU). War Against the Junta Myanmar Junta Colonel Killed by Resistance Sniper in Karen State: Claim More Than 40 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Two Days of Resistance Attacks Myanmar Junta Sentences Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Another Three Years for Corruption Challenges Await New Contractor as India Rejigs Plan for Completion of Kaladan Project in Myanmar Myanmar Junta Jails Japanese Journalist for Three More Years for Immigration Breach: Embassy Source Myanmar Junta Suffers Over 20 Casualties in Clashes With Resistance in Two Days Junta Watch: Coup Leader Gets Chummy With Cadets; Open Door for Russia; and More How Sagaing is at Forefront of Revolution Against Myanmars Junta About 40 Myanmar Junta Forces Killed in Three Days of Resistance Attacks Local Official Among Some 40 Myanmar Junta Personnel Killed in Two Days Lieutenant Colonel Among Over 50 Regime Forces Killed by Myanmar Resistance in Two Days One Killed as 14 Break Out of Myanmar Junta Police Station At Least Eight Killed in Bombing, Shooting at Myanmars Insein Prison We do not encourage viewing this site in this width. Please increase the size of your window. War Against the Junta Myanmar Military Officer, Three Local Officials Among 10 Regime Forces Killed in Two Days -- A Myanmar military strategist and three junta-appointed administrators were among 10 regime forces killed by Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in the last two days during operations against regime targets. Meanwhile, at least four civilians including three children were killed at the hands of regime forces. Incidents were reported in Karen, Chin and Rakhine states and Sagaing, Mandalay and Bago regions. The Irrawaddy has rounded up the following reports of significant attacks by PDFs and EAOs, as well as the regimes latest atrocities. Junta military strategist assassinated by resistance snipers in Karen Military Colonel Win Min Oo, the chief strategist of Tactical Battalion 441, was confirmed killed by resistance snipers of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and its allied Federal Wing Drone Force during a five-hour firefight in Myawaddy Township, Karen State on Wednesday, claimed KNLAs Cobra Column. The fierce clash started at 9:30 a.m. when the KNLA and the PDF group attacked forces of Myanmar military Infantry Battalions 102, 8 and 207, which were invading the Luu Khoe area. During the attack, two nearby regime military bases supported their ground forces with artillery strikes against the resistance groups. Four other junta soldiers were seriously injured in the clash. No resistance casualties were reported. In the evening, one more soldier was killed by KNLA snipers during an attack on a military base at a hilltop near Lay Kaw Kaw town in the township. Two kindergarten students killed in junta artillery strike in Chin Two kindergarten students, James Siang Za Uk, 6, and Henry Bawi Za Lian, 6, were killed in junta artillery strikes on Bonlwin Village in Hakha Township, Chin State on Wednesday afternoon while they were returning from school, local media outlet The Chin Journal reported. Another student, a 6-year-old girl, was seriously injured by the explosives. There was no clash with resistance forces going on at the time, and the junta forces shelled the civilian area unprovoked, the local media reported, quoting residents. Girl, 14, killed in junta artillery strike in Rakhine Grade 7 student Ma Nyein Nyein San, 14, was killed in Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State on Wednesday morning when the Myanmar militarys Yesoe Chaung base indiscriminately shelled Byeintaw Village with three artillery rounds, unprovoked by any clash, reported local media outlet Western News. The junta shelling prompted most of the villages residents to flee. Two civilians were injured in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State on the same day when regime forces guarding a bridge used both heavy explosives and firearms to attack nearby villages following a blast at the bridge. Disabled civilian shot dead by junta forces in Sagaing Disabled person Ko Myint Oo, 45, who was deaf and had only one arm, was shot dead by regime forces in Myaung Township, Sagaing Region at 5 a.m. Wednesday during their raid on Shwe Bon Thar Village, said the Civil Defense and Security Organization of Myaung (CDSOM). The victim was gunned down while he was attempting to evacuate his elderly parents. Regime forces also looted nearly 2 million kyats (US$950) in cash and two mobile phones from houses in the village. After learning of the raid, local resistance forces used land mines and 40-mm explosives to ambush regime troops returning to Kyaukyit police outpost after the operation. Regime forces fled in different directions after two military troops were injured in the PDF ambush. Villagers trapped by surprise junta air raid in Sagaing Several hundred residents have been trapped since two Russian-made Mi-35 helicopter gunships attacked their villages, including Yin Paung Taing, in Yinmabin Township, Sagaing Region on Wednesday, as they are surrounded by about 100 regime troops. The troops were airlifted in by four transport helicopters, according to residents. No further details of the situation have emerged since then. On Aug. 11, 18 people including resistance fighters were killed in Yin Paung Taing when three Mi-35 gunships attacked a crowd in the village. Sixty troops dropped by helicopters raided and occupied the village for two days. Four junta soldiers killed by PDF land mines in Bago Four regime troops were killed and three seriously injured in Kyaukgyi Township, Bago Region on Tuesday when resistance fighters of Taungoo District PDF Battalion 3502 used land mines to ambush 100 regime forces near Nyaung Pin Thar Village in the township. After being ambushed, the junta troops burned down a small bridge nearby. Junta police officer killed in Bago A junta police officer was killed and two others injured in Paungde Township, Bago Region on Wednesday afternoon when PDF fighters of Paungde PDF Battalion 3601 used a land mine to ambush regime policemen on three motorbikes on a road. Junta-appointed ward administrator attacked in Bago The resistance group Tharyarwaddy Galone Force claimed to have shot and wounded regime-appointed ward administrator U Tun Tun Win and his wife Ma Lei Lei Win, a civil servant working for a junta-controlled agriculture bank, on the Yangon-Pyay highway between Tharyarwaddy and Letpandan townships in Bago Region on Wednesday morning. Bago Regional PDF said the attack was a part of Operation Nann Htike Aung being carried out against regime targets. In the attack, the administrator was seriously injured after being shot in the waist and his wife was injured in the leg, the PDF attackers told local media. Junta-appointed village administrator assassinated in Mandalay The resistance group Bo Kaung Kin Revolution Group claimed on Wednesday that it killed Aung Min Tun, a regime-appointed village administrator of Myauk Tangar Village in Madaya Township in Mandalay Region. The owner of illegal gambling businesses, the dead man was also notorious for threatening and torturing innocent civilians suspected of being PDF supporters, the group said. A PDF photo shows the administrator inspecting a man who is tied and blindfolded. Junta-appointed village administrator killed in Mandalay U Aung Win Gyi, the regime-appointed village administrator of Oakpho Ywarthit Village in Madaya Township, Mandalay Region was reportedly assassinated by combined PDF groups on Wednesday, according to local media. He was notorious for torturing and exploiting civilians, the PDF groups said. An improvised gun was seized from the administrator. War Against the Junta Myanmar Regime Artillery Strikes Kill Four Civilians in Rakhine Civilians injured in junta shelling on October 17. / CJ Three people including a schoolteacher were killed and at least 13 injured by junta artillery strikes in Minbya Township, Rakhine State on Monday, according to residents. Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 380, 379 and 541 based in Minbya town shelled villages after junta troops were hit by a land mine attack in the town, said locals. Two sisters from Palaung Pyin Village died at hospital, while a 50-year-old female schoolteacher working in Htaung Chaung Gyi Village was killed immediately in the junta strikes. At least 13 others were injured and maybe more, a local told The Irrawaddy at noon on Monday. Junta battalions were still shelling villages then, he added. The body of the schoolteacher could not be transported to her home in Minbya town on Monday as junta troops had blocked roads. Schools and shops were also closed in Minbya town due to the artillery strikes, locals said. People are staying indoors and no one dares to go out on the streets, said a resident. Villagers could offer few details about Mondays casualties since they were fleeing the shelling. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify their reports. A 30-year-old Muslim woman in Rakhines Kyauktaw town was also killed by the regime on Monday when junta troops stationed at Kisspanadi Bridge fired mortar shells at Pike The Ward around 8 p.m. There was no fighting yesterday. They fired shells at houses on both sides of the bridge. She ran away when she heard shelling but was hit, a Pike The Ward community elder told The Irrawaddy. The woman was rushed to a cottage hospital where she died of her injuries, said ward residents. Before Mondays fatal shelling, at least five people had been killed and more than 20 injured by junta artillery strikes in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Buthidaung since fighting between junta forces and the Arakan Army intensified two months ago. The Arakan National Party on September 29 strongly condemned junta artillery attacks that resulted in civilian casualties and damage to residential areas. Junta troops and the AA have been locked in fierce fighting in northern Rakhine since August. The junta has blockaded roads and waterways in the region, limiting the supply of food. The surge in food prices that has resulted is taking a heavy toll on locals. War Against the Junta Myanmar Troops Killed in Ambushes After Escorting Regime Boss Trip The Cobra Column in Karen State. / KNU Nine Myanmar junta personnel, including a major and two captains, were reportedly killed in Belin Township, Mon State, on Monday when the ethnic Karen resistance forces ambushed a convoy that escorted the visit of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. On Monday night, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union, ambushed seven vehicles on a highway in Belin while they were returning to Thaton from Mawlamyine after escorting the regime leaders visit, according to the Salween Press, quoting KNLA Brigade 1. That morning the junta chief and other leaders visited Mawlamyine after meeting business owners in neighboring Hpa-an in Karen State. The convoy was reportedly ambushed by resistance forces using landmines and rocket-propelled grenades twice on the Yangon-Mawlamyine highway in Belin. Four vehicles were damaged and nine personnel killed, including Police Captain Aung Mya Soe, an army major and a captain, KNLA Brigade 1 told the media. The Irrawaddy was unable to independently confirm the casualties. On Monday morning resistance forces from the Partnership Oversight Committee of KNLA Brigade 1 raided two junta checkpoints on the Thaton-Hpa-an highway in Thaton Township, Mon State, the committee said. In the raids, eight regime soldiers were killed and 10 others injured, it said. Meanwhile, three Peoples Force attackers were injured. The junta continues to suffer losses across the country. War Against the Junta Prison-Break Resistance Fighter Killed in PDF Raid on Myanmar Police Outpost PDF fighter Ko Nay Htet / 96 Soldiers-PDF A young Myanmar resistance fighter who recently escaped from a junta prison was killed during a Peoples Defense Force (PDF) raid on a junta police outpost in Wetlet Township, Sagaing Region on Monday. Ko Nay Htet, 21, and a comrade from 96 Soldiers-PDF were arrested by regime forces in Pakkoku Township, Magwe Region in July while traveling to an assigned area in Wetlet from Karen State, group representative Ko Zayar Lwin told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday. 96 Soldiers-PDF has been trained by the Karen National Union and assigned to conduct operations against the regime in Sagaing. The two PDF fighters and three other political prisoners escaped from Pakokku Prison on Sept. 10 after scaling an 18-foot (5.5-meter) prison wall at night. The PDF fighters later rejoined their original squadron with 96 soldiers-PDF in Wetlet. Early on Monday, Ko Nay Htet was killed during a firefight with regime forces when their PDF and three other local resistance groups jointly attempted to occupy the junta outpost in Shwe Pan Kone Village in the township. During the hourlong clash, two regime forces were killed and six others injured. Another regime soldier suffered serious injuries and reportedly died later that night, Ko Zayar Lwin said. Another resistance fighter was also injured in the clash. All of the PDF groups were forced to retreat and abandon their attempt to occupy the outpost when junta forces called in an Mi-35 helicopter gunship to attack the resistance forces. Ko Nay Htet died after being shot in the back while retreating from the clash, said Ko Zayar Lwin. It is not easy to break out of prison. But Ko Nay Htet managed to escape amid difficulties and rejoined the armed revolution. His determined spirit against the military dictatorship was very powerful, he said. During the prison break, Ko Nay Htet helped four other inmates escape by allowing them to stand on his shoulders in order to climb over the prison wall. He also managed to escape despite falling from the high wall. He died fighting the military dictatorship rather than be tortured to death in prison for the prison break. So, his death was a noble one, said the representative of 96 Soldiers-PDF. Wanted by the military regime for their anti-regime activism, his two siblings and parents fled their Yangon home and have been on the run for over a year. As of Monday, 2,361 people had been killed by the military junta while a total of 15,873 people including government leaders have been arrested or detained since the coup last year, said the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a rights group monitoring deaths and arrests. That nip in the air this morning makes it an idea day to enjoy the fresh air and take time to enjoy a delicious meal at any of our participating #tasteofkeybiscayne restaurants on this Islander News Thursday, October 20. Costa Med Bistro Everything tastes better with Truffle fries, including our unique Petit Filet Mignon. Try it today!. Join us for lunch or dinner and enjoy the weather in our expanded outside seating! Costa Med, a TripAdvisor Traverlers Choice nominated restaurant, is located in the Square Shopping Center. 260 Crandon Blvd. Reservations recommended. Call Antonio or Harold at (305) 361-7575 Hours. Lunch Mon to Sat: Noon a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner Mon to Sat: 6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. / Sun 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Order online for take out here! Randazzo by Yesenia Open for Indoor & Outdoor dining, Takeout or delivery. Reservations recommended What could be better than a Randazzo dinner with your favorite wine? Join us today, between 5 and 7 p.m. for $5 Wine & Beer specials and HALF OFF Appetizers Please call (305) 456-0480 to place an order or make a reservation Open Monday, Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Tuesdays 328 Crandon Blvd Ste 112, Galleria Shopping Center Delivery service with Postmates or UberEats D'Lite Bistro & Bakery Who says eating healthy means sacrificing taste and flavor? Not at DLite! We are a unique and healthy restaurant that serves salads, wraps, sandwiches, bowls, protein smoothies and cold press juices made fresh every morning including gluten-free, vegetarian and keto options. This Thursday, join us for a delicious Tropical Bowl with salmon and avocado enjoyed in our special terrazita! We open at 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily except Sat and Sun when we close at 6 p.m. DLite is located in the Arcade Mall, 180 Crandon Blvd. To place an order, call (305) 882-9284 or visit us online by clicking here. The Golden Hog Eat Local. Help local. Shop Safely. Email us your grocery list at orders@thegoldenhogmarket.com Do you Poke? Love tuna? Salmon? Our delicious Poke Bowl station is now open Wednesday through Thursdays. Located in our juice bar area and made fresh to order. ENJOY! Todays menu: Soups & Creams Chicken Chupe / Minestrone Soup / Vegan Yellow Squash Main Course: Churrasco / Turkey Breast / Fish & Calamari / Cheese Tortellini Side Dishes: Yellow Rice / Green Beans / Sweet Mashed Potatoes The Golden-Hog has a complete line of specialty groceries for delivery. Call (305) 361-1300 to place a delivery or order online here Boaters Grill & Lighthouse Cafe / Bill Baggs The restaurants inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park the popular Boaters Grill, located at No Name Harbor and accessible by boat, and the beachside Lighthouse Cafe are ready to serve. Outdoor dining is our specialty and nobody serves fresher seafood on the island! Celebrate this change in temperatures while enjoying a Cuban feast! Boaters Grill is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lighthouse Cafe is open 7-days a week, from 9 a.m. to Sunset The restaurants are located inside Bill Baggs State Park, at 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. Call (305) 361-0080 to place your order. Sake Room Open for Indoor & covered Outdoor Dining, Takeout & Delivery Have you tried the Sake Room for lunch? Select from a varied and special menu with entries starting at $10.99 Today try our delicious Hamachi truffle tartare Today, enjoy a FREE Crunchy Crab Salad on us*!!! New hours! Noon to 10 p.m. Call (305) 456-0488 to place a takeout or delivery order directly Following all CDC safety protocols 328 Crandon Blvd Ste 108, Galleria Shopping Center Grub hub UberEats also available. Please if you can call us first *Offer good on any $50+ order Kazumi Open for indoor & ample and comfortable Outdoor Dining, Takeout & Delivery Enjoy one of our special rolls this Thursday, or perhaps our own take on Tuna Tartar Our modern Japanese fusion restaurant offers creative treatments & creativity in our dishes for takeout and delivery by our own employees. Available for lunch and dinner. Open Monday through Saturday Noon to 10 p.m. Closed Sunday Only accepting credit card payments. To place an order call (305) 361-2675 or order online here. Brasas KB Thursday cold weather special.... Our delicious half pound hamburger, with one side and a soda, only $10.99 - loaded it up with a fried egg, bacon, cheese and pickles to make it a "completa" for only $4 more! Can't beat the quality! Unmatched value! Have you tried our Peruvian Chicken Rotisserie for lunch or dinner that include 2 sides and sauce of your choice: huancaina, aji amarillo, huacatay and olivas negras peruanas. Open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Takeout & Free Delivery Call (786) 615-2399 to place a takeout order. Open Noon to 8 p.m. 328 Crandon Blvd, Galleria Shopping Center Miss Mui Chinese Bistro Newest #tasteofkeybiscayne dining experience, serving authentic Chinese and Cantonese food. Miss Mui is a family owned and operated restaurant, serving Cantonese cuisine staples like special fried rice, BBQ Spare Ribs, but also lumpias, a Venezuelan-style spring roll and more. This Monday try any of our authentic Cantonese dishes on this Thursday Miss Mui is located in the Square Shopping Center at 260 Crandon Blvd. Suite 14, on Key Biscayne. To place an order, please call 305)-381-0694. Follow them on Instagram. Click here. La Scala Ready for dinner? Yes! We have outside seating to enjoy this nice weather! A La Scala Italian meal makes any night that much more special. Join us for dine-in, open for indoor dining, and weve added to our outdoor seating, reservations recommended. Come in even if just to say hello to Chandra, and the la Scala team! To place a takeout - offering curbside service - order call (786) 773-3633 or visit us online by clicking here. Open 5 to 10 p.m. Located at 180 Crandon Blvd in the Arcade Shopping Center. Check back tomorrow for more specials as we add more restaurants to #tasteofkeybiscayne-To-Go And please remember to order from the restaurant directly before using one of the apps this way we support the local restaurants by saving them the commission they are charged, which at times is as much as 30% October 19, 2022 Idaho State University is celebrating an increase in both enrollment and student retention for the Fall 2022 semester. The University is reporting an overall fall enrollment of 12,319 students, an increase of 1.3 percent over Fall 2021. Total undergraduate enrollment increased by 2 percent, or 195 students. This marks a second year in a row of total enrollment increases for the University. The fall-to-fall retention rate of the first-time full-time bachelor degree-seeking cohort from Fall 2021 is 70 percent, a three percent increase from the prior year cohort. Idaho States continuing student enrollment has also increased from the prior year by nearly 0.75 percent. We are excited by the news of another semester of positive enrollment, President Kevin Satterlee said. Our University has prioritized recruitment and retention efforts, and those efforts are making a difference. The actions of our faculty and staff, who played a major role in this success, makes a major difference. This enrollment report also means that Idaho State is able to provide a quality education to even more students. Undergraduate transfer enrollment increased by 19.6 percent, and first-time undergraduate student enrollment saw a 6.5 percent decline. The number of dual-enrolled high school students at the University also increased by 190 students, a 6.5 percent increase. Graduate student enrollment saw a small decline of 33 students. During the previous four years, graduate enrollment saw sizable year-over-year increases, including last falls nearly six percent increase. In comparison, Fall 2021 total enrollment at Idaho State was 12,157. TPG Telecom has wrapped up a 5G 12-month smart-farming trial at Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange in northern New South Wales, featuring the automation of counting cattle which has the potential to save farmers time, money, and productivity. By using 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), image processing, and cloud and edge computing services, the new tech solution aims to remove human error to enable saleyard managers to verify, monitor, and report on cattle numbers in real-time, with higher accuracy, and without the need to be physically present. TPG Telecom deployed 5G, artificial intelligence, image processing, and cloud edge computing services to implement the solution, which aims to eliminate human error. Saleyard managers involved in the trial verified, monitored, and reported the cattle numbers in real time. TPG Telecom claims the managers reported data with higher accuracy without the need to be physically present. Most people think counting cattle is as simple as counting jellybeans, but counting four-legged beasts moving at speed is a completely different ballgame, said AAM Investment Group NSW regional development manager Brock Syphers. Counting cattle requires a lot of bodies, hours of work, and genuine skill to make sure you get the numbers right, all the while making sure the animals are healthy, looked after, and your people are safe, Syphers explained. This is a game changer for the industry and can give our team more time, resources, and the next level of accountability that is crucial on a sale day. The 5G smart solution can help deliver greater certainty for buyers and sellers alike, providing clear evidence the cows arriving at the saleyard are the same cows leaving when sold. The trials 5G and AI-image processing capabilities featured multiple high-definition video streams to count cattle entering and exiting the saleyards, relaying data in real-time back to the saleyard manager via an application on a tablet or mobile device. The solution also provides the ability to play back the recorded videos in the case of a dispute, with footage stored in the cloud for future audits. By automating the process, counting can occur simultaneously from multiple locations in the saleyard and remotely from other saleyards around the country. TPG Telecom plans to revolutionise 5G farming solution, which may be deployed for security purposes. It can also be used to perform cattle identification, tracking, health monitoring, behaviour, and welfare analysis in the future. According to Deloitte Access Economics, adoption of 5G technology could contribute a $15 billion innovation annually to the agriculture industry in Australia by enabling the automation of routine and manual tasks and increasing the efficient use of resources. With livestock representing roughly half of the industry, this could translate to billions of dollars of additional value created through operational improvements and cost savings. TPG Telecom chief technology officer Giovanni Chiarelli said the trial demonstrates the crucial role 5G technologies can play in future-proofing Australias agriculture industry by optimising resources, automating manual tasks, and enhancing production. This project is a great example of how labour-intensive industries like agriculture can benefit from the major economic, resource, and productivity boosts made possible by 5G, Chiarelli said. TPG Telecom collaborated with Nokia, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), to build the solution and conduct the 12-month trial. Nokia provided the 5G network equipment, UTS developed the cattle-counting machine learning model, and AWS Professional Services provided support on delivering the AWS edge computing and machine learning solutions on the cloud. Agriculture is one of Australias most critical industries and were focused on helping drive digitisation and modernisation to deliver benefits for our customers, said Amazon Web Services managing director Australia and New Zealand Rianne van Veldhuizen. The project received grant funding from the Australian Governments 5G Innovation Initiative. Threat intelligence firm SOCRadar says it has detected that sensitive data from 65,000 entities has been made public because of a misconfigured Microsoft endpoint. It has dubbed the leak BlueBleed, adding that this data was only the first part of the leak. The total amount of data was from more than 150,000 companies in 123 different countries, SOCRadar said in a post. British security guru Kevin Beaumont tweeted about the leak, saying: "Microsoft have had some sort of breach due to a misconfigured system, which has exposed customer data." Boo hoo: we are dissapointed and SocR greatly exaggerated Do better MS. John Cas (@moresunshine_1) October 20, 2022 He linked to a post from the Microsoft Security Research Centre which said researchers from SOCRadar had informed the company on 24 September of the misconfigured endpoint. And Beaumont added that according to Microsoft support, regulators had not been notified. In its post, SOCRadar said the data exposed included proof-of-execution and statement-of-work documents, user information, product orders/offers, project details, personally identifiable information data and documents that may contain intellectual property. The MSRC post attempted to play down the seriousness of the leak, saying: "Upon being notified of the misconfiguration, the endpoint was quickly secured and is now only accessible with required authentication. "Our investigation found no indication customer accounts or systems were compromised. We have directly notified the affected customers." SOCRadar said: "The term 'BlueBleed' was coined by Can Yoleri, a threat and vulnerability researcher at SOCRadar, referring to the sensitive information leaked by six misconfigured buckets collectively. "The first part of the collection is due to a misconfigured Azure Blob Storage. It can be considered one of the most significant B2B leaks, affecting more than 65,000 entities in 111 countries with sensitive data inside a single Bucket." Here's one of the customer notifications from MS. "We are unable to provide the specific affected data from this issue". Whut. https://t.co/NWxm3Mce3Q Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) October 19, 2022 Explaining how it had found the data, SOCRadar said: "[We] continuously monitor the surface web, deep web, and darknet for vulnerabilities and data leaks. BlueBleed Part I is discovered as the result of such monitoring." The company said after the initial detection, its researchers had investigated a storage area in the bucket where SQLServer back-ups were stored. "Further investigations on the back-ups led SOCRadar researchers to discover links between the misconfigured bucket and other Azure Blob Storages," the post said. "A thorough investigation revealed that the sensitive data of tens of thousands of companies was exposed to the public due to this misconfiguration. The amount and scale of the leaked data make it the most significant B2B data leak in the recent history of cyber security." SOCRadar has provided a means for companies to search and see if they are affected. BlueBleed Part I included more than 335,000 emails, 133,000 projects, and 548,000 exposed users within the leaks so far, SOCRadar said. The entire tranche of exposed data was about 2.4TB containing sensitive information belonging to Microsoft. Included were files dated from 2017 to August 2022. Beaumont was scathing about the way the data had leaked. "Microsoft will be furious about this one, as it will lead to a ton of 'customer concern', i.e. orgs will find themselves in the data," he pointed out. "[It] will be interesting to see if they try to lawyer SOCRadar. "It appears they backed up their own SQL databases to an open bucket." He said the MSRC blog post showed it "has no idea how cyber security works in [the] real world. I manage a SOC. We don't have access to 'Message Center'." Beaumont was referring to a part of the MSRC post that read, "If you did not receive a Message Center communication, our investigation did not identify an impact to you or your organisation." The Microsoft bucket has been publicly indexed for months, it's called olyympusv2 hosted on Azure blob storage - it was publicly readable. It's even in search engines.https://t.co/5iBIb2qvue pic.twitter.com/5zjC0IC4wh Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) October 20, 2022 Microsoft accused SOCRadar of exaggerating the leak. "Our in-depth investigation and analysis of the data set shows duplicate information, with multiple references to the same emails, projects, and users," it said. "We take this issue very seriously and are disappointed that SOCRadar exaggerated the numbers involved in this issue even after we highlighted their error. "More importantly, we are disappointed that SOCRadar has chosen to release publicly a 'search tool' that is not in the best interest of ensuring customer privacy or security and potentially exposing them to unnecessary risk. In feeling - MS are going to have to change tactic, stop putting out blogs blaming the finders, and mea culpa on the whole issue. I know culturally that's difficult at MS. The rabbit is out the bag, customers are smart, MS was dumb, mistakes happen, they've lost the narrative Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) October 20, 2022 "We recommend that any security company that wants to provide a similar tool follow basic measures to enable data protection and privacy: "to implement a reasonable verification system to ensure that a user is who it purports to be; "to follow data minimisation principles by scoping the results delivered solely to information pertaining to that verified user only; "where that company is not in a position to determine with reasonable fidelity which customers had affected data, to not then surface to a given user information (including metadata/filenames) that may belong to another customer." The exposed data includes, for example, emails from US .gov, talking about O365 projects, money etc - I found this not via SOCRadar, it's cached. A post in M365 Admin Center, ignoring regulators and telling acct managers to blow off customers ain't going to cut it. Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) October 20, 2022 Beaumont said: "_If_ exposed data is as SOCRadar describe..., sticking a notification in an MS admin centre somewhere is.. likely not going to be okay. It needs regulator notification etc. "Also it appears the buckets were sat listed in Grayhat Warfare's database, indexed who else accessed?" He added: "MS being unable (read: refusing) to tell customers what data was taken and apparently not notifying regulators a legal requirement has the hallmarks of a major botched response. I hope it isnt." Medical insurer Medibank Group says its shares have entered a trading halt after it was contacted by an individual who claims to have stolen 200GB of data from the company during a network attack which it reported last week. In a statement issued on Thursday, the company said the individual in question had provided a sample of records for 100 policies. "...we believe [this] has come from our ahm and international student systems," it said. The company provides private health insurance and health services to more than 3.9 million people in Australia. "That data includes first names and surnames, addresses, dates of birth, Medicare numbers, policy numbers, phone numbers and some claims data," Medibank Group said. "This claims data includes the location of where a customer received medical services, and codes relating to their diagnosis and procedures. "The criminal claims to have stolen other information, including data related to credit card security, which has not yet been verified by our investigations." When the company first announced its systems had been breached, it said at that stage there was no indication of any sensitive data having leaked. In a later update, it said access to its ahm and international student policy systems had been restored. Medibank chief executive David Koczkar said: I unreservedly apologise for this crime which has been perpetrated against our customers, our people, and the broader community. I know that many will be disappointed with Medibank and I acknowledge that disappointment. This cyber crime is now the subject of an investigation by the Australian Federal Police. We will learn from this incident and will share our learnings with others. Medibank will remain open and transparent and will continue to provide comprehensive updates as often as we can and need to. In an interview with the ABC's AM program, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said various arms of the government were working to support the Medibank Group. She said the company had "engaged external providers to assist them, and the Australian Signals Directorate, which is the best cyber organisation in the country, which is part of the Australian Government, has also been intimately involved in this along the way". Asked whether reports that cyber crime had been added to the responsibilities of the attorney-general meant a demotion for her, O'Neil replied: "No, its not. Its not. The attorney-general and I share a lot of responsibilities. He is responsible for the Australian Federal Police. Im responsible for cyber security. So, its very common across government for responsibilities to be shared, and this is one of them." Get unlimited access to all content and features at ivpressonline.com with our Full Online Access Subscription. Read our E-Edition, the digital replica of the print newspaper online, access content in exclusive sections including Family, Teen, Business, Databases, Farm and more. This option does not include daily home delivery of the Imperial Valley Press newspaper. For home delivery service, please select Premium or Premium Plus. Today A few clouds early, otherwise mostly sunny. High 74F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph, becoming WSW and increasing to 10 to 20 mph. Tonight Clear. Low 52F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Tomorrow Mainly sunny. High 71F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TIANJIN WELCOMES NEW GENERAL MANAGER ANTHONY GILL (China) Anthony Gill makes the move from Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and overseeing Four Seasons Resort Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle to Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin as General Manager. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TIANJIN WELCOMES NEW GENERAL MANAGER ANTHONY GILL (China) Anthony Gill makes the move from Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and overseeing Four Seasons Resort Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle to Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin as General Manager. China - Careers - Appointments This is a press release Category: Asia Pacific This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2022-10-20 more than 20 years of global luxury hotel experience, his move marks the start of an exciting new chapter at the landmark Hotel in the heart of Tianjins CBD. I am delighted to take this opportunity to lead this modern and luxurious property and look forward to enhancing our guest experiences with new offerings and lead the team to new heights, says Anthony. Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin is recognized as Tianjins new epicentre for the international elite. It is essential to carry forward its present glory and forge ahead into a brighter future. Bringing a unique energy and charisma to his work, Anthony is always up for a new challenge in hospitality, from Four Seasons Resort Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, which he successfully guided through the rebranding to a Four Seasons in 2016, to the last three years at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai while overseeing Four Seasons Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle. He has always showcased his passion for luxury hotels and food and beverage throughout his career to date. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne in The UK, Anthony holds a Higher National Diploma in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management from Newcastle College. He started his hospitality journey at the Malmaison Hotel in his hometown in 2001, the best new hotel in the city at that time and returned there for a two-year stint as operations manager a few years later. After that he had a thirst to explore luxury hotels on a global level and accepted his first international food and beverage assignment, which took him to the Columbus Hotel in Monaco. Anthony also has an abundance of international food and beverage leadership experience, including Intercontinental Doha, One & Only Maldives, and Six Senses in Vietnam and Thailand. Bringing forth his wealth of international experience and luxury hotel expertise, Anthony is ready to take up the challenge and lead the thriving Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin. Joining his efforts with the management team of the Hotel, Anthony is committed to lead the Hotel towards a new era of success, cementing its position as the ultimate urban sanctuary in Tianjins intriguing global port city. At leisure, Anthony and his wife focus on the balance of eating and exercising, more so the eating with much enthusiasm. As a keen outdoorsman, he looks forward to acclimating himself with Tianjin by indulging in his passion for hiking and trail running. [ Four Seasons Hotel Tianjin ] [Website of the company which publishes this press release] Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - At least 30 people were killed in demonstrations that broke out on Thursday in several districts of N'Djamena, the political capital of Chad, local media reported, citing security sources Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) urged the international community and the media on Wednesday to give the crisis in Ethiopia the attention it deserves China's diplomacy wins global friends Chinadaily.com.cn) 14:41, October 20, 2022 China has stepped up efforts to develop its diplomatic service over the past decade with a comprehensive, multilevel and multifaceted agenda being established, Ma Zhaoxu, vice-minister of the Foreign Ministry, said at a press news conference in Beijing on Thursday. Ma said that over the past 10 years, the number of countries having established diplomatic relations with China has increased from 172 to 181. And 149 countries and 32 international organizations have been attracted to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, he said. According to Ma, China has firmly safeguarded its national sovereignty, security and development interests in faced of external containment, suppression and unwarranted interference. China has forcefully defended the one-China principle and consecutively thwarted anti-China moves to attack and smear China, he said. Ma said that China has also engaged in global governance with unprecedented width, in-depth and intensity over the past decade, thus becoming the mainstay in upholding multilateralism. "It is under the guidance of the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy that we have blazed a new path of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics," the vice-minister said, describing the Party's leadership as the root and soul of China's diplomacy. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) The former CEO of French cement giant Lafarge on Wednesday accused the company's new owners of leading a "biased" inquiry to blame him for terror financing claims in Syria, a day after a landmark US fine against the group. Lafarge pleaded guilty in a US court Tuesday to paying millions of dollars to the Islamic State group and other jihadists in war-torn Syria between 2013 and 2014, and agreed to a $778 million fine over conspiring to provide material support to US-designated "foreign terrorist organisations". The US Justice Department said company executives, including former chief Bruno Lafont, knew of the arrangement with the jihadists. After the settlement, Lafarge now faces the possibility of the introduction of evidence from the US prosecution into a separate French case over similar charges. Lafont -- who was chief executive from 2007 to 2015, when the company merged with the Swiss building supplies company Holcim -- again strongly denied "ever being informed of any payments to the benefit of terrorist groups or any provision of supplies to such groups", according to a statement issued through his lawyers. The former chief, who has been charged with "financing a terrorist organisation" in the French case, accused Holcim of singling him out for blame. "It appears throughout the testimonies and revelations of those involved in this case that the so-called inquiry led by Holcim is entirely and exclusively biased against Bruno Lafont and the former directors of the Lafarge group, and that Holcim has systematically been opposed to finding out the truth," the statement said. "This raises questions about the facts and responsibilities that Lafarge admitted to in the United States under Holcim's guidance." Holcim, which says it took over Lafarge without knowledge of the Syria business dealings, said it had been cleared of any wrongdoing by US authorities. Lafont said he wished to again appear before French investigating magistrates to "touch on certain recent elements" and "request the declassification of certain documents", and is also seeking "the testimony of certain people likely to add new elements on the case". Lafarge still faces charges in France of complicity in crimes against humanity over the dealings to keep open the Jalabiyeh cement plant in northern Syria. In May, a French appeals court approved the charge, opening the door for a trial of the company and eight former executives, including Lafont. Unlike in the United States, the group does not have the option of negotiating a settlement, which is not allowed under French anti-terrorism statutes. jpa/edy/ah/js/lcm LAFARGEHOLCIM The World Health Organization chief condemned the dire situation in Ethiopia's conflict-torn Tigray region Wednesday, warning that urgent action was needed to avert "genocide". "The world is not paying enough attention," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters from WHO headquarters in Geneva, stressing "there is a very narrow window now to prevent genocide in Tigray." Addis Ababa on Tuesday said it had captured three towns in the northern region, where fighting between pro-government forces and rebels has raged since August after a truce collapsed. International concern is growing for those caught in the crossfire in Tigray, where Ethiopian forces and troops from neighbouring Eritrea have stepped up their offensive. The UN has described the situation as spiralling out of control and inflicting an "utterly staggering" toll on civilians. Tedros, who himself is from the northern region and has repeatedly decried the situation there, said he was "running out of diplomatic language for the deliberate targeting of civilians in Tigray. - 'Indiscriminate attacks' - "The social fabric is being ripped apart and civilians are paying a horrific price," he said, insisting that the "hostilities in Tigray must end now, including the immediate withdrawal and disengagement of Eritrean armed forces from Ethiopia." Tedros stressed that "indiscriminate attacks or attacks that deliberately target civilians or civilian objects amount to war crimes." The WHO chief said the people of Tigray had essentially been blocked off from essential services since the conflict first erupted in November 2020. "There is no other situation globally in which six million people are being kept under siege for almost two years," he said. "Banking, food, electricity and healthcare are being used as weapons of war," he lamented. "Even people who have money are starving because they can't access their bank for two years," he said, adding that "children are dying every day from malnutrition." Tedros acknowledged that he is personally affected by the situation in Tigray. "Most of my relatives are in the most affected areas," he said, but insisted that "my job is to draw the world's attention to crises that threaten the health of people wherever they are. "This is a health crisis for six million people," he said. "The world is not paying enough attention." The World Health Organization chief said Wednesday time was running out to avoid "genocide" in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray, as Human Rights Watch called for sanctions against Addis Ababa to avert civilian deaths. "The world is not paying enough attention," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters from WHO headquarters in Geneva. "There is a very narrow window now to prevent genocide in Tigray." With the conflict nearing its second anniversary, Addis Ababa on Tuesday said it had captured three towns in Tigray, including Shire, which had a pre-war population of 100,000. The conflict began on November 4, 2020, when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops into Tigray after accusing the region's ruling Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) of attacking federal army camps. His campaign has received the support of Eritrea, with which Ethiopia was at odds until a rapprochement that earned Abiy the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize. A truce between pro-government forces and rebels this year lasted five months before it collapsed in August. International concern is now swelling for those caught in the crossfire. The UN this week warned the situation was spiralling out of control and inflicting an "utterly staggering" toll on civilians. - Sanctions call - Tedros, who himself is from the northern region and has repeatedly condemned the situation there, said he was "running out of diplomatic language for the deliberate targeting" of civilians in Tigray. "The social fabric is being ripped apart and civilians are paying a horrific price," he said. "Hostilities in Tigray must end now, including the immediate withdrawal and disengagement of Eritrean armed forces from Ethiopia." "Indiscriminate attacks or attacks that deliberately target civilians or civilian objects amount to war crimes," he said. Separately, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for the United States, European Union and UN to apply "targeted sanctions and an arms embargo" against Ethiopia to help protect civilian lives. "The suffering of civilians in Ethiopia should no longer be tolerated in the name of political expediency," HRW's director for the Horn of Africa, Laetitia Bader, said. "The attacks have resulted in untold civilian casualties, including aid workers delivering food, property destruction, and large-scale displacement," she said. Over two years, many civilians have been killed, an estimated two million people driven from their homes while millions more are in need of aid, according to UN figures. The advance of Ethiopian and Eritrean forces through Tigray in late 2020 and early 2021 was followed by mass murder, rape and other crimes documented by UN investigators and rights groups. - 'Weapons of war' - Tedros said the six million people of Tigray had been "kept under siege for almost two years". "Banking, food, electricity and healthcare are being used as weapons of war," he said. "Even people who have money are starving because they can't access their bank for two years," he said. "Children are dying every day from malnutrition." Tedros acknowledged that he was personally affected by the situation in Tigray. "Most of my relatives are in the most affected areas," he said, but insisted that "my job is to draw the world's attention to crises that threaten the health of people wherever they are." Police in Norway said Wednesday they had arrested a man sought by Rwanda for a suspected role in the country's genocide. A man aged in his forties was detained pending the outcome of an extradition request filed by Rwanda, the Norwegian criminal police, or Kripos, said in a statement. The identity of the suspect was not given. The Kripos said it had carried out a preliminary investigation before making the arrest, and the decision on whether to extradite the individual would be a matter for a judge. In 1994, an estimated 800,000 Rwandan Tutsis and moderate Hutus died in 100 days of slaughter triggered by the assassination of the country's president, Juvenal Habyarimana. Norway has seen a string of extradition requests for genocide suspects in recent years, and is among half a dozen western countries where courts have handed down convictions since 2009. The ruling came on October 17. A hearing the previous week had been interrupted by an air raid. But on Monday, despite another alert, the Leninsky District Court in Kropyvnytskyi, capital of the Kirovohrad region (central Ukraine) delivered its decision on this case of crimes against national security since the introduction of martial law on February 24, the day when Russia launched its aggression. The Ukrainian citizen in the dock, Roman Serhiyovych Zhmarev, hails from the nearby Dnipropetrovsk region. He was born in 1974, is married, and has two adult children. He has a secondary school diploma, is unemployed, has a fixed address and is not registered in a psychiatric or drug addiction care institution. In the 1990s, he was convicted twice and served time in prison for drug-related cases. Screenshots of army positions According to the indictment, on July 12, while at his home in Kropyvnytskyi, the accused sent his daughter via Telegram a screenshot of a map, which showed the location of the Ukrainian army in Slovyansk, a city in the eastern Donetsk region. Later that day, Zhmarev sent his daughter another screenshot of a map showing the location of the armed forces near the town of Avdiyivka, also in the Donetsk region. The shared maps contained geolocation data. Authorized state bodies do not publicly disseminate such information. During his reading of the indictment, prosecutor Volodymyr Leshchenko did not explain how the security services discovered the exchange between father and daughter. He said there were no victims and no material damage was caused. Zhmarev is accused, he explained, under martial law and the Criminal Procedure Code, of unauthorized dissemination of information about armed movements and military supplies of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or other military formations. The prosecutor added that on September 12, a guilty plea agreement was reached between the security services of Ukraine and the accused. The parties agreed on a suspended sentence of five years, with a probationary period of three years. An example for everyone According to the defendant's lawyer, Bohdan Ursalenko, no one pressured his client and it was his personal choice to approve the plea agreement. "My client, not knowing the legislation, sent these images to his daughter. The investigation established that he had no intention of causing damage to the armed forces," he said. Ursalenko then addressed journalists present at the hearing. He stressed that his client is an ordinary Ukrainian citizen, that he had no intention to harm his country. "The public interest of this case is to point to the behaviour of our spoiled society where everyone has a cell phone to take photos and videos, so that people do not interfere with the armed forces and other units without even meaning to." Zhmarev, he emphasizes, is sorry and promises not to do anything like that again. "Since journalists will give this media coverage, they will make sure -- if I may use this analogy -- that he is crucified today for other people to know its forbidden to take photos containing geo-data of the armed forces, because the enemy can use them and send drones or guide their missiles to damage our victory," added Ursalenko. "I didnt know it was illegal" The accused told the court that he is temporarily out of work, previously worked in Poland and recently received a summons to join the army. "I received a summons from the Military Commissariat, and while I was going through the medical examinations, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C. I have to go to hospitals, I was prescribed treatment, that's why I'm not working now," he said. These were screenshots from public sources, from Google Maps, I didn't know it was illegal, he continued. "I was communicating with my daughter, I just brought this information to her attention. Now, as it has been explained to me, yes, I am guilty." At the end of the hearing, Leninsky District Court Judge Olena Lukyanova approved the plea agreement and found the defendant guilty. She sentenced him to five years in prison, suspended for two years on probation. Zhmarev undertakes to report periodically to the probation officer, informing him of any changes of residence and work. His cell phone, which was seized as physical evidence, will be returned to him. This report is part of a series on war crimes, produced in partnership with Ukrainian journalists. A first version of this article was published on the "Sudovyi Reporter" website. US authorities on Wednesday indicted five Russians who allegedly supplied American electronic components to Russian arms manufacturers, some of which were found on the battlefield in Ukraine. Separately, three Latvians and a Ukrainian have been charged with trying to ship a US-made high-precision industrial grinder to Russia that the Justice Department said could be used by arms manufacturers or in a nuclear weapons program. The Justice Department said the two plans involved front companies in several countries, including Dubai and Germany, and were designed to circumvent US and global sanctions against Russia. The first scheme involved buying sensitive technology from US manufacturers, such as advanced semiconductors and microprocessors used in fighter jets, missile systems, smart munitions, radar and satellites. The Justice Ministry said Dubai-based Russian Yury Orekhov, Artem Uss, the son of a Russian regional governor, and the three others used a Hamburg, Germany-based firm for the operation and supplied some of the technology to Russian defense contractors operating under it suffer US sanctions. It said, for example, that Orekhov traveled to the United States in 2019 to source parts used in the Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jet. Some of the types of electronic components obtained through the criminal scheme were found in Russian weapons platforms seized on the battlefield in Ukraine, the Justice Ministry said. At the same time, it was said, Orekhov, his Russian partners and two other accused Venezuelan oil brokers used the German company as a cover to ship hundreds of millions of barrels of oil from Venezuela to Russia and China, violating sanctions worldwide. Payments, meanwhile, have been routed through shell companies, a bank in the United Arab Emirates and through cash drops and cryptocurrency deals, the department said. The five Russians and two traffickers are accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States, sanctions violations, fraud and money laundering. Orekhov and Uss were arrested in Germany and Italy respectively on Monday and the United States will seek their extradition, the ministry said. In the second scheme, the four arranged to purchase a Connecticut-made jig grinder, ostensibly for the European market, but attempted to ship it to Russia. The mill was intercepted by Latvian authorities. These defendants attempted to smuggle a high-precision, export-controlled item into Russia where it could have been used for nuclear proliferation and Russian defense programs, US Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery said. The three Latvians were arrested on Tuesday, while the Ukrainian national was arrested in Estonia in June. They are all charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, smuggling and money laundering. The Ministry of Justice is also demanding their extradition. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Orekhov, the German company and a company he controls in Dubai. Russia is increasingly struggling to secure critical inputs and technologies needed for its brutal war against Ukraine, Wally Adeyemos deputy finance minister said in a statement. A Gambian man on trial in Germany accused of belonging to a death squad that murdered opponents of former dictator Yahya Jammeh, including an AFP journalist, on Thursday denied the charges. I did not take part in these acts, said the defendants lawyer Bai Lowe in front of the court in Celle and read a statement from the defendant. Lowe, 47, who is charged with crimes against humanity, murder and attempted murder, including the 2004 killing of AFP correspondent Deyda Hydara, listened intently to the English translation of the statement, which was read out in German. In it, Lowe said he had in the past merely repeated what other people had told him about the facts of the case. Explaining previous statements in media interviews that appeared to incriminate him, Lowe told the court he intended to demonstrate to his compatriots in The Gambia how cruel Jammehs regime was. Lowe, who was on trial in April, is accused of involvement in two murders and one attempted murder while working as a driver for the homicide squad known as the Junglers between December 2003 and December 2006. Human Rights Watch called the trial the first trial to prosecute human rights abuses committed in The Gambia during the Jammeh era on the basis of universal jurisdiction. Universal jurisdiction allows a foreign state to prosecute crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, regardless of where they were committed. Betrays common sense Hydara was the editor and co-founder of the independent daily The Point and a correspondent for AFP for over 30 years. The father of four also worked as Gambia correspondent for the action group Reporters Without Borders (RSF). He was gunned down in his car on the outskirts of Banjul on December 16, 2004. Lowe is charged with helping stop Hydaras car before driving one of the killers in his own vehicle. In a statement to AFP, Hydaras son Baba said he rejected Lowes account to the judges. As a victim and plaintiff in this case, I feel disappointed, offended and betrayed by (this) statement that betrays common sense, he said. Hydaras attorney, Patrick Kroker, added that the testimony of the defendant appears to be fabricated and incomplete. In addition, it has already been contradicted on numerous occasions by the evidence gathered to date. It is a step backwards in seeking the truth for the victims of Yahya Jammeh, Kroker told AFP. We assume that the court will not believe this statement. Attorney Ida Jagne, who was in Hydaras car when he was killed, also dismissed Lowes testimony. The testimony is extremely implausible because the accounts he gave in interviews were very detailed: who took part, what happened, Jagnes own attorney, Peer Stolle, told reporters outside the courtroom. Lowe arrived in Europe via Senegal in December 2012 and said he was seeking asylum as a political refugee fearing for his life under Jammeh. He was arrested in Germany in March 2021 on the charges. Jammeh ruled The Gambia with an iron fist for 22 years but fled the country in January 2017 after losing a presidential election to relatively unknown Adama Barrow. He refused to accept the results, but was driven out by a popular uprising and fled to Equatorial Guinea. Hundreds of Venezuelan migrants wade through knee-deep mud, some with limp, fighting the fatigue with their eyes on the price: hope for a new life in the United States. With aching feet, injuries and battered spirits, several days after their ordeal still far from halfway they trudge in single file through the infamous Darien Jungle, which connects Colombia to Panama. With a long journey through Central America and Mexico, the group of men, women and children, some babies, already have many horrors to tell. And maybe it was all for nothing. Last week, the United States announced that Venezuelans who arrive by land without travel documents will be returned to Mexico. For Jesus Arias, 45, sometimes you have to risk your life to have a future. But to be honest, I wouldnt advise anyone to come through the jungle. Its very hard, he told AFP as he and others arrived at an indigenous settlement in Panama, Canaan Membrillo one of several border checkpoints in the population of 575,000. hectares (1,420,900 acres) of jungle. Arias arrived at Canaan Membrillo in a t-shirt and shorts worn by other men in the group after injuring his knee. Were going anyway He undertook the journey knowing it was going to be tough because there is no future in Venezuela. Every day it gets worse. He may have no choice but to return to the crisis-stricken country, plagued by violence, insecurity and a lack of essential services. According to the UN refugee agency, 6.8 million refugees and migrants have left Venezuela since 2014. According to the US decree, only 24,000 Venezuelans applying under a humanitarian program will be granted entry. Were going anyway, Arias said. Even if we are stopped, eventually we will enter. The number of Venezuelans crossing the Darien River hit a record high in 2022 about 133,000 between January and mid-October, according to Panamanian authorities. For the entire past year it was 2,800. Venezuelan Nelida Pantoja, 46, saw a lot of dead people, a lot of mountains, a lot of rivers killing a lot of people It was terrible, she told AFP in Canaan Membrillo. But like most of her fellow migrants, she vowed to keep trying until she gets to the United States. Darwin Vidal, 33, said he was struggling to gather the strength for what lay ahead: not only fighting rough terrain, but also being at the mercy of venomous snakes and other wild animals, as well as criminal groups. I got lost in the jungle with my family for three days. With my children we were too slow. We couldnt keep up with the group, we fell behind and got lost for a scary time, he said. Rusbelis Serrano, 18, said she thought the worst was over. My mother, my father, my brothers are waiting for me in the United States, Serrano told AFP. I dont have much left. I have to keep trying. The US military must be ready to respond to a possible invasion of Taiwan later this year, a senior admiral said Wednesday, signaling heightened concerns about Beijings intentions towards the island. Admiral Michael Gilday, chief of US naval operations, is the latest senior Washington official to raise concerns that Chinas President Xi Jinping may be much more ready to seize Taiwan than previously thought. His comments came as Taiwans top security official warned that any attempt to invade the island would fail, leaving China an international pariah. Xi is on the verge of securing a third five-year term at the helm of the worlds most populous nation and delivered a landmark speech at the Communist Party congress on Sunday, reaffirming his vow to one day reunite Taiwan or take it by force. In a discussion with a think tank, Gilday was asked about Xis speech and whether he agreed with another US admirals comments that Beijing was ready to take Taiwan by 2027. Its not just about what President Xi says, its about how the Chinese behave and what they do, Gilday told the Atlantic Council. And what weve seen over the last 20 years is that every promise they made they fulfilled sooner than they said they would deliver. So in my mind, if were talking about the 2027 window, that has to be a 2022 window, or possibly a 2023 window, he added. I cant rule that out. I dont mean to be alarmist by any means. No chance Chinas Communist Party has never controlled Taiwan, but it claims the self-governing island as its own. Taiwan is not a treaty ally of the United States, but Congress is required by law to sell Taipei defense weapons and there is bipartisan support for protecting what has become an advanced democracy and a vital global trading partner. Beijings stance has long been that it seeks peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but reserves the right to use force if necessary, particularly if the island officially declares independence. Rhetoric and actions towards Taiwan have become more outspoken under Xi, Chinas most assertive leader in a generation, and the military has increased purchases of equipment to pull off an invasion. Xi has linked taking Taiwan to his vision of the great revitalization of the Chinese nation, saying the goal of reunification cannot be passed on from generation to generation indefinitely. Russias recent invasion of Ukraine, which China has not condemned, has also sparked fears that Beijing could take similar moves against Taiwans 23 million people. Military analysts have long warned that invading Taiwan is a difficult task given its location and terrain, even with numerical strength. Taiwans national security chief Chen Ming-tong echoed this sentiment and issued his own warning to Xi. I solemnly say to the Beijing authorities that there is no chance of attacking Taiwan by force, he told reporters in Taipei on Thursday. It would lead to international economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, ruining his (Xi) great revitalization of the Chinese nation and making him a sinner of the Chinese nation. On Monday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned that Beijing wants to take Taiwan in a much quicker timeframe than previously thought, adding that a very different China has emerged under Xi. 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 The third week of October births new intriguing dramas of various genres, giving the viewers options. Kang Ha Neul, Jin Goo, Ha Ji Won and many seasoned actors are ready to dominate the small screen. Read on to know more! 'Shadow Detective' In the third week of October, Disney+ offers the viewers with a new thrilling mystery drama "Shadow Detective" starring Lee Sung Min, Yeo Jin Goo and more. The series tells the story of a police officer who gets framed for a heinous murder he didn't commit. As he searches for the culprit, he receives numerous death threats that change the course of his game plan. "Shadow Detective" is an eight-part series directed by Han Dong Hwa. Don't miss its premiere this October 26! 'Bargain' Jin Seon Kyu, Jeon Jong Seo and Jang Ryul return to the small screen with a disaster thriller drama that will tickle the psychological minds of the viewers. Through "Bargain," the trio are expected to showcase their unrivaled acting chops, depicting the story of South Korean residents who struggle in a mental warfare and survival after an earthquake hits. It is based on the 2015 film of the same name, and it is written and directed by Jeon Woo Sung. Don't miss its premiere on October 28 on TVING! 'Curtain Call' Kang Ha Neul and Ha Ji Won, together with veteran star Ga Doo Shim, will commit the biggest fraud in the history of K-Drama through "Curtain Call"! In the series, Kang Ha Neul transforms into a theater actor who plays the role of an obedient grandson, working together with Ha Ji Won to fulfill the wish of her dying grandmother. The series does not only transcend love and family but also trust. "Curtain Call" is one of the most awaited series this year. It airs for the first time on October 31 on KBS2! 'The Law Cafe' While the three dramas are gearing up for their debut, Lee Seung Gi and Lee Se Young's romantic drama "The Law Cafe" prepares their bittersweet goodbye as they finally air their remaining episodes. The story of two chaotic lawyers who meet numerous times in their lives due to fate truly appealed to the public, satisfying every viewer who supported the series. Now that it's in its final week, the drama is expected to close its curtain with a tooth-rotting romance. Don't miss the finale of "The Law Cafe" on October 24 on KBS! KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. "Squid Game" star surprised fans after gracing Arena Korea's latest cover. The award-winning actor wowed the public with his radical transformation as the veteran actor dons streetwear outlets. Oh Young Soo Flaunts Hip Charm in Arena Korea's November Issue Age is just a number for Oh Young Soo as the 78-year-old actor makes heads turn with his new look for the magazine's latest cover. The actor perfectly embodies street style with his hip and young-at-heart vibe wearing collaboration for luxury fashion house Balenciaga and sportswear Adidas. Over Arena Korea's Instagram, the award-winning actor wore a head-to-toe Balenciaga X Adidas collaboration for their new collection, featuring puffy jackets and a tracksuit similar to the iconic uniform in "Squid Game." From Portraying Monks to Golden Globes Winner Best known for playing monks due to his distinct looks, Oh Young Soo landed a different kind of character when he joined Netflix's "Squid Game." He took the role of player 001 as the oldest participant in the death-defying games. Viewers witnessed his amazing portrayal after the drama revealed a surprise ending. Due to his top-notch acting, Oh Young Soo made history as the first Korean actor to be awarded with major recognition at the Golden Globes 2021. He took home Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture for TV and beat fellow contenders namely Mark Duplass and Billy Crudup for "The Morning Show," Kieran Culkin for "Succession," and Brett Goldstein for "Ted Lasso." Although he did not personally accept the award, he expressed deep gratitude to fans and viewers. Through Netflix, the award-winning actor revealed his reaction upon hearing the news. "After hearing the news of the award, I told myself, 'I'm a decent guy,' for the first time in my life," he said as obtained by an outlet. Moreover, he delivered a special message to his family and said "While embracing the scent of our culture and while embracing the love for my family deep in my heart, I give thanks to everyone in the world." Apart from the historic Golden Globes win, Oh Young Soo also bagged Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor in Theatre in 1994 for his performance in "Pigojigo Pigojigo" and was given with Order of Cultural Merit in 2019. Oh Young Soo Turned Down Commercial Offers? At the height of the "Squid Game" craze, the cast members are gracing various advertisements, magazines, and more. However, Oh Young Soo revealed that he turned down various endorsement deals including a known fried chicken commercial. During his appearance in f MBC's "How Do You Play?" the veteran actor revealed that he has been receiving tons of calls regarding offers but politely turned it down. READ MORE: 'Squid Game' Star Oh Young Soo Almost Quit Acting Because of THIS + Talks About his Historic Golden Globes Win KDramastars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Retired Global Okanagan news anchor Rick Webber drew strong support from all areas of Kelowna to finish third in the race for the eight council spots. Incumbent Maxine De Hart, who won nine polls four years ago, won only one this time and barely hung onto her seat. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Travis Patron, left, is seen leaving the courthouse following his sentence at Court of Kings Bench in Estevan, Sask., Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. Patron, 31, the former leader of the now-defunct Canadian Nationalist Party, was sentenced to one year in jail after a jury found him guilty of hateful speech against Jewish people. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mickey Djuric 49 Shares Share As we continue our third year of the pandemic, there have been reports of hostile treatment directed at public health officials and medical personnel. This is escalating a crisis of burnout among health professionals, but there is an insidious, chronic hostility that lurks within hospitals between those who are supposed to be on the same team. Bullying within health care has been a longstanding challenge. It is pervasive enough that the American Medical Association chose to adopt a policy on the issue, creating a formal definition and providing guidelines to address bullying within the medical profession. The AMA defines bullying as repeated, emotionally or physically abusive, disrespectful, disruptive, inappropriate, insulting, intimidating, and/or threatening behavior targeted at a specific individual or a group of individuals that manifests from a real or perceived power imbalance and is often, but not always, intended to control, embarrass, undermine, threaten or otherwise harm the target. Bullying exacerbates the challenges of a stressful profession and contributes to burnout and moral distress among health care staff. The Joint Commission, in a 2021 updated statement, refers to workplace incivility as an epidemic and a serious risk to patient safety. The hierarchical nature of medical training contributes to a culture of bullying. We are trained in an environment of individualized achievement, often directly competing with each other, then expected to work as part of a team. I have heard many of my colleagues refer to their training experience as hazing. Bullying is an embarrassing secret many in the profession prefer to ignore. Institutions fear losing the income from high-producing specialists or managers and the perceived prestige they might bring. Bullying is a shocking betrayal of professionals who have dedicated themselves to their field. It occurs in myriad ways, between physicians and their trainees or nursing staff, coworkers, and between administration and staff. Bullying is not leadership, although many confuse the two. Abusive supervision describes repeated expressions of hostility directed at those being supervised. It involves public criticism, such as embarrassing trainees on rounds. It includes angry outbursts, rudeness, and coercion, such as insisting someone perform duties not in their original contract or demanding a positive attitude from staff while refusing to hear their concerns. Other less overt examples would be a manager who is never pleased with the employee, contacting staff only when there is a problem, repeated calls to unplanned meetings, or excluding staff from meetings. In the context of health care, it might mean denigrating the expertise of medical personnel and excluding them from major decisions that impact patient care. Abusive supervision results in lower individual and group morale, reduced psychological well-being, and impairments in executive functioning. Targets experience higher rates of depression, emotional exhaustion, and work-family conflicts. Other potential detrimental impacts of workplace bullying include PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and even suicide. Factors that contribute to a culture of bullying and abusive supervision include poor management skills, lack of leadership training, work overload, stress, and a lack of organizational fairness. We might initially imagine the targets as weak performers, but often the targets are skilled staffers who are perceived as threatening to those who bully. Bullying is exacerbated in a culture that emphasizes the higher-producing specialties and dismisses other vital but less profitable specialties, such as primary care. Providers in these fields are labeled as low producers and devalued in an environment that focuses on procedural income. The crisis in primary care serves as a good example of a specialty that offers high value with cost savings but little respect. Thus, we can anticipate major shortages as practitioners shy away from these specialties. The costs of bullying and abusive supervision to an institution include loss of trust in the organization, loss in prestige, low productivity, high rates of absenteeism, and employee turnover, something we can ill afford in todays climate. It can lead to lawsuits, loss of profits, and higher disability costs. Ultimately, patients, often the most vulnerable, pay the price. Patient care is a team-based endeavor; we must rely on each other to meet the needs of patients and families. Bullying can impact these dynamics, making people afraid to speak up even to prevent patient harm, increasing the risk of medical errors and the costs of care. Moving forward, we must be honest about the existence of bullying, harassment, and abusive supervision within our culture. We need to recognize the cycle of violence we pass along through training. It is unprofessional conduct, putting both patients and medical staff at risk. Changing the culture will not be easy. It will require a multidisciplinary approach across institutions; to encourage individual and bystander resistance. Recommendations to address bullying include a strong institutional ethos of mutual respect, with civility as a core value. We must create a culture where bullying and abusive supervision are not tolerated with widespread educational initiatives for all staff, providing them clear definitions and behavioral expectations. Confidential surveys of staff will aid in assessing the prevalence within the work environment. There must be procedures in place for reporting prompt responses to concerns. Targets must be assured if they come forward, their concerns will be addressed without backlash. Mediation is generally not recommended; bullies will simply deny their actions. A commitment to leadership training is critical, with an emphasis on communications skills, anger management, and conflict resolution. Our goal should be developing a true collaboration with mutual respect between leadership, staff, and providers. The pandemic has crystalized for many that staying in a toxic work environment is not worth the price. Medicine is stressful in the best of circumstances; the pandemic has exacerbated a crisis of burnout and moral distress within the medical professions. A culture of bullying contributes to these stressors impacting the physical and mental health of those targeted. If we want to stem the flow of people exiting medicine, we must confront the embarrassing secret of bullying in our ranks. Aldebra Schroll is a family physician. Nearly five hundred children and adults have come together to help make a piece of art called Create The Future which celebrates our connections to each other and to the beautiful planet we call home. Kilkenny-based Art and Theatre company Monkeyshine, who are behind the project, have been working with galleries, theatres, schools, universities, and festivals to create opportunities for children, young people, and adults to become part of the art. Monkeyshines Co-Artistic Director and designer, James Jobson described how the project works. Each participant creates a circular transparent collage that celebrates their connection to a special place in nature. A place they love and want to protect. A place where they feel connected to the other more-than-human beings that we share the planet with. Each piece becomes a fractal in an ever-growing celebration of connection. Small circles of work are held within larger willow circles which join together to create an entire dome. The dome itself becomes a place to gather, connect and celebrate. The Domes frame, designed by Jobson to echo the skeletal structure of a seed pod is built by Kilkenny-based carpenters and metal workers Harry and Joey Harris. It is covered in seventy willow hoops. Each one is made by hand with homegrown willow by craftspeople Klaus Hartmann and Heike Kahle of Baurnafea Crafts near Castlecomer. Create The Future is part of a larger project The Ministry for All Beings which aims to open up conversations and empower children and adults to creatively and playfully explore what it is to be part of a whole Earth Community. and encourages them to question how we might make changes that would allow us to create a harmonious, balanced and healthy future for all beings on Earth. A talented team of facilitators have been working with children and young people in Kilkenny and around Ireland. These bright young minds have been using their voices to explore boundaries and ignite change toward a positive future for all. Co-Artistic Director Kareen Pennefather explained that the project explores an ancient way of thinking. This project is an ongoing deep dive for us as artists, we have done a great deal of research and exploration of our own. We have been working under the mentorship of renowned author and Deep Ecologist Dr. Stephan Harding who has guided us into the world of Deep Ecology. The theory is that the Earth is an animate, intelligent living organism of which we are a part rather than a dead rock to be plundered for human resources or seen simply as a backdrop to be enjoyed. This way of thinking is both new and ancient. It is shared by indigenous cultures around the world and more and more modern science is aligning and supporting it. It has been an exciting journey to begin to distill these thoughts and theories and to find ways to communicate them so that children can engage in these important conversations and be a part of imagining a future that is based on respect, care, and equality. However, as artists it is not our task simply to communicate the thoughts and theories of others. Art is a subjective endeavor and we want to search for the essence, to discover what these thoughts and theories make us feel and to find parallels with others. By making space for communal exploration, response and expression we hope to spark energy, begin conversations and sew seeds of change. If art can allow us to see the world differently, even for a moment, then our imaginations can take flight and wonderful things can happen. Create The Future will be shown as part of The Earth Rising Festival at The Irish Museum of Modern Art on October 22 and 23. The project is funded by The Arts Council and supported by The Watergate Theatre, The Butler Gallery and The Civic, Tallaght. Mount Juliet Estate has announced a partnership with the Butler Gallery in Kilkenny. The collaboration will see the Morning Room in the Georgian Manor House at Mount Juliet Estate feature a curated selection of prestigious paintings from Butler Gallerys Permanent Collection. Both Mount Juliet Estate and Butler Gallery are historically synonymous with Kilkenny and boast a history of supporting accessible cultural activity in the county. Established in 1943, Butler Gallery showcases a multi-discipline, eclectic art collection dating from the 1830s and features some of Irelands most celebrated artists, including Paul Henry, Louis le Brocquy, Mainie Jellet and Evie Hone. Over the past four years, the 275-year-old Mount Juliet Estate has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme which has seen a considered approach to the renovation of the heritage Georgian Estate. The collaboration with Butler Gallery is a dedicated initiative to further enhance guests experience and provide an opportunity to be immersed in the rich Irish culture that Mount Juliet Estate, Butler Gallery and Kilkenny has to offer. The Mount Juliet Estate Curated Collection contains important works of art including: Head of a Boy by Louis le Brocquy Tipperary Parrot by Grace Henry A Tit-Bit by Mildred Anne Butler Waterbird by Patrick Collins The Liffey at Ballymore Eustace by Dermod OBrien. On the collaboration, Mr. Mark Dunne, General Manager of Mount Juliet Estate said: We are very excited about the collaboration with Butler Gallery. We have a shared philosophy of preserving a cultural heritage for our visitors to enjoy. The Manor House on the Estate is a beautiful venue to view these important Irish artworks allowing for peaceful viewing and reflection. We expect our guests to be excited at the prospect of gaining exclusive access to these works and look forward to a successful partnership. Anna OSullivan, Director, and Chief Curator said: We are delighted to form a cultural alliance with Mount Juliet Estate and to provide the opportunity for their guests to experience a flavour of the important collection of 20th century Irish art on view at Butler Gallery. "Butler Gallery is a free cultural attraction in the south-east and this partnership will help us support living artists and all our audiences through our Contemporary Exhibitions and Learning and Public Engagement Programmes. We very much look forward to working with Mount Juliet Estate and value their patronage of the Gallery. For further information or to make a reservation please contact Mount Juliet Estate on 056-7773000. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Here's what you need to know: Thursday, Oct. 20 COLUMBIA - Family members of Danny Santulli held a vigil at Peace Park Wednesday in honor of the one-year anniversary of a hazing incident at Phi Gamma Delta. Meredith Santulli, Danny's older sister, said she hoped that the vigil will be a way to show support for Danny, who is continuing to suffer from the hazing incident. He is unable to see, walk or communicate after suffering alcohol poisoning at a "Pledge Father Reveal" party at the Fiji fraternity on Oct. 19, 2021. We just want to honor him and bring awareness and were never going to stop speaking out about it," Meredith Santulli said. "We just want to bring the community together, and share our thoughts." One year later, Danny is living back in his hometown of Eden Prairie, Minnesota with his parents and older brother Nick. Nick Santulli said that his family has had to completely change their lives to support Danny. I was supposed to move to various cities, but I decided to stay remote and stay home with my parents, and Danny of course, Nick Santulli said. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Dannys mother quit her job to be his full time caregiver, but his father remains working. Meredith Santulli is now a senior at MU. She says that this situation has made their family closer and stronger compared to a year ago today. As for whats next, the Santullis are hoping for change. Danny is in stable condition and is going through more treatments now. Nick Santulli says he remains hopeful that he will continue to improve. The Santulli family hopes that the vigil will spread awareness of hazing and inform people that this can happen anywhere. The vigil had a smaller turnout than anticipated. President of the UM System and MU Chancellor Mun Choi was in attendance. A drone flies over Kyiv during an attack on October 17, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Yoon Suk-yeol arrives at the presidential office in Seoul, Oct. 20. Yonhap President Yoon Suk-yeol hit back at the main opposition party on Thursday over allegations his administration masterminded the prosecution's attempted raid of its headquarters, saying the people will be the judge of whether such claims are justified. Prosecutors swooped down on the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) headquarters in Seoul on Wednesday as part of an investigation into whether a close aide to DPK leader Lee Jae-myung took illegal political funds but withdrew after a standoff with party officials. The DPK has denounced the investigation and other investigations into members of the previous Moon Jae-in administration as a political reprisal and an attempt to suppress the opposition party. "As far as investigations are concerned, I only know what I see in press reports, and as far as the details, I'm not free enough to look into investigation details," Yoon told reporters as he arrived for work. Ambassador of Pakistan to Korea Nabeel Munir speaks during a photo exhibition at Cheonggyecheon Gwanggyo Gallery in central Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of the Embassy of Pakistan in Korea By Kwon Mee-yoo The Embassy of Pakistan in Korea is presenting a series of photos as part of its celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan's independence. The photo exhibition, held at the Cheonggyecheon Gwanggyo Gallery through Oct. 24, features a variety of photography showcasing Pakistan's natural and cultural heritage. "After a long and difficult struggle, it was on 14 August 1947 that we were able to throw off the yolk of colonialism, and surface as an independent state," Pakistan Ambassador to Korea Nabeel Munir said during the exhibition's opening, Tuesday. "Over the past 75 years, Pakistan has emerged as a strong, sovereign and self-confident country a country that has used its unique fusion of history and culture, its diversity and geography, its cuisine and people to create a nation that is on the march towards progress and prosperity," he said. The exhibition was originally planned for August on the occasion of Independence Day of Pakistan but it was postponed due to heavy rain in Seoul. Ambassador Munir explained that Pakistan is a young nation with a millennia's worth of history. Pakistan is home to the Mehargarh, one of the world's oldest civilizations dating back to 7000 B.C., as well as the Indus Valley and the Gandhara civilizations, which left sites such as the Takht Bai and Taxila, now registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. "Boasting people of different cultures, languages, religions and ethnicities, Pakistan is a melting pot, in which traditions from diverse and far-off landscapes mix and mingle to create new identities," he said. Ambassador of Pakistan to Korea Nabeel Munir gives a tour of a photo exhibition celebrating Pakistan's 75th anniversary of independence at Cheonggyecheon Gwanggyo Gallery in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of the Embassy of Pakistan in Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol enters the presidential office building in Seoul, Thursday. Newsis Opposition politicians condemn remarks as unacceptable By Jung Min-ho President Yoon Suk-yeol isn't backing down despite criticism from opposition parties. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Yoon doubled down on his previous remarks that he would fight what he calls a "pro-North Korea Jucheist faction." When asked who he was referring to by the description, Yoon said, "They themselves know whether they are a 'jusa-pa' (Jucheist faction). I was not targeting any specific group. I made the statement as a person in a position to defend the country and the Constitution." "Jusa-pa" refers to a faction of followers of Juche ideology, North Korea's official ideology of self-reliance that includes unconditional loyalty to its leader. At a luncheon Wednesday with officials of his ruling People Power Party, Yoon used the term "pro-North Korea Jucheist faction," to allude to the opposition here, saying it is an anti-state group that is against the Constitution, which he would never cooperate with. Presidential press aides later explained that he made the remarks when he was talking about North Korea's recent weapons tests. Yet, opposition politicians immediately denounced Yoon for the comment, saying that he is trying to paint his liberal political rivals as followers of North Korea's regime and demanding him be more specific about whom he was referring to. "If Yoon was referring to the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), that is unacceptable," Rep. Jin Sung-joon of the main opposition party said during an SBS radio show. "If not, he needs to clarify whom specifically he was referring to." Jin also criticized Yoon for keeping Kim Moon-soo as the head of the Economic, Social and Labor Council under the president, even after his controversial description of former President Moon Jae-in as a "Kim Il-sungist," or follower of late North Korea's founder, Kim Il-sung. The DPK responded by saying that it will take his claim during the parliamentary audit possibly perjury to court. Rep. Chung Jin-suk, interim leader of the ruling party, defended Kim, saying he is not the only person who suspects so, given the previous administration's policy of trying to engage Pyongyang in dialogue almost blindly rather than condemning the North for its growing nuclear threat. Yoon's remarks on the "pro-North Korea Jucheist faction" might have been aimed to unite the party at a time when he is struggling with dismal approval ratings. However, given the situation and his personality, it probably was spontaneous, according to Lee Jun-han, a professor of politics at Incheon National University. "Ruling party politicians may expect that such aggressive remarks are good for Yoon's approval ratings when North Korea is intensifying its provocations. But, such framing efforts recently highlighted by Kim Moon-soo's comments have had a limited impact on polls so far," Lee told The Korea Times. Some experts believe that what triggered Yoon was the DPK's attacks on the government's joint military drills with Japan. Throughout the ongoing Assembly audit over the past two weeks, DPK lawmakers have chastised the administration for participating in the trilateral naval exercises with Japan (as well as with the U.S.) while refraining from criticism of North Korea's growing aggression and direct nuclear threats to South Korea. Lee agreed, saying, "It's a framing war. As liberal politicians easily resort to attacking conservatives as 'pro-Japan,' conservatives do the same questioning their ideology, as it is a convenient way to win political points." But in the long run, Lee said, Yoon has more to lose than gain with such political tactics and aggressive rhetoric toward the opposition party. "As president, he should adjust to the changing political situation, including the relations with the North. Later, he may have to negotiate for peace," he said. "Moreover, given that the DPK holds the majority in the Assembly, if Yoon is to accomplish anything meaningful and lasting, he should negotiate with them He should be more circumspect about the words he uses." A new sign has been developed for the Auburn-Waterloo trail, which includes maps and information about the trail, as well as points of interest and information on the Town of Waterloo and City of Auburn. The sign is located by the trail parking lot on the south side of Waterloo. Due to the relevant events and announcements surrounding their group, especially concerning military enlistment, BTS has been in the headline news these past few days. Despite the news and stories about the band's participation in the mandatory program, some ARMYs could not just move on but recall the treasurable moments during the "Yet to Come" concert in Busan. The reminiscence is mainly centered on the group's main dancer and lead vocalist, Jimin. But what's with the Jimin magic during the Busan concert that captivated the fans even up to this moment? BTS Jimin's Fancams Go Viral on Tiktok & Twitter With his eye-catching and beyond-words stage presence and appeal, BTS Jimin is often dubbed the "concert king" by netizens and media channels. Alongside this, his fancams are among the group's most popular and most watched, hence earning the title "viral king." With the recently-concluded "Yet To Come," one of Busan's pride left the fans in awe and swept Tiktok and Twitter with his magnificent voice, exhilarating dance moves, and a "sculpted by the gods and goddess" type of visuals. As the "Prince of Busan" effortlessly combined these lethal stage features during the Busan concert, he bagged almost 1.6 million mentions on Twitter, 6 million mentions on Facebook, and a perfect 100% search rate in Google - both on international and South Korean statistics! Consequently, among the seven members, Jimin earned the titular of being the "most mentioned member" and member with "highest engagement" during Busan 2022 concert. The ARMYs could not wait for the "Yet to Come" to conclude, as they concurrently uploaded Jimin's fancam on various social media platforms, notably on Tiktok and Twitter. As a result, Jimin, being ARMY's sexy mochi, accumulated millions of views and more than a hundred thousand views and likes on the abovementioned social media platforms. This Run BTS Jimin tiktok has 3 million views and 965k likes https://t.co/wJkI1ZSZss lish (@Ivujm) October 16, 2022 run bts jimin getting all the flowers he deserves pic.twitter.com/QBwENzVCXH (@hauteseokjin) October 16, 2022 JIMIN EATING UP THE RUN BTS CHOREO pic.twitter.com/ntrcSG2rsp hourly jimin (@hourlyjmn) October 15, 2022 Standing out among his fancams is his performance during "RUN BTS." It could be remembered how Jimin showcased his prowess in the latest comeback, "PROOF," as he stood out in this track with his enticing vocal colors and techniques. When BTS debuted the choreography during "Yet to Come" in Busan, the boys received the loudest cheers as they exhibited unparalleled energy, stage dominance, and astonishing beauty. As the fancams of Jimin and the other members circulated on social media, many ARMYs confessed that they put the videos on a loop. Jimin's deadly combination and personification of talent and beauty left a breathtaking memory for the ARMYs. Wholesomely, some ARMYS commented on how Jimin smoothly radiates masculinity and femininity during the concert, proving that the K-idol is limitless. According to a Korean online community discussion, here are some of the fans' comments on Jimin's performance: "He is dancing as if there's no tomorrow." "The face, the dance and the stage were fresh, I couldn't sleep!" "Jimin is as pretty as a real doll." "He's so good at controlling the stage." Accordingly, Jimin's passion and love for his craft and artistry are always reflexive whenever he owns and lights up the stage. As if Jimin is really born to be on the stage. Furthermore, "Yet to Come" in Busan is another proof of how Jimin maintains solid and stable vocals while firing up the stage with his incredible dance moves. Indeed, Jimin's talent is beyond the ARMYs' imagination. This is not the first time that Jimin broke the Internet with his stunning visuals and spine-thrilling performances as the 'viral king' and 'concert king' of BTS became iconic during the 3-day 'Permission to Dance on Stage' in Seoul last March 2022. Will We Ever Get A Jimin Solo? As the praises flood social media, some ARMYs are discussing whether Jimin will gift the fans a solo project before formally enlisting in the military. With his mind-blowing charisma, many ARMYs believe that PJM1 is beyond reach. Are you one of those fans who cannot stop simping over Jimin's fancams? KpopStarz own this article. Sophia Carson authored this article. Page Content Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication (TEATT), the honorable Omar Ottley, kicked off his first in a planned series of discussions with local stakeholders who either produce locally or import agricultural products. He held his first meeting on Wednesday October 19, as part of his commitment to improving the local produce market. Through the discussions, Minister Ottley aims to find common ground where the Government can assist with enhancing local production of foods and vegetables and aid in the successful importation of lower-costing agricultural products. "Ultimately, we have to ensure our population eats healthy, and since I am also Minister of Health, this is an even more critical issue. A healthy population makes for a better group of ambassadors for a Tourist destination such as ours. We intend to give full attention to the Agricultural responsibility of the Ministry of TEATT as we do in the other areas of the Ministry," said Ottley. The Minister said part of the Ministry's responsibility is "to continue balancing the need for local production by assisting the local farmers while simultaneously ensuring importation of Agricultural produce meets all health requirements while also meeting the economic threshold of affordability for our people." Ottley's first meeting was with Eco St. Maarten Agricultural Research and Development Foundation President Denicio Wyatt. He is a well-known farmer and an advocate for using naturally grown foods. During the meeting, the two discussed Wyatt's longstanding request for Government's assistance in producing Medicinal and Recreational Cannabis for local consumption and export to other markets. They also discussed food production and the need for adequate land for farming. "Land on Dutch St. Maarten is limited, and unfortunately, agricultural land covers only around 5 per cent of our available space. Farming in such small spaces will limit the ability of local farmers to satisfy the entire local market. This means we need to import additional agricultural products, but we must do so in a manner that does not hurt the pockets of our people or discourage local farmers," said Ottley. Where it pertains to more land for farming, Ottley said he is aware of requests made for lands to previous Ministers of TEATT and the challenge to secure those lands. "Despite Government's limitation where available land is concerned, we cannot ignore the agricultural needs of our Country; therefore, I intend to look further into the matter," said Ottley. The Minister's goal is to reduce the cost of food in St. Maarten as an immediate effort to offer relief to the population. The series of planned discussions with local stakeholders follows his recent efforts to establish an affordable trade route between the Dominican Republic and St. Maarten for Agricultural produce. Minister Ottley has already met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation in the DR, Mr Hugo Rivera Fernandez and Agribusiness board representatives. During that meeting, Minister Ottley discussed the possibility of the DR supplying high-quality fresh produce to St. Maarten at affordable rates. Friendship association head calls for exchanges By XU WEI (China Daily) 14:59, October 20, 2022 This photo taken on Oct 16, 2022 shows the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua] China's diplomacy in the new era will encompass all dimensions, and its people-to-people exchanges with different nations will embrace fresh opportunities, Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries President Lin Songtian said at a news conference on Wednesday. The delegate to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China said the report Xi Jinping delivered at the congress' opening has again outlined efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind. In regard to building a community with a shared future for mankind, China has the plan, the resolve and a strong sense of responsibility, he said. Lin said China's people-to-people diplomacy is built on a solid foundation. He recalled the efforts that facilitated the establishment of diplomatic ties between Beijing and Washington and between Beijing and Tokyo in the 1970s, including ping-pong diplomacy. Even with the pandemic severely disrupting in-person people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, Lin said people from the two countries share the same wish for a world of peace, friendship and win-win cooperation. "We hope that people-to-people diplomacy can play a greater role in enhancing the friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and the world in the post-pandemic era," he said. Talking about the future of China-Japan friendship, the veteran diplomat said history and reality suggest the two countries' peoples can respect each other, get along peacefully, engage in win-win cooperation and seek common development. China-Japan relations currently feature the closest people-to-people exchanges in the widest-ranging areas, as well as the deepest degrees of trade and economic integration, he said. As neighboring nations, their only choice is to share respect and appreciation for each other and their respective cultural and development strengths, he said. Lin emphasized that further growth in bilateral ties would benefit both nations' interests, as the two economies are highly complementary. "It is my belief that people from the two nations can work together to make new strides toward a new journey and secure new development," he said. He also highlighted the need for China and the Republic of Korea to step up unity and cooperation to safeguard regional stability, growth and prosperity. Lin added that the friendship association will place greater emphasis on enhancing people-to-people ties with Central Asian countries, including efforts to promote friendships between cities and to develop more cooperation platforms. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Hongyu) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 20 (ANI/NewsVoir): MetricStream, the global market leader in integrated risk management (IRM) and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), announced its latest product release, focused on accelerating GRC program performance. This includes a faster, safer, easier, and more personalized Connected GRC experience. The modernized, purpose-built low code / no code platform empowers customers to easily personalize and configure products to their unique needs. Also Read | Bengaluru Shocker: College Professor Sends Porn Videos to Student on Instagram; Booked. New APIs help connect MetricStream with external systems and enrich GRC insights to accelerate decision making. "Today's CXOs are under heavy pressure to balance a plethora of threats, ensure business resilience, and reduce costs," said Prasad Sabbineni, Co-CEO, MetricStream. "It's our belief that we can help them protect their greatest assets; their people, their intellectual property, and their opportunity to thrive and grow." Also Read | Happy Dhanteras 2022 Wishes & Greetings: WhatsApp Stickers, Shubh Dhantrayodashi Facebook Messages, HD Images, Quotes and SMS To Celebrate the First Day of Diwali. GRC professionals are demanding flexible and scalable software systems that meet the unique needs of their rapidly evolving risk profiles. The modern low code / no code platform allows individual customers to adapt the MetricStream platform, functions, and features to their unique business requirements. New platform product release includes the following technology advancements, which are available now. Faster, Safer, Easier Configurations: Administrators can access simple GRC domain-specific language which allows them to personalize and configure applications, create and change fields, reports, and templates, and meet rapidly changing business needs without complex programming. Low code / no code places control of individualized experiences into the hands of the customer while upskilling their teams. Seamless Integration with Third-party Systems: 200+ GRC APIs to easily integrate MetricStream into third-party systems, facilitate GRC process orchestrations, and simplify data exchange. Deliver GRC Insights in Minutes: Capture and connect data across MetricStream products and external systems, build contextual insights, and create customized reports with simple clicks using enhanced self-service reporting. Streamlined Disclosure Reporting for ESG: ESGRC now includes preloaded reporting frameworks, formulas, and templates for data disclosures that align to TCFD, GRI, and SASB standards, as well as enhanced dashboards to deliver clarity and actionability on facility and supplier data. Other Innovations Include: Automated regulatory intelligence that reduces risks and costs associated with regulatory change management, autonomous control testing in AWS environments, and faster and easier first line access to operational risk assessments. Learn more about MetricStream's latest release, here, schedule a demo, and join us on November 8 and 9 in London for our 10th Annual GRC Summit - Experience the Power of Connection. MetricStream is the global SaaS leader of Integrated Risk Management and GRC solutions that empower organizations to thrive on risk by accelerating growth via risk-aware decisions. We connect governance, risk management and compliance across the extended enterprise. Our ConnectedGRC and three product lines - BusinessGRC, CyberGRC, and ESGRC - are based on a single, scalable platform that supports you wherever you are on your GRC journey. MetricStream is headquartered in San Jose, California, with an operations and R&D center in Bangalore, India, and sales and operations support around the globe. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Singapore, October 20 (ANI/PRNewswire): Rodller today announced the launch of the Paris Branch. The operations for Rodller France will be driven by two seasoned entrepreneurs, Olivier Metral and Ludovic Bergounioux, and covers all of Europe's Francophone areas. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Couple Use Tricolour To Cover Roof of Ventilator in Shamli, Arrested After Video Goes Viral. The opening of Rodller France is in line with the Global expansion plans of Rodller Singapore. The unique Cloud Platform of Digital Marketing, Fundraising and Application Development becomes now available to French speaking Founders and Investors alike. Also Read | 250 Million Monthly Active Devices Now Run Android Go, Says Google. Metral and Bergounioux will take on the Business Development and delivery processes for Rodller France. They both are entrepreneurs that understand the lifecycle of startups and more importantly, have full empathy for the challenges that Founders face these days. "I am honored to rejoin Rodller as its COO of Rodller France," said Metral. "I believe that Rodller has tremendous opportunities to capitalize on its Singapore foundation, and grow its ecosystem. I look forward to working with our global teams to enhance our Customer experiences and provide more capabilities that will help Startups acquire Customers faster and raise funding better. Here in France, we will focus on continuing to evolve the Rodller's strategy," said Metral from France. ''Going into the French market is important for Rodller Singapore since there is a growing startup culture in France. We also want to reduce the funding gap by allowing French Venture Capital to invest in Asian Startup opportunities, and vice versa,'' said Carwin Heierman, Rodller CEO and Founder. "That France has posted its highest Q2 on record for VC funding, with 3.7 billion Euros, has not gone unnoticed here at Rodller," he added. Currently, Rodller is in talks to replicate the expansion also in the German speaking part of Europe (DACH) and Dubai. More will be announced on these regions, still in 2022. Rodller provides the key ingredients for any firm between Pre-seed and Series B. These ingredients are Digital Marketing, Fundraising and Application Development. All these are processed through a unique Collaboration Cloud Platform. Founders and Investors alike consume this Platform to achieve their Fundraising and Deal Sourcing goals. Rodller was Founded by Carwin Heierman. This story has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/PRNewswire) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Morena (Madhya Pradesh) [India] October 20 (ANI): An explosion occurred at an illegal firecracker factory in the Banmore police station area, Morena district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, an official said. Inspector General (IG) Chambal range Rajesh Chawla confirmed the news. Also Read | Discord on Xbox Will Allow Users To Connect Directly to Calls In Servers: Report. He told ANI that three persons had died, seven sustained injuries in the incident. A few people were suspected to be buried under the debris of the factory, Chawla added. On getting the information about the incident, the police and the administrative officials reached the spot along with JCB, and the rescue operation was underway, IG Chawla said. Also Read | Paras Porwal, Mumbai-Based Real Estate Developer, Commits Suicide by Jumping Off 23rd Floor of High Rise Building. Firecrackers for Diwali were being made in the factory. The entire building was damaged in the blast. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kochi, Oct 20 (PTI) The three accused in the sensational human sacrifice case in Kerala, in which two women were allegedly killed in a brutal manner, on Thursday moved the high court seeking to quash a magisterial court order granting their custody to the police probing the matter for 12 days. Also Read | Rajasthan High Court Grants 15-Day Parole To Rape Convict To Get His Wife Pregnant. In their plea, the accused Mohammed Shafi (52), Bhagaval Singh (68), a massage therapist and his wife Laila (59), also sought directive to the state police chief not to parade them and also not to disclose their confession statement to the media and public till filing of chargesheet. Also Read | Odisha Shocker: Man Kills Wife in Fit of Rage, Buries Body in Backyard in Sambalpur. The accused, in the plea filed through lawyer B A Aloor, also sought permission to meet lawyers during the police custody period or investigation. The accused alleged that the investigating team has published wrong information in order to defame their dignity before the public at large, but the trial court has failed to consider these aspects in proper sense which ultimately resulted in granting their 12 days police custody to the investigating agency, despite being strongly opposed by them. They further alleged that it is a passion for certain investigating officers to disseminate to the media piecemeal or full information regarding the progress of investigation. They argued that all concerned should realize that once a case involving the commission of a cognizable offence has been registered and the FIR forwarded to the magistrate concerned, the matter is sub judice and no police officer has the right to leak out information regarding the outcome of investigation until the final report is eventually filed before the court. But the investigating agency violated very norms even before producing them before the court, the accused said in the plea. A court here on October 13 had granted Kerala police custody of the three accused in the case for detailed interrogation. In the custody application filed before the court here, police have said the accused need to be further interrogated to probe whether there was any other reason behind the human sacrifice. The police said they need to investigate whether there are more victims of this horrific crime. The chopped body parts of the deceased were exhumed from the premises of the couple's house at Elanthoor village in Pathanamthitta on October 11. The first woman went missing on September 26 and the probe led to Shafi. On further interrogating him, police found that the trio had earlier murdered the second victim in a similar manner in June. (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, Oct 20 (PTI) With a view to streamline treatment facilities for MPs, AIIMS Delhi has come up with a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) that include providing a nodal officer to coordinate and facilitate medical care arrangements. The move has, however, drawn sharp criticism from a section of doctors who have called out the "VIP culture" at the premier health institute. Also Read | Bihar Shocker: Acquitted in 26-Year-Old Case, Elderly Man Dies of Heart Attack in Banka District. In a recent letter to Y M Kandpal, joint secretary at the Lok Sabha Secretariat, AIIMS Director M Srinivas listed the SOPs for outpatient department (OPD), emergency consultation and in-patient hospitalisation of members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. In his letter, Srinivas has said duty officers from the department of hospital administration will be available at the AIIMS control room round-the-clock to coordinate and facilitate arrangements. Also Read | Supreme Court Orders Treatment of HIV Positive Ex-Armyman at Base Hospital. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), however, questioned the move highlighting that the special privilege to MPs might come at the cost of ordinary patients. It said in a tweet, "We condemn VIP culture. No patient should suffer at the cost of another's privileges. That being said, having a protocol to streamline things should not be viewed as derogatory, provided it doesn't hamper patient care." Later, in another tweet, FORDA said, "We stand for 'Janta pehle, pratinidhi baad meyn (people first, representatives later)'. Only VIP in healthcare is a sicker patient. A doctor shouldn't be made to choose." The AIIMS director has in his letter said the MP's staff can contact 011-26589279, 011-26593308, 011-26593574 or 9868397016 to speak to the officer on duty. The officer, also a qualified medical professional, will in turn speak to the specialist or super-specialist doctor or the head of the department concerned to fix an appointment, the letter said. In case of emergency, the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha secretariats or the MP's staff can contact the duty officer, who will guide them to emergency services, it said. The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) also tweeted and shared a letter to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya appealing to him to take cognisance of the issue. "On one side our Hon'ble @PMOIndia shri @narendramodi Ji says 'There is no #VIP Culture in #India ! But on the other hand @aiims_newdelhi Director #Dr_M_Srinivas releases an letter to promote #VIP Culture! Like past we still stand against #VIP Culture! #SayNoToVIPculture," it tweeted. (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, Oct 20 (PTI) The Indian Army on Thursday began the process to procure 80 mini remotely piloted aircraft systems and 1,000 surveillance copters to bolster its overall surveillance apparatus along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Officials said the mini remotely piloted aircraft is an ideal multi-sensor system to carry out day and night surveillance and target detection in high-altitude regions. Also Read | Goa Shocker: Two Held for Trafficking Women for Prostitution at Anjuna Beach. The last date for submission of bids for the remotely piloted aircraft programme is November 16. "The system will be able to provide high resolution imagery to enable target detection, recognition, identification and accurate location of adversary's location as well as build up of troops," said an official. Also Read | Noida Dog Menace: Ten Strays Caught From Lotus Boulevard Society After One-Year-Old Boy Was Mauled to Death. According to the request for proposal or initial tender, the select supplier will have to supply the platforms within 12 months of signing the contract. The mini remotely piloted aircraft systems are being procured under the 'buy' (Indian) category. The Army's procurement of 1,000 surveillance copters through fast track procedure under emergency procurement process is also aimed at boosting surveillance along the frontier with China. Officials said the current dynamic volatile situation along the Northern borders warrants seamless surveillance. "For surveillance needs of the Indian Army, expeditious procurement of surveillance copters for meeting urgent operational requirements is an operational imperative, where undue/unforeseen delay is seen to be adversely impacting the capacity and preparedness of the Indian Army," according to a brief on the programme. It said the surveillance copter will provide aerial surveillance capability and sustained point surveillance to the Indian Army. Surveillance Copter is an ideal multi sensor system to carry out day and night, real time reconnaissance and surveillance. "The system will provide high resolution imagery to enable target detection, recognition, identification and accurate location of adversaries' build up," said an official. The last date for submission of bids for the programme is November 17. The Army has been ramping up its overall combat capabilities in view of the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, Oct 20 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Thursday wrote to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee requesting her to intervene for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of IIT Kharagpur student Faizan Ahmed. Also Read | Bihar Shocker: Acquitted in 26-Year-Old Case, Elderly Man Dies of Heart Attack in Banka District. Sarma said that the untimely death of Ahmed has caused a deep sense of grief in Assam. Also Read | Supreme Court Orders Treatment of HIV Positive Ex-Armyman at Base Hospital. Ahmed, hailing from Twho hails from Tinsukia, was a third year mechanical engineering student in the Institute and was found dead in his hostel room on October 14. His parents filed a case with the local police in Kharagpur requesting the superintending of police of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal and inspector-in-charge of Kharagpur (Town) police station for an investigation. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 20 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi resumed Bharat Jodo Yatra from the Banavasi village of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday morning. Today is the third day of the march in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Couple Use Tricolour To Cover Roof of Ventilator in Shamli, Arrested After Video Goes Viral. Gandhi's yatra, which started from Banavasi village this morning, will break at Mugati village. The residents of surrounding areas are warmly welcoming Rahul Gandhi and the yatra is seeing the participation of local leaders. Also Read | 250 Million Monthly Active Devices Now Run Android Go, Says Google. On the 43rd day of the Yatra, Rahul Gandhi along with other party leaders will cover Mugati, Halaharvi and Kalludevakunta in the Kurnool district. Later in the evening, Rahul Gandhi will pay obeisance at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Math followed by a brief meeting with Sri Subudhendra Tirtha ji in Mantralayan in the Kurnool district. The yatra will make a night stay at Chetnihalli. Earlier on Wednesday, the Congress offered prayers at the Sri Ganga Temple in Adoni. Addressing a press conference, the Congress said that Andhra Pradesh should have one capital, and that should be Amaravati. "As far as the bifurcation is concerned, the main thing from my perspective and from Congress's perspective when this bifurcation took place certain commitments were made by the Indian union to the people of Andhra Pradesh. We believe those have fundamental commitments and the commitments made by the people of Andhra Pradesh and we think those commitments should be fulfilled. That is our single most observation that those commitments that were made include special status should be fulfilled. We think that Andhra Pradesh should have one capital, and that should be Amaravati," he said. The Yatra entered Andhra Pradesh on October 18. The Bharat Jodo Yatra launched on 7 September 2022 will cover as many as 12 states. The Yatra started from Kanyakumari and will end in Kashmir the following year by covering 25 km every day. The 3500 kilometres yatra will be a historic event for the Congress and the entire country. It is the longest march on foot by any Indian politician in the history of India, the Congress said earlier in a statement. Notably, Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi march was the longest march by foot (389 kilometres in 24 days) between Sabarmati ashram to Dandi (Navasari) in Gujarat state. Meanwhile, the Bharat Jodo Yatra started by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will enter Maharashtra from the Nanded district in the first week of November. Bharat Jodo Yatra is getting support from various political parties and social organizations across the country and the response is increasing day by day. In Maharashtra too, the NCP and Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) have agreed to participate in the yatra, adding to its importance. Notably, all the party MPs, leaders and workers along with Rahul Gandhi are staying in containers. Sleeping beds, toilets and ACs are also installed in some of the containers. The arrangements have been made keeping in view the intense heat and humidity with the change of places. The Congress suffered a debacle in the assembly polls held earlier this year and the Yatra is seen as an attempt to rally the party rank and file for the upcoming electoral battles. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Oct 20 (PTI) The Bombay High Court on Thursday said it would hear after Diwali holidays a public interest litigation challenging the practice of courts taking long vacations, thereby affecting filing and hearing of cases. Also Read | Lucknow Shocker: Woman Raped During Visit to Government Hospital For Treatment in Mahanagar, Doctor and Ward Boy Arrested. The high court's Diwali vacation is from October 22 and it would reopen on November 9. The PIL filed by Sabina Lakdawala challenged the vacations taken by the high court, claiming it was in violation of the fundamental rights of litigants whose rights to seek justice will be affected. Also Read | Bengaluru Rains: Heavy Rainfall Batters Silicon City, Several Areas Inundated; Yellow Alert Issued For Three Days (Videos). Lakdawala's lawyer Mathews Nedumpara said the petitioner was not against judges taking holidays but members of the judiciary should not take leave at the same time so that the courts remain functional throughout the year. Nedumpara mentioned the plea on Thursday before a division bench of Justices S V Gangapurwala and R N Laddha seeking urgent hearing. The bench asked the lawyer why the PIL was filed now when the high court calendar for 2022 was made available in November last year itself. The HC said it would hear the PIL on November 15. The high court takes three breaks every year - summer vacation (one month), Diwali vacation (two weeks) and Christmas break (one week). During the holidays, special vacation benches are available for urgent judicial work. Lakdawala in her petition said the long court vacations are relic of the colonial era and have contributed to a collapse of the judicial delivery system. The plea has sought for a declaration that closing courts for more than 70 days for any kind of vacation is a violation of fundamental rights of litigants because it leads to courts becoming unable to hear cases for lack of time. "Such practice of long vacations is liable to be brought to an end," the plea said. The petition sought for making the high court fully functional during the upcoming Diwali vacation by appointing adequate number of judges to hear and adjudicate all cases and directions to the registry to receive all petitions without insisting on permission from the vacation bench. "Requisite break for lawyers and judges can be provided without the entire institution being shut down," Lakdawala said. She also said her contention was not that vacation be denied to judges and lawyers and their workload be increased. It was only that judges could be encouraged to take leave at different times of the year, the petitioner said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], October 20 (ANI): The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Wednesday imposed monetary as well as behavioral sanctions on MMT-Go (MakeMyTrip and GoIbibo) for abusing its dominant position and also for having an anti-competitive arrangement with OYO (Oravel Stays Limited). The CCI carried out an in-depth analysis for delineation of relevant market, laying special emphasis on such assessment in case of platform markets. Commenting on the role of interdependencies in two-sided or multi-sided markets, the CCI opined that it is important to understand the nature of the interaction and interdependencies between the different sides of a multi-sided platform so as to ascertain the impact of such interaction or interlinkages in the analysis. Also Read | Bihar BJP MLA Lalan Paswan Says 'People Rich Without Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi' (Watch Video). However, the role of such interdependencies at the time of delineating relevant market should be limited to understanding the impact of such interactions on the substitutability analyzed primarily from the aggrieved user side. When apparently there are two distinct products/services which are being supplied (by the same seller i.e., the OTA) to two distinct set of buyers (end-consumers and hotel partners), ascertaining substitutability only from the perspective of one user group (i.e. the end-consumer in the present case) may erroneously conflate the competitive constraints that exist separately and distinctly in relation to each user side. The CCI nevertheless undertook substitutability assessment from the perspective of both user groups. From the end-users' perspective, the CCI relied upon the 'Search, Compare and Booking' (SCB) functionality test and observed that owing to the distinct characteristic features of the OTAs, they may not be comparable with other online modes. Also Read | Competition Commission of India Penalises OYO, GoIbibo, MakeMyTrip for Anti-Competitive Conduct. As regards the substitutability from the point of view of the hotels (including the franchise hotel service providers) also, which the CCI found more appropriate for relevant market determination in view of the allegations under consideration, the CCI did not find OTAs to be interchangeable with other modes of booking. The CCI opined that hotel partners desire listing on OTAs primarily for visibility and discoverability. Drawing a distinction between presence and visibility on online platforms, the CCI opined that when a hotel partner opts for a channel of distribution like an OTA, it is more for visibility (and discoverability) which is focused to ensure that the target market can discover the hotels, as opposed to merely being present on the online portal. Inter-alia for these reasons, the CCI concluded that, firstly, online and offline are not part of the same market and secondly, even within the online segment, OTAs constitute a separate relevant product market. Accordingly, the relevant market was defined as "market for online intermediation services for booking of hotels in India". The CCI first examined the parity obligation vide which MMT-Go was imposing wide price parity as well as room availability parity obligations on its hotel partners. However, what perplexed the CCI in the instant matter was the imposition of price parity in conjunction with other impositions e.g. room parity obligations, deep discounting strategies and exclusivity conditions, which warranted a simultaneous assessment of the impact and reinforcing nature of such impositions. Based on an in-depth assessment, the CCI found that the deep discounts and parity conditions, in conjunction, creates an ecosystem that reinforces MMT-Go's dominant position in the relevant market. Firstly, it helps MMT-Go to retain and further increase its network of users/travelers, who would increasingly use the platform for availing the best deals. Secondly, it impedes the competitive process between OTAs by limiting the competitive levers/instruments at the disposal of other portals who, for instance, cannot get better prices from hotels by offering lower commission rates. Thirdly, the consequent adverse effect on sale of rooms through other platforms/channels and their user bases, further accentuates the dependence of hotels on MMT-Go as well as the bargaining power imbalance that already exists between MMT-Go and its hotel partners. Fourthly, the increased sales through MMT-Go may lead to unilaterally determined higher commissions charged by it, giving it the ability to also pass on discounts which are admittedly funded through these commissions, which may adversely impact the prices at which the hotels rooms are being offered to end-consumers. The conduct of MMT-Go was thus, found to be in contravention of Section 4(2)(a)(i) read with Section 4(1) of the Act. As regards the allegation pertaining to misrepresentation of information by MMT-Go wherein MMT-Go was showing certain hotels/property as 'sold out' on its portals while the same were only delisted and may have had available rooms for booking, the CCI observed that MMT-Go is a dominant player in the relevant market and consumers heavily rely on results being shown on MMT-Go's website. Any such misrepresentation of information on MMT-Go's platform could affect the perspective of the consumer and may dissuade the consumer from searching on alternative channels for the same hotel, under the assumption that the hotel is sold out. This could result in lower number of room bookings of the hotel partner and also reduce the competition amongst the budget hotels registered on different OTAs, thereby leading to exclusion of such hotels, besides this act of misrepresentation being exploitative in nature as regards such hotels. Though the DG had also returned a finding of predation against MMT-Go, the CCI noted the submissions made by MMT-Go, in light of which the CCI found it difficult to determine the reliability and validity of assumptions on the basis of which assessment was done by the DG. The CCI, thus, did not accept the said finding of the DG. Besides abuse of dominant position by MMT-Go, the CCI also examined the commercial arrangement between MMT-Go and OYO vide which FabHotels and Treebo were delisted from the former's online portals in 2018. Based on the material available on record, the CCI found that there was an agreement/understanding between OYO and MMT-Go which was in the nature of a vertical arrangement amenable to Section 3(4)(d) read with Section 3(1) of the Act and the same had adversely affected competition in the market by denying access to an important channel of distribution through foreclosure. Further, the CCI also observed that though FabHotels and Treebo were relisted by MMT-Go pursuant to the intervention of the CCI in 2021, such relisting needs to be on equitable terms. Based on the detailed reasoning provided in the order, the CCI found the conduct of MMT-Go in violation of the provisions of Section 4(2)(a)(i) as well as Section 4(2)(c) read with Section 4(1) of the Act. Further, the arrangement between MMT-Go and OYO was also found to be in contravention of Section 3(4)(d) read with Section 3(1) of the Act. Observing that besides imposing monetary penalty, it is imperative for the fair market regulator to ensure an environment that supports fair competition, the CCI prescribed certain broad behavioral remedies to MMT-Go. MMT-Go has been inter-alia directed to modify its agreement with hotels/chain hotels to remove/abandon the price and room availability parity obligations with respect to other OTAs and also the exclusivity conditions that exist inter-alia in the form of D-minus clause. Further, MMT-Go has been directed to provide access to its platform on a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory basis to the hotels/chain hotels, by formulating the platforms' listing terms and conditions in an objective manner. MMT-Go has also been directed to provide transparent disclosures on its platform as regards the properties not available on its platform, either on account of termination of the contractual arrangement with any hotel/chain hotel or by virtue of exhaustion of quota allocated to MMT-Go by such hotel/chain hotel. The detailed order can be accessed. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Raipur, Oct 20 (PTI) A 40-year-old lawyer allegedly killed his wife and mother-in-law in Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur on Thursday, a police official said. Also Read | Goa Shocker: Two Held for Trafficking Women for Prostitution at Anjuna Beach. The incident took place in Vasundhara Nagar under D D Nagar police station limits at around 12:30 pm, he said. Also Read | Noida Dog Menace: Ten Strays Caught From Lotus Boulevard Society After One-Year-Old Boy Was Mauled to Death. The accused hit his 36-year-old wife and 65-year-old mother-in-law with an iron pipe, the official said. "The accused and his wife were living separately for the last few months due to a domestic dispute. A case related to the custody of their daughter is underway at the Child Welfare Commission here," he said. "The accused visited his in-laws house to meet his daughter, who was unwell. He and his wife had an argument, after which he hit her and her mother with an iron pipe, killing them instantly," the official informed. The accused arrived at the local police station along with his daughter and provided details of the incident, after which a team left for the crime spot and the process of registering a case was initiated, the official added. He has been placed under arrest, 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) Vyara, (Guj), Oct 20 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress of making fun of tribal traditions and culture, and added that people from the community would not forget the "insult" and they would "teach a lesson" to the party. Also Read | Rajasthan High Court Grants 15-Day Parole To Rape Convict To Get His Wife Pregnant. Addressing a rally after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for various projects at Vyara in the tribal-dominated Tapi district of Gujarat, he also alleged that the previous Congress governments never took steps to improve the condition of tribal people as it just focused on winning elections. Also Read | Odisha Shocker: Man Kills Wife in Fit of Rage, Buries Body in Backyard in Sambalpur. He said the welfare of tribals by providing to them pucca houses with electricity and gas connections, road connectivity, schools for the children from the community, among other things, was the top priority of his government. From Wednesday, Modi has been on a two-day visit to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Gujarat, his home state, where Assembly elections are due by December end. Hesaid the country currently has a tribal daughter as its president in Droupadi Murmu and tribal son Mangubhai Patel as the governor of Madhya Pradesh. "You have seen earlier governments. Compare Congress governments of the past with the present BJP-led governments in different states. Congress governments never thought about your future and they would just work for winning elections. Before the polls they used to make false promises, but after elections they would forget them," he said. On the other hand, the BJP government has given top priority for the development of the tribal community of the country, he asserted. "I tell you that your forefathers faced a lot of difficulties, but due to our work you are facing less difficulties now. Now, we want to ensure that your children do not have to face such difficulties in future," he said during his address to the tribal people. "Congress even used to make fun of tribal customs and traditions. If at any function I wore a tribal pagdi (headgear) or jacket, they used to make fun of me. I want to tell the Congress party that the tribal population will not forget the insult of their customs and traditions and they will teach you a lesson," Modi said. He said wherever the BJP is in power, the governments led by it have given top priority to tribal welfare. "My tribal brothers and sisters should have their own pucca house with electricity, gas connection, toilet, a road leading to the house, a medical centre nearby, means of income in the vicinity, and a school for children," he said. The prime minister said that when these youngsters were born 20-25 years ago, there were very few schools in the entire tribal belt from Umargam to Ambaji and barely enough facilities to study science. "Under the 'Mission School of Excellence' that was inaugurated yesterday in Gujarat, about 4,000 schools in tribal talukas will be modernized. It is our resolve to make the tribal society completely free from the problems of malnutrition. That is why the central government has started a huge 'Poshan Abhiyan' through which thousands of rupees are being given to help mothers have nutritious food during pregnancy," he said. The budgetary allocation for the welfare of tribals have grown more than threefold in the last 7-8 years, Modi said. The PM laid the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth more than Rs 1,970 crore in Vyara. He laid the foundation stone for the improvement of a road from Saputara to 'Statue of Unity' along with construction of missing links. Other projects whose foundation stone were laid include water supply projects worth over Rs 300 crore in Tapi and Narmada districts. (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, Oct 20 (PTI) People should continue to wear masks in crowded areas, especially those in the vulnerable category like pregnant women and the elderly, experts said on Thursday, hours after the Delhi government withdrew the Rs 500 fine for not wearing it in public places. Doctors at the city's leading government and private hospitals concurred that people should exercise "extra caution" because though cases in Delhi are on the lower side, a new variant of COVID-19 is being reported which is very transmissible. Also Read | Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Date & Venue Announced; Madhya Pradesh To Host The Next Edition From Jan 31-Feb 11. "It is a festive season and people will ge together, socialise at workplace and at homes. Though the fine for not wearing mask has been lifted, I would still say that people should wear it in open and crowded places, during meetings in enclosed rooms, if not at homes. "More than laws, we need self-discipline, as we have all learned a lot in these two years," said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Apollo Hospital. Also Read | 'Diwali Break' for Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra From October 24-26. The doctor said air quality in Delhi has dropped and so a mask can protect from various other kinds of pollution-related infection too. The Delhi government on Thursday issued an order withdrawing the Rs 500 fine for not wearing masks in public places in the national capital. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in a meeting last month had decided to stop levying the penalty after September 30 amid a decline in COVID-19 cases. The authority in its meeting on September 22 noted that the positivity rate of the COVID-19 infection has come down substantially and majority of the population has been vaccinated. Delhi recorded 107 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 1.64 per cent on Wednesday, according to health department data. On Tuesday, the positivity rate was 2.04 per cent, 3.61 per cent on Monday, 1.59 per cent on Sunday, 2.12 per cent on Saturday and 1.75 per cent on Friday. The number of active cases now stands at 488. The number of daily cases in the city had touched a record high of 28,867 on January 13 during the third wave of the pandemic. Dr Richa Sareen, consultant of pulmonology at Fortis Hospital said, "We have to be cautious since a new variant is being reported. People who are vulnerable to such infection such as pregnant women and the elderly should continue to wear mask in public places, fine or no fine". "Also, we all need to be extra cautious because a new variant of COVID-19 is being reported, which is very transmissible. Though cases in Delhi are on the lower side, the fine for not wearing a mask in public places being lifted should not push us into a zone of false sense of security that 'everything is fine'. Having said that, we should not panic either," she said. Chatterjee at Apollo Hospital said a person not wearing a mask is also at risk of contracting many other respiratory infection if standing next to a person who has any of these infections. So a mask helps, he said. In its meeting held last month, the DDMA had emphasised on not lowering guard against Covid in view of the upcoming festivals. Some expert had then said that the government could have waited for two months for the festive season to end, while others had said people should voluntarily be allowed to discipline themselves. Diwali falls on October 24, followed by Chhath festival few days later and then Christmas in December. (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], October 20 (ANI): The Delhi High Court recently upheld the order of conviction and life imprisonment awarded to a man for kidnapping and murdering a woman who was pressurising and threatening him to marry her. The High court delivered the judgement after considering the circumstantial evidence of the case. The woman was kidnapped from the Khajoori Khas area and was murdered in Simbhawli near Hapur in Uttar Pradesh. Her body was recovered from the spot on June 27, 2011, after the murder. Also Read | Bihar Shocker: Acquitted in 26-Year-Old Case, Elderly Man Dies of Heart Attack in Banka District. The division bench comprising justices Mukta Gupta and Mini Pushkarna dismissed the appeal moved by Mohd Gulfam. He challenged the trial court order convicting him of abduction, murder and destruction of evidence. The trial court had also imposed a fine of Rs. 1,30,000 under different sections. According to the bench, it considered the circumstantial evidence of the appellant talking to the deceased whereafter the deceased went to meet the appellant and on the next day on June 27, 2011, her dead body was found at Simbhawli. This place of the incident was pointed out resulting in the discovery of the dead body of Azeema there. This coupled with the recovery of the purse of the appellant near the place of the incident, the opinion of the post-mortem doctor that on June 28, 2011, dead body was two days old, the explanation rendered by the appellant and his conduct of abscission immediately after the incident, this Court is of the considered opinion that the prosecution has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, the bench said. Also Read | Supreme Court Orders Treatment of HIV Positive Ex-Armyman at Base Hospital. Hence, this Court finds no error in the impugned judgment of conviction and order on sentence, the bench said in the judgement. The appellant had challenged the judgement of December 19, 2018, passed by the trial court convicting him for offences punishable under Section 364/302/201 Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the order on sentence dated January 30, 2019, awarding life imprisonment. It was argued by the counsel for appellant Mohd Gulfam that the trial court referred to the part of the disclosure statement of the appellant in the impugned judgment, which is not admissible in evidence. It was also argued that the alleged incident had taken place on June 26, 2011, and the dead body was found on June 27, 2011. However, the FIR was lodged on June 29, 2011. From January 1, 2011, to June 26, 2011, only two calls were made on June 22, 2011, and June 26, 2011 hence it cannot be said that there was proximity between the deceased and the appellant. On the other hand, it was contended by the Additional public prosecutor (APP) Mukesh Kumar for the State that the accused had a clear motive behind committing the murder of the deceased, Azeema. APP argued that the deceased was in a relationship with the appellant Mohd Gulfam, who was residing in the same vicinity and was pressurising and threatening him to get married to her. On the day when the deceased went missing, she had gone with the appellant on his motorcycle. The appellant led the police team to the place of murder and also the place of scuffle between him and the deceased. The Appellant was arrested only after the analysis of the call detail records of his mobile phone which became available to the police on July 21, 2011, the APP argued. The case of the prosecution is that on the evening of June 26, 2011, Alma/ Complainant's daughter namely Azeema left the house at about 6-6:30 PM to go to the house of her friend with a plastic box containing Kunda (Mithe Puyye) and failed to return home. The complainant visited the house of Chanchal, a friend of her deceased daughter, who told her that the deceased had gone with appellant Mohd Gulfam and Shahjad. On the same night, Mohd Gulfam's parents came to the complainant's house and threatened her of kidnapping her elder daughter and offered her Rs 50,000 for not reporting or disclosing the matter to the police or any other authority. Thus, an FIR was lodged on June 29, 2011, on the complaint of the mother of Azeema (deceased) about her being missing since June 26, 2011. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, Oct 20 (PTI) Assam Minister for Industries and Commerce Bimal Bora said that the state government is determined to work on the improvement of tea estates and to shoulder the social responsibilities of the industry. In a meeting held here to discuss the formulation of a new Tea Policy with representatives of various associations, the minister on Wednesday made a presentation on the draft proposal of the policy which has various components. Also Read | Bengaluru Shocker: College Professor Sends Porn Videos to Student on Instagram; Booked. The components include among others replacements of old plants and machinery, financial assistance for opening tea boutiques, new blending and packaging industries, participating in trade fairs national and international, quality certification, organic tea certification of the factory and export support for sending tea directly from Assam to overseas countries. Tea Association of India's Secretary General P K Bhattacharjee said that the foremost task before the industry was to increase the per capita consumption of tea. Also Read | Uber Launches Advertising Division, Will Show Ads During Rides. Assam contributes more than 50 per cent of the country's production and as such the responsibility to upscale the quantum of consumption weighs heavily on the tea industry which calls for a proactive policy. He also urged the government to integrate the various schemes under the national flagship schemes in the tea policy. Guwahati Tea Buyers Association's Secretary Dinesh Bihani said that the tea blending and packaging unit is currently not covered under Assam Industrial Policy and as such, tea is being purchased from Assam and packaged in other states. If the state government allows this it will bring huge investment, employment and development of Infrastructure and create goodwill, leading to higher price realization of Assam tea, he said, The government should make policies which incentivize good tea producers and encourages them to sell their produce through Guwahati Tea Auction Centre and help it to become the world's largest auction centre, Bihani added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru, October 20: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday instructed officials to ensure airport passengers remain unaffected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Kempegowda International Airport here next month. The Chief Minister held a preliminary meeting with officials regarding the arrangements for the inauguration of terminal-2 of the airport and unveiling of 108-foot statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, founder of Bengaluru, by Modi on November 11. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai To Host Dinner Party for Amit Shah on May 3. He said the function should not affect the travelling public to the airport and the police must ensure that there is no disruption of traffic on the day of inauguration. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai Retaliates to Congress Leaders' Allegations, Says 'BJP Upholds Individual Freedom, Equality in Governance'. Higher Education Minister C N Ashwath Narayan informed the meeting that as a prelude to the November 11 function, a campaign ''Banni Naada Kattona' is being held for the collection of sacred mud (Mruthike) from all districts, and it would start from October 21. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ghaziabad, Oct 20 (PTI) The police on Thursday dismissed as "false" a Delhi woman's claim that she had been gang-raped and brutalized by five men here. Police claimed that the entire "conspiracy" was hatched to grab property over which the woman had a dispute with the accused. Also Read | Ayodhya Set To Emerge as a Global City by 2024 Due to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's Efforts. Three people who helped the woman with the plan have been arrested, police said. The woman had claimed that she was raped by five men for two days. Also Read | Rishi Sunak or Penny Mordaunt or Boris Johnson: Who Can Be New UK PM After Liz Truss' Exit?. Following the incident, the Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal also claimed that the 36-year-old woman was found wrapped in a jute bag, with her hands and legs tied, and an iron rod was inserted in her private parts. The police are still interrogating the four people who had been taken into custodyPTI COR (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 20 (PTI) Veteran Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, one of the most popular leaders and crowd pullers of the Left party in the state, turned 99 on Thursday. Also Read | Bengaluru Rains: Heavy Rainfall Batters Silicon City, Several Areas Inundated; Yellow Alert Issued For Three Days (Videos). Fondly called 'Comrade VS' by his followers and fans, Achuthanandan has been keeping away from public and media glare for quite some time due to age-related difficulties. Also Read | Hyderabad Shocker: Man Strangulates Wife to Death After Argument Over Attending Wedding, Tries To Pass It Off As Suicide. According to party sources, the veteran celebrated the day along with members of his family at the residence here and visitors were not allowed to extend wishes considering his health condition. Marking the day, Achuthanandan's son V A Arun Kumar said in his Facebook page that "Today is my father's 99th birthday". He also said he was blessed to be born as the son of such a great personality who is entering into his 100th year. Cutting across party and political lines, people from various walks of life greeted the Marxist leader, who is the founder-leader of CPI(M) after the split in the undivided CPI in 1964. "Hearty wishes to dear Comrade VS, who is celebrating his 99th birthday," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in his Facebook post. Extending his birthday wishes, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described Achuthanandan as the "titan of Kerala politics". "VS Achuthanandan, a titan of Kerala politics, officially turns 99 today. Many believe he's already crossed 100. I recall my interactions with him when he was CM fondly. He was authoritative, not authoritarian," he tweeted. He also criticised that party mouthpiece 'Deshabhimani' ignored the veteran on the day. "Strange today's front page of Deshabhimani ignores this milestone," Ramesh added. Born on October 20, 1923 in a working class family in Alappuzha district, Velikkakath Sankaran Achuthanandan became part of the trade union after ending his formal education at the primary level. Joining the Communist movement, his life is linked with its history in the state including the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, underground activities of the party after it was banned in 1949 following Calcutta thesis and formation of the CPI(M) following the split in CPI in 1964. Achuthanandan, who became a CPI(M) politburo member in 1996, headed the CPI(M)-led LDF government in 2006-11, defeating the efforts by his rivals in the party to deny him a chance. He is staying at his son's residence here after stepping down as Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission last year. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) A study on Thursday claimed that more people were in support of internet shut down to maintain law and order than those opposing it, and a sizable number of people were in favour of surveillance as well. The Lokniti-CSDS survey on Media in India also found that social media, though used a lot by internet users, was least trusted, and half of all social media users admitted to have been misled by fake news or information on the net at some point. Also Read | Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Date & Venue Announced; Madhya Pradesh To Host The Next Edition From Jan 31-Feb 11. The survey was done in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. "Support for internet shutdowns by governments on law and order grounds was also greater than opposition to it. The only issue, perhaps, on which a not so conservative opinion was seen, was that of government regulation of social media content," the study stated. Also Read | 'Diwali Break' for Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra From October 24-26. Among all respondents, 36 per cent were in support of the idea of internet shut down for law and order purposes, while 26 per cent found it wrong, and 38 per cent expressed no opinion. A similar sentiment was found about government surveillance in the survey, while it was acknowledged, it was not considered immoral by many. "A sizeable proportion of them (respondents) saw nothing wrong with it (surveillance)," it said. "Most smartphone and internet users were found to hold the belief that the government monitors what people do on the internet or their phone, they acknowledged that it takes place. However this acknowledgment does not mean that they disapprove of government surveillance," the survey stated. As per the statistics on perception about surveillance, 34 per cent were of the view that government monitors what people do on mobile or internet, 14 per cent said it doesn't, and 52 per cent were non committal to the idea. Similarly 28 per cent were in favour of the government regulating the social media content, 33 per cent were against it, and 39 per cent gave no opinion. The survey points out that more than half of the internet users are concerned about fake news and the same number of social media users "admitted to have been misled by fake news or information online at some point," the survey on Media in India said. Describing the survey as a "systematic study", CSDS Director Sanjay Kumar said, "we did a systematic proper sampling both from rural India, urban India, to get an idea what real opinion of the Indians are about the media." "I think there is a divided opinion about government surveillance, but when it comes to security, which has become a concern for Indians, there is a sizeable support for surveillance and that has come out very clearly from the survey," Kumar told PTI. The study was focused on both traditional and new media. It was conducted in 19 States among 7,463 citizens aged 15 years and above. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], October 20 (ANI): The Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Core Committee will be held in the national capital on Friday to hold discussions about the preparations for the 2023 assembly elections and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. BJP Rajasthan President Satish Poonia said that the BJP chief JP Nadda will hold a meeting at 6 pm tomorrow at Delhi BJP head office with the top party leaders of Rajasthan in Delhi. Also Read | UP Horror: Missing Dalit Girl's Mutilated Body Found in Bushes in Azamgarh. The current political developments in Rajasthan will be discussed in the Core Committee meeting chaired by Nadda. The State leaders will also give feedback about the current situation. It is believed that in this meeting the organizational strategy will be prepared for the 2023 Assembly elections in Rajasthan. Also Read | UP Shocker: Elderly Man Requests Police To Save Him From His Criminal Son in Kanpur, Video Goes Viral. BJP State President Dr Satish Poonia, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria, BJP leader Rajendra Rathod, national office bearers of BJP from Rajasthan and some prominent leaders including ministers in the Modi government will attend the meeting. Pertinent to mention, a delegation of Rajasthan BJP on Tuesday met state Assembly Speaker CP Joshi and submitted a memorandum seeking the Speaker's stance on the purported resignation of MLAs of the ruling Congress. The BJP leaders had also claimed that the Gehlot government of the state is in the minority. "We will give feedback to the BJP President about the organizational and political developments of Rajasthan," said Satish Poonia. "The meeting of the Rajasthan BJP Core Committee to be chaired by BJP National President JP Nadda in Delhi. There will be a discussion about the preparations for the upcoming assembly elections and then the Lok Sabha elections. Along with this, we will also apprise the party president about the current organizational and political developments in Rajasthan," Poonia told ANI on phone. Poonia said that they will give updates to the party's high command about the political developments that took place in Rajasthan Congress recently. Earlier on Monday, Congress leader Sachin Pilot said that the party is contemplating how the Congress party should form the government again in Rajasthan. "In the last 30 years, whenever the Congress comes to the government in Rajasthan, it is unable to win the elections again and loses badly. We will do whatever we have to do to win the election and will work hard together," Pilot said. The political crisis in Rajasthan was triggered by Ashok Gehlot apparently agreeing to file his nomination in the Congress presidential polls and wanting a successor of his choice in Rajasthan. The Gehlot loyalists want someone from their own camp to be chosen as the next Chief Minister, instead of Sachin Pilot, held a spate meeting with Cabinet Minister Shanti Dhariwal at his residence, following which over 90 MLAs had submitted their resignations to Speaker CP Joshi. However, later when Mallikarjun Kharge announced to be the candidate for president post, he backed out and apologised for the ruckus in Rajasthan triggered by his loyalists over a possible leadership change in the state after Gehlot was set to file his nomination papers for the Congress chief polls. (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, Oct 20 (PTI) There will be no change of guard ceremony on October 22 and 29 due to ongoing rehearsals for the presentation of the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's Bodyguard, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement on Thursday. The change of guard ceremony is a military tradition that is held every week to enable a fresh group of the President's Bodyguards to take charge. Also Read | Goa Shocker: Two Held for Trafficking Women for Prostitution at Anjuna Beach. "The change of guard ceremony will not be held on October 22 and 29, 2022, at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan due to ongoing rehearsals for the presentation of Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's Bodyguard," it said. The President's Bodyguard has the unique distinction of being the only military unit of the Indian Army privileged to carry the President's Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner. Also Read | Noida Dog Menace: Ten Strays Caught From Lotus Boulevard Society After One-Year-Old Boy Was Mauled to Death. The Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner presentation ceremony is one of the highlights of each presidency. The ceremony is a gala event held at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan and is witnessed by a large crowd including dignitaries from other nations. The ceremony begins with the Regiment falling 'On Parade', with the troopers in their impressive ceremonial attire mounted on their splendid steeds. On arrival, the president inspects the bodyguards. Subsequently, the parade forms a 'Hollow Square' and the president presents the Silver Trumpet with the Banner to the Trumpet Major, according to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In recent times the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner presentation ceremony is followed by an audio-visual presentation covering the saga and the present-day role of the President's Bodyguard. Another highlight of the ceremony is the display of traditional equestrian skills including trick riding and tent pegging. A musical ride showcases the bond between the rider and the horse at its finest and is a visual treat to watch. (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, Oct 20 (PTI) Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who lost the party's presidential poll against Mallikarjun Kharge, said he talked about the election's outcome with Sonia Gandhi on Thursday and she stated that it was not surprising that "people would back one of their own". In the poll, winning candidate Kharge was backed by several senior leaders while Tharoor had pitched himself as the candidate of change, largely supported by lesser known party workers. Also Read | Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Date & Venue Announced; Madhya Pradesh To Host The Next Edition From Jan 31-Feb 11. Speaking at the launch of Congress veteran and former Union minister Mohsina Kidwai's biography, Tharoor also said he was not disappointed about the result as the poll had galvanised party workers. Asked if he was disappointed and disheartened with the result, Tharoor, said, "No, I am not disappointed because I think it was very clear from the earliest moments of the campaign that the establishment, minus the rare case of a Mohsina Kidwai or a Saifuddin Soz or a few other fellow MPs, was going to rally behind him (Kharge) and that inevitably happened and I have no complaints about that." Also Read | 'Diwali Break' for Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra From October 24-26. "In fact, Sonia ji and I were talking today about the election and she was saying it's not surprising that people would sort of back one of their own and I said 'absolutely, I wasn't surprised'," the MP from Thiruvananthapuram said. After the event, he said that he had met Sonia Gandhi. Tharoor said he was gratified by the extent to which the entire election process galvanised people on both sides and party workers. "I have now made new relationships with our party workers all over the country that I would never have had a chance without this election," he said. "I feel that many of them have touched me and I have touched them in ways that I believe would have a lasting value in our respective political innings in the party. So, I was very pleased about all of that and I believe there is a lot to be learnt in the positive sense from having an exercise like this," the Congress leader said. Tharoor also said he was quite amused to see the ruling party BJP's spokespeople attacking the Congress for his mistreatment to which he had responded that "we can fight our own internal battles but try holding your own election first before you comment on ours". Speaking at the book launch, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah called for Opposition unity to take on the present dispensation. He urged Tharoor to keep strengthening the Congress, and keep standing by the party and its leader. Abdullah also said though he and his father Sheikh Abdullah had suffered at the hands of the Congress, he believes the party can help save the country. Senior Congress leaders and former Union ministers Shivraj Patil, Sushilkumar Shinde and Mani Shankar Aiyar were present at the book launch, besides Kidwai. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Narmada (Gujarat) [India], October 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to his home state Gujarat, will launch Mission LiFE in Kevadia today. Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres in Kevadia. Thereafter, the launch of Mission LiFE will be done by PM Modi, in the presence of the UN Secretary-General at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Couple Use Tricolour To Cover Roof of Ventilator in Shamli, Arrested After Video Goes Viral. Envisaged by PM Modi, it is expected to be an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment, said Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Later on the day, PM Modi will participate in the 10th Heads of Missions Conference, which is being organized from 20-22 October 2022 in Kevadia by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Conference will bring together 118 Heads of Indian Missions (Ambassadors and High Commissioners) from all over the world. Also Read | 250 Million Monthly Active Devices Now Run Android Go, Says Google. The Heads of Missions are currently visiting their respective states to familiarize themselves with India's Flagship Missions such as those pertaining to Aspirational Districts, One District One Product, Amrit Sarovar Mission, among others. On Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth over Rs 1,970 crore in Vyara, Tapi. He will lay the foundation stone for the improvement of the road from Saputara to the Statue of Unity along with the construction of missing links. Other projects whose foundation stone will be laid include water supply projects worth over Rs 300 crore in Tapi and Narmada districts. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dehradun, Oct 20 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kedarnath and Badrinath on Friday during which he will inspect various ongoing development works and also lay foundation stones for some new projects. In view of the visit, security arrangements have been tightened in the area, an official said. Also Read | INR vs USD: Congress Attacks Narendra Modi Govt, 'Says BJP Not Ready To Accept Reality on Rupee Depreciation'. While the officials are busy finalizing the preparations for the two-day program of the prime minister, the priests of both the Dhams and the devotees are also excited by his arrival. Both Kedarnath and Badrinath temples are decorated with many quintals of flowers. The Prime Minister will reach Kedarnath at around eight Friday morning and will perform worship of Baba Kedar. After it, he will lay the foundation stone of the 9.7 km long Gaurikund-Kedarnath ropeway project. Also Read | Rishi Sunak, Who Emerged As Bookmakers' Favourite for UK PM, Yet To Clear Whether He Will Run. During his two-and-a-half-hour program, he will also visit the Samadhi Sthal of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. The prime minister will also review the progress of development works along Mandakini Asthapath and Saraswati Asthapath there. After this, he will reach Badrinath Dham and after visiting the temple and offering prayers, will review the progress of the development works along the riverfront. Later in the afternoon, he will lay the foundation stone of road and ropeway projects and address the people at Mana village near Badrinath. Thereafter, he will review the progress of the beautification works of the Arrival Plaza and the lakes. The Prime Minister will spend Friday night in Badrinath. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the prime minister's visit to Kedarnath-Badrinath will prove to be a milestone in the development of Uttarakhand. He said the connectivity projects being undertaken at these places reflect the prime minister's commitment to ease access and improve basic infrastructure in places of religious significance. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, Oct 20 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday accused the state Governor of "constantly interfering" in the functioning of his government and said the appointment of the Punjab Agriculture University vice chancellor was according to law. The CM shared a letter written in Punjabi and addressed to Governor Banwarilal Purohit on his Twitter handle. However, the Raj Bhavan said the letter they received from the CM was in English and its contents were "materially different" from the one circulated in the media. Also Read | Bihar Shocker: Acquitted in 26-Year-Old Case, Elderly Man Dies of Heart Attack in Banka District. The fresh confrontation between the Governor and the state government has taken place over the appointment of Satbir Singh Gosal as the university vice chancellor. Two days ago, Purohit had asked the CM to revoke his appointment, saying he was appointed without following University Grants Commission norms and approval of the Chancellor. Also Read | Supreme Court Orders Treatment of HIV Positive Ex-Armyman at Base Hospital. In his letter, the chief minister on Thursday said Gosal was appointed as per law and claimed that the Governor's move has angered people. He also mentioned how the Governor withdrew the approval for convening an Assembly session last month and declined to clear the appointment of noted cardiologist Dr Gurpreet Singh Wander as the vice chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. "For the past a few months, you have been constantly interfering in the functioning of the government, which was elected with a huge mandate," said Mann. "First you created an obstacle in convening the Punjab Assembly session, then you cancelled the appointment of the vice chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, and now you ordered the cancelling of the appointment of PAU VC," said Mann. The CM also asked Purohit who is asking him to carry out such "wrong and unconstitutional" works and why he agreed to do this. "I have met you many times. I found you to be a very good and nice person. You cannot do such acts on your own. Who is asking you to do such wrong and unconstitutional works? Why do you agree with them? They hide behind your back, you get defamed," the CM said. "I request you with folded hands that do not listen to them. These people, who are getting you to do wrong things, are clear that they do not want Punjab's welfare. You please let the elected government work," said Mann. Mann told the Governor that Dr Gosal is a well-known scientist and a respected Punjabi Sikh. "Punjabis are very angry over your order of removing such a person," he said. Mann told the Governor that the agriculture university's vice-chancellor is appointed according to the Haryana and Punjab Agricultural Universities Act, 1970. "The VC is appointed by the board of the PAU. There is no role of a chief minister or Governor in it," wrote the CM as he cited examples of previous appointments of Baldev Singh Dhillon and M S Kang as vice chancellors of the university. He said no approval of the Governor was sought in appointing any of the previous vice chancellors. "Therefore, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal has also been appointed as per law, like it used to be done earlier," said Mann. Reacting to it, the Raj Bhavan in a statement claimed that the letter in Punjabi, which is in circulation in the media, was not received by them. "There is a letter in circulation in the media which is in Punjabi, alleged to have been written by the chief minister, Punjab to the Governor, Punjab about the appointment of the vice chancellor of PAU, Ludhiana. This letter has not been received in Punjab Raj Bhavan till this moment," said the statement. The letter received from the chief minister was in English and the contents of both letters are "materially different", it said. The Governor's Office has sought clarification from the CM as to which of his two letters is authentic and why the letter written in Punjabi has been circulated to the media before and without sending it to the Punjab Raj Bhavan, said the statement. The letter received by the Governor Office outlines details about the selection process of a VC, names of three persons considered for the post, highlighting the PAU being governed by a separate Act and other details. The letter in English also stated that it was requested to reconsider the observations made by the Governor in his previous letter, the statement said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 20 (PTI) The LDF government is not going to take steps with regard to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's decision as Chancellor of universities to remove the 15 members of the Senate of the Kerala University, State Higher Education Minister R Bindu said on Thursday. Also Read | NorthEast United vs East Bengal, ISL 2022-23 Live Streaming Online on Disney+ Hotstar: Watch Free Telecast of NEUFC vs EB Match in Indian Super League 9 on TV and Online. He said the government has no relation to that decision. Also Read | Firecracker Ban in Delhi: Supreme Court Refuses Urgent Hearing on Plea Against Blanket Ban on Firecrackers, Says Spend Money on Sweets. "Government has got nothing to do with it. It has no direct relation to the action taken by the Governor. It is for the university and the affected members of the Senate to decide the further course of action," she told PTI. The syndicate member K H Babujan spoke along similar lines, too. He said the syndicate cannot take steps, like moving the courts, and it was for the Senate members to take a call on that. "I have no idea whether the Senate members are planning to take any legal action," he told PTI. On October 15, Khan sent a letter to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Kerala University to remove the 15 members with immediate effect. As no steps were taken by the VC in furtherance of the communication, the Governor on Wednesday notified the removal effective from October 15. Khan ordered the removal after his directions to hold a Senate meeting and provide a nominee of the Senate for the selection committee went unheeded, sources in Raj Bhavan said. The committee was to appoint a Vice-Chancellor, said the sources. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters that the steps "he (Khan) took were not according to the law. Some of the Senate members were ex-officio and the law does not give him the authority to remove them." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad, Oct 20 (PTI) Expressing anguish over the alleged sexual assault of a four-and-a-half-year-old girl in a school here, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday sought a detailed report from the state government on the matter. A Raj Bhavan press release said the Governor had called for immediate action against the culprits. Also Read | Ayodhya Set To Emerge as a Global City by 2024 Due to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath's Efforts. "The Governor expressed her dismay and deep anguish over the incident and called for immediate action against the culprit who perpetrated the heinous crime," the press communique said. Meanwhile, the parents of students in the school at posh Banjara Hills here, where the incident allegedly happened, and another branch of the school at Safilguda in the city held protests. Also Read | BSP MLA Raju Pal Murder Case: CBI Court Frames Charges Against Atiq Ahmad. The parents demanded the resignation of the principal of Safilguda branch of the school, police said. The four-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a driver, who has since been arrested, in her school in Banjara Hills here. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Etah, October 20: Three children died after they got buried under the huge earthen boulders in the Nayagaon Police Station area on Wednesday. The deceased children, identified as Sachin, Kaushal, and Govind (12 years) in the Fakirpura village of Uttar Pradesh's Etah district were buried under the earthen boulders while on their way to home from school, sources said. The parents of the children panicked after the deceased didn't return home from school. Searches were conducted by the locals and it was found that they were buried to death under the earthen boulders. The police team reached the incident after an intimation was received. UP Shocker: Three School Children Killed, One Critically Injured As Speeding Car Runs Over Them in Gonda. The corpses of the deceased were sent for an autopsy. The police investigation is underway and further information is awaited. However, in September, in another incident reported from the Etawah district, four children died and two others were injured after a wall of their house collapsed due to heavy rainfall in the Chandrapura village in the Civil Line area of Uttar Pradesh's Etawah. "Four siblings, three boys, and one girl, have died and the compensation will be granted to the family as per the norms," said Avnish Rai, District Magistrate, Etawah. UP Shocker: Teen Raped by Instagram Friend in Lucknows High-Security Lohia Park. The deceased children were identified as Sinku (10), Abhi (8), Sonu (7), and Aarti (5) while one Rishav (4) and their grandmother Sharda Devi (75) were seriously injured in the wall collapse incident, and have been admitted to the district's, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Government Joint Hospital. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath also expressed deep grief over the deaths caused due to wall collapse in Etawah. "UP CM Yogi Adityanath has deeply condoled the loss of lives due to the collapse of the wall in district Etawah. The Chief Minister has directed the senior officers to immediately visit the spot and conduct relief work," the CMO tweeted. "The Chief Minister has given instructions to provide relief amount of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed them (officials) to make proper arrangements for their treatment while wishing for a speedy recovery of the injured," it said in another tweet. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Prayagraj, Oct 20 (PTI) A private hospital here was sealed on Thursday for allegedly transfusing fruit juice instead of blood platelets to a dengue patient who later died, police said. After a video of the alleged incident went viral on social media, the district administration swung into action and on the direction of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, the hospital was sealed. Also Read | Rishi Sunak, Who Emerged As Bookmakers' Favourite for UK PM, Yet To Clear Whether He Will Run. The patient, Pradeep Pandey was shifted to another hospital, where he died after his condition deteriorated, officials said. However, no FIR has been registered at the local police station. The owner of the private hospital claimed that the platelets were brought from a different medical facility and the patient had a reaction after three units were transfused. Also Read | Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: Congress Releases Second List of 17 Candidates for Upcoming Polls. In a tweet, Deputy CM Pathak said, "Taking cognisance of the viral video at the hospital where a dengue patient was transfused with sweet lemon juice instead of platelets, on my directive the hospital was sealed and the platelet packets have been sent for testing." "If found guilty, strict action will be taken against the hospital," he said. According to sources, the patient died due to the transfusion of "wrong platelets" and the samples of those will be examined. Asked about the reason for sealing the hospital, an officer, on condition of anonymity, said it has been done on the instructions of the chief medical officer and will remain so till the sample is tested. Saurabh Mishra, the owner of the hospital, said that since the patient Pradeep Pandey's platelets level dropped to 17,000, his relatives were asked to arrange blood platelets for him. "They brought five units of platelets from SRN Hospital. After transfusion of three units, the patient had a reaction. So we stopped it," he said. Mishra said that the platelets should be examined and their origin should be traced because they had the sticker of SRN hospital on them. District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Khatri, said, "An inquiry is underway and the platelets will also be tested." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, Oct 20 (PTI) A government hospital doctor and a ward boy here have been booked for allegedly raping a woman after giving her sedatives, police said on Thursday. The ward boy was arrested on Wednesday, they said. Also Read | Gurugram School Murder Case: Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Student Who Allegedly Slit 7-Year-Old Class 2 Student's Throat. According to the complaint filed by the woman, the incident happened on April 30 when she went to the hospital for some treatment, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) SM Qasim Abidi. He said the woman alleged the duo raped her after administering sedatives. Also Read | IDBI Bank Privatisation: LIC To Recover Its Investment by Time of Sale. A case has been registered under section 376-D (gang rape) of the Indian Penal Code at Mahanagar Police station on Tuesday, the DCP said. According to the sources, the doctor is currently posted in Ayodhya district. A team of Mahanagar police has been tasked to probe the matter, the officer said. This is the third such incident in the state capital in the last few days, coming close on the heels of the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl at Lohia Park on Tuesday and the gang-rape of a tuition teacher in an auto-rickshaw on Saturday. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala, Oct 20 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday claimed that the workers engaged in the unorganised sector were ignored by those who strongly advocated for socialism, launching an indirect attack on the CPI(M). The Left party had ruled the northeastern state for over 25 years. Also Read | Bihar Shocker: Acquitted in 26-Year-Old Case, Elderly Man Dies of Heart Attack in Banka District. Those who used to advocate socialism had pushed the construction workers and others engaged in the unorganised sector towards destruction. They used to treat employers as class enemies and tried to engage employers and workers in fights, he said at a government programme here. Claiming that the BJP's ideology is to respect both employers and workers, Saha said both are an integral part of the development process. Also Read | Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Date & Venue Announced; Madhya Pradesh To Host The Next Edition From Jan 31-Feb 11. The chief minister called upon the workers to repose faith in the government and stated that the government is aware of the importance of the labourers as they are also part of the growth or development. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati (Assam) [India], October 20 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that his government strives to ensure quality education for students with the help of Information Technology (IT). While chairing the first meeting of Assam Rajya Shiksha Aayog on Thursday, the Chief Minister said, "We strive to ensure quality education for our students with the help of IT. He further said that according to National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, providing universal access to quality education would be key to economic growth and empowerment of people. Also Read | Karnataka Cabinet Decides to Promulgate Ordinance to Hike SC/ST Reservation. He said, "We spend 6 per cent of SGDP (state gross domestic product) on education. Making it sensitive & responsive to the intellectual, physical & emotional development of students is our priority." He also said that Assam Rajya Shikha Aayog must contribute to make our human resources responsive to the needs of fellow citizens. National Education Policy 2020 was announced on July 29, 2020. The National Education Policy 2020 proposes various reforms in school education as well as higher education including technical education. A number of action points/activities for implementation in school education and higher education are mentioned in the NEP 2020. Also Read | Iran Shocker: Asra Panahi, 16-Year-Old Schoolgirl, Beaten to Death For Refusing To Sing Pro-Regime Anthem Praising Ayatollah Khamenei. Some of the salient features in the policy are ensuring universal access at all levels of schooling from pre-primary school to Grade 12, ensuring quality early childhood care and education for all children between 3-6 years and a policy that there are no hard separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular activities, between vocational and academic streams. On Wednesday, the state Cabinet had taken several key decisions, regarding the distribution of scooters to meritorious students, increase in the salary of assistant professors, the construction of a new hotel in Kaziranga and guidelines on the issuance of caste certificates. It was also decided that the department of higher education of the state will provide financial assistance for registration and insurance to beneficiaries through nodal principals as part of the proposals. (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, Oct 20 (PTI) Fair trade regulator Competition Commission on thursday cleared the acquisition of business undertakings of Shubhalakshmi Polyesters Ltd and Shubhlaxmi Polytex Ltd by Reliance Polyester Ltd. The proposed transaction pertains to the acquisition by the Reliance Polyester Ltd (RPL) of the business undertakings of Shubhalakshmi Polyesters Ltd (SPL) and Shubhlaxmi Polytex Ltd (SPTex) pertaining to the manufacture of polyester products/yarn as a going concern on a slump sale basis for a lumpsum consideration. Also Read | Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Date & Venue Announced; Madhya Pradesh To Host The Next Edition From Jan 31-Feb 11. In a tweet on Thursday, CCI said it has approved the "acquisition of certain businesses of Shubhalakshmi Polyesters and Shubhlaxmi Polytex by Reliance Polyester". Last month, Reliance Polyester Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reliance Industries Ltd, executed definitive documents to acquire polyester business of Shubhalakshmi Polyesters Ltd and Shubhlaxmi Polytex Ltd for cash consideration of Rs 1,522 crore and Rs 70 crore respectively, aggregating to Rs 1,592 crore by way of slump sale on a going concern basis. Also Read | IDBI Bank Privatisation: LIC To Recover Its Investment by Time of Sale. SPL and SPTex is primarily engaged in the production and supply of polyester products while RPL is engaged in the production and supply of certain petrochemical products and polyester yarns. Deals beyond a certain threshold require approval from the regulator, which keeps a tab on unfair business practices in the market place. (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: Infosys has allowed employees to take up 'gig' jobs on the side with prior consent of managers provided such an engagement does not compete with the company, its clients or pose conflict of interest. The company, in an internal communication to employees, detailed how staff can take up 'gig' work. Analysts say, the move may help the company to address some attrition challenges, since it allows employees to take up additional source of earnings, and chase their tech passion, albeit with firm riders. What Is Moonlighting? Why Is Everyone Talking About It? Know Everything About the Practice Adopted Widely by Employees During Work From Home Culture. It, however, did not define 'gig' work nor did it term it as 'moonlighting'. The latest move comes at a time when debate around moonlighting has grabbed headlines. Put simply, moonlighting refers to employees taking up side gigs to work on more than one job at a time. During the company's Q2 earnings, Infosys had made it clear that the company does not support moonlighting and that it has fired employees who were into dual employment over the last 12 months. In an email to employees on Thursday, Infosys said: "Any employee, who wishes to take up gig work, may do so, with the prior consent of their manager and BP-HR, and in their personal time, for establishments that do not compete with Infosys or Infosys' clients." Infosys said it counts on its employees to ensure that this does not impact their ability to work with the company effectively. "In addition, as per Infosys employment contract, employees may not work in areas when there is an actual or potential conflict of interest or by accepting dual employment," the company wrote in the email seen by PTI. As an organisation, Infosys values the ability to continuously learn new skills and gain experience. Infosys said that it is only natural that the company is supportive of employees taking up additional projects as appropriate in their personal time. However, it said, care needs to be taken to ensure that such projects "comply with the company's policy for gig working, and do not breach client contracts or otherwise impact the employee's ability to be effective in their full-time job with Infosys." Moonlighting: TCS Issues Statement, Says 'Moonlighting Against Core Values; No Action Taken Against Any Staff'. When employees have a discussion with their managers about such projects before taking them up, much of this can be addressed, it said. In addition, Infosys said it has also created several opportunities for gig working internally -- through its very own Accelerate platform that enables managers to list gig work jobs for Infoscions. "Accelerate allows skill based job matches to recommend the right gigs for employees and incentivise both gig wokers and hiring managers. The platform, over the years, has been helping in create richer job variety and more immersive learning for Infoscions," it said. Last month, Wipro Chairman Rishad Premji revealed that some 300 employees were fired as the IT services company had no place for any employee who chose to work directly with rivals while being on Wipro payrolls. During the Q2 earnings' briefing, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh had said the company does not support dual employment. "We don't support dual employment... if we found... in the past, employee doing blatant work in two specific companies where there is a confidentiality issue, we have let go of them in the last 12 months," Parekh had said. Infosys is among the companies which have taken a strong stance on moonlighting. It had earlier shot off a missive to its employees asserting that moonlighting is not permitted, and warned that any violation of contract clauses will trigger disciplinary action "which could even lead to termination of employment". "No two timing - no moonlighting!" the company had said. The issue of moonlighting emerged as a big talking point after Rishad Premji flagged the issue. Premji had taken to Twitter to highlight the issue saying: "There is a lot of chatter about people moonlighting in the tech industry. This is cheating - plain and simple." HCL Technologies too has weighed into the issue of moonlighting and has said it does not approve of dual employment, although it hastened to add that the issue is not a major one within the company. Infosys' Parekh, during Q2 earings' conference, had also said where gig opportunities in the external environment is concerned, Infosys supports aspirations of employees to learn beyond their work but after prior approval of manager has been obtained. "We will support them to work on certain gig projects after the prior approval of the managers. We are also developing more comprehensive policies for that, while ensuring contractual and confidentiality commitments are fully respected. However to be clear, we do not support dual employment," he had said. New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) Drug maker Lupin on Thursday said it will acquire two inhalation brands from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc for USD 75 million (around Rs 622 crore). The drug firm has inked a pact with US-based Sunovion to acquire Brovana (arformoterol tartrate) inhalation solution and Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol tartrate) inhalation aerosol. Also Read | Samsung Galaxy A24 Specifications Leaked Online: Report. The Mumbai-based firm expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings in the first year. The acquisition of these two brands will expand the company's inhalation product portfolio in the US and strengthen its presence in the respiratory therapy area while continuing to provide patients access to these important medicines, Lupin said in a statement. Also Read | 250 Million Monthly Active Devices Now Run Android Go, Says Google. Brovana is indicated for long-term maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Xopenex HFA is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (SABA), indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 4 years of age or older with reversible obstructive airway disease. "We remain focused on strengthening our respiratory franchise in the US. We have established a strong position in the respiratory segment with our Albuterol MDI and Brovana authorised generic launch," Lupin CEO Vinita Gupta stated. The addition of these two brands enhances the company's position in the segment, she added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Oct 20 (PTI) More than half of IT professionals (53 per cent) are likely to pursue a new position within the next year due to better compensation, a lack of training and development and a lack of work-life balance, according to a report. About 66 per cent of IT decision makers see skills gap in their teams even as there is a 10 per cent decrease from last year, according to Skillsoft's 2022 IT Skills and Salary Report. Also Read | IDBI Bank Privatisation: LIC To Recover Its Investment by Time of Sale. However, the industry is facing another pressing challenge centred around talent attrition, with more than half (53 per cent) of all respondents extremely or somewhat likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, it added. Skillsoft's 2022 IT Skills and Salary Report based on a survey with nearly 8,000 respondents. Also Read | Tata Consumer Products Q2 Profit Rises 36% to Rs 389 Crore; Revenue Up 11% to Rs 3,363 Crore. The report further revealed that over the past year, the workplace has been defined by employee-led "movements", namely the Great Resignation and "quiet quitting". Meanwhile, the pace of digital transformation and lack of enough technical resources have pushed many IT professionals to a point of burnout. Skillsoft's report found that two biggest challenges for the IT leaders' are employee retention and recruitment. "Learning is the catalyst for mutually beneficial growth for employees and employers, especially as organisations struggle to retain technical talent and keep pace with innovation," Skillsoft General Manager, Tech and Dev, Zach Sims said. He said companies that create cultures of learning and talent development will be most successful in recruiting and retaining ambitious individuals with the right skills and certifications to make an impact. "This culture not only supports individual employee growth, which is something IT professionals are actively seeking, but also leads to better business outcomes that propel organisations forward," he added. Meanwhile, among IT professionals that changed employers in the past year, their top three reasons for leaving were better compensation, a lack of training and development, and a lack of work-life balance. However, the top cited inhibitor to training is that management does not see a need for it. This is despite a 97 per cent of IT decision-makers saying certified staff add value to the organisation, said the report. With IT professionals seeing numerous benefits after training, including improved quality of work (56 per cent), increased engagement (41 per cent), and faster job performance (36 per cent), organisations that invest in their people can expect to see significant Return on Investment (ROI) both to the bottom line and with employee retention, it added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, Oct 20 (PTI) The Reserve Bank on Thrusday said it has revoked certificate of authorisation of Chennai-based GI Technology Private Limited over governance concerns in the company. The company is in business of issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments. Also Read | Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Date & Venue Announced; Madhya Pradesh To Host The Next Edition From Jan 31-Feb 11. "Governance concerns and non-compliance with regulatory requirements" are the reasons for revocation of Certificate of Authorisation (CoA), the central bank said in a statement. Following the revocation of the CoA, GI Technology cannot transact the business of issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments, it said. Also Read | IDBI Bank Privatisation: LIC To Recover Its Investment by Time of Sale. However, customers or merchants having a valid claim, if any, on the company as PSO, can approach the company for settlement of their claims, the Reserve Bank 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, October 20: Diwali is just around the corner and as much as we all love the festive season, the Diwali 'ladoos', lights, and card parties, one thing that ticks us all off is the 'Diwali Safaai'! Almost every household does the yearly 'ritual' of cleaning the house. Well, it's safe to say that 'Diwali Safaai' hasn't only united household members but also netizens, who have come together on Twitter to voice their feeling of dread with regard to the cleaning. Diwali Ki Safai 2022 Memes and Viral Jokes Are Here To Make Your Diwali Preparations Fun: Share These Hilarious Reactions on Diwali Cleaning With Your Friends and Family. Check out some memes here: Oh I Hate Them Younger sibling, while you doing Diwali ki safai pic.twitter.com/vRyOwc8f7A Pankaj Gautam (@Tea_holicc) October 21, 2022 Yes does cleaning my watchlist count as Diwali ki safai? YouTube India (@YouTubeIndia) October 21, 2022 Waah Kya Baat Batai Hai Diwali par apne Twitter ki bhi safai karo .. Unfollow all toxic people and double follow me . Ok ivaan (@lyfis_memories) October 21, 2022 HAHAHAHHHAHHA When your Mom finds alcohol bottles and cigarettes in your Room while doing Diwali ki Safai. pic.twitter.com/6BzBImxHo4 Sarcasto (@Sarco69) October 17, 2022 Buh Byee Spider at my home to me while I do Diwali ki safai pic.twitter.com/NB3lw90Vz3 Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) October 21, 2022 I BE BAK *diwali ki safai exists* Spider and other insects: pic.twitter.com/0qdhSBNJ5u S (@shut_up_sahil) October 16, 2022 ROFL Insects watching their house destroying in Diwali ki Safai pic.twitter.com/BLzsGBPsjx -Vines (@trilochann45) October 16, 2022 HAHHAHAHHAHHAA singing this song during diwali ki safai hits differently pic.twitter.com/N1U4GLtAkX Kishan Jjw (@jhunjhunastic) October 21, 2022 Oh That Feeling When you find your old toys during Diwali ki safai : pic.twitter.com/XZLmNvXok1 MemeChat App (@memechat_app) October 17, 2022 This Never Happened To Me When you use an excuse to avoid diwali ki safai and it works pic.twitter.com/nbJClFzkMg Vivek Gautam (@Imvivek04) October 18, 2022 Well, no matter how much you dread doing the 'safaai', Diwali without it is incomplete! This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 24. Deepawali, also known as Diwali, is the biggest and most important festival in Indian culture and is celebrated over four days. It dazzles people with its joyful celebration and illuminates the country with its splendour. Diwali, one of the grandest occasions, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains for a number of reasons not just in India but also in southern Asia and other places across the world. The event, which falls on the same day as the Hindu New Year, honours fresh starts and denotes the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali occurs on the fifteenth day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartik, and each of its four days is marked by distinct, well-defined traditions that are observed with joy and goodness. (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], October 20 (ANI): External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on Tuesday met with his Botswana counterpart, Lemogang Kwape at Ektanagar, Kevadia, Gujarat and discussed trade, investment, including defence and training. "During the meeting, both ministers reviewed the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries and explored means to further strengthen these relations in areas such as health, trade and investment, defence, economic cooperation, training and capacity building among others," read the Ministry of External Affairs press release. Also Read | European Union Preparing Sanctions Against Iran for Supplying Drones to Russia. This was the first meeting for any foreign minister with Jaishankar in Ektanagar, Kevadia. "First occasion to host a Foreign Minister in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. A warm meeting with FM Lemogang Kwape of Botswana. Particularly apt to meet in Gujarat, since diamonds and pharma are so salient in our ties," tweeted Jaishankar. Also Read | Earthquake in Nepal: Quake of Magnitude 5.9 Jolts Kathmandu. Regional and international issues of mutual concern including cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN were also discussed. "It was also decided to reinvigorate the existing institutional mechanisms and conduct these meetings at the earliest mutually convenient dates, including the meeting of the ministerial Joint Commission," added the release. India and Botswana enjoy cordial bilateral relations underpinned by strong people-to-people ties. More than 6000 Indians live in Botswana. Bilateral trade between India and Botswana is about USD 806 million. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Oct 20 (PTI) Pakistan's Parliament on Thursday amended rules to make the prior approval of the Speaker mandatory before arresting any lawmaker. The National Assembly (NA), the lower house of the bicameral Parliament, approved amendments to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business 2007. Also Read | Indonesia Bans All Syrup and Liquid Medicines After Death of 99 Children. The NA shared its agenda on Twitter, saying that Rule 103, which previously required the authorities to immediately inform the Speaker in case of a lawmaker's arrest, was proposed to be substituted by the following: When a member has to be arrested on a criminal charge or for a criminal offence or has to be detained under an executive order, the committing judge, magistrate or executive authority, as the case may be, shall immediately seek approval of the Speaker indicating the reasons for the arrest or detention, as the case may be, and after such arrest, detention or when a member is sentenced to imprisonment by a court of law, the committing judge, magistrate or executive authority, as the case may be shall intimate the place of detention or imprisonment of the member in the appropriate form set out in the Fourth Schedule, it said. Also Read | Liz Truss To Resign? UK PM Faces Clamor To Quit Amid Government Chaos. Furthermore, Rule 106, which previously stated that no member of national assembly (MNA) would be arrested from the Assembly's precinct without the Speaker's approval, was proposed to be substituted by: No member shall be arrested within the precincts of the Assembly. Dawn reported that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi presented the amendment resolutions in the house. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif proposed that the amendment should also make it mandatory for the Speaker or chairman of a committee to issue a production order for a lawmaker who was detained or arrested. Subsequently, all three amendments were approved by the National Assembly, according to Dawn. The amendments come amid arrests of opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmakers in separate cases of prohibited funding and a controversial tweet. Similarly, several PML-N lawmakers were arrested when the PTI was in power. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mexico City, Oct 20 (AP) Mexican activists filed a criminal complaint at the International Court of Justice at The Hague, arguing authorities cooperated with or allowed drug cartels to abduct people who were never seen again. The case involves hundreds of people who disappeared in Mexico's Gulf coast state of Veracruz between 2010 and 2016. While many are believed to have been kidnapped and killed by drug gangs, corrupt police are believed to have abducted many, as well. Also Read | European Union Preparing Sanctions Against Iran for Supplying Drones to Russia. The International Federation for Human Rights filed the complaint on behalf of activist groups that have helped locate hundreds of clandestine graves in Veracruz. The federation presented evidence of 22 cases in which there was a systematic pattern to the disappearances, which may have applied to many of the estimated 600 bodies found. Also Read | Earthquake in Nepal: Quake of Magnitude 5.9 Jolts Kathmandu. In Veracruz, members of one state police unit have been convicted for carrying out illegal detentions and disappearances of people in the mid-2010s, during the administration of then Gov. Javier Duarte. This is one more piece of evidence on crimes against humanity in Mexico committed by organised crime, government authorities or both acting together, said Jimena Reyes, the Federation's director for the Americas. The Federation has filed similar complaints regarding cases in the states of Coahuila and Nayarit; those cases have not yet been ruled on. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Karachi, Oct 20 (PTI) A Hindu girl, who was allegedly abducted in broad daylight two months back from Pakistan's Hyderabad city and was forcibly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man, was on Thursday sent to a safe home by a court. The court initially had not allowed the girl to go with her parents and admitted the marriage certificate produced by her husband's lawyer but after her videos went viral on social media where she was seen crying and clinging to her mother after the court ruling, the judge ordered that she should be sent to a safe home and can meet her parents. Also Read | Liz Truss Resigns As British PM After Six Weeks Amid Open Revolt. The court ordered that her medical examination should also be conducted. The girl, who worked in a mill with her elder sister, was returning home on August 12 when four men allegedly abducted her from Fateh Chowk in Hyderabad. Also Read | Indonesia Bans All Syrup and Liquid Medicines After Death of 99 Children. According to her parents and their lawyer, the girl was forcibly converted to Islam and married to one of the kidnappers. Though her parents rushed to the police station and insisted she would be forcibly converted and married off despite being underage, the police did not file a case until September after which police and human right officials recovered her from Balochistan province and she was brought back to Hyderabad and kept in a shelter home as her husband filed a case in court against her parents. He also submitted a medical and marriage certificate in court, which claimed the girl was aged 19. But her parents told the court on Thursday that she was a minor and the police was not cooperating with them. The court initially admitted the marriage certificate but after outrage on the social media when videos of the girl seen crying and hugging her mother inside the court were circulated, the judge ordered she be sent to a safe home and her medical examination be held. He also refrained the alleged husband from having any contact with the girl or her family until the medical report was confirmed. The abduction and forcible conversion of young Hindu girls have become a major problem in the interior of Sindh province which has a large Hindu population in Thar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Ghotki and Khairpur areas. Most of the Hindu community members are labourers. On July 16, 2019, the issue of abducting and forcibly converting Hindu girls in various districts of Sindh province was taken up in the Sindh Assembly, where a resolution was debated and unanimously passed after it was modified over objections of certain lawmakers that it should not be restricted to Hindu girls only. But the bill which criminalised forcible religious conversions was later rejected in the assembly. A similar bill was again proposed but rejected last year. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has said it is an honour for him to receive the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award and he looks forward to continuing to work with people across India to help them use technology to achieve more. Nadella, who plans to visit India next January, formally received the award for distinguished service, from India's Consul General in San Francisco, Dr T.V. Nagendra Prasad, last week. Microsoft to Layoff Nearly 1% of Its Workforce Amid Global Economic Meltdown: Report. The 55-year-old CEO of Microsoft was named one of 17 awardees earlier this year. On receiving the award, Nadella said: It's an honour to receive a Padma Bhushan Award and to be recognised with so many extraordinary people. I'm thankful to the President, Prime Minister, and people of India, and look forward to continuing to work with people across India to help them use technology to achieve more. During the meeting, Nadella discussed with Prasad the critical role digital technology plays in empowering inclusive growth in India. The discussion focused on India's growth trajectory and the country's potential to be a global political and technology leader, according to Microsoft. We are living in a period of historic economic, societal and technological change, said Nadella following his meeting with Dr Prasad. The next decade will be defined by digital technology. Indian industries and organisations of every size are turning to technology to help them do more with less, which will ultimately lead to greater innovation, agility and resilience, Nadella said. Hyderabad-born Nadella was named CEO of Microsoft in February 2014. Microsoft Chairman Satya Nadella, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai to Be Conferred with Padma Bhushan. In June 2021 he was also named the company's Chairman, an additional role in which he will lead the work to set the agenda for the board. The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognise achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved. The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. Nadella plans to visit India in January 2023, his first visit to the country in nearly three years, Microsoft said. Tokyo [Japan], October 20 (ANI):US and Japan have raised concerns over the Chinese company purchasing land near defence base areas. Chinese company acquired a piece of land in Hokkaido near Japanese Air Self-Defense Force radar site and Fufeng Group purchased 300 acres of farmland near Grand Forks, North Dakota in the US. Also Read | US: Dozens of Vehicles Crash in Heavy Fog on Interstate 5 in Oregon, One Dead (Video). After the revelation, in January, Sanae Takaichi, who then was the policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party said that a Chinese company acquired a land in Hokkaido, roughly 35 km away from a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force radar site and asked that is this not a part of the national security issue, Nikkei Asia reported. While addressing the Lower House Budget Committee session in Japan Takaichi said, "Is this not a national security issue?" Also Read | Jakarta: Giant Dome of Islamic Centre Grand Mosque Collapses After Fire Breaks Out (Video). The ownership and investment in Japan's forest region had witnessed a 4.7-fold increase from 2010, according to Japan's Forestry Agency. In 2021, buyers coming from Hong Kong, Macao, Australia, Singapore and the US are buying land in Hokkaido. A total of 19 cases were recorded. Last Month, Ryan Ashley and Alec Rice, active-duty officers in the US military, writing for Nikkei Asia described Japan's northernmost main island, Hokkaido, "is a historical hotbed of great power competition, poised to again demonstrate its critical importance in the Pacific." China has long recognized Hokkaido "as a prize jewel of the North Pacific island chain, has strengthened its economic influence in the area for decades and is today increasing its military cooperation with Russia," they wrote in Nikkei Asia. In July, a Cabinet Office committee held a hearing of experts over the issue of land use around infrastructure deemed vital to national security, such as Self-Defense Force bases and nuclear plants. One expert noted that it is only natural for foreign militaries to attempt to gather information about opponents' militaries. "In contingencies, there is a possibility that the aim switches to sabotage, especially regarding nuclear plants," the expert warned, saying that all precautionary measures should be considered, according to a transcript. Concerns are mounting that the weaker economy of Japan may accelerate the acquisition of land by foreign players, according to Nikkei Asia. Earlier, in the US, the Fufeng Group, a China-based company, purchased 300 acres of farmland near Grand Forks, North Dakota, a rural area that lies about a 90-minute drive from the Canadian border, according to the New York Post citing a report. Recently, the foreign ownership and investment in US agricultural land nearly doubled from 2010 to 2020 and also alarmed lawmakers. In a letter to Government Accountability Office (GAO), the 130 US lawmakers requested the agency to find out the extent of and trends in foreign investment in agricultural land. It also asked for a review on whether current standards for filing accurately capture the origin of the investment, Nikkei Asia reported. As of December 2020, 37.6 million acres (15.2 million hectares) of U.S. agricultural land was held by foreign individuals and entities, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, representing 2.9 per cent of all privately held agricultural land, reported Nikkei Asia. Canada topped the list with 12.4 million acres, or 32 per cent of the total, followed by the Netherlands, Italy, the UK and Germany. China held 352,140 acres, or less than 1 per cent of foreign-owned land. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Modhera, October 20: Villagers of India's first solar-powered village, Modhera, interacted with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday and said that they talked to him about their village and the benefits they are getting due to the project as they are able to save money and also getting electricity 24 hours of the day. The UN Chief is currently on a three-day trip to India and launched the Mission LiFEmovement in Gujarat, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders also held a bilateral meeting. Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi Declares Modhera As Indias First 24x7 Solar Powered Village. Mission LIFE is expected to be an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve environment. Speaking to ANI, the beneficiaries said that they had a good interaction with the UN Secretary-General. Gujarat: Modhera Set to be Declared Indias First Solar-Powered Village by PM Narendra Modi. "I had a good interaction with the UN Secy General, he shared some details with us. With the installation of solar panels, we have benefitted a lot. Previously we used to pay 1500-2000 as a bill. Modhera has got famous due to solar energy," Ichha Ben Patel told ANI. "Now we also use AC, and fans and still do not have to pay any electricity bill. This has all been possible due to Modiji," she added. In a separate statement, another villager Bhuriben Patel said that the installation of solar panels has been benefitting them a lot. "Now we are not paying any electricity bills; instead, money is being deposited in our accounts. We thank Modiji for all this," the beneficiary said. Modhera is famous for its Sun temple. According to the Gujarat government, which shared information in a series of tweets, over 1000 solar panels have been installed on the village houses, generating electricity round the clock for the villagers. Significantly they will be provided with solar electricity at zero cost. The Gujarat government has said that it has ensured the sustainable implementation of various welfare projects in Gujarat, keeping in mind the Prime Minister's vision of increasing the use of renewable energy in India. Terming India a partner of choice of the UN, the UN Chief said New Delhi has increased its impact on the international stage due to the donation of medicines, equipment, and vaccines at the height of Covid-19 to neighbouring countries during his visit. UN Chief also paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai and addressed students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata, October 20: The West Bengal government has issued a notification, in accordance with an order of the Calcutta High Court, asking district magistrates to grant licences for only green fireworks during the upcoming festivals. In the notification issued on October 19, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services said there shall be a "complete ban" on the sale and bursting of all kinds of firecrackers, except green fireworks, in the state until further orders. Diwali 2022: What Are Green Crackers? Are They Eco-Friendly and Less Polluting Than Traditional Firecrackers? All You Need To Know. The notification specified that green crackers can be burst from 8 pm to 10 pm during Kali Puja and Diwali, from 6 am to 8 am on the occasion of Chhat Puja and from 11:55 pm to 12:30 am during Christmas and New Year's eve. Diwali 2020: Green Crackers Conundrum Affects Indian Firecracker Makers. "... after taking necessary opinion from West Bengal Pollution Control Board and the environment department, it appears green crackers, manufactured by PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) licence holders, having certificate of CSIR-NEERI which can be verified by the logo and QR code affixed on the box of the said green cracker can be considered as authentic for the purpose of sale and bursting at present," it said. PESO is a nodal agency for regulating safety of hazardous substances such as explosives, compressed gas and petroleum, while CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) has been involved in various research and development activities for effective environmental monitoring in the country. "We will strictly follow the green fireworks order of the Calcutta High Court and not allow any product which does not conform to the NEERI-PESO guidelines," state environment department Secretary Roshni Sen told PTI. To a question, she said the existing guidelines of WBPCB about adhering to the 90-decibel limit for green firecrackers remained in force. New Delhi, October 20: The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim bail to the accused in the chilling 2017 case, where he, 16 years old then, allegedly murdered a seven-year-old Class 2 student at a private school in Gurugram. A bench of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and J.K. Maheshwari noted that the accused has been in detention for nearly five years now. Senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra and advocate Durga Dutt, representing the accused, contended that their client has been in detention for nearly five years now, and the trial has not commenced so far. Recently, the Juvenile Justice Board had clarified that the accused student should be tried as adult and not as a juvenile. Ryan International School Murder Case: Gurugram District Court Orders Juvenile to Be Tried As an Adult. The top court said the bail would be granted on terms and conditions as may be imposed by Gurugram sessions judge and the accused would have to remain under continued supervision of probation officer. Gujarat: 14-Year-Old Student Murdered at Vadodara's School Washroom; Stabbed Multiple Times in Stomach. It has scheduled the matter for further hearing in January 2023. The seven-year-old student was found with his throat slit outside the school's washroom on September 8, 2017. The accused, then a Class 11 student, was accused of murdering the Class 2 student, which he picked at random, to allegedly defer an approaching examination and a parent-teacher meeting. The top court noted that the petitioner was 16 when he was taken in detention and is 21 now. Although he is at present being housed in a correctional home, his continued detention pre-trial may have its own adverse effects, it added. Counsel, for the accused, argued that there is no direct evidence against the petitioner, and there is no eye witness to the occurrence and a careful perusal of entire material would show that except the baseless suspicion, there is absolutely no material produced by the CBI to connect the petitioner with the alleged offence. Counsel further argued that while dealing with the bail matter, none of the courts below have ever tried to examine the materials on records meticulously and there is nothing on record which could justify the prosecution of the petitioner in this case.A It is a settled principle of law that the suspicion howsoever strong it may be, cannot take the place of the evidence and a conviction cannot be based on a mere suspicion, counsel added. Initially, the Gurugram police had arrested a school bus conductor for the murder. However, later, the investigation was handed over to the CBI, which arrested the accused, saying he had confessed to killing the Class 2 student. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2022 06:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Jaipur, October 20: After a court in Punjab recently ordered to set up a separate room in the jail premises for prisoners to spend time with their spouses in order to preserve their lineage, the Rajasthan High Court has now granted 15-day parole to a rape convict so that he could get his wife pregnant. The high court recently ordered the release of Rahul Baghel (22), who is serving a 20-year term in Alwar jail under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for gang-raping a minor, to spend time with his wife Brijesh Devi (25). Rape Convict Awarded One Half of Life Imprisonment; Bombay High Court Says It Means 10-Year Jail Term Under POCSO. Baghel was released on parole on Wednesday. An official said that this is the first verdict in Rajasthan wherein a rape convict has been granted parole. Under Rajasthan's parole rules, a convict of rape or gang-rape is generally not granted parole or sent to open jail. Chandigarh Horror: Rape Convict Sexually Assaults 15-Year-Old Girl In Mani Majra, Arrested. But the high court accepted the petition moved by Brijesh Devi for the release of her husband on parole for the purpose of preservation of lineage keeping in mind the Constitutional rights of the woman. Brijesh Devi had filed an emergency parole petition on July 13 in Alwar district court, citing her fundamental and Constitutional right to have a child. After a week on July 20, she had approached the high court demanding 30-day parole for Baghel. But the high court has ordered to release Baghel on parole for 15 days. The petition said that preventing the wife from becoming pregnant or the couple to have a child would be against the spirit of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. A double bench of the high court comprising justices Sandeep Mehta and Sameer Jain admitted the petition under the Rule 11 (1) (iii) of the Rajasthan Prisoners Release on Parole Rules on the ground of want of progeny. Surprisingly, the high court overlooked the fact that the inmate is serving a 20-year term under the POCSO Act, under whcih a convict of rape or gang-rape is generally not granted parole or sent to open jail. Baghel was jailed for 20 years by the Alwar POCSO court on June 13, 2020 for raping a 16-year-old girl at Hanipur in Alwar district in 2019. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2022 07:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Azamgarh, October 20: The mutilated body of a missing Dalit girl was found in bushes in Azamgarh on Thursday. The girl had been missing since October 15 and her father had filed the complaint. UP Horror: Delhi Woman Gang-Raped in Ghaziabad, Brutalised Like Nirbhaya by Inserting Rod in Private Part; DCW Issues Notice to Police. The body was found at the Majhauli village by the villagers, who then informed the police. The police along with a fingerprint team and a forensic squad arrived at the spot and collected the evidence. UP Horror: 15-Year-Old Rape Victim Succumbs To Burn Injuries in Etawah; Two Arrested. The body has been sent for an autopsy and a case has been registered under the SC/ST act. Superintendent of Police in Azamgarh, Rahul Rusia, said a team has been formed to investigate the case and the culprits of the crime will be arrested soon. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2022 02:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Kaushambhi, October 20: A man allegedly axed his elder brother to death following an argument, police said on Thursday. According to the police, the incident took place in Anetha village under Mohhabatpur Painsa police station. UP Shocker: Delhi Woman Abducted, Gang-Raped by Five in Ghaziabad, Four Accused Arrested. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samar Bahadur Singh said, "The alleged accused Amir attacked his elder brother Faiyaz on the head with an axe at his house on Thursday morning. The injured was taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead by doctors. Amir fled from the spot after the incident." Lucknow Gang-Rape Case: Autorickshaw Driver, Accused of Raping Girl With Accomplice, Arrested After Brief Encounter (Video). As per the preliminary investigation, the accused was mentally unstable. The body has been sent for post-mortem and teams have been set up to arrest the accused. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2022 04:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The IRS has started using direct deposits to send out tax return, child tax credit, and stimulus checks for 2022. You can use up to three accounts to receive your refunds, and there are other options in case you do not have a checking account for direct deposit. Direct deposit is also available for tax returns filed after their due date. According to the IRS, eight out of ten taxpayers get their refunds by direct deposit. It is simple, safe, and secure. Almost 98 percent of all Social Security and Veteran's Affairs payments are sent to millions of accounts using the same electronic transfer system. Combining direct deposit with electronic filing is the fastest way to get your refund. There is no chance that it will be uncashed, lost, stolen, or destroyed. The IRS sends out more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than three weeks. People who got their tax returns through direct deposit also got their stimulus money faster. You can use our Where's My Refund? tool to find out where your refund is. It is easy to use direct deposit. Just choose it as your refund method in your tax software and type in the account number and routing number, or tell your tax preparer you want a direct deposit. Even if you are one of the few people who still files on paper, you can use direct deposit. Check your entry twice to make sure there are no mistakes. READ NEXT: Social Security Benefits: Here's How to Calculate How Much Your Payments Will Increase in 2023 Electronic Filing Options for Individuals Here is a list of four ways for individuals to file their taxes electronically, according to the IRS site. IRS Free File or Fillable Forms If your adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less, you can use IRS Free File. Try Free File Fillable Forms if you know how to do your own taxes. Free Tax Return Preparation Site Taxpayers who qualify can get free tax help and e-file through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. Commercial Software Commercial tax prep software is an easy tool to use for preparing and filing your taxes. It can be transmitted through e-channels approved by the IRS. Authorized e-filing Service Provider The IRS electronic filing program accepts tax professionals who are authorized IRS e-file providers. They are authorized to prepare, transmit, and process electronic returns. The IRS Is Sending Out Letters to Those That May Have Missed Out on Tax Credits The IRS is notifying more than 9 million households in letters this month that they might have missed out on important tax credits. The IRS said that it had found people who do not usually file tax returns and seem to have "very low incomes" by looking at their W-2 or 1099 records and statements. The government is telling these people that they must file a tax return by 2021 to get their money, NJ noted. Some of the benefits are the $1,400 stimulus money, the $3,600 child tax credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). "The IRS wants to remind potentially eligible people, especially families, that they may qualify for these valuable tax credits," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said. "We don't want people to overlook these tax credits, and the letters will remind people of their potential eligibility and steps they can take." The only way to get the payments is to file a 2021 tax return. READ MORE: Over 100 Haitian Migrants Stranded on Island Near Puerto Rico Being Rescued by U.S. Authorities This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Stimulus checks: 10 million people are still eligible for payments - but have 1 month to claim them - From News 19 WLTX From a hungry and injured stray to becoming an internet sensation, the Brazilian police dog known as "Corporal Oliveira" has captured the hearts of many, not just in Brazil but the whole world. The dog is now serving as the official mascot of the Rio de Janeiro Military Police's 17th Battalion. However, while he does not attack and chase after criminals or do heroic drug busts like most other police dogs, Corporal Oliveira does patrol the streets of Rio de Janeiro alongside his partner and rescuer, Rio police officer Cristiano Oliveira. Officer Cristiano Oliveira Found Corporal Oliveira Near a Rio Police Station CNN reported that Corporal Oliveira is a rescue, with his rescuer, Officer Cristiano Oliveira, finding him abandoned, injured, and hungry near a police station. He took the poor dog in, and a few years later, that dog became an internet darling. These days, Corporal Oliveira can be seen alongside his partner/rescuer and running alongside motorbikes. Pictures of the dog have been posted all over the internet, with major news sources like CNN and Reuters taking notice of Corporal Oliveira's popularity and adorability. People just could not get enough of the lovable and furry "corporal" as he serves the Rio de Janeiro Military Police. This all started as a joke, as Officer Oliveira admitted. "I took a coat, a police shirt, and put it on him as a joke. I took a picture and sent it to our station's roster groups and posted them there," he said. Now, that joke has gone so viral that Corporal Oliveira now has his own Instagram account with over 117,000 followers: not bad for a former stray surviving in the mean streets of Rio. READ NEXT: Brazil: Invasion and Illegal Exploitation of Indigenous Land Tripled Under Jair Bolsonaro - Advocacy Group Another Stray Dog Serving as a Mascot for Firefighters in Brazil Also Went Viral In another neighborhood in Rio, just a few miles away from where Corporal Oliveira is serving, another dog has gone viral for serving as the official mascot for the Catete Fire Brigade. Known as Caramello, this firedog was also a rescue. Firefighters from the brigade found him injured across the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain nearly a year ago. Since then, they have taken care of him and have even set up his own Instagram page with tens of thousands of followers. According to Yahoo! News, at 11 years of age, Caramello is much older and less adventurous than Corporal Oliveira, but he does help in the fire brigade spreading some important messages to the people of Rio. "Caremello is a real digital influencer," said Maj. Fabio Contreiras. He said the firedog used his social media clout to promote cancer awareness, as well as to encourage donations for victims of natural disasters. The popular "social media influencer" dog also helped other rescue dogs and cats find new homes. However, with their new-found fame, their "partners" have found some fans to be very demanding, often asking for pictures of the dogs. Officer Oliveira admitted that his partner's Instagram page would receive around 200 messages a day from people asking about Corporal Oliveira. READ NEXT: Brazil: Police Raid Jair Bolsonaro Supporters Over Coup d'etat Reports This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Brazil police dog mascot becomes internet sensation - The Star Washington man David Haggard has been found guilty of second-degree murder after he was convicted of killing his half-sister, Jamie Haggard, and placing her dismembered body parts inside a suitcase in 2016. Fox News reported that the 48-year-old Washington murder suspect was found guilty by a King County jury for killing his 27-year-old half-sister. Court documents noted that Jamie's dismembered body was also partially burned. She was stuffed inside a suitcase on the side of the road in Snohomish County two years later after she was reported missing in June 2016. King County detectives spoke with numerous witnesses during the investigation into Jamie's disappearance. Witnesses noted that Jamie had a volatile relationship with her brother. Jamie also told her boyfriend on several instances that she was afraid that David was going to kill her, according to a KIRO 7 News report. Officials found the remains of Jamie, and the body's state was so decomposed that it took two months to identify her body. Work crews initially found the remains of Jamie stuffed inside a suitcase. The cleaning crew was picking up trash along Highway 522 at the time. READ NEXT: Gabby Petito Seen Alive With Brian Laundrie at Wyoming Grocery Store in Chilling New Video Captured Just Before Her Murder Washington Suitcase Murder The siblings were arguing in 2016, with David knocking out Jamie in the house they had been staying in together. Court documents stated that David told a friend he should kill his half-sister, as reported by Herald Net. David kicked his half-sister out, thinking Jamie had stolen from him and a housemate, who later allowed Jamie to return to the house, according to police. The siblings reportedly argued the next morning again, with David sending a picture to a housemate of Jamie tied up in the bathtub. The housemate called the police. When authorities arrived, Jamie reportedly denied her half-brother harmed her and blamed the housemate. Jamie spent the night in a friend's house and returned to the Kenmore home the next day to pick up her belongings. She arrived at the house with David being with his girlfriend. His girlfriend then left to take her child to school, leaving David and Jamie alone. David's girlfriend received a text from Jamie's phone later in the afternoon, wherein the text read that she and David needed to get out of the Kenmore house. The girlfriend believed that David sent her the text. She returned to the house and found Jamie gone. Jamie was supposed to pick up her boyfriend from jail that afternoon. When he was released, he called her to no avail. He then went to the Kenmore home looking for her. Jamie's father reported her missing a week later. David Haggard Found Guilty Court documents noted that David went to "extreme lengths to cover up the crime," even using burning construction equipment so police could not get his fingerprints. The documents also revealed that a witness told David in 2019 that they thought they spotted Jamie twice, to which David replied that it "was not possible." FOX 13 news report noted that officials have not yet announced David's date for sentence. Second-degree murder sentences can range from 10 to 40 years in prison, according to local law groups. READ MORE: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Rejects Charles Manson Cult Member's Parole This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: VIDEO: Brother of Kenmore woman whose body was found in suitcase charged with her murder - from KIRO 7 News Hurricane Ian devastated Cuba, causing blackouts and damage across the island. Now, after years of tensions, the United States is offering to help the communist nation with some hurricane relief worth $2 million in provisions and supplies. According to the Associated Press, this is an "unusual but not unprecedented move after years of bilateral tensions." The humanitarian aid for Cuba will be delivered via independent non-governmental organizations with experience with Cuba and are already working on the island directly with the people affected by the storm. A senior Biden administration official who asked to remain anonymous has spoken with the Associated Press and said, "We are responding to a disaster by working with our international humanitarian assistance partners to deliver critical assistance directly to those most in need." She also added that they stand with the people of Cuba and that the U.S. "will continue to seek ways to improve their political and economical well-being." U.S. Hurricane Relief a Response After Cuba Made Rare Plea For Help After Hurricane Ian devastated the country last month, Cuba asked its estranged neighbor for help. This aid for the country is a response to that, according to NBC News. The aid has not gone unnoticed, as Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez thanked the United States for their help. "We appreciate humanitarian assistance offer made by the U.S.," he said. The Cuban official also stated that the aid will be "channeled through the International Federation of Red Cross." This will add to their recovery efforts, as well as their support for victims ravaged by Hurricane Ian. READ NEXT: Hurricane Ian Update: Blackouts in Cuba While People Trapped Inside Their Homes in Florida The Guardian noted that Cuba had previously turned down humanitarian aid offers from the United States after a bad hurricane. The communist country used to rely on Russia for such things, but with the current situation with the war on Ukraine, Cuba had to turn to Washington for help. Officials from the United States talked to Cuban officials after the storm to find out what they needed and how they could help. However, the aid will not go to the embattled Cuban government but directly to the people. The Biden administration official who talked to the Associated Press told them they learned that "the greatest needs are in shelter restoration and food." Protests in Cuba as Blackouts Still Happening Weeks After Hurricane Ian Hit Before Ian even hit the island, Cuba was already facing a worsening energy crisis. This was made worse after a huge oil depot fire in August and then made even worse by Hurricane Ian, which caused extensive damage to the country's power grid. Large swathes of Cuba are now facing blackouts which have fueled discontent among the populace, especially in the rural areas. It is reported that the blackouts are the worst in those rural areas, and these have sparked protests which have been described as the biggest in the country since 2021. Cuban authorities have made plenty of arrests, with international observers pointing out that the country often violated human rights in their detention of protesters. READ NEXT: Cuban Officials Say Matanzas Oil Fire in Cuba Now Under Control This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Hurricane Ian Leaves 'Complete Devastation' In Cuba - NBC News Donald Trump had signed legal documents that he knew included false voter fraud statistics, according to federal court filings. According to The Washington Post, this information was included in the 18-page opinion written by U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter over the resistance of Trump ally and conservative lawyer John Eastman to a subpoena for emails from the House committee probing the Capitol attack on January 6 last year. Carter indicated on Wednesday that several documents between Trump's allies must be made public as they showed that the group was involved in "knowing misrepresentation of voter fraud numbers in Georgia" when seeking to overturn the results of the election in court. Carter wrote that the emails showed that the specific numbers of voter fraud were false. However, the judge said the former president continued to tout those numbers. Carter noted that the court found that the emails were "related to and in furtherance of a conspiracy to defraud the United States." Last March, Carter said Donald Trump had committed federal crimes "more likely than not" when the former president interrupted the congressional count of electoral college votes on January 6, 2021. READ NEXT: Donald Trump Wants Mitch McConnell Ousted as GOP Leader 'Immediately' Emails of False Voter Fraud Claims in Georgia According to the judge, the email exchanges centered on Donald Trump's legal team's plan to use the same false voter fraud numbers it had used in a state court suit in December 2020, when they alleged that Fulton County, Georgia, "improperly counted a number of votes including 10,315 deceased people, 2,560 felons, and 2,423 unregistered voters," NBC reported. The judge noted that in one of the email exchanges, John Eastman said Donald Trump was aware that the number of voter fraud cases they claimed in a federal lawsuit in Georgia was "inaccurate." Carter added that Trump signed off on the lawsuit, "swearing under oath" that the numbers were correct anyway. According to Carter, Eastman said in an email that Trump has been made aware that some of the allegations have been inaccurate, but the former president still signed a verification. Carter added that Trump and his attorneys filed a complaint with the same inaccurate numbers "without rectifying, clarifying, or otherwise changing them." Carter said four other documents must be made public as they imply that the main goal of an unspecified legal filing was to delay the certification of the 2020 election results. Meanwhile, an attorney for Eastman and Trump has yet to comment on the matter. Carter believed that both Donald Trump and John Eastman most likely knew what they were doing was wrong. In a ruling in March, the judge wrote that the "illegality of the plan was obvious." Donald Trump's Voter Fraud Claims Donald Trump has insisted on his unsupported claims of voter fraud after the House committee voted to subpoena him. As posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump repeated his rejection of the investigation. However, he did not mention the subpoena. Al Jazeera reported that the subpoena was unanimously approved following its ninth public hearing on the events surrounding the Capitol riot and Trump's role in it. The former president also claimed that he had requested and authorized the deployment of troops to the U.S. Capitol for the rally. However, he said Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blocked the request. As of now, there has been no evidence of any voter fraud that could have swayed the election results. READ MORE: Donald Trump Says FBI Agents Raided Mar-A-Lago Home; Agency's Visit Unannounced This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: What New Emails Found by a Federal Judge Reveal About Donald Trump - From CNN Nathan Larson, an accused kidnapper and self-proclaimed pedophilia advocate, who was on trial for allegedly grooming a 12-year-old California girl, has died in the custody of an Arizona jail. According to Sacramento Bee, Larson, also suspected of being a white supremacist, was arrested in 2020 after he persuaded a girl to run away from her home in Fresno, California. Authorities said he was allegedly trying to fly her to his home in Virginia and groom the girl. Pedophile Nathan Larson's Cause of Death Not yet Revealed The Associated Press reported that while his death was only reported on Monday, Nathan Larson died on September 18, with an order for the dismissal of his case filed on October 11. The admitted pedophile was transferred from a federal facility in the Fresno area to a prison in Arizona. So far, the primary cause of death is still pending, with the medical examiner in Maricopa County, Arizona, investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney's Office did not give further details on why or how he died. The 41-year-old previously appeared in court back in March and argued to be able to represent himself for his federal felony case. If he were still alive, he could have been facing a life sentence if convicted. Court records showed that Larson planned to take the girl to his home in Virginia to sexually assault and impregnate her when she turned 13. He was arrested in December 2020 at the Denver International Airport after he tried transporting the minor to Virginia. READ NEXT: Michigan Dad Who Fell Prey to QAnon Killed Wife and Family Dog, Shot Daughter in Back and Legs Pedophile Nathan Larson Found California Girl Online According to Sacramento Bee, Nathan Larson found the California girl he had been grooming through a rape/kidnap fetish website he operated from his Virginia home. Larson eventually convinced the girl to run away from her house. Larson traveled to California to meet the girl after she snuck out of her home. He arranged for a ride-share company to take them to Fresno Yosemite International Airport before flying to Denver, where authorities arrested him. The well-known pedophile allegedly made the California girl wear a long-haired wig to make her look older. He also had her pretend to be mute while traveling together, said Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, who described Larson as a "white supremacist and a well-known advocate for pedophilia." After his arrest in Denver, Larson was brought back to Fresno to face criminal charges, while the unnamed girl returned to her family. Larson was accused of being a white supremacist after he was arrested for threatening to kill a president in 2008. Around this time, Barack Obama was the president-elect, and George Bush was outgoing. Larson served 14 months of a 16-month sentence in federal prison for that crime. According to the Sacramento Bee, Larson was an accountant and even ran for congress before he was arrested. He also ran a disturbing website about rape and pedophilia. Larson, a member of the Libertarian party, had a disturbing manifesto regarding pedophilia and incest. As a politician, he ran on a platform that included legalizing child pornography, incest, and polygamy. He also advocated "benevolent white supremacy" and named Adolf Hitler a "white supremacist hero." He abused his ex-wife, a transgender man, believing that he would reform him to take the traditional role of a woman. He impregnated the transgender man, who committed suicide after the birth of their daughter. During the custody hearing, a Colorado jury ruled Larson should not get custody of his daughter after he argued that he should have custody of his child because he plans to groom her and that he had the right to have sex with his daughter. After losing custody, Larson still advocated for incest and pedophilia and was one of the loudest voices in the movement until his death. He believed that people had the right to groom and have sex with their own children while they were still minors, and wanted to change laws to legalize his beliefs. READ MORE: Argentina Sex Cult Investigation: 19 People Involved With Buenos Aires Yoga School Indicted This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: The Case of Nathan Larson - From dreading Haiti continues to face a crisis, with the United Nations Security Council even holding an urgent session on Monday to deal with the gang violence in the country. Gang violence continues as Haiti grapples with what the UN described as "catastrophic" hunger, with gangs cutting off access to water and gas. CBS News reported that U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that now is the time to come to the aid of the Haitians in dire need and caught between gang violence and the cholera outbreak. In October last year, an armed Haitian gang kidnapped 17 members of an Ohio-based missionary group, which included five children. It placed Haiti at the center of an international crisis. They were reportedly abducted by members of the 400 Mawozo gang in Haiti. All members of the missionary group were eventually released. READ NEXT: Luis Abinader Net Worth: How Did the Dominican Republic President Become One of the Wealthiest Latin American Leaders? Haiti's 400 Mawozo Gang The 400 Mawozo gang is known to be responsible for 80% of abductions in Haiti from June through September last year, as stated by the director of the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights in Port-au-Prince, Gedeon Jean. Haiti's justice minister, Liszt Quitel, told the Washington Post that the gang demanded a $1 million ransom per hostage during the October kidnapping. The 400 Mawozo gang is a violent Haitian gang that has taken authority over the roads and communities in and around Port-au-Prince, which is Haiti's capital. The Haitian gang was also associated with extortion and a new trend of mass kidnappings from cars and buses. It has also targeted clergy and churches. Authorities identified the alleged leader of the 400 Mawozo gang as Wilson Joseph. He is facing a series of charges, including murder, attempted murder, auto theft, hijacking of goods, and kidnapping. Joseph reportedly goes by the Creole nickname "Lanmo Sanjou," which roughly translates to "death doesn't know which day it's coming." He had posted videos describing in detail some of the crimes the 400 Mawozo gang allegedly committed despite the warrant against him. The Haitian gang has also fought with rival gangs and kidnapped business people, police officers, and street vendors. It has also forced youths in areas it controls to beat up captives and extort communities for money. According to reports, many of the 400 Mawozo gang's victims are not specific targets but rather bystanders. Haiti Crisis Non-government organizations in Haiti warned that the chaos engulfing the country had become total, adding that Haiti is on the verge of collapse, The Guardian reported. Fiammetta Cappellini, the country representative for the Avis Foundation, said they have never seen any situation like this in their 20 years of working in Haiti. Cappellini added that violence is everywhere and touches everybody, with the most vulnerable struggling to survive as humanitarian aid fails to reach people. After the assassination of Haiti's president Jovenel Moise in July last year, violence has erupted in areas of the country. Haitian gangs, many of which reportedly have links to political circles, exploited a power vacuum to seize more area. UN missions in Haiti have put a stop to violence in the past, but it swiftly returned after they departed. READ MORE: Honduras Travel: Safety Advisories and Tourist Attractions You Should See During Your Visit in Honduras This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Gang Battle Erupts in Haiti, Prompts Police Operation - From AP Archive James Gordon Meek, an investigative reporter and producer of the acclaimed Hulu documentary "3212 Un-Redacted," has gone missing since the FBI raided his Virginia home. According to New York Post, heavily armed federal agents raided his penthouse apartment in Arlington on April 27 and seized classified information from his laptop. This journalist, who was the source of several high-profile national security and terrorism reports and had earned an Emmy Award, has not been seen since. Sources said that the federal agents found Meek's laptop containing classified information. But his lawyer, Eugene Gorokhov, noted that Meek does not know what these anonymous sources are saying about him having secret documents. "If such documents exist, as claimed, this would be within the scope of his long career as an investigative journalist covering government wrongdoing," the attorney told Rolling Stone. No one knows why the federal government set its sights on Meek. The Hulu documentary was based on his groundbreaking report in 2017 about how the Pentagon tried to hide the deaths of American service members in Niger. "Press inquiries on this issue are troubling for a different reason: they appear to be based on statements from a source inside the government," Gorokhov told the outlet. He also said it is very wrong and against the law for government officials to tell other people about investigations that are still going on. READ NEXT: CNN Reporter Arrested on Air While Reporting Protests in Minneapolis Where Is ABC News Reporter James Gordon Meek? James Gordon Meek "abruptly" resigned, an ABC News spokesman told the Daily Mail. However, he did not provide additional details of his departure. They said he resigned very abruptly and "hasn't worked for us for months." The Department of Justice is not confirming an investigation into Meek. Meek also reportedly withdrew from the book he was co-writing with retired Green Beret Lt. Col. Scott Mann, roughly the same time the FBI raided his house. Mann was the only author named in the book when it was published in August. A previous description of the book mentioned Meek being contacted by a Special Forces operator overseas. Now, his name was not even mentioned in the book's promotional text. Instead, it said: "In April, an urgent call was placed from a Special Forces operator serving overseas." ABC News Reporter James Gordon Meek and Scott Mann Book Journalist Tatiana Siegel of Rolling Stone said that after James Gordon Meek "went AWOL," Hulu stopped promoting the documentary "3212 Un-Redacted," which was based on his research. Simon & Schuster also stopped using his credentials to promote the book he worked on. According to Siegel, none of Meek's neighbors have spoken to him since the raid, and his apartment appeared vacant. Mann told Rolling Stone he honored Meek's request to withdraw. According to Fox, Mann told Rolling Stone that Meek contacted him in the spring, telling him that he had some serious personal issues going on and was really distraught. According to the report, both "the Obama and Trump administrations were criticized for targeting journalists and their sources." But in July 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland put in place a new rule that stops federal prosecutors from seizing the records of journalists when they are looking into leaks. There are some exceptions, such as if reporters are thought to be working for agents of a foreign power or terrorist groups or if they are in situations where they are in immediate danger, like kidnappings or crimes against children. Meek's last public statement was a tweet on April 27, writing the word "Facts" as he reacted to a post about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. READ MORE: Jana Kramer Pays for Child Support After Mike Caussin Cheated On Her This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: James Gordon Meek Interview - 3212 Un-Redacted (ABC News) Hulu - From Vegas Film Critic The five-year-old Wisconsin girl who was shot and killed at a house on the 1600 block of Amy Street has been identified by the Green Bay Police Department. Police confirmed that it was Skye Bleu Evans-Cowley who died after being shot Monday. A GoFundMe page was created to help pay for funeral expenses. According to NBC26, Jordan J. Leavy-Carter, a 35-year-old Green Bay resident, is one of several people of interest that the Green Bay Police are currently trying to speak with. Leavy-Carter was believed to be driving a dark green Mercury Milan sedan with an AHT-7886 registration plate. The vehicle reportedly has front-end damage. Police encouraged anyone with information about this crime to contact Green Bay Police at (920) 448-3200 and mention case #22-257268 or call Crime Stoppers at (920) 432-STOP (7867) if you want to remain anonymous. You can also use the "P3 Tips" app to report crimes or submit a tip online at www.432stop.com. READ NEXT: 5 People Shot After Gunman Sprays Bullets at Wisconsin Cemetery During the Funeral of Man Killed by Police Family Remembers Wisconsin Girl, Skye Bleu Evans-Cowley Skye Bleu Evans-Cowley's family is grieving as police look for the person responsible for the Wisconsin girl's death. The community held a candlelight vigil Tuesday night near the girl's house to show support for her family. Her mother told her how sad it was. "She's gone. I'll never get to hear, "Mommy, I love you more than the whole wide world. You're my best buddy.'" Evans-Cowley's mother was in tears as she spoke to WBAY. Her daughter just celebrated her 5th birthday in June, and now they are preparing for her funeral. The girl's aunt is also devastated, claiming that she now must explain to her kids why their cousin is no longer here. According to Green Bay police, a 911 call was made before 5 p.m. Monday regarding a 5-year-old girl who had been shot at a residence in Amy Street. She was reportedly taken to a hospital but did not make it. Her family said Skye was a fun, happy, and sassy girl. "She was always a joy to be around. She would always do a silly smile. Like, 'Why you smiling like that? Why you smiling like that?' 'I don't know, 'cuz I'm happy, 'cuz I'm happy'," said her aunt, Lamika Evans. The family noted that that smile is gone forever, and they will forever miss it. Wisconsin Girl's Mom Calls for Justice At the Tuesday night vigil, the Wisconsin girl's mother made her first public statement. "I want answers. I want justice for my daughter... She's five years old. My five-year-old. If it was you, how would you feel? I've got questions. I want answers, and I want justice. Simple. If it's from the streets or the legal system," Kayla Evans told Local 5 News. Kayla said she had already lost her mother and sister, so losing her daughter was unthinkable. During the vigil, she clutched her daughter's bag as they released balloons and yelled into the night sky, hoping the girl would realize how much she was loved. READ MORE: Missouri Woman Escapes From Serial Killer That Police Previously Dismissed as Rumor This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: 5-Year-Old Girl Shot in Green Bay as PD Release More Information - From WFRV Local 5 Citizens of Maryland County in their anger at the Justice System have called for the total closure of courts and other correction processes. The call comes in the wake of the release of two men (names withheld for their safety as there are threats to lynch them) charged with the murder of Peter Hudgins - a lunatic middle-aged man who was reportedly mobbed to death at Harper's Bunker Hill enclave. Maryland County Attorney Philip Whiegar confirmed to Phoenix FM that the two suspects were released from the Central Prison in Fish Town, River Gee County, under section 13.5 of the penal law, but assured that they will definitely be tried during the next term of court. The county has been out of a central prison facility since March 2021, after riotous youths (mostly motorcyclists) partly burned down and destroyed most of the regional central prison at Middlesex in Harper. At least 85 hardcore convicted criminals were let loose in that process. The County Attorney also disclosed his shock over the decision of the Ministry of Justice to reassign all prison guards from Maryland to surrounding counties like Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Grand Kru. Whiegar added that higher-ups in Monrovia have expressed reluctance to renovate the prison in Harper because it is Marylanders who keep repeatedly destroying the facility something which sounds like a total abandonment of Maryland County now left at the mercy of criminals amidst a weak security sector. Philip Whiegar disclosed that the River Gee Prison officials are rejecting pretrial detainees (including rape and murder suspects) because of the lack of sufficient food and space. This means that criminal suspects have to be released back into the communities. Compounding the situation is the lack of police holding cells in the capital Harper as well as the regional commercial hub Pleebo which is three times more populated than Harper. Another scary situation is the grossly undermanned security sector. Police in Maryland County cannot boast of more than a minimum platoon size in the entire Harper District. Some remote districts like Baroboe and Kahloway may only have a combined total of no more than five. I did not see a single police officer in the two major towns in the largest and most remote Baroboe District when I visited Goflakehn and Julukehn two months ago. In addition, the only rickety old Toyota Landcruiser of the Maryland County Police was also destroyed during the riots mentioned earlier. Up to seventeen people were arrested then for various charges ranging from arson, destruction of public and private property, and more but were all released after some months in detention at the Zwedru Correction facility. Unconfirmed reports point to the intervention of powerful Lawmakers from the county with ties to the ruling establishment. The crime rate has since spiked to an all-time high, as police are even reluctant to effectuate arrests since there is nowhere to keep pre-trial detainees. Lawmakers, whenever contacted, say they are making efforts in Monrovia to remedy the situation. Superintendent George Prowd when asked once about mobility for the police mentioned that his engagement with Police Director Patrick Sudu earned him a cheeky response, adding that the Director indicated that a police vehicle for Maryland County was not a priority since they were responsible for destroying their own vehicle. With elections just around the corner and a rising crime rate, it remains to be seen how Central Government can enforce law and order under these conditions which seems worse than during the Liberian civil war. After fifty-two years, the conditions that necessitated the establishment of the Vanguard Student Unification Party have not withered away. Instead, they have metastasized, thus creating the condition so imperative that the force with which those conditions were confronted in the zeitgeist of the 70s, just as well metastasize to the apogee of the existing conditions. Growing out of the womb of a primitive society, where a few were the sole deciders of the course of things thus occasioning the enlightenment which regarded the many as objects to be acted upon rather than subjects to be consulted for the development of the soul society, this understanding that extinct consanguinity out of the formula for nation-building was the incubator of a socially sectarian republic, one that nourished in the mind of the individual that a nation extends not beyond the end of his nose. This could later find its place in every piece of writing that tended to explain the historical evolution of this space and the same would go on to become the reality for the next one-hundred and thirty years after independence. Ceased not, is this tragedy that represents a nation after one-hundred and seventy-five years of existence as a free and independent republic by proclamation. Dominant was this enlightenment in all facets of this sectarianized social construct, as it is often said that ideas arent parentless; the dominant ideas in every epoch of human history have been the ideas of the ruler and not the ruled. As was the case with Christianity after the decline of the all-powerful Roman Empire, a condition that extended an invitation to mystical ideas. The Church, which provided consolation to the many who sought solutions to their endless suffering and a prospect of salvation became the reservoir of ideas that offered hope of salvation and the promise of life after death, this became the established ground upon which Christianity would thrive for scores of centuries. Until the emergence of radical forces that would raise the unfamiliar questions anchored on the survival of the whole of society rather than involving itself with the individual, the republic was plagued with the noxious trifecta of exclusion, exploitation, and annihilation, the ideas of this organized body of men were deemed as an antithesis to that of the Absolute Obedience theory as practiced by the ruling elites. With their presence, a new chapter was proclaimed open, one that ignited the consciousness of the exploited, for the first time the petrified masses began to look reality in the face, this time, unblinkered by any social enigmas or religious dogmas. This class that once accepted without inquisition that its material existence was one decreed by a superior body whose omnipotence was not susceptible to alteration by any force of human making under the colossal illusion that texts which set the standard for morality were its making and unfortunately, its official interpretation, was only meant to be received from those who exploited them, became conscious. With this transition in the faculties of the masses occasioned by the presence of radical progressive forces in the social, political, and economic life of this society, everything was turned on its head, the masses binned the doctored orientation of bargaining for their survival from the system responsible for maintaining and providing for same and began to demand everything that seeks to provide for them a deserving life from the very system which was tobogganing to disaster with its eyes closed. To understand the cause for this radical shift in people's thinking and actions is to study and understand the ontology of this social entity whose 52nd anniversary we celebrate, the Vanguard Student Unification Party. For Fifty-two years, the rationale which propels the jostling of beret-wearing militants into the streets of Monrovia every 20th October does not emblemize satisfaction with regards to the status of governance post-October 20, 1970 nor because of the number of years this noble entity has existed; we do so because we must do to honor the sacrifices of men who, in conformity to the Freires Concept of Liberation which places the onus of liberation on the oppressed, that is to say, to liberate itself and with the same vigor, the oppressors, deprived themselves of earthly ecstasies in pursuit of dignity, humanity and of happiness for the whole of society to encompass those who inflicted wounds on their souls and debased the Liberian state amid abundant wealth and fertile lands capable of providing for all. As the Marxian Conception of History posits, the struggle to shift the course of history has been and is one of the class interests; its the desire of successive social classes to module society to suit their own material interests. It was premised on this unblemished fact that Marx and Engels began their opening paragraph in what was to become the framework document of the Communist League and at the same time the worlds most influential political document of all ages (The Communist Manifesto, 1848) The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggle. So, for Michael G.S. Dolo, Fredrick Gobawolee, Swanzy Elliott, and all the other innumerable, heroic soldiers, the struggle to wage war against the soulless oligarchy of their era was to preserve sacred their class interests, the same could be said without losing its quality about Wuo Garbe Tappia, Tonia Richardson, Weewee Debah and scores of other massescrats on whose shoulders the Vanguard Party and its militants stand after fifty-two unbroken years chanting the ballad SUP WILL NEVER DIE and as well summoning the intestinal fortitude to revolt against all egregious societal vices that threaten life in this space, Liberia. For the Student Unification Party, the insipidity that pushes the individual to create an intractable desire to live big at the expense of society is indiscriminate, it sees no tribe, no religion, nor does it see creed, with this underpinning, the Vanguard Party has raised men who have mustered the courage akin to a lion in confronting vicious terrors without assessing the religious, ethnical and/or national identity of the various forces that stand against the will of humanity. If it was the True Whig Party and its cabal of apartheid hedonists, the Vanguard Party fielded men who resisted that clique and landed it to its terminal collapse in 1980, not losing sight of the bankrupt Peoples Redemption Council and its consignment of functionally illiterate gun-caring men superintendent by a tribalist, the Vanguard stood its grounds and escorted it to its final interment site in 1990, the enumeration would have the same quality and even additional flavor would be needed when a description is to be given to the disposition of the Vanguard Party and its acrobatic militants when one tries to deal with the wreckage that currently presents itself as a symbol of order during this era of decadence and debauchery in the life of a dystopian republic. And so we say: THE WHIRLWIND OF BRUTALITY HAS NOT WEAKENED THE GRAVITAS OF MASSESCRACY. The Vanguard Party has undertaken unfamiliar and life-threatening initiatives to ensure that a wholesome functioning society is hatched for the last fifty-two years, with meager resources and atomic force heavily complimented by the most powerful weapon: the weapon of ideas, the Vanguard Party has thrived in all its pursuits. We havent lost concentration from Marxs caution that, ideas become a material force when they grip the mind of the masses, every idea in human history first starts as hearsay and it would evolve at a given point to attract the attention of many and would, in the end, become the most dominant idea. We have long struggled to usher in a massescratic state, one founded on the solid grounds of egalitarianism. We have never lost hope in the masses, we believe in the independent will of the people to make independent decisions that border on their survival, we are of the view that the consciousness of the masses can change in a matter of days or hours for it is mans material existence that determines his consciousness. We must never waver in arming the militants with radical ideas, the republic must be redeemed and redemption is the decision of the masses. Clothed with the task of providing direction when the impending event arises are the militants, and we believe in their resilience, their stoicism, and their intestinal courage to persevere. After fifty-two years, the BACKBONE of the Party remains the MILITANTS. The Vanguard Party Will Never Die. SUP Remains Supreme! Egalitarianism in our lifetime GLORIOUS 52. A big expansion in regional bus services throughout the country announced in Limerick which emphasised the Midlands will not mean more buses for people in Laois. The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Bus Eireann have announced the start of four new routes linking Limerick to its hinterland and nationally under the new Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, as well as three enhanced routes in the North-East of the country where new connections are being made, alongside the doubling or tripling in frequency of existing services. The extended Route 314 will link Limerick to Ballybunion, while Route 328 Mitchelstown will triple in frequency, and Route 345 to Scarriff will increase to five daily round trips. A Department of Transport press release said there will be a trebling and doubling of service frequencies and new regional connections between the Midlands and Northeast regions linking Dundalk and Ardee, Drogheda and Trim and Athlone to Longford. A statement said 10 counties are benefitting - Cavan, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Meath, Tipperary, Westmeath. A total of 72 towns and villages will get enhanced services and connectivity says the Department of Transport. Laois has suffered the loss of Bus Eireann and private bus services serving the public in recent years on the Limerick to Dublin route. These have been partially replaced by local link routes. The Leinster Express / Laois Live asked the Department of Transport what plans there were to replace the lost Laois services. It referred the question to Bus Eireann. The State owned company said Expressway, Bus Eireanns intercity service, is a commercial operation that is not subvented. It said that in September 2020, Expressway announced that following a viability review and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, services between Dublin and Belfast, Cork, Galway and Limerick would be suspended. "The network is continually reviewed for commercial opportunities," said the company. Bus Eireann added that "connectivity" is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority. In the case of the Cork to Dublin route formerly operated by Expressway, following a connectivity review the NTA established a new public service obligation route, the 245X which is currently operated by Bus Eireann. At the time the NTA said the TFI Local Link launched additional services with the 858 service connecting Portlaoise and Thurles and an enhanced 828 service between Cashel and Portlaoise. It said these routes provide greater connectivity and flexibility for the communities of Cashel, Thurles, Urlingford, Johnstown, Durrow and Abbeyleix. The NTA claimed that the interconnectivity of these routes provides a stronger link to national bus and rail networks in Portlaoise, Thurles and Cashel including the 245X and also represents a significant investment in rural transport. Welcoming the new services, announced on October 20 in Limerick Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: The Government is very conscious of the need to connect people and places in rural as well as urban areas, with accessible, integrated, and sustainable public transport. The type of connections being announced in Limerick today demonstrate our commitment to linking towns and cities, and providing improved access to centres of employment, education, healthcare, and retail. New routes, more routes and enhanced capacity on our public transport network in addition to the fare reductions introduced by the Government, will make it easier for people to be able to access and choose public transport as their preferred way of travelling this winter. Speaking from the launch in Limerick today, Minister Hildegarde Naughton said: We are very much facing the unknown as we enter a winter of uncertainty presented to us from the global energy crisis. We in Government are committed to doing absolutely everything in our power to support households and businesses through what are incredibly turbulent times. The delivery of 1.7 million new kilometres of bus services being announced today provides a choice for people living and working in the Mid-West and the North-East regions. They now have the choice of public transport that was previously not available to them; they now have the choice to keep more of their own money by using less energy through opting for public transport. Continuing, Minister Naughton said Under Connecting Ireland, we are aiming to increase public transport connectivity for rural Ireland. Public transport is not only an environmentally friendly option but also socially inclusive and can be a cheaper way to get around. Todays announcement has a far reaching benefit for households, communities and businesses across 10 counties with 72 town and villages benefitting from enhanced services and connectivity. Our plan is to increase public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns. CEO of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham, said the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which has been developed by the NTA aims to increase public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside major cities and towns. With the launch of four new routes linking locations across Limerick and its hinterland and three enhanced services in the northeast people in more towns and villages have the option of using public transport services which are now more frequent and reliable. We at Bus Eireann are delighted to introduce these new and improved services from Sunday 23 October, significantly increasing access to public transport, said Stephen Kent, Chief Executive Officer, Bus Eireann. Thanks to the National Transport Authority, through the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan we are creating almost 50 new jobs. Demand for our services is higher now than pre-pandemic, and these new routes and services enable us to connect more people with who and what matters to them. We will continue to work together with the NTA to enhance connectivity across the country, delivering an affordable, reliable and sustainable bus service for communities throughout Ireland. The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is a major national public transport initiative funded by the Department of Transport. Managed by the NTA, the aim of the plan is to increase public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns. Connecting Ireland proposes to expand the public transport network in rural areas and to increase service levels via the rollout of new and improved services planned on a phased basis from 2022 to 2025. Two Laois winners featured prominently at this years National Heritage Awards. Teddy Fennelly won the 2022 Heritage Hero Award while the Biodiversity Award went to Birdwatch Ireland, in association with Kildare Bat Group and Laois Heritage Office. The Awards recognise the enormous contribution of individuals and community groups in ensuring the preservation, protection, and promotion of Irelands built, natural and cultural heritage. The annual event, which is organised by the Heritage Council, was held at the Royal College of Physicians Ireland and was hosted by RTE broadcaster Anne Cassin. Teddy Fennelly has been an advocate and enthusiast for local history and heritage in Laois for more than 50 years. He was honoured with the 2022 Heritage Hero award for his outstanding contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage over that time. He has been pivotal in ensuring that the story of Colonel James Fitzmaurice and first East-West Transatlantic flight in April 1928 is remembered and his book Fitz and the Famous Flight is the definitive work on the subject. As Chair of the Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee, Teddy commissioned The Impossible Dream, a piece of music by Martin Tourish and the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, commemorating Fitzmaurice and the Flight. He was also instrumental in overseeing the naming of Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise, the regeneration of the area and the installation of a sculpture commemorating the flight. He had a pivotal role in the purchasing, repatriation and restoration of the Portlaoise Plane and organised for a US flag received by Fitz on his triumphant tour of America to be donated to Laois County Council. Earlier this year he instigated the Laois Festival of Flight. Teddy has also played a key role in the heritage-led regeneration of the 16th century plantation fort, Fort Protector, at the centre of the town, driving the conservation plan for the Fort. An area that was neglected now has a regenerated public square, the fort walls are conserved, a 16th century church and graveyard have been conserved and reopened, and the Old Fort Festival is bringing economic development into the town. He has written books on everything from the cooperative movement and Donaghmore Workhouse to the history of Laois GAA. As Chair and President of Laois Heritage Society, he has been responsible for publishing journals, promoting research and carrying out practical conservation projects. Teddy has dedicated his life to the heritage of County Laois and this award acknowledges his immense contribution. The Irish Wildlife Trust Laois Offaly Branch, BirdWatch Ireland and Kildare Bat Group organised Bats about Rooks, a walk for all ages through the Peoples Park in Portlaoise to hear all about its bird and bat life. Speakers included ornithologist Ricky Whelan, who discussed the rookery at the nearby Downs, the largest roost in Co Laois. The walk continued along the Triogue River with information about bats from Anna Collins of Kildare Bat Group. Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, Minister Malcolm Noonan TD, said: I am delighted to be able to attend the annual National Heritage Awards and acknowledge the fantastic work of so many heritage enthusiasts around Ireland. National Heritage Week demonstrates that there are a great many people who really do appreciate our precious heritage be it built, natural or cultural and are willing to work together to protect and conserve it. "I share that commitment and welcome the fact that my Government colleagues and I have been in a position to double funding for natural, built and archaeological heritage since I took office in July 2020. Chair of the Heritage Council, Dr Martina Moloney praised the enthusiasm and passion of the event and project organisers. She said: National Heritage Week is not only a celebration of heritage but also a celebration of people and particularly those whose work in heritage, very often as volunteers, has made such a difference to their communities. The Awards are our chance to say thank you for the outstanding work and collective effort of all participants. Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan added: National Heritage Week aims to build awareness and education about our heritage. This year it looked to the past to create a better future and chose themes that have particular resonance for us all as we grapple with climate change and the impact we have on the world around us. "We chose the themes of sustainability and biodiversity and encouraged organisers to examine the intersection of the environment with preserving our tangible, intangible and natural heritage to create a more resilient world. The Awards are a recognition of every organiser, and of every event and project that took place. "Todays recipients are representative of the tremendous work of all organisers across the country, work that supports and encourages heritage protection. Irish Water is being requested again to take on a Laois community's group water scheme, after six years of waiting. Progress has been finally made for Irish Water to take over the group water scheme in the community of The Rock, Mountmellick. The area is in Portlaoise Municipal District, and at their October meeting, Cllr Willie Aird tabled a motion asking for Irish Water to take over the GWS, which he said was promised in 2016. Works were carried out on the booster pump by the council as requested by Irish Water. Thanks for reacting so quickly, this is going on years. Any work Irish Water asked for was done but it's still not taken in charge, he said. Council water engineer Trevor Hennessy said that further information was sought by Irish Water on the application. It was gathered by the group and a revised Taking In Charge will go now to Irish Water for final approval. Portarlington is listed in a new national report on a list which says the town's wastewater network need urgent attention. The new Envornmental Protection Agency's Urban Waste Water Treatment report for 2021 also lists Castletown and Ballyroan as locations where work needs to be done to protect the local freshwater pearl mussels. The EP says Portarlington, which is flood prone, is among a list 38 towns around Ireland where priority must be given improvement in waste water treatment because they are 'most urgently needed' and will bring the greatest environmental benefits. The EPA wants Irish Water to Irish Water to prioritise the work needed in Portarlington and 37 other areas to prevent waste water from harming rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters. The report says this work may involve upgrading the collecting and treatment systems, as well as improving how these systems are operated and managed. The report says Irish Water is taking some action but it still needs to produce clear plans and time frames to resolve the risk of pollution from 27 priority areas. An EPA official confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that Portarlington's problems rest with the sewerage network rather than the treatment works. The agency believes that the pipes and other parts of the network cannot cope with the capacity of waste which causes overflow into the water courses even in light rain. The EPA says it has identified pressure weaknesses in network which must be addressed. While it has not been able to conclusively say that the problems are polluting the River Barrow and other waterways, the EPA has identified biological markers that could be caused by pollution. Irish Water has begun the process of preparing a drainage area plan which would be needed to upgrade the network but the EPA wants this accelerated. Consultants have yet to be appointed to carry out surveys to identify problems. The EPA report says Irish Waters current investment plan, which runs from 2020 to 2024, does not provide for the completion of infrastructure upgrades to prevent waste water from harming the local environment in Portarlington and 26 areas. It also says any upgrades needed at these areas should be given priority in Irish Waters next investment plan. Castletown and Ballyroan are the only locations outside Munster where more work is needed to protect the freshwater pearl mussels which are globally endangered molluscs that need clean, fast flowing, well oxygenated rivers and a clean river bed. Both villages in the River Nore catchment area. The EPA report says it requires Irish Water to improve waste water treatment at the two Laois locations and 10 towns and villages to protect vulnerable freshwater pearl mussels in the local rivers. The EPA said work as been carried out in Castletown with more underway. They expect this will address the risk to the pear mussel by next year. However, the situation is different in Ballyroan where the agency is concerned about the impact. The EPA says that while some work has been carried out more is needed and there is no timeframe on when the required work will be completed. In its new report, the EPA says Irish Water must allocate the resources and funding to identify and implement the improvements needed in Ballyroan and four other areas at the earliest opportunity Legal proceedings have been launched against a number of institutions in Northern Ireland claiming Lord Mountbatten abused a boy at a notorious Belfast childrens home in the 1970s. Arthur Smyth, a former resident of the Kincora home, has waived his anonymity to make the allegations against the earl, a great uncle of King Charles III. Lord Mountbatten was killed along with three others when the IRA detonated a bomb on his boat in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo, in 1979. Three weeks ago, on behalf of Mr Smyth, formal letters of claim were served on a number of agencies, making serious allegations of historic abuse, solicitor Kevin Winters, of KRW Law, said. He said the claim for damages arises from Mr Smyths time spent as a child in Kincora Childrens Home, North Road Childrens Unit and Rosebank Home in Belfast during the late 1970s. Mr Winters said no responses have been received from any of the defendants and, in the continued absence of engagement, there is no alternative but to issue legal proceedings. On Wednesday, a High Court writ of summons was issued against Northern Irelands Department of Health, the Secretary of State, the PSNI, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Business Services Organisation. The claim is for trespass to the person (assault and battery), negligence, misfeasance in public office and breach of statutory duty under section 113 of the Children and Young Person Act (NI) (1968). Mr Winters said: Threatening to take a case and actually going ahead and doing it are two entirely different things. In issuing this action today, Arthur Smyth has now put down a marker and taken the next important step in his battle to get justice over the horrific abuse suffered by him when he was a child. In doing this, he wants to expose what until now have been suspicions and rumours about one of his abusers, the late Lord Louis Mountbatten. He wants the facts finally to emerge about his abuse generally and specific allegations about two separate incidents implicating the now deceased royal. There is no better forum to expose injustice than the courts and particularly a Belfast court. Over the recent past number of years, this jurisdiction has proven to be highly effective and intrusive in protecting the rights of the abused and disenfranchised. Against that background, I have no hesitation in launching this case today. I have every confidence the justice system will serve to reflect Arthurs bravery in taking this case. The Kincora home opened in Belfasts Upper Newtownards Road, close to Stormonts Parliament Buildings, in May 1958. It closed in October 1980 after a sex abuse scandal. The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry found that 39 boys were abused at Kincora. In 1981, three men were jailed for abusing 11 boys. However, it found no evidence that security agencies were complicit in the abuse. A recent report by Marie Anderson, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (Poni), said complaints from some former residents about the failure of police to investigate allegations of sexual abuse at Kincora were legitimate and justified. Ireland has accepted its stark domestic violence figures for too long, its justice minister has said. Helen McEntee gave a run-through of her strategy to combat gender-based violence a central aim of her tenure in the justice role during an address to the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) on Thursday. Quoting figures from the EUs Fundamental Rights Agency, she said that one in three women in Europe have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence during their lifetime; one in 20 women have been raped; and two in five women have experienced psychological abuse from a current or former partner. She also quoted stark, disturbing figures from Irelands police force An Garda Siochana, which found that domestic abuse was a factor in the majority of murders and manslaughters last year. We have to stop accepting these stark figures, she said on Thursday, adding that for too long Irelands rates of domestic abuse had been accepted. She said that there has been a whole of Government approach to tackling domestic and gender-based, and that attitudes around domestic violence still needed to change in homes, Whatsapp groups and online. She said that this is part of a zero-tolerance approach. Ms McEntee said she had been asked what a zero-tolerance approach means. Is it a Rudi Giuliani tough on crime, she was asked, referring to the former mayor of New Yorks zero-tolerance approach to policing crimes of any type. Her zero-tolerance strategy aims to double the available refuge spaces across the country, she said, as well as teach children in an age-appropriate way from an early age about respect and what healthy relationships are. The idea that children are shielded from this is simply nonsense, we have to acknowledge that and work and engage with children, Ms McEntee said. Ms McEntee said it means supporting victims when they come forward and to provide effective training for gardai, the courts system, and the health service staff who engage with victims. She also spoke about increasing maximum sentencing, so that victims are encouraged to come forward, and aiming to prevent domestic violence from happening in the first place. I dont think well ever get to a situation where we can say domestic violence has been completely eradicated, but we can certainly do our best to prevent it, to minimise it as much as possible. And that really does require changing hearts, minds and attitudes right across society. While acknowledging that domestic violence cannot be eliminated entirely, Ms McEntee said the bar has to be set as high as possible. She said that there was still a view in Ireland that domestic violence is a domestic issue that should be dealt with in the home, including in An Garda Siochana, but that huge strides had been made to change that. Am I satisfied that the attitudes have changed in general? I dont think were quite at that point. So I dont think it just applies to Guards, it applies everywhere that there is still, for some, a perception that domestic violence is a domestic issue and thats how it should be dealt with. But I think were making huge strides and huge progress in changing that, and I would say yes, absolutely in the Guards, and I think there has been huge progress made. Sinn Fein has accused Taoiseach Micheal Martin of false promises over his commitments on energy disconnections this winter. Finance spokesman Pearse Doherty also criticised the Government for being painfully out of touch over the difficulties faced by people across the country. Mr Doherty made the remarks as he reiterated the partys call for a ban on energy disconnections this winter. The Taoiseach said earlier this month that the Government will not allow people on pay-as-you-go meters to be cut off over the winter. The Fianna Fail leader said the Government is engaging with suppliers on the issue and insisted people who find themselves in difficulty will be helped by the social welfare system. The Government has abandoned 450,000 households this winter. Government must introduce a ban on disconnections NOW, not in December, and introduce it for ALL households including those on pre-pay meters.@PearseDoherty #Dail #LeadersQuestions pic.twitter.com/Xjsx5ERr1n Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) October 20, 2022 Mr Doherty told the Dail on Thursday that more than 700 households had their electricity supply cut off in the first half of this year, and 300 households had their gas disconnected. As the weather turns, the fear of disconnection is very real and very present, he said. Two weeks ago the Taoiseach gave a commitment. He said nobody would be disconnected this winter, including households using pre-paid meters. These were welcome words but they were only words, with no action to deliver on them. Instead of taking responsibility to protect households from disconnection, you tell them to go to their local social welfare officer. Mr Doherty said the Government needs to introduce a disconnections ban immediately to ensure that all households, including those using pre-paid meters, are protected from being cut off over the winter. So, Minister, can I ask you some simple questions? he said. Does this Government have any intention whatsoever to give actions to the commitment that the Taoiseach gave that nobody would be disconnected this winter including those on prepaid meters? Or was that just a false promise? 'Reduce Your Use' is about providing clear information on the supports,help and advice that is available from Government & specialist groups. It encourages families & businesses to save money by being efficient in their energy use.It's important that people stay warm & well. https://t.co/HsS0FhMJiI Eamon Ryan (@EamonRyan) October 19, 2022 Environment Minister Eamon Ryan defended the Governments approach to the energy crisis, saying it is committed to helping people with their energy bills this winter. The Green Party leader told the Dail during Leaders Questions that it would be great if there were simple solutions to the issue, but thats not the real world. Whats actually working is the whole range of different measures which Government are delivering on increasing social welfare protection, increases in energy payments to households, he said. Mr Ryan added that the Governments energy poverty plan will be published in the coming weeks to build on what works. He said extending credit to homes using pre-paid meters is not the right solution as it will put families further into debt, and that the right approach is cash payments. I believe the right approach in tackling poverty, and tackling energy poverty at this particular time, is providing cash payments, he said. That is the best way to help people through, and a whole range of other measures. Alex Magdziarz from sixth class in Scoil an Linbh Iosa in Naas won a nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes. Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), called for entries to its carbon monoxide safety poster competition. Students who completed the Energize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational programme were eligible to enter. The competition received numerous amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Alexs poster which was deemed the winner. Alexs poster outlined the importance of having a carbon monoxide alarm in your house, as carbon monoxide is invisible. Speaking as she presented Scoil an Linbh Iosa with an iPad for use in their school classroom, Gas Networks Irelands Social Sustainability Manager, Grainne OReilly said, "Science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is at the centre of our business, so were big supporters of STEM education. Congratulations to Alex and indeed all in Scoil an Linbh Iosa for winning term three of the 2021/22 Energize poster competition. Particularly as art is such a wonderful medium to use when engaging with STEM, so we are always excited to see so many creative entries. "We are delighted that 3,400 students from 100 schools nationwide engaged with Energize last year. Most importantly, more students are now aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of having a working carbon monoxide installed." The Energize programme delivers science to primary school students around Ireland through practical and engaging lessons to cultivate interest in the subject so students continue with it to second level education. Carbon monoxide awareness is an important element of the programme. JAI, which last year marked 10 years in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland, now runs its successful STEM education programme, Energize, online. The resources from the programme are also available free to download at www.jai.ie to support learning at home. Scoil an Linbh Iosas sixth class teacher, Aisling Dunbar said, "My class thoroughly enjoyed the Energize programme which brought science to life through fun and interactive sessions reflecting the curriculum. The programme enables pupils to understand career possibilities in STEM areas and encouraged them to continue with science in second-level education. "We are delighted that Alex won this award. All our sixth-class pupils engaged in the poster competition and grasped the important safety messages related to carbon monoxide with wonderful creativity. Thanks to JAI and Gas Networks Ireland; and also, to Deesha Gupta from Deloitte who helped deliver the programme. Many people have cut back on necessities such as heating or food, the latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment index has found. However, consumer sentiment improved slightly in October as consumers took some reassurance from Government steps introduced in Budge 2023 to help households cope with the cost of living crisis. The Credit Union Consumer Sentiment index climbed to 46.1 in October from 42.1 in September, up slightly on an 11.3-point decline from August. The Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index for October contained a special question focused on the extent of spending cutbacks being undertaken by Irish households. The responses appear to show that cutting back is now a key feature of consumer behaviour and is set to continue for the rest of the year. Just 7pc said they are not making cutbacks because they have sufficient funds. "Wealthier and Dublin-based consumers tended to show less widespread cutbacks in this area than other groupings," the credit union survey noted. It also found that two in five consumers said they were cutting back on holiday spend. One in three consumers said they would cut back on gift-buying this Christmas However, just one in eight consumers at cutting back on child-related spending. The survey also found that a third of consumers are cutting back on their grocery spending. However, 6pc say they are unable to make cutbacks in this area as they have already reduced their spending on food and other household staples to a minimum. The screaming newspaper headline was incredibly outrageous: 3 Counties to Petition McGill for SenateSay They Will Repay Him for His Good Deeds. Substantively, the newspaper reported that President George Manneh Weahs former Presidential Affairs Minister, Nathaniel McGill, a guy stained with a blight of U.S. sanctions, would be petitioned in by three of Liberias 15 counties to run for the Senate, because some elements of those counties perceive the super-rich ex-presidential affairs minister as a philanthropist whose humanitarian assistance, they believe, ought to be reciprocated with a political largesse as a senator. Upon seeing the headline and reading the newspaper story, I just exclaimed, Oh, so hes now a man of the people! Im just wondering whether Grand Kru County will follow those shameless elements of those three counties in petitioning McGill, too, so as to enable President Weah to showcase his unconditional love for his beloved ex-Presidential Minister. What about Montserrado? Perhaps all the 15 political subdivisions should petition McGill to herald him as another emerging political celebrity and then all the CDC fanatics and criminal worshipers can subsequently initiate a sort of lottery or raffle among themselves, to determine which county emerges as the first-place winner in getting McGills blessed senatorial nod. After reading about all the clamoring for McGills attention, perhaps to get a piece of his ill-gotten pie, Im reminded of an ancient parable in Yarwin-Mehnsonon, which loosely translates like this: If you advise a fool to be wise, who will you laugh at? Certainly, while such an outrageous headline about an internationally sanctioned ex-government official, a self-declared thief or rogue becoming another political celebrity overnight is obviously shocking, its not surprising at all, especially in todays Liberia, because when a known kleptocrat like McGill is awash with millions and millions of dollaran oasis of shady opulence in a pernicious desert of poverty and deprivation, why should anyone be surprised about hundreds of people in three counties scrambling for crumbs at the feet of this extremely affluent guy? Thats one of the obvious tragedies of the ongoing troubling scenario in Liberia. It is troubling because the downtrodden victims of callous economic crimes become so pauperized, so destitute that theyre forced to abandon whatever principles they might have had and basically adopt sycophancy as a new avocation, in their desperate search for crumbs. Because of that, gullible victims begin to be cheerleaders of their tormentors, instead of loudly denouncing them. As a result, villains are portrayed as victors, while scoundrels are paraded as some sort of saints. Its not surprising because when a society is systematically debased to the detriment of the vast majority of the people, most people tend to lose their scruples, aimlessly chasing shadow rather than substance. Of course, having been in this political theater for a while, some of us have seen those unconscionable political theatrics in the past. Do you still remember the heartless You killed my ma, you killed my pa, I will vote for you chants? Yes, that was during the 1997 election, but six years later when U.S. President George W. Bush declared Charles Taylor must go, all the You killed my ma fanatics froze, and Taylor was disgracefully evicted from the Executive Mansion. Because I know that the United States of America generally says what it means and actually means what it says, thats why I have come to this crucial point in time to humbly appeal to the Government of the United States of America, to decisively act on one of its foremost transnational lawsthe Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Law on behalf of, and in the best interest of the vast majority of the Liberian people. On August 15, 2022, when the U.S. Government, through its Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), imposed sanctions on three top officials of the George Weah regimeNathaniel McGill, Syrenius Cephus, and Bill TwehwayMr. Brian Nelson, the Treasurys Under-Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence unequivocally noted at the time that the three men were designated for sanctions for their involvement in ongoing public corruption in Liberia. Moreover, the U.S. Government further alleged, Through their corruption, these officials have undermined democracy in Liberia for their own personal benefit. For many ordinary Liberians who have for years been shackled by the hellish scourge of unbridled corruption over the years, the application of the Global Magnitsky law came as a time-saving grace, as a redemptive transnational piece of legislation that has the potential to make a positive difference in their lives, if and only if the United States Government can muster the courage to robustly enforce, or apply it to the letter. The Magnitsky law is potentially redemptive for downtrodden Liberians because the current batch of rulers absolutely doesnt believe in the rule of law. Dastardly fueled by ignorance and arrogance, corruption in Liberia has not only reached its dead end but has also become deadly because President Weah and his cohorts erroneously believe that theyre above the law and so, they absolutely have no inclination to obey the laws of the country theyre currently ruling. That is why they have inordinately adopted a cavalier mentality and brazenly resorted to all sorts of unscrupulous practices, squandering public resources and blatantly intimidating those who care to differ with impunity to the detriment of the Liberian people. As Nathaniel McGill shamelessly disclosed in Gbarnga last August, just a few days before he and other mega-criminals were slapped with sanctions, those Weah regime clowns strongly believe that now is their opportunity to steal, rather than a privilege to serve the Liberian people. When McGill declared that past government officials in the Ellen Sirleaf administration had also stolen public funds and allegedly carried their money abroad, but he and his accomplices were investing theirs in building luxurious houses in Liberia, President Weah, who had also constructed at least 47 ultra-luxurious buildings and a Jamaican Resort for himself in the very first year of his regime, was not concerned about McGills outrageous comments; he treated his Presidential Affairs Ministers justification of massive criminalities within his closest orbit as a business as usual episode. The mere fact that President Weah did not feel uncomfortable, let alone outraged, to publicly rebuke his closest cabinet minister and thereby dispel McGills highly distorted notion of public stealing for personal investment, logically implies that egregiously acquiring personal wealth at the expense of the poor masses is essentially the modus operandi of his regime. It was against the backdrop of such an unconscionable Yes, we steal and build fine houses and so, shut up scenario that the United States Treasury Department activated the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act on August 15, 2022. Named in honor and memory of the late Sergei Leonidovich Magnitsky, an eminent Ukrainian-born Russian tax lawyer and a topnotch auditor, who was bludgeoned to death at the prime age of 37 in 2009 by a heartless Russian dictatorship while languishing in a Russian prison for legally, patriotically doing his job in exposing corrupt Russian officials who were close to Vladimir Putin, the world has been very receptive to this promising transnational law, because anti-corruption activists believe that if vigorously enforced, the Magnitsky law will help to tame some of the pro-corruption beasts who are currently gloating with impunity around the world. In his sanction statement against Nathaniel McGill, Syrenius Cephus, and Bill Twehway on August 15, 2022, U.S. Under-Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson unequivocally lamented, Corruption has long undermined Liberias democracy and its economy, robbing the Liberian people of funds for public services, empowering illicit actors, degrading the business environment, and damaging rule of law and effective governance in the country. He added, Through their corruption those officials have undermined democracy in Liberia for their personal benefit, noting that the three men were designated for their involvement in ongoing public corruption in Liberia. Its amid a such gloomy backdrop of international disgrace that McGill, one of the notorious trio of mega-criminals is using his ill-gotten wealth with the conspicuous acquiescence of his Benevolent Dictator buddyPresident George Manneh Weahto intentionally tantalize, manipulate and hoodwink destitute elements of the poor masses in order to catapult himself back to the political center of gravity as a senator. McGill has been orchestrating his bogus popularity to showcase himself as a political celebrity; his aim is to impress the United States embassy near Monrovia and ultimately the U.S. Government that in spite of the sanctions they had imposed on him and other scoundrels, hes a sort of redeemer or the chosen one for the destitute folks in those three counties. He wants to be perceived as a man of the people, a sort of foolhardy enterprise in futility. My plea with the U.S. Government is that as the worlds foremost super-power with transcendent tentacles that are well-known for their far-reaching prowess, it should not allow morally bankrupt, perversely soulless, pathological criminals within the Liberian society, already known for their inverted values, to make an unwarranted mockery of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability law. Public policy experts are often quick to remind policymakers about the unintended outcomes of the policies they continually make. In the specific case of the Global Magnitsky sanctions imposed on the three kleptocratic Weah regime officials on August 15, 2022, the United States Government should not allow those shady individuals with no remorse of conscience to circumvent, flout or pervert its law as a paradoxical badge of honor in seeking higher elective positions, because allowing those criminal elements to use tiny portions of their wealth and lob themselves into higher legislative positions will not only erode the confidence of the poor masses in this particular transnational law, but it will also compound their despondence that all avenues to seeking legal redress to the socio-economic quagmire unleashed by their corrupt compatriots, which have shackled their progress over the years have reached a dead end, with no relief in insight. Besides that, if the Magnitsky law is allowed by the U.S. Government to become a diplomatic asterisk in Liberia, those kleptocrats and their accomplices will weaponize the self-inflicted sanctions imposed on them and seek to further victimize the downtrodden masses as well as their political opponents. Let us all remember that when the sanctions were imposed, Liberians jubilantly demonstrated on the streets in support of more sanctions; they commended the U.S. Government for its action and some even described it as overdue. If those pathological criminals remain in government, theyll perniciously target and further victimize those who supported or are still supporting the sanctions. I dont think that the intent of the U.S. Government was to sanction McGill and others as a ploy to expose patriotic Liberians who are outraged by the heartless stealing in the Weah regime and then abandon them at the mercy of their nefarious conquerors. Moreover, since the Weah regime came to power about five years ago, not only that the nation has witnessed an astronomical peak in rampant corruption, but there has also been a terrifying rise in very suspicious, highly mysterious killings, which in many instances, tend to punctuate those episodic corrupt acts. For example, after a container of about 16 billion Liberian dollars reportedly being transported from the Freeport of Monrovia to the Central Bank between Ashmun and Street in downtown Monrovia inexplicably disappeared in thin air and President Weah personally took $US25 million liquid cash from the same Central Bank of Liberia to mop up excess liquidity in the economy, in late February or early March 2019, Mr. Matthew J. Innis, the Deputy Director of the Micro-Finance Bureau at the Central Bank went to work and never returned. The Police later deposited his dead body at a local funeral home and claimed that he had been a victim of a hit and run accident. The fact is that Mr. Innis, who had occupied a crucial supervisory role at the Central Bank, was set to testify before an international investigative team sent to Liberia by the U.S. Government in the wake of the unprecedented disappearances of those huge sums of money. Then of course, from October 3rd to 10th in 2020, four leading Liberian government auditors died under deeply mysterious circumstances. Gifty Lama, Albert Peters, and George Fahnbutu of the Liberia Revenue Authority were the first three victims. In the case of Ms. Lama and Mr. Peters, their lifeless bodies were found on October 3, 2020, in a vehicle on Broad Street, as if their assailants were trying to send a horrific message to those who were still resisting their indiscriminate graft system, while George Fahnbutu was killed on the S.K.D. Boulevard. In the case of Mr. Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa, Director-General of the Internal Auditing Agency, his agency had just completed a thorough audit of how the Weah regime had expended the money poured into the country by donors to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic five days earlier when his lifeless body was found in his yard on October 10, 2020. Moreover, a highly respected preacher, son of the late President Tolbert, Rev. William Richard Tolbert, III whom President Weah had retained from the Ellen Sirleaf administration as Liberias Peace Ambassador, was gruesomely murdered by unknown persons on November 1, 2021, as if a wicked mission accomplished by paid assassins. Its against such gloomy, horrific experiences in the past five years that the sanction statement issued August 15, 2022, against Nathaniel McGill, the undeclared ringleader of the notorious trio and President Weahs closest cabinet minister, did not only accuse the presidential affairs boss of using government funds to run his own projects, but the American Government poignantly revealed that McGill had also organized warlords to threaten political rivals. In other words, McGill, who is already rotten rich, thanks to his unhinged corruption, is also in cahoots with warlordsnotorious killerswhom he utilizes to threaten political rivals. In my candid opinion, the revelation that McGill has an organized group of ex-warlords who are at his command to strike his political rivals at his behest underscores the extreme danger, risk, and vulnerability McGill and his accomplices pose to the Liberian society and the nations democratic process. Since they are already known for their shady, nefarious deeds which undermine democracy, allowing them to participate in the countrys fragile democratic process would be tantamount to further empowering them to further victimize the Liberian people with impunity. The United States Government must decisively act now to save the Liberian people. If allowed to seek elective offices, those unscrupulous men will weaponize the Magnitsky Law to further victimize the poor Liberian masses and also covertly resort to all sorts of pernicious deeds against their political opponents as revenge for expressing their support for the sanctions. That is why it is imperative for the United States Government to thoroughly evaluate its sanctions against Liberian government officials because, in that part of the world, the value system of the ruling regime tends to be upside down. Photo caption: Mr. Nathaniel F. McGil De facto leader of the Notorious Trio who reportedly organized warlords to threaten political rivals. Police in Northern Ireland are appealing for information following a report of arson which occurred in Lisnaskea on Wednesday, October 19. Inspector Hicks said, Shortly before 10pm, it was reported that an unknown man had reportedly poured a flammable liquid over a grey Mercedes E Series that was parked in the area. "The car was then set alight, as the man made off on foot towards the Monaghan Road area following the incident. "Damage was caused to the bonnet of the vehicle, as well as the drivers side front window. There were no reports of any injuries, as Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service dealt with the fire.The man is described as being 6ft in height, wearing dark clothing and a dark coloured beanie style hat. Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, the incident is being treated as a sectarian motivated hate crime. We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1909 19/10/22. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ The Government has urged householders and businesses to ensure that they are availing of the supports that are in place to help all of us through this challenging winter. Alongside key partners like the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities), MABS (Money and Budgeting Advice Service), ALONE and SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), the Government is asking people to stay warm and well this winter and to know that help is available if they need it over the coming weeks and months. Dr Blaithin Gallagher - Constituency Spokesperson and National Executive Committee Member of the Green Party said: When we look at the price of energy for cooking, heating and transport, this winter looks like being a very difficult one for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Its important that families, households and businesses know what help is available, and how, where safe and possible to do so, they can reduce their energy use and bills. This latest phase of ReduceYourUse, led by Minister Eamon Ryan, is a really important information campaign, providing support for all sections of society. The Reduce Your Use page (www.gov.ie/ReduceYourUse) and hashtag (#ReduceYourUse) provide a signpost to specific, existing sources of help that are out there, to help people identify appropriate supports for their needs over the coming winter period. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said: The research we carried out shows clearly that everyone feels affected by the energy crisis. However, some groups in our society are more affected than others older people; people on lower incomes; people with young families, for example. The Government is acutely aware of the difficulties people are facing This new phase of Reduce Your Use is, first and foremost, about providing clear information to people about the supports, help and advice that is available, from Government firstly, and also through specialist groups like MABS or ALONE, for example. We are also encouraging families and businesses to save money by being efficient in their energy use, but only when it is safe to do so. It is important that everyone stays warm and well. The nationwide campaign will run right across the heating season and will evolve as needed to meet the changing information needs and concerns of the public. This new phase of the campaign is based on research which shows that most people are worried about the energy situation, primarily because it is such an unknown. However, research also shows that people are looking for clarity on where they can go to get help and support, and what they can do to make the biggest difference to their energy bills. As part of the multi-media campaign, an information leaflet, detailing how to access Government supports and advice on how to be more conscious about energy usage, will also be delivered to every home in the country. For information on available supports and energy-saving advice visit: www.gov.ie/ReduceYourUse Twelve Spanish travel agents are exploring Ireland and Leitrim this week as guests of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland. The aim of the visit is to familiarise the travel professionals with Ireland and our superb tourism offering, so that when they return home, they will be better informed and more enthusiastic than ever about Ireland, when advising their clients about planning and booking their holidays here. One of the highlights of the groups action-packed itinerary was a visit to The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo. Susan Bolger, Tourism Irelands Manager Spain, said: We are delighted to invite this group of Spanish travel agents to explore Ireland this week. There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand. Our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2023 and beyond. Spain is an important market for tourism to Ireland and fact-finding visits like this are a key element of the work that Tourism Ireland undertakes with the important travel trade in Spain. Spain is the fifth-largest market for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. In 2019, we welcomed 431,000 Spanish visitors; revenue generated by Spanish visitors that year was 218 million. Spanish travel agents with Cristina Espejo, Tourism Ireland (front, left), visiting The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo. A civil engineering firm involved in the construction of a wind farm in County Sligo where a landslide occurred resulting in the death of a 37-year-old employee has been fined 220,000 plus costs of 31,000 at Sligo Circuit Court. The defendants, Denis Moriarity The Kerries Ltd of Tralee, County Kerry, had pleaded guilty to two charges under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 relating to an accident at Derrysallagh Wind Farm, Glen, County Sligo, on December 12, 2016 when Patrick McCaffrey of Rossinver, County Leitrim, lost his life. The charges related to the construction of a temporary road linking an existing temporary road to a berm on the wind farm. Mr McCaffrey was working at the site when the landslide occurred at 7pm and as a result he was trapped and suffocated. An Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority along with a geotechnical engineer established that the peat slide was most likely triggered by the construction of the floating road. Judge Keenan Johnson said the company, failed to note that the area where the accident occurred was deemed a high risk for peat slide. Furthermore, there was no proper plan or design for the floating road. In addition to this no geotechnical risk management was undertaken prior to construction commencing. These were very significant failures, said the Judge. Judge Johnson said the deceaseds wife, Helen, had lost her husband and best friend and the consequences for her were life-changing. In her victim impact statement she described life as being a living nightmare since her husbands death. She described him as her rock following the death of their baby son Jack the previous year and she had outlined how their dream of creating a family home had now been robbed, the couple having recently bought a house with plans to renovate it. This is a project that she must now face alone and without the love of her husband, said the Judge. Mrs McCaffrey said that every day she sees wind farm turbines and is reminded of the tragic death of her husband. She described him as a true, loving, considerate and dedicated husband, the love of her life and that he was one in a million. A Victim Impact Statement from the McCaffrey family said the deceaseds parents were left heartbroken as were his brother and three sisters. He was described as a hard working man who was incredibly generous and who loved life. They were constantly reminded of Paddy, as he was known, and became emotional when they heard a particular song he liked or when someone mentioned his name. Judge Johnson said it was clear the accident caused untold hurt and pain to Helen McCaffrey and the McCaffrey family. That pain an hurt has been exacerbated by the fact that Patricks death could have been avoided had proper preparation and planning gone into the development of the wind farm site, said the Judge. He noted that the company got into financial difficulties in 2018, had since exited examinership but was trading at a loss and that the current asset value of the firm was 883,000. The company was refused insurance for wind farm work in 2019 as a consequence and had two employees whereas at the time of the accident it had over 100. It had insurance at the time of the accident and there were funds to meet the civil claim of the next of kin. Judge Johnson imposed a fine of 220,000 with 31,000 for the Health and Safety Authoritys costs also to be discharged within six months. The Judge added that it seemed clear from the companys financial records that it had been trading at a loss for the last number of years and according to its accountant it had no future. In those circumstances the company should realise its assets and discharge the fine and costs without delay, he said. Sinn Fein spokesperson on Justice, Martin Kenny TD, has today called on the Minister for Justice to expedite the appointment of judges to the district and circuit courts across the state. His comments come as waiting lists for cases to be heard continue to grow at lower courts. Speaking after raising the issue in the Dail today, Deputy Kenny said: There are extensive waiting lists throughout the courts system, but they are most significant at district and circuit court level. These are courts dealing with assaults, harassment, burglary, and other crimes, where these crimes have had such a significant effect on victims and the community that the DPP has ordered charges to be brought. Judges at lower court level also preside over the family courts, and make decisions on the granting of protection and barring orders to protect survivors of domestic violence. The minister confirmed that there are plans underway to develop new family law courts which will relieve the pressure on the district courts system and I am hopeful this will expedite things. While I understand and accept that a report has been prepared for the Department of Justice, a report on why more judges should be appointed is of little use to those awaiting justice to be served after they have been the victim of a crime, or for those fleeing a domestic violence situation. These people cannot await a report, it is as simple as that. There was no delay in the appointment of additional judges to the High Court, however the appointment of additional judges at lower level courts is stalled until a report has been laid before the Dail. Furthermore, the government hobby horse excuse of knock-on effects from pandemic restrictions was also rolled out to explain the delay. As part of our Alternative Budget last month, Sinn Fein committed to the immediate appointment of judges and support staff to the district and circuit courts. From the conversations I have had with both staff, and the victims of crime, it is clear that the courts are unable to provide the very basic right of timely access to justice because of the shortage of judges. I have asked the government to heed Sinn Feins call for additional judicial appointments in order to offer the basic entitlement of access to justice and protection to those brave enough to seek assistance from the Courts Service. This file photo taken on September 12, 2022, shows a French gendarme walking outside the Palais de Justice ahead of the appeal trial of the Charlie Hebdo attacks when members of the French satirical magazine were killed by jihadist gunmen in January 2015, in Paris. EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP A man accused of helping find weapons for the jihadist gunmen who attacked the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish supermarket in France eight years ago was given a life sentence after his appeal trial, a judicial source said Thursday, October 20. Ali Riza Polat, 37, who contests the charges of complicity in a terrorist attack, was originally handed a 30-year sentence in December 2020. A second suspect who appealed his 20-year sentence for conspiring with the attackers, Amar Ramdani, 41, was again found guilty but saw his sentence reduced to 13 years. Twelve people were massacred at Charlie Hebdo's Paris offices on January 7, 2015, by the Said and Cherif Kouachi brothers, who said they were acting on behalf of Al-Qaeda to avenge the paper's decision to publish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. A day later, Amedy Coulibaly killed a 27-year-old police officer during a traffic check outside Paris, before killing four Jewish men during a hostage-taking at the Hyper Cacher supermarket on January 9, claiming to act in the name of the Islamic State group. All three were killed by police, and in December 2020 a French court convicted 14 people of helping to carry out the attacks. Mr. Polat and Mr. Ramdani were the only ones to appeal their convictions. Mr. Polat's new sentence carries a minimum jail time of 20 years before he can be eligible for parole. We are interested in your experience using the site. Send feedback The Charlie Hebdo and Hyper Cacher killings marked the start of a deadly wave of Islamist attacks around Europe, in particular, the harrowing killing spree a few months later at the Bataclan concert hall and at Paris bars and cafes in November 2015. Those shot dead in the Charlie Hebdo office included some of France's most celebrated cartoonists including Jean Cabut, known as Cabu, 76, Georges Wolinski, 80, and Stephane "Charb" Charbonnier, 47. Le Monde with AFP France's privacy watchdog slapped a 20 million fine on US firm Clearview AI on Thursday, October 20, for breaching privacy laws, as pressure mounts on the controversial facial-recognition platform. The firm collects images of faces from websites and social media feeds without seeking permission and sells access to its vast database reportedly around 20 billion pictures to clients including law enforcement agencies. Privacy activists have raised objections to the business model around the world, already winning a case in the United States that has forced the firm to stop selling its main database to private clients. The French complaint to privacy watchdog CNIL is one of a slew filed by activists across Europe that has already resulted in fines in Italy and Britain. CNIL ruled last year that Clearview was processing personal data unlawfully and ordered it to stop, but said on Thursday that the firm had not responded. In addition to the 20-million-euro ($19.6 million) fine, CNIL once again ordered the firm to stop collecting data from people residing in France and delete the data it had already collected. The watchdog said there were "very serious risks to the fundamental rights of the data subjects". Clearview AI has two months to comply with the order or begin incurring fines of 100,000 per day. Clearview boss Hoan Ton-That said in statements emailed to Agence France-Presse that his company had no clients or premises in France and was not subject to EU privacy law, adding that his firm collected "public data from the open internet" and complied with all standards of privacy. "There is no way to determine if a person has French citizenship purely from a public photo from the internet, and therefore it is impossible to delete data from French residents," he added. We are interested in your experience using the site. Send feedback Clearview was formed five years ago and has since attracted almost $40 million in funding from investors including prominent Silicon Valley conservative Peter Thiel, according to the Crunchbase website. More on this topic Subscribers only Internet users are 'poisoning' their personal data in the fight against online surveillance Le Monde with AFP Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss arrives to address the media in Downing Street in London on October 20. ALBERTO PEZZALI / AP After just 45 days in office, UK Prime Minister Liz Truss announced Thursday, October 20 her resignation as Conservative Party leader, becoming the shortest-lived premier in UK history. She said her successor would be elected by the end of next week. "I recognize that given the situation I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party." A leadership election for MPs to select her successor will be "completed within the next week," she added. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Truss said she would stay on as prime minister until a successor is chosen to serve as Tory leader. Labour leader Keir Starmer, whose opposition party has surged in opinion polls on the back of Truss's short, eventful tenure, demanded a general election "now". "This is not just a soap opera at the top of the Tory party," he said, warning of "huge damage" to the UK economy, although the pound surged against the dollar after Truss's dramatic announcement. Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 Committee, speaks to media in front of parliament in London. DAVID CLIFF / AP "We've agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week," she said, after senior backbench MP Graham Brady told her the game was up. "This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our country's economic stability and national security." Johnson eyeing a comeback Without going into details, Mr. Brady told reporters that the new leader would be in place by Friday next week, in time for finance minister Jeremy Hunt to deliver a crucial budget statement on October 31. Mr. Brady's statement suggested the party could find a way of bypassing the Tory rank and file who elected Ms. Truss, in the face of warnings by Mr. Sunak that her debt-fuelled program threatened higher inflation and market turmoil. A bookmaker takes bets for the next British Prime Minister after Liz Truss resigned. DAVID CLIFF / AP Mr. Sunak's warnings were vindicated, and the former finance minister quickly emerged as the bookmakers' favorite. But he remains held in deep suspicion by Johnson loyalists. Boris Johnson himself was eyeing a comeback, the Times and Telegraph newspapers reported, despite remaining deeply unpopular with the electorate for the many scandals that brought him down. "Time to come back," trade minister James Duddridge, Mr. Johnson's former parliamentary aide, tweeted with the hashtag #bringbackboris. "Few issues at the office that need addressing." I hope you enjoyed your holiday boss. Time to come back. Few issues at the office that need addressing. #bringbackboris JamesDuddridge (@James Duddridge MP) Thursday's expected move comes after Ms. Truss held a hastily arranged meeting with a Conservative official tasked with assessing whether the prime minister still has the support of Tory members of Parliament. A growing number of lawmakers were calling for Ms. Truss to resign after weeks of turmoil sparked by her economic plan, announced last month and since largely abandoned after it spooked financial markets. Unfunded tax cuts Her resignation comes days after Ms. Truss fired her Treasury chief, Kwasi Kwarteng, on Friday after the economic package the pair unveiled at the end of September spooked financial markets and triggered an economic and political crisis. The plan's 45 billion pounds in unfunded tax cuts sparked turmoil on financial markets, hammering the value of the pound and increasing the cost of UK government borrowing. The Bank of England was forced to intervene to prevent the crisis from spreading to the wider economy and putting pension funds at risk. Read more Subscribers only Bank of England forced to re-intervene to calm markets On Monday Mr. Kwartengs replacement, Jeremy Hunt, scrapped almost all of Truss' tax cuts, along with her flagship energy policy and her promise of no public spending cuts. He said the government will need to save billions of pounds and there are "many difficult decisions" to be made before he sets out a medium-term fiscal plan on October 31. We are interested in your experience using the site. Send feedback Speaking to lawmakers for the first time since the U-turn, Ms. Truss apologized Wednesday and admitted she had made mistakes during her six weeks in office, but insisted that by changing course she had "taken responsibility and made the right decisions in the interest of the countrys economic stability." Opposition lawmakers shouted "Resign!" as she spoke in the House of Commons. But she insisted: "I am a fighter and not a quitter." Read more Subscribers only Liz Truss' government is in chaos Le Monde with AP and AFP John Fetterman, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks during a campaign event at the Steamfitters Technology Center in Harmony, Pennsylvania. GENE J. PUSKAR / AP US President Joe Biden will campaign Thursday, October 20, alongside Senate candidate John Fetterman in Pennsylvania, ground zero in the Democrats' struggle to avoid a wipeout in the midterms and two years of political trench warfare for the White House. Mr. Biden will visit both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, touting his administration's signature infrastructure spending package. Mr. Fetterman, whose love of hoodies and cargo shorts makes him one of the most unusual-looking figures on the campaign trail, was once a runaway favorite in the battle against Republican candidate Mehmet Oz, a celebrity doctor. But the race has tightened, reflecting sinking Democratic hopes of maintaining the party's already fragile control of Congress. The latest average of polls shows Mr. Fetterman's nearly 11-point lead in mid-September whittled down to about five points. Analysts say Pennsylvania is among a handful of races Democrats must win to keep the Senate after November 8, while the tussle for the House is even tougher. Read more Subscribers only 40 days before US midterm elections, nerves on both sides Mr. Biden's attempts to shift momentum have so far had limited effect. He is also unpopular, with an average of 42.3% in approval ratings, so his campaign appearances may not help. The Thursday trip follows speeches in Washington where the president vowed to protect abortion access and called for lower energy prices. But three weeks from voting day, Americans appear to be veering toward the Republican message. Read more Subscribers only Midterms: Democrats overtaken by the cost of living That raises the likelihood of Republicans taking control of at least the House and quite possibly the Senate. Even just the House would give the increasingly far-right Republican party the ability to shut down Mr. Biden's agenda and as prominent figures are already threatening attempt impeachment. We are interested in your experience using the site. Send feedback Parties controlling the White House nearly always suffer a loss of seats in Congress during midterms, so a heavy Democratic loss would be no surprise. Read more Subscribers only In Arizona, immigration is at the heart of the midterm election campaign Le Monde with AFP African Journalists Perspectives on CPC National Congress 15:31, October 20, 2022 By Xia Yuanyuan ( People's Daily Online The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opened on October 16, which is seen as a significant political event at a critical moment. The meeting will lay out the goals, tasks and major policies for the Party and country's future development. It has drawn attention worldwide, with around 2,500 journalists from home and abroad covering the event in Beijing from 16 to 22 October. ChinAfrica asked four African journalists, who are based in China and have witnessed the changes in Chinese peoples life, to share their opinions on the CPCs achievements in the past decade. A Paramount Role Bereket Sisay Journalist and editor of Ethiopian News Agency Climate change, insecurity, food crises and social upheaval are all threatening the world in which we all live; but there are also plenty of opportunities to propel the world forward. For this to happen, strong leadership, consistent policies, and committed statesmen who can fundamentally change course and veer towards continuous social and economic transformation are required. In line with this, the CPC is now among the forces that are trusted and expected to make a stride in this regard, based on its achievements over decades. The Partys success in a number of important fields domestically and its constructive role in maintaining multilateralism and global partnerships have earned it appreciation and an important space within world politics. China has long been known as a trusted global partner that promotes collaboration worldwide, with a shared view of mutual prosperity and growth for all humankind. China has been pushing countries, despite their differences, to subscribe to common agendas such as development, peace, democracy and so forth. Environmental Progress in China Ephrahim Bahemu Reporter of Mwananchi Communications Ltd. in Tanzania Environmental protection is a global campaign, and China has taken intensive measures in this direction in the past decade under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China. Latest data show that China ranks first in the world in the area of planted forests and forest growth, contributing a quarter of the new forest area in the world in the past decade. The secret to Chinas success is its extensive environmental conservation campaign, including preserving existing ecosystems, adding new forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and combating desertification. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the accumulated afforestation area reached 64 million hectares in the past 10 years, while 11 million hectares of grasslands were improved and more than 800,000 hectares of wetlands were added or restored. Among the things that may surprise many visitors is the way the grass, flowers, and trees are cared for with passion and knowledge in different cities, and where necessary, trees are treated with injections. Grass and flowers have been planted under elevated roads and bridges in cities. On a walk with my friend from Africa in the city of Weihai, Shandong Province, we were surprised to see red roses planted on the side of the road. People who visited this country in the past say that it was normal to see heavy smoke in big cities and the air was not good, but now you can see clear skies and breathe clear air in cities across China. Chinas efforts to expand its forest area and improve forest quality have contributed to the countrys goal to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. A People-Centred Human Rights Approach Bryan Otieno Correspondent with The Star in Kenya The people-centred human rights philosophy adopted by the Communist Party of China (CPC) seeks to protect fundamental rights that mankind must be accorded to enjoy life. These include the right to a clean environment, the right to good health, and eventually, the right to enjoy a fuller and fairer share of the countrys development. The ultimate goal is to create an equal society where social fairness and justice are at the centre, and work towards meeting the peoples aspirations for a continuously better life. Those who run the government on behalf of the people - because the goal is to have the people run the country in the development of the whole-process peoples democracy - want to ensure that the fundamental interests of the majority of Chinese people are safeguarded. China has ratified or acceded to 26 international human rights treaties. These include six core UN human rights treaties. China has also been elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council five consecutive times. As a testament to Chinas human rights record, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights has since 2017 thrice adopted the resolution The Contribution of Development to the Enjoyment of All Human Rights proposed by China. This shows that Chinas human rights philosophy and achievements have been widely recognised by the international community, according to Liu Yantao, the Chinese ambassador to Cyprus. According to available data, China has completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way, and put an end to absolute poverty. In 2021, Chinas per-capita income reached $12,551, more than the global average. There are smiles on more Chinese peoples faces today. This can also be seen in how the people cheer for their leaders even in seemingly small actions. According to human nature, a happy person will be more willing to help a stranger on the street than a sad one. During my short stay in China so far, I have on more than five occasions stopped strangers on the streets to ask for help, whether it is for direction, for interpretation of a Chinese text or having someone send money to my Alipay app in exchange for cash, and on all occasions, the strangers helped me without any hesitation. At the beginning, I did not understand this phenomenon given the fact that I come from a country where being approached by a stranger will instinctively make your adrenaline devise some defensive mechanism at first, until the stranger makes you more comfortable by speech or action. I later realised that most of the people in China are happy, meaning the CPC has to a large extent achieved its objective of ensuring that the society at large is one happy family. In October 2021, at the General Debate of the Third Committee of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Zhang Jun, Chinas permanent representative to the UN, summed it up: The best answer for Chinas human rights situation lay in the happy lives and smiling faces of the Chinese people. Fascinating Transformation Nelson Kiva Reporter with The New Vision in Uganda The all-round transformation that China has witnessed over a not-so-long period is indeed fascinating. It is an outcome of right policies adopted by the Communist Party of China (CPC). As a Ugandan journalist, I have long been captivated by the stories about China and the people who visited the country before me. Especially, the countrys rapid transformation in the last decade brought about by the CPC ideologies and programmes developed in the new era is indeed intriguing. I used to wonder how the countrys leadership has ensured stability and achieved broad-based transformation. The last three months I have been in Beijing have been quite revealing. I have observed that China is a highly secure society, in contrast to the stories of crime we hear elsewhere including in the Western capitals. This is a country where you can move around during the night and nobody will touch you, which is uncommon in many parts of the world. The secure environment ensured by the CPC governance has broadly worked as an advantage for the economy, especially tourism and adventure. Despite being in a COVID-19 era, local and foreign tourists are flocking to the attractions such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the National Museum, the Tiananmen Square, as well as sites in provinces. The crisscrossing mega roads, railway networks, airports, and protected and beautified river banks across China, not just in big cities such as Beijing, all point to good leadership. The greening and the beatification of cities is an example of the praiseworthy work done by the CPC, under the guidance of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Source: chinafrica.cn (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Hongyu) A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including key government and private sector figures, will travel to Madrid today (October 20, 2022) to represent the Kingdom at the third Saudi-Spanish Joint Committee (SSJC) as Saudi Arabia and Spain look to further strengthen their longstanding bilateral relations. The SSJC was established in 2007, and the last committee meeting was hosted in Riyadh in 2018. The committee aims to enhance and promote collaboration and cooperation across all sectors in both countries. The Kingdoms delegation, led by the Minister of Economy and Planning and includes representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, General Authority for Foreign Trade, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Saudi Export Development Authority, National Industrial Development, and Logistics Program. Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said: International partnerships are key to accelerating sustainable economic development at home and abroad. In the Kingdom, we remain committed to enhancing local, regional, and international ties through mutually beneficial and inclusive relationships.Through investments, cultural exchanges, knowledge, and technology transfer, we are embracing global collaboration to unlock the vast potential of our evolving economy. Alibrahim added: Spain remains a key international partner in Saudi Arabias transformation journey under Saudi Vision 2030, as we seek to deepen the impact of our longstanding bilateral relations, to provide a secure and prosperous economic future for all. Despite the slowdown in global trade affected by the pandemic, bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Spain has recovered quickly. In the 12 months between 2020 and 2021, the bilateral trade grew by SAR3.8 billion ($ 1 billion), to reach SAR20.3 billion ($5.4 billion), according to the latest data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). In 2021, Saudi exports to Spain reached a value of SAR11.4 billion ($3 billion), while Spanish imports to Saudi were valued at SAR8.9 billion ($2.34 billion). The two countries are also working together on several initiatives to foster economic growth. The SSJC, which is taking place on October 20, 2022, has a varied itinerary including the official third meeting of the SSJC, meetings of the Saudi-Spanish Business Forum and Saudi-Spanish Business Council, several bilateral meetings with Spanish ministers and officials, and site visits to key Spanish private sector establishments. -TradeArabia News Service AS VISITORS from both Ireland and overseas are embracing the scenic route, planned updates will see Limerick Greenway become "a great boost for tourism." Visits to Limerick Greenway increased by 52% between June and October, compared to the same period last year. After a 10 million investment by Limerick City and County Council, Limerick Greenway marked the milestone of attracting 500,000 visits in May 2022. Following the old Limerick to Kerry railway line through the tranquil rural West Limerick, the route offers visitors an experience centered around accessibility, biodiversity and heritage, with its choice of some of the countrys most historic sites. Commenting on the increase in visitor numbers, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley, said: Limerick Greenway is a great draw for local, national and overseas visitors, and I am delighted to see this increase of visits by walkers, runners, cyclists and those of all abilities. I am also pleased that planned upgrades are in progress which promise to enhance Limerick Greenway and support the region as a whole. Director of Services at the local authority, Gordon Daly, added that the Limerick Greenway, since it opened, has strengthened its important position in the regions local economy. With visit numbers increasing by 52% this marks great success for Limerick Greenway in attracting both local visitors and tourists from further afield and resulting in a great boost for tourism, said Mr Daly. Limerick City and County Council has confirmed a series of planned upgrades, such as the restoration of The Railway Goods Shed at Rathkeale, as part of a Greenway Hub, but also the commencement of work on a car park in Newcastle West. Works have also been completed on cattle underpasses and overpasses on the section of the Greenway between Abbeyfeale and the Limerick/Kerry border. The construction of additional cattle under and overpasses will also be undertaken in the near future. Work on the 10.5km extension of the greenway from Abbeyfeale to Listowel in North Kerry Greenway is expected to get underway in the coming weeks. A LIMERICK student has been awarded a Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth 20,000 at a ceremony in the Trinity Business School in Dublin. Darragh Murphy from Ardscoil Ris was presented the award at the ceremony and has accepted a position to study Theoretical Physics at Trinity College Dublin. The award was presented by founding patrons of the Naughton Foundation, Dr. Martin Naughton, and his wife Carmel, who were joined by Mr. Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to award winning students with their accolades and cheques. Dr. Martin Naughton has commented: We started supporting students in their science and engineering studies in Louth, Meath, and Monaghan in 2008 to give back to our local area. We never imagined what a wonderful community of connected young people the Naughton Scholarship programme would become. Our Alumni are an incredible group working in the best Universities, research institutes and businesses across the world. Each year we hear back from them on the value of this network to them and the connections it has given them across disciplines and Ireland, Dr Naughton said. Since its establishment in 2008, scholarships worth over 6 million have been awarded to over 350 students. There is one guaranteed scholarship (20,000) for each participating county, with some counties awarded more than one scholarship and each scholarship is worth 5,000 per annum for each year of a students three- or four-year undergraduate degree. Darragh joins 37 Irish students who were awarded third level scholarships towards their studies in the areas of engineering, science, technology, and maths. Darraghs former secondary school, Ardscoil Ris was awarded a prize of 1000 towards the schools science facilities, for their support of these students. More than 250 schools have also benefited from this prize to date with some schools receiving it on more than one occasion. THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick has added a "vibrant splash of colour" to the city following the completion of the first phase of its new landmark multi-coloured mural on Honan's Quay. Works were completed by the internationally renowned Spanish urban artist Digo Diego, and cover the entire riverside facade of the university's new City Centre Campus building. The project was developed in tandem with local artist collective Draw Out and in partnership with Limerick council. The Spanish muralist, who draws inspiration from the environment and social issues considers the artwork as imposing a strong message of enhancement, revitalisation and education. Professor Kerstin Mey, UL President, stated that the works signal an ongoing commitment to the landmark city site. She said: "The dynamic and vibrant mural design articulates the interactions of the city, the river and nature in organic ways and symbolises the ethos of sustainable growth as a hallmark for the development of the campus." Prof Mey also added that the design resonates with the "positive charge" that emanates from the University of Limerick campus that "comes to life in the heart of the city. The urban artwork, which commenced in the first week of October, saw Digo Diego and Draw Out tackle phase one in the space of a week, which consisted of the undercoat, a grid system and then an overlay of the multi-coloured design. Nuala Gallagher, Director of Planning, Environment and Placemaking with Limerick council said that the new mural on Honan's Quay has "transformed the area" in what she described as an "important part of the city." While the first phase which includes the external walls of the facade is now complete, artists will soon tackle the second phase, comprising of the internal structure of the building and some of the higher elevated pieces. The landmark mural is the first stage of improving the look of the building, UL said, adding that work on a masterplan for the City Centre Campus continues to be developed along with Limerick council. "UL is fully engaged in the master planning process, with a development plan to be worked out during 2023 and a goal to lodge a planning submission by the end of next year. "Ahead of that, UL is currently considering proposals from the campus community for an interim use while the master planning for wider use takes place," UL concluded. A LIMERICK councillor has called for legal action to be taken against Minister Eamon Ryans department for polluting the countys waterways through inadequate wastewater systems. The statement was made by Cllr Adam Teskey (FG) at a meeting of the Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District, where he stated that the minister should be challenged for pollution caused by housing. Councillors received a special presentation from the Maigue Rivers Trust, who after testing water pollution in the River Deel, revealed that pollution levels were much higher than normal. Who hasnt played their part in this, is the government and local authorities. We need to be very mindful that we are huge contributors to the pollution ourselves, he told those present. He stressed that while local government are talking out both sides of their mouth about building houses, they have not put in the proper infrastructure required to cater for sewage systems. Cllr Teskey alluded to Askeaton, saying that what is going on there is nothing but criminal. We are killing our wildlife and standing idly by it. The Minister has gone on record to say that he is going to fund money for a treatment plant in Askeaton. I actually think that his department should be legally challenged for the pollution and harm that he is causing to our water sources and what is happening in our country, Cllr Teskey added. He complimented the Maigue Rivers Trust group for their alarming presentation and the work they have done in testing and documenting pollution levels within the River Maigue and River Deel. If you go down to the bridge in Askeaton and look over at the vegetation that is growing inside the river, it is absolutely horrible to see, he stated, adding that the vegetation is taking the source of oxygen from the water, depleting the fish so they cant grow or spawn. The government need to take initiative on this. Its all talk and no action when it comes to the River Deel, we have heard it all for years, Cllr Teskey concluded. LIMERICK CITY and County Council has paid out the second highest amount - in terms of counties nationwide - in compensation claims from trips and falls on footpaths and roads in the last five-and-a-half years. New figures have revealed that 447 personal injury claims have been brought against the local authority since 2017. A total of 11,525,568 was paid out to claimants by Limerick City and County Council, according to a report by the Irish Independent. Limerick has the second highest amount of money paid out for claims, in the country, after four councils in Dublin who have paid out 66 million. The figures are based on the number of claims per 100,000 of population. Cork City Council and Cork County Council refused to release the figures for claims made against them, and asked for the information to be sought through a Freedom of Information request. Councils across the country have paid almost 150 million in compensation with nearly 10,000 claims made against local authorities in Ireland since 2017. The numbers reflect how many claims were settled during the 2017 to 2022 period, not how many accidents occurred. Cllr Emmett O'Brien said that there is an issue with footpaths in Limerick and it is the responsibility of the council to make sure the appropriate systems and inspections are in place. He said there have been a lot of complaints about the ongoing maintenance of footpaths throughout the city and county. Mr O'Brien, who is also a barrister, said he has no issue with people bringing claims if there is genuine negligence. If there is a hole in the footpath that has occurred by ordinary wear and tear then the claimant has no case. But if the person slips and falls on pavement that has already been complained about to the council, then that is negligence. Councillor PJ Carey said he was surprised by the amount of claims as he said the local authority is usually quick to fix issues once they have been raised. Anytime I have raised something, the Active Travel team has always been quick to respond so I am quite surprised by those figures. Limerick City and County Council has been contacted for comment. TWO County Limerick brothers have appeared before Newcastle West Court charged with assault causing serious harm arising from an incident just over a year ago. Daragh Hayes, aged 35, of Ballyoshea, Kildimo and Cian Hayes, aged 31, of Ballyoshea, Old Kildimo are also each accused of producing of an article during the course of a dispute - namely a hurley and a spider wrench. The offences are alleged to have occurred at an address at Ballyoshea, Old Kildimo on September 20, 2021. Giving evidence before this Thursday's court sitting, Detective Garda Eric OShea gave evidence of arresting both accused and charging them at Rathkeale garda station earlier in the day. Neither defendant, he said, made any reply to the charges after caution. Inspector Gearoid Thompson informed Judge Carol Anne Coolican that a file was previously forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions and that the matter is to procced on indictment. The means the case is to be dealt with at circuit court and not district court level. Daragh Hayes and Cian Hayes were represented, during the procedural hearing, by Joseph McMahon BL who made legal aid applications in respect of his clients. In relation to Daragh Hayes, Mr McMahon said the allegations are a serious matter. He is working but is paying rent. There is a cost of living crisis, he said. Insp Thompson asked for a verified statement of means on the next date. A verified statement of means is also to be prepared for the judge in conjunction with a legal aid application which will be made on behalf of Cian Hayes. There was no objection to bail subject to the defendants complying with a number of conditions including that they have no contact, directly or indirectly, with six potential witnesses who were named in court. The brothers must also sign on every Saturday at Roxboro garda station in Limerick and they were ordered to surrender their passports. In each case, Judge Coolican granted bail and the proceedings were adjourned for a month to facilitate the preparation of the books of evidence. THERE were chaotic scenes in Limerick as a crew wielding an angle grinder worked to free a city bus stuck on a pole. The incident, which took place on O' Connell Street at the junction between Sarsfield Street and William Street, involved a 304 Bus Eireann double-decker, which had become stuck after it was unable to make the turn due to illegally parked cars. Traffic came to a grinding halt, as a crew took an angle grinder to free the bus from the newly installed silver bollard. The crew of three worked for several minutes to free the bus, which had inadvertently wedged itself on the pole due to an obstruction from oncoming traffic on O' Connell Street, when turning from Sarsfield Street. A video of the incident involving the angle grinder has since gone viral and has been widely shared across social media. On a separate incident on O' Connell Street this Thursday, one pedestrian took to Twitter to post what they described as an "audacious incident" involving a double-decker bus and van. They wrote: "I kept hearing beeping and turned around to see a van pulled into the cycle lane and also blocking traffic, namely the beeping bus. After three minutes of beeping he drove on and pulled in." He was trying to take a call, the observer clarified. Responding to a query from Limerick Live, Bus Eireann said that they apologise for the short disruption caused to their customers and thank those who helped to resolve the situation. "Illegal parking is a frequent cause of delays and difficulties to bus services and we ask all motorists to please consider the impact of parking illegally on others, including public transport passengers," a spokesperson added. Limerick City and County Council declined to comment on the incident involving the newly placed pole. After just weeks in the top job, Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced she will resign as Prime Minister. Though she insisted on Wednesday she is a fighter, not a quitter, a growing number of her MPs had said she should reconsider her stance after a series of humiliating U-turns already. Earlier, Downing Street sources said Ms Truss invited Sir Graham Brady, the powerful chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbenchers, to 10 Downing Street for a hastily arranged meeting. 2.23pm Sir Graham told reporters: I have spoken to the party chairman Jake Berry and he has confirmed that it will be possible to conduct a ballot and conclude a leadership election by Friday the 28th of October. So we should have a new leader in place before the fiscal statement which will take place on the 31st. 2.21pm The new prime minister will be in place before the fiscal statement on October 31, Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs, said. 2.20pm Irelands finance minister Paschal Donohoe has said he is looking forward to continuing Irelands close friendship with the UK in the wake of Liz Trusss resignation as Prime Minister. He said: The political and the economic stability of the United Kingdom is a vital ingredient in the economic prospects of Ireland and indeed of Europe, and the Government of the United Kingdom has reaffirmed their commitment to budgetary and economic standards. Ireland has always been a close friend of the United Kingdom and of the government of the United Kingdom, and even during tough and challenging moments during the Brexit process. We always affirmed the value of that close friendship and we really look forward in the time ahead to continuing that close friendship and co-operation with the new prime minister of the United Kingdom. 2.15pm Former MEP David Bannerman said it is Boris or oblivion. In a tweet, he wrote: I backed @trussliz against Rishi & am v sorry for her. She tried to do right things & unleashed same kind of coup Boris faced. But to me only sensible course of action now is to Bring Back Boris. I will be fully supporting his return. MPs must understand: its Boris or oblivion. I backed @trussliz against Rishi & am v sorry for her. She tried to do right things & unleashed same kind of coup Boris faced. But to me only sensible course of action now is to Bring Back Boris. I will be fully supporting his return. MPs must understand: its Boris or oblivion. David C Bannerman (@DCBMEP) October 20, 2022 2.12pm Lawyer, vlogger and campaigner Peter Stefanovic said on Twitter: This is not just about the Conservative party losing confidence in the Prime Minister. Its about the whole country having lost all confidence in the conservative party. Truss had no mandate from the country & neither will next PM (the 3rd in four months!). Democracy demands a GE This is not just about the Conservative party losing confidence in the Prime Minister. Its about the whole country having lost all confidence in the conservative party. Truss had no mandate from the country & neither will next PM (the 3rd in four months!). Democracy demands a GE Peter Stefanovic (@PeterStefanovi2) October 20, 2022 2.10pm The UKs top business group, which represents 190,000 firms, says the next prime minister must restore confidence and stability following Ms Trusss resignation after 44 days in office. Tony Danker, director-general of the CBI, said: The politics of recent weeks have undermined the confidence of people, businesses, markets and global investors in Britain. That must now come to an end if we are to avoid yet more harm to households and firms. Stability is key. The next prime minister will need to act to restore confidence from day one. They will need to deliver a credible fiscal plan for the medium term as soon as possible, and a plan for the long-term growth of our economy. 2.04pm Yields on gilts UK government bonds have eased slightly in response to Ms Liz Trusss decision to resign. UK 30-year gilt yields, which fall as price improve, fell back by 0.44% to 3.86% on Thursday. Yields had dropped even further shortly before the Prime Ministers statement at 1.30pm but sprang back slightly. 2.01pm Journalist and author Otto English says Ms Trusss premiership was a week shorter than the Conservative party leadership contest. Stand out fact is that Truss's premiership was a week shorter than the Conservative party leadership contest Otto English (@Otto_English) October 20, 2022 1.58pm Reacting to Ms Trusss resignation, shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry told the PA news agency: We should have a general election it is the only thing that we should have. They cant patch this up, they have caused a crisis. This crisis was made in Downing Street, working people are paying the price and we need a government that people can trust. The only way were going to get any order or sense is to have a Labour government. We should have a general election, let the people choose. 1.57pm Politician-turned-political commentator Nigel Farage said in a tweet: So thats it. After 45 days as PM, Truss goes. The replacement will be a stich (sic) up by Tory MPs. The party is now Labour-lite and serves no purpose. So that's it. After 45 days as PM, Truss goes. The replacement will be a stich up by Tory MPs. The party is now Labour-lite and serves no purpose. Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) October 20, 2022 1.56pm Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price and Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts said in a joint statement: This chaotic circus is proof once and for all that Westminster will never work for Wales. Only Plaid Cymru can offer the communities of Wales a better future. Another prime minister gone but there is still no recognition that its not the individuals in Downing Street thats the problem, but the fundamental contradictions within the Tory party as a whole. Brexit lies created a vacuum of accountability in Westminster and allowed talentless zealots to seize the reins of power without an inkling how to use them. People in Wales are looking aghast at the chaos after being lectured for years that we need Westminster to survive. We urgently need a General Election so that the people of Wales can reject this Westminster chaos at the ballot box. There is a duty now on Welsh Conservative MPs to recognise that their Governments time is up. Unless they do so, this disgraceful chaos will drag on indefinitely. 1.56pm Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt said she will keep calm and carry on and encouraged others to do the same. Asked in the Commons about Ms Trusss resignation and the state of the Government, Ms Mordaunt said: I am going to keep calm and carry on and I would suggest everyone else do the same. 1.54pm The pound has lifted on the announcement that Ms Truss is stepping down following a volatile past 24 hours for the currency amid political turmoil. Sterling shot up to 1.13 US dollars before the speech as markets anticipated that Ms Truss would resign, before paring back gains slightly to stand 0.4% higher at 1.126 US dollars after her resignation statement. Meanwhile, allies of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said he would not be standing for the Tory leadership. 1.53pm Ms Truss will be the shortest serving prime minister in British history. She has currently clocked up 44 full days in the role a long way behind the next shortest premiership, that of Tory statesman George Canning, who spent 118 full days as PM in 1827 before dying in office from ill health. Ms Truss was to have overtaken this number of days on January 3 2023. But instead she will fall short by more than two months, with the next prime minister due to be elected within the next week. 1.52pm The calls for a general election are quickly becoming a chorus from opposition parties at least. Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a general election was a democratic imperative after the resignation of the Prime Minister. There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately, the First Minister said on Twitter. There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. Its beyond hyperbole & parody. Reality tho is that ordinary people are paying the price. The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now. A General Election is now a democratic imperative. Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 20, 2022 Its beyond hyperbole & parody. Reality tho is that ordinary people are paying the price. The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now. A general election is now a democratic imperative. 1.51pm Sir Keir Starmer wants an immediate general election. The Labour leader said: The Conservative Party has shown it no longer has a mandate to govern. After 12 years of Tory failure, the British people deserve so much better than this revolving door of chaos. In the last few years, the Tories have set record-high taxation, trashed our institutions and created a cost-of-living crisis. Now, they have crashed the economy so badly that people are facing 500 a month extra on their mortgages. The damage they have done will take years to fix. Each one of these crises was made in Downing Street but paid for by the British public. Each one has left our country weaker and worse off. The Tories cannot respond to their latest shambles by yet again simply clicking their fingers and shuffling the people at the top without the consent of the British people. They do not have a mandate to put the country through yet another experiment; Britain is not their personal fiefdom to run how they wish. The British public deserve a proper say on the countrys future. They must have the chance to compare the Tories chaos with Labours plans to sort out their mess, grow the economy for working people and rebuild the country for a fairer, greener future. We must have a chance at a fresh start. We need a general election now. 1.49pm Ms Truss said she was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change the situation facing the UK. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance. We set out a vision for a low-tax, high-growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. But she said the situation had prevented her from delivering on that mandate. 1.48pm Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has also called for a general election. We dont need another Conservative Prime Minister lurching from crisis to crisis, he tweeted. We need a General Election now and the Conservatives out of power. 1.46pm Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell has also called for a general election. The clowns and charlatans who gave us Johnson and Truss cannot be allowed to choose the next one. General Election now ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) October 20, 2022 He tweeted: The clowns and charlatans who gave us Johnson and Truss cannot be allowed to choose the next one. General Election now 1.43pm Ian Blackford, the SNPs Westminster leader, has tweeted: It was inevitable Liz Truss would have to go after all the damage shes inflicted but merely swapping leaders of a broken and chaotic Tory government is not enough. There must now be a general election. People will accept nothing less. It was inevitable Liz Truss would have to go after all the damage she's inflicted but merely swapping leaders of a broken and chaotic Tory government is not enough. There must now be a general election. People will accept nothing less. Ian Blackford (@Ianblackford_MP) October 20, 2022 He added: The UK is in a state of constant crisis and long-term decline. With all the Westminster parties signed up to the economic pain of a hard Brexit and austerity cuts, its clear independence is the only way to keep Scotland safe and escape Westminster control for good. 1.41pm Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has demanded a general election now after Ms Truss announced her resignation. 1.40pm Ms Truss says there will be a leadership election to replace her to be delivered within the next week. 1.39pm Liz Truss has announced she will resign as Prime Minister. Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt has been the target of sectarian graffiti daubed onto a wall in Portrush last night. The graffiti, accompanied by a crosshairs symbol, read '1 x king, 1 x crown. No Pope in our Town James Nesbitt'. It is thought the vandalism may refer to Mr Nesbitt's appearance at the Ireland's Future event in Dublin last month, where he was the keynote speaker. The meeting also featured a number of nationalist politicians with a clear focus on Irish unity. Police said they are treating the incident as a sectarian hate crime. "Police in Coleraine received a report of graffiti on a wall in the Bushmills Road area of Portrush on Wednesday 19th October," said a spokesperson. "The graffiti is believed to have been written on the wall sometime between 5pm on Tuesday and 7.30pm on Wednesday evening and is being treated as a hate crime." The incident has been roundly condemned, with East Derry MLA Caoimhe Archibald denouncing it as an attack on 'freedom of expression'. "The appearance of threatening and sectarian graffiti directed at James Nesbitt in Portrush is disgusting," she said. "These threats are an attack on the right to freedom of expression. They come only weeks after James Nesbitt addressed thousands of people in Dublin from right across the political spectrum to discuss the future of the island of Ireland. The sectarian threats directed at James Nesbitt in Portrush are disgusting and an attack on freedom of expression. This is a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion on Irish unity. Those responsible should be held to account. Caoimhe Archibald (@CArchibald_SF) October 19, 2022 "This is clearly a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion. "There is no place in society for the threats and hatred directed at James Nesbitt. Political leaders should stand shoulder to shoulder in opposition to these threats. "Those responsible for this hate crime should be held to account. Anyone with information on those responsible should bring it forward to the PSNI." Fellow MLA Cara Hunter said the graffiti was 'disgraceful'. "Whoever carried out this act does not have the support of people in Portrush, who are rightly proud that Mr Nesbitt calls this area home and are grateful for all the work he has done in promoting it over the years," she said. "This attempt to shut down conversation around our constitutional future is a sinister development and I am glad to see it has been condemned by those right across the political spectrum. "Everyone is free to express their own opinion on the future of these islands, but they do not have the right to intimidate anyone else simply for engaging in the debate. "If we are truly going to build a shared future then we need a wide range of voices contributing to make that possible. Nobody should feel they are unable to take part in that discussion because of incidents like this. "I would encourage anyone with any information about what happened here to come forward to police and express my full solidarity with Mr Nesbitt following this incident." Independent MLA Claire Sugden appealed for those responsible to 'wise up'. "While I dont agree with the stance recently expressed by Jimmy on the future direction of Northern Ireland, he is certainly entitled to express it without fear of intimidation such as this," she said. This is a criminal act and one that must be condemned in the strongest sense. Jimmy is a widely respected and much-loved star and all right-thinking people from Northern Ireland are rightly proud of him. "He has done much more for this area than any of those involved in this ever will. The fools behind this action, on the other hand, portray the worst of Northern Irish society and represent little-to-no public opinion. We are all entitled to express our opinions free of such public intimidation. I am pleased that the PSNI are taking this as seriously as it should be and treating it as a hate crime. I hope this is the last we see of exhibitions like this and that those behind this are dealt with appropriately." Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Chris McCaw, who is from Portrush, said it was an example of 'hateful behaviour'. "The people of Portrush do not support hateful behaviour like this," he said. "Hate-filled threats and destruction of property must be condemned by every right-thinking person. This is rightfully being investigated as a hate crime and I hope the PSNI catch the perpetrators." The graffiti on the Bushmills Road, Portrush. The incident also received condemnation from further afield, with former First Minister Arlene Foster and loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson also criticising those responsible. Police enquiries are ongoing and officers have asked anyone with any information to contact them in Coleraine on 101, quoting reference number 1677 19/10/22. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. A suggestion has been made to show the final episode of Derry Girls in schools across the UK to aid understanding of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. The final episode of the Channel 4 drama included a poignant look back at 1998 and the atmosphere in Northern Ireland at that time. Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris told the Northern Ireland Affairs committee on Tuesday that he feels there is education to be done around the importance of the agreement and its impact. He recalled motorways in England being closed on occasion during Northern Irelands troubled past due to bomb threats, and referred to plenty of unbelievable tragedies. I have become very aware in the short time that I have held this role that there is actually a bit of education to be done in England, Scotland and Wales as to why the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is so important and what it has done, Mr Heaton-Harris said. He described a lack of understanding, particularly in England and Wales. I dont think people quite understand the importance of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the peace that has flowed from it equally, so, its been hard won over a long period of time, he said. Committee chairman Simon Hoare suggested in response: Maybe enforced viewing of the final episode of Derry Girls in every school actually would be not a bad thing. Mr Heaton-Harris the anniversary of the accord next year will be a good opportunity for reflection. Geneva, Oct 20 (UNI) The World Health Organization (WHO) said that Covid-19 is still a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the WHO's highest alert level. The announcement came although the number of weekly deaths is almost at its lowest level since the pandemic began. The WHO's International Health Regulations Emergency Committee said on Wednesday after its quarterly assessment meeting last week that despite a decline in severe cases of Covid-19, and the falling number of weekly deaths, deaths from Covid-19 nevertheless remain high compared with other respiratory viruses. It also warned of Covid-19-related complications and post-Covid-19 conditions, with the full impact of these still not completely understood. The outbreak could also evolve during the upcoming winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, the committee said. Meanwhile, the current gaps in global surveillance of Covid-19 have hindered early identification and evaluation of the virus' evolution. With the virus expected to continue evolving, the committee said that the genetic and antigenic characteristics of future variants cannot yet be reliably predicted. Evolving variants may pose challenges to current vaccines and therapeutics, the committee warned. "Given the above considerations, the committee concurred that continued coordination of the international response is necessary," and considered that "the situation remains dynamic and requires frequent reassessments, and that the termination of the PHEIC, when considered feasible, should be implemented as safely as possible." The committee recommended that there should be three key priorities in the future: strengthening surveillance and achieving vaccination targets for at risk-groups; continuing to increase access to affordable therapeutics; and strengthening pandemic preparedness planning, while continuing to protect the most at-risk groups. UNI/XINHUA PRT AFTER an absence of a several years due to Covid-19 Newcastle West Musical society has announced it will return with a live stage show at Feoghanagh/Castlemahon Community Hall in the coming weeks. Its production of "The Sound of Music" will run from October 27 to October 29 and again between November 3 and November 5 inclusive as the hills come alive to The Sound of Music. Speaking at the launch, which took place at Cleary's Bar in Newcastle West, chairperson Mary Collins praised all those who have given of their time to produce the show. "Yet again we have a committed cast who are spending hours at rehearsals to produce yet another top class show. The Sound of Music appeals to all ages and will no doubt draw large crowds to Castlemahon for each of the six show nights. Each show will start at 8pm however patrons are advised to arrive early as numbers are limited at the venue. New Delhi: Siemens Gamesa on Thursday was selected by Energiequelle to deliver wind turbines for the Mikonkeidas wind farm in Finland. The 105-MW Mikonkeidas wind project will be equipped with 16 SG 6.6-170 turbines, among the most competitive in the onshore wind landscape. They will sit on 145-meter towers to best capitalize on the wind conditions in the region. The installation of the wind farm is expected to be carried out in first half of 2024," Siemens Gamesa said in a press release. The companies have also signed a 35-yearlong service agreement covering the maintenance of the wind turbines over this period. It is great to begin a new relationship and partnership with Energiequelle and we will collaborate closely to ensure the success of the Mikonkeidas wind project. Energiequelle has considerable experience of project development in Finland, and it is exciting to see the Siemens Gamesa 5.X wind turbine join their extensive portfolio," said Clark MacFarlane, CEO of Siemens Gamesas operations in Northern Europe and the Middle East. Wind energy is growing fast in Finland. According to industry body WindEurope, wind energy accounts for 10% of the countrys electricity. Its objective is to increase it to at least 27% by 2025, through both onshore and offshore wind. The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2035. We are convinced that Siemens Gamesa is the best suitable partner for our Mikonkeidas wind energy project, and we are looking forward to a successful cooperation with one of the worlds leading wind energy turbine and service providers," said Michael Raschemann, Managing Director at Energiequelle. New Delhi: Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar held bilateral meetings with the delegations of Bangladesh and Kazakhstan on the sidelines of 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, principal staff officer, Armed Forces division, Bangladesh, it said. They reviewed the key ongoing bilateral defence cooperation issues between the two countries and explored ways to enhance defence industrial cooperation," the ministry said. The defence secretary, later, met the Kazakhstan delegation led by Lt Gen Ruslan Shpekbayev, deputy defence minister, Kazakhstan. A number of bilateral defence cooperation issues were deliberated with particular focus on training, joint exercises and capability building," the ministry statement reads. India and Bangladesh conducted their fourth annual defence dialogue in August. Tri-services staff talks were also held in the same month. India has also offered Bangladesh a $500 million Line of Credit (LoC) for the purchase of Indian military hardware for the latters defence services. This comes after reports that the Bangladesh military is dissatisfied with the quality of the defence equipment it has received from Chinese sources. Defence cooperation was also discussed by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina when the latter visited India on 5-8 September, 2022. Kazakhstan and India have also seen increasing defence cooperation in recent years. The central Asian nations defence minister Lieutenant General Nurlan Yermekbayev visited India in 2021. Both countries signed an agreement on defence technology cooperation in 2015 and talks of co-production of weapons have sped up in recent years. Kazakhstan, which is also Indias largest trade partner in Central Asia, hosted Indian troops for a 13-day exercise focused on mountainous counter -terror operations in August 2021. Several doctors' associations have strongly opposed the SOPs issued for the treatment of sitting members of Parliament at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, according to the news agency ANI. Dr M Srinivas, AIIMS Delhi Director on Wednesday wrote a letter to YM Kandpal, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha over streamlining of OPD, emergency consultation, and inpatient hospitalization services for the Members of Parliament, following the SoPs issued. Taking to Twitter, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), a doctors' association said, "We condemn VIP culture. No patient should suffer at the cost of another's privileges. That being said, having a protocol to streamline things should not be viewed as derogatory, provided it doesn't hamper patient care." We condemn VIP culture. No patient should suffer at the cost of anothers privileges. THAT being said, having a protocol to streamline things should not be viewed as derogatory, provided it doesnt hamper patient care. #equityinhealth @soumya_pillai @hemantrajora_ @OfficeOf_MM FORDA INDIA (@FordaIndia) October 19, 2022 The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) doctors association also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the VIP culture. "On one side, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji says 'There is no VIP Culture in India!,' but on the other hand, AIIMS New Delhi Director Dr M Srinivas releases a letter to promote VIP Culture! Like past, we still stand against VIP Culture!" FAIMA tweeted. Many doctors and health officials have been constantly tweeting and opposing the decision taken by the AIIMS Director. AIIMS Delhi issues SoPs for treatment of MPs 1) In case a sitting MP requires OPD consultation from a speciality / super speciality department the Lok Sabha/ Rajyasabha secretariat or personal staff of the MP will contact the duty officer and provide him requisite details about the ailment and specialist/superspecialist doctor to be consulted, according to the AIIMS director as quoted by ANI. 2) The SOPs include duty officers who are qualified medical professionals from the department of hospital administration will be available in the control room AIIMS Hospital around the clock and the duty officer on duty will be the nodal officer to coordinate and facilitate requisite medical care arrangements for on sitting MPs. 3) The landline telephone numbers of the control room and mobile phone numbers of the duty officer on duty will be constant respective of the person on duty. 4) The duty officer will speak to a concerned specialist or super specialist doctor or head of the department and will fix up a requisite appointment. In case it is so required we can speak to the Chief of the Centre or Head of the concerned department as well. 5) In case of an emergency situation where the people's representative requires immediate medical management, the Lok Sabha/Rajyasabha secretariat or personal staff of the MP will contact the duty officer and provide him with requisite details about the ailment. So that the duty officer can guide them as to which emergency services the MP should be brought to main emergency Trauma Centre emergency or an Eye emergency. 6) In case of inpatient hospitalization MP, the treating faculty will send a brief note to the medical superintendent about the ailment or illness that MP is suffering from the proposed line of management, and the expected duration of stay. It will be countersigned by the medical superintendent and will be sent to the Lok Sabha/ Rajyasabha secretariat given email id by the medical superintendent's office. (With ANI inputs) New Delhi: Union minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said India was advancing towards a healthy and prosperous future through investments in health infrastructure. The minister inaugurated multiple health infrastructure projects in Ahmednagar. The projects include three primary health care centres in Ahmednagar, Dr. Vikhe Patil Cancer Centre and Dr. Vikhe Patil Nuclear Medicine Centre. Addressing the event, Mandaviya said, The government has linked health with development, as only a healthy citizenry can contribute towards national development. The focus needs to be on wellness as well as treatment. We must look to ensure that our people do not fall sick in the first place. This is why the government has been focusing on Health and Wellness Centres". The Government is not only building more medical facilities but also increasing the number of medical colleges and the number of MBBS seats. By the time the nations youth graduate from Medical Colleges, the country will have transformed into a hub of medical tourism, providing treatment to patients from all over the world. The cornerstone of Indias world view has been to seek the welfare of all." He said three out of every 10 scientists and research scholars around the globe are Indian. The governments research policy is to encourage and support talented youth who wish to pursue innovative research projects regardless of whether they are from a private institution or a public one. India aims to be leader in innovation and research." Mandaviya also inaugurated the construction of the main building & staff quarters of the Ralegan Siddhi Primary Health Care Centre (PHC). The PHC complex will be built at a projected cost of Rs.702 lakhs. The health minister also initiated the construction of the main building and staff quarters of the PHC in Kharda, which is being built at a projected cost of 560 lakh and the main building of the PHC in Padhegaon, at a projected cost of over 214 lakh. At a time when land disputes are common among people, monkeys in a village in Maharashtra's Osmanabad district have been bestowed a rare honour of having 32 acres of land registered in their name. People in Upla village of Osmanabad hold the simian residents in high regard by feeding them whenever they arrive at the doorstep and at times, even honouring them at weddings. Land records found with the Upla gram panchayat clearly mention that 32 acres of land is in the name of all monkeys residing in the village. "While documents clearly state that the land belongs to monkeys, it is not known who created this provision for the animals and when it was done," the village sarpanch (head) Bappa Padwal told PTI. In the past, monkeys were part of all rituals conducted in the village, he said. The village is home to nearly 100 monkeys now, and their numbers have dwindled over the years as the animals do not stay in one place for long, Padwal said. The forest department has carried out plantation work on the land and there was also an abandoned house on the plot, which has now collapsed, he said. "Earlier, whenever weddings were held in the village, monkeys would be offered a gift first and only then the ceremony would begin. Not everyone follows this practice now," the sarpanch said. Villagers also feed the monkeys whenever they appear at their doorstep. No one denies them food, he added. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh has invited US companies to set up manufacturing units in India and develop technology collaborations with Indian industries to create a global supply chain free from vulnerabilities and uncertainties, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. He was addressing a seminar jointly organised by US-India Business Council (UIBC) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) as part of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 20 October, 2022. The seminar was organised on the theme New Frontiers in US-India Defence Cooperation: Next Generation Technology, Innovation & Make in India. Singh said that the Indian defence industry has been witnessing transformative changes for the last eight years through progressive reforms. He stressed that these reforms have created a conducive environment for the growth of the Indian Industry through transparency, predictability and institutionalisation of several measures for ease of doing business. The defence minister emphasised that the path to Aatmanirbhar Bharat is a comprehensive set of policy frameworks that seeks to build indigenous technological and production capacity & capability with cooperation, participation and collaborations with reputed institutions and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from friendly nations, the ministry said. He said, the idea is to manufacture in India for the Indian market as well as export to the friendly countries, i.e., Make in India, Make for the World. The main objective is to fulfil the requirements of Indian Armed Forces; and at the same time, create long-term linkages to the global supply chains of the foreign OEMs to meet global demands. Through these linkages, India looks forward to collaborating for a secure and resilient global supply chain for the free world to ensure uninterrupted and reliable access to defence equipment and other strategic materials for our nation and our partners, including the US. As Indias defence base grows, private sector companies from the US can explore the vast potential for Creating in India and Exporting from India," Rajnath Singh said. The minister highlighted a number of steps taken by the Government to achieve the objective, including increase in the number of procurement categories to encourage greater participation of the Indian Industry and attract foreign companies to manufacture in India. We are delighted to work with US, our valued partner, to strengthen our commercial and strategic relationship and to attract US investment for creating a high-technology defence production ecosystem in India. For India, collaboration with US companies would be an important strategic force multiplier, apart from being wealth and job creator," he added. Singh termed the easing of FDI regulations and introduction of Buy (GlobalManufacturer in India) in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 as an invitation for the US businesses to participate in the opportunities offered by the Indian defence industry. He asserted that US companies can now set up manufacturing facilities, individually or in partnership with Indian companies, through a Joint Venture or technology agreement etc., to capitalise on the Make in India opportunity. He exuded confidence that the firms will find India to be an attractive investment destination for defence manufacturing. Rajnath Singh described the Positive Indigenisation Lists, in which a wide spectrum of equipment/systems are included, as another major step towards creating a mature defence industrial base in the country. The list has also given impetus to domestic Research & Development by attracting fresh investment into technology and manufacturing capabilities by providing a measure of demand assurance to the manufacturers in India, he said. The defence minister described the project agreement to co-develop Air-Launched UAVs, under the auspices of the India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, as a welcome development. He stated that industries from both sides can explore additional DTTI projects, such as a counter unmanned aerial systems and an Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance platform. Singh pointed out that Indians have played a stellar role in technological development of US, be it IT sector, bio-technology, space or cyber technology, besides contributing in the fields of business and finance. Stating that the US provides a conducive environment for talent to perform and has reaped the benefits thereof, he urged US business and technology leaders to collaborate with Indian industries to create a similar growth miracle in India. The minister stressed that developing new avenues to work together at the industrial, scientific and academic levels will be key to ensuring that India-US defence ties remain dynamic. SHANGHAI : In many parts of Xi Jinpings China, state surveillance and Covid-19 controls begin the moment you step out the door in the morning. WASHINGTON : Mahsa Zahrabi, an Afghan teenager who was evacuated to the U.S. on her own after being separated from her family at Kabul airport last year, was sleeping on the floor in her aunts unfinished basement in Virginia when a healthcare worker visited the home. Tutankhamun, or King Tut as he is often called today, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who was buried in a lavish tomb filled with gold artifacts in the Valley of the Kings near modern-day Luxor. His tomb was discovered in 1922 by an archaeological team led by British Egyptologist Howard Carter. Today he is also sometimes called the "boy-king" because he ascended the throne at age 9 or 10 in the 14th century B.C. He died about a decade later. His treasure-filled tomb was discovered mostly intact, which is extraordinary given that most of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings had been looted in ancient times. The discovery of his tomb in 1922 attracted worldwide attention and turned King Tut into a household name. "It's difficult to imagine the past century without Tutankhamun and the discovery of that time-capsule tomb," Christina Riggs (opens in new tab), a history professor at Durham University in England, wrote in her book " Treasured: How Tutankhamun Shaped a Century (opens in new tab)" (Atlantic Books, 2021). "There would have been no media frenzy of Tut-mania and mummy curses to kick-start the jazz age, and no surge of corresponding pride in the newly independent nation-state of Egypt [which had declared independence from Britain in 1922]," Riggs wrote. But while Tutankhamun's tomb was lavish, historical and archaeological evidence indicates that the young pharaoh was sickly and spent his short rule undoing a religious revolution started by his father, Akhenaten . Son of a revolutionary A relief showing King Akhenaten, Queen Nefertiti and their children, along with the sun disk, Aten (Image credit: UniversalImagesGroup / Contributor via Getty Images) King Tut, called Tutankhaten at birth, was born in ancient Egypt around 1341 B.C. His father, Akhenaten, was a revolutionary pharaoh who tried to focus Egypt's polytheistic religion around the worship of the sun disk, the Aten. In his fervor, Akhenaten ordered the names and images of other Egyptian deities to be destroyed or defaced. He also built a new capital at what is now Tell el-Amarna. He was able to carry out these acts without a widespread violent rebellion but after his death he was condemned. Tutankhaten's biological mother is unknown but likely was not Akhenaten's principal wife, Queen Nefertiti although Egyptologists still debate this. As an infant, Tutankhamun was wet-nursed by his half-sister, Meritaten. A family portrait, painted in a tomb at the ancient city of Amarna, shows Meritaten nursing her infant brother. Tutankhamun ascended the throne around 1332 B.C. Given his young age, the boy king would have relied heavily on advisors. At some point, he changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun, removing the word "aten" a reminder of his father's attempted religious revolution from his name and replacing it with amun, the name of the principal Egyptian god. This change illustrates King Tuts move away from his fathers religious changes, returning Egypt to its former polytheistic beliefs. Tutankhamun condemned his father's actions in a stela found at Karnak, near modern-day Luxor, which stated that Akhenaten's religious revolution had caused the gods to ignore Egypt. Part of the stela reads: "the temples and the cities of the gods and the goddesses, starting from Elephantine [as far] as the Delta marshes were fallen into decay and their shrines were fallen into ruin, having become mere mounds overgrown with grass The gods were ignoring this land." [Excerpt taken from " The City of Akhenaten and Nefertiti (opens in new tab)," (Thames & Hudson, 2014)] This act may have helped him cement his power. Tutankhamuns young age when he ascended the throne meant that he relied heavily on advisors to make decisions. Ill health and death A view of King Tut's mummified head, displayed in a climate-controlled case at his tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 2007. (Image credit: AFP / Pool via Getty Images) Archaeological evidence indicates that Tutankhamun suffered from ill health. A 2010 study of his remains published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (opens in new tab) (JAMA) found that he had a variety of medical conditions and illnesses, including malaria and Kohler disease, a rare bone disorder of the foot. Archaeologists also found a number of canes in Tutankhamun's tomb, which suggests the pharaoh had difficulty walking at times. Despite these maladies, he may have worn armor although whether he went into battle himself is unclear. A 2018 analysis of leather armor found in Tutankhamun's tomb revealed that the armor had been worn. Tutankhamun may have also had Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that can leave someone with unusually long fingers, arms and legs. Members of the royal family were depicted with these features during Akhenaten's reign. However, the 2010 JAMA study found that Tutankhamun probably did not have this condition. Tutankhamun married his half-sister, Queen Ankhesenamun, and the couple had twin daughters who were stillborn; their fetuses were buried in jars in the pharaoh's tomb. The couple left no heir to the throne. The tomb of Queen Ankhesenamun has not yet been found. The boy king died in 1323 B.C. around the age of 18. His death was likely unexpected, and his tomb appears to have been hastily finished. In 2011, Ralph Mitchell, a professor of applied biology at Harvard University, helped analyze 'brown spots' in the tomb . Those spots which turned out to be remains of microbes that had once grown on the walls, possibly as a result of paint that was still wet when the pharaoh was interred in the tomb. "We're guessing that the painted wall was not dry when the tomb was sealed," Mitchell said in a statement (opens in new tab). No one knows what killed Tutankhamun. Egyptologists have put forward numerous hypotheses over the years. In the JAMA article, a research team suggested that a combination of malaria and necrosis (tissue death) from a broken bone in his left foot may have caused his death. Burial and King Tut's mummy In a paper published in the journal Etudes et Travaux in 2013, famed archaeologist Salima Ikram (opens in new tab) suggested that returning Egypt to its traditional polytheistic beliefs was so important to Tutankhamun and his advisers that he had himself mummified in an unusual way to emphasize his strong association with Osiris, the god of the underworld. Ikram, an Egyptology professor at the American University in Cairo, wrote that Tutankhamun's skin was soaked in oil after his death, which turned his skin black. His heart was also removed (something which wasnt usually done). Additionally his penis was mummified at a 90-degree angle, something that was also unusual. In legend, Osiris had black skin, strong regenerative powers and a heart that had been hacked to pieces by his brother Seth. However, the large amount of flammable oil caused Tutankhamun's mummy to catch fire shortly after burial. King Tut's tomb Howard Carter's team discovered the tomb's entranceway on Nov. 4, 1922, and entered the tomb on Nov. 26. "As one's eyes became accustomed to the glimmer of light the interior of the chamber gradually loomed before one, with its strange and wonderful medley of extraordinary and beautiful objects heaped upon one another," Carter wrote in his diary of the dig. The tomb was later given the designation KV 62. Carter and his team found that the tomb contained a wealth of untouched treasures. "Our sensations and astonishment are difficult to describe as the better light revealed to us the marvelous collection of treasures: two strange ebony-black effigies of a King, gold sandalled, bearing staff and mace, loomed out from the cloak of darkness; gilded couches in strange forms, lion-headed, Hathor-headed, and beast infernal " Among the many other treasures was a dagger whose iron came from a meteor. The most iconic treasure was his death mask, made of gold along with inlaid stones and glass, which the king was found wearing. The discovery of the boy king's tomb caused a media sensation. Newspapers breathlessly reported on the myth that the opening of Tutankhamun's tomb awakened a curse that killed those who helped find it. The mummy's curse was refuted in a 2002 British Medical Journal (opens in new tab) study that examined the records of 25 people who went into the tomb shortly after its discovery. People who entered the tomb lived on average to the age of 70 and lived about 20 years on average after being inside the tomb. Those numbers were not unusual given the average life span at the time and age of those who went inside the tomb. While the treasures were incredible, the tomb was unusually small for a pharaoh's burial, with a total volume of 9,782 cubic feet (277 cubic meters) the Theban Mapping Project website (opens in new tab) notes. In comparison the tomb of Seti I (reign circa 1294 B.C. to 1279 B.C) has a volume of 67,110 cubic feet (1,900 cubic m), according to the mapping project (opens in new tab). This space is divided among the passage corridor, burial chamber, antechamber and two rooms now called the "annex" and the "treasury." The tomb may be small because the pharaoh died young and unexpectedly, leaving no time to carve out a larger tomb. Its possible that the tomb may not have originally been intended for a pharaoh at all, wrote Richard Wilkinson (opens in new tab), an Egyptology professor at the University of Arizona, in a paper published in the book "The Oxford Handbook of the Valley of the Kings (opens in new tab)" (Oxford University Press, 2014). "The tomb of Tutankhamun is not of royal design, and it may have been hastily taken over for his burial when the young king died and [the] tomb that was being prepared for him was not yet complete," Wilkinson wrote. Despite the name Valley of the Kings, people who were not pharaohs were also buried in it. View of the antechamber of the tomb looking south, following its discovery in 1922 (Image credit: Heritage Images / Contributor via Getty Images) In 2015, Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves, an independent scholar, published a paper in the periodical Amarna Royal Tombs Project, suggesting that Nefertiti was also buried in King Tuts tomb and that her burial remains hidden. However, ground-penetrating radar surveys have failed to find solid evidence of a hidden burial . The discovery of his intact tomb and the media sensation around it have made King Tut more prominent in death than he was in life. This "long-lost king, buried before he was out of his teens, found more fame and influence in the twentieth century than he had ever known in his own life-time," Riggs wrote. That worldwide fame continues today, and KV 62 is now a major tourist attraction. But tourist entry is strictly managed, as changes in humidity (brought about by people passing through the tomb) can damage the tomb and its wall paintings. To help mitigate the risks, the Getty Conservation Institute conducted conservation work on the tomb between 2009 and 2019, during which the conservation team installed a new ventilation system in the tomb and conducted a detailed check of the wall paintings. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Western powers shipped Egyptian archaeological treasures home to their own museums and private collections. As a result, Egyptian authorities enacted laws to ensure that Tutankhamun and his treasures would remain in the country, wrote Richard Parkinson (opens in new tab), an Egyptology professor at the University of Oxford, in a chapter published in the book " Tutankhamun: Excavating the Archive (opens in new tab)." (Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, 2022). Additional resources The Griffith Institute (opens in new tab) maintains a detailed archive of material from the excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb, much of which can be accessed on its website. Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (opens in new tab) has online galleries showing images from the tomb and information on how to visit it on its website. The ministry also has a virtual tour (opens in new tab) of the Tutankhamun artifacts on display in the Egyptian Museum. This article was originally published on April 01, 2016, and was updated on Oct. 20, 2022. New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) Indian delegation discussed matters related to Police cooperation for enhancement of criminal intelligence sharing, geolocation of fugitives and criminals, combating terrorism, terror financing & online child sexual exploitation with the delegations of several countries during ongoing 90th General Assembly of Interpol-2022. On the sidelines of 90th GA, the delegation from India has had bilateral meetings with delegations from several countries to discuss matters related to police cooperation inter alia for enhancement of criminal intelligence sharing, geolocation of fugitives and criminals, combating terrorism, terror financing and online radicalisation, coordinating efforts to prevent cybercrimes and online child sexual exploitation, CBI in a statement stated. Bilateral meetings were already held so far with several countries like UK, USA, Australia, UAE, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Austria, South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Bhutan, Namibia, Bahrain, Russia, Canada, Oman, Serbia, Malaysia and Mongolia, it stated. A bilateral meeting was also held with Europol to discuss strengthening of police cooperation and on a working arrangement for cooperation with Europol. Meanwhile, Austrian delegation met the officers of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and communicated their deep appreciation of the prompt investigation undertaken by the Indian Agency, due to which the frauds have drastically reduced in Austria and other neighboring countries. The two agencies will further collaborate in the ongoing investigation, it added. UNI CM SY GNK UWs WIND, WyTN Celebrate Telehealth Awareness Week On Sept. 15, Gov. Mark Gordon signed a formal proclamation endorsing Wyomings participation -- including UWs Wyoming Institute for Disabilities -- in Telehealth Awareness Week, which highlights the benefits of telehealth as a private, effective and convenient way to access health care. From left are Andrea Shipley, WIND senior project coordinator; Canyon Hardesty, WIND associate director; Kevin Smith, telehealth manager at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center; the governor; Dr. James Bush, Wyoming Medicaid medical director; Tai Baker, WIND program manager; and Brittany Brigham, WIND project coordinator. (Michael Pearlman Photo) The Wyoming Telehealth Network (WyTN), which includes the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) at the University of Wyoming, is celebrating Telehealth Awareness Week Sept. 18-24. WyTN is a collaboration between WIND in UWs College of Health Sciences and health care advocates in Wyoming. WyTN contracts with the Wyoming Department of Health to promote telehealth to address rural health care challenges faced across the state. These challenges include access to mental health care and specialty care, long travel times with bad weather and travel expenses. WyTN supports hospitals, providers and specialists to increase access to care and improve the health of Wyoming residents. WyTN does this by providing information and resources to patients and providers; securing Zoom access; providing educational opportunities, such as monthly webinars; and assisting with technology and telehealth best practices. Gov. Mark Gordon recently signed a formal proclamation endorsing Wyomings participation in Telehealth Awareness Week, which highlights the benefits of telehealth as a private, effective and convenient way to access health care. Gordon also presented Kevin Smith, telehealth manager at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, with the first-ever Dr. James Bush Award for Excellence in Telehealth. Smith is a UW alumnus and has accomplished outstanding work -- including helping to remove barriers to implementation and adoption -- as an innovator in the field of telehealth. The award, named after Bush, the state Medicaid medical director, was supported by the UW College of Health Sciences, WIND, WyTN and the Wyoming Telehealth Consortium. Telehealth uses electronic information and telecommunications technologies -- such as smartphones, computer tablets and monitors -- to provide medical appointments, health education for patients and providers, and health management. Telehealth securely connects patients and their health care providers when an in-person visit is not necessary or available. Visits include real-time, live interactions with a provider, secure chats, remote monitoring for chronic disease management and other technologies as needed. During Telehealth Awareness Week, WyTN encourages residents to learn more about telehealth. For more information, visit www.wyomingtelehealth.org. Check out our latest E-Edition Accessible anytime and anywhere on your desktop, tablet and smart phone devices. The Lodi News e-Edition is enhanced with the latest digital tools, including RSS feeds, social networking and much more. Check out our latest E-edition! Gardai have launched a campaign to help students feel safe at Irish colleges. The 'Safe at College' campaign - which commenced this week - offers advice to students on topics such as rental fraud, money mules, driving, drugs, sexual consent and hate crime. It will cover a number of topics over the course of the next few months to provide crime prevention information on the types of crime that may impact on student life. Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said, "We want to ensure students enjoy their college experience and remind both you and your parents/carers there is information and help available through the Campus Watch Schemes run in colleges across the country. "Through this partnership approach you will have information about the importance of keeping safe throughout student life, be that on campus, at home or socialising both online and in person." A key element in the campaign is the more than 55 Campus Watch Schemes across the country. The Campus Watch Programme is a crime prevention and community safety programme similar to a residential Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and operates as a partnership between An Garda Siochana and the campus occupants. It works on the basis that every member of campus can help to improve the quality of life of all on site by looking out for other students, staff and visitors, and reporting suspicious activities to the Gardai. The Assistant Commissioner continued: "Given the restrictions relating to Covid 19 last year, we recognise this year will be different as some of you may be effectively attending campus for the first time. It is understandable you will want to get out and meet each other. The #SafeatCollege campaign is designed to help you, to provide you with information and tools to ensure you all have a safe experience. "It also raises awareness of the longer term consequences of certain behaviour, for example losing the opportunity to travel and the impact on future job prospects. This safety campaign provides information directly to students and across our social media channels, we encourage you to make use of them and work with us to keep yourselves and others in the community safe." Advice and information on the Campus Watch Information Leaflet can be found in multiple languages on the Campus Watch page at www.garda.ie. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: October 20 2022 Roberto Villanueva was sentenced in a federal court in Central Islip on Wednesday. The catering manager of the Thatched Cottage in Centerport has been sentenced to six years in prison for forcing immigrant workers to work up to 16 hours a day and sleep on bug-infested, garbage bag-covered mattresses without any water or heat, prosecutors say. Roberto Villanueva was sentenced in a federal court in Central Islip on Wednesday after having previously pleaded guilty in February to forced labor and forced labor conspiracy. Villanueva is accused of taking advantage of the immigration status of his victims, threatening have them arrested or deported if they refused to comply with his excessive and dehumanizing work demands and often not even paying them for their services, according to U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. The workers in question hailed from the Philippines on work visas that expired shortly after their arrival in the United States. Music, Movies & Entertainment By Chris Boyle Published: October 20 2022 Followed by a Q&A with Nina Lorez Collins on November 5th. Sag Harbor Cinema will host a special screening of Kathleen Collins Losing Ground, one of the first fictional features directed by an African American woman, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker's daughter, Nina Lorez Collins, November 5th at 6pm. The film celebrates its 40th anniversary, and what would have been Kathleen Collins 80th birthday, with a brand new 4K restoration. A writer, activist, academic and intrepid filmmaker, from the beginning, Collins offered a different approach to the portrayal of Black and minority communities. Her first film, The Cruz Brothers and Ms. Malloy (1980) told the story of three Puertorican brothers facing their fathers ghost. Losing Ground centers around a couple of Black professionals a university professor and her artist husband and their world, a milieu rarely portrayed in mainstream media at that time. Completed in 1982, the film struggled to find a distributor. It was not released theatrically and virtually disappeared. It resurfaced for one showing on WNETs Independent Focus, in 1987. It won First Prize at the Figueroa International Film Festival in Portugal and garnered some international acclaim, but received little notice in the United States. In fact, the first substantial coverage that Collins received in the New York Times was her obituary, following her untimely death at 46, in 1988. Nina Collins has been the force behind the rediscovery of her mothers trailblazing work both her films and her writings. She had approached me in the Spring with the idea of screening Losing Ground which of course I welcomed. I knew the film but never had a chance to see it on the big screen. When I learned that there was a restoration in the works we decided to wait, says Sag Harbor Cinemas Founding Artistic Director, Giulia DAgnolo Vallan. The new restoration of my mothers 1982 film, LOSING GROUND, is a gift to film history and preservation. Im very honored to be able to share her work with my community on the East End," Lorez Collins says of the event. Kathleen Collins wrote a collection of short stories in the 1970s. They could not find a publisher at that time, but instead served as the inspiration for her second films title, Losing Ground. Initial funding for this totally independent production came from a grant from The American Film Institute in association with The National Endowment for the Arts and amounted to $25,000. The final cost of the film was $125,000, which like much minority filmmaking of the time, was funded by German television with rights to show the film for three years in Germany and Austria. This turned out to be the films biggest public, while distributors in the U.S. could not imagine a target audience for it. Collins has cited Eric Rohmer, the French New Wave director, as her only filmmaking inspiration. She remarked in an interview that this was likely because he was a very literary filmmaker and not afraid of language in film. Nina Lorez Collins, who is a part time resident of the East End, will join Sag Harbor Cinemas Founding Artistic Director, Giulia DAgnolo Vallan, for a Q&A following the screening of the film. Restoration by Yale Film Archive, The Film Foundation, and Milestone Films, supervised by Brian Meacham, with transfer supervised by Ronald K. Gray. Funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation. Lab: Colorlab. Audio Restoration: Audio Mechanics. Thank you to Nina Collins, Terri Francis, Michael Lloyd, Michael Minard, John Polito, and AJ Rohner. A Milestone and Kino Lorber release. For more information on the film, see below: LOSING GROUND Dir. Kathleen Collins USA, 1982; 86 mins, in English The inimitable Kathleen Collins' second film tells the story of two remarkable people, married and hurtling toward a crossroads in their lives: Sara Rogers, a Black professor of philosophy, is embarking on an intellectual quest just as her painter husband, Victor, sets off on an exploration of joy. Victor decides to rent a country house away from the city, but the couples summer idyll becomes complicated by his involvement with a younger model. One of the very first fictional features by an African-American woman, Losing Ground remains a stunning and powerful work of art for being a funny, brilliant, and personal member of indie cinema canon. About the Sag Harbor Cinema (Alliance News) - Anglo American PLC on Thursday said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, a subsidiary of German steel producer thyssenkrupp AG, to focus on decarbonising steelmaking. "The collaboration will focus on joint research to accelerate the development of high-quality feedstock for lower carbon steel production, using both conventional blast furnace and direct reduction iron steelmaking - the latter being a less carbon intensive method which requires iron ore of a particularly high quality," Anglo said. Anglo Chief Executive Peter Whitcutt explained: "We are combining the premium physical and chemical qualities of our minerals with Thyssenkrupp Steel's innovative technology to drive more sustainable operations, all the while responding to society's growing expectations for climate-responsible production practices." ThyssenKrupp Steel Chief Technology Officer Arnd Kofler said: "We want to decarbonise the steel value chain inside and outside our plant boundaries. We are making our own production low-carbon through a combination of direct reduction plants with innovative melters." Anglo American shares were 2.1% lower at 2,576.00 pence each in London on Thursday morning, while thyssenkrupp shares fell 1.5% to EUR5.01 each in Frankfurt. By Tom Budszus; tombudszus@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Gemfields Group Ltd said on Thursday it remained vigilant after a neighbouring ruby mine came under attack in the northern Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique this morning. The London-headquartered gemstones supplier said the attack attributed to insurgent activity had been reported at the neighbouring ruby mine belonging to Gemrock, which lies about 12 kilometres south-east of its operations of Montepuez Ruby Mining Ltda. Gemfields, which owns 75% in Montepuez Ruby Mining, said details of the attack were being verified. In Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, Islamist rebels have been carrying out attacks since 2017. Montepuez Ruby Mining had initiated the process of evacuating operational employees and contractors, and mining operations at the site had ceased, Gemfields said. "Security personnel and Mozambique police force remain on site and Mozambique military are arriving on site," the company said. "Gemfields and MRM hold the health and safety of their employees and contractors as their highest priority and remain in regular contact with government authorities. We will keep the market updated of further developments," it added. In London, Gemfields shares shed 11% to 15.10 pence on Thursday afternoon. They lost 7.4% to ZAR3.11 in Johannesburg. By Artwell Dlamini; artwelldlamini@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to fall at the open on Thursday following losses in the US and Asia, and after a day of chaos at Westminster. The FTSE 100 was called to open 18 points lower at 6,907, with Liz Truss's future as prime minister increasingly uncertain. On Wednesday, Suella Braverman resigned as home secretary, having breached ministerial rules after sending an official document from her personal email account. On her way out, she took a swipe at the government, however, accusing it of breaking "key pledges" and failing to reduce immigration. There was further turmoil during a vote on fracking, as opposition MPs said some Conservatives had been bullied and manhandled into voting with the government. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said: "Liz Truss is really in a hot seat, as the chaos among the Tories got worse yesterday, after Home Secretary Braverman got fired for sharing confidential information. "It is said that many Conservative Party members want Truss to resign immediately. "Cable continued falling, while the gilt yields eased - more on the long-end of the curve as the Bank of England (BoE) said it will not be selling that part of the curve. But the Financial Times said that the UK is now paying extra money to borrow due to the 'moron risk', as the British leaders are a 'few sandwiches short of a tea party'." In corporate news, homewares retailer Dunelm reported a fall in first-quarter sales and maintained annual guidance despite a challenging macroeconomic environment. The company said sales for the 13 weeks to October 1 fell 8% to 357m against a tough comparator last year when people spent more on home improvements during Covid lockdowns. Revenue rose 36% against pre-pandemic levels. Distribution and services group Bunzl said that its "diversified and resilient business model" had delivered "strong growth", with Q3 group revenues up 18.8% at actual exchange rates and 8.7% at constant exchange rates. Bunzl also stated that despite "a slowing macroeconomic environment", full-year guidance remained unchanged at constant exchange rates, with the firm expecting to deliver "very good" revenue growth in 2022. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News: ---------- Amaroq Minerals Ltd - Greenland-focused gold mining company - Raises GBP30 million via a placing of 85.7 new shares priced at 35 pence each. The pacing price represents a 2.8% discount to the closing price on Wednesday, being the last business day prior to the announcement. The placing shares represent around 33% of the company's issued share capital. As part of the placing, Chief Executive Eldur Olafsson buys 814,162 shares, worth GBP284,957, Chief Financial Officer Jaco Crouse buys 285,714 shares, worth GBP100,000, Non-Executive Director David Neuhauser buys 2.3 million shares, worth GBP800,000, Non-Executive Director Sigurbjorn Thorkelsson buys 1.4 million shares, worth GBP505,548, and Non-Executive Director Graham Stewart buys 142,857 shares, worth GBP50,000. "I am delighted to announce the results of the fundraising, which will prove transformational for Amaroq as we bring our cornerstone Nalunaq project towards production," says CEO Olafsson. ---------- Braveheart Investment Group PLC - Barnsley, South Yorkshire-based investor in small- and medium-sized businesses - Buys a further 2.3 million shares at an average price of 7 pence each in Autins Group PLC. After the GBP161,000 transaction, Braveheart now holds a 13% stake in Autins. Autins is a Rugby, England-based supplier of acoustic and thermal management technology for the automotive industry. In the year ended September 30, Autins made a pretax loss of GBP1.2 million on revenue of GBP23.4 million. Braveheart says it continues to seek investment opportunities, both within its existing portfolio and from outside. ---------- IOG PLC - North Sea-focused gas and infrastructure operator - Says its cash position is over GBP36 million, of which GBP5 million is restricted. Adds that its internal modelling projects corporate cash flows in a range of risked scenarios. This includes lower production outturn versus forecast, longer than planned downtime and gas prices materially below the prevailing forward curve. Says that based on this, it currently does not anticipate the need for short-term incremental funding. ---------- TruFin PLC - London-based financial technology firm - Says its finance software subsidiary Satago Financial Solutions Ltd has signed an agreement with Sage Group PLC to include a subscription to Satago within certain Sage 50 subscription packages. Sage is a Newcastle, England-based accounting software firm. As part of the agreement, Sage 50 customers that subscribe to certain packages will now gain access to Satago's core platform solutions, credit control and risk insights to better manage their debtor book, as well as to invoice finance should cashflow gaps arise. The Sage 50 subscription package customers will also be able to purchase exclusively discounted additional Satago subscriptions. ---------- Keras Resources PLC - mine developer focused on Togo and the US state of Utah - Completes its extended mining campaign at its high-grade Diamond Creek organic phosphate mine, in Utah, US. Says a total of 3,000 tons of phosphate ore was mined, crushed and will now be loaded and hauled to the Spanish Fork processing facility before the end of the mining season, which formally ends on October 31. Adds that it mined 500 tons of phosphate ore than targeted. Chief Executive Graham Stacey says: "We are now fully stocked for the coming months with ore available to meet committed demand as well as plenty of material to process bespoke orders. Sales continue to be our main focus and we will be supplying our full range of products throughout the winter as growers re-stock for the spring planting season early next year." ---------- Litigation Capital Management Ltd - Sydney-based litigation financing - Enters new litigation finance agreement with Julie Hunter, a "consumer rights advocate and proposed class representative", in an application to begin a collective action soon to be launched in the Competition Appeal Tribunal against Amazon.com Inc. Says it will provide a litigation finance facility to fund a claim alleging that Amazon and other entities in the Amazon Group engaged in "anticompetitive conduct" and "abused its dominant position in the market for the provision of online marketplace services in the UK." Chief Executive Patrick Moloney says: "In line with the increasing recognition of opportunities presented by litigation funding to consumers and the communities in which we operate, we are seeing an increasing number of competition-based claims in the UK." ---------- Gama Aviation PLC - Farnborough, England-based aviation services company - Buys Jet East, a maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar facility in Statesville, North Carolina, for USD3.5 million in cash. Says the facility is around 90,000 square foot, with a 55,000 sq ft hangar and 35,0000 sq ft of offices and workshops. Expects to invest a further USD1.5 million in equipping and standing up the facility. Says it has also secured a "long-term" ground lease for Statesville Airport for the site on which the hangar is located. Expects the facility, which provide major maintenance inspections and aircraft system upgrades, to be open in the first quarter of 2023. Chief Executive Marwan Khalek says: "Once operational, the new facility will further diversify Jet East's service offering, increasing the resilience of its business model and driving growth; further enhancing shareholder value from our US operations." ---------- Hydrogen Utopia International PLC - London-based mixed plastic waste-to-fuel technology - Enters into a EUR650,000 convertible loan facility with substantial shareholder Conrad Griffiths as lender. Griffiths currently owns 9.5% of the company's shares. The loan is interest-free until December 31, thereafter interest will accrue at the rate of 5% per year. The loan is repayable on December 31, 2025. Says that the loan will be used to provide further working capital and to fund the company's investment capital requirements. ---------- Resolute Mining Ltd - Perth-based gold miner in Africa - Receives second payment of USD10 million under its USD30 million deferred payment arrangement with Asante Gold Corp. Expects to receive a final payment of USD12.7 million on or before November 18. In August last year, Resolute sold its Bibiani gold mine in Ghana to Asante for USD90 million. ---------- By Sophie Rose; sophierose@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News: ---------- XPS Pensions Group PLC - Reading, England-based pensions consulting and administration firm - Sees revenue grow 14% year on year in six months to September 30. Notes, excluding bolt-on acquisitions, organic revenue growth of 13% in first half. Advisory revenues grew 15%, while National Pensions Trust business was flat. Co-Chief Executive Paul Cuff says first half of the year has been "pleasing". ---------- IG Design Group PLC- Buckinghamshire-based consumer gift packaging and stationery - Says both of the divisions, DG Americas and DG International, sees strong trading in six months ended September 30. "As a result, the group's sales, profits, margins and cash flow are expected to be significantly improved on the same period last year, and also ahead of the Board's expectation for the period," it adds. Notes this is mainly due to many customers have brought forward their seasonal ordering so as to avoid the supply chain challenges. Sees full year to March 31, 2023, to have a strong first half weighting, but overall will remain in line with the board's expectations for the year as a whole. ---------- C4X Discovery Holdings PLC - Manchester-based developer of drug discoveries - Signs research collaboration with Shanghai-listed HitGen Inc to identify novel, small molecule hits against an inflammatory target for further C4XD development. "The aim of the project is to augment C4XD's growing pipeline of small molecule inflammatory disease candidates for pre-clinical development and out-licensing to the pharmaceutical industry," it explains. ---------- CleanTech Lithium PLC - Jersey-based lithium exploration and development company focused on Chile - Proposes placing to raise about GBP10 million in placing priced at 47 pence each. Says placing will be used to help develop three assets in Chile. Notes it IPO'd in March this year. ---------- Asiamet Resources Ltd - developing copper-gold deposits in Indonesia, including BKM deposit in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia - Considering viability of installing a new transmission line to provide grid power to the BKM site. "Senior representatives of Indonesian State Electricity Co have indicated a high level of support for the development of the new transmission line and the additional power consumption this will deliver to Central Kalimantan due to there being an excess of power available in the province," it adds. Notes it is also considering additional options of power supply for the BKM project. ---------- By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Member Benefits Manage your personalised Watchlist. Set up an online Virtual Portfolio. Participate in Share Chat. See more trades and director dealings. Play the Fantasy Share Trading Game. Register for FREE Now (Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Liz Truss is battling to contain the fallout from a calamitous 24 hours for her premiership which saw a Cabinet minister resign and an open revolt in the Commons. Tory members of Parliament are wondering how long the prime minister can go on following the chaotic events, but a Cabinet ally said "at the moment" Truss will still lead the party into the next election. Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said the government is seeking to provide stability and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt should be given the time to set out his financial plans at the end of October. But a senior MP said Truss has just hours to turn the situation around following the chaos in Parliament on Wednesday. Trevelyan said she believes "at the moment" it is "still the case" that Truss will fight the next election as prime minister. On Times Radio, Trevelyan said: "I'm looking forward to Jeremy Hunt delivering his statement at the end of the month, and to help us all to be able to get on with delivering our departmental budgets." But senior backbencher Simon Hoare, chair of the Commons Northern Ireland Committee, was unable to say whether the country has a functioning government. "I think it has a government that wants to function," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme, but it is engaged in daily "hand-to-hand fighting". Asked if Truss is "up to the job", he said: "I think she could be. I think it'sone can't say hand on heart today that there is aif this was a career review, an employer sitting in front of a person looking at performance and outcomes etc, then the score sheet isn't looking very good. "But I'm a glass-half-full sort of person. Can the ship be turned around? Yes. But I think there's about 12 hours to do it. "I think today and tomorrow are crunch days." The events of Wednesday saw Suella Braverman lash out at Truss's "tumultuous" premiership as she resigned and accused the government of "breaking key pledges" including on immigration policy. Her departure, coming just five days after Kwasi Kwarteng's sacking as chancellor, means the prime minister has lost two people from the four great offices of state within her first six weeks in No 10, with all eyes on whether other Cabinet ministers could follow suit. The exodus appeared to continue with speculation that Chief Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy, Craig Whittaker, had resigned in fury at the handling of a vote on a Labour motion over fracking. At 9.49pm more than two hours after the vote No 10 issued a statement saying both remained in post. In an extraordinary further update at 1.33am, Downing Street said the prime minister has "full confidence" in both of them. It came after climate minister Graham Stuart told the Commons minutes before the vote that "quite clearly this is not a confidence vote", despite Whittaker earlier issuing a "100% hard" three-line whip, meaning any Tory MP who rebelled could be thrown out of the parliamentary party. No 10 later said Stuart had been "mistakenly" told by Downing Street to say the vote should not be treated as a confidence motion, and that Conservative MPs were "fully aware" it was subject to a three-line whip. A spokesman said the whips would be speaking to the Tories who failed to support the government, and those without a "reasonable excuse" would face "proportionate disciplinary action" although that does not necessarily mean whey would have the whip removed. The confusion led to ugly scenes at Westminster, with Cabinet ministers Therese Coffey and Jacob Rees-Mogg among a group of senior Tories accused of pressuring colleagues to go into the "no" lobby, with Labour former minister Chris Bryant saying some MPs were "physically manhandled into another lobby and being bullied". Business Secretary Rees-Mogg insisted he had seen no evidence of anyone being manhandled, but senior Tory MP Sir Charles Walker said what took place was "inexcusable" and "a pitiful reflection on the Conservative Parliamentary Party". Labour's fracking ban motion was defeated by 230 votes to 326, with the division list showing around 40 Conservative MPs did not vote, although many of them would have had permission to be absent. Trevelyan said it is "never acceptable" for MPs to be "manhandled" into voting, adding she was "shocked" by reports from the Commons on Wednesday night. Trevelyan said she "wasn't there", as she had voted earlier, but told Sky News: "I don't think it's ever acceptable for any party and we have seen this happen before, where whips perhaps over-egg their encouragement to get people to vote in the appropriate way that is never right. "The one thing that our Parliament is so revered around the world for is that we allow each of us to vote with our conscience, and indeed with our Government on important matters." Asked if she was embarrassed by the events of Wednesday evening, she said: "I am shocked to hear the descriptions of what went on." She said Speaker Lindsay Hoyle would be investigating "to ensure that these scenes and indeed these situations do not happen again". In a sign of the growing pressure on Truss, Tory former Brexit minister Lord Frost joined calls for her to step down. "The government is implementing neither the programme Liz Truss originally advocated nor the 2019 manifesto. It is going in a completely different direction," the Conservative peer, who backed Truss to be Prime Minister, wrote in The Telegraph. "There is no shred of a mandate for this. It's only happening because the Truss government messed things up more badly than anyone could have imaginedSomething has to give." There is speculation that the chair of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee, Graham Brady, has already received more than 54 letters calling for a confidence vote in the prime minister, the threshold for triggering one if Truss was not in the 12 months' grace period for new leaders. Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker told ITV: "The prime minister cannot be removed; whether she goes or not is up to her." By Sophie Wingate and David Hughes, PA Political Staff source: PA Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. LIVONIA, MICH. The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) honored Logos Communications with two Clarion awards for excellence in the field of communications. The public relations and marketing firm is owned and operated by President Sue Voyles, Madonna class of '86, English and journalism. Logos Communications won the awards in the categories of Graphic Design for the logo for Mariellas Custom Drapery, and Public Relations Campaign for the 100th birthday of Dorothy Zehnder of Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. Last year, Voyles was selected as the Headliner, the top award for an AWC member. Because of the pandemic, she was recognized on Friday, September 30, 2022, for being a member who has consistently excelled in the communications industry. The national AWC Headliner award goes back to 1939, so I am very honored to be joining the ranks of outstanding communicators who undoubtedly blazed trails for women like me to excel in my chosen field, Voyles said. I am also grateful to the Logos team members who bring a vast level of experience to our clients. Voyles has now won 13 Clarion awards in the 23-year history of her company. Manchester, VT (05254) Today A few showers this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours. Morning high of 50F with temps falling to near 35. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 23F. Winds light and variable. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit BEIJING, Oct. 20 -- On October 19 local time, the 21st Chinese peacekeeping multi-role engineering unit to Lebanon passed, with high-standard performance, the first UN assessment of operational capability during its mission period. This assessment is conducted with a unified version of the United Nations peacekeeping force military capability assessment system. The Chinese peacekeepers were the first, among all peacekeeping troops of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), to be assessed by this new system. The purpose of military capability assessment lies in testing whether the peacekeeping troops have the ability to accomplish peacekeeping tasks and effectively handle various emergencies. This is the first time that the engineering contingent has been assessed by the UN in terms of operational capability since its deployment to the mission area, and also the first time that the UNIFIL has adopted the unified version of the United Nations peacekeeping force military capability assessment system. The methods, contents and criteria of the assessment are more varied, comprehensive and strict than before. The young Afghan couple raced to the airport in Kabul, clutching their baby girl close amid the chaotic withdrawal of American troops last year. The baby had been rescued two years earlier from the rubble of a U.S. Special Forces raid that killed her parents and five siblings. After months in a U.S. military hospital, she had gone to live with her cousin and his wife, this newlywed couple. Now, the family was bound for the United States for further medical treatment, with the aid of U.S. Marine Corps attorney Joshua Mast. When the exhausted Afghans arrived at the airport in Washington D.C. in late August 2021, Mast pulled them out of the international arrivals line and led them to an inspecting officer, according to a lawsuit they filed last month. They were surprised when Mast presented an Afghan passport for the child, the couple said. But it was the last name printed on the document that stopped them cold: Mast. They didnt know it, but they would soon lose their baby. This is a story about how one U.S. Marine became fiercely determined to bring home an Afghan war orphan, and praised it as an act of Christian faith to save her. Letters, emails and documents submitted in federal filings show that he used his status in the U.S. Armed Forces, appealed to high-ranking Trump administration officials and turned to small-town courts to adopt the baby, unbeknownst to the Afghan couple raising her 7,000 miles away. The little girl, now 3 years old, is at the center of a high-stakes tangle of at least four court cases. The Afghan couple, desperate to get her back, has sued Joshua and his wife Stephanie Mast. But the Masts insist they are her legal parents and acted admirably to protect her. Theyve asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit. The ordeal has drawn in the U.S. departments of Defense, Justice and State, which have argued that the attempt to spirit away a citizen of another country could significantly harm military and foreign relations. It has also meant that a child who survived a violent raid, was hospitalized for months and escaped the fall of Afghanistan has had to split her short life between two families, both of which now claim her. Five days after the Afghans arrived in the U.S., they say Mast custody papers in hand took her away. The Afghan woman collapsed onto the floor and pleaded with the Marine to give her baby back. Her husband said Mast had called him brother for months; so he begged him to act like one, with compassion. Instead, the Afghan family claims in court papers, Mast shoved the man and stomped his foot. That was more than a year ago. The Afghan couple hasnt seen her since. After they took her, our tears never stop, the woman told The Associated Press. Right now, we are just dead bodies. Our hearts are broken. We have no plans for a future without her. Food has no taste and sleep gives us no rest. Pulled from the rubble The story of the baby unfolds in hundreds of pages of legal filings and documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as interviews with those involved, pieced together in an AP investigation. In a federal lawsuit filed in September, the Afghan family accuses the Masts of false imprisonment, conspiracy, fraud and assault. The family has asked the court to shield their identity out of concerns for their relatives back in Afghanistan, and they communicated with AP on the condition of remaining anonymous. The Masts call the Afghan familys claims outrageous, unmerited attacks on their integrity. They argue in court filings that they have worked to protect the child from physical, mental or emotional harm. They say the Afghan couple are not her lawful parents, and Masts attorney cast doubt on whether the Afghans were even related to the baby. Joshua and Stephanie Mast have done nothing but ensure she receives the medical care she requires, at great personal expense and sacrifice, and provide her a loving home, wrote the Masts attorneys. The babys identity has been kept private, listed only as Baby L or Baby Doe. The Afghan couple had given the baby an Afghan name; the Masts gave her an American one. Originally from Florida, Joshua Mast married his wife Stephanie and attended Liberty University, an evangelical Christian college in Lynchburg, Virginia. He graduated in 2008, and got his law degree there in 2014. In 2019, they were living with their sons in Palmyra, a small rural Virginia town, when Joshua Mast was sent on a temporary assignment to Afghanistan. Mast, then a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a military lawyer for the federal Center for Law and Military Operations. The U.S. Marines declined to comment publicly, along with other federal officials. That September in 2019 was one of the deadliest months of the entire U.S. occupation in Afghanistan, with more than 110 civilians killed in the first week alone. On Sept. 6, 2019, the U.S. attacked a remote compound. No details about this event are publicly available, but in court documents Mast claims that classified reports show the U.S. government sent helicopters full of special operators to capture or kill a foreign fighter. Mast said that rather than surrender, a man detonated a suicide vest; five of his six children in the room were killed, and their mother was shot to death while resisting arrest. Sehla Ashai and Maya Eckstein, attorneys for the Afghan couple, dispute Masts account. They say the babys parents were actually farmers, unaffiliated with any terrorist group. And they described the event as a tragedy that left two innocent civilians and five of their children dead. Both sides agree that when the dust settled, U.S. troops pulled the badly injured infant from the rubble. The baby had a fractured skull, broken leg and serious burns. She was about 2 months old. Mast called the baby a victim of terrorism. His attorney said she miraculously survived. "Do the right thing" The baby was rushed to a military hospital, where she was placed in the care of the Defense Department. The International Committee of the Red Cross told AP that they began searching for her family with the Afghan government, often a plodding process in rural parts of the country where record-keeping is scant. At first, they didnt even know the babys name. Meanwhile, Mast said, he was aggressively advocating to get her to the U.S. Over several months, he wrote to then-Vice President Mike Pences office, according to exhibits filed in court. He said his colleagues in the military tried to talk to President Donald Trump about the baby during a Thanksgiving visit to Bagram Airfield. Mast also said he made four requests over two weeks to then-White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, asking for help to medically evacuate the baby to be treated in a safe environment. The Masts were represented by Joshuas brother Richard Mast, an attorney with the conservative Christian legal group Liberty Counsel, which says it is not involved in this case. None of the Masts responded to repeated requests for interviews. In emails to military officials, Mast alleged that Pence told the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to make every effort to get her to the United States. Mast signed his emails with a Bible verse: Live for an Audience of one, for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Pences spokesman, Marc Short, did not respond to requests for comment. The U.S. Embassy never heard from Pences office, said a Department of State official, who requested anonymity because they did not have permission to speak publicly about the situation. But they did begin getting highly unusual inquiries about the possibility of sending the baby to the U.S. The diplomats were rattled by the suggestion that the U.S. could just take her away; they believed the baby belonged to Afghanistan. I was aware that it may not be smooth sailing ahead, but that just made me more determined to do the right thing, the State Department official said. About six weeks after the baby was rescued, the U.S. Embassy called for a meeting, attended by representatives of the Red Cross, the Afghan government and the American military, including Mast. The State Department wanted to make sure everyone understood its position: Under international humanitarian law, the U.S. was obliged to do everything possible to reunite the baby with her next of kin. At the meeting, Mast asked about adoption, the State Department official said. Attendees from Afghanistans Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs explained that by Afghan law and custom, they had to place the baby with her biological family. If that did not work, the Afghan Childrens Court would determine a proper guardian. The American concept of adoption doesnt even exist in Afghanistan. Under Islamic law, a childs bloodline cannot be severed and their heritage is sacred. Instead of adoption, a guardianship system called kafala allows Muslims to take in orphans and raise them as family, without relinquishing the childs name or bloodline. American adoptions from Afghanistan are rare and only possible for Muslim-American families of Afghan descent. The State Department recognizes 14 American adoptions from Afghanistan over the past decade, none in the past two years. Yet two days after the embassy meeting, a letter was sent to U.S. officials in Kabul from Kimberley Motley, a near-celebrity American attorney in Afghanistan, the State Department official said. Motley wrote that she was representing an unnamed concerned American citizen who wished to adopt this baby. Motley declined to be interviewed by the AP. Mast also continued his appeals to American politicians. The U.S. Embassy began hearing from Congressional staffers about the baby, and diplomats met with a military general, the official said. The general in turn put a gag order on military personnel about the baby and said no one was to advocate on her behalf, Mast wrote in a legal filing. But he wasnt ready to give up. Halfway around the world The Masts searched for a solution halfway around the world in rural Fluvanna County, Virginia, where they lived. They petitioned the local Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, describing the baby as a stateless minor recovered off the battlefield." In early November 2019, a judge granted them legal custody. The name of this judge is not publicly available because juvenile records are sealed in Virginia. A few days later, a certificate of foreign birth listed Joshua and Stephanie Mast as parents. The custody order was based on the Masts assertion that the Afghan government specifically now-deposed President Ashraf Ghani intended to waive jurisdiction over the child in a matter of days, according to a hearing transcript. The waiver never arrived. In an email to AP, Ghanis former deputy chief of staff Suhrob Ahmad said there is no record of this alleged statement of waiver of Afghan jurisdiction. Ahmad said he and the head of the Administrative Office of the President do not remember any such request going through the court system as required. The U.S. Embassy heard that Mast was granted custody. Military lawyers assured them that the Marine was just preparing in case Afghanistan waived jurisdiction, but would not interfere with the search for the babys family, according to the State Department official. Yet all along they planned to adopt the baby, according to records obtained from the state of Virginia under a Freedom of Information Act request. Richard Mast wrote the Attorney Generals office in November 2019 that the Masts will file for adoption as soon as statutorily possible. In the meantime, Joshua Mast enrolled the baby in the Defense Department health care system, made an appointment at a U.S. International Adoption Clinic and asked to have her evacuated. Then came a surprise: The Red Cross said theyd found her family. She was about five months old. In late 2019, Afghan officials told the U.S. Embassy that the babys paternal uncle had been identified, and he decided his son and daughter-in-law were best suited to take her, according to court records. They were young, educated newlyweds with no children yet of their own, and lived in a city with access to hospitals. The young man worked in a medical office and ran a co-ed school, which is unusual in Afghanistan. His wife graduated from high school at the top of her class, and is fluent in three languages, including English. They had married for love, unlike many Afghans in arranged marriages. Mast expressed doubts about the newly-found uncle, describing him in court records as an anonymous person of unknown nationality and claiming that turning the baby over to him was inherently dangerous. He asked the Red Cross to put him in touch, but they refused. In emails to a U.S. military office requesting evacuation, Mast alleged that he read more than 150 pages of classified documents, and concluded the child was a stateless minor. Mast believed she was the daughter of transient terrorists who are citizens of no country, his attorney said. He also speculated that if reunited with her family, she could be made a child soldier or a suicide bomber, sold into sex trafficking, hit in a U.S. military strike, or stoned for being a girl. But Afghanistan did not waver: the child was a citizen of their country. Masts attorney sent the U.S. Embassy a cease and desist letter warning them not to hand the baby over, according to the State Department official. But on February 26, 2020, the Masts learned that the U.S. was preparing to put the baby, now nearly 8 months old, on a plane early the following morning to join her family in another Afghan city. The Masts, represented by Richard Mast, sued the secretaries of Defense and State in a federal court in Virginia, asking for an emergency restraining order to stop them. The Masts claimed they were the babys lawful permanent legal guardians. Within hours, four federal attorneys two from the Justice Department and two from the U.S. Attorneys Office were on the phone, and Richard Mast was in Federal Judge Norman Moons office. Richard Mast said the baby should not be condemned to suffer. He complained that the Afghan government had not conducted DNA testing to confirm the family they found was truly related to the child. But the Justice Department attorneys said they had no right to mandate how the Afghan government vets the family, and that the Red Cross which has reunited relatives in war zones for more than a century had confirmed it was done properly. Further, the federal governments attorneys described the Masts custody documents from state court as unlawful, deeply flawed and incorrect, and issued on a false premise that has never happened that Afghanistan would waive jurisdiction. Judge Moon asked Richard Mast: Your client is not asking to adopt the child? No sir, Mast responded. He wants to get her medical treatment in the United States. Justice Department attorneys argued that the United States must meet its international obligations. Attorney Alexander Haas put it simply: Taking another countrys citizen to the United States would have potentially profound implications on our military and foreign affairs interests. Judge Moon ruled against the Masts, and the baby stayed in Afghanistan. The next day, she was united with her biological family. The Afghan couple wept with joy. We didnt think she would come back to her family alive, said the young Afghan man. It was the best day of our lives. After a long time, she had a chance to have a family again. An extra measure of tenderness As the months passed in her new home in Afghanistan, the girl loved getting henna painted on her hands and dressing up in new clothes, the Afghan couple said. She always wanted to do her new mothers makeup, or brush her hair. She knew about Allah, about clothes, about the names of food, the woman wrote. The couple cared for her as if she was their own daughter, but with an extra measure of tenderness because of the unimaginable tragedy shed already suffered. We never wanted her to feel she couldnt have something she wanted, said the young man. Meanwhile, Mast continued to worry that the child was in an objectively dangerous situation, Richard Mast wrote in court documents. The Masts asked Kimberley Motley, the attorney, to track down the family, saying he wanted to get the child medical treatment in the U.S, Motley said in court records. Motley contacted the Afghan family in March 2020, about a week after the baby was placed in her new home. Motley is named as a defendant in their lawsuit, but her attorney, Michael Hoernlein, told AP the claims against her are meritless. In court documents, Motleys attorneys describe her role as professional and above-board, and asked that the claims against her be dismissed. Motley had originally gone to Afghanistan in 2008 under an American-funded initiative to train local lawyers. She stayed, largely representing foreigners charged with crimes. She took on high-profile human rights cases, gave a TED Talk and wrote a book. Over the course of a year, Motley called for updates about the child and occasionally asked for photos. In July, around the babys first birthday, the couple sent Motley a snapshot of the child in swim trunks, smiling and splashing in a wading pool. At the same time, the Masts adoption case was still winding through the court system in Fluvanna County, Virginia. In December 2020, the state court granted the Masts a final adoption order based on the finding that the child remains up to this point in time an orphaned, undocumented, stateless minor, according to a federal lawsuit. Fluvanna County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Richard E. Moore did not respond to repeated requests for clarity on how the cases progressed. International adoption lawyers were baffled. If you have relatives there who are saying, no, no, no, we want our daughter, we want our little girl, its over, said Irene Steffas, an adoption and immigration attorney. There is no way the U.S. is going to get into a match with another country when it comes to a child thats a citizen of that country. Karen Law, a Virginia attorney who specializes in international adoption, said state law requires an accredited agency to visit three times over six months and compile a report before an adoption can be finalized. The child must be present for the visits but this baby was thousands of miles away. On July 10, 2021, around the babys second birthday, Motley facilitated the first phone call between the Afghan couple and Joshua Mast, with the aid translator Ahmad Osmani, a Baptist pastor of Afghan descent. Mast told the Afghan couple that unless they sent the child to the United States for medical care, she could be blind, brain damaged, and/or permanently physically disabled. But the Afghan man now raising her, who had worked in the medical field, did not think her burn scars, a leg injury and mysterious allergic reactions amounted to a life-altering condition in the way Mast described. The couple declined sending the baby to the United States. The woman was pregnant, and worried about the risk of such a long flight. They said they asked Mast: Could they take the baby to Pakistan or India for treatment instead? The answer was no, their lawsuit says. The conversations continued for months. Osmani, the translator, vouched for the Masts and described them as kind and trustworthy, according to the lawsuit, which names him as a defendant. Osmani did not respond to requests for comment. He asked a federal judge to throw out the lawsuit, and said he never deceived anyone. He was only a mere translator." His attorneys wrote: No good deed goes unpunished. "Living in a dark jail" In late summer 2021, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Mast said he contacted the family to bring the baby to the U.S. before the country collapsed. He said he was extremely concerned that they may not get another chance. The couple agreed. Mast applied for special visas for the Afghan family and for relatives of Osmani, the translator, according to court records. They characterized the Afghan couple as an escort for a U.S. military dependent the baby. In an email to U.S. officials filed in court, Mast wrote that Osmani was very instrumental to helping a U.S. Marineadopt an Afghan child. Soon, the Afghan family began their days-long journey to the U.S. Joshua Mast told them to say he was their lawyer. If anyone asks to talk about your documents, show them this text: I am Major Joshua Mast, USMC. I am a Judge Advocate Mast texted them detailed directions for how to deal with U.S. authorities, their lawsuit says. When the family arrived in Germany for a stopover, Joshua Mast and his wife greeted them at the air force base. It was the first time they had met in person. In Germany, the Masts visited the Afghan familys room three times to try to get the baby to travel separately with them, insisting that it would be easier for the toddler to enter the United States that way, the Afghan couple recalled in their lawsuit. They refused to let the girl out of their sight. When the Afghans finally landed in the United States, they began explaining that the child was too young to have Afghan documents. Thats when they claim Joshua Mast pulled out an Afghan passport. Inside was the same photo of the child in the wading pool, but altered to change the background, add a shirt and smooth her hair. Mast told the Afghans to keep quiet about having his name on her passport, their lawsuit alleges, so it would be easier to get medical care. The Afghan couple asked to be taken to Fort Pickett Army National Guard base, a location specified by Mast, according to the lawsuit. Thousands of Afghan refugees were temporarily housed there. Soon after, they said, soldiers came to their room and told them they were moving. A strange woman sat in the back of the van next to a car seat, according to court records, and the baby fussed as she buckled her in. The van pulled up to a building they didnt recognize, where a woman who called herself a social worker said the Masts were the girls legal guardians. Confused and frightened, the child cried and the couple begged. But it did no good. Mast took the baby to his car, where his wife was waiting, the lawsuit says. They had lost her. In their heavily redacted response to the lawsuit, the Masts acknowledge they took custody of the child; they said their adoption order was valid and they did nothing wrong. Richard Mast is also named as a defendant in the Afghan familys lawsuit. He wrote in legal documents that his brothers adoption of the child was selfless; it saved both the child, and the Afghan family fighting to get her back, from the evils of life under the Taliban. The Afghan couple believed that their baby was stolen, and they immediately sought help at Fort Pickett to get her back. But the playing field was not level, their attorney, Ashai, told the AP. The couple were forced to navigate a complex and confusing system in a foreign country in which they had just arrived, after having survived the greatest trauma of their lives. Meanwhile, the couple says in court documents, Osmani warned them not to contact a lawyer or the authorities, and suggested that Mast might give them the baby back if they dealt directly with him. And so they tried to maintain contact with Mast. They were also scared of him. If he could abduct their child in broad daylight, they worried he might hurt them too, their lawyers wrote in legal filings. The Afghan woman plunged into a deep depression and, despite being nine months pregnant, stopped eating and drinking. She could not sleep. Her husband was afraid to leave her alone. Since we have come to America, we have not felt happiness for even one day, the Afghan man told the AP. We feel like we are living in a dark jail. His wife gave birth to a girl on October 1, 2021. The young mothers grief became overwhelming. A month later, she considered suicide and was hospitalized. Soon the couple sought legal help; by December 2021, the Afghan couple had asked the Fluvanna judge to reverse the adoption. But those proceedings, almost one year in, have been opaque and slow. On Feb. 27, 2022, when the Afghan baby was 2 years old, the Masts traveled to the Mennonite Christian Assembly in Fredericksburg, Ohio, to share their joy during a special church service. In a video advertising the event called Walking in Faith, the pastor apologized to congregants that it would not be online, because the Marine would share very confidential, classified information. Unforeseen events gave the couple an unexpected opportunity to stand up to protect innocent life, read the program flyer. Come hear how Gods mighty hand allowed for a remarkable deliverance. Pastor John Risner told the AP that the Masts had requested the service be confidential, and he didnt want to betray their trust by disclosing any details. All he would say is that their story is amazing. No happiness here The fate of the Afghan child is now being debated in secret proceedings in a locked courtroom in the village of Palmyra, Virginia, home to about 100 people. Earlier this month, Joshua Mast arrived at the Fluvanna County courthouse along with his wife and his brother Richard. Mast was dressed in his starched Marine uniform, holding his white and gold hat in his hand. The hearing stretched on for roughly eight hours. The proceedings have been completely shielded from public view, mandated by presiding Judge Moore. The AP was not allowed inside the courtroom. Court clerk Tristana Treadway refused to provide even the docket number, saying she could neither confirm nor deny the case existed at all. More than a dozen lawyers streamed into the courthouse, carting boxes of evidence, and each said they were forbidden from speaking. Mast remains an active duty Marine, and has since been promoted to major. He now lives with his family in North Carolina. The Afghan toddler has been with them for more than a year. In Texas, the Afghan couple continues to grieve the loss of the child. The baby the woman gave birth to shortly after arriving in the U.S. just turned 1. The young mother had planned to raise the girls as sisters. But theyve never met. There is nothing to celebrate without her. There is no happiness here, the Afghan man said. We are counting the moments and days until she will come home. ___ Retired Associated Press Afghanistan and Pakistan Bureau Chief Kathy Gannon, AP researcher Rhonda Shafner and AP Pentagon reporter Lolita Baldor contributed to this report. An F-35A Lightning II crashed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah on Wednesday night, forcing the pilot to eject and causing wildfires on the base. Around 6:15 p.m. local time, the fighter jet crashed on the runway, and on-base and off-base emergency response personnel immediately rushed to the scene. The pilot, who was not identified, was safely recovered and taken to a hospital to be examined. "The pilot ejected, was recovered and has been taken to [the] local medical center for observation," Hill Air Force Base tweeted. "The cause of the crash is unknown and will be investigated." Read Next: Over 41,000 VA Patients Warned of Delayed Care Due to Troubled Electronic Records System Col. Craig Andrle, commander of the 388th Fighter Wing, told news outlets in Utah during a press conference that the pilot was on his way back to the base when the crash occurred. He said he was grateful the F-35 pilot was able to avoid other damage while the aircraft was plummeting. "Flying military aircraft is a risky business that we all accept when we go do it, and these things happen," Andrle said, according to CNN. "And so tonight, first and foremost, we're thankful that he's OK. He got out of the aircraft. We're thankful that nobody on the ground was injured." Residents near the base in Ogden, Utah, began posting photos on social media showing plumes of smoke wafting from the base. "They land generally toward the south as they did today," nearby resident Scott Phillips told CNN. "On approach, one appeared to lose power and dipped too low below the trees. Next thing I saw was fire." The crash caused an estimated 10-acre wildfire, according to a tweet from Utah Fire Info. Andrle told reporters the fire was extinguished in roughly an hour. There have been a total of five Class-A mishaps, the term the Air Force uses for its most expensive or deadly crashes, involving the F-35 since 2014, according to the latest data from the Air Force Safety Center. The previous crash was in fiscal 2020. The price per unit of an F-35, including costs like depot maintenance, ground support equipment and spare parts, is $110.3 million per F-35A; $135.8 million per F-35B, the Marine Corps' variant; and $117.3 million per F-35C, the Navy's version of the aircraft, according to data from the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. In late July, Air Combat Command stood-down its fleet of F-35As after a recall related to the aircraft's ejection seats worried officials. By mid-August, the fighter jets were back in the air. -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: Air Force's F-35s Flying Again After Ejection Seat Worries Grounded Fleet The Navy's fleet of T-45C Goshawk training jets has been grounded since last week after one plane suffered an issue at takeoff days earlier. The halt means that pilot training has taken a serious hit as well. In a statement released Tuesday, the service announced that the Chief of Naval Air Training "placed the Navy and Marine Corps' fleet of T-45Cs on a safety pause" on Oct. 14 "to review an engine blade fault." Navy spokeswoman Elizabeth Fahrner told Military.com in an email that the problem with the blades was discovered when a T-45C taking off from Naval Air Station Kingsville in Texas "experienced a low-pressure compressor blade failure" on Oct. 11. Read Next: F-35 Crashes in Utah During Training Mission; Pilot Ejects Safely As a result of the jets' grounding, "there's a significant loss in production for both student naval aviators and student naval flight officers," Fahrner explained. Navy leaders emphasized that the choice to ground the planes was made "out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our aviators." Rear Adm. John Lemmon, the officer who oversees the Navy's Tactical Aircraft Programs, said in the service's statement that four commands "have been working around the clock with industry partner Rolls-Royce to identify the root cause of the recent T-45 engine blade failure." "Engineering analysis has been underway and will continue until we can safely return the T-45 fleet to a flying status," Lemmon added. The aircraft is powered by a single Rolls-Royce turbofan engine. In the meantime, Fahrner said that training air wings and squadrons will work to "maximize ground training, including classroom lectures, simulators and computer-based training" for student pilots. The T-45 has been part of the Navy's training program for more than 30 years, and the version being grounded has been in service since 1997. As such, this safety pause is not the first in the aging jet's history. Most recently, reports surfaced in 2017 that around 100 T-45 instructor pilots had refused to fly in the jet, citing concerns over the aircraft's oxygen supply. Shortly after that, the Navy ordered a temporary pause in T-45 training flights. In 2020, officials said they had been able to substantially decrease the number of physiological episodes in the jet, though a root cause for the problem was never found. There have been reports that the service has been in talks with Boeing to replace the Goshawk fleet with the company's newer T-7A Red Hawk jet. To date, no decisions have been formally announced. The Navy doesn't have an estimate on when the plane will return to service, Fahrner said. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin. Related: Boeing Offers Up Its T-7A Trainer Jet to Replace Navy's T-45 Goshawk The mother of a New Jersey sailor who died after completing Hell Week exercises to become a Navy SEAL isnt satisfied with the investigation of her sons death or the letter of warning that the Navy issued to three officers in charge of the training. They say he died from pneumonia and an enlarged heart, Regina Mullen said of the investigation into the death of her son, Seaman Kyle Mullen, on Feb. 4. But you cant have two causes of death. Mullen, a registered nurse from Manalapan, said she met with Rear Admiral Brett W. Mietus, who is head of the office of sailor fitness in Washington, D.C., at her lawyers office last Wednesday night. Also at the meeting was her congressman from New Jerseys 4th District, Rep. Chris Smith, who has called for the Armed Services Committee to hold a hearing on high-stress SEAL training exercises conducted by the Navy in Coronado, California, where Mullen died. The autopsy conducted by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, which is included in the investigative report, found that Mullens heart was twice the normal size. An electrocardiogram of his heart nine months earlier found no abnormalities, according to the Navys investigation, NBC News reported. An enlarged heart can be a symptom of performance enhancing drugs, and drug paraphernalia was reportedly found among his possessions. Regina Mullen doesnt believe Kyle was using steroids, and said her son let other SEAL candidates use his car, so someone else could have stashed the needles. No drugs were found, she said. Mullen believes the Navys focus on steroids is a distraction from the real issue: the lack of medical care after he got pneumonia during Hell Week. He may have had an underlying condition, she said. But this has nothing to do with steroids. My son died of pneumonia, because he was rowing a boat all night in freezing water, and didnt receive the proper medical care. The Naval Special Warfare Command released a statement that cleared Kyle Mullen of any misconduct in his own death, and said performance enhancing drugs were not a contributing cause in his death. Our deepest sympathy extends to Seaman Mullens family and friends during this difficult time, said Rear Adm. Keith Davids, the commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command. Two captains and a senior medical officer were reportedly issued letters of warning as a form of discipline more than eight months after Mullens death. His mother says the letters are little more than a slap on the wrist. Its just a piece of paper that they stick in your file, she said. Smith, who represents Manalapan in the 4th District, sponsored an amendment to the 2023 defense appropriations bill that requires the Secretary of Defense to recommend improvements to medical care and oversight of individuals engaged in high-stress trainings, like the Navy SEALs. That amendment is now before the Senate and expected to pass. Hes also written a letter to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, calling for a hearing on high-risk, high-training exercises. Regina has been tenacious, Smith said. She not only wants answers for herself. She wants to make sure other SEALs are not exposed to neglect or abuse. Mullen says she spoke to her son just hours after he completed Hell Week, so weak from pneumonia that he was brought into the barracks in Coronado, California in a wheelchair. She urged him to seek emergency treatment at a hospital, but her son feared if he did, he would be rolled back in the training. They call it ringing the bell, Mullen said. Its like quitting. And he wouldnt quit. The Navy says that since Mullens death, it has begun urine testing for performance enhancing drugs, and has extended the medical observation period for 24 hours following the conclusion of Hell Week. It has also begun a cardiac screen program and increased its focus on preventing pneumonia. Kyles death will not be in vain. said Davids. We have a moral obligation to learn everything we can from Kyles tragic death so that we can ensure the safety of all future candidates. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit nj.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WASHINGTON The Biden administration on Wednesday announced a round of criminal charges and sanctions related to a complicated scheme to procure military technologies from U.S. manufacturers and illegally supply them to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Some of the equipment was recovered on battlefields in Ukraine, the Justice Department said, and other nuclear proliferation technology was intercepted in Latvia before it could be shipped to Russia. The Justice Department charged nearly a dozen people in separate cases in New York and Connecticut, including Russian nationals accused of purchasing sensitive military technologies from U.S. companies and laundering tens of millions of dollars for wealthy Russian businessmen; Latvians accused of conspiring to smuggle equipment to Russian and oil brokers for Venezuela accused of working on illicit deals for a Venezuelan state-owned oil company. As I have said, our investigators and prosecutors will be relentless in their efforts to identify, locate, and bring to justice those whose illegal acts undermine the rule of law and enable the Russian regime to continue its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. Five of the defendants charged in New York are Russian nationals, and two have been arrested. Two others are oil brokers for Venezuela. All four defendants in the Connecticut case three Latvians and one Ukrainian were taken into custody months ago at the request of U.S. authorities. They are accused of conspiring to smuggle a jig grinder, a high-precision grinding machine, that was manufactured in Connecticut to Russia. The equipment requires a license for export or reexport to Russia. The criminal charges complement the latest round of Biden administration sanctions targeting Russia. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced sanctions Wednesday against one of the men charged by the Justice Department, designating Yury Orekhov and two of his firms, Nord-Deutsche Industrieanlagenbau GmbH and Opus Energy Trading LLC, for procuring advanced semiconductors and microprocessors used in fighter aircraft and ballistic and hypersonic missile systems among other military uses. Orekhov and the firms ultimately sent the materials to Russian end-users, including companies designated by various federal agencies, in violation of U.S. export controls. Prosecutors say Orekhov was arrested in Germany. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf. The Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control worked in coordination to identify the Russian network. Along with sanctions on members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner-circle, the U.S. has frozen Russian Central Bank funds and imposed aggressive export controls. The latest effort is dedicated to preventing Russia from procuring military technologies. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement Wednesday that Russia has increasingly struggled to get the technologies it needs to sustain the war thanks to the unprecedented sanctions and export controls imposed by our broad coalition of partners and allies. We know these efforts are having a direct effect on the battlefield," he said, as Russias desperation has led them to turn to inferior suppliers and outdated equipment. Information from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, presented Friday at the Treasury Department, said Russia has lost more than 6,000 pieces of equipment since the beginning of the war in late February and is turning to Iran and North Korea for supplies. Russia is reliant on foreign production machinery and ongoing banking sanctions have undercut the Kremlin's ability to obtain financing for importing military equipment, the ODNI said. WASHINGTON The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East boarded a U.S. ballistic missile submarine in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, a rare move that highlighted U.S. nuclear undersea capabilities during tense times with Iran and Russia. Gen. Erik Kurilla was shuttled out to the USS West Virginia and went aboard for about eight hours as the submarine rose to the surface in an undisclosed location in international waters in the sea. The West Virginia is one of the Navy's Ohio Class, long-range submarines, known as boomers. They are stealthy and, as one leg of America's nuclear triad, can launch nuclear missile strikes and are considered a key strategic deterrent. The U.S. seldom advertises the location of its nuclear-powered submarines, and doesn't often have them patrolling in the Middle East. In a statement Wednesday, U.S. Central Command said Kurilla met with Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, on the submarine. It said Kurilla also got a hands-on demonstration of the capabilities of the vessel. These submarines are the crown jewel of the nuclear triad, and the West Virginia demonstrates the flexibility, survivability, readiness, and capability" of the U.S. forces at sea, Kurilla said in the statement. The unusual submarine visit by a Central Command leader comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons with his forces losing ground in the war in Ukraine. And Iran which is in the Central Command region has become more involved in the war, supplying waves of drones that Russia has been using to strike targets in Ukraine, including power plants, residential buildings and other key infrastructure. Central Command leaders have often visited U.S. Navy ships in the waters around the Middle East, including massive aircraft carriers that were routinely sent to the region as a deterrent to Iran. Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have ended, the Navy has not had a frequent carrier presence in the region. Kurilla's submarine tour also came as NATO began its long-planned annual nuclear exercises in northwestern Europe. Fourteen of NATOs 30 member countries were scheduled to take part in the exercises, which are conducted around the same time every year and run for about one week. The drills involve fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads, but do not involve any live bombs. U.S. long-range B-52 bombers are taking part in the maneuvers. Russia usually holds similar nuclear force exercises this month, and those are expected to begin soon. The Ohio Class submarines are equipped with Trident II D-5 missiles. The U.S. submarine fleet, split between bases at Bangor, Washington, and Kings Bay, Georgia, represents one leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, along with the Air Forces long-range B-2 and B-52 bombers and land-based Minuteman 3 missiles. The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration. As military strategists in the West war-game a possible nuclear escalation by Russian President Vladimir Putin, they're also pondering the role disobedience could play. What if Putin gives the order to nuke, but others in the chain of command refuse to execute? Should the U.S. and its allies try to sway those individuals now? Scenarios in which insubordination -- from conscientious objection to outright mutiny -- come into play aren't far-fetched. If Putin were to escalate, he'd do it with so-called tactical warheads. These are currently in storage and would first have to be transported to launch bases and mounted on missiles. Dozens of officers would have to sign off and relay the order, knowing that Western spy agencies would be watching them at every step. We can assume that many of these officers will have qualms. They may privately oppose Putin's war against Ukraine. They may not want to be complicit in mass murder. They may fear an uncontrolled escalation leading to Armageddon. Or they may simply be aware that one option for President Joe Biden is to answer a Russian nuke with a conventional military strike that wipes out the base that fired the missile. Executing a launch order could well be suicidal. Another potential for disobedience looms in Belarus, where the Russians are again massing troops to threaten a new front against Ukraine. In one scenario, Alexander Lukashenko, dictator of Minsk and minion of Moscow, would send his Belarusian forces to fight with the Russians against the Ukrainians. "I'm sure that he would give the order to the Belarusian army to participate in this invasion -- if he was sure they would fight," reckons Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled leader of Belarus' pro-democracy opposition movement. But Lukashenko's not sure. Both he and Putin apparently consider mass insubordination in the Belarusian ranks possible, if not probable. After Lukashenko stole his last "election" in 2020, huge numbers of Belarusians took to the streets to try to topple him; they also sided with their Ukrainian neighbors in leaning toward the European Union and freedom. Lukashenko cracked down brutally. If he now ordered his troops to shoot at Ukrainians, they might just switch sides and fire at the hated dictator's goons instead. Or they might defect to fight for Kyiv. History teems with precedents for decisive acts of military disobedience -- by individuals or entire regiments. During the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, the entire contingent of Saxons fighting for Napoleon suddenly turned around on the battlefield and joined the coalition against him. In March 1917, the first of Russia's two revolutions that year began in earnest when elite units of the Imperial Guard joined the demonstrators. Especially in the nuclear context, even a single individual can make the difference. Stanislav Petrov was the officer on duty early one morning in 1983 when the Soviet Union's computers detected incoming atomic missiles from the U.S. He had orders to immediately launch the retaliatory strike. Acting on a hunch -- he later said he put the odds at 50-50 -- he instead decided that the alarm was an error. For several terrifying seconds, he stared at screens flashing "Launch." He didn't launch. Nor did he report the alarm to his superiors. By disobeying, he saved the world. Individual soldiers have to make such decisions of conscience all the time, even when the stakes aren't nuclear. In 2011, two colonels in the Libyan Arab Republic Air Force were ordered to bomb civilians in Benghazi. They instead turned their Mirage F1 jets around and landed on Malta, where they requested asylum. Two days after that, the pilot and copilot of another jet received the same order. They ejected and let their plane crash. The tension between blind obedience and insubordination is as old as organized warfare. Top brass understandably fear any rupture in the lines of authority -- it could lead to a breakdown in discipline, order and the ability to fight. But slavish obeisance is worse. The Germans who perpetrated the Holocaust later claimed they "were just following orders." Neither the judges at the Nuremburg Trials nor the world bought that excuse. Drawing a direct lesson, postwar Germany today enshrines disobedience in specific circumstances as a soldier's duty rather than its dereliction. Russians in the era of Putin must ask themselves questions similar to the dilemmas Germans faced during the Third Reich. What is their role in their country's crimes? How much will they allow themselves to know? Will they stand up when it matters? Will they disobey when they must? Those who do -- as Stanislav Petrov once did -- may just save the world. ____ ABOUT THE WRITER Andreas Kluth is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering European politics. A former editor in chief of Handelsblatt Global and a writer for the Economist, he is author of "Hannibal and Me." This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. ___ 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com/opinion. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The council of ministers on Wednesday hailed the "courage" of the parents of Lola, the 12-year-old girl killed in atrocious conditions over the weekend in Paris, "who are facing the unspeakable", government spokesman Olivier Veran said. The parents have "asked us to show our collective support for what they are going through without adding to it", he stressed, while the govenment accused the right and the far right of exploiting the case for political ends. The far right blames government inaction on immigration for the murder after the main suspect in the killing has turned out to be of Algerian origin and is in the country illegally. This comes, as French Emmanuel Macron met with her parents at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday. Four days after the discovery of the girl's body in a suitcase, Emmanuel Macron reportedly presented his condolences to Lola's parents and assured them of his solidarity and support in the ordeal they are going through. Meanwhile, at the National Assembly, when several ministers stepped up to speak of the murder, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne called for "a little decency, and respect for the pain of the family," specifically addressing the far-right National Rally's Marine Le Pen, who maintained that "the suspect of this barbaric act should not have been on [French] territory." Borne retorted: "The responsibility of all of us is to let justice punish this crime as it deserves." Earlier, Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti accused the right of "demagoguery" and of "using the coffin of a 12-year-old girl" as a political springboard which he called "a disgrace". On Tuesday morning, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin had already lashed out against the "indecency" of those "who are turning this story into an election pamphlet." Darkest hours The main suspect, Dahbia B. a 24-year-old Algerian woman was charged on Monday with "murder" and "aggravated rape" and imprisoned. She had entered France legally in 2016 with a student residence permit, but had been subject to an order to leave French territory since last August. The National Rally MEP Jordan Bardella who denounced in a tweet "impoverishment and immigration" said he would accompany a delegation of far-right elected officials to a rally in memory of the victim, due to take place this Thursday evening at the 19th arrondissement's town hall. A peace march in solidarity with Lola's family that was due to get underway this Wednesday will reportedly not take place. Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has fired his foreign minister amid reports that his exit was sparked by the country's vote at the UN to condemn Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territory. A decree signed by Rajoelina was issued on Tuesday announcing Richard Randriamandranto's departure and his replacement "in the interim" by the defence minister. It gave no explanation for the change. The move came after state TV channel TVM at the weekend reported that Randriamandranto, without consulting his bosses, had joined 142 other countries in the October 12 UN General Assembly vote that condemned Russia's "illegal annexation" of four Ukrainian regions. Madagascar had until that point followed a non-aligned position on the Ukraine war, rejecting pressure from the United States and Europe to criticise Russia for invading its neighbour. Randriamandranto had taken the decision on the vote without consulting Rajoelina or Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, TVM said. The controversy escalated on Monday, with some press outlets accusing Randriamandranto of insubordination. Randriamandranto declined to answer press questions on the issue at the National Assembly on Tuesday, cautioning against "mischief-making". Rivo Rakotovao, in charge of coordination at the HVM opposition party, said Randriamandranto was "the fall guy, (who had been fired) to fix a diplomatic error". The General Assembly resolution was sparked by President Vladimir Putin's announcement that Russia was formally annexing four partly occupied regions -- Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson -- following hastily organised referendums denounced by Ukraine and the West as a sham. The annexation was overwhelmingly condemned, by 143 votes to five. Thirty-five nations abstained, including China, India, South Africa and Pakistan. Sixty-six Bills are expected to be laid before Parliament when it resumes from recess on Tuesday, October 25, a statement from the Public Affairs Directorate has said. The statement, issued to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday said the Bills would include the Affirmation Action Bill, 2022, Ghana Housing Authority Bill, 2022, Minerals and Mining (Amendment), 2022, Small Scale Mining Bill, 2022, Petroleum Revenue Management (Amendment Bill, 2022 and the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2021. It said a Private Members Bill which was referred to by the Council of State would also be presented before the House. Eleven Bills are currently at the committee level, of which seven are Public Bills and four are Private Members bills. Among them include the Intestate Succession Bill, 2022 at the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2022 at the Committee on Defence and Interior, the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 at the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2021 at the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. According to the statement, there are also Instruments at various stages to be presented before the House. The Speaker is expected to admit Papers, Petitions, Motions for Debates and Questions to be answered by sector ministers during this meeting, it said. Other events during this meeting are the presentation of the annual budget for 2023 and the festival of nine lessons and carols. The House adjourned sine-dine on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Mr Speaker, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the House is expected to resume the third week in October, Mr Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader said. Members of Parliament go into recess thrice in a Session, the first recess is from March to May, and the second comes off from July to October with the last being from December to January. Members of Parliament use the recess for committee meetings, visiting their constituencies and other Parliamentary-related works. GNA Malawi has discovered a mass grave in the north of the country containing the remains of 25 people suspected to be migrants from Ethiopia, police said on Wednesday. "The grave was discovered late on Tuesday but we cordoned it off and started exhuming today. So far, we have discovered 25 bodies," police spokesman Peter Kalaya told AFP. Police were alerted by villagers in the Mzimba area, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of the capital Lilongwe, who stumbled on the grave while collecting wild honey in a forest. "We suspect that they were illegal migrants who were being transported to South Africa via Malawi," he said. He added that evidence gathered from the site indicated the victims were Ethiopian males aged between 25 and 40 years. The decomposing bodies were exhumed and taken to a morgue for autopsy. The bodies appear to have been buried "probably not more than a month" ago, he said. Malawi is a popular route for illegal immigrants from East Africa being smuggled to South Africa -- the continent's most industrialised country and a magnet for poor migrants from elsewhere on the continent. Police often catch trucks transporting migrants passing through the country en route to South Africa, via Mozambique. Kalaya said that between January and September this year, authorities had intercepted 221 illegal immigrants, 186 of whom were Ethiopians. Two years ago immigration authorities in neighbouring Mozambique made a grim discovery, finding 64 migrants from Ethiopia dead inside a freight container loaded on a truck. They were presumed to have died from suffocation. A few survivors were among the group. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) chief in Malawi Nomagugu Ncube said they were still gathering information about the latest incident. "IOM notes with concern the continued loss of migrants' lives along the migration journey and calls upon state and non-state actors to work together to promote legal pathways for migration," she told AFP. At least 15 people have been killed in the latest outbreak of ethnic clashes after land disputes in Sudan's southern Blue Nile state, local leaders and medical sources said Wednesday. Fighting broke out last week after reported arguments over land between members of the Hausa people and rival groups in Wad al-Mahi, near Roseires in Sudan's troubled southern region, some 500 kilometres (310 miles) south of the capital Khartoum. On Wednesday, fresh fighting erupted, with residents reporting intense gunfire and homes torched. "There was heavy shooting, and houses were burnt down," one local resident said, asking not to be named. A medic at the Wad al-Mahi clinic, who asked not to be named, said they had "received 10 bodies", while another worker at the hospital in the city of Roseires said the facility received "five bodies and 10 wounded." Clashes took place despite a heavy deployment of security forces in the area, as well as an overnight curfew, a Hausa leader said. Last week, clashes in the same area sparked by "a dispute over land issues" left at least 13 people dead and 24 injured, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Fighting between the Hausa people and other groups first broke out in July, with some 149 dead and 124 wounded up until early October, according to a toll reported by OCHA. Some 65,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, the UN said. The July clashes erupted after Hausa members requested the creation of a "civil authority", that rival groups saw as a means of gaining access to land. The clashes also triggered angry protests across Sudan, with the Hausa people demanding justice for those killed. By late July, senior leaders agreed to cease hostilities. Despite the deal, clashes broke out again in September. Sudan is grappling with deepening political unrest and a spiralling economic crisis since last year's military coup, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The military power grab upended a transition to civilian rule launched after the 2019 ouster of strongman Omar al-Bashir, who ruled for three decades. President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has touted his achievements for the Ashanti region since becoming President in 2017. The Ashanti region, the 'world bank' of the ruling NPP has accused the ruling party of neglect. However, President Akufo-Addo, in a tweet October 19, seen by Modernghana News has claimed that the Ashanti Region story has changed significantly under his tenure. The President, who has been on a working visit to the Ashanti region for the past four days, explained that his government has been able to provide 27 out of 54 initiated factories under the One District One Factory program. The President said his government has created 27,291 jobs for the youth in the Ashanti region. "When the #TheAshantiStory is told, it will be said that during my presidency, there were 54 factories under the @OneDOneF initiative, out of which 27 have been completed and 27,291 jobs created. #PresidentToursAshantiRegion," his tweet reads. A Wulensi-born philanthropist and former aspirant for Wulensi Constituency in the Northern Region Alhaji Haruna Abdulai has supported candidates of the 2022 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Nanumba South district to help them write the examination with ease. The donation made up of mathematical sets, pencils, pens, rulers and erasers among others was presented to the students last Saturday, October 15, 2022. Speaking at a short ceremony to present the items to the 1,405 beneficiaries, Alhaji Abdulai who is also a former Northern Regional Financial Secretary of NPP and Lead Consultant for the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), encouraged the students to study hard to pass the exams well to make themselves, their families and the entire municipality proud. He also urged parents to be interested in their ward's education to enable them become responsible future leaders of the nation. The Financial Controller and Director of Genser Energy, a Power and Midstream Gas Company in Ghana also pledged more of his support to the development of education in the area. Alhaji Abdulai told the gathering that the donation was to cushion the burden of parents and also help the students in writing the examination with limited or no challenges. "When you are going in for your exam, just make sure you get yourself ready and report to the exam Centre early, don't be late to the exam hall," he told the students The Nanumba South District Chief Executive(DCE) Issifu Zakaria, in his submission said the NPP government was committed to the development of education in the area and assured the students and people of the area that more classrooms and learning materials would be provided to help improve performance and attendance. The Nanumba South District Education Director Alhassan Issahaku, upon receiving the items on behalf of the directorate, thanked Alhaji Abdulai for the kind gesture. He also said the items would be distributed to the beneficiaries as planned to help them write the BECE examination well. The director also appealed to the students to eschew exam malpractice and rather, study hard so that they could pass the exams to enable them to continue their education to the Senior High level. The donation was witnessed by parents, teachers, chiefs and some government officials. A total of 4,931 candidates made up of 2,410 boys and 2,521 girls are writing the 2022 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) at various Centers in Gomoa Central and Agona West Municipality respectively. They have accordingly been advised to avoid examination malpractices and abide by all the rules and regulations. In the Gomoa Central District, a total of 1945 made up of 950 boys and 995 are writing at seven examination centers. The Centers include Gyaman SHS, Ekwamkrom Methodist Basic School, Pomadze Basic School and Aboso D/A and AME Zion Basic Schools with most of them having two exam centers. Eleven (11) candidates however failed to turn up for the exams. Accompanied by the Gomoa Central District Director of Ghana Education Service, Madam Theodora Abaloo and other officials, DCE for Gomoa Central, Hon. Benjamin Kojo Otoo encouraged the candidates to be law abiding by sticking to the rules and regulations governing the exams. He cautioned them against examination malpractices adding that authorities will not countenance such unlawful behavioural acts. "I want to assure you that your Member of Parliament, Hon. Naana Eyiah is ready to support candidates with the best grades with everything needed to further their education at the secondary school level. "As she has been doing over the past five years, Hon. Naana Eyiah gives each student mattresses, tranks, provisions, shoes and even transportation to their schools. This is enough to motivate you to perform better, don't disappoint your parents, teachers and society. "Additionally, you are assured of obtaining admission to the best of Senior High Schools in the Central Region provided you get the required grades," he stated. The Gomoa Central District Chief Executive was happy about the peaceful manner the exams were being conducted. In a similar situation, 2986 candidates comprising 1460 boys and 1,566 girls are writing the exams at Eleven (11) centers at Agona Swedru, Swedru Nyakrom, Agona Nkum and Fankobaa Community SHS. The Member of Parliament for Agona West, Hon. Cynthia Mamley Morrison and the Municipal Chief Executive for Agona West, Hon. Evans Addison Onoma Coleman also visited the examination centers to encourage them to aspire to higher heights on the educational ladder. President Akufo-Addo has conceded that Ghanaians are indeed suffering amidst the current economic crisis. The President in acknowledging the hardship assures Ghanaians that his government is doing anything possible to get things back on track. Speaking on Kumasi-based OTEC FM on Monday, October 17 as part of his working visit to the Ashanti Region, the President reiterated that he is fully aware of Ghanaians' frequent laments. He noted that measures have been put in place to address them including talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout. I know times are hard for Ghanaians. The data comes to me. So Im very much aware. I know things are hard for Ghanaians. But two things I can say is that we have a plan and programme to help us resolve this, he assured. He continued that is why we are in negotiations with the IMF. Its part and parcel of a larger programme of development we want to embark upon to solve the current hardship in the country. So it is not like the government is not doing anything about it. The Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has organized a field day demonstration at Manga, in the Bawku Municipality of the Upper East Region. The exercise brought about 70 women farmers together from Manga and its adjoining communities to help evaluate the validity of the Transgenic Songotrah variety. The field day was to introduce to farmers the Transgenic BT Cowpea variety which is the latest technology developed by the CSIR-SARI. It was to get the farmers to appreciate the Transgenic Songotrah BT cowpea variety, which has gone through the confined field trial stage and is now being evaluated on farmers' fields by CSIR-SARI for pre-release. On the field were four varieties; the Wankai, Kirkhouse benga the Songotra which have been released and striving well with farmers except for the Transgenic Songotrah (TS) which requires assessment by the farmers. In an interview with ModernGhana News at Manga, a research scientist with the CSIR-SARI, Dr. Salim Lamini stated that the Transgenic variety requires only two rounds of spray to combat the pod borer disease which is so destructive to Cowpea, unlike the other types which require around four to six rounds of sprays before harvesting which accumulate high pesticide residue on the cowpea notwithstanding the high cost of the pesticides. Dr. Lamini indicated that during the development stage, the farmers attested to the quality of the Transgenic and accepted the fact that, the transgenic cowpea needs only two sprays to harvest and almost no incident of Maruca (Pod borer) An entomologist with the CSIR-SARI Manga Mugtari Dr. Zakaria stated that CSIR-SARI has come out with so many technologies to help farmers increase food security and to support their families' income. He said the main problem that hinders food production in the case of BT Cowpea is the Pod Borer (Maruca vitrata). Dr. Zakaria indicated further that, the pod borer is so destructive that can render a total production yield of about eight percent especially BT Cowpea if not controlled with chemicals. He stated that the dire consequence of the excess use of the syntactic chemical, cannot be underestimated as it, destroys the ecology, and is harmful to the farmer It is against this backdrop he added, that scientist of the CSIR-SARI has developed the Transgenic Songotrah BT variety which requires just rounds of sprays and the farmer is good to go Hajia Adisa Shaibu, a farmer from Manga said the Transgenic Songotrah variety is more profitable as it requires only two rounds of sprays before harvesting as compared to four to six sprays in other varieties. What is Cyber Insurance? Cyber insurance (Cyb-Ins), which is also known as cybersecurity insurance or cyber liability insurance is a type of non-life insurance, that protects organizations from the loss (mostly financial) incurred from cyber-attacks and or data breaches. It is a risk treatment option organizations adopt to protect themselves in the event of information security or cyber security incidents. Such security incidents may include business email compromise, denial of service, ransomware, data loss, theft of money, fraud, etc. Just like any other insurance product, Cyb-Ins may cover first-party and or third-party liabilities. According to 'MarketsandMarkets', the global Cyb-Ins market is expected to grow from approximately USD 12 billion this year to USD 29 billion in the next 5 years. Key Stakeholders in Cyb-Ins The cyber insurance industry is made up of several stakeholders. Key among them include the following. Regulator: This is the state authority that monitors and supervises the operations of the Cyb-Ins companies in a particular jurisdiction. The regulator in the case of Ghana is the National Insurance Commission (NIC). Insurer: The insurance company that offers the Cyb-Ins policy to organizations. Some of the major global Cyb-Ins companies include Allianz, American International Group (AIG), Aon, AXIS Capital, Beazley, Chubb, Fairfax Financial, Liberty Mutual, Lloyds of London, and Travelers. Enterprise Insurance can be cited for Ghana. Insured: This is the organization that subscribes to the Cyb-Ins policy from the insurer. In Cyb-Ins, this primarily refers to organizations and not persons. Agent & Broker: Serves as intermediaries between the insurer and the insured. The agent works for the insurer, whilst the broker works for the insured. Technology Provider: Assists the insurer in building the Cyb-Ins product, provides technical advice to the insurer, and performs due diligence and assessments on behalf of the insurer. These are mainly cyber security companies. Which organization needs Cyb-Ins? Any organization may decide to subscribe to a Cyb-Ins policy. However, it becomes more needful or onus for organizations in the following scenarios: Organizations that have been designated as critical information infrastructure by the state Organizations that collect or process sensitive personally identifiable information such as payment card data, financial records, medical records, national ID numbers, and biometric data Organizations that are required by regulations to have Cyb-Ins in place Organizations that are required by agreements with their customers or partners to have Cyb-Ins in place What costs may be covered or not covered under Cyb-Ins? Depending on the type of Cyb-Ins policy (i.e first party or third party), Cyb-Ins may take care of the following associated with cyber security incidents: investigation costs, regulatory fines, legal fees, judicial fines, business interruption, payment of ransom, theft of money, notification costs, credit monitoring costs, mitigation costs, repair costs, and public relations costs. Cyb-Ins may not take care of the following associated with cyber security incidents: reputation, decline in share price, decline in revenue, prior cyber security incidents, an incident with employee involvement, general system failure, and cost of improving cyber security. It is extremely important for organizations to obtain clarity from their insurers on what their Cyb-Ins policies cover and do not cover. They also need to clearly read and understand the terms and definitions used in the agreement. Engaging a lawyer in this process is very prudent and cost-saving. How much do Cyb-Ins cost? The cost of Cyb-Ins (premium) cannot be explicitly stated, as it depends on several factors. The premium (amount to be paid to the insurer) may depend on the following: type of industry, size of business, annual organizational revenue, history of security incidents, and the results of Cyb-Ins risk assessments. According to AdvisorSmith (2021), the average cost of Cyb-Ins in the USA is USD 1,485 per year, with premiums ranging from USD 650 to USD 2,357 for companies with moderate risks and annual revenue of USD 1 million. Requirements for Cyb-Ins Most Cyb-Ins companies have requirements that their prospective clients would have to meet before their application could be accepted. These requirements once met, would help the prospective client (insured) to pay a low premium. The absence of such requirements may result in the decline of the application by the insurer, or payment of a high insurance premium. Prospective clients may be expected to have the following controls in place: multi-factor authentication, regular staff training, and awareness, effective management of third parties, encryption of data, testing of incident response plans, conducting regular vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, deployment of endpoint detection and response solutions, secure remote access to company systems, regular testing of backups, management of privileged access, patch management and management of end of life systems. It must be noted that the requirements may differ from one insurer to the other. Benefits of Cyb-Ins The benefits of Cyb-Ins include the following: Saves cost: It helps save organizations huge sums of money in the long term. Considering the huge cost and fines associated with cyber-attacks and data breaches, Cyb-Ins will help cater to such costs. Ensures faster recovery: It helps organizations to quickly recover from cyber security incidents. With the needed support (expertise, logistics, or financial) provided by insurers, organizations can quickly resume their operations within a tolerable period. Provides competitive advantage: Having a Cyb-Ins policy provides an organization with a competitive advantage. Prospective clients and partners may prefer to do business with such an organization than an organization without a Cyb-Ins policy. Helps meet requirements: It helps organizations to meet their regulatory and contractual obligations, in instances where it is required by a regulator or agreements to have a Cyb-Ins policy in place. Helps prevent cyber-attacks: Some insurers are keen on helping their clients in preventing cyberattacks through pre-breach services. Such services may include the provision of the following: training and awareness, cyber security products and services at discounted prices, cyber security intelligence, advisory and cyber experts. Challenges of Cyb-Ins Despite the benefits, Cyb-Ins also has some challenges. The following are some of the challenges: Expensive: Due to the rampant and ubiquitous nature of cyber-attacks, the premium for Cyb-Ins has become very prohibitive for some organizations. Provides a false sense of security: The insured may have a false sense of security. Cyb-Ins is not a silver bullet to prevent and recover from cyber-attacks. The insured ought to know that they may not even get any form of support when an incident occurs. It is an onus on the insured to be proactive and not rely solely on the insurance. Coverage limitation: No single Cyb-Ins policy would be able to cover all cyber security incidents or breaches. All Cyb-Ins policies have limitations in terms of coverage and payouts. Hence an insured may have to take care of some aspects of an incident when it falls outside the scope of the agreement. Embolden cyber criminals: With insurers paying the ransom on behalf of the insured, this can increase the spate of ransomware attacks. Since the ransomware attackers know, they would get paid for their ransom, they will always be encouraged to ply their trade. Intricate coverage terms: Some Cyb-Ins agreements are very complicated for easy understanding. Some need cyber security experts and lawyers to provide interpretation. It may provide dire consequences if the agreement is not gotten right ab initio. May not get payout: Due to the preceding point and among other things, the insured may not get a payout (what the Insurer needs to pay in case of an incident) when an incident occurs. There have been instances where the insured have dragged insurers to court to demand payouts. Examples of such cases include SS&C Technologies vs AIG, Mondelez vs Zurich, and SJ Computers vs Travelers. Conclusion Deciding on whether to subscribe to a Cyb-Ins policy depends on several factors, which have been discussed in this article. It is left to the organization to weigh the pros and cons and make that determination. It is extremely important to engage the services of information security or cyber security professionals and lawyers in the process of subscribing to the Cyb-Ins policy. Getting it wrong from the start may cost your organization a huge loss in the future. Author: SHERRIF ISSAH, Information Security Governance, Risk and Compliance Professional | Director of Communications, IIPGH For comments, contact author [email protected] | +233243835912 On this special occasion, a legend worth celebrating. Recognising a hero while alive is more appropriate and most importantly if his deeds continue to impact the larger masses. A generational thinker and a living legend of our time with numerous foresight policies and a sense of smooth implementation is worth celebrating. *Eulogising Ghanas iconic Agric Minister DR. OWUSU AFRIYIE AKOTO* today is in the right direction if we take out our political shades. Ghana can confidently say, the agric sector has gained its rhythm with fortified fundamentals perfectly laid inspite of global challenges and also to improve upon where we are as a nation. Numerous pro-poor policies and programs are in motion, such as Planting for Food and Jobs, Rearing for Food and Exports, Soya Bean Committee - to address poultry and livestock feed challenges and improve its quality, Tree Crop Development Authority, Building Warehouse Storage Facilities in every District and some selected towns, Greenhouse Farming, Fertilizer Factory to be built soon, Cocoa hitting 1.3M metric tonnes - expect to hit 1.5M by the end of the year 2024, Modernized and sophisticated farm machinery imported to boost large scale farming, Enhancing Extension Services, Boosting Irrigation etal. What will shock the world and many Ghanaians will be the soon-to-be-rolled-out almighty State Farms aimed at promoting modern agricultural production and creating wage labour employment in the rural areas coupled with boosting food security and our economy. This will decrease agricultural imports and increase exports besides COCOA and also intensify other TREE CROPS, to demonstrate the superiority of modern technological agriculture. The agricultural sector today has been the backbone of Ghanas economy in the current political dispensation and in governance every sector of the economy must be attended even though it remains the pillar inspite of the global pandemic COVID-19 that has caused economic meltdown. Critics who may decide to look at a little percentage of challenges under the Agric Sector as releasing funds to address them must also appreciate that governance is about addressing all sectors of the economy. Ghana is now realising the agrarian revolution and the indecies are evident in full glare with the strong fundamentals of putting the country into the global pedestal that can be seen and attested by all. These are all monumental strides under the watch of DR. OWUSU AFRIYIE AKOTO to realising our potential as a country with the bearing of affecting every sector of the economy. The pillar and sustainability of factories in Ghana have it backbone of survival on agriculture output which is crucial to applaud the current measures being implemented. Today Ghana is the leading production of vegetables in Africa, in food security - second in the continent, and many others that are evident to the fact that Ghana is making a giant headway. The umbilical chord of Ghanas Agriculture is by laying a strong fundamentals to appreciating the GHANA BEYOND AIDE of the following which are already in motion 1. Promoting science and technology in the Agric Sector 2. Liberating ourselves from over-dependence of imported cereals and embracing large scale domestication farming 3. Making a strong influence in the regional and international markets 4. Promoting good roads and transport system 5. Building of storage warehouse facilities 6. Irrigation system 7. Sustainable energy. A cursory scrutiny of Ghanas history in the area of agriculture from independence till date, the prospects and challenges of every generation although varies from one generation to another shows with no dispute, Agric sector today is in full progressive gears. The vision and effort of strongly touching every aspect in Agric today are very monumental and a giant stride. Ironically today, we have soon forgotten seasonal antecedents in years ago when there was absolute no tomatoes, yam, plantain and other food crops to buy from the market. Today, the deeds of a mark of a generational thinker with good proactive measures putting in place taken into consideration food as an umbilical cord to human development we now see a cyclical food chain. On this note, it deems fit to eulogise a generational thinker and an iconic figure like DR. OWUSU AFRIYIE AKOTO for his tireless effort of making Ghana self-sufficient in agriculture production and together we can realise the agrarian revolution as a nation. Congratulations and God bless us all. #thetruelegendakoto #Adwumawuraakoto #Okumkomakoto GHANA da wo ase From Owoahene Dominic of Ablekuma North Constituency. 20.10.2022 LISTEN Our attention has been drawn to a publication in the New Telegraph newspaper with the above caption. Clearly, what the hatchetman behind that publication set out on is to deliberately disparage the person of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister for Transportation and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, and pitch him in battle against President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Sogbeye C. Eli, Spokesman, Rivers APC 2023 Campaign Council, We wish to state that at no time since the former Minister resigned to contest for the 2023 presidential nomination of the All Progressives Congress has he been denied access to Mr. President. There is no record whatsoever of his complaining about the Vice President naming the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, "Mr. Projects" or howsoever. Mr. Eli in a rebuttal statement circulated to journalists said, Suffice to say that Amaechi who has spent quality time in his political career between the Legislative and Executive arms of Government at both the State and Federal levels is fully aware of the prerogative powers of the President and Commander-in-Chief to honour any Nigerian or foreigner who in the President's opinion is qualified for same. Thus, it is deliberate mischief for political mercenaries to churn out a script suggesting that the decision of the President to honour his successor with a "Distinguished Award in Infrastructure Delivery" at the forthcoming Nigeria Excellence in Public Service Award is not sitting well with him. Text of the statement reads: Truth is, Amaechi was a Honourable Minister in the Government of the Federation when President Muhammadu Buhari approved over N75 billion as refund of expenditures the Rivers State Government under him incurred in the reconstruction and maintenance of Federal roads in Rivers State. He, in fact, worked for the refund which has in turn helped the State Government in further infrastructure development. That much the Honourable Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) made public at his commissioning of the Rebisi Flyover in the State capital. An Amaechi who worked for that refund could not be kicking against an Award to Wike by the President. We wish to reiterate that Amaechi has kept a relatively low public profile since the presidential primary of his party ended. He has sought and received presidential audience when appropriate since then. Amaechi committed no crime or misdemeanor as Honourable Minister and maintains a very robust personal relationship with the President and the first family. There is nothing wrong anywhere therefore to warrant the insinuation that he was denied access to the President and had to proceed to the National Chairman of the APC to lodge a protest against Wike's award. The APC in Rivers State that Amaechi leads is not aggrieved howsoever by this award. In fact, we are delighted that a Federal Government led by our great party has risen above the petty partisanship that the Rivers State Government was subjected to by the PDP when Amaechi was Governor. Let the mischief makers behind that publication therefore ply their trade elsewhere. As we approach the 2023 general elections, we are taking our party in the direction it should go and do not need any distractions from any quarters. Sogbeye C. Eli Spokesman, Rivers APC 2023 Campaign Council October 19, 2022 AOB Foundation GH, a Non-Governmental Organization has donated 500 mathematical sets to schools in the Akwapim South of the Eastern Region. The project dubbed 1 Student, 1 Maths Set was donated by the CEO, Asante Okyere Bismark popularly known as AOB and his team. The donation was made to Dago L/A JHS, Ahyiresu L/A JHS and Akwakupom L/A JHS on Friday October 14. Asante Okyere Bismark disclosed that the maths set will help the students writing this year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). He used the opportunity to inspire the students from all the beneficiary schools to take their studies serious to fulfil their dreams. He further called on other individuals and benevolent organisations to emulate the kind gesture. The Foundation has promised to replicate the donation to other deprived communities in the next session. The Foundation is appealing to the public and corporate bodies to support their project which is intended to support and motivate the less privileged in society by contacting them on 0242360102 /+233 24 326 6494. Watch videos below: 20.10.2022 LISTEN Captain Smart, host of 'Maakye' show on Onua TV/FM has been released. He was released by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) around 11:20pm. The broadcaster was picked up on his way home from work by operatives of NIB. His whereabouts was earlier not known as posted on the social media platforms of Onua TV/FM where he works. However, some management members of the Media General Group were granted access to him by the NIB at their Interrogation Office off the Olusegun Obasanjo Highway near Kawukudi. Present at the NIB tonight were the Group CEO of Media General Beatrice Agyemang, Chief Operating Officer Eshun Nuamah, Head of Human Resource Ama Lawson and Media Generals Lawyer. Some of his work colleagues were also there but were denied access to him. Reports indicated that he was on his way home after work this evening when he was accosted. A post by Onua TV on Facebook noted, "[VIDEO] BNI (now NIB) arrested Captain Smart earlier today at exactly 5:59 on his way home from the office (Onua 95.1 FM / Onua TV premises)." Media General Caleb Nii Boi who was in his company recounts, "This evening I experienced the NIB formerly BNI as they stopped Captain Smarts car which I was in around Kanda. They escorted us to their office opposite the Bureau of Ghana Languages. Took our phones & gadgets for some minutes and released them. "But detained Captain Smart and his phones. As I type this we ( 5 guys) have been released but Captain has been driven to an unknown location." Earlier this week, Captain Smart was in the news for allegedly accusing President Akufo-Addo of involvement in illegal mining. The Ministry of Information in a statement said the claims made by Mr. Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, in a published video, will be referred to the National Media Commission. Germany and France have postponed until January a meeting set for next week between the two governments. Berlin says "more time" is needed to find common ground on a wide range of issues. The delay to the regular meeting hosted alternately by Paris and Berlin has exposed a growing rift between the two EU powers, and comes as the continent is struggling to cope with an energy and cost-of-living crisis unleashed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's spokesman Steffen Hebestreit would not be drawn on the topics on which the governments were unable to agree, but he acknowledged that "there are a number of different issues that we are dealing with at the moment ... on which we have not yet reached a unified position." Both sides therefore decided it was "sensible" to postpone the talks until January. Macron, Scholz at EU summit Scholz will nevertheless hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of an EU summit starting on Thursday and the two leaders may also meet next in Paris next Wednesday. France and Germany have often tried to present a united front, but over the last weeks, criticisms have spilled out into the open on issues ranging from energy to defence. After Scholz's government announced a 200 billion support scheme to protect German businesses and consumers from runaway energy prices, Macron warned the programme risked leading to "distortions" across the European Union. Berlin has also been accused of blocking a cap on gas prices at an EU level because of fears the limit would remove an incentive for consumers to save energy, thereby worsening the situation. Power supply spat France, however which is suffering an electricity shortage because several of its nuclear power plants are out of service has been pushing for the cap. Berlin is also unhappy with Paris over a lack of support for its bid to revive the so-called Midcat gas project for pipelines linking Portugal and Spain, through France to Germany. On military issues, Germany's recent success in rallying 14 NATO members to join its air shield project has irked France which supports a separate plan. Members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) have kicked against calls for a ban on small-scale mining. They warned they will resist attempts by any institution to do so. The Association says its members are still trying to recover from the losses and hardship brought onto them following the ban on their operations in 2017. Religious leaders and other civil society groups have recently called for an immediate ban on all small-scale mining activities to help fight against illegal mining activities effectively. The call follows the continuous destruction of major water bodies and the environment due to the activities of illegal miners in parts of the country. However, speaking at a news conference in Kumasi, the General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Godwin Armah insisted members of the Association will resist attempts to ban their operations. He said the Association has noted with great concern recent discourse in the media by Ghanaians on the pollution of rivers and water bodies and the destruction of the environment as a result of illegal mining activities in the country, and was making frantic efforts to help address the menace. He described calls for banning small-scale mining as insensitive and a lazy man's approach in handling the illegal mining issues. GNASSM believes that, the regulation of the small-scale mining sector should be a shared responsibility between the Government and the Association together with all other stakeholders and that recent calls by sections of the public for a ban on the small-scale mining sector is preposterous, insensitive and a lazy man's approach to the issue, he stated. The Association called for a Community Enforcement Approach in dealing with the illegal mining issue and insisted that Illegal mining was a National Challenge, but the solution was at the local level and there was no way the menace will prevail when communities are properly organized to manage mining in their areas. The Association also called for the formation of committees in mining communities which will consist of some traditional leaders, religious leaders, representatives from the youth and the small-scale miners to manage mining-related issues in the community, and they must work closely with the District Mining Committees. 20.10.2022 LISTEN This article is written based on how an alleged Ibo King residing in Accra has taken the nation by storm. The way he carries about himself, quickly making connections, or associating, with, some former Ghana presidents and past or present powerful people in high positions, has caused adrenalin rush in one of my former classmates at then Kumawu Tweneboa Kodua Secondary School, now Kumawu Senior High School. Mr Yaw Poulous, the renowned student for always wearing "super skin-fit or skin-tight" shirts, has conveyed to my attention his worries about the inroads an Ibo national living in Ghana who has self-crowned or self-styled himself Ibo King, is making into acquiring power and influence to get many Ghanaians submit to his authority. His fear that this Ibo King will soon become so powerful to lord himself over Ghanaians emanates from his simple, but factual knowledge of his Ghanaian kindred being overly docile or amenable to manipulation, to end up being taken for fools and doing whatever is the manipulator's wish. How the Chinese have nearly taken over the control of the country, flocking into Ghana in their numbers like vermin, disrespecting the laws of the land to reintroduce their own that enhance the purpose of their presence in Ghana to the detriment of the socio-politico-economic emancipation of the nation, Yaw Poulous is scared to see the Ibo King repeat same. Again, Ghana itself has no Kings but chiefs, although the Asante Overlord is erroneously referred to as King, especially, by his Ashanti subjects. If, for the fact, Ghana is a republic but not a total or partial monarchy with the chiefs only exercising ceremonial duties to aid the governments' vision to bringing development to all the nooks and crannies of the country, why should we dare entertain an Ibo man come from his homeland Nigeria into Ghana, to conduct himself as Ibo King in Ghana? As probably the head of a large association of Ibos, or Ibos presence, in Accra or Ghana, he can rightly call himself Ibo head or chief (a leader or ruler of a people or clan) but not King (a supreme ruler, Sovereign over a nation or a territory, of higher rank than any other secular ruler). The fear of Yaw Poulous is that as easily misled or influenced as many a Ghanaian is, especially when some little money is doled out to them, this said Ibo man arrogating to himself the title of King and going about as such, can sooner have a large following of not only Ibos, but Ghanaians, to cause problems in Ghana similarly as the Chinese over time are doing. Yes, Ghanaians in many countries abroad have grouped themselves to reflect their tribes in Ghana. Subsequently, they have appointed leaders to serve them in the capacity of ceremonial heads, thus, chiefs. These chiefs have absolutely no powers to influence the presidents or prime ministers of their host countries for the collective benefits of the people they head, let alone, for their personal selfish interests as it is contrary the case in Ghana. I share the concerns of Yaw Poulous. If native Ghanaians are not sensitized to see foreigners in Ghana as not superior to Ghanaians hence must conform to the laws of the land, equally as Ghanaians do, we shall wake one morning to find ourselves colonised, subjected to slavery on our land. As I speak, Ghana is no doubt under Chinese colonialism. The Chinese have total disregard for the laws of Ghana. They do opposite to what the law requires them to do. They have no respect for the president and government of Ghana. They flout the orders by the president with impunity. They are wreaking irreparable havoc to the water bodies, forests and arable/fertile lands in the country. These essential elements for the survivability and sustainability of human life are being destroyed by these Chinese without any shred of fear in them. We dont need any further foreigners to come and lord themselves over Ghanaians in whatever capacity, form or shape. Therefore, we may welcome Ibo chief in Ghana but not Ibo King. I hope Ghanaians will not for the fear of their overwhelming poverty kowtow to this Ibo King as they have become too submissive to the Chinese to empower them to commit any nonsensical criminal activity that crosses their mind in their agenda to colonise Ghana. Anyway, I am supportive of Yaw Poulous in his determination to warn Ghanaians against revering the said Ibo King who is all over the social media portraying his authority in Ghana. I have done my bit. It is now up to Yaw Poulous and Ghanaians to spread the good message and warning by forwarding this publication to all their friends and families. Nobody will be able to build Ghana better for us but Ghanaians themselves. Therefore, let us all join hands together to save mother Ghana from any rogue foreigners of whom the Chinese woman Aisha Huang aka Huang En, is conspicuously a leader. I dedicate this publication to all Kumawu Tweneboa Kodua Secondary School classmates of Yaw Poulous from Sept 1971 to June 1976. May the souls of our departed Alex Bawuah and Hannah Bonsu rest in perfect peace. Rockson Adofo Thursday, 20 October 2022 20.10.2022 LISTEN Minister of the Interior in the United Kingdom (UK) Suella Braverman has resigned from her position after just 43 days in the role. She announced her resignation on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, citing a breach of rules as well as concerns over the direction of the government. In a resignation letter posted on social media, Braverman said, It is with the greatest regret that I am choosing to tender my resignation. In the letter, she said she had sent an official document a draft written ministerial statement that had not been published from her personal email to a parliamentary colleague in order to get support for her policy. This, she said, constitutes a technical infringement of the rules. Braverman said that she had realized her mistake and reported it to official channels, but that resigning was the right thing to do. In a letter to Braverman posted on the Downing Street website, Truss wrote: I accept your resignation and respect the decision you have made. It is important that the Ministerial Code is upheld, and that Cabinet confidentiality is respected. The departure is the latest surprise turn of events for the U.K.s Conservative Party, whose government led by Prime Minister Liz Truss has come under increasing fire for throwing markets into turbulence and drastically changing policy plans within the span of a few days. Braverman ran against Truss for the Conservative leadership race this summer but was knocked out in an early stage. She has held past roles as attorney general, from 2020 to 2022, and in the Brexit department in 2018. In her short time as home secretary, beginning with the Truss government on September 6, 2022 she has made headlines for outspoken comments on reducing net migration, affirming the controversial policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, and just on Wednesday morning defending the governments Public Order Bill. It comes at a hugely turbulent time for the government, with Truss under intense pressure to resign just two months into her premiership after a budget on Sept. 23 sparked chaos in financial markets. On Friday, Truss fired her Finance Minister, Kwasi Kwarteng, over the incident, despite having campaigned on the program of tax cuts which set off the chaos. Kwarteng was succeeded by former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who on Monday proceeded to reverse the majority of the economic policies laid out in the governments mini-budget announced on Sept. 23. Brought in a bid to calm markets and project an image of stability, Hunt has provoked rumor of being more in control of government than Truss and even a potential successor. Shapps, Bravermans successor, was not initially given a so-called front bench role by Truss. He was also among the Conservative voices who criticized elements of her tax cut program, saying that the removal of the top rate of income tax had jarred for people in a way which was unsustainable. In her letter, Braverman referred to the wider government, adding that it was obvious to everyone that we are going through a tumultuous time and said she had concerns about the direction of this government. Braverman said she was concerned about the breaking of key pledges to voters, though did not specifically highlight the recent U-turn on fiscal policy, instead citing pledges to reduce overall migration numbers and small boat crossings to the U.K. Truss and Braverman had been reportedly clashing behind the scenes on revising U.K. migration policy as the nation faces acute worker shortages. In what could also be read as a message to the embattled prime minister, Braverman said: The business of government relies upon people accepting responsibility for their mistakes. Pretending we havent made mistakes, carrying on as if everyone cant see that we have made them, and hoping that things will magically come right is not serious politics. I have made a mistake; I accept responsibility; I resign. 20.10.2022 LISTEN The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has kicked against the contract extension of public servants who have reached retirement age. In a post on his Facebook page, the MP has demanded that President Akufo-Addo eschew what he describes as family, friends, and akonta [in-law] shenanigans and see to it that contracts of retirees in the public sector are terminated. President Akufo-Addo must immediately terminate all these contracts, ensure he thanks our retirees for their dedicated service and endeavour to honour them with a befitting send-off and urgently fill the vacancies to be created through a transparent, credible and meritorious recruitment process for our suffering youth as we demand that this time he eschews his reckless penchant for Family/Friends/Akonta shenanigans, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said in his post. According to him, his checks have revealed that there are as many as 63 retirees on contract within the Civil and Local Government Services as of today, and even more under other public sector categories. Apart from serving as a blockade to prospective young Ghanaians with public sector ambitions, the North Tongu MP is of the view that the phenomenon is stifling career progression and lowering morale in Ghanas public sector. Below is the full post of the MP: The French government has forced the adoption of the first part of the 2023 budget, using a constitutional clause allowing the automatic approval of legislation without a parliamentary vote. The opposition has described the move as "an undermocratic subterfuge" and has launched a motion of no confidence. It took just five minutes to bring an end to seven days of parlaimentary debate. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne defended the decision to impose the disputed legislation, saying the country needs a budget. "This is the only responsible choice," she told the National Assembly as opposition groups noisily objected to the government's decision to terminate the parliamentary debate and declare the legislation law. "We have a coherent financial plan for next year, and it respects the promises made by this administration to the French people," the prime minister said. Deputies from the left-wing Nupes alliance began leaving the chamber before Borne had finished speaking. Since the government of President Emmanuel Macron lost its overall majority in the summer parliamentary election, support from some opposition deputies is required to ensure the passage of any proposed legislation. Despite promising an open debate, Macron's camp suffered a series of defeats over the first of thousands of proposed amendments to its fiscal plans for next year. New elections remain a possibility Opposition lawmakers on Wednesday accused the government of wasting their time. "Macronism has become a form of authoritarianism," far-left France Unbowed deputy Mathilde Panot told reporters following Borne's announcement. "Parliament's work has been swept away in a few hours," said Greens representative Cyrielle Chatelain. Both of them were among 151 Nupes lawmakers to sign a no-confidence motion against the government. Such an "act of anti-democratic brutality... leads us to demand the censure of the government," it read. On the far right, the National Rally plans to file a no-confidence motion of its own on Thursday. However, with both the left and right extremes unwilling to back each other's motions, neither is likely to reach the required 289 votes. President Macron has already increased the pressure on deputies by threatening to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections if a no-confidence vote succeeds. Prof. Godfred Bokpin 20.10.2022 LISTEN Finance and Economics Professor at the University of Ghana, Prof. Godfred Bokpin has said Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta should not be the person leading the negotiations between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Minister since July has been leading negotiations with the IMF after he was directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to engage the fund for a support programme to address the economic challenges facing the country. Four months on, there are growing doubts about the chances of Ghana sealing a deal with the IMF for the needed support anytime soon. Speaking to Joy FM in an interview, Prof. Godfred Bokpin said, There is no economic justification for the finance minister to remain in office. Although he said Ken Ofori-Atta could remain at post, he is of the view that the minister should not be leading the discussions with IMF. The President could have kept the Finance Minister but appoint someone else to head the IMF talks, Prof. Godfred Bokpin added. The Finance and Economics Professor added, In the last few months, you will realize that the IMF and the World Bank are coming hard at the government because they are realizing the situation has not been what's been reported. It's clear that an IMF alone will not take Ghana out of the situation we are in. Amid continuous depreciation and the poor performance of the Ghanaian economy which is subjecting the citizenry to severe hardships and a high cost of living, the government is hoping that it will wrap up talks with the IMF for the support programme before the year ends. The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, was not sacked by President Akufo-Addo but was rather relieved of his responsibilities as a seconded staff to the GES, the Service has clarified. The office of the president announced Prof Opoku-Amankwas exit in a letter dated Monday, 17 October 2022. The Ministry of Education has informed this office that the exigencies that required your skills and expertise as Director-General of the Ghana Education Service do not exist any longer, the letter stated. The GES, in a statement, said Prof Opoku-Amakwa was not sacked as has been widely reported in the media but rather relieved of his responsibilities to enable him to continue his services to the country at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Prof Opoku-Amankwa was first appointed in January 2021 on secondment from the KNUST. The contract was extended again in June 2021 but this extension, according to the letter from the Presidency signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, was in contravention of the Human Resource Policy Frame and manual of the Public Services Commission as it purports to extend your secondment beyond the 3-year maximum limit. Source: Classfmonline.com Akufo Addo shouldn't be attempting to persuade Ghanaians that he is doing a good job by firing Professor Kwasi Opoku Amankwa, the former director-general of the Ghana Education Service because inability and corruptible disposition have no place in the thoughts of educated Ghanaians who esteem a successful leader. If anyone in his administration is to be fired for wrecking Ghana's economy and inflicting undue suffering on Ghanaians, Ken Ofori-Atta should be ousted from office. Many Ghanaians are either uninterested in the political crisis that the NPP government has caused or are ignorant of the political situation in their own nation. Ghanaians may have the impression that Professor Kwasi Opoku Amankwa, the former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, was fired because he might have made a mistake or wasn't qualified to do his job, but this is untrue. This article will make it clear. Ghanaians have a right to know what a person did to justify his request to resign or when their services are no longer needed and the government decides to remove them from their position. Has he engaged in corruption? Did he misappropriate government property, or was he involved in something inappropriately? The former Director-General of Education was not accused of any of these offenses. Since the Ghana Education Service is currently in crisis, facing many difficulties and criticisms from the general public, Akufo Addo expected the former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service to defend him as many politicians, such as Kojo Oppong Nkrumah have done, but since Kwasi Opoku Amankwa didn't do that, enraged Akufo Addo got him fired. The president's secretary, Nana Bediatuo Asante, only made the sacking of Kwasi Opoku Amankwa into headline news when he announced that "The skills of Prof. Kwasi Opoku Amankwa are no longer required at the Ghana Education Service" and that Nana Akufo Addo had appointed a new General-Director of the Ghana Education Service. There is no exaggeration when it is said that the NPP government is comprised of incompetent ministers, including the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, the Vice-President, Mahammudu Bawumia, the Ministers of Education, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Agriculture, Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah. However, Ghanaians are not required to hold all ministers accountable for the failure of the administration. I commend President Akufo Addo for giving Ghanaians a taste of free education, but I must categorically state that the free education system has been a total failure because a large portion of the funding required to operate it has already been embezzled by the NPP government, leaving the Ghana Education Service in a dire financial situation. The severe problem that faces the Ghana Education Service has been developing since last year. According to one of the publications, the government owed food supplies to the tune of over GHC 800 million, and food shortages in senior high schools have become pervasive with some potentially dangerous repercussions. The idea of food scarcity was dismissed as propaganda because the current leadership never takes responsibility and always gets tribal bigots and anti-NDC people to support them. Since Akufo Addo was elected president, tribal bigots, including NPP leaders and fans, have taken to social media to assert that "there is nothing occurring in secondary schools, it is NDC propaganda, and the government is trying its best to cater to all schools." Akufo Addo's government is supported by Ghanaians, making efforts to combat corruption and other wrongdoing ineffective. Since the NPP government is aware that both the party and the country's leader, Nana Akufo Addo, have lost the respect and confidence of the populace, they are so afraid of losing power that everything true is attacked as propaganda. If they are out of power, their daily bread and access to Ghana's coffers will be denied. Let's now discuss the incident that led to Professor Kwasi Opoku Amakwa's termination as the previous Director-General of the Ghana Education Service. The astute Ghanaians would notice that many NPP politicians frequently show up to support Akufo Addo's lies because they want the president to like them. Kennedy Agyapong has acted in a detrimental manner in the past, but he has learned from his mistakes and is now a wiser man for it. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah still stands by Akufo Addo's fabrications, despite the fact that many NPP politicians never expected to defend their inept leader. Prof. Kwasi Opoku Amankwa, the former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, is one of the members of the NPP who doesn't come out often to Akufo Addo's defense, to pretend that things are going well in the country's free education system. The only time he defended the administration was when he refuted an article about GES has mandated that all teachers in the nation wear school uniforms. Akufo Addo has been prompted by this to fire him because he believes the former director is not doing enough to support him. Since the president enjoys dining with dishonest and corrupt individuals, he will fire you if you don't fit into that group. I want to be clear with Ghanaians that Prof. Kwasi Opoku Amankwa's dismissal as Director-General of the Ghana Education Service does not indicate that he has committed any crimes; rather, Nana Akufo Addo expected him to appear in public to defend himself, which he did not, and for that reason, he was fired. Anthony B being interviewed by Joel Savage Akufo Addo is the kind of president, I know too much. If you go back and read what I have said about this man dating back more than two years ago, everything is true, and believe me, he knows. I know too much to make it seem like I live with him in the same place. He's probably wondering how this writer manages to produce truthful articles about me. Although I am neither a clairvoyant nor a soothsayer, it is pretty simple to figure out who Akufo Addo is. He is dishonest, heartless, a liar, and willing to kill innocent people to obtain what he wants. I have requested a song for Akufo Addo, called "Mr. Heartless," by my friend, Anthony B, a Jamaican reggae star. He should listen to it. National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo has shared his thoughts on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos tour of the Ashanti Region. The President on Sunday, October 16, started a four-day tour of the Ashanti Region where he inspected various projects and held engagements with traditional leaders including Asantehene, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Speaking to Ahotor FM in an interview on Thursday, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said the Presidents tour of the Ashanti Region is unnecessary. According to him, the President should rather address the nation on measures his government is taking to revive the troubled Ghanaian economy. This is the time for the President to sit with his advisors on how to save the economy; the tour is unnecessary at this time. Akufo-Addo should address the Nation of the measures in place to help revive the economy, the NDC National Chairman shared. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said there is pressure in the system because of the economic challenges. He urged the government to fast-track measures to turn things around to mitigate the hardships facing Ghanaians. A Gambian man on trial in Germany accused of belonging to a death squad that assassinated opponents of former dictator Yahya Jammeh, including an AFP journalist, on Thursday denied the charges. "I did not participate in these acts," the defendant Bai Lowe's lawyer told the court in the northern town of Celle, reading a statement by the accused. Lowe, 47, who is charged with crimes against humanity, murder and attempted murder, including the 2004 killing of AFP correspondent Deyda Hydara, listened intently to the English translation of the declaration read out in German. In it, Lowe said he had merely repeated in the past what other people had told him about the facts of the case. The Gambia. By afp (AFP) Explaining previous statements in media interviews that appeared to incriminate him, Lowe told the court that he had intended to demonstrate to his fellow Gambians how cruel Jammeh's regime was. Lowe, who went on trial in April, is accused of involvement in two murders and one attempted murder while working as a driver for the hit squad known as the Junglers between December 2003 and December 2006. Human Rights Watch has called the proceedings "the first to prosecute human rights violations committed in Gambia during the Jammeh era on the basis of universal jurisdiction". Universal jurisdiction allows a foreign country to prosecute crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, regardless of where they were committed. 'Betrays common sense' Hydara was an editor and co-founder of the independent daily The Point and a correspondent for AFP for more than 30 years. The father-of-four also worked as a Gambia correspondent for the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) campaign group. He was gunned down in his car on the outskirts of Banjul on December 16, 2004. Lowe, pictured with his face covered at the opening of his trial in Celle on April 25. By Ronny Hartmann (POOL/AFP/File) Lowe is accused of having helped stop Hydara's car before driving one of the killers in his own vehicle. In a statement sent to AFP, Hydara's son Baba said he rejected Lowe's account to the judges. "As a victim and a plaintiff in this case I feel disappointed, insulted and cheated by (this) statement that betrays common sense," he said. Hydara's lawyer, Patrick Kroker, added that "the statement of the accused seems made up and incomplete. Moreover, it has already been contradicted on several occasions by the evidence collected so far". "It's a step backwards in the search for the truth for the victims of Yahya Jammeh," Kroker told AFP. "We assume that the court will not give any credence to this statement." Attorney Ida Jagne, who was in Hydara's car when he was killed, also dismissed Lowe's testimony. "The statement is extremely not credible... because the accounts he gave in interviews were very detailed: who participated, what happened," Jagne's own lawyer Peer Stolle told reporters outside the courtroom. Lowe arrived in Europe via Senegal in December 2012, saying he was seeking asylum as a political refugee who feared for his life under Jammeh. He was detained on the charges in Germany in March 2021. Jammeh ruled Gambia with an iron fist for 22 years but fled the country in January 2017 after losing a presidential election to relative unknown Adama Barrow. He refused to acknowledge the results but was forced out by a popular uprising and fled to Equatorial Guinea. Five former members of the intelligence service were sentenced to death by a Gambian court only in July this year for the murder of a political activist during Jammeh's rule. Five people were killed Thursday when police clashed with demonstrators in the Chadian capital during a banned protest against the ruling military, an AFP journalist saw. Hundreds of demonstrators turned out to mark the date when the military had initially promised to hand over power -- a spell that has been extended for another two years. An AFP reporter saw five bodies on the floor of the city's Union Chagoua Hospital, two of which were covered with the Chadian national flag and three with bloodied white sheets. The head doctor, Joseph Ampil, later confirmed to AFP that five individuals had "died from gunshots." Palls of black smoke could be seen in some parts of the city and the crack of teargas grenades could be heard. Barricades were set up in several districts and tyres were set alight in the main avenues to block traffic. In an opposition stronghold, streets were deserted and littered with tree branches and piles of bricks. Schools and university establishments were closed, and many traders in the city centre lowered their shutters. A body covered by a Chadian flag. By - (AFP) The headquarters of Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo's UNDR party was also attacked by demonstrators "and partially burned down," UNDR Vice President Celestin Topona told AFP. France, Chad's former colonial power, condemned the violence, noting it featured "the use of lethal weapons against demonstrators." "France is not playing any part in these events, which lie strictly in Chad's domestic political domain," the foreign ministry said. "False information about France's purported involvement is baseless." The Chadian Red Cross said it had deployed 10 teams to provide first aid and taken "dozens" of injured people to hospital. There was no immediate official word on casualties. October 20 date The violence comes on the heels of a national forum organised by military strongman Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno that extended his stay in power. The 38-year-old five-star general took over in April 2021 after his iron-fisted father, Idriss Deby Itno, in power for three decades, was killed during an operation against rebels. The younger Deby has since angered many at home and embarrassed backers abroad by staying in power beyond his initially promised deadline, which would have expired on Thursday. "They're firing on us. They are killing our people," Succes Masra, whose Transformers party was among groups that had called the protest, said on Twitter. "The Soldiers of the one-and-only General who refused to honour his word and on the day when the 18 months are up -- this is how he intends to install the (Deby) dynasty." General Mahamat Idriss Deby took the helm of a 15-member junta in April 2021 after his father was killed. By Denis Sassou Gueipeur (AFP) Deby's junta had originally declared it would restore civilian rule after 18 months in power and he initially promised not to take part in elections that would follow. But as the 18-month deadline neared, a nationwide forum staged by Deby reset the clock. On October 1, it approved a new "maximum" 24-month timeframe for holding elections. It also named Deby "transitional president" and declared he could be a candidate in the poll. Deby was sworn in October 10, and later appointed a so-called government of national union headed by Kebzabo, a 75-year-old former journalist and one-time opposition figure. One protestor, Abass Mahamat, 35, told he had chosen to voice his anger at "this facade of a dialogue which entrenches the system." "In 31 years, we haven't see any positive change in our country." Troubled state The vast, arid Sahel state has had a long history of coups and political turmoil since it gained independence from France in 1960. During his long stay in power, the elder Deby fought off several attempts to unseat him by rebels crossing from Libya and Sudan. Chad. By (AFP) He was supported by France, which deemed him a strong ally in its campaign against jihadism in the Sahel. France swiftly endorsed his son as his successor. But its apparent displeasure at his push to cement power was visible at the October 10 inauguration ceremonies, where France, like the EU, was represented only by an ambassador. The statement from Paris that denied any French involvement in Thursday's violence comes after anti-French protests during a coup in Burkina Faso earlier this month. Protestors attacked the French embassy and cultural centre in the capital Ouagadougou after coup leaders accused France of harbouring junta chief Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba at a base in Burkina, an allegation France denied. Damiba fled to neighbouring Togo. Human Rights Watch (HRW) says it has credible evidence that army units in the Democratic Republic of Congo backed armed groups that were implicated in serious abuses during fighting with rebels in the east of the country. The Congolese army worked with a coalition of Congolese militia as well as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to fight against Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in North Kivu province between May and August 2022, the rights group says. Congolese army (FARDC) officers reportedly gave these armed groups sporadic support. Congolese army units are again resorting to the discredited and damaging practice of using abusive armed groups as their proxies, said Thomas Fessy, senior Congo researcher at Human Rights Watch. The Congolese government should end this support, which leads to military complicity in abuses, identify officers responsible, and hold them accountable. 'Patriotic' coalition Over the past year, HRW asserts that armed groups and at times, Congolese soldiers committed widespread abuses, including unlawful killing, sexual violence and theft, causing the security situation to deteriorate. In early May, leaders of several Congolese armed groups, some of them rivals, allegedly got together and formed a non-aggression pact, a so-called "patriotic" coalition to join forces against "the aggressor", M23. In addition, several Congolese army officers were in attendance. Reportedly two FDLR senior commanders were there too. Photos of this meeting were circulated, according to HRW. All of these armed groups are known human rights abusers in their strongholds. Human Rights Watch has previously documented widespread abuses by forces under the command of Guidon Shimiray Mwissa, leader of the Nduma Defense of Congo-Renovated militia], who remains under UN sanctions, said HRW in its statement. Congolese authorities have a warrant out for his arrest from 2019 for rape, child recruitment and insurrection. Abuse of civilians Eyewitnesses and fighters told Human Rights Watch that armed groups would force locals to help them with supplies. We try to avoid contact with them [the armed groups], but they have requested a contribution from every household for their survival, a man from Kabaya told HRW. It can be beans or even a cow for herders. Other abuse cases against civilians include at least three killings by FDLR fighters in May and July and two cases of rape by Congolese soldiers in July, according to HRW. The group further alleges that boxes of ammunition were provided by the FARDC to certain FDLR groups. The military has dismissed all of these accusations outright. The DRC is struggling to contain dozens of armed groups in the east, many of which are a legacy of two regional wars a quarter of a century ago. A flare-up of fighting in the east has revived decades-old animosities between Kinshasa and Kigali, with the DRC blaming Rwanda for a resurgence of the M23 ("March 23 Movement") militia. Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing the rebels, while both countries have accused each other of carrying out cross-border shelling. During a visit to Kigali in August, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Congolese and Rwandans to stop supporting armed groups. Meanwhile, Angolan General Joao Massone was appointed this month to head the ad hoc verification mechanism tasked by the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region with examining accusations that the DRC and Rwanda have made against each other. The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has kicked against the appointment of Dr Eric Nkansah as the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). The association says the new appointee is a banker who has no background in teaching. Therefore, they are unhappy with his appointment. Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday October 20, President of NAGRAT, Mr Angel Carbonou said teachers were hoping that a person who has background in education would be appointed in order to bring his or her expertise to bear. This appointment is an indication that there are no qualified teaching professionals to man education in Ghana, he said. Mr Carbonou indicated that they are annoyed and surprised by the appointment of Dr Nkansah. He said What annoyed and surprised all of us was that a new Director General has been appointed to the Ghana Education Service. The authority to appoint Director General of GES is the President of the land. Unfortunately, contrary to what the teacher unions indicated that, we will want a Director General who is a professional teacher, who has passed through the mill, who can bring his knowkdge, skills and influence to bear on the activities of teachers and non-teachers in the GES. Contrary to that, the gentlemen who was appointed yesterday is not a teacher, he is banking officer, who was a special assistant in the office of the Minister and has been appointed as the DG of the GES. We are not happy with this development, it is as of we dont have professionals and well educated people who have gone through the mill in education in this country to run education. READ ALSO: [Update] IGP Dampare takes over issue of police assault on Media General journalist President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday appointed Dr Eric Nkansah as the new Director-General of the GES. The appointment took effect on Wednesday October 19, 2022. I take this opportunity to congratulate you formally on your appointment. Kindly indicate your acceptance or otherwise of this appointment within 14 days of receipt of this letter, a statement signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante said. This appointment comes just a day after Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, was relieved of his post. Dated Monday, October 17, 2022, a letter indicated that the Ministry of Education has informed the Office of the President that the exigencies that required Prof Opoku-Amankwa's skills and expertise do not exist any longer. Accordingly, the President of the Republic has instructed that your secondment be terminated forthwith, and you are directed to return to your position at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology . ---3news.com The National Association of Graduate Teachers has asked President Akufo-Addo to immediately withdraw the appointment of Dr Eric Nkansah as the acting director-general of the Ghana Education Service. Dr Nkansahs appointment will be made permanent after the advice of the Governing Council of the GES and the Public Services Commission. A letter from the office of the president announcing his appointment said Dr Nkansah is expected to indicate his acceptance of the role within 14 days. He replaces Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa whose services, the government said, were no longer needed. However, the teacher unions say they are not happy with their new boos. The teacher unions started press conferences yesterday [Wednesday, 19 October 2022]. I did mine yesterday and this morning, my brothers in GNAT were supposed to do theirs until there was a development that annoyed and surprised all of us; that a new director-general has been appointed to the Ghana education service, the President of NAGRAT, Mr Angel Carbonu told journalists at a press conference. He said: The authority to appoint a director-general is the president of the land. Unfortunately, contrary to what the teacher unions indicated that we would want a director-general who is a professional teacher, who has passed through the mill, who can bring his knowledge, skills and influence to bear on the activities of teachers and non-teachers in the Ghana education service, contrary to that, the gentleman who was appointed yesterday, is not a teacher. He is a banking officer who was a special assistant in the office of the minister, and has been appointed as the director-general of the Ghana education service, he indicated. We are not happy with this development. It is as if we dont have professionals and well-educated people who have gone through the mill in education in this country, to run education, Mr Carbonu added. He bemoaned: It is as if we are being told that we, educationists in the Ghana education service, are not good to manage education in this country. We are calling on the president to rescind this decision; that the gentleman who has been appointed, is not qualified by any standard, to be the director-general of the Ghana education service. Mr Carbonu said Dr Nkansah is an outlier. If you look at the history of directors-general of the Ghana education service, they are either senior officers within the Ghana education service or professors from universities who have an education background and we can take them one after the other and youll see and know their credentials. The gentleman who has been appointed is qualified as a banking officer, who has done some small stints of teaching with Kumasi Polytechnic in those days. When the minister was appointed, he became a special assistant to the minister and does not have any credentials or qualification to be director-general of the Ghana education service. The union of teachers demanded the withdrawal of Dr Nkansahs appointment. We are calling for his removal, he is not qualified to be director-general of the Ghana education service and his presence will not motivate professionals who have been in this Service for more than 20 to 30 years and have risen to higher ranks within the Ghana education service. Source: ClassFMonline.com The Chamber of Pharmacy has warned that the pharmaceutical industry will soon collapse if the hardships in the country are not addressed. Addressing a press conference in Accra, chairman of the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, Harrison K. Abutiate lamented over the persisting hardships in the country, insisting that the constant depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi is making matters worse for industry players. The Pharmaceutical Industry is credit-driven. Public Sector pays on the average 6-12 months, because of delayed payments of the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS). Majority of private facilities make payments for all supplies within 3-4 months. In the current circumstances of daily devaluation of the cedi, its imperative to state that pharmaceutical supplies on credit under this time has led to erosion of operational capital of pharmaceutical importers and manufacturers, he told the media. According to Mr. Harrison K. Abutiate, many pharmaceutical companies risk shutting down or laying off staff very soon if things do not improve. In this regard, the Chamber of Pharmacy Ghana is calling on the Ministry of Finance to do its part to keep the pharmaceutical industry alive. On the industry front interest in continuous investment in official and pharmaceutical business is waning. Very soon a sizeable number of industry players may be forced to fold up or lay off staff. This becomes a dangerous recipe for criminals to engage in nefarious activities and flood the market with fake and sub-standard products just to compromise quality and efficacy of medicines, thereby putting the health of all Ghanaians at risk. The National Chamber of Pharmacy, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana, and the Pharmaceutical Importers and Wholesalers Association of Ghana, therefore call for an immediate action to save the industry. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning should release funds to immediately to pay for the long-standing debt of over 9 months and to push to clear all overdue debts, Mr. Harrison K. Abutiate noted. Around 30 people died in clashes between police and protesters in Chad on Thursday, the government said, as opponents of ruling general Mahamat Idriss Deby marked the day when he had initially promised to cede power. "A banned demonstration became an insurrection," spokesman Aziz Mahamat Saleh told AFP, saying that demonstrators in the capital N'Djamena had attacked public buildings. "There were about 30 deaths, including about ten among the security forces, and several injured," he said. Despite orders to stay away, hundreds of demonstrators had turned out to mark the date when the military junta that took power 18 months ago had originally promised to hand over power a spell that has now been extended for another two years. An AFP reporter saw five bodies on the floor of the city's Union Chagoua Hospital, two of which were covered with the Chadian national flag and three with bloodied white sheets. The head doctor, Joseph Ampil, later confirmed to AFP that five individuals had "died from gunshots" during the clashes. Palls of black smoke could be seen in some parts of the city and the crack of teargas grenades could be heard. Barricades were set up in several districts and tyres were set alight in the main avenues to block traffic. The headquarters of Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo's UNDR party was also attacked by demonstrators "and partially burned down", UNDR Vice President Celestin Topona told AFP. Violence in second city Clashes were also reported in Chad's second-biggest city, Moundou, where one activist told RFI that soldiers had fired on protesters. "Lots of people were wounded by bullets," he said. France, which ruled Chad as a colony until 1960, condemned the violence, which "notably [featured] the use of lethal weapons against demonstrators". "France is not playing any part in these events, which are lie strictly in Chad's domestic political domain," the foreign ministry said. "False information about France's purported involvement is baseless." Mahamat Deby, the son of long-time president Idriss Deby, took power in April 2021 after his father was killed in an operation against rebels. While he and his junta of 15 generals promised to hold democratic elections after 18 months which would have fallen on 20 October 2022 earlier this month they announced that a vote would not be held for another two years. In the meantime, Deby was sworn in as "transitional president". He has promised to form an unelected government of national unity. (With AFP) British Prime Minister Liz Truss announced Thursday her resignation as Conservative Party leader after just six weeks in power and said her successor would be elected by the end of next week. France's President Emmanuel Macron wishes the UK "a rapid return to stability." "I recognise that given the situation I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party," Truss said. A leadership election for MPs to select her successor will be "completed within the next week," she added. "It will be possible to conduct a ballot and conclude a leadership election by Friday the 28th of October. So we should have a new leader in place before the fiscal statement which will take place on (October) the 31st," Graham Brady, chairman of the influential 1922 Committee of backbench MPs, told reporters. "Rapid return to stability" France's President Emmanuel Macron wished Britain a rapid return to stability on Thursday as Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned after six weeks in office marred by political and economic chaos. Arriving at an EU summit, Macron said he would not comment on British domestic politics, but added: "It is important that Great Britain regains political stability very quickly, and that is all I wish." Relations between Paris and London have often been sour as Britain negotiated its divorce from the European Union, and threatened to get worse as Truss courted the hardline pro-Brexit wing of her party. During her campaign to be elected leader of the Conservative Party, and thus prime minister, Truss famously said that "the jury is out" on whether the French leader was a friend or foe of Britain. But there were also signs of a potential rapprochement on strategic issues, with Truss agreeing to attend the first summit in Prague of the Macron-inspired European Political Community. News of Truss's resignation broke as Macron was arriving at the EU summit in Brussels, and he was asked about it by reporters. Macron said that he had had several telephone calls with Truss during her brief time in office and had been glad to see her in Prague. "I want to say that France, as a nation and people who are friends of the British people, wishes them above all stability," he said, stressing the context of the war in Ukraine and energy price crisis. "But personally, I'm always sad to see a colleague leave in this way and what I want to say is that I wish stability can return soon." (With agencies) The Samburu people in northern Kenya's Marsabit county are pastoralists. They migrate from place to place in search of pasture and water for their cattle, goats, sheep and camels. As part of their lifestyle, Samburu boys go through an initiation period when they live in rock shelters, learning how to take care of their animals and how to become warriors. During this time the young warriors called lmurran express themselves by painting images on the rocks. This is one of very few ongoing rock art traditions in the world, but it has gained almost no attention among rock art researchers. Marsabit county in northern Kenya is a semi-desert which frequently experiences drought. Photo: Ebbe Westergren. Rock art has been made for more than 60,000 years and it exists on every continent except the Antarctic. Papua New Guinea and parts of Australia are among the few other places where new rock art is still being created, maintained or repainted like at the Samburu sites. Ancient rock art images offer glimpses of human thoughts and beliefs from times when no written records existed. But it is difficult to interpret these images since first hand information is lacking. The ongoing Samburu rock art tradition, therefore, presents a unique chance to know where, when and why rock art was created. Linnaeus University in Sweden and the University of Western Australia initiated a community-led project together with the Samburu to learn about this tradition. The first outcome of the project were recently published in our research paper . Rock art researchers tend to think about images as representing rituals and myths. In contrast, our project has revealed that the current Samburu rock art tradition commemorates real-life events and is made as a leisure activity. Samburu warriors and rock art At the age of 15, Samburu boys leave their villages and go through initiation rituals which mark the passing from childhood to warriorhood. During the two month initiation period they learn about their protective duties. As young warriors, lmurran move from camp to camp and live in rock shelters or caves where they eat, relax, dance and sometimes arrange feasts. It is during these stays at the rock shelters that they create rock art. Lmurran warriors. Photo: Ebbe Westergren. The images they paint commemorate real-life events related to the warrior life-world and they express the wishes and expectations of the young men. It may be an animal they have seen or hunted, or a girl back home in the village. Dancing is an important part of Samburu culture and some paintings depict boys and girls dancing together. Lererin Lempate and Sania Lempate at a rock art site close to Ngurunit community. Photo: Ebbe Westergren. The images are made using red, white, yellow and black paint. Before the arrival of Europeans in the 1940s the artists preferred a pigment of red ochre, which was also used for smearing their hair and bodies. The white colour was animal fat, which turns light when it dries. To make black paint they used charcoal. As a binder, all pigments were mixed with fat from slaughtered animals. Today, commercial paint is also used along with more traditional pigments. When speaking to Samburu today, they often downplay the importance of rock art. The paintings are not talked about but are done for leisure. By interviewing current and former lmurran we found out that they were well aware of rock art sites made by previous generations. The oldest rock art the elders remembered was more than 150 years old. When visiting the rock art sites we saw an intriguing relationship between rock art made by different generations of warriors. Present warriors are inspired by older art, but add their own memories and style, and sometimes also the names of the artists. The images become an inter-generational visual culture that reflects and recreates a warrior identity and lifestyle. Samburu visual culture and rock art research Another thing we learned from Samburu rock art is that the artists always have specific people, animals and objects in mind when making their drawings. This is not clearly expressed in the drawings as they lack identifying details. Studying the images doesn't reveal the artist's intention: you need to talk to the artist to understand what they wanted their art to express. Many of the artworks reflect first hand experiences of the warriors. Lmapili Lengewa and Leramis Lengewa with paintings of Lmapili's brothers made in 2005. Photo: Ebbe Westergren. One example comes from Mount Ng'iro at South Horr. Here at least five generations of lmurran have created rock art. The most recent was created by two older brothers of a participant in our research, Lmapili Lengewa (26). The brothers, Lpalani and Lejinai, were around 20 and 16 respectively when they made the paintings. Lmapili was present when the paintings were created, although he was too young at the time to be an lmurran. The brothers learned from studying older paintings, but their paintings were made to commemorate what they had experienced as newly inducted lmurran. A bull figure, for example, depicts a bull they slaughtered and ate. At the time there were about five or six people in the shelter; most of them focused on preparing the food, while the two brothers created rock art. While there are indeed many rituals in Samburu culture, rock art is not part of such practices. Certainly there are norms guiding the creation of the rock art, but the artist is free to express himself as long as the images reflect young men's experiences. Being able to hear the artist's own reflections, perspectives and stories about specific paintings is a unique opportunity for rock art researchers globally. Our ongoing community-led project aims to learn more about Samburu lmurran life-worlds and to bring their stories to the world, also benefiting the local Samburu communities. Joakim Goldhahn holds the Rock Art Australia Ian Potter Kimberley Chair at the Centre of Rock Art Research + Management at the University of Western Australia. This project is funded by the Swedish Institute, Creative Force. Currently Linnaeus University, LNU, Kalmar, Sweden is running a two-year community building project, together with Empower Northern Frontier, ENF, an NGO in northern Kenya, on Samburu rock art, a unique heritage. The persons involved in the project are I, Peter, Joakim and Sada from LNU and Steven and Muchemi Njeru from ENF. The project is funded by the Swedish Institute, Creative Force. Peter Skoglund is working together with the NGO Empower the Northern Frontier (ENF) in a community-based project on Samburu rock art. He receives funding from The Swedish Institute. Steven Longoida Labarakwe is working together with the NGO Empower the Northern Frontier (ENF) in a community-based project on Samburu rock art. He receives funding from The Swedish Institute. Sada Mire does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. By Joakim Goldhahn, Rock Art Australia Ian Potter Kimberley Chair, The University of Western Australia And Ebbe Westergren, Honorary Fellow, Linnaeus University And Peter Skoglund, Professor in Archaeology, Linnaeus University And Sada Mire, Associate Professor in Archaeology, Leiden University And Steven Longoida Labarakwe, Director of Empower the Northern Frontier, Linnaeus University Sam Matekane, Lesotho's new prime minister has the daunting job of restoring public trust in politics and government. - Source: Molise Molise/AFP via Getty Images 20.10.2022 LISTEN The southern African kingdom of Lesotho went to the polls on 7 October 2022 . Or at least some of its voters did. Turnout was at an all-time low of 38% of registered voters. Many are expressing discontent with politics in Lesotho by refusing to participate . Those that did come out were in an anti-incumbent mood. This turnout was almost 10 percentage points below the 47% who voted in the last elections in 2017 . Sam Ntsokoane Matekane , a wealthy businessman who has never been engaged formally in politics before this year, emerged as the new prime minister. At 64, he's much younger than the men who have hitherto dominated politics in Lesotho Tom Thabane was 81 when he was forced to resign in 2020 after being charged with the murder of his ex-wife; Pakalitha Mosisili was 72 when he left office for the last time in 2017. Only Moeketsi Majoro (60), whom Matekane succeeds, is younger than him. Matekane's Revolution for Prosperity, a party formed only in March , won 56 seats out of 120 in parliament. He combined with two smaller parties, the Movement for Economic Change and the Alliance of Democrats, to form a governing coalition . All the parties that had been in the last parliament lost some seats. The All Basotho Convention , the party occupying the prime minister's office from 2017 to 2022, fell from 48 seats to eight. The last parliament failed to pass a series of political and security reforms . Those bills would have ended parliamentary representation for tiny parties and curbed the power of the prime minister. The prime minister's power to appoint the judiciary, for one thing, means that Basotho perceive politics as a rigged game in favour of those with power and connections . Voters hope Matekane's coalition will prioritise passing reforms. Read more: Lesotho elections: newcomers score impressive win, but politics will still be unstable Matekane's victory is, perhaps, Lesotho's last and best chance to actually enact the political reforms that will allow the country to move forward from a decade of political malaise and non-governance. Voters are tired of the old politicians and their unwillingness and inability to solve the pressing problems of poverty, crumbling infrastructure and social service under-investment. Hope amid disillusion While Matekane's party won a majority of the directly elected seats, it still polled under 40% of the total vote . This is because Lesotho, a country of about 2.1 million people, has 65 registered political parties . No party can command a majority. This has led in the recent past (2012-2022) to ever-shifting coalitions and repeated changes of government. Hence, general disillusionment . The election turfed out many established politicians, with only the main opposition Democratic Congress reaching double-digit numbers of parliamentary seats. Read more: Why Lesotho's in such a mess and what can be done about it The Revolution for Prosperity party poached a few established politicians to run, but largely relies on the rags-to-riches story of founder Matekane for its appeal. One of 14 children in his family, he was born in a rural village in the mountains near the town of Mantsonyane. He left school before completing secondary education and built a business empire. Starting in road construction and mining transport, the company diversified into real estate, aviation and more. Matekane himself kept a low profile for many years, but in the past few years has increased his public visibility through charitable giving and as chair of a private sector group working to get more COVID-19 vaccinations to Lesotho. Matekane will be challenged to work within a parliamentary system where he, as prime minister, will have plenty of power but not absolute control as he did in business. The art of compromise will be one he needs to master, and quickly. Read more: What Lesotho can teach Eswatini and South Africa about key political reforms He has come to office saying the right things about ending corruption, making government more transparent, and reforming a political system prone to gridlock and quick shifts of government. If he manages to finally pass the national reforms that stalled in the last parliament, the weary electorate in Lesotho will likely reward his party handsomely. If, however, his party falls into infighting, the electorate could continue to lose hope in democracy as a means of governance . Headwinds The party's inability to win an outright majority means another coalition. Its partner Alliance of Democrats is led by long-time politician Monyane Moleleki , who said in April that he had made Matekane by steering his companies' government contracts. The other coalition party, the Movement for Economic Change , is led by Selibe Mochoboroane , who currently faces treason charges related to the 2014 coup attempt. Both leaders are seen as linked with the fractious coalition politics of the 2012-2022 period. Some Basotho are disappointed that Matekane had to include them in government. The bigger question is whether the Revolution for Prosperity party can push through amendments to the constitution. They were mandated by the Southern African Development Community after repeated attempts to settle Lesotho's political feuds dragged on for much of 2017-2022 . The last parliament then failed to pass them . They would have limited the power of parties and individual members of parliament. The new coalition promised to quickly pass them. Its popularity, somewhat ironically, will rest on curbing its own powers. Read more: South Africa's efforts to stabilise Lesotho have failed. Less intervention may be more effective No matter what the government does, the Lesotho populace is hurting from the continued effects of the COVID pandemic. The border shutdown during the pandemic meant hardship for much of the population which is still largely dependent on migrant labour to South Africa. The textile factories in Maseru have retrenched around 20,000 workers, leaving only about 30,000 employed there now. There are few other secondary industries. Government is the major employer, and Matekane said he would bring austerity to the national government. Daunting task Unable to change the country's fundamental vulnerability to shifts in the global and regional economy, Matekane has few economic levers to pull. He will have to rely on his own personal persuasiveness. Even more difficult, he needs to get parliamentarians to limit their own personal power, and convince citizens he has changed the system. Read more: Zakes Mda on his latest novel, set in Lesotho's musical gang wars Many Basotho put their faith in the local champion from Mantsonyane who beat the odds to become the country's richest man. His term as prime minister could bring about a more stable and better-governed Lesotho. John Aerni-Flessner does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. By John Aerni-Flessner, Associate Professor of African History, Michigan State University 20.10.2022 LISTEN Labour Consultant, Mr. Austin Gamey has opined that this is not the time to point fingers or play blame games on how Ghanas economy has deteriorated to this level. In his view, it is important that as a country, Ghanaians come together to share ideas on how to deal with the mess to address the hardships in the country. Speaking to TV3 in an interview, Mr. Austin Gamey proposed that the government should organise a national forum for people from all walks of life to contribute to the way forward. Clearly, at this point in time, it is not just the normal meeting but it is about going to a national tripartite committee. Talking about the importance of the national economy as it affects working people in the country, it is not only public sector workers but all working people are suffering. I think that it is important that they go to that meeting and let every card be faced up, Mr. Austin Gamey shared. The labour expert continued, Just like it happened in Ho during the time of the former President Mahama, culminating into Senchi, I think it is very important that we open up space for a good conversation about what is happening in the economy. Let us not immediately be troubled about who did what and who did not do what, let us get to the meeting and have extreme frank meeting. The call for a national forum to deliberate on how to address the economic mess of the country is an idea many thinks can work for the country. It is, however, an avenue yet to be explored by the government as it is now focused on reaching a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a support proogramme to revive the economy. The Ashanti Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described President Akufo-Addos tour of the region as disappointingly underwhelming. The opposition party claims that the President toured the region in a convoy of nearly 70 V8s just to inspect and commission mediocre projects. Distinguished friends from the media, it goes without saying that President Akufo Addos latest tour of his favourite political backyard was nothing short of underwhelming. With nothing by way of any worthy accomplishments, President Akufo-Addo went about inspecting and commissioning mediocre and mundane projects which ordinarily should be the work of DCEs and other government officials. To imagine that the President was driven in a convoy of nearly 70 V8s to commission a magistrate court building at Toase, sums up what miserable spectacle of a tour it was, Nurudeen Abass, the Regional Communications Director of the NDC told the media at a press conference. According to the NDC Ashanti Regional Communications Director, President Akufo-Addo has very little to show for all his unprecedented borrowing and the huge votes he enjoys from the people of the region. He added that due to the failed promises the President and the NPP are gradually losing their popularity in the Ashanti Region. Indeed, the popularity of the New Patriotic Party and President Akufo-Addo for that matter is so low in their own stronghold that they have resorted to emulating the NDCs hugely successful membership drive in the Ashanti Region in order to try and revive their sinking fortunes. For a party that garnered as much as 1.8 million votes out of a total of 2.5 million valid votes cast in the 2020 elections to be conducting a membership registration drive in their supposed comfort zone two years down, is clear indication of their waning popularity in the region, Nurudeen Abass argued. Young demonstrators clashed with security forces in the Guinean capital on Thursday after an outlawed opposition group defied a ban on protests to rally against the country's ruling junta. The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), which called the protest in Conakry, said five people had suffered gunshot wounds, one of whom was in a critical condition. There was no immediate corroboration of this toll from other sources. The West African country has been under military government since a September 2021 coup that ousted President Alpha Conde after more than ten years in power. An alliance of political parties, trade unions and civil groups, the FNDC spearheaded protests against Conde before his ouster. It was officially dissolved in August by the junta-appointed government, which has also banned all demonstrations. Amnesty International called the move "a serious infringement of the freedoms of association and peaceful assembly recognised by the Guinean Constitution", noting that the FNDC's protests were typically peaceful but had been met with excessive force. More protests planned At least five people were killed at rallies organized by the FNDC over the summer, as security forces reportedly cracked down on people defying the protest ban. The coalition had called for peaceful demonstrations to take place in Conakry on Thursday, followed by nationwide protests on 26 October. It is pushing for a rapid return to civilian rule and the release of prisoners that it says have been detained for political reasons. Military leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya has appointed himself president and undertaken to restore civilian rule within three years. The unrest coincides with a visit to the country by the West African bloc Ecowas, which on 24 September gave Guinea a month to propose a new timeframe, or else face a tightening of sanctions that it has imposed. (With AFP) 20.10.2022 LISTEN The President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Edward Asante, has come under immense criticism in Nigeria over a directive he gave to the Human Resource Manager of the court to dismiss the Director of Administration and Finance without recourse to due process. According to News reports in Nigeria monitored by ghananewsonline.com.gh, the Akufo-Addo appointee acted contrary to Article 59 (a) of the ECOWAS Staff Regulation by directing the Director of Administration to issue an alleged termination notice by way of an internal memo which he has no power to do aside the fact that the case is pending in its court. "As Nigerian, repositioning ourselves among the nations within the sub-regional level is very key. Because the way our citizens are being treated is not a good one in the ECOWAS institutions," one of the reports noted. The content of the memo available to ghananewsonline.com.gh is captioned "No ACCESS to Office" with an instruction that the Director should submit his end-of-service form and other properties of the court to the Human Resource Manager and would not have access to his office henceforth. Other media reports monitored by this portal indicate that the President of the ECOWAS Court seems to be acting above the law and is dragging the Court into disrepute despite his tenure being extended pending when the rightful judges will be nominated, yet he allegedly does not want the EA attache to the Nigerian Judge to also enjoy along side with his principal whose tenure was also extended until the Judges who own the seat from the Junta ruled ECOWAS countries are nominated. The news reports further stated that since the regional body is under the law, it will be expedient for the ECOWAS Commission President and Nigeria authorities to call him to order as his conducts lately call for questioning and that there is an express provision in Article 22(2) of the 1991 protocol on the Court that forbids the Commission and ECOWAS institutions from taking any steps that may frustrate the settlement of a matter that is already before the court. The report also asserted that the EA has a case on this matter filed on 29th September seeking an interim injunction to maintain the status quo until a proper interpretation of the council's decision extending the tenure of the three Judges. The President of the Court ought to respect the law if he expects community citizens to obey any judgement emanating from the ECOWAS court. "Nigeria authorities need to rise up to Ghanian oppression of Nigerian citizens," the report concluded. Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh Former President John Dramani Mahama has donated GHS1,380,000 to support the conduct of constituency elections coming off this weekend. The donation was made today Thursday, October 20 in a statement issued by Sammy Gyamfi, the Communication Director of NDC. From the donation, each of the 138 orphan constituencies of the party will be given GHS10,000. The party has expressed its gratitude to the 2020 Presidential candidate of the party for his continuous support of the NDC. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) approved guidelines for the Partys constituency, regional, and national elections. About 7,900 executives are expected to be elected in a total of 876 elections at the constituency, regional, and national elections. The Partys Branch elections was held in about 29,000 branches of the party across the country. Per the guidelines, the party will hold its Constituency elections between October 22 and 23, 2022, while the regional elections would be held between November 12 and 13, 2022. The National Congress will be held on December 17, 2022. Young protesters clashed on Thursday with security forces in the Guinean capital Conakry after a banned group called for demonstrations against the country's ruling junta, an AFP reporter saw. The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), which had called the protest, said some 20 people had been injured, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds. It said one of the injured was in a critical condition and numerous arrests had been made. Protest organisers claim some 20 people have been injured. By CELLOU BINANI (AFP) No official confirmation of this information has been made. The poor but mineral-rich West African state has been under military government since a September 2021 coup that ousted president Alpha Conde after more than 10 years in power. An alliance of political parties, trade unions and civil groups, the FNDC spearheaded protests against Conde before his ouster. It was officially dissolved in August by the junta-appointed government. The coalition had called for peaceful demonstrations to take place in Conakry on Thursday, followed by nationwide protests on October 26. "Despite an unprecedented mobilisation of the (junta's) repressive apparatus, Guineans have massively responded this Thursday to the call" to protest, the FNDC said in a statement. An alliance of political parties, trade unions and civil groups is pushing for a rapid return to civilian rule. By CELLOU BINANI (AFP) It is pushing for a rapid return to civilian rule and the release of prisoners that it says have been detained for political reasons. Military leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya has appointed himself president and undertaken to restore civilian rule within three years. The unrest coincides with a visit to the country by the West African bloc ECOWAS, which on September 24 gave Guinea a month to propose a new timeframe, or else face a tightening of sanctions that it has imposed. Malawi on Thursday unearthed four more bodies following the grim discovery of a grave containing the remains of 25 men suspected to be Ethiopian migrants, police said. The latest finds were made at four separate locations some two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the mass grave, bringing the toll so far to 29. The dead are suspected to be migrants heading for South Africa -- the continent's most industrialised economy and a magnet for poor workers from elsewhere on the continent. "Malawi is a country of transit for migrants from the Horn of Africa travelling along what is known as the Southern Route from as far north as Ethiopia in a bid to reach South Africa in search of employment," said the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It said in a statement that the latest tragedy highlighted the "urgent need" to tackle the complexities of irregular migration. "Irregular migration along the Southern Route facilitated by an intricate network of smugglers and traffickers is fraught with danger," the IOM wrote. Investigators found the four bodies while combing the area, police spokesman Peter Kalaya told AFP. Villagers in the northern area of Mzimba, about 250 kilometres north of the capital Lilongwe, stumbled on the mass grave while collecting wild honey in a forest earlier this week. Police said evidence gathered from the site on Wednesday indicated the 25 victims were Ethiopian males aged between 25 and 40. Kalaya said that between January and September this year, authorities had intercepted 221 illegal immigrants, 186 of whom were Ethiopians. 20.10.2022 LISTEN The Asante Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced a 24-year-old mason for stealing 21 bags of cement. Cephas Apoyagra, who admitted entering Mr Peter Osei, the complainant's premise to steal the 21 bags of cement, was convicted on his own plea and sentenced to 120 penalty unit. Apoyagra's failure to pay the GHS1,440.00 would result in his imprisonment for 24 months in hard labour. Giving the account, Police Chief Inspector Christian Amartey told the Court presided over by Mr Mark Tair-ima Diboro that Mr Osei was constructing his building at Akwaduo New Site, where Apoyagra resided. He said on October 02, 2022, after the complainant and his co-workers had closed from work, they packed the rest of the 21 bags of cement for safe keeping in one of the rooms of the uncompleted building in which they were working. Chief Inspector Amartey said after the complainant and his co-workers left the place, the convict, Apoyagra hired a tricycle to the place, where he loaded the 21 bags of cement into the tricycle and sent them to his uncle's residence. The next day, at about 0700 hours the complainant and his co-workers reported for work and detected that the bags of cement had been stolen. The prosecution said the Complainant made enquiries and was told by a witness in the case that he saw Apoyagra conveying the bags of cement from the uncompleted building. The Complainant then lodged a formal complaint with the Police, the Court heard. Chief Inspector Amartey said on October 4, 2022, the Complainant arrested the suspect from his hideout and handed him over to the Police, where the convict admitted the crime in his cautioned statement. He said Apoyagra then led the Police to retrieve the stolen items and after an investigation, he was arraigned. GNA An appeal has been made by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources for mining companies to develop local capacities in the mining industry value chain. Speakinig at the Ghana Chamber of Mines' 5th National conference on human resource management in the mining industry, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor said the Government considers this as crucial hence has enacted the Minerals and Mining Act (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2431) to among other things, develop local capacities in the mining sector through education, skills transfer and expertise development, transfer of technology and development programmes. He therefore charged mining companies to take the localisation programme very serious and ensure strict compliance to ensure that we build adequate capacity across the value chain. The theme for the 2-day conference was Transforming people management for sustainable mining industry in Ghana". This the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources who is also a Member of Parliament for Damango said is in sync with the mission statement of the Chamber, to use resources and capabilities of its members to deliver services to government and community needs to enhance sustainable development. He again reminded that the mining industry, is associated with many risks hence motivation and fair treatment are key for the workforce who he said constitute the backbone of the success of mining companies. He added that for the workers to give out their best it is important for Human Resource Departments to work closely with workers unions to build consensus and strive towards organisational objectives together. Chamber of Mines must play active role in the fight against illegal mining Hon Abu Jinapor seized the opportunity to admonish the Chamber of Mines to play more active role in the fight against illegal mining. He further stated that Government is taking all the necessary measures to come to grips with the menace. "Apart from its negative environmental impacts, illegal mining, also, affects your operations and indeed, your employees. The occasional clashes between illegal miners and your employees will be a thing of the past if we join hands together to deal with illegal mining and develop our mining communities," he stated. Chamber of Mines takes steps to support human capital development - Dr. Koney The Chief Executive officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines Dr. Suleiman Koney on his part revealed that the Chamber has taken steps to support the human capital development of the mining industry. He said the Chamber has handed over 804,000 dollars research grant to six faculty members and five postgraduate students at the George Grant University of Mines and Technology at Tarkwa to conduct research into the mining industry. He said this was the second tranche of support to the University with a total of 1.3 million Ghana cedis grants dedicated to research into the mining industry. Dr. Koney further emphasised that the mining industry can only be productive and sustainable with a conference of research as well as attraction, retention and nurturing of talents with the right skills. Radical rethink needed to attract, retain and nurture talents in the mining sector- Eric Asubonteng The immediate past President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the current Managing Director of Anglogold Ashanti, Eric Asubonteng has called for a radical rethink of the mining sector's approach to attracting, retaining and nurturing talents in the industry. He said the effects of COVID-19 and the Russian- Ukraine war have impacted the mining sector's supply chain and for that matter the mining sector players need to be proactive in their strategies and strengthen the employee's value chain proposition. Citing the EY' report on the top 10 risks in 2023 for the mining and metal industries, he said it was identified that the current talent shortage in the industry is the worst as skills and experienced ones retire and resign. Replacing them, he added requires a critical rethink on attraction, retention and nurturing of talents. Chad's government announced an overnight curfew on Thursday and said deadly clashes between police and demonstrators protesting the military's grip on power claimed around 50 lives. Hundreds of demonstrators turned out in the capital N'Djamena and elsewhere on Thursday to mark the date when the military had initially promised to hand over power -- a spell that has been extended for another two years. Chadian Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo updated the official death toll to around 50 on Thursday night, saying most fatalities occurred in N'Djamena and the cities of Moundou and Koumra, while more than 300 people were injured. A curfew between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am (1700 GMT and 0500 GMT) would remain in place until the "total restoration of order" in the hotspots of unrest, he added. Kebzabo also announced the "suspension of all activity" of some opposition groups, vowing the return of order across the country. The government had previously put the death toll at 30, including 10 members of the security forces. "A banned demonstration became an insurrection," government spokesman Aziz Mahamat Saleh told AFP. He accused demonstrators of attacking "public buildings", including the offices of the governor, the headquarters of the prime minister's party and that of the speaker of parliament. An AFP reporter saw five bodies on the floor of the city's Union Chagoua Hospital, two of which were covered with the Chadian national flag and three with bloodied white sheets. The head doctor, Joseph Ampil, later confirmed to AFP that five individuals had "died from gunshots". Palls of black smoke could be seen in some parts of the city and the sound of teargas grenades could be heard. Barricades were set up in several districts and tyres were set alight in the main avenues to block traffic. In an opposition stronghold, streets were deserted and littered with tree branches and piles of bricks. Schools and university establishments were closed, and many traders in the city centre shuttered their stores. The violence comes on the heels of a national forum organised by military strongman Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. By - (AFP) The headquarters of Kebzabo's UNDR party was also attacked by demonstrators "and partially burned down", UNDR Vice President Celestin Topona told AFP. France, Chad's former colonial power, condemned the violence, noting it featured "the use of lethal weapons against demonstrators". "France is not playing any part in these events, which lie strictly in Chad's domestic political domain," the foreign ministry said. Moussa Faki Mahamat, head of the African Union Commission, posted a tweet to "firmly condemn the repression" of the protests and call for peaceful ways to overcome the country's "crisis". The United Nations said it "deplored the lethal use of force" and called for an investigation into reported human rights violations. Key date The violence comes on the heels of a national forum organised by military strongman Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno that extended his stay in power. The 38-year-old five-star general took over in April 2021 after his iron-fisted father, Idriss Deby Itno, in power for three decades, was killed during an operation against rebels. Chad. By (AFP) The younger Deby has since angered many at home and embarrassed backers abroad by staying in power beyond his initially promised deadline, which would have expired on Thursday. "They're firing on us. They are killing our people," Succes Masra, whose Transformers party was among groups that had called the protest, said on Twitter. "The Soldiers of the one-and-only General who refused to honour his word and on the day when the 18 months are up -- this is how he intends to install the (Deby) dynasty." Deby's junta had originally declared it would restore civilian rule after 18 months in power and he initially promised not to take part in elections that would follow. The younger Deby has angered many at home and embarrassed backers abroad by staying in power beyond his initially promised deadline. By Denis Sassou Gueipeur (AFP) But as this deadline neared, a nationwide forum staged by Deby reset the clock. On October 1, the conference approved a new "maximum" 24-month timeframe for holding elections. It also named Deby "transitional president" and declared he could be a candidate in the poll. Deby was sworn in on October 10, and later appointed a so-called government of national union headed by Kebzabo, a 75-year-old former journalist and one-time opposition figure. One protester, Abass Mahamat, 35, said he had chosen to voice his anger at "this facade of a dialogue which entrenches the system". "In 31 years, we haven't seen any positive change in our country." The vast, arid Sahel state has had a long history of coups and political turmoil since it gained independence from France in 1960. 20.10.2022 LISTEN The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has tagged former President John Dramani Mahama as the worst-performing President in terms of infrastructural development in the Ashanti Region. The NPP at a press conference on Thursday October 20, 2022 at Kumasi described Mr Mahama as the most "wicked President for starving the Ashanti Region of development. The Communications Director for the Ashanti Region, Dennis Kwakwa maintained that John Mahama should be solely held responsible for the recent outcry by some residents in the region over low infrastructural projects. Touching on education, Dennis Kwakwa said the Akufo-Addo lead government has embarked on over 207 different school projects in the Ashanti Region. "Putting the free Senior High School policy aside, the NPP's development drive in the education sector alone is unparalleled compared to the mediocre projects the NDC claimed to have done. "Mr Mahama who claimed to have outperformed President Akufo-Addo could only manage just 29 school projects across the country which culminated in only 696 classrooms but the underperforming NPP government has constructed 69 three unit classroom blocks, 175 six unit classroom blocks, one eight unit classroom blocks, 193 twelve unit classroom blocks, 11 eighteen unit classroom blocks totaling 3744 classrooms for the Ashanti Region alone in just four years, and we believe the good people of the region are the better judges," he stated. Mr Kwakwa however said this calculation is done without adding the ongoing works on the creative arts school at Kwadaso, J.A Kufuor Model School at Dabaa and other STEM schools in the Bosomtwe Constituency. Let me add without equivocation that [the NDC is] the government that has proven to be the greatest political scam in the history of the 4th Republic as far as we the people in the Ashanti are concerned," he stressed. He commended President Akufo-Addo for putting the Ashanti Region at heart by providing the needed infrastructure to enhance the livelihood of the people. AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Ghana has described as false reports that some illegal miners were trapped underground at its Obuasi Mine, in the Ashanti Region. Authorities and my security personnel have conducted a patrol of underground workings in the northern area of the Mine and are not aware of anyone remaining underground, the international mining company affirmed. A statement issued by AGA Ghana, copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Accra, however, confirmed the arrest of 11 illegal miners by the authorities on Tuesday, October 18, after exiting underground workings at the Obuasi Mine. Any unauthorised persons who may still be underground are encouraged to leave the Mine at any time by the exit points where public security personnel are stationed, the statement noted. It said intrusion of illegal miners into the company's underground workings remained a significantly dangerous activity and AngloGold Ashanti Ghana will work alongside authorities to ensure that only authorised mine personnel and contractors can access underground work areas. The company indicated that the safety of staff, security and community members remained a priority. GNA A political analyst and a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Mr Jonathan Asante Okyere has said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is likely to lose its votes in the 2024 general elections. According to him, this is because of comments made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo this week. The President while speaking to OTEC FM in an interview earlier this week was asked to respond to threats from residents of Kwabre who are crying for their road to be fixed. In response, the President said they can decide to vote for whoever they want because he is not frightened by their threats. No problem. I am saying people make those kinds of threats; me they dont frighten me. If you decide to vote for the NDC in the general election, it is your choice and that is not my problem. No one will force you to vote for someone, President AKufo-Addo said. Speaking to Kasapa FM in an interview, Political Scientist Jonathan Asante Okyere indicated that such comments have the potential to affect the chances of the NPP in the 2024 general elections. In his view, already, things do not look good for the ruling party due to the economic mess which has subjected Ghanaians to severe hardship. The President didnt need to say that, these things are going to affect the electoral fortunes of the party, its obvious. The fact is that the economic quagmire the country finds itself in will not make the NPP retain power in 2024. It is even going to become more difficult for the party based on the fact that the President is disrespecting people who have stood solidly behind the NPP over the years, Mr. Jonathan Asante Okyere shared. The political analyst further questioned, Is President Akufo-Addo doing this deliberately or out of frustration? Or its his arrogant nature that we already know about him that is now on full display publicly just because hes had his two terms. If it is frustration, we can pardon him, but if its deliberate then hes scuttling the chances of those NPP aspirants who want to lead the party to victory in 2024. 20.10.2022 LISTEN The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) says unprecedented projects by President Akufo-Addo dotted across the Ashanti Region have dazed National Democratic Congress (NDC). The NPP at a press conference in Kumasi on Thursday October 20 said the NDC out of jealousy has resorted to spewing lies that President Akufo-Addo has neglected the Ashanti Region in its development agenda. The press conference by the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the NPP, Denis Kwalwa comes after the four-day tour of the Ashanti Region by President Akufo-Addo where he commissioned and cut sod for major projects in the region. Dennis Kwakwa during his address said the region had benefitted immensely from projects including hospitals, roads, airport, markets, schools among others, adding that it will go a long way to enhance the livelihood of the people. "The Ashanti Region is experiencing massive transformation since President Akufo-Addo's NPP took over the reins of leadership and the NDC realising they are no match for the president's effort has now resulted to churning lies to score cheap political points," he stated. In comparing records of which political party has helped in the development of the region, Kwalwa stated that under the Akufo-Addo administration, a total of 264 kilometres of roads have been completed by the urban roads department compared to the 75 kilometres constructed by the NDC in eight years. He added that 295 kilometres of urban roads have been constructed by the Akufo-Addo lead administration in six years while only 51.40 kilometres were completed by the NDC in eight years. On health, he said the NPP government has constructed 32 hospitals with 16 under the Agenda 111 initiative, the 100-bed capacity Trauma Hospital at Obuasi, Okomfo Another Maternity ward among others. He called on the public to always ignore claims by the NDC that the NPP has done nothing for the Ashanti Region. President Nana Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo has assured of government's resolve to retrieve all public lands that have been encroached upon across the country. He said government was prepared to take the necessary steps to reclaim the lands to be used for the intended development purposes for which they were legally acquired. The President issued the caution while responding to an appeal by the Management of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) when he addressed the 60th Anniversary grand durbar on Thursday. In the case of the UCC, President Akufo-Addo observed that almost one third of the Universitys lands had been lost to encroachers, describing it as unfortunate and unacceptable. I am saddened by this state of affairs, especially because it is happening in Cape Coast of all places, the cradle of Ghana's education, he said. He, therefore, called on the chiefs and all stakeholders to immediately cease further sales of the universitys land to ensure its advancement through a raft of planned development projects. We must begin to see the university not only as a national asset and an asset for the Central Region but, most importantly, as an asset for the people of Cape Coast in particular. Established in October 1962, UCC launched its 60th Anniversary on Thursday, April 21, this year, on the theme: 60 Years of Quality Higher Education, Expanding the Frontiers. The university started with an initial intake of 165 with two programmes in Arts and Sciences in 1962. It currently has more than 74,000 students pursuing 425 programmes of study including Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery, and Optometry. The anniversary is to celebrate its achievements and impact on Ghana and the globe in its 60 years of existence and reflect on its setbacks to re-strategise for higher feat. The six-month-long celebration was marked by a number of activities including professorial and memorial lectures, health walks, college days. The rest were media engagements, Chancellor's Day, games and sporting activities, alumni homecoming, and awards and dinner night. The colourful durbar, which crowned the celebration, was attended by hundreds of stakeholders including, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament and delegations from partner universities. Minutes before the durbar, the President commissioned selected projects in the university including the School of Graduate Studies building, a six-storey guesthouse, and the School of Medical Sciences Laboratory and its Administration Block. President Akufo-Addo commended UCC for its impact on education, business, agriculture and medicine and for blessing Ghana with a good number of competent personalities across all fields. He commended Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Vice-Chancellor, for providing leadership to produce entrepreneurs in the face of complaints that universities were not producing enough practical-oriented graduates fit for the world of work. I assure you that government will do everything possible to ensure that this vision is realised not only at the UCC but also within the broader spectrum of our tertiary educational landscape, he said. Indeed, this is the way to go if our university education is to remain relevant and continue to contribute to our national development. He charged the institution to remain pure and unadulterated in the provision of quality academic and intellectual discourse to find solutions to the complex problems across borders and disciplines. Touching on the hardships bedevilling the Ghanaian economy, the President urged citizens to be patriotic and determined in unison to enable the country to surmount the difficulties hindering its journey towards prosperity. Dr Sir Sam Jonah, the Chancellor of the UCC, urged all universities in Ghana to take active steps to wean themselves off government subvention if they were to remain relevant. He observed that with the proliferation of tertiary educational institutions in Ghana, it was unsustainable for universities to rely on government's scarce resources. To maintain academic excellence and remain relevant, universities must find creative and innovative strategies for accessing funding. We should think out of the box in designing our fundraising initiatives. In this regard, we should tap into the alumni we have across the world, he said. We must actively pursue public private partnership not only to expand infrastructure but also to increase the numbers of faculty staff. This calls for us to be even more entrepreneurial. Touting the achievements of the UCC, Prof Boampongexpressed pride in the university being adjudged the 'Best University in Ghana and West Africa and Fourth in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings' for the second consecutive time. He described the feat as unprecedented in the history of any university in Ghana, which demonstrated its contribution to education and impact on research in Ghana. He said the authorities had undertaken a raft of initiatives including the construction of edifices to improve teaching and learning and enhance the quality of graduates produced. Prof Boampong appealed to the President to give the school clearance to recruit new academic staff to improve academic work. He observed that government's Free Senior High School policy had resulted in a significant increase in class sizes for which reason new lecturers were needed to lessen the burden on the overstretched academic staff. He commended successive governments for their contribution to the growth of the University and pledged its resolve to continue to contribute to national development. GNA ASX BNPL firm Zip Co Limited [ASX:Z1P] released its September quarterly results on Thursday, with revenue up 19% year on year to $163.2 million. ASX BNPL firm Zip Co Limited [ASX:Z1P] released its September quarterly results on Thursday, with revenue up 19% year on year to $163.2 million. Transaction volume for the quarter rose 15% YoY to $2.2 billion as ZIPs revenue margin remained healthy at 7.4%. ZIP shares are down 90% over the past 12 months: www.TradingView.com ZIP: Moving towards positive cash flow Zip was enthusiastic about its September quarter results, reporting continued top-line growth and expanding customer base. Zip co-founder and CEO Larry Diamond went so far as to say the BNPL stock is moving towards positive cash flow. Zips key metrics for the quarter included: Group quarterly revenue of $163.2m (up 19% YoY) Transaction volume for the quarter of $2.2b (up 15% YoY) Transaction numbers for the quarter of 19.6m (up 33% YoY) Customer numbers 1 for the Group of 12.0m (up 50% YoY) Active customer numbers 2 at quarter end of 7.4m (up 17% YoY) Merchants on the platform increased to 94.1k (up 70% YoY) Revenue margin remained healthy at 7.4% Cash transaction margin remained solid at 2.2% Zip said that at 30 September, it had $140.7 million in available cash and liquidity. The fintech expects this to be sufficient to support it through to cash EBTDA profitability. In Thursdays update, Zip said it hopes to be cash EBTDA positive during H1 FY24. Source: Z1P Larry Diamond commented on his companys performance: We are pleased to deliver another solid set of numbers as Zip resets and moves toward positive cash flow, taking control of our future. During the quarter we made great progress on our refreshed strategy to deliver sustainable growth, right-size our global cost base and accelerate our path to profitability. With a more focused strategy on our core markets ANZ and the US, we substantially lowered credit losses, repaid $40m of debt, and completed an upsized $300m receivables funding transaction, demonstrating the resilience of the business model in the face of ongoing external volatility. The underlying business remains strong, and with the simplification of the business following adjustments to strategy, we are well funded and positioned to execute ahead of seasonal peak volumes and beyond into H2 FY23. Zips simple, fair and easy to use product is becoming even more important to customers and we are well on our way to disrupting the traditional credit card model and providing people with control of their financial lives. Three exciting fintech stocks While the fintech sector has been beaten down in 2022, the recent bounce from the likes of Tyro Payments [ASX:TYR] shows theres still interest in the sector. Fintechs can still provide value opportunities at the right price and with the right growth prospects. Theres no doubt that in recent years many fintechs suffered from overconfidence in the growth-at-all-costs business model that caught them off-guard when the markets turned. You could argue Zip was a victim of this strategy and is now reprioritising profitability and positive cash flow. Clearly, profitability is back as a priority for the sector. With the right choices, some fintechs can grow into very sturdy, lucrative businesses. Our market expert, Ryan Clarkson-Ledward, has done the necessary research required for discerning these. Hes discovered three profitable fintech stocks flying under the radar. One of them, he says, is a start-up wrestling with the big banks and winning. Download Ryans free research report on three exciting fintechs here. Regards, Kiryll Prakapenka For Money Morning October 20, 2022 Ukraine Open Thread 2022-177 Only for news & views directly related to the Ukraine conflict. Please stick to the topic. The current open thread for other issues is here. Posted by b on October 20, 2022 at 13:10 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page An Airbus A350-900 arrives at the Baoan International Airport in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Jan 6, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] China's aviation industry shows signs of resuming regular global travel routes Airlines have announced they will increase the number of scheduled international flights soon, drawing widespread attention. China Eastern Airlines, one of China's three major airlines, said on Monday that it will resume a number of international flights from the end of October, including flights between Shanghai and Bangkok; Hangzhou and Tokyo; Qingdao and Seoul; and Qingdao and Dubai. During the upcoming winter and spring season, China Eastern plans to operate 108 scheduled international flights along 42 routes every week. According to VariFlight, a China-based civil aviation data service provider, from Oct 10 to 16 the company operated 64 international flights. It operated 234 international flights for the entirety of September. China Southern, another major airline in China, said last week it will resume scheduled international flights at the end of this month, including Guangzhou-Jakarta, Dalian-Tokyo, Guangzhou-Dubai and Guangzhou-Manila. After the change, the company plans to operate 86 international flights every week. It currently operates 71 international flights per week. China's civil aviation sector will start the new winter and spring season on Oct 30. Other airlines including Hainan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines also announced plans to increase international flights soon. According to Li Xiaojin, a professor of aviation economics at the Civil Aviation University of China in Tianjin, international passenger flights are a very important source of income for airline companies, especially larger airliners. Before the pandemic, about 10 percent of air travelers were international passengers, but they contributed nearly 30 percent of the revenue of the civil aviation industry, he noted. Data from VariFlight showed that China operated 984 international flights from Oct 10 to 16, about 5 percent of the weekly number of international flights in 2019. The average weekly number of international flights was 18,750 in 2019. Data released by the CAAC in August last year showed that China operated 230 international passenger flights every week, about 2.15 percent of the volume seen in 2019. Policies have been released to boost the sector's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In May, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a notice to boost the economy, including the orderly resumption of international passenger flights. In June, China eased the quarantine policy for inbound travelers. According to the latest epidemic control protocol, inbound travelers will be placed under isolation to undergo medical observation at designated sites for seven days followed by three days of home health monitoring, reducing the quarantine time from 21 to 10 days. In August, the CAAC shortened the suspension time for international flights if confirmed cases were found onboard. Liang Nan, director of the transport department of the CAAC, said during a news conference in June that the administration is holding discussions with some countries on gradually increasing international passenger flights. The administration is working under the coordination of the joint prevention and control mechanism of the State Council to carry out the resumption of flights to fulfill the needs of overseas students and people involved in international exchanges looking to return to their home countries, said Xu Qing, deputy director of the department, at a news briefing in July. She also noted that the effort takes into account the evolving pandemic situation, the optimization of recent prevention and epidemic control measures, and the improvement of the ability of local regions to accommodate international flights. Signage is seen at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau headquarters in Washington, D.C., Aug. 29, 2020. A Taiwan flag can be seen at Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan, July 28, 2022. A South Korean soldier guides the tanks taking part in a joint river crossing operation drill between South Korean and U.S. troops, in Yeoju, South Korea, Oct. 19, 2022. Zaldy Dandan is a recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/. Follow Zaldy Dandan 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 Interstellar object Oumuamua still puzzling scientists 5 years after discovery Space Finally, Scientists Have Figured Out A Key Molecular Mechanism Behind Human Hearing Science Alert (Rev Kev). Now do listening. Climate Farm floods will hit food supplies and drive up prices. Farmers need help to adapt as weather extremes worsen The Conversation. Perhaps Australias autochthones had some good ideas about how to manage the continent. #COVID19 We Advised Biden on the Pandemic. Much Work Remains to Face the Next Crisis. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, David Michaels, Rick Bright and Michael T. Osterholm, NYT. No. Much work remains to face this crisis. Perhaps the most important missed opportunity was the failure to prioritize systematic improvement of indoor air quality. All sorts of respiratory infections, including flu and common colds, as well as asthma and other medical conditions, arise because of airborne pathogens and particulate matter. Not a word on masks, which are the obvious first line of defense against a respiratory virus. As Covid Hit, Washington Officials Traded Stocks With Exquisite Timing WSJ. And the story isnt about the former guys political appointees, either. The rot is pervasive. Its Gotten Awkward to Wear a Mask The Atlantic Aparna Nair, a historian and disability scholar at the University of Oklahoma who has epilepsy, told me that she thinks masks are becoming somewhat analogous to wheelchairs, prosthetics, hearing aids, and her own seizure-alert dog, Charlie: visible tools and technologies that invite compassion, but also skepticism, condescension, and invasive questions. During a recent rideshare, she told me, her driver started ranting that her mask was unnecessary and ineffectivejust part of a conspiracy. His tone was so angry, Nair said, that she began to be afraid. She tried to make him understand her situation: Ive been chronically ill for three decades; Id rather not fall sick; better to be safe than sorry. But she said that her driver seemed unswayed and continued to mutter furiously under his breath for the duration of the ride. Situations of that kindwhere she has to litigate her right to wear a maskhave been getting more common, Nair told me. Is the phrase death cult too strong? Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses: systematic review BMJ. Metastudy from 2008 (!), still germane. From the Discussion: In this systematic review we found that physical barriers such as handwashing, wearing a mask, and isolation of potentially infected patients were effective in preventing the spread of respiratory virus infections. It is not surprising that methods of the included studies were at risk of bias as these types of interventions are difficult to blind, are often set up hurriedly in emergency situations, and funding is less secure than for profit making interventions. Note profit-making as a confounder (?). * * * The Ebola Gamble The New Atlantis. From 2015, still highly germane. And speaking of airborne transmission: The answer is that it cant. It makes no sense. Superspreading and overdispersion at funerals where the bodies were properly handled by burial teams in full PPE seems suggestive of airborne transmission among the living attendees. My 3 cents. Dr. Lisa Iannattone (@lisa_iannattone) October 18, 2022 And: They mock questions of aerosol transmission, accuse folks of "fearmongering" and "spreading misinformation" They make definitive claims without supporting evidence In fact there's real uncertainty here and an area of ongoing study Thomas Finch, MD, MBA (@FinchTH) October 18, 2022 * * * Covid: Number of weekly deaths in England and Wales jumps by nearly 40% Evening Standard. Coming soon to a city near you! Due to my finding out about a raft of infrastructure issues at the house due to an 11:00 PM visit by an electrician (yours truly had the good fortune never to know what a boot was, at least as far as structures are concerned), you will be getting short rations post-wise today. Some quick thoughts on the Russia-Ukraine war front: Ukraine is nearing the end of the line on what it can accomplish via a conventional war. Various commentators, particularly Brian Berletic of the New Atlas, have been enumerating how Ukraine is getting smaller and smaller weapons and equipment shipments because the West in running out. Even worse, the new items are often disparate (as in each requiring different training, where relevant, shells, and repair), too few in number, and no better than what Ukraine had at the start of the war. Ukraine is now clamoring for air defense systems when Western doctrine assumes air superiority (which results in under-investment in air defense) plus my understanding is most Western systems are not well suited to defend against suicide drones (among other things, not cost effective to try to track and shoot them). And even if the US and NATO had something fit for purpose and of sufficient scale to protect Ukraine infrastructure it would be months before it arrived and Ukrainians were trained on it. By then, there wont be a lot of Ukraines electrical grid left if the Russians see fit to continue destroying it. Ukraine has been widely reported to be on the verge of mounting yet another Kherson offensive, with as many as 60,000 soldiers massed for attack, although that figure comes from a single, anonymous account in a Western source that went viral in Russian Telegram. More sober commentators think the number is more like 20,000 to 30,000, which would be on par with the manning as of the last Kherson offensive. Recall that the previous attempt was a disaster, with huge Ukraine casualties and no conquest of territory. The whole idea was misguided, with Ukraine advances easily seen on the open steppe and Russian, with their huge advantage in missiles and artillery, easily able to target and hit them. Nothing has changed in Ukraines favor and arguably things are worse. Ukraine has lost men and has less materiel. Russia by contrast is already moving some men into the area thanks to its partial mobilization and has also been replenishing ammo and building more fortifications. The fall rains are about to start, which will limit Ukraine even further, forcing it to rely significantly on road and thus making its forces even easier to target. We havent even gotten to how the Russian attacks on the Ukraine electrical grid are likely hurting logistics, communications, and morale. The BBC reports this morning that an advisor to Ukraines energy ministry said up to 40% of Ukraines energy infrastructure was seriously damaged. That is up from estimates of 30% the day prior. Zelensky warned in his evening speech on Wednesday of outages across Ukraine of up to four hours on Thursday. And it is an open question as to whether the problems with Starlink, which the press has depicted as critical to Ukraine military comms, have been addressed. The Financial Times reported serious outages. Around that time, Elon Musk asked for Ukraine to foot the bill, then relented due to his pushing for peace and daring to present an outline that did not call for Russia to disgorge everything it had liberarted meant that the evil Putin had manipulated him. Quite astonishing since Putin and Musk have never met and Musk says they spoke only once, in 2021, before the war started. Is Putin so powerful that he can brainwash Musk by his long-distance psychic powers? Is that something they taught at the KGB? It seems likely that Musk assumed his mesh design and whatever algos and signal encryption he has was more than sufficient protection. But if the Russians have figured out either how to crack or jam that, it does not seem likely that he can improvise new, effective and lasting signal defenses on the fly. Yet if Starlink continues to limp and Ukraine has the bad taste to whinge about it, its not hard to see the intel state blaming Musk (for instance, depicting him as not fixing it as a way to force the Pentagon to ante up) as opposed to showing that a Russian effort over many years was able to surmount a supposedly superior Western system. Martial law declaration: an anti-terrorist measure? Putins remarks at the start of yesterdays Security Council meeting sure makes it sound like that: As we know, the Kiev regime refused to recognise the will and choice of the people, declining any proposals for talks. On the contrary, shelling continues and civilians continue to die. The neo-Nazis are using plainly terrorist methods, plotting sabotage at critical infrastructure, attempting to murder members of local authorities. Just like their ideological predecessors Banderas followers and Hitlers accomplices, they are trying to create a criminal underworld, sending sabotage groups to our territories. The Ukrainian intelligence services plotted the explosion on the Crimean Bridge. We managed to prevent terrorist attacks in other Russian regions, specifically, at mass gatherings, on public transport, at energy facilities, including and I want to stress this at nuclear energy facilities. In this context, I would like to remind you that before their accession to Russia, martial law was in effect in the Donetsk Peoples Republic, the Lugansk Peoples Republic, the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. Now we must introduce the same mode under Russian law. This is why I have signed the Executive Order introducing martial law in these four regions. It will be submitted to the Federation Council for approval immediately. The State Duma has been informed about this decision. Also, I consider it necessary in the current circumstances to give additional powers to the heads of all Russian regions. An Executive Order to this effect was signed today as well. Top officials in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation should see to it that measures are taken to ensure the safety of people, the security and counterterrorism protection of critical infrastructure facilities, maintain public order, enhance the stability of the economy and industry, as well as launch and increase the manufacturing of products necessary for the special military operation. The regional heads will be authorised to establish corresponding headquarters to coordinate these efforts. Ukraine supporters can argue that Russias attacks on the electrical grid are terrorism, since it is civilian as well as military infrastructure. Thats a strong position, but the West has no standing to make it after decades of the US not only taking out the electrical grid of its opponents in the opening days of its campaigns, but typically also destroying other infrastructure. The Russian approach, while brutally effective, is also comparatively surgical. Nevertheless, Russia taking its war further into Ukraine after Ukraine targeted the Kerch bridge (and repeatedly Belgorod, and kept shelling the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant) combined with Ukraine facing diminishing returns from conventional wars means at least a neat-term uptick in terrorist attempts seems likely. The Russian action is likely in response to intel. How the locals respond is likely to be a function of how well Russia manages these constraints. If the officials communicate that they are for safety, and the measures imposed seem like sensible security enhancements, the citizens in the newly integrated regions might not take umbrage, particularly if they are not all that different from what they were subject to before. Well hear more in the next few weeks if the citizens are chafing under the new measures. Needless to say, the Western press is having a field day with the Russias new security measures. However the BBC to its credit does point out that citizens in what amounted to war zones were under restrictions before Russia imposed martial law: Russia is now implementing martial law in areas of Ukraine that it recently annexed Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south and Donetsk and Luhansk in the east Heightened security measures are also coming into force across Russia there will be new restrictions on movement in regions along the Ukrainian border, notably Bryansk, Belgorod and Krasnodar. The same applies to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. The BBC continues: Russia is moving tens of thousands of civilians and Russian-appointed officials out of the Kherson region, as advancing Ukrainian troops close in on the regional capital The transfer or deportation of civilians by an occupying power from occupied territory is considered a war crime. I hope readers in Russia and/or follower of the Russian press can pipe up. Im forced to rely on sources who have covered the evacuations only in passing. Dima at Military Summary (who can sometimes get out over his skis) made it sound as if the civilian evacuations were voluntary and pointed out how Russia was offering free housing all over the Russian Federation for anyone who left. That program also suggests to me that Russia regards the odds that Ukraine will blow the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power dam as high, and the cost and time to restore any flooded areas would be also be high. Dima also argued it would be hard to move people out quickly. Of course, the other issue that Russia faces is that even if its protections are generally effective, its pretty much impossible to prevent all terrorism. How many and how serious will the Ukraine sabotage acts be? I was in London during the IRA bombings. You got on a bus wondering if it might blow up but you still carried on as usual. If that winds up being the perceived level of risk in Russias liberated territories, thats likely tolerable in the face of an ongoing war. Well have a better sense of the next phase as November and December roll around. My job with the Post has evolved since October 2000, when I began work with The City Paper. In 2008, both publications became aligned via former owner SouthComm Inc. I have served as Post managing editor since 2011. Follow William Williams 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 (Natural News) The leaders of Australia and Japan are expected to sign a new security declaration, in response to the rising threat from Communist China. According to the Epoch Times, Australian Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese is set to welcome Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on Oct. 22 in Perth, Western Australia. The two chief executives will announce the new Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC) on that date, the outlet added. The new JDSC is a revision of the old document signed in 2007 by the two nations. Former Australian PM John Howard and the late former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe were the signatories of the original declaration. The JDSC recognized common strategic interests and security benefits embodied in their respective alliance relationships with the United States. The old version of the document included provisions on counter-terrorism and border protection. It also emphasized cooperation over the threat of North Korean missiles. While the old JDSC does not specifically mention China, the updated version recognizes the threat from the communist country. The two PMs first met in May 2022, with both of them agreeing to work toward a new joint declaration to deepen security ties between the Land Down Under and the Land of the Rising Sun. They also confirmed collaborative efforts in dealing with economic coercion. The endeavor bore fruit in the form of the JDSC. Kishida had planned to visit Australia in January, but rising Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in Japan prompted the trips cancellation. Meanwhile, Albanese last visited Japan in late September to attend the state funeral for Abe, who was assassinated in July. Japan considers Australia a semi-ally, and both countries are part of the Quad security framework which includes India and the United States. New declaration answers rising China threat The JSDC between Australia and Japan appeared to be in response to Beijing inking deals with other South Pacific nations to have a permanent presence near the Land Down Under. In particular, the Solomon Islands has bolstered links with Communist China. The South Pacific country recently sent 32 officers to China to undergo training in policing techniques and Chinese culture. The officers will stay in the country for one month. Honiaras other actions such as denying a port call for a U.S. Coast Guard vessel and inking a major deal with Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei raised red flags in Australia and other nations. Back in March 2022, a leaked draft security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands revealed the extent of Beijings proposed partnership with the country. According to the draft agreement, Honiara would be permitted to request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces to the country. (Related: China set to have PERMANENT presence near Australia via deals with South Pacific nations.) Moreover, the aforementioned agreement would also permit Chinese vessels to make ship visits, carry out logistical replenishment and have stopover and transition [operations] in the Solomon Islands. In 2019, Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare broke off diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of the mainland. He received about $730 million from Beijing following the move, but also received the ire of Solomon Islanders who believed the money was paid in exchange for their countrys sovereignty. Opposition politicians claimed that Beijing was responsible for funding the prime ministers political campaign. Mihai Sora, a fellow at Lowy Institute in Australias New South Wales state, remarked that China is looking to expand its ability to project force around the globe, and the South Pacific is not immune to that. The security cooperation agreement that potentially involves Chinese military assets transiting or basing in the region would have the effect of blocking naval and military assets from other countries like Australia. That would be destabilizing because it would potentially limit the freedom of movement within the Pacific. Head over to NationalSecurity.news for more stories like this. Watch Japanese Ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami reiterate the need for democratic countries to join together against authoritarian regimes below. This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Thousands of Marines deployed to Australia in preparation for a possible war with CHINA. WAR ALERT: China setting stage for NUCLEAR WAR with Taiwan, Australia, Japan, India and the USA. Australia, India and Japan form Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to reduce dependency on China. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com English.KyodoNews.net DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com (Natural News) According to a study in Ireland, babies born during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic were less likely to be able to speak before their first birthday compared to other children born before the pandemic. The study, which was published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, also found that children born during lockdown were displaying a worrying list of cognitive impairments. For example, some children were less likely to be able to reach developmental milestones such as waving goodbye and pointing at objects. Adverse effects of masking and lockdowns For the study, titled Social communication skill attainment in babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland observed 309 babies born in the first three months of lockdown in Ireland between March and May of 2020. The babies were tested for 10 behavioral milestones at their first birthday and the results were compared against 2,000 babies born between 2008 and 2011. The study findings showed that lockdown babies were: At least 14 percent less likely to have said their first word. Nine percent less likely to have started pointing. Six percent less likely to wave goodbye. The scientists think that face masks limited childrens ability to see peoples mouths and become accustomed to different facial expressions. This may have made it harder for lockdown babies to learn how to speak. Additionally, prohibiting relatives and friends of the parents from visiting is thought to have contributed to the stunting of the social development of children. The study authors wrote that these measures may have also reduced the childrens opportunities to encounter new items of interest, which might prompt pointing, and the frequency of social contacts to enable them to learn to wave goodbye. The researchers also reported that lockdown babies were still more likely to be crawling, which may be due to having spent more time at home on the ground instead of outdoors in cars and strollers. The study was observational, but it also suggests that lockdowns and masking have had negative effects on the development of growing children. Lockdowns negatively impacted childrens verbal skills According to a different study in Britain, young children entering elementary school have severely underdeveloped verbal skills. Results even show that many students are unable to say their own names. (Related: Britain bans COVID vaccine for children under 12, says they are at very low risk of developing severe COVID.) Speech therapists say that mask wearing has caused a 364 percent increase in patient referrals of babies and toddlers. Another study suggested that the mean IQ scores of young children born during the COVID-19 pandemic have decreased by as much as 22 points. Other factors like verbal, motor and cognitive performance have also been negatively affected because of the lockdowns. A different study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science showed that lockdowns in the U.K. caused around 60,000 children to suffer clinical depression. Data showed that at least 400,000 British children were referred to mental health specialists in 2021 for issues such as eating disorders and self-harm. Education experts have also warned that forcing schoolchildren to wear face masks has caused long-lasting psychological trauma. Research from Germany showed that the reading ability of children has gone down compared to pre-COVID times because of lockdown policies that led to the closure of schools. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University concluded that global lockdowns have had more adverse effects on society than alleged benefits. They also warned that lockdowns are ill-founded and should be rejected as a pandemic policy instrument. Visit Pandemic.news to read more articles about the negative effects of COVID-19 measures like lockdowns and masking. Watch the video below to know more about mask-induced exhaustion syndrome in children (MIESC). This video is from the Gabriels Horn channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Doctor reveals COVID-19 vaccines lead to more deaths in both children and adults. Britain bans COVID vaccine for children under 12, says they are at very low risk of developing severe COVID. Overwhelming evidence suggests giving children COVID-19 vaccines will only harm them. Sources include: NewsPunch.com Summit.news Brighteon.com (Natural News) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has confirmed that President Joe Bidens administration requested KSA to delay the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC +) decision to cut oil production until after the United States midterm elections. The middle eastern country also rejected the White Houses criticism of the organization regarding decreasing the production supply. On October 12, a spokesperson for the Department of State Ned Price denied reports that U.S. government officials had requested the OPEC+ to delay its decision until after the November elections. I certainly cant confirm that report. What I can confirm is that we conveyed a consistent message to the Saudis: energy supply needs to meet energy demand. We have made the point repeatedly that we have a multiplicity of interests with Saudi Arabia; energy is one of them, Price said during a press briefing. Hours later, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud released a statement that said: The Government of the Kingdom clarified through its continuous consultation with the U.S. administration that all economic analyses indicate that postponing the OPEC+ decision for a month, according to what has been suggested, would have had negative economic consequences. On October 5, OPEC+ decided to decrease oil output by two million barrels per day, which incensed Bidens Democratic allies, who accused the powerful consortium of oil producers move to be politically motivated. (Related: OPEC+ set to reduce oil production a blatant rejection of Bidens plea.) White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: It is clear that OPEC+ is aligning with Russia with todays announcement. A press statement was also released by the White House saying the shortsighted decision by the intergovernmental organization to cut production quotas while the global economy is dealing with the continued negative impact of Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. KSAs foreign minister insisted OPECs decision was purely about maintaining a balance of supply and demand and limiting volatility in the oil markets. The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would first like to express its total rejection of these statements that are not based on facts, and which are based on portraying the OPEC+ decision out of its purely economic context, he said. KSA blasts US for distorting its stand on the Ukraine war Farhan Al Saud also accused the U.S. government of attempting to manipulate the facts about the kingdoms principled position on the Russia-Ukraine war and described the attempts as unfortunate but ultimately unpersuasive. He added that KSA supports the United Nations resolutions on the ongoing war based on the Kingdoms position on the importance for all countries to adhere to the UN Charter, principles of international law and the kingdoms rejection of any infringement on the sovereignty of countries over their territories. The Kingdom stresses that while it strives to preserve the strength of its relations with all friendly countries, it affirms its rejection of any dictates, actions, or efforts to distort its noble objectives to protect the global economy from oil market volatility, bin Farhan Al Saud pointed out. According to him, the kingdom views its relationship with the U.S. to be strategic and beneficial to both. The Kingdom also stresses the importance of building on the solid pillars upon which the Saudi-U.S. relationship had stood over the past eight decades, he said. These pillars include mutual respect, enhancing common interests, actively contributing to preserving regional and international peace and security, countering terrorism and extremism and achieving prosperity for the peoples of the region. The cartels decision to mandate oil supply cuts creates a huge impact as Biden seemed to have failed to influence KSA during the July visit to the kingdom to ask for increased oil production. Visit FuelSupply.news to read more about the imminent oil supply shortage and price hikes. Watch the video below where Rep. Markwayne Mullin denounces Biden as OPEC is now running the show. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Biden set to re-evaluate US ties with Saudi Arabia following OPEC+ supply cut, promising consequences. Saudi Arabia fortifies relations with Russia, thumbing its nose to the West. Saudi Arabia increases September oil prices for Asian buyers to record-high levels. Saudi Arabia, China initiating plan to create petroyuan and bring an end to the petrodollar. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com State.gov TheGuardian.com CNBC.com Twitter.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) A former intelligence officer claimed that China is making use of social media to sow racial discord in the United States. This race-baiting strategy, he added, seeks to decrease faith in the American political system and ultimately destroy the country from within. Nicholas Eftimiades, a senior fellow at Washington, D.C.-based think tank Atlantic Council, put forward this claim during a Sept. 30 interview with the NTD television network. Race baiting is a tactic that weve seen starting to evolve from China in the U.S., he said. This goes back to the [Black Lives Matter] riots in 2020. China works a lot now [in] attempting to divide the United States. Race-baiting is defined as the encouraging or enticing of racism or racial animosity for political benefit The senior fellow and erstwhile staffer at the Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency claimed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had a number of groups that performed foreign media operations and could support such activities. He named the United Front Work Department, the Ministry of State Security and the Peoples Liberation Army as examples of entities that have conducted hidden influence operations in other countries. (Related: China plotted to infiltrate Federal Reserve to mine data.) Eftimiades remarked that oftentimes, CCP social media efforts end up short-lived after they are discovered by security personnel for social media platforms. However, some that elude security checks may thrive within isolated echo chambers online thanks to proprietary algorithms that show these kinds of content. You can question how effective some of these are because they dont have the time to build up a massive following before theyre taken down, he said. So, you typically look for echo chambers. You look for that type of race-based politics that Chinas trying to divide and conquer [with] in the United States. The former intelligence officials remarks followed news of Meta Platforms shutting down a China-based misinformation operation ahead of the 2022 U.S. midterm elections. The campaign looked to be designed to escalate tensions and increase divisiveness among Americans on Facebook and Instagram, two of Metas social media platforms. Eftimiades remarked that the incident represented a shift in CCPs communication techniques. Beijing historically focused on altering perceptions about Americans outside rather than from inside. Id say its the first time weve seen a lot of attacks in the U.S. its a concept of divide and conquer internally. We have our issues with racism, and theyre exploiting those differences as of late. Pompeo: CCPs worst lie is painting the US as a racist country Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also zeroed in on the lies the CCP propagates about race relations in the U.S. on his program Evening Chats with Mike Pompeo: A Message to the Chinese People. The online show from the conservative think tank Hudson Institute sought to explain how the CCP tries to divide Americans based on race and how it lies to the world about the United States. The worst lie they tell is that America is somehow a racist country. [But] that is the exact opposite of the truth. America is the only country in the world founded on the idea that all humans are treated and created equally, Pompeo said. The former Trump administration official cited the words of Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who said: Original sin is never the end of the story, not in our souls and not for our nation. The real story is always redemption. According to Pompeo, some of the longest waiting lines for visas anywhere in the world to come to the U.S. were at [American] consulates in China. Countless Chinese people want to visit, study or even immigrate here. The erstwhile secretary of state also took shots at Twitter, remarking that the social media platform is not allowed in China, but CCP propagandists use it. Watch Chinese affairs analyst Gordon Chang expound on the CCPs infiltration of the United States. This video is from the Free4eva Media channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: China is preparing to start a war with America. Communist China caught smuggling tens of thousands of weapons parts into America to arm BLM. ChinaGoogle collusion? Human rights channel leaving YouTube after it CENSORED videos critical of China. Sources include: GreatGameIndia.com TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) A doctor in Canada is calling for the countrys leading medical association to open an investigation into the sudden rise in mortality among young, fully vaccinated doctors after the implementation of mandated vaccinations for medical personnel. Dr. William Makis recently wrote an open letter to the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) requesting that the group look into the sudden rise in mortality among Canadian medical professionals following the implementation of the countrys COVID-19 vaccine mandate for people working in healthcare. (Related: COVID-19 vaccines are killing shocking numbers of doctors in Canada.) Makis is a nuclear medicine physician and a noted cancer researcher. He has worked with multiple cancer research centers and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles in multiple medical journals. He also called for Canada to end all COVID-19 vaccine mandates, especially for people working in healthcare. In the letter, specifically addressed to CMA Presidents Dr. Katharine Smart and Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Makis pointed out that his analysis showed skyrocketing death rates for young Canadian doctors. Our analysis shows Canadian doctor deaths under age 50 in 2022 will be two-fold higher compared to 2019 to 2020, he wrote. Shockingly, doctor deaths under age 40 are five-fold higher, and doctor deaths under age 30 are eight-fold higher. Makis pointed out that the CMA just finished a conference focused on the health of Canadas physicians. CMA leaders discuss many topics. But the one topic they didnt discuss: young Canadian doctors dying suddenly and unexpectedly after COVID vaccine rollout, said Makis. At least 80 young Canadian doctors have died since start of vaccine rollout In an earlier letter to the CMA dated Sept. 3, Makis pointed out that at least 32 young Canadian doctors have died since the beginning of the countrys rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. I raised concerns about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine mandates contributing to these sudden deaths, said Makis. The letter went viral on social media, it was viewed by millions of people worldwide, was translated into dozens of languages and became the topic of numerous podcasts, media interviews, internet videos and news articles. Makis noted that his open letter sparked tremendous interest worldwide in the causes behind the deaths of dozens of young Canadian doctors. He lamented the fact that the countrys leading public health figures, including the heads of the CMA, have not shared in the publics renewed interest. Both [Smart and Lafontaine] failed or refused to respond to my letter, and [they] also failed or refused to respond to inquiries made by American philanthropist Mr. Steve Kirsch, as well as inquiries made by journalists, Makis added. Since the publication of his first open letter, Makis warned that at least four more young Canadian doctors have died. Three of these deaths were announced recently by McMaster University in Ontario, which admitted to three of its medical residents dying during the summer of 2022. Further investigation by Makis and his team has found that at least 80 young Canadian doctors have actually died suddenly or unexpectedly since the rollout of the vaccines. Worse yet, Makis warned that the deaths are accelerating. You cannot continue to ignore this, he wrote. All Canadian medical students and residents were forced into unscientific, unethical, cruel and harmful COVID-19 vaccine mandates, wrote Makis. I implore you again to remember your Hippocratic Oath and your own CMA Code of Ethics, and call for an immediate halt to all COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Canadian healthcare. More stories about COVID vaccine-related deaths can be found at VaccineDeaths.com. Watch this short clip from InfoWars featuring Canadians being told to obey the countrys COVID-19 policies or face arrest. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Vaccinated people 4 times more likely to get infected with COVID, warns Canadian doctor. ITS THE VACCINE: Unknown causes are now the leading cause of death in Alberta, Canada. Trail of death: Latest actuarial data connects excess deaths to COVID vaccine mandates. 6 Fully jabbed doctors drop dead in Canada within days experts baffled. Vaccinated population accounts for 92% of COVID-19 deaths in Canada. Sources include: TheGatewayPundit.com BrightLightNews.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Alan OHashi spent more than 15 hours traveling 178 miles in Wyoming from Cheyenne to Casper due to the inadequacy of his electric vehicle (EV). Such a trip should have only taken three hours or less. OHashi, a Wyoming native and current resident of Cheyenne, drives a Nissan Leaf, a cheap hatchback EV that can barely get a driving range of more than 200 miles. In some of this years return trips to the Cowboy State, OHashi learned that a long road trip with an EV is much different than a similar trip with a traditional gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicle. (Related: Electric vehicle entrepreneur struggles to find charging station for his car during road trip.) It was very difficult, said OHashi. For example, [it took] 15 hours to get from Cheyenne to Casper. This trip was made in late May. A month later, he was able to get his travel time down to 11 hours. With a regular gas-powered vehicle, this 178-mile trip from Cheyenne to Casper, going the speed limit, should only take two-and-a-half hours. Limited range, lack of charging stations hamper feasibility of EVs OHashi, an author who has written a book about his experiences driving EVs, noted that the limited range and lack of available charging stations for electric vehicles were the main drawbacks to his long road trips across Wyoming. He noted that charging an EV is very different from filling up the gas tanks of regular cars. There are three levels of chargers that can power up different types of EVs at different speeds. None of them are as fast as simply filling up a gas tank. On his first trip to Casper in May, OHashi charged up in Wellington, Colorado, with a Level 3 charger at a public charging station. These types of charging stations can power up small EVs like the Nissan Leaf in 10 to 30 minutes, depending on several factors. But this wasnt enough to get all the way to Casper. After driving just 30 miles to Cheyenne, he had to pull into a Nissan dealership to charge up the Leaf with the stores Level 2 charger. At this level, his EV can only get about 10 miles worth of power for every hour it was hooked up, which means he had to stay at Cheyenne for at least three hours to get the battery back to where it was when he left Wellington. What Ive learned from driving this thing is patience, said OHashi. Theoretically, the time he spent charging his EV in Cheyenne should have been enough to get him to Casper. But EV drivers, unfortunately, have to deal with a variety of factors that can diminish an EVs range, including hilly terrain, winds and temperature that can degrade ranges by as much as half. The lack of charging stations also hampers range. There are no Level 3 charging stations between Cheyenne to Casper. He had to stop at Wheatland, 70 miles north of Cheyenne, and plug in his EV at a 220-volt-plug-in at an RV park. When he pulled in, his battery was down to just one percent. The 15-hour slog to Casper was just the first part of his trip. As he went further north through Wyoming, OHashi regularly had to stop at old motels and other accommodations where he could charge his EV using regular plug-ins for fear of draining the battery before getting the next opportunity to charge up, a phenomenon he and other EV owners call range anxiety. To really make EVs work in Wyoming, OHashi said all the state would need is to build enough charging stations. The states plan for expanding EV use is to have at least one charging station in a 50-mile radius anywhere in the state. If stations remain remote, OHashi warned that Wyoming will maintain its status as a pass-through state. Learn more about electric vehicles at RoboCars.news. Watch this short clip from electric vehicle entrepreneur Jason Wilde detailing his experience desperately trying to find charging stations for his EV in Montana. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Self-driving cars are causing traffic incidents all over San Francisco. Test finds EV Ford F-15 Lightning has abysmally bad towing ability. EV NIGHTMARE: California grid operator asks electric car owners to avoid charging their vehicles. GO GREEN, GET BROKE: Test finds new electric Hummer costs over $100 to charge more than it costs to fill up most gas tanks. Range test finds gas pickup can tow 2,000-lb trailer 2.8 times farther than new electric pickup. Sources include: WesternJournal.com CowboyStateDaily.com CarAndDriver.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Death is all around us, but most of us are so focused on our own little worlds that we cant even see it. There have been other mass extinctions throughout history, but the one that is happening right now is much different from all those that have come before. That is because it is happening very gradually. Over the past 50 years, billions of creatures have been wiped off the face of our planet, but it didnt happen all at once. It has been a slow, steady process, and the mainstream media hardly ever talks about it. So most people dont pay any attention to this crisis, even though it truly is an existential threat to our existence. (Article republished from EndOfTheAmericanDream.com) If all other creatures were suddenly eliminated, humanity would not survive for very long at all. But for some reason we dont seem to understand this. Even though we are at the top of the food chain, we cant afford to ignore what is going on below us. And right now what is happening to much of the food chain is absolutely horrific. The Living Planet Index tracks the populations of 32,000 different species, and we are being told that those 32,000 different populations have declined by an average of 69 percent since 1970 The Living Planet Index (LPI)which tracks populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibiansreveals an average 69% decrease in monitored wildlife populations since 1970. The 2022 LPI analyzed almost 32,000 species populations. It provides the most comprehensive measure of how they are responding to pressures in their environment. 69 percent! If that doesnt meet the definition of mass extinction, what does? We have been entrusted with the care of this planet, and just about everything on it is dying. In fact, at this point countless species of plants and animals are literally on the verge of extinction In Africa, two thirds of animal populations have been lost. In Europe, there has been an animal population decline of 18 percent. In Asia, the damage is 55 percent, and in North America, animal populations have fallen by 20 percent. The greatest losses are occurring in Latin America and throughout the Caribbean; animal populations have plummeted by 94% in these areas. Millions of species of plants and animals are now on the verge of extinction. Marco Lambertini, director general of WWF International, said the entire organization is extremely worried by the new data. The data shows a devastating fall in wildlife populations, in particular in tropical regions that are home to some of the most biodiverse landscapes in the world, he said. This includes warm water coral reefs, which have been cut in half over the past 50 years. Why arent more people concerned about this? If we stay on the path that we are currently on, it is just a matter of time before most species are gone. Do you think that we will be able to survive once there are thousands of giant gaps in the food chain? Of course not. The clock is ticking for humanity, and most people are in a deep state of sleep. Speaking of sleep, I remember often waking up to the sound of birds when I was very young. But now in many communities around America the birds are missing. In fact, a report that was recently released found that birds are being wiped out in the United States at a rate that is absolutely staggering The Rufous Hummingbird, Greater Sage-Grouse, Pinyon Jay, and 67 other birds in the United States are teetering on the edge of disaster, having lost at least half of their populations in the past 50 years. A report released today by North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) calls these birds Tipping Point species, on track to lose another 50 percent of their populations in the same time frame if conservation efforts do not improve. Given enough time, eventually they will all be gone. What would we do then? We have also just learned that the crab population in Alaska has suffered a decline that is truly catastrophic According to an annual survey of the Bering Sea floor carried out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, estimates for the crustaceans total numbers fell to about 1.9 billion in 2022, down from 11.7 billion in 2018, or a reduction of about 84 percent. For the first time ever, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced the Bering Sea snow crab season will remain closed for 2022-23, saying in a statement efforts must turn to conservation and rebuilding given the condition of the stock. There are countless other examples just like this. But very few people seem to care. Meanwhile, our scientists continue to conduct experiments which could ultimately result in even more mass extinctions. In fact, just this week it was being reported that taxpayer-funded researchers at Boston University have created a hybrid COVID virus that has an 80 percent lethality rate A senior US health official today admitted that controversial Covid manipulation research carried out in a laboratory in Boston was not authorized despite being funded by taxpayer money. DailyMail.com exclusively revealed yesterday that a team from Boston University had developed a hybrid Covid virus combining the Omicron and original Wuhan strains which had an 80 percent lethality rate. Public records indicate it was partly paid for using a grant awarded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the federal governments main research agencies. Only people that are completely and utterly insane would purposely create something like this. What if it gets out somehow? What will they do then? The stupidity that we are witnessing is off the charts. But unless the mainstream media makes a really big deal out of this, most of the population is simply not going to care. And that is because most of the population does not even bother to think for themselves any longer. For example, most of the population supports the war in Ukraine even though a large portion of the population literally cannot find Ukraine on a map of the world. ????USA citizens are asked Where is Ukraine on the map? pic.twitter.com/TRJqJDYlVP AZ ???? (@AZgeopolitics) October 18, 2022 In this day and age, you have got to educate yourself because the system isnt going to do it for you. In fact, the system is not actually good for much of anything at this point. Thanks to the system, our planet has become a toilet and billions of creatures are being wiped out all around us. Unfortunately, what we have experienced so far is just the beginning. Humanity just keeps making self-destructive decision after self-destructive decision, and the global elite seem quite satisfied with how things are going. Thanks to them, we live on a dirty, filthy poisoned planet, and the clock just keeps on ticking. Read more at: EndOfTheAmericanDream.com (Natural News) So-called green energy is moving to the backburner in Poland, where coal is once again taking center stage as a much-needed source of energy this winter. Like many other First World countries that fell for the renewable energy scam, Poland has quickly come to the realization that, without Russian gas and oil, it will soon be lights out and a very dark winter. Wind and solar power are just not going to cut it, said Police Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who announced this week to the governments territorial administration that coal is now being imported from all around the world into Polish ports. Some four million tons of fuel have already arrived, Morawiecki indicated, and is ready for distribution throughout the country. (Related: Back in June, mass demonstrations emerged in Poland to protest the starvation and depopulation schemes of the globalists.) Blaming the war in Ukraine for energy turbulence, Morawiecki reassured the Polish people that his government is on top of the situation and will not allow everything to go dark and cold in the coming months. Following Russian embargoes, Poland begins sourcing coal from other countries Poland is said to be on a war footing based on its decision to stop importing coal from Russia, which is hated by NATO and the United States for disrupting its criminal operations in Ukraine, a globalist proxy state. Like other European countries, Poland decided to stop buying cheap and abundant energy from Russia over its special operation in Ukraine. This ended up punishing Poles more than Vladimir Putin, however, so some other scheme had to be contrived. Importing coal from elsewhere at a higher cost is Polands solution. The Polish government says it took legislative action to ensure a fixed price of coal at just over $300 per ton (PLN 1,500). The final cost to consumers is still be worked on, but the Polish government insists that a fair distribution of coal will take place. According to the Polish Ministry of the Interior, 50 distribution depots for coal will be set up by both state fuel and coal companies. Distributors will be able to pick up the coal directly from these ports and work with local governments to get it to where it needs to be. Time will tell if Morawieckis plan will work as smoothly as he is promising. Poland needs this coal, otherwise its four million domestic users are threatened with freezing to death this winter, or finding something else to burn such as trash. Up until now, local governments have never been involved in the distribution or sale of coal, so it could be a rocky start. They will have to learn very quickly how to get all this done before the snow starts falling and temperatures drop to levels that are dangerous without a steady and stable source of heat. Guess they showed Russia whos boss, eh? wrote a commenter at Natural News about Poland. The Poles have suffered some of the worst evils perpetrated against human beings but this one is designed for massive human extinction, wrote another. Someone else chimed in that while it might seem like Polands leaders were caught off guard with all this, it was actually planned as part of the Great Reset agenda for a New World Order. You can bet your sweety bippy that the leaders will be nice and toasty warm this winter, even if you are not, said someone else. After all, theyre the leaders and need to be healthy so they can lead. Screw the peasants. Want to keep up with the latest news about the European energy crisis? You can do so at EnergySupply.news. Sources for this article include: RMX.news NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Those Americans who have gained awareness that the US print and TV media and NPR are lie machines can find, if they search hard enough, a few websites, such as this one, and podcasters, such as Greg Hunter USA Watchdog, that endeavor to provide real, valid information as opposed to the narratives constructed to serve the agendas of the ruling elite. (Article republished from PaulCraigRoberts.org) Two English language Russian media, RT and Sputnik, and the new US Epoch Times also provide information not provided by the US media. I check RT, Sputnik, Epoch Times several times each day. Information appears that cannot be found anywhere in Western media. But what I have noticed is that these alternative news sites also convey the fake Western narratives. Russia based news organizations are very much under the influence of Western presstitutes. For example, this Sputnik report https://sputniknews.com/20221016/george-floyd-didnt-die-of-hypoxia-claims-kanye-west-1101894716.html sees controversy in Kanye Wests podcast statement that George Floyd didnt die of hypoxia but of overdose on fentanyl. Kanye says that Officer Chauvins knee wasnt even on his [Floyds] neck. Whoever wrote the Sputnik report, apparently disputing Kanye West, is a victim of a false narrative. The Sputnik report goes on to assert that: On 25 May 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyds neck for more than nine minutes as the latter was handcuffed and lying on his stomach. This is a lie and is irresponsible reporting on the part of Sputnik News. The famous video taken by a teenage black girl that seemingly shows Officer Chauvin with his knee on Floyds neck suffers from what is known as perspective distortion. The close up videos taken by police cameras show that Chauvins knee is on Floyds shoulder, the correct police restraint technique. This came out at Chauvins trial, but by that time Chauvin had already been convicted by the media in violation of the traditional rule that the media may not declare guilt prior to the jurys decision or the charge is thrown out and the case dismissed. This rule served to prevent the jury pool from being biased by proclaiming guilt prior to trial and conviction. In my youth a judge would have dismissed all charges against Chauvin in view of the fact that he was convicted by the media prior to his trial. By the time of Chauvins trial Black Lives Matter and Antifa had burned down and looted the business centers of a large number of Democrat governed US cities. The two organizations were issuing threats, and no jury member was prepared to suffer the consequences of attending to the evidence and declaring Officer Chauvin innocent, which the evidence clearly shows he was. Why did Sputnik news fail to see the real story, which is that American justice has failed and an innocent man has been imprisoned? Not only was there no knee on Floyds neck, the medical report showed that Floyd had more than twice the deadly dose of fentanyl. But an irresponsible American media, corrupt prosecutors, and a breakdown in the requirements for a fair trial ruined the lives of Chauvin and his fellow police officers who are being prosecuted as accessories to the crime. The answer is that Sputniks employees read and hear the lie machine that is the US media and accept what they hear as long as it is not anti-Russian propaganda. So, here is Russia at war with the West, whether or nor Russia realizes it, and here is the Russian press accepting false American narratives instead of exposing the injustice and wrongful conviction of Officer Chauvin. Of course, probably the explanation is that the US-based Russian news organizations know that if they dont keep their horns pulled in, Washington will close them down. So they have to make compromises in order to exist. This is the state of free speech in the West today. Read more at: PaulCraigRoberts.org (Natural News) Global giants U.S. and China still require proof of vaccination and ignore natural immunity to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) despite multiple studies proving it is better in all respects than vaccine immunity. In China, travelers need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have obtained proof of vaccination to apply for visas. The communist nation even provides easier visa application procedures with looser requirements for people who were vaccinated using Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires non-citizens and non-immigrant passengers alike arriving from a foreign country by air to present proof of vaccination. Worse yet, the CDCs guidelines for incoming air travelers does not recognize those with natural immunity. (Related: After destroying American society, the CDC admits natural immunity works better than COVID jabs.) At this time all non-citizen, non-immigrant air passengers traveling to the United States, regardless of antibody status, are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, reads the CDCs page on COVID-19 vaccination requirements for air travelers entering the country. Natural immunity is far superior than so-called vaccine immunity and many countries are responding accordingly Multiple studies since nearly the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in late 2020 have proven that natural immunity to COVID-19, acquired through previous infection, is far superior to any so-called immunity provided by the experimental and ineffective COVID-19 vaccines. One such study was released in late September by the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet, one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world. The study, conducted by researchers from Quebec and British Columbia in Canada, found: Previous omicron BA.1 primary infection alone was the single most protective factor against BA.2 reinfection (risk reduction of 72 percent), and was associated with higher protection than pre-omicron primary infection alone (38 percent), or even than three doses of mRNA vaccine in people with no previous infection (46 percent). Receiving natural immunity is better than three mRNA doses thats two primary doses and a booster, commented investigative journalist Jefferey Jaxen on The Highwire with Del Bigtree. In response to this study, the government of Canada has lifted COVID-19 mask, testing and ArriveCan a digital vaccine passport requirements for people entering the country. Air Canada, the countrys flag carrier and largest airline, welcomed the decision, saying the reduction in travel requirements is desperately needed for the benefit of travelers and the economy. Canada is not the only country with data supporting both the strength of natural immunity and the weakness of so-called vaccine immunity. In the United Kingdom, one study also published by The Lancet found that people with higher body mass indexes who got vaccinated with one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines had a higher risk of test positivity after vaccination, proving that the vaccines actually lowered their immunity. In Sweden, a preprint study published in SSRN found that its results were similar to the previously mentioned U.K. study, albeit with even more rapidly waning effectiveness. The study found that vaccinated individuals experienced a higher risk of infection [to the omicron variant] than those unvaccinated. Both Sweden and the United Kingdom have relaxed many of their requirements for travelers entering their respective countries. We have talked about this so much. The vaccine is helping you get infected, commented Bigtree. What negative efficacy means, youre doing worse than had you not had anything at all. Which means somehow its better for your immune system to be more vulnerable, the exact opposite of what a product like this is supposed to be doing to you. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines at Vaccines.news. Watch this clip from The Highwire with Del Bigtree as hosts Del Bigtree and investigative journalist Jefferey Jaxen discuss the strength of natural immunity, as proven in new COVID-19 vaccine studies. This video is from the channel The HighWire with Del Bigtree on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Old video resurfaces of Fauci admitting that the best vaccine is to simply get infected and develop natural immunity. STUDY: Natural immunity to COVID never wanes, but fully jabbed are developing AIDS. ALL COVID vaccines destroy natural immunity, including in pregnant women and their babies. Study: Natural immunity to COVID remains strong at 20 months post-infection. STUDY: Natural immunity provides significantly better protection against COVID than vaccine immunity. Sources include: Brighteon.com China-Briefing.com CDC.gov TheLancet.com 1 AviationPros.com (Natural News) The Heritage Foundation has released a truly disturbing report that analyzes the strength of the U.S. military, which is being systematically dismantled by Democrat presidents like Obama (who was actually elected) and Biden (who was not elected). That report, linked below, reveals that the entire United States military has just 300 land missiles remaining in its entire arsenal. This number should set off alarm bells in the minds of anyone paying attention. Thats compared to over 12,000 missiles owned by Russia and 14,000 in Chinas military. See the full report here: Heritage Foundation Releases 2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength, Gives U.S. Military First-Ever Weak Overall Rating From that press release: For the first time, The Heritage Foundations Index of U.S. Military Strength finds that as currently postured, the U.S. military is rated weak and at significant risk of not being able to meet the demands of a single major regional conflict while attending to various presence and engagement activities. That means the US military is incapable of handling even a single regional conflict, much less a two-front world war (which is what we will likely soon be facing against Russia and China). [R]eadiness and capacity issues across the force, particularly in the Air Force and Navy, have become so significant that the militarys ability to fulfill its primary mission is in jeopardy, warns the report, which makes no reference to the disturbing fact that top military generals and personnel are being replaced with woketard leftists who express extreme hatred toward the United States and want to usher in a new era of Chinese-style communism. The Heritage Foundation President, Dr. Kevin Roberts, lashed out at Biden for further weakening the US military, saying: Bidens reckless, naive foreign policy continues to embolden our adversaries, while his domestic agenda undermines the strength of our military. There is no question that under his failed leadership the strength of our military has hit an all-time low. Just 300 land missiles remaining America has just about run out of military ammo As the UK Daily Mail is now reporting, America currently possesses just 300 land based missiles, while China boasts more than 14,000, and Russian more than 12,000. This means that in a land war, the US military will run out of missiles in mere hours or days, while China and Russia can continue to launch missiles for many months (or years). Making matters even worse, as Newstarget has reported, U.S. military running out of key munitions including anti-tank Javelins by gifting them to Ukraine as production capacity falls. In essence, the US has emptied its military munitions vaults and sent everything to Ukraine where its vanishing. The Ukraine war fiasco has created a giant weapons destruction black hole where treasonous Pentagon leaders and corrupt politicians can dispose of U.S. artillery pieces, ammunition, anti-tank weapons, rocket systems and more, simply by claiming they are being sent to Ukraine to fight Russia. In truth, there is zero accountability on these weapons and munitions, and they are vanishing into a giant black hole (or being sold off to Iran and other countries on the black market). The net effect is to get Americas military readiness just as China and Russia are gearing up for World War III. China plans to attack, occupy and destroy the United States by overrunning the West Coast As we have exhaustively covered in articles and expert interviews (with people like JR Nyquist and Dave Hodges), China continues to work toward its goal of launching a kinetic attack against the United States, landing troops and invading with millions of soldiers. Their goal is to exterminate all Americans and seize Americas rich croplands which can help provide food for the Chinese empire (which cannot currently grow enough food to feed its own people). In order to achieve this, China will first blind the US military with GPS jamming and anti-satellite weapons systems, perhaps combined with an EMP strike over North America. This will thrust most of the country into grid down chaos while disabling military comms and navigation capabilities. Notably, GPS jamming was recently carried out in Central Texas near Fort Hood, where GPS signals went dead and commercial air traffic had to take special actions to maintain course headings. As NaturalNews reports: Mysterious troubles in the Lone Star State are forcing airports to re-route aircraft due to unreliable GPS signals that are no longer functioning correctly. One of the worst-hit areas for GPS interference is an area abutting Fort Hood, Americas third-largest military base. The following map from GPSjam.org shows the affected areas in Central Texas on October 18th: A military source has told me this GPS jamming was caused by China and carried out as a test for its blinding capabilities in anticipation of engaging US forces on US soil. China, you see, has its own GPS system that will stay operational, even as China blinds the US Air Force GPS system thats used by the US military. Chinas homegrown GPS system is called Beidou and it was launched in June of 2020. Russia also has its own GPS system called GLONASS. Both Beidou and GLONASS can be used to guide precision missiles, including hypersonic missiles. Taking down the US Air Force GPS would, of course, allow China and Russia to maintain their own systems while blinding the US military on US soil. Obama transferred drone technology to Iran to empower Americas enemies Not only did Obama send nuclear material to Iran and tens of billions of dollars in laundered money flown in on military cargo planes he also arranged for a US military drone to be captured by Iran so that all the technology powering the drone could be reverse engineered by Iranian military experts. See also, Trump confirms that Obamas schemes PAID for the missiles fired by Iran against U.S. targets. Now, the so-called Kamikaze drones being used by Russia against Ukraine are actually made in Iran using U.S. technology and funding that was provided during the Obama administration. Obama, astonishingly, is still committing treason against the United States and getting US soldiers (and allied soldiers) killed on the battlefield. Joe Biden is, of course, an Obama puppet whos carrying out Obamas third term. Thats why its no surprise that even Europol has issued a public warning about how US weapons being sent to Ukraine will actually end up being sold to Iran or various terrorist organizations that will target the military personnel of the USA and NATO. While Obama was arming Iran with drone technology and funding for nuclear weapons, he was also dismantling the US military by firing all true patriots and conservatives, purging the ranks of anyone loyal to the US Constitution. The result is a weakened, pathetic, woketard class of military leaders run by cross-dressing trannies and traitors. This is all by design, of course, because its all about preparing America to be completely defenseless when it is invaded by China. China and Russia are likely to coordinate their attacks for maximum impact Based on intel from our sources, China and Russia are very likely to coordinate their attacks, striking the continental USA along its West Coast (via Chinas military) while Russia launches nuclear missiles that strike the East Coast (Wash. D.C., NYC, Norfolk, etc.) and take out major European cities such as London and Berlin. Before this nuclear assault is unleashed, America will be blinded with GPS jamming and the strong likelihood of an EMP weapon detonated at altitude. Once America is blinded, the first wave of short-range nuclear missiles will be launched from Chinese merchant ships. These missiles will strike California National Guard bases and other military infrastructure within range. Chinese troops will then land on the beaches and seize the ports. Once that is accomplished, they will offload Chinese military tanks, armored carriers, artillery, mobile rocket launchers and other equipment onto their new beach head. From there, they will seek to exterminate every civilian in sight, working their way eastward with the goal of seizing all of the continental United States and exterminating every last living American. (This is genocide on a huge scale.) According to our sources, Gov. Newsom is conspiring with China to enable this to success, likely by ordering military units in California to stand down. Newsom has been paid off with billions of dollars in laundered money, some of which was sent to China under the excuse of PPE (covid masks) purchases. This money was laundered by China and sent back to Newsoms control as a massive payoff. Similarly, high-level Pentagon officials who are already bribed and compromised by China will order the Navy to stand down so that Chinas military merchant ships arrive at Americas shores fully intact. Following this, America will find itself in a guerilla war scenario, fighting for its existence on planet Earth. China will be able to flood America with literally millions of Chinese troops in an effort to overwhelm all civilian defenses. Gov. Newsom has purposely outlawed fully-functional AR-15s in order to make sure Californians cant effectively defend the state against Chinas invasion. Its hard to fight a war with low-capacity magazines and funky rifle stocks that are made to be California compliant. (Note: See KaliKey.com for a clever solution that allows you to keep your AR-15 while being California compliant. KaliKey is a sponsor of Brighteon.) All the anti-gun laws in California, Oregon and Washington were actually designed to make the West Coast vulnerable to invasion, making sure Americans cant defend their homeland against enemy forces. Note, too, that Washington is still running covid quarantine camps, which will no doubt be used to house Americans who resist the communist invasion, since Washingtons democrat leaders are also all-in with communist Chinas takeover of America. (As is Trudeau in Canada, of course.) Little do these leftists realize they, too, will be quickly exterminated by the communist Chinese once they have outlived their usefulness. The communist Chinese have no intention to leave any American left alive not even those who foolishly think communism is awesome. They are about to find out the hard way that communist China doesnt need American traitors. To learn more about all this (and many other topics), listen to todays Situation Update podcast via Brighteon.com: USA is down to just 300 land missiles in the entire military inventory Why the US military will stand down and refuse to defend America when China attacks Heritage Foundation report finds US military now rated weak US military cant even handle a single regional conflict now China and Russia will likely COORDINATE their attacks on the USA and NATO Texas AG says we must prosecute obscene drag queens that sexualize children Russias drones actually made by IRAN using tech transferred by OBAMA BBC is readying secret scripts to try to explain to people why the power grid is down The public is being kept in the dark about the coming energy apocalypse CDC declares biowarfare on Americas children, adding covid jabs to immunization schedule Biden uses up more strategic oil supply, leaving nothing for emergencies Used car prices begin falling dramatically How to negotiate with car dealers to avoid getting ripped off (hilarious) Interview with Dr. John Diamond Brighteon: Brighteon.com/940ebc60-793e-4571-8ffa-97ca8da67063 Bitchute: Bitchute.com/video/m8eko4rP0SCj/ Rumble: Rumble.com/v1owjdl-situation-update-102022-americas-military-being-gutted-to-weaken-conus.html Banned.Video: Banned.video/watch?id=635165ca45c0ca16e048dae4 Discover more interviews and podcasts each day at: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/HRreport Follow me on: Brighteon.social: Brighteon.social/@HealthRanger (my breaking news gets posted here first) Telegram: t.me/RealHealthRanger (breaking news is posted here second) Banned.video: Banned.video/channel/mike-adams Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@healthranger Gettr: GETTR.com/user/healthranger Parler: Parler.com/user/HealthRanger Rumble: Rumble.com/c/HealthRangerReport BitChute: Bitchute.com/channel/9EB8glubb0Ns/ Clouthub: app.clouthub.com/#/users/u/naturalnews/posts Join the free NaturalNews.com email newsletter to stay alerted about breaking news each day. Download my current audio books including Ghost World, Survival Nutrition, The Global Reset Survival Guide and The Contagious Mind at: https://Audiobooks.NaturalNews.com/ Download my new audio book, Resilient Prepping at ResilientPrepping.com it teaches you how to survive the total collapse of civilization and the loss of both the power grid and combustion engines. (Natural News) Experts issued warnings that Australias digital ID system mirrors that of Communist Chinas. They added that while registration for the digital ID is still voluntary, it will only be a matter of time before it becomes mandatory. As of writing, the Australias myGovID used for federal services such as taxes, welfare, health, education and social services remains optional. For people looking to start a new business, however, registering for the ID is compulsory. To sign up for myGovID, Australians 15 years old and above must present several identifying documents such as a passport or a drivers license. But John Hartnett, a retired physics research scientist, warned that allowing government control over a persons access to services in one convenient form of identification could make tyranny more likely in the future. The digital identity will rapidly lead to a digital dictatorship inside of a digital prison, he said during an Oct. 12 conference titled Building the Digital Prison. The event hosted by the Civilisationists and the Western Australian Legal Theory Association was held at the city of Perth, the capital of Western Australia state. People could be controlled through this sort of technology, coupled with the score each person is given. If you dont behave, your score will be set to such a state that you cannot unlock any services like buying food or travel. Just take a look at China now with their social credit system. (Related: Diabolical How digital ID will control your life.) According to Canberra, creating and using a digital identity is not compulsory and is [a persons] choice to make. Hartnett, however, is not convinced as he does not believe it will remain optional forever. At the moment, it is voluntary to sign up for it, he said. But that is the usual means by which all compulsory mechanisms are introduced. Digital ID system serves as proof that privacy is already being invaded by government Australia previously proposed a national ID, known as the Australia Card, under the term of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke in 1985. However, the proposal for this card was scrapped in 1987 after repeated opposition in the federal parliament. The new digital ID, however, threatens to encroach on the privacy of individual Australians. Augusto Zimmermann, who is the head of law at the Perth-based Sheridan Institute of Higher Education, touched on this issue. According to Zimmermann, myGovID which manages and stores huge amounts of personal data serves as proof that privacy is already being invaded by the government. I was horrified to see that even my medical reports, and everything I have concerning my private life that should never be of knowledge to the government, is already collected by the authorities here, he told the Epoch Times. Zimmermann ultimately said the government should be out of this business altogether with regard to digital identification. Id feel less worried [if the government wasnt] inventing a means by which we may be unable to make a financial transaction without having it be electronically monitored, or which could make it impossible to travel overseas or [to] another state without being identified. Watch Stew Peters and Maria Zeee discuss the dangers of Australias digital ID proposal below. This video is from the Tanjerea channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Nigeria to become testing ground for Gates-backed, globalist-funded digital ID system. Macron launches COVID jab digital ID program in France immediately after being reelected. UK begins digital ID push with launch of verification tech and online portal for accessing private info. Worlds largest biometric digital ID program Aadhaar tracks medications, vaccines, purchases, and all movement of 1.3 billion people in India. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) According to retired firefighter Chad Caton, Katie Hobbs a Democrat running for governor of Arizona is one of the biggest hypocrites to ever enter American politics. She may also be one of the dumbest. Caton elaborated on Hobbs stammering answers to questions about the states Hispanic community during the Oct. 13 episode of Im Fired Up on Brighteon.TV. In particular, the issue of border security is a major point of debate in the Grand Canyon State something Hobbs should have more grasp of, Caton said. The host referenced Hobbs responses to Leon Krauze, who moderated the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Forum in Phoenix, about what she learned from the Latino community growing up in Arizona. The Republican National Committee shared footage of the exchange with their followers on Twitter, which garnered more criticism for the gubernatorial candidate. Oh, thats a great question. Um, I dont necessarily think about it that way, in those terms. I think I really value my relationships across the board with different folks, and I learn all the time from people in my life, she said. My sister-in-law, she is Latino, and her family I love hanging out with them and practicing my Espanol un piquito. So, but yeah, Ive learned so much from her family, but I think its really hard to separate out Arizona and subtract Latino culture because its so much a part of who we are as a state, and I Arizona wouldnt be Arizona without what the Latino community brings. Hobbs continued to stutter upon further pressing by Krauze. Uh, yes, absolutely. I mean, I think there are many lessons: the emphasis on family values, hard work. Those are something that I value in my own life, and, you know, its something that I respect, she went on. MSM making it easier for Hobbs to avoid debate One user said that the way Hobbs stuttered explains a lot, attaching a screenshot of a tweet announcing Hobbs refusal to participate in a televised debate with her Republican opponent Kari Lake. Last week, drama ensued when Lake blasted a Phoenix PBS affiliate for scheduling an interview with Hobbs, saying it makes it easier for Hobbs to avoid a debate. In lieu of this highly anticipated interview, Lake called on reporters for a news conference to attack the PBS decision, her rivals and the mainstream media, taking it as a chance to indicate Hobbs lack of strength to be governor. Hobbs has refused to share the stage with Lake, saying the Republican candidate would turn the forum into a spectacle and embarrass the state. This refusal to debate has been a major liability for Hobbs, who became the center of negative headlines, alarming some of her supporters. What Im focused on is talking to the voters of Arizona, Hobbs told reporters at a campaign event. Im not interested in being a part of Kari Lakes spectacle or shouting match, and Im going to talk directly to the voters. (Related: Arizona cant enforce new election law in 2022 election: Federal judge.) Lake is not backing down on pressuring Hobbs to debate, either. I promise you I wont yell, Katie. I promise you I wont interrupt you. And if you want to have an emotional support animal there as well, I will agree to that. But show up like a grownup and debate, she challenged. VoteDemocrat.news has more stories about Democratic candidates for the upcoming midterm elections. Watch the full Oct. 13 episode of Im Fired Up below. Catch Im Fired Up with Chad Caton every Thursday at 10-10:30 a.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Arizona representative issues call to withhold Electoral College following significant evidence of fraud. Trump-backed Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake blasts Democrat left over attacks on free speech. BREAKING: PHOTOS show Democrat Katie Hobbs embracing slavery in high school, where students led shackled students by collar and chain. Sources include: Brighteon.com FoxNews.com Twitter.com APNews.com (Natural News) Cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough has argued that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is responsible for the death of any person with no prior history of significant disease until proven otherwise. Ben Armstrong of the New American magazine touched on McCulloughs argument on the Oct. 12 edition of his program The Ben Armstrong Show. He says thats how it should always be, Armstrong said. Of course, if someone has a sudden death and they werent vaccinated, then you can rule out that their sudden death was due to the vaccine. But if someone is vaccinated and then they have sudden death, you have to assume its the vaccine. Thats the problem with what they have done by damaging peoples immune systems. According to the New American journalist, people should be looking at every death that is coming out of nowhere most especially if the person is healthy and is not showing any signs of a serious disease regardless of their age. He added that while some people would dismiss these deaths as a coincidence, many others would beg to differ. He compared multiple COVID-19 vaccinations with playing Russian roulette, adding that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein used in the shots can stay in the body. The more you get vaccinated or boosted, the more youre pulling the trigger, he remarked. It just stuns me how the people who have survived the vaccine run around saying but Im fine. And I keep saying that really is just like running around saying I played Russian roulette and Im fine.' Armstrong played a video of McCulloughs interview with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. McCullough pointed out that vaccine-induced subclinical myocarditis is responsible for sudden deaths. He shared that many patients with heart damage based on their magnetic resonance imaging scans were flocking to his clinic. (Related: Coronavirus vaccine-induced injuries and deaths are a public health threat, warns Dr. Peter McCullough.) Armstrong: Vaccine deaths could happen anytime The program host noted that healthy young people and adults could suffer a stroke or seizure due to vaccine-induced blood clotting, and they would not know when it would hit. The sad thing is yes, these things happen. But now, we have to assume its the vaccine and you got to prove it otherwise, said Armstrong. He added that these things are happening in way bigger numbers than what people are being told, and urged doctors to adopt the standpoint of attributing the deaths to the COVID-19 shot unless another reason is found. Moreover, some people injected with the COVID-19 shot have expressed both concern and regret over getting it. According to Armstrong, people injected with either one or many vaccine doses have already damaged their immune systems. He added that damaged immune systems of vaccinated or boosted persons may not fully recover because the damage done is permanent. If you get damaged by 25 percent, youre down to 75 percent of a functioning immune system. Your body may recover and get back up to like 85 percent, but I dont think it will ever get to 100 percent, sadly. But it might recover from the lowest point of whatever the damage is, Armstrong said. Follow VaccineDeaths.com for more stories about the dangers pose by COVID-19 vaccines. Watch the Oct. 12 edition of The Ben Armstrong Show where Armstrong discusses McCulloughs remarks. This video is from The New American channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Dr. Peter McCullough: COVID-19 should be fought with early intervention, not vaccines. The Ben Armstrong Show: America reaches tipping point in COVID-19 vaccine truth, says Dr. Robert Malone. Covid vaccines most dangerous biological medicinal product rollout in human history, says Dr. Peter McCullough. Sources include: Brighteon.com TheNewAmerican.com (Natural News) The political left, with its insane push towards unsustainable green energy, adoption of cultural lunacy (drag queens and transgenders for children) and shunning of scientific and biological facts (there are more than two sexes) is leading to the end of the petrodollar and the huge global influence of the Western-led United States in favor of a China-led economic alliance that combines growth with authoritarianism. Earlier this week, following a two-day summit with Saudi Arabia, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the oil-rich kingdom is likely to join the growing BRICS coalition consisting of core members Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. The Crown Prince (prime minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud) did express Saudi Arabias desire to be part of BRICS and they are not the only country, said Ramaphosa, according to a Times Live report. The bloc first met in 2009 and has always generally been seen as an economic alternative to the Western-dominated global economic order. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine, the West has pulled back engagement with and resources from Moscow, which is being seen as hastening the growth of BRICS as more countries flee the self-destructive left-wing cultural chaos of Western countries. We did say that Brics having a summit next year under the chairship of South Africa in SA, and the matter is going to be under consideration. A number of countries are making approaches to Brics members, and we have given them the same answer that it will be discussed by the Brics partners, and thereafter, a decision will be made, Ramaphosa continued, according to Times Live. In an assessment of the emerging situation, The Conservative Treehouse also noted: A global financial and economic cleaving is underway created by the western nations chasing ideological climate change energy policy, while the rest of the world remains pragmatic toward oil, coal and natural gas as energy resources. Essentially, western governments following the Build Back Better climate change agenda which stops using coal, oil, and gas to power their economic engine, while the rest of the growing economic world continues using the more efficient and traditional forms of energy to power their economies. Mohammed al-Hamed, president of the Saudi Elite group in Riyadh, told Newsweek in July: This accession, if Saudi joins it, will balance the world economic system, especially since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of oil in the world, and its in the G20. If it happens, this will support any economic movement and development in the world trade and economy, and record remarkable progress in social and economic aspects as Saudi Arabia should have partnerships with every country in the world. So clearly, BRICS is an alliance built on the foundation of cheap, affordable, plentiful, and reliable fossil fuels the same ones that the West utilized to grow their economies into the powerhouses that they are/were, including the U.S. advancing to the worlds biggest economy, though China is catching up fast. The growth of the BRICS coalition would essentially be the end of the petrodollar, and in even more consequential terms the end of the United States ability to use the weight of the international trade currency to manipulate foreign government, The Conservative Treehouse noted further. The global economic system would have an alternative. The fracturing of the world, created as an outcome of energy development, would be guaranteed. The fact of the matter is, the West is collapsing, and it is all due to self-inflicted wounds. Many citizens of many Western countries are finally waking up to the idiocy of left-wing Western leaders and culture, but it is likely too late to reverse the damage. There will be major global changes in the coming years, and it wont be long before we start seeing them none of which will be good for the West. Sources include: TheConservativeTreehouse.com Newsweek.com (Natural News) Boston Universitys (BU) newly developed coronavirus strain with an alleged 80 percent kill rate would not have been possible were it not for a $1 million grant awarded by Tony Fauci to EcoHealth Alliance. As the scandal continues to unfold, we have learned that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the latter of which has been controlled by Fauci for decades, sent American taxpayer dollars to BU to develop a highly deadly strain of the Chinese Virus capable of killing eight out of 10 subjects who catch it. The alleged new virus appears to have been developed using illegal gain of function (GoF) research, which was also used in Wuhan, China, to develop the original strain of the Fauci Flu that we are told started circulating there towards the end of 2019 and into 2020. (Related: A former EcoHealth Alliance president says there is no way covid naturally emerged.) Researchers at BU reportedly cobbled together the original covid strain with the spike proteins from the new Omicron (aka Moronic) strain of the Chinese Virus, which the government and corporate-controlled media claim is the currently predominant circulating strain. This new chimeric hybrid version of covid is said to be at least five times more infectious than the original. The Omicron spike (S) protein, with an unusually large number of mutations, is considered the major driver of these phenotypes, reads a pre-print study on the new research that has not yet been peer-reviewed by other scientists. We generated chimeric recombinant SARS-CoV-2 encoding the S gene of Omicron in the backbone of an ancestral SARS-CoV-2 isolate and compared this virus with the naturally circulating Omicron variant. Boston is the new Wuhan, and Boston University is the new Wuhan Institute of Technology There is already much back-and-forth between BU and critics who say that illegal GoF research was taking place at the schools level-3 biosafety laboratory, which reportedly accepted cash from Fauci and others to create the deadly new pathogen. BU insists that GoF research never took place, but we know that in order to create the type of chimeric hybrid virus that the study claims now exists, coronaviruses had to have been diced and spliced using the technology. The research is a clear example of gain of function research of concern and enhanced potential pandemic pathogen (ePPP) research, pronounced Dr. Richard Ebright, a chemist at Rutgers University who continues to call out the corruption surrounding coronavirus development. It is especially concerning that this new US-government ePPP research like the previous US-government ePPP research on chimeric SARS-related coronaviruses at Wuhan Institute of Virology that may have caused the pandemic appears not to have undergone the prior risk-benefit review mandated under U.S.-government policies. The illegality of GoF research in the U.S. is a bit murky. Up until Donald Trump took office, it was banned at least on paper. Then, once Trump took office, the NIH suddenly started allowing it to take place, and with government funding, reports suggest. Previously, it had been halted from 2014 to 2017 over concerns that it could lead to the inadvertent creation of a pandemic, reported the DailyMail Online. BU vehemently denies any use of GoF technology in the scandalous research. And EcoHealth says Fauci handed over that $1 million so that it could work on the project, which is described as being for the purpose of predicting and preventing future pandemics. EcoHealth announced the $1 million grant from Fauci on Aug. 30, 2022, noting that recipient scientists used it to strategize methods of early infectious disease detection and intervention. If the subject of coronavirus tampering interests you, more stories about it can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) An OB/Gyn from St. Petersburg, Florida had the courage to go public with the serious rise in reproductive health issues that are taking place at the hospital where she works. Kimberly Biss, MD and OB/Gyn explained that her hospital is seeing an astronomical rise in infertility, miscarriage, abnormal pap smears and cervical malignancies that only started after the covid-19 vaccines were rolled out. I can definitely say since the vaccine rollout started; we have seen in our practice a decrease in new OB numbers which would be infertility by about 50%. We have also seen an increase in miscarriage rate by 50%. And I would say there is probably about a 25% increase in abnormal pap smears as well as cervical malignancies in our area. Pfizer, FDA tried to conceal data on covid-19 vaccines and miscarriage in trials When a federal judge in Texas ordered Pfizer to release some 300,000 documents associated with the emergency use authorization of the mRNA covid-19 vaccine, teams of independent researchers began analyzing the data. At the forefront of the investigation was Dr. Naomi Wolf. In an interview with Steve Bannon on War Room, Dr. Wolf said that Pfizer tried to bury all evidence of spontaneous abortions and miscarriages. Pfizer took those deaths of babies those spontaneous abortions and miscarriages and re-categorized them as recovered-resolved adverse effects, she said. In other words, if you lost your baby, it was categorized by Pfizer as a resolved adverse event, like a headache that got better. Indeed, the data showed 50 pregnant women took part in the initial vaccine studies and a shocking, 22 women (44%) lost their babies. This serious safety signal did not matter to the FDA or the CDC, because they both pushed for pregnant women to take the jabs during pregnancy. Dr. Wolf warned that the FDA was aware of the horrifying rate of fetal death by the start of April 2021 and were silent. The real risk of miscarriage for unvaccinated women exposed to the recently vaccinated There were documents from Pfizer that warned about occupational exposure to the vaccines spike protein. Pfizer kept this occupational exposure data separate from the clinical study. Under section 8.3.5.3. Occupational Exposure of their own study design documents, Pfizer warns that caretakers and close contacts of the recently vaccinated could be exposed to spike proteins. These spike proteins, translated and synthesized in the cells of the vaccinated, can negatively affect unvaccinated pregnant women and their fetuses, and breastfeeding women and their newborn babies either through inhalation or skin-to-skin contact. Pfizer instructed vaccinated participants to list all their contacts, as risk of occupation exposure is high in the first 24 hours. The risk of vaccine spike protein shedding to fetuses and a womans reproductive health could be more extreme than previously thought, for the occupational exposure data also includes any male family member or healthcare provider who has been exposed to the study intervention by inhalation or skin contact and then exposes his female partner prior to or around the time of conception. Because of this reality of shedding, any studies that compare the rate of miscarriage in vaccinated and unvaccinated populations are not genuinely representing the total risks of the vaccine on reproductive health for all women. If the unvaccinated population can be occupationally exposed to spike proteins from the recently vaccinated, healthcare workers, and their contacts, then any data collected on miscarriages and infertility could, by default, be similar across both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, due to deliberate, widespread shedding of the vaccines spike protein. In other words, the risk is great for both the vaccinated pregnant woman and the unvaccinated pregnant woman. The release of these bioweapons and depopulation vaccines constitutes some of the greatest crimes against humanity ever seen in world history. Hopefully more doctors and nurses will come forward with real world observations, like Dr. Kimberly Biss did in St. Petersburg, Florida. Sources include: Twitter.com ClarkCountyToday.com Media.TGHN.org [PDF] (Natural News) Dr. Lee Merritt, the Medical Rebel, discussed how to survive a nuclear blast on the Oct. 12 edition of her Brighteon.TV program Merritt Medical Hour. Even though people have been made aware of the possibility of a nuclear war, Merritt pointed out that they are not really taught how to save themselves. She recounted her growing-up years in the 1950s, when they used to do bomb drills such as ducking and covering under desks. People later began making fun of these drills as they believed they will not survive a nuclear blast. But according to Merritt, dropping and covering does make sense. The Medical Rebel also debunked a belief that a nuclear bombs radiation can kill many people. She explained that a persons distance from the epicenter of a nuclear blast determines whether they will survive or not. Anyone in the epicenter of a blast is sure to be killed, while those in its immediate radius are at risk of suffering from acute radiation poisoning, delayed radiation poisoning and fairly acute cancers like thyroid cancer. Merritt also recounted the story of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, an engineer for the Japanese Mitsubishi conglomerate who survived the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He managed to survive the Hiroshima bombing by diving into an irrigation ditch, covering his eyes and plugging his ears as soon as he saw the blast from the Little Boy nuclear bomb. He later did the same during the Nagasaki bombing. After seeing another big flash of light the nuclear blast from the Fat Man bomb he yelled to everybody on his floor to get down and cover their ears and eyes. Yamaguchi died in January 2010 at the age of 93. Merritt: Take shelter, potassium iodide after nuclear blast After surviving the initial 15 seconds of the blast, Merritt said people should take shelter. Now its nice if youre in your home or your office, something youre familiar with. You want to go and have the most material between you and the outside world. So go to the center of the building and preferably things that absorb the radiation. The best are things like water, bags of canned foods or things like that. So, you want to surround yourself with that as much as possible, Merritt said. According to the former military physician, big five-gallon water jugs that are stackable work best for this purpose. She added that having a big wall of water makes for an impenetrable barrier as water is great for absorbing stuff. (Related: Life-saving tips: How to prepare your home for a nuclear attack.) Moreover, Merritt said radiation-induced thyroid cancer can be prevented by taking potassium iodide. She recommended a daily dose of 12.5 milligrams of potassium iodide, which is what people optimally need. So, if a nuclear bomb goes off, then what you want to do is take this potassium iodide, so you quickly saturate any unsaturated tissue in your thyroid and then you dont get the thyroid cancer and you decrease your risk. NuclearSurvival.news has more on how to survive a nuclear blast and prepare for a nuclear war. Watch the Oct. 12 episode of the Merritt Medical Hour below. Catch new episodes of Merritt Medical Hour every Wednesday at 7-8 p.m. and Saturday at 2-3 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Survival 101: Preparing for a nuclear emergency. Heres how the federal government plans to survive a nuclear war (even if the rest of us dont make it.) Review of nuclear damage from Hiroshima, Fukushima focuses on dangers of nuclear radiation and the need to ban such weapons. Study: More than 5 billion people could starve to death following a US-Russia nuclear war. Zelensky warns Ukrainians to prepare for possible Russian nuclear attack. Sources include: Brighteon.com NationalInterest.org (Natural News) Former intelligence officer Jeffrey Prather argued that Russia and its President Vladimir Putin are allies of the patriots against the globalist Deep State. He made this assertion during the Oct. 14 episode of Prather Point on Brighteon.TV. Prather cited the Kremlins earlier exposure of 46 biolabs in Ukraine, alongside the bioweapons developed there, that were backed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The Pentagon later admitted to the existence of these facilities. Moreover, he recalled the November 2015 discovery of the Seafox underwater mine destroyer that had a combat explosive device attached to it. The craft had been resting 40 meters under the sea, near the Nord Stream 1 (NS1) pipeline, before it was discovered during a scheduled visual inspection. Sergey Kupriyanov, spokesman of the state-owned natural gas company Gazprom that operates the pipeline, pointed out the involvement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the incident. The NATO Seafox mine disposal unmanned underwater vehicle was found during the scheduled visual inspection of the NS1 gas pipeline. It lay in [the] space between gas pipelines, clearly near one of [the] strings, he said. NATO said the underwater mine disposal vehicle was lost during exercises. The Swedish Armed Forces deactivated the explosive device. So the sabotage is very clear I assessed that 100 percent. But Putins answer is unclear because the legacy media [and the] propaganda press does not let him speak, said Prather. He also lauded the Russian leaders calm, focused and measured response to the sabotage at the Nord Stream pipelines and at the Kerch Strait Bridge that connects the Crimea region and Russia. Prather: Deep State running out of ammo, puppets The Prather Point host also pointed out that the Deep State is in trouble. The Deep State is really in trouble because theyre running out of ammunition. They are running out of puppets for their puppeteers and their puppets look purposefully ridiculous, he said. According to the former intelligence officer, the Deep State is already deploying its ISIS al-Qaeda fighters to Ukraine. It followed the loss of the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion, which was a sign that Russia was winning its battle against the Deep State-backed Kyiv. He continued that the Deep State is fighting on more fronts and becoming more desperate which is very good news. Prather explained that the new video from the Deep State, which seeks to counter the 2000 Mules documentary by Dinesh DSouza, shows that they are losing on their own fifth-generation information influence operation. (Related: Jeffrey Prather says Deep States January 6 narrative is collapsing Brighteon.TV.) Theyve released this video, this documentary that is going to be real trouble for them. Now that theyve released all of a sudden footage never before seen, that opens up a can of worms for them, said Prather. Patriots everywhere are going to be analyzing that video and they are because their corruption makes them incompetent. There is going to be all kinds of tells in those videos. Prather also mentioned that the Federal Bureau of Investigation which he calls the storefront face of the Deep State intelligence community domestically is failing with over 300 whistleblowers now speaking against the federal agency. The program host remarked that this is the beginning of the fall of the FBI and the Deep State. Watch the Oct. 14 episode of The Prather Point below. The Prather Point with Jeffrey Prather airs every Friday at 10-11 a.m. and every Saturday at 7-8 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Google helping Deep State control narrative by demonetizing all content critical of Ukraine. Empowering the deep state: Biden secretly signs executive order unleashing the U.S. surveillance state on Americans. The deep states stealthy, subversive, silent coup to ensure nothing changes. Sources include: Brighteon.com TheGatewayPundit.com (Natural News) Russia is ready to launch a nuclear strike against Ukraine, according to geopolitical analyst Jeff Nyquist. If a nuclear bombardment is in the cards, that could take place at any time, he told InfoWars founder Alex Jones on Oct. 12. My guess is, knowing Soviet military doctrine which is inherited from the Russian Federation, the nuclear strikes and the actual invasion of the forces have to come close together. So, my guess is three, four or five weeks away. Perhaps I would be surprised if nuclear strikes occurred immediately within a week or two. But anything is possible [and] its hard to predict. Jones, meanwhile, touched on another development in the war. He said massive numbers of Russian troops were being mobilized in Belarus, near the countrys border with the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. This is a major development from Moscow, he noted, as the country will launch a new attack from another front. Nyquist agreed, adding that there were also other signs of a possible escalation of war aside from Russian troop movement in Belarus. One such disturbing marker he mentioned was the Polish Ministry of the Interior distributing potassium iodide tablets to the countrys fire departments and emergency services. He also mentioned Finland doing the same, which a report by Yle News expounded on. The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health issued a recommendation for households to purchase a single dose of iodine tablets in case of a radiation hazard emergency. It added that the tablets are meant for Finns aged three to 40 years old. (Related: Russia once again warns of a possible nuclear strike against Ukraine.) According to Nyquist, Moscows mobilization of troops in Belarus could only mean that Russia is preparing to renew their double envelopment attack on Ukraine. He continued that the country could use either tactical nuclear weapons, thermobaric weapons or some new kind of ordnance to ensure Ukrainian forces capitulate. Zelensky expresses fears over Russian nukes Nyquist also mentioned the alarming remarks of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Russia going for nuclear strikes. The Ukrainian leader called for preventive or preemptive strikes to ensure those nuclear weapons are not deployed. [The Russians] begin to prepare their society. Thats very dangerous, Zelensky said. They are not ready to do it, to use it. But they begin to communicate. They dont know whether theyll use or not use it. I think its dangerous to even speak about it. The analyst commented that Zelenskys remarks about Russian nuclear weapons showed a man who has received frightening news about weapons that he cant talk about. He added that the Ukrainian leader looked like a very distraught national leader with his demeanor. Moreover, Nyquist remarked that people must realize the existence of intelligence reports showing the Russians are about to use tactical nuclear weapons. Jones said the former head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has warned about Russian President Vladimir Putin using nuclear weapons, because using them is the next step if they are losing under Russian military doctrine. Nyquist agreed, pointing out that the first thing Putin did when he came to power in 2000 was to change Russias nuclear doctrine. He revised it to say that when Russia or its territories are threatened, it could use its nuclear arsenal. Follow NuclearWar.news for more about Russias impending nuclear strike against Ukraine. Watch the full conversation between Jeff Nyquist and Alex Jones about the Russia-Ukraine war below. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukraine territories annexed by Russia could serve as potential launchpads for further military action. Ukraine frantically tries to walk back Zelensky call for preemptive strikes on Russia. Next phase of Russias war against Ukraine begins as trainloads of troops pour into Moscow ally Belarus. Sources include: Brighteon.com Yle.fi BBC.com (Natural News) Home is not where the heart is for San Francisco residents. Survey shows they are likely to move to a different city due to the high crime rate and homelessness in their area. The American Housing Survey asked residents in the United States largest cities if they planned on moving, and it seemed that many Democratic-led cities are leading the way in the upcoming exodus as 7.6 percent of San Francisco residents and 7.2 percent of Seattle residents said they wanted to move to a different city. Following them were Washington D.C. and Detroit, which both reported 6.8 percent of residents wishing to move away. New York City appeared to have the most content residents, with only 3.2 percent saying they wanted to move someplace else. San Franciscos problems began in 2019. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Unified Crime Report, it had the highest overall crime rate of the 20 largest cities in the United States that year, recording 6,917 crimes per 100,000 people. This is more than double the crime rates in New York and Los Angeles, and well above the rates of cities with the next three highest crime rates Chicago, Houston and Phoenix. A year later, the call to defund the police grew among Democratic leaders as the Black Live Matter protests gained traction. San Francisco Mayor London Breed demanded the same last year, saying that the Golden Gate City would be among the first to do so. He promised to cut the budget of his citys police and sheriffs departments by $120 million. The city also greenlit its first open-air drug market in the civic center, spurring people from homeless encampments across the city to use illegal substances in broad daylight. As drug use, car break-ins and theft increased, Breed had to take back his word, instead asking the citys Board of Supervisors for more money to be given to the police to stamp out the increased crime rate. Crime rose 7.4 percent as of August 14 compared to the same period last year. Assaults were up nearly 12 percent while robberies were up 5.1 percent. Thefts also spiked by 115.1 percent compared to last year, while rapes increased by 9.7 percent. A poll conducted by the Bay Area Council also found that crime has emerged as the top concern among San Francisco voters, with 65 percent claiming they avoid going into the citys downtown areas to avoid becoming a crime victim. Additionally, 52 percent of Bay Area residents stated that they dont consider the city a safe place to live. DA Boudins anti-incarceration policies blamed for San Franciscos crime crisis In June, citizens were more than fed up with the state of the city and voted to oust District Attorney Chesa Boudin, whose anti-incarceration policies were being blamed for being the cause of the crisis. Originally elected on a platform of criminal justice reform, Boudins notoriously progressive laws had been blamed for the rising crime and homelessness in the Bay Area since the beginning of the pandemic. At the time, San Francisco lost around 25 percent of its late-20s white population as the city experienced the biggest drop in household income in any U.S. city. The Bay Area, known as the home of Big Tech, saw the biggest drop in citizens earnings with median household income falling from $21,551 in 2019 to $116,005 in 2021. Over 72,000 workers moved out of Silicon Valley between January 2020 and September 2021, serving as another evidence of the citys loss. (Related: San Francisco lost 6.3% of its population following pandemic and vaccines did they all die?) Meanwhile, the rising mortgage rates, crimes and warnings of a looming recession have caused property prices along the West Coast metropolitan areas to dip. The mass exodus of earners left a glut of properties on the market. In addition to the widespread migration, fewer people are moving to the city in its current state. Move-ins are down by 24 percent since the beginning of the pandemic. Watch the video below about the increased crimes in San Francisco. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: EXODUS: 40% of residents plan to leave San Francisco as crime rises; 76% call for more police. DEFUND the police? Break-ins in San Francisco up by 90% in some neighborhoods. Walgreens shutters 5 more San Francisco branches due to ongoing organized retail crime. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk WashingtonExaminer.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) The authors of a peer-reviewed study published Tuesday warned about the risks of exposure to radiation from 5G technology and said their research shows existing exposure limits for wireless radiation are inadequate, outdated and harmful to human health and wildlife. (Article by Michael Nevradakis, Ph.D. republished from ChildrensHealthDefense.org) The International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF) conducted the study, which was published in Environmental Health. The ICBE-EMF called for an independent assessment of the dangers and impacts of wireless radiation, a campaign to inform the public of the health risks associated with radiation and an immediate moratorium on further rollout of 5G wireless technologies until safety is demonstrated and not simply assumed. In an ICBE-EMF press release, Dr. Lennart Hardell, an oncologist, author of more than 100 papers on non-ionizing radiation and lead author of the study, said: Multiple robust human studies of cell phone radiation have found increased risks for brain tumors, and these are supported by clear evidence of carcinogenicity of the same cell types found in animal studies. In interviews with The Defender, Hardell and Joel M. Moskowitz, director of the Center for Family and Community Health at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, discussed the studys findings, the ICBE-EMFs new initiative to raise awareness of the risks of 5G and explained who is most susceptible to the potentially harmful effects of wireless radiation. According to Moskowitz, exposure to cellphones and other wireless devices should be limited, especially for pregnant women and children. Hardell and Moskowitz both of whom are associated with ICBE-EMF and its study also blamed regulatory agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for ignoring the risks despite hundreds of studies indicating the dangers of exposure to wireless radiation and called for legal action and increased public pressure. Study: wireless radiation exposure limits harmful, based on false suppositions The ICBE-EMF describes itself as a multi-disciplinary consortium of scientists, doctors and related professionals who are, or have been, involved with research related to the biological and health effects of electromagnetic frequencies up to and including 300 GHz. Founded in 2021, the ICBE-EMF which says it is dedicated to ensuring the protection of humans and other species from the harmful effects of non-ionizing radiation arose from the International EMF Scientist Appeal, a petition signed by more than 240 scientists representing more than 2,000 published papers. According to the new ICBE-EMF study, the radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure limits established in the 1990s by the FCC and the ICNIRP were based on results from behavioral studies conducted in the 1980s involving 40-60 minute exposures in 5 monkeys and 8 rats after which arbitrary safety factors were applied to an apparent threshold specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4 watts per kilogram. According to a fact sheet accompanying the studys release, this means that no adverse health effects from RFR exposure were claimed to exist below the SAR of 4 watts per kilogram for frequencies ranging from 100 kHz to 6 GHz. The paper argues these radiation exposure limits were based on two major assumptions that any biological effects of exposure to wireless radiation were due to excessive tissue heating and no effects would occur below the putative threshold SAR, and twelve assumptions that were not specified by either the FCC or ICNIRP. The limits set by the FCC and ICNIRP also ignore the past 25 years of extensive research on RFR which, according to the study, demonstrates that the assumptions underlying the FCCs and ICNIRPs exposure limits are invalid and continue to present a public health harm, and are based on false suppositions. These harms, which have been observed even below the assumed threshold SAR, include non-thermal induction of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, cardiomyopathy, carcinogenicity, sperm damage, and neurological effects, including electromagnetic hypersensitivity, plus increased brain and thyroid cancer risk. Despite these documented risks, the study explains that in 2020, the FCC and ICNIRP reaffirmed the same limits that were established in the 1990s limits that do not adequately protect workers, children, hypersensitive individuals, and the general population from short-term or long-term RFR exposures. According to the ICBE-EMF press release, the FCC and ICNIRP have ignored or inappropriately dismissed hundreds of scientific studies documenting adverse health effects at exposures below the threshold dose claimed by these agencies, which is based on science from the 1980s before cell phones were ubiquitous. Scientists speak out on wireless exposure risks Hardell and Moskowitz both told The Defender that wireless radiation poses a higher risk to pregnant women and children. Moskowitz said people who are electromagnetically hypersensitive also are especially at risk. Both recommended, however, that all individuals minimize their exposure to wireless radiation as much as possible. Moskowitz developed an online resource compiling advice and suggestions for individuals to reduce exposure to wireless radiation. The recommendations include keeping devices such as smartphones and cordless phones at a distance from the body and particularly the head, using these devices in areas where there is a strong signal, reducing secondhand exposure to other individuals devices and switching off household wireless devices at bedtime. Moskowitz cited specific concerns about 5G technology, telling The Defender: 5G has many new features never tested for safety, including different carrier frequencies, new modulation and pulsing schemes, beam-forming, phased arrays, and massive MIMO [multiple input, multiple output]. Studies have been conducted that test some carrier frequencies used in 5G but not the other features which could result in brief but very high-intensity exposures. The proximity of small cell antennas near where people live and work could pose health problems in addition to wireless radiation exposure from 5G cellphones. Hardell said that with 5G technology, the pulses can be extremely high and also be additive from different [wireless] sources, adding that risks are not studied, especially not long-term. In a July 2022 article on safemmr.com, a website on the dangers of wireless radiation exposure operated by Moskowitz, he focused on the millimeter wave (MMW) used in the high-band (30-300 GHz) frequencies utilized by 5G networks. Moskowitz wrote that the characteristics of such MMWs are different than the low-band frequencies primarily used up until now for cellular and wireless transmission. According to Moskowitz: The transmissions can be directed into narrow beams that travel by line-of-sight and can move data at high rates (e.g., up to 10 billion bits per second) with short lags (or latencies) between transmissions. Millimeter waves (MMWs) are mostly absorbed within 1 to 2 millimeters of human skin and in the surface layers of the cornea. Thus, the skin or near-surface zones of tissues are the primary targets of the radiation. Since skin contains capillaries and nerve endings, MMW bio-effects may be transmitted through molecular mechanisms by the skin or through the nervous system. Such exposure, writes Moskowitz, can lead to thermal (heating) effects, initially causing a heat sensation followed by pain and physical damage at higher exposures, and ultimately impacting the growth, morphology and metabolism of cells, inducing production of free radicals, and causing DNA damage. Moskowitz said theres been no real research on the biologic or health effects of 5G, noting that out of 35,000 publications on electromagnetic fields found on the EMF Portal as of Aug. 1, 2022, only 408 pertained to 5G, and only seven were medical or biological studies. However, even these seven studies are inadequate, Moskowitz wrote: A closer look, however, reveals that although these studies employed carrier frequencies used in 5G, none of these studies modulated or pulsed the signal as required by 5G or used other features of 5G technology (e.g., beamforming, massive MIMO, and phased arrays) that are likely to affect the nature and extent of biological or health effects from exposure to this radiation. According to Childrens Health Defense (CHD), more than 1,500 peer-reviewed scientific papers demonstrate biological and health impacts from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). In August 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of CHD in its lawsuit against the FCCs decision not to review its health and safety guidelines regarding 5G and wireless technology, finding that the FCC did not provide a reasoned explanation for its determination that its current guidelines provide adequate protection to RF radiation. The wireless radiation exposure limits reaffirmed by the FCC and ICNIRP make no provision for the advent and growth of 5G technologies, Moskowitz said. But instead of addressing the issue, the telecommunications industry and its experts have accused many scientists who have researched the effects of cellphone radiation of fear-mongering over the advent of wireless technologys 5G, he added. Regulators bear full responsibility for harmful health effects caused by exposure to wireless radiation Hardell told The Defender that the failure of regulatory agencies to set proper exposure limits means they have the full responsibility for deaths and injuries stemming from exposure to wireless radiation. According to Moskowitz, a report on 5G released in 2020 by the U.S. Government Accountability Office recognizes that public concern regarding the health effects from exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) is likely to intensify with the deployment of 5G technology and that long-term effects are unknown. However, according to the report, Officials from federal regulatory and research agencies did not indicate any cause for alarm due to these unknowns because of the research from observational studies on pre-5G technology and from experimental studies of high-band 5G technology. Moskowitz blamed the failure not just on the FCC, but also on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more than two decades, FDA officials have ignored the lack of consensus in the scientific community regarding the safety of RFR, Moskowitz wrote in 2020. The majority of scientists who study RFR effects now believe that current RFR national and international safety standards are inadequate to protect our health. Moskowitz pointed out that the FCC relies on the FDA for health-related recommendations and upon advice from lobbyists and engineers and scientists affiliated with the telecommunications or wireless industry, adding that a revolving door exists between the FCC, these two industries and their lobbying groups. According to the ICBE-EMF fact sheet: Since 2002, multiple robust epidemiologic studies of cell phone radiation have found increased risks for brain tumors, which are supported by evidence of carcinogenicity of the same cell types (glial cells and Schwann cells) from animal studies. And in the ICBE-EMF press release, Dr. Ronald Melnick, ICBE-EMF chair and former senior toxicologist with the U.S. National Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, said: Many studies have demonstrated oxidative effects associated with exposure to low-intensity RFR, and significant adverse effects including cardiomyopathy, carcinogenicity, DNA damage, neurological disorders, increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, and sperm damage. Scientists call for moratorium on 5G deployment Scientists associated with the newly released paper and the ICBE-EMF called for the deployment of 5G networks to be paused until its potential harms to humans and nature are more thoroughly studied. Hardell told The Defender that there should be a moratorium on 5G until studied, describing this situation as a sad story by industry, politicians and their affiliated scientists. Ignorance and doubt is their product, he said. The authors of the paper said health-protective exposure limits are urgently needed for humans and the environment. They added: These limits must be based on scientific evidence rather than on erroneous assumptions, especially given the increasing worldwide exposures of people and the environment to RFR, including novel forms of radiation from 5G telecommunications for which there are no adequate health effects studies. They also said an independent evaluation based on the scientific evidence with attention to the knowledge gained over the past 25 years is needed to establish lower exposure limits. ICBE-EMF also called for health studies to be completed prior to any future deployment of 5G networks. According to Hardell, more is needed than a moratorium on 5G deployment, however. He told The Defender: After more than 20 years of research on health risks from this technology without success to implement precaution, we need legal work. The polluter must pay. Radiofrequency radiation is an environmental pollutant that needs to be investigated and regulated. It needs to be classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by IARC [the International Agency for Research on Cancer]. Under the IARCs classification, Group 1 encompasses compounds or physical factors that are carcinogenic to humans. Read more at: ChildrensHealthDefense.org (Natural News) Scientists have transplanted lab-grown human brain cells into the brains of baby rats as part of an effort to better study human brain development and diseases. Many disorders such as autism and schizophrenia are likely uniquely human, but the human brain certainly has not been very accessible, said Dr. Sergiu Pasca, senior author of the study. The study, published online on October 12 in Nature, demonstrates a method for performing experiments that would otherwise be invasive, difficult or impossible. The said procedure meant that researchers can now study how brain cells from patients with neuropsychiatric disorders malfunction in a living brain and assess the impact of drugs in real time. Psychiatric disorders are a huge burden on society and it is very, very clear that we need better models for studying them, Pasca added. We see patients and patients families that are desperate. There is no time to waste. The research builds upon Pasca teams previous work creating brain organoids, tiny structures resembling human organs that have also been made to represent others, such as livers, kidneys, prostates or key parts of them. The scientists transformed human skin cells into stem cells and then worked on them in the laboratory to become several types of brain cells and turn them into brain organoids. The said cells multiplied to form organoids that resemble the cerebral cortex the brains outermost layer and responsible for memory, thinking, learning, reasoning and emotions. They transplanted the organoids into baby rats, about two to three days old, a stage when brain connections are still forming. The tiny tissue cultures grew and eventually occupied a third of the hemisphere of the rats brain. The clumps of human cells then took root inside the animal brains, hooked up to their blood supplies and tapped into rat brain circuits, allowing them to sense whisker movements and change how the animals behave. Human neurons have been transplanted in rodents before, but generally in adult mice. Pasca said this is the first time these organoids have been placed into younger rat brains, creating the most advanced human brain circuitry ever built from human skin cells and a demonstration that implanted human neurons can influence an animals behavior. UCL Institute of Neurologys Gabriele Lignani commented that the work was exciting as it opened new avenues to study neuropsychiatric diseases. The combination of human cells with a full-body animal model overcomes limitations that these models have on their own, Lignani pointed out. Implanting human brain cells into rats may raise ethical issues study adviser Hank Greely, director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences at Stanford University and the papers adviser, said organoid research raises a number of ethical issues. What if the organoid has some kind of consciousness and it suffers as a result of the transplant? Or what if the transplanted animal takes on human characteristics? he said. Greely doesnt believe these are immediate problems, but he considers them worth discussing as the work advances. It is not too early to think about how we could try to determine societys answer if that day arrives, he said. Some analysts are concerned that the issues should be addressed sooner rather than later. And just like a science fiction movie, there is a great possibility that brain organoids could somehow attain something like human consciousness. Pasca and his group are aware of the rodents well-being and whether they still behave normally with the organoids inside them. Still, Pasca does not believe this should be tried in primates. But according to the Associated Press, some scientists are studying human brain organoids outside of animals. One example is a study published in Nature earlier this month that was conducted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. Researchers involved in the study described how they are growing brain-like tissue from stem cells in the lab and then mapping the cell types in various brain regions and genes regulating their development. Some are using these structures to study autism. Despite this scientific breakthrough, ethicists are still convinced that these kinds of studies could pave the way for altering brain development in animals or eventually in humans. (Related: Dr. Laura Rosser tells Mike Adams: Our nervous system has the ability to create new neural pathways and heal itself Brighteon.TV.) Check out Research.news for more stories like this. Watch this video about autistic children found to have high aluminum in their brains. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Preprint research report links rare brain disease to COVID-19 vaccines. What could go wrong? These lab-grown mini-brains cant think, but scientists say cerebral organoids can be used to study human brain function. Study shows that its possible to grow human brain cells in mice skulls. Sources include: APNews.com TheGuardian.com Nature.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) The CEO of a small Michigan-based firm has been arrested and charged with allegedly storing a large amount of data on Los Angeles County poll workers on servers that are based in China, in what prosecutors have said is likely the biggest data breach in American history. After Eugene Yu, who heads up election software company Konnech, was charged, Los Angeles County prosecutor Eric Neff alleged that the amount of data involved in the breach was astounding, adding that this is probably the largest data breach in United States history. Based on evidence recovered from a search warrant executed October 4, 2022, the District Attorneys Office discovered that Konnech employees known and unknown sent personal identifying information of Los Angeles County election workers to third-party software developers who assisted with creating and fixing Konnechs internal PollChief software, says the complaint, according to KaneKoa The Greats Substack. The complaint goes on to state that Luis Nabergoi, a Konnech project manager who oversaw the Los Angeles contract, wrote in a Chinese-owned messaging app that any employee for Chinese contractors working on PollChief software had superadministration privileges for all PollChief clients. Retired career CIA officer Sam Faddis explained on his substack what it means to have super administrator status: An individual with super administration access to a system can do effectively anything inside that system. He or she can delete data, steal data, alter data, change programming, etc. Perhaps most importantly, that individual can cover his or her tracks, because they can potentially also access and alter all security protocols and programs. So, Konnech, which has numerous questionable ties to Chinese entities was allowed to punch a hole into our election systems, and then Konnech was allowed to grant that same level of access to unknown contractors in China. In Los Angeles alone, there were probably thousands of victims, Neff said. They have contracts all over the country. He added: Its a massive data breach. The connection was initially discovered by Catherine Engelbrecht of TrueTheVote and Gregg Phillips of OPSEC, both of whom were heavily involved in Dinesh DSouzas blockbuster 2020 election fraud documentary 2,000 Mules. They recently shared the story of how they were involved in what they described as a 15-month counterintelligence operation with the FBI to uncover evidence that Konnech was working with China. After the FBI turned against them probably because they worked with DSouza on his documentary the pair sought out others with whom they could share their knowledge of the investigations findings. Neff argued against bail for Yu, a naturalized American who was born in China, for fear that he may be able to return to his home country, where he lived for 33 years and had business operations. Neff added that Yus alleged crimes pose a broad danger to the community. He has extensive friends and family contacts out there, the prosecutor said, according to The Epoch Times. The company is still operating, still uses Chinese contractors to conduct its business. The outlet notes further: Konnech first began supplying poll worker management software to Los Angeles County in 2019. In October 2020, Yus company entered into a $2.9 million, five-year contract with the county. The contract required Konnech to keep the countys data in the United States and allow access only to U.S.-based staff who are citizens or lawful permanent residents, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. Despite these obligations, Konnech employees were sending personal identifying information of Los Angeles election workers to third-party software developers in China who assisted in creating and fixing Konnechs software, known as PollChief, according to the complaint filed by California prosecutors on Oct. 14. In August 2021, the L.A. County election office posted a network diagram of its Election Management System (EMS) that is called EMS Future State v15 to the county registrar offices web site. The diagram is essentially a digital roadmap that shows how data flows within an organization. If Los Angeles countys uploaded diagram is accurate, it demonstrates that Konnechs PollChief software has a direct data integration and data exchange point with the countys overall EMS software, notes KaneKoa The Great, who added: According to the countys diagram, PollChief appears to integrate with; Voter Registration, Voter Records, Election Night Reporting, Address Verification, and Ballot Layout, among other data that moves to that same data integration and data exchange point. A team of software developers, engineers, and data scientists at electionfraud20.org who study election system vulnerabilities has stated that Los Angeles countys diagram indicates that you are giving massive back-door access to all the critical election subsystems that are required to rig the election, in a way that no one will ever notice. And you are giving it to Chinese developers. If PollChief is compromised, this diagram shows that the whole election management system is compromised, the data team noted further. The bottom line is this: Any company with any ties whatsoever to China should never get within 100 miles of a U.S. election data system. Sources include: Kanekoa.Substack.com TheEpochTimes.com (Natural News) The hapless regime of Joe Biden and the Democrat-controlled Congress have combined to produce the weakest U.S. military in decades, and just in time for global threat levels to be at their highest. The Heritage Foundations annual Index of U.S. Military Strength assessed several areas current threats to the United States; the status of the military and its capabilities overall; and U.S. alliances, among other areas. The Wall Street Journals editorial board noted that for the first time in the nine-year history of the assessment, the U.S. military was rated weak. The assessment considers the United States nuclear capability as a separate branch of the military because of its truly unique characteristics and constituent elements, from the weapons themselves to the supporting infrastructure that is fundamentally different from the infrastructure that supports conventional capabilities. Also, the assessment noted that the military has been degraded through underinvestment, poor execution of modernization programs, and the negative effects of budget sequestration (cuts in funding) on readiness and capacity in spite of repeated efforts by Congress to provide relief from low budget ceilings imposed by the Budget Control Act of 2011. Some of the key findings by branch include: Army [Marginal]: The Army is aging faster than it is modernizing. It remains weak in capacity with only 62 percent of the force it should have. However, 25 of its 31 Regular Army BCTs are at the highest state of readiness, thus earning a readiness score of very strong and conveying the sense that the service knows what it needs to do to prepare for the next major conflict. Navy [Weak]: This worrisome score, a drop from marginal assessed in the 2022 Index, is driven by problems in capacity (very weak) and readiness (weak). This Index assesses that the Navy needs a battle force of 400 manned ships to do what is expected of it today. The Navys current battle force fleet of 298 ships and intensified operational tempo combine to reveal a service that is much too small relative to its tasks. Air Force [Very Weak]: The Air Force has been downgraded once again, the second time in the past two years. The Air Force was assessed as marginal in the 2021 Index but, with public reporting of the mission readiness and physical location of combat aircraft implying that it would have a difficult time responding rapidly to a crisis, fell to a score of weak in the 2022 Index. During FY 2022, the year assessed for this Index, problems with pilot production and retention, an extraordinarily small amount of time in the cockpit for pilots, and a fleet of aircraft that continues to age compounded challenges even more, leading to the current score of very weak. Marine Corps [Strong]: The score for the Marine Corps was raised to strong from marginal in the 2022 Index and remains strong in this edition for two reasons: (1) because the 2021 Index changed the threshold for capacity, lowering it from 36 infantry battalions to 30 battalions in acknowledgment of the Corps argument that it is a one-war force that also stands ready for a broad range of smaller crisis-response tasks, and (2) because of the Corps extraordinary, sustained efforts to modernize (which improves capability) and enhance its readiness during the assessed year. Of the five services, the Corps is the only one that has a compelling story for change, has a credible and practical plan for change, and is effectively implementing its plan to change. Space Force [Weak]: The mission sets, space assets, and personnel that have transitioned to the Space Force from the other services since its establishment in December 2019 and that have been added over the past two years have enabled the service to sustain its support to the Joint Force. However, there is little evidence that the USSF has improved its readiness to provide nearly real-time support to operational and tactical levels of force operations or that it is ready in any way to execute defensive and offensive counterspace operations to the degree envisioned by Congress when it authorized the creation of the Space Force. Nuclear Capabilities [Strong]: The scoring for U.S. nuclear weapons must be considered in the context of a threat environment that is significantly more dangerous than it was in previous years. Until recently, U.S. nuclear forces needed to address one nuclear peer rather than two. Given senior leaders reassurances with respect to the readiness and reliability of U.S. nuclear forces, as well as the strong bipartisan commitment to modernization of the entire nuclear enterprise, this years Index retains its grade of strong, but only for now. U.S. nuclear forces face many risks that, without a continued commitment to a strong deterrent, could warrant a decline to an overall score of marginal or weak. The U.S. Coast Guard is an armed force, but it falls under the Department of Homeland Security. However, in wartime, the Coast Guard traditionally falls under the Navy. Sources include: Heritage.org WSJ.com (Natural News) The U.S. government under Joe Biden is doing its level best to give China more access to and control over our own military personnel. According to a report by The National Pulse, the military is allowing the sale of Chinese-made smart devices on bases that are known to track them and to send back personal information about troops and personnel. Chinese-made smart televisions in the homes of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and their families, as well as millions of other Americans, could be collecting massive amounts of personal and technical data and transmitting it back to CCP affiliates in mainland China, the report stated. Two brands of smart television primarily sold in the U.S. TCL and Hisense have drawn recent scrutiny. According to The National Interest, Both TCL and Hisense are Chinese government state-owned enterprises that are under the control of the Qingdao and Guangdong governments, respectively. SEC filings show that TCL is owned specifically by the Huizhou Municipal Government in Chinas Guangdong province. In 2019 alone, TLC sold more than 28 million smart TVs around the world, including the United States, as the company began to position itself as a major global brand. What made them so popular, especially with troops, is that they were of decent quality and they were low cost between $500 and $600, according to The National Interest, which made industry experts wonder just how they could be priced so low and the company still remain solvent. The answer: Being government-owned, both TLC and Hisense are subsided and therefore do not need to turn a profit. Hence, they are literally being offered at cut-rate prices so China can better spy on its No. 1 enemy, all with the Biden regimes backing. And heres the thing: Not only do the devices have the ability to capture significant amounts of personal information that is then transmitted to China, but the TV makers also dont even hide that fact. Openly-published privacy policies from the manufacturers themselves openly state the data to be collected, and what it can be used for. The Hisense Smart TV Privacy Policy, openly available on their website, states that the company transfers private user information directly to China. The same applies to the Hisense Smart Appliances Privacy Policy and the TCL Privacy Policy, The National Pulse reported. The Trump administration was well aware of this situation and moved to prevent it from happening. Then-President Donald Trumps administration, in his final days in office, notified suppliers to Chinese electronics firm Huawei, including Intel, that it was revoking certain licenses and that the administration would further reject dozens of other applications to supply the Chinese company over espionage concerns, Reuters reported exclusively at the time. The action at the time was the latest in a long-running effort to weaken the worlds largest telecommunications equipment maker, which Washington sees as a national security threat, the newswire reported. In December 2020, then-acting director of Homeland Security, Chad Wolf, said in a speech to the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., that Chinas spying included through the use of smart devices and technology. DHS is reviewing entities such as the Chinese manufacturer TCL. This year it was discovered that TCL incorporated backdoors into all of its TV sets exposing users to cyber breaches and data exfiltration. TCL also receives CCP state support to compete in the global electronics market, which has propelled it to the third-largest television manufacturer in the world, Wolf said at the time. As Acting Secretary, I am immensely proud of the work DHS has done to recognize the threat China poses to the Homeland. We remain vigilant and will continue to call out the threat clearly. But for all we have done, we must do more. Sources include: DHS.gov TheNationalPulse.com (Natural News) As bad as Joe Bidens presidency has been thus far, its about to get a whole lot worse. In a letter to federal law enforcement officials last week, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) noted that the FBI is likely in possession of significant, impactful, and voluminous evidence of potential criminal conduct by Hunter Biden and James Biden, Joe Bidens brother. Moreover, he added, the president himself may have been involved. The letter, sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss who is running the ongoing criminal investigation into Hunter Biden contained whistleblower allegations that relate to Hunter and James Bidens dealings with CEFC China Energy, an energy conglomerate linked to the Chinese government. In addition, the documents also relate to Hunter Bidens work on the board of Ukrainian gas giant Burisma Holdings, according to the Washington Examiner, which obtained a copy of Grassleys letter. The Iowa Republican said his staff reviewed the unclassified records that support claims made by the whistleblower. Based on recent protected disclosures to my office, the FBI has within its possession significant, impactful, and voluminous evidence with respect to potential criminal conduct by Hunter Biden and James Biden, Grassley, the ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote. Included in the evidence that Grassley cited is an interview the FBI conducted in October 2020 with former Biden family business associate Tony Bobulinski. In his letter, Grassley said that Bobulinski told federal agents that Hunter Biden and James Biden were working with foreign nationals linked to the Chinese Communist Party on potential business deals and investments while Joe Biden was Vice President; however, that work remained intentionally uncompensated while Joe Biden was Vice President. The information provided by Mr. Bobulinski formed a sufficient basis to open a full field investigation on pay-to-play grounds; however, it is unclear whether the FBI did so and whether the information is part of the ongoing criminal investigation by U.S. Attorney Weiss, Grassley said. CEFC China Energy is a now-defunct but one-time multi-billion dollar company that was founded by Ye Jianming, a business tycoon who has since disappeared in China. Hunter and James Biden attempted to work out several deals with him before he disappeared, receiving millions of dollars in cash and gifts in the process. Also, as reported by the New York Post prior to the 2020 stolen election, Hunter Biden said in one email that 10 percent of everything he took in was reserved for the big guy, whom Bobulinski identified as Joe Biden. The evidence within the FBIs possession that I am referencing is included, in part, in a summary of Tony Bobulinskis October 23, 2020, interview with FBI agents, Grassleys letter states. In that interview, Mr. Bobulinski stated that the arrangement Hunter Biden and James Biden created with foreign nationals connected to the communist Chinese government included assisting them with potential business deals and investments while Joe Biden was Vice President; however, that work remained intentionally uncompensated while Joe Biden was Vice President. After Joe Biden left the Vice Presidency, the summary makes clear that Hunter Biden and James Biden worked with CEFC and affiliated individuals to compensate them for that past work and the benefits they procured for CEFC. The Washington Examiner adds: Republicans have scrutinized Hunter Bidens partnership with Jianming and his top lieutenant, Patrick Ho, who was sentenced to three years in prison in March 2019 for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The case against Ho revealed that some evidence had been obtained through the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Hunter Biden struck a $1 million legal retainer agreement with Ho following his arrest. The presidents son referred to Ho as the f***ing spy chief of China in a recording dated May 11, 2018. The FBI has within its possession a different document, dated in October 2020, but referencing events that occurred years before. That document indicates that in May 2017 approximately three months after the joint venture was hatched in Miami and the same month it was officially formed Hunter Biden yelled at CEFC officials at a meeting for failing to fund the joint venture, Grassley also wrote. That same document notes that as of July 2017 the money still had not been transferred and James Biden considered calling CEFC officials and threatening to withdraw Biden family support from future deals. Grassley concluded his letter with a criticism of the FBI and the Justice Department. It is unclear whether the FBI followed normal investigative procedure to determine the truth and accuracy of the information or shut down investigative activity based on improper disinformation claims in advance of the 2020 election. It is also unclear whether U.S. Attorney Weiss has performed his own due diligence, he wrote. Sources include: WesternJournal.com WashingtonExaminer.com A great white shark attack was reported in a beach in Ferndale, California, involving a surfer named Michael 'Jared' Trainor, 31, who drove to the beach back on October 2. Although the California man survived the horrific incident, he sustained severe injuries when the 13-feet great white shark bit his right leg. More than two weeks after the shark attack, Trainor tells the tale of how he survived the ordeal. California Great White Shark Attack The 31-year-old father of one initially planned to go to another beach area until his friend called him about a different location where "the surf was good" or a part of the beach where the waves are larger and more frequent, enough to be ideal for surfing. Trainor told Fox News that he was thinking about how locals call the month of October as "Sharktober," emphasizing that it has been known in that community that surfing alone is dangerous during this time of the year. Despite knowing the shark threat, Trainor reportedly continued to hit the waves at Centerville Beach even if he initially thought of not going to the spot at all. Before disaster struck, the surfer said he noticed many seals in the shallow parts of the ocean, which was potentially a sign that something is lurking in the depths. Also Read: Frequency of Shark Attacks Linked to Moon Phases, Reveals New Study Apparent Seal Attack The initial attack occurred several minutes after Trainor paddled with his surf board and hit the waves. The surfer added that he must have been in the water for 10 minutes and not even 15 minutes when the first set of waves came through, as cited by UNILAD. Trainor then passed through the waves and already felt an ominous feeling until the next thing he knew he was already under water after being dragged by an unknown marine animal at that time. Multiple media reports said Trainor initially thought it was a seal since the deepest contact point was around his knee and felt like a smaller bite. The 31-year-old used his left leg to kick and force the predator to let go, allowing him to go back towards the shore where another surfer helped him and called an ambulance. Confirmation of the Attack Trainor said he did not realize how badly injured he was until the fire department came in and wrapped a tourniquet to his leg. It was only when the responders cut his suit Trainor saw the bite marks in the board and realized the unknown attacker was a shark. Doctors who attended for Trainor said he was lucky to be alive, wherein the surfer later learned that he was attacked by a great white shark estimated to be around 13 feet long. The recent California shark attack is only part of a series of shark attacks across the state's coastline waters in recent years. According to the California Academy of Sciences, an average of 1.8 shark attacks have occurred in California in the last decade, adding that most or all unprovoked attacks involved a great white shark. Related Article: Authorities Observe 12 Great White Sharks Lurking Beneath the Plettenberg Bay Coastline Scientists suggested using Artificial Intelligence for genomic selection to better predict the efficient performance of sugarcane in fields. Brazil is one of the main producers of sugarcane worldwide. The sugarcane industry has been a source of livelihood for many farmers. According to the Britannica website, sugarcane, also known as Saccharum officinarum, grows in subtropical and tropical areas worldwide. Sugarcane products have many uses, including to produce of ethyl alcohol or ethanol, cane fibers, straw, rum, and others used for biofuel. Furthermore, the Brittanica website explained that sugarcane requires a condition soil to propagate or prosper. Based on records, sugarcane crop requires well-drained soil, a mixture of sand and clay particles, which could also grow in alluvial soils nearby rivers and volcanic soils. It is also important that sugarcane has 80 to 90 inches of water to attain a good harvest. The research was published in Scientific Reports and is available on the Phy.org website. Artificial intelligence As a result, new research emerged to help farmers predict the performance of sugarcane in agricultural fields. For this time, scientists in Brazil developed the application of artificial intelligence to create efficient models for the sugarcane's genomic selection, noting to protect the sugarcane's performance output. Furthermore, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been well-known in many fields. AI is a branch of machine learning and computer science providing useful statistics for optimization, production, and intervention. AI could provide insights into the effect of pests, insects, bacteria, fungi, soil nutrients, droughts, and climate change on the sugarcane harvest. According to the report, the application of AI would help predict sugarcane performance based on their DNA. Amazingly, the results showed that the methodology using IA showed a 50% improvement in the predictive results for sugarcane. The report also noted that the efficient genomic selection method was the first time in terms of polyploid plants. Also Read: Male Rock Hyrax Sings to Attract Potential Female Partners Efficient to predict The study's first author and computer scientist, Alexandre Hild Aono, explained that crossing had been used for traditional breeding. He explained that the process included crossing sugar-producing sugarcane to resistant sugarcane. Aono is also a researcher from the State University of Campinas's Center - Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering. The researchers noted that the shared method could predict the plants' performance even before they started to grow, noting that the assessment was based on genetic material. Interestingly, the technique can save years of evaluation. However, he added that the assessment would take time and be expensive, incurring a high cost for field owners and farmers. Meanwhile, Aono noted that the genome complexities of the sugarcane and forage grass are one hurdle to breeding polyploid plants. Moreover, Anete Pereira de Souza said that breeders identify interesting plants and clones, but it requires more time and cost. However, Souza noted that intensive use of data and efficient statistical tools (Plant breeding 4.0) would help overcome the hurdles. Souza is also a professor of plant genetics from UNICAMP's Institute of Biology. Related Article: Scientists Are Alarmed at the Mysterious Disappearance of Billions of Snow Crabs in Alaska For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News. Prosecutors revealed that authorities rescued about 300 rabbits, birds, and other creatures from a filthy residence in New York and accused a self-help book author with inhumane confinement of animals. "Operation Open Cage" began on October 1 when animal control officers notified detectives about a hoarding issue in the Long Island hamlet of Miller Place, according to the Suffolk County district attorney's office. Hoarder charged after 300 animals rescued from NY home According to the district attorney, officers wearing hazardous material suits discovered 118 rabbits, 150 birds, 15 cats, seven tortoises, three snakes, and many mice living among filth, many of which were surrounded by their own feces and urine and coated in cockroaches, as per abc News. Karin Keyes, 51, the home's owner, was charged with seven charges of inhumane confinement of animals. She is a social worker and the self-published author of "Journey Into Awareness: Reclaiming Your Life." No information about Keyes' attorney was provided. A message was left at the phone number provided for her. Teams from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals assisted the district attorney's Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team and local cops in taking the animals and delivering them to animal welfare groups around New York for medical treatment. When ASPCA rescuers arrived on the scene, it was evident that quick action was required to remove hundreds of neglected animals from the harsh and terrible conditions they were exposed to and give them with skilled care, according to Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. In a statement, Brookhaven Town Council member Jane Bonner said, "The amount of brutality and the horrific circumstances that the animals were subjected to are beyond imagination." The atrocious neglect they were made to undergo cannot be justified or rationalized in any way. According to Jed Painter, the supervising attorney of the district attorney's animal unit, Keyes became increasingly overwhelmed with the animals in her care. He went on to say that any household with 300 animals would have deadly ammonia levels. Read more: Cats and Dogs Rescued at a House in Diamond Bar, Los Angeles Following Reports of Animal Hoarding What exactly is animal hoarding, and how does it manifest itself? Animal hoarding is the collection of animals that has outstripped a person's ability to offer basic care. Nutrition, sanitation, housing, veterinary care, and socializing are among the criteria, as per The Animal Humane Society. In extreme situations, animals may be confined in carriers or cages stacked on top of one another, surrounded by their own urine or feces. Feces may also coat the floors, furniture, and surfaces. Animals can suffer from major diseases or health problems. They may be overfed and fat, or they could be famished and emaciated. In the most extreme occurrences, animals are discovered dead. Cats and dogs are the most typical victims of animal hoarding, although rodents, reptiles, and other animals can also be victims of a hoarding situation. Hoarding usually starts with a few unsterilized animals. Breeding may become uncontrollable when kept in tight quarters. Four cats, for example, may easily increase into hundreds over the course of a few years. It is critical to understand that animal hoarding is not the same as purposeful breeding. Breeders make a profit by selling animals and acquiring animals. Hoarders maintain their pets and may be terrified of giving them away, even if properly caring for them has proven difficult. AHS humane agents open an average of 25 animal hoarding cases each year. In some of these circumstances, animals are confiscated from property with the assistance of law enforcement, but in the majority of cases, animals are surrendered to AHS voluntarily. Humane agents from AHS play an important role in rescuing animals from hoarding situations, but their job does not end there. Proper intervention is critical to avoiding relapse, which occurs in 100% of hoarders who do not receive treatment and continuing support. Related article: Average Animal Hoarder in Spain Keeps 50 Pets, New Study Finds The rainbow fish, born female but eventually turning into a male, was found in the depths. Only by utilizing specialized diving equipment were Maldivian researchers able to reach the rose-veiled fairy wrasse. There are flashing shoals of vividly colored, finger-length fish all over the Maldives, between 40 and 70 meters (130-230 feet) beneath the Indian Ocean. These fish never venture up to the coral reefs at the surface. Diving in the Depths Deep-diving researchers have discovered several species in the mesophotic (or twilight) zone, located between the daylight shallows and the deep, dark ocean. One of these species is the rose-veiled fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa). It descends roughly 150 meters and is home to a unique species assemblage. From a research ship in the Indian Ocean, Yi-Kai Tea, a postdoctoral scholar at the Australian Museum Research Institute in Sydney, writes via email that "the mesophotic zone is one of the least investigated places in coral reefs." This location is typically at an uncomfortable depth that is too deep to dive using regular scuba techniques, too complicated to be explored by trawling and dredging, yet not deep enough to be surveyed by submarines. Also Read: Extremely Rare Sea Cucumber Lives Life Like a Jellyfish Using Special Equipment Scientists employ specialized diving equipment that circulates exhaled air rather than blowing bubbles directly into the water as typical scuba divers do to take pictures and collect specimens in the mesophotic zone. Rebreather divers may extend their dives to 100 meters by carefully regulating the gas mixture, removing excess carbon dioxide, and adding additional oxygen as needed. To safely decompress from these extreme depths, they must remove many large gas cylinders and spend hours rising slowly. Still, in doing so, they might discover creatures that were previously unknown to science in this remote area. Majestic Fishes The pink rose, which shares the same species name as the rose-veiled fairy wrasse, and the colorful fish, finifenmaa, which means rose in the native Dhivehi language, were both referenced in the naming of the fish in 2022. Ahmed Najeeb of the Maldives Marine Research Institute is one of the researchers that helped locate and name the new wrasse. According to Tea, this is the first time a Maldivian scientist has described a new species endemic to the area. Like other wrasse species, the rose-veiled fairy wrasse changes its sex and appearance as it ages. They are born female, develop into males, and become much more colorful as they age. The guys dress in magnificent nuptial hues to entice ladies during mating season. The California Academy of Sciences' Hope for Reefs effort focuses on mesophotic reefs and seeks to understand better and conserve the world's coral reefs, including the discovery. Similar Fish In 2019, Tea gave a name to a second fairy wrasse found in the mesophotic zone off the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. Cirrhilabrus wakanda, a species of vibranium fairy wrasse, with bright purple scales that change to a bright yellow color as the females become males. The name is a tribute to Wakanda and the fictional superhero Black Panther. According to Tea, the wrasse has avoided research because it dwells on distant, hidden reefs far below the surface, much like the mysterious mythical country of Wakanda. The mythical rare metal vibranium is integrated into Black Panther's armor. He adds that the colors and patterns also made him think of the Wakandan costumes from the film. Although they are still common, the rose-veiled fairy wrasse's stunning colors in the Maldives have proven alluring. They are already being taken from the wild for the decorative aquarium trade. According to what we know, they are not in immediate danger, says Tea. Related Article: Take A Look Inside the Barreleye Fish: The Marine Animal With Transparent Skull For the most recent updates from the animal kingdom, don't forget to follow Nature World News! According to a new study, better groundwater supply management might be the key to combating the effects of climate change in East Africa, where nations are now experiencing the greatest drought and food insecurity in a generation. rising groundwater offers hope for drought-stricken East Africa The study, headed by the University of Bristol, looked at variations in rainfall over the past 30 years in the Horn of Africa, an area heavily struck by periodic drought and water and food deprivation, as per ScienceDaily. The overall rainfall during the major rainy season, known as the 'long rains,' is decreasing across the Horn of Africa Drylands, while it is increasing during the other rainy season, known as the 'short rains.' These tendencies, which apply to Ethiopia, Somaliland, Somalia, and Kenya, prompted the researchers to look into below-ground water storage, which might be a lifeline for drinking water availability during these times. Despite the drying impacts of the diminishing 'long rains' season, which traditionally delivers more rain cumulatively than the 'short rains' season, the results show that water storage has increased in recent decades. Dr. Markus Adloff, the study's lead author and a researcher at Bristol's School of Geographical Sciences, said, "This was surprisingly counterintuitive, but also tremendously significant since it hints to a possible silver lining that may promote climate adaption." The findings imply that groundwater in the Horn of Africa drylands can support increased food and water for poor rural people. To interpret this contradicting conclusion, the study team looked at how rainfall features may have evolved through time. The researchers discovered that severe rainfall is becoming more prevalent in the 'short rains' season and is normally high in the 'long rains' season by analyzing rainfall data. This study emphasizes that in drylands, the intensity of rainfall during a rainy season may be more essential for groundwater replenishment than the overall amount of rainfall, according to co-author Dr. Katerina Michaelides, Associate Professor in Dryland Hydrology at the University of Bristol. Drylands are defined by low annual rainfall, high evaporative demand, dry rivers, and deep groundwater levels. Because rain falls on the ground in the shallow areas of the soil, it evaporates swiftly back into the atmosphere if it is light and drizzling. If it is powerful and heavy, it causes runoff in dry riverbeds, where it may quickly sink deep into the earth and avoid evaporation back into the atmosphere. This process explains why, despite a decrease in 'long rain seasonal totals, the combination of high rainfall intensities in both seasons looked to be leading to higher levels of below-ground water storage. Read more: Experts Say Plague of Locusts in East Africa Linked to Climate Change Clean water is critical to preventing disease spread in East Africa The United Nations commemorates the essential and multifaceted role that water plays for individuals, homes, communities, governments, and companies across the world on World Water Day, as per IOM UN Migration. Access to safe drinking water, a valuable resource that is sometimes taken for granted, is a human right. However, access to safe, inexpensive water remains a major issue for many people in the East and Horn of Africa, with disadvantaged groups bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. Aside from being used for personal consumption, water also plays an important function in maintaining people's health. The East African Community (EAC) region's extensive geographical boundaries, along with significant commerce and mobility, encourage the spread of infectious illnesses. Previous illness outbreaks in the region have included cholera, measles, rift valley fever, yellow fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and COVID-19, among others. Consistently implemented good water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices can assist to reduce the spread of waterborne and other infectious illnesses. This is especially relevant in places with high amounts of human movements, such as border crossings and transit corridors, where local communities are more vulnerable to infection. As a result, these crucial public health "hot areas" should be addressed with timely health, hygiene, and clean water interventions. Related article: New Mosquito Species From Asia Has Invaded East Africa In Maracay, the state capital of Aragua in northern Venezuela, deadly rivers of brown water flowed through the streets on Monday as heavy rain from a rainstorm poured down the city and caused a massive landslide. Deadly Flood According to Reuters, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that a landslide in Maracay's El Castao neighborhood had claimed at least three lives. Hundreds of people lost their houses, and scores of others perished due to the region's weeks of heavy rain. The catastrophic disaster was most likely caused by torrential rain from an isolated thunderstorm in the mountains outside of the city, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls, even though no weather-reporting stations in Maracay registered precipitation on Monday. A dam overflowed due to the heavy rain, causing a flash flood that swept automobiles, big boulders, and trees down a road near El Castao. According to Al Jazeera, around 50 houses were affected, and several locals needed to be evacuated. Also Read: "Like a War Zone," Survivors Described Situation After Hurricane Ian Ravaged Areas in Florida Citizens are Scared Jose Dos Santos, 56, a resident of Maracay, said to AFP: "I was staring towards the mountain. The rain was hard. We heard a boom, and when I saw water flowing through the windows, I grabbed my family, and we went up." A guy was almost carried away in his automobile in a social media video as the seas raged through the streets. Angel Jesus Diaz Escobar caught the dramatic seconds the driver was able to get out of his car before it went away. Maracay homeowner Arturo Betancourt told The Washington Post that he would have been trapped in the perilous floodwaters if his vehicle hadn't broken down on the way home from work. He said that his automobile had stalled due to a mechanic making a mistake while installing a new GPS. Betancourt resumed the remainder of the journey on foot when a coworker offered to drop him off closer to home. Betancourt was drenched in water and could hear the raging floodwaters by the time he arrived on the street he usually turned onto with his car. Betancourt told The Post, "I was saturated in water and getting trapped in the muck. But in the meanwhile, the street I would have regularly traveled home was being washed by a landslide, and my car would have been involved. Nelida Rodriguez, a different resident, told AFP that the avalanche was "horrendous." Rodriguez said, "I've been here for 70 years and have never seen this." Many Fatalities At least 54 people have perished, and hundreds have lost their houses in the town of Las Tejerias, some 30 miles to the east of Maracay, as a result of many landslides brought on by severe rainfall. The number of fatalities, according to officials, might reach 100 as they continue to look for survivors. And it's not anticipated that the rain will stop soon. In the highlands of north-central and northwest Venezuela, as well as in the country's south, Nicholls predicts that isolated thunderstorms will likely continue to be possible during the following week. Streets in some regions where the water has started to recede are littered with trash and garbage, and what little is left of some dwellings is caked in mud. La lluvia no deberia significar angustia para nuestra gente, como esta ocurriendo en #Maracay o con tragedias como la de #LasTejerias. Los desastres naturales son inevitables, pero si podemos prepararnos y aprender de ellas. Seguimos de cerca la situacion en #Aragua. pic.twitter.com/qxr6Zt6v1Q Juan Guaido (@jguaido) October 17, 2022 Juan Guaido, who the US has acknowledged as Venezuela's president, stated on Twitter on Monday that "the rain should not imply suffering for our people." Disasters caused by nature are unavoidable, but we can be ready for them and learn from them. Related Article: Exposure to Major Disasters Can Cause Long-Term Mental Health Problems For more climate and weather updates, don't forget to follow Nature World News! Recent information suggests that rather than bats or birds, the next pandemic may well be brought on by ice that is melting. According to genetic analysis of soil and lake sediments from Lake Hazen, the largest high Arctic freshwater lake in the world, a virus invading a new host for the first time could be more likely to happen close to melting glaciers. Melting glaciers may result in the next pandemic According to the findings, it is more likely viruses and bacteria dormant in glaciers and permafrost would reawaken and infect nearby wildlife when global temperatures rise due to climate change, especially if their ranges move closer to the poles, as per The Guardian. To better comprehend the threat posed by frozen viruses, Dr. Stephane Aris-Brosou and his colleagues at the University of Ottawa in Canada collected soil and sediment samples from Lake Hazen adjacent to were little medium, and large volumes of meltwater from surrounding glaciers poured in. The probability that these viruses will infect unconnected groups of species was then calculated by scientists using an algorithm. After that, scientists sequenced the RNA and DNA in all of these samples to discover signatures that closely matched those of well-known viruses as well as possible animal, plant, or fungus hosts. Other recent studies have claimed that unidentified viruses can and do linger in glacier ice. As an illustration, scientists at Ohio State University in the US reported last year that they had discovered genetic material from 33 viruses, 28 of which were unique, in ice samples obtained from China's Tibetan plateau. The viruses were thought to be about 15,000 years old based on where they were found. According to predictions, climate change will affect the distribution of current species, possibly bringing old viruses or bacteria into contact with new hosts. Read More: Next Pandemic? Cases of Pathogens Jumping from Animals to Humans Are on the Rise Viruses develop more during winter Many spend a lot of time indoors because the cold isn't our thing for many of us. And because of that, diseases like the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19 particularly its extremely contagious version, Omicron are easier to spread, as per Horizon Health News. The cold alters how our bodies react to illness and causes us to behave in ways that may raise the risk of infection. The mouth and nose are the typical entry points for viruses although our nasal passages typically have effective defenses against them. But the cold makes it harder for us to discharge the mucus out of our noses, which makes it simpler for viruses to enter our systems. Pandemic readiness begins at the national level Preparedness has numerous components and begins at the national level. In order to support the deployment of vaccinations and other medical countermeasures, it is first and foremost necessary to have robust and resilient health systems, particularly in primary care, as per World Bank Blogs. Given that pathogens do not respect national boundaries, there are also significant cross-national dimensions to preparedness, with regional and subregional institutions playing a crucial role in areas like regulatory harmonization, standards for reporting and sharing information on disease outbreaks, sharing of important public health assets like high complexity laboratories, and pooled procurement. There are long-standing vulnerabilities in these preparedness categories in many nations, particularly low- and middle-income countries, which translates into weaknesses at the regional level as well. The COVID-19 pandemic severely tested even nations with higher levels of preparedness, revealing supply chain failure risks and the impact that a lack of trust, unity, and procedures for intra-government cooperation have played in hampering the response. Related Article: Thwaites Glacier: Scientists Warn of the Melting of the Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of non-MDE MH-60R sustainment items and services for an estimated cost of $162 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 19. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Australian MH-60R Seahawk helicopter (Picture source: Australian MoD) The Government of Australia has requested to buy additional non-MDE MH-60R sustainment items and services that will be added to a previously implemented case. The original FMS case, valued at $89.8 million, included MH-60R sustainment. The estimated total cost is $162 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. The proposed sale will continue Australias capability to interoperate with U.S. forces by maintaining alignment with the U.S. Navys MH-60R program and maintain mission readiness to deter regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Owego, NY. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. The ongoing virtual Canton Fair, or the 132nd session of China Import and Export Fair, provides a platform for foreign trade companies to explore the RCEP market, Economic Information Daily reported on Wednesday. Sinomax, a mattress and pillow maker in Jiaxing of East China's Zhejiang province, has benefited from the tariff reduction policy of RCEP or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The company helped its Japanese customers to apply for RCEP Certificate of Origin for preferential tariff treatment. When this news was released the company attracted the attention of many purchasers from Japan and Vietnam on the first exhibition day of this year's Canton Fair. During the match-making activities of the Canton Fair, Hunan Hualian Porcelain Industry Co Ltd has also found purchasers from RCEP market. Products of the company are sold in over 40 countries and regions including Africa and South America. Helping enterprises to explore the RCEP market at the Canton Fair has also become the focus of the trade groups at this year's fair. Trade groups from Jiangsu, Hunan and Guangzhou have provided various services to help companies of their region to explore the RCEP market. RCEP member states are not only important sources of enterprises for the Canton Fair, but also the main trade markets served by the Canton Fair. This year's Canton Fair, with expanded scale, optimized platform functions and extended service time, provides international companies, including those in RCEP region, round-the-clock convenience of "staying at home and trading globally", said Wen Zhongliang, vice-secretary-general of the Canton Fair and deputy director of China Foreign Trade Centre. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a new tool to monitor brain plasticity-;the way our brains remodel and physically adapt as we learn and experience things, from watching a movie to learning a new song or language. Their approach, which measures the proteins produced by individual types of brain cells, has the potential to both answer basic questions about how the brain works, and shed light on numerous brain diseases in which plasticity goes awry. Prior experiments in several labs have already revealed how brain activity spurs changes in the gene expression in neurons, an early step in plasticity. The team's experiments, described in Journal of Neuroscience on September 7, focus on the next essential step in plasticity, translation of the genetic code into proteins. We still don't understand all the mechanisms underlying how cells in our brain change in response to experiences, but this approach gives us a new window into the process." Hollis Cline, PhD, the Hahn Professor and Chair of Neuroscience at Scripps Research and Senior Author When you learn something new, two things happen: First, neurons immediately pass electrical signals along new routes in your brain. Then, over time, this leads to changes in the physical structure of cells and their connections in the brain. But scientists have long wondered what happens in between these two steps. How does this electrical activity in neurons ultimately coax the brain to change in more lasting ways? Even further, how and why does this plasticity decrease with age and certain diseases? Previously, researchers have studied how genes in neurons turn on and off in response to brain activity, hoping to get insight into plasticity. With the advent of high-throughput gene sequencing technologies, tracking genes in this way has become relatively easy. But most of those genes encode proteins-;the real workhorses of cells, the levels of which are more difficult to monitor. But Cline, in close collaboration with Scripps professor John Yates III, PhD, and associate professor Anton Maximov, PhD, wanted to look directly at how proteins in the brain change. "We wanted to jump into the deep end of the pool and see what proteins are important to brain plasticity," says Cline. Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The team designed a system in which they could introduce a specially tagged amino acid-;one of the building blocks of proteins-;into one type of neuron at a time. As the cells produced new proteins, they would incorporate this amino acid, azidonorleucine, into their structures. By tracking which proteins contained the azidonorleucine over time, the researchers could monitor newly made proteins and distinguish them from pre-existing proteins. Cline's group used the azidonorleucine to track which proteins were made after mice experienced a large and widespread spike in brain activity, mimicking what happens at a smaller scale when we experience the world around us. The team focused on cortical glutamatergic neurons, a major class of brain cell responsible for processing sensory information. After the increase in neural activity, the researchers discovered levels of 300 different proteins changed in the neurons. While two-thirds increased during the spike in brain activity, the synthesis of the remaining third decreased. By analyzing the roles of these so-called "candidate plasticity proteins", Cline and her colleagues were able to gain general insight into how they might impact plasticity. Many of the proteins related to the structure and shape of neurons, for instance, as well as how they communicate with other cells. These proteins suggested ways in which brain activity can immediately begin to impact connections between cells. Additionally, a number of the proteins were related to how DNA is packaged inside cells; changing this packaging can change which genes a cell can access and use over a long time period. This suggests ways that a very short spike in brain activity can lead to more sustained remodeling within the brain. "This is a clear mechanism by which a change in brain activity can lead to waves of gene expression for many days," says Cline. The researchers hope to use this method to discover and study additional candidate plasticity proteins, for instance those that might change in different types of brain cells after animals see a new visual stimulus. Cline says their tool also could offer insight into brain diseases and aging, through comparisons of how brain activity impacts protein production in young versus old and healthy versus diseased brains. Montana voters will decide Nov. 8 whether to approve a ballot initiative declaring that an embryo or fetus is a legal person with a right to medical care if it survives an abortion or delivery. The measure would impose severe penalties on health workers who don't provide that care. Legislative Referendum 131 was approved for next month's election by state lawmakers in 2021, more than a year before the U.S. Supreme Court removed federal protections for abortion in June. Abortion remains legal in Montana because of a 1999 state Supreme Court ruling that protects it under the state constitution's right-of-privacy provision. Three laws passed by the Republican-led legislature in 2021 to restrict abortion have been blocked while a legal challenge proceeds, arguing that they violate the constitutional provision. But lawmakers sent LR-131 directly to voters to decide whether it should become law. Here are five key things to know about the ballot measure: 1. What would the initiative do? LR-131 would impose criminal penalties of up to 20 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine on any health care worker who doesn't try to save a "born-alive infant." That term is defined as a legal person who breathes, has a heartbeat, or has voluntary muscle movement after an abortion or delivery. The measure would require health care providers to "take medically appropriate and reasonable actions" to keep the fetus or infant alive, but it doesn't define or give examples of such actions. The health care workers liable under the initiative would be doctors and nurses but also any "individual who may be asked to participate in any way in a health care service or procedure." The initiative includes a mandatory reporting requirement, which means that any employee or volunteer at a medical facility who is aware of a violation must report it to authorities. 2. Where did the initiative come from? House Bill 167, the 2021 legislation that authorized the referendum, was sponsored by state Rep. Matt Regier (R-Kalispell), chair of the panel that oversees the state Department of Public Health and Human Services' budget. "We need to make it abundantly clear that here in Montana, the protection of all life is available," Regier said while introducing the bill in January 2021. The bill is very similar to model legislation created by Americans United for Life in 2018 as a template for state lawmakers nationwide. So far, 18 states have provisions along those lines, and more are considering them, according to the group. Its president and CEO, Catherine Glenn Foster, testified in support of Montana's bill during the 2021 legislative session. The Montana measure does not include a provision in the model legislation that gives an infant's parents the right to refuse medical intervention if the treatment isn't necessary to save the infant's life, would only temporarily prolong the infant's death, or carries risks that outweigh the potential benefits to the infant. The Montana measure also excludes a clause in the model legislation that exempts parents and guardians from criminal and civil liability. The Montana initiative doesn't address parental liability. Bradley Kehr, Americans United for Life's policy counsel, described the ballot initiative as "well tailored to the needs of Montana." 3. What does the initiative have to do with abortion? Regier's bill says the purpose of the referendum is to protect infants who have survived abortions from being denied medical care and being left to die. The measure's passage would move the Family Research Council's classification of Montana's "born-alive" protections from "weak" to "strong" compared with the rest of the nation, according to Connor Semelsberger, director of federal affairs for life and human dignity for the nonprofit organization, which advocates for anti-abortion measures. Montana is not among the nine states that require health providers to report when an infant is born alive during an abortion. The Family Research Council lists the states that do as Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. Instances of fetuses surviving abortions are very rare. In Minnesota, which the Family Research Council points to as having the strongest protections in the U.S., five of the 10,136 abortions performed in 2021 resulted in a live birth, according to a state health department report. None of the five survived. The number of abortions in which a fetus could survive is small, too: The point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb is generally considered to be after 22 weeks of pregnancy, and about 1% of all abortions in the U.S. happen at or after 21 weeks. The leaders of two Montana clinics that provide abortions said the initiative's passage would not affect their operations, as Montana law restricts performing abortions after a fetus is viable. The law does not define viability. Nicole Smith, executive director of Blue Mountain Clinic in Missoula, said her clinic provides dilation-and-evacuation abortions that would not result in a live birth. "We do not provide obstetric or labor-and-delivery care," she said, adding that she would refer a patient who needed that kind of care to someone who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. Helen Weems, director of All Families Healthcare in Whitefish, said her clinic does not perform abortions after 12 weeks. LR-131 "is designed to look like an anti-abortion measure, but it has no relevance" to her clinic, she said. "There would never be an occasion in my practice where there would be an infant born alive," Weems said. 4. If clinics that provide abortions won't be affected, who will? The initiative also covers any natural birth, induced labor, or cesarean section. That could present obstetricians and gynecologists with an ethical dilemma of having to choose between their obligation to provide the best available medical care to their patients or the potential of facing legal penalties, according to a position paper by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists opposing the Montana measure. The organization said LR-131 could require an aggressive course of treatment in extremely complex and often tragic medical situations. It opposes the measure as government interference in the patient-physician relationship that would impose additional trauma on families. Smith said the initiative would apply to miscarriages and to hospital deliveries in cases when parents know their child won't live but want to complete the birth for a chance to hold the baby and say goodbye. Opponents of the ballot initiative use the example of an early labor and delivery at 20 weeks. They say that rather than allowing the family to hold, say goodbye to, or baptize the baby before it dies, the measure would require health care workers to remove it in an attempt to save its life. A study of nearly 5,000 infants born before 27 weeks of gestation found that all 129 infants who were born before 22 weeks and were included in the study died. Two received active medical treatment. Of those born in the 22nd week, 5% survived. Most of the 24 hospitals in the study provided treatment to all infants born at 25 or 26 weeks. Those born at week 26 had an overall survival rate of about 81%, and 59% survived without moderate or severe impairment. 5. What does existing federal and state law say? Under Montana law, it's already a felony to purposely, knowingly, or negligently cause the death of a viable, premature infant. A federal law passed in 2002 says a person includes "every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive at any stage of development." It defines "born alive" as evidence of a heartbeat, breathing, or voluntary muscle movements, but does not include any additional provisions. Opponents of the Montana measure point to those laws as evidence that LR-131 is unnecessary and is instead meant to drive conservative voter turnout. "This cruelty is being forced on already grieving families for the cold, calculated political gain of extreme-right politicians," Weems said. Regier, the legislator whose bill authorized the referendum, said current Montana law does not go far enough to protect infants. Semelsberger, of the Family Research Council, said the same about the federal law and that it has lacked enforcement. The organization supports a federal bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) that would add requirements to save the life of an infant, though with up to five years of maximum prison time, instead of the 20 years in Montana's measure. Sarah Sheffield, a nurse practitioner at a Veterans Affairs clinic in Eugene, Oregon, had a problem. Her patients mostly in their 70s and beyond couldn't read computer screens. It's not an unusual problem for older people, which is why you might think Oracle Cerner, the developers of the agency's new digital health record system, would have anticipated it. But they didn't. Federal law requires government resources to be accessible to patients with disabilities. But patients can't easily enlarge the text. "They all learned to get strong reading glasses and magnifying glasses," said Sheffield, who retired in early October. The difficulties are everyday reminders of a dire reality for patients in the VA system. More than a million patients are blind or have low vision. They rely on software to access prescriptions or send messages to their doctors. But often the technology fails them. Either the screens don't allow users to zoom in on the text, or screen-reader software that translates text to speech isn't compatible. "None of the systems are accessible" to these patients, said Donald Overton, executive director of the Blinded Veterans Association. Patients often struggle even to log into websites or enter basic information needed to check in for hospital visits, Overton said: "We find our community stops trying, checks out, and disengages. They become dependent on other individuals; they give up independence." Now, the developing VA medical record system, already bloated by outsize costs, has been delayed until June 2023. So far, the project has threatened to exacerbate those issues. While users in general have been affected by numerous incidents of downtime, delayed care, and missing information, barriers to access are particularly acute for blind and low-vision users whether patients or workers within the health system. At least one Oregon-based employee has been offered aid a helper assigned to read and click buttons to navigate the system. Over 1,000 Section 508 complaints are in a backlog to be assessed, or assigned to Oracle Cerner to fix, Veterans Affairs spokesperson Terrence Hayes confirmed. That section is part of federal law guaranteeing people with disabilities access to government technology. Hayes said the problems described by these complaints don't prevent employees and patients with disabilities from using the system. The complaints 469 of which have been assigned to Oracle Cerner to fix, he said mean that users' disabilities make it more difficult, to the point of requiring mitigation. The project is under new management with big promises. North Kansas City, Missouri-based developer Cerner, which originally landed the VA contract, was recently taken over by database technology giant Oracle, which plans to overhaul the software, company executive Mike Sicilia said during a September Senate hearing. "We intend to rewrite" the system, he said. "We have found nothing that cant be addressed in relatively short order." But that will happen under continued scrutiny. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said his panel would continue to oversee the department's compliance with accessibility standards. "Whether they work for VA or receive health care and benefits, the needs of veterans must be addressed by companies that want to work with the VA," he said. Takano, along with fellow Democrats Sens. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Jon Tester of Montana, sent a letter Oct. 7 to VA Secretary Denis McDonough noting the significant gaps in the agency's systems, and urging VA to engage with all disabled veterans, not merely those who are blind. VA was alerted early and often that Cerner's software posed problems for blind- and low-vision users, interviews and a review of records show. As early as 2015, when the Department of Defense and VA were exploring purchasing new systems, the National Federation of the Blind submitted letters to both departments, and Cerner, expressing concerns that the product would be unusable for clinicians and patients. Alerts also came from inside VA. "We pointed out to Cerner that their system was really dependent on vision and that it was a major problem. The icons are really, really small," said Dr. Art Wallace, a VA anesthesiologist who participated in one of the agency's user groups to provide input for the eventual design of the system. The Cerner system, he told the agency and KHN, is user-unfriendly. On the clinician side, it requires multiple high-resolution monitors to display a patient's entire record, and VA facilities don't always enjoy that wealth of equipment. "It would be very hard for visually impaired people, or normal people wearing bifocals, to use," he concluded. Before the software was rolled out, the system also failed a test with an employee working with a team at Oregon's White City VA Medical Center devoted to helping blind patients develop skills and independence, said Carolyn Schwab, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1042. In the testing, the system didn't work with adaptive equipment, like text-to-speech software, she said. Despite receiving these complaints about the system, VA and Cerner "implemented it anyway." Recently, when a regional AFGE president asked VA why they used the software despite the federal mandates he received no response, Schwab said. Some within the company also thought there would be struggles. Two former Cerner employees said the standard medical record system was getting long in the tooth when VA signed an agreement to purchase and customize the product. Because it was built on old code, the software was difficult to patch when problems were discovered, the employees said. What's more, according to the employees, Cerner took a doggedly incremental approach to fixing errors. If someone complained about a malfunctioning button on a page filled with other potholes, the company would fix just that button not the whole page, the employees said. VA spokesperson Hayes denied the claims, saying the developer and department try to address problems holistically. Cerner did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Accessibility errors are as present in private sector medical record systems as public. Cerner patched up a bug with the Safari web browser's rendering of its patient portal when the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's student clinic threatened legal action, the former employees said. ("MIT Medical does not, as a general practice, discuss individual vendor contracts or services," said spokesperson David Tytell.) Legal threats with hospital systems and medical record systems routinely facing lawsuits are the most obvious symptom of a lack of accessibility within the U.S. health care system. Deep inaccessibility plagues the burgeoning telehealth sector. A recent survey from the American Federation for the Blind found that 57% of respondents struggled to use providers' proprietary telehealth platforms. Some resorted to FaceTime. Many said they were unable to log in or couldn't read information transmitted through chat sidebars. Existing federal regulations could, in theory, be used to enforce higher standards of accessibility in health technology. The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights issued guidance during the pandemic on making telehealth technologies easier to use for patients with disabilities. And other agencies could start leaning on hospitals, because they are recipients of government dollars or federal vendors, to make sure their offerings work for such patients. That might not happen. These regulations could prove toothless, advocates warn. While there are several laws on the books, the advocates argue that enforcement and tougher regulations have not been forthcoming. "The concern from stakeholders is: Are you going to slow-walk this again?" said Joe Nahra, director of government relations at Powers Law, a Washington, D.C., law firm. Building in accessibility has historically benefited all users. Voice assistance technology was originally developed to help blind- and low-vision users before winning widespread popularity with gadgets like Siri and Alexa. Disability advocates believe vendors often push technology ahead without properly considering the impact on the people who will rely on it. "In the rush to be the first one, they put accessibility on the back burner," said Eve Hill, a disability rights attorney with Brown, Goldstein & Levy, a civil rights law firm. A recent report published in the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report described a case of occupational monkeypox exposure. They commented on the CDCs advisory on collecting swab samples for monkeypox testing. Occupational exposure incident The report described a case where a Florida emergency department nurse was exposed to the monkeypox virus through a needlestick injury while collecting swab samples from a suspected monkeypox patient. A needle was used to open one of the skin lesions to procure a swab sample of the lesion fluid. The injury occurred while the nurse placed the cap back on the used needle before disposal. The needle pierced the skin on the nurses index finger through the glove, causing a minor bleed. Immediate measures were taken to wash and disinfect the area with soap and water and a 10% povidone-iodine solution. The swabs taken from the patient were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR), and they tested positive for the West African Clade II monkeypox virus. The nurse was administered the first dose of the JYNNEOS vaccination as a prophylactic post-exposure treatment within 15 hours of exposure and was monitored for symptoms by the county health department and the infectious disease specialist at the hospital. A skin lesion developed at the injury site ten days after exposure. The lesion was swabbed and tested using PCR, and multiple swabs tested positive for non-variola Orthopoxvirus and monkeypox virus. The lesion grew over the course of the next 19 days. It became deep-seated, developed a depression in the center, and formed pus. The lesion eventually scabbed over, and new skin grew under the scab. The nurse developed no other lesions or clinical symptoms, and no Orthopoxvirus-specific anti-viral medications such as tecovirimat were administered. Moreover, no secondary cases emerged from this exposure. CDC advisory The CDC recommended that monkeypox skin lesions not be opened or aspirated with sharp instruments such as needles to obtain the swab samples to avoid injuries while recapping or handling the instruments. The data from monkeypox testing during the 2022 outbreak in the U.S. revealed that swab samples taken from the skin and mucosal lesions indicated very low cycle threshold values during qPCR, signifying that sufficient viral material was obtained for conclusive tests without the need to unroof skin lesions. Thorough swabbing of the lesions surface provides enough samples for reliable test results, avoiding the risk of injuries and accidental exposures. The CDC also advised healthcare departments to ensure that healthcare workers are sufficiently trained in sample collection methods and infection prevention protocols while caring for a patient with monkeypox. Furthermore, if sharp instruments are being used during other procedures of patient care, the CDC recommends that healthcare professionals implement stringent safe disposal measures for sharps. Additionally, healthcare workers with known exposures should be tested and immediately administered post-exposure prophylactic treatments. Conclusions To summarize, the present CDC advisory recommended that skin lesions on monkeypox patients are not unroofed or aspirated to obtain swab samples after a case of accidental occupational exposure to the virus through a needlestick injury. The CDC stated that swab samples from the skin of the lesions provide sufficient viral material for a reliable positive qPCR test without the need to open the lesions. Researchers at The University of Queensland have found children in disadvantaged communities often go hungry when they attend early education and childcare centers. UQ Laureate Fellow Professor Karen Thorpe from the Queensland Brain Institute led a study of more than 900 childcare centers across Queensland that showed those in disadvantaged communities, where food insecurity was highest, were less likely to provide meals to children than those in more affluent areas. We discovered only 65 per cent of childcare centers in rural and remote areas provide food. Often it's about keeping costs down, with services providing lunch for children charging up to $140 a day compared to as low as $60 a day for those without meals." Professor Karen Thorpe, Queensland Brain Institute Professor Thorpe said some centers in low-income areas with high market competition did provide food without increasing fees. "But a subsequent study has found the amount and quality of the food served to the children was inadequate," she said. "A report released by the United Workers Union earlier this year showed some childcare providers had a daily food budget as low as 65 cents per child." Professor Thorpe said some children were going hungry at the most important time of their early learning journey. "We know without adequate nutrition it's harder for children to learn and regulate their behavior," she said. "For children living in disadvantage, to then get poor quality food at childcare is a further blow." Professor Thorpe said the study found some families living below the poverty line simply couldn't afford enough food for their children, or if they did, it was poor quality. "We found in some childcare centers, staff were giving their own food to the children when they themselves were struggling financially," she said. Professor Thorpe said the provision of high-quality food in Queensland's most disadvantaged communities should be a public health priority. "It would mean children can learn and have a positive trajectory in health and education," she said. "There's currently a lot of investment in early childcare, but you need to spend the money wisely. "You can't deliver a high-quality education program if the children and staff are going hungry." EKF Diagnostics, a global in vitro diagnostics company, announces an enhanced DiaSpect Tm. The hand-held hemoglobin analyzer now connects securely to EKF Link, the companys own point-of-care (POC) middleware, enabling additional features including a calculated hematocrit value and data management. Available globally, the DiaSpect Tm has received an IVD CE-mark, FDA clearance and is registered in many more countries across all continents. The DiaSpect POC hemoglobin analyzer now powered by EKF Link digital connectivity solution. Image Credit: EKF Diagnostics Ensuring test results are stored and accessed securely on a centralized platform, the enhanced DiaSpect Tm can now be connected to the recently released EKF Link middleware. This expands on the ever-growing list of analyzers that are compatible with the new state-of-the-art POC data management platform. EKFs DiaSpect Tm is also now equipped with Bluetooth, internal storage for 4000 tests and QC results, as well as the capability to provide a calculated hematocrit value alongside the usual hemoglobin result. Moving into a new era of POC connectivity, the DiaSpect Tm results are easily accessible from a web browser through EKF Link while being securely protected on the servers already available in most laboratories and hospitals. Patient and operator identification allow for better tracking of both staff competence and test results, and a Quality Control reminder function ensures compliance with ever tightening local regulations. Enabling rapid decision making, the DiaSpect Tm simultaneously delivers hemoglobin with calculated hematocrit results in under two seconds from just 10 L of capillary or venous blood collected in microcuvettes and inserted directly into the analyzer. This makes it extremely user-friendly requiring minimal training. In addition, no calibration is required as it is factory calibrated against the HiCN reference method, and turbidity is also measured and compensated for. Commenting on the new introduction, David Wojahn, Hematology Product Manager for EKF Diagnostics, said, Our new DiaSpect Tm will enable POC coordinators, operating rooms and screening programs to connect this fast and reliable photometric hemoglobin analyzer to Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) or Patient Information Systems (PIS) through EKF Link. Now with the EKF Link connectivity, DiaSpect Tm is an ideal POC solution enabling users to rapidly upload results from anywhere and power up their performance, delivering results directly alongside the patient or blood donor. The DiaSpect Tm is an ideal POC hemoglobin analyzer as it is palm-sized, lightweight, robust and easily transportable. It can be used in any screening setting, even in challenging climatic environments. This is because its reagent-less microcuvettes have up to 2.5 years shelf life, even after opening, and are unaffected by temperature and humidity. Its always-on technology enables professionals to start using the device immediately; and the rechargeable internal battery, which provides up to 40 days/10,000 tests continuous use, offers the flexibility of not needing a power source for weeks at a time. What do pandemic preparedness, mental health care services, and over-the-counter hearing aids have in common? They are all things President Joe Biden touted on the campaign trail this week as he tries to maintain Democrats' majorities in Congress in the midterm elections Nov. 8. Biden is also campaigning on his support for abortion, promising to sign a bill codifying abortion rights if Democrats retain control of the House and Senate. Recent polls, however, have shown abortion slipping as a top voting issue. This week's panelists are Julie Rovner of KHN, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, and Mary Agnes Carey of KHN. Among the takeaways from this week's episode: Among initiatives recently highlighted by the White House is a plan to prepare for future pandemics and thwart any bioterror attacks. But the question is where that money would come from. Republicans in Congress already have balked at providing more money for public health funding for some covid-19 and monkeypox programs. Powerful advocates in the Senate Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) have supported legislation to advance the national public health strategy, but there is very little time in this session to push such a package through. And Burr is retiring at the end of the year, so it's not clear who on the Republican side of the aisle might be willing to take up the baton. Although the abortion issue appeared to be helping Democrats' midterm prospects after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, some of that excitement may be receding as the economy and other issues move to the forefront of voters' concerns. But there are few precedents in recent U.S. history to guide voters in evaluating the issue of abortion today or reacting to such a major, sudden change. Even if the Democrats were to keep hold of the levers of power on Capitol Hill, they would have a tough time pushing through an abortion bill. No one expects the party to take control of 60 seats in the Senate needed to overcome a filibuster - and Democrats might not have the votes to get rid of the filibuster, either. Nearly all Republicans are expected to oppose any such effort. One obstacle to passing national legislation securing abortion rights is that over the half-century since deciding Roe, the Supreme Court has approved a variety of state laws that limit access, such as allowing parents to be notified if a teen were to seek an abortion. Many Democrats object to those restrictions and would want to exclude them from any new law, while other members of Congress would demand them. Biden's promise was designed to remind voters who care about this issue to come out to the polls in three weeks, but it was also a reminder to many progressives of the failure of the administration to prepare and have a strategy to protect abortion rights ready when the Supreme Court ruling came down. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is not backing down from his criticism of an Indianapolis doctor who performed an abortion on a 10-year-old Ohio girl who could not get the procedure there because of a strict new state law. The doctor has shown that she followed all Indiana procedures, but Rokita's criticism continues to concern others who support abortion access. That chilling effect may well be part of Rokita's strategy. Pharmacists are also worried about their liability in states with strict abortion limits. Federal officials have announced a probe of CVS and Walgreens after complaints that they are not readily filling prescriptions for drugs that can be used for many medical indications but also could terminate an early pregnancy. An advisory committee for the FDA this week recommended removing from the market a drug used to prevent preterm births. The drug, Makena, was first approved in 2011 through an accelerated pathway that requires the company to conduct follow-up studies assessing the drug's efficacy. Those trials found that Makena didn't help pregnancies progress to later gestational age or improve the health of the premature babies. If the FDA accepts the committee's recommendation, it would be a rare step. It would be only the second time that a drug approved on the accelerated pathway has been withdrawn over a sponsor's objections. This week also marked a milestone for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Starting last Monday, the government approved over-the-counter sales of hearing aids. The move is expected to dramatically reduce the prices of the devices and open a potentially giant market of consumers now able to afford them. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: KHN and NPR's "Kids' Mental Health Care Leaves Parents in Debt and in the Shadows," by Yuki Noguchi Sarah Karlin-Smith: Scientific American's "Some People Really Are Mosquito Magnets, and They're Stuck That Way, By Daniel Leonard Sandhya Raman: Journal of the National Cancer Institute's "Use of Straighteners and Other Hair Products and Incident Uterine Cancer," by Che-Jung Chang, et al. Mary Agnes Carey: KHN's "Blind to Problems: How VA's Electronic Record System Shuts Out Visually Impaired Patients," by Darius Tahir Also mentioned in this week's episode: KHN's "Say What? Hearing Aids Available Over-the-Counter for as Low as $199, and Without a Prescription," by Phil Galewitz Politico's "'Michigan Could Become Texas' Voters See Stark Choice on Abortion Referendum" by Alice Miranda Ollstein Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults in the United States are more likely to be hospitalized with flu, as well as less likely to be vaccinated against flu, according to a new CDC Vital Signs report. CDC is working to increase flu vaccination rates by using proven strategies to raise awareness of how serious flu can be and break down barriers to vaccination. The Vital Signs report looked at flu hospitalization rates from 20092022 and flu vaccination coverage from 20102022 by race and ethnicity, from two data sources, the Influenza-Associated Hospitalization Network (FluSurv-NET) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Flu vaccines are the best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications. Improving access to and trust in flu vaccines among people is critical to help reduce inequities." Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., CDC Acting Principal Deputy Director Flu vaccination coverage has been consistently lower among Black, Hispanic, and AI/AN adults since 2010. During the 20212022 season, flu vaccination coverage was 54% among White and Asian adults, 42% among Black adults, 38% among Hispanic adults, and 41% among AI/AN adults. Black, Hispanic, and AI/AN adults were hospitalized with flu at higher rates than White adults during most seasons from 2009 to 2022. Compared to White adults, hospitalization rates were nearly: 80% higher among Black adults, 30% higher among AI/AN adults, and 20% higher among Hispanic adults. There are many reasons for disparities in severe outcomes of flu, including lack of access to health care and insurance, missed opportunities to vaccinate, and misinformation and distrust that contribute to lower levels of confidence in vaccines. People from certain racial and ethnic minority groups have higher rates of asthma, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions. These increase the risk for serious flu complications. Racism and prejudice also are known to worsen inequalities. Over the past two years, CDC began programs to address barriers to flu vaccination and raise awareness about its importance, specifically among people from racial and ethnic minority groups. These include the Partnering for Vaccine Equity (P4VE) program and a targeted, national flu vaccination campaign. These programs use proven actions to help increase vaccination among people from racial and ethnic minority communities. Health care providers, state and federal officials, and individuals can work together to fight flu by taking steps to increase vaccine uptake in everyone, including people from racial and ethnic minority groups. Health care providers can strongly recommend flu vaccination to patients and make culturally appropriate vaccine recommendations. This could include using materials with images representative of those in the community, providing information that is transparent and promotes the benefits of and reasons for vaccination, addressing community-specific concerns and misinformation, such as vaccine side effects or risk, and using the predominant language spoken in the community, such as Spanish. State and local governments should identify and remove barriers to vaccination and work with community organizations to increase access and convenience.Partnering with trusted messengers and promoting culturally relevant messages can build trust and confidence in vaccines and advance equity. Everyone should get vaccinated against flu today and encourage others in their community to get a flu vaccine for the best protection against flu this fall and winter. In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers at Ohio State University and the University of Texas Medical Branch assessed the underlying mechanisms involved in the fusogenicity and endosomal entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron subvariants. Serious concerns have been voiced regarding the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to the rapid transmission and effective immune evasion displayed by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants. Compared to the ancestor D614G variation, these novel variants show decreased fusogenicity and greater endosomal entry route use. However, the underlying processes of the altered manifestations are still unknown. Study: Determinants and Mechanisms of the Low Fusogenicity and Endosomal Entry of Omicron Subvariants. Image Credit: Adao / Shutterstock About the study In the present study, researchers demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1.1 subvariant spike (S)-1 mutations at the C-terminal, namely H655Y and T547K, are essential regulators of Omicron's low fusogenicity. The team proposed that S1's endosomal entry may be affected by mutations at the C-terminus or close to the furin cleavage site of the Omicron S protein. With the previously described human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) lentiviral pseudotyping technique, reversion mutations targeted to the Omicron subvariant BA.1.1's residues T547K, H655Y, N679K, and P681H were made and tested for their effects on BA.1.1's entry into HEK293T-angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), HEK293T-ACE2-transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and Calu-3 cells. In parallel, mutations such as H655Y, T547K, N679K, and P681H that arose in the ancestral D614G construct were also tested for entry into these cell types. To ascertain the effect of these BA.1.1 mutants on viral entrance when the TMPRSS2 inhibitor Camostat or the endosomal Cat L/B inhibitor E64d is present, the team employed HEK293T-ACE2-TMPRSS2 cells, which permitted entry through both endosomal and plasma membrane routes. The function of these two mutants, together with N679K, P681H, and parental BA.1.1, concerning S expression and S-mediated membrane fusion, was assessed. This allowed the researchers to understand the underlying process by which T547K and H655Y mutations affect BA.1.1 entry preference. The effects of the forward mutants were concurrently assessed. The surface expression of S in HEK293T cells utilized to develop pseudotyped lentiviruses was analyzed using flow cytometry. Hence, the team predicted that the H655Y mutation also controlled other variants' entrance preferences and low fusogenicity. This prediction was examined using the HIV lentiviral pseudotyping technique to introduce the H655Y reversion mutation in the Omicron subvariants, namely, BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4/5, and BA.2.75. In addition, their effects on the entrance of these Omicron subvariants in HEK293T-ACE2 and Calu-3 cells were also assessed. Results The study findings showed that compared to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1.1 variant, the reversion mutation Y655H displayed a significant reduction in entry efficiency in HEK293T-ACE2-TMPRSS2 and HEK93T-ACE2 cells. However, the team noted improved entry of BA.1.1 in Calu-3 cells. This finding suggested that H655Y is the most important change in BA.1.1 S that differentiated its entry in different cell types. The forward mutation H655Y showed decreased entry efficiency in Calu-3 cells, while there was an increase in entry efficiency in 293T-ACE2 and 293T ACE2-TMPRSS2 cells. Similar outcomes were also reported for the BA.1.1 K547T mutation; however, the effect on entry was not as significant as that for the H655Y mutant. BA.1.1-Y655H showed less sensitivity to E64d than BA.1.1. Compared to D614G, BA.1.1 showed higher sensitivity to treatment by E64d but significantly lesser sensitivity to treatment by Camostat. Furthermore, BA.1.1-Y655H demonstrated higher Camostat sensitivity than BA.1.1. Furthermore, the forward mutant D614G-H655Y showed less sensitivity to Camostat and more sensitivity to E64d. With the exception of the reversion mutant K547T, which exhibited slightly reduced surface expression, all of these reversion mutants were roughly comparable in terms of expression to each other and the original BA.1.1. On the other hand, all of the forward mutants were comparable in terms of expression to D614G. The team observed that K679N and H681P had no impact, whereas K547T and Y655H significantly increased the S-mediated cell-cell fusion. Surprisingly, two other mutations, N679K and P681H, increased D614G S-mediated fusion, similar to some prior studies, while forward mutations H655Y and T547K marginally decreased the D614G S-induced syncytia. The team found that all of the entry efficiency displayed by the Omicron subvariants in HEK293T-ACE2 cells was significantly decreased by the reversion mutation Y655H. However, their entry in Calu-3 cells was significantly promoted, even though the upsurge in Calu-3 cells was typically modest or not present in some cases. The team also discovered that, like BA.1.1, Y655H greatly aided the development of S-mediated syncytia in BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4/5, and BA.2.75. Overall, the study findings indicated that it is vital to closely monitor the mutations occurring at position 655 in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein of existing and future variants. The H655Y mutation's effects on virus tropism and pathogenicity must also be examined in-vivo since any reversion of the mutation could raise novel questions about the COVID-19 pandemic's trajectory as new Omicron subvariants continue to evolve. *Important Notice bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. In a recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, researchers estimated life expectancy (LE) changes in 29 high- and middle-income countries since 2020, when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began. Study: Life expectancy changes since COVID-19. Image Credit: ffikretow / Shutterstock Background Period LE is a measure of population health, a decline that indicates increased mortality. It is typically standardized based on age and commonly employed for international comparisons of population health. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a mortality shock resulting in unprecedented LE declines in 2020, not observed in the recent history of high-income countries, such as the United States (US) and England. Despite limited data availability for in-depth investigations, emerging evidence suggests even higher LE declines in low-to-middle-income countries, such as India and Latin America. On the other hand, some countries, such as Australia, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, did not witness any LE decline. LE fluctuations are common; however, most are short-term, followed by quick bouncebacks. However, the COVID-19-induced LE shocks are global and still ongoing. Moreover, emerging estimates suggest that the US and Russia will continue to witness further LE declines as the impact of the pandemic turns heterogeneous across populations. Some factors influencing the pandemic's course encompass prior infections, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), and vaccination uptake. About the study In the present study, researchers estimated LE changes in 29 countries since 2019 using all-cause mortality data from the Short-Term Mortality Fluctuations Database deploying a previously validated methodology. The study analysis covered the total population, including males and females. Using decomposition techniques, they stratified mortality changes by age group and compared annual LE changes and deficits with historic year-to-year mortality data (raw). In this way, they determined to what extent registered COVID-19 deaths contributed to recent trends and deficits in LE. Specifically, they compared the magnitude and length of the current global LE decline with other significant mortality shocks during the 20th century. Lastly, the team evaluated the associations between LE changes and vaccination uptake. Study findings The COVID-19 pandemic triggered mortality increases and subsequent period LE declines of unprecedented scale by the end of 2020. In 2021, even those countries performing well previously lagged behind their LE projections due to the increased continuation of pre-pandemic trends. Nevertheless, countries like Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, and France bounced back from their 2020 LE losses in 2021. They reverted mortality among 60+ people to pre-pandemic levels without shifting the mortality burden to younger age groups. Finland, Norway, and Denmark remarkably maintained pre-pandemic LE levels throughout 2020 and 2021. They achieved this unbeatable feat by delivering COVID-19 vaccines faster than the whole of the European Union. Also, they ensured their healthcare system worked effectively at a high baseline capacity. Reversion to pre-pandemic LE levels indicates a normalization of the mortality risk. However, it does not help regain the loss of life years during declining LE periods. Sweden, for instance, suffered a substantial LE loss in 2020 and gained pre-pandemic LE levels in 2021. Further, the researchers noted marked differences in 2021 LE deficits in eastern Europe than in the West, most likely because of lower vaccination rates in east Europe. The increasing mortality below age 60 in the US contributed the most to LE losses in 2020 and 2021. Since COVID-19-unrelated mortality (e.g., drug overdose) also increased in these age groups, it pointed to the perpetuation and deterioration of a previous mortality crisis among younger adults in the US. In addition, age-based differences in vaccine uptake in the US might have added to the shift to mortality in younger age groups. As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, 82.3% of 65- to 74-year-olds were fully vaccinated in the US compared to 66.9% of 50- to 64-year-olds. It means vaccination better protected the older US population during the Delta wave of summer/autumn 2021. The shift towards higher mortality in younger age groups reflects differences in vaccine protection, behavioral responses, or deaths from indirect causes. However, these factors are not yet fully understood. Likewise, it remains unclear why there were lower-than-expected deaths in 2021 in Belgium, England, France, and Slovenia due to COVID-19-unrelated reasons. Conclusion Humans have faced multiple mortality crises during the twentieth century, yet LE increased globally, especially in the second half of the century. However, COVID-19 triggered the most severe global mortality shock since World War II. The LE losses in central, western, and northern Europe in 2020 and 2021 were drastic. Extrapolating the study findings from 2021, the researchers suggested that some countries may manage a smoother recovery to pre-pandemic trends due to pharmaceutical interventions and NPIs. Overall, it is still not fully understood how the COVID-19 pandemic altered the long-term LE trends globally. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Embassy of India in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrain-India Society, Invest India, the national investment promotion and facilitation agency of India, and Cyril Amarachand Mangal Das, a leading Indian law firm having expertise in investment matters, organised a webinar on Ease of Doing Business in India on 18 October. The event was organised for better understanding of emerging Indian market in general and for the benefit of prospective investors from Bahrain. India, now the fifth largest economy in the world, has emerged as hub of technology-based start-ups and is home to more than 100 unicorns with a total valuation of approximately 350 billion. Out of these, 44 became unicorns in 2021 and, 21 became unicorns in 2022. The country is becoming an attractive destination for doing business as it has jumped 79 positions from 142nd (2014) to 63rd (2019) in World Banks Ease of Doing Business Ranking 2020. Indian Government has announced Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes for 14 key sectors, which provides immense opportunities for investors to Make in India and reap benefit of incentives being offered under PLI. Recently, in September 2022, India has also approved the national logistics policy, which aims to cut logistic cost from existing 13-14% to single digit. With these reforms, India is positioning itself as global manufacturing hub and an integrated part of the global supply chain. These reforms have increased confidence of foreign investors in India and the country is seeing unprecedented level of FDI flow, particularly in manufacturing sector. India received FDI flow of approximately 85 billion, 82 billion and 75 billion in FY 19- 20, 20-21 & 21-22 respectively, setting a new record every year. It witnessed FDI Equity inflow of more than 21 billion in manufacturing sector alone in 2021-22. The webinar was attended by more than 40 investors and businesses. Invest India made a presentation on opportunities in India and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas briefed the participants about repatriation of profit and return on investments. Shri Ravi Kumar Jain, Second Secretary in the Embassy and CA P. S. Balasubramanyam, Vice Chairman of Bahrain India Society also addressed the participants. Speakers highlighted deep rooted historic ties which have kept deepening over time and opportunities for Bahraini investors. Presentations were followed by a Q&A and interactive session. The webinar has been organised as a precursor to a Road Show planned by Invest India in Bahrain. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com UniGrad Education Centre has become the authorised centre for online courses of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in Bahrain as UniGrad Chairman J.P. Menon and University Registrar Ashok Chaube signed the official document in a ceremony held at IGNOU University campus. IGNOU, termed as Peoples University, is the largest university of the world, catering to the higher educational needs of more than 3.5 million students. UniGrad is already providing the ODL programmes of IGNOUs undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, like B.B.A, B.Com, B.A English, B.C.A, M.B.A, M.C.A etc. During the 2022 academic session, which started in July, a good number of students got enrolled to these courses through the centre. First new store in Alberta since 2015 represents over $10 million investment More than 100 new jobs created, plus over 100 trade and construction roles Hiring for various roles with opportunities for career growth MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada officially opened its new Edmonton Kingsway Walmart Supercentre today the first new store in Alberta since 2015. The new Supercentre replaces the Edmonton Westmount store with the new addition of a fresh food assortment. The community can now enjoy a modern, 149,000 sq. ft. store, conveniently located at Edmonton's Kingsway Mall. The new store is more than a third larger than the previous location and has many new features, including Walmart Grocery Pickup and Walmart Grocery Delivery. Walmart Canada officially opened its new Edmonton Kingsway Walmart Supercentre in Alberta today (CNW Group/Walmart Canada Corp.) Walmart Canada officially opened its new Edmonton Kingsway Walmart Supercentre in Alberta today (CNW Group/Walmart Canada Corp.) Walmart Canada officially opened its new Edmonton Kingsway Walmart Supercentre in Alberta today (CNW Group/Walmart Canada Corp.) Walmart Canada officially opened its new Edmonton Kingsway Walmart Supercentre in Alberta today (CNW Group/Walmart Canada Corp.) Canada's newest Walmart Supercentre will offer a fresh assortment of affordable groceries, including Canadian produce, beef, chicken, pork and seafood, a bakery, an international food section, general merchandise and convenient services at Walmart's everyday low prices. The Edmonton Kingsway Supercentre represents a more than $10 million investment in the community. In September, Walmart Canada announced $1 billion in infrastructure investments this year, including approximately $330 million to renovate more than 80 stores across Canada. These investments are part of Walmart Canada's aim to make the online and in-store shopping experience simpler, faster and more convenient. New features and offerings Expansive international section including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian and Portuguese foods, plus a dedicated international frozen food section. Walmart Grocery Pickup and Walmart Grocery Delivery download the app here. Walmart Pharmacy that is eager to offer new and longtime patients expert advice, compassionate help on health-care issues and assistance with products, prescriptions and immunizations, including COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Licensees located inside the store include The UPS Store and Ultracuts. Other services include Walmart Photo Centre, Walmart Wireless and Western Union. Sustainable features including a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system with rejected energy being reclaimed for building heating systems, advanced building automation system for lighting and HVAC controls, LED lighting and low flow fixtures. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. For more information about the grand opening festivities, visit the store's Facebook page. Job opportunities Walmart Canada is proud to be creating jobs in Alberta. The Edmonton Kingsway Supercentre employs approximately 220 associates, including around 120 associates who have transferred from the Westmount store. More than 100 new jobs are being created with the opening of this new store, plus more than 100 trade and construction jobs. The store is hiring and anyone interested in applying for store positions can visit https://careers.walmart.ca/. Walmart's investments in Alberta Proudly serving the province of Alberta since 1994. since 1994. Home to 61 stores, four distribution centres and more than 16,000 associates. Invested more than $80 million in Alberta store upgrades over the past two years. in store upgrades over the past two years. Recently purchased approximately $200 million worth of products from Alberta -based suppliers over a 12-month period. Strengthening the local community The Edmonton Kingsway Walmart will be providing charitable support through its community giving program year-round. In 2021, Walmart Canada raised and donated more than $5.4 million for charities in Alberta. To mark today's event, the store will donate to $7,000 to local charities, including Edmonton Gleaners Association, Spruce Avenue School, Avonair Curling Club, Youth Emergency Shelter, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. Quotes "We are bringing the best of Walmart Canada to Kingsway Mall," said Derreck Cuschieri, Vice President of Operations for Western Canada, Walmart Canada. "This new location has more space, more products, more services and more options for our customers. Kingsway's close proximity to downtown Edmonton will help more people save money so they can live better. We're proud to be investing for growth in Edmonton while creating jobs for the community." "This new store is going to be a huge win for our customers," said Store Manager Aisan Khan. "Edmontonians will appreciate the wide assortment of fresh produce available and many international food options to serve this diverse community. The Supercentre is more modern and spacious than the previous location. Our associates are thrilled with the move and we are very excited to serve our valued customers in central Edmonton." "I'm happy to see the new Walmart Supercentre make its home in Kingsway Mall," said Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. "A city centre that's a welcoming place for businesses enables them to contribute to revitalizing our downtown and Edmonton's overall economic success. I'm looking forward to the additional jobs that will be created for Edmontonians through the opening of this new Supercentre." "We are very excited to welcome Walmart to Kingsway this fall," said Susan Lovie, Director and General Manager of Kingsway Mall. "This Walmart will be a significant addition to the area and opens a new chapter in the development of Kingsway. We are always excited to welcome retailers that help us better serve the needs of our community, and know that Walmart offers the products and convenience that our customers look for. It will greatly add to the best-in-class shopping experience we offer at Kingsway." About Walmart Canada Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, Walmart.ca, is visited by more than 1.5 million customers daily. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada was recently recognized as a LinkedIn Top Company of 2022 and was also named one of Canada's most popular brands (based on Google searches). Walmart Canada has made a commitment to regeneration focusing on equitable opportunity, sustainability, community, ethics and integrity. Since 1994, Walmart Canada has raised over $500 million to support communities across Canada. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca and on Walmart Canada's social media pages Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. SOURCE Walmart Canada Corp. For further information: Jon Rumley, Manager, Corporate Affairs, [email protected] $55M will be used to maintain, enhance, and expand the 28,000 km Trans Canada Trail, the world's longest network of multi-use trails MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Spending time outdoors and in nature benefits our mental and physical health and well-being. Expanding Canadians' access to nature is a priority for the Government of Canada. Today, while alongside the Trans Canada Trail and Lachine Canal National Historic Site in Montreal, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced an investment of $55 million over five years to maintain, enhance and expand the Trans Canada Trail. The Trans Canada Trail is a network of multi-use trails linking 15,000 communities and passing through every provincial and territorial capital across 28,000 kilometres of land and water routes through rural, urban and Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast. This funding, allocated through Budget 2022, will enhance the user experience of the Trans Canada Trail network, supporting its renewal, growth and long-term sustainability. This funding will help expand connections of local and regional trails to the Trans Canada Trail; improve trail infrastructure in communities across Canada; enhance accessibility and strengthen inclusive use of the Trail; support local trail organizations and managers who steward The Trail in communities across Canada; and better integrate the Trans Canada Trail into local, regional, and national tourism offers and marketing promoting a healthy lifestyle year-round and inspiring the people of Canada to discover, cherish and steward their natural and cultural heritage. These measures will ensure Trans Canada Trail can continue to connect Canadians to nature, improve mental health and wellness, promote regional economic development and tourism, and provide opportunities to support reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and communities. The Government of Canada is proud to be among the many contributors to Trans Canada Trail. Since 1992, the Government of Canada has contributed over $90 million to Trans Canada Trail, including an investment of $30 million over four years through Budget 2017. Quotes "The more time we spend outdoors, the more likely we are to conserve and protect nature. As an avid hiker of the trail networks around my home of Montreal or across the country, I know first-hand the health benefits of spending time in nature. With this funding, our Government will ensure the Trans Canada Trail can better connect Canadians to nature, and to each other, from coast to coast to coast for generations to come." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada "We are thrilled by Minister Guilbeault's recommitment to Trans Canada Trail's annual funding in this year's federal budget. We are honoured beyond measure by this investment and we look forward to what we can achieve together in the next five years and beyond. As a valued partner to government, we will catalyze Parks Canada's investment to build the Trail of the future, and to help Canada build back post-pandemic, with programs and partnerships designed to deliver on leveraging tourism and economic development, health and wellness, truth and reconciliation opportunities, and the conservation and preservation opportunities that the Trail provides." Eleanor McMahon President & CEO, Trans Canada Trail Quick Facts The Trans Canada Trail's story began in 1992, when Albertan Bill Pratt and Quebecker Pierre Camu envisioned a national trail connecting the people of Canada to nature and to one another. to nature and to one another. 25 years later in 2017, during Canada's sesquicentennial year, Trans Canada Trail celebrated the collective achievement of coast-to-coast-to-coast connection a historic accomplishment by tens of thousands of people in this country. sesquicentennial year, Trans Canada Trail celebrated the collective achievement of coast-to-coast-to-coast connection a historic accomplishment by tens of thousands of people in this country. Today, the Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail in the world, spanning over 28,000 kilometres on land and water. It is a ribbon that connects Canada's diverse landscapes, seasons, people and experiences, and fosters unity, collaboration and connectedness. diverse landscapes, seasons, people and experiences, and fosters unity, collaboration and connectedness. 80% of Canadians live within 30 minutes of a Trail section. Trans Canada Trail is a registered charity and stewards this national trail in collaboration with local Trail partners. With funding from the Government of Canada through Parks Canada, and investments from all levels of government and generous donors, Trans Canada Trail is the largest investor in trail infrastructure projects in Canada , supporting improvements, growth and enhancements for generations to come. through Parks Canada, and investments from all levels of government and generous donors, Trans Canada Trail is the largest investor in trail infrastructure projects in , supporting improvements, growth and enhancements for generations to come. The Trans Canada Trail crosses 32 Parks Canada administered places including, Fundy National Park ( New Brunswick ), the Rideau Canal National Historic Site ( Ontario ), Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area ( Ontario ), Pukaskwa National Park ( Ontario ), Lachine Canal National Historic Site ( Quebec ) and Banff National Park ( Alberta ). The Trans Canada Trail is also within one kilometre of 30 additional national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada. Related Links SOURCE Parks Canada For further information: Contacts: Kaitlin Power, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-230-1557, [email protected]; Media Relations: Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]; Angela Garde, PR & Communications Manager, Trans Canada Trail, 1.800.465.3636 ext. 4358, [email protected] Government of Canada and Manitoba support minority-language education and second official language instruction WINNIPEG, MB, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - Education is important in ensuring the equality, preservation and promotion of Canada's two official languages. Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Member of Parliament (Saint Boniface-Saint Vital), Jon Reyes, Manitoba Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration and Wayne Ewasko, Manitoba Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, announced a funding increase of more than $ 6.2 million over two years for Manitoba, as part of the Canada-Manitoba Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second Official-Language Instruction. This funding will allow the province to work with school boards to increase resources for educators and give these boards the tools needed so that students can thrive and have access to more opportunities to learn in French. With an investment of more than $108 million from the Government of Canada, Manitoba will invest $64 million to support students in their studies and in their second official language. This funding will also address emerging needs and priorities in French-language education, from early childhood to the postsecondary level. Furthermore, more than $44.7 million will be allocated over three years to support the Government of Manitoba in implementing its own action plan for minority-language education and second-language instruction. This funding is part of the Government of Canada's long-term commitment to support Manitoba's minority language education and second official language learning initiatives. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Quotes "Linguistic duality is fundamental to our Canadian identity. Co-operation between our two governments will help strengthen the promotion of French language learning in Manitoba, while also preserving the French language and culture for future generations. I am very pleased our government is partnering to enhance and expand French language programs in Manitoba schools." The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency "The French language has been spoken in Manitoba for hundreds of years. This partnership will help improve the quality of minority language education and increase the number of students who can attend a French language school across Manitoba, as well as help increase the number of high school graduates who have a deep knowledge of their second official language. This is another example of our work to protect minority-language rights and great news for Manitoba." The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Member of Parliament (Saint Boniface-Saint Vital) "Having access to French-language instruction at the post secondary level is part of a continuum of learning services that strengthens the linguistic, cultural and social fabric of Francophone communities in our province. Working as a team, the federal and provincial governments are helping strengthen Francophone communities across the province by ensuring all students have educational opportunities that meet their needs." Jon Reyes, Manitoba Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration "Language is used to connect with others, our cultures and the world around us. Ensuring minority language instruction is available is key to helping young Manitobans learn Canada's second official language. I'm proud this partnership between the federal and provincial governments is continuing to support all Manitobans as they learn French." Wayne Ewasko, Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Quick Facts Financial support is provided through the Canadian Heritage Minority-Language Education component of the Development of Official Language Communities Program and through the Second Language Learning component of the Enhancement of Official Languages Program. Additional funding through Budget 2021 included $165 million from 2021-22 to 2023-24 to help all provinces and territories improve French as a second language programs, including French immersion in schools and postsecondary institutions. Budget 2021 announced $180.4 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to help students achieve greater levels of bilingualism. This funding will help enhance French immersion and French second language programs in schools and post-secondary institutions and help provinces and territories meet the strong demand from students and parents for spaces in French immersion and French second language programs. The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023 calls for $2.7 billion over five years, including $500 million in new funding, to support official language minority communities and promote bilingualism across the country. On March 1, 2022, the Government of Canada introduced an enhanced bill promoting the substantive equality of Canada's official languages, to adapt the Official Languages Act to a changing society. Among other objectives, the bill aims to address the decline of the French language in Canada, clarify and strengthen the section of the Official Languages Act dealing with the promotion of official languages and support official language minority communities. In 2019-2020, the Government of Canada announced $60 million over four years to increase funding for provinces and territories in support of minority-language education as provisioned in Budget 2019. This funding was added to more than $235 million in funding already allocated to the provinces and territories each year under the Protocol for Agreements on Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction 2019-2020 to 2022-2023 between the Government of Canada and the Provinces and Territories. Associated Links Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada's Official Languages Budget 2021 Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future - Canada.ca Official Languages Support Programs SOURCE Canadian Heritage For further information: For more information (media only), please contact: Marianne Blondin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]:[email protected] VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 18, 2022 /CNW/ - Monumental Minerals Corp. ("Monumental" or the "Company") (TSXV: MNRL) (FSE: BE5) (OTCQB: MNMRF) is pleased to announce the addition of 7,025 hectares of land around the current 5,400 hectares at the Salar de Laguna Blanca Lithium-Brine, Cesium-Sediment project located in the prolific lithium triangle, Chile. The Laguna Blanca property now consists of exploration concessions totaling 12,425 hectares, 100% owned by Lithium Chile Inc. through its wholly-owned Chilean subsidiary Minera Kairos Chile Limitada ("Minera Kairos") (Fig.1). Figure 1. Location of the original Laguna Blanca exploration claims (blue outline) and the recently staked claims within the 5 km area of influence (black outline). (CNW Group/Monumental Minerals Corp.) Lithium Chile staked an additional 9,600 hectares and a large portion (73%) of this newly staked area falls under an area of influence "AOI" of 5 km as per the Definitive Agreement between Monumental Minerals and Lithium Chile signed on March 31, 2022. Monumental Minerals believes that the most important area of the additional 9,600 hectares staked by Lithium Chile is within the 5 km radius. Monumental Minerals retains the option to earn up to a 75% interest in these additional concessions under the current terms of the Definitive Agreement between Monumental Minerals and Lithium. The Laguna Blanca Project is within the eastern Andean Geomorphic Belt of Chile's Central Andean Altiplano and is located 120 km from the Salar de Atacama, the largest producing salar in the world. The felsic volcanic rocks of the Central Andean Altiplano are enriched in Li and Cs. Seasonal rain and snow melt leaches and transports Li, Cs, Ca, Na, Mg, K, and B into the enclosed Laguna Blanca salar. With no outlets, evaporation concentrates these elements within the salar brines. Dr. Jamil Sader, CEO and Director comments "We are very excited to have expanded our Laguna Blanca Salar land position, as well as our partnership with Lithium Chile. With the additional exploration concessions, the Project now encompasses a significantly larger part of the salar basin, and will further enhance and extend our lithium brine exploration activities in this highly prospective region." Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a Director of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Monumental Minerals Corp. Monumental Minerals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in the critical and electric metals sector. The Company's flagship asset is the Jemi HREE project located in Coahuila, Mexico near the Texas, USA border which the Company has an option to acquire 100% of the 3,650-hectare project. The Company has an option to acquire a 75% interest and title to the Laguna Blanca project located in Chile; and the Company has an option to acquire a 50.01% interest and title to the Turi project located in Chile. On behalf of the Board of Directors, /s/ "Jamil Sader" Jamil Sader, Chief Executive Officer and Director Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Or Maximilian Sali, VP Corporate Development and Director Email: [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, the potential plans for the Company's projects, the exploration plans on the Company's projects, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to secure personnel and equipment for work programs, adverse weather and climate conditions, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological assumptions, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to obtain surface access agreements or understandings from local communities, land owners or Indigenous groups, fluctuation in exchange rates, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to, the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, lithium, cesium and other metals, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, failure to maintain community acceptance (including from the Indigenous communities), increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. SOURCE Monumental Minerals Corp. Manchester United produced arguably their finest performance under manager Erik ten Hag as Tottenham were swept aside in the Premier League ... Manchester United produced arguably their finest performance under manager Erik ten Hag as Tottenham were swept aside in the Premier League at Old Trafford. The scoreline does not do justice to United's vast superiority as only the brilliance of Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris denied them the truly emphatic victory they deserved. Lloris made five outstanding saves in the first half alone as United rained in 19 shots on the Spurs goal, which somehow remained intact. Fred finally broke the deadlock two minutes after the break, his shot carrying a degree of good fortune as Lloris was finally beaten by Ben Davies' deflection, but it was no more than United deserved for a display high on quality and intensity. United moved out of sight after 69 minutes when Bruno Fernandes curled a precise right-foot finish beyond the stretching Lloris in front of an ecstatic Stretford End. Stakeholders from the Niger Delta communities under the aegis of Niger Delta Development Ambassador, NDDA, have appealed to President Muhamm... Stakeholders from the Niger Delta communities under the aegis of Niger Delta Development Ambassador, NDDA, have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is in need of a prudent and resourceful Managing Director to oversee the rapid development of the region. According to the group in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, on Thursday, the Niger Delta desired inclusive development The letter, which was signed by the groups chairman and secretary, Awipi Lawson from Delta State and Ekpobomini Loko from Ondo State, supported the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolus suggestion that Barrister Olugbenga Edema be appointed as the NDDCs new managing director. The committee endorsed Edema for the position of NDDCs Managing Director, describing him as a capable, experienced, clear-headed, visionary, and careful resource manager. When Barrister Olugbenga Edema takes over as the Managing Director of NDDC, the group guaranteed President Buhari that the Niger Delta region would feel relief. Sir, as stakeholders with an uncommon passion for the development of the Niger Delta, we find this recommendation quite spirit-lifting and most appropriate. We, therefore, affirm our unflinching support for Bar Gbenga Edema and implore Mr President to kindly consider him for the job. The Labour party (LP) presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Thursday, paid a visit to the victims of flood in Makurdi,... The Labour party (LP) presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Thursday, paid a visit to the victims of flood in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Recall that the former Anambra State Governor had on Wednesday suspended his presidential campaign to sympathize with those who were affected by the unfortunate flooding. He disclosed this shortly after meeting with the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom at his Abuja private residence. Speaking with the victims in Makurdi, Obi said, Even though I have offered my prayers to victims through your governor, I felt that coming in person to commiserate with you is important. He was accompanied by the Benue State Labour Party Chairman, Dr. Idoko Ibrahim and the House of Representatives candidate for the Apa /Agatu constituency, Melvin Ejeh. Supporters of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, have accused the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, ... Supporters of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, have accused the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, of playing bitter politics. The supporters said el-Rufai had displayed intolerance by lying against Obi, claiming that he was put on house arrest by in 2013 when he visited Anambra for election duty. The group, in a press conference addressed by its leaders, Barrister Tony Chukwuelue, Mike Okaka, Johnny Obika, and Shehu Alhassan, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to caution him. el-Rufai has unsuccessfully tried severally to smear Obi with his numerous delusional fabrications to torpedo the OBIdient ship which is cruising to Aso Rock. First el-Rufai denied Obis supporters the use of public facilities for their one million man march, then his lies that he was prevented from going out of his hotel by Peter Obi in 2013. We wonder if el-Rufai knows that it is the Commissioner of Police that is responsible for issuance of arrest and detention orders and not a Governor. The group lamented that even with a video clip of el-Rufai personally acknowledging that the security operatives he had encountered were detailed from Abuja headquarters, he has continued to spread falsehood against Obi. For those who know el-Rufai, he is one restless sadist and serial betrayer occupying political space in Nigeria. He has since betrayed Atiku Abubakar who brought him to political consciousness. A former president of Nigeria who also appointed el-Rufai into his cabinet also recorded him as a serial liar and an inconsistent person. He also wants to betray Buhari, the man who made his occupation of the Kaduna Government House possible. The group, Great Nigeria 4 Obi-Datti (GN4ObiDatti), described el-Rufais performance in Kaduna as very abysmal, saying that he has watched over a state that is now impossible to travel by road, rail or air. In a civilised nation, el-Rufai would have voluntarily tendered a letter of resignation of office as Governor of Kaduna State, having presided over the most unsafe state, where one cannot travel by road, by train or by air. Thank you for using NNY360! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Periods of rain. High near 50F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight A steady rain this evening tapering to showers and becoming mixed with snow overnight. Low 34F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 90%. Locally reported news and sports Stay Current with What's Happening Get the most of NNY360, register today! By providing your email address, you consent to receive emails and special offers from NNY360.com Any restaurant with hummus as the centerpiece will have pita playing at least a strong supporting role. At the latest version of Byblos, that dynamic has come full circle with hot pita bread now a starting point for any meal. Byblos has been serving hummus and pita from back in the era when this could still count as an exotic restaurant menu find. The local brand got started in 1994. The city had Middle Eastern restaurants then, of course, but Byblos brought a style just a notch nicer than the mom-and-pops of the day. Across a succession of locations through the years, the brand introduced many to the cornerstone flavors of this broad and varied cuisine. New Orleans now has a much wider fluency in this cuisine, going beyond the standards common around the Middle East and delving into the regional differences that really distinguish it. Last spring, Byblos opened a new location in Elmwood, taking over the shopping center spot that had been home to the Mexican restaurant Nacho Mamas. The menu here is streamlined compared with earlier Byblos incarnations, more firmly focused on Middle Eastern flavors, and its centerpiece is a dome-shaped oven making pita bread to order. Moments matter when it comes to hot bread, especially pita, the way these little loaves can capture a puff of aromatic air from the oven and carry it to the table. That doesnt happen with even the best examples if theyre baked somewhere besides the restaurant, or even if theyre allowed to sit for just a few minutes. So at this new Byblos, pita is fired off to order, a two-minute process from a disk of dough to a hot orb ready to rip open roughly and run through the dips and wrap around the various grilled meats on your table. Fresh bread rising Adding in-house bread is, in a way, a recognition of evolving tastes and interests in Middle Eastern flavors by one of the longest-lived of its local purveyors. A game-changer came with the wood-burning ovens issuing forth puffy, beautifully char-marked pita at the dueling Uptown modern Israeli restaurants Saba (5757 Magazine St., 504-324-7770) and Shaya (4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213) this one soon to expand to Covington with sibling restaurant TAVI. Other restaurants have shown the appeal of their own specialty bread, like the wonderfully crisp namesake saj bread at Saj (4126 Magazine St., 504-766-0049) that I cant stop eating whenever I visit and the thicker, diamond-shaped samoon bread from the brick oven at Almasgoof (5024 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 504-308-3600), the Iraqi restaurant in Metairie I cant stop thinking about. Byblos co-owner Tarek Tay said hes wanted to add a pita oven for years, though retrofitting the existing locations proved problematic. When plans began for the Elmwood restaurant, though, the pita oven was designed as a centerpiece from the start. Its the way we do it back home, he said, referring to his native Lebanon. It makes it completely different, and this is what Ive wanted to be able to do. There are now three Byblos locations, and each varies. The original on Metairie Road still serves its long menu of both deep-running Middle Eastern standards and dishes clearly there for crossover appeal. The same menu that has stuffed cabbage rolls and mujadarah, a homey stew of lentils and rice and onions, also fields baby back ribs with fries and lasagna. Byblos Market fills its own niche in Metairie as a specialty grocery and Middle Eastern deli. Its indispensable for a quick shawarma wrap or a more homestyle plate from the hot bar, and maybe a bottle of rosewater to make that Lebanese iced tea at home (which, in my experience, is just as likely to become a home cocktail ingredient anyway its an easy way to fancy up your next gin and tonic). This Elmwood location of Byblos has a contemporary look, a large bar thats good for solo dining, and a covered patio with plants that disguise the view of a shopping center parking lot. There's a big-screen TV and the promise of more of that hot pita bread. That bread changes even during a single course. From the first tear you take, emitting all the steam, the texture will can go from pliant to more crisp and brittle and then to something closer to a cracker by the time youre finishing it off. If youre like me, youll want to order a fresh batch with each dish that arrives. Byblos 1000 S. Clearview Pkwy., Elmwood, 504-766-9785; and 1501 Metairie Road, Metairie, 504-834-9773 Byblos Market 2020 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504-837-9777 +22 From Jerusalem to Metairie, this Palestinian family restaurant thrives on joy, tradition Great stacks of beef and chicken shawarma slowly twirl behind the counter at Kabob House while upbeat Arabic music whirls from a cell phone pr +5 Uptown restaurant Shaya will expand with a little brother restaurant TAVI in Covington A restaurant now taking shape in downtown Covington will soon serve piping-hot pita from a wood-fired oven, elaborately finished hummus plates New Orleans police are looking for two women after a video reportedly shows them shooting multiple rounds from a vehicle that's driving on the interstate near downtown. The two women in the video are 21-year-old India Fazande and 20-year-old Erica Nettles, police said, and they are requesting the public's help locating them. Students participate in the cultural experience class on traditional Chinese calligraphy at Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2022.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Afghanistan's only Confucius Institute was inaugurated in 2008 at the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Kabul University. Since then, the institute has facilitated hundreds of young Afghans to learn Chinese. KABUL, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- "Since China has a rich culture with prosperous economy, its language Chinese is important and interesting," Afghan teenager Mohammad Ismael Adib told Xinhua. "I have decided to learn Chinese and become a bridge of communication between Afghanistan and China," said Adib, a junior student in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Kabul University, while mentioning that learning the Chinese language could help him find job easily after graduation from the university. Photo taken on Sept. 29, 2022 shows the Confucius Institute at Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) "Those graduated from the department of the university in past years have already had job. They work either as teacher in the department or interpreter, and some have launched businesses," Adib said. Afghanistan's only Confucius Institute was inaugurated in 2008 at the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Kabul University. Since then, the institute has facilitated hundreds of young people to learn Chinese, the language of the most populous country in the world. "More than 90 students including boys and girls are currently learning Chinese in the department of the university," said Hamid Ghulami, director of the department. Ghulami, also a teacher of Chinese language in the department since 2014, said that learners of Chinese have been on the rise. Students participate in the cultural experience class on traditional Chinese calligraphy at Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2022.(Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) "Although the department is new in Afghanistan, the number of students getting enrolled with Confucius Institute is increasing and we have also offered courses of Chinese language in Nangarhar University," Ghulami told Xinhua. "I have been learning Chinese over the past four years, it is a very important language and I like it," Khawaja Abdul Basir Sediqi told Xinhua in a classroom. As a senior student in the Confucius Institute, Sediqi said that China is a major economy with rich culture and old civilization, and learning Chinese is essential for cultural exchanges and connecting civilizations. "After graduation I could work as translator or teacher in Afghanistan to help push forward ties between the two neighboring nations," Sediqi said. Franciscan Health is providing $450,000 in funding to 57 nonprofits to promote community health. The Mishawaka-based health care system that operates several hospitals in Northwest Indiana provided up to $9,750 per organization across its service regions in Indiana and south suburban Chicago. Franciscan furnished the funding through its Social Impact Partnership Program to serve at-risk populations. Our community partners are such an asset to the health and well-being of their communities, said Community Health Improvement Administrative Director Kate Hill-Johnson. This program honors that and provides additional support that allows them to build capacity and assist even more individuals. It gave grants to Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana, Girls on The Run of Northwest Indiana, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana, Hope Christian Church, Housing Opportunities, Indiana Parenting Institute, Indiana Women in Need Foundation, Mental Health of America of Lake County, St. Michaels Wheelchair Ramp Ministry, The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, The Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center, Top 20 and Womens Care Center. It also supported Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary, Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Dunebrook, Healthy Communities of LaPorte County, Open Door Community Alliance, Stepping Stone Shelter for Women and The Salvation Army. In the Crown Point area, it provided funding to Hilltop Neighborhood House, Housing Opportunities, The Caring Place, The Community Help Network and Tradewinds Services. The Social Impact Partnership Program aims to address significant health issues in the community by partnering with nonprofits and health and human service agencies. A committee at Franciscan chose the recipients based on how they addressed priority health needs and health equity. We are grateful that, through SIPP, we are a part of a network of providers that is focused on creating healthier families in our most vulnerable communities, said Jill Schlueter-Kim, executive director of Girls on the Run. The financial support means that we are able to eliminate barriers to participation and include all girls in our programming. At Girls on the Run, our mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through a research-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Franciscan hopes to address physical activity, nutrition, food insecurity, mental wellness, healthy relationships, pregnancy, parenting and housing support. Franciscans SIPP is not just an investment in Dunebrook, it is an investment in our communitys families, Dunebrooks Grants and Communications Director Pamela Henderson said. Much of what we learn in life how to communicate with one another, how to resolve conflicts peaceably, how to show love, respect and kindness to others, begins at home. No parent has all the answers but learning from the real-world experiences of other parents helps to create a home where children can thrive, be safe and reach their potential. Franciscan SIPP helps us at Dunebrook bring the philosophy of nurturing parenting to parents to build stronger families, and our future depends upon it. After all, todays children will be tomorrows parents. Recipients provide six-month and one-year reports to measure progress if they want to qualify for future funding. This money will help us serve almost 800 food-insecure students in South Lake County, Community Health Network President Bonnie Meyer said. We are packing 562 Buddy Bags each week and providing monthly $20 grocery cards to the families of 218 middle schoolers. We are serving between 35 and 40 families per month with our Household Pantry. The SIPP grant helps keep these programs going and growing and we are grateful to Franciscan Alliance for including the Community Help Network. Lakeshore Public Radio's long-running "Regionally Speaking" will transition from a daily show during the week to airing just on Friday. "Regionally Speaking" traditionally aired weekdays at 11 a.m. on the Merrillville-based NPR affiliate that's broadcast on 89.1 FM. It features interviews with elected officials, community advocates business leaders and others on a host of issues facing Northwest Indiana and greater Chicagoland. Guests discuss issues like the economy, the environment, human rights, mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Regionally Speaking' has been a bellwether for Northwest Indiana, through the years. While it's hard to transition away from a mainstay on our airwaves, the regular in-depth conversations will continue, both online and on the airwaves on Morning Edition and All Things Considered, Lakeshore Public Medias Vice President of Radio Tom Maloney said. The show was previously hosted for years by Chris Nolte, who stepped down from the role while initially leaving and then scaling back his role at the radio station. It's been co-hosted by Maloney and producer Dee Dotson since May 2022. Lakeshore Public Radio has been searching for a new permanent host and will return Regionally Speaking to a daily local news program when it hires someone. Its really important to discuss complicated topics over a long, thought-provoking conversation in a neutral environment. We arent scared to tackle tough subjects and open that up to the community, you know, primarily to give a voice to folks and topics that aren't often covered in-depth in the media," Dotson said. This work is not going to stop, so stay tuned. For now, the NPR production "Here and Now" will take over the 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. slot on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It's co-hosted by Robin Young and Scott Tong, award-winning journalists who conduct interviews with newsmakers, artists, innovators and NPR reporters. I'm excited to hear what's next, not only on Fridays with Regionally Speaking, but each day on Lakeshore Public Radio. Here and Now will move into the time slot Monday through Thursday, and that's a program our listeners are familiar with, Maloney said. The news won't stop, and neither will we. Young is a Peabody Award-winning documentary filmmaker who has worked for NBC, CBS, and ABC television, even serving as a substitute host for "The Today Show." Tong served as Shanghai bureau chief and senior correspondent for Marketplace. He's reported from countries like Venezuela, Ethiopia, Burma and Japan. The Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City will present a panel on contemporary glass art in honor of the International Year of Glass 2022. Innovation, Beauty and Healing will take place at 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at the lakefront art center at 101 W. 2nd Street in Michigan City. Its in conjunction with the United Nations International Year of Glass that celebrates the role glass plays in society, highlights how glass can aid in the development of more sustainable societies and shines a spotlight on glasss impact on history and art. The experts include Pearl Dick from Firebird Community Arts in Chicago and Ken Saunders from Ken Saunders Gallery in Chicago. They will discuss the Contemporary Glass Art movement, its history, its influence and how it helps people heal from trauma. They also will analyze glass pieces in the new exhibition We Are Us: The Human Condition that opens at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts on Oct. 29. Its a free event that includes light refreshments and a cash bar. LCA is pleased to include fine art made with glass in this exhibition. Glass can be so expressive, and the works we included present a variety of techniques that are being used to create art today, LCA Executive Director Janet Bloch said. Dick is a glass artist, community builder, teacher, activist and the artistic director of Firebird Community Arts. She co-founded Project FIRE, which aims to help young people injured by gun violence in Chicago through glassblowing. She has made art with glass for more than 20 years, exhibiting her work around the country. Saunders has long advocated for the Studio Glass Movement. The Ken Saunders Gallery has exhibited glass artists since 1995, showcasing the work of young artists who aspire to expand the boundaries of glasswork. For more information, visit lubeznikcenter.org. Author David Hoppe, a playwright and longtime Nuvo Newsweekly columnist, published a book about life in the Indiana Dunes. Victory Dog Books recently published Hoppes Letters from Michiana: Reflections Along Lake Michigans Southern Shore. Its a collection of essays on subjects that vary from public access to Indianas beaches to raking leaves in a forest. Hoppe had a long career as a journalist in Indianapolis but now lives in Long Beach, where his family has resided for three generations. In these wise and witty dispatches, David Hoppe celebrates life along the coast of Lake Michigan, especially the dunes and forests and vibrant communities that survived the onslaught of urban sprawl and industrial blight, author Scott Russell Sanders said. A talented storyteller and shrewd political observer, he invites us into a region as biologically and culturally rich as any in the Midwest. Hoppe also wrote the books Midcentury Boy: My Suburban Childhood from Ike to the Beatles and Food for Thought: An Indiana Harvest. Hes an award-winning journalist who won nine first-place honors from the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists. He wrote the play Sacred Sands: A Play for Voices, an audio version of which can be heard at the Portage Riverwalk and Lakefront at the Indiana Dunes National Park. If you ever wonder what in hell you think youre doing with your life, let me remind you that you are telling people as reasonable and humane as yourself what they desperately need to hear, that others feel as they do, the late Kurt Vonnegut once wrote of Hoppes work. Hoist a stein. Gary will celebrate Oktoberfest at the Nelson Algren 616 Sound Stage in Miller this weekend, and the lager-swigging revelry is for a good cause. Proceeds will help German students at 21st Century Charter School visit Germany this Thanksgiving week. Gary Oktoberfest will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 616 S. Lake Street. The Morning Bishop Theatre, A.N.D. and J& M Excursions, LLC are sponsoring the fundraiser to help cover ground transportation costs in Germany. We are preparing our scholars to compete on a global level and international travel is essential to and for this preparation, said McKenya Dilworth Smith, the German teacher at 21st Century Charter School and adjunct faculty at Ivy Tech Community College Valpo and Lafayette campuses. Smith lived and studied in Germany for years. One of her undergraduate degrees is in German, which is the fifth most-spoken language in the world and is commonly used in psychology and international banking. I finished high school in Germany as a Rotary Exchange Student and it changed my life, my path in life. I want to give our scholars the same, if not better, opportunities to travel early, Dilworth-Smith said. The Oktoberfest will celebrate German culture with live music, beer tastings with beer tasting trays and plenty of beer from the neighboring Thumbs Up. Its a local variation of the two-week-long Oktoberfest that takes place in Munich to originally celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria with Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen but that is now best known for its copious beer quaffing. Attendees can buy $10 tickets for a beer and entry, $20 tickets for two beers entry and a Deutsche Swag Bag and $30 for three beers, entry, a Deutsche Swag Bag and beer tasting. People who post a picture with their ticket can get the price matched by a sponsor. For more information or tickets, search for Gary Oktoberfest on eventbrite.com. VALPARAISO Family members of 73-year-old Cheri Emeringer have been located, according to the Porter County coroner's office. The office had sought the public's help in finding the family of the deceased woman. "The Porter County coroner's office would like to extend our appreciation for everyone's help in locating the next of kin for Cheri Emeringer, may she rest in peace." The coroner had said Emeringer's last known address was in Valparaiso. 102422-nws-spotlight4 A student holds a sign at a protest Friday in front of St. Stanislaus School in East Chicago. Parents and students gathered during the week to EAST CHICAGO Parents and students from St. Stanislaus school gathered Wednesday to protest the administration's response to a situation in which a teacher allegedly told a student she had a "kill list." Fifth grade teacher Angelica Carrasquillo, 25, of Griffith, faces a felony charge of intimidation, according to charges filed Friday. A student in her class told a counselor about the kill list at approximately 12:45 p.m. last Wednesday, but East Chicago police were not notified of the incident until 4:45 p.m. The school administrators sent an email describing the situation to the families later that night. According to parents, there were only two emails sent out on behalf of the administration, one last Wednesday and one this Wednesday. Numerous parents are frustrated with what they believe was a delayed reaction on behalf of the school and lament a continued lack of communication. "We haven't really gotten any communication from school officials that have been able to ease our thoughts on whether the school is safe enough for children to return," parent Alicia Feliciano said. "We've been asking privately, we've been asking publicly and we haven't received any answers." While Carrasquillo has not been back in the building since Thursday, Feliciano said she's worried students could still be in danger. She said she is concerned Carrasquillo's words and threat could have influenced a child who is mentally ill and wonders if Carrasquillo shared her plans with another person who could pose a threat. "We don't know who she spoke with or where she got these ideas," Feliciano said. Feliciano, who organized the protest, has kept her children home from school since the incident. East Chicago police said Friday that an emergency detention order was requested for Carrasquillo. According to Indiana law, an individual can be held for up to 72 hours in a facility if they are found to be mentally ill, dangerous or gravely disabled and in need of immediate restraint. It is unclear if Carrasquillo is still being detained in the facility. According to a statement released this Wednesday from the Diocese of Gary, St. Stanislaus School and the diocese are cooperating with an investigation by the East Chicago Police Department and will share updates as they become available. A post on the school's Facebook page this Wednesday said the school has changed the exterior locks, increased security at the entrance of the school, moved recess indoors, expanded counseling services to families, students and staff, and gotten an outside firm specializing in school security to review security protocols. Ashley Alford's daughter, Portia Jones, was the student who reported Carrasquillo's threats to a school official. However, this wasn't the first time Jones had told Alford about disturbing behavior in her classroom. "She was showing aggressive behavior to students," Alford said. "A few times my daughter said, 'Hey, my teacher cusses all the time.'" Alford said Jones came home from school during the end of September and told Alford there was a female student who allegedly got into a fight with another male student. Alford said Jones told her Carrasquillo allegedly gave the girl scissors and instructed her to go to the back of the classroom, hit her backpack with the scissors and pretend it was the boy. Alford said she spoke to other parents who had heard about the incident, so she reported the behavior to school officials. She was told it would be handled accordingly, but she said she doesn't know if it was. "If some of those things were red flags for the principal or counselor, why didn't they do anything then?" Alford said. "Why did they wait until something like this took place?" Alford said she asked administrators at the time if all the fifth grade parents could gather together to discuss the issues, but the administration said no. "No matter what was going on in that classroom, we were not notified," Alford said. "I don't know what else was taking place in there." Multiple parents at the protest said they are asking for students to transition to e-learning until it is clear the students aren't still under any threat. Protesters said they are requesting a security officer be hired, more accessible channels of communication to school officials and periodic staff mental health check-ins. The school held classes online Friday and has moved recess indoors, multiple parents said, for safety reasons. Parent Lynette Rios said the lack of communication on behalf of the school and seeming unwillingness to listen is frustrating. "As parents, we are important," Rios said. "Our opinion should be important to them." Rios said she questioned her daughter when she returned home that night, and her daughter had no idea what had happened at the school that day. "We, as parents, want to know our children are safe," Rios said. "I want to be able to drop my daughter off and not have to worry about something happening." PORTAGE Portage police said a 20-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after he dropped an incendiary device, known as a Molotov cocktail, into a building at Olson Memorial Park. Police said they received an initial report around 11:25 a.m. about an individual with suicidal ideation on the northeast side of the city. Upon arrival, the individual had ridden off on a bike, but the complainant told officers that the person had a knife. A crisis negotiation officer with the Portage Police Department contacted the person by phone; he told officers he was in a local park with knives and "firebombs" on him, Lt. Rob Maynard said. Police began canvassing local parks and found the man at Olson Memorial Park. Police found Noah Gibson of Portage standing on top of a pavilion containing restrooms and a picnic area below. Police said Gibson stood next to two Molotov cocktails and proceeded to take two large fixed-blade knives out of his backpack and place them on the roof. Police attempted to de-escalate the situation and negotiate with Gibson. Gibson repeatedly asked the officers to shoot him, police said. The crisis negotiation officer continued to talk with Gibson, who slowly moved onto a roof vent, lit the Molotov cocktail and dropped it into the building. When Gibson tried to go near the knives, an officer shot him with a "less than lethal" beanbag round, causing Gibson to fall to his knees and roll off the roof; police brought him to the ground. Gibson resisted arrest, with one officer suffering injury to his wrist, Portage police said. Gibson was restrained on a cot and tended to by medics. Portage Fire Department crews gained access to the building and found the Molotov cocktail inside a vent. There was no damage because the device extinguished itself, according to police. Gibson was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation before he was taken to the Porter County Jail, police said. He faces felony charges of arson, criminal mischief, resisting arrest with bodily injury, resisting arrest while armed with a deadly weapon, and battery to a public safety official with bodily waste. Voters living in Crown Point, Winfield, Lakes of the Four Seasons and nearby unincorporated areas in Lake and Porter counties will find on this year's ballot two familiar names vying to represent Indiana House District 19. For a third consecutive election, Republican state Rep. Julie Olthoff, of Crown Point, and Democratic former state Rep. Lisa Beck, of Hebron, are competing for a two-year term serving some of the fastest-growing communities in Indiana. Olthoff first won the seat in 2014 from three-termer Shelli VanDenburgh, D-Crown Point, retained her position in 2016, then narrowly lost it to newcomer Beck in 2018. Olthoff then prevailed over Beck, 52% to 48%, in 2020. The Republican-controlled General Assembly last year seems to have made the district more secure for Olthoff by taking in more of rural Porter County, including Wheeler, as part of the once-a-decade redrawing of legislative boundaries. Beck, 61, isn't discouraged, however. The attorney and breast cancer survivor believes that working families, and women in particular, know they're not effectively represented by the incumbent and eager to make a change. She noted that Olthoff voted in August to ban all abortions in Indiana with time-limited exceptions for rape, incest and specific other circumstances; ignored police opposition to help enact permitless handgun carry by adults throughout the state; and favored legislation restricting the teaching of "controversial" subjects in Indiana schools. "I hope to work on continuing to bring high-paying jobs to Northwest Indiana. I will continue to support labor, small business and public education. I will also continue to support veterans and first responders," Beck said. "I have a proven track record as the state representative from 2018 to 2020 by responding to my constituents and addressing their needs." Olthoff, 65, said she's helped advance 99 legislative proposals into law during her six years at the Statehouse, including measures to prevent youth suicide, support disabled Hoosiers, expand Medicaid coverage to pregnant women, prevent human trafficking and protect children from lead poisoning. If voters send her back to Indianapolis, the marketing executive said, she plans to work next year to restrict sexual predators from residences near public parks, provide safe-disposal options for firefighting foam and other "forever chemicals," and to continue boosting resources available to disabled individuals. "I know how to work with people to help move important legislation for everyday people," Olthoff said. "I've been honored to serve three terms and absolutely love working on policy that helps Northwest Indiana and the state." CROWN POINT The Lake County Board of Commissioners declined to consider contract proposals Wednesday crafted by Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. for 2023 health care and mental health services at the Lake County Jail. Commissioners' Attorney Matt Fech recommended that the three-member county executive board take no action on the tentative contracts, citing litigation pending at the Indiana Court of Appeals relating to the sheriff's authority to ink jail-related contracts independent of the commissioners. In July, Lake Superior Judge Stephen Scheele ruled that Martinez's duty under Indiana law to care for the prisoners in the Lake County Jail supersedes the statutory requirement that all county government contracts be approved by the commissioners. That case, which the commissioners have appealed, centered on the sheriff signing a contract with Correctional Health Indiana Inc. (CHI) for 2022 inmate medical services at a cost of $6.1 million, a 5% increase compared with 2021 and 20% more than 2020. The sheriff has proposed granting CHI another 5% increase in 2023 for a total cost to Lake County taxpayers of $6.4 million. The tentative jail mental health consulting contract with Dr. Muthusamy Anandkumar calls for a rate of $5,000 a month, records show. The commissioners repeatedly have told the sheriff that they will not approve a jail medical contract until Martinez permits representatives from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), a nonprofit that evaluates health services available to jail and prison inmates, to visit the Lake County Jail and determine whether the level of medical services is appropriate for the facility. The commissioners also said CHI's costs have increased exponentially over the past 11 years and an outside entity is needed to assess the services the county is receiving for the amount of money it is spending roughly a quarter-million dollars every two weeks. Martinez, however, repeatedly has declined to allow NCCHC to inspect the jail, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. Separately, the commissioners rejected the sheriff's request to designate vacant, county-owned land on which the sheriff could construct a multipurpose building to, among other uses, store some of the sheriff's numerous specialized vehicles and other law enforcement equipment. The sheriff said Wednesday night he wasn't surprised by the commissioners' actions. We put it on the agenda to be transparent and in good faith," Martinez said. "Nonetheless, we will still move forward with the contract based on the judges decision in order to ensure that we continue to provide for the health and medical needs of the arrestees in our custody." CROWN POINT As construction season comes to a close, Crown Point is wrapping up the first phase of an expansive parking project that will bring more spaces to downtown. The city hired American Structurepoint, an engineering consulting firm based in Indianapolis, in May 2021 to conduct a three-part study, looking at the east side of downtown, the center and the west side. The first phase of the project, focused on the east side, will largely be complete by the end of the year. So far 97 spaces have been added, according to a city news release. Thirty-three spots for street parking and 64 for parking lots also were created. The parking lot north of the Crown Point Library was expanded from 22 spaces to 60; 16 on-street spots were created in front of the Super Bowl at 218 S. East St.; 17 angled street parking spots were completed in front of the police and fire department; and four spaces were added to the police parking lot, including online exchange and child visitation exchange spots. During a presentation in March to the City Council, American Structurepoint emphasized the importance of walkability and wayfinding. To make pedestrian walkways safer, bump outs have been added to the intersections of Main and Clark streets as well as to the east side of East Street, connecting the post office to Parry Court. Clark Street was also made into a one-way road heading west into the square, and a right-turn lane was added on East Street, heading east on Clark. Later this year or possibly this spring, more angled street parking will be added along Main Street. In addition, a southbound left-turn lane and northbound right- and left-turn lanes onto North Street will be added to Main Street. The post office parking lot will be expanded this spring. The city plans on increasing the lot from 88 spots to 159. To help lead pedestrians to the downtown square, a brick pedestrian gateway will be constructed near the post office. The gateway will include an archway over East Street. Wayfinding signage will be added throughout the project. Our downtown area relies heavily on the success of our local business owners," Mayor Pete Land said in the news release. "These parking improvements not only provide additional opportunities for people to patronize those businesses but protects the investment of those local mom-and-pop establishments." The second and third phases of the project will look to expand parking in the heart of the downtown and west of Bulldog Park. Becky Hanscom, of the Interfaith Action Network, has said the team will partner with local rehabilitation centers and shelters. "When you put people in a police car though sometimes it is definitely warranted it is demeaning to the person, and it criminalizes them," Hanscom has said. In Austin, Texas, 911 dispatchers started asking callers if they need police, fire, Emergency Medical Services or mental health services. In 2021 the added option was able to divert 3,564 calls away from police response. Over the summer, Gary Police Chief Brian Evans said officers answer some 1,400 service calls every week. The mobile mental health unit will not only lighten the load for police, it will also help deescalate volatile situations. According to a database kept by the Washington Post, 21% of the over 7,000 people fatally shot by police in the U.S. since 2015 had a mental illness. The database shows that of the 141 people fatally shot by police in Indiana since 2015, 36 had a mental illness. Without a mental health response team, residents who see people in crisis are faced with a hard dilemma: "Do I call the police and maybe something worse happens? Or I do nothing and then I don't know what's going to happen?" Michaela Spangenberg told the council during the Wednesday meeting. "Having something that's simple and streamlined gives people peace of mind, and it helps our neighborhoods and our communities be safe for everybody." Hanscom has said most of the $1.5 million will go toward staffing, though the size of the team has not been finalized. Councilwoman Tai Adkins, D-4th, said she would like to see an implementation plan included when the $1.5 million are actually allocated. [Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that no service provider has been selected as partner for the mobile mental health initiative. The city will review applications and select a primary provider at a later date.] UNION TOWNSHIP Community partners recently celebrated achieving their goal of planting 10,000 trees in Northwest Indiana by what else? planting a burr oak tree at Gabis Arboretum. Collectively, working together, weve accomplished this awesome goal, said Drew Hart, natural resources liaison for the U.S. Forest Services Chicago office. This is the work of many hands and many hearts, working the soil to place a small seed grown from nurseries around the area, taking that tree, depositing it in the soil and watching it grow, he said. Some of the trees can grow up to 80 feet tall. Planting the tree is the easy part. Just as important, if not more so, is taking care of these trees after planting. Maintaining these trees, watering them each week from spring until fall, keeping them blanketed with mulch, keeping them structurally pruned and healthy, keeping them alive and thriving. Thats a lot of work, Hart said. Planting trees adds such a value to our community. Planting these lungs of the city around schools, around parks, playgrounds and throughout our neighborhoods adds such a wonderful dimension to life on our planet, he said. Hart wanted to celebrate not just the effort of planting 10,000 trees but also the trees themselves. Trees are good neighbors. Just consider all that they give us, he said. Trees will increase in value as they mature and provide us years of benefits throughout the Region. Trees will provide us with cooling shade during times of rising heat, cleaner air that the region desperately need. Trees help us to manage flooding, and trees provide us with solace and beauty. Step back and appreciate the beauty, the living, breathing nature of these good neighbors, Hart urged. He said that planting 100,000 more trees is a very realistic goal. The CommuniTree program began in 2017, said Kathy Luther, director of environmental programs at the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. Sometimes its scary to invite all the federal agencies to work with you, she said, but the large number of partnerships made this work well. The 10,000 trees are testimony to that truth. Theyre going to last a lot longer than my career at NIRPC and other places, Luther said. Jennifer Birchfield, natural resources planner for NIRPC, agreed. Its community-driven; its partner-driven. Well not all quibbling over who takes credit. NIRPC is working on climate change planning guidelines for the Regions communities. Between 2011 and 2016, our Region had 26,000 acres of trees outside of forests, Luther said. During that time, it lost 142 acres of trees, so carbon emissions went up by 90 tons. The trees do matter in a lot of ways, and that seems like something we could control. The CommuniTree program began as a way to replace ash trees victimized by the emerald ash borer with native species to diversify the urban forest, said Joe Exl, coastal resource coordinator with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. If it was not for this program, I do not know the condition our urban forest would be in, Hammond parks Superintendent and City Forester Jim Taillon said. My entire budget every year is for tree removal. We have no money to plant trees. We probably account for 20% of the 10,000 trees planted, he said, and hes looking for more locations for future trees. We arent just planting trees; we are creating a long-lasting connection between people and nature, said Joel Perez, urban conservationist with The Nature Conservancy. We are inspiring the future generations that will see those trees grow old and speak on their behalf. Few details were provided as to how a criminal statute might work other than to note that any legislation should avoid covering videos created passively, such as those captured by police officers body-worn cameras. The suggestion drew skepticism from former prosecutors. It makes little if any sense, said Jack Ryan, a veteran of the Queens district attorneys office. If youve committed a homicide, its not going to deter you that its against the law to tape it, and if youre an accomplice to a homicide youre as guilty of the murder as the person who pulled the trigger. I quite frankly dont understand what theyre trying to do. But the effort to stem the flow of such videos was met with approval from gun control advocates like David Pucino, the deputy chief counsel at the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Mr. Pucino said such laws could help counteract what is known as the contagion effect of shootings, where mass killers draw inspiration from other mass killers, while also broadcasting their own acts to gain fame. Indeed, the Buffalo suspect, Payton Gendron, said he had been drawn to the violence of other mass shooters, particularly the Australian man who murdered 51 people in an attack on two mosques in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019, while livestreaming. The attorney generals report acknowledged significant obstacles to holding platforms accountable. Companies that host content online are broadly protected from liability, both by the First Amendment and by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which Ms. James also recommended be reformed. The law is also at the heart of a case that the Supreme Court agreed to hear this month, which may change the way the measure has been understood. Whats worse politicians passing a bad law or politicians passing a bad law while attempting to make it look reasonable with meaningless window dressing? You wind up in the same place, but Ive gotta go with the jerks who pretend. Lets take, oh, I dont know, abortion. Sure, lawmakers who vote to ban it know theyre imposing some voters religious beliefs on the whole nation. But maybe they can make it look kinda fair. For instance Mark Ronchetti, whos running for governor in New Mexico, was strongly pro-life until the uproar following the Supreme Courts decision overturning Roe. Now, his campaign website says hes looking for a middle ground that would allow abortions in cases involving rape, incest and when a mothers life is at risk. Thats a very popular spin. The publics rejection of the courts ruling, plus the stunning vote for abortion rights in a recent statewide referendum in Kansas, has left politicians looking for some way to dodge the anti-choice label. Without, um, actually changing. I am pro-life, and make no apologies for that. But I also understand that this is a representative democracy, said Tim Michels, a Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor, when he embraced the rape-and-incest dodge. INTERNATIONAL An article on Wednesday about Australia rescinding its recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reversing a decision made in 2018 by a previous administration, referred incorrectly to a 2018 local election in Australia. It took place in October, not in May. STYLES An article last Thursday about the office attire of male finance workers at Brookfield Place misstated the origin of the label Allen Edmonds. It was founded in 1922 and later became known as a shoe supplier to the Army during World War II; it was not founded in order to supply the Army. An article last Thursday about the charm and popularity of Brooklyn Heights used an outdated title for Erika Belsey Worth. She is a former president of the Brooklyn Heights Association, not its current one. OBITUARIES An obituary on Monday about Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, who developed a personality test that was widely used in business and government, misstated the period when JetBlue used the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. It was in the 2000s, not in the 1980s. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida announced in August a first salvo of criminal charges in what he called a long-overdue crackdown on voter fraud by his newly created Office of Election Crimes and Security. But recently released body camera footage indicates that people arrested on charges of voting illegally seemed puzzled and appeared to have run afoul of the law through confusion rather than intent. The arrests targeted people convicted of felonies. In Florida, under a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2018, many former inmates had their voting rights restored, but others did not, leaving many people uncertain or misinformed about their eligibility to vote. In the videos that were obtained on Wednesday by The New York Times from the Tampa Police Department, those arrested repeatedly told officers that they were blindsided by the charges and had been cleared to vote by election officials. The videos were published earlier by The Tampa Bay Times. BRUSSELS The European Union agreed on a fresh round of sanctions on Iran on Wednesday, this time over providing drones that Russia has used to strike battlefields and civilian targets in Ukraine, according to three E.U. diplomats. The sanctions will target the company that manufactured Shahed-136 drones, diplomats said, as well as three individuals. They have been agreed on by national ambassadors. To enter into force, they must be greenlighted by all E.U. member countries through a written procedure, which is expected to conclude Thursday morning. Iran has denied supplying Russia with drones for use in Ukraine. Josep Borrell Fontelles, the blocs top diplomat, said on Monday that the European Union was looking for concrete evidence of Irans role in the drone strikes in Ukraine. The latest sanctions add to other punitive measures the bloc has imposed on Iran for reasons unrelated to the war in Ukraine. This week, the European Union added two entities and several individuals, including two key figures in Irans morality police and the countrys information minister, to its sanctions list over the recent violent crackdown on peaceful antigovernment protesters. Some regional officials including the mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin appeared to be taking pains to offer reassurances. At present, no measures are being introduced to limit the normal rhythm of the citys life, Mr. Sobyanin wrote on his Telegram channel. And despite the new power granted them by Mr. Putin, the regional governors of Kursk, Krasnodar and Voronezh said no entry or exit restrictions would be imposed. But many Russians are sure to see a warning message in the martial law imposed in Ukraine, the first time that Moscow has declared martial law since World War II, analysts say. People are worried that they will soon close the borders, and the siloviki the strong men close to Mr. Putin in the Kremlin will do what they want, Ms. Stanovaya said. On Tuesday, the newly appointed commander of the Russian invasion, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, acknowledged that his armys position in Kherson was already quite difficult and appeared to suggest that a tactical retreat might be necessary. General Surovikin said he was ready to make difficult decisions about military deployments, but did not say more about what those might be. In a signal that the faltering invasion of Ukraine has eroded Moscows influence elsewhere, Russia has recently redeployed critical military hardware and troops from Syria, according to three senior officials based in the Middle East. Russia, which has been a dominant military force in Syria since 2015 and helps maintain the governments grip on power, still keeps a sizable presence there. But the change could herald shifts in the balance of power in one of the worlds most complicated conflict zones, and may lead Israel Syrias enemy to rethink its stance toward the Ukraine conflict. Meaning that you established your point of view? Yeah. We all have influences. And theres one point where you have to go, OK. What is my influence? What is my voice? You have to decide which way you want to go: Do you want your influences to support or do you want them to lead? And I did not want my influences to lead. I wanted my voice to lead with the support of my influences, which I think is very different. How did you approach Black Girl? I wanted to create these mini movies that have an arc, but youre just zoning in on this one story and youre watching it go from A to Z. Black Girl is about showing our full selves and the dimensions of that. And TOL E. RAncE is more about seeing the perception of who we are, and it is also about celebrating those artists that did come before us. But then when we start getting into the minstrel, its not about who you are, its about what has been put on to you. Im always nervous to do TOL E. RAncE. Why? Because its meant to entertain, but also to make people very uncomfortable, to make them think about where we are now. When we first did it, Obama was finishing his first term and people were talking about, Oh this is a post-racial society. Now weve gone through the insurrection. George Floyd. What about ink? Ink goes back to being yourself, but taking it to that next level of what if we can fly? Its how we see ourselves in the future. I started thinking, what is the superpower of Black people? And its resiliency, its perseverance. Do you want to continue with your dance company? I do. I just need to figure out how to do that on top of everything else. Its hard. The company can be almost an incubator for your ideas. Oh yeah. I worked with my company on For Colored Girls on ideas, because I just wanted to be ready. By the time we got to our official rehearsal, I had a draft from beginning to end of what I wanted to do movement wise. This article is part of our Fine Arts & Exhibits special section on how museums, galleries and auction houses are embracing new artists, new concepts and new traditions. In the fall of 1962, the African American artist Jacob Lawrence made a 10-day visit to the then newly independent West African nation of Nigeria. The American Society of African Culture in Lagos had mounted a retrospective of Mr. Lawrences work and invited him to lecture. After his show closed, Mr. Lawrence briefly visited the city of Ibadan, meeting with local artists particularly with members of the Mbari Artists and Writers Club, publishers of the influential literary magazine, Black Orpheus. The Nigeria that Mr. Lawrence encountered vibrant, chaotic, creative intrigued him. He wanted to know it better. COSTA MESA, Calif. Pacific Gold is the swaggering title of the 2022 edition of the California Biennial, a regional survey that has been in existence, under various missions and monikers, since 1984. The last California Biennial was held at the Orange County Museum of Art in 2017; its resuscitation also marked the reopening of the museum in a new building, on Oct. 8. This otherwise strong biennial has been marred by revelations from the 84-year-old Pasadena-based artist Ben Sakoguchi that the museum removed his contribution to the exhibition a month before its opening, ostensibly because of its inclusion of a swastika. His multipanel painting, Comparative Religions 101 (2014-19), features satirical appropriations of religious imagery, and is consistent with his lifelong artistic offensive against racism and nationalism. (When approached for comment, the museum repeated a statement quoted in previous news reports: Organizing the Biennial was an iterative process, with artworks being considered throughout, up until the opening. Ultimately the artist was not included in the exhibition.) This article is part of our Fine Arts & Exhibits special section on how museums, galleries and auction houses are embracing new artists, new concepts and new traditions. The flailing legacy of Christopher Columbus suffered two pernicious blows in Denver in 2020. The first happened in public view when protesters, fired up by the anticolonial furor of that springs Black Lives Matter movement, tied a rope around a 15-foot statue honoring the explorer and toppled it inside the citys Civic Center Park. The second was more discreet, and right across the street, at the Denver Art Museum, where the encyclopedic institution simultaneously obliterated all references to the canceled hero from its collections. Pre-Columbian Art was quietly renamed Art of the Ancient Americas. At the same time, Spanish Colonial Art morphed into Latin American Art. The changes aligned the museums organizational structure with the sensibilities of its community, which, as Museum Director Christoph Heinrich points out, is more than 30 percent Latino. This article is part of our Fine Arts & Exhibits special section on how museums, galleries and auction houses are embracing new artists, new concepts and new traditions. DETROIT On a freezing New York evening in early 1922, Ralph H. Booth placed a winning bid of $4,200 for a small self-portrait of Vincent van Gogh in a half-furled straw hat in an auction at the Plaza Hotel. Mr. Booth was the president of the commission that oversaw the Detroit Institute of Arts, and he had just bought the first van Gogh to be owned by an American museum. Van Gogh was only beginning to develop a following in America, and buying the self-portrait seemed risky. But a little more than a decade later, van Gogh had become a superstar. Prices for his paintings were rising, and his intense, throbbing work was drawing big crowds to a huge solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. As oil prospecting boomed, so did discoveries. There were so many, the fledgling Los Angeles Museum of History, Science and Art (now the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County) collected and showed the Tar Pits huge fossil collection. Between 1913 and 1915, nearly 100 sites were excavated, yielding close to one million fossils. Most excavations were limited to that period; most new ones have been accidental. In 2006, a mostly complete mammoth skeleton was unearthed next door, during LACMAs parking garage construction. Workers digging a nearby subway extension in 2016 found a juvenile mammoth, later given the gender neutral name Hayden because, the Tar Pits scientists say, no one was sure what sex it was. (A Harlans ground sloth pelvis bone from another subway excavation was dubbed Shakira ostensibly because hips dont lie.) The Tar Pits still has thousands of tons of sediment boxes from past excavations and limited help, meaning it will take years to comb through everything. Meanwhile, much of the collection remains in suboptimal storage, said Dr. Dunn, as she and Dr. Lindsey stepped past rows of saber-toothed mandibles and wolf skulls, stopping at what looks like an everyday log wrapped in a tent-like blue tarp. But dont judge a branch by its cover: this is an ancient juniper. Next to the only human remains discovered at the Tar Pits the mysterious La Brea woman this ordinary-looking log is among the rarest pieces here, and may be a key piece to telling the climate story in the upcoming remodel. Its 29,000 years old, Dr. Dunn said studying it in the vaults dim light. Special. PARIS Paris+, the eagerly awaited, if awkwardly titled, latest addition to the Art Basel international fair stable opened to V.I.P. visitors in the French capital on Wednesday. For almost half a century, the venerable Foire Internationale dArt Contemporain, or FIAC, had been Frances flagship fair of modern and contemporary art. Now the Swiss have taken over. What difference has the worlds biggest and slickest art fair organizer made? Its Swiss-made, so its fine. The booth was ready on time and it has very solid walls, said David Fleiss, director of the Paris-based Galerie 1900-2000, a past stalwart of FIAC. Its brought in exhibitors and collectors we didnt see at FIAC, he added. Within the first two hours on Wednesday, his gallery sold 10 pieces priced from 3,000 euros to 100,000 euros, about $2,900 to $98,000, according to Fleiss. (Paris+ opened to the public on Thursday and runs through Saturday.) The announcement that Art Basel would take over the traditional fall art fair slot, just after Frieze London, certainly came as a shock. But the administrators of the Grand Palais, where FIAC was usually held, insisted that the new fair should retain FIACs uniquely French flavor, rather than be branded Art Basel Paris. The French branding agency Yorgo & Company helped Art Basel come up with Paris+ (officially pronounced Paree ploos). The actors Anthony Rapp and Kevin Spacey both testified in a civil trial this month over accusations of an encounter in 1986, when Mr. Rapp was 14 and Mr. Spacey was 26. Mr. Rapp alleged that Mr. Spacey picked him up, put him on a bed and climbed on top of him, with Mr. Spaceys groin pressing into the side of his hip. Mr. Spacey denied that the encounter ever happened. The judge ultimately dismissed Mr. Rapps claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress, so the trial then rested solely on a battery claim. I knew something was really wrong Mr. Rapp said his encounter with Mr. Spacey happened after a party at Mr. Spaceys Manhattan apartment in 1986, during a season in which both actors were performing on Broadway. Mr. Rapp testified that after the other guests had left, Mr. Spacey showed up in the bedroom doorway, appearing unsteady on his feet and glassy-eyed. Mr. Spacey picked him up, Mr. Rapp testified, describing it like a groom carrying a bride over the threshold. Then Mr. Spacey laid him down onto the bed and climbed on top of him, pressing his full weight into him, Mr. Rapp said. When Tembi and Attica Locke were children growing up in Houston, they would often visit their grandmothers house in Lufkin, Tex., where they would sit on her orange-and-red shag carpet and make up games to play. There was store, in which various transactions would take place. There was family, wherein the sisters represented two different families that lived across the hall from each other in a fancy New York apartment complex. They let their imaginations run wild, coming up with different scenarios to pass the time. We would play all of these story games, Attica said earlier this month in a joint video interview with her older sister. And then somehow we found ourselves through our adult professions checking in with each other. Theyre still playing together. This time, however, the whole world can see the results. Together, they created From Scratch, a Netflix limited series, premiering Friday, that is based on Tembis memoir of love, loss, food, family and Italy. Attica is the showrunner, a first for the accomplished novelist (Bluebird, Bluebird) and screenwriter (Empire). Tembi, best known as an actress (Never Have I Ever, Eureka), is executive producing for the first time. The eggs were a problem again, but this time not for James Corden. Corden, the comic actor and host of CBSs The Late Late Show, was having breakfast on Thursday morning in the Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges on Manhattans Upper East Side when he overheard another patron at a nearby table curtly rebuking a waiter about the meal she had ordered. The eggs, it seemed, were not to her liking. Corden shot a conspiratorial glance across his own table to a New York Times reporter he was dining with and quietly said: Happens every day. Its happening in 55,000 restaurants as we speak. Its always about eggs. More archly, he added, Can you imagine now, if we just blasted her on Twitter? Would that be fair? This is my point. Its insane. The original goal of this conversation, to which Corden and his press representatives had agreed at the start of the month, had been to talk about a new Amazon Prime Video mini-series, called Mammals, that he is starring in, and his coming departure from The Late Late Show, which he will leave next year after a tenure of more than eight years. The president opened his remarks by thanking Mr. Fetterman for running and acknowledging his wife. Gisele, youre going to be a great, great lady in the Senate, Mr. Biden said, predicting that Mr. Fetterman would prevail. The Pennsylvania Senate race has grown increasingly contentious during the final stretch. Mr. Fetterman, who suffered a stroke earlier this year, has faced questions from Republicans including his opponent, about his capacity to serve because of lingering health effects. During his recovery, Mr. Fetterman has at times struggled to articulate his thoughts on the campaign trail and has had to read questions on a screen during interviews. At the event with Mr. Biden in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Mr. Fetterman made no public remarks. The Fern Hollow Bridge, where Mr. Biden spoke on Thursday, is symbolic of the creaky state of American infrastructure that the president wants to rehabilitate. As Mr. Biden was preparing to visit the city in January, the thoroughfare crumbled and fell into the ravine below. Funding from the infrastructure law did not go directly to rebuilding the bridge, but Mr. Biden noted that the money allowed the state to fix it more quickly because Pennsylvanias Transportation Department did not have to divert resources from other projects. The bridge is on track to be rebuilt in less than a year, which is far faster than the two to five years that similar projects might take. Im coming back to walk over this sucker, Mr. Biden said. The president laid out the other ways he said the infrastructure law is helping Pennsylvania, pointing to investments in broadband, electric car chargers and lead pipe replacement. He said that much of the work would be completed using union labor. A federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a leading financial regulator, has been unconstitutionally funded since its creation more than a decade ago, in a decision that vacated a bureau rule on payday lending and cast doubt over a vast swath of its regulations. The consumer bureau is funded directly by the Federal Reserve, a structure that Congress created through the 2010 Dodd-Frank law to shield the independent agency from political whims. It has been a frequent target of ire from Republican lawmakers. A three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit said the funding method improperly ceded too much authority to the bureau and insulated it from being accountable to Congress and the American people. Wherever the line between a constitutionally and unconstitutionally funded agency may be, this unprecedented arrangement crosses it, Judge Cory Wilson wrote in the ruling. All three judges on the panel were appointed by former President Donald J. Trump. Nestled near Europes rooftop, Finland spent decades leveraging its location to become a popular gateway for Asian travelers. Its flagship airline, Finnair, offered flights from Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai to Helsinki that, by crossing over Russia, were hours shorter than flights to any other European capital. Airport chiefs invested nearly $1 billion in a new terminal with streamlined transfers. There were signs in Japanese, Korean and Chinese, and hot water dispensers for the instant noodle packets favored by Chinese tourists. Then Russia sent troops across Ukraines border on Feb. 24, and overnight the carefully constructed game table was overturned. Russia closed its airspace to most European carriers in response to bans on Russian planes. What was once a nine-hour flight to Helsinki when routed over Russias 3,000-mile expanse would now take 13 hours and as much as 40 percent more fuel because it had to swoop around borders. Finnairs competitive advantage as the fastest connection from Asia and a travel hub for Europe vanished in a wisp. We are C.E.O.s of our own companies: Me Inc., Mr. Peters wrote 25 years ago. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You. Mr. Peters, in a recent interview, said he had realized that with organizational bureaucracies disappearing, workers could no longer trust the prospect of a steady career ascension. Slowly climbing the ladder by sucking up and then sucking up some more wasnt going to work, he said. You were as good as your ability to get your boss to think you were the second coming. For decades, heightening business competition had prompted corporate brands to distinguish themselves by selling not just a product or aesthetic but a story. Apples 1984 television advertisement, inspired by George Orwells book, was about the freeing futuristic powers of a Mac computer; Coca-Colas Share a Coke campaign positioned the beverage as community glue. Mr. Peters remembered that his own 1997 article was published in Fast Company with a chic advertisement for Procter & Gamble soap. Then, as brands that sold warm and fuzzy stories went through rounds of layoffs, and shareholder-focused policies erased worker trust in their employers, belief in the power of branding began to shift from the company to the employee. Management gospel, like Mr. Peterss, urged workers to cement their professional reputations by developing their own brands. Dan Lair, an associate dean at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, studies the troubles of personal branding. His interest in the subject came from his experience being laid off. Mr. Lair, at age 25, got a job in corporate marketing. It wasnt the most thrilling work in the world, but it was a way to make rent in Missoula where, he noted, you cant eat the scenery. Mr. Lair was hired in the summer of 1999. By the winter of 2000, after the companys acquisition by an East Coast-based firm, he was fired. I felt dumb, he recalled. This was a company that very much branded itself as a family. It was built around two dynamic founders. A couple months before wed had this big retreat at a summer camp that I had been to as a kid. There was this sense of shock that this could actually happen. But he was equally disillusioned by the notion that workers should have to steel themselves for economic uncertainty by building personal brands that would make them indispensable. It felt to him like what the sociologist Zygmunt Bauman called an individualized solution to a social problem. And Mr. Lair did what many people do when they end up citing sociology to explain phenomena in their daily lives: He went to graduate school, and studied personal branding. In recent years, at least 60 percent of the manufacturing costs of a watch had to be incurred in Switzerland before the watch could be labeled Swiss Made. Now watches made in Glashutte, Germany, a mountain town of about 1,600 inhabitants near the countrys border with the Czech Republic that has long been considered the seat of Germanys high-end watchmaking, are subject to a similar rule. The regulation affects nine manufacturers, including the internationally known brands A. Lange & Sohne and Nomos Glashutte. And while six of them said in emails that they support the rule, which has been considered an unwritten agreement among local manufacturers since the early 1900s, there were concerns that it could limit growth in the future. (The other three Muhle-Glashutte, Union Glashutte and Bruno Sohnle did not reply to queries.) Passed in February by Germanys upper house of Parliament, the Bundesrat, the Glashutte Regulation says at least 50 percent of a watchs added value must be created in the town, which would include work such as the assembly and encasing of a movement, the setting of hands, the positioning of the dial and the quality inspection. Ms. Gilbert said that the watchmakers often network with other businesses and friends to find rare parts. Our work is a permanent quest for pieces, she said. We spend so much time on that. For example, the Horlogerie team often works with A.P.H., or Atelier Parisien dHorlogerie, a business in the 9th Arrondissement, and LAtelier du Temps, at the Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen both watch repair businesses staffed with Diderot graduates. The watchmakers at Horlogerie du Passage also share their equipment Tahar Nasri, a friend and watchmaker who does repairs en chambre (in English, in his room) nearby, comes to the workshop from time to time to use the water resistance testing machine and in the last academic year alone they had five interns, part of an official Diderot program. The trio said that such collaboration and cooperation continues to be at the heart of what they do. All three of us are on the same boat, Ms. Gilbert said. If we drop a part on the ground, we all look for it together. Times Insider explains who we are and what we do and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together. Daniel Jones, the senior editor of The New York Timess Modern Love column, remembers when, a dozen years ago, it was just him selecting stories from a stack of nearly a thousand monthly submissions and editing each one for the essay series. It was kind of lonely, he said. This week, he has plenty of company. He is in Japan to attend the premiere of the television series Modern Love Tokyo, the latest installment in Amazons global Modern Love franchise. The seven-episode show will begin streaming on Amazon Prime Video on Oct. 21. The episodes are set in Tokyo, feature the work of actors, of directors and of a creative team from Japan, and are based on essays published in the column that were reimagined to make them more familiar to Japanese audiences. (In a Modern Love first, one of the episodes will be animated.) I love that the process includes all these other talented people who are interpreting stories and amplifying emotions, putting in music, Mr. Jones said in an interview last week. Its just exploded the job into a whole new realm. Since the original Modern Love show was released on Amazon in October 2019, three international spinoffs have debuted in three languages: Modern Love Mumbai, in Hindi; Modern Love Hyderabad, in Telugu; and the Tokyo series, in Japanese. A fourth series, Modern Love Chennai, in Tamil, is forthcoming, and a fifth, Modern Love Amsterdam, offered in Dutch, is set to be released in mid-December. The relationship between a parent and a child is wired for heartbreak a primal attachment headed for an inevitable double grief. Kids grow up and flee the nest. Parents die. Its the natural order of things, calamitous even when no untimely tragedies intervene to amplify the pain. Such a tragedy does shadow Aftersun, the tender and devastating first feature from the 35-year-old Scottish director Charlotte Wells, but the power of the film comes from its embrace of the basic and universal fact of loss. Its about a mostly happy experience a father-daughter vacation in a resort town on the Turkish coast, with snorkeling excursions, hotel buffets and lazy hours by the pool that ends in tears. Your tears. Eleven-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) and her father, Calum (Paul Mescal), are mostly too caught up in the delights and frustrations of the present to express much sorrow or anxiety, but they also seem aware that time is moving quickly. Sophie, on the edge of adolescence, is both hanging onto childhood and rushing toward maturity. Her eyes are always moving, scanning her surroundings for clues and portents. A young man himself hes about to turn 31 and is mistaken by a fellow tourist for Sophies older brother Calum carries some weariness in his lithe frame. His boyish features are creased with worry. We dont learn much about his history Wells is not the kind of director to spoil delicate scenes with expository dialogue but were aware that he and Sophies mother arent together. We can also infer some hard knocks and bad decisions in his past. Tracie Hotchner still doesnt offer tissues. During her early years as the director and founder of two animal film festivals, audience members would occasionally confront her and say, Why dont you give Kleenex? Hotchner recalled. While her programs have never included Old Yeller-style tear-jerkers, she acknowledges that her first festivals were too long and emotional. Even a steady string of uplifting tales could cause sentimental overload. But when Hotchners seventh annual NY Dog Film Festival and fifth annual NY Cat Film Festival arrive on Sunday at the Village East by Angelika Theater in Manhattan before a monthslong tour of the United States and Canada they will be as sleek and compact as a prizewinning Abyssinian or a champion greyhound. Featuring international short films, each festival now runs under two hours and intersperses serious works with the purely comic. (The 16-film cat festival screens at 11 a.m., the 17-film dog festival at 2 p.m.) This year, moviegoers can witness the challenging lives of feral cats in Malta and abandoned dogs in Mexico. Yet they can also see a feline parody of Americas Got Talent, fancifully animated dog and cat crime capers and a documentary about golden retrievers that served as the legitimately elected mayors of Idyllwild, Calif. With each festival, Ive tried to make it more balanced and something that is a magic carpet ride, said Hotchner, an author and radio host in Bennington, Vt., whose Radio Pet Lady Network features online talk shows. During a telephone interview, she added, Theres lots of short films, but you dont have several in a row that slam you emotionally. When the theatrical production featuring the first all-Black cast of Macbeth opened in Harlem on April 14, 1936, it was quite the event. According to an article on the Library of Congress website, At 6:30 p.m., 10,000 people stood as close as they could come to the Lafayette Theater on Seventh Avenue near 131st Street, jamming the avenue for 10 blocks and halting northbound traffic for more than an hour. The film Voodoo Macbeth tells the story of how this groundbreaking production came to be, from the perspective of a then 20-year old genius Orson Welles (Jewell Wilson Bridges), who adapted and directed the play, switching out Shakespeares Scotland for Haiti. I was thinking about the Sandra Bullock-Keanu Reeves thriller Speed, in which Sandra who went to the same high school as I did, but not at the same time jumped into the drivers seat of a runaway bus rigged with explosives. The bus that was coming straight at me had no driver, no steering wheel and no explosives. It had one passenger, Caroline Dunn, who works for Navya, a French company that designs and builds autonomous electric vehicles like the one that was coming straight at me. At 13 miles per hour, which is a lot slower than the bus in Speed. The bus slowed to a stop. I stepped aside. The bus started up again and went through the crosswalk, which had been painted in a mostly empty parking lot near Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, where a team from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been testing a pair of small electric shuttle buses. They are vaguely jelly-bean shaped. They have been programmed to play a recorded clanging sound, like a cable car in San Francisco, just before they drive off. The Port Authority sees possibilities in autonomous vehicles like the little shuttles, which can carry about a dozen passengers. Someday you could get on a driverless bus in an airport parking lot and say take me to my car, and the bus would thread its way up and down the lanes until it found the space where you had parked. Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority, pointed out later that the AirTrains at Kennedy and Newark Liberty International Airport already operate without drivers onboard. He said that autonomous vehicles could help as the Port Authority rebuilds airports with larger terminals the walk from the gate to the baggage carousel, and from there to the taxi stand or the parking lot, could be longer than ever. Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told a federal jury on Thursday that Thomas J. Barrack Jr. a longtime friend of former President Donald J. Trump charged with acting as an undisclosed agent of the United Arab Emirates had sided against his supposed patrons during the 2017 blockade of Qatar. The Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries had severed diplomatic ties and cut off land, air and sea access to Qatar, after accusing the tiny Gulf state of supporting terrorism and Islamists in the region, and of cultivating close relations with Iran. After serving in leadership roles in the Trump campaign and transition team, Mr. Barrack was not part of the administration, but he continued to serve as an informal adviser on Middle East affairs. Mr. Mnuchin said Mr. Barrack arrived at his office at the Treasury Department the day after Mr. Trump said on Twitter that he supported the blockade. He came in with the idea of telling me that he thought the president had made a mistake, Mr. Mnuchin said. His position was clearly in support of Qatar, which he saw as an important ally for the United States, Mr. Mnuchin said. Mr. Barrack asked him to convey that opinion to Mr. Trump, Mr. Mnuchin said. Customers at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in New York City can be certain of two things at checkout: paying at least $6.50 for one scoop and paying only by credit card. One of those is changing. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection announced on Thursday that it had entered into a settlement agreement with Van Leeuwen that requires the ice cream company to comply with the citys cashless ban law and pay $33,500 in outstanding civil penalties. In total, Van Leeuwen had incurred more than $112,000 in penalties since the law was put in place, the city said. The city said that Van Leeuwen has refused to comply with the law, which forbids businesses to accept only credit card payments, since it went into effect in November 2020. Van Leeuwen has 19 locations in New York City and another dozen nationwide. In a statement, the city said it had received dozens of consumer complaints shortly after the ban went into effect. The Office of Administrative Trials, which handles violation summonses from 19 city agencies, found Van Leeuwen to be in violation of the cashless ban more than 90 times, according to the settlement agreement. The Rhetoric of Reaction emerged in part from lectures and essays Hirschman gave and wrote during the mid- to late 1980s. At the time, he saw the perversity thesis as the most common argument on the right and the imminent danger thesis as the most powerful on the left. Today, though, two others seem ubiquitous: the jeopardy thesis and the right-side-of-history argument. So much so, in fact, that theyve broken free of the ideological silos Hirschman assigned to them. On virtually any debate, every side now proclaims dire jeopardy from their opponents while basking in historys certain vindication. With disagreements involving historical commemoration, the position has a certain logic, as when, in June 2020, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators urged Donald Trump to stand on the right side of history and support the renaming of Army installations named after Confederate officers. But frequently history is enlisted to defend more ambiguous and partisan terrain. Would a federal abortion ban starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy place America on the right side of history, as Senator Lindsey Graham declared when reintroducing the proposal last year? If so, why has Graham, in a post-Dobbs world, called for a ban after 15 weeks instead? (History must be losing patience.) Jeopardy and history recur in the arguments over the fate of American democracy. Recall how, in his speech outside the White House on Jan. 6, 2021, Trump warned of the greatest jeopardy a nation-state can face. If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore, he said. He proffered the same line in a rally last month: If the Democrats prevail in the midterm elections, you wont have a country left. The former president proposed to fight left-wing sickos by restoring patriotism to the nations schools, thus ensuring that future generations would honor our history. President Biden embraced the jeopardy thesis in a speech in Philadelphia last month, warning that the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our Republic. He expressed confidence that together, we can choose a different path, because, as he explained, I know our history. We all know, of course, where history stands. These positions are not equivalent in their moral aspirations, in their reliance on truth or in the risks they pose. They are nevertheless rhetorically similar, staking out immovable and irreconcilable positions. You are extreme and destructive; I have history on my side. Their use renders dialogue not just impossible but unfathomable. Perhaps that is where the country already stands. In a recent poll, the same high proportion of Democrats and Republicans (69 percent) considered American democracy to be verging on collapse, while identifying entirely different culprits (namely, the opposition) for that danger. Even in 1991, Hirschman seemed to anticipate a both-sides-ism critique of his book. My purpose is not to cast a plague on both your houses, he assured readers. I mostly believe him. It is no accident that the book focuses overwhelmingly on right-wing transgressions. But even if he did not intend to cast a plague on both houses, he understood that both houses can help spread one. Hirschman examined rhetoric across a range of political beliefs because he longed to move public discourse beyond extreme, intransigent postures of either kind, with the hope that in the process our debates will become more democracy friendly. That friendly is not squishy; Hirschman was not merely wishing for a more civil public square. He viewed democratic pluralism as a shaky bargain, based not on a consensus over shared values but on a recognition by competing sides that none could achieve political dominance. Tolerance and acceptance of pluralism resulted eventually from a standoff between bitterly hostile opposing groups, Hirschman wrote. Democracy is not what partisans prefer; it is what they settle for. When one group feels it can dominate by disregarding the terms of that democratic bargain, as many Republicans do today, what will compel them to remain a party to it? When those on the left see their opponents becoming incoherent and dangerous, what prevents them from developing the self-enclosed self-assurance that their way is the only way, that any complicating critique is simply bad faith and therefore easily disregarded, that they are not just historys participants but ultimately its masters? When I ran afoul of authorities in 2011 after criticizing the government, the police threatened me with an ugly death and said they would tell all of China about the absurd allegations they leveled, like tax evasion, to discredit me. I asked if Chinas people would believe their lies. Ninety percent will, an officer told me. In China, where all truth comes from the party, he may have been right. Three years later, at an art exhibition in Shanghai, pressure from local government officials led to the abrupt removal of my name from a list of exhibitors. Not one of the Chinese artists whose work was on display, many of whom knew me well, came forward to defend me. Things have only worsened in the past decade. Authorities have smothered remaining traces of independent thought, decimated Chinese civil society and cast a chill over academia, media, culture and business. To be fair, individual thought and expression are constrained in Western democracies, too. Political correctness forces people to hold in what they truly believe and parrot empty slogans to superficially comply with prevailing narratives. And Western engagement with China has been driven by the pursuit of profit rather than values. Western leaders criticize Communist Party violations of human rights, free speech and spiritual freedom, but long have continued to do business with Beijing. U.S. hypocrisy about independent thought is evident in its approach to the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who stands for freedom of information but whom the U.S. government is prosecuting. Millions of Chinese take pride in modern Chinas growing wealth and power. But this feeling of well-being is a mirage conjured by superficial material gain, constant propaganda about the decline of the West and suppression of intellectual freedom. China is in fact decaying morally under the influence of the party. In 2011, a 2-year-old girl was run over by two vehicles in southern China and left bleeding in a street. Eighteen people passed by without doing anything, some even swerving aside to avoid her. Dont think, dont get involved, just keep walking. The girl later died. Freedom relies on courage and sustained risk-taking. But a vast majority of Chinas people feel that resistance, even at the philosophical level, is impossible, and that personal survival depends on compliance. They are reduced to an anxious servility, lining up like sheep in long lines for their coronavirus tests, or scrambling for food before sudden lockdowns. Freedom and individuality can never be completely suppressed. And no country, no matter how strong it appears, can truly prosper without diversity of opinion. But there is no hope for fundamental change in my country while the Communist Party is in power. To the Editor: Re Trump Has Told Americans Exactly Who He Is, by Jesse Wegman (Opinion, Oct. 15): I couldnt agree more with Mr. Wegmans essay on Donald Trump and his blatant misdeeds, as so masterfully presented by the Jan. 6 committee. But we are approaching two years from Jan. 6 and there are still no indictments resulting from clear evidence of overwhelming criminal conduct by Mr. Trump. The mantra that no one is above the law rings hollow, as any normal person engaging in such Trumpian conduct would be wearing an orange suit by now. What more does the Justice Department or the Georgia prosecutor possibly need to take the action the evidence so clearly demands? I thought that when New Yorks attorney general, Letitia James, filed a complaint accusing Donald Trump and his business of fraud that it would give courage to weak-kneed prosecutors to follow suit. Yet we wait and doubt whether the Teflon man will ever be brought to justice. Without such action, future leaders will feel no risk in taking actions that could destroy our democracy. We need indictments and justice, and we need them now! Richard Goetz Delray Beach, Fla. To the Editor: Jesse Wegman is correct to say that the Republican Party is now infected from coast to coast with proudly ignorant conspiracymongers, wild-eyed election deniers and gun-toting maniacs. This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any questions. archived recording 1 This is what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like! astead herndon In 2011, I was a college student in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. archived recording 2 Thursday night, tens of thousands of protesters packed three floors of the Capitol building. astead herndon And during that time archived recording 3 The protesters first descended on the Capitol Monday, raging at the new Republican governor, Scott Walker. archived recording 4 Were broke, like nearly every other state across the country. Weve got a massive deficit, $3.6 billion deficit. astead herndon a bitter political fight broke out in the state over what came to be known as Act 10. archived recording 5 Walker and his Republican allies in the legislature started the fight when they passed a law stripping collective bargaining rights. astead herndon On one side were state Republicans led by Governor Scott Walker. He was proposing a plan that would limit public employees collective bargaining rights. archived recording 6 We fight back! astead herndon And on the other side archived recording 7 Union power! astead herndon were thousands of protesters who were enraged by the new governors proposed reforms. archived recording 8 Whose house? Our house! Whose house? Our house! Whose house? Our house! archived recording 9 An estimated 25,000 people stormed Wisconsins Capitol building Thursday, the third day of mass protests. archived recording 10 Friday marked the fourth straight day of demonstrations and the largest to date. An estimated archived recording 11 Protesters are staying put at the Capitol building, even though theyve been occupying it for nearly two full weeks. archived recording 12 Today, they were nearly 40,000 strong, state workers and their supporters upset by what they see as a frontal assault on their benefits and their astead herndon But the anger wasnt just coming from protesters. The plan severely limited the power of unions, a key backer of Democrats in a state thats evenly politically divided. It was a plan designed to weaken the opposing party. And to show their frustration archived recording 13 Adding to the chaos, most Democratic senators vanished. astead herndon Democrats in the state legislature literally fled the state. archived recording 13 At least one needs to be present for the majority Republicans to hold a vote. astead herndon They hid out in the next state over, Illinois, hoping to shame the governor into backing down. archived recording 14 In the meantime, state troopers have been dispatched to find those AWOL senators. astead herndon But it didnt work. archived recording 15 After over three hours of a charged-up debate, the proposal to strip nearly all collective bargaining rights from the states public workers was passed. astead herndon In fact, Walker and state Republicans were only emboldened. Today, how a 12-year project in Wisconsin could culminate in this years midterms and give us a glimpse of where the rest of the country is headed. From The New York Times, Im Astead Herndon. This is The Run-Up. How are you? reid epstein Im doing all right. How are you? astead herndon Im fine. Im glad were doing this. reid epstein Its about time. I thought that every episode of this show was going to be about Wisconsin. astead herndon So I came to Wisconsin as a college student, but my colleague, Reid Epstein, spent years there as a political reporter. And we both watched this story play out in real-time. I want to go back with you to the Scott Walker days to give people a sense of what Wisconsin was politically like before we get to this moment. reid epstein So when I got my first job in newspapers in Milwaukee, it was in the Waukesha County Bureau of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. And Scott Walker had just been elected Milwaukee county executive. He was a fixture on the local conservative talk radio shows and was really somebody who had learned sort of the new way of politics in Wisconsin that was less about collaboration and more about trying to find ways to create a zero-sum politics that was good for you and bad for your enemies. And by 2010, the first midterm election after President Obama was elected, the Wisconsin Democrats took a real shellacking. And in that election, Scott Walker rode the Tea Party wave to become governor of Wisconsin. And it wasnt just Walker that year. Republicans took over control of both houses of the state legislature and had unified control of the state government heading into a redistricting year. And the first thing that Scott Walker did as governor was basically decide the era of working with Democrats was over. astead herndon Right, this is when Walker passes Act 10. And thats him right away showing that hes going to be a politician who uses that hyperpolarized us versus them approach to the office. And its at a moment where because Republicans control both chambers of the state legislature, Democrats can protest all they want. They can even flee the state. But theres nothing they can do about it. reid epstein Thats right. I mean, he determined pretty quickly that there was more political advantage for him to be seen as a fighter for Republican and conservative values than there was to be so to someone who was responsible to the entire state, I mean, this was a political philosophy that hadnt really been in place in Wisconsin before this. But Walker ushered it in, and Republicans ever since have followed his lead. astead herndon How does the party take up that mantle? What does it mean for Republicans in the state to embrace Walkers no holds barred, power at all costs, type of approach? reid epstein Well, Republicans decided that the next step was to lock in power for as long as they could. In order to maintain and lock in this power, they needed a map that would allow them to do so. And they didnt do it in public. They didnt hold hearings to discuss what they were doing. A map was designed essentially in secret. And its presented for a vote. archived recording 16 Quorum being present, committees can continue. Purpose today is consideration of three bills SB 148, SB 149, and SB 150, all three related to redistricting. reid epstein Democrats were blindsided. archived recording 17 This was introduced last Friday. Here we are on Wednesday in session next Tuesday to pass it. reid epstein And they tried to fight it. archived recording 17 This is something thats going to have, obviously, huge impacts on people all over the state. reid epstein And over the next few days, they call it out as a political ploy. archived recording 18 Mr. President, it is nothing more than a system of gerrymandering that even a third grader could see through. archived recording 19 These districts, these congressional districts, the assembly districts, the Senate districts are unrecognizable. archived recording 20 I dont want to send this bill back to committee. I want to send it to a recycling vote. Its trash. It is garbage. archived recording 21 This is the most vicious abuse of partisan power that I have ever seen in the Wisconsin legislature. reid epstein They raised a lot of objections, but at the end of the day archived recording 22 There are 19 ayes, 14 nos. Senate Bill 148 is passed. The clerk will read the next bill. reid epstein they dont have the votes to block it, and the maps go into effect. archived recording 22 [GAVEL] reid epstein And those maps, more than anything else, more even than Act 10, have shaped Democratic politics in Wisconsin for the last decade. astead herndon Hmm, in what way? reid epstein By making it impossible for Democrats not just to win a majority, but to come even close to competing for majorities in the state legislature and, essentially, reducing the level of democracy in Wisconsin by minimizing the input that voters have. astead herndon How specifically, though, did they do that? Gerrymandering is happening all over the country. How were they so successful in Wisconsin, especially given the fact that its a swing state? reid epstein They did that by concentrating Democratic voters in a minimal amount of districts in the state cities. And Wisconsins geography made this possible because even though Wisconsin is a 50/50 state in statewide elections, the preponderance of its Democratic and liberal voters live in their cities in Milwaukee, in Madison, in Green Bay, in Racine and Kenosha, and in the college towns throughout the state. And so you could draw a map easily that drew state assembly and state Senate districts that packed Democratic voters into those cities in a minimal amount of seats, while drawing a far larger number of seats that covered the states vast rural, suburban, and exurban areas, where Republicans are more likely to live. astead herndon Mm-hmm. They packed Democratic votes in to limit the amount of seats that urban areas could have overall, but how did they actually explain this aggressive redistricting? What was the rationale that those state legislators gave about what they were up to? reid epstein I mean, what Ive heard Republicans say is that Democrats in Wisconsin arent competitive in rural areas because their policies dont appeal to people in rural areas, and therefore, thats the reason why they suffer in the minority in the state legislature, and that if they change their policies to be essentially Republican policies, then they might do better. astead herndon It switches the point of blame. Its not the maps that are problem for prioritizing rural voters, its the Democrats who are the problem for not speaking to those rural voters. reid epstein Right. Basically, if Democrats want to win more seats in the state legislature, they should act more like Republicans. astead herndon So what do Republicans get from all this with these surgically drawn maps? With Walker in place as governor, what becomes of it? reid epstein Well, in 2012, when Barack Obama won Wisconsin by 7 points, Republicans won 60 out of 99 seats in the state assembly, cementing an advantage that they first won in 2010, but now was drawn in ink for a decade in the states elections. And it didnt matter how well Democrats did in the statewide elections or how many votes they got out. The Republicans had an insurmountable edge in the state legislative chambers. astead herndon Hmm, Im going to slow that down. That seems like an important point. In 2012, when Democrats had a big success on the statewide level, when Barack Obama was able to win Wisconsin in the electoral college that helps him get re-elected, Republicans had a great year on the down ballot level because of that gerrymandering. reid epstein Right, and even though Democrats won more votes statewide and won more votes in the state legislative races, because their districts were overwhelmingly Democratic, their votes were not spread out across enough districts to compete for majorities. astead herndon The maps worked. reid epstein Yeah, and they didnt really mount a defense to this until about 2017. After Barack Obama was out of office, he and Eric Holder, who had been his attorney general, started something called the National Democratic Redistricting Committee that sought to pour money into some of these state legislative races, into state Supreme Court races, to try to claw back control of some of these map drawing powers. And they have had some successes. They helped elect state Supreme Court justices in important states. And in Wisconsin, they helped elect Tony Evers, a Democrat who ousted Scott Walker in 2018, with the idea and thinking at the time that it would give Democrats an equal seat at the table for the redistricting cycle that would follow the 2020 census. astead herndon But at the time Evers comes into office, hes still contending with those older maps and the Republican-controlled state legislature that those maps produced. reid epstein Right, and by this time, one person has emerged as the leader of the Republican majority in Wisconsin. And thats Robin Vos, the Assembly Speaker. Vos has been in state politics at this point for some time. He was first elected in 2004. He was at Scott Walkers side during the Act 10 protests. He was the guy who had to get the votes for what Walker wanted to do as governor. And in a lot of ways, he cares even less about public opinion across the state than Walker does. But he really embodies the philosophy of political power at all costs. And by the time Evers becomes governor, Vos is by far the most powerful Republican in state government. astead herndon Hmm, the Mitch McConnell of the Wisconsin state assembly. reid epstein Except with even more power. And even before Evers takes office after that November 2018 election, Vos begins a series of maneuvers to concentrate power for himself and his Republican allies in the legislature. archived recording 23 Political drama unfolding in Wisconsin. Republicans, after the loss of Governor Scott Walker, accused of a legislative coup astead herndon So in that period between the 2018 election and Tony Evers becoming governor the next January archived recording 24 Republican legislators have worked throughout the night to pass a sweeping package of lame duck bills to give power to the Republican reid epstein Robin Vos proceeds to shepherd through legislation to reduce the power of the governor, stripping away some appointment powers and spending powers, transferring them to the state legislature. archived recording (marisa wojcik) The bills architects said the states executive office has had too much power and downplayed the move. reid epstein Basically leaving the Democratic governor with a Republican majority powers only to veto legislation and not do a whole lot else. archived recording (marisa wojcik) On Monday, during the only hearing for the bills, protesters hovered as the joint Finance Committee split time between members asking questions and public commentary. archived recording 27 It is abundantly clear that what is happening here is not the will of the good citizens of this state. We do not consent to kneecapping our governor before he even takes office. We do not consent to you silencing our votes. And we do not consent to you restricting our votes. archived recording 28 Thank you. archived recording 27 We, the people, will no longer tolerate archived recording 28 We set the ground rules earlier. Its 2 minutes. Theres people following you. astead herndon I mean, that feels like a political power play in its purest, most unadulterated form. This is a legislature that is seemingly going beyond what the people of Wisconsin had just said in the election to bring in the Democrat, to then strip that newly elected Democratic governor of power before hes even in office. reid epstein It was a legislature was and is a legislature that is responsive to its political base, and not the entire state. And that was how they viewed that period in time. Its how they still view themselves. astead herndon Mm-hmm. I mean, where have the courts been in all of this? reid epstein Well, this is another place where Republicans have been ahead of Democrats in Wisconsin. Wisconsin state supreme court justices are elected to 10-year terms. And Republicans have put a bigger focus on those elections than Democrats have over the years. In 2019, they lost a race by just 6,000 votes. In 2017, at sort of the peak of the Womens March post-Trump election era, Wisconsin Democrats didnt even put up a candidate against an incumbent Republican supreme court justice, two opportunities that they had, either of which would have given them majority control of the state supreme court in order to block some of what they see as the most aggressive and extralegal moves by the Republican legislature. And they failed in those efforts. And thats part of the reason why were here today, because of the combination of Republican control of the legislature, conservative control of the Supreme Court. It has left Democrats without a hand on any of the levers of power in the state. astead herndon Well be right back. So lets get into what all of these political changes actually mean on the ground. Whats the significance of what happens when Republicans have such a lock on this state? reid epstein Well, it means that the Republicans dont have to listen to the concerns of Democratic parts of the state, in particular, the big cities. And so a city like Milwaukee, the chief economic engine of the state, doesnt receive as much money from the state to run its sort of basic functions as it would like. Milwaukee has to go basically hat in hand to the Republican state legislators for things like the permission to raise their own sales tax or for funding to pay for city services, like the police department. And so the city then has to make tough choices about what to fund and what not to. And so its not that Republicans in the legislature are directly defunding Milwaukees Police Department, but they are limiting funds to the city in a way that forces a difficult set of decisions on it. And so when crime is up in the city and Milwaukee cant pay for more police officers, the Republicans in the state legislature demonize Milwaukee for being high crime and use that to attack Democratic lawmakers across the state. astead herndon Theyre getting blamed for the problems, while at the same time, the Republicans who are doing that blaming control the purse strings for the solutions. reid epstein They not only control the purse strings for the solution, theyre using the evidence of the problem to help their compatriots get elected governor and to the Senate. Republicans are hammering the Democrats. Both Governor Tony Evers and his Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, who is running for the Senate, are just getting killed on TV for crime in Milwaukee that the Republicans in the state legislature have refused to help solve. Its a self propagating circle. astead herndon OK, so theyre able to use these structural realities for their political gain, but lets talk about how this plays out when it comes to another important midterms issue abortion. I mean, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe, it was done so with the explained premise that it was sending power back to the states. How has the Republican control of Wisconsin intersected with that Supreme Court decision? reid epstein Well, in Wisconsin, theres a law written in 1849, the year after Wisconsin became a state, that outlawed abortion. Now, lots of polling shows that the majority of the people in Wisconsin dont agree with that as the state law. And after that Dobbs decision, Governor Evers convened a special session of the legislature to allow for a referendum in which the people of Wisconsin could vote on what they wanted the abortion law in the state to be. And Republicans essentially mocked it. [GAVEL] archived recording 29 In a nearly empty Senate chamber, Republican Senate President Chris Kapenga gaveled in Governor Tony Evers special session to address Wisconsins ban on abortions, and 15 seconds later, gaveled out. [GAVEL] archived recording 30 No surprise in Madison as Republican state lawmakers today rejected the idea of a special session. archived recording 31 They gaveled in and out in about 20 seconds in each chamber. archived recording 32 Every time Governor Evers has ordered a special session to take on a big issue in Wisconsin, the GOP majority basically ignores it. archived recording 33 Tony Evers, who has put abortion rights in the spotlight of his re-election campaign, spoke following an abortion rights rally outside the Capitol. archived recording 34 Theyre telling the women of the state of Wisconsin, go jump in the lake, and that is the wrong position. reid epstein The Democrats didnt have any recourse but to gather on the steps of the Capitol and make the case to their voters that they should be re-elected. astead herndon This feels like all of the pieces coming together. The states Democratic governor, who has already had his power drastically reduced, asked the legislature to open up a special session that will put the question of abortion rights directly to the people, who polling suggests do not support that type of 1849 abortion ban. And that legislature essentially says, forget it. Were not even going to pretend to entertain that idea. reid epstein And it was completely in line with what they have done throughout his term in office. No one expected them to do anything differently. And they have ignored Governor Evers as much as they could and in as many places as they can. And frankly, most of their voters agree with what theyre doing. There is not any real grassroots push among Republicans to change the law. astead herndon It seems like on the two examples you just gave me, crime and abortion, that those two examples also happen to be huge issues, two of the biggest issues of these midterms. And in both of these cases, what Democrats are able to do to respond to that is severely limited because of those maps from 2011. reid epstein I mean, to call it severely limited, I think is an understatement. I mean, theyre able to do nothing. And theyre able to hold rallies. Theyre able to use it as a try to use it as a galvanizing force for people to vote in November, but there is nothing that they can do legislatively on either of these issues. astead herndon Which I think brings me back to something Ive talked to other folks about and what feels like a huge challenge facing the Democratic Party right now, which is voter apathy, right? If their pitch to their voters is show up and vote for us to change these things, even if you take them up on that challenge and you back the party in November, theyre not able to then translate those votes inherently into policy action. reid epstein I mean, their pitch for a lot of people is, it could be worse. Vote for us or it could be worse. And for low propensity voters who arent watching the news, who arent consumers of politics on a rigorous basis, thats a hard pitch to get people motivated to go and vote with the idea that things are bad, but if you vote for the other guys, theyll get worse. Were not going to be able to make them a whole lot better. astead herndon So lets talk about how the next chapter of this is going to play out in the midterms. What should we be looking for, specifically to the question around political structures and power in the state? reid epstein Well, Tony Evers, the Democratic governor who beat Scott Walker in 2018, is running for re-election. Hes in a very narrow re-election fight with a Republican construction executive named Tim Michels. And if Michels wins, there will be no friction for Republicans in running the state government as they see fit. And just like Democrats, who struggled in 2011 to understand what Republicans would do with total power in the state, I dont know that we have sufficient imagination to grapple with what Republicans would do in 2023 with total power, especially given the fight over how elections are conducted in the state because Tim Michels and the Republicans in the legislature have said that theyll eliminate the bipartisan state Elections Commission that helps run and oversee the state elections. And replace it with an agency responsive to the state legislature, or put it under the auspice of a partisan attorney general or a partisan Secretary of State, essentially giving Republicans more control of the elections apparatus in the state, which is really one of the few areas that they dont have an iron grip on at the moment. astead herndon What about if Evers does win? What does that look like? And whats the path forward for Democrats to be able to get more than just a veto power in Wisconsin? reid epstein If Governor Evers wins, the status quo probably remains. Theres an outside chance that Republicans could win a veto proof majority in one or both chambers, but thats unlikely if the governor holds on and wins reelection. But the next real sort of inflection point for Wisconsin is going to come in April of next year, when an election is held for Supreme Court seat being vacated by a conservative justice. And already, were seeing significant fundraising for that seat. And the expectation is that that is going to be the most expensive state supreme court race in the history of the state. astead herndon So for Wisconsin Democrats, it feels like this midterms, at least on the state level, its not really a chance to grow political power. Its a chance to maintain the status quo or really stop Republicans from expanding their political power. It feels like if theres any place where Democrats are actually going to claw back meaningful inroads at this point, thats going to be at this state supreme court race in April. reid epstein I mean, thats really the next place that Wisconsin Democrats have an opportunity to play offense is in that supreme court race because if they win, the balance of the court would flip from a majority conservative court to a majority liberal court. And Democrats that Ive talked to are already planning that if they are to win that supreme court race, that they can bring cases to try to overturn the map in Wisconsin, or legalize abortion in Wisconsin, or allow cities to create their own gun control laws in Wisconsin, or something as sort of [INAUDIBLE] is raising their own sales tax in Wisconsin. And so those are the sorts of things that are at stake in the supreme court race that arent on the ballot in the governors race. But the thing to remember about the governors race is the new governor will be seated in January. And the supreme court election isnt until April. And so a Republican governor could certainly sign legislation to change the way that voting takes place in Wisconsin before the April election. I was at a rally in Madison a couple of weeks ago where Governor Evers said November 8 will determine what kind of state were going to be forever. We have to win. We cannot afford to have Wisconsin become the worst state of the Union. astead herndon This election is forever. reid epstein Forever in Wisconsin. astead herndon Reid, I want to go back to where we started all of this, how after Governor Scott Walker instituted Act 10, his party embraced this power at all costs type of mentality that you described. Im mindful that a lot of the reporting weve been doing on this show has focused on Trumpism, on the grassroots elements of Republicans, and how thats been driving the party. But here, were talking about Scott Walker and Robin Vos, two members of the Republican Party establishment. Theyre the ones who built this system that the Trumpist elements, the grassroots, have now taken over. I wonder how youre thinking about all of that. reid epstein Well, both Scott Walker and Robin Vos are not really on the inside track of the Trump takeover. In fact, when Donald Trump ran in 2016, all but one of the Republicans in the state legislature endorsed somebody else in that primary. And most of them, Robin Vos included, actively campaigned against Trump in the primary. First, they were for Scott Walker. And then Wisconsin was the last primary that Trump lost in 2016. They were all on board with Ted Cruz to try to stop Trump. Robin Vos has spent the last year and a half being heckled by Donald Trump in press releases and on social media. And Robin Vos almost lost a primary election to a no-name challenger who was endorsed by Donald Trump. And so this is not a product of Trumpism. This is something that glommed onto Trumpism after the fact. But it already existed as a sort of Republican power play in the state. And so these guys are, in some respect, hanging on to relevancy within the Republican Party on the same type of cliff that Democrats in Wisconsin are for their political life. astead herndon I have this image in my head of Scott Walker and Wisconsin Republicans building this super-fast racecar, all these levers of Republican power that can totally outpace these Democratic cities and that can totally outmaneuver Democratic politicians. But then, at some point during the race, theyve just been kicked out of the drivers seat. reid epstein Theyve made it so that Republicans have control over the political process and the political levers of power in Wisconsin. Its just not certain that they have control over the Republicans in Wisconsin. [music] astead herndon Many of those new platforms have flourished in the wake of Mr. Trumps defeat in 2020, though they have not yet reached the size or reach of Facebook and Twitter. They portray Big Tech as beholden to the government, the deep state or the liberal elite. Parler, a social network founded in 2018, was one of the fastest-growing sites until Apples and Googles app stores kicked it off after the deadly riot on Jan. 6, which was fueled by disinformation and calls for violence online. It has since returned to both stores and begun to rebuild its audience by appealing to those who feel their voices have been silenced. We believe at Parler that it is up to the individual to decide what he or she thinks is the truth, Amy Peikoff, the platforms chief policy officer, said in an interview. She argued that the problem with disinformation or conspiracy theories stemmed from the algorithms that platforms use to keep people glued online not from the unfettered debate that sites like Parler foster. On Monday, Parler announced that Kanye West had agreed in principle to purchase the platform, a deal that the rapper and fashion designer, now known as Ye, cast in political terms. In a world where conservative opinions are considered to be controversial, we have to make sure we have the right to freely express ourselves, he said, according to the companys statement. Parlers competitors now are BitChute, Gab, Gettr, Rumble, Telegram and Truth Social, with each offering itself as sanctuary from the moderating policies of the major platforms on everything from politics to health policy. WASHINGTON The federal government on Thursday laid out for the first time how it will determine penalties for foreign companies that break agreements to protect American national security. When some foreign companies buy American firms, they sign agreements with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a group of federal agencies, in order to mitigate national security concerns about the new ownership. The committee, known as CFIUS, has the ability to levy fines, some of them very large, on companies that break those agreements. The new guidelines issued on Thursday give insight into how the committee, which wields considerable power over foreign transactions but is often seen as a black box, makes its decisions. In recent years, CFIUS has forced a Chinese company to sell the dating app Grindr and has made another Chinese firm divest an American maker of hotel management software. The committee is currently negotiating an agreement with TikTok, the popular video app, to resolve concerns posed by its Chinese ownership. According to the new guidelines, the committee could consider more serious penalties when a foreign companys failure to follow an agreement causes an especially grave risk to national security. CFIUS would also consider whether it took a long time for the committee to learn of a foreign companys failure to comply with an agreement. And it would take into account whether a companys failings had been intentional or simply negligent, according to the new guidelines, which are not binding. In 2021, the world watched as Dr. David R. Fowler, one of the countrys top forensic pathologists and the former chief medical examiner of Maryland, testified in a Minneapolis courtroom. He said that a police officers knee had not caused the death of George Floyd, who had been pinned down on the street by three officers for more than nine minutes as his cries for help subsided into silence. Rather, Dr. Fowler blamed Mr. Floyds pre-existing medical conditions, drug use and even, he theorized, emissions from the squad cars tailpipe as factors in his demise. Dr. Fowlers assertions in defense of the officer on trial, Derek Chauvin, were roundly rejected by the jury, which pronounced Mr. Chauvin guilty of murder. They also caused a round of soul-searching in Maryland, where new questions were raised about dozens of deaths in police custody that were investigated during Dr. Fowlers 17-year tenure. More than 400 medical experts signed an open letter contending that Dr. Fowlers testimony in the Chauvin case had revealed obvious bias and raised malpractice concerns about how his office had handled similar cases. Four former day care center employees in Mississippi have been charged with felony child abuse in connection with videos that showed an employee in a Halloween mask scaring young children, the authorities said. The mask was similar to that of the serial-killer character in the Scream movies. Another former employee was arrested on two misdemeanor charges. Sierra McCandless, Oci-Anna Kilburn, Jennifer Newman and Misty Shyenne Mills were each charged with three counts of felony child abuse on Wednesday, according to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office. Traci Hutson was charged with failure to report abuse by a mandatory reporter and simple assault, which are misdemeanors. It was not clear on Thursday if they had lawyers. Three videos, shared on social media on Oct. 5, show the children being frightened while they cry, scream, shake or try to run away inside the Lil Blessings Child Care and Learning Center in Hamilton, Miss., which is about 170 miles northeast of Jackson, the state capital. M.I.T. announced the selection of a new president, Sally Kornbluth, a cell biologist and provost at Duke University. She will be the second female president of the university, and will join a long list of women in its top leadership ranks. The provost, chancellor, dean of science and chair of the M.I.T. Corporation, the schools governing body, are all women. The corporation elected Dr. Kornbluth, 61, to the post on Thursday morning, and she will take over the presidency on Jan. 1, 2023, succeeding L. Rafael Reif, who announced in February that he would be stepping down after 10 years at the helm of the university. It is high season for change at universities. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Cambridge, Mass., is among the first to fill a vacancy, but presidential searches are also underway at Harvard, Howard, New York University and Columbia, among the more prominent schools. Dartmouth announced in July that Sian Leah Beilock, the president of Barnard College, will be its next leader. These searches are being conducted at a time when universities are emerging from the crisis of the pandemic and dealing with heightened concerns over diversity and affirmative action. Lee Bollinger, president of Columbia for the past 21 years, will depart at the end of the next academic year. Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, a surgeon trained at Howard who began as interim president in 2013, will leave in 2024. The president of New York University, Andrew Hamilton, will step down next year in his eighth year on the job. Officials from Harris County in Texas on Thursday requested federal election monitors from the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division after the State of Texas confirmed this week that it would send a contingent of election inspectors there during the midterms in November. The states move added a layer of scrutiny tied to an active examination of vote counts from 2020 that former President Donald J. Trump had sought. But that step quickly drew criticism from some officials in Harris, Texas most populous county, which includes Houston. They accused the state of meddling in the countys election activities as early in-person voting is about to begin on Monday in Texas. Christian D. Menefee, the countys attorney, said in a statement on Thursday that the states postelection review was politically driven and initiated by Mr. Trump. Still, he said, the county would cooperate with the inspectors. Were going to grant them the access the law requires, but we know state leaders in Austin cannot be trusted to be an honest broker in our elections, especially an attorney general who filed a lawsuit to overturn the 2020 presidential election, Mr. Menefee said. We cannot allow unwarranted disruptions in our election process to intimidate our election workers or erode voters trust in the election process. The new policy instructs Defense Department health care providers not to disclose reproductive health information to commanders unless such info poses a risk to the mission. And it advises the Pentagon to develop a program to support and reimburse Defense Department health care providers who are fined or targeted by states for providing abortions. Mr. Austin directed the services to implement the changes by the end of the year. But it was far from clear whether the directive would give women in the military who seek to end unwanted pregnancies the protection to do so in medically safe ways. The Supreme Courts June decision to strike down Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion, has become one of the defining issues in the midterm elections, with Democrats promising to seek to expand access to abortion if they are returned to control of both houses of Congress with enough votes to pass such a measure. The Hyde Amendment prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion except in cases of rape or incest, or when the patients life is at risk. But after the Supreme Courts ruling, some states have banned the procedure, with no exceptions. Pentagon officials say that when a pregnant service members life is threatened, the Hyde Amendments stipulations would supersede any state bans. As Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the Oath Keepers militia, stood in the angry pro-Trump crowd outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a barrage of intelligence reports from others in the far-right group streamed into his cellphone. Protesters had stormed the buildings grounds. The riot police were on their way. Officers had already been injured. American blood on the Capitol steps, one of his members wrote. But Mr. Rhodes, far from condemning the violence, seemed almost to be giddy. Patriots are taking it into their own hands, he wrote back. Theyve had enough. The messages from Jan. 6, revealed on Thursday at the seditious conspiracy trial of Mr. Rhodes and four of his subordinates, were shared with the jury along with striking audio and video recordings of the Capitol attack, presenting what amounted to a panoramic view of the chaos at the building and the move to push inside it as the crowd began to overwhelm the police. The program is intended to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions from burning natural gas. But the gas industry considers it a major threat that could lead millions of families to drop natural gas as a home-heating source. The maneuvering by the lobbyists is an early example of how the influence industry is beginning to develop new strategies for the possibility that one or both chambers in Congress come under Republican control after the midterms. With polling suggesting that Republicans have an especially good chance of capturing the House, trade associations, lobbyists and other special interests are honing plans to shape legislation and oversight to their advantage. Republicans are expected to retake the House of Representatives, and they are champing at the bit to do some oversight to try to change the law where they can, Allison Cunningham, the gas associations top lobbyist, said at a conference in Minneapolis with other gas industry executives last month, according to a recording of the event. Representative Bill Johnson, Republican of Ohio and a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, said in an interview that he had been discussing the issues with the gas industry. He said he was eager to try to elevate them in the new Congress starting in January. WASHINGTON Attempts to block President Bidens student debt relief programs were dealt dual setbacks on Thursday, as a federal judge in Missouri and Justice Amy Coney Barrett rejected challenges to the sweeping measure, one that could cost the government hundreds of billions of dollars. Judge Henry E. Autrey of the Federal District Court in St. Louis dismissed the more prominent of the two lawsuits, one brought by six Republican-led states. The suit accused Mr. Biden of overstepping his authority under a 2003 federal law that allows the education secretary to modify financial assistance programs for students in connection with a war or other military operation or national emergency. The plan cancels $10,000 in debt for those earning less than $125,000 per year, or $250,000 per household, and $20,000 for those who received Pell grants for low-income families. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said last month that it estimated the plans price tag at $400 billion, and the Education Department followed a few days later with a similar estimate of $379 billion over the life of the program. Judge Autrey, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, did not rule on the larger issue in the lawsuit, which was brought by Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas and South Carolina. Instead, he said the states had not suffered injuries of the sort that gave them standing to sue. WASHINGTON The Ukrainian military has a window of opportunity to make gains against Russias army over the next six weeks, according to American intelligence assessments, if it can continue its push in the south and the northeast before muddy ground and cloud cover force the opposing armies to pause and regroup. American officials say there is little chance of a widespread collapse in Russian forces that would allow Ukraine to take another huge swath of territory, similar to what it claimed last month. But individual Russian units could break in the face of sustained Ukrainian pressure, allowing Kyivs army to continue retaking towns in the Donbas and potentially seize the city of Kherson, a major prize in the war. Though wary of making precise predictions, American and Ukrainian officials say the fighting is likely to continue for months more despite the fact that the war has favored Ukraine recently. And a number of variables could become particularly pertinent in shifting the trajectory of the conflict: more difficult fighting conditions in December, the extent to which President Vladimir V. Putin is willing to escalate the fight, whether Europes unity can be maintained this winter as energy prices soar and the potentially changing political environment in the United States that could result in a decrease of military support to Ukraine. Part of the difficulty of making wartime assessments is that the war has gone through different phases, with one side and then the other having an advantage. The Ukrainians defeated the Russians in the battle for Kyiv, only to see Russia grind forward during the brutal fighting in the Donbas over the summer. For Igor and Kate, now 20 and 18, the answer was complicated and wrapped up in memories of the custody fight between their parents. For Ms. Galkin, however, the war was visceral, directly affecting friends and relatives. Her brother was one of the millions of displaced Ukrainians living in Poland. Childhood friends were joining the military; others became part of the 7.6 million refugees who fled after the invasion and settled in other European countries. Over 100,000 Ukrainians have settled in the United States this year alone. Growing up in Zaporizhzhia, a city in southeast Ukraine, Ms. Galkin did not dream of immigrating to the United States. Born in 1977, she was a teenager when the Soviet Union dissolved and Ukraine declared its independence. By then, Ms. Galkin said, Ukraine had become a place of corruption and poverty but also of possibilities that were different from the traditional path of getting an education and embarking upon a career. Our reality in our world was, No, you just have to go to Turkey, grab some stuff, come here, sell it, and you will be fine, she said. In her 20s, Ms. Galkin met the man who would become the father of her two children. They married in 2002 and settled in Zaporizhzhia. Although they led comfortable lives, their marriage soon fell apart and when they divorced, in 2009, it was the start of four years of nightmare, Ms. Galkin said. She had to confront the reality of her life in Ukraine. If you are a powerful man, its one story, she said. But if you are just someones wife, and youre not a wife anymore, youre nobody. During that difficult period, Ms. Galkin met a Russian-born man online. He was living in Ann Arbor, a place she had never heard of. But they fell in love and Ms. Galkin decided on a fresh start. She took Igor and Kate, then 7 and 6, and entered the United States on a fiancee visa in 2010. Myanmars military regime and its rival, the pro-democracy National Unity Government, both said Thursday that they were investigating two explosions and gunfire at Insein Prison that killed eight and injured 18, mostly civilians. The unprecedented attack Wednesday at the notorious prison, where hundreds of political prisoners are being held, took place at a building where family members deliver packages for inmates and lawyers and witnesses are processed to enter the prison for court hearings. Immediately after the explosions, gunfire erupted from a prison watchtower, according to witnesses, who said that it caused some of the deaths and injuries. Spokesmen for the military junta and the unity government each told a different version of how the carnage occurred. U Kyaw Zaw, a spokesman for the shadow unity government, agreed that some of the victims had been shot and killed. However, Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a junta spokesman, said that forensic examination of the victims showed that all the injuries were caused by bomb fragments. Anne Sacoolas, an American who fled Britain in 2019 after her car fatally struck a 19-year-old British motorcyclist in central England, pleaded guilty on Thursday to causing the death of the teenager, Harry Dunn, by careless driving, British prosecutors said. The British Crown Prosecution Service had previously charged Ms. Sacoolas, 45, with causing death by dangerous driving in December 2019, but she pleaded guilty to the lesser charge in a hearing in London on Thursday at the central criminal court of England and Wales. She appeared at the hearing in a video call. The police said that Ms. Sacoolas, a State Department employee, was driving on the wrong side of the road near the village of Croughton, in central England, on Aug. 27, 2019, when her car struck Mr. Dunn, who was riding a motorcycle on the correct side of the road. Mr. Dunn died at a hospital shortly after. Ms. Sacoolass husband was working for the U.S. government at a British military base, R.A.F. Croughton, at the time. She fled Britain under diplomatic immunity weeks after the crash, causing tensions between Britain and the United States. President Biden on Thursday called Liz Truss, the departing British prime minister, a great partner on helping Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, though he declined to say whether her resignation had been the correct move. Well, thats for her to decide, Mr. Biden told reporters at the White House as he prepared to board Marine One on his way to Pennsylvania. But, look, she was a great partner on Russia and Ukraine. And the British are going to solve their problem. Earlier in the day, Mr. Biden released a statement expressing support for the British government amid its leadership turmoil while thanking Ms. Truss. The United States and the United Kingdom are strong allies and enduring friends and that fact will never change, Mr. Biden said in the statement. I thank Prime Minister Liz Truss for her partnership on a range of issues including holding Russia accountable for its war against Ukraine. We will continue our close cooperation with the U.K. government as we work together to meet the global challenges our nations face. When Boris Johnson resigned as Britains prime minister last month, he stood outside 10 Downing Street and reeled off a list of his achievements. Thats normal for departing British leaders, but in a highly unusual move, he also hinted at a possible return. The prime minister did so in typical fashion for a man who loves the classics, referencing the Roman statesman Cincinnatus, who left power only to be called back to office when his people were in trouble. In the wake of Liz Trusss resignation as prime minister on Thursday, and with the Conservative Party in electoral trouble, the question has become more concrete: Far sooner than anybody had expected, could Mr. Johnson be back? The Times of Londons political editor, Steven Swinford, reported on Thursday that Mr. Johnson was expected to seek the leadership of the Conservatives again, a prospect that was welcomed by his supporters. Nadine Dorries, a government minister in Mr. Johnsons administration and one of his most loyal supporters, said that if the party did not pave the way for his return, it should call a general election. One person was elected by the British public with a manifesto and a mandate until January 25, she said on Twitter. If Liz Truss is no longer PM there can be no coronation of previously failed candidates. Members of Parliament, she said, must demand return of Mr. Johnson. BRUSSELS Britain and the European Union imposed a new round of sanctions aimed at Iran on Thursday, this time over providing drones that Russia has used to strike battlefields and civilian targets in Ukraine. The sanctions will target the company that manufactures Shahed-136 drones, diplomats said, as well as three Iranian generals. The British foreign secretary, James Cleverly, announced the countrys decision on Thursday evening, calling recent drone strikes that have targeted energy supplies an act of desperation. By enabling these strikes, these individuals and a manufacturer have caused the people of Ukraine untold suffering, Mr. Cleverly said in a statement. We will ensure that they are held to account for their actions. Iranian drones have become an important weapon for Russia, which has used them as part of the broad strikes across Ukraine against electrical infrastructure and other civilian targets. Iran also sent trainers to occupied Ukraine to help Russians overcome problems with the drones purchased from Tehran, according to current and former U.S. officials briefed on the classified intelligence, underscoring the growing closeness between Iran and Russia since Moscow invaded Ukraine and the Kremlin has sought to offset its international isolation. Mohammad Ebrahim heard the noise of the warring protests from his living room window, but had no idea what the commotion was about certainly not about him, his wife and four children, who arrived a year ago. Kurds who escaped Al Qaeda in Syria, they have felt nothing but welcome, flashing photos on their cellphones of community meals and celebrations they have been invited to. But the perks of village hospitality are offset by the logistics of living in the countryside without a car. Training, medical appointments, even regular French classes are all far away. When he hears the plan to offer wraparound services and school in Callac, Mr. Ebrahim smiles broadly. Then we could go to French class every day, he said. Callac may now prove to be a testing ground of whether a more structured approach can work and divisions be overcome. This became about French politics, says Sylvie Lagrue, a local volunteer who drives refugees to doctors appointments and helps them set up their internet. Now, everyone hopes this will quiet down, and we continue with the program. The revolving door of national politics once again transfixed Britain when Prime Minister Liz Trusss announced her resignation on Thursday, making her the second leader to depart in just a few weeks. The announcement came just over a month after the country gained a new monarch, King Charles III, underscoring the instability at the heart of the government and a sense of flux for Britons. When the kings mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in September, there was an outpouring of grief nationwide, as well as international sympathy, in part because after 70 years on the throne, she had represented, for many people, stability in a changing world. Her funeral a month ago was an opportunity for Britain to put its state power, rooted in hundreds of years of history, on display. During the queens reign, she saw 15 prime ministers take power, each one arriving at Buckingham Palace to bow or curtsy and be sworn in. The photographs of Ms. Truss meeting the queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland were the final ones of the monarch to be released. King Charles has yet to swear in a prime minister, and he will not be crowned until next May, making the task of projecting stability more difficult. Liz Truss announced her resignation on the steps of 10 Downing Street in a televised statement that was posted to the governments website. Here is what she said: I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills. Putins illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent, and our country had been held back for too long by low economic growth. I was elected by the Conservative Party with a mandate to change this. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance, and we set out a vision for a low-tax, high-growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. I recognize, though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. The leading candidates to replace Liz Truss as Britains prime minister include key figures from her cabinet as well as former rivals for leadership of the Conservative Party. Some analysts have even speculated that Boris Johnson, who resigned as prime minister in the summer, could make a return. Adding to the uncertainty: Even the process for choosing a new leader is up in the air as Ms. Truss vowed to be replaced in just a week. Graham Brady, the chairman of the committee of Conservative lawmakers, left open several scenarios and said that party members would be consulted, but he gave few details. But Jeremy Hunt, who was appointed chancellor of the Exchequer last week and is credited with restoring some economic stability, does not appear to be among Ms. Trusss possible successors. He said on Thursday that he would not run for party leader, the BBC reported. Here is a look at some of the potential contenders: Rishi Sunak, former chancellor beaten by Ms. Truss Mr. Sunak, 42, served as chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was seen for a time as his most likely successor. A senior U.S. official said Thursday that Russian errors in operating drones purchased from Iran had prompted the deployment of Iranian personnel to Crimea and warned that Russia might try to obtain other advanced weapons from Tehran. John F. Kirby, a National Security Council official, said in a briefing that Iran had deployed drone trainers to Crimea after the Russian military had suffered operator and system failures early on with the drones. Either they werent being piloted appropriately and properly and were failing to reach targets, Mr. Kirby said. Or the systems themselves were suffering failures and not performing to the standards that, apparently, the customers expected. So the Iranians decided to move in some trainers and some technical support to help the Russians use them with better lethality. The deployment of the trainers to Crimea to try to address mechanical problems with the drones was reported by The New York Times on Tuesday. ROME Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister, campaigned to be the protector of democratic, pro-European values in a new right-wing coalition that is expected to take power in days after winning elections last month. But even before a government can be sworn in, the 86-year-old billionaire media mogul has proved himself to be less of a stable, moderating force, than the source of renewed anxiety after the leak of surreptitiously recorded remarks revealed that he blamed Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, for forcing President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to invade Ukraine. The remarks, complete with talk about a sweet letter and vodka from Mr. Putin, raise concerns that the new right-wing government, led by Giorgia Meloni, herself a solid supporter of Ukraine, is wobblier than expected and could, if it ever actually comes together with another Putin-admiring partner, potentially lead Italy to undercut Europes united front against Russia. I reconnected a little bit with President Putin, Mr. Berlusconi could be heard saying on the audio published on the website of La Presse on Tuesday, in which he addresses a meeting of loyal Forza Italia party members, and some apparently not-so-loyal leakers. In the audio, he added that Mr. Putin had sent him 20 bottles of vodka and a very kind letter for his 86th birthday last month. Mr. Berlusconi said he responded by sending bottles of Lambrusco wine and an equally sweet letter. LONDON The rapid political collapse of Liz Truss ended as she announced her resignation on Thursday, a little more than six weeks after she became Britains leader. Her agenda had floundered, her own party had turned on her and commentators widely speculated on whether she could outlast a head of lettuce. She couldnt. She had pledged to shoulder through the turmoil despite widespread calls for her resignation. But minute by minute the heat on her grew until there was no path out. If you need to get caught up, here is a guide to the basics. Who is Liz Truss and how did she become prime minister? Ms. Truss was anointed on Sept. 6 to replace Boris Johnson, who was elected by voters in 2019 but who flamed out in spectacular fashion after a series of scandals, forcing him to step down in July. The general public did not elect Ms. Truss instead, she won a leadership contest among members of her Conservative Party. To replace Mr. Johnson, the partys members of Parliament narrowed a field of candidates to two, who were then put up to a vote by about 160,000 dues-paying party members. (Theyre an unrepresentative group of the nations 67 million residents, far more likely to be male, older, middle-class and white.) Mariya was held for 40 days in a police detention facility, where she endured hours of interrogation, electric shocks and threats of rape and death. One time, she fell from her chair, unconscious, and came around as someone was kicking her in the head. Going by their accents she concluded that most of her interrogators were Russians, she said, and demanded to know where her husband was. They also repeatedly accused her of being a spotter who was identifying bombing targets for the Ukrainian Army. From her cell, she could hear men and women screaming in pain. Men screaming so hard I cannot describe it enough, she said, weeping. She said she understood from the screams that women were being sexually assaulted (though she says she herself was not). If they stripped me to my underwear, you can imagine what they did to the girls. There was another element to her persecution that was petty and vengeful. Mariya hid in an empty apartment near a school where she worked as a cleaner, but she thinks someone disclosed her location to the Russians. In July, Russians wearing masks banged on the door and called out her name. The second time they searched her house, the Russians spray-painted the letter Z a symbol of the Russian occupying force on every wall and door, including the interior of the refrigerator, and attacked her husbands car with an ax and gunfire. Maddie Gaither and Ben Agron were renting a renovated loft in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, when the pandemic began to recede and rents across New York City started to rise. The couple decided that if their landlord increased their rent beyond the $3,650 they were paying, it would be time to leave. We had seen it when people were moving out, said Mr. Agron, 33, of the rent increases, which often amounted to hundreds more dollars each month. We saw what they were re-listing apartments for, and it was just crazy. Mr. Agron, who grew up in Sacramento and moved to New York in 2019, is an account manager for a tech company. Ms. Gaither, 31, who grew up in Akron, Ohio, and has lived in New York for over a decade, is a recruiter at Google. They felt they could come up with a 25 percent down payment for a home worth $1 million or less. But they werent sure where. I was team Brooklyn and he was team Manhattan, Ms. Gaither said. Mr. Agron was partial to the Upper East Side, where he has several close friends, and wanted a modern apartment that wouldnt require any work. Ms. Gaither, who prefers older buildings, was undeterred by the prospect of a small renovation, and was partial to several areas in Brooklyn. [Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com] I wasnt so against the Upper East Side, but Ive always been so in love with Park Slope, Cobble Hill or Brooklyn Heights, she said. Commuting was also a factor, although Ms. Gaither, who works in Chelsea, was less concerned about it than Mr. Agron, who works near Times Square. They agreed on one thing: With a November wedding on the horizon and a plan to start a family, they had outgrown Williamsburg. We were elder millennials in Williamsburg, with warring rooftop DJs starting at 2 p.m. every Saturday, Ms. Gaither said. We just didnt see having a baby in Williamsburg. They didnt see having a baby in their apartment, either, where the space functioning as a second bedroom had no windows. They wanted two real bedrooms and an updated kitchen and bathroom. The couple has a 3-year-old rescue dog, Sadie, and during the pandemic Ms. Gaither began fostering dogs, as well. So finding a place with outdoor space or a nearby dog park was a priority. They started searching in April with real estate agents from Brown Harris Stevens, hoping they would find something quickly, before they turned their attention to the wedding. We knew that if we didnt get this done by a certain time, they were going to be pencils down, said Scott Harris, a broker with the team. Among their options: South Africa: PRASA welcomes 15 year conviction for copper cable theft The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Acting Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, has welcomed a 15 years direct imprisonment sentence that was handed to two illegal immigrants for the theft and smelting of the entitys stolen copper cables and assets worth R2.6 million. Though the theft of rail infrastructure is still a reality, the efficiency of the justice system in dealing with this scourge is commendable," Emeran said on Thursday. The incident happened in February 2020 when PRASAs Area Security Commander was alerted of the theft of electrical overhead cables in the Benoni area near Modderbee Correctional Services. The team was then alerted about a smelting house in Ratanda, Heidelberg, where the stolen assets were sold and smelted. The PRASA Infrastructure Protection Task Team in the East Region swooped on the house and discovered illegal activities, including the smelting of copper cables belonging to PRASA by three male suspects. Copper cables and electrical equipment worth R2.6 million were found and recovered from the house. Unfortunately, the main suspect, who is the owner of the house is still at large, but he is under police radar. We are confident that the police will find the main suspect and ensure that he is brought to book. It must be noted that no case was brought against the PRASA employee that was arrested during this incident as there was no evidence linking him to the crime following the theft of his company cellphone, PRASA said. The sentence was handed down in the Heidelberg Magistrate Court this week. Emeran said this conviction sends a strong message to criminals and must be viewed as a major positive step in the direction of PRASAs efforts to turn the tide against the theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure. We are emboldened and take courage in the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, 2015 (Act No.18 of 2015) that came into effect in 2016. The Act deals with any person that tampers with, damages or destroys essential infrastructure and elevates the seriousness of theft and/or damage of public infrastructure. PRASA commends the excellent work done by PRASAs Protection Services, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other law enforcement agencies in securing convictions, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-10-20. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Zhao Jiaming, member of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and head of the publicity department, speaks during a news conference, Oct 18, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] The integration of the Yangtze River Delta, a major national strategy that was personally planned and promoted by General Secretary Xi Jinping, is in full progress, said Zhao Jiaming, spokesman of the Shanghai delegation to the ongoing 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, at a news conference on Tuesday night. "Over the past four years, Shanghai has worked with the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui and made several signature achievements for the integrated development of the delta region," said Zhao, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and head of the publicity department. "For example, the 78 institutional innovation tasks specified in the overall plan for the Lin-gang New Area of the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Pilot Zone have been completed," Zhao said. "The construction of a scientific and technological innovation community in the Yangtze River Delta has been successfully launched, and a number of key core technology research projects have achieved important results." Several projects, including an intercity railway linking Shanghai, Suzhou of Jiangsu province and Jiaxing of Zhejiang province, have also been launched to improve infrastructure connectivity in the region, Zhao added. A new medical insurance card, which allows people to make direct settlements at outpatient clinics regardless of where they are in the region, is another major achievement due to regional integration in the past four years. "More people are saying the development of the Yangtze River Delta is getting faster and life is getting better," Zhao noted. He pointed out that Shanghai will continue to be proactive in providing more services and cooperating with the three provinces in the region to further the in-depth integration of the Yangtze River Delta. The Yangtze River Delta region, which comprises Shanghai and Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, contributed to almost a quarter of China's total economic output. In November 2018, the integration of the YRD was elevated into a national strategy that aims to unleash greater vitality in the region. Eighty-eight institutional innovations promoting the region's integrated development have been formed since 2020, according to the authorities. Thirty-eight innovative policies have also been designated as model practices and introduced to other parts of the country, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to enhance their integrated development, said the authorities. For over 2000 years, the good ol iron horseshoe has remained the only reliable footwear for horses, but an Austrian company is ready to take the horse out of the Iron Age with the worlds first equine running shoes, the Megasus Horserunners. Charly Forstner, the founder of Megasus, used to work as an animal welfare inspector for horses in Austria. He learned that over 50% of horses that needed to be put down suffered from severe hoof and leg problems. 20 years ago, he decided to dedicate his life to coming up with a better alternative to the iron horseshoe. Over the last two decades, he invented various hoof protection products made of plastic, like the Dynamix or the Easywalker, but he recently unveiled something truly revolutionary clip-on running shoes for horses. Forstener claims that they combine the qualities of both the common horseshoe and the hoof boot to offer horses the protection and freedom of movement that they require. While the iron horseshoe is known for its durability and adjustability, it also has some serious flaws its heavy, restricts movement, has no shock absorption, channels heat and cols to the inner hoof, and the need for nailing can destroy the hoof horn. The hoof boot, on the other hand, has long been the go-to solution for barefoot horse owners, with companies like Cavallo and Easy Boot offering a variety of equine footwear. But finding hoof boots that dont rub on a horses leg and hoof, are easy to put on and remove, and stay on all kinds of terrain can be a real struggle. The Megasus Horserunners claim to incorporate all the qualities of both option, while eliminating the downsides. The innovative Megasus Horserunners offer many advantages over the traditional products such as they are lightweight (less than half a pound), can be adjusted individually, easy to put on, and offer protection without permanence, a Megasus press release states. It can also stay put in all kinds of terrain including mud and water plus it allows the hoof to be flexible. The product is also designed to protect the sole from bruising, cracking and other injuries by offering shock absorption. It does not accumulate snow, dirt or mud and is easy to clean. Instead of using dangerous iron nails, the Megasus Horserunners simply clip-on to the horses hooves, thanks to an improved velcro system. Two large strips of strong velcro tape (called Meg-Log Tape) stick on to each hoof, to which the Horserunners clip on with individually adjustable side clips. The Mega-Lock tape remains approximately 3 weeks on the hoof and is protected with a protection foil during the time the hoof goes bare. The foil has a sealing lip similar to swimming goggles, so that the Mega-Lock tape is prevented from water and dirt intrusion, Megasus claims. The Austrian company ensures horse owners that the clip-on system is so strong that the Horserunners will stay on the hoof in any terrain. While I can see them used in water and rough terrain, it will be interesting to see how they hold out in thick mud. That thing stick to horse hooves like glue. Megasus obviously claims that it wont be a problem. The time is ripe for healthy and comfortable hoof protection for horses, Charly Forstner said. In 1998, I already proved with a wedge test that the hoof moves on the vertical plane 1-2cm, almost 10 times more than horizontally, and without affecting the overlying joint. This means that the hoof works jointly and compensates for ground irregularities such as stones and ground waves. A rigid fixation of the hoof capsule by a horseshoe is, therefore, very close to plastering it. Horseshoes immobilize ligaments and tendons; hence, it makes the blood flow becomes weaker. Apparently, the Megasus Horserunners change all that. After successfully testing the prototype for their horse running shoes, Megasus sought to raise some money for production through crowdfunding. They launched a campaign on Kickstarter in October, asking for 100,00, and by the time the campaign ended, they managed to raise 169,136. The first Megasus Horserunners are scheduled to be shipped in July 2017. Photos: Megasus Horserunners/Facebook A boat tour organizer in Thailand has been getting a lot of attention because of his original-yet-controversial business idea fishing trips in the company of nude ladies. Ive always found fishing quite boring hot take, I know but one Thai entrepreneur in Chon Buri recently came up with an intriguing way of spicing up the experience and thus getting a leg up on the competition. The mysterious person or outfit behind the controversial endeavor advertised on social media with a series of lewd photos showing two men apparently fishing on a boat next to two completely naked women posing for the camera with their legs spread open. Thats one way to get peoples attention Photo: Chaiwat Inanong/Facebook Squid fishing + sucking milk + enjoying seashells for four hours. Only 3,000 baht per person. It includes sashimi and beverages, the online ad for the unique fishing experience read. Get more for tonight. See you at 19.00 Bang Saray Beach. The controversial social media post featured a number of photos showing several nude women posing either alone on the boat or next to male fishermen. Photo: Chaiwat Inanong/Facebook As you can imagine, the bold marketing technique didnt sit well with the people of Chon Buri, many of whom accused the people behind the promotion of tarnishing the reputation of the tourist spot and affecting legitimate businesses. Go fishing, but you wont get any fish or squid. Why is your business so creative? I dont know who you are but stop doing this kind of business in my hometown, Chaiwat Tum Inanong, the former mayor of Bang Saray sub-district in Chon Buri, wrote on his Facebook page. Photo: Chaiwat Inanong/Facebook News of the unusual fishing trip offer quickly spread through social media, and it was eventually picked up by major news outlets as well. Local authorities started asking around about the people behind it and police were able to locate two of the women posing nude in the lewd photos. The two women admitted to taking part in the unusual promotion but told police that no one had actually contacted them about taking part in the unique fishing experience. Thats sort of embarrassing, as they were really putting it all on the line Photo: Chaiwat Inanong/Facebook According to the Thai Post, the women in the photos will most likely be accused of indecent exposure, among other things, and could even spend time behind bars. Drew Willison Drew Willison, who was chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, has registered Chinese-government-linked Hikvision USA for work regarding federal sanctions slapped on the worlds largest maker of video surveillance systems. His Elevation Association began work on May 12 following a Financial Times article reported that the Biden administration was planning to impose tougher sanctions on Hikvision for enabling human rights abuses. Chinese security forces use Hikvisions facial recognition systems to track and detain Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province. Elevation has received $300K in fees from Hikvision through Oct. 14. BCW also works for Hikvision. It hauled in $1.6M in fees/expenses for the six-month period that ended June 30. The WPP unit advised Hikvision on PA and policy issues, strategic planning & guidance and how to execute digital infrastructure. It also handled media relations, tracking and reporting and key message development. THERE is a serious crisis with the medical card system in Tullamore and surrounding areas local Independent Councillor, Sean O' Brien has claimed. "The situation for any person seeking a Medical Card in Tullamore or surrounding areas can only be described as a serious crisis. I am trying to assist a person get access to a Medical Card as they urgently need it. I contacted seven Surgeries in Tullamore last week and I was informed that none of them could take on any new patients seeking a Medical Card. Worse still they informed me that there is already a waiting list of people who have already contacted them and it will be some time before they can take on any new patients. This is nothing short of a serious crisis and a serious blow to many people who become ill and urgently require medical care. Unless they have the required financial resources or private medical policies what can they do," outlined Cllr O ' Brien "The association of GP's met in Dublin last week and outlined the difficulties facing GP's in Ireland. There are not enough new GP's coming into the system and the Government must do something urgently to resolve this issue. The Government has made several decisions recently to grant additional groups access to free GP care but they did not provide the necessary resources to back up those decisions. There is a need to provide extra Surgery Nurses who can assist the GP in their work," continued Cllr O' Brien, "Many young Doctors have to work in difficult conditions in Hospitals as part of their training and work very long hours. We spend a lot of money training these young Doctors but unfortunately many leave Ireland when they are qualified because of the attractions of better pay and conditions abroad. The Government needs to help young Doctors when they are setting up a practice as it is difficult for a young Doctor to find the resources to buy a home in a new location and then to also find the money to fit out a practice. Urgent action is required as our people cannot get access to medical care and this is simply not acceptable," concluded Cllr O' Brien. KATHLEEN Houlihan is a remarkable lady and she celebrated her 100th birthday in style on Saturday last. Although her actual birthday is not until this Wednesday October 19th, Kathleen laughs at the idea of having an early birthday party. The sharpness of her intellect and memory is truly amazing, as she recalled her life with ease. Kathleen Marmion was born in Galtrim, Summerhill, Co. Meath in 1922, the 3rd eldest in a family of four boys and three girls. She attended school in the local village and then progressed to lovely nuns in the convent in Kells. We had to walk four miles to school and back every day regardless of the weather, recalls Kathleen. When she left school Kathleen went to work in a drapery shop but that didnt last long as she took ill and got pleurisy so had to spend some time in hospital. When she was fully recovered, she went to work for a Dr Glynn who was from Portumna in Co. Galway and she recalls that he was a lovely man to work for. When Dr Glynn left and went back to Portumna to practice, he asked me would I go with him to work for him and I said I would, said Kathleen. Romance blossomed for Kathleen when she was settled in the Co. Galway town and it was at a ceili in Portumna Hall where she met her future husband, Tom Houlihan from nearby Lorrha. After about two years, they decided to go to England to get better paying jobs and save the money they needed to get married. Money was hard to come by and we worked hard and saved as much as we could and we married in Basingstoke, England in 1954, she said. They eventually left and returned to settle in Ballyquirke, Lorrha and ten years later they moved with their young family to their present home in St Ruadhans Terrace. Herself and Tom loved dancing and attended ceili dances up and down the country over many years. They practiced on their own kitchen floor and won Provincial and All Ireland titles. The last time we danced was in Donegal and we won a plaque that night too, recalls Kathleen. Her home displays all the trophies and plaques they both won over the years for the Lorrha Set among others. There was four of us, Tom and myself, Detty Turner and Johnny OMeara and as the years went on we were joined by others. We also went to the Wren dancing in Woodford on St Stephens night as well as the Comhaltas in Lorrha hall on a Friday night at those times. They were great times, she said. A religious lady throughout her life, Kathleen was a member of the local church choir for a number of years as well as the Apostolic Work Society. Kathleen recalls travelling to Knock for the night vigils every year until recent times and she also talked about her visit to Lourdes and the times she visited Lough Derg and walking in her bare feet there. That was hard but we just got on with it, she said. These days, Kathleen attends Mass every Saturday evening and again on Monday mornings. She recites three Rosaries every day and prays for everyone. All my family are very good to me, my grandchildren and my nieces and nephews, she said. Kathleen has witnessed many changes through her long life and not just in the world, but in Lorrha too. Its all for the good, she commented. Although she remarked that she doesnt like listening to the news these days because its all bad news, she still is very alert to what is happening in the world. After living through WW2 she ponders over the war in Ukraine and if it will lead to WW3. I hate to see people suffering, especially children. I love children, they are so innocent and why should they be going hungry or getting killed, she asked. Kathleen is also very aware of the Covid-19 pandemic and mentioned how she was very lucky not to have got it. I was afraid to go out and I dont go out much now but I wear my mask when Im out, she said. As for what she credits her longevity to, Kathleen thinks about that and then she pipes up, I suppose its the dancing and the fitness, she laughed. St. Ruadhans Church was packed to capacity for her concelebrated Centenary Mass with Fr Michael Kennedy, PP Lusmagh and formerly Rathcabbin, assisted by Fr Pat Deely, Redwood, Fr Pat Mulcahy, former PP Lorrha, Fr Tom OHalloran PP Borrisokane and Lorrha and Fr Michael Cooney PP Terryglass and Lorrha. CNC Kilcormac is proud to announce that Enda Callaghan has been awarded The Naughton Scholarship. This year, 1,000 students applied for the scholarship and Enda was one of 37 successful students who were presented with their award by Martin and Carmel Naughton and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland, Simon Harris at a ceremony last Saturday in Trinity College Dublin. The scholarship is intended as a reward and encouragement to exceptional students who would like to study in the STEM field (science, technology, engineering and maths) at University and is worth 20,000 towards their third level studies. The school of each winning student also receives a prize. The Naughton foundation aims to build a community of very bright students, who will be worldwide leaders in their fields in the future, be it in research or industry and CNC Kilcormac are delighted that Enda has been offered this fantastic opportunity. It is a proud day for Enda and his family and is recognition of all of his hard work and contribution to the school over the past six years. After the ceremony Enda commented on receiving the prestigious award: I feel very honoured to be a Naughton Scholar 2022. I see this scholarship as reward for my past achievements and encouragement towards future accomplishments. I have begun my studies of Engineering at University of Limerick. I am excited about embarking on this course, and hope to make my mark in the field of engineering. The Naughton Scholarship will enrich my college experience and it will create many opportunities for me as I pursue my engineering studies into the future. Wherever my studies take me, it is reassuring to know that I will always have the support and backing of the Naughton family. Throughout my years in college, the trust and belief invested in me by the Naughton family will motivate me to continue to set high standards and do excellent work. This scholarship programme will also open many doors for me as I complete my studies and progress with my engineering career. I hope to be a leader in my chosen field, and I know the Naughton Scholarship will aid me in this endeavour. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the prestigious community of Naughton Scholars. I will be forever grateful for all the support I received during my years in Colaiste Naomh Cormac, Kilcormac, who encouraged me to be the best I can be, and to helped me achieve this wonderful accolade. By Harsh V. Pant To say that it has been a shambolic start to the innings of Liz Truss as British Prime Minister would.. Eurasia Review 19 Oct 2022 Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard was sentenced to five years in prison by a Toronto judge on Thursday. He was found guilty in June of sexually assaulting an Ottawa woman in 2016. Zoe Saldana says filming her new Netflix series From Scratch, stirred up emotions from her own life, ones she thought she had dealt with long ago. Her father died when she was 9-years-old, leaving her mother to care for her and her two sisters as a single mom. Grief is very deceiving, she said in a recent interview. There's management of it but no closure. In From Scratch, Saldana plays Amy, an American woman who travels to Italy to study her true passion, which is art. While there, she meets a handsome local chef named Lino, played by Eugenio Mastrandrea. They fall in love and Lino follows her back to the U.S. Their fairytale, based on actor Tembi Locke's memoir, is threatened when illness strikes. I knew grief from the perspective of a child losing your hero," said Saldana. I never understood it from my moms perspective, losing a partner, losing the love of her life and having to wrestle with grieving, but also having to welcome joy in your life because you have little co-dependents that need you. Locke co-created the series with her sister, Attica Locke, who also served as showrunner and worked with Reese Witherspoons Hello Sunshine production company on Little Fires Everywhere. That connection helped put Tembi Locke's book in Witherspoons hands. Witherspoon was so taken with the book that she acquired the rights and made it an official Reese's Book Club selection. She also brought it up to Saldana over dinner. She said, I just want you to read it. For some reason it made me think of you. Im excited about this book. ... Read it and give me your thoughts. And if you like it, I think that you would be perfect to play the lead," recalled Saldana. There are details in the series that don't happen in the book, or that are changed, because the... On October 19, 2017, New Zealand First leader Winston Peter threw support behind the New Zealand Labour Party, making Jacinda Ardern the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand. Given the dire straits Labour was in before that, few... MADRID (AP) The former head of safety for Spains state-owned rail infrastructure company told a court Thursday that he was.. SeattlePI.com 13 Oct 2022 Jamie Foxx is remembering his sister DeOndra Dixon on the second anniversary of her death. "Deondra I know ur in heaven making.. E! Online 20 Oct 2022 Mashable 29 Oct 2022 "This is a little strange, I am sure," began the letter Jessi Zahm, of Newberg, Oregon, found in her mailbox this September, "but.. Watch VideoBritish Prime Minister Liz Truss described herself as "a fighter and not a quitter" Wednesday as she faced down a.. Newsy 19 Oct 2022 Former Irish premier Bertie Ahern has said a border poll on a united Ireland would not have a hope in hell of passing at present. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A Libyan delegation led by the head of the Internal Security Agency, Major General Lotfi al-Harari, is participating in a two-day high-level international conference devoted to promoting cooperation in border security and combating terrorism in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe Photo: (Photo : Rudy and Peter Skitterians) Keaira Bennefield was killed on October 5 as she sat inside her own car outside her mom's home. Two of her kids were in the back during the incident and witnessed the shooting. According to People, authorities believed that the estranged husband, who had been arrested recently due to domestic violence charges, is accountable for the crime. Officials have already issued an arrest warrant for Adam Bennefield, estranged husband, in connection with the shooting. The crime occurred just one day after Adam was released from jail after the incident of domestic violence in which he allegedly assaulted the mom of three. Cheektowaga Police Department confirmed that they have responded to a domestic violence call at a residence on September 28 and when they arrived at the scene, the former husband had already left. Police told Bennefield to contact them if he returned. A few days later, she posted a video of an alleged assault on her Facebook page. Officers immediately saw the video on October 2 and quickly arrested Adam and charged him with one count of third-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, one count of second-degree menacing, one count of second-degree unlawful imprisonment, and one count of second-degree harassment. Read Also: Kids Having a Crush Is Normal; Experts Say Ask Your Children How They Feel About It October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Nevertheless, Adam did not remain in jail as he was released on his recognizance several hours after his arrest. He also has not yet entered a plea to the charges filed against him. Court records do not also reflect an authorized attorney to speak on his behalf. Officers believed that after he was released, he severely shot his estranged wife in the head and quickly fled the scene. Authorities are still looking for him. Cheektowaga Police Department warns the general public that Adam Bennefield is dangerous as he is armed. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to immediately dial Crimestoppers WNY at 716-867-6161. A $7,500 reward is also offered for those individuals who have accurate information that leads to his arrest. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Approximately 10 million people are physically abused by an intimate partner annually, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence says. Thus, if you experience or are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or go to thehotline.org. Rest assured that all calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is also available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. In the United States, the domestic violence symbol or gesture is a hand up, palm out, with the thumb tucked and folding the fingers down. The awareness month is also associated with the color purple. Individuals decorate their lives in the color purple as it serves as a symbol of survival, peace, courage, honor, and dedication to ending violence, per Marjaree Mason Center. 20 individuals per minute are physically abused According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes. Around 1 in 3 women and almost 1 in 6 men encounter some form of sexual violence in their lives. According to data published in World Population Review, Oklahoma remains the top city in the US where domestic violence often happens. Around 49.1 percent of Oklahoma women and 40.7 percent of Oklahoma men experienced domestic abuse. This is the highest in the United States. NCADV reported that almost 20 individuals per minute are physically abused by their intimate partner in the United States. Related Article: Dealing With Controlling Partner: You May Need To Consider Ending the Relationship Photo: (Photo : Irina Keinanen from Pixabay ) After suffering a stroke several months ago, Paola Buendia's life was suddenly turned upside down. Buendia said everything was normal, and she was the most active person you can imagine. That all changed five months ago when she suffered a stroke, paralyzing the left side of her body. She said she went from a healthy, happy, and active 42-year-old mother to three kids to being in the hospital. She lost not only her income but also her independence due to her stroke. Buendia said it changed her life and was like a new life from one moment to another. Buendia was seen recently by a neighbor walking the mile or so to pick up her children from Winter Springs High School. It is an everyday task that now takes an hour to complete. The neighbor saw Buendia's difficulties and offered to help her. Paola Buendia calls her neighbor Taber Caro an angel Taber Caro said she knew she could do something. She did not know what that would be, but there was something that she had to do to try to make things easier for her sick neighbor. She offered Buendia and her children a ride home that day, but she wanted to do more for them. Caro contacted the community in Florida and posted in several online groups to see if anyone had a scooter they would want to donate or sell. She found one scooter for $400 and decided to buy it. She delivered it to Buendia the following day, much to her delight. Buendia told Fox35 Orlando that Taber is her angel, a title that Caro said she does not deserve. She said that it should be human instead. Caro added that she does not think it is heroic or worthy of a gold star. She believes it is being a decent human, and she would have no purpose if she were not looking around and thinking of how to do something for someone. Read Also: Daughter Who Saves Father's Life During His 70th Birthday Encourages Others to Learn CPR Other residents offered Buendia free physical therapy lessons In addition to the scooter Caro gave to Buendia, other residents reportedly offered the sick mom free physical therapy lessons and rides wherever she needed to go. She created an online fundraiser to help cover the cost of Buendia's scooter, and within hours, they managed to double their goal, raising over $900 in funds. Caro said that the response was heartwarming and hoped others continue to look for ways to help others. She added that you don't have to be rich to do it, and you don't have to have tons of spare time. Caro said the tiny gestures snowball into huge life-changing events. Lina Arbelaez also organized a fundraiser for Paola Buendia, with the GoFundMe page raising $3,195 in funds. Related Article: Utah Mom of 6 Shares What She Hopes Children Know Before They Leave Home Photo: (Photo : Arek Socha from Pixabay ) The mother of missing toddler Quinton Simon appeared in court on Monday, October 17, for a preliminary hearing about the custody of the two siblings of the 20-month-old, as new filings in the case revealed that she admitted using drugs while she was pregnant. WTOC reported that Leilani Simon, the prime suspect in the disappearance of her son Quinton, who is now presumed dead, arrived at the Chatham County Juvenile Court, where she sat near her mom, Billie Howell. The grandmother had custody of Quinton and Leilani's two other kids, who are about three years old and six months old. Leilani's children removed from the home on October 12 The hearing on Monday was sealed, but according to court documents that were obtained by the U.S. Sun, the children were removed from the home on October 12 because the kids were deemed to be in imminent danger of abuse or neglect. According to the documents, Leilani is a chronic, unrehabilitated substance abuser of not only cocaine but also cannabis. The Sun reported that she admitted using cocaine and tested positive for it at the birth of one of her children. The document said that Howell failed to provide adequate supervision of the children and left them in Leilani's care after she was granted guardianship. According to the document, Howell knew or should have known that her daughter Leilani was unfit to provide proper care to the children while the maternal grandmother traveled out of state. The document said Leilani's two other children have now been placed in foster care. Leilani's three kids have three different dads. One of them said that he was questioning everything after his son Zayne was removed from the home. Cody Wharton told the media outlet that Zayne needs to be with him and that he wants to make sure he is safe. He added that even now, he is questioning everything. He has been asking questions such as "Is his son hurt?" and "What is he doing? Wharton said he did not want to get a call telling him that his son was hurt and he needed to go to the hospital. Read Also: New Jersey Mom Gives Birth to Baby Girl 8 Years After Her Life-Saving Heart Transplant Leilani struggled with mental health issues in the past He said that Leilani struggled with her mental health while the two of them dated, which was corroborated in the court documents. Wharton claimed she was depressed and tried to overdose last spring while watching their kid Zayne. Wharton said that she had always been unpredictable but he was not worried about Zayne's safety until all this started happening. He made it clear that she was a good mother and did not know what had happened to her. Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told the New York Post that authorities are likely gathering more evidence before arresting and charging the mom. The former field agent said they are not done with the investigation yet. Related Article: No Evidence of Foul Play in Death of Missing California Teen Kiely Rodni Patently Apple reported back in June that Samsung's new OLED production with Gen 8.5 displays for the production of iPad and next-gen MacBook displays would start in 2024. For some reason Ross Young sent out a belated tweet about this development earlier this week as if it was a new discovery. Today, a new supply chain report sheds more light on the delay OLED displays. According to a new supply chain report, OLED production is moving toward Gen 8 for larger displays and Apple has made it known to all its OLED suppliers that it would prefer if they chose Gen 8 deposition equipment made by Japan's Canon Tokki. Gen 8 OLED lines are to manufacture 10 to 20-inch panels aimed at tablets and notebooks. This is more economical for companies to do so than using their existing Gen 6 lines, which use smaller substrates like smartphones. Apple's supplier BOE is the only supplier moving to use Cannon Tokki's equipment right out of the gate while Samsung and LG originally had plans to use alternative OLED deposition equipment suppliers. Samsung is planning to use equipment from Japan's Ulvac. It is a full-cut, vertical deposition machine and is expected to be used in Samsung Displays first Gen 8 OLED line, which will manufacture single-stack OLED panels. These displays will primarily be for HP, Lenovo, Dell and other companies. The report further notes that Samsung Display will likely have to concede to Apple and install Canon Tokkis Gen 8 half-cut, horizontal deposition machine for the second phase that could be ready for 2024. The question becomes, will Samsung abandon their plans with Ulvac and leap directly to using Cannon Tokki's equipment to save on time. Meanwhile, LG Display has been developing its own Gen 8 half-cut, horizontal equipment with South Korean equipment maker Sunic System. This partnership has yet to receive the blessing of Apple as well. Unlike Samsung Display which has a sure customer in Samsung, LG Display completely relies on only Apple for its smartphone OLED panels. It may be forced to abandon its project with Sunic System to use Canon Tokki for Cupertino. Over the years, Cannon Tokki has developed customers beyond Samsung and is now not willing to co-develop new equipment with Samsung. Tokki has maintained its stance that instead of co-developing Gen 8 equipment it will develop and supply them on its own if its customers place their orders. This is likely done to offset any chance that it will have to exclusively supply its kits to a certain company as co-development means co-ownership. For more, read the full report by The Elec. The report didn't provide the reasoning behind Apple's preference for Cannon Tokki equipment, though it may have to do with Apple's two-stack tandem OLED design that uses two red, green and blue emission layers. This week Lenovo's Executive VP and President, Intelligent Devices Group provided the press with a sneak peek at prototypes of a Motorola smartphone with a rollable display, and perhaps more importantly, a next-gen Lenovo Notebook with a rollable, expandable display as presented in the video below. Last month Patently Apple posted a report titled "Samsung Presented their First Demo of a Future Tablet with an Expandable Display Form Factor at Intel's Innovation 2022 Event." Our report presented a video of Samsung's demo of their first expandable, rollable display tablet along with a video of Lenovo's ThinkPad X Fold that transforms a tablet to either a notebook or small desktop depending on how the user decides to use the device. Foldable and expandable (rollable) displays are new form factors that have the potential of shaking up the industry and provide students and road warriors alike with new options beyond a laptop to get their work done. While most Apple fans will stick with either a MacBook or iPad with Magic keyboard, I think that some will appreciate these new foldable tablets and expandable laptop display form factors that could bring a breath of fresh air. Apple is on record with patents illustrating that they're working on scrollable (rollable) devices and even a foldable iPad as a new hybrid MacBook form factor just in case they're forced to stave off competing products that are posing a threat to their standing products. Apple could also be waiting for the various technologies behind these new form factors to mature so as to ensure that these form factors could be proven and highly usable. While Samsung and Lenovo love to be ahead of the curve with experimental form factors, early generations of their devices are always riddled with hardware and software issues that anger early adopters. When Apple decides to release a new product, they take a holistic approach so that hardware and software deliver a smooth experience well, most of the time. The combination of sliding into a full-blown recession and computer components still difficult to secure in volume, now is not the time for Apple to jump into delivering a new iPhone or iPad form factor. For now, we see Apple continue to file for new patents regarding new form factors from a cool glass iMac to a glass MacBook to foldable and scrollable display form factors. It's just a matter of time. Every year Samsung and Lenovo continue their push into refining their next-gen form factors, and one of these days, they just might strike gold once the underlying technologies mature. I imagine that very few of the readers here are unfamiliar with Murphys Law: Everything that can go wrong will go wrong. If youre like me, alas, you know it intimately well, from direct personal experience. There are also a whole host of corollaries to Murphys Law, all of them somewhat dire and all of them absolutely true. Probably my favorite among them is this: Its impossible to make anything foolproof, because fools are so ingenious. I think of that one often when I read what some of my fiercest critics have to say about me over on what I occasionally call the Peterson Obsession Board. Still, they puzzle me more than just a bit: I havent been able to decide whether theyre so hostile to me because they thoroughly misunderstand what I write, or whether they thoroughly misunderstand what I write because theyre so hostile to me. For instance, in yesterdays blog entry I chuckled a little bit skeptically over the boasting that Ive observed for years now about all of the glorious things that certain former believers in the Restoration allegedly do every Sunday, now that they no longer attend church or keep the Sabbath. And now, par for the course, certain of the folks at the Peterson Obsession have taken that to mean that, in my judgment, everybody who leaves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leads an empty and pointless life. Which has led to not just one but two indignant threads denouncing me and, for what its worth, pointing out that Im actually the one who leads a pointless and empty life and, perhaps by now (I havent looked for a little while), that my late mother wore Army boots and that So Was My Old Man. On a more substantive level, folks at the Obsession Board have noticed that I regard the speed at which the Book of Mormon was dictated, and the complexity of its content, as evidence for its divinity and authenticity. The trouble is that they seem to imagine me to regard that speed and that complexity as slam-dunk proof of its authenticity and its divinity. But I dont. I never have. I see the speed of the Book of Mormons dictation and the complexity of the Book of Mormons text as evidence against the notion that Joseph Smith simply made it up, off the top of his head. We now have pretty good evidence that the Book of Mormon as we have it in printed English editions was dictated at a rate of roughly 8.5 to 12 pages daily, day after day, week after week, until it was completed first and final draft, really within a little more than two months. Thats a torrid pace, frankly. Im a pretty quick writer, and, fairly faithfully for years now, Ive kept daily records of how many words Ive written for publication. (I dont count this blog, incidentally.) I have never, during those years, been able to maintain for more than a few days the speed of composition that Joseph Smith must have maintained for more than two months, if he was the author of the Book of Mormon. And even that torrent of productivity has only occurred two or three times, in short bursts. And I have a Ph.D. and a computer. Im impressed with the rapidity of the dictation of the Book of Mormon, and with the complexity of it. But thats only part of an argument that Joseph Smith wasnt the books author, which is only part of the overall cumulative argument for its authenticity and divinity. Which, in my view, is impressive but isnt proof. I dont believe that it was ever Gods intent, this side of the veil, to provide intellectually coercive proof for the Book of Mormon or for the Restoration more generally. And, since I dont believe that proof is available anywhere, Im scarcely going to insist that a single strand of what I term the overall cumulative case for the Book of Mormon not even the testimony of the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, impressive though I find them constitutes proof. Still, as I say, I find the complexity of the Book of Mormon and the rapidity of his dictation powerful indicators that Joseph Smith wasnt simply making it up as he went along. And, to illustrate my position, I will now cite an anecdote about the Irish novelist and poet James Joyce that is related by the American horror and science fiction writer Stephen King. Im not exactly a major fan of Stephen King. Ive never read any of his novels, for example, and, if Ive ever watched a movie based on one of his stories, I couldnt name it. (Alone among Americans, perhaps, Ive never even watched The Shining.) But we were up in Maine last week, and Stephen King is a son of Maine born and raised there, educated at the University of Maine, and still living in Bangor, Maine. Im even told that most if not all of his stories are set in Maine. So, while it was a surprise to find a quite small but surprisingly good bookstore on the very pier in Bar Harbor, it was hardly unexpected to find in it several books by Stephen King. One, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (New York: Scribners, 2000), caught my eye, and I bought it. (Incidentally, as luck would have it, when we returned to Manhattan a few days later, our hotel window looked down on the architecturally significant building constructed early in the twentieth century for Charles Scribners Sons.). On page 151, Stephen King tells a little tale about James Joyce: According to the story, a friend came to visit him one day and found the great man sprawled across his writing desk in a posture of utter despair: James, whats wrong? the friend asked. Is it the work? Joyce indicated assent without even raising his head to look at the friend. Of course it was the work; isnt it always? How many words did you get today? the friend pursued. Joyce (still in despair, still sprawled facedown on his desk): Seven. Seven? But James . . . thats good, at least for you! Yes, Joyce said, finally looking up. I suppose it is . . . but I dont know what order they go in! There is, however, no evidence of which Im aware for Joseph Smith suffering from writers block during the composition of the Book of Mormon. And no evidence that he experienced any difficulties in structuring it. No wadded up, abandoned, first drafts. No switching paragraphs around. No rewrites. Day in and day out. That may not impress some people. But it certainly impresses me. Its a small thing, perhaps. But its not nothing. Posted from Miami, Florida An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Stephane Roudet, met during October 11-19 in Washington, DC with Finance Minister Ofori-Atta, Bank of Ghana Governor Addison and their teams, to continue discussions on a possible IMF-supported program. At the conclusion of the meetings, Mr. Roudet issued the following statement: The Ghanaian delegation and IMF staff had very fruitful discussions on the authorities post-COVID program for economic growth and associated policies and reforms that could be supported by a new IMF arrangement. We made good progress in identifying specific policies that would restore macroeconomic stability and lay the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth . The IMF team and the Ghanaian authorities remain fully committed to reaching agreement on a framework and policies for an IMF-supported program as soon as feasible. Discussions will continue in the weeks ahead, with a follow-up mission to take place expeditiously. The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was hopeful that the IMF will approve the programme by end of the year. He told TV3s Paa Kwesi Asare in an earlier interview on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington DC that the Fund is motivated to close the deal by end of the year. To get us close to a staff level agreement as possible so that we can incorporate all of our decisions also into the budget so there will be no reversal and therefore, by year ending, hopefully, the board will approve. Do you see that happening? he was asked. In a response, he said We have to make it happen, the Fund is very motivated, we are 24/7, we will stay a few more days after this annual meetings and ensure we make solid progress going forward. I am excited about where we are, which therefore means that if we complete it by end of the year, disbursements from the fund which replaces what we would have done going to the international market. Clearly, in my mind there is no need for speculation as to where the currency should be. Earlier, Mr Ofori-Atta assured at a press briefing on Wednesday, September 28 the fast-track negotiations with the IMF to ensure key aspects of the programme are reflected in the 2023 budget statement. In line with the Presidents dialogue with the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, negotiations will be fast-tracked to ensure that key aspects of the programme are reflected in the 2023 Annual Budget Statement in November 2022, he said. Source: 3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Leading brand communications network, Ogilvy Africa, has continued to cement its position as a leading creative agency in the continent by bagging another global award at the 12th Edition of the London International Awards (LIA) held in Las Vegas, USA. Ogilvy Africa was awarded a Bronze Statue in the Health and Wellness, Product Design Category. This is the fourth time this year that Ogilvy Africas creativity is being celebrated on the world stage, having previously won at the prestigious Festival de Cannes, D & AD Awards and Loeries Africa & Middle East Awards. The bronze was also the first-ever metal won by a Kenyan creative agency at the LIA. The recognition is for the creative agencys innovative Lesso Lessons project which was launched in March in partnership with Roto Tank and Kenyas Ministry of Health (MoH). The project aims to use traditional patterned cloth wraps Lessos to educate young Kenyan mothers in rural areas on proper postnatal nutritional care. Commenting on the award, Vikas Mehta, CEO Ogilvy Africa said, Another first for he region is another reason for all of Africa to be proud. Ogilvy Africa is humbled in this recognition and it helps strengthen our teams resolve to create more work that puts Africa on the world map. We are grateful to LIA and the support from Roto and MoH, through this journey. Heril Bangera, CEO Roto Tanks, said this is recognition that the private sector can also play an impactful role in solving day-to-day problems of the communities they are operating in. We are grateful to Ogilvy Africa for partnering with us to deliver this campaign in a memorable and impactful way. Barbara Levy, President of LIA, said, This is the first time that an agency in Kenya has won a statue in Health & Wellness. And we couldnt be happier. We always love seeing emerging countries win statues as we know that creative talent resides all over the world. Our heartiest congratulations to Ogilvy Kenya! We hope to see more work from Kenya next year. In total, 754 LIA statues and 230 finalists were awarded to 45 countries with the United States leading with 254 wins, followed by Germany with 81, the United Kingdom with 53 and India with 37 statue winners. Ogilvy Africas entry also made it to the finals in the Non-Traditional, Fashion Category at the LIA. LIA is one of the worlds most prestigious Global Award Shows honouring Advertising, Data, Digital, Technology, Design, Package Design, Radio, Production, Health & Wellness, Pharma & Medical, Creativity In PR, Innovation, Creative Business Transformation, Creativity In The Metaverse and other related industries. LIA is also listed as one of only five global shows in the WARC Creative 100 Ranking. 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 Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, was not sacked by President Nana Akufo-Addo but was rather relieved of his responsibilities as a seconded staff to the GES, the Service has clarified. The office of the president announced Prof Opoku-Amankwas exit in a letter dated Monday, 17 October 2022. The Ministry of Education has informed this office that the exigencies that required your skills and expertise as Director-General of the Ghana Education Service do not exist any longer, the letter stated. The GES, in a statement, said Prof Opoku-Amakwa was not sacked as has been widely reported in the media but rather relieved of his responsibilities to enable him to continue his services to the country at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Prof Opoku-Amankwa was first appointed in January 2021 on secondment from the KNUST. The contract was extended again in June 2021 but this extension, according to the letter from the Presidency signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, was in contravention of the Human Resource Policy Frame and manual of the Public Services Commission as it purports to extend your secondment beyond the 3-year maximum limit. 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 Head of Communications and Public Education at the Food and Drugs Authority, Mrs. Rhoda Awurabena Appiah, has cautioned Ghanaians against the dangers associated with the usage of aphrodisiacs to arouse sexual instincts. Speaking with Peace FM News reporter, Gifty Akoto, she explained that before any drug is being taken, one must make sure it is vetted and approved by the FDA. She said these kinds of drugs have not been vetted hence causing harm to the body. She explained further that they have recorded lots of cases with aphrodisiacs and that it is because of the chemical substances it contains to boost sexual drives which are dangerous to the bodys vital organs such as; the heart, kidney and others. She also added that due to the arousal of the sexual drive, its substances turn to be harmful to the organs which once it is damaged, these organs can be difficult to repair. Mrs. Appiah advised men who are suffering from sexual weakness to seek professional healthcare advice from certified Doctors instead of just purchasing any unprescribed drug. A Consultant Urologist at the Kumasi South Hospital, Dr. Samuel Amanamah, has cautioned men against the usage of Aphrodisiacs. He explained that even though aphrodisiacs can give your desired results, there are dangers associated with it which can result in kidney and liver implications which can be difficult to treat once it gets destroyed as a result of aphrodisiacs usage. He explained further that they have had several cases of the usages of aphrodisiacs such as death and stroke. Dr. Samuel Amanamah advised that after such drugs are taken, they can make the manhood stand for about a day or two, a week or more and when this happens, the manhood is unable to function again. He added that some men die as a result of taking this hard drugs for sexual boost and die in the process. He, therefore, advised men who need to boost their sexual performance to seek professional healthcare instead of resulting to self-medication. Source: Gifty Akoto, Peace FM News Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A panel appointed by parliament in South Africa is starting its investigation into an allegation that President Cyril Ramaphosa covered up a multi-million-dollar burglary at one of his homes. The inquiry has a month to decide whether Mr Ramaphosa has a case to answer. Earlier this year, a former senior security official alleged that $4m (3.5m) in cash was taken from the president's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo province in February last year. The claim has prompted the opposition in South Africa to accuse Mr Ramaphosa of money laundering. He has denied wrongdoing. The affair has complicated the president's campaign to secure a second term in office. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A growing number of men in Kenya are undergoing vasectomies, a leading reproductive health organisation in the country has told the BBC. We have received a lot of requests from men. However, we cannot disclose the number due to client confidentiality," said the director of Marie Stopes Kenya. Inviolata Wanyama added that Kenyans were increasingly aware of equitable gender roles and men were keen to "be supportive partners in the sexual and reproductive journey". Daniel (not his real name) had the vasectomy procedure on 15 October because he wanted to find a better way of family planning. My wife had gone through three caesarean deliveries, and I wasnt willing to risk her life... I decided: 'Why not help her?' because sometimes we ask too much from women," the 39 year old told the BBC. He however says that vasectomy services should be accessible and "friendly" to men because he had had bad experiences at other centres which made demeaning inquiries. "Is it for you? Are you married? Why would you want a vasectomy? Its your wife who should take charge of family planning," Daniel was told. He says he has not experienced any significant effect since having the procedure done. Marie Stopes Kenya will offer free vasectomy services for four days ahead of World Vasectomy Day on 18 November. Vasectomy is a surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a mans sperm to permanently prevent pregnancy, according to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) It can be reversed, but this is not guaranteed. If a reversal is carried out within 10 years of your vasectomy, the success rate is about 55%. This falls to 25% if your reversal is carried out more than 10 years after, the NHS says. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghanaian-Canadian Prophet, Dr Kofi Danso, was among the honorees of the United States President Joseph R. Biden 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award and the Global Humanitarian Leadership Award. The historical awards night held in Washington honoured the accomplishments of leaders in community development, diplomats, elected officials, and corporate and spiritual leaders that primarily operate from a faith-based perspective. Prophet Dr Danso was announced as one of the recipients of the awards for his stellar impact in empowering individuals from numerous socio-economic backgrounds. The highly respected spiritual leader who is the senior pastor of the fastest-growing church in North America, Toronto, Canada, was also honoured for his influence on society around the world. A total of 55 leaders received the award, which is the highest civic award given to leaders and individuals for volunteerism and community service, as well as other leaders who received the Global Humanitarian Leadership Award. There was also a 51st Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), a leading policy conference in the United States that focuses on issues impacting people of African heritage and the global black community. Attendees at the conference included Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Alima Mahama; His Royal Majesty Okatakyie Asafo Boakye III, King of the Sanzule Kingdom, Ghana West Africa; Rev. Thomas Bowen, Office of Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel; and other dignitaries. Prophet Dr Danso has received numerous awards in his illustrious pastoral career, which includes an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Canadian Christian Theological Seminary of Calgary, Canada in 2015. In 2022, he was also honoured by the (MPP) Minister of the Provincial Parliament for the Vaughan-Woodbridge region. A special thank you to Dr Agorom Dike President of the Caribbean and African FaithBased Leadership Conference for facilitating these awards and hosting such an international leadership awards gala. 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 Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for engaging retirees in the public sector while qualified young persons are being overlooked. For Mr Ablakwa, Ghana should not have such a high number of retirees in the public sector in the face of high youth unemployment made worse by the current economic crisis. A country facing record high unemployment as captured by the 2021 Population and Housing Census of 13.4% and 32.8% for those aged 15-24 which is further aggravated by the current debilitating economic crisis should not be keeping so many retirees on contract in the public service. "So far, I have counted hundreds of these retirees who have been engaged on multiple post-retirement contracts by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government when they should be home enjoying their pensions instead of denying many qualified young Ghanaians employment opportunities, he stated. He pointed out that in the Civil and Local Government Services alone, there are over 60 retirees on contract, while the number is high in other sectors. This, he stressed, is a barrier to persons interested in working in the public sector, stifles career progression and lowers morale among serving public sector workers. There are as many as 63 retirees on contract within the Civil and Local Government Services as of today, and even more than this number under other public sector categories. "Apart from serving as a blockade to prospective young Ghanaians with public sector ambitions, the phenomenon is stifling career progression and lowering morale in Ghanas public sector, he noted. Ablakwa added that some of the contracts of these retirees are unconstitutional, asking that the president terminate the contracts of all the retirees. " . . Equally troubling some of those contracts we are reviewing are palpably unconstitutional. President Akufo-Addo must immediately terminate all these contracts, ensure he thanks our retirees for their dedicated service and endeavour to honour them with a befitting send-off and urgently fill the vacancies to be created through a transparent, credible and meritorious recruitment process for our suffering youth as we demand that this time he eschews his reckless penchant for Family/Friends/Akonta shenanigans, he concluded. Several other persons, notably journalist Johnnie Hughes have complained about the issue of the engagement of retirees when younger qualified persons abound. 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 It was an interesting banter between Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu and Supreme Court Justice-nominee, Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu when the latter sat before the Appointments Committee to be vetted for his nominated position. Justice Gaewu was the only High Court judge among the four Judges nominated by the President to the Supreme Court. Having resigned as a member of the New Patriotic Party on the 16th of September 2020, the same day he was appointed a High Court judge, Justice Gaewu is the only one among the nominees to have been linked with political affiliations. During his vetting on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, Haruna Iddrisu sought to understand the reasoning behind his nomination, having skipped a position at the Appeals Court. Despite acknowledging the Presidents appointing powers, Mr. Iddrisu noted that concerns had been raised about the appointment of Justice Gaewu when his seniors who equally were qualified for the position were not given the opportunity. According to him, this may serve as a disincentive to colleagues who may have paid their dues through service but have not received such recognition. Below is the interaction between Haruna Iddrisu and Justice Gaewu as it happened: The four Judges nominated to the Supreme Court by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo are being vetted by the Appointments Committee of Parliament. Haruna Iddrisu: Your particular nomination to the high office of the Justice of the Supreme Court, has ignited some public interest about what the president can and cannot do. Since the law is in your bosom and we are only here as members of parliament, let me just correct the erroneous impression that is being said somewhere. No one has questioned the authority or mandate of the constitutional power of the president to appoint a justice of the Supreme Court. What we have sought to express concern about is having been appointed a judge at the high court, just at the beginning of a career, you are elevated and fast-tracked ahead of your superiors from the same high court to the Appeals Court, to the court of Appeal. We have expressed to the Supreme Court, that that can be a disincentive to judges who have played their part in public service to serve the country in that capacity at the high court which have not been recognized, and those at the Appeals Court. \ We respect the ruling of the Supreme Court on the matter, that the president can exercise that prerogative. Is it fair that you be jumped over your superiors to the Supreme Court. Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu: Its a constitutional mandate granted the president to appoint and there are criteria within which the person qualifies or doesnt qualify. Haruna Iddrisu: Do you fall within that criteria? Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu: Yes I do Haruna Iddrisu: Which article in the constitution are you relying on? Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu: Article 128 (4) Haruna Iddrisu: Kindly read it for our purposes Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu: It says; A person shall not be qualified for appointment of Justice of the Supreme Court unless he is of high moral character and proven integrity and is of not less than 15 years standing as a lawyer. So three things; high moral character, Haruna Iddrisu: - Which well be accessing here, Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu:, Proven integrity - Haruna Iddrisu: Which well be accessing here; Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu:and not less than 15 years as a lawyer. Haruna Iddrisu: So how many years have you been? Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu: Ive been 22 years. Haruna Iddrisu: We are concerned when we raise the concern, we state it as a matter of public concern that appointment and promotion to the judicial organ of state must be done with balance and respect for merit. Background: On July 26, 2022, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo nominated four persons for elevation onto the Supreme Court Bench. The nominees are Justice Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu, Justice George Kingsley Koomson, and Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, all from the Appeals Court. The only High Court judge who made the list is Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu. They were referred to the Appointments Committee for consideration after Speaker Bagbin announced their nominations in the House in July. Their appointment followed pending and projected vacancies at the Supreme Court this year. 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 Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has called on the Government of Ghana to look beyond the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address the nation's current economic challenges. The Government of Ghana in July this year began formal negotiations with the IMF for economic support, but according to Kofi Bentil, the government should engage other international financial organisations like the World Bank if it will succeed in managing the current economic challenges. "We need more than the IMF. We need to be speaking to the world bank and friendly nations for concessionary loans to shore up the economy and then get IMF to tide us over to health. We should be speaking to them by now, IMF alone can't help us," he wrote in a Facebook post. Ghana, over the past months, has experienced serious economic challenges plummeting the country into severe price hikes amidst a poorly performing cedi on the exchange market. The government, in its bid to manage the situation, is seeking an IMF programme. The Director of IMF's African Department, Abebe Aemro Selassie, in a recent media engagement, stated that Ghana needs to show proof of debt sustainability in order to merit an economic support programme. 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 About 30 people, believed to be galamseyers have been trapped in a pit belonging to the AngloGold Ashanti(AGA) Company in Obuasi. The incident took place at the Cote dIvoire pit of the AGA last Saturday. They were reported to have sneaked into the pit at Anwiam, a suburb of Obuasi, to prospect for gold, but the news of the trapping came yesterday, when victims relatives noticed their absence for some days and raised concern. As at the time of filing this report, they were still in the pit and it was feared that if they were not immediately rescued, they could lose their lives since they have been trapped for five days. Confirming the information, the Assembly Member for the Ahansonyewodea Electoral Area, Vincent Donkor, said that he was informed by some relatives of the victims at about 3 am yesterday that their relatives have gone missing for five days after leaving their respective homes in search for gold. Mr Donkor said he followed it up to officials at the Security Office of AGA, who in turn asked that the matter be formally reported at the local police station for action. According to the Assembly Member, the security personnel of the AGA have also confirmed that the illegal miners, have sent a signal to the security detail at the entrance to the pit that they were afraid to come out of the pit for fear of being arrested. Mr Donkor said he had picked signals from the pit suggesting that they could lose their lives since they have become very feeble after consuming all their food and water being under the ground for the past five days. The pit is being protected by security personnel, but it was not known whether where (pit) the victims went to prospect for gold had been abandoned by AGA or not. According to the Assembly Member, when AGA wanted to close such pits they would make an announcement, but in this case, no announcement had been made. A police source contacted at the Obuasi Divisional Command said it had not received any information about the incident. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has explained why he responded to a social media post by GHOne TV about a regional minister fainting after a driver stole his GH17 million even though his name was not mentioned in the post. The post by GHOne TV reported that a regional minister collapsed after his driver bolted away with the stated amount, said to be proceeds from illegal mining (galamsey). "A Regional Minister collapses as his driver bolts with 17 million cedis galamsey proceeds. Driver is reported to be in Ivory Coast at the moment," parts of the post by GHOne read. Responding to this post, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah denied any link to the report. In a press statement, he said that the news linking him to the report is bent on tarnishing his hard-won reputation. "This news alert appears to cast an innuendo on my person. It is therefore not strange that for those who are still bent on tarnishing my hard-won reputation and to distract me from executing my official duties in service to the people of my region including my unrelenting fight against illegal mining in the region, they have jumped onto this news alert to further their sinister objectives," parts of the statement noted. Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM on October 19, 2022, which was monitored by GhanaWeb, Okyere Darko-Mensah said that he had to respond because he had issues with some parts of the post. He added that he had spoken to the Chief Executive Officer of the EIB Network, Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi, a.k.a. Bola Ray, to get the matter resolved. "You see, when people are not sure of things, they should not disgrace people or create funny impressions in the minds of people. Because somebody may not even verify the facts and accept the allegations that are being made, which will create problems for you. "That is why we had to tackle it so that next time people will think twice before making allegations. "If you look at the second part of the post, there is something in it that we dealing with. After the post was shown to me, I contacted Bola Ray and he said he will cross-check the facts and get to me. And so, we are waiting," he said in Twi. 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 Churches in Ghana will wear red banners on Sunday, October 23, 2022, to register their displeasure over the devastating effects of illegal mining, known as galamsey. The move, according to them, is part of their planned demonstration against the government and other authorities mandated to halt illegal mining but have failed to do so. President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, speaking on Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM's breakfast show, "Nyansapo" on Thursday, October 20, 2022, said they would mobilize its members to embark on a massive protest to drum home their displeasure over the devastation caused by illegal mining. "The government and authorities in charge of regulating these mining activities have consistently failed the country, and so the church is now ready to lead the fight." "We are leading the fight; the fight is in four phases. First, accepting our challenges and weaknesses, pledging that we won't be part of it, telling the people that it is wrong [to engage in galamsey," he told the programme's host, Captain Koda. Prof Frimpong Manso, however, disclosed that the churches would soon come out with a specific date to stage the biggest-ever demonstration against illegal mining across the country. "On Sunday, all our churches will hoist red flags; the members will put red banners on their hands, heads, and any part of their bodies to show how unhappy the church is over the menace of galamsey." 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 Inlaks, the foremost ICT infrastructure, and systems integrator in Sub-Saharan Africa have been recognized as the Best Delivery partner at the fifth Temenos MEA Annual Sales and Partners Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya. The three-day summit which seeks to strengthen relationships, and collaboration between Temenos, and its partners was attended by stakeholders in financial technology services across the globe. Inlaks won the award following its outstanding delivery of customer-centric services resulting in successful project execution for various financial institutions. Speaking on the award, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Operations, Inlaks, Kyari Bukar said "Inlaks is proud to be recognized with this award. Temenos has been our long-standing partner for more than 20 years. Their banking application is core to our delivery framework, and we have nurtured a relationship that has enhanced customer value. Efficient service delivery is paramount to our operations, and we ensure compliance through a strong corporate governance culture. Our collaboration with Temenos has enabled a high rate of project implementation success for Inlaks through global standard practice. We appreciate Inlaks team members for their commitment and dedication. A highlight at the summit was Inlaks presentation on its successful implementation and digital transformation for the Bank of Zambia through the Temenos R24 upgrade. the presentation further showcased the implementation methodology used by Inlaks to position the Bank as an enabler for financial inclusion and economic growth. Also speaking, Inlaks Country Manager, Kenya, Edna Kimurwa said: Our partnership with Temenos has boosted innovative customer experience. This is evident in our implementation approach that has aided digital growth for various financial institutions. Through our customer-first approach, we have deployed solutions that are timely and effective. Inlaks look forward to more years of working with Temenos as a service partner. Temenos is a leading provider of banking software for more than 3000 banks in over 15o countries providing solutions platforms for Retail, Business, Universal, Corporate, Wealth Management, and Private Banking. Over the years, Inlaks has built a reputation for effectively helping its clientele with new markets and service opportunities. This has driven effective and seamless methods for businesses contributing to advancement. In 2019, Inlaks won the Temenos Learning Community Most improved Partner and the Best Implementation partner in Africa. About Inlaks Inlaks is a leading systems integrator in Sub-Saharan Africa. With operations in Nigeria, Ghana, East Africa and other Sub-Saharan African regions, the company partners with leading OEMs in the technology industry to provide world-class information technology solutions that exceed the needs of its customers. Over the years, Inlaks has built a reputation as the foremost ICT and Infrastructure Solutions Provider, helping customers effectively seize new market and service opportunities. With an impressive customer base that includes several Central Banks in West and East Africa, as well as many other major customers in Nigeria, West Africa, and East African regions, Inlaks has become the dominant Information Technology Company in Africa. Inlaks' customers cut across various segments including Banking, Telecommunication, Oil/Gas, Power, Utilities, and the Distribution sectors of the economy. For more information, please visit www.inlaks.com Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, has denied claims by the Electoral Commission (EC) that the party has no national and regional offices. He insisted that the party has a national office located at Kokomlemle near Top Radio in Accra. According to him, the party was firming up its structures to meet all the requirements of the EC and remain competitive in the next general election. Recall The EC in a notice put out last Thursday said the commission had given 17 political parties up to Thursday, October 20, 2022, to prove why their registration should not be cancelled under the Political Parties Act of 2000, Act 574. According to the EC, the listed 17 political parties, after a nationwide inspection by the commission, were found not to have offices at the national and regional levels as required by Section 15 (1) (Act 574). The UPP is among the 17 listed political parties by the EC not to have national and regional presence. Proposed visit Mr Odike told the Daily Graphic yesterday that currently his partys national office was being refurbished to make it attractive and receptive to visitors. As I speak to you now, I am at the partys national office in Accra, making sure that everything is in order as the party prepares to face off with the rest of the political parties in the next elections, he said. Meanwhile, a request by Mr Odike to engage a team from the Daily Graphic at the partys national headquarters in Accra was cancelled at his instance, saying that the national office was being put in order to meet the ECs requirement. As I speak with you now, the place is being renovated and a new signpost being erected to make the party more visible, he said. The law The Political Parties Act of 2000, Act 574, among others, states that: If a party refused, neglected or failed to establish or maintain a national office, or to establish or maintain a regional office in every region, the Commission may cancel the registration of that political party. The law also states: Every political party shall elect such persons as may be determined by the members of the party, as executive officers of the party. It stated further: The election of the national, regional and constituency executive officers of every political party shall be conducted under the supervision of the Commission. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and the Member of Parliament(MP) for Suame Constituency, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah- Bonsu says Ghanaians should not crucify President Akufo-Addo for comments he made concerning the bad nature of roads at Kwabre in the Ashanti region. He says the president might have been taken out of context by some section of Ghanaians. President Akufo-Addo in an interview with Kumasi based Otec FM said he is not threatened by calls for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be voted out of office in the 2024 election. He said such threats do not frighten him. His comment was in response to a question posed by host of the programme regarding what he made of threats by the people of Kwabre against the NPP in the 2024 election due to poor road infrastructure in the area. Reacting to the threats President Akufo-Addo replied, "no problem. I am saying people make those kinds of threats; me they dont frighten me. But speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he explained that the President in his answer to the questioned posed to him by the Journalist did not seek to disrespect residents of Kwabre or Ghanaians in general. According to him the President wanted to make it clear that he has a duty and owe it a duty to Ghanaians to provide for them basic infrastructure and that if they had bad road network, he the President will ensure that the problem is attended to. But some members of the Ghanaian public seem to take the President's response out of context and are cunningly trying to court some disaffection for him and the New Patriotic Party. "I will, however, plead with Ghanaians not to crucify the President for the misrepresentation of his answer by a section of the Ghanaian public, but rather consider the actual meaning of the answer provided." "The President and the New Patriotic Party for that matter cherish the concern and plight of Ghanaians in these economic hardships and that the President will do everything within his power to address these challenges," he added. Watch video below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A group calling itself the Conservative Action Movement (CAM) has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be circumspect in electing its new presidential candidate ahead of the 2024 election. The group which is mostly made of NPP youth activists across the county in a statement urged the party to respect the tradition in the Elephant family. We want to remind our party's rank and file that we are a conservative party and that our tradition must be respected. It is thus important for the party to follow the norm and format that has helped the party achieve political power in the upcoming Presidential Primaries. We shall be back portion of the statement signed by Ben Taylor reads Full statement As members of the Conservative Action Movement (CAM), which is made up of NPP youth activists from around the country, we are calling on our party base to uphold the party's existing tradition in electing its Presidential Candidate in the upcoming Presidential Primaries. Our party has weathered decades of turbulence because it is firmly rooted in preserving and riding on the back of our illustrious tradition. We have always demonstrated great courage and consistency in selecting our leaders, from the grassroots to the highest levels, and any attempt to break from the queuing theory will result in severe losses to our political fortunes. According to Dr Umesh Sharma (2021), when we refer to the queue theory, we must consider two important factors: arrival and service. This queuing theory is evident and pivotal in the political annals of the NPP, and thus when followed, will ensure our stay in power come 2024. Our recent tradition, which dates to 1992, has produced Albert Adu Boahen and President John Agyekum Kufuor, who placed third. President Kufuor won the Presidential Primaries before the 1996 general elections, becoming the party's flagbearer. He won again in 1998 to lead the party into the 2000 general elections, with President Nana Akufo Addo placing second. After a long wait, President Nana Akufo Addo was elected as the NPP's Presidential Candidate, with Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen placing second in the 2007 Presidential primaries. It should be recalled that it was during this period that President Nana Akufo Addo famously declared, "Alan, you will follow me." We want to remind our party's rank and file that we are a conservative party and that our tradition must be respected. It is thus important for the party to follow the norm and format that has helped the party achieve political power in the upcoming Presidential Primaries. We shall be back!!!! Convener, Ben Taylor Conservative Action Movement (CAM) 0260261864 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 Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Henry Kwabena Kokofu says President Nana Akufo-Addo made no error in his responses to an interview on a Kumasi-based radio station when he recently visited the Ashanti Region. The President, on OTEC FM, was asked to respond to concerns by some residents in Manso and Kwabre who are said to have pledged to vote against the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the next general elections if he fails to fix their road networks. The people of Kwabre and Manso, we know they voted massively for Nana, they have asked me to inform the President that if their roads are not fixed, they will be pained and in 2024, they will vote against the NPP, the journalist said. President Nana Addo replied; No problem, no problem. He continued: I am saying people make those kinds of threats, me, they dont frighten me. Somebody votes for you, somebody supports you, it is because they want you to do things for them, so I understand that. There is no need for people to say if I do not do it, this or that. That is your own problem. Of course, I will fulfil my promises. But if it so happens that you decide to vote for the NDC, that is your problem, that is not mine. Nobody will hold your hand to thumbprint for any candidate, the most important thing is that I understand the responsibility and we will deal with it, he stressed. The President has been beseiged with criticisms following his response with some people saying he has disrespected the people. But to the EPA Boss, no one should take offence to the President's statements. He explained that "the President meant you can voice your concerns. You can ask any questions at all" but "for you to use intimidation against him will not push him". He promised the people of the Ashanti Region that President will complete their developmental projects. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minister for Energy has admonished the people of the Ashanti Region not to forget that only the NPP government has brought progress and development to the region. According to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), no party, including the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is more committed to developing the Asante land than the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Speaking during the sod-cutting ceremony of the Suame Interchange as part of President Akufo-Addo's tour in the Ashanti Region, NAPO added that people from the region could only show appreciation to the NPP by being loyal to the party. The energy minister made these remarks on the back of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo being booed during his tour of the region. "John Mahama came here to insult us, but I did not hear journalists on the radio station speaking about it. Some even said they did not hear it. But as soon as Nana Addo makes a pronouncement, everybody starts berating him. "Let me tell you this, if you want a government that will develop the Ashanti Region, it is the NPP government. If Nana Addo had succeeded President Kufuor, Kumasi would now be called the Golden City. Because an NPP government did not succeed Kufuor, Ashanti became the borla (garbage) city. "Let us not be ungrateful. Ashantis never forget. Let us not be ungrateful because Ashanti remembers the good deeds done to it. Ashanti will continue to support the NPP by being loyal till the time Jesus comes. "I can say it confidently that anyone who will vote for the NDC does not want the progress of the Ashanti land. For six years now, there has been no shortage of food, and if we do not thank God and show appreciation to Nana Addo, then we are inviting curses on ourselves," the energy minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, said in Twi. Unlike the usual cheers and jamborees that meet the president in the New Patriotic Party's stronghold during any visit, President Akufo-Addo's convoy received hoots, boos, and jeers as it made its way through the Central Business District of Kumasi. As seen in videos shared via social media, some traders lined up along the stretch of the road booed away as the president and his convoy passed through the Adum Market to inspect the progress of work on the Kejetia/Central Market Project Phase II. The booing has largely been attributed to the current state of the Ghanaian economy and the general economic hardship in the country. 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 Mr Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, a Justice of the High Court, and a nominee to the Supreme Court has informed the Appointment Commitment of Parliament that he is no more a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). He said prior to his appointment as a High Court Judge, he tendered in his resignation letter on 16th September, 2020, to the Party's Elders, which was received and subsequently approved. Mr Justice Gaewu made this revelation on Wednesday in Accra at the sitting of the Appointment Commitment of Parliament to consider his nomination by the President as a Justice of the Supreme Court. The President in July this year nominated for appointment as Supreme Court Judges: Mr Justice Gaewu together with Mrs Justice Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu, Justice of the Court of Appeal; Mr Justice George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal; and Mr Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, A Justice of the Court of Appeal. Mr Samson Ahi, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bodi asked Mr Justice Gaewu if he was given the approval to become a Supreme Court Judge and it happens that the Chief Justice empanelled him in a case involving the NPP and the Nation Democratic Congress (NDC) he would recuse himself from that case? Mr Chairman, luckily, I am not a member of the NPP for now. I am no longer a member of the NPP. I have sworn a judicial oath to do right to all manner of persons. If I am empaneled and to the extent that it will conflict with my ideas, I may ask to be recused, he said. It would be recalled that prior to his appointment to the bench, Mr Justice Gaewu contested as NPP's Parliamentary Candidate for Ho Central in 2016 general election. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The 2023 edition of the PANAFEST/Emancipation Day Celebration slated for July 19 to August 1, 2023 has been launched in Accra. The Pan African Historical Theatre Festival Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Ghana Tourism Authority, launched the event on the theme: Re-Claiming the African Family: Confronting the past to face the challenges of the 21st century. Activities for the celebration include wreath laying ceremonies, Return Journey, Traditional Akwaaba ceremonies, bazaar and expo, colloquium, reverential night and emancipation vigil, exhibitions, performances, tours to significant sites, and would be finally climaxed with a grand durbar of chiefs and queen mothers at Assin Manso in the Central Region. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in a speech, said PANAFEST which was conceived and developed in Ghana was the longest consistently celebrated Pan African festival in the world. He said it had been in existence since 1992 and its forte was to use the powerful medium of the arts and intellectual interaction to speak the unspeakable, raise awareness, build bridges, and generate healing. Dr. Awal said PANAFEST originated as a state-led festival in 1992 and had become a powerful Ghanaian initiative of which Ghana could be justifiably proud of, and assured of the ministrys commitment to continue to collaborate with the Foundation and other actors involved in the initiative. Additionally, I expect that building up participation by different communities and that of the Ghanaian public in general will be taken up seriously. I also expect that participants will be able to have the experience of both iconic features and innovations to keep them coming back to the festival and to Ghana, he added. Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, Chairperson, PANAFEST Foundation, said PANAFEST 2023 rode on the many insights gained from 2021, however, over the last two years, several important trends appeared to mark the existence of African people across the world. She stated that the challenges of the 21st century must be confronted to make way for transformational opportunities. Prof. Sutherland-Addy called on the African family to take its fate into its own hands and point out the challenges to re-unite and illuminate new paths towards transformational unity. Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority, said the 2023 edition of PANAFEST would be exciting and different from the previous ones, which would show hope and unity among the African descent. He promised his outfits commitment to keep the relationship between the global African family and Ghanas role as the beacon of Pan-Africanism. PANAFEST is celebrated annually to mark the abolition of slavery in the British colonies in 1862, and its annual observance introduced in Ghana in 1992 under the leadership of late former President Jerry John Rawlings. 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 Actress, Beverly Afaglo Baah has called out some hospitals in Africa suggesting their negligence has caused several celebrity deaths. In an Instagram post on Friday, she indicated that it is about time society started to discuss the incompetence of some of these hospitals. Beverly was speaking in reaction to the recent death of her colleagues such as Ekow Blankson, Prince Yawson aka Waakye, and the most recent death of former Big Brother Naija star, Rico. The rate at which our celebrities are dying in hospitals is alarming. All these negligence and cruelty by our nurses must be discussed. All these can only happen in Africa where most of our health workers do not care about saving lives but just earning a living. Dear Hospital owner, when a celebrity dies in your hospital its not good for your brand, it makes your hospital inadequate and incompetent, she wrote. These nurses are busy recording the celebrities for content and gossip and others are busy on their phones on social media, following trending news or talking and chatting with their boyfriends instead of saving lives. We have lost too many celebrities this year too sudden. How do u feel when that celebrity dies and u know u could hv saved him/her? U live and die with that guilt, she added. She went on to make some suggestions to her concerns. I suggest our nurses drop their phones in lockers and on silent when they get to work and can only have them when they get a 30mins break during their shift. When videos of celebrities on hospital beds surface on the internet, every nurse in that ward must be arrested, investigated and the culprit dismissed and his/her license revoked. It is sad and humiliating to see our celebrities in such state so stop it, she indicated. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Three Ghanaian celebrities; Deloris Frimpong Manso, John Dumelo and Ebenezer Akwesi Antwi alias Dr Likee have been named brand ambassadors of Lemonade Finance, a cross-border payment solution that enables Africans in the diaspora to send money back home. The trio will be working closely with Lemonade Finance to promote the companys services and products amongst the Ghanaian diaspora. They will also be lending their voices to Lemonade Finances marketing campaigns and initiatives. The trio were announced as ambassadors on Friday, October 14, 2022, at a ceremony held at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra. On the choice of brand ambassadors, Precious Ama Kwartemaa Oduro, the Country Manager said, Our decision to work with them is based on the work they have put in over the years, earning them the trust and goodwill of Ghanaians. Were confident that their reach, voice and positive image will help us drive brand awareness with Ghanaians, everywhere. Ms Manso popularly known as Delay has in her over 14-year career on radio and as a TV presenter earned the trust of Ghanaians at home and abroad. For her, Lemonade Finance is a brand that helps diasporans to support and show love to their dependents back home. As part of her role, she intends to use her influence to help promote and show love to families back home. Actor and entrepreneur John Dumelo said he understood how the financial support of diasporans can be key to livelihood, education and small businesses in Ghana. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson has bemoaned the current economic crisis on Twitter. She called Prez Nana Addo a disappointment in his capacity as the president. The actress who headed the Dumsor demonstration against the past government has had a turnabout saying the NPP has failed the country. She tweeted, The country is bleeding. Its that bad! We cannot live this way! Are you able to sleep at night? People close to you arent telling you? You have failed every citizen! According to Yvonne Nelson, the president is heartless towards the Ghanaians plight. She detailed how her medication, which was sold for Ghc120, has shot up to Ghc273 and even Ghc300 at some retail stores. Mr President, @NAkufoAddo, this eye drop (Xalacom) was 120ghc. Its now 273ghc and even 300ghc in some pharmacies. I need to use this every evening. Without it, the pressure on my eye will go up and result in glaucoma, she continued. How many Ghanaians do you think can afford this? Are you still president? Are you still in this country? Do you hear people crying? Are you this heartless? No more campaigns ahead, so you are unbothered? You obviously feel nothing for Ghanaians. Such a disappointment. Other celebrities, including Prince David Osei and Sarkodie, who were once known to be sympathetic towards the government, have turned into fierce critics. Mr President, @NAkufoAddo , this eye drop ( xalacom) was 120ghc , its now 273ghc and even 300ghc in some pharmacies. I need to use this every evening, without it, the pressures on my eye will go up and will result in glaucoma. How many Ghanaians do you pic.twitter.com/RiVHTfokB2 (@yvonnenelsongh) October 16, 2022 Source: twitter/3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr. Aaron Goodarzi of the University of Calgarys Cumming School of Medicine is shown in a handout photo. A study suggests lower income and younger people may be more at risk of developing lung cancer long-term because they cant afford to remove radon gas from their homes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-University of Calgary **MANDATORY CREDIT** As part of more than 100 new pieces of legislation, on September 29, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1949. Effective January 1, 2023, AB 1949 adds section 12945.7 to the Government Code to require employers with more than five employees to provide eligible employees with five days of unpaid bereavement leave. AB 1949 Provides Five Days Unpaid Bereavement Leave for a Qualifying Family Member Existing law under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) requires employers to allow eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid protected leave for family care and medical leave. AB 1949 now additionally requires employers subject to the CFRA to allow eligible employees to take up to five days of bereavement leave upon the death of a family member. The bereavement leave may be unpaid, though employees may (but are not required to) use other paid time off including vacation, personal leave, accrued and available sick leave, and compensatory time off otherwise available. If the employer already has a policy allowing for fewer than five days of bereavement leave, it must increase the available amount to meet the required five days. Additionally, eligible employees must complete the leave within three months of the death, though the days of leave need not be consecutive. Employers may request documentation of the death of a family member, including a death certificate; a published obituary; or written verification of death, burial, or memorial services from a mortuary, funeral home, burial society, crematorium, religious institution, or governmental agency. If an employer requests documentation, the employee must provide it within 30 days of the first day of leave. The employer is required to keep the documentation confidential. To be eligible, employees must be employed for at least 30 days before the start of the leave. Qualifying family member deaths under section 12945.7 include that of a spouse or a child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, domestic partner, or parent-in-law. AB 1949 makes it an unlawful employment practice under CFRA to refuse to hire, or to discharge, demote, fine, suspend, expel, or discriminate against, an individual for taking a bereavement leave as set forth in the law, or to participate in proceedings or inquiries related to the employee or someone elses request/denial of a protected bereavement leave. In addition to the requirements imposed on employers, AB 1949 also amends section 12945.12 to require the California Civil Rights Department (formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing) to expand its small employer family leave mediation pilot program (applicable to those employers with five to 19 employees) to include mediation for violations of this new bereavement leave requirement. Takeaways for Employers Before 2023, employers with more than five employees should review and amend their leave policies to include the requisite bereavement leave. Experienced legal counsel can assist in creating new policies or drafting and implementing changes to existing policies. 2022 Perkins Coie LLP Juan Pardo Kicks Off EPT London with 10,200 Mystery Bounty Victory (80,280) October 20, 2022 Adam Lamers Contributor Juan Pardo has kicked off his PokerStars European Poker Tour London in style, after claiming victory in the 10,200 Mystery Bounty for 80,280. Pardo topped the 56-entry field after he defeated Henrik Hecklen in heads-up play on the very first hand. Pardo would end up accumulating a total payday of roughly 240,000 after picking up eight bounty prizes on the event's final day. Pardo entered the day with a top-ten chip count but never really cemented his place in the tournament until the bounty portion of the day began. It was announced that there would be two 50,000 bounties up for grabs as the top prize and Pardo laid his hands on the first one after an early knockout. "I've only played three or four mystery bounty tournaments before and I've never hit the top prize," Pardo said after his victory. Not only did Pardo pull one of the top prizes, he in fact drew both of them. Along with six other bounties, Pardo's treasure chest accumulated to roughly 160,000 when all was said and done. "It's crazy that I hit both of them and won around 240,000 when first place was around 80,000." It was a mind-blowing performance from Pardo that he even admitted was one of the craziest final tables that he's ever been a part of. "We played seven-handed for so long, the short stacks kept doubling and doubling. And then in 30 minutes, we were heads-up. I ran very good at the end." Pardo accounted for the final six eliminations of the day including Hecklen who managed to take home 17,500 in bounties along with the second-place prize of 52,640. 10,200 Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize (GBP) 1st Juan Pardo Spain 80,280 2nd Henrik Hecklen Denmark 52,640 3rd Erik Seidel United States 38,160 4th Bruno Volkmann Brazil 28,950 5th Jamil Wakil Canada 22,370 6th Pedro Garagnani Brazil 17,110 7th Rodrigo Sirichuk Brazil 13,160 8th Pablo Brito Silva Brazil 10,530 Two platinum passes up for grabs at EPT London 10,200 Mystery Bounty Final Day Recap Just 28 players returned to their seats for the opening of Day 2 and they were joined by 13 more entries before the registration period closed after Level 10. That still left two more levels for players to manoeuvre their stacks before the mystery bounty prize phase began. Juan Pardo second 50,000 Mystery Bounty After the first break, there were just 20 players remaining, and 280,000 would be distributed amongst them in bounties. In what turned out to be a dominant performance by Pardo, especially in the latter stages of the tournament, the Spaniard was able to walk away with eight bounties totalling around 160,000. There was no excitement on the money bubble as there was a double elimination that took place that brought the field down to just eight players. Paul Newey and Daewoong Song were eliminated simultaneously on separate tables which meant the final eight players would each be guaranteed a portion of the prize pool. On the very first hand of the final table, Pablo Brito Silva was eliminated in a three-way all in, earning him a min-cash for his efforts. That was the only thing that happened in rapid order as seven-handed play continued for over two hours. Double-up after double-up occurred, nearly 15 of them in total before Hecklen finally broke the silence when he ousted Rodrigo Sirichuk. That spurred on the eliminations as Pedro Garagnani and Jamil Wakil were both eliminated by Pardo in the same hand shortly after. Pardo continued to roll over the table by taking out Bruno Volkmann in fourth place and Erik Seidel in third place. Taking a slight chip lead into heads-up play with Hecklen, both players opted for a quick break. Henrik Hecklen Upon their return to the table, it only took one hand for the two players to get all of their chips in the middle. Pardo held a slight lead with the better kicker but the most probable option was going to be a chopped pot. However, Pardo managed to flop a flush, and Hecklen was left drawing dead, bringing an abrupt end to the tournament. Once the dust settled, Pardo headed over to the treasure chest of envelopes to claim the final six bounties. There was no surprise as Pardo knew he was getting all of the prizes left on the board, in addition to the 100,000 in bounties he already won earlier. All in all, Pardo took home nearly half of the total prize pool, a pretty impressive way to kick off the first EPT London in over seven years. Sharelines Pardo's final payday neared 240,000 as he picked up eight bounty prizes throughout the tournament. Ramiro Petrone Wins Second GGPoker Super MILLION$ Title October 20, 2022 Matthew Pitt Editor Ramiro Petrone captured his second GGPoker Super MILLON$ title exactly one year after bagging his first. Petrone's first Super MILLION$ win came with a $267,285 prize, this second victory came with a payout weighing in at $339,445. The Uruguayan denied Artur Martirosian what would have been a record sixth victory in GGPoker's weekly $10,300 high roller event. GGPoker Super MILLION$ Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Ramiro Petrone Uruguay $339,445 2 Artur Martirosian Mexico $266,153 3 Rodrigo Selouan Brazil $208,687 4 Serggey9591 Russia $163,628 5 Rayan "Beriuzy" Chamas Canada $128,298 6 Andras Nemeth Austria $100,596 7 Mark Radoja Mexico $78,876 8 Christian Rudolph Austria $61,845 9 David Coleman Canada $48,492 David Coleman's time at the final table was limited because he was the first player heading to the rail, around 40-minutes after the final table's action commenced. Petrone raised to 126,000 during the 30,000/60,000/7,500a level, and Coleman defended his big blind with a call. Coleman check-called a 90,000 bet on the deuce-trey-deuce flop, which showed two diamonds. The turn was the ten of diamonds, and Coleman check-called a 127,080 vet. The seven of diamonds river saw Coleman check then call off his 503,448 stack when Petrone set him all-in. Coleman showed eight-sox of diamonds, but Petrone had him beaten with his pocket kings, with the king of diamonds. GGPoker's $50M GTD Bounty Hunters Series is BIGGER and BETTER Than Ever Before Start of the day short stack Christian Rudolph was the next player heading out of the door. Rudolph raised to 360,000, leaving himself 2.5 big blinds behind, with king-queen before calling off his stack when Rodrigo Selouan three-bet with pocket jacks. The jacks held and suddenly the final table had lost two players over the course of a couple of hands. Seventh place and the final five-figure score of the evening went to Mark Radoja. The action folded to Andras Nemeth in the small blind and he open-shoved with what turned out to be ace-queen. Radoja called off his last nine big blinds with the inferior ace-trey and couldn't get there. Despite winning Radoja's stack, Nemeth was the next player finding himself spectating the Super MILLION$ final table instead of competing in it. Where ace-queen was good for Nemeth in his elimination of Radoja, it lost to the dominated ace-nine in Martirosian's hand courtesy of a mine on the flop. GGPoker To Sponsor 500,000-Guaranteed United Kingdom Poker Championships (UKPC) Rayan "Beriuzy" Chamas of Team GGPoker fame, saw his tournament end in a fifth-place finish worth $128,298. Chamas had managed to double through Martirosian then Petrone, but it was not a case of third time's a charm. Chamas got aggressive with ace-five of hearts, and ultimately found his 17 big blind stack into the middle against Martirosian's pocket queens. Chamas spiked an ace, but Martirosian flopped a set to bust Chamas and send his stack north of 12 million chips. Four-handed play ended when "Serggey9591" crashed out in unfortunate circumstances. Serggey9591 open-shoved fo ten big blinds from the small blind with king-four, and Petrone snap-called with pocket aces, which held to reduce the player count by one. Heads-up was set a short time later when Selouan bowed out in third. Selouan's ace-king was better than the queen-jack of Petrone preflop, on the ace-high flop, and on the king turn. However, a ten on the river gifted Petrone a Broadway straight and Selouan simply could not fold for a less-than-pot-sized bet. Martirosian had more than 11.2 million chips compared to the 5.4 million of Petrone. Petrone won the first couple of meaningful pots before a cooler hand ended the tournament. All the chips went into the middle on the trey-eight-eight-king-deuce board, Martirosian with eight-six and Petrone holding nine-eight. Martirosian busted in second place, leaving Petrone to bag his second Super MILLION$ champion. The third flight of the 1,100 UKIPT Main Event at the PokerStars European Poker Tour London in the Hilton Park Lane hotel has come to an end for the day after almost 14 and a half hours of play. The flight attracted the largest amount out of all of the flights as a whopping 703 entries entered. The field played down to 105 before the remaining players bagged up their chips to advance to Day 2. Those players will join the survivors from Days 1a, 1b and 1d to make for 218 total advancing to Day 2. Leading the way after Day 1c was Kayhan Mokri who bagged up 605,000. The Norwegian made a big splash back in August in the EPT Barcelona Main Event where he finished in sixth for over 330,000. Right after Mokri was Ludovic Geilich with 592,000, then a bit of a drop off before Julien Loire with 553,000 and Daniel Ghionoiu with 549,000 right behind him. Well-known UK player, Conor Beresford was able to finish with the fifth biggest stack of 531,000 after he had a strong last couple of levels to swell his stack heading into Day 2. Day 1c Top Ten Chip Counts Position Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Kayhan Mokri Norway 605,000 101 2 Ludovich Geilich United Kingdom 592,000 99 3 Julien Loire France 553,000 92 4 Daniel Ghionoiu Canada 549,000 92 5 Conor Beresford United Kingdom 531,000 89 6 Kevin Allen United Kingdom 477,000 80 7 Denas Pranaitis Lithuania 473,000 79 8 Gergo Szabo Hungary 454,000 76 9 Renee Xie United Kingdom 450,000 75 10 Ambrose Ng Canada 440,000 73 A few of the other players who moved on from the fray of the huge Day 1c field were Jack Hardcastle (163,000), Gianluca Speranza (142,000) and Aaron Duczak (138,000). . The money bubble was breached with 8:20 remaining in Level 17 as two players were knocked out on the same hand at different tables to bring the field down to its desired mark of 105. PokerNews will be back on the scene tomorrow for Day 2 at noon local time to cover all of the action. Julien Sitbon ended Day 2 of the 1,100 UKIPT Main Event as a huge chip leader having reeked havoc throughout the day here at the PokerStars European Poker Tour London at the Hilton Park Lane hotel. Sitbon started the day as a big stack having bagged 560,000 at the end of Day 1a but ends Day 2 with 6,940,000, more than double second place, as 28 players will return tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. local time for Day 3. The Frenchman has over $2,000,000 live tournament earnings and has already won two live tournaments this year including the 2,200 Freezeout at EPT Monte Carlo in May for over 80,000. Other big stacks include Mohamed Aissaoui (3,285,000), Jon Kyte (2,930,000) and Day 1b chip leader Vladas Tamasauskas (2,770,000). Day 2 Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Julien Sitbon France 6,940,000 174 2 Mohamed Aissaoui France 3,285,000 82 3 Jon Kyte Norway 2,930,000 73 4 Vladas Tamasauskas Lithunia 2,770,000 69 5 Jon Clark United Kingdom 2,445,000 61 6 Conor Beresford United Kingdom 2,265,000 57 7 Vincenzo Schiavottiello Italy 2,105,000 53 8 Guy Leathley United Kingdom 1,965,000 49 9 Olivier Arnault France 1,900,000 48 10 Igor D'Ursel Belgium 1,745,000 44 Other notables who bagged included Martin Jacobson (285,000), Walter Treccarichi (485,000), and Punnat Punsri (1,405,000). There were many big hands throughout the day including a day long battle between Kyte and Pedro Neves who were constantly battling out in three-bet pots. However, it was eventually Kyte who would have the last laugh as the Norwegian's pocket queens would crack Neves's pocket aces in a five-bet pot as Kyte would make a flush on the river to eliminate Neves. A key turning point for chip leader Sitbon was in one of the last levels of the day where his king-jack turned the nut-straight while his opponent Alexandros Dranovitsas turned two pair. All the money went in on the river which ensured Sitbon's stack built and Dranovitsas's elimination. The next level Sitbon continued to skyrocket as he eliminated Roberto Romanello followed by rivering a full house against Robin Scheidegger's trip aces in a huge pot, much to the Swiss's frustration. After that no other player count compare to Sitbon's mountain of chips. Play will resume at 12 p.m. local time as play will continue with 60-minute levels until a final table is reached. Blinds will start at 20,000/40,000 with a 40,000 big blind ante. Stay tuned to PokerNews for continued coverage until a winner is crowned with the trophy and the 232,300 first place prize. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Nicolle Wallace asked Harry Litman if Trump boasting about grabbing women by the privates could be used against him in the E. Jean Carroll defamation suit, and Litman said that the judge could rule it in. Video: Trump's grab them by the p-word tape could be used as evidence against him in the E. Jean Carroll defamation suit. pic.twitter.com/Hddlw0J8DY Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) October 19, 2022 MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace asked, Harry, if a jury hears this case, could you introduce into evidence his bragging about the act under scrutiny? I grab them in the you know what, when youre famous, they let you do it. Harry Litman answered: That will be a ruling for Judge Kaplan, no relation, thats in the trial if it goes forward. And by the way, its more likely to go forward now because theres this whole skirmish about does the White House represent him? But now that hes re-upped and said the same thing, they will sue again. Could you put that in? A judge would make that in a judges discretion, and this judge has lost patience with Trump when he ordered Trump to sit for this deposition today. He said youve delayed unconscionably, et cetera. I think theyll move for it, and think the odds are decent. Same thing with other kinds of assaults and accusations. It could be used to prove his intent here. So this if and when it goes to trial, very precarious. He would normally settle as his last recourse here, but she says I will never settle with him. This is it might be a year from now, but it is a very tight spot. Years after Trump wasnt punished by the 2016 electorate for being caught on tape bragging about sexually assaulting women, E. Jean Carroll may get to hit Trump in the only place that he cares about, his bank account. It would be a small form of justice if Carroll was able to enter Trumps comments as evidence in her defamation suit. Who knows how many women Trump sexually assaulted? E. Jean Carroll has fought Trump for years trying to get some form of justice and accountability, and finally, Trump may pay for his decades of mistreatment of women. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Analysis shows that early voting turnout is higher than an average midterm and is on pace for 2018 levels. ABC News reported: More than 2 million people have already voted in the 2022 general election, according to data analyzed by the University of Floridas U.S. Elections Project. The project, which compiles public data on early voting at ElectProject.org, had counted 2,030,730 early votes, of which 1,842,115 mail-in ballots have been returned, and 188,615 ballots have been cast in person thus far as of Oct. 17. There have been 14,892,186 total mail ballots requested. Its clear that we are above the 2018 midterm at the same point in time in states where we have comparable data to look at, McDonald told ABC News. A 2018-type level of turnout is bad news for Republicans since Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters are more likely to vote early and by mail than Republicans. Election night 2022 looks like it could be a lot like election nights in 2018 and 2020, as Democrats will build up big leads through mail and early voting and it will be up to Republicans to turn out enough same-day votes to win key races. Republicans in the Pennsylvania legislature still refuse to allow mail-in votes to be opened and counted before the polls close on election day, so expect a delayed count in a critical governor and U.S. Senate race. The numbers from the Elect Project show that women outnumber men 53%-45% in early votes cast and Democrats lead Republicans 52.6% to 37.8% which suggests that the damage Trump did to the Republican early voting machine is still lingering in 2022. It is unknown who these voters are casting their ballots for, but if history is any guide, Democrats should be encouraged by this level of early turnout. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print It is shocking that a plan that appears absurd on its face was so aggressively pushed throughout the nation, speaking, of course, of the alternate electors scheme. But, of course, nowhere more so than the close states that determined the election, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and of course, Georgia. This morning, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Marjorie Taylor-Greene and, to a less-extent, Ted Cruz descended upon then Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler in an effort to get her to join Trumps fake elector scheme. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: A month before the conservative firebrand was sworn into the U.S. House, Greene asked Loeffler to talk about a plan we are developing on how to vote on the electoral college votes on Jan 6th. I need a Senator! Greene wrote on Dec. 2, 2020, And I think this is a major help for you to win on the 5th!! Less than three weeks later, on Dec. 20, Greene invited Loeffler to a White House meeting the following day that she said she organized with Trump, his legal team and members of Congress who are going to challenge the electoral college votes for Joe Biden in several key states on January 6th. This is, of course, the heart of the alternate electors conspiracy, and it places Marjorie Taylor Greene front and center where she has been all along. It was just two nights ago that MTG claimed that her [ex] husband had proof that the election was stolen. We have also known for years that MTG was deeply involved early on in the scheme. This is a woman who hadnt even been sworn into Congress yet. Most presidents have not even heard of incoming freshman Congresspeople, and yet: Here's video of Marjorie Taylor Greene at the White House in late Dec 2020 saying she had a "great planning session for our January 6th objection. We aren't going to let this election be stolen by Joe Biden and the Democrats. President Trump won by a landslide." Expel Greene now. pic.twitter.com/oogwe20Z8K Scott Dworkin (@funder) January 28, 2021 The Journal-Constitution goes on to lay out emails showing the intense pressure put upon Loefller as the Senator from Georgia, including one from Ted Cruz. The entire article is worth a read to appreciate that we were that much closer to having the Senator from Georgia, one close friend of Brad Raffensperger (Secretary of state), join calls to throw out Georgia votes. Fittingly, those very accusations likely played a role in Loeffler losing in the runoff later in January. Also telling is that a Congresswoman-elect, one that had never served a day in Congress, was the point person in key states for the last shot at keeping Trump in the presidency. How odd! Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print From nearly the very beginning, Trump has relied upon the elite attorneys provided by the Justice Civil Litigation Department to defend him in the E. Jean Carroll case. (Garland must seriously consider contracting out to an elite firm with the government picking up the cost because otherwise, he would be in a position where DOJ is both defending Trump and prosecuting him.) Given that Trump was defended by DOJs lawyers and had elite representation that solidly premised his defense upon the fact that he made the statements about Carroll as part of his presidential duties. As president, he couldnt have open allegation of rape and had to address them. Therefore he had to have immunity. It was a powerful defense even if not necessarily a victorious one. Probably without a thought, Trump blasted that defense out of the water when he returned to Truth Social just over a week ago to trot out the fact that he never met E. Jean Carroll and that she wasnt his type anyway, the she is too ugly to rape defense. In so doing, Trump repeated the entire defamation outside the White House. Boom. As they might say, defense gone. From a good summary in the Seattle Times: Trump said that he had never met Carroll, that she was totally lying and that she was not his type. Particularly offensive because rape isnt about sex, its about power. There is no type. It is a Hoax and a lie, just like all the other Hoaxes that have been played on me for the past seven years, Trump wrote. And, while I am not supposed to say it, I will, Carrolls legal team responded: The latest statement from Donald Trump obviously does not merit a response, a spokesperson for Carrolls legal team said in a statement. Carrolls team will do their talking in court where they will blow up Trumps qualified immunity defense by saying even if Trump was protected by qualified immunity, he just repeated it outside the presidency. Should they amend their complaint or just acknowledge the defense is no longer available? A favorite legal analyst Barbara McQuade told MSNBC News that it could, on its own keep the lawsuit viable in case the judge truly considered the original protest as part of the presidential duties. Leave it to Trump. His obsessive need to be tough and look down on women as the powerful man may once again keep him in trouble and not only keep the case going as one outside the presidency but might now even add a second count to the original lawsuit. Conservative attorney George Conway summarized the situation well on Twitter: STABLE GENIUS ALERT So a woman accuses you of rape. You make a bunch of statements accusing her of lying. She sues you for defamation. Your defense (such as it is) was that you were POTUS when you made the statements so you can't be sued personally. 1/3 https://t.co/cu43DPfqDt George Conway (@gtconway3d) October 13, 2022 Charleston International's passenger growth has airport officials looking to accelerate plans to add more parking and more gates. The airport unveiled a 20-year plan Oct. 20 that calls for two new concourses, another parking garage, a new surface vehicle lot, more spaces for overnight aircraft parking and the redesign of International Boulevard. The more pressing needs are additional parking and more gates for the terminal that's expected to surpass 5 million passengers this year for the first time. The state's busiest airport is projected to have a deficit of up to 2,500 parking spaces by 2026 and as many as 6,200 by 2041, according to Hernan Pena, deputy director and chief operating officer. Based on an analyst's estimates, Pena recommended a larger multi-level parking deck to be constructed next to the recently completed 3,005-space, five-tier garage that opened two years ago. Before that can happen, the airport will have to construct a surface lot with as many as 2,000 spots between the FedEx cargo facility and the police department. It will replace the existing lot, where the new deck is planned. The terminal also will need nine more boarding gates over the next two decades. Airport officials plan to build 11. To handle expected passenger loads over the next five years, Pena called for a new "East Concourse" with five gates on the current site of an employee parking lot. The planned expansion also will create more curbside space for dropoffs and pickups, he said. The new concourse will be attached to the planned expansion of the airline ticketing stations. "Phase 1 has to be addressed in the next five years," Pena said. The second stage would add Concourse C with seven gates on the west side of the terminal. The expansion will result in Concourse B losing one gate. The second phase of construction also would expand restaurant space on the terminal's airfield side and reconfigure the airport loop road by tying it into Porsche Boulevard. The federal inspection station, used for international flights, also will be moved into the new Concourse C. When the first two phases are completed, the airport will have 7,000 new parking spaces. It currently has about 5,500, according to spokesman Spencer Pryor. The estimated costs of the proposed projects has not been determined, airport CEO Elliot Summey said. He also pointed out the process takes time to win approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and then design the structures, but he hopes he can fast-track the five-year plan. "I want to cut the ribbon on the new garage in 24 to 36 months," Summey said. "And I want to cut the ribbon on the East Concourse in 36 to 48 months." Shannon Vogt has noticed the spotlight in the Charleston theater scene less frequently shines down on women, minority and LGTBQ+ actors. That's not to say those groups aren't represented, just that Vogt wishes they were seen and heard from more. The 29-year-old Columbia College Chicago graduate of the theater program, who also attended the College of Charleston as a psychology undergraduate, is trying to give those people a platform with her newly founded nonprofit theater company. Named after the very thing she is seeking to fill, The Void Theatre Company is being marketed "for everyone," with an emphasis on artists across and beyond the binaries of gender and sexuality. It is also focused on reaching a younger audience. "We want to add to the theater collective that already exists," said Vogt. "We want to be another space that's welcoming and exciting and arriving as the undercurrent of arts is returning." There is artistic director Vogt, president Teresa Elj, technical director AP Hart and production manager Brianna Morgan. All are women or nonbinary locals. Vogt and Elj both left the sizzling, avant garde and in-your-face theater scene of Chicago during the pandemic to return to Charleston. Elj works at Footlight Players as a production manager, while Vogt daylights as a voice actor and moonlights as a Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm bartender. In Chicago, both were familiar with Steppenwolf, a theater company that focuses on new, groundbreaking productions that push boundaries and raise controversial questions. "People would come out crying or yelling," said Vogt, who bartended there. "I realized how important it was to really get people talking and feeling." Vogt and Elj are trying to push Charleston's own scene into something as innovative, experimental and forward-thinking as the city they just left. "Chicago pushed boundaries, and you will have people who dont like you and oh well, thats the whole point of art," said Elj. "To change opinions, create conversations and yes, sometimes make people hate you." That's why the three productions set for the 2023 season at Void are all new plays that hone in on issues, while also illuminating female, nonbinary and queer characters. "They all have relationships that center queer characters but don't focus on their traumas," said Vogt of the selected plays. First up is "Succulents: The Art of Adulting" by Leah Roth Barsanti, which has themes ranging from activism to co-dependency to substance use disorders. The substance use theme was particularly near and dear to Vogt, who has been in recovery for the last two years after going to rehab for alcohol and drugs. She wants to encourage conversation around the issue that often doesn't get talked about. The production is set for Feb. 3-5 at the Footlight Players' black box. The goal is for future productions to be hosted in more unusual spaces. Auditions were held this month, and Vogt and Elj were both excited about the turnout. "It felt really validating that so many people were interested, and the fact I hadn't seen most of these people before," said Vogt. Among the tryout talent was Delaney Faile, who couldn't be there in person. The theater performance and arts management major at the College of Charleston was actually rehearsing for another production, Footlight Players' "Rocky Horror Experience" set for Oct. 28-30, and couldn't make the casting call. Faile sent in a tape instead and described Void's mission as a breath of fresh air for the theater scene. "I'm excited that Void is not only producing more recent plays but plays that have characters that reflect the artists of the Charleston theater scene who often don't get to take center stage," said Faile. "It is rare I see Charleston shows that focus on queer relationships, outside of gay men, and on gender-nonconforming people, outside of shows about drag queens." Faile said many companies also select mostly male-centric stories, which automatically rules out the many women in theater who are eager to take the stage; that's clearly not the case with Void. "Their mission to showcase underrepresented voices makes me hopeful for the future of the Charleston theater community," said Faile. Vogt said many roles are cast untraditionally; a stereotypical husband-wife or father-son relationship might be turned on its head, she offered. She added that at some point Void may cast a cis man, but that's not the priority. "We want there to be more opportunities given to people who havent been able to tell their own story," added Elj. That includes for young local playwrights; Void hopes to work with some down the line. Void is also planning to pay all participants, something that doesn't always happen in the tight-budget theater world, as well as offer accessible ticket pricing to fulfill the mission of bringing in a younger audience. "We want to remove the barrier to access, for actors and patrons," said Vogt. Vogt said this leap of faith she's made has been scary but she's already felt overwhelming fulfillment by how many people have voiced support, especially the actors in auditions who were thankful for a platform. She's also in the midst of a fundraising campaign, and hopes more people and organizations in the Charleston area will identify with her mission and help make it a reality. It's already well along in the process of becoming one. WEST COLUMBIA Investors plan to redevelop three West Columbia blocks into a creative and entrepreneurial complex. JAMS + STARK development company announced Colite City, a "makers" community to be located between Jarvis Klapman and Meeting Street, near Wentworth Printing, the West Columbia library and the retail area known as Triangle City, as part of Columbia's annual Growth Summit entrepreneurial conference. "I study cities and I've traveled to cities and I've watched cities grow," said Alex English, the retired NBA and University of South Carolina basketball star turned director of business development for JAMS +Stark. "Charlotte, Nashville, Austin those cities were like Columbia. And what they did was, they brought business, they made it so that young people would stay and they would keep those young minds. But you got to have a reason, you got to have a place for young people to grow. And Colite City is going to be one of those places that keeps young people here." "It's Columbia's time right now," English added. The first 150,000-square-foot phase will have event space, as well as designer and studio spaces, a technology hub and a tap room and food hall, said Director of Development Wade Caughman. The project is inspired by similar developments in other cities, like Camp North End in Charlotte and Industry City in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. "You've got the blacksmith, the taco truck and the technology company all in one location," Caughman said. It might not make sense to the average person, Caughman said, but he said this style of development has proven beneficial to companies in the past. "People will be collaborating together," Caughman said. "That's what makes us different all these smart people, all these creators, all these innovators, all these entrepreneurs in one location." And like those developments in Charlotte and New York, Colite City will be redeveloped on a former industrial site. Developers will renovate the former Colonial-Hites Company manufacturing plant. The company previously manufactured signs for businesses all over the globe. The historic building still has many of its original features, including windows, doors, and signage. Initial tenants could range from a candle maker or a graphic designer to a tech startup or a tattoo artist. Both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces will be available for impromptu meetings, along with a rooftop area. Savannah College of Art and Design is collaborating on the design. Plans include adding a housing component to the complex in the future to further widen the property's mix. "This gives a kind of a 'New Urbanism' lifestyle, where you can truly spend a day living, working and playing. It's a place to come and collaborate with other like-minded people," Caughman said. Companies and entrepreneurs will be able to choose from smaller spaces, ranging from 350 to 1,000 square feet, or have a larger space built out to their specifications. Caughman said Colite City is less of an incubator but also will serve expanding companies. "We want to help the companies and creators and innovators grow to the point we hope they end up on eight floors of a new high rise on Main Street," he said. JAMS + STARK plans to start construction at the beginning of 2023 with hopes of housing the first tenants in October. Some previous developments by JAMS + STARK in the Columbia area include the NOMA Flats apartment complex on Columbia's north Main Street, FLOW townhomes on Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia, City Club townhomes in the Vista, and redevelopment of the building that houses Motor Supply Co. Bistro in the Vista. The location is just three miles from Columbia's Main Street while also benefiting from the trendiness of West Columbia, which Columbia Chamber of Commerce President Carl Blackstone said plays into the area's strengths. "There is a huge number of small companies located throughout the Midlands that are looking for a home and I think West Columbia offers an attractive product," he said. Blackstone also said he thinks the metro area has enough financial wherewithal to support a multitude of city districts, from Main Street to BullStreet, Five Points to the Vista, North Main to West Columbia's River District, and now Colite City. "The more we can build up this culture the better we'll be long term," Blackstone said. "Not a lot of headquarters are moving here, so we need to embrace and invest in local companies as much as we can." COLUMBIA The Boeing Co. is donating $1.5 million to support research conducted by the University of South Carolina's Center for Civil Rights History and Research. The fund, named in honor of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and his late wife Emily, will support the work of the center's executive director and historian, Bobby Donaldson, making his position an endowed chair at the university. At Boeing, we have a profound respect for Congressman James Clyburn and Emily Clyburns civil rights activism and leadership, said a statement from Ziad Ojakli, executive vice president of Government Operations at Boeing. Boeing has a manufacturing campus in North Charleston where it builds Dreamliner aircraft. The Center for Civil Rights was founded at the state's largest university in 2015 with the goal of recording the contributions of South Carolinians upon the larger, national civil rights movement. The auditorium of the former Booker T. Washington High School, which educated Black students in Columbia from 1916 until 1974, houses the center. "This investment enables us to take the center to higher heights as we advance our teaching, research and outreach mission," Donaldson said. In accepting his appointment to the chair, Donaldson talked about his earlier years as a USC professor living in an apartment at Preston Residential College a Black man living in a building named after a former leader of the university who was a supporter of slavery. In that building, he conducted interviews of Black community leaders around Columbia, including Betty Corbin, who had lived in the predominantly Black Ward One neighborhood and watched her community be bulldozed to make way for the university's expansion. As she was leaving, she made her way to a row of rocking chairs on the porch and sat down. She told Donaldson how she had passed by those chairs each day on her walk to school, careful not to take a shortcut through campus, where she was not allowed because of her race. She had long wondered what it would be like to lounge in one of those chairs the way she saw USC students doing so many years before. "She looked at me and said, 'Now I know,' " Donaldson said. "That is why this gift, that is why this chair, that is why the work of the Civil Rights Center is so important. Our job is not only to uncover and to document the tremendous history that you see in this building. But it's also to do exactly what happened that afternoon on the porch." The telling of Black South Carolinians' stories also is why Clyburn has supported the center. "All of these people, the contributions they made, it was just not talked about and I just thought something needed to be done about that," Clyburn said. The same year the center was formed, Clyburn, the third-ranking Democrat in Congress, donated his congressional papers to the institution. Clyburn attended law school at USC and his wife earned her masters degree from the college. I am truly humbled by Boeings gift in honor of the contributions Emily and I have made to civic engagement, Clyburn said in a statement. This center serves as the premier repository of our civil rights history in South Carolina and will be a significant conduit by which future generations will learn lessons that hopefully help ensure we dont repeat our past mistakes." The gift by the airplane maker joins another $1.5 million donation made to the center earlier in 2022 by Williams Co., an Oklahoma-based national gas firm with pipeline operations in South Carolina. This is not Boeing's first donation to the state's flagship university. In 2021, Boeing provided a $225,000 grant to support the universitys Veterans Legal Clinic and to expand the clinics free services to low-income veterans living in South Carolina. It then gave $125,000 more to the clinic in 2022. Boeing has been a valued and committed partner of our university for more than a decade, supporting academic programs, research innovation and community service, University President Michael Amiridis said. It also marks a series of donations by Boeing to nonprofits with missions related to equity and social justice. In 2020, the company gave $1.5 million to Allen University, a historically black university in Columbia, to help forward plans for a civil debate institute and memorial to the nine victims gunned down following a Bible study at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston in 2015 by an avowed white supremacist. Boeing is also giving $2 million to the International African American Museum being built in downtown Charleston. The company has committed to $10.6 million in total donations nationwide. GREENVILLE Madewell, the younger women's clothing brand under the J. Crew Group umbrella, will open its second South Carolina location in downtown Greenville early next year. The store will be at 125 N. Main St. between the honey seller Savannah Bee Company and cosmetics store Bluemercury. Both BAAR Health Advisors and the Ledford Billiard Supply also have spaces at 125 N. Main. The U.S. has over 150 locations of Madewell. The only other spot in the Palmetto State is on King Street in Charleston. The clothing brand expects to move into the space in late January 2023 and employ roughly 15 to 20 people. This location will sell women's clothes only. Madewell joins the growing reenergized landscape of North Main Street where previously vacated spaces dotted the area but have since been filled. Two doors down from Madewell, Hudson Blake Lifestyle and Home opened at 119 N. Main St. The womens clothing and decor store is the sister-brand to Dress Up, a Southeast-based clothing boutique with an existing presence on North Main Street near One City Plaza. The Daufuskie Island-originated brand Spartina 449 opened a handbag and apparel shop at 16 N. Main St., next door to the soon-to-open French restaurant Scoundrel. Rocket Fizz, a soda pop and candy franchise, opened its doors at 118 N. Main St. It sells over 500 flavors of sodas, nostalgic candies and knick-knacks. The Town of Summerville is primed and ready to ring in a holly, jolly holiday season with their Christmas tree lighting showcase at Hutchinson Square, scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. Read moreSummerville Tree Lighting slated for Nov 29 Guo Qiang, director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Anhui committee and delegate to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, speaks during a press conference in Beijing, Oct 18, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] East China's Anhui province has benefited the most from the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta Region, according to the spokesman of the Anhui delegation to the ongoing 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Guo Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of Anhui Provincial Party Committee, who is also director of the Publicity Department of the provincial committee and delegate to the congress, made the remarks during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday night. For a long time, the delta region referred merely to Shanghai city and Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, said Guo. In the past decade, Anhui has been officially included in the national strategy for the region's integrated development, thanks to the cares and pushes from Xi Jinping, said Guo. Guo pointed out that the province's GDP last year reached 4.3 trillion yuan ($596.84 billion). Over the decade, Anhui has made breakthroughs from an agricultural region or an inland hinterland to build itself into an influential cradle of science and technology innovation, a hub of emerging industries, a highland of reform and opening-up, according to Guo. The Chinese Government Transparency Index Report (2021) released by an institute affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in June shows Anhui ranked the third among provincial-level administrative regions, second only to Beijing and Shanghai. Guo said science and technology innovation is a major strength that Anhui can significantly contribute to the integrated development of the delta region, as the province has achieved many science and technology innovation breakthroughs in the past decade. Besides, Anhui got the approval of the central authorities in 2017 to build the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, one of four such centers in the country. With three grown children out of the nest and building their own lives, a widowed Eva Samuel suddenly found herself alone. But still with so much love to share, her nurturing instincts told the native Summervillian that her days of mothering were far from over. Read moreFoster mom opens her heart to needy youth FLORENCE A Japanese company that will supply electric vehicle battery components to BMW's Spartanburg County manufacturing facility plans to open a $2 billion plant in Florence County that could employ as many as 1,300 workers, The Post and Courier has learned. Envision AESC's plant making electric vehicle battery cells would help change the economic profile of the state's 13th-largest county, which is quickly moving away from its farming roots to now landing manufacturing plants and distribution centers. The battery plant would be one of the Pee Dee region's largest-ever industrial projects. Florence is attractive to businesses because it sits at the intersection of two major interstates: 20 and 95. Envision announced Oct. 19 that it would build a plant somewhere in South Carolina to supply BMW's Upstate plant with lithium-ion battery cells for future electric vehicles. The cells are expected to boost the range of BMWs electric models produced in Spartanburg County by 30 percent by 2030, Envision said in a statement. An Envision spokeswoman said the company will "announce further details shortly" and had no further comment. A BMW spokesman said he did not know where the plant was going. The S.C. Department of Commerce said it does not comment on development projects. Florence County officials declined comment. While the outline of the deal was confirmed by two sources with direct knowledge, some key details that remain unclear include the plant's location and projected opening date. Envision operates a battery cell plant in Tennessee and is building another in Kentucky. A legislative panel that reviews large expenditures appeared to have approved economic incentives for Envision, which was co-founded by Japanese automaker Nissan. An economic-development prospect code-named "Project Samurai" that makes automobile components received up to $205 million in incentives that were approved Oct. 18 by S.C. Joint Bond Review Committee. As part of the incentives, "Project Samurai" is being offered $70 million for roadwork and utility improvements and to build a worker training center. The name of the company tied to "Project Samurai" was not disclosed by the state committee, but two sources confirmed it was Envision. The Envision facility would be about 185 miles east of the BMW plant. The battery component maker is part of a massive push to win electric vehicle business in South Carolina. In 2021, the Palmetto State had about $800 million in investment and about 800 jobs connected to building and supporting electric vehicles, according to the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. The businesses include Greenville electric bus manufacturer Proterra. That was before BMW announced $1.7 billion in investment at its plant near Greer. About $1 billion will be spent to renovate the existing plant to produce electric vehicles with another $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery assembly facility in Woodruff, about 15 miles from the BMW campus. The new 1-million-square-foot facility will create 300 jobs. The entire BMW plant employs 11,000 workers. The Spartanburg County plant already produces two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the X3 xDrive30e and X5 xDrive45e, along with their batteries. Production will begin on another electric hybrid model, called BMW XM, in December. By 2030, BMW plans to build at least six fully electric models in South Carolina. Cells like the ones Envision produces are the individual power storage units assembled together inside an electric vehicle's battery. An EV will have dozens or even hundreds of cells to store and supply the large amount of power it needs to run. Stephanie Mirah contributed from Greenville. Seanna Adcox, Mike Fitts and Jessica Holdman contributed from Columbia. John McDermott and David Wren contributed from Charleston. Discussion about the Union Pier redevelopment plan has largely focused on the buildings and such to be constructed on the 40 acres of high ground and ideas such as smaller lots sizes and buildings that reflect the granular and diverse character of the city. Read moreCommentary: What are unique challenges, opportunities at Union Pier? CBS Minnesota anchor/reporter turned to the University of Minnesota Humphrey Schools Lawrence Jacobs to assess the Republican Attorneys General Association ad that she subjected to examination earlier this week. A video of the 30-second ad is posted at Fire AG Ellison. I originally noted RAGAs production of the ad and million-dollar commitment to airing it in Minnesota last month in my comments on Trafalgars Minnesota poll. I believe it is partly based on my 2018 Weekly Standard column Can Keith Ellison turn lawman. I sent my column to RAGA executive director Pete Bisbee after speaking with him last month. I reviewed Murphys purported fact-check in Dear Esme Murphy: Fact-check this.. (I also took up the purported fact-check of the same ad by FOX 9s Theo Keith.) Murphy herself didnt assess the factual allegations of the ad. She turned to Professor Jacobs. Jacobs declares in an edited clip: The claims are explosive, intended to push the undecided voters against Keith Ellison. Some of them are outright wrong. I wrote Professor Jacobs: Dear Professor Jacobs: I sent the Republican [Attorneys General] Association some of my work on Ellison. I only caught a few seconds of [the RAGA ad], but I did see Esme Murphys segment on it. I believe that the ad is based in part on my work. Would you please advise what fact(s) asserted in the ad you believe to be in error? I would like to follow up if appropriate. Thank you for your courtesies. Best regards, Scott Johnson Professor Jacobs responded late the following morning in a message I included in an update: Dear Scott, Thank you for your note. The crux of the story is on the funding source for the Ellison ad and the use of a shell for the GOP AG arm. Fair game. Whether a Democratic or GOP funder, voters should know who is behind campaign ads. Take care, Larry I take it that the ad didnt get a single fact wrong and that Esme Murphy/CBS Minnesota deceived viewers into believing otherwise via the clip of Jacobs in the video. Miranda Devines New York Post column revisits the 51 intelligence officers whose letter bore all the earmarks of a dirty political intelligence operation taking advantage of their former offices. Let us not forget that Politico acted the media arm of the operation. Devines column Its been two years since 51 intelligence agents interfered with an election they still wont apologize confines itself to the Dirty 51. Having seen Bret Baiers segment (video posted here on YouTube) with signatory David Priess, I particularly appreciated this: Yes, that letter from the Dirty 51 had all the classic earmarks of a disinformation operation alright one designed to ensure Joe Biden won the presidency. And it was essentially a CIA operation, considering 43 of the 51 signatories were former CIA. In the two years since, not one of them has admitted they are wrong. David Priess at least gets marks for subjecting himself to a cross examination on Fox News one recent afternoon. He tried to defend the letter by saying people were too stupid to understand it. The letter was still true because it did not use the words Russian disinformation, but concocted the weasel phrase earmarks of a Russian information operation. He knows perfectly well that Biden and the media drew no distinction, that the letter he signed was used to censor and deride The Posts accurate story and deny the American people the truth about one of the two candidates for president. Its not my fault if people dont look up definitions, Priess said, smirking. Those words are still true. It has all the classic earmarks, he said. He has all the classic earmarks of a psychopath. Not saying he is but just look at him. Nudge nudge, wink wink. Nigerian stocks Thursday took a breather from a string of depreciations leading up to the biggest three-day slide of the year to date, with the benchmark index moving 0.03 per cent up as the size of trade fell 28 per cent and turnover by 13 per cent compared to the previous session. Unusually high sales of the shares of Airtel Africa, Nigerias biggest company by market value, has had sweeping reverberations across the market for days, causing the bourses market capitalisation to shed about N1.8 trillion Monday through Wednesday. There was news around them acquiring some spectrum in some African countries, the market is not excited about it, Reuters quoted an equity trader as saying that of the telecoms operator, further saying profit-taking had triggered the trend. A halt to the free fall on Thursday was a relief, even though an inconsiderable one, to the main equity index, which on 27 May touched its peak point in almost fourteen years but now lies at its lowest since the second week of January. The flattish trade meant market breadth, an indicator of investors sentiment towards trade, closed neutral as gainers and laggards numbered 17 apiece. The all-share index grew 14.1 basis points to 44,332.2, while market capitalisation marginally climbed to N24.1 trillion. Currently, stocks have returned 3.9 per cent this year, roughly eight times lower than the high recorded on 27 May. TOP FIVE GAINERS CWG appreciated by 9.6 per cent to close at N0.80. UPDC enlarged by 8.9 per cent to end trade at N3.05. Japaul Gold rose to N0.28, notching up 7.7 per cent in the process. WAPIC went up by 5.9 per cent to N0.36. Dangote Sugar completed the top 5, climbing by 3.92 per cent to N15.9. TOP FIVE LOSERS Beta Glass led losers, declining by 9.98 per cent to close at N41.50. Aluminium Extrusion shed 9.7 per cent to end trade at N6.50. Mutual Benefits fell to N0.28, losing 9.68 per cent. RT Briscoe slumped to N0.28, recording 9.68 per cent depreciation. Regal Insurance closed at N0.24, going down by 7.7 per cent. TOP FIVE TRADES In all, 119.2 million shares estimated at N3.2 billion were traded in 2,909 deals. CWG was the most active stock with 39.4 million of its shares worth N149 million traded in 257 deals. GTCOs shares of 8.3 million units, priced at N154 million, exchanged hands in 331 transactions. Japaul Gold had 6.8 million shares valued at N1.9 million traded in 26 deals. Jaiz traded 4.4 million shares estimated at N3.9 million in 45 transactions. Access Holdings traded 4.4 million shares valued at N35.4 million in 126 deals. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Google Arts & Culture on Thursday announced a partnership with The Adunni Olorisha Trust and CyArk to launch the first and most extensive digital library of content showcasing the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove. Located on the forested banks of the Osun river in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Google Arts & Cultures mission is to preserve and promote the worlds art and culture online, allowing anyone, anywhere in the world, to share in it. The purpose of the Susanne Wenger Adunni Olorisha Trust is to preserve and promote the Sacred Groves of Osogbo and the New Sacred Art, Nigerias most important cultural site, celebrating the heritage and contemporary art. CyArk, on the other hand, is a nonprofit in Oakland, California, United States, whose mission is to digitally record, archive and share the worlds most significant cultural heritage and ensure that these places continue to inspire wonder and curiosity for decades to come. The launch marks the digital preservation of one of Nigerias last remaining sacred groves and is part of Google Arts and Cultures wider Heritage on the Edge project. The project seeks to support site managers in digitally documenting heritage sites at risk due to climate change, using the imagery captured to support community maintenance and conservation further. Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove project Highlights include a 75ha Street View of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, including the Busanyin Shrine before it was affected by the flood and 3D models of four of the sites dynamic shrines. The collection allows people to view 900 high-resolution photographs of the site, contemporary and historical artworks and sculptures, artists and spiritual leaders. It also tells 28 stories about art, community and spirituality at the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove and the effect of climate change at the site. It includes three audio interviews, including one with famous artist Jimoh Buraimoh about Susanne Wenger. The project also allows visitors to watch 27 video interviews and see aerial views and 3D views of the site, while annotated 3D tours of the Busanyin and Iya Moopo shrines showcase the legacy of art and spirituality at the sacred grove. Remarks Chance Coughenour, Program Manager and Digital Archaeologist, Google Arts & Culture, said, through partnerships, one of the most recognised, culturally rich Yoruba heritage sites, known for active traditional worship and contemporary art movements, can now be preserved. Through state-of-the-art technologies, site managers will be able to monitor and mitigate the effects of the changing climate and more broadly provide resources to support growing the capacity for the preservation of heritage sites, added Mr Coughenour. The Grove is several centuries old and among the last sacred groves of their kind, which joined the edges of most Yoruba cities before the mass shift from rural to urban areas. On the site, Yoruba deities are embodied in shapely, sculpted shrines where creativity and spirituality come to life. The Grove has been in danger of destruction due to flooding, heavy rain and climate change. The Busanyin Shrine was damaged in floods shortly after being digitally captured. The Yoruba community is one of the largest in Nigeria. The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove is truly a unique and special place that embodies the essence of the Yoruba culture and heritage. We are excited about the digital preservation of the site and the partnership with Google Arts & Culture. It offers an amazing body of work that portrays the admirable culture of the Yoruba people to the world, says Olufemi A. Akinsanya Akinsanya, Chair, Save Our Art! Save Our Heritage! Campaign. Kacey Hadick, Director of Programs and Development, CyArk, said the work in Osogbo has been a true collaboration between Nigerian government officials, local NGOs, the community of Osogbo, and Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II. READ ALSO: He said all the parties are working together to share the stories of Osogbo with a broader audience. Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed thanked Google Arts and Culture and its partner for digitising the Osun Osogbo shrine and its surroundings, thus protecting them for posterity. I said during the visit to the Grove in 2019 that it was important to refocus national and global attention on this world heritage site. I am glad we achieved our purpose, as can be attested to by this project digitising the shrine and its surroundings. I wish to commend all the partners for this monumental work most sincerely, the minister said. Through past projects like Taste of Nigeria and Eko for Show, Google Arts and Culture says it has helped people worldwide experience Nigerias heritage and history. The launch of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove project allows new audiences locally and internationally an opportunity to experience its past, present and future, reinforcing Googles commitment to preserving Nigerias cultural heritage. Google Arts & Culture is accessible to everyone on the web or via the Arts & Culture App on iOS and Android. Google Arts & Culture is a new way to experience art, history, culture, and world wonders from over 1000 organisations worldwide. The Osun Osogbo, Sacred Grove project can be explored via goo.gle/osun-osogbo Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has again rejected the continuous use of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for the payment of university lecturers entitlements. The government had, in granting concessions to ASUU, said it would work with the union to modify IPPIS to recognise the peculiarities of universities and the features of the lecturers preferred platform of payment the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS). At a meeting brokered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Okolieaboh Sylva, said the adoption of more than one payment platform by the government will lead to additional costs, which the government cannot afford to take on. But speaking during PREMIUM TIMES Weekly Twitter Spaces on Wednesday, ASUUs Vice President, Chris Piwuna, said the union never accepted IPPIS or its modified version. He said the unions stance remains a guarantee of the autonomy of universities. He said the payment of university workers salaries from the Office of the Head of Service is meddling in the affairs of the universities. We are not accepting that IPPIS is in any shape or form. ASUU will never accept IPPIS on our campuses, he said. Autonomy of Nigerian university is our problem, not the peculiarities in IPPISThe Office of the Head of Service of the Federation has taken over the work of the university governing councils and vice-chancellors. We are asking that they take their hands off the universities. Court case continues Mr Piwuna also said the lecturers union would continue to pursue its case with the Nigerian government at the industrial court. He said even though the union obeyed the court to suspend the strike, it would continue to pursue the case. The government cannot bully labour unions to silence, he said. Our lawyers will continue to argue our case in court and we believe that the continuation of the case in court is very important for the labour movement in this country, he said. And in the response of our lawyers, they had to raise issues of agreement that have not been kept and all of that. We are interested in the court case, we are hoping that the judges will listen and they are watching the government and they can say ASUU is nothing other than a respectable union that has respect for the court, Mr Piwuna added. Speaking on the salary increment proposed by the government, Mr Piwuna said ASUU has an agreement with the federal government as contained in the negotiated agreement with the Nimi Briggs committee. Following the submission of the Briggs committees draft, the government proposed a 23.5 per cent salary increase for all university workers and 35 per cent for professors. But ASUU rejected it saying it was different from the contents of the Briggs committees agreement. We rejected a unilateral award of the new award of salary structure for our union because we have an understanding with the committee. The Agreement with Briggs committee was based on a collective bargaining agreement, said the ASUU vice president. He said ASUU believes that the Briggs committee represented the executive arm of government throughout the period of the negotiation, as it was set up by the government. He said: Government has not come out to tell us they disagree with Nimi Briggs recommendationsIf they had given the offer to the Briggs committee and we negotiated, that would have been collective bargaining. Optimistic about salaries Meanwhile, the official expressed optimism that the lecturers eight months salaries would be paid. The government had insisted it would apply the No work, No Pay rule throughout the period of strike by the university lecturers. But Mr Piwuna said that the Speaker of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to pay the unions withheld salaries, but the union is yet to hear from the president. He said the president was reluctant to grant the appeal because the president believes the union should not have embarked on the strike Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An Interpol-led operation involving 14 countries across the world netted 75 individuals believed to be linked to a Nigerian cybercriminal group that stole millions from its victims, according to a statement released Friday. Police spotted the lavish lifestyles and greed of many of the suspects and carried out 49 searches, seizing, among other, 12,000 SIM cards during the execution of Operation Jackal, which took place from September 26 to September 30. Officers also seized various luxury assets, including a residential property, three cars and tens of thousands in cash. The coordinated operation targeted Black Axe cells one of Nigerias mightiest criminal groups as well as others from West Africa. Apart from the 75 people arrested, police intercepted 1.2 million euro in several bank accounts. In South Africa, police arrested two suspects who had swindled at least US$1.8 million from victims through online scams. Three alleged members of this cyber fraud ring were also arrested in Italy. Black Axe and similar groups are allegedly behind the majority of the worlds cyber-enabled financial fraud as well as many other serious crimes, according to Interpols Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Center. Authorities say the group is becoming a major security threat worldwide. The immense quantity of assets seized during the operation also provided new investigative leads into organized crime groups involved in financial cyber fraud. Illicit financial funds are the lifeblood of transnational organized crime, and we have witnessed how groups like Black Axe will channel money gained from online financial scams into other crime areas, such as drugs and human trafficking, said Stephen Kavanagh, Interpols executive director of police services. According to the United Nations, up to $2 trillion in illicit funds are laundered through the global financial system every year, and it is estimated that less than 1% of these funds are intercepted and recovered. People are more likely to fall victim to fraud or cyber offenses above any other crime. Online fraudsters are not worried if their victims are going to lose their life savings. Thousands usually lose their money in various scams executed by using email, romance apps, buying and selling, and investments. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Less than two months after she assumed office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss has resigned from office. Ms Truss announced her resignation on Thursday during a press briefing outside Downing Street More than a dozen parliamentarians from her Conservative Party had called for her resignation amidst nationwide economic challenges. At least two members of her cabinet have also had to resign from office. Ms Truss said she was resigning because she could not deliver the mandate she was elected for. She noted she had notified the British monarch, who is the head of state, of her resignation as Tory leader. There will be an election to choose a new prime minister in the coming week, Ms Truss said. She will remain in the position until then. Her resignation comes after she met the chairperson of the 1922 Committee of backbench as calls for her resignation intensified. Ms Trusss government came under pressure and doubt when her former chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced the mini-budget which threw the country into financial turmoil. On Wednesday, the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, announced her resignation saying she sent official documents from her personal email. Ms Truss becomes the shortest-serving prime minister with 45 days in office. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has been dropped from the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Also dropped are a former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, and that of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, as well as Kassim Afegbua, a former commissioner for information in Edo State. Their names were conspicuously missing from the reviewed PCC list released by the National Secretary of the APC, Iyiola Omisore, late Wednesday. The initial list released in September by the PCC Secretary, James Faleke, had their names as members of the council in different categories. The council was constituted to coordinate the campaign of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, for the 25 February election. Governors, NWC protest PREMIUM TIMES had exclusively reported how governors under the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) threatened to sabotage the campaign over the old list, which they claimed ignored their nominated persons. Also, there was a letter that allegedly emanated from the office of the National Chairman of the Party, Abdullahi Adamu, rejecting the composition of the PCC. However, the party disowned the letter. The Chairman of the PGF, Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, and the Director General of the PCC, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, had reportedly worked on the list to factor in the interest of some senior members of the party. As a result, the inauguration of the PCC and the flag-off of the campaign were suspended. Two weeks ago, the governors met with the NWC members to resolve the matter. Aregbesola, Nnamani, Kalu excluded In the old list, Mr Aregbesola and some former governors were listed under local government mobilisation. The former governor of Osun State, and a known political ally of Mr Tinubu, recently had a frosty relationship with the APC presidential candidate over the last Osun State governorship election. The minister had opposed the second-term ambition of his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, a relation of Mr Tinubu. In the course of the tussle, Mr Aregbesola had in a video made some unsavoury remarks against Mr Tinubu, whom he served under as works commissioner from 1999 to 2007 when he (Tinubu) was Lagos governor. In the viral video, the minister was seen castigated Mr Tinubu over the political situation in Osun. We exalted him (Tinubu) beyond his status and he turned himself to a god over us and we had sworn to ridicule anyone who compared himself to God, Mr Aregbesola had said during a meeting of the faction of APC he leads. The appearance of Mr Nnamani, a former governor of Enugu State and currently a PDP Senator, in the first list generated controversy on social media. Bayo Onanuga, one of the spokespersons of the PCC, had in a statement defended the inclusion of Mr Nnamani, noting that he was included in the council because of his personal relationship with Mr Tinubu. Mr Nnamani, in August, used his verified Twitter handle, to praise Mr Tinubu, for the reforms in the administration of criminal justice, education, healthcare and employment of non-indigenes when he was governor of Lagos State. Mr Kalu, who is the Senate chief whip, was removed as the APC presidential campaign coordinator for Abia state, according to the reviewed list of the PCC released by the party late Wednesday. He was listed as the coordinator for Abia alongside the partys governorship candidate in the state, Ikechi Emenike. However, according to the new list, Mr Emenike is now the sole coordinator of the partys campaign in the South-east state. Mr Kalu had signified interest to jostle for the APC presidential ticket on the ground that the ticket was micro-zoned to the South-east. He later withdrew from the race and backed Senate President Ahmad Lawan. A self-confessed non-APC member, Mr Afegbua was included in the initial list as secretary of the public affairs directorate. However, he has now been replaced with Gideon Obakahan in the new list. The former commissioner for information in Edo State has stated it repeatedly that he is not a member of the ruling party, but a supporter of the APC presidential candidate. Another change to the list is the Labour Directorate, where Bobboi Kaigama, the former Trade Union Congress (TUC) president, was initially listed as the director. But in the new list, a former Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Issa Aremu, is now the director of the unit. Other new PCC members The new list of the PCC also include all NWC members, all APC National Assembly members, all federal executive members, all former governors and deputy governors who are members of APC, all former APC NWC members and all APC National Executive Council members. Others are all serving APC speakers, deputy speakers and principal officers of State Houses of Assembly, all APC former speakers of state assemblies, all APC state chairmen and all APC candidates of national and state assemblies. Osinbajo, Mustapha still out Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, are still not included in the new list. The ruling party had explained that Presidential Muhammadu Buhari directed that they should be excused from the campaign team to enable them focus on governance during the campaign season. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Emeka Ezenwanne, a convicted cocaine trafficker, on Thursday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja how he bribed security operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria. Mr Ezenwanne is the fifth prosecution witness of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in the ongoing trial of Abba Kyari who is being detained alongside four other police officers over alleged cocaine deals. Mr Ezenwanne and Chibunna Umeibe were convicted by the judge, Emeka Nwite, in June after they pleaded guilty to importing cocaine into Nigeria from Ethiopia. The court sentenced each of the self-confessed cocaine traffickers to two years in prison. Testifying on Wednesday before Mr Nwite, NDLEAs Commander in Abuja, Mohammed Ajia, admitted that his colleagues at the Enugu airport failed to arrest Messrs Umeibe and Ezenwanne when they passed through the airport on 19 January. He made the admission during cross-examination by Mr Kyaris lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu. The anti-narcotics agency accuses Mr Kyari, a suspended deputy commissioner of police, and his four co-defendants of adulterating the cocaine after confiscating it from Messrs Umeibe and Ezenwanne. The four police officers with whom Mr Kyari is now facing the charges are Sunday Ubua, an assistant commissioner of police; Bawa James, an assistant superintendent of police; Simon Agirgba, an inspector, and John Nuhu, also an inspector. How I bribed airport security officials Testifying on Thursday Mr Ezenwanne who is serving his jail term at the Suleja prison in Niger State, said the cocaine was initially ferried into Ethiopia from Brazil. Led in evidence by NDLEAs lawyer, Joseph Sunday, Mr Ezenwanne said he travelled to Addis Ababa on 15 January to receive the drugs that were coming from Brazil via Ethiopian airways On 16 January around 8:30 p.m Ethiopian time, the flight coming from Brazil arrived. Few minutes after, they called me on phone. The first person that called me is known as Alhaji, he said. He revealed that his co-convict, Mr Umeibe, had received his own parcel of cocaine before he was phoned to collect his from drug agents who were on an errand for one Owolabi. On that 19 January, in the morning, around 8 a.m., we boarded a flight going to Enugu international airport, Mr Ezenwanne began. When we arrived at Enugu international airport, I came out from the airport. I stood at the car park waiting for my second (Mr Umeibe) to come out. He said trouble started when Mr Umeibe was intercepted by plain-clothed police operatives who were later discovered to be IRT members. As they grabbed me and my second, they brought out their jackets with IRT written on them. They shared it among themselves and wore it. That was when I knew that they were police. At the Enugu international airport, I was asked to give money to the people that will search my bag. So I gave them N10,000 and they cleared me, Mr Ezenwanne told the court. READ ALSO: After they were cleared by airport security officials, the IRT swooped on the traffickers following a tip-off. They were subsequently flown to the IRT office in Abuja from where they were handed over to the NDLEA. Speaking on the quantity of the cocaine seized, Mr Ezenwanne said when they arrived at the NDLEA office in Abuja, they observed only eight instead of the 10 sachets of cocaine found in their bags. The exhibit officer brought out all the cocaine inside my bag. The ones in sachets, both mine and the one belonging to my second, were 12 sachets. The ones in pellets were 12 cotton packs of cocaine. While being cross-examined by Mr Kyaris lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, the witness said he brought cocaine into the country twice. Mr Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, asked Mr Ezenwanne if he saw Mr Kyari, or had any interaction with him during the encounter with IRT operatives, My Lord, all through the process of my arrest, I did not have any interaction with the 1st Defendant, he answered. The anti-narcotics agency accuses Mr Kyari and his colleagues of illegally tampering with 21.25kilograms worth of cocaine that they seized from Messrs Umeibe and Ezenwanne. The motive, according to the charges, was to prevent the testing of the 17.55 kilogrammes of substance used to replace the cocaine seized from Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne. The offences allegedly committed by Mr Kyari and his co-defendants between 19 and 25 January are said to be contrary to and punishable under various provisions of the NDLEA Act. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria currently has only 24,000 licensed medical doctors available in the country, less than 10 per cent of the number needed to meet a WHO recommendation. The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Uche Rowland, disclosed while speaking at a symposium to discuss the brain drain in Nigerias health sector and its implications on health service delivery in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Rowland said a large number of Nigerian doctors emigrated to seek greener pastures in developed countries, noting that 5,600 of them have migrated to the United Kingdom (UK) in the last eight years. He said a country requires a mix of 23 doctors, nurses, and midwives per 10,000 population to deliver essential health services, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). He, however, lamented that only one doctor is available to treat 30,000 patients in some Southern states, while in the North, it is one doctor to 45,000 patients. In some rural areas, patients have to travel more than 30 kilometres from their abodes to get medical attention where available thus making access to healthcare a rarity, he said. READ ALSO: Given the fact that there are only 24,000 doctors available, the current doctor-patient ratio is 1:9,083, a stark contrast with WHOs recommendation of One doctor to 600 patients. With 218 million people to cater for, Nigeria requires at least 363,000 additional doctors to meet this target. Unfortunately, Nigeria has never had enough doctors to meet the health needs of its citizens. Official data sourced by Premium Times in 2019, showed that as of 2017, only 39,912 doctors were practising in Nigeria. The data also showed that Nigeria produced 86,722 medical doctors from 1963 to 2019. Mr Rowland said the number of doctors produced by the country has increased to 93,000 with just about a quarter of them currently practising in the country. Brain Drain & its effect Mr Rowland said the mass exodus of licensed medical doctors and other health professionals to more developed countries has brought significant disruptions to Nigerias health care system. He said Nigerian medical doctors are seeking job opportunities in the US and UK, while some are migrating to Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. A 2017 survey by the Nigerian Polling organisation (NOIPolls) in partnership with Nigeria Health Watch, revealed that about 88 per cent of medical doctors in Nigeria were seeking work opportunities abroad at the time. Earlier this year, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) said more than 100 of its members left the country within 24 months. Similarly, In 2018, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) said at least 12 of their colleagues leave Nigeria every week to practice overseas. A 2022 UK immigration report also showed that 13,609 Nigerian healthcare workers (including doctors) were granted working visas in the past year, making the country second only to the 42,966 from India. Speaking at the symposium, the director-general of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ayo Omotayo, said when doctors leave the country, there is an existential problem. Mr Omotayo said the statistics of doctors and nurses leaving the country is high, hence creating a huge gap in the health system. He said Nigerias population is increasing and so is the need for more health professionals. He urged the government to act fast to curb the mass exodus of medical practitioners. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print For former presidential spokesperson, Ima Niboro, the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, is the most competent innovative and experienced candidate with the capacity to govern Nigeria. Mr Niboro, who also doubles as Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Delta APC Campaign Organisation, said Nigeria needs a visionary leader like Mr Tinubu to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. He made the comment during an interview on Channels Televisions Politics Today on Monday. He described Mr Tinubu as a man with innovative thinking who prioritises leadership a major factor required to achieve anything. We have had leadership in the past seven years and we are getting leadership for the next eight years God-willing, he said. And it is going to be APCs leadership because the APC candidate has the right experience, knowledge and understanding of what needs to be done. Mr Niboro, a former managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria, said Mr Tinubus messages resonate with the youth. He said while there has been mobilisation for the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the APC always had young people, vibrant, imaginative, brilliant. And the youth echelon of APC is constant, solid and totally in support of Tinubu to bring a new dispensation. We dont have any disconnect with the youth at all. Mr Tinubu is in the race for the presidency with other top candidates like Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Mr Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Following the discovery of material facts suppression and deliberate falsehood by Eurafric Energy, the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Friday (October 15, 2022) vacated an order it granted freezing the bank accounts belonging to an oil company and its Parent; Petralon 54 Limited and its parent company, Petralon Energy Limited. The freeze order had affected the companies accounts domiciled in 18 banks across the country. Delivering a ruling in a motion filed by the company praying the Court to unfreeze the accounts, Justice Daniel Osiagor held that the court was misled to grant the order freezing the companies accounts. The judge then lifted the earlier ruling, thereby cancelling the Post-No-Debit order placed on the accounts. The court became aware that Eurafric misled it and caused it to act in error while considering Petralon 54s affidavit in response to Eurafrics Counter affidavit deposed to on October12, 2022 and the reply address in support of the motion to set aside the exparte orders granted in favour of Eurafric. Eurafric Energy had approached the court, praying it to bar operations and transactions on the bank accounts belonging to Petralon 54, its parent company, Petralon Energy, and an unrelated company Tako E&P Solution, on the ground that the three oil companies did not declare the total quantity of crude sold, the revenue received and the royalty paid to the government in a Federal Government agency transaction However, in a motion filed by Petralon 54, it prayed the court to lift the order freezing its account, arguing that the defendants, particularly, Eurafric Energy, suppressed and deliberately hid material facts concerning the case from the court. Justice Osiagor in his consolidated judgment ruled that Exhibit Volte Face F exhibited in the plaintiffs counter affidavit and exhibit G contained in the defendants counter clearly indicate that the plaintiff (Eurafric Energy) gave consent for a loan of $2.2m, thereby making it a party to the debt repayment efforts to the holding bank which the funds it sought to freeze pertained to, but this fact was not disclosed to the court before the restraining order on the defendants accounts. Accordingly, the Court held that upon consideration of Petralon 54s affidavit in response to Eurafrics counter affidavit deposed to on October12, 2022 and the reply address in support of the motion to set aside the ex parte orders, Eurafric had grossly misinformed the court and caused the institution of justice to act in error. The banks affected by the order of court are Access Bank Plc, Ecobank Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc; First City Monument Bank Plc; Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; Jaiz Bank Plc; Keystone Bank Plc; Polaris Bank Plc, Stanbic Ibtc Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc; Globus Bank Plc; Titan Bank Plc; Providus Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank Plc; Sterling Bank Plc; Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc. Findings revealed that until June 28, 2022 when Petralon 54 became the sole operator of the Dawes Island field, having been granted Petroleum Prospecting License No. 259 (PPL 259) by the Federal Government of Nigeria in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the plaintiff (Eurafric Energy), Petralon 54, and Tako E&P Solutions were joint venture (JV) partners. The JV arrangement covered operation at the Dawes Island Marginal Field initially awarded to the Plaintiff (Eurafric Energy), which was revoked on the grounds of operational ineptitude, poor management and asset abandonment for more than fourteen years, resulting in loss of revenue to the Federal Government of Nigeria and being inimical / adversely impacting the development of Okrika communities, River State, where the asset is situated. Earlier in the transaction, the JV had secured a loan of $2.2 million from Access Bank for operational activities, with crude sale proceeds domiciliation agreement with the bank to offset the JV indebtedness. In its alleged misleading presentations to the Court, Eurafric Energy was accused of concealing the knowledge of the loan, which exhibit Volte Face F in its own Counter Affidavit and Defendants exhibit G in its Counter process, proved beyond reasonable doubt. Reviewing the process, an industry and legal analyst, Ibrahim Ajila asserted that Eurafric Energy hoodwinked the Court into granting an ex-parte mareva. This is indeed a highly reprehensible conduct that could bring the judiciary into disrepute, cause significant economic losses and reputational damage, not only to the defendant, but to the financial institutions involved in the transaction, because conscious denial of continuing indebtedness to a bank, just to procure a restraining order, could injure our financial system and put depositors funds in jeopardy as a result of none repayment, or servicing of the loan. This is an abuse of our judicial process, a premeditated malicious and gross intent to destroy the operations and reputation of another corporate entity through propagation of falsehood, which obviously is designed to pitch the entity against investors, and impair its capacity to continue receive funding from international capital sources. With our prevailing economic situation, any action either by an individual or corporate entity, that will impact FDI inflows to Nigeria or cast Nigeria in a bad light is beyond economic sabotage. Such actually qualifies as economic terrorism, and using the instrument of the state the countrys judicial system to execute this type of scandalous and atrocious deed, should not go unpunished, Mr Ajila added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government is to restructure its record N20 trillion debt to the central bank to bonds, a step seen as availing the revenue-starved government the luxury of longer time to pay back, after President Muhammadu Buhari consented to the proposal. The credit, obtained through Ways and Means Advances a facility granted by central banks to help government bridge temporary funding gaps subject to regulatory limits, has run up for years, standing at N789.6 billion when the current administration started in 2015. The Buhari government borrowed some 7000 per cent more in just over seven years. The direct consequence of Central Banks financing of deficits are distortions or surges in monetary base leading to adverse effect on domestic prices and exchange rates, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says on its website. One of the implications is macroeconomic instability resulting from excess liquidity that has been injected into the economy, according to the CBN, which upped banks cash reserve ratio to 32.5 per cent and often punishes lenders that do not mop up liquidity to that level. It is a one-time restructuring repayable over 40 years with a moratorium, Patience Oniha, the debt office chief, told Bloomberg of the conversion plan via SMS. The borrowing, added to the Nigerian governments debt figure estimated at N42.8 trillion at mid-year, sums the governments entire debt up to N62.8 trillion or $143.6 billion. Ms Oniha said the credit will be decided after the government gets green-light from the legislature as well as the cabinet. Last Thursday, Nigerias sovereign dollar bonds, with 2047 as their maturity, cringed to 56.8 cents at midday in London from 58.4 cents one day prior in investors reaction to news of governments debt restructuring plan. The N20 trillion was the balance as of the end of the first quarter, and the value could be way higher when the part contributed by the CBN to the N5.3 trillion the government borrowed to part-finance 2022s budget shortfall as of August is factored in. Africas biggest economys debt as a percentage of its gross domestic product might leap to 35 per cent from 23 per cent once the credit it owes to the apex bank becomes bond. The World Bank expects how much the country uses to service debt to jump to 102.3 per cent of its revenue come December. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chairman of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has been included in the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the reviewed list, released by the National Secretary of the APC, Iyiola Omisore, on Wednesday, Mr Akinsanya is a member of the Labour directorate. The committee is headed by Isa Aremu, the Director of National Institute for Labour Studies (NILS). Mr Akinsanya, a former Chairman of the Lagos State National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), was recently accused of forcing tricycle drivers to buy stickers bearing the photo of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, He, however, denied the allegation and dismissed the report that the money was for financing the election of the APC candidate. He added that Mr Tinubu has people who are willing to finance his campaign and such money would not come from me or my office. Mr Akinsanya, as the head of the Park and Garages Management, controls garage touts, also known as Agbero, who often serve as political thugs during elections. In 2019, Mr Akinsanya was stabbed at a rally organised by the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeja. He was taken to nearby Eko Hospital after he was injured in the fracas that erupted among rival gangs of the NURTW at the APC rally. The Lagos State Government has helped Mr Akinsanya to maintain his grip on the transportation union. In April, the state government announced the suspension of NURTW activities in parks and garages across the state. The suspension followed a conflict between Mr Akinsanya and the NURTW national body, which led the former to withdraw the membership of the Lagos State council from the union. In a twist, the government announced him as the chairman of the committee to oversee the affairs of Parks and Garages management. Two weeks ago, Mr Akinsanya organised a 5 million man rally for Mr Tinubu and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites and apprehended 42 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta in the last fortnight. Director, Defence Media Operations, Musa Danmadami, a major general, made this known on Thursday in Abuja at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces. Troops also conducted patrols and buggy operations in the zone during which several illegal refineries, storage tanks, wooden boats, coking ovens, dug out pits were destroyed. Cumulatively, within the two weeks in review, troops discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites, 87 wooden boats, seven speed boats, 284 storage tanks, 160 coking ovens, three fibre boats and 18 dugout pits. Troops also recovered 2.5 litres of crude oil, 133,824 litres of diesel and 7,000 litres of kerosene. Also recovered were 16 tankers, one vessel, eight pumping machines, and two motorcycles. Forty-two criminals were arrested during the operations. All recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action, Mr Danmadami said. He said that troops continued to sustain aggressive patrols to curb crude oil theft and illegal bunkering within the Nigeria maritime environment to ensure the economic prosperity of the country. He said troops also nabbed three suspected oil thieves who were tracked and monitored to Adige, Urhiakpa and Mission Road in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta on 6 October. It was during the execution of Operation Octopus Grip, he said. He added that troops impounded a vessel, MT DEIMA, with capacity to hold 1500 tonnes of crude oil for illegal bunkering at Sara area of Escravos Channel on 7 October. The troops arrested the vessels eight crew members. READ ALSO: Bayelsa govt to set up task force to check illegal refinery Mr Danmadami said the vessel had six tank compartments loaded with unspecified quantity of crude oil He said also that troops and other security agencies had not relented in efforts in the fight against criminal elements in the South-east zone. He added that troops of Operation AWATSE and operatives of the NDLEA and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps destroyed 15 hectares of Indian hemp at Mabu village in Ogun on 7 October. He added that troops also recovered 258 bags of 50kg smuggled rice, 220 jerry cans of 30 litres petrol and four vehicles, just as they arrested two criminals and rescued two civilians, also in the South-west. All recovered items, apprehended criminals and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action, Mr Danmadami said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Two years after the #EndSARS protests, over 40 protesters are still languishing in prisons across Nigeria, Amnesty International said today, while panels set up to investigate police impunity have failed to deliver justice to hundreds of victims of police brutality. Amnesty International has found that the vast majority of #EndSARS protesters arrested in October 2020 are still being arbitrarily detained without trial. The fact that nobody has been brought to justice over the torture and killings of #EndSARS protesters is a stain on Nigerias human rights records. Meanwhile, human rights violations by the police continue unabated. The authorities must ensure that suspected perpetrators of the deadly crackdown on #EndSARS protesters are brought to justice in fair trials and address impunity for police brutality, said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. Two years ago, the Nigerian army and police killed at least 12 people at Lekki toll Gate and in Alausa, Lagos State, while pro-government armed groups deliberately instigated violence at many #EndSARS demonstrations in other parts of the country to serve as a pretext for the police to use lethal force on peaceful protesters. Rather than bringing those responsible for the attacks on protesters to justice, the authorities have engaged in a series of bizarre denials and cover-ups. Since the #EndSARS protests, many people who have attempted to exercise their right to peaceful protest have repeatedly faced threats, harassment, and intimidation. Prolonged detention without trial Oyewole Olumide, Rasheed Tiamiyu, Moruf Adekunle, Taoreed Abiodun, Ikenna Amechi, Afeez Ariyo, Ikechukwu Eze, and Adesina Ademuyiwa were among those arrested in Ibadan for participating in #EndSARS protests in October 2020. Despite reportedly suffering from ill health, they continue to be held without trial in Agodi Correctional Centre, having previously been detained at a SARS facility in Ibadan and Abolongo Prison in Oyo Town. Ayodeji Oluwasegun, Andoh Immanuel, Yakubu Olayiwola, Olaogun Ismail, Uba Chukwuma, Dosunmu Taiwo, Daniel Joy-Igbo, Yusuf Rafiu, Olawale Marcus, Muyiwa Onikoyi, Shehu Anas, Suleman Saidu, Rasheed Wasiu Bolaji, Adigun Sodiq, Sunday Okoro, Akiniran Oyetakin, Ogidi Isah, Ibrahim Adesanya, and Faruk Abdulquadri have also been detained without trial in Kirikiri Medium Security Prison in Lagos since 2020. The Nigerian authorities have attempted to justify the ongoing detention of #EndSARS protesters by resorting to trumped-up charges including theft, arson, possession of unlawful firearms, and murder. A further 21 #EndSARS protesters were held incommunicado for 15 months at Afaraukwu Correctional Service in Umuahia in Abia State for participating in the protests. On Friday, 4 February 2022, they were released without charge following an intervention by Amnesty International. They called us into their torture room one after another Many #EndSARS protesters told Amnesty International that they were tortured while in detention. Police abuse occurred in detention centres at police stations and other holding facilities and inside police vehicles. Several cases amount to torture and other ill-treatment. One of the protesters told Amnesty International: In Umuahia, at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), they called us into their torture room one after another. When I entered, they tied my hands to the iron bars on the window so I couldnt fight them, and then they started flogging my ankle with a rod, and also my knee Since I didnt do anything, the protester added, I maintained my innocence while they tortured me. I remembered my late wife and got angry. I told them it was better for them to kill me than to admit something I did not do. Then the man said they would release me, but when they did, I could not walk, so I just fell and the officers dragged me out of the room. Then they took another person into the torture room. In the process of torturing us, they killed one of the protesters they brought in with us from Eziama police station. A 21-year-old student of Abia State Polytechnic, who was among more than 20 protesters arrested on 20 October 2020 in Waterside in Ogbor Hill, Abia state, told Amnesty International: When I arrived at the criminal investigation department, they started asking us why we were protesting against the police. Some of us said we were fighting for our rights. Then the police said they would kill us for going out to protest. They removed our clothes and started flogging us. I still have some of the injuries I sustained, I still get pains from them. They were flogging us everywhere. I was bending my head to protect my eyes. We suffered there. They removed my shirt and blindfolded my eyes with it, the student added. When we got to Eziama Police Station, they asked my age. I told them I was 16, but I was 15 then. They slapped me twice and beat me with sticks for joining the protest. Then they said they would put me in a separate cell. They kept us in the cell and brought us out the next day to beat us again. Many of those interviewed said they had suffered from health issues as a result of the torture they faced and the inhuman conditions they were kept in detention. All released detainees interviewed by Amnesty International said the authorities had not returned their phones, cash, and other valuables which were taken from them after the protests. Investigative panels fail to deliver justice for victims Investigative panels set up to investigate police brutality have been marred by prolonged adjournments, intimidation of witnesses by police lawyers and police officers failing to appear as witnesses, according to observer reports verified by Amnesty International. In some states, panels have failed to take place at all, while others opted to go on break indefinitely. Authorities must end the crackdown on peaceful protests, and promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially and transparently investigate cases of attacks on peaceful protests and bring suspected perpetrators to justice. The lack of progress at these #EndSARS panels is discouraging and reveals the authorities lack of commitment to ensure justice for victims of police brutality across Nigeria, said Osai Ojigho. All detained protesters must be immediately and unconditionally released. The Nigerian authorities must urgently respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to peaceful protest including by publicly directing security and law enforcement agencies to stop infringing on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Authorities should also ensure that victims of police brutality and their families are provided with access to justice and effective remedies, including adequate compensation, and guarantee of non-repetition. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), has suspended campaign activities over the floods ravaging many parts of the country. Mr Obi has also called on the candidates of other political parties to suspend their campaigns and join him to help the flood victims. He said this when he visited the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, in Abuja on Wednesday. His meeting with Mr Ortom was aimed at discussing modalities on his planned visit to flood sites in Benue and other states. His call comes amid cases of floods that have hit parts of Nigeria in the last two months. Some affected states are Kogi, Benue, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Imo, Abia, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Niger, Plateau and parts of the Federal Capital Territory. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said about 2.5 million persons are affected and over 603 persons killed by the flooding caused by the rains. Addressing journalists, Mr Obi said he expected other presidential candidates to show concern to the plight of victims of flooding, considering how millions were spent on nomination forms alone. He said everyone must work hard irrespective of political differences. I stopped and told my people no more campaigns until were able to visit some of the sites and at least sympathise with victims, he said. He vowed to fix Nigerias challenges if elected as the next president. On his part, Mr Ortom admonished Nigerians to go into the 2023 general elections with the mindset of electing the best presidential candidate among the top three candidates. Mr Ortom, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said all three candidates Bola Tinubu of APC, Atiku Abubakar of PDP and Mr Obi, are competent and asked Nigerians to select the best among them. Nigeria, he said, currently runs on oxygen and would need a hands-on and detribalised leader to restore hope, development and progress. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A prosecution witness has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the cocaine substance seized from the two traffickers linked to Abba Kyari was adulterated. The NDLEA had previously accused Mr Kyari, a suspended deputy commissioner of police, and his four co-defendants of adulterating the cocaine after seizing it from the two traffickers that smuggled it into the country through the Enugu airport in January. Only 80 per cent or four-fifth of the substance tested cocaine, said Mohammed Ajia, a commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He said the remaining 20 per cent or one-fifth of it was another substance. Mr Ajia, the fourth prosecution witness, who was led in evidence by NDLEAs lawyer, Sunday Joseph, said the unnamed other substance was used to adulterate the cocaine. After the substances were subjected to a test, the results tested 80 per cent positive to cocaine, while in others, there were traces of cocaine in them, which suggests that the substance must have been adulterated with another substance, the fourth prosecution witness called by the NDLEA told the court. Mr Ajias testimony was a pointer to some of the charges pending against Mr Kyari, a suspended deputy commissioner of police, and four other police officers in his Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The NDLEA accused them of tampering with the 21.35 kilogrammes cocaine seized from two men arrested at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on 19 January this year. It also alleged that Mr Kyari and his team members removed and disposed 17.55 kilogrammes of the cocaine, and then, substituted same with some other substance. It also accused Mr Kyari of attempting to obstruct the NDLEA and its authorised officers by offering $61,400 to a senior officer of the agency as inducement at a restaurant on Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki Abuja. The motive, according to the charges, was to prevent the testing of the 17.55 kilogrammes of substance used to replace the cocaine seized from Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne. The offences allegedly committed by Mr Kyari and his co-defendants between 19 and 25 January are said to be contrary to and punishable under various provisions of the NDLEA Act. The four police officers with whom Mr Kyari is now facing the charges are: Sunday Ubua, an assistant commissioner of police; Bawa James, an assistant superintendent of police; Simon Agirgba, an inspector, and John Nuhu, also an inspector. The two persons from whom the cocaine was seized Chibuna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne had since pleaded guilty to the part of the drug trafficking charges concerning them. The court jailed the self-confessed cocaine traffickers two years each in June, following their guilty plea. Witness confirms NDLEA officers failed to arrest traffickers at airport Meanwhile, Mr Ajia admitted that NDLEA officers failed to arrest the convicted drugs traffickers when they passed through the airport in Enugu on 19 January. He made the admission during cross-examination by Mr Kyaris lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu. The Mr Kyari-led IRT arrested the two men. Mr Ajia confirmed earlier in his evidence-in-chief that the anti-narcotics agency took over custody of the two drugs traffickers along with some powdery substances they were apprehended with from the IRT on 4 February. Without any objection from Mr Kyaris lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and other defence lawyers, the transfer letter of the IRT handing over the two culprits to the NDLEA was admitted as Exhibit 13 at Wednesdays proceedings. Mr Ajia admitted under cross-examination that the anti-narcotics agency has its officers at all airports across Nigeria. The Airport in Enugu is one of such international airports. In response to another cross-examination, Mr Ajia said he was not aware if any NDLEA personnel at the Enugu airport had been arrested and prosecuted for failing in their duty to arrest the two culprits while smuggling the cocaine from Ethiopia into the country, Abba Kyari files application to block convicted traffickers testimony Meanwhile, Mr Kyari has filed an application seeking to stop Messrs Umeibe and Ezenwanne the two convicted victims from testifying against him in the suit. The court could not hear the application on Wednesday because the courts copy could not be found in the judges file. The judge adjourned the case until 20 October. Mr Kyari was suspended last year by police authorities after he was charged in the United States over his alleged link to an internet fraud involving Abbas Ramon, aka Hushpuppi. But another judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Inyang Ekwo, has dismissed the Attorney-Generals request to extradite Mr Kyaris to the US to face pending charges. The judge ruled that Nigerias extradition law forbids the extradition of a person on trial in Nigeria to a foreign country. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) for the Force Intelligence Bureau (FB1) and the Department of Operations. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a chief superintendent of police, stated in Abuja on Wednesday. He named the newly-deployed DIGs as Bello Sadiq to Force Intelligence Bureau and Dandaura Mustapha, to the Department of Operations. Mr Adejobi stated that the deployment followed the promotion of the DIGs by the Police Service Commission, upon the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police. He added that the deployment also followed the retirement of the former DIG in charge of Operations, Bala Senchi. Mr Adejobi stated that Mr Sadiq hails from Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State and was appointed into the Force as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1988. He holds a Bachelors Degree in English Language and Sociology from Bayero University, Kano and had attended several police courses. Mr Mustapha, the new DIG in charge of operations, hails from Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State. He holds a Bachelors Degree in History and a Masters in International Affairs and Strategic Studies from the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA). Mr Adejobi stated also that the IGP approved the deployment of new commissioners of police for Kwara, Niger and Jigawa states. The new police commissioners are Odama Ojeka (Kwara), Ayodeji Ogundele (Niger) and Effiom Ekot (Jigawa). (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, has fixed 27 October for delivering of judgment on the N25 billion fundamental rights suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu. Mr Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is challenging his arrest in Kenya by Nigerian security agents and expulsion to Nigeria. Aloy Ejimakor, Mr Kanus special counsel, who filed the suit in March on behalf of the IPOB leader, disclosed this in a statement, Wednesday. Mr Kanu is being held by Nigerias secret police, State Security Service (SSS) in Abuja, despite the Court of Appeal striking out the terrorism charges filed against him by the Nigerian government The court, in the ruling on Thursday, ordered his release from the custody of the SSS and held that the IPOB leader was extra-ordinarily renditioned to Nigeria. The extra-ordinary rendition was a flagrant violation of the countrys extradition treaty and also a breach of Mr Kanus fundamental human rights, the court ruled. Mr Ejimakor said the fundamental rights judgement will hold on the scheduled date despite the ruling of the Court of Appeal. He said the clarification was in response to avalanche of inquiries from various persons seeking to know if the fundamental rights judgement will still hold because of the Court of Appeal judgment. My office has not received, and we do not expect to receive, any notice from the court that the judgment has been adjourned, he said. The lawyer said although the matter before the Federal High Court Umuahia is related to Mr Kanus extraordinary rendition to Nigeria, the issues and reliefs decided by the Court of Appeal in Abuja were markedly different. In summary, the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Abuja considered the narrow issue of the impact of extraordinary rendition on the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to subject Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to trial, he said. Mr Ejimakor stressed that there will not be any sit-at-home on the judgment day. The IPOB leader is asking the federal high court to declare his arrest, detention and prosecution illegal. He wants the court to compel the government to release and repatriate him to Britain, his country of domicile and citizenship. Mr Kanu told the court that his arrest and detention in Kenya, as well as subsequent trial in Nigeria was an infringement on his fundamental rights to personal liberty and fair hearing as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. The IPOB leader is asking the court to compel the Nigerian government to pay him the sum of N25 billion being monetary damages for the physical, mental, emotional, psychological, property and other damages he suffered as a result of the infringements of his fundamental rights through his unlawful extradition to Nigeria. He is also asking the court to declare as unlawful the military invasion of his home in Abia State in September 2017, and to compel the Nigerian government to tender a public apology to him for the infringement of his fundamental rights. The respondents in the suit include, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Army Staff, Brigade Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, and the Inspector General of Police. Others are the Commissioner of Police, Abia State, the Director General of the SSS, and the Abia State Director of the SSS. Agitation IPOB is leading the agitation for an independent republic, Biafra, which they want carved out from Nigerias South-east and parts of South-south. The government has accused the group of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the South-east and South-south. Mr Kanu was previously arrested and released on bail. He had jumped bail in 2017. He was intercepted in Kenya in June, last year, by Nigerian security agents and brought back to Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian navy, on Tuesday, handed over 22 suspected oil thieves to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The suspects were handed over to the anti-graft agency alongside their two vessels which they allegedly used to steal crude oil. The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. He identified the vessels as MT Platform and MV Caribbean Crest. The Commanding officer of the navy, Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Rivers State, M.G. Munza, said one of the vessels, MV Caribbean Crest and her crew members were arrested on 15 February, according to the statement. Mr Munza, a lieutenant commander in the navy, said they were arrested at the Bonny Fairway Buoy with an unspecified quantity of stolen petroleum product suspected to be automotive gas oil. He said the MT Platform was intercepted on 8 June in the vicinity of the Bonny Anchorage for illegal dealing in petroleum products. The navy official said the suspects did not have any authority or certificate from the appropriate authority to ply Nigerian waters. He gave the suspects names as, Michael Emberru, Ebiegberi Inengibo, Michael Audu, Gaius Ajakaiye, Edward Igbomgbo, Collins Ndubisi, James Eyak, Ezebri Ayakpo, Joseph Okokon and Michael Wali. Others are Ayo Adediran, White Kelvin, Shola Martins-Biyi, Ajayi Ekundayo, Olusegun Olowu, Samson Etim, John Michael, Kelechi Nwafor, Popoola Felix, Ishola Adetunji, Sunny Omachekeji and Solomon Onuh. The suspects and their vessels were handed over to Arasah Shaka, the Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Command. Mr Shaka thanked the navy for their efforts in safeguarding the nations territorial waters, adding that the EFCC was happy with them for their collaboration in fighting economic crimes in the country. Oil theft, illegal refineries in the region, and their negative impact on the countrys economy have been a source of concern to the Nigerian government over the years. Worried by the recurring crude oil theft, the federal government in August awarded a pipeline surveillance contract reportedly worth N48 billion per year (N4 billion per month) to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to tackle the issue in the region. The security company is operated by a former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ekpemupolo discovered at least 58 illegal points in Delta and Bayelsa States where crude oil is being stolen, barely two months after the company was awarded the multi-billion naira oil security contract in the region. Less than one week later, the company discovered another illegal oil pipeline in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, South-south Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has announced a date for the resumption of academic activities. In a bulletin released after a Senate meeting on Wednesday, the university announced 24th October for the resumption of academic activities. However, lectures for undergraduate students begin on 3rd January, nine weeks after the resumption date. According to the calendar, the school scheduled the first nine weeks after 24th October for the completion of students registration, consideration of outstanding results by the Standing Committee, Post Graduate examination seminar and external examinations, and Christmas and New Year breaks. Undergraduate students of the university, who have been at home for the eight months strike by their lecturers, have expressed displeasure over the extended calendar. Lamenting the extended calendar, a student of the school, Mustapha Ahmed, said after eight months of students solidarity with the lecturers action, their reward was an additional waste of time. More reasons why students dont support the so-called strike. All these tactics are to see whether the outstanding salary will be paid or not. How many PG students protested as we demonstrated its so heartbreaking he wrote on Facebook. Another student, Solomon Ameh, lamented that the extension meant he could not be part of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) when he finally graduated. but this isnt fair to us. My 5 years course ID expires next year and I am still in first semester 300 Level. This calendar isnt friendly to us. Some of us cant serve because of this calendar, he wrote. Most Nigerian universities that have announced resumption dates, in the aftermath of the ASUU Strike, are to resume academic activities immediately. ASUU has maintained that the strike was suspended in obedience to the ruling of the industrial court and that it would pursue the case with the government. The lecturers eight months salaries have also not been paid, as the government is yet to shift grounds on its No Work, No Pay stance. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has accused the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo Agege, of blackmailing and undermining the powers of the Assemblies. Chairperson of the conference, Abubakar Sulaiman, who is also the Speaker of the Bauchi House of Assembly, in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES accused Mr Omo-Agege of deliberately demonising state assemblies before Nigerians. Mr Omo Agege, who is the chairperson of the Constitution Review Committee (Senate), had accused the State House of Assemblies of delaying the Constitution Review process. He said contrary to the claim by Mr Omo Agege that only 11 Houses of Assemblies had passed the resolution of the National Assembly Review, 16 state assemblies have actually passed the resolution. Contrary to the number given by Sen Ovie Omo-Agege, the actual number of the State Houses of Assembly that have, so far, passed the resolutions of the National Assembly on the Constitution Review is 16. They are Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, and Adamawa States. We believe the misrepresentation was deliberate to demonize the Hon Speakers and the State Houses of Assembly in the eye of the citizenry. This is also regrettable and disappointing, Mr Sulaiman said. It is very clear that the Press Release was designed not only to blackmail the State Houses of Assembly but also to undermine them. And we like to make it clear that we will not give in to blackmail and intimidation by anyone no matter how highly placed.. the statement reads. Why were insisting on the four bills Mr Sulaiman said the Conference of State Legislatures is adamant that the four more constitutional bills are considered by the National Assembly because they are major stakeholders with knowledge of happenings at the grassroots. He noted that the four bills in contention are: establishing state police, streamlining the procedure for removing Presiding Officers of State Assemblies, Institutionalizing State Legislative Bureaucracy in the Constitution, and Establishing State Judicial Council. He said they wrote to the chairmen of the constitution review committees conveying the bills only for the resolutions to be sent back to them without their proposed bills As major stakeholders in the Constitution alteration exercise and the representatives of the people at the grassroots, we are by far in a better position to know the basic and pressing needs of the people. Hence our appeal for the inclusion of the Bills. For instance, the issue of insecurity should agitate any conscientious leaders. So we believe this should be tackled frontally by the government. And the best way and the most generally accepted way to curb the menace, we believe, is by providing for state policing in the constitution. Sadly, the proposed amendment was missing in the Resolutions transmitted by the National Assembly to the State Houses of Assembly, he said. He said after receiving the resolutions, the conference appealed to the National Assembly for more consideration and Mr Omo Agege assured them that the four bills would be considered. It is rather very disheartening that the Deputy Senate President could make a turnaround within few days of his reply to our letter to blackmail the Hon Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly by erroneously saying the Conference of Speakers is using the four Bills as a quid pro quo to act on the 44 Bills the National Assembly transmitted to State Houses of Assembly. The inconsistency and flip-flop displayed in his statements are regrettable and beneath the dignity of the occupant of such a revered office, he said. On the allegations that the State Houses of Assemblies are stooges to governors, Mr Sulaiman said checks and balances dont necessarily mean confrontation. He said Mr Omo Agege would want to see state legislatures confronting state governors. While insisting that state legislatures would never truncate the exercise, the Bauchi speaker said primary elections conducted by political parties were one of the reasons for the delay. His Excellency, the Deputy President, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in his statements said the transmission of the resolution of the National Assembly has been made for six months now. It is correct. However, it should be made clear that the transmission was done when Political Parties National, Sub-National Conventions as well as Parties Primaries were being conducted in the country. Hence, the political Parties Primaries and other activities delayed the process at the state level. Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has never truncated, and will never truncate any constitution alteration exercise in the country. The Conference has rather consistently served as a platform for the effective accomplishment of the noble goals of the exercises. We, therefore, want to use this medium to assure Nigerians that all the State Houses of Assembly shall ratify the resolutions of the National Assembly in the ongoing Constitution Review exercise in no distant time. It should also be stressed that no amount of blackmail and intimidation will stop or distract the State Houses of Assembly from diligently carrying out their constitutional roles. The alteration exercise of the Constitution is too important for a few to assume exclusive powers. And while reiterating our resolve to ratify the resolutions of the National Assembly on the ongoing review of the Constitution, it is important to educate that State Houses of Assembly are individually empowered by the Constitution to play their roles according to the needs of the people and that we shall do without playing to the gallery, Mr Sulaiman said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a reviewed list of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). The new list was released on Wednesday by the National Secretary of the Party, Iyiola Omisore, Mr Omisore also released another list that contains all the members of the council and directorates ahead of the inauguration of the PCC on Friday. In September, a list that was released by the Secretary of the PCC, James Faleke, a lawmaker from Lagos, caused division within the party, as the APC governors and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party expressed dissatisfaction with it. PREMIUM TIMES had exclusively reported how governors under the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) threatened to sabotage the campaign over the list, which they claimed ignored their nominated persons. Also, there was a letter that allegedly emanated from the office of the National Chairman of the Party, Abdullahi Adamu, rejecting the composition of the PCC. However, the party disowned the letter. The Chairman of the PGF, Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, and the Director General of the PCC, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, had reportedly worked on the list to factor in the interest of the stakeholders in the party, while the inauguration of the PCC and the flag-off of the campaign was suspended. Two weeks ago, the governors met with the NWC members behind closed doors. After the meeting, Mr Bagudu said: Although, there were names that were unfortunate not to make the list and the campaign council, the party has announced that would be harmonised but we are happy to say that the party is solidly behind the candidate and I believe whatsoever list has come out erroneously are mistakes and were not authorised. Last week, the candidate of the party, Bola Tinubu, the NWC, the governors and the council met on the PCC list and the manifesto of the party. The PCC is going to be inaugurated on Friday at the State House by President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the Chairman of the Campaign Council. Composition of the PCC The PCC has not significantly changed. Mr Buhari remains the Chairman, while Messrs Tinubu and Adamu are the deputy chairmen and the vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima, is the vice chairman of the council as well as the head of the fundraising directorate. The council membership includes all NWC members, all APC National Assembly members, all federal executive members, all former governors and deputy governors who are members of APC, all former APC NWC members and all APC National Executive Council members. Others are all serving APC speakers, deputy speakers and principal officers of State Houses of Assembly, all APC former speakers of state assemblies, all APC state chairmen and all APC candidates of national and state assemblies. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Lagos arrested four persons at the Lekki Tollgate on Thursday while firing teargas into the air. Many protesters, onlookers and journalists took to their heels as the teargas saturated the air. The police started firing the teargas when the protesters laid some coffins at the tollgate to round off their demonstration. Those arrested were identified as Ifeanyi, Olamide Raheemi, Samuel Ishola and one unidentified person. They were detained in a police van. Despite heavy police presence, some young Nigerians including Nigerian artistes Folarin Falz Falana, Adebowale Mr Macaroni Adedayo and many others joined the solidarity walk. The walk was to mark the second memorial of the Lekki shooting that took place at the tollgate and to honour those that lost their lives to police and military brutality. See more photos below: Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), have announced the dates for the resumption of academic activities. Both institutions join others who announced resumption following the suspension of the eight months strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). A memo by UNN Registrar, A. N. Egbosionu, said returning students will resume on 22nd October for the continuation of the 2020/2021 academic session. The memo added that lectures resume on 24 October and examinations for the second semester of the academic session will begin on 7 November, two weeks after the resumption of lectures. The memo stated that lectures are billed to last for five days from 24 to 29 October, while there would be three days for revision. A new academic session also begins on 3 December, a week after the end of the examination, the memo added. This is for the information and compliance by all relevant functionaries, Mrs Egbosionu wrote. Meanwhile, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) asked students to resume full academic activities on Monday, 24 October. A statement signed by the university registrar, Richard Arofalo, said students are expected on campus from 23 October while lectures leading to the completion of the First Semester resume on 24 October. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A former Attorney-General (A-G) of Lagos State, Olasupo Shashore, on Thursday appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos to answer to a money laundering charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mr Shasore served as the Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Commissioner for Justice during the tenure of Babatunde Fashola as the governor. He was arraigned before Chukwujekwu Aneke on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering. The prosecution accused the defendant of inducing one Olufolakemi Adetore to accept cash payment without going through a financial institution. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. After his plea, the prosecutor, Bala Sanga, urged the court to order a remand of the defendant in custody pending trial. However, the defence counsel, C A Candide-Johnson, who appeared with Muiz Banire, Adesegun Adebola and Chijioke Okoki prayed the court to allow the defendant bail on self-recognisance. The defence counsel averred that the defendant personally walked into the court for his arraignment this morning without any reminder, compulsion, or force. He also informed the court that the defendant had cooperated with the anti-graft agency whenever required, as he had always made himself as well as documents requested from him available whenever required. Besides, the defence counsel added that an investigation of the matter had been on for the past three years, adding that the defendant is not a flight risk He, therefore, urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defence. The prosecutor on his part said that he was not opposed to bail but added that the concern of the prosecution is only for the defendant to be available to stand trial as lawfully required. Following the submissions by counsel, the court stood down the matter for a while, so as to deliver a ruling on the bail application In his ruling, the court held: There is no doubt that the court must strike a balance based on the evidence before it, between the constitutional rights of the defendant to liberty and presumption of innocence and the rights of the state to prosecute its erring citizens. Hence, the overriding need by the court to ensure that the complainant/respondent is not incapacitated in the discharge of its function by not releasing the defendant on bail, he said. The court held that exercising its discretion in granting bail in favour of the applicant, would better serve the course of justice, as an accused is presumed innocent until guilt is proven. The defendants application for bail succeeds and the bail is accordingly granted in the following terms: Defendant applicant is admitted to bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a serving director or a permanent secretary in the service of the federation or the Lagos State Government. Surety to produce two copies each of his or her recent passport photograph and evidence of payment of tax or tax clearance. The defendants international passport with the complainant shall be deposited with the registrar of this court pending trial; This is the ruling of the honourable court, he said. Meanwhile, the court did not make any remand order on the defendant who was already on bail. The court, however, released him to his lawyers pending the perfection of his bail. The judge adjourned the case until 24 November for trial. In the charge, Mr Shasore was alleged to have made a cash payment of $100,000 to one Olufolakemi Adelore through one Auwalu Habu and Wole Aboderin. He was alleged to have committed the offences on or about 18th November 2014. The EFCC also alleged that the defendant made a cash payment of $100,000 to one Ikechukwu Oguine without going through a financial institution. The allegations, if proven, contravene the provisions of Sections 1(a) 16(1)(d), 18(c) and 78(c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended). (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Funminiyi Afuye, on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, at the age of 66. Mr Oyebanji, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, declared seven days of mourning for the late speaker. The governor, who described Mr Afuyes death as shocking, sad and unfortunate, also directed that state functions, including the swearing-in of the newly-appointed Secretary to the State Government and the Attorney- General be postponed indefinitely in honour of the speaker. The governor equally announced the postponement of the thanksgiving service, earlier slated for this week, as a mark of honour to the late Mr Afuye. He said that Mr Afuyes death was unbelievable, as he was on his entourage during an inspection tour of some projects in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday and did not show any sign of illness. Mr Oyebanji said he was shocked when he got a call early Wednesday morning that the late speaker was rushed to Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti. He said he had hoped that Mr Afuye would leave the hospital hale and hearty, in view of the medical attention he was receiving when he paid him a visit at the health facilitys intensive care unit (ICU) on Wednesday afternoon. I was, therefore, speechless when the news of Afuyes death came later in the evening, he said. The governor described the late speaker as a loyal friend and party man, a patriotic Ekiti leader and tireless advocate of good governance. He said that Mr Afuye had, in the last 30 years, committed his time, energy and resources to the development of the state and the country. Mr Oyebanji prayed God to console the family of the deceased and the entire Ekiti people on the irreparable loss. Ekiti has lost an illustrious son, a perfect gentleman and champion of democracy and the rule of law. My heart bleeds over the loss of this great leader who was a great friend and brother indeed. On behalf of myself, my wife, the government and good people of Ekiti, I commiserate with the Afuye family and the people of Ikere-Ekiti. May the good Lord give everyone of us the fortitude to bear this loss, Mr Oyebanji said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Security operatives killed at least two terrorists in a raid on their hideouts in villages along the Kaduna-Abuja road on Thursday. A statement by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, said security personnel raided the bandits hideout in several locations on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway. At a time, the road was described as the deadliest in the country as terrorist gangs freely attacked and abducted motorists and commuters. The statement said the terrorists were overpowered after a firefight with the security personnel, who subsequently raided their hideouts. Similarly, in a separate operation in Chikun Local Government of the state, security operatives rescued two abducted individuals after the terrorists who were keeping them fled on sighting the operatives. Chikun is one of the most terrorised areas of the state. READ ALSO: Chukun attack According to the statement, operatives recorded breakthrough against the bandits in Chikun local govt area of the state. Troops of Operation Forest Sanity responded to reports of an attack around Dende-Buruku Junction along the Damba-Dende-Buruku Road, Chikun LGA. The troops mobilized to the location and made contact with bandits at Rafin Kaura. The bandits fled from the advancing troops, who then rescued two victims who had been kidnapped in transit: Amina Kasim Yunusa Usman The rescued victims have been linked up with vehicles conveying them to their original destinations. The troops subsequently cleared the bandit camps in the general area. Governor Nasir El-Rufai who received the operational feedback with gratitude, commended the officers and men of the Armed Forces and other agencies under the leadership of GOC One Division, Major General TA Lagbaja, presently pursuing the onslaught against bandits and terrorists elements. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Owners of Ileri Oluwa House of Hope Hospital in Ondo town have shut down operations after hoodlums broke into the facility and carted away equipment worth millions of naira. The founder of the hospital, Hakeem Oyeneyin, said on Wednesday that the incident happened on Sunday night, describing it as disheartening. According to him, the hoodlums entered through the hospital roof and window. He noted that the hospital would be shut down pending the time the community will assure 100 per cent safety of lives and properties. The State Police Command said it has commenced investigation into the matter. The spokesperson of the command, Funmilayo Odunlami, said the command will get to the root of the matter. It was a case of burglary and we have commenced investigation into it, she said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The UN-Habitat thus recognizes the effort made by Madinah to place the citizen at the center and its commitment to advance in the direction of the Sustainable Development Goals MADINAH, Saudi Arabia and LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Holy City of Madinah has signed a Letter of Intent with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) to join its SDG Cities Global Initiative. It is a clear recognition of the firm commitment of the Saudi city to be an inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable city. Indeed, Madinah's efforts are focused on putting the well-being of the citizens at the center and to advance in the direction of the Sustainable Development Goals. Madinah Region Development Authority has decided to begin the onboarding process for obtaining the required certification of SDG Cities Global Initiative. Prophet Mosque, Madinah The SDG Cities Global Initiative is intended to catalyze local governments' sustainability efforts and build their capacity to localize the SDG. It also aims to celebrate cities for their sustainable development achievements by sharing their promising practices and policies globally. National governments have recognized that the achievement of the 17 ambitious Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 requires the involvement of local governments. UN-Habitat has launched the SDG Cities Global Initiative to offer cities a clear pathway to SDG localization through providing planning tools, expert assistance, financing, and publicity incentives. About UN-Habitat UN-Habitat is the United Nations program working towards a better urban future. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. Through drawing together cooperation with committed partners, relevant stakeholders, and urban actors, including at all levels of government as well as the private sector, UN-Habitat is applying its technical expertise, normative work and capacity development to implement the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11 to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. About Madinah City Madinah is the second-holiest city in Islam, with Makkah and Jerusalem serving as the holiest and third-holiest cities respectively. It is the capital of the Madinah Province of Saudi Arabia. As of 2020, the estimated population of the city is 1.5 million. Located in Madinah, 'the Prophet's Mosque' is of exceptional importance in Islam and serves as the burial site of the last prophet, Muhammad, by whom the mosque was built in 622 CE. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1924022/Prophet_Mosque.jpg SOURCE Madinah City DUBLIN, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Internet of Things (IoT) in Retail Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global internet of things (IoT) in retail market size reached US$ 41.15 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach US$ 124.18 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.21% during 2021-2027. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor. The Internet of things (IoT) is a data network comprising devices that connect to the Internet and exchange data without requiring human-to-machine interaction. It finds extensive applications in the retail sector as IoT helps link the physical and digital world by allowing bidirectional real-time interaction with consumers inside and outside the store. It offers functional advantages, such as dynamic pricing, inventory tracking, monitoring, and personalized recommendations. Besides this, it also allows retailers to track customer movement and acquire insights about their shopping behavior. The rising automation in the retail sector to minimize labor costs represents one of the key factors bolstering the growth of the market. Moreover, retailers are focusing on launching innovative products and services and guaranteeing security to avoid data breaches. They are also aiming at bringing a digital transformation to their conventional bricks-and-mortar outlets. As a result, retailers are nowadays adopting IoT technologies, such as digital signage, payment systems, and smart lighting and vending machines. In addition, they are utilizing radio-frequency identification (RFID) for asset tracking in stores and warehouses, sensors and cameras for monitoring product status and customer traffic, and in-store Wi-Fi to detect return customers and encourage digital interaction. Apart from this, IoT devices enhance customer experience (CX) in stores through interactive terminals, virtual or augmented reality (AR/VR) experience, smart fitting rooms, and robots that can be deployed as smart sales assistants. These benefits, coupled with the rapid expansion of the e-commerce industry, are facilitating the growth of the market. Furthermore, with the declining cost of IoT hardware, small and medium-sized retailers are increasingly investing in IoT technologies, which is positively influencing the market. Competitive Landscape: The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being Allerin Tech Pvt Ltd, Amazon.com Inc., Bosch.IO GmbH, Cisco Systems Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd, Intel Corporation, International Business Machines Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, NEC Corporation (AT&T Corporation), Oracle Corporation, Software AG, Telit and Vodafone Group Plc. Key Questions Answered in This Report: How has the global internet of things (IoT) in retail market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years? What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global internet of things (IoT) in retail market? What are the key regional markets? What is the breakup of the market based on the solution? What is the breakup of the market based on the service? What is the breakup of the market based on the technology? What is the breakup of the market based on the platform? What is the breakup of the market based on the application? What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry? What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry? What is the structure of the global internet of things (IoT) in retail market and who are the key players? What is the degree of competition in the industry? Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Global Internet of Things (IoT) in Retail Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Forecast 6 Market Breakup by Solution 6.1 Hardware 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Key Segments 6.1.2.1 RFID tags 6.1.2.2 Beacons 6.1.2.3 Sensors 6.1.2.4 Wearables 6.1.3 Market Forecast 6.2 Software 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Service 7.1 Professional Services 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Managed Services 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by Technology 8.1 Near Field Communication 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Bluetooth Low Energy 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 8.3 ZigBee 8.3.1 Market Trends 8.3.2 Market Forecast 8.4 Others 8.4.1 Market Trends 8.4.2 Market Forecast 9 Market Breakup by Platform 9.1 Device Management 9.1.1 Market Trends 9.1.2 Market Forecast 9.2 Application Management 9.2.1 Market Trends 9.2.2 Market Forecast 9.3 Connectivity Management 9.3.1 Market Trends 9.3.2 Market Forecast 10 Market Breakup by Application 10.1 Operations Management 10.1.1 Market Trends 10.1.2 Market Forecast 10.2 Asset Management 10.2.1 Market Trends 10.2.2 Market Forecast 10.3 Customer Experience Management 10.3.1 Market Trends 10.3.2 Market Forecast 10.4 Advertising and Marketing 10.4.1 Market Trends 10.4.2 Market Forecast 11 Market Breakup by Region 12 SWOT Analysis 13 Value Chain Analysis 14 Porters Five Forces Analysis 15 Price Analysis 16 Competitive Landscape 16.1 Market Structure 16.2 Key Players 16.3 Profiles of Key Players 16.3.1 Allerin Tech Pvt Ltd 16.3.1.1 Company Overview 16.3.1.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.2 Amazon.com Inc. 16.3.2.1 Company Overview 16.3.2.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.2.3 Financials 16.3.2.4 SWOT Analysis 16.3.3 Bosch.IO GmbH 16.3.3.1 Company Overview 16.3.3.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.4 Cisco Systems Inc. 16.3.4.1 Company Overview 16.3.4.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.4.3 Financials 16.3.4.4 SWOT Analysis 16.3.5 Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. 16.3.5.1 Company Overview 16.3.5.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.5.3 SWOT Analysis 16.3.6 Intel Corporation 16.3.6.1 Company Overview 16.3.6.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.6.3 Financials 16.3.6.4 SWOT Analysis 16.3.7 International Business Machines Corporation 16.3.7.1 Company Overview 16.3.7.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.7.3 Financials 16.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis 16.3.8 Microsoft Corporation 16.3.8.1 Company Overview 16.3.8.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.8.3 Financials 16.3.8.4 SWOT Analysis 16.3.9 NEC Corporation (AT&T Corporation) 16.3.9.1 Company Overview 16.3.9.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.9.3 Financials 16.3.9.4 SWOT Analysis 16.3.10 Oracle Corporation 16.3.10.1 Company Overview 16.3.10.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.10.3 Financials 16.3.10.4 SWOT Analysis 16.3.11 Software AG 16.3.11.1 Company Overview 16.3.11.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.11.3 Financials 16.3.12 Telit 16.3.12.1 Company Overview 16.3.12.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.12.3 Financials 16.3.13 Vodafone Group Plc 16.3.13.1 Company Overview 16.3.13.2 Product Portfolio 16.3.13.3 Financials 16.3.13.4 SWOT Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rtkch4 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets SUMMERVILLE, S.C., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A total of $475K has been awarded to winning innovators across the country as part of 6 national technology challenges put on by Advanced Technology International (ATI). The challenges focused on issues of priority for the U.S. Government and national security, including: Energy, Infrastructure, Readiness, Medical, Biosecurity, Autonomy, Mobility, and Data Transformation. Out of nearly 800 submissions, 119 innovators from among startups, universities, and national labs were selected to make "Shark Tank"-style pitches from which 32 awards were made. The Challenges included the: The challenges took place during the Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit & Expo, held in Washington DC from September 27-29 and organized by ATI's TechConnect Division. The TechConnect Division is responsible for expanding ATI's innovation ecosystem by scouting and vetting emerging technologies. To date, TechConnect has conducted over 200 innovation challenges, connecting over 20,000 innovations for industry and government clients, delivering over $25 billion in sourced government funds and over $250 billion in sourced industry funds. "ATI's mission is to lessen the burden on government by finding, connecting, and managing the work of innovators to deliver solutions that meet the country's greatest needs. These challenges help us find innovators and emerging technologies so they can become part of the known innovation ecosystem, participate in our consortia, and expand the defense base," states ATI President and CEO Chris Van Metre. "We were thrilled with the quality of the submissions and congratulate all of our challenge winners and participants." About ATI ATI, a public-service nonprofit based in Summerville, South Carolina, builds and manages collaborations that conduct research and development of new technologies to solve our nation's national security challenges. Fueled by a community of experts from industry, academia, and government, ATI accelerates impact by using the power of collaboration to help the federal government quickly acquire novel technologies. ATI is a subsidiary of Analytic Services, Inc. (ANSER), a public-service research institute organized as a nonprofit corporation, which is dedicated to informing decisions that shape the nation's future. ATI.org | LinkedIn | Twitter | collaborATIon app SOURCE ATI (Advanced Technology International) Significant developments have been made to improve Annapolis Town Center's community gathering areas, parking, and high-end retail shops. ANNAPOLIS, Md., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Annapolis Town Center will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the newly built East Village. The event will take place at Annapolis Town Center on Sunday, October 30th at 1:30PM. First Lady of Maryland Yumi Hogan, Mayor Buckley, Senator Sarah Elfreth as well as many other local community leaders and county officials will be in attendance. Anne Arundel Economic Development will be presenting the town center with a Citation. Come check out the unveiling of the new Annapolis Town Center! The East Village is Annapolis Town Center's new and improved community gathering area. The space is now 50% larger and will feature the Boathouse Pavilion, a performance stage, and a seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink. In addition to the community space, Annapolis Town Center added more convenient parking, as well as several sought-after retailers such as Pottery Barn, William & Sonoma, and Life Time. "I've been anxiously waiting for this day for over a year," said Catherine Brady, Director of Marketing for Annapolis Town Center. "The East Village embodies the type of welcoming space for individuals and families we strive to create at Annapolis Town Center. We are committed to being the destination of choice for our area. Throughout the year, we will continue hosting concerts and events, offering unique attractions for guests of all ages, and ensuring that our retailers are one of a kind." The ceremony will be held during Annapolis Town Center's 3rd Annual Fall Fest. The Naval Academy Band will be performing prior to the ceremony, and the Maryland Performing Arts Center Dance Team will perform a special dance routine to follow. Fall Fest is free to attend and will feature many activities and family-friendly attractions. More information can be found at annapolistowncenter.com. As part of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Annapolis Town Center is donating to GiGi's Playhouse, a local nonprofit committed to creating a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities. About Annapolis Town Center & Trademark Property Company Annapolis Town Center serves as an entertainment destination for locals, visitors and business professionals alike, offering a relaxing, fun, and inclusive space for the Annapolis and surrounding communities. Annapolis Town Center is operated by Trademark Property Company. Trademark Property Company is a full-service real estate firm focused on investments, development, and institutional services of retail, multifamily, office and mixed-use properties. Fort Worth, Texas-based Trademark, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has invested in, developed, or redeveloped 21 million square feet of mixed-use, multifamily, and retail assets worth $4.5 billion. Trademark's experienced team of more than 141 employees is currently responsible for a 16-property portfolio totaling approximately 8.8 million square feet of mixed-use and retail projects across the country. A three-decade leader in navigating the changing mixed-use real estate landscape, Trademark's purpose is to be extraordinary stewards, enhance communities and enrich lives. For more information, visit www.trademarkproperty.com or interact on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. SOURCE Annapolis Town Center The live online event will feature a panel of thought leaders from business and academia who will discuss how the clean energy transition could reshape global trade, and impact supply chains, business liquidity and trading risks. Details of the event: Date: Thursday, 27 October 2022 Time: 10 am CET Duration: 45 minutes panel discussion, followed by 15 minutes live Q&A AMSTERDAM, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most urgent issues for businesses on every continent is how to transition to clean energy safely and securely in order to reach the global net zero target for 2050. At a time of spiralling energy costs and questions over energy security, Atradius has brought together a panel of industry experts from manufacturing, academia, banking and trading risk management to unpick and debate the widespread concerns and uncertainties related to the clean energy transition. They will discuss how this 'green' transition is likely to reshape global trade, and customer credit risk assessments, as well as green energy investment and storage, in addition to issues such as power and commodity capacity constraints. Corporate leaders, chief financial officers and credit managers all have the responsibility of guiding their organisations through the risks and opportunities involved in the months and years ahead. They will be confronted by a multitude of questions. How will the transition to green energy impact supply chains? How should businesses approach capital expenditure and source financing? What will be the overall impact on credit risk assessment and credit management during the transition to clean energy? Businesses are facing a tipping point for clean energy transition, and the Atradius webinar is perfectly timed to suggest the way forward. Opportunities abound for companies that can transition quickly and smoothly, but they will have to jump many hurdles along the way. For example, the transition to clean energy will clearly require massive investments. But how will banks consider 'transition' data, and which criteria will they consider when funding future green projects? Do they have the liquidity to invest and are infrastructures ready for this? All these questions, and many others, will be debated during the upcoming event, and moderated by Daisy McAndrew (former Economics Editor and Chief Political Correspondent for ITV News). The panel members are all world renowned in their fields and include Christof Ruhl (Senior Research Scholar at the Centre on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University), Robert Leportier (Head of Trade Credit Insurance at ArcelorMittal), Gido van Graas (Managing Director with responsibility for ING's New Energy Technologies at ING) and Dimitri Pelckmans (Atradius Head of Risk Belgium and Luxembourg. The event will be hosted by Claus Gramlich-Eicher, Atradius Chief Financial Officer. Details of the event: Date: Thursday, 27 October 2022 Time: 10 am CET Duration: 45 minutes panel discussion, followed by 15 minutes live Q&A To register for the event, please go to the Atradius Website at https://events.atradius.com. A recording of the event and a white paper will be made available following broadcast. About Atradius Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, bond and surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of Grupo Catalana Occidente (GCO.MC), one of the largest insurers in Spain and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at https://group.atradius.com. atradius.com Connect with Atradius on Social Media Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/712156/Atradius_Logo.jpg SOURCE Atradius N.V. NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The autonomous tractors market in Europe is expected to grow by USD 862.86 million during 2021-2026. The report extensively covers the autonomous tractors market in Europe segmentation by component (sensors, GPS, vision system, and others) and application (harvesting, seed sowing, and irrigation). In addition, Solar energy-powered tractors is anticipated to boost the growth of the Autonomous Tractors Market in Europe. Request Free Sample Report. Autonomous tractors market in Europe: Major Driver and Trend Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Autonomous Tractors Market in Europe 2022-2026 One of the main factors boosting the development of the autonomous tractor market in Europe is the rise in agricultural earnings. Using robotic equipment allows farmers to work from a distance, enabling them to carry out farming tasks even under bad weather circumstances. Additionally, the loss of seeds and fertilizers is reduced since robotic equipment gives great precision that manually operated equipment cannot. With the help of autonomous tractors, farmers can undertake tasks like seed sowing, watering, and harvesting, eliminating the need for manual labor and increasing earnings. Due to such considerations, there is a rising need for autonomous tractors in the field, which will drive the market's expansion throughout the course of the forecast period. Another significant development in the autonomous tractors market in Europe that is fueling industry expansion is the use of solar energy in tractors. Autonomous tractors are used in agricultural fields and are remotely operated by controllers. These tractors consume fuel and may run continuously. Solar power can be stored and used for operations later. Tractors are able to maneuver while deciding the correct course even in the dark thanks to cameras and light sensor components. As a result, farmers don't need to worry about power backup when using these tractors at any time of the day. Buy Sample Report. Autonomous tractors market in Europe: Major Vendor Offerings AgJunction Inc.: The company offers advanced guidance and autosteering solutions for precision agriculture applications. The company offers advanced guidance and autosteering solutions for precision agriculture applications. AgXeed BV: The company offers a wide range of solutions that give farmers more time to make the right decisions. The company offers a wide range of solutions that give farmers more time to make the right decisions. Autonomous Solutions Inc.: The company offers independent vehicle automation systems for mining, agriculture, automotive, government, and manufacturing industries with remote control. The company offers independent vehicle automation systems for mining, agriculture, automotive, government, and manufacturing industries with remote control. Autonomous Tractor Corp.: The company offers an electric drivetrain system to improve tilling, harvesting, and hauling services. The company offers an electric drivetrain system to improve tilling, harvesting, and hauling services. Deere and Co.: the company offers manufacturing and distribution of machines and service parts used in construction, earthmoving, road building, material handling, and timber harvesting. Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000. Autonomous tractors market in Europe: Segmentation by Components Electronic sensors are a common component of robotic devices. Unmanned autonomous tractors are controlled by controllers. These tractors operate on vast fields day and night with little assistance from people. Therefore, for these tractors to operate autonomously, a combination of sensors is utilized. Autonomous tractors have a variety of sensors attached to keep them operating independently. Different sensors are being used in agriculture as part of the development of precision farming to keep these tractors informed about their environment. In order to cultivate healthy crops, agriculture and farming need to control factors including soil moisture, weed growth, and pest growth. Autonomous tractors will be equipped with sensors to detect light, detect weeds, measure photometric, and monitor photosynthesis. Therefore, with the development of autonomous tractors, the sensors segment of the market is expected to grow during the forecast period. Download Free Sample Report. Related Reports: Gas-Powered Chainsaws Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: Increasing deforestation due to rising demand for different commodities is notably driving the gas-powered chainsaws market growth. The report extensively covers the gas-powered chainsaws market segmentation by product (cordless chainsaws and corded chainsaws) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, the Middle East and Africa, and South America). Center Pivot Irrigation Systems Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The growing focus on the efficient use of natural resources is notably driving the center pivot irrigation systems market growth. 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Autonomous Tractors Market In Europe Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Decelerate at a CAGR of 18.56% Market growth 2022-2026 $862.86 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 26.85 Regional analysis Europe Key consumer countries France, Germany, Poland, UK, and Rest of Europe Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled AgJunction Inc., AgXeed BV, Autonomous Solutions Inc., Autonomous Tractor Corp., Bear Flag Robotics, CNH Industrial NV, Deere and Co., Fendt, Kinze Manufacturing, Kubota Corp., Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Raven Industries Inc., Trimble Inc., Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd., and ZIMENO INC DBA MONARCH TRACTOR Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market Overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Country Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Component Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 14: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Regional - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Europe : Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) : Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Regional - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 18: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 19: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 20: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 21: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 22: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 23: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 24: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Component 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 25: Chart on Component - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 26: Data Table on Component - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Component Exhibit 27: Chart on Comparison by Component Exhibit 28: Data Table on Comparison by Component 5.3 Sensors - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 29: Chart on Sensors - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Data Table on Sensors - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 31: Chart on Sensors - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 32: Data Table on Sensors - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 GPS - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 33: Chart on GPS - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Data Table on GPS - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Chart on GPS - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 36: Data Table on GPS - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Vision system - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 37: Chart on Vision system - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 38: Data Table on Vision system - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Chart on Vision system - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 40: Data Table on Vision system - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.6 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 41: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 42: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.7 Market opportunity by Component Exhibit 45: Market opportunity by Component ($ million) 6 Market Segmentation by Application 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 46: Chart on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 48: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 49: Data Table on Comparison by Application 6.3 Harvesting - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Harvesting - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Harvesting - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Harvesting - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Harvesting - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.4 Seed sowing - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on Seed sowing - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Seed sowing - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on Seed sowing - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Seed sowing - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.5 Irrigation - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Irrigation - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Irrigation - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Irrigation - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Irrigation - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.6 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 62: Market opportunity by Application ($ million) 7 Customer Landscape 7.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 63: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 8 Geographic Landscape 8.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 64: Chart on Market share by geography - 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on Market share by geography - 2021-2026 (%) 8.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 66: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 67: Data Table on Geographic comparison 8.3 France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 68: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 69: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 71: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.4 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 72: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.5 Poland - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 76: Chart on Poland - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Poland - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Chart on Poland - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 79: Data Table on Poland - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.6 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 80: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 81: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 83: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.7 Rest of Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 84: Chart on Rest of Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 85: Data Table on Rest of Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Chart on Rest of Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 87: Data Table on Rest of Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.8 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 88: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 9.1 Market drivers 9.2 Market challenges 9.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 89: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 9.4 Market trends 10 Vendor Landscape 10.1 Overview 10.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 90: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 10.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 91: Overview on factors of disruption 10.4 Industry risks Exhibit 92: Impact of key risks on business 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 93: Vendors covered 11.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 94: Matrix on vendor position and classification 11.3 AgJunction Inc. Exhibit 95: AgJunction Inc. - Overview Exhibit 96: AgJunction Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 97: AgJunction Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 98: AgJunction Inc. - Segment focus 11.4 Autonomous Solutions Inc. Exhibit 99: Autonomous Solutions Inc. - Overview Exhibit 100: Autonomous Solutions Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 101: Autonomous Solutions Inc. - Key offerings 11.5 Autonomous Tractor Corp. Exhibit 102: Autonomous Tractor Corp. - Overview Exhibit 103: Autonomous Tractor Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 104: Autonomous Tractor Corp. - Key offerings 11.6 CNH Industrial NV Exhibit 105: CNH Industrial NV - Overview Exhibit 106: CNH Industrial NV - Business segments Exhibit 107: CNH Industrial NV - Key news Exhibit 108: CNH Industrial NV - Key offerings Exhibit 109: CNH Industrial NV - Segment focus 11.7 Deere and Co. Exhibit 110: Deere and Co. - Overview Exhibit 111: Deere and Co. - Business segments Exhibit 112: Deere and Co. - Key news Exhibit 113: Deere and Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 114: Deere and Co. - Segment focus 11.8 Kinze Manufacturing Exhibit 115: Kinze Manufacturing - Overview Exhibit 116: Kinze Manufacturing - Product / Service Exhibit 117: Kinze Manufacturing - Key offerings 11.9 Kubota Corp. Exhibit 118: Kubota Corp. - Overview Exhibit 119: Kubota Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 120: Kubota Corp. - Key news Exhibit 121: Kubota Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 122: Kubota Corp. - Segment focus 11.10 Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. Exhibit 123: Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 124: Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 125: Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 126: Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 127: Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. - Segment focus 11.11 Raven Industries Inc. Exhibit 128: Raven Industries Inc. - Overview Exhibit 129: Raven Industries Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 130: Raven Industries Inc. - Key news Exhibit 131: Raven Industries Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 132: Raven Industries Inc. - Segment focus 11.12 Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd. Exhibit 133: Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 134: Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 135: Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 136: Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 12 Appendix 12.1 Scope of the report 12.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 137: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 138: Exclusions checklist 12.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 139: Currency conversion rates for US$ 12.4 Research methodology Exhibit 140: Research methodology Exhibit 141: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 142: Information sources 12.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 143: List of abbreviations About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio BEIJING, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The year 2022 is nearing its end but the world continues to struggle against COVID-19, economic recessions and conflicts. Against the backdrop of growing risks and uncertainties, how China handles its relations with the world is under the spotlight. At the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Sunday, Xi Jinping pointed out that the world has once again reached a crossroads in history, and its future course will be decided by all the world's peoples. "The Chinese people are ready to work hand in hand with people across the world to create an even brighter future for humanity," Xi said. China has always been committed to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development, he added. 'Circle of friends' is expanding In the past decade, the total number of countries with which China has established diplomatic relations has increased to 181, said Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu during a press conference in Beijing on Thursday. The media conference was hosted by the Press Center for the 20th CPC National Congress on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Forge Ahead and Strive to Break New Ground for Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics." "We have established partnerships with 113 countries and regional organizations, making friends across the world and putting in place a global partnership network," he said. Effectively safeguarding the country's national sovereignty, security and development interests is another highlight in China's diplomacy. China has engaged in a fight against words and deeds that harm the country's national interests and dignity, such as fighting resolutely on the Taiwan question and issues related to Hong Kong and Xinjiang, among others. Moreover, head-of-state diplomacy has deepened the international community's understanding of China. In the past 10 years, President Xi Jinping has made 42 visits to 69 countries on five continents and received over 100 heads of state and government at home, drawing a grand blueprint for China's partnership with other countries. Building a global community of development with a shared future Ma stressed at the press conference that safeguarding world peace, promoting common development and building a community with a shared future for mankind is the overall goal of China's diplomacy in the new era. Just as Ma said, China has and will continue to take concrete actions to implement the goal. For instance, since last year, Xi has put forward the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, further enriching the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by the country has become an international public initiative and a platform for global economic cooperation guided by an overall vision. By the end of July 2022, China had signed more than 200 BRI cooperation agreements with 149 countries and 32 international organizations, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis, China has also proved its commitment in practicing the overall goal of the country's diplomacy. Standing at the forefront of international anti-pandemic cooperation, the country has carried out its largest global emergency humanitarian operation and promoted the building of a global community of health for all. Since the start of the Ukraine crisis earlier this year, China has been making unremitting efforts to defuse tensions and working actively to promote dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, voicing its support for peace and doing its best for talks. Highlighted in the report to the 20th CPC National Congress, China's diplomacy in the new era is undoubtedly drawing the world's attention. China has always been committed to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development, Xi said. The answer is firm and clear. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-10-20/20th-CPC-National-Congress-How-China-responds-to-a-changing-world-1ehnuddaaRy/index.html SOURCE CGTN Signs agreement to design the first-of-its-kind commercial manufacturing plant solution in the region, with government support under NextGen FDI initiative. PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Change Foods has signed an agreement with KEZAD Group to design a dedicated commercial manufacturing plant for production of its animal-free dairy in Abu Dhabi, with the support of the Ministry of Economy of the UAE under the NextGen FDI initiative. The company also shared it is in the final stages of closing a bridge funding round. Change Foods signs agreement with KEZAD Group to design a dedicated commercial manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi Tweet this Change Foods signs agreement with KEZAD to design first manufacturing facility to produce animal-free dairy ingredients. left to right, top to bottom His Excellency Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed AlMheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates Captain Mohamed Juma Al Sha The planned facility will be the first of its kind in the region to produce animal-free milk protein, casein, the main ingredient in cheesemaking. Change Foods' casein is bioidentical to the traditional dairy version but will be entirely animal-free -- thus made with a fraction of the environmental impact of animal-derived dairy. The strategic location of the facility with multimodal connectivity would also provide a shipping and distribution network to serve the rapidly growing Middle East and Asia-Pacific region. "We are honored to be a part of the UAE's NextGen FDI initiative and grateful for the strategic partnership with KEZAD Group," said David Bucca, Founder and CEO of Change Foods. "NextGen FDI is prioritizing successful scaling of new sustainable food technologies like ours that offer significant environmental and economic development benefits. The strategic alignment behind our company's vision to help transition the world to more sustainable food systems by scaling new food production technology was clear from the start." Change Foods is pioneering precision fermentation technology that integrates centuries-old fermentation techniques with the latest bioengineering tools. The milk proteins produced via precision fermentation are identical to those made by cows, so the resulting cheese retains its authentic texture, taste, stretch and melting characteristics of traditional dairy cheese. Change Foods is focused primarily on the growing cheese industry, an $83 billion global food category and one of the world's most popular foods. "Raising animals for food is an inefficient and resource-intensive process that materially contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions," said Bucca, "We think we can be an influence of positive transformation for this dynamic and growing industry. This will be a stellar example of how embracing new technologies can help us overcome regional food security challenges." With this announcement, the UAE continues its foray into the world food innovation stage. The government will showcase its commitment in 2024 when Dubai hosts COP28, the United Nations' Climate Change Conference. The UN is working to galvanize global action and establish policies and investments to actively support decarbonization of energy and agricultural sectors to limit the planet warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in accordance with the Paris Agreement. Change Foods is Making Big Moves in the UAE "Change Foods is an outstanding example of the kind of emerging food technology investments the United Arab Emirates wishes to make in shaping a sustainable, secure and affordable food system that can serve growing local and regional demand," said H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade. "Initiatives such as NextGen FDI are helping to accelerate the development of a knowledge-based economy, one in which advanced technologies can be applied the challenges of sustainable manufacturing and food security. We are excited to welcome Change Foods to the UAE and further catalyze the nation's food-tech ecosystem, which will help reduce our reliance on imports, enhance local production and inspire further innovation," he added. Bucca indicated his team is now in the midst of the facility design stages. Change Foods is creating animal-free dairy foods by leveraging precision fermentation technology, starting with cheese. By harnessing the power of microbes instead of animals to create real dairy proteins and fats, the company is producing animal-free dairy foods that are indistinguishable from their animal-based predecessors in taste and texture, while delivering products that are more sustainable and better for you. Change Foods is a US-Australian food tech company headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. https://www.changefoods.com/ KEZAD Group is the UAE's largest operator of fully integrated economic zones, business services, staff accommodation and industrial real estate solutions. It offers a wide range of business solutions suitable for all types of business activities, such as manufacturing, logistics, trade and distribution. https://www.kezadgroup.com/ NextGen FDI is a national initiative launched by the Ministry of the Economy in July 2022 designed to attract strategic businesses from all over the world and provide them with the necessary market entry fundamentals needed to launch and scale from within the UAE. https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/nextgenfdi SOURCE Change Foods BEIJING, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Annette Nijs, who is Former Dutch Cabinet Minister Education, Culture and Science, President of Business School Netherlands, delivered a speech at the International Symposium on Chinese Path to Modernization and Global Development Initiative. The speech was first published by China Focus. It is important that the world gets behind China's Global Development Initiative (GDI). In President Xi Jinping's speech 'Bolstering Confidence and Jointly Overcoming Difficulties To Build a Better World', he urged the world to stay committed to development as a priority on the global macro policy agenda. He urged the world to speed up the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by focusing on results-oriented actions. The GDI is important not only for improving the well-being of people and that of our planet. It is of equal importance to maintain world peace by making nations work together on something in which they all believe irrespective of their differences: the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The 2030 Agenda of the 17 SDGs was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, and 'provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future'. The Circle of Friends of GDI currently consists of some 130 countries, quite an achievement within one year after the above-mentioned speech from President Xi at the UN. But we need more countries to join. Wouldn't it be something if all other countries in the world would join this Circle of Friends of GDI, especially also countries from the West? That, to me must be the final objective of GDI. We live in a world with ample space for Western, Eastern and other ideologies. It is high time to embrace diversity between countries and work together to make the world a better place. We are living in restless times, which we need to bring to a good end. So, how can GDI further grow into a world-wide initiative? GDI allows us to get into a positive mindset for global cooperation despite our seemingly irreconcilable values. GDI will encourage us to have a mindset where the conversation and cooperation between nations is not dependent on value systems but on realizing objectives for the prosperity of the planet and of all people as we will pursue the achievement of objectives, which we all share: the 17 SDGs of the UN. When all countries are working together on these SDGs, we all may start to feel in our bones the harmony of diversity and we all may start to embrace diversity between nations. China brings many new opportunities to the world. How can we make the whole world join the GDI? That is a big question. China needs to make an offer no nation can refuse. The global cooperation on climate change and the cooperation of China, U.S., and India on the abolishment of some of the patents for Covid-19 vaccines, convince me that it is doable: challenging for sure, but doable. In making this offer, China should invite other nations to join by putting the focus of GDI on action, action and action. I can picture a gigantic GDI to-do list for the world. A global to-do list of the top 1,000 actions for each of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which the world needs to act upon in order to achieve the UN 2030 goals. Actions for the top 50 countries, which currently have the lowest achievement score on each of the SDGs. Actions, which bridge the major gaps in where we are and where we want to be for all the 17 SDGs. I can picture a dashboard a sort of GDI map of the world , which clearly shows which nation is actively supporting GDI in the realization of the top 1,000 actions for each SDG and which policy, practical innovations and new research are applied. A global GDI dashboard, which also tracks the contribution of each of the actions to the achievement of the 17 UN SDGs by 2030. When countries, who have not yet made the decision to join GDI, watch the global GDI dashboard, they will see the success of GDI with their own eyes. When they see this success, I do believe they want to join in. They want to join the winning teams. They want to get on board. They want to be seen on the global GDI dashboard. I would like to invite those who are reluctant to consider joining GDI to reconsider. The world is at an important crossroads. To those, who mistake China's confidence on GDI for China's urge for world power, I would say: let go of your idea that international collaboration is only possible on a shared value basis. If we can trade with each other despite our value-differences, why can't we work together on resolving the challenges of the 2030 UN Agenda? If we try, we may be pleasantly surprised of the outcome. With GDI, we can experiment on how best to work together across countries in different multilateral groups. It will show us how collaborating together we can benefit of knowledge and insights from countries, who are partnering together. We can learn that seeking common ground is not only the good thing to do but also a nice thing to do. And most of all, a successful GDI may give us a good opportunity to keep us all together. It may significantly contribute to retaining world peace, whilst we combine the well-being of the planet with that of ourselves. We live in a world with ample space for Western, Eastern and other ideologies. It is high time to also accept and embrace diversity between countries. We do not need to share the same values to collaborate together within the GDI framework or to tackle any other global challenge. Contact: Bai Shi Tel: 008610-68996995 Email: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1922680/China_Focus_Logo.jpg SOURCE China Focus - Frederic Chereau named Chairman of the Board - Seasoned entrepreneur, Dr Claudia Mitchell, appointed Non-executive Director PARIS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Coave Therapeutics ('Coave'), a biotech company leading the transition of genetic medicine from (ultra) rare to prevalent conditions in neurodegenerative diseases, today announces Frederic Chereau as Chairman of the Board and the appointment of Dr Claudia Mitchell, PhD, MBA to the Company's Board of Directors as an independent non-executive director. "We are excited to welcome Claudia to Coave's Board at such a pivotal time for the Company. Her entrepreneurial skillset and track record of building companies based on platforms harnessing cell and gene therapy will be invaluable as the Company advances its proprietary AAV-Ligand Conjugates platform, ALIGATER, with the goal of delivering enhanced gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through the clinic," said Frederic Chereau, Chairman of Coave Therapeutics' Board. "Claudia will be an asset to the Board and I very much look forward to working with her." Dr Claudia Mitchell added: "I am delighted to be joining Coave's Board during this exciting period of growth for the Company. Coave is in a strong position to drive forward its novel gene therapies derived from its ALIGATER platform, and I look forward to contributing to this journey, as the Company develops a strategy for its pipeline of novel gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases." Rodolphe Clerval, Coave's Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are thrilled that Fred will be leading the Board as Chairman and to have someone of Claudia's stature and experience join our Board. Her extensive entrepreneurial and senior leadership experience in cell and gene therapy will be invaluable as we progress the development of our gene therapies. Both the size and composition of the board have been carefully evaluated, comprising seasoned biotech executives that possess essential skills and experience to help execute the Company's long-term strategy. I look forward to working with them to guide Coave's future success." Frederic Chereau, MBA Frederic currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of LogicBio Therapeutics, a clinical stage genetic medicine company pioneering genome editing and gene delivery platforms to address rare and serious diseases. He has more than 25 years of executive leadership and industry experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Prior to LogicBio, Frederic has worked at Genzyme, Pervasis Therapeutics (acquired by Shire), Shire and aTyr Pharma as General Manager, President & CEO, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer respectively. Frederic is also a member of the Board of Directors for Dynacure SAS. Frederic holds a BSc in Physics from Paris University, an MSc in Management from ESC La Rochelle and completed his MBA at INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France. Claudia Mitchell, PhD, MBA Claudia is a scientist and entrepreneur with over 20 years research and industry experience. She was most recently Senior Vice President of Portfolio Strategy at Astellas Pharma in Tokyo, Japan, where since 2019 she was responsible for overseeing the entire Astellas development pipeline, developing portfolio strategy and for maximizing pipeline value. Prior to Astellas, Claudia co-founded Universal Cells, a company that produces engineered stem cell lines to be used in allogeneic cell therapy. She served as CEO of Universal Cells for four years until Astellas acquired the company in 2019 for over $100 million. Claudia also co-founded Halo-Bio RNAi Therapeutics, an early-stage company developing a novel platform of RNAi products, where she served as Chief Scientific Officer for two years. Further, Claudia has also worked as a Program Director at the LGMD2I Research Fund, a non-profit foundation and held a tenured academic research position at the French National Institute of Medical Research (INSERM). Claudia is a Board member of Adocia. Claudia holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Paris and an MBA in International Management from the Ecole des Ponts Business School, Paris, France. She was awarded the 2018 EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in Life Sciences for the Pacific Northwest Region, USA. The Coave Board of Directors is as follows: Frederic Chereau (Chairman) (Chairman) Guillaume Blavier , Omnes , Omnes Jean-Frederic Chibret, Thea Open Innovation Olivier Danos Claudia Mitchell Bruno Montanari , Seroba Life Sciences , Seroba Life Sciences Philippe Monteyne , Fund+ , Fund+ Willem Broekaert , V-BIO (Observer) , V-BIO (Observer) Thierry Laugel , Kurma Partners (Observer) , Kurma Partners (Observer) Rodolphe Clerval , Coave Therapeutics About Coave Therapeutics At Coave Therapeutics, we are leading the transition of genetic medicine from (ultra) rare to prevalent conditions, with an initial focus on neurodegenerative diseases. The company's proprietary AAV-Ligand Conjugates platform ('ALIGATER') introduces chemical modifications onto AAV capsids, overcoming the limitations of current vectors on efficacy, safety, and manufacturability. With low doses and optimized routes of administration, our conjugated AAV vectors have demonstrated markedly improved transduction and biodistribution in the central nervous system and the eye across different species. Our diverse pipeline of novel genetic medicines can potentially transform the lives of people afflicted by rare and prevalent neurodegenerative and ocular diseases including genetically and non-genetically defined indications. Headquartered in Paris, France, Coave Therapeutics is backed by leading international life sciences investors. For more information about the science, pipeline, and people, please visit www.coavetx.com and follow us on LinkedIn. CONTACTS Coave Therapeutics Rodolphe Clerval, CEO [email protected] MEDiSTRAVA Consulting Sylvie Berrebi, Eleanor Perkin, Mark Swallow PhD [email protected] Tel: +44 203 928 6900 SOURCE Coave Therapeutics Broe Real Estate Group, Alvarez & Marsal Capital Real Estate Partner to Attract Fortune 500 Company DENVER, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Broe Real Estate Group (BREG), the wholly-owned subsidiary of the multi-billion-dollar, Colorado private investment firm, The Broe Group, in conjunction with Alvarez & Marsal Capital Real Estate (A&M CapRE), the real estate investment management arm of Alvarez & Marsal, has signed Micron Technologies, Inc. as the lead tenant for their new joint venture, MAX Technology Center (MTC). The 207,000 square foot Longmont lease marks Colorado's largest flex lease of the year. Micron Technologies, Inc. signs Colorados largest flex lease of 2022 to open the newly transformed MAX Technology Center. Broe Real Estate Group and Alvarez & Marsal Capital Real Estate partnered to attract the Fortune 500 Company to the 25-acre innovation campus in Longmont. "MTC is the culmination of thoughtful partnership, planning, and investment necessary to reposition an existing asset into a vibrant campus attractive to life sciences, advanced manufacturing and flex office tenants," said BREG CEO Douglas Wells. Strategically located within Colorado's technology triangle, the 475,000 square foot facility is the culmination of an extensive $100M transformation of the former manufacturing facility. The redevelopment includes enhanced interior and exterior common area amenities, upgraded campus facade, and extensive investment in building systems designed to assist employers in attracting and retaining talent. MAX Technology Center's highly-amenitized environment now caters to life science, advanced manufacturing, and creative office users. "The life science and advanced manufacturing sectors are poised to withstand current market headwinds, with Boulder County a top life science destination in the US being a direct beneficiary of the continued growth and onshoring of these companies," said A&M CapRE Co-Founder and CEO Hugh G. Hilton. Acquired in 2017, MAX Technology Center's 25-acre innovation campus is the largest block of contiguous office space in Colorado. With the successful close of MTC's lead tenant, leasing continues to be led by CBRE's Erik Abrahamson. "The development of the MAX Technology Center has created an important economic driver for Longmont and the region," said Longmont Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Jessica Erickson. "With more than 200 employees already in Longmont, Micron is one of the city's largest private sector employers and a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Locally, the collective semiconductor industry represents a $35M annual economic impact. The opportunity to retain and support Micron's growth at the newly imagined MAX Technology Center will have a lasting positive economic effect on our community and will serve as a catalyst for the remaining campus occupancy." About Broe Real Estate Group Broe Real Estate Group, an affiliate of The Broe Group, acquires, develops, and manages commercial real estate assets. Affiliated companies own and manage office and industrial properties, medical office buildings and multi-family communities across the country, including premier assets in many of the most desirable markets. The Broe Group has a 50-year history of value-add real estate investing in Colorado and across the United States. We improve value though the implementation of focused business plans that increase cash flow and create stable income streams. Additional information is available at broerealestate.com About The Broe Group Founded in 1972, The Broe Group is a private, multi-billion-dollar investment group with diversified holdings in real estate, rail, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, water, healthcare and technology throughout 37 North American states and provinces. Its deep operational knowledge derived from owning and operating multi-billion-dollar businesses and the global economic insights gleaned from serving its vast Fortune 500 clientele are strategic differentiators. The Broe Group's entrepreneurial focus enables it to find true value wherever it resides. For more information, visit broe.com. About Alvarez & Marsal Capital Real Estate, LLC Alvarez & Marsal Capital Real Estate, LLC is the value-add real estate investment arm of Alvarez & Marsal, Inc. A&M CapRE owns and manages commercial real estate assets across the Western U.S. with a focus on the adaptive re-use and repositioning of existing assets across product types. Institutional real estate experience, combined with a heritage in corporate turnarounds and restructuring, has positioned A&M CapRE to capitalize on real estate opportunities across all phases of real estate market cycles. For more information, visit www.amcapitalre.com and www.alvarezandmarsal.com . SOURCE Broe Real Estate Group Seniors Can Learn About their Medicare Options from Home TEXARKANA and LONGVIEW, Texas, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Seniors in East Texas who are aging into Medicare or want to explore their options for 2023 can attend a virtual seminar from the comfort of their own homes. LiveWell Senior Care Advantage is offering a Virtual Medicare Shop & Compare Expo,10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. The webinar is an excellent opportunity for seniors to learn about their Medicare options. Registration is desired, but not required. To register: LiveWellSeniorCareAdvantage.com. The webinar will include several sessions, including a physician panel entitled "The Benefits of Value-Based Healthcare;" Medicare 101 sessions by independent, licensed brokers; as well as insurance company presentations. The event is hosted by LiveWell Senior Care Advantage, a program offered by the Collom and Carney Clinic and the Diagnostic Clinic of Longview. Don't worry if you miss the live webinar. You can still watch the Medicare information program online at LiveWellSeniorCareAdvantage.com. About LiveWell Senior Care Advantage LiveWell Senior Care Advantage is not a new Medicare Advantage plan. Rather, it is a collaborative approach to care delivery that focuses on preventive care and providing care coordination resources. This program is open to senior patients of the Collom and Carney Clinic and the Diagnostic Clinic of Longview. More information about LiveWell Senior Care Advantage program and Medicare informational resources are available at LiveWellSeniorCareAdvantage.com. SOURCE LiveWell Senior Care Advantage Caroline Frith to help shape next era of the CRE industry through cove's innovative Proptech solutions DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- cove , a technology solution that integrates the tenant experience ("TeX") and building operating systems ("building OS") for commercial real estate (CRE), announced Caroline Frith as Chief Strategy Officer to shape the next era of the commercial real estate (CRE) industry through its innovative Proptech solutions. Caroline Frith joins cove with an impressive 20-year background in CRE, investment banking and data analytics technology. Frith's most recent role was the Head of Strategy and Innovation for the Asset Services Technology division of Cushman & Wakefield where she established herself as a trusted advisor to clients seeking to discover investment opportunities in Proptech and increase the value of their real estate portfolio. "Requirements for flexible office space will continue to increase significantly and cove is addressing a permanent hybrid-work solution," stated Frith. "I've had a bird's-eye view of every Proptech option available for years and I was very impressed with cove's technology and approach. They are solving challenges in the market by addressing the real needs of tenants and property teams through a centralized platform; more so, cove is doing it with the highest caliber of engineers and great vision from leadership. I'm looking forward to what we will achieve together in positively setting a new standard for technology in the future of work." Frith also previously served as the Global Program Manager for London-based HSBC, a financial services organization covering 63 countries and territories, held management positions with Thomson Reuters, where Caroline was a key member of the technology team building Reuters flagship market data and research product, and at IBM, where she led multiple high-visibility, high-risk projects for IBM's largest Australian client. The appointment of Frith comes on the heels of cove's funding round that closed in late spring of this year led by Blackstone Innovations Investments, and included funding from access control provider Kastle Systems. Both joined existing investor Second Century Ventures. As Chief Strategy Officer, Frith will lead innovation that will grow the cove platform and further solidify it as the Proptech category leader. "Caroline (Frith) is a proven leader in delivering transformative results in the Proptech sector by staying ahead of emerging technologies and demands," said Adam Segal, Founder and CEO of cove. "We are shaping the future of work and Caroline will help to drive our product strategy, lean into our technology partnerships, expand into the occupier market, enhance the tenant experience, and further our sustainability initiatives." For more information, visit www.cove.is. About cove At cove, we are on a mission to build software and enable experiences that transform the way people engage with their physical environment. We do this by partnering with real estate owners and operators to put the experience in everyone's hands. Since opening the doors of our first neighborhood co-working space in 2013, our vision has always been to create great spaces, provide great service, and use technology to make everything easier. With operations in our DNA, we have built a dynamic tech platform to connect the physical and digital worlds deployed with some of the most innovative real estate owners and operators creating a building's tech stack to bring people and experiences to the forefront. Visit us at www.cove.is. SOURCE cove Boozy Bites, Heralogie, and PWR WMN are the finalists in EOSERA's inaugural EmpowHERment Pitch Competition. The prize is $10K. Learn more at www.empowhermentpitch.com . FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boozy Bites, Heralogie, and PWR WMN have been selected finalists and will compete for the $10k prize in EOSERA INC.'s inaugural EmpowHERment Pitch Competition. Elyse Stoltz Dickerson, CEO of the Fort Worth-based success story got an early jump start by winning a pitch competition and is giving these three smart, innovative, woman-led, Texas-based companies a similar opportunity. About the Finalists EmpowHERment Boozy Bites is the world's first premium edible cocktail. Formulated by one of the nation's top scientists, Boozy Bites' proprietary gel is vegan and wine based, and the best part, every Bite comes in their patented push-up cup. Heralogie helps menstruators feel unparalleled comfort, security, and peace of mind with their unique, tree-based, breathable period panties that mold to your body. Heralogie is committed to sustainability, empowering menstruators, and alleviating period poverty. PWR WMN makes blazers with pockets that are functional and feminine. PWR WMN was created by two best friends who grew tired of the intentional exclusion of pockets in their workwear. They transcend the idea that business is masculine by taking the symbol of professional life - a blazer - and making it strong and feminine. About the Competition The EmpowHERment Pitch Competition will be an annual competition held during Global Entrepreneurship Week every November. The original applicants were narrowed to 10 semifinalists and three were selected to pitch to a live audience November 17th at UNT HSC Next Offices in Fort Worth. Three qualified judges will select the winner to take home the $10K prize. "We are thrilled about the selection of candidates for the first year of the contest," Dickerson said. "The competition was fierce, and our semifinalist judges had their work cut out for them. When EOSERA won their pitch competition, it propelled our company forward and took us to the next level. I'm glad to do something similar for another woman-led company. Good luck to our finalists!" The inaugural EmpowHERment Pitch Competition is supported by presenting sponsor, Simmons Bank, and partners Satori Capital, BioLabs, Fort Worth Report, Tech Fort Worth, and UNT Health Science Center. Purchase tickets here for $5. About EOSERA: EOSERA, Inc. is a biotech company that develops innovative products that target under addressed healthcare needs in the ear care space. Co-founded and led by CEO Elyse Stoltz Dickerson, EOSERA offers a full line of ear care products that remove earwax, relieve itch and pain, and provide routine cleanings to improve overall ear health. EOSERA products are safe, effective, formulated by scientists, and recommended by doctors. The company's products are currently available in over 28K stores nationwide and online, including Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, Albertsons, and Amazon. For more information, visit www.eosera.com . Media Contact: Lily Seibert Dini von Mueffling Communications [email protected] 646 299 2491 SOURCE Eosera, Inc The acquisition creates the first end-to-end suite of solutions for helping companies identify, understand, and solve challenges with in-store operations worldwide FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. and PARIS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Field Agent, the longtime leader in location-specific, store-level audits, insights and product-trial solutions , today announced the acquisition of SimpliField, a mobile-first, distributed-workforce management platform based in Paris, France. The goal of the transaction is to bring brands, retailers, and restaurants the tools to win at in-store retail by identifying, analyzing, and improving retail operations. Field Agent harnesses a crowdsourced panel of over two million shoppers around the world to audit in-store prices, product availability, display compliance, and many more features within the store environment. Now, with the acquisition of SimpliField and its innovative, retail performance app, retailers and brands have the ability to both understand what's happening in the store through Field Agent, and to take action with in-store staff through SimpliField. According to Rick West, Field Agent CEO and Co-Founder, the acquisition will combine the best of retail auditing with the best of retail performance management. "SimpliField's vision for efficient, customer-focused retail operations is perfectly aligned with our roadmap for ever-evolving retail solutions and tools," West said. "With the acquisition, we're bringing together the power of the crowd with the extensive retail experience of both companies." With combined revenues of over $20 million, a team of over 150 employees, and physical operations in 10 major global markets, Field Agent and SimpliField will now apply their joint expertise to helping companies across the retail industry improve operations, outperform competitors, and better serve shoppers. "The net effect of the acquisition will be seen immediately," said SimpliField CEO and Co-Founder, Benjamin Zenou. "SimpliField will capitalize on Field Agent's deep knowledge of the North American market as we support their expansion in EMEA." "Our current customers can supplement their teams by offloading simple tasks to the Field Agent crowd. It'll be a winwin for the client and the shopper alike," said Zenou. With a reach of 400,000 retail locations across 65 countries, SimpliField's retail performance platform enables efficient and effective in-store operations. SimpliField's powerful communication system and analytics capabilities help companies improve teamwork, compliance, and performance at-retail. SimpliField's alerts, real-time communication, and data analytics empower brands and retailers to coordinate and monitor their remote stores and field teams globally. The acquisition was supported by an investment from Five Elms Capital. "We are excited to support the combination of two highly complementary companies who are transforming the way the retail sector operates in today's mobile-first environment," said Ryan Mandl of Five Elms Capital. "With their combined resources and strategy, we expect this acquisition to provide significant value and drive further innovation for existing customers." About Field Agent Founded in 2010, Field Agent is a trusted provider of retail audits, ratings and reviews, shopper insights, and other crowdsourced, location-specific retail solutions. With a global panel of more than two million everyday shoppers, Field Agent offers full-service solutions as well as on-demand, self-serve solutions through the Plum retail-solutions marketplace . About SimpliField SimpliField is a mobile-first platform for seamlessly managing remote stores and field teams . Founded in 2016, SimpliField's mobile technology helps companies boost revenue on average by 3% while reducing churn by 30% by coordinating, operating, and analyzing their distant retail operations and empowering brands, retailers, and restaurants to provide exceptional, in-store customer experiences at-scale. About Five Elms Five Elms Capital is a leading growth investor in world-class software businesses that users love. Five Elms provides capital and resources to help companies accelerate growth and further cement their role as industry leaders. Five Elms maintains offices in North America and Europe and invests in the best software platforms globally. For more information, visit fiveelms.com Point of Contact Cory Nelson Field Agent, Director of Marketing 501-339-1752 [email protected] SOURCE Field Agent View the dresses worn by political figures from over 30 countries. WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 12, Diplomacy and Fashion hosted the "First Fashion" Gala at the Conrad Hotel in Washington, D.C. The First Fashion Gala was the first black-tie affair of its kind in honoring the designers of First Ladies, Gentlemen and royalty across the globe. Founded by Indira Gumarova, Diplomacy and Fashion advocates for sustainable fashion, educates emerging diplomats and designers about the role of fashion in diplomacy and promotes designers. Rudi Brook modeling a dress designed by Jan Taminiau. The dress was designed for and worn by Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Yana Ziolkowski modeling a dress created by Armenian designer Vahan Khachatryan. The dress was designed for and worn by the wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Anna Hakobyan. "My vision came true at the First Fashion Gala. It was a great feeling to see the models presenting creations from more than 30 First Ladies from around the world. And most importantly, the audience loved it. It gave a completely new perspective on how to dress like a woman of power," Gumarova said. Acclaimed designers like Naeem Khan, who dressed Michelle Obama in her time as First Lady, presented the dresses at the gala. Other designers like Maltese designers Charles and Ron, who have dressed the spouse of Malta's Prime Minister, Dr. Lydia Abela; Polish designer Dorota Goldpoint who dressed the First Lady of Poland Mrs. Agata Kornhauser-Duda, and Guatemalan designer Anita Lara who dressed former First Lady of Guatemala Mrs. Patricia De Morales attended the Gala. An original dress and pair of shoes worn by former Philippines's First Lady Imelda Marcus, original dress worn by US First Lady Edith Wilson, original dress and jewelry worn by Ethel Kennedy, an original kaftan worn by Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud of Saudi Arabia were displayed at the gala. An original Chanel coat was exhibited that was worn by First Lady of France Brigitte Macron, and original dress worn by former president of Estonia, Mrs. Kersti Kaljulaid. In addition to the designers, 30 participating embassies sent representatives to attend. The Minister of Environment of Ecuador, Mr. Gustavo Manrique and The First Lady of Serbia, Tamara Vucic made appearances at the gala. Diplomacy and Fashion, founded by the Czech Ambassador's wife, Indira Gumarova, celebrates nations and global cultures, bringing diplomacy, fashion, history, and philanthropy together. Diplomacy and Fashion envisions creating an exclusive network, emphasizing fashion and the fashion industry's future in the vibrant center of world diplomacy in Washington, D.C. The program educates emerging diplomats and designers about the role of fashion in diplomacy, and promotes designers. In 2021, Diplomacy and Fashion collaborated with Events DC, the premier host of cultural events in Washington DC, on a mini tv series about the role of diplomacy and fashion and gave the first ever award to former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. For more inf ormation: https://www.diplomacyandfashion.com/first-fashion-gala For Media Inquiries: Pace Public Relations, [email protected], 917-690-6161 SOURCE First Fashion Gala SANTA ROSA, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Magazine has announced its selection of Vintage Wine Estates President Terry Wheatley on its second annual 50 Over 50 List, produced in partnership with Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," and her "Know Your Value" platform. The prestigious Forbes "50 Over 50" list spotlights dynamic female entrepreneurs who have achieved significant success in life, often overcoming formidable odds or barriers. Ms. Wheatley made the Forbes short-list of 50 women challenging age and gender norms within the Lifestyle category. "As the first woman president to take a multimillion-dollar wine company public, my goal is to continue to raise up the women who follow and also continue to lead Vintage Wine Estates as the industry leader in digital marketing," states Ms. Wheatley. "I am humbled to take my place among women who share that vision." At 65, Ms. Wheatley was tapped to be the first woman president of Vintage Wine Estates in 2018. Three years later, she became the first woman to take a $200 million dollar U.S. wine company public. Wheatley has been in the wine industry for over 40 years and previously worked with E & J Gallo Winery and Sutter Home (now Trinchero Family Estates) before founding her own wine business, Canopy Management, in 2008. Wheatley also founded Wine Sisterhood, an online community for women to connect over wine. Ms. Wheatley joins the diverse list of remarkable women, which also includes Billie Jean King, Supreme Court Justice Kentaji Brown-Jackson, Kris Jenner, Dolly Parton, Tory Burch, Sandra Bullock, LA Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss, Martha Stewart, Octavia Spencer and Tina Turner, among other notable figures. The Forbes "50 Over 50: Lifestyle" list can be viewed at: https://www.forbes.com/50over50/lifestyle Vintage Wine Estates is a family of wineries and wines whose singular focus is producing the finest quality wines and incredible customer experiences with wineries throughout Napa, Sonoma, California's Central Coast, Oregon, and Washington State. Since its founding 20 years ago, the Company has grown to be the 14th largest wine producer in the U.S., selling more than two million nine-liter equivalent cases annually. To consistently drive growth, the Company curates, creates, stewards, and markets its many brands and services to customers and end consumers via a balanced omni-channel strategy encompassing direct-to-consumer, wholesale and exclusive brand arrangements with national retailers. While VWE is diverse across price points and varietals with over 60 brands ranging from $10 to $150 USD at retail, its primary focus is on the fastest growing luxury segment of the wine industry with the majority of brands selling at over $15 per bottle. The Company regularly posts updates and additional information at https://www.vintagewineestates.com/. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Vintage Wine Estates SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan Institute lauds Top Companies with Global Enlightened Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition for 2022. Through its robust research methodology, the Institute has identified Companies that are moving the world in the right direction and awarded them with this year's Enlightened Growth Leadership Awards. Congratulations to all recipients of the Enlightened Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition (PRNewsfoto/Frost & Sullivan) "Organizations have the commitment and obligation to align ESG priorities with business goals. The success stories of these future-ready companies are likely to inspire others into responsible consumerism, conservation, and positive impact on the planet," said Prerna Mohan, Director, Frost & Sullivan Institute. Frost & Sullivan Institute follows its proprietary, measurement-based methodology, combined with extensive research. Being one of the few existing methodologies that equally weights growth and Environment, Social, Governance (ESG), this recognition is one of the Institute's most prestigious best practices recognitions. The winners represent the best of the best. Frost & Sullivan Institute congratulates all recipients of the Enlightened Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the 2022 recipients at our Virtual Awards Banquet in November. Recipients: ADEKA CORPORATION Advantest Corporation Ansell Limited APL Apollo Tubes Limited Asahi Holdings, Inc. Aurobindo Pharma Limited B.Grimm Power PCL BHP Celltrion Healthcare Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Comsys Holdings Corporation CSL Limited CyberAgent, Inc. Daedong Corporation Daifuku Co., Ltd. Data#3 Limited DB HiTek Delta Electronics Thailand PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk Dilip Buildcon Ltd. Doosan Bobcat Downer EDI Limited Dreamtech Co., LTD Engro Corporation EXEO Group, Inc. Fuji Corporation Genesis Energy, L.P. GMO Internet, Inc. Gujarat Gas Ltd. Hansol Technics Co., LTD. Hanwha Aerospace Co., Ltd. Havells India Ltd Hosiden Corp. IHH Healthcare Berhad Indus Towers Limited Infroneer Holdings Inc KAGA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited KCC GLASS Corporation Keppel Corporation Limited Korea Zinc Co., Ltd. KPX HOLDINGS CO., LTD. Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc. Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd. Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. L&T Infotech LG Chem LOTTE Fine Chemical Co Limited Lucky Cement Limited Makita Corporation MCJ Co., Ltd. Meridian Energy Limited MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc. MIRAIT Corporation Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd. About Frost & Sullivan Institute The Frost & Sullivan Institute (FSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing business practices to address global priorities. The genesis of the institute goes back to the vision of either creating, or becoming part of, a solution that addresses threats to humanity. The Institute has identified strategic imperatives for transformation and believes that we can truly accelerate innovation to zero. To learn more about FSI, visit www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Media Contact: Prerna Mohan Email: [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan Related Links www.frost.com www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1926019/EGL_Web_banner_10.jpg Who are the Top Suppliers in the Health and Wellness Services Market? The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several top suppliers. Some of the leading Health and Wellness Services suppliers profiled extensively in this report include: Alphabet Tivity Health EXOS These are a few of the key suppliers in Health and Wellness Services market. Discover more about these vendors, including the detailed analysis of procurement strategies deployed by major category end-users across several industries while sourcing for Health and Wellness Services requirements. https://spendedge.com/procurement-report/health-and-wellness-services-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report What are the Most Adopted Procurement Strategies for the Health and Wellness Services Market? The research includes a complete analysis of the most commonly used procurement strategies by buyers across sectors, as well as an insight into these strategies' innovation, regulatory compliance, quality, supply, and cost. Adopting these procurement tactics would enable buyers to minimize category TCO and achieve cost savings while sourcing Health and Wellness Services. What Are the Most Effective Price Strategy That a Vendor Can Adopt and What is The Forecasted Incremental Spend? It is critical to monitor current and future pricing changes in order to maximize the value of the purchase. Price forecasts can assist in purchase planning, especially when combined with constant monitoring of price-influencing factors. The market expects an incremental spend of USD 18.15 billion over the forecast period as a result of several market drivers prevalent across multiple geographies. In addition, the sourcing and procurement report discusses different cost-cutting factors by analyzing the following criteria: Identify favorable opportunities in Health and Wellness Services TCO (total cost of ownership) Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities Download the sample report to get detailed insights into few more pricing strategies. Which are the Key Regions for Health and Wellness Services Market? The Health and Wellness Services market will register an incremental spend of about USD 18.15 billion during the forecast period. However, only a few regions will drive the majority of this growth. Moreover, on the supply side, North America, Europe, and APAC will have the maximum influence owing to the supplier base. The growth is expected to be primarily driven by increasing demand and adoption of the category across those few regions. Read More Smart Procurement Starts Here: SpendEdge's procurement intelligence platform is the go-to tool for companies looking to access latest procurement research insights and supplier data on an easy to use platform: Subscribe now for free, to get instant access to over 1000 market-ready procurement intelligence reports without any additional costs or commitment. Table of Content About SpendEdge: Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. Contacts SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge Hitachi Vantara receives recognition for completeness of vision and ability to execute SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hitachi Vantara, the modern infrastructure, data management and digital solutions subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), today announced it has been named a Leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Primary Storage for the fourth consecutive year based on Gartner evaluation of the Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) product portfolio. Download the 2022 Gartner Magic QuadrantTM for Primary Storage: https://www.hitachivantara.com/ext/gartner-magic-quadrant-for-primary-storage-2022.html. Products evaluated include the high-performance Hitachi VSP 5000 series, which scored high in the companion 2022 Gartner Critical Capabilities for Primary Storage report across all Use Cases. Hitachi Vantara believes this is due to its strength in performance, manageability, and resilience. The VSP 5000 Series placed first or second in all four critical capabilities Use Case rankings, including Online Transaction Processing, Server Virtualization and VDI, Containers, and Application Consolidation. "With data growing by leaps and bounds, businesses have an opportunity to harness that data for actionable benefit, and a modern infrastructure underpinned by scalable, secure, and sustainable storage is key to deriving meaningful insights and outcomes," said Mark Ablett, president of Digital Infrastructure, Hitachi Vantara. "By combining the speed, processing power, and flexibility of our best-in-class storage solutions, including the VSP 5000 Series, with the security and AI-powered Hitachi Ops Center to derive real-time insights, our customers depend on Hitachi Vantara to help address their greatest data-driven needs and opportunities." Enterprises today are navigating complex data environments with varying performance requirements, cloud interoperability and management platforms. From high-end to midrange, Hitachi Vantara's VSP systems share a common software architecture and operating system that provides customers with a simplified and unified storage management and protection experience. Combined with Hitachi's centralized, AI-powered software tools in Hitachi Ops Center, it provides improved IT operational efficiencies and lowered administration and support costs backed by Hitachi Vantara's signature 100% data availability guarantee. Hitachi's EverFlex as a Service offering offers a flexible consumption model for capacity and data protection, bringing cloud-like agility to on-premises environments. Gartner Disclaimer Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. GARTNER and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Connect With Hitachi Vantara About Hitachi Vantara Hitachi Vantara, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., delivers the intelligent data platforms, infrastructure systems, and digital expertise that supports more than 80% of the Fortune 100. To learn how Hitachi Vantara turns businesses from data-rich to data-driven through agile digital processes, products, and experiences, visit www.hitachivantara.com. About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com. HITACHI is a trademark or registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. All other trademarks, service marks, and company names are properties of their respective owners. SOURCE Hitachi Vantara Corporation Intermap will provide the world's only certified aviation terrain data to Skyroads and cloudeo for an automated airspace management system Enabling safe and efficient navigation of the future digital roads in the sky DENVER, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Intermap Technologies (TSX: IMP) (OTCQX: ITMSF) ("Intermap" or the "Company"), a global leader in 3D geospatial data and intelligence solutions, today announced a new contract with Skyroads AG and cloudeo AG to power an Automated Airspace Management and Vehicle Guidance System. Under the agreement, Intermap's NEXTView will be integrated into Skyroads' system to ensure safety, efficiency and obstacle avoidance as vehicles travel above urban environments. Skyroads is developing a groundbreaking Automated Airspace Management and Vehicle Guidance System to build digital roads in the sky. In collaboration with Intermap and its partner, cloudeo, Skyroads is using Intermap's aviation-specific terrain data, NEXTView, to build an obstacle management system within its intelligent airspace management system. This system will enable advanced air mobility and interoperability between manned and unmanned traffic in complex urban airspaces. The automated system scales urban air mobility and enables vehicle developers and operators to achieve ambitious commercial goals. Intermap's NEXTView is the world's first and only high-resolution global terrain dataset designed for the aviation industry. In partnership with Lufthansa Systems, Intermap created NEXTView to provide the aviation industry with the highest quality, continually updated terrain data. NEXTView is the only aviation certified terrain data on the market that can be directly integrated into cockpit systems. Integrating NEXTView into unmanned traffic management systems (UTMs) enables operators to plan and execute unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights based on predetermined flight paths, ensuring safe and efficient operations. "We are excited to be a part of Skyroads' cutting-edge technology to facilitate advanced air mobility," said Patrick A. Blott, Intermap's Chairman and CEO. "Combining our industry leading NEXTView terrain data with Skyroads' Automated Airspace Management and Vehicle Guidance System will provide the urban air mobility industry with critical technology, enabling large-scale, automated air mobility in cities." "We are happy that cloudeo is enabling our partnership with Intermap," said Corvin Huber, CEO of Skyroads. "For Skyroads, it is absolutely paramount that we base our vehicle guidance system on data that combine reliability, availability and accuracy at the highest level the same time. Intermap's NEXTView data support our requirements and makes a valuable contribution to the future of automated air mobility!" "Our goal is to offer solutions that meet the state-of-the-art geospatial demands of our customers and partners," said Dr. Manfred Krischke, CEO of cloudeo. "We are very excited for this partnership with Intermap and Skyroads!" Intermap's NEXTView terrain data is also available on cloudeo's marketplace platform. Cloudeo's marketplace enables users to create, interpret and use geospatial data for a variety of projects around the world. The marketplace hosts a range of value-added products and services, including Intermap's NEXTMap elevation datasets and analytics. Intermap's data products and analytics can be found on the cloudeo marketplace here. Learn more about Intermap's aviation terrain dataset at intermap.com/aviation-surface-data. Intermap Reader Advisory Certain information provided in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate", "expect", "project", "estimate", "forecast", "will be", "will consider", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although Intermap believes that these statements are based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Intermap's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties pertaining to, among other things, cash available to fund operations, availability of capital, revenue fluctuations, nature of government contracts, economic conditions, loss of key customers, retention and availability of executive talent, competing technologies, common share price volatility, loss of proprietary information, software functionality, internet and system infrastructure functionality, information technology security, breakdown of strategic alliances, and international and political considerations, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed Intermap's Annual Information Form and other securities filings. While the Company makes these forward-looking statements in good faith, should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive therefrom. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Intermap or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law. About Skyroads Skyroads AG, based in Munich, Germany, was founded in 2019 by CEO Corvin Huber and a pioneering team of entrepreneurs, engineers, and industry experts united by one goal: Make flying accessible for everyone. Skyroads is developing an Automated Airspace Management and Vehicle Guidance System to manage passenger and cargo drones in the demanding environment over densely populated metropolitan areas. It enables Urban Air Mobility to scale safely and efficiently by opening a certifiable pathway to automation. In addition, it opens up new collaboration and business opportunities for service providers and other actors in the mobility ecosystem. About cloudeo AG Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, cloudeo operates a unique, vendor-independent, data-agnostic market platform through which customers can obtain professional geoinformation services from leading national and international providers. Services include dedicated solutions for many industries, such as agriculture, urban and landscape planning, logistics, telecommunications, and water management. Customers are provided with high resolution imagery, 3D terrain models, thematic maps, and sensor data for a wide range of applications, all of which can be combined with a large selection of software packages, analytics and IT that facilitate the processing of these data. cloudeo makes it easy for partners to enter the market on a local, national or international basis. Our cloud-based platform empowers new business models while enabling production automation, delivery, and administration. For these reasons it is cost-effective, transparent and reliable. Visit www.cloudeo.group About Intermap Technologies Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap (TSX: IMP) (OTCQX: ITMSF) is a global leader in geospatial intelligence solutions, focusing on the creation and analysis of 3D terrain data to produce high-resolution thematic models. Through scientific analysis of geospatial information and patented sensors and processing technology, the Company provisions diverse, complementary, multi-source datasets to enable customers to seamlessly integrate geospatial intelligence into their workflows. Intermap's 3D elevation data and software analytic capabilities enable global geospatial analysis through artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing customers with critical information to understand their terrain environment. By leveraging its proprietary archive of the world's largest collection of multi-sensor global elevation data, the Company's collection and processing capabilities provide multi-source 3D datasets and analytics at mission speed, enabling governments and companies to build and integrate geospatial foundation data with actionable insights. Applications for Intermap's products and solutions include defense, aviation and UAV flight planning, flood and wildfire insurance, disaster mitigation, base mapping, environmental and renewable energy planning, telecommunications, engineering, critical infrastructure monitoring, hydrology, land management, oil and gas and transportation. SOURCE Intermap Technologies Corporation Company Debuts Modernized Go To Market Campaign to Connect with Consumers SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kindthread, the leading healthcare apparel company, today announced the global expansion of the premium medical apparel brand White Cross. For nearly 100 years, Canadian-born White Cross has been a cultural mainstay, offering flattering fits, high-quality materials, and superior levels of workmanship inspired by the fashion and dressmaking expertise of the brand's founders. To celebrate its rich history and support its modernized product offerings, the company will begin launching global marketing campaigns and undertaking a full digital rebrand, designed to connect with the most respected professionals in the world, today's healthcare workforce. White Cross "White Cross has a nearly 100 year tradition of delivering the highest quality products and services for healthcare professionals and is a premium, marquee brand in our Kindthread portfolio of leading medical apparel companies," said David Murphy, chief executive officer of Kindthread. "Our rebranding and global expansion of White Cross will bring its rich heritage to a new generation of healthcare professionals all over the world, and will help empower them to perform at their best every day." White Cross offers a full range of premium products, including men's and women's tops, pants, jackets, lab coats, and fun seasonal prints. Collections feature exceptional design, fabrics, and four-way stretch, available in various colors and sizes ranging from XXS - 3XL. "Our evolved White Cross products stem from a decades-long commitment to quality, performance, and passion for style," said Sallian Song, chief product officer of Kindthread. "Expanding the brand to healthcare professionals globally is another example of how everyone at Kindthread is working to bring the very best to our community." White Cross styles are available online and in-store with select retail partners. Canadian residents can shop the collections directly on White Cross's website . Collections include White Cross Core Collection, V-Tess, Marvella, FIT and prints. Spring '23 features two new fashion colors and seven new seasonal prints. Three new styles for V-tess will debut in Summer '23, followed shortly by new Fit styles in Fall. About Kindthread Kindthread is a modern, digitally-forward, customer-obsessed organization, dedicated to serving healthcare professionals while driving positive community impact. Our global ecosystem of trusted brands and highly coveted products creates an unprecedented retail experience for healthcare professionals worldwide. The Kindthread portfolio of brands includes Landau, Chefwear, White Cross, and industry leader Scrubs & Beyond. SOURCE Kindthread Attorneys have achieved significant verdicts, settlements in high-profile, important cases GREAT FALLS, Mont., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most successful law firms in Montana has re-established its independent legal practice after a two-year affiliation with another firm. Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C., based in Great Falls, has finalized an amicable separation from another law firm with offices in Billings and Helena and has launched a new website and practice under its former name. "Despite the best of intentions from everybody, it became clear that we could gain greater personal and professional fulfillment and serve our clients better under our earlier structure," says firm partner Mark Kovacich. "We wish the best to our former partners and look forward to the new opportunities available in the thriving business climate of our great state." Mr. Kovacich and his fellow partners Ben Snipes and Ross Johnson have a combined 40 years of legal experience representing clients in serious personal injury litigation and workplace accident claims, as well asbestos and toxic exposure cases. The firm's attorneys have recovered more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements for clients, with trial outcomes that include a $40 million verdict in an environmental contamination case and a $65 million verdict on behalf of 24 Montana family farms in a business-related dispute. "As most of our residents have seen, Montana has experienced an unprecedented growth in population and business activity in recent years," says Mr. Kovacich. "An unfortunate byproduct of that expansion is the corresponding increase in serious workplace and construction site accidents as well as injuries from trucking and automotive crashes. No firm is better prepared to take on those cases and seek justice for individuals and their families." About Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. During the past three decades the award-winning attorneys of Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. have been aggressive advocates for individuals injured due to the negligence of others throughout the state of Montana. The firm has a reputation for taking on the toughest cases and going up against some of the largest corporations in the nation. For more information, please visit https://justicemt.com/ Media Contact: Barry Pound 800-559-4534 [email protected] SOURCE Kovacich Snipes Johnson, P.C. ST. LOUIS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Marcone, a leading distributor of home appliance, HVAC, and plumbing repair parts and equipment across North America and current portfolio company of Genstar Capital, announced today that it has acquired Great Plains/Pool & Spa Products, a pool and spa equipment and parts distributor serving the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions through branches in Kansas City and Houston. This new partnership represents Marcone's entry into the $10 billion pool and spa distribution space. Marcone has been operating for nearly 90 years and is one of the largest distributors of OEM appliance replacement parts in North America. Building on a legacy of exceptional customer service, Marcone has in recent years expanded beyond its replacement parts roots to become the hub for parts and services to the home. In that effort, Marcone has successfully partnered with Munch's Supply, a 65-year-old HVAC distributor with over 1,200 employees in 74 locations serving 17 states and one Canadian province, as well as Professional Plumbing Group, a national plumbing distribution company that owns the Wolverine Brass and Speakman brands. The Great Plains acquisition further demonstrates Marcone's dedication to become the leading Hub to the Home for building and service professionals by providing quality parts and equipment brands. Marcone is committed to partnering with family and customer-service focused businesses looking for either a long-term partnership or an exit strategy. "This acquisition marks our first partnership in the growing pool and spa equipment and parts space. We are excited about the growth and expansion opportunities this acquisition will allow as we look to partner with additional best-in-class pool and spa distribution companies, as well as leveraging our national distribution network to grow organically. We're excited to partner with the associates of Great Plains," said Jim Souers, Chief Executive Officer of Marcone. "As a 2nd generation family-owned business for almost 40 years, the Reiff and Patterson families take great pride in providing our customers with quality products at a competitive price with superior customer service. We are excited about partnering with Marcone and using the Great Plains platform as a launching pad to become a national distributor of pool and spa parts and supplies," said Susan Reiff Ahn, majority owner, Great Plains/Pool & Spa Products, Inc. Rob Rutledge, Managing Director at Genstar Capital said, "The Great Plains acquisition is a great first step as we enter the growing pool and spa parts space, and fits squarely into the team's vision of being the hub for parts and services to the home. We are excited to partner with the Great Plains team and look forward to growing through organic initiatives as well as continued M&A opportunities." About Marcone Marcone is an authorized distributor for major brands such as Whirlpool, Electrolux, General Electric, Maytag, Bosch, Samsung, L-G and many more. Through its vast distribution network, Marcone supplies the largest inventory of original replacement parts in the country for household appliances such as refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, and dryers. Headquartered in St. Louis Marcone now operates 122 facilities, with approximately 2,100 employees, and serves approximately 43,000 technician customers. For more information, visit www.marcone.com. About Great Plains/Pool & Spa Products Great Plains/Pool & Spa Products, Inc. is a wholesale distributor of swimming pool and spa equipment, parts and chemicals, and is located in Kansas City (Great Plains Supply) and Houston (Pool & Spa Products). Our customer base is Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Northeast Oklahoma (Tulsa), and the Gulf Region of Texas and Houston area. A family business for nearly 40 years, Steve Reiff founded GPS in 1984, and in 1992 began a partnership with Jay Patterson and Pool & Spa Products (which Jay founded in 1987). Steve's daughter, Susan Reiff Ahn, and Jay's son, Blake Patterson, continue to offer quality wholesale distribution service to the 21st century of swimming pool industry professionals. For more information, visit www.greatplainspool.com. Media Contacts: Claudio Waller [email protected] 267-966-7530 SOURCE Marcone DETROIT, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Christa Kumming has joined McDonald Hopkins LLC as an associate in the Litigation Department, adding her experience to the firm's national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group. Kumming's expertise in data privacy and cybersecurity stems from her time as Deputy Attorney General in the Consumer Litigation Unit for the Office of Indiana Attorney General. In her role there, she lead numerous multistate and internal investigations for violations of state and federal trade practice and data privacy laws by nationwide companies, specifically operating in telecommunications, technology, and mobile applications. Kumming was also responsible for drafting confidentiality and tolling agreements, negotiating document productions, conducting extensive document review, and drafting injunctive and monetary settlement terms, in addition to conducting research and analysis for data privacy and tech reform legislation. Kumming was also the leading attorney for a number of investigations into global technology and social media platforms concerning violations resulting from platforms' algorithmic modifications, the collection and use of location data and personal information, and development and implementation of internal security and policy guidelines. Kumming also conducted numerous investigations into nonprofit organizations and procured assurances of voluntary compliances establishing adherence to state law requirements concerning corporate structure, standards of conduct for directors and officers, asset distribution, and dissolution. Kumming earned her J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in studio art with minors in fine arts history of art, and African languages, and certificates in journalism and African culture studies. She can be reached at 248.402.4082 and [email protected] About McDonald Hopkins Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Baltimore/Annapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com . CONTACT: Cynthia Stewart McDonald Hopkins LLC 600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100 Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Phone: 216.348.5733 Email: [email protected] SOURCE McDonald Hopkins Lima-based Luis Ayarza appointed as Business Development Manager for Comosoft's Latin American operations. PLANO, Texas, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Comosoft Americas is pleased to announce the appointment of Lima, Peru-based Luis Ayarza as the company's Business Development Manager for its expanded operations in Latin America. Ayarza, a twenty-two-year pre-media veteran, will work with the region's top retailers, using Comosoft's LAGO system to help them streamline their print and online marketing operations. LAGO can help companies optimize their marketing and production processes throughout Latin America. Tweet this Luis Ayarza with Comosoft "Luis is a perfect addition to our team," said Comosoft Americas President Randy Evans. "We are investing in and expanding our operations in Latin America, to meet the growing demand by the region's retailers and catalogers for content production automation. His knowledge of the industry, and of the latest technology, will help provide support to transform their multichannel marketing efforts." Ayarza has 16 years of experience supporting the LAGO system. As the Head of Systems and Support for Litho Laser SA, a leading pre-media firm, he oversaw the implementation of LAGO at Belcorp, multinational cosmetic and beauty product company. During his tenure, Ayarza worked with over 250 Belcorp staff members supporting thirteen countries helping optimize catalog and collateral production. Using the LAGO system, he helped automate the process of using complex data to create cost-effective, well-designed catalogs and other marketing campaigns. "From the beginning," Ayarza said, "I worked closely with Belcorp to transition from a semi-manual catalog process to an automated process. This lets them produce more catalogs in each country where they have a presence, in less time and without mistakes. From this experience, I know that LAGO can help other companies optimize their marketing and production processes, not only in Peru but also throughout Latin America." He added, "Many retailers and catalogers are looking to implement a digital marketing transformation. LAGO is an invaluable tool for achieving that success." For more information, please contact [email protected]; (+51) 922 379 979 About Comosoft Founded in 1994, Comosoft is an established, global pioneer in multichannel media and PIM systems for the consumer goods, retail, catalog, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors. Our goal is to provide data and media production platforms to meet the ever-changing channel requirements of modern, global business, marketing, and digitally-enabled commerce. Our LAGO software tools reflect best practices and proven workflows for optimizing data-intensive content. Media Contact: Randy Evans 469-951-8667 [email protected] SOURCE Comosoft Nov 1st Artist Appearance and Reception for Contemporary Pop Artist Nelson De La Nuez NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The prestigious National Arts Club in New York will be holding a solo art exhibition, "Made in the USA," for internationally sold contemporary pop artist Nelson De La Nuez, also known by his brand name, King of Pop Art. The show will be held in the Grand Gallery from November 1st- 22nd. It is curated by DTR Modern Gallery located in New York. Contemporary Pop Artist Nelson De La Nuez, The King of Pop Art, National Arts Club New York, DTR Modern Gallery. Let's Fly Away New York Mixed Media, Contemporary Pop Artist Nelson De La Nuez, The King of Pop Art, National Arts Club New York, DTR Modern Gallery. The California based artist will be making an appearance for the opening night reception on November 1 from 6-9pm. The club is private, but open to the public for gallery viewing until 5pm daily. The Nov 1st reception and show requires an invite or RSVP. Please contact DTR gallery if you would like to attend or if you are media/press to cover the event. The show's title reflects the fact that the artist came to the US from Havana, Cuba at the age of 7 with his family, literally with nothing and revealed his talents over time, meticulously perfecting his craft. He has always had an incredibly strong work ethic. The humble beginnings of a now very successful artist have kept him grounded and always creating and reinventing. The irony is what he became well known for is because of what he came to know best; American culture, pop culture, advertising, etc.. The exhibition will display a comprehensive variety of De La Nuez's artwork including mixed media sketches, originals on canvas and sculptures including his renowned realistic looking donuts that have become best sellers for the galleries. He has had waiting lists up to 3 months for the donuts. Nelson De La Nuez's mixed-media art comments on the state of our society in a way that's equal parts satire and aspiration. Always evolving, he is a master at embedding deeper meaning into familiar visual references, updating his themes to reflect the modern culture of society today. Over the course of his career, his voice has continued to evolve to provide a subtle and fun commentary on luxury, wealth and pop culture in a way that remains timeless and relevant. Taking inspiration from board games, newspapers, vintage ads and other visual references that speak to upward mobility, he demonstrates that art can be both humorous and intellectual at the same time. There is an air of accessibility and playfulness along with a sophistication to his work that has, in turn, led to his significant popularity, loyal collectors and soaring values throughout the years. De La Nuez's work makes appearances at the likes of the prestigious Art Basel Miami, Hong Kong and Hamptons shows to name a few. His branded collections with prominent home, lifestyle and fashion names, such as Corum Swiss watches, sold out in Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and more. His art hangs in prominent corporate and private collections. He and his artwork have been featured in publications such as Veranda; House Beautiful, Miami Living Magazine; Modern Luxury Interiors Magazine; Manhattan Magazine, Las Vegas, Haute Residence; Angeleno, The New York Observer, VUE New Jersey, Elevated Home & Design Magazine, Aspen Magazine, Aspen's Gallery Guide, Dan's Papers, C California Style and Paris Match DTR Modern Galleries is the artist's main gallery; "We have been proud to feature De La Nuez in all 5 locations in Palm Beach, Boston, Nantucket, New York and Washington, D.C. His work has become so popular with collectors that he can barely keep up with the constant flow of orders and inventory required. We keep him very busy. It's a great problem for all of us," stated DTR's owner, Ted Vassilev. De La Nuez is currently working with a publisher on a comprehensive book project of his career spanning nearly 4 decades, featuring articles contributed by critics and curators from Art in America, Art News and Art Forum, to be tentatively published by Scala Art Publishers in 2024. About: NAC is located at 15 Gramercy Park South, NY, NY. It was founded in 1898. Members have included the likes of Mark Twain, Eleanor Roosevelt, Humphrey Bogart, Martin Scorsese. DTR NY Gallery is located at 458 West Broadway, NY, NY 10012. Nelson De La Nuez is sold in galleries worldwide Social: Instagram / King of Pop Art Facebook Page Further show info: Taylor Pope: 212-677-2802 Interviews or info on/with Artist: 626-827-7774 For more info: Taylor Pope: 212-677-2802 [email protected] SOURCE DTR Modern Gallery; National Arts Club WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC), is pleased to announce the hire of its new Executive Director, Jenifer Ngo Waldrop. Jenifre Ngo Waldrop The RDDC is a multicultural coalition leading efforts to identify solutions to alleviate the burden of rare diseases in communities of color. Launched in 2020 by Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI), RDDC is a partnership of the nation's leading rare disease experts, patient and provider organizations, and health equity advocates working to address the extraordinary challenges faced by rare disease patients of color, their families, and communities. Prior to joining RDDC, Waldrop led initiatives at non-profit organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. At both organizations, she recruited local community members to participate in numerous health-related fundraising events and developed programs to target disparities and underrepresented groups. In addition to facilitating development, Waldrop cultivated a reputation for successful coalition building. Under the banner of the Newark, NJ Cancer Coalition (sponsored by the American Cancer Society), Waldrop forged an alliance of multiple industries consisting of members from government and for-profit employees, church members, and other health-related and community associations. Waldrop received her undergraduate degree from Colby College and her Master's of Human Resources Development degree from Villanova, focusing on Organizational Development. She is also a SHRM-Certified Professional, as well as the Professional Development Director of the National Association of Asian-American Professionals (NAAAP) of Colorado in which she continues her outreach in society and mentors formally and informally. Waldrop will start her role on October 25, 2022. Waldrop will also give remarks at the Global Genes RARE Health Equity Summit in Atlanta Georgia to be held November 9-11th. This event will provide attendees with strategic insights and tools to empower and equip them to address racial, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and other disparities. The outcomes of the RARE Health Equity Summit will help attendees advocate for more inclusion in the rare disease community, and will provide relevant resources and information to support underrepresented and/or minority patients. "I'm excited to join the RDDC this Fall. The coalition's mission and hyperfocus on those with rare diseases from underserved populations needs dedicated advocates and I'm honored to serve as its new Executive Director. The team, including the founders of RDDC, have set a strong foundation to drive change. I look forward to elevating these actions to make an even greater impact for people of color with rare diseases counting on the RDDC to make a difference in their lives," said Waldrop. About the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) Launched in 2020 by The Black Women's Health Imperative, RDDC is a partnership of the nation's leading rare disease experts, patient and provider organizations, and health equity advocates working to address the extraordinary challenges faced by rare disease patients of color. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, RDDC aims to advance evidence-based solutions to achieve greater equality within the rare disease community. Learn more at www.rarediseasediversity.org . About the Black Women's Health Imperative The Black Women's Health Imperative is the first and only national non-profit organization created for and by Black women dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our nation's 22 million Black women and girls -- physically, emotionally, and financially. Our core mission is advancing health equity and social justice for Black women, across their lifespan, through policy, advocacy, education, research, and leadership development. For more information, please visit www.bwhi.org . Media Contact: Emily Ligon Keybridge Communications (202) 970-9741 [email protected] SOURCE Rare Disease Diversity Coalition NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, October 8, 2022, the Newark School District opened its doors to greet three and four-year-old budding ballet dancers and their families for its first-ever Saturday Prekindergarten Ballet Program. This program is the first in a series of their B4K (Before Kindergarten) initiative. In alignment with the District's ten-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020 30, the work underway for families of children from conception to cradle is transformative and groundbreaking. Following that strategy and those efforts, the development of students from age 3 to grade 3 ("3 to 3") is critical. The District is launching several programs for ages 3 and 4, providing challenging and rewarding experiences to children beyond the school day. This month those programs began with Ballet for Pre-K, located at Arts High School, the nation's first-ever performing arts school. The Principal of Arts High School in Newark, Devonne DeNose, is teaching the Ballet for Pre-K class on Saturdays with five Arts High School seniors who are dance majors (Zaynah Miller, LaShane Bradshaw, Madison Hibbert, Kiyomie Warsaw, and Hannah Cummings). Principal DeNose is herself a dancer, a graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts. She trained in dance at Bernice Johnson, DeVore Dance Center, and The Ailey School. She said, "Our prekindergarten students felt like they could conquer anything, stepping into high school when they are only of preschool age. They saw what older dancers look like and saw themselves. They learned how a new skill can blossom into a talent, a passion, and a career." Ballet requires strength and agility and teaches children ways to properly strengthen their bodies and stay healthy. This includes proper stretching techniques, flexibility practices, and how to recognize their physical limits. It is important that children learn these skills and techniques at a young age so they can avoid injury in the future and establish healthy habits. Board of Education President Dawn Haynes is enthusiastic about the program and said, "Introducing our youngest learners to the arts at such an early age will lead to healthier choices as they grow into adulthood. Assisting parents in the development of their children at such an early age is definitely a much welcomed opportunity that I know parents will look forward to taking advantage of". Superintendent Roger Leon added, "This incredible initiative taps into their love of the arts and teaches our youngest students to remain focused. This will help develop muscle strength and discipline in ways that are both fun and educational. This is a great start for our B4K initiative. We look forward to announcing additional enrichment opportunities in the near future for Newark's youngest learners. Coming soon is Swimming for Pre-K ". For additional information: About Newark Public Schools The Newark School District, with 66 schools, 5,877 employees and a student population of 35,329, is the largest and one of the oldest school systems in New Jersey. Its origin dates back to 1676. Barringer High School, in Newark's North Ward, is the third oldest public high school in the nation. The ethnic diversity of the city provides a rich educational experience for pre-kindergarten to secondary school students. The district continues to revise its services to meet the changing needs of students. Media Contact: Nancy Deering Acting Director Communications Department [email protected] SOURCE Newark Board of Education Dallas-based video technology company, OneDay, partners with industry-leading performance management platform and CRM, Knock CRM, to bring users a streamlined experience. DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OneDay, a video-based sales enablement platform that allows users to create high-quality videos to connect with customers, increase conversion, and improve sales efficiency today announced they have entered into a strategic alliance as a premium partner with Knock CRM, the leading performance management platform and CRM for multifamily property owners and managers. The integration of these two best-in-class solutions will allow mutual customers to deliver a more personalized leasing journey for prospects and streamline the leasing process for onsite teams. Through this integration, mutual customers will be able to seamlessly record high-quality personalized videos directly from the OneDay platform, with all activities automatically logged into Knock via their unied guest card view. With data analytics, users will have clear visibility into which videos are driving results and generating the most impact, providing a clear ROI. "As we continue to push toward becoming the leading video-based communication platform available in the market, we are thrilled to provide our customers with another integration that provides leasing teams with a seamless experience when connecting with prospective renters," said Clint Lee, Co-founder and CEO of OneDay. "Driving engagement through video has become a crucial component of the leasing journey that can benefit every team," said Demetri Themelis, CEO and co-founder of Knock. "Our partnership with OneDay will equip our mutual customers with the ability to create a more personalized experience for prospective renters using best-in-class video tools." To learn more about the interface and how users can leverage both platforms, visit www.oneday.com and www.knockcrm.com . About OneDay Headquartered in Dallas, TX, OneDay is a technology company whose mission is to bring a best-in-class video solution to hospitality, real estate, professional services, and other industries to create high-quality, authentic videos that drive engagement, conversions, and sales. OneDay enables businesses to enhance their sales, marketing, internal, and external communication strategies by delivering video messages that are authentic, engaging, and effective. For more information on OneDay, please visit www.oneday.com . About Knock CRM Knock offers an integrated suite of front office technology that provides multifamily owners and operators with the levers they need to more profitably acquire and retain high-value, long-term residents. Knock CRM empowers leasing teams with tools to accelerate successful leasing and renewal outcomes, provides marketers the data to optimize spend, and ensures executives have the business intelligence and insights needed to outperform their competitors. Learn more at www.knockcrm.com . SOURCE OneDay Thomas Parenteau Joins Global Flexible Packaging Leader SEATTLE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PAC Worldwide has announced the hiring of Thomas Parenteau as its new president. He will join the company immediately, working closely with the executive leadership team and current president Steve Foster, who is retiring at the end of this year after a long and successful career. PAC Worldwide CEO Jim Boshaw made the announcement from the company's Seattle headquarters, where Mr. Parenteau will be based. Mr. Parenteau arrives at PAC following two decades in senior executive roles at Cascades, a publicly traded Canadian packaging company. There, he led a joint venture between Sonoco and Cascades' plastics group that spanned multiple business segments, including functional paper barriers, flexible, rigid and polystyrene packaging. Prior to that, the Quebec City native managed regional operations and sales, generating record-setting revenues and profitability for more than 15 years. His success reflects the strong focus he places on maximizing operational and commercial excellence to drive sustainable growth. "Thomas is an innovative, empathetic, and results-oriented executive who expects excellence from himself and those he leads," said Mr. Boshaw. "He continues the proud tradition of presidents that have guided PAC over its 47-year history." Upon joining the company Mr. Parenteau said, "I am honored and excited to assume the role of president at PAC Worldwide because of its unique position in the marketplace, the company's trajectory and potential, as well as the incredible passion, know-how and dedication of the PAC team members. It's a natural fit for me to join a team that shares my values and constantly pushes the boundaries." Mr. Parenteau, a Six Sigma Black Belt who has resided in Seattle since 2006, holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a graduate degree in automated production engineering. He later earned an Executive MBA from the University of Washington and is a proud member of the Seattle YPO chapter. About PAC Worldwide Founded in 1975, PAC Worldwide Corporation has been a leader and innovator in developing and manufacturing customized packaging and contract packaging solutions for more than 40 years. The privately-owned company employs more than 1,800 team members through operations in the U.S., Mexico and Malaysia. CONTACT: Michael Shepherd [email protected] (206)224-3550 SOURCE PAC Worldwide The innovative pledge enables the American Red Cross to support pets as critical family members in disaster response PHOENIX, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, PetSmart Charities and the American Red Cross are announcing a partnership years in the making that will support pets as essential family members during times of disaster. PetSmart Charities is supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief through the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) with a three-year pledge of more than $2 million. The innovative collaboration will ensure the Red Cross is prepared to meet the needs of people and their pets affected by disasters big and small across the U.S. This partnership is the first of its kind between two foundational nonprofits the leading funder of animal welfare and the largest disaster relief organization in the country. American Red Cross shelter workers welcome service animals and pets in shelters during disasters. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross ADGP members pledge financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters, powering the Red Cross with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support. PetSmart Charities' investment in the Red Cross helps ensure that pets are included in disaster planning, response and recovery in order to keep pets and people together during times of crises. The collaboration provides the opportunity for the Red Cross to partner with an expert funder in the pet care and animal welfare space, allowing for the development of programs and initiatives that are inclusive of all family members including pets during disasters. This partnership will integrate pet tracking into RC Cares, the Red Cross client management system, allowing their staff and volunteers to provide services to all family members virtually or with "boots on the ground" in disaster situations, and create pet-centric training and sheltering models with the Red Cross for its disaster response staff and volunteers. The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters across the country every year, giving comfort and hope to people during what can be the worst days of their lives. Large disasters such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity, resulting in more displaced, vulnerable people who need support. In what has become a chronic disaster environment, PetSmart Charities recognizes the importance of including pets as family members in relief efforts. "Nearly 90% of pet owners say their pets are members of the family, and this becomes especially clear during times of crises," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. "We are thrilled to announce our innovative partnership with the American Red Cross. We know this critical funding will help ensure the organization is prepared to meet the growing needs of both people and pets affected by disasters. Pets play an important role in the emotional wellness of the people they love, and we want to ensure there are resources in place to provide for their stability, too." "We're honored to count PetSmart Charities as a valued member of our Annual Disaster Giving Program," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO at the American Red Cross. "ADGP members are truly unique because their generous contributions to the Red Cross in advance of disasters allow us to prepare communities nationwide for emergencies and to respond immediately with food, shelter and care after a disaster strikes to help people in need." As a humanitarian organization, the Red Cross upholds its mission to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. Pets play an important emotional role in the lives of their owners, and planning for their safety and care before, during and after disasters is integral to the partnership between PetSmart Charities and the Red Cross. About PetSmart Charities PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. PetSmart Charities grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crises with access to food, shelter and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org. About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. SOURCE American Red Cross; PetSmart Charities PITTSBURGH, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) announced today that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Robert Q. Reilly and Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer Michael J. Hannon will discuss business performance, strategy and banking at 10:30 a.m. (ET), Thursday, Nov. 3, at the BancAnalysts Association of Boston Conference in Boston. The following will be accessible at www.pnc.com/investorevents: a link to the live webcast; related materials, including cautionary statements regarding forward-looking information, available prior to the start of the webcast; and a webcast replay available for 30 days. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com. CONTACTS MEDIA: Tim Miller (412) 762-4550 [email protected] INVESTORS: Bryan Gill (412) 768-4143 [email protected] SOURCE The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Change for Justice explains why an appellate court allows the wrongful death trial for 23-year-old William Flores to move forward SAN DIEGO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --After months of legal wrangling, the Court of Appeal decides the negligence and wrongful death case resulting from a police pursuit can move forward. William Flores crashed and was killed after he was accused of running a stoplight. On her son's passing, William's mother, Patricia Flores said, "Losing my son at 23 is really hard. Since he has passed away, life has not been the same because part of my heart is missing. My son was just 23. He will never realize his dream of owning a home or having a family." William's girlfriend, Angelica Sanchez, was riding on the back of his motorcycle when the fatal crash occurred. "The hardest part is he never got to live life. He was very happy, very caring. He went after his dreams. He woke up everyday with a smile on his face. He never knew what it was like to wake up in a bad mood." Angelica is still recovering from her injuries, both physical and emotional. Fighting back the tears, she explains why she fears she'll never fully recover. "It is very difficult years later. It takes its toll on me physically and I have anxiety and depression more than for me, I'm sad how much life meant for William. I'll never get over it." Angelica is suing for negligence on the part of the officers for pursuing William when the officers' policya balancing testbalanced against pursuing. "I don't believe that it was right that he lost his life. I'm still here fighting for justice for taking a life and for their decision to gamble with mine. My daughter could have lost her mother when she was just six years old and for what? That is so scary to me!" According to police reports, William was accused of running a stoplight that later led to a police pursuit and his fatal crash. In court filings, the City of San Diego claimed it was immune to liability for the deadly motorcycle accident that resulted from the police pursuit. A lower court agreed and the suit was dismissed. Recently, the State of California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One, decided that was an error because the City of San Diego failed to train its police officers in the manner required to obtain immunity. At the time of the crash, the San Diego Police Department had a written policy and procedures for preserving safety during vehicle pursuits. In order to qualify for immunity, the San Diego Police Department was required to train its officers for a minimum of a one-hour course on vehicle pursuits each year. Attorneys for Flores and Sanchez agree the officers involved in the chase did not reach the minimum requirements threshold. Christina Denning, the attorney for Flores and Sanchez, and Founding Partner of Denning Moores, APC said, "This decision makes case law that will impact the lives of others for years to come. The City refused to provide evidence at the time of the hearing that immunity was appropriate. Now Flores and Sanchez will get their fair day in court before a jury." The Court of Appeal found the San Diego Police Department did not meet the requirements for immunity. " the City failed to dispute the factthat the training by the City consisted of a single video that was less than half the one-hour required duration." The City argued the minimum time requirement should not apply. William's mother says she is nervous about going to court. She is not looking forward to having to go through a trial after all her family has had to cope with, but she is wiling to do what she has to do. She said, "I want to make sure other families don't lose someone they love because they are accused of running a stoplight." Change for Justice Change for Justice is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit in California. Change for Justice is empowering families going through legal challenges with education and inspiring long-term change through meaningful legislation. Contact: Lynn Stuart [email protected] (858) 243-6988 SOURCE Change for Justice NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Qontigo, a leading provider of innovative risk, analytics, and index solutions, today announced an expanded collaboration with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS), a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm. Qontigo will now offer the Axioma Portfolio Optimizer and Axioma Equity Factor Risk Models through Goldman Sachs Financial Cloud for Data, a suite of modular data management and analytics solutions, as well as Goldman Sachs Marquee, the firm's digital platform that delivers market-leading data, analytics, market insights and trading solutions to institutional investors. Prior to this expanded partnership, Marquee's institutional client base had access to select capabilities of Axioma's Risk Models and Optimizer. Now, clients can take advantage of Qontigo's extensive optimization features and an expanded suite of Axioma risk models seamlessly integrated in their investment platform. "Offering our clients best-in-class solutions that enable them to measure day-to-day changes in risk and understand how these affect their portfolios is a strategic focus for us. Embedding the Axioma suite of Equity Factor Risk Models, including the new and timely Axioma US Trading Horizon Model, into our ecosystem will provide our clients with insights into their drivers of risk and return. Coupling this with the robust Optimizer will help them implement investment decisions more efficiently," said Anne Marie Darling, Head of Marquee Client Strategy & Distribution at Goldman Sachs. With increased flexibility, clients can test investment strategies, construct or rebalance portfolios and hedge risk using the Axioma Portfolio Optimizer. The optimizer can handle a wide range of scenarios and constraints from simple factor tilts and index tracking to complex strategies with risk or other considerations. The Axioma Equity Factor Risk Models provide comprehensive insights into drivers of portfolio risk and return across multiple geographies and time horizons with deep historical coverage. The suite includes fundamental variants with style factor coverage for risk and performance attribution, as well as statistical variants for portfolio construction insights. "We are thrilled to expand this strategic partnership with Goldman Sachs to make it easier for clients to manage their investment process with added confidence backed by accurate risk and portfolio analytics," said Chris Sturhahn, Chief Product Officer for Analytics at Qontigo. The Axioma Equity Factor Risk Models are available via Goldman Sachs' flexible portfolio analytics ecosystem - programmatically through its Financial Cloud for Data APIs and open-source Python toolkit, GS Quant, as well as the Marquee web interface. The Axioma Portfolio Optimizer is accessible programmatically via APIs, initially available in the US. Learn more about Axioma Factor Risk Models on Marquee here. About Qontigo --- Optimizing Impact Qontigo is a leading global provider of innovative index, analytics and risk solutions that optimize investment impact. As the shift toward sustainable investing accelerates, Qontigo enables its clientsfinancial-products issuers, asset owners and asset managersto deliver sophisticated and targeted solutions at scale to meet the increasingly demanding and unique sustainability goals of investors worldwide. Qontigo's solutions are enhanced by both our collaborative, customer-centric culture, which allows us to create tailored solutions for our clients, and our open architecture and modern technology that efficiently integrate with our clients' processes. Part of the Deutsche Borse Group, Qontigo was created in 2019 through the combination of Axioma, DAX and STOXX. Headquartered in Eschborn, Germany, Qontigo's global presence includes offices in New York, London, Zug and Hong Kong. www.qontigo.com About Goldman Sachs The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment banking, securities, investment management and consumer banking to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world. marquee.gs.com/welcome | developer.gs.com SOURCE Qontigo CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) today announced the following schedule and contact information for its third quarter 2022 earnings release and investor call. Earnings Release: Thursday, November 3, 2022 (after market close) Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ Teleconference: Friday, November 4, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) Participate live by phone or listen to live audio webcast through the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ Dial-in Number: +1-877-269-7756 (toll-free) +1-201-689-7817 (toll) Please call 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. No password required. If unable to participate live, select from one of the following replay options: Digital Replay: Available through November 12, 2022 Call +1-877-660-6853 (toll free) or +1-201-612-7415 (toll) Conference ID No. 13733818 Archived Webcast: Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/ About Quaker Houghton Quaker Houghton is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world's most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With approximately 4,700 employees, including chemists, engineers, and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more. SOURCE Quaker Houghton MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay , Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tender Offer The Republic of Uruguay (" Uruguay ") announced today the commencement of an offer to purchase for cash (the " Tender Offer ") bonds of each series of Global Bonds listed in the table below (collectively, the " Old Bonds " and each Old Bond, a " series " of Old Bonds) such that the aggregate Purchase Price to be paid for the Old Bonds tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer is equal to a maximum purchase amount for each series to be determined by Uruguay in its sole discretion (the " Maximum Purchase Amount "). The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are set forth in the offer to purchase, dated Thursday, October 20, 2022 (the " Offer to Purchase "). The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum participation of any series of Old Bonds but is conditioned, among other things, on the pricing, but not the closing, of the issuance of Uruguay's U.S. dollar-denominated Global Bonds due 2034 (the " New Bonds ") in an amount, with pricing and on terms and conditions acceptable to Uruguay in its sole discretion, with pricing terms expected to be announced at or around 4:00 p.m., New York time on Thursday, October 20, 2022 (the " New Bonds Offering "). The Tender Offer will commence at or around 8:00 a.m., New York time, on Thursday, October 20, 2022 and, unless extended or earlier terminated, (i) expire at 12:00 noon, New York time, on Thursday, October 20, 2022 for non-preferred tenders (the " Non-Preferred Tender Period "), and (ii) expire at 2:00 p.m., New York time, on Thursday, October 20, 2022 for preferred tenders (the " Preferred Tender Period "). The settlement of the Tender Offer is scheduled to occur on Thursday, October 27, 2022 (the " Tender Offer Settlement Date "). The purchase price to be paid per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of each series of Old Bonds tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer will be equal to the fixed price indicated in the table below (the " Purchase Price "). Holders whose Old Bonds (other than the 2027 USD Bonds (as defined below)) are accepted in the Tender Offer will also receive any accrued and unpaid interest from, and including, the last interest payment date for such Old Bonds up to, but excluding, the Tender Offer Settlement Date (the " Accrued Interest "). Accrued Interest for Preferred and Non-Preferred Tender Orders will be payable in cash. Since Uruguay will pay interest on the 2027 USD Bonds on the Settlement Date, the Billing and Delivery Bank will not pay Accrued Interest, but only the Purchase Price, to holders of 2027 USD Bonds whose bonds are validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Offer. Old Bonds Outstanding Principal Amount as of Thursday, October 20, 2022 ISIN CUSIP Common Code Purchase Price (per US$1,000 Principal Amount) (1) 4.500% Global Bonds due 2024 ("2024 USD Bonds") US$673,077,931 US760942AZ58 760942AZ5 096139942 US$1,001.25 4.375% Global Bonds due 2027 ("2027 USD Bonds") (2) US$1,527,225,004 US760942BB71 760942BB7 131158840 US$980.00 4.375% Global bonds due 2031 ("2031 USD Bonds") US$2,441,342,673 US917288BK78 917288BK7 193934854 US$938.75 (1) In addition, investors will receive Accrued Interest, if applicable, as described above. (2) Holders of 2027 USD Bonds whose bonds are validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Offer will receive Accrued Interest, in the ordinary course from the trustee, on the Settlement Date. Accordingly, the Billing and Delivery Bank will only pay such holders the Purchase Price for the 2027 USD Bonds, Tender Orders (as defined below) made by holders of Old Bonds who have submitted a corresponding Indication of Interest for the New Bonds prior to the New Bonds Pricing Time will be accepted before any other Tender Orders of such series. During the Non-Preferred Tender Period or Preferred Tender Period, as applicable, a holder of Old Bonds may place orders to tender Old Bonds (" Tender Orders ") only through one of the Dealer Managers (as defined below). Holders will NOT be able to submit tenders through Euroclear Bank SA/NV (" Euroclear "), Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme (" Clearstream ") or the Depository Trust Company (" DTC ") systems. If a holder does not have an account with a Dealer Manager, such holder may place a tender offer through any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, other financial institution or other custodian that it customarily uses that has an account with a Dealer Manager. Your broker must contact one of the Dealer Managers to submit a Tender Order on your behalf. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as the billing and delivering bank for the Tender Offer (in such capacity, the " Billing and Delivering Bank "), will consolidate all Tender Orders and, upon instruction of Uruguay, accept Old Bonds for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer, subject to proration as described in the Offer to Purchase, at or around 8:00 a.m., New York time, on Friday, October 21, 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. The Tender Offer is subject to Uruguay's right, at its sole discretion and subject to applicable law, to instruct the Billing and Delivering Bank to extend, terminate, withdraw, or amend the Tender Offer at any time. Each of Uruguay and the Billing and Delivering Bank reserves the right, in the sole discretion of each of them, not to accept any Tender Orders for any reason. Tender Orders by a holder of Old Bonds must be in permitted tender amounts as set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Tender Orders that are not for Permitted Tender Amounts will not be accepted. There is no letter of transmittal or guaranteed delivery procedure in connection with this Tender Offer. If you hold Old Bonds through DTC, they must be delivered to the Billing and Delivering Bank for settlement no later than 3:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tender Offer Settlement Date. If you hold Old Bonds through Euroclear or Clearstream, the latest process you can use to deliver your Old Bonds to the Billing and Delivering Bank is the overnight process, one day prior to the Tender Offer Settlement Date; you may not use the optional daylight process. Failure to deliver Old Bonds on time may result (i) in the cancellation of your tender and in you becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, (ii) in the case of Preferred Tenders (a) in the cancellation of any allocation of New Bonds in the New Bonds Offering in respect of your related Indication of Interest and/or (b) in the cancellation of your tender and in your remaining obligation to purchase your allocation of New Bonds in respect of your related indication of interest and/or (iii) in the delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Old Bonds, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. Any holder whose tender is cancelled will not receive the Purchase Price or Accrued Interest. Holders will not have withdrawal rights with respect to any tenders of Old Bonds in the Tender Offer. Old Bonds accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus payment basis with the Billing and Delivering Bank on the Tender Offer Settlement Date in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. All Old Bonds that are tendered pursuant to Tender Orders placed through a Dealer Manager and accepted will be purchased by the Billing and Delivering Bank in such amounts as Uruguay shall determine and subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer to Purchase. Only the Billing and Delivering Bank will be liable for the payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest, if applicable, for Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted as instructed by Uruguay. Uruguay will not be liable under any circumstances for any payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest to the holders of Old Bonds tendered in the Tender Offer. The Billing and Delivering Bank shall not be liable for payments to any holder of Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase if such holder fails to deliver such Old Bonds on or prior to the settlement of the Tender Offer as described in the Offer to Purchase. The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from the Information Agent's website at https://projects.morrowsodali.com/Uruguay or obtained from the Information Agent, Morrow Sodali International LLC., 333 Ludlow Street, South Tower, Stamford, CT 06902 (Email: [email protected], Telephone: +1 203 609 4910 (Stamford) / +44 20 4513 6933 (London), Attention: Debt Services Team, or from any of the Dealer Managers. The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are: Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc. 1301 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor New York, New York 10019 United States of America Attention: Debt Capital Markets/Liability Management Toll free: +1 (866) 807-6030 Collect: +1 (212) 261-7802 HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. 452 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10018 United States of America Attention: Global Liability Management Group Toll Free: +1 (888) HSBC-4LM Collect: +1 (212) 525-5552 Email: [email protected] J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179 United States of America Attention: Latin America Debt Capital Markets Toll Free: +1 (866) 846-2874 Collect: +1 (212) 834 7279 Santander Investment Securities Inc. 45 East 53rd Street New York, New York 10022 United States of America Attention: Liability Management Group Collect: +1 (212) 940-1442 Toll-free: 1+ (855) 404-3636 Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contact. Uruguay has filed a registration statement (including prospectus supplement and the prospectus) with the SEC for the New Bonds Offering and the issuance of New Bonds. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in the registration statement and other documents that Uruguay has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Uruguay and such offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov . The following additional information of Uruguay is available from the SEC website and also accompanies this free-writing prospectus: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/102385/000119312522264247/d392109d18ka.htm https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/102385/000119312522247680/d240498dex1.htm https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/102385/000119312522236338/d303608d18k.htm https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/102385/000119312518072100/d526658dsb.htm Contact information: Morrow Sodali International LLC Attention: Debt Services Team 333 Ludlow Street, South Tower Stamford, CT 06902 Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 203 609 4910 (Stamford) / +44 20 4513 6933 (London) Offer Website: https://projects.morrowsodali.com/Uruguay Important Notice This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Old Bonds. The Tender Offer will be made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time. The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer, and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offering and Tender Offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer is made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders." Stabilization/FCA No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of any securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the "UK"). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) an investor who is not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation, and (b) the expression "offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities. Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation"), for offering or selling securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. The expression "UK Prospectus Regulation" means the Prospectus Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Neither this communication nor any other offer material relating to the Tender Offer is being made, and this communication has not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the FSMA. This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (a) are outside the UK; (b) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); (c) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order; or (d) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM. SOURCE The Republic of Uruguay MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI) today reported revenues and earnings for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. For the quarter ended September 30, 2022, net income was $166 million, or $1.53 per share, on revenues of $1.833 billion. Net income for the prior year's third quarter was $171 million, or $1.53 per share, on revenues of $1.713 billion. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net income was $510 million, or $4.65 per share, on revenues of $5.511 billion. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net income was $431 million, or $3.85 per share, on revenues of $4.692 billion. "We are pleased to report third-quarter year-over-year revenue growth of 7 percent (10 percent adjusted for currency) over and above the very strong growth of 44 percent in the same quarter last year," said M. Keith Waddell, president and chief executive officer of Robert Half. "Permanent placement led the way, growing 17 percent (20 percent adjusted for currency), and Protiviti revenues reached new all-time highs. Return on invested capital for the Company was 45 percent in the third quarter. "We are proud to have received several new accolades this quarter. We were named by FORTUNE as one of the Best Workplaces for Women and by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers. The Robert Half Mobile App has been recognized for its excellence in innovation, receiving five awards in recent months including a Gold Stevie. None of this recognition would be possible without the dedication and commitment of our employees across the globe," Waddell concluded. Robert Half management will conduct a conference call today at 5 p.m. EDT. The prepared remarks for this call are available now in the Investor Center of the Robert Half website (www.roberthalf.com/investor-center). Simply click on the Quarterly Conference Calls link. The dial-in number to listen to today's conference call is 800-289-0438 (+1-323-794-2423 outside the United States and Canada). The confirmation code to access the call is 8819341. A taped recording of this call will be available for replay beginning at approximately 8 p.m. EDT on October 20 and ending at 8 p.m. EST on November 17. To access the replay, visit www.webcasts.com/RobertHalfQ32022. The conference call also will be archived in audio format on the Company's website at www.roberthalf.com. Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. The Company offers contract and permanent placement talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Named to FORTUNE's "World's Most Admired Companies," the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers for Diversity, Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. Robert Half has operations in more than 400 locations worldwide. Certain information contained in this press release and its attachments may be deemed forward-looking statements regarding events and financial trends that may affect the Company's future operating results or financial positions. These statements may be identified by words such as "estimate", "forecast", "project", "plan", "intend", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", or variations or negatives thereof, or by similar or comparable words or phrases. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: changes to or new interpretations of U.S. or international tax regulations; the global financial and economic situation; the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate its spread; changes in levels of unemployment and other economic conditions in the United States or foreign countries where the Company does business, or in particular regions or industries; reduction in the supply of candidates for contract employment or the Company's ability to attract candidates; the entry of new competitors into the marketplace or expansion by existing competitors; the ability of the Company to maintain existing client relationships and attract new clients in the context of changing economic or competitive conditions; the impact of competitive pressures, including any change in the demand for the Company's services; the Company's ability to maintain its margins; the possibility of the Company incurring liability for its activities, including the activities of its contract employees, or for events impacting its contract employees on clients' premises; the possibility that adverse publicity could impact the Company's ability to attract and retain clients and candidates; the success of the Company in attracting, training, and retaining qualified management personnel and other staff employees; the Company's ability to comply with governmental regulations affecting personnel services businesses in particular or employer/employee relationships in general; whether there will be ongoing demand for Sarbanes-Oxley or other regulatory compliance services; the Company's reliance on short-term contracts for a significant percentage of its business; litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities, including litigation that may be disclosed from time to time in the Company's SEC filings; the ability of the Company to manage its international operations and comply with foreign laws and regulations; the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the possibility that the additional costs the Company will incur as a result of healthcare reform legislation may adversely affect the Company's profit margins or the demand for the Company's services; the possibility that the Company's computer and communications hardware and software systems could be damaged or their service interrupted; and the possibility that the Company may fail to maintain adequate financial and management controls and as a result suffer errors in its financial reporting. Additionally, with respect to Protiviti, other risks and uncertainties include the fact that future success will depend on its ability to retain employees and attract clients; there can be no assurance that there will be ongoing demand for broad-based consulting, regulatory compliance, technology services, public sector or other high-demand advisory services; failure to produce projected revenues could adversely affect financial results; and there is the possibility of involvement in litigation relating to prior or current transactions or activities. Because long-term contracts are not a significant part of the Company's business, future results cannot be reliably predicted by considering past trends or extrapolating past results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update information contained in this release. A copy of this release is available at www.roberthalf.com/investor-center . ATTACHED : Summary of Operations Supplemental Financial Information Non-GAAP Financial Measures ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Service revenues $ 1,833,455 $ 1,712,566 $ 5,511,116 $ 4,691,527 Costs of services 1,045,846 987,239 3,136,114 2,739,618 Gross margin 787,609 725,327 2,375,002 1,951,909 Selling, general and administrative expenses 548,579 495,576 1,572,167 1,406,731 (Income) loss from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts (which is completely offset by related costs and expenses) 15,335 1,759 110,958 (38,039) Amortization of intangible assets 417 572 1,250 1,724 Interest income, net (2,346) (238) (3,230) (145) Income before income taxes 225,624 227,658 693,857 581,638 Provision for income taxes 59,418 56,787 183,591 150,956 Net income $ 166,206 $ 170,871 $ 510,266 $ 430,682 Diluted net income per share $ 1.53 $ 1.53 $ 4.65 $ 3.85 Shares: Basic 107,855 110,176 108,630 110,816 Diluted 108,618 111,490 109,630 111,954 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 (Unaudited) SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Depreciation $ 34,769 $ 40,536 Capitalized cloud computing implementation costs $ 29,697 $ 23,735 Capital expenditures $ 48,637 $ 24,797 Open market repurchases of common stock (shares) 2,493 2,254 September 30, 2022 2021 (Unaudited) SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION: Cash and cash equivalents $ 593,348 $ 633,719 Accounts receivable, net $ 1,101,305 $ 1,005,633 Total assets $ 2,910,585 $ 2,931,718 Total current liabilities $ 1,234,249 $ 1,341,602 Total stockholders' equity $ 1,490,917 $ 1,316,043 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (in thousands) The Company completed a multiyear process to unify its family of Robert Half endorsed divisional brands to one single specialized brand, Robert Half. This simplifies the Company's go-to-market brand structure for clients and candidates and provides leverage for greater brand awareness and allows future flexibility to expand the Company's existing practice groups without the need for new brands. The Company's financial disclosures for contract talent solutions (formerly temporary and consultant staffing) are based on functional specialization rather than the previously branded divisions. The functional specializations are: finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, and technology. Finance and accounting combines the former Accountemps and Robert Half Management Resources, administrative and customer support was previously OfficeTeam, and technology was formerly Robert Half Technology. Protiviti and permanent placement talent solutions continue to be reported separately. What was previously referred to as staffing operations is now referred to as talent solutions. There is no change to the underlying business operations or organization. The Company's presentation of service revenues for finance and accounting, administrative and customer support, and technology include intersegment revenues from services provided to Protiviti in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. This is how the Company measures and manages these businesses internally. The combined amount of divisional intersegment revenues with Protiviti are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line item. The Company has prepared the below schedule to provide readers with historical comparative information to better evaluate the related trends. 2020 2021 2022 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 SERVICE REVENUES: Finance and accounting $ 701,762 $ 496,573 $ 506,515 $ 552,116 $ 600,387 $ 663,892 $ 732,365 $ 768,204 $ 801,690 $ 810,910 $ 805,229 Administrative and customer support 239,979 136,299 173,685 214,985 220,467 263,192 279,370 295,872 284,906 274,141 250,531 Technology 196,652 162,028 161,007 175,730 172,239 194,233 215,500 213,414 213,327 218,190 216,735 Elimination of intersegment revenues (46,273) (41,514) (59,816) (92,393) (103,818) (143,036) (172,534) (161,004) (144,200) (137,548) (132,745) Total contract talent solutions 1,092,120 753,386 781,391 850,438 889,275 978,281 1,054,701 1,116,486 1,155,723 1,165,693 1,139,750 Permanent placement talent solutions 120,489 71,030 87,203 91,387 111,703 143,640 156,444 158,133 186,782 200,096 182,329 Protiviti 294,082 283,910 321,303 362,261 397,402 458,660 501,421 495,298 472,329 497,038 511,376 Total service revenues $ 1,506,691 $ 1,108,326 $ 1,189,897 $ 1,304,086 $ 1,398,380 $ 1,580,581 $ 1,712,566 $ 1,769,917 $ 1,814,834 $ 1,862,827 $ 1,833,455 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The financial results of Robert Half International Inc. (the "Company") are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the SEC. To help readers understand the Company's financial performance, the Company supplements its GAAP financial results with the following non-GAAP measures: adjusted gross margin; adjusted selling, general and administrative expense; segment income; combined segment income; and as adjusted revenue growth rates. The following measures: adjusted gross margin; adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses; and segment income include gains and losses on investments held to fund the Company's obligations under employee deferred compensation plans. The Company provides these measures because they are used by management to review its operational results. Combined segment income is income before income taxes, adjusted for interest income and amortization of intangible assets. The Company provides combined segment income because it is how management evaluates segment performance. Variations in the Company's financial results include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and billing days. The Company provides "as adjusted" revenue growth calculations to remove the impact of these items. These calculations show the year-over-year revenue growth rates for the Company's functional specializations and segments on both a reported basis and also on an as adjusted basis for global, U.S. and international operations. This information is presented for each of the six most recent quarters. The Company has provided this data because it focuses on the Company's revenue growth rates attributable to operating activities and aids in evaluating revenue trends over time. The Company expresses year-over-year revenue changes as calculated percentages using the same number of billing days and constant currency exchange rates. In order to calculate constant currency revenue growth rates, as reported amounts are retranslated using foreign currency exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period. Management then calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon input from all countries and all functional specializations and segments. In order to remove the fluctuations caused by comparable periods having different billing days, the Company calculates same billing day revenue growth rates by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the calculated number of billing days for that period to arrive at a per billing day amount. Same billing day growth rates are then calculated based upon the per billing day amounts. The term "as adjusted" means that the impact of different billing days and currency fluctuations are removed from the revenue growth rate calculation. The non-GAAP financial measures provided herein may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in the Company's industry, as other companies may calculate such financial results differently. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to amounts presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is provided on the following pages. ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ADJUSTED GROSS MARGIN (UNAUDITED): (in thousands) Quarter Ended September 30, Relationships Nine Months Ended September 30, Relationships As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 Gross Margin Contract talent solutions $ 449,579 $ 421,419 $ 449,579 $ 421,419 39.4 % 40.0 % 39.4 % 40.0 % $ 1,376,293 $ 1,154,420 $ 1,376,293 $ 1,154,420 39.8 % 39.5 % 39.8 % 39.5 % Permanent placement talent solutions 182,034 156,170 182,034 156,170 99.8 % 99.8 % 99.8 % 99.8 % 568,147 411,122 568,147 411,122 99.8 % 99.8 % 99.8 % 99.8 % Protiviti 155,996 147,738 153,296 147,461 30.5 % 29.5 % 30.0 % 29.4 % 430,562 386,367 412,603 391,932 29.1 % 28.5 % 27.9 % 28.9 % Total $ 787,609 $ 725,327 $ 784,909 $ 725,050 43.0 % 42.4 % 42.8 % 42.3 % $ 2,375,002 $ 1,951,909 $ 2,357,043 $ 1,957,474 43.1 % 41.6 % 42.8 % 41.7 % The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted gross margin to reported gross margin for the quarters ended September 30, 2022 and 2021: Quarter Ended September 30, 2022 Quarter Ended September 30, 2021 Contract talent solutions Permanent placement talent solutions Protiviti Total Contract talent solutions Permanent placement talent solutions Protiviti Total $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue Gross Margin As Reported $ 449,579 39.4 % $ 182,034 99.8 % $ 155,996 30.5 % $ 787,609 43.0 % $ 421,419 40.0 % $ 156,170 99.8 % $ 147,738 29.5 % $ 725,327 42.4 % Adjustments (1) (2,700) (0.5 %) (2,700) (0.2 %) (277) (0.1 %) (277) (0.1 %) As Adjusted $ 449,579 39.4 % $ 182,034 99.8 % $ 153,296 30.0 % $ 784,909 42.8 % $ 421,419 40.0 % $ 156,170 99.8 % $ 147,461 29.4 % $ 725,050 42.3 % The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted gross margin to reported gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Contract talent solutions Permanent placement talent solutions Protiviti Total Contract talent solutions Permanent placement talent solutions Protiviti Total $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue Gross Margin As Reported $ 1,376,293 39.8 % $ 568,147 99.8 % $ 430,562 29.1 % $ 2,375,002 43.1 % $ 1,154,420 39.5 % $ 411,122 99.8 % $ 386,367 28.5 % $ 1,951,909 41.6 % Adjustments (1) (17,959) (1.2 %) (17,959) (0.3 %) 5,565 0.4 % 5,565 0.1 % As Adjusted $ 1,376,293 39.8 % $ 568,147 99.8 % $ 412,603 27.9 % $ 2,357,043 42.8 % $ 1,154,420 39.5 % $ 411,122 99.8 % $ 391,932 28.9 % $ 1,957,474 41.7 % (1) Changes in the Company's deferred compensation obligations are included in selling, general and administrative expense or, in the case of Protiviti, costs of services, while the related investment income is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial adjustments shown in the table above are to reclassify investment income from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item that includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact to income before income taxes. ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ADJUSTED SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (UNAUDITED): (in thousands) Quarter Ended September 30, Relationships Nine Months Ended September 30, Relationships As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Contract talent solutions $ 318,462 $ 310,112 $ 329,531 $ 311,409 27.9 % 29.4 % 28.9 % 29.5 % $ 907,886 $ 903,739 $ 989,432 $ 874,723 26.2 % 30.9 % 28.6 % 29.9 % Permanent placement talent solutions 148,290 124,955 149,856 125,140 81.3 % 79.9 % 82.2 % 80.0 % 450,437 335,316 461,890 331,858 79.1 % 81.4 % 81.1 % 80.6 % Protiviti 81,827 60,509 81,827 60,509 16.0 % 12.1 % 16.0 % 12.1 % 213,844 167,676 213,844 167,676 14.4 % 12.4 % 14.4 % 12.4 % Total $ 548,579 $ 495,576 $ 561,214 $ 497,058 29.9 % 28.9 % 30.6 % 29.0 % $ 1,572,167 $ 1,406,731 $ 1,665,166 $ 1,374,257 28.5 % 30.0 % 30.2 % 29.3 % The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses to reported selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarters ended September 30, 2022 and 2021: Quarter Ended September 30, 2022 Quarter Ended September 30, 2021 Contract talent solutions Permanent placement talent solutions Protiviti Total Contract talent solutions Permanent placement talent solutions Protiviti Total $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue Selling, General and Administrative Expenses As Reported $ 318,462 27.9 % $ 148,290 81.3 % $ 81,827 16.0 % $ 548,579 29.9 % $ 310,112 29.4 % $ 124,955 79.9 % $ 60,509 12.1 % $ 495,576 28.9 % Adjustments (1) 11,069 1.0 % 1,566 0.9 % 12,635 0.7 % 1,297 0.1 % 185 0.1 % 1,482 0.1 % As Adjusted $ 329,531 28.9 % $ 149,856 82.2 % $ 81,827 16.0 % $ 561,214 30.6 % $ 311,409 29.5 % $ 125,140 80.0 % $ 60,509 12.1 % $ 497,058 29.0 % The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses to reported selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Contract talent solutions Permanent placement talent solutions Protiviti Total Contract talent solutions Permanent placement talent solutions Protiviti Total $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue $ % of Revenue Selling, General and Administrative Expenses As Reported $ 907,886 26.2 % $ 450,437 79.1 % $ 213,844 14.4 % $ 1,572,167 28.5 % $ 903,739 30.9 % $ 335,316 81.4 % $ 167,676 12.4 % $ 1,406,731 30.0 % Adjustments (1) 81,546 2.4 % 11,453 2.0 % 92,999 1.7 % (29,016) (1.0 %) (3,458) (0.8 %) (32,474) (0.7 %) As Adjusted $ 989,432 28.6 % $ 461,890 81.1 % $ 213,844 14.4 % $ 1,665,166 30.2 % $ 874,723 29.9 % $ 331,858 80.6 % $ 167,676 12.4 % $ 1,374,257 29.3 % (1) Changes in the Company's deferred compensation obligations are included in selling, general and administrative expense or, in the case of Protiviti, costs of services, while the related investment income is presented separately. The non-GAAP financial adjustments shown in the table above are to reclassify investment income from investments held in employee deferred compensation trusts to the same line item that includes the corresponding change in obligation. These adjustments have no impact to income before income taxes. ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES COMBINED SEGMENT INCOME (UNAUDITED): (in thousands) Quarter Ended September 30, Relationships Nine Months Ended September 30, Relationships As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 2022 2021 Segment Income Contract talent solutions $ 131,117 $ 111,307 $ 120,048 $ 110,010 11.5 % 10.6 % 10.5 % 10.4 % $ 468,407 $ 250,681 $ 386,861 $ 279,697 13.5 % 8.6 % 11.2 % 9.6 % Permanent placement talent solutions 33,744 31,215 32,178 31,030 18.5 % 20.0 % 17.6 % 19.8 % 117,710 75,806 106,257 79,264 20.7 % 18.4 % 18.7 % 19.2 % Protiviti 74,169 87,229 71,469 86,952 14.5 % 17.4 % 14.0 % 17.3 % 216,718 218,691 198,759 224,256 14.6 % 16.1 % 13.4 % 16.5 % Total $ 239,030 $ 229,751 $ 223,695 $ 227,992 13.0 % 13.4 % 12.2 % 13.3 % $ 802,835 $ 545,178 $ 691,877 $ 583,217 14.6 % 11.6 % 12.6 % 12.4 % The following tables provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP combined segment income to reported income before income taxes for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021: Quarter Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 % of Revenue 2021 % of Revenue 2022 % of Revenue 2021 % of Revenue Income before income taxes $ 225,624 12.3 % $ 227,658 13.3 % $ 693,857 12.6 % $ 581,638 12.4 % Interest income, net (2,346) (0.1 %) (238) 0.0 % (3,230) 0.0 % (145) 0.0 % Amortization of intangible assets 417 0.0 % 572 0.0 % 1,250 0.0 % 1,724 0.0 % Combined segment income $ 223,695 12.2 % $ 227,992 13.3 % $ 691,877 12.6 % $ 583,217 12.4 % ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATES (%) (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Growth Rates (As Reported) Non-GAAP Year-Over-Year Growth Rates (As Adjusted) 2021 2022 2021 2022 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Global Finance and accounting 33.7 44.6 39.1 33.5 22.1 9.9 31.0 43.5 39.8 34.6 24.4 12.8 Administrative and customer support 93.1 60.8 37.6 29.2 4.2 -10.3 89.5 60.0 38.4 30.5 6.3 -7.8 Technology 19.9 33.8 21.4 23.9 12.3 0.6 17.9 33.1 21.8 24.6 13.9 2.5 Elimination of intersegment revenues (1) 244.5 188.4 74.3 38.9 -3.8 -23.1 240.9 187.5 75.1 40.1 -1.9 -20.8 Total contract talent solutions 29.9 35.0 31.3 30.0 19.2 8.1 27.2 34.0 31.9 31.0 21.3 10.7 Permanent placement talent solutions 102.2 79.4 73.0 67.2 39.3 16.5 96.9 77.7 73.8 68.8 42.6 20.3 Total talent solutions 36.1 39.4 35.3 34.1 21.7 9.2 33.2 38.4 36.0 35.2 24.0 12.0 Protiviti 61.6 56.1 36.7 18.9 8.4 2.0 58.8 55.1 37.4 20.0 10.8 4.8 Total 42.6 43.9 35.7 29.8 17.9 7.1 39.7 42.9 36.3 30.9 20.2 9.9 United States Contract talent solutions 27.5 35.5 33.4 33.4 22.7 11.3 27.7 35.5 33.6 33.4 22.7 11.3 Permanent placement talent solutions 109.3 85.1 78.6 78.3 44.3 22.4 109.6 85.1 78.9 78.3 44.3 22.4 Total talent solutions 33.6 40.0 37.2 37.8 25.2 12.6 33.8 40.0 37.4 37.8 25.2 12.6 Protiviti 62.6 53.7 31.7 17.0 8.3 4.1 62.8 53.7 31.9 17.0 8.3 4.1 Total 41.1 43.8 35.6 31.7 20.2 10.0 41.3 43.8 35.8 31.7 20.2 10.0 International Contract talent solutions 38.6 33.0 24.0 18.5 7.0 -3.2 25.1 29.1 26.3 23.5 16.6 8.7 Permanent placement talent solutions 87.8 67.3 61.9 44.7 28.0 2.9 70.5 62.1 64.0 50.0 39.0 15.4 Total talent solutions 44.8 37.7 29.2 22.5 10.5 -2.2 30.9 33.7 31.6 27.5 20.3 9.8 Protiviti 57.6 65.9 58.3 26.2 8.6 -6.3 43.5 61.4 61.2 32.3 20.6 7.3 Total 48.0 44.3 36.2 23.4 10.0 -3.3 33.9 40.1 38.6 28.7 20.4 9.1 (1) Service revenues for finance and accounting, administrative and customer support and technology include intersegment revenues, which represent revenues from services provided to Protiviti in connection with the Company's blended business solutions. Intersegment revenues for each functional specialization are aggregated and then eliminated as a single line item. The non-GAAP financial measures included in the table above adjust for the following items: Foreign Currency Translation. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues, which include the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In order to calculate "Constant Currency" revenue growth rates, as reported amounts are retranslated using foreign exchange rates from the prior year's comparable period. Billing Days. The "As Reported" revenue growth rates are based upon reported revenues. Management calculates a global, weighted-average number of billing days for each reporting period based upon inputs from all countries and all functional specializations. In order to remove the fluctuations caused by comparable periods having different billing days, the Company calculates "same billing day" revenue growth rates by dividing each comparative period's reported revenues by the calculated number of billing days for that period to arrive at a "per billing day" amount. The "same billing day" growth rates are then calculated based upon the "per billing day" amounts. The term "As Adjusted" means that the impact of different billing days and constant currency fluctuations are removed from the revenue growth rate calculation. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP year-over-year revenue growth rates to the "As Reported" year-over-year revenue growth rates is included herein, on Pages 11-13. ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth GLOBAL Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2022 Finance and accounting As Reported 33.7 44.6 39.1 33.5 22.1 9.9 Billing Days Impact -0.4 -0.3 0.3 -0.2 0.0 0.2 Currency Impact -2.3 -0.8 0.4 1.3 2.3 2.7 As Adjusted 31.0 43.5 39.8 34.6 24.4 12.8 Administrative and customer support As Reported 93.1 60.8 37.6 29.2 4.2 -10.3 Billing Days Impact 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.1 Currency Impact -3.6 -0.6 0.7 1.5 2.1 2.4 As Adjusted 89.5 60.0 38.4 30.5 6.3 -7.8 Technology As Reported 19.9 33.8 21.4 23.9 12.3 0.6 Billing Days Impact 0.0 -0.1 0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.1 Currency Impact -2.0 -0.6 0.3 0.9 1.6 1.8 As Adjusted 17.9 33.1 21.8 24.6 13.9 2.5 Elimination of intersegment revenues As Reported 244.5 188.4 74.3 38.9 -3.8 -23.1 Billing Days Impact 0.0 -0.4 0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.2 Currency Impact -3.6 -0.5 0.7 1.4 1.9 2.1 As Adjusted 240.9 187.5 75.1 40.1 -1.9 -20.8 Total contract talent solutions As Reported 29.9 35.0 31.3 30.0 19.2 8.1 Billing Days Impact 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.1 Currency Impact -2.7 -0.8 0.5 1.2 2.1 2.5 As Adjusted 27.2 34.0 31.9 31.0 21.3 10.7 Permanent placement talent solutions As Reported 102.2 79.4 73.0 67.2 39.3 16.5 Billing Days Impact 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.3 0.0 0.2 Currency Impact -5.3 -1.5 0.7 1.9 3.3 3.6 As Adjusted 96.9 77.7 73.8 68.8 42.6 20.3 Total talent solutions As Reported 36.1 39.4 35.3 34.1 21.7 9.2 Billing Days Impact 0.0 -0.2 0.2 -0.2 0.0 0.1 Currency Impact -2.9 -0.8 0.5 1.3 2.3 2.7 As Adjusted 33.2 38.4 36.0 35.2 24.0 12.0 Protiviti As Reported 61.6 56.1 36.7 18.9 8.4 2.0 Billing Days Impact 0.0 -0.3 0.2 -0.2 0.0 0.2 Currency Impact -2.8 -0.7 0.5 1.3 2.4 2.6 As Adjusted 58.8 55.1 37.4 20.0 10.8 4.8 Total As Reported 42.6 43.9 35.7 29.8 17.9 7.1 Billing Days Impact 0.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.2 Currency Impact -2.9 -0.8 0.5 1.3 2.3 2.6 As Adjusted 39.7 42.9 36.3 30.9 20.2 9.9 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth UNITED STATES Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2022 Contract talent solutions As Reported 27.5 35.5 33.4 33.4 22.7 11.3 Billing Days Impact 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted 27.7 35.5 33.6 33.4 22.7 11.3 Permanent placement talent solutions As Reported 109.3 85.1 78.6 78.3 44.3 22.4 Billing Days Impact 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted 109.6 85.1 78.9 78.3 44.3 22.4 Total talent solutions As Reported 33.6 40.0 37.2 37.8 25.2 12.6 Billing Days Impact 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted 33.8 40.0 37.4 37.8 25.2 12.6 Protiviti As Reported 62.6 53.7 31.7 17.0 8.3 4.1 Billing Days Impact 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted 62.8 53.7 31.9 17.0 8.3 4.1 Total As Reported 41.1 43.8 35.6 31.7 20.2 10.0 Billing Days Impact 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 Currency Impact As Adjusted 41.3 43.8 35.8 31.7 20.2 10.0 ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL INC NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES REVENUE GROWTH RATE (%) RECONCILIATION (UNAUDITED): Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth INTERNATIONAL Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2022 Contract talent solutions As Reported 38.6 33.0 24.0 18.5 7.0 -3.2 Billing Days Impact -0.8 -0.5 0.1 -0.4 0.2 0.5 Currency Impact -12.7 -3.4 2.2 5.4 9.4 11.4 As Adjusted 25.1 29.1 26.3 23.5 16.6 8.7 Permanent placement talent solutions As Reported 87.8 67.3 61.9 44.7 28.0 2.9 Billing Days Impact -1.1 -0.6 0.1 -0.5 0.2 0.6 Currency Impact -16.2 -4.6 2.0 5.8 10.8 11.9 As Adjusted 70.5 62.1 64.0 50.0 39.0 15.4 Total talent solutions As Reported 44.8 37.7 29.2 22.5 10.5 -2.2 Billing Days Impact -0.8 -0.5 0.2 -0.4 0.1 0.5 Currency Impact -13.1 -3.5 2.2 5.4 9.7 11.5 As Adjusted 30.9 33.7 31.6 27.5 20.3 9.8 Protiviti As Reported 57.6 65.9 58.3 26.2 8.6 -6.3 Billing Days Impact -0.8 -0.7 0.1 -0.5 0.2 0.5 Currency Impact -13.3 -3.8 2.8 6.6 11.8 13.1 As Adjusted 43.5 61.4 61.2 32.3 20.6 7.3 Total As Reported 48.0 44.3 36.2 23.4 10.0 -3.3 Billing Days Impact -0.9 -0.6 0.1 -0.4 0.2 0.5 Currency Impact -13.2 -3.6 2.3 5.7 10.2 11.9 As Adjusted 33.9 40.1 38.6 28.7 20.4 9.1 SOURCE Robert Half BOSTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Data Bridge Market Research has recently published a Report, titled, "Sanitary Ware Market" The report offers an extensive analysis of key growth strategies, drivers, opportunities, key segment, Porter's Five Forces analysis, and competitive landscape. The Sanitary Ware market research report is a notable source of information to survey the Sanitary Ware market and other basic nuances relating to it. The assessment divulges the incomparable evaluation and true sections of the Sanitary Ware market. The report shows a direct portrayal of the Sanitary Ware market, that joins applications, methodologies, industry chain course of action, and definitions. Besides that, it represents a critical precision, encounters, and industry-substantiated estimations of the general Sanitary Ware market. The report portrays the ongoing patterns and advancement which helps the readers to compete with the other market players and organizations. Global sanitary ware market was valued at USD 11,541.65 million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 18,188.41 million by 2029, registering a CAGR of 5.85% during the forecast period of 2022-2029. In addition to the market insights such as market value, growth rate, market segments, geographical coverage, market players, and market scenario, the market report curated by the Data Bridge Market Research team includes in-depth expert analysis, import/export analysis, pricing analysis, production consumption analysis, and consumer behavior Get Sample Copy of Sanitary Ware Market Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-sanitary-ware-market Market Synopsis: Sanitary ware includes cisterns, toilet sinks, wash basins, and pedestals. These products were conventionally manufactured by using porcelain. Porcelain is a ceramic material. However, now sanitary wares are being manufactured by using plastics, metals, glass and other materials. Ceramic sanitary wares are lucrative, have excellent resistance to chemical attacks, and can bear heavy loads. The real estate sector has experienced high growth in recent years, which has augmented the value of residential construction. As the number of houses upsurges, the demand for the sanitary wares increases, which boosts the growth of the sanitary ware market. Increased household spending is also a major factor which are expected to drive the sanitary ware market. The "toilet seats" is the highest growing type segment due to advancements in toilet seats in terms of shapes, designs and specifications over the forecast period. Furthermore, the increasing awareness regarding superior sanitary ware products for hygiene and health benefits is also the major factors which will drive the market's growth globally. Surging product innovations The major market players are continuously introducing new and advanced products in order to efficiently retain existing consumers and attract new ones. Also, product quality, shapes, and other advanced innovations play an important role in attracting the consumers towards the sanitary ware products. As a result, new product launches boost the market growth, which is expected to create profitable opportunities for the sanitary ware market in upcoming years. Furthermore, increasing number of promotional programs by private and public sector to increased consumer's awareness related to the use of sanitary wares and the increasing investment by both sectors on the respective projects will also propel the sanitary ware industry Some of the major players operating in the Sanitary Ware market are: LIXIL Corporation ( Japan ) ) Zurn Industries LLC. (U.S.) Masco Corporation (U.S.) Bella Group (U.S.) Kohler Co. (U.S.) Jaquar ( India ) ) VITRA INTERNATIONAL AG. ( Switzerland ) ) Kerovit ( India ) ) CERA Sanitaryware Limited. ( India ) ) Wenzhou Liangsha Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd. ( China ) ) BRIZO KITCHEN & BATH COMPANY ( India ) ) Oras Ltd. ( Finland ) ) TOTO LTD. ( India ) ) Roca Sanitario, S.A ( Spain ) ) Boch AG ( Germany ) Get Detailed Research Report to Understand More @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/checkout/buy/enterprise/global-sanitary-ware-market Recent development In February 2022 , Kohler had collaborated with Daniel Arsham to manufacture a unique type of one-of-a-kid 3D sink, with better features that could attract more consumers in upcoming period. Important Features that are under Offering Market Highlights of the Reports: Detailed overview of this Market Changes in industry market dynamics Detailed market segmentation by type, application, etc. Historical, current, and projected market size in terms of quantity and value Recent industry trends and developments Competition situation of this Market Key companies and product strategies Potential niche segment/region showing promising growth Finally, this Market Report is the authoritative source for market research that can dramatically accelerate your business. The report shows economic conditions such as major locales, item values, profits, limits, generation, supply, requirements, market development rates, and numbers Market Dynamics: Sanitary Ware Market Growing trend of smart homes and rising home renovation projects The increase in infrastructure development and rising popularity of smart homes globally are expected to drive the growth of the sanitary ware market during the forecast period. Moreover, changes in the Interior designing of residential building are increasing the demand of the sanitary ware in the market. Residential replacement and remodeling are the major sources of attention for the sanitary ware market because homemakers replace older sanitary ware with latest new products that provide improved visuals or functionality. Increasing awareness and promotion on hygiene awareness The rising health and hygiene awareness among consumers is a major factor which is expected to drive the global market's growth. Increasing government hygiene and sanitation awareness programming guidance and promotions, particularly in developing nations, as well as stringent government rules for installing and using public restrooms in several countries are anticipated to boost the growth of the sanitary ware market. Further.more, the increase in the adoption of sanitary ware in the construction industry due to several benefits such as cost-effectiveness, excellent resistance to chemicals and scratches and change in consumer's preference towards luxury items are expected to accelerate the sanitary ware market growth. The increase in the application of sanitary ware in the hospitality sector due to increase in the spending on the infrastructural projects and the growth of tourism in emerging nations influence the growth of the sanitary ware market. Challenges Faced By Industry Fluctuation in housing demand The volatility in the housing demand is the major factor which is expected to obstruct the demand of sanitary ware in the market growth and restrain the growth of the sanitary ware market in the forecast period of 2022-2029. Adverse effect on environment A diverse range of adverse effects on environment caused by mineral extraction poses a significant challenge for the growth of sanitary ware market. This sanitary ware market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the sanitary ware market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth. To Gain More Insights about this Research, Visit @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-sanitary-ware-market Key Industry Segmentation: Sanitary Ware Market By Type Toilet Seats Wash Basin Urinals Faucets Cistern Showers Bathtubs Bathroom Accessories By Material Ceramic Metal Glass By Operating mode Manual Automated By Shape Curved Rectangle Circle Domed Top Square By Colour White Black Others By End users Residential Commercial Institutional Regional Analysis/Insights: Sanitary Ware Market The countries covered in the sanitary ware market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America. North America dominates the market in terms of revenue and market share. The market growth over this region is due to the presence of well-established market players in the countries such as US and Canada within the region. Europe on the other hand, is estimated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period of 2022-2029, due to the huge investments made in research and development to produce better quality of products in countries such as Germany and Italy. Table of Contents: Introduction Market Segmentation Executive Summary Premium Insights Global Sanitary Ware Market Regulations Market Overview Global Sanitary Ware Market, By Type Global Sanitary Ware Market, By Material Global Sanitary Ware Market, By Operating mode Global Sanitary Ware Market, By Shape Global Sanitary Ware Market, By Colour Global Sanitary Ware Market, By End User Global Sanitary Ware Market, By Region Global Sanitary Ware Market: Company Landscape SWOT Analyses Company Profile Questionnaires Related Reports To Check the Complete Table Of contents, click here @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-sanitary-ware-market Explore More Reports: Sanitary Ware and Bathroom Accessories Market, By Product Type (Toilet Sink/Water Closet, Wash Basin, Pedestal and Cistern), Bathroom Accessories Type (Towel Rack/Ring, Hook, Paper Holder, Grab Bars and Others), Material (Ceramic, Pressed Metal, Acrylic Plastics and Perspex and Others), Application (Kitchen and Bathroom), Target Consumers (Business to Business (B2B), Business to Commerce (B2C)), End-Users (Residential and Commercial), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-sanitary-ware-and-bathroom-accessories-market Ceramic Sanitary Ware Market, By Product (Toilet Sinks/Water Closets, Washbasins, Urinals, Others), Technology (Slip Casting, Pressure Casting, Tape Casting, Isostatic Casting), Application (Commercial, Residential), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-ceramic-sanitary-ware-market Middle East and Africa Sanitary Ware Market, By Type (Toilet Seats, Wash Basin, Urinals, Faucets, Cistern, Showers, Bathtubs, Bathroom Accessories, Others), Material (Ceramic, Metal, Glass, Others), Operating Mode (Manual, Automated), Shape (Curved, Rectangle, Circle, Domed Top, Square, Others), Colour (White, Black, Others), End-User (Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/middle-east-and-africa-sanitary-ware-market Asia-Pacific Sanitary Ware Market, By Type (Toilet Seats, Wash Basin, Urinals, Faucets, Cistern, Showers, Bathtubs, Bathroom Accessories, Others), Material (Ceramic, Metal, Glass, Others), Operating Mode (Manual, Automated), Shape (Curved, Rectangle, Circle, Domed Top, Square, Others), Colour (White, Black, Others), End-User (Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Others), Country (Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/asia-pacific-sanitary-ware-market Europe Sanitary Ware Market, By Type (Toilet Seats/Western Toilets, Wash Basin, Urinals, Faucets, Cistern, Showers, Bathtubs, Bathroom Accessories, Medicine Cabinets, Vanities, Bidets, Mirror, Others), Material (Ceramic, Metal, Glass, Acrylic Plastic and Perspex, Others), Operating Mode (Manual, Automated), Shape (Curved, Rectangle, Circle, Domed Top, Square, Parallelogram, Others), Color (White, Black, Others), End-User (Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Others), Country (Italy, Germany, Spain, U.K., France, Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Rest of Europe) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/europe-sanitary-ware-market North America Sanitary Ware Market, By Type (Toilet Seats, Wash Basin, Urinals, Faucets, Cistern, Showers, Bathtubs, Bathroom Accessories, Others), Material (Ceramic, Metal, Glass, Others), Operating Mode (Manual, Automated), Shape (Curved, Rectangle, Circle, Domed Top, Square, Others), Colour (White, Black, Others), End-User (Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/north-america-sanitary-ware-market Hemp Clothing Market, By Raw Product (Hemp Seeds, Hemp Fiber, Hemp Shivs and Stalks), Source (Conventional (Natural) Hemp Source, Organic Hemp Source), Application (Fabrics, Denim, Fine Textiles, Canvas Bags, Carpets, Geotextiles), Processing Technique (European Enzyme-Treated Fiber, Chinese Fiber, NRC Enzyme-Treated Fiber) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-hemp-clothing-market Knitwear Market, By Product Type (T-Shirts and Shirts, Sweaters and Jackets, Sweatshirts and Hoodies, Shorts and Trousers, Evening Dresses, Suits, Leggings), Material Type (Natural, Synthetic, Blended), Application (Outerwear, Innerwear, Sportswear, Others), Consumer Group (Men, Women, Kids), Distribution Channel (Online, Offline) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-knitwear-market Facial Cleanser Market, By Product Type (Foam-Type Cleanser, Solvent-Based Cleanser, No Foam Cleanser, Collagen Type Cleanser, Face Cream, Face Wash and Face Oil), Skin Type (Neutral Skin, Dry Skin, Oily Skin, Mixed Skin and Sensitive Skin), Type (Normal Type, Scrub Type and Efficacy Type), End-User (Personal and Commercial), Application (Skin Whitening, Moisturizing, Repair, Blackheads, Oiliness, Dryness, Anti-Aging and Dark Spots), Distribution Channel (Online Channel and Offline Channel), Usage (Male and Female), Country https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-facial-cleanser-market Nail Polish Market, By Type (Base Coat, Top Coat, Others), Product (Liquid, Gel), Finish (Glossy, Matte, Glitter, Satin, Others), Distribution Channel (Supermarket and Hypermarkets, Independent Stores, Specialty Stores, E-Commerce) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-nail-polish-market Luxury Handbag Market, By Type (Handbag, Backpack, Wallet, Others), Material (Cotton, Leather, Nylon, Synthetic), End-User (Men, Women, Unisex), Distribution Channel (Duty-Free Stores, Online Stores, Discount Stores, Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-luxury-handbag-market About Data Bridge Market Research: An absolute way to forecast what future holds is to comprehend the trend today! Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavours to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Data Bridge is an aftermath of sheer wisdom and experience which was formulated and framed in the year 2015 in Pune. Data Bridge Market Research has over 500 analysts working in different industries. We have catered more than 40% of the fortune 500 companies globally and have a network of more than 5000+ clientele around the globe. Data Bridge adepts in creating satisfied clients who reckon upon our services and rely on our hard work with certitude. We are content with our glorious 99.9 % client satisfying rate. Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 888 387 2818 UK: +44 208 089 1725 Hong Kong: +852 8192 7475 Email: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1011053/Data_Bridge_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Data Bridge Market Research By Li Zhiwei A recently released research report titled "Introducing the Military Intervention Project: A new Dataset on US Military Interventions, 1776-2019" showed that the US has displayed a growing tendency to use force rather than diplomatic means after the Cold War, with ever more frequent military interventions overseas. The report pointed out that America's military hegemonism imperils global peace and stability. The report is jointly authored by Monica Duffy Toft, a professor at Tufts University, and Sidita Kushi, an assistant professor at Bridgewater State University. According to the report, the US has done nearly 400 military interventions between 1776 and 2019, of which more than 200 happened after WWII. After the end of the Cold War, its overseas military interventions increased, with over 1/4 in this period. The report also detailed that 34% of the nearly 400 overseas military interventions were targeted at nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, 23% in East Asia and the Pacific, 14% in the Middle East and North Africa, and 13% in Europe. Military interventions in the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa are on the rise. After the 9/11 attacks, the US was actually no longer exposed to any threat of force, but it has grown more rampant in using it. "Since 2000, alone, the US has engaged in 30 interventions at level 4 (usage of force) or 5 (war). The post-Cold War era has produced fewer greater power conflicts and instances in which to defend vital US interests, yet US military interventions continue at high rates and higher hostilities." "Thus, this militaristic pattern persists during a time of relative peace, one of arguably fewer direct threats to the US homeland and security." The report believed America's ingrained mentality of military hegemonism and intervention has grown even stronger and more stubborn. Some scholars pointed out that America's military interventions in countries like Libya have barely realized the so-called "humanitarian" and "democratizing" goals. Others pointed to the disastrous consequences of America's use of force overseas, while some called Washington's current pattern of foreign exchanges force-based diplomacy. The report said, in the past few years, American ambassadors are working in 1/3 of the countries in the world, but American special forces are in 3/4 of the countries. The report held that the US has become more dependent on force as a diplomatic policy tool over recent years. Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated its annual military spending at about US$800 billion US dollars, almost 40% of the worlds total. Kushi said America's global military footprints may shock many Americans, and that the legitimacy of what it has done is seriously doubted. London-based online news website Middle East Eye (MEE) commented on the report that over the years, America's foreign military interventions have usually brought disastrous consequences. This was corroborated by a report issued by America's Cato Institute in March 2022, which cited the 20-year-long Afghan War as the latest case in point. Just like the military interventions of the US in Latin America last century, its interventions in Afghanistan failed to enhance the Afghan government's capability of performing the most basic functions. The report also exposed the failed attempt of those military interventions at preserving peace, whereas the likelihood of war has only increased with the arrival of Americans. In other words, the arrival of American officials was usually accompanied by the breakout of war. The Bernese Magazine of the Netherlands published an article on its website saying that a review of America's diplomatic policies since the end of WWII would easily come to the conclusion that most of America's military interventions have more or less ended in the same disastrous manner. Washington has carried out all kinds of military activities over the world over since the 9/11 attacks, but the reality is that its military strategy is specially and strangely counterproductive. Editor's note: Originally published on People's Daily, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. NOVI, Mich., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI) will webcast its third-quarter 2022 earnings conference call live on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. ET with president and chief executive officer, Jon DeGaynor, and chief financial officer, Matt Horvath. The webcast can be accessed on the Webcasts & Presentations page of the Investors section of the Company's website, www.stoneridge.com. Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the automotive, commercial, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at www.stoneridge.com. SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc. HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Themed "Being Theoria", the 4th Hangzhou Fiber Art Triennial kicked off on October 18, 2022 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. The special project "Jinying | Pure Reason" of the Triennial opened on September 30 at the Hangzhou Museum. The theme of this fourth Triennial is "Being Theoria", which is the continuation of the first show "Fiber Visions" in 2013, second show "Weave & We" in 2016, and third show "Boundless Encounters" in 2019. Just like the words "text" and "textile" in English are both derived from the Latin word "textus", the Chinese expression for fiber contains two Chinese characters, which both shares the same Chinese radical. The curatorial team draws on this radical system of Chinese characters, builds on an archetypal approach, and seeks to propose a multidimensional and interwoven return to and reflection on the meta-questions and meta-concepts of "art" in order to zero in on the metaphysical dimension of fiber/fabric and the invisible link between art and the world. At its heart, this curatorial approach suggests rebranding "art" as "being theoria", which alludes to the simultaneous presence of being and non-being. Exhibition director Ying Jinfei and artistic director Shi Hui, along with chief curator Liu Tian, co-curators Liu Yihong, Ying Xinxun, Long Xingru, Wang Hongzhe, and more than 60 artists/groups from over ten countries around the world, opened the fourth exhibition on "fiber" and "art" in Hangzhou, China, in response to the complex global situation in the second decade of the 21st century. The artists/groups include Ann Hamilton (USA), Annette Messager (France), Constanza Pina (Chile), Raqs Media Collective (India), Nathalie Gebert (Germany), Aiko Tezuka (Japan/Germany), Alice Kettle (UK), Zilvinas Kempinas (Lithuania/USA), Ivana Franke (Croatia/Germany), Ho Rui An (Singapore), Chen Chieh-jen (Taiwan, China), Chen Zhe, Guo Cheng, Huang Yan, Liao Fei, Liu Guoqiang, Nabuqi, Tong Wenmin, Zhao Yao, Zheng Bo, etc. Outside of the Hangzhou Museum, where the stone pagoda of Jingyin Temple stood during the Five Dynasties and Northern Song Dynasty, the "Jingyin | Pure Reason" project is slated to be presented. Artists are invited to create directly on site at the Wushan Mountain (Liangdao Mountain) in the heart of Hangzhou, in the outdoor space within the bounds of the Hangzhou Museum (around the remains of the stone pagoda of Jingyin Temple), and in the public space within the museum. The goal of this project is to surprise and delight the public as the project evolves, thereby stimulating local memory through creative imagination and innovative art. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, the curators, participating artists, researchers, and world-famous thinkers (Tim Ingold, Zhang Wenjiang, Lothar Ledderose, Zhao Feng, John Durham Peters, Lisa Parks, Wu Yaling, etc) will gather for a series of lectures and forums titled "Fiber, Worldview", "Everything Fiber and Karma, "Fiber-like Perception", "Weaving that Web", "Technology Revolution Ballads", and "The Story of Knotting the Rope", among others, aiming at exploring the esoteric mysteries of civilization. Public Education Program On the eve of International Women's Day and Arbor Day in 2022, artist Alice Kettle started the public project "Stitch a Tree" which quickly proved popular. All audience members around the world were invited and encouraged to stitch a "tree" with thread. The stitched trees by citizens in Hangzhou will be joined with other stitched trees by people around the world at the Triennial, where they will be arranged into a large tapestry called Forest. There will also be public projects and activities during the Triennial, such as "One-ton Reservoir", " Plant-based Goods Un&On", "Growing House" and so on. Hangzhou International Triennial of Fiber Art Founded in 2013, the Hangzhou Triennial of Fiber Art is an international exhibition dedicated to the research, creation, and display of contemporary fiber art. The Triennial was founded by the Contemporary Fiber Art Research Institute (formerly the Institute of Art Tapestry Varbanov) of China Academy of Art, and co-founded and co-sponsored by China Academy of Art and Zhejiang Art Museum. Previous exhibition themes are " Weaving & We" (2016), " Boundless Encounters" (2019), " Being Theoria" (2022). SOURCE China Academy of Art CANTON, Ohio, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Top Echelon Network, an elite network of highly specialized search firms, the recruiting profession is having another stellar year. Fueled by low unemployment and the "Great Resignation", professional recruiters and search consultants enjoyed a robust year in 2021. However, there has been no decline in 2022. In fact, judging by data collected by Top Echelon Network, business has increased this year. According to Top Echelon, recruiters have billed roughly $2 million more through the Network during the first nine months of the year than during the same timeframe in 2021. Top Echelon is a split placement network in which two recruiters share the search responsibilities on an assignment and ultimately share the placement fee. The average fee for placements made in Top Echelon Network is roughly $20,000. That means through the first nine months of the year, Network recruiters have made approximately 100 more placements in Top Echelon than they did in 2021. "This has been a good year for Network recruiters and for the profession in general," said Drea Codispoti, Top Echelon Director of Network Operations. "Employers are still hiring, and because qualified candidates are in short supply within many industries, they're still willing to enlist the services of a professional recruiter to identify and hire the right candidates." Top Echelon allows members of its Network to share information with each other in a blinded fashion, thereby enabling them to leverage each other's resources for the purpose of making split placements. The Network offers software that helps its members accomplish this. Top Echelon's software includes the Network Candidates sourcing tool, which is an integration module that operates between members of Top Echelon's recruiting network and users of its applicant tracking system and CRM for recruiters. There are more than 6 million recruited candidates in the Network Candidates sourcing tool. It's just one of several software tools that Top Echelon offers to its Network members to help them make more split placements. At present, over 550 recruiting agencies and more than 1,000 individual recruiters in the United States and Canada are members of Top Echelon Network. ABOUT TOP ECHELON SOFTWARE: Founded in 1988 in Canton, Ohio, Top Echelon's mission statement is "To help the world work by providing innovative recruiting and hiring software that transforms the employment marketplace. Visit www.topechelon.com for more information! SOURCE Top Echelon Software NOIDA, India, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the U.S. Beauty Device Market was valued at more than USD 17.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 20% from 2022-2028. The analysis has been segmented into Type (Hair Removal, Cleansing, Acne Treatment, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Therapy and Photorejuvenation, Oxygen/Facial Steaming, Hair Growth, Others); Application (Salon, Spa, and At-home); Region/Country. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/us-beauty-devices-market/ The U.S. Beauty Device market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data on various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the U.S. Beauty Device market. The U.S. Beauty Device market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the U.S. Beauty Device market at the Country levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=22392 Market Overview The advancement in product technology and the rising aging population of the U.S. rises which is associated with the increasing concerns related to wrinkles in the female population of the nation is an important factor to influence the beauty market in the U.S. As per the US census bureau, the female population around 50% of women aged between 30 and 44 years in 2020. Furthermore, various factors such as hormonal imbalance can cause conditions like hirsutism which is responsible for excessive body hair growth and also significantly contributes to the market for aesthetic devices in the U.S. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/us-beauty-devices-market/ The U.S. Beauty Device market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. Based on type, the market is segmented into hair removal, cleansing, acne treatment, light-emitting diode (led) therapy and photorejuvenation, oxygen/facial steaming, hair growth, and others. The hair removal segment generated significant revenue in the U.S. market owing to the presence of a wide range of products and the advent of novel and improved methods that are quick, painless, and more effective procedures such as laser hair removal treatment. Based on application, the market is segmented into the salon, spa, and at-home. The at-home device segment is expected to grab significant market share in the U.S. beauty device market during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the development of lightweight, and portable devices. Furthermore, the demand is also increasing due to the lesser complex and easy availability of the devices. Additionally, the lower cost of the home-based products is also responsible for the significant market share of the segment during the forecast period. Have a Look at the Chapters - https://univdatos.com/report/us-beauty-devices-market/ U.S. Beauty Device Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Others For a better understanding of the market, the report provides a detailed analysis of major states in the U.S. including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and others. New York state constitutes a significant market owing to the presence of the major players in the state. The increasing disposable income of the people is one of the major factors for the state to have a significant market share. The endorsement by Hollywood stars also significantly contributed to the considerable growth of the state in the U.S beauty devices market. the home care monitoring and diagnostics industry owing to the presence of well-established market players and frequent product launches in the region. The major players targeting the market include Panasonic Corporation Lumenis Ltd. Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. TRIA Beauty Inc. Home Skinovations Ltd. Bioptik Technology Inc. Carol Cole Company Inc. L'Oreal SA Candela Corporation YA-MAN LTD. Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the U.S. Beauty Device market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on competition. Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include: What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the U.S. Beauty Device market? Which factors are influencing the U.S. Beauty Device market over the forecast period? What are the challenges, threats, and risks in the U.S. Beauty Device market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the U.S. Beauty Device market? What are the demanding regions of the U.S. Beauty Device market? What will be the market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights U.S. Beauty Device Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2027 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of over 20% Market size 2020 USD 17.6 billion States analysis United States Major contributing region New York to Dominate the U.S. Beauty Device Market Key countries covered California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and others Companies profiled Panasonic Corporation, Lumenis Ltd., Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., TRIA Beauty Inc., Home Skinovations Ltd., Carol Cole Company Inc., L'Oreal SA, Candela Corporation, YA-MAN LTD., MTG Co. Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V., and LightStim. Report Scope Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling Segments Covered By Type; By Application; By Region/Country About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: [email protected] Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd. Fetch Pandemic-Driven Insights on Vaccines Contract Manufacturing Services Market Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices. Gain information on relevant pricing levels, and a detailed explanation of the pros and cons of prevalent pricing models. Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPIs to evaluate incumbent suppliers. www.spendedge.com/sample-report/vaccines-contract-manufacturing-services-market-procurement-research-report Insights Into Supplier Selection and Evaluation: Profile and service capabilities of the service provider, industry specialization of the service providers, reputation of service providers, and assessment of value-added services are some of the most critical parameters that buyers use to shortlist the suppliers in Vaccines Contract Manufacturing Services. This report evaluates suppliers based on quality and purity tests of product samples, production capacity, certifications and accreditations, and geographical presence. In addition, suppliers are also shortlisted based on business needs, technical specifications, operational requirements, security compliance, regulatory mandates, working environment, quality control, SLA nuances, acceptance criteria, legal requirements, change management procedures, pricing models, and penalty clauses. For More Insights on Buyer Strategies and Tactical Negotiation Levers: www.spendedge.com/sample-report/vaccines-contract-manufacturing-services-market-procurement-research-report Key Drivers and Trends Fueling Market Growth: The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants have resulted in the low bargaining power of suppliers. Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by the constant monitoring of price influencing factors. During the forecast period, the market expects a change of 10%-15%. Identify favorable opportunities in Vaccines Contract Manufacturing Services TCO (total cost of ownership). Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes. Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities. Some of the Top Vaccines Contract Manufacturing Services Market Suppliers Listed in This Report: This Vaccines Contract Manufacturing Services procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Lonza Group Ltd. Icon Plc Catalent Inc Smart Procurement Starts Here: SpendEdge's procurement intelligence platform is the go-to tool for companies looking to access the latest procurement research insights and supplier data on an easy-to-use platform: Signup for our subscription services now for FREE!, to get instant access to over 1000 market-ready procurement intelligence reports without any additional costs or commitment. Table of Content Executive Summary Market Insights Category Pricing Insights Cost-saving Opportunities Best Practices Category Ecosystem Category Management Strategy Category Management Enablers Suppliers Selection Suppliers under Coverage US Market Insights Category scope Appendix About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. Contacts SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge Dr. Sandra E. Ford, special assistant to the President for public health and science, White House Domestic Policy Council, joins an all-star lineup of speakers, including representatives from HHS, CMS, the CDC, and the U.S. House of Representatives. WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- RISE and Aligning for Health are excited to announce a blockbuster lineup of confirmed speakers from both sides of the aisle for the inaugural Social Determinants of Health Policy Forum on November 28-30, 2022 in the heart of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The agenda includes representatives from the White House, U.S. House of Representatives, Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who will share insights into local and federal policies and programs supporting social determinants of health (SDoH) and health equity. Confirmed speakers include: Keynote speakers Dr. Sandra E. Ford, special assistant to the President for public health and science, from the White House Domestic Policy Council, will open the main conference Tuesday, November 29 with a keynote address about the Biden Administration's approach to SDoH and their plans to facilitate blending, braiding, data sharing, and community benefit at the state and local level. Ellen-Marie Whelan, NP, Ph.D., chief population health officer, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, CMS, will examine the policy developments across CMS to advance health equity and maternal health as well as future plans. Dr. Karen Hacker, director, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will discuss the CDC Closing the Gap with Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Plans program and the projects that have been funded through this grant to advance whole person health. Esteemed panelists Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who serve as co-leads of the Congressional SDoH Caucus, and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), who serves as a member of the Congressional SDoH Caucus, will provide a retrospective on Caucus accomplishments during the 117th Congress and the future of the Caucus in the 118th Congress. Kelly Cronin, deputy administrator, innovation and partnership, Administration for Community Living, HHS, will join a panel on connecting health and social service providers to address social needs. The panel will discuss efforts to better connect the health care and social services sectors to allow for seamless closed loop referrals and data exchange necessary to address social needs. Rachel Pryor, counselor on health policy, Office of the Secretary, HHS, will join Richard Cho, senior advisor for housing and services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for a discussion on cross-agency partnerships that address health and wellbeing and to ensure an efficient use of federal funds to improve SDoH. RISE, in partnership with Aligning for Health, will present the Social Determinants of Health Policy Forum on November 28-30, at the Hilton Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. See the complete list of speakers, the agenda, and how to register for the program. About RISE RISE is the premier community for health care professionals who aspire to meet the extraordinary challenges posed by the emerging landscape of accountable care and government health care reform. Recognized industry wide as the number one source for information on risk adjustment and quality improvement within health care, RISE strives to serve the community on four fronts: networking, education, industry intelligence, and career development. Through innovative conferences, online courses, in-house training, webinars as well as an association comprised of over 6,000 members, RISE provides professionals with industry insights and critical information they need to stay ahead of the curve. RISE produces more than 30 conferences annually, focused on sophisticated topics and ample networking opportunities for thousands of executives from mid- to senior-level and C-suite. Our team of subject matter experts is often first to market with emerging topics, and we pride ourselves on consistently delivering top quality operations and logistics to produce a seamless event. About Aligning for Health Aligning for Health (AFH) is a membership association which, with the support of our members and Advisory Board, brings a team of federal and state administration experts to address the issues that challenge the common purpose of our membersthe need for efficient, integrated and coordinated programs to better improve health outcomes for Americans. The AFH team: Assesses current opportunities for coordination of relevant health and human service programs across the federal government, such as housing, food assistance, workforce training, transportation, and Medicaid Identifies successful state- and locally-developed cross-sector models addressing social determinants and reviews the role of the private sector and charitable initiatives in such models Meets with county and state officials to understand the challenges and barriers they face in addressing the whole-person needs of vulnerable and/or or high-cost patients Builds and execute an advocacy campaign to support solutions to address social determinants Cultivates supportive Governors and state and local officials Lobbies the Biden Administration and Congress Educates interested stakeholders Works with agencies at the state and federal level to assist in developing Social Determinants Accelerator Plans This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE RISE and Aligning for Health GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 132nd Canton Fair, which started on October 15th, 2022, gathers leading companies from China's health industry -- giving full play to its industry advantages and while providing global consumers with better health care choices. Among them, Crown Name (WH) Disposable Hygiene Products ("Crown Name") presents its medical, industrial safety protection, and daily necessities that are exported to countries with developed medical systems, including North America, Europe. These products, such as dry wipes, wet wipes, and dental pads, have passed various certifications and tests in major markets, including ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO EN 13485, and US FDA, 510K, EU CE, and MDR product certifications. High-quality medical instrument manufacturer Shanghai Honsun International Trade ("Honsun") showcases its top-selling medical products, including a Nasal Irrigation Device, Wearable Mesh Nebulizer, and an Oral Irrigator with a revolutionary UV disinfection function. The patented UV lamp design of the oral irrigator with UV disinfection function effectively solves the hidden dangers of health and safety caused by damp water tanks and nozzles that are most likely to breed bacteria. It is equipped with a variety of nozzles to meet different needs. The configured high-pulse water flow can effectively clean the orally attached food residue. The water pulse of HONSUN's Nasal Irrigation Device mimics the frequency of mucociliary oscillation and helps restore the normal physiological function of the mucociliary. Its three-stage water pressure adjustment allows patients to choose the appropriate water pressure according to their condition. The Wearable Mesh Nebulizer is a high-end product powered by a built-in lithium battery, which works without noise and has a self-cleaning function. Its compact and wearable design dramatically increases the convenience for patients when using it. There are more than 600 Chinese medical product manufacturers, bringing more than 20,000 products to the exhibition to showcase the new height of Chinese medical product manufacturing to global buyers, who will enjoy safe and excellent user experiences thanks to innovative technology, customized services, and compliance standards. For more information and opportunities from the medical supply sector, please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index?utm_source=rwyx - /foreign-email https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index?utm_source=rwyx#/foreign-email or contact [email protected]. SOURCE Canton Fair Another record-breaking year for PPMD Signature Event DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Killian family, of Rockwall, are celebrating a record-breaking fundraising milestone with their annual Sam's Night event, to benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). Tonight's event will raise over $1,000,000, thanks to its generous supporters. The event has raised $4.5 million since its inception in 2005, with last year's event raising just over $800,000. Sam's Night (formerly Sam's Family Fun Day) was started by the Killian family after their son Sam was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne). Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 live male births. "We are blown away by the support Sam's Night has received over the years and especially this year," said Sam's dad, John Killian. "When we started Sam's Family Fun Day 17 years ago, our goal was to build awareness in our community, raise funds to support PPMD's mission, and have some fun with Sam, his friends, and their families. We could never have imagined it would become such a long-standing event that has grown to where it is now, and that growth would not have been possible without the support of our incredible family, friends, and community." "We are so grateful to the Killians for the contributions they have made to this community over the years," said Pat Furlong, PPMD's Founding President & CEO. "Not only are their efforts responsible for millions of dollars being raised to support research initiatives, they have provided mentorship, comfort, and support to countless families in the community." Sponsors of Sam's Night include Clarion Partners, CBRE, Chicago Title, Colliers International, Cushman & Wakefield, Ernst & Young, Houlihan Lokey, JLL, Kessler Collins, Messick Peacock & Associates, MRP Realty, PricewaterhouseCoopers, PGIM, REDA LLC, Stream Realty, Trammell Crow Company, Vinson & Elkins, Wells Fargo, and Willmeng Construction. There's still time to contribute by visiting SamsNight.org. To learn more about Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, visit www.ParentProjectMD.org. About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne. We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting-edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won five FDA approvals. Everything we doand everything we have done since our founding in 1994helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) Eight years in the making, the next Belle Glos Taylor Lane vintage is released under the new West Sonoma Coast AVA, marking the oldest wine released in the newly recognized region NAPA VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Joe Wagner, a fifth-generation winemaker and founder of Belle Glos, announces the release of its newest Taylor Lane vintage, 2014 Belle Glos Taylor Lane Pinot Noir (SRP: $199 in magnum size only). Belle Glos is known for making luxurious, terroir-driven Pinot Noirs from maritime-influenced vineyards in California. The sought-after Taylor Lane varietal infuses the best of Wagner's expertise in Pinot Noir and bold winemaking decisions by playing with the aging process to achieve balanced complexity revealed in softer, rounder fruit notes. Belle Glos Taylor Lane Pinot Noir 2014 Positioned less than six miles from the Pacific Ocean just outside of the town of Occidental, California, the Taylor Lane vineyard is a hallmark site to showcase this temptress of a terroir. Planted in the late 1990's, this 10-acre vineyard in rooted in the sought after Goldridge sandy loam and sits on a southwest facing hilltop at an elevation between 900-960 feet above sea level in the newly established West Sonoma Coast AVA. This new AVA recognizes the region's unique maritime growing conditions which can be subject to ruthless wind and fog and gives proper distinction to the growers who farm this cold, coastal viticultural region. The cool, maritime climate allows for a long and slow ripening process creating intense flavors and fruit with bright acidity. To achieve full maturity, the early-ripening Dijon clones of 113, 114, 115 and 777 were selected, and to enhance maturity, the vines are trained up to a unilateral cordon at 5 feet and an overhead trellis supports the canopy at a 15-degree angle facing south. This trellis was named "pergola trentina" paying homage to the traditional trellis used in northern Italy where the inspiration came from. Pergola Trentina optimizes the amount of sunlight on the canopy and encourages lateral shoot growth hence pushing photosynthesis to a maximum. It also allows for perfect control of light and air flow through the fruit zone. As an added benefit, Wagner grazes sheep under the vines year-round as they are not able to reach the crop or canopy due to its height. "The Taylor Lane Vineyard was the first vineyard I ever planted and is the most unique site I've ever farmed. The Pinot Noir from this location is a true reflection of my winemaking journey and embodies the 'Go With Your Palate' philosophy that I carry with me. There are so many aspects that make this wine unique from the trellis, to farming practices, and aging, to determining when to release," shares Joe Wagner. "After tasting the 2012 through 2015 vintages, I knew it was time to release the 2014, a warm vintage that was showy in its youth and had slightly lower acidity. It's hitting all the marks right now and only time will tell which vintage we release. The joy I get from waiting on these wines in bottle until they hit their stride is a luxury, and one that honors the patience the vineyard has had with me and I with it." Adopting a new aging philosophy with the 2011 vintage, Wagner knew Taylor Lane Vineyard could produce exemplary West Sonoma Coast style Pinot Noir as long as he had the patience it needed before release. "I have always believed that if a wine absolutely needs long term aging, that's on the winemaker to hold it, not the buyer." Wagner says. Given the similarities in climate to that of the old world, the key was to take a traditional approach to viticulture and winemaking and to craft a uniquely California outcome in how the wine expresses its sense of place. In addition to the vineyard's unique geographical location and growing system, the Pinot Noir product benefits by aging in large format bottles (it is only bottled in Magnums). Aging takes the edge off any harsh tannins and astringent elements, letting the complexity reveal itself in softer, rounder notes while developing a spice riddled profile with bottle bouquet. Wagner starts the process out by barrel aging the wine for a minimum of two years, much longer than what's typical for most Pinot Noirs. Wagner then bottles the wine in magnum format bottles only to avoid as much oxygen interaction as possible. The wine ages in bottle indefinitely until it has reached its peak. In the case of the 2014 vintage, that was 6 years. Wagner's second cellar release of this majestic vineyard is plum with a slight burnt edge in the glass and boasts aromas of fresh tilled land, a rich oak forest in Autumn, and creme de cassis. Once on the palate, the acidity sparks a fire of smoked caramel and cinnamon spiked cranberry sauce. The silky-smooth texture gives way to a long and balanced finish that leaves your senses wanting more. Since starting his blossoming company, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, in 2014, Joe Wagner has launched numerous new wines, each with a distinct slant towards his personal style. Representative brands include Belle Glos, Boen, Elouan, and Napa Valley Quilt. For more information on Belle Glos visit BelleGlos.com, stay up to date on social media by following @BelleGlos, and to purchase a bottle of the new Taylor Lane vintage, visit QuiltandCo.com. About Belle Glos As a fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker, Joe Wagner learned his way around a vineyard long before he was able to drink wine. Inspired by his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, Joe created Belle Glos in 2001 with a focus on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from California's best coastal regions. Each Vineyard Designate is crafted to distill the purest essence of the locale into elegant expressions of California Pinot Noir. Belle Glos is easily identifiable by its signature red wax-dipped bottle and classic script label. The wines have received praise from consumers and critics alike; Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2019 Las Alturas Pinot Noir with a score of 96 points and the 2019 Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir a score of 90 points, exemplifying superior character and style. The Belle Glos portfolio includes Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir, Dairyman Pinot Noir, Eulenloch Pinot Noir, Las Alturas Pinot Noir, Balade Pinot Noir, Taylor Lane Pinot Noir, Glasir Holt Chardonnay, and Oeil de Perdrix Pinot Noir Blanc de Noir. Media Contacts: Caroline Ricca CURICH|WEISS [email protected] SOURCE Copper Cane Wines & Provisions HANOVER, N.H., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the FCC: "Unwanted calls including illegal and spoofed robocalls are the FCC's top consumer complaint and our top consumer protection priority." Yet despite this prioritization, the 100 million Americans with landline phones received over 5 billion unwanted calls in September 2022. This represents an increase of more than 2 billion unwanted calls since July 2022. Households with landline phones receive 46 calls per week on average. Of those calls, 40 are unwanted. Monthly landline call volume is increasing by 10%. The Landline Landscape Report by imp is the only data exclusively focused on the 100 million Americans with landline phones. Key findings show that 87% of calls made to home landlines are unwanted. "We're seeing a big uptick in the unwanted call volume on landline phones as we head into the election season," said imp's President George Lightbody . "Close to one-third of all U.S. households rely on their landline phone as an essential tool for communicating. But it is becoming increasingly difficult for landliners to cut through the noise and actually use their phones." This data comes from the Landline Landscape: 2022 Q3 Report - the only such analysis focused exclusively on landline phone use in the U.S. These figures calculated are projections of the landline call traffic based on imp's active users in 40+ states. Key Findings of the Study Include: 83% of Landline Owners are Actively Bothered by Unwanted Calls: Nearly one third of all households in the US have a landline. Of these households, 8 out of every 10 households report being actively bothered by unwanted landline calls. 87% of Landline Calls are Unwanted: Households with a landline phone receive on average 46 calls per week. Landline users classify 40 of these 46 calls as "unwanted." Only 6 of the 46 calls are "wanted" calls from friends and family. Traditional Call Blocking is Only a 5% Solution: Of the 40 unwanted calls received each week, only 2 would be stopped by traditional call blocking devices. All of these 40 unwanted calls are, in essence, telephonic invaders. Additional Stats from the Study Include: Landline call volume continues to increase at a rate of 10%, month over month The highest number of unwanted calls received by a landline phone in a single day is 150. Landline owners spend close to 45 minutes each week dealing with unwanted calls. About imp Founded in 2019 in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire, imp's mission is to rid the world from the scourge of the unwanted caller. The imp smart home system is powered by Greenlist Technology, creating America's most robust smart landline network capable of stopping 100% of unwanted calls. For more information, visit joinimp.com . Media Contact: Rory Hennessey 800-374-0056 [email protected] SOURCE imp WINTER HAVEN, Fla., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Daryl Thompson, founder of Global Research and Discovery Group in Winter Haven, Florida, has spent a career working just out of the spotlight and inventing biological and medical technologies that, when fully deployed, could better the lives of people around the world. But all that may change as GRDG Sciences announced today that it will be the subject of a documentary film highlighting the passion, the search, and the cutting-edge discoveries that push the company and its founder behind a single-minded goal: creating a healthier world quickly and naturally. "We are thrilled to take the audience behind the scenes and around the world to discover solutions to problems that have plagued humanity for thousands of years," said Thompson. "From the Florida Everglades, to the rainforests of South America, to the jungles of Africa and beyond, we're going to show everyone what we do and how we do it." The documentary project comes on the heels of GRDG's completion of Sombrero, a five-year multi-pronged project that yielded multiple patents and potentially billions of dollars in licensing. But it also paved the way for something deeper. "Sombrero allowed us to make discoveries, for sure, but it also allowed us to create a template for problem solving that I think can be duplicated around the world," said Thompson. "That is part of what the film is about, the blueprint to forming several quick-thinking, fast-acting groups around the world that can identify potential problems and create solutions outside the traditional channels that aren't able to move as fast." For GRDG, that team included a Washington insider, an investor and a lab. A Real-Life Mr. Phelps For Dr. Roscoe Moore, retired United States Assistant Surgeon General and former Epidemic Intelligence Services Officer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, meeting Thompson and understanding his approach led to a creative partnership. "He came to me about six years ago and we met a couple times, and lo and behold, I became an advisor," said Dr. Moore. "I don't endorse any specific product I never have; but I just look at the science and the science says that what he's doing works." Moore, who is now GRDG's Chief Scientific Advisor, said that Thompson's model of getting things done is something that is vital in this day and age. "The NIH model is great for research, but it takes a long time to get anything done," he said. "Big government operations are not meant to be stealth. We needed someone to get things done in a way that cuts through the red tape without cutting corners. In that regard, Daryl's efforts have been stellar." For Thompson, Moore is more than just an advisor. "Roscoe is our Mr. Phelps," said Thompson, referring to the director of the Impossible Mission Force. "He would tell us about several different directions and problems that needed solving and then gave us the freedom to choose which one to solve." That partnership led GRDG' to tackle global problems that led to the discovery of several breakthrough technologies, including: Linebacker : Multi-faceted therapeutic platform for metabolic, neurologic, cancer, and infectious diseases created to mirror the Panacea Project, a U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program to provide novel, multi-target therapeutics for unmet physiological needs. : Multi-faceted therapeutic platform for metabolic, neurologic, cancer, and infectious diseases created to mirror the Panacea Project, a U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program to provide novel, multi-target therapeutics for unmet physiological needs. 3F Biofragrance : For mosquito avoidance and antimicrobial protection with confirmed in vitro effectiveness against MRSA, E. coli , Tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This technology is a surface disinfectant and is also designed to be incorporated into the Open Air Defense Initiative for protection against outbreaks by protecting key points where the potential spread of pathogens occur. : For mosquito avoidance and antimicrobial protection with confirmed effectiveness against MRSA, , Tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This technology is a surface disinfectant and is also designed to be incorporated into the Open Air Defense Initiative for protection against outbreaks by protecting key points where the potential spread of pathogens occur. Equivir : A patented Over the Counter (OTC) medication successfully tested in vitro against Rhinovirus, Influenza, Cholera, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and in a Biosafety Level 4 facility, Ebola. Equivir/Nemovir is both a treatment and a prophylactic for COVID-19 and is moving to human clinical trials. : A patented Over the Counter (OTC) medication successfully tested against Rhinovirus, Influenza, Cholera, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and in a Biosafety Level 4 facility, Ebola. Equivir/Nemovir is both a treatment and a prophylactic for COVID-19 and is moving to human clinical trials. Quantum : The solution to the Patent Cliff accomplished by creating a new class of medicinal chemistry that uses advanced methods to increase effectiveness and persistence of natural compounds and existing drugs. The safety attributes of the original molecules are maintained. Typically, drug discovery processes modify functional groups. : The solution to the Patent Cliff accomplished by creating a new class of medicinal chemistry that uses advanced methods to increase effectiveness and persistence of natural compounds and existing drugs. The safety attributes of the original molecules are maintained. Typically, drug discovery processes modify functional groups. Bioplastics: Antimicrobial plastics for consumer products that control the spread of active pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, E. coli, Staph, and Rhinovirus, by exploiting key strategies found in the biological realm. These new plastics are specifically focused on solutions for common products such as cups, plates, utensils, plastic bags, and countertops. The first prototypes have completed antimicrobial resistance testing. Having an Impact Early in the development process, GRDG began a working relationship with Impact Biomedical, a biopharmaceutical company interested in pursuing new products and treatment options. Impact partnered with GRDG and provided some investment capital to support the research. "We saw an excellent opportunity to come alongside and partner with Daryl and his team to accomplish something that has the potential to have a direct impact on the lives of millions of people around the world," said Frank. D. Heuszel, President and Director of Impact BioMedical, Inc. "The ability to analyze the problem and creatively see a solution that can be disseminated quickly and without a relatively long lead team is special." Going Pro The next key partner in GRDG's pursuit of innovation came in a partnership with ProPhase Labs, which proposes to turn Thompson's research into real-life products. "For us, the science has to make sense," said ProPhase Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Alice Lioi. "Daryl has formulated products that performed well in pre-clinical trials and the fact that they are based in natural substances is a different approach that we believe can strengthen products in the human world." While Moore, Impact and ProPhase have all played key roles in GRDG's research and development, it has been Thompson who may be the revelation of the documentary. "I have always enjoyed working behind the scenes, working alongside government entities, but outside the trappings of bureaucracy that's where the real innovation takes place," said Thompson. "But the work we have done for the past five years could have such an impact on the world, we just had to tell this story. So that's what we're doing. Parts of this story may sound impossible trust me, I sometimes shake my head at the things we've been able to create but at the end of the day, it still rings true." Diamond Studios, an Emmy Award-winning production company from Tampa, Fla., will produce the documentary, which will begin filming in December 2022. Media Contact: Christina Glendening 8633070066 [email protected] SOURCE Global Research and Discovery Group Sciences NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Acrylic Polymer Market report has been added to Technavio's offering. With ISO 9001:2015 certification, Technavio is proudly partnering with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies for over 16 years. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Acrylic Polymer Market 2022-2026 The potential growth difference for the acrylic polymer market between 2021 and 2026 is 2562.91 million tons. The report extensively covers the acrylic polymer market segmentation by application (paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and others) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa). 35% of the growth originates from North America. Acrylic Polymer Market Dynamics: Market Driver Market Challenges One of the elements influencing the growth of the acrylic polymer market is the expansion of the real estate and building sectors. Architectural paints and coatings, such as acrylic coatings, permit the thermal expansion and contraction of roofs while preventing water infiltration. Cost-effectiveness is a result of acrylic coatings' excellent reflectivity and durability. Numerous roofing substrates can get these coatings, including metal, plastic, and concrete. Furthermore, the expansion in house construction activities over the past ten years has been influenced by the increase of single-person and dual-person households around the world. Throughout the anticipated period, these variables are anticipated to fuel market expansion. However, factors such as stringent regulations affecting market growth will challenge market growth. Request Free Sample Report. Acrylic Polymer Market Vendor Analysis The market is fragmented and the vendors are deploying various organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including: Anshika Polysurf Ltd: The company offers paints, lacquers, and varnishes along with mixing machines and color concepts for the building and renovation industry. The company offers paints, lacquers, and varnishes along with mixing machines and color concepts for the building and renovation industry. Arkema S.A.: The company offers thinners and paint strippers such as murga paint remover. The company offers thinners and paint strippers such as murga paint remover. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.: The company offers thinners and paint strippers such as chem strip 5015 and euro strip 7028. The company offers thinners and paint strippers such as chem strip 5015 and euro strip 7028. Gellner Industrial LLC: The company offers biodegradable and recyclable soybean and corn-based products for consumer markets. The company offers biodegradable and recyclable soybean and corn-based products for consumer markets. Maxwell Additives Pvt. Ltd.: The company offers high-performance solutions in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings to its customers from automotive and metal, packaging and consumer goods, electronics and industrials, and construction industries. To gain access to more vendor profiles with their key offerings available with Technavio, Buy Sample Report . Acrylic Polymer Market Segmentation By Application The market share rise of acrylic polymers in the paints and coatings sector would be high. Due to their great benefits, such as superior finishing, flexible application, quick drying times, high glossiness for distinctive pictures, and versatility in application to any substrate, solvent-based paints and coatings are primarily employed in architectural and industrial applications. Thus, it is projected that throughout the forecast period, the rising use of paints and coatings in various industries, including the construction and automotive sectors, will propel the market's expansion. Get a Free Sample Report. Acrylic Polymer Market Geographical Analysis The automotive, construction, aerospace, and defense end-user sectors are the key drivers of the acrylic polymer market in North America. The automobile sector in North America receives the majority of its growth from the US, Mexico, and Canada. One of the world's top producers of automobiles is the United States. Due to shifting consumer tastes and an increase in the number of production facilities in Mexico, sales of passenger automobiles will grow rapidly during the projection period. The adoption of strict rules on the usage of eco-friendly materials for buildings and infrastructures is anticipated to drive the sales of architectural paints and coatings in the acrylic polymer market in North America. Strict government regulations supporting low-volatile organic compound emissions are encouraging manufacturers of coatings to develop new coating products. Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000. Related Reports: Ethylene Acrylic Acid Copolymer Market by Application and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025: The report extensively covers ethylene acrylic acid copolymer market segmentation by application (adhesives, barrier coating, and others) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA) Feed Phytogenics Market by Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers feed phytogenics market segmentation by type (essential oils, herbs and spices, oleoresins, and others) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). Acrylic Polymer Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.43% Market growth 2022-2026 2562.91 mn t Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 4.36 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 35% Key consumer countries US, China, Japan, France, and Italy Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Anhui Newman Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd., Anshika Polysurf Ltd, Arkema S.A., Ashland Global Holdings Inc., BASF SE, Chemipol SA, Dow Inc., Gellner Industrial LLC, Kamsons, The Lubrizol Corp., Maxwell Additives Pvt. Ltd., MCTRON Technologies LLC, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., Nouryon Chemicals Holding BV, Protex International, Solvay SA, STI Polymer, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd., Toagosei Co Ltd, and Weifang Ruiguang Chemical Co Ltd. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market Overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Application 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Application 5.3 Paints and coatings - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Paints and coatings - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Paints and coatings - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 30: Chart on Paints and coatings - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Paints and coatings - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Adhesives and sealants - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Adhesives and sealants - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Adhesives and sealants - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 34: Chart on Adhesives and sealants - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Adhesives and sealants - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 36: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 38: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.6 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 40: Market opportunity by Application (thousand t) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 41: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 42: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 44: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 45: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 47: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 48: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 52: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 55: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 56: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 59: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 60: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 63: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 64: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 67: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 68: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 71: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 72: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 75: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 76: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 Italy - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on Italy - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 79: Data Table on Italy - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 80: Chart on Italy - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on Italy - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 82: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 83: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 (thousand t) Exhibit 84: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 85: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 86: Market opportunity by geography (thousand t) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 87: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 88: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 89: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 90: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 91: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 92: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 Arkema S.A. Exhibit 93: Arkema S.A. - Overview Exhibit 94: Arkema S.A. - Business segments Exhibit 95: Arkema S.A. - Key news Exhibit 96: Arkema S.A. - Key offerings Exhibit 97: Arkema S.A. - Segment focus 10.4 Ashland Global Holdings Inc. Exhibit 98: Ashland Global Holdings Inc. - Overview Exhibit 99: Ashland Global Holdings Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 100: Ashland Global Holdings Inc. - Key news Exhibit 101: Ashland Global Holdings Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 102: Ashland Global Holdings Inc. - Segment focus 10.5 BASF SE Exhibit 103: BASF SE - Overview Exhibit 104: BASF SE - Business segments Exhibit 105: BASF SE - Key news Exhibit 106: BASF SE - Key offerings Exhibit 107: BASF SE - Segment focus 10.6 Chemipol SA Exhibit 108: Chemipol SA - Overview Exhibit 109: Chemipol SA - Product / Service Exhibit 110: Chemipol SA - Key offerings 10.7 Dow Inc. Exhibit 111: Dow Inc. - Overview Exhibit 112: Dow Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 113: Dow Inc. - Key news Exhibit 114: Dow Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 115: Dow Inc. - Segment focus 10.8 MCTRON Technologies LLC Exhibit 116: MCTRON Technologies LLC - Overview Exhibit 117: MCTRON Technologies LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 118: MCTRON Technologies LLC - Key offerings 10.9 Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. Exhibit 119: Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 120: Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 121: Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 122: Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 10.10 Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd. Exhibit 123: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 124: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 125: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 126: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 10.11 The Lubrizol Corp. Exhibit 127: The Lubrizol Corp. - Overview Exhibit 128: The Lubrizol Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 129: The Lubrizol Corp. - Key offerings 10.12 Toagosei Co Ltd Exhibit 130: Toagosei Co Ltd - Overview Exhibit 131: Toagosei Co Ltd - Business segments Exhibit 132: Toagosei Co Ltd - Key offerings Exhibit 133: Toagosei Co Ltd - Segment focus 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 134: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 135: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 136: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 137: Research methodology Exhibit 138: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 139: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 140: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Issues that rose to the top include abortion access, the economy, and systemic racism and discrimination WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Advancement Project released findings from a poll and focus groups of Gen Z voters of color (Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian American and Pacific Islander) in Michigan, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. This survey was conducted by HIT Strategies in September 2022. "We know that when our communities are free and safe, everyone thrives. Voting has the power to win tangible policies that make a difference in people's lives. This makes it critical for voters of color to be heard at the polls - the issues that motivate our communities to cast our ballots ultimately impact us all," said Advancement Project Executive Director Judith Browne Dianis. "Young people have been on the forefront of building a more just and inclusive future for all of us. Whether on the national, state or local level, young voters of color are hungry to elect leaders that represent them and they are pushing for real action on issues like abortion access, the economy, and systemic racism and discrimination. Young voters of color are united around these critical issues and are ready to vote, we just need to equip them with accurate information." "Voting has the power to win tangible policies that make a difference in people's lives." - Judith Browne Dianis. Tweet this Some insights into the research conducted by Advancement Project and HIT Strategies include: Top issues for Gen Z voters of color include abortion access, the economy, and systemic racism and discrimination. 52% believe their vote has a lot of or some power to make a change on abortion access , and 49% believe their vote has power to make a change on the economy . believe their vote has a lot of or some power to make a change on , and believe their vote has power to make a change on . 87% believe that abortion should be legally protected . Half of the respondents believe they can positively change abortion access and the economy through voting. . Half of the respondents believe they can positively change abortion access and the economy through voting. 40% believe their vote has power on police reform. Approximately 6 in 10 young voters of color say that they are motivated to vote, likely to vote, and believe that their vote has power Click here for a full detailed copy of the data and key findings. Advancement Project shared this research in a press conference held with a coalition of racial justice organizations working to mobilize voters of color in the upcoming election. Each organization shared findings from polling data on their own communities. These polls were conducted to connect with potential voters directly, understand their values and priorities as it relates to the forthcoming election, and discover what it will take to encourage voters to cast their ballots. About Advancement Project Advancement Project is a next-generation, multi-racial civil rights organization. Rooted in the great human rights struggles for equality and justice, they exist to fulfill America's promise of a caring, inclusive, and just democracy. They use innovative tools and strategies to strengthen social movements and achieve high-impact policy change. Learn more about Advancement Project here. SOURCE Advancement Project SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcor, a leading partner in the digital transformation space and global provider of cloud solutions, security, and implementation services, announced the successful launch of a new release for AccessFlow IGA. It is an automated, self-service enterprise access management and identity governance product built on the ServiceNow platform. AccessFlow logo (PRNewsfoto/Alcor Solutions Inc.) Helping organizations overcome the challenges of manual access control, siloed access provisioning, and ineffective compliance posture, AccessFlow provides an integrated, cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework to meet business goals. This includes Access Management (AM), Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), and Privileged Access Management (PAM) all under one roof. This empowers organizations to unify access processes, policies, and procedures with improved visibility and thorough governance eliminating the need of buying separate solutions that gives rise to a siloed approach. As a Built on Now application, AccessFlow provides the performance, Security, and GUI of the ServiceNow platform combined with the IGA capabilities - designed and tested for fast, agile, secure, resilient, and connected digital transformation. The platform-based approach allows AccessFlow to leverage the entire CMDB data and natively support access management with already existing user data. With prebuilt high-value use cases and automated processes within the platform, organizations can take advantage of easy customizations, reduce costs, and gain high ROI. The new release of AccessFlow includes: Digital Identity Lifecycle Management Seamless Third-Party Integrations Governance and Compliance Readiness Cloud-based with On-Prem Support if needed Zero Trust Architecture "The modern work style demands to collaborate effectively from any location using a desktop computer, laptop, mobile device, or other devices without compromising security. Therefore, as a first step, modernizing infrastructure requires a convergent access management solution that should meet access requirements as well as the Identity Governance and Administration in a unified platform and must act as a future-proof solution. Implementing such flexible, secure access for any user to any application, whether they are hosted locally or in the cloud, would undoubtedly drive down costs, reduce IT friction, streamline processes, and meet audit or regulatory requirements." says Jenifer Rubavathy, Product Manager at Alcor. Neha Bhati, Product Marketing Manager at Alcor adds "The latest AccessFlow release comes with cutting edge features that empower customers with cloud-based IGA framework and superior user experience. It is stronger, simpler, and more secure, and caters to organizations of all shapes and sizes. It allows businesses to make the most of platform capabilities by building and automating the identity lifecycle on ServiceNow with quick and hassle-free integrations possible with applications used in-house. A trusted solution for modern businesses, AccessFlow helps organizations skyrocket their Access Management and Governance approach." Alcor is hosting an AccessFlow launch webinar on November 10 at 9 am PST. To join the webinar and discover how AccessFlow, an automated, compliant, and converged Identity and Access Management solution empowers businesses to stay secure and productive, please register here: https://alcortech.zoom.us/webinar/register/1616662703671/WN_FhiF_7neTcSy8chuDeeY5g To learn more about AccessFlow, you can visit AccessFlow Webpage or download the application from the ServiceNow App Store. For more information on Alcor, please visit our website at www.alcortech.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. About Alcor Alcor Solutions, Inc. is a San Francisco, California-based company that provides global cloud advisory and implementation services to clients in multiple geographies. Their clients include global Fortune 500 as well as leading organizations in multiple industry verticals. Founded in 2008, Alcor Solutions Inc.'s focus has been building strong competency in cutting-edge technologies and advising clients in implementing them. They are passionate about their thought leadership and believe that successful IT implementations result equally from good strategy and technology excellence. Alcor is an Elite ServiceNow Partner, AWS Consulting Partner, Modern Oracle Partner, and works with several other technologies including Microsoft, Salesforce, FireEyeTM, and more. Alcor Enabling Cloud is a registered trademark of Alcor. Contact: Monisha Singh, [email protected] SOURCE Alcor Solutions Inc. BERWYN, Pa., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- (NYSE: ANVS) Annovis Bio ("Annovis" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage drug platform company addressing neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that it will present at the ThinkEquity 2022 Investor Conference on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, in New York City. Presentation Details Presentation time: 9:00 am ET to 9:30 am ET Date: October 26, 2022 Location: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City Webcast Link: https://wsw.com/webcast/tep23/anvs/1687376 Investors interested in arranging a one-on-one meeting at the conference should contact their ThinkEquity representative. About Buntanetap Buntanetap (previously known as ANVS401 or Posiphen) is an oral translational inhibitor of neurotoxic aggregating proteins (TINAPs), which mode of action leads to a lower level of neurotoxic proteins and consequently less toxicity in the brain. In a Phase 2a clinical trial in AD and PD patients, buntanetap was shown to be well-tolerated and safe, and its pharmacokinetics were found to be in line with levels measured earlier in humans, meeting both the primary and secondary endpoints. Additionally, exploratory endpoints were also met, as treatment with buntanetap resulted in statistically significant improvement in motor function in PD patients and cognition in AD patients. Presently buntanetap is being studied in a phase 3 early PD study and will enter a phase 2/3 study in AD patients later in the year. About Annovis Bio, Inc. Headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Annovis Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage, drug platform company developing transformative therapies that treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and other chronic and acute neurodegenerative diseases. The Company believes that it is the only company developing a drug that inhibits more than one neurotoxic protein, improves the information highway of the nerve cell, known as axonal transport, reduces inflammation and protects nerve cells from dying in chronic and acute neurodegeneration. Annovis conducted two Phase 2 studies: one in AD patients and one in both AD and PD patients. In the AD/PD study, buntanetap showed improvements in cognition and memory in AD as well as body and brain function in PD patients. For more information on Annovis Bio, please visit the Company's website www.annovisbio.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "will," "may," "should," "estimate," "project," "outlook," "forecast" or other similar words, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the timing, effectiveness, and anticipated results of buntanetap clinical trials. Forward-looking statements are based on Annovis Bio, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Annovis Bio, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Media and Investor Contact: Nic Johnson Russo Partners, LLC (303) 482-6405 [email protected] SOURCE Annovis Bio DUBLIN, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Artificial Intelligence in Oncology Market: Distribution by Type of Cancer, Type of End-Users and Key Geographical Regions: Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, 2022-2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Cancer is the one of the leading cause of deaths, globally, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). Annual statistics reported by the American Cancer Society (ACR) indicate that, in 2022, around 1.9 million individuals are likely to be diagnosed with various types of cancer in the US. During the same year, around 0.6 million cancer-related deaths are anticipated to be reported in the aforementioned region. In this context, it is important to highlight that, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research, by 2030, the number of cancer-related deaths is likely to rise by 72%. This, in turn, is expected to result in an increase of 70% in the global cancer burden, over the next two decades. Amidst the ever growing cancer burden, a number of strategies are being tested by researchers and industry players to help provide relief to the affected individuals. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key enabler in improving the accuracy and speed of cancer diagnosis. Specifically, AI based cancer screening has resulted in reduced mortality rates of some prevalent malignancies. One of the most successful examples includes the detection of precancerous lesions, where timely treatment was demonstrated to considerably reduce the risk of malignant tumors. Consequently, several players engaged in the healthcare sector have incorporated AI powered technologies into their regular workflow to enable the identification of affected patients, thereby, ensuring timely treatment. Given the various advantages offered by AI technology, players engaged in the pharmaceutical domain have developed AI in oncology-based software solutions for the treatment of a myriad of oncological indications. These solutions help in interpretation and integration of huge volumes of complex data. Further, an AI system lowers the diagnostic and treatment related errors that are likely to occur in human clinical practice, thereby, resulting in reduced testing costs. Experts believe that there has been a significant rise in the revenue generation potential within this domain. This is further supported by the significant investments being made in this market. In fact, over the past five years, close to USD 6 billion has been invested in companies engaged in the development of AI in oncology-based software solutions. Further, the global spending on AI is forecasted to grow to more than USD 110 billion by 2024. Considering the rising popularity of such solutions in the healthcare industry and the ongoing efforts of software providers to further improve / expand their respective offerings, we believe that the AI in oncology market is likely to evolve at a steady pace, till 2030. Key Topics Covered: 1. PREFACE 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3. INTRODUCTION 4. MARKET OVERVIEW 5. COMPANY PROFILES 6. COMPANY COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS 7. PATENT ANALYSIS 8. PARTNERSHIPS 9. FUNDING AND INVESTMENT ANALYSIS 10. BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY: A STRATEGIC GUIDE FOR START-UPS TO ENTER INTO HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET 11. MARKET SIZING AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS 12. CONCLUSION 13. EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS 14. APPENDIX 1: TABULATED DATA 15. APPENDIX 2: LIST OF COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS Companies Mentioned 6 Dimensions Capital 83North 8VC Affidea Aidence Aidoc AIRA Matrix Alexandria Venture Investments AllianceBernstein Ally Bridge Group Ambra Health AmCad BioMed aMoon Fund Amplify Partners Ankur Capital Apollo Hospital Arterys ARUP Laboratories Asset Management Ventures AstraZeneca Athensmed Atomico Accelerating Technology Purposefully AXA Venture Partners Axilor Ventures Baheya Foundation Bain Capital Life Sciences BankInvest BEENEXT Benslie Investment Group BERG BioAdvance Biotheranostics Blackford Blue Pool Capital Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund Borski Fund b-rayZ Breyer Capital BrightEdge Bristol- Myers Squibb British Business Bank BVF Partners C.L. David Foundation Cambridge Capital Group CancerCenter.ai Canon Medical Systems Capitol Health Casdin Capital Catalio Capital Management Charles River Ventures China Merchant Securities International Colorectal Cancer Alliance ConcertAI Connect Ventures Cormorant Asset Management Cosmo Pharmaceuticals Coutts CPP Investments Cornerstone Total Return Fund CureMatch CureMetrix D.E. Shaw Research D1 Capital Partners Dana Farber Cancer Institute Danhua Capital Data Collective Venture Capital Debiopharm Innovation Fund Declaration Partners Deep Bio DeepHealth DeepMind Delin Ventures Dell Technologies Capital Densitas DilenyTech DocPanel GenWorks Health Global Ventures Goldman Sachs Google GRAIL Greycroft Grove Ventures Guardant Health Guerbet Hanfor Capital Management Harmonix Health Innovations HealthCare Konnect HealthQuest Capital henQ Hera-MI HERAN Partners Hillhouse Capital Group Hina Group Holland Capital Hologic Korea Health Industry Development Institute Kinship Trust KT Investment Laerdal LDPath Legend Capital Leica Biosystems LEO Pharma Lightpoint Medical Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Lucida Medical Luminous Ventures LungLife AI Lunit M Capital Mamotest Marubeni Corporation MassMutual Ventures Maverick Ventures Median Technologies Medical EarlySign Medicover MediPath Medtronic Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Merck Polaris Partners Prodeko Ventures Prognica Labs Proscia PSP Investments Qingsong Fund Qlarity Imaging Quantib For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nlpm30 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets 120 Pages report segments the augmented reality in retail market by Type (apparel, furniture, lighting, decor, footwear, grocery, and others) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The augmented reality in the retail market is expected to grow by USD 9.24bn, at a CAGR of 41.7% between 2021 to 2026, according to Technavio's latest market report. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Augmented Reality in Retail Market 2022-2026 Factors such as the rising adoption of technologically advanced applications among consumers, such as AR, and the increasing adoption of fashion clothes with multi-colors and varied designs in various countries played a crucial role in driving the growth of the segment. Based on the geography. the market witnessed maximum growth in North America and the region is expected to continue its dominance in the market during the forecast period. Factors such as the advanced and mature technological landscape across the retail industry are expected to foster the growth of augmented reality in the retail market in North America. North America will account for 32% of the market's growth over the forecasted timeframe. The major augmented reality markets in North America's retail sector are the US and Canada. This region's market will expand more quickly than those in other areas. Request Free Sample Report. Augmented Reality In Retail Market: Major Growth Drivers Augmented reality in the retail market reports the following factors as major growth drivers during the forecast period: Use of AR technology to make advertising more effective Increased efficiency of operations Ease in handling customer-front operations The usage of AR technology is mostly driving the expansion of augmented reality in retail to improve advertising. Marketers may integrate the real world with the digital world by using augmented reality. This gives customers and the company the chance to interact virtually instantly with the products, which encourages sales. Customers can find their items via extremely immersive augmented reality (AR) adverts that cater to their needs and match their preferences. As a result, clients may produce all the information they need about any product they want to buy by merely pointing their smartphone in that direction. During the anticipated time, these elements will fuel the expansion of global AR in the retail sector. Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000. Augmented Reality In Retail Market: Major Growth Trend The main trend fueling the expansion of augmented reality in the retail market is the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets. Mobile device manufacturers are integrating AR technologies into their products to improve user experience and value proposition. During the forecast period, the market is anticipated to grow at a faster rate thanks in part to the increasing popularity and market penetration of smartphones and tablets and the growing integration of AR technologies in mobile computing devices. Buy Sample Report. Augmented Reality In Retail Market: Key Vendor Offerings Alphabet Inc.: The company offers augmented reality solutions under the subsidiary Google LLC. The company offers augmented reality solutions under the subsidiary Google LLC. Amazon.com Inc.: The company offers augmented reality solutions to design and decorate homes. The company offers augmented reality solutions to design and decorate homes. Apple Inc.: The company offers augmented reality solutions such as LiDAR. The company offers augmented reality solutions such as LiDAR. Lenovo Group Ltd.: The company offers augmented reality solutions such as ThinkReality A3. The company offers augmented reality solutions such as ThinkReality A3. Magic Leap Inc.: The company offers a head-mounted virtual retinal display, called Magic Leap 1. It is a wearable spatial computer that brings the physical and digital worlds together as one. Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Download Free Sample Report. Reasons to Buy Augmented Reality In Retail Market Report: CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will assist augmented reality in retail market growth during the next five years Estimation of the augmented reality in retail market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Related Reports Augmented and Virtual Reality in Healthcare Market by Component and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: Between 2021 and 2026, it is anticipated that the market share for augmented and virtual reality in healthcare would expand by USD 6.55 billion, with a CAGR of 29.13%. The growing demand for healthcare services is notably driving the growth of augmented and virtual reality in the healthcare market. Automotive Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market by Technology and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025: From 2020 to 2025, it is anticipated that the market share for automotive augmented reality and virtual reality would rise by USD 5.10 billion, with a CAGR of 32.0 %. The emergence of virtual reality showrooms and events is notably driving the automotive AR and VR market growth. Augmented Reality In Retail Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 41.7% Market growth 2022-2026 $9.24 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 39.0 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 32% Key consumer countries US, Canada, China, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Atracsys LLC, Augmented Pixels Inc., Blippar Ltd., Holition Ltd., Independiente Communication Ltd., Inglobe Technologies Srl, Lenovo Group Ltd., Magic Leap Inc., Marxent Labs LLC, mCloud Technologies Corp., Microsoft Corp., NavVis GmbH, Niantic Inc., PTC Inc., Quy Technology Pvt. Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Seiko Epson Corp., and Zugara Inc. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market Overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Type 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Type 5.3 Apparel - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Apparel - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Apparel - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Apparel - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Apparel - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Furniture, lighting, and decor - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Furniture, lighting, and decor - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Furniture, lighting, and decor - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on Furniture, lighting, and decor - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Furniture, lighting, and decor - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Footwear - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 36: Chart on Footwear - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Footwear - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 38: Chart on Footwear - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Footwear - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.6 Grocery - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 40: Chart on Grocery - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Grocery - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 42: Chart on Grocery - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Grocery - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 44: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 46: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.8 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 48: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 49: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 50: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 52: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 53: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 80: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 82: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 84: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 85: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 86: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 88: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 89: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 90: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 92: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 93: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 94: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 95: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 96: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 97: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 98: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 99: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 100: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 Alphabet Inc. Exhibit 101: Alphabet Inc. - Overview Exhibit 102: Alphabet Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 103: Alphabet Inc. - Key news Exhibit 104: Alphabet Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 105: Alphabet Inc. - Segment focus 10.4 Amazon.com Inc. Exhibit 106: Amazon.com Inc. - Overview Exhibit 107: Amazon.com Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 108: Amazon.com Inc. - Key news Exhibit 109: Amazon.com Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 110: Amazon.com Inc. - Segment focus 10.5 Apple Inc. Exhibit 111: Apple Inc. - Overview Exhibit 112: Apple Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 113: Apple Inc. - Key news Exhibit 114: Apple Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 115: Apple Inc. - Segment focus 10.6 Lenovo Group Ltd. Exhibit 116: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 117: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 118: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 119: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Segment focus 10.7 Marxent Labs LLC Exhibit 120: Marxent Labs LLC - Overview Exhibit 121: Marxent Labs LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 122: Marxent Labs LLC - Key offerings 10.8 Microsoft Corp. Exhibit 123: Microsoft Corp. - Overview Exhibit 124: Microsoft Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 125: Microsoft Corp. - Key news Exhibit 126: Microsoft Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 127: Microsoft Corp. - Segment focus 10.9 PTC Inc. Exhibit 128: PTC Inc. - Overview Exhibit 129: PTC Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 130: PTC Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 131: PTC Inc. - Segment focus 10.10 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Exhibit 132: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 133: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 134: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 135: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 136: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 10.11 Seiko Epson Corp. Exhibit 137: Seiko Epson Corp. - Overview Exhibit 138: Seiko Epson Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 139: Seiko Epson Corp. - Key news Exhibit 140: Seiko Epson Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 141: Seiko Epson Corp. - Segment focus 10.12 Zugara Inc. Exhibit 142: Zugara Inc. - Overview Exhibit 143: Zugara Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 144: Zugara Inc. - Key offerings 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 145: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 146: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 147: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 148: Research methodology Exhibit 149: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 150: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 151: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio The Loren brand introduces its debut US property, bringing new meaning to Austin hospitality with destination restaurant Nido and Milk + Honey spa NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The much-anticipated, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin is now open and is the first U.S. hotel for The Loren Hotels and Residences brand. Featuring 108 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, all with lake and city views, The Loren at Lady Bird welcomes guests to a greenhouse in the park, complete with destination restaurant Nido, milk + honey spa, 24-7 access fitness center, rooftop terrace with infinity pool and signature event space with 180-degree views. Ideally-located in close proximity to downtown Austin, guests can easily explore the city via the pedestrian bridge across the street from the hotel or complimentary e-bikes available upon request. The Loren at Lady Bird Lake joins the brand's flagship property, The Loren at Pink Beach in Bermuda, which opened in 2017. The much-anticipated, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin is now open and is the first U.S. hotel for The Loren Hotels and Residences brand. Featuring 108 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, all with lake and city views, The Loren at Lady Bird welcomes guests to a greenhouse in the park, complete with destination restaurant Nido and milk + honey spa. Visit thelorenhotels.com for details and to book now. "We are thrilled to introduce the lively city of Austin to The Loren brand with the opening of The Loren at Lady Bird Lake. The beautification of every day living sits at our core and every design detail has been inspired by our lakefront location with the skyline in the background," says Stephen King, CEO & Founder of The Loren Hotels. "This marks our first property in the US and we know both domestic and international travelers seek elevated hotel stays in locations that organically deliver stellar viewpoints paired with attentive services, amenities and thoughtful design." The Loren brand worked with a number of talented advisors to bring their vision for The Loren at Lady Bird Lake to life in the Austin including Rhode Partners, Drenner Group, Hoar Construction and Fleur-de-lis Interior design. The Loren at Lady Bird Lake's modern accommodations, impeccable service, and exclusive amenities are the perfect counterpart to the indoor-outdoor environment surrounding Austin's iconic Lady Bird Lake. Elegant king accommodations offer generous spaces with sophisticated modern furnishings and expansive views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Luxurious bathrooms feature natural stone, walk-in spa showers, plush bathrobes, SFERRA towels, and Malin+Goetz products. Rooms at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake also include a fully stocked gourmet minibar featuring thoughtfully-sourced selections from snacks to bourbon and wine. Expansive One and Two-Bedroom Suites feature panoramic, uninterrupted views of Lady Bird Lake to the north and feature a comfortable seating area, perfect for relaxing and taking in the natural surroundings. The Loren Suite and Premier Suite offer balconies with views of choice - from Lady Bird Lake, and Downtown Austin to Texas Hill Country. In-room dining is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can expect masterful services and amenities including signature restaurant, Nido, a new restaurant concept that brings the rugged charm of the area surroundings together with the culinary techniques of coastal Europe, all perched above Lady Bird Lake and the energetic cityscape. Diners will feel welcomed to a moody escape, eight floors up, as Nido offers a simple, approachable, and elegant dining experience with an ingredient-first mentality led by Executive Chef Brad McDonald. Outdoor lounge seating is available overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Nido is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As a tranquil destination hotel, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is also home to milk + honey Spa. The 5,000 square-foot, world-class space offers a full range of all-natural spa and medspa treatments with ten treatment rooms, steam showers, a lounge area, and the amenities rooted in a philosophy focused on healing, wellness and relaxation. A rooftop terrace with infinity pool offers guests an ideal spot to enjoy a full-service poolside experience including food and drinks and a 24-7 fitness center is located on the 7th floor. Guests ready to book their next trip to Austin and stay at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake can explore a variety of offers and experiences including a limited-time, third night complimentary package. For more information and to book a stay, please visit: The Loren Hotel at Lady Bird Lake - Luxury Hotel (thelorenhotels.com) and follow @thelorenhotels on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest happenings and offers. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE The Loren Hotel Group RENO, Nev. and TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bendito Resources Inc. ("Bendito", the "Company", or "we") is pleased to announce the appointments of Mr. Steve Filipovic to the Board of Directors and Mr. Facundo Cazares as the Vice President Exploration. Mr. Filipovic has vast executive experience in mining operations, exploration activities, finance, and accounting and, when combined with his business and Board leadership experience, is highly qualified to become a Board member of Bendito as the Company advances its projects. Mr. Cazares is an exploration geologist with vast experience in Mexico, having developed exploration projects and lead generative programs for a variety of major mining and junior exploration companies. Mr. Paul Huet, Chairman of the Board of Bendito, commented: "Steve is a great addition to the Bendito Resources Board, as the Audit Committee Chairman. He brings several years of Audit, Executive and Corporate Board experience from the Mining Industry in North America. The timing for his addition could not be better as the Company is in preparations towards going public on the TSXV in Canada." Mr. John Antwi, President and CEO of Bendito commented: "I am very excited that Facundo has joined the management team. His astute geology background, leadership, and local influence will be an asset to the Company. In his role as Vice President and Country Manager, we are looking to strategically advance our core projects in Mexico and build enduring in-country relationships with the local governments and the communities we operate." About Mr. Steve Filipovic Steve Filipovic is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 25 years' finance experience. He has held several roles throughout his career including, Vice President Finance of Wolfden Resources Limited until its acquisition by Zinifex in 2007, and Chief Financial Officer of Premier Gold Mines Limited until its acquisition by Equinox Gold Corp in 2021. Steve currently provides consulting services to several private companies and is Chief Financial Officer of Nevada focused Paycore Minerals Inc, and Quebec focused Nuvau Minerals Inc. Steve previously practiced as an Audit Manager with Ernst and Young LLP in their Calgary Oil & Gas group and is an ICD.D designated Director with a broad experience base and years of C-Suite, Board Room exposure. About Mr. Facundo Cazares Facundo Cazares is an exploration geologist with 17 years of experience in developing exploration projects and generative programs in Mexico. During his professional career he has worked with junior exploration and major mining companies such as la Imperial Resources, Riverside Resources, Yamana Gold, Centerra Gold, leading in multiple generative programs. He managed the Mexico generative exploration program for gold and copper with Centerra Gold and also managed the Riverside-BHP Mexico generative exploration program for copper, handling all technical and financial activities to target for giant porphyry deposits. Mr. Cazares has a bachelor's degree in geology and a master's degree in geological sciences from University of Sonora. About Bendito Resources Inc. Bendito Resources Inc. is a private mineral resource company formed and led by experienced mining and exploration executives with headquarters in Reno, Nevada, USA and regional offices in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The Company fully-owns a portfolio of diversified mineral projects in Mexico, which includes the Alacran and Oposura projects, both of which have previously reported mineral resources. The Mexican property portfolio comprises the Company's sole mineral interests. For additional information please visit the Company's website at www.benditoresources.com or contact the Company at the below: John Antwi Bendito Resources Jeff Stieber President & CEO 6490 S McCarran Blvd Chief Financial Officer [email protected] Building E, Suite 121 [email protected]com (775) 340-2719 Reno, NV 89509 (775) 250-0300 Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes", and or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. This Press Release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of management. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates, and forecasts, including but not limited to factors about the business and the industry and markets in which the Company operates and the risks related thereto. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. SOURCE Bendito Resources Inc. BRISBANE, Australia, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BGI Australia's lab has achieved accreditation from the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to perform clinical Whole Exome Sequencing in Australia, paving the way for the global life sciences company to provide clinical sequencing services for identifying possible disease-causing genetic changes. The lab will start to provide clinical services in Australia for the first time after receiving NATA's Human Pathology Laboratory Accreditation, adding to the numerous regulatory approvals that BGI Group has received for its global labs and operations. The NATA accreditation adopts the internationally-recognised ISO 15189 and meets the accreditation standards for pathology laboratories set by the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC). "As a world-class life sciences organization, BGI Group continues to lead the development of the industry, including a strong emphasis on quality management," said Dr. Ye Yin, CEO of BGI Group. "We will continue to simultaneously develop science, technology, standards, quality and intellectual property, with the aim of driving further developments that improve the health of mankind." The 460 square metre BGI Australia laboratory, located at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, has been empowering Australian researchers in their life sciences research projects. The NATA-accredited clinical Whole Exome Sequencing service will expand the lab's services to a broader community. The Whole Exome Sequencing services will be conducted on MGI DNBSEQ-G400 sequencers, a high-throughput genetic sequencer which has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the medicine and therapeutic regulatory agency of the Australian government. The accreditation helps BGI Australia to provide services to clinical labs, hospitals, and other partners to detect changes in the exome that contribute to rare genetic and paediatric diseases. Building on lessons from the accreditation process, BGI Australia will look to expand its testing scope and demonstrate its capabilities in clinical solutions, as well as seek partnerships in technology transfer. "NATA's accreditation procedures are extremely rigorous, and it is a significant achievement that our laboratory, the MGI DNBSEQ-G400 platform that performs clinical Whole Exome Sequencing, and the procedures implemented by our technicians have qualified for the NATA accreditation," said Dr. Bicheng Yang, Director of BGI Australia. "We will continue to improve and increase the accessibility of clinical sequencing to clinical laboratories, research institutes and hospitals." Everything has to meet NATA's quality system requirements, including a four-layer document system of Quality Management, Quality Procedure, Standard Operating Procedures, and Record Management. To ensure continued compliance to all quality standards, the laboratory will be regularly reviewed by NATA. Data communication, storage and the process for data deletion are a critical part of NATA's certification of the lab, which operates a closed loop system. All of the lab's data are stored in Australia. BGI Australia must maintain NPAAC criteria for the preservation and deletion of data involved in the process. Globally, BGI Group has more than 100 international quality system certifications, which govern how its laboratories operate and ensure the company meets all local regulations, particularly around data regulation and personal privacy. "The BGI Australia local staff are some of the highest quality I have worked with," said Dr Peter Kaub, a genetic pathologist and medical consultant to BGI Australia for clinical Whole Exome Sequencing. "Receiving accreditation means that they can now service clinical Whole Exome Sequencing for any laboratories or hospitals that require it. This is the biggest growth area in medicine and any extra testing capacity is important as it may allow more patients to get results in a more timely manner." SOURCE BGI Group Life Science Professionals come together to discuss advancing GMP digital maturity in the ever-changing regulatory environment. Thought leaders include Deloitte, Exponent, Morgan Lewis. STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Mountain will host their annual Summit for GMP professionals October 26-28, 2022 in Philadelphia, PA. Industry experts from the world's most innovative Biotech, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, and Contract organizations will share best practices and insights about trends in Life Science manufacturing, digital transformation, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and regulatory compliance. "Blue Mountain is committed to helping the Life Science industry advance in GMP digital maturity by bringing together experts from across the industry to discuss challenges and opportunities in compliance, global process management, and more. " said David Rode, CEO at Blue Mountain. Over 200 professionals across the Life Sciences will attend The Blue Mountain Summit, participating in two and a half days of interactive workshops, round-table discussions, presentations, and networking events. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts on implementing Industry 4.0, embracing digital transformation, and how to improve their regulatory compliance position. The event offers an opportunity to network with Quality, IT, and Operations professionals in the Life Science industry. The Blue Mountain Summit will: Explore the current state of Life Science manufacturing and prepare organizations to take advantage of the technological momentum of being digital and agile. Discuss becoming a future-ready organization that reaches the highest level of GMP digital maturity to maintain industry leader status and remain resilient and profitable, even under challenging circumstances. Identify the highest compliance risks to organizations and cover how to make them a priority for compliance controls, policies, and procedures and solve problems using risk-based approaches. Address the data architecture and integration needs of Life Science companies as they adopt Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, and Smart Manufacturing. The Blue Mountain Summit will host guest presentations from leading companies in the Life Sciences and thought leaders such as Deloitte, Exponent, Morgan Lewis, Verista, HighByte, AmplifyBio, Regeneron, Cepheid, Catalent, ElevateBio, and more. Interested parties can learn more and register on the Blue Mountain website: http://thebluemountainsummit.com/ Additional Information For more on Blue Mountain, visit: coolblue.com Connect with Blue Mountain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-mountain-quality-resources About Blue Mountain Quality Resources Leading the Life Sciences in GMP asset management for 30+ years, Blue Mountain offers deep Life Sciences domain expertise. Founded in 1989, Blue Mountain offers a complete, integrated solution, helping hundreds of Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Cell and Gene Therapy, Medical Device, and Contract Manufacturing companies. Flexible and highly configurable, Blue Mountain Regulatory Asset Manager enables companies of every size and stage to put best practices in place and helps coordinate and automate work. For more information, contact Akashi Perera at 814-234-2417 or [email protected]. SOURCE Blue Mountain Quality Resources SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Built Robotics, the inventor of the robotic Exosystem and leader in construction autonomy, is announcing its expansion into the European market. To promote the news, Built will be presenting its Exosystem, and will be running a real-time, live video demonstration of robotic operation at bauma, the world's largest trade fair in the construction industry. Built Robotics Exosystem "Demand for the Exosystem has been tremendous in the critical European market," said Gaurav Kikani, Vice President of Business Development & Strategy at Built Robotics. "By putting our autonomous solutions into the hands of contractors and skilled workers throughout Europe, Built continues to make jobsites smarter, safer, and more productive across the globe." Built's Exosystem transforms excavators into fully autonomous robots. The Exosystem can be installed within hours on a variety of machines from most major manufacturers, while still maintaining complete manual control. Current solutions include fully autonomous excavators used to dig trench in energy and infrastructure projects. Visitors to Built's booth FN.914/5 at bauma can experience a real-time, live video feed demonstrating autonomous heavy equipment operating from thousands of kilometers away in the United States and Australia. The demonstration allows visitors to see how Built's Exosystem is installed on excavators to turn them into fully autonomous trenching robots. Visitors can remote control the robot through a laptop within the booth. The demonstration will run from Monday through Friday. Built will be showcasing a full-size Exosystem that allows visitors a 360-degree view of the hardware that is installed on the equipment. This is the first time an Exosystem has been brought to Europe, and Built staff will be on-hand to speak with visitors on how to start using the technology on their jobsites. In recognition of Built's focus on the future of construction, Built has been nominated for the 2022 bauma Innovation Award in the mechanical engineering category. This recognition marks a significant milestone and acknowledgement of the importance of autonomy to usher in a new era in construction productivity. Winners of the award will be announced before the start of the trade fair. On October 25, at 12:10pm, Built will deliver a technology talk on autonomy in construction at the bauma Forum. The talk will focus on the deployment, ROI, and future of autonomy in the construction space and give attendees real-world, first-hand information from existing commercial projects. More details of the event can be found within the show schedule . Attendees at bauma can visit Built Robotics October 2430, 2022, in the Open-Air Area North at Booth FN.914/5 . About Built Robotics Built Robotics' mission is to build the robots that build the world. As the inventor of the world's first autonomy solution for excavators, the Exosystem, Built transforms excavators into fully autonomous trenching robots. Exosystems are deployed today across the $1 trillion earthmoving industry, building critical infrastructure in energy, telecom, and more. SOURCE Built Robotics PHILADELPHIA, Oct 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaskela Law LLC announces that it is investigating Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLR) ("Continental") on behalf of the company's shareholders. On October 17, 2022, Continental announced that it had agreed to be acquired by Omega Acquisition, Inc. ("Omega"), an entity owned by Continental's founder, Harold G. Hamm. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Omega is expected to commence a tender offer to purchase "any and all of the outstanding shares of Continental's common stock at $74.28 per share," other than CLR shares already owned by Mr. Hamm. The tender offer price of $74.28 per share is less than a 10% premium to the stock's prior trading day closing price of $68.22. The investigation seeks to determine whether Continental's officers and directors failed to maximize the buyout price for the company's stockholders, or otherwise breached their fiduciary duties to Continental stockholders in agreeing to sell the company at $74.28 per share to Mr. Hamm. Continental shareholders are encouraged to contact Kaskela Law LLC (D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.) at (484) 229 0750, or by email ([email protected] / [email protected]) or online at https://kaskelalaw.com/cases/continental-resources-inc/ , for additional information about this investigation and their legal rights and options. Kaskela Law LLC exclusively represents investors in securities fraud, corporate governance, and merger & acquisition litigation. For additional information about Kaskela Law LLC please visit www.kaskelalaw.com. CONTACT: D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. Adrienne Bell, Esq. KASKELA LAW LLC 18 Campus Blvd., Suite 100 Newtown Square, PA 19073 (484) 229 0750 (888) 715 1740 www.kaskelalaw.com This notice may constitute attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. SOURCE Kaskela Law LLC Embracing L.A.'s Unique Car Culture, Kentia Hall Will Be Transformed Into Mecca For Customs, Lowriders, Aftermarket Accessories and Much More LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Auto Show will celebrate the trend-setting and industry-shaping passions of California car culture as it presents The Garage, an in-show destination for the hottest automotive and lifestyle-themed attractions shaping the nation's trends and styles. California Car Culture on display at Los Angeles Auto Show "The Garage" at Los Angeles Auto Show "For decades, California has led innovation and shaped the fashions and styles of automotive culture both here in America and throughout the world," said Los Angeles Auto Show President Terri Toennies. "A visit to The Garage Aftermarket is a must-see for everyone with a deep passion for everything that is hot now and will be in the months ahead." Exhibitors will showcase a jaw-dropping selection of customized vehicles, including lowriders, exotics, classics, cruisers, muscle cars, retrofits, 4x4's, motorcycles, boats and more. From rims and wraps to mobile services and mounts, The Garage Aftermarket will cover every segment of California's burgeoning car culture. Located in the Los Angeles Convention Center's 160,000 square-foot Kentia Hall, The Garage will feature renowned tuners, customized rides, cool collectibles and popular aftermarket brands, presenting a seemingly endless array of attractions for show-goers of all ages. The Garage will highlight over 50 brands with premium exhibitors such as Vintage Chariots, Rockin' Chicano, Yamaha, SS Motorsports, Al & Ed's Exclusive, as well as lifestyle brands such as Body Art Bus, TractFit and dozens of others. With the LA Auto Show's eye focused on the future of automotive technology and electrification, The Garage will also provide show-goers a first-hand look at latest in electric-powered personal street transportation. This will include displays from e-mobility brands such as Aventura-X, Swagtron, BME Bikes, Velo Pasadena, The Bike Center, Steel Buffalo Motors, Rumble Motors and Hovsco. Select brands will also offer consumers an outdoor demo of their latest e-bike and e-scooter offerings. Presented in a fun, lively atmosphere, The Garage will also feature live music, DJs, dancers, retail shopping and additional promotions exclusively offered at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Kids will be treated to a playground with luxury ride on cars, collectibles, master puppeteers and hard-to-find toys. The Los Angeles Auto Show will be cashless; tickets can be purchased online at laautoshow.com/tickets or at on-site ticketing kiosks with a credit or bank card. Individual tickets, family and VIP packages include: Any Day General Admission Tickets: Adult $22 , Senior $12 , Child $6 , Senior , Child VIP Early Entry on Saturdays and Sundays: Adult $45 , Senior $24 , Child $12 , Senior , Child VIP Guided Tours on Select Weekdays and Weekends: Adult $100 , Child $45 , Child Wednesday/Thursday Thanksgiving Family Four-Packs: $65 Special programs and ticketing options for military personnel and first responders are also available. For groups of 20 or more, please contact the Los Angeles Auto Show directly for group ticket pricing. For additional information, please visit laautoshow.com. About the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) is widely recognized as one of the most influential shows globally. Reflective of its location, the show celebrates the love affair Angelenos have with their cars and offers a global platform to industry technology and innovation, synonymous with California. The show runs for 10 full days over the Thanksgiving period and is a must-attend destination for many industry influencers, car enthusiasts and families wanting to enjoy a day out over the holiday season. Held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes several hundred million dollars to the local economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the LA Convention Center. Taking place on November 17, AutoMobility LA media and industry day will include a range of groundbreaking industry announcements and reveals. Doors open to the public November 18-27. LA Auto Show is owned and operated by ANSA Productions. To receive the latest show news and information, follow the LA Auto Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com. For press inquiries, email Jeff Perlman at [email protected]. SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show VAUGHAN, ON, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - CannTrust Holdings Inc. (the "Company" or "CTH"), a minority investor in Phoena Holdings Inc. ("Phoena", formerly CannTrust Equity Inc.) today announced that it has made a Division I Proposal pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) (the "Proposal"). Phoena's operations are not impacted by the restructuring of CTH. Further to its press release dated July 7, 2022, CTH had intended to hold its annual general meeting on or before November 30, 2022. However, in order to hold such annual meeting, CTH would be required to, among other things, prepare audited financial statements. CTH has determined that it is not feasible to complete the audit and other work necessary to hold an annual general meeting before November 30, 2022. In these circumstances, CTH believes it is in the best interests of its stakeholders to make a proposal to its creditors under the BIA. The Proposal is being funded by Phoena, with the support of Phoena's largest shareholder, Marshall Fields Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kenzoll B.V., a Netherlands based private-equity company. Phoena's operations are not impacted by the restructuring of CTH. The Proposal is also being supported by CTH's lenders. Subject to satisfying certain conditions, including approval from creditors and obtaining an approval order for the Proposal from the Court, CTH intends to address its remaining liabilities, dispose of its residual assets, distribute its shares in Phoena and dissolve in advance of November 30, 2022 or as soon as practicable after that date. CTH intends to distribute the shares it holds in Phoena to its existing shareholders, provided that, (i) shareholders are required to hold at least 10,000 common shares of CTH in order to qualify for a distribution of Phoena common shares; and (ii) any distribution of Phoena shares to a holder of CTH shares who is a person that is not Canadian or a U.S. person will be subject to CTH obtaining an opinion from qualified and independent securities counsel that such distribution is exempt from any requirement to prepare, file or deliver a prospectus or similar document. The Company is limiting the distribution of its Phoena Holdings shares to holders or owners of at least 10,000 CTH common shares so that the costs of distribution will not significantly exceed the value of the Phoena shares being distributed. When Phoena completed its private placement with Marshall Fields Holdings and the other strategic investors in March, 2022, they were issued common shares at a price of approximate $0.009 per share, implying that 10,000 shares had a value of $90. Only those creditors to CTH with proven claims (after submitting a proof of claim in accordance with the claims procedure) shall be entitled to attend the creditors meeting, vote on the resolution to approve the Proposal and participate in any distributions contemplated by the Proposal. To obtain further details about the claims procedure, the time and place of the creditors meeting and/or to get a proof of claims form and copy of the claims package, please visit the Proposal Trustee's website at http://www.ey.com/ca/canntrust. The Proposal Trustee will post additional relevant information and documentation related to these proceedings on its website as they become available. The hearing date for court approval of the Proposal will be scheduled after the creditors meeting, if the Proposal is approved by the creditors at the creditors meeting. Details on the hearing date will be posted to the Proposal Trustee's website once available. Any person wishing to support or oppose the relief sought at the approval hearing may serve court materials on the service list setting out their basis for their support or opposition and/or attend the hearing. After considering the court materials filed by the Proposal Trustee, CTH and any other person, and hearing the submissions of those present at the hearing , the Court may approve the Proposal and other relief sought by CTH. If approved by the Court, CTH would then proceed to implement the Proposal. Phoena continues to explore strategic options to generate liquidity for its shareholders. The Board's deliberations are ongoing and progressing but there can be no assurance that Phoena will ultimately be successful. About CannTrust Holdings Inc. It is a holding company and its primary asset is comprised of an approximate 10% equity interest in Phoena. Although CannTrust is a reporting issuer under the laws of each of the Canadian provinces except for Quebec, it remains subject to the CTO and its common shares have been delisted by the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. About Phoena Phoena is an award-winning, federally regulated licensed cannabis producer, with locations in Vaughan and Fenwick, Ontario. Phoena operates a portfolio of brands, including estora, Liiv, SYNR.G and Xscape. Phoena is committed to providing exceptional consumer experience, quality & consistent products. Phoena's greenhouse produces Grade A cannabis flower, which is sold in a variety of dried flower and extract formats. Phoena creates cannabis products that meet the diverse needs of patients and consumers, promoting positivity, supporting creativity, and inspiring confidence. Phoena, empowering you every day. Learn more at Phoena.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable United States safe harbor laws, and such statements are based upon CannTrust's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information and statements in this news release include statements relating to CTH's efforts to implement a Proposal under the BIA and Phoena's exploration of strategic options to generate liquidity for its shareholders. Forward-looking information and statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation: the risk that, if Phoena requires additional equity, the Company's investment in Phoena could be diluted further; the risk that Phoena or its affiliates could default under its credit facilities from Cortland Credit Lending Corporation or Marshall Fields International B.V., which are secured against substantially all of Phoena and the Company's assets; the risk that the Company will not be able to obtain a Proposal Approval Order from the Court or complete the contemplated restructuring; the impact of any regulatory and other investigations or proceedings; the risks associated with general economic conditions and/or adverse industry events; the risk of loss of markets; the risk of future legislative and regulatory developments in Canada, the United States and elsewhere; the state of the cannabis industry in Canada generally; the ability of Phoena to attract and retain suitable directors, officers and employees; the risks that Phoena will not be able to satisfy the requirements of a stock exchange to obtain a listing or complete a strategic transaction; and the ability of Phoena to successfully implement its business strategies. Any forward-looking information and statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except as required by law, neither the Company nor Phoena undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company or Phoena to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking information and statements, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 28, 2019 (the " AIF ") and filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and filed as an exhibit the Company's Form 40-F annual report under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov (the "March 2019 Form 40-F"). The risk factors and other factors noted in the AIF could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information or statements. Readers are also reminded that the Company remains in default of its periodic disclosure requirements under applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements, that its most recent AIF, Form 40-F and other disclosures do not reflect all risk factors that currently face the Company, and that the Company has not completed or filed the restatements of the financial statements included in the AIF or the March 2019 Form 40-F or otherwise filed an amendment to such Form 40-F, and that the Company was permitted by the Initial Order of the Superior Court of Justice to not to correct its prior filings or make any further filings in respect of periodic disclosure requirements under applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements. None of the Company's securities is listed for trading on any stock exchange in any jurisdiction and, in Canada, trading in the Company's securities is subject to a cease-trade order issued on April 13, 2020 by the Ontario Securities Commission for CannTrust's failure to comply with its disclosure obligations under applicable securities laws. SOURCE CannTrust Holdings Inc. ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global FinTech Capital on Tap has secured a $110 million corporate revolving credit facility with Atalaya Capital Management to provide small businesses in the US and UK with a central hub to manage all aspects of their business finances. Capital on Tap CEO David Luck Since launching in 2012, Capital on Tap has provided over $5 billion of funding to more than 200,000 small businesses. In 2021, Capital on Tap launched their US business, which already has more than 14,000 Capital on Tap Business Credit Card holders in its one year of existence. The Capital on Tap Business Credit Cards are issued through WebBank. While Capital on Tap has closed several funding facilities in the past, over $1 billion since June 2021 to fund customers, this revolving credit facility is the first that will be used to enhance Capital on Tap's quickly evolving product offering. Today, Capital on Tap provides access to an all-in-one business credit card and spend management platform built to save small businesses time and money with instant access to funds, flexible repayment options, accounting integrations, unlimited free 1.5% cashback, and as many employee cards as they need. The funding will allow Capital on Tap to build out their central finance hub for small business owners in the US and UK. This will include a full accounts payable suite to manage bills and expenses, a credit score builder to help new companies gain access to business credit, and several other products and features that will help small business owners from the day they start their business. "We continue to see small businesses overlooked and underserved by many incumbent banks," said David Luck, Co-Founder and CEO of Capital on Tap. "We want to build a simple, seamless finance platform for small business owners." Originally backed by three early angel investors, Capital on Tap has been profitable since 2017 and has experienced an impressive 62% annual sales growth over the last 3 years. While this is the FinTech's first corporate revolving credit facility, Capital on Tap has previously closed two funding facilities with Atalaya Capital Management, both in 2021. "We are extremely pleased to have received this facility, which will allow us to better serve our small business customers with the spend management tools and flexible funding they need to grow," said Alan Hart, CFO at Capital on Tap. "Moreover, it is fantastic that we have broadened our relationship with Atalaya to include a general purpose corporate facility." James Intermont, Managing Director at Atalaya Capital Management, commented, "Capital on Tap's impressive growth has positive implications for the prosperity of small business owners in the US and UK. We're thrilled to expand our relationship with Capital on Tap via their first revolving credit facility to support this critical segment of the business population." About Capital on Tap Capital on Tap makes it easy for small businesses to manage their business spending, access funding, and earn cash back, travel, and gift card rewards. Over 200,000 small businesses have spent more than $5 billion on their Capital on Tap Business Credit Cards across the US and UK. About Atalaya Atalaya Capital Management is a privately held, SEC-registered, alternative investment advisory firm. Atalaya primarily focuses on making private credit and special opportunities investments in three principal asset classes specialty finance, real estate, and corporate. Founded in 2006, Atalaya is headquartered in New York City and has approximately $9 billion in assets under management. For more information visit www.atalayacap.com . Media Contact: Kiera Wiatrak 404-216-8767 [email protected] SOURCE Capital on Tap VENTURA, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The nonprofit group Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS), is releasing an ad calling on Americans to tell their members of Congress to stop the sanctuary crisis. Sanctuary cities have incentivized and contributed to the surge in illegal immigration in America. Polls indicate a majority of Americans want stronger borders. The ad also calls on Americans to demand their members of Congress enforce our immigration laws. EVERY STATE IS A BORDER STATE UNTIL AMERICA ENDS SANCTUARY CRISIS Tweet this The ad makes it clear that it's time for action: "Americans agree: secure the border, enforce our immigration laws. Tell your representatives: every state is a border state. Stop the sanctuary crisis." The ad is thirty seconds in length, and will be bolstered by a comprehensive paid advertising campaign in four sanctuary districts; New York City, Newark, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. There will also be a radio ad placement in Chicago, along with digital ad placements in all targeted markets on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram. As chronicled by CAPS on our blog, in 2022 the border crisis has spiraled out of control. This is due to a combination of factors, including the inducement provided by sanctuary cities and President Biden's lax immigration policies. A recent report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) indicates that in FY 2022, there have been nearly 2 million apprehensions at the southern border. CIS also estimates there's been 1.35 million releases, and approximately half a million "got-aways." This follows a string of six straight months (March through August) with at least 200K encounters at our southern border. A CAPS spokesperson said the following: "Elected officials in these sanctuary cities complain about illegal aliens being bused in and dumped off on their doorstep. But they have nobody to blame but themselves. Sanctuary districts invite illegal immigration. It's easy to be a sanctuary city when the problem is a thousand miles away. What we've seen in the past few months is that every state in America is now a border state. Sanctuary cities incentivized and helped create the current border crisis. Now that they've gotten a taste of the border crisis in their own backyard and can see how serious it is, it's time for them to enforce our immigration laws. Americans must also act and call on their representatives to secure the border and end the immigration crisis." THE AD CAN BE VIEWED HERE. SOURCE Californians for Population Stabilization Commemorative Anniversary Logo Engraved on Case Back TOKYO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of the latest addition to the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The GMW-B5000EH is a collaboration model created with the New York-based graffiti artist Eric Haze to mark the upcoming G-SHOCK 40th anniversary in April 2023. GMW-B5000EH GMW-B5000EH and Band When light is activated and 40th anniversary logo Ever since the first G-SHOCK watch in 1983, the brand has established itself as unrivaled in durability and uniqueness of design. Bringing these qualities to collaborations in fashion, sports, art, music, and other cultural realms, G-SHOCK has become a favorite around the world. Starting in 1999, New York-born artist and designer Eric Haze has collaborated frequently with G-SHOCK. In addition to designing the commemorative G-SHOCK anniversary logos and identities, Haze has collaborated on several G-SHOCK models. The GMW-B5000EH is a shock-resistant timepiece designed in collaboration with Haze to commemorate the 40th anniversary of G-SHOCK. The first collaboration model with a full-metal design, this watch is based on the GMW-B5000D, which inherits the design of the very first G-SHOCK, and has a band featuring signature Haze artwork. Black IP is applied to the stainless steel band, which is then overlaid with laser-engraved patterns of dots to reproduce the artist's work in a chic monotone color scheme. The logo designed by Haze to commemorate the G-SHOCK 40th anniversary is engraved on the case back, and the Haze brand logo appears on the watch display when the light is activated. These and other special design features evoke a high-quality yet playful feel that makes this collaboration the perfect model to kick off the G-SHOCK 40th anniversary celebrations. Eric Haze Legendary New York artist and designer Eric Haze is one of the most sought after creatives in the worlds of contemporary design, street, and artists driven brand collaborations. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1922276/G_HAZE_sqr.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1922277/GMW_B5000EH.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1922278/GMW_B5000EH_2.jpg SOURCE CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. Nemours unveils community gift addressing food insecurity ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Since opening its doors 10 years ago, Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida has delivered on the promise of healing and hope. Nemours has turned the tide for millions of Florida families by providing innovative pediatric health care to the most medically challenged children. A special event at Nemours, "The Ripple Effects of Better Health," brought community leaders together to celebrate this community resource. "Opening this children's hospital in Orlando was an important step in creating the nation's largest integrated health system for pediatric patients," said R. Lawrence Moss, MD, President and CEO of Nemours Children's Health. "While we are proud how far we've come, it's only the beginning. Nemours is committed to ensure that every child's world is a place where they can thrive." More than 80 percent of a child's health is due to factors that happen outside the doctor's office. In response, Nemours Children's has expanded initiatives outside the hospital walls to improve health and address disparities. It has engaged partners to find ways to prevent children from illness and hospitalization. During the program, Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida unveiled a community gift to address food insecurity, exacerbated by Hurricane Ian, for children in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. In partnership with Blessings in a Backpack, Nemours Children's will ensure kids in these schools will be provided nutritious meals for the weekend through the end of the school year. This community gift bridges the gap between a child's school lunch on Friday and breakfast on Monday. "Nemours Children's is so grateful for our community partners, such as Blessings in a Backpack, as we know these relationships are pivotal in order to address health outside the walls of our hospital," said Martha McGill, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida. "Equally important is our ability to care for some of the sickest children here in Florida and to provide them the highest quality of care." During its first 10 years, Nemours Children's' Health, Florida, has achieved the following: This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked its Orthopedic and Endocrinology programs as among the best in the nation. The Orthopedics program performs more operations than any other in Florida . . Nemours Florida Cancer Center cares for more of Florida's children with cancer and blood disorders than any other program in the state. children with cancer and blood disorders than any other program in the state. The Cardiology department is the largest in the state with 16 cardiologists across 12 sites. Nemours' investment in Pediatric Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology has created the largest and most experienced dual-trained pediatric radiology group in the state, ensuring the safest possible diagnostic and procedural care. Nemours offers a life-changing cochlear implant program for children with profound hearing loss. At this special event, an inaugural award was unveiled in honor of the 27 years of service to Nemours Children's Health by Robert Bridges, the current Chief Executive of Florida Operations for Nemours Children's Health. The Robert D. Bridges "Elevating Children's Health" award will be bestowed annually to a community champion who shares Bridges' vision and passion for pediatric well-being as well as the next generation of leaders. In 2014, the Leapfrog Group named Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida a "Top Hospital," the only children's hospital in the Southeast to garner this recognition for patient safety and quality achievements. The hospital has since achieved this designation five more times. Celebrating a Decade, 70 Years in the Making In building a unique family-centered pediatric facility, Nemours leveraged more than 70 years of experience to design and build a world-class 130-bed, 630,000-square-foot hospital. The Nemours Foundation was created in 1936 through the legacy of philanthropist Alfred I. duPont. Nemours began delivering his vision by founding the Alfred I. duPont Institute, a pediatric orthopedic hospital in Wilmington, Del., in 1940. Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida was one of only three children's hospitals in the nation to achieve LEED Gold Certification when it opened. Then, Nemours was an early tenant in the Tavistock development area of Lake Nona. It remains an anchor for Lake Nona's Medical City, a health and life sciences cluster. From October 17-23, Tavistock will showcase drawings by Nemours patients on its Beacon landmark at Lake Nona Town Center in honor of the hospital's anniversary. Nemours created a new and innovative training program in Florida for medical school graduates who want to become pediatricians. It recently welcomed its fourth class of pediatric residents, drawn from some of the country's best medical schools. Over half of the first graduating class is now employed at Nemours in Central Florida. As part of growing the next generation of providers who care for children, Nemours partners with University of Central Florida to offer educational curriculum for students, residents, and fellows and to engage in groundbreaking biomedical research. "Nemours is ensuring a pipeline of pediatric providers across the state, which is good for Florida's children, its communities, and economy," said Bridges. "This positions us well as we work to realize our goal of improved health for Florida's next generations." In Florida, Nemours spans a 700-mile footprint, comprised of 43 locations and 14 hospital collaborations from Pensacola to Jacksonville, and from Central Florida to the Treasure Coast. Nemours employs more than 3,500 associates in Florida, including more than 350 pediatric physician specialists and subspecialists, providing care for 1 in 9 of Florida's children. To give children the best start in life, they need access to preventive health services, yet Florida ranks last nationally in the number of children placed within a patient-centered medical home. As the region's largest pediatric ambulatory care provider, Nemours Children's Health has built a network to cover care at every level: primary, urgent, specialty, and tertiary. "Nemours is working toward a future where health disparities no longer limit our communities' children," McGill added. For more information, visit: https://nemours.mediaroom.com/NCHFLA10. About Nemours Children's Health Nemours Children's Health is one of the nation's largest multistate pediatric health systems, which includes two free-standing children's hospitals and a network of more than 70 primary and specialty care practices. Nemours Children's seeks to transform the health of children by adopting a holistic health model that utilizes innovative, safe, and high-quality care, while also caring for the health of the whole child beyond medicine. Nemours Children's also powers the world's most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, Nemours KidsHealth.org. The Nemours Foundation, established through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to the children, families and communities it serves. For more information, visit Nemours.org. SOURCE Nemours Children's Health HONOLULU, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Pacific Financial (NYSE CPF, the "Company") today announced the appointment of Arnold Martines to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CPF and Central Pacific Bank ("CPB", the "Bank") as well as to the boards of both entities. All appointments are effective January 1, 2023. Martines, 58, who is currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will become President and CEO of the bank and the holding company. He is succeeding Paul Yonamine, 65, who is retiring to become Chairman Emeritus of the bank and the holding company. Catherine Ngo, 61, currently Executive Vice Chair of both the bank and the holding company, will become Chair of both boards. "Arnold has more than 25 years of experience in the local banking industry, nearly two decades here at Central Pacific Bank, where he has moved the bank forward in significant ways as he progressed through the ranks," Yonamine said. "He has developed a solid relationship with an ever-increasing number of our customers and has a genuine love of the community. I cannot think of a more qualified individual to lead CPB into the future and it will be my pleasure to support him in his new role anyway I can." Ever since joining CPB in 2004, Martines has distinguished himself and the bank. He is a true champion of small business, advocating for this important customer segment. During the pandemic, he led the bank's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a key lifeline for local small businesses. As a result of his leadership, CPB originated 11,833 PPP loans worth $870 million, more loans than any other local bank and 28% of the total number of all PPP loans made in Hawaii, the highest percentage of any bank in the nation. More recently, Martines played a key role in the implementation of RISE 2020, a multi-faceted renovation and rebranding program that invested $40 million in the bank's branches, ATMs, and digital platforms, as well as the redevelopment of Central Pacific Plaza, the bank's landmark building in downtown Honolulu. "It is my distinct pleasure and an honor to be named CEO of Central Pacific Bank, where I have spent the majority of my professional career," Martines said. "With our recent rebrand and upgraded digital capabilities, we are well positioned to continue to grow our franchise here in Hawaii, by leveraging our strong legacy of service, while offering the latest and most up-to-date digital technology to our valued customers. I am proud to work side by side with my fellow employees to continue to meet our customers' expectations, while taking CPB to new heights of achievement. I will work hard to assure that the values I learned growing up on the Big Island are reflected in my management of the bank." With 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Martines joined CPB in 2004 and has held various executive leadership positions within the company, including President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Banking Officer. He attended Honokaa High School, the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. Active in various community causes and charities, Martines currently serves on the board of the Aloha Council - Boy Scouts of America (past chair), Child and Family Service (past chair) and the YMCA of Honolulu. He is also a Trustee of Saint Louis School. Yonamine plans to stay involved in business and community causes in Hawaii and Japan as well as serving as an advisor to Martines and remaining on the board of the bank and holding company. He will also continue to serve on the boards of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation of Japan (SMBC), Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., Japan (7-Eleven), Circlace Co, Ltd., Japan, and the U.S.-Japan Council. In Hawaii, he will remain on the board of the Pacific International Center of High Technology Research (PICHTR). In addition to her role as Chair of both the bank and holding company boards, Ngo will continue as President of the CPB Foundation and be active in local community and business activities, particularly those that support women-owned businesses. She is on the Board of Trustees of the Queen's Health Systems where she will serve as Chair of the Board Finance Committee. She will continue to serve on the Board of Hawaii Gas, and on the Board of Governors of the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Advisory Board of Catholic Charities of Hawaii, and the Trust for Public Lands. About Central Pacific Financial Corp. Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawai'i-based bank holding company with approximately $7.3 billion in assets as September 30, 2022. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 27 branches and 65 ATMs in the state of Hawai'i. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at cpb.bank. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER | Member FDIC | CPF LISTED NYSE Forward-Looking Statements This document may contain forward-looking statements concerning: projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, capital expenditures, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital position, credit losses, net interest margin or other financial items; statements of plans, objectives and expectations of Central Pacific Financial Corp. or its management or Board of Directors, including those relating to business plans, use of capital resources, products or services and regulatory developments and regulatory actions; statements of future economic performance including anticipated performance results from our business initiatives; or any statements of the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing. Words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "forecasts," "hopes," "targeting," "continue," "remain," "will," "should," "estimates," "may" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. While we believe that our forward-looking statements and the assumptions underlying them are reasonably based, such statements and assumptions are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties, and thus could later prove to be inaccurate or incorrect. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those statements or projections for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to: the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic virus on local, national and international economies, including, but not limited to, the adverse impact on tourism and construction in the State of Hawaii, our borrowers, customers, third-party contractors, vendors and employees as well as the effects of government programs and initiatives in response to COVID-19; the impact of our participation in the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") and fulfillment of government guarantees on our PPP loans; the increase in inventory or adverse conditions in the real estate market and deterioration in the construction industry; adverse changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers and, as a result, increased loan delinquency rates, deterioration in asset quality, and losses in our loan portfolio; our ability to successfully implement our business initiatives; the impact of local, national, and international economies and events (including natural disasters such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tsunamis, storms, earthquakes and pandemic virus and disease, including COVID-19) on the Company's business and operations and on tourism, the military, and other major industries operating within the Hawaii market and any other markets in which the Company does business; deterioration or malaise in domestic economic conditions, including any destabilization in the financial industry and deterioration of the real estate market, as well as the impact of declining levels of consumer and business confidence in the state of the economy in general and in financial institutions in particular; changes in estimates of future reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), changes in capital standards, other regulatory reform and federal and state legislation, including but not limited to regulations promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB"), government sponsored enterprise reform, and any related rules and regulations which affect our business operations and competitiveness; the costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments, including legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries and proceedings and the resolution thereof, the results of regulatory examinations or reviews and the effect of, and our ability to comply with, any regulatory orders or actions we are or may become subject to; ability to successfully implement our initiatives to lower our efficiency ratio; the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "FRB" or the "Federal Reserve"); inflation, interest rate, securities market and monetary fluctuations, including the anticipated replacement of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") Index and the impact on our loans and debt which are tied to that index; negative trends in our market capitalization and adverse changes in the price of the Company's common stock; political instability; acts of war or terrorism; pandemic virus and disease, including COVID-19; changes in consumer spending, borrowings and savings habits; failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures; cybersecurity and data privacy breaches and the consequence therefrom; the ability to address deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures; technological changes and developments; changes in the competitive environment among financial holding companies and other financial service providers; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and other accounting standard setters and the cost and resources required to implement such changes; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; changes in our personnel, organization, compensation and benefit plans; and our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items. For further information with respect to factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from the expectations or projections stated in the forward-looking statements, please see the Company's publicly available Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company's Form 10-K for the last fiscal year and, in particular, the discussion of "Risk Factors" set forth therein. We urge investors to consider all of these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statements are made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. SOURCE Central Pacific Financial Corp. BEIJING, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The advancement of law-based governance has become one pillar of China's four-pronged comprehensive strategy for building socialism with Chinese characteristics since 2012. In a report delivered at the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Sunday, Xi Jinping mentioned the term of "rule of law" 23 times, highlighting the importance the Party has attached to the sector. "We must work to ensure that the people feel fairness and justice prevail in every judicial case," Xi said. People come first On May 28, 2020, over 2,000 deputies to the 13th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing broke into long applause as the Civil Code was adopted. Hailed as "a declaration of the people's rights in the new era" and dubbed "an encyclopedia on social life," the law protects Chinese citizens' rights from cradle to grave. China has also put in place a legal Great Wall to safeguard national security. It passed laws and regulations including the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law in 2021 and adopted countermeasures against extraterritorial application of foreign legislation. By the end of September 2022, China had 293 laws and 598 administrative regulations in effect, with more than 13,000 regional regulations, said Yin Bai, deputy secretary-general of the Commission of Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, at a briefing held by the Press Center for the 20th CPC National Congress in Beijing on Wednesday. Over the past decade, 159 Party regulations have been enacted or revised, Yin said. Solid achievements have also been made in judicial system reform. For instance, in terms of judicial transparency, China has made public not only court proceedings and judgments, but also trial procedures and the execution of effective judgments; not only the final verdict but also the reasons for the verdict. The public can access such information not only through media outlets, official websites, white papers and press conferences, but also via 12368 service line and relevant social media platforms such as WeChat and Weibo accounts. China has also been promoting the reform of the criminal procedure system with a focus on court proceedings and strictly adhering to the principles of legality, evidence-based verdicts and presumption of innocence. The pre-trial detention rate for criminal cases dropped to 28.3 percent in the first nine months of 2022 from 69.7 percent in 2012, said Tong Jianming, first deputy prosecutor general and deputy secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Supreme People's Procuratorate. "This has shown the solid progress in advancing the judicial system," said Tong. A rule of law government As an ancient Chinese saying goes, "Strict implementation of laws leads to order, while lax implementation of laws leads to disorder." In an outline for the implementation of a rule of law government (2021-2025) issued in August 2021, China highlighted the importance of improving systems of exercising oversight over administrative powers, and called for greater transparency. China will build a government that is open, impartial, clean, efficient and honest, with properly defined functions, statutory powers and responsibilities, and strict law enforcement, according to the outline. Speaking on the "Rule of Law in China over the Past Decade" in July, Huang Wenyi, dean of the Renmin University of China Law School, said China had prioritized the reforms to streamline administration and delegate power, enhance regulation and upgrade government services. The State Council, for instance, has canceled or delegated to the lower levels 47 percent of administrative approval items and cut 71 percent of intermediary services for administrative approval, said Huang. "These reforms have, to a large extent, lifted the curbs on companies, resolved concerns for the people, and freed up space for the market. They've also helped make a cleaner government, and unlock market vitality and public creativity," he said. 'One of the safest countries' At Wednesday's briefing, Xu Ganlu, vice minister of public security and head of the National Immigration Administration, said China has one of the lowest rates of homicide, criminal offenses and gun-related crimes in the world. According to a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2021, about 98.6 percent of respondents said they felt safe living in the country, an increase of 11 percentage points compared with 2012. Citing the data, Xu said, "China is now widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world." https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-10-19/CPC-congress-China-s-rule-of-law-is-serving-justice-to-serve-people-1efRJnbfn6o/index.html SOURCE CGTN BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After over seven decades of arduous exploration and experimentation, China has gradually formed and adopted a complete set of socialist democratic political systems that are appropriate and effective for itself. At the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Sunday, Xi Jinping pointed out that whole-process people's democracy is the defining feature of socialist democracy and that it is also democracy in its broadest, most genuine and most effective form. Xi said China will encourage the people's orderly participation in political affairs and guarantee their ability to engage in democratic elections, consultations, decision-making, management and oversight in accordance with the law. "We will improve the system of institutions through which the people run the country," Xi said. Power to the people Whole-process people's democracy is a hallmark of socialist democracy that distinguishes it from capitalist democratic systems, according to Wang Chen, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC). Unlike the multi-party electoral politics in Western countries, where parties often make promises to voters and accusations at oppositions to win elections, China's socialist democracy runs through all processes, including elections, decision-making, management and supervision. The NPC, which is China's top legislature, plays a key role in the implementation of whole-process people's democracy. As the highest organ of State power, the current 13th NPC comprises over 2,900 deputies democratically elected from a wide range of professions and backgrounds, from lawyers and university professors to farmers and factory workers. During their five-year term, these deputies have voted on a slew of decisions and policies with far-reaching implications. They elected the president of the People's Republic of China, adopted the country's first-ever Civil Code, and approved the 14th Five-Year Plan, a blueprint that charts the course of the country's development during 2021-2025. At the end of 2020, 2.62 million people were serving as deputies to people's congresses at all levels nationwide, according to official statistics. Among them, those at county and township levels accounted for roughly 95 percent. Regardless of their sex, age, ethnicity and profession, each deputy casts a vote of equal weight. Meanwhile, as advisory bodies, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) serves as a platform for parties to achieve multi-party cooperation and ensure good governance for the sake of the Chinese nation rather than being arenas for parties to gain interest for their own sake. With the unity of the Party's leadership, the CPC gives play to the important role of socialist consultative democracy through a coordinated approach, which not only guarantees the efficient operation of Party committees, people's congresses, government departments, people's courts and other administrative bodies, but also guarantees broad participation of different parties. Recognized by the world "My understanding of this 'whole-process people's democracy' is that it is an inner party democratic process whereby you identify, on the basis of meritocracy, which are the most qualified people for the job and who are the [best] servants to the common good," said Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and president of the Schiller Institute, in an interview with CGTN. Brazilian law professor Evandro Menezes de Carvalho thinks China's democracy centers on two main questions: What do the people want? What does the government need to do? He said compared to many Western countries, China's democracy allows a wider range of people to participate and comes closer to the real needs and interests of the people. Whole-process people's democracy "is a unique model of governance," said Mustafa Hyder Sayed, executive director of the Pakistan-China Institute. "When you talk about China, we see that whole-process people's democracy has delivered." Wilson Lee Flores, an economic-political analyst and honorary chairman of the Anvil Business Club in Manila, Philippines, describes China's progressive governance system as a "people's democracy with Chinese characteristics" as it is a system that aims to support economic and political policies by placing people at the center. Flores said the system "directly consults with and truly represents the needs, voices and aspirations of the people," and it is "Confucian in moral values." https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-10-19/Whole-process-people-s-democracy-guarantees-people-as-the-master--1eg6y5qPBLy/index.html SOURCE CGTN LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace of innovation, today released an in-depth look at formal regional research assessment, co-authored by the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate, together with esteemed industry partners: Kate Williams, University of Melbourne; Jonathan Grant, Different Angles; Lutz Bornmann, Max Planck Institute and Martin Szomszor, Electric Data Solutions. Research assessment: origins, evolution, outcomes examines the origins of research assessment, and how it works in different regions via the approaches of Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. It also considers the future of research assessment exercises and examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replace traditional peer review. Despite the differences in their approaches to research assessment, variation in their links to funding incentives and disparity in timing between similar systems, all the regions examined improved in comparative research performance, as measured by bibliometric performance. There is, however, no clear universal verdict on whether research assessment is a necessary or facilitating agent. Jonathan Adams, Chief Scientist at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate explains: "Research assessment has had major effects on institutional structures. It has unquestionably had pervasive effects on researcher behavior: demonstrable in the U.K. and widely reported elsewhere. The most important feature of any assessment system should arguably be the extent to which it attracts and retains the confidence of the researchers." The Global Research Report, "Research assessment: origins, evolution, outcomes" finds that: Australia has a comprehensive research assessment, seeking to measure both academic impact and wider societal benefit. Australian methodology distinguishes engagement from impact, in contrast to other research impact evaluations throughout the world such as the United Kingdom's REF, but it does not influence direct research funding and may be unconnected to citation-indexed research performance. ( Kate Williams , University of Melbourne ). has a comprehensive research assessment, seeking to measure both academic impact and wider societal benefit. Australian methodology distinguishes engagement from impact, in contrast to other research impact evaluations throughout the world such as the REF, but it does not influence direct research funding and may be unconnected to citation-indexed research performance. ( Canada has a long history and culture of integrating knowledge mobilization and evaluation across the research life cycle and focuses on "knowledge mobilization" in specific research areas rather than assessing general research outcomes. ( Jonathan Grant , Different Angles). has a long history and culture of integrating knowledge mobilization and evaluation across the research life cycle and focuses on "knowledge mobilization" in specific research areas rather than assessing general research outcomes. ( Germany has promoted its research status using 'Excellence Initiative' block funding to research organizations without regular nationwide evaluations. ( Lutz Bornmann , Max Planck Institute). has promoted its research status using 'Excellence Initiative' block funding to research organizations without regular nationwide evaluations. ( While Hong Kong's research assessment system is similar to the U.K. model, it draws on a distinctive conception of scholarship and on socio-economic benefit as well as excellence. research assessment system is similar to the U.K. model, it draws on a distinctive conception of scholarship and on socio-economic benefit as well as excellence. The introduction of New Zealand's Performance-Based Research Fund can be associated with a marked improvement in its internationally comparative research performance. Performance-Based Research Fund can be associated with a marked improvement in its internationally comparative research performance. The United Kingdom set the first model for regular research assessment, which has had pervasive effects on institutional management and on researcher behavior. There have always been demands for technical solutions to reduce perceived assessment bureaucracy and the report acknowledges that Artificial Intelligence has a profound impact on research but machine learning solutions to assessment burdens may propagate existing biases. Models of assessment outcomes reveal that apparently important predictors may link to factors unrelated to research impact. Martin Szomszor, Founder Electric Data Solutions: "What this debate has made clear is that both the research system and the data we collect about it capture many forms of prejudice relating to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, age and more. Without proper consideration of these, machine learning solutions will only propagate these existing biases. This is a problem that is already familiar to those who make use of bibliometric indicators and an issue that has been at the forefront of the responsible metrics agenda." Jonathan Adams concludes, "Our report demonstrates there are many challenges, common to many regions. Research is a very long game, so assessment stability has great merit and, whatever the criticisms, the RAE/REF remains much as it did thirty years ago, with impact case studies added on." Notes to editors: Our Global Research Reports from the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate draw on our unique industry insights to offer analysis, ideas and commentary to enlighten and stimulate debate. Each one demonstrates the huge potential of research data to inform management issues in research assessment and research policy and to accelerate development of the global research base. https://clarivate.com/the-institute-for-scientific-information/isi-reports/ About Clarivate Clarivate is a global leader in providing solutions to accelerate the pace of innovation. Our bold mission is to help customers solve some of the world's most complex problems by providing actionable information and insights that reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing inventions in the areas of Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Professional Services and Consumer Goods, Manufacturing & Technology. We help customers discover, protect and commercialize their inventions using our trusted subscription and technology-based solutions coupled with deep domain expertise. For more information, please visit clarivate.com. Media Contact Rebecca Krahenbuhl, External Communications Manager, Academia & Government [email protected] SOURCE Clarivate Plc LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace of innovation, today released an in-depth look at formal regional research assessment, co-authored by the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate, together with esteemed industry partners: Kate Williams, University of Melbourne; Jonathan Grant, Different Angles; Lutz Bornmann, Max Planck Institute and Martin Szomszor, Electric Data Solutions. Research assessment: origins, evolution, outcomes examines the origins of research assessment, and how it works in different regions via the approaches of Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. It also considers the future of research assessment exercises and examines the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replace traditional peer review. Despite the differences in their approaches to research assessment, variation in their links to funding incentives and disparity in timing between similar systems, all the regions examined improved in comparative research performance, as measured by bibliometric performance. There is, however, no clear universal verdict on whether research assessment is a necessary or facilitating agent. Jonathan Adams, Chief Scientist at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate explains: "Research assessment has had major effects on institutional structures. It has unquestionably had pervasive effects on researcher behavior: demonstrable in the U.K. and widely reported elsewhere. The most important feature of any assessment system should arguably be the extent to which it attracts and retains the confidence of the researchers." The Global Research Report, "Research assessment: origins, evolution, outcomes" finds that: Australia has a comprehensive research assessment, seeking to measure both academic impact and wider societal benefit. Australian methodology distinguishes engagement from impact, in contrast to other research impact evaluations throughout the world such as the United Kingdom's REF, but it does not influence direct research funding and may be unconnected to citation-indexed research performance. ( Kate Williams , University of Melbourne ). has a comprehensive research assessment, seeking to measure both academic impact and wider societal benefit. Australian methodology distinguishes engagement from impact, in contrast to other research impact evaluations throughout the world such as the REF, but it does not influence direct research funding and may be unconnected to citation-indexed research performance. ( Canada has a long history and culture of integrating knowledge mobilization and evaluation across the research life cycle and focuses on "knowledge mobilization" in specific research areas rather than assessing general research outcomes. ( Jonathan Grant , Different Angles). has a long history and culture of integrating knowledge mobilization and evaluation across the research life cycle and focuses on "knowledge mobilization" in specific research areas rather than assessing general research outcomes. ( Germany has promoted its research status using 'Excellence Initiative' block funding to research organizations without regular nationwide evaluations. ( Lutz Bornmann , Max Planck Institute). has promoted its research status using 'Excellence Initiative' block funding to research organizations without regular nationwide evaluations. ( While Hong Kong's research assessment system is similar to the U.K. model, it draws on a distinctive conception of scholarship and on socio-economic benefit as well as excellence. research assessment system is similar to the U.K. model, it draws on a distinctive conception of scholarship and on socio-economic benefit as well as excellence. The introduction of New Zealand's Performance-Based Research Fund can be associated with a marked improvement in its internationally comparative research performance. Performance-Based Research Fund can be associated with a marked improvement in its internationally comparative research performance. The United Kingdom set the first model for regular research assessment, which has had pervasive effects on institutional management and on researcher behavior. There have always been demands for technical solutions to reduce perceived assessment bureaucracy and the report acknowledges that Artificial Intelligence has a profound impact on research but machine learning solutions to assessment burdens may propagate existing biases. Models of assessment outcomes reveal that apparently important predictors may link to factors unrelated to research impact. Martin Szomszor, Founder Electric Data Solutions: "What this debate has made clear is that both the research system and the data we collect about it capture many forms of prejudice relating to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexuality, age and more. Without proper consideration of these, machine learning solutions will only propagate these existing biases. This is a problem that is already familiar to those who make use of bibliometric indicators and an issue that has been at the forefront of the responsible metrics agenda." Jonathan Adams concludes, "Our report demonstrates there are many challenges, common to many regions. Research is a very long game, so assessment stability has great merit and, whatever the criticisms, the RAE/REF remains much as it did thirty years ago, with impact case studies added on." Notes to editors: Our Global Research Reports from the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate draw on our unique industry insights to offer analysis, ideas and commentary to enlighten and stimulate debate. Each one demonstrates the huge potential of research data to inform management issues in research assessment and research policy and to accelerate development of the global research base. https://clarivate.com/the-institute-for-scientific-information/isi-reports/ About Clarivate Clarivate is a global leader in providing solutions to accelerate the pace of innovation. Our bold mission is to help customers solve some of the world's most complex problems by providing actionable information and insights that reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing inventions in the areas of Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Professional Services and Consumer Goods, Manufacturing & Technology. We help customers discover, protect and commercialize their inventions using our trusted subscription and technology-based solutions coupled with deep domain expertise. For more information, please visit clarivate.com. Media Contact Rebecca Krahenbuhl, External Communications Manager, Academia & Government [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1159266/Clarivate_Logo.jpg SOURCE Clarivate Plc LATINO STUDENTS TO BE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ACADEMIC & COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- INROADS is honoring the academic and leadership achievements of Latino students during the virtual Visiones Benefit to be hosted Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. EST. Twenty students from schools across the country will be awarded scholarships in recognition of their accomplishments, community involvement, leadership, and social impact. INROADS Hispanic Heritage month event will be held October 21, 2022. The annual Visiones Benefit event brings together hundreds of leaders and community influencers to celebrate the richness of Hispanic heritage while supporting life-changing internship and scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students. Visiones scholarship recipients participate in the INROADS Internship Program or College Links Program. Hispanic community leaders will join the event, including keynote speaker Nick Valencia, CNN Anchor & Correspondent; master of ceremonies Lisa Gonzales, KRCA TV News Anchor and INROADS alumna; and Rosa Nunez, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Foley Hoag LLP and INROADS national board member. "Growing up a low-income, first-generation college student, I did not think I would have the financial means to attend college," said Jeannette Mayo Gallegos, 2021 Visiones scholarship recipient. "When you receive a scholarship like this from an organization like INROADS, you think 'Wow, those dreams I had as a kid aren't so crazy after all.' Being a part of INROADS has completely changed my life by opening many doors by not only granting me internship opportunities but scholarship opportunities as well." INROADS is dedicated to preparing the next generation of Hispanic leaders with career development programs and financial assistance through its Visiones initiative, helping underrepresented students break through glass ceilings and ultimately build generational wealth. "For nearly a decade, with the support of our partners, INROADS has celebrated Hispanic heritage and student accomplishments through the Visiones event," said Forest T. Harper, Jr., President and CEO, INROADS, Inc. "We are extremely proud of each of our Visiones scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing the continued impact they will have in their careers and communities." This year's Visiones event sponsors include presenting sponsor Dollar General, Cetera, Southern Company, F5, and UPS. Visit INROADS.org/Visiones to register for the virtual event and donate today. About INROADS Founded in 1970, INROADS delivers innovative programs and creative solutions that identify, accelerate, and elevate the development of underrepresented talent throughout their careers. Through this development, students become equipped for corporate and community leadership that effects community renewal, social change and elevates economic status and quality of life. INROADS has graduated more than 30,000 alumni into full-time professional and leadership positions with more than 1,000 corporate partners. Currently, INROADS serves nearly 1,000 interns. Learn more at INROADS.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn: @INROADSInc. SOURCE INROADS CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) announced that the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has selected CFS to support work on the magnetic confinement system for the UKAEA's Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP). CFS was chosen in a competitive tender process based on its expertise in designing and building high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. "This award demonstrates global recognition from one of the world's leading fusion authorities that CFS is a leader in designing and building HTS magnets," said CFS CEO Bob Mumgaard. "These magnets represent groundbreaking technology for commercial fusion systems but could also be utilized to revolutionize an array of applications." "The path to commercially viable fusion energy is untrodden. We are spawning an entirely new global industry," said Paul Methven, Director of STEP. "We believe superconducting magnets are a key part of putting fusion electricity on the grid, both economically and reliably." CFS was selected as the winning bidder for three separate contract lots related to the analysis and design of STEP's magnetic confinement system: magnet design development, magnet validation testing, and magnet conductor specification. CFS in collaboration with MIT demonstrated a record-breaking 20 tesla HTS magnet in September of 2021. The announcement follows the commencement of a separate five-year collaborative agreement between CFS and UKAEA to support the development of fusion energy and related technologies. About CFS Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is collaborating with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with new groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. The mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. CFS has raised more than $2 billion in funding since it was founded in 2018 and assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world's leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. More information: http://cfs.energy/ . Social Media: @cfs_energy About UKAEA UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) carries out fusion energy research on behalf of the UK Government. We believe fusion will be part of the world's future energy mix, and achieving this involves working at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology. We oversee the UK's fusion programme, headed by the MAST Upgrade (Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak) experiment. We also host the world's largest fusion research facility, JET (Joint European Torus), operated for scientists from around Europe. More information: https://www.gov.uk/ukaea . Social Media: @UKAEAofficial Contact: Kristen Cullen [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1172159/CFS_Logo.jpg SOURCE Commonwealth Fusion Systems MIRAMAR, Fla., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Hundreds gathered in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with one common goal: improve cruise tourism, especially the mutual benefits between destinations and cruise companies. That was again the main theme of another successful FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, which celebrated its 28th annual occasion and 50 years of operations for Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). "I want to applaud everyone throughout the Dominican Republic who coordinated this successful event and showcased the spectacular destination; it is clear that the country is committed to cruise tourism, which President Luis Abinader affirmed in his remarks and participation," said Michele Paige, FCCA CEO. "It was also humbling to see the continued conviction in FCCA's mission witnessed by all the attendees and cruise executives who joined to keep working together to build back better." Taking place October 11-14, the event featured its usual blend of workshops, meetings and networking functions for the over 500 attendees and 70 cruise executives, but with a new twist or what Paige called a "new beginning" in her opening remarks because of the enhanced communications and collaborations arising from the difficult pandemic. That cooperation was evident throughout the entire agenda, with ways to seize the momentum being the talk of the event and including discussions of longer stays, overnights and homeporting, along with the importance of developing creative, customer-focused experiences to support the demand and the direct ability for destination stakeholders to work with cruise lines on those goals available at the event. Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, echoed these sentiments in his opening remarks, noting the "better relationships" built by "work[ing] through a lot of issues and problems and challenges collectively as a team" while showing the smoother seas ahead as evidenced by sailing above 100% occupancy and registering strong bookings and earnings. How to capitalize on this for destinations and the entire Caribbean and Latin American regions was up front and center for 22 high-ranking government officials and a cruise executive panel including five Presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines, led by Josh Weinstein, President & CEO and Chief Climate Officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, who delivered remarks and comments at the Heads of Government Forum before steering the conversation to other potential mutual benefits, such as employment and purchasing opportunities. Overall, partnership took the spotlight, and so did FCCA's Strategic Partners, the Cayman Islands and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Transport of the Cayman Islands, coordinated a dinner for the heads of government and shared the importance of working with FCCA to propel cruise tourism in this video, and the USVI delegation, led by Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte, was engaged and energetic as they interacted with Member Lines and other participants. Both also took part in the "Operating in a Post Pandemic World" workshop. Headlining the workshop schedule was the "Presidential Panel," which included Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line; Michael Bayley; Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA; and Howard Sherman, President & CEO, Oceania Cruises. About Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico, along with Member Lines that operate over 90 percent of the global cruising capacity. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. SOURCE FCCA PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CTL, a leading provider of Chrome solutions to the Education market, is pleased to announce that Amber Watkins has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. Watkins' responsibilities will encompass sales team leadership, accelerating CTL's revenue through expanding CTL's presence in new geographies, developing Education verticals, and contributing to marketing and business strategies. "We are excited to have Amber on board to oversee our K-12 sales efforts at CTL," noted Erik Stromquist, CTL's CEO. "She brings a strong sales background in the education technology sector, which complements our history of successfully serving K-12 customers." Watkins has 17 years of sales experience, including the last nine in sales management. She joins CTL after serving as Regional Sales Manager & Vice President at W. W. Norton & Company in its higher education division. W. W. Norton is an employee-owned company that publishes books and digital media through its trade, college, and professional departments. Previously at Norton, she served as Senior Sales Representative before being promoted to District Sales Manager. Watkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon. About CTL CTL has been manufacturing best-in-class Chromebooks, Laptops, Desktop PCs, Computer Displays, Workstations, and High-End Servers since 1989. CTL's rugged Chromebooks for Education, Chromebox, and Chromebook Tablets have received widespread recognition from noted tech publications such as PC Magazine, ChromeUnboxed.com, Android Police, Android Central, CNET, and Laptop Magazine. CTL's headquarters, sales, and support teams are all located in the United States. CTL is a Google for Education Premier Partner, and an Intel Technology Program Platinum Partner. For more information about CTL and to purchase CTL products, visit us at ctl.net . SOURCE CTL The virtual event on October 26 will dive into the roles of culture, science, and innovation as we build better workplaces in a new hybrid world SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Culture Amp, the world's leading employee experience platform, today announced the full agenda for Culture First Americas which will be held on October 26, 2022. The virtual conference is part of a global event series that includes events in APAC and EMEA. Attendees can register here to join Culture Amp and its fast-growing community at Culture First Americas as they explore ideas, dive into the data, and create meaningful connections. Culture Amp's community is home to over 100,000 'people geeks' who believe in creating a better world of work. The Culture First conference series is part of Culture Amp's ongoing commitment to promoting accessible education, amplifying practitioner experiences, and inspiring others to take action when it comes to culture at work. Attendees can sign up to hear from leading experts and thought leaders who will explore the intersection of culture, science, and innovation through a series of keynotes, panels, and discussions. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST and is open to the public. A few of the guest speakers this event will feature include: Valerie Jarrett , CEO of the Obama Foundation, board chairman of Civic Nation, and co-chair of the United State of Women , CEO of the Obama Foundation, board chairman of Civic Nation, and co-chair of the United State of Women Oliver Burkeman , journalist and bestselling author of 'Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals' , journalist and bestselling author of 'Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals' Didier Elzinga , CEO and co-founder of Culture Amp , CEO and co-founder of Culture Amp Susan Cain , #1 bestselling author of 'Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make us Whole' and 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' , #1 bestselling author of 'Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make us Whole' and 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' Edweena Stratton , Culture Amp CPO with 20+ years of experience leading People & Culture at Salesforce, Oracle, and more The event will provide insights, guidance, and practices on the following topics: Building and nurturing culture first foundations: Learn how to overcome unexpected change by making culture the foundation of everything you do Designing impactful employee experiences for everyone: Explore the latest data, tools, and best practices organizations are using to amplify the employee experience Creating a better world through work: Discover how you can meet employees' expectations for meaningful work through social impact and action "Culture Amp's mission is to give leaders the needed understanding and resources to create a great workplace culture, and this event will aid in doing that," said Reetika Motwane, Vice President, North America for Culture Amp. "We're excited to share our latest data with regional and international insights into employee experience, and showcase the different ways organizations can utilize data-driven insights to overcome the changes hybrid-work has created. Attendees will gain the clarity and skills you need to develop your people practices, transform workplace culture, and navigate change at a time more crucial than ever." About Culture First Culture First is a experience for HR professionals, people leaders, and Culture First advocates who wish to make positive change in the workplace. All attendees will learn from renowned thought leaders, skillful HR practitioners, and experts in the people and culture worlds on topics like creating outstanding employee experiences, how to equip managers to support employee development, reinforcing a growth mindset culture in your organization, how to be a high performer - and encourage high performance, and more. About Culture Amp Culture Amp revolutionizes how over 25 million employees across over 6,000 companies create a better world of work. As the global platform leader for employee experience, Culture Amp empowers companies of all sizes and industries to transform employee engagement, develop high-performing teams, and retain talent via cutting-edge research, powerful technology, and the largest employee dataset in the world. The most innovative companies across the globe, such as Salesforce, Unilever, PwC, KIND, SoulCycle, and BigCommerce depend on Culture Amp every day. Culture Amp is backed by 10 years of innovation, leading capital venture funds, and offices in the U.S, U.K, and Australia. Culture Amp has been recognized as one of the world's top private cloud companies by Forbes and one of the most innovative workplace companies by Fast Company. Learn more about how Culture Amp can help you create a better world of work at cultureamp.com. SOURCE Culture Amp / BAM Communications DataMesh FactVerse makes Digital Twins more accessible Deploy a Digital Twin in no time with OOTB zero-code tools Simplified design processes and reuse of digital assets for instant data insights SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DataMesh today announced DataMesh FactVerse, a new enterprise metaverse platform. Breaking the barriers of spatial data processing and real-time 3D collaboration, DataMesh delivers open-world gaming architecture and scenario designers to the enterprise world. FactVerse Designer, DataMesh Director, Checklist, Inspector, and Simulator are also integrated into FactVerse as dedicated apps. "DataMesh believes in democratizing Digital Twin and XR technologies to empower 2 billion industrial workers worldwide. Henceforth, we're launching FactVerse to make this technology more accessible," said Jie Li, Founder and CEO of DataMesh. "By making digital twin and XR technologies easier to use, more affordable and data-driven, we hope to help front-line workers to optimize their operations and benefit from the digital transformation." Making Digital Twins More Accessible FactVerse is making digital twins more accessible by providing an easy-to-use, cost-effective, and data-driven solution with flexible payment options including a cloud-based pay-as-you-go model, lowering the barrier for ordinary people to adopt a digital twin while addressing technology barriers and data governance challenges. Businesses ranging from startups to mid-sized enterprises to large-scale industry leaders can use digital twins for better performance and cost management. FactVerse has been applied in automotive factories, cargo airports, and large arenas through various pilot projects. Powered by DataMesh FactVerse Cloud Services, it supports applications across a broad range of scenarios. This allows different user groups from across industries to use CAD, BIM, IoT, knowledge, and process data to build a digital twin platform and XR applications, enabling front-line workers to benefit from modern workspace technology. Steering Enterprise Motivations by TEMS The philosophy of DataMesh FactVerse is to use digital twin and enterprise metaverse solutions to address the key challenges of enterprises during their digital transformation journey. FactVerse provides standard digital capabilities for various enterprise assets that make enterprises' digital transformation easier while meeting compliance requirements. Based on TEMS Motivations invented by DataMesh, FactVerse helps with common enterprise objectives, including saving costs, increasing productivity, and making innovative breakthroughs, focused on four critical aspects: Training and Guidance Digital twins of facilities, 3D instruction, and XR-based guidance (powered by DataMesh Director and Simulator Platform) Digital twins of facilities, 3D instruction, and XR-based guidance (powered by DataMesh Director and Simulator Platform) Experience Visualization of digital twin facilities and equipment offering a new experience, allowing users to quickly improve their knowledge of unfamiliar environments without interfering with the production environment (powered by DataMesh Director) Visualization of digital twin facilities and equipment offering a new experience, allowing users to quickly improve their knowledge of unfamiliar environments without interfering with the production environment (powered by DataMesh Director) Monitor and Control Engineering supervision, maintenance, inspection and control of facilities and equipment with visualized data insights (powered by DataMesh Inspector and Checklist) Engineering supervision, maintenance, inspection and control of facilities and equipment with visualized data insights (powered by DataMesh Inspector and Checklist) Simulation Simulate and restore the real operations and operations logic of equipment/facilities, conducting large-arena planning, training, prediction, and management (powered by DataMesh FactVerse and Simulator Platform) Futuristic Experience and Data Insights Delivering a futuristic experience, DataMesh FactVerse powers a digital twin world that is fully visualized, computable, and operational. Digital twin applications can be created using a suite of zero-code tools and services for users with different roles to create, collaborate, and manage metaverse resources to activate data assets, including 3D models, scenes, and real-time production data. Ease of Use: The standard SDKs for complex DT assets, mainstream BIM/CAD data format OOTB support, cross-platform support OOTB, zero 3D artist involvement for fast implementation, solid runtime backend, and zero-code creation/modification ensure ease of use for front-line workerseven for those without advanced skills. Immersive Experience and Data Insights: Mobile support, 3D+AR experience, BIM+AR experience, and industry-leading real-time data visualization enable different users to conduct swift project validation and obtain instant data insights, particularly for users from manufacturing, building construction, and facility operations industries. With trackable movement and LMS/Scorecard, organizations can also utilize measurable performance to optimize workflows and processes. Cost Saving: The zero-code creation for complex tasks, simplified 3D asset processing pipeline, and virtual operations, as well as the cloud-based pay-as-you-go payment model that will be announced shortly, enable organizations to achieve significant cost savings. The ESG-friendly FactVerse provides a holistic and futuristic metaverse experience by simplifying design processes, realizing the reuse of digital assets and data-driven monitoring and simulationcreating a platform for anyone to build an enterprise metaverse in a way similar to building an open-world game that accelerates digital transformation. Availability DataMesh FactVerse is available today. Visit DataMesh website at https://datamesh.com/ for inquiries or to discuss partnerships. About DataMesh DataMesh is a high-tech innovator focusing on digital twin and XR technologies. DataMesh believes in democratizing digital twins to bridge the digital world and the real world to empower front-line workers. Headquartered in Singapore, DataMesh has global operations and offices in Southeast Asia, Japan, China, Australia, and North America, with more than 400 customers in AEC, manufacturing, and facility management industries. In 2020, DataMesh was the only finalist from Asia for the Microsoft Partner of the Year, Mixed Reality category. DataMesh won NTT Docomo's top DX award in 2021, was recognized as a Fortune Impact Company in China in 2022, and has made the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch List. SOURCE DataMesh DZD Will Continue Clinical Validation and Product Engineering of its Novel Technology Designed to Reduce Time to Diagnosis from Days to Hours BOSTON and WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Day Zero Diagnostics Inc., an infectious disease diagnostics company utilizing genome sequencing and machine learning to combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections, today announced it was awarded $8.2 million in additional option stage funding from CARB-X, the Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator, a global non-profit partnership dedicated to accelerating early antibacterial research and development to address the rising global threat of drug-resistant bacteria. The company received an initial $6.2 million CARB-X award in May of 2020. This latest award brings the total to over $16 million. Day Zero Diagnostics is developing whole genome sequencing-based diagnostic technologies that can identify, within hours, both the species and the antibiotic resistance profile of a bacterial pathogen from a blood sample, eliminating the need for a culture. In cases of severe infection like sepsis, current approaches to antibiotic resistance testing take days, significantly increasing the risk of death. Antibiotic resistance was directly responsible for 1.3 million deaths globally in 2019, killing more people than HIV/AIDS or malaria. Day Zero's revolutionary approach to diagnosing infectious diseases, particularly their antibiotic resistance profile, has the potential to save lives while reducing the economic burden of severe infections. CARB-X awards Day Zero Diagnostics $8.2M in additional funding for product development of novel diagnostic technology Tweet this "We greatly appreciate CARB-X's continued support as we pioneer a new class of infectious disease diagnostics that leverage whole genome sequencing and machine learning to enable rapid identification of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance profile. Day Zero Diagnostics is determined to bend the curve on antibiotic resistance growth by enabling rapid and accurate diagnosis," said Jong Lee, CEO of Day Zero Diagnostics. "This latest CARB-X award validates the tremendous progress our team of scientists and engineers have made in bringing these novel technologies to maturity and demonstrating the tremendous potential of genome sequencing technology in combating antibiotic resistance. CARB-X's continued support now focuses on productizing these technologies so we can help fight the global threat of antibiotic resistance." "We are pleased to support Day Zero Diagnostics' development of its rapid infectious disease diagnostic technology," said Erin Duffy, Ph.D., Chief of Research and Development at CARB-X. "Day Zero's whole genome sequencing and machine learning technology is a novel approach that could change the way infectious disease is diagnosed, help curb antibiotic resistance, and save lives." Option Stage funding from CARB-X will enable Day Zero to transition into product development of its diagnostic system. The ultimate goal of the program is the launching of FDA cleared and CE Marked in-vitro diagnostic instrument and cartridge system. The system will provide a sample-to-answer solution that incorporates the capabilities of the company's novel technologies, including Blood2Bac, a proprietary sample preparation technology for ultra-high enrichment of bacterial DNA from clinical blood samples and Keynome, Day Zero's machine learning algorithm for species identification and resistance profiling. The company will also continue to expand MicrohmDB, a proprietary large-scale database combining pathogen genomic sequences with their known antibiotic resistance and susceptibility profiles. Day Zero Diagnostics announced the news today from IDWeek in Washington, D.C. Acknowledgement and disclaimer : Research reported in this press release is supported by CARB-X. CARB-X's funding for this project is provided by Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority; under agreement number: 75A50122C00028, and by awards from Wellcome (WT224842), and Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The content of this press release is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of CARB-X or any of its funders. About Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotic resistance is an escalating global crisis, where the spread of drug resistance is outpacing the development of new antibiotics. Infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria are more dangerous for patients and more difficult and expensive to treat. They often require extended hospital stays, additional follow-up doctor visits, and more costly and toxic alternative treatments. As drug-resistant bacteria become more common, so will deaths from life-threatening infections like sepsis, which is the body's unregulated immune response to a severe bloodstream infection. A study in The Lancet estimates that in 2019, 1.27 million deaths were attributable to bacterial antimicrobial resistance and a 2016 review of antimicrobial resistance estimated that as many as 10 million deaths annually would be caused by antimicrobial resistance by 2050. Early and effective treatment of antibiotic resistant infections has been proven to save lives. However, current technologies cannot provide actionable information quickly enough to enable early, targeted antibiotic treatment. About Day Zero Diagnostics Day Zero Diagnostics, Inc., based in Boston, is pioneering a new class of infectious disease diagnostics using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and machine learning to revolutionize how the world fights the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. The company's mission is to change the way infectious diseases are diagnosed and treated by rapidly identifying both the species and the antibiotic resistance profile of severe infections from a blood sample, without the need for a culture. In 2022, the company launched its WGS-based Day Zero Lab Services , leveraging its proprietary technologies and highly curated databases of pathogens for managing healthcare-associated infection outbreaks and making high-impact clinical decisions. Day Zero Diagnostics was founded in 2016 by a team of clinicians and scientists from Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital. The company has been recognized as a leading innovator by CARB-X, UCSF Health, American Association of Clinical Chemistry, MedTech Innovator, TedMed Hive and MassChallenge HealthTech. To learn more visit our website and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn . About CARB-X CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) is a global non-profit partnership dedicated to supporting early-stage antibacterial research and development to address the rising threat of drug-resistant bacteria. CARB-X supports innovative therapeutics, preventatives and rapid diagnostics. CARB-X is led by Boston University and funded by a consortium of governments and foundations. CARB-X funds only projects that target drug-resistant bacteria highlighted on the CDC's Antibiotic Resistant Threats list, or the Priority Bacterial Pathogens list published by the WHO, with a priority on those pathogens deemed Serious or Urgent on the CDC list or Critical or High on the WHO list. https://carb-x.org/ | Twitter @CARB_X Media contact: Helen Shik Shik Communications [email protected] 617-510-4373 SOURCE Day Zero Diagnostics, Inc. AMSTERDAM, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TUI Group has selected Embraer's E195-E2, the quietest and most efficient aircraft under 150 seats, to join the TUI fly Belgium fleet. TUI, one of the world's leading tourism groups, will take delivery of three E195-E2 from AerCap on long-term lease. The aircraft, from AerCap's existing fleet and powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, will be delivered in a comfortable 136 seat, single class configuration, in the first half of 2023. "We are thrilled to add the E195-E2 to our Belgium fleet. Operating on short and medium haul routes, the new airplane is the most efficient aircraft in the market. It uses less fuel, has a longer range, while at the same time is 50% quieter and emits up to a third less carbon dioxide. The airplanes will operate mostly out of Antwerp, from where they will fly to more distant airports, which will allow us to expand into new holiday destinations from Northern Belgium", said Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Airline Officer, TUI Group. "The selection of the E195-E2 is an important milestone to make TUI's fleet even more efficient in support of our sustainability goals. Working together with AerCap, Embraer and Pratt & Whitney, we have agreed on an attractive package that enables TUI to provide travellers from regional airports in Belgium an even better start to their holidays," added Tom Chandler, Managing Director Fleet and Asset Management, TUI Group "We are very pleased to announce the lease placement of three E195-E2s with TUI. AerCap has a long history of working with TUI and we are excited to be a part of their fleet renewal plan," said Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap. "The E195-E2s are the perfect aircraft to support TUI's operations with greater versatility and improved efficiencies, enabling them to meet their sustainability commitments. We wish TUI every success with the E2-Jets, and we look forward to working with them as these aircraft deliver." Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation, added, "We welcome TUI, already operators of the first generation E190, to the E2 family of operators. The economics of the E195-E2 combined with its comfort, is a win win for TUI allowing the operator to increase capacity and delight their guests, while still reducing fuel costs and lowering emissions. We're pleased to continue our long relationship with TUI and thank AerCap for their partnership." Aircraft Images: https://embraer.imagerelay.com/ml/bf7a041869194533be98bf31aab1f07a Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer About the TUI Group The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups. The company is based in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the FTSE 250, an index of the London Stock Exchange, on the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover and on the over-the-counter market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The TUI Group offers integrated services from a single source for its 27 million customers, 21 million of whom are in the European national companies. The entire tourism value chain is mapped under one roof. This includes over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 16 own cruise ships, from MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in the UK. The group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, five airlines with more than 100 modern medium and long-haul aircraft and over 1,000 travel agencies. In addition to expanding the core business with hotels, cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The group is transforming into a digital company. Global responsibility for sustainable economic, ecological and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports holiday destinations in their development. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation. About AerCap AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Memphis, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle, Toulouse and other locations around the world. About Embraer Embraer (B3: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ) is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures aircraft for Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security, and Agricultural customers. The company also provides after-sales services & support through a worldwide network of wholly-owned entities and authorized agents. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and is the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. SOURCE Embraer S.A. Employees Recognized Mental Health Programs, Leadership Development, and a Differentiated Benefits Package as Key Factors in Making Encora Brazil a Top Workplace SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Encora , a global next-gen product engineering provider, today announced its offices in Brazil have been named a top workplace by Great Place to Work (GPTW) Brazil in the average-sized multinational companies category. Encora was ranked second among 35 contenders in the category. The Brazil ranking comes in shortly after the Sao Paulo interior ranking, in which Encora reached second place running with 50 other competitors. "The results of this year's GPTW Brazil are a true honor," said Augusto Cavalcanti, President Americas, Brazil Division, Encora. "We won second place in the Best Companies to Work for in the Sao Paulo Interior category in September and, now, the second position in the national ranking; two unprecedented achievements that are significant because they validate our commitment to maintaining a healthy work environment and encouraging teamwork." GPTW certifications are a result of an anonymous survey, which aims to validate a company's organizational culture to determine whether its employees consider it a consistently good place to work. According to Great Place to Work Institute research, employees in certified companies are 93% more likely to be happy with their jobs; the chances of receiving fair pay and promotion opportunities are doubled; and there is a significant increase in the quality of leadership. "Encora maintained an excellent performance in the Brazil Ranking in 2022 among more than 180 companies. Competing in the range of medium-sized multinational companies, it has reached the second position. Improvement in the employee confidence index between 2021 and 2022 has been the key factor in sustaining Encora among the best companies in the country," says Lucas Madio, Customer Success Analyst, Great Place to Work Brazil. Encora Brazil has been recognized for more than 20 GPTW awards in three categories (Sao Paulo Interior, Multinational Average-Sized, and Information Technology), rising annually in these rankings. The company began its journey of focusing on a people-first philosophy more than 13 years ago, with the well-being area. In the early 2010s, Encora realized that its management practices, which focused on people, well-being, and a collaborative environment, were gaining more and more prominence in the technology market. The company doubled down on its commitment to creating a positive experience for employees, which has led to satisfied employees and impressive growth in Brazil and globally. Encora's global leadership team also supports its regional cultures by developing learning & development opportunities and partnerships; launching new tools and platforms to keep team members engaged and connected; delivering employee benefits such as flexible and remote work; and investing in tools to improve processes. Most of all, Encora has worked to build a global culture where people feel safe, respected, empowered, and motivated to be their best selves. For more information on Encora's commitment to creating a positive culture for all, visit https://www.encora.com/about. To see all Encora's available positions in Brazil, please visit https://careers.encora.com/country/brazil. About Encora Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and backed by private equity firm Advent International, Encora is the preferred innovation partner to some of the world's leading technology companies. It provides next-gen services such as Predictive Analysis, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Cloud, and Test Automation. Encora has deep cluster vertical capabilities in HealthTech, FinTech, HiTech, IAM & Cybersecurity, Digital Commerce, EdTech, Supply Chain & Logistics, Telecom and other specialized industries. With over 7,500 associates in 40+ offices and innovation labs across the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Canada, India, and Asia Pacific, Encora's global talent pool, micro-industry vertical expertise and proprietary agile engineering capabilities enable clients to improve their speed to impact. For more information, please visit www.encora.com. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, it has surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and has used this information to define that a great workplace is built on trust. The Trust Index employee survey provides leaders with the necessary feedback, results and reports that enable the company to make data-driven decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work for everyone. SOURCE Encora Iconic Baked Goods Brand Launches New Product Offering to Elevate Everyday Moments ISLANDIA, N.Y., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sometimes we all need a little me-moment; time to reflect, appreciate and enjoy life. That's why Entenmann's, the iconic baked goods brand, is introducing new Entenmann's Cake Trufflesthe ultimate lavish taste experience to elevate everyday moments! Available now in Chocolate Delight and Cookies & Creme varieties at select retailers, these decadently rich, bite-sized cakes are perfectly portioned for a luscious afternoon treat, a late-night indulgence or a much-needed break. Chocolate Delight Cake Truffles Cookies & Creme Cake Truffles Entenmann's Cake Truffles come in boxes of eight, with two truffles individually wrapped per tray for freshness. Entenmann's Chocolate Delight Cake Truffles are covered with a layer of silky, smooth chocolatey coating, and Entenmann's Cookies & Creme Cake Truffles are filled with creamy white chocolate morsels and covered with a layer of silky, smooth chocolatey coating. These deliciously luxurious flavors are sure to hit the spot for all of the chocolate lovers out there. "At Entenmann's, we believe there's no need to wait for a special occasion when you can celebrate every day by enjoying new Entenmann's Cake Truffles," said Catherine Danielowich, Senior Brand Manager. "We're thrilled to announce the latest release of Entenmann's Cake Truffles, as we know our fans deserve to take a break from the mundane and treat themselves with these irresistibly indulgent treasures." Available now at select retailers, new Entenmann's Cake Truffles are the latest addition to the Entenmann's product lineup, which consists of a delicious variety of baked goods that are known and loved by many, including donuts, crumb cake, cookies and more. For more information about new Entenmann's Cake Truffles and where to find them, visit www.Entenmanns.com. About Entenmann's Bakery Entenmann's history dates back more than 120 years to 1898 when William Entenmann opened his first bakery in Brooklyn, New York. By the 1960s the company was selling delicious donuts throughout the New York metropolitan area; by the 1970s it began selling nationwide. Today, the Entenmann's portfolio includes over 100 different baked goods in the U.S., including Entenmann's Donuts, Entenmann's Minis, Entenmann's Cakes, Entenmann's Cookies and more, providing a wide variety of delicious baked goods to choose from that everyone can enjoy. About Bimbo Bakeries USA Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000+ U.S. associates operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold, Artesano, Ball Park, Bimbo, Boboli, Brownberry, Entenmann's, Little Bites, Marinela, Mrs Baird's, Oroweat, Sara Lee, Stroehmann and Thomas'. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 33 countries. SOURCE Entenmanns The "Calavera Collection" Transforms Iconic Stadium Goods Gear into Wearable Pieces of Art, Bringing a Modern Twist to a Traditional Holiday Ritual NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Day of the Dead, Espolon Tequila has partnered with premier streetwear marketplace, Stadium Goods , and globally recognized Mexican artist, Saner , to drop a limited-edition line of apparel. Dubbed the "Calavera Collection," the line includes custom-made wearable pieces that pay homage to popular Mexican symbols like calaveras - or candy skulls - and marigolds, with each design inspired by one of Espolon's four award-winning tequilas. The line was created to honor the Mexican traditions of Day of the Dead, a holiday in which the souls of deceased relatives are honored through stories, food, drink and celebration. Espolon x Saner Presented by Stadium Goods The Calavera Collection presented by Stadium Goods fuses authentic Mexican tradition with modern culture, which is at the heart of the Espolon brand. The collection includes custom t-shirts and sweatshirts from Stadium Goods' best-selling STADIUM line in neutral colorways adorned with vibrant designs by Saner. Each piece in the Calavera Collection was created in Saner's signature style, which combines techniques from ancient Mayan artwork and a modern day graffiti art style. The eye-catching designs feature rich, bold colors like marigold - the official flower of Day of the Dead - and Espolon's signature fuchsia. "Day of the Dead is one of the most important holidays in Mexico, and our streetwear collection with Stadium Goods and Saner will bring to life the traditions of the holiday in a way that feels fresh and contemporary," said Sean Yelle, White Spirits Marketing Director at Campari America. "Our Calavera Collection was created to shed light on the traditions of the holiday while spotlighting one of Mexico's most popular artists, Saner. We look forward to bringing the traditions of Mexico to the US in a new way this fall." Releasing on the Day of the Dead (11/1), the Calavera Collection will be dropping at Stadium Goods' NYC retail store for one day only from 12pm-8pm, where fans will receive bespoke pieces from the line that will be screen printed in real-time. For those located outside of NYC, 50 pieces from the collection will be available online via a nationwide sweepstakes from October 24th-November 2nd, 2022. Fans 21 and up can tag a friend and share their own personalized literary calavera, or satirical poem that is traditionally written for the Day of the Dead, on Espolon's 10/24 Instagram post (@espolontequila) for the chance to win an exclusive item from the collection. Official rules for the sweepstakes can be found here . "Dias de los Muertos is a holiday with such rich tradition, and I really wanted the artwork for this collection to bring a piece of Mexico to the US," said world renowned artist, Saner. "The four designs mix together prehispanic art techniques and feature traditional Mexican symbolism for a streetwear collection that celebrates culture with a modern edge." "The spirit of collaboration has always been a core value of Stadium Goods, from our apparel to the vibe we create in our retail stores, and partnering with Saner and Espolon is a beautiful extension of that," says Matthew Gomes, Stadium Goods senior director of retail. "We're honored to have Saner use our pieces as his literal canvas, and delighted to have Espolon co-host such a unique way of sharing it with the world." The Calavera Collection is one of the many ways in which Espolon Tequila is bringing a contemporary edge to the rich stories of traditional Mexican culture. Fans who receive the collection at Stadium Goods and via Espolon's Instagram sweepstakes must show valid proof that they are 21+ in order to receive. Please enjoy Espolon Tequila responsibly. ASSETS FOR MEDIA USE ABOUT ESPOLON TEQUILA Distilled from hand-harvested 100% Blue Weber Agave in Los Altos, the Highlands region of Jalisco, Espolon's award-winning tequilas are the pride of the Casa San Nicolas. Espolon was the realization of a lifelong desire for late founder and Master Distiller Cirilo Oropeza, who dreamed of creating a tequila that blends artisanal Mexican tradition with modern techniques. Espolon is, at its heart, a tribute to Mexican culture, with striking bottle designs by the rich, storied history of Mexico. Through its labels, Espolon pays tribute to a true luminary Jose Guadalupe Posada. Posada was a 19th century artist and printmaker, a real pioneer, and a bit of a rebel. His most famous work, the calaveras (skeletons), were a powerful commentary on the social injustices of his time. He gave his people a voice and gave the art world a style that continues to influence pop culture today. Today, Espolon Tequila Blanco, Espolon Tequila Reposado, Espolon Tequila Anejo and Espolon Cristalino each spotlight different moments in Mexican history, led by the legendary rooster, Ramon. For more information on Espolon, visit espolontequila.com. ABOUT CAMPARI GROUP Davide Campari-Milano N.V., together with its affiliates ("Campari America"), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. Campari Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. Campari Group's portfolio, with over 50 brands, spans spirits (the core business), wines, and soft drinks. Its internationally renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey, and Grand Marnier. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari Group owns 22 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 22 countries. Campari Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM), have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy our brands responsibly. ABOUT STADIUM GOODS Stadium Goods is the world's premier marketplace for sneakers and streetwear. Founded in 2015 by connoisseurs with a deep history in the culture of sneakers and streetwear, Stadium Goods' core mission is to bring unparalleled customer service and a luxury retail aesthetic to the aftermarket. Since being acquired by Farfetch in 2019, Stadium Goods has leveraged its unique position as the authentic home for the "new" luxury fashion of sneakers and streetwear to expand its offering to include legacy luxury fashion. Stadium Goods operates brick-and-mortar retail stores in New York and Chicago, and ships worldwide via stadiumgoods.com and its partners. For more information, please visit www.stadiumgoods.com . ABOUT SANER Edgar "SANER" Flores, contemporary artist, painter, muralist, illustrator and graphic designer graduated from Degree in Graphic Design at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, FES Acatlan. From the last year of the university and up to 5 years later, he concentrated on design and advertising, to later devote himself fully to the graphic arts, developing initially in graffiti and specializing in mural and easel painting; thanks to which he has exhibited in different museums and galleries around the world. SOURCE Espolon Tequila Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Speaker George Paasewe Contributes a Unique Perspective to the DEI Field on the Concept of Code-Switching MILWAUKEE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) speaker George Paasewe provides DEI training services to higher education institutions, corporations, organizations, and employers nationwide to increase attendees' cultural awareness, competency, and sensitivity. George is available for in-person as well as virtual training through workshops, webinars, and seminars. He recognizes that the work of DEI entails more than just headcounts, policies, and programs for employers. According to George, it is about valuing and respecting all team members' unique needs, perspectives, and potential. DEI Speaker George Paasewe George Paasewe Facilities DEI Training to College Students According to a 2019 diversity and inclusion study conducted by Glassdoor, 61 percent of workers have witnessed or experienced discrimination in the workplace based on age, race, gender, or LGBTQ+ identity. George believes that fear of discrimination in the workplace can prevent employees from bringing their authentic selves to work, which can hinder innovation, creativity, and teamwork. "The reality is that employees will leave an organization if they do not believe that their presence, thoughts, or talents are valued or taken seriously," George says. "They will find a new employer that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging." George's DEI training sessions focus on the importance of accepting and working alongside individuals from different ethnicities, religions, races, genders, or sexual identity. He strives to help minimize and eliminate prejudice, inform employees of cultural differences, and enhance positive intergroup interaction. In short, he teaches attendees how to understand and coexist with one another. George's passion for DEI work began when he conducted his 2015 research study on the concept of code-switching. What is code-switching? It is the practice of adjusting one's style of speech, appearance, behavior, or expression to a particular context or situation. George found that code-switching is something we all do naturally as human beings. However, for people of color, code-switching can feel like a requirement when navigating professional settings. He also found that racism is the root cause underlying why people of color feel pressure to code-switch and simultaneously bear the burden of code-switching. George's research findings propelled him to publish a book titled How Black College Students Learn Code-Switching. Now in its second edition, the book focuses on anti-racist practices that higher education institutions can implement to refine their diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus for staff and students of all backgrounds. "Any safe work environment will have some diversity training in place because it is essential to create an environment where employees are comfortable and secure," George says. "Those who feel safe in their workplace are happier, more productive, and more likely to stay longer." To schedule a 15-minute meeting with George to discuss your next DEI training/event click the following link: https://calendly.com/thecodeswitcherllc/15min. George is the Founder/CEO of The Code-Switcher, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) public speaking and training company. George earned a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) degree at Northern Illinois University and holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of WisconsinWhitewater. He is a professor of sociology at Bryant & Stratton College in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. George is available for interviews and training on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics surrounding the intersection of race, education, and communication. For more information, contact him at 262-424-5013 or [email protected]. https://thecodeswitcherllc.com SOURCE The Code-Switcher HITRUST-compliant SMS platform for benefits brokers, enrollers and carriers enables easy setup and management of accounts for multiple employers by region, office or department BOSTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Flimp Communications, the leading provider of employee benefits communication solutions for mid-market employers, today announced the addition of layered multi-tenant, multi-tiered admin controls for its WorkforceTXT employee text-messaging platform. With the new administrative features, benefits brokers, enrollers, HCMs and carriers can quickly and easily deploy integrated HITRUST-compliant managed texting accounts and campaigns for their employer clients to help them communicate and educate employees about available benefits, policies, and open enrollment. Flimp Communications WorkforceTXT Employee text-messaging campaigns consistently deliver over 90 percent employee-engagement rates, as compared to average 20 percent open rates for email communications. This is particularly important for employers that need to alert employees to important, timely information about benefits-enrollment deadlines, workplace rules and regulations, policy changes and safety protocols, but have trouble reaching them with email. The new multi-tiered, multi-tenant administrative features of the WorkforceTXT platform enable quick, easy and low-cost deployment of secure SMS and IRV accounts by benefits brokers and enrollers on behalf of multiple employer clients in a way that can be centrally managed and controlled, reducing risk and liability. "Too often, employers, benefits brokers and enrollers are using unsecure, non-compliant texting platforms to communicate sensitive information to employees. This creates unnecessary corporate liability and risks," said Wayne Wall, CEO of Flimp Communications. "The WorkforceTXT platform is not only HITRUST and HIPAA compliant, but it eliminates the need for users to make requests for each new managed account, whether they want to add multiple offices or clients, the power is in their hands." Here are a few of the benefits of the WorkforceTXT platform for employers, brokers and enrollers: --Dedicated account team for training and support: while other texting services rely on quick how-to videos for account setup, with WorkforceTXT, you have a dedicated team member for support. --Secure and compliant: WorkforceTXT has been put through rigorous testing to earn HITRUST certification and is HIPAA compliant. --Minimal deployment cost: there is no charge each time you need to provision and deploy a new account for customers. Simply pay an annual administrative fee and a low per-text fee for usage. --Five-digit shortcode: ownership is included in the cost of WorkforceTXT managed-service fees. Other text-messaging providers charge an additional monthly fee for shortcodes. Or they may use standard phone numbers to send texting campaigns, which are often marked as spam by recipients or blocked by carriers. --Multi-tenant access: brokers and intermediaries that license WorkforceTXT annually have administrative control to create and manage individual "tenant" accounts for their customers. --Multi-tiered capabilities: we customized the client interface to include a unique tiering system, which allows brokers or employers to set up sub-accounts specific to an office, department or region. Each user has a unique login and can only access their specific employee groups. --Reporting: WorkforceTXT has built-in usage reporting that tracks text messages attempted, delivered or undelivered. --Integrated with the Flimp communications platform: in addition to standard texts or SMS messages, Flimp can also host documents for clients to share via text such as benefits guides, surveys, weather-related notices and more. Any documents shared via text are available in the reporting dashboard so users can see how many times each was clicked. This provides brokers and employers with next-level insights on whether the materials are actually being viewed. Other managed-texting services can't provide engagement data as they don't offer document hosting. For more information on licensing the WorkforceTXT platform, schedule a quick demo call with our helpful team here: https://www.flimp.net/schedule-a-demo/ About WorkforceTXT WorkforceTXT was designed to meet the communication needs of employers and benefits providers that want to push educational and training content to employees with advanced tracking and reporting metrics. It's HITRUST and HIPAA compliant, easy to implement, and comes with a high level of training and support. The platform allows employers to send out secure, trackable videos, multimedia content, open enrollment guides, and benefits decision-support tools that are mobile responsive. Messages can be simple text (SMS) or multimedia (MMS) and include links to additional information to increase engagement and response. Powerful analytics are built in, so HR and benefits administrators can track open rates and ensure their messages have been received and read for maximum engagement. Learn more about WorkforceTXT here: https://www.flimp.net/workforcetxt/ About Flimp Communications Flimp Communications is the leader in HR, benefits and employee communication for mid-market employers. The company provides virtual communications solutions including software, decision-support tools, workforce texting and interactive digital content to employers, brokers, HR consultants, insurance carriers, and healthcare providers. With offices in Boston, MA, Denver, CO, Vero Beach, FL, and Burlington, VT, Flimp works with more than 750 corporate clients, including dozens of Fortune 500 companies. The award-winning employee-communications platform enables users to create, distribute and track interactive video and branded multimedia content without any programming or IT resources for corporate, internal and employee communications. For more information, please visit www.flimp.net. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Flimp Communications By Staff Reporters from Science and Technology BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 16, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) opened in Beijing, which drew worldwide attention and aroused a warm response at home and abroad. Some foreign experts who have lived in China for many years shared their insight into China's development and gave their views on the global significance of the congress. Mark Levine, a professor working at Minzu University of China, looked back at the Party's 10th decade with anything but amazement. According to this American scholar, China's unprecedented advances are attributed to the correct leadership of the CPC, and as the song says, "Without the Communist Party, there would be no New China." "China has clearly led the way in helping to develop a community with a shared future for mankind," Levine said. He also noted that China has made tremendous achievements in science and technology, environmental protection, poverty alleviation and cooperative relations with other countries through the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the field of education, he said the tremendous growth of university education with the construction of many new campuses has made Chinese tertiary education more available for more students. Rocco Lacorte, an associate Professor at Nankai University, comes from Italy. In his opinion, the 20th National Congress of the CPC should be regarded as one of pivotal historical importance for both national and international reasons. He highlighted that China's realization of a moderately prosperous society under the leadership of the CPC, which alleviated millions of people from poverty and united the whole country, constitutes a milestone and an accomplished miracle. As a journalist from Bangladesh, Ershad Shikdar noticed that many journalists from worldwide have flocked to Beijing to cover this once-in-five-year political event. "The congress has drawn global attention since the decisions to be made in the political event will matter the world, especially developing countries, as China's stake in global politics now is higher than ever before," he said, adding that any major development in China can positively influence the global economy, poverty alleviation, sustainable development, climate change, and green economy. Russian expert Olga Pronkina has been in China for 13 years and is now a professor at Gansu University of Political Science and Law. Pronkina said she has witnessed more than a decade of "world-renowned achievements made by China under the leadership of CPC in many areas, including the economy, people's livelihood, and diplomacy." She applauded the pivotal role of Belt and Road Initiative and other initiatives proposed by China, noting that those ideas have contributed Chinese wisdom to international cooperation and offered its solutions to the world's destabilizing factors, demonstrating its responsibility as a major country. In addition, she especially mentioned that China had set an example for the world in COVID-19 prevention and control, which won broad support and recognition from the international community. Pronkina believes that the fundamental guarantee for China's future development still lies in the leadership of the CPC, and the 20th National Congress of the CPC will exert a more far-reaching influence on the world. Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, a Bangladeshi student at the Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, said that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has ranked as the world's largest manufacturing power and become the largest trading partner of most developing countries. Moreover, he highlighted that this important event is not only of great significance to China but will also have a profound impact on the world. "The Communist Party of China is the most influential political party in the world. China achieved its first centenary goal, which is a major event for all mankind, and will surely achieve the second centenary goal," he said. He also expected that China will bring new development concepts and patterns, continue to expand high-level opening-up to the outside world and play an important role in promoting world peace and development. SOURCE Science and Technology Daily North American Insurtech, Foxquilt, introduces its online eCommerce insurance product to the New York state. NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Foxquilt, a leading North American Insurtech company, is excited to announce the launch of its eCommerce insurance product throughout the state of New York. As the company continues its US expansion, Foxquilt is proud to bring its eCommerce solution to New York first - one of the largest eCommerce hubs in the country. Foxquilt offers the proper protection for eCommerce businesses who sell merchandise online, at home or local markets. This eCommerce insurance product is designed to meet the requirements that leading marketplace platforms, including Amazon, require of their vendors. A simple online buying experience allows sellers to purchase the insurance needed at low minimum premiums, no-fee monthly payments, as well as a $0 deductible. "As a leading insurtech across North America, our job is to push the boundaries. We're working hard to design solutions that actually work for businesses, instead of having businesses bend over backwards to meet the needs of their insurers," said Mark Morissette, CEO and Co-Founder of Foxquilt. The Foxquilt eCommerce product can also be accessed by agents and licensed insurance advisors. "Trusted agents and brokers are the lifeblood of the insurance business in New York, and we are excited to bring to market an affordable product for them that is easy to understand and sell to their reseller, maker, wholesaler, and dropshipper clients," continues Morissette. Already agents and brokers in North America are enthusiastic about the Foxquilt eCommerce solution. "The response has been overwhelming. Broker and agent partners consistently comment that it's an easy-to-use platform and that the premiums are competitive. With features like same-day effective dates and unique producer portals, we have been able to efficiently manage the abundance of inquiries, and quote and bind requests we receive for this new product," noted Brandon Hickey - Foxquilt Vice President, US Sales and Operations. Foxquilt recognizes that eCommerce businesses need an insurance product designed for them, not a costly traditional Business Owners Policy to protect their specific operations. "Our choice is to give our New York customers affordable coverage options which complement their business operations, and meet the insurance requirements of leading marketplace platforms," said Morissette. Foxquilt is continuing its US expansion by launching their buy-online eCommerce, Contractors and Personal Services insurance products in Florida, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Oklahoma later this year. New York eCommerce business owners can get insured today at https://www.foxquilt.com/professioncoverage/ecommerce.html About Foxquilt Foxquilt is a leading North American Insurance technology company focused on providing small businesses insurance. Foxquilt develops, underwrites and distributes a complete line of its own commercial insurance products in the United States and Canada. The company uses a combination of data analytics and artificial intelligence to recommend the best insurance coverage and price to meet the individual needs of its small business customers. For more information, visit https://www.foxquilt.com If you're an agency interested in partnering with Foxquilt, please visit: https://foxquilt.com/partnerships.html [email protected] SOURCE Foxquilt Inc. Distinguished leaders in immunology and translational oncology join to support the Company's scientific approach Strengthening the focus on solid tumors and progressing two programs towards the clinic Scale-up novel of -TCR discovery platform and broadening applications for first-in-class TCR immunotherapies with enhanced potency, targeting and access UTRECHT, Netherlands and BOSTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gadeta B.V. ('Gadeta'), an innovative clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of gamma delta () T-cell receptor (TCR)-based immunotherapies for solid tumors, today announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of internationally renowned leaders in oncology, T cell biology and strategic drug development. The Scientific Advisory Board will be chaired by Dr. Hagop Youssoufian and includes Dr. Guillem Argiles of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr Robbie Majzner of Stanford University School of Medicine, Professor Jamie Rossjohn of Monash University and Dr Cassian Yee of The University Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Gadeta expects to progress two solid tumor cell therapy programs towards the clinic in 2023. Its first program, GDT002, is based on a 92 TCR that targets a protein broadly expressed in both hematological as well as solid tumors. GDT002 has been clinically tested in more than a dozen patients and has shown signals of clinical activity. Gadeta will now focus the clinical development of GDT002 in solid tumors and already has an open IND. The second program, GDT201, comprises a non-2 TCR targeting a surface protein shown to be modified in a variety of solid tumors. This product also incorporates a proprietary costimulatory technology to enhance T cell activity in the tumor microenvironment. GDT201 will be evaluated in a phase I trial for select solid tumor indications, slated to start in H2 2023. Gadeta continues to scale up its NOVA TCR discovery platform to expand its portfolio of proprietary tumor specific TCRs. The productivity and development speed of the NOVA platform supports Gadeta's strategy of building a first-in-class product pipeline to bring the full promise of cell therapy to patients with advanced cancer and limited therapeutic options. Gadeta will also broaden the application of TCRs with other biological formats to leverage the unique tumor targeting properties of TCRs. Marcel Zwaal, Chief Executive Officer of Gadeta, said: "In light of our company's progress, I am delighted with the formation of our Scientific Advisory Board. We are developing our technology fast and in multiple directions. The expertise of these global scientific leaders will help to shape the expansion and success of our programs. We are determined to create a new generation of cell therapies for solid tumors with enhanced potency, targeting and access. This strong Scientific Advisory Board will be a tremendous asset to Gadeta as we accelerate the development of our internal pipeline and those of our business partners." Gadeta's scientific advisory board consists of: Dr Hagop Youssoufian (Chair) is a physician-scientist with more than 25 years of experience in drug development working with seed-stage ventures to multi-national biotech and pharmaceutical corporations. After a successful academic career as a clinician, teacher, and NIH-funded investigator, he held senior roles in clinical and translational science at Bristol-Myers Squibb (Head of Experimental Medicine), Sanofi Aventis (Distinguished Scientist), ImClone (Chief Medical Officer), Ziopharm Oncology (President of R&D and Chief Medical Officer), Progenics (Executive VP of R&D), and BIND (Chief Medical Officer). He supported and led the approval of ten medicines in cancer, including Erbitux and Cyramza. He is an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Brown University. He received a B.S. in biology from Boston College and MSc/MD from University of Massachusetts Medical School, followed by fellowships at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and MIT. Dr Guillem Argiles is member of Sloan Kettering Institute Medicine Department where he conducts research focused on developing new immunotherapy strategies for colorectal cancer. Before that he was a member of the Gastrointestinal Malignancies Division at the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona since 2014. He began his career focused on translational research by obtaining his Medical Oncology specialization in 2011 under the supervision of Prof Jose Baselga, at the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. In 2011 Dr Argiles joined the Phase 1 and Developmental Therapeutics Division of the institution for a fellowship stage in molecular therapeutics. During this period, he had the opportunity to be involved in the pre-clinical and early clinical studies that established the basis for further clinical development of part of the main molecularly driven drugs currently emerging in clinical practice such as PI3K-MAPK, Wnt, Sonic Hedgehog, TGF-beta, and Notch pathway inhibitors. Due to his interest in the field of metastatic colorectal cancer, Dr Argiles joined the Gastrointestinal Malignancies Division at the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital as a team member under the supervision of Prof Josep Tabernero. He is currently on sabbatical at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center investigating new ways to treat advanced colorectal cancer with immunotherapy. Dr Robbie Majzner is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine who is focused on the development and deployment of immunotherapies for pediatric cancer. He received his MD from Harvard Medical School followed by training in pediatrics at New York Presbyterian-Columbia and pediatric hematology-oncology at Johns Hopkins and the National Cancer Institute. His pioneering work, which started in the world-renowned Crystal Mackall laboratory, centers on engineering platform technologies to improve the efficacy of CAR T cells in solid tumors and overcome therapeutic resistance. Concurrently, he is focused on translating laboratory advances in innovative clinical trials for children with incurable cancers. Professor Jamie Rossjohn is National Health and Medical Research Investigator Fellow at Monash University. Prof. Rossjohn is known for his contributions to the understanding of the molecular basis underpinning T cell mediated protective and aberrant immunity. He has used structural biology to explain how the TCR specifically recognizes polymorphic Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules. He has unearthed structural mechanisms of HLA polymorphism impacting on drug and food hypersensitivities. He has pioneered our molecular understanding of lipid-based immunity by T cells and has provided a structural basis of how vitamin B metabolites can be presented and recognized by the immune system, revealing a new class of antigen. Collectively, he has published > 480 papers. Prof Rossjohn has been recognized as a Clarivate/Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher and is a fellow of a number of learned academies; in 2022 he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. Dr Cassian Yee is a Professor in the Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Department of Immunology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as Director of the Solid Tumor Cell Therapy Program. He previously held the position of Professor in the Division of Oncology at the University of Washington and was a Member in Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The Yee Lab is developing adoptive cellular therapy as a treatment modality for patients with malignant and viral diseases. Over the last 18 years, Dr Yee's research has been focused on the isolation of autologous antigen-specific T cells from the peripheral blood, manipulation of immune modulating parameters to enhance effector function and persistence and their expansion to numbers sufficient for adoptive transfer and in vivo tracking. Dr Yee holds more than 15 worldwide patents on ex vivo generation of antigen specific T cells, memory reprogramming and antigen discovery in an effort to establish immunotherapy-based cancer treatments on a global scale. About Gadeta Gadeta is discovering novel gamma delta () TCRs that enable the development of first-in-class cell therapies for the treatment of solid cancers. By harnessing TCRs, that naturally target stress related antigens expressed by cancer tissues, Gadeta's technology has the potential to deliver highly effective and novel therapy options to cancer patients. Gadeta's products target a wide array of cancer indications and in particular solid tumors, where cell therapies have not yet fulfilled the potential demonstrated in liquid cancers. For more information please visit: www.gadeta.nl. Disclosures Dr Yee has an ownership interest in Gadeta and he receives compensation as a member of the company's SAB. This financial relationship has been disclosed to MD Anderson's Conflict of Interest Committee in accordance with institutional policy. SOURCE Gadeta MADRID, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Voice Group (GVG), a global provider of ICT and RegTech solutions for governments and regulatory bodies, will host a webinar on the role of technology in driving domestic revenue mobilization. The webinar will bring together stakeholders from across the digital financial services sector and expound on the role technology plays in assisting governments to mobilize revenue locally. Participants in the webinar will include Osioke Ojior, Co-Founder & CEO of Covenda (UK) and Board Advisor to RegTech Africa, and Lorraine Masinde, Founder and Senior Compliance Consultant, RegTech Compliance. James Claude, CEO at GVG, says that the webinar is a great opportunity to bring together players in the technology space to discuss the role of existing and emerging technologies in supporting tax administrations to achieve their collection targets and grow their tax bases. "As part of our work, we develop technological solutions for our partners to assist them in fulfilling their mandate. Revenue mobilization is a challenge for many African nations, with many having tax-to-GDP ratios lower than the World Bank's recommended ratio of 15%. With the implementation of the necessary digital and technological tools, African governments can greatly improve their tax-to-GDP ratios." Only 15 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have a tax-to-GDP ratio above the World Bank's recommended ratio of 15%. That is out of the 30 countries analysed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in their Revenue Statistics in Africa 2021 report. Africa also lags behind other emerging economic blocs, averaging 16.6%, with the Asia-Pacific region having an average of 21%, and the Latin America and the Caribbean economies averaging 22.9%. "This webinar will be an opportunity to shed greater light on ways African governments can seek to better their yearly collections and secure funding for both local and regional projects," added Mr Claude. Those seeking to attend the webinar can register here: https://www.globalvoicegroup.com/upcoming-webinar/ The webinar will take place virtually on Thursday 3rd November at 15:00 (CET). About Global Voice Group (GVG) Global Voice Group is a global provider of RegTech and Govtech solutions to governments and regulatory bodies. Since 2005, we have brought these institutions the benefits of Big Data analytics through advanced technological platforms that enable them to secure reliable and accurate data from crucial economic sectors. Our solutions effectively support them in their decision- and policy-making processes in various critical areas, such as financial inclusion, domestic revenue mobilization, sustainable development and regulatory compliance. Discover GVG's website: www.globalvoicegroup.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/996162/GVG_Logo.jpg Please note that the webinar will take place in English only, and that no interpretation services will be available. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding! SOURCE Global Voice Group Gluware expands Board of Directors and Advisory Council to lead the industry in pioneering new use cases and delivering the full potential of next-gen intelligent network automation at scale SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gluware , the leader in intelligent network automation, today announced the appointment of Michael J. Donahue and John Frazer to the Board of Directors and Joe Skorupa, William Barnes, Kevin Carney, Rajeev Khanolkar, Paul Melchiorre, and Brad Peters to the company's Advisory Council. Gluware, bolstered by insights from its growing slate of industry leaders, is accelerating efforts to educate enterprises and advance the adoption of network automation while furthering its vision for hyperautomation and self-operating networks. "Gluware is committed to providing the leading intelligent network automation platform and applications that deliver unprecedented value for our customers. We have made a concerted effort to bring together the best and brightest leaders in the industry who align with our powerful vision for the future of enterprise networking," said Jeff Gray, CEO and Co-founder of Gluware. "Michael, John, Joe, William, Kevin, Rajeev, Paul, and Brad will work with Gluware and our strategic partners to optimize the potential that network automation brings to enterprises for innovation and scale. We are thrilled to welcome these industry luminaries to our Executive Leadership Boards." Michael J. Donahue is currently a Board Director for WSFS Financial Corporation and served as a Board Director of Beneficial Corporation until the company's merger with WSFS. Previously, Donahue served as Global Chief Operating Officer of Consulting at KPMG, where he oversaw global technology for this $3.6 billion business. Donahue also led a global expansion program, completing 34 merger and acquisition transactions that added $1.1 billion of annual revenue. During his tenure, Donahue also served as Managing Partner, Technology Solutions, for KPMG's global consulting business. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors for KPMG LLP (US), KPMG Consulting KK (Japan), and as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KPMG Consulting AG (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Donahue led the IPO of KPMG Consulting, Inc., later renamed BearingPoint, Inc. "The global pandemic certainly moved the dial on the adoption of network automation to meet the new and dynamic needs of businesses of every size. There are no signs of this trend slowing down," said Donahue, Board of Directors, Gluware. "Network automation drives growth and delivers value in every industry across the globe. The Gluware intelligent network automation platform delivers cost savings, risk reduction, and top-line growth. I am thrilled to work with Gluware as the company continues to expand and capitalize on the vast opportunities ahead." John Frazer co-founded and managed Derivative Consulting Group hedge fund for 12 years. Prior to Derivative Consulting Group, Frazer spent eight years as a market maker on the floor of the Pacific Options Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California at Berkeley with a BS and an MS in Business and from Stanford University with an MS in Statistics. "The innovations in the Gluware platform set the stage for the rapid advancement of enterprise network transformation, scalability, and performance," said Frazer, Board of Directors, Gluware. "The prospects for Gluware are bright - the company is well-positioned and well-capitalized as the center of gravity for the network automation market. I look forward to working with Jeff and team to set the vision for the future as they bring hyperautomation and self-operating network capabilities to all pockets of industry." Joe Skorupa is a former Gartner Research VP/Distinguished Analyst with more than 40 years of experience in enterprise, service provider, and storage networking. During his tenure at Gartner, Joe defined and shaped the SASE market and carried out breakthrough research on CASCE, SD-WAN, SDN, and WAN optimization that resulted in three Gartner Thought Leader awards. A strategic advisor, Joe will serve as a Gluware thought leader and contribute a wealth of knowledge on the convergence of networking, security, and applications and the disruptive forces that shape those markets. "The automated network is the platform for digital transformation. Network automation presents an area of incredible potential for enterprises in the digital era, and Gluware is well positioned to lead the charge," said Skorupa, Gluware Advisor. "I believe we're going to see spectacular possibilities as robotic process automation and autonomous networking capabilities become more mainstream. I'm pleased to work with a company so committed to customer success and to leading this market and technology to its full potential." William Barnes is a CISO Advisor at World Wide Technology. He served as a cybersecurity executive at Pfizer for over 20 years, most recently as the Deputy CISO and Senior Director, Network Services and Cybersecurity Analytics. Barnes currently serves as the Vice Chief of Staff at U.S. Marine Forces Cyberspace Command. He also serves as an adjunct instructor of computer science at Connecticut College. In 2017, Barnes established the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (H-ISAC) cybersecurity analytics development working group, which he chaired through 2022, to promote a community-based approach for detecting cybersecurity threats. His background and experience will be invaluable as Gluware continues expanding its cybersecurity capabilities portfolio. "Gluware's intelligent network automation portfolio delivers massive value to customers. I chose to work with Gluware due to the caliber of the company's leadership and engineering teams, its community-based approach to continuously enhancing services, and the breadth and depth of its advanced automation solutions. No one else comes close," said Barnes, Gluware Advisor. "Gluware continues to make incredible strides in innovation and continuously brings together the best minds in the industry to drive business and technology advancements." Kevin Carney worked in enterprise networking for over 40 years. He was the former Principal Consultant and Network Architect at MasterCard, where he redesigned MasterCard's production and corporate networks. He is a long-standing supporter of automation to simplify network administration and reduce manual errors. Carney has been a featured speaker at various industry events and served on numerous customer advisory boards. He has deep technical expertise and brings a wealth of operational insights. "I look forward to working alongside Gluware's talented and forward-looking leaders," said Carney, Gluware Advisor. "Gluware has the portfolio and customer success teams to support every enterprise's network automation strategy. Together, we can help companies demystify their large-scale network automation implementations to achieve business outcomes quickly." Rajeev Khanolkar has served as President and CEO of SecurView for over 15 years. SecurView is a full-service security solutions company delivering security within the cloud and mobility space. SecurView has a global presence and extensive network security domain expertise, offering solutions for leading security technology companies like Cisco Systems, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and more. Khanolkar also served as the Founder and President of Netcom Systems. "Network automation is a mission-critical technology for improving security and mitigating risks. Business models are evolving and transforming faster than ever, and network performance and reliability are foundational to progress," said Khanolkar, Gluware Advisor. "Gluware has given customers the ability to ensure network performance, reliability, and agility while reducing risks and maintaining a strong security posture. I look forward to working with Gluware and the wider advisory team as we take automated enterprise networking to new levels." Paul Melchiorre is an Operating Partner at Stripes and serves as Chairman of the Board at R3. Melchiorre is also a board member at Legion Technology, a board member at Paradox, and a board observer at Dataiku. Throughout his career, Melchiorre has focused on assessing and advising SaaS portfolio companies on go-to-market strategies. Previously, he served as President and Chief Revenue Officer at Anaplan, a leading SaaS platform to facilitate financial planning and management. He contributed to its successful IPO in 2018 and saw the company grow from $80 million to over $300 million in Annual Recurring Revenue and a greater than $7 billion market capitalization. Melchiorre brings unique perspectives that will support Gluware's mission to accelerate network automation adoption. "It is an exciting time to join the Gluware Advisory Council. The destination is clear; automation is essential for enterprise networks and the future of the enterprise," said Melchiorre, Gluware Advisor. "The proven potential of intelligent automation to scale and transform business models and operations will only continue. Enterprises will rely on automation as the best way to keep pace with business demands and as an essential part in go-to-market strategies for the foreseeable future." Brad Peters is the current CEO of Scoop Analytics, a business application company designed to monitor, track, and visualize data across an organization. In 2005, Peters founded and served as CEO of Birst, which focused on high-end machine-learning-based analytical applications within the financial services sector. He served in this role until Birst was acquired by Infor, where he then transitioned to Senior Vice President and General Manager of Analytics and Business Intelligence. Peters continued to run the large, high-growth, fully multi-tenant SaaS business while managing the core BI, Analytics, and AI product families at Infor until 2019. Before Infor and Birst, Peters served as Senior Director of Analytics at Oracle, where he managed Siebel Systems, which is now Oracle's BI platform. "Gluware continues to be at the forefront of network automation. Gluware Network RPA delivers powerful self-operating functionality and capabilities that are new to the industry and meet customers' needs," said Peters, Gluware Advisor. "AI technology and AI-powered data and insights will deliver a new level of value and capabilities. I look forward to working with Gluware during this exciting next chapter as the company looks to take AI-powered network automation to new heights." Gluware's continued growth is a testament to its ease of use and ability to deliver rapid time to value by accelerating the adoption of strategic network automation efforts. Gluware has made several notable executive and advisory appointments in the last year to advance the development of innovations that deliver on the strategic network automation needs of industry-leading global enterprises. For more information on Gluware and the Gluware Intelligent Network Automation suite, please visit www.gluware.com . About Gluware Gluware is the leading intelligent network automation suite for the cloud era, trusted by Global 2000 enterprises, across industries, from Pharma to Finance. Gluware automates the networks of the world's largest and most complex enterprises by simplifying how multi-domain, multi-vendor enterprise networks are discovered, analyzed, and maintained. The company's code-free, intent-based approach to network automation reduces the business risk of unplanned outages and downtime while elevating the performance of people and systems. For more information, please visit www.gluware.com . Media Contact Dex Polizzi Lumina Communications for Gluware [email protected] SOURCE Gluware Listen to the full episode here NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On this week's episode of "As a Matter of Fact... with Andrew Cuomo", Governor Andrew Cuomo sits down with Trump Administration Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. Governor Cuomo also takes a close look at politics today with the midterm elections around the corner. "Republican leadership has allowed their extreme social conservative right-wing to push them way too far that they are now out of sync with the nation and probably their own party, and they're going to pay the price in the upcoming elections," said Governor Cuomo. "But I also believe that Democrats shouldn't rely on Republicans losing. Democrats should run an affirmative campaign on why they should win." In the episode, the Governor also urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to put the Respect for Marriage Act which would codify marriage protections for same-sex couples and their children to a floor vote immediately. The Governor believes Democrats should stop playing politics with values that the vast majority of Americans hold, and force Congressional Republicans to an up-or-down vote. With the goal of presenting listeners with frank, fact-driven analysis on the day's most pressing issues, "As a Matter of Fact... with Andrew Cuomo" features the Governor having solution-oriented discussions with current and former elected officials across the ideological spectrum, policy experts, political strategists, journalists, thought leaders, and celebrities who will speak from firsthand experience. Governor Cuomo will also address listener questions each week on topics that matter to them. "As a Matter of Fact with Andrew Cuomo" can be accessed exclusively through the Quake Media app (available for download on Apple and Android), at QuakeMedia.com, and on Apple Podcasts. The first two episodes of "As a Matter of Fact ...with Andrew Cuomo", including today's inaugural episode, will be free on Apple Podcasts and the Quake Media YouTube channel. About Quake Quake is a leading source for exclusive, premium podcast content from America's most prolific commentators, all of whom will provide passionate commentary on a regular basis. Quake can be accessed through the QuakeMedia app (available for download on Apple and Android) and at QuakeMedia.com. About Governor Cuomo Born into an Italian-American family and raised in Queens, Governor Andrew Cuomo spent a lifetime dedicated to public service. The son of Matilda and the late Governor Mario Cuomo, Andrew Cuomo learned from a young age the importance of fighting for equality and opportunity. His father's legacy of public service remains an inspiration in Andrew's life. After graduating from Fordham University and Albany Law School, Governor Cuomo led his father's campaign for governor, and later served as an assistant district attorney in New York. He became committed to fighting homelessness, an issue that led him to serve in President Clinton's Cabinet as HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Secretary, and continues to be a driving force to this day. As Attorney General of New York and then Governor for more than 10 years, Andrew Cuomo has vindicated the promise of progressive government by heeding a simple philosophy: deliver real change in real time for real people. Time and again, Governor Cuomo fought for and successfully delivered progressive accomplishments including marriage equality, the most comprehensive paid family leave policy in the nation, a $15 minimum wage, free college tuition for New York's middle class, a ban on fracking and the nation's smartest gun safety laws. Under Andrew Cuomo's leadership New York once again became the nation's beacon for social progress with a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, a fairer criminal justice system, and more high school graduates attending college than ever before. During his tenure, New York conserved more land, enacted a more progressive tax code, and launched the most ambitious infrastructure program in the country rebuilding LaGuardia and JFK airports, Penn Station, building the Second Avenue Subway extension, and the new Mario Cuomo bridge, while making historic investments in education, healthcare, and economic development. Andrew Cuomo is the father to three daughters: Cara, Mariah, and Michaela. Media Contact: Ashley Hoffbeck [email protected] SOURCE Quake Media Total Revenue of SEK 67m in the third quarter 2022 Positive reimbursement decisions received in Poland and Scotland $70 million raised in non-dilutive financing Imlifidase included in ESOT guidelines published in Transplant International LUND, Sweden, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hansa Biopharma, the pioneer in immunomodulatory enzyme technology for rare IgG mediated diseases, today announced its business update and interim report for January to September 2022. Highlights for the third quarter 2022 Total Q3 revenue of SEK 67m including SEK 23m in product sales and SEK 44m under our agreements with Sarepta and AskBio including in product sales and under our agreements with Sarepta and AskBio Positive reimbursement decisions received in Poland and Scotland for Idefirix in highly sensitized kidney transplant patients. Market access has now been secured in nine European countries and procedures are ongoing in eight countries, including Spain , Italy and Belgium . and for Idefirix in highly sensitized kidney transplant patients. Market access has now been secured in nine European countries and procedures are ongoing in eight countries, including , and . First patient treated in the post-authorization efficacy study (PAES) of imlifidase in highly sensitized kidney transplant patients, at the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona . . $70 million non-dilutive financing executed with NovaQuest to support continued development of the company's antibody-cleaving enzyme technology platform. The transaction extends Hansa's cash runway through 2024. non-dilutive financing executed with NovaQuest to support continued development of the company's antibody-cleaving enzyme technology platform. The transaction extends Hansa's cash runway through 2024. The European Society for Organ Transplantation's (ESOT) guidelines for desensitization treatment of highly sensitized kidney transplant patients published in Transplant International in August 2022 . Guidelines include imlifidase and provide a new clinical practice tool for healthcare professionals and represents the first international consensus on a management pathway for highly sensitized patients. . Guidelines include imlifidase and provide a new clinical practice tool for healthcare professionals and represents the first international consensus on a management pathway for highly sensitized patients. Hansa received Great Place to Work certification for the third consecutive year. The 2022 certification is based on a company-wide survey completed by 99% of Hansa employees. Clinical pipeline update U.S. ConfIdeS: 39 out of the targeted 64 patients have been enrolled for randomization in the pivotal U.S. open label, randomized, controlled trial of imlifidase in kidney transplant with the aim of completing enrollment by the end of this year, as previously guided. The aim is to complete randomization in the first half 2023, while a BLA submission is expected in 2024 under the accelerated approval path. AMR: After completing enrollment in Q2-22, the first data read out is expected toward end of 2022 as previously guided. The AMR study is a randomized, open-label, multicenter, active control study designed to evaluate efficacy of imlifidase in eliminating donor specific antibodies (DSA) in the treatment of active episodes of acute and chronic acute AMR in kidney transplant patients, in comparison to plasma exchange. GBS: In the Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) phase2 trial, 20 out of a target of 30 patients have been enrolled. Several initiatives have been implemented to support enrollment including simplifying the protocol and increasing capacity at the center level. New centers were also added before and over the summer with further measures being taken to accelerate recruitment in the coming months. The aim is to complete enrollment of GBS patients H2 2022/H1 2023. Anti-GBM: Preparations to commence a phase 3 study later this year, as previously guided, are on track with a protocol in place and approved by FDA. Selection of investigators and site set up activities are now ongoing. Financial summary SEKm, unless otherwise stated - unaudited Q3 2022 Q3 2021 9M 2022 9M 2021 Revenue 67.1 4.9 123.8 18.5 SG&A expenses (83.5) (82.8) (254.2) (224.1) R&D expenses (90.4) (60.6) (254.0) (162.5) Loss from operation (139.5) (148.2) (442.3) (384.2) Loss for the period (154.0) (148.4) (462.5) (384.9) Net cash used in operations (128.7) (131.5) (392.6) (364.9) Cash and short-term investments 1,215.3 1,006.7 1,215.3 1,006.7 Shareholders' equity 344.8 899.6 344.8 899.6 EPS before and after dilution (SEK) (3.45) (3.34) (10.39) (8.65) Number of outstanding shares 44,588,118 44,473,452 44,588,118 44,473,452 Weighted avg. number of shares before and after dilution 44,588,118 44,473,452 44,517,974 44,473,452 Number of employees at the end of the period 145 127 145 127 Sren Tulstrup, President and CEO of Hansa Biopharma, comments "In July, we executed a $70 million non-dilutive financing transaction, strengthening our existing cash position to support the continued development of transformative drug candidates based on our unique antibody-cleaving enzyme technology platform and the commercial launch of Idefirix in Europe. So, I am pleased to see continued good execution of our market access and commercial launch activities across Europe. During the third quarter, we secured reimbursement in Scotland and Poland, and market access has now been secured in nine European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, while market access procedures continue to progress in eight additional countries, including Spain, Italy and Belgium. We also welcome the publication in Transplant International of the first international guidelines for desensitization treatment of highly sensitized kidney transplant patients by the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT). These guidelines, which are the first to include imlifidase, represent the first supranational consensus on a management pathway for highly sensitized patients and articulate the variability in definitions, approaches, outcomes as well as the perceived success of HLA-related transplantations. It is our expectation that these guidelines can help improve access to lifesaving kidney transplants for highly sensitized patients across Europe. In the U.S., our pivotal ConfIdeS trial in kidney transplantation is evaluating imlifidase as a potential desensitization therapy to enable kidney transplants in highly sensitized patients waiting for a deceased donor kidney through the U.S. kidney allocation system. Enrollment is progressing according to plan, with 39 out of a target of 64 patients now enrolled across the U.S. Randomization of all patients is aimed for completion in the first half of 2023 with BLA submission under the accelerated approval pathway in 2024. As for our AMR clinical development program, we look forward to the first data read-out from our phase 2 study later this year, following the completion of enrolment in May 2022. Acute AMR episodes post kidney transplantation occur in 5-7% of patients, with significant risk of patients losing graft function. There is currently no approved treatment for AMR. With respect to our GBS phase 2 program, we have implemented several significant initiatives to increase the enrolment rate and are taking further measures to increase the enrolment rate as the trial has been impacted by the pandemic in various ways, including shortage of IVIg as well as reduced availability of staff across a number of trial centers. We believe we will see an acceleration in recruitment due to these initiatives as well as higher infection rates as we approach the winter season. Completion of enrollment in the GBS trial is anticipated H2 2022/H1 2023. In anti-GBM, we plan to commence a pivotal phase 3 study of imlifidase following FDA's acceptance of Hansa's Investigational New Drug (IND) application earlier this year. The new study will enroll 50 patients across the EU and U.S. and will be initiated later this year, as previously guided. Lastly, I also want to highlight that Hansa Biopharma AB was recently certified as a Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year. This certification reflects our successful efforts over the past years to not only build and maintain a high-performance team, but also to create a rewarding and stimulating workplace for our employees. I look forward to keeping you updated on our continued progress, with several upcoming important milestones to be achieved across our platform and franchises as we continue the development of new, transformative medicines for patients suffering from serious, rare immunologic diseases." Upcoming milestones and news flow 2022 Anti-GBM: Initiation of phase 3 study 2022 NiceR: Completion of GLP tox studies H2 2022 AMR Phase 2 study: First data read out H2 2022 U.S. Kidney transplantation: Complete enrollment H2 2022/H1 2023 GBS Phase 2 study: Complete enrollment H1 2023 U.S. Kidney transplantation: Complete randomization H2 2023 GBS Phase 2 study: First data read out 2023 Long-term follow-up data 5-years out in kidney transplantation 2024 Kidney transplantation US: BLA submission Updated financial calendar 2022/2023 February 2, 2023 Year-end Report for January-December 2022 March 30, 2023 2022 Annual Report April 20, 2023 Interim Report for January-March 2023 June 14, 2023 2023 Annual General Meeting July 20, 2023 Half-year Report for January-June 2023 October 18, 2023 Interim Report for January-September 2023 Conference call details Hansa Biopharma will host a telephone conference today Thursday October 20 2022, 14:00 CET / 8:00am EST. The presentation will be held in English and be hosted by Hansa Biopharma's CEO, Sren Tulstrup, and CFO, Donato Spota. Slides used in the presentation will be live on the company website during the call under "Events & Presentation" and will also be made available online after the call. To participate in the telephone conference, please use the dial-in details provided below: Sweden (Local): 010 884 80 16 United Kingdom (Local): 020 3936 2999 United States (Local): +1 646 664 1960 Participant Access code: 178360 The webcast will be available on https://streams.eventcdn.net/hansa/interim-report-for-january-september-2022/ The interim report and latest investor presentation can be downloaded from our web Interim report January to September 2022 https://www.hansabiopharma.com/investors/financial-reports/ Investor road show presentation Q3, 2022 https://www.hansabiopharma.com/investors/presentations/ This is information that Hansa Biopharma AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the Securities Markets Act. For further information, please contact: Klaus Sindahl, Head of Investor Relations Hansa Biopharma Mobile: +46 (0) 709-298 269 E-mail: [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1219/3651449/1640962.pdf 20221020 HNSA - Q3 2022 Quarterly Report ENG FINAL SOURCE CISION AB SHANGHAI, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 10, 2022, Inceptio Technology, an autonomous driving truck technology and operating company, announced that the commercial operation mileage of trucks equipped with their level 3 autonomous "Xuanyuan" system has exceeded 10 million kilometers in China. The milestone is a result of autonomous driving industry's growing focus on mass production and commercial deployment. The heavy-duty truck preloaded with Inceptio's Xuanyuan system was first mass produced in late 2021. By now, Xuanyuan system has been preloaded to multiple heavy-duty truck models, which serve diversified line-haul freight demands such as heavy load and light cargo. The trucks powered by Inceptio's level 3 autonomous Xuanyuan system have been in daily commercial operations on a large scale due to their proven economical and safety superiority over manual driving trucks. The commercial operation covers China's four economic circles of the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and Central China, as well as the main transportation routes across China, serving nearly 20 leading logistics companies in the fields of express and less-than-truckload logistics. Unveiled in March 2021, Xuanyuan system is based on Inceptio's full stack autonomous technology and can effectively handle a variety of transport conditions, including changeable weather, day and night, plains or mountains, and light cargo or heavy loads. According to Julian Ma, Founder & CEO of Inceptio Technology, "The milestone of 10 million kilometers is a testimony to the strengths of our Xuanyuan system and the strong market demand of autonomous trucks. The development of our full-stack autonomous technology is accelerating by leveraging our fast-growing mass production volume and rapidly accumulating real-world data asset. We are confident to create more substantial economic and safety benefit to logistics customers through Xuanyuan System." About Inceptio Technology Inceptio Technology was founded in April 2018, with the mission to build a safer and more efficient line-haul logistics by providing industry-leading autonomous driving technologies for trucks and by operating a nationwide autonomous Transportation-As-A-Service (TaaS) freight network. For this mission, it develops full-stack proprietary autonomous driving technologies and work seamlessly with automotive industry in preloading its technologies and systems into mass-produced autonomous trucks. For more information about Inceptio Technology, please visit https://en.inceptio.ai SOURCE Inceptio Technology The Japanese Pharmacy Automation Systems Market is expected to register a growth rate of 8.9% during the forecast period. The pharmacy packaging and labelling system segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during 2022 -2032 NEWARK, Del., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global pharmacy automation systems market is projected to reach a value of about US$ 10.6 Bn by 2032, with the market growing at a strong CAGR of 8.0% from 2022 to 2032. Valued at US$ 4.6 Mn in 2021, the target market will likely reach US$ 4.9 Bn in 2022. The elevated usage of the pharmacy automation system in drug dispensing & packaging, drug storage, and inventory management is fueling the market growth of the same. Rising interest in automating the daily operations of pharmacies all over the world is supplementing the growth of the pharmacy automation systems market during the forecast period. Hospital and retail pharmacies are major contributors to the pharmacy automation systems market. More and more pharmacies across the world are adopting pharmacy automation systems to automate day-to-day activities to reduce human intervention, enhance operational efficiency, and lessen overstocking. These systems are used by both inpatient and outpatient pharmacies. Pharmacy automation systems also include properties like the ability to measure personalized medications, track and update consumers' information in a database, and monitor the all-over procedure of inventory management and distribution. Request a Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5079 Consequently, they are a suitable replacement for manual dispensing across drugstores. The installation of these systems has immensely improved the efficiency and security of storing, administering, filling, packaging, and labeling prescription medications. These considerations, coupled with other factors like the introduction of cost-effective automation solutions, incorporation of advancing technology into the target product, etc., are likely to drive the growth of the pharmacy automation systems market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the rising awareness of the benefits of pharmacy automation technologies is encouraging many small and mid-sized healthcare hospitals and retail pharmacies to replace their traditional pharmacy operation practices with these systems. This will boost the market prospects during the next decade. "Rising awareness of the advantages of pharmacy automation systems along with favorable government policies will supplement the global growth of the pharmacy automation systems market over the forecast period," says an FMI analyst. Key Takeaways: By end user, the hospital pharmacies segment will grow at a high CAGR over the forecast period. On the basis of application, drug dispensing and packaging will continue to dominate the global market growth. Accounting for 42.6% of the market share in 2021, the medication dispensing cabinets will present a steady growth over the assessment period. Germany's pharmacy automation systems market will register a 7.9% CAGR. pharmacy automation systems market will register a 7.9% CAGR. The pharmacy automation systems market in the U.S. will acquire a 56.6% share of the global market. Increasing number of pharmacies drives the target market growth in India . Get More Information on this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pharmacy-automation-systems-market-092017 Competitive Landscape AmerisourceBergen Corporation, Baxter International Inc., Swisslog Holdings AG, Care Fusion Corporation, Cerner Corporation, Kirby Lester LLC, Talyst, LLC., Omnicell Inc., and ScriptPro LLC among others are some of the major players in the pharmacy automation systems market profiled in the full version of the report. Key market players are keen on adopting tactics such as new product releases and increasing investments in research and development. These organizations are also focusing on employing mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaboration strategies to expand their consumer base. More Insights into Pharmacy Automation Systems Market Report In its latest report, FMI offers an unbiased analysis of the global pharmacy automation systems market, providing historical data from 2014 to 2021 and forecast statistics for 2022 to 2032. To understand the global market potential, growth, and scope, the market is segmented on the basis of product type (robotic dispensing machines, carousel storage, tablet splitters), application (drug dispensing & packaging, drug storage, inventory management), end user (hospital pharmacies, clinic pharmacies, retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, pharmaceutical SME's), and region. According to the latest FMI reports, based on segmentation, the medication dispensing cabinets segment will demonstrate steady growth owing to its higher rate of adoption. The drug dispensing and packaging segment held 47% of the market share in 2021 and will likely retain its lead while the hospital pharmacies segment is anticipated to register a high CAGR during the projection period. Based on region, the pharmacy automation systems market in Germany is projected to exhibit substantial growth, recording a positive CAGR of 7.9% during 2022-2032. A well-established and advancing healthcare sector, a rising geriatric population, growing concerns regarding improper inventory management, and the high cost of storing inventory are certain considerations that drive the growth of the target market in this country. Germany accounted for 3.3% of the global pharmacy automation systems market share in the year 2021. Other countries like India and the United States are predicted to present impressive growth in the pharmacy automation systems market over the forecast period. Report for Customization @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-5079 Key Market Segments Covered in Pharmacy Automation Systems Industry Research By Product: Medication Dispensing Cabinets Packaging & Labelling Machines IV Pharmacy Robotic Dispensing Machines Carousel Storage Tablet Splitters By Application: Drug Dispensing & Packaging Drug Storage Inventory Management By End User: Hospital Pharmacies Clinic Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies Mail Order Pharmacies Pharmaceutical SME's By Region: North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East and Africa (MEA) Table of Content 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand Side Trends 1.3. Supply-Side Trends 1.4. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 2.3. Inclusions and Exclusions 3. Key Market Trends 3.1. Key Trends Impacting the Market 3.2. Development/Innovation Trends 4. Key Success Factors 4.1. Product Features/ USPs Analysis 4.2. Product Adoption / Usage Analysis 4.3. Key Promotional Strategies, By Key Manufacturers 5. Market Background 5.1. Macro-Economic Factors 5.2. Forecast Factors - Relevance & Impact Request for Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/request-report-methodology/rep-gb-5079 Top Reports Related To Healthcare Market Insights Lab Automation Market Size - In 2022, the lab automation market was estimated to be worth US$ 1.90 billion. With the increasing adoption of lab automation across various end-use verticals, the lab automation market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% through 2032, reaching US$ 4.74 billion by 2032. Pharmacy Refrigerators Market Share - The global pharmacy refrigerators market is estimated to be valued US$ 552.3 million in 2022, rising to US$ 1,027 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 5.8 percent during the forecast period. Pharmacy And Drug Store Franchises Market Trends - The Pharmacy & Drug Store Franchises market consists of neighbourhood pharmacies, large domestic or global drug store chains, supermarkets, retailers with specific drug store departments and various pharmacy chains. Radiopharmaceuticals Market Growth - According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the radiopharmaceuticals market would be worth US$ 6.2 Billion in 2022. During the forecast period ranging from 2022-2032, radiopharmaceuticals uptake is anticipated to flourish at a value CAGR of 4.3% to reach US$ 9.5 Billion. Sphingolipids Market Demand - The global sphingolipids market was valued at about US$ 564.0 Mn in 2021, with the global market estimated to surge ahead at a CAGR of 5.1% to reach an estimated valuation of around US$ 991.8 Mn by the end of 2032. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/FMI_Logo.jpg SOURCE Future Market Insights The cloud-based, enterprise-wide transformation will also revamp CIRCOR's cybersecurity platform for uninterrupted service delivery BENGALURU, India, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced its collaboration with CIRCOR International, one of the world's leading providers of mission critical flow control products and services for the Industrial and Aerospace & Defense markets, to transform its IT infrastructure, service desk, and user support applications. As part of this strategic engagement, Infosys will work on transforming CIRCOR's IT landscape and modernize its IT infrastructure. CIRCOR selected Infosys for its strong system integration and automation capabilities, extensive partner network, and ability to effectively address client requirements. Through this collaboration, Infosys will transform IT services for CIRCOR's business users by deploying SLA-based managed IT services, improve processes, bring in agility into operations and will also modernize the local data centers and cloud landscapes. Infosys will additionally provide integrated services and use ServiceNow as an IT service management platform (ITSM) to support CIRCOR's infrastructure, applications, and operations. Further, Infosys will modernize CIRCOR's cybersecurity landscape, leveraging its Cyber Next platform and helping CIRCOR improve its cybersecurity capability maturity model (CMMC) compliance. The engagement aims to ensure significant cost savings through the duration of the program and enable year-on-year productivity improvements. Speaking about the collaboration, Pete Sattler, Chief Information Officer, CIRCOR, said, "The goal of our alliance with Infosys is to offer all our customers both internal and external faster and more reliable service, enhance our cybersecurity, and provide 24x7 monitoring for our global IT environment." Jasmeet Singh, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Manufacturing, Infosys, said, "We are delighted to collaborate with CIRCOR to fulfill its strategic business goals and accelerate its IT infrastructure transformation journey. With an in-depth understanding of CIRCOR's business priorities and challenges, Infosys will help improve IT service delivery and productivity through analytics, automation, and process maturity." About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses, and communities. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, in more than 50 countries, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by the cloud. We enable them with an AI-powered core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India and the US, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infosys PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Using its extensive experience gained fighting COVID-19 and other virus threats for over 20 years, Integral Molecular has launched an expanded collection of its Reporter Virus Particles (RVPs) that offer a safe and rapid method to study some of the most virulent pathogens including influenza, Ebola virus, and SARS-CoV-2. These critical reagents are used to safely screen patient sera for neutralizing antibody responses generated by protective vaccines. Integral Molecular's Reporter Virus Particles (RVPs) offer a safe and rapid method to study some of the most virulent pathogens including influenza, Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2. Integral Molecular's new RVP offerings feature influenza A H5N1, Ebola virus, and Marburg virus. The company also offers over 70 SARS-CoV-2 RVPs covering all variants of concern and interest, including Omicron BA.4, BA.5 and BA.4.6 subvariants. Integral Molecular has also created custom variants, as well as thousands of mutations in this safe RVP format to enable prediction of viral escape and the creation of better vaccines. RVPs are "pseudoviruses" that lack the viral components required to replicate and cause disease. Because they can't replicate, RVPs are safe to use under standard (BSL2) laboratory conditions. In contrast, studying the most deadly 'live' strains of viruses such as Ebola virus or pandemic strains of influenza requires highly restrictive (BSL4) facilities, which relatively few laboratories in the world possess. "With 20 years of experience studying viruses and vaccines, we are excited to launch new products that enable faster and safer vaccine development against the world's deadliest viruses," said Sharon Willis, PhD, co-founder of Integral Molecular. "With these safe research tools, the greater scientific community can ramp up studies of new viral threats as soon as they emerge." Integral Molecular's broad range of RVPs also includes a selection of influenza A and B seasonal strains, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. The company will host a virtual panel discussion of RVP tools for virology research on November 10, 2022. About Integral Molecular Integral Molecular (integralmolecular.com) is the industry leader in developing and applying innovative technologies that advance the discovery of therapeutics against difficult protein targets. With 20 years of experience focused on membrane proteins and antibodies, Integral Molecular's technologies have been integrated into the drug discovery pipelines of over 400 biotech and pharmaceutical companies to help discover new therapies for cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and viral threats such as SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, and dengue viruses. Press Contact: Integral Molecular, Inc. Soma Banik, PhD, Director of Public Relations 215-966-6061 [email protected] www.integralmolecular.com SOURCE Integral Molecular Fintech startup raises pre-seed funding; adds industry titans Ash Gupta and Chirag Arora to Board NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WageFi, a fintech company on a mission to help small businesses provide financial wellness benefits to their employees, today announced it has raised $400k in pre-seed funding from well-known angel investors with deep fintech experience, including former CRO of American Express Ash Gupta, former American Express EVP Manish Gupta, former Goldman Sachs Managing Director & current COO at Nirvana Dipanjan Bhattacharjee, and CRO of BlueVine Mira Srinivasan. 72 percent of Americans face some kind of financial uncertainty or stress at least once per year due to cash flow issues. Compounding the problem, the population that needs that cash the most often has to pay a steep price to access it, and can find themselves in an endless loan/debt cycle. As a result, a number of direct-to-consumer earned/early wage access providers have entered the market in order to put cash in people's hands when they need it. However, those solutions generally require users to link their bank account or create a new one before they can receive funds, resulting in a cumbersome user process. This isn't just a problem for employees it impacts employers too. Financial uncertainty leads to more than $300 billion in annualized losses for employers due to decreased productivity or employee turnover. So there is a real business need and incentive to help employees feel more financially secure week-to-week. WageFi is reimagining how the wages are delivered to employees in order to help alleviate that stress, while enabling small businesses to provide their workers with financial wellness benefits. WageFi's platform integrates seamlessly with an employer's existing payroll, accounting, and banking platforms to provide employees with earned wage access at no fee. Once onboarded, employers will get a white-labeled prepaid debit card for every employee that is enrolled on the system that can be used for additional features like expense reimbursements or employee rewards. WageFiis building an API-based proprietary platform to expedite the integration. "Wagefi is solving a critical problem faced by over 50 million people who need access to cash before their scheduled paycheck," said Ash Gupta. "Often, cash access is challenging and even when available the cost can be exorbitant. Naturally, many startups and medium sized companies are addressing the need through a direct to customer solution. Wagefi's approach is unique and innovative - we are working with both employers and employees - and are creating offerings that are transparent, easy to access and very low cost." "Businesses need to understand that the financial health and stability of their employees means much more to the company's bottom line than just how much they're paid," said Prshant Batra, founder & CEO of WageFi. "The payment ecosystem is not aligned specifically for the subprime population. We are on a mission to launch a closed loop solution which will create value for all players involved." Prior to WageFi, Batra was Head of Implementation at Marcus (by Goldman Sachs) leading the development of the decision engine for Apple Card, GM Card, Personal Loans and Deposits business. He has more than a decade of experience in financial services across multiple roles in risk, data, oversight, and engineering. About WageFi WageFi is a fintech company building a financial ecosystem on payroll data. We are on a mission to help small businesses offer honest financial solutions to their hard-working employees. For more information, visit wagefi.co. "This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com." James Christopherson PR Manager WageFi [email protected] SOURCE WageFi Bomrad to lead all HR initiatives as Kalderos grows its team this year by as much as 35%. CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare technology company Kalderos, creator of the healthcare industry's first Drug Discount Management platform, today announced Lisa Bomrad as its first Chief People Officer. Bomrad joins Kalderos as the company looks to expand its team by as much as 35 percent by the end of 2022. Kalderos has already expanded its customer base by 40 percent since the year began fueled by significant adoption among the safety-net provider (covered entity) community. Lisa Bomrad, Chief People Officer, Kalderos A seasoned leader in the development and implementation of workforce strategies, Bomrad will drive all people operations, enabling Kalderos to deliver on critical business objectives essential to the company's next phase of growth. The company has nearly doubled its customer count since the start of the year and is seeing 20x engagement with the Kalderos platform among covered entities since 2018. As a result, Kalderos expects to double its revenue this year. "While our industry-leading technology continues to generate rapid adoption in the Drug Discount Management market, it's the people who work at Kalderos that are the single most important key to our long-term success," said Kalderos CEO Brent Dover. "Lisa has an unmatched background and reputation for building and scaling high-performing teams, and she has tremendous enthusiasm and passion for helping employees advance in their careers. We are confident that she will preserve and add to our incredible company culture that's built on employee engagement, compassion and mutual respect for our mission." Prior to Kalderos, Bomrad led human resources for other high-growth, early-stage companies, including Homethrive, Inc., Farmer's Fridge, Home Chef, LLC, and Meritas. She also has deep experience working for large corporations like Aramark and Abbott Laboratories. Bomrad received an MBA in Human Resource Management from DePaul University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa. "Kalderos is at the forefront of innovation in healthcare, and its mission to help the providers treating our most vulnerable communities is among the main reasons I look forward to leading the people team," said Bomrad. "While Kalderos already has an amazing culture and leadership team, I'm ready to apply my experience to create a world-class team that will both retain and attract the best talent." To enable future growth, Kalderos is investing heavily in people development and culture. About Kalderos Kalderos is a data infrastructure and analytics company that created the healthcare industry's first Drug Discount Management platform, simplifying drug discount program compliance for all stakeholders. The platform applies sophisticated data models and algorithms to identify and resolve noncompliance, with collaboration-oriented solutions built for both drug manufacturers and providers. Based in Chicago, Kalderos was founded in 2016 by a team dedicated to reducing inefficiencies in the U.S. healthcare system, empowering everyone to focus on the health of people. More information can be found at www.kalderos.com . SOURCE Kalderos KBR's Sponsorship Also Extended to Army Ten-Miler Shadow Run Series HOUSTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today it once again served as co-lead sponsor of the 38th Annual Army Ten-Miler and, for the first time this year, proudly served as the official sponsor of the Army Ten-Miler Shadow Run Series. This year, the signature Army Ten-Miler race returned to in-person running on Sunday, Oct. 9 in Washington, D.C. KBR has been a major sponsor of this event since 2005. The Army Ten-Miler is the third largest 10-mile race in the world, with a mission to support Army outreach, build morale and promote physical fitness. This year, the race attracted approximately 20,000 runners and hundreds of volunteers. To date, the Army Ten-Miler has generated more than $8 million for the Army's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. At the race, KBR's sponsorship provided free shuttle service, hospitality tents, water, pre-packaged meal boxes, and a reunion area where family and friends connect with runners. KBR also sponsored the Hooah Tent Zone where attendees and soldiers mingled after the race. Within the zone, KBR continued its tradition of serving Wisconsin bratwursts and provided a photo booth to document the day. The Army Ten-Miler Shadow Run Series provides an opportunity for Army personnel and families stationed overseas to participate in the race. KBR's sponsorship covered MWR-hosted Shadow Run events at 22 sites across four continents, with a total of 3,500 runners. "We were thrilled to be back in person this year at the Army Ten-Miler, continuing our support for America's soldiers and their families," said Byron Bright, President, KBR Government Solutions U.S. "We're also equally excited to be a part of this year's Shadow Run Series. Whether at the finish line or the frontlines, KBR supports U.S. armed forces around the world. So, we're honored to bring this opportunity to our servicemembers both stateside and overseas." This year, KBR also donated booth space for the Army Ten-Miler Expo at the D.C. Armory to Wear Blue: Run to Remember, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to honor the service and sacrifice of the American military through active remembrance. On Oct. 7 and 8, all Army Ten-Miler runners picked up race packets at the Expo where they had an opportunity to learn more about Wear Blue: Run to Remember. KBR has provided mission-critical military solutions since WWII. The company helps ensure troop readiness and delivers the systems and technologies that enable the U.S. Army to maintain its competitive advantage in conflict and in peacetime. Known for pioneering leading-edge solutions, KBR lends its domain expertise to the U.S. military, NASA, foreign allies and commercial customers. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission-critical roles in 34 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit www.kbr.com Forward Looking Statement The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the company's ability to respond to the resulting challenges and business disruption; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; changes in capital spending by the company's customers; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; the possibility of cyber and malware attacks; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company. The company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. SOURCE KBR, Inc. THE HAGUE, Amsterdam, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- KCB Bank Kenya customers now have an opportunity to seamlessly receive funds from the diaspora to their accounts in Kenya, powered by a partnership with Mobex (an affiliate company of TerraPay Group, a UK-headquartered digital payments infrastructure and solutions provider). With TerraPay onboard, KCB Bank seeks to fortify its position as a key player in strengthening the global payments ecosystem by giving its customers access to simple, competitive, and faster services leveraging the growing demand for digital channels. Speaking on the announcement, KCB Bank Director of Retail Banking, Mrs. Annastacia Kimtai said, "We are reaffirming our commitment to harness technology and strategic partnerships in ensuring that our customers continue to enjoy the freedom of modern banking. What we are doing is we are utilizing fintech capabilities to build linkages and strategic partnerships with like-minded partners to ensure that our customers have access to top-of-class remittance services." The Bank has been at the forefront of actively championing and accelerating financial inclusion through leveraging collaborations with fintech institutions to become a major processor of remittances and payments around the world. On his part, the Founder and CEO of TerraPay, Ambar Sur, said, "This is an exciting time for cross-border payments. We have no doubt that this new partnership with KCB Bank will help us remove the barriers around cross-border money transfers through seamless, secure, and real-time payments across Africa and Asia." Data from the Central Bank of Kenya indicates that remittance inflows into Kenya grew by 13.2% year-on-year as of September 2022 from $ 3.5Bn (Kshs. 427Bn) in 2021 to $ 4Bn (Kshs. 484Bn). This was accelerated by advances in technological innovations that helped people overcome the economic struggles brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. About KCB Bank Kenya Ltd KCB Bank Kenya Limited is the largest commercial bank in the country. A subsidiary of KCB Group Plc, the Bank has the largest branch network, with over 200 branches, 367 ATMs and 16,000 agents offering banking services on a 24/7 basis in East Africa. This is complemented by mobile banking and internet banking services with a 24-hour contact center services for our customers to get in touch with the Bank. KCB Group Plc - which also has presence in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda and a representative office in Ethiopia also boasts of a wide network of correspondent relationships totaling over 200 banks across the globe and our customers are assured of a seamless facilitation of their international trade requirements wherever they are. For further information, please contact Judith Sidi-Odhiambo - Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs; email: [email protected] About TerraPay Headquartered in the UK, TerraPay believes that the smallest payment deserves a borderless journey as safe as the largest. The group has been building an ever-expanding payments highway that empowers businesses to create transparent customer experiences with an uninterrupted, secure, and real-time global passage for every payment, however small or large. Regulated and approved in across 26 global markets, TerraPay is a leading global partner to banks, mobile wallets, money transfer operators, merchants, and financial institutions, creating a more expansive and inclusive international financial ecosystem. With access to a payments infrastructure that spans the globe, their partners become beacons of the promise of global financial inclusion. For further information, please contact Anwesha Mukherjee, Senior Manager, Brand & Marketing, email: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925775/KCB_Logo.jpg SOURCE TerraPay -Codes Good Through Early Voting Period and on Election Day- -Partners Include St. Luke Community UMC and Texans Taking Action- DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C. announced its partnership with St. Luke Community UMC and Texans Taking Action for its voter rideshare program, "Lift To The Polls," which ensures that Dallas/Fort Worth voters have a ride to the polls on election day, Tuesday, November 8. The program also provides voters a free Lyft ride code for transportation to the polls through the early voting period, October 24-November 4. Ride codes are limited; interested voters should call the law firm's offices at 945-HOU-STON/945-468-7866 or visit GetRightLawyers.com. There has always been a long history rallying voters ridesharing in the Black community to drive change. In this spirit, the partnerships with Texans Taking Action and St. Luke Community UMC expand the grassroots reach of the program. "Regardless of political affiliation, we want every eligible voter to participate," said Houston M. Smith, founder, and principal of the law office. "There are too many critical issues at stake nationally and in our community not to encourage voter participation. We're doing our part to bridge the gap. We're extremely proud to partner with Texans Taking Action and St. Luke Community UMC to target overlooked and disenfranchised voters and provide them a ride to the polls. Through its "Souls to the Polls" initiative, St. Luke Community UMC is working towards getting 100% of eligible voters to the polls. The church is strategically targeting college students and seniors in nursing homes with its outreach efforts. "Our ancestors paid a heavy priceand often the ultimate pricefighting for our right to vote. Our current generations' responsibility is to exercise this right," said Richie Butler, St. Luke Community UMC's senior pastor. "When we come together and vote, the results can positively impact our society for years to come." Texans Taking Action is continuing to target underrepresented voters, including students and apartment residents in Dallas County, and will be knocking on doors every weekend through election day. "Many of our communities are often taken for granted and so it is important to knock on the doors of voters in order to mobilize them into actually voting. They need to know that their voice and vote matter," said Millie Domenech, co-founder of Texans Taking Action. The "Lift To The Polls" program was initially launched by the Law Office of Houston M. Smith for the Texas Primary in February 2022. About The Law Offices Houston M. Smith, P.C. Founded in 1993 by Houston M. Smith, the law firm has a primary focus on serious personal injury and wrongful death, medical negligence, and product liability. With a focus on justice, the firm has secured numerous seven-figure jury trial verdicts and settlements. The Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C. services clients throughout Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. About Texans Taking Action Texans Taking Action is a newly formed non-partisan grassroots organization created to fight voter suppression in Texas by expanding the electorate through voter registration and education in underserved communities, including students, communities of color, and apartment dwellers. About St. Luke Community UMC Since 1933 St. Luke Community UMC has been a local and national leader in exercising Kingdom-minded principles to help make "liberty and justice for all" a reality. In 2023, St. Luke will celebrate 90 years of sharing The Gospel, transforming lives, and making disciples for Jesus Christ. Media Contact Omar Thompson (972) 800-5690 [email protected] SOURCE The Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C. NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/-- The Insight Partners published latest research study on " LED Lighting Market Size, Share, Revenue, Growth Strategy, Industry Trends and Forecast to 2028 COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product Type; Application; End-user, and Geography", the global LED lighting market size is expected to grow from USD 57.5 billion in 2021 to USD 117.1 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2022 to 2028. Download Sample PDF Brochure of LED Lighting Market Size - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis with Strategic Insights at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100001052/ Global LED Lighting Market Report Scope, Segmentations, Regional & Country Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Size Value in USD 57.5 Billion in 2021 Market Size Value by USD 117.1 Billion by 2028 Growth rate CAGR of 10.7% from 2022 to 2028 Forecast Period 2022-2028 Base Year 2021 No. of Pages 150 Historical data available Yes Segments covered Product Type, Application, End-user, and Geography Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA Country scope US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Companies Covered Philips Lighting; Sharp Corporation; Cree Inc.; Nichia Corporation; General Electric Lighting; Samsung Electronics; OSRAM Licht AG; Panasonic Corporation; Cooper Industries, Inc.; Toshiba International Corporation Key Research Capabilities Global Market Assessment, Business Development Strategies, Competitive Landscape, Opportunity Analysis, Regional and Country Level Market Analysis, Market Entry Strategies, Market Dynamics, Risk and Return Assessments, Pricing Analysis, Market Size and Forecasting, Company Profiling, Value Chain Analysis, Expansion Strategies, SWOT Analysis, New Product Development Global LED Lighting Market Forecast to 2028 - Latest COVID- 19 Analysis https://www.theinsightpartners.com/covid-analysis- sample/TIPTE100001052/ Browse key market insights spread across 150 pages with list of tables & list of figures from the report, "LED Lighting Market Forecast to 2028 COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product Type ( Lamps, Luminaires ); Application ( Indoor Lighting, Outdoor Lighting ); End-user ( Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Government Bodies ), and Geography" in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/led-lighting-market Global LED Lighting Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments Philips Lighting; Sharp Corporation; Cree Inc.; Nichia Corporation; General Electric Lighting; Samsung Electronics; OSRAM Licht AG; Panasonic Corporation; Cooper Industries, Inc.; and Toshiba International Corporation are the key global LED lighting market players profiled in the report. Many market players in the LED lighting market follow organic and inorganic growth strategies, such as product launches, product developments, market expansion, partnerships, collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions, to remain competitive in the LED lighting market. A few of the examples are mentioned below: In April 2022, OSRAM GmbH launched high-performance LINEARlight FLEX LED strips for outdoor and indoor applications. LINEARlight FLEX Colormix RGB and RGBW offer vibrant colors which enhance the user's lighting experience. The new LINEARlight FLEX products are ideally suited for retail, hospitality, and outdoor lighting. In January 2022, Signify launched a new range of Philips Hue smart lighting products designed for the perfect ambiance inside and outside the home. Inquiry Before Purchase: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100001052/ In November 2021, Eureka, an established leader in decorative lighting solutions, announced the launch of its Billie large-scale architectural luminaire. In July 2021, Signify acquired Telensa Holdings Ltd, a UK-based expert in smart cities' wireless monitoring and control systems. On 10 June 2021, Syska introduced two new LED lighting products, i.e., the T5 LED Batten- SSK-SQ2201 and Syska T5 LED Batten SSK-SQ2201 in India for US$ 5.79 and US$ 7.08, respectively. These LED lighting products are beneficial for employees who are working from home through dim lighting. These products also help avoid fire accidents. In May 2021, Luminis, an Acuity brand, introduced decorative shrouds and 180-degree shield options for its Lumistik family of luminaires. LED stands for light-emitting diode, which generates light through a process known as electroluminescence. A few major benefits of using LED lights are a long lifespan, design flexibility, no heat or UV emissions, dimming capabilities, low voltage operation, energy efficiency, and the ability to operate in cold conditions. As per the Department of Energy, if companies, businesses, governmental organizations/associations, and individuals switch to LED lighting by 2027, 348 terawatt-hours of electricity could be saved. That is equivalent to the yearly output of 44 large electric power plants and results in savings of approx. $30 billion for companies, businesses, and individuals in the US. Speak to Research Expert: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/speak-to-analyst/TIPTE100001052 The increasing demand for energy-efficient products, updation/modifications in existing lighting products using LED technology, rising environmental concerns, and technological innovations have fueled the growth of the LED lighting market. The other important factors driving the growth of the global LED lighting market are competitive manufacturing costs, large-scale industrial constructions, and a high economic growth rate. Global Lighting Associations, LACMA, American National Standards Institute, International Electrotechnical Commission, and China Compulsory Certification are the major regulatory bodies regulating LED product certification. The government bodies of various developed and developing countries focus on lowering energy consumption by imposing various regulations. Such initiatives helped them consume less energy, ensure consumer safety, and monitor environment-related issues. The adoption of LED lights largely meets these requirements. Thus, strict government regulations on LED products are anticipated to drive global LED lighting market growth. Asia Pacific led the LED lighting market in 2021, with a market share of more than 40%. The region is anticipated to witness a high CAGR during the forecast period. Major factors aiding the demand for LED lighting are infrastructure development activities in developing countries (such as India), coupled with increasing government initiatives related to energy saving. Furthermore, China, Japan, and India are major contributors to the growth of global LED lighting market, due to the booming construction industry and the presence of many market players offering LED lighting products for various applications, such as residential, commercial, and industrial. With infrastructure development, rapid industrialization, and continuous improvement in the standard of living. China led the LED lighting market in 2021 in the Asia Pacific. Also, the Government of China is focusing on increased expenditure on public infrastructure, and a constant increase in industrial and commercial building construction projects is likely to fuel the growth of global LED lighting market. In India, the LED lighting market is majorly driven by various strategic initiatives the players take. For instance, Nirvana Light participated in LED EXPO'22, organized in Mumbai, India. The company got a chance to display its newest range of LED lighting products and meet renowned interior designers, architects, electrical consultants, lighting designers, etc., from the industry. Further, in 2020, as per the data by the Ministry of Power, the government deployed approx. Three hundred sixty-six million LED lights; the Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a government-owned energy services firm, as part of the LED Street Lighting National Programme- installed >10 million LED smart streetlights. Quickly Purchase Premium Copy of LED Lighting Market Growth Report (2022-2028) at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPTE100001052/ Go through further research published by The Insight Partners: Security Robots Market - The global security robots market size is expected to grow from US$ 31 billion in 2021 to US$ 75 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2022 to 2028. Diabetes Therapeutics Market - The global diabetes therapeutic market size is expected to grow from USD 58.46 billion in 2021 to USD 91.73 billion by 2028, with an estimated CAGR of 6.8% from 2022 to 2028. Molded Interconnect Devices Market - The global molded interconnect device (MID) market size is expected to grow from US$ 1,203.5 million in 2021 to US$ 2,711.9 million by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2022 to 2028. Digital Education Market - The global digital education market size is expected to grow from US$ 11.62 billion in 2021 to US$ 54.95 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 26.1% between 2022 and 2028. Biometric System Market - The global biometric system market size is expected to grow from US$ 43 billion in 2021 to US$ 85 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.5% between 2022 and 2028. Wifi-as-a-Service Market - The global wi-fi as a service market size is projected to grow from US$ 3.66 billion in 2021 to US$ 13.34 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.5% during 20222028. Sound Recognition Market - The global sound recognition market size is projected to grow from US$ 3.84 billion in 2021 to US$ 9.70 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2022 to 2028. Network Transformation Market - The global network transformation market size is expected to grow from US$ 19.27 billion in 2021 to US$ 175.34 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 40.6% between 2022 and 2028. Molded Interconnect Devices (MID) Market - The global molded interconnect device (MID) market size is expected to grow from US$ 1,203.5 million in 2021 to US$ 2,711.9 million by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2022 to 2028. Data Collection and Labeling Market - The global data collection and labeling market size is expected to grow from US$ 1.82 billion in 2021 to US$ 9.07 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 27.2% between 2022 and 2028. Customer Data Platform Market - The global customer data platform market size is expected to grow from US$ 2,672.5 Mn in 2021 to US$ 14,847.1 Mn by 2028 at a CAGR of 28.2% between 2022 and 2028. Vehicle Tracking Systems Market - The global vehicle tracking systems market size is expected to grow from US$ 13.67 billion in 2021 to US$ 23.70 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2022 to 2028. Autonomous Last Mile Delivery Market - The global autonomous last mile delivery market size is expected to grow from US$ 57.67 billion in 2021 to US$ 68.95 billion by 2028; it is expected to register a CAGR of 3.0% from 2022 to 2028. ISDN Modem Market - The global ISDN modem market size was valued US$ 982.97 thousand in 2022, it is estimated to register a CAGR of -80.6% from 2022 to 2024. Semiconductor Bonding Market - The global semiconductor bonding market size was valued US$ 669.48 million in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2028. Recycled Ocean Plastics Market - The global recycled ocean plastics market size was valued at US$ 14,432.91 million in 2022, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2022 to 2028. EDM Wire Market - The global EDM wire market size is expected to grow from US$ 1,497.50 million in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2022 to 2028. Seam Welding Machine Market - The global seam welding machine market size was valued US$ 1,142.87 million in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2022 to 2028. Electric Coolant Pump Market - The global electric coolant pump market size was valued US$ 467.46 million in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2022 to 2028. Smart Manufacturing Market - The global smart manufacturing market size was valued US$ 258.72 billion in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2022 to 2028. Respiratory Care Devices Market - The global respiratory care devices market size is expected to grow from US$ 18,114.31 million in 2021 to US$ 32,761.82 million by 2028; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 8.9% from 2021 to 2028. About Us: The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Sameer Joshi E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Press Release: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/led-lighting-market Industry Research: https://www.einpresswire.com/newsroom/the_insight_partners/ | https://www.whatech.com/og/markets-research/companies/the-insight-partners-2019-05-20 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586348/The_Insight_Partners_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Insight Partners CINCINNATI, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LuckyTruck, the tech-enabled retail insurance agent focused exclusively on trucking, announced today it raised a $2.4m seed extension. Led by Candid Insurance Investors, an angel network of top P&C insurance industry CEO's, this round brings LuckyTruck's total funding to $6.5m. Parker Beauchamp of Markd, an insurance focused venture capital firm, made a significant contribution to the round as well. "The modern reality of trucking needs a solution like LuckyTruck" Parker Beauchamp Tweet this LuckyTruck Truck Insurance Provider "Trucking has become more complex and that requires a higher level of company flexibility," said Beauchamp. "The modern reality of trucking needs a solution like LuckyTruck. I'm eager to see LuckyTruck bring the space into the future, and I am confident in their vision. LuckyTruck understands the industry's need to modernize the purchase and management of trucking insurance." Draper University Ventures and SiriusPoint also participated in the round. As a part of the raise, industry titan and former advisor/board member to LuckyTruck, Julie Zimmer, is joining the team as CEO. Julie brings over 30 years of experience in insurance and insurtech, most recently, serving as Head of Insurance at Flexport. Prior, she served as Chief Operations Officer at Embroker and ran HUB International's middle market team globally. "I see LuckyTruck at the forefront of the digitization of commercial trucking insurance," said Zimmer. "The growth of the business under Devin's leadership has been tremendous I'm looking forward to building on his mission of taking the friction out of trucking insurance and providing a valuable service to the overall supply chain." LuckyTruck has experienced unprecedented growth in 2022, the team has grown from 25 employees in January to 60+ in October. Further, the company has grown to 700+ active customers in just 4 short years. With NPS scores consistently over 70, it's evident that the LuckyTruck platform is meeting the needs of trucking insurance customers across the country. LuckyTruck is the only retail agent that brings together all the essential pieces of the insurance purchase and management processes in one easy-to-use digital platform, leveraging data and automation to take the friction out of all aspects of the customer journey. With additional funding and Zimmer on board, LuckyTruck is looking forward to advancing its digital insurance and financial solutions for the industry. About LuckyTruck Launched in 2019, LuckyTruck is a modern insurance platform for commercial trucking. It is the first all-in-one retail platform exclusively focused on the trucking insurance market. For more information, visit https://www.luckytruck.com/. About Candid Insurance Investors Candid Insurance Investors is an angel network of CEO's with a combined 150 years of experience in the P&C insurance industry. The network is connected to every major P&C insurance company in the country. For more information, visit https://www.candidinvestors.com/. About Markd Based in Boulder, Colorado, Markd is a venture capital company focused on funding and partnering with transformative insurtechs. Markd's mission is to power substantial work and continually inspire more ideas to prevent hurt and loss. For more information, visit https://markd.vc/. About Draper University Ventures Based in San Francisco, California, Draper University Ventures is an accelerator, incubator and fund dedicated to alumni of Draper University. For more information, visit https://www.draperuniversity.com/. About SiriusPoint Headquartered in Bermuda, SiriusPoint is a global insurer and reinsurer providing solutions to clients and brokers in almost 150 countries. For more information, visit https://www.siriuspt.com/. Media Contact: Lara McKeithan [email protected] SOURCE LuckyTruck, Inc. TAIPEI, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Acupuncture, originated in ancient Chinese medicine, has become a well-known complementary treatment worldwide in recent years. To help medical students better understand how it works, Medical Augmented Intelligence, Inc. (MAI), supported by National Development Council, offers advanced technological VR solutions. Their innovations are recognized by several research centers, which led to an invitation to participate in the Alternative Cancer Therapies Research Programme. BodyMap, the VR solution for human anatomy, developed by MAI During an acupuncture treatment, an acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into specific points on the patient's body for therapeutic or pain-relief purposes. It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and into the muscles. By relocating users to an immersive virtual environment for a simulation experience, MAI builds a metaverse where health practitioners are able to gain a comprehensive knowledge to solve complex medical issues via acupuncture treatment. Sam, the CEO of MAI, has traveled extensively around the world and consequently suffered from jet lag, which led to health problems. When he recovered from his illness through acupuncture, he began to wonder what the scientific theory behind acupuncture was. "I really want to know why an acupuncturist treats feet when there is a headache," said Sam. Unlike most entrepreneurs, Sam established his own business out of curiosity about acupuncture. His acupuncture practitioner once told him that there is a limit to the number of patients an acupuncturist can treat each day, but the more people learn about the theory behind acupuncture, the more they will benefit from it. Inspired by the acupuncturist, Sam decided to develop VR-based applications that not only help the present and future generations of health practitioners but also the general public. Founded in 2016, MAI combines medical knowledge and practices rooted in Eastern and Western cultures, with a mission to create high-quality VR-based solutions for the young generations. Their key products provide medical and educational institutions with new, effective teaching and learning methods. Adopting AI and algorithms, AcuMap enables students to visually immerse themselves in a metaverse of acupuncture where they can practice needle insertion and observe how different acupuncture points are connected to sensory neurons. Another VR application developed by MAI is BodyMap, a medically accurate VR anatomy and simulation training software which provides students with 3D visual images and immersive learning experiences. Unlike traditional textbooks, BodyMap enables future medical practitioners to better understand human organs, nerves, bones, and other body systems by closely observing and even peeking into a 3D virtual model. With distributors in many countries worldwide, MAI's VR applications have already served medical institutions in the US, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau and Europe. "AcuMap and BodyMap are like Google Maps in the medical field." Sam pointed out, believing social collaboration is the key to the healthcare industry, "The future of medical education is all about collaborative learning where users are able to socially interact with others around the world." Social collaboration through advanced VR technology allows medical institutions to extend their existing teaching methods to a new generation of medical education that is more immersive and interactive and less costly. In the future, not only can medical students break the geographical constraints of learning, but patients can also receive more immediate and efficient treatment. What is more, many diseases that were previously undiagnosed will have the opportunity to be treated through innovative training of medical personnel. To achieve this goal, according to Sam, MAI will work closely with leading medical institutions and experts, continuously developing and optimizing their solutions with new, and innovative features. SOURCE National Development Council WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MCRA, LLC, a leading medical device focused regulatory advisory firm and clinical research organization (CRO) integrating U.S. and International Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Trial Operations, Reimbursement and Market Access, Healthcare Compliance, Cybersecurity, Quality Assurance and Japan Distribution Logistics (DMAH) support is pleased to announce the formation and expansion of its biostatistical division, led by former FDA biostatistician Alvin Cutler Van Orden. To support the company's growing role in providing biostatistical consulting services across all therapies, MCRA has hired Mr. Van Orden as its Vice President of Biostatistics, supplementing MCRA's leadership in providing integrated global support to the medical device industry. Mr. Van Orden joined MCRA from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where he spent over 15 years with the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, most recently as a Mathematical Statistician. Mr. Van Orden brings extensive experience to the role, including in-depth biostatistical reviews of medical device submissions for orthopedic, aesthetic, neurological, respiratory, and general surgery devices. Prior to joining MCRA, Mr. Van Orden worked at the FDA where he wrote statistical reviews of marketing submissions and provided feedback to medical device companies. Mr. Van Orden has a substantial background in utilizing an array of statistical tools and methods and has been involved at every stage of the FDA review process, from the planning stages to the analysis of clinical data and the design of post-market studies. At MCRA, Mr. Van Orden provides expert consultation regarding biostatistics and leads clinical and statistical strategies for all submissions involving clinical data. The biostatistics division will also provide input into study protocols and design, develop, and review statistical analysis plans for a variety of medical devices and biologic products. Mr. Van Orden will also utilize his expertise to advise, provide guidance, and to oversee the quality control of statistical deliverables and outputs to our clients and FDA. David Lown, MCRA's President said, "MCRA continues to lead the industry in providing top level talent with the goal to introduce innovation to patients worldwide. Alvin Van Orden is a prime example of an industry leader that will work closely with the MCRA clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement teams, improving our integrated business model and taking on the challenges of the technology lifecycle as we become more interwoven and multifaceted. We are honored Alvin has joined MCRA. He will make a tremendous impact." Glenn Stiegman, Senior Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs said, "As MCRA's success continues, we wanted to expand our biostatistics capabilities and we wanted someone with the necessary leadership and expertise. Mr. Van Orden provides that leadership and experience. Mr. Van Orden's extensive time at the FDA has provided him with a deep understanding of what the FDA will expect in a clinical study analysis, but also how to position it for success. This experience will be extremely valuable for MCRA's clients that need guidance and support throughout the lifecycle of their products." Mr. Van Orden said, "I loved my time at the FDA, and I see my work at MCRA as an extension of that role: to help life-improving medical devices get to market. I am excited be part of this smart, experienced, talented team, and I believe MCRA adds immeasurable value to all phases of product development." MCRA is proud to continue supporting innovation in the medical device industry by helping clients navigate the biostatistical requirements globally. About MCRA, LLC: MCRA is the leading privately held independent medical device, diagnostics and biologics Clinical Research Organization (CRO) and advisory firm. MCRA delivers to its clients industry experience, integrating its six business value creators: regulatory, clinical research, reimbursement, healthcare compliance, quality assurance, and distribution logistics to provide a dynamic, market-leading effort from innovation conception to commercialization. MCRA's integrated application of these key value-creating initiatives provides unparalleled value for its clients. MCRA has offices in Washington, DC, Hartford, CT, New York, NY, and Tokyo, Japan and serves nearly 1,000 clients globally. Its core focus areas of therapeutic experience include orthopedics, spine, biologics, cardiovascular, diagnostic imaging, wound care, artificial intelligence, dental, anesthesia, general surgery, digital health, neurology, robotics, oncology, general and plastic surgery, urology, and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices and medical device cybersecurity. www.mcra.com About Viscogliosi Brothers, LLC: Viscogliosi Brothers, LLC (VB), founded MCRA in 2004. VB is headquartered in New York City and specialized in funding venture capital, private equity, and merchant banking activities for the neuromusculoskeletal industry. VB is dedicated to financing healthcare innovation. www.vbllc.com For more information, please contact: Alyssa Howard, Vice President, Business Development Phone: 215.870.3952 | Email: [email protected] SOURCE MCRA, LLC CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Micro-Mobility Market is estimated to grow from USD 3.4 billion in 2022 to USD 6.1 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 12.5% over the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Developing connected and telematics technologies, opportunities for service providers in untapped markets, and electric two-wheeler & component manufacturers entering the micro-mobility business would create growth opportunities in the micro-mobility industry. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=71389422 The human-powered micro-mobility type would hold the largest market share. The human-powered propulsion segment is currently leading the Micro-Mobility Market globally. The key reason for this growth is the challenges users face with electrically powered micro-mobility vehicles, such as a lack of charging infrastructure and limited battery capacities. Americas is the leading region for the human-powered (pedal-assist) micro-mobility segment. According to NABSA, of the 128 million trips conducted by micro-mobility vehicles, 47.0 million trips were carried out by pedal assist bicycles in North America in 2021. Additionally, the total number of micro-mobility vehicles deployed in the region was around 232 thousand, amongst which 74 thousand (~32%) were pedal-assist bicycles, which shows that there is high demand for pedal-assist bicycles as compared to e-bikes in North America. The demand for pedal-assist bicycles is increasing owing to health benefits, cost-effectiveness, and easy availability. The Asia Pacific would be the largest Micro-Mobility Market during the forecast period Rising population, improving 4G/5G infrastructure and penetration of smartphones, low cost of micro-mobility services as compared to other ride sharing services like e-hailing or car sharing which can cost $15-$25 per ride and rising venture capital and strategic investments are some of the key reasons why the Asia Pacific would be the fastest growing market for micro-mobility. The Asia Pacific, with limited penetration of micro-mobility services, currently offers promising growth opportunities for the micro-mobility industry. Countries such as China, Singapore, Japan, and India have invested in smart transportation infrastructure, ensuring a strong position in the Asia-Pacific market. Planned investments to improve urban transport and traffic infrastructure are expected to drive the Asia Pacific Micro-Mobility Market. For instance, in September 2022, Magna invested USD 82 million in Indian based mobility start-up Yulu bikes. The investment further forms the new company named as Yulu Energy which will work on the battery swapping and charging network infrastructure for the other micro-mobility companies. The company is planning to develop more than 500 charging stations up to December 2023. Furthermore, in February 2022, Singapore based mobility startup Beam Mobility raised USD 93 Million to enhance its presence Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Turkey. Asia Pacific accounts for a significantly lower number of vehicles per 1,000 persons as the per capita income in most of these countries is lower than in western countries. Hence, micro-mobility offers users a sense of owning a vehicle at a much lower cost than actually owning one. This is driving the demand for micro-mobility in the regions. Request FREE Sample Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=71389422 Asian countries are having less regulations for micro-mobility vehicles as compared to Americas and Europe. Micro-mobility startups can take the advantages for the quick implementation of micro-mobility infratrucutre across the Asian countries. However, the lack of regulations can results into oversaturated market with millions of bicycles pilling up in the city streets. In July 2022, Futurise organised panel with Beam Mobility, OoGyaa Mobility & TRYKE for the development of micro-mobility in Asian countries by giving opportunity to mobility startups for the partnerships with municipal transport authorities and enhance the network which helps the riders, cities and country. The increasing number of mega cities and the population growth in developed and developing countries has increased the importance of deploying a smart transportation network. The micro-mobility services in Asia Pacific are growing rapidly because of the demand in countries such as China, India, and Japan. These countries have started recognizing micro-mobility as a solution to curb issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In South Korea growth of electric vehicles is increasing due to increase in infrastructure development for micro-mobility vehicles such as bicycles lanes, docked bicycles stations near the public transport stations and tourist places. SWING, a micro-mobility startup in South Korea operating 35,000 e-vehicles across the country in just two years. The company is further planning to expand into Japan and launching a new business segment in last-mile delivery by offering e-scooters and e-mopeds to delivery riders through its Dayrider service. China accounts for largest market for mobility business and carry various new technologies in the micro-mobility business. China has embraced the Micro-Mobility Market as a necessary measure to reduce the carbon emissions and traffic. Electric vehicle infrastructure, bicycle lanes, rising number of e-mopeds service providers, growing internet penetration, are some of the factors responsible for driving the market. The availability of charging stations is higher in China than US, which paves the way for increased adoption of e-kick scooter, e-bikes, and e-mopeds sharing services. Furthermore, Chinese government's plan to reduce the pollution level in major cities such as Xingtai, Hengshui, and Beijing. The government offers several incentives to encourage the adoption of emission free vehicles and micro-mobility sharing services. Asia Pacific has the presence of many major micro-mobility players such as Niu International, Yulu, Beam Mobility Holdings Pte. Ltd, E-Stralian Pty Ltd, Hello-Bike, Lyft, Moovit, and Lime. Key Market Players The Micro-Mobility Market is dominated by a few globally established companies such as Bird Global, Inc. (US), Lyft, Inc. (US), Lime (US), Helbiz Inc. (US), Dott (Netherlands). TIER (Germany), Bolt (Estonia), Voi (Sweden), and Veo (US). Make an Inquiry: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=71389422 Browse Related Reports: E-Bike Market by Class (Class-I, Class-II, Class-III), Speed (Up to 25km/h, 25-45 km/h), Battery Type (Lithium-ion, Lithium-ion Polymer, Lead Acid), Motor Type, Mode (Pedal Assist, Throttle), Component, Usage, Ownership and Region - Forecast to 2027 Mobility as a Service Market by Service (Ride-Hailing, Car Sharing, Micro Mobility, Bus Sharing, Train), Solution, Application, Transportation, Vehicle, Operating System, Business Model, Propulsion & Region - Forecast to 2030 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/micro-mobility-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/micro-mobility.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobileum, the leading global provider of telecom analytics solutions, announced today that Miguel Carames has joined the company and assumed the role of Senior Vice President (SVP) of Roaming, Network Services and Security. In this role, Carames will lead strategy and business execution for the Roaming and Security business units. "We are delighted to have Miguel join the Mobileum team. His expertise in the industry is unmatched. As we continue to expand our offerings, Miguel's understanding and leadership will be an asset in driving further success," said Bobby Srinivasan, Mobileum CEO. Most recently, Carames served as Executive Director of Cloud & Technology Planning at Verizon, where he was responsible for leading technology strategy and planning for Wireless Core (4G and 5G), Cloud, Multi-Access Edge Compute (MEC), Orchestration, and Emerging Technologies. While at Verizon, he also led teams in Network Operations & Engineering and Network Planning, as well as Product Development. Before joining Verizon, Miguel held senior roles in Engineering at Motorola. Carames holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering from Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV), post-graduate credentials from Instituto Superior Tecnico (Lisbon) and an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute. About Mobileum Inc. Mobileum is a leading provider of Telecom analytics solutions for roaming, core network, security, risk management, domestic and international connectivity testing, and customer intelligence. More than 1,000 customers rely on its Active Intelligence platform, which provides advanced analytics solutions, allowing customers to connect deep network and operational intelligence with real-time actions that increase revenue, improve customer experience, and reduce costs. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Mobileum has global offices in Australia, Germany, Greece, India, Portugal, Singapore, UK, and United Arab Emirates. Learn more in https://www.mobileum.com and follow @MobileumInc on Twitter. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1431792/Mobileum_Logo.jpg SOURCE Mobileum IONIQ 5 outpaced a competitive field of 45 all-new or significantly redesigned SUVs The all-electric SUV excelled in key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance of intended function MotorTrend judges praised the "smartly packaged crossover" for its "great range and quick-charging capability" as well as its "futuristic" styling SEOUL, South Korea and LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MotorTrend announced today that Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the winner of its 'Golden Calipers' for SUV of the Year. IONIQ 5 outpaced a competitive field of 45 all-new or significantly redesigned SUVs, 25 of which were electrified. IONIQ 5 stood out from the strong competition with its sharp style, cohesion of details and user experience. MotorTrend Names Hyundai IONIQ 5 Its 2023 SUV of the Year MotorTrend Names Hyundai IONIQ 5 Its 2023 SUV of the Year MotorTrend Names Hyundai IONIQ 5 Its 2023 SUV of the Year MotorTrend Names Hyundai IONIQ 5 Its 2023 SUV of the Year MotorTrend Names Hyundai IONIQ 5 Its 2023 SUV of the Year "IONIQ 5 winning MotorTrend's SUV of the Year recognizes Hyundai's relentless focus on world-class product development, design, engineering and manufacturing," said Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. "This is one of the most prestigious accolades in the automotive industry and we are honored that IONIQ 5 is being rewarded for its excellent range, fast-charging capability, progressive design, practical interior space and advanced technology." "For the first time in MotorTrend's 74-year history, the majority of contenders vying for MotorTrend SUV of the Year were electrified, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery-electric power," said Ed Loh, head of editorial, MotorTrend Group. "The sheer volume and capability of all contenders made it one of the most competitive SUV of the Year programs ever, which is great news for consumers looking for efficient, future-forward SUVs and crossovers." IONIQ 5 won SUV of the Year by excelling against the MotorTrend of the Year award's six key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance of intended function. The MotorTrend accolade is the latest honor bestowed upon Hyundai's all-electric SUV. Previously, IONIQ 5 won the 2022 World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year as well as German Car of the Year, UK Car of the Year, Auto Express' Car of the Year and Auto Bild's Electric Car of the Year. More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925768/Hyundai_IONIQ_5_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925769/Hyundai_IONIQ_5_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925770/Hyundai_IONIQ_5_3.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925771/Hyundai_IONIQ_5_4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925772/Hyundai_IONIQ_5_5.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1761625/Hyundai_Motor_Group_Logo.jpg SOURCE Hyundai Motor Company NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mphasis (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS), an information technology (IT) solutions provider specializing in cloud and cognitive services, today announced that it was named a finalist in Wells Fargo Innovation Challenge 2022 'Designing the Multi-X Future'. The 2022 Wells Fargo Innovation Challenge aimed at identifying organizations reimagining financial journeys to build more interconnected and approachable experiences one made for multi-players and multi-economies. The inaugural Innovation Challenge was an attempt by Wells Fargo to connect with U.S.-based organizations to make banking easier and safer for both its customers and the financial services industry at large. Mphasis was selected among seven other finalists from a pool of over 100 applicants for an opportunity to create a proof of concept and deliver a demo to Wells Fargo executives. Mphasis earned its finalist position for designing an innovative, blockchain-based supply chain finance platform named ALTA. The platform aims to maximize the reach of supply chain finance into the deepest tiers of any supply chain using tokenized assets to finance the digitally connected supply chains. ALTA enables companies to get a substantially better view of supply chains by tracking money flows across geographies and layers of intermediaries, allowing them to take steps to protect their businesses from external shocks. Mphasis is working in partnership with cloud providers and a group of large global banks as a part of the broader supply chain ecosystem. Mphasis named a 'finalist' in the Wells Fargo Innovation Challenge 2022 'Designing the Multi-X Future' Tweet this "When we launched the Wells Fargo Innovation Challenge in April, it was to bring together innovators and creators from within and outside of Wells Fargo to design solutions for an interconnected financial world what we call the 'Multi-X Future'. We wanted to focus on customer's articulated and unarticulated needs and find ways to design experiences that meet those needs," said Chintan Mehta -EVP, Group CIO - Digital, Innovation and Strategy, and co-sponsor of the Multi-X Innovation Challenge. He also added "The response was incredible and inspiring. We received more than 100 applications and we must say, it was very difficult to narrow it down to the top 20 applicants. These 20 applicants had an opportunity to pitch their solutions and vision. From there we narrowed it down to eight finalists. We believe these eight finalists represent the most defined approach to addressing customer needs." "As businesses become more digitally driven, cutting-edge technologies are needed to replace legacy systems and meet current digital needs. This Innovation Challenge seeks to develop digitally enabled solutions that improve and automates everyday banking systems. We are proud to be recognized as one of several finalists, as it showcases our diverse set of capabilities to bring innovative ideas to completion and compete with narrowly specialized startups," said Rohit Jayachandran, Senior Vice President, Head Strategic Accounts, Mphasis. Wells Fargo product and engineering groups are working with the Innovation Challenge finalists as they develop Proof of Concepts (PoCs) using the Wells Fargo open banking API gateway platform. PoCs will be showcased at the Wells Fargo Innovation Summit in November 2022, where a grand prize winner will be announced. The winning company will be awarded a cash prize of $250,000 and up to seven finalist companies will each receive $50,000. About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is a leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment, and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 41 on Fortune's 2022 rankings of America's largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. About Mphasis Mphasis' purpose is to be the "Driver in Driverless Car" for Global Enterprises by applying next-generation design, architecture, and engineering services, to deliver scalable and sustainable software and technology solutions. Customer centricity is foundational to Mphasis, and is reflected in the Mphasis'Front2Back Transformation approach. Front2Back uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive to provide hyper-personalized (C=X2C2TM=1) digital experience to clients and their end customers. Mphasis' Service Transformation approach helps 'shrink the core' through the application of digital technologies across legacy environments within an enterprise, enabling businesses to stay ahead in a changing world. Mphasis' core reference architectures and tools, speed and innovation with domain expertise and specialization, combined with an integrated sustainability and purpose-led approach across its operations and solutions are key to building strong relationships with marquee clients. Click here to know more. (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS). For more information, contact: Deepa Nagaraj Mphasis Corporate Communications [email protected] +1 (646) 424-5160 | +91 9845 256 283 Beth Richek, Wells Fargo [email protected] + 1(704) 374-2545 SOURCE Mphasis BOSTON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- John Boyce, who founded Tiger Gene with Julian Robertson of Tiger Management, and subsequently founded, funded (through Tiger Gene), and built NanoMosaic to the Series A funding has served as the intermittent CEO of NanoMosaic to date, has announced that given the rapidly growing investment and company formation responsibilities to Tiger Gene, NanoMosaic is actively searching for a full-time CEO. John will remain as the Executive Chairman of the Board. "NanoMosaic is on an extremely exciting trajectory in terms of the broad capabilities of its technology, its strong research and development teams, as well as its regulatory and commercial teams," stated John Boyce, Co-Founder of Tiger Gene, Co-Founder and Interim CEO of NanoMosaic, as well as Executive Chairman of NanoMosaic. "Given the growth of NanoMosaic and the rapid advancements the company is making on the commercial front, the company needs a dedicated, full-time, CEO to guide the company to its next inflection points," Boyce continued. "Tiger Gene, and its portfolio companies are in a rapid growth phase, both in terms of additional rounds of funding (from a portfolio company perspective) as well as investing in and forming additional companies through Tiger Gene. Given the growth of Tiger Gene, as well as the growth of NanoMosaic, it is critical that NanoMosaic bring on a dedicated, full-time CEO who will allocate 100 percent of her/his time to the successful growth of the company," Boyce concluded. The ideal candidate will have, but not limited to, expertise in molecular tools and diagnostics, will have raised capital and built companies across multiple rounds of funding, and will have a track record of successful M&As and/or IPOs. The company has retained a top tier executive search firm to conduct the search and is actively interviewing candidates. About NanoMosaic NanoMosaic, a Boston-based biotechnology company, is the only commercial entity to leverage the power of nanoneedles, MosaicNeedles, for protein detection and quantification to develop best-in-class assays for biomarker discovery and validation. The NanoMosaic platform, Tessie, alleviates the bottlenecks in proteomics analysis and provides an end-to-end solution that enables first of its kind protein interrogation and multi-omics analysis within a single chip on one run. The proprietary technology enables rapid, end user customization for assay development for proteomic and/or nucleic acid content. The NanoMosaic platform allows researchers to push the frontiers in biomarker discovery and diagnostics. www.nanomosaicllc.net About Tiger Gene L.L.C. Tiger Gene L.L.C., a Boston-based venture capital firm, co-founded with and funded by Tiger Management L.L.C., invests in early-stage technologies with high-growth trajectories across the life sciences sector. The fund's current portfolio focuses on technology platforms as well as technology derived products and assets across the genomics, proteomics, diagnostics, drug discovery and therapeutics fields. SOURCE NanoMosaic AMSTERDAM, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Nanotech Energy Europe B.V., a fully owned subsidiary of Nanotech Energy Inc., today confirms it has signed a master purchase agreement to supply 1+ GWh size BESS (battery energy storage systems) through 2028 to Smile Energy in Athens, Greece. Dr. Jack Kavanaugh Named Chairman of Ireland's Orbsen Theraputics. The Galway-based company is recognized as one of the world's leading incubators of Stem Cell Research. (PRNewsFoto/Dr. Jack Kavanaugh) Smile Energy Logo This deal highlights the paramount value of Nanotech's safe, long cycle life, graphene battery to the energy storage market. Partnership with Smile Energy will allow the immediate expansion of Nanotech's energy storage business to a region which has committed to developing the world's preeminent solar infrastructure. Together, Nanotech and Smile will play a key role in supporting Greece and the surrounding region to take the next steps to ensure stability of infrastructure and continuity of energy supply. Dr. Jack Kavanaugh, CEO and chairman of Nanotech Energy, Inc., said: "We are delighted to secure these agreements with one of Europe's most forward-thinking renewable energy suppliers. As the world transitions to a new energy mix, battery storage will be critical to maximizing green energy opportunities. We look forward to working closely with Smile Energy together for many years to come." Ioannis Apostolos Bobolas, General Manager of Smile Energy, said: "Using Nanotech Energy's safe graphene battery technology will give us a distinct competitive advantage when it comes to energy storage. The climate of southern Europe is ideal for solar energy, but it also presents challenges. That Nanotech Energy's battery technology is safe, longer lasting than traditional batteries, and works in temperatures up to 60C all makes for a compelling proposition." Smile Energy aims to operate the first commercial, stationary BESS for several Greek islands. It currently has 300MW of solar developments in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania, alongside 700MWh of energy storage in development across the same region. It will now use Nanotech Energy's non-flammable, safe battery technology to consider developing BESS for private homes, commercial real estate, and the marine sector and expand to the Balkans and the Middle-East. www.smile-energy.gr About Nanotech Energy Nanotech Energy is on a mission to bring transformative, graphene-based, energy storage products from the research lab to the mass market. Our very high surface area, single layer graphene material is already being used in multiple applications, including non-flammable lithium-ion batteries, transparent conducting electrodes, conductive inks, printed electronics, conductive epoxy, antistatic coatings and EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Jack Kavanaugh and noted UCLA scientists, Dr. Richard Kaner and Dr. Maher El-Kady, Nanotech Energy is headquartered in Los Angeles and is a privately held company backed by Multiverse Investment Fund, Fubon Financial Group and other strategic investors. Learn more at https://nanotechenergy.com. All trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Nanotech Energy Inc. Substantial Cost Reduction Will Be Seen Through Upcoming Artemis Moon Missions DENVER, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is now under contract to deliver three Orion spacecraft to NASA for its Artemis VI-VIII missions, continuing the delivery of exploration vehicles to the agency to carry astronauts into deep space and around the Moon supporting the Artemis program. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor to NASA for the Orion program and has completed two Orion vehiclesEFT-1 which flew in 2014, and Artemis I, which is weeks away from its launch to the Moonand is actively building vehicles for the Artemis II-V missions. The Orion crew module pressure vessel for the Artemis III missionthe first vehicle under the Lockheed Martin OPOC contractis undergoing assembly at NASAs Kennedy Space Center. "Lockheed Martin is honored to partner with NASA to deliver Orion spacecraft for NASA's Artemis missions. This order includes spacecraft, mission planning and support, and takes us into the 2030s," said Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager for Commercial Civil Space, Lockheed Martin. "We're on the eve of a historic launch kicking off the Artemis era and this contract shows NASA is making long-term plans toward living and working on the Moon, while also having a forward focus on getting humans to Mars." This order marks the second three missions under the agency's Orion Production and Operations Contract (OPOC), an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for up to 12 vehicles. A breakout of these orders includes: 2019 : NASA initiates OPOC IDIQ and orders three Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions III-V. : NASA initiates OPOC IDIQ and orders three Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions III-V. 2022 : NASA orders three additional Orion spacecraft missions for Artemis VI-VIII for $1.99 billion . : NASA orders three additional Orion spacecraft missions for Artemis VI-VIII for . In the future: NASA can order an additional six Orion missions. Under OPOC, Lockheed Martin and NASA have reduced the costs on Orion by 50% per vehicle on Artemis III through Artemis V, compared to vehicles built during the design and development phase. The vehicles built for Artemis VI, VII and VIII will see an additional 30% cost reduction. "We're achieving substantial cost savings from Artemis III through Artemis VIII by extensive structure and system reuse and incorporating advanced digital design and manufacturing processes," said Tonya Ladwig, Orion vice president and program manager at Lockheed Martin Space. "The Artemis II vehicle will reuse select avionics from the Artemis I crew module, and that reuse will continue to dramatically increase to where the Artemis III pressure vessel capsule will be entirely refurbished for the Artemis VI mission." Additionally, the company will drive out cost from these production vehicles through material and component bulk buys from suppliers and an accelerated mission cadence. With the Artemis I Orion spacecraft currently on top of the Space Launch System rocket, there are two other Orion vehicles undergoing assembly at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Artemis II and III. Work is well under way on the Artemis IV craft including welding the pressure vessel together at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans and the heat shield at Lockheed Martin's facility near Denver, and work has already begun on the Artemis V vehicle. More information about Orion Lockheed Martin Orion page: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/orion NASA Orion page: https://www.nasa.gov/orion About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation, and @LMSpace for Space-focused company content. SOURCE Lockheed Martin LineVision's Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) technology trialled for first time in Great Britain following successful deployment on National Grid's electricity networks in the US Sensors and data analytics platform will highlight spare capacity on overhead power lines allowing for the integration of more renewable power Technology has the potential to unlock 0.6GW of additional capacity per year, enough to power more than 500,000 homes and save 1.4 million in network operating costs Combined with the construction of new infrastructure, the innovative technology forms part of National Grid's work to upgrade and adapt the electricity network to meet increased demand and help deliver a net zero grid LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- National Grid is deploying technology on its electricity transmission network that could expand the capacity of its existing overhead power lines. Partnering with LineVision , the world's only provider of non-contact overhead power line monitoring systems, it is installing sensors and the dynamic line ratings (DLR) platform on a circuit in the North of England to increase its power carrying limit. The sensors will continuously monitor the transmission lines and apply advanced analytics to calculate the Dynamic Line Rating. The Dynamic Line Rating is determined by a power line's physical and electrical properties, such as size, resistance and maximum safe operating temperature, as well as the local weather conditions. Electricity transmission lines have historically been operated using a "static" line rating calculated using conservative and static values for assumed weather conditions. LineVision's "dynamic" line ratings determine capacity limits by combining real-time conductor properties and forecasted weather conditions, allowing for more informed grid operations and safely increasing operational limits. The new technology has the potential to unlock 0.6GW of additional capacity a year, enough to power more than 500,000 homes. By increasing capacity and allowing more renewable power to flow, this technology could also reduce constraint payments (where the electricity system operator pays generators to stop producing power to avoid overloading the transmission system) - with this trial potentially saving 1.4 million in constraint costs a year. The two-year trial on a 275kV circuit between Penwortham and Kirkby in Cumbria follows the successful implementation of LineVision technology on National Grid's networks in New York and Massachusetts and is part of National Grid's ongoing investment to increase the grid's capacity and connect the renewable power needed for Britain to reach its net zero by 2050. To learn more about the project, check out this video . Lydia Ogilvie, Director of Network Strategy and Operations for National Grid said: "To meet the increasing demand for electricity and deliver net zero, our network needs to grow, but at the same time we are continually looking at ways of expanding capacity on our existing infrastructure. I'm proud that National Grid is leading the way in using transformational and innovative engineering, integrating vital grid enhancing technologies like LineVision's, to decarbonise, and deliver world class reliability, at lowest costs for consumers." Hudson Gilmer, CEO of LineVision said: "If we are to have any hope of meeting ambitious climate targets by 2030, we need to essentially double the size of our grid. And while we need new transmission, we need to act now. LineVision's DLR platform can double the integration of renewables on the grid right now and we're pleased to work with our colleagues once again at National Grid to accelerate the path to a net-zero grid." National Grid in the UK: National Grid owns and operates the electricity transmission network in England and Wales , with day-to-day responsibility for balancing supply and demand. We also operate, but do not own, the Scottish networks. Our networks comprise approximately 7,200 kilometres (4,474 miles) of overhead line, 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) of underground cable and 342 substations. and , with day-to-day responsibility for balancing supply and demand. We also operate, but do not own, the Scottish networks. Our networks comprise approximately 7,200 kilometres (4,474 miles) of overhead line, 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) of underground cable and 342 substations. Other UK activities mainly relate to businesses operating in competitive markets outside of our core regulated businesses; including interconnectors, gas metering activities and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) importation terminal all of which are now part of National Grid Ventures. National Grid Property is responsible for the management, clean-up, and disposal of surplus sites in the UK. Most of these are former gas works. Find out more about the energy challenge and how National Grid is helping find solutions to some of the challenges we face at https://www.nationalgrid.com/group/news . . National Grid undertakes no obligation to update any of the information contained in this release, which speaks only as at the date of this release, unless required by law or regulation. About LineVision LineVision provides electric utilities with the real-time monitoring and analytics needed to accelerate the net zero grid. LineVision's patented non-contact sensors collect critical information to unlock additional capacity on existing lines, provide insight into conductor health, and detect anomalies and risks. LineVision's platform is rapidly deployed at scale without the need for scheduled outages, live line work, or specialised installation equipment. LineVision is helping our utility partners around the world lead the energy transition by increasing the capacity, resilience, and safety of the grid. For more information, visit www.LineVisionInc.com , or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. SOURCE LineVision Urban League Leaders, Civil Rights Leaders, Advocates and Activists Will Raise Awareness, Educate Voters & Generate Excitement About 2022 Mid-Term Election ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Urban League of Greater Atlanta President and CEO Nancy Flake Johnson, along with other civil rights leaders, advocates and activists will rally across Atlanta as part of The National Urban League's voter education and civic engagement initiative, Reclaim Your Vote State of Emergency Road Tour. The day begins at 12:30 p.m. at Studio House Atlanta, 75 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE, with the Reclaim Your Vote Black Civic Leaders Luncheon. The leaders then will join students and alumni for the Morehouse-Spelman Homecoming Market Friday Engagement on Spelman's campus at 3:30 p.m. They will gather with community members for a Reclaim Your Vote Shop Talk focusing on black men at University Barber Shop, 3 James P. Brawley Drive SW, at 4:30 p.m. The Reclaim Your Vote Civic Engagement Canvass will take place at 6:00 p.m. along the 1500 block of Pineview Terrace SW. At 7 p.m., the leaders return to Studio House Atlanta to meet with local clergy for the Reclaim Your Vote Faith Leaders Gathering. The full schedule and details are below. WHO: National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial Urban League of Greater Atlanta President and CEO Nancy Flake Johnson Civic leaders, advocates, community members and clergy WHAT: Reclaim Your Vote State of Emergency Road Tour WHEN: Friday, October 21, 2022 SCHEDULE: 12:30 p.m. Reclaim Your Vote Black Civic Leaders Luncheon Location: Studio House Atlanta, 75 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE 3:30 p.m. Morehouse-Spelman Homecoming Market Friday Engagement Location: Spelman Campus, 350 Spelman Lane, SW 4:30 p.m. Reclaim Your Vote Shop Talk Location: University Barber Shop, 3 James P. Brawley Drive SW 6:00 p.m. Reclaim Your Vote Civic Engagement Canvass Location: 1500 block of Pineview Terrace SW 7 p.m. -- Reclaim Your Vote Faith Leaders Gathering Location: Studio House Atlanta, 75 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE CONTACT: Teresa Candori (212-558-5362, [email protected]) Cecilia Cheeks (404-909-9540, [email protected]) SOURCE National Urban League The Winter Is Infamous for Drying Out the Skin. Natralus Offers Safe, Effective Products for Cold Weather-Related Dry Skin Concerns. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The winter can create a perfect storm of environmental conditions or so says Alejandra Estemalik, MD (via Cleveland Clinic). The dermatologist points out that winter weather reduces humidity due to a variety of factors, including the outside environment as well as forced air and other heating solutions. A lack of sunlight exposure can also exacerbate skin concerns. All of these elements reduce the amount of moisture the skin can trap with its natural oil skin barriers. This leads to dry, cracked, and at times even bleeding skin. Harvard Health provides several solutions that can help manage dry skin in the winter including the recommendation to "Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or after washing your hands." The health site explains that "This helps plug the spaces between your skin cells and seal in moisture while your skin is still damp." The consistent application of moisturizers is a necessity in harsh winter conditions, which is where Natralus Australia comes into the picture. The natural skin health brand provides a perfect blend of natural and effective skincare solutions. "Our products are made with nature-derived ingredients," says the company's Managing Director John Rowe, "Every Natralus product utilizes specific formulations that blend unique combinations of pure natural ingredients always to achieve a defined and intended purpose." This comprehensive goal can be seen in the brand's wide range of available products. These address lip, hand, and general skin health concerns all with a focus on using natural ingredients to achieve specific results. If an individual wants to proactively protect their skin heading into winter, they can use the brand's lip butters and hand creams to maintain the epidermis' natural oil barrier and avoid any hydration concerns. If the skin is already dry, the company also has natural gels and sprays that use superfoods like Aloe Vera and Paw Paw (the Australian name for Carica Papaya) to soothe and help restore damaged skin. Its Superfood Body Lotion is an excellent example of this. Its whisper-light formula is created with 99% active ingredients, including berries, Aloe Vera, and Paw Paw. While there are plenty of hydrating products on the market, none of these boast the same track record of results as Natralus. The brand's ability to combine natural ingredients to create targeted formulas that safely and effectively preserve soft and glowing skin is unmatched, making the company's skincare products a necessity for anyone looking to maintain healthy skin this winter. About Natralus Australia: Natural skin health brand Natralus Australia was established in 2010 and operates out of Adelaide, Australia. The company focuses on empowering women and parents to use a more natural approach for both themselves and their families throughout their skincare and wellness activities. Learn more about Natralus at natralus.com. Media Contact: Brittany Rowe T: +61 8 8382 3000 F: 1300 838 293 E: [email protected] SOURCE Natralus CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Celegence, a global provider of regulatory affairs services for the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce that Navignostics, a global developer of drug mechanisms designed to identify ideal treatments for cancer patients, has selected Celegence's CAPTIS technology solution to support Performance Evaluation Reports and other PMS documentation in compliance with the In-Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). Navignostics has been working dedicatedly to leverage unique tumor analysis approaches to improve personalized diagnostics for cancer patients. With highly robust and reliable technology and leading data analytics, Navignostics aims to deliver the optimal cancer treatment for each patient and provide services to pharma and biotech partners. As the EU's IVDR directives went into effect this year, diagnostic manufacturers are now pressed by the complex literature review and data management activities required to write PMS documentation to remain compliant. Celegence's CAPTIS cloud solution provides integration with literature and safety databases to automate the creation of PMS documentation, such as Performance Evaluation Reports and Post Market Surveillance Reports. The solution also provides report writing and document management capabilities, which help in the creation and ongoing maintenance of various reports. Punya Abbhi, Chief Operating Officer at Celegence, said: "We are so glad to support Navignostics in the process of EU IVDR PMS documentation. The CAPTIS system will create significant time savings for Navignostics' medical writing process by reducing manual efforts and helping writers organize and analyze data more seamlessly." "Navignostic's mission of designing client-oriented personalized solutions resonates with our values. Celegence realizes our client's unique demands, and we aspire to provide efficient planning and cost-effective solutions through our innovative technologies." Dr. Stephane Chevrier, Co-Founder at Navignostics, said: "We are genuinely excited to work with Celegence and use CAPTIS for our IVDR documentation, including literature reviews. I believe the CAPTIS platform can better support our compliance efforts related to launching and maintaining focused cancer treatments and medications." If you would like to learn more about how CAPTIS can help organization with regulatory compliance, please contact a Celegence representative today at [email protected]. Celegence's expert team is also attending the MedTech Summit US on December 6-8, 2022, at the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago, so please come by the stand 2 if you are in the area. About Celegence Celegence helps life sciences companies navigate complex global regulatory requirements by providing consulting services and solutions dedicated to regulatory affairs. Celegence supports life sciences customers in the areas of EU MDR compliance, IVDR compliance, regulatory intelligence, RIMS data management, publishing, regulatory labeling including UDI consulting, medical writing and compliance with new regulations for different product portfolios. Celegence's depth of experience and extensive delivery capability allows regulatory affairs and quality teams to operate more efficiently, reduce cost, and improve compliance. For more information, visit www.celegence.com or follow Celegence on LinkedIn. For further information please contact: Rachel Hollos Marketing Director at Celegence [email protected] About Navignostics Navignostics is a spin-off company from the University of Zurich, founded in April 2022, which is leveraging spatial single-cell proteomics to perform advanced analyses of tumor samples. As a startup active in the personalized medicine field, Navignostics strives to provide innovative solutions to identify the best possible treatment for each cancer patient. In addition, Navignostics provides advanced services to pharmaceutical companies to accelerate cancer drug development and to contribute to companion diagnostic development. For further information please contact: Jana Fischer, Founding CEO: [email protected] SOURCE Celegence Limited Collaboration, connection, and new partner contracts take center stage at the 2022 NCTC member-only Denver Regional Meeting. DENVER, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC) hosted the fifth regional meeting for 2022 in Denver with various member companies in attendance, along with strategic suppliers DZS, MyBundle.TV, and Vubiquity. Also in attendance were programmers EarthX and Great American Media. The NCTC announced its new and expanded partnerships with DZS, MyBundle.TV, and Vubiquity at the event. Members can now take advantage of these strategic offerings to assist their businesses in key growth areas into 2023 and beyond. The NCTC Denver IdeaXChange brings together operators of broadband, telco, cable, municipal, and electric cooperatives from across the U.S. and Canada to hear expert speakers and network with the best and brightest industry leaders and strategic suppliers. Attendees gained invaluable insights about the latest industry trends, relevant opportunities, and emerging challenges facing service providers today. Breaking news from the regional meeting: NCTC VP of Video & Broadband Solutions, Steve Beardslee, spoke about how they hit a new lower pricing tier for members with strategic partner Cogent. This is the third time NCTC has reached a volume threshold in less than twelve months with Cogent resulting in savings for members. Steve also announced NCTC's new deal with Lumen, assisting members with the need to expand the list of carriers to increase geographic coverage to members that are not currently able to reach certain geographies. NCTC's Rob Smith , VP of Group Purchasing, showcased an enhanced agreement with DZS. Their presentation detailed how they are shaping the optical edge and why their software-powered agility offers more deployment flexibility with a cloud-enabled, subscriber-driven network design. , VP of Group Purchasing, showcased an enhanced agreement with DZS. Their presentation detailed how they are shaping the optical edge and why their software-powered agility offers more deployment flexibility with a cloud-enabled, subscriber-driven network design. Jared Baumann , NCTC VP of Technology Innovation, announced new deals with two strategic partners, MyBundle.TV and Vubiquity. , NCTC VP of Technology Innovation, announced new deals with two strategic partners, MyBundle.TV and Vubiquity. NCTC's new contract with MyBundle.TV provides members the ability to deploy a wide range of tools that simplify the increasingly complicated world of streaming TV. The MyBundle.TV platform works in conjunction with NCTC members' own video offerings or as a standalone broadband solution, offering subscribers a simple way to manage and make the most of the vast streaming TV landscape. An expansion on an agreement with Amdocs' Vubiquity was also announced. This updated agreement reduces the cost to deploy Vubiquity's linear channel aggregation solution for MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 satellite headend replacement. The agreement also include support for streaming versions of Vubiquity's linear feeds which can be delivered in multicast format or accessed from the Vubiquity hosted origin platform. The services have been pre-integrated with multiple middleware platforms to offer a complete streaming solution for members. About the National Cable Television Cooperative The National Cable Television Cooperative, Inc. (NCTC) is a Kansas-based, not-for-profit corporation that operates as a programming, broadband solutions, and hardware purchasing organization for its member companies serving one-third of connected households in the U.S. and its territories. NCTC seeks to maximize current and future opportunities to ensure the profitability, competitive stature, and long-term sustainability of its member companies. NCTC represents more than 700 independent cable and broadband operators across the U.S. in programming and technology acquisition. NCTC is actively engaged in helping network providers, and suppliers evolve their business models to deploy new video/data solutions to match the changes in the media landscape. For more information, visit: https://nctc.com For more information, contact: Pam Gillies NCTC 720-594-8085 [email protected] SOURCE NCTC BEIJING, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern industries require efficient and reliable machinery. To ensure the stability of industrial equipment and avoid unnecessary downtime, it is important to gauge a machine's remaining useful life (RUL) accurately. This has been done using deep learning-based approaches. In particular, deep neural networks are considered promising in this regard. New study in IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica Describes Convolutional Neural Network Framework to Predict Remaining Useful Life in Machines Convolutional Neural Network Framework to Predict Remaining Useful Life in Machines These include recurrent neural networks (RNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), or hybrid networks. Among them, RNN-based approaches effectively capture sequential information, enabling them to perform better than CNN-based methods. However, unlike CNNs, they take longer to train and miss important features of the industrial systems. Even RNN-CNN hybrids, explored by previous studies, tend to be sub-optimal. Recently, a team of researchers, led by Dr. Zhenghua Chen of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, questioned the conventional choice of picking RNNs over CNNs, and proposed a series of new CNNs, which showed results comparable to RNN methods for RUL prediction. "Existing approaches based on CNN are not designed according to the classic principle of CNN, namely a smaller kernel (feature-extraction filter) size and larger channel number, which reduces their performance. Moreover, they neglect the role of the receptive field and the size of the region in the input that produces the feature," explained by Dr. Chen, speaking of their motivation behind the study, which was published the IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, 2022. First, the study established that small-sized one-dimensional convolution kernels and deep networks with large receptive field are desirable, since they are efficient at learning features from input time series signals and model the sequential information better. Based on this, the team proposed a novel CNN architecture using a three-layer combination: a convolution layer followed by batch normalization and rectified linear unit layers to form a convolutional unit. These units were stacked together to form a network such that their height and width decreased and the channel numbers increased with network depth. The fully connected layers were then used to predict RUL values. Next, the team devised a position encoding scheme to develop PE-Net, in which two transformations translated the encoded position information and input signals into the same space for fusion. Further, the CNNs were optimized using mean square error (MSE) loss as a performance metric. Lastly, the team put PE-Net to test by performing experiments on the C-MAPSS dataset, a well-known benchmark for RUL prediction. To their excitement, PE-Net performed better than existing CNNs on most datasets and significantly outperformed "long short-term memory" artificial neural networks for complex cases. Moreover, the underlying transformations followed by "element-wise addition" fusion improved the RUL prediction accuracy to an extent where it outperformed standard RNN approaches. "PE-Net utilizes big data and deep learning technology to automatically and accurately identify the components to be repaired by collecting data from sensors installed on industrial systems. In the future, with the advancement of AI, this technology could help significantly reduce the labor cost for maintaining industrial machines by avoiding fatal errors," concludes Dr. Chen, speaking about the potential applications of their work. Reference DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/JAS.2022.105746 Title of original paper: Position Encoding Based Convolutional Neural Networks for Machine Remaining Useful Life Prediction Journal: IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica Media Contact: Yan Ou [email protected] +86 10 8254445 SOURCE IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica CARLSBAD, N.M., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NextMart, Inc. (the "Company" or "NXMR" - Pink Sheets Alternative Reporting Pink: NXMR) NXMR would like to announce that the that its audited financial statements for FYE September 30, 2021, will be completed later this month ("Audit"). Upon completion of the Audit, the Company will be filing the required Form 211 Disclosure Statement with FINRA through a market maker pursuant to SEC Rule 15c2-11 in order for our Common Stock to be eligible for proprietary broker-dealer quotations which will allow for a more orderly trading market for investors. Upon approval of the Form 211, the Company will make the appropriate application with OTC Markets to up list to the OTCQB. Kathryn Gavin (CEO of the Company), states" We have been working to complete the Audit now for over four months. The filing and approval of the Form 211 Disclosure Statement and the up Listing to the OTCQB will be a huge event for our market shareholders as they can place transactions much easier. This should also lower the risk for wider spreads and price volatility. Another seminal event is the lowering of our authorized Common Stock from 750,000,000 when we first took over management of the Company to 225,000,000 shares of Common Stock as of today, which is a 70 Percent decrease in Authorized common stock. These events discussed in this press release that have been completed by the Company are focused solely of adding value to our market investors now and in the future." Forward Looking Statement Certain statements that we make may constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements contained herein may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to NXMR that are based on the beliefs of NXMR's management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to NXMR's management. These forward-looking statements are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the NXMR's business prospects, future developments, trends and conditions in the industry and geographical markets in which NXMR operates, its strategies, plans, objectives and goals, its ability to control costs, statements relating to prices, volumes, operations, margins, overall market trends, risk management and exchange rates. ABOUT US NextMart, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, is a public quoted Pink Sheet issuer under the ticker symbol "NXMR". Currently, NXMR currently is a shell company with a new management team with plans to become a current alternative reporting issuer with OTC Markets. The Company is currently looking for an appropriate business acquisition. CONTACT: 15150 Preston Road Suite 300 Dallas, TX 75248 Company Web Site: https://nextmartcorporation.com/ Emco Oilfield Services, LLC Web Site: https://emcooilfield.com/ Twitter: @CorporationNxmr SOURCE NextMart, Inc. - Move Aimed at Strengthening Automotive Industry-related Logistics Services - TOKYO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nippon Express Europe GmbH (hereinafter "NX Europe"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., has spun off two of its existing business locations in Morocco -- the Morocco Branch and the Tanger Med Logistics Center -- into subsidiary companies, newly establishing Nippon Express Morocco SARLAU this past July and Nippon Express Morocco Free Zone SARLAU in August. An opening ceremony was held in Tangier, northern Morocco, on September 26 to commemorate the founding of these two companies. Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202210128053-O1-GOAN5T75 Opening ceremony attendees: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202210128053/_prw_PI2fl_J8K8medG.jpg Speech by President Mitsuru Saito, NXHD: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202210128053/_prw_PI3fl_oijj771t.jpg - Purpose of spin-off The Nippon Express Group's business development in Morocco began in December 2017 in Casablanca with the creation of the Morocco Branch, which was followed by the opening of the Tanger Med Logistics Center in the Port of Tanger Med in June 2019 to provide air/ocean freight forwarding and logistics services. Morocco is Africa's second-largest automobile producer after South Africa, serving at the same time as a complementary country to Europe. It has for some time seen high demand for import/export, procurement, and sales logistics centered on the automobile industry, and an increasing number of automobile and automotive parts manufacturers are setting up plants in the country. NX Europe has incorporated two of its business locations to further expand its own operations and reinforce its business infrastructure in support of its customers' operations in Morocco. Making full use of its accumulated sales and operational know-how, the Nippon Express Group will accelerate its efforts on behalf of the automotive industry, positioned as a priority industry in the Group's business plan. The Nippon Express Group will be further expanding its logistics capabilities in Morocco and across the rest of Africa, both of which are expected to enjoy continuing growth, and aggressively moving into the African market by leveraging its global network and accrued advanced logistics know-how, all the while contributing to the development of its customers' business activities. More details: https://www.nipponexpress-holdings.com/en/press/2022/17-Oct-22-1.html Nippon Express website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/ Nippon Express Group's official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/ SOURCE NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. Young children surprised with newly designed bedrooms in Dubuque, Buffalo, Chicago and Chattanooga MILWAUKEE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of its Childhood Cancer Program's 10-year anniversary, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is collaborating with Special Spaces to surprise 10 children across the U.S. affected by childhood cancer with dream bedroom makeovers. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8976431-northwestern-mutual-collaborates-with-special-spaces/ Michaelas first time in her new bedroom A childhood cancer diagnosis changes every aspect of a child's life. Attending doctor's appointments, visiting the hospital, and receiving treatments and surgeries all contribute to kids being out of their comfort zone. Together, Northwestern Mutual and Special Spaces are creating spaces where children can escape from the realities of their cancer diagnosis, and simply enjoy being a kid. "Every child deserves a special place at home to call their own, and it is invaluable for children with cancer to have a place where they can escape their worries and regain their strength after doctor appointments, treatment, and hospital visits," said Steve Radke, President of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "At this milestone anniversary, our commitment to creating moments of happiness for children with cancer has never been stronger, and our dedicated volunteers are making it happen by creating dream bedrooms for children across the country." Partnership Launch: Milwaukee The partnership kicked off during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Northwestern Mutual's hometown of Milwaukee, surprising Autumn, a brave eight-year-old who loves the outdoors and is currently facing leukemia, with a newly designed room to call her own. Dedicated volunteers from the company's Milwaukee-based Lueder Financial Group and Holter Financial Group worked tirelessly to bring Autumn's vision to life and create a space for her to sleep, play, heal and spend time away from the challenges of her illness. Inspired by Autumn's love for the outdoors, sunshine, and stars, the crew of volunteers worked together to paint the room, create custom decorations, and organize the space with new furniture to fit the theme. During the big reveal, Autumn was surprised with her dream bedroom, which has an outdoorsy feel, complete with a special campsite area featuring a toy campfire for her and her family and friends to enjoy. Refreshed Bedrooms from Buffalo to Chattanooga Throughout the month of September, Northwestern Mutual surprised children in Dubuque, Iowa, Buffalo, New York, Chicago, Illinois and Chattanooga, Tennessee with dream bedroom makeovers. Ten-year-old Timmy of Dubuque is currently in treatment for leukemia. He is an avid gamer, and he was gifted an arcade-themed room. is currently in treatment for leukemia. He is an avid gamer, and he was gifted an arcade-themed room. Six-year-old Shea of the Buffalo area is facing optic pathway glioma. She dreamed of a fluffy bedroom filled with unicorns, and Northwestern Mutual's volunteers helped bring her vision to life, creating a cloud-shaped bed. area is facing optic pathway glioma. She dreamed of a fluffy bedroom filled with unicorns, and Northwestern Mutual's volunteers helped bring her vision to life, creating a cloud-shaped bed. Four-year-old Michaela of Chicago , who is affected by anaplastic ependymoma, was gifted a dream bedroom full of princesses, unicorns and glitter. , who is affected by anaplastic ependymoma, was gifted a dream bedroom full of princesses, unicorns and glitter. Eight-year-old Olivia of the Chattanooga area is facing neuroblastoma. Her dreams of becoming a YouTube sensation, and her bedroom was designed for a future vlogger, complete with a ring light, microphones, and more. Throughout October and November, volunteers from Northwestern Mutual's local offices will surprise a child affected by cancer with a dream bedroom makeover in St. Louis, Missouri, Omaha, Nebraska, Cleveland, Ohio, Boca Raton, Florida and Indianapolis, Indiana. Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual has been committed to accelerating the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer, while also supporting families undergoing treatment and survivors struggling with lasting effects. With the help of its dedicated employees and network of financial advisors, the company has contributed more than $45 million to the cause and has funded more than 520,000 hours of pediatric oncology research. About Northwestern Mutual Foundation The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $400 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundation to learn more. About Northwestern Mutual Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With more than $560 billion in combined company and client assets, $34 billion in revenues, and $2.1 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to nearly five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 97 on the 2022 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2022. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services. SOURCE Northwestern Mutual VALLETTA, Malta, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING ("EGM") of Kindred Group plc (C 39017) (the "Company") convened in terms of the Companies Act (Cap.386 of the Laws of Malta) will be held on Monday 14 November 2022 at 10.00 CEST at Kindred's office, Regeringsgatan 25, Stockholm, Sweden (the EGM is to be held without people being physically present). Notice to holders of Swedish Depository Receipts ("SDRs") Holders of SDRs who wish to attend and/or vote at the EGM must: (i) be registered in the register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB by Friday 4 November 2022 (the "Record Date"); and (ii) no later than Wednesday 9 November 2022 at 23.59 CEST cast their votes following this link: https://anmalan.vpc.se/euroclearproxy, navigating to Kindred Group and logging in using BankID. BankID can be used also when voting on behalf of someone, provided the person authorized to vote has access to BankID. Alternatively, votes can be cast by printing and filling out the proxy found at: https://anmalan.vpc.se/euroclearproxy or www.kindredgroup.com/EGM and sending it by regular mail or courier to: Kindred Group, c/o Euroclear Sweden AB, Box 191, 101 23 Stockholm, Sweden. Votes submitted this way must be received by Euroclear no later than Wednesday 9 November 2022. Requirement (i): Holders of SDRs whose holding is registered in the name of a nominee must, to be able to exercise their voting rights at the EGM (by proxy), temporarily register their SDRs in their own name in the register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than by the Record Date. Well before that day such holders must contact their custodian bank or brokerage to request that their holding be temporarily registered in their own name with Euroclear Sweden AB before the Record Date. Requirement (ii): When submitting votes via regular mail or courier the proxy needs to be accompanied by supporting documentation showing the undersigned person/s authority to vote on behalf of the SDR holder. The proxy and any Power of Attorney need to be submitted in original. Votes submitted this way must be received by Euroclear no later than Wednesday 9 November 2022. Requirement (iii): As the EGM will be held without people being physically present holders of SDRs who wish to exercise their voting rights must vote electronically, alternatively by regular mail or courier as set out above. In the event you need assistance with, or have questions regarding, the voting procedure you can contact Euroclear via e-mail at [email protected] or via telephone on +46 8 402 91 33. Please note that an SDR holder cannot exercise their voting rights via these channels, they are for support purposes only. The complete notice and agenda for the EGM can be found at the Company's website www.kindredgroup.com/EGM . The EGM is being held in accordance with the relevant provisions set out in the Maltese Companies Act (Public Companies - Annual General Meeting) Regulations, 2020 (L.N. 288 of 2020). Please note that conversions to and from SDRs and ordinary shares will not be permitted between 2 November and 14 November 2022. Proposed Agenda It is proposed that the EGM conducts the following business: 1 Opening of the Meeting 2 Election of Chairman of the Meeting 3 Drawing up and approval of the voting list 4 Approval of the agenda 5 Election of one or two person(s) to approve the minutes 6 Determination that the Meeting has been duly convened The meeting will be requested to consider and if thought fit, the following by ordinary resolutions: 7 To amend the number of Board members to eight members (instead of seven members) (Resolution (a)) 8 To appoint James H. Gemmel as a director and legal and judicial representative of the Company with effect from the date of the EGM (Resolution (b)) 9 That conditional on the adoption of Resolution (a) the maximum remuneration payable to Board members be increased from a total fee of GBP 757,000 approved at the AGM held on 13 May 2022 to a maximum total fee of GBP 820,000 (to be adjusted with respect to the additional eighth Director on a pro rata basis as explained below) to cater for the appointment of the additional Board member (Resolution (c)); 10 Closing of the meeting Information about proposals related to Agenda items 7 - 9 Agenda item 7 The Nomination Committee proposes that the Board of Directors should, until the next AGM consist of eight Directors instead of seven Directors as previously approved that the AGM held on 13 May 2022. Agenda item 8 The Nomination Committee proposes the appointment of James H. Gemmel as an additional director to serve until the next AGM. Mr Gemmel is US citizen, born in 1985. Mr. Gemmel is a Partner at Corvex Management, a multibillion-dollar investment management firm that focuses on fundamental, valued-based investments. Mr. Gemmel has spent 15 years in professional investment management performing deep fundamental research and making concentrated investments in companies across a range of sectors. Mr. Gemmel has significant experience working collaboratively with management teams and boards of directors to create shareholder value, including several of the largest US corporations: Exelon Corporation, Occidental Petroleum, and The Williams Companies. Before joining Corvex, Mr. Gemmel worked as an Investment Analyst at Federated Hermes Inc. and as an Investment Analyst for the Prudent Bear Fund of David W. Tice & Associates. He has a BS in Economics from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. He has experience investing in and working with companies in many sectors, including gaming. Agenda item 9 Remuneration due to Board members At the AGM held on 13 May 2022, following the recommendation of the Nomination Committee, it was approved that the maximum total fee payable to Directors who are not employees of the Company shall be GBP 757,000 (2021: GBP 701,000). It was approved that a fee of GBP 63,000 (2021: GBP 60,000) be paid to each Director (other than the Chairman). Conditional on the adoption of Resolution (a) (Agenda item 7), the Nomination Committee proposes that the additional Board member shall be paid a fee at the same level as the other Directors of the Company (GBP 63,000) pro rated to be calculated from the date of appointment of such Board member (being the date of the EGM). Accordingly, the total maximum fee payable to Directors who are not employees of the Company be increased from GBP 757,000 to a maximum amount of GBP 820,000 (as this may be adjusted on a pro rata basis) to cater for the appointment of such additional Board member. For information on how personal data is processed please see https://www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf By order of the Board Kindred Group plc Company number: C 39017 Malta, October 2022 For more information: Johan Wilsby, Chief Financial Officer [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/824/3651892/1641288.pdf Kindred - Notice EGM 14 November 2022 SOURCE Kindred Group 60th anniversary celebrations, themed "Tomorrow Begins Here", include a birthday party on Saturday, October 22 SEATTLE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Science Center (PacSci) will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Saturday, October 22. Celebrations include a 21+ birthday party where attendees are invited to dress up in futuristic-themed costumes. "As we celebrate our legacy of igniting curiosity and inspiring critical thinking over the last six decades, we extend our gratitude to partners, supporters, and communities across our state who are the focus of our mission," said PacSci CEO Will Daugherty. "This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in STEM as we look to the next sixty years and beyond." PacSci's birthday party will feature a futuristic costume contest with a chance to win prizes. Additionally, the party will include live music performances by Seattle locals Tomo Nakayama and KEXP's DJ Evie; dancing; Planetarium shows; Laser Dome shows; Live Science Stage shows; Tinker Tank Makerspace activities; and food and drink. This event is open to 21+ adults only. It has been generously supported by Boeing and Alaska Airlines. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here. All tickets include light bites and a glass of champagne for a birthday toast. Concurrently, PacSci has launched a crowd-sourced campaign across social media, calling for community members to share their nostalgic photos and videos from PacSci and the World's Fair from 1962 until today. Participating users are encouraged to tag PacSci (@PacSci) and use the hashtags #PacSci60 and #Next60 when sharing photos and videos on social media. PacSci was born out of the U.S. Science Exhibit at the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle. Nearly 7 million people visited the U.S. Science Exhibit during the Fair, which ran from April 21 to October 21, 1962. PacSci is the first institution in the U.S. founded as a science and technology center. PacSci's iconic arches were designed by Seattle-born architect Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the original World Trade Center in New York City. In 2010, PacSci was awarded landmark status by the City of Seattle; The City of Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board unanimously voted for the designation. PacSci serves nearly 1 million people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds every year across the U.S. For more information about PacSci's history and work, visit PacSci's website. Hashtags #PacSci60 #Next60 About Pacific Science Center Pacific Science Center is an independent, not-for-profit institution in Seattle and has been a gateway to access science education and innovation for nearly 60 years. The institution's mission is to ignite curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. Pacific Science Center innovated during the pandemic to expand its digital programming and increase its reach across Washington, employing technology to bring experiential science education directly to homes and classrooms. In 20212022, its interactive online programs reached nearly half a million people and Virtual Field Trips reached more than 28,000 students across the state. PacSci imagines a future in which it serves every grade in every preK-8 Title I school in the state with programming in schools, virtual and digital programming, and in-person field tripsall at no cost to schools, educators, or families. SOURCE Pacific Science Center NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The patient lift pendant market size is expected to grow by USD 31.2 million from 2021-2026, at a CAGR of 6.27% according to Technavio. The growing prevalence of disabilities, increasing the number of healthcare establishments and increasing regulations to minimize manual patient handling will offer immense growth opportunities. However, high capital requirements, lack of trained professionals, and stringent regulations and policies for patient lift pendants will challenge the growth of the market participants. Buy Sample Report. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Patient Lift Pendant Market 2022-2026 Patient Lift Pendant Market: Segmentation by Application The report extensively covers the patient lift pendant market segmentation by- Application (Intensive care unit and operating rooms) Geography ( North America , Europe , Asia , and the Rest of the World (ROW)). The patient lift pendant market share growth in the intensive care unit segment will be significant during the forecast period. Some of the sickest and most helpless patients in a hospital reside in intensive care units. As a result, these units have patient lifting systems designed with a pendant that is mounted to the ceiling. Pendants are frequently installed at the head of the patient bed in critical care units (CCUs), giving staff members quick access to controls. These pendants may interfere with the hoist system because they are mounted on the ceiling. Two parallel rails placed past the pendant and end stops placed in front of the pendant to prevent collisions can be installed to correct this. Patient lift pendants are employed in several intensive care units in this manner. Request Free Sample Report. Patient Lift Pendant Market: Vendor Analysis The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Some vendors are also adopting inorganic growth strategies such as M&As to remain competitive in the market. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including: Amico Group of Companies: The company offers a GoLift ceiling lift system which is designed to transfer and position patients. The company offers a GoLift ceiling lift system which is designed to transfer and position patients. Arjo AB: The company offers a Maxi Sky 2 lift pendant system which is designed to lift, transfer, turn and reposition patients during medication. The company offers a Maxi Sky 2 lift pendant system which is designed to lift, transfer, turn and reposition patients during medication. Atlas Copco AB: The company offers e Pneumatech MGS pendant system which is designed to lift, transfer, turn and reposition patients during medication in operating theatres and intensive care units. The company offers e Pneumatech MGS pendant system which is designed to lift, transfer, turn and reposition patients during medication in operating theatres and intensive care units. DeVilbiss Healthcare GmbH: The company offers products such as walkers, wheelchairs, transport chairs, and walking sticks. The company offers products such as walkers, wheelchairs, transport chairs, and walking sticks. HILL ROM HOLDINGS Inc.: The company offers likoGuard L and XL patient lifts which are designed to transfer and move patients of varying weights as per their medical condition. Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000. Patient Lift Pendant Market Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our patient lift pendant market report covers the following areas: The global patient lift pendant market will expand because of the increasing need for home care services. The need for home care settings, which are an efficient and less expensive alternative to hospitalization, is increased by the rising prevalence of injuries or health problems associated with aging. The need for home care settings is being driven by the aging population, the prevalence of chronic health issues, and the rise in injuries and impairments. North America will account for 41% of market growth. The patient lift pendant market in North America is mostly concentrated in the US and Canada. The market in this region will expand more slowly than markets in other regions. Over the forecast period, North America's patient lift pendant market will expand due to the rising prevalence of impairments. Related Reports: Hearing Aids 3D Printing Devices Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers hearing aids 3D printing devices market segmentation by product (3D printing services, 3D printing materials, 3D printing hardware, and 3D printing software) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa). Hearing Amplifiers Market by Distribution channel and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers the hearing amplifiers market segmentation by distribution channel (offline and online) and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW)). Patient Lift Pendant Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.27% Market growth 2022-2026 $31.2 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 5.74 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 41% Key consumer countries US, Canada, Germany, UK, and China Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled AAMED Technologies Inc., Amico Group of Companies, Arjo AB, Atlas Copco AB, DeVilbiss Healthcare GmbH, Draegerwerk AG and Co. KGaA, GF Health Products Inc., Heal Force Biomeditech Holdings Ltd., HILL ROM HOLDINGS Inc., INMED SA, Medline Industries LP, modul technik GmbH, NOVAIR MEDICAL, Savaria Corp., Schonn Medizintechnik GmbH, SKYTRON LLC, Starkstorm Ltd., TLV Healthcare, and Wilhelm Integrated Solutions Pty Ltd. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table Of Contents : 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Application 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Application 5.3 Intensive care unit - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Intensive care unit - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Intensive care unit - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Intensive care unit - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Intensive care unit - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Operating rooms - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Operating rooms - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Operating rooms - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on Operating rooms - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Operating rooms - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Application ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 Asia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Asia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Asia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 78: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 79: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 80: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 81: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 82: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 83: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 84: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 Amico Group of Companies Exhibit 85: Amico Group of Companies - Overview Exhibit 86: Amico Group of Companies - Product / Service Exhibit 87: Amico Group of Companies - Key offerings 10.4 Arjo AB Exhibit 88: Arjo AB - Overview Exhibit 89: Arjo AB - Business segments Exhibit 90: Arjo AB - Key news Exhibit 91: Arjo AB - Key offerings Exhibit 92: Arjo AB - Segment focus 10.5 Atlas Copco AB Exhibit 93: Atlas Copco AB - Overview Exhibit 94: Atlas Copco AB - Business segments Exhibit 95: Atlas Copco AB - Key news Exhibit 96: Atlas Copco AB - Key offerings Exhibit 97: Atlas Copco AB - Segment focus 10.6 Draegerwerk AG and Co. KGaA Exhibit 98: Draegerwerk AG and Co. KGaA - Overview Exhibit 99: Draegerwerk AG and Co. KGaA - Business segments Exhibit 100: Draegerwerk AG and Co. KGaA - Key offerings Exhibit 101: Draegerwerk AG and Co. KGaA - Segment focus 10.7 HILL ROM HOLDINGS Inc. Exhibit 102: HILL ROM HOLDINGS Inc. - Overview Exhibit 103: HILL ROM HOLDINGS Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 104: HILL ROM HOLDINGS Inc. - Key news Exhibit 105: HILL ROM HOLDINGS Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 106: HILL ROM HOLDINGS Inc. - Segment focus 10.8 INMED SA Exhibit 107: INMED SA - Overview Exhibit 108: INMED SA - Product / Service Exhibit 109: INMED SA - Key news Exhibit 110: INMED SA - Key offerings 10.9 Medline Industries LP Exhibit 111: Medline Industries LP - Overview Exhibit 112: Medline Industries LP - Product / Service Exhibit 113: Medline Industries LP - Key offerings 10.10 NOVAIR MEDICAL Exhibit 114: NOVAIR MEDICAL - Overview Exhibit 115: NOVAIR MEDICAL - Product / Service Exhibit 116: NOVAIR MEDICAL - Key offerings 10.11 Schonn Medizintechnik GmbH Exhibit 117: Schonn Medizintechnik GmbH - Overview Exhibit 118: Schonn Medizintechnik GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 119: Schonn Medizintechnik GmbH - Key offerings 10.12 Wilhelm Integrated Solutions Pty Ltd. Exhibit 120: Wilhelm Integrated Solutions Pty Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 121: Wilhelm Integrated Solutions Pty Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 122: Wilhelm Integrated Solutions Pty Ltd. - Key offerings 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 123: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 124: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 125: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 126: Research methodology Exhibit 127: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 128: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 129: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Rite Aid Corporation ("Rite Aid" or the "Company") (NYSE: RAD) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and docketed under 22-cv-04201, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Rite Aid securities between April 14, 2022 and September 28, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Rite Aid securities during the Class Period, you have until December 19, 2022 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Rite Aid, through its subsidiaries, operates a chain of retail drugstores in the U.S. The Company operates through two segments, Retail Pharmacy and Pharmacy Services. The Pharmacy Services segment provides integrated suite of pharmacy benefit management ("PBM") offerings through, inter alia, the Company's Elixir subsidiary, including technology solutions, mail delivery services, specialty pharmacy, network and rebate administration, claims adjudication, and pharmacy discount programs. In Rite Aid's Q4 2022 earnings call on April 14, 2022, Rite Aid's President and CEO, Defendant Heyward Rutledge Donigan ("Donigan"), addressed the growth of Elixir's PBM services business during the selling season ending January 1, 2023, stating that (i) in the past few months, Elixir had already "sold 35,000 new members" (as against a total of 55,000 new members in the prior year), (ii) Elixir was a finalist for 150,000 additional new members, and "results have shown that once we get to finalist, we're winning deals 35% of the time," and (iii) Elixir had "a current pipeline of nearly 1 million members and growing." In a letter to shareholders, dated June 10, 2022, appearing in Rite Aid's 2022 Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, Defendant Donigan stated, "[o]ur Elixir account and sales teams are gaining momentum, and we are executing more efficiently by consolidating functions. And the market is noticingwe have added 34,000 individuals covered by Elixir's PBM services since January 1, 2022, with many more in the pipeline." In Rite Aid's Q1 2023 earnings call on June 23, 2022, Defendant Donigan stated concerning the PBM services business that "[o]ur strong network contracts, new rebate capabilities, innovative clinical services and expertise in government programs have enabled us to add 80,000 new lives for January 1, 2023 start date. These are more new lives than we sold last year. And additionally, the selling season is still in progress, and we've got close to 1 million lives remaining in the pipeline for January 1, 2023." On the same call, Elixir's COO, Defendant Chris DuPaul, advised that "we've had a pretty strong start to our selling season, particularly on the health plan side," and "we're feeling really good about where our lives are headed going into [1/1/23]. . ." The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) despite representations to the contrary, the number of new members (i.e., "lives") that the Elixir PBM services business was adding during the selling season ending on January 1, 2023 was in material decline; (ii) Rite Aid was likely to recognize a significant charge for the impairment of goodwill related to Elixir due to a decrease in "lives" covered by Elixir's PBM services business; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On September 29, 2022, Rite Aid announced a $252.2 million charge for the impairment of goodwill related to the Company's Elixir subsidiary. On an earnings call held later in the day, Rite Aid's Chief Financial Officer, Matt Schroeder, explained that the large impairment charge was related to Elixir based on "an update to our estimate of lives for 2023 based on the latest selling season," and that Rite Aid "expected[ed] lives to go down." On this news, Rite Aid's stock price fell $1.97 per share, or 28.02%, to close at $5.06 per share on September 29, 2022. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Take your Pop-Tarts game to the next level of flavor with the Internet's favorite spice BATTLE CREEK, Mich., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no secret, Pop-Tarts has been innovating since turning toast and jam into an iconic, irresistible toaster pastry. And this year, we're taking the spiciest ingredient on TikTok and challenging fans to put it on Pop-Tarts. Enter Tajin, the leading fruit seasoning in the U.S. and Mexico that fans obsessively sprinkle on their favorite fruits, vegetables, snacks or sweet treats. Tajin fans are no stranger to experimenting with exciting flavor combinations andof coursesharing their go-to recipes on socials. Like...over a billion times*. POP-TARTS x TAJIN: A COLLAB THAT MAKES "CRAZY GOOD" EVEN "MORE BUENO" Introducing Pop-Tarts x Tajin, a 'Crazy Bueno' limited-edition, flavor-intensifying package that features Tajin's iconic Clasico Seasoning and new Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce coupled with a variety of fan-favorite fruity Pop-Tarts including Frosted Strawberry, Frosted Wild Berry and Peach Cobbler. "As a brand, we love to challenge conventions and defy expectations, and, with the superstar power of Tajin, we knew we could inspire our fans with an unexpected, ingenious combination." says Heidi Ray, Senior Director of Marketing, Portable Wholesome Snacks. "Tajin shares our dedication to unique flavors, so they were the perfect partner to embrace this 'Crazy Bueno' idea." This kit is a choose-your-own-culinary-adventure of flavors and there are no rules. For inspiration fans can reference the flavor descriptions and pairing ideas provided in the kit to spice up every bite. Think Lemon Creme Pie Pop-Tarts sprinkled with the mild chili and lime flavor of Clasico Seasoning or drizzle the Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce on your own personal favorite maybe Frosted Chocolate Fudge for a sweet and spicy treat. "With fall upon us, Pop-Tarts is a warm and new way to experience this universal product," says Javier Leyva, Director of Tajin USA. "Our well-balanced blend of mild chili peppers, sea salt and dehydrated lime and the new Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce pair perfectly with Pop-Tarts' fruit flavored filling, frosting and flaky crust." The limited-edition Pop-Tarts X Tajin kit will be available for purchase exclusively through the Pop-Tarts Instagram store (@poptartsus) and kelloggstore.com/pop-tarts-tajin, with limited quantities dropping Tuesday, October 25 through Thursday, October 27 at noon ET for $10.00 while supplies last. To stay up to date on all things Pop-Tarts, follow the brand on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And find Tajin news and updates on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. ABOUT TAJIN Industrias Tajin is a Mexican-owned company and market leader in both Mexico and the United States in the chili powder category, in addition to being one of the most important brands in the production and commercialization of products derived from chili worldwide. Today, it has a presence in more than 65 countries around the world. Tajin was founded in 1985, surprising consumers with the perfect blend of lime, chili, and sea salt. In 1993, Tajin made its first export to the United States and Tajin International Corporation was established in Houston, TX, from where all commercial activity of the brand in the U.S. is managed. The brand arrived in Central American and European markets in 2006. ABOUT KELLOGG COMPANY At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), our vision is a good and just world where people are not just fed but fulfilled. We are creating better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. Our beloved brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Special K, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Eggo, Mini-Wheats, Kashi, RXBAR, MorningStar Farms and more. Net sales in 2021 were nearly $14.2 billion, comprised principally of snacks as well as convenience foods like cereal, frozen foods and noodles. As part of our Kellogg's Better Days ESG strategy, we're addressing the interconnected issues of wellbeing, climate and food security, creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. Visit www.KelloggCompany.com. *https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tajin SOURCE Kellogg Company CEO Choi was inaugurated as the chairman of worldsteel at the Annual General Meeting held in Brussels, Belgium , on October 18 . POSCO Group won two Steelie Awards in the categories of innovation, sustainability, while its Smart Safety Ball was selected as an outstanding practice. "While the key to eco-friendly future material is steel, we will lay the foundation for the commercialization of Hydrogen Reduction (HyREX) technology," said Choi. SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- POSCO Group CEO, Jeong-woo Choi was inaugurated as the 44th chairman of worldsteel at the annual general meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, on October 18 (local time). Choi will represent the world's steel industry, together with Chairman Sajjan Jinda of Jindal Steel Works Limited India and CEO Leon Topalian of Nucor, who are the vice chairmen of worldsteel. The executive management of worldsteel is led by one chairman and two vice chairmen, with a three-year-term in office. POSCO Group CEO, Jeong-woo Choi, to take office as Chairman of worldsteel. Choi served as vice chairman over the year after being appointed to the executive management of worldsteel in October 2021, as he was credited for his outstanding management achievement and global leadership with which he successfully organized the Hydrogen Iron & Steel (HyIS) Making Forum to discuss HyREX technology as the first of its kind in the steel industry. He has become the 4th chairman of worldsteel from POSCO Group, following Man-jae Kim (1996 ~ 1997), Goo-taek Lee (2007 ~ 2008), and Joon-yang Jung (2013 ~ 2014). "Steel will be the key to eco-friendly future materials. We will strive to encourage all the steel companies to work together to lay the foundation for commercialization of HyREX technology and address the current industrial challenges such as carbon neutrality and ESG management," said Choi. Meanwhile, POSCO won two prizes at the 2022 Steelie Awards this year in the categories of innovation, sustainability organized by worldsteel, held during the annual general meeting days starting from October 16. POSCO was acknowledged for its certified program for safety and health as a best practice. The Steelie Awards recognize outstanding steel companies as well as members of worldsteel which make contributions to the development of the steel industry every year, starting from 2010. The Awards are grouped into six categories: low-carbon steel production, innovation, sustainability, life cycle assessment, education and training, and communications programs. In the "Innovation of the year," the technology of "fast current electrochemical pickling" for wide stainless material (over 1200mm in width) was recognized. The technology was developed as the first of its kind in the world by POSCO. With this technology, alternating current is utilized to remove pollutants from wide stainless products and clean up the surface through the pickling process at a high speed. This technology enables reducing the use of mixed acid, a chemical used in the traditional pickling process, which can also reduce the environmental effect. Also, the technology can be applied to the production of other products, such as carbon steel which requires the pickling process. In the "Excellence in sustainability," POSCO's rendering of shell waste to resources was awarded. Based on the idea that the main component of the shell is similar to limestone, POSCO successfully developed a technology to replace limestone with processed shell waste in the sintering process of turning iron ore into chunks. The rendering case of shell waste was highly valued in that the technology can achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas, enhance the awareness for going green in the steel industry, and address the environmental problems of local communities, including wastewater and bad smell. In the Steelie Awards, POSCO is the one and only Korean winner, who received the awards eight times in total: five times in innovation (2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021), two times in sustainability (2010, 2020), and one time in communications programs (2021). The Smart Safety Ball was certified as a good practice in the safety and health field, which is the world's first detection device for harmful gas, developed by POSCO. The certification this year is POSCO's 3rd achievement, following the POSCO-way safety program (2010) and Safety Golden Bell (2020). With 60mm in diameter and 100g in weight, Smart Safety Ball enables checking of the concentration level of three types of gases (oxygen, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide). If it is thrown to a closed space either during operation or before maintenance work, the Ball can immediately detect the gas concentration and prevent safety accidents. The measured figures can be identified both simultaneously and remotely. Once the danger is detected, the warning alert and location data are sent to colleagues and managers. According to World Steel Dynamics (WSD), the global leading steel information service, POSCO was selected as No. 1 for 12 consecutive years as the world's most competitive steel company. In 2018 and 2020, POSCO was awarded the Best Steel Company Award selected by S&P Global Platts. Also, being selected as the member with the best sustainability by worldsteel this April, POSCO has been recognized as the most competitive steel player in the world. SOURCE POSCO Holdings TAMPA, Fla. , Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th Annual Neuropsychiatric and Psychedelics Drug Development Summit will be held in Boston, MA from October 31st to November 2nd. Dr. Jackie von Salm, Psilera Co-Founder and CSO, is speaking on " Investigating the Mechanism of Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Derivatives in CNS Disorders " and Dr. Chris Witowski, Psilera Co-Founder and CEO, will be on the panel discussion " Reflection on Hallucinations & Impact on Efficacy to Guide Development ". Psilera will be sponsoring this year's Wonderland Miami psychedelic conference running from November 3rd through 5th. The co-founders and team will be on-site for Q&A in their exhibition booth (B1) throughout the conference. Dr. von Salm will be speaking on the panel "Using Machine Learning to Accelerate Drug Discovery in Mental Health". The company and its co-founders are up for multiple awards including, a title Psilera was awarded in last year's inaugural event. MJBizCon's reMind Psychedelic Business Forum , will be held in Las Vegas on November 15th. Dr. von Salm will be featured in two discussions focused on the trajectory of the psychedelic industry and the power of machine learning. About Psilera : Psilera leverages a world-class scientific and pharmaceutical team that reexamines and repurposes psychotropic natural products into effective and accessible patient-centric treatments. The proprietary Psilera Third Eye computing platform is used to optimize next-generation neurological drugs at the atomic level. Investor Contact: Chris Witowski [email protected] Media Contact: Katie DeMarsh [email protected] SOURCE Psilera, Inc. NOIDA, India, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the eHealth Devices Market was valued at more than USD 13 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 9% from 2021-2027. The analysis has been segmented into Type (Blood Pressure Meters, Fever Meters, Glucose Meters, and Social Alarms); End-users (Hospitals and Clinics, Homecare, and Diagnostic centers); Region/Country. Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/cocktail-syrups-market/ The eHealth Devices market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data on various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the eHealth Devices market. The eHealth Devices market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the eHealth Devices market at the global and regional levels. Request for Sample Pages https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=26003 Market Overview The rapid advancement in technology and increasing internet penetration significantly contribute to the market of eHealth devices. Furthermore, government initiatives along with private investments plays important role in the market for eHealth devices. Moreover, the increasing number of startups is likely to drive the market for eHealth devices. For instance, Rubi Life is a startup founded by Brigham Young University student Eric Stopper. The MedTech company uses nanotechnology attached to an elastic maternity band to track fetal activity in high-risk pregnancies, including monitoring kick count, fetal heart rate, and position. The monitor can send alerts to an expectant mother's smartphone in the event of a risk to help prevent stillbirths, premature birth, or other negative pregnancy outcomes. Global eHealth Devices market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated Click here to view the Report Description & TOC https://univdatos.com/report/cocktail-syrups-market/ The global eHealth Devices market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. Based on type, the market is segmented into blood pressure meters, fever meters, glucose meters, and social alarms. The glucose meter segment generated significant revenue in the global market owing to the increasing number of diabetic patients globally. The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise to 366 million by 2030. Based on end-users, the market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, homecare, and diagnostic centers. The home care segment is expected to grab significant market share in the electronic healthcare device market during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the rapidly increasing geriatric population and the rising prevalence of various chronic diseases among them. For instance, as per the WHO, between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. Also, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over by 2030. Have a Look at the Chapters - https://univdatos.com/report/cocktail-syrups-market/ eHealth Devices Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America ( United States , Canada , and Rest of North America ) ( , , and Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , United Kingdom , Spain , Italy , France , and the Rest of Europe ) ( , , , , , and the Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Australia , and the Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , , and the Rest of ) Rest of the World For a better understanding of the market adoption of the eHealth devices, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in the countries such as North America (United States, Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, and Rest of APAC), and Rest of World. North America constitutes a major market for the eHealth device industry owing to the presence of well-established market players and frequent product launches and approvals in the region. For instance, In February 2022, FDA approved Eversense E3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, The Eversense E3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System gives real-time blood sugar readings every five minutes for people with diabetes. The system consists of an implantable fluorescence-based sensor, a transmitter, and a mobile app for displaying glucose values, trends, and alerts on the patient's compatible mobile device. The major players targeting the market include Omron Corp. Apple Inc. Medtronic Plc. DexCom Inc. Nokia Corp. PHC Holdings Corporation Abbott Laboratories F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Doro AB Honeywell Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the eHealth Devices market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on global competition. Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include: What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the eHealth Devices market? Which factors are influencing the eHealth Devices market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the eHealth Devices market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the eHealth Devices market? What are the demanding global regions of the eHealth Devices market? What will be the global market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs. Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights eHealth Devices Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2027 Growth momentum Accelerate at a CAGR of over 9% Market size 2020 USD 13 billion Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Rest of World Major contributing region North America to Dominate the Global eHealth Devices Market Key countries covered United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, China, Japan, India, and Australia Companies profiled Omron Corp., Apple Inc., Medtronic Plc., DexCom, Inc., Nokia Corp., PHC Holdings Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Doro AB, and Honeywell Lifecare Solutions Report Scope Market Trends, Drivers, and Restraints; Revenue Estimation and Forecast; Segmentation Analysis; Impact of COVID-19; Demand and Supply Side Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Company Profiling Segments Covered By Type; By End-Users; By Region/Country About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: [email protected] Website: https://univdatos.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd. Gettings to Succeed Current CEO Mark Urdahl Upon His January 2023 Retirement RED WING, Minn., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Wing Shoe Company today announced that its board of directors has named Allison Gettings president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Gettings, who is currently president, will assume the role of CEO following the planned retirement of Mark Urdahl who has served as the company's CEO since 2016. Allison Gettings Gettings will become the 10th CEO and first woman to lead Red Wing Shoe Company since it was founded in 1905. She has worked at the company for 14 years in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities. During this time, Gettings spearheaded the launch of Red Wing's Women's Heritage product line, reimagined the company's Outdoor business as president of its Vasque brand and helped set the stage for delivering a seamless omnichannel customer experience. In her most recent position as president, Gettings established the company's first dedicated corporate social responsibility department, which is focused on further advancing Red Wing Shoe Company's commitments to the environment and the community. Gettings is the great granddaughter of J.R. Sweasy, who served as president and CEO from 1921-1949 and the first fourth-generation family member to run the company. "Allison is the right choice to lead Red Wing and build upon the important work that Mark has led to position the company for the future," said Chairman of the Board Bill Sweasy. "She brings a deep understanding of the company's business, customers and values, having worked across many different functions over more than a decade at the company. She's widely respected for her strategic thinking and ability to bring people together, and I am confident that she's prepared to guide Red Wing Shoe Company as it enters its next chapter. I also want to thank Mark for his many contributions and leadership over the past 18 years, including the past seven as CEO/President during an unprecedented time amid the global pandemic." "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Red Wing Shoe Company and excited about what the future holds," Gettings said. "Over the past 117 years, we have garnered incredible customer 'brand love' across our portfolio of purpose-driven brands, and we have an awesome opportunity to build on that foundation. I am so grateful for the support and guidance Mark has provided me, and I look forward to working with the high-performing teams he has built as we accelerate our growth." "It has been an honor to serve as president and chief executive officer of this great company as we have evolved our business to meet the demands of the market," commented Urdahl. "The last several years have been difficult for all companies and yet we have flourished at Red Wing due in large part to our culture and people. We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and I know that there are great things to come as we transition leadership to Allison." About Red Wing Shoe Company Red Wing Shoe Company Inc. is a global leader in the design, production and distribution of work, safety and lifestyle footwear and work apparel. Established in 1905 in Red Wing, Minnesota, today the privately held company's family of brands includes Red Wing Shoes, Irish Setter, Vasque, WORX, and S.B. Foot Tanning Company. Its brands are distributed to more than 110 countries in an immersive multichannel environment of 700+ Red Wing branded retail outlets, third-party partners, and owned e-commerce platforms. The Red Wing Shoe Company employs more than 2,200 employees worldwide and operates five U.S. manufacturing facilities in Red Wing, MN; Potosi, MO; and Clarksville, AR. For more information, please visit RedWingShoeCo.com. Media Contact: Megan Weber [email protected] 651-442-6323 SOURCE Red Wing Shoe Company NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Insight Partners published latest research study on " Security Robots Market Size, Share, Revenue, Growth Strategy, Industry Trends and Forecast to 2028 COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product Type; End-use; Vertical, and Geography", the global security robots market size is expected to grow from USD 31 billion in 2021 to USD 75 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2022 to 2028. Download Sample PDF Brochure of Security Robots Market Size - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis with Strategic Insights at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000417/ Global Security Robots Market Report Scope, Segmentations, Regional & Country Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Size Value in USD 31 Billion in 2021 Market Size Value by USD 75 Billion by 2028 Growth rate CAGR of 18.5% from 2022 to 2028 Forecast Period 2022-2028 Base Year 2021 No. of Pages 150 Historical data available Yes Segments covered Product Type, End-use, and Vertical Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA Country scope US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Companies Covered Aerovironment, Inc.; Cobham PLC; Elbit Systems; ENDEAVOR ROBOTICS; Knightscope, Inc.; Kongsberg Maritime; Lockheed Martin Corp.; Qinetiq Group PLC; Recon Robotics; Thales SA Key Research Capabilities Global Market Assessment, Business Development Strategies, Competitive Landscape, Opportunity Analysis, Regional and Country Level Market Analysis, Market Entry Strategies, Market Dynamics, Risk and Return Assessments, Pricing Analysis, Market Size and Forecasting, Company Profiling, Value Chain Analysis, Expansion Strategies, SWOT Analysis, New Product Development Global Security Robots Market Forecast to 2028 - Latest COVID-19 Analysis https://www.theinsightpartners.com/covid-analysis-sample/TIPTE100000417/ Browse key market insights spread across 150 pages with list of tables & list of figures from the report, "Security Robots Market Forecast 2028 COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Product Type (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Unmanned Ground Vehicles, and Unmanned Ground Vehicles), End-use (Spying, Explosive Detection, Firefighting, Demining, Rescue Operations, and Others), Vertical (Manufacturing, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics, Commercial, Military, IT, and Others), and Geography" in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/security-robots-market Aerovironment, Inc.; Cobham PLC; Elbit Systems; ENDEAVOR ROBOTICS; Knightscope, Inc.; Kongsberg Maritime; Lockheed Martin Corp.; Qinetiq Group PLC; Recon Robotics; and Thales SA are a few of the key global security robots market players profiled during the study. Several other major companies were analyzed during this research study to get a holistic view of the global security robots market and its ecosystem. Security robots assist in improving the capabilities of security experts. The usage of robot technology is being widely adopted across diversified industries. In the last few years, the manufacturing of security robots has become highly intelligent as it is equipped with constantly developing technologies, such as AI, cloud computing, computer vision, and big data. Furthermore, owing to the continuous and rapid development of AI, this technology has enabled robots to persist with a higher intelligence that can replace human tasks. The inclination toward security robots is rising to overcome the challenges in security groups associated with security personnel over 40 years old, the instability of the security industry, and issues existing in current security products. Lack of flexibility and lagging in intelligently processing monitoring information that needs manual processing is also creating demand for security robots. Inquiry Before Purchase: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000417/ In addition, many security personnel are required which is increasing the cost of deploying security solutions. Therefore, to lower cost and personnel required, demand for advanced security robots is witnessing an upward trend. With continuous development of IT, growth of commercial structures and real estate industry, the conceptualization of smart cities is getting augmented. Inclination towards smart cities development will proliferate the demand for security solutions to make premises safe. The mentioned factors are creating demand for security robots integrated with AI, automatic control, and a few other technologies. The security robot is a mobile control-based platform equipped with positioning technology, an inspection system, a navigation system, feature recognition, vision processing technology, and other technologies. A few of the features provided by advanced security robots over traditional security systems are mentioned below: Intelligent Analysis and Alarm: Security robots are in-built with different sensors (temperature sensors, gas sensors, etc) and cameras. Using sensor information, coupled with computer vision, sensors, speech recognition, and other technologies to monitor the surrounding environment in real-time are creating demand for security robots. Security robots can detect abnormality through temperature detection, smoke detection, pedestrian identification, etc. It can actively turn on its alarm device and notify the corresponding security personnel through the Internet about any abnormalities. Speak to Research Expert: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/speak-to-analyst/TIPTE100000417 24/7 Autonomous Patrol: In an automatic patrol mode, the security robot does not need high human intervention. The robot can control the movement of a mobile platform as per its positioning system and navigation system. Simultaneously, multiple robots can be used in patrol area to form a patrol network without dead ends; in the case of a robot that is being charged automatically, other robots replace it and starts patrolling, making security work more stringent. As compared to humans, robots can endure security patrol work in harsh environments, such as heavy rains, strong winds, cold, and high temperatures. Security robots are gaining high momentum in various applications. For instance, security robots are commonly used in airports globally for temperature testing and passenger check-in for monitoring purposes. In November 2021, Japan deployed the latest technologies in their Kansai Airport. Two security robots were deployed in Kansai Airport that is capable of autonomously navigating and patrolling routes. Security robots use a laser sensor to detect their locations and capture images using built-in cameras. Further, after finishing patrolling, security robots are programmed to stop and stand guard at a designated location. Quickly Purchase Premium Copy of Global Security Robots Market Growth Report (2022-2028) at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPTE100000417/ Go through further research published by The Insight Partners: Wind Energy Market - The global wind energy market size is expected to grow from US$ US$ 156.8 billion in 2021 and it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2022 to 2028. Maritime Information Market - The global maritime information market size was valued at US$ 1,882.01 million in 2021 and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2028. 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Biometric System Market - The global biometric system market size is expected to grow from US$ 43 billion in 2021 to US$ 85 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.5% between 2022 and 2028. Wifi-as-a-Service Market - The global wi-fi as a service market size is projected to grow from US$ 3.66 billion in 2021 to US$ 13.34 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.5% during 20222028. Sound Recognition Market - The global sound recognition market size is projected to grow from US$ 3.84 billion in 2021 to US$ 9.70 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2022 to 2028. Network Transformation Market - The global network transformation market size is expected to grow from US$ 19.27 billion in 2021 to US$ 175.34 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 40.6% between 2022 and 2028. Molded Interconnect Devices (MID) Market - The global molded interconnect device (MID) market size is expected to grow from US$ 1,203.5 million in 2021 to US$ 2,711.9 million by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2022 to 2028. Data Collection and Labeling Market - The global data collection and labeling market size is expected to grow from US$ 1.82 billion in 2021 to US$ 9.07 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 27.2% between 2022 and 2028. Customer Data Platform Market - The global customer data platform market size is expected to grow from US$ 2,672.5 Mn in 2021 to US$ 14,847.1 Mn by 2028 at a CAGR of 28.2% between 2022 and 2028. Vehicle Tracking Systems Market - The global vehicle tracking systems market size is expected to grow from US$ 13.67 billion in 2021 to US$ 23.70 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2022 to 2028. Autonomous Last Mile Delivery Market - The global autonomous last mile delivery market size is expected to grow from US$ 57.67 billion in 2021 to US$ 68.95 billion by 2028; it is expected to register a CAGR of 3.0% from 2022 to 2028. ISDN Modem Market - The global ISDN modem market size was valued US$ 982.97 thousand in 2022, it is estimated to register a CAGR of -80.6% from 2022 to 2024. Semiconductor Bonding Market - The global semiconductor bonding market size was valued US$ 669.48 million in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2028. Recycled Ocean Plastics Market - The global recycled ocean plastics market size was valued at US$ 14,432.91 million in 2022, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2022 to 2028. EDM Wire Market - The global EDM wire market size is expected to grow from US$ 1,497.50 million in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2022 to 2028. Seam Welding Machine Market - The global seam welding machine market size was valued US$ 1,142.87 million in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2022 to 2028. Electric Coolant Pump Market - The global electric coolant pump market size was valued US$ 467.46 million in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2022 to 2028. Smart Manufacturing Market - The global smart manufacturing market size was valued US$ 258.72 billion in 2022, it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2022 to 2028. Respiratory Care Devices Market - The global respiratory care devices market size is expected to grow from US$ 18,114.31 million in 2021 to US$ 32,761.82 million by 2028; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 8.9% from 2021 to 2028. About Us: The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Sameer Joshi E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Press Release: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/security-robots-market Industry Research: https://www.einpresswire.com/newsroom/the_insight_partners/ | https://www.whatech.com/og/markets-research/companies/the-insight-partners-2019-05-20 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586348/The_Insight_Partners_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Insight Partners NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner of the class action firm Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018-2021 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating KnowBe4, Inc. (KNBE), relating to its proposed acquisition by Vista Equity Partners. Under the terms of the agreement, KNBE shareholders are expected to receive $24.90 in cash per share they own. Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/knowbe4-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. About Monteverde & Associates PC We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018-2021 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers in 2013 and 2017-2019 as a Rising Star and in 2022 as a Super Lawyer in Securities Litigation. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2021 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, we have recovered or secured over a dozen cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases. If you own common stock in KNBE and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405 New York, NY 10118 United States of America [email protected] Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2022 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- J P Jenkins Ltd. is pleased to announce that shares of GYG Ltd have been admitted onto its share matching platform. GYG Ltd (GYG), the market leading global superyacht service and supply group, de-listed from the AIM market on 12th September 2022 and as indicated to their shareholders engaged J P Jenkins Ltd to provide a facility to transact their shares. J P Jenkins is the oldest established platform in UK for unlisted or unquoted companies which enables shareholders and prospective investors to buy and sell their shares on a matched bargain basis. GYG is a superyacht painting, supply and maintenance company, offering services globally through operations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the United States. The Company's heritage brands include Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply, and Technocraft. GYG's operations can be divided into three key sales channels: Refit: repainting and finishing of superyachts, normally as part of a refit programme. Revenues also include scaffolding, containment and the removal and repair of fittings New Build: fairing and painting of new vessels as part of the build process Supply: the sale and delivery of maintenance materials, consumables, spare parts and equipment primarily to superyachts and trade customers Shareholders wishing to trade these securities can do so through their stockbroker. Trades will be conducted at a level that J P Jenkins is able to match a willing seller and a willing buyer. Trades can be conducted, and limits can be accepted, during normal business hours. Shareholders or potential investors can place limits via their existing UK regulated stockbroker. The indicative pricing for the ordinary shares (ISIN: GB00BZ4FM652), as well as the transaction history, will be available on the J P Jenkins website at jpjenkins.com/company/gyg-limited/. Veronika Oswald, Director of J P Jenkins said: "We are very happy to welcome GYG as a client of J P Jenkins and are excited to help them on their journey as a private and unquoted company." Remy Millott, Chief Executive Officer of GYG Ltd commented: "I am delighted to bring GYG Ltd onto the J P Jenkins platform to offer their share matching services to existing shareholders, and I look forward to welcoming new investors as we continue to focus on improving efficiencies and providing quality earnings across the Group. We are also committed to providing shareholders with regular company updates through this platform and our website www.gygltd.com." For further information, please contact: J P Jenkins Ltd., Veronika Oswald, Director, +44 (0)20 7469 0937 GYG Ltd: Kevin McNair, Chief Financial Officer, [email protected], +34 673 708 908 SOURCE J P Jenkins Ltd Full Engagement Spans All Aspects of the Revenue Cycle Including CDI and Coding DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Conifer Health Solutions, a leading provider of comprehensive Physician Revenue Cycle Management (PRCM) outsourced services, announces a five-year partnership with Sinai Medical Group (SMG) in Chicago, Illinois effective October 6, 2022. The enterprise relationship involves a full engagement with a focus on CDI and Coding. Previously, SMG had multiple vendors managing their revenue cycle but struggled with coding and documentation concerns impacting revenue collection. SMG is part of Sinai Chicago. With the near-term transition to the Epic platform for its electronic medical record, Sinai Chicago required proven results and significant Epic experience in a new vendor of choice. Conifer scored high marks in both categories making them the perfect match. "The transition to Epic is a key reason why we selected Conifer," shared Gary Krugel, chief financial officer, Sinai Chicago. "Their expertise in maximizing the value of Epic in the revenue cycle was well validated by their references." Conifer's Physician RCM Services include patient access, billing/collections, quality assurance, reporting/analytics, client delivery and ongoing support. Coding services include production coding, quality assurance and reporting/analytics. Finally, the Clinical Documentation improvement includes initial and regular audits. Conifer PRCM will help during this critical platform transition, taking 3-4 months to complete, train, and concurrently do implementation process. "We are grateful to be selected by the Sinai Medical Group and look forward to a positive and impactful working relationship," said Matthew Bayley, MD group president, Conifer PRCM. "As a local Chicago organization, our collaboration will certainly be facilitated by our proximity." About Conifer Health Solutions Conifer Health Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, brings 35 years of healthcare industry expertise to help health systems and physician practices address their most pressing revenue cycle challenges. The company offers tech-enabled end-to-end and point solution revenue cycle services that help to enhance the patient experience, drive operational efficiency, and improve financial outcomes. Annually, Conifer Health manages 17+ million unique patient interactions, more than $25 billion in net patient revenue and $22.6+ billion in medically managed spend. Conifer Health also provides value-based care services focused on population health management and financial management services for more than five million lives. For more information, visit ConiferHealth.com. SOURCE Conifer BEDFORD, Mass., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Soft Robotics Inc. announced that they will be showcasing m GripAI in multiple booths at the Pack Expo International Exposition, October 23-26, 2022, at the McCormick Center in Chicago, Illinois. mGripAI is an easy-to-integrate solution that combines 3D Perception, Soft Grasping, and Artificial Intelligence. Tweet this mGripAI high-speed, 3D perception, soft grasping, and artificial intelligence solution enables system integrators and OEM machine builders to automate complex production processes in the food and consumer packaged goods industries. mGripAI is an easy-to-integrate solution that combines 3D Perception, Soft Grasping, and Artificial Intelligence to enable high-speed picking, sortation, singulation, and packaging of items from bulk presentations to bins, boxes, totes, or conveyance. mGripAI enables system integrators and OEM machine builders to automate complex production processes in the food and consumer packaged goods industries freeing end users from their primary challenge - a scarce and expensive labor force. At this event, Soft Robotics will demonstrate picking, sorting by variety, and pack out of donuts at rates of up to 70 picks per minute in their booth (5230-North Hall). mGripAI will also be on display in the Schmalz booth (319-South Hall) demonstrating bin picking of consumer goods alternating between suction and soft robotic effectors using an automatic tool changer. "We're excited to show the flexibility of mGripAI to handle products with our soft grasping technology as well as suction," said Paul Kling, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Soft Robotics. "This opens the door to handle a wider variety of products and applications using the same robotic machine platform." "Collaborating with automation partners showcasing both their values in conjunction with our own Schmalz automation products offers the most complete view into the valuable impact we're both making toward packaging technologies," said Mark Westphal, Manager of US Marketing at Schmalz. "We're glad to have joined efforts with Soft Robotics." Soft Robotics' flagship soft gripper, mGrip will also be featured during Pack Expo International in partner booths: Fanuc, Ossid (a ProMach brand), Premiere Tech, and SMC. About Soft Robotics Soft Robotics is an industry-leading technology company that designs and builds automated high-speed picking solutions using proprietary soft robotic grippers, 3D machine vision, and artificial intelligence. The company's transformational robotic automation solutions enable machine builders and end users to solve the hardest picking problems in the food, consumer goods, logistics and e-commerce industries. Learn more at www.softroboticsinc.com . Soft Robotics is backed by leading venture capital firms and strategic investors that include ABB Technology Ventures, Calibrate Ventures, Hyperplane Venture Capital, Material Impact, Scale Venture Partners, FANUC, Honeywell Ventures, Tekfen Ventures, Tyson Ventures and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. Media contact: Julie Collura Director, Marketing Communications Soft Robotics Inc. [email protected] SOURCE Soft Robotics Inc. NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Soundcore Capital Partners, LP ("Soundcore") a New-York based private equity firm, is pleased to announce four recent new hires including two Senior Associates on the investment team, a new Controller and an Investor Relations Associate. As a result of these recent hires, Soundcore's rapidly growing team is now the biggest and best in the firm's history. Andrew Fieschko Sam Kohistani Sam Greer Elizabeth Olt Andrew Fieschko is a Senior Associate on the investment team, where his primary responsibilities include deal execution, thesis development and portfolio company oversight. Prior to joining Soundcore, Mr. Fieschko was an Associate at ORIX Capital Partners ("OCP"), an operationally focused middle-market private equity firm in New York. Prior to joining OCP, Mr. Fieschko was an M&A Analyst within Lazard's Global Power, Energy and Infrastructure group. He began his career as an Analyst within RBC Capital Markets' investment banking division. Mr. Fieschko received a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Economics & Management from Cornell University. Sam Kohistani is a Senior Associate on the investment team, where his primary responsibilities include deal execution, thesis development, and portfolio company oversight. Prior to joining Soundcore, Mr. Kohistani was an Associate at Huron Capital, a middle-market private equity firm based in Michigan. Prior to joining Huron Capital, Mr. Kohistani was an Investment Banking Analyst within Robert W. Baird & Co. He began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst within D.A. Davidson & Co. Mr. Kohistani received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance Honors and a minor in Economics from DePaul University. Sam Greer, CPA is the firm's Controller. He is primarily responsible for supporting the finance function of Soundcore and the funds we manage. Prior to joining Soundcore, Mr. Greer was a Senior Associate in Grant Thornton LLP's audit group where he was involved in the audits of private equity firms, hedge funds and broker dealers. He graduated with a Masters and Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Syracuse University. Elizabeth Olt is an Associate on the Investor Relations Team. She is primarily responsible for working with our existing and prospective investors. Prior to joining Soundcore Ms. Olt was a Client Associate at Third Bridge Group Limited, where she worked with clients on their research needs. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. "We are thrilled to have these four highly accomplished professionals on the Soundcore team. They have each demonstrated success in their respective fields and bring a depth of experience from many leading institutions. Over the next 12 months, Soundcore will continue growing the overall team even further through the hiring of additional experienced private equity professionals," said Jarrett Turner, Managing Partner of Soundcore. About Soundcore Soundcore Capital was founded in 2015 by Jarrett Turner and is based in New York, NY. Soundcore is a thesis-driven private equity firm that specializes in buy-and-build investments in the lower middle-market that are headquartered in the United States and Canada. Soundcore has completed 74 acquisitions across ten platforms and focuses primarily on business & outsourced services, industrial services, specialty manufacturing and value-added distribution sectors. For more information, please visit: https://www.soundcorecap.com/home CONTACT: Njideka Emenogu 212-812-1180 [email protected] SOURCE Soundcore Capital Partners Clients Now Have Access to a Leading CRM and ERP Tool NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sourcepass , an innovative digital IT Managed Services Provider, announced its acquisition of Infinity Computer Systems (Infinity). Infinity is a leading Microsoft partner that enhances the services of Microsoft Dynamics 365, a cloud-based business applications platform that allows companies to integrate their customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities and make their organization's processes more connected. With the acquisition, Sourcepass' small and medium-sized business (SMB) clients can now access this sophisticated tool, along with Sourcepass' unparalleled support and wide portfolio of other IT solutions. "We are always looking for ways to help our clients evolve their technology as their businesses grow," said Chuck Canton, CEO and Founder of Sourcepass. "Many companies who have outgrown other applications move to Microsoft Dynamics 365 for its more robust reporting and multi-user capabilities. However, smaller companies may not have the budget for the platform or may lack the technical expertise to transition to a new system. As an enhanced technology service provider, we help our clients enjoy the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics and make sure they are maximizing the value of the system while we take care of the back-end." "We are always looking for ways to help our clients evolve their technology as their businesses grow," said Chuck Canton Tweet this By choosing Sourcepass, SMBs can integrate Microsoft Dynamics 365 with other business applications while working with a partner they already know and trust. Sourcepass provides organizations all of the technology they need through one vendor, taking away the worry of keeping licenses and subscriptions current. Holding certifications such as Microsoft Small Business Specialist, Microsoft Dynamics Customer Satisfaction, and Microsoft Dynamics GP Circle of Excellence, Sourcepass is uniquely qualified to accelerate their client's business growth through their digital journey. About Sourcepass Sourcepass is digitizing the way small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) access innovative IT solutions by making strategic acquisitions in the IT Managed Services space. Sourcepass is committed to eliminating the challenges that SMBs face worldwide, allowing them to focus on their core business. The Sourcepass culture promotes modernization, diversification, and productivity to deliver world-class IT results and drive growth. Their goal is to help SMBs successfully navigate the digital era and remain competitive against a shifting technology landscape by immediately connecting clients with modern, valuable IT solutions for a seamless IT approach. For more information about Sourcepass, please visit www.sourcepass.com . SOURCE Sourcepass, Inc. The illustrious cafe bakery is heading to New York in 2023 CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- When South African luxury brand, Coco Safar staged a 3-day pop-up in Johannesburg, nothing could have prepared the cafe bakery for the mayhem that would ensue with locals queuing in droves to get a taste of their world-renowned croissants & coffee. While many successful bakeries would be ecstatic to move 1,000 croissants in a day, Coco Safar's pop-up sold over 8,500 croissants in less than 72 hours at premium prices twice as high as the local equivalent. Coco Safar is an all-day luxury cafe delivering dazzling breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as specialty coffee & croissants, bakery goods & patisserie, with the right touch of sophistication and French je ne sais quoi that beautifully comes together with a uniquely distinct mix of North American and Cape Town flair. Created in Montreal, Canada more than 15 years ago, the globe-trotting brand combines the elegance of an old-world cafe with the casual allure of a neighbourhood eatery and everyday destination. The pop-up was a preview for Coco Safar's upcoming global expansion. "We were blown away by the demand. It was a surprising success and clearly cements our position and authority in a constantly changing market" said Coco Safar's co-founder, Wilhelm Liebenberg. With 4 locations in Africa, Coco Safar is an oddity in the luxury cafe, bakery and patisserie scene, which explains the explosive demand in Johannesburg. Coco Safar has been consistently racking up accolades, rated by Bloomberg as the world's best coffee, while Food & Wine USA ranked its croissants among the best in the world, on par with bakeries in Paris, Tokyo & Melbourne. Croissants are notoriously difficult to execute. The challenge is compounded in SA, where a bakery doesn't have access to skilled viennoiserie-making or high-quality ingredients. Coco Safar compensated its lack of resources with obsession and boundless creativity, committed to engineer the perfect croissant and concoct never-before-attempted croissant flavor combinations. While specialty coffee and croissants are popular categories on their own, and for many a daily ritual, Coco Safar's global accolades mark the first time a bakery has been recognized for serving best-in-class for both under the same roof. Combined with its refined hospitality & escapist design evocative of la Dolce Vita, Coco Safar is poised to generate some of the highest sales per sq meter in the world in its category. Regarded by industry insiders as the "Hermes of coffee, bakery and cafe culture", Coco Safar will start its international expansion in 2023 with a flagship location on Union Square, near 5th Avenue, in New York. "We chose New York because we feel Coco Safar's devotion to authenticity and innovation will resonate with the pioneering spirit of the Big Apple," pointed Liebenberg. "The city is accessible, incredibly exciting and a showcase for the rest of the world." SOURCE Coco Safar Photo taken on Oct. 18, 2022 shows a view of a UN Security Council meeting on Mali at the UN headquarters in New York. El-Ghassim Wane, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, said on Tuesday that progress has been made in the transition and peace process in Mali, but he remains concerned about the security situation in the country. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The top UN envoy for Mali, El-Ghassim Wane, said on Tuesday that progress has been made in the transition and peace process in Mali, but he remains concerned about the security situation in the country. Following the agreement reached in early July between Mali and the Economic Community of West African States on the transition timetable, notable progress has been made in the preparation for elections, he told the UN Security Council in a briefing. Steps have been taken to establish a unique electoral management authority after the adoption of the electoral law in June, he said. The mechanism to monitor the timetable of political and electoral reforms, which involves the Malian side and the multilateral partners concerned, is now operational at both the technical and political levels. Its political steering committee has so far met four times, he said. "While this progress is commendable, the successful implementation of the electoral process will depend on a multitude of factors, including the availability of the necessary financial and logistical resources and the evolution of the security situation," said Wane, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA. "Strengthening inclusiveness will also remain important," he added. In view of the constitutional referendum scheduled for March 2023, the Constitution Drafting Committee presented last week a preliminary constitution draft, and its adoption by the Council of Ministers is expected toward the end of November, he said. MINUSMA and the UN Country Team in Mali are actively involved in supporting the electoral process, providing technical and logistical support, and participating in the monitoring mechanism. An integrated electoral support plan for the 2022-2024 electoral cycle is being finalized, he said. Since August, the peace process has witnessed encouraging developments. In early August, the long-awaited high-level decision-making meeting was held and resulted in the approval of the government's proposal to integrate up to 26,000 former combatants into the Malian defense and security forces and other state structures. The meeting also agreed on a way forward for the required institutional reforms, he said. The positive developments are unfolding against the backdrop of a very challenging security, humanitarian, and human rights situation, with severe consequences for civilians across large parts of the country, cautioned Wane. The security situation remains volatile in the central Mali and in the tri-border area between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, he said. Since March, there has been a sharp increase in the activities of extremist elements affiliated with two terrorist groups in the Menaka and Gao regions in the northeast. These extremist groups are taking advantage of security voids, which the Malian forces are striving to fill, and are fighting for territorial control while targeting the Malian forces and MINUSMA alike, he said. The prevailing insecurity in Menaka and Gao regions underscores the need for greater coordination between MINUSMA and Malian forces. Moreover, it also points to the urgency of completing the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and deploying the reconstituted army, as this will significantly enhance the ability of the Malian state to address the current challenges, he said. The security situation in central Mali also remains fragile. Extremist elements retain the capacity to conduct coordinated attacks against the Malian armed forces, sabotage infrastructure, and terrorize local communities through reprisal attacks, he said. While the fight against terrorism necessarily includes a military and security component, it is obvious that no lasting results can be achieved if two basic conditions are not met: first, the need for these efforts to be complemented by the restoration of state authority and the rebuilding of trust with local communities; second, efforts to ensure that the government-led military operations are carried out in compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law and for perpetrators of violations and abuses to be held to account, said Wane. The current security environment has compounded the humanitarian situation in the country. The number of internally displaced persons rose from 350,000 to more than 422,000 in the center and north of the country, while more than 175,000 Malian refugees were in neighboring countries, he said. More than 1.8 million people face severe food insecurity. This figure could rise to 2.3 million by next month. More than 1.2 million children under the age of 5 are affected by acute malnutrition. As of May 2022, more than 1,950 schools in Mali were closed due to insecurity, which affected close to 587,000 children, mainly in the central region of Mopti. The efforts of humanitarian actors to meet these needs are hampered by the lack of adequate and sustainable funding. So far, only about 30 percent of the 686 million U.S. dollars requested for 2022 has been mobilized. The situation in Mali continues to warrant sustained international attention and engagement. The people of Mali have demonstrated great resilience amid multiple challenges. They continue to forge ahead and harbor a strong desire for peace and stability. Their efforts deserve the full support of the international community, and it bears emphasizing that stabilizing Mali is a sine qua non for the stabilization of the entire region, said Wane. El-Ghassim Wane (Front), the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, speaks at a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on Oct. 18, 2022. Wane said on Tuesday that progress has been made in the transition and peace process in Mali, but he remains concerned about the security situation in the country. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) New white-label, merchant-branded experience achieves a remarkable 41% improvement in total sales and a 54% increase in volume compared to the previous version with OCM brand Splitit promotes loyalty between OCM and its shoppers through an embedded white-label experience, creating repeat purchases that increase the lifetime value of OCM's shoppers. Merchants maintain ownership of their shopper's data. Unlike other BNPL providers, Splitit does not harvest shopper data to drive new sales with other merchants. ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- When Splitit (ASX:SPT, OTCQX:SPTTY) announced its new Installments-as-a-Service platform in May, the company knew it would drastically improve merchant performance. Now early results are proving just how much. OCM brand, the first merchant to implement the white-label installments option, has seen total sales increase by 41% and volume of orders increase by 54% compared to the previous version of Splitit the company used for the past two years. "First and foremost, the overall implementation is a lot more straightforward and delivers a much-improved shopping experience," said Juanfran Figueredo, Head of Data Analytics at OCM. "We have exceeded all expectations with performance so far. We anticipated incremental improvement in our key metrics, but having such strong numbers from day one shows just how intuitive it is for our shoppers." OCM immediately began seeing the overall performance uplift with the updated user experience. Splitit's white-label installment platform eliminates unnecessary consumer friction and improves lackluster conversion numbers inherent with legacy buy now, pay later (BNPL) options. Splitit's Installments-as-a-Service provides a merchant-branded experience embedded into the merchant's checkout flow allowing merchants to focus on delivering a more cohesive shopping experience. Splitit's white-label option eliminates the confusion around choosing a BNPL provider, being directed off-site or having to complete an arduous registration that can add up to seven steps to the checkout process. "Our new Installments-as-a-Service UX is a simple and elegant way for merchants to drastically increase performance while also driving repeat purchases. Our mission is to empower our merchants to disintermediate their shopper relationships," said Splitit CEO Nandan Sheth. "Because Splitit isn't a super app harvesting consumer data or looking to acquire our merchants' customers, we ensure the customer journey starts and ends with the merchant not a BNPL lender. Our early success with OCM is proving this matters. Not just Gen Y or Millennials, but across all shopper demographics." Merchants, who see their relationships with consumers eroding from BNPL providers harvesting their shopper data for their gain, have more control over the entire shopper experience with Splitit. Merchants retain ownership and control over their customers' data, allowing them to nurture and retain their customers, driving loyalty and promoting brand consistency on their terms. The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently announced that it plans to regulate legacy BNPL lenders in the same way they do credit card companies. In light of this news, Splitit provides a more future-proof pay-later option as it already operates under current credit card regulations. Splitit's use of global credit card networks also means merchants can easily add their service to new countries or regions through a single integration without the regulatory and procedural hurdles of implementing financing options. To learn more about Splitit's Installments-as-a-Service platform, visit: www.splitit.com About Splitit Splitit powers the next generation of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) through its merchant-branded Installments-as-a-Service platform. Splitit is solving the challenges businesses face with legacy BNPL while unlocking BNPL at the point of sale for card networks, issuers and acquirers all through a single network API. Splitit's Installments-as-a-Service platform mitigates issues with legacy BNPL like the declining conversion funnel, clutter at the checkout and a lack of control of the merchant's customer experience while putting the power back in the hands of merchants to nurture and retain customers, drive conversion and increase average order value. Splitit's white-label BNPL is the easiest installment option for merchants to adopt, integrate and operate while delivering an uncluttered, simplified experience embedded into their existing purchase flow. Headquartered in Atlanta, Splitit has an R&D center in Israel and offices in London and Australia. Splitit is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under ticker code SPT and also trades on the US OTCQX under ticker SPTTY (ADRs) and STTTF (ordinary shares). Contact Information Brian Blank, Splitit [email protected] +1 760 917 3321 Michael McMullan Berns Communications Group, onbehalf of Splitit [email protected] SOURCE Splitit USA, Inc. A long-term commitment to the St. Louis region, the one-million-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will deliver in-demand fiber cement product, local jobs, and increased local investment CRYSTAL CITY, Mo., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- James Hardie, a world leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions, plans to build its newest manufacturing facility in Crystal City, Missouri. The new facility and James Hardie's partnership with local, state, and federal officials reflect the company's long-term commitment to Crystal City and the state of Missouri. "Missouri continues to win highly competitive opportunities like this one." Tweet this State and local leaders welcomed James Hardie to Missouri during a press conference in Crystal City. "We are proud to welcome a leading manufacturer like James Hardie to Missouri," said Governor Mike Parson. "As companies see increased product demand and begin to evaluate expansion locations, we are working hard to show them why Missouri should be at the top of their shortlist. We have some of the lowest taxes in the country, an unwavering commitment to workforce development, and world-class companies already operating here. We appreciate James Hardie choosing Missouri and know they will find a home, hospitality, and success." Crystal City is a rural community located 30 miles south of St. Louis. The new facility will create nearly 240 new high-paying jobs in the region. "The City of Crystal City was founded in 1871 as a manufacturing town for the purpose of making glass," said Jason Eisenbeis, City Administrator for Crystal City. "Over 150 years later, we're proud to continue our history and tradition of being a manufacturing town by partnering with James Hardie for their newest plant in North America. James Hardie's investment in Crystal City will bring generational job opportunities for decades to come." "From the moment the EDC received the call from James Hardie inquiring for a site near Crystal City to construct their newest expansion plant in North America, our local team realized we had the opportunity to build a relationship with a premier industrial leader," said Todd Tracy, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Jefferson County. "While touring James Hardie's plants in other communities, we had the opportunity to meet with local and state economic development officials. These conversations reinforced our community would inherit incalculable economic benefits from a long-term investment from James Hardie. The EDC served as the conduit between Crystal City, Jefferson County, Missouri Partnership, Greater St. Louis, Inc., and several other economic development partners. We are extraordinarily thrilled to congratulate James Hardie Building Products Inc., for choosing Crystal City." James Hardie has manufactured building materials for more than 100 years. The new facility will be built to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for Hardie fiber cement siding, soffit, and trim products. James Hardie employs approximately 5,200 people across the world and this is their first location in Missouri. "We are not at all surprised that James Hardie has chosen to expand their operations to Missouri," said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. "Missouri continues to win highly competitive opportunities like this one. There was an incredible amount of collaboration on the local, regional, and state levels to bring such an admirable company to Missouri. Our state's collaborative spirit and drive to win really shined during this location competition. Our state looks forward to adding James Hardie to the growing list of construction materials companies that build America." Crystal City and Jefferson County's strong workforce also helped the Missouri community land this project. Missouri ranks 1st in the nation for on-the-job- training, and 3rd in the U.S. for most completed apprenticeships. Missouri One Start offers customized and flexible training programs, which the company plans to utilize as they fill nearly 240 jobs in the St. Louis region. "We are extremely pleased that James Hardie has announced their intention to invest and build a facility here in Jefferson County," said Dennis Gannon, Jefferson County Executive. "After months of discussions and planning with local, regional, and state officials, a true collaborative team effort, Jefferson County will now be able to welcome a new vital partner which we feel will strengthen our county and local economy on many fronts. What we have learned about James Hardie is that they make major investments in the communities they are in, providing many great employment opportunities and partnerships. I want to say thank you and Welcome to James Hardie. We look forward to working together and achieving many successes in the years to come." "This project is a shining example of how we can work together as a metro to drive job growth and economic investment," said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. "James Hardie will bring high-paying jobs to the region while strengthening our advanced manufacturing sector. This is a big win for everyone in the St. Louis metro." Missouri Partnership worked with the following organizations to attract James Hardie to Crystal City, including: The Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri One Start, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Economic Development Corporation of Jefferson County, Crystal City Council, Jefferson County Council, Jefferson County Port Authority, Thurman Law Firm, Jefferson College, Gilmore Bell, Goodwin Brothers Construction, Crystal City Sewage Commission, CBRE, Inc., Horner & Shifrin, Ameren, and Union Pacific Railroad. About Missouri Partnership Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri's business strengths. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created 31,000+ new jobs, $1.6 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $5.6 billion+ in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Accenture Federal Services LLC, Amazon, American Foods Group, Casey's, Chewy, Inc., Meta, Square, Swift Prepared Foods, USDA, and Veterans United. Media Contact: Janelle Higgins [email protected] SOURCE Missouri Partnership TAMPA, Fla, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa-based thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal surgeons have been recognized as top doctors in the nation across numerous prestigious ranking systems including Castle Connolly, US News, The American Registry and more. The news comes during National Healthcare Quality Week. The surgeons at the Norman Parathyroid Center, Clayman Thyroid Center and Carling Adrenal Centerall operating exclusively at the recently opened Hospital for Endocrine Surgeryhave received top honors across the board during the week when healthcare quality is emphasized in the US. "I'm confident I made the right decision in choosing these doctors and I'm confident that my cancer will not come back." Tweet this Among these awards are distinctions of "America's Most Honored Doctors" from The American Registry which honors the country's top 1% of doctors, "Top Doctors" from Castle Connolly which honors the top 7% of physicians in the nation, and US News & World Report's Top Doctor's which is a searchable database of peer-nominated physicians across the country. Each of the Hospital's eleven surgeons are listed in this database with outstanding reviews. Combined, the surgeons have over 10,000 five-star reviews online. For many of the Hospital's honorees, these awards are added to a long list of professional acknowledgements throughout their storied careers. Dr. Jim Norman and Dr. Gary Clayman, directors of the Norman Parathyroid Center and Clayman Thyroid Center respectively, have consistently received top honors among these ranking systems for the last 30 years. Drs Norman and Clayman have also received Lifetime Achieve Awards as America's Most Compassionate Doctors, Patient's Choice awards for many consecutive years, the Newsweek Magazine Award for Top Doctors for Cancer, Vitals Award for Top 10 Doctors and more. The surgeons are also recognized by local and community publications year after year for their expertise and excellence. In 2022, each surgeon was honored as one of "Tampa's Elite Doctors of the Year" by Tampa Style Magazine. In addition to celebrating healthcare quality, this week is also National Healthcare Education Week. "High quality healthcare is more than just excellent care in the operating room," said Dr. Norman. "It involves taking care of all the patients' needs, including education about their problem. This education helps them to obtain the best possible outcome." "We at the Clayman Thyroid Center, Norman Parathyroid Center and Carling Adrenal Center continually improve and expand our educational websites which serve a global population of people with endocrine tumors and the potential need for endocrine surgery," continued Dr. Clayman. "The ability of our websites to facilitate patients to understand their thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal condition and advocate for their own care and wellness was and remains our vision in the creation of these educational resources." www.parathyroid.com has been the world's #1 website for parathyroid disease and surgery for more than 25 years with billions of downloads, with www.thyroidcancer.com and www.adrenal.com following suit for thyroid disease and adrenal disease. Collectively, the websites maintained by the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery's doctors garner about 2.5 million users per year and serve as the most comprehensive online resources for endocrine tumors and surgery. "When I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I started doing extensive research online," said a recent patient at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. "I came across thyroidcancer.com [Clayman Thyroid Center's website] and devoured every piece of information I could find. I could not find a single negative review on Dr. Clayman and I tried! I thought it had to be too good to be true, but after traveling to Tampa and having a truly wonderful and painless experience, I can confirm that it isn't. I'm confident I made the right decision in choosing these doctors and I'm confident that my cancer will not come back." The Norman Parathyroid Center, Clayman Thyroid Center, and Carling Adrenal Center united under one at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in January, and are now the highest volume endocrine surgery practice in the world. These surgeons trained at the very best academic institutions including MD Anderson, Harvard, Georgetown, Duke, Columbia, Yale, Cleveland Clinic and more. Physicians from all over the globe refer their most challenging cases to the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. In fact, 90% of the hospital's patients travel from over 150 miles away very different than the demographics of a traditional hospital. Another 40% travel from outside the state of Florida to have surgery at the specialty hospital. "Being honored as a top doctor is always a great feeling," said Dr. Norman. "But what I really hope is that it helps us reach even more people suffering with thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal tumors and cancers. We can help thousands of patients every day through our continued educational programs" About the Norman Parathyroid Center Located in Tampa, Florida, the Norman Parathyroid Center is the leading parathyroid gland tumor treatment center in the world, performing nearly 3,800 parathyroid operations annually. Well known for cure rates over 99% via an operation that typically lasts about 20 minutes, the Norman Parathyroid Center's success centers on a teamwork approach by the most experienced parathyroid surgeons in the world. www.parathyroid.com | (813) 972-0000 About the Clayman Thyroid Center: Founded by one of the nation's best-known thyroid surgeons, the Clayman Thyroid Center is the highest volume thyroid cancer referral center in the United States. The Center boasts the most experienced thyroid surgeons in the US who provide personalized care allowing the greatest opportunity for cancer cure, wellness and cosmetic, and functional, outcomes via all types of thyroid surgery from minimal incision to scarless thyroid surgery to advanced cancer care. www.thyroidcancer.com | (813) 940-3130 About the Carling Adrenal Center: Founded by Dr. Tobias Carling, one of the world's leading experts in adrenal gland surgery, the Carling Adrenal Center is a worldwide destination for the surgical treatment of adrenal tumors. Dr. Carling spent nearly 20 years at Yale University, including 7 as the Chief of Endocrine Surgery before leaving in 2020 to open to Carling Adrenal Center, which performs more adrenal operations than any other hospital in the world. www.adrenal.com | (813) 972-0000 About Hospital for Endocrine Surgery The Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is a campus of HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital focused on compassionate patient care and highly specialized treatment of endocrine tumors. We provide a wide array of services necessary for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. Our team includes doctors, surgeons, nurses and technicians who have dedicated their careers to delivering the highest cure rates using the most advanced techniques available. HCA's Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is the nation's highest volume hospital for thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal tumors and cancers. www.hospitalforendocrinesurgery.com Media Contact: Julie Canan, Director of Marketing 941 468 3002 [email protected] SOURCE Norman Parathyroid Center $8 million in additional funding from Breakthrough Prize Foundation will support Flexport.org 's work bringing food and supplies to refugees in Ukraine, Pakistan and Horn of Africa SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech for Refugees Initiative and Flexport.org today announced an expansion of their humanitarian efforts to help refugees, with an increase in current efforts to support refugees from the war in Ukraine, in addition to new funding for emergencies in Pakistan and the Horn of Africa. The Tech for Refugees initiative, launched in April this year with a commitment of $100 million from the Breakthrough Prize Foundation established by Julia and Yuri Milner, supports technology organisations in their efforts to bring assistance to refugees from Ukraine and countries around the world. Organizations currently partnering with the initiative include Flexport.org , Airbnb.org , Spotify among others. Flexport.org is the impact arm of digital freight forwarder Flexport. It uses the company's logistics platform and partnerships with trusted international aid organizations to deliver emergency medical equipment and other critical aid. During the past six months Flexport.org has delivered humanitarian aid to help improve the lives of over 6 million Ukrainians: the organization has coordinated 409 shipments to 6 countries that have taken in Ukrainian refugees, containing millions of pounds of aid including ambulances, hospital beds, hygiene kits, and other emergency supplies. While the current focus of the program will remain on Ukraine (where more than 7.5 million people have fled the conflict) with $5 million of new funding, help will also be delivered to refugees crises in Pakistan and the Horn of Africa. $2 million will go to Flexport.org's work in the Horn of Africa, including Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, where there are an estimated 4.6 million refugees and asylum seekers, nearly a sixth of the total global number. The program will deliver food to people displaced by famine both to aid refugees directly and to those affected to avoid becoming refugees. $1 million will also go to Flexport.org's efforts to help people fleeing the catastrophic recent flooding in Pakistan, which has compounded an existing refugee emergency for over 1 million people escaping into the country from Afghanistan. The new funding will be delivered via global grantmaking organization CAF America. "The refugee crises in Ukraine, as well as globally in places like Pakistan and East Africa, are impacting millions of people," said Yuri Milner, founder of Tech for Refugees. "We will continue to support the impressive work of Flexport.org and our other partners to make a tangible difference to their lives." "The principles behind Tech for Refugees are in lockstep with those of Flexport.org, and the expansion of our work together is an exciting development in the efforts of each organization to help those in need," said Susy Schoneberg, founder and head of Flexport.org. "The commitment Yuri and the team have shown to aiding those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine and other humanitarian crises is a shining example of what individuals and organizations can do to make a real impact." About Flexport.org Flexport.orgthe impact arm of Flexportwas created to optimize logistics for social and environmental impact, working with trusted international aid agencies and nonprofits to deliver relief supplies wherever they're needed and helping organizations meet their sustainability goals with greater ease and lower costs. Since 2016, Flexport.org has delivered over 46M lbs of aid to 60+ countries; reached 106M+ people with shipments funded by the Flexport.org Fund; and helped more than 4,000 companies offset their carbon emissions from shipping. About the Breakthrough Prize Foundation The Breakthrough Prize Foundation is a charitable foundation founded by science philanthropist and technology investor, Yuri Milner, and his wife Julia, dedicated to advancing fundamental knowledge, celebrating scientific achievement, and utilizing scientific and technological innovations to improve people's lives and inspire future generations. The Foundation's programs include the Breakthrough Prize, which recognizes the world's top scientists in the fields of Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics; the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual global video competition for students to inspire creative scientific thinking; and the Breakthrough Initiatives, a suite of science programs investigating the fundamental questions of life in the Universe. Most recently, other philanthropic activities of Yuri and Julia Milner have included humanitarian efforts both in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian refugee crisis. SOURCE Tech For Refugees A vendor agnostic platform for hosting clinical AI solutions with the goal of streamlining workflow, reducing physician burnout, and improving clinical outcomes CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TeraRecon, an industry leader in advanced visualization and artificial intelligence (AI) for medical imaging, announced the launch of its next-generation Eureka Clinical AI platform. Designed to support the communication infrastructure and enable collaboration for the entire care team, the platform serves as an end-to-end clinical application integrating multiple AI algorithms and workflows. Eureka Clinical AI supports dual desktop and mobile viewers for cross-specialty collaboration and patient-specific sharing of AI results to accelerate timely access to mission critical images and insights. The Eureka Clinical AI platform is unique in supporting third-party, customer-developed, and TeraRecon-developed AI algorithms in one unified workflow with clear model-management capabilities. TeraRecon's recently released TR Neuro for neurovascular emergencies is an example of one such application. A specialized, universal viewer gives clinicians the option to directly interact with the AI results, including a unique and patented approval and rejection facility, before confirming the AI findings to the enterprise reporting system. The Eureka Clinical AI platform is supplemented by TR Analytics, providing critical insights to monitor productivity and platform utilization, individual AI algorithm performance. "We are excited with the Eureka Clinical AI platform and its capabilities in executing 3rd party AI algorithms, such as InferVision's InferRead CT Lung AI.," said Matt Dewey, Chief Information Officer at Wake Radiology. "I was especially impressed with the collaboration between Wake Radiology, TeraRecon and InferVision to streamline procurement and deployment of the AI solution. This has led to efficient readings for our radiologists reducing the time it takes to review lung CT." "A high-performance AI ecosystem is fundamentally built on four key pillars" said Dan McSweeney, President of TeraRecon. "Comprehensive ability to host all forms of AI including customer developed, TeraRecon developed and 3rd party algorithms. Physician-centric in that the platform enables the clinician and reaffirms their role in the decision-making process and diagnosis. Integrated in that the AI platform can serve as the single point of access for consolidating AI solutions minimizing the burden to procure new AI algorithms, standardizing the deployment process, and seamlessly integrating into providers' enterprise imaging systems. Finally, enable AI solution performance to be fully transparent to further provide confidence in AI and the scope of where it should be applied. These pillars must be built on a solid foundation of a vendor agnostic platform that is AI ready, scalable, secure, and robust. TeraRecon's solution is the only one on the market that delivers on these promises today." TeraRecon has a long history of innovating, developing, and launching best in KLAS advanced visualization solutions. TeraRecon is a leading provider of AI driven advanced visualization solutions tailored to multiple specialties to automate workflow, assist physician efficiency and potentially improve outcomes. As a result, TeraRecon now serves more than 1300 health sites around the globe bringing innovative solutions to improve diagnosis and pre-treatment planning. With the launch of the Eureka Clinical AI platform, TeraRecon expands into the AI platform market furthering its mission to deliver AI powered solutions that improve outcomes, streamline workflows and reduce burnout for clinicians. About TeraRecon: Serving 1,300 clinical sites globally, TeraRecon, a ConcertAI company, is a Best in KLAS solution provider for AI-empowered radiology, oncology, cardiology, neurology, and vascular surgery. Awarded the 2020, 2021, and 2022 KLAS Category Leader for Advanced Visualization, TeraRecon solutions are independent of any one manufacturer's imaging equipment or PACS system, allowing a single, unified, and simplified clinical workflow that can improve efficiencies and deliver actionable physician-guided insights. For more information, visit us at https://www.terarecon.com/ About ConcertAI: ConcertAI is the acknowledged leader in AI SaaS solutions and Real-World Evidence (RWE) for life sciences and health care. Our mission is to accelerate insights and outcomes for patients through leading real-world data, AI technologies, and scientific expertise in partnership with the leading biomedical innovators, health care providers, and medical societies. For more information, visit us at https://www.concertai.com/. Media Contact: Megan Duero, [email protected] SOURCE ConcertAI Southern Maryland Law Is Proud to Support the Waldorf Farmers' Market WALDORF, Md., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Maryland Law is excited to announce its support for the Waldorf Farmers' Market, a staple of the community that provides healthy, locally grown produce every year. Founded in 2008, it is one of the few "producers only" farmers' markets in Maryland. This means that every person selling food must grow or produce it themselves. There is a wide variety of fresh and wholesome food, including: Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, Granola, Eggs, Cheese, Pickles, and Home-baked goods. Waldorf Farmers' Market The goal of supporting the Waldorf Farmers' Market is to bring the community together. "I have personally been going to the farmers' market for years to get veggies to cook up on the weekends," says Attorney Tucker Clagett. "Over time, I made friends with the people there, and supporting them as a firm just sort of grew out of that over the years." To help grow the outreach of the market, Southern Maryland Law has participated in several market events. For example, Tucker Clagett judged an event for Youth Community Day where children were able to sell their own products. This Shark Tank-inspired event also had tons of other activities, including face painting, arts and crafts, games, and a dunk tank. In addition to helping out with events, the firm provides a $2 off voucher if market-goers sign up for their email newsletter. Overall, the firm hopes to provide more activities and opportunities for the community and support the small entrepreneurs and businesses that make Southern Maryland thrive. "We kicked it into high gear last year and this year, and hope to continue it next year," Tucker Clagett said of the firm's support. "It was awesome to see these very young entrepreneurs showing off their homemade wares." The Waldorf Farmers' Market is open 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays from June until the end of November. It is located at Pop Up & Grow at 3000 Festival Way, across the street from Southern Maryland Law's Waldorf office. If you need specific directions, you can contact the firm. About Southern Maryland Law: Southern Maryland Law - Andrews, Bongar, Gormley & Clagett - has been serving clients for over 55 years. Founded in 1964 by Attorney George Andrews as a solo practice, the firm is now a prominent fixture of the Waldorf community. Unlike other large firms, we never forget the importance of personal service. We know that every case is unique and that we are here to help our community. This is why we use a personalized approach and are always just a phone call away. Whether you have a personal injury , bankruptcy , family matter , or other legal need, we're here to advocate for your wellbeing. To schedule a consultation, give us a call at 301-645-4100 or send us a message. We can also meet in-person or over Zoom, whatever is most convenient for you. Contact Information: Southern Maryland Law 11705 Berry Road, Suite 202 Waldorf, MD 20603 (301) 645-4100 SOURCE Southern Maryland Law Hosted by The Linux Foundation, the premier open source event in Japan returns for 2022 as a conference umbrella, composed of a collection of events covering the most important technologies, topics, and issues affecting open source today. SAN FRANCISCO and YOKOHAMA, Japan, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Linux Foundation , the nonprofit organization enabling mass innovation through open source, today announced the keynote speakers and full schedule of sessions for Open Source Summit Japan , taking place December 5-6 in Yokohama. The schedule can be viewed here . The event is being produced in a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual participation available. This is THE conference in Japan connecting the global and local open source ecosystem under one roof, providing a forum for technologists and open source industry leaders to collaborate and share information, learn about the latest in open source technologies and find out how to gain a competitive advantage by using innovative open solutions. Open Source Summit is a conference umbrella, comprising 10 events: LinuxCon, Automotive Linux Summit, CloudOpen, ContainerCon, OSPOCon, Critical Software Summit, Community Leadership Conference, Emerging OS Forum, Embedded IoT Summit, and Open AI + Data Forum. One registration fee provides access to all events. 2022 Keynote Speakers Include: Dan Cauchy , Executive Director, Automotive Grade Linux & General Manager of Automotive, The Linux Foundation Executive Director, & General Manager of Automotive, Noriaki Fukuyasu , Vice President of Japan Operations, The Linux Foundation , Vice President of Japan Operations, Dr. Shuji Hashimoto , Professor Emeritus, Waseda University , Professor Emeritus, Dan Lorenc , Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chainguard , Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Masashige Mizuyama , Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. , Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Priyanka Sharma , General Manager, Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) , General Manager, Jim Zemlin , Executive Director, The Linux Foundation Conference Session Highlights: Automotive Linux Summit: LinuxCon: OSPOCon: Critical Software Summit: Emerging OS Forum: CloudOpen: Open AI + Data Forum: ContainerCon: Community Leadership Conference: Embedded IoT Summit: Registration (in-person) is offered at the price of US$375 through October 24. Registration to attend virtually is $25. Members of The Linux Foundation receive a 20 percent discount off registration and can contact [email protected] to request a member discount code. Applications for diversity and need-based scholarships are currently being accepted. For information on eligibility and how to apply, please click here . The Linux Foundation's Travel Fund is also accepting applications, with the goal of enabling open source developers and community members to attend events that they would otherwise be unable to attend due to a lack of funding. To learn more and apply, please click here . Health and Safety In-person attendees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR a Negative COVID-19 test and wear a mask while onsite at the event. Additionally, all attendees will need to comply with all on-site health measures, in accordance with The Linux Foundation Code of Conduct . To learn more about what is being done to keep our in-person event attendees safe, visit the Health + Safety webpage. Event Sponsors Open Source Summit Japan 2022 is made possible thanks to our sponsors, including Diamond Sponsor: Automotive Grade Linux; Platinum Sponsors: Cloud Native Computing Foundation and Fujitsu; and Gold Sponsors: Cybertrust, Hitachi, LINE Corporation, NEC, and Renesas Electronics. For information on becoming an event sponsor, click here or email us . Press Members of the press who would like to request a press pass to attend should contact Kristin O'Connell . ABOUT THE LINUX FOUNDATION Founded in 2000, the Linux Foundation and its projects are supported by more than 2,950 members. The Linux Foundation is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards, and data. Linux Foundation projects are critical to the world's infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, ONAP, Hyperledger, RISC-V, and more. The Linux Foundation's methodology focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at https://linuxfoundation.org/. The Linux Foundation Events are where the world's leading technologists meet, collaborate, learn and network in order to advance innovations that support the world's largest shared technologies. Visit our website and follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn , and Facebook for all the latest event updates and announcements. The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. SOURCE The Linux Foundation NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HitPaw recently has released HitPaw Watermark Remover V2.0.0. The latest version of HitPaw Watermark Remover is coming up with the totally brand-new User Interface for a better user experience. Additionally, HitPaw Watermark Remover V2.0.0 now supports more than 10 languages, making it more hospitable and clear for people around the world. HitPaw also reduced the learning curve by optimizing the operation flow. Let's find out the wonderful features of the Update for HitPaw Watermark Remover: HitPaw Watermark Remover V2.0.0 Brand-New User Interface for Immersive Experience The novel interactive design of HitPaw Watermark Remover provides an immersive experience to enhance the user experience. Users can concentrate better and more quickly and do more with less effort when using a dark interface. The novel interactive design of HitPaw Watermark Remover provides an immersive experience to enhance the user experience. Users can concentrate better and more quickly and do more with less effort when using a dark interface. Simple Operational Procedure for Efficient Work Flow The process of work flow has been streamlined by HitPaw Watermark Remover. Users can now drag files directly to HitPaw Watermark Remover without first choosing whether they are videos or photos, or even all together at once. Additionally, HitPaw Watermark Remover has the ability to immediately save any changes made to the current file, so users do not need to worry about the adjustment being lost while switching to another file. The process of work flow has been streamlined by HitPaw Watermark Remover. Users can now drag files directly to HitPaw Watermark Remover without first choosing whether they are videos or photos, or even all together at once. Additionally, HitPaw Watermark Remover has the ability to immediately save any changes made to the current file, so users do not need to worry about the adjustment being lost while switching to another file. Add User Guidance to Lower the Learning Curve The lucid user manual added by HitPaw Watermark Remover will help users when they launch the program for the first time. Users can utilize hints to better understand what this function does since HitPaw ensures that every user may get their hands dirty quickly. The lucid user manual added by HitPaw Watermark Remover will help users when they launch the program for the first time. Users can utilize hints to better understand what this function does since HitPaw ensures that every user may get their hands dirty quickly. 10 More Languages are Supported Now More than 10 languages, including Hindi, Japanese, Indonesian, Dutch, Turkish, and more, are added to and localized for use in HitPaw Watermark Remover. Users can change the software's language to reflect their mother tongue, making it more hospitable to users from other nations. Compatibility and Price HitPaw Watermark Remover is now compatible with Windows including Win11 and Mac OS Monterey. Its pricing starts from $6.99 per month, $9.99 per year, and $25.99 for the lifetime. For more information checking, you can visit: https://www.hitpaw.com/purchase/buy-hitpaw-remove-watermark.html About HitPaw HitPaw is an emerging software company specialized in files compressing, video editing, screen recording, watermark removing, image editing, photo enhancing, etc. We help users turn their inspiration into reality so that we can generate more ideas to make the world be full of more creativity. To know more, you may visit https://www.hitpaw.com/about.html Our Social Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwRggaotgiMcPbiCOsJeBA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hitpawofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/HitPawofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitpawofficial/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hitpawcom/ Related Links: https://www.hitpaw.com/ This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE HitPaw BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The ability to build and lead resilient teams has never been more important. RBLP, the leading certification for front-line supervisors, middle managers, and senior leaders, today announces an exciting partnership with UTSA, a public research university with over 34,000 students. Resilience-Building Leader Program and the University of Texas San Antonio partner to help build and lead resilient teams. With this partnership, UTSA will be adding the Building and Leading Resilient Teams certificate program to their course offerings that provides the knowledge and skills required to build and lead resilient teams in organizations of any size, in any industry. Collective resilience is the teams ability to overcome adversity, and then adapt and grow together because of that adversity. Resilient teams are the key to both individual and organizational resilience. Resilient teams are stronger together and they make learning and change possible. "We're excited that this partnership with the University of Texas San Antonio will allow us to support their mission of providing bold futures for their students and the citizens of San Antonio," said Dr. Gene Coughlin, Founder and CEO of the Resilience-Building Leader Program. "I always say that the only sustainable source of competitive advantage is People. Focus on your people because that's where your next great idea is going to come from. Partnering with tier-one institutions like UTSA allows us to help shape the future of leadership in a positive way." "The past two years have demonstrated the need for organizations to adopt agile practices, implemented by leaders who maintain a unique skillset to weather adversity under rapidly changing markets. Once again, as uncertainty rises in economies around the world, the need for resilient leadership comes to the foreground of organizational survival," says Dr. Edwin Blanton, Ph.D, Assistant Vice Provost for Corporate Initiatives & Business Development at The University of Texas at San Antonio. "We are excited to partner with the RBLP team to bring future-focused leadership skills training to San Antonio. This collaboration will provide our diverse business community with a program aimed at preparing leaders to thrive in changing and challenging environments." Students that enroll in the Building and Leading Resilient Teams certificate program at UTSA will be prepared to sit for one of the Resilience-Building Leader Professional (RBLP) series of certification exams. About Resilience-Building Leader Program The Resilience-Building Leader Program is the nationally recognized series of leadership certifications for front-line supervisors, middle managers, and senior leaders. RBLP provides a turn-key Building and Leading Resilient Teams certificate program curriculum to colleges and universities looking for relevant content that will increase enrollments. This curriculum also prepares students for the RBLP series of leadership certification exams. To learn more about RBLP, please visit: www.resiliencebuildingleader.com About University of Texas at San Antonio The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public services. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions as serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property for Texas, the nation and the world. SOURCE Resilience Building Leader Program IR and Ecosystm research indicates organizations are ensuring their hybrid workplace strategies are flexible and fit for purpose SYDNEY, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- IR (ASX:IRI) a leading global provider of performance management and analytics for unified communication and collaboration, IT infrastructure, and payment ecosystems, today released the second edition of the hybrid workplace guide. Your ultimate guide to future-proofing the hybrid workplace 2.0 explores how organizations considering employee preferences by listening to their feedback deliver a more engaging and efficient hybrid work model. The guide expands on the below highlights from the research: Three categories sum up employee expectations: - Employees who want to work predominantly from home to preserve a better work-life balance. - Employees who prefer the flexible hybrid working situation. - Employees who can't wait to get back to the office full-time. Earning the commute - Employees are rejecting the 5-day-a-week for personal and financial reasons after having experienced the convenience and productivity of working remotely. The office must be the connector Fatigue and isolation are concern areas for employees working remotely. Social interaction is one of the primary reasons employees want to return to the office. "There is no one-size-fits-all in the evolving hybrid workplace model. Leadership teams must be more flexible and agile as they redefine hybrid working guidelines. The success of hybrid working is defined by employee experience management, and technology plays a key role. For a hybrid workplace to function optimally, collaboration tools need to work seamlessly," said John Ruthven, CEO and Managing Director, IR. It is increasingly an imperative for organizations to put employees first to better balance their expectations, become more economical and drive better productivity and business outcomes. A hybrid workplace must embrace digital transformation, including native, cloud and mobile-first solutions. Collaboration tools play an integral part in this initiative; proactively monitoring these tools is critical. SOURCE IR ANIMOCA BRANDS, TEZOS, GOLDMAN SACHS, ALL REPRESENTED AMONG NEW SPEAKER LIST LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TOKEN2049, Europe's leading Web3 conference, is preparing for its return to London on November 9th and 10th. Following the success of TOKEN2049 Singapore in September which welcomed a record-breaking 7,000 attendees, London is set to be another marquee date in the calendar for key decision makers in the crypto landscape. Hosted at Magazine London, one of the largest hybrid event spaces in the city, TOKEN2049 will serve as the flagship event of London Crypto Week. TOKEN2049's most recent speaker announcements include Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, Kathleen Breitman, Co-Founder of Tezos, Dan Tapiero, CEO and Founder of 10T Holdings and Mathew McDermott, Global Head of Digital Assets at Goldman Sachs, propelling attendees to the forefront of insightful discussions in the space. Topics scheduled for conversation over the course of the two days include AI generative art, Web3 gaming and NFTs, DeFi, blockchain scaling solutions, data privacy, and how the crypto market is weathering a global economic storm. Thousands of attendees will have access to insights from leading voices in the space, unparalleled networking opportunities, and global top tier media. Consistent with the rapid acceleration of projects in the Web3 space, TOKEN2049 London is set to provide a comprehensive schedule for attendees including discursive panels, elaborate presentations, and various side events. Raphael Strauch, Founder of TOKEN2049 said: "Following the record-breaking attendance at our Singapore event last month, we are excited to once again bring TOKEN2049 to London and create an immersive experience in an innovative hub of creation and enterprise. The diverse pool of talent, hyper-growth businesses, and long-standing financial and technology institutions serve to enhance what will be a spectacular two days in the city." A limited number of tickets remain available for purchase. For more information and continued updates on TOKEN2049 London, please visit: https://www.europe.token2049.com/ About TOKEN2049: TOKEN2049 is a premier Web3 event, organised annually in Singapore and London, where decision-makers in the global crypto ecosystem connect to exchange ideas, network, and shape the industry. TOKEN2049 is a global meeting place for entrepreneurs, institutions, industry insiders, investors, and those with a strong interest in the crypto and blockchain industry. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1876762/TOKEN2049_Logo.jpg SOURCE TOKEN2049 NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WHP Global, the parent company of Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us, and Toys"R"Us ANZ Limited (ASX: TOY), the exclusive license partner for Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us in Australia and the UK, announced the brands' return to the United Kingdom with the launch of digital flagship ecommerce websites ToysRUs.co.uk and BabiesRUs.co.uk. Babies"R"Us logo To the delight of families all over the UK, the magic of the world's most beloved toy store is back with a wide range of toys and baby products just in time for the holiday shopping season. Toys"R"Us UK's digital commerce launches with a massive range of products on the Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us flagship sites from more than 300 brands and aims to further enhance the customer experience with engaging content, expert guides and product differentiation. The UK ecommerce launch coincides with the successful rollout of Toys"R"Us shops at all Macy's stores across the U.S., marking a significant return of the brand in two of the top global toy markets. "The momentum behind the Toys"R"Us brand and it's return to key markets including the UK and United States has been phenomenal. Since acquiring the brand in March of last year, we have grown its global footprint by 50% and we are still in early innings for what customers can expect from both Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us as we head into 2023," said Yehuda Shmidman, Chairman and CEO of WHP Global and Toys"R"Us. Dr. Louis Mittoni, CEO and Managing Director of Toys"R"Us ANZ commented on the UK launch stating: "This important event is an acknowledgment of our devotion to the Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us brands, and testimony to the fantastic working relationship with worldwide brand owner WHP Global. Tailoring our successful Australian relaunch plan to the UK echoes the success of other e-commerce platform play businesses that have delivered growth and value due to their ability to quickly and cost effectively expand their software, processes, partner relationships and brands into new countries. Since Toys"R"Us' return to Australia in June 2019, we have scaled quickly as customers returned to the much-loved brand and our e-commerce model has proven its success." The United Kingdom has one of the most advanced and mature e-commerce markets in the world, with internet-savvy consumers increasingly embracing online purchasing. The total addressable market for toys and games in the UK for 2021 was 3.7 billion1, representing the largest toy market in Europe and the fourth largest globally. Mike Coogan, Marketing Director of Toys"R"Us UK, added: "It is a very exciting time for Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us and we cannot wait to reclaim our position with British shoppers as the premiere supplier of the very best toys, games, and babycare products for parents and children." For more information or to shop Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us visit: www.toysrus.co.uk and https://www.babiesrus.co.uk/. About Toys"R"Us For more than 70 years, Toys"R"Us has been a global leader in the toy category celebrating the joys of childhood and play with kids of all ages. Geoffrey the Giraffe, the beloved mascot of Toys"R"Us, is adored by millions of kids and their families around the world. Babies"R"Us has been known as the most trusted authority on parenthood. Millions of new and expecting parents, grandparents and caregivers around the world rely on Babies"R"Us as the go-to resource for the best baby products, advice, registry, and savings for their family. This brand power remains as the brands generate more than USD$2 billion in global retail sales annually through 1300+ stores and e-commerce businesses in over 25 countries. Visit toysrus.com and follow us on social @toysrus. About WHP Global WHP Global is a leading New York based firm that acquires global consumer brands and invests in high-growth distribution channels including digital commerce platforms and global expansion. WHP owns TOYS"R"US, BABIES"R"US, ANNE KLEIN, JOSEPH ABBOUD, JOE'S JEANS, WILLIAM RAST, LOTTO, as well as a controlling interest in the ISAAC MIZRAHI brand. Collectively the brands generate approximately USD$4.5 billion in global retail sales. The company also owns WHP+, a turnkey direct to consumer digital e-commerce platform for brands, with full in-house operations including technology, data analytics, logistics, creative and digital marketing and WHP SOLUTIONS, a sourcing agency based in Asia. For more information, please visit www.whp-global.com. About Toys"R"Us ANZ Limited Toys"R"Us ANZ Limited (ASX: TOY) is an Australian based listed company with a mission to enrich the lives of people by encouraging exploration, creativity and living life more fully through the enjoyment of toys and hobbies. In addition to distributing leading products throughout Australia for key partners via its trading business Funtastic, the company acquired 100% of the Hobby Warehouse Group in November 2020, including Australian e-commerce websites Toys"R"Us, Babies"R"Us and Hobby Warehouse and the distribution business Mittoni Pty Ltd. The Company changed its name from Funtastic Limited to Toys"R"Us ANZ Limited on 24 June 2021. Further information is available at corporate.toysrus.com.au Media Contact: WHP Global / Toys"R"Us Jaime Cassavechia +1 646 701 7041 [email protected] 1 - The NPD Group, 2021 SOURCE WHP Global NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The tyrosine kinase inhibitors market size is expected to grow by USD 19.07 billion from 2021 to 2026. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will accelerate at a CAGR of 7.73% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The market has been segmented by product (RTKIs and nRTKIs) and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW)). Make confident decisions using the insights and analysis provided by Technavio. Request a FREE PDF Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Market 2022-2026 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Market: Segmentation Analysis By geography, North America will account for 38% of the market's growth during the forecast period. Moreover, market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in other regions. The US and Canada are the key countries for the tyrosine kinase inhibitors market in North America. The growth of this market is attributed to factors such as the high prevalence rate of cancer and the high unmet need for effective treatment. According to the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 28.5 million invasive cancer cases have been diagnosed in the last two decades. By product, the RTKIs segment will be the largest contributor to market growth during the forecast period. These therapeutics are used in the treatment of various diseases. The increasing sales of these drugs, along with a strong pipeline with late-stage molecules and recent drug approvals, are expected to drive the growth of this segment during the forecast period. Drugs such as EYLEA, AVASTIN, and LENVIMA generated significant sales in 2021. For instance, EYLEA generated USD 1,612 million from annual sales in 2021, while AVASTIN generated USD 7,866 million in the same year. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a FREE PDF Sample Report Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Market: Driver and Trend The presence of patient assistance programs is driving the tyrosine kinase inhibitors market. Many government and non-government organizations are focusing on providing financial and clinical assistance for the treatment of various cancer indications. Hence, many patients are availing the required treatment, which is increasing the patient base. Such programs also help patients in adhering to treatment regimens. These factors are supporting the growth of the global tyrosine kinase inhibitors market. Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000 Strategic alliances are a key trend in the tyrosine kinase inhibitors market. The rising prevalence of various diseases has increased the demand for innovative therapeutics. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapeutics are used for the treatment of cancer and age-related diseases such as retinal vein occlusion. Hence, many companies are developing and marketing these drugs. They are also entering into strategic alliances, partnerships, and collaborations to expand their geographical reach, expand their product portfolios, and get a better return on investment. These factors are supporting the growth of the market. Identify key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market, which will help vendors improve their strategies to stay ahead of their competitors. Buy Now to gain access to this information Related Reports Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) Inhibitors Market by Application and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: Recent approvals are supporting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors market growth. Although many approved therapies are available for various types of blood cancer, the market experiences a huge unmet need for their treatment. Currently, many chemotherapy drugs are dominating the treatment landscape for several types of cancer. BRAF Kinase Inhibitors Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The high target affinity and specificity of BRAF kinase inhibitors are driving market growth. BRAF kinase inhibitors with proven efficacy in oncology applications are developed as suitable solutions for cancer treatments. They are the most foreseen small molecule targeted therapy drugs for the treatment of carcinomas. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.73% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 19.07 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 5.3 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 38% Key consumer countries US, Canada, Germany, UK, and China Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc., AstraZeneca Plc, Bayer AG, Bristol Myers Squibb Co., C. H. Boehringer Sohn AG & Co. KG, Eisai Co. Ltd., Eli Lilly and Co., Exelixis Inc., F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Incyte Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Mylan NV, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Puma Biotechnology Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Browse Pharmaceuticals Market Reports Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Product Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Product 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Product - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Product - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Product Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Product Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Product 5.3 RTKIs - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on RTKIs - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on RTKIs - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on RTKIs - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on RTKIs - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 nRTKIs - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on nRTKIs - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on nRTKIs - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on nRTKIs - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on nRTKIs - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Product Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Product ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 Asia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Asia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Asia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 78: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 79: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 80: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 81: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 82: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 83: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 84: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 AbbVie Inc. Exhibit 85: AbbVie Inc. - Overview Exhibit 86: AbbVie Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 87: AbbVie Inc. - Key offerings 10.4 Amgen Inc. Exhibit 88: Amgen Inc. - Overview Exhibit 89: Amgen Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 90: Amgen Inc. - Key offerings 10.5 AstraZeneca Plc Exhibit 91: AstraZeneca Plc - Overview Exhibit 92: AstraZeneca Plc - Product / Service Exhibit 93: AstraZeneca Plc - Key news Exhibit 94: AstraZeneca Plc - Key offerings 10.6 Bayer AG Exhibit 95: Bayer AG - Overview Exhibit 96: Bayer AG - Business segments Exhibit 97: Bayer AG - Key offerings Exhibit 98: Bayer AG - Segment focus 10.7 Bristol Myers Squibb Co. Exhibit 99: Bristol Myers Squibb Co. - Overview Exhibit 100: Bristol Myers Squibb Co. - Product / Service Exhibit 101: Bristol Myers Squibb Co. - Key offerings 10.8 C. H. Boehringer Sohn AG and Co. KG Exhibit 102: C. H. Boehringer Sohn AG and Co. KG - Overview Exhibit 103: C. H. Boehringer Sohn AG and Co. KG - Business segments Exhibit 104: C. H. Boehringer Sohn AG and Co. KG - Key news Exhibit 105: C. H. Boehringer Sohn AG and Co. KG - Key offerings Exhibit 106: C. H. Boehringer Sohn AG and Co. KG - Segment focus 10.9 F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. Exhibit 107: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 108: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 109: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 110: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 111: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Segment focus 10.10 Johnson and Johnson Exhibit 112: Johnson and Johnson - Overview Exhibit 113: Johnson and Johnson - Business segments Exhibit 114: Johnson and Johnson - Key news Exhibit 115: Johnson and Johnson - Key offerings Exhibit 116: Johnson and Johnson - Segment focus 10.11 Novartis AG Exhibit 117: Novartis AG - Overview Exhibit 118: Novartis AG - Business segments Exhibit 119: Novartis AG - Key offerings Exhibit 120: Novartis AG - Segment focus 10.12 Pfizer Inc. Exhibit 121: Pfizer Inc. - Overview Exhibit 122: Pfizer Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 123: Pfizer Inc. - Key news Exhibit 124: Pfizer Inc. - Key offerings 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 125: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 126: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 127: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 128: Research methodology Exhibit 129: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 130: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 131: List of abbreviations About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio - The Iconic MetaSkull collection by Jacky Tsai is a limited edition NFT collectible for Halloween 2022 PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- London-based contemporary artist Jacky Tsai and his fashion-forward MetaSkull Collection become the designer's first foray into the metaverse debuting in Upland , the largest open metaverse mapped to the real world. Fans of the Shanghai-born designer around the world and the Upland community will have the unique opportunity to collect and trade three different rarities of the iconic MetaSkull in the form of digital collectibles, Upland's coveted Block Explorers, and structural decor used to decorate metaverse neighborhoods in time for Halloween. Jacky Tsai and his fashion-forward MetaSkull NFTs launch in Upland the largest open metaverse mapped to the real world. Tweet this Upland Brings Fashion and Fine Art to the Metaverse with Iconic Jacky Tsai MetaSkull Collection In collaboration with Froyo Games, Jacky Tsai will be launching his first NFT collection in Upland, the largest property-trading metaverse, with over 3 million registered users and the highest number of virtual property owners. Just in time for the popular season of Halloween, the Upland community will have a new opportunity to decorate their property structures with limited edition and seasonal fine art, creating a unique, immersive metaverse experience. Fans of the former Alexander McQueen designer will be introduced to a web3 experience in Upland where they can contribute and benefit from the utility of Tsai's unique NFT collection. Tsai's dynamic art has been featured in some of the top galleries and museums globally, including Unit London and Richard Taittinger Gallery with realized prices ranging from 48,000 USD to 302,000 USD. The artist's iconic skull motifs first gained international recognition in 2008, when it was used in Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer menswear collection. "I am thrilled to bring the MetaSkull collection to Upland's global audience that is eager to support quality digital art. Upland's unique building landscape allows for boundless artistic growth and expression, which is key to bridging the gap between the artistic world and the ever expanding metaverse," says Jacky Tsai. "My vision for the collection is to inspire the next generation of gamers with bold and thought provoking designs." Tsai's vision with the MetaSkull launch is to dispel the notion of fear and negative attitudes towards death amongst Chinese communities. His art often combines traditional Eastern art techniques and Western pop art references that serve as the perfect way to express this message and create truly unique art pieces that establish harmony between the cultural extremes. "We are excited to elevate the visual aesthetic in Upland with an artist as talented as Jacky Tsai and introduce this unique MetaSkull collection to the Upland community," says Dirk Lueth, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Upland. "With this collection, every structure in Upland will be decorated with iconic visuals as more property owners bring their personal style into the metaverse." The Jacky Tsai MetaSkull Collection will be revealed to the Upland community on Friday, October 21. Upland is available to download for free on iOS, Android and the web, and can be played from anywhere in the world. ABOUT UPLAND ME, Inc. Upland ( https://upland.me/ ) is an open web3 platform for the metaverse mapped to the real world. The company's mission is to build one of the leading and most dynamic maker-communities through a strong entrepreneur economy that allows players, creators, developers, and brands to manufacture goods and experiences, monetize assets, and provide utility and fun to other players. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with hubs in Las Vegas, Ukraine, and Brazil, Upland was named among Fast Company's "Next Big Things in Tech'' in 2021 and one of "22 San Francisco Startups To Watch in 2022" by Built In SF. Upland is committed to becoming carbon negative and is a proud partner of Carbonfuture. For more information about our sustainability commitment visit https://www.upland.me/sustainability . Upland is available on iOS, Android and the Web, and can be played from anywhere in the world. About Jacky Tsai Jacky Tsai is a Shanghai-born and London-based Chinese Asian Modern & Contemporary artist. Jacky Tsai basked in the limelight in 2008 when British fashion designer Alexander McQueen adopted his floral skull creation for its 2008 Spring/Summer Menswear Collection, and since then, he has used the floral skull in many of his artworks. The floral skull represents life and death, the beauty in decay, and rebirth. Over the years, Jacky's talent and creativity have expanded. Apart from painting and sculpting, his creation also incorporates a wide range of other media, including what others consider dying crafts, traditional lacquer carving, silk embroidery, and hand-painted porcelain. In addition, Jacky Tsai is well-known for his unique style of merging traditional Chinese painting techniques and references with Western Pop Art. Jacky's dynamic art and constantly evolving creativity have landed him opportunities to collaborate with many big names in the fashion industry, such as Bvlgari & Shanghai Tang. He even earned the affection of pop star Jay Chou. About Froyo Games Froyo Games has collaborated with Jacky Tsai to launch an NFT series called "MetaSkull", to be announced later in October. Froyo Games is a Web3 gaming publishing platform enabling gamers to interact with blockchain games and NFTs on a single integrated platform in a seamless and hassle-free manner. Froyo Games is backed by its strategic investors that include Animoca Games, GBV, Spartan etc. Froyo Games' main strategic partner is iCandy Interactive - the largest game development company in the Southeast Asia region, that has extensive experience making AAA and casual games globally. Media contact: Lindsay Aamodt, [email protected] SOURCE Upland CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With the release of this vibrant new stamp, the U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of issuing stamps for the Hanukkah celebrations. This joyous Jewish holiday commemorates the liberation and reconsecration of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is a time for family and friends to come together to rejoice. With the release of this new stamp, USPS continues its tradition of issuing stamps for the Hanukkah celebrations. Tweet this A dedication ceremony for the stamp was held today at Temple Emanu El. "I remember looking forward to Hanukkah as a child, especially the traditional foods, gifts, and games," said Lori Dym, U.S. Postal Service managing counsel for procurement and property law, who served as the dedicating official. "And now, on behalf of the 655,000 men and women of the United States Postal Service, I am honored to participate in the unveiling of our new stamp celebrating this joyous Jewish holiday." Dym was joined by Susan Krantz, president of Temple Emanu El; Rabbi Matt Cohen; Jeanette Kuvin Oren, the stamp's designer and artist; Kathy Mulcahy, mayor of Orange Village, OH; and Darcy Hershey, congregant and administrative assistant at Temple Emanu El. "Temple Emanu El is honored that the United States Postal Service approached our congregation to host the first-day-of-issue ceremony for the launch of the 2022 Chanukah Stamp," said Krantz. "We are proud that in selecting Temple Emanu El, the USPS recognized our long-standing passion for social justice which is deeply embedded in our traditions. Our congregants care about the world around us and engage in the ongoing work of helping to improve the world in which we live. Our temple is a Jewish institution of connection, gathering, learning and practicing spiritual life. Working together we bring meaning to our lives and to the lives of others." "The miracle of Hanukkah came early this year (kind of)!" said Cohen. "While our Hanukkah menorahs are not yet kindled, this communal celebration reminds us that despite all odds, throughout time and history, the lights of the Jewish people have miraculously continued to grow brightly and illuminate the world with wholeness, blessing, and peace. Our Temple Emanu El family is honored to host this event and to welcome our friends from the Greater Cleveland Community into our sacred home." News of the stamps is being shared on social media using the hashtag #HanukkahStamp. Followers of the Postal Service's Facebook page can view the stamp story at facebook.com/usps. Background Hanukkah means "dedication" in Hebrew. The story of Hanukkah begins with the victory of the Maccabees, an army of Jewish fighters, over the forces of Hellenic emperor Antiochus IV, whose supporters had desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem by building an altar to the Greek god Zeus. After reclaiming the Temple and preparing to rededicate the holy space, the worshippers discovered that only one small jar of consecrated oil remained enough to last one day. Rather than wait for more oil to arrive, they lit the Temple menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days. The miracle of the oil is celebrated with the ceremonial lighting of the hanukkiah, the nine-branch candelabra used only at Hanukkah. The hanukkiah, also called menorah, holds eight candles, one for each night of Hanukkah, plus one known as the "shamash," which means the servant or helper candle used to light the others. The candle for the first night is put on the far-right side of the menorah. On each subsequent night, an additional candle is placed to the immediate left of the previous night's candle. The candles are lit from left to right, so that the lighting begins with the newest candle. A family-centered holiday, Hanukkah celebrations usually take place in people's homes, with games, songs, gifts and feasting. Traditional fried foods include latkes potato pancakes and doughnuts called sufganiyot. Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, a date that falls in late November or December. In 2022, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 18. Stamp Artwork The stamp art features the design from an original wall-hanging. The fiber art was hand-dyed, appliqued and quilted to form an abstract image of a hanukkiah. The blue and purple colors are used to represent the sky, the greens and browns represent the earth. The bright yellows and oranges represent the Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is also known. Along the bottom of the stamp, the words Hanukkah, Forever and USA appear in white capital letters. Jeanette Kuvin Oren was the stamp designer and artist. Ethel Kessler was the art director. Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. The Hanukkah Forever stamp is sold in panes of 20. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1ounce price. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. Please Note: For U.S. Postal Service media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube channel, like us on Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com. National contact: Jonathan Castillo [email protected] Local contact: Naddia Dhalai [email protected] usps.com/news SOURCE U.S. Postal Service Virtuzone, in collaboration with Wio Bank, offers entrepreneurs seamless access to banking services through Wio's SME-focused digital banking application, Wio Business . As a result of this alliance, Virtuzone will equip its business owners with the tools and support they need for efficient financial management and enable them to set up their business bank accounts fast, without the need to visit a branch. DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtuzone, the UAE's leading Company Formation Specialists and corporate services provider, has joined forces with Wio Bank, the region's first platform bank, to revolutionise the banking process for its clients through the next-generation digital banking solution, Wio Business. Paul Bryson, Group Commercial Director at Virtuzone, signed the MoU with Prateek Vahie, Chief Commercial Officer at Wio Bank. Paul Bryson, Group Commercial Director, Virtuzone (right) with Prateek Vahie, Chief Commercial Officer, Wio Bank (left). Due to strict compliance requirements, opening a business bank account as an entrepreneur can prove to be challenging. With Wio Business, the first tailored business banking application from Wio, Virtuzone seeks to enhance business support for its clients through innovative banking solutions and empower them with the ability to open a fully digital corporate bank account within just a few days and without having to visit a physical location. Built to get SMEs up and running quickly by providing easy and simple banking tools to manage their business better, Wio Business heralds the arrival of next-generation banking in the region. In line with the UAE's Digital Economy Strategy, this partnership is a testament to Virtuzone's future-forward approach and commitment to delivering cutting-edge, customer-centric solutions for its customers. With the rise of an increasingly digital-savvy consumer base and a jump in digital services, this is an ideal time for such an innovative alliance to come to fruition. Wio Business is curated to enable startups, freelancers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with seamless access to business banking services while empowering them with innovative beyond-banking services. Paul Bryson, Group Commercial Director at Virtuzone, said: "We are committed to supporting SMEs and assisting them in every way possible. As the world progresses towards digitisation, our clients are also looking for new ways to modernise their processes. We look forward to working with Wio to help businesses grow by instantly creating digital bank accounts without any physical paperwork or branch visits." In addition, George Hojeige, CEO of Virtuzone, commented: "As industries across the UAE undergo digital transformation, the banking sector is no exception. Despite this, many SMEs still rely on brick-and-mortar branches for opening and managing their business bank accounts. With Wio Business, we aim to empower the ambitions of our entrepreneurs through a robust digital financial system that offers cutting-edge banking solutions, laying the foundation for a futuristic economy." Prateek Vahie, Chief Commercial Officer at Wio Bank, said: "As businesses evolve to become more digital-first in their approach in response to changing consumer behaviour, banking operating models in the region need to mature as well. In Wio Business, we are offering a fast, easy and flexible banking solution to SMEs that helps them focus on their business and cater to their customers better. We are pleased to partner with Virtuzone to support their clientele with more seamless digital banking tools and services and further accelerate our aim to build a collaborative business banking ecosystem in the UAE." Wio Bank commenced operations in September 2022, bringing three key capabilities of digital banking applications, embedded banking and Banking as a Service (BAAS) to the region. Wio Business is the first digital banking application introduced by Wio. It provides simplified and fully digital business account opening, personalised options and seamlessly integrated services that are built around each client's needs, helping them automate their admin, be in control of their spending with unlimited virtual cards for their team, create various Saving Spaces for VAT, rent, etc., and focus on growing their business. About Virtuzone: Virtugroup is a Dubai-based holding company consisting of Virtuzone, which offers free zone and mainland company formation services, and Next Generation Equity, which provides a range of citizenship and residency-by-investment programmes. With over 150 staff speaking 30 languages, Virtuzone provides impartial advice on UAE company setup while being an end-to-end solution provider for a host of business services, including everything from visas and trade licences to accounting and branding. As the leading company formation specialists in the UAE, Virtuzone removes the complexities of setting up a business so that entrepreneurs can focus on what really matters to their company's success. For more information, visit www.vz.ae. About Wio Bank: Wio Bank is an integrated digital banking platform jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Development Company (ADQ), Alpha Dhabi Holding, Etisalat, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) with an initial capital outlay of AED 2.3 billion. For more information, visit https://wio.io/. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1922637/Virtuzone_1.jpg SOURCE Virtuzone There are approximately 84 million pet dogs in the United States and just under 50% of dogs will have at least one veterinary care visit per annum which Volition believes will provide an incredible opportunity to screen those senior dogs (over 7 years) and breeds at risk of cancer from 4 years and upwards. Dr. Tom Butera, Chief Executive Officer of Volition Veterinary Diagnostics Development LLC commented: "The Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test was developed with the goal of providing an accessible and affordable screening test to aid early detection. This supply agreement is an exciting moment for Volition as we continue to commercialize our Nu.Q technology within the companion animal healthcare sector and capitalize on what we believe to be significant mass market opportunities. We share the Company's mission of advancing pet healthcare and are delighted to be working with them. Additional information will be shared in the coming months, including estimated dates of test availability." Volition is developing simple, easy-to-use, cost-effective blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of life-altering diseases including cancer in both humans and animals. For more information about Volition's Nu.Q technology go to: www.volition.com Note to editors: Findings from a clinical study conducted by Volition and Professor Wilson-Robles and her team at Texas A&M University, peer-reviewed and published in August 2022, showed that: Volition's Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test detected 76% of systemic cancers ( including lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and histiocytic sarcoma) at 97% specificity versus control. About Volition Volition is a multi-national epigenetics company that applies its Nucleosomics platform through its subsidiaries to develop simple, easy to use, cost effective blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of life-altering diseases including some cancers and diseases associated with NETosis such as sepsis and COVID-19. Early diagnosis and monitoring have the potential not only to prolong the life of patients but also to improve their quality of life. The tests are based on the science of Nucleosomics, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid - an indication that disease is present. Volition's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with an innovation laboratory and office in the U.S. and additional offices in London and Singapore. The contents found at Volition's website address are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document. Such website addresses are included in this document as an inactive textual references only. Media Enquiries: Louise Batchelor Debra Daglish, Volition, [email protected] +44 (0)7557 774620 Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this press release may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that concern matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "aims," "targets," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "optimizing," "potential," "goal," "suggests," "could," "would," "should," "may," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other topics, Volition's estimated market opportunity, Volition's expectations related to the potential benefits under the supply agreement with the Company , the effectiveness of Volition's blood-based diagnostic, prognostic and disease monitoring tests, and Volition's ability to develop and successfully commercialize such test platforms for early detection of cancer and other diseases as well as serving as a diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring tools for such diseases. Volition's actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, results of studies testing the efficacy of its tests. For instance, if Volition fails to develop and commercialize diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products, it may be unable to execute its plan of operations. Other risks and uncertainties include Volition's failure to obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals to distribute and market future products; a failure by the marketplace to accept the products in Volition's development pipeline or any other diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products Volition might develop; Volition's failure to secure adequate intellectual property protection; Volition will face fierce competition and Volition's intended products may become obsolete due to the highly competitive nature of the diagnostics and disease monitoring market and its rapid technological change; downturns in domestic and foreign economies; and other risks identified in Volition's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that Volition files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Volition's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and, except as required by law, Volition does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Nucleosomics and Nu.Q and their respective logos are trademarks and/or service marks of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvNygPu6Q5w SOURCE VolitionRx Limited Related Links https://youtu.be/DvNygPu6Q5w - The Royal Mint has announced a new coin collection celebrating the 25th publishing anniversary of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' in the UK on a range of collectable coins including an official UK 1oz - The first two coins in the collection will feature the portrait of Her Late Majesty, and the final two coins in the series will feature the official portrait of King Charles III - The first coin in the series depicts Harry Potter himself and is now available to buy from The Royal Mint's website - The collection will include four coins in total including scenes and characters from the first book in the series illustrated by Jim Kay - Other coins in the collection will feature The Hogwarts Express, Professor Albus Dumbledore and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry LLANTRISANT, Wales, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Royal Mint has today launched an official 1oz coin featuring Harry Potter to celebrate 25 years since the novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling was first published in the UK in 1997 by Bloomsbury Publishing. The Royal Mint's Harry Potter collection will be one of a small number that will see a change of portrait during the series. The first two coins in the collection will feature the portrait of Her Late Majesty, and the final two coins will feature the official portrait of King Charles III. The Royal Mint's spellbinding official UK Harry Potter Collection, produced in partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing, The Blair Partnership and Warner Bros, Consumer Products. & WBEI. Publishing Rights JKR. (s22). Illustration by Jim Kay Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2015 The Harry Potter coin, available on a range of denominations including 1oz, is the first of four coins modelled by Ffion Gwillim at The Royal Mint, which feature the work of Jim Kay, the artist who created the first fully illustrated edition of this Harry Potter story. Combining traditional minting techniques with technology, The Royal Mint's craftspeople have faithfully reproduced Jim Kay's illustrations in colour for the first time on official UK coins. Many of the coins in the range also feature an enchanting 'latent feature' which rotates in the light to reveal a lightning bolt and the number '25' to mark the anniversary year*. An advanced picosecond laser was used by The Royal Mint to imprint the intricate design onto coin making tools to ensure accuracy, and create an additional, special effect to further enhance the coin's design. Nicola Howell, Chief Commercial Officer at The Royal Mint said, "As the official maker of UK coins, we are delighted to make a spellbinding coin collection to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The first coin in the collection, celebrating Harry Potter, will be available for collectors and fans to buy from today. "The collection is expected to be in high demand, as it is amongst a small amount which will see a portrait change during the series. Her Late Majesty will feature on the first two coins launching in 2022, while the final two coins in the collection will feature the official portrait of King Charles III in 2023." Jim Kay, illustrator and designer of the Harry Potter coin collection commented on producing the coin design, "It hasn't really sunk in yet. It is the same for most aspects of publishing because you are on your own all of the time in a studio, none of it quite seems real until you see the book on a shelf in a shop. Then you think 'oh yeah! I did that!' This is completely new to me though, a coin!" Mandy Archer, Editorial Director at Bloomsbury Children's Books said, "Bloomsbury Publishing is thrilled to see the Boy Who Lived being celebrated in such a glorious way. The Royal Mint's stunning coins are the perfect souvenir of Harry Potter's silver anniversary! Jim Kay's depiction of the wizarding world is unique and extraordinary we can't wait to see his work magically move beyond the printed page and onto this enchanting new medium." Ffion Gwillim, The Royal Mint designer who modelled the artwork onto coins, said: "The Harry Potter illustrations are so iconic and recognisable, we wanted to faithfully recreate them on a UK coin for the first time. Working with Jim Kay, we've created a collection which is a fitting celebration to the original artwork and the iconic story." The coin series has been created in partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing, The Blair Partnership and Warner Bros, Consumer Products. The first coin in the collection celebrating Harry Potter is available to purchase from The Royal Mint's website: Harry Potter | The Royal Mint. * This excludes the Oz denomination due to the limited size of the surface. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925899/Royal_Mint_Harry_Potter.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1822917/The_Royal_Mint_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Royal Mint BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In White's Tavern, author Jim Altfeld delivers the powerful story of how one small, seedy bar connected the mob, the town, and the town's people in unthinkable ways. It's a fascinating blend of fact and fiction, filled with colorful characterizations of the people the author knew, published news articles about the mob's ties to the town, and the impact of the times on those who survived them. Death Was All Around Them Author Jim Altfeld Whites Tavern Tells the Harsh, Jaw-Dropping Story of a Small Bar in a Small, Mob-Run Chicago Suburb in 1973 "I've read Jim's book and really enjoyed the gritty slice of life it gave us a glimpse into. I have always loved Chicago and have a fondness for its particular brand of crime and politics. (The tavern reminded me of a bar in Beverly Hills where I once met Tommy Gambino, son of the legendary mobster, a long time ago, but that's another story.) Jim has written something very unique and entertaining." - Eric Bernt, Screenwriter. White's Tavern did exist and the book's depiction does not stray far from reality. Altfeld has created a place where fights, drugs, hard drinking, and friendships all came with a price, and where death occurred daily. Who will survive, who will perish, who is betrayed, and why? All these questions and more will be answered while keeping the reader guessing about where the next outrageous story will lead. Author Jim Altfeld, says, "In spite of some tragic outcomes, the book ends in a way that will keep you thinking about your own life long afterward." White's Tavern is 191 pages and is now available in eBook, print, and audible versions at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online booksellers. About the Author Jim Altfeld was born in Chicago, raised in River Grove, and currently lives in Burbank, California. After graduating from Drake University in 1971 with a BA in Journalism and a minor in Philosophy & Religion, Jim went on to hone his writing skills throughout the course of his career. Now retired, Jim fulfilled the promise he made to his friend, the late Bill Ott, to complete and publish White's Tavern, a project that began in 1973. This is Jim's second book. Media Contact: NAME: Jim Altfeld PHONE: 818.216.2903 EMAIL: [email protected] TAGS: Chicago, 1970's, Crime, Chicago Outfit, Mob, Corruption, Dive Bars, Death. WEBSITE: https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Altfeld/e/B0BBW9M57G SOURCE Jim Altfeld PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To encourage women to protect their health with regular breast cancer screenings, the breast imaging specialists at Princeton Radiology say it is difficult to imagine anything more compelling than the story a nationally renowned journalist shared recently. "The findings of her mammogram, which was six months late, led to a breast ultrasound and biopsy confirming early-stage breast cancer," noted Christopher Ananian, M.D., breast imaging specialist with Princeton Radiology, serving Central and Northern New Jersey. "Her successful treatment underscores the importance of early detection," Dr. Ananian added. "And the appearance of detectable disease less than two years after her previous mammogram shows that annual, on-time screenings are crucial." Long before the journalist shared her story, Princeton Radiology was increasing support for early detection, making SmartMamm a standard for annual screenings. SmartMamm enhances early detection with 3D mammography and, at no additional charge, includes a lifetime risk assessment, a breast density report, and personalized recommendations for higher-risk patients. Princeton Radiology also harnesses technology to ensure that recommendations for additional exams, when needed, are more standardized and easier to understand. In addition, the practice applies a software solution to identify mammography patients who are overdue for recommended exams, so that they can be contacted by a care support professional. "We are striving to encourage proactive care for every patient, especially those at higher risk," said Jonathan Lebowitz, M.D., President of Princeton Radiology. "The goal is to make this early detection and successful treatment experience universal." About Princeton Radiology Associates For more than 60 years, Princeton Radiology has been a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. With 40 board-certified and sub-specialized radiologists providing services at 10 imaging centers and two hospitals, Princeton Radiology is committed to providing patients and referring physicians with expert consultations and the latest technology and treatments availableincluding PET/CT, Quiet MRI, and Extremity MRIall delivered by highly skilled, courteous staff in a comfortable setting. Princeton Radiology's services are accredited by the American College of Radiology. Through the attentive care Princeton Radiology provides to patients before, during, and after every examination, Princeton Radiology has gained the respect of referring physicians, the trust of patients, and a prominent place in the community. For more information, please visit www.PrincetonRadiology.com. Contact: Princeton Radiology Angela Vanzino, Marketing Specialist (732) 821-5563 x1233 SOURCE Princeton Radiology SOURCE Princeton Radiology LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ralphs Pharmacy, a healthcare division of Kroger Health, is urging customers to get vaccinated against the flu this month to ensure protection during peak flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals get vaccinated by the end of October for peak flu protection. From 2010 to 2020, the CDC estimates the flu impacted at least nine million people annually in the United States, resulting in up to 710,000 hospitalizations each year. Kroger expands nationwide flu shot program to help combat the challenges of COVID-19. "It's best to get a flu vaccine before the end of October," said Dr. Linh Lee, Pharm.D., Director of Pharmacy for Ralphs. "You can get the flu at any time during flu season, and it usually peaks between December and February. The vaccine takes about 2 weeks to develop antibodies and provide protection, which is why it's important to get your flu shot in the early fall." Ralphs Pharmacy is dedicated to providing protection from influenza in the communities it serves to help people live healthier lives. Eligible customers will receive a $5 coupon redeemable on groceries after the flu vaccine is administered at a Ralphs Pharmacy until November 5. Both high-dose flu vaccines, which are primarily focused to provide extra protection for senior citizens, and regular dose flu vaccines are available at Ralphs Pharmacies. Updated COVID-19 boosters are also available by appointment or walk-in. Vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19 are safe and effective when paired together. To learn more about flu shots, or to make an appointment, visit: https://www.ralphs.com/flu. Flu and COVID shots are administered by Ralphs' own Certified Immunizing Pharmacists. About Ralphs Ralphs Grocery Company is dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit. We are more than 18,000 associates serving customers in 184 supermarkets across Southern California. From the company's headquarters in Los Angeles County, Ralphs is a recognized leader in community service and giving. The company supports Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative aimed at ending hunger in our communities and eliminating waste within our company by the year 2025. Ralphs is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the world's largest retailers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more about Ralphs, please visit our website at www.ralphs.com. SOURCE Ralphs Grocery Company MUNICH, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WiTricity, the leader in wireless EV charging, welcomes industry-veteran Hubert Wolters as its first Vice President, Business Development for Europe. This strategic hire demonstrates the company's commitment to growth in the European market, which has seen explosive growth in the adoption of electric vehicles. WiTricity, the leader in wireless EV charging, welcomes industry-veteran Hubert Wolters as its first Vice President, Business Development for Europe. Wolters will focus his attention on the European automotive OEMs as well as their Tier 1 suppliers, with a particular emphasis on building out the ecosystem of passenger vehicles, light trucks, and fleets that can charge wirelessly on a single, uniform standard solution. "Hubert brings unmatched industry experience and embodies WiTricity's values of innovation, respect, collaboration and a competitive spirit," said Farooq Butt, Senior Vice President of Business and Strategy at WiTricity. "We are already working with government and industry partners across Europe to accelerate adoption and improve the EV ownership experience. Hubert joins at an exciting time as we continue to grow in Europe." Wolters brings more than 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, engineering and business management in international markets, working in Germany, Switzerland, UK, and Silicon Valley to WiTricity. He has spent much of his career specializing in global automotive and mobility, electrical energy storage and energy generation. He joins WiTricity from Eldor Corporation, where he served as managing director and member of the strategic board. "I've long admired WiTricity's commitment to making EVs easier than ever to own. As the wireless charging leader, the company's technology, innovation and leadership are second to none." said Wolters. "We know wireless charging and its ease of use and convenience is something consumers want, but also something critical to making the shift toward autonomous electric vehicles. I look forward to working with automakers, partners, fleet managers, government leaders and EV owners to bring the world's most advanced wireless charging technology to Europe." Reporting to Senior Vice President of Global Business Development Farooq Butt, Wolters will be based in Germany. For more information about WiTricity, visit www.WiTricity.com . About WiTricity WiTricity is the trailblazer in wireless charging for electric vehicles, leading the development and implementation of magnetic resonance technology across passenger and commercial vehicles alike. The company's technology is backed by an extensive patent portfolio and is the foundation for ratified global EV wireless charging standards including SAE, ISO and GB. Automakers and Tier 1 suppliers turn to WiTricity to help accelerate the adoption of EVs by eliminating the hassle of plug-in charging, enabling always-available wireless V2G, and setting the stage for future autonomy. Beyond EVs, WiTricity technology is essential to the wireless charging of all products, from consumer electronics to micro-mobility to robotics. SOURCE WiTricity DUBLIN, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Sulfuric Acid Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2022 To 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The market for sulfuric acid is projected to grow at a steady 4% CAGR during the forecast period of 2022 to 2030. Strong sulfuric acid, also known as oil of vitriol, is a solid acid formed from the elements sulphur, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is also known as the oil of vitriol. In addition to its employment in the production of other chemicals, explosives, and glue, it is also put to use in the curing of metal and the refining of petroleum. The growth can be ascribed to the presence of strong environmental regulations to control emissions, which is likely to lead to the increased usage of smelters in order to capture sulphur dioxide products. Parallelly the growth is also driven by the increasing adoption of sulfuric acid in a wide range of applications, including the manufacturing of fertilisers and chemical products. The demand for sulfuric acid is being fuelled in part by an increase in demand for high purity sulfuric acid from the electronics industry. It is anticipated that East Asia will continue to play a significant role in the global market for sulfuric acid, which currently accounts for approximately one-third of the total consumption of acid. It is estimated that somewhere between 35% and 40% of the total market for acids is comprised of sulfuric acid use over the world. Demand for Nutrient-Rich Crops is Compelling the Market Growth for Sulfuric Acid The global market for sulfuric acid is being driven by an increase in the production of crops rich in nutrients. It is anticipated that there would be a significant increase in the demand for fertilisers as a result of the larger expectation of yield increases from farmers and the decreased availability of fertile land for agricultural practises as a result of expanding urbanisation. The addition of fertilisers to agricultural practices has become commonplace. These additions enrich the soil with elements like potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen. They are responsible for fifty per cent of the total crop production that is produced across the globe. The demand for sulfuric acid, which is the most important raw material in the production of commercial phosphate fertilisers, is expected to rise as a result of the expansion of the fertiliser industry overall and particularly in the phosphate sector. Regulation in Emission to Boost the Sulfuric Acid Market It is anticipated that factors such as fluctuations in the prices of raw materials as a result of rising consumption from phosphate fertiliser producers during periods of tight supply and the implementation of various regulations for the production of environmentally friendly products will have a negative impact on the growth of the industry. It is anticipated that during the period from 2017 to 2025, there will be an increase in the implementation of standards such as New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to regulate the emissions of sulphur dioxide, sulfuric acid mist, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides from H2SO4 production facilities. This will lead to an expansion of the market. High Cost Associated with Pollution Control Systems Barricading the Market Revenue In the electrical and pharmaceutical industries, ultra-pure sulfuric acid can be used for a wide number of purposes. However, increasing the production of ultra-pure sulfuric acid is still a difficult aspect for the top competitors in the industry. The production of ultra-pure sulfuric acid involves heating raw ingredients, such as sulfuric acid, to their boiling point and then distilling the resulting mixture. Through the process of direct distillation, industrial sulfuric acid is purified; nevertheless, this process also results in the development of mist, which poses a threat to the surrounding environment. To comply with the myriad of environmental rules that have been imposed on the subject of industrial emissions, producers have been forced to implement a wide variety of pollution control technologies. Sulphur among Other Raw Materials Dominated the Market in 2021 In 2021, the elemental sulphur raw material segment captured a substantial portion of the market, and it is anticipated to make the most rapid progress over the course of the forecast year. The raw material contributes significantly less to environmental damage than pyrite ore does or what base metal smelters do, and it is widely accessible within the sector. A significant number of businesses have implemented stringent treatment procedures for the sulphur gas that is discharged into the atmosphere before releasing it. This is being done in an effort to limit or reduce environmental pollution. It is anticipated that increasing developmental activities, such as boosting the production capacity of enterprises in order to improve the manufacturing of sulfuric acid products derived from elemental sulphur, will cause the market to expand. Fertilizers Contributed Over Half of the Global Revenues, Electronics to Grow Fastest In 2021, fertilizer was the most dominating application segment that contributed over 50% of market revenues. The market is likely going to experience growth in the near future as a result of increasing demand for increased crop quality as well as rising population levels around the world. Rapid industrialization and urbanisation are having the effect of reducing the amount of land that is suitable for food production, which in turn is prompting farmers to turn to the usage of fertilisers in order to boost crop yields. Growth in the market is anticipated to be driven by an increase in the utilisation of H2SO4 in the manufacturing of high-quality fertilisers for agricultural usage, with the aim of increasing agricultural output capacity. APAC to Remain as a Global Leader In 2021, the Asia Pacific was the key region in terms of revenue, accounting for around 45% of the overall revenue. It is anticipated that an increase in the output of sulphur from China and Japan will drive an increase in the product offers of sulfuric acid in this region. The increasing demand for sulfuric acid in Asia and the Pacific Rim is contributing to a rise in the price of the product. In the coming years, the market is likely to experience growth as a result of an increasing need to increase the production of phosphate fertiliser. This need is being driven by an expanding fertiliser sector as well as stringent environmental regulations concerning the production of environmentally friendly products. Global Impact of Covid-19 Segment (2020-2021; US$ Million ) Pre Covid-19 situation Post Covid-19 situation Key questions answered in this report What are the key micro and macro environmental factors that are impacting the growth of Sulfuric Acid market? What are the key investment pockets with respect to product segments and geographies currently and during the forecast period? Estimated forecast and market projections up to 2030. Which segment accounts for the fastest CAGR during the forecast period? Which market segment holds a larger market share and why? Are low and middle-income economies investing in the Sulfuric Acid market? Which is the largest regional market for Sulfuric Acid market? What are the market trends and dynamics in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific , Latin America , and Middle East & Africa ? , , and & ? Which are the key trends driving Sulfuric Acid market growth? Who are the key competitors and what are their key strategies to enhance their market presence in the Sulfuric Acid market worldwide? Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Executive Summary 3. Sulfuric Acid Market: Business Outlook & Market Dynamics 3.1. Introduction 3.2. Global Sulfuric Acid Market Value, 2020 - 2030, (US$ Million) 3.3. Market Dynamics 3.3.1. Market Drivers 3.3.2. Market Restraints 3.3.3. Key Challenges 3.3.4. Key Opportunities 3.4. Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints 3.5. See-Saw Analysis 3.6. Porter's Five Force Model 3.6.1. Supplier Power 3.6.2. Buyer Power 3.6.3. Threat Of Substitutes 3.6.4. Threat Of New Entrants 3.6.5. Competitive Rivalry 3.7. PESTEL Analysis 3.7.1. Political Landscape 3.7.2. Economic Landscape 3.7.3. Technology Landscape 3.7.4. Legal Landscape 3.7.5. Social Landscape 3.8. Heptalysis Analysis 3.9. Critical Investigation of Business Problems Through Five Whys Root Cause Analysis & Relevant Solutions 4. Sulfuric Acid Market: By Raw Material, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 4.1. Market Overview 4.2. Growth & Revenue Analysis: 2021 Versus 2030 4.3. Market Segmentation 4.3.1. Elemental sulfur 4.3.2. Base metal smelters 4.3.3. Pyrite ore 4.3.4. Others 5. Sulfuric Acid Market: By Application, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 5.1. Market Overview 5.2. Growth & Revenue Analysis: 2021 Versus 2030 5.3. Market Segmentation 5.3.1. Fertilizers 5.3.2. Chemical manufacturing 5.3.3. Metal processing 5.3.4. Petroleum refining 5.3.5. Textile industry 5.3.6. Automotive 5.3.7. Paper & pulp 5.3.8. Others 6. North America Sulfuric Acid Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 7. UK and European Union Sulfuric Acid Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 8. Asia Pacific Sulfuric Acid Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 9. Latin America Sulfuric Acid Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 10. Middle East and Africa Sulfuric Acid Market, 2020-2030, USD (Million) 11. Company Profile 11.1. DuPont 11.1.1. Company Overview 11.1.2. Financial Performance 11.1.3. Product Portfolio 11.1.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.2. AkzoNobel N.V. 11.2.1. Company Overview 11.2.2. Financial Performance 11.2.3. Product Portfolio 11.2.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.3. BASF SE 11.3.1. Company Overview 11.3.2. Financial Performance 11.3.3. Product Portfolio 11.3.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.4. Agrium Inc. 11.4.1. Company Overview 11.4.2. Financial Performance 11.4.3. Product Portfolio 11.4.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.5. PVS Chemical Solution 11.5.1. Company Overview 11.5.2. Financial Performance 11.5.3. Product Portfolio 11.5.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.6. Chemtrade Logistics 11.6.1. Company Overview 11.6.2. Financial Performance 11.6.3. Product Portfolio 11.6.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.7. Nouryon 11.7.1. Company Overview 11.7.2. Financial Performance 11.7.3. Product Portfolio 11.7.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.8. KMG Chemicals 11.8.1. Company Overview 11.8.2. Financial Performance 11.8.3. Product Portfolio 11.8.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.9. the PhosAgro Group of Companies 11.9.1. Company Overview 11.9.2. Financial Performance 11.9.3. Product Portfolio 11.9.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.10. Aurubis AG 11.10.1. Company Overview 11.10.2. Financial Performance 11.10.3. Product Portfolio 11.10.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.11. WeylChem International GmbH, 11.11.1. Company Overview 11.11.2. Financial Performance 11.11.3. Product Portfolio 11.11.4. Strategic Initiatives 11.12. among others 11.12.1. Company Overview 11.12.2. Financial Performance 11.12.3. Product Portfolio 11.12.4. Strategic Initiatives For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ps9iot Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets Lucknow, Oct 20 : A doctor has been booked and a ward boy arrested at a government hospital here in Mahanagar for gangrape. The police action comes after the alleged rape survivor filed a complaint stating that the accused duo raped her on April 30 when she had gone to the hospital for some treatment. According to the complaint, the accused duo tranquilised the woman before raping her. S.M. Qasim Abidi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North, said, "An FIR of gangrape under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 376-D and other appropriate charges has been registered at the Mahanagar police station against the doctor and the ward boy." Meanwhile, the doctor has denied the rape charge and pleaded innocence, said DCP Abidi. According to the accused doctor, the woman had come to the hospital but she was referred to another medical facility. The doctor says that he never met the complainant thereafter. This is the fourth rape case to have surfaced in the state capital in the last five days. On Saturday, a 16-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly raped by two persons, including an auto-rickshaw driver, behind the Ekana International Stadium. Just a day after, a 52-year-old woman filed a complaint stating that she was raped by staff members of an ashram on October 4. On Tuesday, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her online friend, at the Lohia Park in Gomti Nagar. Tehran, Oct 20 : The Iranian Foreign Ministry has imposed sanctions on a number of British institutes and individuals for "supporting terrorism and terrorist groups, promoting and instigating terrorism, violence and hate-mongering and violation of human rights". The ministry issued a statement on its website saying the move was made within the framework of the related legal regulations and sanction mechanisms as well as a "response in kind", Xinhua news agency reported. "Iran holds the British government responsible and accountable for supporting terrorists and violators of human rights who organise and instigate rioting and acts of terrorism in Iran from UK soil," said the statement. The listed entities included the National Cyber Security Center of Britain, the British Government Communications Headquarters, as well as Volant Media, Global Media, DMA Media and anti-Iranian TV channels they support, namely BBC Persian and Iran International, according to the statement. Iran's sanctions have also targeted several individuals, including British Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat, and British military commander in the Gulf Don MacKinnon. The sanctions will prohibit the targeted individuals from obtaining visas and entering Iran and will freeze their assets and bank accounts inside Iran. Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said they will target people and institutes that have played a role in imposing medical sanctions on Iran and promoting "violence and extremism" which have caused insecurity in the country following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Ranchi, Oct 20 : The financial benefit under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) has been discontinued for over 15.27 lakh people in Jharkhand as they fail to provide the necessary documents. The Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Ministry has sought a report on beneficiaries from all the states including Jharkhand. The government is also identifying those who fraudulently took the benefits under the scheme. The amount paid to such people will be recovered by the government. In Jharkhand, as many as 15.27 lakh beneficiaries, who either have not submitted the land documents or have not updated the KYC, are under the government's radar. Out of these 15.27 lakh beneficiaries, 11.2 lakh people have not submitted the land documents while 4.07 lakh farmers have not updated the KYC. In May 2019, over 30.97 lakh farmers had registered under the scheme in the state. They were also paid the financial benefit till four to six installments. But now the government has stopped sending the financial aid to 15.27 lakh people as they failed to provide the required documents. Most of such beneficiaries in the state who availed the benefit without submitting land document are from Deoghar, where 61,442 'farmers' have not submitted the document. Similarly, there are 36,536 such 'farmers' in Palamu, Godda (32662), Chatra (29551), Giridih (27215), Hazaribagh (25574) and Ranchi (21973). In the remaining districts as well, there were scores of people taking benefits without proper documents. In several districts, the administration has served notice to those who have taken the benefit wrongfully. However, those farmers who will get their KYC updated will start getting the financial benefit. Till March, more than Rs 4,350 crore has been transferred to ineligible beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan scheme across the country. Rs 296.67 crore was recovered from such beneficiaries. Under the scheme, an amount of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred in three four-monthly installments of Rs 2,000 directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. San Francisco, Oct 20 : Admitting that he is "obviously" overpaying to acquire Twitter, Elon Musk has said that the micro-blogging platform has great potential in the long term. In an earnings call after posting strong Tesla quarterly results, Musk said late on Wednesday that Twitter has "incredible potential". "The long-term potential for Twitter, in my view, is an order of magnitude greater than its current value," he told analysts. "I am excited about the Twitter situation because obviously, I know that part incredibly well. And I think it's massive and has sort of languished for a long time but has incredible potential," the world's richest man noted. "Although obviously, myself and the other investors are obviously overpaying for it with Twitter right now," Musk added. Musk is paying $44 billion for Twitter if the deal goes through after dramatic twists and turns which has resulted in Musk and Twitter reaching the court. A trial in the Delaware Court of Chancery in the US has now been postponed till October 28. Musk is likely to sell a portion of his shares in Tesla to help finance the close of that $44 billion take private deal, reports CNBC. The Tesla CEO is being investigated by federal authorities over his $44 billion takeover deal of Twitter, the micro-blogging platform revealed in a court filing last week. In response to Twitter's filing, Musk's attorney Alex Spiro was quoted as saying that it is a move to "distract from Twitter's own legal problems". Lucknow, Oct 20 : The Director General (DG) of medical health office has issued a directive stating that leave of doctors and paramedical staff associated with government hospitals in Uttar Pradesh should not be approved. This has been done in view of dengue outbreak and the upcoming festival season. A letter sent by the DG to chief medical officers, additional directors, and heads of all government hospitals states: "Keeping in view dengue cases and upcoming festivals, leave to doctors and paramedical staff should not be allowed unless the circumstances are unavoidable." Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the health portfolio, has asked health officials to set up dedicated desks to handle patients complaining of fever. "Cases of fever should be attended to separately. Such patients should not be made to wait in long queues," he said. The Minister asked officials to facilitate easy registration and check-up for fever cases and provide such patients with seven to 15 days of medicines as per the need. He also pointed out that the state is reporting lesser number of dengue cases this year as compared to the last year. "Hospitals have reserved beds for dengue cases. All measures should be taken to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease," he directed. Earlier, a high-level team from the Union Health Ministry was sent to Uttar Pradesh for instituting measures with regards to dengue management in Firozabad, Agra, and Etawah districts. The Centre's team is collaborating with the state health authorities in instituting public health measures to check dengue cases. Damascus, Oct 20 : A senior Hamas official announced that that the Palestinian nationalist organisation has restored ties with Syria after 10 years. "We agreed with President (Bashar al) Assad to turn the page on the past," Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior official in charge of Hamas's bureau of Arab and Islamic Relations, told reporters here on Wednesday. His remarks came after a meeting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and a delegation made up of representatives from Hamas and several Palestinian factions in Damascus, reports Xinhua news agency. Al-Hayya added that the organisation's decision to sever ties with Damascus and its support for the anti-government rebels was a "mistake," adding the decision to restore relations with Syrian government was unanimously made by Hamas leadership. According to a statement issued by the Syrian Presidency after the meeting, Assad reiterated his government's support for the Palestinian cause, while members of the Palestinian delegation expressed their gratitude for Syrian government's support of the Palestinian people and the sacrifices Dmascus has made in that regard. Damascus had served as the headquarters for Hamas since 1999. The movement's leadership left Syria after the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2012 and is now based in Qatar and Turkey. During the press conference on Wednesday, Al-Hayya said both Qatar and Turkey did not oppose after being informed by Hamas of its decision to restore relations with Damascus. Other Palestinian factions in Damascus, who, unlike Hamas, stayed in Syria throughout the crisis, have welcomed the normalisation of relations. "We are happy with the restoration of relations between Syria and Hamas," Talal Naji, secretary-general of the General Command of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said in a statement on Wednesday. Prayagraj : , Oct 20 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has restrained the Uttar Pradesh education authorities from taking action against book shops for keeping textbooks which may be used as reference volumes for courses conducted by the UP Board, even if they are not the course books or texts prescribed by the board and approved by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training). The court clarified that this direction shall not prevent any action against a person for violating copyright or on account of commission of any offence. Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Umesh Chandra Sharma issued notices to UP Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad and other education authorities while hearing a writ petition filed by M/S Rajeev Prakashan and company. The high court asked the education authorities to explain their legal authority for issuing a direction dated July 29, which was passed by the district inspector of schools (DIOS), Mirzapur. The DIOS had directed that the book shopkeepers of the state cannot sell the reference textbooks of private publishers and will sell only the books authorised by the Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad. Fixing November 21 as the next date of hearing, the court observed, "Further, on our prima facie assessment, there could be no blanket prohibition in publication of textbooks of authors which may be useful to students as reference books, though they cannot be touted as course books or books prescribed/approved by the Board for the courses conducted by it." Ankara, Oct 20 : The Turkish Defence Ministry said that underwater demolition teams disabled another mine in the Black Sea -- the fourth such incident since the start of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war on February 24. The mine was detected off the coast of the Kiyikoy district in the northwestern province of Kirklareli and teams from the Underwater Defence were dispatched to the scene, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying on Wednesday. "The mine has been secured and defused by the teams," it noted. In April, Turkey detected three mines in the waters of the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea. The Turkish navy and its mine-hunting vessels are monitoring the Black Sea for stray mines, according to the Ministry. The Ukrainian navy had deployed mines near the ports of Odesa, Ochakov, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny since the start of the war, Russia had said in March. However, Ukraine has refuted the claim. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War San Francisco, Oct 20 : Ride-hailing platform Uber has launched its advertising division to engage consumers with brands, by showing video advertisements during the ride. The company introduced 'Uber Journey Ads', an entertaining method for businesses to engage customers. The company has already teamed up with over 40 prominent businesses to run Journey Ads. "We have a global audience of valuable, purchase-minded consumers who, as part of our core business, tell us where they want to go and what they want to get," said Grether, General Manager of Uber's advertising division. "While these consumers are making purchase decisions and waiting for their destination or delivery we can engage them with messages from brands that are relevant to their purchase journeys. And with 1.87 billion trips last quarter, that means we can connect advertisers to consumers on average five times per month across rides and delivery", he added. The company also offers detailed reporting and analysis, which help brands to develop campaigns that have a greater impact on the target market. The ride-hailing platform offers 'Sponsored Listings' across Uber Eats to get brands ahead of the competition and capture the attention of the consumers. The 'Sponsored Emails' allow brands to promote offers to Uber and Uber Eats consumers by sending emails to their inbox, whereas 'Homepage Billboards' give brands the ability to display ads on the homepage of Uber Eats, and more. Kurnool, Oct 20 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra continued in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district for the third consecutive day on Thursday. He resumed the Yatra from Banavasi village in Yemmiganur mandal in the morning. Accompanied by leaders and workers of the party, he walked till Mugati village. Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief S. Sailajanath, former union minister Pallam Raju, former MP K. Bapiraju and other leaders and hundreds of workers participated in the Yatra. The foot march will resume at 4 p.m. from Halaharvi. It will halt for a corner meeting at Kalludevakunta at 6.30 p.m. The Congress MP will have darshan at Sri Raghavanedra Swamy Math which will be followed by a meeting with Sri Subdhendra Tirtha at Mantralayam. Rahul Gandhi will have a night halt at Chetnihalli. The Yatra will conclude in Andhra Pradesh on Friday after covering a total distance of about 100 km in four Assembly segments in Kurnool district. It will cover Aluru, Adoni, Yemmiganur, and Mantralayam Assembly segments before entering neighbouring Telangana. In an interaction with media persons at Adoni, Rahul Gandhi had claimed that the march was receiving huge response in Andhra Pradesh. He stated that the state Congress leaders were surprised over the tremendous response to the Yatra in the state. He also termed the response to Bharat Jodo Yatra in Andhra Pradesh as a good starting point to rebuild the party in the state. "We have had tremendous response to our Yatra. Lot of leaders were quite surprised over the enthusiasm and response we have had. I think this is a very good starting point to build the Congress party in Andhra Pradesh," he said. The Congress party was nearly wiped out in 2014 elections due to public anger over bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. It again drew a blank in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in 2019. Rahul Gandhi evaded reply when asked whether Congress regretted the decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. "I am not going to go into the past. I am interested in discussing the future. I am very clear. As far as Andhra Pradesh is concerned, a commitment was made and it should be fulfilled. I am not interested in delving into the past," he said. The Congress leader said all the commitments made by the government of India to Andhra Pradesh at the time of bifurcation should be fulfilled. He identified Polavaram project and special category status to the state as the main commitments and reiterated that if voted to power at the Centre, Congress would fulfill the commitments. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, Oct 20 : A 10-member team of artists from Fiji is in New Delhi to perform Ramlila as part of the 6th International Ramayan Conference organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), currently underway in the national capital. The group of Indian-origin artists, will also be performing at the three-day Deepotsav (festival of lights) in Ayodhya, which begins on Friday. "For the past 10 years or so, the interest in Ram Leela has been dying out and in many areas of Fiji, it has completely stopped. It was something that was brought in by our forefathers. It is a cultural heritage, and it is important that we pass it on to our younger generation and that's what we have been trying to do," Akhilesh Prasad, President of Shree Satsang Ramayan Mandali of Lami, told fbcnews.com. Indians make around 38 per cent of Fiji's population and as of 2021, roughly 3.20 lakh Indians live in the South Pacific nation, according to the Union Ministry of External Affairs. They have mostly descended from 'Girmitiyas', or indentured labourers, brought to the islands by British colonial rulers between 1879 and 1916 to work on Fiji's sugar plantations. The vast majority of Indo-Fijians trace their origins to Bihar and South India. A significant number of Fiji-Indians celebrate Ramlila and Diwali with traditional rituals, and they are part of the main events held on the islands. Like their Indian counterparts, people of Fiji celebrate Diwali with elaborate lighting and candle decorations. Unesco established Ramlila, the theatrical enactment of Lord Ram's life, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. The festival is celebrated by the Indian community in Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the US, Canada, and the UK. London, Oct 20 : Krishnan Guru-Murthy, an Indian-origin news presenter for Britain's Channel 4 network, has apologised to Conservative MP Steve Baker, a day after swearing at him in an "unguarded moment". During an off-air moment, Krishnan was caught on camera calling the Northern Ireland minister a "c***" outside 10 Downing Street. "After a robust interview with Steve Baker MP I used a very offensive word in an unguarded moment off air. While it was not broadcast that word in any context is beneath the standards I set myself and I apologise unreservedly. I have reached out to Steve Baker to say sorry," he said in a tweet on Wednesday. In the 20-second clip that was widely shared on social media earlier on Wednesday, Krishnan could be heard saying: "Thanks a lot Steve. It wasn't a stupid question, Steve, you know it, I'm very happy to up against you on Truss any day." He then laughs before saying: "What a c***."Baker has publicly accepted the apology after replying: "I appreciate you apologising. Thank you." Before accepting the apology, the Minister told Times Radio that it's "most unfortunate" that the host swore on tape, adding: "If it's in breach of his code of conduct I hope they sack him." The development comes amid a chaotic evening when Home Secretary Suella Braverman dramatically stepped down from her cabinet position after admitting to sending an official document from her personal email. Krishnan fronts Channel 4 News' podcast 'Ways to Change the World'. Since joining the team in 1998 he has fronted big events from the Omagh bombing, 9/11, the Mumbai attacks, to special war reports from Syria, Yemen and Gaza. His TV career began at the age of eighteen presenting youth television for the BBC. Krishnan's father, an Indian consultant radiologist, worked in Blackburn and Burnley. The family lived in Liverpool. Ottawa, Oct 20 : Hurricane Fiona is estimated to have caused insured damages worth C$660 million ($528 million) in Canada, it was revealed. The Insurance Bureau of Canada said on Wednesday that Fiona was the most costly extreme weather event ever recorded in Atlantic Canada, and the 10th largest in the country in terms of insured damages, Xinhua news agency. Many affected residents were located in high-risk flood areas and floodplains where residential flood insurance coverage is not available. As a result, the overwhelming majority of costs for this disaster will be borne by government, according to the release. "As we begin to see the extent of damages caused by hurricane Fiona, it is clear that much more needs to be done to enhance our resilience to extreme weather events and build a culture of preparedness moving forward," said Amanda Dean, vice-president, Atlantic, Insurance Bureau of Canada. The long-lived and powerful storm first made landfall in Atlantic Canada on September 24. With maximum wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec, Fiona resulted in tragic loss of life as well as violent winds, torrential rainfall, large waves, storm surge, downed trees and widespread power outages. Insurance claims from severe weather have more than quadrupled across Canada since 2008. The new normal for insured catastrophic damages in the country has reached C$2 billion annually. Los Angeles, Oct 20 : Actress Jennifer Tilly has been in a relationship with poker player Phil Laak since 2004 and said that while most performers say intimate scenes are "awful", she enjoys them because she has the opportunity to "get naked" with someone other than her partner. She said: "I know actors are meant to say, 'Oh, sex scenes are awful! It's always a terrible day to have to get through,'... But I love sex scenes! Who wouldn't love sex scenes? It's an opportunity to get naked and fool around with somebody that's not your partner." "And all the people standing around that makes it even more fun!" Meanwhile, the 'Bride of Chucky' star, who was previously married to late 'Simpsons' producer Sam Simon, reflected on her time starring as Violet in the 1996 noir film 'Bound' and explained that while she would wear "sexy outfits" early on in her career, she is actually a "very prudish" person, reports femalefirst.co.uk. She told The Independent: "Women are so used to being sexualised in movies, and I felt like I'd played that character before. She's like an iceberg, where you just see the tip of it. Most of the iceberg is underneath the water, and very dangerous to passing ships." "I liked that it was all subterfuge with her, and the sexuality she exhibited was a tool to get what she wanted. I guess if you're an amateur psychiatrist, she's sort of a parallel to the characters that I've played in Hollywood. When I first came here, I would wear sexy outfits and be this other person, but it wasn't who I was in real life. I'm actually very prudish!" Kolkata, Oct 20 : Singur, the erstwhile site for Tata Motor's small car project Nano in West Bengal's Hooghly district is in the news again after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that not she but the CPI-M was responsible for chasing out Tatas from the state. "I just returned the land that they forcefully acquired for the project," the chief minister said on Wednesday. While all the principal opposition parties have launched a scathing attack against the chief minister's comments and describing her statement as blatantly untrue, IANS tries to look back on the entire Tata Motor- Singur episode that started soon after the seventh Left Front government in West Bengal came to power with a massive majority with Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee as the chief minister in 2006. On May 18, 2006, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata accompanied by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and the-then state commerce minister, Nirupam Sen announced Tata Motor's small car project at Singur after the details on this count was finalised at a meeting between Ratan Tata and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee six days before the date of announcement. Thereafter, the process of land procurement of 1,000 acres required for the process started and between May 27 and July 4 of 2006, three all- party meetings were convened by the Hooghly district administration on this count, all of which were boycotted by Trinamool Congress. On November 30, 2006, the West Bengal Assembly witnessed a major ruckus after Mamata Banerjee was stopped by the police administration from going to Singur. After being obstructed, she reached the Assembly. The Assembly property was ransacked by the then Trinamool Congress legislators, many of whom are currently ministers in the present cabinet. From December 3, 2006, Mamata Banerjee, as the then opposition leader started a fast-unto- death agitation against the land acquisition for the Singur project at Kolkata's heart of Esplanade. Current Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and former Indian Prime minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh were among the prominent national leaders who met her there during her 25-day fasting agitation and expressed solidarity. Meanwhile, there were frequent strikes, road blockades throughout the state during that period against the land acquisition. Meanwhile, the construction work for the factory and the agitation continued. Two letters from Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to Mamata Banerjee on August 18 and August 25 of 2008 inviting her for discussions were rejected by her. Finally, on August 24, 2008, Mamata Banerjee started staging protest demonstrations at Durgapur Express Highway adjacent to the Nano site at Singur demanding the return of 400 acres of 1,000 acres of land acquired for the project. On September 5 and September 6 of 2008, there were two consecutive bipartite meetings at the Governor House in Kolkata between the state government and Trinamool Congress representatives which was mediated by the then Governor, Gopal Krishna Gandhi. On September 7, 2008, Gopal Krishan Gandhi mediated a very important meeting on this count which was attended by Mamata Banerjee, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and the the state commerce & industries minister Nirupam Sen. However, Mamata Banerjee in the meeting was adamant on her demand for the return of 400 acres of land and refused to accept the state government's logic that while the main factory will be on 600 acres the remaining 400 acres will be earmarked for ancillary industries. A similar meeting followed on September 12, 2008, but without any results. Finally, on an afternoon of October 3, 2008, which was just two days before the Durga Puja festival that year, Ratan Tata in a hurriedly called press conference at the lobby of Tata Group- owned Prime Hotel in Kolkata, announced his decision to pull out of Singur, solely holding the agitation by Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee responsible. "I think some time back I mentioned that if somebody puts a gun to my head, you will pull the trigger or you take the gun away because I will not move my head. I think Ms Banerjee has pulled the trigger," were his parting words. Gujarat's Sanand became the new destination for the Nano factory. Hyderabad, Oct 20 : Telangana minister K.T. Rama Rao on Thursday agreed to a proposal for setting up a sex offenders' register in the state on the lines of the one in the US. The proposal was mooted by eminent social activist Sunitha Krishnan. The minister for urban development, municipal administration, industry and information technology suggested her to present the concept note. "Let's absolutely get it done. Please present the concept note and we will take it forward," tweeted KTR, as the minister is popularly known. He responded to a tweet by Krishnan, co-founder of Prajwala, an NGO that rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates sex-trafficked victims. "Can we set up a Sex Offenders Register for the State of Telangana of convicted offenders on the lines that exists in the USA which even the public can access for the purpose of recruitment etc," wrote Krishnan. She offered to submit a concept note based on the research of 20 countries. The proposal came a day after the driver of principal of a school was arrested in Hyderabad for sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl in the school. The police have booked Beemana Rajani Kumar (34) under Section 376 AB of the IPC and Section 6 read with 5 (m) of POCSO Act. He was produced before a magistrate, who sent him to judicial custody. The police have also booked principal Madhavi for negligence. She was said to be absconding. New Delhi, Oct 20 : ITC Hotels announced the signing of a Welcomhotel in Jabalpur under a management contract with A.R.V. Hotels Private Limited. Welcomhotel Jabalpur will offer 124 rooms, more than 15,000 sq. ft. of banquet space along with two restaurants, swimming pool, spa and a fitness centre. Located at Sagra, the property is just 6 km away from the popular tourist spot Bhedaghat, while also being accessible to the IT Park (1.5 km), Jabalpur Junction Station (11 km) and Jabalpur Airport (24 km). Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels said: "Welcomhotels are on a high growth trajectory, both in business and leisure destinations. We are excited to bring the Welcomhotel brand from the ITC Hotels group to Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur offers a healthy mix of commercial, trading, government and leisure-oriented business opportunities and has become a key administrative and business center for the state. The significant meeting and banquet space backed by ITC Hotels renowned strength in food and beverage and hospitality service will impart Welcomhotel Jabalpur an edge in the market." Rajesh Kumar Jain, Managing Director, A.R.V. Hotels Private Limited, stated: "We are excited to be partnering with ITC Hotels to bring the Welcomhotel brand to Jabalpur. With ample tourism potential around the city, I believe that this hotel will give Jabalpur the necessary boost to attract more demand here." Navanshu Jain, Director, A.R.V. Hotels Private Limited, said: "I have been fond of ITC Hotels when I travel across India and have always felt a strong connect with the brand. I am sure the people of Jabalpur will feel the same warmth about our upcoming property." Designed for those who demand more to make the most out of their stay, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels is the new age traveller's key to curated immersive experiences that enrich both business and leisure journeys. With an endeavour to provide enriching experiences, the Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels brand is reflective of the warmth of Indian culture while upholding the benchmark service standards that ITC Hotels are known for. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The BJP on Thursday accused the Congress of rigging its presidential polls to make Mallikarjun Kharge win so that he can be remote controlled by the Gandhi family. The saffron party, which has been attacking Kharge even before he was elected the grand-old party's president, is now terming him to be a rubber stamp. Questioning Congress' entire presidential poll process, BJP IT cell media national head Amit Malviya on Thursday accused the the grand-old party of rigging the polls and making Kharge emerge winner. Taking to Twitter, Malivya posted: "The Congress President election was rigged with such precision that Mallikarjun Kharge got 88% of the votes, just short of the 90% mark, which could have given Tharoor the option to trigger a formal complaint alleging malpractice. He was denied that manoeuvre too." After the poll results were out, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor congratulated Kharge but during counting of votes polled, Tharoor camp had alleged of rigging. It is evident from the statements of the BJP leaders that they will time and again flag the issue that the "Congress has repeated its UPA government's formula of Manmohan Singh on Kharge". Madrid : , Oct 20 (IANS) Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to six points over FC Barcelona with a comfortable 3-0 win away to bottom side Elche. Fede Valverde continued his excellent recent form with the opening goal in the 11th minute with a powerful shot. Madrid had two goals ruled off for offside from Karim Benzema and David Alaba in the first half and another one from Benzema after the break, but Benzema scored Madrid's second in the 75th minute to double the lead. Marco Asensio added the third in the last minute. The win pressures Barcelona ahead of their home game against Villarreal. Mikel Merino's third-minute header from Brais Mendez's corner was enough to give Real Sociedad a 1-0 win at home to Mallorca and stretch their winning run to eight matches and lift them to third. Mallorca were unlucky to see an excellent goal from Amath N'Diaye ruled out for a questionable foul called by VAR in the 58th minute. High-flying Real Betis were held to a 0-0 draw by a struggling but improving Cadiz in an Andalusian derby, reports Xinhua. Cadiz were able to keep Betis' attack at bay, while Betis midfielder Sergio Canales was sent off for seeing two yellow cards for complaining in the closing moments of the match. Valladolid produced a clinical display to claim a morale-boosting 4-1 win at home to Celta Vigo. Celta had over 60 percent of the ball and over 20 shots in the match but were wasteful, while the home side scored four goals from just nine efforts. Roque Mesa put Valladolid ahead in the 32nd minute and although Oscar Rodriguez leveled before the break, a strike from Joaquin Fernandez and two more from Sergio Leon sealed the win for Valladolid in the second half. New Delhi, Oct 20 : A new report on Thursday showed that even before the energy crisis brought about by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, G20 government support to produce fossil fuels reached new heights at $64 bn in 2021, despite worsening impacts of the climate crisis. The findings are detailed in the eighth annual Climate Transparency report, produced by an international partnership of organisations, to take stock of G20 climate action. Wider G20 government fossil fuel subsidies had fallen to $147 billion in 2020, they rose again by 29 per cent to $190 billion in 2021, according to data from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Subsidies have continued to rise into 2022, partly because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine triggering skyrocketing energy prices, which have also supercharged profits for energy companies. The countries with the highest total subsidies for fossil fuels were China, Indonesia and the UK backing production and consumption that will contribute to driving global temperatures well above the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit agreed globally in the Paris Agreement and reaffirmed last year at COP26 in Glasgow. "Too much public finance for energy in the G20 is still skewed towards the fossil fuel industry. 63 per cent of G20's public finance for energy went to fossil fuels in 2019-2020," said Ipek Gencsu, Senior Research Fellow at ODI and finance lead of the report. "Last year, the G20 reaffirmed its 2009 commitment to aphase out and rationalise, over the medium term, inefficient fossil fuel subsidies', but I think we can safely say we are now in that amedium term' and it's clear the G20 has failed to deliver, instead continuing to use public funds to distort the market in favour of fossil fuels," he added. The Climate Transparency report shows that energy emissions likewise rebounded across G20 countries by 5.9 per cent in 2021, climbing back above pre-pandemic levels, despite warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that must halve emissions by 2030 to keep the 1.5 degrees warming limit enshrined in the Paris Agreement alive. Emissions in the power and buildings sector rose in 2021 to higher than pre-pandemic levels, and per capita emissions in China and Turkey are now higher than in 2019. "The G20 is responsible for three-quarters of the world's emissions. These are the world's biggest economies, many of them home to the finance and technologies needed to tackle the climate crisis. We are now in a moment where geopolitics and energy security issues are combining to really hammer home the benefits of cheap renewables, yet we are still seeing many of these governments turning to fossil fuels as the solution," commented Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, one of the organisations leading the analysis in the report. "Gas and coal can be the most expensive, highest emitting, and least secure options for energy, but they still will receive the highest levels of government support," he added. The good news is that the share of renewables in the power generation mix increased in all G20 countries between 2016 and 2021 with the strongest increase in the UK (plus 67 per cent), Japan (plus 48 per cent) and Mexico (plus 40 per cent). The lowest increases, all well below the five-year G20 average of 22.5 per cent, were observed in Russia (plus 16 per cent) and Italy (14 per cent). Despite the longer-term growth, the share of renewables did not increase between 2020 and 2021. The Climate Transparency report also contains information on how climate change is already impacting some G20 economies. Rising emissions have led to record-breaking flooding, fires, droughts, and storms, causing damages of billions. "Rising temperatures have brought income losses in services, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction sectors, with India, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia being the most affected countries. The respective income losses are estimated at 5.4, 1.6 and one per cent of GDP," said Sebastian Wegner from the Berlin Governance Platform, one of the report's main authors. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Oct 20: The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will decide this week whether Pakistan should be kept in its "grey list" for further monitoring of its terror-promoting activities. The FATF meeting is being held in Singapore this week. Rahul Kumar New Delhi, Oct 20: The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will decide this week whether Pakistan should be kept in its "grey list" for further monitoring of its terror-promoting activities. The FATF meeting is being held in Singapore this week. Pakistan has been kept on the FATF monitoring list and faced global financial sanctions for the last four years over its role in financing and sheltering terror leaders and organisations. However, as its relations with the West improve, Pakistan is likely to get off the list with US support. Pakistani newspaper Dawn has reported that Pakistan is likely to be taken off the FATF list which will enable it to access funding. Dawn reported: "Pakistan is expected to finally exit the 'increased monitoring list'-commonly known as grey list-of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Oct 21, after languishing in the infamous category for almost 52 months." Pakistan has consistently made noises about dismantling terror networks by taking action on money laundering and terror financing, but sources say that terror leaders are sheltering in Pakistan with their networks intact. Just weeks back a US court had said that terror financing by Habib Bank led to attacks that killed and injured 370 people in Afghanistan during 2021 and 2019. Nearly 370 individual complainants are demanding compensation from Pakistan's largest private bank. A serious allegation is that Habib Bank has financed Al-Qaeda's terror activities as well. Over the years, several other Pakistani banks have faced scrutiny for money laundering and terror financing. American authorities have fined many Pakistani banks for suspicious transactions. A FATF team had visited Pakistan in September to check whether terror groups and their networks had been dismantled or not. Around the same time, investigative reports found that terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were highly active and were openly delivering relief work to flood victims. Investigations done by the Paris-based Pakistani journalist, Taha Siddiqui, found that LeT had resurfaced in all four regions-Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh to supposedly help in flood relief work but in reality to recruit people for terror activities. The investigations also found that the terror group was collecting donations under a new name-Allah-u-Akbar Tehreek, in close collaboration with Pakistani military and other organisations. The two-day meeting of the FATF that begins on October 20, Thursday, will be attended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations, the World Bank, Interpol and other international agencies. A statement by the Paris-based FATF said: "Discussions will also focus on jurisdictions identified as presenting a risk to the international financial system, with an update to public statements that identify jurisdictions as high risk or being subject to increased monitoring." Even as the FATF gets ready for the Singapore meet, #BlacklistPakistan #SanctionPakistan and #FATF surge on social media handles. The FATF news comes on the back of the discovery of hundreds of bodies found on the rooftop of a Pakistani hospital in Multan. With no explanations from the government, activists have alleged that the bodies are related to the custodial deaths of Baloch and Sindhi people. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative New Delhi, Oct 20 : Microsoft on Thursday announced that the company's chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in the country, and he is planning to visit India in January next year. Nadella met with India's Consul General in San Francisco, T.V. Nagendra Prasad, to discuss the critical role digital technology plays in empowering inclusive growth in India. "We are living in a period of historic economic, societal and technological change," following his meeting with Prasad, Nadella said in a statement. "The next decade will be defined by digital technology. Indian industries and organisations of every size are turning to technology to help them do more with less, which will ultimately lead to greater innovation, agility and resilience," he added. The discussion focused on India's growth trajectory and the country's potential to be a global political and technology leader. During the meeting, Nadella also formally received the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award for distinguished service. Nadella was named one of 17 awardees earlier this year. "It is an honour to receive a Padma Bhushan Award and to be recognised with so many extraordinary people. I am thankful to the President, Prime Minister, and people of India, and look forward to continuing to work with people across India to help them use technology to achieve more," Nadella said. He plans to visit India in January 2023, his first visit to the country in nearly three years. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Oct 20 : DU played a "formative and transformative role" in his life and "taught me how to discern" says distinguished diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri, currently India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, of the anthology "Delhi University - Celebrating 100 Glorious Years" (Rupa) that he has edited to mark the centenary of an institution from which have emerged many of the country's most consequential nation-builders and opinion makers. "DU has played both a formative and transformational role in my life. The core of my rumination in my chapter is centred on three defining conflicts that I experienced at DU: Academia versus livelihood; the 'real' India: truths versus dominant narratives; and a personal intellectual framework versus continuing with a colonial mindset," Puri told IANS in an interview. "Originating in my experiences at the university, these three conflicts have stayed with me in my ongoing study of continuity and change of socio-political affairs that I have encountered in various personas - as a student of history, diplomat, bureaucrat, politician and minister. These three conflicts have directed the course of my life ever since my university days and fundamentally shaped my worldview. "For instance, while discussing the first conflict, I wrote about how I - like many others in my generation - had to choose between academia and livelihood when we stood at the doorstep of graduation. It was a huge decision. I would have liked to study further and then teach (which, I did a little bit of, in St. Stephen's College after I finished my Master's). However, studying further, just for the sake of it, was viewed as a frivolous indulgence. Practical consideration and familial commitments compelled me to write the UPSC and life went another way. I wonder how many others felt like me back then. "In the second conflict, I talk about how DU, and Hindu College in particular, helped break down elitist notions of merit, talent and ideology as I encountered a bewildering diversity that spanned the spectrum of culture, class, religion and caste. Up sprung the question: what is the real India? I met friends who had come from not-so-well-off families, residing in the interiors of Bihar, did well in the IAS examination and contributed immensely to public service in India. Many others, from Maharashtra, Gujarat and lesser-known educational circles of the country, had remarkable ambition and motivation. "Far removed from the homogeneity of the urban elite in Delhi and Bombay, their drive to excel and their 'independent' ideologies were a by-product of their lived experience. It helped me distance myself from dominant narratives, and see the 'truth of India', as it were. This approach also helped adopt a personal intellectual framework - something that I touch upon in my third conflict at DU. "Ultimately, if I were to encapsulate my answer with a single statement, it would be that DU taught me how to discern. It taught me how to see beneath the surface and examine critically, rationally, and humanely, the merits of any argument. It is a philosophy that I have since espoused in my life," Puri elaborated. The interview in detail: Q: How would you describe DU's journey over the past 100 years? A: It's been an exciting journey, mirroring India's journey of struggle, discovery, growth and leadership. The university officially came into being on 1 May 1922. Four colleges, i.e., St. Stephen's College, founded in 1881; Hindu College, founded in 1899; Ramjas College, founded in 1917; and Lady Hardinge Medical College for Women started in 1916, had existed earlier and affiliated themselves to DU a few years after its inception. DU was a thriving hub for independence activism in the 1930s and especially the 1940s during the Quit India Movement. Later, it became a hotspot for public and intellectual discourse in the post-independence era and found relevance in many social movements in the succeeding decades. Some chapters in the anthology movingly capture the complexity of some of these events, most prominent among them being the period of Emergency. Gradually and in the years to come, the university also assumed an intellectual dominance in higher education in the country due to its superior faculty, and the freedom that it gave its students to allow independent and critical thought. Much of the groundwork for this was laid by Sir Maurice Gwyer, who was Vice Chancellor between 1938 and 1950 (and also, interestingly, Chief Justice of India between 1937 and 1943 in British-era India). Today, DU is among the most renowned centres of excellence in education in the country. Its colleges regularly feature in the Top-10 and Top-50 NIRF rankings - one of the many testaments to its enduring appeal among students. Q: It is said that 'you can take the girl out of the convent but you can't take the convent out of the girl'. How true is this of someone who has studied at DU and to what do you attribute this pull? A: Very true! I think DU has a magnetism that extends far beyond any particular categorisation or singular description. Everyone who comes into the locus of its influence is undeniably and invariably changed. One sees this manifest most profoundly in the young, impressionable minds of DU students who are forever shaped by the prevailing winds at the university. In fact, Imtiaz Ali, who has written a humorous and poignant account of his time at the university, writes exactly about this 'spirit' that permeates through the grounds and corridors of DU. He calls it 'disobedience' - I think it is a reference to a broader quality of independence, almost irreverence, that the university instills in its students. It is a quality that signifies initiative, leadership, critical thinking, and innovation. DUites are fearless, outspoken, talented, and hardworking. You will certainly find these traits in the 14 alumni who have authored chapters in this anthology. The culture of the university is as much shaped by its students as it informs them. Students take on the language of the university; they adopt its traditions and values as their own. While this phenomenon may be true or observable for most other institutions of excellence, what sets DU apart is that its influence extends far beyond its students and faculty (although, they still remain the primary beneficiaries). I can confidently say that DU is now an intrinsic part of the country's story. Indians take education seriously. For decades, education has been the gateway to upward mobility for millions of people, myself included. DU is a leading light in that regard. It has shaped the minds of not just thousands of students, but also of the leaders of consecutive generations who have exercised great influence in their domains and thus crafted the modern India. The sheer fact that DU is the most coveted university in the country, where one sees unimaginably high cut-offs, should tell you that its influence has seeped past Delhi and the urban elite, and is now part of the national fabric. At the launch of the book, Prof. Dinesh Singh said, "DU resides in India, and India resides in DU." That, I think, sums up DU's stature. Q: How, to your mind, has DU and its constituents adapted over the decades to the changing times? More importantly, how is it preparing for a tech-led future that will be increasingly driven by AI, ML and the like? Do you have any suggestions in this regard? A: I am glad to say that the university has continued to evolve with the time while retaining its core character of being an independent, irreverent, and academically inclined centre of excellence. It implemented many reforms in the early 2010s, much before the New Education Policy was brought out by the Modi government which advocates similar measures. It continues to lead innovation in education even as it retains strong academic traditions. I am also delighted that it is strengthening its faculties and research credentials in STEM education. DU has always been known as an exemplar for humanities and arts even though it has always had strong undergraduate courses in pure sciences. Now, that perception is changing. Rather, I must say it is evolving. Even as we see continuous improvement on the STEM front, I believe that many decision-makers within the university recognise that much more needs to be done to align DU with the changes that Tech 4.0 is bringing not just to education, but also to jobs and the economy. I must say that DU has been proactive in this regard. Its Computer Science department has developed excellent pedagogical tools and research facilities for education in data science, AI, ML, and robotics. Of late, its students and faculty have been gaining recognition for their work in these disciplines. It is clearly a marker of where things will proceed in the future. DU, unlike many other universities, has never stayed still. I am confident that DU will evolve once again to meet the challenges of Tech 4.0; I believe this could even be the catalyst for the university to break into the Top-100, Top-50 universities globally. Q: How did this anthology come about? Tell me about the journey from conception to conclusion, including the process of selecting the contributors that have been featured, including the selection of Amitabh Bachchan to write the foreword. A: I was actually invited by Rupa Publications to edit this anthology. They thought it would be a fitting tribute to the university's 100th anniversary if DU's most illustrious alumni shared their reflections. A hundred years is an important milestone in the life of any institution. DU, and especially Hindu College where I spent the formative years of my life, have been immensely significant in my life. There is no way I would have refused, despite my commitments and obligations as a cabinet minister. As I set about preparing a shortlist of authors, I realised that those alumni who would appear to qualify far exceeded the number that even an extended anthology could accommodate. I was honoured that these 14 authors agreed to write without a moment's hesitation, despite their busy schedules. There can be no doubt that these authors are among the leading intellectuals, leaders, lawyers, artists and litterateurs in the country. They provided fascinating accounts of their time at the university through their chapters which I believe are of the highest calibre and are written with a light touch. Viewed together, I believe they do justice to the eclectic diversity that the university is known for. Foremost among the authors is Shri Amitabh Bachchan ji who recently celebrated his 80th birthday. I was delighted that he agreed to write the Foreword. The oldest alumnus among the authors, I believe he is also the most revered. He is a doyen of the film industry and is among the most recognised public personalities globally. He was extremely gracious and humble when I invited him to write a chapter for this anthology. In fact, he even suggested that he may not be an appropriate pick for this book because he hadn't been the best student! Thankfully, it didn't require much cajoling on my part to convince him to write the Foreword. I would like to believe he did so because he shares my love for the university - it was a sentiment that strongly came out in his message to readers. Q: What is the common thread that you have found in these accounts? A: I would have to say that all the authors have touched upon the impact of DU, both in the personal context of the university having shaped their lives, but also in the larger context of intellectual discourse and nation-building. This anthology has brought in a spectrum of viewpoints that covers five decades of studying or teaching at various colleges in DU, from the late 1950s to the late 1990s. To the extent possible, these authors also cover the length and breadth of the country - not just geographically but also in terms of the cultures, experiences and professions they represent. That all the authors have written about the legacy of the university with surprisingly similar sentiment is a profound realisation. To my mind, it is indisputable that the university has had a central influence on India's growth as well as its mission of producing young and dynamic leaders. I hope that this anthology triggers other tributes. They are both deserved and long overdue. (Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in) -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Rajpipla, Oct 20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India's carbon footprint is 1.5 tonne per head, compared to the world's four tonne per head as the country is moving fast to reduce carbon emissions by installing renewable energy systems and other options. Prime Minister Modi and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. Giving brief idea about the Mission LiFE, the Prime Minister said it is mass movement towards protecting and preserving environment by bringing changes in daily life style. Citing an example, he said a person drives car for five km to reach gym, by doing so, he is adding to the carbon emission, instead if he runs up to the gym, it will help in protecting the climate." "If we will protect nature, nature will protect us," the Prime Minister said. "Few years ago, the country decided to switch over to LED bulbs and installed 160 crore bulbs in year leading to reduction in carbon emission by 10 million tonne. This benefit is going to last for years to come," he said. Addressing the gathering, Guterres said, "G-20 has resources and power to end the war against nature. It can lead the world towards sustainable living." He also said that the G-20 countries account for 80 per cent of global greenhouses that emit gas, but at the same time it also contributes to world's 80 per cent GDP. -- Syndicated from IANS Havana, Oct 20 : Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called on the US government to lift its decades-long trade embargo, or blockade, against the country. "The US blockade has caused Cuba losses valued at $3.806 billion between August 2021 and February 2022," Xinhua news agency quoted the Minister as saying. The call comes ahead of the Cuban government's annual submission to the UN General Assembly of a draft resolution calling for an end to the embargo. The General Assembly is scheduled to discuss and vote on the draft resolution in early November. US trade sanctions, Rodriguez said, severely limit Cuba's access to food, medicine, technology and inputs on the international market. "The world would be a better place without the US blockade against Cuba," he added. First imposed in 1962, the embargo was broadened by former US President Donald Trump, who put in place 243 more sanctions, including banning all flights from American to Cuban destinations except for Havana, and capping remittances Cuban Americans can send to their families back home. The current US administration allowed airlines to resume flights to other Cuban cities and lifted the cap on remittances, but the web of sanctions against Havana remains largely in place. For 29 times in a row, the UN General Assembly has voted in favour of the resolution urging the US to end its embargo against Cuba. Patna, Oct 20 : Bihar government has constituted a team to rescue 11 children who have been held captive in Kashmir valley. This initiative was taken after a caller contacted a family members of one of the victims and demanded Rs 1.2 lakh for their release. The minor children are natives of Panapur village under Ariyari block in Bihar's Sheikhpura district. They went as labourers to Kashmir and were reportedly held captive in Sanat Nagar in Srinagar. The family members of the victims contacted the district magistrate of Sheikhpura for the safe rescue of the children. Subseuently, the Labour Minister of Bihar, Surendra Ram took the initiative and directed officials of Bihar Bhawan at New Delhi and those at Jammu and Kashmir to plan the rescue of children. "The victims are minor kids and the employer was forcing them to do the job of labour. A phone call also was made to the family member of one of the children. We have decided to rescue them and have constituted a police team for their safe return. The team will go to Kashmir on Thursday," Ram said. "The officials of New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir are coordinating for the safe rescue of children," he concluded. Kanpur : , Oct 20 (IANS) In a video that has gone viral on social media, an elderly man can be seen pleading with the police to save him from his criminal son. According to the police, the video is of Nirmal Sharma, 70, who claims that his son Amit, 27, forcibly enters the house and beats him up and demands money at gunpoint. "A couple of days ago, my son Amit even attacked me with the 'butt' of a country-made pistol when I resisted his demands," he is heard saying. Nirmal Sharma is a resident of Gangapur Colony in Bidhnoo. Bidhnoo police station in-charge Yogesh Kumar Singh said, "The family is having a property dispute. A search is on to trace the elderly man's son, who was earlier in jail in connection with a case and was released on bail about six months ago." It has come to light that more than two dozen cases are already registered against the man's son. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 20 : After facing huge embarrassment, the Kerala Police on Thursday had a reprieve when a case involving a policeman stealing mangoes from a shop was amicably settled and the court allowed the settlement. The erring policeman has been on the run since the first week of this month after committing the crime, and in-between talks began with the shopkeeper and finally the latter agreed to withdraw the case. But the local police were not willing as they informed the Kanjirapally Judicial First Class Magistrate Court that it would send a wrong message to the society. The court on Thursday overruled that and allowed for the settlement of the case. The shopkeeper informed the court that his loss was taken care of and hence he did not have any case. The case pertains to a policeman, P.V.Shihab, who had stolen a 10kg box of mangoes from a shop near Kanjirapally on September 30. The act was caught on CCTV placed outside the shop. The mangoes were of a costly variety and each kg was priced over Rs 500. When the shopkeeper came to open his shop, he soon realised that a box of mangoes was missing. He checked his CCTV and was aghast to find a policeman taking the box and driving away. After the CCTV visual went viral, a probe was done by the local police and the Idukki Superintendent of Police ordered the suspension of the policeman. After the viral news, Shihab, who is attached to the Idukki Armed Reserve camp police unit, disappeared and till date he remained untraced. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Centre is providing pulses to states at Rs 8 per kg, less than the market rate of Rs 42 per kg (issue price) for use in midday meals as well as other food related schemes, to streamline the stock of pulses. This move was cleared by the Cabinet a month ago and since then, considerable amount of pulses stock has been distributed to states, a top official said, adding that there is enough stock of pulses. With the festive season in full swing, prices of pulses will not rise much, though there could be minor fluctuations, an official said. Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs Rohit Kumar Singh told mediapersons on Thursday that the government has 43 lakh tonnes of pulses stock and it is from this, that states are being provided pulses for use in their respective schemes. Out of this, around 20 to 27 lakh tonnes of pulses have come through imports, he said. On being asked why the Centre is importing pulses despite having an adequate stock, the Secretary said that it is due to the fact that different kind of pulses are consumed in different parts of the country. To a question on why the government procures pulses from traders who import them, he said that this is done to ensure there is no hoarding. Singh further said that there is adequate stock of onions in the country (around 25,100 metric tonnes) and states have been asked to procure from it expeditiously so that it does not rot. He informed that due to timely interventions by the government like caliberated release from buffer stocks, prices of cereals and pulses have been stabilised in the country. Mumbai, Oct 20 : Actress Lara Dutta, who was last seen in the streaming show 'Hiccups and Hookups', feels that women in India particularly don't have proper access to healthcare facilities, especially reproductive health. Menopause can significantly impact a woman's everyday life. Yet, conversations about this topic are limited. The actress recently attended an event organised to raise awareness around menopause. She said in a statement, "Being on stage and listening to the panel of doctors has been an eye-opener for me as well. I know this even when I was a goodwill ambassador for the UN -- that women's health and wellness is barely discussed in the way that it should. In our country, unfortunately, the majority of women don't even have access to proper physical and medical healthcare facilities to even reproductive health, forget about anything else." The event was organised by pharma company Abbott. The actress added, "Menopause is so back on the burner as a priority that I think it is really fantastic that big Pharma companies like Abbott today are taking these initiatives and making information accessible. As we discussed today - it's about the 'Next Chapter' and not the 'Last Chapter'. Stories are what drives conversations - shows and movies on such topics should definitely be made". -- Syndicated from IANS Srinagar, Oct 20 : For the first time in 70-years the entire workforce, including ones in the unorganized sector, in Jammu and Kashmir have been provided with an insurance cover of Rs 2 lakhs. The premium of the insurance would be paid by the Labour and Employment Department. The historic decision taken by the dispensation led by J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, would benefit lakhs of unorganised workers as they have nothing to fall back on except the wages which they earn on a day to day basis. The insurance cover extended by the government would at least provide a succour to the family members of the small-time workers in case of any eventuality. Since 1947, the labour class in J&K has been at the receiving end. Former rulers, who used to claim that they are Messiahs (saviours) of people for seven long decades, couldn't come up with any comprehensive plan to provide any kind of security to the workers in the unorganized sector. They offered lip service rather than doing anything concrete for them. Till August 5, 2019 --when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J&K's special status and bifurcate it into two Union Territories-for politicians the workers in the unorganized sector were nothing more than instruments that were used as vote banks and dumped after every election. The so-called Messiahs didn't ever get time to spare a thought for them and their families. PM Modi real Messiah Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, without making any noise has emerged as the real Messiah (saviour) for J&K people in true sense. By revoking Article 370, a temporary provision in the Constitution of India, the regime led by PM Modi integrated J&K completely with the Union of India. The bold step taken by PM Modi extended all the centrally sponsored schemes to Jammu and Kashmir. A common J&K resident, who couldn't become a part of the country's progress and development for 70-years, has been provided with benefits of the centrally sponsored schemes at his doorstep. He has been the biggest beneficiary. All are equal The J&K Government extending Rs 2 lakh insurance cover to the entire workforce has come as a ray of light for the section of the society that ensures that all tasks are accomplished. The unorganized sector mostly comprises the labourers who sweat themselves out to ensure the comfort of others. Unfortunately this section in the erstwhile J&K State was always looked down upon as none of the rulers ever paid any attention to their issues and traumas. By announcing the insurance cover for all, the government has once again proven that it cares for its people and treats everyone equally. The unorganised workforce has always been an ignored section of the society despite the fact that it's the backbone of development. No building or project can be built without the workers of unorganized sectors. They simply put in their heart and sweat into everything they do for the wages they earn. They neither demand any job security, nor guarantee for the future. The dispensation led by J&K Lieutenant Governor has made a humble beginning by sending a message that no one would be ignored in a regime led by PM Modi. Besides providing an insurance cover, the J&K Government is keeping a strict vigil to ensure that these poor labourers are not exploited by anyone. Strict directions have been issued to the officials to make sure that health, safety and social security benefits like financial assistance are extended to the unorganized workforce in the Union Territory. They have been asked to provide scholarships to the children of labourers and enroll them in schools so that they can shape up their lives. Street Vendors Act In February 2021 the J&K Government under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 had unveiled the scheme for the street vendors and regulation of vending in the Union Territory. The scheme is applicable in all the municipal bodies/municipalities in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the guidelines of the scheme the town vending committee of the concerned urban local body, such as a municipal corporation or municipal council were authorized to conduct the survey of street vendors itself or get it done through a suitable agency. The survey had to be conducted by the local bodies to identify all street vendors within the area of their jurisdiction and the natural markets developed over the years by holding a spot verification. The survey had to record the identity of the street vendor, whether the vendor is a mobile vendor or a stationary vendor of a lane, sidewalk, footpath, pavement, public park, or in any other public place or private area. Any vendor above 18-years of age, according to the scheme guidelines, was eligible for a grant of a certificate of vending if he was a citizen of India and had no other means of livelihood except street vending. The town vending committees were authorized to fix vending fees depending on the footfall of the area. After the scheme was implemented thousands of street vendors were provided with the registration certificates, and their bank accounts were opened. They were provided with financial aid and other benefits. The move brought the street vendors at par with all the businessmen whether big or small and opening of bank accounts increased the number of digital transactions. As on date street vendors in J&K don't deal in cash anymore. Customers pay them through various digital modes like M-Pay, G-Pay etc. Street vendors have been registered and provided with certificates so that they don't feel insecure and threatened. In 'Naya Jammu and Kashmir' their livelihoods have been secured. No one can stop them from carrying on with their business at their fixed places. Minimum Wages Act Earlier this month the J&K Government notified revised minimum rates of wages in respect of scheduled government engagements. The Advisory Board constituted by the government recommended a 38 percent increase in minimum wages equivalent to the Dearness Allowance the Government employees are getting at present. And the recommendations of the Board were implemented. Revised rates include Rs 311 per day for unskilled workers, Rs 400 for semi-skilled, Rs 483 for skilled staff, Rs 552 for highly skilled and Rs 449 for administrative/ ministerial workers. Former J&K rulers during their tenures employed thousands of daily wagers with a promise that they would be regularized. But they were unable to keep up their pledges due to the financial implications. The politicians couldn't even implement the Minimum Wages Act. Many daily wagers were not even paid their wages for years as the government had no specified fund for them. During the past three years the system has been revamped and efforts have been put to ensure that the daily wagers don't suffer. The 36 per cent hike in their wages has come as a respite for them. The steps that have been taken by the government during the past three years have addressed the alienation and the void that had been created by the leaders who used to claim that Article 370 is a bridge between J&K and New Delhi. Time has proven that J&K's so-called special status was nothing more than a stumbling block, which kept the J&K people deprived of the benefits they were entitled to. Mumbai, Oct 20 : Actor Noah Centineo, who plays the role of Atom Smasher in the recently released superhero film 'Black Adam', recently shared his memories of reading and being consumed by DC comics. The actor told IANS: "I grew up pretending to have superpowers in my room. I grew up watching animated DC films. I remember spending hours with those books where you could draw DC characters." When asked about how life has come full circle for him with 'Black Adam', he said: "To grow up and be able to portray one of my most loved superheroes in such a way working with talents such as Dwayne Johnson and Pierce Brosnan is like a dream come true for that little kid." Sharing his experience of working with Pierce Brosnan, Noah said: "It was a huge learning opportunity. When you work with an artiste of Pierce Brosnan's stature, you really get into giving 100 per cent to the character. He is such a fine artiste and has a huge aura and you must respect that whenever you work with a legend. I'm very grateful to have worked with him in the film." 'Black Adam', which also stars Sarah Shahi, Marwan Kenzari, Quintessa Swindell and Bodhi Sabongui, has been produced by Warner Bros Pictures. And is currently playing in theatres. New Delhi, Oct 20 : A case of alleged gang rape of a woman has come to light in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. On October 18, a 40-year-old woman had accused five people of raping her. However, the Ghaziabad police said that the victim and the accused are acquainted. The police is investigating the matter and has registered a case. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has formed a 2-member fact-finding team to probe the case. "@NCWIndia is taking cognizance of the matter and sending a two-member fact finding team to meet the family of the victim and the concerned authorities," tweeted NCW. The tweet was followed by, "@NCWIndia has sent a fact finding team to GTB Hospital to meet the victim & her family. The team will also meet concerned police authorities. Chairperson @sharmarekha has written to @dgpup to file FIR and to arrest all the accused at the earliest." Chennai, Oct 20 : The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested three fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Pudukkottai district on charges of poaching in the island nation's territorial waters, sources said on Thursday. N. Arul (36) K. Ayyappan (30) and S. Sundaram (26), all residents of the coastal village of Kottaipattinam, left for the sea on Wednesday morning and had cast their nets near Neduntheevu island when they were arrested later in the night, the sources in the Coastal Security Group added. Following their arrest, the three fishermen were taken to the Kankesanthurai naval base along with their boat. Mumbai, Oct 20 : Filmmaker Karan Johar will be seen hosting the Friday special episode of 'Bigg BOSS 16' in place of Bollywood star Salman Khan. During the Weekend ka Vaar episode, Salman is often seen discussing with contestants, guiding them on their game plan and taking them to task when needed. Salman will appear on Saturday's episode of Weekend ka Vaar. Karan also hosted the 'Bigg Boss OTT' and it will be interesting to see how he is going to deal with the contestants and roast them on the show. Furthermore, the three nominated contestants for this week are Sumbul Touqeer Khan, Manya Singh and Shalin Bhanot. Meanwhile, Tina Datta and Shalin have taken the name of Sumbul as the least performing contestant on the show. But in the previous episode Shalin was seen talking to Sumbul and blaming Tina for his behaviour with her. 'Bigg Boss 16' airs on Colors. Latest updates on Bigg Boss Season 16 -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Imphal, Oct 20 : After Kolkata, Imphal would be the second city in eastern India, where mounted police would be introduced for the first time. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that to preserve the erstwhile princely ruled state's tradition, the mounted police would be introduced for the first time in Imphal city. "To preserve the tradition of forefathers and to promote Manipuri ponies, we have decided to introduce the mounted police," the Chief Minister said while addressing a function here. Singh said that when the state was under princely rule, Manipuri cavalries played a major role during various wars. The present generation needs to know, follow and preserve the contributions that the forefathers of Manipur did to protect Manipur from outside forces," he stated. The Chief Minister said that in the first phase, 20 mounted police would be introduced in Imphal city to patrol within the city, including the market areas. A committee headed by Inspector General of Police (Zone-1) Themthing Ngasava has been formed to select the mounted police personnel from among the state police forces who are fond of horse riding. The government is also planning to introduce more mounted police in other police stations so that Manipuri ponies can be promoted, the Chief Minister stated. In 1840, the mounted police with two sowars (riders) started its journey in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and turned into a full-fledged unit two years later. Currently, the Kolkata Police have around 70 horses under its command. Tokyo, Oct 20 : Japan logged a record trade deficit in the six months to September, owing to soaring prices for energy and raw material imports being further inflated by the yen's steep decline against the US dollar, the government said in a report on Thursday. According to the Finance Ministry, the deficit stood at 11.01 trillion yen ($73 billion) in the first half of fiscal 2022 since April, marking the biggest for any fiscal half-year period since record keeping began, reports Xinhua news agency. Japan's imports leapt 4.5 per cent to a record 60.58 trillion yen in the recording period, eclipsing its exports that rose 19.6 per cent to a record 49.58 trillion yen, the Ministry said in its preliminary report. In the six months to September, Japan's deficit with China, its largest trading partner, almost tripled to 2.84 trillion yen, compared to 981.49 billion yen logged a year earlier. In the same period, Japan had a trade surplus of 3.16 trillion yen with the US, with exports increasing 22.8 per cent to a record 9.11 trillion yen, while imports totaled 5.95 trillion yen, climbing 32.1 per cent. Japan booked a trade surplus of 1.30 trillion yen with the rest of Asia, the Ministry also said, and logged a deficit of 876.55 billion yen with the European Union, in the fiscal first half. In September, Japan logged a trade deficit for the 14th straight month, at 2.09 trillion yen, with the country's imports increasing 45.9 per cent, while exports were up 28.9 per cent in value terms. Bhopal, Oct 20 : At least three people were killed and seven others injured after an explosion occurred in a firecracker warehouse in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district on Thursday. Local police and the official of district administration have reached the spot on Jaitpur road in Banmore Nagar and rescue operation is underway. Confirming the deaths, IG Chambal range, Rakesh Chawla told mediapersons: "At least seven persons have been rescued so far, while one is missing. At least five-six people are suspected to be burried under debris." Those rescued have been rushed to a nearby hospital. New Delhi, Oct 20 : In addition to purchasing stocks and equities ahead of this year's Diwali Muhurat trading session, investors can now invest in WealthBaskets, powered by WealthDesk, an investment technology platform that is developing the Unified Wealth Interface (UWI), an internet-scale wealth management ecosystem. It enables innovative investment and wealth products and solutions like direct equity and ETF-based WealthBaskets from SEBI registered professionals to reach millions of Indians with broking accounts. "The number of Demat accounts in India recently surpassed 10 crores. Investors invest in the hope of earning good returns from the stock market. However, time scarcity and limited knowledge restrict investors from creating a diversified portfolio by themselves that helps them reduce risk," Vaibhav Jain, Head - Wealth Management Partnerships and Sales, WealthDesk, said in a statement. "WealthBaskets, offered by highly experienced SEBI registered professionals, are a viable solution for investors who are looking forward to getting access to curated portfolios based on certain themes or ideas. This Diwali, we would urge investors to make an informed decision by investing in WealthBaskets that will aid them in their journey of long-term wealth creation," Jain added. Muhurat trading in Indian stock markets is considered to be an auspicious trading hour on the occasion of Diwali and the customary Muhurat session is believed to bring wealth and prosperity throughout the year. Marking the beginning of the Hindu accounting calendar year Samvat 2079, Indian stock exchanges BSE and NSE will conduct the Diwali Muhurat trading on Monday, i.e., October 24, 2022, from 6.15 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. and the pre-open session will commence at 6 p.m. and last till 6.08 p.m. During this auspicious hour, investors can choose to invest in WealthBaskets - a basket of stocks and ETFs curated and managed by SEBI registered professionals. To lower their risk and invest in diversified stocks, investors can not only subscribe to WealthBaskets instead of buying individual stocks but also search for WealthBaskets containing their favourite stocks and invest in it. "WealthBaskets has been the most prominent offering for retail clients, with a combination of research, smart use of technology with multiple choice of themes and baskets, to choose from," said Hemang Jani, Equity Strategist (B&D), Senior Group Vice President, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. (MOFSL). "This has become highly relevant now as more & more first-time investors are entering into the equity market and looking for the first step towards their wealth creation journey," Jani added. WealthDesk offers a platform to its partners (Brokers, Advisors, Distributors) under the Unified Wealth Interface vision to bring curated Equities and ETFs-based WealthBaskets managed by SEBI registered professionals. Investors can log in with any Broker available through Embedded WealthDesk Gateway (EWG) to execute and manage WealthBaskets. They can either buy it directly from the platform or take help from their relationship managers. "India is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for digital consumers and enterprises. The digital economy is expected to contribute 18-20 per cent of GDP by FY25 compared with 8 per cent in FY18," said Rajesh Kothari, Founder and Managing Director of Alf Accurate. He added, "AAA Digital India WealthBasket available on WealthDesk platform aims to capitalize on a robust digital ecosystem and faster digital adoption by focusing on companies leading the change." Mumbai, Oct 20 : National crush Vijay Deverakonda, who is currently busy with his upcoming movies, shared a video of himself shooting with a rifle along with an Indian soldier. Taking to social media Vijay shared a glimpse of the recent activity he did with the Jawans of India. Earlier he had shared a picture of the same activity which he had done. The video he shared showcased him shooting a rifle. In the caption, he wrote: "This Diwali... Guns, Guns, Guns. Night patrols, games, songs, dance, boat races, survival drills. Great memories. #JaiHind #JaiJawaan" The actor was last seen on screen in 'Liger', which also stars Ananya Panday. However, the film received a lukewarm response at the box-office. The actor is now gearing up for 'Khushi' next to Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He also has 'Jana Gana Mana'. -- Syndicated from IANS New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Delhi High Court has observed that Lookout Circular (LOC) is a coercive measure and is to be issued to ensure surrender of a person evading summons or arrest. "An LOC is a coercive measure to ensure that a person surrenders and interferes with petitioner's right of personal liberty and free movement. LOC is to be issued in cases where the accused is deliberately evading summons/arrest or where accused fails to appear in the court despite issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants," Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta noted in a recent order while quashing an LOC against a petitioner. In an earlier order on July 11, 2010, also, the Delhi high court had held that the LOC could be issued only against an accused who is deliberately evading his arrest or is not appearing before the Trial Court despite NBWs issued against him in cognizable offences under IPC or other penal laws. Justice Mendiratta was dealing with a plea against the LOC issued to one Mohd Kashif in connection with a Customs case. The petitioner urged that the LOC appears to have been wrongly opened since the investigation is already over and he is no more required for the purpose of any probe. Kashif's counsel pointed out that the petitioner was required to return to Dubai, failing which he will lose his job and his NRI VISA is liable to be cancelled. Additional Commissioner of Customs submitted that the case of smuggling of 7.790 kgs Gold through baggage was booked at the IGI Airport by the Customs Department. During the investigation, it appeared that the petitioner had smuggled 6 kg gold in the past, aided and assisted by two passengers, namely Syed Salman and Shazeb. The petitioner did not join the investigation in spite of repeated summons issued against him, it was submitted. Later LOC was issued against the petitioner by the competent authority after due diligence and consideration. However, it was further submitted that the LOC issued against the petitioner was reviewed by the competent authority and recommended for withdrawal to the issuing authority, i.e., Deputy Director (Bureau of Immigration) last month. After the submissions of the parties, the court said: "In the facts and circumstances, the LOC issued against the petitioner is hereby quashed and the order dated 17.08.2022 passed by learned CMM is set aside," while allowing the petitioner to leave for abroad (Dubai). Kaushambhi : , Oct 20 (IANS) A man allegedly axed his elder brother to death following an argument, police said on Thursday. According to the police, the incident took place in Anetha village under Mohhabatpur Painsa police station. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samar Bahadur Singh said, "The alleged accused Amir attacked his elder brother Faiyaz on the head with an axe at his house on Thursday morning. The injured was taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead by doctors. Amir fled from the spot after the incident." As per the preliminary investigation, the accused was mentally unstable. The body has been sent for post-mortem and teams have been set up to arrest the accused. Udupi, Oct 20 : Hindu Jagaran Vedike has lodged a police complaint against Kannada actor Chetan Ahimsa for allegedly 'hurting' Hindu sentiments in Udupi district of Karnataka, police said on Thursday. Hindu Jagran Vedike, a right wing group affiliated to the RSS, has mentioned that actor Chetan Ahimsa had issued derogatory and insulting statements, while making comments on tradition of 'Bhoota Kola' used in superhit Kantara movie. The complaint also alleges that the actor had hurt the sentiments of Hindus. Actor Chetan Ahimsa allegedly also hurt sentiments of Hindus by putting up posts on social media. The Hindu group has urged the police to summon the actor to the police station and stop him from issuing statements hurting Hindus. Reacting to statement of Rishab Shetty, Director and hero of Kantara movie, Chetan Ahimsa stated that the tradition of Bhoota Kola is not a part of Hindu religion and it existed even before Hindu religion came into existence. Like how Hindu language can't be imposed, Hindutva can't be imposed on people. Hindu is different from Hinduism. Bhoota Kola is the tradition of natives of the land. It won't come under Hindu religion, Chetan Ahimsa had stated stirring a controversy. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 20 : Congress legislator Eldhose Kunnappilly on Thursday got a huge relief when a lower court in the Kerala capital city granted him anticipatory bail in a rape and attempt to murder case. While granting Kunnappilly relief, the court asked him to surrender his phone and passport to the police and to be present before the probe officer on Saturday. Kunnappilly has been on the run for the past 11 days, since a woman approached the police and lodged a complaint against him. In her first complaint to the police, she had not accused the legislator of rape, but after a few days, levelled rape charges and then again after a few days, she told the police that he tried to push her down from a so called suicide point at the famed beach destination-Kovalam, here. The woman had charged that Kunnappilly had taken her to several places, physically abused her and promised to marry her. The two-time MLA is married and settled in Perumbavur, the assembly constituency that he represents since 2016. After absconding, Kunnappilly posted on social media that he was innocent and being framed. The Congress party also found itself in a tight position over the case of its legislator, who went into hiding. State Congress president K. Sudhakaran on Thursday said the reply of the legislator has come and since he is travelling he is yet to see it and once he reads it, he will speak with seniors in the party and then take a decision. Incidentally, Kunnappilly in his explanation to the party had claimed that he has done no wrong and the complainant is one who has quite a number of cases registered against her. On Monday, he failed to turn up to cast his vote for the presidential poll to elect a new president of his party. Meanwhile, with a big relief coming, Kunnappilly is expected to come out from hiding. The complainant heard the news of the legislator getting bail, while the police was taking her statement from a rented house of the legislator in Ernakulam district where she has alleged she was taken to by him in the past. "I don't have anything to say about the news that he has got bail. I stick to my complaints," said the woman to the media. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 20 : The Supreme Court on Thursday, for the 33rd time, adjourned hearing in the SNC-Lavalin case, where the CBI had challenged the decisions of a trial court and the Kerala High Court exonerating Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Following the High Court verdict, the Cental Bureau of Investigation, in December 2017, approached the Supreme Court, contending that Vijayan should face trial in the case. As the case came up before a bench headed by Chief Justice U.U. Lalit, it directed the registry to post the hearing after six weeks. The Chief Justice Lalit-headed bench in Auguest posted the case for hearing for September 13 and said that it should be ensured that it is not deferred, but then also, it was deferred to October 20 and has been shifted again now. The case pertains to loss of Rs 374 crore in the Kerala State Electricity Board's (KSEB) contract with the Canadian-based SNC Lavalin for the renovation and modernisation of Pallivasal, Sengulam and Panniar hydroelectric projects in Idukki district, in 1996, when Vijayan was state Power Minister in the cabinet of E.K.Nayanar. The Congress in Kerala has been alleging that there is a secret pact between the BJP in Delhi and Vijayan and that's why the case has been progressing at a snail's pace. After the Kerala High Court gave him a clean chit in 2017, Vijayan had immediately convened a press meet and slammed the Oommen Chandy government which, in 2006, handed over this case to the CBI, just before the Assembly polls then. Prayagraj : , Oct 20 (IANS) In a bizarre incident, a dengue patient in Prayagraj was allegedly given sweet lime juice instead of plasma, and reportedly died. A video allegedly exposing a fake blood bank unit from UP has gone viral on the social media. It has been shared on the social media by a local journalist. To the unversed, both plasma and mosambi (sweet lime) juice 'look' similar. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that a probe into the incident was underway and a test report was expected soon. "Strict action will be taken against those found guilty in the case," he said. Meanwhile, taking a view of the rising dengue cases, the state government has restricted all UP doctors and paramedical staff from taking leave. The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday directed the Municipal Corporation here to apprise it of the steps taken for the control and prevention of dengue. The Lucknow Bench of the court also asked the state government to inform it about the upgrade of medical facilities. New Delhi, Oct 20 : Debt-ridden telecom company Vodafone Idea's board will meet on Friday to finalise plans for raising funds. Vodafone Idea has informed Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that its board will meet on October 21 to consider a proposal to raise funds through issuance of convertible debentures. "Vodafone Idea Ltd has informed the BSE that the meeting of the Board of Directors of the company is scheduled on October 21, to consider and approve a proposal for issuance of debenture securities convertible into equity shares on a preferential or private placement basis to a vendor, subject to regulatory and other statutory approvals as may be required, including shareholders' approval," the company said in a notice to the BSE. Vodafone Idea has been trying to raise funds for a long time but has not succeeded. It may try and raise funds through issuance of convertible debentures through private placement to a vendor. Vodafone Idea owes an estimated Rs 6,800 crore to mobile tower giant Indus Towers and also Rs 2,400 crore to ATC. Indus Towers is said to have asked Vodafone Idea to clear its outstanding dues and pay every month on time for continuity of business post-November 2022. Over 250 sacked contract employees of the L&T defence unit started a sit-in agitation outside the Pune Labour Commissionerate offices from Thursday, for various demands including reinstatement, no punitive transfer out of Maharashtra, payment of full Image Source: IANS News Over 250 sacked contract employees of the L&T defence unit started a sit-in agitation outside the Pune Labour Commissionerate offices from Thursday, for various demands including reinstatement, no punitive transfer out of Maharashtra, payment of full Image Source: IANS News Over 250 sacked contract employees of the L&T defence unit started a sit-in agitation outside the Pune Labour Commissionerate offices from Thursday, for various demands including reinstatement, no punitive transfer out of Maharashtra, payment of full Image Source: IANS News Pune, Oct 20 : Ahead of Diwali, hundreds of contract workers sacked by the Larsen & Toubro's defence production plant in Maharashtra's Talegaon last year, have started a 'sit-in' agitation outside the Pune Labour Commissionerate for reinstatement, salaries and other demands, officials said here on Thursday. The contractual labourers, number over 250, whose services were terminated abruptly in October. 2021, are members of the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena (BKS) and are on a warpath accusing the L&T-appointed contractors of harassment at work-place, unfair labour practices like transfers and terminations, denial of salaries or Diwali bonus. "The problems started after they decided to join the BKS last year... Attempting to break their unity, the contractor and the company connived to transfer many workers to far-off places outside Maharashtra, which we have strongly opposed," BKS General Secretary Dr. Raghunath Kuchik said. Since the past one year, they have been denied their salaries, bonus and other emoluments promised to them, by both the contractors and L&T, which is the 'principal employer', said Dr. Kuchik, who is also a Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party. On Thursday, the BKS representatives met the Labour Commissionerate officials who have summoned the L&T top executives from Mumbai on October 31 to resolve the issue. When contacted, Assistant Labour Commissioner Pravin Jadhav said that the company, L&T through its contractors had indulged in certain "unfair labour practices" including indiscriminate transfers of contract workers to far-off locations, besides other issues which are being investigated in detail. "Moreover, the L&T and its contractors have not fully implemented the interim orders of the Pune Labour Court in March-April owing to some miscommunication, but the Labour Commissionerate is taking all steps to resolve the issue amicably," Jadhav added. Among the sacked contract workers' demands are reinstatement at their original workplaces, payment of full back-wages and other benefits for the past 12 months, full implementation of the Labour Court's directives in March 14 and April 12 (2022). An internal probe report of the Labour Commissionerate has pointed a needle of suspicion at the L&T allegedly for failing to comply with the court's directives, not sticking to the commitments made in at least 8 joint meetings conducted by the Commissionerate officials which has vitiated the industrial atmosphere here. Despite several attempts by IANS, the company officials were not available to give their version in the matter. On his part, Kuchik pointed out that the L&T unit is engaged in defence production for which is making huge profits and not doing charitable work, so it is their duty to ensure that the contract workers are properly compensated for their labour. The BKS leader slammed the L&T for being 'insensitive' towards the plight of its own poor contract labourers, trying to crush their rights to unionise by transfers or sackings, denying them their rightful payments due for one year, and called upon the company to give justice on priority or the sit-in agitation will be carried out indefinitely. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim bail to the accused in the chilling 2017 case, where he, 16 years old then, allegedly murdered a seven-year-old Class 2 student at a private school in Gurugram. A bench of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and J.K. Maheshwari noted that the accused has been in detention for nearly five years now. Senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra and advocate Durga Dutt, representing the accused, contended that their client has been in detention for nearly five years now, and the trial has not commenced so far. Recently, the Juvenile Justice Board had clarified that the accused student should be tried as adult and not as a juvenile. The top court said the bail would be granted on terms and conditions as may be imposed by Gurugram sessions judge and the accused would have to remain under continued supervision of probation officer. It has scheduled the matter for further hearing in January 2023. The seven-year-old student was found with his throat slit outside the school's washroom on September 8, 2017. The accused, then a Class 11 student, was accused of murdering the Class 2 student, which he picked at random, to allegedly defer an approaching examination and a parent-teacher meeting. The top court noted that the petitioner was 16 when he was taken in detention and is 21 now. Although he is at present being housed in a correctional home, his continued detention pre-trial may have its own adverse effects, it added. Counsel, for the accused, argued that there is no direct evidence against the petitioner, and there is no eye witness to the occurrence and a careful perusal of entire material would show that except the baseless suspicion, there is absolutely no material produced by the CBI to connect the petitioner with the alleged offence. Counsel further argued that while dealing with the bail matter, none of the courts below have ever tried to examine the materials on records meticulously and there is nothing on record which could justify the prosecution of the petitioner in this case.A It is a settled principle of law that the suspicion howsoever strong it may be, cannot take the place of the evidence and a conviction cannot be based on a mere suspicion, counsel added. Initially, the Gurugram police had arrested a school bus conductor for the murder. However, later, the investigation was handed over to the CBI, which arrested the accused, saying he had confessed to killing the Class 2 student. Islamabad, Oct 20 : Foreign journalist and member of a leading media watchdog, Steven Butler was allowed entry into Pakistan on Thursday after eight hours of questioning at the Lahore airport, media reports said. Buttler, the Asia programme coordinator of Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), landed in Pakistan to attend the Asma Jahangir Conference-Roadmap for Human Rights in Pakistan, an event named after a Pakistani lawyer and rights activist who died last year, The News reported. As per details, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)'s immigration officials stopped Butler at the airport, telling him that he was on an Interior Ministry "stop list". However, they allowed him entry after approval from the Interior Ministry, it said. The journalist was added to the stop list by the PTI government after being deported from Pakistan in 2019. Rights organisations criticised Pakistani authorities over the move, calling it a "slap in the face for those concerned about press freedom". "Pakistani authorities' move to block Steven Butler from entering the country is baffling and is a slap in the face for those concerned about press freedom in the country," said CPJ's executive director Joel Simon in a statement, The News reported. Brad Adams, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, called the move "alarming" and demanded the government "reverse the decision and take urgent steps towards providing an enabling environment for free expression". The organiser of the event, Munizae Jahangir, also voiced concerns. "The theme of this year's conference itself was freedom of expression. If they are doing this to a member of a media watchdog what else is left?" she asked, The News reported. Noida, Oct 20 : A one-year-old boy was mauled to death by stray dogs at Lotus Boulevard Society here. He could not survive despite undergoing a surgery. Ten strays have been caught from the society following the incident. The residents are refusing to stop protesting until all the stray dogs in the society are caught. They blocked the road on October 18 in protest, creating a ruckus. A candle light march was also taken out on Wednesday night in the society. However, dog lovers are opposing the capture of the dogs, alleging that the authorities are picking up random strays and sending them to dog shelters, instead of capturing the ones that have bitten people. Who is responsible for these incidents? The administration, Authority or commoners? Stray dog attacks have been recorded before in different societies and this is not a new problem, thousands of people have become victims of stray dogs' attacks. The Noida Authority has been promising to establish dog shelters and arrange resources for those keeping and feeding them but the reality is starkly different on the ground. There are some NGOs in Noida who have built shelters for strays at their own expense. Apart from them, no other shelters can be found in Noida. The authorities catch the dogs from the places they receive complaints from, get them sterilized and release them back in the same places. What do the residents of the society say? Vikas Jain, a resident of Lotus Boulevard Society, says that "Street dogs should be sent to the dog lovers. The ones who lose their child, only they know what goes into caring for and loving their child." After the incident, many other residents have also demanded that street dogs should be removed from their societies. The demand for removing street dogs is also gaining momentum in Jaypee Aman Society. There are 26 towers and 4200 flats in the society built in Sector 151 with more than 2000 families residing in it. A member of the society's Apartment Owners Association said that three to four cases of dog bites come up monthly in the society. He added that despite having a feeding point in the society, people feed dogs under the tower itself, which makes it difficult to access the tower. Jaipur, Oct 20 : After a court in Punjab recently ordered to set up a separate room in the jail premises for prisoners to spend time with their spouses in order to preserve their lineage, the Rajasthan High Court has now granted 15-day parole to a rape convict so that he could get his wife pregnant. The high court recently ordered the release of Rahul Baghel (22), who is serving a 20-year term in Alwar jail under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for gang-raping a minor, to spend time with his wife Brijesh Devi (25). Baghel was released on parole on Wednesday. An official said that this is the first verdict in Rajasthan wherein a rape convict has been granted parole. Under Rajasthan's parole rules, a convict of rape or gang-rape is generally not granted parole or sent to open jail. But the high court accepted the petition moved by Brijesh Devi for the release of her husband on parole for the purpose of preservation of lineage keeping in mind the Constitutional rights of the woman. Brijesh Devi had filed an emergency parole petition on July 13 in Alwar district court, citing her fundamental and Constitutional right to have a child. After a week on July 20, she had approached the high court demanding 30-day parole for Baghel. But the high court has ordered to release Baghel on parole for 15 days. The petition said that preventing the wife from becoming pregnant or the couple to have a child would be against the spirit of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. A double bench of the high court comprising justices Sandeep Mehta and Sameer Jain admitted the petition under the Rule 11 (1) (iii) of the Rajasthan Prisoners Release on Parole Rules on the ground of want of progeny. Surprisingly, the high court overlooked the fact that the inmate is serving a 20-year term under the POCSO Act, under whcih a convict of rape or gang-rape is generally not granted parole or sent to open jail. Baghel was jailed for 20 years by the Alwar POCSO court on June 13, 2020 for raping a 16-year-old girl at Hanipur in Alwar district in 2019. London, Oct 20 : A Russian aircraft released a missile near a British plane patrolling in international airspace over the Black Sea on September 29, UK Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, has said, as per media reports. Wallace told that the Parliament the Britain had suspended patrols following the incident and expressed their concerns to Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, The Guardian reported, He said an "unarmed RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint" plane was "interacted with" by two Russian SU-27s, one of which "released a missile in the vicinity of the RAF Rivet Joint beyond visual range". Russia said it was a technical malfunction and Wallace said Britain has now resumed patrols. The patrols now have fighter aircraft escorts, he added, The Guardian reported. The British Defence Secretary made a statement in the Commons after returning from a visit to see his US counterpart in Washington. Russia is laying the groundwork to destroy a key Ukrainian dam which would flood Kherson and cover its troops' retreat from the city, a think-tank has concluded, Daily Mail reported. General Sergei Surovikin, Russia's new supreme commander in Ukraine, has spoken to Russian media in recent days about what he called a "devastating strike" on the Nova Kakhovka dam which he said was being plotted by Kyiv's troops. Surovikin, who has also been preparing the Russian public for a retreat from the region, said the blast would flood Kherson and cause widespread damage. This is likely setting up for a 'false-flag attack' that would cover Russia's retreat and prove a distraction from its latest battlefield humiliation, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War have concluded, Daily Mail reported. Breaching the dam would also be another blow to Ukraine's battered energy grid, with people told to brace for rolling four-hour blackouts from today after a third of the country's power plants were blown up in a little over a week. Ukraine has already struck the dam several times with long-range rockets, because a key roadway runs over it which Russia was using to supply its troops, Daily Mail reported. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Bhubaneswar, Oct 20 : In a shocking incident, a man in Odisha's Sambalpur district killed his wife in a fit of rage after a spat over a domestic matter, and buried her body in the backyard of his house, police said on Thursday. The incident took place nearly one and half months back at Badmal Rautapada village under Jamankira police station in Sambalpur. The deceased woman has been identified as Savitri Badi, wife of Ranjan Badi. The incident came to limelight when police interrogated the husband on the missing case of his wife. According to police, following an exchange of words between the couple, Badi killed his wife and buried her body in the backyard of his house. Later, he told the neighbours that Savitri was in her parental house. Smelling something fishy, some villagers informed the parents of the victim, who lodged a police complaint. "Following a complaint, we had taken Ranjan Badi into custody. During interrogation, he confessed that he had killed Savitri and buried her in his backyard," said Rajkishore Mishra, sub-divisional police officer, Kuchinda. The body has been recovered in-presence of executive magistrate and scientific team, he said, adding further due procedure will be followed in this case. Taipei, Oct 20 : The Chinese Communist party is using social media influencers from troubled regions like Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia to whitewash human rights abuses through an increasingly sophisticated propaganda campaign, a report has claimed. The report published on Thursday by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), described the videos by "frontier influencers" as a growing part of Beijing's "propaganda arsenal", The Guardian reported. Under the increasingly authoritarian rule of Xi Jinping, the CCP's oppression of ethnic minorities has worsened, with major crackdowns in Xinjiang, Tibet and Inner Mongolia. Global condemnation has mounted, with a recent United Nations report finding there was a likelihood it was committing crimes against humanity in Xinjiang. The Chinese government has vociferously denied accusations it has detained an estimated 1 million people in re-education camps and suppressed religious and cultural activities, saying the policies are to counter extremism and alleviate poverty. Traditional Chinese government propaganda is often unconvincing but in recent years the government has harnessed the popularity of social media influencers under orders from Xi Jinping to 'tell China's story well', according to recent reports and analysts, The Guardian reported. Thursday's report examined what it suggested was a further evolution, using individuals from within the victimised communities to deny it was happening. "The influencers' less polished presentation has a more authentic feel that conveys a false sense of legitimacy and transparency about China's frontier regions that party-state media struggle to achieve," the report by the government-funded think-tank said, The Guardian reported. London, Oct 20 : The ruling Conservatives will race to find a new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in a week, after Liz Truss dramatically, though not unexpectedly, resigned as head of government on Thursday after only 45 days in office - the shortest period for any British Premier in history. "I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative party," Truss declared standing in front of the door of her office cum residence - 10 Downing Street. In effect, Britain will hav an incredible and unprecedented third Prime Minister in three and a half months. Truss added she had agreed with Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee - the body that conducts internal elections in the Conservative party - that the leadership election will be completed within a week. What an election of a new Prime Minister in a week means is the vote is unlikely to be extended to the rank and file of the party and may be restricted to Conservative MPs only. Speculation was swirling in Westminster and Whitehall about the Indian origin former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak - who lost the contest to Truss in the summer - once again throwing his hat into the ring. There was, however, no confirmation of this from him. He has of course made enemies within his party for being instrumental for the downfall of Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister before Truss, and has been lying low since his defeat. Apart from Sunak, the names of Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons, and even Johnson are doing the round. Wallace refused to bid for the leadership in the summer, but could be a unifying figure and thereby a frontrunner, if he stands. Mordaunt said she will "keep calm and carry on". Another figure of Indian descent, Suella Braverman, who resigned as Home Secretary on Wednesday, could also have ambitions. BBC reported Jeremy Hunt, the current Chancellor, will not fight an election for the Prime Ministership. Johnson supported Truss against Sunak. It was rumoured he did so because he knew her limitations, expected her to implode soon, which would pave the way for his return. Nicknamed the "human hand-grenade", she has certainly self-destructed in record time. Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour party and their prime ministerial candidate, called for an immediate general election. He said: "The Conservative party has shown it no longer has a mandate to govern." New Delhi, Oct 20 : The smoothness of a chocolate is the fundamental sensory attribute that elevates consumer experience. A breakthrough technological innovation by ITC Ltd. has made it possible for Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates, the in-house luxury chocolate brand from ITC Ltd. to create chocolates as fine as seven microns. Known for crafting unrivalled chocolate experiences, Fabelle Finesse is the smoothest chocolate ever made, and it is made in India. It offers an unrivalled smoothness and melt-in-your-mouth feel. The chocolate was unveiled by Fabelle in collaboration with Chef Adriano Zumbo, renowned Australian pAtissier and TV personality. The pioneering technology is a result of months of research done by ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre (ITC LSTC) and close collaboration with Fabelle Master Chocolatiers, crafting an exquisite chocolate in India that rivals the best in the world. In a cutting-edge neurological testing method conducted by Neurons Inc, consumers found in thte chocolate to be significantly smoother than benchmarks and the sheer delight of consumption even helped consumers in alleviating stress in the test conditions. It has been created using cocoa sourced from Ghana & Colombia. Each bite envelops the rich aroma, delectable smooth texture and rich cocoa flavours - in milk and dark variants. The cocoa finesser, a cutting-edge technology, was used to create the chocolate. By using this technique, it is feasible to reduce chocolate particle size to a new standard that cannot be reached with only the traditional refining method. The machinery operates at pressures greater than those found in the deepest tunnels on Earth, which helps to produce chocolate with unparalleled smoothness and an incredible melt-in-your-mouth sensation that unleashes a heavenly experience. Limited-edition boxes of chocolate thins produced with Fabelle Finesse are being introduced by the company and will be sold in a few brand boutiques inside ITC Hotels. Future versions of the chocolate will be incorporated into the company's entire chocolate line and sold at brand boutiques all throughout India. Chef Adriano Zumbo, renowned Australian pastry chef and TV host known for his specialty croquembouche, attended the Mumbai launch, invited for his extensive culinary skills, to sample the new chocolate. Chef Adriano issued a challenge to chocolate manufacturers worldwide to produce a more exquisite commercially available chocolate than this after tasting the product. Expressing his delight on setting benchmarks for the global luxury chocolate market from India, Anuj Rustagi - Chief Operating Officer - Chocolates, Confectionary and Coffee, Foods Division, ITC Ltd. said, "At Fabelle, it is our constant endeavour to craft products that are best in the World. We are pleased to introduce the result of our innovative chocolate processing technology to the world, manifest in Fabelle Finesse, which gives an unmatched sensorial delight for chocolate connoisseurs. Fabelle Finesse is an artisanal masterpiece crafted with love, passion and pride that brings this innovation to market. I am sure our Fabelle Master Chocolatiers will continue to create even more delightful chocolate creations with Fabelle Finesse. This launch highlights ITC's commitment to cutting edge innovations in order to create world class Indian brands." Sharing his experience Adriano Zumbo, said, "I am both exhilarated and excited to be present here with Fabelle Chocolates on such an ambitious project. I was completely intrigued by the technology that ITC Ltd. has been able to build through their relentless enthusiasm, in a bid to provide the world with a superlative luxury chocolate experience. It has been an enriching journey for me to work with Fabelle Master Chocolatiers, who possess the knowledge and understand intricacies of the art of chocolate making. I wish it a very successful innings in its commitment to provide consumers world-class chocolates." "Judging from the quality of the chocolate I have tasted, I am happy to challenge any chocolate-maker in the world to come up with a better quality of chocolate in terms of the fineness," he added. With this launch, Fabelle Chocolates recreates an iconic moment of global recognition for a home growth Indian brand leveraging R&D done in India. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Guwahati, Oct 20 : The Assam government has withdrawn the 'disturbed area' tag from West Karbi Anglong district of the state, an official said on Thursday. The district was placed in the 'disturbed area' category under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) along with some other districts -- Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, East Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and the Lakhipur subdivision of Cachar district. The state government has taken the decision after a recent review meeting on the law and order situation of the state. Top government officials are of the view that in the recent past, the situation in West Karbi Anglong has considerably improved. Many militant organisations have been disbanded by the security forces in that district. An official notification reads: "Now, therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 and in supersession of earlier notification, the Governor of Assam is pleased to withdraw the declaration of Disturbed Area w.e.f. 01.10.2022 from West Karbi Anglong district of Assam." AFSPA accords special powers to armed forces including authorising the security personnel to arrest people without warrants, enter and search without warrants and also having immunity from being prosecuted. San Francisco, Oct 20 : Elon Musk-owned SpaceX is all set to launch its 30th Starlink mission of 2022 on Thursday. According to Teslarati, no earlier than (NET) 10:50 am EDT (14:50 UTC) on Thursday, a Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off from SpaceX's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) LC-40 launch pad with 54 internet satellites in tow. Weighing in at 16.75 tonnes (36,900 lb), the batch of Starlink V1.5 satellites is one of just a few left for SpaceX to complete the second of five 'shells' that make up its first constellation. As per the report, even before Starlink 4-36 launch, more than two-thirds of the 4,408 satellites required to complete the constellation were already in orbit and (by all appearances) working as expected. Of the 3,131 working satellites in orbit, approximately 2,700 are at their operational altitudes and theoretically capable of serving customers on the Earth. Another 390 satellites are in the process of climbing to their operational orbits. Once they're done, SpaceX's first Starlink constellation will be more than two-thirds complete.The constellation is made up of five orbital 'shells' - distinct groups of satellites that share a similar orbital inclination (the angle between the satellite's orbit and Earth's equator) and altitude, the report said. Two of those shells, known as Group 1 and Group 4, contain 3,168 satellites or more than two-thirds of the constellation, it added. They are nearly identical and focus on Earth's mid-latitudes, where almost every person (and customer) on Earth resides. Both are almost complete: astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell estimates that 1,456 of 1,584 possible Group 1 satellites are operational. Group 4 is one launch behind, with about 1,405 working satellites in orbit. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, to provide adequate treatment to an ex-defence personnel who alleged that he contracted HIV from the blood transfusion given to him at a military hospital in 2002, and now has AIDS. The petitioner-in-person submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice U.U. Lalit that as per lab report and the NACO guidelines, he is an AIDS patient. He contended that he is not getting treatment, although he has brought on record all documents, and pointed out that the blood transfusion took place in 2002 at a military hospital. The bench, also comprising Justice Bela M. Trivedi, asked the petitioner to visit Base Hospital for medical examination to avail adequate treatment. It asked the doctors at the Base Hospital to check the petitioner's present medical status and provide him with medical assistance, and asked the authorities concerned to submit a report to the court. It was argued before the apex court that petitioner did not get medical facilities for his condition, when he earlier reported at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. In 2014, the authority concerned conducted the HIV test, however the test results established that the petitioner was not HIV positive. The petitioner contended that the same year, he went through another test where he was found positive for HIV. The top court was informed that the concerned authority does not have the entire record of the matter, in view of the policy of not retaining documents beyond a certain period. The top court also allowed the petitioner to bring on record all documents related to his medical expenses so that it could be reimbursed by the concerned authority after verification. It noted that earlier the respondent authority was asked to submit the material indicating the source or name and details of the person who had donated the blood, which was used for transfusion. The top court asked the authorities to test the donor and submit the report to it. The Centre's counsel assured the top court that the petitioner will be provided the medical assistance. The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on November 22. London, Oct 20 : Hollywood star Judi Dench is not a fan of Netflix's 'The Crown' and she wrote an open letter in which she criticised the hit series, which chronicles the British royal family, for being "cruelly unjust" in its depiction of the royals. In her letter to The Times UK, Dench wrote that "no one is a greater believer in artistic freedom" than her but "this cannot go unchallenged." She stressed, "The closer the drama comes to our present times, the more freely it seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism," reports aceshowbiz.com. The actress, who portrayed Queen Victoria in the 1997 film 'Mrs. Brown' as well as 2017's 'Victoria & Abdul' and played Queen Elizabeth in 1998's "Shakespeare in Love", also penned that "while many will recognise 'The Crown' for the brilliant but fictionalised account of events that it is, I fear that a significant number of viewers, particularly overseas, may take its version of history as being wholly true." "Given some of the wounding suggestions apparently contained in the new series - that King Charles plotted for his mother to abdicate, for example, or once suggested his mother's parenting was so deficient that she might have deserved a jail sentence - this is both cruelly unjust to the individuals and damaging to the institution they represent," Dench added. She continued: "Despite this week stating publicly that 'The Crown' has always been a 'fictionalized drama,' the program makers have resisted all calls for them to carry a disclaimer at the start of each episode. The time has come for Netflix to reconsider - for the sake of a family and a nation so recently bereaved, as a mark of respect to a sovereign who served her people so dutifully for 70 years, and to preserve their own reputation in the eyes of their British subscribers." Prior to this, UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden also urged Netflix to put a disclaimer to the series since it's a work of fiction. The show was airing its fourth season at the time. "It's a beautifully produced work of fiction, so as with other TV productions, Netflix should be very clear at the beginning it is just that," Dowden said back in 2020. "Without this, I fear a generation of viewers who did not live through these events may mistake fiction for fact." In response to that, Netflix released a statement in which the streaming giant refused to add the disclaimer. "We have always presented 'The Crown' as a drama - and we have every confidence our members understand it's a work of fiction that's broadly based on historical events. As a result we have no plans - and see no need - to add a disclaimer," the statement read. Chandigarh, Oct 20 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said baffled by their crushing defeat in the state assembly polls, Congress leaders are now using the defamation as a tool against those working tirelessly for public welfare and progress of the state. Interacting with the media after appearing before a court in Mansa town, the Chief Minister said the leaders who had themselves betrayed the mandate of people by becoming turncoats for their vested personal interests are now filing defamation cases against them. He said in reality these people are varying of the growing popularity of the government in wake of its pro-people decision. Mann said these cases are being filed as a grudge against thumping verdict in favour of his party, which is working tirelessly for the well-being of people. The Chief Minister said such cases will not deter him for taking several decisions for the well-being of Punjab and its people. Mann said he is ready to face any such cases for the sake of Punjab. He said it is ironic that those people who have ruined the country for long are now using defamation as a tool against those who are working for people. The Chief Minister questioned that why defamation cases are not filed against those who have looted the country for several decades. Similarly, he said why such cases are not being filed against those people who label true patriots as terrorists. Mann said how those leaders who are working tirelessly for transforming the lives of people by mitigating the sufferings of people can be terrorists, adding that unfortunately no defamation takes place against miscreants indulging in such mudslinging. The Chief Minister said he will appear before court whenever summons is issued against him. He said that he has full faith in the judicial system of the country. London, Oct 20 : With UK's beleaguered Prime Minister Liz Truss resigning, Conservative MP and Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker has said that former British Chancellor of Indian-origin Rishi Sunak will make a good Prime Minister. "I feel the country needs a change of direction... Rishi would be a good Prime Minister... We have a number of people in the party who could be good Prime ministers," Baker told ITV's Peston. With just 45 days in office, Truss resigned on Thursday, saying she would remain as Prime Minister until a successor had been chosen, which she said would happen within a week. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street office, Truss accepted that she could not deliver the promises she made when she was running for Conservative leader, having lost the faith of her party. "I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party," she said. Barely two months after losing to Liz Truss in the race for UK Prime Minister, Sunak has once again been emerging as the favourite to replace her with 100 Tory MPs considering a no-confidence motion against her. A YouGov poll of Tory members found that 55 per cent would now vote for 42-year-old Sunak if they were able to vote again, while just 25 per cent would vote for Truss. According to a Bloomberg report, Conservative MPs are utterly divided over who should take over. "Rebellious Conservative MPs are destroying the capacity for the party to govern," Baker told ITV Peston and instead, asked the MPs to do it privately. Sunak's warnings about Truss's economic plans have been largely borne out, which gives him credibility with markets. "Yet he has large numbers of enemies in the Tory party. There are about 100 MPs on the ideological right of the party -- including ardent Brexiteers and supporters of Johnson -- who are determined to prevent a Sunak premiership," the Bloomberg reported. An MP had said earlier that they are backing "ABSOM" -- Anyone But Sunak Or Mordaunt. Sunak is also blamed for triggering former PM Boris Johnson's downfall. One minister warned that opting for Sunak would lead to even more Tory infighting, Bloomberg reported. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt is also seen as a PM contender. But he told Sky News he had ruled out ever becoming prime minister for family reasons. Chandigarh, Oct 20 : Eyeing to woo the electorates well ahead of the panchayat polls and bypoll in the Adampur assembly, the BJP ruling Haryana government has released self-styled jailed godman and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is undergoing a 20-year sentence for raping his two disciples, Rahim was granted parole for 21 days last week, third time this year. Since his release on October 15, politicians have either been lined for his blessings and even opting to have blessings 'virtually' to convey a message to his followers as he plays a gamechanger role in vote politics in every election -- be it the parliamentary or the legislative assembly or the panchayat. He has been lodged in Haryana's Sunaria jail since 2017 after being convicted in rape and murder cases. He has a large number of followers in Haryana. Ram Rahim has always claimed to be apolitical, but his outfit Dera Sacha Sauda had launched its political affairs wing in 2007. Earlier, the Haryana government granted furlough for 21 days to meet his family members in the run-up to assembly polls in Punjab on February 20. This time after the parole, he is staying in his sect's Dera in Bagphat in Uttar Pradesh. Not just the BJP, almost every political party -- the Congress, Punjab's Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) -- have been hobnobbing with sect heads to gain votes in their favour through consensus. This time, Haryana Deputy Speaker Ranbir Gangwa was among the list of politicians who listened to his online discourse and took blessings. Gangwa said he would arrange a big venue with more capacity of people so that everyone should pay respect to the self-styled godman. He was heard confessing that a situation that the administration or police cannot control, can be controlled by Ram Rahim, besides inviting Ram Rahim to attend the gathering physically and bless the people. The other BJP leaders to vow their loyalties include Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta along with Deputy Mayor Naveen Kumar and Senior Deputy Mayor Rajesh Aggi. Likewise, Hisar Mayor Gautam Sardana's wife and candidates for Panchayat elections to be held in nine districts on November 9 and 12, came to seek his blessings. Earlier, Ram Rahim was granted 30-day parole in June, during which he stayed at his Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram in Baghpat. Justifying the government decision to grant parole, state Jail Minister Ranjit Chautala told the media that he was granted parole as per the jail manual. "It is the legal right of a convict, who becomes eligible to seek parole or furlough after he has completed three years of conviction." Reacting to his furlough, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body responsible for the management of gurdwaras, asked the Haryana government to refrain from releasing a criminal responsible for several killings from the jail. Before this conviction, Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were among the prominent leaders who visited several times his Dera based in Sirsa district of Haryana. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the subsequent Haryana assembly polls, Dera Sacha Sauda, with the state's prominent sect at Salabatpura in Bathinda, had issued a public appeal for people to vote for the BJP. In the 2017 Punjab assembly polls, the sect, which claims to have 60 million followers pan-India of which 4 million are in Punjab alone, supported the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance, but the party lost to the Congress. However, the sect had supported Congress in the previous Punjab Assembly polls in 2012 and 2007. Last year Ram Rahim was granted parole on his wife Harjit Kaur's plea that his mother Naseeb Kaur, 85, suffering from a heart disease was seriously ill. In June 2019, Ram Rahim had withdrawn his parole plea after the state BJP government was cornered by opposition parties for favouring the self-styled godman, who sought parole for 42 days to tend to his agricultural fields at his sect's headquarters in Sirsa town. Also, the High Court had rejected his parole plea for attending the wedding ceremony of his foster daughter. Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in jail in August 2017 for raping two women. A special CBI court in Panchkula in January 2019 also sentenced Ram Rahim and three others to life imprisonment for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati over 16 years ago. His conviction on August 25, 2017, had led to violence in Panchkula and Sirsa, leaving 41 people dead and over 260 injured. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) Bhubaneswar, Oct 20 : The State Transport Authority (STA) in Odisha on Thursday signed an MoU with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for development, management and operation of vehicle location tracking (VLT) application. Under the Nirbhaya scheme for women's safety, the Central government has made vehicle location tracking system mandatory for public transport vehicles and goods vehicles to enhance security of women and children while travelling in public transport. Accordingly, the Odisha government has made installation of VLT devices with panic buttons mandatory for all new commercial vehicles to be registered on or after January 1, 2023 and the vehicles registered on or before December 31, 2022 will have to comply by March 31, 2023. For this purpose, the BSNL, under its 'Vahan Suraksha' model, will develop, deploy, integrate and commission a vehicle location tracking software for tracking and monitoring of vehicles covered under the project, said an official. The organisation will also develop mobile applications for various stakeholders and users and commission Geographic Information System (GIS) map for vehicle location tracking systems, he said. Speaking at the event, state transport commissioner Arun Bothra said the objective of the project is to introduce a tracking system as required for implementation of central notifications for continuous monitoring of public transport vehicles for safety of passengers, better road safety and better support for enforcement services. This will also help in keeping track of public buses running as per the permit, he said. A command control centre is being set up in Bhubaneswar to track the vehicles plying across the state. The 24x7 integrated command centre will use both Global Positioning System (GPS)-based vehicle tracking and the GSM/GPRS channel for triggering emergency alerts. The common emergency toll lines, motor vehicles wing, the police control room and related enforcement units will be looped into a real-time data sharing network with the command centre functioning as an interface for stakeholder agencies, said Dhananjaya Senapati, additional commissioner transport (technical). He said the government of India has approved vendors to fit VLT devices and panic buttons. The state will publish the standard operating procedure (SOP) for empanelment of these vendors within a few days. Accordingly, these vendors will be empanelled and they will start affixing the devices to both new and old vehicles, Senapati said. Except auto rickshaws and e-rickshaws, all passenger transport vehicles, including both government and private buses, school and college buses and cabs/taxis will be equipped with VLT panic buttons for the safety of women and children. All goods vehicles operating under the strength of national permit and all goods vehicles transporting explosive and hazardous materials will also have to install the VLT devices. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Delhi Police has registered an FIR after a senior IAS officer alleged that a man, posing as a senior government official, was harassing her and trying to get confidential information of her department. The IAS officer also alleged the man abused her and threatened her. The FIR was registered under Sections 507 (criminal intimidation by anonymous communication), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code and IT act at the North district cyber cell on October 18. In the FIR, a copy of which is with IANS, the woman IAS officer stated that since around 3-4 weeks ago, she has been receiving Whatsapp calls and messages from a certain person trying to get confidential information related to her department and even threatening, harassing her and using abusive language. "When I confronted the person by saying that I shall file a police complaint, he replied that he is using a fake Sim card acquired using fake/false documents and the police will not be able to trace him," she said in the FIR. "The person also tried to impersonate a senior government official, when he talked to me. The person keeps on changing his assumed name on Whatsapp in trying to impersonate someone else in order to cheat the person he calls," the FIR stated. A senior police officer said that they have started the investigation in the matter. Washington, Oct 20 : Nationwide demonstrations in Iran following the death of a young woman in police custody continued for 33rd consecutive day on Thursday, with overnight protests in Tehran, Sanandaj and Dehgolan, as citizens chanted 'Death to Khamenei', and students held rallies at several universities, local media reported. U.N. human rights officials denounced the Islamic Republic's violent crackdown on anti-government protests as a violation of international law and called on Iranian authorities to end their deadly crackdown against peaceful demonstrators. The protests started in mid-September after the arrest and death days later of 22-year old Mahsa Amini. She had been held by Iran's morality police for failing to properly cover her hair with a hijab. The group Human Rights Iran said this week the death toll from the crackdown on the ongoing nationwide protests has so far reached at least 215, of which 27 were children, VOA reported. Iran's government has claimed Amini suffered a heart attack and was not mistreated. Her family said she had no history of heart trouble and that her body bore bruises and other signs of beating. Meanwhile, citizens of 14 countries have been detained in connection with protests in recent weeks by Iran, a media outlet close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on Wednesday. The report said those arrested include people from United States, Russia, Austria, France, the United Kingdom and Afghanistan. New Delhi, Oct 20 : While the government pays special attention to tax management for resource mobilisation, there is a huge need for skilled tax professionals to support the government's GST (Goods and Services Tax) system, as per experts. The scope of GST has widened over the years, however, a gap has been observed in skilled tax professionals to cater to the demand. In this context, E-learning platform Tax4Wealth has prepared various training courses related to GST with a special focus on imparting practical skill training in the line of Skill India Mission. Himanshu Kumar, CEO, Tax4Wealth said that the GST is a revolutionary step by the government and its scope has increased over the period. "In such a situation, there will be a huge demand for expert tax professionals in the context of GST in the near future. We have found that most of the professions have only theoretical training about the tax system. But, there is a need for proper practical training given the wide applicability of the GST." About the skilling model of the E-learning platform, he said: "Our focus is more on learning through practical training so that tax professionals could get firsthand knowledge of the GST system and its working. Employment opportunities for trained tax professionals have been rising. But, the truth is that only skilled and trained professionals will be able to avail the opportunities." He said that resources are needed for the smooth functioning of government systems. There were many discrepancies in the context of indirect tax in India. The GST i.e. Goods and Services Tax system was brought in to remove which and to implement 'One Nation One Tax System' in India. There are many processes involved in this system and the need for a large number of accounting professionals is being felt to carry out these processes, he added. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The Chhattisgarh government on Thursday told the Supreme Court that Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel never met any high court judge in connection with the Nagrik Apurti Nigam scam (NAN scam) after the Centre's counsel had indicated his probable complicity in the scam. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the state government, submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice U.U. Lalit: "We took instructions. The Chief Minister never met any high court judge." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, replied that he had only referred to a WhatsApp chat. In the previous hearing, Mehta had cited a WhatsApp chat of an alleged close aide to the Chief Minister that a judge had met the CM two days before bail was granted to some of the accused in the NAN scam case. Meanwhile, the bench, also comprising Justices Ajay Rastogi and S. Ravindra Bhat, declined to hear the matter further due to paucity of time and non-availability of the special bench to wrap up the hearing. Justice Lalit is scheduled to demit office on November 8. The top court ordered re-sealing of the documents filed by the ED and the state government and directed the registry to list the matter before an appropriate bench in the week of November 14. The ED had registered a money laundering case in connection with the scam against two IAS officers. The NAN scam surfaced in 2015, and those involved have been accused of supplying low quality rice, grams, salt etc. The ED moved the apex court seeking transfer of trial from Chhattisgarh alleging a senior government official attempting to weaken the predicate offence against the accused. On October 18, the ED told the Supreme Court the judge who had granted bail to the accused persons in the scam in Chhattisgarh had met the Chief Minister of the state, two days before the bail order was passed. Mehta had submitted that the judge met the CM two days before the bail and "if this isn't shocking, I don't know!" He added that the status report is being exchanged with the accused before it is being filed. Mehta pressed that free and fair trial has not been carried out in the case. --IANS ss/vd A Patna, Oct 20 : An elderly person died due to heart attack soon after he was acquitted in a 26-year-old case in Bihar's Banka district. The deceased has been identified as Nago Singh (76), a native of Jhunka village under Belhar police station in the district. Nago Singh, along with four others, were booked in a crop destruction case in 1996. The court's decision came on Wednesday evening. His advocate Devendra Prasad Singh said: "Nago Singh was on bail and he believed that he was innocent and was wrongly framed in the case. When the court's decision came in favour of him and the other accused persons, they were all relieved and expressed their satisfaction. But Nago Singh, after hearing the news of his acquittal, collapsed on the ground. His family members took him to the health centre inside the court premises where he succumbed." "The court acquitted Nago Singh and others in the absence of evidence," he added. The family members of the deceased said that for Nago Singh, it was a case of justice delayed is justice denied. "He always said that he was innocent. Still he went to jail and was currently out on bail. He fought this case for 26 years to prove that he was not guilty, and eventually the court ruled in his favour," a family member of Nago Singh told local reporters. The hearing was held in the court of Additional Session Judge Piyush Kumar, who directed all the accused persons to be physically present in the court. After the final hearing, Kumar acquitted all the accused persons in this case. This is not the first case where a person was acquitted after so many years. On October 11, a person was acquitted after 43 years in Buxar district. The case goes back to 1979, when a group of people was booked for their alleged involvement in physical assault, firing and attempt to murder of a local trader in Chaugai village under Murar police station in Buxar district. The acquitted person named Munna Singh was just 10-year-old at that time, and the trader had named him in his complaint. Munna Singh (53) was acquitted in the absence of witnesses. Hyderabad, Oct 20 : Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday sought a report from the state government on sexual assault of a four-year-old girl at a school in Hyderabad. According to Raj Bhavan, she was deeply distressed after going through various media reports on the sexual assault on the LKG student at DAV Public School in Banjara Hills. The Governor expressed her dismay and deep anguish over the incident and called for immediate action against the culprit who perpetrated the heinous crime. She has sought a detailed report on this incident from the government. Banjara Hills police on Tuesday arrested driver of the school principal for the sexual assault on the child. Following protest by the victim's relatives and others, the police on Wednesday arrested the principal for negligence. According to police Beemana Rajani Kumar (34) was arrested and sent to jail. He has been booked under section 376 A and B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 6 read with 5 m of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The incident came to light after the parents of the victim noticed behavioural changes in her. When enquired, she told them that Rajani Kumar had been sexually assaulting her for last three months. He used to take her from classroom to digital classroom. Sometime, the accused took her to inside room of the school, removed her clothes and sexually assaulted her. Enraged on learning about the assault, the victim's parents and other relatives rushed to the school and beat up the driver. He was later arrested by the police. The parents also staged a protest demanding the arrest of principal S. Madhavi. Police also took her into custody and booked her under section 21 POCSO for negligence. According to police, she had given freedom to Kumar to look after work of administration in the school. He used to instruct teachers and also other staff to work as per instructions of the principal. The accused used to move in the school freely and shift students from one classroom to the other. The incident has triggered public outrage. Leaders of opposition parties, parents' associations and activists have demanded stringent action against the culprits. Gurugram, Oct 20 : Five police personnel including a sub-inspector of Haryana Police were placed under suspension on Thursday after they in a drunken state attacked a family in Fazilpur village of Gurugram. The family had allegedly refused to offer them hookah on Wednesday night. The police personnel involved in the incident have been identified as sub-inspector Bhagwan, head constable Manoj Kumar, constable Ravinder and two others, the police said. According to reports, all the policemen were posted in the deputy commissioner of police (South) office. The complainant Rahul Bedi of Fazilpur village told the police that on Wednesday around 10.30 p.m. five policemen attacked his parents after they were refused hookah. "When I and my brother Akshay Bedi heard yelling of our parents, we rushed to the spot to rescue them. During this, two armed men fled the spot while the remaining three threatened us while showing pistols and the name of DCP," Rahul told the police. "The men told us they were policemen. They brutally thrashed my ailing father who is undergoing treatment. I and my father received injuries in the incident. We required strict action against those involved in the matter," the complainant told the police. The complainant also alleged that policemen were in a drunken state and when his family refused to offer them hookah, they attacked his parents. "In connection with the matter, a case under relevant sections of the IPC was registered against the policemen at the Badshahpur police station and departmental proceedings will also be initiated against them," said Subhash Boken, spokesperson of the Gurugram Police. New Delhi, Oct 20 : In a significant decision, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Thursday imposed a penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem, apart from issuing a cease and desist order against the tech giant. Google has been given 30 days' time to submit the requisite financial details and supporting documents. The antitrust watchdog, which began investigating Google several years ago after receiving complaints from homegrown companies, also ordered the company not to offer any incentives to smartphone makers to exclusively carry its search services. The Commission examined various practices of Google with regard to licensing of Android mobile operating system and various proprietary mobile applications of Google (Play Store, Google Search, Google Chrome, YouTube, etc). During the course of inquiry, Google argued about the competitive constraints it faced from Apple. "In relation to understanding the extent of competition between Google's Android ecosystem and Apple's iOS ecosystem, the Commission noted the differences in the two business models which affect the underlying incentives of business decisions," the CCI said in a statement. Apple's business is primarily based on a vertically integrated smart device ecosystem which focuses on sale of high-end smart devices with state-of-the-art software components. Whereas Google's business was found to be driven by the ultimate intent of increasing users on its platforms so that they interact with its revenue earning service, i.e., online search which directly affects sale of online advertising services by Google. The Commission also noted that there might be some degree of competition between the two mobile ecosystems, i.e., Android and Apple, however, that too is also limited at the time of deciding as to which device to buy. Google operates/manages the Android OS as well as licenses its other proprietary applications and OEMs use this OS and Google's apps in their smart mobile devices. Google is yet to reply to the CCI ruling. The Commission also said that the markets should be allowed to compete on merits and the onus is on the dominant players (in the present case, Google) that its conduct does not impinge this competition on merits. "Google has perpetuated its dominant position in the online search market, resulting in denial of market access to competing search apps in contravention of Section 4(2)(c) of the Act," said the CCI. Apart from imposing monetary penalty, the Commission also issued cease and desist order against Google from indulging in anti-competitive practices that have been found to be in contravention of the provisions of Section 4 of the Act. "Google shall not deny access to its Play Services APIs to disadvantage OEMs, app developers and its existing or potential competitors. This would ensure interoperability of apps between Android OS which complies with compatibility requirements of Google and Android Forks," it ruled. Google will also not restrict uninstalling of its pre-installed apps by the users, it added. New Delhi, Oct 20 : After its President's election, the next challenge for the Congress will be to conduct elections for Congress Working Committee, the party's highest decision-making forum. The CWC has 25 members, including the party President, and of the rest 12 are nominated by the party chief and 12 are elected by the AICC members. Party sources say that AICC session could be called soon and new President Mallikarjun Kharge will decide on the CWC election. The newly-elected President will take charge at the party office here on October 26, the Congress announced. Kharge was on Wednesday elected as the new Congress President after he received 7,897 votes, while his rival Shashi Tharoor managed to secure only 1,072. Kolkata, Oct 20 : Tension is mounting in front of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) office in Salt Lake since Thursday evening, as a huge police contingent has gathered there to remove the protesters agitating against the primary teachers' recruitment scam in the state. The police contingent was armed by an order of the Calcutta High Court's single judge bench of justice Lapita Bandopadhyay, which although did not direct police action to remove the protesters, but called for maintenance of Section 155 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Armed by that order, a huge police contingent started making announcements asking the protesters to vacate the space. However, the protesters refused to vacate the area and claimed that they were only resorting to peaceful assembly without carrying any deadly weapon, nor were they blocking the entry gate of the WBBPE office. "We are in a fast-unto-death agitation. We are not even carrying water or food. So, we are ready to face any police action and even bullets, rather than back-tracking from our agitation. We had already qualified for primary teacher's jobs, but were illegally denied appointment because of rampant corruption in the recruitment process. Now the board is asking us to appear for a fresh examination. We will not move unless we get our appointment letters," one of the protesters said. The counsels for the agitators have contacted the office of Calcutta HC Chief Justice Prakash Srivastav so that the order of the single-judge bench can be challenged on Thursday night itself. Meanwhile, in the midst of the commotion, many protesters fell sick and some of them had to be shifted to the hospital for treatment. "The government can let us die without food and water. The police can open fire on us. But we will not withdraw our movement till the time we get our appointment letters," another protester said. No reaction in the matter came from the WBBPE or from the Chief Minister's Office till the time of filing of this report. New Delhi, Oct 20 : Having quit as Britain's Prime Minister in 45 days, Liz Truss has written herself into history books as the country's shortest-lived head of government. She beats the record held since 1827 by George Canning, who died in office after serving as Prime Minister for the last 119 days of his life. Like Britain's present politics, where Rishi Sunak's name is back in contention for the top job, Canning, too, had an Indian connection. The youngest of his four children, Charles John Canning, was the British Governor-General who quelled the Revolt of 1857 and thereafter became the first British Viceroy of India. But first, the elder Canning, whose record Liz Truss just broke. He was the son of an impecunious Anglo-Irish gentleman who abandoned his family when George Canning was a year old, forcing his widow to become a stage actress, which was not a respectable job to do in the England of his time. George Canning, however, turned out to be a bright child, which inspired his uncle, a London merchant named Stratford Canning, to raise and educate him. Thanks to his uncle's generosity, Canning was able to join such elite institutions as Hyde Abbey School, Eton College and Christ Church College, Oxford, where he was considered quite a whizkid, especially because of his knowledge of Latin and the classics. Of course, no amount of education would have helped Canning grow beyond becoming a lawyer, perhaps, but he was quick to align with the rising 'Tory' leader, William Pitt the Younger, who eventually became a respected Prime Minister. With Pitt's backing, Canning became an MP and went on to hold several diplomatic and cabinet posts, including Foreign Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer, before becoming Prime Minister on April 12, 1827, ahead of more formidable candidates, notably, Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, who had defeated Tipu Sultan and the Maratha Confederacy during his tenure in India, and Sir Robert Peel. When Canning became Prime Minister, his mother's profession was raised by the blue-blooded Lord Grey, after whom the Earl Grey tea blend is believed to be named, who sneeringly remarked, "the son of an actress is, ipso facto, disqualified from becoming Prime Minister". Nevertheless, George Canning did get invited by George IV to become Prime Minister, but his health was declining steadily and he died from tuberculosis on August 8, 1827, after completing 119 days in office. He, like Liz Truss, left behind a badly divided Tory party, split on the question of parliamentary reforms, which Canning opposed. Canning's son, Charles, was 15 years old when his father died. He graduated from Christ Church College, Oxford, with a first in classics and a second in mathematics, in 1833 and became an MP three years later. Charles Canning entered the government of Sir Robert Peel, an opponent of his father, as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in 1841, and then went on to hold a succession of unimportant positions -- First Commissioner of Woods and Forests, member of the Royal Commission on the British Museum, and Postmaster General -- till he was despatched to a rebellious India in 1856. In his new job, he first had to put down the rebellion with a firm hand and then pursued the line of reconstruction and reconciliation, which earned him the sobriquet 'Clemency Canning'. It was during his stint that the three principal universities -- Calcutta, Bombay and Madras -- were established even as the rebellion was raging, the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act was passed, and the Indian Penal Code was drafted and enacted. He and his artist-photographer wife, Charlotte, who was the Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria and corresponded most copiously with her, greenlighted the ground-breaking project of photographing the many communities and tribes of India, which resulted in the encyclopaedic eight-volume work, 'The People of India'. Interestingly, it was in honour of Lady Canning, who was one of British India's early photographers and a talented watercolourist, that the popular Bengali sweetmeat 'ladykeni' is named. And it was her premature death from malaria in 1861 that left the then Viceroy of India so heartbroken that he retired to London, where he succumbed to liver disease in 1862 at the age of 49. Charlotte Canning lies buried at St John's Church, Kolkata, and her husband's memory has been kept alive in the sub-division named after him in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. New Delhi, Oct 20 : "Dear HDFC User, Your HDFC Account Will Be Blocked Today. Please Update Your PAN Card Immediately. Click Here." Like many cyber victims, Delhi's Sunil Arora (58) was also perplexed after receiving this warning message on his mobile phone. As soon as a panic-stricken Arora clicked on the link, Rs 20,000 was swiftly deducted from his account. It was at this moment that Arora realised that he has been duped by cyber cheats and there was nothing wrong with his bank account. Though Arora, who works with a private company and is only two years away from his retirement, registered a police complaint, he never got back his hard-earned money. As the cyber fraudsters keep pace with the digital transformation being witnessed in the country, they send messages of blocking bank accounts or snapping power connection at houses, offices and stores, besides luring people on the pretext of extra earnings or discounts on online shopping. According to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), more than 200 complaints about BSES frauds have been registered in the capital city. A senior police officer said that a new modus operandi has been noticed in the field of cyber crime, wherein the fraudsters send random messages to people, stating things like 'update your PAN card or your bank account will be blocked', among others. A similar modus operandi is used in the messages sent regarding power bills. The message states that the electricity bill has not been updated in the system and by tonight power supply will be disconnected. "If someone clicks on the link, the scammers will transfer the amount from the victim's account to the fake/fraudulently obtained account using the remote access software," the officer said. As these scams are going on for months and the hackers have managed to dupe several people across the country, the cyber cheats are now also blackmailing people by recording videos. In such 'sextortion', the scammers threaten to expose their target's explicit images if not paid after they are lured on WhatsApp through video calling. Recently, a 28 year-old man, who did not wish to be named, told IANS that he received a video call on WhatsApp a few days ago and as soon as he answered the call, a girl started removing her clothes. However, he disconnected the call within a minute. "One day later, I received a call from an unknown number, who said that they have recorded my video and my face is visible in it. The man then asked me to pay Rs 25,000 or else he will upload the video on social media," he said. "When I refused to pay the amount, I received a notice, which had the emblem of Delhi Police and Crime Branch on it. Again, I received a call from a man, who said he is from the Crime Branch and there is a complaint against me. He even demanded money to dispose of the alleged complaint," he added. "However, I directly approached the cyber cell of Delhi Police and filed a complaint. There I came to know that I became a victim of cyber fraud," he said. Another senior police officer said that earlier in October, the police nabbed the kingpin of a Mewat-based gang of cyber cheats who used to dupe people on the pretext of online shopping. Giving details about the racket, the officer said that the whole gang was divided into three groups. "One group used to provide fake SIM cards and mobile sets for making calls, the second group used to provide fake credit cards for monetary transaction, while the third group used to contact people on the pretext of online shopping and later cheated them by transferring money from their accounts to their own fake accounts," he said. The police said that they have arrested several accused involved in cyber frauds from across the country and linked to Jamtara in Jharkhand, the hotbed of cyber frauds. New Delhi, Oct 20 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at the residence and office premises of Amritpal Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran in Punjab and the main suspect in a case of 102 kg heroin smuggling via the Attari border in April. "During the searches conducted on Thursday, unaccounted cash to the tune of Rs 1,27,91,900 and incriminating digital devices and documents have been seized," an NIA official said. The heroin had been concealed in a consignment of licorice roots (Mulethi) by suppliers based in Afghanistan. The case was initially registered by the Customs department in Amritsar. It was re-registered by the NIA to investigate the role of multiple companies and individuals, who are suspected to be involved in laundering the proceeds of narco-terrorism. During investigation, three accused persons identified as Vipin Mittal, Razi Haider Zaidi and Asif Abdulla were arrested. Bengaluru, Oct 20 : The Basavaraj Bommai-led Karnataka government is making all preparations to make 'Invest Karnataka 2022-Global Investors Meet' -- which is just 10 days away from now -- a successful one, officials said on Thursday. The event would be virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 2. "It would be attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Ministers Smiriti Irani, Bhagwanth Khuba and Nitin Gadkari," Karnataka's Minister for Large & Medium Industries, Murugesh R. Nirani said at a press conference here on Thursday. The Global Investors Meet will be a platform to join industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers from all over the globe to explore new growth possibilities. This year's meet will focus on getting intellectuals, political leaders, and business leaders to carve out the development agenda. "The Global Investors Meet will showcase the robust industrial-friendly ecosystem, attract investments from global players, and spread industrialization across the state. The state is expecting over Rs 5 lakh crore in investments and the generation of 5 lakh jobs through the event," Nirani said. The minister said that the state was looking at forging partnerships with various business houses across India and the globe. "With the key themes of resilience, innovation, sustainability, and equity, we are committed to setting Karnataka's development agenda in line with global best practices and showcasing our strong ability to 'Build for the World'. "We have recently completed international roadshows in Japan, South Korea, the US, and Europe and domestic roadshows in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Our aim is not only to get investments but to bring the industry giants under one platform. We are expecting around 5,000+ global delegates to attend the Meet. The GIM with contemporary themes will be an opportunity to connect, collaborate and network with global leaders," he added. For the Global Investors Meet, a total of 50,000 acres of land -- 20,000 acres in Bengaluru and 30,000 acres across the state has been earmarked. New Delhi, Oct 20 : A 30-year-old woman was allegedly raped multiple times by a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable on the pretext of marriage in the national capital, the police said on Thursday. The police have arrested the accused, who has been identified as Vijay Kumar (33), a resident of JJ colony in Dakshinpuri presently posted at Mandoli CRPF camp. According to a senior police officer, the woman, who's a resident of Sangam Vihar, filed a complaint wherein she stated that she was married to Anil Kumar on February 6, 2013 and gave birth to a male child from the wedlock in October 2014. "Later, their relationship worsened and she is now in the process of legal separation from her husband. In the meantime, she came in contact with Vijay Kumar, a CRPF constable, through Yogpal, the husband of her younger sister and a friend of Vijay," said the officer. "Vijay is also a married person and is in the process of separation from his wife. Both of them agreed to marry and established physical relationship many times at various places in Delhi as well as outside," said the officer. "Now Vijay is refusing to marry her and has also blocked her phone number. She told the police that he had physical relation with her many times even without her consent on the pretext of marrying her," the officer said. "A case under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against the accused," he added. Tehran, Oct 21 : Iranian Foreign Minister has rejected the claim of the European Union (EU) that Iran had sent missiles and drones to Russia to be used against Ukraine. In a phone conversation with Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated Iran's policy of opposing the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its escalation, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a tweet by the Iranian top diplomat. "Although Iran has defense cooperation with Russia, sending drones and weapons against Ukraine is not Iran's policy," he tweeted, adding "the claim of sending Iranian missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine is baseless." On Thursday, the EU agreed on sanctions against three Iranian individuals and one entity for the alleged "use of Iranian drones by Russia against Ukraine in their ongoing conflict." Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Cadence Group is proud to present at the virtual ARMA InfoCon 2022, occurring this year October 16-19, in Nashville, Tennessee. Go to the ARMA Infocon Site for the full schedule. You register for this event either virtually or in-person at https://armainfocon.us2.pathable.com/registration-info. Cadence Groups Presentation at ARMA InfoCon 2022 Cadence Groups Kiji Burston, MBA, IGP and Mary Beth Weaver, CRM, MLS are presenting Conducting Physical Record Inventories in the Midst of a Pandemic on October 18th from 5:00pm 5:50pm. In the session, Kiji and Mary Beth tackle a world that is increasingly electronic-centric, physical records still exist for many organizations, whether legacy or ongoing collections of information. As such, IG programs must account for and manage these collections a task made exponentially more difficult during a world-wide pandemic necessitating widespread corporate remote work. This session focuses on ways to conduct inventories of physical records against the constraints imposed by the pandemic, in a lessons learned type of format for various (unnamed) organizations, what worked, what didnt and how to change on the fly to adapt to unexpected roadblocks. For more information, see their presentation description here. About Cadence Group Cadence Group has over 25 years of government prime contract experience. The company, with offices in Atlanta and Washington DC, provides support to government and commercial sector clients. Services include information governance, software evaluation and integration, records and information management, knowledge management, information architecture, web design and development, business process improvement, and project and program management. For more information, please visit our website. Zebra Pen Corp., a global leader in the writing instrument space, is celebrating its 40th anniversary for Zebra Pen in the United States. Zebra Pen has grown from a small pen manufacturing company to an internationally recognized authority in writing instruments. To highlight the 40th anniversary of Zebra Pen, CEO Clem Restaino recently sat down in a one-on-one interview to discuss all things, Zebra. In this discussion, Restaino provided valuable insight into the history of the US division of Zebra Pen, the introduction of innovative new products, the challenges, and the achievements over the past 40 years, and so much more. Its parent company, Zebra Co. Ltd. was founded in Tokyo, Japan, in 1897 by Mr. Tokumatsu Ishikawa to manufacture traditional brush pens used in writing Japanese characters. Restaino gave insight on how throughout the 40 years, Japan continues to be a supportive collaboration to position the US division for success. With innovation on the forefront, Global Zebra continues to pride itself on seeking new technology to solve the needs of todays writers and constantly pushing the envelope to bring new products and designs to the forefront. Zebra Pen CEO, Clem Restaino remarked, "What has excited me the most and continues to excite me is change, which has led to growth. Our organization has reached beyond ballpoint pens and offers such an array of products to a whole new set of consumers Taking risks and trusting your team is also a benchmark for the company. Restaino believes adapting to the consumers needs and remembering the passion behind the products. The STEEL product line is the core success and with the influx of Bullet Journaling, Planning and Color-Coded organization, there is a successful lineage of the MILDLINERS. Zebra Pen continues to look to the future of leveraging creativity, technology, and investing in what the consumer expects. About Zebra Pen Corporation Zebra Pen Corporation was founded in New York in August 1982 as an independent corporation wholly owned by Zebra Co., Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan. A New Jersey-based writing instrument manufacturer, Zebra Pen Corporations mission is to distribute products that are of the highest quality, providing value to consumers and meeting their overall writing and creative needs with a wide variety of products. Zebra Pen Corporation offers a full line of writing and creative products, including ballpoint pens, gel pens, rollerball pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, porous pens/markers and brush pens. Today, with over 40 years of excellence behind them in the USA, Zebra Pen Corporation is leading the way with a wide range of quality writing and creative products including STEEL, SARASA, Z-Grip, Zensations and MILDLINER brands. For more information, visit ZebraPen.com. We are especially excited to be presenting at this annual meeting at such an important time when amazing work is being done to battle opioid use disorder, but, at the same time, risks are increasing... CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, the largest non-profit, outpatient provider for opioid treatment in Rhode Island, today announced that it will be presenting at two sessions during the 2022 American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, Inc. (AATOD) Conference to be held October 30 - November 3, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Hilton Inner Harbor. The theme of this national and international Conference is The Power of Collaboration. CODAC experts plan to highlight five-year outcomes for its innovative program of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) behind bars and provide a blueprint for treating the aging and elderly in opioid treatment programs (OTPs). We are especially excited to be presenting at this annual meeting at such an important time when amazing work is being done to battle opioid use disorder, but, at the same time, risks are increasing primarily product adulterants (fentanyl and others) and barriers to accessing quality care -- that have resulted in increasing overdose and death, said Linda Hurley, President/CEO of CODAC. We look forward to sharing our models, best practices and outcomes alongside some of the most cutting-edge topics and presenters in our field, nationally and internationally." CODACs presentations at AATOD 2022 will be as follows: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 -- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Workshop: Patient Care & Best Practices 1 - Effectively Treating the Aging and Elderly in Opioid Treatment Programs: A Comprehensive Model Primary Presenter(s): Linda Hurley, MA CAGS, President and Chief Executive Officer, CODAC Co-Presenter(s): Andrew C. Stone, MD, Medical Director of CODAC Providence; Catherine DeGood, DO, Chief Medical Director for CODAC From program/schedule: Opioid treatment programs have seen a dramatic increase in our aging populations, those who have been in recovery for decades with us and those who have developed a late onset opioid use disorder. The aging process creates a new challenge to comprehensive, integrated services for those who come to us for care. This presentation will provide a blueprint for a cost effective, health home program for aging patients addressing the medical, metabolic, cognitive, social, pharmacologic and fiscal changes that must be addressed to successfully support recovery for our older patients. Tuesday, November 1, 2022 -- 4:00 PM 5:30 PM Workshop B: Community Partners & Continuum of Care B5 - MAT (medication-assisted treatment) in Corrections: 5 Years of Increasing Success. A How-To and Why Story Primary Presenter(s): Linda Hurley, MA CAGS, President and Chief Executive Officer, CODAC Co-Presenter(s): Rosemarie Martin, PhD, Associate Professor, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island; Justin Berk, MD MPH MBA, Medical Director, Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Providence, Rhode Island From program/schedule: Research indicates that the risk of overdose is increased following release from prison and jail. In 2014 and 2015, 21% of all fatal overdose victims in RI were incarcerated in the two years prior to death, an increase from 9% in 2009. Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is the most effective evidenced-based approach to treat opioid use disorder. Although MAT has been proven effective, few correctional facilities in the US offer treatment with methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. This workshop provides positive outcomes of 5 years ~ the question is not "why or how" it is now "how soon" to treat. About CODAC Behavioral Healthcare CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, a non-profit organization founded in 1971, is Rhode Islands oldest and largest provider of outpatient services for opioid use disorder, other substance use disorders, and concurrent behavioral health challenges. With eight locations across Rhode Island, CODAC has attained Center of Excellence designations for each of its treatment sites. CODAC has done extensive work with individuals involved in the criminal justice system since 1994 and, in 2016, launched a program with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) that was the first of its kind in the United States to screen all inmates for opioid use disorder and provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for those in need. Results from CODACs RIDOC program have been studied and published, and the program has been recognized as a model for all 50 states by the Department of Justice, SAMHSA and multiple other national agencies. In addition, CODAC is now licensed in Massachusetts to operate an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). For more information about CODAC, visit: http://www.codacinc.org About AATOD 2022 The 2022 American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, Inc. (AATOD) Conference will be held in Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Hilton Inner Harbor, October 30 - November 3, 2022. The 2022 conference theme is The Power of Collaboration. The intent is to educate and promote acceptance and integration of MAT options by patients, families, clinicians, the medical system, judicial systems, government, policymakers, social service administrations, and the general public. For more information, visit https://www.eventscribe.net/2022/AATOD/ Media Contact: Bill Gordon; PR/Media Relations 646-924-6146 billgordon37@hotmail.com Alisha Bourdeau,CFO; CODAC (401) 654-8738 abourdeau@codacinc.org We are very excited to join the Elite Dealer network, said Richard Ricketts, President and CEO of TRON Auto Lab. Ceramic Pro offers the most complete surface protection system in the world. We are honored to bring that level of service excellence to the Utah market. Ceramic Pro is expanding its Elite Dealer network to a new facility in the Salt Lake City, Utah market. This move will allow the company to better serve its customers in the Northern Utah region and provide them with the latest and greatest in nano ceramic technology. TRON Auto Lab in Salt Lake City was hand-picked to be Ceramic Pro's first Elite Dealer location in Utah. We are very excited to join the Elite Dealer network, said Richard Ricketts, President and CEO of TRON Auto Lab. Ceramic Pro offers the most complete surface protection system in the world. We are honored to bring that level of service excellence to the Salt Lake City market. Ceramic Pro is the top-rated nano ceramic technology on the market that offers a permanent glossy, slick and self-cleaning surface for car finishes and paint luster preservation. Developed in 2014 and launched in San Diego, California, Ceramic Pro's cutting-edge products have quickly gained popularity in the automotive, aviation, and marine industries across the United States. With a strong and ever-growing network of certified installers, Ceramic Pro is poised to continue its impressive expansion in the near future. About Ceramic Pro Salt Lake City As the most successful chain of independent detailing shops in America, Ceramic Pro Elite Dealers are the absolute best of the best when it comes to paint correction and protection. With a wide range of services that also include window tinting and paint protection for all vehicles, a Ceramic Pro Elite Dealer is a one-stop solution for keeping any car looking its best. With years of experience and installation techniques that are second to none, Ceramic Pro Elite Dealers are the best choice for protecting any car's finish. To learn more about Ceramic Pro Salt Lake City, visit their website at http://www.ceramicproslc.com. LabX Media Group is excited to add this live event to its growing portfolio of boutique conferences and digital platforms dedicated to laboratory excellence. LabX Media Group acquires the Lab Design Conference (http://www.labdesignconference.com and http://www.labdesignnews.com), the leading business conference and exhibition serving professionals in the design, build, construction, retrofit, and management of state-of-the-art laboratories. The 22nd Annual Conference will be held May 16-17, 2023 in San Diego, California. This two-day event, plus an optional third day of lab tours, attracts hundreds of architects, engineers, lab planners, facility designers, and construction professionals for in-depth educational programming and continuing education credits. Conference Chair, Robert Nakao, is pleased to continue working with LMG on producing the upcoming event in 2023. We are extremely excited about continuing the legacy of the Lab Design Conference and meeting the demands of todays lab design and building challenges. The conference is in great hands with the team at LabX Media Group, says Nakao. Held each spring, the Conference is a dynamic educational and networking event for those involved in planning, designing, engineering, constructing, and operating laboratory facilities. On the final day of the event, behind-the-scenes tours of local laboratories provide a unique and first-hand experience. LabX Media Group is excited to add this live event to its growing portfolio of boutique conferences and digital platforms dedicated to laboratory excellence. The Lab Design franchise will work closely with the Lab Manager brand, which also hosts the annual Lab Manager Leadership Summit. These live events create an incredible community of industry leaders and are essential networking and learning events, says Ken Piech, Executive-Vice President. Were excited to deliver an engaging live conference and build out an entirely new digital platform that educates and engages design professionals throughout the year and beyond the annual event. The Call for Presentations for the 2023 conference program is currently open. Interested parties can visit the current website, http://www.labdesignconference.com, for more information. For Editorial and Conference Questions: MaryBeth DiDonna mdidonna@labmanager.com For Advertising Questions: Alyssa Moore amoore@labmanager.com About LabX Media Group LABX MEDIA GROUP is a leading B2B scientific digital publishing company which houses multiple industry-leading brands. These brands cover a wide range of topics relating to the scientific industry and provide unparalleled editorial coverage and integrated marketing solutions when, how and where our customers in the science community want it. With a customer-centric culture dedicated to editorial excellence and marketing integrity, LabX Media Group is focused on informing, connecting and engaging lab professionals worldwide with a vast portfolio, including: live events, e-newsletters, digital platforms, webinars, social media, videos, magazines, and e-commerce platforms. http://www.labxmediagroup.com "Finding a team that is exceptional at what they do, shares a like-minded vision for the future, and are just wonderful humans is rare, and Im honored to be sharing this success with them," says William Gaunitz, FWTS, founder of Evolution Hair Loss Institute and Advanced Trichology. Evolution Hair Loss Institute and Advanced Trichology by certified trichologist William Gaunitz, FWTS, celebrate 20 years of business and their third year in a row ranking on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately-owned companies. William Gaunitz set out to remove the stigma surrounding hair loss. In 2002, he took the first step on that journey by opening his first low-level laser therapy clinic, Evolution Hair Loss Institute, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gaunitz created a holistic, inviting space that was met with enthusiastic clients and high praise, ultimately becoming the launchpad for Gaunitz disrupting the hair loss, growth, and scalp health industry. The expansion of Evolution Hair Loss Institute was not linear, with Gaunitz succumbing to challenges many entrepreneurs experience including initial partnership issues, expansion problems, and a global economic downturn. He pivoted his business strategy and efforts to launch 11 consumer products under the name Advanced Trichology, grow his consultation practice, and coordinate global trichology conferences, and was invited to be a fellow at the World Trichology Society. Evolution Hair Loss Institute and Advanced Trichology have achieved 1000% year-over-year (YoY) growth since 2018. Each entity remains boutique, with a lean team of six, and service and product offerings continue to expand and exceed industry and customer expectations. "Ive always aspired to grow a company to this level. Im proud to be celebrating this 20-year milestone with Evolution Hair Loss Institute and Advanced Trichology, alongside our threepeat Inc. 5000 ranking. Finding a team that is exceptional at what they do, shares a like-minded vision for the future, and are just wonderful humans is rare, and Im honored to be sharing this success with them, says William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Evolution Hair Loss Institute and Advanced Trichology. Working alongside some of the best talents in the trichology industry has allowed me to create a world-renowned program to help people live their best, confident lives. Moving forward, we will continue to grow the Advanced Trichology organization, improve the lives of many people with hair loss issues, and change the global paradigm of hair loss treatment. Evolution Hair Loss Institute and Advanced Trichology continue to rank on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing privately-owned companies, showing consistent growth. The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated, says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today. For more information on William Gaunitz, FWTS, Evolution Hair Loss Institute, and Advanced Trichology, please visit http://www.advancedtrichology.com. For more information on the Inc. 5000, please visit https://www.inc.com/inc5000. ### A new look for My Alarm Center brands as merger unites under Alert 360 "Our incredibly talented and dedicated 1,000+ team members are excited to join together under the Alert 360 name and continue our reputation for best-rated and award-winning local security services," said Richard Ginsburg, Chief Executive Officer of Alert 360. My Alarm Center has announced that its family of companies, which includes My Alarm Center, Hawk Security, and Alarm Monitoring Service of Atlanta (AMSA), are uniting under the Alert 360 brand. The transition is a result of the Alert 360 and My Alarm Center merger announced earlier this year and is a major step in the goal of building Alert 360s position as a leading operator in the highly fragmented smart security industry. "Our incredibly talented and dedicated 1,000+ team members are excited to join together under the Alert 360 name and continue our reputation for best-rated and award-winning local security services," said Richard Ginsburg, Chief Executive Officer of Alert 360. "The security solutions we provide are more critical than ever in today's world, and we are humbled to be our customers provider of choice across the country." For decades, Alert 360 and the My Alarm Center family of brands have provided protection and peace of mind for home security and business security customers across the nation. As large, national security providers, the companies have had access to advanced security technology to meet home security and commercial clients' unique needs in their specific markets. "My Alarm Center had four different brands in various markets that evolved out of our very successful portfolio acquisition program over the last two decades," said Anastasia Bottos, Alert 360 President & COO. "We had been evaluating bringing everything under one brand for several years now, and after the merger, leveraging Alert 360 for our combined portfolio was the obvious choice." Alert 360 has released multiple new products and services in the past two years alone. These security solutions include remote and live video monitoring; a battery-powered sensor designed for monitoring property and assets anywhere; the industrys first home security system panel with built-in face recognition; smart signal panic and verify security options; a two-way voice video doorbell, vehicle insights, with security notifications, and more. As a larger company, Alert 360 aims to increase its security options further and expand its footprint across the country. "Alert 360 is an innovative brand, with a solid reputation for excellent service, and gives us flexibility on the marketing side to continue to evolve and adapt to customer needs beyond security," said Bottos. "We've received very positive feedback from our customers and our team. It's an exciting time, and this refresh will support our growth strategy going forward." Customers were informed of the impending change, with an official sunsetting of the My Alarm Center brands. About Alert 360 Founded in 1973, Alert 360 is one of the nation's oldest licensed alarm monitoring providers. Today, the company is one of the largest providers of monitored home security and home automation solutions to homes in the United States. Alert 360 serves more than 160,000 residential and 40,000 commercial customers, primarily in the Sunbelt region of the United States. The company monitors over two million security sensors and has an active base of over 80,000 CCTV cameras installed. For more information, visit http://www.Alert360.com. About My Alarm Center Founded in 2000, My Alarm Center is a leading provider of technologically advanced security and smart home automation solutions to residential and small business customers throughout the United States. With a primary focus on providing best-in-class security and alarm monitoring, My Alarm Center offers a range of services and supports more than 140,000 customers under four distinct and quality brands across the United States, including My Alarm Center, Hawk Security, Alarm Monitoring Services of Atlanta (AMSA), and ACS Security. The My Alarm Center family of brands includes Alarm Capital Alliance, which has a 20-plus-year history of acquiring residential and small business accounts from small and mid-sized security providers. For more information, visit myalarmcenter.com. Steven H. Wilhelm, Attorney & Founder of Steven H. Wilhelm, A.P.C. is recognized and distinguished in the Top Attorneys of North America 2022-2023 edition. The Law Offices of Steve Wilhelm is San Diegos trusted business law firm. Mr. Wilhelm has been practicing for over 47 years and his team of lawyers have substantial expertise in business organization, tax law, employment law, commercial real estate, financing, and intellectual property law. Whether you are the CEO of a multinational corporation or running a small family business, you face the same business and legal challenges. Regardless of the size of your company or your revenue, your decisions and actions will always have an impact on the future of your business. The firm offers a wealth of business expertise and a legal depth to handle all of your needs, we combine big firm resources with the personal attention. At the Law Offices of Steven Wilhelm, they are much more than just a legal firm; they are a partner in your success and represent your best interests to build and protect your business dreams. The firm of Steven H. Wilhelm, A.P.C. was created in or about 1980. Preceding the creation of Steven H. Wilhelm, A.P.C., the principal of the company, Steven H. Wilhelm, was a law clerk to the Honorable Howard B. Turrentine, Judge of the U.S. District Court, Southern California District in San Diego from 1974 through 1975. Thereafter Mr. Wilhelm was the eleventh lawyer in what was then a rapidly expanding Wall Street type law firm known as Sullivan, Jones & Archer (subsequently the firm has splintered into approximately 10 different law firms in San Diego) with primary focus in complex securities fraud litigation and antitrust litigation. In late 1976, Mr. Wilhelm took a sabbatical to Kansas to obtain his license to practice law in Kansas. On return from the sabbatical Mr. Wilhelm affiliated with the Law Offices of Joseph St. John, which firm later became the firm of St. John, Debusschere, Wilhelm & Daley. While at that firm Mr. Wilhelm handled the complex civil litigation for the firm as well as establishing the infrastructure for the business and business litigation section of the firm. In 1980, Mr. Wilhelm left St. John, et. al. to join Herbert R. Schulze (now semi- retired patent counsel with Holland and Hart in their Reno, Nevada offices) in the practice of law under the name of Wilhelm & Schulze in Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego from January of 1980 through December of 1983. At the end of 1983, Mr. Schulze left for other opportunities and Mr. Wilhelm focused his practice on the San Diego metropolitan area on a prospective basis. From 1984 through 1996, Steven H. Wilhelm, A.P.C. grew to as many as five lawyers, four associates and one partner, with the present size of the firm from 1997 through 2021 being one partner, one paralegal, administrative staff and the various of counsel and/or joint-venture relationships. Rated as the best law firm by the San Diego Business Advisor, Today the primary focus of the firm, i.e. the business transactional/corporate work/real estate leasing /trusts and estates, is handled primarily by the principal of the firm, Mr. Wilhelm, and in tandem with one of counsel relationship (Bradley Nemeth), and one joint-venture relationship. Mr. Nemeth is a certified tax, probate and estate planning specialist. The other joint-venture relationship is with Terry Singleton of Singleton and Associates, who is a nationally renown tort attorney. Mr. Wilhelm received a J.D. and a B.S. in Social Studies, Political Science and Economics from the University of Kansas. He is a member of the California Bar Association, San Diego Bar Association, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and the Kansas Bar Association. The Offices of Steven H. Wilhelm, A.P.C. were voted by their peers to be one of the top business lawyer groups for San Diego County from 2013-2021 also Top Lawyers Southern California/Business lawyers, 2013-2021. Mr. Wilhelm holds the coveted AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell since 1980; recognized by the Acquisition International Business Magazine; California Business Attorney of the year 2017-2020; recognized as a Presidents Circle Member by The Top Attorneys of North America, 2018-2022; Attorney of the year for 2021 by the International Association of Top Professionals and was also honored by the International Association Of Top Professionals (IAOTP) with the Lifetime Achievement Award at their 2022 Gala. The Top Attorneys of North America, a New York based publication, distinguishes and profiles leading attorneys who have reached a recognizable degree of success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of the accomplishments within the North American legal community. After all, we should be concerned with the kind of legacy we want to leave for future generations. This special gathering will take place at ECIs headquarters at the University for Peace in San Jose, Costa Rica. This dynamic two-day event will bring together academics, activists, businesspeople, and thought leaders from around the world for stimulating discussions and the building of a framework for constructive and ethical action. With this conference, we want to spark a new narrative not only focusing on the importance of Planetary Well-Being but above all, in making our decisions and actions contribute to Planetary Well-Being, stated Mirian Vilela, ECI Executive Director. After all, we should be concerned with the kind of legacy we want to leave for future generations. Some of the leading Sponsors for this thought-provoking event include Okayama University and Soka Gakkai International. We are thankful for the generosity of Okayama University and Soka Gakkai International in helping ECI underwrite the cost of this generational event, cited Michael J. Bracken, Chairman of the Board at ECI. Okayama University is one of the leading national universities in Japan with significant investment and focus on sustainability and sustainable education. Soka Gakkai Internationals Transforming Human History campaign, which encourages engagement and inspires confidence that change is possible, fully complements ECIs mission of turning conscience into action. ECIs conference will offer both an in-person and virtual option for attending. The impressive lineup of speakers and facilitators for this event includes Fritjof Capra, Sam Crowell, Maria Fernanda Espinoza, Grian Cutanda, Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Carol Anne Hilton, Ricardo Young, Kartikeya Sarabhai, and Cassandra Vieten. Through the generosity of contributors, the entire registration fee will be waived for the first ten (10) individuals who register for the in-person forum and are 30 years of age or under. Please visit earthcharter.org/upcoming-events for more information about the conference and how to register for either the in-person or virtual attendance options. The Earth Charter "We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny." The Earth Charter conference, Putting Planetary Well-being at the Core, will take place at the Earth Charter Education Center on the University for Peace campus in San Jose, Costa Rica on December 1-2, 2022. The first web3 community for brands. We want to create the foundations of a community that we believe is missing, and once big enough, drive huddl3 to become independent of ethos. ethos, a leading white label NFT platform for brands is announcing the launch of huddl3, an educational community to support brands that are interested in understanding web3. Joining huddl3 begins with receiving a weekly newsletter and participating in a Slack group that supports questions, collaboration, and exploration of how brands can benefit from web3. The intent of the huddl3 community is to help brands throughout their web3 journey so that they can shape the next era of commerce together. Our goal with huddl3 is to make learning about web3 as easy as possible for brands, said Matias Marquez, CEO of ethos, we want to create the foundations of a community that we believe is missing, and once big enough, drive huddl3 to become independent of ethos. This community is for all knowledge levels. The value in huddl3 is creating a space for brands to ask questions, participate in events, and get content that is specific to organizations rather than individuals. To join huddl3, visit the website here. About ethos ethos is a white label NFT platform on a mission to accelerate the worlds mass adoption of NFTs by facilitating rich experiences for both brands and their customers. ethos' platform allows brands to offer NFTs through a fully branded experience that includes real-world utility. Added utility such as discounts, air drops, early access, or special products when holding an NFT makes ethos the chosen partner for brands who want to reward and grow their customer base. Whether a brands customer is a crypto pro, or would rather use a credit card, ethos platform allows for a barrier free transaction for all. ethos makes the entire process so simple that even a crypto wallet is optional. If youre interested in learning more, please visit the ethos website, twitter, linkedin, or instagram. About huddl3 huddl3 is the first web3 community for brands. A space for brands to learn, share, collaborate, and exchange ideas relating to web3. The goal of the huddl3 community is to help brands throughout their web3 journey. huddl3 is dedicated to providing authentic web3 education through a variety of resources with no financial or time-based commitment. If youre interested in joining huddl3, visit our website, or to learn more check out our twitter, linkedin, and instagram. Carrie Supko Receives Award of Excellence at Small Business Alliance of Government Contractors Event We are so proud of Carrie for being nominated for and receiving this award. Carries many years of experience and her expertise in government contracting makes her uniquely capable of leading and growing Allyons federal services division, Rebekah Barr, CEO, Allyon, Inc. Allyon, Inc. announced today that Carrie Supko, Vice President of Federal Services was honored with an award of Excellence in Contracting at this years National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit held in Washington, D. C. Supko was nominated for this recognition by several members of the leadership team at General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. The award recognizes exceptional women-owned small business contractors whose companies have shown exemplary growth and quality. Recipients have also demonstrated leadership within the federal contracting community. They have shown dedication to advancing the objectives of small business government suppliers while providing mentorship within the ranks of the organization. We are so proud of Carrie for being nominated for and receiving this award. Carries many years of experience and her expertise in government contracting makes her uniquely capable of leading and growing Allyons federal services division. She is extremely talented and professional so it is no surprise that others have recognized these traits within her as well, Rebekah Barr, CEO, Allyon, Inc. Supko has over 20 years of government contracting experience. Over the decades, she has been responsible for all aspects of business development and program execution life cycle including a focus on strategic and programmatic growth. She has a unique ability to foster relationship between private and public sector concerns to the benefit of local, state, and federal agencies. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the industrys largest integrators, including GDIT, to advance governmental IT initiatives. The Small Business Alliance of Government Contractors operates as a primary advocate for the advancement of small business government contractors. The SBAGC seeks out opportunities to celebrate the contributions of women-owned businesses and works to eliminate barriers within the federal contracting industry. At its October summit, the Small Business Alliance of Government Contractors proudly honored the achievements of women-owned small business federal contractors who are building a foundation for future success for all in the federal contracting industry. The Secureframe Trusted Partner Program We are impressed with the innovation coming out of Secureframe, from their automated compliance platform to the depth and breadth of the Secureframe Trusted Partner Program in enabling not only our success, but the success of our joint customers, said Russ Cobb, CMO, Cobalt. Secureframe, the modern, all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance, announced new partnerships and launch partners for the Secureframe Trust API as part of its expanded Secureframe Trusted Partner Program. The industry-leading partner ecosystem helps customers achieve and maintain compliance while enabling integration, channel, pen testing, audit, and other partners to deliver more value to their customers, expand into new markets, and unlock new revenue streams. The latest additions to the Secureframe partner ecosystem include Rootly, Electric, Basis Theory, and Indent, with the latter two serving as launch partners for the new Secureframe Trust API. Our customers look to Secureframe as the most comprehensive automated security and privacy compliance platform to help them get and stay compliant, noted Shrav Mehta, founder and CEO, Secureframe. Our partner ecosystem is a critical part of our all-in-one solution, offering integrations to hundreds of tools that our customers use in their business every day, as well as pre-vetted partnerships with virtual CISOs, consultants, pen testers, and auditors who can help our customers complete their audits and certifications with speed and ease. The trust and confidence that customers have in Secureframe extends to our network of partners who are able to grow their business as a result. We are impressed with the innovation coming out of Secureframe, from their automated compliance platform to the depth and breadth of the Secureframe Trusted Partner Program in enabling not only our success, but the success of our joint customers, said Russ Cobb, CMO, Cobalt. Partnering with Secureframe has accelerated our business growth through a steady stream of new clients and access to a best-in-class security and privacy compliance platform that shortens the audit process for us and our clients, noted Ryan Johanson, CPA, Partner, Johanson Group. Integration Partners Secureframe provides more than one hundred pre-built integrations to the most popular applications across cloud services, identity providers, background checks, HR and people management, device management, developer tools, single sign on, and more. These automated connectors identify security and privacy compliance gaps and capture compliance evidence from ADP Workforce Now, AirWatch, Asana, AWS, BambooHR, Bitbucket, CharlieHR, Checkr, Cloudflare, Datadog, Finch, Fleetsmith, GitHub, GitLab, Google Cloud, Google Workspace, Gusto, Heroku, Hexnode, Jamf, Jira, Jumpcloud, Justworks, Kandji, Kolide, Linear, Microsoft Azure, Azure Active Directory and Azure DevOps, Microsoft Office 365, Mosyle, Okta, Paycom, Paylocity, Personio, Pivotal Tracker, Render, Rippling, Shortcut, Slack, Trello, TriNet, Vetty, Zenefits, and many others. As a new integration partner, Rootlys incident management platform helps joint customers automate manual, administrative work during incidents. With incident management a core part of SOC 2 compliance, the integration enables a list of resolved incidents to be sent from Rootly to the Secureframe platform, automates the capture of incident follow up action items from Rootly into Secureframe, and enables Secureframe to ensure the right users in Rootly have admin access for appropriate access control. Since we learned about Secureframe, we knew a partnership made perfect sense, said JJ Tang, co-founder & COO, Rootly. Incident management is a core function of compliance across certifications such as SOC 2 and what better way to automate it than by integrating Rootly with the industry-leading security and privacy compliance platform, Secureframe. Secureframe Trust API Building on the breadth and depth of Secureframes pre-built integrations, the Secureframe Trust API will offer customers the flexibility to customize their security and privacy compliance programs to further meet the unique needs of their business. It will enable partners and developers to automatically send audit evidence to the Secureframe platform, unlocking real-time compliance data to further demonstrate an organizations security and privacy posture. For example, launch partner Indent automates change management for access control while Basis Theorys tokenization satisfies more than 90% of the requirements for PCI DSS, both helping customers further streamline their security and privacy compliance. We anticipate strong continued momentum of the Secureframe Trusted Partner Program and demand for the Secureframe Trust API by enabling more custom applications of Secureframe in our joint customers businesses, said Mehta. Enabling this deeper customization of our platform will help accelerate our growth by attracting more partners to our ecosystem and more customers to our platform, especially enterprises looking for a flexible, all-in-one GRC solution. Were excited to be a launch partner for the innovative Secureframe Trust API, which paired with the companys pre-built integrations delivers the comprehensive compliance platform our customers need, said Fouad Matin, co-founder and CEO, Indent. By integrating with Secureframe, we can automatically send access review events to Secureframe as evidence for SOC 2 audits. This creates tremendous value for our customers. By further automating the compliance process, they can focus on serving customers and growing their business rather than chasing evidence. Secureframe is leading the charge on making compliance fully digital so companies can achieve continuous compliance across every stage of the process, and were thrilled to be a launch partner for the Secureframe Trust API, said Colin Luce, co-founder and CEO at Basis Theory. Basis Theory unlocks the value of PCI compliant data with a tokenized technology infrastructure that enables secure and compliant collaboration across teams, business partners, and product lines. By integrating directly with Secureframe, our customers will be able to connect compliance oversight and management directly to their technology infrastructure in Basis Theory, eliminating 95% of the effort required to get and stay compliant with new regulations on the rise. Channel Partners Channel partners, including resellers, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), provide IT and security services to their customers by aggregating best-in-class solutions and technology. Secureframe offers channel partners a comprehensive, all-in-one automated compliance platform for their customers. This includes a suite of world-class governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions like continuous monitoring, personnel and asset inventory management, vendor access and risk management, a risk register, enterprise policy management, automated tests, data rooms. and reportingall to help their customers achieve and maintain compliance. Penetration Testing Partners As part of the Secureframe Trusted Partner Program, Secureframe partners with leading penetration testing firms to help customers conduct comprehensive security assessments of their systems using simulated cyber attacks that identify exploitable vulnerabilities across people, processes, and technology. Pen testing partners include Cobalt, CyAlpha Cyber Solutions, Federacy, GRSee Consulting, Insight Assurance, Lost Rabbit Labs, Prescient Security, Rhymetec, Secure Cloud Innovations, Software Secured, TrustFoundry, and others. Audit Partners Secureframe helps auditors streamline the audit process with clear, detailed reporting, dashboards, and data rooms that make auditing more transparent and straightforward. With support for custom controls and processes, Secureframe offers the flexibility auditors need to serve the unique needs of their clients complex environments. Secureframe audit partners include Aprio, Barr Advisory, British Assessment Bureau, Boulay, Consilium Labs, Control Logics, Daszkal Bolton, GRSee, Hancock Askew, Johanson Group, KLR, MJD Advisors, Oread Risk, Prescient Assurance, Sensiba San Filippo, and ZeroDay, among others. "As an auditor, Secureframes platform makes my job easier with less back-and-forth with clientswhether its SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, or any other framework, said Hector Galvan, Senior Auditor, Prescient Assurance. The Secureframe Trusted Partner Program offers the most comprehensive security and privacy compliance ecosystem for integration, channel, pen test, audit, and other partners. Organizations interested in partnering with Secureframe may visit secureframe.com/partners for more information, or read todays blog post. PR Contact Greg Perotto, CMO press@secureframe.com About Secureframe Secureframe is the leading, all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Delivering world-class governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) solutions, Secureframe makes it fast and easy to achieve and maintain compliance. With 100+ integrations to core services like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Github, Jamf, Okta, and Slack, Secureframe helps customers continuously achieve the most rigorous global standards, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, CMMC, NIST CSF, Microsoft SSPA, MVSP, and many more. Secureframe enables hyper-growth organizations like AngelList, Fabric, Doodle, Dooly, Lob, Rand McNally, Slab, and Stream to focus on what matters: serving customers securely and growing their business. "AlayaCare is committed to fully participating in how nationwide home health data is sharedand our integration with Kno2 removes legacy communications pain points."Adrian Schauer, CEO and Founder of AlayaCare Kno2, the company leading the future of healthcare communications, and AlayaCare, an innovative home-based care technology provider, today announced a new business relationship. Kno2 enables secure, effortless, and maximized exchange of vital medical and clinical patient information across the healthcare ecosystem to ultimately accelerate and improve client outcomes. In this collaborative relationship with AlayaCare, the Kno2 Communication API facilitates bi-directional data integration with the AlayaCare platform, solving complex interoperability challenges to help home healthcare providers easily and securely access and share medical data across the healthcare spectrum. By combining the AlayaCare cloud-based solutions with Kno2s Communication API, AlayaCare users can track in-home care more effectively by making it easier than ever to send-and-receive shared information with other healthcare providers, caregivers, patients, and payers. This reduces workloads for in-home clinicians, patients, and caregivers for enhanced care coordination. Both Kno2 and AlayaCare recognize the mutually beneficial opportunities their combined cutting-edge, automated technologies create. Applied artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models in AlayaCare combined with the Kno2 network drive connectivity and efficiencybenefiting how care is delivered in the home. Kno2 empowers AlayaCare to remove manual, time-consuming data communications transfer processes by delivering specified information for each unique patient, securely, and rapidly. According to Adrian Schauer, CEO and Founder of AlayaCare, As the healthcare industry endorses more home-based and virtual care, we are hyper-focused on assuring all data related to in-home treatment is captured and moved securely and efficiently. AlayaCare is committed to fully participating in how nationwide home health data is sharedand our integration with Kno2 removes legacy communications pain points. Our customers can now send and receive data and information they need through the AlayaCare platform to deliver the best possible care. Staffing shortages in home-based care remain at an all-time high. A fundamental initiative that led to the technology integration between Kno2 and AlayaCare was to create a combined communications solution that is intuitive, automated, and tailored to the clinical workflowmaking care providers jobs easier, so they can focus on better care and better outcomes. In-home care is growing exponentially, and for good reason. As we look for ways to care for more people in the comfort of their own homes and transition out of costly, institutional settings, care providers need access to the right information at the right time, said Therasa Bell, co-founder, president, and chief technology officer at Kno2. Both technology-forward companies, AlayaCare and Kno2 are disrupting the home-based care market to provide enhanced clinical automation and improved provider workflows. Kno2 communications expertise with AlayaCare software is delivering broad, positive impacts across the U.S. healthcare industry. Kno2 will be in Niagara Falls, Ontario to attend the AlayaCare Better Outcomes 2022 user conference October 25th27th. This annual conference is where home care professionals, agency representatives, and industry thought leaders come together to celebrate in-home care technology. Take a deeper dive into the AlayaCare platform and understand how to leverage interoperability capabilities and implement better technology for better outcomes. ### About Kno2 The Kno2 network enables the secure, effortless and maximized exchange of patient information across patients, providers, payers and IT vendors. We are empowering healthcare to finally realize the true potential of interoperability by unleashing connectivity everywhere through a simple to use Communication API and robust tools for any business. With industry disrupting economics and our passion to include the underserved, Kno2 is democratizing healthcare communications and defining the new connected future of healthcare. With a single connection to Kno2, anyone can quickly gain access to a powerful network of connected networks, EHRs, HIEs, organizations, technologies and interoperability frameworks that gives the freedom to easily communicate with all. To learn more, visit http://www.kno2.com About AlayaCare AlayaCare offers an end-to-end platform for governments, home care businesses, and community care providers to manage the entire client lifecycle, including needs assessments, care plans, scheduling, route optimization, billing and payments, and visit verification. AlayaCare is a cloud-based solution accessible via desktop and mobile appcombining in-person and virtual care for providers around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.alayacare.com Acara Partners in Branford, CT wins award for Best Practice Management Company in The Aesthetic Guides Annual Aesthetic Awards, presented in their Sept.-Oct. 2022 issue. Acara Partners in Branford, CT has been recognized as the The Best Practice Management Company of 2022... Acara Partners in Branford, CT has been recognized as the The Best Practice Management Company of 2022 in The Aesthetic Guides annual Aesthetic Awards, presented in The Aesthetic Guides Sept.-Oct. 2022 issue. The Aesthetic Guide is a medical aesthetic publication that recognizes, once a year, the best of the best in the industry, voted by peers. Acara Partners is a business consulting agency that specializes in business development, marketing strategy, corporate consultation, strategic planning, sales and operations for the medical aesthetic industry. Acara Partners owner Francis X. Acunzo has also been recognized by The Aesthetic Guide this year, winning the Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary work and commitment to the aesthetic medical industry. Acunzo and the other nominees of The Lifetime Achievement Award have demonstrated excellence and passion for their craft, in addition to high ethical standards and innovation in the industry. Francis is the second-ever non-physician to win the Lifetime Achievement Award. Acara's team of consultants and marketing professionals has worked with hundreds of aesthetic medical practices and has developed more than 170 medical spas nationwide. Acara Partners is one of the aesthetic medical industrys preferred consulting groups for physicians and entrepreneurs that are developing their own aesthetic medical practice. Acara's 99% success rate and client satisfaction make them the go-to consultant group to bring medspas to lifefrom conceptualization to open doors. During the next six months, Acara will be partnering to open six to eight new medspas from coast to coast. The consulting team at Acara Partners typically takes on one to two new clients per month. For more information about Acara Partners, please call 203.488.0028. Acara Partners is located at 944 Main St., Branford, CT 06405. About Acara Partners Acara Partners is a business consulting agency that was founded in 2004 by Francis X. Acunzo and his wife Colleen Acunzo, who are considered the founders of the medspa industry, opening the first resort spa in the northeast in 1985. Acara Partners specializes in business development, marketing strategy, corporate consultation, strategic planning, sales and operations. About The Aesthetic Awards in The Aesthetic Guide The Aesthetic Awards celebrate the very best of aesthetic medicine, highlighting the achievements of practitioners, professionals and product manufacturers in areas such as surgical and nonsurgical treatments, practice management and industry innovation. A Gentlemans Guide: Rules To Live By: an engaging discussion that encourages growth and reflection. A Gentlemans Guide: Rules To Live By is the creation of published author Albert Hehr IV, who graduated from Ohio University in 2019 with a B.S. in Engineering Technology and Management. He currently lives in Northeast, Ohio, where he works full-time as a Manufacturing Engineer. Hehr shares, I never really fit in my age group. My thoughts and values were all wrong. I was a little adult by age seven and grew up with an old soul. I valued marriage, fatherhood, being a leader, and treating women better than they believed they should be treated. I had specific views on sex, life, and work. I valued the future and actively sought to improve my own and others. I worked diligently to improve myself and earn the title gentleman. From holding the door to tying my own tie, I wanted the necessary skills, knowledge, and morals to be the man I felt was best. This book seeks to bring back the men that are above the rest. This book seeks to build your values by giving you my own. It seeks to help guide you toward becoming the gentleman you desire to be. I hope you will join me in bringing back a generation of men who have fallen away from the spotlight and take the initiative to become a gentleman. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Albert Hehr IVs new book will challenge readers to evaluate their moral compass and to step forward in pursuit of living an honest and just life. Hehr shares helpful suggestions and life lessons handed down through generations in hopes of encouraging others to live by a gentlemanly standard. Consumers can purchase A Gentlemans Guide: Rules To Live By at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about A Gentlemans Guide: Rules To Live By, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. For the first time, the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo (Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo) has elected a private producer, Alessandro Nicodemi, as Chairman, marking a significant change in leadership of the viticultural region. Under Nicodemis direction, the Consortium will seize on all of the promotional opportunities offered by the European Union and by the NRRP (Italys recovery and resilience plan). The Consortium will also continue to complete the new Abruzzo Model, which redefines production regulations and introduces measures for regulating the market. The Abruzzo Model, introduced in April 2022, is intended to further protect and increase the value of the Abruzzo denominations. "My first thanks go to all the members of the Board of Directors for trusting me especially during a very delicate historical moment for our viticultural region," stated the Chairman. "At the same time, my thanks also go to the outgoing chairman Valentino Di Campli, who supported me in tackling this momentous step of passage of the presidency of the Consortium from the cooperative world to a producer of a family business. This new position makes me proud; it gratifies me for the work done in all these years, but at the same time it charges me with an enormous responsibility, and I hope not to disappoint anyone. Important challenges await us. We will face them with constructive dialogue and mutual respect, essential values that make the Consortium even more efficient and authoritative. My commitment and that of all my collaborators will be total and aimed at achieving ambitious but feasible goals, aimed at guaranteeing the greatest competitive advantage, adequate profitability, and maximum enhancement of our wine products for all of our member producers." Nicodemi was born in 1972 and earned a university degree in Economics and Commerce. He has served as a Complementary Officer in the Guardia di Finanza (The Italian finance police). In 1997, following the untimely death of his father, Nicodemi started working full time with his sister at the familys Bruno Nicodemi farm, one of the most historic wine producers in Abruzzo with its own brand since 1977. Before this important nomination, Nicodemi served as president of the Consorzio Tutela Colline Teramane wines for 15 years and previously held the role of vice chairman of the Consorzio Vini d'Abruzzo for the last 6 years. In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Cangrande Medal recognizing "Meritorious of Italian Viticulture," for having made a decisive contribution to the development of Italian viticulture and enology. Today he also holds the position of regional representative within the National Federation of Viticulture Product of Confagricoltura (general confederation of Italian agriculture). Nicodemi will be supported by the vice presidents Pino Candeloro (Sincarpa) and Franco D'Eusanio (Chiusa Grande) and the other members of the Board of Directors, who include Giulia Cataldi Madonna (Cataldi Madonna), Rocco Cipollone (Masciarelli), Franco D'Eusanio (Chiusa Grande), Dino D'Ercole (San Nicola), Carlo Di Campli Finore (Vin.co), Nicola Dragani (Madonna of Miracles), Paolo Ulpiani (Zaccagnini), Luciano Di Labio (Villamagna), Pino Canderolo (Sincarpa), Chiara Ciavolich (Chiara Ciavolich), Fausto Cimini (Paglieta), Vincenzo Bucci (Olearia Vinicola Villese), Miki Antonucci (Agricultural Progress), and Gennaro Matarazzo (Roxan). About Consorzio Tutela Vini dAbruzzo: The Consorzio Tutela Vini dAbruzzo (Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo) is a non-profit association, made up of all the entities forming part of the control DOC and IGT system, which aims to protect, enhance and take care of the interests relating to the controlled designations of origin of the regional territory, activities that the Consortium carries out, day after day, with the utmost determination. That same determination which its 210 members grape growers, winemakers and bottlers, always closely focused on quality put into their work: from the care of the vineyard to the scrupulousness in the transformation of the grapes, diligence in aging to attention to customer requirements. There is no region in Europe like Abruzzo where more than 30% of the territory is protected by four parks (three national and one regional) and a dozen nature reserves and protected areas. It is therefore no coincidence that the Consortium, which has been protecting one of the most authentic resources of the territory for years, has chosen the eagle as its symbol: an animal with a strong protective instinct, as tenacious as the people of Abruzzo. For more information, visit https://www.vinidabruzzo.it/en/il-consorzio/ "We are honored to receive the designation of being one of the Best Workplaces in Health Care. We've made the best places to work list for the second year in a row, which is an incredible honor." - Michael Curry, Jr., CEO of Apex Physics Partners Apex Physics Partners, the largest outsourced medical physics services company in North America, today announced it has been named by Fortune and Great Place to Work as one of the 2022 Best Workplaces in Health Care. Apex won in the small-to-medium companies category, and received this prestigious award based on an analysis of survey responses from over 161,000 current employees in the health care industry. In that survey, 91% of Apex employees said it is a great place to work, which is 34 points higher than the average U.S. company. Michael Curry, Jr., CEO of Apex Physics Partners, said, We are honored to receive the designation of being one of the Best Workplaces in Health Care. We've made the best places to work list for the second year in a row, which is an incredible honor. This is my favorite recognition that our company has received because it is by the employees, for the employees. Through a period of incredible business growth, we've continued to reward, recognize and delight our team. This is no small feat in today's climate, as we've been living through periods such as the Great Resignation. Thank you to the team for making this possible. I couldn't be more excited for another year of excellence. Apexs mission is to transform the health and safety of its communities by providing comprehensive medical physics and radiation safety solutions to its clients. The company is passionate about creating meaningful and helpful relationships with clients by providing world-class services and support that put patients first. Whether ensuring all equipment is operating properly, to managing radiation safety to offering the best radiation oncology physics for cancer patients, Apex is committed to providing the gold standard in medical physics and radiation safety solutions. The Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care list is highly competitive. Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture, selected the list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. Companies were only considered if they are a Great Place to Work-Certified organization. Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in America that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is. It is our honor to spotlight the Best Workplaces in Health Care, says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. Health care heroes have been on the front lines saving lives, and these organizations dug deep to tailor their support to the rapidly changing demands from the pandemic. We applaud their commitment to inclusive, high-trust cultures. Apex is hiring Are you looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers page at: https://www.apexphysicspartners.com/careers/. About Apex Physics Partners Apex Physics Partners (http://www.apexphysicspartners.com) is a medical physics business services support organization. Through the Apex Physics Support Group, partner physics practices receive an array of support services, including client services, accounting/finance, sales, marketing, human resources, recruiting, information technology, data analytics, vendor management, legal and insurance. About Great Place to Work Certification Great Place to Work Certification is the most definitive employer-of-choice recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All. Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Jonathan Cook, a Vietnam veteran and father of two who enjoyed a long and successful career in business serving as president of divisions of five companies in the US and Australia and now enjoys his retirement in Texas with his wife of over fifty years, has completed his new book The Republic: a gripping and potent work that keeps the pages turning until its dramatic conclusion. A world-famous black civil rights attorney has uncovered a sinister plot to undermine and overthrow the US government and replace the existing republic with a Socialist/Marxist-style government. He is assisted in his efforts to expose the World Order Syndicate by a gay female Department of Justice attorney and two unwitting Harvard law students. The fast-paced story moves from the Texas Hill Country to Boston to Washington, DC, to New York City and several locations in between. While it is a work of fiction, it is based on the political discourse and rancor taking place in the current political environment. Are the extreme political positions being discussed today just a maturation of random events and circumstances, or are they part of a long-term strategy that began in the 1950s in colleges and universities? Is there a World Order Syndicate made up of billionaires and neo-Bolsheviks who have been promoting and financing this effort with the final objective of replacing US capitalism with a Socialist/Marxist government? With the unstoppable move to the far left, Texas becomes the focal point of establishing a government that maintains the values and bill of rights the constitution provides its citizens. This secession effort to form a new republic in Texas is met with strong resistance, betrayal, and unthinkable violence from the establishment, with the ultimate success always in doubt. Published by Page Publishing, Jonathan Cooks engrossing book is an intriguing choice for avid modern fiction readers. Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase The Republic at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing understands that authors should be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. Cody Julian, Founder of CBJ Real Estate CBJ Real Estates service reflects Austins friendly, down-to-earth vibe, welcoming all buyers and sellers and specializing in relocators CBJ Real Estate today announced its partnership with Side, the only real estate technology company that exclusively partners with high-performing agents, teams, and independent brokerages to transform them into market-leading boutique brands and businesses. The alliance will ensure that CBJ Real Estate, a company specializing in buyers relocating to Austin, is powered by the industrys most advanced platform. CBJ Real Estate was founded by Cody Julian, a fourth-generation Austinite with an extensive marketing background. Since launching his real estate career, Julian has become a two-time recipient of the Rising Star award and earned top-agent ranking. He has also generated $45 million in sales to date, facilitating $20 million in 2021 alone. CBJ Real Estate serves buyers and sellers in the Austin metro area and surrounding suburbs of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Dripping Springs. CBJ Real Estates service reflects Austins friendly, down-to-earth vibe, welcoming all buyers and sellers and specializing in relocators, Julian said. Partnering with Side will ensure CBJ Real Estate remains on the cutting edge of the evolving real estate market while continuing to deliver premium services to its clients. Side works behind the scenes, supporting CBJ Real Estate with a one-of-a-kind brokerage platform that includes proprietary technology, transaction management, branding and marketing services, public relations, legal support, lead generation, vendor management, infrastructure solutions, and more. Additionally, CBJ Real Estate will join an exclusive group of Side partners, tapping into an expansive network from coast to coast. Sides state-of-the-art marketing, technology, administrative, and legal solutions are groundbreaking in the brokerage space, and I'm excited to have access to these tools to better support my clients and team, Julian said. About CBJ Real Estate Representing buyers and sellers throughout Austin, the CBJ Real Estate team provides the level of service it would want for itself. Founder Cody Julian, a fourth-generation Austinite, obsesses over superior client service. At CBJ Real Estate, he boosts it with his established connections, tech marketing background, and local expertise, and delivers it with his no-nonsense style. CBJ Real Estate is headquartered in Austin and serves the city and its inner-ring suburbs. For more information, visit http://www.cbjre.com. About Side Side is a behind-the-scenes brokerage platform that exclusively partners with top-performing agents, teams, and independent brokerages to create and grow their own boutique brands without the cost, time, or risk of operating a brokerage. Sides proprietary technology platform and premier support solutions empower its agent partners to be more productive, grow their business, and focus on serving their clients. Side is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://www.side.com. The Compliance Program offers personalized, subscription-based regulatory guidance for customers across the spectrum. This includes assistance with navigating the complexity involved in onboarding to any Microsoft Cloud. Messaging Architects, an eMazzanti Technologies Company and Microsoft Cloud expert, explains the personalized nature of the Compliance Program for Microsoft Cloud in a new article. The informative article first relates that Microsoft recently expanded the program to help customers in all industries. The author then lists the primary features of the Compliance Program, including, Ask an Expert, Risk and Control Mapping, Compliance Community, and Proactive Risk Assurance. He continues with a brief explanation of each feature. Noting the large number of regulatory updates issued every day, he highlights the usefulness of Proactive Risk Assurance. He concludes with a brief review of additional Microsoft compliance tools. The Compliance Program offers personalized, subscription-based regulatory guidance for customers across the spectrum, stated Greg Smith, Vice President of Services Delivery at Messaging Architects. This includes assistance with navigating the complexity involved in onboarding to any Microsoft Cloud. Below are a few excerpts from the article, Compliance Program for Microsoft Cloud Offers Personalized Services to Address Compliance Risk. Ask an Expert The first feature of the Compliance Program gives risk stakeholders such as CISOs or compliance and privacy officers direct, personalized access to Microsoft compliance experts. These Microsoft cloud service engineers and compliance experts provide critical insight into the capabilities and risks of Microsoft cloud services. Compliance Community The Compliance Program includes access to dedicated webcasts and round table discussions focused on specific industries. Additionally, program members benefit from an annual Compliance Summit and bi-monthly office hours centered on topics of more general compliance interest. Proactive Risk Assurance The 2021 Cost of Compliance Report by Thompson Reuters indicated a global average of 257 regulatory updates every day. Keeping track of nearly 100,000 regulatory changes annually makes the already difficult task of managing compliance risk even harder. Additional Microsoft Compliance Tools In addition to the Compliance Program, and in response to an increasingly complicated regulatory landscape, Microsoft has increased their focus on developing compliance tools. To that end, the new Microsoft Purview suite delivers a unified information governance and compliance solution for Microsoft 365. Microsoft Cloud Compliance Experts The compliance program for Microsoft Cloud is a fee-based service available to organizations with Microsoft 365 and Office 365 licenses. For information on how to access this service, contact a Microsoft partner such as Messaging Architects. Compliance consultants there also assist business leaders with implementing Microsoft Purview and other essential compliance tools. Have you read? 6 Tips to Get Started with Compliance in Microsoft 365 Optimizing Governance, Risk and Compliance in Microsoft 365 About Messaging Architects Messaging Architects specializes in effectively managing and securing an organizations most precious asset, its information. With over 20 years of information management and technology consulting experience, the Messaging Architects team has provided corporations, educational intuitions, health care facilities and nonprofits with methodologies, procedures, and technology to keep their data organized, compliant and secure. About eMazzanti Technologies eMazzantis team of trained, certified IT experts rapidly deliver increased revenue growth, data security and productivity for clients ranging from law firms to high-end global retailers, expertly providing advanced business cyber security, retail and payment technology, digital marketing services, cloud and mobile solutions, multi-site implementations, 247 outsourced network management, remote monitoring, and support. eMazzantis consistent growth landed them on the Inc. 5000 list 9X. Recognized as a 4X Microsoft Partner of the Year, the #1 ranked NYC area MSP, NJ Business of the Year, and 5X WatchGuard Partner of the Year, the company excels as a trusted outsourced IT partner! Contact: 1-866-362-9926, info@emazzanti.net or http://www.emazzanti.net Twitter: @emazzanti Facebook: Facebook.com/emazzantitechnologies. "In the Dark on Renewables" - insights into how renewables negatively affect power grid operations. "..United States share could be 30%, or US $390 bn/yr - about half what the US now spends annually on Medicare...Canadas share could be 3%...about $54 bn/yr in Cdn$. That is two thirds as high as the Cdn federal govts $84 billion equalization paymentsor about $1400 per year for every Canadian. As the COP27 UN Climate Conference approaches in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt (Nov 6-18, 2022), developing nations are jostling for loss and damage climate reparations to dominate discussions, as reported by the Financial Times, Oct. 09, 2022, demands which are unlikely to be met, says Friends of Science Society. Referring to a commentary by Robert Lyman, former Canadian public servant of 27 years and diplomat for 10 years, Friends of Science points out the unrealistic scope of demands. For years, the agreed target [for climate aid to developing nations] was $100 billion per year up to 2025, a target that was never reached. (In 2021, it is estimated that the richer countries provided about $75 billion in various forms of bilateral and multilateral climate aid). India, probably the largest single recipient, announced in 2021 that it would not even think about meeting the emissions reductions proposed in its national plan without an up-front commitment of at least one trillion dollars from donors. The African Group, after using the Global Environment Facilitys financing ratio, concluded that developed countries should contribute at least US $1.3 trillion per year between 2025 and 2030, with further increases beyond that time. Lymans analysis continues: If the apportionment of payment obligations were done on the basis of the Gross Domestic Products of the countries concerned, the United States share could be 30%, or US $390 billion per year. That is about half what the United States now spends annually on Medicare. Similarly, Canadas share could be 3%, but 3% of US $1.3 trillion is today about $54 billion per year in Canadian dollars. That is two thirds as high as the Canadian federal governments $84 billion equalization payments to the provinces. It is also about $1400 per year for every Canadian. These are unreasonable expectations, and unnecessary in light of the data. Lyman pointed out such challenges in 2015 in "Who Cuts? Who Pays? Show me the Money!" Friends of Science Society offers this short video Things Are Getting Better which cites peer-reviewed studies showing that common claims about extreme weather and disasters are untrue. A slower read entitled Climate Catastrophe Headlines is also available. Meanwhile the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued its State of Climate Services report which appears to rely on the outdated science and implausible climate scenario known as RCP 8.5. This set of scenarios refers to Representative Concentration Pathways or the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and its resulting assumed warming effect. Curiously, the WMO has become a promoter of renewables rather than adaptation and preparedness, says Friends of Science Society. There is peer-reviewed research indicating that wind and solar actually cause Carbonless Anthropogenic Global Warming solar panels are likely causing increasing rates of incoming heat intake, which results in extra heat added to the Earth system. Wind turbines are likely causing decreasing rates of heat dissipation or cooling, which also increases the heat energy retained by the Earth system. Friends of Science Society says that CLINTELs World Climate Declaration offers a more realistic view of the natural and human impacts on climate change than that of the WMO. The National Association of Scholars hosted a presentation by Roger Pielke, Jr. who showed that the scenarios the banking industrys Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) is employing in climate stress-testing are wildly implausible and of questionable practical utility. Friends of Science says that without the implausible scenarios RCP 8.5 and 6, the perceived climate emergency is over. They have issued open letters to the Bank of Canada on this matter in the past, and also reanalyzed Royal Bank of Canadas claims that decarbonization of Canada would only cost $2 trillion. This is wildly underestimated, says Friends of Science: The cost to provide enough storage for one cold winter day in Alberta would be C$69 billion. Unfortunately, this wouldnt be nearly enough. We would need weeks, if not months, of storage to maintain a reliable grid. The costs would be in the C$100s of billions if not trillions of dollars. A Friends of Science Society blog post by Samuel Furfari cautions about the new risks related to energy security and safety in the wake of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 attacks; another post by Belgian engineer Rob Lemeire encourages people to prepare psychologically and practically for electricity blackouts. In the Dark on Renewables is a helpful Friends of Science report and video on the negative impact renewables have on a stable power grid. About Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens that is celebrating its 20th year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2). Friends of Science Society PO Box 61172 RPO Kensington Calgary AB T2N 4S6 Canada Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597 Web: friendsofscience.org E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience(dot)org Web: climatechange101.ca "Protecting the country means that everyone who can help should help; it's all hands on deck. WiCyS is an important part of that effort, helping get people involved on the basis of how much they can help," said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist. Craig Newmark Philanthropies (CNP) is the latest leader in cyber to join forces with Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) to support the Security Training Scholarship. WiCyS is proud to announce the support of CNP to further its work to increase the number of women in cybersecurity and help advance their careers. Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist, started CNP to support groups defending the values the U.S. aspires to such as fairness, opportunity and respect. His goals are to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement while working to advance grassroots organizations that are effective at getting tasks accomplished and making real progress on key issues. The support for WiCyS ties into CNPs recently announced cyber civil defense effort to bolster U.S. national security and build a more diverse cyber workforce. CNP will enable WiCyS to provide cybersecurity career opportunities to women, regardless of background. Protecting the country means that everyone who can help should help; it's all hands on deck. WiCyS is an important part of that effort, helping get people involved on the basis of how much they can help, said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist. The WiCyS Security Training Scholarship is in its third year, and was created in partnership with Google and SANS Institute. The program successfully launches and advances the cyber careers of women in less than a year and a half through skills development and industry certification. All participants engage in cybersecurity skills learning and can progress through different stages of the scholarship for up to nine months as well as join the WiCyS community of mentors and peers. Thanks to this additional funding from CNP, WiCyS is able to offer additional advanced SANS training, GIAC certifications, and CyberGEN.IQ assessments, valued at over $439,000. CNP joins a prestigious group of leading organizations in cybersecurity contributing to this scholarship, including Google, Bloomberg, Meta and SANS. The program has empowered hundreds of members and helped them gain employment at such companies as Apple, Deloitte, Microsoft and Southwest Airlines. I chose to pursue a career in cybersecurity after evaluating myself and my life during the pandemic. I wanted to try something new, said Christine Morency, who participated in the scholarship program and now works for Booz Allen Hamilton. For more information, visit wicys.org/benefits/security-training-scholarship/. About WiCyS: Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is a nonprofit organization with international reach dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cybersecurity. WiCyS was founded by Dr. Ambareen Siraj in 2013 through a National Science Foundation grant awarded to Tennessee Tech University. In less than 10 years, it has grown into an organization (est. in 2017) representing a leading alliance between trailblazers from academia, government, and industry. WiCyS offers opportunities, trainings, events, and resources for its members. Strategic partners include Tier 1: Amazon Web Services, Battelle, Bloomberg, Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute, Cisco, Fortinet, Google, Intel, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Microsoft, Optum, Sandia National Laboratories, SentinelOne. Tier 2: AbbVie, Aristocrat, Dell Technologies, JPMorgan Chase & Co., LinkedIn, McKesson, Nike, Wayfair, Workday. To partner, visit http://www.wicys.org/support/strategic-partnerships/. Our idea behind the Digital Concierge is simple Effortlessly deliver freight data to your workforce vs making your workforce work to find it. Emtec Digital, a technology transformation partner for global T&L companies and a division of Emtec Inc., is slated to preview its latest offering the Digital Concierge for Logistics an intelligent digital assistant that helps logistics companies streamline routine freight tasks by operationalizing data across the enterprise. Attendees of the upcoming FreightTech event, FreightWaves Future of Freight Festival (F3), will have the opportunity to receive a sneak peek of the solution. With work from anywhere becoming a norm post-pandemic, logistics enterprises are challenged to make enterprise data easily and securely accessible across the organization. Emtec Digitals latest offering the Digital Concierge for Logistics seeks to resolve the complex data challenges faced by logistics organizations. The solution seamlessly integrates with enterprise systems of record and third-party platforms to ensure critical freight data is available 24x7. Teams can collaborate anytime from anywhere and on any device for more intelligent, data-driven decisions. The Digital Concierge for Logistics comes with core functionality that simplifies logistics operations for measurable benefits across the value chain. A secure omnichannel digital interface makes freight data accessible on the go, eliminating the need to query multiple internal and/or external systems delivering time and cost savings Seamless alignment with Microsoft 365 apps with secure multi-user, multi-platform support provides real-time information retrieval and dissemination Utilization of existing infrastructure and licenses reduces the need to invest in new hardware and software to run the solution Our idea behind the Digital Concierge is simple Effortlessly deliver freight data to your workforce vs making your workforce work to find it.' We understand the need for freight data to be easily available to all concerned parties, and this solution was built keeping in mind the fluid nature of workplaces today. We look forward to previewing the solution and its benefits for logistics stakeholders at F3, said Sreenivas Vemulapalli, Associate Vice President, Emtec Digital. The Digital Concierge for Logistics solution will be showcased at F3: Future of Freight Festival from November 1-3, 2022, in Chattanooga, TN. Attendees can register here for an interactive demo at Emtec Digitals Booth T8 on November 3, 2022. About Emtec Emtec is a global IT consultancy dedicated to helping world-class organizations drive transformation and growth by employing the latest enterprise technologies and innovative business processes. We empower our clients to accelerate innovation and deliver amazing client experiences to better compete and ultimately lead in their industry. Our Client for Life approach is built upon over 25 years of delivering rapid, meaningful, and lasting business value. Our Emtec Digital division provides services across Digital Consulting, Product Design, Software Development & Quality Engineering, and Managed Software Services. For more information, please visit Emtec Digital, Emtec, and subsidiary Wave6. Follow Emtec: LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram Mi Dios, mi Padre dice: para de sufrir: Yo, tu Dios tengo grandes planes para ti: an enjoyable opportunity for Bible discourse. Mi Dios, mi Padre dice: para de sufrir: Yo, tu Dios tengo grandes planes para ti is the creation of published author Jose Manuel Herrera, a father of four and native of Mexico who later moved to the United States. Herrera shares, This book was written with a purpose to teach all those who are interested in improving their lives because they are tired of living in poverty, suffering limited from everything they need to live and they know and understand that there has to be something more in life. life that solves the problem of limitations and yes, if there is, it is the reason why we wrote this book because we will teach you step by step what you have to do, but you need to read everything because for some there will be solutions at the beginning of the book and maybe for others in the middle of the book and for others perhaps at the end of the book. Dare to investigate for yourself. Read this book and your life will change for the positive, the normal and you will get prosperity and your dreams come true. Verses: Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10 and Matthew 6:33 These truths have been available to you for thousands of years, but the world has convinced you that there is nothing, it has mentally conditioned you so that you do not believe or seek your blessed life and that all your dreams do not come true. Beware of the world, the world is not good, free yourself, be free and start researching about this level of life. It is available to you, start now, this day. Get motivated, get inspired, do what you have to do, but don't lose your focus because if you lose it, nothing will happen and your life will be the same until the end. I know that you can, many have already achieved it, God will be with you. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Jose Manuel Herreras new book will challenge readers to a new level of connection with God and His promise. Herrera shares in hopes of spreading awareness of Gods continued offer for comfort, fulfillment, and love. Consumers can purchase Mi Dios, mi Padre dice: para de sufrir: Yo, tu Dios tengo grandes planes para ti at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Mi Dios, mi Padre dice: para de sufrir: Yo, tu Dios tengo grandes planes para ti, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Brenda Hite, National Closing Manager at InterLinc Mortgage InterLincs vision and the forward-thinking mindset are reasons why I chose to join the company. InterLinc Mortgage is gearing up for a bright Q4 and new year as a new executive joins the ranks to oversee the companys closing operations. Brenda Hite, an industry veteran of over 41 years has made her way to InterLinc and is looking forward to creating efficiencies and growing leaders within the closing department. Hite joins InterLinc as an accomplished leader with years of experience in all areas of mortgage loan closing. Placing a strategic focus on customer service, leadership and communication, Hite has progressed to levels of executive leadership at some of the nations largest mortgage lenders. InterLincs vision and the forward-thinking mindset are reasons why I chose to join the company, said Hite. Being in an industry that changes constantly, Im looking forward to strategically aligning the closing department in order to grow and scale in the future While focusing on building efficiencies and scalability within the closing department, Hites role with InterLinc will include oversight and direction of all closing and post-closing initiatives to uphold and strengthen InterLincs reputation of an on time and as agreed closing experience. When asked about the hiring of Hite, InterLincs Chief Operations Officer, Kara Lamphere, said, Brenda brings a tremendous amount of depth and experience as well coming highly recommended. We are absolutely thrilled to have her join our team and take this journey with us. In addition to new leadership, new distinctions have found their way to the mortgage lender. Recognized by Houston Business Journal on their recent Fast 100 list for revenue growth from 2019-2021 marks InterLincs second consecutive year of making the prestigious list. Other national awards for 2022 include the Inc. 5000 and Scotsman Guide Top Lenders. As 2022 winds down, InterLinc looks forward to participating in multiple volunteer opportunities in partnership with the InterLinc Family Foundation, the companys 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Recently, the foundation partnered with Houston Welcomes Refugees and InterLinc corporate employees packed 40 welcome kits for refugee families who will soon be arriving in Houston. In addition, the foundation is looking forward to partnering with Theatre Under the Stars and other organizations to give back to those in need this holiday season. Looking ahead to 2023, efforts are focused on building programs and efficiencies to help Originators optimize their pipeline and close loans more effectively. Potential Loan Originators or Branch Managers that are interested in a confidential conversation in joining InterLinc Mortgage can email marketing@lincloan.com. About InterLinc InterLinc Mortgage Services, LLC is a Houston-based full-service mortgage banking firm with approvals from the three largest issuers of mortgage-backed securities: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. The Company affords clients access to enhanced mortgage product offerings, pricing competitiveness, loan efficiency, and servicing. InterLinc is licensed in 29 states throughout the Midwest and Southeast. More information is available online at https://interlincmortgage.com. Kenall has introduced ten new non-ferrous MedMaster troffers and three new slot luminaires with a variety of configurations, all designed for your challenging applications. According to urban.org, the number of Americans ages 65 and older will more than double between 2000 and 2040. This uptick in demand for health care diagnostic procedures by an aging population means an increased need for non-ferrous lighting options in healthcare spaces. As a result, Kenall has introduced ten new non-ferrous MedMaster troffers and three new slot luminaires with a variety of configurations, all designed for your challenging applications. For MRI suites, hybrid ORs, and other healthcare spaces where magnets are employed, Kenall offers the MedMaster MRI4SEDI and MRI4SESI Series. These luminaires come in a broad range of lumen packages and include an option for 530nm green to enhance the visibility of screens and monitors during surgeries. The increasingly popular MedMaster MedSlot Series now includes MRIRS4, a slim, stylish non-ferrous luminaire. For cleanrooms and clean spaces in healthcare facilities, labs, and pharmacies, SimpleSeal NFCSEDI & NFCSESI luminaire families combine the best in non-ferrous construction and sealed performance to illuminate spaces where magnetically sensitive processes are performed, and EMI is of concern. Lynn Walldorf, Kenalls Product Marketing Manager, said, Our years of expertise in lighting challenging environments, especially in healthcare and cleanrooms, means your application will be safely and completely sealed from both sides -- the room and the plenum not just the room side. Also, our proprietary optics promote eye comfort, and reduce the debilitating glare in reflective surfaces, which is common with lower-quality flat-panel lighting. Walldorf concluded, As with all our lighting, the comfort of room occupants is always an important priority. About Kenall Kenall Manufacturing, an independent sector of Legrand, was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1963 and has built a reputation for durable lighting solutions of superior quality and exceptional value. Today, the company creates unique solutions for the healthcare, cleanroom/containment, food processing, transportation, high abuse, and correctional lighting markets. Kenall luminaires are designed in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and comply with the Buy American Act (manufactured in the United States with more than 50% of the component cost of US origin). For additional information, visit http://www.kenall.com. Ornellaia 2019 Vendemmia d'Artista Large Formats We are very enthusiastic about continuing to support the development of this special project. Since the beginning, we wanted Minds Eye to be able to develop and become available to a vast audience from different places around the world. - Giovanni Geddes da Filicaja, Ornellaia CEO Ornellaia, one of the worlds iconic estates, is pleased to announce that the online auction of Vendemmia dArtista 2019 Il Vigore, hosted by Sothebys, finished yesterday. The fine bottles of wine, which were designed this year by Swedish artists Nathalie Djurberg and Hans Berg, were allocated to art and wine collectors, raising a final amount of $302,000. The profits from the auction will be given to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to further the important endeavors of the Minds Eye program. On announcing the results of the auction for this fourteenth edition of Vendemmia dArtista, the CEO of Ornellaia, Giovanni Geddes da Filicaja, communicated his pleasure of having renewed the partnership with the Guggenheim Museum for another three years. We are very enthusiastic about continuing to support the development of this special project that we believe in. Since the beginning, we wanted Minds Eye to be able to develop and become available to a vast audience from different places around the world. This global vision has now developed even more, ensuring that the program has become a feature of all the Guggenheim museums, in New York, Venice and Bilbao. Minds Eye is more than a mere experience; it is a set of tools capable of broadening accessibility to art through the use of the senses. As Richard Armstrong, Director of Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Museum, explains: With Ornellaias continued support, we will expand the Minds Eye programs to a global audience with a focus on developing the verbal descriptions in all our museums. Next year, we will produce content for the Peggy Guggenheim Collection with translations in several languages. Furthermore, we will continue the events in New York and the online programs, which will be available internationally. Looking towards 2023, thanks to the auction profits, we will concentrate on creating Minds Eye content for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. These projects will continue in 2024 to expand the program, increasing the resources and the audience. Wine, like art, transcends words and, through the senses, the use of an emotional language takes on a universal value. The interpretation of the vintage was entrusted to the creativity of Swedish artists Nathalie Djurberg and Hans Berg. The themes of metamorphosis and the constantly evolving cycles of nature and its driving force form the core of the work, providing the perfect canvas for the artists of the fourteenth edition of Vendemmia dArtista to interpret the theme of Vigore (vigor) through art. The precious lots provided for the auction included 9 six-liter Imperial and the only nine-liter Salmanazar of Ornellaia Vendemmia dArtista 2019, whereby the evolution of the concept of the relationship between humans and the earth is expressed through the sculptures. About Ornellaia - http://www.ornellaia.com The name ORNELLAIA is synonymous of fine winemaking and an authentic expression of the beauty of Tuscany. The estate is situated along the Tuscan coast, a short distance from the medieval town of Bolgheri and its iconic cypress-lined approach. Ornellaia Bolgheri DOC Superiore and Ornellaia Bianco are the estates top wines, ensued by the second vin Le Serre Nuove dellOrnellaia, Le Volte dellOrnellaia and the white Poggio alle Gazze dellOrnellaia. In just over thirty years (the first vintage of Ornellaia was in 1985), the teams dedication, together with optimal soil characteristics and microclimate, has resulted in critical acclaim and public success within Italy and internationally. About Ornellaia Vendemmia dArtista http://www.ornellaia.com/en/vendemmia-d-artista/ The Ornellaia Vendemmia dArtista project celebrates the exclusive character of each new vintage of Ornellaia. Every year, starting with the release of Ornellaia 2006, a contemporary artist crafts a site-specific artwork and a set of limited-edition labels, inspired by a word chosen by the estate director, Axel Heinz, to describe the new vintage. A label styled by the artist features on one of the six 750ml bottles in every case of Ornellaia. The project also includes a limited edition of 111 large-format bottles (100 Jeroboams - 3 liters; 10 Imperials - 6 liters; and 1 Salmanazar - 9 liters) which are numbered and signed by the artist. Every year, a selection of these bottles is auctioned by Sothebys and the profits go to support the Minds Eye program by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. About the Minds Eye program http://www.ornellaia.com/en/vendemmia-d-artista/minds-eye The Minds Eye program, which was established by the Guggenheims Education Department, helps blind and low-vision persons to experiment with art through using all the senses. The program boosts creative impressions, emotional connections and memories, whose perception lasts over time. As in art, the appreciation of fine wines requires the involvement of all the senses. Sharing this idea caused Ornellaia to support the development of this particular program. The donations collected through Ornellaia Vendemmia dArtista enable the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to develop the Minds Eye program activities further, with the aim of rolling out the model to other art galleries, ensuring that its excellence continues to direct museum programming for blind and low-vision persons all over the world. "When customers see our logo, its a kind of guarantee of the quality and service they will get...We are very excited to offer the e-commerce store to our customers in order to provide maximum uptime." - Bill Knapp, Powerscreen Crushing and Screening eCommerce Manager Headquartered in Louisville, KY, Powerscreen Crushing and Screening provides Powerscreen parts and services throughout the U.S. An industry leader for over 40 years, they continue to innovate and adapt to the ways their customers want to do business. Recently expanding, they quickly recognized the need to establish an e-commerce website for their customers. The official Powerscreen dealer since 1982, Powerscreen Crushing and Screening provide OEM parts for Powerscreen products. They have a long history of selling quality machines and parts, as well as providing exceptional service to their customers. Powerscreen Crushing and Screening offer services for all equipment they rent or sell from standard engine service to full equipment rebuilds, including the engine. As the business grew, parts availability and service back up became more important and they realized the need for an e-commerce website. Outgrowing the facility they had been housed in for over 15 years, Powerscreen Crushing and Screening moved into a state-of-the-art 45,000 square-foot building. This allowed them to enter the online e-commerce market, giving their customers a new way to buy the parts they need, when they need them. The primary objective of our online e-commerce parts store is to provide maximum visibility on all parts availability, pricing, and manuals, specific to our customers machine, says Alan Coalter, President of Powerscreen Crushing and Screening. Maximum parts visibility coupled with minimum machine downtime can only lead to an increase in production and profit. Offering their customers access to real-time product availability and online parts manuals gives Powerscreen Crushing and Screening the ability to serve their customers better and faster than ever before. Our vision is focused on providing unparalleled customer service by continuing to grow and change with the demand. We believe our customers should have minimal downtime, says Bill Knapp, Powerscreen Crushing and Screenings eCommerce Manager. The new e-commerce store consists of over 3,000 parts with an ever-growing inventory, allowing customers to access parts immediately and around the clock. We feel this will help lessen their downtime considerably, says Alan. Customers are now able to order parts anytime of the day or night with instant access to Powerscreen Crushing and Screenings parts manuals and numbers. With the click of a button a customer can know that he has the correct part ordered and paid for. We are now able to process orders the same day, offering Next Day Air or Ground shipping or will call whatever the customers shipping preference, says Alan. Just tell us when you want it delivered and we will make it happen! Powerscreen Crushing and Screenings new e-commerce website is just another example of how far they will go to provide the highest level of customer service. The data integrations they developed along with Powerscreen offers customers access to parts information that were previously only available to dealers. Our brand has a reputation in the market. We are the first Powerscreen dealer to have an e-commerce site with Terex, says Alan. We are the best in our field and have a strong brand and reputation to prove it. When customers see our logo, its a kind of guarantee of the quality and service they will get, says Bill. We are very excited to offer the e-commerce store to our customers in order to provide maximum uptime, says Alan. Adopting a motto from another great Louisvillian, Muhammad Ali, Bill says, its not bragging if you can back it up. Relevant Links: https://powerscreensales.com/ https://powerscreensales.com/parts About Powerscreen Crushing and Screening An industry leader for over 40 years, Powerscreen Crushing and Screening offers powerscreen parts and services throughout the U.S., with operating yards in Indianapolis, Nashville, Birmingham, Kansas City, and Phoenix. Their mission is to provide second to none equipment, parts, and service, by continuing to innovate and adapt to the ways their customers want to do business. Learn more at powerscreensales.com. "Over 15% of PrideStaff's offices nationwide are veteran-owned, proving how successful former military personnel can be within our system. We will continue supporting careers in franchise ownership for individuals who have sacrificed so much in service to our country. PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is pleased to announce that they were named to Entrepreneurs Top Franchises for Veterans ranking for a fifth consecutive year, after making the magazine's highly competitive Franchise 500 list for the tenth year in a row. PrideStaff has climbed higher each year in the Top Franchises for Veterans ranking; moving up from number 25 in 2020, number 20 in 2021, and reaching number 19 in 2022. While starting a business typically requires a substantial capital investment, PrideStaff offers an affordable franchise opportunity. This, combined with their reputation as a market-leading brand and their unique business model, all propelled the award-winning agency into the 19th spot on Entrepreneur's 2022 list. While hundreds of franchises offer incentives or franchise-fee discounts for veterans to join their system, Entrepreneur's Top Franchises for Veterans ranking recognizes the organizations that truly offer the best overall opportunities for veterans interested in becoming franchisees. Each of the 150 franchises to make the 2022 list were selected based on their veteran incentive, how veteran franchisees are attracted to and supported by their company, and how each company scored on the 2022 Franchise 500 list. "At PrideStaff, we're proud to have so many veterans as Strategic-Partners, especially ranging from all branches of the military," said PrideStaff Senior VP of Franchise Development, Paula Pizarro, CFE. "Over 15% of PrideStaff's offices nationwide are veteran-owned, proving how successful former military personnel can be within our system. We will continue supporting careers in franchise ownership for individuals who have sacrificed so much in service to our country. "Military veterans have chosen franchise opportunities with PrideStaff for years because of our proven business model, strong back-office support, and 50% discount on franchise fees," continued Pizarro. "Because of their leadership skills, dedication to teamwork, and determination, former members of our military bring unique skills and perspectives to our company. By combining their abilities and insight with our organization's stellar reputation, industry-leading technology, and national resources, veterans can achieve their career and financial goals as PrideStaff Owners/Strategic-Partners." By investing in the client and talent experience, PrideStaff has become the only staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRateds coveted Best of Staffing 10-Year Client and Talent Diamond Awards for three consecutive years. The 10-Year Diamond Award is earned by fewer than 0.5% of all staffing firms, placing PrideStaff in a truly elite group of companies that lead the industry in satisfaction. Follow this link to learn more about becoming an Owner/Strategic-Partner with PrideStaff. About PrideStaff PrideStaff operates over 85 offices in North America to serve more than 5,000 clients. With 40 plus years in the staffing business and headquartered in Fresno, CA, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm with the spirit, dedication and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide, commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRateds prestigious Best of Staffing Diamond Awards nine years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality. For more information on our services, or for staffing franchise information, click here. In his career, Dr. Rokhsar has been involved in the development of several laser systems and has conducted pivotal research projects to develop protocols for other laser systems. Dr. Cameron K. Rokhsar, M.D., F.A.A.D., F.A.A.C.S., an internationally renowned laser surgeon, is a double Board Certified dermatologist, dermatologic mohs surgeon, and fellowship-trained cosmetic and laser surgeon in private practice in Manhattan and Long Island. He practices cosmetic and general dermatology with a particular focus on laser and other nonsurgical treatments, aesthetic enhancements with fillers, skin cancer, and its treatment through Mohs Micrographic Surgery, minimally invasive liposuction, and the treatment of acne and acne scars. Dr. Rokhsar is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic. He completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University and attended medical school at The New York University School of Medicine, where he received his doctorate of medicine. After his internship at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, he completed his dermatology residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, where he was honored for his teaching and leadership skills as Chief Resident. In addition, Dr. Rokhsar received fellowship training in cosmetic, laser, and dermatologic surgery in San Diego, California. In his career, Dr. Rokhsar has been involved in the development of several laser systems and has conducted pivotal research projects to develop protocols for other laser systems. In particular, Dr. Rokhsar was involved in the development of the Fraxel laser technology, having worked with the prototype device for about a year in 2003. Dr. Rokhsar has taught more physicians in the United States and worldwide about using Fraxel for fractional resurfacing than any other physician. Most protocols are derived from his original research on the Fraxel device. Dr. Rokhsar is also credited with the invention of the nonsurgical nose job, which he introduced this procedure to the world in Good Morning America. Dr. Rokhsar has since taught his techniques doing the nonsurgical nose job to many physicians in the United States and around the world. Dr. Rokhsar also published the first use of filler in nose contouring. Besides the nose, Dr. Rokhsar has particular expertise in the use of fillers in other anatomically difficult areas, such as the eyelids (nonsurgical eyelift) and the chin (nonsurgical chin augmentation). Dr. Rokhsar is a frequent commentator on topics related to dermatology on various television shows and news segments, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, the Rachel Ray Show, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and Fox News. He has been selected by his peers for the following accolades: Castle and Connolly Top Doctors (for ten consecutive years, 2012-2022), Connolly Top Cosmetic Doctors, and US News and World Report Top Doctors. Dr. Rokhsar has also been recognized by New York Magazine as a top cosmetic dermatologist for many years. Learn more about Dr. Cameron Rokhsar by visiting: https://hauteliving.com/hautebeauty/member/dr-cameron-rokhsar/ ABOUT HAUTE BEAUTY NETWORK: Haute Beauty is affiliated with the luxury lifestyle publication Haute Living. As a section of Haute Living magazine, Haute Beauty covers the latest advancements in beauty and wellness, providing readers with expert advice on aesthetic and reconstructive treatments through its network of acclaimed doctors and beauty experts. For more about Haute Beauty, visit https://hauteliving.com/hautebeauty/ Unmudl at its three-year anniversary unveils expansion plans to close skills gaps for critical open positions at the world's largest employers, such as Amazon. - Parminder Jassal Today, Unmudl celebrates three years since the inception of the Unmudl Skills-to-Jobs Marketplace with its five community college founders at the National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Annual Fall Virtual Conference. Showcased are Unmudls signature offerings, Unmudl Originals, that are courses developed collaboratively by employers and community colleges, such as the Amazon Unmudl Original designed to support careers in Reliability Maintenance Engineering that are critical to Amazons success. The Amazon Unmudl Original is an innovative approach to close skill gaps for critical open positions and to more efficiently develop a high-quality talent pipeline to support the success of Amazon and other employers that have similar talent development needs, said Amanda Willard, Amazons Strategic Workforce Development, Worldwide Talent Development Team at Amazon. When enrolling in select Unmudl Original courses offered by community colleges, working learners can also redeem credit for prior learning and work experience to qualify for better job opportunities. Unmudl community college founders include NISOD, Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona, Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, Gateway Community College in Maricopa, Arizona, San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, and Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College in Washington State. The NISOD conference brings together 1,500 community college faculty, administrators, and staff from 45 institutions to share best and promising practices that increase student success at community and technical colleges, said Edward Leach, NISOD Executive Director. We are thrilled to convene community college educators who want to learn about and share the most effective solutions for working learners to obtain skills they need for good jobs through low-cost and efficient upskilling opportunities offered by Unmudls Skills-to-Jobs Marketplace and Americas Community College Network. We are excited to celebrate Unmudls efforts at the NISOD conference to elevate Americas Community College Network as a premier solution for connecting learners to high-wage and high-demand jobs that support economic growth, said Tracy Hartzler, CNM President and Chair of the Unmudl Steering Council. NISOD, along with the founding community college leadership teams through the Unmudl Presidents Steering Council and the Unmudl Champions Group, provide guidance on the evolving role of community colleges at the front lines of meeting learner and worker upskilling. Unmudl provides a platform for colleges to leverage and share their assets and courses to create a network effect and strengthen community college offerings. Weve been talking about the sharing economy for two decades, said Parminder Jassal, CEO and Founder of Unmudl, which provides technology to make it easier for community colleges to share their assets and courses. Weve been sharing through Airbnb. Were sharing cars. Were sharing everything. We are thrilled that community colleges are taking advantage of this technology to better serve employers and learners. About Unmudl Public Benefit Corporation: Unmudl Skills-to-Jobs Marketplace connects learners and employers via a coast-to-coast network of leading community colleges. Through Unmudl, learners easily access courses and short-term credential programs that lead to jobs and credentials. These jobs pay family-supporting wages and contribute directly to the country's economic growth and recovery. Employers use the Unmudl Marketplace to source highly skilled and diverse talent directly from courses and community colleges. Learn more about Unmudl at unmudl.com. About NISOD: The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) is a membership organization committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges. NISOD provides budget-friendly, high-quality, and faculty-focused programs and resources for community and technical colleges that want to make the most of their professional development dollars. For over 40 years, NISOD has aligned a wide array of benefits with the needs of our members, which explains why the American Association of Community Colleges named NISOD, the countrys leading provider of professional development for community college faculty, staff, and administrators. US Fertilitys newly formed Research Division will conduct and publish high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine. Our Research Division celebrates the amazing contributions our research and education teams are making in collaboration across the US Fertility network, a network of innovation. US Fertilitys newly formed Research Division will conduct and publish high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to patients in the future. US Fertilitys Research Division will be led by Kate Devine, M.D., Executive Medical Director and Chief Research Officer at US Fertility, in close collaboration with Luis Hoyos, M.D., Regional Research Director and practicing reproductive endocrinologist (REI) at US Fertility founding partner practice IVF Florida; Michael Homer, M.D., Regional Research Director and practicing REI at US Fertility founding partner practice, Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area (RSC); Meike Uhler, M.D., Regional Research Director and practicing reproductive endocrinologist (REI) at US Fertility founding partner practice Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI); Samad Jahandideh, Ph.D., Head of Clinical Biostatistics at US Fertility, and others. US Fertility is the largest network of physician-owned and physician-led fertility practices in the nation. With more than 130,000 babies born to its credit, US Fertility completes more than 30,000 fresh IVF cycles annually, nearly 70,000 cycles total, include frozen embryo transfers, and performs 1,000+ elective and donor egg freezing cycles annually. Given our culture, commitment to excellence, incredible volume of data, and unparalleled talent, theres no limit to what we can accomplish as a network, shares Dr. Devine. Our Research Division celebrates the amazing contributions our research and education teams are making in collaboration across the US Fertility network, a network of innovation. Dr. Devine is a practicing, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and fertility physician at Shady Grove Fertility, a founding partner practice of US Fertility. Dr. Devine also serves as faculty to fellows at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to residents at Georgetown School of Medicine. Dr. Devine is the Quality Assurance Chair for the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) as well as a Research Chair for the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI). She serves on the Medical Executive Committee for the Jones Foundation and on the Editorial Board for Fertility and Sterility. US Fertilitys Research Division announcement arrives as the organization gears up for a significant presence at the upcoming annual American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Scientific Congress and Expo, which will take place from October 23-26, 2022, in Anaheim, California. Researchers from across the US Fertility network are showcasing abstracts, delivering oral presentations, and receiving research prizes during the event. Our team is hard at work educating the next generation of providers and embryologists to care for future patients struggling with infertility. 2022 represents the showing of some of our best research to date, shares Dr. Devine. I feel so privileged to work at an organization that values research and helps facilitate this amazing work. Visit the US Fertility Research Division landing page to learn more about the program and discover the latest research in the field of reproductive medicine. Contact usfresearchdivision@usfertility.com to become involved or to connect with the research team. About US Fertility US Fertility is the nations largest partnership of physician-owned and physician-led top-tier fertility practices, offering comprehensive fertility-market-focused non-clinical, administrative, and technical platforms that help domestic and international practices improve patient outcomes and increase patient access. To learn more about partnership- or affiliate-status benefits, call 301-545-1308 or visit USFertility.com. Got to Be Real: There is No Faking it with God: a motivating exploration of faith and being honest in ones approach of God. Got to Be Real: There is No Faking it with God is the creation of published author Wilbert Watson, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who served twenty-nine years in the United States Army. Watson currently serves as the senior pastor of Divine Faith Ministry Church in Petersburg, Virginia. Watson shares, Serving God with a genuine heart is real. This book is about being real with God and serving him wholeheartedly, not as a pretender. Titus 1:16 (KJV) says, They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. God is not looking for pretenders; he is looking for imitators of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Professing or claiming to know God and then denying him every day makes one a hypocrite or pretender. I want to encourage everyone who reads this book to understand the importance of showing God real love through his or her loving service and works. Furthermore, recognize any issues within oneself that hinder realness in serving God. God is not fooled by anyone, and he doesnt want his people to be fooled either. Pretenders will always be exposed, but God wants us to be aware that there are many pretenders in the world. Its important not to pretend to be something or someone youre not concerning the Almighty God. When you read my book, you will fully understand that there is nothing or no one that can hide from God. We are all an open book to God. This book will provide real clues or signs that show whether your heart, work, service, worship, praise, and relationship with God are real. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Wilbert Watsons new book will empower readers in their pursuit of a strong, fulfilling relationship with their faith. Watson shares in hopes of aiding others on their spiritual journey by empowering them to live and worship honestly. Consumers can purchase Got to Be Real: There is No Faking it with God at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Got to Be Real: There is No Faking it with God, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. We are here to elevate our communities. And, diversity and inclusion are important to Wintrust not just in the Latino community but at all levels. And so, (these awards) are a way for us to advocate for the (Latinx community.) Thirty Chicagoland Latinx leaders from the business, education and local government sectors were honored for their notable achievements during the second annual Latinx Community Awards at Wintrust Financial Corporation in Rosemont. The sold-out event was a collaboration of Fig Factor Media, an international media company, and several Wintrust Community Banks. Wintrust Community Banks recognized these established award winners who are making a difference, instigating positive change, and impacting the people in their communities. The winners were the following: Alma I. Wright, Rachel M. Lara, Maria Castro, Heidy Mendez Grimaldo, Rober Reyes, Alex Guzman, Luciano Medellin, Arturo Flores, Jasmine Lopez, Pete Gonzalez, Jesus Ruiz, Paula Carballido, Federico Kliora, Suzanne Martinez, Erica Vega, Pedro Guerrero, Marco Romero, Erendira Loza, July Franco, Wilvert Ibares, Guillermo Memo Trujillo, Julio Cesar Valdez, Ricardo Montoya Picazo, Marisol Troncoso, Maria Llangardi, Melisa Quinones, Rosa Cojulun, Ezequiel Fuentes, Jose Sanchez, Rey Gonzalez and Priscilla Fuentes. Fig Factor Media CEO Jacqueline S. Ruiz shared with the audience how Wintrust, a trusted partner in her company, believed in her book project about successful Hispanic women for her successful Todays Inspired Latina book series. The series has become the largest collection of Latina stories in a book anthology series in the world. These moments are what brings us together, she said. We know our stories need to be shared and micro-moments like (this awards event) allow us that opportunity to share those stories, Ruiz said. If it wasnt for somebody who believed in you like a mentor, a guide or even your younger brother or sister saying to you Yes, you can!, (then those stories would never be heard.) Yaneth Medina, president of Elgin at St. Charles Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank, explained how individual Wintrust Banks were involved in the nomination process, and representatives from each location came to speak about the winners during the event. Being a community bank, Medina spoke about Wintrusts mission of connecting with customers such as nonprofits, businesses and individuals on all levels--through professional and volunteering interactions. We are here to elevate our communities, she said. And, diversity and inclusion are important to Wintrust not just in the Latino community but at all levels. And so, (these awards) are a way for us to advocate for the (Latinx community.) Were here for Hispanic Heritage Month, but its not just this month; its all year round. Carballido, co-founder and executive director of Lake County Honor Flight, accepted her award and explained how her organization is one of 129 chapter hubs. Her group invites veterans from the World War II, The Korean War and The Vietnam War to fly to Washington DC free of charge for a three-day visit the memorials. Its not just about the trip; it is an opportunity for all of us to get to hear their stories, she said. Not all of their stories are easy to hear. Some of the veterans that we serve served during an era where they were segregated. They went to serve, and when they came back to the United States, they were mistreated and faced racism. They held on to those experiences for several years. So, what we get to do at Lake County Honor Flight is to share in the healing process of those veterans. Nominee Daniel Hernandez, who operates Danny the Groomer, his Cicero dog grooming business, and also works as a special needs teacher was grateful to be considered for this award. As an influencer and business owner, I have the responsibility to be an example of kindness and the responsibility to help others. Being an example means pushing my students with special needs to believe in themselves and keep learning new skills to educating dog owners and providing financial help to get their pets the medical services they need, he said. There is a lot that we are currently doing to make our Cicero and Chicago communities better places to live. The following banks were event sponsors: St. Charles Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Northbrook Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Schaumburg Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Beverly Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Wheaton Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Old Plank Trail Community Bank, N.A. Libertyville Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Barrington Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Crystal Lake Bank & Trust Company. N.A. Village Bank & Trust N.A. Wintrust Bank, N.A. About Fig Factor Media: Fig Factor Media Publishing is an international publishing company with a "beeping" heart. Fig Factor Media has helped many authors achieve and support their dream of impacting their communities in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Fig Factor Media is the official publisher of Today's Inspired Latina. For information, visit http://www.figfactormedia.com. About Wintrust Banks: Wintrust is a financial services company based in Rosemont, Illinois. Through our family of more than 175 community bank locations, and related companies and divisions, we offer: traditional commercial and community banking services wealth management guidance mortgage origination commercial insurance premium financing short-term accounts receivable financing and administrative services Wintrust Community Banks provide customer-oriented, personal and commercial banking services to communities in and around Chicago, southern Wisconsin and northwest Indiana. Our banks go above and beyond banking solutions to be real assets to the communities we serve. We host financial education courses, hold community events, and throw neighborhood cookouts. And, we believe in supporting our local communities by sitting on local boards, getting involved with local organizations, and sponsoring local events. The Wintrust Community Bank family includes more than 150 locations in and around Chicago, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. Our banks were built to be true community banks with the resources of a large company, but the personal touch of a small institution. Wintrust Community Banks are named to reflect the unique communities they serve and are committed to being a true asset to those areas. Many employees not only work in the community, they live locally, and get involved with local events and organizations. When you bank at a Wintrust Community Bank, you have access to any location in the network so we can provide the best of both worlds: the reach and power of a large organization with the uniqueness and client-focus of a true community bank. For more information, visit https://www.wintrust.com/. ### Click Here to go to PublishersWeekly.com This year, Maria B. Campbell, the founder of one of the book trades premiere scouting businesses, stepped back from her position as president of Maria B. Campbell Associates and selected a successor: Agnes Ahlander Turner, who has been with Campbell for nearly 15 years. Turner took the reins at the agency in April, when Campbell took on a new role, executive chairman. With its headquarters in New York and an office in London, Maria B. Campbell Associates advises clients in approximately 22 countries about American and international books for translation and publication in their markets, and for adaptation into television and film. That makes Turners perspective invaluable to Frankfurt fairgoers. Turner spoke to us before the fair about her view on the international book world right now and her expectations for this years fair. What books are you reading right now? My reading on any given day is a mix of whats on my phone, my Kindle, and my bedside table. I just finished Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, which brilliantly balances timely and serious themes with such humor and warmth. Next on my list Im going back to the 1550s in Florence with Maggie OFarrells The Marriage Portrait. And then there are the books I read with my eight- and four-year-old. Right now, were really into dolphins. Whats one of your favorite books that most people dont know? A novel by Swedish debut author Lydia Sandgren became a critical and commercial success two years ago back home (Sweden), and I am so pleased it will be coming to U.S. audiences in January. Titled Collected Works, its a classic bildungsroman of sorts with a mystery element, spanning 50 years and nearly seven times as many pagesdont be daunted by its length! Its an incredible, immersive read. Whats a big book you read recently that surprised you in a good way? In a bad way? I recently picked up Im Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy to understand the hype, and I found myself completely absorbed by it. What a powerful, moving book that also manages to be funny and uplifting. I devoured it and couldnt recommend it more highly. What book (or books) made you want to be a scout? I was a baby scout who had just moved to New York from Stockholm when Stieg Larssons The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo started making headways, and it was a completely formative experience. I read all three books in three days and wrote reports on them for international and film/tv. The thrill (and adrenaline) which came with seeing books considered and acquired all over the world like that was addictive. A few years later came Fredrik Backmans A Man Called Ove, which became a hit in many parts of the world. In later books, Educated by Tara Westover, which I vividly recall reading the same day it went on submission, has sold more than a million copies in China with our publisher Thinkingdom. I knew I was hooked. Youve been at Maria B. Campbell Associates for nearly a decade and a half. How has the scouting business changed the most in that time, to your mind? When I started, U.S. and U.K. scouts primarily scouted Englishlanguage books. Today, we have ten languages in-house and scout books from all over the world. Working with many more sides of a clients list, the scope of our work has widened as have our contacts and understanding of the whole ecosystem. Recently, for example, we were busy reviewing all the titles nominated for the Goncourt Prize, the most prestigious literary prize in France. Scouting is part newsroom, part foreign service, and part grad school year after year. We are constantly learning and adapting our work thereafter. You took the reins from Maria B. Campbell earlier this year. Whats changed at the agency since then? What are some changes we can expect? Maria was the first literary scout to work with Hollywood, and after 30-plus years scouting exclusively for one film/tv client we are now working with a number of production companies across our New York and London offices. We didnt know what to expect when we restructured the department in April this year, but we have grown exponentially since. The intersection between books and TV especially is an incredibly exciting space. On the publishing side, Maria established long-standing relationships with some of the best publishers in the world, and we look forward to continuing to grow with them. With the world opening back up, I am keen on us being present not just at the book fairs but also the many literary festivals. Publishing is more global than ever but also more local, and we need to straddle both. We have a scout now on the ground in Rome and one in Berlin. There are new opportunities in how and where we work, which I want to make sure we leverage. What are your expectations for the first in-person Frankfurt Book Fair in three years? If London Book Fair 2022 was a Covid reunion of sorts with an emphasis on the socials, I think Frankfurt will be a return to the books and dealmaking. August was the quietest month I can recall (perhaps we are taking a cue from our European colleagues?), which leads me to believe we will see a steady and intense buildup of submissions heading into the fair. Who are the hot new literary agents to watch this year? Who are the hot new editors to watch? With change and uncertainty come opportunities, and its exciting to see new initiatives like Zando, Spiegel & Grau, Astra House, and Trellis, to name a few. It shows that publishing is thriving and finding ways to keep evolving. I recently read an incredible debut coming out next year from Spiegel & Grau titled Go as a River by Shelley Read, which is both a coming-of-age and a love story, set in Colorado in the 1960s about a young woman and the difficult choices she must make to survive, including giving up her newborn child. Several of our publishers acquired it including Gyldendal Norsk in Norway, Politikens in Denmark, Luitingh Sijthoff in Holland, Otava in Finland, Marginesy in Poland, Forum in Sweden, and Salamandra/PRH Spain. A few years ago, this novel would have been coming out from one of the Big Five. What are some trends to watch out for in international literature? Like in the U.S., there are important discussions going on about representation, and weve seen a lot of voices from underrepresented communities gaining traction. These stories may have strong local importance, but we are seeing that they also carry internationally and have universal relevance. What are some trends in American literature your international book business friends and contacts are most excited about? What are some theyre tired of? BookTok has taken the world by storm, and everyone wants in on the next big sensation. I like to think it has brought new readers to books. Its also the trend we may all be most tired of, because how do we keep up? So far, 2022 has seen growth across the Adult Fiction market in all territories and categories, with some surprising success stories from niche markets. Using Nielsen BookDatas BookScan data across 11 territories (UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, India, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico), we can explore the trends in detail. (All references to international sales below refer to the total combined sales across these 11 countries.) General & Literary Fiction still holds the crown for the highest selling subclass when combining all 11 countries, with the film release of Delia Owens Where the Crawdads Sing lending a huge boost to sales, especially in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, showing the impact film rights can have on book sales. But even a blockbuster cant topple the almighty influence of TikTok, with online sensation Colleen Hoover selling 3.1 million books in 2022 up until August 27 and contributing heavily to an 83% growth in the Romance and Sagas subclass internationally compared to the year to date in 2019. Though Hoovers It Ends with Us is the overall favorite title, Verity, Ugly Love, and November 9 have all seen a return to the international top 20, with Portuguese translations in Brazil also finding success. Elsewhere in Romance & Sagas, India loves Chetan Bhagat, whilst Ireland is loyal to local Marian Keyes, a preference shared with New Zealand and South Africa. Other countryspecific Romance queens include Alice Kellen in Mexico, Elisabet Benavent in Spain, and Erin Doom in Italy. Other TikTok favorites like Taylor Jenkins-Reids The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Madeline Millers The Song of Achilles have had successful translations in Brazil, Mexico, and Italy, whilst Elena Armas 2021 debut The Spanish Love Deception maintains its successful release figures aided by the video app, with 194.8k sales in 2022 so far alongside persistent favorite The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood with 243.3k. Though Romance & Sagas received a higher percentage growth than Genre Fiction rival Crime & Thriller, this subcategory still leads internationally with 263.8m sales as of August 27, dominated by localized stories in each country. Richard Osman still places first in the UK and overall, whilst Remigiusz Mroz tops Polands chart, with Carmen Mola in the top 10 in Spain, and Antonio Manzini in Italy. A surprising success story comes from Manga, which has seen a gigantic 338% growth across Nielsen BookDatas international markets compared to the year to date in 2019. This increase sees Italy taking the market share of 49% across the countries Nielsen BookData monitors, equating to volume sales of 6.0m. The UK, Spain, and Brazil also reported volume sales of more than a million for the year so far. Where is this growth coming from? Could it be that an increased interest in streaming Anime during the pandemic is lending itself to sales of the animated mediums print counterpart? With a spike in interest in the general Graphic Novel category led by the success of print publications of popular web comics like Heartstopper, viral success continues to translate into high book sales for new and existing stories across genres and formats. Historical & Mythological Fiction does not currently feature in this years international chart, despite the recent years trend in myth retellings, although Spain is enjoying Santiago Posteguillos chronicle of the early life of Julius Caesar, Roma soy yo, sitting at number two in their chart with 129.1k copies sold in 2022 as of August 27. This along with successful translations of Millers The Song of Achilles suggest there is still interest in alternative takes on popular historical figures and legends, though the slowing in growth could indicate the trend has peaked. Back in General & Literary Fiction, India prefers the classics, with 1988 novel The Alchemist topping the charts, a preference shared with South Africa, which places the Paulo Coelho classic at number three this year to date. Matt Haigs The Midnight Library remains on the international chart, with translations in Brazil and Mexico appearing in their individual top 20s. Between that and the persistent success of The Alchemist, desire for stories about mental health and perseverance are still very relevant as the world adjusts following the COVID-19 pandemic. Some fantastic success stories from across the 11 Nielsen territories show another positive year of growth for the book market, fueled increasingly by TikTok. Only three 2022 releases rank in the international top 20 currently, but with the Christmas season approaching, this years debuts have hope still. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is launching a graphic novel imprint, LB Ink, that will encompass all of its early reader, middle grade, and young adult graphic novels. Andrea Colvin, LBYRs editorial director, graphic publishing, will head up the new imprint, and the logo will start appearing on books in fall 2023. LBYRs graphic novel output has grown exponentially from three titles in 2019, the year that Colvin came on board, to the 20 per year that they expect to publish under the LB Ink imprint. The time is right to recognize this exceptional and robust program with its own name, said LBYR president and publisher Megan Tingley in a statement. Colvin agreed, telling PW that she has plenty of books in the pipeline and anticipates a strong fall 2023 season. The mix of titles will be about 60 to 75% middle grade, she said, because that is the biggest and most mature market, with the rest falling in the early-readers and YA categories. As she was building the line, Colvin was also shaping it. I think that all of the really successful imprints have their own personality, she said. First Second is not the same as Graphix. They have a different feel and tone. For LB Ink, she is focusing on stories that are authentic and relatable, with an emphasis on contemporary themes and voices, rather than fantasy or science fiction. Some are stories about middle-class children dealing with family and relationship problems, such as Tori Sharps Lets Pretend, one of her most popular acquisitions so far. Others are about extraordinary experiences, such as Numb to This, Kindra Neelys memoir of surviving a mass shooting and its aftermath, and Muhammad Najem, War Reporter, the true story of a teenager who used his phone and social media to report on the war in Syria. When she was at Lion Forge (now Oni Press), Colvin was the editor of Gender Queer, which is currently the most challenged graphic novel in the country. Despite the recent wave of challenges to books that center LGBTQ+ characters and people of color, Colvin will continue to include them in LB Ink. I love queer stories, she said. I grew up reading not-queer stories, and its exciting to have them. And there are so many different types of queer stories. Im doing stories with queer and nonbinary characters where that is not the focus of the story at all, but Im also doing middle grade stories about coming out and discovering your gender identity. Colvin doesnt plan to take LB Ink in a new direction just because its an imprint. This is just putting a name to what we have been building from the beginning, she said. And what she has been building is a line of graphic novels that engages readers in a direct way with a variety of compelling stories. Im looking for authentic voices that readers can really connect to, she said. It needs to be relatable to kids who are reading today; they need to be able to see themselves in it and it needs to be the kind of thing that they want to keep coming back to. On October 15, BookFest, an annual event dedicated to honoring children and teen literature, was held virtually in collaboration with Bank Street College of Education. The morning featured a lineup of virtual pre-recorded panels, including a speech from keynoter and 2022 Newbery and Pura Belpre winner Donna Barba Higuera. Remembering Late Illustrator Jerry Pinkney The event opened with a conversation between Andrea Davis Pinkney, Gloria Pinkney, Brian Pinkney, and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, commemorating the life of their late relative, beloved illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney. The conversation opened with an emotional recounting from granddaughter Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, who shared memories of going into Jerrys studio, her favorite aspects of his books, and their upcoming project Walk in the Woods, written by Nikki Grimes, and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and herself. Moderator Troy Ragsdale Pinkney said there are so many opportunities that [he took to] collaborate with others in his family. It is a tight circle, which is quite unique. And thats what were hoping we share here with you today. Jerry Pinkneys connection to his family was shared further by author and daughter in love Andrea Davis Pinkney. The simple kindness of being acknowledged by my name made the world a good place to live in. And thats exactly what you did. Davis Pinkney said. You made the world a good place to live in so that we could all dive into the beautiful expanse of your pages. As an author and illustrator of more than 100 books, Jerry Pinkneys personal struggle with dyslexia was an inspiration to his family and readers. Its interesting because his dyslexia is something that has sprouted on our family tree. And the children and grandchildren who have inherited that legacy of learning now have the gift of self-acceptance, Davis Pinkney said. Author and son Brian Pinkney shared, I also struggled with reading, and I think what my dad showed me was that you can always read the pictures. The session closed with words from Jerrys wife, author Gloria Pinkney, who remembered meeting Jerry for the first time when the two were in high school, describing him as always drawing, always creating. Jerry Pinkneys legacy will live on in his work with projects still in the works for readers to look forward to. His memoir Just Jerry is set to release early next year from Little, Brown and two picture books, The Tiniest Drop and Walk in the Woods, are also forthcoming. Complex Characters in Complex Times Characters, craft, and navigating nuanced subject matter in books for young readers was the focus of the next panel, hosted by Dr. Carla Espana, a professor at Brooklyn College. Espana welcomed speakers Meg Medina, Margarita Engle, and Pam Munoz Ryan for their conversation, which kicked off on the topic of joy, with the authors sharing how theyve managed to find pockets of joy in their lives during the pandemic. I will confess that Im also kind of living a fantasy life like a teenager would, imagining how life will be someday, Engle said, as if I havent grown up yet and found that freedom to travel and do things independently. So thats a very strange thing that Im experiencing, and yet it is hope when you daydream. The writers moved onto their writing process and how that can look vastly different for any writer, especially when it comes to teaching. I wish that I had first established some sort of system [where] students can have an escape hatch, when they reach a part in their project where theyre stuck or dissatisfied, Medina said regarding teaching students about the writing process vs. the reality of her own process. But thats not really how we do it. The conversation then turned to authors tackling difficult subjects and taking care of themselves when revisiting difficult scenes for extended periods. Telling the truth is really hard. And going back to the instances in your own life that inform your knowledge of that, your own experiences of that, can be brutal. Medina said. Munoz Ryan chimed in to note that researching the truth of history can also be a painful experience for a writer. The research can be a black hole you go into, she said. I think there is that goal on our part to want to present things in a truthful and honest manner so that history doesnt repeat itself. But also to present it in a way where theres some sort of resolution that gives our readers and our character hope. The panel shifted to tackle the subject of banned books. Engle believes were at a point where we need to ask ourselves, do we want to be like these repressive regimes? Do we want a law 349 [referring to Cubas restrictive artists law] that says no art that protests censorship of art? Or do we want our First Amendment that we have the right to? Delicious Reads Next on the BookFest lineup was a food-centric panel featuring picture book authors and illustrators Andrea Wang, Jason Chin, Raul the Third, June Jo Lee, and Winsome Bingham, moderated by Gillian Engberg, a childrens books and media consultant. The focus of the discussion was on picture books about culture-specific food, the intimacy of experiencing and sharing food, and the cultural ties and connection food brings across generations and cultures. To Bingham, author of Soul Food Sunday, food is both specific and universal. I can guarantee I can say to anyone anywhere in the world, what is something that when you eat it, you just feel loved, you feel comfort? Whatever that food is, thats the soul food for that culture, Bingham shared. For Wang, author of the Caldecott-winning picture book Watercress, when crafting a book that depicts food so personally connected to family, food can be a bridge. It was a spot-on statement, as the panelists began to talk about foods they cook within their own cultures, surprised to find that there were many similarities, namely cabbage. Theres this commonality that you think youre the only one doing it. And now Im like, wait, what? Yall do that too! Winsome said with a laugh over the different preparations panelists had for the same vegetable. The panelists spoke on the experience of fearing what peers would think of the cultural dishes theyd bring into school when they were younger, often citing how the fragrance of their meals often had negative connotations, a scenario the world has yet to outgrow. I think, what a tragedy, right? To be ashamed of your family because of an experience at school, said Jason Chin, illustrator of Watercress. I hope this book goes some way to making any kid who might have a similar experience not feel ashamed and helps them to be proud of who they are and their heritage and their food. Raul the Third chimed in with a positive spin on the specific scents of cultural foods, stating, If I walk into a house and its stinky with a smell of spices and food, I know Im going in for a good meal. So, heres to stinkiness! On what young readers could take away from their books, panelists shared sentiments on teaching children to always have empathy. Theres not a lot of picture books that I can think of that talk about shame, Wang said. But its something that weve all experienced, being embarrassed by our parents or ashamed of our families, for whatever reason. And I really hope that this book inspires kids to have empathy for each other. The panel closed with each panelist sharing about their upcoming projects: for Chin, a new picture book The Universe in You out in November, for Wang a picture book biography about a Chinese Civil War soldier due out in 2024. Raul the Third awaits the release of Stuntboy Volume Two next year with Jason Reynolds, Bingham is set to release a set of chapter books later this year, and Lee is currently working on the Food Heroes series. Donna Barba Higuera: What It Means to Be a Storyteller BookFest closed with a keynote address from Donna Barba Higuera. Higuera is the 2022 Newbery and Pura Belpre winner for her YA novel The Last Cuentista. Higuera discussed the history of storytelling in her family, and how stories passed down from generation to generation shaped her into the writer shes become. I didnt start out thinking that I was going to be a writer per se. Higuera said. I thought I was a storyteller; I would make things up and tell stories to anybody who would listen to them. For Higuera, storytelling was a learned behavior, one influenced heavily by growing up with her family in Central Valley California. In the predominantly rural area without much else to do around her, Higuera often found herself making up stories and expanding her imagination. The first branch of storytelling in Higueras memory begins with her paternal grandmother, who often told stories at her job at a hotel in order to make friends with older coworkers. Following her grandmothers loss of her husband, her storytelling abilities allowed her to create community in what was a desolate area at the time. For Higueras mother, storytelling was a way to access a past she no longer had access to, having moved from Oklahoma to California after the Dust Bowl era to find work in oil. Referring to a photo showing Higueras mother smiling, Higuera highlighted how this was around the time her parents met. Coming from two different cultures, the couple were considered taboo at the time. Higuera reminisced about her own childhood, growing up in a culturally diverse household, and how the stories she was told at that age inspired her to write for middle graders. The memories of that age are so vivid, and high school feels a little bit like a blur. And so often, this is the time where my imagination goes, she said. Diving into the tales told by her mother, Higuera first shared about the Oklahoma spook light, whose backstory has several variations but according to her mother was about young Native lovers whose parents wouldnt allow them to marry. The couple then ran away together and jumped off a bridge and into the river. Despite its tragic ending, for Higuera this story remained a fixture in her mind because it wasnt just a ghost tale. It was the story, the tragedy of it. But also in those tragedies, sometimes the feelings of love and yearning. El Cucuy was another standout story of Higueras childhood, passed along to her by her grandmother. The dark creature with glowing fangs and claws was lovingly used as a scare tactic by her grandmother to get Higuera to get to bed on time. The impact of her familys storytelling would later spark inspiration for her own work. While working on a writing prompt to transform a childhood nightmare into something adorable, that same childhood boogeyman became the central character of her picture book El Cucuy Is Scared Too! Illustrator Juliana Perdomo was able to connect with Higuera on their childhood fear of El Cucuy, making for a more connected working relationship and understanding of the subject matter. I just think the power of her to have the shared experience with me and then create this beautiful picture book where you take this horrifying creature and then make him into something as adorable as this little El Cucuy is really powerful, Higuera said. Illustration is a powerful tool in Higueras works, which is apparent in The Last Cuentista as well. In the novel, the protagonists grandmother is a storyteller sharing with her granddaughter the tale of a damning comet. Noting how the cadence, tone, and pacing were specific helped illustrator Raxenne Maniquiz depict the lore of the protagonists home before she must abandon it. Raxenne Maniquiz read that and just created the front of the book. I am so grateful for that illustration that really, I feel, enhances the book and the story. Higuera said. Higuera closed by stating that any form of storytelling, whether it be poetry, prose, illustration, or something else, preserves and honors the livelihoods of generations before, while artists make their own unique additions. I would encourage if youre not a writer or illustrator, maybe youre a storyteller and you can pass along stories to your children and grandchildren, or friends or family, much like my parents and grandmother did for me, Higuera said. And Im so grateful for that. The American Booksellers Association announced Wednesday that Celeste Ng is the organizations inaugural ambassador and will represent its new Indie Bookstore Ambassador Program, which will promote indie bookstores year-round. Ng will champion indies as they prepare for and celebrate Indies First on Small Business Saturday (November 26 this year) and Independent Bookstore Day (April 29, 2023). Ngs 2022-2023 term coincides with the 10th anniversary of the ABAs Indies First program as well as Independent Bookstore Day. Ng, who served as Independent Bookstore Day Ambassador in 2018, is the author of three novels beloved by indie booksellers: Everything I Never Told You, Little Fires Everywhere, and Our Missing Hearts, which currently is in the #1 position on the ABAs Indie Bestseller List. In a video released by the ABA promoting the 10th anniversary of Indies First, Ng declares, I love independent bookstores because to me they are centers of community. They are places where I get to meet new people and encounter new ideas in the pages. I always walk out with some idea or some fresh perspective that I hadnt found before. Indies First was created in 2013; other authors and celebrities who have served as ambassadors promoting the campaign include Roxane Gay, Jason Reynolds, Dan Rather, Kate DiCamillo, Neil Gaiman with Amanda Palmer, Cheryl Strayed, and Lena Dunham. Even President Barack Obama promoted Indies First by making an unannounced stop at an indie in the Washington, D.C. metro each year during his second term in office. Independent Bookstore Day, the brainchild in 2013 of Pete Mulvihill, the owner of Green Apple Books in San Francisco, launched first as California Independent Bookstore Day on May 3, 2014, before expanding nationwide the following spring and re-named Independent Bookstore Day. Last April, stores throughout the U.S. and even Canada celebrated the day with special programming, authors, and lots of swag giveaways. July was a bad month for publishing, with book sales falling 14.9% from a year ago for the 1,368 publishers who report financial results to AAPs StatShot program. Every category had a sales decline in the month, with the professional books segment seeing the largest drop at 24.3%. Sales of adult books fell 11.4%, while sales in the childrens/YA category dropped 13.5%. Religion book sales had the smallest decline at 6.4%. Sales of higher education course materials and in the university press category fell 19.8% and 22.3%, respectively. The K-12 instructional materials sales report has been delayed. The July decline in the adult segment was largely due to a 31.7% plunge in sales of hardcovers, which offset a 1.3% increase in trade paperback sales. Sales of mass market paperbacks, which accounted for only about 3% of adult sales in July, tumbled 42.7%. On the digital side, downloadable audio sales managed to rise 10.2% in the month, but e-book sales fell 6.6%. Hardcover sales also took a big hit in the childrens/YA segment, falling 24.5% in the month. Paperback sales, the largest format, declined 12.3%. For the first seven months of 2022, adult sales were down 4.1% from the comparable period in 2021. Higher sales of trade paperbacks and downloadable audio were offset by declines in the other formats. Sales of childrens/YA books were up 1.3%. For all publishers that report to the AAP, sales declined 4.1% through July. On August 25, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced a landmark new public access policy set to be in place by the end of 2025. Questions remain as to how the policy directive will translate in practice, particularly with regard to licensing and funding arrangements. But there can be little doubt it will accelerate the transition to open access business models among scientific and scholarly publishers. We dont know enough about the funding situation to make plans in earnest, so well have to wait and see how the bigger federal agencies put the memos requirements into practice, observes Sybille Geisenheyer, Director of Open Access Strategy and Licensing at the American Chemical Society (ACS). Nevertheless, Geisenheyer sees the OSTP policy announcement as a positive step. I honestly welcome it, because it means we have a clear understanding of the direction of travel. With the OSTP making clear that it expects to see business model innovation from publishers, so-called transformative agreements are likely to play a key role. And while these agreements come in a range of flavors, including so called read-and-publish and publish-and-read and other models, the common goal is to transition the payments made by libraries away from subscription access toward open access publication. According to the ESAC Registry of Transformative Agreements, 2022 will see more than 200,000 articles made immediately open access under such transformative agreements. That up from less than 20,000 in 2018. While the OSTP memo suggests there will be growth in the uptake of transformative agreements in the United States, their adoption in Europe looks set for a slowdown. Part of that is because a number of countries, including the U.K. and the Netherlands, for example, are already seeing more than 80% of their research output covered by transformative agreements. But also because, cOAlition S, the organization driving Europe's march to open access, is scheduled to end its initial support for transformative agreements and their stablemates, transformative journals by 2025. The timing is really interesting because cOAlition S support for transformative agreements will expire just as the OSTP memo comes into effect, Geisenheyer notes. This means we might see a shift away from transformative agreements in Europe, even as they start popping up in the U.S. Importantly, even if transformative agreements in the United States increase as a result of the OSTP memo there is no guarantee of federal funding to support the transition to open access. Factor in the reticence of other big research-producing nations like China, India and Brazil to support open access business models and a large-scale flip of subscription journals to open access by 2025 looks unlikely. It is a prospect cOAlition S Executive Director Johan Rooryck accepts with equanimity. If publishers really want to stick to the subscription model, that's fine. All they need to do is to allow the authors accepted manuscript to be shared in a repository with no embargo, he says. But one way or another, we are heading for a scenario where all papers from the major funders have to be in a repository on publication. Transformation Is Coming Working through the permutations of these different policies and the agreements needed to comply with them is likely to keep publishers strategy and data analytics teams busy over the coming years. The feedback weve had from publishers is that modeling deals with consortia and institutions is complex and resource-intensive for publishers, and this makes it difficult for them to scale, observes Jamie Carmichael, Senior Director, Information and Content Solutions at the Copyright Clearance Center, which manages open access institutional agreements and collects publication charges for more than 30 publishers. It also requires a high degree of metadata integrity. "It's never been our intention to put commercial publishers out of business, Rooryck says. But it is our intention to say, If you want us to pay, academic publishing has to change. Indeed, there is a growing expectation that publishers will provide high quality data to consortia and institutions. In the U.K., for example, Jisc asks publishers to supply article level metadata to inform any consultation on new agreements. We need to ensure that all the agreements weve struck perform as expected and allow as many institutions as possible to participate, explains Anna Vernon, Head of Portfolio, & Content at Jisc Collections, who leads on the negotiation and licensing of digital content agreements on behalf of U.K. universities. As transformational agreements continue to grow, so too will reporting and modelling obligations. Publishers and societies of all sizes need to consider automating their data enrichment and modeling processes to spend less time aggregating, normalizing, and analyzing data and more time innovating open access models, Carmichael points out. And with a potential surge in demand for transformative agreements from US library consortia on the horizonand with uncertainty over whether this will be supported by increased federal fundingthe publishing community will need to move rapidly to resolve its data challenges if they are to support effective decision-making by internal and external stakeholders alike. Beyond the obvious operational challenges, however, other questions also loom large. Europe is already turning to what comes after transformative agreements, and bracing for unintended consequences. These agreements are not the end point, Vernon notes. Their aim should be to transition to models that support open research, with fees that represent the publishing services delivered and the value that publishers, institutions, and researchers bring to scholarly publishing. Rooryck agrees. With the goal of enabling cOAlition S-funded authors to publish open access now within reach, the organization is putting its weight behind calls for greater transparency and equity in publishing. Rooryck expects the U.S. will follow a similar trajectory over the next few years. Equity will be a central element of the American policy, and this is also going to impinge on the nature and conditions that will be imposed on transformative agreements in the U.S., he says. So my message to publishers is to get used to price transparency, because it's a necessary condition of equity. At this point in 2022, it would be easy to assume that the dominant business models in publishing todaywhether subscriptions, article publication charges, or transformative agreementwill persist into the future. Yet how many of us would have predicted a zero-embargo mandate from the US government a decade, or even a few months, ago? Rooryck points to research assessment mechanism reforms in Europe and the marshaling of public funds to support not-for-profit publishing platforms as evidence that funders and institutions are serious about changing scientific and scholarly publishing. It would be unwise, he suggests, to rule out further seismic changes in the decade to come. We are going to see different business models emerging, more discussion around who's paying for what, and more multiplayer agreements involving both institutions and funders, ACSs Geisenheyer says. There will be new types of agreement in the U.S., and I dont expect them to take the same shape as those in Europe. And delivering these new business models and agreements, she suggests, will require continued experimentation, and robust data analytics and modeling. It's never been our intention to put commercial publishers out of business, Rooryck says. But it is our intention to say, If you want us to pay, academic publishing has to change. Rob Johnson is Founder and Director of Research Consulting, a mission-driven business working to improve the effectiveness and impact of research and scholarly communication. In a year of COVID, climate change and conflict in Ukraine the recent celebrity court battles of Vardy v. Rooney and Depp v. Heard in the U.K. and U.S. have appeared to provide light relief in the news feeds of many. The livestreaming of the latter case was reportedly watched for more than 80 million hours and a docudrama of the Wagatha Christie trial is apparently soon to be commissioned. While there was always a risk of a writ with a hitit now appears there may well be a hit where theres a writ. Yet there are serious elements to these casesand not just for the protagonists. Theyre good illustrations of the ways in which such claims are still handled differently on each side of the Atlanticincluding in respect of legal costs. They also demonstrate that the impact and repercussions of a high-profile court case go beyond their outcome and whether they result in a successful or unsuccessful rebuttal is not necessarily the most significant factorsomething potential litigants should be aware of. But it should not be forgotten that other high profile defamation disputes have recently touched on weightier topics. Last November saw settlement of the claim by former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich against journalist Catherine Belton and publisher HarperCollins over Putins People. This year journalist Carole Cadwalladr was sued by Aaron Banks, high-profile donor to the pro-Brexit Leave.EU campaign, over comments linking it to Russia (subsequently accepted as untrue). The cases once again triggered U.K. media discussion of strategic lawsuits against public participation or, more memorably, SLAPPs (although Banks claim failed in the Cadwalladr case, the judge refused to characterise it as a SLAPP). Despite common usage of the term, SLAPPs, rather like elephants and obscenity, are easier to identify than to describeat least in legal terms. More generally, theyre seen as aggressive litigation brought by the powerful against public-interest content. The U.K. Ministry of Justice entered the debate in March with an urgent call for evidence in response to the challenges of such litigation. By July, the Government had issued a 65-page response as part of what the then deputy prime minister Dominic Raab called an opening salvo in moving decisively to stamp out SLAPPs so as to prevent claimants exploiting our laws and jurisdiction to muzzle free speech and prevent journalists and campaigners from shining a light on corruption. Which sounded positive for publishers. In beginning to develop new law, however, the U.K. Government is now grappling with a tricky question. Namely, how do you know if youve been SLAPPed? So far, it has identified three criteria for such a claim: (a) an abuse of processan apparent hallmark being a high volume of aggressive letters on trivial matters; (b) a public interest subject an example being financial misconduct; and (c) little evidence of merit i.e. claims with little prospect of success. Which is a start, but obviously not a fully working definition that would cover the range of claims that publishers might want protection from. Nor, in the interest of balance, which would satisfy those on the other side of the debate seeking to protect reputations. The Government has said it will publish further guidance as part of the development process of this new law, but so far ruling out changes to the rules on the public interest defence, libel tourism, and legal maliceeven if kept under careful review. The proposed changes would still be wide reaching and go beyond defamation, encompassing claims often seen as an alternative, such as in privacy and data protection law. The U.S., Canada, and Australia already have their own similar legislation, but the Government has suggested these would not be used as specific models for the U.K. So, the devils and the details within the U.K. approach have yet to emerge (alongside other areas of sensitive media policy like online harms). In her brief spell as U.K. foreign secretary Liz Truss was said to be keen to crack down on SLAPPs. As prime minister she now has a chance to prove how hard. We spoke to two agents from the U.K. in the run-up to the fair; Madeleine Milburn of Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film (above, left) and Jodie Hodges of United Agents told us about their hopes for Frankfurt 2022. How important are the fair and others such as Bologna to you and your clients? Did you miss them during the Covid lockdown? MM: It is absolutely exhilarating to have everyone together in the office again, championing each other and our brilliant roster of clients. Ideas are sparking, every agent is doing unprecedented deals, and our rights team are on fire globally. We are all so excited for Frankfurt, for faceto- face meetings and dinners, where we can develop our relationships even further and feel the all-important buzz of the big debuts that make publishing tick! Lockdown felt like we were caught in some strange time warp; deals were being made, books being published, but without being able to see colleagues, publishers or authors, nothing felt real. JH: I wont be there, but the UA rights team will be out in full force and its obviously also a significant moment for all the publishers teams selling co-editions in the illustrated books I represent. Ive been seeing a really pleasing uptick in rights sales since we went back in-person at Bologna and LBF; it seems obvious, but it makes a huge difference to be able to show international publishers the beauty of illustrated books in real life. Co-editions and translation sales can be hugely important to childrens creators incomes as the advances are often relatively modest to start with, so were all hoping the challenges of production being experienced at the moment dont negatively affect this. Color books are having a very trying time with shipping disruption and knock-on costs; creators are of course feeling that, with shortened schedules and unforeseen problems and delays. What are your hopes for the fair? MM: I want our agents to be reunited with editors that we have long-standing relationships with, to strengthen our ties internationally, and of course to meet new publishers. Interaction in person is even more important in a post-Brexit landscape which, together with Covid, sent a shockwave through international rights departments. Even though we feel closer to editors now, through the delights of Zoom, meetings in person will always be more rewarding and memorable, with more business generated. JH: This autumn Im excited to see Rob Biddulphs second Peanut Jones novel publishedRob has upped the ante in terms of illustrations in this middle-grade book. Macmillan has sold rights in 15 territories already, so Im sure will be hunting for more at Frankfurt. David Fickling Books will showcase Jamie Smarts new comic series, Max and Chaffy, for readers younger than those of his bestselling Bunny vs Monkey series, and OUP has Emerald, the second spin-off series in the four million copy-selling Isadora Moon world. The industry seems to have weathered the Covid crisis. But now were facing an economic crisis. How do you think well cope this time? MM: I think publishers will become even more risk averse as readers buy fewer books. Trends will be led by TikTok, and bigger investments made in high profile authors and books with strong propositions that are guaranteed to sell. Its a worrying climate, but I feel the MM Agency has all areas of the market covered, and what I find reassuring is that we specialize in those books that have a wide demographic reach, in that literary commercial sweet spot with multi-generational appeal. Weve also made a huge effort to diversify our lists so we can reach even more readers. Theres a lot of development on the film & TV side, too, with multiple projects now in production set to hit the screen next year. Ten years in, and it feels like were on the brink of something very, very exciting. JH: Obviously, the economic crisis is concerning, but historically childrens books have fared pretty well. Covid has ignited in lots of parents a stronger awareness of and interest in their childrens reading lets hope that continues. Theres some truly exceptional publishing happening, though discoverability remains a huge hurdle, especially if consumers are tightening their belts and not browsing in bookshops. Supermarkets would do a lot to address this if they widened their ranges. What is most difficult is knowing that households that will be hit hardest simply wont be able to afford books, meaning progress in reaching new readers will suffer. It makes our libraries all the more vital. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Gebisa Ejeta, known worldwide for agricultural innovation and expertise in food economy, policy and security, has been named the Purdue University Presidential Fellow for Food Security and Sustainable Global Development. Purdue University President Mitch Daniels announced the appointment today (Oct. 20). Ejeta, a World Food Prize laureate and distinguished professor of agronomy, is also executive director of the Purdue Center for Global Food Security. He has served at the highest advisory levels of science and national policy, including as special advisor to the administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development, as science envoy of the U.S. State Department, and as a member of the National Academy of Sciences Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources. He also has been a member of the U.S. Board for International Food and Agricultural Development and the U.N. Secretarys Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Ejetas scholarly excellence and his immense impact in advancing agricultural science and sound policy for food security are internationally recognized, Daniels said. We hope this designation here at Purdue casts another bright light on his accomplishments and demonstrates the universitys commitment to his continuing work to improve global food security and its related causes. Jay Akridge, Purdue provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, and Theresa Mayer, executive vice president for research and partnerships, said Ejetas leadership in this role will significantly advance the universitys work to support sustainable global development with a focus on food and nutrition security. In this role, Ejeta will shape the universitys efforts in these areas and work to promote Purdues global food security agenda with federal agencies, foundations and private entities to enhance competitiveness. Through his strategic leadership, Gebisa has directed the talent and resources from across the universitys wide expertise to develop lasting approaches on food insecurity, Mayer said. His successes have resulted not only in a growing global community but also in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow who will tackle our worlds evolving challenges. Ejeta will continue to help shape, and advocate for, food-security strategies through ongoing engagements with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among other agencies. After 10 years as a member of the U.S. governments Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, he continues to consult with its members. His ongoing involvement is likely to continue to have great impact due to the recent White House announcement of $8 billion in new initiatives in hunger, nutrition and health. The new plans include investments of $2.5 billion in startup companies that provide solutions to hunger and food insecurity. In 2009 Ejeta was awarded the World Food Prize for his research in creating sorghum hybrids that are resistant to both severe drought and the destructive parasitic Striga weed. The resulting dramatic increase in sorghum production has helped to feed hundreds of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Ejeta experienced poverty and hardship as a child living in a one-room thatched hut in west-central Ethiopia. His mother, who was determined that he get an education, saw to it that he attended school in a nearby town. Ejeta would walk 12.5 miles to school on Sunday nights and walk home after school on Fridays. His academic excellence earned him financial assistance for second-level school, where he graduated with distinction. He later received his bachelors degree in plant science from Alemaya College in eastern Ethiopia. His college mentor introduced him to Purdue professor and sorghum researcher John Axtell, who invited Ejeta to assist in his sorghum work. Ejeta would then earn his masters and PhD in 1976 and 1978, respectively, and join the Purdue faculty. In 2011 Purdue launched the Center for Global Food Security with Ejeta at the helm to lead initiatives that respond directly to urgent global challenges, primarily meeting todays global food needs and ensuring that strategies are in place to ward off future food insecurity as the world population grows and the climate changes. For Ejeta, the Purdue University Presidential Fellowship represents both the universitys commitment to continue to advance an agenda of purpose-driven science and to him as a person and a professional. In this 21st century with all the advancements in knowledge and science we have achieved and in all the abundance of both natural and physical resources we have around the world, we still have hunger and poverty around the world, and the huge gap that exists between haves and have-nots is a sad commentary on humanity at large, Ejeta said. This commitment is to continue that struggle and fight both within our country here as well as internationally toward eradication of hunger and minimizing poverty. Ejeta will continue to lead the Center for Global Food Security, which was formerly aligned within Discovery Park District at Purdue and will now be situated within the College of Agriculture. As the Purdue College of Agriculture, we care deeply about global food insecurity and its impact on people and the environment, said Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of the College of Agriculture. With Dr. Ejeta as the executive director of the center, we continue to be well positioned to bring together faculty and staff across the university to tackle this critical problem. The center will continue to take a comprehensive, holistic, transdisciplinary approach to its educational and research programs and to its mission to develop strategies and tools needed to address the causes and consequences of food insecurity worldwide. It will continue to mobilize its faculty and partners on critical questions arising from interactions of agricultural production and food systems with climate change, energy demand and supply, policy responses and population growth. About Purdue University Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last five years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://stories.purdue.edu. Writer: Amy Raley, araley@purdue.edu Source: Gebisa Ejeta, gejeta@purdue.edu Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. By subscribing to rdrnews.com you agree to recurring payments and your credit card will be billed at the subscription intervals selected, cancel anytime. Dame Judy Dench is the latest prominent Briton to criticize the Netflix series The Crown for its depiction of the British royal family, calling for a disclaimer to be shown at the beginning of each episode clarifying the fictional nature of the program. ADVERTISEMENT The series, which for five seasons has depicted the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II from 1947 onward, has received a barrage of criticism for alleged sensationalism and fictionalized depictions of interactions between public figures and the royal family. In a letter, Dench accused the show of playing fast and loose with historical facts, saying Netflix "seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism." Dench, who is close friends with King Charles III, said, "the time has come for Netflix to reconsider -- for the sake of a family and a nation so recently bereaved, as a mark of respect to a sovereign who served her people so dutifully for 70 years, and to preserve its reputation in the eyes of its British subscribers." Former British Prime Minister John Major also criticized The Crown for portraying a conversation between himself and Prince Charles during which Major is shown advocating for Elizabeth II to abdicate the throne. Major dismissed the portrayal, telling the Mail on Sunday that it was "a barrel-load of malicious nonsense," adding "not one of the scenes you depict are accurate in any way whatsoever. They are fiction, pure and simple." The show has inflamed further controversy as it follows the timeline of the royal family through the tumultuous 1990s, during which then- Prince Charles ' affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, now queen consort, was revealed in the press. The subsequent separation and divorce between Charles and his then-wife Princess Diana was a tabloid sensation, in Britain and globally, drawing the royals into an unwanted media firestorm that culminated with the 1996 car crash that killed Diana and her then-partner Dodi Al Fayed. Netflix has dismissed the criticism, claiming The Crown is "presented as a drama based on historical events." In a statement released to the British tabloid The Sun, Netflix clarified that they would not be depicting the 1996 car crash that killed Diana and Al Fayed on screen when Season 6 arrives, "the exact moment of the crash impact will not be shown." A Netflix spokesperson previously commented on the show's depiction of the royals during the 1990s, saying, "Series 5 is a fictional dramatization, imagining what could have happened behind closed doors during a significant decade for the royal family -- one that has already been scrutinized and well-documented by journalists, biographers and historians." FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! In an interview last year, Prince Harry told James Corden : "They don't pretend to be news. It's fictional. But it's loosely based on the truth. Of course, it's not strictly accurate, of course not, but loosely it gives you a rough idea about what the lifestyle, the pressures of putting duty and service above family and everything else, what can come from that." Aquaman co-stars Temuera Morrison and Jason Momoa are reuniting for a new Apple TV+ series called Chief of War. ADVERTISEMENT The Book of Boba Fett actor, Morrison, will play Maui's King Kahekili in the eight-part drama about the unification and colonization of Hawaii, told from an Indigenous perspective. Momoa wrote and is executive producing the project. He will also star in the series, although details regarding his character have not been publicly discussed yet. No other casting has been announced yet. Momoa is also known for his roles in Game of Thrones, Justice League and See. Whether it is a letter to a friend, a journal entry or an idea for a novel, the love of written expression lives among generations and is valued even in the height of the digital age. To some UGA students and Athens locals, the written word is a beloved aspect of their lives and memories. On Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, a large group of people gathered on the Arch Bridge in Williamsville for a ceremony marking the official opening of the new bridge over the Rock River. Photographer / Multimedia Editor Has been working as a photojournalist since 2007, before moving into newspapers, he worked with an NGO called Project HOPE. He then went to work for the Press and Sun-Bulletin in New York, and then in New England working for the Brattleboro Reformer. Critics say the Hun Sen regime used the courts as political tools against the opposition party co-founders. Cambodian opponent in exile and leader of the now dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sam Rainsy [left] is seen in this file photo. Kem Sokha [right], former leader of the CNRP, greets people as he leaves the Phnom Penh Municipal Court after attending his treason trial in Phnom Penh on Oct. 19, 2022. UPDATED at 7:31 p.m. EDT on 10-19-2022 A court in Cambodia sentenced exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy to life in prison on the same day that it concluded two years of proceedings in the trial of his apparently estranged former ally Kem Sokha. The two opposition politicians in 2012 co-founded the Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, which had been the countrys main opposition to Prime Minister Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, or CPP, before it was legally dissolved in 2017. Sam Rainsy has lived in self-exile in France since 2015. Kem Sokha, who was arrested in 2017, has been on a trial that started in January 2020 in what critics say is the governments attempt to keep him out of politics. Their time apart has apparently taken their toll on their relationship. Kem Sokha in June declared during a session of his trial that his alliance with Sam Rainsy was over, although Sam Rainsy was quick to dismiss the comments as the result of legal pressure. Wednesdays life sentence against Sam Rainsy, handed down in absentia, was a result of his conviction in August, also in absentia, for trying to cede four Cambodian provinces to a foreign state. In addition to adding life to the 47 years he has already racked up in prior convictions, the court also removed all his political rights. Sam Rainsy's defense lawyer, Yong Phanith, said the latest verdict was based on insufficient evidence. The conviction and sentence are in connection with Sam Rainsys meeting in the United States in 2013 with the Montagnard Foundation, an organization that works to protect the rights of indigineous minorities in Vietnam, the Bangkok Post reported. Sam Rainsy promised to defend the rights of Cambodian indiginous people during the meeting. Speaking from France on Wednesday, Sam Rainsy told RFA that the sentence is an example of Hun Sens regime attempting to exact revenge on him for his acquittal earlier this month from defamation trials that Hun Sen and another Cambodian official filed in France. Both sides claimed victory in the defamation trials, with Hun Sen saying that they absolved him of crimes that Sam Rainsy alleged he committed. Sam Rainsy dismissed the charges and sentence as bogus. I have not ceded territory to any country. I only recognized the rights of the indigenous people we call Khmer Leu in the Northeast of Cambodia, he said of his 2013 meeting. I just took the 2007 U.N. statement on the rights of indigenous people, and I said that in the future, when the country is a true democracy, we will respect the rights of indigenous people, Sam Rainsy said. RFA was unable to contact the presiding judge of the case, Sin Sovannaroth, for comment. The sentence is politically motivated, social development monitor Seng Sary told RFA. Hun Sen has been doing all this because he wants to kick Sam Rainsy out of politics, He said. That court case in France was like pouring gasoline on a fire. The conviction and sentence were to be expected from the Cambodian legal system, veteran political analyst Lao Mong Hay told RFA. Authorities use the courts as tools for their political purposes. End in sight Kem Sokha on Wednesday asked the court during the 63rd session of his treason trial to issue a verdict and put an end to his suffering. He was previously under house arrest, but was released from that prior to this trial starting. He was arrested in 2017 after the CNRP performed well in local commune elections, and charged with treason. Cambodias Supreme Court dissolved and outlawed the party, which paved the way for the CPP to snag every seat in the countrys National Assembly in the 2018 general election. The ban on the CNRP kicked off a five-year crackdown on political opposition, with many of those affiliated with the party arrested and detained on charges like conspiracy, incitement, and treason. While the court finally decided to end questioning, it asked that any final submissions be made by Dec. 21. Defense lawyer Chan Chen welcomed the end of the proceedings but expressed regret that the 2-year-long would drag on another two months and five years since his clients arrest. Now that the trial has a definite ending date, national reconciliation is necessary, Yi Soksan, a senior official of the local Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (Adhoc) told RFA. "Both sides should find a common ground to negotiate an end to this political matter," he said. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report listed Sin Sovannaroth as the president of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. He is is the presiding judge in the case. Zheng Xiyuan tells Sky News that 'any diplomat' would have done the same in his shoes. Chinas Consul General Zheng Xiyan for Manchester, England, [left, wearing hat] pulls the hair of Hong Kong pro-democracy protester Bob Chan during a scuffle at the consulate gates, Oct. 16, 2022. China's Consul General in the northern British city of Manchester admitted on Thursday to assaulting a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester inside the grounds of the diplomatic mission as a peaceful protest gave way to attacks at the weekend. Consul General Zheng Xiyuan told Sky News that he was the grey-haired man in a hat seen on social media footage pulling the hair of protester Bob Chan. "I think it's an emergency situation. That guy threatened my colleague's life ... that day we tried to control the situation," Zheng told the network, claiming that he "didn't attack anyone." Asked again if he pulled Chan's hair, Zheng responded: "Yes ... because he abused my country, my leader. I think it's my duty," he said. "Yes, I think any diplomat [would] if faced with such ... behavior." Footage of the melee showed several men including Zheng gathered around a single protester on the ground, beating and kicking him. Police eventually step inside the gates to drag Chan away. Sky News also aired footage of a man who appeared to be consular staff being kicked on the ground by unidentified men at the protest on Sunday, which was timed to coincide with the opening of the Chinese Communist Party's 20th party congress in Beijing. Chan, who fled Hong Kong amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent and political activism under a draconian national security law, told a news conference in London on Wednesday: "I am shocked and hurt by this unprovoked attack because I never thought something like this would happen in the U.K." Both Chan and the Greater Manchester Police denied claims from Chinese staff that Chan entered the consulate grounds under his own steam. The investigation was launched after "a small group of men came out of the building and a man was dragged into the consulate grounds and assaulted," the police said in a statement at the time. A British foreign office minister told parliament on Thursday that it would expect Beijing to waive diplomatic immunity if police find enough evidence to bring criminal charges against any of its consular staff including Zheng. The British government has described the attack on Chan as "unacceptable," and summoned China's Charge d'Affaires in London to explain what had happened. The Chinese ambassador is currently out of the U.K. "I've instructed our ambassador to deliver a clear message directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing about the depth of concern with apparent actions by Consulate General staff," junior foreign office minister Jesse Norman told the House of Commons on Thursday. "Let me be clear that if the police determine there are grounds to charge any officials, we would expect the Chinese Consulate to waive immunity for those officials. If they do not, then diplomatic consequences will follow." His comments were backed up by a tweet from foreign secretary James Cleverly. "If police determine there are grounds to charge any officials, we expect the Chinese ambassador to waive immunity for all those involved in the appalling incident at the Chinese consulate-general in Manchester," he wrote. Ruling Conservative Party lawmaker Alicia Kearns, who chairs the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, called for Zheng's immediate expulsion. "We now have an admission of guilt by the Chinese Consul General - he must be expelled immediately," Kearns said via her Twitter account. Lord Alton of Liverpool, who is a patron of the London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch, accused several Chinese diplomats including Zheng of taking part in the attacks, naming Zheng, deputy consul general Fan Yingjie, consul Gao Lianjia and counselor Chen Wei. Chan's media appearance came after Chinese consul general Zheng Xiyuan revealed to British newspapers The Guardian and the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday the contents of a letter he wrote to the Greater Manchester Police. The Guardian quoted Zheng's letter as saying the protesters had displayed slogans that were deliberately designed to provoke, harass, alarm and distress our consular staff. He said the activists were asked politely to remove the imagery but refused to do so. The banners included a picture of Chinese President Xi Jinping with a noose around his neck, along with slogans in Chinese saying Wipe out the CCP and [expletive] your mother," Zheng wrote. However, Hong Kongers in the U.K. told RFA the second banner meant "celebrate my ass," in a satirical reference to the 20th party congress. Neither the English-language nor the Chinese-language websites of the foreign ministry mentioned the incident on Thursday, although spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday that representations had been made over the Manchester incident, describing the protesters' actions as "lawless harassment." Several organizations representing Hong Kongers in the UK -- including Hong Kong Liberty, HKAID and Hong Kongers in Britain, have said they plan to protest on Oct. 23, in support of the protesters who were attacked, and to call for a more definite response from the British government. "We are immensely shocked and deeply saddened by the abhorrent violent assault of protesters at the Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester on Oct. 16, 2022," Hong Kongers in Britain said on its Facebook page, announcing a rally in Birmingham. "We will not be intimidated into silence or be beaten into submission, the HongKongers has had to flee once, we shall not allow white terror to spread in our adopted country," the group said. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Comment comes after Blinken says Beijing is pursuing reunification on 'much faster timeline.' Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday, shown in this file photo, said, When we talk about the 2027 window, in my mind, that has to be a 2022 window or potentially a 2023 window; I cant rule it out. Beijing could invade Taiwan as early as this year or next, the chief of U.S. naval operations said at a forum in Washington on Wednesday. The comments came days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Beijing was pursuing reunification with the island on a much faster timeline. Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of naval operations, told an Atlantic Council event that his assessment was based not just on speeches by Chinese President Xi Jinping but how the Chinese behave and what they do. What weve seen over the past 20 years is that they have delivered on every promise theyve made earlier than they said they were going to deliver on it, Gilday said. When we talk about the 2027 window, in my mind, that has to be a 2022 window or potentially a 2023 window; I cant rule it out. Last year, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief, Adm. Phil Davidson, told Congress that China was pursuing the military ability to invade Taiwan by 2027. I dont mean at all to be alarmist by saying that, Gilday said of his more imminent timeline, its just that we cant wish that away. Gilday is not the only American official to warn of a more immediate invasion of the democratically governed island than previously expected. Blinken on Monday said he believed there had been a change in approach by Beijing, which he said was no longer prepared to accept Taiwans self-government. Instead of sticking with the status quo that was established in a positive way, a fundamental decision [was made] that the status quo was no longer acceptable and that Beijing was determined to pursue reunification on a much faster timeline, Blinken said. For their part, Chinese officials have done little to quell concerns of an invasion of Taiwan, even as they have provided little indication of a possible timeline. On Saturday, Xi used a speech at the 20th Communist Party National Congress to vow Beijing would never promise to renounce the use of force to reunify with Taiwan, threatening to use all measures necessary to achieve it, but gave no projected timeframe. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un attends the 75th Founding Anniversaries of Mangyongdae and Kang Pan Sok Revolutionary Schools Marked with Grand Ceremony, in in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this undated photo released on Oct. 12, 2022 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korean police are working to enhance security nationwide to ensure the safety of leader Kim Jong Un amid increased tensions on the Korean peninsula, sources in the country told Radio Free Asia. In the past two months, North Korea returned to its brinkmanship strategy of repeated provocations by introducing a law that allows for preemptive nuclear strikes, test launching a series of missiles, including one that flew over Japan, and Pyongyang is widely believed to be preparing for another nuclear test, which would be its first since 2017. Though state media waxes poetic about the necessity of such actions to deal with threats from abroad, orders from the top say that local authorities need to get their houses in order and eliminate all potential threats to the leadership from within, a judicial source in the northeastern province of North Hamgyong told RFAs Korean Service on Oct. 17 on condition of anonymity for security reasons. On October 12, the Ministry of Social Security sent down a project agenda for protecting the safety of the Chief of the Revolution, he said, using an honorific to describe Kim Jong Un. This is in response to the recent increase in political tensions upsetting social stability. Police were ordered to find and eliminate factors that could be maneuvered by impure hostiles among the residents in their jurisdiction within this month, said the source. Impure hostiles are people who waver in their loyalty, who might influence others to do the same. The Ministry of Social Security ordered that the police and social safety agencies create a tight surveillance network to identify problematic people and keep tabs on them, the source said. They ordered that the police must remove all subjects who have illegally entered their jurisdiction and return them to their place of origin as soon as possible and prevent problematic subjects in their jurisdiction from leaving to other areas, he said. In North Korea, people cannot freely move about the country and settle where they please without permission. Once they are in a new area they must also register with the local authorities. Living outside of the area one is registered is technically illegal. Search and patrol checks for problematic subjects should be conducted at least once each day in cooperation with security forces, special agencies, and the Worker-Peasant Red Guards, he said. The Worker-Peasant Red Guards are a paramilitary militia, and the largest civil defense force in the country. In addition to keeping tabs on people, police must check the performance of their personnel and review the status of their security-related equipment, a judicial source in the northwestern province of North Pyongan told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely. From Nov. 1, encrypted terms and documents must be used in the process of implementing and directing escort projects, he said, referring to times important leaders require a security detail when visiting or moving through an area. [Police] must also make trips to the railways and roads by the end of this month to assess risk factors and reflect on security plans for escort projects. Authorities instructed the ministries to build an operation plan and mobilize personnel at a random time for a No. 1 escort operation drill before the 20th, he said. No. 1 events are those that involve Kim Jong Un. While implementing the orders, police are also supposed to take extra precaution to prevent the spread of rumors. They must thoroughly control and report on the trends and public sentiments of the residents under the pretext of recent political tensions, he said. But these days, the officials are complaining of fatigue as they work late into the night to deal with the huge pile of orders coming from the top, the second source said. Some of the officials complain that the central partys orders ignore the reality of provincial areas and they keep sending more and more. Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Written in English by Eugene Whong. The killings in Hlaing township come a month after an anti-junta group killed two ex-officers in the same area. The bodies of two of the victims on Baho Road in Hlaing township. Military council Army officer Cpt. Myint Swe has been shot dead along with his wife and another army serviceman in Myanmar's commercial capital Yangon. Myint Swe, his wife Yadanar Oo and a colleague Aung Ko Min were killed as they returned to the captains family home in Hlaing township on Thursday at around 9:30 a.m. according to local residents. All three died on the spot, a source who did not want to be named for safety reasons told RFA. [Mying Swe] was going back to his parents house. They were shot near the Thiri Myaing bus stop. I heard the sounds of gunshots in the neighborhood and I learned that the victims were a captain, his wife and a comrade, said the source, adding that Baho Road, where the three were killed, had been closed by junta soldiers who searched the area. The road has since been reopened. No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting, the second time in a month army officers were targeted in the township. On Sept. 24, retired Brig. Gen. l Ohn Twin and his son-in-law, former Cpt. Ye Tayza were shot dead by an anti-junta group called Inya Urban Force. A parcel-reception location at the entrance of Insein Prison was damaged by an explosion in Yangon, Myanmar, Oct. 19, 2022. An anti-junta group claimed responsibility for bomb blasts at a colonial-era prison in Myanmars commercial hub Yangon on Wednesday morning that killed eight people and injured 18 others. The Special Task Agency of Burma, an urban rebel group fighting the military dictatorship, announced that it had carried out the attack in which two bombs in parcel packages exploded at Yangons notorious Insein Prison. The blasts occurred near an area for receiving packages delivered by the family members of political detainees and were followed by gunfire by junta soldiers. The explosions killed three prison employees and five visitors, the ruling military juntas State Administration Council said. Among the 18 injured were five prison staffers and 13 civilians, including two children aged 9 and 17. The blasts were the latest attack by groups seeking to remove the junta from power following a February 2021 coup in which the military seized control of the democratically elected government. Security forces have fired on and used excessive force to disperse and harm protesters in their widespread assault on civilians who oppose the regime. Local Peoples Defense Force, or PDF, militias have teamed up with ethnic armies to fight the junta forces. To date, more than 2,370 civilians have been killed and 15,901 arrested since the coup took place, according to figures from the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners, a human rights group founded by Burmese former political prisoners living in exile in Thailand. Myanmars shadow National Unity Government, the Yangon-based anti-junta protest group General Strike Committee and other activist groups condemned the attacks and called for those responsible to be held to account. Whoever did this must be held accountable, said Kyaw Zaw, a spokesman for the NUGs Presidential Office, told RFA.It is completely unacceptable that bombs are set off in prison while political prisoners families are visiting loved ones. Civilians should not be targeted for any attacks at all." Myanmar junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing inspects local products after meeting with representatives of small manufacturing businesses in Mawlamyine, southeastern Myanmar's Mon state, Oct. 18, 2022. Credit: Myanmar military Rebels attack junta convoy The explosions at the prison came two days after PDF militia members and Karen rebels attacked a military convoy on Monday that was providing security for junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, killing 11 regime officials, militia officials and local residents said. The junta chief was visiting local businesses in Hpa-An, in Kayin state, and Mawlamyine, in Mon state. They were returning from Mawlamyine, [and] we attacked with landmines followed by a direct assault when they arrived in the Bilin area, said a Thaton PDF battalion commander who declined to be identified for security reasons. San Myint, spokesman for Thaton KNLA Battalion No. 2, said the forces targeted the vehicles carrying high-ranking officers, killing nine junta soldiers at the scene and injuring two others who died at a hospital. But Aung Kyi Thein, the juntas spokesman for Mon state and minister of natural resources and environmental conservation, said only two people died. He said rebels attacked the convoy by detonating handmade landmines and shot 40-millimeter missiles and small arms at the vehicles at the former Shwe Than Lwin toll gate. RFA has not been able to independently establish the number of casualties. A resident who lives near the area where the attack took place told RFA that locals frequently hear battle sounds and fear for their safety. Other residents said battles break out often between the junta and Karen rebels in the Bilin area and that some civilian adults and children have died as a result. I am praying that the battles will not move to our location because many of us work on rubber and betel nut plantations, and we have to go into the woods a lot, said one resident who requested anonymity for safety reasons. We are too scared to go there. Its also dangerous to pass between Thaton and Bilin in the evening from 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. The situation is too risky even to go onto the betel plantation. Translated by Myo Min Aung for RFA Burmese. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Depositors want assurance their funds are safe, but the government has little to offer. Truong My Lan, the chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, and three other employees have been arrested for illegally issuing bonds worth tens of millions of U.S. dollars in 2018 and 2019. UPDATED AT 21:20 P.M ET ON 10-20-2022 Bank patrons in Vietnam are unsettled following the latest financial scandal to rock the country and taking to social media to vent, but the government has offered little in the way of a plan to assuage their fears and is instead blaming rumor-mongers for spooking the public. On Oct. 6, police arrested Truong My Lan, the chairwoman of Ho Chi Minh City-based Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, and three other employees for illegally issuing bonds worth tens of millions of U.S. dollars in 2018 and 2019 and obtaining prime real estate in the city through fraudulent means, according to a statement by the Ministry of Public Security. Reports on social media of Lans impending arrest sent depositors racing to withdraw their funds from the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) over suspicions of her ties to the lender. Lans arrest was the latest move by Vietnamese authorities in a years-long anti-corruption drive that uncovered nearly 5,200 economic crimes and more than 520 cases of graft in the 12 months ending in September alone an increase of 41% from the previous year the Ministry of Public Security said last week. Recent high-profile arrests include that of FLC real estate group chairman Trinh Van Quyet in March, former chairman of Louis Holdings conglomerate Do Thanh Nhan in April, and former director of ASA JSC Nguyen Van Nam all for stock market fraud, according to local media outlet VN Express. Do Anh Dung, the chairman of property developer Tan Hoang Minh, was arrested in April for alleged fraudulent appropriation of assets after the firm bid a record 2.45 billion dong (U.S. $101,000) per square meter for a land lot in Ho Chi Minh City late last year, before pulling out of the deal in January. Vietnams benchmark index and bank stocks plunged last week following news of Lans detention, prompting the State Bank of Vietnam to issue a statement on Oct. 10 guaranteeing SCB customers that their deposits were safe and assuring them that the Van Thinh Phat chairwoman held no management position at the bank. The central bank urged customers to refrain from withdrawing their money ahead of bond maturity and said it was undertaking necessary measures to ensure that SCB remained liquid and able to operate as normal. On Oct. 14, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department announced that it had summoned four Facebook users for spreading false information about SCB over the prior two days, including users T.T.M., a reporter in Binh Thanh district; T.M.K., a university lecturer in Go Vap district; N.H.P., an IT programmer in District 10; and T.C.H., from District 8. The announcement followed the Oct. 11 summoning of Facebook user N.T.M.H. for posting information related to SCB that caused psychological insecurity for depositors, negatively affecting social security and order. Beginning on Oct. 9, police departments in Binh Duong, Nghe An, Ha Nam, and Quang Ninh provinces also reported cases of spreading false information related to banks that they claimed had prompted public insecurity and anxiety. While details of the cases were not immediately clear, at least one Facebook user in Quang Ninh province identified as 28-year-old T.H.Q. was fined the equivalent of U.S. $310 for posting false information about people withdrawing money from banks, which authorities said had caused public panic. RFA spoke with one Facebook user who said he was summoned by police after posting content related to SCB and Van Thinh Phat. Speaking on condition of anonymity, citing security concerns, he claimed to have been questioned for five hours and only released after an officer scrubbed his Facebook account of related material. Rumors have swirled around Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group after an SCB board member and a company assistant died on Oct. 8 and 9, respectively, according to state media reports. Credit: Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group Rumors swirling Rumors have swirled around Van Thinh Phat after 50-year-old SCB board member Nguyen Tien Thanh the husband of Van Thinh Phat deputy director general Tong Thi Thanh Hoang and a company assistant who was arrested along with Lan, 39-year-old Nguyen Phuong Hong, died on Oct. 6 and 9, respectively, according to state media reports. While the reports both of which were removed within hours of their posting did not include the causes of the two deaths, they prompted speculation from the public over their sudden nature and connection to Van Thinh Phat. A third person named Nguyen Ngoc Duong, the 48-year-old chairman of Van Thinh Phat subsidiary Saigon Peninsula Group, also died on Oct. 14 after apparently taking his own life, according to U.S.-based Vietnamese language newspaper Nguoi Viet. RFA was unable to confirm whether the deaths were in any way related to the scandal. On Oct. 13, the Van Thinh Phat building in Ho Chi Minh City caught fire at around 10:00 p.m. before it was extinguished by security guards around 10 minutes later. The following day, police announced that their initial investigation found that faulty electric wiring in a freezer at a soft drink company on the 10th floor had caused the fire, but the incident prompted further speculation about possible links to the scandal. According to Google Trends, Van Thinh Phat was the most popular search word in Vietnam on Oct. 14, with more than 50,000 searches related to the fire. While it remains unclear whether the three deaths and the fire have any connection to Lans arrest and Van Thinh Phat, the public appears shaken by the latest scandal and trust in Vietnams government to police the financial sector has taken a hit. Carl Thayer, a veteran regional expert, told RFA that he views Lans arrest as part of a new twist in Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trongs anti-corruption campaign to show that authorities mean business. The private sector and the very rich beneficiaries of this sector are now fair game, he said. They appear to be targeted for two reasons: first, to curb their influence in the political system because it is based on wealth rather than the party; and second, to acquire wealth (rent) to distribute among the party ruling elite. Quang Ninh Police meet with a Facebook user who posted information about SCB Bank, Oct. 12, 2022. Credit: State media Speaking one way and acting another However, SCB customers appear less than confident that the government will protect their interests. More than one RFA listener who said they are an employee of a company that banks with SCB reported not receiving their salaries last week, although RFA was unable to independently verify the claims. Others voiced their frustrations with the way the Van Thinh Phat case was handled and expressed concern over the governments response. We feel more uncomfortable now that they told us to rest assured Such a tactic, wrote one Facebook user named Alex Tran on RFAs Facebook page. They asked people to rest assured. However, whoever has deposits should worry about them, Facebook user Anh Khoa wrote. Weve worked hard our whole lives to have some savings in the bank and if we lose our money, we will [die] together with it. Facebook user Lang Dinh Tam noted that while the government advised depositors not to withdraw their savings from SCB, no information was provided about what measures would be taken if the bank goes bankrupt. Wed better be cautious to avoid losing everything, they said. Duong Hien Thuan went further, suggesting that in Vietnam, all commitments are meaningless. How can we trust [the government] as everyone, including the top leaders, speak one way and act another? Translated by Anna Vu. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. This story has been updated to amend the date of Nguyen Tien Thanh's death SOFIA -- Aleksandr Stotsky's name was already high on the growing list of Russians fleeing their homeland since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. He was among the first to go, after all. But now, nearly eight months after boarding a one-way flight from Moscow to Bulgaria on February 25, the second day of the war, he's joined a more select group of expatriates openly protesting Kremlin policies while trying to stay one step ahead of the Russian authorities. The 26-year-old former conscript has been called up for military service as part of the "partial" mobilization that Russian President Vladimir Putin announced last month, sparking a fresh rush for the border by tens of thousands of fighting-age Russian men. "If I return to Russia, there are two options for me -- put me in prison or send me to the front," he said. "I can't be part of this, I don't want to be among war criminals." It's potentially a life-or-death predicament for Stotsky, who acknowledges ignoring a summons for military duty in the months leading up to the war. But it's also confounding authorities in Bulgaria, which has already flirted once with becoming the only EU state to extradite a Russian since Putin launched the invasion and outlawed criticism of the war effort. In that case, an appeals court in August dismissed Moscow's extradition request for fugitive Russian businessman Aleksei Alchin, who was wanted in Russia for alleged financial crimes and who burned his Russian passport in a show of protest in eastern Bulgaria. A New Kind Of Test Stotsky's fate will be up in the air for at least another month, until a Sofia court hears his appeal against the denial of his application for asylum. And, his lawyers say, his case differs in a crucial regard that makes it an entirely new test case for Russian asylum requests in the European Union with no early end in sight to the conflict. He's a potential refugee sur place, an individual who is not a refugee when they leave their country of origin and requires protection on account of subsequent events. "His opposition activity is developing here in Bulgaria," his lawyer, Georgi Voinov from the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, told the Dnevnik daily newspaper last week. "He's not a man who's doing it to justify his story, he didn't come as an economic migrant. He has no relatives or property here; he just found the first possible flight to Bulgaria shortly before it became impossible." Such cases are certain to multiply as the unprovoked war in Ukraine grinds on and Russians crowd remaining routes out of the country despite Western flight and entry bans intended to punish Russia for its policies. Stotsky, who worked as a courier and in a computer repair shop after graduating with a degree in civil safety from Moscow City University last year, says he was never a Kremlin supporter. He claims to have demonstrated in defense of jailed opposition leader and poisoning victim Aleksei Navalny, and says he was an election observer in Russia's 2021 general elections on behalf of two unsuccessful independents allied with Navalny, one of whom was disqualified. Then came Russia's "recognition" of two separatist-held areas of Ukraine on February 21 and its full-scale invasion three days later. 'I Had To Say Something' Whatever his sympathies up to that point, Stotsky immediately rushed to get on a flight out of Russia. "That night, that moment when it all started, I thought there was no future for Russia. It was a real red line and they crossed it," Stotsky told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service. "I knew I couldn't be silent. That I can't live a lie and pretend nothing happened." Within hours of his arrival in Sofia on February 25, Stotsky was picketing outside the Russian Embassy holding a piece of paper with "Stop the war" scrawled on it in English. Just a week later, Stotsky says, he applied for refugee status with the Bulgarian State Agency for Refugees (AREF). He has since participated in pro-Ukraine marches and demonstrated alongside a group of expatriate Putin critics in Bulgaria that calls itself For a Free Russia. But AREF rejected Stotsky's application for asylum in July, saying there were "no real grounds" for believing he would face persecution back in Russia. He had not "carried out any well-known, public, and overt activities that would have unequivocally declared his beliefs and orientation" toward the opposition while in Russia, it said, and suggested his account might have been "composed for the selfish purpose" of gaining Bulgarian asylum. Fugitive From Mobilization Russian authorities have criminalized anti-war dissent, tightened censorship, and curbed independent media and civil society at home. Thousands of Russians have been jailed, and one prominent oppositionist has been charged with high treason in a case that the New-York based Human Rights Watch calls "a travesty of justice" aimed at silencing war critics. An independent Russian rights watchdog, OVD-Info, also says detained anti-war protesters are being specifically targeted for conscription. On October 3, less than two weeks after Putin's "partial" mobilization announcement and two months after Bulgaria's initial rejection of Stotsky's application for refugee status, Stotsky's mother says she found a draft notice for her son in the mailbox. "Of course, war is never a good thing, but what Russia is doing is simply indescribable," Stotsky said. "Putin is a dictator. A war criminal." Moreover, Stotsky insists, he doesn't meet the Defense Ministry's declared intent to draft only experienced reservists with military specialization. He says he fulfilled his compulsory military service in 2015-16 and was trained to operate acoustic systems that are sometimes used to disperse protests. But Stotsky also acknowledges having received a summons to report for military exercises in the run-up to the invasion, when Russia was amassing at least 170,000 troops near the Russian and Belarusian borders with Ukraine. Lawyer Voinov says Stotsky left his homeland "as a sign of protest against the war" and argues that it's "extremely strange" of Bulgarian authorities to suggest "that there are working democratic institutions" in Russia. The Administrative Court in Sofia has now set a date of November 14 for Stotsky's appeal. Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by Elitsa Simeonova of RFE/RL Bulgarian Service in Sofia KYIV -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declared that Ukraine cannot be broken as he cited his countrys fight against the Russian invasion and marked the anniversary of the famine regarded by Ukrainians to be a deliberate act perpetrated by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. "Ukrainians went through very terrible things...Once they wanted to destroy us with hunger -- now, with darkness and cold," Zelenskiy said on November 26 in a video message. "We cannot be broken," he declared. The prime ministers of EU and NATO members Belgium, Lithuania, and Poland were in Kyiv to mark the day and to attend a summit hosted by Zelenskiy to press the Grain From Ukraine initiative designed to get crucial supplies to world markets. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron were among those speaking through video addresses. Zelenskiys remarks came amid widespread cuts in power and water supplies in his country after weeks of Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and as temperatures plunge with the beginning of winter. Zelenskiy and other leaders commemorated the victims of the Holodomor famine, which took place in 1932-33 as Stalin's police forced peasants in Ukraine to join collective farms by requisitioning their grain and other foodstuffs. Historians say the failure to properly harvest crops in Ukraine in 1932 under Soviet mismanagement was the main cause of the famine. It is estimated that up to 9 million people died as a result of executions, deportation, and starvation during the Stalin-era campaign. Many Ukrainians consider the famine an act of genocide aimed at wiping out Ukrainian farmers. Along with Ukraine, at least 16 other countries have officially recognized the Holodomor as genocide. In October 2018, the U.S. Senate adopted a nonbinding resolution recognizing that Stalin and those around him committed genocide against the Ukrainians in 1932-33. German lawmakers are preparing to recognize the Holodomor as genocide, according to a draft text seen by the AFP news agency of a joint resolution from Germany's ruling coalition and opposition. Moscow has long denied any systematic effort to target Ukrainians, arguing that a poor harvest at the time wiped out many in other parts of the Soviet Union. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that he "honored the memory of the Holodomor victims" at a memorial in the Ukrainian capital. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, on his first visit to Kyiv since the Russian invasion, said on Twitter that "after the heavy bombing of recent days, we stand with the people of Ukraine. More than ever before." "With the cold winter months ahead, Belgium is releasing new humanitarian and military aid," he added. Zelenskiy told the grain summit that Kyiv is one of the guarantors of world food security and will fulfill its duties despite the Russian invasion, citing the new Grain From Ukraine initiative. He pressed world leaders to support the initiative aimed at feeding about 5 million people in poor countries, particularly Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria. Speaking through video statements to the summit, Scholz and Macron unveiled new financial packages designed to aid Ukrainian grain exports, which have been hit hard by the war, causing food shortages in many of the worlds poorer nations. "The most vulnerable countries must not pay the price of a war they did not want," Macron said. Zelenskiy said the Black Sea Grain Initiative -- brokered by Turkey and the UN and agreed to by Russia and Ukraine -- is not operating at full capacity, blaming what he called Moscow's efforts to delay the movement of ships, leaving many vessels trapped at Ukrainian ports. The deal took effect in August, aimed at unblocking grain shipments to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Ukraine and Russia are key global suppliers of wheat, barley, sunflower oil, and other food to those countries, and Russia was the world's top exporter of fertilizer before it launched its ongoing invasion of Ukraine in February. Many in the West have accused Russia of weaponizing the shipment of crucial food-related supplies to world markets. Moscow denies the accusations. Meanwhile, throughout Ukraine, millions of people are still without heat or electricity after the recent devastating Russian air strikes on infrastructure sites. Authorities on November 26 were gradually restoring power in many cities -- helped by the reconnection to the grid of the nations four nuclear plants. Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces was reported in the east and south of the country, as Kyivs troops continue their counteroffensive, which has recaptured thousands of kilometers of territory seized by Russia early in the war. In the recently liberated southern city of Kherson and its environs, authorities said at least 32 people have been killed by Russian shelling since pro-Kremlin forces withdrew two weeks ago and moved to the eastern bank of the Dnieper River. "Daily Russian shelling is destroying the city and killing peaceful local residents. In all, Russia has killed 32 civilians in the Kherson region since the de-occupation," Ihor Klymenko, chief of the National Police of Ukraine, said on Facebook. "Many people are evacuating to seek refuge in calmer regions of the country. But many residents remain in their homes, and we need to provide them with the maximum possible security," he added. With reporting by AFP and AP Welcome back to The Farda Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran and explains why they matter. To subscribe, click here. I'm RFE/RL correspondent Golnaz Esfandiari. Here's what Ive been following during the past week and what Im watching for in the days ahead. The Big Issue Authorities in Tehran have accused Iran's foreign enemies of stoking unrest in the country with the goal of inciting a civil war. Officials made the accusations following what they called terrorist attacks that took place on November 16 in Izeh, in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, and in the central city of Isfahan, where they said gunmen on motorbikes opened fire on security forces and civilians, killing seven in Izeh and two in Isfahan. The incidents followed an October 26 attack at the Shah Cheragh shrine in Shiraz that left 13 dead. The Shiraz attack was claimed by the extremist group Islamic State (IS). Speaking on November 18, Mohsen Rezai, Iran's vice president for economic affairs, blamed Tehran's enemies for the bitter incidents and claimed that theyre trying to create a civil war in the country. "Iran cannot be turned into another Syria or Lebanon by carrying out violent acts similar to the ones in Shah Cheragh, Isfahan, and Izeh," he said. A day earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abollahian accused Israel and Western countries of plotting a "civil war" and the disintegration of the Islamic republic. Security services, [Israel], and Western politicians who have made plans for a civil war and the destruction and disintegration of Iran must know that that Iran is not Libya or Sudan, Amir-Abdollahian said on Twitter, while failing to provide any evidence to back his claim. Why It Matters: The warnings come amid nine weeks of antiestablishment protests in Iran triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini following her arrest by the morality police in Tehran. Iran has blamed foreign countries and intelligence services of orchestrating the unrest, which has turned into the most significant challenge to the clerical establishment in the past four decades. Ali Alfoneh, an Iran analyst at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told RFE/RL that the Islamic republic has only itself to blame for the situation it faces, but lacking the courage to look into the mirror and admit their own mistakes, regime officials cowardly blame the foreign powers. Others said Tehran could use the attacks as an excuse for a harsher crackdown on the protests. We don't have a good sense of what happened in Izeh and Isfahan -- was it a terrorist group, or potentially the regime itself?" said Henry Rome, an Iran expert at the Washington Institute. "Either way, the government will probably use the attacks to send the message that the protests are undermining national security and opening the door for Western-backed terrorism," Rome added. Whats Next: Statements by Iranian officials who have vowed a crushing response to those behind the "terrorist" attacks could provide clues about the countrys next steps. Authorities have said that the perpetrators of the attacks and their leaders who are allegedly based outside the country would be "introduced to the people." Stories You Might Have Missed Activists say Iran has intensified its crackdown in the Kurdistan region in an attempt to spread fear among protesters and quell the nationwide antiestablishment protests that have rocked the country for the past two months. At least 47 children have been killed amid Irans ongoing crackdown on the protests that were sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. Among them is 9-year-old Kian Pirfalak who was killed on November 16 in the southwestern city of Izeh amid the antiestablishment protests. State media claimed that the boy was killed in a "terrorist attack." But his mother says he was shot dead by Iranian security forces. His tragic death led to an outpouring of grief and anger. Protesters in Iran set fire to the ancestral home of the Islamic republic's late founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in the central Iranian city of Khomein, according to amateur videos posted online. Images of Khomeini have also been torched in past weeks amid the ongoing unrest. What We're Watching Iran said on November 22 that it had begun producing uranium enriched to 60 percent at its Fordo underground facility. The announcement was part of Iran's response to the UN nuclear watchdog's adoption last week of a resolution accusing Tehran of noncooperation. Tehran condemned the resolution as politically motivated while vowing retaliation. "We had said that Iran would seriously react to any resolution and political pressure...that is why Iran has started enriching uranium to 60 percent purity as of Monday [November 21] at the Fordo site," the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Eslami, was quoted as saying by state media. Why It Matters: Enrichment at 60 percent is one step away from the 90 percent level required for nuclear weapons. Iran had already been enriching to 60 percent purity at other facilities. The 2015 nuclear deal -- which has been on life support following the U.S. withdrawal from the international agreement in May 2018 -- had limited Irans nuclear enrichment activities to 3.7 percent for civilian purposes. Tehrans latest escalation is likely to lead to more concerns about the countrys nuclear activities from other countries that were party to the stalled nuclear deal and are working to revive it. The EU trio of Britain, France and Germany said in a joint statement that Irans increased enrichment carries significant proliferation-related risks [and] has no credible civilian justification. That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have. Until next time, Golnaz Esfandiari If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Wednesday. Amid a massive influx to Georgia of Russians fleeing mobilization, some emigrant artists are building a community where they can speak freely on issues of politics and belonging. On a sprawling property in Georgias wine-growing region of Kakheti, several Russian artists -- many of whom recently escaped mobilization, came together in mid-October to display their works and share their recent experiences. Filmmaker and photographer Alexander Fedorov spoke to the artists about their work. A painting by Aleksei Kovalchuk referencing the iconic 1910 La Danse by Henri Matisse. Kovalchuk grew up between Kyiv and St. Petersburg. After the Russian takeover of parts of Ukraine in 2014 he says he felt that being apolitical was a luxury that I could no longer afford. The installation Home by Aleksandra Poliakova is a human-sized nest of twigs. At the bottom of the nest is a hole. Speakers inside the nest play recordings of various different songbirds that usually do not mingle in nature. The artist says the project is the only way to listen to the birds' joint singing. An interactive installation called The Hanged Man which uses sensors to reflect peoples reactions to this lynched mannequin dressed as a Russian soldier. The reactions of spectators are displayed on a screen in the form of cartoon avatars. Such an exhibit would likely result in prison time for the artist if the work was shown openly in Russia. The art exhibition was held on a property in the Khaketi region of Georgia called Chateau Chapiteau. The site was founded by a Russian-American entrepreneur who fell in love with Georgia, and whose stated goal with the property is to make an epicenter of positive changes for people around us. The festival came amid openly visible tensions in Tbilisi, where anti-Russian graffiti (pictured) can be seen throughout the city, and a massive influx of Russians fleeing mobilization has exacerbated already skyrocketing rent and property prices. Russia and Georgia fought a war over the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia in 2008 and many Georgians resent the presence of Russian troops in both South Ossetia and Abkhazia, another Russian-backed territory that has unilaterally declared its independence from Georgia. Fedorov says the artists he spoke to fully understand some of the anger in Georgia though there is worry that feelings could become more extreme. For now, however, the photographer describes Tbilisi as safe and calm. Borderline Car, a vehicle made from twigs and branches by a Russian artist couple who work under the name porcupine. The car references the massive outflow of Russians through the Caucasus mountains and into Georgia after Vladimir Putin's announcement of a mobilization in September. The artists say the installation, which people can sit inside, gives viewers a chance to relive the moments before the inevitable crash. Artists Polyna and Alyona set up a kind of postal service for open letters between Russia and Georgia. The pair collected letters from an earlier art festival in Moscow addressed to unknown compatriots in the Caucasus. A letter from Russia written in the summer. The artists say the connection between those who left Russia and those who stayed is weakening, and it becomes more difficult to follow the changes in the lives of people close, and distant. A performance by a Russian-Austrian art group who met in Georgia after the mobilization order was announced. The photograph, showing a man in combat fatigues posing on a river ferry alongside Russian military equipment, was posted on Russian social media on October 10. Three days later, a video that appeared on the same account seemed to show the same ferry and equipment. "And we're moving," the man, identified as Makar Teplinskiy, from the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk, says in the video. Later, off-screen, a voice can be heard asking, "Who are you showing that to?" The ferry appears to be part of an ongoing Russian pullback of soldiers and equipment from the right bank of the Dnieper River, in the southern Kherson region, where Ukrainian forces have been making gradual advances. The video was identified and pinpointed by RFE/RL using geolocation, satellite imagery, and surrounding landmarks. The findings, by RFE/RL's Russian Service and Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, highlight the mounting pressure on Russian forces, who have been pummeled by Ukrainian troops pushing southward. Experts say the advances are likely to lead up to an effort to take back the city of Kherson itself -- the only regional capital to fall to Russian forces since Moscow launched a large-scale invasion on February 24. If the city is recaptured, it will be a major tactical victory for Ukraine -- and an embarrassment for Russian commanders and President Vladimir Putin. Under Pressure For weeks, stretching back as far as August, Ukraine had used precision weaponry provided by the United States and other Western countries to target Russian supply lines and command posts in Kherson. Those targets included many Dnieper River bridge crossings, including the Antonivskiy Bridge, a major crossing that connects the city of Kherson with the opposite bank. Russian forces have built a ferry crossing immediately adjacent to the damaged bridge, and there are at least two other ferry crossings used by civilians close to the Antonivskiy Bridge, as well as others used by the Russian military nearby. More recently, the Ukrainian artillery and missile barrage has morphed into a ground offensive, documented by military observers and military bloggers -- Russian and Ukrainian -- pushing south along the west bank of the Dnieper and forcing Russian troops to withdraw south and east, across the river. The Kherson effort dovetails with an earlier, likely connected offensive hundreds of kilometers to the northeast, where Ukraine stunned Russian forces, recapturing dozens of towns in the Kharkiv region and an important rail hub in the Donetsk region, Lyman. The offensive in the east has slowed more recently, though it's unclear if it's due to Ukrainian forces' regrouping and resupplying, or stiffer Russian resistance, or even Ukrainian forces shifting focus back to Kherson. In recent days, amid the Ukrainian advances, there have been mounting signs from Russian officials and their local proxies that Russian forces were under pressure, and commanders could be considering pulling back entirely from the west bank of the Dnieper. In an unusual interview broadcast on October 18, the newly appointed overall commander for Russian forces, General Sergei Surovikin, said that the situation in the Kherson region was "very difficult" and that Russian military might have to make "the most difficult decisions" in Kherson. It wasn't clear what Surovikin meant, though some observers speculated it signaled a possible large-scale withdrawal of Russian forces from the west bank of the Dnieper. As of late on October 19, Ukrainian forward positions were believed to be less than 40 kilometers from the village of Kozatske and the town of Nova Kakhovka, on opposite sides of the river. That same day, residents of Kherson city received text messages urging them to urgently leave, citing potential attacks by the Ukrainian Army. Locals also reported leaflets reading, "Save your family; move to the left bank" being distributed. "The battle for Kherson will begin in the very near future," Kirill Stremousov, the deputy head for the Russian-imposed administration for Kherson, said in a video. "The city of Kherson is turning into a fortress," he said. Another official, Vladimir Saldo, announced restrictions on civilian travel in the region, and said public-sector workers like doctors and teachers would be moving to the river's left bank. He said between 50,000-60,000 people would be moved, and some would be sent to Russia itself. "I think they are preparing the audience that they will lose the battle for the Kherson region," Yuriy Sobolevskiy, a Ukrainian official who is the first deputy head of the Kherson Regional Council, told Current Time. "That is, they are preparing their population for reports of defeat," he said, referring to Russian proxy authorities in the region. Geolocating Ferries Ukraine's targeting of the Dnieper River crossings has forced the Russian military to rely heavily on temporary pontoon bridges, and even makeshift ferries assembled from parts of pontoon bridges. The photograph and video identified by RFE/RL were posted by Teplinskiy to the Russian social media site VK. Archived social-media accounts show that Teplinskiy, as well as his father, had served since 2015 in military units under the authority of the Russian-organized administration that controls the Luhansk region, which calls itself the Luhansk People's Republic. Moscow-backed units from Luhansk and neighboring Donetsk have fought alongside regular Russian troops in those two regions, known collectively as the Donbas, and in Kherson. RFE/RL geolocated the ferry crossing shown in Tepinskiy's video to the right bank of the Dnieper, near Kozatske. The ferry is heading to the mouth of the canal that connects the village with Nova Kakhovka, located on the left bank. A series of satellite images obtained by RFE/RL from the private company Planet Labs in the first week of October showed several ferry crossings at this location. The last time a ferry loaded with military equipment on the way from Nova Kakhovka to Kozatske was captured by satellite imagery was on October 4. On October 5, it would have been scheduled to return to Nova Kakhovka with a full load. On October 8 and 12, satellite images also show the movement of empty ferries toward the right bank. One of these crossings was in all likelihood the one filmed by Teplinskiy and posted to his account on October 13. Another video posted by Teplinskiy on October 13 includes metadata pointing to a house where he was staying in Nova Kakhovka, and a video of an apparent birthday with other military men, taken at approximately the same time. Teplinskiy did not respond to messages from RFE/RL seeking comment. Written by Mike Eckel based on reporting by Mark Krutov of RFE/RL's Russian Service and Kyrylo Ovsyaniy of Schemes. Aleksei Aleksandrov of Current Time contributed to this report Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told EU leaders on October 20 that Russian attacks that have destroyed a large portion of Ukraine's energy infrastructure are aimed in part at provoking a new wave of migration of Ukrainians to EU countries. "Russian terror against our energy facilities is aimed at creating as many problems as possible with electricity and heat for Ukraine this fall and winter, and for as many Ukrainians as possible to go to your countries, he told an EU summit in Brussels. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. This should be "answered immediately," primarily by more air-defense systems sent to Ukraine, the president said. "We must do everything possible to make it completely impossible for Russia to destroy our energy system with missiles and drones," Zelenskiy said in a virtual speech to EU lawmakers, calling on Ukraine's partners to provide systems "to create a truly reliable air shield." Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian civilian and infrastructure facilities since October 10, mainly using kamikaze drones that Ukraine and its Western allies say are made by Iran. Moscow and Tehran have denied the accusations. Zelenskiy also warned that Ukraine suspects Russia has mined the dam and units of the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant on the Dnieper River in southern Ukraine, and if it were blown up, more than 80 settlements, including Kherson, would be in danger of flooding. Zelenskiy said Ukrainian workers have been thrown out of the facility, leaving Russians in control. He asserted that Russia "has already prepared everything to carry out this terrorist attack." He called for an international observation mission and the return of Ukrainian personnel to ensure the mines are removed from the dam and its units. Zelenskiy's comment came two days after Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed head of the Kherson region of Ukraine, announced an "organized, gradual displacement" of civilians from four towns on the right bank of the Dnieper River to the left side. Saldo accused Ukrainian forces of planning to destroy the dam and also warned of "an immediate danger of flooding." The Moscow-installed authorities of Kherson said on October 20 that about 15,000 people had left the region. The Moscow-appointed deputy head of the Kherson region, Kirill Stremousov, encouraged people to cross over to the left bank of the Dnieper River and posted a video of a column of buses on Telegram. Kyiv has denounced Moscow's move, calling it a "deportation" of Ukrainian civilians to Russia. But Stremousov said people should follow the evacuation instructions and leave Kherson, one of four Ukrainian regions illegally annexed by Russia. "Give the military a chance to do what they have to do," he said, claiming that the Russian Army will not surrender Kherson. Zelenskiys office said Ukrainian forces on October 20 had mounted 15 attacks on Russian military strongholds in the Kherson region. Russias Defense Ministry spokesman said the Kremlins forces repelled Ukrainian attempts to advance with tanks on three Kherson villages. Another Russian-installed official in the region, Vladimir Leontyev, said Ukrainian forces had launched five missile strikes against the Kakhovka dam. Ukraine earlier on October 20 began restricting electricity consumption for the first time since the start of Russia's invasion as the country sustained serious damage to its infrastructure following waves of Russian air strikes targeting its electricity grid ahead of the onset of winter. Oleksandr Kharchenko, an adviser to the energy minister, said on October 19 that there would be outages, including some that are scheduled. "Unfortunately, according to new data, about 40 percent of the total infrastructure is seriously damaged. Repair and connection work is ongoing, but outages are expected," Kharchenko said on Ukrainian television. In the latest Russian attack, an energy facility was struck and damaged in the Kryvorizka district of the Dnipropetrovsk region, the head of the regional administration, Valentyn Reznichenko, reported on October 20. Earlier, a missile strike hit a major coal-fired power station in the city of Burshtyn in western Ukraine, the region's governor said. "Our region experienced missile fire today. The Burshtyn thermal power station was hit, which caused a fire," Svitlana Onyshchuk, governor of Ivano-Frankivsk region, said in an online video statement. The Burshtyn power station supplies electricity to three western regions and 5 million consumers. Ahead of the summit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed lawmakers in Berlin on October 20, condemning Russia's latest drone attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine and saying that "such scorched-earth tactics will not help Russia win the war." Scholz said such tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin would "only strengthen the resolve and the will of Ukraine and its partners to persevere." "In the end, Russia's bombing and missile terror is an act of desperation -- just like the mobilization of Russian men for war," Scholz said. "He wants to sow fear, divide, and intimidate. He is speculating on our weakness, but he is wrong -- we are not weak." Scholz said the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war would be a "generational task in which the entire civilized community of states must join forces." In London, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace will also make a statement to parliament on Ukraine later on October 20, the House of Commons said on Twitter. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, dpa, and BBC For Juan Soberanes, getting a free car was a shock. Hes worked hard, though, so much so that he was chosen as Vista High Schools Student of the Year this past spring. And the 18-year-old recent graduate speaks three languages, has a three-page list of accomplishments that puts adults to shame, and has a decent shot at an appointment to a prestigious military service academy. But the young man struggling to overcome poverty and adversity didnt know that one of his adult mentors was so impressed with him that hed quietly nominated the teen to receive the car. Advertisement So it blindsided Soberanes when he was handed in front of a crowd of people last Sunday at the Vista Rod Run on Aug. 6 the keys to the fully restored 2002 Nissan Altima. It really hit me, he said this week. After all this work I have been putting in, I am being recognized for it. Every summer for the past three years, Vista mechanic T.J. Crossman obtains and fixes up a used car, with the sole purpose of giving it away to someone who could really use it. He bought the Altima and replacement parts, and did the repairs at his own cost. He also recruited others to donate help including the detailing and hes still hoping someone will help cover a year of car insurance for Soberanes. The giveaway is part of a small but nationwide program dubbed Wheels to Prosper, " where auto repair shops fix up and donate car to deserving folks in need. TJ Crossmans Auto Repair in Vista is the only shop in San Diego County signed on to the program. There are lessons that we all could learn from him. There are adults that arent even as hardworking as he is. T.J. Crossman, Vista mechanic and business owner, speaking about Juan Soberanes The idea is to provide a hand-up, not a hand-out, Crossman said. This year, roughly 80 people nominated themselves or others for the blue four-door sedan. The judges Crossman recruited to select the winner recommended Soberanes for the honor. Crossman took one look and quickly agreed. Hes an amazing young man and he deserves the world, in my opinion, Crossman said. There are lessons that we all could learn from him. There are adults that arent even as hardworking as he is. Among Soberanes notables are his 4.5 GPA and ability to speak English, Spanish and German the latter a language he selected solely because it intrigued him. Soberanes was a member of his high schools track and cross-country teams, took part in school advisory committees and interned for U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa. He was also a member of the Air Force ROTC rose to the level of cadet colonel and aside from that served as a platoon sergeant for the North San Diego Young Marines. Hector Marquez, executive officer for the Marines youth group, was the one who nominated Soberanes for the car. He says Soberanes is extraordinarily special. He stands out from the crowd. This kid, its so hard to pay him compliments because he is so humble, Marquez said. He thinks that way because he knows he is not done. He is still climbing. He wasnt always so driven. The epiphany came in ninth grade, when a then-overweight Soberanes was lazing on the couch playing video games one day and a family member asked: What are you going to do with your life? I wanted something better. I wanted a change. I wanted to be the change. Juan Soberanes, Vista High Student of the Year 2016-2017 He suddenly saw the struggles around him, in his neighborhood, even in his family. Soberanes got moving. He joined his school ROTC program. He took tough classes, started doing volunteer work, joined committees. He set goals. I wanted something better, he said. I wanted a change. I wanted to be the change. For him to come out fine without gangs or bad grades would have been fine, Marquez, the executive officer, said. But this guy is way beyond that. Four years later and 40 pounds thinner, he is still goal-driven. His goals are listed on a hand-drawn pyramid on a large poster board in his bedroom. The next goal on his list: an appointment to the Air Force Academy. This year he came close so close that academy officials selected him for a special scholarship to help pay for prep-school training designed to improve his chances of getting into the academy next year. Scholarship in hand, Soberanes will head to the San Bernardino Mountain community of Crestline at the end of this month to attend Northwest Preparatory School. I dont want to be average at whatever I do, Soberanes said. I want to be the best at it. I dont feel comfortable about being normal. It motivates me to do more and be the best. And now hes got a reliable car to help him get where hes going. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT A mysterious pest has damaged willows along the Escondido Creek Watershed, leaving conservation officials scrambling for answers to the die-off. Officials with the Escondido Creek Conservancy originally feared the damage was caused by the shot hole borer beetle, which attacks 137 tree species including willows, oaks and sycamores. Tests at UC Riverside came back negative for a fungus associated with the beetle, but didnt reveal what could be threatening the watershed. Advertisement .. It was found to not be the beetle it was something else going on, said Ann Van Leer, executive director of the conservancy. The problem began over the summer, when the Escondido Creek Conservancy learned that trees in Elfin Forest were rapidly wilting and dying, Van Leer said. Months later, the damage is especially visible near Questhaven and Harmony Grove Road a spot that conservancy board member Leonard Wittwer called ground zeroof the infestation where a tangled heap of branches lies in the creek bed. Blackened leaves droop from nearby trees. When these things became infested, it was like someone turned their blow torch on and burned them, Wittwer said. On Aug. 3, the conservancy closed the trails in the Los Cielos Preserve, out of fear that the invasive beetles could be causing the destruction. The Kuroshio Shot Hole Borer has infested areas of coastal San Diego, according to the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The insect, an invasive species that originates from the highlands of Taiwan and Okinawa, decimated the Tijuana River Valley, where hundreds of thousands of denuded tree trunks stand in the place of formerly lush streamside habitat. The collapse of willow groves ripples through the watersheds ecosystem, Van Leer said. Willows are one of the key trees which support other plants and animals, she said. Its one of the foundation plants. A lot of birds and insects rely on the willows. Its an indicator species of the watershed. The loss of those trees harms animals such as the least Bells vireo, an endangered songbird that lives along streams. And the stands of dead wood pose their own hazards to surrounding communities. Its an ecological bummer and then becomes a fire hazard, Wittwer said. Worried that Escondido Creek could suffer similar damage, the conservancy closed its trails to the public on Aug. 3, and submitted samples from the trees to plant pathologist Akif Eskalen at UC Riverside. We didnt know, and we wanted to be very cautious, because we didnt want people and bicycles spreading the infection by moving through the area, Van Leer said. They were surprised but relieved to find that the samples showed no signs of Fusarium fungus, which transports and spreads the beetle infestation. Instead, the lab found a different fungus, Phaeoacremonium. The results only compounded the puzzle, however, since Phaeoacremonium is a slow-growing pest that isnt associated with sudden die-offs. In communications with Dr. Eskalen, he was interested as to why our willows trees have died so quickly from this particular fungus, which is known to slowly kill trees, the conservancy stated on its website. He wondered if something else may additionally be affecting these willows. Eskalen said he plans to visit the site on December 2, and hopes to get additional clues to the die-off. This is a new disease that we havent figured out yet, he said. We still dont know what caused the decline of those willows. After learning that the trees tested negative for the invasive beetles, the conservancy reopened the trails at Los Cielos. Theyre also looking for ways to help boost the trees resistance to the fungus, and plan to watch carefully for signs of renewed die-off next spring. In the meantime, officials urge hikers and cyclists to stay on the trails, keep dogs on leash, and never remove firewood from the preserve. RELATED Ann Van Leer, executive director of the Escondido Creek Conservancy, talks about the two new plots of land they are in negotiations to acquire that would be vital pieces of the greenbelt between Interstate 15 and Lake Wohlford. deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan National City Councilwoman Mona Rios has come under scrutiny for her time as president of the National City Rotary Club, which has been around since the 1950s. Current members are accusing the councilwoman, her former campaign manager and her city council aide of nearly destroying the club through faulty accounting and poor leadership. Rios was president in the 2014-15 fiscal year and her campaign manager, Marcus Bush, succeeded her in 2015-16. Rios aide, Anita Brinkley, was treasurer under Rios, Bush and their successor, David Garcia, according to a Rotary Club report that outlines their time in leadership. Advertisement During that time, the Rotary Club did not bill members for dues, failed to file IRS tax forms and did not pay rent for the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center where the club held its weekly meetings, according to the report and IRS records. As a result of the failure to file IRS returns, the club lost its tax-exempt status, essentially barring it from fundraising. It also was evicted from the community center, which is owned by the city. We basically had three bad presidents and it almost devastated our club because people didnt do proper accounting, said departing president Bill Wells. We dont even know where some of the money is. There are currently about a dozen members left in the Rotary Club, said Wells, who shares a name with the mayor of El Cajon. Rios declined to comment. Bush said he took responsibility for the improper accounting. David Garcia, who succeeded Bush, did not respond to requests for comment. Duane Schirmer, a Rotary Club member who balanced the clubs books, said the clubs accounting was basically non-existent between 2014 and 2017. There are no records of how money was spent. The books had incoming money, but nothing going out, Schirmer said. We had nothing to show the Martin Luther King Jr. Center that we paid rent because we had no checks of money going out. Schirmer said remaining Rotary members paid some of the IRS fines out of pocket. Brinkley disputes that she did not keep records or engage in proper accounting during her time as treasurer. She said she turned over bookkeeping records to Garcia before she left the club. IRS records show the Rotary Clubs tax-exempt status was revoked in November 2017 an action that is taken when the required Form 990 return is not filed for three consecutive years. Records show the last Form 990 was filed by the president who preceeded Rios, Jon Halstead. The Rotary Club also is required to file forms with the state Attorney Generals Office, which oversees charitable organizations. Records show the club did not file required forms in the past five years, with the exception of fiscal year 2014, when Halstead served as president. Financial statements from the city of National City show the Rotary Club was billed $2,100 to use the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center from September 2014 to June 2016 during the time Rios and Bush were president. The records show the Rotary Club only paid $300 of the amount owed until 2017, when the rest was paid. The Rotary Club spent the past year balancing the books. It published an internal report to show members the financial situation the current leadership inherited and the steps taken to right the ship. The report, a copy of which was obtained by The San Diego Union-Tribune, was not intended to be made public, said Wells. Wells said its important the public know that Rios and the others had a negative impact on the club. I quite frankly think she mismanaged the club that I belong to, he said. Can they be relied on to manage the money of the city and do good for the people of National City? I dont think so. Apart from the financial mismanagement, the Rotary Clubs report claims Rios used the organization for her own political gain. While she was president and running for re-election for a seat on the City Council in 2014, the Rotary Club printed shirts that read, Rotarians at Work on the back and Vote for Mona Rios, on the front, according to the report. At the time, Rotary members werent aware of rules against promoting political campaign, Wells said. I dont think the club realized what she was doing, Wells said. If Rotary International had known, they wouldve pulled our charter at the time because what she did was completely against Rotary rules. Rios declined to discuss her time in the Rotary Club. Her lawyer, Cory Briggs, dismissed the Rotary Clubs report as unsubstantiated accusations. Bush and Brinkley labeled the Rotary Club report a smear campaign against Rios, who is up for re-election in November. Bush, Rios former campaign manager, said he was unaware of the fact that the clubs status was subject to filing of IRS forms until after his term as president. I took responsibility for that and apologized because I didnt know about that, he said. Bush maintained that the Rotary Club had successful years under his and Rios leadership, including three successful fundraisers that raised money for programs and scholarships in each of the two years. Anita Brinkley, Rios city council aide, said the club was struggling financially before she came on board. She disputes being treasurer while Rios was president. Rios did not have a treasurer in 2014-15, leaving the councilwoman to carry out the accounting duties herself, Brinkley said. Brinkley also said she planned to file IRS paperwork in November 2017 and even talked to a tax lawyer. But she left the Rotary Club before November because she did not agree with the leadership of then-president Garcia. Brinkley said she told the Rotary Club what steps members needed to take to file the tax returns before she split ways with the organization. Brinkley did not pay her dues when she left and still owes the Rotary Club $100. She said she wants to pay back the money in person but was unaware of where the club was holding meetings. Current members of the Rotary Club said Rios and Bush did not tell them about the clubs financial situation. The organization only found out after the IRS sent them a revocation letter and the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center told them they were evicted. The club had to pay $1,000 in fines for not filing paperwork with the IRS and the States Attorney Generals Office. Because they couldnt host fundraisers, some of the money came from members themselves, Schirmer said. In the past year, the club paid its arrears to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and were reinstated as a charity by filing the required forms with the state attorney generals office. The group is working with the IRS to be retroactively reinstated. I thought the club was going to die, and I was ready to walk away, Schirmer said. But the remaining members are committed. Weve been working with the IRS and we paid off our rent so we are moving back soon. Contact Gustavo Solis via Email or Twitter Maybe youve heard this one a psychologist and a biologist sit down to dinner and start talking shop and wait, this is no joke. Seven years ago, Jane Roberts and Jeff Twiss exchanged ideas at a dinner for new and recently promoted faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences. That conversation eventually conjured up a dream that has now become reality. Its called the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Center of Excellence, a multi-disciplinary, collaborative center for basic, clinical and intervention research and education. Roberts, a Carolina Distinguished Professor of psychology, and Twiss, a neurobiology professor and SmartState Chair in Childhood Neurotherapeutics, said their collaboration developed over time. We kept running into each other at other meetings, Twiss says. Jane would be presenting her work about her human subjects or the children who have Fragile X syndrome, which is associated with autism. And I would ask her, Well, what about the mouse models? And then Id present things that I do, and shed ask me, What about the humans? So we said, You know, we should try to bring people together. We all do very different things and come from very different backgrounds and directions. So its truly an interdisciplinary center. Oftentimes were discussing and kind of arguing about things, and it turns out we are using different language to refer to exactly the same thing. Jeff Twiss And thats exactly what they have done, establishing a research center of excellence on autism and neurodevelopmental disorders that they hope will become internationally recognized. Autism research on the South Carolina campus includes understanding the mechanisms that contribute to development of the cerebral cortex, early identification of autism and research into Fragile X syndrome, the most commonly known genetic cause of autism. The impact of this cross-campus work is particularly important for a condition such as autism, a lifelong developmental disorder that affects one in 44 people, with the incidence believed to be even higher in South Carolina. There is a massive need at every level. Pretty much everybody I meet has either direct or indirect experience with somebody with autism. It affects us in all areas, from education to economics, Roberts says. From another perspective, studying autism allows us to answer a lot of questions that bring in basic science as well as more translational or applied science. It is an extremely great topic for science and for training undergraduates, graduate students and postdocs. Roberts and Twiss initially considered working only with University of South Carolina researchers but broadened their scope to form a consortium that would eventually include researchers from across the state, including those from the School of Medicine Greenville, the Greenwood Genetic Center, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Claflin, Clemson and Furman universities. There are now 15 institutions and about 120 investigators involved in an annual symposium. Roberts and Twiss leveraged a provosts excellence initiative award to recruit seven new faculty members with appointments in departments across the university, bringing into focus one of the centers goals tearing down silos and pulling together diverse research. We all do very different things and come from very different backgrounds and directions, Twiss says. So its truly an interdisciplinary center. Oftentimes were discussing and kind of arguing about things, and it turns out we are using different language to refer to exactly the same thing. Weve had to learn each others language, which requires effort and its hard. But the benefit of that is that were able to take things that we learn from the animal studies and the cell-based or molecular-based studies and apply it to better understand the human conditions. And were able to take whats learned in humans and apply that to cell-based, molecular and animal studies. It accelerates the research quite a bit. The collaboration has been successful and important. There is a massive need at every level. Pretty much everybody I meet has either direct or indirect experience with somebody with autism. It affects us in all areas, from education to economics. Jane Roberts This interdisciplinary approach is not just something we think is important, but is very much recognized across the country and worldwide, honestly, Roberts says. It goes by a lot of different names team science and interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinary research. But its the idea that were going to answer a question best if we look at it together from different angles. By doing this, were setting ourselves up to line up with the state of the science across the country, which is important for a lot of reasons. Along with guiding the center and recruiting and supporting colleagues, Roberts and Twiss are also top researchers. Roberts studies the early signs of autism in infants and toddlers who are at high risk for autism. She specifically works with children with Fragile X syndrome, since 60 percent of those children develop autism, and she also studies children with Down syndrome. Her work is focused on behavioral characterization, meaning she studies the intricacies of the behaviors, and her research findings help to guide interventions. In some ways, you could think of it as a first step before intervention. Twiss research focuses on how the brain develops, looking at the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuron growth and regeneration. He is particularly interested in how axons form and make connections to neurons across the brain. Those connections allow one side of the brain to communicate with the other side. Theres substantial evidence that there are altered neural connections with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The brain doesnt function like it should, he says. But both say they are particularly excited to see the investigators on campus work together to push the autism and neurodevelopment work forward. Jeff and I never wanted to do this alone, and we never wanted to do it with just the two of us. And I think, honestly, thats why its been successful, she said. And its just going to grow over time because of our team approach. Here are a few of the many researchers across the university campus focusing on autism-related research: The face of autism at six months Diagnosis of autism under age 2 is relatively uncommon and can be extremely challenging. Jessica Bradshaw, an assistant professor of psychology, works with children as young as one week old, following them through the first two years of their lives. While her earlier work in graduate school focused on developing interventions for infants and toddlers, she realized she needed more information about what is going on with these young children behaviorally and neurodevelopmentally before knowing how to intervene. The work in her lab now focuses on infant social development. For infants who go on to develop autism, what does that look like within the first six months of life? she says. My goal is to look at different behaviors like attention and motor (skills), along with heart rate, to see whether these early-emerging behaviors can predict autism. Im not interested in a cure or prevention I dont use those words, ever. I want to help individuals with autism experience the highest possible level of well-being. And I think part of that is supporting early development. Jessica Bradshaw There is no blood test or biomarker that identifies a person as being on the autism spectrum. Instead, diagnoses are made through behavioral observation. Bradshaw studies children in three groups, including groups of children who have an elevated likelihood of developing autism infant siblings of children with autism and pre-term infants, those born before 37 weeks. Studies have shown that children in both groups are more likely to develop autism. Even at that very young age we can look at how neonates are orienting to and visually tracking objects and faces. How do they self-regulate in the face of stimulation and stress? These skills are measurable from birth and Ive become very interested studying them as predictors of autism. Her recent study, published in Child Development, documented that it is possible to observe social communication differences in children by the time they are 9 months old. While the first concern for parents of children with autism is typically problems with a toddlers lack of speech, there are other forms of communication and attention skills that develop and can be observed earlier. We found that infants who go on to develop autism are already showing differences in these really, really early social and communication skills, as young as 9 months, she says. What that tells me is that we can and should be developing interventions for infants within the first year of life. Early detection is important, she says, so parents can have information earlier. We can do behavioral interventions that teach parents how to interact with their child in a way thats very enriching and that supports these social communication skills. I think this will help individuals with autism thrive, Bradshaw says. Im not interested in a cure or prevention I dont use those words, ever. I want to help individuals with autism experience the highest possible level of well-being. And I think that part of that is supporting early development. One fish, two fish Fabienne Poulain, an assistant professor in biological sciences, studies the mechanisms underlying brain wiring during development, a time when incorrect connections can occur. Her lab focuses on the mechanisms that remove wrong connections, a process she describes as pruning a tree of misshapen branches. Her research uses zebrafish embryos that are transparent, making it possible to see neurons forming connections as they develop directly in the living animal. Were interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that mediate that pruning and that refinement, Poulain says. We are not working on autism spectrum disorder per se, but what we do applies to neurodevelopmental disorders because some of these disorders originate from a lack of pruning or a lack of correction during development. If we understand the mechanisms that ensure that wrong connections are removed, we could then understand why in some disorders these bad connections are not removed and persist. If we understand the mechanisms that ensure that wrong connections are removed, we could then understand why in some disorders these bad connections are not removed and persist. Fabienne Poulain Scaling the disability cliff Children with autism or other disabilities have access to services through school systems. But what happens when they age out of school, the so-called disability cliff? You move into a whole different program, which can vary across states significantly in terms of whats available. And its usually a very rocky transition for most families, says Jessica Klusek, an associate professor in communication sciences and disorders in the Arnold School of Public Health. Were trying to figure out, first of all, what happens when kids with Fragile X leave high school Thats actually a really difficult time for people with disabilities of any type, including autism. Jessica Klusek Kluseks work focuses on Fragile X syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that is the most common genetic cause of autism and the inherited form of intellectual disability. She studies language skills and profiles of children with Fragile X, including how those symptoms differ from those in children who have autism not associated with a genetic syndrome. Her current study follows people with Fragile X in the last year of high school and the next four years as they transition into adulthood. Were trying to figure out, first of all, what happens when kids with Fragile X leave high school. Are they moving out of the home? Are they getting jobs? Are they participating in social activities in the community? Klusek says. Thats actually a really difficult time for people with disabilities of any type, including autism. One of the studys goals is to see how language and autism symptoms affect success in the transition. And we hope that will help us understand how to develop better programming for children when theyre still in school so that their adult transition isnt as rocky, she says. It just goes back to supporting families and individuals. Neuronal connections Sofia Lizarraga, an assistant professor of biological sciences, focuses on the development of the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that makes us who we are and imparts our cognitive functions. In her lab, Lizarraga, a cellular and developmental neuroscientist, works to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the establishment of neuronal connectivity in the developing human brain. By focusing on two major autism subtypes, we hope to identify common molecular mechanisms that in the future could contribute to the development of potential therapeutic strategies. Sofia Lizarraga Defects in the formation of neuronal connectivity have been proposed as a major cause of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders like autism. Using human stem cells, the Lizarraga laboratory is able to generate neurons that resemble the neurons in the cerebral cortex. They use these stem cell-derived neurons to study cellular parameters that contribute to the development of neuronal connectivity. This technology allows access to tissue that would be otherwise inaccessible during a window of brain development at which key developmental events are happening. Further, their system allows them to study the effect of patient-specific mutations associated with autism, either by using genome editing to introduce the mutations or by deriving adult stem cells from autism patients. The goal is to better understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the normal and altered development of the cerebral cortex by focusing on chromatin and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Chromatin and transcriptional regulators are among the most commonly mutated genes in autism. These types of genes can in turn affect the expression of many other genes. However, there is very little known about how the different chromatin and transcriptional regulators functionally converge in autism pathogenesis, Lizarraga says. By focusing on two major autism subtypes, we hope to identify common molecular mechanisms that in the future could contribute to the development of potential therapeutic strategies. Additional faculty recruited through the initiative Sarah Edmunds (Departments of Psychology and Educational Studies) Focuses on the active ingredients for effective early interventions in autism, and strategies for training providers and families in those interventions. Abigail Hogan (Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders) Focuses on understanding the relationship between anxiety and social communication in autism. Fiona Hollis (Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience) Studies the role of brain mitochondrial function in behavior in health and disease. Caitlin Hudac (Department of Psychology) Studies how the brain changes over development in neurotypical and atypical neurodevelopment populations. Vignesh Narayanan (Artificial Intelligence Institute) Focuses on modeling and analysis of complex systems through their spatio-temporal data. Christian OReilly (Artificial Intelligence Institute) Develops model-driven analysis framework and artificial intelligence systems to understand neurotypical development and neurodevelopmental disorders. Kristy Welshhans (Department of Biological Sciences) Studies how formation of neural connections is altered in Down syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have discovered the unusual DNA structures within Methanoperedens a group of archaea that break down methane in soils, groundwater, and the atmosphere that appear to supercharge the organisms metabolic rate. Theyve named the genetic elements Borgs because the DNA within them contains genes assimilated from many organisms. University of California, Berkeleys Professor Jill Banfield and colleagues study how microbial activities shape large-scale environmental processes and how, in turn, environmental fluctuations alter the Earths microbiomes. As part of their work, they regularly sample microbes in different habitats to see what interesting genes microbes are using for survival, and how these genes might affect global cycles of key elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. They look at the genomes within cells as well as the portable packets of DNA known as extra-chromosomal elements (ECEs) that transfer genes between bacteria, archaea, and viruses. These elements allow microbes to quickly gain beneficial genes from their neighbors, including those that are only distantly related. While studying Methanoperedens sampled from seasonal wetland pool soil in California, the researchers found evidence of an entirely new type of ECE. Unlike the circular strands of DNA that make up most plasmids, the most well-known type of extra-chromosomal element, the new ECEs are linear and very long up to one-third the length of the entire Methanoperedens genome. After analyzing additional samples from underground soil, aquifers, and riverbeds in California and Colorado that contain methane-consuming archaea, they uncovered a total of 19 distinct ECEs they dubbed Borgs. Using advanced genome analysis tools, the team determined that many of the sequences within the Borgs are similar to the methane-metabolizing genes within the actual Methanoperedens genome. Some of the Borgs even encode all the necessary cellular machinery to eat methane on their own, so long as they are inside a cell that can express the genes. Imagine a single cell that has the ability to consume methane, said Dr. Kenneth Williams, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley. Now you add genetic elements within that cell that can consume methane in parallel and also add genetic elements that give the cell higher capacity. It basically creates a condition for methane consumption on steroids, if you will. The authors hypothesize that the Borgs could be residual fragments of entire microbes that were engulfed by Methanoperedens to aid metabolism. Based on the similarities in sequences, the engulfed cell could have been a relative of Methanoperedens, but the overall diversity of genes found in the Borgs indicates that these DNA packages were assimilated from a wide range of organisms. There is evidence that different types of Borgs sometimes coexist in the same host Methanopreredens cell, Professor Banfield said. This opens the possibility that Borgs could be spreading genes across lineages. The findings were published in the journal Nature. _____ B. Al-Shayeb et al. Borgs are giant genetic elements with potential to expand metabolic capacity. Nature, published online October 19, 2022; doi: 10.1038/s41586-022-05256-1 Women, Peace and Security: Annual Open Debate Tomorrow (20 October), the Security Council will hold its annual open debate on women, peace and security (WPS). UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, and Special Envoy on WPS of the Chairperson of the AU Commission Bineta Diop are the anticipated briefers. A civil society representative from Afghanistan is also expected to brief. According to a concept note (S/2022/743) prepared by Gabon in its capacity as Council president this month, the open debate will focus on the theme Strengthening womens resilience and leadership as a path to peace in regions plagued by armed groups. The concept note says that the meeting will provide an opportunity for member states to share specific examples of how they are supporting womens resilience in conflict-affected countries and their capacity to contribute to peace and security. The concept note argues that [f]or resilience to make a difference, it needs to be supported for instance, through political and material support for women peacebuilders and womens networks. The concept note poses several questions to help guide the discussion at tomorrows debate, including: What are the best examples of your countrys support for womens leadership and resilience for the purpose of conflict prevention and recovery over the past year, in particular in contexts with a growing presence of armed groups? What are some ways in which the Security Council and the United Nationsincluding country teams and peace operations in conflict-affected countriescan better support womens resilience and leadership and address the proliferation of armed groups and small arms and light weapons that have such a negative impact on the lives of women and girls? Bahous may highlight key findings and recommendations from the Secretary-Generals annual report on WPS (S/2022/740), dated 5 October. The report says that the world is currently experiencing a reversal of generational gains in womens rights while violent conflicts, military expenditures, military coups, displacements and hunger continue to increase. The focus of this years report is on turning the unconditional defence of womens rights into one of the most visible markers of the UNs peace and security work, and in particular the protection of womens human rights defenders (WHRDs). The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) defines WHRDs as all women and girls working on any human rights issue and people of all genders who work to promote womens rights and rights related to gender equality. The report draws on several sources, such as an expert consultation with civil society representatives organised by UN Women, OHCHR and the NGO Working Group on WPS in January 2021 (S/2022/756), which put forward several recommendations, including on fostering an enabling environment for WHRDs and providing rapid and flexible funding for womens rights organisations. The Secretary-Generals report says that WHRDs have increasingly been targeted across the globe, while such attacks remain significantly underreported. It notes that attacks against WHRDs are more likely to target their personal behaviour, their moral conduct or their sex lives, while defenders of sexual and reproductive health and rights, defenders of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people and women with disabilities face further risks. The report also highlights the risks faced by women civil society representatives who brief the Security Council, noting that nine out of 32 such briefers from January 2021 to May who responded to a UN Women survey reported having faced reprisals. Tomorrow, members are expected to condemn attacks against WHRDs and call for accountability for such attacks. Bahous may echo some of the recommendations for member states outlined in the Secretary-Generals report, such as expediting the approval of applications for asylum, relocation or protected status due to gender-related prosecution and expressing consistent, visible and explicit political support for activists and their work as a key factor in preventing attacks. She may also refer to the measures the Secretary-General has requested UN entities to take to address the reports findings and to support WHRDs, such as to ensure dedicated follow-up on individual cases where necessary and to take steps to ensure that the risk faced by [WHRDs] is never used as an excuse to exclude them. Afghanistan is among the country situations expected to feature in many members remarks tomorrow. The Secretary-Generals report identifies Afghanistan as a particularly oppressive context, noting that the Taliban have appointed a Cabinet comprised exclusively of men, have closed girls secondary schools, banned women from showing their faces in public and restricted womens right to leave their own homes. Among other issues, the civil society representative from Afghanistan may discuss the situation of womens rights in the country, including the repression of women protesters, and may put forward recommendations for the international community. Council members and member states may also refer to other country situations, such as Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Syria and Ukraine. On Myanmar, for instance, the Secretary-Generals report says that the military has killed hundreds of women protesters, including [WHRDs], university students, rights activists for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people, journalists and influencers. Members are likely to call for strengthened protection of women and girls in humanitarian emergencies and conflict settings and condemn all forms of conflict-related sexual violence. In this regard, some may call for the provision of sexual and reproductive health services and psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence. Members often see the annual open debate on WPS as an opportunity to express their support for the agenda and to state their priorities for its implementation. At tomorrows meeting, Council members are likely to call for womens increased representation in political and peace processes. The Secretary-Generals report observes that although women participated as negotiators or delegates in all peace processes led and co-led by the UN in 2021, representation was four percent less than in 2020 (decreased from 23 to 19 percent). Womens absence from non-UN-led processes is also evident, according to the report. Ahead of the open debate, the NGO Working Group on WPS circulated an open letter to UN permanent representatives, urging member states to, among other things, intensify preventive diplomacy efforts and demand, fund and support politically womens full, equal and meaningful participation in all stages of peace processes, and ensure that gender equality and womens human rights are a central part of peace agreements. Some members are likely to stress the importance of womens economic empowerment and access to resources and may call for supporting development initiatives and womens entrepreneurship. Members may also call for increasing womens participation in peacekeeping and some might refer to the Elsie Initiative Fund, a trust fund hosted by UN Women aimed at increasing the participation of uniformed women in UN peace operations. Member states may also refer to different initiatives for the implementation of the WPS agenda, such as regional and national WPS action plans and the Compact on WPS and Humanitarian Action, a multi-stakeholder initiative which commits signatories to undertake action to achieve change on WPS and humanitarian processes. Some members might also refer to the WPS Security Council presidencies initiative. Ireland, Kenya and Mexico started the initiative in 2021 as a Presidency Trio for Women, Peace and Security. At various times between December 2021 and September, Albania, Brazil, France, Gabon, Niger, Norway, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the UK signed up to a 1 December 2021 Statement of Shared Commitments on WPS, which built on the presidency trio initiative. This statement was also endorsed by Ireland, Kenya and Mexico. While a negotiated Council outcome is not expected in connection with tomorrows open debate, the concept note says that Gabon will prepare a chairs summary highlighting best practices and any new concrete commitments to advancing the [WPS] agenda. It seems that Gabon informally considered proposing an outcome ahead of the open debate, but eventually decided to not go forward with its initiative. This is likely because of the prevalent perception, including among members supportive of the WPS agenda and several civil society actors, that the difficult dynamics on this file remain largely unchanged and have arguably been complicated by Russias invasion of Ukraine. These actors stress the importance of implementing the existing WPS normative framework rather than pursuing new negotiated outcomes, in order to avoid language that is repetitive or less robust than the content of the existing ten Security Council resolutions on WPS. Violences meurtrieres au Tchad : Le Frapp accuse Macky Sall, la France et Deby Le Tchad a vecu une violente emeute, ce jeudi 20 octobre. Le bilan fait etat dune cinquantaine de morts et de plus de 300 blesses. Mais pour le Frapp, le president de lUnion africaine, par ailleurs President du Senegal, Macky Sall, et la France sont les instigateurs de la tuerie commise par lassassin Deby. Les membres du mouvement lont fait savoir a travers un communique recu ce jour. Le Frapp se souvient que Macky Sall avait apporte, en aout 2022, son soutien au dictateur Deby, lors d'une visite effectuee a Ndjamena. Le Frapp presente ses condoleances au peuple africain frere du Tchad et se recueille devant la depouille de tous ceux qui ont ete assassines aujourd'hui et qui portent aussi la coresponsabilite du president de l'Union africaine Macky Sall et d'Emmanuel Macron, a signe le Secretariat executif national (Sen). Par ailleurs, le Frapp dit soutenir la resistance heroique des camarades, freres et surs du Tchad qui se battent pour sortir leur pays de l'autocratie dynastique neocoloniale a la tete de laquelle se trouve l'assassin Deby. Dans un autre registre, le mouvement interpelle les Etats du Senegal et de la Guinee-Bissau qui assistent de maniere irresponsable au conflit foncier transfrontalier entre les villages de Koussi au Senegal et le village de Sidiff en Guinee-Bissau, depuis au moins 2006. A plusieurs reprises les habitants des deux villages ont failli en venir aux mains. Le Frapp appelle le Senegal et la Guinee-Bissau a agir en bons peres de famille et a delimiter la borne 134 au cur d'un conflit foncier qui n'a que trop dure et dont les consequences peuvent etre extremement graves, avance-t-il. News featured spotlight Government What's the holdup? Ethics reform proposal stalls again A proposal to reform San Franciscos ethics laws has been stalled for months amid prolonged negotiations with the union that represents top city officials. The union says it needs time to study the proposal and its many ramifications, but the citys Ethics Commission says its simply dragging its feet on reform. The Municipal Executives Association has been exercising its right to weigh in on the proposal for nearly a year despite a push from the Ethics Commission which authored the reforms to put it before voters in the form of a ballot measure. Public records reviewed by The Examiner show the union, whose members include dozens of top department heads and their deputies, has been drawing out its concerns with the ethics proposal over a series of 11 meetings. At one point, the union went as far as to file a formal grievance over the process with its suggested remedy being a continuation of bargaining. Whats at stake is a voluminous set of reforms that, in short, aim to close a number of loopholes in The Citys ethics policies and to deter the sort of backroom dealing and back-scratching for which San Francisco is infamous. The proposal is tied to The Citys ongoing reform efforts in the wake of numerous corruption scandals that have roiled City Hall in recent years, including the acceptance of bribes by former Department of Public Works head Mohammed Nuru. Kevin N. Hume/The Examiner The Ethics Commissions proposal aims to shore up The Citys current ethics laws in numerous ways, many of which are targeted at preventing the kind of behavior that landed former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru a prison sentence. The Ethics Commissions proposal aims to shore up The Citys current ethics laws in numerous ways, many of which are targeted at preventing the kind of behavior that landed Nuru a prison sentence. For example, the proposal would prohibit a lobbyist from skirting city law by passing a gift to a city official through an intermediary. It would require department heads to report gifts to its department from any non-governmental source every month. These reforms are crucial in light of the widespread corruption scandal that has unraveled throughout The City in recent years, Michael Canning, the Ethics Commissions acting senior policy analyst, told The Examiner. The Ethics Commission not-so-subtly paints the issue as a matter of delay on the unions part. While The Citys executive leadership could together be championing the strengthening of ethics and accountability in city government through critical and common-sense reforms, the actions of city executives have instead denied San Francisco voters a fresh opportunity to enact important ethics reforms this year, the commission wrote. Regrettably, city executives have sidestepped a critical opportunity to improve The Citys ethical climate and practices. The Ethics Commission, the union and Department of Human Resources which is facilitating the discussions have not met since late July. The union, which represents almost every department head and high-level manager in city government, says it supports ethics reform including several provisions of the proposed ballot measure but warns that the proposal could impact its members ability to do their jobs. MEAs duty is to ensure that each of the well-intended revisions are understood, including potential unintended consequences; that they are communicated clearly to the impacted workers who are on the frontlines managing the City every day; and to engage with the Ethics Commission representatives in a process that achieves our shared goal of government accountability and integrity, while representing the rights of our members, MEA Executive Director Raquel Silva wrote in a statement to The Examiner. Before a proposal like this appears before voters, unions whose members might be impacted by it are entitled to what is known as a meet and confer process, which is a fancy term for a negotiation. However, the process that has played out with the ethics proposals calls into question what the limits of that meet and confer process are, and whether its being abused. Throughout that (meet and confer) process, the commission was told that the law did not require ultimate agreement between the parties to be successfully concluded, but rather a good faith discussion of issues raised, the Ethics Commission wrote in an August statement. And yet, the negotiations continue. Details of the objections raised by the union are not subject to public disclosure, but records obtained by The Examiner demonstrate the arduousness of the process. Representatives of the union, human resources department and Ethics Commission have now met to hash out their differences on several occasions. But simply scheduling a meeting between all of the involved parties is painful and has seemed, at times, to be a Sisyphean process. In a March letter to the union, the Department of Human Resources noted that a Feb. 22 meeting was rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts. The department gave the union available times on March 1 and received no response. It offered March 4 and March 8 and was told by the union that those were unavailable. Subsequently, The City requested that MEA offer alternative dates in which they are available. The City is awaiting a response, and looks forward to meeting with MEA again very soon on this important matter, the human resources letter states. The back-and-forth forced the Ethics Commission to miss the deadline to place the proposal on the June, and then the November, ballot Depending on the outcome of Proposition H, which would shift all city elections to even years, there may not be another opportunity to place the ethics proposal on the ballot until 2024. Its unfortunate that voters werent given the opportunity to weigh in on these proposals this year, since ultimately the voters should be the ones setting ethical standards for city officials, Canning told The Examiner. But given this reality, we will continue to pursue these reforms through whatever pathways are available, even if that means reforms cant happen until 2023 or 2024. The reforms already implemented in the wake of the Nuru scandal have not been without hiccups. The Board of Supervisors, then voters, approved legislation to alter the rules around behested payments, a term for when a city department or official solicits a donation to a favored nonprofit from a person or company doing business with The City. This year, supervisors returned to the issue, fearing that the law as written was too restrictive and could limit The Citys ability to raise funds for key projects. The legislation was tweaked again last month. Though summarized neatly in the Ethics Commissions statement, the proposed reforms are multitudinous and complex and undoubtedly take time to work through. In its statement to The Examiner, the union noted that it has negotiated ethics training requirements into its past contracts and that when new legislation is proposed, it engages in the meet and confer process in order to understand and negotiate language changes that address the issues our members might face and to develop a training process so they understand what is expected of them. We are fully committed to continue working with the Ethics Commission, the Board of Supervisors and other stakeholders to continue to progress necessary ethics reforms, in which we firmly believe, Silva said. Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen receives Singapores President Halimah Yacob (Photo: SGGP) Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen yesterday afternoon had a meeting with Singapores President Halimah Yacob and a high-ranking delegation on the occasion of her visit to the southern largest city. Appreciating the visit of President Halimah Yacob, Secretary Nguyen Van Nen affirmed that city leaders highly welcomed the President and the delegation. Vietnam and Singapore have a high level of political commitment with a close connection in terms of economic interests, security and especially the good feelings between the people of the two countries. He said that the relationship between the two countries is closely connected in many aspects. Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen receives Singapores President Halimah Yacob and her husband (Photo: SGGP) Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen receives Singapores President Halimah Yacob (Photo: SGGP) Generalizing the role of the city in promoting economic development, culture, education, science and technology in the current period, Mr. Nguyen Van Nen also affirmed that Singapore is an important partner in trade and investment. He emphasized that the cooperation with Singapore has brought many important values to the southern largest city. Cooperation programs between the city and Singapore's ministries, sectors and businesses in recent years have been very positive and brought great potential. Additionally, Mr. Nen added that the two countries should continue to implement and promote in-depth and long-term cooperation activities. According to Mr. Nen, exchange and connection activities in the fields of culture, education and tourism between Vietnam and Singapore are increasingly deepening while there have been more and more activities in science and technology transfer, and medical exchange programs that show the good relationships between the two countries. Reviewing the city's economic and social situation after the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Nen emphasized that the city is in the process of strong recovery and is currently implementing many activities towards the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and 10 years of establishing the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership. Mr. Nen also shared the difficulties and challenges facing the city such as infrastructure and human resources; thereby, he wished Singapore to cooperate and share experiences in public administration and public services as well as solutions for problems of renewable energy, green energy, infrastructure construction, climate change and promotion of the development of an innovative start-up business community and key products. At the meeting, Singapore President Halimah Yacob expressed her pleasure at her visit to Vietnam. She sincerely thanked the leaders and people of Ho Chi Minh City for their warm and enthusiastic reception. At the same time, she congratulated the city for its fast recovery after controlling the Covid-19 epidemic proving the right leadership and the efforts and determination of administrators and people from all walks of life in the southern metropolis. Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen receives Singapores President Halimah Yacob (Photo: SGGP) Appreciating the citys goal towards a financial and economic center of the country and the region, Ms. Halimah Yacob also predicted the difficulties and challenges that the city will face such as infrastructure and human resources. According to Ms. Halimah Yacob, Singapore has also gone through this phase with the common challenges of traffic, and climate change and is continuing to promote the development of information technology and artificial intelligence. In her point of view, to solve the internal problem, the city needs to have good policies to attract foreign investment, including Singaporean investors as cooperation activities will both help develop the local economy and solve the problems and difficulties that the city is facing. On the morning of the same day, President Halimah Yacob attended the Vietnam-Singapore Business Forum and met with the Singaporean community. Today, as per the plan, the President of Singapore will return to Singapore. According to the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City, in 2021, the total import-export turnover of Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore will reach nearly US$8 billion. Total registered investment capital from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City reached $11.9 billion for years. Singapore ranked 1/116 of the countries and territories with registered investment capital in the city. By Thanh Hang - Translated by Anh Quan Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, director of HCMCs Department of Tourism, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA) Organized by HCMCs Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore, the event drew the participation of nearly 200 representatives from DoT, Vietnam Airlines, the Vietnamese embassy in Singapore, and leading travel companies from the two countries. Addressing the seminar, Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, DoTs director, said that this is the first tourism promotion event that the city has organized abroad after a hiatus of more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Singapore is an important market that contributes greatly to tourism in Vietnam and HCMC in particular, she said. Le Cong Dung, Charge d'affaires of the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore, said that the seminar offers a good opportunity for tourism businesses in the two countries to connect and explore new opportunities. At the event, representatives of Vietnam Airlines and leading travel companies in Vietnam such as Vietravel, SaigonTourist and Saco Travel introduced and promoted new products to Singapore and international travel agencies. The seminar is part of a program aiming to promote Vietnam and HCMC in Singapore organized by the DoT from October 17-22. Within the framework of the event, activities included performances of ethnic musical instruments, painting of conical hats and other promotional activities held at ITB Asia Fair 2022. Held annually since 2008 by the Singaporean company Messe Berlin, ITB ASIA is the largest international trade fair specialising in travel in Asia. This year's edition also attracted thousands of companies from Asia-Pacific, Europe, America, Africa and the Middle East. Vietnamplus Page Content On Sept. 13, the Japanese government published its Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains (Guidelines). The Guidelines set out how businesses active in Japan should address the human rights risks arising in their operations and supply chains. They mirror existing international standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (OECD Guidelines). This article discusses some of the Guidelines' key features. Scope The government expects compliance with the Guidelines from any business conducting activities in Japan, not just those incorporated in the country. The Guidelines underline that all businesses, regardless of size, have a responsibility to respect human rights. This requires that businesses address the actual and potential adverse human rights impacts connected with their activities, whether inside or outside Japan. The Guidelines emphasize that the human rights responsibilities of a business extend to its arrangements with a wide range of other entities, including those in its corporate group, joint enterprise partners, service providers and suppliers. The Guidelines make clear that they cover both "upstream" elements of value chains, such as raw material and resource procurement, as well as "downstream" elements including sale or consumption of goods and services. The Guidelines cover all internationally recognized human rights but highlight that businesses should be especially aware of risks to human rights in the areas of forced labor and child labor, freedom of association, collective bargaining, discrimination and freedom of movement and residence. The Guidelines are also clear that the human rights guaranteed by the Japanese Constitution should be respected in Japan. Adoption of a Human Rights Policy The Guidelines state that businesses should adopt a comprehensive policy expressing a commitment to respect for human rights. The policy must be approved at the most senior level of the business, informed by appropriate expertise, effectively communicated and embedded into operational policies such as procurement guidelines. The policy must also set out the business' expectations of employees, business partners, and any other relevant parties in relation to human rights. Human Rights Due Diligence The Guidelines emphasize that businesses should conduct human rights due diligence. This requires continuously evaluating human rights risks, including through stakeholder dialogues, and undertaking steps to prevent and mitigate adverse human rights impacts involving the business. The Guidelines recommend that businesses collect information to track the effectiveness of measures taken to address adverse human rights impacts, which may involve, among other things, conducting employee interviews, site visits and third-party audits. Businesses are also expected to disclose details to the public and affected stakeholders regarding the steps they are taking in relation to human rights risks, in a manner that is accessible, but which has due regard to confidentiality considerations. The UNGPs and the OECD Guidelines contain similar recommendations but it is notable that the government has not decided to impose mandatory human rights due diligence obligations, as has been done in other OECD countries. Although the Guidelines state that the content and scope of human rights disclosures are a matter for each business to decide, they recommend including basic information covering issues such as how the business is identifying, prioritizing between, and preventing or mitigating human rights risks. The Guidelines also reference the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Corporate Governance Code, which prescribes disclosures on similar matters by companies within its scope. Importantly, as well as evaluating human rights risks, the Guidelines set out that businesses have responsibilities to "make efforts" to prevent and mitigate adverse human rights impacts with which they are linked through both their direct and indirect suppliers. This will mean exercising "leverage" to ensure that suppliers and other business partners also respect human rights. The Guidelines recognize that the influence businesses have over their suppliers will vary, and treat the directness of a business' link to a supplier as relevant when prioritizing between different adverse human rights impacts. The Guidelines also caution that leverage exercised over suppliers and other entities must remain compliant with Japanese competition law. This is likely a reference to the Japanese competition law prohibition on "abuse of superior bargaining position," meaning imposing unfair disadvantages on counterparties by virtue of their economic dependence. The Guidelines state that disengagement from entities causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts is a measure of last resort, which should only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Further guidance is provided in the Guidelines on doing business in places affected by conflict or other systemic human rights issues. Appropriate Remediation Finally, the Guidelines state that businesses are responsible for implementing and supporting appropriate remedies for adverse human rights impacts they have caused or contributed to. Under the Guidelines, businesses are not responsible for remediating adverse human impacts they are merely linked to through third parties. However, the Guidelines emphasize that it is often difficult to distinguish between such impacts and those which a business has more directly contributed to. The Guidelines recommend that businesses establish an effective grievance mechanism in accordance with the UNGPs, through which individuals affected by adverse human rights impacts may seek remediation. Comment The government's Guidelines represent a significant evolution in public expectations applicable to businesses with activities in Japan in relation to human rights. The Guidelines are broad in scope and provide detailed guidance on the elements of an effective human rights due diligence process. Although the Guidelines are not legally binding, they clearly set out the government's expectations in relation to business and human rights. While the government has stopped short of imposing mandatory human rights due diligence obligations (as is currently proposed in the EU), the Guidelines are aligned with international standards and will increase pressure on Japanese companies to ensure that their own governance and risk management processes accord with these international standards. Indeed, guidelines are commonly used in preference to "hard" law to shape corporate behavior in Japan, with the expectation that companies will follow them notwithstanding their nonbinding nature. The Guidelines make reference to the Japanese National Contact Point (NCP) established under the OECD Guidelines. The NCP has a role in resolving complaints against businesses that fail to adhere to the OECD Guidelines; this is also an avenue via which companies' implementation of Japan's own Guidelines may be subject to scrutiny. Businesses should give the Guidelines serious consideration, both in anticipation of future regulatory developments in Japan, and in view of international standards requiring companies to respect human rights through implementation of human rights policies and due diligence. Antony Crockett is an attorney with Herbert Smith Freehills in Hong Kong. Joel Rheuben and Nina O'Keefe are attorneys with Herbert Smith Freehills in Tokyo. Jefferi Hamzah Sendut is a trainee solicitor with Herbert Smith Freehills in London. 2022 Herbert Smith Freehills. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology. Page Content The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review whether the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) can decide a dispute between the Ohio National Guard and a union representing the Ohio National Guard's technicians. We've gathered articles on the news from SHRM Online and other outlets. Case Before the Court The Ohio National Guard went to federal court after the FLRA ruled that the Guard committed several unfair labor practices, including failing to bargain with the union, ending the automatic withdrawal of members' dues payments and announcing it's not bound by federal-sector labor law. The FLRA argued that the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals correctly held that Guard technicians, who have dual status as members of the state militia and as federal employees, are protected by federal-sector labor law. (Bloomberg) Ohio Attorney General's Statement Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision to review Ohio Adjutant General v. Federal Labor Relations Authority: "I have consistently gone to court to combat federal overreach, and this case is more of the same. Long story short, the FLRA can regulate federal agencies only. Neither the Ohio National Guard nor Ohio Adjutant General's Department is a federal agency. So the FLRA cannot regulate them." (Ohio Attorney General) 6th Circuit Ruling The 6th Circuit had upheld a ruling by the FLRA that said the Ohio National Guard violated federal labor law in 2016 by abruptly ending its 45-year bargaining relationship with the American Federation of Government Employees union. The two other federal appeals courts to consider the issuethe 5th and D.C. circuitshave ruled the same way. Ohio is backed by 11 Republican-led states, including Mississippi and Texas, which filed a brief in June asking the Supreme Court to take the case. (Reuters) Key Statutory Provision The key statutory provision here authorizes the FLRA to regulate labor relations issues involving employees of an "executive agency," defined as "an executive department, a government corporation and an independent establishment." An "independent establishment" is defined as "an establishment in the executive branch [that] is not an executive department, military department [or] government corporation." The Ohio National Guard contends that a state national guard does not qualify under any of these definitions. (The National Law Review) Other Cases the Supreme Court Recently Agreed to Review The Supreme Court announced on Oct. 3 it will hear this case. On the same day, which was the opening day of the court's new term, the court also announced it will review a case that will clarify the scope of the attorney-client privilege and another case involving whether state tort claims are pre-empted when there is property damage incidental to a work stoppage. (SHRM Online) and (SHRM Online) "Where others saw walls, he saw doors" - with this success mantra of OP Jindal, Savitri Jindal took the Jindal Group forward and became an inspiration for the common woman in every possible way. At the age when grey-haired people plan to retire from household or professional duties, Savitri Jindal discovered a whole new world where she found herself as a politician, social activist, and billionaire. India's richest woman Savitri Jindal took over her husband Om Prakash Jindal's steel and power conglomerate after his sudden demise in 2005. Savitri Jindal's net worth ballooned by $12 billion in the last two years. With a net worth of $18 billion, Jindal is India's richest woman and the only woman in the top 10 of Forbes' list of richest Indians in 2021. Indeed, it's worth spending time to know the outstanding story of Savitri Jindal - the woman who stepped out of the shadow of the house and took control of a flourishing business empire. She is a wonderful example of being a woman in a self-proclaimed man's world is Savitri Jindal - the Chairperson Emiretus, Jindal Steel & Power Limited. Journey to the world of business Savitri Devi Jindal, who was born in 1950 in Tinsukia, Assam, married OP Jindal in the 1970s. OP Jindal was the founder of the Jindal Group, a steel and power giant. OP Jindal served as a minister in the Haryana government and a representative for the Hisar district in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. The mother of nine children was 55 years old when her husband, Om Prakash Jinda died in a helicopter crash in 2005. In this difficult situation, Savitri Devi decided to take the control of the business for its better future. With a net worth of $18.3 billion, Savitri Jindal, a woman of simplicity and cultural essence, is currently one of the wealthiest Indian women. A remarkable personality with great values Savitri Jindal, an exceptional person with strong morals, is dedicated to carrying on OP Jindal's principles in the wake of his tragic death in 2005. The group's turnover climbed four times when she took over as chair, and the conglomerate established leadership positions in many businesses, both of which were motivated by her humanistic attitude to entrepreneurship. By purchasing mines in Chile and Mozambique, many group corporations increased their global reach. After starting the company, Savitri Jindal decided to enter politics to follow in her husband's footsteps. She ran for the Hisar assembly constituency in Haryana on a Congress ticket and won twice, in 2005 and 2009. She was appointed as a minister in the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government twice. During her tenure, she held the portfolios of minister of state for revenue, disaster management, rehabilitation and housing in 2006 and minister for urban local bodies in 2013. One of the richest women One of the wealthiest ladies in the nation, the matriarch of the Jindal Group was ranked as the fourth richest mother in the world by Forbes magazine in 2010. Savitri Jindal is leading the Jindal Group ahead and even assisting the common person in whatever manner she can, following the success mantra of her late husband OP Jindal. Savitri Jindal is personally involved in charitable endeavours to aid the less fortunate in addition to her work in business and politics. She helps the Jindal Group create and successfully operate medical and educational facilities. Savitri Jindal, who is 71 years old, keeps herself occupied by managing the various social welfare programmes for education and healthcare that the founder of the Jindal Group started for the underprivileged and factory workers. She does continue to be concerned about maintaining the harmony and integrity of the family among her children and grandchildren. Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal. Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. 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 former chief executive of a multibillion-dollar waste company is facing 10 years jail for colluding with its competitor to fix and jack up the prices of skip bins and waste processing in Sydney. Daniel Tartak, the former managing director and CEO of Bingo Industries, pleaded guilty to two charges of aiding and abetting in the Federal Court on Wednesday. The 37-year-old was charged in August following an investigation by the consumer watchdog, which alleged that in mid-2019, the company agreed with its competitors, Aussie Skips Bin Services and Aussie Skips Recycling, to increase prices for supplying skip bins and waste processing services for building and demolition waste in Sydney. Bingo Industries CEO Daniel Tartak pleads guilty to aiding and abetting demolition waste price fixing. A sentencing hearing will be held in March next year, where Tartak will face 10 years in jail, a fine of up to $440,000, or both. During his first decade as Chinas leader, Xi Jinping regularly touted the importance of reform and opening up the economy even as he pushed the country sharply in the opposite direction. On Sunday, as he laid out his ambitions at an important political meeting, he barely paid lip service to the notion. Xi, who is expected to secure a groundbreaking third term when the Communist Party congress concludes this week, made just three references to market reforms in his nearly two-hour speech and omitted more than a dozen others from a longer, written version. He instead focused on issues of national security and corruption, extolled state projects in spaceflight and supercomputers, and pledged to create a larger role for socialism and the public sector. Pro-business, free-market reforms that propelled China to become the worlds second-largest economy have been tabled in favour of state prerogatives. Credit:AP When he did talk about markets, the message was established rhetoric. He lauded socialist market economic reform, while also arguing that Chinas economy should give full play to the decisive role of the market in resource allocation. Under Xis leadership, China is returning to its roots: a state-controlled economy that demands businesses conform to the aims of the Chinese Communist Party. Pro-business, free-market reforms that propelled it to become the worlds second-largest economy have been tabled in favour of state prerogatives. Khan says experimental work, sometimes considered challenging, or a leap into the unknown, for audiences, benefits greatly from being part of a festival. Experimental arts is where all the fun stuff happens, where youre trying something new, he says. At heart, its about artists innovating at the cutting edge of their art forms, experimenting with their medium, pushing it in ways they havent before. Add the buzz of a busy foyer, friends and the arts community returning, its an incredible environment. Sophie Penkethman-Young looks towards an image of her installation. Credit:Kate Geraghty Dance artist Amrita Hepi, whose 60-minute solo work Rinse explores the romance of beginnings and what happens next, is keen for audiences to lose themselves in the piece. Rinse looks at personal beginnings and also tries to touch on more universal ones, she says. When did this country, as we know it, really begin ? What happens after the start of a relationship or falling in love? What are the elements or atoms that form and begin Earth as we know it? Those questions may seem quite big to explore in a dance work, but I think dance has a way of making something clear or explicit without over-explanation. Dance has a way of making something clear or explicit without over-explanation. Dance artist Amrita Hepi Hepi considered several recent life shifts including the death of her father, moving interstate and the end of a long-term relationship. Assessing or dealing with the reality of my ends I was trying to establish or remember how it had begun, what remained and how do I begin again? she says. I dont think there is ever a clean break. Another dance work, Follies of God, by Australian-Indian artist Raghav Handa, uses Sanskrit verses from the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that influenced both Mahatma Gandhi and SS Chief Heinrich Himmler. We look at how language can be used as a form of weapon, Handa says. And how this has historically been used by individuals and groups to inspire or to subjugate. Amrita Hepi will be performing her piece Rinse. Credit:Kate Geraghty Follies of God, created with sound artist James Brown, features Handa performing with a crane tyre weighing more than 250kg. I stand on top of it, he says. I am under it, I dance with it. So the stakes are high, risk is real, consequences are real. And thats what makes this piece compelling. Its an embodied exploration of the seduction of violence, where we confront our own struggle for self-mastery amidst the seduction of violence and the lure of power over others. A third of the Liveworks program, which also includes artist collectives BoneDirt and Field Theory, musician and composer Jon Rose, three nights of experimental works-in-progress and a 12-hour queer immersive dance party, is presented digitally. Loading After presenting work online during lockdown, we got feedback that audiences with disability often found it safer or more welcoming to engage with work digitally, Khan says. And, for digital artists like Sophie Penkethman-Young, it recognises the uniqueness of their practice. Penkethman-Youngs work, In Progress: The Wait of Expectation, which is live-streamed for audiences on a computer at home, was inspired by the prevalence of loading bars and digital icons in apps or online to show action. Theyre everywhere, she says. The Apple Watch rings, period trackers, sleep apps, meditation apps. I dont think I know my own body without a loading bar. The idea for In Progress: The Wait of Expectation, which runs until Saturday, originated two years ago when Penkethman-Young was watching a food delivery apps animated graphics. Experimental work is where the art of the future gets made, where the artists of the future ... push the culture forward. Artistic director of Performance Space Jeff Khan I was taken by how mesmerising they were for something that is sort of evil, she says. I felt like it was trying to connect me with a fake means of production. Instead of seeing the cook in the back cooking my food I had these graphics letting me know that it was getting done. Penkethman-Young says icons and loading bars, originally invented to placate frustrated computer users, now commodify labour. Weve now turned it back on ourselves, she says. Does our labour exist without the loading bar? Liveworks program, which began with a three-hour concert featuring experimental pop artists Rainbow Chan and Sui Zhen, will end with another free music event, Closing Sounds, led by atmospheric music artists Haco and Lisa Lerkenfeldt. Khan says the festival, now in its eighth year, is the place to catch performers, choreographers, artists and thinkers creating without constriction, or before they move to bigger, more mainstage, venues and festivals. Experimental work is where the art of the future gets made, where the artists of the future establish their practices and push the culture forward, he says. This is a laboratory, a space to try something new, both for the artists and for the audiences. Its for the bold and the adventurous. The decision of Melbourne Writers Festival to change dates has prompted dismay among publishers and other festivals. The festival, which was held early last month, intends to begin next years four-day event on May 4, which means there will be festivals at Brisbane, Margaret River and Sydney in May. And it means Melbourne will run on the same weekend as Bendigo Writers Festival. Chief executive Vivia Hickman said the move was spearheaded by a desire to get more in sync with the publishing cycle. The festival stuck out in September because it often focused on authors and books that had been published in the previous October and November, which is the start of the cycle. Vivia Hickman says resource sharing and collaboration are cornerstones of arts events. Credit: As the festival considered dates, she said, it became apparent that May was the only month in Melbourne without another festival, and securing the multiple venues the festival used - a huge issue - was therefore easier. She confirmed the festival would use the Town Hall and Capitol Theatre next year. Hickman said MWF had considered the direct clash with Bendigo. We thought it would be a great possibility to collaborate with a major regional festival. Obviously, we can offer, we hope, access to writers that maybe they wouldnt have normally, if thats what theyre interested in, she said. Resource sharing and collaboration are cornerstones of arts events. That wasnt the case for One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who according to a recent register of interests disclosure, got two free tickets to Farages Brisbane show from Turning Point Australia, the right-wing grifters behind his Australian tour. Hanson did have to do some work for the ticket we hear the free ride was because shed given a speech before Farages address. Still, that handout would be welcomed just this week, a federal court ordered Hanson pay $250,000 in damages to former One Nation Senate colleague Brian Burston after a defamation judgment over her falsely accusing him of sexual abuse. Hrstod Development Andrew Hrsto is the kind of character only Sydney could produce. Hes the property developer behind Aland Developments, the company that reached a confidential settlement with residents of Mascot Towers, over damage that forced them to evacuate their homes. Hes also reportedly landed in a bit of legal trouble after being caught by police trying to stash a bag of cocaine in a pot plant outside the Star casino, after the cops had been called to break up a fight between Hrsto and his former partner. Thanks to a guilty plea for drug possession, Hrsto got away with a good behaviour bond and no conviction. And to top it all off, hes the semi-recent owner of an extravagant, $20 million trophy home on exclusive Wentworth Road Vaucluse, just next door to the mansion brought off James Packer by Chinese-Australian billionaire Chau Chak Wing. Just months after making the purchase, Hrsto wants to take out the sledgehammers, filing a development application with Woollahra Council on Wednesday for substantial alterations and additions, which were sure will be tasteful and subtle. Peak Sydney. Back to bank Westpacs potential buy-out of one-time fintech disruptor Tyro comes with extra irony on the side. Tyros last remaining major shareholder Mike Cannon-Brookes who owns 12.5 per cent of the payment service through his investment vehicle Grok Ventures has a family connection to the big four bank. The Atlassian billionaires father, Mike Cannon-Brooks Snr, had a little stint at the bank in the 1990s as executive vice president of operations and technology while Cannon-Brookes Jnr was still at Cranbrook School. It gets better. Fast forward to 2014, when Cannon-Brookes Snr was no longer the most famous member of the family, and when Cannon-Brookes Jnr described the profitability of Australias banks including Westpac as insanity, warning that outfits like Tyro were coming after some of the lucrative action. Those words were front of mind for observers the following month when Brian Hartzer, then CEO of, well, Westpac, warned his fellow bankers that they must act like disruptors if they were to see off the threat that Tyro and others posed to their market share. Now we look poised to come full circle, as the disrupted looks poised to gobble up the disruptor. Isnt it ironic? Making his Mark The Newcastle community is in for a real treat. None other than The Mentor himself, mortgage millionaire Mark Bouris is coming up from Sydney at the end of next month to tell them how its done. As part of a Locals helping Locals initiative, Bouris will share with audience paying $132 for the best seats at the Newcastle NEX Club his playbook for success aimed at small businesses and potential start-ups in the region that was hit hard by last years flooding disasters. Alfred Hospital doctor calls for more funding Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Hans Niemann, the teenage American grandmaster at the centre of an alleged cheating scandal, has sued world champion Magnus Carlsen, online platform Chess.com and others for slander and libel and is seeking at least $US100 million ($159 million) in damages. The lawsuit, filed at a US District Court in Missouri, also lists Carlsens online chess platform Play Magnus, Chess.com executive Danny Rensch and American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura as defendants. Magnus Carlsen (left) and his bitter chess rival, Hans Niemann. Credit:. Niemann, 19, claimed that the defendants are colluding to blacklist him from the professional chess world and that he has been shunned by tournament organisers since five-time world champion Carlsen publicly accused him of cheating. Loading Carlsens surprise defeat to Niemann and his subsequent withdrawal from the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis, Missouri in September sparked a furore of comments and allegations, including from Nakamura, that the American had cheated. Weeks after the Sinquefield Cup, the Norwegian resigned after just one move against Niemann in an online tournament and said later in September he believed the American had cheated more - and more recently - than he has publicly admitted. In a statement, lawyers for Chess.com said there was no merit to Niemanns allegations and that the company was saddened by his decision to take legal action. Read more here. Reuters Hamilton Hospital chief executive accuses Victorian government of attempting to gag funding pleas Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Former NRL player Jamil Hopoate has been jailed after being paid $10,000 to deliver eight kilograms of cocaine across Sydney. The former Brisbane Broncos lock, who has twice been jailed previously for violent incidents, was arrested at gunpoint during a police sting in May 2021. Former NRL player Jamil Hopoate, pictured outside court during an appearance in May, has been jailed for cocaine supply. Credit:Rhett Wyman He pleaded guilty in May to supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug. On Thursday, District Court Judge Sharron Norton ordered that Hopoate, 27, spend a minimum of two years and three months behind bars, dismissing arguments by his legal team that serving time in the community was more appropriate. This story is part of an in-depth series investigating the Barangaroo precinct, one of Sydneys largest urban renewal projects. See all 19 stories . The bromance between Dominic Perrottet and Paul Keating bridges a gap in both age and political persuasion. The Liberal premier, 40, and the former Labor prime minister, 78, share an interest in economics, a passion for architecture, and, in Keatings words, a civic conscience. What Perrottet and I have in common is we regard public life as a vocation, not an occupation, he told the Herald last year. He understands that political authority in the end goes to people who make the big policy decisions it does not go to people who do well in news management. Former prime minister Paul Keating and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet at Barangaroo on Thursday. Credit:Kate Geraghty The two men joined forces on Thursday to do both; to kibosh a developers proposal for taller, bigger buildings in the final piece of Barangaroo, and to do so with a touch of theatre, standing together at Nawi Cove with Keatings beloved headland park rising grandly behind them. At times, their routine was reminiscent of that scene from Chicago where Velma Kelly (Keating) valiantly tries to sign up Roxy Hart (Perrottet) to her own barnstorming double act, as a bemused Roxy watches on. The Shergold review into Australias response to the pandemic listed four primary failings, which all need to be addressed. However, masking all the issues was the governments penchant for secrecy. The lack of transparency hid any political advice from scrutiny and permitted our politicians to be selective in what advice they chose to follow. There needs to be clear oversight of decisions made and the reasons; politicians are not perfect and will be forgiven for mistakes but not for deliberately keeping the public uninformed. Peter Nash, Fairlight Here we go, the wise-after-the-event phase. Most of us are open to sensible opinion or, even better, evidenced findings. With such a major event I would like to know the methodology of any review to get a feel for its objectivity. For example, from whom and how was information drawn, and what information wasnt drawn.Seco ndly, I need to know more about the alternative responses so Im able to assess if they are practical and suitable. For example, in the case of public schools, how they would be made safe for teachers and students to operate in a pandemic? Take things on face value and the old Australian pastimes run wild, we shoulda and we gunna. Brian Jones, Leura If we are not careful, it seems likely that we are about to indulge in a period of over-the-top criticism and allocation of blame ( Stop dallying and call a pandemic royal commission , October 20), particularly if we embark upon a royal commission into our handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The just-released review, chaired by Peter Shergold, provides valuable insights and guidance as to how future health crises could be managed, while recognising that, during COVID-19, there was much good work and decision-making under very difficult circumstances. It is unrealistic to suggest a royal commission would not have some in-built bias, particularly as the government has recently changed. The Albanese government could use the Shergold review and numerous other sources of information to establish an Australian Centre for Disease Control to ensure that if another pandemic strikes, we will not repeat mistakes. Ross Butler, Rodd Point A royal commission would be most welcome. Our governments dealt with the COVID pandemic from a narrow health administration perspective and drowned out dissenting voices. The primary means of viral spread remains the circulation of air in buildings and vehicles, with surfaces in same playing a minor role. These are both fields of engineering, but the government and engineering community saw the role of engineers as keeping our mines open. We ramped up cleaning and dealt with air by mask-wearing and restricting movement. Not an iota was changed in our air circulation systems, yet much could have been done to alleviate the social impacts identified by the Shergold panel. In air-handling terms, we should see the pandemic as the equivalent of the Great Fire of London, requiring a rewriting of the rule-book. Peter Egan, Mosman Premiers dam wall plan will flood Labor with votes Alex Smiths piece (Raise the dam? And the damn funds, October 20) about Perrottets desperate bid to win votes in Sydneys west drips with irony. The premiers watertight decree that the wall will be raised, regardless of federal financial support, may well achieve the opposite electoral outcome. Putting aside Perrottets unfeasible and unbudgeted billion dollar project, straw polls suggest most people in NSW oppose raising the dam wall. That includes people in Sydneys western suburbs and the Blue Mountains, who are not fools to be bought by last-ditch politicking. Damage to the environment, native fauna and Indigenous history mitigate against raising the wall. However, the incontrovertible argument is a higher wall will not make a drop of difference to the flooding of flood plains because, unsurprisingly, flood plains will continue to flood. It appears the Liberal promise to raise the dam wall may well deliver a flood of votes for Labor. Gerardine Grace, Leura The endorsement of the proposed raising of the Warragamba Dam wall may well be considered a smart political move by Perrottet. However, I, for one, would hesitate to live in a zone with substantially increased risk should the flood mitigation development fail. While I acknowledge that WaterNSW chose practice leaders from around the globe for their skills in designing major dams, there is no mention of their proven track record with the significant enlargement of major dams. For those living on the flood plains, they will need to have infinite faith in the judgment of WaterNSW. Roger Epps, Armidale So Dominic Perrottet wants to raise the height of Warragamba Dam. This, he says, is to minimise flooding downstream so that more housing can be built on the Hawkesbury floodplain. Well and good, as long as raising the dam height doesnt come with raising the height of the stored water. If you raise the water level, this negates the idea that the dam is for flood mitigation, but wont we need the water level raised to provide the water for all these new homes? We have in NSW record flooding, the government needs to rethink the role that dams play. With the exceptions of Warragamba and the Snowy Scheme, most dams were built as flood mitigation schemes, then, because of pressure by farmers with irrigation needs, these dams are kept full and need to release water at times of high rainfall, often with catastrophic results. So please, Premier, come clean on what the real role of Warragamba dam will be. Richard Statham, Kiama Holidaymakers heading into regional NSW over the next few months have been told to brace themselves for longer journeys on more dangerous roads after a year of record rain and flooding. The severe weather has caused billions of dollars in damage to local roads across the state, bringing regional councils to their knees as they struggle with repairs, and heaping pressure on the state government to intervene. Road damage and flooding on the Oxley Highway near Gunnedah on September 29. Credit:Louise Kennerley In the Blue Mountains, more than a third of the roads have been damaged by rain and flooding over the past three years, including by 66 landslips. In just the past month, the council has repaired more than 7000 square metres of bitumen. Total repairs are expected to cost more than $400 million. Months of school closures during the pandemic and loss of face-to face lessons will reverberate for years, with the burden falling most heavily on disadvantaged children from western Sydney. An independent review panel led by Western Sydney University chancellor and former top public servant Peter Shergold found the mass closure of schools was avoidable and should never be repeated unless strong health advice outweighs the cost of closing. NSW Mounted Police patrolling the streets of Fairfield during the 2021 Delta lockdown. Credit:Kate Geraghty The report found that early in the pandemic, when less was known about how the virus spread, it was sensible to close schools. However, as evidence emerged that classrooms were not major transmission zones, it was the wrong move to shut schools. Several education experts have backed the findings of the report, while new research indicates that western Sydney children face billions in lost earnings over their lifetime due to a reduction in face-to-face learning during the pandemic. Parts of north Moree were ordered to evacuate on Friday night as ongoing rain continued to raise concerns about renewed flooding across NSW. The State Emergency Service warned of heavy rain, hail and damaging winds for the North-West Slopes and Plains region of the state, as well as for parts of the Northern Tablelands and Upper Western locations. Flooding around the northern NSW town of Moree. Credit:NSWRFS Inverell, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri and other towns were put on alert in addition to Moree. Earlier, Western Sydney residents were warned of rising waters in the flood-prone Hawkesbury-Nepean as authorities predicted that minor to moderate flooding could affect residents in Windsor, Penrith and North Richmond. Its likely you have heard of Catholic pilgrimage sites like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Now, you can add a new most holy and revered site - Gosford on the Central Coast of NSW. Father Greg Skulski, priest at St Patricks Catholic Church in East Gosford, picutred with a relic of Saint John Paul IIs hair, as part of a shrine to the former Pope, being installed on October 22. Credit:James Brickwood On Saturday, a special installation mass, expected to attract more than 1000 worshippers, takes place at St Patricks Catholic Church in East Gosford, which will be become a permanent shrine to Saint John Paul II, who visited Australia as Pope in 1986. The focal point of the shrine will be two sacred objects known as relics from Saint John Paul ll - a small clipping of his hair obtained at the Vatican when the Pope was alive and also a sample of his blood obtained during a hospital visit for health tests. Both will be placed in a red reliquary, a cabinet to hold the sacred objects, behind the altar. A serious crash forced the closure of parts of Great Eastern Highway during peak hour on Thursday morning. Major crash detectives attended Burswood after a black Mitsubishi Triton left the road at the intersection of Great Eastern Highway and Resort Drive around 2am, smashing into two poles and rolling before landing on a median strip. A crash on Great Eastern Highway has closed the road near the causeway. Credit:Radio 6PR The driver, a man believed to be in his 60s, was rushed to hospital. Radio 6PR reported the vehicle remained at the scene as commuters began heading to work. The car was flipped onto its side with a pole across it and a split traffic light nearby. Dirty diesel generators that supply back up electricity for Broken Hill could be replaced by one of the worlds largest compressed air energy storage plants, installed in an old mine shaft. The $652-million Silver City Energy Storage Project, developed by Canadian company Hydrostor, received confirmation of $45 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) on Thursday. Artists rendering of Sliver City Energy Project at Broken Hill, being developed by Hydrostor. Broken Hill sits on the fringe of the grid and is vulnerable to power outages. The towns 17,000 residents are supplied by one transmission line that runs 260 kilometres from Buronga in NSW, near the Victorian border. The towns backup electricity is currently supplied by diesel generators but network company Transgrid selected the compressed air project as its preferred option to replace fossil fuel generation. The Albanese government will pour an extra $1 billion into aid and security assistance in the Pacific - almost double what Labor promised at the election - as it urgently tries to counter Chinas growing influence in the region. The governments first budget, to be unveiled on Tuesday, will include the biggest increase in aid spending in a decade and funding for a batch of new initiatives to bolster Australias presence in the Pacific and South-East Asia. Penny Wong, pictured in Papua New Guinea, has visited 12 Pacific nations since the election. These include the creation of an Australia-Pacific Defence School to train Pacific defence and security forces and a new Pacific network of Australian Border Force officers. Extra funding will be awarded to the ABC to make content and transmit throughout the region. Tony Wood, director of energy at the Grattan Institute, said more aggressive renewables policies had caused earlier coal closures in the past. Weve already seen Loy Yang As closure being brought forward anyway, so that may not change again. But what we are going to see almost certainly now is Alinta, which owns Loy Yang B, bring forward that closure. I dont see how it can stay open until 2035 anyway because otherwise you dont achieve your renewable target. The public would own a 51 per cent stake in the various renewable energy projects run by the revived commission, with the balance of the investment from like-minded entities such as industry super funds. There is no suggestion in the plan that the government would take over private distribution or retail businesses. AGL recently announced it would close Loy Yang A, the states largest power plant, a decade earlier, in 2035. Alintas Loy Yang B is officially due to close in 2047, while EnergyAustralias Yallourn is officially slated to close in mid-2028. Andrews addressed concerns about Loy Yang Bs closure and said Alinta was already unlikely to keep the plant open until its scheduled closure date in 2047. They havent formally said that. Theyre in the process of trying to sell their business at the moment, so I dont know whether thats part of the reason why they might not necessarily make that statement, he said on ABC radio. Alinta chief executive Jeff Dimery said the governments move could cost jobs. Our immediate priority and focus will be supporting our employees at Loy Yang B who will be understandably shocked by this announcement, he said. We have one of the most well-advanced renewables and storage project pipelines, but we need to understand more about how the government intends to manage the cost of the expedited transition, protect communities and workers, and support us to invest in the replacement generation required to keep the lights on in the state, he said in a statement. Loading Professor Bruce Mountain, from Victoria University, said while the announcement did not include any direct relief for consumers, it should drive down bills soon after the commission is established. The government would reinvest profit in the generation of more power, adding supply and keeping costs down. Mountain said that was a perfectly plausible position. I dont think that will take long [for the benefit to be passed onto consumers] Im loath to ever put a dollar and a time on these things. The minority investor would be expected to take a reasonable return, but not excessive profit paid out to shareholders. Too much of our electricity revenue has gone out in unnecessary profits, and I think ensuring thats reinvested in cleaner technology can promise us a cheaper future, Mountain said. The Australian Energy Council, an industry body representing energy retailers and generators, said the plan would damage market and investor confidence. Power stations in the Latrobe Valley are likely to close years earlier. Credit:Bloomberg Government shouldnt need to make direct energy investments where the private sector has demonstrated it is ready and willing to do so, chief executive Sarah McNamara said in a statement. Our members have announced billions of dollars of investments to support the Victorian and Australian energy transition. [Thursdays] announcement will destabilise future investment plans. Loading She rejected suggestions that privatisation had not served Victoria well, saying it helped the state recover from the 1990s recession. Andrews said $20 million would be invested to prepare the revived commission and open an office in Morwell, in the Latrobe Valley, and he did not rule out the potential for a publicly owned retailer to be established at a later date. The commission was previously a government-owned power supplier and distributor before it was privatised by the Kennett Liberal government in the 1990s, a decision Andrews said failed consumers and drove up power bills. Queenslands government owns generator, network and distribution electricity assets worth $35 billion. The federal government owns Snowy Hydro, which owns more than a dozen energy assets, including gas-fired stations in Victoria. Renewable energy expert Tristan Edis, director of analysis at Green Energy Markets, said the state government deserved credit for its work transitioning to renewable energy, but he warned the public should not have a rose-coloured view of the old commission, which he said had left Victorian taxpayers exposed to significant costs. Edis also questioned the governments focus on offshore wind, which is relatively expensive to build and maintain compared to onshore wind. He said future technology could also favour rooftop solar coupled with household batteries, which would require less investment in poles and wires. We have got to keep this in perspective, Edis said. Its $1 billion of equity to go into a company, it will at best be one competitor. Its not going to dominate the electricity system. But Im just concerned that peoples nostalgia means they fail to appreciate the lessons of the past, which is not that the private sector gets it right all the time, its that when they screw up they pay the price. Tim Wilson, who was assistant minister for industry, energy and emissions reduction in the former Morrison government, said reviving the commission could lead to higher prices, lower reliability and a slower energy transition by crowding out private sector investment. Loading Energy needs two things: the dynamism of innovation through new technologies, and a stable environment to encourage investment to increase supply and drive down prices, he said. A State Electricity Commission will do the reverse and discourage new private investment and make decisions based on political considerations, not customers. Opposition education spokesman David Hodgett said the Coalition would have more to say in coming weeks. We have a plan for reliable, affordable, clean energy and well certainly have more to say about that in coming weeks, Hodgett said. The state opposition has previously committed to halving emissions by 2030 and funding a $1 billion strategy to support clean hydrogen. Loading Labors announcement was welcomed for its cost-saving measures, for giving workers a transition into new work and for driving down emissions by the Victorian Trades Hall, Electrical Trades Union, Salvation Army, Victorian Council of Social Services, Environment Victoria and the Climate Council. Dr Jennifer Rayner, head of advocacy at the Climate Council, said she hoped Victoria starts a race to the top from Australian states and territories. Victorian Chamber of Industry and Commerce chief executive Paul Guerra said the intent of Thursdays announcement was admirable, but more detail was needed to understand how businesses might be impacted. London: Liz Truss will forever go down as a pub trivia question as to who is Britains shortest-serving prime minister. Not even those who predicted that her time in Downing Street would be bad could have imagined it would go so monumentally wrong, so early. Perhaps the only other thing shell be remembered for is her connection to salad, inspired by a column in The Economist that referred to her as an iceberg lady and said she had the shelf-life of a lettuce. Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers her resignation speech. Credit:Getty A viral live-stream, created by British tabloid The Daily Star, has for the past week shown a lettuce and a picture of Truss and posed the question which wet lettuce will last longer?. The lettuce has now been declared the winner. The past six weeks have been not so much a cautionary tale as much as a textbook example of what happens when political ideologues are let off the leash, allowed to shut out anyone with opposing views and given the keys to the kingdom. New York: Andrew Cuomo isnt begging for forgiveness. Fourteen months after resigning from office in a sexual harassment scandal, the former New York governor is elbowing his way back into the public eye, launching a podcast and a political action committee in what could be the first steps toward a comeback bid for political office. Before the fall: Then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2021. Credit:AP But he isnt following the usual playbook for misbehaving politicians seeking redemption. Cuomo is unrelenting in his view that he was the victim of a political hit job. And he isnt concerned that stance might cost him listeners on his new show, which has its debut episode on Thursday, in the US. Its just about expressing my opinion to the public and speaking publicly, Cuomo said in an interview with The Associated Press. And to the extent they dont like what I have to say, then dont listen. PHILIPSBURG:--- Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication (TEATT), the honorable Omar Ottley, kicked off his first in a planned series of discussions with local stakeholders who either produce locally or import agricultural products. He held his first meeting on Wednesday, October 19, as part of his commitment to improving the local produce market. Through the discussions, Minister Ottley aims to find common ground where the Government can assist with enhancing local production of foods and vegetables and aid in the successful importation of lower-costing agricultural products. "Ultimately, we have to ensure our population eats healthy, and since I am also Minister of Health, this is an even more critical issue. A healthy population makes for a better group of ambassadors for a Tourist destination such as ours. We intend to give full attention to the Agricultural responsibility of the Ministry of TEATT as we do in the other areas of the Ministry," said Ottley. The Minister said part of the Ministry's responsibility is "to continue balancing the need for local production by assisting the local farmers while simultaneously ensuring importation of Agricultural produce meets all health requirements while also meeting the economic threshold of affordability for our people." Ottley's first meeting was with Eco St. Maarten Agricultural Research and Development Foundation President Denicio Wyatt. He is a well-known farmer and an advocate for using naturally grown foods. During the meeting, the two discussed Wyatt's longstanding request for Government's assistance in producing Medicinal and Recreational Cannabis for local consumption and export to other markets. They also discussed food production and the need for adequate land for farming. "Land on Dutch St. Maarten is limited, and unfortunately, agricultural land covers only around 5 per cent of our available space. Farming in such small spaces will limit the ability of local farmers to satisfy the entire local market. This means we need to import additional agricultural products, but we must do so in a manner that does not hurt the pockets of our people or discourage local farmers," said Ottley. Where it pertains to more land for farming, Ottley said he is aware of requests made for lands to previous Ministers of TEATT and the challenge to secure those lands. "Despite Government's limitation where available land is concerned, we cannot ignore the agricultural needs of our Country; therefore, I intend to look further into the matter," said Ottley. The Minister's goal is to reduce the cost of food in St. Maarten as an immediate effort to offer relief to the population. The series of planned discussions with local stakeholders follows his recent efforts to establish an affordable trade route between the Dominican Republic and St. Maarten for Agricultural produce. Minister Ottley has already met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation in the DR, Mr Hugo Rivera Fernandez and Agribusiness board representatives. During that meeting, Minister Ottley discussed the possibility of the DR supplying high-quality fresh produce to St. Maarten at affordable rates. CITIC Telecom CPC wins Best in Future of Operations at IDC Future Enterprise Awards 2022 Posted by Publisher Telecommunication HONG KONG, Oct 19, 2022 (ACN Newswire) CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (CITIC Telecom CPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (\CITIC Telecom\, SEHK: 1883) and a leading Global DICT solutions provider, together with OutSystems, a global leader in high-performance application development, announce an award win from International Data Corporation (IDC). CITIC Telecom CPC was named Hong Kong Winner of the Best in Future of Operations in IDC\-s Future Enterprise Awards 2022 for the company\-s AI Cognitive Object Recognition Systems. CITIC Telecom CPC\-s AI Cognitive Object Recognition System, developed by in-house Information Technology Services & Data Science Team was selected among over hundreds of high-quality entries from various industries and leading enterprises. The surge in demand for warehouse capacity and the importance of a smooth-running operation has become increasingly clear over the past 2 years. CITIC Telecom CPC has formed its in-house Research and Development team in 2017, backed by the technological capabilities and strategic flexibility, the team has developed and implemented the Smart Warehouse Solution within six months. This rapid innovation was achieved by combining rapid visual development-powered by the OutSystems high-performance low-code platform-alongside AI-enabled COR technology that CITIC Telecom CPC had previously developed. Key benefits of the award-winning Smart Warehouse solution Since its inception, the Solution has realized 88% time saving for warehouse equipment receipts and the management of inventory, facilitating engineers to collect equipment from warehouses faster by 90%. This automation has allowed for HK$2.4 million cost savings in software license and equipment, along with achieved employee efficiency by reducing 89% of staff time. Accelerating the speed and accuracy with combined intelligent technologies By implementing this innovative AI-powered solution, CITIC Telecom CPC was able to replace legacy barcode labels, printers, and dedicated handheld scanners with a mobile application called \CEEM\ built on the OutSystems platform. Used by warehouse staff and engineers on standard smartphones, the app combines machine learning, computer vision, and COR to locate and count objects in 95 milliseconds with 99% accuracy. The CEEM app has made the equipment inventory and management process faster, more reliable, and more real-time. Thanks to the flexible integration supported by the OutSystems platform, CITIC Telecom CPC eliminated disjointed and costly scanning software. The CEEM app now updates the core inventory database in real-time. Realizing the full potential of the intelligent innovation across industries As is the case for many of CITIC Telecom CPC\-s innovations, what started as an agile innovation project focused on in-house process improvement, has evolved into a customer-facing proposition, and won several proof-of-concept projects with top brands in healthcare, manufacturing and logistics, as well as being accredited with reputable regional market awards, including: Global Awards 2022 Best Innovative Value Added Service Provider by Carrier Community International Innovation Awards 2021 by Enterprise Asia Datacloud Global Awards 2021 by Broad Group CAHK STAR Awards 2021 Best Innovation for Future Enterprise Gold \We appreciate IDC\-s recognition of CITIC Telecom CPC as the Best in Future of Operations with Smart Warehouse solution. It is a testament to our commitment to exploring and exploiting pioneering technologies to differentiate from competitors and to deliver exceptional user experiences. \ said Mr. Ivan Lee, Vice President, Information Technology Services & Data Science of CITIC Telecom CPC. \Thanks to the speed and flexibility of development with our technology partner, OutSystems, who is integral to meeting the complex business requirements and seizing new digital opportunities to empower innovative products, services, and business models.\ CITIC Telecom CPC\-s Smart Warehouse solution leverages the latest Cognitive Object Recognition (COR) technology, one of the many disruptive innovations the company has brought to market, including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), big data, IoT, and low-code application development. By harnessing the advanced technologies, the Smart Warehouse solution saved a remarkable ~90 percent of warehouse staff time when executing routine tasks. Mr. Lee continues, \Upholding our core values \Innovation Never Stops\, we continuously strive to contribute our R&D excellence in different technologies like Blockchain and NLP to create a better digital future and scale the company into a leading intelligent ICT-enabler in the new era.\ CITIC Telecom CPC has embarked on an innovative and intelligence transformation journey with its Intelligence and Communications Transformation MiiND (ICT-MiiND) strategy, to cater for the changing needs of the future. The company continually invests in research and development to improve internal operations and deliver innovative customer-facing products and services, and artificial intelligence is a core focus of that R&D recently. The company\-s ability to deliver the Smart Warehouse Solution in just six months demonstrates the agility advantage CITIC Telecom CPC enjoys having set up a dedicated data science and innovation team to spearhead research and development in AI, ML, and deep learning. Mr. Mark Weaser, APAC Vice President at OutSystems, said, \CITIC Telecom CPC\-s \-Best in Future of Operations, Future Enterprise Award\- from IDC is a testament to the company\-s innovative culture and development approach. Time and again, we see OutSystems used alongside artificial intelligence to deliver disruptive innovation. OutSystems provides the development speed and agility needed to quickly turn brave experiments into brilliant digital products, as this award recognizes. We congratulate CITIC Telcecom CPC and are proud to have played a part in their success.\ Mr. Daniel-Zoe Jimenez, Vice President for Digital Innovation, CX & SW Applications, DNB and SMB Research, IDC Asia/Pacific said, \Innovation is not a project, but instead it\-s a journey; and CITIC Telecom CPC motto \-innovation never stops\- is a good reflection of this. By leveraging digital technologies to unify enterprise data streams, the warehousing and engineering teams effectively increased the warehouse inventory management system\-s efficiency and operational resilience. As Hong Kong\-s Best in Future of Operations 2022, CITIC Telecom CPC is recognized by IDC due to its ability to rethink the way operations are managed, shifting to a model that fosters data-driven resilient decision making, by leveraging real-time data, digital engineering, and data science.\ About CITIC Telecom CPC We are CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (\CITIC Telecom CPC\), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), serving multinational enterprises the world over by addressing their specific ICT requirements with highly scalable tailored solutions built upon our flagship technology suites, comprising TrueCONNECT(TM) private network solutions, TrustCSI(TM) information security solutions, DataHOUSE(TM) cloud data center solutions, and SmartCLOUD(TM) cloud computing solutions. With the motto \Innovation Never Stops,\ we leverage innovative technologies, embracing AI, AR, Big Data, IoT, and other cutting-edge emerging technologies to transform technical potential into business value for our customers. As an enterprise digital transformation partner, we strive to help our customers achieve industry-leading positions, high agility, and cost-efficiency through digitalization. With our Global-Local capabilities, we are committed to providing our customers with one-stop-shop ICT solutions with superior quality. Having a worldwide footprint across 150 countries, including Asia, Europe and America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, our global network resources connect over 160 points of presence (POPs), 21 Cloud service centers, 30+ data centers, and two dedicated 247 Security Operations Centers (SOCs). We are certified with a series of international certifications, including SD-WAN Ready, ISO 9001, 14001, 20000, 27001, and 27017, to ensure our services compliance with international standards and resources for enterprises. We offer local professional services, superior delivery capabilities as well as exceptional customer experience and best practices through our global presence and extensive industry know-how, becoming a leading integrated intelligent ICT service provider to enterprise customers. For more information, please visit www.citictel-cpc.com About OutSystems OutSystems was founded in 2001 with the mission to give every organization the power to innovate through software. The OutSystems high-performance low-code platform gives technology leaders and developers the tools to rapidly build and deploy their own business-critical applications. The company\-s network spans over 600,000 community members, 400+ partners, and active customers in 87 countries across 22 industries. OutSystems is \The #1 Low-Code Platform(R)\ and a recognized leader by analysts, IT executives, business leaders, and developers worldwide. Some of the most well-known brands use OutSystems to turn their big ideas into software that moves their business, people, and the world forward. Learn more at www.outsystems.com. About IDC\-s Future Enterprise Awards In its sixth year, the 2022 IDC Future Enterprise Awards received more than 1,000 nominations across participating countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand. The IDC Future Enterprise Awards recognize outstanding organizations that make critical breakthroughs in business transformation in one or more dimensions in IDC\-s digital transformation (DX) framework. IDC uses a consistent process and criteria to assess all nominations which are judged by regional analysts and then a regional panel of judges including IDC Worldwide analysts, industry thought leaders, and academia. To learn more about the Future Enterprise Awards visit idcdxawards.com. Media Contacts: Catherine Yuen CITIC Telecom CPC (852) 2170 7536 Email: catherine.yuen@citictel-cpc.com The Hoffman Agency on behalf of OutSystems Email: OutSystems@hoffman.com New York (United Nations) 15 October 2022 (SPS)- Minister Coubnsellor at the Permanent Mission of Mozambique to the UN, Mr. Antonio Bambissa, affirmed that the right to self-determination is inalienable to all peoples, stressing the need to implement UN and AU resolution to decolonize Western Sahara. In his countrys statement last Thursday before the UN General Assemblys 4th Committee, the Mozambican diplomat affirmed that Mozambiques position on this matter is very clear. We continue to defend the unconditional implementation of all United Nations relevant resolutions and all African Union decisions on Western Sahara, aimed at bringing a positive, peaceful and durable solution that can meet the aspirations and the will of the people of Western Sahara. The Republic of Mozambique, he added, strongly believes that the right to self-determination is an inalienable right to all peoples, as clearly enshrined in our Constitution, in the UN Charter and other relevant documents of our organization. It is against this background that the Republic of Mozambique continues its longstanding support aimed at finding the acceptable solution to allow the people of Western Sahara to exercise their inalienable right to self -determination, in accordance with the General Assembly resolution 1514, he said. While recognizing the importance of the appointment of the Special Envoy of United Nations Secretary General for Western Sahara during the 76th Session, Mozambique considers that the delay on the implementation of legal instruments approved, with a view to granting self-determination for the people of Western Sahara is a matter of serious concern, as it is impacting negatively on the lives of the Saharawis, he concluded. (SPS) 090/500/60 (SPS) Australia, October 20, 2022 (SPS) - The Maritime Union of Australia condemns the actions of Incitec Pivot, an Australian company, which has recommenced importing illegal cargo from the occupied Western Sahara through the Port of Geelong. The MUA said in a media release issued on Monday, The Clipper Isadora vessel has discharged 33,000 tonnes of plundered natural resources a cargo of phosphate mineral rock worth A$15 million at the bulk terminal in Geelong. This represents a resumption in trade of a commodity extracted from a country confirmed by the United Nations General Assembly to be the subject of an illegal occupation by neighbouring Morocco. It is the largest and most populous territory on the United Nations list of Non-Self Governing Territories. The situation for the people of Western Sahara and its quest for independence is analogous to the plight of the East Timorese, which came to a head in 1999 MUA added. The media release stressed as a matter of international criminal law, the export and sale of Western Saharas phosphate rock a non-renewable resource is a war crime. The Maritime Union has a long and proud tradition of solidarity with international campaigns for sovereignty and self-determination, and we join with representatives of the Saharawi people here in Australia in condemning Incitec Pivot for their decision to recommence trade in this illegally plundered resource, said Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia. We must respect the sovereignty of First Nations people throughout the globe and their rights to the natural resources of their homelands. The exploration and extraction of these finite resources should be for the benefit of their true owners, not those who illegally occupy their territory, Mr Crumlin added. In 2017 the Saharawi government pursued civil legal proceedings against separate cargos of phosphate rock, successfully detaining cargo ships in Panama and South Africa. In determining the cargo to be the sovereign resource of the Saharawi government and people, the South African High Court observed that Western Sahara is occupied under international law and that Morocco and its state-owned companies could not lawfully purport to sell the commodity. The MUAs Victorian Branch Secretary, David Ball, expressed his solidarity with the people of the Western Sahara, stating that MUA members are concerned to know they've been told to work a ship carrying an illegal, plundered cargo. Our labour here in Australia should not go towards turning a profit for those who are illegally occupying the Western Sahara, he said. The Maritime Union of Australia understands that Saharawi authorities are considering several possible actions including pursuit of Incitec Pivot Limited in domestic civil and criminal action, commencing further legal proceedings against the Clipper Isadora ship in subsequent countries where the ship may appear, as well as formal complaints to various United Nations agencies. SPS 110 The Beldy Castle in Jibou, a historical monument building dating from the beginning of the 20th century, will be rehabilitated within the Attractive Romania program, financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), told Agerpres. The chairman of the western Salaj County Council, Dinu Iancu-Salajanu, participated on Wednesday, October 19, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, at the signing of the financing contract regarding the restoration of Beldy Castle, in an event that marked the start of investments in the realization of tourist and cultural routes included in the Attractive Romania program and financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. "With the signing of this financing contract, we manage to attract an important amount to Salaj that will allow us to rehabilitate a valuable historical building and turn it into one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. I am convinced that by enhancing of Beldy Castle and its inclusion in the Route of the most representative castles in Romania, as well as by carrying out other projects to promote local tourism, we will succeed in increasing the visibility and attractiveness of the Country of Silvania as a tourist destination," Dinu Iancu-Salajanu stated in a press release on Thursday. The Beldy Castle restoration project has a total value of 34.685 million RON, of which the maximum eligible value is 21.914 million RON. According to historians, the Beldy castle in Jibou was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the occasion of the marriage of Kalman Beldy (1882 - 1946) with Palma Weselenyi (1881 - 1958), on land donated by the bride's father, Bela Weselenyi ( 1847 - 1904). The castle was nationalized in 1948, after which an age home and later a center for people with neuropsychic disabilities operated in this location. The castle was ceded to the descendants of count Beldy in 2009, it being later purchased by the Salaj County Council. The Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) opened Thursday's trading session with almost all indices on the rise and 30 minutes into business the turnover stood at 605,754 RON (122,896 euros), told Agerpres. The main BET index, which tracks the most liquid 20 companies, picked up 0.41 percent, and the BET-Plus index which shows the evolution of the top liquid 37 shares also gained 0.39 percent. The extended blue-chip index BET-XT of the top-liquid 25 issuers opened 0.38 percent up, while the return benchmark index for stock investment funds BET-BK gained 0.40 percent. The BET-FI index of the five financial investment companies advanced 0.31 percent, while the sectoral energy and related utilities index BET-NG rose 0.16 percent. The BET AeRO index of the 20 representative companies on the AeRO market dipped 0.06 percent. According to BVB, the top three risers were Aquila Part Prod (+5.84 percent), Romcarbon (+1.67 percent) and Sphera Franchise Group (+1.59 percent). Conversely, the top three fallers were Electromagnetica (-1.43 percent), Antibiotice (-0.79 percent) and Rompetrol Rafinare (-0.65 percent). The Dutch Parliament adopted a resolution stipulating that the Netherlands should not vote for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area, announced Thursday, in a statement for AGERPRES, the Dutch MEP Sophie in'T Veld, the coordinator of the Renew group in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament. To my great regret, I just found out that the Dutch parliament adopted a resolution that states that the Netherlands should not vote for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area. I deeply regret this. My party (Democrats 66, ed. n.) voted against this resolution, we want Romania and Bulgaria to immediately join the Schengen area, you have met the necessary criteria. I am afraid that the Prime Minister of the Government of the Netherlands is doing very little to convince the Dutch parliament or to take responsibility and say that, in the interest of Europe, he will agree in the Council (with the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen, ed. n.). You have to understand that not everyone in the Netherlands is against it. My party wants Bulgaria and Romania to join Schengen immediately, but most of the parties in the government do not want this,'' Sophie in'T Veld told AGERPRES. The European Parliament adopted, on Tuesday, with a large majority, a non-legislative resolution in which it asks the Council of the European Union to take all the necessary measures by the end of 2022 to adopt the decision regarding the admission of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area of free movement. The expansion of the Schengen area requires a unanimous decision of the EU Council. Currently, among the EU member states, only Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are not part of the Schengen area, which also includes states that are not members of the EU bloc (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis declared, on Thursday, that Romania has a chance to join the Schengen area, but not a guarantee, stressing that the result of the evaluation mission that was in Romania is a very good one, but there are still issues that need to be further clarified. "Accession to Schengen is much desired by us, and as I think it has been a known fact for 11 years, we practically fulfill the technical requirements. Accession was not achieved because until the end there is also a political vote in the Justice and Home Affairs Council that did not take place until now. Now there is a window of opportunity, that is, we have a chance, but we do not have a guarantee. In order to maximize our chances, we have taken many steps," said the head of state before participating in the European Council meeting. President Iohannis welcomed the vote in the European Parliament for the resolution regarding the accession of Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia to Schengen, stressing that it is a political vote. "The vote was overwhelming for the access of Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia, but the decision is not taken there. It was a political vote, a very important political signal for us," stated Iohannis. He mentioned the evaluation mission that was in Romania, showing that the result is very good for our country. "From the information we have, the result is very good for Romania. The evaluation found that Romania is doing very well in this chapter, but it is clear that certain issues still need to be clarified very well, probably even some technical ones, but especially some political and for that everyone is involved to the maximum," said President Iohannis. AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis declared, on Thursday, that over 5 million tons of grain from Ukraine were exported through Romania, which means approximately 60% of what was exported by this country. He pointed out that Romania will continue to develop its logistics in order to significantly contribute to reducing a possible food crisis. "Romania tried and succeeded in building logistics to facilitate the export of grain from Ukraine. Up to now, more than 5 million tons of grain have been exported through Romania. It is a lot, it is about 60% of what exported to Ukraine this year. We will continue the development of logistics, i.e. roads, railways, ports and so on, to contribute, significantly to the reduction of a possible food crisis," the head of state said before participating in the meeting of the European Council. He pointed out that the European leaders will condemn Russia's behavior regarding Ukraine, where it attacked mostly civilian targets. "It is obvious that we are in solidarity with Ukraine, we will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is needed," Iohannis said. Bronze statuettes depicting King Michael I will be offered by the Peles Royal Heritage Association to the supporters of this year's projects, a press release of the Association's representatives announced on Thursday, told Agerpres. According to the quoted source, the five "King Michael I" bronze statuettes, created by sculptor Bogdan Ioan, depict the Sovereign in the Marshal of the Romanian Army uniform. They are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and faithfully reproduce the statue of King Michael I in Sinaia. "The statuettes conclude a dear project of the Association, which started two years ago, and is dedicated to the memory of King Michael I. Firstly, sculptor Bogdan Ioan created an 83 cm plaster model, which was presented to His Majesty Margareta of Romania. After that, the bronze statue of King Michael I was erected in Sinaia. The statue is 2.30 meters high and was unveiled on 25 October 2021, on the centennial of the Sovereign's birth. And now, the project ends with the five bronze statuettes. These are accompanied by the Certificate of Authenticity and faithfully reproduce the statue of King Michael I, in Sinaia. Thus, our association shows its gratitude to those who were our partners in the restoration and consolidation works of the heritage that we are responsible for. The Royal Peles Domain means 150 years of history and 23 unique buildings. A natural and architectural ensemble which the Association and its partners protect, maintain and highlight for every generation of Romanians," the Peles Royal Heritage Association press release shows. The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Arges County Council - the Culture and Arts Center, is organizing the Living Human Treasures Gala - 2022 on October 25, at the Unions House of Culture Pitesti. "The purpose of the event is to celebrate and reward those who obtained the title of Living Human Treasures in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and who keep the traditional Romanian creation alive. At the same time, through this event, which has not been organized in the last two years, due to the pandemic context, the Ministry of Culture shows its gratitude to the people who promote and leave as a legacy, to everyone, elements of the intangible national heritage," informs the Ministry of Culture, in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday. At the gala, craftsmen and rhapsodes will present artistic moments representative of the title they have obtained. Specialists in research, academic, university, museographers, members of the National Commission for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and cultural institutions and centers, as well as officials will the Ministry of Culture will attend the Gala. Regional and global security changes in the context of the war in Ukraine and the NATO dynamics will represent the main topics of discussion within the international conference called "NATO and the war in Ukraine," which will be organised in Iasi by the National Defence College Foundation. The event, carried out in partnership with the Iasi City Hall, will take place on Friday, 21 October, as of 10:00hrs, at the Culture Palace. NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana will deliver a message in the beginning of the conference, thus, accepting an invitation extended by President of the National Defence College Foundation Cristian Petcu. Teodor Melescanu, Ioan Mircea Pascu, Liviu Muresan and Anatoly Kruglasow will deliver lectures within the event. "The organisation of this conference by the National Defence College Foundation, 29 years since its establishment, aims to debate in the public space a topical and major importance issue for Romania, in agreement with the Foundation's mission and strategy. The new approaches regarding the security context are not directly related only to the states' concern to protect its citizens against military aggression, but to the need to also find solutions which can lead to prosperity, democratic development and protection of human rights," according to a release of the the National Defence College Foundation sent on Thursday. AGERPRES The financing contracts for three tourist and cultural routes included in Component 11 - Tourism and Culture of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan: the route of castra, the route of castles and the route of fortresses, included in the Attractive Romania programme, through which investments of over 100 million euros will be made in 225 objectives included in 12 cultural routes, were signed on Wednesday, informs the Ministry of Investments and European Projects in a press release, told Agerpres. "If we think that today we are signing the first contracts from the Attractive Romania programme, through which we finance with European funds Romanian objectives that are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, we can say that it is truly a historical moment. It is a moment of reference for national culture, because we make it an important objective to contribute to economic development at the local and national level, with social and environmental benefits, for a sustainable cultural tourism. The investment contracts we are signing today, worth 45 million euros, will add facilities for research activities and will enable the organization of exhibitions and cultural activities in the modernized locations," said Minister Marcel Bolos, at the signing ceremony. The objective of this investment is to increase the attractiveness of the selected tourist destinations following the development of 12 thematic tourist/cultural routes in the disadvantaged rural areas of Romania and the creation of new jobs in the tourism industry. By establishing the Route of the Roman Castra, Romania joins the European family that values the Romanian heritage. The Danube limes and that of the province of ancient Dacia are part of the most complex and longest portion of the border of the Roman Empire on the territory of continental Europe. Two sites from Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, the western Hunedoara County, are financed, along with the Roman fort from Bologa, central-western Cluj County, and the fort from Arutela, southern Valcea County. The castle route, for which 22.25 million euros is allocated, reunites the most representative castles in Romania and aims to recreate the historical atmosphere through the use of virtual reality technology as well as the restoration of five castles: Teleki (Mures County), Urmanczy (Harghita County), Corvinilor (Hunedoara County), Beldy (Cluj County) and Kalnoky (Covasna County). The tourist route dedicated to the fortresses aims to restore five Romanian fortresses in order to promote them in an integrated way with other historical fortresses in circuits that will attract tourists from the country and abroad. The Citadel of Sighisoara (centre) will be restored, with works to restore the walls of the citadel, the Dacian Citadel from Sarmizegetusa, the Citadel of Oradea, the Citadel of Brasov, the Coltesti Noble Citadel. The 12 cultural routes included in the Attractive Romania programme are: Castle route - 30 promoted objectives, five restored castles; The route of the curias of Transylvania - 25 promoted objectives, five restored curias; The route of the cornered cellars - 15 objectives promoted, five cornered cellars restored; The route of traditional Romanian gastronomy - 30 promoted objectives; Route of fortified churches - 20 promoted objectives; Wooden churches route - 30 promoted objectives, 10 restored churches; The route of the monasteries in the Moldavian area - 30 promoted objectives, five restored monasteries; Saint Ladislaus route on the territory of Romania - 20 promoted objectives, five restored objectives; Route of the Roman camps - 20 promoted objectives, five camps restored; Route of the citadels - 30 promoted objectives, five restored citadels; Restoring the cultural landscape of the Danube Delta in order to increase the area's attractiveness - 30 promoted objectives, 30 restored objectives (households); Route of villages with traditional architecture - 20 promoted objectives, 150 restored traditional houses from the 20 villages with traditional architecture. Component 11 - Tourism and Culture from PNRR, through which these investments are financed, has a total allocation of 449 million euros. Also for Component 11 of the PNRR, six financing contracts for the establishment, restoration and modernization of museums and memorial houses, with a value of 35 million euros, were signed at the MIPE headquarters a few days ago. Approximately 145,000 people, Romanian and foreign nationals, and over 43,000 means of transport underwent border checks at all of Romania's crossing points on Wednesday, on both the inbound and the outbound, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reports. There were 69,428 travelers on the inbound, including 7,882 Ukrainian citizens (up by almost 4 percent compared to the day before). The number of Ukrainians who crossed into Romania since the pre-war date of February 10 until October 19 is 2,622,837, the IGPF said. As part of the specific activities at crossing points and the green border, the border police found 48 illegal acts (26 infractions and 22 contraventions) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens. Fines worth over RON 9,900 were issued, told Agerpres. 23 foreign citizens who did not meet the legal requirements were denied entry to the country, and 26 Romanian citizens were also not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons. Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca emphasized, on Thursday, during a video conference with the county prefects, that the transition of schools to the online program during the cold season due to the "heating" is not a solution that can be accepted, told Agerpres. "This part of the transition of schools to online due to the heating does not take place in our discussion, because we discussed, as we said a long time ago, about the measures that must be taken so that all conditions are ensured. It is not acceptable for us to make such a decision in the conditions where even today, when we talk, we are looking for solutions in order to ensure the running of the coherent education process, without any other syncopes. Of course, we know very well that there are several localities in the country that every year have needed support for the thermal power station. We are discussing those localities where, unfortunately, the thermal power station is still ensured by the consumption of crude oil. We will find solutions. Moreover, by yesterday's decision from the Government meeting, we have allocated the necessary resources as at the level of the authorities local authorities to be able to start the purchase of fuel for these thermal plants. As such, frankly, I do not see and do not accept that we should interrupt the education process because there is no heating in any of the educational units," Ciuca said. The Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, explained that problems in ensuring the normal operating conditions of schools during the cold season should not arise in terms of utility bills except those due to consumption. She added that if special situations arise, they should be communicated to the central authorities in time. According to her, the Ministry of Education has continuously sent the message that it does not support and does not encourage the transition of schools online, especially after two pandemic years, which generated gaps in the educational process. Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said on Thursday that the Duch Parliament having passed a resolution saying that the Netherlands should not vote for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area is not worrying, showing that Romania has done everything necessary to meet the technical requirements for accession. "We quickly reviewed the decision. We are not worried at all because Romania has done everything necessary in order to meet the technical requirements for accession to the Schengen area, which was also proven by the results of the verifications made by the commission nominated for that purpose," Ciuca said on a working visit to Dolj County. He added Dutch officials can come for a fact-finding visit where they consider there are problems. "We have voiced our readiness, including in the bilateral relationship with the Netherlands, so that where they consider there are problems and want to come for a fact-finding visit, we are able to accept this bilateral collaboration so that they can check and see that we are prepare to access the Schengen area," said Ciuca. He mentioned Romania's efforts regarding compliance with the conditions related to the rule of law, corruption and organised crime. "I can tell you that regarding the rule of law, we have done in such a way that at the level of the government and at the level of the entire coalition, we take the necessary measures, in direct coordination and collaboration with the European Commission, to have a package of justice laws fully aligned with justice elsewhere in the European Union and lead to that process of modernisation of justice in Romania, and on the organised crime side we have state institutions that are very well consolidated and I am convinced that they are doing their duty as they have so far done." The Dutch Parliament adopted a resolution saying that the Netherlands should not vote for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area, Dutch MEP Sophia in'T Veld, the coordinator of the Renew group in the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties (LIBE), told AGERPRES on Wednesday. The European Parliament adopted on Tuesday by a large majority a motion for a resolution urging the member states to allow Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen free-travel area without delay. The accession of new countries to Schengen requires a unanimous decision by the Council of the EU. AGERPRES Prime Minister and chairman of the National Liberal Party (PNL) Nicolae Ciuca reiterated on Thursday that the price of energy and natural gas will not be increased and that measures must be taken to protect the economic environment "so as to ensure the competitiveness of Romanian products," adding that discussions will continue with representatives of electricity and natural gas area. At the end of a working visit to Dolj county, the PM stated that the current governing coalition must identify "the best solution for the citizens and for the economy" regarding the price of energy. "From the discussions I had today it results very clearly that we must take measures so that we ensure the competitiveness of Romanian products. Thus, even at this time, I have stated and I support it within this context, that we need to continue to assess and maintain open the discussions with structures in the area of electricity and natural gas, all those who conduct activities in this area, so that we identify the best solution for the citizens and for the economy. We cannot not take measures, but these measures must be taken based on an open, hones dialogue and, certainly, on an analysis at the coalition level so that we make the best decision, as we have done it so far. (...) At the meeting I had on Monday evening with the suppliers and distributors, they came up with this proposal to think about a variant of ... I would say a semi-regulation, because we have to do it so that we remain connected to the free market. Of course, a lot depends here on the segment, the gap in which the free electricity market will be kept open," the head of the Government stated. Prime Minister Ciuca mentioned that, next week, he will have a new meeting with energy producers, and, subsequently, he will lay down an analysis together with specialists of the state institutions involved in the decision-making process regarding the energy market. The Government head paid a visit on Thursday to QFort Factory, Popeci Industrial Park and Softronic. The 30th anniversary of the reopening of the Christian Orthodox Metropolitan Bishopric of Basarabia, which thus became part of the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church, consecrates, once more, the enduring bond between Moldova and Romania, Romania's Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca says in a message delivered in Moldova by head of the Romanian Prime Minister's Chancellery Mircea Abrudean. "It is 30 years since the act of historical reparation represented by the reopening of the Metropolitan Bishopric of Basarabia, which thus once again became part of the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church. On this occasion, I want to send my congratulations and warm wishes for health, long life and prosperity to the Patriarch of the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church Father Daniel, Archbishop of Chisinau and Metropolitan Bishop of Basarabia Father Peter, members of the clergy and all the parishioners. This moment, with special symbolism, which we mark just a few days after the celebration of the Centennial of the Coronation in Alba Iulia of King Ferdinand I and Queen Marie as monarchs of Greater Romania, consecrates, once more, the lasting bond between Moldova and Romania, two nations built on the common foundation of history, language, culture and traditions of the Romanians," reads Ciuca's message. At the same time, the prime minister says that religious freedom, the right of citizens to express their ethnic and religious identity, pluralism, respect for diversity, tolerance, inclusion are attributes of democratic and modern societies that states, through the institutions and mechanisms they have developed, are under an obligation to promote and defend. He also voices hope that, through dialogue and loyal co-operation with Moldova's state officials, the difficulties faced by the Metropolitan Bishopric of Basarabia, especially those related to the assignment of the rights to use the properties confiscated by the Soviet regime, will be overcome. "Certainly, the years to come will bring new challenges, but I am convinced that you will continue, with the same devotion, the mission, acting to the benefit of people and communities and, at the same time, contributing to strengthening the relationship between our nations. May you have many and fruitful years!" AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday stated that the European Commission's proposal regarding the high gas prices is good and Romania agrees with the new measures. "Yesterday we received a proposal from the European Commission on the table, a good proposal, which also includes elements that we had requested repeatedly. It is a quite technical document and I don't think we will go into all the details today, but the beginning is good. We are talking here about a kind of ceiling on the price of gas, but a ceiling that does not put suppliers in difficulty, only prevents the appearance of excessively high prices. At the same time, we have the beginning of a regulation that decouples the gas market from the electricity market. We have a proposal concerning joint purchases, a voluntary joint purchase platform for gas. We have a number of elements that can support member states to better deal with the energy crisis," said the head of state before attending the European Council meeting. He underscored that measures are needed for the future. "We cannot come endlessly with subsidies, with extraordinary measures. We must find solutions to have sufficient energy available and prices that the population and industry can pay. This means diversification, this means green energy, this means new resources, for example the gas from the Black Sea, and this means a much, much better interconnection betw President Klaus Iohannis is participating, Thursday through Friday, in Brussels, in the meeting of the European Council, among the topics of discussion being the necessary measures in the field of energy, following the package of proposals presented by the European Commission and the reaffirmation of the EU's support for ensuring global food security, told Agerpres. According to a press release from the Presidential Administration sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday, the European leaders will continue the debates held during the informal European Council in Prague regarding the situation in the field of energy, "in order to agree on additional measures necessary to ensure security of supply and lower energy prices, starting from the package of proposals presented on Tuesday by the European Commission". The discussions will also focus on ways to strengthen the resilience of the European economies and protect citizens and businesses, the quoted source states. On the agenda of the meeting, there are also the developments of the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine, considering the recent escalations on the part of the Russian Federation, as well as the continuation of European support for Kyiv, on a political, financial, humanitarian and military level. The European Union's support for ensuring global food security will be reaffirmed, the press release mentions. The European leaders will address the concrete ways of strengthening the resilience of the critical infrastructure, in the context of the recent acts of sabotage against the Nord Stream pipelines, the Presidential Administration adds. According to the agenda of the meeting, the heads of state and government of the EU member states will have a strategic debate on the European Union's relations with China, as well as preparatory discussions in the perspective of the December Summit between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, in November (COP27), the cited source also says. The independent MPs, members of the Forta Dreptei [Right Force - editor's note] party, are challenging, on Thursday, with the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR), the package of the three justice laws, non-affiliated Deputy Antonel Tanase informs, told Agerpres. The approach is a common one with the MPs of the USR (Save Romania Union) group, said Antonel Tanase, in a press statement held at Parliament. "We, the right-wing parliamentarians, members of the Right Force, have decided that, together with our colleagues from the USR, we will file a constitutionality challenge on the package of justice laws. Basically, the current government is trying, through this mechanism of vitiation, basically, to adopt this package quickly and deceive thus the European Commission in relation to its recommendations on the judiciary. Instead of getting closer to the lifting of the CVM, we are basically using these laws to try to cover up and move away from this desire for the independence of the judiciary," argued the Deputy. He exemplified that, through the laws of justice, "political mechanisms for appointing the chiefs prosecutors are still preserved." "Another element is the diminution of the role of the CSM (Supreme Council of Magistrates) plenary, by dividing it into two smaller CSMs. By the fact that the National Institute of Magistracy, a scientific and professional body, is removed from the management of magistrates' careers, it is again an element that shows us that politicization is desired and the creation of subjective mechanisms for the appointment and promotion of magistrates. The fact that many provisions are, if you will, controversial in this package, made us take this decision and collaborate on this challenge together with our colleagues from USR," added Antonel Tanase. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bucharest, together with Lifestyle Check IN from Split, is organizing the Romania-Croatia Business Forum on Thursday, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two states, told Agerpres. In the official session of the Forum, Iuliu Stocklosa, president of the CCIB, and Maria Kapitanovic, ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Romania, will deliver speeches. The event will be attended by officials, public authorities, businesspersons and economic operators from various fields of activity, interested in the development of investments or business partnerships in the Romanian economy, as well as Romanian businesspeople who wish to develop projects in Croatia. The National Centre for Supervision and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT) with the National Public Health Institute informed on Thursday that 71,082 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) were reported in Romania nationwide, between October 10 and 16, including clinical flu, acute upper respiratory infections (URI) and pneumonias, as against 61,719 one year ago. One confirmed case of type A, not subtyped influenza was reported in Sibiu County in the same period. CNSCBT says that 142 cases of clinical influenza were reported nationwide in the same period, as against 37 cases recorded last year in the same period. As many as 662,406 people in the at-risk groups were vaccinated against influenza as of October 16 with vaccines distributed free of charge by the Ministry of Health. AGERPRES As many as 558 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recorded in the last 24 hours in Romania, by 61 fewer than on the previous day, on 13,173 RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests performed, the Health Ministry informed on Wednesday, told Agerpres. Of the new cases, 141 were in re-infected patients who tested positive more than 90 days after the first time they recovered from the disease. Most of the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Romania since the previous reporting were recorded in Bucharest City - 150, and in Cluj County - 50. The 14-day COVID-19 notification rate is highest in Bucharest City - at 1, and in the counties of Cluj and Timis - 0.8 and 0.74, respectively. To date, 3,282,224 cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Romania. - Hospitalisations - As many as 882 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised at specialist care facilities across the country, by 5 fewer than the day before; 56 of this total are children. Out of the total number of hospitalised patients, 95 are in ICUs. Of the ICU patients, 89 are unvaccinated for COVID-19. - Deaths - According to the Ministry, 10 Covid deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours (5 men and 5 women), one in each of the 30 - 39, 50-59, and 60 - 69 age category, three in the 70 - 79 age range and 4 in patients aged over 80. All patients were suffering from underlying conditions, and 3 were vaccinated against COVID. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 67,155 people diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 infection have died in Romania. The Union of Students in Romania wishes the National Council for Attestation of University Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates (CNATDCU) be maintained as a competent body in matters of decisions on plagiarism reports, the award of a PhD be one of the universities' remit, shows a press release of the National Alliance of Student Organizations in Romania (ANOSR) sent to AGERPRES on Thursday. A delegation of the Union of Students in Romania met on Wednesday with the Minister of Education, Ligia Deca. According to the cited source, the organization's representatives proposed increasing the settlement percentage of public and railway transport to 75 percent for Romanian students, the possibility of convening the University Senate by student senators, if they decide unanimously, but also the internships practice reform and the possibility of validating them with internships at the national level, told Agerpres. The stimulation of research activity and the orientation toward partnerships between the public and private environment, the realization of an anti-bullying strategy, but also the implementation of coherent policies with the aim of promoting equal opportunities were other topics addressed by the representatives of the Union of Students in Romania at the meeting with minister Ligia Deca. "In relation to the proposals of the representatives of the Union, the Ministry of Education has shown openness for future dialogues on them, after which, upon the publication of the new Higher Education Law text, subsequent consultations will take place on the amendments applied to it. We mention the fact that, at the current time, the minister did not guarantee the implementation of these proposals in the new draft law, but they were only highlighted as topics of discussion in the debates that will take place in November," communicated the representatives of the Students' Union in Romania. WASHINGTON Institutional investment firms and activist asset managers are amplifying their message to congressional and state lawmakers: Stop equating environmental, social and governance investing with a political agenda. Investors of all sizes are doubling down on the importance of ESG considerations ahead of midterm elections that will determine party control of Congress and state legislatures across the country. At stake is a growing body of legislation and regulations in states such as Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana aimed at curbing ESG investment and, in some cases, divesting from certain financial institutions over investment policies that incorporate ESG factors such as climate risk and human capital management. ESG critics largely argue that such considerations are politically based and immaterial. To date, at least 17 states are proposing rules that would nearly ban the use of ESG factors. Those sentiments have trickled up to the federal level, where Republicans in both chambers, including Sen. Steve Daines of Montana and Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan, are eyeing similar restrictions if their party takes control of Congress in the midterms. Major financial institutions, however, contend that the consideration of at least some ESG factors is a mainstream and responsible approach to investing, and those issues are often material to thousands of companies in industries they invest in, including utilities, manufacturers, insurers and consumer goods producers. Its not imposing ones values on how youre running portfolios, said Joe Amato, president and chief investment officer of equities at Neuberger Berman Group LLC, which manages approximately $418 billion in assets. If you look at General Motors, youd be irresponsible if you didnt consider their strategy in electric vehicles, Amato said. You just considered an E factor, OK? Youd be irresponsible if you didnt understand what their relationship is with their labor unions. Thats an S factor. There, you just had ESG-integrated investment decision-making. ESG assets seen increasing Asset managers globally are expected to increase ESG-related assets under management to $33 trillion by 2026, from $18.4 trillion in 2021, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. The firms base-case growth scenario for the U.S. shows ESG-oriented assets under management more than doubling to $10.5 trillion by 2026. There is a groundswell of demand that isnt necessarily reflected in the rhetoric that takes place in statehouse offices around the country, said Sam Hodas, managing director and head of enterprise ESG strategy at Nuveen, the asset management arm for the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America. One of the hurdles that portfolio managers, financial advisers and others now need to clear is distinguishing various definitions that have become conflated, Amato said during a conference last week hosted by the Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy at Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business in Washington. Integrating ESG factors that are financially material with other significant issues is about the actual investment process, he said. It is separate from sustainability, impact investing and exclusions, which are investment approaches focused on seeking particular outcomes based on clients goals or investment strategies. Regulators and the folks at the end of Pennsylvania Avenue need to understand the subtleties of what were talking about, and not group things together that should be separated, Amato said. I dont really see it ending because I think those politicians and groups of folks have made a big deal out of it, and it plays well on certain main streets, so theyre going to continue to pound on our industry and our advice. State treasurers have also ratcheted up anti-ESG policies, often to comply with recently enacted state laws. Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, a candidate for state auditor, this week announced that the Missouri State Employees Retirement System pulled approximately $500 million from public equities managed by BlackRock Inc. Fiduciary duty must remain the top priority for investment managers a duty some of them have abdicated in favor of forcing a left wing social and political agenda that has failed to succeed legislatively, on publicly traded companies, Fitzpatrick, a Republican, said in a statement. BlackRock, which manages about $10 trillion in assets, and its Chairman and CEO Larry Fink have been particularly targeted by these attacks on ESG. Officials in Utah, West Virginia, Louisiana and others have made similar moves to divest from the worlds largest asset management firm. That prompted the firm this month to reiterate in a post on its website that it has invested $170 billion on behalf of its clients in U.S. energy and fossil fuel companies, including those building and maintaining pipelines and power plants, and its portfolio managers do not dictate how clients should invest. Were giving clients that choice and access, BlackRock President and director Robert S. Kapito said during the firms earnings call last week. And there are many clients who still believe that investing in sustainable strategy is the right long-term strategy. And that is giving them the choice to invest, and other clients may have different views. While neither BlackRock nor other major financial institutions have announced complete boycotts of fossil fuel companies, they have adopted investment policies to reduce exposure to coal, oil and gas; help borrowers lower their emissions; or engage with companies they invest in on improving strategies to decarbonize their businesses. Corporations and investors should be neither glorified nor vilified for pursuing what they determine is in the best interests of their stakeholders or clients, according to Michelle Buckley, portfolio manager at Boston Common Asset Management LLC. Companies awareness of ESG and sustainability is key to long-term business success, Buckley wrote in the ESG investment firms third-quarter update this month. Meanwhile, investors have used the mosaic theory, which incorporates various information to inform investment decision-making, in fundamental analysis for decades. Thinking about a companys environmental, social or governance practices or deciding to exclude certain industries because ones opinion on their long-term outlook suggests secular decline is really nothing new, she added. Good investors and pivotal executives have pondered these facets of due diligence since the dawn of modern investing. 2022 CQ-Roll Call Inc. All Rights Reserved. BELLEVILLE Lauren Boehms eyes lit up. A senior at Mascoutah High School, Boehm is one of many Metro East and southern Illinois high school students attending the 22nd Construction Careers Expo at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds this week. The three-day expo is sponsored by the Southern Illinois Builders Association as a way to introduce interested students to 12 trades involved in construction. Boehm had just been shown some of the basics of concrete work. She had practiced her leveling skills with sand that was meant to represent concrete. This is so satisfying, she said. And then she asked how much the job paid. About $37 per hour, said Steven Allison, a member of the Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons union. Thats when Boehms eyes lit up. When she came to the event, Boehm was not necessarily planning to go into a construction trade. But when she left, she said she was going to give it more consideration. After stamping a pattern into the concrete-like sand, she said, When its done, its pretty, and you know you did it. Her friend Jackie Amann, also a senior at Mascoutah, said, Its rewarding. They didnt even hear the part about the $16 per hour that would be paid into their pension. Interest about going into construction trades had been dwindling, said Donna Richter, chief executive officer of the Southern Illinois Builders Association, which sponsored the event. In 2019, the last time the expo was held before the pandemics pause, it only attracted 800 students. This year, 1,200 students are attending. I think that is proof there is a definite interest in the construction trades. Their parents are telling them to look into this if they dont want to go to a four-year university and they want to work with their hands, Richter said. The timing could not be better. Job openings in the construction industry have risen precipitously over the last decade as the business fully recovers from the recession of 2008-2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In July 2012, only 95,000 construction jobs nationally were open. This July, the most recent month for which numbers are known, 369,000 jobs were available. But the number of people hired during that time has remained essentially flat. In a sense, the unions represented at the expo are competing for the students attention, trying to entice potential workers into the trades. The operating engineers union the folks who operate heavy equipment such as front-end loaders and building cranes had large video screens where students could try their hand at virtually using some of their equipment. Brennan Fears, a junior at Highland High School who hopes to go into construction management, tested his skill at a couple of the simulators. The road grader was difficult you have to keep track of many things at once but I think Ive got the excavator nailed down, he said. No he didnt. These trades require a multiyear apprenticeship program to learn how to do the job without doing too much damage to the worksite, other employees or yourself. The pay can be excellent. Journeyman wages reach as high as $46.56 an hour at one plumbers and pipefitters union local affiliate, although that locals benefits are not as generous as the others. And apprenticeships begin at anywhere from 35% to 70% of the journeyman wage, depending on the trade, with raises every six months or one year. Its like college, but you get paid, said John LePere, business manager of the Sheet Metal Workers union. Among people who go to college, more than six in 10 will graduate with debt, according to the Institute for College Access & Success. Members of the class of 2019 owed an average of $28,950. Several of the unions take a hands-on approach to grabbing the students attention. The carpenters held a series of nail-driving contests to test their speed and precision. One of the many nail-driving contests was won by Creed Geralds, a sophomore at Marissa High School. Though hes handy with a hammer, Geralds is leaning more toward a career as a welder or a bricklayer. He also tried laying bricks at the bricklayers unions display and, he said, he did well. They were impressed, he said. Highland junior Brystin Martinez was planning to go into mechanics as a career. But after trying virtual-reality welding at the ironworkers unions exhibit, he said, Now Im interested in mechanics and welding. Welding caught my eye. The ironworkers union also uses virtual reality to let the students experience what it is like to walk on an I-beam 100 feet in the air. Though participants are stepping on a narrow wooden plank less than 1 inch above the floor, the demonstration is utterly terrifying to anyone with a fear of heights. Lane Leonard, a senior at Red Bud High School, scampered across the plank with ease. He wants to be a lineman, and is comfortable with heights. It was pretty cool. It felt real, he said. The painters union has an unusual pitch. Its not very hard work, and its good pay, said Steven Penland. Despite the obvious appeal of the sentiment, they were not attracting much attention from the students on Tuesday morning. Sha Schellenger, a painter, said, Everybody says they hate painting. Matt Hancock, the U.Ks scandal-prone former health secretary, sought an unlikely form of redemption: attempting to win Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here a grueling, often gruesome reality TV show set in the Australian jungle. Hancock led Britains response to COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic, telling people to stay away from others to protect the health service, then breaking his Governments own rules, when video emerged of him kissing and groping an aide he was having an affair with. Viewers have upended expectations by voting Hancock through to the show's final, but he finished third. When artist and entrepreneur Sofi Seck stepped into the limelight on the ABC show Shark Tank on Oct. 14, she had recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of her business, Expedition Subsahara. Shed spent five years creating beautiful, functional home decor items made in the traditional Senegalese style of her tribe, the Wolof. She brought the coiled baskets shed made since childhood into peoples homes. Senegalese artisans create them from grasses that smell of sweet earth, in designs enlivened with colorful repurposed materials worked in patterns and shapes from simple to complex. No Sharks bite Seck employs Senegalese women, paying them a living wage to continue the tradition of the Wolof weavers in a slow-growth, socially conscious business model that gives back to the community. But that model held little interest for the Sharks. I was devastated about not getting a deal in the moment, but Ive had time to live with it, to think it through, and to calm down before the show aired mid-October. I think it was the best decision, she says. It was interesting to watch the show. In the moment you forget all the things that happened, but watching it I realized Oh, wow, we werent a good fit. The strength of family and friends Seck came to the United States for an education when she was 14 years old. Later, she earned a degree from UMSL in international business. I made so many connections there, she says. Those ties are still part of her powerful personal and professional network. When a serious strength training accident left her bedridden and unable to work, she laid the groundwork for Expedition Subsahara during her recovery. She turned to her past. In Senegal from the time youre literally a baby, youre with your mom and all of your female relatives and everyone is weaving. My relatives taught me bit by bit, so while I dont have a specific memory of when I made my first basket, I know Ive been weaving a long time, she says. As soon as I had a choice, because when you were young you dont have a choice, I quit. Her early history and the accident that temporarily stalled her career fueled her business. She wove baskets again. Little by little, the bird builds its nest She made her first sales at craft fairs where people eagerly snatched up her designs. She knew there was a demand for her designs, so she turned to the experts for help the women basket weavers of Senegal. She hired a workforce of Senegalese women. Her executive team in Senegal handles the logistics to make sure the weavers have what they need. She communicates with her team regularly, receiving videos and progress reports monthly. I make sure were keeping our promise to create a better life for our weavers, she says. Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter When Seck first came to St. Louis, she was shocked to learn that Americans had a very different view of Africa than she had experienced as a child. The stories I heard here about Africa were so interwoven with poverty that its become the story of my birth continent. I want to tell a different story, to celebrate the rich cultures of the people, she says. Today, she uses her business platform to share the beauty and strength of the Africa she knows. She has a long-term goal to build a school in the village where most of her workers live. I want to build a girls STEAM school there, to be a seed that grows. The lion moves forward Although Seck didnt receive an offer from the sharks to invest in her business, she came away stronger in her convictions. Were a slow business in every way. Were slow growth. Our products are slow to make. I believe that which was meant for me will always find me. Its OK to be thoughtful, to be guided by ethics, and move forward sustainably. Future plans include opening a brick-and-mortar retail store and finding major retail partners. She intends to keep her headquarters in St. Louis. I couldnt have picked a better or a more complex place to land than St. Louis. Theres an irony in that St. Louis, where Mike Brown was shot and killed, is also where my company started and has flourished. I consider my work and the success of this company to be both of Senegal and of St. Louis, and Im really proud of both cultures. Expedition Subsahara Artist Sofi Seck Age 35 Home Florissant What she does Seck designs handwoven baskets using traditional techniques she learned from her family in Senegal. The baskets, made of traditional sweet grasses entwined with colorful recycled plastic strands include storage pieces, market baskets and wall and home decor. Her company, Expedition Subsahara, continues the art and craft of traditional basketry in Senegal, employing over 120 skilled weavers to produce her designs. She pays her weavers a living wage that provides support for their families. Where to buy expeditionsubsahara.com How much $39 for a smaller baskets to $245 for large storage baskets Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger 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 PERRY COUNTY Kenny Grass father used to tell a story. When we were kids, my dad told us that the Mississippi River would sometimes freeze over and you could drive across it, Grass told me. We were standing Tuesday on the limestone rock bridge that connects the banks of the river here with Tower Rock. We were drawn to the landmark noted by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark because, as it was in the time of Grass father, the river water is very low after an extended drought. Thousands of folks are making the trek down the dusty, gravel path next to the railroad tracks that run parallel with the river. They want to experience a phenomenon that rarely happens, so they can tell their kids, and their kids after them. Tower Rock, also known as the Grand Tower, is normally surrounded on all sides by the rushing water of the Mississippi River. It is now connected to the river bank by a limestone bridge. It went from island to isthmus. Grass and his wife, Barb, live in Ste. Genevieve, as their families have for several generations. So they are in tune with the rivers ups and its downs, its power and its beauty. Their son is 49. He was a teenager when they brought him here the last time the water in the Mississippi River was so low that you could walk across the natural limestone bridge and its stratified steps, seemingly carved by the water to mark the eons. They couldnt recall the year. I have pictures at home, Barb says. Phyllis McDowell remembers it, too: It was 1988. She brought her kids here to walk to the tower that year. McDowell, who lives in Caruthersville, deep in Missouris Bootheel, came back this year with fellow members of the Pemiscot County Historical Society. Its a once-in-a-lifetime event, says Renee DeMott, who drove from south St. Louis County with her husband, Steve. Even though theyve navigated Interstate 55 between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau for decades, it was their first time at Tower Rock. As we talked, a tugboat pushed a barge of grain likely soybeans or corn past the east side of Tower Rock, in the channelized part of the river where there is still enough water to navigate. The juxtaposition water there, but not here is a telling one. The drought is the talk of the agricultural community, as barges have been grounded at various places along the river due to low water. They are backed up and having to run lighter. That means paying more to truck grain or fertilizer over the road, or sending it by rail. And that has some commercial river interests calling for more dredging, more man-made efforts to increase the flow of water. Ideas include deeper channels or more wing dikes, the rock formations that increase the speed of the water flowing by. Thats the wrong solution, says Mike Clark. Hes the founder of Big Muddy Adventures, and hes paddled the river more than anybody I know. Hes taken me out in high water to show the mistakes the powerful folks who try to control the river Congress, the Army Corps of Engineers, the commercial barge industry have made. Speeding up the water and deepening its channels, decisions often made during time of drought, make future flooding worse. There is a balance to the river that must be maintained, Clark says. It cannot be tamed. The mistakes become glaring during the extremes, he says. Thats what scares Barb Grass. She and her husband spent some time this summer traveling out West, where the drought is much worse than the Midwest. There, the Colorado River is running dry, and the various states that thirst for its water are employing serious rationing for the first time in a generation. Shes heard talk that has been around a long time of the West trying to tap the water in the Missouri or Mississippi through a pipeline. It scares us, she says. Such is the nature of drought. Fear drives action. But during the age of climate change, when droughts and floods come much faster than in previous generations, one years reaction can become next years overreaction. Thats why the nonprofit environmental group American Rivers included the Mississippi River on its list of most endangered rivers this year. The organization is encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency to create a Mississippi River-centric office. It would drive funding toward natural projects for states along the river to deal with climate change issues, such as extreme drought. The constant man-made tinkering over the past century, and trying to harness that which cannot be tamed, puts the rivers delicate ecosystem in danger. The river, for instance, hasnt frozen over since early in the 20th century because a series of dams and locks forever changed its flow. Olivia Dorothy, the director of restoration at American Rivers, hopes the folks flocking to Tower Rock appreciate what they are seeing. The same marker that guided explorers more than a century ago can guide us today. For a century, weve seen the Mississippi River as little more than a highway for bulk commodities, Dorothy says. And we continue to make deliberate decisions to shift goods onto the river based on a myth that river transportation is good for the environment. In reality, all the navigation infrastructure has wreaked havoc on the rivers ecosystem. For a few days in 2022, that means there is no water covering the natural limestone bridge connecting to Tower Rock, which makes for a memorable moment in history. But up and down the river, there are other places like this, where the loss of a side channel or backwater can affect local habitat. It can also disconnect the river from its wetlands, which will really matter when the rains return. The view of the river atop the Grand Tower is particularly beautiful, Lewis, the explorer, wrote in 1803. Keeping it that way is this generations grand challenge. ST. LOUIS Hans Moke Niemann, a 19-year-old chess grandmaster, says a cheating scandal that has rocked the chess world was the result of an orchestrated smear campaign by a man dubbed the King of Chess, an online chess behemoth and another American chess grandmaster. Niemanns suit, filed in St. Louis federal court, is seeking $100 million in damages because, it says, his career has been ruined by fellow grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, Chess.com and American grandmaster and streamer Hikaru Nakamura. He brings this action to recover from the devastating damages that defendants have inflicted upon his reputation, career and life by egregiously defaming him and unlawfully colluding to blacklist him from the profession to which he has dedicated his life, the suit says. The legal action is the latest move in a monthslong controversy that followed Niemanns shocking victory over Carlsen at the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, ending Carlsens 53-game unbeaten streak. Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating and withdrew from the tournament. The Wall Street Journal later reported the details of a Chess.com investigation that suggested Niemann cheated in more than 100 online games. Attorneys Nima Mohebbi and Jamie Wine of Latham & Watkins LLP, who represent Chess.com, said in a statement they were saddened by the filing. There is no merit to Hans allegations, and Chess.com looks forward to setting the record straight on behalf of its team and all honest chess players, they said. Representatives for Carlsen and Nakamura did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The controversy started on Sept. 4 when Niemann beat Carlsen at the Sinquefield Cup. The victory was shocking to many, especially because Carlsen had a perceived advantage: He was playing with the white pieces, which make the first move. The loss broke the 31-year-old Carlsens world-record unbeaten streak and, the lawsuit alleges, caused him to snap. Carlsen viciously and maliciously retaliated against Niemann by falsely accusing Niemann, without any evidence, of somehow cheating during their in-person game and demanding the organizers of the Sinquefield Cup immediately disqualify Niemann, the suit says. Niemann continued in the tournament, and Carlsen withdrew. Accusations immediately began surfacing that Niemann had cheated. Chess.com, the worlds largest chess site that hosts online games and features streamed games with professional players, then banned Niemann and forbade him from participating in any events, the suit says. Nakamura also started making accusations during livestreams on Chess.com, claiming there was zero doubt about why Carlsen withdrew from the tournament. Niemann said unequivocally that he didnt cheat in his game at the Sinquefield Cup. However, he admitted that when he was 12 and 16 years old, he had cheated in online chess games. He called it the worst mistake of his life, the suit says. Then, on Sept. 8, Chess.coms Chief Chess Officer Danny Rensch issued a statement saying they had detailed evidence ... regarding the amount and seriousness of his cheating on Chess.com. The internet then exploded with theories about how Niemann cheated at an in-person game. Even Elon Musk weighed in on Twitter with a theory that hed used a remote-controlled vibrating sex toy to receive messages about next moves. On Sept. 19, the two men were set to play again, but Carlsen made one move and then withdrew. In an interview, he later said people can draw their own conclusions, and they certainly, certainly have, the suit said. Carlsen issued a statement one week later saying Niemann has cheated more and more recently than he has publicly admitted. I dont want to play against people that have cheated repeatedly in the past, because I dont know what they are capable of doing in the future, he said. Still, the Sinquefield Cups chief arbiter maintained that there had been no cheating, and other experts weighed in to say there was no statistical evidence Niemann cheated, according to the lawsuit. On Oct. 5, the Wall Street Journal released the findings of a Chess.com report that found Niemann had cheated in prize events, at least 25 streamed games and more than 100 rated games on the website. The lawsuit alleges Chess.com maliciously leaked the report to the Journal in an attempt by Chess.com, which had recently announced plans to buy Carlsens Play Magnus app for $83 million, to defame Niemann and ruin his reputation. Since the accusations surfaced, chess players have refused to play Niemann and prestigious tournaments have refused him entry, the lawsuit says, costing him up to tens of thousands of dollars in appearance fees and winnings, ruining his burgeoning career. In fact, Niemann cannot even obtain employment as a chess teacher at a reputable school now that his reputation has been destroyed by defendants lies, the suit says. A hearing has not yet been set in the case. PIKE COUNTY, Mo. The police chief in the small town of Louisiana, Missouri, was in jail Thursday on drug trafficking charges after two men overdosed, one fatally, at the chiefs apartment. William E. Jones is being held in lieu of $150,000 cash bail. He was arrested and charged Wednesday with second-degree trafficking drugs, possession of a controlled substance and tampering with evidence. All are felonies. Jones has been chief of the Louisiana Police Department since December 2020. He turned 50 last month. Police found methamphetamines and fentanyl in his apartment Tuesday night, along with scales and other drug paraphernalia, said Pike County Sheriff Stephen Korte. The tampering charge accuses Jones of tossing evidence in a dumpster before police arrived. Police said four people saw him do it. Jones was put on administrative leave, with pay, on Wednesday. With Jones in jail and at least one other officer suspended, the town of 3,200 residents is down to just two full-time officers and one part-timer to patrol the city. We were blindsided by this, Rodney Dolbeare, a member of the Louisiana City Council, said in an interview Thursday. Louisiana is about 90 miles northwest of St. Louis. Two people at City Hall referred a reporters questions to Louisiana Mayor Tim Carter, but the mayor could not be reached. Also charged was Alexis J. Thone, whom authorities identified as Jones girlfriend. Thone, 25, was charged with drug trafficking and drug possession. Her bail was set at $100,000 cash. Just before 10 p.m. Tuesday, an off-duty Louisiana police officer called a non-emergency line of the Pike County 911 dispatch system to report a death at an apartment at 2306 Kentucky Street in Louisiana. Court documents identify the caller as off-duty Louisiana police officer Burns Forsythe. When first responders got to the apartment, they found Thones brother, Gabriel Thone, dead on the floor of a master bedroom upstairs. He was 24. A second brother, 21, was in a guest bedroom. He was in respiratory distress but paramedics revived him with Narcan, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. He survived and was being treated at Pike County Memorial Hospital. Jones, who was leasing the apartment, was in the guest bedroom with the younger brother, according to court documents. Sheriffs deputies asked Jones if the man was overdosing and Jones shrugged his shoulders and gave an unsure answer, according to a probable cause statement by Genia Calvin, a deputy with the Pike County Sheriffs Office. It was the second time in a month the man had survived an overdose, Calvin said. He had been found unresponsive outside a block away from the apartment a month ago, the sheriff told the Post-Dispatch. Jones told investigators he hadnt seen either Thone brother since 9 a.m. Tuesday and had just arrived home two hours before police were called. The Thone brothers were visiting for the weekend, Jones told police, according to court records. Alexis Thone, who shares the apartment with Jones, found her brother dead and yelled for Jones and off-duty officer Forsythe to call for help. Alexis Thone told investigators she knew her brothers used drugs but she didnt know where they got the drugs; Jones said he had no idea there were illegal drugs being used in the home, court documents said. Jones had no defense lawyer listed Thursday in online court documents. Jones and Thone were not arrested at their apartment Tuesday night. Prosecutors weighed the evidence and issued an arrest warrant the next day. Jones and Thone were taken into custody about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in a traffic stop on Ashley Street on the southern edge of Louisiana. There was no resistance, Korte said. A police dog detected drugs in the car, and police found opiates, Korte said. Korte said Louisiana, although understaffed, apparently will still be patrolling its city on its own for now. No one has asked the sheriff to patrol Louisiana, he said. Korte said his own sheriffs office has staffing concerns too, with budget constraints that leave just eight deputies to patrol a county of 670 square miles. Korte said he had heard rumors that Jones was involved in drugs but no evidence was brought to us previously that there was any validity to the rumors, the sheriff said in an interview Thursday. The sheriff said Jones had worked previously as an assistant warden at the womens state prison in Vandalia. Theres a little bit of a pattern of not the best work history, Korte said. Dolbeare, the city councilman who spoke to the Post-Dispatch, was on the council that hired Jones nearly two years ago. He went through the hiring process and the impressions were good, Dolbeare said. Right now we really cant say much of anything. Its obviously very new and fresh. Dolbeare said it was the mayors decision to put Jones on paid leave and that it was done before Wednesdays arrest. Jones was booked into the Pike County Jail but transferred to a cell in Lincoln County for safety reasons. If Jones is able to post bail, a judge has set several conditions for his release from jail. He must be monitored by GPS and undergo random drug testing. He cant go onto any city property. He cant have contact with Alexis Thone or her surviving brother. And he cant have a gun or any other weapon, according to the bail conditions outlined in court documents. CLAYTON St. Louis County violated Missouri public records laws when staff destroyed hundreds of boxes of animal control records earlier this month, a lawsuit filed this week on behalf of an animal rights advocate claims. The records were relevant to two existing lawsuits and multiple open records requests through Missouris Sunshine Law, and destroying them also violated state and local rules on retaining records, alleges the suit filed by government-transparency attorney Mark Pedroli. This lawsuit involves the largest, illegal mass destruction of government documents in St. Louis County history, the suit says. The complaint is one of several in recent months related to Missouris Sunshine Law: Gov. Mike Parson and state legislators have sought to limit the law and St. Louis leaders have gained a reputation for delaying records requests. Civil rights attorney Elad Gross sued the city in September for allegedly developing a scheme to withhold records from the public. And another lawsuit alleged former Gov. Eric Greitens violated the Sunshine Law by using an app that automatically deleted text messages between the governor and staff. In the St. Louis County case, Pedroli represents Karen Runk, the treasurer of Missouri K9 Friends, an Ellisville animal rescue nonprofit. Runk filed open records requests with the county animal control department that were not fulfilled, according to the lawsuit. The relevant records were then destroyed in early October, the suit claims. A spokesman for the county health department declined to comment. County public health officials have said the documents were infested with cockroaches and mice and posed a public health hazard. Health department acting Co-Director Kate Donaldson ordered the documents destroyed, without seeking approval from the County Council, as required by ordinance. Donaldson said she didnt know about the rule, but that she and staff reviewed 250 boxes of documents before destroying them to make sure they had been retained long enough to comply with county records retention rules. About 150 boxes remain. The lawsuit asked a judge to stop St. Louis County from destroying any additional animal control records and to order the county to provide any copies of the destroyed records. The suit also sought to have the county pay Runks legal fees. The county faces two other lawsuits from Pedroli related to its animal control department. The former animal population manager is suing the county claiming she lost her job because she was a whistleblower on flawed practices at the shelter. In another suit, a Webster Groves resident claims animal control wrongfully euthanized her family dog. A messy storage space Decades of animal control records were stored haphazardly in the mezzanine level of the countys animal shelter, photos of the space show. The county had pest control contractors spray regularly in other areas of the shelter, but not in the mezzanine level, health department spokesman Christopher Ave told the Post-Dispatch in mid-October. But the extent of the infestation may not have been discovered if a nonprofit planning to take over the shelter hadnt brought in a pest control inspector. Animal control staff began going through the records in the mezzanine to prepare for the Animal Protective Association of Missouri, or APA, to take over operations on Dec. 5. The APA brought in its pest control contractor on Sept. 27, Ave said, and the APA informed health department officials about the problem the next day. Four health department staffers spent six hours on Sept. 30 going through the records, Ave said. The sorting continued on Oct. 3, and then the countys shredding contractor destroyed the records that same day. The mezzanine would have been an ideal place for pests to hide, said Danielle Creech, head of preservation for Washington Universitys libraries. Shes in charge of making sure the universitys rare and valuable collections stay safe from critters. Pests are likely to find homes wherever theres a good hiding place and a nearby food source. The animal shelter has plenty of both stores of pet food and a disorganized storage area. My guess is they found a nice nesting ground where no one was disturbing them and thought, Cool, this is a nice home base and we can go get food other places, Creech said. The county could have bought themselves some time by freezing the records, Creech said, but that would have required a large freezer capable of holding hundreds of cardboard boxes. Freezing wouldnt have killed cockroach eggs, but they would have gone dormant, and it would have killed any adult cockroaches or mice. The best solution would be to store records far away from food sources, even in another building if possible, Creech said. But its human nature, she said, to want to get rid of the infestation as quickly as possible. Theres a level of disgust if you havent dealt with this before, Creech said. JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Mike Parson capped a noteworthy week in new job announcements in the state Thursday as he and other economic development officials unveiled a large-scale industrial project in Crystal City. Financed in part through more than $22 million in taxpayer-backed incentives from the state and Jefferson County, the project first reported by the Post-Dispatch will bring a fiber cement siding manufacturing facility to the now-shuttered Festus Memorial Airport. The company, Ireland-based James Hardie Industries, said it would create an estimated 238 jobs. We are proud to welcome a leading manufacturer like James Hardie to Missouri, Parson said in a statement. As companies see increased product demand and begin to evaluate expansion locations, we are working hard to show them why Missouri should be at the top of their shortlist. Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon was among those who signed nondisclosure agreements with the company to conduct negotiations in secret in recent months. He praised the cooperative efforts of economic development officials. After months of discussions and planning with local, regional and state officials, a true collaborative team effort, Jefferson County will now be able to welcome a new vital partner, which we feel will strengthen our county and local economy on many fronts, Gannon said. The announcement followed two other significant industrial expansions in the St. Louis region. On Tuesday, Michigan-based Piston Automotive, a major supplier for auto manufacturers, said it is investing more than $10 million in a new facility about 2 miles from General Motors Wentzville assembly plant. An estimated 204 jobs will be created by Piston, which city officials say is moving into the 1.1 million-square-foot Wentzville Logistics Center that opened a few years ago. On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced that a $400 million plant to support production of electric vehicle batteries will be built in the Carondelet neighborhood of St. Louis as part of a $2.8 billion nationwide initiative. ICL Group is getting a $197 million federal grant to help pay for the 120,000-square-foot facility at the companys existing campus at Germania and Primm streets near Interstate 55. About 165 professional and union jobs will be added, the company said. Word of the new jobs comes as Missouris unemployment rate has dropped to a historic low. The preliminary September 2022 unemployment rate of 2.4% is the lowest recorded seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Missouri since the data series began in 1976. The previous low was 2.5% in August 2022. We are so excited James Hardie is joining the growing list of companies locating in Missouri, said Maggie Kost, acting director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. This project would not have been possible without state and local partners working together to showcase all that Missouri has to offer. For the Crystal City project, James Hardie, which has its North American headquarters in Chicago, will receive $2.5 million in tax-exempt bonds from the state to help pay for the $405 million startup costs that includes land purchases, infrastructure improvements and equipment, according to an agreement approved Tuesday by the Missouri Development Finance Board. That agreement shows Jefferson County is chipping in about $20 million in tax breaks. Construction of the 1 million-square-foot facility is expected to begin next April with a planned completion date of October 2025. The new facility, located 30 miles south of St. Louis near Interstate 55, will be the companys first Missouri location. JEFFERSON CITY Attorney General Eric Schmitt is getting a hand in his bid to become Missouris next U.S. senator from the brother of his opponent. Billy Busch Sr. was interviewed Monday by conservative television host and Donald Trump-backer Gina Loudon on Real Americas Voice. He said he is supporting Republican Schmitt over his sister, Democrat Trudy Busch Valentine, a political newcomer and fellow heir to the Anheuser-Busch beer fortune who has spent more than $6 million of her own money on the race to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt. Billy Busch, who also is a Donald Trump supporter, said he doesnt want more Democrats in the U.S. Senate. Her votes are going to go to the Biden administration, he said of his sister. Billy and Trudy are among seven children of Gussie and Gertrude Busch who grew up largely at Grants Farm, the south St. Louis tourist attraction. We grew up very opulently, Billy Busch said. But, he added, Sometimes she looked down on the middle class and the poor people and didnt think they were good enough for a Busch. A spokesman for Trudy Busch Valentine dismissed the comment. Billy is a deeply partisan Republican whose assertions are plainly false. Trudy is a nurse who cares about all people and will fight for the middle class every day in the Senate. Thats why one of her very first policy plans in this campaign was a roadmap for making life more affordable for Missourians, said campaign spokesman Jacob Long. Billy Busch also acknowledged the two siblings arent close. I havent talked with my sister in the last five or six years, Billy Busch said. I think shes inexperienced. I dont necessarily believe what she says, he added. Trudy Busch Valentine downplayed her siblings claims in a statement. Most Missouri families are made up of Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Mine is one of them, and we dont always see eye to eye, she said. Billy Busch said he is supporting Schmitt because of the attorney generals stance opposing COVID-19 mask mandates, which resulted in Schmitt suing local school districts who had imposed the requirements as a way to slow the spread of a deadly respiratory disease. During the interview, he also repeated debunked claims that Trump won the 2020 election and said he appreciated Schmitts failed attempt to intervene as attorney general in the electoral process on behalf of the former president. I do respect Eric Schmitts stance on that, Busch said. While Billy Busch opposes his sisters Senate bid, at least one other sibling is in her corner. Her oldest brother, Adolphus, told the Post-Dispatch earlier this month that he backs her progressive stance on issues. He is registered to vote in Florida, though. President Joe Biden is telling voters that he hasnt given up on lowering gasoline prices. Biden says he has ordered the release of 15 million barrels from the U.S. strategic reserve and will consider additional withdrawals this winter. Its a message with clear political implications as the presidents approval rating has moved in the opposite direction from changes in gasoline prices. The Biden administration on Wednesday awarded $2.8 billion in grants to build and expand domestic manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles in 12 states. The announcement comes as the administration seeks to boost production and sales of electric vehicles as a key part of President Joe Bidens strategy to slow climate change and build up U.S. manufacturing. Russian President Vladimir Putin doubled down Wednesday on his faltering invasion of Ukraine with a declaration of martial law in four illegally annexed regions and preparations within Russia for draconian new restrictions and crackdowns. North Korea has fired about 100 more artillery shells toward the sea in response to South Korean live-firing drills at border areas as the rivals accuse each other of dialing up tensions with weapons tests. British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has become the second senior minister in a week to leave embattled Prime Minister Liz Truss government. Her departure came hours after Truss appeared in Parliament to describe herself as a fighter and not a quitter. The South Carolina Supreme Court will hear a case that could determine the scope of abortion restrictions in the state. Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi has returned to Tehran after competing in South Korea without wearing a headscarf. Her move was seized upon by demonstrators as the Islamic Republic has faced weeks of protests over its mandatory hijab. The International Energy Agency said Wednesday that it expects carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels to rise again this year, but by much less than in 2021 due to the growth in renewable power and electric cars. Florida has seen an increase in cases of flesh-eating bacteria this year driven largely by a surge in the county hit hardest by Hurricane Ian. The state Department of Health reports that as of Friday there have been 65 cases of vibrio vulnificus infections and 11 deaths in Florida this year. Black-white disparities exist in fertility medicine and are reflected in life-and-death outcomes for babies. That's according to a large study of U.S. births published Wednesday in the journal Pediatrics. A 75-year-old New York City man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 1976 killing of a World War I veteran. Martin Motta pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the death of 81-year-old George Seitz. A jury sided with Kevin Spacey, finding he didnt sexually abuse fellow actor Anthony Rapp in the 1980s. This brings to a conclusion a trial that was an outgrowth of the #MeToo movement. The White House says the U.S. has evidence that Iranian troops are directly engaged on the ground in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraines infrastructure and civilian population. The Pentagon will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek abortions but are based in states where they are now illegal. President Joe Biden has checked out the repair work underway at a Pennsylvania bridge that became a symbol of the nations troubled infrastructure when it collapsed nine months ago. Biden visited Pittsburgh's Fern Hollow Bridge on Thursday to showcase his administration's efforts to revitalize the nations roadways. British Prime Minister Liz Truss quit Thursday after a tumultuous and historically brief term in which her economic policies roiled financial markets and a rebellion in her political party obliterated her authority. Oklahoma has executed an inmate convicted of killing his infant daughter in 2002. Benjamin Cole was put to death Thursday morning at Oklahomas state penitentiary in McAlester. An Afghan couple who arrived in the U.S. as refugees are suing a U.S. Marine and his wife for allegedly abducting their baby. The baby was injured in a U.S. military raid that killed her parents and 5 siblings, and was being raised as a daughter by her newlywed adult cousin and his wife. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in September for the eighth month in a row, matching the pre-pandemic sales pace from 10 years ago, as house hunters grappled with sharply higher mortgage rates, rising home prices and a still tight supply of properties on the market. American Airlines is reporting a $483 million profit for the third quarter, as planes were mostly full and fares were higher over the hectic summer months. American says demand for travel remains strong, and it forecast better fourth-quarter results than Wall Street was expecting. Joni Mitchell had so much fun at her surprise performance at the Newport Folk Festival this summer that she's coming back to the stage. She'll appear next June at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington state, again alongside Brandi Carlile, who announced the plans on The Daily Show late Wednesday. Maybe our invitation to Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt to talk to the Post-Dispatch Editorial Board got lost in the ether? Why else would his campaign fail to even respond one way or the other to our email? In case our message just got misplaced, weve decided to extend the invitation again, right here on the editorial page. Wed like to hear him out on his claims of unfair media coverage, and let him make his case for representing Missouri in the U.S. Senate. We also want answers to some questions. The whole point of interviewing candidates is to give our readers the very people whose votes the candidates are asking for more insight into their goals, priorities and character than can be gleaned from tightly controlled campaign events or slick commercials. Well even outline, here, some of the key questions we believe Schmitt should address for the voters, so he can think about it and get back to us: First, does Schmitt believe Missouri Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans deserve Senate representation? And if so, can he point to anything about his campaign that would appeal to those who arent MAGA-minded extremists? How does Schmitt answer criticism that he has, to a virtually unprecedented extent, politicized his state office to benefit his Senate campaign with legalistic stunts designed to stoke the political right? He has sued school boards over medically valid pandemic policies and nonexistent critical race theory curriculum. He sued the Biden administration regarding a national border thats nowhere near Missouri. And has even sought access to emails between University of Missouri journalism professors and media fact-checkers. All on the taxpayers dime. Were not the only ones to notice. In April, legislative Republicans who, in Missouri are as Republican as it gets moved to deny a $500,000 budget bump to Schmitt because, as the top Senate Republican put it, he had been using his office for political purposes. Speaking of which: Can Schmitt explain what, other than campaign promotion, was the practical utility for Missourians of suing China over the coronavirus? That kind of legal aggression is actually needed in and around Schmitts own hometown of Bridgeton, where World War II-era radioactive waste continues to threaten hundreds of thousands of Missourians most recently with dangerously high radiation levels at Jana Elementary School in Florissant. The federal government has for decades been delinquent in its responsibility to clean it up. Can Schmitt point to anything hes done to force the issue? Or has he been too busy suing China and local school districts? Schmitt also backed failed litigation seeking to invalidate the 2020 election in battleground states, making it fair to ask what may be the most important question: Does he or does he not accept Joe Biden as the legitimately elected president of the United States? Because any answer other than a straightforward yes is a lie and a threat to electoral democracy and should be disqualifying for this or any public office. The St. Louis city and county ballots contain lists of state Supreme Court, Eastern District appeals court, circuit court and associate circuit court judges who are up for retention votes in the Nov. 8 election. The yes-or-no question asked on the ballot is simply whether the judge should be retained. The Editorial Board lacks the time, expertise and resources to sit in the courtrooms of all 23 judges up for retention locally to monitor them for criteria such as demeanor, preparation and promptness. However, the Missouri Bar Associations members do monitor them, and the association surveys lawyers who have experience in those judges courtrooms regarding a wide range of criteria. We highly recommend that voters take the time to review those surveys at yourmissourijudges.org to acquaint themselves with the judges whose decisions can have a profound effect on Missourians lives. The 2022 survey results found that in all cases, at all levels, the judges facing retention votes were deemed by the lawyers in their courtrooms to substantially meet overall judicial standards. That hasnt always been the case, and past survey results have prompted the Editorial Board previously to recommend not retaining some judges. This election, it appears safe to vote yes in all cases. That doesnt mean all judges received high grades in all categories. In fact, some got low marks in areas that might deserve greater voter scrutiny, which is why we recommend that voters take a look at the survey before making up their minds. One St. Louis city judge who failed to meet standards in 2018 after years of controversy in the courtroom appears to have improved substantially. In general, high performing judges tend to score a 4.0 average rating or above on the surveys 5-point scale. Some judges rank in the 2.5 to 3.5 range, which signals room for improvement. The survey appears to account for potential lawyer disgruntlement over having lost cases before the judge, and answers to survey questions cover a range of favorable, neutral or unfavorable ratings. Questions include: Was the judge prepared for court? Did both parties receive equal treatment? Was the judge respectful and efficient with courtroom time? Was the judge impartial? More questions cover demeanor, following the rules, and providing clear and logical explanations of decisions. In one case, theres even a juror survey (in which the judge received overwhelmingly high marks). Voters who want to make informed, responsible decisions should take the time to do their own research, but for those who need a cheat sheet, this survey is worth a look. Japan has reopened to visa-free travel from dozens of countries around the world, eliminating its daily entry cap on tourist arrivals and making it easier for visitors to plan their own getaway to the country without a qualified booking through an approved travel agency or tour operator. After two-plus years of implementing some of the strictest COVID-related border policies in the world, the marquee Asian destination is welcoming back individuals for travel and tourism purposes without cumbersome quarantine or testing requirements. Nonetheless, there are still some important things travelers will want to know before they go, including the requirement that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure upon entry. Japan's smaller cities offer lands of discovery and adventure Tokyo and Kyoto arent the only worthwhile destinations to visit in storied Japan, but theyre often the only ones Americans know about. Keep in mind that proof of full inoculation against the virus requires a (third) booster shot. Otherwise, only those displaying COVID symptoms will be subject to testing and or quarantine at entry. The visa exemption allows smooth travel for passport holders from 68 different countries, including the U.S. and Canada and many throughout Europe. While the country's flag carrier Japan Airlines has seen inbound bookings triple since the announcement that Japan would relax entry restrictions last month, according to Reuters, the Japanese government is being proactive in luring visitors back by starting a domestic travel initiative featuring discounts on transportation and accommodations. However, the prolonged period of limited international visitors means that travelers to Japan this fall and in the coming months should anticipate staffing shortages throughout the various sectors of travel and tourism, from the airport to their hotel and beyond. Reuters reports that roughly half of the 260 shops and restaurants within Narita Airport outside of Tokyo remain closed while nearly 73% of hotels across the country believe they are short of regular workers as of August. The State Department's latest travel adviser recommends that Americans reconsider travel to Japan due to pandemic-related entry restrictions but that Level 3 notification is likely to change in the wake of the reopening. Since February 2022 Russia has lost nearly 4,000 tanks and other armored vehicles in Ukraine as well as nearly a thousand other specialized vehicles, including towed artillery. Over a thousand military trucks have been lost, which are also specialized for military purposes and there werent enough of them even at the wars beginning. Russian was further crippled by the absence of a replaceable item on all Russian railroad cars. While Russia needs its railroad less because of the many businesses shut down by sanctions, the shortage of railroad cars is growing and soon it will disrupt the movements of needed civilian and military cargo. Russia has also used more guided missiles and artillery ammunition than it can replace. All this has crippled Russian military operations in Ukraine and enabled Ukrainian forces to go on the offensive. Since early September the Ukrainian offensive has been continuous, clearing most of north easter Ukraine of Russian forces and now driving Russian forces out of Donbas and the two provinces north of Crimea. Poor Russian leadership, tactics and training resulted in Russia losing six times as many troops as Ukraine, a country with a population 30 percent the size of Russias. Expanded sanctions on Russia, backed up by American experience dealing with Iranian, North Korean and now Russian smuggling efforts, are increasingly effective. The success of these efforts to disrupt smuggling efforts depends on discovering what the sanctioned nation needs most at any time and to block access to those items as much as possible. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the sanctioned items Russia misses most are key components of munitions and vehicles lost in combat. Increased American efforts in 2022 revealed sanctions imposed since 2014 that Russia had found substitutes for. Access to these items was then blocked. Destroyed or expended Russian weapons and munitions were scrutinized to determine which components Russia imported and could least afford to lose access to. These efforts have not halted all Russian production but has disrupted efforts to produce many, if not most, weapons, vehicles, munitions and other vital military equipment. That is how Russian forces reached the current dismal states they are in. There are fewer new armored vehicles or trucks to replace those lost. Its the same with many weapons, including towed artillery and rocket launchers, radars and communications equipment. At the same time, Ukraine continues to concentrate its attacks on Russian logistics, seeking out the locations of Russian supply storage sites and hitting them with guided missiles supplied by the Americans who, along with NATO allies, supplied Ukraine with a continuous supply of weapons and equipment it requested. Russia has been unable to disrupt such supplies coming into Ukraine. Meanwhile Ukraine has a growing network of local civilians in Russian occupied territory who are trained and equipped to quickly report the GPS location for Russian supply storage sites and headquarters and temporary concentrations of troops and vehicles. Russian losses have been so large and continuous that after six months of fighting the Ukrainians have a decisive edge. These Russian losses have been so large that the situation has become a problem back in Russia, where the government had used its control over the media to make it sound like Russian victory in Ukraine was imminent. The opposite is now seen as obviously true even in Russia. Ukraine sees an opportunity to clear the Russians out of Ukraine by the end of the year or shortly thereafter. In desperation the Russians have threatened to use nuclear weapons. This had a negative impact on Russians and especially Russian soldiers in Ukraine or Russians civilians who might soon be in the army and in Ukraine. Russians, more than anyone else, are aware of the unreliability of Russian nukes. Many of the details were revealed after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Most Russians do not want Russia to be the first nation to use nukes since 1945, Both NATO and many Russians fear their current leader, Vladimir Putin, may be desperate or deranged enough to use nukes and bring upon Russia even greater retaliation. Many Russians do not want to see Russian forces defeated in Ukraine but as the situation grows more desperate for Russia in Ukraine, getting out of Ukraine begins to look like a favorable outcome for Russians. The current war in Ukraine has caused a regional refugee crisis. Nearly half the population of Ukraine has been impacted by the refugee problem. While 7.5 million Ukrainians have registered as refugees outside Ukraine, even more have not been registered because they were forcibly moved to Russia or because they failed to register for a number of reasons. Most of the refugees are inside Ukraine. These are described as IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) and Ukrainian IDPs are currently increasing as the Russians carry out more attacks on Ukrainian cities. The Russians are losing on the battlefield and the cheap cruise missiles they bought from Iran had proved unsuccessful on the battlefield, but worked against cities. The small warhead of these Iranian cruise missiles does little damage but it's enough to encourage more Ukrainians to leave the country or become IDPs. Nations bordering Russia or Ukraine made an extraordinary, in terms of financial cost, effort to assist Ukraine during the first six weeks of the war. For example, tiny Estonia (population 1.3 million) spent about .8 percent of its annual GDP to support Ukraine during those six weeks. Most of the aid went to processing and hosting Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian attacks on their homes. By October the Ukrainians and their NATO supporters are planning for what comes after the war. The Russian troops are literally on the run and Russia has few options left. For Ukraine, the post-war years will be expensive because of the need to support all the IPDs as well as returning refugees. NATO is already budgeting money for this while both NATO and Ukraine ponder what to do about the thousands of Russian POWs (Prisoners of War) Ukraine has and the millions of Ukrainians who went to Russia since 2014. Many did not go voluntarily and Russia wont let any of them return to Ukraine. The POWs are a problem because Russia passed a law making it a criminal offense for a soldier to surrender, except in a few extraordinary circumstances. This was supposed to discourage soldiers from surrendering but didnt. Now this law encourages soldiers to not return to Russia. Nations receiving Ukraine refugees are also seeing a lot of Russians fleeing Russia. This was noted after the war began when Turkey estimated that 50,000 Ukrainian refugees had entered Turkey after a month of fighting. The Turks expected (correctly) that those numbers would increase dramatically as long as the war lasted. Turkey already hosts around 3.7 million refugees from the Syrian civil war. Anti-war Russians have also fled to Turkey, with at least 14,000 Russians entering Turkey during the first month of the war. Russia has also threatened NATO members Poland, Romania and Slovakia because they border Ukraine and serve as the initial host for millions of Ukrainian refugees from the fighting as well as Russians fleeing Russia because of its economic problems and later because of efforts to conscript them to die in Ukraine. So far this year, nearly three million Ukrainians have gone to Russia, not all of them voluntarily. Driving all Russian troops out of Ukraine wont automatically get all the Ukrainians in Russia back. It is believed that as much as half the Ukrainians leaving for Russia this year were compelled to do so by the Russians as part of the filtration process to pacify civilians in Russian occupied Ukraine. These tactics are considered a war crime and unless there is a change of government in Russia, getting those filtration Ukrainians held in Russia back will be difficult. Winter is coming in Ukraine and IDPs are often the least able to deal with the lack of heat. Ukrainians in general are facing months of cold weather with no way of heating their homes. Russian attacks have concentrated on destroying Ukrainian energy sources and supplies. Ukraine needs a lot of help from NATO to deal with that. Meanwhile, NATO nations also lost access to Russian oil and natural gas and have to cope with that as well as assist the Ukrainians, who are worse off. There are reduced supplies of oil and natural gas worldwide, so its going to be cold for everyone in Europe and Ukraine over the next few months because of that energy shortage. by Austin Bay October 19, 2022 The Russia-Ukraine war has witnessed a noteworthy combat first: Russian and Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) dueling in the skies. Reports I've read include variations of the phrase "drone versus drone dogfights." Drone is slang for UAVs, whether they are remotely piloted (like the famous Predator), or autonomous (a "robot" guided by its onboard computer), or semi-autonomous (the variations in human interfaces get complicated). "Dogfight" echoes WWI over France, with British Sopwith Camels battling the Red Baron's Flying Circus, and the implicit comparison is apt. WWI, however, wasn't the first air war. The obscure Turco-Italian War of 1911-1912 has that distinction. Fought in Libya, Italian pilots in monoplanes and dirigibles dropped grenades on the Turks' Arab auxiliaries. Fact: The dirigible attacks foreshadowed Germany's WWI zeppelin attacks on London. Sobering fact: the utterly unprovoked Italian invasion of Ottoman Turkey's Libyan backwater was the first in a chain of three wars involving the Ottomans. The other two bloodlettings are better known: the First and Second Balkan Wars. Sarajevo, Bosnia is in the Balkans. One, two, three -- the little wars led to The Great War, WWI. Military historical fact: the Turco-Italian War offered bloody glimpses of WWI. The Italian invasion bogged in trenches outside Tripoli and Tobruk. Attrition warfare ensued, with artillery and machine guns. A contemporary speculation: Yes, Ukraine could seed a much larger war in Europe and Central Asia. Vladimir Putin says so every other day. WWI did witness the first recorded air-to-air combat, as opposing pilots fired pistols at one another or tried to damage an enemy observation plane by executing a very careful collision that didn't send the attacker down in flames. Aerial ramming usually leads to mutual immolation. So, planes quickly mounted light machine guns. Which takes us back to 2022's drone dogfights over Ukraine. The first alleged engagement occurred Oct. 13, the second Oct. 18. As best as I can ascertain from the two video clips circulating via Twitter, the drone dogfight score is Ukraine 2, Russia 1. In the Oct. 18 engagement, the Ukrainian drone rams the Russian drone, and both fall from the sky -- a mutual immolation. I saw the 16-second Oct. 13 video via a Twitter post by Serhiy Prytula. His Twitter profile describes him as "Ukrainian politician, army volunteer." From his Tweet: "WW1-style duel. Ukrainian Mavic-drone, which we have delivered to one of the airborne units in Donetsk region, destroys Russian opponent. Amazing! ..." The Mavic is a quad-rotor copter drone used for surveillance. Its Russian opponent was a quadcopter. The Ukrainian drone rammed, and the Russian fell from the sky. The video indicates the Ukraine drone survived. Jane's Defense Weekly wrote the video showed the first time "an engagement entirely between unmanned systems has been recorded not just in that conflict, but in the history of warfare." Quite an accolade -- and deserved if the video is accurate. On Oct. 18 Forbes called attention to a second video where a "Ukrainian drone rams a Russian opponent from above... sacrificing itself in the process." The Forbes article adds: "Better air-to-air armament is surely in the works." Actually, for years better armament has been in the works. In 2007 I received a briefing from a senior Air Force officer on "attack arrays" of armed drones, jammer drones and manned aircraft. Yes, humans in the loop, but so were drones attacking enemy drones. Forbes mentioned the Navy has been exploring combat "between competing drone swarms for years." The Army is exploring "land systems" where artificial intelligence assets and robots are fundamental combat components. Drone-robot war isn't bloodless -- the unmanned can slay the manned. "Artificial intelligence" can make very unintelligent mistakes -- a point the Air Force officer made when he advocated humans having override ability. A warning to fanatics who think the future is robotic: High-intensity cyber- and electronic interference, of the caliber many analysts think China is capable of generating, can fry computer brains. But it appears drone versus drone is now historical fact. (For readers interested in learning more about the Turco-Italian War, chapter five of my 2011 biography of Kemal Ataturk, "Ataturk: Lessons in Leadership from the Greatest General of the Ottoman Empire" is a place to start.) Eleven Poster Presentations Include New Analyses of ARAZLO, DUOBRII, and IDP-126 Gel LAVAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2022 / Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE: BHC)(TSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health") and its dermatology business, Ortho Dermatologics, today announced the presentation of eleven posters during the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, which takes place Oct. 20-23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nev. The presentations will feature new data around ARAZLO (tazarotene) Lotion, 0.045%, DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045%, and the investigational medicine IDP-126 Gel-a combination retinoid, antibacterial and antibiotic topical. Two other presentations are adaptations featuring research on SILIQ (brodalumab) Injection, 210 mg/1.5 mL. Please see below for warning about suicidal ideation and behavior with SILIQ. There will also be five encore presentations, including a systemic review of onychomycosis dermatophytoma treatment. "Ortho Dermatologics remains committed to research to ensure the safety and efficacy of our portfolio with patients top of mind," said Richard Lajoie, vice president and general manager, Ortho Dermatologics. "At this year's Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, we look forward to the opportunity to personally connect with dermatologists to share new data on our investigational acne medicine, IDP-126 Gel, as well as new analyses on two of our prominent acne and psoriasis medications, ARAZLO and DUOBRII." The complete list of Ortho Dermatologics' poster presentations is as follows: ARAZLO (tazarotene) Lotion, 0.045% "Impact of Seasonal Variation on the Efficacy and Safety of Tazarotene 0.045% Lotion for Acne: Post Hoc Analysis of Pooled Phase 3 Data." Draelos et al. Draelos et al. "Tazarotene 0.045% Lotion for Truncal Acne: Efficacy, Tolerability, and Spreadability." Kircik et al. DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045% "Use of Combination Halobetasol Propionate/Tazarotene Lotion in Difficult-to-Treat Psoriasis and TNF- Mechanism of Action." Kircik et al. Kircik et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Fixed-Combination Halobetasol Propionate and Tazarotene Lotion for Plaque Psoriasis from Real-World Patient Perspectives" Lain et al. Lain et al. "Fixed-Combination Halobetasol Propionate and Tazarotene Lotion Decreases TNF- Levels Within Psoriatic Lesions." Draelos et al. IDP-126 Gel (Investigational Drug) "Benefit of Topical Combination Therapy for Acne Treatment: Analysis of Effect Size Using Number Needed to Treat." Feldman et al. Feldman et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Triple-Combination Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%/Adapalene 0.15% Polymeric Mesh Gel in Pediatric Participants." Eichenfield et al. SILIQ (brodalumab) Injection, 210 mg/1.5 mL "Unique Mechanism of Action of Brodalumab May Correlate With Efficacy vs Ustekinumab." Armstrong et al. Armstrong et al. "Inhibition of Interleukin-17 Cytokines With Brodalumab May Correlate With Efficacy in Patients With Psoriasis and Prior Biologic Exposure." Lain et al. Lain et al. "Brodalumab: 4-Year US Pharmacovigilance Report." Lebwohl et al. JUBLIA (efinaconazole) Topical Solution, 10% "Onychomycosis Dermatophytoma Treatment: A Systematic Review of the Literature." Lipner et al. Important Safety Information for ARAZLO (tazarotene) Lotion, 0.045% What is ARAZLO? ARAZLO (tazarotene) Lotion, 0.045% is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat people 9 years of age and older with acne, which can include blackheads, whiteheads, and other pimples. It is not known if ARAZLO is safe and effective in children under 9 years of age. Important Safety Information ARAZLO is for use on skin only. Do not use ARAZLO in your eyes, mouth, the corners of your nose, or vagina. What is the most important information I should know about ARAZLO? ARAZLO may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. You must not be pregnant when you start using ARAZLO or become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control during treatment. Stop using ARAZLO and tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Before using ARAZLO, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: have eczema or any other skin problems. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you use ARAZLO while breastfeeding, use it for the shortest time needed. Do not apply ARAZLO directly to the nipple and surrounding area to avoid exposing your child to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medicines can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight; ask your healthcare provider for a list of medicines if you are not sure. Especially tell your healthcare provider about other products you use on your skin (such as benzoyl peroxide), including moisturizers, creams, lotions, or products that can dry out your skin. What should I avoid while using ARAZLO? You should avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet light during treatment with ARAZLO. Minimize exposure to sunlight; you could get severe sunburn. If you have to be in the sunlight or are sensitive to sunlight, use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to cover the treated areas. Avoid using ARAZLO on skin with eczema or sunburned skin because it may cause severe irritation. ARAZLO may cause side effects, including: Skin irritation. ARAZLO may cause irritation including skin dryness, pain, redness, excessive flaking or peeling. If you develop these symptoms, your healthcare provider may tell you to use a moisturizer, adjust the dosing, or completely stop treatment with ARAZLO. These are not all the possible side effects of ARAZLO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. Important Safety Information for DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045% What is DUOBRII Lotion? DUOBRII (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045%, is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat adults with plaque psoriasis. It is not known if DUOBRII Lotion is safe and effective in children. Important Safety Information DUOBRII Lotion is for use on the skin only; do not use it in your mouth, eyes, or vagina. What is the most important Information I should know about DUOBRII Lotion? DUOBRII Lotion may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. A negative pregnancy test must be obtained before females of child-bearing age start using DUOBRII Lotion and they must use effective birth control during treatment. Begin treatment during a normal menstrual period. Stop using DUOBRII Lotion and tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while using DUOBRII Lotion. Before you use DUOBRII Lotion, tell your healthcare provider if you: have eczema or any other skin problems, including skin infections, which may need to be treated before using DUOBRII. have diabetes, adrenal gland problems or liver problems. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you use DUOBRII and breastfeed, do not apply DUOBRII to your nipple area. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take corticosteroids by mouth or injection or use other skin products that contain corticosteroids. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of medicines that may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. What should I avoid during treatment with DUOBRII? To avoid a severe sunburn, avoid sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds, as much as possible, and use sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat while in sunlight. Talk to your healthcare provider if you get sunburn, and do not use DUOBRII Lotion until your sunburn is healed. Avoid using DUOBRII on skin with eczema because it may cause severe irritation. DUOBRII may cause side effects, including: If too much DUOBRII passes through your skin it can cause adrenal glands to stop working it can cause adrenal glands to stop working Cushing's syndrome, a condition from too much exposure to the hormone cortisol a condition from too much exposure to the hormone cortisol High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) (hyperglycemia) Effects of growth and weight in children Skin irritation. If you get too much skin irritation at the site of application, your healthcare provider may tell you to interrupt or stop using DUOBRII or to use it less often. If you get too much skin irritation at the site of application, your healthcare provider may tell you to interrupt or stop using DUOBRII or to use it less often. Vision problems, including an increased chance of developing cataracts and glaucoma. Tell your healthcare provider about any vision problems during treatment. The most common side effects of DUOBRII Lotion include: redness, itching, swelling, burning, stinging, application site pain, inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis), thinning of the skin (atrophy), peeling and rash. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ortho Dermatologics at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. This is not all of the Important Safety Information you need to know about DUOBRII; please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. Important Safety Information for SILIQ (brodalumab) Injection, 210 mg/1.5 mL What is SILIQ? SILIQ injection is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: who may benefit from injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light treatment) and who have tried another systemic therapy that didn't work or stopped working It is not known if SILIQ is safe and effective in children. What is the most important information I should know about SILIQ? Suicidal thoughts or behavior: Some patients taking SILIQ have had suicidal thoughts or ended their own lives. This risk is higher if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or depression. It is not known if SILIQ causes these thoughts or actions. Get medical help right away if you or a family member notices that you have any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression, anxiety, or mood problems thoughts of suicide, dying, or hurting yourself attempt to commit suicide, or acting on dangerous impulses other unusual changes in your behavior or mood Your healthcare provider will give you a SILIQ patient/wallet card about symptoms that need medical attention right away. Carry the card with you during treatment with SILIQ and show it to all of your healthcare providers. Serious Infections: SILIQ may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections: Your healthcare provider should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with SILIQ and may treat you for TB before starting SILIQ if you have TB or a history of it You and your healthcare provider need to watch closely for signs and symptoms of infection during treatment with SILIQ, including fever, sweats, chills, shortness of breath, stomach issues, muscle aches, cough, sore throat or trouble swallowing, warm/red/painful skin sores, burning while urinating or more frequent urination Who should not use SILIQ? Do not use SILIQ if you have Crohn's disease. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop diarrhea, bloody stools, stomach pain or cramping, sudden or uncontrollable bowel movements, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss, fever or tiredness as these may be symptoms of Crohn's disease. Before starting SILIQ, tell your healthcare provider if you: have a history of mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, or mood problems have an infection that does not go away or keeps coming back have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). You should avoid getting live vaccines while being treated with SILIQ are or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to do so. It is unknown if SILIQ can harm your unborn or newborn baby Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. How should I use SILIQ? See the detailed "Instructions for Use" that come with your SILIQ for information on the right way to store, prepare, and give your SILIQ injections at home, and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used SILIQ prefilled syringes. Use SILIQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it. What are possible side effects of SILIQ? SILIQ may cause serious side effects. See "What is the most important information I should know about SILIQ?" and "Who should not take SILIQ?" The most common side effects of SILIQ include: Joint pain Muscle pain Headache Injection site reactions Tiredness Flu Diarrhea Low white blood cell count (neutropenia) Mouth or throat pain Fungal infections of the skin Nausea Call your doctor for medical advice on side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to Bausch Health at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. Please click here for accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning about suicidal ideation and behavior, and Medication Guide. Important Safety Information for JUBLIA (efinaconazole) Topical Solution, 10% INDICATION JUBLIA (efinaconazole) Topical Solution, 10% is a prescription medicine used to treat fungal infections of the toenails. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION JUBLIA is for use on nails and surrounding skin only. Do not use JUBLIA in your mouth, eyes, or vagina. Use it exactly as instructed by your doctor. The safety and efficacy of JUBLIA have not been established in children under six years old. Before you use JUBLIA, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you are or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed, because it is not known whether JUBLIA can harm an unborn fetus or nursing infant. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, and whether you have any other nail infections. JUBLIA is flammable. Avoid heat and flame while applying JUBLIA to your toenail. JUBLIA may cause irritation at the treated site. The most common side effects include: ingrown toenail, redness, itching, swelling, burning or stinging, blisters, and pain. Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or do not go away. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ortho Dermatologics at 1-800-321-4576 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. Visit www.JubliaRx.com to learn more. About Ortho Dermatologics Ortho Dermatologics is one of the largest prescription and aesthetic dermatology businesses dedicated to helping patients in the treatment of a range of therapeutic areas, including psoriasis,onychomycosis, actinic keratosis, acne, atopic dermatitis and other dermatoses. The Ortho Dermatologics portfolio also includes several leading medical device systems for aesthetic applications, such as skin tightening and resurfacing, laser hair removal and preventative therapeutic skin care treatments. More information can be found at www.ortho-dermatologics.com. About Bausch Health Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global diversified pharmaceutical company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our controlling ownership interest of Bausch + Lomb Corporation. With our leading durable brands, we are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health. For more information, visit www.bauschhealth.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Forward-looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Bausch Health's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. They also include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties caused by or relating to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and the fear of that pandemic and its potential effects, the severity, duration and future impact of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, and which may have a material adverse impact on Bausch Health, including but not limited to its project development timelines, launches and costs (which may increase). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Bausch Health undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law. ARAZLO, DUOBRII, SILIQ, and JUBLIA are trademarks of Ortho Dermatologics' affiliated entities. Ortho Dermatologics is a trademark of Ortho Dermatologics' affiliated entities. 2022 Ortho Dermatologics' affiliated entities. ORD.0136.USA.22 Bausch Health Investor Contact: Christina Cheng [email protected] Bausch Health Media Contact: Kevin Wiggins [email protected] SOURCE: Bausch Health Companies Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2022 / The Power Play by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with HIRE Technologies, Surge Battery, RDRSF, ApartmentLove, Nextech AR and Trillion Energy discussing their latest news. The Power Play by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives. HIRE Technologies (TSXV:HIRE) sells real estate and construction vertical HIRE (HIRE) has signed an agreement to divest from Taylor Ryan Inc. The cashless transaction will reduce 2023 capital commitments by $9.7 million, reduce current liabilities by $7.9 million and result in an expected gain in Q4 2022. The company is also announcing that professional services veteran Charlie Cooper will succeed Dan Teguh as CFO, effective today. CEO Simon Dealy sat down with Daniella Atkinson to discuss the news. For the full interview with Simon Dealy and to learn about HIRE, click here. Surge Battery Metals (TSXV:NILI) confirms high-grade lithium discovery at the Nevada North Lithium Project Surge Battery Metals (NILI) has reported that the first hole of an eight-hole reverse circulation drill program has confirmed the potential for a high-grade lithium deposit . CEO Greg Reimer sat down with Sabrina Cuthbert to highlight the results. For the full interview with Greg Reimer and to learn about Surge Battery Metals, click here. RDARS (CSE:RDRS) Eagle Eye drones and Eagle Nest Base Stations ready for immediate deployment in North America RDARS (RDRS) has completed the first production run of its all-new Eagle Eye and Eagle Nest products. The new Eagle Eye and Eagle Nest systems are being prepared for immediate deployment at locations in North America. Charles Zwebner, CEO of RDARS, sat down with Sabrina Cuthbert to discuss the news. For the full interview with Charles Zwebner and to learn about RDARS, click here. ApartmentLove (CSE:APLV) signs listing agreement ApartmentLove (APLV) has signed a Distribution Partner Agreement with one of the largest online short-term vacation rental facilitators. The listing partner maintains an active inventory of more than 680,000 short-term vacation rentals around the world. Trevor Davidson, President & CEO of ApartmentLove, sat down with Sabrina Cuthbert to discuss the news. For the full interview with Trevor Davidson and to learn about ApartmentLove, click here. Nextech AR Solutions (CSE:NTAR) (OTCQB: NEXCF) announces ARway upgrades and trading date Nextech AR Solutions (NTAR) has announced major featured upgrades to ARway, a no-code spatial computing platform for the Metaverse. The estimated trading date of ARway on the CSE is October 26, under the ticker symbol ARWY. Nextech AR CEO Evan Gappelberg sat down with Daniella Atkinson to discuss the news. For the full interview with Evan Gappelberg and to learn about Nextech AR Solutions, click here. Trillion Energy (CSE:TCF) announces TD and logging results for the South Akakoca 2 gas well Trillion Energy International (TCF) has announced preliminary gas indications from its South Akcakoca 2 well. This gas well is the first of the company's multi-well program on its 49 per cent owned SASB gas field, Black Sea, Turkiye. Arthur Halleran, CEO of Trillion, sat down with Sabrina Cuthbert to discuss the news. For the full interview with Arthur Halleran and to learn about Trillion Energy International, click here. Interviews for The Power Play by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Power Play or to explore our other interviews visita The Power Play by The Market Herald. About The Market Herald The Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets. DISCLAIMER: Report Card Canada Media Ltd. ("Report Card") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market Herald Limited, an Australian company ("Market Herald"). 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Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. CONTACT: The Market Herald [email protected] themarketherald.ca SOURCE:aThe Market Herald View source version on accesswire.com: Vicarious Surgical Inc. (Vicarious Surgical or the Company), a next-generation robotics company seeking to improve the cost, efficiency, and outcomes of surgical procedures, today announced the resignation of technology-focused venture capitalists Dror Berman and Samir Kaul from the Vicarious Surgical Board of Directors effective October 18, 2022. The Company also announced the appointment of Beverly Huss to the Vicarious Surgical Board of Directors, effective as of the same day. Ms. Huss will serve as a member of the Boards Audit Committee. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Samir and Dror for their meaningful contributions and dedication to Vicarious Surgical over the past years; both have been instrumental in Vicarious evolution from tech start-up into the public, surgical robotic company that it is today, said David Styka, Chairman of the Vicarious Surgical Board. We are excited to welcome Beverly to the Vicarious team, where she will undoubtedly be a tremendous resource given her decades of broad experience in the medical device field and reputation as a visionary leader earned through successful pursuits across research and development, manufacturing, marketing and commercialization. Beverlys involvement will be invaluable in advancing the Vicarious strategy. I am honored to join the Vicarious Surgical Board at this exciting phase for the Company, said Ms. Huss. The Vicarious system possesses a number of differentiating factors that I believe hold the potential to transform the standard in surgical robotics. I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members and the Vicarious leadership team in their pursuit to bring these advancements to patients in need. Ms. Huss co-founded and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Pagonia Medical, a development stage company in the tissue preservation market, where she led the incorporation efforts and seed capital financing. Prior to this, Ms. Huss served over several years as Chief Executive Officer of Qool Therapeutics, Inc., a therapeutic hypothermia and medical device company, and as Chief Executive Officer of Vibrynt, Inc., a start-up medical device company dedicated to creating minimally invasive therapies for patients suffering from morbid obesity. From 1986 to 2005, Ms. Huss served in various general management roles of increasing responsibility within the research and development, regulatory affairs, marketing and sales departments of Guidant Corporation, a market leading medical device company focused on treatment of cardiac rhythm management, cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease through minimally invasive therapies, until its acquisition by Boston Scientific Corporation. Ms. Huss is a veteran board member with nearly two decades of board experience and presently resides on the Boards of Accuray Incorporated, Ancora Heart, Inc., Iridex Corporation and Madorra, Inc. She received a Bachelor of Science in metallurgical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Masters degree in technology management from Pepperdine University. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) will host a conference call on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. EDT to discuss financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. A press release reporting the results will be issued at 4:05 p.m. EDT. The call will be led by Dexter Goei, Executive Chairman, Dennis Mathew, CEO, and Michael Grau, CFO. Dial-in Access Telephone Numbers: Participant Dial-In: 877-404-9653 / +1 201-689-8856 A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the following website: here. Click here for a company-compiled summary of the consensus estimates for Altice USA results. The presentation for the conference call will be made available prior to the call on the companys investor relations website: https://investors.alticeusa.com. About Altice USA Altice USA is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, and mobile services to nearly 5 million residential and business customers across 21 states through its Optimum brand. The company operates a4, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also offers hyper-local, national, international and business news through its News 12, Cheddar News and i24NEWS networks. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005680/en/ Investor Relations Nick Brown: +1 (917) 589-9983 / [email protected] Sarah Freedman: +1 (631) 660-8714 / [email protected] Communications Lisa Anselmo: +1 (516) 279-9461 / [email protected] Janet Meahan: +1 (516) 519-2353 / [email protected] Source: Altice USA CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, and New Jersey American Water, announced today a combined contribution of $40,000 to Upstream Alliance to support Camden County youth in the Search for the Cooper River Expedition. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005997/en/ Members from the American Water Charitable Foundation, New Jersey American Water, Upstream Alliance and Camden County Parks gather for a check presentation. Photo credit: Erica Baugh, Chief Operating Officer, Upstream Alliance (Photo: Business Wire) The American Water Charitable Foundation was pleased to partner with Upstream Alliance to support a six day expedition and film of the Cooper River, as well as help provide a unique opportunity for a diverse group of local students, said Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation. This partnership reinforces our passion for clean water and environmental education and also supports our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity as we continue to make a positive impact in the communities we are privileged to serve. Through Foundation and New Jersey American Water funding, Upstream Alliance was able to send a diverse group of students, led by Camden County Parks Director Maggie McCann and National Geographic Science Photographer Anand Varma, to explore the length of the Cooper River earlier this year. The Cooper River is Camdens biggest secret. This six-day expedition was able to shine a light on the river, a lush waterway full of wildlife, building support for this hidden gem, said Don Baugh, president, Upstream Alliance. We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water for their support on this expedition and dedication to clean water, environmental education and environmental justice. Upstream Alliance connects people to nature through on-the-water, conservation experiences and environmental education programs, partnering with organizations who also champion similar initiatives. New Jersey American Water was thrilled to partner with Upstream Alliance to help provide an exclusive educational experience for Camden County youth, said Mark McDonough, president, New Jersey American Water. We are committed to supporting and maintaining strong partnerships with local organizations that foster environmental education and equity so that we can continue to make our communities a better place to live and work for our customers and employees. The film, Search for the Cooper, A River Hidden in Plain View, premiered on October 17, 2022, at the Camden County Boathouse. It chronicles the expedition, and the trials, tribulations and triumphs as it tells the story of a hidden gem that has now been uncovered, for the first time in recorded history. The film was produced by Sandy Cannon-Brown with videography by Dave Harp. It will be shown at several upcoming film festivals and serve as an educational resource for K-12 schools. About American Water Charitable Foundation The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the companys ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook. About New Jersey American Water New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook. About American Water With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. About Upstream Alliance Upstream Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people to nature. Upstream Alliances mission is to provide powerful, on-the-water experiences for conservation leaders who can improve public access, clean water and coastal resilience, while in partnership with organizations who champion these issues. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005997/en/ Media Alicia Barbieri Manager, Corporate Communications American Water (856) 676-8103 [email protected] Denise Venuti Free Senior Director, Communications & External Affairs New Jersey American Water (856) 955-4874 [email protected] Don Baugh President Upstream Alliance (410) 271-1620 [email protected] Source: American Water VERO BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bimini Capital Management, Inc. (OTCQB: BMNM) ("Bimini or the "Company"), today announced that it will release results for the third quarter of 2022 following the close of trading on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Earnings Conference Call Details An earnings conference call and live audio webcast will be hosted Monday, November 14, 2022, at 10:00 AM ET. Participants can receive dial-in information via email by following the link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=9af9aee6&confId=43613 A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed via the investor relations section of the Company's website at https://ir.biminicapital.com or at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/567537104. About Bimini Capital Management, Inc. Bimini Capital Management, Inc. is an asset manager that invests primarily in residential mortgage-related securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Bimini Advisors Holdings, LLC ("Bimini Advisors"), we serve as the external manager of Orchid Island Capital, Inc. ("Orchid"). Orchid is a publicly-traded real estate investment trust (NYSE: ORC). Orchid is managed to earn returns on the spread between the yield on its assets and its costs, including the interest expense on the funds it borrows. As Orchids external manager, Bimini Advisors receives management fees and expense reimbursements for managing Orchid's investment portfolio and day-to-day operations. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, Bimini Advisors provides Orchid with its management team, including its officers, along with appropriate support personnel. Bimini Advisors is at all times subject to the supervision and oversight of Orchid's board of directors and has only such functions and authority as are delegated to it. We also manage the portfolio of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Royal Palm Capital, LLC (Royal Palm). Royal Palm is managed with an investment strategy similar to that of Orchid. Bimini Capital Management, Inc. and its subsidiaries are headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005894/en/ Bimini Capital Management, Inc. Robert E. Cauley, 772-231-1400 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer https://ir.biminicapital.com Source: Bimini Capital Management, Inc. Chief Marketing Officer & Chief People Officer Join Management Team of Rapidly-Growing, Mission-Driven Leader in Healthy Meal Delivery NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Daily Harvest, the company on a mission to make it easier to eat more sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables, announced the appointment of Mindy Perry as Chief Marketing Officer and Stacey Payne as Chief People Officer. Both veteran executives have substantial experience overseeing growth and culture at leading consumer brands, and share Daily Harvests mission-driven mindset. Since its founding in 2015, Daily Harvest has established itself as a food industry leader, conveniently delivering more than 140+ nutritious menu items to homes across the country and millions of consumers. The company now has more than 300 employees, and support from prominent investors. As Chief Marketing Officer, Perry will leverage Daily Harvests success to continue building a strong brand synonymous with creating a better world literally by growing it through sustainable agriculture, and developing integrated marketing campaigns that drive results. She joins Daily Harvest with more than 15 years of diverse marketing experience helping to tell cohesive brand stories and drive profitable growth at prominent consumer businesses including PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, Under Armour, Fossil Group, Hilton Worldwide and Neiman Marcus Group. Most recently, Perry was CMO at Kendra Scott, a leading fashion accessory brand, where she led purpose-driven marketing, digital and loyalty efforts resulting in Spring 2021 being one of the companys most successful seasons to date. As Chief People Officer, Payne will ensure Daily Harvest continues to attract team members who align with the brands business and culture goals. Payne will also develop the skills and careers of the 300+ talented employees who are helping to make Daily Harvest a household name. Payne joins the company with more than 20 years of experience spearheading organizational transformation and scaling employee operations at leading food and wellness brands including Sweetgreen, SoulCyle, Dig Inn, Chipotle and Taco Bell. She has also served on several company boards, including Orbiit, Bravely and Joon, and is one of the founding members of CHIEF, a private membership network dedicated to executive leadership for women. Mindy and Stacey have exceptional track records achieving record growth and transforming the culture at some of the most culturally relevant consumer brands, said Rachel Drori, Founder & CEO of Daily Harvest. Having two talented executives of their caliber join the Daily Harvest team further demonstrates our commitment to investing in our mission, and I look forward to working closely with them during this next phase of growth. Its a fantastic opportunity to join Daily Harvest and help build upon the companys well-established success, said Mindy Perry. Im thrilled to work with this incredible team to amplify the brands mission and continue providing sustainably-grown, chef-crafted food that is as good for the planet as it is for you. Ive been a longtime admirer of Daily Harvests food and purpose, and I look forward to working alongside the many talented and mission-driven individuals who helped grow the company into the healthy and sustainable food industry leader it is today, said Stacey Payne. About Daily Harvest Daily Harvest is reimagining the future of food, by making it easy to eat more sustainably-sourced fruits and vegetables every day. Launched in 2016 by Founder and CEO Rachel Drori, Daily Harvest works with farmers to support organic farming practices that regenerate the soil and preserve biodiverse ecosystems. Through a combination of data science and a future-focused supply chain, Daily Harvest brings delicious food to market in a rapid and highly personalized way. For more information, visit dailyharvest.com. Daily Harvest, the Daily Harvest logo, and "We take care of food, so food can take care of you" are trademarks of Daily Harvest, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005897/en/ [email protected] Source: Daily Harvest Leased 1.6 msf at 22% leasing spreads, including 0.6 msf new leases and 0.5 msf pre-commitment to ANZ(1) Launched 2.5 msf new and redevelopment projects, highest ever active development pipeline of 7.1 msf Grew net operating income by 13% YoY; strong balance sheet with 66% of total debt at fixed rates BANGALORE, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Embassy Office Parks REIT (NSE: EMBASSY / BSE: 542602) (Embassy REIT), Indias first listed REIT and the largest office REIT in Asia by area, reported results today for the second quarter ended September 30, 2022. The Board of Directors of Embassy Office Parks Management Services Private Limited (EOPMSPL), Manager to Embassy REIT, at its Board Meeting held earlier today, declared a distribution of 5,175 million or 5.46 per unit for Q2 FY2023. The record date for the Q2 FY2023 distribution is November 1, 2022, and the distribution will be paid on or before November 4, 2022. Vikaash Khdloya, Chief Executive Officer of Embassy REIT, said, We are pleased to deliver another excellent quarter of 1.6 msf of total leasing and remain on track to meet our FY2023 guidance. Despite recessionary concerns globally, the worlds best companies continue to partner with institutional landlords like Embassy REIT to capitalize on Indias structural advantages as a scalable and cost-efficient tech talent hub. With 7.1 msf of best-in-class development, a fortress balance sheet with low leverage, and debt at attractive 7.1% cost with majority at fixed rates, we are well positioned to deliver the next phase of growth. Business Highlights Leased 1.6 msf across 27 deals, including 0.6 msf of new leasing and 0.5 msf pre-commitment by ANZ(1) at Embassy Manyata Added 15 new high-growth occupiers; achieved 22% positive leasing spreads on 1.6 msf and 14% rent escalations on 2.7 msf Received 5-star ratings for entire portfolio from GRESB and the British Safety Council, both globally renowned ESG and wellness certifications Financial Highlights Grew Net Operating Income by 13% YoY to 7,038 million with operating margin of 82% Grew Net Asset Value by 3% YoY to 400.71 per unit; announced distributions of 5,175 million or 5.46 per unit Maintained strong balance sheet with low leverage of 26% and 112 billion proforma debt headroom Refinanced 7.5 billion debt resulting in 7.1% interest cost for 136 billion debt book, with 66% at fixed rate for 2.3 years Growth Highlights Launched 1.2 msf office block redevelopment at Embassy Manyata, Bangalore, at attractive 22% yield on cost Kickstarted 1.3 msf new office developments at Embassy Manyata, taking our active development pipeline to 7.1 msf with total capital investments of 32 billion and over 80% in Bangalore, Indias top-performing office market Signed non-binding offer letters for the potential acquisition of two high-quality office properties in Bangalore and Chennai from Embassy Sponsor and its affiliates; properties total 7.1 msf of leasable area, of which 3.7 msf is completed or nearing completion (1) Legal entity name is ANZ Support Services India Private Limited Investor Materials and Quarterly Investor Call Details Embassy REIT has released a package of information on the quarterly results and performance, that includes (i) reviewed condensed consolidated and reviewed condensed standalone financial statements for the quarter and half ended September 30, 2022, (ii) an earnings presentation covering Q2 FY2023 results, and (iii) supplemental operating and financial data book that is in-line with leading reporting practices across global REITs. All these materials are available in the Investors section of our website at www.embassyofficeparks.com. Embassy REIT will host a conference call on October 21, 2022, at 11:30 hours Indian Standard Time to discuss the Q2 FY2023 results. A replay of the call will be available in the Investors section of our website at www.embassyofficeparks.com. About Embassy REIT Embassy REIT is Indias first publicly listed Real Estate Investment Trust. Embassy REIT owns and operates a 43.2 msf portfolio of eight infrastructure-like office parks and four city-centre office buildings in Indias best-performing office markets of Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, and the National Capital Region (NCR). Embassy REITs portfolio comprises 33.4 msf completed operating area and is home to over 200 of the worlds leading companies. The portfolio also comprises strategic amenities, including four operational business hotels, two under-construction hotels, and a 100 MW solar park supplying renewable energy to tenants. For more information, please visit www.embassyofficeparks.com. Disclaimer This press release is prepared for general information purposes only. The information contained herein is based on management information and estimates. It is only current as of its date, has not been independently verified and may be subject to change without notice. Embassy Office Parks Management Services Private Limited (the Manager) in its capacity as the Manager of Embassy REIT, and Embassy REIT make no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to, and do not accept any responsibility or liability with respect to, the fairness and completeness of the content hereof. Each recipient will be solely responsible for its own investigation, assessment and analysis of the market and the market position of Embassy REIT. Embassy REIT does not provide any guarantee or assurance with respect to any distribution or the trading price of its units. This press release contains forward-looking statements based on the currently held beliefs, opinions and assumptions of the Manager. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, financial condition, performance, or achievements of Embassy REIT or industry results, to differ materially from the results, financial condition, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these risks, recipients of this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Manager disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments or the impact of events which cannot currently be ascertained, such as COVID-19. In addition to statements which are forward-looking by reason of context, the words may, will, should, expects, plans, intends, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential or continue and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. This press release also contains certain financial measures which are not measures determined based on GAAP, Ind-AS or any other internationally accepted accounting principles, and the recipient should not consider such items as an alternative to the historical financial results or other indicators of Embassy REIT's cash flow based on Ind-AS or IFRS. These non-GAAP financial measures, as defined by the Manager, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures as presented by other REITs due to differences in the way non-GAAP financial measures are calculated. Even though the non-GAAP financial measures are used by management to assess Embassy REIT's financial position, financial results and liquidity and these types of measures are commonly used by investors, they have important limitations as analytical tools, and the recipient should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of Embassy REIT's financial position or results of operations as reported under Ind-AS or IFRS. Certain figures in this press release have been subject to rounding off adjustments. Actual legal entity name of occupiers may differ. The non-binding offer letters are subject to diligence, entry into definitive agreements and obtain approvals, including from third parties, unitholders and regulatory authorities to the extent applicable. There is no assurance that any transactions will be entered pursuant to the offer letters or the terms and timing of any such transactions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005654/en/ Abhishek Agarwal Head of Investor Relations Email: [email protected] Phone: +91 80 4722 2222 Shwetha Reddy Head of PR and Communications Email: [email protected] Phone: +91 88678 45915 Source: Embassy Office Parks REIT Partnership introduces five tech bootcamps that will train students for in-demand jobs across North Carolinas growing tech hub and beyond NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fullstack Academy, a national tech education provider, today announced it has partnered with Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies to bring tech training bootcamps specializing in coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, DevOps, and product management to Charlotte, NC and beyond. The live online part- and full-time tech bootcamps will equip students with the skills needed to fill the more than 45,000 available tech jobs across North Carolina (LinkedIn). Charlotte has experienced a 65% increase in technology job postings, ranking 10th on the list of top 25 technology cities by industry job volume in the U.S., according to a recent report from recruiting website Dice.com. With a strong economy that continues to grow, Charlotte is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies that are either headquartered or have a significant presence there, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Duke Energy, Honeywell, MetLife, and Microsoft. Additionally, North Carolina is home to the largest research park in the U.S., Research Triangle Park in the Raleigh-Durham area. Given its reputation for academic excellence and growing presence in the community, Wake Forests School of Professional Studies is an ideal partner as we expand into North Carolina. We share many of the same values, including opening new pathways for educational opportunities and fostering exceptional student-faculty engagement, said Jerrad Tausz, CEO of Fullstack Academy. We look forward to training those aiming to change or advance their career and enter a growing industry as Charlotte and surrounding areas continue to experience tremendous growth. According to the 2022 Cyberstates Report by CompTIA, Charlotte reached a net tech employment of over 83,000 in 2021, and recent development announcements from tech giants indicate the continued growth of the industrys workforce in the state. Apple announced it is building a campus in the Research Triangle that could eventually employ 3,000 workers, mainly working on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Google has also announced it is opening an engineering hub in Durham, potentially adding over 1,000 jobs. Providing Charlottes growing population of aspiring leaders with the skill sets they need to help businesses adapt, grow, and excel is a top priority for us, said Ramu Nagappan, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Academic Programs at Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies. Our strategic alliance with Fullstack Academy presents an incredible opportunity for individuals interested in entering a new career, broadening their tech skills, and growing their professional portfolios through a proven accelerated training program that supports our regions growth. Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies is the latest academic institution to join Fullstack Academys growing university partnership program that aims to make accelerated live, online skills training available to individuals anywhere in the country. Fullstack has previously partnered with other esteemed institutions such as Caltech, California Polytechnic State University, Virginia Tech, and more. The Wake Forest University Tech Bootcamps do not require university enrollment or prior technical experience and will commence in spring 2023. In addition to various payment options, Fullstack Academy is helping to expand access to the bootcamps by offering scholarships to Wake Forest alumni, students, employees, and active military or veterans. Additionally, a $1,000 Founders Scholarship will be available for all students who enroll in these inaugural cohorts. Individuals can complete an interest form to be notified when applications open. About Fullstack Academy Fullstack Academy is a national tech education provider based in New York City. Founded in 2012, it offers web development, cybersecurity, data analytics, DevOps, and product management bootcamps. Fullstack Academy also offers the Grace Hopper Program, an immersive software engineering course for women and non-binary students, in addition to partnerships with leading universities nationwide, including Virginia Tech, Caltech CTME, and Louisiana State University. Graduates have been hired by Google, Facebook, Amazon, Fortune 100 firms, and startups. For more information, visit www.fullstackacademy.com. About The Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies The Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS) provides innovative, cutting-edge and market-relevant programming built upon Wake Forests legacy of quality and excellence. With graduate degree and non-degree programs, including certificates and other credentials, SPS offers an accessible, educational experience and professional counseling focused on providing todays working professionals with the skills and knowledge to take their careers to the next level. Based in Charlotte, N.C. and serving students around the world, SPS is designed to address growing sectors in the economy of the future and the increased demand for professional and corporate education in Charlotte and beyond. Learn more at https://sps.wfu.edu/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005166/en/ Mellisa Soehono (904) 304-4651 [email protected] Source: Fullstack Academy SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Inszone Insurance Services: a rapidly growing, national provider of benefits, personal and commercial lines insurance, today announced the appointment of Kari Thies as Executive Vice President Benefits Department. A veteran of the employee benefits space, Ms. Thies has over 15 years of experience in the industry. She began her insurance career at a general agency, supporting agents in the education and sale of individual and group health sales. Her success led to her promotion as Director of Operations, overseeing multiple aspects of the business including employee management, marketing initiatives, producer education, client relationships as well as spearheading health care reform education for all employees and clients. Ms. Thies most recently served as an Account Executive at Assurance Agency, managing a substantial book of business while exceeding new business sales goals year over year. Ms. Thies is a graduate from Purdue University with a major in Business Administration, and minors in OBHR and Marketing, all completed on an accelerated path in three years. I am very excited to join such a hardworking and growth focused team. We have endless opportunities to build the Inszone brand and I look forward to capitalizing on the momentum to build out a strong employee benefits team, said Ms. Thies. I am very excited to have Kari joining the Inszone team. She is a creative thinker who sees the big picture of bringing together operations, technology, sales, and marketing all while creating the best possible customer experience, says Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance. Under Karis leadership, Inszone will develop a world class employee benefits division, which is viewed as a strategic initiative and one of Inszones largest Organic Growth opportunities. About Inszone: About Inszone: Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm which provides a broad array of property & casualty insurance, along with employee benefits solutions. With a strong, experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically, as well as through acquisitions. With 31 locations across California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Missouri, Texas and Illinois, the company is looking to further expand throughout the United States. For more information about Inszone, please visit www.inszoneinsurance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005996/en/ Inszone Insurance Chris Walters CEO 714-619-5620 [email protected] Source: Inszone Insurance Services With a new CIO, Endurant Energy is poised for further growth BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Distributed energy resource developer and owner Endurant Energy (Endurant) has announced the appointment of Karin Logan as Chief Investment Officer. Logan is a 20-year finance professional with a strong track record of structuring and financing utility and distributed energy projects. This is an important hire for Endurant, allowing the company to streamline the deployment of our capital into distributed energy assets, said Tom Chadwick, Endurants Chief Executive Officer. I am delighted with the wealth of experience Karin brings to the table and know she will be a powerful addition to the team. Logan most recently came from Silicon Valley Bank, a market leader in distributed energy, where she structured and syndicated $5.0 billion in distributed energy projects. Prior to Silicon Valley Bank, Karin spent 7 years at MUFG underwriting project finance transactions across a broad spectrum of technologies in the bank and institutional markets. Karin graduated from Columbia University with a masters in International Affairs concentrating in energy policy and holds an undergraduate degree from Lafayette College with a major in Business and Economics. In todays increasingly unpredictable world, resiliency and clean energy are critical to business continuity, said Karin Logan. Endurants boutique energy solution will lead companies into the future and help them achieve energy independence with market-leading technology. Im looking forward to finding win-win solutions for our clients that can help them source clean, reliable energy while contributing to their bottom line. As Endurants first Chief Investment Officer, Karen will be responsible for appraising new projects, structuring financial ownership of projects, and assessing the risks associated with them. Endurant Energy is a distributed energy resource developer and owner headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York City as well as Anaheim and Beverly Hills, California. About Endurant Energy: Endurant Energy develops and owns reliable, resilient, clean, and cost-effective on-site energy infrastructure solutions across the US. It has expertise in a wide range of solutions including renewable thermal systems at single building or district scale, fuel-based technologies for resiliency, solar + storage solutions, and an integrated offering for eco-districts. Services include planning, financial structuring, design, and construction. Asset management services include operations and maintenance. By integrating solutions into clients' operations, Endurant is enabling the future of sustainable distributed energy. For more information, please visit endurant.com and follow us on Twitter at @endurantenergy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020006106/en/ Media Contact Dave Yanni Chief Development Officer [email protected] Source: Endurant Energy EAGLE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) (Lamb Weston or the Company) announced today it has entered into an agreement (the Purchase Agreement) to purchase the remaining equity interests in its European joint venture with Meijer Frozen Foods B.V. for 700 million in cash and common stock of Lamb Weston. Lamb-Weston/Meijer was built over the last 28 years, and were grateful to Meijer Frozen Foods for their longstanding partnership, said Tom Werner, President and CEO of Lamb Weston. The joint venture has served as a strong platform to drive growth in Europe and the Middle East, as well as to support our global customer base across our key international markets. This transaction firmly aligns with Lamb Westons long-term capital allocation and acquisition framework, and we believe it will strengthen our manufacturing footprint by leveraging a truly global supply chain to better serve our customers and position us to take advantage of growth opportunities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Were proud of the business weve built together to create a market leader in Europe, said Kees Meijer, CEO of Meijer Frozen Foods. We remain confident in the long-term outlook for Lamb Weston and the global frozen potato category. By holding an investment in common stock of Lamb Weston after the transaction closes, we sustain our strong belief in a bright future for the business. Upon completion of the transaction, Lamb Weston will own 100% of Lamb-Weston/Meijer v.o.f. (Lamb-Weston/Meijer), formerly operated as a 50/50 joint venture between a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lamb Weston and Meijer Frozen Foods. Lamb Weston will pay transaction consideration of 700 million, comprised of 525 million in cash and 175 million of Lamb Westons common stock. The Company anticipates closing the transaction in the second half of fiscal 2023, subject to regulatory approvals. The Company expects to fund the cash portion of the acquisition with new borrowings and cash on hand. Lamb Westons targeted long-term net leverage range1 of 3.5x to 4.0x remains unchanged. Lamb-Weston/Meijer is one of the leading suppliers of frozen potato products in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with approximately 954 million in net sales in fiscal 2022 (including 114 million of net sales from its former joint venture in Russia). The transaction will give the Company ownership of an additional five manufacturing facilities worldwide, including four facilities in the Netherlands and one in the United Kingdom, as well as a sixth manufacturing facility through a 75% interest in a joint venture in Austria. These facilities produce nearly two billion pounds (910,000 MT) of finished frozen products annually. In addition, upon completion of the transaction, the former joint ventures approximately 1,500 employees will become employees of Lamb Weston. As a 50% owner of Lamb-Weston/Meijer, the Company recorded its 50% portion of earnings in Equity Method Investment Earnings in its financial statements. As of the transaction closing, Lamb-Weston/Meijer will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Company will fully consolidate Lamb-Weston/Meijers results in its financial statements. Goldman Sachs is acting as financial advisor to Lamb Weston in connection with this transaction. Webcast and Conference Call Information Lamb Weston will hold a conference call to review the proposed transaction at 10:00 a.m. EDT today, October 20, 2022. Participants in the U.S. and Canada may access the conference call by dialing 888-204-4368 and participants outside the U.S. and Canada should dial +1-323-994-2082. The confirmation code is 8173889. The conference call and presentation also may be accessed live on the internet. Participants can register for the event at: https://globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1578075&tp_key=f810adb575. A rebroadcast of the conference call will be available beginning on Friday, October 21, 2022 after 2:00 p.m. ET at https://investors.lambweston.com/events-and-presentations. About Lamb Weston Lamb Weston is a leading supplier of frozen potato, sweet potato, appetizer and vegetable products to restaurants and retailers around the world. For more than 70 years, Lamb Weston has led the industry in innovation, introducing inventive products that simplify back-of-house management for its customers and make things more delicious for their customers. From the fields where Lamb Weston potatoes are grown to proactive customer partnerships, Lamb Weston always strives for more and never settles. Because, when we look at a potato, we see possibilities. Learn more about us at lambweston.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as believe, will, anticipate, expect, create, and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Companys acquisition of Lamb-Weston/Meijer v.o.f., including the anticipated benefits of the transaction, the expected timing of the completion of the transaction, related financing and the ability of the parties to complete the transaction, as well as statements regarding the Companys business outlook and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and are subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstances. Readers of this press release should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. Many factors could affect these forward-looking statements and the Companys actual financial results and cause them to vary materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements, including those set forth in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Companys agreement to acquire the remaining equity interests in the Lamb-Weston/Meijer joint venture; the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals for the transaction may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; the risk that the transaction will not be consummated in a timely manner or at all; risks that any of the closing conditions to the transaction may not be satisfied or may not be satisfied in a timely manner; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the transaction; failure to realize the benefits expected from the transaction; and the effect of the announcement of the transaction on the Companys ability to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel, maintain relationships with suppliers and on its operating results and businesses generally; the availability and prices of raw materials; labor shortages and other operational challenges; disruptions in the global economy caused by the war in Ukraine and the possible related heightening of the Companys other known risks; impacts on the Companys business due to health pandemics or other contagious outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts on demand for its products, increased costs, disruption of supply, other constraints in the availability of key commodities and other necessary services or restrictions imposed by public health authorities or governments; levels of pension, labor and people-related expenses; the Companys ability to successfully execute its long-term value creation strategies; the Companys ability to execute on large capital projects, including construction of new production lines or facilities; the competitive environment and related conditions in the markets in which the Company and its joint ventures operate; political and economic conditions of the countries in which the Company and its joint ventures conduct business and other factors related to its international operations; disruption of the Companys access to export mechanisms; risks associated with possible acquisitions, including the Companys ability to complete acquisitions or integrate acquired businesses; its debt levels; changes in the Companys relationships with its growers or significant customers; the success of the Companys joint ventures; actions of governments and regulatory factors affecting the Companys businesses or joint ventures; the ultimate outcome of litigation or any product recalls; the Companys ability to pay regular quarterly cash dividends and the amounts and timing of any future dividends; and other risks described in the Companys reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included in this press release, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no responsibility for updating these statements, except as required by law. _________________________________ 1The Company defines net leverage as the ratio of net debt to Adjusted EBITDA including unconsolidated joint ventures. Net debt, Adjusted EBITDA including unconsolidated joint ventures and the related net leverage ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures and the associated reconciliations of historical non-GAAP financial measures included in the investor presentation furnished with the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K on October 20, 2022 for more information. In addition, forward-looking non-GAAP measures related to the Companys acquisition of Lamb-Weston/Meijer, including net leverage ratio, are unable to be reconciled to relevant GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts because of items that may impact comparability, which may include, but are not limited to, items such as purchase accounting adjustments, integration costs, and the impact of commodity derivatives. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005239/en/ Investor Relations: Dexter Congbalay 224-306-1535 [email protected] Media: Shelby Stoolman 208-424-5461 [email protected] Source: Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. LIMOGES, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: As part of the investigation of the derogation mechanism on the French market1, one of Legrands (Paris: LR) French entities has been indicted and ordered to provide security in the amount of 80.5 million. Neither this indictment nor the ordering of this security mean that Legrand will ultimately be found guilty of any wrongdoing. Legrand rejects that these proceedings have any merit and intends to vigorously demonstrate that its trade policy is in full compliance with the applicable law. Key financial dates: 2022 nine-month results: November 3, 2022 Quiet period2 starts October 4, 2022 2022 full-year results: February 9, 2023 Quiet period2 starts January 10, 2023 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders: May 31, 2023 About Legrand Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for commercial, industrial and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. The Group harnesses technological and societal trends with lasting impacts on buildings, with the purpose of improving life by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet through electrical, digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable. Drawing on an approach that involves all teams and stakeholders, the Group is pursuing its strategy of profitable and responsible growth driven by acquisitions and innovation, with a steady flow of new offerings including products with enhanced value in use (faster-growing segments: datacenters, connected solutions and energy efficiency programs). Legrand reported sales of 7.0 billion in 2021. The company is listed on Euronext Paris and is a component stock of the CAC 40 and CAC 40 ESG indices (ISIN: FR0010307819). https://www.legrandgroup.com Readers are invited to check the authenticity of Legrand's press releases using the CertiDox app. For more information, visit www.certidox.com 1 For more information, see Legrand press releases dated September 11, 2018 and July 5, 2022. 2 Period of time in which all communication is suspended in the run-up to the publication of results. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005812/en/ Investor relations Legrand Ronan Marc Tel: +33 (0)1 49 72 53 53 [email protected] Press relations TBWA Corporate Tiphaine Raffray Mob: +33 (0)6 58 27 78 98 [email protected] Source: Legrand --Bank expands commercial portfolio, increases low-cost, core deposits, automates complex subaccounting transactions-- WESTWOOD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ZSuite Tech, a financial technology company that powers financial institutions with unbound digital accounts encompassing escrow, subaccounting, sub-ledgering, FBO and trust accounts for commercial clients, today announced Manasquan Bank successfully deployed ZEscrow, the industrys first completely digital commercial escrow solution, and ZRent, an automated rent and fee collection tool. Within 30 days of the launch, the bank reported an immediate increase in core deposits. Headquartered in New Jersey, Manasquan Bank operates 15 branches with total consolidated assets of $2.8 b. The bank partnered with ZSuite Tech to provide commercial clients with more robust, digital cash management tools, as well as automate complex subaccounting transactions. Manasquan Bank has earned a reputation of providing our clients with high touch, high tech levels of service, said James S. Vaccaro, chair, president, CEO of Manasquan Bank. We are dedicated to their success and committed to evolving our suite of differentiated offerings to help ensure clients have the tools they need. ZEscrow automates an extremely complex and manual process from end-to-end, empowering business owners to manage their activity whenever and however they prefer. This is truly an innovative game changer for our institution bank and more importantly, for our business clients. The new solution, branded mSuite to align with the banks core image, was quickly adopted by current commercial clients, including tenant and property managers, attorneys and other business owners. Additionally, the bank credits the new capabilities for its ability to attract new commercial clients in other specialty verticals such as municipalities and housing authorities. Powering Manasquans branded, digital escrow platform for its business clients, is a solid testament to the banks confidence in ZSuite, said Nathan Baumeister, CEO of ZSuite Tech. Using tools that streamline the escrow process means that banks can easily reach current and prospective business clients, attracting deposits. Manasquan Bank is a great example of an institution that is leveraging technology to serve niche verticals and attract stickier deposits. ZSuite Tech is a bank-born advocate for the technological and financial growth of banks, providing SaaS solutions as a unique, value-add service. Using ZRent and ZEscrow, financial institutions can increase core deposits, improve the customer experience and reach clients beyond their branch footprint through online channels. These products can also decrease the labor-intensive hours of back-end work at a financial institution to support commercial escrow accounts. About ZSuite Tech ZSuite Tech is a financial technology company that equips banks with digital escrow and subaccounts to attract clients in specific commercial verticals. Banks partner with ZSuite to gain low-cost core deposits, operate more efficiently, and expand their commercial portfolios. To learn more about ZSuite Tech and how it can help your financial institution, please visit: https://www.zsuitetech.com. About Manasquan Bank Manasquan Bank, a mutual community bank with consolidated assets of $2.8 billion, is headquartered in Wall Township, NJ. The bank has been serving New Jersey residents since 1874 and continues to pioneer the future of banking with both traditional and digital solutions. The bank offers a full line of personal & business services, and operates fifteen branch locations throughout Middlesex, Monmouth & Ocean Counties. Manasquan Bank proudly supports community-focused, non-profit initiatives through the Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation. For more information, visit www.manasquan.bank. Member FDIC | Member DIF | Equal Housing Lender View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221019005386/en/ Anna Stanley / Laura Lenz 251-517-7857 / 678-781-7226 [email protected] / [email protected] Source: ZSuite Tech BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE: MPW) today announced it will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the companys third quarter 2022 financial results. A press release with third quarter 2022 financial results will be issued before the market opens on October 27, 2022. The dial-in numbers for the conference call are 833-630-1956 (U.S.) and 412-317-1837 (Canada/International); there is no longer a passcode. Call participants are to ask the operator to be joined to the Medical Properties Trust, Inc. conference call upon dialing in. The conference call will also be webcast live on the Investor Relations section of the companys website, www.medicalpropertiestrust.com. A telephone and webcast replay of the call will be available shortly after the calls completion. The telephone replay will be available through November 10, 2022 using dial-in numbers 877-344-7529 (U.S.), 855-669-9658 (Canada) and 412-317-0088 (International) along with passcode 5485534. The webcast replay will be available for one year following the calls completion on the Investor Relations section of the companys website. About Medical Properties Trust, Inc. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. is a self-advised real estate investment trust formed to acquire and develop net-leased hospital facilities. The Companys financing model facilitates acquisitions and recapitalizations and allows operators of hospitals to unlock the value of their real estate assets to fund facility improvements, technology upgrades and other investments in operations. For more information, please visit the Companys website at www.medicalpropertiestrust.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221019006159/en/ Drew Babin, CFA Sr. Managing Director Corporate Communications Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (646) 884-9809 [email protected] Source: Medical Properties Trust, Inc. JERSEY CITY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Organon (NYSE: OGN), a global womens healthcare company will release its third quarter 2022 financial results on November 3, 2022, prior to the companys webcast and conference call scheduled for 8:30 a.m. EDT. Interested parties may access the live call via webcast on the Organon website at https://www.organon.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event on the companys website. Institutional investors and analysts interested in participating in the call must register in advance using conference ID# 58511-502 and by clicking on this link: https://conferencingportals.com/event/ZGyfDfjk. Following registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing details on how to join the conference call, including dial-in information and a unique passcode and registrant ID. Pre-registration will allow participants to bypass an operator and be placed directly into the call. About Organon Organon is a global healthcare company formed to focus on improving the health of women throughout their lives. Organon has a portfolio of more than 60 medicines and products across a range of therapeutic areas. Led by the womens health portfolio coupled with an expanding biosimilars business and stable franchise of established medicines, Organons products produce strong cash flows that will support investments in innovation and future growth opportunities in womens health. In addition, Organon is pursuing opportunities to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators looking to commercialize their products by leveraging its scale and presence in fast growing international markets. Organon has a global footprint with significant scale and geographic reach, world-class commercial capabilities, and approximately 9,300 employees with headquarters located in Jersey City, New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.organon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005048/en/ Organon Media Contacts: Karissa Peer (614) 314-8094 Kate Vossen (732) 675-8448 Organon Investor Contacts: Jennifer Halchak (201) 275-2711 Source: Organon & Co. Offering a Better Way to Grow. ROCHESTER, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Outdoor Living Supply (OLS), a distribution platform for outdoor living products with a focus on hardscapes, announced today it has acquired Bedrock Landscape Supply (the Company), an independent distributor of natural stone, pavers, bulk materials, and landscape supplies to the Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada markets. As OLS continues to expand its network westward, this acquisition gives OLS a foothold in the fast-growing southern Nevada region. Based in Las Vegas, Bedrock Landscape Supply is a family-owned business founded in 2018 by Mark Wilson. With its high-quality materials and knowledgeable, customer-centric employees, Bedrock Landscape Supply has earned a positive reputation with professional and DIY customers alike. Going forward, Mark will continue to run the business, ensuring continuity and consistency for customers, suppliers, and employees. Bedrock Landscape Supply is a great addition to our OLS family of companies, providing us with the perfect entry into the expanding Las Vegas market, commented Brian Price, CEO of OLS. It is my pleasure to welcome Mark and his talented team to OLS. I look forward to seeing what our combined teams will accomplish together. Mark Wilson, Owner of Bedrock Landscape Supply, added, We are excited to begin this partnership with OLS as we enter our next phase of growth. They share our passion for delivering an exceptional customer experience and commitment to providing the resources needed to expand opportunities for our associates and customers. Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP served as legal advisor to OLS. About Outdoor Living Supply Outdoor Living Supply is a distribution platform for outdoor living products with a specific, differentiated focus on hardscapes. OLS seeks to partner with family- and founder-led companies with shared values and local heritage. By leveraging deep industry relationships, OLS supports its companies growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions while providing the products, resources, technology, and training to enhance the customer experience and create new opportunities for its employees. Outdoor Living Supply launched in partnership with Trilantic North America in late 2020, which invested in the platform to support its growth across key verticals including: hardscapes; outdoor living; landscape accessories; outdoor lighting; and bulk materials. For more information, visit www.outdoorlivingsupply.net. About Trilantic North America Trilantic Capital Management L.P. ("Trilantic North America") is a growth- focused middle market private equity firm focused on control and significant minority investments in North America. Trilantic North America's primary investment focus is in the business services and consumer sectors. Trilantic North America has managed six private equity fund families with aggregate capital commitments of $9.9 billion. Trilantic North America has been recognized by Inc. Magazines 2022 list of Top Founder-Friendly Investors and has been named one of Growthcaps 2021 Top 25 Private Equity Firms for Growth Companies. For more information, visit www.trilanticnorthamerica.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005804/en/ Media: Kathy Granger Marketing Director Outdoor Living Supply LLC [email protected] 651.318.5051 Partnership Opportunities: Pedro Losa VP, Head of Corporate Development & Strategy Outdoor Living Supply LLC [email protected] 910.547.1231 Source: Outdoor Living Supply Companys expertise aligned to meet changing global supply chain needs amid continued growth in industry verticals ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rand Technology, celebrating 30 years as the worlds premier independent electronic sourcing and solutions company, today announced leadership team changes that include promotions and additional responsibilities for four senior executives. These executives have been instrumental in Rands significant growth across all verticals it has traditionally served and new opportunities emerging in other industries. In addition, changes represent a management restructuring, aligning the company to best address global electronic component supply chain changes now and in the future. We have assembled a senior management team that is world class. These changes reflect their acumen, strategic thinking, and hard work which have been instrumental in the continued growth and successes of Rand, said Andrea Klein, Rand Technologys founder and CEO. Changes include: Jennifer Strawn Executive Vice President, Global Solutions and Sourcing Strawns new title reflects her continued success in leading the conceptualization and implementation of custom, innovative solutions for Rand customers. Formerly the vice president of sales and sourcing, she is assuming increased responsibilities in overseeing global sales and sourcing and in bringing new European facilities online in the near future. Doug Schilletter Executive Vice President, Global Operations Schilletters global operations responsibilities have been expanded to include product testing, quality assurance and additional aspects of the companys IT asset distribution processes. He will provide leadership in bringing the aforementioned new European facilities online. Kevin Sheehan Chief Information Officer Sheehan has served under the CFO since joining Rand three years ago but becomes a direct report to the CEO. With more than 25 years of IT/IS experience, he is responsible for the companys IT-related initiatives and infrastructure. In his expanded role, Sheehan will oversee the IT department and assume additional project management duties. Kim Fix Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives Formerly Rands COO of the Americas and EMEA, Fix is shifting her focus to new strategy and business initiatives. She will support the evaluation, integration, launch, and ongoing success of new strategic growth that strengthens the companys capabilities across its commerce, content, and community building efforts as a key thought leader/partner. This is an exciting time in the companys evolution as we expand our global footprint and enhance our capacity to continue providing world-class services to an ever-growing client base, added Frederick Fu, Rand Technologys president, APAC (Asia-Pacific) region. The senior management team changes are effective immediately. Schedule a meeting or come by and visit Rand Technology at Electronica, November 15 -18, 2022, in Munich, Germany, Hall C4, Booth 417. To mark its conference debut, the company is hosting a kickoff cocktail party on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, from 5-7p.m. at its booth. About Rand Technology Founded in 1992, Rand Technology was the first ISO-certified independent semiconductor distributor. Thirty years later it has grown into a sophisticated, full-service, technology hardware supply chain company offering a comprehensive suite of services including new product introductions, production, global services, and sustainability solutions for Fortune 500 companies in a total customer base that exceeds 3,000 worldwide. The Rand advantage is evident in its superior market vision, world-class infrastructure, and its unparalleled flexibility to meet hyperscale, enterprise, automotive, telecom, security, industrial, medical, energy, and lifestyle client needs. For more information visit www.randtech.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005715/en/ Beth McKenna, Cookerly Public Relations (404) 816-2037 [email protected] Source: Rand Technology NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Revlon, Inc. (NYSE: REV) (Revlon or the Company) today announced that on October 20, 2022, the NYSE Regulatory Oversight Committees Committee for Review rejected the Company's appeal and affirmed the New York Stock Exchange Staff's (NYSE Staff) decision to delist the Company's Class A common stock following the June 15, 2022 Chapter 11 filing by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Accordingly, the Company expects the NYSE Staff to make an application to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to delist the Company's Class A common stock in the near future. In the meantime, the NYSE has suspended trading in Revlons Class A common stock. The Companys Class A common stock is expected to trade on the OTC marketplace/pink sheets following the delisting. Additional information, including court filings and other documents, related to the court-supervised Chapter 11 process, is available on the Companys restructuring website at https://cases.ra.kroll.com/Revlon, by emailing [email protected] or by calling (855) 631-5341 (toll free) or (646) 795-6968 (international). About Revlon, Inc. Revlon has developed a long-standing reputation as a color authority and beauty trendsetter in the world of color cosmetics and hair care. Since its breakthrough launch of the first opaque nail enamel in 1932, Revlon has provided consumers with high quality product innovation, performance and sophisticated glamour. In 2016, Revlon acquired the iconic Elizabeth Arden company and its portfolio of brands, including its leading designer, heritage and celebrity fragrances. Today, Revlon's diversified portfolio of brands is sold in approximately 150 countries around the world in most retail distribution channels, including prestige, salon, mass, and online. Revlon is among the leading global beauty companies, with some of the worlds most iconic and desired brands and product offerings in color cosmetics, skin care, hair color, hair care and fragrances under brands such as Revlon, Revlon Professional, Elizabeth Arden, Almay, Mitchum, CND, American Crew, Creme of Nature, Cutex, Juicy Couture, Elizabeth Taylor, Britney Spears, Curve, John Varvatos, Christina Aguilera and AllSaints. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates", and include the timing of the Company's delisting from the NYSE and similar statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Revlon's filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Revlon does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020006063/en/ For Investor Relations Inquiries: 212-527-4040 or [email protected] For Media Inquiries: Longacre Square Partners Dan Zacchei / Joe Germani [email protected] / [email protected] Source: Revlon, Inc. More than 1,000 industry influencers gather in Salt Lake City for the wealthtech event of the year SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Riskalyze, the industry-leading growth platform for wealth management firms used by tens of thousands of financial advisors to help investors invest fearlessly in all market conditions today announced major enhancements to its growth platform at the companys annual Fearless Investing Summit. More than 50 asset management and technology partners as well as over 1,000 firm executives, advisors and industry influencers are gathered to share their experience growing their firms amid market volatility. "We hear consistently from the scaling wealth management firms that we serve growth is their primary challenge. As weve continued to deliver the innovation we promised to the marketplace, being the primary driver of growth for the firms and advisors we serve has become our clear job #1, and its one that we are prepared to do in every market condition, said Aaron Klein, CEO at Riskalyze. This week, weve gathered the best and brightest of wealth management in Salt Lake City to share their experience leveraging the industrys most advanced technology to start the growth flywheel spinning, create a consistent client experience, engage anxious investors to keep them on track, and use analytics to drive alignment across their firm. Were honored by our role in helping to drive their growth. During the two-day event, Riskalyze unveiled major enhancements to the companys wealth management growth platform, extending the features available to advisors acquiring, engaging and retaining clients. These include: Check-ins: An all-new experience for gauging client market sentiment with periodic email check-ins make client psychology insights more measurable and actionable than theyve ever been. An all-new experience for gauging client market sentiment with periodic email check-ins make client psychology insights more measurable and actionable than theyve ever been. Account Groups: More ways to organize and categorize accounts in Riskalyzes All-New Portfolios Experience, optimized for integration with asset platforms, or management by time horizon, goals, or other buckets of money approaches. More ways to organize and categorize accounts in Riskalyzes All-New Portfolios Experience, optimized for integration with asset platforms, or management by time horizon, goals, or other buckets of money approaches. Tax Drag: A new metric for intuitively displaying the tax liability triggered by capital gain distributions becomes a winning factor for best-interest proposals alongside the Risk Number and Riskalyze GPA. A new metric for intuitively displaying the tax liability triggered by capital gain distributions becomes a winning factor for best-interest proposals alongside the Risk Number and Riskalyze GPA. Snapshot Report: A one-page, side-by-side report comparing advisory fee, expense ratios, and Tax Drag in a current or proposed portfolio. A one-page, side-by-side report comparing advisory fee, expense ratios, and Tax Drag in a current or proposed portfolio. New in Discovery: Since its launch at the Fearless Investing Summit in 2021, Discovery has grown to include new filters for fixed income, a turnover ratio filter, and covers new securities such as separately managed accounts and bond funds. Since its launch at the Fearless Investing Summit in 2021, Discovery has grown to include new filters for fixed income, a turnover ratio filter, and covers new securities such as separately managed accounts and bond funds. New in Command Center: Riskalyzes compliance and configuration hub for scaling firms now includes new tools for pinpointing misalignment, finding concentrated holdings, and flagging issues across accounts and households. Unveiled leading up to Summit, Riskalyze Ultimate is the firms flagship offering and includes all features of the Riskalyze growth platform in a package designed for growing and established firms. Ultimate integrates into CRM, asset platform, and financial planning workflows to get the growth flywheel spinning, drive a consistent client experience, deliver the insights to accelerate your progress, and protect your business value with powerful compliance analytics. For more information about Riskalyze or a demo, go to riskalyze.com. About Riskalyze Riskalyze is the company that invented the Risk Number, which powers the Growth Platform for financial advisors and wealth management firms, and was built on top of a Nobel Prize-winning academic framework. Advisors, RIAs, broker-dealers, and asset managers use the Riskalyze platform to start the growth flywheel spinning, create alignment between clients and portfolios, leverage sophisticated analytics and research to increase the quality of their advice, and keep the rocket ship theyve built safely on course all with the mission of empowering the world to invest fearlessly. To learn more, visit www.riskalyze.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005440/en/ [email protected] Allie Zendrian [email protected] 516-581-7202 Jason Lahita [email protected] 973-460-7837 Source: Riskalyze Series B funding will be used to support platform innovation, go-to-market expansion, and hiring initiatives as Tellius continues to grow in response to heightened demand for decision intelligence RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tellius, a leading AI-driven decision intelligence platform, today announced a $16 million Series B funding round led by Baird Capital. All of Tellius existing investorsSands Capital Ventures, Grotech Ventures, and Veraz Investmentsparticipated in the round, bringing the companys total fundraising to $33 million to date. The funding will be used to enhance Tellius decision intelligence platform, expand the companys go-to-market capabilities, and support talent acquisition across sales, marketing, and product engineering functions. As the volume and complexity of business data continues to grow, traditional approaches to analytics have failed to meet the demands of modern insights-driven organizations. Business intelligence dashboards do not answer questions as to why metrics change, and data science teams are spread thin as they attempt to serve diverse needs across the business, keeping AI siloed. As a result, using data to confidently inform timely and precise decisions that enhance sales strategies, reduce costs, and boost operational efficiencies remains challenging. The Tellius decision intelligence platform addresses these challenges by putting greater analytical power directly into the hands of both analysts and business teams to give a complete picture of whats happening in the business, why metrics are changing, and how to drive business outcomes in granular ways. The companys unique approach applies analytical and machine learning automation to surface key business drivers hidden across data sources and enhances ease-of-use through a natural language interface. Users can generate advanced insightswhich once took data experts hours or days to uncoverin minutes, and without manual analysis or complex coding. "Tellius' differentiated technology platform is well-positioned to continue its rapid growth as decision intelligence becomes more embedded across the analytics function," said Mark Donnelly, Partner with Baird Capitals Venture Team. "Baird Capital is proud to partner with such a talented and driven management team to help them maintain their leadership position in this emerging category." Fortune 500 companies and organizations across verticalsincluding CPG, eCommerce, pharmaceutical, banking, financial services, and insurancerely on Tellius decision intelligence to turn data into actions that power significant operational and financial gains. Tellius gives our executive and operational teams far greater analytics capabilities and 5-10x faster answers compared to traditional dashboarding and visualization platforms," says Thomas Lembck, CIO of Nabriva. "Their modern analytics platform on top of our cloud data warehouse fuels proactive and agile decision intelligence across our commercial sales, marketing, finance, and human resource functions. The Series B round comes on the heels of a banner year for Tellius as demand for decision intelligence continues to skyrocket. According to Gartner, a third of large organizations will be using decision intelligence for structured decision-making to improve competitive advantage in the next two years. The companys momentum is marked by: Recognition as a Visionary in the Gartner Magic QuadrantTM for Analytics & Business Intelligence Platforms[1] and inclusion as Representative Vendor in the 2022 Gartner Market Guide for Multipersona Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms (DSML) [2] Partnerships with data warehouse vendors like Databricks and vertical solution providers like Indegene that further extend the power of and use case for decision intelligence across the companys customer base Executive hires, including Hardik Chheda to Chief Product Officer and John Aven to Head of Engineering, who are focused on accelerating how business and analyst teams uncover diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive insights to inform decision-making Tellius is leading the growing decision intelligence category, in large part due to the unique and powerful capabilities of our platform in making it easier for companies to instill data-driven decision-making across every facet of their operations," said Ajay Khanna, Founder and CEO, Tellius. Were helping companies modernize their data stack by delivering the industrys most robust analytical solution, which has the flexibility to work with cloud data warehouses and data lakes to ingest data from traditional data sources and deliver faster and better business insights. This recent round of funding from top investors is proof of our vision and ability to execute as more organizations seek strategic advantage and superior business outcomes from data. To learn more about Tellius and the benefits of AI-driven decision intelligence, register for the Know Why Behind the What Faster webinar taking place Tuesday, November 8 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. [1] Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Analytics and Business Intelligence Platforms, March 22, 2022. [2] Gartner, Market Guide for Multipersona Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms, May 2, 2022. About Tellius Tellius is an AI-driven decision intelligence platform that enables anyone to get faster insights from their data. The company helps organizations across industries, including financial services, pharmaceutical and life sciences, retail, healthcare, and high technology, accelerate their journey from data to decisions by augmenting human expertise and curiosity with intelligent automation. The companys platform combines AI- and ML-driven automation with a search interface for ad hoc exploration, allowing users to ask questions of their business data, analyze billions of records in seconds, and gain comprehensive, automated insights in a single platform. Founded in 2016, Tellius is backed by Baird Capital, Sands Capital Ventures, Grotech Ventures, and Veraz Investments. To learn more, follow Tellius on LinkedIn and Twitter, or visit www.tellius.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005438/en/ Media: Nicole Metro V2 Communications for Tellius [email protected] (617) 426-2222 Rachel Berkowitz Baird Capital Public Relations [email protected] (414) 765-7250 Source: Tellius MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Topcon Positioning Systems will showcase the latest in technologies for the key areas of earthmoving, road building and paving, building construction and surveying at Bauma 2022 in Munich. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020006090/en/ Bauma brings leading industry experts and key decision makers together, and we are excited to be part of it, discussing the latest solutions with the construction market. The show is always an important one for us, and we look forward to the opportunity it provides to positively impact the future of the industry, said Ulrich Hermanski, CMO and executive vice president for Topcon Positioning Systems. The Topcon earthmoving portfolio includes solutions to help contractors plan, execute and profit through greater efficiency and productivity. Ideal for small earthmoving projects, MC-Mobile, the new 3-in-1 solution that brings machine control to compact equipment, will be shown for mini-excavators. Through local positioning system (LPS) functionality, layout can be accomplished with the LN-150 tool for positioning information, a prism and tablet. MC-Mobile allows contractors to seamlessly move from layout, to design, to the machine utilizing the same hardware and software solutions. It provides the ability to self-perform construction layout, create designs in the field and build to exact specifications and accuracies. Measurement, design and building with machine control guidance can be accomplished with one system by taking the same tablet display used for measuring, placing it in the cab of the machine, and having a visual to deliver results with unparalleled accuracy. This helps contractors be more productive, reducing labor, time, and rework, and therefore increasing profits, Hermanski said. Two new solutions for the paving portfolio are the Virtual Ski solution for 3D cold milling machines and an LPS solution for urban environments and bridge decks, both designed for optimal paving results. These new solutions will complement the existing road building and paving system offerings for applications such as asphalt, concrete and curb and gutter work, as well as software and web-based services to assist with site management and logistics for projects and fleets. The latest Topcon technologies in construction surveying and geopositioning technologies will be available at the show. Included will be information on the recently expanded GNSS network correction service, Topnet Live, which provides reliable and accurate positioning for a wide variety of applications around the globe. Technologies to increase accuracy and reduce rework in the building construction sector will be available as well. Learn more about Topcon during the show in Hall A2, Booth 249. The team will be conducting live demonstrations at the stand and will be available for dedicated individual consultations. For more on Topcon at Bauma, visit topconpositioning.com/bauma-2022. About Topcon Positioning Group Topcon Positioning Group, always one step ahead in technology and customer benefits, is an industry leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of precision measurement and workflow solutions for the global construction, geospatial and agriculture markets. Topcon Positioning Group is headquartered in Livermore, California, U.S. (topconpositioning.com, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook). Its European head office is in Capelle a/d IJssel, the Netherlands. Topcon Corporation (topcon.com), founded in 1932, is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (7732). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020006090/en/ Press Contacts: Tangerine Communications [email protected] EMEA: +44 161 817 6600 Topcon Positioning Group [email protected] Staci Fitzgerald, +1 925-245-8610 Source: Topcon Positioning Group MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) recently added two advisors to its branch channel with $375 million in combined client assets. Chad Villagomez joined from Wells Fargo in Wayzata, Minnesota. Separately, John DeMarco also joined from Wells Fargo in Orland Park, Illinois. Both Villagomez and DeMarco were attracted to Ameriprise for the firms flexibility and deep resources to help them serve clients and grow their businesses. Advisor joins Ameriprise for greater flexibility and support Villagomez is joined by Greg Siers, registered practice associate. Together, their team manages $241 million in client assets and has over 25 years of experience in the industry. After envisioning their practice 10 years down the road, Villagomez and Siers realized they needed more out of a firm to continue serving their clients well. The team found the flexibility and support provided by Ameriprise enables them to do just that. Ameriprise has an impressive track record for client satisfaction and for driving client focused growth, said Villagomez. This firm supports our growth vision and has the resources to serve our high-net-worth clients today and into the future. For example, we have access to specialists who can help us review a clients unique situation and provide recommendations that empower them to be intentional with their wealth. At the end of the day, our move is about our clients and how we can best serve them. The team is supported by Ameriprise branch manager Adam Lukens. Ameriprise is a top destination for high quality advisors who are committed to serving their clients comprehensively. Villagomez and Siers fit that mold to a tee. They have a strong reputation in the marketplace and Im excited to support them, said Lukens. Client-first culture and practice growth opportunities drew advisor to Ameriprise DeMarco, who has 24 years of experience and manages $134 million in client assets, started evaluating firms two years ago. He was looking for a firm that was a great fit for his clients first, and himself second. DeMarco found at Ameriprise, neither party had to settle. Reflecting on his decision to switch firms, DeMarco said, Ameriprise operates with high integrity and a client-first mindset. The best-in-class investing and financial planning platforms empower me to run my business in a way that provides a unique, customized service to my clients. Additionally, DeMarco commented, Im interested in practice acquisitions to build out my team. I look forward to harnessing the extensive resources provided by Ameriprise to find, vet, and complete an acquisition while continuing to provide an excellent experience for my clients. DeMarco is supported by Ameriprise complex director Jay Hubbard. Ameriprise has continued to attract experienced, productive financial advisors, with approximately 1,600 joining the firm in the last 5 years.1 Nine out of ten advisors who joined Ameriprise say the firms technology, financial planning capabilities and ability to acquire clients is better than their previous firm.2 To find out why experienced financial advisors are joining Ameriprise, visit ameriprise.com/why. About Ameriprise Financial At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years. With extensive investment advice, asset management and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors3, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors' financial needs. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institutions, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. 1 Ameriprise Financial 2021 10-K. 2 Ameriprise asked experienced advisors who moved their book of business to the firm in the last one-to-five years to compare its support, resources, and capabilities to their previous firm and state their satisfaction with their experience. The survey results identified the top ways Ameriprise stands out compared to competitors. 294 advisors responded to the Ultimate Advisor Partnership survey, which was conducted in November 2021. 3 Ameriprise Financial Q2 2022 Earnings Release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005821/en/ Stephanie Siegle, Media Relations 612.671.2593 [email protected] Source: Ameriprise Financial, Inc. TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) awarded UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida with its Health Equity Accreditation. This accreditation is awarded to organizations that lead the market in providing culturally and linguistically sensitive services, and work to reduce health care disparities. NCQA is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assessing and reporting on the quality of managed care plans, managed behavioral health care organizations, preferred provider organizations, new health plans, physician organizations, credentials verification organizations, disease management programs and other health-related programs. Health Equity Accreditation is a nationally recognized Accreditation that purchasers, regulators and consumers can use to distinguish organizations that meet rigorous standards in serving a diverse population. We are honored to receive this recognition from NCQA, furthering our work to address and reduce health disparities for Floridians, said Michael Lawton, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida. This nationally recognized accreditation is an important standard for ensuring we are committed to leading the advancement of quality of care and equitable outcomes. Health Equity Accreditation through NCQA evaluates how well an organization complies with standards for: Organizational readiness. Race/ethnicity, language, gender identity and sexual orientation. Access and availability of language services. Practitioner network cultural responsiveness. Culturally and linguistically appropriate services programs. Reducing health care disparities. Cultural competency is crucial to providing high-quality health care, said NCQA President Margaret E. OKane. Organizations achieving Health Equity Accreditation are leaders in closing the ethnic and racial disparities gap, and NCQA commends them for their dedication. For more information about NCQA Health Equity Accreditation, visit www.ncqa.org. About NCQA NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA Accredits and Certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA's Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA's website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed health care choices. NCQA can be found online at ncqa.org, on Twitter @ncqa, on Facebook at facebook.com/NCQA.org/ and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa. About UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.5 million physicians and care professionals, and more than 6,700 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005726/en/ Theresa Hunter UnitedHealthcare (952) 406-3524 [email protected] Source: UnitedHealthcare HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Valuence Group offers life-changing value tailored to all stakeholders, encouraging every person in the world to live true to yourself. Valuence International Ltd. (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China; Susumu Muguruma, Representative) has announced that the company has changed all overseas Nanboya locations to the ALLU trade name. Strengthening Retail Sales and Marketing Overseas Since opening its first office in Hong Kong in July 2019, Valuence has continued to expand its presence overseas. The company now operates a total of 34 locations in 16 countries. Valuence International is also growing its overseas sales channels, including the online launch of STAR BUYERS AUCTION, a BtoB auction for dealers. This online auction allows reuse businesses around the world to participate. The company has also launched the ALLU retail brand for general consumers in the U.S., expanding overseas sales channels further. The change in name from Nanboya to ALLU is intended to strengthen marketing and appeal to customers by offering a unified brand for purchases and sales, with a view to launching retail sales in various countries in the future. ALLU means all for you, and refers to the companys commitment to listen to customers, to offer a wider range of services, and to be a value linking to the future. Further, the company decided to unify its overseas luxury brand goods purchasing businesses and retail businesses under the familiar ALLU brand name, loved by customers around the world. The Valuence Group will continue opening purchasing locations under the ALLU brand overseas, strengthening the brand further toward expanding retail businesses in each country. Valuence International Ltd. (https://www.valuence.inc/en/group/international/) Established: November 19, 2008 (Group established: September 2015) Representative Director and President: Susumu Muguruma Head office: 16F, Tower 5, The Gateway, Harbour City, Kowloon, Hong Kong Business lines: Purchase and sales of luxury brand goods, precious metals, gems, etc. (https://www.valuence.inc/en/group/international/) *Valuence International Ltd. is a group company of Valuence Holdings Inc. (Securities code: TSE Growth Market 9270, https://www.valuence.inc/en/). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221019005072/en/ Inquiries: Public Relations Office, Valuence Holdings Inc. TEL: +81-3-4580-9983 Mail: [email protected] Source: Valuence Holdings Inc. SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wells Fargo announced its participation today at the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) Conference in Philadelphia from October 23-26. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005995/en/ Wells Fargo to Participate Across AFP Conference Including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Roundtable (Photo: Wells Fargo) In July, Wells Fargo joined AFPs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Awareness Initiative for Treasury and Finance. As part of the companys support of the initiative, Troy Keen, Corporate & Investment Bankings Chief Development Officer will participate in a DEI roundtable, The Role of Upskilling in Achieving a More Diverse Workforce at the conference on Sunday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m Eastern Time. Additionally, the following members of Wells Fargos AFP delegation will participate in panel discussions (all times Eastern). Gaileon Thompson, head of Finance, Consumer and Small Business Banking Operations and AFP board member will facilitate a Q&A session following the Numbers and Narratives: Seeking a Story Among the Indicators presentation Monday, October 24 at 10:30 a.m. presentation Monday, October 24 at 10:30 a.m. Linda Cascardo, head of Global Treasury Management Commercial Banking Client Segments and Justin Ellerman, head of Cyber Advisory Services will appear on the Strategies to Thrive During Disruption panel on Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. panel on Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. Joe Hussey, head of Global Treasury Management Payables & Receivables, will appear on the Latest Automated Clearing House (ACH) Insights and Strategies: Capitalize to Stay Competitive panel on Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. panel on Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. Hunter Lyall, Senior Finance Manager will appear on the Managing the Structure of Distributed Finance panel on Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. panel on Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. Vanessa McMichael, head of Corporate & Investment Banking Corporate & Public Entity Strategy, will appear on the Cash Investing: Returning to Normal panel on Wednesday, October 26 at 8:30 a.m. About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is a leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 41 on Fortunes 2022 rankings of Americas largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter: @WellsFargo News Release Category: WF-MSS View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005995/en/ Media Sam Arenson, 612-414-7618 [email protected] Source: Wells Fargo & Company NEW YORK & BANGALORE, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, announced today the appointment of Suzanne Dann as Chief Executive Officer of Wipro Americas 21 Strategic Market Unit, effective immediately. Dann will also join the Wipro Executive Board. In her new role, Dann will focus on increasing bookings, large deal signings, and revenue in high-growth strategic areas. She will also direct operational changes to improve margins and continue investments in talent to serve clients changing needs. Suzannes focus on deepening client relationships and understanding their business challenges have been instrumental to the outstanding growth we experienced in this market, said Thierry Delaporte, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Wipro Limited. Under her bold and transformational leadership, we will continue to expand our business in an efficient and sustainable way and collaborate with clients and partners to build innovative solutions. Dann joined Wipro in April 2021 as U.S. Senior Vice President for Capital Markets and Insurance. In this role, she has served as a catalyst for the accelerated growth and has worked to consolidate Wipros portfolio, foster client relationships, and build a high-performance culture. I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead Wipros Americas 2 Business Unit as Chief Executive Officer, and I anticipate greatly broadening our overall impact in the market. During the last year and half, I have experienced immense pride in being a part of Wipros incredible transformation journey and I am delighted to help further realize the firms vision and ambitions, while maximizing the value we bring to clients, said Suzanne Dann, Chief Executive Officer, Americas 2 Strategic Market Unit, Wipro Limited. Dann will be taking over the Americas 2 leadership role from Angan Guha. Prior to joining Wipro, Dann held leadership roles at Avanade, IBM, and EY. She holds a B.S. degree from Cornell University. About Wipro Limited Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 250,000 employees and business partners across 66 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at www.wipro.com. Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipros beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature inherently uncertain and outside Wipros control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipros growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations, and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. 1 The Americas 2 Strategic Market Unit is comprised of Financial Services, Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities and Hi-Tech industry sectors in both the U.S. and Canada. The sector plays a pivotal role in Wipros overall growth strategy in North America and contributes to more than 31 percent of Wipros global revenue. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005959/en/ Sanuber Grohe [email protected] Source: Wipro Limited FILE PHOTO: Pump jacks operate at sunset in an oil field in Midland, Texas U.S. August 22, 2018. REUTERS/Nick Oxford/File Photo By Stephanie Kelly NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices were near flat during a choppy trading session on Thursday, as worries about inflation dampening demand for oil contended with news that China is considering easing COVID-19 quarantine measures for visitors. Brent crude futures fell 3 cents to settle at $92.38 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for November delivery, which expires on Thursday, rose 43 cents to $85.98 per barrel. WTI for December delivery edged down 1 cent at $84.51 per barrel. Both Brent and WTI earlier gained by over $2 per barrel. To fight inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve is trying to slow the economy and will keep raising its short-term rate target, said Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Patrick Harker on Thursday. The U.S. dollar index pared losses after the comments, weighing on oil prices. A stronger dollar reduces demand for oil by making the fuel more expensive for buyers using other currencies. "Harker is saying that the war on inflation has just begun," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago. "So it seems like the market is getting nervous." Supporting prices, however, Beijing is considering cutting the quarantine period for visitors to seven days from 10 days, Bloomberg news reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. "That's been seen as a positive demand indicator for the market," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York. China, the world's largest crude importer, has stuck to strict COVID curbs this year, which weighed heavily on business and economic activity, lowering demand for fuel. A looming European Union ban on Russian crude and oil products, as well as the output cut from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, known as OPEC+, have also supported prices. OPEC+ agreed on a production cut of 2 million barrels per day in early October. Separately, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a plan on Wednesday to sell off the rest of his release from the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) by year's end, or 15 million barrels of oil, and begin refilling the stockpile as he tries to dampen high gasoline prices ahead of midterm elections on Nov. 8. The announcement, however failed to ease oil prices, as official U.S. data showed that the SPR last week dropped to their lowest since mid-1984, while commercial oil stocks fell unexpectedly. [EIA/S] (Reporting by Stephanie Kelly in New York; Additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar in London and Emily Chow in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy, Kirsten Donovan and David Gregorio) Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE: HPP), a unique provider of end-to-end real estate solutions for tech and media tenants, today announced the promotions of Drew Gordon, formerly Executive Vice President for California Office Operations, to Chief Investment Officer, and Andy Wattula, formerly Executive Vice President for Pacific Northwest/Canada Office Operations, to Chief Operating Officer. "Drew and Andy are tenured executives who have demonstrated their ability to strategically lead Hudson Pacifics investments and operations functions, respectively," said Victor Coleman, Chairman and CEO for Hudson Pacific. "This expanded organizational structure will support efficient decision-making and add value over the long term as we leverage our unique expertise and relationships to deliver world-class office and studio facilities." As Chief Operating Officer, Wattula will oversee operations for the companys entire office portfolio. Wattula joined Hudson Pacific in 2017 and has been instrumental in the success of the companys Seattle and Vancouver operations. Prior to Hudson Pacific, Wattula was a Senior Vice President with Beacon Capital Partners and a Director at Hines. He also served as a Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy. As Chief Investment Officer, Gordon will oversee acquisitions and dispositions for Hudson Pacific. Gordon has been with Hudson Pacific since 2011 and has led operations throughout California and in Seattle. Prior to Hudson Pacific, he held executive positions at real estate firms including Venture Corporation, ATC Partners and SKS Investments. FILE PHOTO: A man walks past the sign of "Google for India", the company's annual technology event in New Delhi, India, September 19, 2019. REUTERS/Sankalp Phartiyal By Aditya Kalra and Munsif Vengattil NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India's competition regulator on Thursday ordered Alphabet Inc's Google to change its approach to its Android platform and fined the U.S. tech company 13.38 billion Indian rupees ($161.95 million) for anticompetitive practices. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said Google leveraged its dominant position in markets such as online search and app store for Android, to protect the position of its apps like Chrome and YouTube in mobile Web browsers and online video hosting. CCI also restricted Google from certain revenue sharing agreements with smartphone makers, noting that such practices helped Google to secure exclusivity for its search services "to the total exclusion of competitors." Google declined to comment on the order. "Markets should be allowed to compete on merits and the onus is on the dominant players (in the present case, Google) that its conduct does not impinge this competition on merits," CCI said in a statement. The U.S. company is facing a series of antitrust cases and the tightening of existing tech-sector regulations in India. The competition watchdog is separately looking in to Google's business conduct in the smart TV market and its in-app payments system. The Android-related probe, started in 2019, was sparked by a complaint from two junior Indian antitrust research associates and a law school student. The Indian case is similar to one faced by Google in Europe, where regulators imposed a $5 billion fine on the company for forcing manufacturers to pre-install its apps on Android devices. Google was ordered by India on Thursday not to restrict smartphone users from uninstalling its pre-installed apps like Google Maps and Gmail. CCI also asked Google to allow users to pick their search engine of choice for all relevant services while setting up a phone for the first time. Google's Android operating system powers 97% of India's 600 million smartphones, according to Counterpoint Research. ($1 = 82.6180 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Munsif Vengattil and Aditya Kalra in New DelhiAdditional Reporting by Nallur Sethuraman in BengaluruEditing by Devika Syamnath, Peter Graff and Matthew Lewis) Indonesia Energy Corporation (NYSE American: INDO) ("IEC"), an oil and gas exploration and production company focused on Indonesia, today announced that it has discovered oil in its Kruh 28 well. Kruh 28 is the second of two back-to-back wells being drilled by IEC during 2022 at its 63,000-acre Kruh Block. The Kruh 28 well reached the final total depth at 3,475 feet depth on September 16, 2022. Approximately 135 feet of oil sands were encountered at Kruh 28 between the depths of 3,165 and 3,300 feet. This oil-bearing interval (meaning the top of the oil zone to the bottom of the oil zone) in the Kruh 28 well was 6 feet thicker and therefore larger than anticipated, meaning that the total reserve potential for Kruh 28 could be larger than anticipated. Based on these drilling results and testing, IEC expects production could begin at Kruh 28 by the end of November 2022. In addition, as previously announced, IEC unexpectedly found evidence of a potential natural gas bearing reservoir between the 976 and 1,006 feet interval with 30 feet net thickness. This initial evidence was supported by both wireline logging and geologic logging data, and subsequent gas flaring. Moreover, in an effort to maximize the potential of Kruh Block after several encouraging new oil discoveries made by IEC during 2021 and 2022, after production begins at Kruh 27 and Kruh 28, but before continuing with additional production drilling operations, IEC is planning to conduct significant new seismic operations across the entire Kruh Block. IEC believes that this new work, together with what has been learned from recent oil and gas discoveries, will greatly assist IEC in ascertaining the best locations to re-start a continuous drilling campaign at Kruh Block that will look to develop not only the one formation currently being targeted, but to look to develop what appears to be at least two potential additional oil formations that could contain significant commercial quantites of oil and natural gas. Completion and full interpretation of this seismic operations will take approximately 12 months, after which IEC plans to re-start its continuous drilling campaign at Kruh Block. IEC still plans on drilling a total of 18 new wells at Kruh Block, four of which have already been completed, but now by the end of 2025 rather than 2024 as previously announced. This change in the Kruh Block drilling program was previously disclosed in IECs mid-year Form 6-K report filed with the SEC on September 29, 2022. IEC can conduct this new, potential maximizing seismic work based on its fundraising efforts during 2022, where the Company has raised approximately $12 million (net of fees and expenses) from investors. As previously disclosed, wells drilled that average production of 100 barrels of oil per day over the first year of production and based on the terms of IECs contract with the Indonesian government and an oil price of $80.00/barrel (which is approximately 15% below yesterdays closing price for Brent crude), each well is expected to generate $2.1 million in net revenue in its first twelve months, which is more than enough to recover the cost of drilling the well in only the first year of production. The Kruh Block is located on Sumatra Island, where IEC is already producing oil from 5 existing wells. Mr. Frank Ingriselli, IEC's President, commented "The Kruh 28 well continues our string of successful discovery wells and is another a significant achievement for our company. Our results at Kruh 28 reinforce our belief that Kruh Block is a world class asset and, in order to maximize shareholder returns, we are planning on conducting significant seismic operations across the entire Kruh Block so that based on what we have learned from our recent discoveries, including our gas discovery, we can determine the best locations to re-start our continuous drilling campaign. Additionally, we will also be moving forward during 2023 with developmental activities at our potential billion-barrel equivalent natural gas 1,000,000-acre Citarum Block, where the previous operator drilled a few gas discoveries. In short, weve never been more excited about IECs potential, and we look forward to continuing our efforts as we seek to drive shareholder value." Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) (Lamb Weston or the Company) announced today it has entered into an agreement (the Purchase Agreement) to purchase the remaining equity interests in its European joint venture with Meijer Frozen Foods B.V. for 700 million in cash and common stock of Lamb Weston. Lamb-Weston/Meijer was built over the last 28 years, and were grateful to Meijer Frozen Foods for their longstanding partnership, said Tom Werner, President and CEO of Lamb Weston. The joint venture has served as a strong platform to drive growth in Europe and the Middle East, as well as to support our global customer base across our key international markets. This transaction firmly aligns with Lamb Westons long-term capital allocation and acquisition framework, and we believe it will strengthen our manufacturing footprint by leveraging a truly global supply chain to better serve our customers and position us to take advantage of growth opportunities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Were proud of the business weve built together to create a market leader in Europe, said Kees Meijer, CEO of Meijer Frozen Foods. We remain confident in the long-term outlook for Lamb Weston and the global frozen potato category. By holding an investment in common stock of Lamb Weston after the transaction closes, we sustain our strong belief in a bright future for the business. Upon completion of the transaction, Lamb Weston will own 100% of Lamb-Weston/Meijer v.o.f. (Lamb-Weston/Meijer), formerly operated as a 50/50 joint venture between a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lamb Weston and Meijer Frozen Foods. Lamb Weston will pay transaction consideration of 700 million, comprised of 525 million in cash and 175 million of Lamb Westons common stock. The Company anticipates closing the transaction in the second half of fiscal 2023, subject to regulatory approvals. The Company expects to fund the cash portion of the acquisition with new borrowings and cash on hand. Lamb Westons targeted long-term net leverage range1 of 3.5x to 4.0x remains unchanged. Lamb-Weston/Meijer is one of the leading suppliers of frozen potato products in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with approximately 954 million in net sales in fiscal 2022 (including 114 million of net sales from its former joint venture in Russia). The transaction will give the Company ownership of an additional five manufacturing facilities worldwide, including four facilities in the Netherlands and one in the United Kingdom, as well as a sixth manufacturing facility through a 75% interest in a joint venture in Austria. These facilities produce nearly two billion pounds (910,000 MT) of finished frozen products annually. In addition, upon completion of the transaction, the former joint ventures approximately 1,500 employees will become employees of Lamb Weston. As a 50% owner of Lamb-Weston/Meijer, the Company recorded its 50% portion of earnings in Equity Method Investment Earnings in its financial statements. As of the transaction closing, Lamb-Weston/Meijer will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Company will fully consolidate Lamb-Weston/Meijers results in its financial statements. Goldman Sachs is acting as financial advisor to Lamb Weston in connection with this transaction. Webcast and Conference Call Information Lamb Weston will hold a conference call to review the proposed transaction at 10:00 a.m. EDT today, October 20, 2022. Participants in the U.S. and Canada may access the conference call by dialing 888-204-4368 and participants outside the U.S. and Canada should dial +1-323-994-2082. The confirmation code is 8173889. The conference call and presentation also may be accessed live on the internet. Participants can register for the event at: https://globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1578075&tp_key=f810adb575. A rebroadcast of the conference call will be available beginning on Friday, October 21, 2022 after 2:00 p.m. ET at https://investors.lambweston.com/events-and-presentations. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is now under contract to deliver three Orion spacecraft to NASA for its Artemis VI-VIII missions, continuing the delivery of exploration vehicles to the agency to carry astronauts into deep space and around the Moon supporting the Artemis program. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor to NASA for the Orion program and has completed two Orion vehiclesEFT-1 which flew in 2014, and Artemis I, which is weeks away from its launch to the Moonand is actively building vehicles for the Artemis II-V missions. "Lockheed Martin is honored to partner with NASA to deliver Orion spacecraft for NASA's Artemis missions. This order includes spacecraft, mission planning and support, and takes us into the 2030s," said Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager for Commercial Civil Space, Lockheed Martin. "We're on the eve of a historic launch kicking off the Artemis era and this contract shows NASA is making long-term plans toward living and working on the Moon, while also having a forward focus on getting humans to Mars." This order marks the second three missions under the agency's Orion Production and Operations Contract (OPOC), an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for up to 12 vehicles. A breakout of these orders includes: 2019 : NASA initiates OPOC IDIQ and orders three Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions III-V. : NASA initiates OPOC IDIQ and Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions III-V. 2022 : NASA orders three additional Orion spacecraft missions for Artemis VI-VIII for $1.99 billion. : NASA orders three additional Orion spacecraft missions for Artemis VI-VIII for $1.99 billion. In the future: NASA can order an additional six Orion missions. Under OPOC, Lockheed Martin and NASA have reduced the costs on Orion by 50% per vehicle on Artemis III through Artemis V, compared to vehicles built during the design and development phase. The vehicles built for Artemis VI, VII and VIII will see an additional 30% cost reduction. "We're achieving substantial cost savings from Artemis III through Artemis VIII by extensive structure and system reuse and incorporating advanced digital design and manufacturing processes," said Tonya Ladwig, Orion vice president and program manager at Lockheed Martin Space. "The Artemis II vehicle will reuse select avionics from the Artemis I crew module, and that reuse will continue to dramatically increase to where the Artemis III pressure vessel capsule will be entirely refurbished for the Artemis VI mission." Additionally, the company will drive out cost from these production vehicles through material and component bulk buys from suppliers and an accelerated mission cadence. With the Artemis I Orion spacecraft currently on top of the Space Launch System rocket, there are two other Orion vehicles undergoing assembly at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Artemis II and III. Work is well under way on the Artemis IV craft including welding the pressure vessel together at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans and the heat shield at Lockheed Martin's facility near Denver, and work has already begun on the Artemis V vehicle. More information about Orion Lockheed Martin Orion page: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/orionNASA Orion page: https://www.nasa.gov/orion Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PARR) (Par Pacific) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the 63,000 bpd Billings refinery and associated marketing and logistics assets (collectively, the Billings Assets) from ExxonMobil Corporation and two of its subsidiaries for a base purchase price of $310 million, plus hydrocarbon and other inventory to be valued at closing. Par Pacific expects to fund the acquisition with cash on hand and availability under existing credit facilities, based on liquidity of approximately $495 million on September 30, 2022. Hydrocarbon inventory is expected to be financed by a new working capital facility. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Adjusted Net Income and Free Cash Flow per share and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. This acquisition will significantly enhance our scale and geographic diversification and underpins our focus on pursing strategic growth initiatives, said William Pate, President and Chief Executive Officer of Par Pacific. We look forward to welcoming the dedicated and highly skilled Billings employees to our team. This acquisition expands our fully integrated downstream network in the western United States. The 63,000 bpd Billings refinery is a high-conversion, complex refinery, which processes low-cost Western Canadian and regional Rocky Mountain crude oil grades. Par Pacific is evaluating renewable fuels opportunities to supplement the refinerys conventional fuel production and utilize its existing market position in Washington to reduce the carbon intensity of its fuel sales in accordance with the recently enacted Washington low-carbon fuel standard. In addition to the refining assets, the transaction includes a 65% interest in an adjacent cogeneration facility and an expansive PADD IV & V marketing and logistics network. The logistics assets include the wholly-owned 70-mile, 55,000 bpd Silvertip Pipeline, a 40% interest in the 750-mile, 65,000 bpd Yellowstone refined products pipeline, and seven refined product terminals. Total storage capacity across the refinery and logistics locations totals 4.1 MMbbls. The acquisition also includes a long-term ExxonMobil-branded fuels marketing arrangement to supply approximately 300 retail locations. Conference CallA conference call to discuss the acquisition is scheduled for Friday, October 21, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time). To access the call, please dial 1-833-974-2377 inside the U.S. or 1-412-317-5782 outside of the U.S. and ask for the Par Pacific call. Please dial in at least 10 minutes early to register. The webcast may be accessed online through the Companys website at http://www.parpacific.com on the Investors page. A telephone replay will be available until November 4, 2022 and may be accessed by calling 1-877-344-7529 inside the U.S. or 1-412-317-0088 outside the U.S. and using the conference ID 7995175. Catheter Precision, Inc. (Catheter Precision), a medical device company focused on cardiac electrophysiology, announces receipt of three commercial orders in the past 60 days as usage of the device continues to increase in the U.S. On September 12, 2022 privately held Catheter Precision announced a definitive merger agreement with Ra Medical Systems (NYSE American: RMED), which, if completed, will result in a combined publicly traded company focusing on the cardiac electrophysiology market. VIVO is a non-invasive 3D imaging system that enables physicians to identify the location of arrhythmias pre-procedure, streamlining workflow and reducing overall procedure time. The VIVO technology received FDA clearance at the end of 2020 with Catheter Precision initiating a limited strategic launch in the U.S. in 2021. To date VIVO has been utilized in more than 780 procedures worldwide. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 Catheter Precision revenue from VIVO sales was approximately $190,000. Catheter Precision expects orders from two or three additional hospital centers before the end of 2022. Catheter Precision anticipates 2022 revenue in the range of $230,000 to $270,000. David Jenkins, Catheter Precision CEO, commented, Conventional invasive mapping can be both time-consuming and unsuccessful for arrhythmia localization. In clinical studies VIVO has shown an up to 30% reduction in mapping time, which we see as a clear advantage for arrhythmia procedures. We chose to conduct a limited launch with VIVO to ensure our clinical teams were effective in gaining clinical acceptance while building customer demand. Based on our initial success, we believe our strategy is working in the U.S. Even more promising, our current customers continue to order the single use disposable accessory, providing us an additional revenue stream and further validation of VIVOs clinical acceptance as a valued tool prior to a ventricular ablation. With successful completion of the merger, we look forward to expanding our sales team and ramping our commercial activities in early 2023. In addition to FDA clearance, VIVO has been awarded the CE mark. Catheter Precision recently announced that the VIVO technology was featured in multiple presentations at the Society of Cardiac Robotic Navigation Annual Meeting in Budapest, Hungary held in September 2022. Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement with Ra Medical Systems, Catheter Precision will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Ra Medical Systems in a stock-for-stock reverse merger transaction. The merger is expected to close before the end of 2022, subject to satisfying certain closing conditions, including the receipt of shareholder approval by both companies. An Adidas logo is pictured at a shirt before the company annual general meeting in the northern Bavarian town of Fuerth near Nuremberg, Germany, May 12, 2016. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle/Files By Emma-Victoria Farr FRANKFURT (Reuters) -German sporting goods maker Adidas on Thursday cut its full-year guidance, citing weaker expectations for China, lower demand in major Western markets and one-off expenses related to its exit from the Russian market. The company now expects currency-neutral revenues to grow by a mid-single-digit percentage in 2022, down from a mid- to high-single-digit percentage forecast previously, while its operating margin is seen at 4%, down from 7%. The company blamed a "further deterioration of traffic trends in Greater China, as well as a significant inventory build-up as a result of lower consumer demand in major Western markets since the beginning of September", it said. Adidas Frankfurt-listed shares fell 4.3% following the announcement. The new outlook reflects one-off costs of around 500 million euros ($490 million) on its net income in 2022, Adidas added, saying these expenses were largely due to the company's decision to initiate the wind-down of its Russian business. Adidas's third-quarter sales increased 11% to 6.4 billion euros, but its net income for the full year is expected to reach 500 million euros, compared with its previous estimate of 1.3 billion euros. Currency-neutral sales in Greater China declined by a double-digit percentage due to continuing COVID-related restrictions, as well as significant inventory takebacks, the company said. With measures in place to protect the company's profitability, Adidas expects to generate a positive profit contribution of around 200 million euros in 2023. The change in outlook comes after the company announced on Oct. 6 that it had put its business partnership with rapper and fashion designer Kanye West under review. ($1 = 1.0206 euros) (Reporting by Emma-Victoria Farr; Editing by Christoph Steitz and Aurora Ellis) FILE PHOTO: The logo of Deutsche Bank is pictured on an office of the company in London, Britain July 8, 2019. REUTERS/Simon Dawson NEW YORK (Reuters) -Deutsche Bank AG has cut staff in origination and advisory segments of its investment banking unit, according to a source familiar with the matter, as a pullback in financing deals compels lenders to limit costs. The move was communicated to the U.S. staff on Wednesday, the source said, requesting anonymity as the matter is confidential, calling it an annual exercise to manage the number of bankers without specifying the number of jobs slashed. Investment bankers were awash with deals in 2021 but have seen few this year as companies halt buyouts and listings amid volatility in the capital markets, tensions between the United States and China, and the Russia-Ukraine war. The job cuts affected mostly junior bankers, Bloomberg News and the New York Post reported earlier on Thursday. Last month, Wall Street's premier investment bank Goldman Sachs Group Inc said it planned to cut jobs, after pausing the annual practice for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters at the time. A Deutsche bank spokesperson declined to comment. The move is a setback for Deutsche, whose investment bank in recent years recovered from being its problem child to its strongest revenue generator thanks to a pandemic trading boom and the deal-making frenzy. Until recently, senior investment bankers had said they wanted to further expand advisory services. Last year, Germany's largest lender began gingerly hiring new staff at its investment bank. The bank continues to selectively invest in the global origination and advisory (O&A) team in areas like technology, healthcare, industrials and sponsors, the source said. It hired 15 bankers including managing directors globally in 2022, the source said, including Robert Lee who heads the semiconductor sector within its technology, media & telecom (TMT) group in the Americas. That return to hiring was significant for Deutsche after years of losses, retrenchment and layoffs. But costs have been an ongoing struggle for Deutsche. In July, it dropped its cost target for the full year. This year is crucial for the lender and Chief Executive Christian Sewing as he tries to deliver on 2019 targets he set out in a costly overhaul of the bank. The bank reports third quarter earnings on Wednesday. Analysts expect it to report a ninth consecutive quarter of profit, a notable streak after years of losses. (Reporting by Mehnaz Yasmin in Bengaluru, Saeed Azhar in New York, Tom Sims in Frankfurt; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi, Josie Kao and David Gregorio) FILE PHOTO: The corporate logo of financial firm Morgan Stanley is pictured on the company's world headquarters in the Manhattan borough of New York City, January 20, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Segar By Christoph Steitz, Andres Gonzalez and Emma-Victoria Farr FRANKFURT/LONDON (Reuters) -Morgan Stanley's infrastructure investment arm is weighing a sale of a 40% stake in German wind and solar power project developer PNE AG after being approached by potential suitors, three people familiar with the matter said. PNE confirmed on Thursday that Morgan Stanley and Photon Management intend to enter into open-ended preliminary talks with potential interested parties regarding Photon's stake in PNE. Photon, which is controlled by Morgan Stanley, is PNE's largest shareholder. Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (MSIP) acquired the PNE stake following a failed takeover attempt in 2020. Since then, PNE's shares have risen nearly five-fold, driven by global appetite for renewable energy assets. PNE, which has a project pipeline of more than 9 gigawatt and a generation portfolio worth 261 megawatt, has a current market capitalisation of 1.4 billion euros ($1.38 billion), valuing Morgan Stanley's stake at 560 million euros. The stake may attract interest from parties including French utility Engie and Sweden-based private equity firm EQT, the people said, adding that deliberations were at an early stage and that there was no certainty a deal will happen. Engie and EQT declined to comment. Buying the whole stake would trigger a mandatory takeover bid for all of PNE under German stock market rules. "The Board of Management of PNE AG will support the intended preliminary discussions to the extent permitted by law and in the interest of the Company," the statement said. A potential sale of MSIP's participation would result in chunky profits given the investment bank bought in at 4.00 euros per share and saw PNE's value grow to 18.50 euros. News about the potential stake comes in the wake of major renewables deal in recent weeks, including RWE's $6.8 billion purchase of Con Edison's cleantech unit and BP's $4.1 billion takeover of U.S. biogas producer Archaea. ($1 = 1.0175 euros) (Reporting by Christoph Steitz, Andres Gonzalez and Emma-Victoria Farr; Additional reporting by Benjamin Mallet; Editing by Susan Fenton and Josie Kao) Washington, DC, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Mint (Mint) 2022 American Women Quarters Rolls and Bags Anna May Wong will be available for purchase on October 25 at noon EDT. The Anna May Wong quarter is the fifth coin in the American Women Quarters Program, a four-year series that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women who have shaped history. The rolls and bags product options include: Priced at $40.00, a bag of 100 uncirculated clad quarter dollars minted in Philadelphia (product code 22WBJ). Priced at $40.00, a bag of 100 uncirculated clad quarter dollars minted in Denver (product code 22WBK). Priced at $36.00, a two-roll set containing a total of 80 uncirculated clad quarter dollars minted in Philadelphia and Denver (product code 22WRJ). Priced at $54.00, a three-roll set containing a total of 120 uncirculated clad quarter dollars minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco (product code 22WRK). Sign up to receive Remind Me alerts by visiting the official product listing page. Because of overwhelming demand, much of the production of the 100-coin bags and two- and three-roll sets are accounted for through subscription. Subscriptions work like a magazine subscription. After you sign up, you will receive the next product released in the series and continue to receive products until you end your subscription. Visit our subscriptions page to learn more. Should any inventory become available, those products will be made available via the Remind Me feature. The reverse (tails) of this coin features a close-up image of Anna May Wong with her head resting on her hand, surrounded by the bright lights of a marquee sign. The inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, QUARTER DOLLAR, and ANNA MAY WONG. United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Emily Damstra created the reverse design, which United States Mint Medallic Artist John P. McGraw sculpted. Each coin in this series features a common obverse (heads) design depicting a portrait of George Washington. This design was originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser as a candidate entry for the 1932 quarter, which honored the bicentennial of George Washingtons birth. The inscriptions are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 2022. Begun in 2022, and continuing through 2025, the Mint is issuing five new quarter dollar reverse designs each year. The American Women Quarters Program is authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330). Inspire women everywhere. Shop the American Women Quarters Program today and start collecting this historic series honoring extraordinary women whose achievements, triumphs, and legacies reflect the strength and resilience of our Nation. About the United States Mint Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nations sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers. Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of October 25, 2022, at noon EDT. Please use the United States Mint catalog site at https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Visit https://www.usmint.gov/news/image-library/american-women-quarters-program#wong for product images. Visit https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/american-women-quarters for additional information about the American Women Quarters Program. Visit https://www.usmint.gov/about for information about the United States Mint. Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/email-signup to subscribe to United States Mint electronic product notifications, news releases, public statements, and our monthly educational newsletter, Lessons That Make Cents . . Sign up for RSS Feeds from the United States Mint and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. # # # United States Mint Connecting America through Coins Attachment Office of Corporate Communications United States Mint [email protected] Source: United States Mint VANCOUVER British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP. (Azincourt or the Company) (TSX.V: AAZ, OTCQB: AZURF), is pleased to provide an update on upcoming drill programs at its uranium exploration projects located in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. East Preston Project Preparations are well underway for a winter program at the East Preston Project. The company has entered the consultation phase of the permitting process and will continue to work with the Clearwater River Dene Nation (CRDN) and local communities to ensure opportunities for local businesses and employment are maximized. The primary target area on the East Preston Project is the conductive corridors from the A-Zone through to the G-Zone (A-G Trend) and the K-Zone through to the H and Q-Zones (K-H-Q Trend) (Figure 2). The selection of these trends is based on a compilation of results from the 2018 through 2020 ground-based EM and gravity surveys, property wide VTEM and magnetic surveys, and the 2019 through 2022 drill programs, the 2020 HLEM survey indicates multiple prospective conductors and structural complexity along these corridors. Drilling has confirmed that identified geophysical conductors comprise structurally disrupted zones that are host to accumulations of graphite, sulphides, and carbonates. Hydrothermal alteration, anomalous radioactivity, and elevated uranium have been demonstrated to exist within these structurally disrupted conductor zones. The Company is planning an extensive drill program for winter of 2022-2023, to begin in December with road and camp preparations, as reported in a news release dated July 28th, 2022. The program will consist of approximately 6,000 meters of drilling in 20+ diamond drill holes, to commence in January. The priority will be to continue to evaluate the alteration zones and elevated uranium identified in the winter of 2022. Azincourt Energy continues to be engaged in regular meetings with the Clearwater River Dene Nation and other rights holders to ensure that concerns of the local communities are addressed with regards to the East Preston project. Azincourt looks forward to a continued close working relationship with CRDN and other rights holders to ensure that any potential impacts and concerns are addressed and that the communities can benefit from activities in the area through support of local business, employment opportunities, and sponsorship of select community programs and initiatives. Several members of the Clearwater River Dene Nation have been directly employed on site or to provide support and services to keep the camp and programs running. Hatchet Lake Project The Hatchet Lake Project is a recent addition to the Azincourt portfolio (see news release dated November 10, 2021). Hatchet Lake sits just outside the northeastern margin of the Athabasca Basin, situated along the underexplored northeast extension of the Western Wollaston Domain (WWD) within the Wollaston-Mudjatik Transition Zone (WMTZ). This highly prospective structural corridor hosts the majority of known high-grade uranium deposits and all of Canadas operating uranium mines. The drill program at Hatchet Lake will commence once permitting is received and once the consultation process with the local communities has been completed. Azincourt energy is committed to ensuring that all activities are conducted with the understanding and cooperation of the affected communities. The Company has been in contact with the Yathi Nene Land and Resource Office representing the Hatchet Lake First Nation and expects additional discussions to take place with them and other rights holders to ensure that concerns of the local communities are addressed. Azincourt looks forward to developing a close working relationship with the Hatchet Lake community. The program the Company is proposing, as reported in a news release dated July 28th, 2022, will consist of ground reconnaissance to verify targets, ground geophysics (Horizontal Loop Electromagnetic HLEM) to verify conductor locations, and a helicopter supported diamond drill program. The drilling program is expected to consist of up to 1,500 meters in 8-10 diamond drill holes. Letter of Intent Azincourt is also pleased to report it has signed a letter of intent dated September 15, 2022, with an undisclosed party to evaluate an exploration stage uranium project in Northern Saskatchewan. This LOI grants the Company exclusive rights for 60 days from signing to evaluate the project and make an offer for acquisition. More information will be provided should a deal for the property be finalized. Figure 1: East Preston Project Location Western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada Figure 2: 2022 Drill Holes and Target areas at the East Preston Uranium Project Figure 3: Hatchet Lake Project Location Eastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada Figure 4: Hatchet Lake Target Areas About East Preston Azincourt controls a majority 72.8% interest in the 25,000+ hectare East Preston project as part of a joint venture agreement with Skyharbour Resources (TSX.V: SYH), and Dixie Gold. Three prospective conductive, low magnetic signature corridors have been discovered on the property. The three distinct corridors have a total strike length of over 25 km, each with multiple EM conductor trends identified. Ground prospecting and sampling work completed to date has identified outcrop, soil, biogeochemical and radon anomalies, which are key pathfinder elements for unconformity uranium deposit discovery. The East Preston Project has multiple long linear conductors with flexural changes in orientation and offset breaks in the vicinity of interpreted fault lineaments classic targets for basement-hosted unconformity uranium deposits. These are not just simple basement conductors; they are clearly upgraded/enhanced prospectively targets because of the structural complexity. The targets are basement-hosted unconformity related uranium deposits similar to NexGens Arrow deposit and Camecos Eagle Point mine. East Preston is near the southern edge of the western Athabasca Basin, where targets are in a near surface environment without Athabasca sandstone cover therefore they are relatively shallow targets but can have great depth extent when discovered. The project ground is located along a parallel conductive trend between the PLS-Arrow trend and Camecos Centennial deposit (Virgin River-Dufferin Lake trend). About Hatchet Lake Azincourt entered into an option agreement with ValOre Metals Corp. on November 9th, 2021, to earn up to a 75% interest in the Hatchet Lake property. Previous work on the property identified multiple, shallow, unconformity-related basement uranium targets. Previous work includes diamond drilling, geophysics, boulder, soil, lake sediment and bio-geochemical sampling. The project contains substantial historic exploration datasets with identified uranium anomalism and showings to help guide exploration programs. Historical operators include Gulf Minerals, Saskatchewan Mining and Development Corp, Hathor Exploration Ltd., and Rio Tinto. Two high-priority zones on the property have currently been identified; the Upper Manson and Southwest Scrimes zones. Geochemical anomalies highlight a variety of uraniferous host rocks that are coincident with identified conductive geophysical targets. Rock samples have returned assay results up to 2.43% U3O8 (Valore Metals presentation). The targets are basement-hosted unconformity related uranium deposits similar to Camecos Eagle Point mine. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by C. Trevor Perkins, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Azincourt Energy, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Azincourt Energy Corp. Azincourt Energy is a Canadian-based resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration, and development of alternative energy/fuel projects, including uranium, lithium, and other critical clean energy elements. The Company is currently active at its joint venture East Preston uranium project in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada, and the Escalera Group uranium-lithium project located on the Picotani Plateau in southeastern Peru. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF AZINCOURT ENERGY CORP. Alex KlenmanAlex Klenman, President & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release includes forward-looking statements, including forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Azincourt. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. For further information please contact: Alex Klenman, President & CEOTel: 604-638-8063[email protected] Azincourt Energy Corp.1430 800 West Pender StreetVancouver, BC V6C 2V6www.azincourtenergy.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05820731-b1fc-4f36-a0da-5e56600485e8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3fb0701-6533-47fb-aa70-d1a428069d6a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e2683e4-e206-4310-a4a6-594cfd121d69 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/546f7259-bf84-4274-868f-452cf782b9af Figure 1: East Preston Project Location Western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada Figure 1: East Preston Project Location Western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada Figure 2: 2022 Drill Holes and Target areas at the East Preston Uranium Project Figure 2: 2022 Drill Holes and Target areas at the East Preston Uranium Project Figure 3: Hatchet Lake Project Location Eastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada Figure 3: Hatchet Lake Project Location Eastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada Figure 4: Hatchet Lake Target Areas Figure 4: Hatchet Lake Target Areas Source: Azincourt Energy Corp. Monroe, LA, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benevis, in partnership with local affiliate Taylor Dental & Braces, recently donated dental exhibit models to the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum (NELCM) in Monroe, Louisiana. The dental models will be displayed in the interactive oral hygiene exhibit at the museum to educate children on the importance of proper oral health. This generous donation by Benevis and Taylor Dental & Braces will help us continue to educate children on the importance of keeping a healthy smile in a fun, interactive environment, said Melissa Saye, NELCM Executive Director. Our museum is always grateful to receive donations from individuals and organizations who believe in our mission of providing an engaging environment to educate and stimulate childrens imaginations. Louisiana State Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. was onsite to present the donation to the museum. With October being Dental Hygiene Awareness Month, we are proud to partner with Benevis and Taylor Dental & Braces to provide a new educational dental piece for the Childrens Museum exhibit, said Sen. Cathey. We truly appreciate this donation for the children in our community. It will be a great tool to teach children the importance of regularly visiting the dentist and developing good oral hygiene habits at home. The donation to the childrens museum is consistent with our mission to bring dental health awareness and education to the communities served by our dental offices, said Dr. Carl Boykin, District Dental Director at Benevis. Dental decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, but it can be prevented. Early dental health education and regular dental visits are critically important to a lifetime of proper oral health. We hope our contribution and the valuable oral health display it supports can help many young visitors to this excellent museum. About Benevis Benevis is a comprehensive dental practice support service company focused on expanding access to dentistry by providing the highest quality practice support services to over 120 locally branded dental offices focused on kids-first, family dental care and orthodontics. Benevis works to improve lives by advocating for programs and legislation that ensures all families have access to the healthcare they need and deserve. Benevis support allows dentists to focus on providing high-quality care to their patients. For more information visit benevis.com. Attachments Source: Benevis ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (Bitmine) (OTC: BMNR) announced a number of developments in its business. Shift in Primary Business Focus to Self-Mining Jonathan Bates, BitMine CEO was quoted as saying- As time has passed and we have received our datacenter equipment and supporting electrical infrastructure equipment, the price of Bitcoin Mining ASIC Computers has steadily dropped. These ASIC miners are selling at a fraction of their price from a year ago. Our original plan was to host others ASIC miners, and self-mine with a small percentage of our capacity. Given the sharp drop in ASIC prices, we feel that focusing on self-mining is a better use of our datacenter equipment and a better use of firm capital at this time. While we still plan to host for others, we intend to shift a greater percentage of our business mix in favor of self-mining relative to hosting, as long as the distress in ASIC miner prices continues. We will also pursue joint ventures and partnerships where our infrastructure equipment can be paired with ASIC miners valued at current prices. ROC Digital Joint Venture On October 13, 2022, Bitmine entered into a joint venture with Roc Digital Mining Manager LLC (ROC Manager) with regard to a hosting location in Pecos, Texas which has a capacity of 5-6 megawatts over a five year period. Under the joint venture, the Company acquired a 30% interest in ROC Manager, which is the manager of ROC Digital Mining I LLC (the ROC Operating). Bitmine made a capital contribution to ROC Operating of $1,056,000, consisting of one immersion container unit valued at $300,000, six GE Protec 1500 KVA transformers valued at $750,000, and $6,000 cash. Bitmine also sold ROC Operating four immersion container units for $1,200,000. The purchase price for the containers is payable pursuant to a promissory note that bears interest at 5% per annum and is payable through 42 monthly payments of $31,203.64 until it is paid in full. In addition, the note is secured by a lien against the four containers. The joint venture intends to purchase ASIC miners to mine Bitcoin for its own account, rather than hosting miners for third parties. ROC expects to be operational by the end of November 2022. In addition, Bitmine is entitled to locate one hosting container at the site which it may use for mining for its own account or hosting for third parties, and expects to pay a pro rata portion of the lease and other operating costs of the site. $1,000,000 Line of Credit In order to ensure that Bitmine has the ability to execute its expansion initiatives, Bitmine has entered into a line of credit with Innovative Digital Investors Emerging Technology, L.P. (IDI), a limited partnership controlled by Jonathan Bates, the Companys Chairman, and Raymond Mow, the Companys Chief Financial Officer and a Director. The line of credit provides for loans of up to $1,000,000 at the request of Bitmine to finance the purchase of equipment necessary for the operation of Bitmines business, and related working capital. Loans under the line of credit accrue interest at twelve percent (12%) per annum, compounded on a 30/360 monthly basis until the loans have been repaid in full. Bitmine has the right to submit draw requests under the line of credit until April 15, 2023. Each draw request is subject to the approval of IDI in its sole discretion. The amount drawn, plus all accrued interest therein, is repayable in full on December 1, 2023. Termination of Hosting Agreement On October 19, 2022, Bitmine entered into a Repurchase and Hosting Agreement (the TCC Agreement) with The Crypto Company (TCC), under which Bitmine agreed to repurchase certain ASIC miners which it had previously sold to TCC, purchase some additional ASIC miners owned by TCC, and terminate a hosting agreement between the Company and TCC. In February 2022, Bitmine sold TCC 70 Antminer T-17s for $175,000 and 25 Whatsminers for $162,500, for a total purchase price of $337,500. TCC paid 50% of the purchase price in cash, and the balance by execution of a note payable to the Company for $168,750. Simultaneous with the sale, Bitmine and TCC entered into a hosting agreement under which the Company agreed to host the miners, along with other miners owned by TCC. Under the TCC Agreement, Bitmine will (a) accept the return of the 70 Antminer TY-17s for a credit of $175,000 as a warranty claim, (b) purchase the 25 Whatsminers for $62,500, and (c) purchase 72 Antminer T-19s from TCC for $144,000. The credit and purchase prices for the equipment will be applied to cancel the note, with the balance of $212,500 payable by Bitmine in cash. Upon consummation of the TCC Agreement, the hosting agreement will be terminated. The effective date of the TCC Agreement will not occur until Bitmine pays the net price due to TCC. The TCC Agreement will be null and void if the effective date does not occur within seven business days of the date of the TCC Agreement. Bitmine plans to use the 25 Whatsminers and 72 Antminer T-19s in its self-mining operations, as part of its transition from a hosting company to a self-mining company. Bitmine believes it can repair some of the 70 Antminer T-17s, which it will use for self-mining. Trinidad Operations Update In 2021, Bitmine entered into an agreement with a telecommunications company in Trinidad and Tobago Limited to co-locate up to 125 800 kw containers for hosting miners over 93 potential locations. Under the agreement, Bitmine has the option, but not the obligation, to co-locate containers at its own pace, and would pay a fixed amount per container, plus the actual electricity costs incurred by its containers. The electricity rate we expected to pay for our hosting containers was $0.035 cents per kwh based on the rate currently paid by the telecommunications company. In October 2022, we completed the installation of our initial hosting containers in Trinidad. However, prior to commencing operations, the telecommunications company advised us that the electric company would not honor its existing agreement with respect to electricity supplied to our hosting containers, and instead indicated that the rate would be approximately $0.09 per kwh. The telecommunications company has protested the decision. At this time, we are unable to predict how this dispute will be resolved, what form any resolution may take or how long any resolution may take. Accordingly, we are delaying the installation of additional containers in Trinidad until this dispute is resolved. Until the dispute is resolved, we intend to focus our efforts on purchasing or developing hosting locations in the United States and Canada, either directly or in joint ventures with other industry participants. Many of these opportunities have presented themselves in recent weeks and months, and they simply werent available 6-12 months ago. BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond BitMine Immersion Technologies' control, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of BitMine Immersion Technologies Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on December 9, 2021, and its Form 10-Q filed on April 18, 2022, and any other SEC filings, as amended or updated from time to time. Copies of BitMine Immersion Technologies filings with the SEC are available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. BitMine Immersion Technologies undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. BitMine Immersion Technologies Contact: Jonathan Bates Chairman and CEO[email protected] Jonathan BatesChairman & CEOBitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc.OTC: BMNR2030 Powers Ferry Road SESuite 212Atlanta, GA 30339 Source: BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc Cheyenne Wyoming, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Credit unions throughout Wyoming and Colorado are celebrating International Credit Union (ICU) Day ICU Day is recognized worldwide and celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement's history, promote its achievements, recognize hard work and share member experiences. It has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948. The day of festivities for credit unions and financial cooperatives globally coming together to celebrate people helping people.To mark the day, Blue is hosting two events in both Wyoming and Colorado. In Wyoming a food drive benefiting Food Bank of Wyoming and their beneficiaries will be held. All our branches will be collecting food donations and each branch has selected which of the Food Bank of Wyoming beneficiaries to give their specific proceeds to. Participating credit unions include Blue FCU (Cheyenne and Laramie), WyHy FCU (Cheyenne), UniWyo FCU (Cheyenne and Laramie), Atlantic City FCU (Lander, Riverton & Shoshoni), Sunlight FCU (Sheridan, Worland, Powell, & Cody), Pathfinder FCU (Casper, Greybull & Powell). In Colorado, Blue is joining with Canvas Credit Union and others volunteering at the Food Bank of the Rockies in Thornton and Denver Colorado. We are honored to be a thriving credit union that stands with others to do good throughout our footprint. On ICU Day, demonstrate the difference credit unions bring to the community, says Michele Bolkovatz VP of Public Relations and Membership Development.Blue traditionally has marked the day by celebrating members in all of its branches with light refreshments and prizes. This year marks the first time that Blue is partnering with other local credit unions to increase local impact and assist in addressing a community need, food insecurities. Bolkovatz adds that, The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more engaged locally and come together for greater impact. To learn more about Blue or the credit union movement, please visit bluefcu.com/join. -###- Blue Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution serving communities across Wyoming and Colorado as well asmembers worldwide. Our purpose is to create a true cooperative connected to and inspired by the communities we serve and to help discover new pathways to realize your possibilities. To learn more about joining Blue, visitbluefcu.com/join Attachment Michele Bolkovatz Blue Federal Credit Union 3074325402 [email protected] Source: Blue Federal Credit Union Boca Raton, FL, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Mountain Media, Inc. (OTCQB: BMTM), an end-to-end digital media and advertising services platform, today announced that management will present at the LD Micro Main Event XV, the Woodstock of Micro-cap), taking place October 25-27, 2022 at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles. Chief Executive Officer, Matt Drinkwater is scheduled to present as follows and will host one-on-one meetings with institutional investors throughout the event. LD Micro Main Event Date: October 26, 2022 Time: 11:00 a.m. Eastern time For those who wish to participate virtually, please register for the Webcast: https://me22.sequireevents.com/ For more information on the conference, please visit LD Micro or contact your LD Micro representative. About Bright Mountain Media Bright Mountain Media, Inc. (OTCQB: BMTM) is an end-to-end digital media and advertising services platform, efficiently connecting brands with targeted consumer demographics through the removal of middlemen in the advertising services process. The Companys publishing division, led by Wild Sky Media , offers significant global reach through engaging content and multicultural audiences, telling unique stories of our most diverse generation. The Companys robust portfolio of websites includes Mom.com, CafeMom, LittleThings, MamasLatinas and many more. For more information, please visit www.brightmountainmedia.com . Forward-Looking Statements for Bright Mountain Media, Inc. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as should, may, intends, anticipates, believes, estimates, projects, forecasts, expects, plans, and proposes, and similar words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements made with respect to expectations of our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions., and the realization of any expected benefits from such acquisitions You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading Risk Factors in Bright Mountain Media, Inc.s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 13, 2022 and our other filings with the SEC. Bright Mountain Media, Inc. does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. Investor Contact: Barwicki Investor Relations, Inc.516-662-9461Andrew J. Barwicki Source: Bright Mountain Media, Inc. OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Moving towards a sustainable economy presents a wealth of opportunities for Canadian cleantech businesses. EDCs Cleantech Export Week (CEW) offers a platform for companies, partners, and financiers within the sector to connect, collaborate, and discuss topics shaping the future of cleantech. With the global focus on climate change intensifying, this years CEW theme is all about the need to accelerate decarbonization. With a strong ecosystem for cleantech innovation and many recognized success stories, Canada is well positioned to meet the pressing needs of industries as they transition to more resilient, low emissions infrastructure, said Guillermo Freire, senior-vice president, mid-market, and responsible for EDCs cleantech practice. Known for its strong performance in energy and power, resources and environmental practices, Canada is also ramping up its presence in other areas such as advanced materials and agtechall of which are focused on cleantech solutions to lower their carbon and environmental footprints. According to a new EDC economics report on cleantech, the global cleantech market is projected to exceed $2.5 trillion in 2022. As such, there is an opportunity for Canadian businesses to further embed their clean technology across supply chains, not only in Canada but also abroad. Cleantech Export Week is about facilitating critical conversations and connections to fuel innovation and raise awareness of the ecosystem support available to help Canadian cleantech businesses reach their full potential, said Freire. Working alongside industry partners, EDC is committed to helping emerging companies achieve their commercialization and growth plansadvancing the competitiveness of Canadas cleantech sector as the world moves towards a lower carbon future. EDC has been strategically focused on the Canadian cleantech industry for more than ten years, supporting Canadas efforts to build an innovative and sustainable economy. In the past decade, weve supported more than $20 billion in cleantech exports for more than 300 Canadian companies. Support for cleantech is a key focus of EDCs 2030 corporate strategy and our steadfast commitment to achieving net zero. Schedule of Cleantech Export Week events This years CEW will feature two events: An in-person conference in Ottawa on Oct. 24, and a virtual event on Oct. 26. Combining live and pre-recorded sessions, the CEW agenda includes the following highlights: In-person event (Oct. 24): EDCs Chief Economist Stuart Bergmans economic insights on the cleantech sector Panel discussions on the technological innovations Canadian companies are implementing to help reduce carbon emissions and how best to support acceleration of decarbonization technologies To register for the in-person event, click here. Virtual event (Oct. 26): A keynote address from Chris Turner, award-winning author and one of Canadas leading speakers on climate change and global energy solutions Panel discussions from the perspective of technology companies, and the companies that adopt and finance those technologies A pitch competition session from the next wave of innovative cleantech companies Content from the virtual event will be posted on EDC's cleantech page. All registrants will receive CEW highlights via email following the event. To register for the virtual event, click here. About EDC Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca. Media Contact MediaExport Development Canada1-888-222-4065[email protected] Source: Export Development Canada MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dios Exploration Inc. (Dios) (TSX-V: DOS) acquires the Nemiscau-North Lithium battery metal property totalling 164 wholly-owned claims for 9274 hectares along Pontax River, some 15km north of Nemaska Cree village, within Eeyou Istchee James Bay prolific lithium region of central Quebec. This 927 sq. km Nemiscau-North project lies directly east of LI-FT Power/Kenorland Moyenne Trend lithium claims and west of Brunswick Exploration lithium claims. It is also located between the advanced Pivert-Rose lithium project of Critical Elements Corp. to the north, Nemaska Lithium Wabouchi deposit to the east and northwest Cygnus (Stria) Pontax-Lithium drilled prospect. The Nemiscau-North lithium claims cover 5 significant lithium metal lake sediment anomalies (Lithium over 15ppm, up to 28.8ppm) combined with useful other anomalous critical elements (cesium over 2ppm; Rubidium over16ppm, up to 30.2ppm). These Li-(Cs-Rb) lake sediment anomalies are located at the margins of granitic plutons/pegmatites with paragneiss /tonalitic gneiss along a prospective 18km-long section. The claims cover a NE low magnetic lineament structure that intersects a 50km-long E-W anomalous trend (bottom lake sediments over 15ppm Li). The Nemiscau-North claims are also located at the head of a robust SW glacial dispersal train hosting anomalous bottom lake sediments varying between 15-37.6ppm Li (&Rb) for over 40-50km down-ice. The geochemical signature is comparable to that of Pivert-Rose and Pontax-Lithium, with even higher values in the secondary environment. Pontax-Lithium (lithium-tantalum-bearing pegmatite dikes) were discovered and successfully drilled in the scope of former joint Dios/Sirios Resources exploration project under the supervision of Dios current V.P. Harold Desbiens P. Geo M.Sc., Field work is planned during next campaign on these wholly-owned map-designated claims. Lithium is a critical metal in the universal fight against global warming. It is a core component of lithium-ion batteries used for powering electric vehicles and for industrial-scale energy storage. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact information :Marie-Jose Girard, Geo M.Sc., 43-101 QPPresident[email protected]Tel. (514) 923-9123 Website: www.diosexplo.com Source: DIOS Exploration Inc. TUSTIN, CA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freeze Tag (OTC: FRZT), a leading creator of location-based mobile social games, is proud to announce partnership with Concord Adex, Canadas largest privately funded public art program featuring Indigenous, Canadian, and emerging artists from around the world. Utilizing Freeze Tags Eventzee scavenger hunt app, the ArtWalk is officially the largest critical mass of public art in Ontario. The ArtWalk at Concord Park Place is located at Ethennonnhawahstihnen Park in North York, Ontario, and features over 20 works commissioned by Concord Park Place. The ArtWalk was curated by Public Art Consultant Karen Mills, and will run through winter. Using the Eventzee scavenger hunt app, visitors to Concord Park Place can access the Artwalk at a different and deeper level. The free-to-play event features multiple challenges for an immersive experience throughout the art installations. Concord Adexs idea for an immersive art experience was great and were proud to be part of it, said Craig Holland, CEO of Freeze Tag. People have become so accustomed to using their mobile devices and now the ArtWalk allows them to engage with the art pieces in new and unique ways. The Artwalk contains more than 20 commissions from local artists, which can be found through the Eventzee apps map feature. With scannable QR codes at each location, participants can check in and learn more about each installation, the artist, and other associated works from each creator. Players who check in to every piece of art will be entered to win various prizes that update every month. Using tech as a medium, youth will appreciate and engage in is key in encouraging interaction. We hope this progressive and condensed presentation will inspire many and we plan to develop the app further, said Terry Hui, President and CEO Concord Pacific Group. Our mentorship program also funds up-and-coming artists to create art that future generations will appreciate. Concord Adexs Artwalk aims to engage local youth to appreciate and understand the beauty that comes from artists of all backgrounds, with hopes to encourage some to become future artists. Artwalk is an ongoing event with more attractions added every month, including new events and art installations. For more information and to begin the Artwalk at Concord Park Place experience, download Eventzee from the App Store or Google Play Store and use code CONCORD to begin. If youre interested in learning more about hosting an Eventzee scavenger hunt, visit our website and contact our team to set up the best package for you. You can also email us at [email protected] or call us at 714-210-3850 x15. About Concord Adex and Concord Pacific Concord has been building Canadas largest lifestyle-forward urban communities for over 30 years. Under the leadership of President and CEO, Terry Hui, Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver and Concord CityPlace in Toronto are the countrys two largest urban master-plans and are mostly complete. Over the past decade Concord expanded with master-plans in North York (Concord Park Place) and five master-plans of scale in western Canada. Concord also expanded to Seattles tech hub in the United States and London, UK including Marylebone and the completion of Principal Tower in the Principal Place neighbourhood, home to Amazon UK. These communities are renowned for their vibrant urban planning and have been emulated globally. The award-winning developer is Canadas most substantial contributor of urban city parks and privately funded public art. In addition to their industry leading forward practices, including Concord BioSpace and EV Parking infrastructure and design, the companys Green Energy arm generates twice the amount of energy needed to power all the homes they have built. Visit concordpacific.com for more information. Concord ArtSpace / ArtWalk Concord developed their public art program to make art accessible to all and to inspire local youth to appreciate art and become future artists. Concord Pacifics public art plan for Concord Pacific Place, developed 30 years ago, is the model now referenced in all major cities across the country. Concords public art program has resulted in more than 60 permanent commissions of scale. Their mentorship program was created to assist new local and indigenous artists in pitching and communicating their art and culture to a public audience. About Freeze Tag, Inc. Freeze Tag, Inc. is a leading creator of mobile location-based games for consumers and businesses. Our portfolio includes hits such as Munzee, a social platform with more than 12 million locations worldwide and hundreds of thousands of players that blends gamification and geolocation into an experience that rewards players for going places in the physical world, WallaBee, an addictive collecting game with over 2,400 beautifully drawn digital cards, Painted Rocks App, a new and innovative way to track, share, and find painted and kindness rocks through an interactive map, as well as many social mobile games that provide endless hours of family-friendly fun. We also offer the Eventzee platform, a fully customizable gaming solution that allows organizations and businesses to create branded virtual, physical and hybrid scavenger hunts for their customers and constituents. For more information about Freeze Tag, go to: https://www.freezetag.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial uncertainties and risks. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections and reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the date of this release. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to, our ability to market our games, and our ability to implement new changes and release them. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason. Source: Freeze Tag, Inc. TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On behalf of a coalition of concerned consumer advocates, FAIR Canada is calling on governments and regulators to strengthen the complaint-handling system in Canada. It is time for urgent action on this important consumer protection issue. It has been almost a year since Prime Minister Trudeau called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, to create a single ombudsperson with binding authority. The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) have been contemplating the issue of binding authority since it was first identified as a significant issue more than 10 years ago. Earlier this month, the CSA finally announced they are developing a proposal for public comment in the coming year that contemplates providing the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) with the authority to make binding awards. In June and September of this year, the results of Professor Poonam Puris independent reviews of OBSI and ADR Chambers Banking Ombuds Office were released. They added yet another compelling voice to the repeated calls to establish a single ombuds service with binding authority. We fully support binding decisions and, given OBSIs long track record of serving the public interest, it should be selected as the sole complaint-handling service for banking and investment complaints, said Jean-Paul Bureaud, Executive Director, FAIR Canada. Its time for governments and regulators to act on these recommendations and address the serious shortcomings in the current system, added Mr. Bureaud. We believe binding authority will help address the problem of low-ball complaint settlements, in which a financial institution offers to settle a complaint for a lower amount than the independent ombudsman recommends. Alarmingly, the recent independent review found that over a five-year period, investors received almost $3 million less in settlements from investment firms than what OBSI had recommended. When it comes to having two different bodies handle banking complaints, Professor Puri makes it clear that it creates inefficiencies and increases complexities. And allowing banks to choose their external ombudsman negatively affects customers perceptions of the systems fairness. Consumers could be prejudiced or have different rights, depending on which ombuds service the bank selects. Were pleased that the CSA will finally be publishing a proposal next year. But this issue has dragged on for too many years and concrete action is urgently required. We also need action from the federal government to address consumer harm, said Mr. Bureaud. In terms of selecting a single ombudsperson with binding authority, OBSI is the obvious choice. We should not entertain further delays in making the complaint system fair for consumers. For further information, contact any of the undersigned members of concerned consumer advocates: Canadian Association of Retired PersonsBill VanGorderChief Policy Officer and CEO CanAgeJana RayChief Operating Officer Prosper CanadaElizabeth MulhollandCEO Option consommateursChristian CorbeilChief Executive Public Interest Advocacy CentreJohn LawfordExecutive Director/General Counsel Kenmar AssociatesKen KivenkoPresident FAIR CanadaJean-Paul BureaudPresident, CEO and Executive Director CFA Societies CanadaMichael ThomManaging Director About FAIR Canada FAIR Canada champions the rights of individual investors in Canada through advocacy, education, and regulatory advancements. We are the trusted, independent voice on significant issues that affect individual investors. As Canadas only non-profit, investor-focused organization, we provide informed, objective comment on regulatory issues that have an impact on investor fairness and protection. Learn more about investor rights at FAIRCanada.ca and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. For further information contact: Jean-Paul BureaudExecutive Director, FAIR Canada[email protected] Andrea DavidCommunications Specialist, FAIR Canada[email protected] Source: FAIR Canada Ann Arbor, Michigan, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19, tuberculosis (TB) is considered a major worldwide health threat accounting for nearly two million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet a team of University of Michigan researchers may have discovered the secret to advancing new treatments and vaccines for the first time in a century: mathematics. By applying machine learning algorithms, using complex mathematical and computational formulas, and writing hundreds of thousands of lines of computer code, applied mathematicians at the University of Michigan Medical School have created a groundbreaking whole lung simulation that is capable of reproducing activity in the lungs, lymph nodes, and blood vessels during a pulmonary TB infection. The first-of-its kind model featured in the most recent issue of SIAM News, a publication of Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) represents more than two decades of work to understand how the disease behaves in humans. Researchers are now using it to hold virtual clinical trials to test new drug regimens and develop novel vaccine approaches, something that hasnt been done since the first vaccine was developed in 1921. No one has ever been able to do this before, said Denise Kirschner, a mathematical biologist who heads Michigans Computational Immunobiology of Tuberculosis Lab. Because were accurately illustrating the disease dynamics occurring from the molecular level through the cellular level to whole organ levels, were able to identify which drug regimens and which doses will work better to treat the bacteria that causes TB, and soon, which vaccines will be most effective in preventing infection. This pioneering work is important because TB is notoriously challenging to treat due to the nature of granulomas (spherical, tumor-like clusters of immune cells) that form around invading bacteria in the lung as part of the bodys immune response. Kirschner explained that their formation, growth, propagation, and fate hold the key to modelling and understanding how to effectively treat TB, and the simulation offers researchers an unprecedented view into whats happening. The goal is to develop better treatments and vaccines because the one developed a century ago is not protective, she said, pointing to a recent rise in TB cases reported in Washington and California as an example that no country is immune to reemergence of the disease. This is an eradicable disease, but if we dont have the resources and understanding, we cant get at it. Kirschners team is currently working with the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Wellcome Trust, U.K. to identify treatments that perform better in a shorter amount of time, with less side effects and fewer required drugs. For example, the current regimen requires TB patients to take four drugs over the course of six to nine months. Failure to complete the entire course of prescribed antibiotics allows strains of TB to become drug resistant, which creates an even bigger problem. Using simulations which are based on a digitized model of a healthy monkey lung and rely on vast amounts of biological data from experiments that were conducted at the TB non-human primate center at the University of Pittsburgh (headed by JoAnne Flynn) researchers track the action inside the lung during an immune response to see exactly how different drugs penetrate and distribute to kill the bacteria responsible for infection. Early results of the technique, which is also being used to test new vaccine candidates, will be published next year. Weve been able to do things differently because now we can see the whole picture from the lung to the lymph nodes it drains to, to granulomas within the lungs, to the bacteria within the immune cells, and even the proteins that are secreted and communicating between cells during infection, said Kirschner, who hopes to extend her work to build an entire virtual human model in the future. While this disease has been endemic throughout the world with two billion people currently infected, it has largely been under control within the U.S. and U.K. Now that its on the rise again, were going to need new approaches to treat and prevent it. More information can be found at https://sinews.siam.org/Details-Page/multiscale-models-shed-light-on-tuberculosis. About SIAMSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an international society of more than 14,500 individual, academic, and corporate members from more than 100 countries. SIAM helps build cooperation between mathematics and the worlds of science and technology to solve real-world problems through publications, conferences, and communities like chapters, sections and activity groups. Learn more at siam.org. Gail Bergman Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics 1-877-986-1340 [email protected] Source: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Lexington, Mass., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation, a leading provider of endoscopic and endosurgical innovations, today announced that 510k clearance has been obtained for the new EG-740UT1 linear endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) scope, which is compatible with the Fujifilm ARIETTA 8502 ultrasound processor. The ARIETTA 850 is the longstanding go-to ultrasound processor for EUS procedures that became part of the Fujifilm product portfolio in March 2021 upon completion of the Hitachi business transfer. As part of Fujifilms next-generation 700 Series portfolio, the EG-740UT is the companys premium EUS scope designed for both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound procedures in the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum). Coupled with the ARIETTA 850 ultrasound processor, Fujifilm offers3 a full complement of EUS solutions suitable for the complex clinical needs of large academic medical centers and in addition to ambulatory surgical centers and community hospitals. The introduction of the EG-740UT and its compatibility with the ARIETTA 850 is truly the next step in advancing therapeutic EUS for our customers, says Taisuke Fujita, general manager of endoscopy at FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation. This all-Fujifilm solution delivers high-end, all-around clinical performance, and were proud to bring therapeutic endoscopists this vital technology to manage the patient care pathway from diagnosis to treatment across care settings. About the ARIETTA 850: The ARIETTA 850 ultrasound processor for EUS procedure is equipped with Fujifilms ultrasonic transmission and reception technology "eFocusing" and image processing technology "Carving Imaging" making it possible to render clear ultrasound images for visualization and tissue acquisition in the target organ. In addition, the ARIETTA 850 is equipped with various diagnostic applications such as "Real-time Tissue Elastography (RTE)," which uses color to express variations in tissue elasticity, and "Shear Wave Measurement,4 which can quantitatively evaluate the elasticity of the tissue. These additional diagnostic tools provide physicians the ability to locate, target, and obtain accurate and precise tissue samples from the intended organ, enabling them to streamline care and shape treatment plans. We evaluated Fujifilm's ARIETTA 850 ultrasound processor with their linear and radial EUS scopes at Brigham and Womens Hospital and immediately appreciated the image quality and scope performance enabled by this combination of cutting-edge technologies, says Christopher Thompson, MD, director of endoscopy, co-director, Center for Weight Management and Wellness, Brigham and Womens Hospital, professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School. Fujifilm is truly innovating in the EUS space, and were excited to bring these technologies into our daily practice." About the EG-740UT: The EG-740UT features a high-performance transducer which adjusts piezoelectric direction and enables high ultrasonic conversion efficiency allowing the ultrasound to pick up small signals from the target tissue. The scopes distal end has been reconfigured with changes made to the positioning of the camera lens, transducer and instrument channel outlet which result in increased visibility of treatment devices. The scope is also equipped with Fujifilms "G-LOCK" mechanism, which can fixate the guidewire during intra procedural instrument exchange, which may reduce the complexity and duration of instrument exchanges. The EG-740UT enables the performance of a greater variety of therapeutic techniques - including double guidewire techniques - as its larger 4.0mm working channel decreases the resistance for larger caliber stents designed for endoscopic ultrasound-guided transluminal drainage. In addition, the scope is equipped with the features and benefits of Fujifilms 700 Series portfolio, including the companys one-step connector - which eliminates the need to attach a separate video connector - and compatibility with advanced visualization modes including Blue Light Imaging and Linked Color Imaging. Together these features help to streamline procedures and reduce the need to exchange for a second, diagnostic scope mid-procedure, allowing for one scope the EG-740UT to be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Fujifilms Full EUS Portfolio: With the addition of the EG-740UT, Fujifilm now offers three EUS scopes (EG-580UT Curved Linear and EG-580UR Radial), which are compatible with the companys two ultrasound processors: the legacy SU-1 Platinum processor as well as the ARIETTA 850. The combined EG-740UT and ARIETTA 850 will be available for demonstration along with Fujifilms entire GI Endoscopy product portfolio in booth #615 at the American College of Gastroenterologys (ACG) 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting. ACG will be held October 23-25, 2022 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. To learn more or schedule your product demonstration, visit Fujifilm Endoscopy online or contact your local sales representative. 1 The EG-740UT is designed and manufactured by FUJIFILM Corporation2 The ARIETTA 850 is designed and manufactured by FUJIFILM Healthcare Corporation.3 The EG-740UT and the compatible ARIETTA 850 will be commercially available in the U.S. in early 2023. 4 Shear Wave Measurement is compatible with the EG-740UT EUS scope. About Fujifilm FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation is a comprehensive healthcare company that has an extensive range of technology and expertise in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Fujifilms innovative medical imaging portfolio includes solutions for digital radiography, mammography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, gastroenterology, pulmonology, endosurgery, and minimally invasive surgery. The award-winning Synapse Enterprise Imaging portfolio provides healthcare professionals with the cross-departmental imaging and data access needed to deliver a complete patient record. Fujifilms AI initiative, REiLI, combines Fujifilms rich image-processing heritage with cutting-edge AI innovations to inspire clinical confidence and combat burnout. The In-Vitro Diagnostic portfolio provides the gold standard of molecular based immunoassay technology for liver surveillance, cutting edge clinical diagnostic chemicals for leading laboratories and diagnostic chemicals for OEM white labeling products. The company is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit healthcaresolutions-us.fujifilm.com FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, leverages its depth of knowledge and proprietary core technologies to deliver Value from Innovation in our products and services in the business segments of healthcare, materials, business innovation, and imaging. Our relentless pursuit of innovation is focused on providing social value and enhancing the lives of people worldwide. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information about Fujifilms Sustainable Value Plan 2030, click here. For the year ended March 31, 2022, the company had global revenues of approximately 2.5 trillion yen (21 billion $USD at an exchange rate of 122 yen/dollar). For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com. Attachments Danielle Brown FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation 9145743273 [email protected] Source: FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation Company enables endoscopic ultrasound scope compatibility for its ARIETTA 850 ultrasound processor with its newly 510k cleared EG-740UT scope Lexington, Mass., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation, a leading provider of endoscopic and endosurgical innovations, today announced that 510k clearance has been obtained for the new EG-740UT1 linear endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) scope, which is compatible with the Fujifilm ARIETTA 8502 ultrasound processor. The ARIETTA 850 is the longstanding go-to ultrasound processor for EUS procedures that became part of the Fujifilm product portfolio in March 2021 upon completion of the Hitachi business transfer. As part of Fujifilms next-generation 700 Series portfolio, the EG-740UT is the companys premium EUS scope designed for both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound procedures in the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum). Coupled with the ARIETTA 850 ultrasound processor, Fujifilm offers3 a full complement of EUS solutions suitable for the complex clinical needs of large academic medical centers and in addition to ambulatory surgical centers and community hospitals. The introduction of the EG-740UT and its compatibility with the ARIETTA 850 is truly the next step in advancing therapeutic EUS for our customers, says Taisuke Fujita, general manager of endoscopy at FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation. This all-Fujifilm solution delivers high-end, all-around clinical performance, and were proud to bring therapeutic endoscopists this vital technology to manage the patient care pathway from diagnosis to treatment across care settings. About the ARIETTA 850: The ARIETTA 850 ultrasound processor for EUS procedure is equipped with Fujifilms ultrasonic transmission and reception technology "eFocusing" and image processing technology "Carving Imaging" making it possible to render clear ultrasound images for visualization and tissue acquisition in the target organ. In addition, the ARIETTA 850 is equipped with various diagnostic applications such as "Real-time Tissue Elastography (RTE)," which uses color to express variations in tissue elasticity, and "Shear Wave Measurement,4 which can quantitatively evaluate the elasticity of the tissue. These additional diagnostic tools provide physicians the ability to locate, target, and obtain accurate and precise tissue samples from the intended organ, enabling them to streamline care and shape treatment plans. We evaluated Fujifilm's ARIETTA 850 ultrasound processor with their linear and radial EUS scopes at Brigham and Womens Hospital and immediately appreciated the image quality and scope performance enabled by this combination of cutting-edge technologies, says Christopher Thompson, MD, director of endoscopy, co-director, Center for Weight Management and Wellness, Brigham and Womens Hospital, professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School. Fujifilm is truly innovating in the EUS space, and were excited to bring these technologies into our daily practice." About the EG-740UT: The EG-740UT features a high-performance transducer which adjusts piezoelectric direction and enables high ultrasonic conversion efficiency allowing the ultrasound to pick up small signals from the target tissue. The scopes distal end has been reconfigured with changes made to the positioning of the camera lens, transducer and instrument channel outlet which result in increased visibility of treatment devices. The scope is also equipped with Fujifilms "G-LOCK" mechanism, which can fixate the guidewire during intra procedural instrument exchange, which may reduce the complexity and duration of instrument exchanges. The EG-740UT enables the performance of a greater variety of therapeutic techniques - including double guidewire techniques - as its larger 4.0mm working channel decreases the resistance for larger caliber stents designed for endoscopic ultrasound-guided transluminal drainage. In addition, the scope is equipped with the features and benefits of Fujifilms 700 Series portfolio, including the companys one-step connector - which eliminates the need to attach a separate video connector - and compatibility with advanced visualization modes including Blue Light Imaging and Linked Color Imaging. Together these features help to streamline procedures and reduce the need to exchange for a second, diagnostic scope mid-procedure, allowing for one scope the EG-740UT to be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Fujifilms Full EUS Portfolio: With the addition of the EG-740UT, Fujifilm now offers three EUS scopes (EG-580UT Curved Linear and EG-580UR Radial), which are compatible with the companys two ultrasound processors: the legacy SU-1 Platinum processor as well as the ARIETTA 850. The combined EG-740UT and ARIETTA 850 will be available for demonstration along with Fujifilms entire GI Endoscopy product portfolio in booth #615 at the American College of Gastroenterologys (ACG) 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting. ACG will be held October 23-25, 2022 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. To learn more or schedule your product demonstration, visit Fujifilm Endoscopy online or contact your local sales representative. 1 The EG-740UT is designed and manufactured by FUJIFILM Corporation 2 The ARIETTA 850 is designed and manufactured by FUJIFILM Healthcare Corporation. 3 The EG-740UT and the compatible ARIETTA 850 will be commercially available in the U.S. in early 2023. 4 Shear Wave Measurement is compatible with the EG-740UT EUS scope. About Fujifilm FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation is a comprehensive healthcare company that has an extensive range of technology and expertise in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Fujifilms innovative medical imaging portfolio includes solutions for digital radiography, mammography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, gastroenterology, pulmonology, endosurgery, and minimally invasive surgery. The award-winning Synapse Enterprise Imaging portfolio provides healthcare professionals with the cross-departmental imaging and data access needed to deliver a complete patient record. Fujifilms AI initiative, REiLI, combines Fujifilms rich image-processing heritage with cutting-edge AI innovations to inspire clinical confidence and combat burnout. The In-Vitro Diagnostic portfolio provides the gold standard of molecular based immunoassay technology for liver surveillance, cutting edge clinical diagnostic chemicals for leading laboratories and diagnostic chemicals for OEM white labeling products. The company is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit healthcaresolutions-us.fujifilm.com FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, leverages its depth of knowledge and proprietary core technologies to deliver Value from Innovation in our products and services in the business segments of healthcare, materials, business innovation, and imaging. Our relentless pursuit of innovation is focused on providing social value and enhancing the lives of people worldwide. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information about Fujifilms Sustainable Value Plan 2030, click here. For the year ended March 31, 2022, the company had global revenues of approximately 2.5 trillion yen (21 billion $USD at an exchange rate of 122 yen/dollar). For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com. Attachments WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The flu season is here, and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) encourages simple steps to protect people from the triple threat of flu, COVID-19, and common respiratory illnesses, including pediatric enterovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Now is the right time to get a COVID vaccine and a flu shot, said Christopher S. Kang, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. If you didnt get both yet, it is not too late. Getting the vaccines at any point during flu season is better than not getting them at all. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ACEP and other expert organizations advise annual flu vaccinations for anyone six months of age and older, with rare exceptions. Flu shots are safe, effective, and getting vaccinated remains one of the easiest ways to protect against severe illness and hospitalization. We know that vaccines work, and we see firsthand how severe COVID and flu can become when for those whose vaccinations are not up-to-date, said Dr. Kang. People can protect themselves and prevent serious illness from spreading by getting vaccinated and boosted. Flu can typically be treated at home, but it is important to know when to contact your primary care provider or go to the emergency department for flu symptoms. People more likely to experience flu-related health complications include young children, those 65 and older, individuals who are pregnant, and people with certain medical conditions. The flu shot cannot give anyone the flu and reactions, which tend to be mild, can include arm soreness, headache, fever, or nausea. The updated COVID booster can be protective against recent as well as the currently evolving versions of the virus, including the BQ.1 and BQ1.1 strains. The CDC says that it is safe to get both COVID and flu vaccinations at the same time. After receiving both vaccines at the same time, common reactions tend to be mild and resolve on their own, including fatigue, headache, or arm soreness. Some emergency physicians are seeing a recent uptick in children with respiratory infections, including RSV, a common virus that can cause lung infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. There are not many approved treatments and no vaccines specifically for RSV. However, the same steps that limit exposure to all respiratory viruses can limit the risks of adults or children getting RSV. The protective measures that we all knowmasks, handwashing and vaccineshelp reduce exposure to a combination of respiratory viruses that continue to pose health risks as people go about their winter activities. ### The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million people they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org. Steve Arnoff American College of Emergency Physicians 202-728-0610 [email protected] Source: American College of Emergency Physicians CHARLOTTE, N. C., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glatfelter Corporation (NYSE: GLT), announced today that it expects to issue its 2022 third-quarter results on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Management will hold a conference call at 11:00 AM (ET) that morning to discuss the Companys results. Glatfelters earnings release and an accompanying financial supplement, which includes significant financial information to be discussed on the conference call, will be available on its Investor Relations website at https://www.glatfelter.com/investors/. What: Q3 2022 Glatfelter Earnings Conference Call When: Thursday, November 3, 2022 11:00 a.m. (ET) Participant Dial-in Number: (323) 794-2551 (800) 239-9838 Conference ID: 7909015 Webcast registry: Q3 2022 Glatfelter Earnings Webcast OR access via our website: Glatfelter Webcasts and Presentations You may preregister for the webcast to receive email alerts. Replay will be available, via the webcast link, approximately 2 hours after the conclusion of our earnings call. About Glatfelter Glatfelter is a leading global supplier of engineered materials with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The Companys high quality, technology-driven, innovative, and customizable nonwovens solutions can be found in products that are Enhancing Everyday Life. These include personal care and hygiene products, food and beverage filtration, critical cleaning products, medical and personal protection, packaging products, as well as home improvement and industrial applications. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the Companys 2021 net sales were $1.1 billion with approximately 3,250 employees worldwide. Glatfelters operations utilize a variety of manufacturing technologies including airlaid, wetlaid and spunlace with sixteen manufacturing sites located in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and the Philippines. The Company has sales offices in all major geographies serving customers under the Glatfelter and Sontara brands. Additional information about Glatfelter may be found at www.glatfelter.com. Contacts: Investors: Media: Ramesh Shettigar Eileen L. Beck (717) 225-2746 (717) 225-2793 Source: Glatfelter Corporation Kruh 28 also has a potentially significant new gas reservoir Two potential additional new oil formations also discovered at Kruh Block Additional new seismic operations seek to maximize returns from the Kruh Block drilling program JAKARTA, INDONESIA AND DANVILLE, CA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Indonesia Energy Corporation (NYSE American: INDO) ("IEC"), an oil and gas exploration and production company focused on Indonesia, today announced that it has discovered oil in its Kruh 28 well. Kruh 28 is the second of two back-to-back wells being drilled by IEC during 2022 at its 63,000-acre Kruh Block. The Kruh 28 well reached the final total depth at 3,475 feet depth on September 16, 2022. Approximately 135 feet of oil sands were encountered at Kruh 28 between the depths of 3,165 and 3,300 feet. This oil-bearing interval (meaning the top of the oil zone to the bottom of the oil zone) in the Kruh 28 well was 6 feet thicker and therefore larger than anticipated, meaning that the total reserve potential for Kruh 28 could be larger than anticipated. Based on these drilling results and testing, IEC expects production could begin at Kruh 28 by the end of November 2022. In addition, as previously announced, IEC unexpectedly found evidence of a potential natural gas bearing reservoir between the 976 and 1,006 feet interval with 30 feet net thickness. This initial evidence was supported by both wireline logging and geologic logging data, and subsequent gas flaring. Moreover, in an effort to maximize the potential of Kruh Block after several encouraging new oil discoveries made by IEC during 2021 and 2022, after production begins at Kruh 27 and Kruh 28, but before continuing with additional production drilling operations, IEC is planning to conduct significant new seismic operations across the entire Kruh Block. IEC believes that this new work, together with what has been learned from recent oil and gas discoveries, will greatly assist IEC in ascertaining the best locations to re-start a continuous drilling campaign at Kruh Block that will look to develop not only the one formation currently being targeted, but to look to develop what appears to be at least two potential additional oil formations that could contain significant commercial quantites of oil and natural gas. Completion and full interpretation of this seismic operations will take approximately 12 months, after which IEC plans to re-start its continuous drilling campaign at Kruh Block. IEC still plans on drilling a total of 18 new wells at Kruh Block, four of which have already been completed, but now by the end of 2025 rather than 2024 as previously announced. This change in the Kruh Block drilling program was previously disclosed in IECs mid-year Form 6-K report filed with the SEC on September 29, 2022. IEC can conduct this new, potential maximizing seismic work based on its fundraising efforts during 2022, where the Company has raised approximately $12 million (net of fees and expenses) from investors. As previously disclosed, wells drilled that average production of 100 barrels of oil per day over the first year of production and based on the terms of IECs contract with the Indonesian government and an oil price of $80.00/barrel (which is approximately 15% below yesterdays closing price for Brent crude), each well is expected to generate $2.1 million in net revenue in its first twelve months, which is more than enough to recover the cost of drilling the well in only the first year of production. The Kruh Block is located on Sumatra Island, where IEC is already producing oil from 5 existing wells. Mr. Frank Ingriselli, IEC's President, commented "The Kruh 28 well continues our string of successful discovery wells and is another a significant achievement for our company. Our results at Kruh 28 reinforce our belief that Kruh Block is a world class asset and, in order to maximize shareholder returns, we are planning on conducting significant seismic operations across the entire Kruh Block so that based on what we have learned from our recent discoveries, including our gas discovery, we can determine the best locations to re-start our continuous drilling campaign. Additionally, we will also be moving forward during 2023 with developmental activities at our potential billion-barrel equivalent natural gas 1,000,000-acre Citarum Block, where the previous operator drilled a few gas discoveries. In short, weve never been more excited about IECs potential, and we look forward to continuing our efforts as we seek to drive shareholder value." About Indonesia Energy Corporation Limited Indonesia Energy Corporation Limited (NYSE American: INDO) is a publicly traded energy company engaged in the acquisition and development of strategic, high growth energy projects in Indonesia. IECs principal assets are its Kruh Block (63,000 acres) located onshore on the Island of Sumatra in Indonesia and its Citarum Block (1,000,000 acres) located onshore on the Island of Java in Indonesia. IEC is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia and has a representative office in Danville, California. For more information on IEC, please visit www.indo-energy.com . Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release of Indonesia Energy Corporation Limited (IEC) and its representatives and partners that are not based on historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Acts). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "estimates," "believes," "hopes," "expects," "intends," on-track, "plans," "anticipates," or "may," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Acts and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Acts. Any statements made in this news release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. While management has based any forward-looking statements contained herein on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the IEC's control, that could cause actual results (including, without limitation, the anticipated results of IECs exploration, drilling and production activities and the impact of such activities on IECs results of operations as described herein) to materially and adversely differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not necessarily limited to, those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Companys annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed on May 2, 2022, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies are of such documents are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. IEC undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Company Contact : Frank C. Ingriselli President, Indonesia Energy Corporation Limited [email protected] SEATTLE, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA) (Jones Soda or the Company), the original craft soda known for its unconventional flavors and user-submitted photo labels, will hold a conference call on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. The financial results will be reported in a press release prior to the conference call. Jones Soda management will host the conference call, followed by a question and answer period. Investors and analysts are encouraged to submit questions they would like management to address during the discussion via email to [email protected] by Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. During the question and answer period, management will respond to appropriate and common themes submitted online. Date: Thursday, November 3, 2022 Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) Toll-free dial-in number: 1-866-575-6539 International dial-in number: 1-323-794-2551 Conference ID: 9785751 Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Gateway Group at 1-949-574-3860. The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay here and via the investor relations section of the Companys website at www.jonessoda.com. A replay of the conference call will be available after 7:30 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through November 10, 2022. Toll-free replay number: 1-844-512-2921 International replay number: 1-412-317-6671 Replay ID: 9785751 About Jones Soda Co. Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA) is a leading craft soda manufacturer with a subsidiary dedicated to cannabis products. The company markets and distributes premium craft sodas under the Jones Soda and Lemoncocco brands, and a variety of cannabis products under the Mary Jones brand. Jones' mainstream soda line is sold across North America in glass bottles, cans and on fountain through traditional beverage outlets, restaurants and alternative accounts. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com, www.myjones.com, www.drinklemoncocco.com or www.MaryJonesCannabis.com. Company Contact: Mark Murray President and CEO 1-206-624-3357 Investor Relations Contact: Cody Cree Gateway Group, Inc. 1-949-574-3860 [email protected] Media Relations Contact: Jim Capalbo [email protected] SILICON VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Meriwest Credit Union joins over 56,000 credit unions around the world to celebrate International Credit Union (ICU) Day. The theme of ICU Day 2022 is Empower Your Financial Future with a Credit Union. ICU Day highlights the many ways that credit unions around the world have helped members improve their financial well-being and support their communities. Meriwest CU, built on the principle of People Helping People, has turned that philosophy into action for more than 60 years, providing access to affordable financial products and striving to meet the needs of underserved communities. This relationship with the community has led to several prestigious awards for Meriwest Credit Union in 2022; a Desjardin Financial Education Award from the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues (CCUL), recognition as the Best Credit Union in Silicon Valley by the readers of The Mercury News, and a Best Place to Work award, presented by the San Francisco Business Times and the Silicon Valley Business Journal. The Silicon Valley Business Journal and San Francisco Business Times unveiled the results of the Best Places to Work survey in May 2022, ranking Meriwest as one of the top companies to work for in Silicon Valley. Meriwest was one of the select employers winning the award in recognition of creating an exceptional workplace and culture that their employees value highly. Recognition as the Best Credit Union in Silicon Valley in the Mercury News 21st Annual Readers Choice Awards, is a tribute to the Meriwest staff, not only for their work in meeting members financial needs with a smile, but for their efforts in the community as Meriwest CU conducted financial literacy workshops for over 8,000 community residents and funded over $1M in grants in 2021. Meriwest Credit Union also received a 2022 Adult Desjardins Financial Education award from the CCUL for their superior financial education programs and support of local organizations and schools. Financial literacy resources were held in partnership with local nonprofits and helped thousands of community residents, including members, nonmembers, and underserved clients, reach their financial goals. Meriwest is a credit union that lives by the People Helping People philosophy and is honored to be a part of International Credit Union Day, as they work every day towards making a difference in our community. Meriwest Credit Union, working for you Today, Tomorrow, Together. About Meriwest Credit Union Founded in San Jose, California on May 5, 1961, Meriwest Credit Union, one of Silicon Valleys largest and most established financial institutions, provides proactive, personal, convenient, and innovative financial services to over 90,000 families and businesses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Pima County, Arizona. Meriwest is one of the top-200 largest credit unions in the United States with assets in excess of $2 billion, and offers a wide array of personal banking, business banking, and wealth advisory products and services to members. The credit union was voted Best Credit Union in Silicon Valley in this years Mercury News 21st Annual Readers Choice Awards and a Best Place to Work by the Silicon Valley Business Journal 2020 through 2022. More information can be found at www.meriwest.com. Contact:Helen Grays-JonesMeriwest Credit UnionCommunity Relations ManagerDirect Line: 408-365-6328[email protected] Source: Meriwest Credit Union LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MetAlert, Inc. (OTC: MLRT), a pioneer in the field of health & safety, wearable GPS human and asset tracking systems, announced it has received final approval from the regulatory bodies and completed all of the corporate actions filed in their 14c on July 19. MetAlert, Inc., formerly known as GTX Corp, is now operating and trading under its new ticker symbol MLRT. As part of its marketing strategy, MetAlert, has also retained North Equities Corp to provide digital marketing services aimed at building awareness of its rebranding and positioning in the medical device, telehealth, and remote patient monitoring (RPM) industry. Patrick Bertagna, MetAlert CEO, commented on this development by saying, "We believe that North Equities brings unique skills and expertise that will help strengthen our existing team, as we continue to grow and build recognition in the marketplace. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and with our teams expertise in digital marketing and keen focus on strategic brand building, we look forward to achieving great things in the future as we navigate the ever-changing markets of today. Since the rebranding went effective MetAlert has received a significant amount of media coverage both domestically and internationally. The Company was mentioned in dozens of U.S. media outlets including FOX News, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, Yahoo Finance, NY Business Digest, PubCo Insights, Belmont Star, Herald Market and Security Solutions Watch. Internationally, MetAlert news was reported in Mexico, Canada, Japan, India, Thailand, Brazil, Germany, and New Zealand. Link to the recent press: https://metalert.com/metalert-media-coverage-index/Recent Stock Day Podcast Interview The Company has several scheduled interviews in the coming weeks and will continue its media campaign to increase brand awareness for MetAlert and explain its broader vison centered around solutions that improve health, safety, wellness, longevity, and quality of life. For all press or sales inquiries, please contact us at [email protected] About MetAlert MetAlert, Inc. (OTC: MLRT) a pioneer in smart, mobile, and wearable tracking and recovery location-based solutions, supported through a proprietary IoT enterprise monitoring platform and intellectual property portfolio. The Company offers a global end-to-end solution of hardware, software and connectivity and develops two-way GPS tracking technologies, which seamlessly integrate with consumer products and enterprise applications. Utilizing the latest in miniaturized, low power consumption GPS, Cellular, RF, NFC and BLE technology, enabling subscribers to track in real time the whereabouts of people or high value assets. Known for its game-changing and award-winning patented GPS SmartSole -- think Dr. Scholls meets LoJack, the worlds first invisible wearable technology tracking device created for those at risk of wandering due to Alzheimers, dementia, autism, and traumatic brain injury. MetAlerts business model is built around technology innovation and holds dozens of patents, with many issued patents in the area of GPS tracking. The company has international distributors servicing customers across the globe with subscribers in over 40 countries and is a U.S. Military Government contractor. Other customers include public health authorities and municipalities, emergency and law enforcement, private schools, assisted living facilities, NGOs, small business enterprises, senior care homes, and consumers. www.MetAlert.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/metalertinc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metalertinc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metalertinc/ Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. The terms and phrases expects, would, will, believes, and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by MetAlert considering its experience and its perception of current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that MetAlert believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause MetAlerts actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain risk factors that may cause actual results to differ are set forth in MetAlerts Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (which may be obtained on the SEC Website). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on MetAlerts forward-looking statements. MetAlert has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required. Disclaimer: MetAlert does not warrant or represent that the unauthorized use of materials drawn from the content of this document will not infringe rights of third parties who are not owned or affiliated by MetAlert. Further MetAlert cannot be held responsible or liable for the unauthorized use of this documents content by third parties unknown to the company. General information, investor relations, wholesale licensing, consumer purchase: MetAlert, Inc.Tel: 213.489.3019Email: [email protected] MetAlert United Kingdom, LondonNelson Skip RiddleTel: +44 7785 364100 Email: [email protected] Source: MetAlert Inc. Washington, D.C., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance, a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group, filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today in support of a petition for writ of certiorari in Lenair Moses v. United States. Lenair Moses is challenging the lower courts application of Stinson deference to sentence him as a career offender based on language in interpretive commentary to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) that appears nowhere in the Guidelines themselves. NCLAs amicus brief urges the Supreme Court to grant Mr. Mosess petition and to put an end to the unconstitutional doctrine of Stinson deference once and for all. Alternatively, at the very least, NCLA argues that the Supreme Court must rule that Stinson deference is unconstitutional whenever it would result in an increased criminal sentence, as it did for Mr. Moses. Following the Supreme Courts 1993 decision in Stinson v. United States, the courts of appeals began to give nearly dispositive weight to the U.S. Sentencing Commissions commentary to the Sentencing Guidelineseven over the plain text of the Guidelines. However, when the Court decided Kisor v. Wilkie in 2019, all nine Justices agreed on the need to reinforce and further develop limitations on the deference courts owe to an administrative agencys interpretation of its own rules.They concluded that courts may defer to an agencys interpretation only if a rule or regulation remains genuinely ambiguous after the court has applied all its traditional tools of statutory construction. NCLA argues that Stinson deference raises serious constitutional concerns, as it commands judges to defer as a matter of course to the judgment of a litigant before themthe government litigantwhich denies the criminal defendant any semblance of due process. When Stinson deference is applied, the government litigant wins based on commentary even to Sentencing Guidelines that are unambiguous so long as the commentary is not plainly erroneous or inconsistent with the Guidelines. NCLAs brief points out that due process requires lenity in the interpretation of criminal statutes to preclude criminal punishment when Congress did not provide a fair warning through clear statutory language. Hence, ambiguous criminal laws must be interpreted in favor of the defendant. NCLA argues that lenity is a traditional tool of statutory construction that the courts must apply before resorting to deference. The Third, Sixth, and D.C. Circuits have recognized that a strict reading of Stinson is inconsistent with the Supreme Courts modern administrative-law jurisprudence, the Sentencing Commissions legal authority, and the Constitution. A majority of circuits, however, continues to adhere to the outdated language in Stinson and refuses to reconsider circuit precedent in light of Kisor. Only the Supreme Court can resolve this dispute by clarifying that courts do not owe deference to Commission commentaryparticularly when it expands the Guidelines or increases a criminal defendants sentence. This week, NCLA also submitted a Comment in response to the U.S. Sentencing Commissions Proposed 2022-2023 Priorities, specifically challenging the widespread practice of extending judicial deference to the U.S. Sentencing Commissions commentary to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. NCLA released the following statement: Despite the fact that the Commissions commentary to the Sentencing Guidelines is merely advisory and not the law, Stinson deference commands courts to pay overwhelming deference to the Commission in its application of harsh criminal sentenceseven when the Commissions interpretation exceeds the Guidelines outer bounds. It is high time for the Supreme Court to intervene and make clear that the Commission cannot use its commentary to skirt congressional review, unilaterally expand the Guidelines, and impose draconian sentences on criminal defendants whose liberty will remain at risk across the nation until the Court ends this unconstitutional practice. Casey Norman, Attorney, NCLA For more information about this issue visit here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### Judy Pino New Civil Liberties Alliance 202-869-5218 [email protected] Source: New Civil Liberties Alliance TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexus Industrial REIT (the "REIT") (TSX: NXR.UN) announced today that it intends to release its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 on Monday, November 14, 2022 after the close of the market. Management of the REIT will host a conference call at 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday November 15, 2022 to review the financial results and operations. To participate in the conference call, please dial 416-915-3239 or 1-800-319-4610 (toll free in Canada and the US) at least five minutes prior to the start time and ask to join the Nexus Industrial REIT conference call. A recording of the conference call will be available until December 15, 2022. To access the recording, please dial 604-674-8052 or 1-855-669-9658 (toll free in Canada and the US) and enter access code 9580.October and November 2022 Distributions The REIT will make a cash distribution in the amount of $0.05333 per unit, representing $0.64 per unit on an annualized basis, payable November 15, 2022 to unitholders of record as of October 31, 2022. The REIT will also make a cash distribution in the amount of $0.05333 per unit, representing $0.64 per unit on an annualized basis, payable December 15, 2022 to unitholders of record as of November 30, 2022. The REITs distribution reinvestment plan (DRIP) entitles eligible unitholders to elect to receive all, or a portion of the cash distributions of the REIT reinvested in units of the REIT. Eligible unitholders who so elect will receive a bonus distribution of units equal to 4% of each distribution that was reinvested by them under the DRIP. About Nexus Industrial REIT Nexus is a growth-oriented real estate investment trust focused on increasing unitholder value through the acquisition of industrial properties located in primary and secondary markets in Canada and potentially including the United States, and the ownership and management of its portfolio of properties. The REIT currently owns a portfolio of 109 properties (including two properties held for development in which the REIT has an 80% interest) comprising approximately 10.6 million square feet of gross leasable area. The REIT has approximately 58,548,000 Units issued and outstanding. Additionally, there are Class B LP Units of subsidiary limited partnerships of Nexus issued and outstanding, which are convertible into approximately 20,724,000 Units. For further information please contact:Kelly C. Hanczyk, CEO at (416) 906-2379 orRob Chiasson, CFO at (416) 613-1262. Source: Nexus Industrial REIT TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starting in mid-December, residents of Northern Ontario can escape the cold and look forward to more sun, sand and sea with the return of weekly Sunwing flights to some of the most popular sun destinations. Sunwing will be offering weekly flights from Sudbury to Punta Cana and from North Bay to Varadero, two of the most popular sun destinations that are well loved by customers for their warm climates, prime beachfront locations and range of resorts tailored to every style and budget. We are thrilled to return to Northern Ontario this winter season and provide weekly flights to some of the most loved Sunwing destinations from Sudbury and North Bay airports, said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations for Sunwing. After a challenging few years, demand for all inclusive travel is rapidly surging. Plus, with a cold winter season on the horizon, its the perfect opportunity for Northern Ontario residents to escape to the sun and enjoy an all inclusive Sunwing vacation in paradise. Whats more, they can easily travel from their airport of choice, spending less time getting to their destination, for a seamless getaway under our wing. Sunwing will be offering weekly flights from Sudbury to Punta Cana on Wednesdays starting on December 14, 2022 until April 12, 2023, and weekly flights from North Bay to Varadero on Thursdays starting on December 15, 2022 until April 13, 2023. We are thrilled to welcome Sunwing back to Greater Sudbury for another season, said Givoanna Verrilli, CEO of the Greater Sudbury Airport. Sunwings direct flight service from Sudbury to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is a very popular and convenient sun destination choice for Sudbury travellers. We are excited for Sunwings return to North Bay this winter season, which is providing additional flight options for the region, added Bryan Avery, Airport Manager for North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation. With travel restrictions behind us, many residents are eager to get back to the tropics and travel directly from North Bay. Were so pleased to partner with Sunwing to offer convenient travel options to Varadero, Cuba. With a short flight departing from North Bay, residents can easily leave work, worries and winter behind this coming season. Residents of Northern Ontario can do more, explore more and celebrate more in paradise this winter season, and enjoy savings of up to 40% on vacation packages during Sunwings Save More Event*, on now until November 6, 2022. Plus, for a limited time, customers can enjoy added perks such as room upgrades on select packages. For even more value, customers can add one of Sunwings Worry Free insurance plans and enjoy added peace of mind when travelling this winter. *Terms and conditions apply. About Sunwing The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the companys own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid. For more information: Melanie Anne FilippDirector, Corporate Communications & Media RelationsSunwing Travel Group1-800-387-5602 | [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c1c2b33-49c5-4f98-a3e2-7e953185b5a4 Northern Ontario residents can escape the cold with Sunwing Sunwing brings back weekly flights to beloved tropical destinations from Sudbury and North Bay Source: Sunwing Vacations Inc. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northpointe Bank is honored to be named the number seven top-performing bank in the nation by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for 2021. The ICBA compiled this year's rankings with the aim of recognizing community banks that are consistent high performers. Using FDIC data, they took pre-tax return-on-assets (ROA) figures from the past three years, with the most recent year weighted more heavily. "We are excited to have earned the ICBA's top-performing bank recognition once again," said Chuck Williams, Northpointe Bank President & CEO. "We seek to build trusted life-long relationships with our customers, employees and communities. At Northpointe, people are the center of everything we do." Within the past year, Northpointe Bank expanded its market share with new home loan centers in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, and Texas. This expansion allows Northpointe to help more clients reach their financial goals, maintaining a 98% client satisfaction through the second quarter in 2022. This is the ninth year Northpointe Bank has been named as a top-performing community bank out of approximately 5,000 ICBA member banks. Northpointe attributes its consistent success to a client-first approach with its residential lending and retail banking businesses. Its customers are offered more loan products, including zero down payment loans, new construction lending and personalized portfolio loans. Northpointe's strong financial performance is also attributed to offering high-yielding savings accounts that are among the best rates in the nation*. About Northpointe BankNorthpointe Bank works to be a different kind of bank, putting "you" at the center of everything they do. For each of the past nine years, Independent Community Bankers of America has ranked Northpointe Bank as a top-performing bank in the nation out of approximately 5,000 ICBA member banks**. To learn more about Northpointe, visit www.northpointe.com # # # * - Source: For the past three years, Northpointe Bank's savings rate is consistently higher than the national average savings rate on balances $5,000 - $2,000,000 based on quarterly rate surveys extracted by NCUA from S&P Global Market Intelligence databases dating back to January 2017. ** - Source: Best Performing Community Banks; Independent Community Bankers of America ranked Northpointe Bank as best performing bank according to return-on-equity for banks with assets over $1 billion. Contact Information: Michael J. Winks President, Lending & Retail Banking [email protected] 616-974-8406 Related Images Image 1: Northpointe Bank Operations Center Photo credit: JJ Jetel Photography This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Northpointe Bank Operations Center Northpointe Bank Operations Center Source: Northpointe Bank $310 million base purchase price expected to be funded by cash on hand and existing credit lines Enhances scale and geographic diversification, increasing total throughput capacity to approximately 218,000 bpd Expect over $30 million in commercial and cost synergies Billings refinery and associated marketing and logistics assets enhance Par Pacifics existing Pacific Northwest market position Well-positioned to source discounted Western Canadian and regional Rockies crude grades through attractive pipeline system Expected to be immediately accretive to Adjusted Net Income and Free Cash Flow per share HOUSTON, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PARR) (Par Pacific) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the 63,000 bpd Billings refinery and associated marketing and logistics assets (collectively, the Billings Assets) from ExxonMobil Corporation and two of its subsidiaries for a base purchase price of $310 million, plus hydrocarbon and other inventory to be valued at closing. Par Pacific expects to fund the acquisition with cash on hand and availability under existing credit facilities, based on liquidity of approximately $495 million on September 30, 2022. Hydrocarbon inventory is expected to be financed by a new working capital facility. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Adjusted Net Income and Free Cash Flow per share and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. This acquisition will significantly enhance our scale and geographic diversification and underpins our focus on pursing strategic growth initiatives, said William Pate, President and Chief Executive Officer of Par Pacific. We look forward to welcoming the dedicated and highly skilled Billings employees to our team. This acquisition expands our fully integrated downstream network in the western United States. The 63,000 bpd Billings refinery is a high-conversion, complex refinery, which processes low-cost Western Canadian and regional Rocky Mountain crude oil grades. Par Pacific is evaluating renewable fuels opportunities to supplement the refinerys conventional fuel production and utilize its existing market position in Washington to reduce the carbon intensity of its fuel sales in accordance with the recently enacted Washington low-carbon fuel standard. In addition to the refining assets, the transaction includes a 65% interest in an adjacent cogeneration facility and an expansive PADD IV & V marketing and logistics network. The logistics assets include the wholly-owned 70-mile, 55,000 bpd Silvertip Pipeline, a 40% interest in the 750-mile, 65,000 bpd Yellowstone refined products pipeline, and seven refined product terminals. Total storage capacity across the refinery and logistics locations totals 4.1 MMbbls. The acquisition also includes a long-term ExxonMobil-branded fuels marketing arrangement to supply approximately 300 retail locations. Conference CallA conference call to discuss the acquisition is scheduled for Friday, October 21, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time). To access the call, please dial 1-833-974-2377 inside the U.S. or 1-412-317-5782 outside of the U.S. and ask for the Par Pacific call. Please dial in at least 10 minutes early to register. The webcast may be accessed online through the Companys website at http://www.parpacific.com on the Investors page. A telephone replay will be available until November 4, 2022 and may be accessed by calling 1-877-344-7529 inside the U.S. or 1-412-317-0088 outside the U.S. and using the conference ID 7995175. About Par Pacific Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PARR), headquartered in Houston, Texas, owns and operates market-leading energy, infrastructure, and retail businesses. Par Pacifics strategy is to acquire and develop businesses in logistically complex, niche markets. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 61,000 bpd of combined refining capacity, related multimodal logistics systems, and 29 retail locations. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado. More information is available at www.parpacific.com. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to qualify for the "safe harbor" from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the acquisition of the Billings Assets (the "Acquisition"), the effects and timing of the closing of the Acquisition, the anticipated cash on hand and other financing for the Acquisition and the acquisition of the hydrocarbon inventory, the anticipated synergies and other benefits of the Acquisition, including renewable growth opportunities, the anticipated financial and operating results of the Acquisition and the effect on Par Pacific's cash flows and profitability (including Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income and Free Cash Flow per share) are forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends, and uncertainties, including, among other things, Par Pacifics ability to successfully close the Acquisition and, once closed, integrate the Billings Assets into Par Pacifics existing operations. Par Pacific cannot provide assurances that the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based will prove to have been correct. Should one of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Par Pacific does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Par Pacific further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by a third party regarding the subject matter of this news release. Investor Relations ContactAshimi PatelDirector, Investor Relations[email protected]832-916-3355 Source: Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. Chicago, IL, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Although Americans are far removed from the physical struggle in Ukraine, they have felt its economic pinch. Despite this, the war has united Americans view of the world today. How the United States should respond to international conflicts, the U.S. military presence in Europe and Asia and the threats facing the country are all unifying topics across party lines, albeit often for different reasons. KEY FINDINGS Nearly three-quarters of Americans support continuing economic (71%) and military (72%) aid to Ukraine, and 58 percent are willing to continue to support the country as long as it takes, even if U.S. households will have to pay higher prices for gas and food. Americans across the political spectrum agree Europe is now the most important region for U.S. security (50%), up from 15 percent two years ago. Eighty-one percent of Americans say the United States should maintain (62%) or increase (19%) its commitment to NATO, the highest level of support recorded since Chicago Council Surveys began in 1974. Americans support retaining U.S. military bases in Germany (68%), Poland (62%) and the Baltics (65%) at levels not seen in 20 years. Enduring Support for Assisting Ukraine Despite the high price tag associated with assistance to Ukraine, solid majorities of the American public remain supportive of U.S. economic assistance (71%) and military transfers (72%) to Ukraine. Indeed, 58 percent are willing to continue to support the country as long as it takes, even if American households will have to pay higher prices for gas and food. While a majority remain opposed to sending U.S. troops to fight on Ukrainian soil, a substantial minority of Americans (38%) would support it despite repeated pledges from President Joe Biden and NATO leaders that they will not send their troops into combat in Ukraine. Broad Agreement on European Security Focus The invasion has refocused public attention on Europe, with Americans across the political spectrum now saying Europe is the most important region of the world for the security of the United States (50%). This represents a notable shift from past surveys, when their security concerns focused squarely on the Middle East. Americans commitment to NATO and support for U.S. military bases in Europe are now at their highest levels in nearly 50 years of polling by the Council. In addition, majorities support the accession of new NATO members Sweden (76%) and Finland (76%) and would also support the accession of Ukraine (73%) and Georgia (67%). The Public Views Russias Invasion as Setting a Precedent While Americans say Europe is currently the most important region for U.S. security, they see the potential for other countries to emulate Russia and provoke additional conflicts elsewhere. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) expect that other countries will follow Russias example of launching wars for territorial conquest, and three in four (76%) believe China will view Russias invasion of Ukraine as a precedent, encouraging it to invade Taiwan. If Beijing Invades, Americans Want to Help Taiwan If Beijing were to invade Taiwan, Americans favor assisting Taipei along the lines of the current U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Majorities say if China were to invade Taiwan, they would support imposing economic and diplomatic sanctions against China (76%), sending additional arms and military equipment to Taiwan (65%), and even using the U.S. Navy to prevent China from imposing a blockade around Taiwan (62%). Four in 10 (40%) say they would support putting U.S. boots on the ground to help Taiwan defend itself. Partisan Agreement Does Not Extend to Foreign Policy Priorities Despite the bipartisan agreement on how the United States should address the war in Ukraine and the threat to Taiwan, there remain stark partisan differences over foreign policy more generally. As in past surveys, Republicans favor a more unilateral and security-first approach to foreign policy and are wary about engaging abroad for reasons other than American security or economic interests. Democrats, on the other hand, tend to think internationally coordinated solutions to global problems should be the main focus of U.S. foreign policy. These partisan differences are even starker when it comes to views of the primary purpose of U.S. policy abroad and the most effective ways to achieve Americas goals. Republicans emphasize the physical security of the country and the use of military power to deter and respond to threats. Democrats take a broader view of U.S. security and the role of the United States in leading multilateral efforts to address these issues. ABOUT THE CHICAGO COUNCIL SURVEY The 2022 Chicago Council Survey, a project of the Lester Crown Center on U.S. Foreign Policy, is the latest in a series of wide-ranging surveys on American attitudes toward U.S. foreign policy dating back to 1974. The survey was conducted from July 15 to August 1, 2022, among a representative national sample of 3,106 adults. For full details, including the survey methodology, please read the full survey report. ABOUT THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS Founded in 1922, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more at globalaffairs.org and follow @ChicagoCouncil. Attachments Taylor Barton The Chicago Council on Global Affairs 312-726-3860 [email protected] Source: The Chicago Council on Global Affairs VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rover Metals Corp. (TSXV: ROVR) (OTCQB: ROVMF) (FSE: 4XO) (Rover or the Company) announces that it is applying to the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV) to consolidate its outstanding common shares (the Common Shares) on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for each six (6) pre-consolidation Common Shares (the Consolidation). The Company currently has 157,585,212 Common Shares issued and outstanding and following the completion of the Consolidation will have approximately 26,264,202 Common Shares issued and outstanding. No fractional Common Shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Each fractional Common Share following the Consolidation that is less than one-half of a share will be cancelled and each fractional Common Shares that is at least one-half of a share will be rounded up to the nearest whole Common Shares. No cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional Common Shares. All options and warrants outstanding will reflect the change in accordance with the Consolidation. Registered holders of Common Shares will receive a letter of transmittal from Computershare investor Services inc. with instructions on how to exchange existing share certificates for new post-Consolidation share certificate. The Consolidation remains subject to acceptance by the TSXV. The Common Shares are expected to begin trading on the TSXV on a post-share Consolidation basis within two or three business days following the date when the TSXV issues its final bulletin approving the Consolidation. The Company will issue an updating news release once such approval has been obtained. There will be no name change and no ticker symbol change in connection with the Consolidation and shareholder approval is not required. Judson Culter, CEO at Rover Metals, states a consolidation of our Companys securities is necessary to position Rover for growth and success with our new critical mineral projects. Both the Lets Go Lithium Project, and the IML Zinc-Copper Project require Phase 1 and Phase 2 Exploration Programs. Additionally, the Companys existing gold projects require expanded Phase 2 Exploration Programs. Management and the Directors of the Company believe that the timing is right for a consolidation as the Company will need to finance future exploration at all of its mineral resource projects. About Rover MetalsRover is a publicly traded junior mining company that trades on the TSXV under symbol ROVR, on the OTCQB under symbol ROVMF, and on the FSE under symbol 4XO. The Company is now developing a diverse portfolio of mineral resource projects: (1) Nevada Claystone Lithium; (2) Zinc-Copper-Lead-Silver in NT, Canada; as well as (3) Gold in NT, Canada. The Company is exclusive to the mining jurisdictions of Canada and the U.S. You can follow Rover on its social media channels:Twitter: https://twitter.com/rovermetalsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rover-metals/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoverMetals/for daily company updates and industry news, andYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJsHsfag1GFyp4aLW5Ye-YQ?view_as=subscriberfor corporate videos.Website: https://www.rovermetals.com/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Judson Culter Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information, please contact: Email: [email protected]Phone: +1 (778) 754-2617 Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Rover's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. There can be no assurance that such statements prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any factor could cause actual results to differ materially from Rovers expectations. Rover undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. Source: Rover Metals Corp. Mr. Millers aviation-related background profile and military service information is currently listed on the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum - Wall of Honor website at Rudy R. Miller, USA,USAR,USAFR | National Air and Space Museum. His name will be permanently engraved on Foil #53 Panel: 2 Column: 1 Line: 4 at the National Air and Space Museum - Wall of Honor at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center located in Chantilly, Virginia. The Wall of Honor is a permanent memorial recognizing thousands of Americans who have a passion for flight. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Miller Group (TMG) announced Rudy R. Miller, Chairman, President & CEO of TMG and its affiliated entities, and Chairman of the Advisory Board & (Aviation) Scholarship Committee, Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, Inc. (Tbird2), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was recently informed of his distinguished honor of being added to the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor by Mr. Steve Ziomek, Chairman & President of Tbird2. Mr. Ziomek stated, As a former Coast Guard rescue pilot, private pilot, and a current honoree listed on the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor, it gives me great pleasure to nominate and sponsor Rudy for the same national recognition. He has devoted a substantial part of his life to giving back to and supporting the aviation community. This is evident in his past major involvements in the commercial aviation industry and his continued unwavering support of Tbird2s mission over the years. Mr. Miller remarked, Steve Ziomek called me and said he had an important item he needed to deliver to me in person. He showed up and gave me an envelope that held a Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor Certificate of Registry in my name . I was totally stunned! It stated, In recognition of your contribution to our aviation and space exploration heritage, Rudy R. Miller will be inscribed on the National Air and Space Museums Wall of Honor as a permanent testament to your commitment and passion for flight. Though I was never trained as a pilot, I did log in a modest number of hours in a twin-engine turbo Piper Cheyenne II, many years ago. Miller continued, However, as a former CEO of a scheduled passenger airline that was granted authority to operate under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the form of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 121 certificate, my responsibility of the total airline operations was 24/7 and 365 days per year and the buck stopped with me. I had to make a couple of very tough decisions in the airline industry regarding emergency aircraft situations that could have affected numerous passengers and crew members lives. We were fortunate, we came through those issues successfully. We had developed an excellent emergency plan and team approach for this type of incident, involving the FAA, our aircraft manufacturer - engineers, masterful pilots, maintenance experts, flight attendants managing safety interaction with passengers, multiple control towers, and air traffic controllers important assistance. All the talented team members made a difference in difficult environments with positive results. In conclusion, I am extremely proud that I have been involved in the creation of thousands of jobs over many years related to the aviation industry and developing the aviation scholarship program for Tbird2. For more information about TMG and Tbird2, please visit www.themillergroup.net and www.tbird2.org, respectively. For more information about the National Air and Space Museum, please visit www.airandspace.si.edu. Kristina CaylorVice President Admin & Corporate ControllerThe Miller Group [email protected] 602.225.0505 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68e7729d-1406-4d0e-928d-c6063df9e96chttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bba34223-7afd-4c4b-8e9e-b5fc529bac51https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/246a9e02-ad97-4165-b610-60207ec2e2e9https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e04fc93-3520-48e4-a9dd-944ad9e67ab9https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/784fa4c6-629e-43a0-ad6c-82d5318e43d1 Wall of Honor Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Rudy R. Miller Rudy R. Miller National Air and Space Museum National Air and Space Museum at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Wall of Honor Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Miller logo Miller logo Source: The Miller Group Vancouver, BC, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd.s (TSX-V: SYH) (OTCQX: SYHBF) (Frankfurt: SC1P) (Skyharbour or the Company or the Optionor) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the Option Agreement or the Agreement), dated October 19th, 2022, with Tisdale Clean Energy Corp. (Tisdale), which provides Tisdale with an earn-in option to acquire an initial 51% interest and up to a 75% interest in the South Falcon East Property located in the Athabasca Basin in Northern Saskatchewan (the Property). The Property consists of a series of mineral claims totaling 12,464 hectares and is a portion of the Companys existing South Falcon Point Project. Skyharbour will retain a minority interest in the Property assuming the earn-in is completed as well as a 100% interest in the remaining and adjacent 32,006 hectare South Falcon Point Project. Map of South Falcon East Project Claims:https://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/South-East-Falcon-Map.png Under the Option Agreement and assuming the 75% interest is earned, Tisdale will issue Skyharbour 1,111,111 Tisdale shares upfront, fund exploration expenditures totaling CAD $10,500,000, and pay Skyharbour CAD $11,100,000 in cash of which $6,500,000 can be settled for shares in the capital of Tisdale (Shares) over the five-year earn-in period. Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour, stated: We are very excited to have this new Option Agreement signed as we continue to execute on our business model by adding value to our project base in the Athabasca Basin through strategic partnerships and prospect generation, as well as focused mineral exploration at our core projects of Moore and Russell Lake. We are looking forward to working with Tisdale Clean Energy and its management team as they advance the South Falcon East Project over the coming years with a substantial amount of exploration planned and significant cash and share payments to Skyharbour. Assuming the option earn-in is completed, Skyharbour will retain a minority interest in the project as well as an NSR while maintaining a 100% interest in the surrounding claims. News will be forthcoming on exploration plans at the Property and will complement our aggressive drill campaign forthcoming at Russell Lake as well as those at various other partner-funded projects in our portfolio. Terms of the Option Agreement: Pursuant to the Option Agreement, Tisdale may acquire up to a 75% (seventy-five percent) interest in the Property, in two phases. Initially, Tisdale can acquire a 51% (fifty-one percent) interest in the Property by completing the following payments and incurring the following exploration expenditures on the Property: 1. On the closing date (Closing), paying CAD $350,000 and issuing 1,111,111 Shares to Skyharbour upfront; By the eighteen-month anniversary of Closing, completing at least $1,250,000 in exploration expenditures, and paying Skyharbour $1,450,000, of which up to $1,000,000 may be paid in Shares based on the 20-day volume-weighted average closing price calculated on the day of issuance (VWAP), at the election of Tisdale; By the second anniversary of Closing, completing an additional $1,750,000 in exploration expenditures, and paying Skyharbour $1,800,000, of which up to $1,000,000 may be paid in Shares based on the VWAP, at the election of Tisdale; By the third anniversary of Closing, completing an additional $2,500,000 in exploration expenditures, and paying Skyharbour $2,500,000, of which up to $1,500,000 may be paid in Shares based on the VWAP, at the election of Tisdale. After acquiring a 51% interest, Tisdale may increase its interest in the Property to 75% by: 2. Completing a payment of $5,000,000 to Skyharbour by the fourth anniversary of Closing, of which up to $3,000,000 may be satisfied in Shares based on the VWAP, at the election of Tisdale, and incurring exploration expenditures on the Property of an additional $2,500,000 in each of the fourth and fifth anniversaries of Closing. All common shares issued to the Company will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. No finders fees or commissions are owing by Skyharbour in connection with entering into the Option Agreement. Completion of the transactions contemplated by the Option Agreement, and the issuance of any common shares to Skyharbour, remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. In the event that additional share issuances to Skyharbour would result in Skyharbour owning 10% or more of Tisdale, a cash payment must be made in lieu of the shortfall to prevent Skyharbour becoming a reporting insider of Tisdale. Furthermore, Tisdale will be the operator during the earn-in period with Skyharbour retaining the final approval authority over the proposed work and exploration programs. In the event that Tisdale spends, in any of the above periods, less than the specified sum, it may pay to the Company the difference between the amount it actually spent and the specified sum before the expiry of that period in full satisfaction of the exploration expenditures to be incurred. In the event that Tisdale spends, in any period, more than the specified sum, the excess shall be carried forward and applied to the exploration expenditures to be incurred in succeeding periods. Assuming Tisdale exercises the option and acquires an interest in Property, the parties intend to form a joint venture for the ongoing development of the Property. A small portion of the Property is subject to an existing 2% net smelter returns royalty owing to a former owner, and Tisdale has agreed to grant a further 2% royalty to Skyharbour on the remaining bulk of the project area including the Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit. One-half of the royalty, being 1%, to be granted to Skyharbour can be purchased at any time by completing a one-time cash payment of $1,000,000. South Falcon East Project Summary: The South Falcon East Project is a uranium exploration project in the southeast Athabasca Basin and represents a portion of Skyharbours existing South Falcon Project. The project covers approximately 12,464 hectares and lies 18 kilometers outside the Athabasca Basin, approximately 50 kilometers east of the Key Lake Mine. South Falcon Point Project Location Map:https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Sky_FalconSouth20211209.jpg Historical exploration at the South Falcon East Project identified an area of U-Th-REE mineralization at the Fraser Lakes Zone B over an area comprising 1.5 km by 0.5 km along an antiformal fold nose cut by an east-west dextral ductile-brittle cross-structure adjacent to a 65 km long EM conductor. The near-surface Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit consists of a current NI 43-101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U3O8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO2 at 0.023% within 10,354,926 tonnes using a cut-off grade of 0.01% U3O8. The independent NI 43-101 technical report by GeoVector Management Inc. supporting this mineral resource estimate was filed on SEDAR on March 20, 2015 by Skyharbour. Independent qualified person, Dr. Allan Armitage, P.Geo., is responsible for the contents of the technical report and comments related to the resource estimate and its parameters. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by David Billard, P.Geo., a Consulting Geologist for Skyharbour as well as a Qualified Person. About Tisdale Clean Energy Corp.: Tisdale Clean Energy is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on the acquisition and advancement of critical energy/fuel projects. The Company is currently developing the Keefe Lake uranium project, a 15,000-hectare exploration project located in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.: Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with fifteen projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 450,000 hectares of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone that returned drill results of up to 6.0% U3O8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U3O8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Adjacent to the Moore Uranium Project is Skyharbours recently optioned Russell Lake Uranium Project from Rio Tinto, which hosts historical high-grade drill intercepts over a large property area with robust exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drill programs. Skyharbour has a joint-venture with industry-leader Orano Canada Inc. at the Preston Project whereby Orano has earned a 51% interest in the project through exploration expenditures and cash payments. Skyharbour now owns a 24.5% interest in the Project. Skyharbour also has a joint venture with Azincourt Energy at the East Preston Project whereby Azincourt has earned a 70% interest in the project through exploration expenditures, cash payments and share issuance. Skyharbour now owns a 15% interest in the Project. Preston and East Preston are large, geologically prospective properties proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. Skyharbour has several active option partners including: ASX-listed Valor Resources on the Hook Lake Uranium Project whereby Valor can earn-in 80% of the project through CAD $3,500,000 in exploration expenditures, $475,000 in cash payments over three years and an initial share issuance; CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. on the Mann Lake Uranium Project whereby Basin Uranium can earn-in 75% of the project through $4,000,000 in exploration expenditures, $850,000 in cash payments as well as share issuances over three years; and CSE-listed Medaro Mining Corp. on the Yurchison Project whereby Medaro can earn-in an initial 70% of the project through $5,000,000 in exploration expenditures, $800,000 in cash payments as well as share issuances over three years followed by the option to acquire the remaining 30% of the project through a payment of $7,500,000 in cash and $7,500,000 worth of shares. Furthermore, the Company owns a 100% interest in the South Falcon Point Uranium Project on the eastern perimeter of the Basin, which contains a NI 43-101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U3O8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO2 at 0.023%. Skyharbour has optioned up to 75% of this project to Tisdale Energy whereby Tisdale will fund exploration expenditures totaling CAD $10,500,000, pay Skyharbour $4,600,000 in cash, and issue Skyharbour the equivalent value of $7,000,000 in shares of the company over a five-year earn-in period. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. Skyharbours Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:http://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/SKY-SaskProject-Locator-20220324.jpg To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) visit the Companys website at www.skyharbourltd.com. SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD. Jordan Trimble Jordan TrimblePresident and CEO For further information contact myself or:Nicholas ColturaCorporate Development and CommunicationsSkyharbour Resources Ltd. Telephone: 604-558-5847Toll Free: 800-567-8181Facsimile: 604-687-3119Email: [email protected] NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements, including the Private Placement. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, regulatory approvals, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information. Source: Skyharbour Resources Ltd ST. LOUIS, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stereotaxis (NYSE: STXS), a pioneer and global leader in surgical robotics for minimally invasive endovascular intervention, today announced that it will release financial results for its 2022 third quarter on Thursday, November 10, 2022 before the open of the U.S. financial markets. The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 10 a.m. EST that day to discuss the Companys results and corporate developments. What: Stereotaxis third quarter 2022 financial results conference call When: Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. EST (7:00 a.m. PST) Dial In Number: To access the live call, dial 800-715-9871 (US and Canada) or 1-646-307-1963 (International) and give the participant pass code 5729833. Webcast: To access the live and replay webcast, please visit the investor relations section of Stereotaxis website at http://ir.stereotaxis.com/. Call Replay: A phone replay of the call will be available for one month beginning approximately four hours following the end of the call. To request access for a replay of the conference call, please click here. About StereotaxisStereotaxis (NYSE: STXS) is a pioneer and global leader in innovative surgical robotics for minimally invasive endovascular intervention. Its mission is the discovery, development and delivery of robotic systems, instruments, and information solutions for the interventional laboratory. These innovations help physicians provide unsurpassed patient care with robotic precision and safety, expand access to minimally invasive therapy, and enhance the productivity, connectivity, and intelligence in the operating room. Stereotaxis technology has been used to treat over 100,000 patients across the United States, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere. For more information, please visit www.stereotaxis.com. Investor Contacts: David L. Fischel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Media Contact:Bethanne SchluterDirector, Marketing & Communications Kimberly Peery Chief Financial Officer 314-678-6100 [email protected] Source: Stereotaxis, Inc. The Independent Artist Fair Will Host Its Next Dallas Edition Featuring 130 Artists, Special Installations, Live Music, Interactive Features, and More SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Other Art Fair , a global art event dedicated to showcasing independent artists, is set to host its fourth Dallas edition October 20-23, 2022, at Dallas Market Hall. Presented by Saatchi Art and in partnership with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, The Other Art Fair Dallas will host 130 independent and emerging artists from all over the globe, including a strong local contingent of Texas-based artists. The exhibitors were handpicked by a selection committee of art world experts that includes Daisha Board, owner of Daisha Board Gallery; Dr. Valerie Gillespie, owner of Pencil on Paper Gallery; artist and curator Will Heron; Saatchi Art Chief Curator Rebecca Wilson; and the Fairs director, Nicole Garton. Fair attendees will have the chance to meet artists in person and discover thousands of original artworks across a variety of mediaincluding painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, fiber arts, new genres and morein a range of prices from under $100 to $10,000. Additionally, guests can enjoy a unique program of features highlighting creative collaborations with local artists and organizations that will make for an unforgettable experience, starting with a live set by DJ Endolena during the Private View on Thursday, October 20 from 6-10pm. Throughout the fair weekend, the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE bar will serve complimentary gin cocktails, and fair attendees can look forward to refreshing twists on the quintessentially classic Gin & Tonic created by the experts at BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. Special installations by Dallas-based artists will be on display at the Fair for visitors to interact with, including an immersive installation using upcycled materials by The Color Condition and five larger-than-life Disco Lady sculptures by Niki Dionne, which will greet visitors as they enter the Fair. In addition to browsing and purchasing original and limited edition artworks, attendees will have the opportunity to see the creative process in action, whether by participating in a hands-on watercolor workshop led by colorsnacks Volta Voloshin-Smith, or by catching a live felting demonstration by Niki Dionne or mural-painting session by Tahj Daniels. For those seeking a creative pause during their visit, the Fair has tapped local design showroom {neighborhood} to create a relaxing and inspiring lounge space within the fair. The Fairs Friday Late program, presented with {neighborhood}, kicks off the weekend from 7-10 pm on Friday, October 21 with a mix of art, live musical sets by Kirk Thurmond, immersive experiences, and cocktails from the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE barthe perfect place to start your evening before continuing on to nearby restaurants and lounges in the Design District. Alongside its exhibitor line-up, The Other Art Fair will also introduce Meleya Dunn and Minji Kang-Watrous, the two recipients of its Fall Class of 2022 New Futures awards in partnership with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. Formalized in 2021 as part of The Other Art Fairs ongoing mission to break down traditional barriers of the contemporary art world, New Futures is designed to launch the careers of talented emerging artists by awarding local artists mentoring and free exhibition space onsite at the Fair. BOMBAY SAPPHIREs support provides additional amplification to the awardees as part of a shared pursuit to nurture and create opportunities for emerging artists. For this Dallas edition, The Other Art Fair is proud to have partnered with Krystal Read, Assistant Director of Programming, Visual Arts Conservatory, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, in selecting the recipients of the New Futures Award. As the Fairs Community Partner, Booker T. Washington High School will present an exhibition of recent works by select students onsite at the Fair. All the sights, sounds, and happenings are part of The Other Art Fairs mission to break down barriers of the traditional art world, making affordable art accessible to all. The fun and inviting environment fosters genuine connection between artists and attendeeswhether they be art-curious or seasoned collectors. As we move into a second decade of hosting Fairs, I am proud of the work weve done, the success our exhibiting artists have achieved, and our substantial growth into new markets both in the U.S. and internationally, said Ryan Stanier, founder of The Other Art Fair. Our Dallas edition has expanded quickly, and we are incredibly grateful for the support the local collecting community has shown to our artists. Weve always aimed to create a welcoming, non-intimidating environment for both new and seasoned art collectors, and over the past decade weve continued to deliver on that promise. FULL FAIR GUIDE AND FEATURED ARTISTS For more information on The Other Art Fair and to purchase tickets, please visit here. PRIVATE VIEW Thursday, October 20, 2022 | 6pm 10pm GENERAL ENTRY Friday, October 21, 2022 | 5pm 10pm Saturday, October 22, 2022 | 11am 7pm Sunday, October 23, 2022 | 11am - 6pm LOCATION DALLAS MARKET HALL - North Hall | 2200 N Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX 75207 (North Hall enter on Market Center Blvd.) Visit this link for parking and rideshare drop off locations About The Other Art Fair The Other Art Fair is a global art fair that connects independent artists with thousands of art buyers in a welcoming and creative environment. Set against the backdrop of the worlds biggest cities, each fair delivers the unexpected, combining access to boundary-pushing yet always-affordable artworks with immersive installations, performances and special features. The result is an inspiring, evocative, inclusive and fun event that creates lasting connections between artists and art lovers. Since its launch in 2011, The Other Art Fair has worked with over 3,000 artists from more than 20 countries, and now hosts 11 fairs each year, across the UK, US and Australia. For more information, visit www.theotherartfair.com . ABOUT BOMBAY SAPPHIRE: Based on a 1761 recipe, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin is created by perfectly balancing a unique combination of 10 hand-selected exotic botanicals from around the world. The design of the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE distillery at Laverstoke Mill has won a BREEAM award for sustainability and is the home of the unique Vapour Infusion process, where the natural flavours of the botanicals are skilfully captured, resulting in the fresh and vibrant taste with which BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is synonymous. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is on a mission to be the worlds most sustainable gin, with all 10 botanicals being certified sustainably sourced, by the For Life certification from Ecocert S.A. The BOMBAY SAPPHIRE brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. About Saatchi Art Leading online art gallery Saatchi Art features one of the worlds largest selections of original art and helps people all over the world find art and artists they love. The online art gallery offers original paintings, drawings, sculptures and photographs by over 100,000 emerging artists from over 100 countries. Saatchi Art is redefining the experience of buying and selling art by providing art lovers with free art advisory services and an expertly curated selection of art, while giving artists a convenient and welcoming environment in which to exhibit and sell their work. To discover the world of Saatchi Art, please visit www.saatchiart.com . About Leaf Group Leaf Group Ltd. is a diversified consumer internet company that builds enduring, creator-driven brands that reach passionate audiences in large and growing lifestyle categories, including fitness & wellness (Well+Good, Livestrong.com and MyPlate App), and home, art & design (Saatchi Art, Society6 and Hunker). Leaf Group is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). For more information about Leaf Group, visit www.leafgroup.com . DENVER, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tom Piercy, Managing Director, INCENTER Mortgage Advisors and President, National Enterprise Business Development, INCENTER LLC, has been named a 2022 Vanguard by HousingWire, a major news and information source for the housing industry. According to HousingWire, the Vanguards are those elite leaders who are transforming this segmentcomprised of mortgage lending, servicing, real estate and fintechwhile making vital contributions to their companies. The publication is recognizing Mr. Piercy more specifically for his role at INCENTER Mortgage Advisors, a leader in the valuation and trading of mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) and whole loans. Mr. Piercy has been an important facilitator of the exceptionally high volume of MSR trades nationwide over recent months, as banks have sought new ways to improve revenues and cashflow. For example, in January 2022 alone, the company led bulk trades of more than $110 billion, which is closer to what top firms might see in an active year. Its fintech eMSR platform is used for daily best-execution MSR selling and has run just under eight million loans for 2022 YTD. Over 36 years, Tom Piercy has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the United States premier MSR trading authorities. He is also an invaluable resource to mortgage leaders at the C level. We are thrilled that HousingWire has recognized his expertise, said Bruno Pasceri, President, INCENTER. To read more about Mr. Piercys award, see https://www.housingwire.com/winner-profile/2022-hw-vanguard-tom-piercy/. For INCENTER Mortgage Advisors information, see https://www.incentermortgageadvisors.com. About INCENTER LLCINCENTER ideates and deploys innovative services, solutions and technologies for optimizing business performance in the mortgage, real estate and specialty finance industries. Headquartered in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, INCENTER has brought together 11 complementary companies specializing in title and settlement services, appraisal management, MSR valuation and trading, end-to-end default title lifecycle management, and more. For details, please visit www.incenterms.com. Contact Dawn Ringel267-620-8401 or [email protected] Source: Incenter Marketing TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Metallica Resources Corp. (TSXV: WMS) (Western Metallica or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Exchange to proceed with the implementation of the Companys Omnibus Incentive Plan as more particularly described in the Companys Management Information Circular dated August 11, 2022, a copy of which can be found at www.sedar.com. Grant of Stock Options In addition, the Company announces that it has granted a total of 500,000 incentive stock options to a newly appointed Director, Brigitte Berneche and newly appointed officer, Soo-Whan Kim. The incentive stock options have an exercise price of $0.20 per share and are valid for a 5-year period from the date of grant. The options shall vest immediately The Options have been granted pursuant to the Companys Omnibus Incentive Plan and are subject to the terms of the applicable grant agreement and the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's Omnibus Incentive Plan allows for the issuance of up to 10% of issued and outstanding share capital in the form of incentive stock options. As a result of this grant, the Company has 4,880,000 stock options issued, representing 9.4% of the issued and outstanding share capital. About Western Metallica Resources Corp. Western Metallica is an Ontario company with its head office in Toronto, Ontario. Western Metallica is in the business of mineral resource exploration and development, its principal asset is its 100% owned Penedela Gold Property in the Navelgas Gold Belt in Asturias, Spain. Western Metallica also has an interest in two other Spanish gold projects in the Navelgas Gold Belt in Asturias (Valledor and Sierra Alta) and one project located in Andalucia (Nueva Celti). Further information of the Company can be found at: www.westernmetallica.com. Contact CEO and Director, Gregory Duras: [email protected] or Investor Relations: [email protected] Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Western Metallica Corp. Forward looking statements include statements regarding the acquisition of an interest in the Sierra Alta Project and the timing thereof, timing of filing of Sierra Alta Technical Report and final approval of the Exchange. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company. Although Western Metallica Corp. believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Western Metallica Corp. disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. This News Release contains forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: Western Metallica Resources Corp. San Diego, CA - (NewMediaWire) - October 20, 2022 - Medical Marijuana, Inc.(OTC: MJNA) (the Company), the first-ever publicly traded cannabis company in the United States that launched the worlds first-ever cannabis-derived nutraceutical products, brands, and supply chain, announced today the accomplishments made through a successful sponsorship that its subsidiary HempMeds Mexico fulfilled at the XII Latin American Congress of Epilepsy in Medellin, Colombia, in early October. On behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee, the program offered excellent opportunities to share the latest advances in diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of epilepsy, from social aspects, pharmacology, alternative therapies, and the implementation of medical devices. The program included courses, workshops and conferences by renowned doctors and professors of international stature. A further testament to HempMeds Mexicos commitment to providing free access to non-psychoactive cannabis and increasing awareness around the profound possibilities of its medical benefits, the companys sponsorship directly supported epilepsy research in Latin America through the events presentations of posters and platforms, which facilitated conversations around new research and supporting data. HempMeds Mexicos involvement in the industry-sponsored satellite symposia played an important role in complementing the main conference programs. In total, HempMeds Mexico had its products exhibited in a total of 6 posters on CBD studies during the course of the event, which ran from October 1 to 4. The company was involved in 4 posters around preclinical trials, and 2 of clinical trials, with one of the study results from the preclinical trials already published around CBDs ability to reduce short- and long-term high glutamate release after severe traumatic brain injury, and its efficacy around the overall improvement during functional recovery. Raul Elizalde, CEO of HempMeds, said in a statement: We are humbled to have been in a position to support the XII Latin American Congress of Epilepsy as a sponsor. The event is such an important international program within the epilepsy community, which addresses the needs of people with different types of epilepsy, and we are so happy for the role we were able to play in the advancement of their treatment. Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s headquarters are in San Diego, California, and additional information is available at OTCMarkets.com or by visiting www.medicalmarijuanainc.com. To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s corporate video, click here. Full details of the congress program are available in the online planner. View the interactive program planner HERE. ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA, INC.: We are a company of firsts. Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA) is a cannabis company with three distinct business units in the non-psychoactive cannabinoid space: a global portfolio of cannabinoid-based nutraceutical brands led by Kannaway and HempMeds; a pioneer in sourcing the highest-quality legal non-psychoactive cannabis products derived from industrial hemp; and a cannabinoid-based clinical research and botanical drug development sector led by its pharmaceutical investment companies and partners including AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. and Neuropathix. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was named a top CBD producer by CNBC. Medical Marijuana, Inc. was also the first company to receive historic import permits for CBD products from the governments of Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Paraguay and is a leader in the development of international markets. The company's flagship product Real Scientific Hemp Oil has been used in several successful clinical studies throughout Mexico and Brazil to understand its safety and efficacy. Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s headquarters is in San Diego, California, and additional information is available at OTCMarkets.com or by visiting www.medicalmarijuanainc.com. To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s corporate video ,click here. FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER: This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. LEGAL DISCLOSURE: Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act. CONTACT: Public Relations Contact: Kyle Porter CEO CMW Media P. 858-221-8001 [email protected] www.cmwmedia.com Investor Relations Contact: P. (858) 283-4016 [email protected] Santa Barbara, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Bloomios, Inc. (OTCQB: BLMS), a leading hemp derived cannabinoid supplements and nutraceutical contract manufacturer specializing in full service product development, R&D and compliance solutions, has been invited to present at the LD Micro 15th Annual Main Event being held in-person on October 25-27, 2022 at the Luxe Sunset Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Bloomios chief business officer, Doug Rohrer, is scheduled to present on Wednesday, October 26, at noon Eastern time (9:00 a.m. Pacific time). He will be joined by the company's CEO, Michael Hill, and president and chief strategy officer, Barrett Evans, who will be participating in one-on-one meetings with investors throughout the conference. You may register to watch the presentation virtually here. Management will discuss the company's continued expansion of its manufacturing and fulfillment systems at its state-of-the-art 51,000 sf. manufacturing facility in Daytona Beach, Florida. Bloomios will share observations on the challenges and opportunities it sees in the U.S. hemp-derived supplements and nutraceutical products market. This includes on-going consolidation and rapidly growing consumer adoption that continues to drive the professionalization and scaling of leading contract manufacturers. Management will also discuss Bloomios platform that now supports more than 80 turnkey products across seven popular format categories, as well as the company's plans to enter new market verticals. To schedule a one-on-one meeting with Bloomios, submit your request via the links provided upon your registration for the conference or visit here for more information. For any questions about Bloomios, please contact Ron Both of CMA at (949) 432-7557 or submit your request here. About LD Micro LD Micro aims to be the most crucial resource in the micro-cap world. Whether it is the index, comprehensive data, or hosting the most significant events on an annual basis, LD's sole mission is to serve as an invaluable asset for all those interested in finding the next generation of great companies.For more information, go to www.ldmicro.com. About Bloomios Bloomios, Inc. manufactures, markets and distributes U.S. hemp-derived supplements and nutraceutical products through wholesale distribution channels and its wholly owned subsidiary, Bloomios Private Label. The company provides custom formulation, brand development, manufacturing and order fulfillment to a wide variety of customers, including small and major brands, chain stores, vape shops and distributors. It offers private - and white-label customers a wide selection of more than 80 customizable hemp products across seven categories. Bloomios is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, with manufacturing and distribution in Daytona Beach, Florida. To learn more, visit bloomios.com. Investor Relations Contact: Ronald Both CMA Investor Relations Tel (949) 432-7566 Email contact Media Contact: Tim Randall CMA Media Relations Tel (949) 432-7572 Email Contact To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141315 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - FenixOro Gold Corp. (CSE: FENX) (OTCQB: FDVXF) (FSE: 8FD) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a second tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"), previously announced on June 15, 2022. The Company today issued a total 11,555,555 Units ("Units") at a subscription price of $0.18 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,080,000. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant, with each warrant being exercisable for one additional common share at an exercise price of $0.23 for a period of two years from their date of issuance. Closing of this second tranche of the Company's Private Placement, brings the total gross proceeds raised to $2,449,000 and exceeds the Company's intended minimum raise. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement to continue its Phase 2 drilling program at the Abriaqui Project, with a focus the area surrounding the newly discovered Prospera Vein (for further information see the Company's press release of June 9, 2022). The Prospera discovery is significant in that it is near the top of a ridge in the southern block and has shown the highest grades of gold and silver ever recorded on the project. Over a continuous 100 meter sampling of the mine working the massive sulfide core averages 39.2 g/t gold (1.26 oz/t) and 254 g/t silver (8.17 oz/t). All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Company also issued 30,00 broker warrants to arm's length parties who assisted with the closing of Private Placement. Each such broker warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.23 for a period of 24 months from their date of issuance. About FenixOro Gold Corp. FenixOro Gold Corp is a Canadian company focused on acquiring gold projects with world class exploration potential in the most prolific gold producing regions of Colombia. FenixOro's flagship property, the Abriaqui project, is located 15 km west of Continental Gold's Buritica project in Antioquia State at the northern end of the Mid-Cauca gold belt, a geological trend which has seen multiple large gold discoveries in the past 10 years including Buritica and Anglo Gold's Nuevo Chaquiro and La Colosa. As documented in "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Abriaqui project Antioquia State, Colombia" (December 5, 2019), the geological characteristics of Abriaqui and Buritica are very similar. The report also documents the high gold grade at Abriaqui with samples taken from 20 of the veins assaying greater than 20 g/t gold. A Phase 1 drilling program has been completed at Abriaqui resulting in a significant discovery (see Press Releases March 19 and September 28, 2021). The Phase 2 drilling campaign has recently begun. FenixOro's VP of Exploration, Stuart Moller, led the discovery team at Buritica for Continental Gold in 2007-2011. At the time of its latest report, the Buritica Mine contains measured plus indicated resources of 5.32 million ounces of gold (16.02 Mt grading 10.32 g/t) plus a 6.02 million ounce inferred resource (21.87 Mt grading 8.56 g/t) for a total of 11.34 million ounces of gold resources. Buritica began formal production in November 2020 and has expected annual average production of 250,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of approximately US$600 per ounce. Resources, cost and production data are taken from Continental Gold's "NI 43-101 Buritica Mineral Resource 2019-01, Antioquia, Colombia, 18 March, 2019"). Continental Gold was recently the subject of a takeover by Zijin Mining in an all-cash transaction valued at C$1.4 billion. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FenixOro Gold Corp 82 Richmond St. E. Toronto, ON Telephone: 1-833-ORO-GOLD John Carlesso, CEO Email: [email protected] Website: www.FenixOro.com Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of FenixOro's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "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 may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to the development of the Abriaqui Project. Although FenixOro believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that Abriaqui will produce viable quantities of minerals, or that the Company will pursue Abriaqui or that any mineral deposits will be found. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this press release, and FenixOro does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141241 Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Grizzly Discoveries Inc. (TSXV: GZD) (FSE: G6H) (OTCQB: GZDIF) ("Grizzly" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Full Force Diamond Drilling Ltd. (Full Force) out of Peachland, British Columbia (BC) has completed the Phase 1 drill program at the Greenwood Project including targets at the Dayton and Motherlode North Target areas (Figure 1). A total of 3,123 m in 15 core holes as been completed as the Phase 1 drilling program. Logging and sampling of the core is almost complete. Results will be provided as they become available. The Company is currently waiting for the required permits for drilling at the Robocop Project near Grasmere, BC. As soon as the permits are received the Company will look to complete its Phase 1 drilling at the Robocop Property as soon as possible. The Company is continuing with surface exploration in the Greenwood area. Crews from APEX Geoscience Ltd. commenced soil and rock sampling in June and the exploration work is ongoing. Work including prospecting, rock and soil sampling has been conducted at targets in the Ket 28 area, Rock Creek area, the Midway area, the Copper Mountain area, the Overlander-Attwood area and the Sappho area to date. Additional groundwork including further prospecting, sampling and ground geophysical surveys is ongoing for the Motherlode area and the Copper Mountain area. Ground geophysical surveys have commenced and will comprise magnetics and Loupe electromagnetics (EM) and is ongoing and planned for the Sappho, the Midway, Motherlode and Copper Mountain areas. Figure 1: Exploration Targets 2022. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/141297_dc7d3ed754c989e4_002full.jpg 2022 Drilling Highlights The Company has completed 4 core holes for 1,014 m at the copper-gold Dayton Skarn/Porphyry Prospect (Figure 1 and 2a). Logging and sampling is complete and all samples have been sent to the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) for geochemical analysis. The Company has completed 9 core holes for 1,722 m at the polymetallic skarn Motherlode North Target area (Figure 1 and 2b). Logging and sampling are ongoing and nearly complete. The Company has completed 2 core holes for 387 m at the Marguerite area to test precious-base metal sulphide and skarn targets East of the Motherlode North area (Figure 1 and 3). Logging and sampling are ongoing and nearly complete. The Dayton IP2 target (an induced polarization chargeability anomaly) was tested by Grizzly with a single hole in 2011 and intersected potassic altered volcanics and intrusives with a near surface intersection of 0.15% Cu and 0.43 g/t Au (or 0.4% CuEq*) over 51 m core length starting at a depth of 3m. Comparable sulphide zones and skarn have been intersected in the 2022 drilling at the Dayton IP2 target (Figure 2a). The Motherlode polymetallic and skarn targets are comprised of Cu-Au-Ag +/- lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) in proximity to the historical Motherlode Mine, which produced significant amounts of Cu, Au and Ag. Prior drilling by Grizzly intersected up 17.15 g/t Au, 41.7 g/t Ag, along with, 0.56% Pb and 1.51% Zn over 1.5 m core length at one of the skarn targets north of the Motherlode Pit. Skarn and sulphide mineralization have been intersected in several of the Motherlode and the Marguerite core holes (Figures 2b and 3). Figure 2: a) sooty sulphides in vein with alteration rim in Dayton core hole 22DA017, b) carbonate hosted skarn in Motherlode North core hole 22ML007. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/141297_figure2.1.jpg Figure 3: Skarn in Marguerite core hole 22MHR001. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4488/141297_dc7d3ed754c989e4_005full.jpg 2022 Exploration Highlights To Date Grizzly has collected a total of approximately 895 soil samples in the Rock Creek area in the vicinity of the Nick nickel-cobalt prospect, in the area of the Ket 28 gold prospect and in the Sappho area east of the town of Midway. Grizzly has collected approximately 500 rock samples at targets in the Ket 28 area, Rock Creek area, the Midway area, the Copper Mountain area, the Overlander-Attwood area and the Sappho area to date. All soil and rock samples have been sent to ALS Global in Vancouver for precious metal and multi-element analysis. Results will be provide as they become available. The Midway area is being targeted for copper-gold skarn and epithermal gold. The Overlander area is being targeted for mesothermal to epithermal gold-silver. The Sappho area is being targeted for copper-gold-PGEs skarn and porphyry type targets associated with an alkalic intrusion and several diorite intrusions south of Greenwood near the US border. At least three new showings of copper oxide/sulphide mineralization have been found during the 2022 program at the Sappho Target. Previous surface sampling and drilling by Grizzly at the Sappho area has yielded significant anomalous copper, gold, silver along with platinum and palladium. Numerous rock grab samples have yielded greater than 1% copper, 1 gram per tonne (g/t) gold, 1 g/t platinum and 1 g/t palladium. Historical drilling has yielded up to 0.31% Cu, 0.75 g/t Au, 0.34 g/t Pt, 0.39 g/t Pd and 6.57 g/t Ag over 6.5 m core length in skarn at Sappho. Grizzly has collected more than 200 soil samples and 100 rock grab samples from the Sappho area during 2022. Robocop Update Once permits are received for drilling at the Robocop Project, a drill rig will be engaged to complete the Robocop drilling. Brian Testo, President and CEO of Grizzly Discoveries, stated, "I am very pleased with the immense strides forward to date by the outstanding Apex Geoscience crew, Full Force drillers and our team, working together. This year's exploration season, along with the partnership with Dan Hurd and the acquisition of the historical Midway Mine and Picturestone prospects, has been exceptional so far and the prospecting and core logging is still ongoing." The technical content of this news release and the Company's technical disclosure has been reviewed and approved by Michael B. Dufresne, M. Sc., P. Geol., P.Geo., who is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC. Grizzly is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company with its primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange focused on developing its approximately 66,000 ha (approximately 165,000 acres) of precious and base metals properties in southeastern British Columbia. Grizzly is run by highly experienced junior resource sector management team, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from early exploration stage through to feasibility stage. On behalf of the Board, GRIZZLY DISCOVERIES INC. Brian Testo, CEO, President Suite 363-9768 170 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5T 5L4 For further information, please visit our website at www.grizzlydiscoveries.com or contact: Nancy Massicotte Corporate Development Tel: 604-507-3377 Email: [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution concerning forward-looking information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of Grizzly in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause Grizzly's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. Grizzly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141297 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSXV: JG) (OTCQB: JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities at the 100% owned Ikutahara Project in Hokkaido, Japan, (Figure 1). Ryuo Prospect Two additional drill holes are planned at the Ryuo Prospect for late 2022 to follow up on the high-grade gold drill intercepts from the 2021 and recent round of drilling, and other priority targets. Previous drilling has tested beneath five areas of workings; Jinja, Shouei, Taisei, Ryuei and Buryu that were developed along a 1.2 km long, open ended trend of alteration and mineralization prior to the government-imposed closure in 1943. Historical underground sampling in the Jinja vein workings revealed high-grade gold-silver mineralization which was sampled along a 72 m strike length giving an average grade of 40.8 g/t Au and 193 g/t Ag, with an average vein width approximately 0.5 m. For more information on the Ryuo prospect, refer to the Company's news release dated 11th October 2022. Saroma Prospect Six drill holes have now been completed at the Saroma prospect. Four drill holes were initially planned to test a 1 km strike length of the Saroma prospect. The four initial drill holes all intersected significant quartz vein zones up to 8 m wide of banded and brecciated chalcedonic quartz with ginguro banding. Based on these encouraging intersections an additional two holes were completed to test continuity of the vein zones to depth. The additional two deeper drill holes also intersected significant quartz vein zones with similarly low-temperature chalcedonic textures indicating good preservation of the vein system. The six drill holes completed at Saroma between July and September comprise a total of 1,308.8 m, all drill core samples are now at the lab with results expected by early December. The Saroma prospect lies at the northeast end of a major 3.5 km long fault zone which also hosts the Chitose and Taiho historical mine workings, refer to the Company's news release dated 17th August 2022 for more information on the Saroma prospect. Kitano-o Prospect Drilling is underway at the east side of the Kitano-o prospect where two of the Company's PMC700 drill rigs are currently operating. One of three planned deep drill-holes has been completed and another two drill holes are in progress and expected to be completed by early November. The initial three scout drill holes at east Kitano-o are targeting combined geochemical and geophysical anomalies below historic workings and adjacent to major graben and rhyolite dome structures proximal to the Cretaceous basement interface. For more information on the Kitano-o prospect refer to the Company's news release dated 19th February, 2020. Ikutahara 2022 Surface Exploration Programs Soil sampling programs are ongoing at the Ikutahara Project to extend soil grids along the graben-margin north and south of the Kitano-o prospect and over extensions of the alteration zone at the Ryuo prospect, (Figure 1). These soil sampling programs are aimed at defining poorly exposed or concealed vein systems by their combined alteration footprints and pathfinder mineral assemblages. Definition of significant anomalous footprints can then be ranked and further advanced towards drill targeting with focused geophysical surveys such as CSAMT and induced polarization. On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp. "John Proust" Chairman & CEO Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Japan Gold Vice President of Exploration and Country Manager, Andrew Rowe, BAppSc, FAusIMM, FSEG, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Japan Gold Corp. Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused solely on gold exploration across the three largest islands of Japan: Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu. The Company has a country-wide alliance with Barrick Gold Corporation to jointly explore, develop and mine certain gold mineral properties and mining projects. The Company holds a portfolio of 31 gold projects which cover areas with known gold occurrences, a history of mining and are prospective for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization. Japan Gold's leadership team represent decades of resource industry and business experience, and the Company has an operational team of geologists, drillers and technical advisors with experience exploring and operating in Japan. More information is available at www.japangold.com. For further information please contact: John Proust Chairman & CEO Phone: +1 778-725-1482 Email: [email protected] Website: www.japangold.com Cautionary Note Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results related to future partnerships and the Company's 2022 gold exploration program. These statements are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, general economic, market and business conditions; competition for qualified staff; the regulatory process and actions; technical issues; new legislation; potential delays or changes in plans; working in a new political jurisdiction; results of exploration; the timing and granting of prospecting rights; the Company's ability to execute and implement future plans, arrange or conclude a joint-venture or partnership; and the occurrence of unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and, consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forwardlooking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable laws. Figure 1:Ikutahara Project: simplified geology, historical mines and workings, 2022 prospect drilling areas and soil grids. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/141259_42e6c8c45480c81e_001full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141259 Metacom has emerged as the first fully dedicated Web3 Marketing and communication agency in the Gulf region. Recently, the company has partnered with Verse Digital, headquartered in Cambridge UK, to offer brands and companies Metaverse strategies, activations, NFTs, and communication services. Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - October 19, 2022) - Metacom the first fully dedicated Web3 Marketing and communication agency in the Gulf, has partnered with Verse Digital, the preeminent creator of experiences in the Metaverse, developing global brand activations. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8621/140681_8a303210149b9a0c_001full.jpg It is a representational partnership Metacom is a client representative for Verse Digital across the Middle East and Asia Pac regions. By combining their services in brand strategy and marketing development, the partnership brings their clients quality deliverables to help unlock their potential in the Metaverse. It aims to drive increased confidence for brands in the GCC looking to take their first steps into this new and exciting space to engage with their consumers like never before. Co-Founder and Chief Metaverse Officer of Metacom, Shyair Ganglani, expresses his views about this latest development: "The Metaverse is where social media was 10 years ago - It's the future of consumer marketing and it's coming fast." Metacoms partnership with Verse Digital Studios will deliver innovative Web3 services such as; a)Metaverse brand consulting and executive trainings. b) Metaverse communication strategy development. c) Browser, mobile and VR activation development. d)NFT design, minting and communication strategy development. Metacom facilitates its clients with Web3 Marketing Strategy & Planning, from which brand owners can create robust strategies and 360 plan. It offers different trainings and workshops with a straightforward syllabus. In addition, it provides features of web3 and content development to engage with the audience as organically as possible. Consequently, both companies ease the planning, development, execution and analytics for their clients. The founder of Verse Digital, Justin Edwards, states the objective of the collaboration, "Our job is to enable clients to navigate the complexities of the Metaverse and start future-proofing their brands." About Metacom The company is Web3 Marketing and communication agency, headquartered in Singapore and Dubai. Metacom provides the services of Metaverse Development & Marketing, Marketing consultancy, Meta-Content development, and Metaverse Analytics and research. About Verse Digital Verse Digital is a creative development studio created by Justin Edwards Founder & CEO of Verse Digital and former COO at Decentraland. A leading team of strategists, creatives, 3D Modellers, and developers always supporting other emerging companies that aspire to enter the Metaverse. For further information, visit the following links: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn Media Contact details Company Name: Metacom Global Contact: Shyair Ganglani Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.metacom.sg/ Country: UAE City: Dubai To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/140681 New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Multi-genre author Miichael Maxx has partnered with Page Publishing to release his latest insightful work, How to Tell if He's Really into You: A Guide for Women to Take and Keep Control of Their Dating Life. This engaging, comprehensive book unravels the intricacies of modern dating to help women be smart, weed out the worst, and find true love. Book cover ofHow to Tell if He's Really into You Despite being a short read, How to Tell if He's Really into You is packed full of entertaining examples and actionable advice. Women will learn how to spot red flags from a distance and find out how men approach everything from the first date to holding doors. Each easy-to-understand chapter focuses on a key aspect of dating, including how to determine if a suitor is really single and what men are really like. Perfect for fans of bestselling books ''The 5 Love Languages'' by Gary Chapman and ''The Seven Levels of Intimacy'' by Mathew Kelly, How to Tell if He's Really into You is meant for women over 18 who want to discover all there is to know about dating from the opposite perspective. With transparency and honesty, Maxx addresses common questions about cheating, romance, and gratitude. This includes a candid answer to the big question on every woman's mind: How do I keep my man? Reviewers adore How to Tell if He's Really into You, stating, "The advice is phenomenal on all levels." Maxx hopes that his writing will uplift and empower women as they navigate the complicated rituals surrounding love. With technology and social norms continuing to change the traditional dating game, there's no better reminder for women to be careful, know their worth, and be willing to wait. Below are a few reviews from Amazon: Screenshot from Amazon.com How to Tell if He's Really into You: A Guide for Women to Take and Keep Control of Their Dating Life is available for purchase on Amazon.com or wherever books are sold. Though considered a dating guide ''How to Tell if He's Really into You'' can also be very helpful to those who are currently in long term relationships or even married. Screenshot from Barnes & Noble Miichael Maxx is a multi-genre author, entrepreneur, and former composer based in Atlanta, GA. After studying psychology in Georgia Tech, he was inspired to write in both fiction and nonfiction spaces to enrich the lives of his readers. To find out more about Maxx and his two forthcoming thrillers, visit him online at miichael-maxx81.authorbuilder.com or at his social media profiles. Follow his Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/miichaelmaxxta/ or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/michael.maxx.102. To find him on LinkedIn, search for 'Miichael Maxx-The Author' or follow him on Twitter @MaxxAuthor. Author photo of Miichael Maxx Source: Lisa Quinn eBook or Print lisa.quinn[at]ebookorprint[.]com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141301 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - PORTOFINO RESOURCES INC. (TSXV: POR) (OTCQB: PFFOF) (FSE: POTA) ("Portofino" or the "Company") reports that pursuant to the Company's filing and request, an injunction has been granted by the Mining Court for the Province of Catamarca (the "Court") against Mr. Fabian Bertetto, the Optionor ("Bertetto") of the Yergo Project in Catamarca, Argentina (the "Yergo Project"). The Court ordered injunction (the "Injunction") has also been filed with the Provincial Ministry of Mining. The granting of this Injunction by the Court is a positive step for the Company as the Injunction means: prima facie, the Court's Judge considers that Portofino's arguments and claim have reasonable grounds under Argentine Law; and it legally prohibits Bertetto from entering into any form of alternative transaction regarding the Yergo Project. David Tafel, the Company's CEO, commented: "The granting of this Injunction is a recognition by the provincial court that Portofino's stance regarding its adherence to terms of the Yergo Agreements has merit, Bertetto's Notice may be invalid, and he may have breached the terms of the Yergo Agreements. Our legal counsel in Buenos Aires and Catamarca, presented extensive evidence in the Injunction filing that Portofino worked diligently and in good faith to explore, finance and advance the Yergo Project with Bertetto's full support. We anticipate additional Court rulings in the near term and will continue to defend the interests of the Company and the significant investment of our shareholders." Background Pursuant to the news release September 22, 2022, the Company received a Notice of Termination (the "Notice") from Mr. Fabian Bertetto, regarding the April 2019 Binding Letter Option Agreement and the May 2021 Binding Letter Agreement Addendum (collectively the "Agreements"). The Notice purports to terminate the Agreements, however, Portofino has not breached the Agreements and as evidenced by the Injunction grant, is defending its legal rights vigorously. Bertetto is contractually and legally prohibited to initiate, solicit or entertain any expressions of interest or proposals from any person (or company) or take any action to facilitate the purchase or sale or option of all or any interest in the Yergo Project. In the event that such provision has been breached, the Company reserves the right to additionally pursue Bertetto and the counterparty, or counterparties, causing the contractual breach and will seek damages and cost recovery from Bertetto and all parties that induced, or attempted to induce, Bertetto to breach the Agreements. Yergo Project Activity to Continue In collaboration with our local civil works and drilling services teams in Catamarca, the Company is currently finalizing revisions to the drill permit application as requested recently by the Ministry. Assuming these revisions meet the requirements of the Ministry, and a drill permit is approved, the Company will proceed with site preparation for the planned drill program. About Portofino Resources Inc. Portofino is a Vancouver-based Canadian company focused on exploring and developing mineral resource projects in the Americas. Portofino has an opportunity to earn a majority interest in multiple lithium projects in Salta, Argentina and up to 100% of the Yergo Lithium property in Catamarca. The properties are situated in the heart of the world-renowned Argentine Lithium Triangle and in close proximity to multiple world-class lithium projects. The Company also has the right to earn 100% interest in three northwestern Ontario, Canada lithium projects: Allison Lake North, Greenheart Lake and McNamara Lake. Portofino's South of Otter and Bruce Lake projects are in the historic gold mining district of Red Lake, Ontario, Canada proximal to the Dixie gold project discovered by Great Bear Resources and now owned by Kinross Gold Corp. In addition, Portofino holds three other northwestern Ontario gold projects; the Gold Creek property located immediately south of the historic Shebandowan mine, as well as the Sapawe West and Melema West properties located in the rapidly developing Atikokan gold mining camp. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "David G. Tafel" Chief Executive Officer For Further Information Contact: David Tafel CEO, Director 604-683-1991 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: any potential outcome following granting of an injunction; the merits of the claims made in the Notice and the effectiveness of the Notice; the Company's connection to the matters under dispute; the Company's intention to defend itself with respect to the claims made in the Notice and the purported termination of the Agreements; the potential value of the project; the Company's intention to pursue parties in relation to the claims made in the Notice and the purported termination of the Agreements and to seek cost recovery and damages from such parties; the Company's intention to set a property payment in reserve until all issues have been resolved to the Company's satisfaction; the Company's intention to proceed with revisions to its drill permit application; the Company's intention to proceed with site preparation and planned drill program; and the Company's future business plans. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's ability to effect a positive outcome following granting of an injunction; the ability of the Company to defend itself against the claims set out in the Notice; the Company's ability to challenge the purported termination of the Agreements; and the growth and development of the Company's business as currently anticipated. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential for the claims set out in the Notice and the purported termination of the Agreements to have in an adverse material impact on the Company; the potential for damage to the Company's reputation or commercial relationships as a result of the claims set out in the Notice and the purported termination of the Agreements; and the uncertainty as to the outcome and timing of the claims set out in the Notice. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141371 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 20, 2022) - Tashota Resources Inc. ("TRI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on June 17th the Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation regarding TRI's Larose property located in the historically prolific Shebandowan Greenstone Belt. This mutually beneficial MOU allows the parties to have friendly, on-going and open communication regarding the advancement of their respective exploration plans based on their recognition of and deep respect for Lac des Mille Lacs' treaty and aboriginal rights. Charles Elbourne, President and CEO of TRI stated that, "The execution of an MOU with the Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation is an important step for the Company and we look forward to working closely with Lac des Mille Lacs to develop and implement our exploration plans in Shebandowan." About Tashota Resources Inc. Tashota Resources Inc. ("TRI") is a Prospect Generator junior resource Exploration Company currently focused on defining and monetizing the mineral deposits on its multiple properties in historically prolific gold camps in Northern Ontario. TRI has a stellar management and advisory team with significant exploration, engineering, project financing and permitting experience. This includes decades-long experience in prospecting and mining operations in the Hemlo, Shebandowan, and Beardmore-Geraldton Gold Camps where TRI has significant property interests comprising nearly 45,000 acres. For more information about TRI, please visit www.tashotaresources.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO, Tashota Resources Inc. 82 Richmond St. E. Suite 401 Toronto, ON M5C 1P1 C: 416-315-6490 | O: 647-350-6122 Email: [email protected] Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing and amount of estimated future exploration and success of such exploration activities. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "schedule", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "continue", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important facts that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of TRI to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which TRI will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, availability of sufficient financial and other resources in order to complete anticipated exploration work on TRI's properties; currency fluctuations; the global economic climate; and competition. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of TRI to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the impact the COVID 19 pandemic may have on TRI's activities and the economy in general; the impact of the recovery post COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on precious metals; risks and uncertainties inherent to any mineral exploration program; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future gold and other metal prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental risks and other risks of the mining industry. Although TRI has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. TRI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/141313 CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allspring Global Investments, a leading independent global asset management firm with $476 billion* in assets under management, today announced the opening of its newly designed corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. North Carolina's business-friendly environment and Charlotte's position as an important East Coast financial hub compelled Allspring to select the region for its headquarters. Allspring has an established presence in Charlotte with more than 100 employees, including several senior executives. Today, Allspring has dozens of open professional employment opportunities in Charlotte. "We are thrilled to announce the official opening of our corporate headquarters in Charlotte, which we believe is an important step in Allspring's journey to elevate investing to be worth more. We're excited to welcome clients in to experience the Allspring culture firsthand," stated Joe Sullivan, CEO. Gensler, a global architecture, planning, and design firm, designed the office space and has provided services in support of Allspring's office locations globally, including in Boston, London, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco. "We are proud to have partnered with such a thoughtful collaborator as Allspring. We worked together to design a physical space that both celebrates their culture and connects their people and clients with Allspring's values," said Carrie Renegar, senior associate and design director for Gensler. Allspring's commitment to sustainability was a critical consideration in the design of its headquarters. This office received LEED Gold Certification, the most widely used green certification in the world. LEED certificationwhich requires a reduction of energy consumption and waste, efficient resource management, and decreased operating costsis a primary focus for Allspring's offices. Dave Bullock, head of Corporate Sustainability and Facilities, added, "The vision for our corporate headquarters was to build the office of the future, optimizing the hybrid workplace and building employee excitement to return to the office. The sustainability overlay was a critical element for us because environmental stewardship is an important part of Allspring's culture." To mark this new beginning, Allspring has made a donation of 100 trees to TreesCharlotte, a nonprofit organization with a mission to grow and diversify Charlotte's urban forest by promoting tree stewardship, increasing Charlotte's tree canopy, and educating how to plant and preserve trees.To learn more about Allspring, please visit www.allspringglobal.com. About Allspring Global Investments Allspring Global Investments is an independent asset management company with more than US$476 billion in assets under management*, offices around the world, and investment teams supported by 450 investment professionals. Allspring is committed to thoughtful investing, purposeful planning, and inspiring a new era of investing that pursues both financial returns and positive outcomes. *As of June 30, 2022, AUM includes US$93 billion from Galliard Capital Management, an investment advisor that is not part of the Allspring Global Investments trade name/GIPS company. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is for professional, institutional, or qualified clients/investors. Not for retail use outside the U.S. THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION AND IN ANY CASE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED IN ANY JURISDICTION OR TO ANY PERSON WHERE IT WOULD BE UNAUTHORIZED OR UNLAWFUL TO DO SO. Allspring Global Investments (Allspring) is the trade name for the asset management companies of Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC, a holding company indirectly owned by certain private funds of GTCR LLC and Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. Unless otherwise stated, Allspring is the source of all data (which is current or as of the date stated); past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future results; all investments contain risk; content is provided for informational purposes only with no representation regarding its adequacy, accuracy, or completeness and should not be relied upon; views, opinions, assumptions, or estimates are not necessarily that of Allspring and are subject to change without notice; and this communication does not contain investment advice, an investment recommendation, or investment research, as defined under local regulation of the respective jurisdiction. PAR-1022-00389 2022 Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allspring-global-investments-opens-corporate-headquarters-in-charlotte-301654413.html SOURCE Allspring Global Investments ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Artivion, Inc. (NYSE: AORT), a leading cardiac and vascular surgery company focused on aortic disease, announced today that third quarter 2022 financial results will be released on Thursday, November 3, 2022 after the market closes. On that day, the Company will hold a teleconference call and live webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results, followed by a question and answer session hosted by Pat Mackin, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Artivion. To listen to the live teleconference, please dial 862-298-0702 a few minutes prior to 4:30 p.m. ET. The teleconference replay will be available approximately one hour following the completion of the event and can be accessed by calling (toll free) 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415. The conference number for the replay is 13733812. The live webcast and replay can be accessed on the Investors section of the Artivion website at www.artivion.com and by selecting Webcasts & Presentations. In addition, a copy of the earnings press release, which will contain financial and statistical information for the completed quarter and full year, can be accessed in the Investors section of the Artivion website. About Artivion, Inc. Headquartered in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, Artivion, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing simple, elegant solutions that address cardiac and vascular surgeons' most difficult challenges in treating patients with aortic diseases. Artivion's four major groups of products include: aortic stent grafts, surgical sealants, On-X mechanical heart valves, and implantable cardiac and vascular human tissues. Artivion markets and sells products in more than 100 countries worldwide. For additional information about Artivion, visit our website, www.artivion.com. Contacts: Artivion Gilmartin Group LLC D. Ashley Lee Brian Johnston / Lynn Lewis Executive Vice President & Phone: 332-895-3222 Chief Financial Officer [email protected] Phone: 770-419-3355 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/artivion-announces-release-date-and-teleconference-call-details-for-third-quarter-2022-financial-results-301654522.html SOURCE Artivion, Inc. New Research Reveals Causal Effect Between Brand Social Values and Increased Business Performance NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UM, the global media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, today released its groundbreaking "Future Impact" study at Advertising Week New York. The research highlights the importance of socially responsible practices and values -- including integrity, equity and sustainability -- on consumer decision making, with consumer purchase intent more than doubling when socially conscious brands engage advertising media partners that share common values. The study also highlights how cultural dynamics affect the importance of socially conscious media partners. New Research Reveals Causal Effect Between Brand Social Values and Increased Business Performance "Our Future Impact Study drives home the fact that an authentic commitment to social values and finding partners that share those values is beyond an obligation -- it's a business catalyst," said Deidre Smalls-Landau, EVP, Managing Director, Mediabrands Identity. "This project was born out of a commitment to supporting the reality that companies doing social good is smart business. Brands will now be able to make more informed decisions and allocate their dollars to see higher purchase intent while supporting the causes that are important to them, and to consumers." The Future Impact study set out to understand how a brand's commitment to sustainability, equity and integrity impacts consumer purchase intent, as well as brand perception when advertisers focus their ads on media partners that engaged in responsible media practices. Key findings include: Purchase intent more than doubles when socially conscious brands engage advertising media partners that share common values When a brand embodies all three values of integrity, sustainability and equity, there is a 75 percent increase in purchase intent Brands that support environmental and equity values in the workplace and in media will see 2X the impact in purchase intent Brands that support sustainability and integrity values alongside media partnerships mirroring the same values provide the most efficient lift in purchase intent Brands that score low on responsibility metrics cannot improve their performance simply by advertising on media partners with higher responsibility metrics; rather brands must evolve their practices and commitment to social values to see increased results Investing in sustainable, environmentally conscious media partners matters across all age groups "Engaging in responsible media practices and supporting social values is not only the right thing to do, there is a clear and strong business case for it," said UM US CEO, W. Joe DeMiero. "As the agency committed to helping our clients' achieve brand growth, it's extremely valuable to be able to prove how influential a commitment to social issues and values is to a business's bottom line." The methodology for The Future Impact study included a survey of 5,000 participants around a variety of randomized household brands, media partners and social value attributes in various scenarios. Researchers then modeled the combinations to predict results, analyze decision drivers and create a simulation tool that enabled them to shift factors to see the impact on purchase intent as social values either increased or decreased. The Future Impact study is the first phase of the project. Phase two, currently underway, will include integration into buying and planning as part of a broader solution to enable marketers to optimize ad dollar spend while maintaining a strong commitment to promoting integrity, equity and sustainability and working with responsible media partners. About UM UM is a global media agency committed to Futureproofing our clients' businesses for the now and the next. We leverage the transformational power of rich business analytics and real-time intelligence to maximize growth and activate the full consumer journey across content and connections. Our consultative approach and agile model, rooted in diversity, equity and belonging, drive better business outcomes for brands. As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people innovating on a roster of global clients including Accenture, American Express, GoPro, Johnson & Johnson, Levi Strauss & Co, Mattel, Sony and Spotify. For more information, please visit https://www.umww.com/. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumer-purchase-intent-more-than-doubles-when-socially-conscious-brands-engage-advertising-media-partners-that-share-common-values-according-to-ums-future-impact-study-301655132.html SOURCE UM PHOENIX, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is proud to announce that Deanna Salazar, Chief Administration Officer and General Counsel, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2022's Top Diversity Leaders. The profiles of all the honorees and honored organizations are featured in the October 17 print issue of MH magazine and online. "I am so proud to be part of an organization where diversity, equity, and inclusion are ingrained in our culture," said Deanna Salazar, Chief Administration Officer and General Counsel at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. "We will continue to take meaningful, concrete actions to raise awareness, create opportunity, and promote change in our workplace and the greater Arizona community." The Top Diversity Leaders in Healthcare recognition program honors the top diverse healthcare executives and organizations influencing policy, care delivery and public health, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations and the healthcare industry. "The honorees on Modern Healthcare's 2022 lists of Top Diversity Leaders and Organizations demonstrate a willingness to devote the resources necessary to execute meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives," said Mary Ellen Podmolik, Modern Healthcare's editor. "Their efforts to provide greater opportunities internally, while advancing health equity initiatives in their communities, set a great example for others to follow." For information or questions about the Top Diversity Leaders recognition program or awards gala, please contact: Carly RickConference and Events Manager[email protected]312.649.5340 About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a mission to inspire health and make it easy, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to more than 1.9 million customers. BCBSAZ, a non-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company and its subsidiaries employ more than 2,700 people in its Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. To learn more, visit azblue.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. About Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare is the most trusted business news and information brand in the healthcare industry. Modern Healthcare empowers healthcare leaders and influencers to make timely and informed business decisions. To learn more or subscribe, go to www.modernhealthcare.com/subscriptions View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deanna-salazar-chief-administration-officer-and-general-counsel-at-blue-cross-blue-shield-of-arizona-named-to-modern-healthcares-top-diversity-leaders-list-301654280.html SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ENT Specialty Partners, one of the largest independent ear, nose, and throat practices in the country, welcomes the team at White Rock ENT in Dallas, Texas, to its growing group of ENT doctors. Led by board-certified otolaryngologist Jennifer Jordan, M.D., White Rock ENT has served patients the White Rock, Lakewood, East Dallas, and surrounding areas for more than 25 years. The practice provides a wide range of ENT, allergy, hearing, and voice treatments for pediatric and adult patients. "At White Rock ENT, we have always provided the highest level of quality care to Dallas families," said Dr. Jordan. "It's an exciting step forward to join together with other like-minded ENT physicians in Texas to have access to resources and expertise to further enhance our patient care." Dr. Jordan is a leader in the otolaryngology field. She has been recognized by her peers as a Texas Super Doctor and one of D Magazine's Best Doctors in Dallas. She is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Dallas Academy of Otolaryngology. "We're honored to have Dr. Jordan and the team at White Rock ENT join our growing community of physicians dedicated to moving patient care forward," said Ron Kuppersmith, M.D., CEO of ENT Specialty Partners. The ESP practice community now includes 22 ENT physicians, 19 audiologists, 10 advanced practice providers, and numerous support staff providing a wide range of services in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, audiology, and allergy treatments. ESP partner practices are located across 14 Texas locations: Allen, Bellville, Brenham, Bryan-College Station, Carrollton, Celina, Dallas, Frisco, Giddings, Huntsville, La Grange, McKinney, Plano, and Wichita Falls. Learn more about ESP at ENTSP.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ent-specialty-partners-welcomes-white-rock-ent-to-its-growing-community-of-practices-301655305.html SOURCE ENT Specialty Partners The "Calavera Collection" Transforms Iconic Stadium Goods Gear into Wearable Pieces of Art, Bringing a Modern Twist to a Traditional Holiday Ritual NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Day of the Dead, Espolon Tequila has partnered with premier streetwear marketplace, Stadium Goods, and globally recognized Mexican artist, Saner, to drop a limited-edition line of apparel. Dubbed the "Calavera Collection," the line includes custom-made wearable pieces that pay homage to popular Mexican symbols like calaveras - or candy skulls - and marigolds, with each design inspired by one of Espolon's four award-winning tequilas. The line was created to honor the Mexican traditions of Day of the Dead, a holiday in which the souls of deceased relatives are honored through stories, food, drink and celebration. The Calavera Collection presented by Stadium Goods fuses authentic Mexican tradition with modern culture, which is at the heart of the Espolon brand. The collection includes custom t-shirts and sweatshirts from Stadium Goods' best-selling STADIUM line in neutral colorways adorned with vibrant designs by Saner. Each piece in the Calavera Collection was created in Saner's signature style, which combines techniques from ancient Mayan artwork and a modern day graffiti art style. The eye-catching designs feature rich, bold colors like marigold - the official flower of Day of the Dead - and Espolon's signature fuchsia. "Day of the Dead is one of the most important holidays in Mexico, and our streetwear collection with Stadium Goods and Saner will bring to life the traditions of the holiday in a way that feels fresh and contemporary," said Sean Yelle, White Spirits Marketing Director at Campari America. "Our Calavera Collection was created to shed light on the traditions of the holiday while spotlighting one of Mexico's most popular artists, Saner. We look forward to bringing the traditions of Mexico to the US in a new way this fall." Releasing on the Day of the Dead (11/1), the Calavera Collection will be dropping at Stadium Goods' NYC retail store for one day only from 12pm-8pm, where fans will receive bespoke pieces from the line that will be screen printed in real-time. For those located outside of NYC, 50 pieces from the collection will be available online via a nationwide sweepstakes from October 24th-November 2nd, 2022. Fans 21 and up can tag a friend and share their own personalized literary calavera, or satirical poem that is traditionally written for the Day of the Dead, on Espolon's 10/24 Instagram post (@espolontequila) for the chance to win an exclusive item from the collection. Official rules for the sweepstakes can be found here. "Dias de los Muertos is a holiday with such rich tradition, and I really wanted the artwork for this collection to bring a piece of Mexico to the US," said world renowned artist, Saner. "The four designs mix together prehispanic art techniques and feature traditional Mexican symbolism for a streetwear collection that celebrates culture with a modern edge." "The spirit of collaboration has always been a core value of Stadium Goods, from our apparel to the vibe we create in our retail stores, and partnering with Saner and Espolon is a beautiful extension of that," says Matthew Gomes, Stadium Goods senior director of retail. "We're honored to have Saner use our pieces as his literal canvas, and delighted to have Espolon co-host such a unique way of sharing it with the world." The Calavera Collection is one of the many ways in which Espolon Tequila is bringing a contemporary edge to the rich stories of traditional Mexican culture. Fans who receive the collection at Stadium Goods and via Espolon's Instagram sweepstakes must show valid proof that they are 21+ in order to receive. Please enjoy Espolon Tequila responsibly. ASSETS FOR MEDIA USE ABOUT ESPOLON TEQUILADistilled from hand-harvested 100% Blue Weber Agave in Los Altos, the Highlands region of Jalisco, Espolon's award-winning tequilas are the pride of the Casa San Nicolas. Espolon was the realization of a lifelong desire for late founder and Master Distiller Cirilo Oropeza, who dreamed of creating a tequila that blends artisanal Mexican tradition with modern techniques. Espolon is, at its heart, a tribute to Mexican culture, with striking bottle designs by the rich, storied history of Mexico. Through its labels, Espolon pays tribute to a true luminary Jose Guadalupe Posada. Posada was a 19th century artist and printmaker, a real pioneer, and a bit of a rebel. His most famous work, the calaveras (skeletons), were a powerful commentary on the social injustices of his time. He gave his people a voice and gave the art world a style that continues to influence pop culture today. Today, Espolon Tequila Blanco, Espolon Tequila Reposado, Espolon Tequila Anejo and Espolon Cristalino each spotlight different moments in Mexican history, led by the legendary rooster, Ramon. For more information on Espolon, visit espolontequila.com. ABOUT CAMPARI GROUPDavide Campari-Milano N.V., together with its affiliates ("Campari America"), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. Campari Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. Campari Group's portfolio, with over 50 brands, spans spirits (the core business), wines, and soft drinks. Its internationally renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey, and Grand Marnier. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari Group owns 22 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 22 countries. Campari Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM), have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy our brands responsibly. ABOUT STADIUM GOODSStadium Goods is the world's premier marketplace for sneakers and streetwear. Founded in 2015 by connoisseurs with a deep history in the culture of sneakers and streetwear, Stadium Goods' core mission is to bring unparalleled customer service and a luxury retail aesthetic to the aftermarket. Since being acquired by Farfetch in 2019, Stadium Goods has leveraged its unique position as the authentic home for the "new" luxury fashion of sneakers and streetwear to expand its offering to include legacy luxury fashion. Stadium Goods operates brick-and-mortar retail stores in New York and Chicago, and ships worldwide via stadiumgoods.com and its partners. For more information, please visit www.stadiumgoods.com. ABOUT SANEREdgar "SANER" Flores, contemporary artist, painter, muralist, illustrator and graphic designer graduated from Degree in Graphic Design at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, FES Acatlan. From the last year of the university and up to 5 years later, he concentrated on design and advertising, to later devote himself fully to the graphic arts, developing initially in graffiti and specializing in mural and easel painting; thanks to which he has exhibited in different museums and galleries around the world. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/espolon-tequila-drops-a-limited-edition-day-of-the-dead-capsule-collection-with-renowned-mexican-artist-saner-presented-by-stadium-goods-301655175.html SOURCE Espolon Tequila Scheduled Washington Dulles to Abu Dhabi service to fly via Sharm-El-Sheik delivering COP27 delegates with zero emissions Operated on Etihad's Boeing 787 "Greenliner" the flight will leverage SAF Book & Claim systems in partnership with World Energy to overcome SAF logistical and infrastructure challenges The special operation demonstrates that Book & Claim is crucial to achieving net-zero commercial aviation until SAF becomes more globally available ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has partnered with World Energy, a carbon-net-zero solutions provider, to operate the first Net-Zero flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Book & Claim, delivering delegates to COP27 with zero emissions. The airline will operate its Washington Dulles to Abu Dhabi service, routed via COP27 venue Sharm-El-Sheik to demonstrate the only feasible path to net-zero commercial aviation using current technology, while showcasing the challenges and opportunities of SAF. Mariam Alqubaisi, Head of Sustainability & Business Excellence, Etihad Airways, said: "This initiative is about proving Net-Zero commercial aviation is possible, but equally facing up to the significant logistical challenges the industry faces to turn the possible into the routine. Etihad endeavors to make good on the rigorous commitment towards sustainable aviation through the Greenliner programme in partnership with Boeing, GE and other aviation leaders in 2020, followed by the addition of the Sustainabile50 programme in partnership with Airbus and Rolls Royce, coupled with our commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and halving our net emission levels by 2035. "Through these programmes, we have run a series of ecoFlights over the past two years to test and validate several concepts, and we have made refining and implementing sustainability initiatives an intrinsic part of our day-to-day operation. The Net-Zero flight is the next logical step after our EY20 operation from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi in October last year, where we reduced emissions by 72% compared to the same flight in 2019. "This isn't about solving only Etihad's emissions, but about supporting the entire industry to address the biggest challenge we face over the next three decades." Gene Gebolys, CEO, World Energy, said: "Aviation is how the world connects but we are on a collision course as flying people and goods is one of the most carbon-intensive things humans do. Aviation is on an unsustainable trajectory as it is projected to continue to account for an ever-greater share of global carbon emissions. But there is a way off this course. The course correction will come from the fuel tank rather than the cockpit. Together, we can efficiently change the fuel we fly on so we can change the impact of flying. We are grateful to corporate leaders like Etihad who are paving the way to help make net-zero aviation a reality." Enabling delegates to travel 10,000km emission-free to COP27, Etihad will buy (or book) SAF for the flight provided by fueling partner World Energy. However, the flight will use conventional Jet-A1 fuel, and the physical SAF that Etihad has purchased will be delivered into the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) fuel system and used on flights by other airlines out of that airport. LAX has the infrastructure in place to take delivery of and distribute World Energy's SAF. This is known as a Book & Claim system and is the preferred model for SAF use and distribution advocated for by the aviation and energy industries as a stopgap solution to make SAF available for global aviation until infrastructure requirements can catch up. Book & Claim includes scrupulously third-party verified transactions that comply with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) guidance. Guests onboard the flight will not be charged any extra premium for their fare but preparing a Net-Zero flight without charging each passenger and cargo shipment a surcharge is a challenge given that the cost to produce SAF is four-times higher than JetA1. The extra costs will be mitigated by several sources, including government subsidies reducing the SAF cost by 50 per cent, the Corporate Conscious Choice programme contributing 28 per cent, and the Etihad Guest Raffle providing 22 per cent. A final 10 per cent to partially offset additional operational and handling costs will be generated by tokenizing and trading CO2e avoidance credits, possible due to this being the first transatlantic flight actively managing non-CO2 effects through contrail avoidance prediction and flight planning. The Net-Zero flight will be the latest in a series of "EcoFlight" tests since Etihad launched its Greenliner programme in 2020, each one testing and proving a series of concepts. About Sustainable Aviation Fuel Neat SAF is a 100 percent sustainable fuel made entirely of renewable resources and contains no fossil-based feedstock. It is not co-processed with fossil fuel in traditional oil refineries, and its carbon attributes comply with all state and U.S. federal regulations for advanced biofuels. Its lifecycle carbon emissions are currently up to 85 percent lower than conventional jet fuel. It is currently approved at a 50/50 blend level with conventional jet fuel for commercial use. World Energy continues to collaborate with industry leaders to gain approval for pure100 percent renewable SAF use in regular commercial aviation to enable a future of carbon net-zero fossil-free flight. About World Energy World Energy is a low-carbon solutions provider focused on helping the world's leading companies make their carbon net-zero commitments real. The company is delivering ever-better solutions at an ever-greater scale to efficiently cut, accurately account, and transparently report carbon emissions reductions in operations based in air and on water, rail, and road. Founded on Earth Day in Boston in 1998, the company has been commercializing, producing, and distributing low-carbon fuels for more than two decades. www.worldenergy.net. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/etihad-airways-and-world-energy-collaborate-to-demonstrate-the-future-of-net-zero-aviation-with-zero-emissions-flight-to-cop27-301654797.html SOURCE World Energy PHOENIX, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiru Corporation (OTC Markets: HIRU), a Georgia corporation (the "Company" or "HIRU"), is proud to announce that they have officially purchased a full scale, water bottling company out of Roseville, California. The Company purchased the water bottling plant in Roseville, California pursuant to an agreement for both cash and equity ("New Bottling Plant"). The value of the New Bottling Plant is approximately $7M USD. The New Bottling Plant has the following material benefits to the Company: 133,000 Square Foot of Floor Space Four Automated Bottling Lines (Two of Which are Fully Operational) All Four Bottling Lines will be in full production by December 31, 2022 Can produce all sizes of water bottles which will allow the Company to fulfill the invoices more effectively from Alkaline 88 and our other major clients Capacity should allow us to expand and generate more top line revenue with both our current and future clients Ms. Kathryn Gavin (President and CEO of the Company), states" The acquisition of the Roseville water bottling plant will allow us to expand our relationship with Alkaline 88 and our other major national and regional clients. It will also let us to significantly surpass our previous projected top line revenue for 2023 which was $30,000,000 USD. We are currently working to make sure all four automated bottling lines are fully operational as soon as possible. This new location is very versatile as it will allow us to produce any size water bottle to meet all of our current client needs. Closing this acquisition was a priority for the Company as soon as we discovered it was available. It is exactly what we needed to move to the next level and to continue the exponential growth we have experienced since inception." Disclaimer Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain statements that we make may constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated savings, financial results (including expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures), industry or market conditions, demand for and pricing of our products, acquisitions and divestitures, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory developments or general economic conditions. In addition, words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," and future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "could," "should," and "would," as well as any other statement that necessarily depends on future events, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements. ABOUT US Hiru Corp. is a Georgia corporation, is a public quoted Pink Sheet OTC issuer under the ticker symbol "HIRU" (the "Company"). The Company reports as an alternative reporting issuer with OTC Markets Group, Inc. and is current in its mandatory required filings (e.g., Pink Sheet Current). Currently, the Company has one wholly owned, operational subsidiary, AZ Custom Bottled Water, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("AZ Water"), which owns and operates a commercial water bottling and labeling facility based in Phoenix, Arizona. AZ Water operates a B2C website at https://azcustombottledwater.com/. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hiru-corporation--purchase-of-california-water-company-301655516.html SOURCE Hiru Corporation NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jennifer A. Beckage, Esq., CIPP/US, CIPP/E has been named among the top 40 data breach lawyers in the U.S. Cybersecurity Docket's Incident Response 40. Incident Response 40 is peer nominated and reviewed and "lists the 40 best data breach response lawyers in the business," states Bruce Carton, Editor of Cybersecurity Docket. To date, Ms. Beckage has received this illustrious recognition in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 putting her amongst an elite few to repeatedly receive such distinction. "I am utterly humbled by this designation, especially from my peers, whom I admire and hold in high regard," said Jennifer A. Beckage, Managing Director and founder of The Beckage Firm. "I have responded to countless headline-making data security and privacy breaches and related putative class actions while launching and managing a high growth tech-forward law firm. Concurrently, I have benefited from professional growth and recognition in the niche data security and privacy and cyber insurance markets." "The data security and privacy market, my professional career and my personal life have been through a lot," warmly states Ms. Beckage. "After five years, I am beyond humbled by this recognition along with other talented cyber professionals and I look forward to see the future generations of recipients of this award." Jennifer Beckage is the Founder and Managing Director of The Beckage Firm, a Women and Veteran owned law firm focused on incident response, data privacy and compliance, litigation, and emerging technologies. During the DotCom era, Ms. Beckage started her career, which eventually led to the sale of her tech business to a publicly traded entity, where she was retained as VP of Operations over technical services and products. At that time, Ms. Beckage consulted Fortune 100 companies to abandon antiquated practices and invest in a new technology platform called a "website" on the future forward "Internet." With the emergence of cyber threat actors, Ms. Beckage then focused her career on incident response (incidentally, most leading from activities on the Internet). With a robust understanding of how internet technologies are built, Ms. Beckage has provided consultation to organizations of various sizes and maturities on incident response preparedness. Beckage was among the early counselors to help corporate clients navigate international data breaches, and related putative class actions. Ms. Beckage predicted the need for organizations to proactively prioritize data security, privacy, and incident response. To that end, she has received numerous awards and recognition as a sought-after speaker on topics including cybersecurity and privacy. Ms. Beckage holds Certification from MIT Sloan School of Management for business strategies and implications of artificial intelligence technology use and has taught masters level studies on artificial intelligence, incident response, data security, privacy and ethics. Years prior to the pandemic, Ms. Beckage created the first majority remote law firm and has helped organizations safely, compliantly and efficiently migrate to the cloud. Among her certifications, Ms. Beckage maintains Certified Information Privacy Professional, United States (CIPP/US) and Certified Information Privacy Professional, Europe (CIPP/E). The Beckage Firm is headquartered in New York. Its services include Incident Response/Data Breach, Data Security and Privacy Compliance, Personal Privacy, and Data Due Diligence. About The Beckage Firm: The Beckage Firm is a women-owned law firm. Its attorneys and technology professionals counsel clients on matters pertaining to data security and privacy compliance, government investigations, litigation and class action defense, incident response, technology, personal security and privacy, data due diligence, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. In addition to women-owned, the Beckage Partnership Team also includes military veterans. Learn more at TheBeckageFirm.com. CONTACT: Marc Honan, [email protected]. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jennifer-a-beckage-esq-cippus-cippe-named-to-list-of-the-40-top-data-breach-attorneys-in-the-united-states-for-fifth-year-in-a-row-301654854.html SOURCE The Beckage Firm BURLINGTON, Mass., Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kognito, an experiential learning company, announced the release of Postvention as Prevention: Coping with Loss at School, a research article published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Kognito's research team, in collaboration with Ascend Learning's Innovative Sciences group, conducted a year-long research study using several methodologies to demonstrate the critical need for postvention training among educators, administrators and school staff to support the mental and emotional health and well-being of students as a result of COVID-19. "This study demonstrates the efficacy of an online, virtual role-play simulation used to train educators and school staff in identification, approach and referral of at-risk students who may be experiencing distress associated with loss due to the pandemic. We believe that research like this continues to support the use of innovative gaming technology to teach people how they can be active participants in improving school climate, fostering a sense of safety, and ultimately supporting student mental and behavioral health," said Nikita Khalid, Doctoral Candidate CUNY Graduate Center, Research Scientist, Kognito. Level one data showed that 92% of participants would recommend the simulation to a colleague while 82% indicated that the training is based on relevant, real-life scenarios. Pre and post survey data showed a significant mean Likert scale increase in both trainee preparedness and self-efficacy to identify and refer a student in distress to support, recognize behavior changes, engage in selfcare and motivate a college to connect with support. Khalid continued, "Overall, this data demonstrates the critical need for postvention training and provides encouraging evidence around the efficacy of virtual role play simulations in preparing educators and staff to lead postvention efforts in their school communities." The pandemic has had an enormous impact on the most vulnerable population, our children and it is estimated that worldwide 5.2 million have lost either a parent or caregiver. Such adverse experiences oftentimes lead to anxiety, depression, substance use and suicidal ideation. The objective of the research study was to analyze the effectiveness of a virtual role-play simulation such as Coping with Loss at School in providing critical postvention training for educators and staff. More information can be found at, www.kognito.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/journal-of-environmental-research-and-public-health-findings-recommend-postvention-training-to-support-covid-19-student-trauma-301654175.html SOURCE Kognito The Killer the Boy's Own Father Was Allowed to Buy Gun Used in Murder, Even Though He Was Lawfully Prohibited from Buying Firearms SAN FRANCISCO and HANFORD, Calif., Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The mother of a 10-year-old boy killed by his own father filed a lawsuit (link to filing) today in the San Francisco County Superior Court against the California Department of Justice. The suit (filed by Alioto Legal) seeks to force the Department to comply with the California Public Records Act and disclose the records of a botched background check that allowed the boy's killer access to a firearm, even though he had been legally prohibited by a state court from possessing firearms. The petitioner, Christy Camara Gomes, represented by attorney Joseph M. Alioto Jr., filed the petition in response to the California Department of Justice's refusal to disclose records that would reveal how Christy's ex-husband, Victor Gomes, was able to obtain the murder weapon from a state-licensed firearms dealer while he was under an order of the Superior Court of Kings County not to possess firearms. "The State of California has now failed Wyland twice: first by neglecting to prevent a prohibited person from buying the gun he used to kill Wyland; and now again by refusing to disclose records that will reveal the State's failure," Alioto said. Gomes used the firearm to shoot and kill Wyland on March 2, 2020. Gomes then shot and killed himself. On October 24, 2016, the Superior Court of Kings County ordered Gomes not to possess a firearm when he threatened to kill his son and himself after receiving divorce papers from Christy Camara Gomes. The firearm prohibition was extended to September 9, 2017. Gomes bought the gun used in the murder on May 17, 2017. In August 2021, Christy Camara Gomes requested records from various agencies, including the Justice Department, to determine how Gomes was able to buy a gun while under a court order not to possess firearms. The Department of Justice refused to disclose the records. "No other parent should go through the pain I feel daily. My hope with this petition is that I'll finally have answers and can work with the State to pass 'Wyland's Law' a law that will save the lives of other children. I want Wyland's life to be a legacyone that uncovers the truth and fixes the issues so that we can prevent this tragedy from happening to another family," Camara Gomes said. About Wyland Thomas Gomes and Christy Camara Gomes Wyland Thomas Gomes was born in 2009 and was the firstborn grandchild in his family. He attended Kings River-Hardwick School and was loved deeply by his friends and teachers. He loved playing video games, hanging out with friends, and spending time with his family who loved him. Christy Camara Gomes is Wyland's mom. She grew up in Hanford, California but now calls the Central Coast her home. She is currently in the process of writing a book about Wyland's life and believes that sharing her story will help bereaved parents normalize how they are feeling. Her website and blog can be found here. About Joseph M. Alioto, Jr. Joseph Alioto Jr. is a seasoned trial lawyer and former Assistant U.S. Attorney with over two decades of experience advocating for consumers, crime victims, small businesses, and individuals in California. His interest in fighting firearm violence stems from his work prosecuting violent organized crime for the U.S. Department of Justice in San Francisco and Oakland. Learn more at www.aliotolegal.com/about. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mother-of-murdered-10-year-old-sues-california-department-of-justice-over-botched-background-check-301654222.html SOURCE Alioto Law NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OANDA, a global leader in online multi-asset trading services, currency data and analytics, today announced the launch of a new cryptocurrency trading offering in the US market, designed to give investors easy access to crypto alongside their existing forex portfolios in a secure environment. The trading ecosystem has been developed in partnership with Paxos Trust Company, a regulated blockchain infrastructure platform. The new offering allows US-based investors to spot trade cryptocurrencies on Paxos's itBit exchange through the OANDA mobile platform. Everything from Paxos account opening to funding to trading is managed within the app so investors can seamlessly access major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and PAX Gold against the US dollar from an intuitive platform. Together with the unveiling of OANDA's new brand identity, which reflects the company's emphasis on enabling smarter trading for its clients, the launch of this offering is an opportunity for investors to gain cryptocurrency exposure in a smart way with a trusted brand. The benefits of trading cryptocurrencies through OANDA are: Peace of Mind - OANDA has years of experience and an unparalleled record in offering trading in forex and other derivative instruments around the world. OANDA's crypto partner, Paxos, is the leading regulated blockchain infrastructure provider. - OANDA has years of experience and an unparalleled record in offering trading in forex and other derivative instruments around the world. OANDA's partner, Paxos, is the leading regulated blockchain infrastructure provider. Ease of Use - Investors can enjoy the convenience of opening an account with Paxos and placing trades in one user-friendly app displaying two-way streaming prices. Plus, the offering features easy, low-cost account funding and withdrawal. - Investors can enjoy the convenience of opening an account with Paxos and placing trades in one user-friendly app displaying two-way streaming prices. Plus, the offering features easy, low-cost account funding and withdrawal. Risk Management - The functionality provided by the OANDA app goes beyond the basic 'buy & sell,' as investors can set up limit and stop order parameters in their accounts and take profits and stop losses on positions. Gavin Bambury, Chief Executive Officer of OANDA, says, "This launch signals the start of an exciting new phase of growth for OANDA, creating significant opportunity in the US market. As the number of Americans seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies grows, it's becoming clear that digital assets should form part of a unified trading experience for active traders and sophisticated investors. "Our partnership with Paxos continues that growth trajectory as its regulated blockchain infrastructure allows us to provide our clients access to crypto trading so they have a fast and secure route to the digital economy." "The evolution of institutional investment into cryptos and blockchain technologies has led to a stabilization period that has major players such as Schwab, Citadel, and Fidelity forge ahead with new digital asset offerings in the cryptoverse." said Ed Moya, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA. With institutional investors slowly but surely increasing their adoption of crypto, the landscape is likely to change again and more retail traders may return to the crypto ecosystem. Jessica Beckstead, Managing Director, North America and US CEO added: "The decision to add crypto access to OANDA's popular forex trading platform was made in response to the needs of active tradersgiving them the ability to trade according to their personal style is key." Walter Hessert, Head of Strategy of Paxos, added, "OANDA pioneered internet FX trading, making their entrance into digital asset markets a natural extension of their product. By partnering, OANDA and Paxos will give sophisticated forex traders easy, secure access to the Web3 ecosystem. We're proud to power OANDA's crypto offering with our regulated blockchain infrastructure." Gavin Bambury and Walter Hessert are both available for interviews and further comment. For more information on trading crypto currencies with OANDA visit: https://www.oanda.com/us-en/trading/cryptocurrencies/ Note to editors: About OANDA OANDA is also unveiling a new brand identity this week, reflecting the company's evolution and emphasis on enabling smarter trading for its clients. OANDA's new look and feel represents the company's commitment to always putting its clients first. The core focus of OANDA's brand evolution is to empower traders with the right tools so they can trade smarter. OANDA has been built on a secure foundation of regulation and transparency. Founded in 1996, OANDA was the first company to share exchange rate data free of charge on the Internet, launching an FX trading platform that helped pioneer the development of web-based currency trading five years later. Today, the OANDA group, which includes OANDA Corporation and other subsidiaries of OANDA Global Corporation, provides online multi-asset trading, currency data and analytics to retail and corporate clients around the globe, demonstrating an unrivaled expertise in foreign exchange. With regulated entities in nine of the world's most active financial markets, OANDA remains dedicated to transforming how the world interacts with trading, enabling clients to trade global market indices, commodities, treasuries, precious metals and currencies on one of the fastest trading platforms in the market. About Paxos Paxos is the leading regulated blockchain infrastructure platform. Its products are the foundation for a new, open financial system that can operate faster and more efficiently. Today, trillions of dollars are locked in inefficient, outdated financial plumbing that is inaccessible to millions of people. Paxos is replatforming the financial system to enable assets to instantaneously move anywhere in the world, at any time, in a trustworthy way. Paxos uses technology to tokenize, custody, trade and settle assets. It builds enterprise blockchain solutions for institutions like PayPal, Interactive Brokers, Meta, Mastercard, MercadoLibre, NuBank, Bank of America, Credit Suisse and Societe Generale. Paxos is a top-funded fintech company with more than $540 million raised from leading investors including Oak HC/FT, Declaration Partners, Founders Fund, Mithril Capital and PayPal Ventures. With offices in New York, London and Singapore, Paxos takes a global approach to modernizing the financial system. Disclosures OANDA CORPORATION IS A MEMBER OF NFA AND IS SUBJECT TO THE NFA'S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND EXAMINATIONS. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT NFA DOES NOT HAVE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY OVER UNDERLYING OR SPOT VIRTUAL CURRENCY PRODUCTS OR TRANSACTIONS OR VIRTUAL CURRENCY EXCHANGES, CUSTODIANS OR MARKETS. Paxos is not an NFA member and is not subject to the NFA's regulatory oversight and examinations. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oanda-launches-crypto-trading-service-in-the-us-301654737.html SOURCE OANDA NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OUTFRONT Media Inc. (NYSE: OUT) announced today that it will report results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2022 after the market closes on Thursday, November 3, 2022. The earnings announcement will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.OUTFRONTmedia.com. The Company will host a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The conference call number is 866-580-3963 (U.S. callers) and 786-697-3501 (International callers) and the passcode for both is 3145312. Live and replay versions of the conference call will be webcast in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, www.OUTFRONTmedia.com. About OUTFRONT Media Inc.OUTFRONT leverages the power of technology, location, and creativity to connect brands with consumers outside of their homes through one of the largest and most diverse sets of billboard, transit, and mobile assets in North America. Through its technology platform, OUTFRONT will fundamentally change the ways advertisers engage audiences on-the-go. Contacts: Investors Media Stephan Bisson Courtney Richards Investor Relations PR & Events Specialist (212) 297-6573 (646) 876-9404 [email protected] [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/outfront-media-to-report-2022-third-quarter-results-on-november-3-2022-301655366.html SOURCE OUTFRONT Media Inc. CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") (OTC: PTBS), the one bank holding company for Bank of Charles Town (BCT), declared at their October Board meeting a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share. The dividend is for all shareholders of record on November 2, 2022 and will be paid on November 9, 2022. About the Company Founded in 1871, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: PTBS). With approximately $739 million in assets as of June 30, 2022, the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices. BCT's offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA). The Bank provides various banking products and services including free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network plus online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments. The Bank also offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction, commercial real estate loans and agricultural loans. The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. For over 65 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided financial management, investment, trust, and estate services to its clients. In 2019, 2020, and 2021 the Bank was named a "Best Bank To Work For" by American Banker. In 2018, Forbes named BCT a "Best In State Bank" for Maryland. The Company's shares are quoted on the OTC Pink Sheet marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/potomac-bancshares-inc-declares-quarterly-dividend-301654917.html SOURCE Potomac Bancshares, Inc. NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Qontigo, a leading provider of innovative risk, analytics, and index solutions, today announced an expanded collaboration with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS), a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm. Qontigo will now offer the Axioma Portfolio Optimizer and Axioma Equity Factor Risk Models through Goldman Sachs Financial Cloud for Data, a suite of modular data management and analytics solutions, as well as Goldman Sachs Marquee, the firm's digital platform that delivers market-leading data, analytics, market insights and trading solutions to institutional investors. Prior to this expanded partnership, Marquee's institutional client base had access to select capabilities of Axioma's Risk Models and Optimizer. Now, clients can take advantage of Qontigo's extensive optimization features and an expanded suite of Axioma risk models seamlessly integrated in their investment platform. "Offering our clients best-in-class solutions that enable them to measure day-to-day changes in risk and understand how these affect their portfolios is a strategic focus for us. Embedding the Axioma suite of Equity Factor Risk Models, including the new and timely Axioma US Trading Horizon Model, into our ecosystem will provide our clients with insights into their drivers of risk and return. Coupling this with the robust Optimizer will help them implement investment decisions more efficiently," said Anne Marie Darling, Head of Marquee Client Strategy & Distribution at Goldman Sachs. With increased flexibility, clients can test investment strategies, construct or rebalance portfolios and hedge risk using the Axioma Portfolio Optimizer. The optimizer can handle a wide range of scenarios and constraints from simple factor tilts and index tracking to complex strategies with risk or other considerations. The Axioma Equity Factor Risk Models provide comprehensive insights into drivers of portfolio risk and return across multiple geographies and time horizons with deep historical coverage. The suite includes fundamental variants with style factor coverage for risk and performance attribution, as well as statistical variants for portfolio construction insights. "We are thrilled to expand this strategic partnership with Goldman Sachs to make it easier for clients to manage their investment process with added confidence backed by accurate risk and portfolio analytics," said Chris Sturhahn, Chief Product Officer for Analytics at Qontigo. The Axioma Equity Factor Risk Models are available via Goldman Sachs' flexible portfolio analytics ecosystem - programmatically through its Financial Cloud for Data APIs and open-source Python toolkit, GS Quant, as well as the Marquee web interface. The Axioma Portfolio Optimizer is accessible programmatically via APIs, initially available in the US. Learn more about Axioma Factor Risk Models on Marquee here. About Qontigo --- Optimizing Impact Qontigo is a leading global provider of innovative index, analytics and risk solutions that optimize investment impact. As the shift toward sustainable investing accelerates, Qontigo enables its clientsfinancial-products issuers, asset owners and asset managersto deliver sophisticated and targeted solutions at scale to meet the increasingly demanding and unique sustainability goals of investors worldwide. Qontigo's solutions are enhanced by both our collaborative, customer-centric culture, which allows us to create tailored solutions for our clients, and our open architecture and modern technology that efficiently integrate with our clients' processes. Part of the Deutsche Borse Group, Qontigo was created in 2019 through the combination of Axioma, DAX and STOXX. Headquartered in Eschborn, Germany, Qontigo's global presence includes offices in New York, London, Zug and Hong Kong. www.qontigo.com About Goldman Sachs The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment banking, securities, investment management and consumer banking to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world. marquee.gs.com/welcome | developer.gs.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qontigo-expands-partnership-with-goldman-sachs-to-offer-axioma-portfolio-construction-and-risk-analytics-solutions-through-goldman-sachs-financial-cloud-for-data-and-marquee-301655247.html SOURCE Qontigo Gettings to Succeed Current CEO Mark Urdahl Upon His January 2023 Retirement RED WING, Minn., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Wing Shoe Company today announced that its board of directors has named Allison Gettings president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Gettings, who is currently president, will assume the role of CEO following the planned retirement of Mark Urdahl who has served as the company's CEO since 2016. Gettings will become the 10th CEO and first woman to lead Red Wing Shoe Company since it was founded in 1905. She has worked at the company for 14 years in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities. During this time, Gettings spearheaded the launch of Red Wing's Women's Heritage product line, reimagined the company's Outdoor business as president of its Vasque brand and helped set the stage for delivering a seamless omnichannel customer experience. In her most recent position as president, Gettings established the company's first dedicated corporate social responsibility department, which is focused on further advancing Red Wing Shoe Company's commitments to the environment and the community. Gettings is the great granddaughter of J.R. Sweasy, who served as president and CEO from 1921-1949 and the first fourth-generation family member to run the company. "Allison is the right choice to lead Red Wing and build upon the important work that Mark has led to position the company for the future," said Chairman of the Board Bill Sweasy. "She brings a deep understanding of the company's business, customers and values, having worked across many different functions over more than a decade at the company. She's widely respected for her strategic thinking and ability to bring people together, and I am confident that she's prepared to guide Red Wing Shoe Company as it enters its next chapter. I also want to thank Mark for his many contributions and leadership over the past 18 years, including the past seven as CEO/President during an unprecedented time amid the global pandemic." "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Red Wing Shoe Company and excited about what the future holds," Gettings said. "Over the past 117 years, we have garnered incredible customer 'brand love' across our portfolio of purpose-driven brands, and we have an awesome opportunity to build on that foundation. I am so grateful for the support and guidance Mark has provided me, and I look forward to working with the high-performing teams he has built as we accelerate our growth." "It has been an honor to serve as president and chief executive officer of this great company as we have evolved our business to meet the demands of the market," commented Urdahl. "The last several years have been difficult for all companies and yet we have flourished at Red Wing due in large part to our culture and people. We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and I know that there are great things to come as we transition leadership to Allison." About Red Wing Shoe Company Red Wing Shoe Company Inc. is a global leader in the design, production and distribution of work, safety and lifestyle footwear and work apparel. Established in 1905 in Red Wing, Minnesota, today the privately held company's family of brands includes Red Wing Shoes, Irish Setter, Vasque, WORX, and S.B. Foot Tanning Company. Its brands are distributed to more than 110 countries in an immersive multichannel environment of 700+ Red Wing branded retail outlets, third-party partners, and owned e-commerce platforms. The Red Wing Shoe Company employs more than 2,200 employees worldwide and operates five U.S. manufacturing facilities in Red Wing, MN; Potosi, MO; and Clarksville, AR. For more information, please visit RedWingShoeCo.com. Media Contact:Megan Weber[email protected]651-442-6323 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-wing-shoe-company-names-allison-gettings-ceo-301654886.html SOURCE Red Wing Shoe Company VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Rock Tech Lithium Inc (TSX-V: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) ("Rock Tech" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive supply agreement (the "Supply Agreement") with Mercedes-Benz AG ("Mercedes-Benz") providing for the supply of an average of 10,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide per year. Over a five-year term of the agreement and an initial ramp-up period, the agreement represents a roughly total estimated sales volume of approximately C$2 billion or 1.5 billion and over 40 percent of the expected annual production from Rock Tech's planned converter capacity in Guben, Germany. The estimated sales volume is based on moderate market forecasts and assessments. In furtherance of the strategic partnership announced by Rock Tech and Mercedes-Benz on August 23, 2022, the parties have signed the definitive Supply Agreement providing for the supply of an average of 10,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide per year. Based on moderate market forecasts and assessments the total sales volume is estimated to approximately C$2 billion or 1.5 billion over the five-year term and an initial ramp-up period of the Supply Agreement. The Supply Agreement provides for a five-year term, commencing with a preceded qualification period in 2026 in which quality and sustainability benchmarks have to be met. Afterwards, it is anticipated that Rock Tech will deliver an average of 10,000 tonnes of refined lithium hydroxide to Mercedes-Benz' supply chain annually under the Supply Agreement from Rock Tech's first lithium converter in Germany, which would represent more than 40 per cent of the planned converter capacity. "Signing the Supply Agreement marks a significant milestone of our offtake strategy, and I am honored that Mercedes-Benz demonstrates trust in Rock Tech as a new but reliable player in a diversified European battery supply chain," commented Rock Tech's Chief Executive Officer, Markus Bruegmann at the signing event in Sindelfingen, Germany. "We are well aware of the significance of this relationship to both parties. We intend to focus our efforts on providing lithium hydroxide that will help to bring Mercedes-Benz' electric mobility ambitions into action. This arrangement is a major step forward in our plans to directly contribute to clean mobility." "This significant amount of lithium sourced directly from Rock Tech will help Mercedes-Benz to advance localization of European production of state-of-the art battery cells. The on average 10,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per annum will play a key role in securing the lithium supply for our battery production in Europe, to help achieve our ambitious electrification goals," said Markus Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Research & Development and Procurement. Pursuant to the Supply Agreement, Rock Tech is expected to supply Mercedes-Benz supply chain with high-quality lithium hydroxide needed to rapidly scale up production of electric vehicles (EVs). The annual volume of lithium hydroxide to be delivered pursuant to the Supply Agreement will be sufficient to equip approximately 150,000 Mercedes-Benz electric cars with premium high-performance batteries. EV mobility is a key goal in achieving carbon neutrality, an objective shared by both companies, including Rock Tech's converter production. In support of this objective, the Supply Agreement provides that the parties will cooperate in creating a roadmap to achieving CO2 neutral production of lithium hydroxide by the end of 2030. Additionally, it also requires that all lithium hydroxide supplied by Rock Tech shall be sourced from mining sites audited by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurances ("IRMA"). On behalf of the Board of Directors, Dirk HarbeckeChairman ABOUT ROCK TECH Rock Tech is a cleantech company on a mission to produce lithium hydroxide for EV batteries. The Company plans to build converters at the door-step of its customers, to provide supply-chain transparency and just-in-time delivery. Furthermore, Rock Tech has gathered one of the strongest teams in the industry. It holds itself accountable to strict ESG standards and plans to source raw material from its own mineral project in Canada as well as procuring it from responsibly producing mines. In the years to come, the company aims to extract its material from discarded batteries. Rock Tech's goal: to create a closed-loop lithium company. ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes-Benz has set the course for CO2 neutrality: With its strategic step from "Electric First" to "Electric Only", the company is accelerating its transformation into an all-electric future. By continuously integrating the most advanced battery cell technology in cars and vans, Mercedes-Benz aims to increase range during the production lifecycle of a model. When it comes to solid-state technology, Mercedes-Benz is working with partners to develop batteries with even higher energy density and safety. Mercedes-Benz has several battery partnerships with multiple providers in different geographies: in Europe ACC and CATL, in the United States Envision AESC and in China Farasis and CATL. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION The following cautionary statements are in addition to all other cautionary statements and disclaimers contained elsewhere in, or referenced by, this press release. Certain information set forth in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which are based on Rock Tech's current expectations, estimates, and assumptions in light of its experience and is perception of historical trends. All statements other than statements of historical facts may constitute forward-looking information. Often, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words or phrases such as "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and all other indications of future tense. All forward-looking information set forth in this press release is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements referred to in this section. In particular, forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, but is not limited to: statements regarding Rock Tech's and Mercedes-Benz's respective vision, strategy and objectives; statements regarding the Supply Agreement, including expected volumes, timing and the source of deliveries pursuant to the Supply Agreement and the estimated sales volumes thereunder; statements regarding the strategic partnership between Rock Tech and Mercedes-Benz, including future actions taken by the parties and the expected timing and benefits thereof; the expected contribution of the strategic partnership and the Supply Agreement to the parties strategy and objectives and the lithium hydroxide supply chain; expectations concerning the Company's planned and prospective projects, including the proposed converter project in Guben and the Company's intentions with respect to the development and timing thereof; statements regarding Rock Tech's future plans and expectations, including the anticipated production of lithium hydroxide and its sustainability objectives; statements and expectations regarding the electric vehicle industry; Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on certain assumptions, estimates, expectations, analysis and opinions of the Company and in certain cases, third party experts, that are believed by management of Rock Tech to be reasonable at the time they were made. Such assumptions, estimates and other factors include, among other things: that the Supply Agreement and strategic partnership will result in outcomes consistent with management's expectations in relation thereto; that the Company's proposed converter project in Guben will be developed on-time and on budget in accordance with current expectations; the supply and demand for, deliveries of, and the level and volatility of prices of, feedstock and intermediate and final lithium products; that all required regulatory approvals and permits can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; expected growth, performance and business operations; future commodity prices and exchange rates; prospects, growth opportunities and financing available to the Company; general business and economic conditions; results of development and exploration; and Rock Tech's ability to procure supplies and other equipment necessary for its business. The foregoing list is not exhaustive of all assumptions which may have been used in developing the forward-looking information. While Rock Tech considers these assumptions, estimates and factors to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results. In addition, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Rock Tech's control, that may cause Rock Tech's actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to be materially different from that which is expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to vary materially include: the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Supply Agreement and/or the strategic partnership; the Company's ability to access funding required to invest in available opportunities and projects (including the Company's proposed lithium hydroxide converter) and on satisfactory terms; the current and potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical hostilities; the risk that Rock Tech will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due; changes in commodity and other prices; Rock Tech's ability to attract and retain skilled staff and to secure feedstock from third party suppliers; unanticipated events and other difficulties related to construction, development and operation of the Company's proposed lithium hydroxide converter and/or the Georgia Lake mine; the cost of compliance with current and future environmental and other laws and regulations; title defects; competition from existing and new competitors; changes in currency, exchange rates and market prices of Rock Tech's securities; Rock Tech's history of losses; adverse impacts of climate change; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in Rock Tech's public disclosure documents available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Rock Tech's most recently filed Management Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form, respectively. Such risks and uncertainties do not represent an exhaustive list of all risk factors that could cause actual events, results, performance and/or achievements to vary materially from the forward-looking information. We cannot assure you that actual events, results, performance and/or achievements will be consistent with the forward-looking information and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information reflects Rock Tech management's views as at the date the information is created. Except as may be required by law, Rock Tech undertakes no obligation and expressly disclaims any responsibility, obligation or undertaking to update or to revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, to reflect any change in Rock Tech's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such information is based. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking information set forth in this press release. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rock-tech-concludes-lithium-hydroxide-supply-deal-with-mercedes-benz-for-ev-ramp-up-301654406.html SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc. TAMPA, Fla, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa-based thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal surgeons have been recognized as top doctors in the nation across numerous prestigious ranking systems including Castle Connolly, US News, The American Registry and more. The news comes during National Healthcare Quality Week. "I'm confident I made the right decision in choosing these doctors and I'm confident that my cancer will not come back." The surgeons at the Norman Parathyroid Center, Clayman Thyroid Center and Carling Adrenal Centerall operating exclusively at the recently opened Hospital for Endocrine Surgeryhave received top honors across the board during the week when healthcare quality is emphasized in the US. Among these awards are distinctions of "America's Most Honored Doctors" from The American Registry which honors the country's top 1% of doctors, "Top Doctors" from Castle Connolly which honors the top 7% of physicians in the nation, and US News & World Report's Top Doctor's which is a searchable database of peer-nominated physicians across the country. Each of the Hospital's eleven surgeons are listed in this database with outstanding reviews. Combined, the surgeons have over 10,000 five-star reviews online. For many of the Hospital's honorees, these awards are added to a long list of professional acknowledgements throughout their storied careers. Dr. Jim Norman and Dr. Gary Clayman, directors of the Norman Parathyroid Center and Clayman Thyroid Center respectively, have consistently received top honors among these ranking systems for the last 30 years. Drs Norman and Clayman have also received Lifetime Achieve Awards as America's Most Compassionate Doctors, Patient's Choice awards for many consecutive years, the Newsweek Magazine Award for Top Doctors for Cancer, Vitals Award for Top 10 Doctors and more. The surgeons are also recognized by local and community publications year after year for their expertise and excellence. In 2022, each surgeon was honored as one of "Tampa's Elite Doctors of the Year" by Tampa Style Magazine. In addition to celebrating healthcare quality, this week is also National Healthcare Education Week. "High quality healthcare is more than just excellent care in the operating room," said Dr. Norman. "It involves taking care of all the patients' needs, including education about their problem. This education helps them to obtain the best possible outcome." "We at the Clayman Thyroid Center, Norman Parathyroid Center and Carling Adrenal Center continually improve and expand our educational websites which serve a global population of people with endocrine tumors and the potential need for endocrine surgery," continued Dr. Clayman. "The ability of our websites to facilitate patients to understand their thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal condition and advocate for their own care and wellness was and remains our vision in the creation of these educational resources." www.parathyroid.com has been the world's #1 website for parathyroid disease and surgery for more than 25 years with billions of downloads, with www.thyroidcancer.com and www.adrenal.com following suit for thyroid disease and adrenal disease. Collectively, the websites maintained by the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery's doctors garner about 2.5 million users per year and serve as the most comprehensive online resources for endocrine tumors and surgery. "When I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I started doing extensive research online," said a recent patient at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. "I came across thyroidcancer.com [Clayman Thyroid Center's website] and devoured every piece of information I could find. I could not find a single negative review on Dr. Clayman and I tried! I thought it had to be too good to be true, but after traveling to Tampa and having a truly wonderful and painless experience, I can confirm that it isn't. I'm confident I made the right decision in choosing these doctors and I'm confident that my cancer will not come back." The Norman Parathyroid Center, Clayman Thyroid Center, and Carling Adrenal Center united under one at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in January, and are now the highest volume endocrine surgery practice in the world. These surgeons trained at the very best academic institutions including MD Anderson, Harvard, Georgetown, Duke, Columbia, Yale, Cleveland Clinic and more. Physicians from all over the globe refer their most challenging cases to the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. In fact, 90% of the hospital's patients travel from over 150 miles away very different than the demographics of a traditional hospital. Another 40% travel from outside the state of Florida to have surgery at the specialty hospital. "Being honored as a top doctor is always a great feeling," said Dr. Norman. "But what I really hope is that it helps us reach even more people suffering with thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal tumors and cancers. We can help thousands of patients every day through our continued educational programs" About the Norman Parathyroid Center Located in Tampa, Florida, the Norman Parathyroid Center is the leading parathyroid gland tumor treatment center in the world, performing nearly 3,800 parathyroid operations annually. Well known for cure rates over 99% via an operation that typically lasts about 20 minutes, the Norman Parathyroid Center's success centers on a teamwork approach by the most experienced parathyroid surgeons in the world.www.parathyroid.com | (813) 972-0000 About the Clayman Thyroid Center: Founded by one of the nation's best-known thyroid surgeons, the Clayman Thyroid Center is the highest volume thyroid cancer referral center in the United States. The Center boasts the most experienced thyroid surgeons in the US who provide personalized care allowing the greatest opportunity for cancer cure, wellness and cosmetic, and functional, outcomes via all types of thyroid surgery from minimal incision to scarless thyroid surgery to advanced cancer care.www.thyroidcancer.com | (813) 940-3130 About the Carling Adrenal Center: Founded by Dr. Tobias Carling, one of the world's leading experts in adrenal gland surgery, the Carling Adrenal Center is a worldwide destination for the surgical treatment of adrenal tumors. Dr. Carling spent nearly 20 years at Yale University, including 7 as the Chief of Endocrine Surgery before leaving in 2020 to open to Carling Adrenal Center, which performs more adrenal operations than any other hospital in the world.www.adrenal.com | (813) 972-0000 About Hospital for Endocrine Surgery The Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is a campus of HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital focused on compassionate patient care and highly specialized treatment of endocrine tumors. We provide a wide array of services necessary for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. Our team includes doctors, surgeons, nurses and technicians who have dedicated their careers to delivering the highest cure rates using the most advanced techniques available. HCA's Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is the nation's highest volume hospital for thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal tumors and cancers.www.hospitalforendocrinesurgery.com Media Contact:Julie Canan, Director of Marketing941 468 3002[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tampa-doctors-rank-among-best-endocrine-surgeons-in-the-country-during-national-healthcare-quality-week-301655092.html SOURCE Norman Parathyroid Center Hosted by The Linux Foundation, the premier open source event in Japan returns for 2022 as a conference umbrella, composed of a collection of events covering the most important technologies, topics, and issues affecting open source today. SAN FRANCISCO and YOKOHAMA, Japan, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization enabling mass innovation through open source, today announced the keynote speakers and full schedule of sessions for Open Source Summit Japan, taking place December 5-6 in Yokohama. The schedule can be viewed here. The event is being produced in a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual participation available. This is THE conference in Japan connecting the global and local open source ecosystem under one roof, providing a forum for technologists and open source industry leaders to collaborate and share information, learn about the latest in open source technologies and find out how to gain a competitive advantage by using innovative open solutions. Open Source Summit is a conference umbrella, comprising 10 events: LinuxCon, Automotive Linux Summit, CloudOpen, ContainerCon, OSPOCon, Critical Software Summit, Community Leadership Conference, Emerging OS Forum, Embedded IoT Summit, and Open AI + Data Forum. One registration fee provides access to all events. 2022 Keynote Speakers Include: Dan Cauchy, Executive Director, Automotive Grade Linux & General Manager of Automotive, The Linux Foundation Executive Director, & General Manager of Automotive, Noriaki Fukuyasu , Vice President of Japan Operations, The Linux Foundation , Vice President of Japan Operations, Dr. Shuji Hashimoto , Professor Emeritus, Waseda University , Professor Emeritus, Dan Lorenc , Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chainguard , Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Masashige Mizuyama , Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. , Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Priyanka Sharma , General Manager, Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) , General Manager, Jim Zemlin, Executive Director, The Linux Foundation Conference Session Highlights: Automotive Linux Summit: LinuxCon: OSPOCon: Critical Software Summit: Emerging OS Forum: CloudOpen: Open AI + Data Forum: ContainerCon: Community Leadership Conference: Embedded IoT Summit: Registration (in-person) is offered at the price of US$375 through October 24. Registration to attend virtually is $25. Members of The Linux Foundation receive a 20 percent discount off registration and can contact [email protected] to request a member discount code. Applications for diversity and need-based scholarships are currently being accepted. For information on eligibility and how to apply, please click here. The Linux Foundation's Travel Fund is also accepting applications, with the goal of enabling open source developers and community members to attend events that they would otherwise be unable to attend due to a lack of funding. To learn more and apply, please click here. Health and Safety In-person attendees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR a Negative COVID-19 test and wear a mask while onsite at the event. Additionally, all attendees will need to comply with all on-site health measures, in accordance with The Linux Foundation Code of Conduct. To learn more about what is being done to keep our in-person event attendees safe, visit the Health + Safety webpage. Event Sponsors Open Source Summit Japan 2022 is made possible thanks to our sponsors, including Diamond Sponsor: Automotive Grade Linux; Platinum Sponsors: Cloud Native Computing Foundation and Fujitsu; and Gold Sponsors: Cybertrust, Hitachi, LINE Corporation, NEC, and Renesas Electronics. For information on becoming an event sponsor, click here or email us. PressMembers of the press who would like to request a press pass to attend should contact Kristin O'Connell. ABOUT THE LINUX FOUNDATION Founded in 2000, the Linux Foundation and its projects are supported by more than 2,950 members. The Linux Foundation is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards, and data. Linux Foundation projects are critical to the world's infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, ONAP, Hyperledger, RISC-V, and more. The Linux Foundation's methodology focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at https://linuxfoundation.org/. The Linux Foundation Events are where the world's leading technologists meet, collaborate, learn and network in order to advance innovations that support the world's largest shared technologies. Visit our website and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook for all the latest event updates and announcements. The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-linux-foundation-announces-schedule-and-keynote-speakers-for-open-source-summit-japan-301654307.html SOURCE The Linux Foundation ANIMOCA BRANDS, TEZOS, GOLDMAN SACHS, ALL REPRESENTED AMONG NEW SPEAKER LIST LONDON, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TOKEN2049, Europe's leading Web3 conference, is preparing for its return to London on November 9th and 10th. Following the success of TOKEN2049 Singapore in September which welcomed a record-breaking 7,000 attendees, London is set to be another marquee date in the calendar for key decision makers in the crypto landscape. Hosted at Magazine London, one of the largest hybrid event spaces in the city, TOKEN2049 will serve as the flagship event of London Crypto Week. TOKEN2049's most recent speaker announcements include Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, Kathleen Breitman, Co-Founder of Tezos, Dan Tapiero, CEO and Founder of 10T Holdings and Mathew McDermott, Global Head of Digital Assets at Goldman Sachs, propelling attendees to the forefront of insightful discussions in the space. Topics scheduled for conversation over the course of the two days include AI generative art, Web3 gaming and NFTs, DeFi, blockchain scaling solutions, data privacy, and how the crypto market is weathering a global economic storm. Thousands of attendees will have access to insights from leading voices in the space, unparalleled networking opportunities, and global top tier media. Consistent with the rapid acceleration of projects in the Web3 space, TOKEN2049 London is set to provide a comprehensive schedule for attendees including discursive panels, elaborate presentations, and various side events. Raphael Strauch, Founder of TOKEN2049 said: "Following the record-breaking attendance at our Singapore event last month, we are excited to once again bring TOKEN2049 to London and create an immersive experience in an innovative hub of creation and enterprise. The diverse pool of talent, hyper-growth businesses, and long-standing financial and technology institutions serve to enhance what will be a spectacular two days in the city." A limited number of tickets remain available for purchase. For more information and continued updates on TOKEN2049 London, please visit: https://www.europe.token2049.com/ About TOKEN2049: TOKEN2049 is a premier Web3 event, organised annually in Singapore and London, where decision-makers in the global crypto ecosystem connect to exchange ideas, network, and shape the industry. TOKEN2049 is a global meeting place for entrepreneurs, institutions, industry insiders, investors, and those with a strong interest in the crypto and blockchain industry. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1876762/TOKEN2049_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/token2049-london-announces-new-headline-speakers-following-record-breaking-attendees-at-token2049-singapore-301654842.html SOURCE TOKEN2049 0001680237 false No No FY 2021 0 0.001 200000000 12644500 12644500 12644500 75000000 0.001 12644500 12644500 12644500 0001680237 2020-07-01 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:EquityMember 2018-09-01 2018-09-27 0001680237 us-gaap:EquityMember 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:EquityMember 2019-12-31 0001680237 cksg:BoardOfDirectorsAndJasminCorpMember 2020-06-30 0001680237 cksg:BoardOfDirectorsAndJasminCorpMember 2021-06-30 0001680237 cksg:BoardOfDirectorsAndJasminCorpMember 2018-09-27 0001680237 2018-09-27 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2020-07-01 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2020-07-01 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2020-07-01 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2020-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2020-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2020-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2019-07-01 2020-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2019-07-01 2020-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-07-01 2020-06-30 0001680237 2019-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2019-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2019-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-06-30 0001680237 2019-07-01 2020-06-30 0001680237 2020-06-30 0001680237 2021-06-30 0001680237 2022-10-18 0001680237 2020-12-31 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares xbrli:pure UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended or TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transaction period from ___________ to __________ Commission File No. 333-213425 CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Nevada 30-8343441 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 1900 Avenue of the Stars , Los Angeles , CA 90067 (Address of principal executive offices, Zip Code) ( 310 ) 843-9300 (Registrants telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common CKSG N/A Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No As of October 18, 2022 the Company has 12,644,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Table of Contents Use of Certain Defined Terms Except as otherwise indicated by the context, references in this report to China King Spirit Group Ltd.., we, us, our, our Company, Forward-Looking Statements This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Forward-looking statements discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements may include words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, intend, could, should, would, may, seek, plan, might, will, expect, anticipate, predict, project, forecast, potential, continue negatives thereof or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are based on various underlying assumptions and current expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievement to be materially different from the results of operations or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We cannot predict all the risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, such information should not be regarded as representations that the results or conditions described in such statements or that our objectives and plans will be achieved, and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K and include information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations, including statements about potential acquisition or merger targets; business strategies; future cash flows; financing plans; plans and objectives of management; any other statements regarding future acquisitions, future cash needs, future operations, business plans and future financial results, and any other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements represent our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Many of those factors are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than we have described. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning other matters addressed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise. 3 Table of Contents PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Business Overview The Company was incorporated in the state of Nevada on October 7, 2014. From inceptions (October 7, 2014) until September 8, 2017, China King Spirit Group Ltd. (FNA Jasmin Corp.), was in the business of the production and distribution of cork products. On September 8, 2017, Jean-Paul Chavanz, the previous sole officer and director and majority shareholder of China King Spirit Group Ltd., entered into a stock purchase agreement for the sale of an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company, representing 79% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company decided to discontinue its business plan of producing and distributing Cork products and explore new opportunities. As part of the transition all the Companys assets were retained by the former majority shareholder and the liabilities were assumed by Mr. Chavanz as well. As a result of this strategic shift all historical results of the Company should be classified as discontinued operations in accordance with ASC 105-20. On September 11, 2017 Xu Dam was appointed its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and sole Director and Mr. Richard Rappaport was appointed Secretary. In addition, Mr. Jean-Paul Chavanaz submitted his resignations from all executive officer positions with the Company, including Chief Executive Officer and President effective September 11, 2017, and submitted his resignation as a member of the Board. On September 27, 2018, Xu Dan submitted her resignation from all executive officer positions with the Company, including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President, effective immediately. In addition, Xu Dan submitted her resignation as a member of the Board, which resignation was effective immediately. In addition, on September 27, 2018 Richard Rappaport submitted his resignation as Secretary of the Company, which resignation was effective immediately. On September 27, 2018, Zanfang Wang was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and sole Director and Chairman, each effective immediately. On September 27, 2018 the Board of Directors and shareholders of China King Spirit Group Ltd. (the "Company) approved an amendment to the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and effecting a five-for-one forward split of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. In addition, on September 27, 2018 the Board of directors and the majority of its shareholders of China King Spirit Group Ltd., approved an amendment of the Company's current Certificate of Incorporation in conformity with the applicable laws of the State of Nevada to change the name of the Company from Jasmin Corp. to China King Spirit Group Ltd. and change the symbol from JSMM to CKSG. The Company is waiting for approval of the name change and symbol change from FINRA at which time it will file the amendment with the Nevada Secretary of State. The information presented below with regard to the year ended June 30, 2021 should be read as historic information on the Company. As a result of the decision to discontinue operations, the Company as of the date of this filing is an empty shell with no liquidity, limited capital resources, and no operations other than the search for new business opportunities. 4 Table of Contents Corporate History The Company was incorporated by its former President and sole director in the State of Nevada on October 7, 2014 and established a June 30 fiscal year end. Recent Developments Capital Stock Subsequent to the year ending June 30, 2021 the Board of Directors and shareholders of China King Spirit Group Ltd. (the "Company) on September 27, 2018 approved an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and effecting a five-for-one forward split of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. The Company has 200,000,000 common shares authorized with a par value of $0.001 per share. No preferred shares have been authorized or issued. There were 12,644,500 (pre-split 2,528,900) shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 respectively. All references in these financial statements to number of common shares, price per share and weighted average number of shares outstanding prior to the 5:1 forward split have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis unless otherwise noted. Patent and Trademarks We do not currently own any domestic or foreign patents relating to any products. Employees As of June 30, 2021, other than its President, Secretary, CFO and Treasurer, Zanfang Wang of, the Company has no other employee. 5 Table of Contents ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS As a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information called for by this Item. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS Not applicable to a smaller reporting company as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company does not own any real estate or other properties and has not entered into any long- term lease or rental agreements for property. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS There are no pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or in which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company, any owner of record or beneficially of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Company, or stockholder is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company. Our address for service of process in Nevada is 701 S. Carson Street, Suite 200, Carson City, Nevada 89701. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 6 Table of Contents PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Market Information As of June 30, 2021, the Company had 10 shareholders of record. There is no established public trading market for the Companys common stock whose common stock is quoted under the symbol is CKSG. The Company has not paid cash dividends and has no outstanding options. On September 27, 2018 the Board of directors and the majority of its shareholders of China King Spirit Group Ltd.., approved an amendment of the Company's current Certificate of Incorporation in conformity with the applicable laws of the State of Nevada to change the name of the Company from Jasmin Corp. to China King Spirit Group Ltd. and change the symbol from JSMM to CKSG. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Not applicable to a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS This Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect our future results. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. See Forward-Looking Statements. Our results and the timing of selected events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. 7 Table of Contents Plan of Operations As a result of the Companys decision to discontinue operations in the producing and distribution of cork products, the Company as of the date of this filing is an empty shell with no liquidity, no capital resources, and no operations other than the search for new business opportunities. Going Concern Conditions exist that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern due to our recurring losses from operations, deficit in equity, and the need to raise additional capital to fund operations. The going concern opinion by our auditor could impair our ability to finance our operations through the sale of debt or equity securities. Results of Operations Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021 compared to Year Ended June 30, 2020 We had no revenues, and $75 in expenses consisting of $75 transfer agent fees for the year ended June 30, 2021. In the year ended June 30, 2020, we had no revenues, expenses of $495. The Company has decided to discontinue its business plan of producing and distributing of cork products. Our decrease in expenses (which were minimal) for the year ended June 30, 2021 compared to the year ended June 30, 2020, reflects the Companys decision to discontinue its operations as of September 8, 2017 and the inactivity of the Company to the year ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020. Capital Resources and Liquidity Since our director and shareholders may be unwilling or unable to loan or advance us additional capital, we believe that if we do not raise additional capital over the next 12 months, we may be required to suspend or cease operations (the Company is a shell with no current business plan). As of June 30, 2021, we had no currents assets and we had $54,311 in current liabilities; we had an accumulated deficit of $66,597. As of June 30, 2020, we had no current assets and we had $54,236 in current liabilities; we had a accumulated deficit of $66,522. The Company requires additional funding to meet its ongoing obligations and to fund anticipated operating losses. Our auditor has expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on raising capital to fund its operation and ultimately to find new profitable operations. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from this uncertainty. If we cannot raise additional funds, we will have to cease business operations. As a result, investors in the Companys common stock would lose all their investment. 8 Table of Contents Off Balance Sheet Arrangements The company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect or change on the companys financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. The term off-balance sheet arrangement generally means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with the company is a party, under which the company has (i) any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest; or (ii) a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Not applicable to a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 9 Table of Contents ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The full text of the Companys audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, begins on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. China King Spirit Group Ltd. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTENTS MICHAEL GILLESPIE & ASSOCIATES, PLLC CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS VANCOUVER, WA 98666 206.353.5736 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Shareholders & Board of Directors China King Spirit Group Ltd. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of China King Spirit Group Ltd. as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders deficit, cash flows, and the related notes (collectively referred to as financial statements) for the years then ended. In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. Going Concern As described further in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has incurred losses from inception through June 30, 2021, and expects to incur additional losses in the future. We determined the Companys ability to continue as a going concern is a critical audit matter due to the estimation and uncertainty regarding the Companys future cash flows and the risk of bias in managements judgments and assumptions in estimating these cash flows. Our audit procedures related to the Companys assertion on its ability to continue as a going concern included the following, among others: We reviewed the Companys working capital and liquidity ratios and forecasted revenue, operating expenses, and uses and sources of cash used in managements assessment of whether the Company has sufficient liquidity to fund operations for at least one year from the financial statement issuance date. This testing included inquiries with management, comparison of prior period forecasts to actual results, consideration of positive and negative evidence impacting managements forecasts, the Companys financing arrangements in place as of the report date, market and industry factors and consideration of the Companys relationships with its financing partners. Going Concern The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, although the Company has limited operations it has yet to attain profitability. This raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Managements plan in regard to these matters is also described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. /S/ MICHAEL GILLESPIE & ASSOCIATES, PLLC We have served as the Companys auditor since 2022. PCAOB ID: 6108 Vancouver, Washington October 18, 2022 CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. BALANCE SHEETS June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 ASSETS ASSETS Current Assets Cash $ - $ - TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS - - TOTAL ASSETS $ - $ - LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 5,482 $ 5,407 Related parties loans 48,829 48,829 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 54,311 54,236 Commitments and Contingencies STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT Common stock, $ 0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 12,644,500 issued and outstanding, June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 respectively 12,645 12,645 Additional paid-in capital ( 359 ) ( 359 ) Accumulated deficit ( 66,597 ) ( 66,522 ) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT ( 54,311 ) ( 54,236 ) TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT $ - $ - The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Year ended June 30, 2021 Year ended June 30, 2020 Revenues $ - $ - Cost of Goods Sold - - Gross Profit - - General and Administrative Expenses 75 495 Loss before income taxes ( 75 ) ( 495 ) Income tax expenses - - Loss from Operations ( 75 ) ( 495 ) NET INCOME (LOSS) $ ( 75 ) $ ( 495 ) LOSS PER COMMON SHARE BASIC AND DILUTED (CONTINUING OPERATIONS) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE BASIC AND DILUTED (DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING BASIC AND DILUTED 12,644,500 12,644,500 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT Years Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 Common Stock Additional Number of shares Amount Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Total Balance, June 30, 2019 12,644,500 $ 12,645 $ ( 359 ) $ ( 66,027 ) ( 53,741 ) Net loss for the year ended June 30, 2020 - - ( 495 ) ( 495 ) Balance, June 30, 2020 12,645,500 $ 12,645 $ ( 359 ) $ ( 66,522 ) $ ( 54,236 ) Net loss for the year ended June 30, 2021 - - - ( 75 ) ( 75 ) Balance, June 30, 2021 12,645,500 $ 12,645 $ ( 359 ) $ ( 66,597 ) $ ( 54,311 ) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year ended June 30, 2021 Year ended June 30, 2020 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss $ ( 75 ) $ ( 495 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accounts payable 75 495 NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES - - CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from related parties - - NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES - - NET DECREASE IN CASH - - CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD - - CASH, END OF PERIOD $ - $ - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Income tax paid $ - $ - Interest paid $ - $ - The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Company China King Spirit Group Ltd. (FKA Jasmin Corp.) (the Company, we, us or our) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on October 7, 2014. Jasmin was an e-commerce early stage company that intended to establish itself as a designing industry of home and space decorations made from cork materials in France, Europe. The new management of the Company is abandoning its existing business and is in the process of evaluating other business opportunities. On September 27, 2018, Xu Dan submitted her resignation from all executive officer positions with the Registrant, including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President, effective immediately. In addition, Xu Dan submitted her resignation as a member of the Board, which resignation was effective immediately. In addition, on September 27, 2018 Richard Rappaport submitted his resignation as Secretary of the Registrant, which resignation was effective immediately. On September _27, 2018, Zhanfang Wang was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and sole Director and Chairman, each effective immediately. On September 27, 2018 Jasmin Corp. (the Registrant) filed a Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation effecting (i) a 5-for-1 forward stock split of the Registrants common stock, (ii) an increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and (iii) changing its name from Jasmin Corp. to China King Spirit Group Ltd., which Certificate of Amendment was approved by the Nevada Secretary of State on December 20, 2018. The Registrant notified the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) pursuant to a corporate action request to approve the change of its listing name to China King Spirit Group Ltd. On December 20, 2018, FINRA notified the Registrant that it had approved the aforementioned forward stock split, increase in authorized number of shares and name change, announced on their daily list on December 21, 2018 that the market effective date was December 24, 2018. Subsequent Events Management has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after June 30, 2021 through October 14, 2022 the report date of the financial statements. During the period, the Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events. Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepting accounting principals in the United States of America. The Companys yearend is June 30. Use of Estimates and Assumptions Preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers highly liquid financial instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Earnings (Loss) per Common Share The basic earnings (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing the Companys net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares during the period. The diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the Companys net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding is the basic weighted number of shares adjusted for any potentially dilutive debt or equity securities unless they are anti-dilutive. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are the same as basic earnings (loss) per share due to the lack of dilutive items in the Company. As of June 30, 2021, and 2020, there were no common stock equivalents outstanding. Income Taxes The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax balances and tax loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantially enacted tax rates expected to apply to the taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the date of enactment or substantive enactment. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Company does not expect the adoption of any recent accounting pronouncements to have a material impact on its financial statements. NOTE 2 GOING CONCERN To date the Company has generated limited revenues from its business operations and has an accumulated deficit of $ 66,597 since inception. As at June 30, 2021, the Company has a working capital deficit of $ 54,311 . The Company requires additional funding to meet its ongoing obligations and to fund anticipated operating losses. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on raising capital to fund its initial business plan and ultimately to attain profitable operations. Accordingly, these factors raise substantial doubt as to the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The Company intends to continue to fund its business by way of private placements and advances from related parties as may be required. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from this uncertainty. CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 3 EQUITY On September 27, 2018 the Board of Directors and shareholders of China King Spirit Group Ltd. (FNA Jasmin Corp.) (the "Company) approved an amendment to the Companys Articles of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and effecting a five-for-one forward split of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. The Company has 200,000,000 common shares authorized with a par value of $ 0.001 per share. No preferred shares have been authorized or issued. There were 12,644,500 (pre-split 2,528,900 ) shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 respectively. All references in these financial statements to number of common shares, price per share and weighted average number of shares outstanding prior to the 5:1 forward split have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis unless otherwise noted . NOTE 4 RELATED PARTIES During the period the Company received a total of $nil in shareholder loans from WP Acquisition (currently known as Century Acquisition LLC), a Company controlled by a shareholder. Total amount owing in shareholder loans as of June 30, 2021 is $ 48,829 . The amounts due to related parties are unsecured and non- interest-bearing with no set terms of repayment. NOTE 5 INCOME TAXES The significant components of deferred income tax assets at June 30, 2021, and 2020 are as follows: June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 Net operating loss carry-forward $ ( 19,277 ) ( 19,261 ) Less: valuation allowance 19,277 19,261 Net deferred income tax asset $ - - The amount taken into income as deferred income tax assets must reflect that portion of the income tax loss carry forwards that is more likely-than-not to be realized from future operations. The Company has chosen to provide a full valuation allowance against all available income tax loss carry forwards. The Company has recognized a valuation allowance for the deferred income tax asset since the Company cannot be assured that it is more likely than not that such benefit will be utilized in future years. The valuation allowance is reviewed annually. When circumstances change, and which cause a change in management's judgment about the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the impact of the change on the valuation allowance is generally reflected in current income. On December 22, 2017, new federal tax reform legislation was enacted in the United States (the 2017 Tax Act), resulting in significant changes from previous tax law. The 2017 Tax Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate to 21% from 35% effective July 1, 2018 for the Company . The rate change, along with certain immaterial changes in tax basis resulting from the 2017 Tax Act, resulted in a reduction of the Companys deferred tax assets of $ 6,834 and a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance. As of June 30, 2021, and 2020, the Company has no unrecognized income tax benefits. The Companys policy for classifying interest and penalties associated with unrecognized income tax benefits is to include such items as tax expense. No interest or penalties have been recorded during the year ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 and no interest or penalties have been accrued as of June 30, 2021 and 2020. As of June 30, 2021, and 2020, the Company did not have any amounts recorded pertaining to uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes at the United States federal statutory rate for the years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 is as follows: June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 Net Operating Loss $ ( 75 ) ( 495 ) Income tax rate 21 % 21 % Income tax benefit at statutory rate ( 16 ) ( 115 ) Change in valuation allowance 16 115 Provision for income taxes $ - - NOTE 6 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Management has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after June 30, 2021 through October 18, 2022 the report date of the financial statements. During the period, the Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISLCOSURES There have been no changes in or disagreements with accountants regarding our accounting, financial disclosures or any other matter. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as required by Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 A. The Companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Companys financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 10 Table of Contents Management assessed the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in SEC guidance on conducting such assessments as of the end of the period covered by this report. Management conducted the assessment based on certain criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of June 30, 2021. The matters involving internal controls and procedures that the Companys management considered to be material weaknesses under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board were: (1) lack of a functioning audit committee and lack of a majority of outside directors on the Company's board of directors, resulting in ineffective oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures; (2) inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives; (3) insufficient written policies and procedures for accounting and financial reporting with respect to the requirements and application of US GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements; and (4) ineffective controls over period end financial disclosure and reporting processes. The aforementioned material weaknesses were identified by the Company's Chief Financial Officer in connection with the audit of our financial statements as of June 30, 2021 and communicated the matters to our management. Management believes that the material weaknesses set forth in items (2), (3) and (4) above did not have an affect on the Company's financial results. However, management believes that the lack of a functioning audit committee and lack of a majority of outside directors on the Company's board of directors, resulting in ineffective oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures can result in the Company's determination to its financial statements for the future years. We are committed to improving our financial organization. As part of this commitment, we will create a position to segregate duties consistent with control objectives and will increase our personnel resources and technical accounting expertise within the accounting function when funds are available to the Company: i) Appointing one or more outside directors to our board of directors who shall be appointed to the audit committee of the Company resulting in a fully functioning audit committee who will undertake the oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures; and ii) Preparing and implementing sufficient written policies and checklists which will set forth procedures for accounting and financial reporting with respect to the requirements and application of US GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements. Management believes that the appointment of one or more outside directors, who shall be appointed to a fully functioning audit committee, will remedy the lack of a functioning audit committee and a lack of a majority of outside directors on the Company's Board. In addition, management believes that preparing and implementing sufficient written policies and checklists will remedy the following material weaknesses (i) insufficient written policies and procedures for accounting and financial reporting with respect to the requirements and application of US GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements; and (ii) ineffective controls over period end financial close and reporting processes. Further, management believes that the hiring of additional personnel who have the technical expertise and knowledge will result proper segregation of duties and provide more checks and balances within the department. Additional personnel will also provide the cross training needed to support the Company if personnel turn over issues within the department occur. This coupled with the appointment of additional outside directors will greatly decrease any control and procedure issues the company may encounter in the future. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures and our internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and are committed to taking further action and implementing additional enhancements or improvements, as necessary and as funds allow. This annual report does not include an attestation report of the companys registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Managements report was not subject to attestation by the companys registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only managements report in this annual report. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes that have affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None 11 Table of Contents PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Our executive officers and director are as follows: Name Age Position Zanfang Wang* 58 President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors *On September 27, 2018, Xu Dan submitted her resignation from all executive officer positions with the Company, including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President, effective immediately. In addition, Xu Dan submitted her resignation as a member of the Board, which resignation was effective immediately. In addition, on September 27, 2018 Richard Rappaport submitted his resignation as Secretary of the Company, which resignation was effective immediately. On September 27, 2018, Zanfang Wang was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and sole Director and Chairman, each effective immediately. Business Experience Zanfang Wang was born in August 1964 in Xian County of Hebei Province. Between 1991 and 1994, Mr. Wang served as manager of Xian County Grain and Oil Negotiation Company. In 1996 he serviced as deputy director of Xian County Food Bureau and was promoted in 1998 to its Director. In April 2002 Mr. Wang became the Chairman and president of China Spirit Group Ltd. and remains its Chairman and president. Director Independence Our board of directors is currently composed of one member, Zanfang Wang, who does not qualify as an independent director in accordance with the published listing requirements of the NASDAQ Global Market. The NASDAQ independence definition includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not, and has not been for at least three years, one of our employees and that neither the director, nor any of his family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, our board of directors has not made a subjective determination as to each director that no relationships exists which, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director, though such subjective determination is required by the NASDAQ rules. Had our board of directors made these determinations, our board of directors would have reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regard to each directors business and personal activities and relationships as they may relate to us and our management. Involvement in Legal Proceedings To our knowledge, there have been no material legal proceedings during the last ten years that would require disclosure under the federal securities laws that are material to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of any of our directors or executive officers. Potential Conflicts of Interest We are not aware of any current or potential conflicts of interest with Mr. Wang or other business interests and his involvement with China King Spirit Group Ltd. 12 Table of Contents ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Summary Compensation Table China King Spirit Group Ltd. has made no provisions for paying cash or non-cash compensation to its sole officer and director. No salaries are being paid at the present time, and none will be paid unless and until our operations generate sufficient cash flows. The table below summarizes all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our named executive officer for all services rendered in all capacities to us for the period from inception through June 30, 2021. Summary Compensation of Named Executive Officers Name and Principal Position Fiscal Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) Stock Awards ($) Option Awards ($) All Other Compensation ($) Total ($) Zanfang Wang, CEO, CFO, President and Secretary 2021 - - - - - - Zanfang Wang, CEO, CFO, President and Secretary 2020 - - - - - - On September 27, 2018, Zanfang Wang was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and sole Director and Chairman, each effective immediately. Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End We did not pay any salaries in 2021 and 2020. None of our executive officer(s) received any equity awards, including, options, restricted stock, performance awards or other equity incentives during the years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 for China King Spirit Group Ltd. Employment Contracts At this time, China King Spirit Group Ltd., has not entered into any employment agreements with its sole officer and director. If there is sufficient cash flow available from our future operations, the company may enter into employment agreements with our sole officer and director or future key staff members. 13 Table of Contents Stock Awards Plan The company has not adopted a Stock Awards Plan but may do so in the future. The terms of any such plan have not been determined. Director Compensation The Board of Directors of the Company has not adopted a stock option plan. The company has no plans to adopt it but may choose to do so in the future. If such a plan is adopted, this may be administered by the board or a committee appointed by the board (the Committee). The committee would have the power to modify, extend or renew outstanding options and to authorize the grant of new options in substitution therefore, provided that any such action may not impair any rights under any option previously granted. China King Spirit Group Ltd. may develop an incentive-based stock option plan for its officers and directors and may reserve up to 10% of its outstanding shares of common stock for that purpose. The table below summarizes all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our directors for all services rendered in all capacities to us for the period inception (April 20, 2015) through June 30, 2021. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Name Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) Stock Awards ($) Option Awards ($) Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) All Other Compensation ($) Total ($) Jean Paul Chavanaz former director 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Xu Dan former director 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Zanfang Wang current director 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Board Committees We have not formed an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee as of the filing of this Annual Report. Our Board of Directors performs the principal functions of an Audit Committee. We currently do not have an audit committee financial expert on our Board of Directors. We believe that an audit committee financial expert is not required because the cost of hiring an audit committee financial expert to act as one of our directors and to be a member of an Audit Committee outweighs the benefits of having an audit committee financial expert at this time. 14 Table of Contents ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our voting securities by (i) each director and named executive officer, (ii) all executive officers and directors as a group; and (iii) each shareholder known to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the outstanding common stock of the Company as of June 30, 2021. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Generally, a person is considered to beneficially own securities: (i) over which such person, directly or indirectly, exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, and (ii) of which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days (such as through exercise of stock options or warrants). For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares held by each person or group of persons, any shares that such person or persons has the right to acquire within 60 days of June 30, 2021 are deemed to be outstanding but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. The inclusion herein of any shares listed as beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership. Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership Common Stock (1) Controlling Shareholders No. of Shares % of Class Century Acquisitions LLC (formerly WP Acquisition Company, LLC) 5,750,000 45.47 % Controlling shareholder Richard Rapport former secretary of Company 1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Xu Dan 3,500,000 27.68 24A Builidng 7 Huangting Century Garden 3004 Yitian Road Futian District, Shenzhen, Buangdon Province, China All controlling shareholders as a group 9,250,000 73.15 % __________ (1) Based on 12,644,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2021. On September 27, 2018 the Board of Directors and shareholders of China King Spirit Group Ltd. (FNA Jasmin Corp.) (the "Company) approved an amendment to the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and effecting a five-for-one forward split of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. 15 Table of Contents ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIP AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. Transactions with Related Persons From July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 the Company did not receive any shareholder loans. The amounts due to related parties are unsecured and non- interest-bearing with no set terms of repayment. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. Fees paid to Auditors Audit Fees For the year ended June 30, 2021, audit and related fees were $nil. For the year ended June 30, 2020, audit fees were $nil. The audit fees were paid in 2019 were to the Companys previous auditors Haynie & Company. The SEC requires that before our independent registered public accounting firm is engaged by us to render any auditing or permitted non-audit related service, the engagement be either: (i) approved by our Audit Committee or (ii) entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee, provided that the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service, the Audit Committee is informed of each service, and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of the Audit Committees responsibilities to management. We do not have an Audit Committee. Our Board pre-approves all services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. All the above services and fees paid during 2021 and 2020 were pre-approved by our Board. 16 Table of Contents PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Please see the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated herein by reference, following the signature page for a list of our exhibits. 17 Table of Contents SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. China King Spirit Group Ltd. Dated: October 18, 2022 By: /s/ Zanfang Wang Zanfang Wang President and Director Principal Executive Officer Principal Financial Officer Principal Accounting Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Date /s/ Zanfang Wang October 18, 2022 Zanfang Wang President and Director Principal Executive Officer Principal Financial Officer Principal Accounting Officer 18 Table of Contents EXHIBIT INDEX ___________ * Included in Exhibit 31.1 ** Included in Exhibit 32.1 19 ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION CALCULATION LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE IDEA: R1.htm IDEA: R2.htm IDEA: R3.htm IDEA: R4.htm IDEA: R5.htm IDEA: R6.htm IDEA: R7.htm IDEA: R8.htm IDEA: R9.htm IDEA: R10.htm IDEA: R11.htm IDEA: R12.htm IDEA: R13.htm IDEA: R14.htm IDEA: R15.htm IDEA: R16.htm IDEA: R17.htm IDEA: R18.htm IDEA: R19.htm IDEA: R20.htm IDEA: R21.htm IDEA: cksg_10k_htm.xml IDEA: Financial_Report.xlsx IDEA: FilingSummary.xml IDEA: MetaLinks.json 0001680237 false Q1 2022 0.001 200000000 12644500 12644500 12644500 200000000 0.001 12644500 12644500 12644500 0001680237 2021-07-01 2021-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:EquityMember 2021-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:EquityMember 2020-09-30 0001680237 cksg:BoardOfDirectorsAndJasminCorpMember 2018-09-01 2018-09-27 0001680237 cksg:BoardOfDirectorsAndJasminCorpMember 2018-09-27 0001680237 cksg:StockPurchaseAgreementMember 2017-09-01 2017-09-08 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2021-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2021-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2021-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2021-07-01 2021-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2021-07-01 2021-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2021-07-01 2021-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2021-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2021-06-30 0001680237 2020-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2020-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2020-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2020-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2020-07-01 2020-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2020-07-01 2020-09-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2020-07-01 2020-09-30 0001680237 2020-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2020-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember 2020-06-30 0001680237 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2020-06-30 0001680237 2020-07-01 2020-09-30 0001680237 2021-06-30 0001680237 2021-09-30 0001680237 2022-10-18 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares xbrli:pure UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended Commission File Number 333-213425 CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Nevada 30-8343441 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 1900 Avenue of the Stars , Los Angeles , CA 90067 (Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code) 310 - 843-9300 (Registrants telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No As of October 18, 2022, there were 12,644,500 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Table of Contents PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION China King Spirit Group Ltd. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTENTS 3 Table of Contents CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. BALANCE SHEETS September 30, 2021 June 30, 2021 ASSETS (unaudited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash $ - $ - TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS - - TOTAL ASSETS $ - $ - LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 5,482 $ 5,482 Related parties loans 48,829 48,829 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 54,311 54,311 Commitments and Contingencies - - STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT Common stock, $ 0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 12,644,500 issued and outstanding, September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021 respectively 12,645 12,645 Additional paid-in capital ( 359 ) ( 359 ) Accumulated deficit ( 66,597 ) ( 66,597 ) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT ( 54,311 ) ( 54,311 ) TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT $ - $ - The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4 Table of Contents CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) Three months ended September 30, 2021 Three months ended September 30, 2020 Revenues $ - $ - Cost of Goods Sold - - Gross Profit - - General and Administrative Expenses - 75 Loss before income taxes - ( 75 ) Income tax expenses - - Loss from Operations - ( 75 ) NET INCOME (LOSS) $ - $ ( 75 ) LOSS PER COMMON SHARE BASIC AND DILUTED (CONTINUING OPERATIONS) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE BASIC AND DILUTED (DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.00 ) WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING BASIC AND DILUTED 12,644,500 12,644,500 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5 Table of Contents CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT Three month period ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) Common Stock Additional Accumulated Number of shares Amount Paid-in Capital Deficit Total Balance, June 30, 2021 12,644,500 $ 12,645 $ ( 359 ) ($ 66,597 ) ( 54,311 ) Net loss - - - - - Balance, September 30, 2021 12,644,500 $ 12,645 $ ( 359 ) $ ($ 66,597 ) $ ( 54,311 ) Common Stock Additional Number of shares Amount Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Total Balance, June 30, 2020 12,644,500 $ 12,645 $ ( 359 ) ( 66,522 ) ( 54,236 ) Net loss - - - ( 75 ) ( 75 ) Balance, September 30, 2020 12,644,500 $ 12,645 $ ( 359 ) $ ( 66,597 ) $ ( 54,311 ) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 6 Table of Contents CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) Three months ended September 30, 2021 Three months ended September 30, 2020 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss $ - $ ( 75 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities Accounts payable - 75 Net cash used in operating activities - - NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES - - CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from related parties - - NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES - - NET DECREASE IN CASH - - CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD - - CASH, END OF PERIOD $ - $ - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Income tax paid $ - $ - Interest paid $ - $ - The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 7 Table of Contents CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Company China King Spirit Group Ltd. (FKA Jasmin Corp.) (the Company, we, us or our) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on October 7, 2014. Jasmin was an e-commerce early stage company that intended to establish itself as a designing industry of home and space decorations made from cork materials in France, Europe. The new management of the Company is abandoning its existing business and is in the process of evaluating other business opportunities. On September 8, 2017 Jean-Paul Chavanz, the previous sole officer and director and majority shareholder of Jasmin Corp., entered into a stock purchase agreement for the sale of an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company, representing 79 % of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company decided to discontinue its business plan of producing and distributing Cork products and explore new opportunities. As part of the transition all the Companys assets were retained by the former majority shareholder and the liabilities were assumed by Mr. Chavanz as well. As a result of this strategic shift all historical results of the Company have been classified as discontinued operations in accordance with ASC 105-20. On September 11, 2017 Xu Dan was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and sole Director and Mr. Richard Rappaport was appointed Secretary. In addition, Mr. Jean-Paul Chavanaz submitted his resignations from all executive officer positions with the Company, including Chief Executive Officer and President effective September 11, 2017, and submitted his resignation as a member of the Board. On September 27, 2018, Xu Dan submitted her resignation from all executive officer positions with the Registrant, including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President, effective immediately. In addition, Xu Dan submitted her resignation as a member of the Board, which resignation was effective immediately. In addition, on September 27, 2018 Richard Rappaport submitted his resignation as Secretary of the Registrant, which resignation was effective immediately. On September 27, 2018, Zhanfang Wang was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and sole Director and Chairman, each effective immediately. On September 27, 2018 Jasmin Corp. (the Registrant) filed a Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation effecting (i) a 5-for-1 forward stock split of the Registrants common stock, (ii) an increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and (iii) changing its name from Jasmin Corp. to China King Spirit Group Ltd., which Certificate of Amendment was approved by the Nevada Secretary of State on December 20, 2018. The Registrant notified the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) pursuant to a corporate action request to approve the change of its listing name to China King Spirit Group Ltd. On December 20, 2018, FINRA notified the Registrant that it had approved the aforementioned forward stock split, increase in authorized number of shares and name change, announced on their daily list on December 21, 2018 that the market effective date will be December 24, 2018. Basis of Presentation Unaudited Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. They do not include all information and footnotes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. However, except as disclosed herein, there has been no material changes in the information disclosed in the notes to the financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 included in the Companys 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with those financial statements included in the Form 10-K. In the opinion of Management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, have been made. Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2022. Use of Estimates and Assumptions Preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. 8 Table of Contents CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers highly liquid financial instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Earnings (Loss) per Common Share The basic earnings (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing the Companys net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares during the period. The diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the Companys net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding is the basic weighted number of shares adjusted for any potentially dilutive debt or equity securities unless they are anti-dilutive. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are the same as basic earnings (loss) per share due to the lack of dilutive items in the Company. As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, there were no common stock equivalents outstanding. Income Taxes The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax balances and tax loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantially enacted tax rates expected to apply to the taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the date of enactment or substantive enactment. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Company does not expect the adoption of any recent accounting pronouncements to have a material impact on its financial statements. NOTE 2 GOING CONCERN To date the Company has generated limited revenues from its business operations and has an accumulated deficit of $ 66,597 since inception. As at September 30, 2021, the Company has a working capital deficit of $ 54,311 . The Company requires additional funding to meet its ongoing obligations and to fund anticipated operating losses. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on raising capital to fund its initial business plan and ultimately to attain profitable operations. Accordingly, these factors raise substantial doubt as to the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The Company intends to continue to fund its business by way of private placements and advances from related parties as may be required. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from this uncertainty. 9 Table of Contents CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) NOTE 3 EQUITY On September 27, 2018 the Board of Directors and shareholders of China King Spirit Group Ltd. (FNA Jasmin Corp.) (the Company) approved an amendment to the Companys Articles of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and effecting a five-for-one forward split of the Companys outstanding shares of common stock. The Company has 200,000,000 common shares authorized with a par value of $ 0.001 per share. No preferred shares have been authorized or issued. There were 12,644,500 (pre-split 2,528,900 ) shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 respectively. All references in these financial statements to number of common shares, price per share and weighted average number of shares outstanding prior to the 5:1 forward split have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis unless otherwise noted. NOTE 4 RELATED PARTIES During the period the Company did not received any shareholder loans from WP Acquisition (currently known as Century Acquisition LLC), a Company controlled by a shareholder. Total amount owing in shareholder loans as of September 30, 2021 is $ 48,829 . The amounts due to related parties are unsecured and non- interest-bearing with no set terms of repayment. NOTE 5 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Management has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after September 30, 2021 through October 18, 2022 the report date of the financial statements. During the period, the Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events. 10 Table of Contents Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The following discussion and analysis are intended to help you understand our financial condition and results of operations for the three months ending September 30, 2021. You should read the following discussion and analysis together with our audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2021 and the notes to the financial statements included in this report on Form 10-Q. You should understand that we are no longer in the distribution of cork products. Thus our future financial condition and results of operations will have no relationship to our historical financial condition and results of operations. This section of this Form 10-Q includes a number of forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words like believe, expect, estimate, anticipate, intend, project and similar expressions, or words which, by their nature, refer to future events. You should not place undue certainty on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our predictions. Executive Overview The Company was incorporated in the state of Nevada on October 7, 2014. From inceptions (October 7, 2014) until September 8, 2017, Jasmin Corp., was in the business of the production and distribution of cork products. On September 8, 2017 Jean-Paul Chavanz, the previous sole officer and director and majority shareholder of Jasmin Corp., entered into a stock purchase agreement for the sale of an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company, representing 79% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company decided to discontinue its business plan of producing and distributing Cork products and explore new opportunities. As part of the transition all the Companys assets were retained by the former majority shareholder and the liabilities were assumed by Mr. Chavanz as well. As a result of this strategic shift all historical results of the Company should be classified as discontinued operations in accordance with ASC 105-20. 11 Table of Contents On September 11, 2017 Xu Dam was appointed its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and sole Director and Mr. Richard Rappaport was appointed Secretary. In addition, Mr. Jean-Paul Chavanaz submitted his resignations from all executive officer positions with the Company, including Chief Executive Officer and President effective September 11, 2017, and submitted his resignation as a member of the Board. On September 27, 2018, Xu Dan submitted her resignation from all executive officer positions with the Company, including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President, effective immediately. In addition, Xu Dan submitted her resignation as a member of the Board, which resignation was effective immediately. In addition, on September 27, 2018 Richard Rappaport submitted his resignation as Secretary of the Company, which resignation was effective immediately. On September 27, 2018, Zhanfang Wang was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and sole Director and Chairman, each effective immediately. On September 27, 2018 the Board of Directors and shareholders of Jasmin Corp. (the Company) approved an amendment to the Registrants Articles of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and effecting a five-for-one forward split of the Companys outstanding shares of common stock. In addition, on September 27, 2018 Jasmin Corp. (the Registrant) filed a Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation effecting (i) a 5-for-1 forward stock split of the Registrants common stock, (ii) an increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 to 200,000,000 and (iii) changing its name from Jasmin Corp. to China King Spirit Group Ltd., which Certificate of Amendment was approved by the Nevada Secretary of State on December 20, 2018. The Registrant notified the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) pursuant to a corporate action request to approve the change of its listing name to China King Spirit Group Ltd. On December 20, 2018, FINRA notified the Registrant that it had approved the aforementioned forward stock split, increase in authorized number of shares and name change, announced on their daily list on December 21, 2018 that the market effective date was December 24, 2018. The information presented below with regard to the periods ended September 30, 2021 should be read as historic information on the Company. As a result of the decision to discontinue operations, the Company as of the date of this filing is an empty shell with no liquidity, no capital resources, and no operations other than the search for new business opportunities. Results of Operations We had no revenues, and no operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021. In the three months ended September 30, 2020, we had no revenues and $75 in expenses consisting of $75 in transfer agent fees. Our decrease in expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compare to the three month ended September 30, 2020 due to the inactivity in the Company and its search for a new operating business. Capital Resources and Liquidity As of September 30, 2022, we had assets $nil and we had $54,311 in liabilities; we had an accumulated deficit of $66,597. As of June 30, 2021, we had $nil in total assets and $54,311 in total liabilities and accumulated deficit of $66,597. As of September 30, 2021, the Company owed $48,829 (June 30, 2021; $48,829) to shareholders of the Company. All amounts due to the related party are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have not set terms of repayment. Off-balance sheet arrangements The company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect or change on the companys financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. The term off-balance sheet arrangement generally means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with the company is a party, under which the company has (i) any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest; or (ii) a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets. 12 Table of Contents Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information required under this item. Item 4. Controls and Procedures. Disclosure Controls and Procedures Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time period specified in the SECs rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to management including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report (the Evaluation Date), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Companys Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer (the Certifying Officers) of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Certifying Officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the disclosure controls and procedures in place were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The material weaknesses in our disclosure control procedures are as follows: 1. Lack of formal policies and procedures necessary to adequately review significant accounting transactions. We utilize a third party independent contractor for the preparation of our financial statements. Although the financial statements and footnotes are reviewed by our management, we do not have a formal policy to review significant accounting transactions and the accounting treatment of such transactions. The third party independent contractor is not involved in our day to day operations and may not be provided information from our management on a timely basis to allow for adequate reporting/consideration of certain transactions. 2. Audit Committee and Financial Expert. We do not have an audit committee with a financial expert and, thus, we lack the appropriate oversight within the financial reporting process. We intend to initiate measures to remediate the identified material weaknesses, including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: Establishing a formal review process of significant accounting transactions that includes participation of our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and corporate legal counsel. Form an audit committee that will establish policies and procedures that will provide our Board of Directors with a formal review process that will among other things, assure that management controls and procedures are in place and being maintained consistently. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f)) during the quarter ended September 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. 13 Table of Contents PART IIOTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings. Currently we are not involved in any pending litigation or legal proceeding. Item 1A. Risk Factors. We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information required under this item. Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds. None Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. None Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. N/A Item 5. Other Information. None 14 Table of Contents Item 6. Exhibits. * Included in Exhibit 31.1 ** Included in Exhibit 32.1 15 Table of Contents SIGNATURES* Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. CHINA KING SPIRIT GROUP LTD. (Registrant) Date: October 18, 2022 By: /s/ Zanfang Wang Zanfang Wang President and Director Principal and Executive Officer Principal Financial Officer Principal Accounting Officer 16 ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION CALCULATION LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE IDEA: R1.htm IDEA: R2.htm IDEA: R3.htm IDEA: R4.htm IDEA: R5.htm IDEA: R6.htm IDEA: R7.htm IDEA: R8.htm IDEA: R9.htm IDEA: R10.htm IDEA: R11.htm IDEA: R12.htm IDEA: R13.htm IDEA: R14.htm IDEA: R15.htm IDEA: R16.htm IDEA: cksg_10q_htm.xml IDEA: Financial_Report.xlsx IDEA: FilingSummary.xml IDEA: MetaLinks.json ____________________________________________________ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 _______________________ FORM 6-K __________________________________ Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of October 2022 Commission File Number: 001-15102 __________________________________ Embraer S.A. __________________________________ Avenida Dra. Ruth Cardoso, 8501, 30th floor (part), Pinheiros, Sao Paulo, SP, 05425-070, Brazil (Address of principal executive offices) __________________________________ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: Form 20-F x Form 40-F Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): TUI Selects Embraer E195-E2 Amsterdam, October 20, 2022 TUI Group has selected Embraers E195-E2, the quietest and most efficient aircraft under 150 seats, to join the TUI fly Belgium fleet. TUI, one of the world's leading tourism groups, will take delivery of three E195-E2 from AerCap on long-term lease. The aircraft, from AerCaps existing fleet and powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, will be delivered in a comfortable 136 seat, single class configuration, in the first half of 2023. We are thrilled to add the E195-E2 to our Belgium fleet. Operating on short and medium haul routes, the new airplane is the most efficient aircraft in the market. It uses less fuel, has a longer range, while at the same time is 50% quieter and emits up to a third less carbon dioxide. The airplanes will operate mostly out of Antwerp, from where they will fly to more distant airports, which will allow us to expand into new holiday destinations from Northern Belgium, said Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Airline Officer, TUI Group. The selection of the E195-E2 is an important milestone to make TUIs fleet even more efficient in support of our sustainability goals. Working together with AerCap, Embraer and Pratt & Whitney, we have agreed on an attractive package that enables TUI to provide travellers from regional airports in Belgium an even better start to their holidays, added Tom Chandler, Managing Director Fleet and Asset Management, TUI Group We are very pleased to announce the lease placement of three E195-E2s with TUI. AerCap has a long history of working with TUI and we are excited to be a part of their fleet renewal plan, said Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap. The E195-E2s are the perfect aircraft to support TUIs operations with greater versatility and improved efficiencies, enabling them to meet their sustainability commitments. We wish TUI every success with the E2-Jets, and we look forward to working with them as these aircraft deliver. Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation, added, We welcome TUI, already operators of the first generation E190, to the E2 family of operators. The economics of the E195-E2 combined with its comfort, is a win win for TUI allowing the operator to increase capacity and delight their guests, while still reducing fuel costs and lowering emissions. Were pleased to continue our long relationship with TUI and thank AerCap for their partnership. Aircraft Images: https://embraer.imagerelay.com/ml/bf7a041869194533be98bf31aab1f07a Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer About the TUI Group The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups. The company is based in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the FTSE 250, an index of the London Stock Exchange, on the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover and on the over-the-counter market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The TUI Group offers integrated services from a single source for its 27 million customers, 21 million of whom are in the European national companies. The entire tourism value chain is mapped under one roof. This includes over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 16 own cruise ships, from MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in the UK. The group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, five airlines with more than 100 modern medium and long-haul aircraft and over 1,000 travel agencies. In addition to expanding the core business with hotels, cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The group is transforming into a digital company. Global responsibility for sustainable economic, ecological and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports holiday destinations in their development. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation. About AerCap AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Memphis, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle, Toulouse and other locations around the world. About Embraer Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures aircraft for Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security, and Agricultural customers. The company also provides after-sales services & support through a worldwide network of wholly-owned entities and authorized agents. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and is the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Date: October 20, 2022 0001169770 false 0001169770 2022-10-20 2022-10-20 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 8-K in Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Maryland 001-35522 04-3639825 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 3 MacArthur Place, Santa Ana, California 92707 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrants telephone number, including area code: ( 855 ) 361-2262 N/A (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2.): Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share BANC New York Stock Exchange 2 Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On October 20, 2022, Banc of California, Inc. (the Company) issued a press release announcing 2022 third quarter financial results. A copy of the press release is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein. Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure. The Company will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter results at 10:00 A.M. Pacific Time on Thursday, October 20, 2022. Interested parties may attend the conference call by dialing (888) 317-6003, and referencing event code 6394121. A live audio webcast will be available through the webcast link to be posted on the Companys Investor Relations website at www.bancofcal.com/investor , in addition to the slide presentation for investor review prior to the call. A copy of the presentation materials is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated by reference herein. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. (d) Exhibits. 99.1 Banc of California, Inc. Press Release dated October 20, 2022. 99.2 Banc of California, Inc. Earnings Conference Call Presentation Materials dated October 20, 2022. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. BANC OF CALIFORNIA, INC. October 20, 2022 /s/ Lynn M. Hopkins Lynn M. Hopkins Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 3 ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS EX-99.1 EX-99.2 XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA DOCUMENT XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT IDEA: R1.htm IDEA: banc-20221020_htm.xml IDEA: Financial_Report.xlsx IDEA: FilingSummary.xml IDEA: MetaLinks.json This Amendment No. 41 (the " Amendment ") amends and supplements the Schedule 13D originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission October 7, 2002. Item 1. Security and Issuer. The Amendment relates to the ordinary shares, NIS 0.10 nominal value per share (the Ordinary Shares ), of G. Willi-Food International Ltd. (the Issuer ), an Israeli company with principal executive offices at 4 Nahal Harif St., Yavne 8110602, Israel. Item 2. Identity and Background. Item 2 of Schedule 13D, Identity and Background is amended and restated to read as follows: This Amendment to Schedule 13D is being filed jointly by Willi-Food Investments Ltd. ( WIL ), B.S.D Crown LTD. ( B.S.D ), Joseph Williger ( JW ), Zwi Williger (" ZW ") (the foregoing, collectively, the Reporting Persons ). The agreement among the Reporting Persons relating to the joint filing of this Amendment to Schedule 13D is attached as an exhibit hereto. WIL is controlled by its majority shareholder, B.S.D (formerly known as Emblaze Ltd.). a company wholly owned by JW and his brother ZW. WIL, an Israeli company traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (symbol: WLFD), acts as a holding company for the shares of the Issuer, which imports and markets food products. The business address of WIL is 4 Nahal Harif St., Northern Industrial Zone, Yavne 8110602, Israel. B.S.D, an Israeli private company, holds WIL shares. The business address of B.S.D is 7 Menachem Begin Road, Gibor Sport Tower, 8th Floor, Ramat Gan 5268102, Israel. JW is a citizen of Israel, is a director of B.S.D, director of WIL and a Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Issuer. JW is a citizen of Israel and his principal employment is business management. and his residence or business address is 76 Kaplan St., Hertzliya 4674311, Israel. ZW, the brother of JW, is a director of B.S.D, the Chairman of WIL and a Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Issuer. ZW is a citizen of Israel and his principal employment is business management. The business address of ZW is 7 Hashikma St., Savion, Israel. Unless included above, set forth on Schedule I hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference, is the name, present business addresses, principal occupation or employment, name of organization where such employment is conducted, description of the principal business of such organization and citizenship of the directors and executive officers of each Reporting Person. During the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons nor, to the best of their knowledge, any of the entities or individuals mentioned in this Item 2 or listed on Schedule I hereto, has been (i) convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding has been or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws. 6 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )* Social Capital Suvretta Holdings Corp. II (Name of Issuer) Common Stock, $0.0001 par value (Title of Class of Securities) G8253U103 (CUSIP Number) October 10, 2022 (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement) Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed: [_] Rule 13d-1(b) [X] Rule 13d-1(c) [_] Rule 13d-1(d) *The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes). SCHEDULE 13G CUSIP No. G8253U103 1 Names of Reporting Persons Saba Capital Management, L.P. 2 Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (see instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] 3 Sec Use Only 4 Citizenship or Place of Organization Delaware Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With: 5 Sole Voting Power -0- 6 Shared Voting Power 1,458,796 7 Sole Dispositive Power -0- 8 Shared Dispositive Power 1,458,796 9 Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,458,796 10 Check box if the aggregate amount in row (9) excludes certain shares (See Instructions) [ ] 11 Percent of class represented by amount in row (9) 5.7% 12 Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) PN; IA The percentages used herein are calculated based upon 25,640,000 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2022, as disclosed in the company's 10-Q filed August 12, 2022 SCHEDULE 13G CUSIP No. G8253U103 1 Names of Reporting Persons Boaz R. Weinstein 2 Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (see instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] 3 Sec Use Only 4 Citizenship or Place of Organization United States Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With: 5 Sole Voting Power -0- 6 Shared Voting Power 1,458,796 7 Sole Dispositive Power -0- 8 Shared Dispositive Power 1,458,796 9 Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,458,796 10 Check box if the aggregate amount in row (9) excludes certain shares (See Instructions) [ ] 11 Percent of class represented by amount in row (9) 5.7% 12 Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IN The percentages used herein are calculated based upon 25,640,000 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2022, as disclosed in the company's 10-Q filed August 12, 2022 CUSIP No. G8253U103 1 Names of Reporting Persons Saba Capital Management GP, LLC 2 Check the appropriate box if a member of a Group (see instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] 3 Sec Use Only 4 Citizenship or Place of Organization Delaware Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With: 5 Sole Voting Power -0- 6 Shared Voting Power 1,458,796 7 Sole Dispositive Power -0- 8 Shared Dispositive Power 1,458,796 9 Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,458,796 10 Check box if the aggregate amount in row (9) excludes certain shares (See Instructions) [ ] 11 Percent of class represented by amount in row (9) 5.7% 12 Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) OO The percentages used herein are calculated based upon 25,640,000 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2022, as disclosed in the company's 10-Q filed August 12, 2022 Item 1. (a) Name of Issuer: Social Capital Suvretta Holdings Corp. II (b) Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices: 2850 W. HORIZON RIDGE PARKWAY, SUITE 200, HENDERSON, NV, 89052 Item 2. (a) Name of Person Filing: Saba Capital Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Saba Capital"), Saba Capital Management GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Saba GP"), and Mr. Boaz R. Weinstein (together, the "Reporting Persons"). The Reporting Persons have entered into a Joint Filing Agreement, dated October 20, 2022, pursuant to which the Reporting Persons have agreed to file this statement and any subsequent amendments hereto jointly in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13d-1(k)(1) under the Act. Any disclosures herein with respect to persons other than the Reporting Persons are made on information and belief after making inquiry to the appropriate party. The filing of this statement should not be construed as an admission that any of the forgoing persons or the Reporting Persons is, for the purposes of Section 13 of the Act, the beneficial owner of the Common Stock reported herein. (b) Address of Principal Business Office or, if None, Residence: The address of the business office of each of the Reporting Persons is 405 Lexington Avenue, 58th Floor, New York, New York 10174. (c) Citizenship: Saba Capital is organized as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware. Saba GP is organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware. Mr. Weinstein is a citizen of the United States. (d) Title and Class of Securities: Common stock, $0.0001 Par Value (the "Common Stock"). (e) CUSIP No.: G8253U103 Item 3. If this statement is filed pursuant to 240.13d-1(b) or 240.13d-2(b) or (c), check whether the person filing is a: (a) [_] Broker or dealer registered under Section 15 of the Act; (b) [_] Bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Act; (c) [_] Insurance company as defined in Section 3(a)(19) of the Act; (d) [_] Investment company registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940; (e) [_] An investment adviser in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E); (f) [_] An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F); (g) [_] A parent holding company or control person in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G); (h) [_] A savings associations as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); (i) [_] A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940; (j) [_] A non-U.S. institution in accordance with Rule 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J); (k) [_] Group, in accordance with Rule 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(K). If filing as a non-U.S. institution in accordance with Rule 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J), please specify the type of institution: ____ Item 4. Ownership (a) Amount Beneficially Owned: The information required by Items 4(a) - (c) is set forth in Rows (5) - (11) of the cover page for each Reporting Person hereto and is incorporated herein by reference for each such Reporting Person. Item 5. Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class. N/A Item 6. Ownership of more than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person. The funds and accounts advised by Saba Capital have the right to receive the dividends from and proceeds of sales from the Common Stock. Item 7. Identification and classification of the subsidiary which acquired the security being reported on by the parent holding company or control person. N/A Item 8. Identification and classification of members of the group. N/A Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group. N/A Item 10. Certifications. By signing below each Reporting Person certifies that, to the best of his or its knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect. SIGNATURE After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Dated: October 20, 2022 /s/ Signature Michael D'Angelo Name: Michael D'Angelo Title: Chief Compliance Officer Boaz R. Weinstein By: Michael D'Angelo Title: Attorney-in-fact*** *** Pursuant to a Power of Attorney dated as of November 16, 2015 EXHIBIT 1 JOINT FILING AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 13d-1(k) The undersigned acknowledge and agree that the foregoing statement on Schedule 13G is filed on behalf of each of the undersigned and that all subsequent amendments to this statement on Schedule 13G shall be filed on behalf of each of the undersigned without the necessity of filing additional joint filing agreements. The undersigned acknowledge that each shall be responsible for the timely filing of such amendments, and for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning him or it contained herein and therein, but shall not be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information concerning the others, except to the extent that he or it knows or has reason to believe that such information is inaccurate. DATED: October 20, 2022 CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea A museum dedicated to telling the history of the Eighth Army and the 2nd Infantry Division reopened on Wednesday after a $2.1 million renovation. The 2nd Infantry Division, Eighth Army and Korean Theater of Operations Museum at Camp Humphreys opened its doors after eight months of revamping that installed interactive, hand-drawn displays and a small theater. The spruce-up was done by some of the best museum professionals in the world, including those who worked on the National Museum of Korea, museum director and retired Army colonel William Alexander said during a reopening ceremony attended by soldiers and officials from Gyeonggi province on Wednesday. This is just the start, Alexander said. We have more to go landscaping, more artifacts, more displays and itll be really outstanding. Once inside the museum, visitors are greeted by an OH-58D Kiowa helicopter that served in Bosnia in 1997, Kosovo in 2002 and Iraq in 2004, where it was struck by small arms fire. Among the museums more than 2,000 items is a 2nd ID patch worn by NASA astronaut and Air Force Gen. Michael Collins during the Apollo 11 flight to the moon in 1969. The patch was originally worn by his father, James Collins, who was the divisions commander in 1939. Also on display are priceless artifacts, like a Medal of Honor awarded to Army Sgt. 1st Class William Sitman of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd ID, during the Korean War. Sitman posthumously earned the medal after he threw himself on an enemy grenade to protect five other soldiers in his squad on Feb. 14, 1951. Lifelike mannequins depicting combat first aid and other scenarios from World War I, World War II and the 1950-53 Korean War are displayed with speakers playing sounds from battle. The museums priceless collection of artifacts is important in training and developing new soldiers, according to Charles Bowery Jr., executive director of the Armys Center of Military History. The Armys history matters to soldiers, he said during the ceremony. The insignia that you wear on your uniforms, the places around you, the places you serve have a deep meaning in all our past. Eighth Army commander Lt. Gen. Bill Burleson, who also attended the ceremony, said the museum honored the U.S.-South Korea military alliance and the soldiers who upheld that partnership. Ultimately, not only is this about an alliance but it's about the history of soldiers, soldiers who have personally sacrificed and have served tours here in Korea both during the war, as well as since the war and into the future, he said. Roughly 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, the majority of them at Humphreys. The 2nd ID traces its lineage to 1917 and World War I and has produced 40 Medal of Honor recipients, according to the divisions webpage. The U.S. Marine Corps last week test-fired missiles on Hokkaido of the same type that have plagued Russian forces at war in Ukraine. The Marines fired their High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, and Javelin anti-tank guided missile, systems supplied by the U.S. to Ukrainian forces that have been credited with turning the tide against invading Russians. Test-firing missiles that are the scourge of Russia's invading forces in Ukraine so close to Russia's eastern borders looks like the US thumbing its nose at the Russians, James Brown, an international affairs expert at Temple Universitys Japan campus, said in an Oct. 14 email. Kunashiri, an island 15 miles north of Hokkaido, is the closest of four islands claimed by Japan but occupied by Russia since the end of World War II. The Russian military has been expanding its presence in the islands, even as it fights a costly war in Ukraine, the Center for Strategic and International Studies reported Sept. 27. Russian forces north of Hokkaido defend the Kuril chain and deny access to the Sea of Okhotsk, an important sanctuary for Russian submarines, Brown said. There has been a buildup of Russian capabilities on the islands, including the addition of anti-ship missiles and better anti-aircraft weapons, he said. However, these capabilities are consistent with defensive goals. Additionally, most Russian drills on the islands simulate defending the territory against amphibious landings, not attacking. Russia has no intention of invading Japan and Japan has no intention of retaking the disputed islands by force, Brown added. Things would have to get a whole lot worse than they currently are for this situation to change, he said. A force of 1,600 Marines, led by the Okinawa-based 12th Marine Regiment, an artillery unit, trained on Hokkaido Oct. 1-14, alongside 1,400 troops from Japans Northern Army during the Resolute Dragon exercise. We are aware of the Russians. You cant not be because they are very close, 12th Marines commander Col. Jonathan Sims, who led U.S. forces training on Hokkaido, told Stars and Stripes by phone from Okinawa on Thursday. Last month, Russia scrapped an agreement with Japan to allow Japanese former residents to visit the disputed islands off Hokkaido without visas, sparking a protest by Tokyo. Japan and the U.S. have imposed sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The Russians filed a diplomatic protest about the Resolute Dragon drills, Sims said. A Russian destroyer, submarine and submarine rescue ship were sighted 25 miles northeast of Cape Soya, Hokkaido, on Oct. 6, Japans Defense Ministry reported the next day. We are all aware of what is going on in Ukraine, Sims said, noting that the Marines are applying lessons learned from the conflict to their training. Guidance from Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger calls for distributed operations, Sims said. Watching the way Ukraine is operating and winning has validated it, he said. A lot of things we have been practicing out here, they have put into practice there. On Hokkaido, the Marines spread out their launchers and fire direction centers to not provide large targets, Sims said. We have to be distributed as if we are under a persistent watch by an adversary, he said. The Marines practiced setting up bilateral command and control with their Japanese counterparts. Those skills will be honed next month during the Keen Sword exercise and at the Yama Sakura drills in December. Both exercises will happen on Okinawa and Kyushu, Sims said. Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report. October is American Archives Month! To celebrate, Stars and Stripes Archives and Library is sharing some behind the scenes images of Stripes operations, its staff and its archives throughout the papers eight decades of existence. Griesheim, Germany, June 30, 1955: Over the decades Stars and Stripes employed and published many talented artists. Dick Wingert (left), creator of the Hubert cartoon, was one of them. Wingert began drawing Hubert in 1942, when he was a member of the London edition of Stars and Stripes. He had enough fond memories of his former employer that he stopped by when touring Europe with his wife Lee and two daughters in 1955. Visiting the papers then headquarters in Griesheim, Germany, he sketched his favorite character for Jack Gregory of the Stars and Stripes art department. Since 2004 the small (but mighty!) archives staff has worked to make more of our historic content available online. We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through http://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/ In 2014 we focused our efforts on the preservation and digitization of our vast photo archives and have been slowly but steadily digitizing negatives, slides and prints mainly concentrating on those with preservation issues. YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan Emma Murphy was born a healthy, happy baby on March 17. But six weeks later, Emma wasnt gaining weight. At age 2 months, she was diagnosed with possible liver failure and despite surgery meant to correct the condition, she needs a transplant, her mother told Stars and Stripes by phone Oct. 7. Emma and her parents, Tricia and Tech. Sgt. Brandon Murphy, of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron at Yokota in western Tokyo, traveled on Oct. 13 to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where Emma is preparing for a liver transplant, her mother said. Emmas aunt, Carie Amoroso, 50, of Lewiston, Maine, started a GoFundMe campaign to cover expenses associated with the familys medical odyssey that are not covered by their insurance policy, Amoroso told Stars and Stripes by Facebook Messenger on Oct. 6. My hope is to ease not only the financial burden but allow them to have one less thing to worry about, she said. My hope is that this allows them to concentrate on being fully focused on being present for Emma during her transplant and recovery and ease the financial burden that comes with such a complex journey. As of Thursday, Emmas Journey to a New Liver on the crowd-funding site had raised nearly $8,700 toward a $25,000 goal. Emmas condition became apparent shortly after her birth March 17, her mother said. The infant was weighed twice weekly but wasnt gaining weight. Within three months, doctors at Yokotas 374th Medical Group discovered levels of bilirubin in Emmas blood 12 times normal. Bilirubin, a yellowish pigment that results from the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver, is normally excreted, according to the Mayo Clinic website. High bilirubin levels may indicate liver or bile duct problems, according to the website. The Yokota medical group immediately contacted the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hospital, which directed the family to the National Center for Child Health and Development hospital in the citys Setagaya ward, Tricia Murphy said. After a 1 weeks of tests there, Emma was diagnosed with biliary atresia on May 31, her mother said. Biliary atresia is when your biliary system, your bile ducts, all the little tubing inside of your liver and outside of your liver that connect to your intestines, becomes either inflamed, blocked or malformed, Tricia Murphy said. The Murphys flew to Cleveland for the procedure because their insurance provider, Tricare Prime, outsources some coverage in Japan to International SOS, a health and security services firm, which does not certify any hospital in Japan for liver transplants, Tricia Murphy said she was told. Early on, Emmas skin turned yellow, a symptom of jaundice, a sign of a bilirubin buildup in the body that can cause the skin, white of the eyes and gums to turn yellow, Tricia Murphy said. Another symptom of a liver problem is eight or nine bowel movements per day. Parents should expect two bowel movements daily for babies six months to one year old, according to the Mayo Clinic. October is National Liver Awareness Month, according to the National Liver Foundation, which encourages people to act early to prevent liver disease. A child with biliary atresia should receive surgery a procedure called a Roux-en-Y within 60 days of a biliary atresia diagnosis, Tricia Murphy said. Emma had that procedure at the Tokyo childrens hospital, but 90 days after her diagnosis, she said. If she had her surgery before 60 days, there's a possibility that we wouldn't be trying to get this transplant right now, she said. The Murphys arrived in Cleveland on Saturday and Emma had her first appointment Monday, according to a post on the GoFundMe site by Brandon Murphy. We thank you again for all of your love and support for our Emma-chan, he said, using a Japanese term of endearment. NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan Three overseas Defense Department schools earned a coveted award for academic excellence this year from the U.S. Department of Education. Shirley Lanham Elementary School in Japan, Naples Elementary School in Italy and Rota Elementary in Spain were among the 297 U.S. public and private schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on Sept. 16. The three belong to the network of Department of Defense Education Activity schools for the children of U.S. service members and DOD employees. Shirley Lanham at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, 27 miles southwest of Tokyo, made the list for the first time in its history. We were identified due to the continued high achievement and growth year after year, principal Jesus Calderon told Stars and Stripes on Wednesday. They looked at the required five years of sustained performance and nominated us as recipients of the Blue Ribbon. About 270 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade attend Lanham, one of 45 schools in the DODEA-Pacific region. Fewer than 1% of the schools in the United States receive the award, according to a DODEA news release Sept. 20. The Education Department has been recognizing Blue Ribbon schools for 40 years. They are nominated based on one of two categories: exemplary high-performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests; and exemplary achievement-gap closing schools, based on their ability to close achievement gaps between groups of students. A school must meet several criteria based on the student assessments in reading or English language arts, and mathematics or a composite of these assessments with other measures of student performance, the eligibility criteria said. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has made approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools since 1982, according to the Education Department release. The schools will be honored at an annual awards ceremony on Nov. 3-4, in Washington, D.C., and given a plaque and National Blue Ribbon flag to fly over their schools. Being involved with giving students opportunities to do things, not just academics, but outside of the academics and getting to know them in that capacity, I think that definitely made a difference, Lanham second-grade teacher Nathan Rogers told Stars and Stripes on Wednesday. Being able to have the chance to work with them almost on a one-on-one basis made a difference. Calderon said the 2020 death of Sharon Carter, his predecessor as Lanham principal, left a leadership void as the school, like others, worked to maintain its educational standards during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having Mrs. Carter pass away when she had started to set the tone and vision for the school, and still maintain the high level of student achievement was one of the huge barriers, but the staff came together and overcame this barrier, he said. The transitional nature of military schools, with families coming and going to their duty stations, usually every three years, is another challenge to maintaining academic success, Calderon said. Its all the teachers those are the ones that make this work; they are the ones who come in and put in all the extra time and really love the kids, he said. Dahlia Moate, the parent of a kindergartner and president of Lanhams parent-teacher organization, agreed. Its a huge honor, Im definitely proud of all the teachers and staff, Moate, 27, from Oceanside, Calif., said Wednesday. I get to work with all the teachers very closely and they are just all so wonderful and definitely make sure all the students are ready to go, ready to excel in their learning abilities. Fifth-grader Alyssa Uyeda, 10, said she found a rewarding environment at Lanham. I think the challenge for me was just challenging myself, she said Wednesday. Math was easy, but now its getting harder. CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa A Japanese cabinet minister has promised to investigate claims made by an Okinawan civic group that high levels of synthetic toxins were detected in the blood of locals living near U.S. military installations. The Ministry of the Environment will cooperate with municipalities on Okinawa, where the group said it took the measurements, and gather information needed to consider mitigation measures, Environment Minister Akihiro Nishimura said Tuesday in a video posted on the ministrys website. The announcement comes after the group Liaison to Protect the Lives of Citizens Against PFAS Contamination declared that the blood samples showed PFOS levels were 1.5 to 3.1 times higher than a government of Japan survey found last year. The group announced its results Saturday. PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals used to make "fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. They include the subgroups PFOS and PFOA. Japan does not set standards for safe bloodstream levels of PFOS, according to an expert, but the group said its samples showed levels that, in some cases, exceeded European standards. Nishimura said he had not reviewed the groups claims but said the ministry advises the public not to use or drink water that exceeds 0.05 micrograms of PFOS per liter, Japans recommended safe threshold. The group believes U.S. military bases on Okinawa could be to blame for the pollution and has called for their cooperation in any investigation, group spokesman Toshio Takahashi, 69, told Stars and Stripes by phone Monday. U.S. Forces Japan public affairs said in a statement Thursday that the commands highest priority is the health and safety of our communities, including our service members, their families, and those that live and work near military installations. We are aware of the recent survey by a private organization regarding PFOS levels, said the statement emailed by USFJ spokesman Col. Greg Hignite. We are committed to the well-being of those that live on and near our bases and will continue to coordinate with the Government of Japan to ensure we remain compliant with our international obligations and serve as good stewards of the environment. The U.S. Forces Japan engineer team regularly consults with their counterparts in the Government of Japan and will continue doing so." PFOS and PFOA are found in firefighting foam, aircraft grease, water-repellant materials and fluorine chemicals. Studies involving lab animals show exposure to PFOA increases the risk of certain tumors of the liver, testicles, breasts and pancreas, according to the American Cancer Society. High levels of the of the contaminants have been detected in wells outside Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan city, Kadena Air Base in Kadena town and Camp Hansen in Kin town. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated its health advisories in June to say there is no safe level of PFOS or PFOA in drinking water. The synthetic compounds accumulate in the body over time, the agency statement said. The citizens group in June and July sampled the blood of 387 people in six municipalities, Takahashi said. Japan does not set safe levels for PFOS or PFOA detected in the blood, Kouji Harada, an associate professor of health and environmental sciences at Kyoto University, said by phone Tuesday. In Germany, PFOS levels over 20 nanograms per milliliter are considered dangerous, he said. Harada said he analyzed the data collected by the Okinawan group and approximately 10% of those surveyed exceeded the German standard. The testing was performed by medical professionals and satisfied scientific standards set by the U.S. government, so Harada was confident in the accuracy of the results, he said. The highest samples from Kadena town, Okinawa city, Ginowan city and Chatan town measured above the German standard for PFOS, according to data provided to Stars and Stripes by the group. Alarming levels of perfluorohexane sulfonate, or PFHxS, were also detected, according to the data. The synthetic compound is in the same family of perfluorochemicals as PFOS and PFOA, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Okinawa city, Ginowan city, Kin town and Chatan town all exceeded 20 nanograms of PFHxS per milliliter, according to the groups data. Kyuna in Ginowan city registering a maximum of 65.7 nanograms per milliliter. We must worry about future lifestyle-related illnesses, Harada said. TOKYO - More than 2,000 Ukrainians had entered Japan as of mid-October, according to the Immigration Services Agency, living in prefectures across the nation as they worked to build a new life. However, staying for a prolonged period in a new environment has brought difficulties. Some people have suffered from depression as a result of language barriers; others have changed their residence in search of connections with other Ukrainians. A special class was held at Izumi Elementary School in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on Sept. 16, with a presentation by Olivia Zhyblovska, 12, and her shy younger brother, Yan Zhyblovski, 9. They have been attending the municipal school since April, after coming to Japan from Kyiv in mid-March with their 21-year-old sister and 44-year-old mother with the help of a Ukrainian living in Japan. Looking at her sixth-grade classmates, Olivia said in Ukrainian that she actually had been very anxious about being isolated in the class. In his classroom for third-graders, Yan held a picture he drew of Ukraines national flag with blue and yellow pencils, and said he wants Ukraine to win the war. In addition to regular classes, Olivia and Yan study Japanese in a class for children whose mother tongue is not Japanese. Olivia can now read hiragana. The two were initially surrounded by other children when they began to attend the school. But Principal Etsuko Murata became concerned as they gradually spent more time alone. Olivia also began to refrain from speaking even in the class for English, which she is good at. Murata urged other children to talk to them, as they might need help. She also encouraged the students to make and attach cards with the names of classroom items, such as brooms and blackboards, written in hiragana. The special class last month was also part of these efforts to let the Ukrainian children know that they are not alone. Murata had been worried that the two might be unable to say what they wanted because they thought they had to speak in Japanese. Their special remarks were translated during the presentations into Japanese and shared with other students. Olivia smiled and said she was glad to make her feelings known. It was nice to hear her feelings. But there may be something more bothering her. I want to talk with her if she has something she wants to say, said classmate Rino Tabata, 12. Their father still lives in Ukraine. Well try to make sure they dont feel afraid and hold their feelings back because they cant speak Japanese, Murata said. According to the Immigration Services Agency, 2,012 people had fled from Ukraine to Japan as of Oct. 10, after the Russian invasion began on Feb. 24. Figures as of Oct. 5 showed them living in 45 prefectures, though mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, having found people who could act as guarantors or using the agencys service to match displaced Ukrainians with employers, such as local governments. However, some people have changed residences quickly, unable to put down new roots. In mid-July, the city of Morioka accepted a mother and child who came to Japan from Kyiv, drawing on its long experience of taking in people hit hard by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The city provided the Ukrainians with public housing free of charge, as well as furniture and appliances. It also arranged for the child to attend a local school with a Japanese language class. But the mother and child moved to the Tokyo metropolitan area after a month, saying they wanted to live in a place where there were many Ukrainians. Providing support for their daily lives is possible. But in rural areas its difficult to offer them a particular cultural community, said Katsuyuki Saito, chief of the citys cultural and international division. It was very unfortunate that the family left the city, but well accept people again and continue to support them. After arriving in Japan, Ukrainians without guarantors temporary live in hotels in the Tokyo metropolitan area and move on to localities that agree to take them. The immigration agency had made such arrangements for 104 families by Oct. 5, but some have returned to the temporary facilities. People try to integrate into the community where they were accepted. However, when life in the new environment becomes prolonged, they come to feel theyve lost their home, increasing their pain, said Masaharu Maeda, a professor of disaster psychiatry at Fukushima Medical University. Its important for those who provide Ukrainians with housing and other support to maintain their commitment to those people, by learning about their culture, for example. They also need to give them opportunities to meet others in the same situation, Maeda said. The U.S. government has examined the wreckage of Iranian-made drones shot down in Ukraine, deepening its insight into the unmanned craft that Russia has launched in a spate of kamikaze attacks on the countrys critical infrastructure, according to two U.S. officials. Information about the drones structure and technology could prove crucial in helping the United States and its Ukrainian allies better identify and ultimately defeat them before they can reach their targets. Officials said the process has been used in the past to study weaponry deployed by Irans proxies in conflicts in the Middle East. People interviewed for this report spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence collection. The Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used in this weeks attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, have targeted power stations and other utilities, killing at least four, authorities there have said. Their use by Russian forces has underscored the growing ties between Moscow and Tehran, alarming Western leaders whose sanctions and other punitive economic measures have drastically undercut the Kremlins ability to regenerate its military after eight months of war. The Iranian-made drones are being launched from three Russian military bases in Crimea and another position in Belarus, a Ukrainian official said. Tehran has dispatched advisers to Russian-controlled areas, where they have provided operators with technical instruction. It is unclear how the United States gained access to the drone wreckage, though the Pentagon coordinates closely with Ukraines military and maintains a small administrative presence at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. That team is led by a one-star Army general. The Shahed is a large, lumbering aircraft that flies very low and appears to have few metallic parts, making it difficult to detect with radars and other sensors before reaching its target. Examination of the wreckage may help overcome those challenges. The drones points of origin pose another challenge, the Ukrainian official said: They are too far for U.S.-supplied rocket artillery to strike, blunting options for destroying the aircraft before they are airborne. Ukraine, which says it has destroyed more than 220 Shahed-136 drones since Sept. 13, appears to be studying the platform, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur told reporters this week. Pevkur said it was of regional urgency to learn about the aircraft. We all have to understand that we all have to put our efforts to that. To understand how it works, and to understand how to take it down, he said. Because its not only the question of Ukraine at war at the moment, but its a question of all of us who are in the situation where we are. Iran produces a variety of drones and has reportedly supplied them to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen, among other groups. The Pentagon believes Iran-allied forces have used them against U.S. military personnel in Syria, including in an August attack at the U.S.-run base at Tanf. The Houthis claimed to have used Samad-3 drones to attack a refinery in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last spring, and launched Samad-1 drones at Saudi Aramco facilities in other parts of the country. Those drones are distinct from the weapons used by Russia in Ukraine. In February, the United Arab Emirates was hit by several drone and missile attacks claimed by the Houthis. In a military parade last month in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, the Houthis reportedly displayed a local version of the Shahed-136. Ukraine has asked the United Nations to examine the wreckage, to determine the aircrafts country of origin. In a letter dated Friday, Ukraines U.N. ambassador invited U.N. experts to visit Ukraine at the earliest possible opportunity to inspect recovered Iran-origin drones. The letter maintained that Iranian transfers of the drones would violate both U.N. sanctions against Iran and terms of the 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution on the Iran nuclear deal that year. The Council held a closed-door meeting Wednesday to hear an expert briefing . . . on recent evidence that Russia illegally procured Iranian UAVs that it is using in its war on Ukraine, Nate Evans, spokesperson for the American U.N. mission, said in a statement after the session. These UAVs were transferred from Iran to Russia in open violation of provisions of the resolution approving the nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers. Earlier this week, France and Britain - signers of the deal along with Iran, the United States, Germany, Russia and China - echoed Ukrainian charges that sending the drones to Russia violated a provision prohibiting Iran from transferring unmanned aerial vehicles with a range of more than 300 kilometers (186.4 miles) unless it had specific permission from the council. As was outlined during todays meeting, the statement from Evans said, there is ample evidence that Russia is using Iranian-made UAVS in its attacks on Ukraine. By procuring these weapons in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions, Russia continues to flout international law in its pursuit of a senseless and brutal war. The statement did not indicate any immediate action would be taken, although Evans said we anticipate this will be the first of many conversations at the U.N. on how to hold Iran and Russia accountable for failing to comply with U.N. Security Council-imposed obligations. The Shahed loiters in the air until it identifies a target, often a fixed position, and then dives into it, detonating onboard explosives. Unlike bigger reusable drones that fire missiles and return to a base, it flies low and slow. Ukrainians call it the lawn mower because of the loud buzzing sound it makes. The distinct noise has served as a warning of its approach, allowing people to scramble for cover and brace for the explosion, which is smaller than the impact caused by conventional ballistic missiles. The drones pose a significant problem, analysts say. Many defensive systems capable of defeating them are costly, are designed mostly for bigger threats like jets and helicopters, and take months or years to produce, limiting how many can be distributed and forcing military planners to prioritize sites deemed most vulnerable. While Ukrainian air defenses have shown some success against the drones, even a few slipping through can cause havoc, said Samuel Bendett, an expert on the Russian military at CNA, a research group. Its a demonstration of Russian capability, and now they have cheap plentiful weapons that can constantly remind Ukrainians that their skies are not 100 percent safe, he said. Its a very powerful psychological weapon. Russias performance with the Shaheds in Ukraine suggests an evolution, Bendett said. They probably started with a basic concept the Houthis and the Iranians used themselves and built on it to possibly overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses, to fly around them, to circumnavigate them, in one way or another. Iranian military leaders will probably seek feedback from Russian commanders on how they have evaded Western air defenses, experts have said. Such information could aid Tehran in any potential attacks it pursues against its regional adversaries. The United States has provided Ukraine with air defense systems capable of destroying drones. One, the Vampire, can take down drones with a launcher attached to a pickup truck. The Pentagon also has promised to send Ukraine NASAMS, a surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and other aerial threats. Two NASAMS are slated for delivery in the coming weeks, U.S. officials have said. Six others pledged to Ukraine are expected to take years to build and deliver. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to air defense threats and to these drones specifically, experts say. They point to a diverse set of weapons capable of defending priority targets, from Stinger missiles, which are shoulder-fired weapons developed long ago, to newer, more sophisticated systems like the NASAMS, said Tom Karako, the director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank. Also needed, Karako said, are electronic warfare systems that can disrupt the connection between drone and operator, taking it offline. You may not need the worlds biggest interceptors, he said, but you are going to need something. The Pentagon has not indicated whether this weeks attacks in Kyiv would trigger a rush to deliver more anti-drone weapons. A senior military official pointed to the 1,400 Stingers the United States has provided Ukraine to date and contributions from other Western countries to bolster Ukraines air defenses. Both the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates have said Patriot interceptors have been used to thwart Houthi missile attacks - along with, in the UAE, a THAAD defense system. Neither has specified the defenses they have used against drones. Ukraine uses kamikaze drones as well. The Pentagon has provided its military with hundreds of Switchblades, which are much smaller than the Shahed and are designed to strike small groups of soldiers or armored vehicles, depending on the variant. While smaller and more evasive than the Iranian drones, they lack the range, with the larger Switchblade version able to travel 25 miles. The domestically produced RAM II also is in use, but its range tops out at 18 miles, making both weapons more suitable near the front lines. The Washington Posts Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report. STUTTGART, Germany U.S. special operations units poised for a move to a rural part of western Germany could need a special Pentagon waiver that explains why those forces wouldnt be more useful in countries nearer to Russia. For years, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe has wanted to send SEALs and Green Berets to an Army base in Baumholder, Germany. And those plans are coming to fruition, with various construction projects in the works and hundreds of troops expected to relocate from their current base of operations in Stuttgart. But House lawmakers want to block funding for construction projects to support the move, saying that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin must first justify the effort. Specifically, the Houses version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act calls for Austin to explain why U.S. special operators wouldnt be better positioned in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Romania or Poland, all of which are on the front lines when it comes to deterring Russian aggression. The waiver would need to detail how hosting such forces in Germany would provide greater deterrence or greater operational utility than the other nations, the NDAA states. It would also need to describe how taking up a position in Baumholder is in the national security interests of the United States. The House version of the NDAA passed in July. It will eventually be reconciled with the Senate version of the act, which does not include the waiver provision and has not yet been put to a vote. If the waiver provision makes it into the final bill, its unlikely that it will pose a major obstacle for the military and its planned move to Baumholder, assuming Austin doesnt want to go in a new direction. On the surface, Baumholder could appear to be an unlikely place to put special operations teams, given the range of security concerns along the eastern flank. However, having sensitive infrastructure farther removed from potential hot spots in the Baltics could be one explanation for the Baumholder move. The extensive training ranges in the area also would give operators space to coordinate larger drills with various allies. Meanwhile, SOCEUR troops already do rotating deployments from local training bases to the Baltics and Poland, where they have had a persistent presence since 2014, when Russias first invasion of Ukraine paved the way for the Kremlin to annex Crimea. The 2023 House NDAA calls for more than $200 million to be spent on various projects in Baumholder, with about $78 million directed toward buildings and facilities to support special operations teams. The eventual move to Baumholder would shift hundreds of troops from Stuttgart, a congested metropolis, to a more rural area. But Special Operations Command Europe headquarters is slated to remain in Stuttgart. Its unfathomable that NATO would fail to respond to threats against aspirants Sweden and Finland as they await final membership approval from holdouts Turkey and Hungary, the top alliance official said Thursday. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a news conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels that NATO is already treating the two Nordic countries as something akin to full-fledged members. The United States and 27 others among NATOs 30 members have already green-lighted the entry of Sweden and Finland into the transatlantic security pact, which comes with collective defense assurance that an attack on one member demands a response from all. But uncertainty remains over whether Turkey and Hungary, two countries with reputations for going against the alliance grain, are on board. Although there is no set timeline for the accession of Finland and Sweden, NATO is feeling a sense of urgency to get the deal done. As invitees, you are now integrating into NATOs political and military structures, Stoltenberg said alongside Swedens new prime minister, Ulf Kristersson. And it is inconceivable that allies would not act should Sweden and Finland come under any form of pressure. Many alliance member countries, including the U.S., have already given Finland and Sweden security assurances, and NATO has upped its presence in the Baltic region as a security precaution. Nevertheless, questions loom about what Turkeys and Hungarys next move will be. Kristersson said he is prepared to visit Ankara to move talks with Turkey forward. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has complained that Sweden and Finland have not been fully supportive of Turkeys concerns over terrorism on NATOs southern flank. During NATOs June summit in Madrid, Sweden, Turkey and Finland entered into a trilateral memorandum designed to address Ankaras concerns about Kurdish militant groups. Kristersson spoke of his countrys commitment to the agreement, adding that fighting terrorism is of fundamental importance. Meanwhile, Hungary has been less explicit over what concerns, if any, it has about the membership bids of Finland and Sweden. But Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known for his friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, remains a wild card. Still, Sweden and Finland are on track for eventual membership, said Stoltenberg, who noted that the accession process for both has been the fastest in NATOs modern history. Both countries are wealthy and boast advanced militaries and stable governments. In addition, they have been close partners with NATO states for years. Formal induction would give the allies a more comprehensive security buffer, Stoltenberg said. Your membership will strengthen the alliances presence in the High North and deepen Nordic and Baltic defense cooperation, Stoltenberg told Kristersson. The pilot of an F-35A Lightning II survived when the stealth fighter crashed Wednesday evening at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, according to local TV news reports. Emergency responders from the base and surrounding community responded immediately when the fifth-generation fighter went down at the runways north end at 6:15 p.m., according to a tweet by the 388th Fighter Wing. The unidentified pilot ejected before the crash, according to a later tweet from the wing. The pilot was recovered and sent to a medical facility for observation, the wing said. A crash investigation is underway; the 75th Air Base Wing at Hill asked anyone who saw the incident or found anything related to it to call 801-777-3056 or email 75abw.pa@us.af.mil. Base officials said they were still working to determine the cause of the crash but credited the pilot for steering the plane away from populated areas, KUTV of Salt Lake City reported. State fire crews responded to a small fire caused by the crash on Defense Department property near the base, according to the KUTV report. Hill Air Force Base is south of Ogden, Utah, and west of the Great Salt Lake. Two fighter wings, the 419th and 388th, fly a fleet of 78 aircraft there, according to Hills website. A replacement F-35A costs about $75 million to produce, down from the $221 million it cost to build the first to come off the assembly line in 2007, according to a Reuters report in July. WASHINGTON The Defense Department announced Thursday that its updating military policies to protect access to abortions for female service members and back up health providers and doctors in states where laws prohibit the controversial procedure. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a memo that the updated policies are designed to protect and enhance access to reproductive health for women in the armed forces, including added safeguards for privacy and financial support for service members who must travel to obtain an abortion. The policy updates are a response to President Joe Bidens directives that all federal agencies identify and evaluate ways to protect access to reproductive health care after the Supreme Court in June struck down Roe v. Wade the landmark 1973 ruling that granted legalized abortion nationwide. The ruling allowed a number of states to pass laws that either partially or entirely ban abortions. Laws in some states, including Texas, also state anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion such as physicians and friends can be held legally liable. Since the Supreme Courts decision, we have heard concerns from many of our service members and their families about the complexity and the uncertainty that they now face in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion services, Austin wrote in the memo. We also recognize that recent developments may create legal and financial risk for our health care providers as they carry out their lawful federal duties. I am committed to the department taking all appropriate action, within its authority and consistent with applicable federal law, as soon as possible to ensure that our service members and their families can access reproductive health care and our health care providers can operate effectively. Military officials said the policy updates fall under four categories preserving privacy, protecting health care providers, ensuring access to reproductive health care and improving awareness. On privacy, one policy update orders commanders to display objectivity and discretion when addressing reproductive health care matters and underscores their duty to enforce existing policies against discrimination and retaliation in the context of reproductive health care choices. Service members will also be given more time to notify commanders about a pregnancy. As for protecting vulnerable health providers from potential legal risk, military officials said the department wants to reassure doctors that they have Pentagon support, which includes programs to reimburse fees associated with legal defenses and help physicians get licensed in other states. Department of Defense health care providers should not be held personally liable for performing their official duties and should not have to face criminal or civil liability or risk losing their license for doing so, Austin wrote. Military officials, however, did not say how vulnerable providers might be protected in any number of possible scenarios, mostly because the entirety of the policies is still being worked out. Mainly, they said, Thursdays announcement serves to reassure providers that they will have Pentagon support. To better ensure access, the department said reproductive health care will be available to service members regardless of where they are stationed, and the department will pay to varying extents for covered and non-covered abortions. Covered abortions are those in the military that are done in cases of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother. Officials said service members would still be responsible for some of the expenses from non-covered abortions, but they did not specify which costs. Military officials said the department recorded 91 covered abortions between 2016 and 2021. The Biden administration has been active in seeking to protect reproductive health care since the Supreme Court overturned Roe, but the presidents reach is largely limited to federal workers. Biden and some congressional Democrats have emphasized the high courts landmark reversal as one of the chief issues of the midterm elections, which will be held in less than three weeks. The outcome could expand Democrats control of both chambers of Congress or hand them over to Republicans some of whom have already hinted at a plan for a nationwide abortion ban if they win control. Despite the courts ruling and various moves by GOP-led states to bar abortion outright in some cases with no exceptions polling has long shown that most Americans support at least some form of legalized abortion. According to the most recent polling by the Pew Research Center, 61% of respondents said they favor legal abortion in all or most cases. Just 37% said the practice should be illegal in all or most cases. Even when separated by religion, most respondents said they favored some form of legalized abortion. For example, 56% of Catholic respondents said the practice should be legal in all or most cases, the Pew research found. This week, Biden said he plans to legalize abortion nationwide in federal law if Democrats can expand their majority in the Senate. In July, the Democratic-held House passed a proposal the Womens Health Protection Act to make abortion legal into federal law. The Senate, where Democrats have a slim majority, has yet to act on the bill. Elect more Democratic senators to the United States Senate and more Democrats to keep control of the House of Representatives, Biden said Tuesday at the Democratic National Committees Restore Roe event, where he reminded voters that some Republicans have pledged to cut access to reproductive health if they take control of both chambers. The Supreme Court ruling and the Pentagons announcement Thursday are relevant for the more than 200,000 women who are part of the active-duty U.S. military, some of whom have said they are very concerned about losing reproductive rights. According to a recent study by the Rand Corp., the reversal of Roe v. Wade could persuade thousands of military women to leave the armed forces. The recent Supreme Court ruling will limit service womens and DoD civilian womens access to the full scope of reproductive health care and will have a direct effect on the health of these critical populations, according to the study published in September. There are roughly 1.16 million active-duty service members, about 201,000 of whom are women stationed in the continental United States, the study states. Roughly 450,000 active-duty service members live in a state that meets the inclusion criteria outlined previously (i.e., existing full or partial bans, soon-to-be in-place bans, court-blocked bans and gestational limits up to 18 weeks), and of those service members, approximately 80,000 are women. This means that 40% of active-duty service women in the continental United States will have no or severely restricted access to abortion services where they are stationed. Austin wrote in his memo that the recent Supreme Court ruling has impacted access to reproductive health care and could affect readiness, recruiting and retention for the force. The fourth main pillar of Thursdays update, increasing awareness, will see the Defense Department establish multiple efforts to inform women and men in the military about what services are available and how to obtain them. That includes a comprehensive contraception education campaign, updating military websites to provide simple answers and listing points of contact to help service members find the answers that they need. That also means expanded walk-in contraception services at all health care facilities and eliminated health insurance co-pays for medical contraceptive services, including intrauterine devices. Our greatest strength is our people, Austin wrote. There is no higher priority than taking care of our people and ensuring their health and well-being. The Department of Defense will continue to closely evaluate our policies to ensure that we continue to provide seamless access to reproductive health care as appropriate and consistent with federal law. The department expects to issue the final policy changes before the end of the year. (Tribune News Service) Sixty years ago this month, a U2 reconnaissance plane overflew Cuba and took a series of photos that rocked the White House; the proof was in those images that the Soviet Union was installing medium range ballistic missiles on the island nation less than 90 miles from Miami. In the days that followed, the world sat perilously close to the brink of nuclear Armageddon as the United States and Soviet Union fought a war of words in backchannel communiques and open meetings at the United Nations. Books like Bobby Kennedys Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis and movies like The Missiles of October and Thirteen Days have helped give people a snapshot of what was happening in Washington, D.C., and Moscow. When Thad McManus, 79, a retired teacher who lives in Poulsbo, Washington, spoke about the Cuban Missile Crisis to his history students at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, where he was a teacher for 28 years before retiring in 1998, he wasnt quoting from a book. Hed been there. In the autumn of 1962, McManus was a young Marine assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. As the U2 reconnaissance planes overflying Cuba found emplacements for SS-4 Sandal surface-to-surface nuclear-tipped missiles, the Defense Department started putting into motion a series of plans for a naval blockade of the island, as well as operations that called for air strikes on the missile bases and a coordinated airborne and amphibious invasion. OP PLAN 314-61 was the DOD plan for the invasion of Cuba and called for the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade out of Camp Pendleton to be deployed to support amphibious landings. While one of the units of the brigade, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, was flown to reinforce the naval base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, the rest of the command, including McManus unit, would be heading to the Caribbean by ship. I only remember being flown out of Pendleton on a chopper piles of gear and people on the grinder at San Mateo loaded aboard the Okanogan, packed into the hold, McManus said. The sights and sounds of hundreds of guys packed into those holds, buttoned-up for weather and blackout was something I really remember. The scuttlebutt was so overflowing with puke that it looked like one of those Christmas-drip candles, rather than a water fountain. The Okanogan was the USS Okanogan, laid down in 1944 for service in World War II and, to this date, the only ship named after the north-central Washington county. The sense of urgency, as well as security, was palpable, from embarkation in California through the journey south then eastward across the Panama Canal to the Caribbean. Late October 1962, a hurried departure, with ammo beneath us, McManus said. The whole MEB was scattered over several ships. Blackout at sea, then the trip through the [ Panama] Canal to Roosevelt Roads, referring to the naval station in Puerto Rico. McManus did remember one thing about the squadron, which included more than 20 ships, during its transit through the canal: they were loading coffins in Panama on the way. That was supposed to impress the Soviets. Sure impressed us. After all of the rush to get Marines and material loaded aboard ships and planes bound for the Caribbean came the inevitable; the Marines were standing by to stand by at sea, McManus said. While communiques flew between Washington and Moscow in feverish attempts to de-escalate the situation, the Marines had hurried up and waited for an order that never came. McManus unit was transferred aboard another amphibious ship, the USS Whetstone, and got the opportunity to feel the ground beneath their feet again. In Cuba. I was with a detachment of a couple of companies put aboard the Whetstone. We went to Gitmo ( Guantanamo Bay) for a few days to impress the Cubans, he said. When the crisis abated, the Marines celebrated with some hellacious liberty in Vieques and Panama when it was over, McManus said. My buddy Lannie and I went out of bounds in Vieques; Lannie got into a dice game in the street and started to win. I got us the hell out of there. Looking back now, McManus, who deployed less than three years later to Da Nang for a combat tour in South Vietnam, the Cuban Missile Crisis was an eye-opening moment in his Marine Corps service. I know that the high ranks thought it was a complete (mess) logistically, command scattered all over the fleet, plans being re-done all the time, but that was way above me, he said. I came out of it with Lance Corporal and the attitude that I did not want to do that ... again. Authors note: Thad McManus was Rob Kauders history teacher at Sammamish High School in 1987. (c)2022 The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) Visit The Spokesman-Review at www.spokesman.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The hotel argued it had only applied its strict policy of insisting all guests book and pay via a personal credit card A leading Irish hotel has successfully challenged a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruling that it had discriminated against a homeless Traveller couple and their children by refusing them three nights accommodation. The Charleville Park Hotel, part of the So Hotel/Atlantic Troy Group, appealed the WRC finding and a resultant fine of 22,000 to Cork Circuit Appeals Court. The hotel argued it had never discriminated against the family - but had only applied its strict policy of insisting that all guests book and pay via a personal credit card. Hotel officials insisted it treats everyone equally - but has strict policies in place which must be adhered to by all guests. Judge James O'Donoghue said that the matter hinged on whether the hotel was entitled to have a booking policy which required a credit card. Charleville Park is one of six hotels which operate within the same ownership group. Hotel owner Pat McDonagh, who is also the founder of the Supermacs fast food chain, welcomed the Cork Circuit Court ruling. "It was never a case that I felt should have gone the way it did," he said. "There was no discrimination whatsoever here. Our credit card policy applies across the board in the hotel and they were no different from anyone else in this respect." "The same applies to everyone. That is the policy and, in fact, it is the policy for most hotels in Ireland and around the world." Judge O'Donoghue said that, having heard detailed testimony in the case, he was satisfied that the discrimination ruling should properly be reversed. He said that the complainants were highly respectable individuals. The judge added that he did not doubt but that they were left very disappointed by not being able to secure the booking they thought they had secured. But he pointed out that it was clear from the original hotel booking information that a credit card was required - and he noted that the issue of alleged discrimination on the basis of Traveller heritage only arose at a later time. As well as a credit card, the hotel also insists on photographic identification to confirm all bookings. The judge said, given all the facts, any suggestion of discrimination over ethnicity was "ill-based". During the hearing, it was stated that one of the complainants had been a customer of the hotel over the years without difficulty in terms of both hospitality and leisure services. In the discrimination case taken earlier this year, WRC adjudicator Thomas ODriscoll ordered the hotel to pay the OReilly/ONeill family a total of 22,000. Mr ODriscoll has ordered the hotel firm to pay 8,000 each to Bridget OReilly and her partner Philip O'Neill and 3,000 each to their two children. The Charleville Park Hotel has been involved in a number of Traveller discrimination cases taken under the Equal Status Act. In three connected rulings, the WRC ordered the hotel to pay three Travellers, including a grandmother, a cumulative 16,000 when refusing them a nights stay at the hotel after insisting they pay by credit card. Concerning the four new related cases, in September 2018, Bridget OReilly and her family were declared homeless by Cork County Council and Ms OReilly made an online booking via a debit card for three nights for September 28-30 at Charleville Park Hotel. The following day, the family attended the hotel with a Department of Social Protection community welfare officer, who had a cheque for the three nights' accommodation. However, the hotel receptionist informed the family and the community welfare officer it required a credit card as security against payment and would not provide accommodation to the family without a credit card. The family left but returned the following morning to the hotel after their solicitor said the rooms were available on bookings.com or the hotels own website. Ms OReilly asked the receptionist to speak to her solicitor directly and the solicitor offered to pay with her personal credit card but the receptionist insisted it must be in the name of the person seeking the accommodation. Ms OReilly told the WRC hearing of how embarrassed and humiliated she felt when refused accommodation at a public area of reception in the hotel. Represented by Sinead Lucey of Free Legal Advice Centres, Ms OReilly also told of the distress of being homeless on the night in question and the considerable efforts made in finding alternative accommodation. The family did secure alternative accommodation at a hotel in Mallow and the family received the keys of a council house at the end of January 2021. In his findings, Mr ODriscoll determined the hotels conduct in refusing accommodation not only breached a socially remedial statute but also fell below the threshold of decency that reasonable people expect of the hospitality sector. Mr ODriscoll said the prohibited actions of the hotel was not to deny a booking for a social occasion, which would have been serious enough, but instead to deny emergency accommodation for three nights only, to a family who were both homeless and members of a vulnerable minority at the margins of society. He said the circumstances of the case demand that the redress be on the higher end of the scale. Mr ODriscoll also directed the hotel to revise its requirement on credit card bookings so the policy does not infringe upon its obligations under the Equal Status Acts 2000-2015. The hotel strenuously denied it discriminated against the complainants on the grounds the family are members of the Travelling community. It insisted company policy provides that all guests in their hotels are treated equally. It said Ms OReilly and the three others were refused a booking on two grounds the family were not in a position to comply with hotel policy on credit cards and the family were not looking for hotel accommodation they were looking for a home. The hotel said it was the responsibility of the local authority to provide a family home, not the hotel. The hotel company said it previously accommodated other persons in a similar situation to the OReilly/ONeill family. It said the experience was disastrous both from the point of view of the hotel and the families concerned. The hotel company said the hotel previously provided accommodation to Cork County Council for two Traveller families that was supposed to be for one week. The accommodation was provided as requested but contrary to what was represented, the two families remained in the hotel for 12 months. The hotel said numerous requests were made to the council to provide housing for these families and all of these requests were ignored. The hotel said during the period of this accommodation, substantial damage was caused to the hotel and it cost 30,000 to have the damage repaired. The hotel said the council has refused to reimburse the hotel in respect of this loss and damage. A general manager at the hotel told the WRC that a credit card was important because it provided financial security for the hotel in that it ensured that bills would be paid. The general manager said neither he, nor the hotel, discriminates against the Traveller community. He said he was aware members of the Traveller community were members of the leisure club at the hotel. Ross Browning was described as being the No.1 man in Ireland at the heart of an international crime gang involved in 1 billion worth of illegal activities. Associates of top Kinahan cartel lieutenant Ross Browning have been named in a Criminal Assets Bureau case today in the High Court. These included Daniel Kinahan, Liam Byrne and Fat Freddie Thompson who is serving life for the Kinahan/Hutch feud murder of Daithi Douglas. Also named was another trusted Kinahan gang member, Gary Finnegan and his cousin Barry who is the partner of Brownings sister, Cheryl. Barry Finnegan is a senior member of the crime gang, according to CAB, while his cousin Gary was previously reported to be the gang senior lieutenant on the Costa del Sol before moving to Dubai earlier this year. Daniel Kinahan centre and Gary Finnegan Another associate is Ian OHeaire who CAB say was used to buy a property at the centre of the case. Other associates named were Stephen Fowler, jailed for a 880,000 cannabis grow house and last year convicted for his role in a plot to kill Hutch rival James Mago Gately after collecting hitman Imre Arakas. Another, James Farmer, served a seven year sentence for drugs and in 2019 was arrested over the attempted murder of Lee Boylan in 2019. It was heard while Farmer was not the trigger man, he was believed to be centrally involved in attack of Boylan who was thought to have shot Stephen Fowlers son Eric in December 2018. During todays case Ross Browning was described being the No.1 man in Ireland at the heart of an international crime gang involved in 1 billion worth of illegal activities. Brownings key role in the drug-dealing gang was highlighted at the opening of a 1.7 million Criminal Assets Bureau against him in the High Court today. CABs case against Browning is that various properties, vehicles and jewellery were purchased from the proceeds of crime despite efforts to disguise the origin of the money through various family members. Counsel for CAB, Benedict O Floinn, referred to affidavits sworn by gardai who also listed Brownings association with Daniel Kinahan who, with his brother Christopher jr, runs the day-to-day operation from Dubai. Named in the court documents today was his mother Julie Conway and her partner ex-garda David OBrien who live in one of the properties CAB says was acquired with the proceeds of crime. Julie Conway and David O'Brien It is one of two houses at a Garristown site where Browning built a family home and renovated a derelict cottage, according to CAB. A third of a million euros was spent on cottage renovations, according to CAB, although Julie Conway told investigators that the renovations were all me and Dave including 40,000 borrowed from St Raphaels Garda Credit Union. It was also stated by CAB that Julie Conway used a credit card to book flights for various people connected to the Kinahans. This included a flight from the US for a Kinahan relation in 2014 to attend the funeral of mother Jean Boylan. Other flights booked including one for David Rock, who it was stated was suspect in the murder of Eddie Hutch, and another for a relation of convicted killer James Quinn serving life in Spain. CABs case is that the co-mingling of finances was used to hide the moneys origins and is being contested by family members. Key to CABs case is that a Finglas house purchased by convicted drug smuggler Ian OHeaire was in fact controlled by Ross Browning. The Deanstown Road house, bought for 57,000 in 2012 by Brownings late grandfather William Conway and sold within 12 months for almost twice the price was an attempt to disguise the true origin of the cash. Ross Browning Paddocks, and an indoor show-jumping arena were built as well as the completely renovated cottage now called Chestnut Lodge. A number of family members are named in the CAB case as being used to disguise Ross Brownings involvement including his sisters Cheryl and Robin, his mother Julie Conway and her late father William Conway It was heard how Ross Brownings involvement with the Kinahan gang became known in 2010 during a multinational police operation against them which saw several arrests in Spain. Browning had worked as brick-layer and had declared himself a gym owner to Revenue, according affidavits open in court today. Daniel Kinahan It was also stated that he is a close and trusted lieutenant of the Kinahans and is regarded their principal representative in this country. In his role for the gang, he remains hands-off and is removed from the actual handling of drugs. He has flown to Dubai where the Kinahans are based as well as to Perth, Lisbon and Phuket. Ian OHeaire, who was used to purchase the Deanstown Road house according to CAB, was jailed after being caught with the haul at Perth International Airport in March 2015 after ingesting 27 balloons of cocaine and attempting to smuggle it into the country after taking a flight from Dubai. The Sunday World previously revealed how fitness fanatic Browning has portrayed himself as an ordinary gym owner and kept an address at Hardwicke Street flats where he grew up. He followed a spiritual guru, Dr Robert OYoung, and followed a vegan zen life and had even taken part in an RTEs Fittest Families show in 2016 which was cancelled. The case against Browning is part of the massive on-going effort to bring down the Kinahans which recently saw five people, including Daniel and his father Christy, placed on US sanctions list. By Christ it was some f***ing pain Thomas Golden tells our reporter how he was scared when he saw the ISPCA staff at his home MCN pics A pitchfork-wielding farmer who had to be pepper sprayed and tasered by gardai after he exploded with rage when the ISPCA came to take away his dogs says by Christ it was some f***ing pain. Mayo farmer Thomas Golden (69) told the Sunday World he reacted so angrily on the day because his dogs were like children to him and he treated them well. My animals to me were like kids. Could you imagine someone coming along, banging down your door, saying Im taking your kids away? Its unacceptable. Its not on. Golden said he was extremely relieved to have avoided a prison term after a judge gave him an 18-month suspended sentence on two counts of assault with a third taken into consideration at Castlebar Circuit Court last Friday week. I could have ended up in jail. Ill tell you it was a great relief when it was all over. I couldnt wait to get home. I couldnt sleep the night before worrying about it. Thomas Golden greets our reporter Alan in Co Mayo MCN pics He also revealed he had a heart attack after the incident, which he blamed on the stress of what happened. The bizarre events involving the pitchfork unfolded at Goldens home in Ardhoom, Meelick, Swinford, Co Mayo shortly before 10am on February 24 last year. He said he lived alone at the home and was fearful when he saw a van with three people pull up outside. A grey van pulled up outside unmarked and I hadnt a clue who it was. They kicked my door, not knocked, kicked. It could have been murderers. I live alone inside. There were two lads and a woman. He said they didnt show him a warrant but did say they were there to inspect the dogs. Sergeant Maureen Flynn testified that the ISPCA requested garda assistance concerning animals on Goldens property. On a previous occasion when they visited the property, ISPCA personnel were met with a hostile reception. Golden said: There were two men and a woman. They never said who they were. I took it for granted when they were on about dogs, that it was the ISPCA. Thomas Golden tells our reporter how he was scared when he saw the ISPCA staff at his home MCN pics He said after speaking to one of the men present, he let him into his house. I let him in this door and some of the dogs came out into the hall. He came into my house and saw a certain amount of the dogs and he was happy enough with them. With that he walked away. Sgt Flynn told the court that the ISPCA wanted to inspect where the dogs were kept in the garage but at this point Golden would only communicate through a window. He refused to allow access, stating there was nothing wrong with his dogs. He then closed the window and refused to communicate further. Golden told the Sunday World: The next thing I heard the garage door bang and I lost the head. I looked out and I saw the ISPCA buck with one of my dogs standing beside him. He had the door kicked in and thats when I saw red. Sgt Flynn told the court that ISPCA personnel gained entry to the garage and found six dogs inside in a deplorable condition. Drinking water available to the dogs was dirty. One of the dogs escaped. Sgt Flynn said Golden produced a metal mop handle and then a pitchfork and told Garda Noel Folan that he would put the pitchfork through him. Golden denied to the Sunday World that he had a mop handle but said he did grab a pitchfork and threaten an ISPCA worker. The nearest thing I got was a pitchfork and I pointed it to him. I thought hed leave the dog and walk away. The guard was saying put it down, put it down. Back-up was requested When I didnt put it down, he sprayed me with pepper spray. There was no contact whatsoever with a pitchfork or anything else. At no time did I ever point a fork at the garda. It was only the small man [from the ISPCA]. Dont let them put down that I put a fork to the guard. I did no such thing. He said the pepper spray stung like hell and he rushed back into his house struggling to see. I went down into my bathroom and I sprayed water in my eyes. It took a good while for me to get anywhere. Gardai on the scene requested back up from the armed support unit as Golden was refusing to leave his house. I looked out a while after it and I saw the four armed f***ers coming up, he said. They had the shields on them and the whole lot. I was still standing in the hallway and they reckon I had the fork still with me. They came in and [tasered] me in the arm and in a second or so I was gone. It was the first time in my life and by Christ its some f***ing pain. Two of them lay on top of me and I could hardly breathe. They had their knees on me. They were big f***ers. They walked me out to the police van and in the back of it. They brought me into the barracks in Castlebar and I was in court the next morning. Can you imagine what its like? All that went on before that and youre s***less. Golden said he suffered a heart attack eight months after the incident which he believes was brought on by stress over the incident and the court case. He said he loved dogs and had rescued some of the dogs which were seized. None of the dogs were mistreated or anything. They were in good health, he said. He said he had the dogs in the garage on a temporary basis after he had to move them from another property nearby and admitted he needed to improve the conditions they were in. They were only in a temporary thing because I had to get out of the spot I was in. If I got the time everything would have been 100pc he said. In court last week Judge Eoin Garavan said Goldens heart was in the right place in terms of the animals but the authorities were just doing their job. He said they found certain things that werent acceptable and sadly Golden had to be tasered. He imposed suspended sentences of 18 months on two counts of assault with a third count taken into consideration. Golden said he has been told by officials that they will allow him to keep two dogs at his home but he said he is unlikely to get any of his old dogs back. As far as I can make out, the animals are all rehoused. The crime-fighting agency are looking to seize assets worth more than 1.7 million. Kinahan cartel lieutenant Ross Browning has been described being the No.1 man in Ireland at the heart of an international crime gang involved in 1 billion worth of illegal activities. Brownings key role in the drug-dealing gang was highlighted at the opening of a 1.7 million Criminal Assets Bureau against him in the High Court today. CABs case against Browning is that various properties, vehicles and jewellery were purchased from the proceeds of crime - despite efforts to disguise the origin of the money through various family members. Counsel for CAB, Benedict O Floinn, referred to affidavits sworn by gardai who also listed Brownings association with Daniel Kinahan who, with his brother Christopher jr, runs the cartels day-to-day operation from Dubai. Key to CABs case is that a Finglas house, purchased by convicted drug smuggler Ian OHeaire, was in fact controlled by Ross Browing. Cartel associate Ross Browning The Deanstown Road house, bought for 57,000 in 2012 by Brownings late grandfather William Conway and sold within 12 months for almost twice the price was an attempt to disguise the true origin of the cash. Also in the CABs sights are two houses at a Garristown site where Browning built a family home and renovated a derelict cottage where his mother Julie Conway and her partner, former garda David OBrien now live. Paddocks, sheds and an indoor show-jumping arena were built as well as the completely renovated cottage now called Chestnut Lodge. Ross Browning's mother, Julie Conway A number of family members are named in the CAB case as being used to disguise Ross Brownings involvement including his sisters Cheryl and Robin, his mother Julie Conway and her late father William Conway It was heard how Ross Brownings involvement with the Kinahan gang became known in 2010 during a multinational police operation against them which saw several arrests in Spain. Browning had worked as brick-layer and had declared himself a gym owner to Revenue, according affidavits open in court today. It was also stated that he is a close and trusted lieutenant of the Kinahans and is regarded their "principal representative in this country. Daniel Kinahan In his role for the gang he remains hand-offs' and is removed from the actual handling of drugs. He has flown to Dubai where the Kinahans are based as well as to Perth, Lisbon and Phuket. Ian OHeaire, who was used to purchase the Deanstown Road house according to CAB, was jailed after being caught with the haul at Perth International Airport in March 2015 after ingesting 27 balloons of cocaine and attempting to smuggle it into the country after taking a flight from Dubai. The case continues this afternoon. The Sunday World previously revealed how fitness fanatic Browning has portrayed himself as an ordinary gym owner and kept an address at Hardwicke Street flats where he grew up. He followed a spiritual guru, Dr Robert OYoung, and followed a vegan zen life and had even taken part in an RTEs Fittest Families show in 2016 which was cancelled. Ross Browning The case against Browning is part of the massive on-going effort to bring down the Kinahans which recently saw five people, including Daniel and his father Christy, placed on US sanctions list. The case is being contested by members of the family who say the assets were acquired legitimately. John Kane (52) told gardai he was spending up to 1,300 a day in bookies John Kane arriving at the Criminal Courts of Justice before he was jailed. Photo: Paddy Cummins/IrishPhotoDesk.ie A gambling addict who told gardai he was treated like a VIP by bookies has been jailed for the theft of nearly 180,000 from his employer. John Kane (52) of Kilcarrig Green, Tallaght, Dublin, told gardai after his arrest in 2019 that he would go to multiple bookies every day and was spending up to 1,300 a day. He said that because of the amount of money he was spending he was considered a VIP and was welcomed with open arms, Kane's defence barrister Damien Colgan SC told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Kane pleaded guilty to 18 sample counts of stealing cash from his employer Gerard Fox on various dates between April 10, 2017 and June 4, 2019. The amounts stolen on each occasions varied from sums of a few hundred euro up to over 3,000. Diana Stuart BL, prosecuting, told the court that the indictment against Kane comprised of 66 charges of theft and that the overall amount taken was 176,914. She said Kane was employed as an administrator for a family-owned heating and plumbing suppliers and was responsible for their accounts. During an audit in 2019, it was discovered that some money was missing. Further investigations showed that Kane had increased his own weekly wages from 450 to 657 and that he was also paying himself wages twice a week. Kane was also under-declaring for tax, had stopped paying some suppliers and had made some random payments to himself from time to time. When the thefts emerged, his employer gave him a chance to stop but Kane continued and was given notice. During this period of notice, Kane paid himself 4,000 holiday pay without permission. He has 37 previous convictions and in 2012 he was jailed for three years for a similar thefts from his employer, to the value of 30,000. Mr Colgan told the court that his client had a gambling addiction but has attended Gamblers Anonymous and is now certified by them as two years gambling free. He handed in letters from two adult sons of Kane who describe him as a caring father. He said Kane's wife and four adult children were standing by him. Judge Martin Nolan said the thefts were a real loss to the company. He accepted the sincerity of Kane's remorse but said he is a mature man and shouldn't have done what he did. He imposed a sentence of two and a half years. He said he was taking into consideration a chronic health issue and that the sentence would be longer but for this condition. Mr Nesbitt spoke of "a new union of Ireland at the Irelands Future rally, which supports Irish unity Images of the graffiti have been circulating on social media Police are treating sectarian graffiti targeting actor James Nesbitt as a hate crime after it appeared on a wall in Portrush. Pictures of the painting of crosshairs circulated across social media on Wednesday evening. Also sprawled on the wall, which is reportedly located near a property that the Bloodlands actor owns, is the slogan 1 x king 1 x crown no pope in our town James Nesbitt. The vandalism comes following Mr Nesbitts appearance and keynote speech at an Ireland's Future event in Dublin at the end of last month. A spokesperson for the PSNI said police received a report of the graffiti on the Bushmills Road area on Wednesday. It is believed to have been written sometime between 5pm on Tuesday and 7.30pm on Wednesday. Mr Nesbitt spoke of "a new union of Ireland at the Irelands Future rally, which supports Irish unity and featured appearances from nationalist politicians including the leaders of Sinn Fein and the SDLP, and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar. Prior to the event, the Coleraine-born star, who is from a unionist background, told the Belfast Telegraph: There needs to be change here, and thats coming from someone who loves coming from here. For too long we have just been a bit stuck and I want to lend my voice to what can change, which I hope is maybe much more of a people-led approach to change rather than political. Im not sure what the future of Ireland looks like, I havent seen it yet. But I think we need to evolve, and engage in a much more public discussion about it all. James Nesbitt in BBC drama Bloodlands Reacting to the graffiti, former first minister Dame Arlene Foster said freedom of speech means the right to give your opinion no matter what others think. "I totally condemn this attack on James Nesbitt even though I fundamentally disagree with him, she tweeted. People need to learn to disagree without resorting to threats. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Further condemning the threatening graffiti against Mr Nesbitt, Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald said: These threats are an attack on the right to freedom of expression. "They come only weeks after James Nesbitt addressed thousands of people in Dublin from right across the political spectrum to discuss the future of the island of Ireland. This is clearly a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion, continued the East Derry MLA. There is no place in society for the threats and hatred directed at James Nesbitt. Political leaders should stand shoulder to shoulder in opposition to these threats. Those responsible for this hate crime should be held to account. Anyone with information on those responsible should bring it forward to the PSNI. Independent MLA Claire Sugden said these eejits need to wise up. "I dont share Jimmys opinion, but hes entitled to it, she tweeted. When this story is tomorrows chip paper, Jimmy will still be making his millions as one the UKs most successful actors and promoting the best of Northern Ireland. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Queens University Professor of Human Rights and Irelands Future campaigner Colin Harvey added: Thugs and threats must not be permitted to derail legitimate and respectful constitutional conversations here. Solidarity with James Nesbitt." The PSNI said enquiries into the graffiti are ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact them in Coleraine on 101, quoting reference number 1677 19/10/22. Reports can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org The gang who have associates all over north and south west Dublin gained their nickname when gardai seized a small monkey in a cage The monkey which was seized during a raid in 2019 Members of the so-called Monkey gang were targeted in nine garda raids this week in which a large amount of stolen property was recovered and seven arrests were made. The operation which was led by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) led to searches at locations in the Cloverhill and Porterstown areas of west Dublin on Wednesday as well as in Finglas and a site near Ashbourne, Co Meath. One of the main targets of the garda operation is a close associate of Finglas gangster Bernard Gan Joyce (48) who has previously served a four year jail sentence for possession of more then 900k in illegal cash connected to the Kinahan cartel after a garda seizure in Co Wexford in 2018. Essentially the crew that was the focus of Wednesdays operation are a group of low level opportunistic thieves who have become more prolific in recent times in Dublin especially since COVID lockdowns came to an end, a senior source said. A photo of the stolen goods, worth approximately 30,000 The gang who have associates all over north and south west Dublin gained their nickname when gardai seized a small monkey in a cage as well as a huge haul of weapons and bullets during a search operation in Finglas in April, 2019. The monkey which was seized during a raid in 2019 The wider gang has been the subject of a number of operations by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) including a massive raid in Co Meath in November, 2018, when officers seized 1.5 million in cash as well as other items. Those targeted on Wednesday are considered junior members of the mob and three of the arrested people are juveniles. They are not yet criminal masterminds, that is for sure, the source added. Gardai announced the operation saying that it was part of Operation Thor which they say has reduced the rate of winter burglaries since it was introduced in 2015. A shotgun was seized during the raids Tackling the capacity of particular organised crimes groups who are having significant negative impact within communities through organised property crime including Burglary, Theft of Catalytic Converters and Tools and organised shoplifting across the Dublin Metropolitan Region and adjoining Regions is a key focus of the Garda Siochana in undertaking the Winter Phase of Operation Thor, a garda spokesman said. Items seized included electrical goods, pharmaceutical products, children's toys, various stolen tools and catalytic converters with a value of around 30,000. Also seized as part of this operation were multiple cloned registration plates and cutting equipment, around 15,000 cash, a double-barrel shotgun and six vehicles suspected of being the proceeds of crime. Six males and one female were arrested during the searches. Three of the males aged 17, 18 and 30 were arrested on outstanding warrants, while a 17-year-old female and three other three men aged 17, 29 and 35 were arrested on theft and fraud offences. The searches were carried out by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), with assistance from other specialised units, including, the Special Crime Task Force (SCTF), the Strategic Tactics and Operations Command (STOC), the Garda Dog Unit, the Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit (SMVIU) along with uniform and detective personnel. "The Monkey gang" continue to be a main target for gardai as well as international police after two main players in the mob were busted with 220k of drugs cash in Holland in 2018, as part of a major operation by heavily armed members of the Dutch police force in a suburb of Amsterdam. The duo spent a number of months in custody in the Netherlands before eventually being bailed and returned to Ireland. Glencree provides a safe space for people to come together to talk, to listen and to grow in understanding of each other The CEO of the Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Glencree, Naoimh McNamee, greets the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Ireland Ambassador to Poland Patrick Haughey, Poland Ambassador to Ireland Anna Sochanska, Barbara Walshe of the Glencree Centre at the awards presentation The Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Glencree has won a prestigious human rights award for its work in bringing people together to heal the wounds of conflict. Founded in 1974 in response to the Northern Ireland conflict, the independent organisation played a key role in the peace process by enabling both sides of the bloody conflict to come together in a relationship of trust. Today, the centres representatives said they were honoured to be declared the winner of the Polish Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello by the Villa Decius Association in Krakow, Poland. Named for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (200203) the initiative was established in 2003 to promote human rights, democracy, and tolerance. Barbara Walshe, the former Glencree Chair accepted the prize for the peaceful coexistence and cooperation of societies, religions, and cultures in the non-governmental organisation category. It was presented by HE Ambassador of Poland to Ireland Anna Sochanska while the newly arrived Ireland Ambassador to Poland, Patrick Haughey also attended. Like Sergio, at Glencree experience has taught us the importance and transformative impact of building relationships and facilitating dialogue between people of often opposing views, Ms Walshe said. Glencree provides a safe space for people to come together to talk, to listen and to grow in understanding of each other, while respecting others needs, concerns and difference and looking for the common ground whatever it takes to keep the lines of communication open and bring people in from the margins. The CEO of the Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Glencree, Naoimh McNamee, greets the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Polish Ambassador Sochanska said she had a great appreciation for Glencrees achievements and its role in reconciliation through dialogue and getting to know each other better, which increases mutual understanding. I am delighted that the award on behalf of The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is being received today by Barbara Walshe, a long-time Chair of the Board and I would like to express my appreciation and congratulations to the hard and fruitful work of all employees of the centre, headed by CEO Naoimh McNamee. Glencree Chair, Ciaran O Cuinn said the award is about the future. Glencree will strive each day to remain deserving of this great honour, he added. As we work to build and deepen reconciliation, Glencree will endeavour be a living commemoration of the life of Sergio Vieira do Mello. Naoimh McNamee, Glencree CEO, added: We are deeply honoured to receive the Polish Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello and would like to wholeheartedly thank the Villa Decius Association and our dear friend HE Anna Sochanska and her team in Dublin for their steadfast support. The Centre, whose mission statement is "Peace for All", specialises in conflict resolution, extensive inclusive dialogue, mediation, negotiation and peace education. For almost 50 years, The Glencree Centre has carried out its conciliation programmes on four continents, including Israel and Palestine, Turkey, Haiti and Thailand, working with both individuals and entire community groups. This week the centre also welcomed the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa as part of his two-day state visit to Ireland. Together with a large delegation, the President met with Glencree CEO Naoimh McNamee, as well as representatives from the Herstory Exhibition #PeaceHeroines. The President also met with the Glencrees Political Dialogue team to discuss the Northern Ireland Peace Process, issues around Legacy and the prevailing situation on the island post-Brexit. Anthony Walsh, the founder and CEO of Feed Our Homeless in Finglas, said that members of the homeless community are fearing for their lives as temperatures plummet. The CEO of a homeless charity has predicted that more homeless people will die over the winter months as the accommodation crisis continues. Anthony Walsh, the founder and CEO of Feed Our Homeless in Finglas, said that members of the homeless community are fearing for their lives as temperatures plummet. The Dubliner explained that he was homeless and battled addiction for years before turning his life around. However, he has never seen the homelessness crisis as bad as it is now. Speaking to Newstalk, Mr Walsh said: Its gotten worse. It hasnt gotten better. When I was in the hostels, they werent as bad. Theres a lot of drugs in the hostels, theres a lot of bullying, intimidation, peoples belongings being stolen, but back when I was homeless, it wasnt that bad. Next month, 240 beds are due to become permanently available for homeless people in Dublin, while a further 40 beds will be introduced during extreme weather events. However, Mr Walsh is concerned that some people living on the streets wont be alive by then. Im calling on the Housing Minister and Dublin City Council to bring forward these cold winter beds to ensure that anyone who wants a bed at night can get a bed, can get access to a bed, can get into a hostel, out off the street and out of the cold, he said. A few weeks down the line is too late. With the weather getting cold and the temperatures dropping at night, the fear is, amongst the homeless community and amongst the outreach workers, is that were going to see more deaths. One man said that emergency accommodation in the capital has been very up and down lately. Im homeless the last 3 or 4 months. Ive been homeless on and off over the years. I suffer from PTSD, he explained. He said that hed like to see more housing for people - just something small with small little rooms. Nothing fancy. You could close your door, close your curtain, put on the heating, and put on the kettle if you want to. The man added that hes worried the cold weather will change a lot of things for rough sleepers. When youre walking around, youre freezing cold and trying to stay in but when you go back out in the cold, youre getting wet. And you get sick as well. Antoinette told sundayworld.com that she must now take matters into her own hands to help her young daughter A mum and her teenage daughter who has cerebral palsy are going to Poland to get treatment they say is being denied in Ireland. Katie Byrne (15) has had a dislocated hip since the age of 2 and has been unable to receive surgery in Ireland as doctors say she is too weak, according to her mum Antoinette Burke. Antoinette told sundayworld.com that she must now take matters into her own hands to help her young daughter. Antoinette says she cant wait any longer as her daughters hip is now 40% dislocated and its impacting her everyday life. "There are days that she falls and its horrible for me as her mum to see her on the ground struggling to get back up again. "If Im here on my own with her, I cannot pick her up off the floor, so she uses the wall or a chair to help herself up." Katie Byrne Antoinette says they are not satisfied with her experiences dealing with the HSE and that Katie has been neglected by the health service. Katie has been waiting months for a referral to adult services, Antoinette says and they are not prepared to wait again to be possibly told no again. "This shouldnt be the way my daughter has to live her life when there is surgery to help her. The Cork mother needs to hit 20,000 on GoFundMe so that Katie can receive treatment in Poland next year. "Shes 15 now, no 15 year-old wants to be relying on their mother and having her hanging around. "Katie is in pain and the sad thing about it is that she is so long with a dislocated hip, she is just used to the pain. In 2014, the mother fundraised over 60,000 to get to St Louis Childrens Hospital in Missouri. It was the kindness of my family and the people of Cork and beyond who got Katie, then 6 years-old, to the US, Antoinette says. Read more Shortage of dentists in Ireland means kids are missing vital school check-ups She believes that if she had listened to doctors in Ireland then, Katie would still be in her wheelchair now. Before we went to America, Katie was dependant on her wheelchair and walking frame to get around, the mother says. "Since we returned to Ireland, Katie very rarely uses her wheelchair. She can walk independently but uses crutches when she is outside as she is nervous when she is out and about. Antoinette has since tracked down the doctor who operated on Katie in Missouri who had moved to Florida and told him their story over Zoom. Within a month, Katie had been accepted to surgery following meetings with the doctor, who is flying to his clinic in Poland to meet Katie in January. Parents like me shouldnt have to take our children to the other side of the world to get her the care she badly needs, Antoinette says. I am doing what I can to help my daughter. "I would go to the ends of the earth and back again if it meant she wasnt in pain because if I dont help her, she will be left like this for God knows how long, she said. Antoinette has launched a GoFundMe with the goal of 20,000 to get Katie to Poland. The campaign is called Katies Fight to Keep Walking. A celebration of the life of Ceili McInerney will take place at 2pm today at the Newlands Cross crematorium in Dublin A memorial service will be held today for a 15-year-old Wexford schoolgirl who died after an asthma attack at her school last week. A celebration of the life of transition-year student Ceili McInerney of Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford, will take place at 2pm today at the Newlands Cross crematorium in Dublin. The teenager died on Monday at Crumlin Childrens Hospital after being transferred from Wexford General Hospital. She was initially brought there after suffering an asthma attack, which occurred at an open evening at Colaiste an Atha in Kilmuckridge last Thursday. Several community first responders were called to the scene to provide assistance. Gardai, the ambulance service, and one unit of Wexford Fire Service also attended the school. Colaiste an Atha offered the schools condolences to Ceilis friends and family including to her parents Carol and Ciaran. It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of TY student Ceili McInerney this week, said the school. As a school we are devastated by the loss of such a beautiful soul. Our spirits were buoyed today listening to the many wonderful stories about her kindness, her fierce loyalty, her sense of fun and her sense of adventure. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met. The entire Colaiste an Atha school community would like to offer our sincere condolences to Ceilis family and friends at this sad time. She will be sadly missed by everyone that knew her. Ceilis death led to an outpouring of tributes on social media yesterday from her friends, school mates and other families from Co Wexford and around the country which described her as a beautiful girl and one in a million. One teacher wrote: Ceili my beautiful, talented student. I will miss that amazing smile. Rest easy sweet girl x. Another teacher described her as someone whose smile could light up a whole room and who was kind to everyone she met. Ceili brought life into the corridors and mischief into the classroom, always standing her ground and that of her friends, never letting them down, wrote a fellow student. Councillor Mary Farrell, from the Gorey municipal district, also offered her condolences at Mondays council meeting. She said: As chairperson of Colaiste an Atha Board of Management and one of the first responders on the scene, I would like to personally offer my sympathies to the family of Ceili McInerney, her teachers and fellow students. The whole school is completely shocked and its been a difficult few days for all involved. Its a heartbreaking and tragic circumstance and my condolences go out to her family and to the teachers, students and whole school community. Our thoughts and prayers and with them and we will support them in any way we can, she said. Ms Truss was only appointed as Boris Johnsons successor by the late Queen on September 6, but her time in office has been littered with controversies. Prime Minister Liz Truss reacts during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London. PA British Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced her resignation after 44 days in power. Ms Truss was only appointed as Boris Johnsons successor by the late Queen on September 6, but her time in office has been littered with controversies. Speaking outside Downing Street she said: I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance and we set out a vision for a low tax high growth economy. "I recognise though given the situation I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected. I have spoken to his majesty the king to notify him I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. Prime Minister Liz Truss reacts during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London. PA It comes after Ms Truss met the senior Conservative responsible for establishing whether she commands the confidence of her MPs. Downing Street sources said the Prime Minister invited Sir Graham Brady, the powerful chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbenchers, to No 10 in a hastily-arranged meeting on Thursday. One person in No 10 said Ms Truss was "taking the temperature" of Tory MPs with Sir Graham after the number publicly demanding her resignation doubled within hours to more than a dozen, following the chaotic scenes in the Commons after the loss of a Cabinet minister. As Conservatives wondered how long she would remain in power, Ms Truss acknowledged a "difficult day" in her premiership but insisted she wants to push on, her official spokesman said. The outgoing British Prime Minister said there would be a leadership election to replace her "to be delivered within the next week". Ms Truss has said she will stay on as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen. Speaking in Downing Street, she said: "This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. "We've agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. "This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plan and maintain our country's economic stability and national security. "I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen. "Thank you." Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie tweeted: Unbelievable. Yet believable. Sinn Feins Caoimhe Archibald added: Liz Truss may be out of office in a week but the legacy of her chaotic and disastrous time as British Prime Minister will be felt by workers, families and businesses in their mortgages, borrowing and bills for months & years to come. Ryanair has announced that James Corden is banned from using the airline after the presenter was briefly banned from a New York restaurant earlier this week. The Gavin and Stacey star and host of the Late Late Show in the US was temporarily barred from Balthazar in Manhattan on Monday after allegations that he had been extremely nasty to staff on two separate occasions. The manager of Balthazar, Keith McNally, then rescinded the ban on Tuesday after claiming to have received a call from the star. Mr McNally said all is forgiven after reportedly receiving an apology from the actor and comedian. He wrote on Instagram: James Corden just called me and apologised profusely. Having f***** up myself more than most people, I strongly believe in second chances. So, if James Corden lets me host his Late Late Show for 9 months, Ill immediately rescind his ban from Balthazar. No, of course not. But anyone magnanimous enough to apologise to a deadbeat lay about like me (and my staff) doesnt deserve to be banned from anywhere. Especially Balthazar. So Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Corden, Jimmy Corden. All is Forgiven. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content In an earlier post, McNally said he had 86d Corden for his alleged behaviour. Eighty-six-ing a customer is a colloquial term which typically means to stop serving a person, or to kick them out of an establishment. The incident went viral on social media with many people getting involved and sharing their thoughts. Ryanairs social media team decided to jump on the bandwagon and shared a picture of Corden sitting onboard a plane with a general prohibition sign. One Twitter user commented below the post and said: I support any actions that prevent him returning to the UK. Another said: Thank goodness. I have a recurring nightmare that I am trying to sleep, and he keeps asking me to sing John Denver's "I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane" with him. While another wrote: He would deffo take the window seat when its not his. Angie Warren-Clark Labour MP Thank you to everyone who stood for Local Body Elections, and a hearty congratulations to James Denyer, the new Mayor for the Western Bay of Plenty Council. Im really looking forward to working with you! The Government has launched a suite of digital tools for people affected by family violence. Traditional support services are now complemented by a new centralised 24/7 phone and online-chat service. If you need support, head to: areyouok.org.nz. For the new online space driving behaviour change for those who may use violence check out: inyourhands.org.nz Because hurt people, hurt people. The Our Marine Environment 2022 report released last week emphasised the need to cut plastic waste, improve water quality in our rivers and lakes, reduce sedimentation, and address climate change. Thankfully were already taking action. From October 1 we banned single-use plastic drink stirrers and cotton buds plus most plastic meat trays from sale or manufacture to end the cycle. The Fisheries Amendment Bill, now before Parliament, will help ensure a more sustainable fishing future by reducing by-catch and increasing the use of cameras on fishing boats. Music to this recreational fishers ears! Jobs for Nature has already supported 27 Bay of Plenty projects, including the phenomenal Bay Conservation Cadets, the Kaiate Falls planting project (lets make this spot swimmable!), and Project Parore. New Zealands focus on sustainability helped us achieve Free Trade Agreements with the UK and EU, underpinning our $53 billion record in agricultural exports. Lets keep resolving environmental pressures until it becomes second nature! He Toa Taumata Rau (The Place of Many Brave Deeds) tells the stories of operations and events where royally warranted bravery honours have been awarded to members of Police and the public. The permanent outdoor tribute was opened on Tuesday by Commissioner of Police Andrew Coster, to honour the outstanding courage and achievements of Police staff. It takes the form of an outside walkway of decorated pou - co-designed with Ngati Toa Rangatira - along a path in the Royal New Zealand Police Colleges lower grounds, below the New Zealand Police Museum and within sight of the public road. Never, that I am aware of, have we had so many people together like this who are all so closely bound by acts of bravery and courage which, in some cases, resulted in the ultimate sacrifice of lives being lost or taken, says Police Commissioner Andrew Coster. He Toa Taumata Rau is a vehicle to tell the important stories of operations and events which have led to the award of royally warranted bravery honours. Its appropriate that we are here at The Royal New Zealand Police College in the New Zealand Police Museum, in near proximity to the Memorial Wall, he says. Its proudly publicly accessible and a way to showcase the bravery, integrity and professionalism of our people and illustrate how were delivering the service the public expect and deserve, says Museum Director Rowan Carroll. "We celebrate our staff and their achievements, and this is a very visible sign of how we value and respect our people and their mahi. Ngati Toa gifted Police the name He Toa Taumata Rau and Police worked alongside carvers Nathan Rei and Hermann Salzmann and design specialists Story Inc. The 16 steel pou represent 27 events since 1950 which led to the award of the George Cross, George Medal, New Zealand Cross, New Zealand Bravery Star, New Zealand Bravery Decoration and New Zealand Bravery Medal. The pou stand 2.5m tall on a concrete base and follow a chronological order of the events, with the most recent at the lower end of the path. They will be up lit at night and have been designed so further pou can be added. Visitors will be able to read brief details in both English and te reo and scan a QR code to get more information on the He Toa Taumata Rau website, including audio accounts in both English and te reo. Timing is everything - so having a powerful high pressure zone arrive just at the beginning of a long weekend may make a lot of New Zealanders happy, says WeatherWatch.co.nz. While the high pressure zone will encourage a colder end to the working week over the South Island and southern and eastern parts of the North Island, it will then cross the country over the three day weekend bringing mostly dry weather (especially for the North Island and upper South Island), says a spokesperson for the weather organisation. "By Sunday, the high will encourage milder airflows back over the South Island with highs back into the 20s. "But by Monday a cooler, showery, airflow will arrive in parts of the South Island while the North Island remains underneath high pressure, so more likely to be settled and dry the further north you are. "The high pressure zone will also limit the showers and snow flurries in the coming 48 hours - with a mainly dry set up. Most snow flurries will be in the mountains and tops of the South Island ranges and rain showers look brief with fairly low accumulation overall." Long range and the next 7 days ahead look drier than average in the NZ area for this time of year. WeatherWatch.co.nz says New Zealand may not have any further widespread nationwide rain events for the remainder of October, with more high pressure dominating. "This is something we forecast in our October ClimateWatch update almost three weeks ago. Only Fiordland and Westland look to have heavier rain this month." For hyper-local rainfall totals and graphs, please drill down deeper at RuralWeather.co.nz. Surf lifeguards are readying themselves for a busy summer as they prepare for the surf lifesaving season official launch this coming Saturday. Labour Weekend is the traditional start to the patrol season for most areas of the North Island, across Auckland and the beaches in Northland, Waikato, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty. Beaches elsewhere will be patrolled as the weather and water conditions get warmer. With warmer weather coming our way, Surf Life Saving New Zealand is urging beachgoers to choose a beach where there are lifeguards and swim between the flags, as thats the safest place to swim. NIWA is predicting a strong marine heatwave summer, so we are expecting another busy season like last year, says SLSNZs chief executive Paul Dalton. Last year our patrols rescued 726 people, and despite a record number of drownings across the country, there were zero drownings between our red and yellow flags. Over the last 10 years, 89 per cent of fatal beach drownings in New Zealand were male. SLSNZ says that's more than 300 dads, sons, brothers, husbands and mates, and enough is enough. Too often men underestimate the conditions and overestimate their ability. This shell be right attitude gets too many men into trouble in the water, often with fatal consequences. New Zealanders love the coast. Sadly, in the last ten years, there have been 357 beach and coastal fatal drownings in New Zealand. Each fatality leaves whanau and communities devastated. Our drowning toll is something every New Zealander should see as a national tragedy and one we all have a responsibility to address. SLSNZ asks those visiting our beaches to remain vigilant in and around the water and stresses the importance of making safe decisions at beaches. People can check the Safeswim - Nau mai ki Safeswim website: safeswim.org.nz for patrol hours and locations. Surf Life Saving New Zealand says keep it safe, keep it smart, and stay within your limits. Be sure to watch out for rip currents that can carry you away from shore, be smart around rocks, dont overestimate your ability in the water, and never swim or surf alone. If you observe someone in trouble in the water, call 111 and ask for the police, they are in direct contact with all the marine rescue services around the country. Beach Safety Messages -Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. -Watch out for rip currents, they can carry you away from shore. If caught in a rip, remember the 3Rs: *Relax and float, *Raise your hand to signal for help and *Ride the rip until help arrives or you can swim back to shore. -Read and understand the safety signs ask a surf lifeguard for advice as beach conditions can change regularly. -Know your limits/ Dont overestimate your ability or underestimate the conditions. -Always keep a very close eye on young children in or near the water. Keep children within arms reach at all times. -Get a friend to swim, surf or fish with you. -When rock fishing, always wear a lifejacket and shoes with grip (no gumboots), and never turn your back towards the sea. -If in doubt, stay out! -If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 111 and ask for the police. -Be sun smart slip, slop, slap and wrap to protect your skin and eyes from the suns damaging rays. Tauranga City Council is teaming up with mana whenua partners, stakeholders and its communities to create Taurangas first climate plan. One of several council Action and Investment Plans on the go this side of Christmas, the climate plan will clearly outline what actions we can take together to fight climate change. Tauranga City Council commissioner Shad Rolleston says the community has made it clear that looking after the environment and reducing our carbon footprint is important to them, and the Council is listening. New Zealand and Tauranga Moana are already experiencing the effects of climate change with rising sea levels, increased time spent in drought and when it does rain, we get a lot of it in a single event. Globally, if we dont reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, the climate will keep changing and well face huge challenges in the future. Tauranga must play its part in that global effort. Shad acknowledges it can be hard to know what to do as an individual or single organisation when facing something as daunting as climate change, which is why we need to take action together. One easy thing everyone in Tauranga can do right now is to jump online and take our survey, which will help us get this right. A youth climate conference is also being planned for early next year to ensure we include the views and perspectives of our rangatahi. The whole community has a part to play in addressing the effects of climate change from government and business through to communities and individuals and we want to hear from everyone. Some actions council can lead, but many are in the hands of others. Our ambitions need to be broader than any single organisation or individual. Other Action and Investment Plans the Council is looking for feedback on before Christmas include making Tauranga more accessible for everyone, making our communities safer, and doing more to support arts and culture. Unlike the climate plan, these plans are not starting from scratch. Instead, they will pull together actions from Councils existing plans and strategies and build on feedback already received from the community to create new actions. Weve heard from more than 10,000 people through various methods that they want to live in a place where we prioritise nature, lift each other up and fuel possibility. These plans will include actions that are already planned and identify possible new actions that can be considered as part of our future planning and investment decision-making. Together our community has decided that its important for Tauranga to become a city for the people and live up to its name Tauranga a place of safe anchorage and wellbeing. We know everyones time is precious, so were not bothering our communities by asking questions weve already asked before, but we are checking in on anything new, like the climate plan, which is a first for this council. Take the survey One of the four men charged with the 2018 mistaken identity killing of David Kuka has pleaded guilty to one charge of murder. Dane Pukepuke appeared at the High Court in Tauranga on Thursday where he entered the guilty plea to one charge, that on February 11, 2018, with co-accused Luke Belmont, Adrian Rewiri and Maru Wright, he murdered David Kuka. Belmont, Rewiri and Wright have all entered not guilty pleas to their charges of murder. Justice Graham Lang convicted Pukepuke of murder, but declined to set a sentence date after his lawyer Martin Hine told the court there was still no agreed summary of facts. Pukepuke was remanded in custody until a next appearance on November 16, when a sentencing date will be set. Kuka was fatally shot at a Tauranga address on February 11, 2018, the second homicide to take place at the Wilrose Place address within a month. David Kuka was shot dead at his home in Gate Pa in Tauranga in 2018. Photo: NZ Police. Detective Sergeant Paul Barron earlier told Stuff police had a narrowed down a list of suspects, and that he remained confident they will eventually solve the case. The strongest theory police have for Kukas death traces back to an idea of a mistaken identity, linked to the same Gate Pa address where he was killed the site of another killing just over a month before on January 3. The taxing of a Nissan Maxima belonging to street level drug dealer Colin Jeffries-Smith may be what set in train events that left two men, Kuka one of them, dead. On the third anniversary of her fathers shooting Kukas daughter Te Kimioranga Te Kuka spoke to Stuff about her fathers killing, admitting it was hard to deal with. She also told Stuff what she would say to the person who killed her father. Just why? What else is there. What did he ever do to deserve this? Thats it. -Benn Bathgate/Stuff. Im not business as usual, Kohi Maori constituency councillor Toi Iti told his fellow new councillors as he spoke to his nomination to be deputy chairman of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The newly elected council held its inaugural meeting at Te Manuka Tutahi Marae in Whakatane on Wednesday. After a powhiri led by Te Runanga o Ngati Awa chairman Joe Harawira and the swearing in of councillors, Doug Leeder was returned to his former position as chairman, winning 10 votes to four over Okurei Maori councillor Te Taru White. The division of votes between Maori constituency voters and general constituency voters was pronounced, with new Tauranga councillor Kat MacMillan being the only general constituency councillor to vote for White alongside all three Maori constituency councillors. Leeder said he's humbled and privileged by the support that his colleagues had given him for his continued leadership. I will continue to employ all the effort, passion [and] the desire to see this organisation excel, and represent our communities, because that is what we are ultimately about. Leeders first order of business was to call for nominations for deputy chairperson. Tauranga councillor Paula Chapman nominated former deputy, Western Bay councillor Jane Nees, and Mr White nominated Mr Iti. Speaking to his nomination, Iti said it's great to see the process of open government in front of his community. There is an expectation on us as Maori councillors from our community for us to participate and to contest these roles. They can see for themselves that we are doing it and the challenges that we face. As I am here, at our inauguration, in a blanket, my wild curly hair out, bare feet I believe that it is important that there are times when we cast aside the cultural constructs and be unapologetically Maori and still bring value to organisations like Toi Moana. This is who I am, therefore this is who we are. Chairman [Doug] Leeder is business as usual, and kei te pai, we have business to get on with, he said. However, Iti asked that councillors endorse this other side of the community so that we can see ourselves reflected in the leadership. To me your choice is not about which candidate can do the job better, its about sending a strategic tohu, or signal, to our staff, to our communities and to the country that Toi Moana accepts and trusts contrasting parts of itself. He finished his speech with a rousing haka, supported by kapa haka students from Whakatane High School. However, only the Maori constituency councillors, White and Matamoana McDonald, gave him their votes. All of the general constituency councillors voted for Ms Nees. Nees said being returned to the deputy chairwoman position was a great privilege and honour. We have a strong council but we have a lot of challenges ahead, Nees said. At only 31 years of age, Taurangas Larissa Allen has discovered she has the unicorn of breast cancers, with only one option available to her. Listen to Larissa talk about her journey on the latest podcast on BuzzWorthy.co.nz or continue reading her story below. My partner found the lump in the bottom of my breast quite a few months ago and I just kind of passed it off as being like a blocked milk duct, says the 2016 Miss Universe New Zealand runner-up. With no known family history of breast cancer, she continued working, flying to Australia for a modelling job, acting, and being involved with establishing a film production company. It took a good couple of months before I got into the doctors. It got dramatically bigger to the point where I was like: Oh, thats a bit strange. My boyfriend was on my case so I made an appointment. Her GPs expression told her something wasnt right. As soon as she felt it, I could see it on her face. Within two weeks, an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy all happened on the same day. The results came back within three days, my GP called me in and told me I had breast cancer. Life quickly changing Diagnosed on August 5, Larissa found her life quickly changing day-by-day during August and September, dealing with doubt and uncertainty about the future for herself and her son Carter, age 4. I cant fault the care that Ive received, from the moment I was diagnosed to now. Theyve been so good, Ive had a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis. Shes also had an MRI scan of her whole body mainly targeting bones and brain, and an MRI scan of her breasts. All of which came back showing the cancer hadnt spread, which is amazing news. The tough news followed. She has metaplastic cancer, found in under one per cent of all breast cancer cases. Its a really rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that they dont have enough research on and so they dont really know how to treat it. I know Im Grade 3 which means fast, aggressive growing. The pathology report has confirmed it is triple negative metaplastic breast cancer, meaning it wont be responsive to hormone treatment. Im so grateful that I was seen so quickly, but then also at the same time, sad for others that dont. Connecting with Taurangas Breast Cancer Support Service, and joining online Facebook groups, shes become an active part of a breast cancer support community. Its a very supportive community, probably not one that you want belong to, but, when you have to, its a pretty cool community to be part of. Documenting her journey Larissas also documenting her journey on social media, with the hope it helps others. I love to promote body positivity, especially for women. Theres so much self-doubt in a womans mind about their bodies and embracing being a woman. A friend met her on the beach for a photoshoot before she underwent a single mastectomy, timelessly capturing her body before any surgery or chemotherapy. I feel like Im a ticking time bomb just waiting for it to go off and I dont know when its going to go off. That can be a little unsettling but you always try to remain hopeful. The biggest help to get me through the past weeks is that Ive tried so hard to keep my positivity up and keep a good mental state of mind, just keeping that as healthy as I can, because at the moment I dont have control over anything else. Mid-August she joined her film crew in the Vista 48Hours film competition, winning the Best Performer category for the Bay of Plenty, now heading to the national finals on November 18. October brought more tough news. I have the rarest subtype of my rare type of breast cancer Metaplastic Chondroid Carcinoma. It is the unicorn of breast cancers. Larissa says there is only one option available. A trial of a lower-dosed chemotherapy given once-a-week for 12 weeks. The study is so small nine women with the same type of cancer as me but all nine women were alive without cancer at five years. So I have hope that I can be number 10. She starts chemotherapy this week. Im no stranger to having to fight to be strong. It sounds strange, but this is probably the best time in my life to be diagnosed with breast cancer because I am the strongest Ive ever been mentally and physically. After my divorce, a light just flicked on. I became so much more confident within myself and found my spark again. She says life is good, life is great. Worthy I realised that I was worthy of all these things that I thought that I wasnt. I really appreciated myself more and started to put more focus on doing things that I loved, like acting and producing, and taking time out of my day to nourish my body, go for walks on the beach or go to the gym all these little things that I wasnt doing prior. I lost 30kg and my mental clarity was through the roof. I was in such a good place and then I got told I had breast cancer, so its like I was on a really good train trip and then it just got stopped on the tracks. Larissa Allen with partner Chris Power. Photo: supplied. Larissa believes every woman should be visiting their GP annually for a breast check-up, and doing monthly self-checks, not waiting until theyre 45 for the funded mammogram. Already one woman has contacted her after reading her online blog, and decided to have her lump checked, only to discover she too has breast cancer. I feel like youre only ever given something that you can handle and theres always a reason for it. Ive always liked to do things that have a positive impact on the world. My way of doing that is to talk about it openly and normalise it. To say: Hey this is happening a lot and this is what you can do about it to catch it early. Driving force Larissa says her biggest driving force in staying alive is her son Carter. When youre told youve got cancer, it feels like youre given a death sentence. You know youre going to die, you just dont know when. So the biggest thought for me was how is Carter going to be? I cant leave someone so little without a mum. I have to stay alive for him. Larissa is finding the support and love surrounding her to be immense. I couldnt do it without everyone. Im going to fight my hardest to live as long as I can past all the silly stats. A friend has set up a Givealittle page to support Larissa at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/people-of-nz-and-beyond-lets-wrap-our-arms-around Listen to Larissa talk about her journey in the latest health podcast on BuzzWorthy. Click on the photo below for more. " " Velociraptor had a big sickle claw on the second toe of each foot that was likely used to pierce the skin and grip the flesh of prey. Daniel Eskridge/Stocktrek Images Velociraptor is linked to two of the most intriguing figures in paleontology: Roy Chapman Andrews and Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska. Often compared to Indiana Jones, Andrews was an American explorer known for his vivid field stories. The man's writings describe "narrow escapes from death" at the hands of wild dogs, injured whales and typhoons. (To say nothing of his cliff-related mishaps.) Advertisement Andrews became a bit of a celebrity in the 1920s and 1930s, when he led a series of fossil-hunting expeditions through the Mongolian Gobi Desert. Helped by a combination of motor vehicles and camel caravans, his teams found the remains of many prehistoric beasts unknown to science at the time. One was a small dinosaur with a long snout and grasping claws. In 1924, paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn named it Velociraptor mongoliensis. But while Andrews' crews discovered Velociraptor, and Osborn named it, we have Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska to thank for the most amazing specimen ever unearthed. A renowned paleobiologist, she oversaw the once-in-a-lifetime discovery of a Velociraptor who may have literally died in combat. Now That's Interesting Another scary moment in the first "Jurassic Park" movie comes when a raptor tackles Robert Muldoon (Bob Peck). True story: The angry dinosaur hisses you hear in that scene were provided by a goose. Exxon's Russian oil output collapsed after rejecting local tanker insurance - Reuters report Oil output at an Exxon-led Russian Pacific project collapsed following the U.S. major's refusal to accept local insurance for tankers, according to a Reuters report. HOUSTON/NEW DELHI, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Oil output at the giant Exxon-led (XOM.N) Sakhalin-1 Russian Pacific project collapsed following the U.S. major's refusal to accept local insurance for tankers after Western insurers pulled out due to sanctions, several industry sources told Reuters. 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. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says the capacities of construction companies in Armenia obviously are not enough for fulfilling the capital expenditures financed by the government. During the Cabinet meeting today, the PM said that there are no state construction companies in Armenia for already decades. Of course, private companies have opened in Armenia in recent years, but we state that the capacities of construction companies do not meet the benchmarks set by the government. We draw the attention of private investors that there is a field here where they can invest and get profits, the PM said, stating that problems are regularly emerging in the field of capital program implementation. Constructions are not always done on time and at a proper quality, and now we see that the underperformance of capital expenditures is also connected with it, but this doesnt mean that we should move this to the field of private responsibility. We also need to take actions here, particularly, the constant reforms in procurement legislation, the PM stated. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan added that due to this problem, the companies under the economy modernization program are being encouraged. The construction field is also among these sectors where, if the companies purchase new equipment, the government subsidizes most of the interest costs, and we already see that more than 320 companies have already used this program and there are also construction companies among them. I call on the companies to enhance their potential by using the strong exchange rate of the dram, Kerobyan said. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan visited several leading IT companies in Bulgaria on the sidelines of his state visit, the Presidential Office said. The delegation of the Armenian President visited EnduroSat, a Bulgarian aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Sofia. EnduroSat is on a mission to transform the complex satellite industry into a streamlined data service, enabling instant access and transactions with space data on the cloud from hundreds of sensors in orbit. EnduroSat Founder and CEO Raycho Raychev presented the companys achievements and ongoing projects to the Armenian delegation. During the visit cooperation directions and possibilities of implementing joint projects were discussed. An agreement was reached to stay in touch in order to continue these discussions and take practical steps. The Armenian President and his delegation also visited Sofia Tech Park which develops activities to support start-ups, small and medium enterprises, science, education and innovation. The delegation also visited the Plovdiv Free Zone aimed at getting acquainted with the activity of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Plovdiv Free Zone offers broad services to companies who use it as headquarters of their operation. DicKy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Thiruvanthapuram Posts: 3,041 Thanked: 7,855 Times re: Kanyakumari vehicle entry fee | Legal or Scam? | No uniform, no ID card, no electronic payment Not been to Kanyakumari since the Covid-19, so don't know how it is at present. Earlier they used to flag down and collect money at the 'arch' entrance (before the Thiruvalluvar Statue era). They then started collecting money both at the 'arch' entrance and down near the circle. Then the NH44 extension was opened, used to take that road to circumvent the usual entrance. Recently, we would go straight to near the circle and park at a small pay n' park ground, since we would be mostly visiting the Kanyakumari Devi temple. Somehow it gets on my nerves when people collect money to enter a 'municipality' or 'district'. Earlier before the bypass came up, in Madurai they would collect money from out of state vehicles and the receipt would say it is to enter Madurai municipality limits. Dodge them and be stubborn in not stopping. They will continue waving for the next vehicle.Not been to Kanyakumari since the Covid-19, so don't know how it is at present. Earlier they used to flag down and collect money at the 'arch' entrance (before the Thiruvalluvar Statue era). They then started collecting money both at the 'arch' entrance and down near the circle. Then the NH44 extension was opened, used to take that road to circumvent the usual entrance. Recently, we would go straight to near the circle and park at a small pay n' park ground, since we would be mostly visiting the Kanyakumari Devi temple.Somehow it gets on my nerves when people collect money to enter a 'municipality' or 'district'. Earlier before the bypass came up, in Madurai they would collect money from out of state vehicles and the receipt would say it is to enter Madurai municipality limits. Netflix's cloud gaming expansion is finally happening, as confirmed by the streaming giant's Vice President of Gaming, Mike Verdu. (Photo : Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) In this photo illustration the Netflix logo is reflected in the eye of a woman on September 19, 2014 in Paris, France. Netflix September 15 launched service in France, the first of six European countries planned in the coming months. The cloud gaming market is not an easy sector to enter. Previously, Google tried to explore this business area by launching Stadia. However, the search engine giant didn't find success in cloud gaming. Although this is the case, some tech firms still want to explore it, such as Netflix. Netflix Cloud Gaming Expansion Confirmed According to Phone Arena's latest report, Verdu said they are now seriously exploring a cloud gaming service. (Photo : Photo credit should read ROBERT SULLIVAN/AFP via Getty Images) A Netflix return mailer is pictured in Miami, Florida 16 January 2007. Netflix annouced it will start showing movies and TV episodes over the Internet, providing its subscribers with instant gratification as the DVD-by-mail service prepares for a technology shift that threatens the company's survival. "It's a completely different business model. The hope is over time that it just becomes this very natural way to play games wherever you are," said the Netflix official via Tech Crunch. Verdu explained that the upcoming cloud gaming service of Netflix will not require users to subscribe since it will be a "value add." This means that Netflix's cloud gaming offering will not be a console replacement. Netflix's VP of Gaming explained that Google's Stadia failed not because of the technology it offers. He said that the cloud gaming service couldn't gain traction because of its business model. Because of this, Verdu said that they are making efforts to make their cloud gaming service as natural as possible. Other Things Confirmed by Verdu Aside from the new cloud gaming service, Verdu also announced that Netflix would soon open a new gaming studio in Southern California. He said that once this studio opens, it will be led by the former executive producer of "Overwatch," Chacko Sonny. The Netflix official added that the presence of Sonny on Netflix really shows that they are very serious about expanding in the cloud gaming industry. If you want to learn more about the cloud gaming expansion of the streaming giant, you can click here. Recently, the iconic Netflix "Tudum" sound is confirmed to return. Meanwhile, Netflix's internal gaming studio in Finland will soon arrive. For more news updates about Netflix and other streaming companies, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Netflix Adds Over 2 Million Subscribers Ahead of Password-Sharing Crackdown This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Griffin Davis 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Protests have been raging in Iran's capital Tehran for the last five weeks after thousands of Iranians took to the streets to demonstrate their outrage at the brutality of Iran's "morality police." What's Going on in Iran On Sept. 13, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, was arrested and allegedly killed by the Tehran "morality police," an organization that imposes a strict dress code on female citizens. Amini's death sparked the demonstrations spreading in key cities. According to reports, many protesters and activists believe that she was killed while being held, and this is the general consensus. This is amid the state's claim that she died of a heart attack while in custody. Large-scale protests are being held in Tehran and other places in the response. Many women have cut their hair short and burned their hijabs in public as a powerful act of protest against recent atrocities. As reported by the BBC, most protests and campaigns are organized by people using social media, and if they are unable to connect, mobilization becomes much more difficult. Government-Backed Internet Blackout According to Wired, authorities have responded with a brutal crackdown in which it is estimated that over 230 Iranians have already been killed. Read Also: Boston Dynamics' 'Spot' Robot Got a 'Permission to Dance' with BTS' V2 Hit Song Additionally, in an effort to hinder organization and conceal the scope of the protests, the government has implemented strict internet controls, blocking access to social media and messaging services as well as completely shutting down the internet for stretches of time and also slowing down the connection. Internet users in Tehran report that access to social media sites like WhatsApp and Instagram is either completely or partially restricted. VPN services are also reported to be inaccessible due to government-backed barring. The Iranian newsroom also mentioned that the government is very concerned about people using the Internet and social media to share information and images about protests, as this could potentially encourage a larger portion of the population to participate in public protests. Repressive Regimes and Censorship When it comes to dealing with protests and other forms of dissent, repressive regimes are highly predictable. They will use stringent rules and show of force to ensure that no more citizens join movements, as too many could bring them down. This is exactly what the Iranian government is doing right now, with Internet blackouts and acts of violence during the peak of the Tehran protests. But, as it turns out, the regime carries out the same approach each time the country is embroiled in a scandal. According to Amnesty International, at least 323 men, women, and children were killed by Iranian law enforcement during five days of nationwide protests in 2019. The deadly crackdown was preceded by the authorities blocking most people's access to the internet. In the absence of online documentation, the state conducted violent operations and attempted to conceal evidence of atrocities from the public in order to avoid sanctions. A shutdown may result in the loss of an unknown amount of proof of criminal acts committed by the government. Related Article: Philippines Inks Anti-Text Scam SIM Card Registration Law, Critics Fear State Surveillance This article is owned by Tech Times Written by John Lopez 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission is the first among the series of launches of the Polaris Program. Originally Polaris Dawn was supposed to launch late last year, but the mission got pushed back to March 2023, as reported by Space.com. (Photo : Bill Ingalls/NASA via Getty Images) JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 14: In this handout provided by NASA, NASA astronauts (L-R) Jessica Watkins, Robert Hines, Kjell Lindgren, and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti are seen inside the SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft onboard the SpaceX recovery ship Megan shortly after having landed in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, Friday, October 14, 2022. What to Expect From Polaris Dawn Polaris Dawn is a crewed flight with four SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule sitting atop one of the private space firm's Falcon 9 launch systems. It will travel to orbit from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It aims to go higher than any orbital mission that has come before. In fact, it is said that the mission will take advantage of Falcon 9 and Dragon's maximum performance, which means it will fly higher than any Dragon mission to reach the highest orbit ever flown, according to Interesting Engineering. Polaris Dawn will conduct research with the mission to better understand the effects of spaceflight and space radiation on human health. It also aims to conduct the first commercial spacewalk in history at an altitude of around 435 miles, higher than the International Space Station's orbital apogee from Earth's surface. The Ultimate Mission The Polaris Program aims to speed up human spaceflight and help in the mission of getting humans to Mars. Part of this is the Polaris III mission that will launch aboard a SpaceX Starship rocket. Starship is the next-gen fully reusable launch system of SpaceX. It is designed to lower the cost of spaceflight in a bid to get humans to Mars. Polaris Dawn will be the first crewed mission of the program, which aims to send humans to the red planet. SpaceX founder and chief executive Elon Musk has said previously that he aims to send humans to Mars and make a colony there. Mars is targeted for human exploration because of the presence of water and carbon dioxide or methane, which can be used to create atmosphere. There is also the possibility of using the planet's carbon dioxide and water to create fuel for rocket and Mars colonists to use. Mars is also a perfect place for humans to live in. It is much like Earth; it has a 24-hour day and a 365-day year. It has plenty of sunlight, a similar amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, and can support plants and animals. Also Read: SpaceX Commercial Spacewalk Training Now Being Prepared; All-Private Polaris Dawn To Launch This 2022 SpaceX Has a Strong Track Record SpaceX has a strong track record in the space industry. It has continued to conduct successful launches despite the setbacks encountered by some of its missions. In addition, it has also continued to develop and upgrade its launch system. Polaris Dawn is the first of many missions that will lead to SpaceX's ultimate goal of sending humans to the red planet. The company has made great strides in its space flights and has continued to improve its launch system. With this, it will continue to advance in its mission to colonize Mars and make humans a multi-planetary species. Related Article: SpaceX: Falcon 9's Merlin vs. Starship's Raptor Engine-Elon Musk Says Which is Simpler This article is owned by Tech Times Written by April Fowell 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The "Pillars of Creation" may be an old sight to see, but the new image from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope delivers a majestic look back at the birthplace of stars in the cosmos. They may look like rock formations in space, but these are gas and dust formations that are so dense and filled with bright stars surrounding the area. The Webb delivers a massive development to Hubble's initial photograph in 1995, where the agency first saw the gaseous area of the pillars. NASA James Webb Recaptures the 'Pillars of Creation (Photo : NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Anton M. Koekemoer (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)) NASA announced via its webpage that the James Webb telescope revisited a famous site that the Hubble captured back in the mid-1990s, during its early stages in space. It is the Pillars of Creation region where there is a rock-like structure that resembles towering pillars and formations that look like majestic tall mountains. The Pillars of Creation delivers on what seems to be a rock formation in space, but in reality, it is a concentrated gas and dust accumulation that are permeable in state. JWST's discovery will help researchers understand more about stars and their formation, as well as the dust and gas quantities in the region. Read Also: [WATCH] NASA's NEOWISE Telescope Releases a 12-Year Time-Lapse Movie of the Entire Sky! What are the Pillars of Creation from JWST? The Hubble telescope first captured this sight in 1995, and it already saw the space marvel which has confused many for its rocky look which is gas and dust accumulation. (Photo : NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Anton M. Koekemoer (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)) Hubble's 1995 Pillar of Creation (Left) and JWST's version of the image in 2022 (Right). JWST saw the 3D look of the area, with its mountain-like appearance in the cosmic region of its location, centering on a new study for astronomers and researchers to learn more about its existence. NASA and its Space Discoveries The NASA James Webb Space Telescope brought the world plentiful discoveries of the cosmos and centers on its powerful array of lenses and eyes in the skies. One of its recent findings are fingerprint-like dust clouds that surround the WR140 region whose stars are best known for their active state that releases gas and elements regularly. Gas and elements in space help form planets and stars alike, but less dense ones are only able to form sights to see instead of the usual planets or systems known to many. NASA is celebrating a new age in its space discoveries with its new telescope and other advancements towards knowledge and information to learn more about the space around us. The JWST aims to help NASA get deeper photos of the universe and other systems, with an in-depth look at the universe with many unfolding events taking place already. The Pillars of Creation are best known for their dense state which outputs an array of stars, making it seem like the birthplace of the luminous objects present in the galaxy. However, it is only one region that delivers on massive stars formation in the universe, with it being the only one discovered to showcase dense pillars which look like rocks in space. Related Article: NASA's James Webb Telescope Is Capturing A 'Treasure Trove of Record-Breaking Distant Galaxies' This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Isaiah Richard 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new version of Android Go has been released after 250 million devices ran it after Google released Android 12, which features a lot of updates and improvements from its previous version. (Photo : NOAH BERGER/AFP via Getty Images) A bicyclist rides along a path at Googles Bay View campus in Mountain View, California on June 27, 2022. Android 13 Go's New Features Based on a report from The Verge, Google just launched Android 13 Go, the company's newest mainline OS. Compared to its previous version, this will require more power as it offers new features. Android 13 Go adds the Material You system, in which users will be given the option to pick a certain color from the four color schemes based on their wallpaper. This feature was introduced to Android 12 but was not featured in its Go edition, making it the first time to be included in the mainline OS. Engadget also reported that this should be easier for users to keep their phones up to date as Android 13 Go adds Google Play System Updates, which ensures its users have critical patches without pushing the new code from the manufacturer. As per the report, it also fixes security flaws in a short period of time and keeps your phone updated without consuming their storage (especially on budget phones). Only 2GB of RAM will be needed for this new system to function. Aside from the two, Google also added other features that are currently available to the regular version of the OS, such as notification permissions and the changing of a certain language on individual applications. For the home screen, when users swipe right, it will take them to a Discover feed. This will be helping its users to curate the list of new and other content that they want to see or read. Android Go Active Devices Google reported on its blog that there are 250 million monthly active phones that use Android Go, which the company described as its milestone. They stated, "To better serve this growing set of users, we focused on three critical qualities: reliability, usability, and customization. Let's walk through what's new in this release." Android Go was introduced last 2017 and Google's goal back then was to power affordable devices with only limited memory and storage. As per them, Android 13 Go will be released next year with no definite date and the company noted that this newest version is a symbol of expansion to technical improvement. Also Read: Android 13 QPR1 Beta 2 Makes Google Pixel Media Player Navigation Easier Android 13 Updates Android 13 will also be releasing updates very soon as it will be adding the ability for users to swap media sessions from their phones to any cast devices that they own such as smart television, smart display, and more. Through this, it will also let its users enable audio playback to several devices at the same time without unlocking their phones, just make sure that it is cast-compatible. Google Work Profiles has also been updated by not mixing up data from the users' work and personal life. The new update will be separating suggested data for other Google-related applications like YouTube and Google Photos. Related Article: Android 13 to Update Google Cast SDK, Transfer Media Sessions through Audio Output Switcher This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Inno Flores 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google's famous autonomous driving system, Waymo, and its One ride-hailing app are heading to Los Angeles, and the company confirmed that it is the next destination after San Fransisco and Phoenix. The company will start by mapping out the City of Angels with its cars that have cameras atop them, with the One service coming later. The company will center on an electric vehicle to map out its streets and provide ride-hailing services to transport the public soon. Waymo is Heading to LA for a Driverless Experience (Photo : Waymo via Twitter Screenshot) Waymo announced that it is heading to Los Angeles for a driverless experience to launch for the city, and it will be the third location where the company got its permit to deliver its technology. However, it is not exactly beginning its ride-hailing services immediately, as the company will need to map its streets with camera-mounted cars the company. The company previously had its services available in San Fransisco, a city in the same state, and Phoenix in Arizona state. Now, it will focus on mapping the streets of LA, as well as its freeway which is famous in the area, with its roads interconnecting to the city's location. Waymo said that it can handle freeways with its technology, despite its challenging experience. Read Also: Waymo's Driverless Rides To Arrive in San Francisco, But, Not Everyone Are Eligible Waymo One to Begin Services Soon The company will first center on mapping Los Angeles' Downtown, Miracle Mile, Koreatown, Santa Monica, Westwood, and West Hollywood to familiarize itself with the location. After studying the area, the company will begin offering its Waymo One service to deliver self-driving to Angelenos for ride-hailing services. Waymo and its Driverless Services Waymo is a famous company that aims to deliver a driverless car experience available for all to center on their needs and requirements for a different experience to match their needs. Waymo first debuted in San Fransisco, California where it first got a license to operate its autonomous driving experience which centered on its system. The company enforced its robotaxi services in San Fransisco for over a year now, with the company already looking to expand to more states, helping with their public transportation needs. One of the company's planned states to service in New York, and deliver a new robotaxi experience in the city that never sleeps, famous for its yellow cabs. The Big Apple is soon to get the experience, but users will have to wait for its approval and availability in areas like Phoenix, Arizona, and San Fransisco, CA. Before it arrived in New York, the company set its sights on LA, with the massive city being the next area to service Waymo and its offers. However, it would have to map its location first, before launching its Waymo One driverless service for ride-hailing, centering on the city's massive and sunny streets. Related Article: Google's Waymo Launches New Partnership For Autonomous Trucking Services This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Isaiah Richard 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On Wednesday, Oct.19, climate protesters glued themselves to the Porsche pavilion floor at Volkswagen's Autostadt, joined by concerned researchers and environmental activists from an organization called Scientist Rebellion, to lobby their calls to decarbonize the German transportation sector. Autostadt is a visitor attraction facility located next to the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. Climate Protesters Stage Demonstration at Volkswagen Showroom According to a recent News.com.au report, the protesters are claiming that the company has denied providing them with "a bowl to urinate and defecate" in, and they have declared a hunger strike to raise public awareness about the environmental crisis. Following reports, the protester group consists of 15 members from the aforementioned organization. They have decided to glue their hands to the floor of the Volkswagen showroom as part of their climate protest. The organization is urging the company to do its part to slow climate change. They also stated that Volkswagen has the ability to persuade lawmakers to support the climate agenda. In a series of tweets, Gianluca Grimalda, a Kiel Institute researcher who has joined the protesting group, stated that there is an actual connection between CO2 emissions and rising global temperatures. "Decarbonization is important, and it must happen as fast as possible because the Roadmap 2050 target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions is too far away to have a meaningful impact," the researcher explained in a Twitter video. Read Also: Google Introduces Android 13 Go Edition, Brings 'Material You' to Basic Devices and Google Play System Updates The researcher later tweeted updates from the demonstration. Grimalda claimed that Volkwagen refused their request for a bowl to urinate and defecate on while they are confined to the company's visitor facility. Grimalda also stated that facility personnel had turned off the heating. Together with 15 other members of @ScientistRebel1 I have occupied the Porsche pavillion at @Autostadt, 9 of us glued to the floor and some of us on hunger strike until our demands to decarbonise the German transport sector are met https://t.co/Y5uo5IicXb @ClimateHuman pic.twitter.com/SUxUy5Q5uq gianluca grimalda (@GGrimalda) October 19, 2022 Some Twitter users were not pleased with the recent update, and some mocked the group's means of protest. Some even commented on how ironic it is to bring up heating systems while protesting carbon emissions in the first place. Meanwhile, a number of people have expressed their support for the group on social media. Later, he expressed frustration, saying, "We can't order our food; we must use the one provided by Volkswagen." "Lights off. random, unannounced checks by security guards with bright torches. Police just came in," he wrote. A picture of the group "getting ready for the first night of sleep" was also posted by Grimalda. Calls to Action In a petition that has already received more than 200 signatures, Scientist Rebellion stated that the scientific community has historically used its authority to inform society of the true possibility of a global apocalypse and to demand that those in positions of authority take appropriate action. The group urged the public, "The response of scientists the world over must be decisive. How do we honor the public's growing trust in our expert community in the face of looming catastrophes of climate and ecological breakdown? It is simple: academics must share with the public what they share with each other about the world's response to climate change and biodiversity loss." Related Article: Experts Worry Russian Invasion Caused Massive Ecological Damage, Ukraine to Roll Out Green Recovery Plan 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. The narrow-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council kicked off in Yerevan on October 20. Before the start of the session, an official welcoming ceremony took place, the heads of government of the Eurasian Economic Union member states posed for a photo. The Prime Ministers of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Mikhail Myasnikovich arrived in Armenia for the session. Issues relating to the development of integration processes in the Eurasian space will be discussed during the narrow and extended-format sessions. The participants will specifically focus on the digital agenda. The process of preparing agreements on the formation of a single gas market, as well as oil and oil products markets will also be discussed. As a result, the participants are expected to sign decisions envisaging the further development of the Eurasian economic integration. Last Wednesday, Oct. 19, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope captured what they call the "birthplace of stars in the cosmos," a fascinating high-resolution image of dense gas and dust formations filled with bright stars. The groundbreaking telescope has produced a plethora of fascinating snapshots of the vast star systems in just a few months. According to reports, equipment of the same magnitude and of greater resolution may take its first images of the sky soon. We are referring to Rubin Observatory's LSST Camera, which is rumored to be the world's largest digital camera in the works. This ground-breaking technology can image far-off celestial bodies with a 3.2 gigapixel resolution (3.2 billion pixels). It is said that the Rubin Observatory will progress science in four areas: the nature of dark matter and understanding dark energy, cataloging the Solar System, exploring the changing sky, and the structure and formation of the Milky Way. More About Rubin Observatory's LSST Camera At the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, technicians are finishing up work on the largest digital camera in the world, as per NPR. The camera will be shipped to Chile and mounted in April in a telescope in the Andes. "This camera is huge. It weighs three tons, and it's two stories tall. When I visited earlier this month, it was lying horizontal on a large steel platform," NPR's Joe Palca said. Read Also: NASA Detects Most Powerful Cosmic Gamma-Ray Burst, Signals the Beginning of a New Black Hole? The LSST Camera will power the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's telescope, which has been under development for about 20 years but is announced to be nearing completion. The mechanical components of the complex camera were recently assembled by technicians at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California, last September. What's Next? Once in position, the camera will take pictures of the entire southern celestial hemisphere, according to Mercury News. The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) project, a collaboration between the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, will snap photographs every 15 seconds, amassing a large number of pictures every night over a ten-year period. It is also reported that when changes in the sky are detected, alerts will be sent out to the entire world within 60 seconds, thanks to specialized computer facilities processing Rubin Observatory data in real-time. All astronomers in the United States, Chile, and Rubin Observatory's in-kind stakeholders will have access to prompt and data-release products. The Rubin Observatory According to Wired, the enormous telescope is named after astronomer Vera Rubin. She used telescopes in Arizona in the 1960s and 1970s to map out the spiral arms of stars in nearby galaxies. Despite being passed over for the Nobel Prize, Rubin's discovery sparked interest in dark matter research. According to the report, it is the first national observatory named after a woman. Furthermore, Rubin Observatory was the highest-ranked large ground-based project in the 2010 Astrophysics Decadal Survey, according to AURA. Related Article: NASA's IXPE Uncovers Electric Remnants of Exploded Star Cassiopeia A 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tesla's Texas lithium refinery has been confirmed by Elon Musk. The billionaire announced this effort during a conference on Wednesday, Oct. 20. (Photo : Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images) The logo marks the showroom and service center for the US automotive and energy company Tesla in Amsterdam on October 23, 2019. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) As of writing, almost all-electric vehicles, as well as plug-in hybrid cars, rely on lithium-ion batteries. However, since these batteries use a very limited material, lithium, making them is quite expensive. Because of this, Tesla's CEO is now encouraging other companies to start refining lithium in order to ease supply chain issues. Tesla's Texas Lithium Refinery to be Constructed According to Bloomberg's latest report, Elon confirmed Tesla's plan to construct a lithium refinery in Texas during the automaker's Q3 conference call. (Photo : Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) US-AUTO-TESLA-MODEL Y Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during the unveiling of the new Tesla Model Y in Hawthorne, California on March 14, 2019. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) Also Read: Tesla's Self-Driving Cars Involve in New Crash Deaths: Driver Error to System Error? He shared this project when an analyst asked him about the progress of Tesla's new 4680 battery cell tech. For the past months, Tesla has weighed if it will really construct a lithium refinery in Texas. The automaker considered Louisiana as one of its location candidates. But, Tesla also told state regulators that it plans to build the refinery facility near Corpus Christi. The EV developer added that this factory would be used to process raw ore material into a more production-ready one. Issue With Lithium The World Economic Forum recently reported that the world needs around two billion zero-emission vehicles to eliminate carbon emissions completely. However, there's one problem. Is the world's lithium material enough to make all the needed batteries for manufactured EVs? Because of the rising electric car demands, WEF said the global supplies are having issues with delivering the needed lithium material. The International Energy Agency (IEA) explained that there could be serious lithium shortages by 2025. On the other hand, Credit Suisse claimed that the demand for lithium could treble, allowing the supply to be stretched. If you want to know more about other predictions regarding the lithium material supply across the globe, you can visit this link. In other stories, Tesla's universally compatible home charging station has been launched. Meanwhile, the new Tesla Smart Summon feature for FSD is expected to debut soon. For more news updates about Tesla and its other business plans, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Tesla's Q3 2022: $21.4B in Revenue, a Profitable Quarter Aims to Improve on Deliveries for Q4 This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Griffin Davis 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the parliament on Thursday, Oct. 20, that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine must not result in a "worldwide renaissance" of coal energy plants. Germany Reignites Coal Plants As Russia restricts gas supplies, Germany itself considered opening coal plants in June and eventually activated some to prevent an energy crisis come winter. As reported by ABCNews, Scholz emphasized his government's efforts to reduce the ramifications of Russia's decision to cut off fuel supplies to Germany. The government has recently approved the reactivation of several coals and oil-fueled power plants, and environmental activists advise that by burning more fossil fuels, Germany risks falling short of its climate goals. Furthermore, the Chancellor stated that five more plants that use lignite, a low-quality and emission-intensive type of coal, have been restarted in recent days "as a time-limited but necessary emergency measure." The head of state also decided this week to keep Germany's last three nuclear power plants operational until mid-April. Read Also: Google Introduces Android 13 Go Edition, Brings 'Material You' to Basic Devices and Google Play System Updates "We continue to stand firmly by our climate targets," Scholz said in a speech to parliament. Russia Bottlenecks Europe's Gas Supply Germany stated in June that the worsening gas market situation requires Europe's largest economy to limit its use of natural gas for electricity generation and burn more coal for a "transitional period." Without precautions to avoid a supply shortage, officials warned that situations would get tough in the winter. Germany will therefore try to offset a decrease in Russian gas supplies by burning more coal, claims CNBC. It is well known that carbon is the fossil fuel with the highest emissions of carbon, making it the most crucial fuel to replace as humans move toward renewable energy sources. "The tense situation and high prices are a direct consequence of Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine. There is no mistake. What's more, it's obviously Putin's strategy to unsettle us, drive up prices and divide us. We won't allow that," Economy Minister Robert Habeck said. "We defend ourselves resolutely, precisely, and thoughtfully," Habeck added. Germany Energy Woes Scholz pledges that Germany, expanding its use of renewable energy, will reach all major legislation required to meet its emissions target by the end of this year. Furthermore, the European Union will be staying on the same track. According to reports, he also deemed a final agreement in the coming months on the EU's proposed "Fit for 55" package to achieve the bloc's goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% over the next decade. Based on an Associated Press report, coal factored for 31.4% of Germany's power generation in the first half of this year, up from 27.1% in the same period last year. The percentage of electricity generated in the nation from renewable sources increased to 48.5% from 43.8% the year before, while the percentages from nuclear power and gas decreased to 6% and 11.7%, respectively. Related Article: Experts Worry Russian Invasion Caused Massive Ecological Damage, Ukraine to Roll Out Green Recovery Plan 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On Thursday, Oct. 20, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced filing a new lawsuit against the tech giant Google. According to CNBC's report, The lawsuit alleges that the firm violated the state's biometric data law by failing to get adequate user consent to collect and use voice and face information from millions of consumers in Texas. Based on the complaint, via CNET's report, millions of users may have been adversely impacted by the alleged breach of a Texas statute that carries penalties of up to $25,000 for each offense. The numbers pile up rapidly, which does not look good for Google. The fine may easily go into the billions. Lack of Federal Privacy Legislation in the Various States Since there is no overarching federal privacy regulation, the role that various states play in safeguarding the information of internet users is brought into focus by the lawsuit. For instance, a class action lawsuit against Facebook that was initiated in Illinois under that state's Biometric Information Privacy Act was resolved last year for $650 million. This complaint is quite similar to one that Paxton filed against Facebook's parent company, Meta, earlier this year on the same act, which is known as the Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act. Paxton said in each of the pending complaints against the firms that they unlawfully collected consumer biometric information without obtaining their informed permission. Read Also: Google Nest Update Messes Up Night Vision Camera for Some Users Paxton vs. Google Paxton alleged in his most recent lawsuit against Google that beginning at least in 2015, Google illegally collected and stored facial and voice recognition information on users through the use of its Google Photos, Google Assistant, and Nest smart-home products without first obtaining adequate consent. In addition, he asserted that Google made use of the material better to develop its algorithms for artificial intelligence (AI). "Google's indiscriminate collection of the personal information of Texans, including very sensitive information like biometric identifiers, will not be tolerated," said Paxton in a press release. "I will continue to fight Big Tech to ensure the privacy and security of all Texans." Paxton has been on the receiving end of legal challenges from Google, in particular, on many occasions at this point. The Texas attorney general is heading a coalition of states that have filed a lawsuit against the corporation on antitrust grounds. The lawsuit alleges that the company unlawfully monopolized the market for internet advertising technologies. CNBC requested a statement from Google, but the company has not responded yet. Google's Previous Lawsuit Earlier this month, Google reached a settlement in another legal case worth $85 million. It addressed the charges saying the company unlawfully tracked the movements of Arizona residents using Android smartphones. Mark Brnovich, the Attorney General of Arizona, was the one who initiated the legal action in May 2020. Later on, Google stated that the charges made by the state were already updated a long time ago and that the allegations were based on rules the firm has since revised. Read Also: Apple Settles Lawsuit with App Developer Regarding Subscription Scams and Clone Apps on App Store This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Trisha Kae Andrada 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Today Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Roman Golovchenko. He has arrived in Armenia to participate in the session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council being held in Yerevan on October 20-21, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister. Welcoming the Prime Minister of Belarus, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted: "Dear Roman Alexanderovich, Dear colleagues, I welcome you to the Republic of Armenia and I am very happy for this meeting. Armenia and Belarus are partners and we participate together in a number of formats. The Eurasian Economic Union is one of the main platforms where we cooperate. Of course, the role of the Eurasian Economic Union is growing now, because, as we all know, the world is facing difficult economic times. I must mention that the mechanisms we have in the Eurasian Economic Union are sometimes quite useful in such situations. I must say, and we have talked about it many times, that every crisis situation brings both difficulties and new opportunities. In this context, I should note that, for example, the trade turnover between Armenia and Belarus has almost doubled in the current year. Of course, the overall scale is not so big, but a very good dynamic is observed, and I hope that as a result of our meetings and negotiations, we will manage to maintain this economic dynamic. Of course, we are interested in it, and I hope that we will have more and more common projects that will be competently prepared and will be beneficial for both Belarus and Armenia, our business, and our citizens. Once again, I welcome you, I am very glad to see you. The Prime Minister of Belarus said, Dear Nikol Vovayevich, Dear colleagues, I am very happy to be in Armenia today, in Yerevan, within the framework of the session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and to meet with you to briefly discuss the results of our cooperation. Indeed, the historical ties that unite our peoples are very strong and have successfully stood the test of time. I fully agree and share your assessment of the current stage of our trade, economic and political relations. Dear Nikol Vovayevich, In principle, in recent years, we have moved forward quite well, and if we count from the mid-2000s, we have increased the trade turnover several times. It has grown by another 100 percent in just 8 months of this year. It is especially gratifying that foreign trade is balanced, both Belarusian exports to Armenia and Armenian exports to Belarus are growing. Investments are growing as well, and it is also bilateral. the number of enterprises registered in Armenia with Belarusian capital and in Belarus with Armenian capital has increased. This shows that we are working actively and effectively at different levels. And business feels these impulses, which are also conveyed through the political level, the tools we have are also effective. You know, recently the meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation was held. As reported to me, it was quite successful, the partners have reached very clear agreements on a whole range of issues. That is why, dear Nikol Vovayevich, I am sure that we will achieve better results. In our opinion, of course, now it is important to move from simple trade, export-import to more serious projects." Nikol Pashinyan and Roman Golovchenko exchanged ideas on the agenda and development prospects of Armenian-Belarusian relations. Opportunities of expanding trade and economic ties and implementation of joint projects were discussed. A number of cooperation issues in the bilateral format, as well as within the framework of Eurasian integration processes, were addressed. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi militia stormed several northern cities and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of Sanaa. Yemen's internationally-recognized government appointed a new negotiating team to lead peace talks with Houthi militia over ending their years-long military conflict. "The government appointed an 11-member committee led by Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak to organize plans for peace talks with the Houthis during the upcoming period," the local government source said on condition of anonymity. The newly-formed committee was chosen by the country's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) to equally represent the people in Yemen's southern and northern provinces, the official said, clarifying that politicians from the pro-independence Southern Transitional Council (STC) were included in the negotiating committee for the first time. Forming the negotiating team comes as a series of international efforts led by the United Nations failed previously to renew a six-month humanitarian truce between Yemen's warring factions earlier this month. Why did the #Houthis refuse to extend the ceasefire in #Yemen?https://t.co/K7nXAWlYb3 Hailey Murray (@MhailmUrray__H) October 20, 2022 On Tuesday, Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a brief press statement saying that the Houthis continued to reject new proposals suggesting extending the UN-brokered truce for a further six months and broadening it to include new aspects of consensus. Earlier this month, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg announced that no agreement had been reached to renew the expired truce between Yemen's warring parties and called for continued efforts to facilitate the truce, which first went into force on April 2, and then was renewed twice through Oct. 2. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi militia stormed several northern cities and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of Sanaa. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced four million, and pushed the country to the brink of starvation. Listen to the story of Charles Darwin, the scientist who made it possible to break with ancestral beliefs according to which God created all life, told by historian Virginie Girod, in an unpublished story in two episodes. In 1831, Charles Darwin, who had completed his studies in theology at the University of Cambridge, could be destined for a career as a pastor... But his real passion was naturalism, the study and classification of nature in all its diversity, animals, plants or minerals. In this episode of the "At the heart of History" podcast produced by Europe 1 Studio, Virginie Girod recounts the beginning of the life of Charles Darwin, born into a bourgeois family in the west of England and whose father, a doctor , hope he will follow in his footsteps. Nothing is less certain This story is a Europe 1 Studio production. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan participated in the regular session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council that has started in Yerevan. It is held in narrow and extended formats, today the narrow- format meeting took place, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov and Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich participated in the meeting. The Prime Minister of Armenia welcomed the colleagues of EAEU member states, then the Prime Ministers of the EAEU member states posed for a family photo. At the beginning of the narrow-format session, Nikol Pashinyan welcome made a welcome speech, in which, in particular, he noted: Dear guests, Dear Heads of Government, I am sincerely happy to welcome you to the capital of Armenia, where we traditionally hold the autumn session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council. I have to say with pain that the world economy is going through difficult times. many trade, industrial and logistics links that were just beginning to recover from the pandemic are now experiencing new shocks. The fundamental principles of the global economic system have also come into question. In the conditions of the current unstable economic realities, there is no doubt about the relevance and demand for regular reliable dialogue at the highest level for more harmonious and coordinated interaction. Understanding of mutual interests, willingness for compromise and cooperation can become the key to solving many issues. In this context, I would like to mention the daily work in the literal sense of the word, carried out at all levels within the EAEU framework, in the direction of developing coordinated measures to respond to emerging problems. Before passing the floor to the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Council Akylbek Japarov, let me express my gratitude to the Kyrgyz side both for the presidency and for the efforts made in developing today's rich agenda, which covers a wide range of topical issues of Eurasian integration. I wish everyone productive work and constructive discussions. Thanks for attention". At the narrow-format session, the Heads of Government of the EAEU countries discussed the sources and mechanisms of financing industrial projects within the EAEU framework, and the elimination of obstacles in the internal market of the Union. The members of the Intergovernmental Council were informed about the process of preparation of international agreements for the formation of common markets of gas, oil and oil products, as well as the development of the technical task of the unified analytical system for the management of e-commerce of goods within the Union. The implementation of the instructions and recommendations of the previous sessions was reported. The extended-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will take place on October 21. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Changes to historical borders in the region are unacceptable for Iran, Iran will take all steps to resist even such an intention, ARMENPRESS reports Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian announced at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan. The Iranian Minister first mentioned that the establishment of the consulate in Kapan will create more convenient and easier conditions for developing the cooperation between the two countries. "We have common interests, opinions, and also concerns in the South Caucasus. The Iranian side is completely against the presence of foreign representatives in the region, either on the territory of Armenia or Azerbaijan. The activity of internal representatives in the region is very important for us. The Iranian side will not accept the changes of historical borders in the region at all, that is our red line. And we will take all steps to resist every such intention," said the Iranian Foreign Minister. The trade turnover between Armenia and Iran is about 700 million USD. At the meeting, the two ministers agreed to increase it to 1 billion. Front to back, Tia Torres, Mariah Torres, Tania Torres, Kanani Torres and Keli'i Torres are the family of pit bull rescuers featured in Animal Planet's 'Pit Bulls & Parolees.' Compiled by Judy Bergeron. Have an open-to-the-public event you'd like to promote? Email details to red@theadvocate.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday for the following Friday's paper. Spanish Town neighborhood Friday Feb. 15, 2019, Baton Rouge, La. Talks of prohibiting how and where Airbnbs can set up shop and operate in the East Baton Rouge Parish are happening in the historic Spanish Town neighborhood where residents are preparing to enter into talks with their Metro Council representatives, Tara Wicker, about adopting some kind of city ordinance to regulate the industry -- something New Orleans did and is still working through. Basically Spanish Town folks don't have a problem with Airbnbs where there is on-site management (a person renting out a room or adjacent quarters to their home) but they're getting worried about parking and noise now that there seems to be a trend of folks coming in to buy homes and flip them into Airbnbs for multiple guests and no on-site management, which they feel are basically hotels. That model destroys the integrity of their community, they believe. At around 12:05am on Thursday, the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire from various-caliber firearms, as well as from mortars toward the Armenian positions located in the eastern direction of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. October 20, 2022, 09:03 Azerbaijan army opens fire towards Armenia positions at midnight STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 20, ARTSAKHPRESS: The units of the Armenian Armed Forces silenced the fire of the adversary, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia informs. The Armenian side has no losses. As of now, the situation is relatively stable. Lara Nicholson writes for The Advocate as a Report for America Corps Member. Email her at lnicholson@theadvocate.com or follow her on Twitter @LaraNicholson_. To learn more about Report for America and to support our journalism, please click here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Fred was very untidy, Lyn Williams says of her late husband, the great Australian landscape painter. He did etching on the table he ate from. He put a saucepan on the sink and it went into the acid bath and burnt the bottom out of it. Williams and I are meeting in a nondescript room on the third floor of the NGV with senior curator Cathy Leahy. She is talking about how Fred lived in a bedsit in Londons South Kensington in the mid-1950s. His Irish landlady would come in and stack [Freds drawings] on the floor, and throw out the dog-eared ones, she says. Lyn Williams is in her mid-70s and looks uber-chic with her salt and pepper bob, Melbourne-black clothes and an elegant gold necklace. Along the walls are a selection of framed works that feature in Fred Williams: The London Drawings, an exhibition of 160 drawings, 12 gouaches and 30 etchings at NGV Australia. The collection is a significant gift from the artists family and the exhibition is the first time it has been seen in public. Fred Williams in 1980, two years before his death at 55. Credit:Fairfax Media When the couple met in 1960 in Australia, all the London drawings were in big old cardboard boxes. Fred was not exactly meticulous, Williams says. We came to an agreement: If I didnt go back teaching I would sort things out. Lyn Williams has cared for her husbands estate ever since he died from lung cancer in 1982 at just 55. Under her management, his work has survived shifts in fashion and ultimately thrived, so much so that he is now one of a few Australian artists whose larger works fetch more than $1 million at auction. Advertisement He arrived in London [in 1951] and worked at a picture framers and went to the Chelsea Polytechnic art school three nights a week, says Leahy, who curated London Drawings. Major British artists went [to his picture framers]. He met Francis Bacon. He saw how the art world worked, how the works got cleaned up. He was allowed to take a Renoir home overnight. Fred was always drawing away in the darkened theatre. Its really about on-the-spot recording. He has a very telling line. Lyn Williams Williams recalls visiting a gallery in Cardiff with Fred in 1964. There were a row of Renoirs and I knew he was fond of Renoirs and he walked by very quickly and I said whats the hurry? And he said casually I framed them. The three of us look at Freds in situ pencil drawings of performers in Londons music halls. Tickets were cheap then, apparently; cheaper than paying a shilling at home to put money in the gas meter, Lyn says with a wry smile. Fred would queue up outside the Chelsea Palace then race up the stairs to get the best seats in the gods and look down. Fred and his mates would do conte crayon sketches of all the performers. Williams has heard that he may have even etched directly on to a plate in the theatre. Fred Williams, The clown, 1954-1955, varnished gouache on composition board. Estate of Fred Williams. Credit:Garry Sommerfeld/NGV At various times she and Leahy ponder aspects of Freds work, including whether a beautiful, solid portrait of a melancholic performer was the famous comedian Max Miller. Their enduing adoration and fascination with Fred Williams work is infectious. I lean in to inspect a couple of drawings of audience members. They are sketchy, hastily done, but masterful. I mention how they have a sense of urgency, like he didnt want to get caught. Nearby, rendered in fat, smeared sections of gouache, is a painting of a dancing clown. Even though it is probably a reworking of the five-second drawing of a performer next to it, it retains its loose energy. (Whenever I attempt to rework my funny little sketches they always end up feeling drained of life, wooden.) Williams mentions Fred would take things home to work on them further. Fred used the observational studies on the spot and then back in his room turned them into etchings combined them. Advertisement We consider a drawing of a full-faced woman, an audience member, in a fancy hat which prompts Leahy to mention that Fred loved Daumier, the great French caricaturist. Fred was always drawing away in the darkened theatre. Its really about on-the-spot recording. He has a very telling line. Williams predicts that viewers will see the drawings as just hurried sketches, but there is a real insight into Freds working method ... Drawing is the key to understanding his work. They really reveal what an extraordinary draughtsman he is, says Leahy. He said drawing is the final critical analysis of any artists work. A pencil and paper tells you a whole lot. Drawing exposes all. Fred Williams, Art student, Chelsea Polytechnic, 1952-1956, conte crayon. Estate of Fred Williams. Credit:Garry Sommerfeld/NGV Williams work is an inspiration, and I want to run out of the room and do some sketching myself: the gallery visitors, the expensive croissants in the cafe, the elms on St Kilda Road, even that old Chinese violinist anything! Looking at a few of Freds drawings I cant help thinking about the quirky observational cartoons by the late French illustrator Jean-Jacques Sempe. Fred had a great sense of humour, Williams says. She points out an etching of a chef in his high hat and white uniform at the dreary trade entrance of the Dorchester Hotel clocking on to work, which Fred found amusing. Fred was always looking, Leahy says. This etching [of the chef] has an echo of Whistler, Sickert and even Tom Roberts A Chinese cook shop. He has all that research and knowledge of art and he makes it his own. Advertisement Another drawing, this time of a fellow student, a nun in fact, is swiftly rendered but perfectly arranged on the page, with just enough detail in her face and posture to convey character. You can see how he twisted his pencil about in acrobatic ways to create different lines. An installation view of Fred Williams: The London Drawings at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Credit:Tom Ross I wonder if Fred thought it was funny, or at least pleasingly odd, to see a nun in her wimple in a life drawing class. (Who wouldnt?) From my experience, strangers on a train or in the street know when they are being drawn: they sense your gaze then close themselves off to you (I tend to have that effect on people). Looking at Freds portraits you can tell he was flying by the seat of his pants, and this makes his canny sketches spring off the page. We walk a little further down the line to the London Zoo sketches. Fred used to go there with [Australian artist] Francis Lymburner, Williams says. Fred Williams, Elephant c.1953, conte crayon. Estate of Fred Williams. Credit:Garry Sommerfeld/NGV A large drawing shows an elephant standing precariously on the edge of a moat in its enclosure. This one was redone in his bedsit, Leahy says as she shows us Freds original, smaller sketch in the handsome exhibition catalogue that has just come back from the printer. Its reaching out for food. Marvellous composition. Advertisement I marvel at how Williams has conveyed its mass with just a few lines, as if by instinct. Then for a few long seconds the three of us just stare at it. This one I love too, says Williams, breaking the spell. The gibbon swinging. Hes caught that sense of the movement through the body, says Leahy. The boneless feeling, Williams agrees. Fred Williams, Gibbon swinging, c.1953, brown conte crayon. Estate of Fred Williams Credit:Garry Sommerfeld/NGV Until recently I only really knew Fred Williams famous oil paintings: wide, earthy abstracted landscapes with pronounced, high horizons and scratches and smudges of trees and objects that shimmer and dissolve into the distance. I ask his widow what caused this seemingly abrupt change in approach when he returned from London in 1956. When the ship pulled into Fremantle he was struck by the contrast between the Australian landscape and the orderly nature of England. [He thought] theres an opportunity to do something, she says. His friends said why do you want to do the Australian landscape? and he said I think I can add something to that story. Something thats not there. Advertisement Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Theres a scene in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris that could go some way to explaining why, after 40-odd years, I can still write with pleasure, sometimes even passion, about fashion. Its set in Paris around 1957 on Avenue Montaigne in the tres elegant atelier of one M. Christian Dior. An anniversary salon show, 10 years of monsieurs utterly, gloriously glamorous ladies wear is under way and Mrs Ada Harris, a London charwoman more usually tuned to cardigans and sturdy shoes than the silky stuff and spindly heels of haute couture, is in the front row. Its Lesley Manville playing Ada, chuffed to the coif and fizzing with excitement just to be there. Every arabesque mannequin, every wasp-waisted swathe that swishes into the salon sets her off; breathy little ooohs, fluttery chirps and pips. I know Manville is acting; of course she is. (Shes a master of nuance, not voted best actress numerous times in her legendary career for nothing.) I also know the show is a ruse; of course it is, a clever conjuring by equally legendary costume designer Jenny Beavan (more about that later). But I get it too. Boy, do I get it. Adas joy, in imagining or remembering the slip of silk on her own skin, the scratch of gaberdine or a tulle petticoat, the fleshy slap and sway of skirts around her own legs, the bracing, spine-unfurling clench of a schlooped waistline ... I do the same thing; imagine what some marvellous garment might be like to slip on, twirl in, show off. At more fashion shows than I could count, of the thousand-odd Ive clocked in my career, its been a private challenge to sit cool and detached like the proper fashionistocrats around me instead of chirping and piping like Ada. Lambert Wilson and Lesley Manville in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Credit:Ada Films Fashion stirs something visceral in us all, whether we know it or not, deny it or not, or are more fond of Yakka and Kmart than Yamamoto or Dior. It doesnt matter. Fashions wafty promises of connection, social success, maybe even love, if we only wear the right X, or look good/loveable/impressive/worthy in that fancy Y, are just a frock away, or a suit or shirt away, every morning of every ordinary, bog-average day. Its also there like weft and warp in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Director Anthony Fabians film is based on the bestselling 1958 novel by Paul Gallico about Ada, a loveable maid of-a-certain-age who is so mesmerised by her posh employer, Lady Dants Ravissante Dior gown, she cant rest its just too, too lovely. She plots to buy a Dior of her own, from the haute couture source, no less. Advertisement Its a marvellous story. A lovely few hours at the cinema sort of film, says Manville, smiling now on Zoom from London. Shes immaculately groomed, sitting primly at a desk in her soft-lit study. Its about Adas being kind of liberated from the plain and simpleness of her daily attire and life by this couture world thats transformative and magical. Weve got 30 minutes, the first 10 to range over Manvilles Mrs. Harris backstory: how she co-produced the film (I wanted to oversee some of the creative side ... I brought in director of photography Felix Wiedemann); how Ada was considered the perfect role for her by dear friends Rima Horton (an executive producer on the film) and Hortons late husband, actor Alan Rickman; how it was tricky to shoot and source in Hungary during the pandemic; how it was a treat for one so renowned for tough interpretations and complicated roles (A departure because my works often been challenging and socially demanding with a lot of emotionally complex characters). But now we switch to fashion, a Manville sweet spot. She plumbed everything she knows about couture and its a lot for Mrs. Harris. My knowledge of fashion of that time, and the social, political sense of that period is quite sophisticated, she says. Manville had already researched the art and life of a 1950s haute couture atelier for her role as Cyril Woodcock, the vinegary vendeuse and sister of Daniel Day-Lewis couturier, Reynolds, in Paul Thomas Andersons 2017 masterpiece Phantom Thread. From left, Roxane Duran, Bertrand Poncet and Lesley Manville in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Credit:Ada Films Her personal knowledge of couture is even more profound. I love clothes, good clothes. She means good in the purest sense: a well-cut dress, a well-cut suit. She describes long love affairs with well-made jackets and exquisite dresses. I have clothes Ive spent money on when I didnt have much money and people say oh, I love that jacket and Ill say, Thank you, Ive had it for 40 years. Advertisement She bought a Dolce & Gabbana dress recently. It reminds me of the 1950s, a little bit Dior, in black gaberdine, quite fitted at the waist, with a little lace collar and lace cuffs. I know it will be in my wardrobe for a very long time. She still wears a cocktail dress that belonged to her mother. My mother and father won a ballroom dancing competition in the late 50s or early 60s and this was the prize, a beautiful black cocktail dress in gaberdine with three-quarter sleeves and the most fabulous black velvet wrap-around collar, almost like a sash. Manville had it altered, still wears it, waxes lyrical about two more gowns, by London couturier Anna Valentine (designer of Camilla Parker Bowles wedding gown) she had fitted a-la-haute like skin for her appearances at the BAFTA and Academy Awards after Phantom Thread. Its hard to put into words, but when you put those clothes on, it just takes you out of yourself, she says. Youre still you, but this version of you thats kind of, really lovely ... Theres something about a dress like that, that takes you somewhere else. The Caracas dress from the Christian Dior show in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Credit:Ada Films Beavan was hired as costume designer to convey that, and to justify those little pips and flutters of Adas. But Im definitely not a fashion person, she says via Zoom, from a wind-buffeted trailer on the Botany Bay clifftop set of the latest Mad Max film. In fact I dont really enjoy fashion much and, myself, I wear what can only be described as work clothes. What Beavan undoubtedly is, however, is a gifted storyteller. That isnt fashion to me, she says of the films heartstring-twanging costumes. Thats storytelling with frocks. Since the early 1980s, Beavan has designed costumes for dozens of wildly diverse films, from the genteel A Room with a View to primal and punkish Mad Max: Fury Road to the sartorial romp Cruella (she won Oscars for all three). Fabian describes her as one of the greatest costume designers Britain has ever produced. Advertisement Following the invitation by the government of the Republic of Armenia, the OSCE will send a needs assessment team to the country on 21-27 October, the official website of the OSCE stated. October 20, 2022, 09:12 OSCE sends a needs assessment team to Armenia STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 20, ARTSAKHPRESS: The purpose of the visit is to assess the situation in certain border areas, on the basis of the OSCEs mandate and expertise within its comprehensive concept of security. The technical team comprised of international experts and representatives of the OSCE Secretariat will visit areas along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and hold consultations with the relevant national and local stakeholders as well as international partners on the ground. Madi accuses Pat of "overcompensating" Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss The Victorian governments announcement that it would revive the publicly owned State Electricity Commission while drastically ramping up its emissions reductions target is new evidence that the National Energy Market, which links most of the nations power systems, is no longer fit for purpose. Or as one observer, Tony Wood of the Grattan Institute put it: Stick it in an urn and put it on your mantle. Batteries are critical for Australias energy transition. Credit:Eamon Gallagher How this might play out for energy consumers across the nations south and east remains an open question, even if the clean energy the Andrews government intends to pump into the system will be cheaper to produce than the fossil power it replaces. In simplest terms, the NEM used to work well to organise the generation and trading of power, its distribution, and the investment needed to maintain it and improve it when coal was king. A former police prosecutor who secretly filmed a 13-year-old girl and a woman undressing, and distributed the videos of the woman to other men, will spend a minimum of two years behind bars. His victims, whose identities have been suppressed, hugged their loved ones in Moorabbin Magistrates Court after Simon Luebbers, 44, was handcuffed and led away from the room, which was packed with supporters of the victims. Former police prosecutor Simon Luebbers arrives at Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Credit:Wayne Taylor During sentencing, magistrate Luisa Bazzani described Luebbers crimes against the teenage girl as heinous and selfish. It served no purpose other than for your own greedy desire for sexual gratification at the cost of a childs happiness and safe development, she said. Year 12 student Rowan Farren has not left his house since last Saturday, when the floodwaters in his street rose above waist height. Farrens family home in Mooroopna, near Shepparton, was built above the high water mark of the 1974 flood so it has remained dry, but neighbours in older houses have brown water up to their windows. St Josephs Primary School principal Liz Trewick says minds and bodies are tired, but the community spirit is awesome. Credit:Justin McManus Officially, he is due to sit his VCE English exam on Wednesday, but he doesnt like his chances. More rain is forecast this week and he doesnt expect the water to recede enough for him to be able to travel across the Mooroopna causeway to his school in Shepparton. The 18-year-old feels like he is in no shape to sit his exam anyway. He has barely slept or studied in the past week. There are lessons to be learnt, no doubt, but all factors need to be applied when making an assessment of what happened and what could happen next time around. Michael Cowan, Wheelers Hill I didnt realise the staff members were safe So, schools should have stayed open during the pandemic. I wasnt aware that teaching and ancillary staff, who are somewhat vital to the education system, and their families were safe from getting sick themselves. Silly me. Wendy Hinson, Wantirna Keep in mind the contemporary context Neil Mitchells call for inquiries and open debate into the Andrews governments handling of the COVID pandemic back in 2020-21 (Time to address these elephants in the room, The Sunday Age, 16/10), is uncontroversial in itself. There will indeed be administrative lessons to be learnt from examining how we dealt with such a life-altering event. The potential problem in these retrospectives is when they become inquisitorial and partisan exercises devoid of the fraught contemporary context at the time of the decision making and some journalistic narratives of that period already read like academic exercises premised on Dan Andrews being designated as the bogyman. Sober and fair-minded judgments, together with some empathy for decision makers, are called for in such retrospectives. Jon McMillan, Mount Eliza. THE FORUM Arrogant hypocrisy You report that the proposed security pact with Japan reflects, in part, growing concerns about Chinese military operations in the region (Security pact with Japan on table, The Age, 20/10). Australias relationship with China and the United States will be a matter of debate and anxiety for the foreseeable future. Chinas rise is regarded as a threat by the US and we dutifully parrot that concern. Plainly, Xi Jinping is determined to re-establish China as a great nation, worthy of its Chinese name: Zhonghua the central country. Progress has been astounding. This is similar to the US credo of manifest destiny and American exceptionalism. However, unlike the US, Chinas pursuit of this objective has not involved constant foreign wars or coups against unacceptable regimes. Unlike the Soviet Union, there is scant evidence of Chinese plans to export its system of government. As for matters like human rights, social cohesion, changes in poverty levels, crime rates, and affordable housing, criticism of China from both Australia and the US demonstrates arrogant hypocrisy. Norman Huon, Port Melbourne We all learn differently Your correspondent (Textbook failure, Letters 20/10) reminds us that teachers need to teach in multiple ways to meet the needs of all students. People have different learning styles visual, auditory, read/write and kinaesthetic and one method of teaching may not suit them all. In addition, in any classroom, there could be a student with autism spectrum disorder, or ADHD. There maybe a child with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dysphasia, or dyspraxia, all of which lead to different learning needs. We expect teachers to know how to teach all of their students, who all have different learning needs, so they all achieve their full potential. Textbooks are useful and necessary, but reliance on them for lesson planning, as the writer says, is not what teaching is about. Louise Kloot, Doncaster A hollow freedom The decision of former prime minister Scott Morrison to establish national cabinet to deal with the pandemic will come to be seen as his most significant achievement. It produced a largely uniform and health-based response across Australia. However, he was unable to run on his pandemic record because elements of the Liberal Party, especially in Victoria, had invested too much energy in criticising elements of that response, even though the population didnt see it that way. Josh Frydenberg paid the ultimate political price for his gratuitous comments. The policies seemingly advocated in a pandemic report, headed by former Howard-era public servant Peter Shergold, are similar to those actually followed in places like Florida in the US. They had fewer lockdowns, fewer mandates and children went to school but their death rate was six times that in Australia. Instead of 15,500 deaths here, there would have been at least 93,000. There is no point having the freedom to be able to get a cup of coffee if you are not alive to do it. Paul Kennelly, Caulfield North Outlaw data retention I left Medibank Private some years ago for what I felt was a better health fund. Recently, I have received several emails from Medibank Private about the hacking of their database. What is a health fund doing in retaining ex-members data for years after they have left the fund? This should not be permitted. When someone leaves a fund, their data should be properly and promptly removed from the database. Why isnt there legislation requiring this? Private details about me may have been acquired by hackers even though I have not been a member for many years. Brian Pryke, Mount Dandenong How are we better off? It is to be hoped that the chair of the Australian Energy Regulator, Clare Savages mea culpa regarding her role in creating the mess of the Australian electricity distribution system is the first of many from those economists who were given free rein over the past 30-plus years to impose their version of efficiency on the suffering public (We made the energy market too confusing for people, Comment, 20/10). Just what have been the advantages for the average punter following the various privatisations, think Telstra or the ports or CSL or Toll Roads or Qantas or the Commonwealth Bank, that have made investment bankers and shareholders wealthy at the expense of customers and taxpayers? Maurice Critchley, Mangrove Mountain, NSW A pretend system Clare Savage inadvertently hits the nail on the head. The energy market is a fabrication, a pretend system of competition, an artificial design to transfer control of energy from the community (government-owned) to private enterprise, a blind adherence to the dogma that private enterprise is always more efficient. The reality is, no matter who you choose as your supplier, the electricity comes from the same power lines and the same generators as it all gets mixed together in the grid. All that changes is which company reads your meter and sends you a bill. That the number of companies supplying electricity is increasing is a sign of how profitable it is and therefore how much consumers are being ripped off. So its not surprising that companies make it confusing and difficult to decide the benefits of one over another. We would not have any of these problems had we stuck with the State Electricity Commission, and Premier Daniel Andrews is to be applauded for his plan to return this essential service back into the control of the communities that rely on it. Tim Davis, Heidelberg Blunders galore I must jog Peter Duttons memory. Speaking of the Albanese governments decision to not recognise West Jerusalem as Israels capital, Dutton said that he had not seen a bigger foreign affairs blunder in many years (Jerusalem call could have been handled better: PM, The Age, 20/10). Surely, the adventure in Iraq to find non-existent weapons of mass destruction was a bigger blunder. And how about the axing of our shortwave news service to our South Pacific neighbours, which along with cuts to foreign aid and climate change inaction, has given the opportunity for China to move into this region? More recently, there was the election-day text messages that refugee boats were coming, and, finally, the recognition of West Jerusalem in the first place was a bigger foreign affairs blunder. Barry Lizmore, Ocean Grove This doesnt help matters The Australian government professes to support a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state co-exist, in peace and security. Recognising West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel does nothing to harm this goal. However, reversing this recognition only serves to bolster the resolve of terrorist groups such as Hamas, which has praised the announcement made by Penny Wong. It is indeed the mission of Hamas to ensure that a two-state solution is never negotiated. In reality, the Labor government has actually harmed any future negotiations rather than assisting. Keren Zelwer, St Kilda East Its easy to check It is really easy to check what doctors have claimed for treating you (And another thing, 19/10). If you download the Medicare app and set yourself up with a login, all the details are listed there. I have been checking my claims details for a few years and found some interesting and creative claims by a former GP. The system is far too easy to rort, unfortunately. Carola Marley, Moonee Ponds An extraordinary amount I would never have thought there would be anything which would invite my sympathy for One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Yet the extraordinary damages payout she is directed to pay to former senator Brian Burston, following a judgment from Justice Robert Bromwich, beggars belief (Hanson must pay $250,000 to former senator, The Age, 20/10). Bromwich at one point said that Burston might not have kept up to date with todays standards of conduct. Wrong again. It was never OK to behave as he did. I should have thought 50 would cover it. Carmel Boyle, Alfredton Coalition put to shame After reading your article, Zombie measures, blowouts hit budget (The Age, 20/10), coupled with the documented rorting and the appalling state that the federal budget was left in by the Morrison government, I never again want to hear a Coalition politician mutter the statement: Labor cannot manage money. Mark Thomson, Beaumaris Something else at play At school on three continents at institutions Roman Catholic, Episcopalian and Anglican, I was never taught that the Christian message values exclusion of the good. Of course, if a church-based school seeks a teacher for that schools religion, it will look for the best equipped, as you would hope it also would for a geography or maths teacher. But Opposition Leader Matthew Guys message about allowing religious schools to hire staff based on faith seems about something else; that certain people despite their ability can be cast beyond the pale. Such a policy erects barriers where there need be none. At my schools, I heard of the good Samaritan; of the exhortation to use fully ones talents however limited or bountiful they be; fury in the face of religious hypocrisy; and supremely to love thy neighbour as thyself. These dont seem to be what Guy or his party are referencing, and its a shame that they are not. Marguerite Heppell, East Hawthorn AND ANOTHER THING The Department of Names In my childhood, weather forecasts came from the Weather Bureau. A simple name ordinary people could understand and pronounce. Mark Freeman, Macleod Credit: Meteorology is even harder to say than nuclear. Christine Weatherhead, Glen Waverley Why would the Bank of Melbourne want to change its name to the Bureau? Keith Lawson, Melbourne The pandemic We are all too aware of the failures (Pandemic response failed most vulnerable, The Age, 20/10). What about pandemic achievements? Pat Rivett, Ferntree Gully No surprise that mistakes were made by governments during the pandemic. Everyone was in a new learning environment and it is easy to be wise after an event not experienced in our lifetime. Ray Cleary, Camberwell Politics Great news and thank you, Premier Andrews, for the promise to resurrect the SEC (Power generation switching to state control under Andrews $1b energy plan, online, The Age, 20/10). Could you now bend your mind to the Gas and Fuel Corporation and the Board of Works? Bill Gilbert, Olinda Turns out you can unscramble an egg. Hopefully there are a few other privatised assets in the governments sights. Jack Morris, Kennington I love a bet but I will vote for any politician who wants all betting advertising banned. Craig Christie, Mornington Furthermore Given I have accounts with Optus, Woolworths and Vinomofo I should have taken out a full page ad showing all my details and saved the hackers all that trouble. Bryan Fraser, St Kilda West For days, people have come down to the bank of the Murray River in Echucas port precinct to watch the river and photograph its progress. Inexorably, it rises. By 4pm on Thursday, an engorged Murray had risen to 94.48 metres above sea level, more than 1 metres higher than it was the same time a week ago. The Murray River creeps up in the Echuca port area. Credit:Bianca Hall When we think of floods, we imagine rushing water that takes us by surprise. Lismore, Rochester. But this is something different. The Murray River is a ponderous, purposeful river. She means business. There is an eerie and tense feeling in Echuca, where residents know the river is coming for this beautiful port town, and yet are powerless to stop it. The owner of Kimberley Hotel in the states far north is seeking special permission to build an electric fence around his property in a desperate attempt to deter thieves. The drastic measure comes as crime skyrockets in Halls Creek, with the number of stealing, burglary and property damage offences more than tripling in the past decade despite the towns population remaining largely unchanged at 3600. Kimberley Hotel in Halls Creek. Credit:Kimberley Hotel The Shire of Halls Creek will on Thursday vote on whether to allow the fence to be erected at the accommodation site, which houses much of the towns fly-in, fly-out workers, including essential workers such as doctors, nurses and tradespeople. President Malcolm Edwards said he was concerned approving the boundary could set a precedent for other business owners to do the same. The ability of two vast Woodside gas plants and other industry on the Burrup Peninsula to coexist with more than 1 million ancient rock engravings will be considered by an independent inquiry for the federal government launched on Wednesday. Two Traditional Custodians, Raylene Cooper and Josie Alec, have requested environment minister Tanya Plibersek protect the area they call Murujuga which is in the process of nomination for World Heritage listing. Murujuga traditional custodians Raelene Cooper and Josie Alec want Tanya Plibersek to act to protect their heritage. Credit:Woop Woop Pictures Cooper, a Mardudhunera woman, said Murujuga was a remarkable place that was important to the culture of the five language groups that have custody of the area. One thing they love the most is the connection to the land, the stories and the songs that have been passed on for many many years, and generation after generation, Cooper said. Two days after the EU's decision to deploy an observation mission, the OSCE decides to send a needs assessment mission to Armeniain the border regions with Azerbaijan. Jonathan Lacote, the former French Ambassador to Armenia, wrote this on Facebook. October 20, 2022, 11:21 Lacote: OSCE observation mission deployment will contribute to respect of Armenia territorial integrity STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 20, ARTSAKHPRESS: "This decision marks the result of the actions by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, after the armed attacks of Azerbaijan on the Armenian territory. The deployment of this OSCE mission will make an additional contribution to the respect of Armenia's security and territorial integrity," Lacote added. Labors influential environment lobby is calling on the government to help households electrify their appliances to eliminate the need for new gas projects, escalating the partys internal stoush over fossil fuels. The policy push opens a rift between the group whose patrons include Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Employment Minister Tony Burke and Resources Minister Madeleine King, who says new gas fields are needed to increase the volume of gas available to the local market. Resources Minister Madeleine King. Credit:James Brickwood Electrification will play an increasingly important role in addressing climate change for both households and industry as we transform our energy system, King said on Thursday. But the fact remains that gas will continue to play a crucial role in electricity generation and industry for years to come particularly in heavy industry and hard-to-abate sectors. The Labor Environment Action Network was co-founded by Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister. It seems somewhat irrational that a natural disaster, like the floods inundating Victoria, could have an impact on next months state election. Acts of God, as insurers call them, arent triggered by a vote on Spring Street, but political scientists have identified a trend that floods, fires, droughts and other disasters have on elections. And it's rarely good for incumbent governments. Damaging floods in Victoria could have an impact on next months election. Credit:James Alcock It seems that while voters accept the somewhat random timing of natural disasters, we also understand that the response warnings, recovery efforts, financial support require political will. Scott Morrison learnt this the hard way as his governments responses to floods and fires were used against him during the recent election campaign. And it worked. Most Victorians are no doubt so sick of thinking about the pandemic that they only want to view it in the rearview mirror. That might, in part, explain why the many contentious decisions the Victorian government made over lockdowns and restrictions, including school closures, are barely making a mark during the state election campaign. But, quite rightly, some are looking back to analyse and reflect on how Australias governments performed during that time. Coolly considering what went right and what went wrong are vital steps in ensuring that if something similar were to happen again, we would not repeat our errors. Former top public servant Peter Shergold led an independent review of how Australia handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit: Wolter Peeters Funded by three leading philanthropic groups, the first substantial review has been completed by a panel chaired by Peter Shergold, a former head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. His inquiry drew on 350 confidential submissions and consultations with health experts, public servants, economists and business and community groups. First, the good news. It found that Australia has much to be proud of in the way it responded to the pandemic. Many lives were saved, particularly in the pre-vaccine environment. Much of that success the inquirers put down to advantages including an ability to close and enforce international borders, a strong economic and fiscal position and a citizenry that broadly trusted its governments. Years of work and rental history, bank statements, self-funded background checks, social media profiles and pet resumes are just some details that prospective renters have to provide to secure a property. Experts have raised concerns about the potential risk of an Optus-style data breach waiting to happen in the real estate industry as it amasses more and more sensitive information on rental applicants. Renters say they have to provide more and more information to help secure a property in the competitive rental market. Credit:Ben Rushton Real estate agents have almost free rein on what they can ask to collect beyond protection against basic discrimination based on background or disability and some ask for applications just to view a property. In a tight rental market, prospective tenants feel obliged to provide as much information as theyre asked for, said Leo Patterson Ross, chief executive of Tenants Union NSW. The purpose of what it is collected for is very problematic. People are being asked for even their social media profiles ... this has no real bearing of maintaining your tenancy, Patterson Ross said. London: One of Chinas most senior diplomats in the UK has said it was his duty to rip hair from the scalp of a Hong Konger who was protesting outside the consulate in Manchester because the demonstrators had erected pictures ridiculing President Xi Jinping. The revelation came as Bob Chan, the man who was dragged onto consulate grounds and beaten, told the media in London that he feared for his safety. The riot gear and mask-clad gang, identified in the UK Parliament as Chinese diplomats, included the Consul-General Zheng Xiyuan. Hong Kong protester Bob Chan, left, who alleged he was dragged into the Chinese Consulate in Manchester and beaten up during a demonstration, poses with British MP Iain Duncan Smith in London. Credit:AP Conservative MPs and the opposition slammed the British government for its weak response to Chans assault, which has so far amounted to a foreign office official reiterating to Chinas charge daffairs the UKs commitment to peaceful protest and expectation that all diplomats and consular staff based in the UK... respect the UKs laws and regulations. London: Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a teenager by driving carelessly in England three years ago, a case that led to diplomatic friction between Britain and the United States. Harry Dunn, 19, died in August 2019 after his motorcycle was hit by a Volvo car driven on the wrong side of the road by Sacoolas near RAF Croughton, an air force base in the English county of Northamptonshire that is used by the US military. The mother of Harry Dunn, Charlotte Charles (left) and his stepfather, Bruce Charles leave the Westminster magistrates Court after the hearing. Credit:AP Sacoolas, whose husband worked as a US intelligence officer at the base, left Britain shortly after the accident, claiming diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution and the US refused to extradite her. Appearing at Londons Old Bailey court by videolink from the United States on Thursday (US time), Sacoolas denied causing death by dangerous driving but admitted the less serious charge. Rebecca Gilman's new play is extremely well-crafted and easy to admire, but more difficult to like. Its four characters all are problematic and emotionally damaged to varying degrees, stewing over why life has been unfair to them. The fact that we understand the characters doesn't make them less prickly. Like several previous Gilman plays, Swing State is set in contemporary southwest Wisconsin, populated with semirural folks sometimes called "flyovers." Indeed, Wisconsin is bedrock America balancing on the political fulcrum, just barely voting Trump in 2016 and just barely Biden in 2020. Yet Swing State isn't about elections and isn't obviously political. Rather, it concerns the interplay between different world views, perhaps explained as simply (yet profoundly) as hope vs. disappointment, or our darker angels vs. our brighter. Three characters particularly swing between these moods, as the play flirts with comedy before turning radically serious in the final 20 minutes. We first meet Peg (Mary Beth Fisher), a widow in her late 50s, dedicated to preserving a tract of virgin prairie on her small farm. Peg, in crisis after the unexpected death of her husband, harbors suicidal thoughts. That's her "swing." Apparently childless, Peg has grown close to twentysomething Ryan (Bubba Weiler), a troubled young man possibly suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome. Ryan lacks emotional control, has substance abuse issues, and served time for drunken battery. His swing is obvious. Peg pretty much is all Ryan has, and vice versa. Peg leaves the prairie to a conservation group in her will, but the remaining land, house, and barn to Ryan. When Peg discovers some of her late husband's old tools are missing from the barn, along with a vintage Winchester rifle, the brusque and self-important Sheriff Kris (Kirsten Fitzgerald) immediately suspects Ryan. Her collegiate son OD'd on fentanyl not that long ago, which seems to have hardened her attitude towards Ryan, with his history of substance abuse. Almost in passing, Sheriff Kris suggests she and her brothers could purchase Peg's farm and plow under the prairie. Kris is assisted by Dani (Anne E. Thompson), her new deputy just three weeks on the job and recently divorced. Dani, disappointed she attended only a two-year college, believes law enforcement will be fulfilling. Things take a dire turn, though, when Kris and Dani arrive at the house to arrest Ryan and the Winchester reappears. Shots are fired. Swing State pitches the two older women against each other the tree-hugger vs. The Law with Sheriff Kris the most hardened figure. Ryan and Dani still have choices open to them, although Ryan never seems emotionally capable of controlling his life. Still, all four characters are complex, and Gilman skillfully reveals layers of personality in a few lines of dialogue. For instance, Peg uses sardonic humor to spar with Kris, and swings between despairing and nurturing. And there's also a lovely scene in which Ryan and Dani make a tentative personal connection discussing prairie wildlife. For that moment at least, the brighter angels seem ascendant. This is the fifth Gilman world premiere staged by Robert Falls, recently retired as Goodman Theatre artistic director after 36 years. He's a master of his craft who knows when to leave auteurism behind and let a naturalistic play take its course, as he wisely does here. You do not see his hand, but you see his intelligence, and Gilman's, too. The actors all with lengthy Chicago resumes tackle their roles with confidence, especially Weiler who has the greatest emotional turns. Fisher, well-known to New York and Chicago audiences, is as nuanced and convincing as always, and she and Fitzgerald make a splendid dry-comedy duo in their tense scenes together. Thompson projects charm and a lovely smile in the one scene (with Weiler) in which she has the opportunity. "Swing State" is a dark play, almost certainly meant to represent the troubled, unsettled current national mood in which we'd rather lay blame than just suck it up. The physical production, nonetheless, is warm and bright. Todd Rosenthal has designed a cozy box set with a small, inviting kitchen and comfy book-lined sitting area, with old bird houses on the shelves and leather armchairs. Eric Southern's lighting also is warm, with plenty of sunlight flowing through the windows in daytime scenes. Evelyn M. Danner's costumes are appropriate, if unflashy, cop uniforms and casual wear. A case probably can be made that Peg represents America's progressive traditions and Ryan the MAGA constituency, lashing out at liberal largesse (Peg's) and scheming against it, with Sheriff Kris as a law-and-order conservative and Dani as the undecided swing voter. But it might be better to take Swing State as a play about lives in conflict, rather than as a political schematic. The European Union will provide a 10,000,000 euro grant assistance to Armenia within the framework of the Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027 for Armenia for the implementation of police reforms, migration management and human rights protection. October 20, 2022, 12:11 EU to provide 10 million euro grant assistance to Armenia STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 20, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan said that the assistance will also be directed for the formation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The assistance will also be directed to the Office of the Armenian Representative for International Legal Affairs for development of capacity and promoting public awareness on human rights. The final five minutes in Part 1 of Matthew Lopez's epic Tony-winning The Inheritance, now running at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, are some of the most gut-wrenching moments in theater. At the performance I attended, the entire audience sat connected some teary-eyed, some crying but it seemed everyone was affected somehow by the play's sadness and other-worldly camaraderie. The entire seven-plus-hour production, which is divided into two parts, spellbinds with precise dialogue, rich characters, and an analysis of the United States as a whole. Taking place in New York during the end of the Obama Era/beginning of the Trump period, The Inheritance follows the disintegration of the relationship of Eric (Adam Kantor) and Toby (Juan Castano) after Toby adapts his first novel into a play, which becomes a success. Toby becomes drunk with accolades and the attentions of the young boy he has groomed to be a star (Bradley James Tejeda). Eric places value only on what he can give and do for people; it's an inheritance he received from years of being told by society that gays matter less. His insecurities, compounded by the devaluing by his selfish lover and the loss of his family apartment in the city, cause Eric to lose direction. But his friendship with a kindly neighbor (Bill Brochtrup), and the eventual legacy of a past mission, impacts his life beyond expectations. Lopez's sprawling opus takes time with its characters, unfolding slowly over two separate 3-plus-hour programs, but no moments seem wasted or overwritten. Lopez has ingeniously adapted the plotline of The Inheritance from that of E. M. Forster's classic novel Howards End. But Lopez does more than just hang modernity on a century-old book; he re-envisions a world where community passes along nurturing subsequent generations, defying the country's current trend toward a narcissistic, self-involved culture. Lopez's dialogue is wonderous, both conversational and vibrant in its subtext. None of his characters are pure angels or villains. His antagonists are broken, not evil, and his protagonists make precarious decisions based on fear and insecurities. It is understandable why Lopez ended Part 1 as he did, but it does throw the balance of the two halves off. Nothing in the second part, including the death of a major character, hits that emotional bull's-eye like that climax of the first. Adam Kantor and the cast of The Inheritance at the Geffen Playhouse ( Jeff Lorch) Director Mike Donahue gathers a talented cast. Castano brings pathos to the least empathetic character by highlighting how he's running as fast as he can from his past and his lack of self-worth. He never tries to make the audience to fall in love with Toby, never softens the rough edges, but instead he presents the callow Toby as a lost boy without the wherewithal to forgive himself. Kantor, the play's epicenter, also permits his character's waywardness to dilute some of Eric's saintliness. Tejeda, an understudy from the Broadway production, brings assuredness to his dual roles of Adam, the young, privileged actor, and Leo, the outcast, drug-addicted prostitute. Though he came late to this production, Tejeda's chemistry with the rest of the cast is palpable and he is stellar in these polar-opposite roles. Tejeda breathlessly exemplifies how Leo and Adam could be the same person, and that only circumstances and family life changed each's trajectory. Brochtrup, also in two roles that of the ghostly E.M. Forster encouraging the boys to tell their story, and the ethereal Walter, whose life inspires the characters in many ways lends an otherworldliness to both roles in his voice and cadence that visualizes both characters as fully fledged human beings, but also presents parables to teach a generation that lost their teachers. Tuc Watkins, as the upper-class Henry, embodies the log-cabin Republicanism that consternates the more political gays. The actor enforces that the ideology makes sense to Henry that he's not a hypocrite who knows his politics are destructive yet doesn't care, but that he thinks he's on the right side. He plays Henry more naive than cruel. The rest of the cast play multiple roles, including Toby and Eric's friends, and are impactful throughout the production. Donahue allows the actors room to flow, so that none of the scenes are dense or stagnant. With a minimalistic set by Jaimie Todd, and a mixture of flamboyant and commonplace costumes by Sara Ryung Clement, the words and the performances always take center stage. When art taps into something achingly truthful, it has an overwhelming effect on its audience. The Inheritance portrays a society robbed of its elders and desperate for a purpose. It doesn't bring answers, but the hope that answers will come, and that civilization is worth saving. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on the introduction of martial law in four new regions of Russia, TASS reports. October 20, 2022, 15:29 Putin signs decree on imposing martial law in four new Russian regions STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 20, ARTSAKHPRESS: "I have signed a decree on the introduction of martial law in these four constituent entities of Russia (the Donetsk Peoples Republic, the Lugansk Peoples Republic, the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions TASS). It will immediately be sent to the Federation Council for approval. The State Duma has been notified of this decision," Putin said at a meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday held via video link. The president noted that martial law had been in effect in these territories before they joined Russia. "Now we need to formalize this regime in the framework of the Russian legislation," he explained. Peace should not be imposed on Ukraine, but the country should have its territorial integrity intact, and the Group of Seven (G7) nations reiterates its commitment to security pledges, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Thursday, Tass informs. October 20, 2022, 17:08 Scholz reiterates G7 commitment to security pledges for Ukraine STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 20, ARTSAKHPRESS: In a speech to the Bundestag, he said: "While maintaining close contact with our friends in Kiev, the G7 proclaimed a few days ago what we think is needed for that. Justice would not involve an imposed peace but rather sovereignty, territorial integrity and defense capabilities of Ukraine - today and further down the road. On behalf of the G7, we reaffirmed that we are ready to give Ukraine long-term security pledges with a view to finding a viable and peaceful solution," he said. "Ukraine will successfully defend itself. We will support it for as long as it takes," Scholz vowed. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Cloudy skies. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low around 30F. Winds light and variable. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has arrived in Yerevan, where a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will be held on October 20-21, news.am informs. October 20, 2022, 17:36 Mikhail Mishustin arrives in Yerevan STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 20, ARTSAKHPRESS: According to the press service of the Russian government, a narrow meeting of the intergovernmental council will be held on Thursday. On Friday, the heads of the governments of the EEU countries will meet with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan. On the same day, a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in a broad composition will be held. The meeting will discuss topical issues of Eurasian integration, as well as the functioning of the internal market of the association, including the elimination of obstacles to the movement of goods, industrial cooperation and customs and tariff regulation. Particular attention will be paid to the digital agenda, in particular the prospects for the development and improvement of the integrated information system of the EAEU, the development of a unified analytical system for the administration of electronic trade in goods. It will consider the progress of the preparation of agreements on the formation of common markets for gas, oil and petroleum products. Since COVID-19, there have been several small business relief programs to help those negatively impacted by the pandemic. These programs came with eligibility criteria, a common one being the business had to be open prior to a certain date. This criteria excluded several early-stage small businesses and entrepreneurs from receiving any benefits. Fortunately, New York state recently announced a Seed Funding Grant Program to ensure small businesses that opened shortly before or during the COVID-19 pandemic will have the funds to continue to operate and grow. This grant will support these early stage, micro and small businesses, including independent arts contractors who started their business on Sept. 1, 2018, or later, and have been operational for at least six months before submitting an application. Businesses must also have at least $5,000 in gross receipts and no more than $1 million, annually. The amount of the grant ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 and is based upon the most recently filed tax returns. For applicants who have not yet filed a federal tax return, the grant amount is $5,000. The program is administered by a minority-led small business lender, Lendistry. This is the same group that managed the state COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, which was available to businesses that began operations on or before March 1, 2019, but it closed to new applications on Sept. 30, 2022. This earlier program, which launched last year, delivered more than $639 million to over 35,000 small businesses, with 90% of funding having gone to minority and women-owned businesses! For the seed grant, a few of the program requirements are that the business is registered to do business in New York state, and that the business is currently viable, in compliance, and does not owe any taxes. The business may not be eligible if it has already received COVID-19 economic recovery or business assistance grant programs, such as the previously mentioned COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Other ineligible businesses are nonprofits, churches and other religious institutions; government-owned entities or elected official offices; businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities; and landlords and passive real estate businesses. For a full list of eligible business qualifications, please visit nyseedgrant.com. Some of the documentation that will be required of applicants is proof of gross receipts (federal tax returns, or bank statements for those that have not yet filed a tax return), proof of business organization, proof of business location, schedule of ownership for any owner with more than 20% ownership, and bank account information. The website lists several examples of acceptable documentation. The specialists at the Cayuga Economic Development Agency have been working diligently over the last few years to help Cayuga County businesses navigate the maze of relief programs that have been offered since the pandemic. There have been federal, state and local programs, all with varying eligibility requirements and application processes. CEDA regularly meets with business owners to assess their situation and guide them to the correct program or resource partner. As the economic development organization serving all private businesses in Cayuga County, CEDA works to support and spur economic development through business retention, expansion and attracting other businesses to expand or relocate here. CEDA administers various programs and works collaboratively with regional and state partners to connect our businesses to the right resources. The best part is that the services of CEDAs specialists are free and confidential. CEDA staff can be reached at (315) 252-3500, or visit cayugaeda.org/staff for more information and email addresses. For the best way to learn about existing or upcoming grants, funding opportunities, programs or trainings, please subscribe to CEDAs newsletter via the website or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The United Nations headquarters building in New York is seen from inside the General Assembly hall on Sept. 21, 2021. (Eduardo Munoz/Pool Photo via AP) 19 States to Investigate Banks for ESG-Style Commitment to UN Alliance The war between states and banks over environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing and similar practices has reached the doorstep of the U.N. A total of 19 state attorneys general have launched investigations of major financial institutions commitment to the U.N.-convened Net-Zero Banking Alliance. The alliances website states that its members control roughly 40 percent of the worlds banking assets and are committed to aligning their lending and investment portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050. The Net-Zero Banking Alliance is a massive worldwide agreement by major banking institutions, overseen by the U.N., to starve companies engaged in fossil fuel-related activities of credit on national and international markets, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said in a statement regarding the investigations. A May statement from the alliance states that it does not support the financing of fossil fuel expansion but notes that it believes that immediate divestment from existing fossil fuel positions will not necessarily bring about the required real economy decarbonization that the world needs. We are leading a coalition investigating banks for ceding authority to the U.N., which will only result in the killing of American companies that dont subscribe to the woke climate agenda. These banks are accountable to American lawswe dont let international bodies set the standards for our businesses, Schmitt said. Read More Climate Change Narrative Driven by Agenda of Political Control: Myron Ebell Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia are among the states now investigating the banks through a powerful tool known as a civil investigative demand. One demand encompasses the following requests: Describe Your involvement in each Global Climate Initiative in which You participate, including the date You first began participating; any promises, pledges, or other commitments You made to the Global Climate Initiative; or any actions You made or took pursuant to, or consistent with, such commitments, or Your initial or on-going participation, and the employee(s) responsible for managing Your relationship with each Global Climate Initiative. Schmitts announcement is the latest salvo in a long-running conflict between major financial institutions and individual U.S. states regarding ESG. State treasurers, such as West Virginias Riley Moore, have sought to move their states money from financial institutions that follow ESG principles. Will Hild, executive director of Consumers Research, praised the investigations. States are holding big banks accountable for obvious violations and for peddling highly questionable climate initiatives under the label of ESGall part of a coordinated effort to handicap American energy at the expense of U.S. consumers, Hild said in a statement regarding the investigations. On the other side of the coin, environmental groups have criticized the U.N.s alliance for accommodating financial institutions that they believe havent gone far enough in divesting from coal, oil, and natural gas. Its time for the NZBA [Net-Zero Banking Alliance] to make clear that banks who continue to finance massive fossil fuel expansion while making grand pronouncements about climate goals are not welcome in the alliance, said Adele Shraiman of the Sierra Clubs Fossil-Free Finance campaign at Climate Week NYC, Reuters reported. The Epoch Times reached out to Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo for comment. JP Morgan Chase declined to comment. None of the other banks responded by press time. AUBURN Vincent Stanley knows how dangerous it can be to work in a prison. Stanley, a corrections officer at Auburn Correctional Facility, was attacked on the job in August 2021. An incarcerated individual slashed him from the corner of his mouth to his left ear, leaving a seven-inch gash that required numerous stitches to close. "If it weren't for the quick response of our security and medical staff, I might've died," he said at a rally outside of Auburn prison on Wednesday. Stanley blames the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act, or HALT Act, for his attack. Although the HALT Act did not take effect until this year, he said the incarcerated individual who assaulted him should have been placed in a special housing unit. "Without an effective discipline system, prisons can't function properly," he said. "This law takes that ability away and puts corrections staff in danger." The rally was organized by U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, a Republican who is running to represent Cayuga County and the 24th Congressional District. Several state lawmakers, all Republicans, also spoke at the event. Representatives from corrections unions were in attendance. A large crowd of corrections officers and supporters wore "REPEAL HALT" T-shirts. HALT's main provisions limit how long an incarcerated individual can be placed in solitary confinement. According to the law, an incarcerated individual can be placed in solitary confinement for no more than 15 consecutive days or 20 days in a 60-day period. Opponents of the law believe it has led to increased violence in state prisons. As of Oct. 1, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has reported 1,112 assaults on staff this year, just shy of the record 1,177 assaults on staff set in 2021. Michael Surprenant, vice president of the New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union, Council 82, criticized HALT and other criminal justice laws that he says "handcuff the law enforcement community more than criminals." He described HALT as "the equivalent of bail reform for inmates" and panned the lack of input from correctional professionals when legislators wrote the bill. While the rally was intended to protest the law, politics was on the minds of many speakers with less than three weeks to go until Election Day. Several of the speakers criticized Democrats for passing legislation, such as HALT, that Republican officials and those who work in corrections believe has created a more friendly environment for criminals. But the event was also an opportunity for elected officials to recognize the work of corrections officers. Tenney, who toured the prison before the rally, said she had visited medium-security and minimum-security prisons before, but never a maximum-security facility. Auburn is a maximum-security prison. "This is probably one of the hardest jobs you can possibly do," she said. Paramedics tend to a man lying on the curbside in Huanuco, Peru, on Oct. 18, 2022, in a still from video. (AP/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) At Least 21 Found Dead From Alleged Alcohol Poisoning in Peru At least 21 people have been found dead in the streets of the Peruvian city Huanuco during the past week, after allegedly ingesting a toxic kind of alcohol sold as liquor. Some were taken to medical care, but most people had already died when authorities arrived. Authorities then inspected the local market, searching for the source of the poisoning, taking samples of multiple cheap liquors sold. According to authorities, none could trace where the alcohol was produced by speaking to vendors. Vilma Llanto Cuenca, Director of Regional Health Services, said tests could take a week before identifying the toxic beverage. Smoke rises following an F-35 crash at Hill Air Force Base south of Ogden, Utah, on Oct. 19, 2022. (Courtesy of Scott Phillips) Air Force F-35 Crashes at Base in Utah: Officials Pilot ejected, survived incident An F-35 fighter jet crashed at an Air Force base in Utah on Wednesday, with the pilot having ejected from the aircraft prior to the crash, officials said. At approximately 6:15 p.m. an F-35 A Lightning II crashed at the north end of Hill Air Force Base runway. On and off base emergency crews responded immediately, the 388th Fighter Wing announced on Twitter. It also stated: The pilot ejected, was recovered and has been taken to local medical center for observation. The cause of the crash is unknown and will be investigated. Hill Air Force Base about 30 miles (48 km) north of Utahs capital, Salt Lake City. According to its website, it is an Air Force Materiel Command base, and is Air Forces second largest base by population and geographical size. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah), who represents Congressional District 1, where Hill Air Force Base is located, said on Twitter he and his team are monitoring the situation. We are grateful to the emergency crews for their rapid response, he also said. Risky Business Flying military aircraft is a risky business that we all accept when we go do it, said Col. Craig Andrle, 388th Fighter Wing Commander, reported KUTV. First and foremost, were thankful that hes okay, he got out of the aircraft. Were thankful that nobody on the ground was injured. Andrle said at a Wednesday night news briefing that the pilot was returning from a routine training mission, reported CBS. The pilot had landed near the property of Brock Thurgood, who told KSL.com that the pilot was walking and he was coherent. He was waving his arms and yelling and walking down towards us and it was the pilot. I dont really think theres much to say other than that hes OK, and thats the most important part, Thurgood told the outlet. He added that he, his daughter, and two other local residents sat with the pilot until first responders arrived. I dont know how Id be after I was in a plane crash, but he was surprisingly tough, Thurgood said. A health-care worker is seen making his way into the Emergency department of the Vancouver General Hospital in a file photo. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press) Alberta Doctor Calls on Medical Association to Investigate Sudden Deaths of 80 Young Doctors An Alberta doctor is calling on the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) to look into what he says is a significant jump in doctors sudden deaths following the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines beginning in December 2020. I am now providing you an update with information about 80 young Canadian doctors who died suddenly or unexpectedly since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, wrote Dr. William Makis, a nuclear medicine physician and a former clinical academic colleague at the Department of Radiology at the University of Alberta, in a letter to CMA on Oct. 15. Four more doctors have died since my previous letter, and these unexpected deaths are accelerating. You cannot continue to ignore this. Makis has been speaking out about the sudden and unexpected deaths of young doctors who were double, triple, or quadruple COVID-19 vaccinated through letters, social media platform Gettr, and interviews. Makis had sent a previous letter to the CMA on the subject, which, he said in his Oct. 15 letter, wasnt responded to. These previously healthy doctors died suddenly while engaging in regular physical activity, died unexpectedly in their sleep, suffered heart attacks, strokes, unusual accidents, or developed sudden onset aggressive cancers, said the Sept. 3 letter, referring to 32 cases of young doctors who passed away, which Makis tallied at the time. He called for the termination of all COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the public health care sector, and also called for urgent investigations and public inquiries to ascertain the cause of the death of those doctors. In his latest letter, Makis said his team has assembled a database of 1,638 cases of Canadian doctor deaths during the period of 20192022, with 972 of them obtained from CMAs website. Our preliminary analysis of this extensive data suggests that Canadian doctor deaths under age 50 in 2022 will be 2-fold higher compared to the 20192020 average, Makis wrote, adding that cases under age 40 and 30 are five-fold and eight-fold higher, respectively. Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories In response to Makiss letter, the CMA told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement on Oct. 17 that the association is concerned with misinformation and conspiracy theories spreading online about the recent deaths of physicians across Canada. There is no evidence to confirm or support the various theories that have been circulated. Some of the theories appear to rely on the CMAs InMemoriam service as evidence, said spokesperson Eric Lewis. The InMemoriam service is offered to CMA members so they can keep track of their colleagues and recognize their passings over time. It is provided based on information sent to the CMA and should never be viewed as an exhaustive list of physicians deaths or as evidence to support conspiracies surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines or other issues. The CMA continues to encourage all Canadians to be up to date with all their vaccines to prevent serious health issues, Lewis added. Data Crawl The Epoch Times requested Makis to provide his data and analysis, to which he replied in an email on Oct. 17 that he will only release the database to the provincial governments. But he added that he can explain how his team obtained the data and derived the 80 sudden deaths from the 1,638 cases of doctor deaths. Makis said the 972 cases from the CMAs website were obtained using a wayback machine that helped the team to crawl data from the archives of the InMemoriam page, as many entries have been deleted and are no longer available for Canadians to look at and compare. The other 666 cases, he said, were obtained from various official medical sources including the websites of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, provincial medical associations, provincial colleges of physicians and surgeons, university medical school websites, and university medical school alumni associations. These 1,638 were then cross-referenced to publicly available obituaries to obtain any additional information. Note was made of deaths being unexpected or sudden, he said. When he analyzed the data of doctors under 70 years old, he said a total of 80 had died suddenly or unexpectedly, and another 60 had prior medical conditions such as cancer diagnosed prior to vaccine rollout, ALS, Parkinsons or Dementia, or another long-term illness, or had retired years before the pandemic. Thats where the number 80 comes from. The additional 60 who died and had prior medical conditions, are separate from the 80. While mRNA may have contributed to their deaths, they were excluded for having prior medical illness, he said. In addition, he shared his analysis of the death rate of different age groups, starting with all doctors under age 50, who he found died at almost twice the rate in 2021 (and will be the same in 2022) compared to 2019 and 2020. All doctors under age 40 died at a rate 5-fold higher in 2022 compared to 2019, or 2020 (the average for the 2019/2020 period is 1.5 deaths/year, in 2022 there were 8 deaths so far, so > 5-fold), he said. All doctors under age 30 died at a rate 8-fold higher in 2022 compared to 2019, or 2020 (the average for the 2019/2020 period is 0.5 deaths/year, in 2022 there were 4 deaths so far, so 8-fold). No Autopsies Done In July and August, The Associated Press and Reuters respectively reported that the cases of three doctors from Trillium Health Partners-Mississauga Hospital who DIED suddenly in 1 week, apparently after getting latest mandated booster that were shared on social media, were unrelated to COVID-19 vaccines, based on their fact-checking. The three doctorsDr. Jakub Sawicki, Dr. Stephen McKenzie, and Dr. Lorne Segallare listed among the 80 doctors. Makis countered that no autopsies were done on the three doctors. Two of them had developed aggressive cancer only after receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The fact check only repeated a baseless statement that was made by the Hospital at which the doctors worked, he said in his email. The hospital made this baseless claim that their deaths were not related to the COVID vaccine but had no evidence or information to back up this claim as autopsies were not done. A spokesperson at Trillium Health declined to provide details of the causes of the deaths, citing the need to protect the health information of the deceased, when requested by The Epoch Times in late July. Editors note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the association of Dr. William Makis with the University of Alberta. Makis is a former clinical academic colleague at the Department of Radiology at the University of Alberta. The Epoch Times regrets the error. Simple yet elegant, this whiskey drink is an enduring taste of old New Yorkjust don't believe the tall tale that comes with it While its certain this cocktail came from New Yorks most famous boroughas opposed to the Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island cocktailsthere are varying specifics. Creation credit often goes to Dr. Iain Marshall, who, in 1874, allegedly mixed one up on behalf of presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden at a party at the Manhattan Club in New York hosted by Winston Churchills mother. However, this would have been difficult considering that she was in England at the time, far along in a pregnancy, and so would have had to attend by Zoomor rather, transatlantic mail, I suppose. Rye whiskey, the classic base, brings a nice spiciness to the drink. (Jake Hukee/Shutterstock) An earlier story comes from a later source. The 1923 edition of Valentines Manual of Old New York includes a chapter by William F. Mulhall, who asserts that a man named Black in an establishment on Broadway invented this most famous mixed drink in the world in its time in the 1860s. At the Hoffmann in the old days a gentleman would come in and sit down to a table with his party and the waiter would come over and order his particular formula for the party, Mulhall writes. Bartenders had to learn them by memory, too, so that the order could be served quickly. Thats worth noting. Some recipes call for a bit of orange Curacao or even absinthe. It seems certain that the base spirit originally was rye whiskey, but that, too, gets substitutions. Rye brings a nice spiciness to the drink, while bourbons lend a perception of caramel, vanilla, or other flavors. The world of vermouths offers a wide range of flavor profilestry mixing sweet and dry for balance.(monticello/Shutterstock) Other recipes call for Canadian blended whiskey, but these likely have their origins in the Prohibition era, when this would have been an easier ingredient to find. So choose your booze according to tastebut if you use Scotch, youre drinking a Rob Roy. Then theres the world of vermouths. Martini & Rossis is a broadly loved and easily obtained sweet vermouth, butcompared to whiskeysthe aromatically herbed red wine offers even wider flavor profiles. While the complexity of higher-end Carpano Antica Formula is attractive, one cant go wrong with the very affordable Italian Cinzano or the 29 herb and spice blend Noilly Prat from France. Some brands bring a bit of extra bitterness or standout herbaceous qualities, so be sure not to mix something that overpowers your whiskey. Mix equal parts dry and sweet vermouth, and youll have a perfect Manhattan. Finish with a fancy cherry or orange peel garnish. (New Africa/Shutterstock) Classic Manhattan 2 ounces rye whiskey 1 ounce sweet vermouth 2 dashes bitters Brandied cherry and/or orange peel for garnish Pour the ingredients into an ice-filled mixing glass and stir until chilled. Strain this into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with a fancy cherry and/or an orange peel. Arizona City Council Member Indicted for 2020 Ballot Harvesting Scheme: AG Two Arizona women, including a sitting city council member, were indicted for their alleged involvement in a 2020 ballot harvesting scheme in Yuma County, state Attorney General Mark Brnovich said on Oct. 19. A state grand jury charged Gloria Lopez Torres and Nadia Guadalupe Lizarraga-Mayorquin, both of San Luis, with conspiracy and ballot abuse on Oct. 3, the attorney general said in a statement. Under state law, ballot harvesting is considered a class 6 felony; convictions usually carry a penalty of up to two years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine. Torres, notably, is currently a San Luis City Council member, according to local media. They are accused of conducting a scheme to collect early ballots from other voters and deposit them in a ballot box during the states primary election in August 2020. Torres is accused of collecting seven ballots from Lizarraga-Mayorquin, according to grand jury indictments (pdf) (pdf) that were returned earlier this month. Lizarraga-Mayorquin collected at least one ballot from a third party who wasnt identified. State law only provides for a family member, household member, or caregiver to collect early ballots from another individual in Arizona, Brnovichs office said in the statement. The indictments allege that the unlawful activity started around July 12, 2020, and ran until Aug. 4, 2020the primary Election Day. The Yuma County Sheriffs Office obtained video footage of alleged ballot harvesting near a polling station in San Luis, the indictment said. Former San Luis Mayor Guillermina Fuenteswho was serving as a local school board memberand another woman, Alma Yadira Juarez, were sentenced last week for their role in the same 2020 ballot-harvesting scheme. Fuentes, a Democrat, was ordered on Oct. 13 to turn herself into the Yuma County Jail, Brnovich said. Both Fuentes and Juarez pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of ballot abuse. A group of subjects, lead by Guillermina Fuentes were seen on video manning a table and appearing to be supporting particular candidates, the report from the Arizona Attorney Generals office said. A female identified as Alma Juarez approached the table and made contact with a second female identified as Guillermina Fuentes. Fuentes is ultimately observed taking a ballot from Juarez. Since the 2020 presidential election, there have been accusations of voter fraud that swung the election away from former President Donald Trump. Arizona has been mired in claims of voter fraud since the 2020 presidential election during which Trump narrowly lost the state to President Joe Biden. This case, however, slightly predates that contest. Public records indicate that Torres has held a number of government positions in San Luis for more than 20 years since she was first elected to the city council in 2000, according to the Arizona Daily Independent. The Epoch Times has contacted Torres for comment. It isnt clear if Nadia Guadalupe Lizarraga-Mayorquin, also known as Nadia Buchanan, has an attorney. Arizona Death Row Inmate Seeks Forensic Tests in 1980 Deaths PHOENIXA judge is mulling an Arizona death row prisoners request to have fingerprint and DNA tests conducted on evidence from the two 1980 killings for which he is scheduled to be executed next month. A lawyer for Murray Hooper said at a hearing Wednesday that her client is innocent, that no physical evidence ties him to the killings and that forensic testing could lead to the identification of those responsible. Kelly Culshaw, Hoopers attorney, also raised questions about the benefits received by witnesses who testified against her client, including favorable treatment in other criminal cases. Forensic evidence would have made a difference in this case, Culshaw said. Hooper was convicted before computerized fingerprint systems and DNA testing were available in criminal cases, according to his legal team. Prosecutors say that even if someone elses prints or DNA were found, that wouldnt overcome the overwhelming evidence against Hooper. Hooper is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection or lethal gas at a prison in Florence, Arizona, on Nov. 16 for the killings of William Pat Redmond and his mother-in-law, Helen Phelps, at Redmonds home in Phoenix on Dec. 31, 1980. Redmonds wife, Marilyn, was shot in the head but recovered. Lawyers for Hooper say Marilyn Redmonds description of the assailants changed several times before she identified their client, who claimed not to be in Arizona at the time. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Green, who hasnt yet issued a ruling on the forensic testing request, pointed out that a federal appeals court characterized the evidence implicating Hooper as overwhelming. Asked about the criticism that some witnesses had an incentive to lie, prosecutor Jeffrey Sparks said jurors at Hoopers trial and appeals courts considered those claims and concluded there was no chance that would have changed the verdict. Two other men, William Bracy and Edward McCall, were convicted in the killings but died before their death sentences could be carried out. Authorities say, Robert Cruz, who was alleged to have had ties to organized crime, hired Hooper, Bracy, and McCall to kill Pat Redmond, who co-owned a printing business. They said Cruz wanted to take over the business and was unhappy that Redmond had rejected his offers to enter several printing contracts with Las Vegas hotels, according to court records. In 1995, Cruz was acquitted of murder charges in both deaths. Hooper would be the third prisoner put to death this year after Arizona resumed carrying out executions in May, following a nearly eight-year hiatus attributed to both the difficulty of obtaining lethal injection drugs and criticism that a 2014 execution was botched. There are 111 prisoners on Arizonas death row, and 22 have exhausted their appeals, according to the Arizona Attorney Generals Office. By Jacques Bileaud Shipping containers that will be used to fill a 1,000-foot gap in the border wall with Mexico near Yuma, Ariz., on Aug. 12, 2022. (Arizona Governor's Office via AP) Arizona Declines to Remove Shipping Containers Placed in Gaps Along Border Wall The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs has refused to remove over a hundred double-stacked shipping containers it placed in gaps along its southern border with Mexico, despite the federal government alleging that the containers are a trespass against the United States. Around 122 containers were placed along the border in Yuma County in line with Arizona Gov. Doug Duceys orders back in August, including 80 wire-reinforced containers that were placed on bureau lands and 42 on Cocopah Indian Tribe lands, according to federal authorities. In a letter addressed to Arizona Homeland Security Director Tim Roemer and Arizona Division of Emergency Management Director Allen Clark on Oct. 13, the U.S. Department of the Interior claimed that the 122 containers that were sitting within its lands were a violation of U.S. law. The containers being placed on the gaps in Yumas wall are also harming federal lands, while impeding reclamations ability to perform its mission, the letter stated. In its letter, the federal government also demanded that no new containers be placed; claiming that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been awarded a contract to close two gaps in the border barrier near the Morelos Dam in the Yuma. However, in a responding letter on Oct. 18, Arizona Director of Emergency Management Allen Clark pushed back on all the claims made by the Biden administration and refused to remove the containers. Illegal Immigration, Criminal Activity Exploiting Border The myriad of federal agencies that claim jurisdiction on the southern border but do nothing to prevent the public nuisance caused by illegal immigration and criminal activity that exploits the open border is quite frustrating, Clark wrote in the letter. Your letter incorrectly claims Arizona has trespassed against the United States, it continues. The State of Arizona is committed to working with all of our federal partners, including the BOR, to ensure the security of our state and protection of public and private lands However to date, Arizona has not seen any action by the federal government to do so and was therefore required to take its own action. Clark added that the containers would remain in place until specific details regarding construction are provided. Yuma is Arizonas busiest illegal border crossing area. The exchange of letters comes as tensions have soared between the Biden administration and Republican-led border states over immigration policies that have seen an influx of illegal immigrants attempting to enter the United States. Ducey had ordered the containers be put up in August as the state could no longer wait for the Biden administration to build a border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border as it had promised to in an effort to help stem the flow of illegal aliens coming through Yuma. Apprehensions of illegal aliens have not seen a decline since the shipping containers were placed in the gaps on Yumas wall, County Supervisor Jonathan Lines told NBC affiliate KYMA. However, the number of gotaways has decreased. The number of known gotaways is down. It used to be 3,000 a month, now its at 1,000, so thats a significant reduction, Lines said. Chinese police officers wearing masks stand in front of the Tiananmen Gate on January 26, 2020 in Beijing, China.(Betsy Joles/Getty Images) Australian Federal Polices Relationship With Beijing Must Be Re-Assessed: Expert Concerns have been raised about the close relationship between the Australian Federal Police and Chinese law enforcement after reports revealed a secret Beijing-backed overseas police station was located in Sydney, Australia. The police service station was established in 2018 by the Public Security Bureau of Wenzhou City in China, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) reported on Oct. 13. The Sydney contact point is part of Beijings effort to set up a network of stations around the world to repress dissidents globally, according to a report published by the international human rights group Safeguard Defenders. The September report, titled 110 Overseas: Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild (pdf), warned the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) set up at least 54 police-run overseas police service centres across five continents. Persuaded to Return to China While these stations serve administrative purposes on the surface, such as extending Chinese drivers licenses and processing official documents, they have a more sinister goal of collaborating with Chinese police in carrying out policing operations on foreign soil, the report noted. From April 2021 to July 2022, an estimated 230,000 overseas Chinese nationals have been persuaded to return to China to face criminal charges. Persuasion to return involves harassment and intimidation of the targets relatives in China. Overseas Chinese police Service Stations, or 110 Overseas, are found in dozens of countries across five continents. (Courtesy of Safeguarddefenders) In 2014, Melbourne resident Dong Feng, a practitioner of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice persecuted in China, was persuaded by the Chinese police to return to China to face a court. Australian officials were not notified about the matter beforehand, which compelled the former Abbott government to summon Chinese diplomats to meet and for officials to express their deep concerns over the unacceptable undercover operation. Australian Federal Polices History with Beijing While Australias extradition treaty with China was shelved in 2017 due to human rights concerns, in the same year, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) signed several agreements with Chinas Ministry of Public Security on targeting transnational crime and cooperation. In 2018, the AFP signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese National Commission of Supervision on anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation. In 2019, the AFP celebrated the 20-year anniversary of working with Beijings police. The then-AFP Deputy Commissioner Operations Neil Gaughan emphasised how crucial this relationship is in creating a more safe and secure regionand protecting our countries from mutual crime threats. The AFP was the first law enforcement agency to be invited into China and we have worked togetherstrongly and productivelyacross a range of mutual transnational and serious organised crime types, Gaughan said in a statement. We have achieved success, and we look forward to building on this success over the next 20 years. AFP Commissioner Neil Gaughan speaks to the media in Canberra, Australia on Jun. 6, 2019. (Getty Images) Simply Unacceptable: Defence Expert The AFPs close relationship with Chinese police has raised concerns from some experts. The relationship between the AFP and Chinese law enforcement agencies is now out of step with the shifts in Chinese state behaviour and direction over the last five years, defence expert Michael Shoebridge told The Epoch Times in an email. Its a policing relationship that must be reassessed. Shoebridge, who was director at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the problem for the AFP now was that the Chinese states actions around mass surveillance and repression domestically had been exposed. Thats shown by the recently-revealed presence of Chinese overseas police outreach operations in more than 80 cities across the world, including Australia, he said, referring to the Safeguard Defenders report. Chinese police use methods that are simply unacceptable in Australia, and they also operate as a key, close arm of Xis repressive authoritarian regime, as we saw graphically with the Hong Kong takeover. That just doesnt sit well with the way police in Australia operatewithin a system of democracy, personal freedom, and the rule of law. Michael Shoebridge, former director of defence, strategy and national security program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. (Supplied) Laura Harth, campaign director of Safeguard Defenders, echoed the concern. The uncovering of the police service stations set up by county-level Public Security Bureaus in coordination with United Front Work organisations is only the latest in the increasingly brazen and illegal transnational policing activities of the CCP, she told The Epoch Times in a message on Twitter. The bland admission of the practice by a Shanghai official to Spanish newspaper El Correo comes as no surprise to those who followed our Involuntary Returns report earlier this year, which highlighted how the illegal persuasion to return methods have become standard practice under a written legal interpretation from the PRCs National Commission of Supervision-Central Commission for Disciplinary Inspection, which is the very same non-judicial Party-body the Australian Federal Police maintains a cooperation agreement with since December 2018. Meanwhile, Shoebridge also cautioned Australian officials on the Solomon Islands current engagement with Chinese police, which saw the Pacific government dispatch police officers to China for training. Its very hard to tell [Prime Minister] Sogavare in the Solomon islands he shouldnt engage with the same police that the AFP celebrate as partners, he said. Chinas ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming (R), and Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare are cutting a ribbon during the opening ceremony of a China-funded national stadium complex in Honiara on April 22, 2022. (Mavis Podokolo/AFP via Getty Images) Its time to reassess and end this working partnership between the AFP and the Chinese Ministry for Public Security. Not doing so creates the conditions for the AFPs reputation to be damaged in our society and internationally. The Epoch Times reached out to the Department of Home Affairs and was referred to the AFP. Both the AFP and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation said they had no comment on the matter. The Epoch Times has reached out to former Defence Minister Peter Dutton, former Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews, and former Foreign Minister Marise Payne in regard to the Morrison governments awareness of the Chinese police station in Sydney during their time in government. None have replied in time for publication. The Israeli flag flies with the Peace Tower in the background on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Apr. 21, 2002. (The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward) Australias Israel Policy Reversal Most Significant Mistake in Years: Opposition Leader The Albanese governments flip-flopping over a decision to reverse Australias recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has been called the most significant mistake made in years by the opposition leader. The Liberal-National partys Peter Dutton told journalists at a press conference in the Northern Territory on Oct. 19 called the federal Labor governments behaviour one of the biggest foreign affairs blunders in many years. This really is a very significant mistake thats been made by [Foreign Minister] Penny Wong and [Prime Minister] Anthony Albanese, Dutton said. They lied about it, they deceived people in relation to the decision-making process. Obviously, words went up on the website that they didnt know about, and their first response was to cover it up, he said. To damage our relations with a very important partner and ally in Israel is unforgivable, and I think the government really should be held to account for that. Dutton also noted that Foreign Minister Penny Wongs instinctive reaction to blame the Coalition demonstrated the extent of the cover-up. I think Penny Wong has tripped over her own feet. It has damaged our relations with Israel, and that is deeply regrettable, to say the least. The sooner that the government is able to clean up this mess, the better, he said. Israeli PM Criticises Australian Governments Decision The criticism from Dutton comes after the Australian government was criticised on social media by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lipid, who took to Twitter to admonish the Australian government for what he saw as a hasty and unprofessional response. In light of the way this decision was made in Australia, as a hasty response to an incorrect report in the media, we can only hope that the Australian government manages other matters more seriously and professionally, he said. He said Jerusalem was the eternal and united capital of Israel, and nothing will ever change that. Prime Minister Lapid in response to Australias announcement: In light of the way this decision was made in Australia, as a hasty response to an incorrect report in the media, we can only hope that the Australian government manages other matters more seriously and professionally Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 18, 2022 According to the Jerusalem Post, the Australian Ambassador Paul Griffiths has been called in by the Israeli Foreign Ministrys Political Director Aliza Bin-Noun, who told Griffiths the miserable decision ignored the deep and eternal connection between Israel and its historic capital and that goes against the good relations between Israel and Australia. Labor MPs Upset By Move The change has not just upset Israel and Australias Jewish community; it also has upset Labor Party members. Labor MP Josh Burns, who is Jewish, has criticised the policy change by his party leaders, saying in a statement posted on Twitter that it was disappointing. I didnt like the Morrison government playing politics with these sensitive issues, and its my view any further alteration to Australias policy needed to be considered extremely carefully to my disappointment, this did not happen, he wrote. People in my electorate and across Australia are hurt by this decision, and to be honest, so am I. Burns said he would now focus on rebuilding trust between the federal Labor government and Australias Jewish community. Prime Minister Admits Policy Change Could Have Been Handled Better The Australian prime minister admitted in a radio interview with ABC on Oct 19 that the policy change could have been done better. Of course, some things can always be done better. But the truth is that we have been very clear about what our position was, Prime Minister Albanese said. Albanese also tried to deflect the policy change back onto the former government and accused them of being duplicitous. They said that the embassy would move, and, of course, it didnt move. So they made an announcement, and once the by-election was over, the embassy didnt move. There hadnt been any effective change; the Australian Embassy remained in Tel Aviv, he said. Read More Australian Foreign Minister Announces Change to Recognition of Jerusalem Meanwhile, opposition MPs have declared their support for the Jerusalem policy, with the Shadow Minister for Cyber Security & Countering Foreign Interference, James Paterson in a post on social media noting that Jerusalem was the capital city of Israel that Australias foreign policy was now based on lie. Jerusalem is Israels capital. Nothing we say will change that, Paterson said. But our foreign policy is now based on a fiction. And we have grievously insulted a friend. The shambolic process made a bad decision worse. One day we will recognise Jerusalem again because it is the truth. Jerusalem is Israels capital. Nothing we say will change that. But our foreign policy is now based on a fiction. And we have grievously insulted a friend. The shambolic process made a bad decision worse. One day we will recognise Jerusalem again because it is the truth James Paterson (@SenPaterson) October 19, 2022 Anthropologist Dr. Bradley Adams, of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, examines buried human remains of World War I veteran George Seitz, on March 12, 2019. (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner via AP) Barber, 75, Pleads Guilty in 1976 Killing of World War I Veteran NEW YORKA 75-year-old New York City man pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 1976 killing of a World War I veteran whose dismembered remains were found in 2019. Martin Mottas guilty plea Tuesday in the death of George Seitz represented the first successful use of genetic genealogy by any of the citys prosecutors, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. Seitz had been a customer at the Queens barbershop where Motta worked. No matter how much time has passed, we will use every tool at our disposal to achieve justice, Katz said in a news release. The disappearance of Seitz, a World War I veteran who was then 81 years old, remained a mystery for decades until a tipster led police to a backyard where dismembered body parts were buried under concrete. Initially, a DNA profile of the remains failed to lead to an identification, but advanced efforts by a private lab in February 2021 led to a genealogical profile that FBI investigators were able to use to identify the victim as Seitz, Katz said. Seitz was last seen leaving his home to get a haircut on Dec. 10, 1976, authorities said. Investigators determined that Motta robbed Seitz, a regular customer, of about $8,000 in cash, stabbed him to death and hacked the body to pieces. Katz said the investigation included multiple witness interviews and a records search that spanned five states. The witnesses included a woman who had watched in horror as Motta cut Seitzs body up inside the barbershop, a spokesperson for the district attorney said. The woman, now in her 50s, was then a 10-year-old girl whose mother was dating Motta. Motta faces 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 7. Mottas attorney did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Wednesday. Genetic genealogy is the practice of entering a DNA profile into a public genealogy database to find relatives. In recent years, it has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying suspects who leave DNA behind at a crime scene; investigators can use it to construct a family tree that leads them to an otherwise unknown suspect. In the ninth month of 2022, Leapmotor, Chinas new energy vehicle (NEV) startup who went public on the Hong Kong Exchange on September 29, saw its auto registrations almost tripled from a year ago, according to the data compiled by Gasgoo Auto Research Institute (GARI). In September, Leapmotors registration volume reached 10,389 vehicles in total, skyrocketing 174.26% year over year. By the end of September, the automaker's cumulative annual auto registrations summed up to 77,591 vehicles, shooting up 191.15% from the same span in 2021. Notably, the startup has recorded a streak of over 10,000 units monthly registrations since June this year. C01; photo credit: Leapmotor Currently, the Hangzhou-based company has four models on the market, namely its mainstay mini-EV model, the T03, the companys first production model, the S01, Leapmotors first SUV model, the C11, and its higher-end sedan coupe, the C01. In the past month, registrations of the T03 mini-EV and the C11 SUV held 97% of Leapmotors total monthly registration volume, with a respective 5,085 and 5,033 vehicles registered. Meanwhile, the automakers latest model, the C01, was registered by 270 units across China. In September, two cities came closely on top with 529 and 525 Leapmotor vehicles registered, namely Hangzhou and Taizhou. The rest of the eight cities on the top ten list of Oct. registrations all registered over 200 vehicles. Notably, aside from Zhengzhou of Henan Province and Zhongshan of Guangdong Province, the rest eight of the top ten cities are all located in the Shanghai-Zhejiang Province-Jiangsu Province area. Bodies Left to Rot on Rooftop of Pakistani Hospital Sparks Public Outcry Scores of decaying human bodies, some with maggots and attracting hovering scavengers, were found on the roof of a public hospital in Multan city of Pakistan on Oct. 14. Brought to light by a whistleblower, the situation led to public outcry amidst fears of a violation of medical ethics. Pakistan media GeoTV cited sources on Friday for its report on dozens of unidentified bodies in a room on the roof of Nishtar Hospitals mortuary. The actual situation is not yet clear, with local media also citing clamor about the recovery of allegedly hundreds of human body parts from the roof on social media. Multan, located in the state of Punjab, and its administration created a six-member committee to investigate the matter after disturbing videos and pictures started appearing on social media. A political leader and former federal minister, Moonis Elahi on Oct. 14 shared a response from the hospital that said the unidentified bodies were handed over by the police to the hospital for post-mortems and that it was permissible to use them for educational purpose for MBBS students. These bodies are decayed and foul smelling. These cannot be kept in the freezer. These bodies were in so [sic] bad condition that they cant be used for teaching purpose as well. So, after the process of complete putrefaction, the Bones are retrieved from these bodies for medical students for teaching purpose, said the hospital response shared by Elahi on Twitter. So there is no issue of disrespect of these dead bodies. After the retrieval of bones, these bodies are always buried properly. However, Geo TV reported that the majority of freezers in the hospitals cold room had been dysfunctional for years. Since only one of the five freezers were operational, the cold room could accommodate only seven to eight bodies and the rest were dumped in the two rooms on the terrace, the report claimed. The whistleblower had reported to the Punjab chief ministers advisor Tariq Zaman Gujjar, who got the morgue opened and allegedly found at least 200 rotting bodies lying around. All the decomposing bodies [of both men and women] were bare. Even womens bodies werent covered, Gujjar told GeoTV. Do you sell these bodies? I asked the mortuary authorities. He said the doctors told him the bodies were used by students for educational purposes. Two of the bodies on the roof were rather in the early stages of decomposition. Maggots were all over them, Gujjar said, adding that he has never witnessed anything like it in his life and that the bodies deserved ritualistic burial after being used for educational purposes. Vultures and worms were scavenging on the corpses on the roof. Our tally showed there were at least 35 bodies on the rooftop of the mortuary. Pakistani lawmakers demanded a parliamentary committee investigation into the matter on Monday, with some alleging that the response of the hospital management was not satisfactory, reported Pakistan Today. Meanwhile leading Pakistan daily Dawn reported on Monday that three state institutions were reluctant to pay 200 Pakistani rupees (less than $1) for identification of the unclaimed bodies. This identification is essential to finding the families and eventually giving a respectable send-off to the deceased. Outlawed group Tehreek-e-Taliban, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, blamed the Pakistan government for the discovery of the rotting dead bodies and claimed the Pakistani army and intelligence services were behind it, according to Asian Network International. Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, speaks during a game of bridge following the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, Neb., on May 5, 2019. (Nati Harnik/AP Photo) Buffetts Conglomerate Closes $11.6 Billion Alleghany Insurance Buy OMAHA, Neb.Warren Buffetts company completed its largest acquisition in years Wednesday with its $11.6 billion purchase of the Alleghany insurance conglomerate. The purchase announced in March will further expand Berkshires sizeable insurance operations and add a few more companies to its stable, including a steel fabricator and toy company owned by Alleghany. In many ways, Alleghany is similar to Berkshire. Buffetts Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate owns Geico, General Re and a number of other insurance companies, but it also owns BNSF railroad, several major utilities and an eclectic assortment of dozens of manufacturing and retail companies, including Precision Castparts, Dairy Queen, Sees Candy and NetJets. Alleghany shareholders received $848.02 cash per share as part of the deal. Much like it has done with other acquisitions, Berkshire will allow New York-based Alleghany to largely continue to run itself. Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said Alleghanys CEO Joe Brandon, who previously ran a different Berkshire insurance company, could one day be a candidate to replace Vice Chairman Ajit Jain and oversee all of Berkshires insurance companies. Berkshires last major acquisition came in 2016 when it paid $32.36 billion to buy aviation parts maker Precision Castparts. Buffett has always been reluctant to overpay for acquisitions, and he has said Berkshire faces more competition for deals these days from private-equity firms. But Buffett has put more than $51 billion to work in the stock market this year, including buying up roughly $12 billion worth of Occidental Petroleum stock and another $20 billion worth of Chevron shares to bet big on oil production. Still, Berkshire was sitting on $105.4 billion cash at the end of the second quarter. It will use some of that at the start of next year to more than double its stake in the Pilot chain of more than 800 truck stops across 44 states and six Canadian provinces. The terms of Buffetts 2017 agreement call for it to boost its stake from its current 38.6 percent ownership to 80 percent in 2023. That will leave the Haslam family that runs the business based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a 20 percent stake. Shanahan estimated that the Pilot deal will use at least $3.5 billion, but Berkshire has never disclosed the terms of that deal. In addition to owning more than 90 operating companies, Berkshire holds a sizeable investment portfolio with major stakes in Apple, Bank of America, American Express, and Coca-Cola among other companies. By Josh Funk New homes under construction at a housing development in Novato, Calif., on March 23, 2022. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) California Clears the Way for Building Teacher Housing on School Property New California legislation, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom Sept. 28, will remove some restrictions on zoning requirements to make it easier for California school districts to build affordable housing for teachers and staff as soon as next year. Under the new law, school districts can build staff housing on any property owned by the district without requesting a zoning change. Typically, developers are required to seek such changes from the city or county to build housing on property designated for other uses. An apartment building in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 20, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) The bills author, Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), said in a statement he hoped the new law will lead to more housing and entice educators who are leaving the state due to high rent and living costs to stay. Teachers and staff are leaving because the skyrocketing cost of living and stagnant salaries make it almost impossible to afford living in the communities where they teach, Bloom said. We are hemorrhaging talented teachers. [The new law] gives school districts an essential tool in addressing staffing challenges by utilizing properties they already own. The Los Angeles Unified School District officials, who supported the bill, agreed, saying they thought the plan would boost teacher retention. A Los Angeles Unified School District bus in Los Angeles on Sept. 29, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) This bill will enhance certainty, increase flexibility, and streamline the process of developing educator workforce housing on school land, which will help districts recruit and retain teachers and classified staff, district officials said in a statement. The cities of Chino, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Clarita, however, opposed the bill, arguing the state should not be usurping local governments land use authority. Thousand Oaks officials also said the new law has the potential to change the character of the surrounding neighborhoods, because it allows building housing up to three stories. With school properties often located in residential zones, there are concerns [this law] will impact the surrounding community and the immediate neighborhood with additional traffic, loss of playfields, and for some residents concerns about property values, the city said in a statement opposing the bill. A sign hangs in opposition to a proposed location city officials are considering to zone for housing in Yorba Linda, Calif., on July 27, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) The bill was initiated after a UC Berkeley and University of Southern California study that found that California school districts own about 150,000 acres of landhalf of which could be converted into more than 2 million units of housing throughout the state. The new law will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2023, until Jan. 1, 2033, and is a part of a slew of 41 housing bills recently signed by Newsom in late September. Representatives for the Los Angeles Unified School District, as well as the cities of Chino, Santa Clarita, and Glendale did not respond to a request for comment by press deadline. A People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force WZ-7 high-altitude reconnaissance drone is seen a day before the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai in southern China's Guangdong province on Sept. 27, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images) Canada Begins Probe After UK Reports of Western Military Pilots Training Chinese Aviators The Department of National Defence is looking into whether any former Canadian military pilots are involved in training Chinese aviators after the United Kingdom found some of its former pilots had accepted training roles in the Chinese military. On Oct. 18, Britains Defence Ministry said it issued an intelligence alert to former and current military pilots, warning against Chinese headhunting programs aimed at recruiting pilots to train their Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) counterparts. As many as 30 former British military pilots are currently in China training PLA pilots, the BBC reported. The report said the pilots are being asked to provide vital and sensitive information such as how Western planes and pilots operate, in exchange for annual salaries of roughly 240,000 pounds (CA$370,000) to conduct the training, the BBC reported. Similar recruitment attempts by the regime in Beijing have been a concern for the defense ministry for a number of years, UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said. He said the pilots known to be training the PLA have been asked to stop. China is a competitor that is threatening the UK interest in many places around the world, Heappey told British news outlet Sky News. It is also an important training partner but there is no secret in their attempt to gain access to our secrets, and their recruitment of our pilots in order to understand the capabilities of our air force is clearly a concern to us. Heappey also noted that British authorities are taking steps to make it a legal offence for pilots to continue with such training activities. We are taking decisive steps to stop Chinese recruitment schemes attempting to headhunt serving and former UK Armed Forces pilots to train Peoples Liberation Army personnel in the Peoples Republic of China, the British Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Probe Begins in Canada Following the reports, Canadas Department of National Defence has begun an investigation into the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), said Daniel Le Bouthillier, the departments head of media relations. We are aware of these reports, and we are looking into this further with federal partners, he told the Globe and Mail. He also noted that veterans are still bound by secrecy commitments after leaving the CAF. The Security of Information Act applies to both current and former members, and non-compliance with the act could result in serious consequences, he told the Globe. As an institution that upholds democratic principles and the rule of law, we trust and expect current and former CAF members to adhere to the values of the institution. Any behaviour that could potentially harm Canadian national interests is a violation of this trust and will be dealt with appropriately. James Bezan, a Conservative member of the House of Commons of Canada and a defence critic, called for the CAF to launch an immediate investigation to determine if any Canadians are undermining our collective national security, the Globe reported. Anyone who has violated their obligations under Canadian law must be held to account. Several media outlets have reported that a South African flight school, the Test Flying Academy of South Africa, has been acting as the middleman for the PLA in recruiting pilots from the United Kingdom, Australia, and other Western countries. On Oct. 19, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said its military has also begun probing whether its members are participating in training the Chinese military. The U.S. Capitol in Washington on Aug. 6, 2022. (Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images) Capitol Police Arrest Man, 80, for Illegally Parking on Grounds With Firearms in His Van Capitol Police arrested an 80-year-old Georgia man on Wednesday afternoon for illegally parking on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington after he attempted to deliver documents to the Supreme Court. Tony Payne of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, was taken into custody after he admitted to having guns in his vehicle, a small white van, prompting police to search the vehicle. Police found two handguns and a shotgun inside the car and subsequently charged Payne with Unregistered Firearm, Unregistered Ammunition, and Carrying a Pistol without a License. Weapons are banned from Capitol Grounds, and dozens of people are arrested each year for violating the law, according to police. This afternoon the United States Capitol Police (USCP) Hazardous Incident Response Division cleared a suspicious vehicle, which was illegally parked on Capitol Grounds, police said in a statement. Around 3:45 p.m., USCP officers noticed the van was illegally parked along the 100 block of East Capitol Street, USCP said. The driver told us he had guns in the van. A K-9 also hit on the vehicle. Two other people were briefly detained by Capitol Police: a female and another male. They were not arrested. Lawmakers Facing Increased Threats The individuals told our investigators they were here to deliver documents to the U.S. Supreme Court, police said. A pipe and containers were also found in the van, so the USCP Hazardous Incident Response Division did a thorough search and cleared the van. Officials have bolstered security measures at the Capitol Grounds in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol, increasing barricades and guarded checkpoints as lawmakers have expressed concerns over their safety. In August, Capitol Police began looking to hire its own criminal prosecutor to oversee allegations about individuals who had allegedly threatened or been violent toward members of Congress and their staff. This position is to represent the United States government primarily prosecuting individuals and/or groups who have engaged in threats and/or acts of violence against Members of Congress, their staffs, United States Capitol Police employees, visitors to the Capitol complex, and facilities and properties within the Capitol Complex, the job advertisement for a Special Assistant United States Attorney located in USCP District Offices in Washington, D.C. read. The latest arrest comes as lawmakers have claimed to experience a surge in threats and confrontations, including stalking, vandalism, and armed individuals visiting their homes, The New York Times reported. According to a June report by Axios, threats against lawmakers that were investigated by USCP increased by 144 percent between the first year former President Donald Trump took office and the first year President Joe Biden stepped into office. President Joe Biden is tapping the nations oil reserves again ahead of the midterms. What does he say, as Republicans accuse him of trying to buy votes? Florida makes arrests for voter fraud. Police bodycam footage shows officers arresting a convicted felon who allegedly voted illegally in 2020. Green card holders and illegal immigrants coming to Washington, D.C., may be granted voting rights. The D.C. council is moving a bill forward that would allow local voting for non-U.S. citizens. A new report is out on how the Chinese Communist Partys military has gained significant ground in the United States. Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Dakota Wood joins us to assess. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio and Democratic challenger Val Demings face off in a heated debate in Florida. Top issues include abortion, voting laws, and restricting gun rights. The Justice Department is taking legal action against e-cigarette companies. The agency says they didnt follow proper FDA rules. Follow CapitolReport on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/capitolreport Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CapitolReport/ Gettr https://gettr.com/user/capitolreport Follow EpochTV on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV * Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List. BUY Jan 6 DVD: The Real Story of Jan. 6 Documentary102 Minutes, Color), Promo Code [Steve] for 20% off. A member of security keeps watch on Tiananmen Square, ahead of the opening session of a 5-year Chinese Communist Party political conference in Beijing on Oct. 16, 2022. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images) CCP States It Will Continue Opening Up During Party Congress, But Experts Skeptical Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities stated during the party congress that China would open up more in the future. However, experts have expressed skepticism. On Oct. 17, Zhao Chenxin, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the regime, said at a press conference that its a misconception that China would be closed off under the CCPs rule, and that it may even develop a self-sufficient economy. In the future, Chinas door will only open wider, he said. When being asked how the Chinese government could reduce its dependence on foreign imported resources such as iron ore, crude oil, natural gas, soybeans, Zhao quoted CCP leader Xi Jinpings dual circulation strategy for the Chinese economythe domestic circulation is the main body, supported by external circulation. Yang Bin, a mainland economist and fund manager, told The Epoch Times on Oct. 17 that when officials say that domestic circulation is the main body, the so-called opening to the outside world is just a mention in passing, Actually, it emphasizes internal circulation, not the opening-up. That means it doesnt want to open up anymore. Chiou Jiunn-Rong, a professor of economics at Taiwans Central University, told The Epoch Times on Oct. 17 that since the CCP joined the WTO, its growth has benefited from international trade and investment. Now, the new U.S. chip ban [has hit China hard] and has made it aware of the considerable risk with external dependence. So in the future, its efforts to be self-sufficient will be even greater. Executives Fleeing China Zhao Chenxin said that the 2022 version of the regimes Catalogue of Industries Encouraged for Foreign Investment will be released and implemented to promote major foreign-funded projects and to optimize the services to foreign-funded enterprises. Chiou said previously, foreign companies executives were attracted by the benefits of being in China. But since [the CCP] adopted a policy of zero-COVID controls, everyone finds it unbearable and wants to leave. The recent expansion of the U.S. chip ban on China has strictly restricted high-end talents in assisting Chinas advanced chip development. On the one hand, these executives are unwilling to stay, and on the other hand, foreign governments are now increasing the pressure to force them to leave, Chiou said. Yang predicts that after the 20th party congress, the CCP will continue to move to the left: that is, oppose reform and opening up. We can see that its momentum is very bad. At least some people (in the party) are working hard in the direction of closing off. If it is secluded like North Korea, it means that the leaders life is great, but the peoples life is difficult. Chiou said that the key is Xi Jinpings left-leaning line, which is unlikely to change in his third term. Therefore, the NDRC official was only mechanically repeating the official rhetoric. Lin Cenxin contributed to this report. CDC Advisers Recommend Adding COVID-19 Vaccines to Childhood Immunization Schedule Advisers to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Oct. 20 recommended adding COVID-19 vaccines to the child and adolescent immunization schedules, despite the vaccines still being under emergency authorization for some children. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) cast the vote during a meeting on updating the schedules for youth and adults. All members voted to add the Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax vaccines to the 2023 schedules, asserting that the vaccines, despite waning effectiveness, can still prevent severe disease. We view this as COVID is here to stay, said Dr. Matthew Daley, one of the advisers. When I think about the routine immunization schedule as a pediatrician, I think of it as an opportunity to prevent serious disease and death. And if something is added to the schedule, its because I feel like the benefits continue to strongly outweigh the risks. The Pfizer and Moderna bivalent boosters will also be added if ACIPs advice is taken. The CDC and partner groups review schedule recommendations from the ACIP. The American Academy of Family Physicians, one of the groups, said that it would review the ACIPs recommendation. The COVID-19 vaccines have proven increasingly ineffective against both infection and severe illness from newer virus variants. In addition, there is no evidence the vaccines protect against severe disease for children under 5. The clinical trials for that population werent powered to measure such efficacy. Further, the new bivalent boosters havent been tested in humans at all. I suppose we should not be surprised that the ACIP has voted to add it to the CDCs recommended childhood vaccine schedule, even though it has not been fully licensed by FDA for use in children. The past three years has [sic] taught us that federal health officials have politicized the COVID vaccine development, licensing, and policymaking process and rubber-stamped the questionable science provided by pharmaceutical companies, Barbara Loe Fisher, president and co-founder of the National Vaccine Information Center, told The Epoch Times in an email. Now it is up to parents to let their state legislators know they want vaccine informed consent protections in public health laws and are opposed being forced to give their children the COVID vaccine as a condition of attending school, receiving medical care or for any other reason. An image from a CDC presentation shows the proposed additions to the child and adolescent immunization schedules. (CDC via The Epoch Times) Mandates Advisers stressed before the vote that adding the vaccines to the schedules doesnt in itself mean the vaccines will be mandated for school children. But laws in 31 states and the District of Columbia require the vaccines on the schedules to be taken by children for school attendance, according to the Policy, Practice, and Prevention Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicagos School of Public Health. Some other states impose requirements that largely align with the schedules. The COVID-19 vaccines are still under emergency use authorization for children aged 6 months to 11 years. No vaccines are available to children under 6 months of age. Lynn Bahta, a CDC adviser, asked whether it was allowed to add such a vaccine to the schedules. Before we brought this to the workgroup, we had a conversation about this with the Office of General Counsel and were told its OK to add it to the schedule, Dr. Patricia Wodi, a CDC official, responded. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of General Counsel and the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel didnt respond to requests for comment. The Epoch Times has submitted Freedom of Information Act requests for communications between the offices and the CDC on the matter. A gas pump is seen situated while pumping gas at a Shell gas station in Houston, Texas, on April 1, 2022. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) CEO Warns Biden Put US in a Very Precarious Position After More Oil Is Released An oil CEO said the White House put the United States in a very precarious position after another significant release of oil from U.S. reserves. After President Biden announced an additional 15 million barrels of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) would be released to combat rising gas prices just weeks before the midterm elections, one American oil industry leader is now calling it the strategic political reserve. This is a very precarious position were in today at a time of dramatic geopolitical upheaval, American Petroleum Institute president and CEO Mike Sommers told Fox News on Thursday. We need to have that SPR in place and at the right levels dealing with the current geopolitical situation were in today. In the coming months, the United States could again see record-high gas prices, he warned. Criticism After receiving criticism from GOP lawmakers that hes misusing the SPR, Biden said the release of oil is not being done for political reasons. Some Republicans and oil industry officials have alleged that the Biden administration is only releasing oil in a bid to keep gas prices relatively low before the 2022 midterms. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on energy during an event in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Oct. 19, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Its not politically motivated at all, Biden said. Its motivated to make sure that I continue to push on what Ive been pushing on, and that is making sure theres enough oil thats being pumped by the companies so that we have the ability to be able to produce enough gas that we need here at home, oil we need here at home and at the same time keep moving in a direction of providing for alternative energy. But in Thursdays interview, Sommers disagreed with that assertion. Instead, he argued that the Biden administrations policies have clamped down on U.S. oil production since he took office last year. Were currently at a point where we have less federal leasing from this administration than weve had in any administration since World War II, Sommers said. Were at record-level lows. At this point in the Obama administration, theyd done 60 leases in the offshore. So far, [Bidens] only done six. This week, the White House released a fact sheet saying it would refill the SPR when oil prices fall below $72 per barrel. As part of its commitment to ensure replenishment of the SPR, the [Department of Energy] is finalizing a rule that will allow it to enter fixed price contracts through a competitive bid process for product delivered at a future date, a White House statement said, while again alleging that the high gas prices are due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Laws Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called for legal safeguards to prevent the SPR from being used for political purposes after the latest release of oil. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was designed for an emergency time period. Hes using it trying to manipulate an election, McCarthy said. The stockpile, he added, should only be used after natural disasters and during times of war. He has just jeopardized the American people, McCarthy said during a radio interview. So, were going to have to safeguard that [so] that you cannot use that for your political gain. During its peak in 2010, the SPR held approximately 726 million barrels. Around 400 million barrels remain after the latest release. According to data from the automotive club AAA, the nationwide average price of a gallon of regular gas is $3.83, down about 8 cents from the previous week. Chinese Diplomat Admits to Pulling Protesters Hair in UK Some experts say it's a result of 'wolf warrior' diplomacy A senior Chinese diplomat acknowledged on Oct. 19 that he had pulled the hair of a protester who was then beaten at the Consulate General in Manchester. Consul General Zheng Xiyuan told Sky News that it was his duty to do so because the protester had insulted his country and his leader. He also claimed that a man had threatened his colleagues life. Speaking to The Epoch Times on Oct. 19, one China expert said she believes that Zheng was enraged by the offensive banners displayed by the Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters, while two other experts argued that Zheng wanted Beijing to see him taking an aggressive approach. Beaten Over a Caricature On Oct. 16, Bob Chan, a British National (Overseas) migrant from Hong Kong, was attending a peaceful protest outside the consulate when he was dragged onto consulate grounds by a group of men from the consulate and beaten. Chan said he was trying to stop the men from taking a large poster, which depicted a caricature of Chinese leader Xi Jinping as an emperor wearing no clothes. Zheng, who wore a mask, a hat, and a scarf, was filmed kicking and ripping two other posters. He then pulled Chans hair in an apparent attempt to help drag Chan through the gate. Hongkongers holding a rally outside the Chinese Consulate in Manchester, UK, were dragged into the consulate and beaten by the staff on Oct. 16, 2022. (Hong Kong Indigenous Defence Force/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Chan was subsequently punched and kicked on the consular grounds before a police officer ran to his aid. Other officers lined up at the gate, and one officer was heard saying that they couldnt go in. According to guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), consular premises may not be entered without the consent of the head of the consular post or of the head of the diplomatic mission. A spokesperson for the protest organiser previously told The Epoch Times that some of Chans hair was ripped off. He also had a swollen eye and cuts and bruises on his head and body. During the scuffle, a man who appeared to be a member of the consular staff was filmed lying on the ground and being kicked several times. Zheng: Its My Duty Before Oct. 19, it had been widely speculated on social media that Zheng was at the scene based on the appearance of the masked man, who Zheng has now acknowledged was him. Asked if he had personally pulled Chans hair, Zheng told Sky News on Oct. 19: Yeah its because hes abused my country, my leader. I think its my duty. To pull his hair? he was asked. Zheng responded, Yeah, I think any diplomat [would react in the same way] if faced with such kind of behavior. Bruises are seen on the body of Bob, a pro-democracy Hong Kong protester who was dragged onto the ground at the Chinese consulate and beaten in Manchester, UK, on Oct. 16, 2022. (Courtesy of Hong Kong Indigenous Defence Force) He also said it was an emergency situation as a guy threatened my colleagues life, and we try [sic] to control this situation. According to previous statements from the Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the officer intervened to pull Chan from the consulate out of fear for his safety. The GMP stated on Oct. 19 that no other injuries had been reported and that the complex and sensitive inquiry will take time. Wolf Warrior Diplomacy? In September 2021, Xi told Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members to abandon illusions and dare to struggle, three months after telling the politburo to create a reliable, lovable, and respectable image, prompting concerns that the CCP will take a more aggressive approach on the world stage. Foreign Minister Wang Yi later encouraged diplomats to fully deploy the fighting spirit, while Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said last month that Chinese diplomats face challenges head-on and fight resolutely on the Taiwan question and issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Xizang, maritime affairs, and human rights, among others. Speaking to The Epoch Times on Oct. 19, shortly before Zhengs admission was published, June Teufel Dreyer, professor of political science at the University of Miami and senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institutes Asia program, said the behaviour of the man then-alleged to be Zheng was anything but lovable, referring to Xis speech from a year ago. But Dreyer doesnt see the incident as an example of the so-called wolf warrior diplomacy, saying that the footage she had seen suggested that Zheng was simply enraged because he doesnt like the idea of people coming outside its consulate and shouting pro-democracy slogans. Wolf warrior diplomacy is like deliberately insulting, and I see this incident as more or less spontaneous, Dreyer said. A police officer tries to rescue a Hong Kong protester who was being beaten at the Chinese consulate in Manchester, UK, on Oct. 16, 2022, in a still from video footage of the attack. (Hong Kong Indigenous Defence Force/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) However, two former China-stationed UK diplomats believe that Zhengs move was more calculated. Charles Parton, an associate fellow at the Council on Geostrategy who spent much of his diplomatic career in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, said the beating wasnt necessarily premeditated, but the incident, which started when consulate personnel tried to take posters by force, would have been premeditated. The officials have to show that they are as keen as mustard, Parton said, noting that he suspects Zheng would have thought it was a good idea to do something about the protest. I mean, to have them protesting with very rude pictures of Xi Jinping outside your consulate would not be a good career move if you just did nothing about it. You kind of have to tear them down. Otherwise, youd be very much criticised back in the ministry. Roger Garside, an associate fellow at Henry Jackson Societys Asia Studies Centre, said he believes that Zheng was hoping to distinguish himself in the eyes of his senior colleagues. There may have been an element of personal career aspiration, but Zheng certainly believes he is entirely in line with guidance from Beijing, he said. In a later email to The Epoch Times, Garside wrote that he believes consulate staff were determined both to seize the banners and punish the protesters because they have no respect for British law, let alone the right to protest peacefully. Asked what the UK government should do, he said it needs to weigh its options after the police establish the facts, and if individuals are proven to have used violence against Chan, they must be declared persona non grata and be prosecuted if possible, noting that prosecution may not be possible owing to diplomatic immunity. Parton said the government could declare those who are involved persona non grata, but he doesnt believe it necessarily will and argued that the reaction will probably be somewhat overstepping the mark. He believes that Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zhen Zeguang should get a warning, reminding him of the British law, which is you can protest and you can put up posters as you will, even if they are unpleasant. If they do it again, then we will ask for them to be withdrawn, Parton said. In 1984, Libyan diplomats shot and killed Metropolitan Police officer Yvonne Fletcher, leading to a decade-long breaking of diplomatic relations between the UK and Libya. CCP Has Not Changed Since Cultural Revolution Both Parton and Garside were reminded of a similar scene 55 years ago, when a scuffle broke out between Chinese diplomats and police officers in London. They also believe we havent seen the end of the CCPs wolf warrior diplomacy. Xis recent speech was full of the language of struggle, Parton said. Having been stationed in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution, Garside thought the Manchester incident was particularly depressing because it shows how little the outlook of the communist regime in China has changed in the past 50 years, 55 years since the Cultural Revolution. Red Guard members wave copies of Mao Zedongs Little Red Book during a parade in Beijing in June 1966. (Jean Vincent/AFP via Getty Images) There is no sense of trust. Theres no sense of discipline to the norms of civilized international behavior. And I think it shows the paranoia of this regime, which lurks behind their outward shows of strength and bravado, Garside said. This kind of wolf warrior diplomacy destroys any prospect of shared mutual trust and friendship. He said he had been part of the UKs effort to build a new relationship with China and to build trust and friendship after former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping launched his reform era, but the CCP has since destroyed those efforts and turned what was a benign partnership policy, a benign partnership on our part, into suspicion and hostility. The Northern Arizona Regional SWAT team was dispatched to Munds Park on Tuesday night in response to a report that gunshots were fired at a house on Trail Winds Place. At about 9:30 p.m., deputies from the Coconino County Sheriffs Office responded to a domestic violence incident. Once on the scene, they discovered that windows had been broken with a hammer in the house and in vehicles outside. A handgun had also been fired. Deputies were able to identify the suspect, 37-year-old Wesley Deam, who lives in Munds Parks with his girlfriend and her three young children. Before officers arrived, Deam had fled the scene. Deputies believed he went to his fathers house. Because a gun was involved, SWAT teams were called in to assist with the response. Deam was later found by sheriffs deputies not at his fathers, but in an abandoned residence. He was arrested without incident and booked at the Coconino County Detention Facility on multiple charges of felony and misdemeanor criminal damage, weapons misconduct, disorderly conduct, and misconduct involving a weapon. Deam also had an outstanding felony warrant out of California. Also on Tuesday night, on their way to a 9 p.m. domestic violence call, a sheriffs deputy collided with another vehicle on Highway 89 and Marketplace Drive. According to Sheriffs Office spokesperson Jon Paxton, both vehicles involved might be totaled, but no one was injured. Flagstaff police are investigating, and an insurance adjuster is looking into the crash. It costs about $70,000 to purchase and fully equip a patrol vehicle, according to Paxton, but its not clear what could be salvaged from the cruiser that was damaged Tuesday just yet. In the meantime, deputies want to remind the public that slowing down and pulling carefully to the right when you hear or see an emergency vehicle approaching is extremely important to ensure everyones safety. An engineer looks at monkey kidney cells as he make a test on an experimental vaccine for the COVID-19 virus inside the Cells Culture Room laboratory at the Sinovac Biotech facilities in Beijing, China, on April 29, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese Labs Purchase of US Land for Primate Breeding Facility Draws Scrutiny A Chinese firms purchase of land in Florida to build a breeding facility for lab monkeys is drawing scrutiny over the company founders ties to the Chinese military. JOINN Laboratories CA Inc., the California subsidiary of a biotech firm headquartered in Beijing, in July purchased more than 1,400 acres of land for building a primate facility in Floridas Levy County, county records show. With a combined value of $5.5 million, the 10 parcels of land purchased from L & T Cattle & Timber represent one of the largest known Chinese acquisitions of U.S. land in recent years. While construction has not begun, the deal has attracted public attention at a time of heightened concern about Chinese investments in the United States over security and other risks. The purchasers parent company JOINN Laboratories describes itself as a leader in non-clinical drug screening in China. According to its website, the company was founded in 1995 and employs over 1,500 staff. It has wholly-owned subsidiaries in major Chinese and U.S. cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Boston. Zhou Zhiwen and Feng Yuxia, the couple who founded and control JOINN Laboratories, both graduated from Chinas Academy of Military Medical Sciences, in 1989 and 1992 respectively. The school is the Chinese militarys top medical institute, which was added to a U.S. trade blacklist last year for supplying biotechnology to the Chinese military. After graduating, both Zhou and Feng went on to work as researchers at the academy before establishing their business venture, according to Chinese media reports. Zuo Conglin, a board member of JOINN Laboratories, also graduated from the same academy. These links with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should raise red flags, according to Rep. Scott Franklin (R-Fla.). The idea that we would permit a biotech firm with ties to the Chinese military to breed lab monkeys on U.S. soil is baffling, especially after China unleashed the Covid-19 pandemic on the world, he told The Epoch Times. The Biden administration allowing Chinese Communist Party affiliated companies to buy up American land is unacceptable, especially for these purposes. If the President wont put his foot down to protect American interests, Congress will. Future of Project Uncertain Its unclear if JOINN Laboratories can proceed with its plans in Levy County. Because the purchased land is currently zoned for forestry and rural residential, the company would need to rezone the land to industrial to build its lab facility, the county said in a Sept. 22 statement. The county said that it had been asked about a possible rezoning of the land, and that it replied that such a request would not receive a favorable staff recommendation because of compatibility issues and that it would create spot zoning, referring to the controversial practice of singling out a piece of land for special zoning laws different from the zoning laws around it. A laboratory monkey interacts with employees in the breeding centre for cynomolgus macaques (longtail macaques) at the National Primate Research Center of Thailand at Chulalongkorn University in Saraburi, on May 23, 2020. (Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images) County officials, when reached by The Epoch Times in early October, said it hasnt received such a formal rezoning request from JOINN Laboratories. The company did not publicly announce the sale and not much is known about the proposed breeding facility. JOINN Laboratories didnt respond to an inquiry from The Epoch Times regarding the purchase and its plans for the site. Its unclear whether the company intends to sell the lab monkeys in the United States, China, or elsewhere. Both countries have a high demand for primates for experimental use, and the United States imports a large portion of monkeys from China. According to Chinese media reports, the average cost for a long-tailed macaque, commonly used for lab research, paid by the Chinese regime has soared from around 30,000 yuan ($4,153) in 2019 to over 130,000 yuan (around $18,000) in early 2022. JOINN Laboratories currently owns about 18 acres of animal testing facilities in Beijing and Suzhou, a major city in eastern Chinas Jiangsu Province, according to its 2021 annual report. It is also building another primate breeding base with the capacity of raising 15,000 large animals in Wuzhou of southern Chinas Guangxi Province. The quarantine station for the base is now complete, the report stated. A sign spells out the concerns many residents have over a proposed corn mill in Grand Forks, N.D. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times) Chinese Deals Under the Spotlight Around the time JOINN Laboratories inked its Florida land deal, another Chinese firms farmland investment near the northern border was also drawing scrutiny. Fufeng Group, a Chinese agricultural firm, acquired 370 acres of land near the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, where it plans to build a corn mill. But such proximity to a sensitive U.S. military base has alarmed residents and lawmakers alike, who fear that the location could be used for foreign espionage. Related Coverage GOP Lawmakers Sound Alarm Over Chinese Purchase of US Farmland Near Air Force Base Construction on the land was halted in September when the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a federal interagency panel tasked with conducting national security reviews of foreign investments, sought more information about the project. A local group opposing the Fufeng project is appealing to the states highest court to allow a public vote on the plan. The city had earlier denied a local petition that had collected over 5,300 signatures to bring the project to a referendum vote. Florida, meanwhile, is also paying attention to the Fufeng case. Standing behind a Stop CCP Influence sign, Floridas governor Ron DeSantis last month proposed a legislative measure to bar Beijing-affiliated companies from buying land surrounding military bases, of which the state has 21. Theres the danger of having this land misused for intelligence or military purposes. But put that aside, we saw what happened with COVID, when almost all this stuff was made in China, why would you want them to be involved in our own food supply in our chain supply chain here in the United States? Desantis told the audience at Miami Dade College on Sept. 22. Police inspect one of the few remaining protest trucks before having it towed out of the downtown core, in Ottawa on Feb. 20, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld) City Had Tow Trucks Lined Up Before Invocation of Emergencies Act, Says Ottawa Police Dep. Chief The Liberal government has claimed a number of times that it was necessary to invoke the Emergencies Act to compel towing companies to remove the heavy trucks from downtown Ottawa during the Freedom Convoy protest, but the citys police deputy chief said on Thursday that tow trucks were on their way before the invocation. You stated earlier that you did have tow trucks lined up and that they were on their way to Ottawa prior to the invocation of the Emergencies Act. Isnt that true? asked counsel Rob Kittredge of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. To which Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Acting Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson replied Yes. Ferguson was testifying before the Public Order Emergency Commission, which is reviewing the governments invocation of the act on Feb. 14. Kittredge asked his question based on a statement made by Ferguson minutes earlier about the issue of procuring tow trucks. I think at the time of my statement I was under the impression that things like tow trucks, that was the only way we were going to be able to get them, Ferguson said in reference to her interview with the commission on Aug. 11 which touches on the issue of using the act to compel towing companies. I may be corrected by Superintendent [Robert] Bernier, I think they did have some lined up and they were on their way just prior to us beginning our actions, said Ferguson. Supt. Bernier will testify before the commission at a later date. The summary of Fergusons interview with the commission says she found it difficult to say whether the Freedom Convoy situation could have been managed or resolved without the Emergencies Act. She said the act made resolving the situation more effective, especially with the securing of tow trucks. OPS knew that if it arrived with tow trucks, many protestors would leave because the trucks were their home and livelihood, says the interview summary. Single Biggest Issue The ability to compel towing companies to cooperate with police brought about by the Emergencies Act has been cited as a key measure by government officials at the city and federal levels. Ottawa City Manager Steve Kanellakos told the commission on Oct. 17 that towing companies would not cooperate out of fear for their safety, not wanting to damage their reputation with the truckers, and in solidarity with the protesters. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said in his commission testimony on Oct. 18 that getting tow trucks was needed to solve the single biggest issue in relation to clearing the protest, due to the city not having the towing capacity. However he told the commission he wasnt sure how the tow trucks were ultimately procured. Im assuming that it would have been a combination of the police and the city that procured them, Watson said. We were told by every tow truck company that they were not going to participate, and then when the Emergencies Act was introduced, tow trucks suddenly appeared. So I think the cause and effect was yes, the Emergencies Act compelled them. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this summer that securing tow trucks was a key reason why he declared a public order emergency. We had a range of advice from Justice. From Public Safety. From various areas. But if you think about the specific tools, one of the concrete complaints was tow truck drivers werent willing to send in their rigs at the cost of being outed or harassed by these protesters, said Trudeau. We saw that one of the only tools we had that was going to be effective in the timeframe necessary was to bring in the Emergencies Act. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino also raised the same issue a number of times. While the commission is one body reviewing the declaration of emergency, a special joint committee of parliamentarians is doing the same. One of the problems was that no tow trucks were available, Mendicino told the committee in April. We were not able to secure the tow trucks. There were threats. There were interruptions at the time. That was one piece of advice we were getting at the time. Committee member Conservative Sen. Claude Carignan replied by saying he found tow trucks for sale in the classified ads. You could have bought some and had the trucks removed yourselves without invoking the Emergencies Act, he said. At a subsequent committee meeting in May, Carignan said towing companies could have been compelled under Section 129 of the Criminal Code, which states that it is an indictable offence to resist or willfully obstruct a peace officer in the execution of his duty. Carignan asked RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki whether anyone had been charged under that article. Im not familiar with anybody being charged under that section of the Criminal Code, Lucki said. Coast Guard Cadet Kicked Out For Refusing Vaccine Mandate Speaks Out For failing to comply with the militarys COVID-19 vaccination mandate, the Coast Guard Academy in August disenrolled seven cadets. Sophia Galdamez, a 22 year old who had been in the academy for three years, was one of those cadets. She described her experience to The Epoch Times. At the height of the pandemic, when the various COVID-19 vaccines were being rolled out, cadets were told the vaccines would end the pandemic, Galdamez said. But the cadet, a Christian, was hesitant and skeptical about the claim.God told me to treat my body like a temple, so I had to research what was available and what Id be injecting into my body, she said. After finding out the vaccines used aborted fetal stem cell lines in their testing and development, as well as having concern about the drugs potential side effects, Galdamez decided against getting vaccinated. This was before the Coast Guards adoption of the vaccine mandate in August 2021. Although the mandate was not in effect over the summer of 2021, Galdamez noted that the rules at the academy began to change. Because she was unvaccinated, the cadet was required to always wear a mask, even while participating in physical fitness tests, which included push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. All the while, my superiors told me that it would take 5 to 10 years to have a vaccine approved and mandated, but that all changed when the mandate went into effect, Galdamez said. Because Galdamez sought religious accommodation, she said, she began to be treated differently for opposing the vaccine. Galdamez was a starter on the academys volleyball team, but she was separated and isolated from her team during the fall of 2021, she said. I was often told that I should get vaccinated because I was putting other players and other cadets at risk, despite the fact that it has been proven that the vaccine does not stop the spread of COVID, she said. I was made to feel like I was dirty and someone others shouldnt be around. Disenrolled In June, Galdamez was threatened with disenrollment, which she appealed. But her appeal was denied on Aug. 15. With the help of attorneys, Galdamez and other affected cadets went to court seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the academy from taking punitive measures against them. Pending the legal proceedings, the superintendent of the academy agreed to defer taking any adverse action against the cadets until Sept. 1 or when the court decided on the issue, whichever is earlier, according to a joint motion filed in July But on Aug. 18, Galdamez was called into the office of the Assistant Commandant of Cadets and was informed that she had 24 hours to vacate the campus. Even when she notified her superiors about the deferral agreement, they disregarded these claims and insisted that she complete the exit process which usually takes months to complete, Galdamez said. Galdamez was forced to return to her home in San Diego, California, losing her ability to attend classes and play volleyball, and experience life on campus among her peers. She was not allowed to attend classes remotely. But Galdamez was thankful to have a home to go to, as she knows of other cadets who were kicked out who didnt. By 4 p.m. the next day on Aug. 19, she was expected to have concluded a series of time-consuming out-processing tasks while also making spur-of-the-moment arrangements to travel from New London, Connecticut, where the academy is located, to San Diego. I had three years worth of all my belongings and was left to figure out how I would get all my trunks home, Galdamez said, adding that she also had to sell a printer to help offset the unexpected expenses of travel. On top of leaving some of her belongings behind, she has also never been reimbursed for the expenses she incurred even though cadet command had promised her and the other cadets that they would, Galdamez said. Between Aug. 18 and Sept. 23, Galdamez considered herself to be in limbo status. She was unable to continue her education at the academy and since she was still a cadet, she could not pursue other avenues of education or occupation. On Sept. 23, unvaccinated cadets were discharged from the academy. This happened to me, despite the agreements between my lawyers and DOJ counsel that I and the other cadets would remain in the military until litigation is decided, she said Galdamez described the experience of being discharged and returning home as devastating because the academy was her dream. Her ultimate goal was to become an officer in the Coast Guard, but this dream has been dashed. Humiliated Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet, president of the Truth for Health Foundation, an Arizona-based nonprofit, told The Epoch Times that her organization spearheaded a project to provide guidance for service members, like Galdamez, to handle their defense. The Coast Guard is egregiously violating constitutional rights and Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) regulations in failing to grant religious accommodation, Vliet said. More importantly, it is unlawful to mandate any experimental product, which includes vaccines, masks, and test kit, she added. According to Vliet, forcing such experimental treatments on service members is a heinous abuse thats unconscionable and has no legal or medical justification. Attorney Davis Younts, who helped all of the disenrolled Coast Guard cadets with templates for their accommodations and disenrollment responses, agreed The treatment of these Cadets goes beyond a violation of due process; it involves religious discrimination and violations of basic human rights, Younts said. He added that, these are young men and women who are prepared to give their lives in service to their country and because of their religious faith, they are not simply being kicked out of the Academy; they were humiliated and treated like criminals. The Coast Guard and Assistant Commandant of Cadets didnt return requests for comment from The Epoch Times. An American flag waves in the window at the edge of a farm outside of Walsh, Colorado, on Dec. 6, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Talk of an EU-style Governance of the Americas Raises Red Flags With Congressman Mexicos president said he has been discussing with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the possibility of merging the American continent into an EU-style of governance. Mr. Blinken talked about consolidating the North American region, and we agreed on that, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said during a press conference last month. Not only did I tell him that we were in agreement with consolidating ourselves as a region, including the three countriesCanada, the United States, Mexicobut we were also in favor of the unity of the entire American continent to repeat our project that, just as the European community first emerged and became the European Union. That is what we want, which is [Simon] Bolivars dream, but integrating Canada, the United States, all of the Americas. Concerned that Blinken appears to be having such discussions abroad, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) sent a letter to the secretary to find out more. Is it your position that the North American continent should be united by a regional constitution to further the economic interests of its member states? Gaetz asked Blinken. Is the position of the Department of State that the United States, Canada, and Mexico should become a union of states formed in the likeness of the European Union? A spokesman from Gaetzs office said on Oct. 18 that the congressman hadnt yet received a response from Blinken. Our office is actively monitoring the Biden administrations plans and will continue to communicate our concerns with the State Department, the spokesman told The Epoch Times. Gaetz wrote on Twitter on Oct. 14: I dont want my constituents living under socialist tyrannical lockdowns enacted by Justin Trudeau while their nephews get poisoned by Mexican fentanyl. But that is the globalist order the Left supports, because they never thought much of America in the first place. The Epoch Times reached out to the State Department for comment on the veracity of Obradors remarks, and to ask if anyone from the department had spoken to Canadian counterparts about the idea. The State Department didnt respond. Obrador said he and Blinken also discussed furthering President Joe Bidens green energy agenda. A cooperation between Mexico and the United States for expanded lithium and solar energy production, outlined in Obradors Sonora Plan, has placed the northwestern Mexican state on Washingtons renewable energy radar. Organization of American States Earlier this month, Blinken traveled to Latin America to attend the Organization of American States General Assembly, a U.N.-style organization that was formed in 1948. At the completion of the summit, the 35 member countries adopted the Lima Declaration, under the theme Together Against Inequality and Discrimination. When all communities have equal access to development, all of society benefits. And because more equal democracies tend to be more stable and secure partners, Blinken said during his remarks on Oct. 6 in Lima. The Lima Declaration couches its goals within the diversity, equity, inclusion framework that is criticized for favoring diversity over merit and an assumption that white people are inherently racist. The declaration focuses on economic issues, climate change, and bolstering inclusion for minority groups, especially around gender. It states that there is a need to achieve significant increases of financing in favorable conditions and investment from a wide variety of public and private sources, and of international development cooperation, including multilateral organisms, developed countries and the private sector, in order to achieve equitable, fairer, diverse and more prosperous societies. American taxpayers fund just shy of 50 percent of the Organization of American States budget, which in 2023 is set to be more than $90.1 billion. Brazil is the next largest contributor, kicking in 15.3 percent of the budget. Canada and Mexico are next, contributing 12 percent and 7 percent respectively. Twelve other nations commit $37,6000 each for the year, while Cuba puts in $468,800. A regional analyst says a consolidated North American region could offer mutual economic benefits and create regional stability, but would need strict guidelines. An economic community between the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Antilles would be a step forward for the entire region, but it has to be based on the concept of a community of democracies, Orlando Guiterrez-Boronat told The Epoch Times. Such a supranational union, in order to be beneficial, must be based on solid principles of freedom and democracy. Not on the absurd ambiguity towards the tyranny of say, President Lopez Obrador in Mexico. Some critics of Mexicos incumbent president believe the countrys democracy is fragmenting under Obrador due to a departure from democratic norms, including silencing critics, defunding regulatory agencies, and pilfering state-controlled trusts outside the appropriate legal channels. Boronat says the North American region shouldnt model itself directly after the EU. He believes that for a consolidated effort to work, a higher level of political rectitude is necessary. The lack of political coherence and integrity has hurt the European Union and placed it in the current crisis with the Russian aggression against Ukraine, he said. Its ludicrous the European Union is currently financing the terrible dictatorship in Cuba. How can that be in consonance with the values the EU is supposed to share with the U.S.? New Leftist Presidents The same week Blinken was in Peru, he visited Colombia and Chile to discuss shared priorities and emphasize regional collaboration. The U.S. delegate met with Colombias newly elected leftist President Gustavo Petro and top-level officials to discuss climate action, the migration crisis flowing through the Darien Gap that links Colombia and Panama, and a holistic approach to countering narcotics trafficking in the region. Petro was elected in June, in a surprising outcome, as Colombias first left-wing president. Petro is a former member of the M-19 guerilla group, which was a 1970s-era Marxist organization with ties to the notorious Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The terrorist group demobilized in 1990 and became a legitimate political party under the name Aliaza Democratica M-19. In Chile, Blinken met with socialist President Gabriel Boric and Foreign Minister Antonia Urrejola on Oct. 5 to discuss similar initiatives, including climate mitigation, bilateral trade opportunities, and illegal migration. Boric, who has open ties to Chiles communist party, has faced significant scrutiny in recent months amid a crushing economic downturn and protests. The millennial became the countrys youngest head of state in a runoff election in December 2021. The tide took a personal turn against Boric in September, when a group of protesters recognized his brother and attacked him. Simon Boric, who works as the chief of staff for the rectors office at the University of Chile, was hospitalized after an angry mob punched and kicked him outside his home in Santiago. The attack took place just days before a historic vote on whether to abolish the national constitution that was put in place under the controversial former President Augusto Pinochet. The vote failed and the constitution stands. The China Connection There is another player wooing the United States southern neighbors. China is now South Americas largest trading partner and is poised to edge out the United States in trade throughout Latin America. With its Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has sunk sizable investments into the region and has become one of its biggest lenders. The CCP has built ports, roads, dams, and major power projects throughout Latin America over the past 20 years. As is the case in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere in Asia, Beijing is using its economic and financial prowess to raise its diplomatic profile and influence, says Milton Ezrati, chief economist for Vested, a New York-based communications firm and contributor to The Epoch Times. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has visited Latin America 11 times since taking office in 2013 and has signed strategic partnershipsthe highest classification Beijing offers diplomatic allieswith seven countries, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Between 2009 and 2019, the most recent year for which data are available, China has also sold the equivalent of $165 million in military equipment to Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador, including aircraft, air defense radar, and small arms, Ezrati noted. Autumn Spredemann Reporter Follow Autumn is a South America-based reporter covering primarily Latin American issues for The Epoch Times. Cory Morgan: For All Their Misinformation Rhetoric, Testimony Shows Feds Are Guilty of the Same on Emergencies Act Commentary Misinformation has been a buzzword often used by the government as it tries to justify intrusive legislation created to control information on the internet such as Bill-C11. While the government appears cognizant that social media can be an unreliable source of information, they dont hesitate to embrace questionable information from the internet when it suits their own political agenda. MPs from both the NDP and Liberal parties have cited internet and media sources when trying to justify the invocation of the Emergencies Act. Testimony from Supt. Pat Morris, head of Ontario Provincial Polices intelligence unit, at the Emergencies Act inquiry on Oct. 19 was scathing when he said, I was concerned by comments made publicly by public figures and in the media that I believed were not premised in fact. The Emergencies Act is the strongest legislative tool the government has in its arsenal. The seriousness of invoking an act against Canadian citizens that suspends civil rights cant be overstated. The act should only be used as an absolute last resort and legislators should feel obliged to ensure they have the most accurate information possible about a crisis before considering the use of such a heavy-handed approach to deal with it. Rather than trying to carefully study and seek accurate information before imposing the Emergencies Act against the Freedom Convoy protesters, government officials zealously went on a campaign to try to paint the protesters as dangerous extremists who must be stopped at all costs. That campaign was based on misinformation. The list of misinformation spread is long and shameful. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed in the House of Commons on Feb. 17 that half of the funding for the protests was coming from the United States and other foreign sources. Those statements inflamed many Canadians. Nobody likes the idea of foreign nations meddling in sensitive issues on our own soil. What Trudeau was claiming was untrue. CSIS Director David Vigneault said in a briefing on Feb. 611 days before Trudeaus assertationsthat: There [are] no foreign actors identified at this point supporting or financing this convoy. The CBC falsely reported that Russia could be backing the protest. They were forced to retract that statement. The national broadcaster and the government appeared aligned in trying to make it seem as though there was no broad support for the convoy across the country, and they were willing to stretch the truth to do so. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson along with several Liberal and NDP MPs perpetuated a rumour that arsonists linked to the convoy protest had tried to burn down an apartment building in Ottawa. That allegation was based at the time on a questionable Twitter thread posted by an individual. A police investigation later determined the incident had nothing to do with the protest. It is appalling that elected officials would utter such serious accusations against a group of citizens with no more evidence than a Twitter posting. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino claimed that armed individuals arrested in an incident in Coutts, Alberta, had ties to a far-right extreme organization with leaders who are in Ottawa. When pressed on this statement, Mendicino could only claim: Its certainly, I think, the conclusion of many individuals and Canadians who are taking a look at social media. This was again a case of a high-ranking government official making serious and divisive accusations with nothing more than social media postings as substantiation for it. Trudeau said the convoy protest was a racist movement where protesters carried Nazi symbolism and racist imagery. He based those statements on pictures posted to social media showing two incidents of people carrying offensive flags. He conveniently forgot to mention how protesters drove a person carrying an American Confederate flag out of their midst. The government has repeatedly stated that misinformation is dangerous to the nation and must be controlled. If misinformation is so damaging when being spread by mere citizens, what about when its being spread by national leaders? If the government had its laws in place countering misinformation right now, would government officials themselves be found in violation of it? It is doubtful that any officials, whether elected or otherwise, will face serious sanctions for their actions no matter what the Emergencies Act inquiry reveals. Perhaps the inquiry could sow the seeds for what the Liberals intended legislation on misinformation should really be like. Before being able to invoke the Emergencies Act or suspend civil rights to contain pandemics, the government should be compelled to make its case with solid, verifiable intelligence sources. The use of misinformation to justify enacting any form of law suspending charter rights should come with direct legal consequences for legislators. I suspect if elected officials could be found responsible for using misinformation in those circumstances, they would act more carefully in the future when considering invoking the Emergencies Act. If the government really wants to go to war against misinformation, it should start by controlling its own use of it before trying to enact more laws against citizens. The entrance to the Labor Department is seen near the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on May 7, 2020. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo) Criminals Spent COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits on Drugs, Weapons: Department of Labor OIG The U.S. Department of Labors Office of Inspector General (OIG) has said that criminals stole billions of dollars in unemployment money that was issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, and used some of it to purchase drugs and weapons. Congress in March 2020 launched an unemployment aid program for Americans who were unable to work as a result of lockdowns, under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. However, the OIG has found that multiple states failed to protect some of the funds from improper payments, including fraud, and that Pandemic Unemployment Assistance was granted to individuals who were not actually eligible. In a report (pdf) published on Sept. 30, the OIG said that among the four states it focused its research onCalifornia, Georgia, Kentucky, and Michigana total of $30.4 billion of the $71.7 billion in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation that was granted was paid improperly, making up 42.4 percent of the payouts. An estimated $9.9 billion was likely paid to fraudsters in those states, including criminal enterprises that discovered that unemployment insurance fraud is a low-risk, high-reward crime, according to the report. They have invested fraudulent UI [Unemployment Insurance] proceeds to further other criminal activity, such as purchasing guns and drugs. Individuals who we find are central to this conduct have been indicted on charges including racketeering conspiracy, the report states. The report focused on unemployment benefit payments made between March 28, 2020 and March 14, 2021. In California alone, an estimated $20 billion in unemployment money was stolen by criminals, according to the California Employment Development Department (pdf). Significant Portion Attributable to Fraud The OIG blamed the fraudulent payments on a number of issues, including that states failed to perform eligibility testing, initially allowed claimants to self-certify their eligibility, and that the Employment and Training Administration had been slow in providing oversight with regard to the payments. Earlier this year, the OIG told Congress (pdf) that at least $163 billion in pandemic UI benefits could have been paid improperly to Americans, with a significant portion attributable to fraud. Amid mounting reports of fraud, Attorney General Merrick Garland established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force in 2021 to help identify, investigate, and prosecute COVID-19 pandemic stimulus fraud. Authorities have bought charges against a number of criminal enterprises relating to unemployment insurance fraud, including the Robles Park gang in Tampa, Florida, who allegedly made off with over $420,000 and used the money to purchase drugs and weapons in an effort to further increase their dominance, according to court filings (pdf). Eleven members of the Brooklyn-based Woo gang were also charged in federal court in Brooklyn, New York earlier this year. Prosecutors said (pdf) that gang members fraudulently obtained $4.3 million in unemployment benefits. However, thousands more criminals are yet to face any repercussions for the billions of dollars in stolen funds. Last month, the Justice Department announced the creation of three strike force teams to bolster the ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19-related fraud and prevent it from happening in the future. These Strike Force teams will build on the Departments historic enforcement efforts to deter, detect, and disrupt pandemic fraud wherever it occurs, Garland said in a press release. Since the start of this pandemic, the Justice Department has seized over $1.2 billion in relief funds that criminals were attempting to steal, and charged over 1,500 defendants with crimes in federal districts across the country, but our work is far from over. A protester rides on top of a ladder in the back of a pick-up truck during the freedom protest in Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2022. (Noe Chartier/The Epoch Times) CSIS and RCMP Didnt See Freedom Convoy as National Security Threat, Says OPP Intelligence Chief Whereas the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) intelligence arm assessed at one point that the Freedom Convoy of last winter had the potential to become a national security threat, the OPP Intelligence chief Supt. Pat Morris says CSIS and the RCMP did not see it meeting that threshold. I spoke about that with colleagues from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and with the [RCMP] Integrated National Security Enforcement Team [INSET], and they did not see things that reached their threshold in terms of what would be deemed a threat to the security of Canada, Morris told the Public Order Emergency Commission on Oct. 19. The commission is conducting a review and public hearings related to the government invoking the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14 to deal with cross-country blockades and protests demanding the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Morris addressed the topic while being questioned by a commission counsel about a Feb. 7 situation report produced by his outfit, the OPPs Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau (POIB). The situation in Ottawa remains volatile and represents a public safety threat; an officer safety threat; and, potentially, a national security threat, says the report filed under the OPPs Project HENDON, which tracks protest movements with a public safety impact. Morris said they had raised it as a potential national security threat due to actions such as border blockades, including the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, and the capacity of protesters to remain in Ottawa for a long time. Pointing to CSIS and the RCMP-INSET not deeming it a national security threat, Morris said we were an anomaly in that regard. But weve raised that as a potential. The day after the POIB published that assessment, Morris wrote to his team members and shared that he was uncomfortable with the wording surrounding national security, according to an email of his entered as evidence before the commission. In terms of national security, the wording in HENDON assessment concerned me slightly, wrote Morris. I agree with the potential for officer safety and public safety but INSET and CSIS concur that there are no national security concerns. Confirmed today. If we have access to something they dont, we can meet them to discuss, but I am not aware of it. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki is expected to testify before the commission at a later date, and so is CSIS Director David Vigneault. A briefing given by Vigneault to government officials from different levels on Feb. 6 during a teleconference was entered as evidence earlier this week. Vigneault said there was no foreign component or support to the protests, calling them primarily a domestic issue. Pat Morris of the OPP waits to appear as a witness at the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa on Oct. 19, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) No Credible Threats Along with addressing the issue of threats to national security, Morris also touched on the topic of criminality. He said that as the Freedom Convoy was rolling across the country in January before reaching Ottawa, it was conspicuous for the absolute lack of criminal activity. The counsel representing the Government of Canada asked Morris about threats of violence mentioned in a document prepared by the OPP but not by Morris team, and whether they related to the Ottawa occupation or the movement as a whole. Morris said it related to the movement as a whole and acknowledged there were threats of violence. In terms of producing intelligence, we found no credible intelligence of threats, said Morris. Prompted by the counsel about threats made against individuals, Morris said if there was an actual threat, then there would have been an investigation. And if there was an actual threat, I assume the Ottawa Police Service would have laid a charge for uttering threats. Morris said the lack of violent crime surrounding last winters events was shocking. Even the arrests and charges, considering the whole thing in totalityI think there were 10 charges for violent crimes, six of which were against police officers, he said. Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a U.S. senatorial candidate, delivers remarks during a "Women for Fetterman" rally at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2022. (Kriston Jae Bethel/AFP via Getty Images) Doctor Who Wrote Fetterman Medical Update Donated to His Campaign, FEC Records Show Under frequent scrutiny from Republican opponent Mehmet Oz and multiple media outlets regarding questions about his health, Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman released a letter on Oct. 19 from a doctor who wrote that he is recovering well from his stroke and has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office. What the Oct. 15 letter didnt disclose is that the authorDr. Clifford Chenhas donated to Fettermans campaign at least four times, according to Federal Elections Commission records. Chen, whos Fettermans primary care physician, specializes in family medicine and practices at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He wrote the letter after meeting with Fetterman on Oct. 14, describing the appointment as a follow-up to an examination in May. FEC records show that Chens first contribution to Fetterman was $500 in June 2021. The doctor donated an additional $500 on July 8 of this year, gave another $230 on July 28, and then provided $100 on Sept. 23. Mehmet Oz, whos running for the US Senate, speaks as former U.S. President Donald Trump stands behind him during a campaign rally at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Sept. 3, 2022. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images) Chen has donated more than $2,000 to Democratic organizations in 2022, FEC records report. Among the groups receiving Chens support are the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Joe Calvello, a spokesman for Fettermans campaign, released a statement and said the letter from Chen wasnt about politics. Its an independent, detailed medical report written by Johns primary care doctor based on his latest office visit from last week, Calvello wrote. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board called on Fetterman and Oz to release their medical records in September. Oz agreed, and the results indicated that hes in excellent health, according to his doctor. Fetterman, whos currently serving as Pennsylvanias lieutenant governor, had repeatedly refused to reveal medical information until the report from Chen. His physical exam was normal and his blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry readings are within normal range, according to the report. Chen also said Fettermans lung exam was clear and that his strength and coordination were normal. I have spoken with his neurologist and cardiologist, and he will follow up with them routinely, Chen wrote. The lieutenant governor takes appropriate medications to optimize his heart condition and prevent future strokes. Fetterman is exercising and can walk four to five miles regularly without difficulty, Chen noted. Addressing Fettermans cognitive abilities, Chen said he spoke intelligently without cognitive deficits and noted that his speech was normal but he demonstrates auditory processing issues that can appear like hes having difficulty with hearing. Overall, Lt. Gov. Fetterman is well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices, Chen wrote in the report. He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office. In a post on Twitter, radio host and political commentator Mark Davis wrote that its not a huge problem that Chen contributed to Fettermans campaign, noting that he would hope my doctor would contribute to me if I ran for something. The problem is the letter is a joke, Davis said. He still has a language processing impediment, with no clue as to when it will resolve. The letter was released days after Fetterman stumbled over his words and used a closed-captioning monitor to read questions in an interview with NBC News reporter Dasha Burns that aired on Oct. 11. I sometimes will hear things in a way thats not perfectly clear, Fetterman said in the interview. So I use captioning, so Im able to see what youre saying on the captioning. During the interview, Burns asked Fetterman if there are any other symptoms or health conditions that he hasnt disclosed. Im sorry. No, no, I dont in terms of the auditory processing and things in terms of any, any symptoms related to the stroke or any other conditions, Fetterman said. Burns also asked, Can voters trust that you will be able to do this job on day one? Fetterman hesitated for a moment, and then said, Yeah, of course. When asked if the stroke would affect his ability to fulfill his duties as a senator if he wins, Fetterman told Burns, I dont think its going to have an impact. I feel like Im going to get better and betterevery day. And by January, Im going [to] be, you know, much better. After the segment, Burns told MSNBC that our campaign team did notice a difference between the conversation when the closed captioning was on versus when it was off. Just in some of the small talk prior to the interview, before the closed captioning was up and running, it did seem that he had a hard time understanding our conversation, she said. After Fettermans interview, Oz told Fox Business Network: I dont think theres closed captioning on the floor of the Senate, and maybe he doesnt need closed captioning when hes actually moving around. But maybe he does. Again, lots of question marks, and voters deserve better. Fettermans wife, Gisele, urged Burns and NBC to apologize. If this happened in a school, if this was a child that was ableist towards another child or a teacher, there wouldve been issues stated. There would have been new training done, Gisele Fetterman told the Independent. What is being done at the media after a reporter came out so openly ableist toward a person? I think shocked and appalled, but sadly not surprised. I know theres still so much to do, but it would be great to see some accountability, to actually see real change. I would love to see an apology toward the disability community from her and from her network for the damage they have caused. In a May statement, John Fetterman said: I had a stroke that was caused by a clot from my heart being in an A-fib rhythm for too long. The good news is Im feeling much better, and the doctors tell me I didnt suffer any cognitive damage. Fettermans interview with NBC News was followed by a campaign ad in which he claims that doctors tell me I didnt suffer any cognitive damage. After my stroke, I was just grateful to see Gisele and our kids. Across Pennsylvania, I keep seeing families that dont have enough time to focus on each other. Theyre struggling, left behind, Fetterman said in the TV spot. Weve got to make it easier for people to spend time with those they love. Politicians spend so much time fighting about the things that dont matter. Ill always be focused on what does; access to health care, lower costs, good jobs, more time with those we love. On Aug. 12, he made his first public appearance since his stroke. Oz immediately challenged him to appear on the debate stage, requesting five debates from Sept. 6 to Oct. 5. Fetterman agreed to one debateon Oct. 25, two weeks before Election Day. Early voting started in Pennsylvania on Sept. 19. During the Oct. 25 debate in Harrisburg, Fetterman is expected to use closed captioning, which he has relied on in interviews and public appearances as he continues to recover. 7 Indicted in Alleged CCP Plot to Force US Resident to China Seven people, including two New York residents, have been indicted in connection with an alleged plot by the Chinese regime to coerce a dissident in the United States to return to China, the Justice Department (DOJ) announced on Oct. 20. An Quanzhong, 55, and his daughter An Guangyang, 34, of Roslyn, New York, were arrested on the morning of Oct. 20 and were due to appear before the District Court for the Eastern District of New York for an arraignment hearing in the afternoon, according to DOJ. The remaining five defendants are at large in China; the United States doesnt have an extradition treaty with China. Six of the defendants were charged with conspiracy to act as illegal agents for China. The group allegedly worked at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to illegally force a Chinese national living in the United States to return to China, according to an indictment (pdf) unsealed on Oct. 20. The lead defendant, An Quanzhong, allegedly acted under the direct orders of various CCP officials in order to conduct surveillance on the Chinese national and engage in a campaign to harass and coerce the individual back to China as part of an extralegal effort known as Operation Fox Hunt. As alleged, the defendants engaged in a unilateral and uncoordinated law enforcement action on U.S. soil on behalf of the government of the Peoples Republic of China, in an effort to cause the forced repatriation of a U.S. resident to China, Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in the statement, using the official name of communist China. The United States will firmly counter such outrageous violations of national sovereignty and prosecute individuals who act as illegal agents of foreign states. Operation Fox Hunt is a widespread effort by the CCP to locate and repatriate alleged fugitives and dissidents who have left mainland China. The regime frequently uses extralegal means, including the harassment and detention of family members, to coerce such individuals to return to China, where they face punishment. The CCPs actions are done unilaterally, often illegally, and without any communication with or support from the U.S. government. An FBI representative involved in the case said the targets of this most recent effort had fled persecution in communist China. The victims in this case sought to flee an authoritarian government, leaving behind their lives and family, for a better life here, FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael Driscoll said in a statement. That same government sent agents to the United States to harass, threaten, and forcibly return them to the Peoples Republic of China. The actions we allege are illegal, and the FBI will not allow adversaries to break laws designed to protect our nation and our freedom. The indictment states that the efforts went back to at least 2017 and that in the early 2020s, the CCP went so far as to transport a relative of the victims to the United States to personally convey the regimes threats. In 2018, two of the defendants traveled from China to New York City to spy on the victim, prosecutors said. Surveillance footage recorded them looking through windows, going through mail, and attempting to enter the victims home, the DOJ said. An Quanzhong allegedly told the victims that the CCP would keep pestering you [and] make your daily life uncomfortable, and said that it is definitely true that all of your relatives will be involved, according to the indictment. An Quanzhong also brought frivolous lawsuits against the victim in New York as part of a CCP effort to make the victims life miserable enough to return to China, according to the indictment. In one recorded conversation, An Quanzhong explicitly told the victim that the lawsuits were frivolous and that the CCP could spend a billion dollars to harass them into returning, the document stated. The indictment also alleged that An Quanzhong and An Guangyang engaged in a money laundering scheme. The scheme used a hotel in Queens, New York, to launder millions of dollars of funds from China into the United States in an effort to fund the CCPs illegal activities while concealing its true origin, prosecutors alleged. Both defendants were also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. When contacted by The Epoch Times, An Quanzhongs lawyer Michael Horn said that they were surprised by these allegations. Well spend the next few weeks attempting to understand why the US Attorneys Office has jumped to such an unjustifiable conclusion. Mr. Ahn is a well established and legitimate New York businessman and Chinese American community advocate. [He has] never worked for the Chinese government. Thats it, Horn said. Horn added An Quanzhong has entered a plea of not guilty, and will shortly make a bail application before the judge. The charge of acting as an agent of the CCP carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The remaining charges, including conspiring to commit interstate and international stalking, carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison. This article was updated to add comments from An Quanzhongs lawyer. Hannah Cai contributed to this report. Los Angeles City Council member Kevin de Leon speaks during an event in Redondo Beach, Calif., on May 22, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images) Embattled LA City Councilman Kevin de Leon Does Not Plan to Resign LOS ANGELESEmbattled L.A. City Councilman Kevin de Leon does not plan to resign from his position despite widespread calls to step down, he told two media outlets Oct. 19. De Leon conducted interviews with Univision and CBS2, and said that he will not step down over his involvement in the City Hall audio leak scandal despite calls for his resignation from President Joe Biden to nearly all of his colleagues. Ive always been up against many, many challenges, de Leon told CBS2. And obviously, this is the biggest one Ive ever been confronted with in my life. The councilman said the city needs to heal and that he wants to be part of that. The October 2021 conversation between de Leon and fellow councilors Nury Martinez and Gil Cedillo and Ron Herrera, president of the L.A. County Federation of Labor, included racially disparaging comments and discussions over favorable redistricting, and led to Martinez resigning her council presidency and later her council seat last week. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez attends the LA Promise Funds Girls Build Leadership Summit at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Dec. 15, 2017. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) Im not going to mince words, de Leon said. Im not going to deflect blame. Im not going to defend the defenseless. De Leon and Cedillo have been under mounting pressure to resign since the release of the tape Oct. 9. De Leon also sent a letterobtained by the Los Angeles Timesto newly named Council President Paul Krekorian asking to be excused from attending council meetings in the coming weeks so that he can focus on the healing process. De Leon said he would be spending the coming weeks and months personally asking for your forgiveness. But Krekorian did not appear to accept de Leons attempt to make amends. In a statement, Krekorian said apologies will not be nearly enough to undo the damage that this city has suffered. The only way we can begin to heal as a city is for Mr. de Leon to take responsibility for his actions, accept the consequences, and step down. De Leon, however, said in Spanish to Univision, I will not resign because theres a lot of work ahead. Theres a lot of work that we have to face. The crisis that is happening in the district, the infections, the unemployment, the threat to eviction, the humanitarian crisis of the homeless. He added that he felt very bad and embarrassed for the hurt, for the wounds that exist today in our communities. Im very sorry. Im sorry and for that I ask for apologies from my people, to my community, for the pain that my hurtful words caused from that day a year ago. Protesters have been staging a camp-out since Sunday morning in front of de Leons home in Eagle Rock, pledging to remain until he resigns. A sign calling for the resignation of L.A. City Council member Kevin de Leon is posted at a protest encampment near de Leons home in the wake of a leaked audio recording in Los Angeles on Oct. 18, 2022. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Sheila Bates, an organizer with Black Lives Matters Los Angeles chapter, told CBS2 that she was not surprised that de Leon is resisting the calls because people in power tend to want to hold onto it. It shows his complete lack of humility, Bates said. And it shows the fact that hes clearly not serving the city of Los Angeles. Hes serving his own interests. Because if he was serving Los Angeles, he would listen to the city of Los Angeles and the fact that they told him to step down. Councilwoman-elect Eunisses Hernandez, who beat Cedillo in the June primary and is set to join the council in December at the latest, responded to the news with a #recall hashtag on Twitter. There is a lot do work to be done, but you do not have the credibility to move it forward, Hernandez said on Twitter. Your legacy will be your failure to take accountability for your harm. Speaking to CBS2, de Leon said that he will find out whether his colleagues and others will be receptive to his attempts to mend the divide. Thats going to be hard, de Leon said. Its not going to be easy and I know that. The councilman said he called Councilman Mike Boninwhose 2-year-old Black son was the target of a racial slur by Martinezto apologize and left a voice mail. He planned to apologize at last Tuesdays council meeting, but said it was difficult because protesters forced him to leave the meeting. Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin speaks during a council meeting in Los Angeles on Oct. 11, 2022. (Screenshot via YouTube/LACityClerk) Neither he nor Cedillo have attended a meeting since. De Leon said that when he compared Bonins handling of his son at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade to when Nury brings her little yard bag or the Louis Vuitton bag, he was making a comment directed at Martinezs penchant for having luxury accessories and not at Bonins family. But Bonin said following de Leons interviews that de Leon cannot be a part of the healing as long as he refuses to resign. In a statement, Bonin called de Leons comments gaslighting of the highest order. He says he should have intervened, as if he were a mere bystander to a racist conversation in which he played a central and ignominious role, Bonin continued. Bonin added that no matter what he says today, de Leon is unfit for office in this city. Another one of De Leons council colleagues, Paul Koretz, told KNX radio that, despite de Leons goal to stay in office, he doesnt see it happeningnor should it. I just dont think that he can stay in office, Koretz said. I dont think he can weather the storm. I dont think the council can operate as it normally does until he has resigned. Protestors demonstrate outside City Hall calling for the resignations of L.A. City Council members Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo in the wake of a leaked audio recording in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2022. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) De Leon also said to CBS2 that he told Cedillo in the hallway after the meeting that he was shocked at Martinezs language. When asked whether his decision to not step down was selfish, de Leon said that it wasnt about him, and pivoted to the needs of District 14. De Leon, 55, has been on the council since 2020 and made an unsuccessful run for mayor this year. He previously served in the state Senate and Assembly. I failed to step up and shut down a conversation, de Leon said. The words that were incendiary, words that were painfully hurtful. And I didnt do that. And Im sorry to the city of L.A. for not stepping up, and being a leader that they expect me to be. Representatives from the Biden administration visited Tynkertopia on Monday to discuss ways to invest in the area's local internet access and STEAM education efforts. Northern Arizona will be receiving funding as part of the administrations Internet For All Initiative, which is meant to bring reliable high-speed internet to everyone in America. Grant programs under the initiative are used to fund planning, infrastructure and adoption of digital equity projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law sets aside $65 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the United States, including the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act the funding is part of. At least $100 million will be going toward internet access in Arizona, with grants expected to come to the state in the next few weeks. "This will kick off the state's efforts to create a five-year plan to deploy affordable, reliable high-speed internet," said Angela Thi Bennett, digital equity director at the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). "While they plan, we will determine, based on a new highly detailed map of where high-speed internet is and isn't available from the Federal Communications Commission [FCC], the full budget allocation afforded to each state based on need," she said. The determination is expected to come in the first half of 2023, after the map has been reviewed by the states. "The president made a commitment, a promise, that every household in America would be connected to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet," Bennett said in the meeting. "Not just the internet, but with devices and tools and resources to really help improve the lives of every American." She added at a later time: "Generations before us brought water and electricity to all of America. They built the interstate highway system. This is our generation's infrastructure moment. This is our opportunity to connect everyone in America to the tools they need to thrive in the modern digital economy." The hope with the process, Bennett said, is "to make sure all of the voices are heard, and not only heard, but part of the solutions." Mondays event was the second listening session offered on the funding in Flagstaff that day, with an earlier session at the Murdoch Center focusing on internet access efforts. The listening sessions are designed to get local feedback on how the funding can be implemented in a way that is most useful to communities. Our hope is to do a lot of listening and to better understand the experience of people across Arizona, said Erin Carr-Jordan, managing director of the Digital Equity Institute. Our goal is all Arizona, so today, I hope, is the first of many times we come back and we do a lot of listening and learning." Bennett mentioned that internet access help is currently available to Arizonans through the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program. This gives eligible households a discount on internet service (up to $30 per month and as much as $75 per month for households on tribal lands) and devices (up to $100 one time). She cited expert estimates that as many as 1,075,000 Arizona households are eligible for the program, with 318,583 currently enrolled. The afternoon listening session came after a tour of Tynkertopia -- which was discussed as a possible model for other efforts to encourage learning in kids and people of all ages. Every job in the future will require STEAM skills, said Alice Christie, Tynkertopias founder and executive director. Critical thinking, problem solving, persistence, perseverance, collaboration. Tynkertopia is a community STEAM (which stands for Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics) learning center created in 2018. In 2021, it reopened to its current location in the Siler Homes community in Flagstaff, where it has seen more than 8,500 visits from kids and their families. Anyone can come explore the art and science activities available at Tynkertopia, with neighborhood kids aged 6 and older welcome to visit on their own. The center hosts several events throughout the year and has distributed thousands of STEAM activity kits to Flagstaff students, including during the pandemic. Board member Diana White said the space provides kids the opportunity to explore until they find their own passion. The center has shelves full of puzzles, toys, books and crafting materials, with dedicated rooms for play, art and classes. Kids can bring in items to look at under a digital microscope, use a 3D printer to design and create objects, help tend the container plants growing throughout the space or experiment with a virtual reality headset. They just come and they mess with everything until something sparks, White said. Then that's their passion, and that might well be their lifes passion, that might be what they want to go to school for in the future. ...When adults come into this space, it can be a little overwhelming, but for a kid, theyre like, What can I do? We dont know what will be the thing that I go to school for this and now I have a Ph.D. in it because I remember going to Tynkertopia every day after school. That's what we can do. Information about Tynkertopia is available at tynkertopia.org. To learn more or enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program, visit getinternet.gov. Emergencies Act Inquiry: Revelations and Stances in the First Week Since it began on Oct. 13, the public inquiry into the federal governments use of the Emergencies Act has delivered some surprises and revelations as witnesses take the stand and internal government documents get released. Among the revelations are behind-the-scenes discussions between the different levels of government and intelligence on preparations for the convoys arrival in Ottawa, as well as assessments by security agencies and contradictions with what government officials had said. As of Oct. 19, the inquiry has heard testimony from representatives of some Ottawa residents and businesses expressing concerns over the convoy protest, which began Jan. 29, as well as from City of Ottawa officials, councillors, and the mayor, and an Ontario Provincial Police officer. Testimony from convoy protesters, police forces, and representatives of different levels of government, including the prime minister and senior cabinet members, will take place in the coming days. Foreign Influence Allegations A Feb. 6 briefing tabled at the Public Order Emergency Commission on Oct. 18 shows that the director of Canadas spy agency had said there was no foreign involvement in the Freedom Convoy protest, in contrast with what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other cabinet ministers said around that time and later. There [are] no foreign actors identified at this point supporting or financing this convoy, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Director David Vigneault said in his briefing given during a teleconference with senior officials at different levels of government. In the House of Commons on Feb. 17, Trudeau alleged that the protest was foreign-funded. These illegal blockades are being heavily supported by individuals in the United States and from elsewhere around the world. We see that roughly half of the funding that is flowing to the barricaders here is coming from the United States, he said. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti and President of the Queens Privy Council for Canada and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair stand behind Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he announces that the Emergencies Act will be invoked to deal with the Freedom Convoy protests, in Ottawa on Feb. 14, 2022. (Hailey Sani/Public Domain) Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino made similar comments. We all need to be seized with the landscape as it exists around foreign interference, and any funds that may be used to undermine public safety, Mendicino said in the House on Feb. 8. The convoy protest was initiated by truck drivers opposed to the federal governments COVID-19 vaccine mandates for cross-border travel. As large convoys of trucks travelled across the country to converge in Ottawa on Jan. 29, other protesters opposed to different pandemic mandates and restrictions joined the movement. And as protesters set up camp and held rallies in Ottawa, other convoy protests and blockades sprang up in different parts of the country and at border crossings, including at the Ambassador Bridge crossing in Windsor, Ont., which accounts for the transportation of millions of dollars in goods between Canada and the United States daily. Throughout the demonstration in Ottawa, Trudeau refused to meet with the protesters or send representatives to talk to them. He invoked the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14 and, after the protests were cleared from Ottawa, revoked it on Feb. 23. Lack of Violent Crime Was Shocking A surprising turn of events came on the opening day of the inquiry, when a lawyer representing the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the police force didnt think provincial or federal emergency measures were needed to clear the protests. This statement came despite the Ontario governments approval of the feds use of the Emergencies Act. Supt. Pat Morris, head of OPPs Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, who took the stand on Oct. 19, explained how the provincial police force was involved in intelligence gathering on the convoy before and after its arrival in Ottawa. The Ontario Provincial Police, with the permission of the Ottawa Police Service, was engaged on-ground in a covert capacity to collect information about all the things that wed be interested in, in terms of mood, tenor, plans, etc., he said. Morris said there was no intelligence to indicate that these individuals would be armed, adding, There has been a lot of hyperbole about that. He said the force found no credible intelligence of threats and noted that police evaluated the accuracy of their earlier intelligence to this effect by looking at the arrests and charges during the protests. The lack of violent crime was shocking. Even the arrests and charges, considering the whole thing in totalityI think there were 10 charges for violent crimes, six of which were against police officers, he said. Pat Morris of the OPP waits to appear as a witness at the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa on Oct. 19, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Brendan Miller, one of the lawyers for Freedom Corp., ran through legal definitions of threats to the security of Canada that would justify the invocation of the act, and asked Morris if he saw any relevant evidence that would meet those definitions. Morris replied that he saw no evidence of espionage or sabotage, nor any evidence of foreign influence activities. I saw media accounts [of foreign influence allegations], yes. I saw no information collected or intelligence produced in that regard to support that, he said. He also said that he saw online rhetoric and assertions of threat of use of serious violence but that he is not aware of any intelligence that was produced that would support concern in that regard. Morris added that the OPP intelligence branch collected information on asserted attempts at vandalism of property, such as arson, but did we have any credible intelligence that that would occur? No, he said. Conflict Between Governments Documents tabled at the inquiry show infighting and accusations behind the scenes between the different levels of government while working to deal with the protest. A transcript of a Feb. 8 call between Trudeau and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson shows that Trudeau said Ontario Premier Doug Ford was evading his responsibilities in clearing the protests for political reasons. Doug ford (sic) has been hiding from his responsibility on it for political reasons as you highlighted, and important that we dont let them get away from that, and we intend to support you on that, Trudeau told Watson, according to the transcript. Itd be nice if we have something firmed up with the federal government to shame them. Ford didnt even make an effort to come and see whats going on, Watson said in reply. He said at the commission on Oct. 18 that the city needed more police, and after applying pressure on the province, they eventually got more officers. A Feb. 6 call between different representatives of the three levels of government also shows some of the tension behind the scenes at that time. Would the Province be looking to the Federal Government if this protest was happening outside the City of Ottawa (e.g., happening in other places like Kingston)? the summary of the call quotes Trudeaus national security adviser Jody Thomas as saying. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson appears as a witness at the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa on Oct.18, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld) Mario Di Tommaso, deputy solicitor general of Ontario, said in response: This is a protest and encampment movement against the federal mandate of trucks. They came to Ottawa from across the country for that purpose. The documents were made public a day after Ford reiterated his support for the invocation of the Emergencies Act, saying he stood shoulder to shoulder with Trudeau on the move. Ontario was among the minority of provinces that supported the measure. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island were all opposed to the invocation of the act or said it wasnt necessary. Trudeau told reporters on Oct. 19 that there were times during the convoy protest that the different levels of government werent working together as well as they could, but he said they eventually came together to end the demonstration. Prolonged Protest The commission also heard that city officials and Ottawa police were warned before the trucks arrived in the nations capital in late January that the protesters intended to stay for a prolonged period of time. In late January, the president of the Ottawa-Gatineau Hotel Association had told the mayors office that someone from the Canada United Truckers Convoy had asked to book hotel rooms for at least 30 days. OPPs Morris also said in his testimony that by Jan. 20, the provincial police force believed that the convoy protests would be a long-term event, and they shared that information with other police forces. But he says then-Ottawa Police Service (OPS) chief Peter Sloly was not happy with the OPPs intelligence briefings. Sloly will be testifying at the commission in the coming days. Then-Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly speaks at a news conference in Ottawa, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press) David Migicovsky, a lawyer representing the OPS, said on the opening day of the inquiry that the OPS is usually prepared to deal with various types of protests but not one of the scope of the convoy protest. What you will hear is that this protest was unique in Canadian history. The police had little time to prepare, he said. Moving Trucks One of the issues discussed at length in the first days of the inquiry was an agreement between convoy protesters and Mayor Watson to remove trucks from residential areas. While the main aim of the inquiry is to see if the high threshold of invoking the Emergencies Act was met, Keith Wilson, a lawyer representing the Freedom Convoy organizers who brokered the deal with the city, says its important to consider what the agreement to move the trucks would have accomplished had it been carried through. On Saturday [Feb. 12] we had the deal, on Sunday we were in the logistics meeting, on the Monday we were moving trucks. The prime minister should have just said, all right, lets just see how this goes [before declaring a public emergency], Wilson told The Epoch Times, noting that other protests such as the Ambassador Bridge border-crossing blockade had been cleared without the use of the Emergencies Act. Wilson said Freedom Convoy organizers were planning to move all vehicles out of residential areas onto Wellington Street facing the Parliament Buildings by Feb. 16 per their agreement with the city. Wilsons clients havent yet testified at the inquiry. City officials who have testified, including Watson, said they saw this agreement as a partial relief, not a full remedywhich would have been the total removal of the encampmentbut acknowledged that those on the protest side lived up to the agreement, moving 40 big rigs and other vehicles and clearing some of the residential streets. But it came to light during the proceedings that what halted the convoy organizers from completing their plan was the Parliamentary Protective Service, which provides security within the Parliamentary Precinct. Food and necessities donated to truckers are left beside trucks parked in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 6, 2022. (Noe Chartier/The Epoch Times) The [security service] expressed concern with respect to Wellington being turned into a parking lot of 200-plus trucks, Ottawa city manager Steve Kanellakos said in a summary of an interview presented to the commission. During his testimony, Watson said he didnt ask the federal government to invoke the Emergencies Act but welcomed the measure after it was enacted. He said on Oct. 18 that what he found most useful in the act was the ability to compel towing companies to clear protest vehicles. Its fine for someone out West or down East to say it was overkill. No, we needed that act, Watson said. Battle Lines Battle lines were drawn on the opening day of the inquiry on Oct. 13 as different entities made their introductory remarks. Robert MacKinnon, general counsel with the Justice Department who is representing the federal government at the commission, said in his remarks that the convoy protests presented an unprecedented critical situation to the country and that it will come to light that the invocation of the act was necessary. The evidence will show that the invocation of the Emergencies Act was a reasonable and necessary decision, given the escalating volatile and urgent circumstances across the country, he said. Lawyers for the governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta stated their sharp opposition to the invocation of the act and said they were only made aware of the feds intention to invoke the act hours before it proceeded on Feb. 14. Witnesses arrive at the Public Order Emergency Commission hearing in Ottawa on Oct. 14, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld) Mandy England, a lawyer representing the government of Alberta, said the province wanted to take part in the inquiry to show that Alberta was able to clear out the blockade at the Coutts border without the use of the act, and to hold the federal government accountable for invoking the measure. Following testimony from city officials, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), which is also taking part in the commission, said on Oct. 18 that the officials testimony hasnt shown why ordinary policing powers werent enough to deal with the convoy protest, or why a national emergency was needed. We are focused on the narrow question of whether the federal governments actions were lawful or constitutional. Based on the most recent testimony, our assessment that the government acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally has not changed, Cara Zwibel, director of fundamental freedoms for the CCLA, said in a statement. The Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa is scheduled to hear daily testimonies until Nov. 25, after which it will enter a second phase with a focus on policy, before Commissioner Paul Rouleau submits his report to Parliament by Feb. 20, 2023. Noe Chartier and The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Jason Sullivan, social media and Twitter expert, developed an algorithm that monitors and flags Twitter posts that reach a threshold of going viral. (Photo courtesy of Jason Sullivan, digital enhancement by Patricia Tolson/Epoch Times) EXCLUSIVE: Internet Sting Operation J6 DELETED Exposes How Twitter Manipulated Jan. 6 Narrative In Real Time 'Truth is a force of nature' The developer of a social media monitoring algorithm explains how his internet sting operation J6 DELETED exposed how Twitter manipulated the narrative in real time on Jan. 6, 2021. In 2018, Jason Sullivana social media and Twitter specialistwas subpoenaed by the special counsel investigating the now-debunked theory that Trump was colluding with Russia. Sullivan is now the lead investigative consultant to former President Donald Trumps legal team, via Peter Ticktin. In an exclusive interview with The Epoch Times, Sullivan explains how he discovered evidence of a coordinated operation by influencers and Twitter to set the narrative on Jan. 6, 2021, as events unfolded. Weve created an algorithm that enables us to determine which tweets are on a trajectory of becoming a viral event, Sullivan explained. We are watching social media intelligence in real-time, all day, every day, based on specific search terms, key phrases, and hashtags. Our algorithm can tell us exactly how much traction a particular tweet is receiving and how often people are reciprocating, such as liking and retweeting. When it meets a certain threshold, we are automatically alerted. Jan. 6, 2021 Leading up to January 6, we were listening to the social media discourse, Sullivan recalled, and we set up the program to capture every viral event that took place on January 6 that pertained to the name Trump. Think about that. Trump is the most tweeted word on the planet, and whether they liked Trump or hated Trump, if their post included the word Trump, we flagged it. We were listening to people who were trending. We were listening to people who were leaking things. We were listening to people who were seeding disinformation. What we discovered is that there were trends that clearly indicated there was going to be some type of false flag operation on January 6. As Sullivan noted, the one who drives the narrative, drives the outcome. Screenshot of the cover of the Flip Book, created by Jason Sullivan to document the viral tweets captured by his algorithm on Jan. 6, 2021. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) What we discovered is that many of these captured tweets, which had exculpatory evidence, had been conveniently and systematically removed from Twitter and some of the pages have even been scrubbed from the internet, Sullivan recalled. So too had the communications feeds and comments within the viral threads, which contained additional exculpatory evidence. I want to make it perfectly clear that we conducted this sting operation, Sullivan asserted. We have it all. We have all of the tweets and all of the exculpatory evidence Twitter thinks it scrubbed from the internet. We have them all. The collection of all viral tweets captured by his algorithmJ6 DELETEDis now available to the public. The Social Media Influencers According to Nashville Film Institute, Social media influencers are digital creators with a large social media following, who spark dialogues, set trends, and generate interest among their fan communities. Among the dozens of influences who were active on Jan. 6, several stood out as leaders in pushing what Sullivan calls the false flag narrative. Screenshot of post by social media influencer Aaron Rupar on Jan. 6, 2021. The image was captured by an algorithm created by Jason Sullivan. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) Aaron Rupar, an associate editor at VOX, initiated no less than 18 viral Twitter posts on Jan. 6. Investigative journalist Lara Logan has worked closely with Sullivan and has seen his trove of tweets captured by his algorithm. She knew immediately that Rupar was spreading misinformation. In particular, she knew Rupars claim that Trump attacked four black people within 30 seconds when speaking about Stacy Abrams and Oprah Winfrey had absolutely nothing to do with race. During Trumps speech on Jan. 6, he mentioned Abrams twice near the halfway point and twice near the end. All references were related to her failed campaign to become governor of Georgia. Trump also mentioned Winfrey, twice, once saying Oprah used to be a friend of his and then how he didnt notice there were too many calls coming in from Oprah after he became president. Rupar is so well known for his history of spreading misinformation and false narratives that on March 21, 2021, the Urban Dictionary unveiled a new verb, rupar. It means to lie with impunity; a brazen statement with a focus on misleading, usually with intention of a predetermined outcome. Social media influencer MeidasTouch had 14 tweets go viral on Jan. 6. According to Open Secrets, MeidasTouch, a Democratic/Liberal Super PAC based in Macomb, Michigan. According to the Federal Election Commission, the largest disbursements appear to primarily benefit Prestige WW Inc., founded in 2020 to help progressive candidates and organizations stick it to Trump and his enablers online and the PACs founding brothers, Jordan and Bret Meiselas. In the meantime, attorney and Harvard Professor Laurence Tribe was responsible for eight viral Twitter posts on Jan. 6, primarily to insult and berate Trump. Screenshot of post by attorney, Harvard law professor, and social media influencer Laurence Tribe that went viral on Jan. 6, 2021. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) According to Logan, Tribe is also one of the biggest architects of the whole insurrection narrative, both publicly and behind the scenes. Along with helping push the false flag narrative as an influencer on Jan. 6, Tribe has been a key influencer in pushing the narrative that Trump should be indicted. Tribe also used social media on Oct. 13 to advise Attorney General Merrick Garland that it wont be enough to approve indictments of Trump related to Mar-a-Lago & obstruction. [Garland] will have to approve indictments for trying to overthrow the election, seditious conspiracy & insurrection. A day earlier, Tribe appeared on MSNBC, suggesting how many crimes Garland could indict Trump with. While Sullivan noted that every person listed in J6DELETED is an influencer because every single one of those 1,058 tweets were considered viral events, he also pointed out that the only posts that were deleted by Twitter were those on the conservative side. Along with the influencers, he said there were also coordinators, people using similar language in their tweets to perpetuate the chosen narrative. Words like seditionist, fascist, insurrectionists, and phrases like clashed with police, stormed the Capitol, terrorist coup, and domestic terrorists were promoted. Asked if he believes the influences and coordinators will be nervous when they learn that their activities are being monitored and exposed, Sullivan said, I think they better. The Epoch Times reached out to Rupar and Tribe for comment. The Silenced Conservatives While liberal influencers pushed the narrative that Trump instigated a deadly insurrection and his supporters were violently storming the United States Capitol, anyone who posted anything that conflicted with that narrative had their posts deleted and their accounts shut down. Screenshot post by The Election Wizard who eventually had his posts deleted and his accounts shut down by Twitter on Jan. 6, 2021. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) Elijah Schafer posted that Trump supporters have breached the Capitol building In response, Tracy Beanz said, I dont know that these are necessarily Trump supporters But holy hell. In a similar post by BNO News, Beanz said These dont look like Trump supporters to me. As liberals began posting that Trump supporters were clashing with and pepper spraying police around 10:45 a.m. (PST), Beanz noted 10:53 a.m. (PST) that The Trump crowd HAS NOT reached the capitol yet. All of her posts were subsequently deleted and her account was suspended. Screenshot of a post by Tracy Beanz who eventually had her posts deleted and her account shut down by Twitter on Jan. 6, 2021. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) The Election Wizard said he would not be surprised if a number of Trump Supporters clashing with police are Antifa in disguise. His post was deleted and his account doesnt exist anymore. For asking who wears all black and attacks law enforcement, the account of J Homes was also suspended. Screenshot of a post by Melissa Tate on Jan. 6, 2021. Her post was deleted and her account was shut down by Twitter. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) Melissa Tate posted a video showing Trump supporters stopping suspected ANTIFA members from breaking Capitol windows. Dems set us up & GOP just threw us under the bus over a trap, she said. Her post was deleted and her account was shut down. The account for Lrihendry is temporarily unavailable because it violates the Twitter Media Policy. The accounts for Cari Kelemen, Truth and ArtTV1, Gen. Michael Flynn, X22 Report, Sydney Powell1, TheReal Maddog58, Kevin McCullough/KMC Radio, Carlos Silva, Melissa Tate, and Awakened Outlaw were also suspended. These are but a few of the hundreds of silenced conservative voices. Shutting Down Trump The most notable victim of Twitters censorship on Jan. 6 was Trump himself. Screenshot of a tweet from President Donald Trump calling for peace on Jan. 6, which was deleted by Twitter. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) Twitter started by deleting Trumps tweets. When he posted a video message calling for peace, Twitter disabled the ability of anyone to like or share his message. Screenshot of post exposing that Twitter had disabled users from liking or sharing the video message President Trump posted on Twitter on Jan. 6, 2021, asking for his supporters to be peaceful and to go home. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) Then they removed the video completely. Twitter then locked his account for 12 hours, saying, If the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked. Future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account, Twitter Safety added. Screenshot of post announcing that Twitter and Facebook had shut down the accounts of President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) Then Facebook banned Trump for 24 hours. Then Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, announced he was locking Trumps Instagram account for 24 hours as well. Screenshot of post from Instagram announcing that it too was shutting down the account of President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) In the meantime, people like Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and even President-elect Joe Biden were demanding that Trump tell his supporters to stop and go home. Screenshot of post from House Majority Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) demanding that President Donald Trump tell his supporters to leave the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) Screenshot of post from candidate Joe Biden calling on President Donald Trump go on national television to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution by demanding an end to this siege on Jan. 6, 2021. (With permission from Jason Sullivan) Sullivan also said the Jan. 6 Committee has had this information for months. The January 6 Committee contacted my attorney and asked for all of my email communications regarding January 6, Sullivan explained, adding it included the posts deleted by Twitter. We gave it to them, and now they voted to subpoena Trump, demanding that he provide evidence to defend himself against their allegations. I hope exposing this will encourage them to be more forthcoming with the evidence they received from me five months ago. According to Trump attorney Peter Ticktin, the truth is in the silence. 1984 If you want to know what truth is, just look at what youre not allowed to say, Ticktin, founder and Senior Managing Partner at The Ticktin Law Group told The Epoch Times. In a free world, where we are allowed to have a voice, it doesnt matter if someone makes up a lie because the truth will out. But if you need to hide truth then you have to censor everything and you have to erase people and eliminate their ability to say things. Photo of attorney Peter Ticktin from his days as part of the 1964 graduating class at the New York Military Academy with Donald Trump. (Courtesy of Peter Ticktin) Ticktin, who also attended New York Military Academy with Trump, said the coordinated effort by liberal news media, social media influencers, Big Tech, and politicians to silence conservative voices reminds him of George Orwells 1984, which warned of a world governed through propaganda, surveillance, and censorship. Peter Ticktin, attorney for President Donald Trump. (Courtesy of Peter Ticktin) It seems like thats the example they want to live by in terms of how to run society, Ticktin explained. If you look at the January 6 unselect committee and you believe that the election was fair and that Donald Trump was pushing the big lie, everyone but The Epoch Times is required to put that news out, including FOX and Newsmax. But if you show evidence like in 2,000 Mules, and how Twitter censored voices and deleted exculpatory evidence, theres no doubt that the election was stolen. For the most part, Ticktin believes the majority of Trumps base knows the election was stolen. We have eyes, he said. We arent willfully blind. Thats the biggest difference between the left and the right, willful blindness. Its Classic Fascist Behavior According to Kirk Wiebe, the Twitter experience that were seeing is not new. Wiebe and William Binney became National Security Agency whistleblowers in September 2002 when they exposed how the government was using a program called Trailblazer to illegally monitor all Americans. Twitter has removed tweets before. It has censored people before, Weibe told The Epoch Times. This is a censorship operation by the government working with Big Tech in classic fascist behavior. Whenever government colludes with big business to control people, which is what this is all about, its fascism, and Im not sure the average reader understands that. Kirk Wiebe, a senior analyst at the National Security Agency from 1975 to 2001, became a whistleblower when he and colleague William Binney exposed how the government was using a program called Trailblazer to monitor American citizens. (Courtesy of Kirk Wiebe) According to Kirk Wiebe, the vocabulary being tossed around in public discourse has blurred a history that was once crystal clear. The people on the left call Trump a Nazi. The people on the right say liberals are the real fascists, and people are confused because they dont teach this stuff in school anymore. According to dictionary.com, fascism is a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. Wiebe also contends its not just a matter of deleting truth or changing news, its omitting news, and its rampant. Stories are not covered. He noted how Big Tech censors things that conflict with the governments narratives on climate change, COVID-19, and election integrity. Its massive, purposeful censorship of free speech in this country by an administration that has no regard for our constitutional republic as defined by our founders, Wiebe said. Our Chance to Make Them Scramble Logan urges everyone to read through the deleted tweets for many reasons, regardless of your political leanings. As a journalist, I can tell you that, when we do our jobs properly, we gravitate toward first-hand information and first-hand sources. In this case, its the independent record of what was said [on Jan. 6] and what was censored. So you dont have to take anyones word for it. Go read it. Its so important. Go and read it for yourself and make up your own mind. Screenshot of Flip Book, created by Jason Sullivan, showing a collection of messages posted on Twitter in real-time on Jan. 6, 2021. (Courtesy of Jason Sullivan) The frustration for Sullivan is that conservatives have a tendency to complain but do nothing to right the wrongs perpetrated upon them. How come were not on the offense? he asked rhetorically. How come were always on the defense? How come were not setting the pace? That is exactly my strategy here, to set the pace, keep the opposition off balance and control the terms of public debate. This is how we do that. This is our chance to put them on the ropes. This is our chance to make them scramble. Truth is a force of nature. The Epoch Times reached out to Twitter and the Jan. 6 committee for comment, as well an Laurence Tribe and Aaron Rupar. Franciszek Lessel Trio for piano, violin, and cello in E Major, Op. 5 III. Rondo. Allegro di molto CUORE PIANO TRIO: Zuzanna Magorzata Budzynska violin Jadwiga Roguska cello Szymon Ogryzek piano Thumbnail PC: Mateusz Zaboklicki www.konkursmuzykipolskiej.pl Credit: YT: Zuzanna Budzynska https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZla6WM2-si0pFU4XEjZnA website https://konkursmuzykipolskiej.pl/en/ The National Institute of Music and Dance is delighted to invite musicians of all nationalities to submit their bids in the 3rd edition of the International Competition of Polish Music. The Competition showcases music by eminent Polish composers working in and outside of Poland. The International Competition of Polish Music is an opportunity to discover Polish music, especially from the 19th and 20th century, in all its glory, including lesser-known and underperformed pieces. We encourage pianists and chamber ensembles from around the world to explore the richness of Polish music and present their repertoires during the Competition. Participants may select their respective Competition repertoires from among works by 60 Polish composers. Additionally, each participant will be able to perform a piece by a deceased Polish composer from outside of the Competition list. The 2023 edition features an expanded prize pool, which will include six main prizes in each category: 1st prize 20,000 euro 2nd prize 10,000 euro 3rd prize 8,000 euro 4th prize 6,000 euro 5th prize 4,000 euro 6th prize 2,000 euro The remaining finalists will be awarded equal honorable mentions of 500 euro each. The competition is organised by the National Institute of Music and Dance in cooperation with the Artur Malawski Podkarpacka Philharmonic. Financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland. https://konkursmuzykipolskiej.pl/en/ Konkurs Muzyki Polskiej KMP Curiosity and Anticipation: Summary of the International Stanisaw Moniuszko Competition of Polish Music [REPORT] Taking a closer look at the II International Stanisaw Moniuszko Competition of Polish Music, one can come to a conclusion that one of the events trademark has been curiosity and openness towards the unknown. konkursmuzykipolskiej.pl More information about the National Institute of Music and Dance can be found here: short: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SuxdiCOtmQAnUQIZMgH_9vCY-kfF0kFu/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111837134613199120023&rtpof=true&sd=true long: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rKuEbgiWsaOih2hDJviMSyLi4j-uc2oY/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111837134613199120023&rtpof=true&sd=true _ 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 * Click the Save button below the video and you can watch it later on My List. FBI Sought Dossier Contributor as Source Before Interviewing Him: Document Even before the FBI interviewed Igor Danchenko over three days in late January 2017, the agency wanted to enroll the suspected primary sub-source of the discredited dossier authored by ex-British spy Christopher Steele as a confidential source, according to a document. The document was listed as an exhibit for Danchenkos trial by his defense but never was formally entered into evidence. The date and description showed the FBI was recruiting the Russian national to be a source shortly afteror even ashe was working with Steele as a business intelligence analyst for London-based Orbis, Steeles company, and collectingby his own admission80 percent of the raw material that appeared in the dossier. That revelation, which wasnt directly addressed during Danchenkos five-day trial before U.S. Eastern District of Virginia Judge Anthony Trenga in Alexandria, Virginia, was first noticed by internet sleuth walkafyre, author of The MYE [Mid-year Exam] Files. The description for Defense Exhibit No. 402 shows the FBI filed a plan to convert Danchenko into CHS on Jan. 12, 2017, nearly two weeks before FBI personnel interviewed him for three days. That same dayJan. 12, 2017that the FBI decided to convert Danchenko into a confidential source, Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz announced the Office of Inspector General was initiating a review of allegations regarding certain actions by the DOJ and the FBI in advance of the 2016 election. In what was known as Crossfire Hurricane, the FBI and DOJ investigated Donald Trump and his campaigns alleged links with Russia. The investigation was partly based on the dossier, which was funded by Trump rival Hillary Clinton and other Democrats. Horowitzs probe was launched in response to requests from numerous chairmen and ranking members of congressional oversight committees, various organizations, and members of the public to determine if the agencys investigation of alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and then Russian government was politically motivated and based on improper considerations. It uncovered 17 significant errors in applications to spy on a single person, former Trump campaign associate Carter Page. Further issues were later uncovered with other spy warrant applications. Danchenko began being paid as an FBI confidential source in March 2017, a capacity he served in until October 2020, it was revealed ahead of his trial. He was dismissed after then-Attorney General William Barr in July 2020 released a redacted transcript of his early three-day interview with agents. The bureau decided to terminate Danchenko due to his identity becoming known, agents testified during the trial. He was paid nearly $220,000 by the bureau for his services during that 42-month period. He was acquitted on Oct. 18 of lying to the FBI. John Haughey Follow John Haughey has been a working journalist since 1978 with an extensive background in local government, state legislatures, and growth and development. A graduate of the University of Wyoming, he is a Navy veteran who fought fires at sea during three deployments aboard USS Constellation. Hes been a reporter for daily newspapers in California, Washington, Wyoming, New York, and Florida; a staff writer for Manhattan-based business trade publications. The U.S. military is weak, according to an American think tank. Experts break down why that may be, and how adversaries are reacting. China is targeting the U.S. midterm elections. The FBI is warning the headquarters of both parties about threats from Chinese hackers. Public outcry erupts amid Chinas pandemic. A teenager dies inside a quarantine center. Distressing videos surface online, showing the girls plight. U.S. universities are dropping in global rankings, with China closing the gap. Topics in this episode: New Report Rates U.S. Military as Weak FBI Warns Dems., GOP About Chinese Hackers China GDP Data Delayed, Adds to Lack of Transparency China Outcry Over a Girl Dying in Quarantine U.S. Falls in School Rankings as China Rises Beating of Protester at Chinese Consulate Is Unacceptable: UK Foreign Minister Shanghai Races to Build Makeshift Hospitals Chinese Universities Ban Self-Printing and Airdrop Have other topics you want us to cover? Drop us a line: chinainfocus@ntd.com 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. 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 BUY Jan 6 DVD: The Real Story of Jan. 6 Documentary102 Minutes, Color) , Promo Code [Tiffany] for 20% off. Former lawyer of former President Donald Trump, John Eastman, appears on screen during a hearing by the House January 6th Committee, in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, on June 21, 2022. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Federal Judge Orders Former Trump Attorney to Release Emails to Jan. 6 Committee Judge says some emails show Trump signed documents he knew to be false A federal judge has ordered John Eastman, a former attorney for former President Donald Trump, to turn over a number of emails to the House Jan. 6 Committee. The judge determined that some of the emails showed that Trump had signed documents he knew to be false. Judge David O. Carters order on Wednesday is part of ongoing litigation between Eastman and the House Jan. 6 Committee over emails that it had subpoenaed from Eastman. Eastman asserted that emails from an account he used while he was dean at Chapman University are covered by either attorney-client and/or work product privilege. Carter was reviewing the emails that the Jan. 6 Committee has sought from this university email account to see whether the privilege assertions apply. Carter, a nominee of President Bill Clinton, determined that out of 536 documents protected by attorney-client or work-product privilege, eight of those documents should be disclosed under the crime-fraud exception, which extinguishes both attorney-client and work-product privileges. He ordered these to be turned over to the Jan. 6 Committee. Per the court document: The crime-fraud exception applies when (1) a client consults an attorney for advice that will serve [them] in the commission of a fraud or crime, and (2) the communications are sufficiently related to and were made in furtherance of the crime.' Carter said the exception applies only to documents and communications that were themselves in furtherance of illegal or fraudulent conduct. The Court concludes that the crime-fraud exception applies to a number of emails related to President Trump and Dr. Eastmans (1) court efforts to delay or disrupt the January 6 vote; and (2) their knowing misrepresentation of voter fraud numbers in Georgia when seeking to overturn the election results in federal court, the order on Wednesday states. Four of the eight emails were documents in which Dr. Eastman and other attorneys suggest thatirrespective of the meritsthe primary goal of filing [lawsuits] is to delay or otherwise disrupt the January 6 vote, Carter wrote, adding, The Court finds that these four documents are sufficiently related to and in furtherance of the obstruction crime. Another four emails, Carter wrote, demonstrate an effort by President Trump and his attorneys to press false claims in federal court for the purpose of delaying the January 6 vote. The evidence confirms that this effort was undertaken in at least one lawsuit filed in Georgia, the judge added. Specifically, Carter cited allegations from Trumps attorneys on Dec. 4, 2020, in Georgia state court that Fulton County in Georgia had improperly counted a number of votes including 10,315 deceased people, 2,560 felons, and 2,423 unregistered voters. Carter cited an email Eastman sent Dec. 31, 2020, telling Trumps attorneys that Trump had since Dec. 1, 2020 been made aware that some of the allegations (and evidence proffered by the experts) in the Dec. 1, 2020, Georgia filing has been inaccurate. Eastman added: For him [Trump] to sign a new verification with that knowledge (and incorporation by reference) would not be accurate. Carter noted that after the message from Eastman, Trump and his attorneys still proceeded to file another legal complaint that had the same inaccurate numbers and without rectifying, clarifying, or otherwise changing them. President Trump, moreover, signed a verification swearing under oath that the incorporated, inaccurate numbers are true and correct or believed to be true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief, Carter wrote. The emails show that President Trump knew that the specific numbers of voter fraud were wrong but continued to tout those numbers, both in court and to the public, the judge said in his order. The Court finds that these emails are sufficiently related to and in furtherance of a conspiracy to defraud the United States. Accordingly, the Court orders Dr. Eastman to disclose these four communications to the Select Committee. Representatives for Trump and Eastman did not immediately respond to requests for comment when reached by The Associated Press. Carter in March previously ordered Eastman to turn over a separate batch of 101 emails requested by the Jan. 6 Committee. At the time, he claimed in a ruling that Trump more likely than not committed obstruction of an official proceeding, referring to the Jan. 6 joint session to certify the results of the 2020 election, and that Trump likely conspired with Eastman to do it. At the time, Eastmans attorney said that Eastman intends to comply with the courts order, but that Eastman had an unblemished record as an attorney and respectfully disagrees with the judges findings. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The east side of the U.S. Capitol on the evening of January 6, 2021. (U.S. DOJ/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Former Oath Keeper Testifies He Heard No Talk of a Planned Attack on Capitol WASHINGTONFormer Oath Keeper Jason Dolan testified on Oct. 19 that since joining the Oath Keepers, he didnt hear members planning to breach the Capitol on January 6, 2021. During cross-examination, Dolan testified that the Oath Keepers had no intention of attacking the Capitol or stopping the certification of the electoral college votes. He didnt witness any conversation online or in person about Oath Keepers planning to be violent or force their way into the Capitol on January 6. He heard no talk of overthrowing the government either. Defense attorney Philip Linder questioned him if anyone on Jan. 6, 2021, said, Hey, lets go get our firearms to D.C. and go crazy! Dolan responded no. Linder asked if there was any conversation about getting guns and having a fight. No, not exactly, Dolan said. While Dolan was with Kenneth Harrelson, a defendant on trial, on the Capitol grounds, he doesnt recall talking to him about whether they should enter the Capitol or not. Dolan said he entered the Capitol because the crowd went in. On the morning of January 6, Dolan turned his phone on airplane mode to save battery for taking photos and videos during the day. He said that a few months later, he deleted any evidence that showed he was inside the Capitol after he learned about Harrelsons arrest in May 2021. In one of his pictures, the Oath Keepers stood between protestors and Harry Dunn, a Capitol Police Officer. Dolan said that the Oath Keepers were defending Dunn from protesters and that Harrelson had verbally reassured Dunn that he was safe. While inside the Capitol, Dolan confirmed that he didnt destroy anything, assault anyone, or enter the House chamber. Dolan pleaded guilty to two out of five counts: conspiring and obstructing an official proceeding. He was detained for about 20 days, Dolan told the court. He denied having any conversation with the government about his testimony for the Oath Keepers trial. Dolan told a defense counsel that he agreed to cooperate with the government, taking a chance to lower his sentence. He agreed to testify, to tell the truth, said Dolan, but not to make up stories. If he changes his mind or stops cooperating at any point, Dolan does not know what will happen to him. I suppose it could be worse. Dolan has yet to find out his sentence. He risks six years in prison. Dolan retired from the military in 2014. He said he enjoyed the time serving the country. He was deployed in Iraq over two decades ago. Dolan told counselor Juli Haller that he was never diagnosed with depression and didnt seek medical help for his drinking. She told him about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and he responded that no one spoke to him about it. During his testimony for the Oath Keepers, he didnt mention Jessica Watkins or Thomas Caldwell, two of the defendants on trial. The U.S. government charged Harrelson, Watkins, Caldwell, Stewart Rhodes, and Kelly Meggs with seditious conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, aiding and abetting, conspiracy to prevent an officer from discharging any duties, destruction of government property, civil disorder, and tampering with documents. People stand outside the building where the body of 12-year-old schoolgirl was discovered in a trunk, in Paris on Oct. 19, 2022. (Michel Euler/AP Photo) France Profoundly Shaken by Schoolgirls Slaying in Paris PARISThe slaying of a 12-year-old girl whose body was found inside a plastic box in a Paris building courtyard has left France profoundly shaken, the French government said Wednesday. A 24-year-old woman who was arrested Saturday in a northeastern suburb of the capital is in custody on charges of murder and rape of a minor, torture, acts of barbarity and concealment of a corpse, the Paris state prosecutor said Monday. A 43-year-old man is also in custody, charged with helping to hide the girls body, according to a prosecutors statement. The killing of the girl, identified in the French media only as Lola, has sparked a heated political debate after reports emerged identifying the main suspect as an illegal immigrant who remained in France despite an official order that mandated her to leave. An autopsy showed that the girl died of cardio-respiratory failure with signs of asphyxia and cervical compression, Paris prosecutors said. The coroners report also cited wounds to her face, back, and neck and injuries consistent with sexual assault, prosecutor said. A judicial investigation is underway to determine the motive for the killing and a timeline of events that led to the girls death Friday and the discovery of her body that night in the courtyard of the building where she lived with her family. We are profoundly shaken, faced with the horror and the pain, French government spokesman Olivier Veran told reporters. The girls father reported his daughter missing Friday afternoon after she failed to return home from school. He works as a concierge in the building and used security camera footage to retrace the girls movements. He reported that his daughter entered the building with an unknown woman who later appeared alone in a hallway as she was leaving, carrying what appeared to be a heavy suitcase, according to the prosecutors statement. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Education Minister Pap Ndiaye have visited the girls school, and psychologists were dispatched to offer support to students and their parents. French President Emmanuel Macron received the girls parents at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday and said he had expressed condolences and offered solidarity and support in their terrible ordeal that upsets us all. The presidents political rivals, meanwhile, lashed out at his government and blamed its immigration policies for the girls death. According to the BBC, the 24-year-old suspect entered France legally from Algeria as a student six years ago. Her residence permit had since run out. She lived in the country illegally for three years, Veran said. In August, when she landed at Pariss Orly airport, authorities noticed her flawed immigration status and issued her an order to leave French territory, the government spokesman explained. The suspect in this barbaric act should not have been in our country, Marine Le Pen, head of the National Rally party, said Tuesday during a heated National Assembly session. Le Pen, who leads the largest opposition party in Frances most powerful house of parliament, demanded that Macrons government put a stop to uncontrolled immigration. Veran, the government spokesman, appealed for lawmakers to refrain from political bickering, saying Wednesday that Lolas parents ask us for collective support in what they are going through, without adding to their pain. Like them, we want answers, Veran said. Like them, we want to punish with the needed tough stance warranted by atrocities that have been committed. Its up to judicial authorities to do so. Funding for Agency Created in Obama Era Violates US Constitution: Appeals Court The funding stream for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), created by Congress and approved by then-President Barack Obama in 2008, is unconstitutional, a U.S. appeals court ruled on Oct. 19. The bureau, which has a mission to implement and enforce federal consumer finance law, was given the power to oversee 18 federal laws, ranging from those covering credit cards to those covering student loans. Its funded by the Federal Reserve, as opposed to the typical funding stream of periodic congressional appropriations. That mechanism violates the U.S. Constitutions Appropriations Clause, which outlines the separation of powers into three branches of government, according to the plaintiffs in the case. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit agreed, noting that the Federal Reserve is also outside of the normal appropriations process and that the bureau holds its money in a fund thats permanently available to the bureaus director. So the Bureaus funding is double-insulated on the front end from Congresss appropriations power. And Congress relinquished its jurisdiction to review agency funding on the back end. In between, Congress gave the Director its purse containing an off-books charge card that rings up'[unappropriated] monies. Wherever the line between a constitutionally and unconstitutionally funded agency may be, this unprecedented arrangement crosses it, U.S. Circuit Judge Cory Wilson, a Trump appointee, wrote for the majority of the appeals court panel in a 39-page ruling. The Bureaus perpetual insulation from Congresss appropriations power, including the express exemption from congressional review of its funding, renders the Bureau no longer dependent and, as a result, no longer accountable to Congress and, ultimately, to the people. By abandoning its most complete and effectual check on the overgrown prerogatives of the other branches of the governmentindeed, by enabling them in the Bureaus caseCongress ran afoul of the separation of powers embodied in the Appropriations Clause. The 30 decision was joined by Circuit Judges Don Willett and Kurt Engelhardt, both Trump appointees. The panel partially reversed a ruling from a lower court, which had dismissed the case. A CFPB spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email that the agencys funding mechanism isnt novel or unusual. Other federal financial regulators and the entire Federal Reserve System are funded that way, and programs such as Medicare and Social Security are funded outside of the annual appropriations process. The CFPB will continue to carry out its vital work enforcing the laws of the nation and protecting American consumers, the spokesperson said. The Community Financial Services Association of America, the lead plaintiff, didnt respond to a request for comment. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who helped craft the legislation that created the CFPB, said in a statement that the ruling was lawless and reckless and could stop the bureau from enforcing rules. But others cheered the decision. This is a win for the basic proposition that laws ought to be written by people who can be hired and fired on Election Day, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) said in a statement. This decision is simple: The CFPBs funding structure created a fourth branch of government thats not accountable to Congress. Thats just not how self-government works. This straightforward decision is a win for the rule of law. Gascon Recall Backers File Legal Action Over Signature Count Shortfall LOS ANGELESSupporters of the attempt to recall Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon filed court papers Oct. 18 against the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, hoping to review the thousands of signatures that were declared invalid in August and put a stop to their effort to oust the countys top prosecutor. Gascon was sworn into office in December 2020 and has been dogged by claims he is soft on crime with various directives, including not seeking the death penalty and a reluctance to try juveniles as adults. California law guarantees proponents of a recall the right to review whether public officials have properly rejected a petition, according to the still unofficial lawsuit brought by the Committee to Support the Recall of District Attorney George Gascon. Without such review, public officials would have the ability to thwart every recall mechanism meant to ensure the accountability of public officials, the petitioners state in their court papers. This case presents the question of whether that legal review right is meaningful or hollow. A representative for the Registrar-Recorders office could not be immediately reached. Dean Logan, the countys registrar-recorder, in August determined the effort to oust Gascon fell short of meeting the required 566,857 signatures because nearly 90,000 of them were not registered to vote and roughly 45,000 were duplicates. However, recall proponents are skeptical, stating in their court papers, Nothing corrodes a democracy more than the publics distrust in the electoral process. The recall advocates want injunctive relief giving them more access and information to conduct their review. They say the Registrar-Recorders office has not been as transparent as promised and has instead placed barriers that have been the review process all but meaningless. When I met Kathy, nearly a decade ago, she was a junior with eyeglasses and chin-length brown hair, attending the same high school in Virginia as my teenagers and well on her way to becoming class valedictorian. Her work ethic, talent, easy smile, and intellectual curiosity made people around her feel inspired and confident in the future. She dreamed of going to college and eventually graduate school and was clearly doing everything in her power to make this happen. But, notwithstanding her hard work, dedication, talent, excellent grades, high test scores and meaningful extracurricular activities, higher education remained a distant, fragile goal for Kathy: She was a 2-year-old toddler when she came to the United States. Virginia was the only home she had ever known but still, she was a Dreamer, and as such was not eligible for in-state tuition and financial support when pursuing a college degree. It would be several years after Kathy graduated from high school that the state, in 2016, would extend in-state college tuition to Dreamers like her. Today, the people of Arizona have a chance to ensure ALL Arizonans can meet their full educational potential. This is good for students for the children raised right here in our communities and good for the state. A small policy change can sometimes yield massive benefits, changing lives and improving social and economic wellbeing for many. Proposition 308 is one such simple change that is on the ballot this November. If passed, it will have far-reaching impacts, providing educational opportunity to thousands of hardworking students and strengthening Arizonas workforce and economy. A YES vote would allow all students who attended an Arizona high school in-person for at least two years and graduated from an Arizona high school to pay in-state tuition at our states public universities Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, and the University of Arizona. Regardless of how Dreamers may have arrived in Arizona schools, if they meet our high school graduation and college admission requirements, we are all losing out by cutting their college-going aspirations short. Instead, lets give them the same opportunity the other children have to contribute to society by pursuing a postsecondary degree. More college degrees translate into more jobs created and more money spent right here in our local economy. Providing an expanded opportunity to those who are willing to work hard and contribute to Arizona is an investment in our long-term social and economic vitality. A recent report by College Success Arizona estimates that adding 1,000 college graduates to the Arizona workforce would increase state tax revenues by more than $2.2 million each year. Currently, about 2,000 Arizona students do not qualify for in-state tuition each year because of their Dreamer status, regardless of their efforts and talents. The math is simple, and the investment will pay dividends for all of us. Ive met talented, hardworking Arizonan children who dream of going to college but face the barrier of out-of-state tuition and lack of access to the financial support other students can apply for: a junior who wants to be a teacher; a senior who wants to be a computer engineer. We need that teacher. We need that engineer. We need them to contribute to our states well-being, and they need us to act now so that they can have the same educational opportunity the rest of our children have. Come November, I plan to vote YES on 308. It is a simple thing to do. It is the right thing to do. For our students and for the state, where everyone stands to benefit from increased educational opportunity for ALL Arizonans. Gates Foundation Donates $1 Billion to Prioritize Math Education The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced Wednesday that it is making grants of more than a $1 billion as part of a sweeping national plan to improve math education over the next four years. Its goal: to help students succeed in school and land well-paying jobs when they graduate, given research that shows the connection between strong math skills and career success. The foundation, which has long drawn controversy over its education work, said that to put more money into math, it will cut grants to other subjects like reading, writing, and the arts. The foundation made the switch because it sees better math instruction in earlier grades as a key to helping students succeed in school and beyond. Students who pass an introductory course on algebra by 9th grade are twice as likely to graduate from high school and go to college, according to Bob Hughes, director of the Gates Foundations elementary and education grant-making program. The problem, he said, is for many students, math is not presented as a crucial, captivating subject. Too many students dont have access to math instruction in classrooms where they receive critical resources to help them see the joy in learning math and believe that they can become math people as they grow older, he said. The new plan is the second major shift in education funding Gates has made in recent years. After spending hundreds of millions of dollars to promote common-core standards, a set of national educational goals for students at each grade level, the foundation in 2018 backtracked. Acknowledging criticism that the approach didnt allow individual schools flexibility, Gates developed a new plan that created networks of schools facing similar challenges. Educators in each of those networks could test teaching and coursework innovations and make adaptations as they saw fit, rather than adhere to a set of nationwide standards. In 2020, Gates held a more than $10 million competition to identify new approaches to teaching algebra. Those grants, and discussions Gates staff held over the past two years with teachers, parents, school administrators, curriculum experts, and others, helped formulate the foundations new approach. Gates will provide grants to prepare teachers better for teaching math and to curriculum companies and nonprofits to develop higher-quality teaching materials. The foundation will also support research into math education and make grants to help high-school math courses prepare students for college and the workplace. A big problem with math as it is taught today is that students learn in isolation and can feel crushed when they get the wrong answer to a problem, says Shalinee Sharma, co-founder of Zearn, an educational nonprofit and Gates grantee who, with Hughes, spoke with reporters this week. Zearn uses computer-based lessons that incorporate a lot of visuals to keep students interested and provides feedback on progress to help teachers tailor lessons for individual students. A new approach in which students work in teams to solve problems, she said, can turn all students into math kids. When all kids are math kids, making mistakes will be OK, she said. It wont be embarrassing. In fact, making mistakes will be considered normal and an essential part of math learning. Gates has committed to the approach for the next decade but has only made final spending plans for the next four years, when it will plow $1.1 billion into math. Thats the same amount it spent on its entire elementary and secondary education program for the past four years, during which only 40 percent was devoted to improving math instruction. As Gates hunkers down on math, it will end its support for language arts, such as reading and writing, Hughes said. The change in approach probably means the end of support, once current grants run their scheduled course, for many education nonprofits. Gates Foundation officials are in touch with several foundations that might be willing to pick up some of the slack, Hughes said, citing ongoing discussions with the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies. In recent years, many larger U.S. foundations have funneled money to improve civics education, said Amber Northern, senior vice president for research at the Fordham Institute, a conservative education think tank, citing the Carnegie Corporation and Hewlett Foundation as prominent examples. But, she said, there are relatively few foundations that devote significant sums to improve math education. Lots of foundations want to come together and leverage their impact by joining with other foundations, she said. This is an awareness call for other foundations to come on board. The Gates shift is not the first time American education experts have expressed a need to focus on math. In the late 1950s, after the launch of Sputnik, educators called for a new vigor in math instruction to keep up with the countrys Soviet adversaries during the Cold War, said Natalie Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of Americas Broken Education Systemand How to Fix It. While math is important, Wexler said, only a small percentage of students go on to use math in their daily lives. But every student is a member of society and needs other skills to become positive contributors to society. For a democracy to function, she said, people need basic literacy, the ability to read newspaper articles critically, and knowledge of how public policy is made. Math instruction is important, she said, but the knowledge that goes into understanding a newspaper and following current events is going to be much more crucial in enabling those students to carry out their responsibilities as citizens. Hughes said other skills are important, but the foundation felt it could have the biggest impact focusing on math. If taught properly, he said, math courses can connect students to real-life problems in need of a solution and keep them engaged as students, and eventually citizens. When kids start to feel alienated in middle school, its frequently the math course that drives them away, he said. GOP Bill to Ban Federally Funded Drag Shows, Sexually Explicit Material for Children House Republicans on Tuesday introduced a bill that would ban the use of federal funds for drag queen performances and other sexually oriented programs aimed at young children. The Stop the Sexualization of Children Act of 2022 bill (pdf) would prohibit federal, state, and local governments and private organizations from using federal tax dollars to expose children under 10 to sexually explicit material. The Democrat Party and their cultural allies are on a misguided crusade to immerse young children in sexual imagery and radical gender ideology, the bills sponsor, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), said in a statement. This commonsense bill is straightforward. No federal tax dollars should go to any federal, state, or local government agencies, or private organizations that intentionally expose children under 10 years of age to sexually explicit material. The bill states that it is the sense of Congress that while parents may choose how and when to expose their children to material of a sexual nature, federal funds shouldnt be used to expose children under 10 years of age to sexually-oriented material. No federal funds may be made available to develop, implement, facilitate, or fund any sexually-oriented program, event, or literature for children under the age of 10, including hosting or promoting any program, event, or literature involving sexually-oriented material, or any program, event, or literature that exposes children under the age of 10 to nude adults, individuals who are stripping, or lewd or lascivious dancing, the bill states, in part. According to the bill, federal taxpayer dollars have been used to fund sexual education for children under 10, including the purchase of literature and materials that teach preadolescent children about masturbation, pornography, sexual acts, and gender transition. Students in a library at a school in New York City on Feb. 2, 2022. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) Sexually oriented events such as drag queen story hours and burlesque shows have been funded by taxpayer money through federal grants, hosted by private organizations and state and local government agencies, as well as on federal property during family-oriented events. Federal funds have also funded drag queen performances for children around the country, including for families on military bases, where the Department of Defense is incorporating radical gender ideology into curricula at DOD schools, according to a report (pdf). Johnsons office said the funding from the Department of Health and Human Services and the DOD should be used to keep our country healthy and safe, not to stage burlesque shows for children. Radical Gender Theory in Schools The teaching of these sexually oriented programs is happening as early as kindergarten, where concepts of sexuality, sexual orientation, transgenderism, and gender ideology are being introduced, according to the bill. The bill defines sexually oriented as any depiction, description, or simulation of sexual activity, any lewd or lascivious depiction or description of human genitals, or any topic involving sexual orientation, gender identity, gender dysphoria, or related subjects. Johnsons bill is supported by 32 other House Republicans who agree that children should be learning about reading, writing, and math, not radical gender theory, according to Johnsons office. His office cited a Planned Parenthood call-to-action (pdf) it said encourages lawmakers and school boards to implement sexual education curricula that teach radical gender theory to children under 10. Under the legislation, parents would be able to sue any public or private entity that uses federal dollars to expose their young children to sexually explicit materials or programs. Those organizations found to have violated the proposed law more than once in a five-year period would lose access to federal funds for three years. Handing Out Flyers for an Anti-Woke, Parent-Led Event Gets Grandparent Banned From School Grounds A Massachusetts grandfather has been slapped with a no-trespassing order for passing out flyers for a parent-led forum aimed at educating other parents about woke ideology being pushed on their children in the local schools. Larry Russell, who has several grandchildren in the Newburyport schools, was told to stay off school grounds by Superintendent Sean Gallagher in an Oct. 12 letter and warned he would be arrested if he didnt comply with the order. The letter to Russell fell on the same week the small seacoast town was specifically named in a federal Republican-led Congressional investigation into alleged misuses of COVID emergency monies by public schools across the United States to fund liberal agendas like teaching critical race theory and gender affirming of children. Newburyport is accused of using Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief money to hire consultants to promote the school woke agendas, including one that reportedly conducted an experiment using the N word with staff. Russell, who is 73, told The Epoch Times he was shocked to see three police cruisers pull up to him as he was passing out flyers for the event, which is slated to take place on the evening of Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the local Elks lodge. The ticketed event is entitled What Every Parent Needs To Know About Social Emotional Learning and will include a presentation by Jennifer McWilliams, an Indiana school teacher who gained national notoriety after being fired in 2020 for publicly denouncing her schools social-emotional learning program as a harmful liberal-driven agenda. Russell said he was passing out event flyers to parents while they were sitting in the car line waiting to pick up their kids at the Edward G. Molin Upper Elementary school. He also passed out flyers to parents in the student pickup line at the Nock Middle School, where faculty also called the police on Russell. I should have a right to be on a public sidewalk and I shouldnt be threatened by some [expletive] who thinks they are God, said Russell, and they all do. Everyone on the progressive side nowadays thinks theyre gods. Russell said hes long considered himself liberal with half of his 10 grandchildren being African American, but recently joined the local group Citizens for Responsible Education, which organized the forum event, In his letter to Russell, Gallagher accused him of being abusive, disrespectful, and using profanities to a school teacher when she asked him to leave. Your behavior caused a significant disruption to the school dismissal process, wrote Gallagher. He also said Russell returned to the school after police told him to leave and not return. Russell denied the claims and said that a teacher physically shoved him while he was having a conversation with one of the parents. Jim Baribeault, a Newburyport resident concerned about the liberal agenda that has seeped into the schools, told The Epoch Times, when he tried to hang flyers at the towns public library for the parent forum, he was given a variety of reasons of why it couldnt be hung and then ultimately told it couldnt be hung because it didnt meet the librarys mission statement. Baribeault pointed out that the same library hung posters advertising a teen drag queen dance in May and that at the time of his request to hang the flyer, he saw a flyer advertising an upcoming pro-abortion event by a local womens group. The library also approved a flyer for an event entitled Beyond White Fragility: Digging Deeper. One of the planned discussions for the event is about how progressive white people unconsciously perpetuate racial harm. The librarys bulletin board for community flyers also includes a standing flyer for the North Shore Alliance for LGBT which goes by the acronym NAGLY. When Baribeault complained about the double standards, the head librarian Sara Kelso sent him an email informing him that after review of the libraries current guidelines and procedures, the flyer has been publicly posted on the library community board. However, a day after the flyer was displayed, Newburyports Mayor Sean Reardon personally took it down. In a written statement to The Epoch Times, Reardon said he removed the flyer because the parents groupCitizens for Responsible Education, which organized the event was not in line with the citys values of being an inclusive and welcoming community. The city bulletin boards are primarily for non-profit organizations and we reserve the right to remove flyers that are inconsistent with the citys values, said Reardon. Reardon called the same group a handful of bad actors when they objected to a teen dance hosted by a drag queen earlier this year. Three additional COVID-19 vaccine injuries have met the bar for compensation, U.S. authorities announced Oct. 20. Six claims lodged with the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) have now been determined to be eligible for compensation, a Health Resources and Services Administration official told a meeting on vaccines. All the claims relate to COVID-19 vaccines. One is the result of severe allergic shock. The five others are the result of myocarditis, a form of heart inflammation. Of the six vaccine-injured people, only one has been partially compensated. Officials are reviewing eligible expenses for all six, the official said. Due to the invocation of an emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccine injury claims must be made to the CICP, rather than a different program called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Certain serious conditions and deaths are covered by CICP, but claims must be judged by a secret panel as having proven a link between the condition or death and the vaccine. Some COVID-19 therapies are also covered by the program. Forty-eight claims have been denied because they did not meet the standard proof of causation bar and/or the injury sustained is not covered, the administration official said. As of Oct. 1, some 10,300 claims have been lodged. About 70 percent allege injuries from COVID-19 vaccines. VICP Claims Drop Many more claims are being made to the CICP than to the VICP, which was created in the 1980s to shield vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits. VICP covers a number of vaccines regularly given to Americans, such as the measles vaccine, the Hepatitis A vaccine, and the Tetanus shot. In fiscal year 2021, 2,057 claims were lodged with the VICP. U.S. authorities paid about $203 million to resolve claims, and another $36 million for fees to attorneys representing injured people. In fiscal year 2022, just 995 claims were filed. That led to payments of nearly $196 million, as well as an additional $34.2 million to lawyers. VICP has a gigantic backlog. There are more than 1,500 claims still awaiting review. Its been more than 20 years since Tamiflu, the first orally active neuraminidase inhibitor to prevent and treat influenza A and B, was rolled out by drugmaker Roche. Not a flu vaccine, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) blocks the flu viruss neuraminidase protein. The medication is available only by prescription and is often prescribed for people at high risk of flu complications. As the world navigated bird flu (H5N1) in 2005, followed by swine flu only four years later, fear of pandemics rose rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) was even forced to rename swine flu as H1N1, as the public feared eating pork, and countries began banning imports from the United States, Mexico, and elsewhere. Swiss-based Roche was already well positioned in the influenza space, as drug marketers call it. First, the company, whose biotech arm is Genentech, hired the marketing and communications firm Young & Rubicam (now called VMLY&R) for an educational campaign about flu as early as 2000. Then, in 2006, Roche hired the advertising agency GSW Worldwide for a Tamiflu media blitz, despite industry voices cautioning against fearmongering about a pandemic, which could provoke panic and hoarding of resources, PharmaExec reported. According to a 2013 article about Tamiflu in The Atlantic, a major danger of flu season is panicky patients rushing to emergency rooms even though they arent sick enough to need hospitalization. When emergency rooms are crowded, death rates among people who really need immediate care go up, the article reads. Not only are patients with minor flu-like symptoms exposing themselves to a load of other bugs when they rush to the ER, theyre potentially standing between some other patient and lifesaving treatment. Roches Fear-Based Flu Drug Marketing In fact, Tamiflu marketing did create fear and panic by warning patients that they had only 48 hours from the start of flu symptoms to begin treatment with Tamiflu and stating: Sometimes what we suffer from is bigger than we think. The flu is a big deal, so dont treat it like a little cold. Treat it with Tamiflu. By 2009, Tamiflu advertising began to include ads on streetcars and trolleys and ads starring penguins from the Warner Bros. movie Happy Feet. Tamiflu, which the pharmaceutical website FiercePharma terms a blockbuster, made $3.2 billion for Roche in 2009 alone. Not all were pleased with the flu drug advertising, however. The Daily Camera, a newspaper located in Boulder, Colorado, wrote in 2009, during the peak of Tamiflu advertising, Like a lot of drug advertising, the campaign is drawing criticism claiming the company is driving up demand for an expensive drug that has been shown to be only modestly effective. The authors of The Atlantic story wrote that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public service announcements (which run free on news media) added to this fear-based marketing by running ads urging people to get Tamiflu at the first sign of a sniffle or sneeze. As Flu Fears Rose, Governments Stockpiled Tamiflu Evan Morris, a Genentech lobbyist, reportedly hired consultants to build the frenzy over flu fears and sell Tamiflu in 2005. Dozens of U.S. senators wrote to President George W. Bush about their concerns, and the president authorized an emergency stockpile that bought $1 billion worth of Roches med, FiercePharma reported. A whistleblower lawsuit unsealed in 2020 charged that Roche bilked U.S. federal and state governments out of $1.5 billion by misrepresenting clinical studies and falsely claiming that its well-known influenza medicine Tamiflu was effective at containing potential pandemics, according to Halunen Law. The UK government reportedly spent $710 million on stockpiling Tamiflu. Morris took his own life in July 2015 while under investigation for embezzlement. Tamiflus Effectiveness and Safety Challenged Claims of Tamiflus effectiveness were challenged early in the scientific literature, according to a review study titled Effectiveness of Oseltamivir in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Published and Unpublished Clinical Trials, published in the journal Family Practice in 2012. Two large unpublished studies in the elderly and in adults with chronic disease did not find a significant reduction in the symptom duration, the researchers wrote. There is no evidence that oseltamivir reduces the likelihood of hospitalization, pneumonia, or the combined outcome of pneumonia, otitis media [inflammation of the inner ear], and sinusitis in the ITT [intention-to-treat] population. Soon afterward, in a scathing report, the Cochrane Collaboration, a nonprofit group that reviews medical treatments, reported that renal disorders, high blood sugar, psychiatric disorders, and heart rhythm disturbances may be related to Tamiflu use. The BMJ and Cochrane then issued a statement charging that Tamiflu and Relenza (an inhaled form of the same drug) had had their effectiveness overplayed, and harms underplayed. The BMJ and Cochrane were unable to obtain the clinical trial data on which Roches Tamiflu claims were based for a five-year period, Nature reported. In 2017, the WHO downgraded the status of Tamiflu to complementary. More Side Effects Surfaced In addition to the Cochrane review, post-marketing studies documented additional side effects such as allergic and anaphylactic reactions, rashes including the deadly toxic epidermal necrolysis, and aggravation of diabetes. By 2006, Tamiflu was also linked to neurological and psychiatric side effects and suicide. The European Medicines Agency has described two deaths, both attributed to suicide, in adolescents aged 14 and 17 who were taking oseltamivir, the European journal Prescrire International reported. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, neuropsychiatric disorders were reported in 32 children (mainly in Japan), and include delirium, behavioral disorders, hallucinations, convulsions, and confusion. The IndyStar reported that the family of an Indiana teen who took his own life in 2018 blamed Tamiflu, and, also in 2018, a 6-year-old Texan girl tried to jump out a window while on the drug. The Prescrire authors also cited disturbing neurological toxicity in young rats exposed to Tamiflu and noted that American and European agencies warn against the use of oseltamivir in infants less than one year old. Since Tamiflu is only modestly effective in preventing or treating flu, the possibility of serious adverse effects should be weighed against the limited benefit of oseltamivir, the authors concluded. Researchers writing in the journal Acta Neurologica Scandinavica in 2017 added more doubts about the drugs safety. It is known that oseltamivir inhibits nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are closely related to hypothermia, they wrote. Other receptors may be related to respiratory suppression followed by sudden death and psychotic reactions, which have been seen with Tamiflu. Flu-Like Symptoms Caused by Drug Tamiflu also was seen to cause the very flu symptoms it was supposed to prevent or mitigate. In 2009, of 273 students and 53 staff given Tamiflu at a primary school in Sheffield, United Kingdom, 41 percent of the students and 47 percent of the staff reported adverse effects such as cough, fever, headache, sore throat, and nausea, according to the journal Eurosurveillance. Fourteen percent of the students and 20 percent of the staff discontinued the drug because of the effects. Parallels Between COVID-19 Pandemic and Tamiflu Marketing Like COVID-19, influenza viruses continue to mutate, making vaccines less effective and raising the anxiety of patients, caregivers, and public health officials. Theres also a worry in some circles that the vaccines themselves could influence virus mutations. The same is true of Tamiflu. Notably, the CDC reported that Tamiflu created mutations as H1N1 flu became resistant to the widely used drug. As the 20222023 flu season begins, Tamiflu is still in the news. A September study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, widely circulated by medical news sites, found early administration of Tamiflu to children hospitalized with influenza resulted in better outcomes. Healthline, a major health site, notes, however, that the drug can cost $100 without insurance, may be ineffective for some flu strains, and may cause hallucinations, confusion, convulsions, [and] other neurologic or psychiatric issues. Yes, Tamiflu is still in the news and in use, but its safety and effectiveness questions are far from resolved. Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard arrives at the Toronto courthouse for sentencing after being found guilty earlier this year of sexually assaulting an Ottawa woman, on Oct. 20, 2022. (The Canadian Press/ Tijana Martin) Hedley Frontman Jacob Hoggard Sentenced to Five Years Behind Bars Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard was sentenced to five years behind bars on Thursday in the sexual assault of an Ottawa woman, an offence the presiding judge called a particularly degrading rape. In delivering her sentence in a downtown Toronto courtroom, Ontario Superior Court Justice Gillian Roberts said Hoggards offence involved gratuitous degradation and gratuitous violence. It is no exaggeration to say that (the woman) is no longer the same person she was before the attack. She was physically hurt far more significant was the psychological hurt, Roberts said. Whatever fleeting moments of gratification Mr. Hoggard derived from his conduct, they have come at the staggering and utterly unacceptable cost of forever changing (the womans) life. The 2016 sexual assault took place in a Toronto hotel room and the Ottawa woman told Hoggards sentencing hearing that what happened will haunt her for the rest of her life. The Crown had sought a sentence of six to seven yearsabove the normal range for a sexual assault by someone with no criminal record. The prosecution argued Hoggard was a risk to the public. Meanwhile, the defence had argued Hoggard should remain behind bars for three to four years. They pointed to a psychiatric report that said he was a low risk to reoffend and had a good chance of rehabilitation. The judge said Hoggards sentence needed to be proportionate to the gravity of the offence and Hoggards circumstances, including his degree of responsibility. It must be sufficient to reflect the inherent harmfulness of a manipulative and particularly degrading rape, she said. In all the circumstances of this offence and this offender I believe a fit and appropriate sentence is five years. Hoggard had also been charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm in the case of a teenage fan, as well as sexual interference involving that complainant but was found not guilty on those offences. The 38-year-old Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to all charges. A jury deliberated for six days and twice found itself deadlocked on some counts before finding Hoggard guilty in June of sexual assault causing bodily harm in the Ottawa womans case. The woman, who was in her early 20s at the time, said Hoggardchoked her so hard she thought she was going to die. She testified the sexual assault lasted for hours. Hoggard said at trial that he had consensual, passionate sex with both complainants. He denied choking the Ottawa woman, but said the other elements described, such as spitting and slapping were among his sexual preferencesand could have happened. At a sentencing hearing earlier this month, the Ottawa woman told court the incident left her paralyzed with fear and despair for months. The woman, who cannot be named due to a standard publication ban, said the sexual assault robbed her of her confidence, her dreams and altered her life. I was never the same after that day, she said. A part of me died that day that I will never get back. By Liam Casey Judge Agrees to FBI Request to Delay Production of Seth Rich Records A U.S. judge has agreed to allow the FBI to delay the production of records on late Democratic National Committee (DNC) staffer Seth Rich. U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant, an Obama appointee, granted on Oct. 18 the governments request, which U.S. attorneys said was unopposed. Mazzant had ordered the FBI in September to produce information from Richs laptop computer to Texas resident Brian Huddleston, who sued the bureau after he said it failed to respond properly to Freedom of Information Act requests. The FBI previously claimed that it didnt have records regarding Rich, but acknowledged during the case that it had taken possession of Richs laptop. FBI officials argued that Richs family has a privacy interest that outweighs the public interest in the information from Richs computer, but Mazzant rejected the arguments, noting that the FBI cited no case law. He ordered the FBI to produce the information within 14 days. But the FBI, through Department of Justice lawyers, asked for a two-week stay, stating that it was preparing a motion for reconsideration/clarification because the FBI is uncertain how to comply with the Courts order as written, and the FBI is seeking input from a pending appellate consultation regarding the order to properly address this issue. The stay will allow the FBI sufficient time to complete its legal consultations and prepare and file the motion, according to Brit Featherston, a U.S. attorney who filed the motion. This motion for stay is not made for purposes of delay, but so that justice may be served, Featherston said. Ty Clevenger, the attorney representing Huddleston, didnt oppose the motion, according to the government. We dont have a problem with the two-week stay. It shows the judge that we are acting in good faith and trying to be reasonable. Of course, our patience wont last forever, Clevenger told The Epoch Times in an email. Mazzant granted the motion. Before the Court is Defendant FBIs Unopposed Motion To Stay Courts Production Order. The Court, having considered the Motion, finds the motion should be granted, he wrote. The production order was stayed until Oct. 28. If the FBI wants a further delay, the government must file a fresh motion. Rich was killed in 2016 in Washington. Authorities have alleged that the killing was a robbery gone wrong. Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has suggested that Rich provided WikiLeaks with information. Special counsel Robert Mueller said that suggestion was apparently designed to obscure the source of the materials that WikiLeaks was releasing, including emails to and from Hillary Clinton Campaign Chairman John Podesta. The actual source was Russian hackers, according to Muellers report, although the report conflicts with statements from CrowdStrike, the firm hired to investigate the leak or hack of the emails. LA City Councilors Explore Special Election for Nury Martinezs Former Seat LOS ANGELESThree Los Angeles City Council members signed onto a motion Oct. 18 calling for a special election to fill the Sixth District seat vacated by Nury Martinezs resignation for her involvement in the City Hall audio leak scandal. The motion was presented by Councilors Monica Rodriguez and Mitch OFarrell and seconded by Councilwoman Nithya Raman. Several other councilors have voiced support for holding a special election for Martinezs seat, as well as for the seat held by Councilman Kevin de Leon who also took park in the leaked conversation in October 2021 if he resigns. Los Angeles Councilwoman Nury Martinez attends an event at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles on May 23, 2019. (Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST)) In a separate motion, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson sought a report on the costs for holding a special election. The Sixth Districtwhich includes central and eastern portions of San Fernando Valleyis being overseen by a non-voting caretaker, the citys Chief Legislative Analyst, Sharon Tso. A non-voting caretaker does not hold a seat on the council, but oversees the council office to make sure the district provides constituent services and other basic functions. A special election would not take place until spring 2023 at the earliest. Martinezs term was set to expire in December 2024. Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-Arleta), who was floated as a candidate for the seat if the council holds a special election, said on Monday that she wasnt interested. I love my role in the state Assembly, which allows me to work onand make progress onthe issues that I care most about, especially environmental justice and empowering underserved communities, Rivas said on Twitter. De Leons term also expires in December 2024. Gil Cedillo, the third councilor who took part in the leaked conversation, lost his re-election bid to Eunessis Hernandez in June. Council President Paul Krekorian has suggested swearing in Hernandez immediately if Cedillo resigns. Recently, Councilwoman Heather Hutt served as non-voting caretaker of the 10th District for several months before being appointed as council member last month in place of Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who is suspended as he awaits trial on federal corruption charges. Previous fill-in Councilman Herb Wesson was legally barred from serving on the council. Posters expressing support for the Beijing protest appear on college campuses outside of China. On Oct. 13, a rare protest occurred in Beijing, demanding an end to China's draconian zero-COVID policies and the removal of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. (Screenshot via Twitter) Let the World Know Our Stance: Overseas Chinese Students Echo Beijings Bridge Man Just days ahead of Chinas 20th National Congress, a protester unfurled banners from an overpass in Beijing, calling for reforming the countrys communist leadership and removing draconian COVID-19 measures. Following the rare protest, overseas Chinese students expressed their solidarity with Bridge Man through slogans that appeared on college bulletin boards. On Oct. 13, Peng Lifa, whom overseas students refer to as Bridge Man, hung two large banners with slogans on the Sitong Bridge in Haidian District of Beijing. One of the banners said: No COVID tests, we want to eat. No lockdowns; we want freedom. No lies; we want dignity. No Cultural Revolution; we want reform. No leaders; we want votes. We dont want to be slaves; we want to be citizens. The other banner called for the removal of Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, who is expected to secure an unprecedented third term. Beijing police arrested Peng on the same day. Since then, there has been no information on his whereabouts or well-being. Soon after the protest, Chinese authorities censored the internet. Words such as Sitong Bridge, Haidian District, warrior, and Beijing are banned for internet searches. Banner and slogan are treated as sensitive words. Since the bloody crackdown on the student-led pro-democracy movement in June 1989, there have been no major protests against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Moreover, information about the Tiananmen Square massacre has been heavily censored and is a banned topic in China. Peng is hailed as a hero and warrior. Wang Dan, a student leader in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, told Radio Free Asia that Peng is Chinas new Tank Man. Chinese Students Abroad Support Bridge Man While universities and colleges inside China remain silent on the incident due to heavy censorship, Chinese students abroad, including in the United States and the United Kingdom, want to make their voices heard. A Twitter user, an overseas Chinese student, called on his peers to take action immediately to let the world know our stance. Posters expressing support for the Beijing protest appear on college campuses in the United States and South Korea. (Screenshot via Twitter) Chinese students at several overseas universitiesincluding the University College London, Central Saint Martins (a constituent college of the University of The Arts London), University of Michigan, California Polytechnic University, Stanford University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, New York University, University of Chicago, University of Toronto, and Busan University of Foreign Languages in South Koreadisplayed posters in support of Peng, along with slogans that condemn the CCPs atrocities. One Twitter user wrote: The participation of university students is the hope for change in China. These young people have brains and have actions. China observer Jiang Feng said on his YouTube channel on Oct. 13 that, in China, there is no shortage of fearless warriors who dare to fight alone; however, they can rarely inspire more people to join them in their cause. According to Jiang, the CCP has come to a point where its power has become unstable due to domestic and external problems; however, Xi Jinping still has two options: to become Gorbachev or to become Ceausescu. Police tape blocks off the crime scene in Sacramento, Calif., on Feb. 28, 2022. (Andri Tambunan/AFP via Getty Images) Man Pleads Guilty to Murder for Stabbing Husband 50 Times at Mount Helix Home EL CAJON, Calif.A man who stabbed his husband to death at their Mount Helix home, then fled the state, pleaded guilty Oct. 19 to a second-degree murder count. Daniel Scott Jordan, 46, faces 16 years to life in state prison when he is sentenced for the slaying of 38-year-old Kevin Powell, a Chula Vista city employee whose body was found in the couples Carmen Drive residence on Aug. 11, 2020. Jordan was arrested nine days later in Reno, Nevada. He is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 11 for the murder count, plus an allegation of using a deadly weapon in the killing. At a bail hearing in late 2020, Deputy District Attorney Eva Kilamyan said Powell was found in his bed with 50 stab wounds and a kitchen knife left embedded in his chest. The prosecutor said the couple had been having marital problems and Powell was seeking a divorce. Chula Vista police found Powells body while conducting a welfare check, sheriffs Lt. Thomas Seiver said. Powells work supervisor asked police to check on him after he missed several meetings, according to the lieutenant. Jordan also did not show up for work and was arrested in Reno after he was taken to a hospital there for an apparent suicide attempt, the prosecutor said. Powell was a human resources manager for the city of Chula Vista, and previously worked in similar positions for Contra Costa County, San Diego County, and the city of Coronado. Health Canada has issued a recall some lots of Bed Head TIGI, Dove, and Tresemme dry shampoo products due to detection of benzene. (Health Canada Handout) Mass Recall of Dry Shampoo Products in Canada Due to Cancer-Causing Chemical Canadas national health agency has issued a recall for more than a million hair products after benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, was detected. Health Canada issued the mass recall on Oct. 18 after the chemical was detected in certain batches of Bed Head TIGI, Dove, and Tresemme dry shampoo products that are packaged in aerosol cans. The agency said 1,574,426 units of the affected products were sold in Canada from January 2020 to October 2022. The products were manufactured in the United States and distributed by consumer goods giant Unilever Canada Inc. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and dispose of it in accordance with the instructions for disposal on the packaging, said Health Canada. Consumers may contact the company for reimbursement. The agency warned that benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening. As of Oct. 7, no incidents or injuries related to the use of the affected products have been reported to Unilever Canada, said the health agency. In a statement on Oct. 18, Unilever Canada said an internal investigation identified the propellant as the source for potentially elevated levels of benzene, and it has started working with the propellant suppliers to address the issue. Unilever Canada is recalling these products out of an abundance of caution, the company said. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in Canada through retail outlets and online. Retailers have been notified to remove recalled products from shelves. Products listed in the recall include Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo, Dove Care Between Washes Go Active Dry Shampoo, and TRESemme Fresh Clean Dry Shampoo, and the full list can be found on Health Canadas website. The company added that consumers can visit Unilevers website to seek reimbursement. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), speaks during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to honor the merchant mariners of World War II in Washington on May 18, 2022. (Oliver Contreras/Getty Images) McCarthy Suggests Opposition to Biden Impeachment Efforts House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) suggested that he opposes efforts from within his caucus to impeach President Joe Biden. If Republicans take the House, as observers expect, McCarthy is likely to be elected speaker of the House. After two failed efforts by Democrats to remove President Donald Trump from office, and amid scandals surrounding Bidens role in his sons business dealings, some Republicans have already put forward an impeachment resolution for Biden. Though it is almost certain that the resolution will not be considered under the current Congress, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) introduced such a resolution against Biden. In the articles, Greene cited the involvement of both Bidens in Burisma, a Ukrainian oil and natural gas company. Greene accused Biden of enabling bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors through his involvement with the firm. Though that resolution has been lying dormant since March 2021, Republicans could take up the issue again if they retake the majority. Republicans could also use the majority to seek impeachment for Bidens heavily-criticized role in the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, which culminated in an unexpectedly rapid fall of the nation to the Taliban and a frantic weeks-long effort to rescue Americans and Afghan allies trapped in the country. But that hinges in part on McCarthys support. As speaker, McCarthy would have wide discretion over what comes to the floor for a votemeaning McCarthy could kill any such effort in its cradle if he opposed it. At the end of September, McCarthy indicated that he would be hesitant to use the impeachment process as political revenge, despite Democrats unprecedented use of the process during the 116th Congress. We will uphold the law. We will not play politics with it, McCarthy told reporters at the time. On Oct. 19, McCarthy reiterated these sentiments in comments to Punchbowl News. I think the country doesnt like impeachment used for political purposes at all, McCarthy said. If anyone ever rises to that occasion, you have to, but I think the country wants to heal and start to see the system that actually works. What weve done in the Commitment to America, but were really focused on the economy, on crime, and the border. Voters dont want you to focus on it, McCarthy added. We focus on accountability. McCarthy intimated that efforts to impeach Biden would be hypocritical after Republicans criticisms of Democrat-led impeachment efforts against Trump. I dont see it before me right now, he continued. You watch what the Democrats did. They all came out and said they would impeach before Trump was ever sworn in. There wasnt a purpose for it. If you spent all that time arguing against using impeachment for political purposes, you got to be able to sustain exactly what you said. No Comments on Lower Positions McCarthy did not address other impeachment resolutions and efforts that target lower government officials. For instance, in Oct. 2021, Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) introduced articles of impeachment against Attorney General Merrick Garland. In the intervening months, GOP dissatisfaction with the attorney general has ballooned, particularly in the wake of the FBIs much-criticized raid of Trumps Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), whose popularity among Trump-allied Republicans has blossomed in the 117th Congress, also called in a March 2022 letter for Republicans to take up impeachment proceedings against Homeland Defense Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who Republicans blame for the current border crisis. However, just as was the case in the 116th Congress, these efforts would be unlikely to go anywhere. Even if Republicans flipped both chambers of Congress, the party would be unlikely to be able to win the votes from enough Democrats to surpass the 60-vote threshold for removal from office. Moreover, it still remains unclear whether these efforts would have the green light from a potential Speaker McCarthy, who may prefer for his caucus to focus efforts on probes and inquiries into the policies pushed by Biden and his cabinet over the past two years. Artist Daxiong in a still of the "Eternal Spring" documentary, which tells the story of a group of Chinese expatriates who brought uncensored news to China and its aftermath. (Courtesy of Lofty Sky Pictures) Award-Winning Documentary of Spiritual Groups Disruption of Chinese State-Run TV Coming to Local Theaters A group of peaceful meditators who exposed the Chinese Communist Partys campaign of deception toward the spiritual practice Falun Gong are featured in a documentary thats returning to Southern California after a summer screening. The award-winning Eternal Spring is playing for one week in AMC Theatres starting Friday, Oct. 21, and if weekend attendance is high, may be extended another week. The documentary tells the story of a small group who tapped into a state-controlled television broadcast in China to share the truth about Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, a meditation practice guided by the values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The film uses a novel combination of animation and in-person interviews to recreate the historic event and bring the story alive. I think that people will resonate with it, regardless of whether they have a particular interest in the Chinese human rights situation, the filmmaker Jason Loftus told NTD Television, sister media of The Epoch Times, on Oct. 17. Loftus said theres something universal about stories that show people standing up in the face of adversity. A still from the film Eternal Spring, which tells the story of a small group of Falun Dafa practitioners who tapped into Changchun Citys state-controlled cable television to broadcast information to counter the Chinese communist regimes propaganda against the spiritual practice. (Courtesy of Lofty Sky Pictures) Falun Gong was introduced to the public in China in 1992, and it grew to 70 million practitioners by the late 90s, according to official estimates. In 1999, the Chinese Communist regime began an extensive persecution of the practice, fearful that the regimes power was threatened by the groups large following. Since then, millions have been detained, often facing torture and death, according to human rights groups. In 2002, a group of Falun Gong adherents, who were repeatedly demonized in the Chinese media, decided to take action. They climbed a pair of television poles in the city of Changchun during primetime TV and hijacked the signal, broadcasting a message about the communist regimes elimination campaign toward the spiritual practice. So far, Eternal Spring has received 15 awards after being released on the events 20th anniversary in March. Because of its popularity, Canada chose the documentary as its submission to the 2023 Oscars for Best International Film. Loftus said he and his team are humbled by the countrys decision to select the film. It is the first time Canada has put forward an animated film, a documentary, or a Mandarin language film for the international feature category, he said. Jason Loftus, director of the award-winning documentary Eternal Spring poses for photographs at the Southern California premiere of the film at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on June 15, 2022. (Alice Sun/The Epoch Times) The Chinese Theatre in Hollywood screened the film back in June, and some audience members were moved to tears. Loftus told The Epoch Times at the time that he learned about the story from his colleague Daxiong, a longtime Falun Gong practitioner and comic book artist known for his work on the Justice League and Star Wars franchises. The documentary tells the story through Daxiongs perspective, who leads the audience through his journey of remembering the events that took place 20 years ago. After the disruption of the TV broadcast, police raids ensued as the regime targeted all Falun Gong adherents in the area, regardless of their involvement in the plot. At least six died at the hands of police, according to Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website that provides information on the persecution in China. Only one core participant in the broadcast takeover made it out of Chinaafter 10 years in prisonwhile another is expected to be released this year after being locked away for 20 years. Daxiong was targeted in the police raids that followed the event, and he was forced to flee his hometown Changchun and eventually move to Canada after being detained three times by the regime. Eva Fu contributed to this report. Ohio Voters to Decide If Non-US Citizens Can Vote in Local Elections Ohio voters will be asked on Nov. 8 to decide if non-U.S. citizens can vote in state or local elections. If passed, Issue 2 would change the Ohio Constitution. It proposes that only adult U.S. citizens who legally reside and are registered to vote in Ohio for at least 30 days can cast a ballot in future state and local elections. The current Ohio Constitution states that every citizen of the United States, of the age of eighteen years and has been registered to vote for thirty days is entitled to vote at all elections. The state constitution doesnt say that noncitizens cant vote. Federal law prohibits noncitizens from casting ballots in federal elections. A 1917 ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court determined that the state constitutions home rule, which gives cities control over their local issues, provided municipalities permission to expand voting rights in city elections. Issue 2 would ensure that a citys home rule doesnt circumvent the law that only adult U.S. citizens can cast ballots. Supporters of Issue 2 believe the amendment will uphold the integrity of citizenship if it becomes law, while opponents claim it is an effort to restrict voting access. At the forefront of Issue 2 is the village of Yellow Springs, which is located east of Dayton in southwest Ohio. In 2019, village officials passed a referendum allowing residents who werent U.S. citizens to vote in local elections. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose ordered the Greene County Board of Elections not to accept voter registration forms from noncitizens. The referendum violated the U.S. and Ohio constitutions, LaRose said. In a statement, he added, Just when you thought 2020 couldnt get any weirder, the village of Yellow Springs forces me, as Ohios chief elections officer, to restate the obvious only U.S. citizens may vote. With a Norman Rockwell-esque historic district teeming with eclectic shops and a paved bicycle trail that stretches through the village, Yellow Springs is a thriving day trip and weekend getaway destination. Many houses on its tree-lined streets have yards dotted with signs that promote Black Lives Matter and LGBT causes. The village of 3,697 residents is also home to the unapologetically liberal Antioch College. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a banner placed across Main Street encouraged drivers to be kind and wear a mask. Located in Greene County, where Republicans routinely win elections and then-President Donald Trump defeated Joe Biden by 20 percentage points in the 2020 presidential election, Yellow Springs favored Biden, 92 percent to 7 percent. Ohio was founded with this wonderful, glorious Home Rule ability, which allows municipalities to institute the kind of laws that make their villages and their towns and their cities a better place in their eyes, Yellow Springs Mayor Pam Conine said after the referendum passed. And if I may, I just want to make sure everyone understands that currently, according to the Ohio Constitution, every citizen of the United States is entitled to vote. Yellow Springs Council President Brian Housh said that the referendum would have allowed about 30 noncitizens who lived in the village to vote in local elections. Honestly, we really didnt think it was that big as a deal, Housh told the Dayton Daily News. Its a local issue, its about local issues. We werent trying to start anything with the state; people here just believed their neighbors who are part of this community should have a say in how it is run. Housh believes there is political motivation behind Issue 2. It seems to me like a way for the Republicans to bait their base and get them fired up about the election, Housh told reporters. Theres a lot of hostility towards immigrants out there. The amendment easily passed through the Republican-controlled Ohio Legislature earlier this year. LaRose has said that allowing noncitizens to vote would cheapen the value of citizenship. The state law has always been clear that only U.S. citizens can vote in state elections and there is a federal law that prevents non-citizens from voting in federal elections, LaRose said in a statement. A Spectrum News/Siena College survey of Ohio voters on Sept. 28 revealed that 59 percent will vote yes on Issue 2, while 38 percent said they will vote no. According to the poll, 54 percent of Democrats responded that they would oppose a state constitutional amendment that would prohibit local governments from allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections, while 43 percent said they would support the measure. Among Republicans, 72 percent said they will support the amendment and 28 percent oppose it. LaRose is seeking re-election against Democrat Chelsea Clark and independent Terpsehore Maras. I have had newly sworn citizens tell me that they think that allowing non-citizens to vote is wrong; they say, Dont cheapen the thing I have worked so hard to getthe right to vote, LaRose told the Dayton Daily News. Simply put, LaRose added, the amendment should be considered common sense. Issue 2 will really just codify into our state constitution the thing that has been assumed for a long time and that is the right to vote in Ohio is a right reserved exclusively for U.S. citizens, LaRose said. Pat Morris of the OPP waits to appear as a witness at the Public Order Emergency Commission in Ottawa on Oct. 19, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) OPP Intelligence Head Concerned With False Allegations of Extremism by Politicians, Media Against Convoy Protesters The head of Ontario Provincial Polices intelligence unit says he was concerned with false allegations of extremism against convoy protesters by politicians and the media. I was concerned by comments made publicly by public figures and in the media that I believed were not premised in fact, Supt. Pat Morris, head of OPPs Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau, told the public inquiry into the federal governments use of the Emergencies Act on Oct. 19. Morris said his viewpoint wasnt merely coming from a subjective perspective, because he was leading the charge on collecting intelligence on the convoy protest. I believed I was in a unique situation to understand what was transpiring, he said. So when I read accounts that the state of Russia had something to do with it, or that this was a result of American influence, either financially or ideologically, or that Donald Trump was behind it, or that it was un-Canadian, or that the people participating were un-Canadian and that they were not Canadian views and they were extremists, I found it to be problematic. Just ahead of the trucker protest arriving in Ottawa on Jan. 29, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau berated the protesters for their opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The small, fringe minority of people who are on their way to Ottawa, who are holding unacceptable views that they are expressing, do not represent the views of Canadians who have been there for each other, Trudeau said on Jan. 27. The prime minister and his senior cabinet members made similar comments throughout the protest, while refusing to meet or send representatives to talk with the protesters. There are public reports showing that there are indications that there [are] extremist ideological positions and there is a link between the blockades, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said on Feb. 17. Other politicians made similar comments. They came here to overthrow a democratically elected government. It is a movement funded by foreign influence and it feeds on disinformation. Its goal is to disrupt our democracy, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said in the House of Commons on Feb. 17. A transcript of a Feb. 8 call between Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Trudeau tabled at the commission shows the mayor also saying the protesters didnt represent Canada. Nasty people out there that just dont represent Canada, he said. At a Turning Point Morris made his comments at the commission in response to a question about an email he had sent to OPP Deputy Commissioner Charles Cox on Feb. 22, where he said the protest movement feels marginalized in its locality but enhanced by its broad appeal nationally, adding that it is not an extremist movement. It is not comprised of ideologically Motivated Violent Extremists (IMVEs). The actual leaders are not extremists with histories of violent criminal actsalthough events due (sic) attract unpredictable and extreme elements. The absolute lack of criminal activity across Canada, and the minimal violent crime throughout the event illustrate this, Morris wrote. Families join the Freedom Convoy protest in downtown Ottawa after police distributed arrest notices to truckers and their supporters occupying Wellington St. and the Parliament Hill area on Feb. 16, 2022. (Richard Moore/The Epoch Times) He added that politicians and the media are giving a different picture than what he has actually seen, and noted that their claims have shaped the main discourse on the subject in society. But now the public discourse is dominated by political figures and the mediaand the commentary is providing a very different picture than what law enforcement collectively gathered. It is painting a different pictureit speaks to extremism, it offers parallels to terrorism, it speaks of sedition. I am sending this email because I feel that we are at a turning point. It is time to calmly continue gathering information, understand what we are dealing with and monitor intentions and actions for criminal activity and public order implications, he said. In his Oct. 19 testimony at the commission, Morris said how media go about news reporting is important, because law enforcement officers are informed by those reports. But he said when it comes to news reporting by media, there are multiple perspectives, and some of those perspectives seem to be based in confirming a worldview. I saw that information, those assertions, foreign influence, money, etc., being played out by a number of people and talked about. And I would challenge that. And my point in this email was to make this point, which I believe is an ethical and moral point, and a point premised in law, he said. The labelling was problematic to me. Several politicians as well as media reports made claims of foreign influence in the convoy protests. These illegal blockades are being heavily supported by individuals in the United States and from elsewhere around the world. We see that roughly half of the funding that is flowing to the barricaders here is coming from the United States, Trudeau said in the House of Commons on Feb. 17. We all need to be seized with the landscape as it exists around foreign interference, and any funds that may be used to undermine public safety, Mendicino said in the House of Commons on Feb. 8 CBC reported in late January that Russia could be backing the protest movement, and ran another report in February that claimed a fundraiser for the protest movement was shut down due to questionable donations. The public broadcaster redacted both stories. Documents presented at the commission also show the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) saying there was no foreign involvement in the convoy. There [are] no foreign actors identified at this point supporting or financing this convoy, CSIS Director David Vigneault said in a briefing given during a teleconference on Feb. 6 with representatives from different levels of governments. Lack of Violent Crime Was Shocking Morris also said in his Oct. 19 testimony that the OPP was engaged on-ground in a covert capacity at the protest site to collect information. He said there was no intelligence to indicate that these individuals would be armed, adding, There has been a lot of hyperbole about that. He said the force found no credible intelligence of threats and noted that police evaluated the accuracy of their earlier intelligence to this effect by looking at the arrests and charges during the protests. The lack of violent crime was shocking. Even the arrests and charges, considering the whole thing in totalityI think there were 10 charges for violent crimes, six of which were against police officers, he said. Brendan Miller, one of the lawyers representing the main organizers of Freedom Convoy, ran through legal definitions of threats to the security of Canada that would justify the invocation of the act, and asked Morris if he saw any relevant evidence that would meet those definitions. Final preparations are made prior to the start of the Public Emergency Order Commission in Ottawa on Oct. 13, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Morris replied that he saw no evidence of espionage or sabotage, nor any evidence of foreign influence activities. I saw media accounts [of foreign influence allegations], yes. I saw no information collected or intelligence produced in that regard to support that, he said. He also said that he saw online rhetoric and assertions of threat of use of serious violence but that he is not aware of any intelligence that was produced that would support concern in that regard. Morris added that the OPP intelligence branch collected information on asserted attempts at vandalism of property, such as arson, but did we have any credible intelligence that that would occur? No, he said. The Public Order Emergency Commission was formed by the federal government as required by the Emergencies Act after it is invoked. The commission is scheduled to hear daily testimonies until Nov. 25, after which it will enter a second phase with a focus on policy, before Commissioner Paul Rouleau submits his report to Parliament by Feb. 20, 2023. The Liberal government invoked the act on Feb. 14 to clear convoy protests and blockades, and revoked the act after the Ottawa protests were cleared on Feb. 23. Noe Chartier and Isaac Teo contributed to this report. Orange County Man Found Not Guilty in Mothers Killing Due to Insanity SANTA ANA, Calif.A 37-year-old Laguna Beach man charged with stabbing his mother to death was found not guilty by reason of insanity Monday. Matthew Bryson McDonald is scheduled for a Nov. 4 hearing to determine his commitment term in a mental health facility. Police were called about 10:45 a.m. Aug. 18, 2019, to the Laguna Terrace Park mobile home community in the 30000 block of South Coast Highway after a friend arrived to pick up 61-year-old Megan Estes Hampton to go to church and found her dead. Laguna Beach police said neighbors reported that they had seen McDonald back into a mailbox with his mothers car, then speed off that morning, which they found unusual because had not driven in several months. Police also said McDonald suffers from a mental disorder. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz greets supporters after the primary race resulted in an automatic recount due to close results in Newtown, Pa., on May 17, 2022. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Oz Drawing Fire For Suggesting Opponents Wife Might Serve as Senator Fetterman Releases Medical Report Saying His Health Continues to Improve, Can Work Full Duty in Public Office Less than a week ahead of his only scheduled debate with John Fetterman, Mehmet Oz is under fire for his comments that suggest Fettermans wife, Gisele Baretto Fetterman, would serve as senator if her husband is elected. This is not about me or him. Its about the voters, Oz said in an interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show. They have a right to know whats going on in his body so they can tell if his wife is right or not. Is he going to be the senator or is she going to be the senator? And these are topics that he has continually ducked, Oz continued. The NBC interview he did last week was awkward for a lot of folks who had not really seen what it is like for him to recover, or what his current condition was cause hes hidden it. Ozs comments represent his continued questions about Fettermans ability to serve as a senator if he is elected. John Fetterman fills out his emergency absentee ballot for the Pennsylvania primary election in Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, Pa., on May, 17, 2022. (Bobby Maggio via AP) Fetterman suffered a severe stroke in May, days before the primary. He cast his vote from a hospital bed and has made limited public appearances during his recovery. Oz, his campaign, the GOP, and multiple media outlets have criticized Fetterman for not releasing his medical records. On Oct. 19, Fetterman released an updated medical report that said he is recovering well from his stroke and his health has continued to improve. The report was produced by Dr. Clifford Chen from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Fettermans physical exam was normal and his blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry readings are within normal range, according to the report. Chen also said that the Pennsylvania lieutenant governors lung exam was clear and his strength and coordination were normal. I have spoken with his neurologist and cardiologist, and he will follow up with them routinely, Chen wrote. The lieutenant governor takes appropriate medications to optimize his heart condition and prevent future strokes. Fetterman is exercising and can walk four to five miles regularly without difficulty, Chen noted. Regarding Fettermans cognitive abilities, Chen explained that he spoke intelligently without cognitive deficits and added that his speech was normal but he demonstrates auditory processing issues that can appear like he is having difficulty with hearing. Overall, Lt. Gov. Fetterman is well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices, Chen said in the report. He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office. Fetterman served as mayor of Braddock, a small borough southeast of Pittsburgh where he still lives. In September, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board called on both candidates to release their medical records. Oz obliged, and the results indicated he is in excellent health, according to his doctor. Fetterman had repeatedly refused to reveal medical information until the report from Chen. On Oct. 18, a group of Pennsylvania physicians released a statement requesting Fetterman to unveil his medical records and provide Pennsylvanians with the transparency they are owed. In a statement, Fettermans campaign said that Chens report is crushing news for Oz, who has been rooting against Johns recovery and staked his entire campaign on it. Ozs campaign responded with a statement that shifted attention to specific issues. Thats good news that John Fettermans doctor gave him a clean bill of health. The bad news is that John Fetterman still supports releasing convicted murderers out on the streets and has zero explanation for why he didnt pay his taxes 67 times, Rachel Tripp, a senior adviser for the Oz campaign, told The Epoch Times in an email. And now that he apparently is healthy, he can debate for 90 minutes, start taking live questions from voters and reporters, and do a second debate now too. On Oct. 7, Fetterman granted NBC News Dasha Burns his first sit-down interview since the May stroke. In the interview, which aired on Oct. 11, Fetterman required a monitor with closed captioning to understand Burns questions and had trouble speaking clearly. Fetterman made his first public appearance since his stroke on Aug. 12. Oz immediately challenged him to appear on the debate stage. Oz asked for five debates from Sept. 6 to Oct. 5. Fetterman eventually agreed to one debateon Oct. 25, two weeks before election day. Early voting started in Pennsylvania on Sept. 19. During the Oct. 25 debate in Harrisburg, Fetterman is expected to use closed captioning, which he has relied on in interviews and public appearances as he continued to recover. Occasional words he will miss which seems like he doesnt hear the word but it is actually not processed properly, Chen said. His hearing of sound such as music is not affected. His communication is significantly improved compared to his first visit assisted by speech therapy which he has attended on a regular basis since the stroke. Fetterman once led Oz in the polls by double digits, but that advantage has gradually declined in recent months. A new AARP Pennsylvania poll conducted by Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research among 1,377 likely Pennsylvania voters between Oct. 4 and Oct. 12 shows Fetterman with a 48 percent to 46 percent lead. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attends a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug. 5, 2022. (Richard A. Brooks/AFP via Getty Images) Pelosi Dismisses Call for New Democrat Leadership: Theres No Substitute for Experience Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Oct. 18 brushed aside calls by a member of her caucus for new leadership. The comments in question were made by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), who said during a TV appearance that the party needs new blood to lead it moving forward. I have been very vocal, including with my own leadership in the House, that we need a new generation. We need new blood, period, across the Democratic Party, in the House, the Senate, and the White House, Slotkin told NBCs Meet the Press. Ive said I think we need new leaders. I would love to see some Midwestern leaders in there, right? Thats been important to me, is to reflect the middle of the country, she said. Were here too, and I do think new blood is a good thing. During a later appearance on MSNBCs Andrea Mitchel, Pelosi acceded the need for some generational change, but emphasized the importance of experienced leaders. Yes, we need generational change, Pelosi said. Of course we do. But in some cases theres no substitute for experience. Asked what she would tell members of her caucus, particularly younger members agitating for a bigger role in the 118th Congress, Pelosi replied, Win, baby. Just win. If thats what you have to say to win, fine, and we will not in any way do anything but [be] totally supportivemobilization-wise, message-wise, money-wisefor those people to win their races, she added. Younger Members Feel Slighted Slotkin is only the latest Democrat to push for generational changes in leading the party forward. At the end of September, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.)another young, relatively new face among congressional Democratsmade similar calls. Specifically, Spanberger blasted her party for what she called a failure of House leadership, after Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) postponed a scheduled vote on a bill that would ban stock trading by members of Congress and their families. The legislation was the newest iteration of a bipartisan push that has ballooned over the past year, and Spanberger indicated that the delay in considering the bill spoke to larger issues with the partys current leadership. Like Slotkin, Spanberger called for new leaders to take over. This moment marks a failure of House leadership and its yet another example of why I believe that the Democratic Party needs new leaders in the halls of Capitol Hill, as I have long made known, Spanberger wrote. Rather than bring Members of Congress together who are passionate about this issue, leadership chose to ignore these voices, push them aside, and look for new ways they could string the media and the public alongand evade public criticism. She added, Its apparent that House leadership does not have its heart in this effort, because the package released earlier this week was designed to fail. It was written to create confusion surrounding reform efforts and complicate a straightforward reform prioritybanning Members of Congress from buying and selling individual stocksall while creating the appearance that House Leadership wanted to take action. Generational fractures between old guard Democrats and young lawmakers who won their seats during the blue wave in 2018 have begun to emerge in the party. Democrats caucus includes three of the five youngest members of Congressincluding Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). Though the average age of House Democrats is 59 years old, according to data from FiscalNote, party leadership has an average age of almost 72 years old, including three octogenarians. Generational fractures between the party old guard and new Democrats first emerged as early as 2018, when Democrats extracted a pledge from Pelosi that she would not serve as speaker again. She later reneged on that promise, being reelected speaker in the 117th Congress. Pelosi also seems to be open to another term as House Democrats leader. Asked by reporters if she would seek another term as speaker or minority leader, Pelosi refused to commit to her past promise to step down. On the other hand, Slotkin and Spanberger are not the only Democrats to call for a changing of the guard among leadership. Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) are among the few in their caucus who have gone as far as calling for a new generation of Democrats to take over from President Joe Biden and other current leaders. Calls to this end have grown gradually as younger Democrats have found their footing in Congress. However, it remains unclear how many in the party share the sentiment; in preparation for a tough midterm battle, most Democrats have striven to avoid the appearance of disunity. But after the electionparticularly if, as observers expect, Republicans take back control of the lower chamberpower struggles among aging leaders and ambitious young lawmakers could burst into the open. Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Attorney General Josh Shapiro spoke in Pittsburgh about his office's continued commitment to protect abortion access for women, on July 14, 2022. (Commonwealth Media Service) Pennsylvania Is the Epicenter of Democrats Political Spending Commentary Democratic gubernatorial nominee Josh Shapiro.s overflowing campaign coffers underscore the importance of Pennsylvania to national politicsand the influence of government unions in elections. With four weeks remaining until the mid-term elections, Shapiro reported raising a whopping $25.4 million in his latest campaign-finance report, bringing his total to a record $50.9 million since the beginning of 2021. This represents 47 percent more than Governor Tom Wolf raised in four years as an incumbent running for reelection. By contrast, Republican gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano has raised just over $5 million since the beginning of 2021. Slightly more than half of Shapiros total comes from donors outside of Pennsylvania, compared to less than one-third of Mastrianos. Shapiros massive haul includes $5.6 million from the Democratic Governors Association plus a plethora of six- and seven-figure checks from the usual suspects of billionaires and celebrities. Notably, he received $500,000 from Michael Bloomberg and $120,000 from the Soros family. Among Shapiros largest individual donors are California billionaire Jennifer Duda, who gave $2 million; Silicon Valley physician Karla Jurvetson, who gave $1 million; and former PayPal exec William Harris Jr., who also gave $1 million. Recognized names such as Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams also donated to Shapiros campaign. But among the largest bloc of Shapiros donors are those who typically make up the bread-and-butter fundraising of Democrats campaigns: union political action committees (PACs). So far, government-union PACs have donated $3.6 million to Shapiro, while private-sector union PACs have donated $4.7 million. Meanwhile, Mastriano has received 0.028 percent of that$1,000from government-union PACS. Government unions are among the most powerful special interests in Pennsylvania. Their influence in national elections is unquestionable. Beyond Shapiros campaign, they have spent millions to prop up the Democratic Party and other progressive causes. In this campaign cycle alone, the main Pennsylvania government-union PACs have raised more than $10 million and spent nearly $7 million. As of mid-September, union leaders hold more than $6 million in campaign cash. National affiliates of these same unionsincluding the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers, and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employeeshave spent more than $3 million in Pennsylvania this cycle alone. Government-union spending is decidedly one-party-focused. Donations to Democratic Party committees totaled $293,500, compared to $39,000 for Republican committees. The top ten individual recipients of Pennsylvania government-union PAC money have received, collectively, $4,911,779 in the 202122 cycle. Nine of these ten individuals are Democrats, led by Shapiro. But government-union influence isnt limited to direct campaign contributions. Government unions also spend millions of dollars in members dues$96.5 million since 2007on election-related activity and lobbying. While union dues cannot go directly to candidates, they can be usedand are usedto support independent expenditures for or against candidates or funneled to Super PACS. For example, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the states largest teachers union, and its parent union, the NEA, funnel money to a Super PAC called Pennsylvania Fund for Change. Fund for Change has run ads attacking Republicans to the tune of almost $10 million since 2018. Nationally, government unions fund groups like Color for Change PAC, which advocates defunding the police, and the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, whose sole purpose is to gerrymander congressional maps to benefit Democrats. Government unions maintain their power by forcing taxpayers to pay for unions political fundraising, using that fundraising to elect candidates to office, and then negotiating billion-dollar labor contracts with these elected officials. Generally, its illegal to use taxpayer dollars for political purposes. But state law gives government-union executives a perk awarded to no other private organization: Pennsylvania state and local governments, including school districts, can use taxpayer-funded payroll systems to deduct union dues and PAC contributions from public employees paychecks and send this money to union executives. Bolstered by these special privileges, Pennsylvania government unions have spent millions on politicswith Shapiro the greatest beneficiary of their largessejust as the state has become a national focus for election dollars. Taxpayers must demand an end to these sham perks that finance political campaigns. From RealClearWire Not long ago, a Realtor dropped off the flier announcing plans for the annual neighborhood garage sale. Join us to make this the biggest sale ever! the flyer read. Since making our move to Colorado, we have never participated in this annual ritual. This year would be no exception. Ive learned the hard way that for a compulsive shopper it doesnt matter much if its new or gently used. And the last things I need are my neighbors cast-offs clamoring for space in our home. As I dropped the flyer in the trash, I couldnt help but visualize one family down the street. They have so much stuff in their garage they can barely close the door. Each year, just in time for the one-day big event, they roll all of it out onto the front lawn for the day. Then as the sun sets, they turn into human shoehorns to squeeze everything back into place, where it will remain until the same time next year. Don Aslett, author and cleaning expert (Clutters Last Stand Writers Digest Books, 1984), says that extraneous stuff robs us of freedom because it requires so much of our time to tend. Our houses, drawers, closets and vehicles are so crowded we cant breathe. But its more than that. Stuff crowds our minds, our emotions and relationships, too, into dullness and immobility. As I poured a cup of coffee, my mind was stuck in garage sale mode. Wouldnt it be nice, I pondered, if once each year we could unload everything that clutters our lives not just our homes? Worry Its not always a bad thing. Worry can spark action, if you worry and recognize that a plan of action is necessary and you act. But worry can fill your imagination with every manner of fearful possibility, complete with all of the damaging chemical and physical changes of an actual trauma. Experts tell us that most of what we worry about never happens. That means we are better off getting rid of harmful worries as a way to clear our minds and souls, in the same way that getting rid of stuff we never use clears our homes. Yearning In our gotta-have-it-now culture, seasons of longing have been replaced by instant gratification. And thats too bad because yearning builds character. Having to wait makes us strong and resilient. It teaches us patience. But in the extreme, yearning can be terribly destructive. It can turn to covetousness and envy. Focusing on what you lack steals contentment because your heart and mind are stuck in the future, always trying to get whatever that might be. If you are so consumed by wanting what you do not have that youre sacrificing the joy in the present, thats a problem. Thats clutter you need to get rid of. Approval The desire to do well and receive approval from other people is not a bad thing. It can build character. But when your life becomes based on the expectations of others and you do things just to be perceived as nice, youve crossed the line. Getting others approval is messing up your life; its creating emotional clutter. I dont know what form emotional clutter takes in your life, but I do know this: Theres no better time than today to pack it up, haul it out and get rid of it once and for all. Narcotic detectives seized about 12,000 suspected fentanyl pills that were packaged in bags of candy at Los Angeles International Airport in California on Oct. 19, 2022. (Courtesy of Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department) Police Issue Warning Ahead of Halloween After Fentanyl Pills Found in Candy Bags at LAX Authorities in California have issued a warning to parents ahead of Halloween celebrations after approximately 12,000 fentanyl pills packaged in several popular candy boxes were seized at Los Angeles International Airport. With Halloween approaching, parents need to make sure they are checking their kids candy and not allowing them to eat anything until it has been inspected by them, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said in a press release. If you find anything in candy boxes that you believe might be narcotics, do not touch it and immediately notify your local law enforcement agency, the agency added. The giant seizure of the deadly synthetic opioid happened on Oct. 19 after narcotic detectives and agents with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) stopped a suspect who was attempting to pass the airports security screening with several bags of candy and miscellaneous snacks. Upon investigating the packages, authorities discovered that inside the Sweetarts, Skittles, and Whoppers candy boxes were fentanyl pills, the release said. The suspected drug trafficker managed to flee the scene before being detained by law enforcement, officials said, noting that the suspect has been identified and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles Sheriffs Departments narcotics bureau at (562) 946-7125. Fentanyl Deaths on the Rise Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. As little as two milligrams is potentially enough to be lethal. An increasing number of Mexican cartels have been importing fentanyl from China before pressing it into pills or mixing it into other counterfeit pills made to look like Xanax, Adderall, or oxycodone. The drugs are then sold to unaware buyers in the United States. The DEA said in September that it had seized more than 10.2 million fentanyl pills and approximately 980 pounds of fentanyl powder during the period of May 23 through Sept. 8, 2022, as part of a joint enforcement operation. That was equivalent to more than 36 million lethal doses removed from the illegal drug supply, officials said. Mass overdose events, whereby three or more overdoses occur within the same location and within a close period of time, have also been on the rise across the country, with the DEA warning earlier this year that such events were occurring at an unprecedented rate. Epoch Times reporter Katabella Roberts contributed to this report. From NTD News Hogs are raised on the farm of Ted Fox on July 25, 2018 near Osage, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Pork Producers Say California Regulation Challenged in Supreme Court Would Impose Huge Costs INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.Joe Tinsmans family got into the pork business about 10 years ago, more as an avocation than an industry. It started with the kids showing pigs in 4-H. We figured we could raise them for less than we could buy them, Tinsman told The Epoch Times. The Tinsmans, appropriately enough, live in Farmland, Indiana. Theyre first-generation pork producers and are small by design, between 40 and 50 head at a time. Like many family farmers, Tinsman works another full-time job in addition to their farm, so the specter of Californias Proposition 12 tended to be theoretical, but still unsettling. The cost of it would take you out, Tinsman said. You would need more ground, more space in buildings. Theres no way to make that happen. There would be multiple farmers in the same situation. Proposition 12 In 2018, 63 percent of Californians voted to make Proposition 12 a state law. It was an animal welfare initiative that requires pork producers to provide up to 24 square feet for each of their sows. The law was almost immediately challenged by the pork industry. The U.S. 9th District Court of Appeals in California assigned it to San Diego, which ruled for California in July 2021. The National Pork Producers Council, which represents the pork industry, and the American Farm Bureau Federation argue that the law violates a provision in the U.S. Constitution known as the commerce clause. They appealed the case to the United States Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments last week. The California measure would be costly to implement and thus drive up pork prices around the country, pork producers say. Many producers would have to remodel and expand their barns. That could cost upwards of $3,500 per sow, Josh Trenary, head of the Indiana Pork Producers Association, told The Epoch Times. California is trying to fix a problem that doesnt exist, according to Jeff Petree, director of procurement for Weichman Pigs, a Nebraska-based pork producer. Its another example trying to fix a problem that doesnt exist. This just adds cost and makes the industry less productive. These are the same people who tell us to use fewer resources. Proposition 12 would force us to use more resources, Petree told The Epoch Times. Proposition 12 would force pork producers to invest more so you can produce less in the same amount of time, Petree observed. California has also said it would send inspectors to producers in other states to make sure its requirements are met, Petree said. Ive been doing this 36 years, then someone comes along and tells you that everything youve been doing is wrong, he added. Pork operators trying to adhere to Californias standards are seeing more culls, as a result of animals killing each other, Petree said. Sows put together will establish a pecking order, which they establish by fighting. When that happens, some will get hurt. Earlier this year, Smithfield Foods, Americas largest pork producer, did its talking with moving vans. Smithfield said the cost of doing business in California wasnt worth it and closed its Vernon, Calif. plant, shedding 1,800 jobs. California Overreach? For Michael Formica, chief legal Strategist for the National Pork Producers Council, the California measure is a bad deal for everyone. While proposition 12 is framed as a moral issue, Formica countered that animal welfare is already the industrys priority, and said farmers make decisions on how they house their animals based on recommendations of leading veterinary groups. California Prop 12 will force more industry consolidation as smaller farms are pushed out. Food costs are already up 12 percent year over year. Any increase is too much for families living paycheck to paycheck, Formica told the Epoch Times. California cant reach across its borders and send inspectors to Iowa or Indiana farms. Ninety-nine percent of the economic impact of Prop 12 is outside the state of California and it will hurt animals, farmers, and consumers, he added. The legal case before the Supreme Court appears to draw familiar battle lines: blue-state Californians vs. red-state Iowans, North Carolinians, and Indianas Hoosiers. Interestingly, the Biden Administration weighed in with a brief supporting the pork producers. The Justice Department argued that Proposition 12 violates the Constitutions commerce clause, which bans states from imposing undue burdens on interstate commerce. Those battle lines rolled right into the Supreme Court for last weeks oral arguments. Chicago attorney Timothy Bishop argued on behalf of the pork producers that Proposition 12 violates the commerce clause by forcing out-of-state farmers to adopt that states preferred farming methods, for no valid safety reason. No other state makes its farmers house pigs the way that California does. And very few farmers do. An Iowa farmer doesnt know where pork from his sows will be sold, Bishop said, adding that pork is sold around the world in response to demand. If Proposition 12 is lawful Oregon can condition imports on workers being paid the minimum wage. And Texas can condition sales on the producer employing only lawful U.S. residents, Bishop told the Justices. Iowa has 65,000 sow farms. It has a very great interest in how those sows are housed. And what California is doing is essentially trampling on Iowas ability to say no. A few pork producers already meet Proposition 12s standards. That pork is sold in places like Whole Foods for $8 a pound, Bishop said. Consumers can buy those same cuts for $5 a pound in other stores. California Solicitor General Michael Mongan, arguing for Proposition 12, said Californians are willing to pay that price in exchange for the right to reject products they view as morally objectionable. California consumes 13 percent of the nations pork products, leaving 87 percent of the national market available. Pork producers servicing that 87 percent remain free to raise their animals in any way they choose, Mongan pointed out. Arizona and seven other states ban the sale of eggs from hens that dont have enough space, Mongan said. Markets as a Moral Issue Jeffrey Lamken, representing the Humane Society and arguing in support of the California measure, said Proposition 12 reflects a moral tradition that has been respected for millennia, arguing that consuming meat that is a product of animal cruelty is itself immoral. With Proposition 12, California chose to rid its markets of some of those immoral products, he said. Those distinctions are nothing new in the United States, Lamken said. Americans ban blood diamonds and conflict diamonds, but not ordinary diamonds. Nine states deal with animal testing. Eight states ban eggs from caged hens. Nine states ban aborted fetal tissue, but not fetal tissue thats not from abortions, Lamken said. Chief Justice John Roberts countered: People in states that produce a lot of pork, such as Iowa, North Carolina or Indiana, may think theres a moral value in providing a low-cost source of protein to people, maybe particularly at times of rising food prices. But, under your analysis, Californias view of morality prevails over the views of people in other states because of the market power that they have. Justice Amy Coney Barrett also appeared non-plussed. Could you have California pass a law that said were not going to buy any pork from companies that dont require all their employees to be vaccinated, or from corporations that dont fund gender-affirming surgery or that sort of thing? Barrett asked. James Bowers, managing director of the Center for Consumer Freedom on Prop 12, an advocacy group opposing the measure, was hopeful that the Supreme Court would ultimately side with the pork producers. Californias bad policies should stay in California. California has no right to drive up the costs for Americans breakfasts nationwide. Were confident the Supreme Court will see through this stunt which was designed by anti-meat animal rights movementand protect Americans against this anti-democratic attempt to impose California regulations on all 50 states, Bowers told the Epoch Times. Back in Indiana, the Indiana Pork Producers Associations Trenary said the industry is already improving its animal welfare efforts without burdensome regulations from places like California. A pork farmer has the incentive, both from an ethical standpoint and a financial standpoint, to do the right thing. And toward that end, the pork industry has been proactive about putting together science-based production standards, Trenary said. RCMP Phone Call That Sparked Allegations of Political Interference in NS Shooting Made Public The phone call that gave rise to allegations of political interference in the RCMPs investigation of the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shootings has been released to the public. The Mass Casualty Commission (MCC) made public on Oct. 20 recordings and transcripts of the phone call between several RCMP officials, including Commissioner Brenda Lucki and Chief Supt. Darren Campbell, wherein Lucki berates staff for failing to release details about the guns used in the shooting. During the call on April 28, 2020, Lucki told staff she had advised the minister of public safety at the time, Bill Blair, that the details of guns used in the shooting was going to be in the news release and expressed her frustration that it wasnt included. I was very frustrated, very disappointed, and I was feeling quite disrespected by what happened today, she said. Later in the call, while discussing Campbells discomfort with releasing the make and model of guns used in the shootings, Lucki brought up the Liberals pending gun legislation. Does anybody realize whats going on in the world of handguns and guns right now? The fact that theyre [the government] in the middle of trying to get a legislation going, the fact that that legislation is supposed to actually help police, and the fact that the very little information I asked to be put in speaking notes at around 11:30 this morning could not be accommodated. The phone call took place about 10 days after a gunman killed 22 people around Portapique, N.S. on April 18 and April 19, 2020. At the time, the federal government had pending gun control legislation. Shortly after the shootings, the government introduced legislation to ban 1,500 types of assault-style firearms. Not Comfortable RCMP Deputy Commissioner Brian Brennan told the MCC on Sept. 9 that recordings of the phone call had been deleted. It doesnt exist because Mr. Brien has deleted it from whatever phone he was using, Brennan said. Lucki has denied allegations of political interference in the RCMPs investigation of the shootings, saying she was never under political pressure to release details about what guns the shooter used. Although the recording of the phone call wasnt made public until now, Campbells meeting notes, released by the MCC in June, said Lucki had made a promise to Blair and the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) that details of the guns used would be released. Campbells notes also said, this was tied to pending gun control legislation. The commissioner made me feel as if I was stupid, Campbell later said while testifying before the House of Commons public safety committee on Aug. 16. [That] I didnt seem to understand the importance of why this information was important to go outthe information specific to the firearms as it was related to the legislation, he said. During the April 28 phone call, then-RCMP Commanding Officer of Nova Scotias H Division, Lee Bergerman, said Campbell was not comfortable noting the make and or models for the weapons seized in a news release. Dan Brien, director of media relations with the RCMP, added that his department was under the understanding that we wouldnt be providing any details about the guns, but received a message from the Strategic Communications Unit shortly before posting the news release to include the weapons information. We got the message an hour and a littleor I guess an hour beforegoing into that room, he said. Chew Us Up Speaking to staff from the RCMPs communications office during one of the phone calls, Lucki complained how the little one line I needed containing details about the firearms was not added to Campbells notes before a press conference. How did it get to me that that one line was going to be in his speaking notes and it wasnt? she said. Lucki said the staffs failure to release the information was very saddening. To watch what happened last week, to watch the media chew us up, eat us up and spit us out, and to watch, or to hear, what the [public safety] minister and the prime minister had to say about the RCMPs inability to communicateI will never forget it, she said. Lucki further expressed disappointment at not being able to come through for the minister on the simplest of requests. Its disheartening for me to try to manage our RCMP, which is bigger than Nova Scotia, and trying to at least give the prime minister a bit of information before he hears it on the news. Omid Ghoreishi and Noe Chartier contributed to this report. Incoming Senator Lidia Thorpe during her swearing-in at in the Senate at Parliament House on October 06, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Secret Relationship With Gang Leader Forces Left-Wing Greens Senator to Resign From Senior Position Lidia Thorpe, deputy leader of the left-wing Australian Greens party has resigned from her positionbut remains a senatorafter revelations emerged of a relationship with the ex-leader of an outlaw motorcycle gang, which occurred at the same time she sat on a parliamentary committee investigating the criminal gangs. The joint-parliamentary committee on law enforcement she was apart of also had access to classified documents on gangs. It comes as Senator Thorpe confirmed to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday that she briefly dated the former president of the Rebels, Dean Martin, in early 2021. The Australian government and law enforcement have branded the Rebel bikie gang a criminal organisation with members convicted of murder and the trafficking of illegal drugs and firearms. Martin has no criminal convictions but had a 25-year-plus association with the Rebels before stepping down as Victorian chapter president in 2018. Thorpe failed to disclose her relationship with Greens leader Adam Bandt despite concerns from staff that a possible conflict of interest existed, according to media reports. Greens leader Adam Bandt (C) claps during the Greens national campaign launch at Black Hops Brewery on May 16, 2022, in Brisbane, Australia. The Australian federal election will be held on Saturday, 21 May 2022. (Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images) Bandt said he wasnt aware of the matters until the media raised them and that he had asked Thorpe to quit her role as deputy leader and had received a resignation. As a leader, I expect my senators and MPs, especially those in leadership positions, to exercise good judgement, he said in a statement on Thursday. At a minimum, Senator Thorpe needed to disclose to me her connection to Mr Martin, and her failure to do so showed a significant lack of judgement. Senator Thorpe says she understands this, so now I expect her to demonstrate better judgement going forward and in exercising her continuing portfolio responsibilities. Bandt added that Thorpe had not held the justice portfolio since the election and that, at the moment, there is no suggestion that any confidences have been breached. Of course, I will consider further action if those facts change, but that is what I have been told at the moment, he said, The Australian reported on Thursday. Thorpe Admits Mistakes Thorpe said in a statement that she accepted that she had made mistakes and had not exercised good judgement. She added she would reflect on this and focus on her portfolio work, especially advocating for Aboriginal people. She previously told ABC that confidental briefings on bikie gangs were treated in confidence and argued that Martins history was a past connection. Obviously, Im concerned about the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle clubs in general. But when we met, Mr Martin was no longer involved with that world. Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 17, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) Hypocritical The scandal has attracted criticism from political opponents, including Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, who criticised the Greens for being hypocritical. The Greens have always been keen to lecture us on integrity. But you know that they would be hypocritical if they didnt take appropriate action, Taylor said, The Australian reported. They talk a big game on avoiding conflicts of interest. And when it comes to action, it seems that this is exactly the opposite of their rhetoric. The Greens are vocal supporters of a federal Independent Commission Against Corruption, which they said would clean up politics and finally hold politicians to account. Bernie Finn, Victorian leader of the Democratic Labour Party, said in a Facebook post: If anyone else had done what Lidia Thorpe is guilty of, theyd be tarred, feathered and run out of town. If they are fair dinkum about equality, the Greens should sack her from the Senate immediately! Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strenuously criticised the Greens Party, saying that while Thorpe declared the failure to declare her relationship an error of judgement, it was the least description that I would put to it. Adam Bandt has to explain what his office knew and what he knew and why he wasnt informed about these issues given his office was informed, why that is the case, the prime minister said. (From L to R) Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan at a press conference after a National Cabinet meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on June 17, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) Scathing Report into Australias COVID-19 Response Forces State Leaders to Defend Pandemic Measures Australian state and territory leadersmany of whom pursued a zero-COVID or tough suppression strategydefended their policy response amid the release of a new report calling the countrys COVID-19 measures excessive and harsh. The report, Fault lines: An Independent Review into Australias Response to COVID-19, was also critical of school closures, aged care response and warned there could be long-term mental health consequences. Initially, an anxious Australia seemed to accept that far-reaching lockdowns were necessary, even desirable. But the balance between the costs and benefits of lockdowns swung towards costs long before governments were willing to lift them, the report said. Many lockdowns were avoidable. Some were the result of failures in our quarantine systems, our contact tracing systems, a sluggish vaccine rollout and shortcomings in our communication with key parts of our community. Some decisions were politically motivated. Some responded to public fear whipped up by the media. Leaders Firm on COVID-19 Response In response, Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews, who oversaw one of the worlds longest lockdownsplacing Melbourne under heavy restrictions for 262 daysdefended his approach. There was nothing academic about COVID-19, he told reporters. Theres nothing academic about the fact that we didnt have any vaccines. Thats why when I say to you that these decisions were not made lightly and they were the subject of debate and discussion and very careful consideration, he said. While in New South Wales (NSW), which endured its toughest year in 2021, saw centre-right Liberal Premier Dominic Perrottet concede that difficult decisions had to be made. We got some right, we got some wrong, he said. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk defended her governments approach, which included ordering tight restrictions around the states domestic borders to keep residents from NSW and Victoria from entering. We made the decisions in the best interests of Queenslanders and it kept Queenslanders safe, she told reporters. I stand by our world-leading result when it comes to the number of lives that were lost compared to other jurisdictions. At the federal level, opposition leader Peter Dutton said the circumstances were quite testing, with political leaders confronted with the scenario of having to set up morgues adjacent to public hospitals. But clearly with some of the lockdowns, I think they went too farparticularly in Victoriaand there was a different response by different state governments, he told 2GB radio on Oct. 20. Quite a different response in Western Australia to what we saw in NSW for example. So, I think it is prudent that there is a review, both of the federal government and the state governments and territory government actions because if there is another pandemic, then we should learn the lessons from the last. Meanwhile, Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanesethen-opposition leader during the COVID-19 yearssaid the report, chaired by Peter Shergold, Chancellor of Western Sydney University, was serious. I have said clearly that my government will undertake, at some future time, a proper inquiry into the impact of the pandemic, the actions of governments, he told reporters on Oct. 20. We need to learn the lessons from the pandemic. It is quite clear some of the lessons we have learnt and have indicated that we are responding to. Our economy needs to be made more resilient, we need to make more things here. One concern about the governments earmarked inquiry into the response to COVID-19 is that it focuses too much on the previous Liberal-National federal governments actions but not state governments, which were responsible for direct lockdowns, restrictions, and border closures. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) speaks during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Jan. 11, 2022. (Sarah Silbiger/File Photo/Reuters) Republican Lawmakers Criticize Biden Over Releasing 15 Million Barrels of Oil From Reserve Republican lawmakers are criticizing President Joe Biden over his decision to release 15 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), arguing that his move was politically motivated and left the United States vulnerable to foreign adversaries. President Biden is draining the SPR to bailout Democrats ahead of the midterms, further surrendering our energy security AND national security to countries like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee wrote on Twitter on Oct. 19. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, shared a similar sentiment. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was built for a national energy crisisnot for a Democrat election crisis, Barrasso said in an Oct. 19 statement. His dismal approval rating is not a justifiable reason to continue to raid our nations oil reserves. The surest way to bring down energy prices is to unleash American energy production, Barrasso added. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Armed Services Committee, characterized Bidens decision as nothing more than an election gimmick in a statement. When Republicans win back the House, we will fight to restore energy independence and put an end to this insanity, Gallagher wrote. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) speaks to reporters after a House Republican Caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 21, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Blatantly Political During a White House event on Wednesday, Biden said the new SPR release would continue to stabilize markets and decreases the [gas] prices. He rejected the idea that politics played a role in his decision. Its not politically motivated at all, Biden said. Its motivated to make sure that I continue to push on what Ive been pushing on, and that is making sure theres enough oil thats being pumped by the companies so that we have the ability to be able to produce enough gas that we need here at home, oil we need here at home, and, at the same time, keep moving in the direction of providing for alternative energy. When asked to comment on Republicans remarks that he was helping Democrats in the midterm elections, Biden said, Where have they been the last four months? Thats my response, a response suggesting that his political opponents had not followed his recent efforts to reduce gas prices. Wednesdays announcementreleasing 15 million barrels from the SPRcompletes the release of a total of 180 million barrels authorized by Biden in March. According to the president, the new release translates to about 500,000 barrels of oil per day, when delivery occurs in December. Were producing 12 million barrels of oil per day. And by the end of this year, we will be producing 1 million barrels a day more than the day in which I took office, Biden said. In 2021, the United States used about 20 million barrels of oil per day, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. Some analysts say the sale of 15 million more barrels is going to have a minimal impact on gas prices. Further SPR releases wont have a significant impact on oil prices. However, further SPR sales certainty raise my concern level about energy security. Currently SPR levels arent comfortable, but tolerable. If the SPR declined to under 300-350 million barrels, eesh. Patrick De Haan (@GasBuddyGuy) October 19, 2022 The emergency reserve as of Oct. 14 dropped to 405.13 million barrels of oil or the lowest level since 1984. Thats down from 638.09 million barrels on Jan. 22, 2021. On the current inventory level of SPR, Biden said it is more than enough for any emergency drawdown. Many other Republican lawmakers have also voiced their criticism of Bidens decision, including Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Its the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Its not the political petroleum reserve, McCaul told Fox News on Wednesday. Hes playing politics with this national security asset that we have thats really developed and is really for a time of war that we need the energy. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), who serves on the Senates banking, budget, and fiance committees, took to Twitter to say that Bidens decision is an abuse of power, reckless, and blatantly political. The strategic petroleum reserve is meant for a national emergency. The Democrats impending election loss doesnt qualify, Toomey wrote. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) during a hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, on April 10, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) China Some Democrat lawmakers have applauded Biden for tapping the reserve. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, praised the president in a statement for taking decisive action to provide relief to the American people. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), who sits on both the Houses foreign affairs and armed services committees, took to Twitter on Oct. 19 to say that Bidens move invokes an important issue relating to China. Today would be a good day to ban our foreign adversaries like China from buying oil from our strategic petroleum reserves, Houlahan wrote. She said her billintroduced in late July along with Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Peter Meijer (R-Mich.), and Elaine Luria (D-Va.)would do just that against China. The legislation (H.R.8614), titled Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act, would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, a U.S. law that gives the U.S. president the authority to direct the Secretary of Energy to conduct a public sale of oil from the reserve. For each sale from the SPR, the Department of Energy (DOE) holds a competitive auction and awards contracts to the highest bidder. If enacted, the legislation would prohibit the export or sale of petroleum products drawn from the reserve to China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any other country that has been sanctioned by the United States. Additionally, any entity owned, controlled, or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party would also be banned, according to the language of the bill (pdf). Like many, I was shocked to learn that a Chinese company was able to purchase oil from our Strategic Reserves, Houlahan said in a July statement announcing the bill. When I called on President Biden earlier this year to release oil to help lower the cost of gas for Americans, I thought this oil would stay within our borders, where it belongs. Today were taking the first step toward closing that loophole, Houlahan added. The DOE sold nearly 6 million barrels of oil from the SPR from September 2021 to July to Unipec America, the U.S. trading arm of Chinese state-owned oil and gas company Sinopec, according to DOE documents reviewed by The Epoch Times. In early September, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) wrote a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, raising concerns that U.S. oil could be used by the Chinese regime to support Russias invasion of Ukraine. Research shows Chinese firms recently trading with Russias defense sector, including with companies supporting Russias ongoing war with Ukraine, the letter says. In light of Chinas friendship with Russia having no limits, there are serious questions about whether SPR oil is benefiting Russia or companies assisting Russia in the invasion of Ukraine. It would be unacceptable for China to support Russias invasion of Ukraine with oil from the United States. Republican governors and gubernatorial hopefuls are promising to prevent COVID-19 vaccine requirements for children to attend school. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moves toward adopting an updated immunization schedule that will include COVID-19 vaccines, Republican governors and candidates say the update wont lead to mandates in their states. As long as Im around, as long as Im kicking and screaming, there will be no COVID shot mandate for your kids, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican running for reelection, said during an unrelated press conference in Lee County. That is your decision to make as parents. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, also a Republican, said in a video statement that as long as Im governor, I will continue to protect your children, and Ill fight off anyone and the federal government who tries to force the COVID vaccine on our kids. Regardless of what the CDC in Washington says, nothing changes in Oklahoma, and kids are not required to get a COVID vaccine to attend school, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, said in a statement. Its up to parents to decide how to protect their child from viruses, and as long as I am governor, we will never force kids to get a COVID vaccine to go to school. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, another Republican, wrote on Twitter that he has always opposed mandates: Thanks to our work with the General Assembly, TN families wont be impacted by todays CDC vote. Well continue to stand for TN children & for personal freedom. Advisers to the CDC voted on Oct. 20 to recommend including the COVID-19 vaccines on the next version of the child and adolescent immunization schedules, which will be published in early 2023. The CDC still has to adopt the recommendation, but the agency has been aggressively pro-vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advisers said they believe the data on the vaccines warrants their inclusion on the schedule, despite the vaccines only being available through emergency use authorization for many children. Several Republican candidates also said theyll oppose child vaccine mandates if theyre elected. When Im Governor, PA will NOT mandate the COVID vaccineno matter what the CDC says, Pennsylvania Sen. Doug Mastriano, the Republican candidate for governor, said in a statement. Kari Lake, the Republican nominee for Arizona governor, said, Arizona will NOT be forcing COVID shots into our childrens arms or filthy masks onto their beautiful faces. Few Democrat governors or gubernatorial hopefuls have appeared to react to the pending immunization schedule changes. South Dakota state Rep. Jamie Smith, a Democrat whos challenging Noem, has supported legislation to require masks and vaccines but none specifically for school children. He pushed back when Noem referenced his past support when discussing the CDC vote. South Dakota is ready for change, he said, accusing Noem of lying. A number of statespredominantly those led by Democrats, such as California, New Mexico, and Illinoishave laws in place that require vaccines that are listed in the schedule, according to the University of Illinois Chicagos Policy, Practice, and Prevention Research Center (pdf). Others include Oregon, Kentucky, and West Virginia. MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria strain in a petri dish containing agar jelly. MRSA is a drug-resistant superbug, which can cause deadly infections. (Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters) Responding to the Superbug Crisis Commentary Hospital rooms, operating rooms, and medical equipment are so inadequately cleaned that any patient going into a hospital is at risk of getting a deadly superbug. Thats true even if youre going for the happiest reason of all: to give birth. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions latest data show alarming increases in the most dangerous superbugs: Acinetobacter up 78 percent, Candida auris up 60 percent, and notorious MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) up 13 percent year over year. When youre a patient, which room or bed youre put in largely determines your risk of getting infected. If the previous occupant had an infection, your danger of getting infected with the same organism goes up 583 percentalmost sixfold, according to Columbia School of Nursing research. Cleaning is so shoddy that the previous patients germs are still lurking. Unlike the COVID virus, which spreads primarily through the air, the bacterial and fungal organisms terrorizing hospitals are spread by touch and can last for weeks and months on surfaces. Masks are useless against most superbugs. In Washington, politicians and drug companies are pushing legislation, such as the Pasteur Act, that will incentivize companies to invest in new weapons against superbugs. Were playing with fire if we dont pass it soon, said Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), one of the bills sponsors. Sorry, but thats a long-term strategy. Patients who need hospitalization today, or this year, cant wait for drugs that arent even in the pipeline yet. Hospitals should be laser-focused on the strategy that will produce immediate results: rigorous cleaning and disinfection. Yet that is missing from the conversation. Hospital mattresses are so contaminated with bodily fluids that placing a patient in a bed occupied even 90 days earlier by someone with C. diff (Clostridium difficile, the most common hospital infection) puts the new patient at risk, according to Dr. Lucy Witt of Emory University. Even fragile newborns are in danger. A staggering 20 percent of surfaces in the neonatal intensive care unit of a Chattanooga, Tennessee, childrens hospital were contaminated with drug-resistant MRSA, according to University of TennesseeChattanooga researchers. Unclean medical equipment is another culprit. Researchers traced an infection outbreak in a hospital burn unit in Galveston, Texas, to a contaminated electrocardiogram wire. The last patient treated with that wire had been discharged 38 days earlier, but the superbug had stayed alive. These arent anecdotes. Hospitals are a germy mess everywhere. A survey of 23 academic medical centers from D.C. northward to Boston by epidemiologists Michael Parry and Philip Carling found that hospital cleaners overlooked more than half the surfaces that are supposed to be cleaned. (Hint: If you have to eat lunch in a hospital room, the safest place to put your sandwich is on the toilet seat, which is almost never overlooked.) The good news is that cleaning reduces infection rates. Researchers at Rush Medical College in Chicago reduced the spread of a superbug by two-thirds by instructing cleaning staff on which surfaces they were skipping and the importance of drenching surfaces and waiting, rather than a quick spray wipe. Parry reports that at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut, improved cleaning contributed to dramatic reductions in infections, including a 75 percent drop in C. diff. Mayo Clinics Robert Orenstein reduced C. diff by 85 percent in a pilot program by wiping the surfaces around patients beds with a bleach wipe once a day. Why isnt every hospital doing that? The stakes are too high to settle for the dirty status quo. A hospital patient who contracts a superbug faces a far higher risk of death than another patient with the same medical problem who doesnt get infected. Two Johns Hopkins physicians, Cynthia Sears and Fyza Yusuf Shaikh, warn that despite enormous strides against cancer in the coming years, without an equally energetic effort to beat back superbugs, many cancer patients will still lose their lives. Beating back the superbugs starts with hospitals cleaning up. Meanwhile, when you visit a loved one in the hospital, bring bleach wipes and clean the surfaces near their bed. You could be saving their life. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Children play in a park next to a life-size replica of a Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-15 fighter jet on October 19, 2022 in Shostakivka, Donetsk oblast, Ukraine. Russia's president Vladimir Putin today imposed martial law on the four Ukrainian regions occupied by Russian forces as large numbers of civilians were being moved out of the Kherson area ahead of a Ukrainian offensive. (Carl Court/Getty Images) Russia and Ukraine Claim Gains as Forces Clash in Kherson Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces this week centered largely around the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, where both sides claim to have registered significant gains. On Oct. 20, the Ukrainian militaryusually tight-lipped about ongoing operationssaid dozens of Russian troops had been killed and several Russian tanks destroyed in its latest attempt to breach Russian defenses in Kherson. One day earlier, however, Russias TASS news agency reported that Ukraines offensive in Kherson had been decisively repelled. The situation in Kherson is under full control, Kirill Stremousov, the regions pro-Russian deputy governor, was quoted as saying. Our forces have not moved back an inch. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, more than 90 Ukrainian troops and nine combat vehicles were eliminated by Russian artillery fire during attempts by Ukrainian forces to penetrate Russian lines. The Epoch Times couldnt verify claims made by either side. The Kherson region, along with the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, were incorporated into the Russian Federation late last month following referendums in all four territories. Kyiv and its allies reject the referendum results and view the four regions as having been illegally annexed by Russia. Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly vowed to recover all four territories by force of arms. Of the four regions, Kherson is considered the most strategically significant since it commands the only land route to the Crimean Peninsula, along with the mouth of the Dnieper River. Most of Kherson, including its regional capital, was captured by Russia and its local allies in the first weeks of Moscows special military operation in Ukraine, which began almost eight months ago. Earlier this week, Khersons pro-Russian governor said civilians in the combat zone would be evacuated to the west bank of the Dnieper in anticipation of further attacks by Ukrainian forces, which, he said, were largely concentrated in the Mykolaiv and Kryvyi Rih areas. After registering significant gains in the northeastern Kharkiv region last month, Ukrainian forces have continued to carry out limited counter-offensives along both the southern and eastern fronts, where they have run up against stiff Russian resistance. Ukrainian offensive operations will likely be hindered by the onset of autumn, which is typically accompanied by heavy rainfall, according to military experts. In a related development, the Russian air force has begun carrying out scheduled patrol flights along the borders of Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, officials in Minsk said on Oct. 20. Last week, Russia began dispatching thousands of troops and military hardware to Belarus, Ukraines immediate neighbor to the north. The fact that Kyiv sits only 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the Belarusian border has prompted speculation that Russian troops dispatched to Belarus could be used in a future assault on the Ukrainian capital. A view taken on Oct. 19, 2022, shows a road sign reading Kherson in the town of Armyansk in the north of Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula bordering the Russian-controlled Kherson region in southern Ukraine. (STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images) EU Party to Conflict Ukraines Western allies, meanwhile, continue to pledge stepped-up support for Kyiv amid ongoing artillery and drone strikes by Russia that have crippled the countrys energy infrastructure. On Oct. 20, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his country planned to train up to 5,000 Ukrainian troops within the framework of a European Union training initiative. Approved by Brussels earlier this week, the two-year program seeks to train a total of 15,000 Ukrainian military personnel at training sites in Poland and Germany. By spring, we will train a complete brigade of up to 5,000 soldiers, Scholz told lawmakers in Berlin. With this, we are underlining our readiness to participate in the long-term building of strong Ukrainian armed forces, hand in hand with our partners. Responding to the German chancellors statements, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the moveif carried outwould effectively make the European Union a party to the conflict. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to carry out artillery and drone strikes against energy infrastructure deep inside Ukrainian territory. According to officials in Kyiv, roughly 30 percent of Ukraines power stations have been knocked out since Oct. 10, causing major power disruptions throughout the country. There is new damage to critical infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Oct. 19. Three energy facilities were destroyed by the enemy today. The Russian Defense Ministrys daily briefing for Oct. 19 appeared to confirm Zelenskyys assertions. In the past 24 hours, the Russian Armed Forces have continued launching attacks by high-precision, long-range air- and sea-based armaments at the military control and energy systems of Ukraine, the briefing read. All the assigned targets have been neutralized. Intermittent fighting continues in all four regions, especially in the form of artillery exchanges, although battlefield reports are almost impossible to verify. Both sides frequently accuse the other of striking civilian targets. On Oct. 20, TASS, citing pro-Russian sources in Luhansk, reported that more than 100 civilians had been killed in the region by Ukrainian artillery fire since the conflict began on Feb. 24. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Bags of heroin, some laced with fentanyl, are displayed at the office of the New York Attorney General in New York City on Sept. 23, 2016. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) San Diego Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Selling Fentanyl That Killed Woman SAN DIEGOA San Diego man was sentenced Oct. 19 to 10 years in prison for selling fentanyl that caused a womans death. Cole Thomas Salazar, 32, admitted to using online classified ads to sell drugs, including a November 2020 sale of powdered fentanyl to Sarah Elizabeth Fuzzell, 24. The U.S. Attorneys Office said Fuzzell died on Nov. 3, 2020, from the drugs she purchased from Salazar. After conducting a search of Fuzzells phone, investigators posed as her in January of 2021 and arranged a fake drug purchase with Salazar, according to the prosecutions sentencing papers. Salazar and his girlfriend were arrested at a hotel near Horton Plaza, prosecutors said. During the arrest, packages of fentanyl and heroin were found on Salazar and law enforcement found more fentanyl and other items used for selling drugs in a nearby hotel room, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. The investigation and arrest were documented in The Crime of the Century, an HBO documentary covering the U.S. opioid epidemic. Salazar pleaded guilty earlier this year to a count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, with admissions in his plea that the drugs caused Fuzzells death. Our community lost a vibrant, intelligent 24-year-old victim to powdered fentanyl, said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. We cant stress enough the danger of powdered fentanyl. If you are a drug dealer who chooses to sell powdered fentanyldisregarding the extreme riskour office will prosecute you for any death resulting from your sale. The collapsed Sanibel Causeway in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Sanibel, Florida, on Sept. 30, 2022. (Ricardo Arduengo/AFP via Getty Images) Sanibel Causeway, Washed Out by Hurricane Ian, Reopening More Than a Week Early Sanibel Causeway, which connects Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland, has reopened after undergoing emergency repairs that were prompted by the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, announced that the emergency repairs were completed in 15 days, which is more than a week ahead of schedule. Hurricane Ian, a category 4 hurricane, washed out portions of the 3-mile causeway that connects Florida to Sanibel Island, where some 6,300 people reside. The damage stopped vehicles from going to Sanibel Island, delaying the delivery of services and supplies to the island community. The hurricane killed more than 100 people in Florida, many of them in Lee County, where Sanibel and its famed seashell beaches are a top tourist destination. Emergency repairs were initially predicted to take until the end of October. Instead, the causeway reopened about only three weeks after the hurricane hit Florida on Sept. 28. As of this morning, access to Sanibel Island has been restored for residents, reconnecting Sanibel Island to the mainland, DeSantiss office announced on Oct. 19. Its something that shows a little bit of a can-do spirit, the governor said at a news conference, adding that government bureaucracy shouldnt impede repair efforts. The work that has been done to restore vehicle access to Sanibel Island has been historic, DeSantis said. Cutting through bureaucratic red tape and delivering on our promise to get Sanibel Island up and running has been a top priority. By restoring access over the causeway, repair crews, first responders, emergency vehicles, business owners and residents will be better able to expedite recovery from this storm. In this aerial photo made in a flight provided by mediccorps.org, damage from Hurricane Ian is seen on the causeway leading to Sanibel Island from Fort Myers, Fla., on Sept. 30, 2022. (Gerald Herbert/AP Photo) DeSantis, a Republican, directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to prioritize repairs to the Sanibel Causeway on Oct. 4. By Oct. 11, DeSantis announced that a one-time convoy of more than 350 vehicles for utility restoration would be able to safely cross the bridge onto Sanibel Island, thanks to steady progress on the emergency repairs. On Wednesday, his office said that 100 crews worked around the clock to repair the causeway, which includes three separate bridges. Workers used 8,200 loads of fill dirt, 2,400 loads of rock, and 4,000 tons of asphalt. I am grateful for our dedicated team members who quite literally built a road in the Gulf in 15 days, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue said in a statement. While the bridges were largely undamaged by the storm, portions of the causeway which connect bridge structures together were washed away by Hurricane Ian, leaving the bridges unconnected to the mainland or the island. A project like this, under normal circumstances, could take months, Perdue said, but added that efforts were expedited due to the use of strategic and innovative techniques to rebuild the causeways quickly. Now that emergency repairs have been completed, FDOT will work with the Lee County government on a permanent repair for the causeway. Officials said that power restoration, debris removal and other recovery efforts will be much easier now that temporary causeway repairs have been completed. Per the governors office, FDOT, in partnership with Lee County, has completed emergency repairs to several other damaged bridges in the Lee County area. This includes repairs to the Pine Island Bridge in less than three days, as well as the Big Carlos Pass, Big Hickory, Little Carlos Pass, and New Pass Bridges. There is hope, said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the Lee County Commission. We will rebuild. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A pub is inundated by water during flooding in the suburb of Maribyrnong in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 14, 2022. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Second Death Confirmed in Victoria Flooding, More Cash Relief Announced Victorian authorities have confirmed the second death caused by devastating floods as federal and state governments announce more cash relief for impacted communities. Residents in the Northern Victorian town of Kerang received an evacuation order on the afternoon of Oct. 19 before authorities closed the Patchell Bridge on the Murray Valley Highway at 7 p.m. to erect a temporary levee bank. As of 10:30 p.m., authorities said it was too late for those who still remained to evacuate. The town is now expected to be cut off from the outside world for more than a week. On Oct. 19 morning, the body of a 65-year-old man, who went missing earlier, was found in floodwaters near Shepparton. A search was organised after he failed to return home, and his unoccupied tractor was spotted in floodwaters. This is the second death recorded in the state during this flood crisis after a 71-year-old Rochester man died in his homes backyard on Oct. 15. More Disaster Relief Announced Meanwhile, the Australian and Victorian governments announced a joint-funded relief package that would cover the costs of clearing hazards for homes and businesses destroyed or damaged in the floods. Emergency Recovery Victoria will be responsible for carrying out the first phase of the clearing. The first step in rebuilding is ensuring properties are made safe and hazardous debris isnt putting families at risk, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Its an enormous job, but well be there with Victorians every step of the way. People clear mud from a property damaged by floods in the suburb of Maribyrnong, in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 15, 2022. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) In addition, residents in the local government areas of Benalla, Boroondara, Central Goldfields, Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Moonee Valley, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi and Yarra will be able to access a one-off disaster recovery payment from the federal government. The support amount is $1,000 for each eligible adult and $400 for each child. At the same time, the Victorian government said it would spend $73.5 million (US$46 million) to help farmers and business owners clean up. The relief package also included a grant of $10,000 for each impacted primary producer. Its pretty overwhelming thinking about whats occurring and has occurred in some of these communities. So any support we provide is really important, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters. Further Rain and Thunderstorms are Expected in the Coming Days While waters are receding in parts of the state, such as Shepparton and Rochester, isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected to occur across the northern districts on Oct. 20. Authorities said the threat of heavy rainfalls during forecast thunderstorms in the next few days had reduced slightly. However, it was predicted that higher falls of 30mm could happen in north-central parts and north-eastern parts of the state. Well be watching that thunderstorm activity pretty closely and issuing warnings for more of a flash flood risk rather than heavy rainfall over a wider area, Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Kevin Parkin told reporters. Meanwhile, authorities have issued evacuation warnings for the towns of Echuca, Barmah and Lower Moira. There are concerns that river levels could reach 95 metres in Echuca by Oct. 21, which is higher than what was recorded during the 1993 floods. Despite receiving evacuation orders, some Echuca residents decided to stay and make preparations for the floods. They have erected a makeshift 2.5-kilometre flood levee of sandbags and sand in the centre of the town to protect thousands of homes and businesses. Nevertheless, some properties are not covered by the levee due to being on the wrong side, leaving them vulnerable to floodwaters. State Emergency Service chief operating officer Tim Wiebusch said there were some risks with the levee bank. Yes, that will see a small number of properties outside of that levee also potentially be impacted, he said. A 3.4 magnitude earthquake also occurred near the town of Mansfield on Oct. 19, but there were no reports of damage. Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist who is critical about the use of COVID-19 vaccines, said he is being censored by social networks. Malhotra once used to promote COVID-19 vaccination on TV. However, he became highly skeptical of the vaccines after his healthy father died from cardiac issues six months after getting a jab. Last week, Malhotra shared an analysis promoted by Floridas Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo through his Facebook account. The surgeon general warned about possible side effects of the vaccines in young men, including the risk of heart-related deaths. Malhotras Facebook account was soon blocked by the tech giant. Facebook is an enemy of democracy The fact-checking only goes in one direction, he told GB News. Think of the number of commentators who told us that vaccines stopped transmission during the rollouts. Where were the labels of medical misinformation then? Malhotra was also recently flagged for a Facebook post he made a couple of weeks back which contained a video in which the doctor called for COVID-19 vaccines to be suspended unless raw data from the trials are released for independent analysis. He blamed Facebook for trawling through his account looking for misinformation. Last year, Malhotra was permanently suspended from LinkedIn after he discussed a potential link between mRNA vaccines and heart attacks with GB News. Even after multiple appeals, LinkedIn did not respond. I suspect this is [due to] Bill Gates, he said, according to Just The News. Gates, the former chairman of Microsoft that now owns LinkedIn, is a major funder of vaccine research. Malhotra is calling for the British government to halt the UKs COVID-19 vaccination campaign and launch a public inquiry to assess the risks and benefits of mRNA technology. Its time to put patients before profits, to put truth before money, to put human needs ahead of the needs of an immoral, psychopathic entity, Malhotra said in an Oct. 17 Twitter post. Vaccine Dangers The analysis promoted by Ladapo was conducted by the Florida Department of Health. According to an Oct. 7 press release, the analysis found that there was an 84 percent increase in the relative incidence of cardiac-related death among males aged between 18 and 39 within 29 days of getting an mRNA shot. With a high level of global immunity to COVID-19, the benefit of vaccination is likely outweighed by this abnormally high risk of cardiac-related death among men in this age group, the release said. The surgeon general went on to recommend that men between the ages of 18 and 39 not get mRNA COVID-19 jabs. A Twitter post by Ladapo sharing the analysis was blocked by the platform. A study published in September found that mRNA from the COVID-19 vaccine could be transmitted to infants in small quantities through breast milk. Another study showed that the vaccines might make womens periods last longer. An earlier research paper found that COVID-19 jabs were linked to increased menstrual bleeding in women. A JetBlue Airways Airbus A320 (L) passes a Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 as it taxis on the runway at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on July 7, 2022. (Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo) Spirit Airlines Shareholders Approve $3.8 Billion Sale to JetBlue Spirit Airlines shareholders voted Wednesday to accept a $3.8 billion buyout from JetBlue Airways, but the deal could still face a challenge from federal antitrust regulators. JetBlue emerged as the winner in a bidding war with Frontier to acquire Spirit, the nations biggest budget airline. Spirit announced the outcome after a brief meeting, which was held online. Spirit said only that the JetBlue deal was supported by a majority of shares voted; it promised an exact count within four business days. Wall Street widely expected shareholders to approve the sale after they forced Spirit to drop a proposed merger with Frontier Airlines in favor of JetBlues richer, all-cash offer. This is an important step forward on our path to closing a combination that will create the most compelling national low-fare challenger to the dominant U.S. carriers, Spirit CEO Ted Christie said after the vote. JetBlue issued a statement calling the vote a major milestone in our plan to join with Spirit to create a high-quality, low-fare national challenger to the Big Four airlinesa reference to American, United, Delta and Southwest. JetBlue vowed to work through the regulatory process. JetBlue is expected to repaint Spirit planes and fold its pilots and other employees into the JetBlue workforce. The deal would make New York-based JetBlue the nations fifth-biggest airline with more than 450 planes and about 7,000 pilots andit hopeshelp it win customers from the bigger airlines. However it would also eliminate Spirit, the nations biggest budget carrier, and that might not sit well with regulators, who appear to oppose any further consolidation in the airline industry after a round of mergers between 2005 and 2016. The Justice Department is currently fighting to kill a partnership in New York and Boston between JetBlue and American, which the airlines call the Northeast alliance or NEA. Department lawyers say the alliance is anti-competitive and will drive up prices for consumers. A trial that began last month in federal court in Boston resumes Monday. The outcome of the NEA trial could have a huge impact on whether the Justice Department lets JetBlue buy Spirit or sues to block the sale, according to Florian Ederer, an antitrust expert and economics professor at Yale University. If (JetBlue and American) win the case, and the judge thinks the NEA does not harm consumers enough, its almost guaranteed that there will be an antitrust challenge to the Spirit acquisition, Ederer said. JetBlue argues the alliance with American should be allowed because its not a merger. The acquisition of Spirit, however, would merge two airlines. JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes has said he is confident of winning regulatory approval to buy Spirit. The airlines hope to close the sale in the first half of 2024. Spirit and Frontier announced their planned merger in February. Both are so-called ultra-low-cost carriers that charge lower fares than other airlines but tack on more fees to make up some of the difference. JetBlue, which tried to buy Virgin America in 2016 but lost a bidding war with Alaska Airlines, topped Frontiers stock-and-cash offer in April. JetBlue overcame the opposition of Spirits board and management to drive out Frontier. The JetBlue offer calls for Spirit shareholders to get $33.50 per share in cash, including an advance of $2.50 per share upon approval of the deal by Spirit shareholders, plus a ticking fee of 10 cents per share per month while regulators review the matter. If regulators kill the sale, JetBlue would pay $70 million to Spirit, which is based in Miramar, Florida, and $400 million to Spirit shareholders. Even after losing the bidding war, Frontier is likely to benefit from the Spirit sale. If Spirit disappears, Denver-based Frontier will become the nations biggest budget airline, catering to the most price-sensitive travelers. By David Koenig A person draws out Moderna vaccine during a drive through COVID-19 vaccine clinic at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, on Jan. 2, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg) Switzerland to Destroy 9 Million Doses of Expired Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Switzerland will destroy 9 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine that have reached their expiry date, with another 5.1 million vaccine jabs set to meet the same fate by February, the government said on Wednesday. With this deliberately chosen strategy, it was accepted that too much vaccine would be procured and that some of the procured doses would have to be sold, passed on or possibly destroyed, the Swiss cabinet said in a statement, reported Reuters. Since the end of 2020, Switzerland has got 31.9 million vaccine doses from Moderna and other suppliers, of which 16.1 million have been administered. Another 3.2 million were passed on to third countries, the government said. Switzerland as of June had an excess of about 38 million doses of several types of COVID-19 vaccines that would expire by the end of 2022, according to an estimate in July by the Swissinfo news website. Just under 70 percent of the population has had at least one shot in Switzerland and its tiny neighbor Liechtenstein. Authorities have reported 4.2 million COVID-19 infections and nearly 13,700 deaths since the start of the pandemic in 2020. A number of countries, including the United States, have destroyed or discarded COVID-19 vaccines since they were rolled out in late 2020. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed in June to news outlets that U.S. states, pharmacies, territories, and federal agencies have discarded some 82 million COVID-19 vaccines between December 2020 and May of this year. Walmart and CVS pharmacies were responsible for more than one-fourth of vaccine doses that were discarded across the United States, the agency said. Vaccine vials have a very limited shelf life, which unfortunately means unused vaccine will be disposed of, CVS told NBC News at the time, noting that the same challenge is faced by others administering vaccinations. The Maryland-based vaccine maker Emergent BioSolutions confirmed it had destroyed some 400 million COVID-19 vaccines due to possible contamination at its East Baltimore plant, according to a report released by the House Oversight committee earlier this year. Todays report shows that Emergent profited from the pandemic while violating the publics trust, said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) in a statement. Despite major red flags at its vaccine manufacturing facility, Emergents executives swept these problems under the rug and continued to rake in taxpayer dollars. A spokesperson for Emergent denied her claims, saying the firm was transparent with our public and private partners about our process and capabilities. Danish health officials said in May that 1.1 million excess COVID-19 vaccine doses would be destroyed due to them expiring, saying that efforts to send them to developing countries failed. Reuters contributed to this report. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends Keep it Clean to benefit Waterkeeper Alliance in Los Angeles, on March 1, 2018. (John Sciulli/Getty Images for Waterkeeper Alliance) The Real Anthony Fauci, the Movie May Turn Out to Be the Film of Our Time Commentary I have only seen part one of The Real Anthony Fauci, the Moviethe compelling and harrowing cinematic adaptation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s bestseller, written and directed by Kala Mandrake and produced by Jeff Hays and Kennedymaking it premature to call it the film of our times. Nevertheless, from clips of the sequel that appear as a teaser at the end, I am confident that part two will, if anything, be more gut-wrenchingas if anything could be worse than Dr. Anthony Fauci practically force-feeding risky AIDS drugs with recorded toxicities to untold numbers of people in Africa and to innocent black orphans in the Bronx in the 1980s. The heartbreaking results of the drug trials are hard to watch. And yet, as this documentary is being released, and after everything we now know, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices still voted 150 on Oct. 15 to add the COVID-19 vaccination to the pediatric immunization schedule for public schools. So, despite some gratuitous swipes at former President Donald Trump, which I will get into later, and, thankfully brief, attempts to resurrect the reputation of Edward Kennedythe author is Bobby Kennedys son, after all, and remains, in some narrow sense, a Democrat, of his fathers era anywayI will go out on a limb and say that this film will take the mantle of our age. This is no mean trick, since I and many others tremendously admire Amanda Miliuss terrific adaptation of Lee Smiths own superb bestseller The Plot Against the President. But Smiths work is only about the treasonous activities of ambitious scoundrel politicians and bureaucrats, even if their evil rivals that of the Medicis and Borgias with overtones of Macbeth. Kennedys documentary is literally about the devil. Actually, two devilsFauci and Bill Gates. You gasp when two-thirds of the way through, you cut to a wide shot of Gatess estate on Lake Washington near Seattle, realizing how close the two men are tied togetherhow the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation feeds Big Pharma as Fauci clears the way scientifically, and the two men (and their pals) make immense fortunes at the expense of the lives and well-being of most of humanity. We watch them lie to deceive us for their own advantage multiple times, as we do their only somewhat lesser devil, Mark Zuckerberg. This documentary is a record of the malfeasances of the postmodern world, where facts no longer matter, only power does. The documentary does a particularly good job of reminding us of the unspeakable lives most of us have been living for the past few years by putting it in a historical context. Its depressing to view at moments, but its worth seeing in totality because you grasp it betterat least I did. The film also should go in a time capsule for generations far in the future to examine and hopefully avoid imitating. Most of us lived, in varying degrees, in a government-induced nightmare. But as with a nightmare, replaying it deliberately is curiously compelling. Could we all have gone through that? Can we stop it now before they try it again? (They are.) Along the way, you will meet many of the courageous doctors who went against the government diktats, some of whom will be familiar to readers of The Epoch Times (Drs. Robert Malone, Peter McCullough, and Harvey Risch), others not. Surprisingly missing, however, is Dr. Scott Atlasfor all I know, he may be in part twowhose book A Plague Upon Our House was quite revealing of the interplay of forces at the beginning of the pandemic, how Trump was being manipulated by Dr. Deborah Birx into going along with her and Faucis program. Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. seems a tad too eager to dump on Trump, though I have to admit Operation Warp Speed wasnt 45ths finest hour. He acted too precipitously, afraid that Americas magnificent economy would come tumbling down. It did. But Kennedy is clearly smart enough not to take Trump-ese at face value and to understand 45s style of speaking. Yet, Kennedy appears to buy into the mainstream medias propagandistic versions too easily, even though the MSM has done its best to excoriate or ignore RFK Jr.s book and doubtless also will this film. Like Alan Dershowitz, hes probably still yearning for those parties in Marthas Vineyard. Maybe he should come over to John Richs place. Its more fun. Nevertheless, Im looking forward to Kennedys new bookThe Wuhan Cover-Up: How U.S. Health Officials Conspired with the Chinese Military to Hide the Origins of COVID-19being published on Dec. 13. Meanwhile, see the film now at this link free of charge. Who knows how long it will be available in a world where the First Amendment is being stomped on with jackboots. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The Schools Are on Fire; Time to Get the Children Out The system is destroying American children and the nation itself. It cannot be reformed. Instead, it should be abandoned. Commentary This is part 22 in a series examining education in the United States. Imagine the school building is on fire, and your precious children are trapped inside. You can hear the blood-curdling screams growing louder. The flames are getting bigger, and the heat is getting hotter. Your heart races. Even standing outside looking in, you feel your childrens terror and pain. No matter how hard you try to tell yourself it will all be OK, you know theyre in mortal danger. You look around frantically, searching for somebodyanyone, reallyto do somethinganything! Somebody do something! you shout. But theres no response, and you hear no sirens wailing in the distance. In fact, nobody is coming to rescue your childrencertainly not the arsonist politicians or the education establishment who set the building on fire in the first place. It finally dawns on you that if you dont act soon, catastrophe is inevitable and your children are doomed. What do you do? If you said circulate a petition, lobby your legislators, or run for school board, youre obviously not a parent yourself. Anyone with a child will tell you that theres only one possible thing to do in a case like this: Run inside, grab your loved ones, and run from the fire until you cant run anymore. Then, sound the alarm and wake the town. The time has come to treat this situation like the deadly threat that it is. If you still have children in a public school, or if you know anyone with children trapped inside, act like the building is on firebecause it is! In fact, its much worse than that. Unfortunately, even the burning building isnt an adequate analogy for the horror thats being perpetrated against children in government schools today. A fire will merely harm your children physically. Thats bad enough, of courseand its happening. But physical wounds can be healed. This is much worse. As this series on public education shouldve made clear by now, government schools are indeed harming children physicallythink transgender treatments involving hormones and surgical mutilation, for instance, or the epidemic of suicide, drug abuse, physical fights, and other plagues. The quack methods used to teach reading are literally doing physical harm that can be observed in brain scans, producing a lifelong handicap in millions of children as described in part 5 of this series. Even more ghastly than the physical trauma, though, is that the schools are destroying children mentally, emotionally, academically, spiritually, culturally, morally, and more. Consider: The governments own data show less than a third of its child victims are proficient in any core subject, based on the governments own absurdly dumbed-down standards. In some districts, government data show that there are virtually no students capable of reading or performing basic mathematics. And academics are ostensibly the raison detre of public schools. While the victims of government schools may not be competent in reading, math, writing, science, or history, they can tell you all about intersectional oppression, global citizenship, gender ideology, and the supposed dangers of alleged man-made global warming purportedly caused by the gas they exhale. Polls show Americas youth are rapidly moving away from the values of liberty and the Christian faith of their forefathers and toward woke socialism that threatens to destroy not just children and their families, but even the nation and civilization itself. Socialism has been marketed to public-school victims so successfully that, combined with a fake history curriculum demonizing America and concealing the barbarism of tyranny, more than two-thirds of millennials in polls say they will vote for socialists. All over the country, tiny children are taught that they should choose their pronouns, that they may have been born in the wrong body, and that irreversible surgeries and hormone therapies can help them become their true selves. Transition plans and hiding them from parents are now the norm. This monstrous situation is the latest peak of the insanity, but ever-more outrageous abuses and atrocities will be perpetrated against American childrenat least if the adults in the room, parents who love their children more than anyone on the planet, dont put a stop to it. At this point, it should be obvious that everything good and dear is in mortal danger. Reform? The question of reform often comes up in discussions on how to address this existential crisis. Cant the burning building just be reformed? Whether it be abolishing the U.S. Department of Education and Common Core or reining in the teachers unions and banning critical race theory or gender ideology, countless ideas have been proposed. Many have even been tried. For decades, conservatives have squandered millions of dollars on public-school reform. For almost two years, conservatives have been showing up at school board meetings to complain. Countless great teachers have tried everything to protect their students. And yet, nothing works. The system continues to devour children by the millions as the extremism in the classroom escalates and the Biden administration deploys the FBI to terrorize concerned moms. Thats because the system is a hydra with many heads: Neutralize or chop one off, and it grows right back while the others work together to continue devouring the youth. Talking about reform is to answer the wrong question. Its like asking how to reform cancer; its a silly question. Nobody wants their cancer reformed. Rather, they want it cut out and annihilated before it does any more damage. Talk of reform also illustrates a fundamental misunderstanding about what has happened. Government schools arent broken, as commonly argued by conservatives. Rather, theyre working very well at their intended purpose: fundamentally transforming America by dumbing down, indoctrinating, sexualizing, collectivizing, and weaponizing future generations, as this series has documented extensively. Even the arguments for a public-school system itself fail the smell test. Suggesting that the government must control education because a handful of parents may not be able to afford to send their children to school, one of the most common claims, is preposterous. Apply that same thinking to grocery stores and instantly the absurdity of it becomes clear. Its true that grocery stores and food are important. And its true that there are some people who cant afford groceries. But it hardly follows from those two facts that government should create a network of free (tax-funded) grocery stores that will determine what, when, how, and even if children will eat. Then, imagine those free grocery stores feeding their customers toxic waste, and you get a sense of the situation America finds itself in with education. Outside of the most brainwashed victims of communist dictatorships in Cuba or North Korea, everybody can see the stupidity of such an idea. And yet, its the same essential idea that underpins the trillion-dollar-per-year atrocity that is the government-controlled education-industrial complex. The notion that the public should desire standardized children, where everyone learns the same thing at the same time in the same way is so outrageous that it almost doesnt need to be addressed. What other industry would that be tolerated in? Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket! Even if those who created the system had been well-intentioned, socialist programs never deliver on the promises they were founded on and always produce failure. Get Them Out! The key question, then, is what to do. For parents, the answer should be obvious by now: Its time to remove your children from these abusive environments and get them a real education, either at home or in a high-quality private or Christian school. All of the data shows home-educated children are running circles around their government-educated peers on everything from academics and socialization to careers and tolerance. The National Home Education Research Institute has been compiling the data for decades. For most families, home education appears to be the gold standard. Nobody loves your children as much as you do, and nobody is in a better position to provide the personalized, loving, and unique instruction that will help them grow into well-educated adults capable of self-government. In a fraction of the time and with a fraction of the money, virtually any parenteven those with no high-school diplomacan do a much better job than government schools. In fact, its easy to make a compelling argumentonly half-jokinglythat doing nothing at all would be better than forcing children to endure 12 years of what passes for education in public schools today. Aside from home education, there are thousands of private schools across the nation doing a wonderful job. Options exist for everyone: Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, classical, experimental, and many more. However, there are more and more private schoolsincluding Christian in name only optionsthat are overpriced replicas of the governments woke indoctrination centers. Buyer beware. Pastors, priests, and rabbis should be sounding the alarm, too. Decades of research from the Nehemiah Institute shows the vast majority of Christian children in government schools will leave the faith by the time they get through K12 indoctrination. Thats no accident. When I declared publicly for the first time that I thought parents should remove their children from public schools, a number of leading American conservatives I spoke with hesitated. But times have changed. Just in the past few years, a whos who of conservative leaders has called on parents to remove their children, and the idea has moved from the fringe into the mainstream of conservatism. The late talk-radio titan Rush Limbaugh, whose show reached an estimated 18 million people per week, regularly used to call on parents to remove their children from public schools. Responding to a New Jersey statute requiring LGBT indoctrination of public-school children, one of the most prominent contemporary evangelical leaders in the world, Franklin Graham, also urged parents to pull them out in an interview on Todd Starness radio show. Even Donald Trump, as president of the United States, repeatedly warned parents to protect their children from the progressive indoctrination in what he described as failing government schools. In fact, he identified this indoctrination as the cause of the unrest and polarization tearing the nation apart. Other prominent conservative leaders who have called on families to exit the system in recent years include Dennis Prager, Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, James Dobson, and many more. Across America, more and more pastors are urging their congregations to ditch government schools, too. Increasingly, prominent minds have even called for abolishing the system entirely. In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, Columbia law professor Philip Hamburger argued that the system was unconstitutional. Former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr, citing government schools growing hostility toward Christianity, made a similar argument last year. Even some of Americas leading educators have made the case for smashing the system. Late New York City and New York State teacher of the year John Taylor Gatto, for many years, called on people around the world to demolish government education entirely. Ironically, key leaders of the education establishment itself are starting to see the writing on the wall. American Federation of Teachers boss Randi Weingarten complained last year that conservatives have been trying to drive families out of public schools into private alternatives. Millions of families have fled the system in recent years, and millions more will flee in the years to come as awareness spreads. Reimagining the System What America needs isnt more conservatives on impotent school boards, though theres no harm in running for school board once ones own children are safely out of the system. Whats really needed is to rip the destructive government-school monopoly out by the roots and start again from scratch. Instead of a new education system, Americans should seriously consider returning to the 17th and 18th-century paradigm that produced the best-educated, most literate population anywhere on Earth at any time in human history. In short, whats needed is a non-system. Freedom works. Abolishing government indoctrination centers wouldnt undermine education one bit, any more than abolishing collective agriculture in the Soviet Union ended farming or food production. It would make it drastically better. There will be other battles ahead. For example, theres an effort right now to get private schools and even home-educating families dependent on tax dollars so they can be controlled. There are even efforts to ban home education entirelyefforts that, following Adolf Hitlers example, are gaining traction across Europe and are even being peddled by busybodies and tyrants in Ivy League law schools who think they know how to raise your children better than you. For a century, conservatives, Christians, and those who love America have been fighting a losing battle against the weaponization of government education. No matter how many millions of dollars are wasted in the fight, the situation keeps getting worse. Its time to stop playing a rigged game on the education establishments battlefield using its rules. American parents should flee the system and build parallel institutions like their country and their liberty depend on itbecause they do. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. CHICAGO, ILWith a title like Swing State, one might have reason to think this play, which opened in its world-premiere at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, is about politics. But its really not. The play takes place in the summer of 2021 in a cozy corner of rural Wisconsin, which may be why playwright Rebecca Gilman believes she has written a political work. Wisconsin, previously a Republican state (the Republican Party was founded in Ripon, Wisconsin), voted Democrat in the last election, which many have reason to believe was rigged. But that, and a comment about a local newspaper having supported the Republican nominee, is about all that could be construed as political. Everything else in Swing State is about the psychological issues of its characters. Mary Beth Fisher as Peg takes a motherly interest in Bubba Weiler as Ryan, in Swing State. (Courtesy of Liz Lauren) Although the technical work in the productionas always at the Goodmanis excellent, the plot of the play isnt. The slow-moving story takes a very long time to kick in, and a very long time to reach its confusing conclusion. And when the finale arrives, it feels trite as it smothers the plays final moment with an anti-climactic speech that drowns out whatever impact the story might have had. Robert Falls, who recently stepped down from his tenure as Goodmans artistic director but will continue directing plays, has already championed Gilman through five of her works at the Goodman Theatre. He now attempts to bring out the best in her new effort. Director Robert Falls on the set of Swing State. (Courtesy of Liz Lauren) Like some of Gilmans previous plays (Luna Gale, Twilight Bowl, and Soups, Stews, and Casseroles), Swing State is a small work trying to be more significant than it is. Falls, though, sees big ideas in Gilmans dramas. Small Town Issues The action takes place within a house situated in a small-town landscape designed by Todd Rosenthal with a home-spun simplicity, with lighting by Eric Southern and costume design by Evelyn Danner. The play revolves around four residents of the town, where the main character, Peg (Mary Beth Fisher), is suffering from serious depression after the death of her husband. She is not only grieving over his loss, but also the destruction of bats due to a fungus, the danger of poisonous water, the failure of wildflowers, and other environmental issues. She doesnt have any children, but has formed a motherly bond with a 20-year-old young man, Ryan (Bubba Weiler). Ryan has lost both his parents, has a serious drinking problem, and was recently released from prison for getting involved in a fist fight in a bar. Peg has suicidal ideation and Ryan seems so fragile that any comment he dislikes sets him off into mental breakdown. What could possibly go wrong? (LR) Anne E. Thompson as Dani and Kirsten Fitzgerald as Sheriff Kris arrive to investigate a robbery at the home of Mary Beth Fisher as Peg, in Swing State. (Courtesy of Liz Lauren) The problems start when Peg discovers that her husbands rifle has been stolen from her garage. She reports the theft to the towns sheriff, Kris (Kirsten Fitzgerald), who has lost a son to a drug overdose. The sheriff arrives with Dani (Anne E. Thompson), her deputy who struggles with identity issues following a nasty divorce. The two strut in and out of Pegs home with bluster and determination, as though they are investigating the crime of the century. The minor ideological divide that one can see in the show is in differences of opinion between Peg and the sheriff. Peg believes that an empty prairie landscape is beautiful, while Sheriff Kris sees it as a wasteland in which nothing is being produced. Furthermore, Peg sees Ryan as frail and frightened, while Kris believes him to be a criminal beyond redemption. There are a few bits of humor in the play that serve to lighten the melancholy and darkness of the heavy drama, and there are good performances from Fisher, always a terrific actress, and Weiler, who delivers the most powerful performance of the show. But even with Falls at the helm, good portrayals, and good technical work, the poor script by Gilman overwhelms everything else. Maybe Gilman was trying to generalize the psychological focus of Swing State into a larger, more important theme about humanitys search for hope in the midst of despair. But that point doesnt come across, especially in light of the plays ending. It destroys its climactic moment with unlikely and unwarranted optimismor perhaps the playwright is suggesting that the hope we all long for is simply unrealistic in a world of very unhappy people. Promotional ad for Swing State, a play that takes place in the summer of 2021 in a cozy corner of rural Wisconsin. (Courtesy of Goodman Theatre) Swing State Goodman Theatre 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago Tickets: 312-443-3800 or GoodmanTheatre.org Running Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes (no intermission) Closes: Nov. 13 Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan greets her constituents during a rally on October 18, 2022 in Aurora, Oregon. The state that has not elected a Republican governor since 1982. (Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images) Tightening Races in Democrat Strongholds Oregon, NY Suggest Big Victory for GOP in Midterms: Analysts News Analysis Democrat hopes to blunt a possible midterm wave of GOP victories look dimmer after recent polling showed Democrats facing toss-up races in what was regarded as safe congressional districts in liberal Oregon, according to experts. Meanwhile, the once safely-liberal New York governors race is also rushing to a tipping point, falling away from Democrats, Prior to re-districting this year, Democrats held the edge in Oregon, four seats to one in the northwestern liberal safe haven, an area that saw rioters take over downtown Portland in the summer of 2020 in the name of racial justice. After this years gerrymander based on the 2020 census, the Democrats expected to pick up an additional seat in Oregon, making five safe congressional districts for the Democrats to one GOP district. But the Cook Political Report last week rated Oregons 6th congressional district a toss-up at +4 percent for the Democrats, joining Oregons 5th congressional district which has a +2 percent Democrat lean. According to experts, democrats are being weighed down by unpopular decisions made on crime and racial justice issues, including support for the George Floyd protests in 2020 that sees Oregons Democrat Governor Kate Brown with a lower approval rating than President Joe Biden. Is 2022 the Democrats Little Bighorn? Its a sign of how desperate Oregon Democrats are when they have to call the most unpopular president in history to rally the troops and energize their vote, Tony Marsh, a GOP political consultant at Savanna Communications, told the Epoch Times. Biden looks a lot more like George Custer than he does Barack Obama. Oregon could be the Democrats Little Bighorn in 2022, said Marsh, referring to the Lakota tribes famous defeat of the U.S. cavalry led by Colonel Custer in 1876. A Morning Consult poll of the job approval of governors by state show Brown with a 40 percent job approval rating, while a Real Clear Politics average for President Bidens approval rating is at 43.3 percent. But two recent polls recorded by Real Clear Politics have Biden both under a 40 percent job approval rating. When youre looking at the overall state of play in Oregon, you have a little bit of a microcosm and intensifies of whats going on in the rest of the country, Amanda Iovino of polling firm WPA told The Epoch Times. Bidens and Browns unpopularity is causing a down-ticket drag on the rest of the party in Oregon, even though Brown is term-limited and not running for reelection, said Iovino. Virginia and New York Signaled Trouble Iovino compared the Democratic Partys prospects in Oregon to last years race in Virginia, which saw Republican Glenn Youngkin capture the governors mansion. Two things we learned from Virginia last year is that voters see politicians who pursue purely ideological agendas generally as corrupt, and progressive Democrats specifically as incompetent, said Marsh, who worked on the Youngkin race in 2021. Republicans who address concerns about corruption and incompetenceespecially on the economy, crime, and education; the issues voters care about mostwill put themselves in a position to score upsets, he added. Iovino said that something similar happened with the elections in New York last year. If you look at what happened on Long Island last year, Long Island went red and it probably will go red again this year, said Iovino, who believes that the crime crisis created by bail reform laws in New York turned the electorate against Democrats. And you can even look at what happened in the New York City Mayors race, where you had a pro-cop Democrat win the primary, said Iovino. That could carry over to the 2022 midterms as an advantage for the GOP. On cue, a Marist poll over the weekend showed that the race for governor In New York has suddenly tightened to the mid-single digits amongst those likely to vote, a sharp contrast to the leads in the high teens reported for incumbent Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul as late as last month. Lee Zedlin, the GOP challenger for the governors mansion in New York and Republican congressman, enjoys higher marks for his positions on crime, taxes and spending, according to results of a poll released to the New York Post by a former pollster for Bill Clinton and Mike Bloomberg, Schoen Cooperman Research. We are definitely seeing a movement toward Zeldin but hes still behind. Hes down between 5-to-8 [percent] on four different polls. Hes moving in right direction but this would be the upset of the night if he were to win, professional pollster Jim Ellis of Ellis Insights told the Epoch Times. Democrat Gamble on Abortion Backfired Whats happened in these races, and nationally, is that Democrats have over-estimated the turnout that abortion would create for the party against the GOP, while liberals ignored the kitchen table issues that decide elections, according to Alfredo Rodriguez, a Republican media strategist. Abortion is a passionate issue, but it is passionate on both sides of the aisle. Democrats are simply more angry, more loud, and more focused on it, so the perception is the importance of abortion will determine the outcome of races, Rodriguez told The Epoch Times. It is not [that important], and it wont, decide many races, he added. In Oregon, the Democrat running to replace Brown as governor is being challenged by an independent liberal who used to be a moderate Democrat, but changed affiliations to make a gubernatorial run. A recent poll by Emerson College showed that Republican candidate Christine Drazan has a slight lead over both the independent candidate, Betsy Johnson, and Democratic nominee Tina Kotek, with 36 percent for Drazan, 34 percent for Kotek, and 19 percent for Johnson. Kotek was Democrat Speaker of the House in the state legislature of Oregon when the George Floyd riots took place in Portland. GOP Could Pick Up Two Seats in Oregon All told, the result has been more down-ticket drag for Democrats in Oregon, including in the Congressional races, experts say. Ellis said that while hes a little skeptical of the polling in Oregons 6th congressional district, he thinks the GOP has a real chance to win the 5th congressional district, although he doesnt discount the possibility that the 6th could fall to the GOP too. That race looks tight and the Dems must be worried. OR-6 is different because of the Portland situation, so Im not sure its a good indicator as to how the rest of the country might come down, said Ellis of the 6th congressional race. OR-5, next door, might be the better one to look at. The Republican there has a good chance to win. If both go to the Republicans, that would be significant, Ellis added. Either way, the fact that Democrats have to defend what used to be safe seats in Oregon, improves the odds that the GOP will pick up seats elsewhere. Even if they win in Oregon, the fact they had to pour time and resources into Portland-based congressional districts means theyre taking resources away from other competitive seats, said Marsh Thats going to cost them in November. My guess is Democrats are going to lose 25 seats this year and maybe more, added Marsh. Adding to the Democrats woes in Oregon, longtime Democrat Rep. Pete DeFazio, who represented Oregons 4th Congressional District, decided to retire after this session, which would have changed Democrat calculus on redistricting if they had known of the retirement. They also would have drawn the seats differently if they knew DeFazio would retire, Ellis said. GOP May Be Poised for Big Victory Altogether 38 Democrats are retiring, seeking another office, or lost their primary races nationally, compared to 28 Republicans, according to data provided by the U.S. House of Representatives, This data includes the retirement and primary loss of two Republicans who both sided with Democrats on divisive issues such as the impeachment of former President Donald Trump: Reps. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, and Liz Cheney of Wyoming, respectively. Sensing victory with these latest polling numbers, a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) issued a statement this week showing the GOP enjoying leads on generic congressional balloting on five separate polls, including the New York Times/Siena, Trafalgar, CBS/YouGov, Rasmussen and Harvard/Harris. Voters are rejecting Democrats failed agenda that has made everything more expensive and communities less safe, said NRCC spokesman Mike Berg. Its a message that GOP is amplifying for the election, while Democrats have pinned their hopes on a pro-abortion turnout, a bet that appears to have backfired. Pocketbook and safety issues are far more important and more salient across all demographics, said Rodriguez. Families across all spectrums are feeling the pinch of higher gas prices, food prices, and price of school supplies. Families are more concerned with the rise of violent crime in our inner cities, neighborhoods, and communities, he said. The results of the polling indicate that the GOP could be in for a big victory on election night, which is largely the expectation of the GOP experts who spoke to the Epoch Times. The same thumbsuckers who say Republicans cant win in Oregon, said Republicans couldnt win in Virginia in 2021but Democrats did what Democrats always do, they over-reached and moved to the radical far lefttelling parents they had no role in their childrens schools, making transgender rights a higher priority than the states economy, insisting on climate solutions that are worse than the problem, and sticking their thumbs in the eye of law enforcement, said Marsh. In other words, the same thing Democrats are doing in Oregon this year, he added. The Epoch Times has reached out to the Democratic National Committee, the Oregon Democratic Party, the Democratic nominees in Oregons 5th and 6th congressional district races, and Gov. Hochuls office for comment. Bernadette 'Bernie' Smyth (L), founder of pro-life campaign group Precious Life, stands with anti-abortion activists holding placards outside Belfast High Court, on Jan. 30, 2019. (Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images) UK MPs Back Proposals to Introduce Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones UK MPs have supported proposals to make anti-abortion protests and vigils around clinics a criminal offence in England and Wales. An amendment to the Public Order Bill to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics has been backed by a cross-party group of MPs. The legislation was proposed by the left-wing Labour MP Stella Creasy. A buffer zone means an area which is within a boundary of 150 metres from any part of an abortion clinic or any access point to any building or site that contains an abortion clinic. If passed, anyone within the buffer zone seeking to influence a womans decision to attend abortion services could face criminal charges and up to six months in jail for a first offence, or two years for further offences. The Conservative governments bill was designed to strengthen police powers against disruptive tactics by climate activists such as Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil, and Insulate Britain. Seeking to Influence Creasy claimed that the change would not stop free speech on abortion. She told the Commons on Tuesday, It simply says that you shouldnt have a right to do that in the face of somebody, and very often these people are right up in front of people, at a point when they have made a decision. Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Birmingham campaign director for the international anti-abortion Christian organisation 40 Days For Life, told The Epoch Times that it is important that other options are presented to women. We know in Birmingham that well over 100 women have accepted our help, she said. If I read what most media outlets write about us I would want us banned as well, she added. The language is so loaded. Theres no resemblance to what my campaign is at all, said Vaughan-Spruce. Labour MP Stella Creasy holds her baby daughter in the House of Commons in London as she contributes to a debate. (House of Commons/PA) Intolerant of Any Opinion Vaughan-Spruce said that in her town they have two or three people who stand outside the abortion centre praying audibly but quietly. When a woman goes to the abortion centre, one of the people would give them a leaflet and ask if they would like help. If she declines or ignores it, thats the end of the conversation, she added. For those that do want help, there are all sorts of help with care, financial help with accommodation, babysitting, whatever their needs may be, she said. Sadly I think that people have become very intolerant of any opinion which differs from theirs, said Vaughan-Spruce. In 2018, then-Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, rejected a nationwide ban on vigils at abortion clinics, saying that predominantly, anti-abortion activities are more passive in nature and that buffer zones would not be a proportionate response to claims of harassment. The main activities reported to us that take place during protests include praying, displaying banners, and handing out leaflets. There were relatively few reports of the more aggressive activities described, said Javid (pdf). Right To Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson told The Epoch Times by email that introducing censorship zones would have a severe negative impact for women who are unsure, or worse, being pressured into having an abortion, denying them the ability to access help from peaceful pro-life volunteers when they need it most. Censorship zones infringe on free speech, and it is not just pro-life advocates who oppose them, said Robinson. She said that a number of prominent human rights groups and campaigners oppose the introduction of buffer zones, such as the LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell, the Manifesto Club, Big Brother Watch, Index on Censorship, and the Freedom Association. Robinson said that in 2021, a similar amendment was brought forward by the Labour MP Rupa Huq to a government bill, but for that amendment, Conservative MPs were instructed against it. If the government had done the same today, and whipped against this amendment, it is very unlikely that it would have passed, she said. Clinic Harassment Katherine OBrien, associate director of communications and campaigns at BPAS, the UKs leading abortion care service, told The Epoch Times by email that the existing laws do not deal with anti-abortion clinic protests effectively, unfortunately. BPAS claims that some groups have called women murderers, and have hung baby clothing around clinic entrances. Clinic harassment has an impact disproportionate to the behaviour involved, largely because of the lack of ability to avoid the activity while women and providers have to walk past them to access the clinic, the confidential nature of medical care, and the heightened emotional state of many clients. As a result, existing laws that are designed to deal with persistent harassment, public disorder, and protest are not sufficient to address the issue, she said. She said that some councils have implemented Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to create buffer zones around clinics, a tool that enables local authorities to prevent certain anti-social activity taking place in an area. Out of the 50 clinics that have been targeted in the last four years, only five are protected by a PSPO. Two of these were only introduced in the last month, she added. She said that PSPOs are not a permanent solution. They create a postcode lottery where many other women are unable to access care without harassment. They are expensive to introduce and uphold in court, making councils less likely to risk their introduction. And the evidence bar excludes clinics from protection because varying tactics and lack of willingness to report can make local action difficult, said OBrien. The Public Order Bill has several stages to clear before becoming law and will undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords at a later date. PA Media contributed to this report. Undated photo, posed by a model, of a child sitting on some stairs in an unspecified location in England. (NSPCC/PA) UK Official Inquiry Presents Horrifying Picture of National Epidemic of Child Sexual Abuse Chair says abuse of children under 4 has risen by 45 percent and recommends register of care workers LONDONThe UK government should introduce a system for registering all staff who work in care homes and should also appoint a Cabinet-level minister for children, says the final report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the seven-year inquiry, said, For too long, child sexual abuse has been considered a problem of the past, despite life-long impacts on its young victims. She said, The sexual abuse of children is an epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake and some will never recover. Unveiling the IICSAs report on Thursday, Jay said: The latest statistics suggest that the age at which children become victims is getting younger. The number of sexual abuse offences, recorded by the police, where the victim was a child under the age of 4 has risen by 45 percent in recent years. The IICSA was set up by the then-Home Secretary, Theresa May, in 2015 to look at the extent to which institutions in England and Wales, including the police, the NHS, and the BBC, failed in their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It followed the emergence in 2012 of a string of allegations about child abuse by famous people, including TV presenter Jimmy Savile and former MPs Cyril Smith and Greville Janner. Professor Alexis Jay, chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, delivers her speech, watched by (L to R) Professor Malcolm Evans, John OBrien, Drusilla Sharpling, and Brian Altman, KC, in London, on Oct. 20, 2022. (Chris Summers/The Epoch Times) The Crown Prosecution Service decided against bringing charges against Smith in 1970, 1998, and 1999. He was knighted in 1988 and died in 2010 aged 82. In 2014 Jannerwho was knighted in 1997was charged with 22 offences against children, which dated back to a period between the 1960s and 1980s, but he died in December 2015 without coming to trial. His son, Daniel, later described the inquiry as a witch-hunt of dead politicians. In October 2021 the IICSA concluded complaints against Janner were not properly investigated by Leicestershire Police but did not adjudicate on whether or not he had been guilty of abuse. The final report, taking in all 19 strands of the inquiry, sets out the devastating scale of child sexual abuse and presents a horrifying picture that underpins the inquirys recommendations. Lord Janner arrives back at home, after appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court over 22 historic child sex abuse charges, in London on Aug. 14, 2015. (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire) Among the 107 recommendations in the report are: That a Child Protection Authority for England should be set up, and a separate one for Wales, which would inspect childrens homes and other facilities. That the British government create a Cabinet-level minister for children. That a single database of paedophiles should be created in England and Wales. That the government should ban all pain compliance techniques for detained children. That all staff working in care roles in childrens homes should be registered and could be struck off if found guilty of misconduct by an independent body. That official records of child sexual abuse allegations should be retained for 75 years. That a system of mandatory reporting be introduced. The report also recommends changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and says victims who have criminal convictions themselves should not be automatically excluded if their crimes are likely to be linked to the sexual abuse they experienced as a child. Convicted Criminals Could Be Entitled to Compensation for Child Abuse If the government agrees to the recommendations it could potentially mean convicted murderers getting compensation for child abuse they suffered. The IICSA also called on the Metropolitan Police to consider whether there are grounds for a criminal investigation into Lambeth Councils actions in the wake of the death of a boy known as LA-A2, who was found dead in the bathroom of the Shirley Oaks care home in 1977. The council had not informed the coroner that LA-A2 had alleged he had been abused by care worker Donald Hosegood, who died in 2011. In 2018 Brian Altman, KC, lead counsel for the inquiry, said the final report would not rule on whether or not allegations against senior figures in Westminster were true and he later said that some had already been shown to be false. In July 2019 Carl Beecha fantasist whose allegations about a murderous VIP paedophile ring centred on Dolphin Square in central London led to Operation Midland, a massive and ultimately fruitless police investigationwas jailed for 18 years. But Jay made it clear the IICSAs role was not to decide on the guilt or innocence of individual perpetrators but to comment on the response of the authorities and recommend ways of improving this in future. The report found that one in six girls and one in 20 boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 16 and Jay said: The nature and scale of the abuse we encountered was horrifying and deeply disturbing. The final report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which was published in London on Oct. 20, 2022. (Chris Summers/The Epoch Times) She said: As a society, we simply cannot file it away and consider it as historical aberration when so much of what we learned suggests it is an ever-growing problem, exacerbated by the current and future threat of the internet. Millions of Child Sexual Abuse Images 3 Clicks Away The IICSA report said, Millions of child sexual abuse images can be accessed within just three clicks, many of which depict young children and babies. Jay said: Offending on the dark web involves a level of depravity that it is hard to comprehend, such as the rape and violent abuse of babies and toddlers. This can be live-streamed on some sites by predators who can dictate the abuse they want to watch for very little money. The report said, The UK government should change the law to make sure that internet companies that provide online internet services and social media introduce better ways to check childrens ages. That recommendation comes only a week after the coroner at the Molly Russell inquest suggested separate social media platforms for children and adults. Molly Russell, a 14-year-old girl from Harrow, northwest London, took her own life on Nov. 21, 2017 after viewing online content related to depression and self-harm in the months prior to her death. Earlier this year Jay said there was a flawed assumption that child sexual exploitation was on the wane. More than 7,000 survivors of child sexual abuse engaged with the IICSA and 700 gave evidence at public hearings or provided statements. One of them, Hollie, said, I can now say Im finally being heard, and can grieve for the person I might have been if I had not been a victim of child abuse. The new Home Secretary, Grant Shapps, said the government would respond in full within six months, but he added, I am incredibly grateful to the thousands of victims and survivors who have bravely come forward to share their experiences with the inquiry, their bravery will not be forgotten. Shapps also said: I want to give assuranceswhere we can act quicker, we will. I will use all available levers to protect our children, to improve the law enforcement and criminal justice response, provide the support victims and survivors deserve and ensure all institutions and leaders are properly held to account. To date, we have already taken action to tackle this abhorrent crime and learn from the lessons of the past, but I know there is much more to do. This is the start of a new chapter in our efforts to put an end to this terrible crime, Shapps said. Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle during a commemorative ceremony and laying of wreaths at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates, in London, on March 14, 2022. (Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images) UK Parliament Launches Probe Into Claims Senior Tories Bullied MPs in Fracking Vote The House of Commons has launched an investigation into claims that ministers bullied Conservative MPs during Wednesdays vote on fracking. Fracking is a sensitive issue for the Conservative Party. While Prime Minister Liz Truss supports fracking, many Tory MPs face strong opposition to the practice in their constituencies. While Labours motion to ban fracking was defeated by 230 votes to 326, allegations soon emerged that Conservative MPs had been bullied into voting with the government. Health Secretary Therese Coffey and Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg are among the group of senior Tories accused of bullying the partys MPs into voting against Labours motion on fracking. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said on Thursday that he has asked the serjeant at arms and other parliamentary officials to investigate allegations made about incidents in the Commons on Wednesday night. In a statement to MPs, Hoyle said: I remind members that the behaviour code applies to them as well as to other members of our parliamentary community, and this gives me another opportunity to talk about the kind of House I want to see and I believe that the vast majority of MPs also want to see. I want this to be a House in which we, while we might have very strong political disagreements, treat each other courteously and with respect, and we should show the same courtesy and respect to those who work with and for us. To that end I will be meeting with senior party representatives to seek an agreed position that behaviour like that described last night is not acceptable in all circumstances. Manhandled Ahead of the vote, the government told Tory MPs that it is treating the vote as a confidence vote in the government, and that MPs would have the whip withdrawn and would be expelled from the parliamentary party if they failed to support the government. However, shortly before the vote at 7 p.m., climate minister Graham Stuart announced in the Commons chamber that, contrary to what MPs had been told earlier, it was not being treated as a vote of confidence in the government. Senior Labour MP Chris Bryant said there was pandemonium outside the division lobbies, with MPs opposed to fracking uncertain what would happen to them if they voted with the opposition. In the chaos, Bryant told Sky News, Tory MP Alex Stafford was physically manhandled into the no lobby by a group of senior Tories including ministers Therese Coffey and Jacob Rees-Mogg. Coffey denied the claim, and Rees-Mogg said he had not seen any bullying when the vote took place. Number 10 later said Stuart had been mistakenly told by Downing Street to say the vote should not be treated as a confidence motion, and that Conservative MPs were fully aware it was subject to a three-line whip. A spokesman said the whips would be speaking to the Tories who failed to support the government, and those without a reasonable excuse would face proportionate disciplinary action, though that does not necessarily mean whey would have the whip removed. PA Media contributed to this report. People shop in a supermarket as Kharkiv suffers an electricity outage, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 17, 2022. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters) Ukrainians Try to Conserve Electricity, Endure Water Outages After Russian Strikes KYIVUkrainians conserved electricity and some went without running water to try to ease pressure on the grid and give engineers a chance to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by Russian strikes as Kyivs forces advanced towards the city of Kherson. The Ukrainian government on Thursday placed restrictions on electricity usage nationwide for the first time since Russias Feb. 24 invasion following a barrage of attacks which President Volodymr Zelenskyy said had struck a third of all power plants. Under the new energy-saving regime, power supply across Ukraine was on Thursday restricted between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Ukraines energy minister said the government was seeking a 20 percent reduction in energy use and that Ukrainians were responding to the appeal to limit usage. We see a drop in consumption, he said. We see a voluntary decrease. But when it is not enough, we are forced to bring in forced shutdowns, Minister Herman Halushchenko told Ukrainian TV. Russia had carried out more than 300 air strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities since Oct. 10, he added. Zelenskyy told the nation in a Wednesday night video address: There is new damage to critical infrastructure. Three energy facilities were destroyed by the enemy today. We assume that Russian terror will be directed at energy facilities until, with the help of partners, we are able to shoot down 100 percent of enemy missiles and drones. One of the facilities hit on Wednesday was a coal-fired thermal power station in the city of Burshtyn in western Ukraine. Unfortunately there is destruction, and it is quite serious, Svitlana Onyshchuk, Ivano-Frankivsks governor, said on Ukrainian television. Please limit your electricity consumption, Zelenskyy told Ukrainians in the same address to the nation. The Ukrainian leader was due to address an EU summit later on Thursday. Leaders of the 27 member states will discuss options for more support to Ukraine, including energy equipment, helping restore power supply, and long-term financing to rebuild. Firefighters work to put out a fire in an energy infrastructure facilities, damaged by a Russian missile strike, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, on Oct. 18, 2022. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via Reuters) Battle for Kherson Cities such as the capital Kyiv and Kharkiv in the northeast announced curbs on the use of electric-powered public transport such as trolleybuses and reduced the frequency of trains on the metro. DTEK, a major electricity supplier in Kyiv, told consumers it would do its best to make sure outages did not last longer than four hours. The whole northeast region of Sumy, which borders Russia, said it would go the entire dayfrom 0700 to 2300 local timewithout water, electric transport, or street lighting. We need time to restore power plants, we need respite from our consumers, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of grid operator Ukrenergo, told Ukrainian TV. Russias defense ministry said on Thursday it was continuing to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, a strategy it has stepped up since the appointment earlier this month of Sergei Surovikinnicknamed General Armageddon by the Russian media because of his alleged toughnessas overall commander of what Moscow called its special military operation. The Ukrainian military continued to try to press its advance towards the southern city of Kherson. The Russian-appointed administration on Wednesday told civilians to leave the citycontrol of which allows Russia to control the only land route to the Crimea peninsula, and the mouth of the Dnipro river. On Wednesday, Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Russia-backed administration in Kherson, wrote on Telegram that Ukraine had launched an offensive towards Novaya Kamianka and Berislav in the Kherson region. The Russian defense ministry on Thursday described a battle in the area which it said its forces had won in the end. In the area of the settlement of Sukhanovo, Kherson region, the enemy managed to drive a wedge into Russian units defensive lines, the ministry said. Due to the introduction of a tank reserve by the Russian command into battle, as well as ambush actions, the enemy was significantly defeated, and Ukrainian units fled. The position on the front edge of the defensive line has been completely restored. Reuters was not able to verify battlefield reports. By Pavel Polityuk US Charges 5 Russians for Shipping Military Equipment, Venezuelan Oil NEW YORK/WASHINGTONU.S. prosecutors on Wednesday charged five Russian nationals for sanctions evasion and other violations related to shipping military technologies bought from U.S. manufacturers to Russian buyers, some of which ended up on the battlefield in Ukraine. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn said the electronic components purchased by Russian nationals Yury Orekhov and Svetlana Kuzurgasheva included semiconductors, radars, and satellites. Some of the electronics obtained through the scheme have been found in Russian weapons platforms seized in Ukraine, prosecutors said. They used a German company to ship the military technologies, as well as Venezuelan oil, to Russian purchasers, prosecutors said. Orekhov was arrested in Germany on Monday. Another Russian charged in the case, Artem Uss, has been arrested in Italy. The United States is seeking his extradition, prosecutors said. Reuters could not immediately reach any of the defendants for comment. We will continue to investigate, disrupt and prosecute those who fuel Russias brutal war in Ukraine, evade sanctions and perpetuate the shadowy economy of transnational money laundering, Breon Peace, the top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn, said in a statement. Also on Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Orekhov and two companies he controls, Nord-Deutsche Industrieanlagenbau GmbH, also known as NDA, and Opus Energy Trading LLC. Treasury described Orekhov as a procurement agent and said some of the shipments of military and sensitive dual-use technologies to Russian users violated U.S. export controls. The U.S.-origin technologies can be used in fighter aircraft, ballistic and hypersonic missile systems, smart munitions, and other military applications, Treasury said. The charges and sanctions come as Washington is seeking to expand sanctions on Russia and crack down on evasion to pressure the Kremlin to stop its invasion of Ukraine. At a first-of-its kind gathering last week with officials from 32 countries and the United States, Washington warned it can impose sanctions on people, countries, and companies that provide ammunition to Russia or support its military-industrial complex. We know these efforts are having a direct effect on the battlefield, as Russias desperation has led them to turn to inferior suppliers and outdated equipment, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. Prosecutors said Orekhov and Uss own NDA and used it as a front to purchase the technologies and ship them to Russian end-users, including sanctioned companies controlled by Timofey Telegin and Sergey Tulyakov, two of the other Russian nationals charged on Wednesday. The defendants used fake companies and submitted false information to U.S. banks, which processed tens of millions of dollars worth of transactions in violation of sanctions, prosecutors said. The defendants also used cryptocurrency for the transactions and to launder the proceeds, prosecutors said. Separately on Wednesday, federal prosecutors in Connecticut charged three people with violating U.S. export controls by trying to ship a computer-controlled grinding machine known as a jig grinderwhich can be used in nuclear proliferation and defense programsto Russia. The individualsall citizens of Latvia or Ukrainehave been arrested by Latvian or Estonian authorities at the request of the United States, prosecutors said. Venezuelan Oil Orekhov and Uss also used NDA to ship millions of barrels worth of oil from Venezuela to buyers in Russia and China, working with two other defendants, Juan Fernando Serrano and Juan Carlos Soto, to broker the deals with Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, upon which the United States placed sanctions in 2019. According to the indictment unsealed on Wednesday, Orekhov and Uss repeatedly bought oil from PDVSA and supplied it to a publicly-traded Russian aluminum company controlled by a Russian billionaire and industrialist. Without naming the company, the indictment said it had been under U.S. sanctions from April 6, 2018 until Jan. 27, 2019which matches the dates that Russian aluminum company Rusal was sanctioned. Rusal was founded by Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska, who is himself facing U.S. charges of violating sanctions. Rusal did not respond to a request for comment after normal business hours in Moscow. A lawyer for Deripaska did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Neither PDVSA nor Venezuelas information ministry immediately responded to requests for comment. After the initial round of U.S. sanctions on PDVSA, Russias Rosneft emerged as a key intermediary for Venezuelan crude. After Washington sanctioned Rosneft subsidiaries over their dealings with PDVSA, dozens of firms with no track record of oil trading have been intermediating in sales of Venezuelan oil to Chinese buyers. A Reuters investigation found many of them were registered as webpages in Russia. By Luc Cohen and Daphne Psaledakis Undated image of Harry Dunn, who was killed in August 2019. (Courtesy of justice4Harry/Facebook) US Diplomats Wife Admits Lesser Charge of Causing Death by Careless Driving of Motorcyclist Harry Dunn Judge urges Anne Sacoolas to show 'genuine remorse' by attending sentencing in London LONDONAnne Sacoolas, the wife of a United States diplomat, has pleaded guilty in a London court to causing the death of motorcyclist Harry Dunn in August 2019 by careless driving. Sacoolas, 44, was driving on the wrong side of the road in her SUV when she collided with the 19-year-old as he rode his motorcycle near RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire, a base used by the U.S. Air Force, where her husband was working. In February 2021 a U.S. court heard she had been employed by an intelligence agency in the U.S. at the time of the collision and that was a factor in their decision to leave the UK shortly after the incident. On Thursday, Sacoolas appeared at the Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, by videolink from her home in the United States and pleaded not guilty to the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving on Aug. 27, 2019. But after she admitted the lesser charge, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson, KC, said the guilty plea would be accepted and the Crown was willing to let the more serious charge lie on file. Harry Dunns parents Charlotte Charles (far left, hugging) and Tim Dunn (right, with glasses, hugging) celebrate outside the Old Bailey in London, on Oct. 20, 2022. (Chris Summers/The Epoch Times) Outside the court Dunns parents, Tim Dunn and Charlotte Charles, hugged supporters. Tim Dunn said: It has been a hard three years but I feel like the weight has lifted off my shoulders today the sun has come out we have got justice for our family. Prosecutor Says Pleas Considered at the Very Highest Level Earlier, in court, Atkinson said the matter had been considered at the very highest level and that the teenagers family had been consulted. He said among the factors which the prosecution had considered was that Sacoolas was an overseas national without experience of driving in this country. Atkinson said it had appeared she had driven out of the air base and drove onto the wrong side of the road for 250 metres before hitting Dunn. A general view of the entrance to RAF Croughton, the air base near where Harry Dunn was killed, in Northamptonshire, England, on Oct. 7, 2019. (Peter Summers/Getty Images) Dunns family have been campaigning for the past three years for Sacoolas to be brought to justice and met with the then-Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, last year. Truss, who resigned as prime minister on Thursday, raised the matter with the U.S. government in September 2021. Three weeks after the collision which killed Dunn, Sacoolas and her husband left the UK to return to the United States, claiming diplomatic immunity. She was later charged with death by dangerous driving, but her lawyer said she would not return voluntarily to face trial. An extradition request by the UK government was turned down by the United States. The maximum sentence Sacoolas could receive for causing death by careless driving is five years in prison but she could be given a suspended sentence or a community order. On Thursday, the judge, Mrs. Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb, KC, said Dunn had been a young man lawfully riding his motorbike with proper care and attention. Mother of Harry Dunn, Charlotte Charles, speaks to the media after meeting with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in London on Oct. 9, 2019. (Peter Summers/Getty Images) She said Sacoolas had never formally surrendered to the court and she added, The fact that this defendant could not be compelled to attend meant that there was no other way for us to conduct this hearing other than by videolink. As for the sentencing hearing, Cheema-Grubb said, There is no order I can make to compel her to attend the Central Criminal Court but there is no barrier whatsoever for her coming to the UK and none has been suggested. She ordered Sacoolas to appear in person for sentencing and said her attendance would show genuine remorse. Outside court Tim Dunn said, I was surprised when the judge said that but whether she comes, I dont know. An LNG tanker is guided by tug boats at the Cheniere Sabine Pass LNG export unit in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, U.S., April 14, 2022. REUTERS/Marcy de Luna US Natural Gas Futures Tumble Due to Milder Weather and Global Price Slump U.S. natural gas futures have been declining this week to a three-month low, after weather in North America was predicted to be milder than expected and global energy prices witnessed a slump. The decline in crude oil and European gas prices has led the decline in prices. American natural gas prices witnessed an eight week drop after a boost in domestic output and declining liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports allowed utilities to more easily refill their storage facilities. U.S. natural gas futures dropped 5.41 percent at closing on Oct. 19 for the third day in a row this week. Gas market bears have multiple price-setting mechanisms to drive prices lower, according to a study by energy consulting firm Gelber & Associates, reported Reuters. The two biggest influencers continue to revolve around record-high dry gas production and a lack of demand due to milder temperatures recently, resulting in several back-to-back triple-digit weekly gas storage builds. Even the most stubborn market bulls have recently started to acknowledge the bearish fundamentals and are more readily concurring that the fall and early winter temperature forecasts are uninspiring at best, said the report. Average gas output in the United States has increased 0.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfd) in October from September, according to Reuters, using data from Refinitiv. The data service said that milder weather will cause total demand for American LNG to fall from 101.0 Bcfd on Oct. 18 to 95.9 Bcfd next week. Almost two-thirds of U.S. LNG exports went to Europe in the first nine months of 2022, as American energy companies diverted their cargoes from Asia due to an energy shortage in the EU caused by the Kremlins war in Ukraine. In contrast, only 29 percent of U.S. LNG exports went to Europe last year. America Leads In LNG Exports Despite recent gas price declines, American LNG futures are up about 54 percent this year, as supply disruptions and continued sanctions on Russia over the Ukrainian crisis have caused global gas prices to soar, leading to more demand for U.S. LNG exports. Gas Prices in Europe hit their all-time high of $90.91 on Aug. 25. By Oct. 18, natural gas was trading at $32 per British thermal units (MMBtu) in Europe and $31 in Asia. Front-month gas futures on Oct. 19 fell for the third day in a row by 30 cents to 5.38 percent, settling at $5.436 per million MMBtuits lowest level since July 6. European forward contracts fell 30 percent since last week, as increased LNG imports raised the level of gas storage in Europe to levels above 90 percent of capacity in time for winter. Oil prices rose about 3 percent on Oct. 19 after dipping the previous day due to news of increasing rising U.S. supplies, recessions fears, and lower demand from China. The seven main U.S. based natural gas export facilities have the total capacity to turn about 13.8 cubic feet per day of gas into exportable LNG. However, the average amount of gas flowing to U.S. LNG export plants has fallen to 11.0 Bcfd this month, from 11.5 Bcfd in September due to maintenance issues. This is well below the monthly high of 12.9 Bcfd in production from March this year. There have been various shutdowns at major LNG export plants this year, according to Reuters. Berkshire Hathaway Energy shutdown its 0.8 Bcfd plant at Cove Point, Maryland, for about three weeks of planned maintenance on Oct. 1. The continued shutdown of Freeport 2.0 Bcfd LNG facility in Texas continues, after a mysterious gas explosion on June 8. U.S. LNG exports may see an increase over the next several weeks, as the two key gas plants are expected to return to service, according to analysts. Officials at the Freeport facility said that operations should mostly return to normal by early to mid-November, but some energy traders believe that the return will be delayed. At least three vessels are expected to head to Freeport, according to Refinitiv data quoted by Reuters. The LNG cargo ships, the Prism Brilliance, Prism Diversity, and Seapeak Methane, are all expected to arrive at the Texas facility through the end of November. Reuters contributed to this report. A view of drones during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on Aug. 24, 2022. (Iranian Army/WANA/Handout via Reuters) White House: Iran Sent Troops to Crimea to Train Russians to Use Drones The White House on Thursday said that Russia is using Iranian drones launched from the Crimean Peninsula to attack Ukrainian forces and that Iranian troops are in the region. John Kirby, the communications coordinator at the National Security Council, told reporters that Iranian personnel are on the Crimean Peninsula and that its evidence Tehran is involved in the war. We can confirm that Russian military personnel that are based in Crimea have been piloting Iranian UAVs, using them to conduct strikes across Ukraine, including strikes against Kyiv, Kirby told reporters. He was referring to unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Kirby did not provide direct evidence for his assertion. Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted with these operations, he added. Russia has received dozens of UAVs so far and will likely continue to receive additional shipments in the future. It means that the Iranian government is now directly involved in the monthslong war, although he said there was a relatively small number of Iranians on the peninsula. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Kirby said the United States is concerned that Russia may attempt to obtain Iranian surface-to-surface missiles and other weapons to use in the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, he accused Iran and Russia of lying about their relationship. Iran and Russia, they can lie to the world, but they certainly cant hide the facts, and the fact is this: Tehran is now directly engaged on the ground, he said. There was no immediate public reaction to the U.S. allegations from Tehran. Russias defense and foreign ministries also have not issued public comments on the claim. Kirby indicated that the United States saw no need at this point to continue trying to negotiate with Tehran over Irans return to President Barack Obamas Iran nuclear deal with six world powers in 2015. We are way far apart with the Iranians in terms of a return to the deal, so we are simply not focused on that right now. They had demands that were well in excess of what the [Iran nuclear deal] was supposed to cover. We are not focused on the diplomacy at this point, he said. A statement issued by the UK Foreign Office said Thursday that the United Kingdom has issued fresh sanctions on Iran over its drone use in Ukraine. These cowardly drone strikes are an act of desperation. By enabling these strikes, these individuals and a manufacturer have caused the people of Ukraine untold suffering. We will ensure that they are held to account for their actions, said Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in the statement. Reuters contributed to this report. A form for the U.S. Census 2020 in Idaho on March 18, 2020. (John Roark/The Idaho Post-Register via AP) Will Hispanics Save America? Commentary Opportunity. Its why we all came here. For generations, immigrants have brought the varying flavors of their life experiences to America, enriching and revitalizing our culture in the process. They came for freedom from government, with no expectations of relying on it. Yet some multigenerational American familieshaving grown accustomed to our legal structures, living standards, economic dynamism, and unbounded opportunitytake these distinctly American values for granted. Leftist assaults on the traditional values of faith, hard work, and the profit motive arrive daily. Americas story is one of immigration. The New World flowed from the discoveries of European explorers. Waves of largely Anglo-Saxon Protestants created the substructure of what became the American republic. Until the early 1800s enslaved people were brought from West Africa, followed by a massive wave of largely impoverished Irish. In rapid succession: Germans streamed into mid-western cities. Asians came to California. Throngs of Eastern and Southern Europeans brought foreign tongues, different hues of Judaism, and cultural benefits that helped make us who we are. Arriving under vastly differing circumstances, these people shaped our mix and our culture. The beauty of America is that theres no single answer to who we are. Were a hopelessly optimistic people with an ever-changing cultural mix. Were the great melting pot. Thats a large part of what makes America exceptional. Most recently, the massive influx of Hispanic immigrants has embraced and invigorated America. From 2001 to 2015, more than 50 percent of all population growth in the United States has been from Hispanic immigration. More than 19 percent of the U.S. population is now Hispanicbringing a culture thats fiercely family-oriented, religiously observant, and hard-working. Hispanic priorities and work ethics resemble those of the immigrants who preceded them. Arrayed against them and their interests, however, are the intensely progressive (or Woke) currents that dominate todays political, academic, and social environments. In their inverted value system, equity (i.e., the uneven distribution of resources by group to achieve an equal outcome) has replaced equality (i.e., freeing every individual to work hard to get ahead). Teachers unions and school boards routinely scold (or threaten) parents for wanting to be informed and involved in their childrens education. Who can forget President Barack Obama belittling rural America for clinging to their guns and religion or Hillary Clintons basket of deplorables? These leading Democratic politicians ooze disdain for the traditional Americans whose ranks Hispanic immigrants have come to join. The lefts condemnation of all who embrace faith, family, and personal responsibility puts them squarely at odds with Americas newest arrivals. Quite simply, Hispanic immigrants have been coming for a vision thats very different from that of the progressive left. Theyre starting to realize ittaking affirmative steps to support their traditional family values while assimilating seamlessly into American culture. Between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, roughly 1.2 million immigrants changed their racial or ethnic identification from Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin to whiteeagerly relinquishing their official minority status in the eyes of the government and within their community. Their evolution has been happening slowly for years and only recently begun to appear in political polling. For many, traditional values and economic prosperity for their families is more important than ethnic and racial identity. America has never asked any immigrant community to turn a blind eye to its heritageand were not about to start now. As each new community gives more to American culture and draws more American traditions into its own, issues like shared faith and prosperity tend to surge forward in importance. The United States was founded on a common set of beliefs. Foremost among them was the then-radical notion that the government should serve the people, not the other way around. President Ronald Reagan warned, Freedom is only one generation away from extinction. Our current generation, acting under leftist dominance, is drifting away from the core principles that have repeatedly produced enormous gains in standards of living, freedom, and upward mobility. Hispanics are drawn here by the enduring perception of the American ideal. The current tide of Hispanic immigration is a result of Americas uniquely limitless opportunities. As new arrivals engage, evolve, and integrate into the political system, they realize that they align far more with the conservative vision of American exceptionalism than with an increasingly bizarre and progressive vision of men who have babies. Traditional Americans, in turn, are welcoming and accepting Hispanics just as they have done to the newcomers of the past. Recent Hispanic immigrants beginning to flex their political muscles as mainstream Americans rather than outside members of a racial minoritypromoting their own social mores in the processmay be Americas last best chance. We need them to survive the progressive onslaught. We need them to save us from those who seek to transform America into a utopian experiment with a very different vision of who we are. We need Hispanics to save America. America needs Hispanics to save itself. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Chinese leader Xi Jinping gives a speech during the opening session of a 5-year Chinese Communist Party political conference in Beijing on Oct. 16, 2022. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images) Xis 3rd Term: More Policy Failures for the CCP Beijing clumsily turns New Delhi into a formidable geopolitical, economic rival that threatens Chinas dream of global hegemony Commentary As the Xi Jinping era continues in China with an unprecedented third term, no doubt the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will celebrate his top achievements over the past decade. The list is short. CCP Victories in the Xi Era Those victories include crushing Hong Kongs democracy, purging rivals through anti-corruption campaigns, and strangling speech, technology, and entrepreneurship while expanding the slave labor ranks with millions of Uyghurs. Theres also forced organ harvesting from political prisoners, religious persecution, and, of course, hosting the 2022 Olympic Games. The most unforgettable triumph, however, is Xi Jinping Thought becoming a part of the Partys constitution like Mao Zedongs before him. As for the very near future, bullying Taiwan into submission is on the CCPs agenda. CCP Failures Multiply But it hasnt all been fun and games in China, especially recently. The COVID-19 pandemic, which many believe originated from the Wuhan lab in 2019, killed millions of people and destroyed jobs and businesses worldwide. The CCPs zero-COVID lockdown policy continues to stifle economic growth and activity for millions of people while driving foreign manufacturers out of the country. Thus, Chinas gross domestic product (GDP) continues to fall, as do the prospects for a recovery in the near future. Those economic woes include the collapse of its real estate development sector. Evergrandes spiraling debt, and the mass demolition of apartment towers where no one wants to live, are symbolic of a bankrupt industry, as tens of millions of investors face losses of $130 billion. The real estate collapse is also threatening whats left of Chinas financial sector. Whats more, an unaffordable demographic contraction is looming, while much of the countrys disillusioned young people see no point in working, planning, or procreating for the future. Unfinished apartment buildings stand at a residential complex developed by Jiadengbao Real Estate in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang region, China, on Sept. 17, 2022. (Eduardo Baptista/Reuters) Alienating the Rest of the World But the CCPs vast catalog of failures doesnt end at the waters edge. Beijing has successfully alienated most developed countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. This widespread negative view of China results from the pandemic and its long record of adversarial trading practicesin direct contrast to the positive views held by most just a few years earlier. Beijings treatment of Hong Kong and the Uyghurs adds to European anti-China sentiment. It has only deepened their negative view of Beijing. Turning India Into an Enemy But the CCPs greatest geopolitical policy failure is its inability to maintain good relations with India, a nuclear-armed nation of more than 1.4 billion people with a GDP growth rate of over 7 percent. The strategic costs of doing so could be high. In fact, the bloody border battles started by China have turned its biggest neighbor into an enemy thats now more strategically and economically aligned with the West. That doesnt mean that Indias leaders can ignore the geographic realities of the region. Russia and China are permanent neighbors. New Delhi knows it must play a balancing act between the superpowers to maintain its own sense of strategic independence and relatively stable relations with Russia and China. India also knows there is no advantage in creating two active regional adversaries instead of just one, given that China is its biggest security threat. New Delhi has little or nothing to gain from antagonizing Moscow as its fightingand perhaps losingits war in Ukraine. Besides, New Delhi has ongoing weapons deals and cheap oil import deals with Moscow, as well as strategic investments in eastern Russia. Even so, Indias security relationship with the United States has grown rapidly over the past 15 years. For these reasons, India participated in the Vostok 2022 multilateral military exercises with Russia, China, and other countries. Notably, however, India refused to join the maritime exercises in deference to Japans objections to those exercises being held near Japans southern islands. India has successfully managed to keep in Russias good graces while rejecting China as it turns toward the United States, fulfilling Beijings worst fears. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) shakes hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (R) in Hangzhou, China, on Sept. 4, 2016. (Wang Zhou/Pool/Getty Images) Undercutting Its Own Strategies A recent policy paper from the think tank Stimson Center concluded that the effect of U.S.India economic cooperation could mean big trouble for China in the strategic military and economic realms. Many of Chinas own strategists agree. What was gained by the CCP attacking the border and reversing 45 years of progress in bilateral relations? Nothing except undercutting at least two of Beijings strategies concerning its relationship with New Delhi. The first, the Major Power Diplomacy strategy, involved Beijing offering non-core economic incentives and concessions to attract India into Chinas geopolitical orbit. It would have also potentially made it a key partner in Beijings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road). The idea behind the second, Beijings Neighborhood Strategy, was to force New Delhi to accept Chinas hegemonic role in the region and acknowledge its national superiority. That sense of superiority is insulting to India and comes from a fable that portrays China as a once-global hegemon in the distant past, a role it thinks is rightfully theirs. At the same time, India plays a key role in the U.S. IndoPacific strategy to counter China. But both of the CCPs India strategies vanished when China took advantage of the pandemic to move its forces into the disputed Himalayan border territories. In fact, Chinas actions only succeeded in driving Indias strategic shift to the West. That was unwise. India Wants to Decouple From China Why should it see China as superior when every serious technological and economic development came from outside China? Besides, its likely that in the next decade or less, India will overtake Japan to become the worlds third-largest economy on its way to becoming a superpower. In that light, weve seen the reemergence of the Quad, a coalition comprised of India, Japan, Australia, and the United States that began in 2007 and intensified in 2017 in the face of communist Chinas aspirations to dominate both the AsiaPacific and the IndoPacific regions. The attack in 2020 solidified New Delhis commitment to the Quad military alliance to counter Chinas threat to India and the region. India knows that China would like to see India slotted into a subordinate role in an Asia dominated by itself, according to the Financial Times. Clearly, India will resist such an order in Asia and thwart Chinas dream of unchallenged hegemony. One-Man Rule Proves to Be Destabilizing Such a massive policy failure begs the question of how the CCP leadership could make such an obvious yet critical blunder. The answer to that question lies in the fact that the CCP and the entire nation have been reduced to one-man rule, which often results in catastrophic policies based on a single, distorted view of reality. Purging political competitors drives a groupthink mentality, where only those who agree with the leader are allowed to participate in the policymaking process. Moreover, political thought patterns in dictatorships make the leadership unable to tolerate opposing views, domestic or foreign. That sense of threat is too often expressed with disdain and suppression. In short, the CCP is driven by the singular arrogance of one leading a political machine that assumes it can treat its neighbors the same way it treats its own people. History is clear: that kind of thinking leads to very big trouble for everyone. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Pastor Kathee Forrest and Chuck Riedesel, Organizers of the Gage County CROP Walk, are hoping people will lace up their sneakers and join them for the event on Sunday. The 53rd CROP Hunger Walk is a fundraiser that that also raises awareness of hunger issues, globally and locally. Forrest said the group planned to start at Hannibal Park on Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. We will start from the shelter near some playground equipment at the northeast part of Hannibal Park, proceed south on the walking trail," she said. "We will pass east of Christ Community Church to the USDA building and Sack Lumber. We will cross the highway at the high school and walk along the lake near the Villa. We will travel west through bean fields to the south side of the YMCA. The group will turn around and return on the same trail when they reach the Big Blue River." Several churches and organizations along the trail have agreed to set up refreshment stations for the walkers. Its about six miles, which is significant because that is the average amount of miles a person in some of the third-world countries travel every day for food and water, Reidesel said. Reidesel noted that the 25% will be given to the Salvation Army of Beatrice, the Wymore Food Pantry and the Beatrice Community Food Pantry. Promotion materials indicate that donations will impact individuals and families in more than 35 countries. We hope people will come walk with us because its going to be beautiful weather, Forrest said. We will register people at the beginning of the walk, but if they cant for some reason, they can register and donate at crophungerwalk.org. By choosing Gage County on the menu, those funds will benefit our event. Also 25% of all proceeds will stay in our community. Reidesel, who is serving as Treasurer for the Gage County Crop Walk, said he has gone online and donated. Its very simple and will set up a donation area on social media for friends to become involved also, he said. Forrest said the Beatrice Ministerial Association had been sending invitations to area churches and has been active in the organization of the walk in Gage County for several years. That release could not be found. Alex Ekubo, a Nigerian actor and model has in his remembrance of Lekki massacre held government responsible and made a taxing proposition. Alex Ekubo was the first runner up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the Weekend Getaway, he revealed in his social media. Carefully, he directed his message to the Government for the frivolous attack on Nigeria during the Lekki toll gate saga. In his statement, he reiterated that Nigerians would surely return the favour. Alex Ekubo: "Dear Nigeria Government We will Never forget this day. We will return the favor. The labour of our past heroes shall never be in vain." In furtherance, Alex proposed that the government should name Lekki toll gate after the massacre. "I still maintain, Lekki toll gate plaza should be renamed Lekki Memorial Way and remain toll free forever. We paid in full with our blood. Aluta continua, Victoria ascerta." Distinguished Medical Practitioner turned business czar, and the Chairman/CEO of Elshcon Group of Companies, Chief Dr Emi Membere Otaji on the 11th of October 2022, at the International Conference in Abuja added another feather to his cap as he bagged the highly esteemed National honours award as Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from the federal government of Nigeria. Chief Dr Membere-Otaji alongside the Director General of World Trade Organization, Dr Okonjo Iweala, Rivers state born two Time Grammy Awards Winner, Burna Boy and many other distinguished, eminent and accomplished Nigerians were conferred and decorated with various merit awards by Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on at the palatial International Conference Centre, Abuja. Dr Emi Membere-Otaji who only recently was also recognised and conferred with a National Productivity Order of Merit (NPoM) award by the Nigerian President and elected as a council member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM Chartered), is an astute administrator and Chairman/CEO of Elshcon Group of Companies with interests in Oil and Gas, Shipping, Healthcare, and Ocean fishing. He is a medical doctor turned entrepreneur. A graduate of the University of Lagos, Medical School, Nigeria, and certificates from Lagos Business School and MCDonough School of Business, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA. Among others, he is a Fellow and recipient of the Award of Excellence of the Nigeria Institute of Management and also the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA), Fellow College of Health Sciences & Technology, Rivers State and Association of General & Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and Award of Role of Honor from the Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State chapter and Distinguished Medical Practitioner of Nigeria (DMP) Awardee of the Association of General & Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN). He is a one-time Chairman of West African Glass Industry Plc, a former Director of Pabod Breweries Limited. Emi Membere-Otaji who is a Kalabari Ijaw Chief was a former Commissioner for Health, who in the year 2000 was a member of a federal government committee to review and set up operational modalities for the implementation of the NHIS Act of 1998, served as Special Adviser to the Rivers State Government on Privatization and Investments, past Chairman, Board of Directors of Clearline International Limited (HMO), and former Governing Board Member, University of Port Harcourt Business School. He is a Past President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (PHCCIMA), and presently National Vice President - Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA), Elected Council Member Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Chairman - Marine Trade Group PETAN and Member Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Vice Chairman Maritime Trade Group NACCIMA, Founding Member of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Trustee - Marine Equipment Owners Association (MEOLAN). Member of the National Economic Council Committee on Export Promotion, Member of the Board of Directors of Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Director ECOWAS Regional Sealink Project Company / Coordinator Sealink Implementation Committee and Governing Board Member of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), among others. With enviable credentials and history, it is obvious he is well positioned to further bring his wealth of experience to bear to elevate and enrich the cause of our nation. Some of his friends who spoke to newsmen after the award described the doctor turned businessman and traditional Chief as a quintessential trail blazer, sublime achiever and an unassuming gentleman. According to them, he has lived a life of honour and worked so hard to achieve this accomplishment, adding that they cannot think of anyone more deserving of this national honour. No few than ten persons have been burnt to death in a tanker explosion along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The tragic incident occurred around Conoil before Sagamu interchange axis of the highway on Thursday morning Confirming the accident, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun sector command, Florence Okpe, disclosed that 10 persons were burnt beyond recognition. She said vehicles involved in the accident are: a Mack truck with registration number: AKL 198 ZT, an Iveco truck with no registration number, a Mazda bus marked, FFE 361 XB, an unmarked Howo truck and the Mack tanker. Okpe blamed the accident on speeding on the part of the Iveco truck driver. She further said the driver of the speeding Iveco truck had lost control of the wheels and rammed into the tanker which resulted in the fire outbreak due to leakage. Okpe added that the Mazda bus was engulfed by the fire. The suspected cause of the multiple crash was excessive speed which led to lose of control on the part of the Iveco truck and smashed the tanker body which resulted to fire outbreak due to leakage. The Mazda bus got engulfed in the spark of the fire, in her words. Okpe added that the burnt bodies have been taken to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu. Meanwhile, Sector Commander FRSC Ogun Sector Command, Ahmed Umar, commiserated with the family of the victims after visiting the scene of the incident. Umar also advised motorists to drive cautiously, obey traffic rules and regulations as well as considering each other while driving. Two fake officials of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have been arrested by the combined forces of the Nigerian Military, Nigerian Immigration Services and the Nigeria Police. According to the Military High Command, the suspects were nabbed at an internally displaced persons camp located at Gagamari in Niger Republic. They were arrested while registering non-Nigerians and enrolling them on Nigerias data base. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, disclosed this to journalists at a press briefing at Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. Items recovered by the security operatives from the suspects include: National Identification Number (NIN) registration machine, printing machine, laminating machine, a computer tracking machine and a generator set, among other items. On 13 October 2022, troops in conjunction with the Nigeria Police and NIS operatives intercepted 2 suspected fake National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) officials. It was revealed that the suspects had visited Gagamari IDP camp in Niger Republic to register non-Nigerians in the IDP camp. Items recovered from the suspects include National Identification Number (NIN) registration machine, printing machine, laminating machine, a computer tracking machine and a generator set among other items, Danmadami said. Corroboratively, the immediate-past Director of DMO, Maj.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, while commenting on the development, said the intention of those fake officials would be unravelled. He said it is a new feat achieved by the military and the armed forces and should be commended. The armed forces deserve to be commended for achieving a new feat in in capturing these criminals even in a foreign country, Onyeuko, who is now Director of Procurement at Defence Headquarters, said. In this situation, they are fake, theyve just been captured, and the investigations are on, involving all the MDAs that are associated with this including the armed forces and the DSS. Their intention will be unravelled by the time the investigations are concluded. But it should be noted that this is a new feat and I think the armed forces should commended for that, he added. Nigerian apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) have formally disclosed the completion of a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the acquisition of 100 percent of the equity in Polaris Bank by Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL). This is coming on the heels of the approval of the sale of Polaris Bank by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, while urging that the acquisition should follow the laid down procedure and the relevant presidential assent. In a statement issued by the Director, the Corporate Communications Department at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Osita Nwanisobi, on behalf of the CBN and AMCON, it was said that SCIL had paid an upfront consideration of N50 billion to acquire 100% of the equity of Polaris Bank and had also accepted the terms of the agreement which include the full repayment of the sum of N1.305 trillion, being the consideration bonds injected. The statement read, The CBN thus received an immediate return for the value it has created in Polaris Bank during the stabilisation period, as well as ensuring that all funds originally provided to support the intervention are recovered. The sale was coordinated by a Divestment Committee (the Committee) comprising representatives of the CBN and AMCON and advised by legal and financial consultants. The Committee conducted a sale process by private treaty, as provided in Section 34(5) of the AMCON Act to avoid negative speculations, retain value and preserve financial system stability. In the process, parties who had formally expressed an interest in acquiring Polaris Bank, subsequent to the CBN intervention in 2018, were invited to submit financial and technical proposals. Invitations to submit proposals were sent to 25 pre-qualified interested parties, out of which three (3) parties eventually submitted final purchase proposals following technical evaluation. All submissions were subject to a rigorous transaction process from which SCIL emerged as the preferred bidder having presented the most comprehensive technical/financial purchase proposal as well as the highest rated growth plans for Polaris Bank, the statement added. Meanwhile, the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, was quoted as remarking that the sale of the bank marks the completion of a landmark intervention in a strategic institution in the Nigerian banking sector by the CBN and AMCON. The governor applauded the outgoing board and management for their vital role since the bridge bank was established; in stabilising the Banks operations, and its balance sheet and implementing strong governance structures to address the issues that led to the intervention. Emefiele who said the process has provided the CBN with an unprecedented opportunity to recover its intervention funds in full and promote financial stability and inclusive growth, wished SCIL well as they implement growth plans to build the bank from the strong foundations that have been established. The Nigerian Voice understands that a Polaris has been operating as a bridge bank since 2018 when the CBN revoked the licence of the former Skye Bank Plc and established Polaris Bank to assume its assets and certain liabilities. Consideration bonds with a face value of N898 billion (future value of N1.305 trillion) were injected into the bridge bank by the apex bank through AMCON and to be repaid over a 25-year period. The CBN noted that the actions were taken to prevent the imminent collapse of the bank, enable its stabilisation and recovery, protect depositors funds, prevent job losses and preserve the institution. A Beatrice man was sentenced to prison Wednesday in Gage County District Court in two cases related to theft convictions. Jesse L. Henry appeared in court where he was sentenced by District Court Judge Rick Schreiner. In one case he was sentenced to three years for each of two counts of attempted burglary to be served consecutively, and another two years for possession of a controlled substance to be served concurrently. He was also ordered to 18 months of post release supervision following his release. In a second case, he was sentenced to two years in prison to be served concurrently for theft valued at $1,500-$5,000. Schreiner said Henry has a 24-year criminal history, and a factor in the sentence was that he hadnt apologized to the victims. Not once did you apologize to the victim in this matter, he said. Not once. Its all about you. Your criminal history is 24 years long and it begins with a burglary. Henry was arrested in March 2021 after being connected to a burglary in the 800 block of Court Street. Arrest documents stated he entered the building through a back door and left with a bag full of wheat pennies. In September he was arrested again in connection to catalytic converter thefts at Zoellner Ford that occurred around four months earlier. Employees said converters were taken from three vehicles. Henry was linked to the thefts along with an accomplice and had receipts for selling catalytic converts at Beatrice Scrap. Patong Hill road repairs must wait for rain to stop PHUKET: Officials must wait for the current spate of heavy rain to stop before they can even begin to properly assess the damage done by the landslide on the road over Patong Hill, Governor Narong was told at an emergency meeting held last night (Oct 19). disastersweathertourismtransportSafety By The Phuket News Thursday 20 October 2022, 08:30AM Another landslide struck along the bypass road just before 6pm last night. Photo: Phuket Info Center Another landslide struck along the bypass road just before 6pm last night. Photo: Phuket Info Center Another landslide struck along the bypass road just before 6pm last night. Photo: Phuket Info Center Another landslide struck along the bypass road just before 6pm last night. Photo: Phuket Info Center More earth gave way at the site last night. Photo: Phuket Info Center More earth gave way at the site last night. Photo: Phuket Info Center The road has been closed in front of Wat Patong and at the Si Kor Intersectin at Kathu. Photo: Phuket Info Center Traffic continues down the hill before the road was closed yesterday. Photo: Phuket Info Cneter Traffic continues down the hill before the road was closed yesterday. Photo: Phuket Info Cneter Even then, it will take about seven days just to make emergency repairs to the road so that it can be reopened to some traffic, Phuket Highways Office Director Yutthana Pitak told the meeting of the Phuket Disaster Victims Assistance Committee, which concluded at Phuket Provincial Hall at 9pm. Present at the meeting were a host of leading government officers on the island, including Phuket Vice Governors Pichet Panapong and Amnuay Pinsuwanm as well as police, disaster officials and even a representative of the commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command based at Cape Panwa. Other notables present included Phuket Irrigation Office Director Thammanoon Bamrungpetch, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) Rewat Areerob and Kathu Mayor Chai-anan Suthikul. People have suffered and cannot use the road for commuting. We need to return it to normal operation as soon as possible because this road is a route of economic importance for tourism of Phuket, Governor Narong said. The essence of this meeting is to brainstorm ideas to find a solution to solve the problem and repair the road up to Patong Hill, he added. The landslide, at about 3:20pm, saw the outer lane of the westbound side of the road, heading to Patong, collapse and disappear about 500 metres downhill from the Patong City sign on the Kathu (east) side of the hill. Police and rescue workers were quickly at the scene and closed the area immediately surrounding the landslide site. Roadblocks were later set up at Wat Patong on the Patong side and at the Si Kor Intersection in Kathu. Governor Narong was at the scene in person soon after to see the damage firsthand. The road closure forced all motorists attempting to reach Patong to travel either through Kamala, to the north of Patong, or via the road over Kata Hill, Chalong Circle to Kata, to the south. Of note, the Kata Hill road is still waiting to undergo permanent repairs after the outside lane westbound collapsed due to heavy rain runoff undermining the support structure in October 2020. The need to divert traffic along the alternative routes caused a traffic tailback stretching more than a kilometre long at Chalong Circle, reported the Phuket Info Center, operated under the Phuket Governors Office. To repair the Patong road, we must wait for the ongoing disaster situation [sic] to come to an end, Phuket Highways chief Mr Yuttana said last night. Only then can we go to adjust the area. To speed up temporary repairs to the surface [of the road] will take approximately seven days, he added. Mr Yuttanas decision to delay any inspections of the Patong Hill landslide proved prudent as more earth gave way at the site at 10:57pm last night, causing even more damage to the road. Although the landslide site is within the administration area of Kathu Municipality, the committee decided to also use budget funds provided by the emergency budget of the Phuket office of the Department of Disaster prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket). Kathu Municipality will coordinate with the Phuket Highways office and the Office of Public Works and Town & Country Planning for academic and design support, the committee noted. BYPASS LANDSLIDE While disaster officials were responding to the Patong Hill landslide, another landslide occurred on the bypass road just before 6pm last night. The landslide brought wet earth and a large tree down onto the outside northbound lane of the road. Again, police were soon to arrive and close the lane to traffic. Disaster officials were able to clear the debris by just after 10:30pm last night. Amazingly, no injuries were reported in either of the two landslides on Patong Hill and the bypass road. Both roads are usually among the busiest on the island. Phuket Town floodwaters, danger subsides PHUKET: Residents in Phuket Town woke this morning to some sunshine and relief that the water level in Bang Yai Canal had receded and the roads in the heart of the town clear of floodwaters. weatherdisastersSafety By The Phuket News Thursday 20 October 2022, 11:25AM Phuket Town Mayor Sarot Angkanapilas put the town on alert late yesterday afternoon (Oct 19) as the water level reached dangerously high. The monitoring station at Satree Phuket School marked that the water level in the canal was just 3cm lower than the banks there n the north side of town. Residents were asked to sandbag entrances to shops and homes where they could, and to raise their belongings, especially electrical equipment, to higher safety. By 6pm yesterday the centre of town was experiencing minor flooding across roads with waters reaching only 20-50cm deep, with Bang Yai Canal breaching its banks in only some areas. However, concerned the worst was yet to come, disaster officials installed a large mobile pump at the Phra Am Bridge at 11pm last night to help stave off impending flooding. Yet with rain easing throughout the night and this morning, the floodwaters subsided, leaving the roads clear. The water level in the canal has also subsided. The Phuket Irrigation Office (PIO) this morning maintained its vigilance, warning that water levels were still exceeding maximum capacity at the islands three main reservoirs. Runoff from the deluges yesterday had yet to make their way into the reservoirs, the PIO said. Meanwhile, residents in Soi Paniang in Samkong, on the north side of Phuket Town, were still subjected to flooding, with water still covering the streets and threatening to do more damage to homes. Disaster officials have been on site to help alleviate flooding in the area since Sunday. TAT prepares new phase of subsidies BUSINESS: The new phase of the domestic tourism subsidy programme is being drafted with an additional 3-4 million hotel rooms, double the number in the fourth phase, which is scheduled to end this month, as the government aims to push GDP growth to 3.3% this year. tourism By Bangkok Post Thursday 20 October 2022, 11:29AM Women walk along a bridge across a river as a raft of tourists play in water along Hat Pha Tao, a freshwater beach in Uttaradits Tha Pla district. The fifth phase of We Travel Together will continue to offer a 40% subsidy on hotel rooms to domestic tourists. Photo: Sarot Meksophawannakul Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the upcoming fifth phase of We Travel Together will continue to offer a 40% subsidy on hotel rooms to domestic tourists, along with a voucher worth B600 per night for food and shopping. However, airfare subsidies, included in previous phases, are discontinued in the new phase as there were almost 122,000 privileges for airfares remaining in the current phase. The package tour subsidy programme named Tour Teaw Thai, which received lukewarm feedback from travellers, will be scrapped, he said. As of Oct 19, the current phase of the tour stimulus had 130,624 packages sold and 69,376 remaining privileges, unlike We Travel Together, which tallied 1.5mn rooms booked since early September. According to the TAT, the fourth phase of We Travel Together helped generate B15 billion for the local economy, with the biggest portion derived from hotel spending at B12bn, followed by spending with vouchers (B2.76bn) and airfares (B918 million). The hotel sector is expected to reap the greatest benefit from this programme, with 4,366 hotels receiving room bookings, while overall spending via vouchers in hotel restaurants totalled B1.45bn. Tour Teaw Thai contributed B1.28bn from 426 tour companies that offer packages in this scheme. Mr Yuthasak said a leftover budget of B2bn from the ongoing programmes was returned to the Budget Bureau, while the budget for the new phase has to be allocated following cabinet approval. He said the earliest start for the new phase could be November, potentially spanning to Songkran in April next year, which is a peak period for domestic travel. The government said last week it prepared a budget of B17bn to stimulate the local economy at the end of this year, aiming for GDP growth at 3.3%. Mr Yuthasak said the agency has to wait for cabinet approval around mid-November regarding the budget allocation. The stimulus should help create a multiplier effect of 2-3 times of the budget it received, according to the TAT. Vietnam Ambassador talks direct Phuket flights PHUKET: Increasing direct flights between Phuket and Vietnam were among the topics discussed at a meeting between the Vietnam Ambassador to Thailand, Phan Chi Thanh, and Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew yesterday (Oct 19), report officials. tourismtransporteconomics By The Phuket News Thursday 20 October 2022, 09:45AM Ambassador Thanh paid a courtesy call to Governor Narong at Phuket Provincial Hall to introduce themselves and build good relationships with each other, reported the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). Among those present for the meeting were Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office Director Nanthasiri Ronnasiri as well as former Phuket Tourist Association President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam. After the meeting Governor Narong explained that the meeting included discussions about trade and investment between Phuket and Vietnam, and exchanging knowledge about tourism in Phuket The talks were also part of preparations to promote tourism between Vietnam and Phuket, which was described as in process. We are in the process of proposing which provinces of Vietnam are suitable for building a good relationship between the two countries, and this includes Phuket, Governor Narong said. The meeting also discussed the matter of promoting direct flights to Phuket to promote tourism as well, he added. President Joe Biden will nominate former Dawson County Sheriff Craig Anderson to be U.S. Marshal of Montana. Anderson was Dawson County sheriff from 2003 to 2014. The sheriff also oversees a regional detention center, which houses prisoners for the Montana Department of Corrections. Anderson was also chief probation officer for the Montana Seventh Judicial District from 1979 until 2003. He was a member of the Montana Board of Crime Control under three Republican governors and one Democrat between 1982 and 2003. He was also a member of the Youth Justice Council for two decades and chairman of the State Juvenile Detention Task Force. The nomination needs to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Marshals are attached to the federal courts. They apprehend federal fugitives, operate the federal witness protection program and protect the judiciary. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said in a press release that Anderson was a good selection, one he hoped the Senate would confirm. The U.S. Marshal post in Montana is currently vacant. To keep our communities safe, we need to make sure our law enforcement agencies are fully staffed and ready to gowhich is why Im proud to support the nomination of Dawson Countys own Craig Anderson to be the next U.S. Marshal for Montana. Craigs commitment to the rule of law and his decades of experience on the ground in Eastern Montana make him well-qualified to oversee operations of the U.S. Marshals Service in the Treasure State, which plays an important role in getting criminals off our streets," Tester said. "With calls to Defund the FBI growing louder among Republican politicians and violent threats against federal agents on the rise, its critical that all of my colleagues in the Senate join me in supporting Montanas law enforcement officers by confirming Craig quickly so he can get to work protecting our communities. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Light rain early. A mix of sun and clouds by afternoon. High 39F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 23F. Winds light and variable. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Rain with some snow mixing in overnight. Low 36F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 100%.. Tonight Rain with some snow mixing in overnight. Low 36F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 100%. Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see mentioned in the Along the Way column? Email it to Natasha Connolly at news@thesunchronicle.com . For more information on Council on Aging and Human Services programs and services, check our website at www.foxboroughma.gov or call us at 508-543-1234. Billings schools will negotiate with its school bus contractor for a new contract. The decision comes after School District 2 sent out a request for proposal for school transportation services to vendors and received only one offer back with a year-to-year rate increase of nearly 40% to its transportation budget. Current vendor First Student previously signed a five-year contract with the district, which is set to expire last June and presented separate three-year and five-year extension options in May. The district ultimately settled on a one-year extension through the 2022-23 school year so they could explore potentially better options later through a competitive bidding process. BPS Transportation Director Keith Adams composed a request for proposal and issued it out to potential vendors in addition to First Student in September with an open period of 21 days that closed on Oct. 5. The district initially received interest from five potential vendors but only First Student responded with a formal bid submission before the period closed. The five-year proposal includes a 37% year-over-year hike from 2023 to 2024s fiscal year before a consistent rate increase in the following years. The 2023-24 increase would amount to $2 million across the elementary and high school districts transportation budgets. The original agenda item was for the board to vote on which bid to agree to terms with, but with only the one offer submitted, which would significantly impact the district's budget, the agenda item was changed to discuss how to proceed with the one and only bid. Options included accepting the offer as is, or re-starting the RFP process, tabling the vote to negotiate another extension or tabling it to negotiate a more cost-effective offer. The other vendors named in the meeting included Durham School Services and Student Transportation of America (STA), the second and third largest student transportation providers respectively behind First Student. A representative for STA responded to the districts RFP saying they wouldnt submit an offer after First Student shared their latest collective bargaining agreement with the local Teamsters chapter in a mass email sent to the district and other vying vendors. In the signed letter they expressed concerns it, could be perceived as an effort that would improperly influence pricing. Adams noted that STA would be open to submitting a future bid otherwise. In their own response, a Durham representative told SD2 they wouldn't be able to secure a sufficient vehicle yard for office space, vehicle parking and maintenance for the district by the time the contract is set to begin and declined to present any sort of offer. Thats a big concern and thats gonna be a concern every time we go out to bid, Adams told the board. Where are they gonna park? 100 buses, 150 employees where are they gonna put that location? Adams added that since the current location is only being used by First Student, which has additional contracts in Billings outside SD2, they are unlikely to hand it over to a competitor and an alternative location would need to be determined. As far as other vendors contacted by the district, one didnt submit a proposal saying it would be too costly while a more regional carrier simply didnt respond. The board unanimously voted to table acceptance of the current bid and attempt to negotiate a lower cost bid with First Student. The decision came down to both time constraints in starting the RFP process over and budgetary challenges with another contract extension. Adams compared the total costs of First Students current proposal to funding the needed expenses within the district and concluded outsourcing these costs would still be the most advantageous going forward. Regarding in-house spending for school buses, he said the total costs would eventually even out with First Student's projected rate increase but not until 10-20 years later. Despite the specific requirements to benefit the district detailed in its RFP, Adams says theres still room to meet First Student in the middle on a new deal. Were at a 37% increase [with the current proposal], I do believe we can negotiate that down, Adams said. We put a lot of things in the RFP, and a lot of them are necessary but there is a few things we think that we could pull out. A new offer will be presented at a future board meeting. If a compromise isn't met with First Student by the start of the new contract, the district would have to restart the bidding process. The new term begins July 1, 2023. Our View: Make lawmakers do their job. Vote 'No' on Questions 2 and 3 Scranton, PA (18503) Today Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly in the morning. High around 50F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 31F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. A man wanted in Billings for allegations he pepper sprayed a woman during a carjacking and robbed a gas station was arrested Monday outside of Great Falls after a high-speed chase that drew multiple law enforcement agencies. Santana Cruz Ledeau, 26, is facing multiple felonies in Yellowstone and Cascade counties, including counts of robbery, assault on a peace officer and criminal endangerment. His escape attempt ended when the stolen vehicle collided with another vehicle near Simms. At the time of his arrest, he had a $250,000 warrant out of Yellowstone County. Ledeau was arrested earlier this year in June. County prosecutors charged him with robbery and trespassing. He allegedly left the Conoco on the 1200 block of South 27th Street with a basket full of food without paying. When a cashier tried to confront Leduea before he left the parking lot, charging documents said he pulled out a machete. Witnesses saw Ledeau enter a room at the nearby Vegas Hotel. Officers with the Billings Police Department entered the room, where they allegedly found unopened bags of chips, a machete and a red shopping basket. Ledeau, according to charging documents, was in the bathroom and apprehended. He pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment soon after, and was released from custody on a $5,000 bond. When he failed to appear for a trial status hearing, Yellowstone County District Judge Ashley Harada issued a $15,000 warrant for his arrest on September 22. Less than two weeks later, police identified Ledeau as a suspect in a carjacking near Billings Clinic Hospital on North 29th Street. On September 30, court documents said, a woman had parked her Nissan SUV near the Billings Clinic surgery center when a man wearing a red hoodie opened the drivers side door. He demanded the keys to the SUV, and was holding what appeared to be a gun to her head. As she handed him the keys, the man sprayed pepper spray in her face. He left the woman in the parking lot, according to charging documents, and drove east toward North 29th Street. About five days later, the Musselshell County Sheriffs Office reported to BPD that the Nissan was found abandoned at a campground outside of Roundup. Evidence technicians allegedly found a fingerprint inside the vehicle belonging to Ledeau. County prosecutors charged Ledeau with two counts of robbery in connection to the carjacking October 14. Judge Harada issued a second arrest warrant for $250,000 that same day. The following Monday, Ledeau allegedly fled from Great Falls Police Department officers in a stolen Chevy pickup truck. He drove away from a hotel, the Great Falls Tribune reported, after police received a weapons complaint. Law enforcement received subsequent calls of road rage incidents involving a truck matching the description of the Chevy driven by Ledeau. Ledeau evaded police, who called off the pursuit in Great Falls. The 26-year-old then allegedly drove south along Interstate 15 to Ulm, where court documents said he shot out the back window of another vehicle during an attempted carjacking. Further south, in Cascade, Ledeau allegedly stole a different vehicle after the pickup truck ran out of fuel. Someone offered Ledeau a ride to get gas, after which Ledeau threatened the driver with a gun and took the vehicle. Deputies with the Cascade County Sheriffs Office reached Ledeau in Cascade, and he allegedly tried to run one of them over as he drove off. Two other deputies fired rounds at Ledeaus vehicle. He continued south on I-15, court documents said, to Wolf Creek. He went onto Highway 200, where law enforcement blocked his southbound path and forced him north. Ledeaus vehicle allegedly collided with a deputys at this time, with Ledeau pointing a gun at the deputy's head when the two vehicles were near. Ledeau rolled over stop sticks laid by Montana Highway Patrol west of Simms. He continued until allegedly striking another vehicle and going into a ditch. Along with CCSO, GFPD and MHP, Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection contributed to the pursuit that led to Ledeaus arrest. He has been charged in Cascade County District Court with two counts of robbery, two counts of assaulting a peace officer and criminal endangerment. Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito told the Gazette on Wednesday he has been in contact with Cascade County prosecutors since Ledeaus arrest Monday. Because he is in custody in Cascade County, Twito said, he will make all of his appearances for the charges filed against him in that county before returning to Yellowstone County. Ledeau is in Cascade County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. BPD Lt. Matt Lennick said in an email he estimated about 650 vehicles have been reported stolen to the police department so far this year, with about 85% of those vehicle recovered. Last year ended with BPD investigating 1,091 stolen vehicles and recovering 98% of them, according to department data. BPD has also recovered 36 vehicles stolen from outside jurisdictions this year, Lennick said. MADI ALLARD, Stonington, Field Hockey, Senior; Allard made four saves in a penalty shootout, helping Stonington defeat Canton in the Class S semifinals. Most of the game was played in a steady snow. Stonington later lost in the title game to North Branford. DREW DENONCOUR, Chariho, Boys Soccer, Senior; DeNoncour made a save in the final 30 seconds to preserve a 2-1 win for the Chargers in the Division II championship game. DeNoncour was named the games MVP as Chariho won the D-II title for the second straight year. Vote View Results The French President Emmanuel Macron bounced energetically on to the Renault stand on the opening day of the Paris Motor Show, earlier this week. I watched on Monday as he was given a guided tour of the exciting new cars on show by Renault's own new charismatic chief executive, mercurial Italian Luca de Meo. Macron has more than a passing interest in Renault the French government holds a majority stake in the car maker, which only recently was on the brink of bankruptcy before de Meo came in to rescue it. Electric reboot: A concept reviving the Renault 5 Turbo but in electric form was shown in Paris Rugged Renault: Luca de Meo unveils a new 4Ever Trophy - a widely available production car may be a little more ordinary Macron later moved on to the stand of Renault's arch-rivals Peugeot now part of the giant Stellantis conglomerate in an adjoining hall, where he chatted with the company's Coventry-born global chief executive Linda Jackson, and also saw vehicles from Stellantis-owned brands DS and Jeep. Yet, as the crowds looked on, a small delegation from the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) observed how they wished UK governments would similarly recognise the value of the British motor industry, as the French clearly do. Renault's dynamic duo of reboots: The 4 and the 5 Turbo Renault CEO de Meo was on sparkling form as he unveiled the 4Ever Trophy a prototype of a classic Renault 4 reborn for the 21st century as an electric family run-around. The original '4' sold more than eight million globally between 1962 and 1992 (1994 in Slovenia). De Meo said: 'The 4L is a legend. And legends never die!' The '4' is the second classic Renault to get a 21st-century electric reboot, following on from the 5 electric prototype, which was discovered by de Meo at the back of the company's design studio after the previous management had dismissed it as 'too retro'. De Meo also revealed that he has 'found the funds' to put into production a fully electric version of the wild R5 Turbo 3E rally-based concept, based on the Renault hot hatch of the 1980s. The trio all on display will help spearhead a new Renault Group product offensive with 25 new vehicles to be launched between 2022 and 2025, he said. Of his meeting with Macron, he quipped: 'I think you forget that he is my major share-holder.' He told me: 'Two years ago we were almost bankrupt. When you don't have the money. You tend to work smarter.' Dacia and Peugeot also reveal new cars Dacia is the budget-car arm of the Renault group and its boss Denis Le Vot unveiled an all-wheel-drive electric prototype, which looks like a cross between a beach-buggy and a Jeep. But Dacia has its feet firmly on the ground with a range of basic but stylish cars including the Sandero, the new seven-seater Jogger, and the flagship large SUV Bigster from 2024-5 that will all be petrol-driven until that fuel is outlawed, he insists. Dacia is Renault group's 'insurance policy' in case the electric revolution timetable slips because of the global economic crisis. Hot hatch revival: The Renault 5 concept will have quickened the hearts of those who remember the 1980s Turbo in all its glory Priced at 43,250, the Peugeot 408 comes with an electric-only range of about 39 miles Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson was in Paris to oversee the world premiere of the new Peugeot 408 hybrid. Jackson started her career with Jaguar Land Rover in Coventry, where she was born, before a spell running Citroen in the UK and then globally. She is now in charge of the upwardly-mobile Peugeot brand around the world. She told me: 'For Peugeot, 2023 will be our electric year.' Over the next two years there will be five new 100 per cent electric cars. By 2025, every model will offer at least one fully electric option. And by 2030, all of Peugeot's European models will be 100 per cent electric. Next month, Peugeot will unveil a prototype called Inception highlighting the marque's future direction for electric car style, interior and exterior design, new technology and driver experience from 2025. Next year, it will also launch a more powerful electric e-208 GT supermini as well as the e-308 hatchback and e-308 SW estate. In the driving seat: French President Emmanuel Macron was given a guided tour of the exciting new cars on show China out in force However, the elephant in the room is China. A significant number of European car-makers particularly German were absent from Paris, which was a shadow of its former pre - Covid self. But the Chinese were out in force and filling some of the gaps. The Paris Motor Show at Porte de Versailles runs until this Sunday and is worth a pleasant diversion if you combine it with a weekend city break by Eurostar or car ferry. Details at mondial.paris/en/ticketing BMW ends UK electric Mini hope A bitter blow for Britain and for Mini fans was delivered this week as parent-company BMW confirmed that all future electric models will, for now, be built abroad mainly in China and not in Oxford. BMW makes 40,000 electric Minis a year in Oxford, but production will end next year under plans to revise the line-up from 2024. Most battery-powered Minis will then be built under a joint deal between Munich-based BMW with Chinese car giant Great Wall. All change: BMW makes 40,000 electric Minis a year in Oxford, but production will end next year under plans to revise the line-up from 2024 The move is a blow to government aims of making the UK a centre of electric car production. The decision follows months of obfuscation by BMW executives. As a consolation for Oxford, the 2,000 workers there will build the petrol Mini Cooper three-door and five-door Hatch models. Mini Convertibles will also be built at Oxford from 2025. The firm insisted there will be no impact on jobs and said the factory will 'remain at the heart of Mini production'. The first electric Mini was built in Oxford in 2020. All Minis will be electric by 2030, when new petrol and diesel cars are outlawed in Britain. This latest decision leaves a big question mark over the Oxford factory beyond 2030. An armoured car fit for a president Do you consider yourself a VIP target likely to be kidnapped, bombed or shot at? Perhaps you're rich, successful, controversial, or simply unpopular enough to fall into one of these categories. If so, Land Rover may have just the answer with a tooled-up new Defender variant. It says customers with 'security protection requirements' can now order a Defender 110 model equipped with 'enhanced ballistic and blast protection' thanks to a partnership deal with vehicle protection specialists Trasco. Bullet-proof: The new Land Rover Defender 110 is equipped with 'enhanced ballistic and blast protection' Land Rover says the lightweight anti-kidnap, or 'A-KIP' conversion 'offers protection with minimal compromise'; and that its inconspicuous design ensures a Defender is 'virtually indistinguishable from a standard vehicle'. There are two levels of ballistic protection. The vehicles are fitted with lightweight security-grade steel, glass and composite materials to provide enhanced safety to clients, which include government departments and high-net-worth individuals. Certified ballistic materials include the windscreen, doors and door glass, roof, footwells and a new ballistic rear partition with window situated behind the second row of seats. Additional equipment includes a fire suppression system for the engine compartment, a front grille-integrated flashing blue-light pack and siren, intercom system, run-flat tyres, heavy-duty window lifters, under-body ballistic protection and a self-sealing fuel tank. Sam Smith is the founder of FinnCap The founder of FinnCap is observing takeover talks with Panmure Gordon 'with interest' as the company she built over 24 years faces a possible merger with its older rival. Sam Smith, the first woman to run a City stockbroker, stepped down as chief executive of FinnCap last month but still owns a near-10 per cent stake, meaning her support will be crucial in any deal. The 48-year-old said she has not been approached by Panmure, which is controlled by controversial former Barclays boss Bob Diamond and run by his sidekick, Rich Ricci. She told the Mail: 'I am watching with interest to what happens. It is, sort of, my baby. If they want to speak to me, I can speak to people. But I think it's for the current board [to decide].' Smith handed over to John Farrugia last month but remains an adviser. She added: 'Old chief executives getting in the way is probably not that helpful. 'I'm very much, 'Let's see what happens.' It's a very early-stage approach. I don't know whether anything is going to happen or not. Let's see what the price is.' The firm counts other wellknown City figures among its top shareholders, including venture capitalist Jon Moulton with an 11p per cent holding, tech queen Vin Murria with 10.3 per cent and Conservative peer Lord Leigh who holds a 9 per cent stake. With Smith, they control just over 40 per cent, making them crucial to the success of the approach from Diamond and Ricci. SAM SMITH: THE LOWDOWN The first woman to run a City stockbroker, Sam Smith is a true trailblazer in the testosterone-fuelled, fast money world of broking. In 1998, aged 24, she joined investment manager JM Finn and set up its corporate finance business. She was just 33 when she led a management buyout in 2007 to create FinnCap where she took the reins as chief executive. Smith stunned the City over the summer when she said it was time to stand down, which she did last month. Announcing her decision, she said: 'I have not seen my daughter for five weeks. I think maybe it's time.' She added that her departure meant she 'might even have time to go on an actual date'. Smith took an advisory role at the firm and still holds a near-10 per cent stake. Smith said she does not regret her decision to step back. 'Hearing this news, I think, 'Oh my god, thank god I'm not the chief executive having to deal with this.' I know it was the right time [to leave],' she said. A swoop by Panmure would crown a remarkable comeback for Diamond and Ricci, who was parachuted in to run the broker in 2020. Ricci's hiring raised eyebrows as it reunited two controversial figures who left Barclays in disgrace in the wake of the 2008 financial crash. The talks between Panmure and FinnCap will also fuel speculation that the slowdown could spark a wave of acquisitions as companies look to bolster their businesses by joining forces. 'The market is in a very difficult place,' Smith said. It comes amid reports that companies in the sector are looking to slash jobs. FinnCap is reported to have made 10 out of its 150 employees redundant while rivals such as Peel Hunt and Numis are also thought to be trimming their numbers. The official UK unemployment rate is close to its lowest in nearly half a century at 1.22m, but these figures are deceptive. Nearly 9m working age people - more than 21 per cent - are 'economically inactive' - neither in a job nor looking for one, and do not figure in the unemployment numbers. Some of it is entirely legitimate and unavoidable, for instance due to long Covid. But others have opted out of work of their own accord. AJ Bell has continued to grow the number of investors using its website, despite a more challenging market environment. The financial services provider revealed it had almost 440,600 customers at the end of September, an increase of around 58,000 on the same time last year, following significant growth in its platform business. Its advised and direct-to-consumer platforms saw customer volumes expand by double-digit percentages and achieved net inflows totalling 3.3billion and 2.5billion, respectively. Lockdown era: Like many retail investment companies, AJ Bell boomed during the first half of the pandemic as many younger Britons tried their hand at stock markets for the first time However, the Manchester-based group said the level of assets under administration and management fell by 3.6billion to 64.1billion. It attributed 'adverse market movements' in the platform division for the slide in AUM, as well as the shutdown of its low-margin institutional stockbroking business. Like many retail investment companies, AJ Bell boomed during the first half of the pandemic era as many Britons tried their hand at stock markets for the first time in order to earn some extra cash on the side. Trading has slowed as Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed and people have spent more time outside, but broader economic pressure has potentially reduced the amount of money people have to invest. Michael Summersgill, the new chief executive of AJ Bell, nonetheless said he was 'pleased to update on another very successful year' for the business. He observed that customers were flocking to the firm's recently launched Dodl app, which allows investors to buy and sell investments without commission charges. He added: 'Despite the challenging economic backdrop, our business model continues to perform exceptionally well.' PensionBee on track to hit profitability targets PensionBee has said it expects to hit its profit goals by the end of 2023. The pension provider revealed its customer base surged to 956,000 in the first nine months of this year. It also saw managed assets jump by 24 per cent to 2.79billion, while annual run rate revenues rose by 4million. But the firm kept its full-year revenue outlook unchanged as it expects markets to remain 'subdued' in the short term. 'We have a talented and experienced management team in place that is focused on achieving our growth ambitions in the investment platform market.' AJ Bell shares closed 1.2 per cent down at 293.4p on Thursday, meaning their value has contracted by more than a quarter in the past 12 months. Also reporting today were blue-chip listed Schroders and St James's Place, which both revealed their levels of assets under management declined in the third quarter of this year. Schroders saw its AUM tumble by 21billion over the three months ending September, primarily as a result of a poorer performance by its solutions and mutual funds segments. Meanwhile, wealth manager St James's Place observed closing funds under management fell by approximately 4.9billion from the equivalent period in 2021, alongside a fall in gross inflows. Andrew Croft, its chief executive, said: 'Although we face an uncertain geopolitical and macroeconomic backdrop, the Partnership remains critically placed to help clients plan, save and invest for the future, building confidence in their long-term finances.' St James's Place shares were up 0.9 per cent to 381.8p today, although their value has plunged by over a third in the last year. Schroders shares have done even worse over that period, slumping by 47 per cent. These updates come a day after a trio of British fund managers - Quilter, hedge fund Man Group, and Liontrust Asset Management - all posted sharp decreases in AUM during the previous quarter. Fallout: Neil Woodford The business that supervised Neil Woodford's management of his doomed flagship fund has been put up for sale. Link Fund Solutions (LFS) is being touted to buyers by Australian parent company Link Group, as the fallout from the Woodford debacle continues. Link Group's decision to rid itself of LFS comes as the British unit faces fines, lawsuits and redress payments over allegations it failed Woodford investors. The parent company has appointed investment bankers at Macquarie Capital and UBS as advisers. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) revealed last month that it was preparing to fine LFS 50m, and would order it to pay up to 306m of redress to Woodford customers. This scuppered Link Group's hopes of selling itself to Canadian software and technology group, Dye & Durham (D&D), in a deal which would have valued it at 1.4bn. Link Group is in talks to sell its corporate markets and banking and credit management units to D&D, for around 700m. But by selling the toxic LFS business, Link Group may be hoping it can revive the earlier, more generous offer for the whole company. Three years have passed since Link shuttered the Woodford Equity Income Fund (WEIF), freezing 3.7billion of savers' money inside, following a run of poor performance from the manager. But the ripples from the implosion of Woodford's empire continue to spread across the funds industry. Hargreaves Lansdown, the investment platform which recommended WEIF to savers, revealed this week that its chief executive Chris Hill was stepping down as it too faces a lawsuit from angry Woodford investors. Hargreaves Lansdown's co-founder, 76-year-old Peter Hargreaves, blasted its chairman Deanna Oppenheimer yesterday as he slammed the 'diabolical' performance on her watch. WEIF has since been wound up and its assets sold, though some of the harder-to-sell stocks remain locked inside. Investors have lost around 1billion during the process. LFS is being sued by investors for failing to keep a closer eye on Woodford as he invested increasing amounts of their money in risky and hard-to-sell stocks. BILLINGS Two murder-suicides have been reported in Montana in just over 24 hours, authorities said. A 39-year-old Billings man apparently killed a 38-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy before killing himself on Wednesday night, police said. The shots were reported at about 8:30 p.m. The initial investigation indicates it was a double murder-suicide, Lt. Matt Lennick said in a statement. All three died at the scene. On Tuesday night about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Gallatin Gateway near Bozeman, a woman reportedly shot her husband and then killed herself at a nearby reservoir, Gallatin County officials said. A witness reported seeing the woman shoot her husband at about 6:45 p.m. and then leave the area. A person recreating at Hyalite Reservoir, about 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Bozeman, found the woman's body several hours later, the sheriff's office said. The same gun appeared to be used in both shootings, Sheriff Dan Springer said. Springer identified the dead in the Gallatin County shootings as Jason Jones, 53, and Kimberli Jones, 50. The names of the victims in the Billings shooting have not been released. These reports come about a week after a murder-suicide at an Anaconda Town Pump. Police said an Anaconda man walked into a casino, shot a man twice in the head, then walked out to the parking lot and turned the gun on himself. Both men were dead at the scene. The victim was Keith Illston, 61, and the shooter was identified as Larry Blodnick, 65. The motive for the shooting is not known. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Sheriff Bill Sather said the shooting occurred the night of Oct. 12 at the Town Pump casino, 6940 Montana Highway 1, in front of several witnesses. According to Chief Sather, a casino worker notified his office at 6:30 p.m. Because of Town Pumps surveillance cameras, the entire incident was on video, and with the number of people who witnessed the shooting, there was no question as to what happened. Montana Standard editor Matthew Kiewiet contributed to this story. Growing pains: Boss Nick Devlin and a Naked Wines vineyard 'The only things certain in life are death, taxes and maybe drinking,' the boss of Naked Wines declared as he unveiled a turnaround plan for the business. Nick Devlin is under pressure to shake up the company as lacklustre growth, over-zealous expansion plans and growing worries around the state of the economy and consumer spending left it facing a cash crunch. But the Cambridge-educated businessman, who now lives in California, was adamant that households would keep buying wine despite the cost-of-living crisis. 'I think customers will want to keep the subscriptions they have a real connection with,' he said yesterday. Naked Wines has had a tough year. This summer, as it released its accounts for the year ending March 28, the business revealed there was 'material uncertainty' over its ability to keep going. In a rare mea culpa yesterday, Devlin said: 'We recognise that in pursuit of rapid growth we have made mistakes. 'Whilst the business today remains materially bigger than pre-pandemic, in 2021 we bought inventory and added to our cost base in anticipation of sustained faster growth which has not been delivered.' His mistakes meant he had to wield the axe. Naked cut 30 staff, around 6 per cent of its workforce, saving around 18m in an attempt to create a 'leaner and more focused organisation'. And Darryl Rawlings, who was chairman for just over a year, was shown the door to be replaced by David Stead, who has been on the board since 2017. Devlin said: 'This change in direction has been hard, but it has been necessary.' With cash in short supply as autumn approached, the net was closing in on Naked. It had a 53m debt facility in place, but there were strict 'covenants', or rules, set by the banks which dictated whether Naked could access the money. One of these covenants concerned repeat customer contribution a metric on which Naked was in danger of falling short. But yesterday Devlin proudly revealed the business has renegotiated its covenants with the banks, so they were now more closely related to plain old profitability. Now, in order to access the loan, Naked needs to generate at least 1m of 'adjusted' profit every quarter for the first three quarters of the year, and 4m for the year as a whole. In the first half of this year alone, Devlin said, Naked had pulled in around 6m of profit on this measure. This will come as a relief to Naked's so-called Angels customers who pay a regular monthly sum into their account, which goes towards their next wine purchase. What many customers may have missed is that this cash an eye-watering 72m as of the end of March is used by Naked as working capital. That means if Naked had hit the rocks, and become insolvent, they may never have seen that money again. Much of it has already been used to bulk up the firm's wine supplies as it prepared for growth that never materialised. Devlin said Angels need not worry now he has the business back on the straight and narrow. He plans to sell the excess stock slowly over the next year, slash investment in growth and cut marketing costs. Wayne Brown, an analyst at Liberum, said the plans were 'sensible'. Investors seemed satisfied. Shares rallied 29.2 per cent, or 27.6p, to 122p. But they are still down 82.2 per cent over the last year. David Reynolds, an analyst at Davy, said a severe economic downturn could mean Naked misses expectations again. 'I personally think you would have to make an enormous leap of faith to invest in the business here,' he said. Burleigh County has plans to correct errors made in handling federal coronavirus aid last year, findings pinpointed in a recent state audit. The audit report lists 10 findings largely related to noncompliance with reporting and procurement requirements for the federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, part of the American Rescue Plan Act. The county spent about $976,000 of the funds. Errors included using money to cover expenses incurred before the period in which the funds could be applied, and lacking adequate supporting documentation for some transactions. About five North Dakota counties as of last week had findings similar to Burleigh's, "a common theme" with the federal aid having been quickly doled out, and guidance lagging, according to Heath Erickson, the state's local government audit manager. "I would say that's not going to be just for Burleigh County. I think other counties will have some similar findings," he said. Some counties have yet to be audited. The federal government could contact Burleigh County to determine what to do in response to the findings, according to Senior Auditor Mike Schmitcke of the State Auditor's Office. "It could be absolutely nothing, but it could be something else that the feds might require," he said. Burleigh County has agreed with all the corrective action plans, such as correcting future reporting to the U.S. Treasury, laid out in a document to State Auditor Josh Gallion. County Finance Director Robin Grenz told the Tribune she would reserve comment until she could present the audit to the Burleigh County Commission. Gallion said his office will be looking at federal coronavirus aid for years to come, given that some aid is authorized out to 2026. The Legislature in November 2021 decided how to spend nearly $1 billion of the state's Rescue Plan aid during a five-day special session. About $63 million of the aid was left unspent, available for the 2023 Legislature to allocate. North Dakota also received $1.25 billion in federal CARES Act coronavirus aid in 2020. The Morton County Commission on Wednesday denied a request for reinstatement made by a county prosecutor who was fired by the states attorney whose job she seeks in the November election. The commission voted unanimously to deny Gabrielle Goters request to continue in the job shes held since 2010. Goter was fired over allegations that she created a hostile work environment. It was the second meeting on the matter. Commission Chairman Nathan Boehm on Wednesday moved for the group to reconsider a motion made last Thursday to deny Goter's request. The commission last week rejected the motion 3-2. Commissioner Andy Zachmeier made that motion, citing mainly that personnel decisions rest not with the commission but with the elected state's attorney. Zachmeier and Ray Morrell voted in favor last week, but commissioners Ron Leingang, Jackie Buckley and Nathan Boehm voted against it. Boehm after that vote said he didn't disagree with Zachmeier that the commission lacked authority to reinstate Goter, but said he had received more information that he wanted to consider. The commission then scheduled Wednesday night's special meeting. Authority question An employee filed a complaint against Goter on June 7. State's Attorney Allen Koppy placed Goter on administrative leave June 27 at the direction of the County Human Resources Department, though she still continued to handle cases. Koppy fired Goter on Sept. 12 after the investigation and report by a Minnesota law firm. The attorney representing Morton County in Goter's grievance, Elise Heifort of Pemberton Law, told the commission last week that Koppy under state law has the final authority in the state's attorney's office. Zachmeier on Wednesday again raised the issue of what authority the commission had to overrule Koppy. Goters attorney, Christina Sambor, acknowledged it was a gray area, but she maintained Koppys decision not to recuse himself from the matter took away all the procedural options (Goter) had to get an impartial judgment. Sambor suggested the commission could issue what would amount to an advisory opinion to Koppy. The commission ultimately voted to deny Goters grievance and request for reinstatement. Boehm noted that the county has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to workplace harassment, and told Goter, I wish we would have heard something that you acknowledged that a little bit, but we didnt. Goter during Wednesday's discussion told commissioners, "This from the beginning was a skewed investigation." Goter in documents filed earlier this month with the countys Human Resources Department sought to get her job back and pushed for an independent review of the process and procedures followed in the investigation that led to her dismissal. Two sides Goter alleged that Koppy, whom she seeks to unseat in the November election, placed her on administrative leave on the day she raised the issue of him potentially having a conflict of interest. Goter during the meeting last week reiterated her claims to the commission. The people conducting the investigation "had not even attempted to remain neutral," and Koppy chose "the most extreme option" in firing her, instead of forming a correction plan based on employee reviews, she said. Heifort during last week's meeting said Goter's behaviors created "an environment of fear," and added that Goter was not willing to accept that her behavior was intimidating. Goter's performance in the courtroom was exceptional, Heifort said, but she as a supervising attorney set a poor tone with what Heifort called "immature" behaviors such as silent treatment and retaliatory actions. Goter maintains she was denied due process in part because she and her attorney were not given access to complaints. She also said in her grievance that Several of the allegations levied at Goter, including being intimidating, being unapproachable, and/or being demanding are terms typically used to describe discriminatory attitudes toward female leadership. Human Resources Director Wendy Bent in an earlier statement to the Tribune said Goter's claims of bias and discrimination were simply unfounded. The investigation was handled by a female attorney certified in anti-discriminatory law and who specializes in gender inequities, Bent said. Bent during Wednesday night's meeting defended the process used in the investigation, along with her personal integrity. Goter restated many of her claims. Goter garnered 1,517 votes or just more than 53% in the June 14 primary election. Koppy had 1,333 or about 47%, according to the North Dakota Secretary of State's website. The top two candidates in the primary move on to the general election. There was not a third candidate. Koppy in 2018 overcame a primary deficit to beat Goter in the general election. Koppy has been the state's attorney since 1987. In 1990 and 1994, he defeated Goters father, Wayne Goter. 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. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has defended the eligibility of data centres to avail of the Governments energy subsidy scheme, but said he did not expect them to apply. The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, announced in Budget 2023, gives grants worth 40% of the increase of the bill to businesses that can show the unit cost of their energy bills has spiked by at least 50% compared to last year. Speaking to reporters, Mr Donohoe confirmed that data centres can apply for the scheme if they have met the same change in unit energy costs that other businesses have. But he said that they are unlikely to apply for them due to the cap of 10,000 euro a month per trade, and because the government is working on a scheme to help high-energy users specifically. From the point of a tax scheme, we cannot differentiate between different parts of our economy depending on the scale of the business or the nature of that business. However, my expectation is, is that due to the presence of a cap on how much support a business can draw down on, this scheme would be of very, very limited use to a data centre because they are high energy users. He said that the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation have indicated that they are going to bring forward a scheme to try to offer support to higher energy users a little later in the year. The expansion of data centres in Ireland, particularly in the Dublin region, has led to a large increase in electricity demand which is projected to continue to rise in future years. The Central Statistics Office said there was a 265% increase in data centres electricity consumption in the six years from March 2015 to December 2021. Data centres electricity consumption rose by 32% in the 12 months to May meaning they use more electricity than meter users in rural Ireland. Irelands electricity operator Eirgrid is forecasting that data centres and new tech will represent around 28% of demand in 2031 versus 17% in 2021. Amid the energy crisis, opposition politicians have criticised the high number of data centres and the strain they have put on the Irish grid. Mr Donohoe said: The companies that have data centres in Ireland employ tens of thousands of people, and in the changing world that we are in, with heightened competitiveness regarding foreign direct investment, the countries that can host data centres, due to our climate, due to the policy environment that we have, that is a very, very valuable part of what an economy can offer large employers. While a data centre itself directly does not employ many people, they are a critical part of the equation for companies that are here in Ireland that are really, really, really large employers, and for those opposition critics in Dail Eireann, who want to chase data centres out of Ireland, that is a quick journey to chasing jobs out of Ireland as well. Mr Donohoe made the remarks after publishing the Finance Bill 2022, which is the legal footing for measures contained in Budget 2023. After announcing earlier in the week that the concrete levy would be halved and the rent credit would be expanded to the parents of third-level students, Mr Donohoe said the monthly cap for businesses would be increased to a maximum of 30,000 euro in certain circumstances. For example, if a business operates from three or more locations, it may be entitled to pay with respect each location, or is subject to an overall cost of 30,000 euro, he said. [October 20, 2022] Global Telehealth Market to Grow at a CAGR of ~35% during 2023-2033; Market to Expand on the Back of the Rising Chronic Disorders, and Increasing Geriatric Population across the Globe - Kenneth Research New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kenneth Research has published a detailed market report on Global Telehealth Market for the forecast period, i.e. 2023 2033, which includes the following factors: Market growth over the forecast period Detailed regional synopsis Market segmentation Growth drivers Profiling of key market players Global Telehealth Market Size: The global telehealth market is estimated to garner significant revenue by the end of 2033 by growing at a CAGR of ~35% over the forecast period. Further, the market generated a revenue of approximately USD 60 Billion in the year 2022. The growth of the market can be attributed to the rising chronic disorders. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 6 in 10 adults in the United States suffering from a chronic disease. The global market is further expected to be propelled by factors, such as, surging adoption of health apps, increasing geriatric population, rising healthcare expenditure, increase in the smartphone users, and rise in the population across the world over the forecast period. Get a Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10008206 Global Telehealth Market: Key Takeaways The North America region to gain the largest portion of the revenue by 2033 The services sub-segment to dominate the revenue graph The healthcare providers sub-segment remains prominent in the end user segment Increasing Geriatric Population around the Globe to Boost Market Growth Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies to access and manage healthcare services remotely. Computers and mobile devices like tablets and smartphones are examples of technologies. In rural areas, a nurse or other health care professional may provide telehealth services from a medical office or mobile van. Number of geriatric populations, who are more prone to use telehealth services, has been increasing significantly throughout the years and it is anticipated to increase more over the forecast period. According to the data by World Health Organization (WHO), the number and proportion of geriatric population, meaning the people aged 60 years and older in the population was 1 billion in 2019. This number is estimated to increase to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. Hence, this is expected to be a prime factor to propel the growth of the global telehealth market. In addition to this, growing worldwide prevalence of chronic or non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and others, and development of treatment procedures across various health sectors are anticipated to be significant factors to influence the growth of the global telehealth market. It was noticed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally. Each year, more than 15 million people die from a NCD between the ages of 30 and 69 years; 85% of these premature deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. Increasing health spending by nations across the globe are also estimated to accelerate the market growth. Browse to access In-depth research report on Global Telehealth Market with detailed charts and figures: https://www.kennethresearch.com/report-details/telehealth-market/10008206 Global Telehealth Market: Regional Overview The global telehealth market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa region. Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases throughout the Region to Drive Market in the North America Region The telehealth market in the North America region is projected to hold the largest market share by the end of 2033. The market growth can be associated with the highly structured health care industry, and awareness about therapeutic dvancements in the region. Additionally, non-communicable or chronic diseases have become one of the leading causes of deaths in the region along with the high diagnosis rate of the diseases. It was observed that, in 2018, 51.8% (129 million) of civilian, noninstitutionalized adults had been diagnosed with at least 1 of 10 selected chronic conditions. More specifically, 24.6% (61 million) of adults had one chronic condition, and 27.2% (68 million) had more than two chronic conditions. Hence, this is expected to be a major factor to propel the growth of the regional market. Increasing Percentage of Health Expenditure in GDP to Favor Market Growth in Asia Pacific Region On the other hand, the market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. The growth of the telehealth market can primarily be associated with growing investment in healthcare infrastructure, rising geriatric population, and increasing cases of chronic diseases. Additionally, high economic growth and increasing population in countries such as India and China are major factors contributing to the growth of the market. The increasing health expenditure in the region, is also estimated to boost the growth of the market. As per The World Bank, in the year 2019, share of global health expenditure in East Asia & Pacific region accounted to 6.67% of GDP. Get a Sample PDF of Global Telehealth Market @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10008206 The study further incorporates Y-O-Y growth, demand & supply and forecast future opportunity in: North America (U.S., Canada) Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg, NORDIC [Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark], Poland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia-Pacific) Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC [Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman], North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa). Global Telehealth Market, Segmentation by Component Hardware Software Services The services segment is anticipated to hold the largest share over the forecast period owing to the rising smartphone and internet penetration, and the growing need for telehealth applications & continuous monitoring of patient's health. For instance, as per the data by The World Bank, the number of individuals using the internet has increased to 60 percent in 2020 from 7 percent in 2000. Access full Report Description, TOC, Table of Figure, Chart, etc. @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10008206 Global Telehealth Market, Segmentation by End User Healthcare Providers Healthcare Consumers Healthcare Payers Others The healthcare providers segment is estimated to hold a substantial market share in the telehealth market during the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be accredited to the existence of a huge patient pool in healthcare providers facilities. Furthermore, rising healthcare expenditure per capita worldwide is also estimated to propel the growth of this segment. According to the data by The World Bank, as of 2019, current health expenditure per capita among the global population was USD 1,121.97. Global Telehealth Market, Segmentation by Delivery Mode On-Premise Cloud Few of the well-known market leaders in the global telehealth market that are profiled by Kenneth Research are Koninklijke Philips N.V., Optum, Inc., Allscripts Healthcare, LLC, Health Catalyst, Arcadia, Cotiviti, Inc., Orion Health, Honeywell International Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Innovaccer, Inc., and others. Do You Have Any Query or Specific Requirement? Ask to Our Expert: https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10008206 Recent Developments in the Global Telehealth Market In May 2022, in order to investigate the co-creation of healthcare innovations, Honeywell International Inc. announced the agreement. In December 2018, in order to treat patients, Boston Scientific Corporation announced the acquisition of Millipede Inc., which also included the IRIS Transcatheter Annuloplasty Ring System. Browse More Related Reports: Surgical Imaging Market Analysis by Application (Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Neuro, Orthopedic, and Other Surgeries); and by Technology (Flat Panel Detector, and Image Intensifier C-Arms)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2023-2033 Overactive Bladder Treatment Market Analysis by Disease Type (Neurogenic, and Idiopathic Bladder Overactivity); and by Drug Type (Darifenacin, Anticholinergics, Oxybutynin, Solifenacin, and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2023-2033 Slipped Disc Market Analysis by Diagnosis (Nerve Conduction, Physical Examination, and Others); by Treatment (Therapy, Medications, Surgery, and Others); and by Types (Lumbar, Thoracic, and Cervical Herniated Discs)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 Advanced Visualization Market Analysis by End User (Academic & Research, Hospitals & Surgical, Imaging, and Others Centers); by Product & Services (Hardware & Software, and Services); and by Application (Cardiology, Radiology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2023-2033 Virus Filtration Market Segmentation by Product (Filtration Systems, Kits & Reagents, and Services); by Application (Medical Devices, Water Purification, Air Purification, and Biologicals); by End User (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research Organizations, Academic Research Institutes, Medical Device Companies, and Others)-Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2031 About Kenneth Research Kenneth Research is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment, etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided a right guidance at a right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decision so as to avoid future uncertainties. Contact for more Info: AJ Daniel Email: [email protected] U.S. Phone: +1 313 462 0609 Web: https://www.kennethresearch.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] LuckyTruck raises seed extension and adds Julie Zimmer as CEO CINCINNATI, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LuckyTruck, the tech-enabled retail insurance agent focused exclusively on trucking, announced today it raised a $2.4m seed extension. Led by Candid Insurance Investors, an angel network of top P&C insurance industry CEO's, this round brings LuckyTruck's total funding to $6.5m. The modern reality of trucking needs a solution like LuckyTruck" Parker Beauchamp Parker Beauchamp of Markd, an insurance focused venture capital firm, made a significant contribution to the round as well. "Trucking has become more complex and that requires a higher level of company flexibility," said Beauchamp. "The modern reality of trucking needs a solution like LuckyTruck. I'm eager to see LuckyTruck bring the space into the future, and I am confident in their vision. LuckyTruck understands the industry's need to modernize the purchase and management of trucking insurance." Draper University Ventures and SiriusPoint also participated in the round. As a part of the raise, industry titan and former advisor/board member to LuckyTruck, Julie Zimmer, is joining the team as CEO. Julie brings over 30 years of experience in insurance and insurtech, most recently, serving as Head of Insurance at Flexport. Prior, she served as Chief Operations Officer at Embroker and ran HUB International's middle market team globally. "I see LuckyTruck at the forefront of the digitization of commercial trucking insurance," said Zimmer. "The growth of the business under Devin's leadership has been tremendous I'm looking forward to building on his mission of taking the friction out of trucking insurance and providing a valuable service to the overall supply chain." LuckyTruck has experienced unprecedented growth in 2022, the team has grown from 25 employees in January to 60+ in October. Further, the company has grown to 700+ active customers in just 4 short years. With NPS scores consistently over 70, it's evident tht the LuckyTruck platform is meeting the needs of trucking insurance customers across the country. LuckyTruck is the only retail agent that brings together all the essential pieces of the insurance purchase and management processes in one easy-to-use digital platform, leveraging data and automation to take the friction out of all aspects of the customer journey. With additional funding and Zimmer on board, LuckyTruck is looking forward to advancing its digital insurance and financial solutions for the industry. About LuckyTruck Launched in 2019, LuckyTruck is a modern insurance platform for commercial trucking. It is the first all-in-one retail platform exclusively focused on the trucking insurance market. For more information, visit https://www.luckytruck.com/. About Candid Insurance Investors Candid Insurance Investors is an angel network of CEO's with a combined 150 years of experience in the P&C insurance industry. The network is connected to every major P&C insurance company in the country. For more information, visit https://www.candidinvestors.com/. About Markd Based in Boulder, Colorado, Markd is a venture capital company focused on funding and partnering with transformative insurtechs. Markd's mission is to power substantial work and continually inspire more ideas to prevent hurt and loss. For more information, visit https://markd.vc/. About Draper University Ventures Based in San Francisco, California, Draper University Ventures is an accelerator, incubator and fund dedicated to alumni of Draper University. For more information, visit https://www.draperuniversity.com/. About SiriusPoint Headquartered in Bermuda, SiriusPoint is a global insurer and reinsurer providing solutions to clients and brokers in almost 150 countries. For more information, visit https://www.siriuspt.com/. Media Contact: Lara McKeithan [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/luckytruck-raises-seed-extension-and-adds-julie-zimmer-as-ceo-301654662.html SOURCE LuckyTruck, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] macami.ai Survey Finds More Than 70 Percent of U.S Employees Would Delegate Tasks to AI So They Can Focus on Ones That Enable Them to Grow at Work & Have More Time for Their Family/Personal Life According to a new survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by macami.ai, a north Austin-based robotic process automation (RPA) and AI consultancy, 72 percent of U.S. employees would delegate work tasks like invoice management and reporting to AI so they can focus on ones that enable them to grow at work. The online poll of more than 2,000 adults also found that 71 percent would be willing to delegate work tasks to AI if it meant they would have more time for their family and personal life. The results are especially strong for younger generations of workers - with 75 percent of employed individuals 18-34, 81 percent 35-44 and 76 percent 45-54 willing to delegate these tasks if it meant they had more time to focus on their family/personal life. "This survey speaks to what we already knew - through the use of AI, businesses can not only save large sums in cost efficiences, but also make their staff more fulfilled," Carlos Martin, Co-Founder & CEO of macami.ai. "Automating mundane tasks as well as larger outdated business processes allows employees to truly grow and prevents quiet quitting through providing greater work/life balance. It also offers the opportunity to take on elevated roles with greater salaries, including managing projects or a team." macami.ai demystifies the use of artificial intelligence, RPA and digitization to make businesses more efficient and allow them to scale effectively. macami.ai's co-founders Carlos Martin and Venky Cheluvaraj have more than 20 years' experience in AI deployment and have trained and mentored the top consulting firms on best case use of RPA and AI technologies to digitally transform Fortune 500 companies. While at Blue Prism, they saved Telefonica $20 million a year through mentoring their Intelligent Automation Practice and TD Bank, Blue Cross, Rogers Communications and Teranet $12 million combined. The survey also found that 66 percent of Americans would like their bank to use AI tools that monitor patterns of purchase and warn them quickly about potential fraud. macami.ai believes in A for good and has developed the macami.ai Fraud Abuse Prevention Program - a free training online that is being rolled out within the local Austin community on spotting financial scams with an initial focus on elder abuse prevention. 61 percent of U.S. adults 18-44 also would like medical billing to be done by AI tools so human errors are avoided. "macami.ai's financial analysis focuses on the top down instead of bottom up," said Venky Cheluvaraj, Co-Founder & COO, macami.ai. "Some banks and healthcare companies are not leveraging this cutting edge-technology that would allow them to save their customers the financial turmoil that comes with being a victim of fraud or being billed incorrectly for medical procedures." RPA, AI and machine learning (ML) are being leveraged for cost savings by high growth start-ups as well as established companies. In just three months since macami.ai's launch, the company has established partnerships with leading tech and automation firms including Blue Prism, Microsoft, UiPath, Glynt for carbon footprint measurement and Outsystems for low code automation. The company also has an alliance with consulting company BRQ, who is expanding in the US, and is white labeling a product from Office Automata to offer future customers. macami.ai is headquartered at Hamlet Co-Working, a co-working facility in the North Austin suburb of Cedar Park - the latest growing center for tech that is ideally suited to serve both local and national customers. In addition to being lower cost, the co-working space offers ample flexibility to the business by allowing staff to gather for collaboration and team building and work from home as desired. macami.ai is also committed to supporting travel for reproductive healthcare for Texas-based female employees. For more information on macami.ai and the benefits companies can expect from their automation practice, visit www.macami.ai or email [email protected]. About macami.ai macami.ai is an RPA and AI consultancy headquartered in Cedar Park, Texas that demystifies the use of artificial intelligence and robotic process automation to make businesses more efficient and allow them to scale effectively. The founders have trained and mentored the top consulting firms on best case use of AI and practices of automation that have maximized ROI for Fortune 500 companies including TD Bank, communication giant Rogers and Blue Cross. macami.ai analyzes companies' financials and the cost of business processes with a top down approach to recommend and execute simple financial and software methodologies that incorporate AI and RPA technology. The company also offers free trainings online and within local communities on spotting financial scams. *Survey Method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of macami.ai from Oct 4-6, 2022 among 2,068 U.S. adults ages 18+ of whom 1,180 are employed. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Alexa PR. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005426/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Planet Launches Nonprofit Program to Empower Mission-Driven Organizations with More Access to Timely, Global Satellite Data Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL), a leading provider of daily data and insights about Earth, today announced the launch of its Nonprofit Program, an offering that provides access to Planet imagery and support services specifically for nonprofits and non-governmental organizations (NGOS). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005383/en/ In line with Planet's mission to use space to help life on Earth and in effort to enable more impactful uses of Planet's data, the offering addresses two traditional challenges facing nonprofits - limited budgets and resources, and the infrastructure and technical expertise to analyze the data. The goal is that by providing more accessible data products and technical support services, the Nonprofit Program will help users better extract information and create applications that power decisions and enable action. "If we want to accelerate action on the critical issues of our time -- including the climate emergency, threats to nature, sustainable and inclusive development, public health and global peace and security among them -- we must supercharge the NGOs that work on these vital issues," said Andrew Zolli, Planet's Chief Impact Officer. "This is an effort to do just that, by reducing the barriers and getting the best available data into the most relevant hands." Nonprofit organizations can incubate powerful new use cases relevant to commercial market segments. Because NGOs are often working to address challenging issues that exist without developed solutions, they rely on the ingenuity of researchers and scientists who test new methods using innovative data sources and technology. These new methods can have a wide array of applications that go beyond their unique use case and serve the needs of larger markets. Early Nonprofit Program Users Like Planet, nonprofits and NGOs are mission-driven, high impact organizations. They operate in nearly all key commercial verticals at Planet, such as agriculture, forestry, and sustainability, or aim to promote human rights and protect our environment and biodiversity. A number of lighthouse partners have helped to incubate and refine the Nonprofit Program, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and The Institute for International Urban Development (I2UD). For example, TNC is using PlanetScope and SkySat imagery to develop high-resolution regional mas of mangroves in the Caribbean and Papua New Guinea, and seagrasses in the Caribbean and China. Mangroves and seagrasses provide important ecosystem services such as sequestering and storing large amounts of carbon, provide habitat for important commercial and recreational species, and provide natural protection against storm surge. "Without easily accessible, up-to-date information, conservation groups like ours find it difficult to analyze and select optimal sites for effective conservation and restoration efforts within these blue carbon ecosystems, which are key to mitigating climate change," says Emily Landis, Climate and Ocean Lead at TNC. Now with access to Planet's imagery, TNC aims to improve the accuracy of its mangrove maps; refine extents of regional seagrass; enable better estimates for blue carbon accounting; prioritize sites for restoration; and identify change in spatial extent in order to maintain and preserve the health of these critical coastal ecosystems. Another use case is the work I2UD completed in collaboration with Dymaxion Labs, Habitat for Humanity Honduras, GOAL Honduras, and the Honduran Institute of Earth Sciences (IHCIT), in partnership with the Data and Society Accelerator Program from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, which introduced Planet to I2UD. The team improved and evolved a land management and decision-making tool geared to Global South secondary and tertiary cities that lack quality and up-to-date local data to monitor exposure of informal settlements and low-income communities to severe and extreme weather impacts. The tool, AI Climate, processes geospatial images and georeferenced datasets and derives analytics-ready layers of impacts associated with climate change. I2UD is improving and developing layers to identify flooding and landslide risks, informal urbanization, and land value differentials. By using PlanetScope basemaps, I2UD and its partners were able to map vulnerable communities in Tegucigalpa and Sula Valley in Honduras. Compared to previous satellite data platforms, the project analysts found PlanetScope basemaps performed significantly better in both geographies based on intersection of ground truth (IoGT) data, with fewer noisy predictions, and a bigger size of image could be fed into the neural network. "Since both climate change and socially vulnerable communities, including informal settlements, are moving targets, it is imperative to aim for speed and frequent updates to make risk information available to those communities as well as planners and policy makers in fast-urbanizing cities; our goal is to use just enough information to keep AI Climate economical and agile but still with good quality prediction," said Alejandra Mortarini, Vice President, I2UD. An essential part of the I2UD AI Climate platform is to incorporate local partners and communities' knowledge of their own conditions to ensure that community organizations can make sense of the platform's findings, and are able to use those outcomes for their own benefit. "The combination of Planet's higher resolution images, AI technology, and ground truth provided by local partners create a powerful tool for effective city resiliency co-production," Alfredo Stein, University of Manchester, UK, Senior Advisor to AI Climate, explained. "That is why Planet's imagery was key in providing higher resolution to better create local data for local partners," Carlos Rufin, President, I2UD, continued. "The cost of higher-resolution imagery is typically unattainable for nonprofits. By providing highly discounted imagery to NGOs and nonprofits, Planet could make a difference in so many dimensions." A Proven Model Part of the Planet Programs ecosystem, this standardized, tiered-pricing offering is modeled after a successful five-year Education & Research (E&R) Program. To-date, that program has been utilized by over 100 institutions, serving over 1,000 academics who have contributed to over 2,000 scientific publications. The launch and refresh of various Planet Programs is part of the company's aim to stimulate and diversify its overall user ecosystem. The updated programs expand access to Planet's products, refresh its pricing and packages to fit user group needs, and refine onboarding and add ongoing education tools for user communities to tap into best practices, such as through the recent launch of Planet University and Planet Community. "We can only imagine what a new generation of partners, developers and ecopreneurs will be able to build with our data when barriers to it are removed," said Zolli. "Our goal is that by more seamlessly getting data into nonprofits' hands, more people can move from awareness of challenges to making smarter decisions and taking action on them. That's change we can get behind." For more information or business inquiries about the Nonprofit Program, please visit: go.planet.com/nonprofit. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005383/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 19, 2022] Rethink Your Handbook With XpertHR Guidance on What to Include and What to Avoid A new whitepaper gives insights into the top handbook dos and don'ts NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Retaining employees, attracting talent, DEIB initiatives and evolving laws all take front and center when employers draft and update the employee handbookand with good reason. Prepared thoughtfully, the handbook plays a key role in supporting these initiatives and helps employers manage risk. It's also a valuable resource for communicating company policies, promoting company values and onboarding new employees. A new whitepaper from XpertHR gives insights into the top handbook inclusions and omissions. However, because of ongoing new legislation impacting the workplace, employee handbooks can quickly become outdated, and people professionals struggle to ensure their handbooks remain relevant and compliant. Handbook policies can become dated if they haven't been refreshed to stay culturally relevant, promote inclusivity and speak to a diverse audience. "A poorly written, outdated handbook is a missed opportunity for employers. The handbook offers real value in promoting employee engagement and retention," says Melissa Silver, Senior Legal Editor of Policy Solutions for XpertHR. "So it's important to keep the handbook up to dateand know when it's time to give it a full overhaul." XpertHR, an HR strategy, compliance and data provider, offers tips to help with the process with its new whitepaper, 6 Items to Include in Your Employee Handbook and 3 to Avoid. What's the one thing every handbook should include? Policies employers are required by law to include in their handbook if they have one. While employee handbooks tend to be flexible, legal requirements are not, and if the employee handbook is not in compliance with a law's notice requirements, it could leave a company vulnerable to litigation and fines. "Employee handbook requirements differ from state to state, so be sure to check your state's specific rules," says Silver. "For example, in Maryland , employers covered under the Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities Due to Pregnancy Act must have a section in their employee handbook dedicated to an employee's right to reasonable accommodations and leave for a pregnancy-related disability. These requirements can even stretch to localities employers in Minneapolis, Minnesota , for instance, must include in their employee handbook a notice of employee rights and remedies under the Minneapolis paid sick leave law." It's also essential to have well-written policies against harassment and discrimination, not only to reduce risk for the employer and set clear expectations for employees, but also to foster inclusivity and help increase employee engagement and morale. The policies should clearly communicate that discriminatory and harassing behaviors or conduct will not be tolerated in the workplace and that the employer will take related complaints seriously. Yet these two types of policies only scratch the surface. An employment at-will policy, an employee acknowledgment form and PTO policies with final wage information are additional critical components of a handbook. While identifying what to include in an employee handbook is important, it is equally or more important to recognize what to avoid in a handbook. Silver notes that one red flag is an employee handbook so riddled with legalese that it confuses employees. Clear, simple language is best. In that same vein, outdated policies can signal that the employer does not value the handbook. It's also essential to ensure that the policies in the employee handbook as well as its tone and language reflect the present. One way for companies to do this is by being proactive, staying ahead of workplace trends and regularly updating the handbook. For instance, offering a policy on flexible work arrangements lets employees know that work-life balance is a priority, Silver says. Of course, no matter how vital it may be, Silver acknowledges it can be challenging to update the employee handbook regularly. This is especially true for employers that operate in multiple jurisdictions or have remote employees in multiple states. "One way you can help your handbook stay on track is Aptifore, a first-of-its-kind employee handbook solution," she notes. Launched by XpertHR earlier this year, Aptifore combines an extensive, current database of federal, state and local employment laws with an unrivaled selection of multi-jurisdictional policies. Its intelligent technology supports and streamlines the continuous maintenance of compliant handbooks by providing ongoing, automated personalized alerts and policy updates as legislation changes. To learn more about how Aptifore is helping companies build better employee handbooks and to book a free demo, visit http://aptifore.com. About XpertHR Global leader XpertHR empowers organizations to shape HR strategy, manage employee risk and embrace diverse talent ecosystems to create equitable, high-performing and purposeful workplaces. Since 2002, the data analytics and intelligent solutions provider has earned a reputation for providing expert insights, trusted resources and practical tools to help customers achieve greater efficiency, improve compliance and increase employee engagement. XpertHR is proud to be part of the LexisNexis portfolio within RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. To learn more visit xperthr.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rethink-your-handbook-with-xperthr-guidance-on-what-to-include-and-what-to-avoid-301654098.html SOURCE XpertHR [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 19, 2022] Mantisco partners with Immutable X Partners on Web3 Gaming Initiative New "Hunter's Arena" will be built as Web3.0 Game on with Immutable X SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mantisco, a Web3 game developer and publisher based in Seoul, Korea, today announced a partnership with Immutable X, an industry-leading NFT minting and trading platform and the world's first Layer 2 rapid-scaling solution on Ethereum to build Web3 game, called "Hunter's Arena: Rebirth. With Web3 gaming rapidly on the rise, Mantisco has been developing the Web3 version of Hunter's Arena in-house. Mantisco aims to provide a game ecosystem that not only allows users to enjoy in-game experiences powered by true ownership of digital assets including game characters, skins, weapons, and otheritems, but helps users to experience the fun by revamping the combat systems, improving user experience while maintaining the fast-paced and immersive in-game play. Mantisco has focused on "delivering games that sets sustainable standard of blockchain gaming and brings players of all backgrounds together, allowing users an active involvement with high reward." Mantisco envisions "to give their community excitement and fun factors through stylish action-packed combat, engaging in-game scenarios and various opportunities for users to progress their skills, competing against each other while enjoying true ownership of in-game assets." David Yoon, CEO of Mantisco said, "Aligned with Immutable's expertise of accelerating the mass adoption of web3 games, we are now spurring the development of brand new games, including 'Hunters Arena: Rebirth" and other AAA-rated games built with Unreal 5. We focus on players' motivation, enjoyment, and secured transaction games. Our partnership with Immutable X will be pivotal for us to bring our gaming vision into reality." Mantisco developed and published AAA-rated game called "Hunter's Arena: Legend" on Steam, PS4, and PS last year. "Hunter's Arena: Legend" was first Korean game released on both PS4 and PS5 and record 12 million downloads worldwide. Immutable is advancing the next generation of web3 games through ImmutableX, an industry-leading NFT minting and trading platform and the world's first Layer 2 rapid scaling solution on Ethereum. Today ImmutableX, leveraging ZK roll-up technology from Starkware, has grown to become the leading platform to mint, trade and scale web3 games and NFT projects on Ethereum, offering builders and innovators a carbon-free, no gas fee solution with unlimited speed, scalability, security, and liquidity. "Hunter's Arena: Rebirth" is scheduled for release in 2023. SOURCE Mantisco [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 19, 2022] Vantage launches #MoveWithVantage TikTok Challenge in Vietnam with USD3,500 worth of prizes The social media challenge aims to inspire creativity and community engagement, and highlight the full range of features offered by the Vantage App. Singapore, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage, the international multi-asset broker, is pleased to launch the Vantage TikTok challenge - #MoveWithVantage. The TikTok challenge offers the Vietnamese young community the chance to win cash prizes worth US$3,500, for unique, creative content that highlights their favourite features and benefits of the Vantage App. The challenge opens from 20 October and entries will be acepted until 30 November 2022. The top three winners will be announced on the official #MoveWithVantage website on 15 December 2022. The top winner with the most original and inventive TikTok will be crowned the #MoveWithVantage Champion and walk away with USD2,000. To learn more about the #MoveWithVantage Vietnam TikTok Challenge and to enter the competition, visit the official page here. Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy & Trading Officer, Vantage says, "We are thrilled to launch the #MoveWithVantage Vietnam Tik Tok Challenge as an opportunity to get to know our clients better. With nearly 40 million downloads of the Tik Tok in Vietnam, we know this is our young and active clients' platform of choice, and the best place for them to fully express their creative ideas. "In Vietnam and APAC, we have been focused on providing our clients with highly localized market news and financial education that meets their trading needs. Our Vantage App is an important part of that solution as it allows clients to learn and trade seamlessly from their mobile devices. We look forward to seeing the creative content from our clients, and what everyone thinks are the best features of our Vantage App." About Vantage Vantage is a global, multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading CFDs on Forex, Commodities, Indices, and Shares. With more than 10 years of market experience. Vantage now has over 1,000 employees across more than 30 global offices. Vantage is more than a broker. It provides a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that enables clients to take advantage of trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play. Be empowered to better capitalise on winning market opportunities when you trade smarter @vantage SOURCE Vantage [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 19, 2022] Millions of Women who Suffer from Pelvic Pain Still Unaware of Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome PVCS SYDNEY, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pelvic pain is a common condition affecting millions of women around the world, with up to 40% affected during their lifetime. Of those affected, 30% suffer from Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome (PVCS). Boston Scientific has launched a new website that can help shed light on the condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatments options. Unfortunately, due to a dearth of information and awareness of the syndrome by both sufferers and physicians, PVCS is frequently misdiagnosed, and many sufferers often go undiagnosed. PVCS is often mistaken for a host of other pelvic-related conditions because pelvic pain is far too common, and may be caused by problems related to the reproductive, gastrointestinal, or urinary systems. However, the presence of varicose veins in certain areas such as the vulva, vagina, inner thigh, and sometimes around the buttocks and down the leg may indicate PVCS. PVCS: Lauren's story PVCS is when the ovarian and/or pelvic veins are dilated not unlike varicose veins. Symptoms of PVCS are aplenty , with the most common being a dull, achy abdominal pain that gets worse after long periods of standing. The risks for developing PVCS are similar to that of developing varicose veins, especially for women of childbearing age. Varicose veins develop in about 8 - 20% of pregnant women, and this risk ncreases with each pregnancy (13% for first, 30% for second, and up to 57% thereafter). "I started experiencing ongoing pain, pressure problems, and other symptoms when I was pregnant with my second child. For 3 years, I lived with persistent pain that drastically affected my life, both at home with my family and at work.", shared Queensland resident Lauren Kempshall, 39. Lauren's GP referred her to a gynecologist on suspicion of endometriosis. However, her symptoms just didn't match. Eventually, Lauren got a referral to a vascular surgeon; a scan, together with other symptoms such as varicose veins in her upper thighs, got Lauren her diagnosis of pelvic congestion. Treating PVCS Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome (PVCS) must be diagnosed by a medical specialist such as an Interventional Radiologist (IR) or Vascular Surgeon (VS). This will begin with a thorough clinical history and physical examination, and, through a scan such as ultrasound or venography (looking at pelvic veins using contrast dye), a diagnosis will be made. "Treatments of PVCS include medical therapy, surgical solutions and ovarian vein embolism which is a minimally invasive procedure with mild sedation patients can usually be discharged a few hours post-surgery", said Dr. Marek Garbowski from the Perth Vascular Clinic in Subiaco. "Realizing the pain had gone after living with it for three long years was the most liberating feeling ever. I am back to living a normal happy life. I am me again." Lauren Kempshall To learn more about PVCS and find specialists near you, Boston Scientific has a website to answer your questions. Visit www.venouspelvicpain.com.au to learn more. Disclaimers: This material is for informational Purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health or to address any questions. Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary. The expressed view and opinion of patient belong to the patient. They do not represent the opinion of BSC. Dr Marek Garbowski and Lauren Kempshall are not compensated by Boston Scientific Corporation. and are not compensated by Boston Scientific Corporation. 2022 Copyright Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Boston Scientific Pty Ltd | PO Box 332 Botany NSW 1455 Australia Tel +61 2 8063 8100 | Fax +61 2 9330 1404 Tel +61 2 8063 8100 | Fax +61 2 9330 1404 PI-1413401-AA OCT 2022 SOURCE Boston Scientific [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 19, 2022] Rodller Announces The Opening Of Their Paris Subsidiary SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rodller today announced the launch of the Paris Branch. The operations for Rodller France will be driven by two seasoned entrepreneurs, Olivier Metral and Ludovic Bergounioux, and covers all of Europe's Francophone areas. The opening of Rodller France is in line with the Global expansion plans of Rodller Singapore. The unique Cloud Platform of Digital Marketing, Fundraising and Application Development becomes now available to French speaking Founders and Investors alike. Mr Metral and Mr Bergounioux will take on the Business Development and delivery processes for Rodller France. They both are entrepreneurs that understand the lifecycle of startups and more importantly, have full empathy for the challenges that Founders face these days. "I am honored to rejoin Rodller as its COO of Rodller France," said Mr. Metral. "I believe that Rodller has tremendous opportunities to capitalize on its Singapore foundation, and grow its ecosystem. I look forward to working with ur global teams to enhance our Customer experiences and provide more capabilities that will help Startups acquire Customers faster and raise funding better. Here in France, we will focus on continuing to evolve the Rodller's strategy," said Mr Metral from France. ''Going into the French market is important for Rodller Singapore since there is a growing startup culture in France. We also want to reduce the funding gap by allowing French Venture Capital to invest in Asian Startup opportunities, and vice versa,'' said Carwin Heierman, Rodller CEO and Founder. "That France has posted its highest Q2 on record for VC funding, with 3.7 billion Euros, has not gone unnoticed here at Rodller," he added. Currently, Rodller is in talks to replicate the expansion also in the German speaking part of Europe (DACH) and Dubai. More will be announced on these regions, still in 2022. About Rodller Rodller provides the key ingredients for any firm between Pre-seed and Series B. These ingredients are Digital Marketing, Fundraising and Application Development. All these are processed through a unique Collaboration Cloud Platform. Founders and Investors alike consume this Platform to achieve their Fundraising and Deal Sourcing goals. Rodller was Founded by Carwin Heierman. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925004/Rodller_in_Paris.jp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925013/Rodller_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rodller-announces-the-opening-of-their-paris-subsidiary-301654335.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 19, 2022] Envision and Toyota Tsusho China Form Strategic Partnership for Net Zero Transition SHANGHAI, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision, the global green tech partner for net zero, and Toyota Tsusho (China) Co., Ltd. ("Toyota Tsusho China"), one of the leading Japanese General Trading Houses in Toyota Motor Group, today announced a strategic partnership in China to support the company and its clients' net zero transition. Toyota Tsusho has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions by 50% below 2019 levels by 2030, and to achieve net zero GHG emissions and carbon neutrality by 2050. As part of its wide-ranging partnership, Toyota Tsusho China plans to implement the EnOSTM Ark Carbon Management System by Envision Digital to monitor its energy management and emissions in real-time to support abatement, offsets, and certifications. The strategic partnership will also include cooperation on serving net zero solutions jointly to different clients to help them achieve their carbon emission reduction goals. The signing of the strategic partnership took place in Shanghai between Mr Tatsuya Watanuki, Toyota Tsusho East Asia CEO, and Alex Sun, Vice President, Carbon Management, Envision Digital. Tatsuya Watanuki, Toyota Tsusho East Asia CEO, said "We have set ourselves the challenging target of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by the end of the decade. To help us achieve this we must deploy industry leading technology and solutions to support our transition. Our new strategic partnership with Envision will play a major role in helping not only for us but also our clients to meet the broader net zero commitments. We will collaborate with Envision to give new services to our customers." Alex Sun, Vice President, Carbon Management at Envision Digital, said "We are honoured to be selected by Toyota Tsusho China as a strategic partner for its net zero journey. Toyota has a strong vision and commitment for its net zero ambitions, and we see considerable potential for collaboration in supporting energy transition solutions across many areas of our respective groups." -ends- About Toyota Tsusho Corporation Toyota Tsusho is a global entity that conducts business in countries all over the world together with its global employees. Since its establishment in 1948, Toyota Tsusho have consistently expanded, harmoniously fusing with Kasho Corporation, Tomen Corporation and French trading company, CFAO. For further development, Toyota Tsusho Group seeks to be a one and only presence to all stakeholders with 'Be the Right ONE' as Toyota Tsusho's global vision. To achieve this vision, Toyota Tsusho is focusing on three business domains, mobility, life & community, resources & environment, to contribute resolving social issues through business operation. For more information, please visit https://www.toyota-tsusho.com/english/ About Envision Digital Envision Digital is committed to becoming the world's leading net zero technology partner for enterprises, governments, and cities, with the goal of accelerating progress towards carbon-free energy and improving quality of life for all of humanity. The company's EnOS net zero platform manages over 220 million devices and 400 Gigawatts of electricity, powering highly configurable, end to end IIOT solutions that use AI to reduce carbon emissions and costs, improve return on capital, and simplify reporting and compliance. The company has over 1,000 employees and 14 offices across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Japan and the United States, with headquarters in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.envision-digital.com/. SOURCE Envision Digital [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Axway Software: Q3 2022 revenue of 67.5m, ARR up 6.6% Regulatory News: During the first 9 months of the year, Axway (Euronext: AXW.PA) (Paris:AXW) confirmed the ramp-up of its cloud-based subscription offerings. This trend, which impacts the Company's revenue compared to the previous year due to lower anticipated revenue recognition, did not prevent the total value of all subscription contracts signed (TCV) from increasing significantly over 9 months (+29%), despite the slippage of several large Customer Managed deals towards the end of the year. At product level, Axway continued to deploy its strategy focused on its key offerings. At the same time, customer interest in the Company's 4 main product lines remained strong: - the Amplify API Management platform continued to attract new customers with 31% growth in the value of new customer bookings over the first 9 months of 2022. Additionally, at the end of August, Axway was positioned as a Leader in The Forrester WaveTM API Management Solutions, Q3 20222. This new distinction confirms the relevance of the Company's vision of an open platform and a focus on helping customers expand the use of their APIs. - MFT new customer bookings have grown 96% since the beginning of the year. Q3 also saw the launch by Axway of a new partnership with Pro2col to help accelerate enterprise MFT adoption across the UK and Ireland, - the value of new customer bookings for the B2B integration platform continued to grow during the quarter, reaching 782% year-to-date growth. This performance was driven by significant Axway Managed subscription deals, where customers entrusted Axway to run their B2B infrastructure and operations, allowing them to reduce their internal resources and focus on their core competencies, - A new version of the Axway Financial Accounting Hub offering was launched, enabling Axway to engage in the financial ERP market, which is moving towards the cloud, with a complete SaaS/hybrid platform. Patrick Donovan, Axway's Chief Executive Officer, said: "The transition to a stable recurring revenue model from a traditional license business is a significant challenge, as seen again this year with the irregular revenue recognition we're experiencing. Business momentum is moving in the right direction as our total bookings grew 16% over the first 3 quarters of 2022 and our overall subscription bookings have been even more dynamic, with 29% growth over the period. However, our revenue does not yet accurately reflect this commercial success and this is explained by the rise of our cloud Axway Managed subscription offers, whose weight in the total value of our bookings doubled year-on-year, from 13% to 26%. As I had the opportunity to explain when I presented our half-year results last July, our revenue will be more stable and predictable in the future thanks to the accumulation of this type of contract whose total earnings are recognized over time. Besides the good bookings, internal adjustments around our core products help deliver the focus and alignment our customers are looking for. Our product roadmaps continue to tighten, we are speeding up our decision making and further strengthening our engagement with customers. This is bearing results through improved customer satisfaction, better product quality and a more efficient organization." Comments on Q3 2022 activity Axway Software: Consolidated revenue 3rd Quarter 2022 (m) Q3 2022 Q3 2021 Restated* Q3 2021 Reported Total Growth Organic Growth Constant Currency Growth Revenue 67.5 75.6 69.8 -3.3% -10.7% -10.7% * Revenue at 2022 scope and exchange rates In Q3 2022, Axway's revenue was 67.5 m, down 10.7% organically and 3.3% in total. Currency fluctuations had a positive impact of 5.8m on quarterly revenue, due to the appreciation of the of the US Dollar against the Euro. Axway Software: Revenue by business line 3rd Quarter 2022 (m) Q3 2022 Q3 2021 Restated* Q3 2021 Reported Total Growth Organic Growth License 2.3 5.3 4.7 -51.7% -56.7% Subscription 27.4 30.2 27.8 -1.7% -9.5% Maintenance 28.3 31.8 29.5 -4.2% -11.1% Services 9.6 8.3 7.7 23.9% 15.8% Axway Software 67.5 75.6 69.8 -3.3% -10.7% * Revenue at 2022 scope and exchange rates Revenue from the License activity amounted to 2.3m in Q3 2022 (3% of total revenue), representing an organic decline of 56.7%. As expected, the activity is still slowing down significantly due to the availability of Subscription offers that are meeting strong demand for all the key products in Axway's portfolio. Subscription revenue totaled 27.4m in Q3 2022 (41% of total revenue), down 1.7% overall and 9.5% organically. This trend is explained by the high comparison basis established in Q3 2021 (+27.1%) and the decline in recognized upfront revenue, which Axway Managed revenue growth over the period was insufficient to offset. In line with expectations, revenue from the Maintenance activity amounted to 28.3m (42% of total revenue) in Q3 2022, representing a total decline of 4.2% and an organic decline of 11.1%. The migration of value from certain maintenance operations to Subscription has continued and, on a full-year basis, Axway anticipates a decline in activity similar to that seen over the first 9 months of the year. At the end of September 2022, Axway's Annual Recurrent Revenue (ARR) was 191.1m, up 6.6% compared to the end of September 2021. Recurring revenue for the quarter, which includes Subscription and Maintenance activities, represented 83% of the Company's revenue for the period, i.e. 55.7m, including upfront revenue of 7.5m recognized on the signing of Customer Managed subscription contracts. The Services activity generated revenues of 9.6m in Q3 2022 (14% of total revenues), with organic growth of 15.8% and 23.9% in total. Still heavily impacted last year by travel restrictions in certain regions, the activity is gradually readjusting with a significant increase compared to the favorable comparison basis from which it benefits. Axway Software: Revenue by geographic area 3rd Quarter 2022 (m) Q3 2022 Q3 2021 Restated* Q3 2021 Reported Total Growth Organic Growth France 15.1 19.3 19.3 -21.8% -21.8% Rest of Europe 14.7 14.0 14.0 4.5% 4.8% Americas 32.8 37.5 32.2 1.8% -12.6% Asia/Pacific 5.0 4.8 4.3 15.9% 3.5% Axway Software 67.5 75.6 69.8 -3.3% -10.7% * Revenue at 2022 scope and exchange rates France reported revenue of 15.1m in Q3 2022 (22% of total revenue), a decrease of 21.8% compared to Q3 2021. Growth in Axway Managed subscription contracts and Services did not compensate for the low level of upfront revenue recognized over the quarter. The Rest of Europe region grew organically by 4.8% in Q3 2022 thanks to revenue of 14.7m, representing 22% of total revenue. Strong growth in Subscription and Services offset the decline in revenue from other activities. This trend is due to the signing in the region of several multi-year Customer Managed subscription contracts, with customers wishing to take advantage of the latest versions of Axway's APIM, B2B and MFT offerings. The Americas generated revenue of 32.8m in Q3 2022 (49% of total revenue), up 1.8% overall and down 12.6% organically. In the region, the strong increase in demand for Axway Managed subscription offerings explains the decline in recognized revenue compared to Q3 2021. The Asia/Pacific region saw its revenue grow by 3.5% organically and 15.9% in total to reach 5.0m for the quarter (7% of total revenue). As in the first six months of the year, strong Subscription and Services momentum was the main reason for Axway's satisfactory performance in the region. Financial position at September 30, 2022 At September 30, 2022, Axway had cash of 24.3m and net debt of 65.6m. Axway highlights that, if necessary, it has access to available financing capacity under its existing revolving credit facility. 2022 Targets & Outlook Axway maintains its objective of achieving organic revenue growth of between 1% and 3% in 2022. The Company also aims to improve its profitability, with a margin on operating activities of between 12% and 14% of revenue for the year. In the medium term, Axway's ambitions remain: ? to achieve revenue of 500m through organic growth in sales and acquisitions ? to return to operating margin on business activity rates above 15% ? to sustainably increase earnings per share to above 1 Financial Calendar Wednesday, February 22, 2023, after market closing: Publication of 2022 Full-Year Results Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 6:30 pm (UTC+1): 2022 Full-Year Results Virtual Analyst Conference Glossary and Alternative Performance Measures ACV: Annual Contract Value - Annual contract value of a subscription agreement. ARR: Annual Recurring Revenue - Expected annual billing amounts from all active maintenance and subscription agreements. Employee Engagement Score: Measurement of employee engagement through an independent annual survey. Growth at constant exchange rates: Growth in revenue between the period under review and the prior period restated for exchange rate impacts. NPS: Net Promoter Score - Customer satisfaction and recommendation indicator for a company. Organic growth: Growth in revenue between the period under review and the prior period, restated for consolidation scope and exchange rate impacts. Profit on operating activities: Profit from recurring operations adjusted for the non-cash share-based payment expense, as well as the amortization of allocated intangible assets. Restated revenue: Revenue for the prior year, adjusted for the consolidation scope and exchange rates of the current year. TCV: Total Contract Value - Full contracted value of a subscription agreement over the contract term. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements that may be subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning Axway's growth and profitability, notably in the event of future acquisitions. Axway highlights that signature of contracts, which represent investments for customers, are more significant in the second half of the year and may therefore have a more or less favorable impact on full-year performance. In addition, Axway notes that potential acquisition(s) could also impact this financial data. Furthermore, activity during the year and/or actual results may differ from those described in this document as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties set out in the 2021 Universal Registration Document filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers, AMF) on March 24, 2022, under number D.22-0145. The distribution of this document in certain countries may be subject to prevailing laws and regulations. Natural persons present in these countries and in which this document is disseminated, published, or distributed, should obtain information about such restrictions, and comply with them. About Axway Axway enables enterprises to securely open everything by integrating and moving data across a complex world of new and old technologies. Axway's API-driven B2B integration and MFT software, refined over 20 years, complements Axway Amplify, an open API management platform that makes APIs easier to discover and reuse across multiple teams, vendors, and cloud environments. Axway has helped over 11,000 businesses unlock the full value of their existing digital ecosystems to create brilliant experiences, innovate new services, and reach new markets. Learn more at axway.com Appendices 1 See Glossary and Alternative Performance Measures 2 The Forrester Wave: API Management Solutions, Q3 2022, Forrester Research, Inc., August 22, 2022. To learn more and access the study click here Axway Software: Revenue by business line YTD - 9 Months 2022 (m) 9M 2022 9M 2021 Restated* 9M 2021 Reported Total Growth Organic Growth License 8.6 15.1 14.0 -38.5% -42.9% Subscription 83.2 84.4 79.6 4.5% -1.3% Maintenance 84.3 94.7 89.5 -5.8% -11.0% Services 27.8 26.3 25.1 10.9% 5.6% Axway Software 203.9 220.5 208.2 -2.1% -7.5% * Revenue at 2022 scope and exchange rates Axway Software: Revenue by geographic area YTD - 9 Months 2022 (m) 9M 2022 9M 2021 Restated* 9M 2021 Reported Total Growth Organic Growth France 52.8 58.6 58.6 -9.9% -9.9% Rest of Europe 41.9 48.0 48.0 -12.7% -12.7% Americas 93.6 100.6 89.3 4.8% -6.9% Asia/Pacific 15.6 13.3 12.3 27.3% 17.6% Axway Software 203.9 220.5 208.2 -2.1% -7.5% * Revenue at 2022 scope and exchange rates Axway Software: Impact on revenue of changes in scope and exchange rates YTD - 9 months 2022 (m) 9M 2022 9M 2021 Growth Revenue 203.9 208.2 - 2.1% Changes in exchange rates +12.3 Revenue at constant exchange rates 203.9 220.5 - 7.5% Changes in scope +0.0 Revenue at constant scope and exchange rates 203.9 220.5 - 7.5% Axway Software: Changes in exchange rates YTD - 9 months 2021 For 1 Average rate 9M 2022 Average rate 9M 2021 Change US Dollar 1.064 1.196 + 12.4% View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221019006222/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Digital Pilipinas and Affinidi Sign MOU to Accelerate Workforce Digitalisation in The Philippines SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Affinidi, a decentralised identity solutions provider founded by global investment company Temasek, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Digital Pilipinas regarding the issuance of verifiable credentials ("VCs"), which is an open standard for tamper-evident digital credentials, to help facilitate the digital upskilling of the local workforce in The Philippines. This partnership aims to empower individuals by recognising their achievements in upgrading their skills and knowledge, through the issuance, verification and authentication of cryptographically verifiable VCs that attest to such achievements. Under the MOU, Affinidi will provide its expertise in digital credentialing through its mobile application and digital wallet Ceal, where individuals will be able to receive their knowledge certificates as VCs, and store them securely on mobile phones using decentralised technology. Individuals can also build and manage their digital identity on the Ceal mobile application and control what information they wish to share, with whom, and when to share it. Individuals can then use their digital identity on Ceal mobile application for more seamless and credible professional networking opportunities ad showcase their knowledge and skills to potential employers. As VCs can be validated digitally as opposed to manually checking hard copy documents and certificates, the verification process by peers or employers is convenient, real-time and can be done remotely. Digital Pilipinas, the largest private sector-led movement championing nascent technologies and cross-border collaborations to build sustainable digital ecosystems, will drive the engagement of national line agencies and enablers of the private and public sectors in various pillars such as edutech, healthtech, insurtech, payments, open finance, and cybersecurity. The MOU was inked against the backdrop of an increased need for new skillsets as the pandemic and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have accelerated digitalisation and automation of the economy tremendously, as highlighted by The Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry. According to a 2020 McKinsey report, over 43 per cent of companies say that they are currently experiencing a skills gap, while another 44 per cent expect the skills gap in their company to occur in the next five years. "Verifiable credentials not only help reduce processing time but they also greatly enhance the user experience and empower individuals and organisations to have control of their personal data," said Glenn Gore, CEO of Affinidi. "We are excited to be working closely with Digital Pilipinas to help digitalise the Philippine workforce and transform the country's economy through the use of innovative technologies." Digital Pilipinas is also staged to mount the Philippine Fintech Festival, a week-long event that brings together legacy brands, innovators, technologists, government regulators, and start-ups into an ecosystem that champions the digital and cross-border future of the country. This event will be the launchpad for the partnership as Digital Pilipinas issues VCs in two phases. In the first phase, Digital Pilipinas will issue certificate of participation for all participants who have attended the Philippines Fintech Festival 2022. This issuance is expected to take place in November 2022. The second phase will include the relaunch of DP Academy and issuance of knowledge certificate VCs as a value-added service to participants to recognise their learning achievements, which is expected to take place by December 2022. "Partnering with Affinidi allows us to reinforce our capabilities and experience to offer our community of over 12,000 learners and industry experts with a one-stop hub for all their training certificates", said Amor Maclang, Convenor of Digital Pilipinas and World Fintech Festival-Philippines "This milestone marks a leap forward in our vision to broaden the digital economy of the Philippines as we look forward to deeper synergies through this collaboration." About Affinidi Affinidi is a core technology company that enables the creation, sharing, and verification of VCs that are portable and verifiable. Affinidi's solutions empower trusted institutions to issue VCs to users, who can provide consent to share their VCs with other institutions, applications, or service providers, for verification. By sharing these VCs, users can access valuable products and services across platforms and geographies in a trusted, open and interoperable manner. About Digital Pilipinas Digital Pilipinas is the largest private sector-led movement championing nascent technologies and cross-border collaborations to tech up the country through a whole-of-society whole-of-nation approach. Digital Pilipinas engages thought leaders, decision-makers, and industries to create harmonious policies that harness the full potential of innovation while driving robust and more inclusive growth in economic freedom for the Philippines. SOURCE Affinidi [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market Garnered around USD 6.2 Billion in 2021 and to Grow with a CAGR of ~6% during 2022-2031; Rising Number of Geriatric Population to Elevate Market Growth - Kenneth Research New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kenneth Research has published a detailed market report on the Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market for the forecast period, i.e., 2022-2031 which includes the following factors: Market growth over the forecast period Detailed regional synopsis Market segmentation Growth drivers Challenges Key market players and their detailed profiling Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market Size The global anticholinergic drugs market garnered around USD 6.2 billion in 2021 and to grow with a CAGR of ~6% over the forecast period. The market expansion can be largely ascribed to the worlds geriatric population, which is also a major contributor to the increased prevalence of numerous chronic diseases. The United Nations World Population Prospects 2019 report estimates that 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 as of 2019 and that 1 in 6 people is predicted to be over the age of 65 by the year 2050. Significant government and private sector investment in the life science sector is also anticipated to contribute significantly to market growth. Over recent years, the global spending on health has more than twice, nearly USD 8.5 trillion in 2019, or 9.8 % of global GDP. The development and expansion of the healthcare infrastructure, as well as 24-hour medical support, are additional variables anticipated to boost market progress. Get a Sample PDF of This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10116989 Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market: Key Takeaways North American region gains the largest portion of the revenue Parkinsons disease to dominate the revenue graph Hospital segment remains prominent in the channel of distribution segmentation Rising Incidences of Chronic Illnesses and Rising Online Pharmacies to Spur the Market More than 580 drugs have anticholinergic to some extent, claim several scientific data. Treatments for respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD), Parkinsons, cardiovascular disease, urge incontinence, physiological disorders, depression, mydriasis, and allergies can benefit from medications with anticholinergic activity. The rising incidence of chronic diseases increases the demand for anticholinergic drugs. For instance, asthma is the most prevalent chronic illness in children and is a serious noncommunicable disease (NSD) that affects both children and adults. In 2019, 455,000 individuals died from asthma and an estimated 262 million people were affected by it. In low and lower-middle-income nations, where underdiagnosis and undertreatment are challenges, the majority of asthma-related deaths take place. Another severe chronic condition, cardiovascular disease (CVD), is responsible for a number of fatalities worldwide. In 2019, about 875,000 fatalities in the United States were attributed to CVD which is recognized as the primary cause of death. The popularity of online pharmacies is increasing anticholinergic drugs demand as well. The online pharmacy market is expected to grow moderately with overall revenues nearing USD 28 billion in 22. It is further predicted to cross over USD 51 billion by 2027. Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market: Regional Overview The global anticholinergic drugs market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa Region. Browse to access the In-depth research report on Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market with detailed charts and figures: https://www.kennethresearch.com/report-details/anticholinergic-drugs-market/10116989 Rising Chronic Diseases to Drive the Market in the North American Region Anticholinergic drug sales in North America currently account for the largest market share and during the projected period, it is expected that the region to continue to lead the market growth. The expansion of the market on account of the rising number of patients afflicted with illnesses like Parkinsons disease, hypertension, and others as well as to the regions better life science research possibilities and developed health care infrastructure. Each year, Parkinsons Foundation reports that about 60,000 Amerians are identified with Parkinsons disease. Being technologically advanced makes it easier to innovate and create pharmaceuticals, which is another crucial factor anticipated to fuel market expansion. Furthermore, systolic hypertension of more than 120mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of more than 80mmHg, or taking medication to treat hypertension, characterizes nearly half of adults in the United States (47% or 116 million). The rise in chronic diseases fuels the market growth in the region. Expanding Research Centers to Fuel the Asia Pacific Market On the other hand, the market in the Asia Pacific is expected to increase over the forecast period as a result of the expansion of health care infrastructure and the installation of research and development centers. Clinical studies that have been registered have grown dramatically in recent years. In 2022, China has around 6790 clinical studies registered, representing a 2.2% increase in medical research over 2021 In addition, the expansion of production facilities in developing nations like Korea, India, and others is predicted to fuel market expansion in the area. Get a Sample PDF of the Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10116989 The study further incorporates Y-O-Y growth, demand & supply and forecasts future opportunities in: North America (U.S., Canada) Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg, NORDIC [Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark], Poland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific) Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC [Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman], North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa). Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market, Segmentation by Application Muscle Spasm Parkinsons Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overactive Bladder The Parkinsons disease (PD) segment is predicted to hold a substantial market share over the forecast period. PD is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by motor symptoms (slow movement, tremor, rigidity, and unbalanced walking) and a wide range of non-motor consequences. Over 8.5 million people worldwide are estimated to have PD as of 2019. This is a global prevalence that has doubled in the previous 25 years. More people are becoming disabled and dying from PD than from any other neurological condition. It is estimated that PD caused 329,000 deaths in 2019, a rise of over 100% from 2000, and 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years, an increase of 81% from 2000. The rising cases of PD raises the need for anticholinergic drugs and further propels the growth of the segment. Access full Report Description, TOC, Table of figures, Chart, etc. @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10116989 Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market, Segmentation by Channel of Distribution Hospitals Retail Pharmacies Online Pharmacies The hospital segment is estimated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The strong desire of people to be treated by highly qualified medical professionals and the presence of a sizable patient pool in the hospital facility that requires treatment for chronic diseases are two factors that have contributed to the expansion of the segment. There were around 8200 hospitals in Japan and over 6,000 hospitals in the United States in 2020. The necessity for anticholinergic medications to treat chronic diseases rises with the number of hospitals, which encourages the growth of the segment. Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market, segmentation by Product Type Natural Semi-Synthetic Compound Synthetic Compound Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market, Segmentation by Route of Administration Parental Topical Oral Few of the well-known market leaders in the global anticholinergic drugs market that are profiled by Kenneth Research are Pfizer Inc., AbbVie Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Novartis AG, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Viatris Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., and Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH among others. Enquiry before Buying This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10116989 Recent Developments in Global Anticholinergic Drugs Market On December 1st, 2021, Astellas Pharma Inc. reached an agreement with Dyno Therapeutics Inc. for an option and licensing deal to use Dyno's "CapsidMap" technology to develop novel AAV vectors for gene therapy that focus the skeletal and cardiac muscles. On 7 March 2022, the release of lenalidomide capsules under the brand name "Revlimid" was launched by Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. The medications are taken to treat multiple myeloma, mantel cell lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Browse More Related Reports: Vehicle Telematics Market Analysis by Service Type (Information & Navigation, Safety & Security, Insurance Telematics, and Infotainment System); by Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, and Commercial Vehicles); by Technology (Embedded, Tethered, and Integrated); and by Sales Channel (OEM, and Aftermarket)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2023-2033 Clinical Laboratory Services Market Analysis by Service Provider (Clinic-Based, Hospital-Based, and Independent Laboratories); and by Test Type (Hematology, Human & Tumor Genetics, Cytology, Immunology, and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 Molecular Robots Market Segmentation by Application (Drug Discovery & Delivery, Genetic Research, and Others); and by End-User (Pharmaceutical, Research Institutes, and Others)-Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2031-2036 Disposable Syringes Market Segmentation by Type (General/Conventional, Safety, and Pre-Filled Syringes); by Syringe Tip (Luer-Lock, Slip, Eccentric, and Catheter Syringe Tips); by Application (Immunization, and Therapeutic Injections, and Others); by End-User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Blood Banks, Pharmaceutical Companies, and Others)-Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2021-2031 Cholera Vaccine Market Segmentation by Type (Killed, Whole-Cell Oral Cholera Vaccines, Other Oral Cholera Vaccines); by Product (Dukoral, Shanchol, Vaxchora, Euvichol, and Others)-Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2030 About Kenneth Research Kenneth Research is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment, etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided a right guidance at a right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decision so as to avoid future uncertainties. Contact for more Info: AJ Daniel Email: [email protected] U.S. Phone: +1 313 462 0609 Web: https://www.kennethresearch.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market to Grow at ~10% CAGR during 2022-2031; Market to Expand Owing to Growing Need for Clean Water and the Increasing Adoption of POU Systems among End Users- Kenneth Research New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kenneth Research has published a detailed market report on Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market for the forecast period, i.e. 2022 2031, which includes the following factors: Market growth over the forecast period Detailed regional synopsis Market segmentation Growth drivers Profiling of key market players Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market Size: The global point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems market, also commonly termed as water treatment systems point-of-use (POU), garnered a revenue of USD 20.2 billion revenue in the year 2021 and is expected to grow at ~10% CAGR over the forecast period, i.e., 2022 2031. The growth of the market can be attributed to the need for clean water around the world and the increasing adoption of POU systems among end users. Additionally, the rising level of water pollution as a result of rapid urbanization is anticipated to be a major factor driving the growth the market. In addition, the advancing technology of purification such as copper filtration, along with growing disposable income of consumers is most likely to boost the growth of the market in upcoming years. Growing consumer investment towards clean and safe drinking water to combat water-borne diseases is also helping in market expansion. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old, and was responsible for the deaths of 370,000 children in 2019. Get a Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10085990 Prevalence of Diarrhoeal Diseases across the World to Boost Market Growth A point-of-use water treatment system is installed in a single source line in all the building's taps, faucets, or other designated outlets for drinking, cooking, or bathing. These systems purify drinking water effectively and demand for clean water is growing all over the world, coupling with the increasing prevalence of diseases related to water pollution. According to the data by the World Health Organization (WHO), each year diarrhoea kills around 525 000 children under five. Globally, there are nearly 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrhoeal disease every year. Hence, this is expected to significantly drive the growth of the global point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems market. In addition to this, continuous technological advancements to make point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems more useful and effective is adding to the market growth. Additionally, the rising investments in the R&D activities to continuously bring up more feasible solutions for purifying water are predicted to propel the market during the forecast period. As per the research reports, global research and development spending has more than tripled in real terms since 2000, rising from approximately USD 680 billion to nearly over USD 2.5 trillion in 2019. Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market: Regional Overview The global point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa region. Browse to access the In-depth research report on Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market with detailed charts and figures: https://www.kennethresearch.com/report-details/water-treatment-system-point-of-use-market/10085990 Growing Healthcare Advancements throughout the Region Propelled Market Growth in the North America Region Point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems market in the North America region showed a significant growth in the year 2021 owing to high demand for water treatment system among people and presence of large-scale commercial manufacturers of the systems. It is further estimated to elevate substantially over the forecast period on the back of a developed healthcare industry, growing demand for clean water in the region. As POU water treatment systems play a great role to lessen the diarrhoeal diseases, the growth of healthcare sector is highly anticipated to positively influence the market growth. In addition to this, growing healthcare expenditure in overall GDP over the region is also expected to boost the market growth. As per the data by the World Bank, as of 2019,the current health spending accounted for 16.32% of GDP in North America. Rapid Urbanization to Boost Market Growth in the Asia Pacific Region On the other hand, the point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems market in Asia Pacific region is estimated to witness modest growth by growing at a higher CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of market can be attributed to budding opportunities in the field of POU water treatment systems along with the adoption of highly advanced technologies for water filtration among consumers. Moreover, the governments initiative for promoting the use of water treatment system in order to fight against water borne diseases is another major factor expected to add in the growth of the market. Additionally, the rapid urbanization in the Asia Pacific region is a considered to be a major growth driver. As per the data by the World Bank, as of the year 2021, 61% of the total population in East Asia and Pacific accounted to urban population. Get a Sample PDF of Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10085990 The study further incorporates Y-O-Y growth, demand & supply and forecast future opportunity in: North America (U.S., Canada) Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg, NORDIC [Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark], Poland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia-Pacific) Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC [Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman], North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa). Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market, Segmentation by Product Type Countertop Filters Pitcher Filters Under the Counter Filters Faucet Mounted Filters Others The countertop filters segment is anticipated to hold the largest market size in the year 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a notable CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be associated with the easy plumbing connections and installation, as well as minimum space requirement by the systems. Moreover, advanced technology used in the systems, and growing demand of consumers for advanced water purification methods along with their increasing disposable income are projected to influence the segmental growth. It was noted that, as of 2020, the global disposable income per capita was USD 8784. Access full Report Description, TOC, Table of figures, Chart, etc. @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10085990 Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market, Segmentation by End Users Hotel Household Hospitals Educational Institutions Others The hospitals segment is anticipated to show substantial growth over the projection period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the existence of a huge patient pool in hospital facility that requires treatment. Moreover, rising healthcare expenditure per capita on healthcare is also estimated to propel the growth of this segment. According to the data by the World Bank, as of 2019, current health expenditure per capita among the global population was USD 1,121.97. Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market, Segmentation by Category RO Filter UV Filter Gravity Filter Others Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market, Segmentation by Application Residential Commercial Industrial Few of the well-known market leaders in the global point-of-use (POU) water treatment market that are profiled by Kenneth Research are Honeywell International Inc., Calgon Carbon Corporation, Unilever PLC, BWT Holding GmbH, Panasonic Corporation, Katadyn Products Inc., KENT RO SYSTEMS LTD., General Ecology, Inc., COWAY CO. LTD., and Watts Water Technologies, Inc., and others. Enquiry before Buying This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10085990 Recent Developments in the Global Point-of-Use (POU) Water Treatment Systems Market In July 2021, it was announced that goal of BWT's relationship with Formula 1 over the coming years is to eliminate single-use plastic bottles by setting up water stations everywhere across the paddock. In April 2020, The United States Coast Guard (USCG) granted the Type Approval for the Hyde GUARDIAN-US ballast water treatment system manufactured by Calgon Carbon Corporation's Hyde Marine ballast water treatment division (Universal Service). Browse More Related Reports: Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radiofrequency Interference (RFI) Shielding Materials Market Segmentation by Application (Electronics, IT & Telecommunication, Military, Automotive, and Others); and by Material Type (Plastics, Metal, Polymer, and Elastomer)-Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2031 Epoxy Resins Market Segmentation by Type (Diglycidyl Ether Bisphenol A (DGBEA), Diglycidyl Ether Bisphenol F (DGBEF), Novolac, Aliphatic, Glycidylamine, and Others); by Physical Form (Solid, Liquid, and Solution); by Application (Paints & Coatings, Adhesives, Composites, Electronic Encapsulation, and Others); by End User (Building & Construction, Transportation, General Industrial, Consumer Goods, Wind Power, Aerospace, Marine, and Others)-Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2031 Bentonite Market Analysis by Product Type (Sodium, Calcium, and Others); by Distribution Channel (Direct Company Sales, Distributors & Dealers/Retailers, and Direct Import); by Application (Pet Litter, Foundry Molding Sands, Civil Engineering, Iron Ore Pelletizing, Drilling Fluids, Oil Absorbents, and Others) and by End User (Animal Care, Construction, Oil & Gas, Paper & Pulp, Food & Beverages, Personal Care/Cosmetics and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2010-2026 Hydrogenation Catalyst Market Analysis by Product Type (Precious Metal-Based Hydrogenation Catalyst, Common Metal Based Hydrogenation Catalyst, and Alloys & Others); by Form (Heterogeneous, and Homogenous); and by End Use Industry (Chemical, Oil & Gas, Food, Pharmaceutical, Polymer, and Environmental)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2021-2031 Solar Water Desalination Plant Market Analysis by Membrane Process (Solar-Powered Reverse Osmosis, Electro-Dialysis & Electro-Dialysis Reversal, Membrane Desalination, and Nano Filtration); by Method (Solar-Power Humidification-Dehumidification (HDH) Desalination, Solar Diffusion Driven Desalination, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)-Based Desalination, Solar Pond Desalination, and Others); and by Application (Industrial, Agriculture, Municipal, and Commercial)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2021-2031 About Kenneth Research Kenneth Research is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment, etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided a right guidance at a right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decision so as to avoid future uncertainties. Contact for more Info: AJ Daniel Email: [email protected] U.S. Phone: +1 313 462 0609 Web: https://www.kennethresearch.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Global Contextual Advertising Market Garnered around USD 211 Billion in 2021 and to Grow with a CAGR of ~18% through 2022-2031; Online Sales Upsurge and Rising Smartphone Ownership Remain Key Growth Factors - Kenneth Research New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kenneth Research has published a detailed market report on the Global Contextual Advertising Market for the forecast period, i.e., 2022-2031 which includes the following factors: Market Growth over the forecast period Detailed regional synopsis Market segmentation Growth drivers Challenges Key market players and their detailed profiling Global Contextual Advertising Market Size: The global contextual advertising market garnered around USD 211. o billion in 2021 and to grow with a CAGR of ~18% over the forecast period. The expansion of the market can be ascribed to the brands rising marketing expenditure. For instance, in the United States, promotional activities would cost more than USD 284 billion in 2021. Moreover, it is projected that the rising popularity of social media is accelerated the growth of the market. By the beginning of 2022, about 60% of the global population is using social media. In addition to this, digital advertisements can boost brand awareness by over 79%. Get a Sample PDF of This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10013386 Global Contextual Advertising Market: Key Takeaways North American region acquires a noteworthy share of the revenue Activity-based advertising segment to influence the revenue graph Mobile devices segment retains a sizable presence in the market Growth in the Internet Penetration and Increased Smartphone Users to Fuel the Market Development Owing to the progressive improvement in the standard of living, there has been an increase in the number of individuals utilizing the internet in developing nations. It is therefore expected to fuel the expansion of the market. The percentage of people in low-and middle-income countries who use the internet overall increased from 33% to 54% six years back, according to the World Bank. Moreover, over 4 billion people, or roughly 68% of the worlds population is predicted to actively use the internet in 2022. According to the trends, the number of internet users is increasing at a 4.5% annual rate, which translates to over 197 million additional users joining the network every year. Furthermore, owing to the rising number of smartphone users, there has been a growing trend among customers to share brand-related information. As a result, the global contextual advertising market is anticipated to develop. In 2021, there were more than 6 billion smartphone users worldwide which equates to nearly 80% of the worlds population. Global Contextual Advertising Market: Regional Synopsis The global contextual advertising market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa region. Browse to access In-depth research report on Global Contextual Advertising Market with detailed charts and figures: https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10013386 Rising Mobile Advertising Spending and Growing Smartphone User Base to Develop the North American Market On the strength of a rise in social media users, a surge in mobile advertising among consumers, and a rise in the number of smartphones, the North American market is anticipated to hold the biggest market share by the end of 2031. By 2020, mobile advertising expenditures have grown by more than 19% totaling over 195 million. In addition to this, with 82 percent of its population expected to own a smartphone in 2022 or 275 million people, the United States has the greatest smartphone penetration. The rising number of smartphone users and growing mobile advertising spending are predicted to drive market growth in the region. Rising Population and Growing Number of Enterprises to Propel the Market in theAsia Pacific Region On the other hand, the market in the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to expand significantly over the forecast period on account of factors such as rising population, better lifestyles, and an increase in the number of global industry players preferring to outsource production there. According to the latest population data Chinas population is roughly 1,420,880,630. Additionally, the growing number of industry players further drives the growth of the market in the region. For instance, there were around 48 million enterprises were registered in China as of the end of 2021, up from 44 million in the same period in the previous year. Get a Sample PDF of Global Contextual Advertising Market @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10013386 The study further incorporates Y-O-Y growth, demand & supply and forecast future opportunity in: North America (U.S., Canada) Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg, NORDIC [Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark], Poland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia Pacific) Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC [Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman], North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa). Global Contextual Advertising Market, Segmentation by Type Location-Based Advertising Activity-Based Advertising On account of the rising number of social media users followed by an increase in internet users, the activity-based advertising segment is predicted to have the biggest share of these during the forecast period. In 2021-2022, more than 400 million people worldwide signed up for social media. Additionally, activity-based advertising emphasizes audience involvement so that worthwhile material is sent to the audience in real-time time. In 2022, around 30% of digital ad expenditure is expected to be on social media. Additionally, more than 42% of small firms use paid search tactics and almost 52% employ display ads. Furthermore, Google ads generate almost 95% of Googles revenue. Access full Report Description, TOC, Table of figures, Chart, etc. @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10013386 Global Contextual Advertising Market, Segmentation by Deployment Desktops Mobile Devices Digital Billboards Others The mobile devices segment is anticipated to hold substantial market share over the forecast period. Roughly 70% of internet users are expecting to be visiting websites on a smartphone. Furthermore, cellular-based phones are projected to have a significant global expansion. The number of smartphone users is predicted to reach around 6 billion. The growth of the segment is propelled by the rising adoption of cell phones for internet access the and climbing number of smartphone users. Global Contextual Advertising Market, Segmentation by Verticals IT & Telecom Consumer Goods BFSI Healthcare Automobiles Others Few of the well-known market leaders in the global contextual advertising market that are profiled by Kenneth Research are SAP SE, Amobee, Inc., Flurry, Twitter, Inc., Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, MEDIA.NET, IAC, Flytxt, Infolinks, and others. Enquiry before Buying This Report @ https://www.kennethresearch.com/sample-request-10013386 Recent Developments in Global Contextual Advertising Market On 7 th June 2022, Amobee Inc announced that DataMine, its top campaign intelligence engine, would be relaunching. Advertisers are able to make real-time modifications based on data-driven and useful insights on account of the campaign storytellings integration with media data sets and event-level audiences. June 2022, Amobee Inc announced that DataMine, its top campaign intelligence engine, would be relaunching. Advertisers are able to make real-time modifications based on data-driven and useful insights on account of the campaign storytellings integration with media data sets and event-level audiences. On 30th March 2021, to address the complexity and subjectivity of the growing disinformation, Infolinks announced its partnership with the Global Disinformation Index. Browse More Related Reports: Enterprise Portal Market Segmentation by Verticals (IT & Telecommunication, Retail, Manufacturing, BFSI, Transportation, Government, and Others); and by Product Type (Collaborative, Application, and Information Portal)-Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2031 Telecom Managed Services Market Segmentation by Service Type (Data Center, Network Services, Communications Services, Security Services, Data & Information Services, Mobility Services, and Others); by Organization Size (Small & Medium Scale Enterprises and Large Enterprises)-Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2031 Security-Orchestration Market Analysis by Component (Solution, Services, and Others); by Application (Threat Intelligence, Network Forensics, and Others); by Deployment (Cloud and On-Premise); by Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs); and by Vertical (BFSI, Healthcare, and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 Transparent-Caching Market Analysis by Content Type (Live streaming videos, Static videos and Others); by Software (Policy management, Security, and Analytics); by Hardware (Converged Servers and Switches); by Service (Professional Services and Managed Services); and by End-User (ISPs, Telecom Operators, and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 Data-As-A-Service Daas Market Analysis by Deployment (Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud); by Organization Size (Large, and Small & Medium Enterprises); and by End-Users (Government, IT & Telecom, Healthcare, BSFI, Retail, and Others)-Global Supply & Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2022-2031 About Kenneth Research Kenneth Research is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment, etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided a right guidance at a right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decision so as to avoid future uncertainties. Contact for more Info: AJ Daniel Email: [email protected] U.S. Phone: +1 313 462 0609 Web: https://www.kennethresearch.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Socure Estimates Financial Losses from Synthetic Fraud to Reach Nearly $5B by 2024 Socure, the leading provider of digital identity verification and fraud solutions, today issued a report on synthetic identity fraud that illustrates the growing threat this type of fraud posed to US industries, government agencies, and consumers. If synthetic identity fraud continues to go unchecked, losses will double from the estimated $2.48 billion this year to nearly $5 billion in 2024, the research shows. The report titled "The State of Synthetic Fraud: Evolution, Trends, and How We Will Eradicate it By 2026" also uncovered revealing patterns about how fraudsters construct synthetic identities that may assist in identifying and thwarting this kind of crime. The research reveals some of the most common identity elements of synthetic identities, including the most common names criminals give them. The report documents some of the most recent patterns employed by synthetic fraudsters, such as launching increased attacks on demand deposit accounts (DDAs). Most importantly, the report sheds light on the ineffectiveness of traditional methods to fight synthetic identity fraud while providing insights into what practices effectively detect and defend against this crime. "Battling this kind of fraud poses many challenges and some can be traced to modern credit reporting practices and how fraudsters exploit them," said Johnny Ayers, founder and CEO of Socure. "At Socure, we strongly believe we can eradicate synthetic fraud within the next three years, and stop the damage that bad actors are committing against consumers and our financial system. That goal inspired us to develop a product that is far more precise in identifying synthetic fraud than anything else in the market, while removing friction from the acquisition of legitimate consumers." Beware of Michael Smith The Federal Reserve defines synthetic identity fraud as the combining of personally identifiable information to "fabricate a person or entity" for the purpose of committing dishonest acts for personal or financial gain. Often the information, such as name, Social Security number (SSN), an date of birth (DOB), belongs to living and unwitting victims. Fraudsters will then blend the information with fictitious identity elements. Socure's data scientists studied years of synthetic fraud data to spot patterns in the fraudsters' methods. They found that criminals employing synthetic identities do their best to meld them with the overall population. In the majority of cases, synthetic identities fell into the most common demographics and consumer traits. The four most used names for synthetic identities are consistent with the top four names in the Social Security Administration's list of the most popular birth names over the past century-although not in rank order. After studying the fraud data's most popular first names and surnames, Socure's team found that the name most likely to be used for synthetic identities is Michael Smith. He is also most apt to be 31-years old, born in August, and reside in a single-family home located in Houston. Synthetic Identity Fraud is Growing, Morphing The Department of Justice has said that synthetic identity fraud is the country's fastest growing financial crime. What this increase means is that legacy fraud detection solutions and strategies haven't kept pace with the growing sophistication of criminals and the explosive rise in the number of digital account applications. Meanwhile, fraudsters continue to evolve tactics. Bad actors have dramatically stepped up attacks in recent years on DDAs, savings, and investment accounts. Socure's research found that retail banks and fintechs offering these accounts come under attack by synthetic fraudsters more than other industries. Covid Was a Boon for Identity Fraudsters The global pandemic became an important catalyst for synthetic fraudsters, according to Socure's research. Not only does it appear to have significantly impacted the DDA and lending sectors, but the second wave of PPP loans appears to have resulted in the growth of synthetic fraud in investment accounts. Additionally, consumers hurt by the economic downturn increased their use of fraudulently manipulated identities to gain access to credit card and personal lending loans. Fighting Synthetic Identity Fraud Many organizations are concerned that attempts to weed out bad actors will introduce friction into the process of acquiring legitimate and profitable customers. But Socure's multi-layered solution means that the right tools can be deployed at the right time to hone its customers' decisioning strategy, whether the goal is to capture more synthetic fraud or create a lower-friction user experience. Additionally, inaccurate or missing labels makes adequately implementing and testing the effectiveness of fraud detection models extremely challenging. It's one of the biggest obstacles in preventing synthetic identity fraud. But Socure's expert fraud investigators perform a critical task: They provide clean, corrected, and properly classified fraud labels for unlabeled or mislabeled raw data, enabling Socure's Sigma Synthetic Fraud model to think like a fraudster and become savvier at detecting evolving synthetic threats. To download the report, click here, and for more information on Socure's Sigma Synthetic Fraud solution, click here. About Socure Socure is the leading platform for digital identity verification and trust. Its predictive analytics platform applies artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques with trusted online/offline data intelligence from physical government-issued documents as well as email, phone, address, IP, device, velocity, date of birth, SSN, and the broader internet to verify identities in real time. The company has more than 1,400 customers across the financial services, government, gaming, healthcare, telecom, and e-commerce industries, including four of the top five banks, 13 of the top 15 card issuers, the top three MSBs, the top payroll provider, the top credit bureau, the top online gaming operator, the top Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) providers, and over 250 of the largest fintechs. Marquee customers include Chime, SoFi, Robinhood, Gusto, Public, Stash, and DraftKings. Socure customers have become investors in the company including Citi Ventures, Wells Fargo Strategic Capital, Capital One Ventures, MVB Bank, and Synchrony. Additional investors include Accel, T. Rowe Price, Bain Capital Ventures, Tiger Global, Commerce Ventures, Scale Venture Partners, Sorenson, Flint Capital, Two Sigma Ventures, and others. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005401/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Political talk radio host Joel Heitkamp has filed a complaint with North Dakota's Ethics Commission against a Bismarck state lawmaker named in a critical probe into a building cost overrun incurred under late Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Heitkamp, a former state lawmaker who works for KFGO in Fargo, confirmed to the Tribune on Thursday that he recently mailed his complaint against Republican Rep. Jason Dockter after State Auditor Josh Gallion released the investigative report into the $1.8 million construction cost overrun. Dockter, according to the report, sought a state tenant to lease the building before his company, Stealth Properties, purchased the building. He also was campaign treasurer to Stenehjem. Dockter declined to comment on Heitkamp's complaint as he hadn't seen it. He said he will soon release a company report "to show the facts of everything" in the project. "I want everyone to look at all the documents, all the invoices, everything. We're going to have everything in there, and it's going to state all the facts and documentation," Dockter told the Tribune. KFGO host Tyler Axness said he plans to file a complaint, too. He and Heitkamp are Democratic former state senators. The Ethics Commission on Wednesday took the unprecedented step of hiring an attorney as a special assistant attorney general for legal advice in regard to seven complaints, details of which are confidential under state law. It's unknown if Heitkamp's complaint is one of them. He said he mailed his complaint at least two weeks ago and hasn't heard from the commission. Recently on his show "News & Views" Heitkamp encouraged listeners to file complaints with the Ethics Commission regarding Dockter's involvement in the building lease. Heitkamp called Dockter's moves to lease the building to the state "incredibly unethical" for a legislator. Dockter also was Stenehjem's 2018 campaign treasurer. A contracting company co-owned by Dockter that worked on the building project didn't have a contractor's license as required by state law, according to the report. "There are just a lot of reasons here, and they stink," Heitkamp said. Axness said he has paperwork completed for filing a complaint, and has researched areas of state law that might be relevant to the matter. "When we're talking about something being done to the tune of $2 million, there's an overrun and you put the pieces together here, I think a lot gets called into question," Axness said. Dockter, running unopposed for reelection, has said he had nothing to do with billing or day-to-day operations. He also has told the Tribune that he plans to resolve issues identified in the report with the Attorney General's Office. Dockter has said the contractor's license was through Parkway Property Management, another company he co-owns that also worked on the building. He's also said he is "a taxpayer first," and doesn't have a problem with leasing to a state agency as long as the lease is within market value. New Attorney General Drew Wrigley recently tasked Montana investigators to further probe the cost overrun issue, as requested by state lawmakers. The cost overrun predates Wrigley's tenure. He disclosed the problem to state lawmakers in June, citing transparency. [October 20, 2022] LOCAL 10-DIGIT DIALING COMING SOON TO NEW BRUNSWICK FREDERICTON, NB, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting January 20, 2023, local 10-digit dialing will be introduced in New Brunswick. Residents will need to dial 10 digits the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number for all local calls. The introduction of 10-digit dialing is the result of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and will pave the way for the addition of a new area code, 428, in April 2023, as the 506 area code reaches capacity. The Telecommunications Alliance, a group of major Canadian communications companies, is leading a public awareness campaign to inform residents and businesses across New Brunswick about local 10-digit dialing and the new area code. "10-digit local dialing is new to New Brunswick and impacts all residents and businesses. It is important that residents and businesses start reprogramming their communications equipment prior to January 20, 2023 in order to avoid any inconveniences that may be caused by the changes. The goal of our communications efforts is to ensure that everyone is prepared ahead of time," said Kelly T. Walsh, Program Manager of the Canadian Numbering Administrator. How to prepare for 10-digit dialing Start using 10 digit dialing now Communications companies operating in New Brunswick are already able to support 10-digit dialing. In order to ensure a successful transition, we recommend that people start using 10 digits for all their local calls now. Starting January 20, 2023 all local calls will require 10-digits the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. As of this date, local calls dialed with only seven digits may be intercepted by a network announcement before being connected. This recorded announcement may disrupt data transmission, so it's important to make the necessary dialing changes in advance of January 20, 2023. Reprogram your equipment All residents and businesses must add the 506 area code to programmed numbers in all of their communications devices and equipment including wireline and wireless phones, auto dialers, computers, alarm systems and lifeline equipment. They should also include their 10-digit phone numbers on stationary, cheques, advertising, and update their employee, client, supplier, and other databases before January 20, 2023. For more information is available on the Telecommunications Alliance website. New area code Starting on April 29, 2023, the area code 428 will be added in New Brunswick and will coexist with the current 506 area code. Residents and businesses with telephone numbers with the 506 area code will retain their numbers. Numbers with the new 428 area code will only be assigned when the existing inventory of 506 numbers is depleted. The Telecommunications Alliance Canada's major communications service providers have joined forces to develop a communications campaign informing the public about the introduction of 10-digit dialing and new area codes in certain calling areas. For more information, please visit dial10.ca. SOURCE Telecommunications Alliance [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] TELUS Ventures announced as Lead Investor in the Emend Vision Fund I New investment provides commitment of up to 10 percent of the fund VICTORIA, BC, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - Emend Vision Fund (Emend) announced today that Fund I will be led by TELUS Ventures with a commitment of up to 10 percent of Emend's overall capital. Emend will focus on investments in technologies that help transform traditional industries, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain food and water security for communities - aligning with TELUS Venture's overall investment thesis. TELUS Ventures announced as Lead Investor in the Emend Vision Fund I Emend is an early-stage fund that is working to raise $70M in capital. Emend is being formed by Alacrity Canada, a not-for-profit established in 2009 with a mandate to support tech entrepreneurship in British Columbia, particularly cleantech. Alacrity will also be committing up to 10 percent of the initial capital closing. The fund will invest in impact technology companies, including some from the Alacrity Canada accelerator which already has strong governmental and academic partnerships. "We're delighted to have TELUS Ventures as our anchor investor. Demonstrating their leadership to supporting funds and companies that are introducing technologies that have a positive impact for the environment," said Owen Matthews, Managing Partner of Emend Vision Fund and Board Chair at Alacrity Canada. "We look forward to supporting these compaies who have such a a positive impact for our communities. We have successfully scaled cleantech companies globally with Alacrity Canada already and we want to build on this success story to grow the impact investing ecosystem through the Emend Vision Fund." "With Alacrity Canada's demonstrated success in supporting technology based startups, we are excited and looking forward to seeing the growth of the Emend Vision Fund," said Mario Mele, Vice-president, TELUS Ventures. "Emend supports organizations leveraging technology for a more sustainable future which aligns perfectly with our investment thesis at TELUS Ventures." Led by Owen Matthews, Richard Egli and Todd Tessier, Emend has already garnered interest from corporate, institutional, and family offices. Emend aims to invest in early-stage cleantech companies that can provide game-changing sustainability solutions at a global scale which at the same time can protect the environment while delivering value for investors. "Our work with the Alacrity Cleantech Program helped many early-stage cleantech companies commercialize their business overseas and helped them to get support from private and government funding programs," said Richard Egli, Managing Partner of Emend Vision Fund. "We were inspired to use this experience to build the Emend Vision Fund to help early-stage impact companies and we are looking forward to the future growth that is to come." About Emend Vision Fund Emend Vision Fund is an impact fund dedicated to transforming industry, protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining the safety of our food and water supplies. The Emend Vision Fund seeks to empower the tech ecosystem by funding clean technology companies. Investing in technology companies and aligning their focus with a positive impact, the Fund's vision is to export global solutions for climate action that generate above-market returns for our investors. About TELUS Ventures As the strategic investment arm of TELUS Corporation (TSX: T) (NYSE: TU), TELUS Ventures is one of Canada's most active corporate venture capital funds. TELUS Ventures invests globally in companies from Seed to Pre-IPO with a focus on innovative technologies such as AgTech, HealthTech, Connected Consumer, IoT, AI, and Security to actively drive new solutions across the TELUS ecosystem. Led by a team of experienced operators, investors and executives, the Ventures team is passionate about creating positive social impact through financial tools and has invested in more than 90 companies since inception. For more information please visit: ventures.telus.com. SOURCE Emend Vision Fund [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] India to benefit as Centum joins hands with Indra Sistemas for manufacturing Space Radar Systems GANDHINAGAR, India, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Centum Electronics Limited, India, and Indra Sistemas, S.A., Spain, have signed an MoU to exclusively collaborate in high-end futuristic Radar systems and technologies for the Government of India. The MoU envisages manufacturing and commissioning of the radar for space applications. Long-range radar is intended to detect, track and analyse objects and debris in space at a distance of thousands of kilometres. The MoU was exchanged between Mr. Nikhil Mallavarapu, Executive Director, Centum Electronics Limited, and Mr. Jaime Manuel Temes Gimenez, International Director for Defence, Indra Sistemas S.A. at Gandhinagar on 20th Oct 2022 during the 'Bandhan' event in DefExpo 2022. During the event Mr. Nikhil Mallavarapu said, "The country would benefit by filling a key technology gap that exists. This exclusive cooperation would also serve the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vison of Atma Nirbhar Bharat by manufacturing most of the high-end microwave, digital and power electronics hardware within the country." Mr. Jaime Manuel Temes Gimenez, International Director for Defence, Indra Sistemas S.A., indicated that Indra is aligned with the 'Make in India' vision and is pleased to collaborate with Centum. Mr. Vinod Chippalkatti, President and Cdr Subhash Ahlawat IN Retd, Director from Centum Electronics were also present in addition to other senior officials. This MoU will enhance Centum's indigenous Radar technology capabilities in addition to generating additional revenues in the coming years. Centum has a strong R&D/indigenization policy for developing, qualifying, and delivering Military grade electronic systems and subsystems for Radars, EW systems, Missiles, and Aerospace/Space platforms. About Centum Centum was founded in 1994 in Bangalore, India. Since then, Centum has rapidly grown into a diversified electronics system design and manufacturing company with more than 2000 employees operating in North America, EMEA and Asia. The company offers a broad range of products and services across high reliability segments of defence, space, aerospace, transport, industrial and medical. It has continuously invested in strengthening its design and product development capabilities while developing deep domain knowledge in the segments it operates in. Centum has also established truly world-class manufacturing facilities with cutting-edge infrastructure as well as a global supply chain capable of delivering products with high quality and reliability. A key contributor to Centum Group's growth has been the strong relationships forged with international customers and partners. This customer-focused approach coupled with Centum's culture hinged on the core values of Technology-Teamwork-Trust has resulted in a track-high-quality products & services and excellent execution ability. About Indra Indra is one of the leading global technology companies and partner for the core business operations of its customers worldwide. It is a world leader in providing proprietary solutions in specific segments in Defence and Transport markets, and the leading firm in Digital Transformation Consultancy and Information Technologies in Spain and Latin America. Its business model is based on a comprehensive range of proprietary products, with a high-value focus and with a high innovation component. In the 2021 financial year, Indra achieved revenue of 3.390 million, + 52,000 employees, a local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1926024/Centum_Indra_Sistemas_MoU.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] VERSES Enables Autonomous Drone Crowd Safety Monitoring Missions in Zaragoza, Spain VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VERSES Technologies Inc. (NEO:VERS) (OTCQX:VRSSF) ("VERSES'' or the "Company), a contextual computing platform provider specializing in the next generation of artificial intelligence solutions, today announced the successful completion of its first-of-a-kind Autonomous Drone or Urban Air Mobility (UAM) test in Zaragoza, Spain. As part of Flying Forward 2020 , a European Commission-funded special research and innovation project developing Urban Air Mobility infrastructure, and in collaboration with the Zaragoza City Council and first responder teams, VERSES successfully deployed multiple autonomous drones to provide real-time aerial views in order to monitor the safety of hundreds of thousands of visitors participating in the cultural procession that runs through the streets of Zaragoza during the festival of La Virgen del Pilar. Utilizing VERSES real time mobility portal, powered by the companys AI operating system, COSM, local authorities were able to remotely monitor the entire celebration at the Plaza del Pilar Square and surrounding neighborhoods. Working with the Zaragoza City Council and its own legal advisors, VERSES COSM operating system employs artificial intelligence and digital twins to govern the behavior of the autonomous drones to ensure strict compliance with the air traffic regulation and data privacy laws. The COSM-enabled autonomous drones used in this UAM mission provided continuous, real-time monitoring of the flow of traffic, safety and security assessments and the ability to proactively identify unusual or atypical occurrences, reducing the need for extra monitoring teams on the ground and air. In addition, the COSM AI-platform ensured the governance of the autonomous drone flights were in compliance with all local laws, data management policies and security regulations, a first of its kind real-world demonstration of the goals set out by the European Commission to enable automated compliance of AI powered drones within the European Union. This was an exciting project for VERSES, and we appreciate the collaboration from the city of Zaragoza as we developed and delivered an urban air mobility plan for the Pilar Festival, said Gabriel Rene, Founder and CEO of VERSES. This autonomous drone work is another example of our COSM operating system in action. From the spatial mapping of an entire city to the creation of flight plans and the governance of drones via geospatial contracts in real time this is all possible because of the adaptive intelligence capabilities that are unique to our COSM platform. VERSES expects to continue to work with autonomous drone flights operating Beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) through Flying Forward 2020, a collaborative research project comprised of 12 global multidisciplinary partners focused on developing a new Urban Air Mobility ecosystem within the geospatial data infrastructure of cities throughout the European Union. The collaboration with VERSES and Flying Forward 2020 made it possible for autonomous drones to operate safely over the crowds, collect images of key areas of the festival and provide essential data to our first responder teams on the ground, sad Miguel Angel Ania, Head of Innovation for the city of Zaragoza. This information not only provided a real-time view of the city, but will help with future event planning from the creation of evacuation routes for emergencies to the prevention of crowd surges in public spaces. About VERSES VERSES is a next-generation AI company providing foundational technology for the contextual computing era. Modeled after natural systems and the design principles of the human brain and the human experience, VERSES flagship offering, COSM , is an AI Operating System for enhancing any application with adaptive intelligence. Built on open standards, COSM transforms disparate data into a universal context that fosters trustworthy collaboration between humans, machines, and AI, across digital and physical domains. Verses currently operates in the mobility and transport sectors as well as in supply chain, manufacturing and smart cities. Imagine a smarter world that elevates human potential through innovations inspired by nature. Learn more at VERSES , LinkedIn, and Twitter . About Flying Forward 2020 Flying Forward 2020 (FF2020) is a three-year research and innovation project funded by the European Union, under grant agreement number 101006828. The project focuses on creating a state of the art Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem for autonomous drone missions. It includes a governance model and framework, a regulatory framework, a geospatial digital infrastructure, a Digital Toolbox, an Identity of Things (IDoT) scheme, and several interoperability frameworks. The solutions developed during the project will be tested in five living labs across Europe: Eindhoven, Milan, Zaragoza, Tartu and Oulu. For more information, visit www.ff2020.eu . On Behalf of the Company Gabriel Rene VERSES Technologies Inc. Co-Founder & CEO [email protected] Media and Investor Relations Inquiries Leo Karabelas Focus Communications President [email protected] 416-543-3120 NEO Exchange has not reviewed or approved this press release for the adequacy or accuracy of its contents. Forward-Looking Statements Cautionary Note This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the Company's ongoing work with autonomous drone flights operating BVLOS through Flying Forward 2020. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue working with autonomous drone flights operating BVLOS through Flying Forward 2020, and that the Companys operations will not be adversely impacted by COVID-19 or the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks relating to the Company ceasing its work with autonomous drone flights operating BVLOS through Flying Forward 2020 at any time, adverse changes in funding of Flying Forward 2020 or legislation relating to the autonomous drone flights operating BVLOS, the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, the lack of access to capital or financing when required, the loss of key personnel, the Company could face technology or software disruptions, unanticipated costs, risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets and other risk factors disclosed in the Companys disclosure record on www.sedar.com under the Companys profile. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] SAIC Raises More Than $350,000 to Help Address Food Insecurity During Hunger Action Month Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) today announced the company raised more than $350,000, equivalent to more than 3.5 million meals*, to combat food insecurity during Hunger Action Month in September. Through SAIC's partnership with Feeding America, SAIC's contribution will provide meals to people in need, address food waste and promote awareness of the issue of hunger in America. "Our employees not only raised funds for those facing hunger, they volunteered in their communities to raise awareness about food insecurity," said Nazzic Keene, Chief Executive Officer at SAIC. "Each year, our organization looks forward to Hunger Action Month, because it's an opportunity to come together and make an impact to help those who are struggling to secure food for their families. We have partnered with Feeding America for nine years and each year, I am more and more thankful for our employees and their dedication to end hunger in America." SAIC employees contributed more than $174,000 through a variety of creative fundraising activities and direct donations. SAIC also made corporate donations in addition to employee's contributions. Employees also took the initiative to raise awareness about food insecurities in their local communities by volunteering at local food banks and food pantries, many of which are members of the Feeding America network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs. "One in 10 individuals face hunger in the U.S., including one in eight children. Feeding America is thankful to SAIC and its employees for helping to provide millions of meals to families in need through their Hunger Action Month efforts," said Lauren Biedron, vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America. "For nearly 10 years, SAIC has been committed to helping communities facing hunger across the country and we're grateful for their partnership." Partnerships with organizations like Feeding America, are part of SAIC's Citizenship and Community Relations program. Through this program, SAIC builds upon the talent, creativity and passion of its employees and their families to give back to local communities. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 118.5 million households in America suffered from food insecurity in 2021. Visit SAIC's website, for more information on SAIC's support to Feeding America. * One dollar helps to provide at least ten meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. About SAIC SAIC is a premier Fortune 500 technology integrator driving our nation's technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions. We are approximately 26,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom. About Feeding America Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 46 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release contain or are based on "forward-looking" information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "guidance," and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, among others, estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings, earnings per share, charges, total contract value, backlog, outstanding shares and cash flows, as well as statements about future dividends, share repurchases and other capital deployment plans. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from the guidance and other forward-looking statements made in this release as a result of various factors. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause or contribute to these material differences include those discussed in the "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Legal Proceedings" sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC, which may be viewed or obtained through the Investor Relations section of our website at saic.com or on the SEC's website at sec.gov. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. SAIC expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement provided in this release to reflect subsequent events, actual results or changes in SAIC's expectations. SAIC also disclaims any duty to comment upon or correct information that may be contained in reports published by investment analysts or others. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005052/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] CytoDyn Announces Appointment of Additional Directors with Industry Experience Stephen Simes career public biotech company CEO and Ryan Dunlap CFO with public biotech company experience join Board VANCOUVER, Wash., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) (CytoDyn or the Company), a biotechnology company developing leronlimab, a CCR5 antagonist with the potential for multiple therapeutic indications, today announced additional changes in its Board of Directors (the Board). Mr. Stephen Simes, a career public company biotech CEO, was appointed to the Board effective October 13, 2022. Mr. Ryan Dunlap, a current CFO with public company biotech experience, was appointed to the Board effective August 25, 2022. Mr. Simes and Mr. Dunlap join the Board as independent directors of the Company. Also, concurrently with the appointment of Mr. Simes, Dr. Scott Kelly resigned as a director. Dr. Kelly will continue to serve as the Companys Chief Medical Officer and Head of Business Development. The Board now has five directors, all of whom are independent directors. Mr. Simes is an accomplished public company CEO who led a number of biopharmaceutical companies during his over 40 year career in the industry. He has extensive experience developing and implementing corporate strategies, establishing growth metrics, driving performance, and meeting growth objectives through organic expansion, acquisitions, and partnerships. When CEO at RestorGenex Corporation, Mr. Simes built a successful senior executive leadership team and product development portfolio. He also negotiated the merger of RestorGenex with Diffusion Pharmaceuticals, creating a late-stage oncology-focused biotech company. As CEO at BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mr. Simes helped secure significant funding through various financing transactions, acquisitions, and license arrangements. BioSante was later acquired by ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc. At Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of AbbVie Inc., Mr. Simes built, developed, and successfully led research and development, finance, sales, and commercial activities, significantly expanding the product portfolio and increasing stockholder value. Mr. Dulap has over 25 years of experience in finance and operations leadership at both public and private companies, with significant expertise in strategy setting, building operational efficiencies and effectiveness, fundraising, financial reporting, SEC compliance, and risk management. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Gurobi Optimization, LLC. Prior to joining Gurobi, he spent several years as the CFO and COO for a growth equity-backed molecular diagnostics company and four years as the CFO of a publicly traded biotechnology and pharmaceutical sales company. Earlier in his career, Mr. Dunlap held various financial and operational leadership roles in large, multinational organizations and spent 11 years with a number of public accounting firms, including PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, KPMG LLP, and Moss Adams LLP, where he provided business assurance and advisory services to both public and private companies, focusing on companies in the life sciences and technology industries. Mr. Simes said, I have been impressed with the new management team and Board of Directors. I believe I can add my biopharma experience and expertise to help build a successful company and improve stakeholder value, while bringing an important product to patients in need. Mr. Dunlap said, Im happy to be a part of the CytoDyn Board and to contribute to a governance environment that garners shareholder trust and keeps the corporate focus on the strategic potential of our asset. Cyrus Arman, Ph.D., President of CytoDyn, stated, The appointments of Mr. Simes and Mr. Dunlap further enhance the independence of our Board and add to its biotechnology industry experience. Each of these individuals brings unique skill sets to our Board and will be critical to the Companys continued success and transformation. We are grateful to Dr. Kelly for his service as a Director and former Chairman of the Board. About CytoDyn CytoDyn is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of leronlimab, an investigational humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that is designed to bind to C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), a protein on the surface of certain immune system cells that is believed to play a role in numerous disease processes. CytoDyn is studying leronlimab in multiple therapeutic areas, including infectious disease, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. The Company urges investors to consider specifically the various risk factors identified in its most recent Form 10-K, as well as risk factors or cautionary statements included in subsequent Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements to take into account events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release. CONTACTS Investors: Cristina De Leon Office: 360.980.8524 [email protected] Media: Joe Germani / Miller Winston Longacre Square Partners [email protected] / [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Enabling Vendor-Agnostic Data Analytics, Dremio's Open Lakehouse Delivers Full Apache Iceberg Support-as Iceberg Hits Major Milestone Dremio, the easy and open data lakehouse, today announced general availability (GA) of its support for DML operations (insert, update & delete) on Apache Iceberg tables and for time travel for in-place querying of historical data. These features enable key data lakehouse use cases that were previously only available in database and data warehousing technologies. Apache Iceberg, an open-source table format for analytics on the lakehouse, is a core component of Dremio's open lakehouse and is used at innovative companies like Netflix, Apple and Adobe. Iceberg's major 1.0 release, combined with Dremio's new GA capabilities, enables customers to build enterprise-grade data lakehouses with full data warehousing capabilities. Apache Iceberg 1.0 means an enterprise-ready open lakehouse As an open-source table format that's vendor agnostic, Apache Iceberg allows businesses to run more workloads, with more flexibility, on the data lake. Iceberg unlocks new functionality such as data mutations, data versioning, schema evolution, transparent partitioning and scalable metadata. The expanding adoption of the Apache Iceberg project, and broad contributions to it from AWS, Apple, Netflix, Dremio, Snowflake and others, demonstrates that Iceberg is ushering in a new era for data lakes. With its milestone 1.0 release, Apache Iceberg introduces substantial performance and usability improvements, including features such as a long-term API, high-performance updates and deletes (merge-on-read), multi-dimensional sorting (Z-order), statistics, and numerous other capabilities. "All of Apache Iceberg's new functionality means there's never been a better time to adopt it to build your data lakehouse," said Mark Lyons, vice president of product management at Dremio. "With the broadest ecosystem of community contributions and deployment, Iceberg is the fastest growing table format and the industry standard for managing data in data lakes. It's essential to the foundation of an open lakehouse and Dremio has been in step with Iceberg from the start." DML and time travel support for Apache Iceberg With GA support for DML operations and time travel, powered by Apache Iceberg, Dremio provides functionality previously only found in database and data warehouse technologies. These new Dremio capabilities support use cases like deletes for privacy and compliance, updates for customer information changes, and inserts for late-arriving supply chain records directly in the data lakehouse. With these capabilities, companies can leverage their data lakehouse for workloads that previously required complex ETL pipelines. "Until recently, using robust DML operations and accessing historical data within any defined period were only available in data warehouses and other databases," explained Lyons. "Now it's easier than ever to put aside expensive and proprietary cloud data warehouses and run workloads on an open lakehouse, with the full power of SQL at your fingertips and without the need to copy your data into a closed proprietary system. Data mutations and leveraging historical snapshots are possible directly on the data lake. The result is lower costs, more flexibility, significantly reduced time-to-insight and increased productivity and innovation for data engineers and business analysts-without vendor lock-in." "Fivetran is excited about Dremio's recent release that enables customers to leverage the features of Apache Iceberg 1.0.," said Fraser Harris, vice president of product at Fivetran. "We are impressed by the broad ecosystem adoption and performance that Iceberg offers. For customers who desire the open architecture approach, Fivetran looks forward to providing automated and reliable pipelines to open data lakehouses built on Apache Iceberg tables as an alternative to data warehouses." Innovation on the open lakehouse When open data lakehouses are the architecture of choice for enterprises, they greatly decrease data movement and copying, and in turn, decrease complexity and cost, while still offering full and direct access to petabyte data sets. Dremio is committed to creating an open, independent data tier that enables a major paradigm shift in data analytics. "Along with general availability of DML operations on Iceberg tables, we're excited to announce new GA features on Dremio's platform that accelerate the transition from data warehouse to data lakehouse and accelerate enterprise adoption," said Lyons. Those features include: Native row and column role-based access policies; SQL User Defined Functions (UDFs); A new SQL IDE with autocomplete and multi-statement support; New Azure data sources; and BI integration updates including Tableau SSO and Power BI Azure Active Directory. "We were drawn to Dremio Cloud for its performance at scale and for the ability of the semantic layer to provide easy, efficient access to our data in Amazon S3," said Angelo Slawik, data engineer at Moonfare. "After our initial implementation is complete, we are eager to explore capabilities enabled by Dremio Arctic such as Git-like version control for our datasets." Moonfare, a global private equity investing platform, adopted Dremio Cloud on AWS to enable interactive analytics and dashboards for all of its employees. About Dremio Dremio is the easy and open lakehouse. Data teams use Dremio to deliver self-service analytics, while enjoying the flexibility to use Dremio's lightning-fast SQL query service and any other processing engine on the same data. Dremio increases agility with a revolutionary data-as-code approach that enables Git-like data experimentation, version control, and governance. In addition, Dremio eliminates data silos by enabling queries across data lakes, databases, and data warehouses, and by simplifying ingestion into the lakehouse. Dremio's fully managed service helps organizations get started with analytics in minutes, and automatically optimizes data for every workload. As the original creator of Apache Arrow and committed to Arrow and Iceberg's community-driven standards, Dremio is on a mission to reinvent SQL for data lakes and meet customers where they are on their lakehouse journey. Hundreds of global enterprises like JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Regeneron, and Allianz Global Investors use Dremio to deliver self-service analytics on the data lakehouse. Founded in 2015, Dremio is headquartered in Santa Clara. To learn more, follow the company on GitHub, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook or visit www.dremio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005412/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] AiAdvertising's Campaign Performance Platform Helps Lift Q3 Sales for BioHarvest Sciences' Resveratrol Superfood Supplement VINIA AiAdvertising, Inc. (OTC: AIAD), a next-generation AdTech company focused on harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to build software for today's marketing leaders, announced it has achieved early success with BioHarvest Sciences' (CSE: BHSC) (OTCQB: CNVCF) (FSE: 8MV) first commercialized blood flow superfood supplement VINIA. BioHarvest, a plant cell growth company, became the first and only company that grows cells of plants at industrial scale in liquid bioreactors in order to produce the secondary metabolites. In April 2022, they partnered with AiAdvertising for its resveratrol superfood supplement VINIA for its Google related search advertising. Initial results were very positive and by mid-August 2022, VINIA had seen over 180% increase in revenue from their Google spend and a 48% higher Return on Ad Spend (ROAS). AI Advertising played a critical role in scaling BioHarvest's Google platform advertising. As a result of AI systems, the increase in ROAS by 48% allowed BioHarvest to double their media spend on Google. Based on this superior performance, AiAdvertising has now been engaged to enhance BioHarvest's major U.S. marketing scale-up, which has added National Television. As of September 30, 2022, AiAds has seen further improved results, and BioHarvest's overall Return on Ad Spend since April 2022 increased by 90%. AiAds' management of Google advertising is a foundational component in BioHarvest's overall marketing mix which includes TV, Radio, and other online channels. "We are impressed with the results of our collaboration with AiAdvertising, one of our key strategic ecommerce partners," stated Ilan Sobel, CEO of BioHarvest Sciences. "Artificial Intelligence is now permeating every business sector imaginable and the commercial applications we are beginning to see in digital Advertising simply cannot be ignored. Our partnership with AiAdvertising, while still in its infancy, played a critical role as a key member of our ecosystem of marketing partners in scaling our VINIA business and delivering a step-change in our revenue performance and in the improvement of key metrics such as ROAS. We look forward to building on the great momentum and leveraging more of the AI Platform, not only for VINIA, but also for our future pipeline of products." VINIA employs AiAdvertising's Campaign Performance Platform CPP), which is the industry's first cloud-hosted subscription-based Ad Management solution that enables brands and agencies to easily plan, create, predict, execute, scale, and measure digital advertising campaigns. "These initial outcomes with VINIA have led to a month-over-month increase in BioHarvest's budget and has helped drive triple digit revenue growth for VINIA sales in the third quarter," said Jerry Hug, CEO of AiAdvertising. "We are seeing similar results across our client base, and it is now clear the momentum with our disruptive Campaign Performance Platform is gaining traction as we are leveraging AI in our platform to drive performance. We look forward to executing on the next phase of our campaign with BioHarvest as they bring their lead product VINIA to consumers in need of a superior heart healthy blood flow supplement." About BioHarvest Sciences Inc. BioHarvest Sciences Inc. (CSE: BHSC) is a fast-growing Biotech firm listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. BioHarvest has developed a patented bio-cell growth platform technology capable of growing the active and beneficial ingredients in fruit and plants, at industrial scale, without the need to grow the plant itself. This technology is economical, ensures consistency, and avoids the negative environmental impacts associated with traditional agriculture. BioHarvest is currently focused on nutraceuticals and the medicinal cannabis markets. Visit: www.bioharvest.com. About AiAdvertising AiAdvertising, Inc. (OTC: AIAD) is a next-generation AdTech company that is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to build software for today's marketing leaders. We are focused on eliminating waste and maximizing the return on digital ad spend. Our flagship product, the Campaign Performance Platform, is a subscription-based, end-to-end Ad Management solution. The platform empowers brands and agencies to easily target, predict, create, scale, and measure hyper-personalized campaigns. For more information about the Company, please visit www.AiAdvertising.com or our LinkedIn or Twitter pages. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005304/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Vanguard of 2022, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi Continues Tireless Work for Bangladeshi Community Washington, DC, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zahid F. Sarder Saddi, a prominent member of the Bangladeshi-American Society, has received strong acclaim for his work on behalf of and serving the Bangladeshi community. Recently, he met with United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. Photo: Bangladeshi Community Leader and Bangladesh former Foreign Advisor Zahid F. Sarder Saddi with United States Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken The impromptu meeting between the Foreign Advisor to the Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Honorable Begum Khaleda Zia, and President Bidens Chief Foreign Affairs Advisor happened after his recent address to US Congress. The reunion between the decades-long friends was a simple courtesy meeting, but indicative and consistent with the support Secretary Blinken has provided the Bangladeshi community worldwide throughout his career. Recently celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-US Relations, Secretary Blinken has supported efforts to meet the resources needed by victims of Rohingya issues and promote regional security by working in the best interests of the people of Bangladesh and the region at large. He is determined to address and alleviate major issues that affect the Indo-Pacific Region, including climate change, human rights, democratic governance, and humanitarian challenges. Secretary Blinken and Saddi have long bonded over shared ideals in protecting human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of religion as the basis for safe and prosperous democratic societies. I believe that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken holds the Bangladeshi people as a priority in his navigation of foreign affairs. The ideals he and the Biden administration stand for are ones that we all share, and I think well see positive change in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region at-large, in time, Saddi said of the Secretary. Photo: Bangladeshi Community Leaders meet with the Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. Zahid F. Sarder Saddi, named Vanguard of 2022 in Harvard Business Review, was born into an aristocratic politically active family and grew up in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a city that is roughly a third of the size of New York City with twice the population, establishing ties in the community was central to survival. Saddi took this truth to heart and manifested these values through his actions. Whether nature or nurture was responsible for shaping Saddis outlook on life, he never rested on the laurels of his parents accomplishments, instead moving forward to shape an impressive career of his own. Saddi has a lifelong track record of personal and political accomplishments. He graduated from Penn State University with a bachelors and masters degree and presently resids in the United States. During his time in Bangladesh and abroad, Saddi served as a Foreign Advisor to the Honorable Begum Khaleda Zia, who was elected Prime Minister for three terms. He fondly refers to this period of time as the Golden Days of Bangladesh Democracy. Recently, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi celebrated with supporters and friends when an initiative to rename part of New York City Little Bangladesh was accomplished as New York City Council approved a bill, renaming MacDonald to Church in Brooklyn to Little Bangladesh. As "Little Bangladesh was declared in NYC, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi and US House Representatives of New York Revel in Community Win. Saddi played an instrumental role in rallying support for the bill. On the importance of culture to the Bangladeshi community of New York City, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi says, As a society, were dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Bangladesh for people who have emigrated from Bangladesh, but still wish to keep the history, traditions, and culture of their home country alive. Zahid F. Sarder Saddi has been involved in the Bangladeshi American Society for over 25 years. He is an influential civil society leader praised for playing a pivotal role in carrying the voice of Bangladeshi Americans to lawmakers. In his work, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi has received countless accolades, among them a humanitarian award for his work during the COVID-19 Pandemic in helping promote vaccine distribution to the Bangladeshi population. The Humanitarian Awards were presented at The Forum at Columbia University in New York to a number of Bangladeshi community leaders and activists. Zahid F. Sarder Saddi, received the humanitarian award along with eleven others. Awards were presented by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who is a Bangladeshi and one of only seven individuals to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal. Dr. Yunus is also known for his work founding the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, and developing the concepts of microcredit and microfinance. While presenting awards, Dr. Yunus expressed his pride in Bangladeshi Americans working to solve humanitarian issues during a time when people need it most. Photo: US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken Addresses US Congress, Bangladesh Former Foreign Advisor Zahid F. Sarder Saddi Seen in the Picture Sitting Behind the Secretary of State. Image: C-SPAN Harvard Business Review acclaimed Vanguard of 2022, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi, has been working with the United States Congress advocating for the rights of the people of Bangladesh for over 2 decades. He is well-versed in Indo-Pacific foreign affairs and has met with community and government leaders from around the world. Through work with the Bangladeshi community, collaborating with US Congress, United Nations, Woodrow Wilson Center, Democracy International, and the Prestigious Heritage Foundation, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi has shown a consistent track record of care for the well-being of members of the Bangladeshi community around the world. Photo: Bangladeshi Community Leader and Bangladesh Foreign Advisor to the Former Prime Minister, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi. According to reports, Asian Americans will be the biggest immigrant community in the United States by 2065, mostly due to the South Asian population, which increased by a startling 40 percent in seven years, from 3.5 million in 2010 to 5.4 million in 2017. With the increase in population, they bring greater contributions to the economy and culture of the United States. Likewise, Zahid F. Sarder Saddi makes an impassioned effort to protect the interests of the Bangladeshi community, as well as the entire South Asian community. About: Zahid F. Sarder Saddi is an influential civil society leader, humanitarian, and advocate for Bangladesh and its people. He helps Bangladeshi expatriates assimilate into life in the United States while also preserving their own values and traditions. Zahid F. Sarder Saddi works with several organizations and holds a special passion for helping the Bangladeshi community in the United States and around the world. To learn more about Zahid F. Sarder Saddi, please visit www.ZahidFSarderSaddi.com or reach out to Zahid F. Sarder Saddi at [email protected] Zahid Sarder Saddi info (at) zahidfsardersaddi.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] IronNet Joins Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center to Protect Space Community from Cyber Threats IronNet, Inc. (NYSE: IRNT), an innovative leader Transforming Cybersecurity Through Collective DefenseSM, was named the newest Gold member of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC). Space ISAC members lead the global space community to identify and respond to threats and mitigating risks to the space mission. "Space is the next frontier with many unknowns and potential threats, including cybersecurity risks. That's why the Space ISAC is focused on building a strong foundation of cybersecurity from a knowledge pool with deep security expertise," said Erin Miller, Executive Director, Space ISAC. "IronNet expands on this expertise with its elite team of threat hunters and unique Collective Defense platform. As the newest member of the Space ISAC, IronNet offers a clear value to our membership and the space industry." With high volumes of sensitive data and intellectual property coursing through a vast supply chain, the space development industry faces accelerated cyber risk. The IronNet Collective DefenseSM platform provides detection of new and unidentified cyberattack behaviors and a secure environment for real-time collaboration based on actionable attack intelligence. "IronNet is on a mission of Collective Defense spanning public and private industry globally and beyond. Within the space community, IronNet works to protect intellectual property, Security Operation Centers, and critical infrastructure essential to critical missions and exploration," said General (Ret.) Keith Alexander, CEO of IronNet. "Every day, IronNet's cyber solutions leverage advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to proactively defend our Collective Defense communities, their personnel, and customers. We are proud to join the Space ISAC as the next step in this important work. " The IronNet Collective Defense platform, powered by AWS, is the only solution that can identify anomalous behaviors and deliver actionable attack intelligence to all the other participants in the IronNet community. The Collective Defense platform serves as an early warning system for all participating companies and organizations, strengthening network security through correlated alerts, automated triage, and extended hnt support. IronNet also recently launched IronRadarSM, a new solution designed to proactively and automatically update customers' cybersecurity tools with malicious indicators for adversary infrastructure. IronRadar uses an innovative process that fingerprints a server and determines whether it is a command and control (C2) server while those servers are being stood up, even before a cyber attack is initiated. Building on these offerings and as a member of the Space ISAC, IronNet will join other leaders in the space industry to work around the clock to disseminate timely and actionable intelligence among member companies. About IronNet, Inc. Founded in 2014 by GEN (Ret.) Keith Alexander, IronNet, Inc. (NYSE: IRNT) is a global cybersecurity leader that is transforming how organizations secure their networks by delivering the first-ever Collective Defense platform operating at scale. Employing a number of former NSA cybersecurity operators with offensive and defensive cyber experience, IronNet integrates deep tradecraft knowledge into its industry-leading products to solve the most challenging cyber problems facing the world today. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding IronNet's ability to provide visibility and detection of malicious behaviors and to help defend against increased cyber threats facing the globe. When used in this press release, the words "estimates," "projected," "expects," "anticipates," "forecasts," "plans," "intends," "believes," "seeks," "may," "will," "should," "future," "propose" and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside IronNet's management's control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include: IronNet's inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of collaborations with IronNet's partners and customers; IronNet's ability to execute on its plans to develop and market new products and the timing of these development programs; the rate and degree of market acceptance of IronNet's products; the success of other competing technologies that may become available; IronNet's ability to identify and integrate acquisitions; the performance of IronNet's products; potential litigation involving IronNet; and general economic and market conditions impacting demand for IronNet's products. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in IronNet's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 2, 2022, IronNet's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-K for the quarter ended July 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on September 14, 2022, and other documents that IronNet files with the SEC from time to time. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IronNet does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005378/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Think Nike is progressive because it runs ads campaigns featuring athlete-activists like Colin Kaepernick and Megan Rapinoe? Well, you'd be mistaken. And you'd have forgotten that the only thing corporations really care about is the bottom line. Judd Legum, writing for Popular Information, explains that the Kaepernick campaign served Nike well to expand its customer base and to make massive amounts of money: The campaign, in which the company aligned itself with the anti-Trump "resistance," was a runaway success. According to a 2018 report by the New York Times, Nike featured Kaepernick to gain "credibility with the young, urban market it has long targeted." It worked. An accompanying television ad featuring Kaepernick generated over 80 million views on social media, generating untold millions in publicity for Nike. A Wall Street analyst called the ads a "stroke of genius" that "spoke to Nike's core consumers in a very Nike-esque provocative way that shows it understands them and the issues that matter to them." In an earnings call with investors, Nike bragged that the Kaepernick campaign produced "record engagement with the brand." Since Nike is so eager to feature Kaepernick and Rapinoe, who fight so hard for racial and gender justice, that means they're also supporting Democratic candidates that forward social justice issues, right? Wrong. Nihal Krishan, writing for Open Secrets, reported back in 2018 that Nike and its employees donated three times as much money to Republicans than to Democrats in that year's election cycle. Well, seems nothing has changed. Judd Legum, writing for Popular Information, explains that: On September, 22, 2022, Nike donated $25,000 to the Republican Governors Association (RGA), an organization currently seeking to install pro-Trump extremists in powerful positions across the country. Over the last four years, Nike has donated a total of $125,000 to the group. The RGA gives millions of dollars to candidates such as election-denying and total-abortion-ban-loving Kari Lake, who is running for Governor in Arizona and who has famously mocked both Kaepernick and Rapinoe on her social media accounts. Millions of RGA dollars have also been used to support MAGA governors such as Tudor Dixon (MI) and Ron DeSantis (FL). Nike owner Phil Knight has also given big bucks to the RGA, explains Legum: On September 22, 2022, the same day Nike donated $25,000 to the RGA, Knight donated $250,000. Knight put down Nike's Beaverton, Oregon headquarters as his address. Knight also recently donated $1 million to support Christine Drazan, the anti-abortion Republican candidate for Governor in Oregon. Asked to explain his support for Drazan, Knight said he was "more conservative than Nike." Don't be so sure. None of this information is the least bit surprising to me, and it also won't change my practices regarding Nike, because it's been years since I bought anything from them anyway. I started boycotting them over their labor practices, which, according to "Good on You"a company that rates fashion brands based on how sustainable and ethical they are with regard to people, the planet, and animalsstill aren't great. The next time some massive corporation starts using progressive celebrities to sell their goods, let's all remain wary so we don't end up giving money to companies that are supporting far-right candidates. [October 20, 2022] Sally Hansen Is Proud to Celebrate Spirit Day 2022 and "Go Purple" With Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony Hosted by Drag Star Jujubee Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY)-- Sally Hansen is proud to announce its ongoing partnership with GLAAD as a sponsor of Spirit Day 2022, which is celebrated today, Thursday, October 20th. Sally Hansen is honored to take part in furthering GLAAD's mission to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ community through their 2nd year sponsorship of Spirit Day, the world's largest and most visible anti-bullying campaign for the LGBTQ community. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005394/en/ NEW YORK, NEW YORK - October 20: Jujubee poses with Gotham Cheer during the lighting of the Empire State Building in celebration of Spirit Day at The Empire State Building on October 19, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust) #SpiritDay is an incredibly important moment for millions to come together and visibly show their support of the LGBTQ community. Statistics show that LGBTQ youth are facing more challenges than ever before - in-school, in their communities, and online. Over 70% of LGBTQ students report being verbally harassed*, 52% of LGBTQ youth enrolled in middle or high school report being bullied either in person or online in the past year**, and 1 in 3 LGBTQ youth reported that they have been physically threatened or harmed due to their LGBTQ identity**. "Coty's brands have been empowering people to express themselves and create their own vision of beauty for over a century. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with GLAAD and committed to furthering the mission of acceptance for the LGBTQ community by celebrating Spirit Day, the world's largest anti-bullying campaign." - Sue Y. Nabi, CEO of Coty. On Wednesday, October 19th the Empire State Building was lit "Go Purple" and shined its tower in support of Spirit Day. Sally Hansen and GLAAD executives hosted a Lighting Ceremony alongside RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2 and All Stars Seasons 1- & 5-star Jujubee, with a special performance by New York's adult LGBTQ cheerleading squad Gotham Cheer to help kick off the celebrations. Sally Hansen is encouraging all of its mployees, customers, and partners to openly share their support for LGBTQ youth and fight back against bullying for Spirit Day 2022. In addition to wearing purple on this day and throughout the month of October, participants can download educational resources and graphics for sharing with family and friends, take the pledge against bullying, spread the word on social media, and donate to support LGBTQ youth at glaad.org/spiritday. * https://www.glsen.org/research/2017-national-school-climate-survey ** https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2020/ ABOUT SALLY HANSEN Sally Hansen Inc. is an American beauty brand, first founded in 1946 by Sally Hansen herself. Hard As Nails was the first Sally Hansen product filed for a patent in 1957. Since then, the brand has become famous for its dedication to making innovatively formulated beauty products. Beauty that really works. Learn more at sallyhansen.com or Instagram. ABOUT COTY Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. Coty serves consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in more than 130 countries and territories. Coty and our brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to making a positive impact on the planet. Learn more at coty.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram ABOUT GLAAD GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005394/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] KNIME Fall Summit 2022 Returns to Austin Nov. 14-16 for Three Days of Data Science in Action KNIME, the data analytics company, is returning live to Austin on Nov. 14-16 with its flagship KNIME Fall Summit 2022. As a hybrid event, select sessions will also be live streamed. Designed for all data users, from business analysts and IT managers to data scientists, enterprise architects, and ML/AI engineers, the conference offers live KNIME trainings on data wrangling, data engineering, and more; hands-on workshops; and sessions led by industry leaders and data experts. Hear how companies from multiple industries are leveraging KNIME, and get a quick view of the newest capabilities in KNIME software. Interested parties can register today for the KNIME Fall Summit at www.knime.com/events/knime-fall-summit-2022. "Having served our 300K+ global user community members virtually for the past two years via regional and topic-driven Data Talks, we are thrilled to be returning to Austin for face-to-face training, workshops and netwrking," said Michael Berthold, co-founder and CEO of KNIME. A brief video sharing attendee voices can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYB7mwJ0L6o&t=7s. Highlights: Join sessions led by industry experts from Procter & Gamble, ING, Siemens Healthineers, the FDA, Harvard University, and more to hear how they are upskilling their users and changing the way data is leveraged in their organizations. Take an instructor-led training course - beginner to advanced - on topics like data wrangling, productionizing data apps, low-code data visualization and extraction, and best practices for data engineering. Attend a hands-on workshop and use real examples to dive into KNIME with Python for the Masses, Escaping Excel Hell, Decoding Deep Learning, and Smarter Machine Learning. Hear about the latest developments in KNIME software, and get your product questions answered by KNIME experts. KNIME Fall Summit 2022 provides a great learning experience for all interested in data science as well as an opportunity to network and share innovative strategies and best practices with peers. About KNIME KNIME helps individuals and organizations make sense of data. KNIME bridges the worlds of dashboards and advanced analytics through an intuitive interface, appropriate for anybody working with data. It empowers more business experts to be self-sufficient and more data experts to push the business to the bleeding edge of modern data science, integrating the latest AI and Machine Learning techniques. KNIME is distinct in its open approach, which ensures easy adoption and future-proof access to new technologies. Headquartered in Zurich, KNIME has offices in Austin TX, Konstanz and Berlin. Learn more at www.knime.com. KNIME, KNIME Analytics Platform, and KNIME Server are trademarks of KNIME. All other brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Tags: KNIME, KNIME Fall Summit, KNIME Analytics Platform, KNIME Server, open source, data science, data scientist, enterprise architect, engineer, developer, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, AI, ML, low code, hybrid conference View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005842/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Allen Estes III Invited to Join the American College of Construction Lawyers Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Partner Allen W. Estes, III has been selected to serve as a fellow with the American College of Construction Lawyers. The ACCL is a national organization of lawyers who have demonstrated skill, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice, or in the teaching, of construction law, and who are dedicated to excellence in the specialized practice of construction law. Estes is one of only four fellows in Washington State and the first Gordon & Rees attorney to be invited. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005432/en/ Allen W. Estes, III (Photo: Business Wire) Estes serves as a co-chair of the Construction Practice Group, a co-managing partner of the Seattle office, and is a membr of the firm's Executive Committee. In his practice, he advises developers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and sureties in all phases of project administration and delivery on public and private projects including bidding issues, contract drafting/negotiation, contractor licensing issues, project performance, project disputes, project closeout and warranty issues on transportation, infrastructure, marine, wastewater/water, power, and renewable energy projects. His litigation experience includes bench and jury trials, as well as arbitrations, throughout the United States. "To be one of a small number of lawyers selected for Fellowship to the ACCL is a real honor," said Estes. "I am proud to be selected as a fellow with the most highly-regarded organization for construction lawyers in the country." Estes earned his B.A. with distinction from San Diego State University and his J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of Law. He served as a law clerk to Judge Franklin D. Burgess of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Gordon & Rees' Construction Group consists of more than 150 lawyers across the U.S. who focus their practice on the comprehensive range of legal service required by all participants in the construction industry - architects, engineers, design professionals, design joint ventures, owners, developers, property managers, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, product manufacturers, lenders, investors, state agencies, municipalities, and other affiliated consultants and service providers. The Group's lawyers have extensive experience handling a broad array of transactions and dispute resolution matters. About Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP As the only law firm with offices and attorneys in all 50 states, Gordon & Rees delivers maximum value to our clients by combining the resources of a full-service national firm with the local knowledge of a regional firm. Featuring more than 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we provide comprehensive litigation and business transactions services to public and private companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations. Founded in 1974, Gordon & Rees is recognized among the fastest growing and largest law firms in the country. The firm is currently ranked among the 25 largest law firms in the U.S., the top 25 firms for diverse attorneys, and the top 15 firms for female attorneys in the AmLaw 100. About ACCL The American College of Construction Lawyers is an invited association of construction law practitioners, professors, and judges. Founded in 1989, its mission is to improve and enhance the practice and understanding of construction law and to promote the positive role of lawyers as "friends of the project." The College includes lawyers from the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and France. For more information, visit www.accl.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005432/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Pacific Science Center Celebrates 60 Years of Igniting Curiosity 60th anniversary celebrations, themed "Tomorrow Begins Here", include a birthday party on Saturday, October 22 SEATTLE, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Science Center (PacSci) will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Saturday, October 22. Celebrations include a 21+ birthday party where attendees are invited to dress up in futuristic-themed costumes. "As we celebrate our legacy of igniting curiosity and inspiring critical thinking over the last six decades, we extend our gratitude to partners, supporters, and communities across our state who are the focus of our mission," said PacSci CEO Will Daugherty. "This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in STEM as we look to the next sixty years and beyond." PacSci's birthday party will feature a futuristic costume contest with a chance to win prizes. Additionally, the party will include live music performances by Seattle locals Tomo Nakayama and KEXP's DJ Evie; dancing; Planetarium shows; Laser Dome shows; Live Science Stage shows; Tinker Tank Makerspace activities; and food and drink. This event is open to 21+ adults only. It has been generously supported by Boeing and Alaska Airlines. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here. All tickets include light bites and a glass of champagne for a birthday toast. Concurrently, PacSci has launched a crowd-sourced campaign across social media, calling for community members to share their nostalgic photos and videos from PacSci and the World's Fair from 1962 until today. Participating users are encouraged to tag PacSci (@PacSci) and use the hashtags #PacSci60 and #Next60 when sharing photos and videos on social media. PacSci was born out of the U.S. Science Exhibit at the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle. Nearly 7 million people visited the U.S. Science Exhibit during the Fair, which ran from April 21 to October 21, 1962. PacSci is the first institution in the U.S. founded as a science and technology center. PacSci's iconic arches were designed by Seattle-born architect Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the original World Trade Center in New York City. In 2010, PacSci was awarded landmark status by the City of Seattle; The City of Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board unanimously voted for the designation. PacSci serves nearly 1 million people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds every year across the U.S. For more information about PacSci's history and work, visit PacSci's website. Hashtags #PacSci60 #Next60 About Pacific Science Center Pacific Science Center is an independent, not-for-profit institution in Seattle and has been a gateway to access science education and innovation for nearly 60 years. The institution's mission is to ignite curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. Pacific Science Center innovated during the pandemic to expand its digital programming and increase its reach across Washington, employing technology to bring experiential science education directly to homes and classrooms. In 20212022, its interactive online programs reached nearly half a million people and Virtual Field Trips reached more than 28,000 students across the state. PacSci imagines a future in which it serves every grade in every preK-8 Title I school in the state with programming in schools, virtual and digital programming, and in-person field tripsall at no cost to schools, educators, or families. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pacific-science-center-celebrates-60-years-of-igniting-curiosity-301655214.html SOURCE Pacific Science Center [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Ncontracts Recognized for Culture Excellence by Top Workplaces Ncontracts, the leading provider of integrated compliance and risk management solutions to the financial industry, announced today that it has been nationally recognized by Top Workplaces for its Culture Excellence Award. Based solely on employee feedback, Ncontracts received four top areas of recognition, including Employee Appreciation, DE&I Practices, Employee Well-Being, and Professional Development. Organizations are recognized by Top Workplaces for creating workspaces that unlock potential and inspire performance. This recognition comes on the heels of several other awards for workplace excellence. Most recently, Ncontracts was named a Top Workplace by The Tennessean for a second consecutive year, and was also featured on Inc. Magazine's Annual Best Workplaces list. As a result of its team's dedication and hard work, Ncontracts continues to experience strong growth. The company hasbeen named to the Inc. 5000 list for the last four years as well. "Building a strong workplace culture continues to be a top priority for Ncontracts," said Cathy Guthrie, EVP of Human Resources. "Over the last year, we have improved our parental leave, doubled our employer-paid life insurance benefits, improved our 401(k) program, plus many other initiatives. Our goal is to ensure an enjoyable and transparent work environment for our valued team members. I'm delighted to see our efforts recognized." Ncontracts also created new initiatives for employees. The company hosted its inaugural Women and Allies: Journey to Leadership event, organized a book club promoting healthy and inclusive conversations, and added three new paid holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day and Juneteenth. Additionally, Ncontracts reduced employee-only health coverage premiums to no cost to the employee and reduced the dependent health coverage on average by 40%. As part of its commitment to support local communities, Ncontracts has also raised more than $5,000 in employee charitable donations to various organizations. The company partners with its employees and charities across the country, including Roof Above-Lunches with Love?, Special Olympics Tennessee?, Indiana Food Finders, Nashville Rescue Mission and Second Harvest Food Banks. Michael Berman, founder and CEO of Ncontracts, said, "Receiving this recognition is not only humbling, but a demonstration of the great work our team is doing to ensure an outstanding and inclusive workplace. Over the last couple of years, the traditional work environment has changed significantly and made it imperative that we foster a sense of community. Our employees are the foundation of our company and we are committed to them - now and in the future." Ncontracts' integrated risk management and knowledge as a service (KaaS) solutions continue to be in high demand. The platform empowers financial institutions and fintechs with superior cloud technology, designed to make it easy to find and leverage industry-leading content developed by a team of seasoned regulatory risk and compliance experts. As a result, Ncontracts continues to see rapid growth, more than doubling its employee and customer base over the last three years. Ncontracts continues to grow its team with several open roles in engineering, marketing and sales. Visit ncontracts.com/careers to learn more. About Ncontracts Ncontracts provides integrated risk management and compliance software to a rapidly expanding customer base of over 4,000 financial institutions, mortgage companies, and fintechs in the United States. The company's powerful combination of software and services enables financial institutions to achieve their risk management and compliance goals with an integrated, user-friendly cloud-based solution suite encompassing vendor, organizational, audit, and compliance risk management. The company was named to the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America for the 4th consecutive year. Visit www.ncontracts.com or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005927/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Global Legal Law Firm Represents Paybotic in Suit Against Posabit US, Inc., For Breach of Contract, Intentional Business Interference, and Various IAA Violations Global Legal Law Firm Attorneys Christopher R. Dryden and James C. Huber lead lawsuit by Paybotic against Posabit US, Inc., Doublebeam, Inc., Attitude Wellness, Green Sunrise Products, LLC, Jamie Sterling, Seth Houk, and Saba Shamon. About the Case. IPN, LLC, doing business as Paybotic ("Plaintiff") has filed a lawsuit against Posabit US, Inc., Doublebeam, Inc., Attitude Wellness, Green Sunrise Products, LLC, Jamie Sterling, Seth Houk, and Saba Shamon ("Defendants") in Palm Beach County, Florida. The case was since removed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The operative complaint alleges, among other causes of action, Breach of Contract, Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, Intentional Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, Unjust Enrichment and Breach of Personal Guaranty. The lawsuit further details many violations that Defendants failed in their duties of fair business practice, including wrongfully stealing Plaintiff's clients. Instead of adhering to their contract with Paybotic, Defendants utilized extensive and specific knowledge of Paybotic's contracts with particular merchants, including confidential information, to disrupt and usurp Paybotic business relationships. About Global Legal Law Firm. Based in Southern California, Global Legal Law Firm's team of expert payments attorneys have focused on electronic payments litigation, both locally and across the nation, since 2008. Global's skilled attorneys have established themselves as complex litigation experts, representing ISOs, agents, merchants, processors, card brands, helping merchants get off the MATCH list and winning their reserve fund disputes. Global Legal Law Firm: Expert Payments Attorneys. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020005962/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County Orders Fuel Management Solution From Coencorp MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - The Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County placed an order with Coencorp for an automated fuel management system. The Central Fire District serves a resident population of approximately 90,500, with a seasonal influx during the summer, and covers an area of 55 square miles. Three fueling sites required an upgrade for three 1,000-gallon and one 500-gallon fuel tanks. Santa Cruz County had some demanding specifications, notably Improve bulk fuel inventory management by integrating tank level and monitoring systems. Improve the efficiency and control of fuel distribution operations. Integrate the fuel management software with the fleet maintenance management software. Provide standard and custom fleet management reports. Automatically capture vital emergency response vehicles' engine data such as engine hours, idle hours and all engine fault codes. Record fuel dispensing date, time, pump number, vehicle, and employee ID. Employee access to the fuel site system terminal by proximity card, proximity readers, key FOB or access module capable of manual input. Ability to upgrade software, firmware or communication without purchasing new equipment. Ensure appropriate levels of security are implemented and maintained to protect the integrity and reliability of IT resources, information and services. Full warranty and technical support Coencorp's SM2-FUEL fleet fueling technology, with its proprietary Vehicle Data Units, readily complied with the demanding specifications. The ability of the cloud-based Coencorp solution to easily integrate with the existing maintenance software means the maintenance software will be automatically updated with accurate operational data, thus ensuring the maintenance program will run effortlessly. CEO of Coencorp, Mr. Ali Tavassoli, states, "Our SM2-FUEL management solution not only makes fuel inventory reconciliation a breeze, but it can also monitor fuel usage end-to-end and provide the accurate data which any fleet maintenance management software requires." The new fleet fuel management system will be installed and operational in the coming months. Mr. Tavassoli adds, "We know that fires are top of mind with Californians, and we are proud to be able to contribute to improving the overall efficiency of the firefighting operations for Santa Cruz County." About Coencorp: Founded in 1991, Coencorp is a leading provider of automated fleet and fuel management solutions. Coencorp develops, manufactures, markets, and supports sophisticated hardware/software systems that efficiently manage fleets of 50 or more vehicles. Coencorp's mission is to improve its clients' bottom line by reducing their highest operating expenses, namely labor, fuel, and asset tracking & maintenance. Coencorp systems are used globally in over 1000 sites, managing hundreds of thousands of vehicles in various sectors, including municipalities, public transit, national defense, oil & gas, mining, construction, transportation, utilities, private fleets, and automobile dealerships. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/central-fire-district-of-santa-cruz-county-orders-fuel-management-solution-from-coencorp-301655482.html SOURCE Coencorp [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] NASA Orders Three More Orion Spacecraft from Lockheed Martin Substantial Cost Reduction Will Be Seen Through Upcoming Artemis Moon Missions DENVER, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is now under contract to deliver three Orion spacecraft to NASA for its Artemis VI-VIII missions, continuing the delivery of exploration vehicles to the agency to carry astronauts into deep space and around the Moon supporting the Artemis program. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor to NASA for the Orion program and has completed two Orion vehiclesEFT-1 which flew in 2014, and Artemis I, which is weeks away from its launch to the Moonand is actively building vehicles for the Artemis II-V missions. "Lockheed Martin is honored to partner with NASA to deliver Orion spacecraft for NASA's Artemis missions. This order includes spacecraft, mission planning and support, and takes us into the 2030s," said Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager for Commercial Civil Space, Lockheed Martin. "We're on the eve of a historic launch kicking off the Artemis era and this contract shows NASA is making long-term plans toward living and working on the Moon, while also having a forward focus on getting humans to Mars." This order marks the second three missions under the agency's Orion Production and Operations Contract (OPOC), an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDI) contract for up to 12 vehicles. A breakout of these orders includes: 2019 : NASA initiates OPOC IDIQ and orders three Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions III-V. : NASA initiates OPOC IDIQ and orders three Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions III-V. 2022 : NASA orders three additional Orion spacecraft missions for Artemis VI-VIII for $1.99 billion . : NASA orders three additional Orion spacecraft missions for Artemis VI-VIII for . In the future: NASA can order an additional six Orion missions. Under OPOC, Lockheed Martin and NASA have reduced the costs on Orion by 50% per vehicle on Artemis III through Artemis V, compared to vehicles built during the design and development phase. The vehicles built for Artemis VI, VII and VIII will see an additional 30% cost reduction. "We're achieving substantial cost savings from Artemis III through Artemis VIII by extensive structure and system reuse and incorporating advanced digital design and manufacturing processes," said Tonya Ladwig, Orion vice president and program manager at Lockheed Martin Space. "The Artemis II vehicle will reuse select avionics from the Artemis I crew module, and that reuse will continue to dramatically increase to where the Artemis III pressure vessel capsule will be entirely refurbished for the Artemis VI mission." Additionally, the company will drive out cost from these production vehicles through material and component bulk buys from suppliers and an accelerated mission cadence. With the Artemis I Orion spacecraft currently on top of the Space Launch System rocket, there are two other Orion vehicles undergoing assembly at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Artemis II and III. Work is well under way on the Artemis IV craft including welding the pressure vessel together at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans and the heat shield at Lockheed Martin's facility near Denver, and work has already begun on the Artemis V vehicle. More information about Orion Lockheed Martin Orion page: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/orion NASA Orion page: https://www.nasa.gov/orion About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation, and @LMSpace for Space-focused company content. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-orders-three-more-orion-spacecraft-from-lockheed-martin-301655504.html SOURCE Lockheed Martin [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Digital Verified Identity Platform Merit Announces the Launch of ASPIRE: Alliance for States Providing Interoperable REciprocity A coalition of non-profit and private sector organizations including Blue Star Families, The National Military Spouse Network, The Association of the United States Army, Women Veterans Interactive Foundation, Credential Engine, and Merit International, Inc., announced this week at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. the formation of an alliance to accelerate the adoption of technology and practices to enable military reciprocity by and between states. Named ASPIRE (Alliance for States Providing Interoperable REciprocity), this coalition will facilitate states' support for service members and families with interoperable verified digital credentials. More than one in five Americans works in an industry that requires an occupational license. For the spouses of service members however, that figure jumps to one in three. Through no fault of their own, these spouses are uniquely disenfranchised by laws restricting out-of-state recognition of such licenses. That's because nearly 15% of military spouses move across state lines in any given year, compared to just 1.1% of civilian spouses. 16 states have passed laws that in some form mandate or enable reciprocity for military families possessing a state-issued credential - yet no central platform has up until this point existed to enable interstate recognition and cooperation. The aim of ASPIRE is to make obtaining a license in a state to which military personnel and their families are deployed easier. The stakes are high; When reciprocity is not available, many spouses of servicemembers are forced to abandon their profession, secure a less desirable nd underpaying job, or receive unemployment assistance. "As the daughter of a Purple Heart recipient, I know the importance of knocking down the barriers that prevent military families from joining the workforce," said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. "That's why last year I signed a bipartisan bill to make it easier for all Kansans - including those serving in the military - to obtain licenses they've already earned. Other states should follow suit, and the ASPIRE announcement is a step in the right direction." Support for potential solutions to address these concerns, such as the implementation of digital licenses and interstate professional license reciprocity, is widespread. A national survey conducted in September found that voters support allowing military families to use their professional licenses in any state (84%). They also broadly support the use of technology to allow licensed people to use digital versions of their professional licenses (73%). Occupational licenses are hardwon only after investing months of retraining and compliance. Forty-three states and the District of Columbia require that out-of-state teacher candidates take additional assessments. Many states likewise mandate hundreds of hours of retraining for professions as varied as optometrists, building contractors, travel agents, pest control workers, landscapers, or residential painters. These burdensome licensing requirements create massive redundancies for military families, who experience a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) every two to three years on average. "We need to eliminate as many hurdles as possible for those courageous military families who support the men and women that keep us all safe," shared Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. "In Mississippi, we are working hard to establish reciprocity for those who come to our great state as a result of that mission. We also applaud the private sector leaders who are pursuing innovative means to make those moves more frictionless. It is important that we all work together to support those that protect freedom here and abroad!" "Merit allows people to be deployed to their highest and best use, reducing bureaucratic overhead, and ensuring integrity and accountability," said Tomer Kagan, CEO and Co-Founder of Merit. "We have the technology, the will, and the law on our side. Now is the time to act." To learn more about ASPIRE, Merit, or how you can help demand interoperable reciprocity for military families, please visit Merits.com/ASPIRE. About ASPIRE: Alliance for States Providing Interoperable Reciprocity A national coalition facilitating states' support for service members and families with interoperable verified digital credentials. Merit is the first technology company to facilitate universal license recognition - cutting red tape, speeding up the hiring process, and propelling economic competitiveness. About Merit Merit is the interoperable ecosystem for all digital credentials issued by trusted organizations. The platform allows everyone to access, track, and organize their licenses and credentials in real-time. Merit works with more than 1,000 organizations for professional licensing, occupational regulation, workforce development, emergency services, and other digital credentialing needs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221020006089/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 20, 2022] Note to Editors - Space Brain Hack, a national initiative asking students to tackle astronauts' mental health challenges VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk launched the Space Brain Hack, a new learning initiative for young Canadians in grades 6 to 12. We're looking for students to come up with new and creative solutions to the challenges of future space exploration. The Space Brain Hack is an annual initiative open to schools, youth organizations and science centres in Canada, and it will explore a new theme each year. For this first edition, the theme that youth are invited to tackle relates to astronauts' mental health. How can we help them maintain their well-being on the long-duration and long-distance missions coming up? How can they virtually escape from their stressful environment and stay in touch with their loved ones? As we prepare to send astronauts to the Moon, and eventually further into space, questions like these will become increasingly important. Participants can submit their ideas until February 2023. A selection committee will evaluate submissions, and winners will be announced during Science Odyssey in May 2023. The initiative is designed to give youth a glimpse of the types of roles they could play in exciting space missions by studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and choosing STEM career paths. Space Brain Hack Website: http://asc-csa.gc.ca Follow us on social media SOURCE Canadian Space Agency [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] "This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?" The TV public service announcement was a classic from the ridiculous 1980s "war on drugs." And while I knew that this and other anti-drug PSAs at the time were created by ad agencies, I didn't realize that the American Association of Advertising Agencies actually created and funded the Partnership for a Drug Free America (PDFA)! This academic paper by author and history teacher Joseph Moreau explores how these ads (including the unforgettable "I learned it by watching YOU!" spot) embodied the "just say no!" conservative attitude of the 1980s compared to the "just say know" liberal mindset of the 1970s. From a summary of the paper in JSTOR Daily: At the time, [American Association of Advertising Agencies president] Lou Hagopian, suggested that the effort could improve the reputation of an industry "credited withor sometimes blamed forselling Americans fast food, soft drinks, cars and jeans."[] "Television advertising necessitates a relatively straightforward style, but this spot goes well beyond the demands of the medium," Moreau writes. "It relies on a conscious, unapologetic refusal to engage in debate with a hypothetical opponent."[] Another unstated message of the spots was that it was only illegal drugs that should be feared. Moreau notes that it was essentially impossible for the PDFA to target legal drugs even if ad-makers wanted to. Television stations depended on revenue from beer and wine companies, and while tobacco ads were banned from TV by this point, they still appeared in the same newspapers and magazines that ran PDFA material. Even more tellingly, as the Nation reporter Cynthia Cotts discovered in 1992, the PDFA received funding from pharmaceutical, alcohol, and tobacco companies for years. It's surprising to learn that people still bothered with fear-based nonsense against weed when it has served as a punchline for adults for more than half a century. Still, in fairness, here's the premise of an argument that some poor agenda blog hack was paid to make with a straight face . . . Legal pot will lead to rampant addiction (especially in adolescents), crippled emergency room budgets, fetal harm, psychotic events, increased crime and violence, more dangerous roads, increased teen suicides, and perversely a more robust market for illegal weed. Voters really need to understand what theyre getting themselves into, warns Dr. Kenneth Finn, an internationally recognized expert in both pain and cannabis in Colorado, which legalized recreational marijuana in 2012. Believe whatever you want . . . More verified data suggests otherwise. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . 'The next healthcare catastrophe': Medical experts warn Missourians to reject recreational marijuana Nov. 8 Would you have voted in favor of having the COVID-19 pandemic? Of course not, but doctors say Missouri voters may bring on the next big public health crisis if they elect to approve recreational marijuana on Nov. 8. Something a bit more fun making all the same arguments . . . The Refeer Madness trailer from 1936: You decide . . . Kansas City transit fact . . . Since bike lanes on Truman Road have been announced, the public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. In order to confuse public sentiment . . . Local activists have started trolling social media in order to challenge public opinion. Here's part of the argument in a recent rigged conversation . . . Recently I saw a post on Facebook announcing a new bike lane on Truman that had already begun installation. The comments were full of motorists complaining it was a "waste of tax payer money because there are no cyclists and it will go largely unused." But that is so contrary to my experience. So I just stated my support on a comment that said it would go unused by saying "I will use it often." Their response? "Good, stay out of the road I'm tired of slowing for you damn cyclists." My friend, you just said you are against adding bike lanes, but in the same breath you are upset you have to slow for cyclists. Which is it? If there is a bike lane, you won't be slowing for cyclists! Why is the general attitude in Kansas City so bad towards riders? And so, here's a quick guide to how the conversation works . . . 1. Bike Supremacy activists propose more lanes and the public largely opposes the plan. 2. A cyclist or some pedestrian dies in another part of the city and activists cynically use the death to gain political advantage. 3. Clever politicos trade votes on this topic in order to garner favor for their own pet project. The bike lanes go up and neighbors often complain about the dangerous imposition on traffic that is mostly unused. Here's something even more important . . . BIKE LANES IN KANSAS CITY SEEM LIKE A LEGAL KICKBACK SCHEME!!! More than five years ago we did this investigation but, per ushe, we were ahead of our time and the public had yet to grow tired of bike supremacy. Here's how it works . . . So-called "activists" demand bike lanes and create online chatter and offer a few passionate TV interviews. Let's call them "friendly" voices on council hear their cries and don't disclose their connections to activist groups. AND THEN . . . Who do you think KCMO hires as consultants in order to build bike lanes??? Well . . . Some of the most prominent BIKE SUPREMACY activist associations ALSO provide services to help construct bike lanes throughout the Kansas City metro. How convenient!!! All of this is perfectly legal and most of the suckers who think they're protecting cyclists never realize that they've part of activist profit model by fake nice guys who have found a clever way to turn a profit with their sketchy amateur urban planner politics. You decide . . . Here's where to go to find emergency and non-emergency resources. I never fall asleep on the job: Toronto window washers rave about clean living Job pays well and 'is not dangerous in the way people think it is' Orchard Villa, a Pickering nursing home known for its high death rate during the height of COVID-19, is facing opposition to its bid. - Susie Kockerscheidt/Torstar Dating apps are a popular way for people to meet partners and friends. - Bryon Johnson/Metroland Brett Glover is a journalist with the Barrie Advance. He can be reached at bglover@metroland.com .Follow him on Twitter -- https://twitter.com/BrettJGlover M&T copes with brighter spotlight after People's deal M&T Bank had to navigate choppy political waters over the past month. M&T received blowback from elected leaders over problems some customers of Connecticut-based Peoples United Bank had with their accounts converting to M&T over Labor Day weekend. Those leaders had also criticized M&T over the scale of planned job cuts at People's, stemming from M&T's $8.3 billion deal for People's. Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week. Buffalo-based M&T is now in a brighter spotlight, after a deal that expanded its presence throughout the Northeast and bolstered its ranking among its peers. And with that higher profile comes more scrutiny. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont tweeted a photo of himself meeting in his office with M&Ts chairman and CEO, Rene Jones. Rene recognizes M&Ts issues and reaffirmed their commitment to getting it right, Lamont wrote. The governor added: I will be holding M&T accountable for their commitment to the state, ensuring at least 1,000 jobs are based in Bridgeport while also focusing on investments in underbanked and underserved communities across Connecticut. Were keeping our economy growing while also holding businesses accountable for their impact. They must go hand in hand. I just shared this with M&T CEO Rene Jones in my office today. Rene recognizes M&Ts issues and reaffirmed their commitment to getting it right. pic.twitter.com/EtyAckDU19 Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) October 4, 2022 M&T has also faced criticism from Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and the states attorney general, William Tong, who have vowed to keep a close eye on M&T. Lamont, Blumenthal and Tong are all running for re-election this year. John Wilcox, who teaches economics and finance at SUNY-Buffalo State and tracks the banking industry, said there was a political dimension to what M&T faced in Connecticut, especially in light of M&T cutting jobs. M&T last year announced plans to cut 747 jobs in Connecticut, mainly at what was Peoples headquarters in Bridgeport. Theres that political sting to the lawmakers, and theres the sting to the community, Wilcox said. 'This was a big organization (Peoples) in our community, and now this bigger organization from outside came and took them over.' There was little the elected officials could do to stop or slow down the Peoples deal once regulators approved it, he said. I think this is more about getting leverage to make sure M&T follows through on their commitments, which they always do," he said. That leverage could take the form of keeping job cuts by M&T to a minimum, or coaxing more charitable donations or lending commitments for Connecticut from M&T, he said. Bank mergers, by their nature, are sensitive deals, given the different groups they affect: Employees of the acquired bank, some of who might lose their jobs due to overlapping roles. Customers, who count on a smooth transition of their accounts to a new bank. Leaders of communities served by the acquired bank, who are nervous about the deals long-range business impact. A year ago, M&T announced a five-year, $43 billion package of loans and investments that would touch all of its markets, including the territories added through the Peoples deal. But M&T still had to cope with criticism on two fronts: how customers' accounts were converted, and its plans for job cuts. M&T acknowledged some customers had problems during the conversion, while seeking to put those issues into perspective. Jones said M&T had onboarded nearly 1 million new customers from Peoples, with 1.7 million accounts, and that complaints the bank had received directly or otherwise represented 0.6% of the converted customer base. Jones said there may have been other customers who had problems, but didnt formally report them, but M&T was working to resolve any outstanding issues. M&T also agreed to waive certain fees through the end of October for former Peoples customers whose accounts were shifted to M&T, regardless of whether those customers encountered problems. And the bank reimbursed customers for late fees incurred if they temporarily couldnt access their accounts. Wilcox said any customer account conversion issues seemed to have faded away after the initial wave of attention. The conversion phase is a critical step for banks, he said. "You want to do this successfully because this keeps people in the fold," Wilcox said. "You bought a million customers and you want to have them with you. You want to have their deposits with you a year from now. "This is what you paid for: not only the buildings, not only the employees, but you also paid for customers," he said. On the jobs front, M&T publicly disclosed its plans for cuts in August 2021, well ahead of the projected completion date. Elected officials at the time expressed alarm at the number of cuts. The bank said it would give priority to affected People's employees for other open positions at M&T. And the bank pledged to employ at least 1,000 workers within a year of the systems conversion at M&T's new regional office in Bridgeport, Conn. While M&T received blunt criticism from elected officials, it was in the bank's interest to not escalate things with its responses, Wilcox said. "You want to make this as friendly and as efficient as possible, and you don't want to create enemies along the way." Want to know more? Three stories to catch you up: THE LATEST Catch up on the latest news from the Buffalo Niagara economy: Community groups are pushing for a significant piece of the funding that will be part of a Buffalo Bills community benefits agreement. Former 43North prize winner CleanFiber plans to expand its Hamburg facility again. A Cleveland developer is planning a wide-ranging senior housing complex in Amherst. A state-backed program to turn property that had been purchased by speculators in Niagara Falls and spur development there has completed one of its first projects. A pair of new retailers Sierra and Homesense picked Amherst for their first stores in Western New York. Josh Allen and Kaleida leaders announced the largest gift yet for the Patricia Allen Fund $2 million from West Herr Automotive. A strike has ended at Sysco Syracuse, which was affecting about 30 drivers from the Buffalo area. A Buffalo Bills stadium deal won't be done for months as another extension agreement was reached. Local hotel operator Jay Patel purchased the Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga. The final phase of the Colvin Estates housing development in Buffalo is getting underway. ICYMI Five reads from Buffalo Next: 1. It's 43North week, and 15 startups are competing for five $1 million prizes in this year's revamped competition. Organizers made the changes to keep the contest relevant in the increasingly competitive market to attract and nurture promising startups. 2. As New York moves toward legalized cannabis sales, the experience in other states gives a strong indication of what works - and what doesn't. 3. For kids with autism, a different way of learning: Canisius College's Institute for Autism Research offers a unique social skills intervention that starts with young children, but could improve the quality of life for all autistic people. 4. As Micron picks Syracuse, will Genesee County ever land its own semiconductor win? The Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park, or STAMP, pitches its ability to lure workers from both Rochester and Buffalo. But is its location, in an isolated spot in the Town of Alabama, more of a liability than economic development officials think? 5. A handful of solar farms proposed for sites across Western New York will be among the biggest in the state, which is pushing to get more electricity from renewable sources. The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Deputy Business Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up to get the latest in your inbox five days a week. Several parts of the country are inundated by flood water this evening. It comes as a result of more rainfall overnight, causing many rivers to break their banks and water courses to spill over. After the massive Russian missile attack on Ukraine on October 10 and 11, the its not us theme earlier spun by Kremlin propagandists turned into lets do it again and its high time. Russian TV channels were flooded with videos of the aftermath of the strikes and various maps of missile attacks and reports of explosions in Ukrainian cities were circulated across Telegram channels in real-time. Kremlin propagandists tried to focus on two things the Crimean Bridge and the cold winter. Recently, we have already refuted the point of why the bombing of the Crimean Bridge was not a pretext for the Russian shelling of civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. By the way, the narrative of avenging the Crimean Bridge did not circulate for too long in the Russian media. The dominant message was destruction of infrastructure as a target to deprive Ukrainians of electricity. It was this message that the propagandists circulated all week, mixed with the posts about Europe has no power and heating because of sanctions. A new stage of the special military operation starts Petr Akopov, a Russian propagandist, wrote about the new stage of the special military operation, and more specifically about the new stage of dismantling Ukraine on October 11, the day after the Russians launched a massive missile and drone attack. In his piece, Akopov urges the Russian authorities not to stop at this point. He calls on them to continue missile strikes until the complete destruction of the civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, despite the humanitarian catastrophe that this devastation implies. The day before this publication, it was Dmitry Medvedev who called for the full dismantling of the political regime of Ukraine. Akopovs material only explains his point in more detail. Olga Skabeeva, another Russian propaganda pundit expressed a similar point in her 60 Minutes programme, commenting on the massive missile attack on Ukraine. This is not a one-time event, but a radical change in the tactics of the Russian army during the special operation, said the propagandist. Invited guests, experts, and commentators also expressed support for the message about a change in the tactics of the special military operation. Missile shelling must be regular Propagandists praised Russias skills and called for repeated and regular shelling throughout the week after the massive missile attack on October 10 and 11. They see critical infrastructure as their main target. Russian propagandist Anton Krasovsky also began to spread similar statements. If you want to see a truly dyed-in-the-wool fascist heres Anton Krasovksky for you. Im not sure you even need to speak Russian to get it you can see it in the twisted grin with which he spits out his bile. pic.twitter.com/G2aS74zVxt Glenn Kates (@gkates) October 10, 2022 Ukraine needs to be deprived of comfort According to propagandists, Ukraine has adapted to the current war through Western support. Here is how one of the Kremlin Telegram channels describes the current situation in Ukraine: The entire budget is formed at the expense of Western subsidies. Weapons are being provided. There are enough people to mobilize. Preparations for the winter period were underway. So, they can fight for a long time. And now they are facing a prospect of being left without power, water, gas, and sewerage ahead of the winter. Ukraine must be thrown back to the Stone Age In support of the previous messages, there were calls to really throw Ukraine back to the Middle Ages or the Stone Age. From Nazis to terrorists: How the Kremlin justifies its actions today While previously Russian propagandists considered Ukraine to be for the most part a country of Nazis and fascists, now, Ukraine is increasingly being portrayed by the Kremlin media as a terrorist country. In August, members of theJust Russia For Truth parliament faction even submitted a draft law On Recognition of Ukraine as a Terrorist State and Confiscation of Property Belonging to Its Citizens in Favor of Russia. Therefore, this point is now most often repeated by Russian propagandists and officials, in particular, those commenting on the massive missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the men remaining in the temporarily occupied areas of southern and eastern Ukraine to avoid being recruited to the occupiers army as much as they can. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his video address, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The full text of the speech is provided below: Dear Ukrainians! Today was quite a fruitful day. I met with the European Commissioner for Crisis Management. I thanked Mr. Lenarcic for all the assistance that was provided during the full-scale war. We discussed what other humanitarian needs of our people could be met with the help of our European friends. Of course, we touched on the situation with energy. I spoke today with the President of Turkey. I thanked him for supporting our territorial integrity. We discussed the key security issues currently Ukraine and our entire region are facing. The key topics are efforts to further release our people from Russian captivity, defense cooperation, export of Ukrainian food. I held negotiations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece he arrived on a visit to Kyiv for the third time since February 24. I thanked Greece for its support in the defense sector. We agreed to strengthen our cooperation in bilateral relations and at the level of the European Union, as well as at the level of NATO. Tomorrow I will participate in the European Summit I will contact my partners. The key topic, of course, is challenges to our energy, both Ukrainian and European. We will respond to the terrorist threat together. Today, Andriy Yermak met with representatives of the embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain at the Office and discussed the strengthening of our anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense. We are working to guarantee the complete safety of the Ukrainian sky. We already have significant results: 233 Shahed UAVs and dozens of missiles were shot down during the month. Ten Iranian drones were destroyed today and this is only in the Kyiv direction. Another 11 Shahed UAVs were shot down thanks to the soldiers of the Pivden air command. Thanks guys for the great job! There are results in other areas as well. But, unfortunately, there are also impacts. We have new damage to critical infrastructure. Today, three energy facilities were destroyed by the enemy. Of course, we will do everything possible to restore the normal energy capabilities of our country. But it takes time. And this requires our joint efforts. Tomorrow they are needed even more than before. There will be clarifications from the heads of regional administrations and government officials, but in general, it is necessary to be especially conscious of electricity consumption from 7 am tomorrow. Please do not turn on unnecessary electrical appliances. Please limit your electricity consumption and use those appliances that consume a lot of energy. Tomorrow, it is very important that the consumption is as conscious as possible, and thus the schedules of stabilization blackouts will be shorter. I held a general meeting on energy issues today the Office, government, energy companies. We are preparing for all possible scenarios in view of the winter season. We assume that Russian terror will be directed at energy facilities until, with the help of partners, we ensure the ability to shoot down 100% of enemy missiles and drones. Separately, today I want to address our people in the temporarily occupied areas of southern and eastern Ukraine. In the near future, the occupiers will try to recruit men into their army. Everywhere is the same as in Donetsk and Luhansk. Please avoid it as much as you can. Try to leave the occupied territory. If you cannot do this and find yourself in Russian military structures, at the first opportunity try to lay down your arms and come to Ukrainian positions. And most importantly, protect your life. And be sure to help our other people who are close to you. Our common task is to persevere. Stand against these weirdoes Russia avoided even the word "war" for six months, punished its own people with criminal cases for it, and now it declares martial law in the occupied territory. The occupiers themselves brought the war to our land under their constant false pretense of alleged negotiations, and now they are signing some decrees cementing the war. Well, what can I say? It's just hysterics of the "Chekist comrades." Hysterics, which will be greater the closer Russia's defeat is. In the evening, I signed another decree on awarding our soldiers. Seventy one servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were awarded state awards today. I thank everyone who fights and works for Ukraine! I thank everyone who helps our defense! And I would like to thank separately for the fact that it was the Ukrainian people who this year became the laureate of the special honor of the European Parliament the Sakharov Prize. This award is given annually to those who have made the greatest contribution to the defense of democracy, human rights and European values. It is really important that all Ukrainian men and women millions of our people who so bravely defend freedom were recognized in Europe this year. Glory to our beautiful people! Glory to Ukraine! Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Over the past day, the Ukrainian military have repelled enemy attacks near nine settlements, namely the Luhansk regions Bilohorivka and the Donetsk regions Bakhmut, Bakhmutske, Klishchiivka, Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, Nevelske, Opytne and Marinka. The relevant statement was made by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook as of 06:00 a.m., October 20, 2022, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Russian troops are trying to hold the temporarily occupied areas, focusing efforts on restraining the actions of Ukraines Defense Forces in certain directions, and continue attempts to conduct offensive actions in the Bakhmut and Avdiivka directions. In violation of international humanitarian law, the laws and customs of war, the enemy continues to strike critical infrastructure and civilian houses. Over the past day, Russian invaders have launched 11 missile strikes and 28 air strikes on Ukraines territory, and opened fire with multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) over 65 times. Over 25 settlements came under enemy fire, namely the Ivano-Frankivsk regions Burshtyn, the Vinnytsia regions Ladyzhyn, the Dnipropetrovsk regions Zelenodolsk, the Donetsk regions Siversk, Sloviansk and Terny, the Zaporizhzhia regions Znachkove, and the Kherson regions Davydiv Brid. Russian occupiers used cruise, air-launched and anti-aircraft guided missiles, as well as over 10 Iranian-manufactured Shahed-136 suicide drones (half of them from the territory of Belarus). In the Volyn, Polissia and Siverskyi directions, the situation remained rather unchanged. In other directions, Russian troops opened fire as follows: in the Slobozhankskyi direction near such settlements as the Kharkiv regions Hoptivka, Hrianykivka, Kolodiazne, Krasne, Ohirtseve and Strilecha, with different artillery systems; in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions near the Kharkiv regions Berestove, Kyslivka and Pershotravneve, the Luhansk regions Kovalivka, Novoiehorivka and Novoliubivka, and the Donetsk regions Zarichne, Terny and Torske, with cannon and rocket artillery; in the Bakhmut direction near the Donetsk regions Andriivka, Bakhmut, Bakhmutske, Bilohorivka, Zelenopillia, Klishchiivka, Kurdiumivka, Pivnichne, Maiorsk, New York, Soledar and Yakovlivka, with tanks and artillery; in the Avdiivka direction near the Donetsk regions Avdriivka, Vodiane, Pervomaiske, Opytne, Krasnohorivka, Marinka and Novomykhailivka, with tanks, mortars, cannon and rocket artillery. In the Novopavlivka and Zaporizhzhia directions, Russian troops did not take active offensive actions. Over 20 settlements came under enemy fire all over the contact line, namely the Donetsk regions Velyka Novosilka, Vremivka, Vuhledar and Zolota Nyva, and the Zaporizhzhia regions Mykilske, Orikhiv and Chervone. In the Southern Bug direction, Russian invaders continue to set up defensive positions. The enemy is opening fire on settlements all over the contact line in order to hold back the Ukrainian Armys counteroffensive. According to the preliminary data, the leadership of Iran and the Russian Federation agreed to send UCAV instructors and advisors to Russia. In particular, Shahed-136 and Arash-2 operators are known to have been undergoing training so far. There is a high risk of Russias shelling of civilian objects in the Kherson region. In the morning of October 19, 2022, Russian occupiers spread fake reports among Nova Kakhovka residents about the Ukrainian Army allegedly preparing to open fire. According to the confirmed data, in recent days, Ukraines Defense Forces have struck enemy personnel and military equipment clusters in the Zaporizhzhia region. Up to 150 Russian soldiers were injured, and about 15 military equipment units were destroyed. Over the past day, Ukrainian air forces have launched 10 strikes on enemy positions. Six enemy ammunition and military equipment clusters were confirmed as hit, as well as four air defense missile system positions. The Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense units shot down six enemy cruise missiles, one Ka-52 attack helicopter and 16 UAVs (including 14 Shahed-136 drones). Ukraines missile and artillery units struck three Russian command posts, six personnel, ammunition and military equipment clusters, one ammunition depot, one electronic warfare system and six other important targets, including a bridge and pontoon crossing used by Russian invaders. mk After the horrific massacre on May 14 at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo grieved. Then came the outpouring of love from the City of Good Neighbors. In the five months since, the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund raised $6,452,355.32. The funds raised will be distributed to the 169 people determined to be the most affected by the tragedy. They are the family members of those killed. They are the wounded. They are the workers and shoppers who were in the store and parking lot. None of them will ever forget that terrible day. More than 13,000 donations were made to that fund. We came together with incredible acts of generosity and compassion, said the Rev. Mark Blue, president of the Buffalo branch of the NAACP and co-chair of the fund. Although these donations could never make the survivors whole," said co-chair Paul Vukelic, "we are hopeful these donations provide the recipients with some comfort knowing that there are many people who wanted to give something to help them in whatever way possible. Donations came from individuals and major companies. Tops Markets started it off with a contribution of $500,000. The supermarket chain raised another $119,630 as grocery shoppers donated at checkout lanes. The Buffalo Bills Foundation raised $543,000 through its "Choose Love" T-shirt sales. (Another half million dollars from the foundation went to the Buffalo Together Community Response Fund.) Tim Hortons stores raised $91,000 selling "Buffalo Community Donuts" decorated with white icing and blue sprinkles. There were smaller fundraisers, too. United Auto Workers Local 774 raised more than $5,000 through a gate collection. The Anchor Bar held a T-shirt sale to raise $5,000. Cardinal O'Hara High School raised $750. Garnell Whitfield, whose 86-year-old mother, Ruth, was slain in the massacre, said that the families of the victims appreciate the generosity of the public. Yet, "there's no amount of money to make up for our mom," he said. The attack on May 14 at the Jefferson Avenue supermarket upended the lives of many people. Many of them are struggling with the trauma as well as meeting their basic needs. "This will help them get through the pain," Whitfield said. "This will help them alleviate some stress and allow them to focus on healing and growing. That's what this is for." Whitfield noted that such help doesn't exist for the survivors of other traumas in the community including the gun violence that claims dozens of lives in Buffalo every year. "They don't have a 5/14 fund," he said. "They've got nobody reaching out. If anything, I'm hopeful people will recognize the need to be more empathetic and helpful on a a day-to-day basis." The fund was established through the National Compassion Fund, which raises donations to help victims of mass casualty events. Other fundraising drives they have administered include those for the victims and survivors of the May 24 mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Permanent representatives of EU member states today agreed on new sanctions against Iran over supplying combat kamikaze drones to Russia that are used for barbaric attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure facilities. According to Ukrinform, the relevant statement was published on the Twitter page of the Czech Presidency of the EU Council. COREPER II (Permanent Representatives Committee ed.) approved sanctions against Iran in record time! After 3 days of talks, EU ambassadors agreed on measures against entities supplying Iranian drones that hit Ukraine. Written procedure is over, sanctions come into force this afternoon on publication in the Official Journal of the EU, the statement reads. The Czech Presidency of the EU Council said that EU states decided to freeze the assets of three individuals and one entity responsible for drone deliveries. The EU is also prepared to extend sanctions to four more Iranian entities that already featured in a previous sanctions list, it concluded. iy The threat of renewed Russian offensive operations on the northern front is growing. The direction can be shifted to the western border of Ukraine to cut off the logistical routes through which Ukraine receives weapons and equipment from international partners. "The aggressive rhetoric of the military-political leadership of Russia and Belarus is intensifying, accompanied by the deployment of the regional grouping of troops of the so-called allied state. The threat of resumption of the offensive of the Russian armed forces on the northern front is growing. This time, the direction of the offensive may be shifted to the west of Ukraine-Belarus border to cut off the main logistical arteries of weapons and military equipment supplies to Ukraine from the partner countries. The aviation units, units of other military branches, Russian armed forces are being deployed at airfields and military infrastructure facilities in the territory of Belarus, including at those ceded to the full control of the armed forces of the Russian Federation," Oleksiy Hromov, deputy chief of the main operational department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. As noted, covert mobilization measures are being carried out in Belarus, and the Belarusian leadership continues to provide its territory for launching Russian ballistic missiles and drones. In particular, Russia deployed MiG-31 aircraft at Belarusian airfields which can be armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, Hromov noted and stressed that the General Staff was constantly monitoring this situation. "Currently, measures are being taken to reliably shield the state border and Kyiv city from the northern direction. If the enemy makes a decision to open the so-called second front, namely to conduct offensive operations from the Republic of Belarus, we will be ready to provide an adequate response," the representative of the General Staff assured. As reported, the latest satellite images show the build-up of Russian equipment and troops at the Zyabrovka military airfield near the Belarusian border with Ukraine. ol Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on international partners to speed up the implementation of decisions on supplying Ukraine with air and missile defense systems for protection against Russian terror. He stated this in his address to the European Council, reports Ukrinform. "We must do everything possible to make it completely impossible for Russia to destroy our energy system with missiles and drones. We have already received a very effective IRIS-T system from Germany. I thank Mr. Chancellor for that. This German system protects not only Ukrainian skies. It protects European stability, limiting Russian terror, which strikes both our country and, in the future, your countries. But we need more air defense and anti-missile defense systems to create a truly reliable air shield," Zelensky said. He said that some EU countries had already confirmed their participation in this work and called on them "to accelerate the implementation of decisions as much as possible." "I am now turning to France, Italy, and our other partners not only in Europe, but also in the United States of America. Not only to those who produce air defense and anti-missile defense systems, but also to those who have the necessary systems. The more protected Ukrainian skies are, the more stable life will be in all of Europe. We have to ensure it," Zelensky said. He said that there is a new escalation in Russian terror and this requires that new steps be taken in response "quick steps in solidarity, steps that will protect both Ukrainians and all Europeans." Zelensky noted that European gas storage facilities are full, but, unfortunately, the very serious challenge of the price crisis, which Russia ignited and fuels to provoke social tension in European countries, still remains. According to him, this is Russia's calculated pressure on the family budget of every European family. In addition, Zelensky recalled that attacks by Russian cruise missiles and Iranian combat drones have destroyed more than a third of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, thus making the country incapable of exporting electricity to Europe. In this regard, he also said that by doing this, Russia is provoking a new wave of migration of Ukrainians to the EU. Since October 10, Russia has been carrying out massive strikes with missiles and kamikaze drones on the energy and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine. Photo: President's Office Switzerland is ready to play an active role in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. According to Ukrinform, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this in a statement on Telegram. "Switzerland is ready to play an active role in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, and it is also already involved in reconstruction projects," he said. Shmyhal thanked President Ignazio Cassis and Swiss partners for their help in restoring the destroyed infrastructure in Ukraine. Cassis visited Ukraine on Thursday, October 20. Photo: Denys Shmyhal / Facebook All world leaders must make Russia understand that a terrorist attack at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant will be the same as the use of weapons of mass destruction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a new video address, Ukrinform reports. Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians! Today I took part in the meeting of the European Council. The topic of protection of Ukraine and our energy security was among the key issues at this summit. I informed my colleagues about the new terrorist steps of Russia and about our needs to protect ourselves from this form of terror directed against the energy system. Russian troops continue to strike our power plants with missiles and drones. In the end, such Russian meanness will also fail. We are doing everything to get more modern and effective air defense and missile defense systems for Ukraine. And there will be a day when we announce that the Ukrainian sky has become completely protected from Russian missiles, Iranian drones and any other carriers of evil. Russia tried to blackmail Europe with gas and oil, organizes sabotage on underwater gas pipelines and critical cables in Europe, tried and is still trying to freeze people... And what happened? Russia has only lost its weight in the European energy market, which it has been gaining since Brezhnev's era, and will definitely be treated as the most reckless international criminal. This will remain with Moscow for a very long time even after this Russian leader. Russia is trying to destroy the energy system of Ukraine, to make our people suffer even more, but this only mobilizes the international community to help us even more and put even more pressure on the terrorist state. And all our expenses for the protection of our energy facilities and for the restoration of our infrastructure after Russian terrorist attacks will be reimbursed at the expense of Russian assets. Each of the terrorists will be personally responsible for what he does. Before the court. And the terrorist state will pay for its terror. With isolation, degradation and assets - both of state and quasi-private entities connected with this Russian regime. I informed the Europeans today, during the meeting of the European Council, about the next terrorist attack, which Russia is preparing for at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. According to our information, the aggregates and dam of the Kakhovka HPP were mined by Russian terrorists. Now everyone in the world must act powerfully and quickly to prevent a new Russian terrorist attack. Destroying the dam would mean a large-scale disaster. Of course, we understand that the occupiers do not care what happens to the territory of Ukraine. With this terrorist attack, they can destroy, among other things, even the possibility of supplying water from the Dnipro River to Crimea. In the event of the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam, the North Crimean Canal will simply disappear. And if Russia is preparing such a terrorist attack, if it is seriously considering such a scenario, it means the terrorists are clearly aware that they will not be able to keep not only Kherson, but also the entire south of our country, including Crimea. We must now all together - all Europeans, all world leaders, all international organizations - make it clear to the terrorist state that such a terrorist attack on the Kakhovka HPP will mean exactly the same as the use of weapons of mass destruction. The consequences for Russia should be corresponding. The world must react preventively. This is key now. The principle of preventive response to security threats should finally become one of the basic principles of international politics. Today I had a productive call with the President of Germany. I thanked him and the German people for supporting Ukraine in the struggle for freedom and for the decision to provide concrete assistance to our country. In particular, Germany became the first country to supply us with the modern IRIS-T air defense system. We expect the delivery of other such systems both from Germany and from our other partners. I held talks with the President of Switzerland, who arrived in Kyiv today. This shows the whole world that Switzerland does not remain morally neutral when such a terrorist war is being waged against Ukraine and the whole of Europe. Switzerland has supported EU sanctions packages and provides us with humanitarian aid. The issues of reconstruction of Ukraine and the possibilities of Switzerland to invest in the development of our economy and infrastructure were discussed substantively today with Mr. President. We also discussed the issue of compensation for damages caused to Ukraine by Russian terror. I am grateful that Russian assets worth $6.5 billion have already been frozen. This work must be continued. And this is something in which Switzerland must not remain morally neutral either. The possibilities of Switzerland to help with digitization in Ukraine and restoration of telecommunications systems in the liberated territories were discussed separately and substantively. The situation on the frontline remains difficult. Especially in Donbas - the same Bakhmut direction - and in some directions in the south. But we stand our ground. We defend our land. We move gradually, ousting the enemy. And we will definitely ensure victory for Ukraine. In the evening, I signed another decree on awarding our warriors. 148 defenders of Ukraine were awarded orders and medals. Today, at the request of our military command, I would like to celebrate warriors from the 7th anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery battery of the 3rd anti-aircraft missile division of the 1039th anti-aircraft missile regiment. During another Russian missile strike, the battery provided protection in the north of our country and destroyed an enemy missile in the Vyshhorod district of the Kyiv region. Thank you guys for the excellent service and consistently good results! Every downed Russian missile means saved lives of our people. Today we have both downed missiles and downed Iranian drones. Unfortunately, we do not shoot down all of them yet. There are also hits, there is destruction. But we will do everything to provide full protection to our sky. Terrorists always lose. Freedom always wins. Thank you to everyone who fights and works for Ukraine! Eternal glory to our strong people! Glory to Ukraine! The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine, the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Commerce signed a Joint Statement on supporting Ukraines infrastructure resilience and restoration. This was reported by the Ukrainian ministrys press service on Facebook, according to Ukrinform. "With today's statement, we are moving to a strategic level of cooperation in the field of infrastructure. Our priority is survival projects that will allow the Ukrainian economy to sustain the war and return normal life to the de-occupied territories," said Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov. According to him, the signed document envisages the establishment of a Joint Working Group (Task Force), which will deal with the issue of involving U.S. state institutions, businesses and experts in the process of restoring Ukraine's infrastructure. The parties also agreed to hold an inaugural working-level meeting in the coming months. Its work will be coordinated by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine, the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Commerce. "Within the framework of the created joint working group, we will be able to build an effective model of our cooperation and quickly proceed to the implementation of certain projects. We expect the active participation of U.S. business and expert organizations in this process," Kubrakov added. As reported, since the first day of Russias full-scale invasion, the United States has remained a key political, military, and economic ally of Ukraine. iy Political and military support for Ukraine should go hand in hand with economic support as it will help Ukraine to overcome all wartime challenges and provide citizens with stable living conditions. "Currently, we need the courage of Lithuanian businesses to continue operating in Ukraine. We need your support in restoring the infrastructure as soon as possible in many regions of Ukraine, in particular, in the de-occupied regions. But the main thing we need is new investments. Despite the circumstances, it is important to show that the war is not an embargo on investments in Ukraine," First Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko said speaking at the annual Lithuanian Economic Forum via video link, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Ministry's press service. She noted Ukraine would appreciate any investment projects launched in the conditions of constant threats posed by Russia. According to Svyrydenko, the prospects of such cooperation are mutually beneficial because Ukrainian integration into the EU internal market creates many opportunities for Lithuanian companies that want to scale up their business and participate in the European supply chain. And this, in turn, ensures the economic stability of the entire region. "The experience of stability and cooperation even in such difficult conditions will only strengthen economic relations between Ukraine and Lithuania. I am sure that it is important not only now but also strategically. And the decision to grant Ukraine the EU candidate status is only a starting point for long-term economic development, which will be supported by recovery projects," the minister added. ol A shelter for Ukrainian refugees burned down in the municipality of Gross Stroemkendorf in the north of Germany. According to Spiegel, the fire broke out on the night of Thursday and almost completely destroyed the accommodation for refugees from Ukraine in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. "All 14 residents were able to leave the facility unharmed. The three employees were not injured as well," said a spokesman for the district of Northwest Mecklenburg. The police confirmed that 17 people were rescued. Law enforcers do not rule out that the fire could have been arson. On the day of the incident, police received a report of graffiti depicting a Nazi swastika in the entrance area of the shelter. Whether the graffiti was connected to the fire is not yet known. The exact cause of the fire will be identified by a fire investigation. As reported, Germany has welcomed almost 900,000 Ukrainian refugees so far. Photo: dpa iy Swiss President Ignazio Cassis has arrived in Ukraine. He wrote this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports. "Again in Ukraine - a year after my last visit. My goal is to make an impression about the situation in connection with the war, the humanitarian situation and the preparatory work for the reconstruction of the country," Cassis said. Earlier, Switzerland approved adding more than 30 individuals and legal entities from Russia to the sanctions list in connection with Russia's attempted illegal annexation of part of the territory of Ukraine. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias arrived in the Ukrainian capital on Wednesday, October 20. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky enacted the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine "On application and amendments to personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)". The corresponding decrees were published on the website of the Head of State. Thus, Decree No. 727/2022 enacts the NSDC decision of October 19 "On application and amendments to personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)". According to the relevant decision, personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) are imposed on individuals in accordance with the annex published on the website of the Head of State. The restrictive measures are imposed on 256 people, including Roman Abramovich, Leonid Lebedev, and others. Decree No. 726/2022 puts into effect the NSDC decision of October 19 "On application and amendments to personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)" which imposes sanctions on individuals and legal entities. According to the published annex, sanctions are imposed on 2,251 individuals, including CEO of Channel One Russia Konstantin Ernst, Tina Kandelaki, Igor Putin, Alina Kabaeva and others. In addition, the same decree imposes sanctions on 1,374 legal entities, including Joint-Stock Company Alfa-Bank, Limited Liability Company Sberbank Factoring, etc. Decrees enter into force on the day of their publication. As reported, at a meeting on September 30, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine adopted a decision to impose sanctions on significant individuals and legal entities of Russia who did not stand up for the protection of humanity and international law, or who are in some way involved in aggressive steps against Ukraine and the community of democratic peoples. ol A Buffalo man who is accused of killing one puppy and seriously injuring another was arraigned Tuesday before City Court Judge Kevin J. Keane. According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, Joelier A. Santiago, 21, was charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals both felonies under the state's Agriculture and Markets Law two counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, and failure to provide proper sustenance, which are misdemeanors. Both animals were reported to be under Santiago's care at his apartment on Louisiana Street. Prosecutors said that a necropsy showed that one of the dogs, a 10-month-old Maltese named Nala, died from blunt force trauma caused by excessive force and that the injury was non-accidental. The other dog, a 2-month-old male Maltese named Milo, was unresponsive when taken to the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic. The dog was later transferred to the critical care unit at the Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center where a veterinarian determined the puppy had suffered severe bruising caused by excessive force and also by non-accidental injury. The puppy was turned over to the SPCA Serving Erie County and remains in the care of a foster caregiver. Santiago is scheduled to return to court Nov. 9 for a felony hearing. He was released on his own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail. Judge Keane issued a temporary order that prevents Santiago from owning or caring for any other animals while his criminal case remains pending. If convicted of the highest charge against him, Santiago faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis have met in the city of Kyiv and discussed further cooperation in response to the Russian terror. The relevant statement was made by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. I welcome President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis to Kyiv. This visit shows the impossibility of maintaining neutrality in times of challenges to the security of our entire continent and humanity, Zelensky wrote. In his words, the key topic of negotiations was further cooperation in response to the Russian terror. The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Switzerland for the principled condemnation of Russias criminal attempt to annex Ukrainian territories and support for the EU sanctions packages. mk President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expects the Swiss Confederation to support Ukraines steps in response to Iran selling its suicide drones to the Russian Federation. The relevant statement was made by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press conference with President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Your visit once again shows that it is impossible to maintain neutrality, when there are such extraordinary challenges to the security of our entire continent and humanity as a whole. Russia has now moved to a new stage of escalation and expanded terror against Ukrainian cities, the missile terror with the use of Iranian strike drones. Despite the threat, we see that you are here today; we see that the friends of Ukrainians the real friends, the brave friends of Ukraine and freedom are with us today. I thank you personally once again, Zelensky said. In his words, the key topic of negotiations was further cooperation in response to the Russian terror. I am grateful to Switzerland for the clear and principled condemnation of Russias criminal attempt to annex Ukrainian territories. I am also grateful for Switzerlands support for EU sanctions packages against the Russian Federation. In addition, I expect that Switzerland will support our steps in response to Irans complicity, which is now helping Russia to cause terror against our cities by selling strike drones to Russia, the President of Ukraine noted. A reminder that Russia is actively using Iranian-manufactured Shahed-136 suicide drones to attack Ukrainian settlements and destroy critically important infrastructure facilities. mk UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is urgently appealing to countries in the region to immediately stop forced returns of Myanmar nationals seeking safety from serious harm. Sending them back to the country is placing countless lives at risk. UNHCR remains gravely concerned about multiple reports from countries in the region of refoulement - the forcible return of refugees and asylum seekers - since February 2021. We repeat our call on states to continue offering protection to Myanmar nationals fleeing for safety. This also includes ending the practice of indefinite detention of asylum seekers and refugees from Myanmar. In Myanmar, acts of indiscriminate violence against civilians continue across the country, as well as fighting between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups in some border areas, driving people to flee within the country and across borders. People fleeing Myanmar must be allowed access to territory to seek asylum and be protected against refoulement. Myanmar nationals already abroad should not be forced to return when seeking international protection. The principle of non-refoulement is a cornerstone of international law and is binding on all states. Myanmars neighbours have a decades-long history of providing protection and assistance to refugees. We call on them to continue upholding their international legal obligations and lifesaving humanitarian tradition of safeguarding the lives of all those forced to flee. UNHCR and partner organizations stand ready to step-up support to national and local authorities in the region to ensure that refugees receive the protection they need. A man accused of stealing a Buffalo fire truck and crashing into three other vehicles was arraigned Tuesday before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said Yassin A. Abdikadir, 25, of Buffalo, was charged with second-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal possession of stolen property and second-degree criminal mischief, all felonies, and obstructing emergency medical services, a misdemeanor. Abdikadir is alleged to have stolen the Engine 1 truck July 14 while firefighters were responding to an emergency medical services call near Main and West Huron streets. Shortly after the fire truck was reported stolen, Buffalo Police received a report that it had been abandoned at Delaware Avenue and Allen Street. Abdikadir allegedly struck and damaged three parked vehicles. He was later found hiding inside of a garbage tote, prosecutors said. Abdikadir is set to return to court on Nov. 22 for a pre-trial conference. He remains released to the Buffalo City Courts Outreach Unit: Referral and Treatment Services program. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if he is convicted of the highest charge against him. A convicted felon who was caught with illegal guns was sentenced Wednesday by Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to a determinate sentence of seven years in prison, Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced. Marlon J. Johnson Jr., 33, of Buffalo, was on probation for a prior federal gun possession charge when Buffalo police got a tip from his girlfriend after a domestic violence incident that he was in possession of a gun, prosecutors said. Investigators executed a search warrant at Johnson's Phyllis Avenue home on July 25, 2019, and found three loaded guns inside a safe on the second floor. Flynn said Johnson was linked to all three through DNA testing. Judge Bargnesi found Johnson guilty in January on three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, Class C violent felonies, after a non-jury trial. October 20 2022 The Scotland + Venice partnership, a grouping comprising Architecture and Design Scotland among other government bodies, has chosen Architecture Fringe, ism and /other to develop a 'collateral event' for next years architecture biennale at La Biennale di Venezia. Initial proposals have already been developed for the 2023 showpiece, to be held between 20 May and 26 November under the theme of The Laboratory of the Future. While yet to be made public the project is focussed on three regions of Scotland, exploring how local language can provide insight into how land is utilised in different ways. Aoife Nolan, co-curator and co-founder of ism explained: Language provides insight into often overshadowed world perspectives. In this globalised world, local knowledge can make a valuable contribution to wider conversations. As part of the project, the team will be working with communities in different parts of Scotland, where well explore how local relationships with the environment can help inform global solutions to the worldwide climate emergency." Developing a vocabulary of place the initiative will speak up for local issues on a global stage to surface alternative perspectives on the issue of land use and governance. Brussels, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Oct, 2022 ) :EU leaders are set for tough talks on how to handle Europe's energy shock Thursday, with capitals at loggerheads over imposing a cap on gas prices pushed skywards by the war in Ukraine. The bloc's 27 member states have been squabbling for months over measures to lower energy bills, and will arrive at their Brussels summit in a chilly mood. Countries such as Italy are pushing hard for a swift and ambitious cap on prices, in the teeth of opposition from Germany, the EU's biggest economy. The political pressure to act is huge with strikes and protests over the cost of living spreading across Europe - notably in France and Belgium - and businesses fearing bankruptcy because of the high bills. If this summit does not result in a "clear political signal that we...no longer tolerate high gas prices", it will be "Europe's failure", Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Monday. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, has tried to satisfy the diverging views with a series of proposals that it hopes will help Europeans pay for their heating as winter approaches. But these have been dismissed as timid by those wanting a clear ceiling on gas prices despite the opposing view - championed by Germany, but also Denmark and the Netherlands - that this would choke off supply or encourage consumption. The push for a common approach has been further hampered by discord between France and Germany, which burst into the open Wednesday when they delayed a regular meeting between cabinet ministers. Breakthroughs in the EU are difficult to achieve when the bloc's biggest powers do not see eye to eye and French President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz were set to meet ahead of the summit to mend ties. "There has been a lot of progress, but no fundamental breakthrough," a senior EU diplomat involved in the negotiations said ahead of the two-day summit. "Priorities differ: Germany has chosen security of supply because it can afford the high prices, but many countries cannot keep up with the cost," the diplomat added. Kyiv, Ukraine, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Oct, 2022 ) :Ukraine has urged residents to drastically restrict their electricity consumption starting Thursday to cope with the destruction of power stations by the Russian army as winter approaches. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a meeting with energy companies that they were preparing "for all possible scenarios with a view to winter", as Kyiv accused Moscow of orchestrating a "mass deportation" of civilians from the occupied region of Kherson. Russian President Vladimir Putin imposed martial law on Wednesday in four areas recently annexed by the Kremlin, with his forces raining down munitions across Ukraine, including on Kyiv and the country's west, which had previously been spared the brunt of the onslaught. In an evening address, Zelensky warned that "Russian terror will be directed at energy facilities", and urged the country to conserve electricity starting at 7 am (0400 GMT) on Thursday. He added that the government was "working on the creation of mobile power supply points for critical infrastructure in cities and villages". Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko asked residents of the capital not to turn on major electrical appliances, saying "even a small saving and reduction of electricity consumption in each residence will help to stabilise the national energy system's operation". Ukraine said it had downed "several Russian rockets" over Kyiv in the third consecutive day of attacks on the capital, with Zelensky saying 10 Iranian-made drones aimed at the city had also been destroyed Wednesday. (@Abdulla99267510) The Federal Minister for information and Broadcasting will represent Pakistan at the 12th OIC Information Ministers' Conference beginning in Istanbul. ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Oct 20th, 2022) Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has left for Turkiye on a two-day visit to represent Pakistan at the 12th OIC Information Ministers' Conference beginning in Istanbul on Friday. The conference will discuss issues including fake news, Islamophobia and misleading propaganda. A strategy will be devised to counter propaganda against islam and Muslims at the level of Islamic countries. On the sidelines of the conference, Marriyum Aurangzeb will hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts and dignitaries from other countries. She will also meet the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkiye. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) Canada imposes sanctions on six individuals ad four entities in Iran, including the Guardian Council, the Assembly of Experts, and deputy interior minister Seyyed Majid Mirahmadi, Global Affairs Canada said on Wednesday. "Today's sanctions list six individuals and four entities, that are among the worst offenders that have participated in or enabled gross human rights violations, including against Iranian women, and disseminated propaganda to justify the Iranian regime's repression and persecution of its citizens," the statement read. The sanctions also target Mohammad Karami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Operational Base in Sistan and Baluchistan; Ezzatollah Zarghami, former head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Corporation; and the Expediency Discernment Council. Dumitru Alaiba, a member of the Moldovan parliament from the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity, said on Thursday that Chisinau should follow the example of the Council of Europe and adopt a resolution recognizing Russia as a country with a terrorist regime CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) Dumitru Alaiba, a member of the Moldovan parliament from the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity, said on Thursday that Chisinau should follow the example of the Council of Europe and adopt a resolution recognizing Russia as a country with a terrorist regime. On October 13, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution declaring the current Russian regime as "a terrorist one." PACE also called referendums on the accession of new regions to Russia "an affront to international law" and "null and void, with no legal or political effects." "The Council of Europe has recognized Russia as a country with a terrorist regime. The Estonian parliament has done the same. It is easy to assume that many countries recognize this state as terrorist because they (Russians) commit crimes against civilians in Ukraine every day. I think that Moldova should take a similar step," Alaiba said at a parliamentary meeting. Earlier this week, deputies of the Party of Socialists of Moldova paid a working visit to Russia and met with various Russian politicians, which Alaiba called "shameful." The lawmaker expressed the hope that some socialist deputies did not support the decision of their colleagues and would distance themselves from this "shame and betrayal of democratic values." In February 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine in response to calls for help from the Luhansk and Donetsk breakaway republics. Moldova like many other European countries condemned the move voicing supporting for Ukraine. (@ChaudhryMAli88) HELSINKI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) The Finnish government has elaborated a bill that reduces the possibility of acquiring real estate by foreigners, the government's press service said on Wednesday. According to the list of topics that will be discussed by the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the real estate bill has been elaborated earlier than expected. Following the decision of the Cabinet, the bill will immediately go to Parliament for consideration. The bill concerns real estate acquisitions that may threaten national security, for example, with real estate located near significant military infrastructure facilities. These rules will apply to individuals or entities from outside the European Union or the European Economic Area that will have to undergo additional review from the point of national security. Under the new legislation, the Finnish defense ministry will receive broader powers to investigate the origin of money and financing of real estate transactions, and will also allow the government to have a preferential right to purchase real estate located within a kilometer (0. 6 miles) or less from the premises of the armed forces or the border service. The bill is expected to come into force in early 2023, while according to the current legislation of Finland, real estate transactions cannot be blocked directly for reasons of national security. According to official information of Finnish agencies, Russians are the largest group of foreign buyers in the Finnish real estate market, having concluded almost 3,000 transactions in 2020-2022, followed by Estonians 2,500, Chinese 1,200, Indians, Swedes, Germans under 1,000. HELSINKI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) Finland is ready for new sanctions against Russia in connection with its ongoing attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Tytti Tuppurainen said on Thursday. "The European Council should send a strong signal that it condemns Russia's absolutely outrageous missile attacks on civilian targets, wants to hold Russia accountable for war crimes, and supports Ukraine. In my speech, I stressed the need to send a clear signal that the European Union is ready for further sanctions. Finland is even ready for new tough sanctions," Tuppurainen told Finnish broadcaster MTV3 following a meeting on preparations for the EU summit in Brussels. Tuppurainen added that all EU countries should also adhere to a single visa policy for Russian tourists. Russia launched airstrikes against Ukrainian energy, defense, military, and communications infrastructure on October 10, two days after the terrorist attack on the Crimean Bridge, which, Moscow believes, was carried out by the Ukrainian special services. On Wednesday, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of the Ukrainian president's office, announced the introduction of restrictions on electricity supplies in Ukraine from Thursday. He also urged residents of all regions to minimize the use of electricity from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., warning that otherwise temporary outages cannot be avoided. Ukrainian utility Ukrenergo later explained that the outages would not be simultaneous and will last no more than four hours, although they will affect the entire territory of the country. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) The German embassy in Tehran has allegedly played a significant role in the unrest in Iran and coordinated insurgents' actions and the course of Western governments to foment the conflict in the Islamic Republic, the Fars news agency reported on Wednesday. Unrest in Iran over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has been going on for over a month now. According to the report, the German embassy has allegedly played a significant and effective role in the diplomatic pressure and international coordination to foment unrest in Iran. The embassy coordinated foreign governments and international organizations to increase pressure on the domestic situation in the Islamic Republic, Fars said. German diplomats have also allegedly held a series of meetings with employees of Western embassies in Tehran, during which they were discussing ways to increase unrest and further destabilize the situation in Iran, the report said. On September 13, Amini was detained by Iran's morality police in Tehran for wearing an "improper" hijab, an offense punishable by prison. The woman was sent to a detention center for an explanatory conversation. According to Iranian authorities, she had a heart attack there, after which she was immediately taken to a nearby hospital. On September 16, the young woman died. Her death sparked mass protests, with some suggesting that law enforcement officers hit Amini in the head. Examination of the woman's body revealed no signs of violence, Iranian lawmaker Mohammad Saleh said. Tehran has said that the mass protests were orchestrated by foreign powers and summoned the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Norway, and the charge d'affaires of France. The European diplomats were given a note of protest in connection with anti-Iranian media reports and calls for the overthrow of the Iranian government. ASTANA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) Lawmakers of the upper house of the Kazakh parliament at a plenary session on Thursday approved a bill on ratification of an agreement on the delimitation of the Kazakh-Turkmen state border and the delimitation of adjacent sections of fishing zones in the Caspian Sea, a Sputnik correspondent reported. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan signed an agreement on October 25, 2021, during the state visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat. The agreement determines the course of the state border line between the two countries on the Caspian Sea, delimiting their territorial waters, as well as the line of demarcation of adjacent sections of fishing zones, the committee on foreign relations, defense, and security of the Senate of Kazakhstan said in a statement. "The lines of demarcation are built on the principle of a median line - a generally recognized technique used in modern international maritime law to delimit maritime spaces between states with opposite or adjacent coasts," the lawmakers added. The ratification of the agreement will ensure favorable conditions for the exercise of sovereign rights to subsoil use and fishing of aquatic biological resources, as well as "expand good neighborly relations between the parties, recognizing the political, economic, social and cultural significance of the Caspian Sea," the statement read. The adopted law is sent to the president for signature. The total length of the border between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan is 458 kilometers (284.5 miles). CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th October, 2022) Moldova has a lot of work on modernizing institutions, infrastructure and other areas to fully meet EU standards, Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu said on Saturday. "You know very well that Moldova still does not meet the European standards, our roads, hospitals, institutions, for now, do not meet the EU standards and we have years of hard work to satisfy these standards," Popesku told Vocea Basarabieri broadcaster He added that it would take time to transform Moldova into a state that "will begin to look more like Romania, like Slovakia, like Poland, like Lithuania." The European Commission will present a report of the current status of Moldova's fulfillment of its obligations as an official candidate for membership of the bloc. "It concerns certain things: harmonization of the legislation, fight against corruption, deoligarchization of the government, judicial reform. I really believe that integration in the EU is our chance to survive as democracy, We want to stay a part of the free world," the minister said. On June 23, the heads of state and government of the EU at the summit in Brussels approved the status of a candidate for joining the union for Moldova and Ukraine. The summit also announced its readiness to grant the candidate status to Georgia as soon as it fulfills a number of conditions. PRAGUE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th October, 2022) A series of military exercises known as "European Shield" began in Slovakia on Tuesday with the participation of 700 servicemen from several NATO countries as well as 200 Ukrainian troops, the Slovak defense ministry said. "The European Shield international exercises began on Tuesday on several of the republic's military training grounds where, in addition to 700 representatives of the military of NATO countries, 200 servicemen from Ukraine are also taking part. The exercises were approved by the government of Slovakia," the spokesman of the defense ministry was quoted as saying by Slovak newspaper Pravda. The purpose of the exercises is to practice joint actions and tactics, as well as exchange experience, including in combat training. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) Spain is ready to train up to 400 Ukrainian soldiers within the context of the European Union's Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), with the exact number of servicemen depending on whether Kiev will be able to do without a certain number of military personnel during the training period, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on Thursday. Spanish and Ukrainian defense ministries are negotiating the issue of sending more Ukrainian military personnel to Spain from November 1 to prepare mine clearance specialists, snipers and paramedics, the specialties highly demanded by Kiev, the report said. The Council of the European Union agreed on Monday to provide another tranche of aid worth 500 million Euros ($486 million) to the Ukrainian military and set up the mission to train Ukrainian soldiers. EUMAM will be organized on the territory of EU countries and is expected to initially last for two years. This is the sixth tranche of assistance for the Ukrainian military that will be provided under the EU's European Peace Facility, which will bring the total to 3.1 billion euros since late February. The assistance will consist of military equipment for defensive purposes, maintenance and repair of vehicles as well as fuel and personal protective equipment. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday that it was "inconceivable" for the alliance to stand by if Finland and Sweden come under pressure even while holding the invitee status. "As invitees you are now integrating into NATO's political and military structures, and it is inconceivable that allies would not act should Sweden and Finland come under any form of pressure," Stoltenberg told a joint press conference with the leader of Sweden's Moderate Party, Ulf Kristersson, at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. On July 5, the permanent representatives of NATO member states signed accession protocols for Finland and Sweden in Brussels. All members of the bloc have to ratify the protocols according to their national legislation. As of today, out of all 30 NATO countries, only Turkey and Hungary have yet to complete the formal procedure to welcome Finland and Sweden to the alliance. On May 18, three months since the onset of the Ukraine crisis, Finland and Sweden submitted their NATO membership applications, abandoning decades of neutrality. Turkey, which had initially blocked their applications citing Helsinki and Stockholm's support of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, the organization designated terrorist by Ankara, dropped its objections. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) The Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (banned in Russia) shelled Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone once over the past 24 hours, Maj. Gen. Oleg Yegorov, deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said at a briefing. "One shelling attack from the positions of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group was registered in the Idlib de-escalation zone over the past day in the province of Aleppo," Maj. Gen. Yegorov said. The Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides and Control over the Movement of Refugees in the Syrian Arab Republic was established in February 2016. Its tasks include the signing of agreements on illegal armed groups and individual settlements joining the regime of cessation of hostilities, as well as coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said Thursday it has delivered lifesaving supplies to Syria to help tackle the cholera outbreak WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said Thursday it has delivered lifesaving supplies to Syria to help tackle the cholera outbreak. "UNICEF delivered lifesaving health and water, hygiene, and sanitation supplies to Syria earlier this week to scale up efforts to halt the cholera outbreak," the press release said. "The supplies included acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) kits to support health facilities and communities in treating 36,000 moderate and severe AWD cases, and aqua tabs to help 350,000 people to treat water for their households' needs." According to UNICEF, reported acute watery diarrhea cases have surpassed 20,000, with the cases detected in all governorates. "As the outbreak spreads, it also threatens the health and wellbeing of children," UNICEF added. "Since the outbreak was declared on 10 September 2022, UNICEF has distributed 60 AWD kits in the most affected governorates to support the treatment at health facility and community level. During the past two weeks, 408 tons of sodium hypochlorite have been distributed to increase chlorine dosages and concentration to prevent and curb the spread of the disease, particularly in fragile and highly vulnerable communities, providing 10 million people nationwide access to safe and clean water." The armed conflict in Syria has been going on since 2011 with President Bashar Assad's forces fighting various insurgent groups, including terrorists. Along with the hostilities, the country has been suffering from acute health, energy and economic crises. (@ChaudhryMAli88) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2022) NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday that it was "inconceivable" for the alliance to stand by if Finland and Sweden come under pressure even while holding the invitee status. "As invitees you are now integrating into NATO's political and military structures, and it is inconceivable that allies would not act should Sweden and Finland come under any form of pressure," Stoltenberg told a joint press conference with the leader of Sweden's Moderate Party, Ulf Kristersson, at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. Almost all NATO members have ratified the agreements on Finland and Sweden's accession to the alliance and have given security guarantees to both countries, the NATO chief also said. "Many Allies have given security assurances to both countries. NATO has increased its presence in the Baltic Sea region... so the good news is that what we have seen so far is the fastest accession process in NATO's modern history. 28 Allies have already ratified the agreement," Stoltenberg added. On July 5, the permanent representatives of NATO member states signed accession protocols for Finland and Sweden in Brussels. All members of the bloc have to ratify the protocols according to their national legislation. As of today, out of all 30 NATO countries, only Turkey and Hungary have yet to complete the formal procedure to welcome Finland and Sweden to the alliance. On May 18, three months since the onset of the Ukraine crisis, Finland and Sweden submitted their NATO membership applications, abandoning decades of neutrality. Turkey, which had initially blocked their applications citing Helsinki and Stockholm's support of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, the organization designated terrorist by Ankara, dropped its objections. This week, the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Senegal, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania concluded their ad limina visit to the Vatican. Dulce Araujo - Vatican City. Speaking to Vatican News on Wed, Cardinal Arlindo Gomes Furtado, the Bishop of the Diocese of Santiago, together with Bishop Ildo Fortes of the Diocese of Mindelo in Cabo Verde, both said their visit to the Vatican had been fruitful. They were returning to their county with a feeling of having recharged their batteries and were now ready to face their mission as shepherds with joy and hope. The Bishops feel they are returning to Cabo Verde with new energy, and a sense of belonging to a multifaceted but united Church. They are renewed in the synodal approach and are ready to make evangelization more efficient. The ad limina visit Senegal, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, and Guinea Bissau do not have a separate episcopal conferences. They form one episcopal conference. An ad limina visit is determined by the Pope and is made by Bishops of the Church to the Vatican, ideally every five years. During the visit, the Bishops pray at the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul and present reports to the Pope about the state of their dioceses. Pope Francis remembers his 38th Apostolic Journey abroad to the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan as a 'pilgrim of peace' during this moment of war, and makes a strong appeal against nuclear weapons. The Holy Father also prays that the resolutions of interfaith leaders gathered at the Congress in Nur-Sultan can have concrete consequences. By Deborah Castellano Lubov Pope Francis has remembered the Kazakhstan's martyrs who had been persecuted under the former communist regime, and--while recalling the country south of Russia's rejection of nuclear weapons--made a vehement appeal against their use. He did so during his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square, dedicating this week's catechesis to his recently-concluded Apostolic Journey to Kazakhstan, for the occasion of the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. During his catechesis, the Pope recalled his 'pilgrimage of peace' to the Central Asian country, dedicated to interreligious dialogue, unity and peace, especially as the world is enveloped by war. The fruits of faith The Pope remembered the Church in the country, saying he was "so glad to meet a community of happy, joyful people filled with enthusiasm." Catholics are few in that vast country. But this condition, if lived with faith, can bring evangelical fruits: first of all, the blessedness of littleness, of being leaven, salt, and light relying solely on the Lord and not on some form of human relevance. Catholics make up a mere 1 percent of Kazakhstan's population, which is 70 percent Muslim and 25 percent Christian, primarily Russian Orthodox. Read also 21/09/2022 The modern-day miracle of the fishes and devotion in Ozernoe, Kazakhstan With Pope Francis' Apostolic Journey to the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan, Vatican News shares the beloved site of Kazakh devotion - Ozernoe - following a modern-day miracle ... The Pope noted that the Catholics' numerical scarcity "invites the development of relationships" with Christians of other denominations, and also of fraternity with all religions. "So a small flock, yes," he said, "but open, not closed, not defensive, open and trusting in the action of the Holy Spirit, who blows freely where and how He wills." Martyrs of the faith We remembered the martyrs of that holy People of God, men and women who suffered so much for the faith during the long period of persecution. The Pope reflected on the Eucharistic Celebration for this small but joyful flock on the Expo 2017 grounds in the Kazakh futuristic capital of Nur-Sultan, noting how apropos it had been to fall on the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross. The Cross of Christ, our anchor and never-disappointing hope "In a world in which progress and regression are intertwined," he said, "the Cross of Christ remains the anchor of salvation: a sign of hope that does not disappoint because it is founded on the love of God, merciful and faithful." The Pope renewed his gratitude to the President of the Republic and the other authorities of Kazakhstan for the cordial welcome they had given him. I also sincerely thank the bishops and all the collaborators for the great work they have done, and especially for the joy they have given me in being able to meet and see them all together. Building a world of respecting each other The Pope praised the initiative of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. "This initiative has been carried out for 20 years by the authorities of the country, which presents itself to the world as a place of meeting and dialogue, in this case at the religious level, and thus as a leading player in promoting peace and human brotherhood." Pope Francis lauded its commitment to put religions at the center of efforts "to build a world where we listen to each other and respect each other in diversity." Credit must be given The Pontiff remembered the Congress' Final Declaration, which stands in continuity with the Document signed in Abu Dhabi in February 2019 on human fraternity. "I like to interpret this step forward as the fruit of a journey that starts from afar: I am thinking, of course, of the historic Interfaith Meeting for Peace convened by St. John Paul II in Assisi in 1986; I am thinking of the far-sighted gaze of St. John XXIII and St. Paul VI; and also that of great souls of other religions I limit myself to recalling Mahatma Gandhi." Remembering the many martyrs But how can we not remember so many martyrs, men and women of all ages, languages and nations, who paid with their lives for their fidelity to the God of peace and fraternity? We know: solemn moments are important, but then it is the daily commitment, it is the concrete witness that builds a better world for all. In addition to the Congress, this trip, he said, gave him the opportunity to meet the authorities of Kazakhstan and the Church living there. "I emphasized Kazakhstans vocation to be a country of encounter: in fact, about one hundred and fifty ethnic groups coexist there and more than eighty languages are spoken. This vocation, which is due to its geographical characteristics and history, has been welcomed and embraced as a path, which deserves to be encouraged and supported." I hoped as well that the construction of an increasingly mature democracy, capable of effectively responding to the needs of society as a whole, could continue. Kazakhstan's best practices and example - a 'no' to nuclear weapons This, the Pope said, is an arduous task, which takes time. But already it must be acknowledged that Kazakhstan has made very positive choices, such as saying no to nuclear weapons and making good energy and environmental policies. Pope Francis concluded by thanking God for the Apostolic Journey, praying for its fruits, and for the life of the pilgrim Church in the country. Special greetings to Venerable English College During his remarks to English-speaking pilgrims, Pope Francis gave a special greeting to the new seminarians of the Venerable English College as they begin their priestly formation in Rome, and invoked upon them and their families joy and peace in the Lord. Vietnams new data localization regulation requires domestic and certain foreign companies to locally store personal data. It is unclear how the regulation can be enforced without reneging on its pledge against forced data localization as part of the CPTPP trade agreement. The announcement has rattled business groups and trade partners. Vietnam will introduce a new law on October 1, mandating that all domestic companies and certain foreign firms providing services in areas like telecommunications, e-commerce, and online payment will have to store specific types of data in-country for a minimum period of 24 months. The new rules were unveiled in August and require firms to locally store personal data, including credit card information, email addresses, recent logins, phone numbers, and the groups users interact with. The regulation has been met with opposition from business groups, notably those from the United States, as well as Vietnams Pacific free trade partners. US business groups warn that the new regulation will create uncertainty and could have a considerable impact on investment. Vietnam has emerged as a popular investment destination amid rising geopolitical tensions between the West and China. The Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities offers low labor costs, international market access, and less political risk than neighboring manufacturing powerhouse, China. International firms will have 12 months to ensure that they comply with the new regulations once instructions are received from the Minister of Public Security. Vietnams Communist Party has particularly strict media censorship laws and has enacted regulations to increase its oversight in the internet domain this started with a cyber security law in 2019 and moved forward in 2021 with guidelines on social media. Whats in the new regulations? The measures were unveiled within Decree 53/2022/ND-CP (Decree 53) can be summarized in the three following areas: Owners of information deemed important are required to, among others, (a) provide certain prescribed information to the relevant government authorities, and (b) comply with prescribed security measures. The degree provides authorities with the power to require companies to take certain measures such as deleting data, providing authorities with data, and suspension of domain names when the law has been violated, or if there is an infringement of national security, social order, and safety. Domestic companies, and certain foreign companies providing specified services (e.g., telecommunications, e-commerce, online payment), will have to store specific types of data in Vietnam for a minimum period of 24 months. System logs relating to violations of the law must be stored for at least 12 months. Foreign companies impacted by the regulatory changes are also required to set up a branch or representative office in Vietnam. Man-Hung Tran, partner and head of Baker McKenzie Vietnams IPtech practice, told Bloomberg that the decree will help establish a legal basis from which local authorities can take action against illegal activities in cyberspace. The nature of the law has similarities to those introduced in China in an effort to crack down on dissenting activity, especially online. Discussing Vietnams new regulation, law firm Tilleke & Gibbins said that offenses include content that infringes national security, propagandizes against the state; incites violence; disrupts security or public order; is humiliating or slanderous or damages the economy. Speaking to Bloomberg, Man-Hung Tran contended that it is reasonable to expect that Vietnamese authorities will be more proactive once their cybersecurity enforcement efforts take effect. How will this impact business and investment? Although there remains some ambiguity around the law and its enforcement, Decree 53 provides more explicit guidelines by specifying 10 types of services that are subject to the data localization requirements. The 10 businesses/services of foreign enterprises subject to storage of regulated data in Vietnam are: telecom services; services of data storage and sharing in cyberspace (cloud storage); supply of national or international domain names to service users in Vietnam; e-commerce; online payment; intermediary payment; service of transport connection via cyberspace; social networking and social media; online electronic games; and services of providing, managing, or operating other information in cyberspace in the form of messages, phone calls, video calls, email, or online chat. It also provides the triggering conditions that lead to foreign enterprises being required to store regulated data and establish a branch or representative office in Vietnam. Operating in one of the above services is the first trigger. The second is being warned by the Department for Cybersecurity and Prevention of High-Tech Crime (A05) under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) that the services it provides have been used to commit a breach of the law on cybersecurity. In short, the regulation is likely to create unwanted costs for businesses associated with data localization and setting up representative offices. Opposition from US business groups US business groups have raised concerns that the new regulation could have a considerable impact on investment. In a joint letter to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the US Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce Hanoi, and the Asia Internet Coalition contended that the new regulation would make it impossible for companies to accurately assess the cost of doing business in Vietnam. The groups requested, in their letter, that the government provide more detailed guidance on the interpretation of the regulation. The wording of certain articles/clausesis ambiguous and creates uncertainty as to what compliance actions are necessary, the letter reads. BSA a global software trade body funded by Amazon Web Services, Siemens, and others concurred with the US business groups concerns. The trade body said that the decree would put companies at a competitive disadvantage, impairing their ability to choose vendors and find clients. Data localization does not improve the security or availability of data to customers or law enforcement, Jared Ragland, BSA Asia-Pacific policy senior director, told Nikkei Asia. Ragland added that the new regulations enhanced the risk that companies will shift to other regional markets with more welcoming policies. A challenge for the CPTPP Concerns have also been raised by trade partners, including Japan and Canada, both of which, along with Vietnam, are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Canada continues to urge Vietnam to implement its laws and regulations applicable to the transfer and storage/processing of data in a manner that is consistent with its commitments in Chapter 14: Electronic Commerce of the [CPTPP], Global Affairs Canada Spokesperson Lama Khodr said in an email correspondence with Nikkei Asia. Khodr added that Ottawa is following the issue. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has also highlighted that the CPTPP trade deal a free trade agreement between 11 countries (12 should the UKs accession proceed as planned) prohibits data localization and has already expressed concerns about the original cyberlaw. The Japanese government will keep our close watch on the consistency between the Law on Cybersecurity and Vietnams obligations under relevant international agreements, including CPTPP and RCEP, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry told Nikkei Asia. Compromising Vietnams unique opportunity Amid growing tensions between Beijing and the West, Vietnam has emerged as an alternative to China as a foreign direct investment destination, particularly around manufacturing. Risks associated with investing in China, especially for manufacturing operations, have become heightened since the start of the trade war with the US in 2018. Concerns have grown in 2022 with Beijing refusing to cut ties with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. Vietnam is an attractive investment destination for companies with a China footprint seeking to diversify their supply chains. Unlike China, Vietnam is a member of the CPTPP free trade pact but offers comparable or even lower labor costs and low material costs in addition to a fast-growing domestic market. The countrys abundant and young workforce is another key appeal. However, policy moves such as the introduction of data localization laws are likely to detract from this attractiveness, especially as other contenders emerge in the region. There are clear concerns about how the measures will impact the cost of doing business in Vietnam, but equally Western organizations may also be wary of increasing state powers to crack down on dissenting voices. Victoria Wade flew from the East Coast to Southern California earlier this month to go to Disneyland. On the day she was set to buy her ticket About 50 people were killed and nearly 300 injured in violence that broke out in Chad on Thursday as hundreds took to the streets to demand a quicker transition to democratic rule. Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo, who gave the death toll at a news conference, said the government was still compiling casualties from what he described as an armed insurrection. But human rights groups said that unarmed civilians were massacred as security forces brutally cracked down on demonstrations in the capital, N'Djamena, and several other cities. The vast, military-run Central African nation has been in crisis since the April 2021 death of President Idriss Deby, who ruled with an iron fist for three decades. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, seized power in the immediate aftermath and initially promised an 18-month transition to elections, but on October 1 he announced they would be pushed back by two years. Opposition and civil society groups called for the protests on Thursday, which would have marked the end of an initially agreed-upon 18-month transition period. The government banned them, citing security reasons. But demonstrators showed up early in the morning, barricaded roads and torched the party headquarters of the new prime minister. "What happened today is an armed popular uprising to seize power by force, and those responsible for this violence will face justice," said Kebzabo, an opponent of Deby's regime who was named prime minister of a new "unity government" last week. "The demonstrators had firearms and they are considered rebels. The security forces responded only in self-defense," Kebzabo said. The International Federation for Human Rights and its partner organizations in Chad said the protests were violently repressed by security forces and that cases of live gunfire, torture and arbitrary arrests had been reported. Amnesty International researcher Abdoulaye Diarra said security forces used live rounds on protesters, based on witness accounts and analysis of photos and video from the day. Chadian journalist Oredje Narcisse, who had worked with Reuters in the past, was among the dead, his brother said. Other confirmed victims included a policeman who was fatally wounded in clashes, a 28-year-old protester who was shot in the neck, and Chadian musician Ray's Kim, who died in a hospital. "It's clear that an impartial investigation is needed to determine if protesters resorted to looting and violence and if security forces unlawfully resorted to lethal force across the country," said Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Riots have been intermittent in Chad since Deby seized power last year, but Thursday's appeared to be the bloodiest. The government declared a state of emergency and a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., although the president had already declared a state of emergency on Wednesday because of catastrophic floods. "I firmly condemn the repression of demonstrations that led to deaths in Chad," African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat, who is a former prime minister of Chad, tweeted, calling for a peaceful solution to the crisis. "We are concerned about the violence in the context of demonstrations in Chad today, which has reportedly led to the loss of lives and injuries," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He called on authorities to ensure the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for all Chadians, and for all parties to refrain from excessive use of force and violence. The World Health Organization warns Africas COVID-19 vaccination coverage has stagnated, putting the continents 1.2 billion people at higher risk for this ever-evolving virus. New numbers from the WHO show a significant decline in new vaccinations, with immunization rates dropping by more than half between July and September. At this rate, WHO officials say most countries in Africa will miss the global goal of vaccinating 70 percent of their populations by the end of the year. Despite this setback, WHO says modest progress is being made towards vaccinating high-risk population groups, particularly the elderly. In other good news, the agency reports over the past 12 weeks, Africa has recorded the lowest case numbers since the start of the pandemic, adding that deaths remain low across the region. WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, says in many ways, Africa is a victim of its own success. It is important to note that vaccine supply is no longer problematic; countries are now receiving about double the number of doses per 100 people than at the end of last yearUnfortunately, as vaccines have helped avert serious COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death, people are less fearful, and so also less willing to get vaccinated, said Moeti. Several African countries have defied the statistics and racked up vaccination successes. WHO reports Liberia now has joined Mauritius and Seychelles in reaching more than 70 percent coverage and Rwanda is on target to join them soon. Liberias Health Minister, Wilhelmina Jallah, explains how her country achieved this milestone. The magic bullet was decentralization, making sure each county ran their own vaccination campaign and the participation of all the health care workers and the vaccinators and the support from all of the partnersAnd making sure that the vaccines were available. That is key to success, said Jallah. Aurelia Nguyen is special adviser to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. She says GAVI so far has supplied 670 million doses to Africa. She says vaccines will continue to be sent to Africa for as long as the pandemic continues and poses a threat. We have enough doses to go around. We are especially determined to make sure the vulnerable groups are protected. And so elderly health care workers, primary series but also boosters," Nguyen said. "And this is the only way that we are going to be able to ensure that lives are saved and that the health systems hold strong if we have a new variant or a surge. More than 250,000 people in Africa have lost their lives to COVID-19. WHO officials say high vaccination coverage in populations reduces the spread of the virus, helps prevent new variants from emerging and saves lives. Some Republican lawmakers are questioning the amount of U.S. aid to Ukraine, citing the looming recession, the need for greater oversight and the competing security concerns from China. With polls predicting Republicans will win control of the House in the midterms, White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara looks at how that might affect U.S. support for Ukraine in the future. Tatiana Koprowicz contributed. For over a decade, The Kashmir Walla has provided weekly political insight and news from Indian-controlled Kashmir. Founded by Fahad Shah when he was 22 and still in college, the news portal strives to give young audiences a better understanding of life in the disputed territory. The idea was to cut through the filters of national and international lenses. Shah believed that the story of Kashmir should be told by Kashmiris based in Kashmir, said Yashraj Sharma, the sites interim editor. But those plans are now on hold. Shah is currently in prison after being accused of terrorism and secession. Shah was first summoned by police in Pulwama district on February 4 and questioned about The Kashmir Wallas coverage of a gunfight in the south Kashmir area on January 29. Police charged Shah with sedition, public mischief, and unlawful activities. He was detained for 22 days before a special court released him on bail. His freedom was short-lived. Police in the district of Shopian had opened a separate case and that same day, February 26, Shah was detained again. A Shopian magistrate on March 5 freed Shah but again that night, police in Srinagar detained him. On March 14one day before the bail hearing in that casehe was ordered detained under the public safety act. Everything has changed since February, said Sharma, We dont know whether Shah will come back or not. Accusations of terrorism and repeat arrests are not uncommon for Kashmiri journalists. Media have been under increased pressure since India revoked the disputed territorys special autonomous status in 2019. It has become a thing that this happens in Kashmir, Sharma said, referring to the media arrests and police summonses. Now, I dont remember how many times [Shah] had been summoned." Alternative voice The current situation for The Kashmir Walla is a far cry from the optimism with which it was founded. When Shah founded it in 2011, based on a blog he had started under the same name a few years earlier, it was an innovative product: the first digital magazine to come out of Kashmir, said Sharma. At that time there were not many professional digital news websites in the valley. Even established media outlets were not focused on online versions, he told VOA. Shah had wanted to provide an alternative voice to the youth. A lot of young journalists were joining Shah and contributing to The Kashmir Walla on contributory and voluntary basis, Sharma said. For the first few years, the news website was not updated regularly, while Shah attended university in London on a scholarship. But when he returned in 2018, Shah rented an office in Srinagar, bought equipment, and hired staff. Audiences in the region were just getting used to internet access and the digital age when The Kashmir Walla started out, Sharma said. The audience is mostly young Kashmiris and that entire generation has grown up with us, Sharma said. Independent media like The Kashmir Walla are important, particularly in conflict regions, where many sides are trying to prioritize their take on events, said U.S.-based journalist Amelia Newcomb. Newcomb, the managing editor of The Christian Science Monitor, told VOA via email that Shah reported for her publication for several years. He's been very attentive to the kind of journalism the Monitor does, Newcomb said. While most of his stories for The Christian Science have been from Kashmir, he has also written from elsewhere in India and has supported visiting Monitor writers in their work. Newcomb said The Kashmir Walla is objective in its reportingincluding in the article that led to Shahs arrest. The Kashmir Walla had interviewed the family of a teenager killed in a gunfight between authorities and suspected militants. The story was balanced, including comments from the police and the army, in addition to the family. Yet it was categorized by police as part of a body of work glorifying terrorist activities, Newcomb said. Without balanced reporting, people have little opportunity to judge events fairly, Newcomb added, And the lack of such work undermines democracy, which thrives only when independent media can provide accurate information and hold officials accountable. Major challenge Shah is not the only Kashmir Walla journalist detained this year. Police in January detained one of its contributors, Sajad Gul. A police statement said that the 26-year-old had uploaded objectionable videos with anti-national slogans. In an interview with VOA at the time, Shah described the arrest as a brazen violation of freedom of press [that] threatens the very core of people's rights. Gul, like Shah, remains in detention. Police in April also raided the news websites offices and Shahs home in Srinagar, confiscating laptops and phones. But arrests and raids are not the only challenges. When the Indian government shut down internet access in August 2019, after revoking Kashmirs autonomy, the website was forced offline. Steady revenue is another issue. The website operates on donations and advertising revenue. But frequent disturbances in the region and the coronavirus pandemic lockdown hit revenue. That is where we came up with the idea of crowdsource funding, but that too is not sustainable, Sharma said. The major challenge, Sharma said, is we cant focus on the one things. We are short of funds, facing legal challenges and reporters are always off the track, meaning they are often too distracted to report. The founders predicament has taken a toll on The Kashmir Walla and its team. The people who are supposed to manage [the] newsroom are juggling between the court and police stations, Sharma said. Shahs presence in the newsroom is missed, Sharma said. He was a mentor for all of us. He taught us journalism. It is a big void for all of us at [The Kashmir Walla]. You cant do anything to fill it and it is a gutting feeling at the same time. Canberra scientists are researching a mysterious new recreational drug not seen before in Australia. The Australian National University says the substance is a close cousin of ketamine, a controlled anesthetic used by doctors and veterinarians. The new substance is known as CanKet a Canberra ketamine. It was discovered at Australias first government-supported pill-testing center that started as a trial in the national capital earlier this year. The research team says the new drug was handed in at Australias first pill-checking center in Canberra. The user thought it was ketamine but said its effects were unusual and wanted it checked by experts at the pill-monitoring service. The drug was presented in a small plastic bag of crystals and powder. Australian National University scientists believe the new drug was probably imported from overseas. It is not known whether CanKet has side effects. It is chemically similar to ketamine but has characteristics that have not been seen previously. Associate professor Malcolm McLeod of the Australian National University Research School of Chemistry told VOA that ketamine and its derivatives are becoming increasingly popular illicit drugs. Ketamine is used in medicine and as a horse tranquilizer. It is also a popular recreational drug linked to a phenomenon known as the k-hole a type of out-of-body experience. Common side effects include nightmares, hallucinations, high blood pressure and confusion. It is typically injected, snorted, or taken orally. In 2019, an estimated 9 million Australians or more than 40% of the population aged over 14 had illicitly used a drug, according to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey. The survey is a government-funded project that has been collecting data about alcohol, tobacco and drug consumption in Australia every two to three years since 1985. The most popular illicit drugs were cannabis and cocaine. The survey showed that ketamine use rose from 0.4% of respondents in 2016 to 0.9% in 2019. Cattle farmers in Botswana, one of Africas top beef exporters to the European Union, have welcomed renewed beef exports to Europe. The move follows a two-month ban that followed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and the culling of thousands of cows. Botswana officials on Monday said the August outbreak near the border with Zimbabwe has been brought under control, although a ban on cattle from the area remains in place. Due to tough restrictions, beef exports to the European Union had been suspended because of the outbreak in August. But farmers like Bathusi Letlhare said they are now relieved following Mondays announcement of the partial lifting of the ban. It is a welcome development because the EU is one of the main markets for our beef, Letlhare said. They pay good prices, and this, in turn, benefits farmers a lot. It is always bad when we have an FMD outbreak and the market has to be closed." Letlhare added that the frequent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have had an adverse impact on the economy. I can say 80 percent of households have livestock, and when FMD breaks out and certain markets are closed, it becomes a big challenge to farmers, Letlhare said. Farmers cannot move cattle to markets, and there is no income to farmers, and the whole economy is affected. Letlhare felt the impact, too. I run a butchery, and for 10 days we were not selling beef, Letlhare said. And you can imagine the money we lost. Botswanas acting director of veterinary services Kefentse Motshegwa said strict export requirements will be followed. This includes placing cattle in holdings approved for EU export for a period of 40 days before slaughter. Beef exports will only be allowed from seven of the countrys 19 agricultural zones. Andrew Seeletso of the Botswana National Beef Producers Union said although meat from other agricultural zones remained banned, the partial resumption of beef exports is welcome. It is better than nothing, he said. We are hoping that soon enough, the rest of the country will be allowed to sell beef for the EU market. But overall, we are very excited. It's a good development, and we support it. In September, Botswana partially resumed the beef trade, including live cattle sales to neighboring countries, but there was no export to the EU. The country enjoys duty- and quota-free access to the European market. Cameroons military said several soldiers have been arrested for torturing a suspected separatist general and fighters, following deadly fighting in the northwestern village of Djotin. Army Captain and military spokesman Cyrille Serge Atonfack Guemo said in a statement that the government troops in question committed gross human rights violations and crimes, which give Cameroon's military a bad image. The military said during an operation to free civilians abducted by fighters, troops killed at least a dozen rebels and arrested and tortured several others. The statement said government troops accused the fighters they arrested of helping No Pity, a notorious self-proclaimed separatist general, to escape. The statement said government troops took and shared videos of the torture scene among themselves. The videos leaked and were shared on social media platforms including WhatsApp and Facebook, leading to an outcry and widespread condemnation, according to the statement. Fon Issidore, a 25-year-old farmer in Djotin, said the military also attacked and killed innocent civilians during the operation, which took place last week. Fon said he saw seven government troops attack his residence in Djotin. He said he escaped to a nearby bush through the back door as the troops were struggling to destroy the front door. Fon said he returned to the house after three hours when the troops had left and saw that his mother had been shot two times in the head. Fon spoke via the messaging app WhatsApp. He said he saw four injured people being taken by their relatives to a hospital in the nearby town of Kumbo. The military denies claims that the troops killed or wounded innocent civilians in the Djotin clash. Colonel Boum Bissoue is one of Cameroon's military commanders fighting separatists in the Northwest region. He said a large majority of Cameroons government troops protect civilians and their property. He said the few who abuse the rights of citizens will be severely punished as spelled out in Cameroons military code of conduct. Boum said civilians should feel secure when they see government troops and report wayward behavior to military hierarchy. The government has not said how many of the troops were taken into custody or when they will face justice. In July and for the first time, Defense Minister Joseph Beti Assomo acknowledged grave rights abuses by the military against civilians in the fight against anglophone rebels and said he had ordered such violations to stop. Rights groups including the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa have accused government troops of committing human rights abuses in the separatist crisis. They say the government tortures and kills people suspected of collaborating with rebels. Human Rights Watch has accused both the military and rebels of abuses, including rape, torture and killings. The separatists blame the military and armed groups in the western regions. The U.N. says the separatist crisis that began in Cameroons English-speaking regions in 2017 has killed more than 3,300 people and displaced 750,000, with many fleeing to neighboring Nigeria. Cameroon's anglophone rebels want to create a breakaway state they call Ambazonia, separate from the nations French-speaking majority. Parks, playgrounds, libraries and many other of the extras that make a community worth living in got special attention in Erie Countys 2023 budget, and thats a good thing. That it happened in conjunction with a lower tax rate is even better. While public safety may have received the biggest financial bump, local infrastructure, capital projects and essential amenities also received healthy allocations in the document that County Executive Mark Poloncarz has presented to legislators. Nobody would question the necessary maintenance of roads and bridges, but ongoing investments in historic structures, cultural institutions and parks also bring important benefits. A new drive to create more inclusive playgrounds, which can be enjoyed by children of all abilities, is a particularly welcome item in the proposed budget, as is funding for much-needed building upgrades to Kleinhans Music Hall, a Buffalo gem that is still operating with its original 1940s-era HVAC system, and under a 40-year-old roof. Another nearly forgotten Western New York resource is coming back to life, thanks largely to federal funding. At Wendt Beach Park in Evans, the historic Wendt mansion and stables which nearly succumbed to floods, vandalizing and other damage from decades of neglect are being restored for public use. The comprehensive plan for Wendt Beach Park as a public amenity only the beach remains open for summer sunbathing at this point will be determined by a county study now underway. Sewer upgrades included in the budget may help with the swimmability of this and other Lake Erie beaches. Thats an essential goal for a region that aims to develop a blue economy. A substantial increase for the library system which hasnt always been valued by previous county administrations is also good news for county residents. There was a time when libraries were considered to be on their way to extinction, as they depended on interest in that outmoded form of sharing information known as print media. Well, guess what? Surveys, including a recent one from Pew Research, show that the digital age has simply led to more Americans depending on the services offered by libraries. As Pew notes, the availability of free computers and internet access now rivals book lending and reference expertise as a vital service of libraries. There is still shamefully a digital divide in Buffalo, and many residents have no broadband access aside from their libraries. Aside from that, it is essential that as much of the libraries' offerings as possible be available via the internet. In 2021, there were more than 1.5 million in-person library visits and more than 7 million visits to the librarys website. This demand will continue to grow, and the technology needs to be there to support it. Meanwhile, ErieNet, the project to bring high-speed internet access to underserved areas of the county, continues. Much of this work is being done with the help of remaining American Rescue Plan funds, as the county continues to reap the rewards of ongoing federal Covid-19 assistance. These spending priorities are balanced by the proposed tax rate of $3.92 per thousand of assessed property value, which is the lowest in the countys history. That does not mean the property taxes actually levied by the county will necessarily be lower than last year. If assessed value is appreciably higher very likely in todays hot market then taxes, even at a low rate, may end up a bit higher. But the low rate does help keep the financial pain to a minimum. This isnt an austerity budget, but, thanks to healthy sales tax revenue and a continuing influx of federal and state aid, its expenditures are justified. We know that lean times might be coming soon enough. When targeted funds are available, it is appropriate to improve the programs that really need improving, fill in the gaps where county amenities have been lacking and make what is already good even better. It hasnt been that long since previous county governments forced residents to accept dire choices or arrogant assertions that certain programs including arts organizations and libraries werent deserving of the countys commitment. By recognizing the importance of quality-of-life issues, this budget proposal offers a welcome balance that residents should value. 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. More than a dozen of the world's female foreign ministers will join a virtual meeting hosted by Canada Thursday to discuss Irans brutal crackdown against protesters, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Wednesday in a statement. The death last month of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Tehrans morality police has ignited unrest throughout Iran. Joly and 14 other women will meet virtually 8 a.m. Thursday EDT (1200 GMT). The gathering will hear from women of Iranian heritage and discuss the state of women's and human rights in Iran. The meeting will give the officials an opportunity to coordinate efforts and discuss "ways to increase their collective support for the Iranian people, the statement said. "My counterparts and I will gather to send a clear message: the Iranian regime must end all forms of violence and persecution against the Iranian people, including their brutal aggressions against women in particular," Joly said. "Canada will continue to stand by the courageous Iranians who are fighting for their human rights and standing up for their mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. Women's rights are human rights. Call will involve 15 leaders Iran has accused countries that have expressed support for the protests of meddling in its internal affairs. Foreign ministers from Germany, Chile, New Zealand and Norway are among the 14 who will join Canada, a government source told Reuters. France will join the call, but Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna will not be able to, the source said. Other countries expected to participate in the meeting are Albania, Andorra, the Central African Republic, Chile, Iceland, Kosovo, Libya, Liechtenstein, Mongolia and Panama, Reuters reported. Several nations, including Canada and the United States, have imposed sanctions on Iran. Joly announced additional sanctions on Wednesday over human rights violations in Iran, targeting four entities and six individuals, including Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Majid Mirahmadi, Reuters reported. Amini, a 22-year-old woman from Irans Kurdistan region, was arrested on September 13 by the so-called morality police for improper wearing of the hijab. She died three days later while in police custody. Iran's religious leaders have tried to portray the unrest as part of a breakaway uprising by the Kurdish minority threatening the nation's unity, rather than as a protest of clerical rule. Some material for this article came from Reuters. The African Union has set October 24 in South Africa as the date and place for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ethiopia's Tigray region, according to an Ethiopian official. The announcement from Redwan Hussein, the national security adviser for Ethiopias prime minister, came days after the federal government reported on the capture of three strategic towns in Tigray, including Shire, which hosts large numbers of people uprooted by the war. In recent days, diplomats have urged the federal government and Tigrayan forces to agree to an immediate cease-fire, with U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres warning Monday that the situation in northern Ethiopia is "spiraling out of control." African Union-led peace talks were supposed to take place earlier this month in South Africa, with both the Tigray rebels and the federal government saying they were ready to participate. The talks were delayed due to logistical issues. Redwan said Thursday on Twitter that the federal government has "reconfirmed our commitment to participate" in talks mediated by the AU. "However, we are dismayed that some are bent on preempting the peace talks & spreading false allegations against the defensive measures," he added, an indirect reference to recent statements from Western officials expressing alarm over reports of attacks on civilians. The federal government said this week that it was planning to take control of Tigray's airports and federal institutions in order to "safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country." EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday that the "EU deplores the escalation of violence and irreparable cost to human life" in Ethiopia and urged the parties to begin peace talks "without delay." A recent U.N. report found that all sides have committed human rights abuses since the conflict broke out in November 2020. Hundreds of thousands of people reportedly have been killed. Samantha Power, who heads the U.S. Agency for International Development, warned Sunday that there is a "significant risk of further assaults and killings being perpetrated against civilians" if the fighting engulfs camps for displaced people in Tigray. The Tigray rebels did not immediately confirm their participation in the talks in South Africa on October 24 but have previously committed to participating in a peace process overseen by the AU. The European Union on Wednesday readied new sanctions on Iran over its supply of drones to Russia as the U.N. Security Council met to discuss the unmanned attacks that have caused destruction in Ukraine. The United States, France and Britain requested the closed-door Security Council discussion to voice alarm over the drone shipments, which Western officials say violate a U.N. resolution, although Russia holds veto power to block any new sanctions bid. Ukraine has for weeks reported attacks by Russia with Iranian Shahed-136 drones unmanned aircraft whose warheads explode in suicide attacks and has moved to cut relations with Tehran. Iran and Russia have both denied the use of the drones, with Tehran saying it wants talks with Ukraine. But the European Union said Wednesday that it had confirmed that Iran supplied the drones to Russia. Nabila Massrali, spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, said the bloc had "gathered our own evidence" and would prepare "a clear, swift and firm EU response." A list seen by AFP showed the bloc planned sanctions on three senior military officials, including General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces. The sanctions, set to be approved Thursday before an EU summit in Brussels, would also hit drone maker Shahed Aviation Industries, an aerospace company linked to the powerful Revolutionary Guards. The Ukrainian military said Wednesday that it had shot down more than 220 Iranian-made drones in little more than a month, although a drone bombardment on Kyiv on Monday left five people dead. US sees UN violation The United States said the Security Council would hear from an expert on the transfer of the drones, formally known as unmanned aerial vehicles. "We've seen over the course of the past month there is ample evidence that Russia is using UAVs from Iran in cruel and deliberate attacks against the people of Ukraine," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters in Washington. "We will convey these grave concerns about Russia's acquisition of UAVs from Iran in clear violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231." The resolution from 2015 blessed a now moribund nuclear deal. The resolution's ban on Iran's conventional arms sales expired in 2020, despite attempts by the U.S. administration of then-President Donald Trump. The United States did not spell out how Iran would be in violation, but the resolution still bans through October 2023 any transfers that could benefit nuclear-capable ballistic missiles unless there is permission from the Security Council. The alleged arms transfers come as Iran is facing growing pressure over its crackdown on the most widespread protests in years, which were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, a who was detained by the clerical state's notorious morality police. The unrest has led to new Western sanctions over human rights and put on the back burner efforts by U.S. President Joe Biden to restore the 2015 nuclear deal, from which Trump pulled the United States. Western officials have highlighted the Iranian drones as evidence that Russia, historically one of the world's largest arms exporters, has seen its arsenal badly depleted from losses on the battlefield. The United States has released intelligence saying that the Iranian drones have frequently malfunctioned and that Russia has also turned to North Korea, although China has reportedly rebuffed calls to send weapons. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, on a visit to Washington, said that Russia was relying on drones both because of low supplies and Ukraine's success in the skies. The Russians "understand that in air, they don't have supremacy at the moment because there is air defense from the Ukrainian side. They've lost many airplanes already," Pevkur told reporters. The European Union agreed Thursday to impose new sanctions on entities supplying Iranian drones to Russia that were used to strike Ukraine. The Czech presidency of the European Union announced the agreement in a tweet Thursday, saying it came after three days of talks with EU ambassadors and would go into effect Thursday afternoon. It said the EU was freezing assets of three individuals and one entity responsible for drone deliveries. It added that the EU was also prepared to extend sanctions against four Iranian entities that were previously sanctioned. Russian forces have intensified their use of airstrikes during the past week that Ukrainian officials have identified as utilizing Iranian-made drones laden with explosives that are crashed into their targets. Iran has denied supplying the drones to Russia and Russia has denied using them in Ukraine. The Syrian government and Palestinian militant group Hamas publicly resumed ties this week after a decade of estrangement, a move experts believe could have significant regional implications. A high-ranking Hamas-led Palestinian delegation met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Wednesday in Damascus, the first such visit in 10 years. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, had severed its ties with the Syrian government in 2012 in response to the latters crackdown on anti-government protests at the beginning of the countrys conflict. Hamas reconciliation with the Syrian government comes after several countries in the region have either restored their ties or signaled at starting dialogue with Damascus. Designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Hamas has traditionally been a close ally of Iran, itself a stronger supporter of the Syrian government. Irans role Although its relations with Iran have also been strained due to their opposing stances on the Syrian conflict and other regional issues, the Islamist Palestinian group has been trying to amend its ties with Tehran, experts said. This meeting (in Damascus) clearly constitutes an element of Hamas's broader rapprochement with Iran which has been in evidence in recent months, said Jonathan Spyer, a research fellow at the Middle East Forum, a Philadelphia-based research institution. He said the meeting involving Hamas officials and Assad signals the end of the idea of an independent Sunni Islamist power bloc in the region, which some saw as a possibility following the outbreak of the Arab Spring in 2011. Hamas (a Sunni Islamist group) was enthusiastic about the birth of a bloc of this kind, Spyer told VOA. The movements departure from Damascus and its support for the Sunni Arab and Islamist insurgency against Assad formed an element of this support. The military coup in Egypt, the defeat of the rebellion in Syria and the rise to power of Kais Saied in Tunisia ensured that no such bloc emerged. Saied is Tunisias president. Palestinian sources have said that Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah played a role in brokering talks between Assad and Hamas. In this regard, there was a role played by Iran, Hezbollah and some Palestinian factions, but that came only after Hamas decided to talk with the Syrian regime as a prelude for reviving ties, said Mustafa al-Sawaf, a Palestinian affairs analyst based in Gaza. Khalil al-Hayya, a politburo member of Hamas, who was part of the Palestinian delegation in Damascus, told reporters after his meeting with Assad that other countries in the region, including Qatar and Turkey, were also notified about the decision and they encouraged the group to take the step. Anti-Israel coalition The move also comes as several countries have normalized their relations with Israel, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and other Arab nations as part of the U.S.-sponsored Abraham Accords in 2020. Analyst Sawaf told VOA that Hamas was prompted to reestablish ties with the Syrian regime to try to form a coalition to counter Israel and promote the creation of a Palestinian nation. Iran is the only the power that could make possible the existence of such a coalition, experts said. Hamas remains dependent on Iran for its military capacity. Hence it has had to go with cap in hand back to the Iranians. Rapprochement with Assad constitutes an additional price that Hamas must pay for readmission to the camp led by Tehran. Other experts believe the thaw in relations between Syria and Hamas could also prove beneficial for the Syrian regime as it seeks to break its regional and international isolation. Assad could use Hamas, just like before the Syrian war, as a proxy against the interests of Israel, the United States and some Arab countries that are opposed to Islamist groups, particularly such groups that are aligned with Iran, John Saleh, a Syria researcher based in Washington, told VOA. At this critical juncture, he said, both sides need each other. Hamas also needs the Syrian regime, Saleh said, because its ties with Iran, most Arab countries dont deal with it anymore. So, Hamas didnt have a choice but to return to Damascus. Its not clear when Hamas will reopen its headquarters in Damascus, but leaders of the group have indicated that it will happen in a gradual manner. (This story originated in VOAs Kurdish service.) Investigative journalist Wang Zhian once exposed corruption, land seizures, and medical malpractice in China, with millions of viewers and a powerful platform: state broadcaster CCTV. Wang now lives alone in central Tokyo after being blacklisted in his homeland. His journey from on-air personality at the heart of Chinas vast state media apparatus to reporter in exile illustrates how even government-backed critical reporting has been curtailed under Xi Jinping, Chinas most authoritarian leader since Mao Zedong. Unlike many muckrakers, Wang hasnt given up. Deep in debt and armed with little more than a laptop, a tripod, and a camera borrowed from a friend, Wang is back in business this time on YouTube and Twitter, both banned in China. Here I can tell the truth, and nobody will restrict me anymore, Wang said, sitting in his Tokyo studio, a living room in his modest three-story walk-up. Changes under Xi Thousands of delegates are congregating in Beijing this week to reaffirm Xi as leader of the ruling Communist Party for a third term, at the countrys most important political meeting in a decade. Fearing arrest, Wang said he wont return until Xi is out of power. He demands absolute obedience, Wang said. The media has become like the army: a tool that pledges unconditional allegiance to the party. Under Xi, Chinas once feisty reporters have fallen in line. The Communist Partys propaganda arm has taken direct control of agencies managing newspapers, broadcasters, and radio stations. A powerful new agency has silenced critical voices on the internet, creating a vast censorship apparatus powered by thousands of censors. Privately, many Chinese journalists say Xi has quashed independent reporting. Publicly, they stay silent. Xis very name is mouthed carefully, in scripted lines, whispers or pseudonyms. The change these past 10 years has been dramatic, said Zhan Jiang, a retired professor of journalism at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Life outside China Wang never imagined a life outside China. A native of mountainous Shaanxi province, Wang joined CCTV in 1998 after obtaining a masters in history. At the time, Chinese media was on the cusp of what Wang calls a golden age. Investigative journalism flourished under then-leader Jiang Zemin, who talked Tibet and Taiwan with Western journalists, and Zhu Rongji, a tough, reform-minded premier who battled corruption. It nurtured hopes of reform in Chinas one-party state more like Singapore than the former Soviet Union, with some space for free discussion. Just because China is under the leadership of the Communist Party doesnt mean it cant have an active media, said Zhan, the retired professor. At CCTV, Wang was first a producer, then commentator, before he moved to investigations in 2011. There, he developed a reputation as a tough, experienced journalist, two former CCTV employees said, though they added his critical tendencies could make him difficult to work with. They declined to be named to speak candidly about Wang. Soon after, Xi took power in 2012. At first, Wang looked forward to the new leadership. With the countrys economic boom, officials raked in millions in brazen backdoor deals, their sons and daughters flashing Rolexes and racing Ferraris across Beijings flyovers. Xi promised to change all that, vowing to crush corruption. He visited a humble bun shop, portraying himself as a man of the people. The crackdown came. Banquets were banned, red carpets rolled up, and thousands of officials arrested. But as Xi consolidated power, signs of trouble started emerging at CCTV. Controls tightened. One by one, top reporters trickled out. Then, in 2016, Xi visited CCTV and other state media. Party media should be surnamed the party, he declared, urging loyalty to the Communist Party above all else. We knew then there would be earth-shattering changes, Wang said. Though Xi was combating corruption, instead of wielding transparency and the rule of law, Xi empowered a secretive organ of the party to detain officials instead. Xi doesnt think the media should be a watchdog, Wang said. He thinks they just need to be propaganda organs. The final straw, he said, was when an investigation he worked on for months was killed. It was an expose of Beijings ambulance dispatch system. Through backdoor connections, Wang found, an official had set up a parallel network that whisked patients to a second-rate clinic in Beijings far north, generating revenue for hospital management but causing life-threatening delays. But days before Wangs story went to air, the partys Central Propaganda Department said it was canning the story. Infuriated, Wang stopped coming to work, then resigned. One of many It wasnt just CCTV. Across China, thousands of journalists quit the industry. At Caixin, a respected financial magazine, the politically connected editor-in-chief stepped aside. At the Beijing Daily News, a tabloid with a rebellious streak, the publisher stepped down and was later detained. At Southern Weekly, a revered liberal broadsheet, propaganda officials tangled with reporters. Wang tried to continue. He switched outlets, hosting an interview show online that garnered tens of millions of views. But in June 2019, Wangs social media accounts were suddenly deleted, depriving him of millions of followers. Overnight, Wang was politically toxic. His new outlet, once eager to capitalize on his star power, backed out of renewing his contract. For a couple of years, Wang mulled what to do. The pandemic left him stranded during a visit to Japan, and when he returned to Beijing late last year, he heard he wouldnt be able to work in media again. If he wanted to stay in China, Wang realized, hed have to quit the job he loved. Wang made his choice: He bought a one-way ticket back to Japan. I cant go on in China, Wang said. If I became a public relations director, itd be a betrayal of my career. Starting over Now, Wang is teaching himself Japanese. He has learned how to edit video on his own and operate on a shoestring budget. Since he started broadcasting in May, he has attracted many viewers, with nearly half a million followers on Twitter and 400,000 subscribers on YouTube. Though both are banned in China, Wang hopes his reports will trickle over Chinas Great Firewall and into the country. His aim, Wang said, is fact-based news for mainland Chinese, one that stands apart from conspiracy-laden competitors driven by hatred of the government. Nobody believes a serious Chinese outlet can be established overseas, he said. But I want to give it a try. I think its very important for the whole Chinese-speaking world. In July, he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars hiring a crew and flying to Ukraine. Wang said he wanted to bring frontline reporting to a Chinese audience pointing out that only one channel viewable in mainland China sent reporters to the war. The result, he said, was that Chinas coverage of the war was saturated with Russian misinformation. Such a large country with only one source of information on such a huge event, Wang said. Thats very sad. Wang has plenty of detractors. Nationalists brand Wang a traitor online, questioning why he lives in Japan and accusing him of peddling anti-China content. On the other extreme, anti-Beijing activists suspect Wangs motives, pointing out he spent decades inside state media toeing the party line. Zhang Dongshuo, a lawyer in Beijing, said he appreciates Wangs channel, tuning in occasionally to get news unavailable on state media. But Zhang added that Wangs lack of access has made his reports duller, and the difficulties of scaling Chinas firewall has shrunk his audience. Its going to be tough, Zhang said. Hes in an awkward situation. Still, outside of Xis China, Wang hopes theres space for someone like him. He narrates the news, talking Chinas zero-COVID policy and the recent party congress, peppered with observations drawn on his experience inside the system. At times, he cuts in with commentary. Well have to wait till the day journalists can truly express themselves freely, Wang said, signing off on a recent broadcast. I hope that day comes soon. Associated Press video journalist Haruka Naga in Tokyo contributed to this story. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin is using energy as weapon, but his tactics are only bringing Western allies closer together in their support of Ukraine. Scholz made the comments to the German parliament ahead of a European Union energy summit, the second meeting of the 27-member bloc in two weeks as they seek to lower energy prices, and work around divisions over how exactly to do so. In his comments to parliament, Scholz said Russians efforts to choke off gas supplies to Europe, while conducting what he called scorched Earth tactics against Ukraine targeting energy infrastructure ahead of the cold winter months will back-fire and only strengthen the determination and staying power of Ukraine and its partners. Looking ahead to the energy summit, Scholz warned against setting a cap on gas prices, a move supported by 15 EU member nations. He argued, A politically set price cap always creates the risk that producers will sell their gas elsewhere and that we Europeans will end up with less gas instead of more. Scholz suggested the EU coordinate closely with other gas consumers, such as Japan and Korea, so they do not find themselves competing, while negotiating with producers about setting appropriate price. The German leader said he is convinced energy-producing allies such as the United States, Canada or Norway, have an interest in ensuring that energy in Europe does not become unaffordable." Referencing an EU plan to begin training Ukrainian troops, which was announced Monday, Scholz said one of the training headquarters will be in Germany. He said, by spring, we will train a full brigade of up to 5,000 soldiers. In this way, we are underlining our willingness to participate permanently in building strong Ukrainian Armed Forces, hand in hand with our partners." Meanwhile, the EU energy summit is underway in Brussels. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is expected to address the 27 national leaders by video conference from Kyiv, is asking for continued help to get his nation through the winter. Some information for this report was provided by the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. The Palestinian movement Hamas on Wednesday said it restored relations with the Syrian government after a visiting delegation met with President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. The Islamist group, which controls the Gaza Strip, was long one of Syria's closest allies, in large part because of a shared enmity toward Israel. But Hamas left Syria in 2012 after condemning the Assad government's brutal suppression of protests in March 2011, which triggered the country's descent into civil war. "This is a glorious and important day, in which we come back to our dear Syria to resume joint work," Hamas chief of Arab relations Khalil al-Hayya told reporters in Damascus. "This is a new start for joint Palestinian-Syrian action," he said after meeting Assad along with other representatives of Palestinian factions. Hamas and Assad have agreed to "move on from the past and look to the future," al-Hayya added. Al-Hayya said there was consensus among Hamas leadership and supporters over the resumption of ties with Syria, a move also supported by the Palestinian group's foreign sponsors. "All the states we notified of our decision were welcoming and supportive of the move, including Qatar and Turkey, who encouraged us to take the step," al-Hayya said. The Syrian presidency said Assad met a delegation of Palestinian leaders without mentioning the restoration of ties with Hamas. But the presidency published a video of Assad and al-Hayya holding hands as they walked with other Palestinian officials. The two-day Hamas visit to Syria comes after the Islamist group signed a reconciliation deal with its Palestinian rival Fatah in Algiers last week, vowing to hold elections by next October in a bid to settle a 15-year intra-Palestinian rift. A Hamas leader told AFP that the group, which was headquartered in the Syrian capital before leaving the country, plans to reopen its Damascus office. But it was too early to talk about relocating its headquarters to the Syrian capital, said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The thaw between Hamas and Damascus was brokered by Tehran and Hezbollah, a senior Hamas source said. Hamas has its origins in the transnational Muslim Brotherhood, whose Syrian branch was one of the leading factions in the armed opposition after Syria's civil war broke out. Hamas officials have said they broke ties with the Brotherhood in 2017. Police in northern Malawi are investigating the deaths of 25 male foreigners, believed to be Ethiopians, found buried in a mass grave in a forest in the Mzimba district. Police say villagers discovered the month-old mass grave in the forest while hunting wild insects in the Mtangatanga Forest Reserve. The preliminary investigation on the deceased shows all of them are Ethiopian nationals. "We found two temporary traveling documents that indicated names and nationalities of these people," said Peter Kalaya, spokesperson for Malawi Police Service. "Again, we found sim cards bearing the country Ethiopia. So having prior knowledge that most of the illegal migrants we intercept are from Ethiopia, give us a basis to conclude that these are Ethiopians." Kalaya told VOA on Thursday that medical experts were still conducting autopsies on the bodies to establish the cause of death, and that arrangements are being made about where to rebury the bodies. "At the moment we are strategizing because there is a procedure that has to be followed," he said. "These are foreign nationals and we will just follow those procedures that are available because the bodies are in a decomposed state. So we will see what to do after everything is done." Police on Thursday found another grave containing four bodies in the forest reserve. The nationalities of the deceased from this grave were not immediately known. Malawi is a transit route for foreigners, especially Ethiopians, who are trafficked through Malawi en route to South Africa. The foreigners mostly use uncharted routes and sometimes find refuge in the forest. Police in Karonga district said Thursday they are interrogating 72 Ethiopians they arrested Wednesday after they were found loitering in the forest. Police spokesman George Mulewa said the detained Ethiopians are being held on charges of illegal entry, adding that 10 Malawians have been charged with assisting them. "As of now, we're trying to probe more from them so that we should know why they are coming in from their respective homes and at the same time hiding in the bush, which is a threat to us as Malawians as well as themselves because we have been hearing people are dying in the bushes," Mulewa said. The governments of Malawi and Ethiopia, with support from the International Organization for Migration, have been repatriating Ethiopians arrested for illegal entry. Pasqually Zulu, spokesperson for the Department of Immigration in Malawi, said, "The process is still ongoing. As of last week, we managed to repatriate another cohort of 22. And in total since August, we have managed to repatriate 198, all Ethiopians.'' Critics of the government blame the situation on Malawi's porous borders. Zulu said the problem is that illegal immigrants are receiving aid from Malawians. He said fewer migrants will come if communities inform security agencies when they see suspicious movement of unknown people. The top United Nations official in Ukraine says as winter approaches, millions of people are beyond the reach of humanitarians in non-government-controlled areas and are likely in need of assistance. And it's a fact that we regularly request access across the front line from both countries and unfortunately, the Russian Federation has not yet granted us that access, Denise Brown, the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine told VOA in an interview. Its a purely humanitarian request, based on humanitarian imperative. WATCH: VOA Interviews Denise Brown Brown said they would continue to seek access to Russian-controlled areas in the south and east. Ukraines large elderly population is also quite vulnerable, and her teams are trying to reach more communities in remote, rural areas through local organizations. Winter is coming Brown, who arrived in Ukraine to take up her post two-and-a-half months ago, is ramping up winterization assistance across the country. Her teams are helping communities repair heaters, fix damaged roofs and distribute mattresses, blankets and warm clothing. They are also reaching out to hospitals with backup generators and mobile heating kits. Ukraine has harsh winters which begin in mid-November and run through mid-March. Average temperatures are around freezing and there is heavy snowfall. Already suffering from Russias invasion, heating homes will be more difficult this year, as Russian drone and missile attacks have targeted critical infrastructure in recent days. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukrainians to conserve energy, as he estimates 30% of the countrys power stations have been destroyed in the past week. We have huge concerns, I have huge concerns, for what is going to happen over the winter, Brown said. We are not going to be able to cover all of the needs; we are really focusing on those communities closest to the front line, the most difficult to reach where people have really suffered from the war. Brown, who has worked for more than 25 years in emergency situations including in Iraq, Haiti, Somalia and the Central African Republic, says the U.N. is committed to staying and delivering. The U.N. has appealed for $4.3 billion this year to assist Ukrainians, of which they have received nearly $3 billion, making it the second most funded appeal in the organizations history (Yemen in 2019 received $3.6 billion). Next years needs assessment is being drawn up. In addition to food, shelter and other assistance, the World Health Organization is working with Ukraines Ministry of Health to help provide psycho-social support to the estimated 10 million people who need it. Brown says that includes people from soldiers who will be demobilized to traumatized children. On a recent mission to the southern city of Mykolaiv, which has been the target of repeated Russian attacks, she spoke with the mayor. And the first thing he did was look me straight in the eye and say, 33 days of silence -- 33 days of silence since the beginning of the war in February. What does that do then to children who every time they hear that [air raid] siren get stressed? Brown said. She says humanitarians provide a critical safety net for the stressed population. The war is not over. Our work is not done, and the population continues to have huge, huge needs, she said. Entering into dialogue with those of differing opinions can be challenging. On more than one occasion Ive found myself wholly discounting, or worse, disrespecting another whose outlook on a particular subject is anathema to me. When differences arise, I find myself not only unwilling to listen to others opinions, but am also prone to assuming they dont have anything valuable to say about anything at all. This is especially true with respect to others who subscribe to political ideologies contrary to my own. Sadly, Im afraid that I am far from alone in allowing this flaw to continue as a personality trait. In this time of radical political polarization I find it increasingly necessary to control my tendency to view others as nothing more than their political views. Fortunately Ive been assisted in my ongoing struggle to rid myself of this defect through the writings of Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk and Catholic priest who lived from 1915-1968. He was a man of the world before his conversion to an ascetic life. He graduated from Columbia University and taught for a time at St. Bonaventure University in Olean. In spite of the fact that he lived most of his life in a monastery, he communicated, primarily by written correspondence, with a large variety of people around the world and was a prolific writer. Pope Francis addressed the United States Congress in 2015. He spoke of four Americans who, through hard work and sacrifice some at the cost of their lives, were able to build a better future and shape fundamental American values. The four were: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. Professor Gregory Hillis cites Merton often in his recently released book, "Man Of Dialogue: Thomas Mertons Catholic Vision." One chapter of the book explores Mertons advocacy for peace. Merton wrote during the Cold War, at a time when many believed nuclear annihilation was inevitable, however his thoughts seem to apply to the current political divisiveness in our country. Not only do they seem appropriate to our current state of affairs but they are deeply convicting, cutting to the core of my propensity to demonize those on the opposite end of the political spectrum. In applying a theology of nonviolence Merton theorized how we, as humans, tend to demonize our political advisories. Hillis highlighted this when he wrote, In 'Blessed Are the Meek,' Merton referred to the incessant temptation we have to demonize our adversaries, to view them as totally unreasonable, wicked and evil, particularly when we are appealing to what we understand to be higher ideals. Such temptation emerges out of the divisiveness that characterizes human society, a divisiveness that is the root of violence. Merton argues that to overcome this propensity, we might benefit from the theology of the Incarnation, of God becoming fully human in the person of Jesus (while remaining fully God) and thereby divinizing humanity. When we recognize the divinity of Christ in those who adhere to a political philosophy that is distasteful to us, we come to see them not so much as advocates for what is alienating to us, but rather as fellow creations of a loving God. We must be ready to reject what is demonstrably false, violent, hateful, dehumanizing, and divisive, in our political advisories without demonizing those who advance such a political ideology. This is challenging, to be sure, but necessary to remain a civilized and united nation. Mertons insights on the theology of the Incarnation have helped me in the difficult task of respecting the person in spite of ideological differences. Nationwide demonstrations in Iran following the death of a young woman in police custody continued for a 33rd consecutive day, with overnight protests in Tehran, Sanandaj and Dehgolan, as citizens chanted Death to Khamenei," and students held rallies at several universities. U.N. human rights officials denounced the Islamic Republic's violent crackdown on anti-government protests as a violation of international law and called on Iranian authorities to end their deadly crackdown against peaceful demonstrators. The protests started in mid-September after the arrest and death days later of 22-year old Mahsa Amini. She had been held by Irans morality police for failing to properly cover her hair with a hijab. The group Human Rights Iran said this week said the death toll from the crackdown on the ongoing nationwide protests has so far reached at least 215, of which 27 were children. Irans government has claimed Amini suffered a heart attack and was not mistreated. Her family said she had no history of heart trouble and that her body bore bruises and other signs of beating. Meanwhile, citizens of 14 countries have been detained in connection with protests in recent weeks by Iran, a media outlet close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on Wednesday. The report said those arrested include those from United States, Russia, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan. New York City on Wednesday opened an emergency tent shelter to alleviate some of the strain the city has felt recently from the steady stream of migrants who have arrived on buses sent by officials in Texas and other Southern U.S. states. The Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center on Randall's Island, east of Manhattan, will be the temporary home for 500 single migrant men who arrived in the city after their long journeys that began in Venezuela and other places south of the U.S. border. "The history of this country has always been tied to welcoming those who are fleeing harm," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a video on Wednesday about the facility. "New York City has always been a role model on how to effectively use our infrastructure to address a crisis and make sure we treat people in a humane way, and that is what we have done," he added. The need for the facility comes as the most populous city in the United States continues to receive buses full of migrants from Texas and other Southern states as part of a high-profile campaign by governors to put a spotlight on the record crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. Two weeks ago, Adams declared a state of emergency in response to the influx, saying the city had received more than 17,000 migrants since April. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is seeking a third term in November's U.S. midterm elections, has bused more than 3,000 migrants to New York City while El Paso, which sits across the border from Juarez, Mexico, has bused roughly 7,000 migrants to New York City since late August. City officials on Tuesday said during a news conference that the facility would consist of a dining area, showers, laundry machines and phones that migrants can use to connect with loved ones. "We needed a different type of operation that gave us the time and space to welcome people, to provide them a warm meal, a shower, a place to sleep and to understand their medical needs," Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said. Activists in Nigeria say despite widespread protests two years ago against the polices controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), police brutality in the country is far from gone. On Thursday, hundreds gathered at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos to hold a memorial procession for protesters killed there on October 20, 2020, but said police operatives still tried to forcefully disperse them. Saondo Orshio was one of the protesters two years ago in the capital, Abuja, seeking an end to what critics called systemic police brutality. The Lagos shootings halted those protests. Orshio said he has been constantly harassed by agents since then, with the most recent incident occurring about three months ago. "I remember very well after the End SARS [protests], I still encountered police brutality," he said. "With a friend, a policeman approached us and seized our phones and said we are fraudsters and that we should settle [with] him or he's going to take us to their office. And made a comment that he's going to destroy our careers." The SARS unit was notorious for arresting people on questionable grounds and extorting, beating and killing those it took into custody. The Lekki toll gate shooting has become historic in Nigeria, and for many protesters like Lagos-based lawyer Kennethcollins Ajagu, it bears the hallmark of pain and injustice. Amnesty International said up to 12 protesters were killed by Nigerian security forces at the toll gate and that many other deaths were reported nationwide. Nigerian authorities set up investigative panels to look into claims of brutality and to compensate victims. But not everyone has been compensated. Ajagu said he was lucky to leave the venue when he did. "The day the killing happened, I was there till around 12 in the afternoon," he said. "Before I left, it was still a peaceful thing; everyone just gathered, music was being played. Considering what has happened, everyone is still traumatized." On Thursday, hundreds of End SARS protesters converged at the toll gate to remember those killed there and hold a procession as a sign of respect. But they said heavily armed police fired tear gas to disperse the procession. Police have not responded to the claims, and national police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi did not take calls for comment. But human rights activist Aisha Yesufu said it showed the high level of impunity by officials. "I went online, and the first thing I see is that people who had gone to commemorate the day were being tear-gassed by the police," Yesufu said. "It just shows how much regard they have for citizens. They don't care." The Nigerian government announced the disbandment of SARS many times in the past, including in the wake of the protests of October 2020. But its hard for many citizens like Orshio and Ajagu to believe the squads no longer exist. Forty-one journalists have been confirmed detained by Iran since protests broke out last month over the death of a woman in the custody of the country's so-called morality police. Mahsa Amini, 22, a Kurdish woman, was arrested in September for improperly wearing her hijab. She died three days after her arrest. Iran has violently suppressed the protests that followed, and the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists has documented that as of Wednesday, 41 journalists have been detained. A handful were later released on bail. Most are accused of taking part in the protests they were covering. But CPJ and other journalists' rights organizations remain concerned for those behind bars, including journalists detained in Tehrans Evin Prison. Four journalists believed held in Evin are still unaccounted for after a fire at the facility on Saturday, according to the International Federation of Journalists. IFJ reported it had identified at least 10 journalists in the prison, including some detained in relation to the protests. Of those, six contacted family to say they were safe. But as of Monday, the families of four others had heard nothing since the fire. We are very concerned about the fate of our colleagues in Evin and remind the Iranian authorities that they are responsible for the lives of journalists in prison, IFJ general secretary Anthony Bellanger said in a statement. Bellanger called for the release of all journalists who are unfairly detained in Evin and other prisons in Iran for doing their job. One of the latest arrests was that of Mandana Sadeghi, a freelancer detained Tuesday alongside her husband in the city of Abadan. Around half of the media workers detained for coverage of the protests are female, according to the Coalition for Women in Journalism. CFWIJ has confirmed at least 20 cases of female journalists being detained across Iran since the protests broke out. In a country where women in the media are in the minority, this is a significant number, and we feel the crackdown on women journalists is particularly linked to their gender and reporting, Kiran Nazish, CFWIJs founding director, told VOA in an email. These arrests continue, despite the fact that most journalists (and activists) are also in hiding, Nazish said. With access to the internet blocked in many parts of Iran, getting information out and providing safety advice to those inside is difficult. CFWIJ said that while some of the journalists detained are able to speak with their families or lawyers, most have been unable to do so. Additionally, family and lawyers seeking information are often provided with incorrect information from authorities, Nazish said. This has been so consistent that most people we are in touch with think this is being done deliberately to misguide families and cause further distress, Nazish said. Those inside Iran have said the arrests, threats and communication blocks being used to intimidate journalists, activists and dissenters are all a form of 'torture' to intimidate those demanding free expression, and keep them in limbo, she added. VOA requested a comment from Irans mission to the United Nations but has not received a response. Digital rights groups, including Access Now, have condemned Tehran over its restrictions on internet access and persecution of tech experts. In an attempt to crush the popular uprising and further restrict internet activity and information flows, Iranian authorities are escalating their violent crackdown on people across Iran, and are now targeting internet experts and technologists, the nonprofit organization said in a statement. Even before the mass arrests of media and activists, Iran ranked among the 10 worst countries for press freedom. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said information comes mainly from news outlets operating outside Iran. The few independent journalists in Iran face persecution in the form of arbitrary arrests and very heavy sentences, according to RSF research. Iran currently ranks 178th out of 180 countries, where 1 has the best media environment, according to RSFs Press Freedom Index. The international rights community has called on the U.N. Human Rights Council to take immediate action on Iran. In a joint statement Monday, Human Rights Watch and dozens of other rights organizations said that since September, more than 1,000 protesters, human rights defenders, civil society activists, journalists, university students and schoolchildren have been arbitrarily arrested and detained, some already charged with acting against national security. U.N. human rights officials have said Irans violent response to protests and the reports of arbitrary arrests and killings are alarming. The rights office said Iran must halt the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against protesters and release immediately all those detained arbitrarily. Relatives of those in custody are left waiting for information, Nazish said. A few families of journalists have been told they will be released soon, but weeks have gone by without release or clear information about how they are treated inside the prison, she told VOA. Pakistan has experienced a spike in militant attacks, killing more than 450 people, mostly security forces, in the first nine months of this year. Officials dismiss the violence as "isolated incidents of terrorism." Islamabad attributes the resurgence in militancy to the Taliban takeover of the conflict-torn Afghanistan, where anti-Pakistan militants have taken refuge and continue to direct cross-border attacks from there. Officials have confirmed the death of nearly 350 soldiers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies in hundreds of attacks in the first nine months of 2022. The outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has claimed or is blamed for many of the attacks. Security officials told VOA that the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, has experienced the highest number of TTP attacks, killing 96 soldiers and wounding at least 280 others. Separately, the provincial police department has confirmed the deaths of 82 police personnel. The remaining casualties in 2022 occurred elsewhere in Pakistan, largely in southwestern Baluchistan province, where ethnic Baluch insurgents have stepped up deadly ambushes and gun attacks against security forces. The natural resources-rich province borders Afghanistan and Iran. Pakistani security forces have also continued their push against militants and claimed killing hundreds of them. A Pakistani military official refuted suggestions that militancy is on the rise in Pakistan, saying years of counterterrorism missions instead have led to a marked improvement in the security situation across the country. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media. "Due to [the] peculiar security situation in Afghanistan and [the] use of Afghan soil as [a] safe haven by terrorists against Pakistan, sporadic and isolated incidents have been happening in the newly merged districts, which by no means can be counted as [a] surge in terrorist incidents, when compared to [the] scale and lethality of terrorist incidents [that] happened in the past," the official told VOA. He referred to several Pakistani districts formerly and collectively known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, or FATA. The volatile region for decades was governed by special controversial laws and served as a safe haven for both local and foreign-based militant groups. However, sustained Pakistan military operations in recent years uprooted what officials described as a "terrorist infrastructure" in ex-FATA, merging the area into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through a constitutional amendment subsequently. The Taliban government in Afghanistan, in responding to growing terrorism-related concerns, brokered and hosted peace talks between Pakistan and Afghan-based TTP commanders in recent months. But the dialogue has failed to ease TTP-orchestrated violence and the process has apparently fallen apart over militant demands for restoring the traditional status of ex-FATA. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban government in Kabul, told VOA in a recent interview they were determined to address security concerns of Afghanistan's neighbors and would arrest for "treason" anyone using Afghan soil against Pakistan. "Whoever is present here [in Afghanistan], they aren't allowed to carry out any such activities because they have assured us, they would not threaten another country. And if [they do] so, these people are committing treason against Afghanistan first. They must be hunted, arrested and punished," Mujahid told VOA. Critics remain skeptical about the Taliban's claims they are effectively blocking terrorist groups from threatening other countries. The rise in TTP extremist activities and the reemergence of its fighters in some of their former strongholds in northwestern Pakistan in recent weeks triggered a strong public backlash, with thousands of residents routinely taking to the streets demanding authorities restore security. The Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an independent research and advocacy think tank, in a recent report, described the TTP as an "ideological and operational" partner of the Afghan Taliban. "For Pakistan, the perils of a militant regime in Kabul have become unmistakably clear as the country has witnessed a mindboggling 51% increase in the number of terrorist attacks in a single year since the Taliban takeover," the PIPS wrote in its report. "The Taliban regime avoids decisive action against the TTP probably as a strategy to extract concessions from Pakistan in bilateral affairs," the report noted. Landlocked Afghanistan heavily relies on Pakistani overland and sea routes for bilateral as well as international trade. Islamabad has stepped up trade links with the Taliban government over the past year, hoping it would encourage the Islamist rulers to address Pakistani concerns in return for more economic incentives. The revelation that al-Qaida leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri had been staying in a safe house in the heart of Kabul and his killing in a U.S. drone strike last July has also cast doubt on counterterrorism pledges by the Taliban and promises that they would cut ties with terrorist groups. No country has yet recognized the Taliban government over human rights and terrorism-related concerns. With its lush forests, abundant waterfalls and flamboyant birds, Guinea is the type of tropical paradise that draws tourists. But the West African country has few visitors and earns almost all its foreign revenue from mining, which can damage that environment. Now some are working to change that. Guinean tour guide Mohammed Camara balances precariously on a slippery rock as water gushes around him and the three foreigners hes leading on a hike. Below, the water slices through the cliff making way for a spectacular view of the forest. He dreams of there one day being a boardwalk that spans the top of the waterfall so his clients dont have to slip and slide to reach the view. Guineas government is more focused on developing the countrys mining industry than on creating ecotourism projects, he says. When people talk about mines, everyone talks about Guinea. But when people talk about tourism we don't talk about Guinea, Camara said. And yet there is great potential for tourism in this country that could employ more people than mines and bring in much more money. Guinea is the worlds second largest producer of bauxite, the primary ore used to produce aluminum. The country is also rich in iron ore deposits as well as other minerals such as gold and diamonds. Mining comprises about 25 percent of the countrys Gross Domestic Product, yet Guinea remains one of the poorest countries in the world with more than half the population living below the poverty line. A 2018 report by Human Rights Watch found Guineas mining industry had destroyed ancestral farmlands, polluted water sources and blanketed villages and crops in dust. The environmental destruction of bauxite mining can be so severe it led Malaysia to implement an export ban in 2016. Francois Kieffer is the operations manager for Belgian development agency Enabel in Guinea. In September he helped launch an ecotourism project in Kindia a forested region about 130 kilometers from Conakry with a high potential to attract tourists. The project is focused on the construction of facilities that make sightseeing more accessible, such as boardwalks and trail signs, as well as the training of tour guides. Kieffer said he hopes the projects will provide an alternative to environmentally destructive practices beyond mining, such as slash and burn agriculture and charcoal production. Today, human activity puts a lot of pressure on the environment and we realized that its the local people who are the first victims of these types of activities, he said. The potential for tourism here is incredible. Sites such as the breathtaking Mount Gangan and the pristine swimming holes beneath Kilissi Falls are largely unknown outside of Guinea. From 2010 to 2017, the country saw an average of just 65,000 tourists per year one-sixteenth the number who visited neighboring Senegal. In Kindia, there are a lot of sites that are beloved by the locals. But because those sites arent developed, people are afraid to go, said Sekou Camara, a local development officer in Guineas Linsan sub-prefecture. If we succeed in developing them, Kindia could become attractive. But for now people are prioritizing the mines. He motions to the waterfalls plunging down the verdant face of Mount Gangan. That could be Guineas crown jewel, he says. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. In this year's midterm elections in the United States, the Republican Party is pushing to expand recent gains among Hispanic voters. VOA's Scott Stearns narrates this story from Christian von Preysing-Barry in Texas, where Republicans this year won a congressional seat long held by the Democratic Party. Videographer: Christian von Preysing-Barry Liz Truss said on Thursday she was resigning as British prime minister just six weeks after she was appointed. A leadership election will be completed within the next week to replace Truss, who is the shortest-serving prime minister in British history. George Canning previously held the record, serving 119 days in 1827 when he died. Given the divisions in the party there is no obvious candidate and any replacement would face a country likely heading into a recession. Leading names are below: Rishi Sunak Britain's former finance minister was the most popular candidate among Conservative lawmakers at Westminster in a leadership contest earlier this year but, after getting through to a run-off against Truss, he lost out in a vote involving some 170,000 party members who made the final decision. Many members were angry when Sunak quit in July, helping to trigger a rebellion that eventually brought down former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. They also ignored his warning that markets could lose confidence in Britain if Truss delivered her unfunded tax cuts. Betting exchange Betfair puts Sunak as the favorite to replace Truss, but those lawmakers who remain loyal to Johnson would most probably oppose that move. Sunak is "certain to stand" for the leadership, according to the Telegraph. Penny Mordaunt A former defense secretary, Mordaunt was a passionate supporter of leaving the European Union who only just missed out on the final two-place run-off in the recent leadership challenge. Mordaunt won plaudits for her performance in parliament on Monday, when she defended the government even as it reversed most of its policies. One lawmaker has described Mordaunt as having "broad appeal," referring to her ability to find friends in the various tribes of the party. Mordaunt is believed to be in the running to become the next prime minister, Sky News reported. Boris Johnson Former prime minister Johnson is expected to stand in the Conservative Party leadership contest, the Times reported. Johnson, once a journalist, has loomed large over British politics ever since he became London Mayor in 2008. After causing trouble for leaders such as David Cameron and Theresa May, he finally became prime minister in 2019 and went on to win a landslide election victory. Johnson was the face of the Brexit vote and won votes in parts of the country that had never voted Conservative before. But he was forced out by a string of scandals. Some closest to him say at the moment he is more interested in making money on the speech circuit than returning to frontline politics. Jeremy Hunt After Truss's economic program collapsed and she fired her finance minister, she turned to Hunt, a former health and foreign minister, to put things right. A series of confident performances on television and in the House of Commons, as he ripped up Truss's economic manifesto, have already led to some Conservative lawmakers referring to Hunt as the "real prime minister." He has insisted he does not want the top job, despite entering two previous races to become prime minister, including in 2019 when he lost out in the final round to former prime minister Boris Johnson. Hunt does not have the obvious support of a large group of lawmakers in parliament. The BBC and other outlets said he was not considering running. Kemi Badenoch After losing out in the previous leadership contest, where she won support on the right wing of the Conservative party, Badenoch was appointed a cabinet minister by Truss. A source close to Badenoch said: "The Party must unite around a new leader who restores trust in politics and delivers good government for the British people. Kemi is in conversations with colleagues about how best to achieve this." The trade secretary, born in London to Nigerian-origin parents, has said Britain has been falsely criticized as oppressive to minorities. She has also opposed gender-neutral toilets as causing a "significant disadvantage" to women. Suella Braverman Braverman, who resigned less than 24 hours ago as home secretary after criticizing Truss, is "widely expected to stand" to be the leader of the Conservatives, the Guardian reported, adding that an adviser to her declined to say if she plans to run. Braverman, born to parents of Indian origin, wants to reduce overall migration into Britain and has said the country has too many low-skilled migrant workers and very high numbers of international students. She previously served as a Brexit minister and has advocated for Britain pulling out of the European Court of Human Rights. She was also a leadership contender in the previous contest, winning the backing of prominent anti-EU campaigner Nigel Farage. Braverman quit as interior minister on Wednesday, saying she had to go after she breached government rules but said in a critical resignation letter that she had concerns over the direction of Truss's government. Ben Wallace Britain's defense secretary is one of the few ministers to have emerged from recent political turmoil with his credibility enhanced. Wallace, a former soldier, was defense minister for both Johnson and Truss, leading Britain's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Popular with party members, he surprised many earlier this year when he said he wouldn't run for the leadership, saying he wanted to focus on his current job. He told the Times newspaper this week that he still wanted to stay as defense secretary. Ukraine is restricting power use Thursday in response to Russian attacks that damaged parts of the countrys electrical infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged people to conserve energy in an address late Wednesday. He said the government was working to create mobile power supply points for critical infrastructure in cities and villages. Ukraines power grid operator said supply restrictions would be in place from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., and that as colder months approach, it may need to take such steps again in the future. Drone controversy Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council met Wednesday in a private meeting at the request of the United States, Britain and France to discuss the issue of Russia using Iranian-made drones in its war in Ukraine. Washington, London and Paris say Tehrans supplying of these unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia is a violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which allows for transfers of restricted items to or from Iran only when approved on a case-by-case basis by the Security Council. No such approval has been sought. We had a very clear indication that the drones have been delivered from Iran to Russia and they have been used in Ukraine, Frances ambassador Nicolas de Riviere told reporters as he left the meeting. This is a violation of Resolution 2231. We anticipate this will be the first of many conversations at the U.N. on how to hold Iran and Russia accountable for failing to comply with U.N. Security Council-imposed obligations, said Nate Evans, spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. As was outlined during todays meeting, there is ample evidence that Russia is using Iranian-made UAVs in cruel and deliberate attacks against the people of Ukraine, including against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure, he added, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Ukrainian officials have said drones used in waves of attacks during the past week, including on the capital, Kyiv, were Iranian-made Shahed-136 attack drones that Russia used to carry explosives and crash into their targets. Irans U.N. ambassador told reporters that his government categorically rejects the unfounded and unsubstantiated claims, which he said are part of a disinformation campaign against his government. It is disappointing to pursue their political agenda, these states are trying to launch a disinformation campaign against Iran and make misleading interpretation of the Security Council Resolution 2231 in order to wrongly establish a link between their baseless allegation against Iran with this resolution, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said. Russias deputy U.N. envoy told reporters that the allegations are baseless, there have been no arms transfers in violation of the resolution and no Iranian drones were supplied to Russia for use in Ukraine. I would recommend that you do not underestimate the technological capabilities of the Russian drone industry, Dmitry Polyanskiy said. I can tell you we know what we do, and we know how to do it. Ukraines foreign ministry said that in the past week alone, more than 100 Iranian-made drones have slammed into power plants, sewage treatment plants, residential buildings, bridges and other targets in urban areas. U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this article. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. The U.S. government is considering a plan to jointly produce weapons with Taiwan, a business lobby said Wednesday, an initiative intended to speed up arms transfers to bolster Taipei's deterrence against China. U.S. presidents have approved more than $20 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan since 2017 as China has ramped up military pressure on the democratically governed island Beijing claims as its own territory. But Taiwan and the U.S. Congress have warned of delivery delays because of supply chain difficulties and backlogs caused by increased demand for some systems due to the war in Ukraine. "It's right at the beginning of the process," Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, which counts numerous U.S. defense contractors as members, said of the plan. Hammond-Chambers said it was yet to be determined which weapons would be considered as part of the effort, though it would likely focus on providing Taiwan with more munitions and long-established missile technology. But he cautioned that any such move would require weapons makers to obtain co-production licenses from the State and Defense departments. Hammond-Chambers added there could be resistance within the U.S. government to issuing co-production licenses due to uneasiness about approving critical technology for a foreign platform. "It's a piece of the puzzle, not a game changer," Hammond-Chambers told Reuters after Japan's Nikkei newspaper first reported on the plan, citing three unidentified sources. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry declined to comment, but reiterated that Taiwan-U.S. relations were both "close and friendly." Possibilities would include the United States providing technology to produce weapons in Taiwan, or producing the weapons in the United States using Taiwanese parts, the Nikkei report added. Asked about the effort, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said: "The United States is looking at all options to ensure the rapid transfer of defensive capabilities to Taiwan." "The United States' swift provision of Taiwan defensive weaponry and sustainment via Foreign Military Sale and Direct Commercial Sale is essential for Taiwan's security and we will continue to work with industry to support that goal," the spokesperson said. News of the plan came after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a forum at Stanford University on Monday that "Beijing was determined to pursue reunification (with Taiwan) on a much faster timeline," though he did not specify a date. China's leader Xi Jinping said on Sunday that China would never renounce the right to use force over Taiwan, but that it would strive for a peaceful resolution. Taiwan's presidential office said this week Taiwan would not back down on its sovereignty and would not compromise on freedom and democracy, but that meeting on the battlefield was not an option. U.S. officials have been pushing Taiwan to modernize its military so it can become a "porcupine," hard for China to attack. U.S. officials have criticized Beijing for using a visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August as a pretext to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait by ramping up nearby military drills. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lankas president said Thursday his government has started debt restructuring discussions with China, an important step toward finalizing an International Monetary Fund rescue of the island nation from a severe economic crisis. President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday that initial talks will continue after China's Communist Party congress, which begins Oct. 16. Wickremesinghe, who recently returned from a trip to Tokyo, said the Japanese government had agreed to mediate the talks with China. China has been supporting us from ancient times and we believe they will do the same in these difficult times, Wickremesinghe said. Sri Lanka is nearly bankrupt and has suspended repaying its $51 billion foreign debt, of which it must repay $28 billion by 2027. Sri Lanka has reached a preliminary agreement with the IMF for a $2.9 billion rescue package over four years. Its completion hinges on assurances from Sri Lanka's creditors on debt restructuring. Separately on Thursday, Nandalal Weerasinghe, the governor of Sri Lanka's Central Bank, told reporters that steps have been taken towards debt restructuring. Sri Lanka has made a presentation to global creditors and held meetings with financial advisors, donor countries and commercial creditors. The discussions were going forward," Weerasinghe said. But he declined to discuss the progress of the discussions, saying he prefers to maintain a radio silence to avoid affecting markets. An announcement will be made once an agreement is reached, he said. Sri Lanka borrowed heavily from China over the past decade for infrastructure projects that include a seaport, airport and a city being built on reclaimed land. The projects failed to earn enough revenue to pay for the loans, a factor in Sri Lanka's economic woes. China is not Sri Lanka's biggest creditor. It accounts for about 10% of Sri Lanka's loans after Japan and the Asian Development Bank. However, Beijing's assent for restructuring its loans is crucial. It has not committed to any restructuring, though it offered an additional loan. Story continues Meanwhile on Thursday, Sri Lanka's Central Bank announced that the countrys economy is estimated to have contracted by 4.8 per cent in the first half of 2022. It also said the economy is expected to contract in the second half of 2022 as well due to tighter monetary and fiscal conditions, widespread shortages of various necessities including fuel, food and medicines, and uncertainties for businesses given the lack of accessible financing and foreign exchange. ___ See more AP Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific Krishan Francis, The Associated Press As millions of Americans prepare to cast ballots in midterm elections that will determine which party controls both houses of Congress for the next two years, federal, state and local authorities have mobilized to ensure the democratic exercise is safe for all participants. The efforts come as some election workers report attempts to intimidate them, including death threats, and as America continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection against Congress certification of the 2020 presidential election. Election security is on voters minds, as well. I worry about people trying to harm voters or people working the elections, said Lisa Watkins of Fairfax County, Virginia. Watkins who recently registered to vote, said American democracy is threatened if violence erupts on or after Election Day. I hope we dont see any trouble at polling locations, she added. The November 8 midterms constitute the first nationwide elections since the 2020 presidential contest that saw then-President Donald Trump dispute Joe Bidens victory, both in the courtroom and via other means. One of the most tumultuous periods in modern U.S. political history culminated with deadly riots at the Capitol. To this day, some Americans believe Biden is an illegitimate president, a festering falsehood that could fuel trouble in the midterm contests. Federal task force Last year, the U.S. Justice Department created a special task force to combat rising threats against election workers and voters. Speaking in Washington last month, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Clarke said the DOJ remains steadfast in our commitment to making sure that all eligible voters can cast a vote; that all lawful votes are counted; and that every voter can cast a ballot free from discrimination and harassment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that U.S. states that saw significant upheaval over the 2020 presidential outcome have been more likely to spawn election-related threats. Fifty-eight percent of the total of potentially criminal threats were in states that underwent 2020 postelection lawsuits, recounts and audits, such as Arizona, Georgia, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Wisconsin, the FBI said in August. I see data showing three in five election officials right now are saying, I don't feel comfortable or safe, said Neal Kelly, who heads the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections, a non-governmental group made up of 32 current and former election and law-enforcement officials. The organization is working with state and local communities to develop ways to prevent violence threatened or actual against voters, election officials and poll workers. For now, Kelly, a former registrar of voters for Orange County, California, is expressing cautious optimism. I think the election is going to be fine, he told VOA. But how does the mental stability hold up for voters as well as election officials? Kelly doesnt advocate dispatching armed guards to voting locations but adds that law enforcement must be ready to respond promptly to any trouble that may arise. In addition, he says the federal government can do more in individual states to support safety training for poll workers and rebuild trust in Americas democratic exercises. Our goal is to get election officials and law enforcement together and talking and creating proactive plans to reduce the risk, he said. I think the long-term strategy is going to be how we change the optics, because the mechanics of running a secure election are just as important as the optics of running a secure election. Kelly added, We've got to start educating voters about how secure the system is. Fewer election workers Numerous state and local election officials have reported difficulties attracting poll workers for the midterm elections. A survey by the New York-based Brennan Center for Justice found that one in six election officials reported being threatened because of their job, and 77% said they felt such threats have increased in recent years. Since 2020, what election workers have been facing are unrelenting threats like having their homes invaded, their cars damaged and having their children threatened, said Lawrence Norden, senior director of the Brennan Centers elections and government program. The study found nearly one in three poll workers know at least one colleague who has stepped down over concerns for their personal safety. One of the things that worries me the most is election workers leaving the field, Norden said in a CNN interview. The study also found one in five election workers plans to leave their position before the 2024 presidential election. Youre seeing a lot of election officials leaving already, Kelly said. Election officials by and large are doing things to make sure workers are safe. This process is so important to democracy, and we need to stand up to make sure things are being done to ensure that security is in place, said Kelly. In some states, the federal government has launched programs to help train state poll workers. Efforts are also being focused on minority communities. We are trying to hire younger poll workers, said Omar Sabir, a vice chairperson of the Philadelphia City Commissioners who oversees elections in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, where African Americans make up more than 40% of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. His recruitment efforts have been bolstered by offering pay raises and pledges of support. Poll workers and elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, Sabir told VOA. I encourage people to become poll workers and not to be deterred from what happening out here. Steps to safeguard elections New laws have been adopted in four states to protect election workers from harassment. In Colorado, the Election Official Protection Act toughens criminal penalties for intimidating election officials. It also makes it a crime to threaten election workers or publish their personal information online. In California, election workers will have the option to have their addresses and other personal information redacted from government records. With midterm elections nearing, the safety and peace of mind of hardworking election workers should be a top priority, said California State Senator Josh Newman, who wrote the legislation that was signed into law last month. In addition to protecting election workers, several states have taken steps to limit physical access to voting machines by unauthorized people and deployed enhanced cybersecurity measures at local election offices. In recent months, U.S. cybersecurity experts have warned of a potential rise of insider threats from state and local officials who embraced former President Trumps false claims that the election was stolen from him. Were spending a lot of time reminding local election officials about their internal controls and having insider threat awareness, said Kim Wyman, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agencys (CISA) senior election security adviser. Go back to those basic [security] protocols and make sure you have them in place, said Wyman, who was responding to a question from VOA on the sidelines of a cybersecurity conference last month in Washington. Senior officials from the United States, Japan and South Korea will meet next week in Tokyo amid escalating threats from North Korea. While the U.S. reaffirms its ironclad commitment to its allies, the State Department has declined to say whether Washington would consider the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula, and whether the South Korea government has made such a request. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will participate in a trilateral meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo and South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyundong in Tokyo next week, according to the State Department. Shermans talks will cover a range of regional security issues, including North Koreas missile launches and Taiwan. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday China is determined to bring Taiwan under its control, possibly by force, on a much faster timeline. Taiwan is a big part of regional security that Sherman plans to discuss with allies in Tokyo, said a senior State Department official on Thursday during a phone briefing. We expect cross (Taiwan) Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means. And as North Korea speeds up missiles launches, the senior official told VOA that U.S. commitments to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remain ironclad. We call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocations and engage in sustained and substantive dialogue, said the senior official, referring to Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Koreas official name. Tuesday, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea fired about 100 shells off its west coast and another 150 shells off its east coast, a day after South Korea kicked off its annual Hoguk defense drills on Monday that are designed to boost its ability to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. Earlier this month, Sherman and her counterparts from Japan and South Korea held talks to condemn North Koreas October 4 firing of an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan that landed in the Pacific. It was the first such launch in five years, and prompted Japan to evacuate some residents in the area. Senior officials have said the U.S. continues to be open to dialogue without preconditions with the DPRK, which they say is key to the ultimate goal of a completely denuclearized Korean Peninsula. But North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un has rejected Washingtons proposal for dialogue, saying he will never give up nuclear weapons. President Joe Biden's administration also faces tough questions on the diplomatic impasse and inability to deter North Korea from further provocation. The recently released White House national security strategy made little mention of North Koreas threats. For questions on specific force posture. I'd refer you over to the Department of Defense, said the senior State Department official on Thursday when asked to comment on calls to redeploy U.S. tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea continues its missile launches at an unprecedented rate. That official said the U.S. has affirmed its extended deterrence commitment to the Republic of Korea using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities. Opinion polls consistently show that most South Koreans support their country acquiring its own nuclear weapons, especially as North Korea continues developing its arsenal. As a candidate, South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol said he would ask the U.S. to agree to a nuclear weapons-sharing arrangement, or to redeploy tactical nuclear weapons that Washington withdrew from South Korea in the early 1990s notions quickly rejected by the U.S. State Department. Yoon later walked back the comments. In recent months, Yoon has reaffirmed South Koreas commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. In September 2021, senior State Department official Mark Lambert made clear in an online forum that the U.S. policy would not support redeploying tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea, or a nuclear weapons-sharing arrangement with Seoul. Poor governance and corruption in Zimbabwe are responsible for the countrys economic decline, not U.S. and other Western sanctions imposed after reports of election rigging and human rights abuses, a top U.S. official said Wednesday. The countrys capital, Zimbabwe has scoffed at the claims, while some pro-government citizens protest the sanctions at the U.S. embassy in Harare. James OBrien, the U.S. State Departments sanctions coordinator, told an online press briefing on October 19 that U.S. sanctions are not hurting Zimbabwes economy, as they do not affect banks, pointing to billions of dollars in reported annual illegitimate, illegal cross-border transactions as examples of what is hurting the countrys economy. Those cost the citizens of Zimbabwe a lot of their chance at having a more prosperous and free life. And so, wed like our sanctions to be part of a policy answer that begins to improve the management of public services and public resources and makes things possible for the people of Zimbabwe to improve, he said. OBrien said Washington is aware of concerns regional leaders have raised over the impact of the sanctions, including the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, saying that the impact of the sanctions is felt regionally and throughout the continent. OBrien said the U.S. would continue reviewing the sanctions list imposed in the early 2000s following reports of human rights abuses and election rigging by the current administration in Zimbabwe. We are not engaged in a comprehensive effort to close the Zimbabwean economy. Were aware that because of the depth of the problems and the duration of this program, there probably are a lot of companies who believe that doing business in Zimbabwe is just too difficult. And that does cost opportunities for the people of Zimbabwe. Whether thats the result of the underlying mismanagement and corruption, or whether our sanctions add to it. Thats something we are willing to talk about. We are focused on the people who benefit from corruption and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Thats the behavior we are attempting to change. Our sanctions are only one part of a policy to improve the situation there, he said. Some Zimbabweans disagree. The chants are coming from pro-government members known as the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions. They are singing outside the U. S. embassy in Harare and ask, why do you hate Zimbabwe? They have been camping here for months and continue to demand the removal of the sanctions. Calvern Chitsunge, a member of the organization, told protesters and fellow government supporters the only thing we can do is demand that America remove sanctions it imposed on us today or yesterday. He said as the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions, we sat down and agreed to write the Patriotic Act and we petitioned parliament. We appeared before the committee on foreign affairs and we said this law must prosecute those [Zimbabweans] who go abroad calling for sanctions, people who write lies. Thats what we are doing today: to correct mistakes made by the Americans and the British. Zimbabwe will never be a colony again. We are here to defend it, he said. Zimbabwe officials refused to comment on OBriens comments to journalists, saying President Emmerson Mnangagwa would address the nation Tuesday as the country marks what is known as Anti-Sanctions Day, when there will be government-organized protests in Harare. Mnangagwas government called for the protests, alleging Zimbabwe is being punished for the land reform program under the late President Robert Mugabe in 2000, which forcefully displaced white commercial farmers and gave land to Black citizens. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pushed back against growing concerns that Republican lawmakers would not keep aid flowing to Ukraine should they retake control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the November midterm election. The United States has provided Ukraine with robust bipartisan support, she told reporters Wednesday. We will continue to work with Congress as we have these past several months on these efforts and support Ukraine for as long as it takes. The United States has authorized more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, with more than $17 billion in security assistance disbursed since the war began in February. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, however, indicated that aid could slow down should the chamber be controlled by Republicans. On Tuesday, McCarthy told Punchbowl News that with a recession coming, Americans are not going to write a blank check to Ukraine. They just wont do it. Its not a free blank check, he said. Ukrainians, still reeling from Russian drone and missile attacks on their capital, Kyiv, and other cities, leaving much of the country without power, are closely following the U.S. midterm election process, said Olena Shuliak, chairwoman of Ukraines ruling Servant of the People Party. Our people die every day. Every day, we stand defending democracy in the whole world, she told VOA Ukrainian. You can see what is happening daily with the shelling and destruction of our houses and killing of our people you can't decrease the support only to increase it. Observers say that with rising isolationist tendencies in the Republican Party, some worry that aid to Ukraine would wane, particularly for humanitarian and economic needs. There is less concern for U.S. security assistance, however, considering Republicans generally support the military industrial complex, said Kristine Berzina, a senior fellow for security and defense policy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. What is the desperate need from Europeans right now in Ukraine and all across the [NATO] eastern flank? It is the need for weapons systems, everything from ammunition to very sophisticated weapon systems like HIMARS [High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems], drones, Berzina told VOA. The defense budgets are increasing so significantly in Europe that the increase in defense spending is outpacing what is available on the shelf. In May, Congress voted for more than $40 billion in new military and humanitarian assistance, with 57 House Republicans voting against the package. Focus on China Looming recession aside, some Republican lawmakers have signaled that the U.S. should instead focus more on the threat of Chinas military buildup. There are a lot of members that want to see more accountability in the Department of Defense and more of a focus on the threats that are out there, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise told reporters last month. China is moving very aggressively to build up a naval fleet, and right now our naval fleet is in decline. Berzina said the conflict in Ukraine is a testing ground not only of the Wests technological warfare capabilities but of its commitment to defend a partner against an aggressor. The competitive military environment in Ukraine is giving defense companies reason to innovate and invest in weapon technologies, many of which are being tested on the Ukrainian battlefields. Thats going to be important should there be a conflict with China in the future, she said. China, she added, is also learning from the Wests reaction to Moscows expansionist ambitions. Any kind of permissibility in Ukraine also has implications, she said. How tough is the U.S. going to be when it comes to Taiwan? Some Republican lawmakers have also cited a need for greater oversight of the aid being sent to Ukraine and complained that the U.S. is shouldering more of the financial burden than other NATO members. Observers say that stopping U.S. support for Ukraine would wipe out Kyivs gains on the battlefield and could alter the course of the war. Is it better to have an investment in Ukraine defense right now before you have to defend half of the European continent? Berzina asked. So there's a fiscally conservative argument to stopping it now before the problem becomes so big that the U.S. has to put more money into it in much bigger places. Tatiana Vorozhko and Iulia Iarmolenko contributed to this report. Staffers at the World Health Organizations Syrian office have alleged that their boss mismanaged millions of dollars, plied government officials with gifts including computers, gold coins and cars and acted frivolously as COVID-19 swept the country. More than 100 confidential documents, messages and other materials obtained by The Associated Press show WHO officials told investigators that the agencys Syria representative, Dr. Akjemal Magtymova, engaged in abusive behavior, pressured WHO staff to sign contracts with high-ranking Syrian government politicians and consistently misspent WHO and donor funds. Magtymova declined to respond to questions about the allegations, saying that she was prohibited from sharing information due to (her) obligations as a WHO staff member. She described the accusations as defamatory. Complaints from at least a dozen personnel have triggered one of the biggest internal WHO probes in years, at times involving more than 20 investigators, according to staffers linked to the investigation. WHO confirmed in a statement that it has been reviewing charges made against Magtymova and said it has also enlisted the help of external investigators. It has been a protracted and complex investigation, with the situation in the country and the challenges of gaining appropriate access, while ensuring the protection of staff, bringing additional complications, WHO said. The agency said progress has been made in recent months in assessing the complaints regarding Magtymova and gathering relevant information. In view of the security situation, confidentiality and respect for due process do not allow us to comment further on the detailed allegations, WHO said. It gave no timeline for when the investigation was expected to be completed. WHOs Syria office had a budget of about $115 million last year to address health issues in a country riven by war one in which nearly 90% of the population lives in poverty and more than half desperately need humanitarian aid. For several months, investigators have been probing allegations that Syrians were badly served and WHO staffers were ill-treated: Financial documents show Magtymova once threw a party costing more than $10,000 a gathering held mostly to honor her own achievements at WHOs expense, staffers say, at a time when the country was struggling to obtain coronavirus vaccines. In December 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, she tasked the more than 100 WHO personnel in the country with learning a flash mob dance, asking officials to film themselves performing the choreographed steps for a U.N. party, according to videos and messages seen by the AP. Six Syria-based WHO public health experts said Magtymova called staffers cowards and retarded on multiple occasions. Even more concerning, the officials told agency investigators that Magtymova provided favors to senior politicians in the Syrian regime and met surreptitiously with the Russian military, potential breaches of WHOs neutrality as a U.N. organization. The staffers asked not to be named for fear of retribution; three have left WHO. In one complaint sent to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in May, a Syria-based staffer wrote that Magtymova hired the incompetent relatives of government officials, including some accused of countless human rights violations. Dr. Akjemals aggressive and abusive actions are negatively impacting WHOs performance to support Syrian people, the staffer wrote, adding: Vulnerable Syrian people are losing a lot due to favoritism, frauds and scandals instigated and supported by Dr. Akjemal, which is breaking all trust (and) pushing donors away. Tedros did not respond to the staffers complaint. In May, WHOs regional director in the Eastern Mediterranean appointed an acting representative in Syria to replace Magtymova after she was placed on leave. But she is still listed as the agencys Syria representative in its staff directory and continues to draw a director-level salary. Magtymova, a Turkmenistan national, previously served in a number of roles, including as the agencys representative to Oman and as emergency coordinator in Yemen. She assumed her position in Syria in May 2020, just as COVID swept around the world. What we (at WHO) do is noble, she said in a statement upon her appointment. We gain respect by competency, professionalism and the results we accomplish. Numerous WHO staffers in Syria have told the agencys investigators that Magtymova failed to grasp the severity of the pandemic in Syria and jeopardized the lives of millions. During COVID-19, the situation in Syria was deplorable, one former WHO staffer said. However, WHO was not providing adequate aid to Syrians. Medical supplies were usually focused on Damascus only, and not covering other areas in Syria, where there was an acute shortage of medicines and equipment. Syrias health care system has been devastated by more than a decade of war; for years, the country relied almost exclusively on international health assistance. WHOs presence in areas controlled by the government has often raised criticism that its aid is directed by Damascus, which is sanctioned by the US and the EU. Nearly 7 million people are displaced by the war inside Syria and most live in tented camps in areas beyond government control. Staffers also questioned some of Magtymovas own behavior and directives to staff as coronavirus cases spiked worldwide and even as WHOs chief claimed that the entire organization was working tirelessly to stop COVID-19. At least five WHO personnel complained to investigators that Magtymova violated WHOs own COVID-19 guidance. They said she did not encourage remote working, came to the office after catching COVID and held meetings unmasked. Four WHO staffers said she infected others. In December 2020, deep in the first year of the pandemic, Magtymova instructed the Syria office to learn a flash mob dance popularized by a social media challenge for a year-end U.N. event. At the time, senior WHO officials in Geneva were advising countries to implement coronavirus measures including the suspension of any non-essential gatherings. Kindly note that we want you to listen to the song, train yourself for the steps and shoot you dancing over the music to be part of our global flash mob dance video, wrote WHO communications staffer Rafik Alhabbal in an email to all Syria staff. Magtymova separately sent a link to a YouTube website, which she described as the best tutorial. Multiple videos show staffers, some wearing WHO vests or jackets, performing the Jerusalema challenge dance in offices and warehouses stocked with medical supplies. Magtymova praised the very good looking and beautiful people in videos made in Aleppo and the port city of Latakia. The following October, when the country was enduring one of its worst waves of COVID, Magtymova hired a choreographer and film company to produce a video of staffers performing another dance to mark U.N. Day. Photos and video show there was no social distancing during the party Magtymova held for dozens of unmasked people, which included a cake-eating ceremony. Magtymova posted one of the dance videos on WHO Syrias social media accounts, but it elicited so much criticism that her superiors ordered her to remove it. The video was disgraceful, said Anas al-Abdah, a leading Syrian opposition politician: The organization should have (instead) filmed the catastrophic condition of our people and demanded justice. Magtymova, however, was unrepentant. My message here is to ask you not to be discouraged, she told staff. We have an important job at hand to perform and a huge responsibility for people, we have done something really out of (the) box: we dared to shine. Internal documents, emails and messages also raise serious concerns about how WHOs taxpayer-provided funds were used under Magtymova, with staffers alleging she routinely misspent limited donor funds meant to help the more than 12 million Syrians in dire need of health aid. Among the incidents being probed is a party Magtymova organized last May, when she received a leadership award from Tufts University, her alma mater. Held at the exclusive Four Seasons hotel in Damascus, the party included a guest list of about 50, at a time when fewer than 1% of the Syrian population had received a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine. A hotel invoice shows the receptions menu included Singaporean-style beef satay, fried goat cheese with truffle oil croquettes and sriracha chicken sliders, alongside a selection of seasonal mocktails. A production company was hired to film the event and make a promotional video, according to an internal WHO summary. The evenings agenda featured remarks by the Syrian minister of health, followed by a reception and nearly two hours of live music. WHO documents show while the event was called to celebrate WHOs designation of 2021 as the Year of Health and Care Worker, the evening was devoted to Magtymova, not health workers. The cost, according to a spreadsheet: more than $11,000. Like many other U.N. expatriate staff in Syria, Magtymova lived at Damascus ornately decorated Four Seasons hotel. But unlike other staffers, she chose to stay in a spacious, multi-room suite with two washrooms and a panoramic view of the city. U.N. documents suggest she stayed in the suite from October 2020 to this past May at a discounted cost of about $450 per night, more than four times the price of rooms occupied by other U.N. staff. A hotel staffer said such suites normally cost about $940 a night. The hotel was sanctioned by the U.S. and U.K. because of its owners role in financing the regime of Bashar Assad; the U.N. is estimated to have spent $70 million there since 2014. Other WHO officials were concerned with the agencys inability to track its support of health facilities in Syria. In correspondence from January, staffers wrote about a worrisome spot check made to a health project in northern Syria, noting discrepancies between what WHO paid for and what was found. Among the issues identified: the medicines quantities checked were not matching the invoices, the staff did not have medical training, there were missing items including wheelchairs, crutches and hearing devices, and most of the building rented to store such supplies was empty. Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandari, WHOs regional director in the eastern Mediterranean and Magtymovas boss, also chastised her for the Syria offices failure to account for its spending. In an email last October, he told her there were many unresolved audit and compliance issues. Al-Mandari said Magtymova had not completed several long overdue reports detailing how money was being spent in Syria that needed urgent attention. Without those reports, donors had little evidence Syria and WHO were using their resources as intended. Three WHO officials involved in procurement told investigators that Magtymova was involved in several questionable contracts, including a transportation deal that awarded several million dollars to a supplier with whom she had personal ties. Another staffer said to be close to Magtymova reportedly received $20,000 in cash to buy medicines, despite the lack of any request from the Syrian government, which was normally required to trigger such a purchase. At least five staffers also complained Magtymova used WHO funds to buy gifts for the Ministry of Health and others, including very good servers and laptops, gold coins and expensive cars. The AP was not in a position to corroborate their allegations. Several WHO personnel said they were pressured to strike deals with senior members of the Syrian government for basic supplies like fuel at inflated prices, and were sidelined if they failed to do so. The accusations regarding WHOs top representative in Syria come after multiple misconduct complaints at the U.N. health agency in recent years. Last May, the AP reported that senior WHO management was informed of sex abuse during the 2018-20 Ebola outbreak in Congo but did little to stop it; a panel later found more than 80 workers under WHOs direction sexually exploited women. And in January, the AP reported that staffers at WHOs Western Pacific office said the regions director, Dr. Takeshi Kasai, used racist language to berate staff and improperly shared sensitive coronavirus vaccine information with his home country, Japan. In August, WHO removed Kasai from his post indefinitely after an initial investigation substantiated some of the claims. Javier Guzman, director of global health at the Center for Global Development in Washington, said the latest charges regarding WHOs Magtymova were extremely disturbing and unlikely to be an exception. This is clearly a systemic problem, Guzman said. These kinds of allegations are not just occurring in one of WHOs offices but in multiple regions. He said though Tedros is seen by some as the worlds moral conscience during COVID-19 -- he repeatedly decried vaccine inequity and called for countries to act in solidarity -- the agencys credibility was severely damaged by reports of misconduct. Guzman called for WHO to publicly release any investigation report into Magtymova and the Syria office. WHO said investigation reports are normally not public documents, but that aggregated, anonymized data are shared with its Executive Board and made publicly accessible. Botswana has expressed concern over an influx of asylum seekers who fled from countries where they had already been granted refugee status. Nearly 700 refugees have arrived from neighboring Zimbabwe, citing poor conditions at the refugee camp, while others have come from South Africa, driven out by xenophobic attacks. Addressing journalists Tuesday, Botswanas minister of justice, Machana Shamukuni, said the country has seen the arrival of onward movement asylum seekers. He said Botswana expressed its concern over the issue at a recent executive committee meeting of the U.N. refugee agency in Geneva, Switzerland. These are asylum seekers that have been granted international protection elsewhere, but they still come to Botswana to seek asylum again, he said. Once you are accorded international protection, the expectation, even in the international community is that you should stay there so that you are protected, you enjoy protection there, but when you proceed to another country and seek protection again when you are accorded protection in another jurisdiction, then it becomes problematic." The majority of the 688 recent arrivals, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, more recently lived at the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe. Shamukuni said others are Somalis who left South Africa due to xenophobic attacks. On the challenges of onward movement, as to why they decide to leave camp in areas where they are given international protection and they come to Botswana to seek asylum again, it talks to conditions in some of the camps, he said. Issues of housing, education, issues of access to health. These are the reasons they state. But also you will recall, in South Africa, there was the issue of xenophobia. It drove out a lot of them, particularly the Somalis. Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Development in Maputo, Mozambique, said Botswanas peace and stability are magnets for fleeing refugees. Botswana is one of those victims due to its political stability and some possibilities for people to find opportunities and survival and also the welcoming nature of the Botswana people, he said. These nations will continue to suffer an influx of refugees because of failed governance systems in our region which triggers conflicts and conflict triggers people to seek refugee [status]. Its a vicious cycle of bad governance. Zimbabwean-born Watson Chibi, who has spent nearly two decades as a refugee in Botswana, said asylum seekers are lured to the country due to prospects of a better life. Pertaining [to] the issue of refugees from Somalia and DRC coming to Botswana, its an issue that when I was a refugee, it was worrisome, he said. In Botswana, when you are from Somalia or DRC, resettlement is very easy. People go for resettlement from those two countries. Due to its isolated location, Botswanas refugee population has never been high, and is now down to 1,019 from more than 3,000 three years ago, as the U.N. refugee agency scales down operations. The majority of refugees, mostly from Namibia and Zimbabwe, were repatriated over the last two years. To The Eagle: Since 2012, Tulsi Gabbard served for the Democratic Party as Congresswoman in Hawaiis 2nd congressional district. In 2020, she campaigned for President but dropped out of the race in which she gave her full support to Biden. Before that, she enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard and in 2004 got deployed on a 12-month tour in Iraq as a specialist with the Medical Company. This woman served and was promoted to various ranks while in the military. Why am I writing about her? As I mentioned, shes been a member of the Democratic Party for years. On October 11, 2020 she announced, I can no longer remain in todays Democratic Party that is now under the complete control of an elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness, who divide us by racializing every issue and stoke anti-white racism, actively work to undermine our God-given freedoms, are hostile to people of faith and spirituality, demonize the police and protect criminals at the expense of law-abiding Americans, believe in open borders, weaponized the national security state to go after political opponents, and above all, dragging us ever closer to nuclear war. I believe in a government that is of, by, and for the people. Unfortunately, todays Democratic Party does not. Instead, it stands for a government of, by, and for the powerful elite. Im calling on my fellow common sense independent-minded Democrats to join me in leaving the Democratic Party. If you can no longer stomach the direction that so-called woke Democratic Party ideologues are taking our country, I invite you to join me. That is why I wanted to write about her. Even though this is the year 2022, she was brave at that time to come out and say how corrupted her party had gotten. The same could be said for some of the Liberals and Republicans being corrupted. Had Longviews TDN or any of the MSM news reported this as news? If they hadnt, they should have, or do they care? Im independent and will vote only MAGA candidates. Toni Below, Cathlamet Last year, Connecticut became one of 19 states to announce the legalization of cannabis. Since then, however, communities have been deciding exactly how they will tackle the new reality of what will soon be made available to consumers across the state. Back in January, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a one-year moratorium on cannabis-related commercial activities in town. This was done in response to the likelihood that businesses might seek to cultivate plants or sell cannabis products in the town of Cheshire. With that moratorium set to expire in February of 2023, the Commission took up the matter once again at its Oct. 12 meeting, but did not come to any further conclusions and suggested that more time, beyond its year-long moratorium, may be required. Commission Chair Earl Kurtz III suggested discussing the regulations at a Planning, Conservation and Development sub-committee meeting, rather than the open forum. Were not trying to hide anything, Kurtz explained. Its just a lot easier and I think we get more accomplished when were not up here (in Council Chambers). That meeting, Kurtz added, would still be accessible to the public. Commissioner Robert Brucato questioned whether a public hearing would be necessary, to which Town Planner Michael Glidden replied, Eventually, yes. The reason for that, in Gliddens telling, is that the moratorium is technically a text amendment with the same legal status as any other regulation. Wed have to do two text amendments, explained Glidden. (One) to add or put whatever restrictions we might want on these licenses (and another for) sunsetting the moratorium. We have to move it out of the regulations, he added. The state has issued guidance to local governments, but with different licenses available for retailers, micro-cultivators, delivery services, hybrid retailers, food and beverage providers, packagers, manufacturers, and transporters to consider, the topic is a complicated one. Compounding that, Hartford has mandated a number of licenses specifically reserved for entities qualifying under the banner of social equity, a definition that is being challenged in state court. Glidden mentioned that the state has removed a cap that would have limited cannabis retailers in a given town to one per 25,000 residents. Although in theory the change might mean multiple shops opening in a small town, a state-run lottery process limits the amount of available licenses statewide. Glidden has drafted regulations for the Commissions consideration that would address all the different types of licenses. He suggested that if were going to do it, lets do it once. (The licenses) all have different impacts when it comes to quality of life for neighbors. This is just meant for discussion, he added, (and) this frames the discussion and starts it. Glidden also advised the Commission that they could extend the moratorium beyond its current expiration date. Lets say we hit some roadblocks and we cant agree on how to proceed, (then) we can extend it another six months, he recommended. The Commission also suggested that it will look at what neighboring communities are doing about commercial cannabis, besides waiting on clarity from the state or courts. Meriden, for one, will allow up to three retail establishments. Wallingford, Prospect and Southington, by contrast, have banned retail cannabis outright, at least for the time being. President Mattarella to hold talks on formation of new government. The right-wing coalition preparing to form Italy's next government faced a fresh crisis on Wednesday over secretly recorded comments about Ukraine by former three-time Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi. In the leaked recording, obtained by LaPresse news agency, Berlusconi told lawmakers from his centre-right Forza Italia party that Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky pushed Russian president Vladimir Putin into an endless war. Berlusconi, 86, accused Zelensky of provoking the conflict by "tripling" attacks on the Donbas region and claiming that Putin's special operation in Ukraine was supposed to have lasted just two weeks but escalated after the West sent weapons and funds. He also claimed there were no real leaders left in Europe or the US, joking that "the only real leader is me". The comments are apparently part of another recording, released by LaPresse on Tuesday, in which Berlusconi talked of renewed ties with Putin who had sent him 20 bottles of vodka for his birthday as well as a "sweet letter". Berlusconi, who before the war in Ukraine had long boasted of his 20-year friendship with Putin, said he responded by sending Putin "bottles of Lambrusco and an equally sweet note". The private speech, in which Berlusconi asked for maximum discretion, allegedly took place this week and was greeted with applause from his audience. Forza Italia, the junior partner in Italy's rightist coalition preparing for government, is now in damage control as it attempts to downplay Berlusconi's comments amid rumours that a third recording exists. The timing of the controversy could not be worse for Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Fratelli d'Italia, who is expected to become Italy's next prime minister. Meloni responded to the crisis on Wednesday night, insisting that her new government would be pro-NATO and fully a part of Europe. Whoever doesn't agree with this cornerstone cannot be part of the government, at the cost of not having a government", she said. On 22 September, ahead of the election triumph by the right-wing coalition, Berlusconi came to the defence of Putin, claiming on Italian television that the Russian president was "pushed" into ordering the invasion of Ukraine. Berlusconi's latest controversial remarks come as Italian president Sergio Mattarella is set to hold two days of consultations on the formation of a new cabinet, expected to be led by Meloni, on Thursday and Friday. Political analysts say the fresh controversy may damage the prospects of Antonio Tajani, a senior Forza Italia figure and very close to Berlusconi, being appointed as foreign affairs minister. Photo Fanpage Ireland remembers Violet Gibson with plaque outside her childhood home in Dublin. A plaque dedicated to Violet Gibson, the Irishwoman who tried to assassinate Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini almost a century ago, was unveiled in Dublin on Thursday. The memorial to Gibson, described on the plaque as an "Anti-Fascist", was erected at 12 Merrion Square, which was her childhood home. Plaque dedicated to Violet Gibson in Merrion Square, Dublin. Photo RTE. Mussolini survived the assassination attempt in Rome on 7 April 1926, after a bullet grazed his nose, in an episode largely forgotten by history. The person who pulled the trigger was Anglo-Irish woman Violet Gibson who mingled among the crowd with a Model 1892 revolver hidden under her shawl. Gibson shot at Mussolini as he walked through Piazza del Campidoglio, seat of Rome's city hall, after he had addressed the International Congress of Surgeons. Imprisonment and deportation She fired one shot, with the bullet grazing Mussolini's nose, before the gun jammed and she was almost lynched by the crowd. She was only saved after the police intervened to arrest her. As for Mussolini, he suffered only minor injuries which he dismissed as "a mere trifle," and once his nose was bandaged he continued his parade around the Capitoline Hill. Gibson was imprisoned in Rome but later released without charge, on the orders of Mussolini, before being deported to Britain. There she spent the rest of her life in a mental asylum, despite repeated pleas for her release. She died in 1956 and is buried in Northampton. Dublin The motion to install a plaque in Gibson's honour in Merrion Square was first proposed by independent councillor Mannix Flynn a couple of years ago. The proposal received support from Gibson's family and was passed formally last year by Dublin City Council which voted unanimously in favour of the memorial. Committed anti-fascist "It is now time to bring Violet Gibson into the public eyes and give her a rightful place in the history of Irish women and in the history of the Irish nation and its people," stated Flynn, who hailed Gibson as a "committed anti-fascist." Flynn noted, however, that "It suited both the British authorities and her family to have her seen as 'insane' rather than as political," adding that "for some odd reason" Gibson has been "totally ignored" by the "Irish establishment, and indeed the British establishment." Who was Violet Gibson? Born in Dublin in 1876, Gibson came from a privileged background. Her father was the politician and lawyer Lord Ashbourne, a friend of British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli. Gibson suffered ill health throughout her life. In 1922 she had a nervous breakdown and was declared insane. She was committed to a mental institution for two years. At the time of her attack on Mussolini in Rome she was aged 50. She was never released from St Andrew's Hospital in Northampton where she died aged 79. Unsent letters It recently came to light that she had written several letters appealing for her release to powerful society figures, including Princess Elizabeth - the recently deceased Queen - and Winston Churchill. The letters never reached their intended recipients. Legacy Over the years Gibson has been the subject of books, plays and songs. She was also portrayed by Olwen Fouere in The Irish Woman Who Shot Mussolini, broadcast on Irish television last year. Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share As US president, Joe Biden has a rarely used but potentially powerful tool to make up for energy supply shortages or economically damaging price spikes: the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, or SPR. Set up in the aftermath of the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s as a national energy safety net, its the worlds largest supply of emergency crude, stored in deep and heavily guarded underground salt caverns along the US Gulf Coast. Fighting rising gasoline prices, the Biden administration is in the midst of the largest SPR release ever. 1. How much of the SPR is being tapped? About 165 million barrels of crude oil has been delivered or put under contract since the spring, when Biden initiated a drawdown of up to 180 million barrels. On Oct. 19, Biden announced that the final tranche of 15 million barrels will be released. He also held open the possibility of further releases in the months ahead if needed. The White House has been seeking to ease rising costs at the pump and bolster low domestic stockpiles of fuel for the winter while also responding to the decision by the worlds largest suppliers of oil, a group known as OPEC+, to slash production. Advertisement 2. How much oil remains in reserve? The reserve stood at 405.1 million barrels as of Oct. 14. Thats about 57% of its maximum authorized storage capacity of 714 million barrels and enough to replace more than two years worth of US crude net imports, based on 2021 figures. Replenishing the SPR is also on the Biden administrations to-do list, with one senior official saying purchases will begin when West Texas Intermediate crude prices are at or below $67 to $72 per barrel. 3. In what circumstances can presidents release stockpiled oil? Its pretty much the presidents prerogative. The 1975 law that established the reserve says a president can order a full drawdown in the event of a severe energy supply interruption that threatens national security or the economy. A limited drawdown (up to 30 million barrels) can be ordered in the event of a domestic or international energy supply shortage of significant scope or duration. Advertisement 4. How have presidents tapped the reserve? Beyond ad hoc responses to localized oil disruptions, the US had tapped its oil reserve only a handful of times before 2022. Biden did so late in 2021, authorizing the release of 50 million barrels as part of a coordinated multi-nation bid to lower surging fuel costs. In 2011, President Barack Obama released 30 million barrels as part of a joint effort with other nations to counter supply disruptions from Libya. In 2005, President George W. Bush released 11 million barrels in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. And in 1991, under President George H.W. Bush, 17 million barrels were released during the first Gulf War. In 2017, the Energy Department authorized the release of 5 million barrels to Gulf Coast refineries when Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the region. Such arrangements are designed to address short-term emergency needs, and the crude is repaid, in kind, at a future date. Test releases take place from time to time, as well as limited releases in the form of swaps. 5. What does a release entail? Advertisement The maximum drawdown capability is 4.4 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Departments website, and it takes 13 days for SPR oil to reach the open market after a presidential decision. 6. Which other countries have reserves? China, India, Japan and South Korea are among Asias major stockpilers of oil. Member states of the European Union held a combined 103.6 million tonnes (759 million barrels) of emergency oil stocks as of July 2022, according to Eurostat, the EUs statistical office. 7. Whats the outlook for the US stockpile? The domestic shale boom has allowed the US to join the ranks of the worlds biggest oil producers, lending weight to arguments that the emergency reserve is past its sell-by date. But US crude production has only grown modestly this year, despite a big rally in prices, while demand has increased and imports have been trending upward. Periodic use of the reserve after natural disasters may be the most effective rebuttal to the case for doing away with it. --With assistance from Jennifer A. Dlouhy. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share As of this writing, Russia continues to bomb my country, my city Kyiv, and the streets, parks and central squares I used to walk with my children. The goals are far from military Russian rockets deliberately target civilians to strike fear into the hearts of Ukrainians and doubt into the resolve of our allies. At the same time, the Russian leadership continues to threaten the world with nuclear warfare. These activities amount to terrorism and should be dealt with as such. The international community has developed mechanisms for dealing with rogue states that support terrorism and embark on dangerous nuclear weapons programs. These are based on comprehensive economic sanctions that undermine terrorists ability to raise funding, greatly reducing their capacity to cause harm. While ideology and naked self-interest are the causes of terrorism, money is its lifeblood. Advertisement North Korea and Iran, for example, have both faced sanctions for the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. They have been deemed high-risk jurisdictions and blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog set up by G7, which now includes 37 member states. This is one of the most effective tools for restricting terrorists access to the global economy, as it forces all states to apply enhanced due diligence to any transactions involving the financial system of a blacklisted jurisdiction. Aside from being blacklisted by FATF, North Korea and Iran have something else in common. They have forged ties with Russia and, in some cases, been supported by Russian actors in their terrorist endeavors. In March 2022, the US sanctioned Russian individuals and entities that allegedly supported the weapons of mass destruction and ballistic programs of North Korea. It has also been reported that Russia was buying ammunition from North Korea. Advertisement Iran and Russia have drawn closer too since the full-fledged invasion of Ukraine. Russia has been buying Iranian kamikaze drones and using them to attack Ukrainian civilians and critical civilian infrastructure. Many of these have been downed in Ukraine and are proof of Russian cooperation with Iran. Again and again, Russia has failed to prevent the financing of terrorism and nuclear proliferation. It is also well known for its kleptocratic regime thriving on money laundering and illicit finance generation. Although existing sanctions have made a difference, the war continues to drag on and global threats emanating from Russia are increasing. Not since the darkest days of the Cold War has the risk of nuclear war felt so real. It is time the international community acknowledges this and addresses Russia as the terrorist state it has become. Advertisement In June, FATF took an important step with the decision to suspend Russias decision-making powers within the organization. Now more must be done. This week we have a chance to further increase pressure on Russia. Today and Friday, the FATF plenary meeting takes place in Paris. Ukraines request is clear: Exclude Russia from FATF and blacklist it for the safety and security of not just Ukraine but the world and the global financial system. These steps would protect lives in areas far beyond Ukraine. They would necessitate immediate compliance with more robust anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing requirements when dealing with Russia. This would add another major disincentive for international business to operate in the Russian market and limit Russias access to the global economy. Advertisement At present, only a limited number of states participate in sanctioning the Russian regime for its gross violations of the international rule of law. FATF blacklisting would compel all actors from all jurisdictions around the world, besides those on the FATF blacklist such as Iran and North Korea, to comply or risk being called out for facilitating terrorism financing and money laundering. Such a step will close off some of the main loopholes for sanctions circumvention. For example, it would eliminate the safe havens provided by Russias existing unsanctioned banks. From more than 300 Russian banks, only around 20 have been sanctioned. It would also prevent possible circumvention through those states that have not introduced sanctions against Russia. Together, these moves would help choke Vladimir Putins ability to finance the war. Advertisement But we should think bigger too. By designating Russia as a high-risk jurisdiction, we will strengthen the entire global financial system. While many understand the risks posed by Russia already, many others continue to covertly support the state or continue business operations there. Officially blacklisting Russia will mean those actors must comply or risk violating existing anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing regulations. Early sanctions and the scramble by Russian elites to protect their assets revealed the extent to which Russias high level of corruption has been exported worldwide. Indeed, the invasion of Ukraine has forced Western financial centers to address risks associated with Russian money urgently. By uniting to further close Russia out of the global economic and financial system, we send a clear message that actions that threaten global security will not be tolerated and that violators, no matter their size or importance, will be held accountable. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Igor Cherkaskyi is the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Ukraine. 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 House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy made news this week when he declared that, should he become speaker next year, the House would likely cut off funding for Ukraine and would attempt to use the debt limit to force cuts to popular social programs. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight His comments tell us quite a bit about what he would be like as speaker if Republicans take back the House. For one, it sounds like he is ready to put the most radical Republicans in charge, even when that means disregarding what the majority of the Republican conference wants. House Republicans supported aid to Ukraine this spring by a better than a 3-to-1 margin, yet McCarthy appears comfortable aligning with the small segment of the party opposing the Ukraine package. It suggests that McCarthy is determined to keep both former President Donald Trump and House radicals on his side, fearing a revolt that could dump him as the Republican leader. Advertisement McCarthy appears to be going down the same path as former Speaker Paul Ryan, who was unwilling to play the crucial role of serving as a pin cushion for critics. This is something that former Speaker John Boehner was very good at as are current Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Boehner, Pelosi and McConnell all know that being part of the congressional leadership sometimes involves absorbing attacks so that electorally vulnerable members of their caucus dont have to. They were willing to take the blame for burying legislation popular with some voters but ill-advised for the party such as, in the Democrats case, Green New Deal legislation backed by very liberal members of the House. Or for pushing ahead with unpopular but necessary measures, as McConnell did when he bought into a convoluted mechanism for raising the debt limit in 2021. Congressional leaders almost always wind up unpopular but the skilled ones realize that their job is to protect their majority and its goals, not to build their personal popularity. McCarthy also appears to care a lot more about what Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson not to mention Trump say than what a wide swath of Republicans want. Support for Ukraine has been extremely popular among voters. But Carlson in particular has taken a pro-Russia line, and Trump has been far friendlier with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with the Ukrainians. That hasnt prevented McConnell, for example, from backing Ukraine aid. Advertisement Perhaps McConnell just believes in the policy, but it probably also matters to him that Ukraine is popular among Americans while Russia isnt. McConnell has been willing to carry water for Trump at times, but he also is willing to ignore him or even flat out oppose him to protect Republican senators and Senate candidates. For McCarthy to go on record just before an election with an unpopular position when he easily could have ducked it shows how different he is. What all this means in terms of a future Republican-majority House is that we can expect a lot of chaos. Basic governing tasks such as passing spending bills, defense authorizations and, yes, debt limit increases, are apt to be extremely difficult. Real oversight of the executive branch will be ignored in favor of hearings chasing down conspiracy theories and fictions spun by Trump and Republican-aligned media.(1)Ideas such as defunding the Federal Bureau of Investigation may get real traction in the House. So might impeachment of Biden and others in the administration. Yes, McCarthy did tell Punchbowl News he opposes political impeachments and doesnt see anything worthy of such action right now, but he also has established a pattern of caving to Trump and his allies.(2) John Boehner, like Nancy Pelosi and former Speaker Tip ONeill years before, appeared to be mainly motivated by a desire to govern. As a conservative Republican, Boehner had very different policy preferences and priorities than those of the liberal Democratic speakers, but they were all similarly interested in getting things done. And each was good at the job. Paul Ryan never really wanted to be speaker, and wasnt very good at it; his primary motivation appeared to be changing policy. He didnt really know how to do that, but he did try. Advertisement Kevin McCarthy? So far, he seems mainly interested in holding on to the role now minority leader, most likely speaker soon for dear life. Thats not a recipe for success. Its impossible to know exactly how it would play out, but the chances of a fiasco such as a government shutdown with no plan for ending it or some other damaging event seem unusually high, with all sorts of potential harm to McCarthy, his party and, yes, the nation. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Americans Care About Democracy, Just Not Enough to Save It: Julianna Goldman Reward Demagogues, Get More Demagogues: Jonathan Bernstein Another Debt Crisis Is on the 2023 Republican Agenda: Matt Yglesias (1) Real oversight of the executive branch has been downgraded for sometime, with both Democratic and Republican Houses. But there are differences between the parties, and generally Democrats have used partisan oversight to publicize actual wrongdoing, while Republicans have chased nonsense. Advertisement (2) And how much credit should McCarthy get, anyway, for opposing impeachment when there isnt a hint of impeachable offenses at this point? At any rate, hes already fallen well behind Boehner on this one: Boehner successfully convinced House Republicans not to introduce articles of impeachment against Barack Obama, but McCarthys Republicans have already introduced several against Biden. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. A former professor of political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University, he wrote A Plain Blog About Politics. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share This week, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization started a round of exercises of its nuclear capabilities in Western Europe, centered in Belgium and the UK. This comes at a particularly fraught moment in NATO-Russian relations, to say the least, given President Vladimir Putins frequent rattling of the nuclear saber over the past six months. Russia is not bluffing about tactical nukes, he insists. While the NATO exercises were scheduled long ago they are an annual part of a regular planning cycle they come at an uncomfortable moment. What will the multinational drills seek to accomplish, and why did NATO decide to move ahead with them now? These are big, muscular events, and at least 14 of NATOs 30 member nations (soon to be 32 with the welcome additions of Sweden and Finland) will participate. Typically, the exercises would include dozens of fighter aircraft from various member states, large Airborne Early Warning Aircraft that are under NATOs direct command, and sufficient refueling aircraft to support the air armada. Long-range US strategic bombers (the venerable but capable B-52s based in North Dakota) are participating as well. Advertisement The war games will be held more than 500 miles from the borders of the Russian Federation. Generally, they run 10 to 14 days, and it is unlikely that any news media will be allowed to observe. Nicknamed Steadfast Noon, they almost certainly will not involve actual tactical nuclear weapons. Instead, the jets will carry dummy loads, meant to simulate using actual nuclear bombs. There will be plenty of activity on the ground was well, simulating movement and maintenance of the weapons, and drills to safeguard them from both conventional military attack and terrorist activity. I observed such exercises many times as NATOs supreme allied commander a decade ago, and was always struck by the incredibly high level of attention to detail, the concomitant use of complex checklists, and the deep motivation of all the member-nations service members for even a simulated war. Advertisement Russia also holds annual nuclear-forces exercises known as Grom, Russian for thunder which will receive a very high level of surveillance and study by NATO intelligence. This will probably take place later this fall, although the Russian military has yet to notify NATO of its intentions. The US and NATO often lean back from conducting high-end military operations during moments of sensitivity. For example, when a US president is overseas for a summit involving a Russian leader, we might curtail some otherwise routine tactical military training so that no inadvertent incident could interfere with the meetings. On the other hand, the US and its allies will not stop annual training events simply because of heightened tensions. This month, the US and South Korea are proceeding with high-end naval exercises off the Korean peninsula, despite the record-high number of ballistic-missile launches North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un has undertaken over recent months. Advertisement The NATO secretary general in Brussels and the supreme allied commander at the military headquarters in Mons, Belgium, will be carefully assessing Putins possible responses to the NATO exercises. Among their concerns will be whether the Russian leader would use them as an excuse to conduct more aggressive nuclear drills than usual. Could he position tactical nuclear weapons in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, which lies between NATO members Poland and Lithuania, or even among Russian forces on the special military operation in Ukraine? There are no certainties in anything involving Vladimir Putin, but the calculus on the NATO side is that it is better to move forward with business as usual in the face of Russian aggression. The other purpose of the exercises, of course, is to show the Russians NATOs muscle. It is often said that deterrence is the combination of capability and credibility, i.e., the ability to accomplish something and a demonstrated will to actually do it. Steadfast Noon allows the NATO alliance to demonstrate both. Advertisement While the danger of an overreaction in Moscow is real, the greater danger would be allowing Russian threats, bluster and war crimes to intimidate the democratic alliance. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Its Time to Sanction Russia as the Terrorist State Its Become: Igor Cherkaskyi Can the US Take on China, Iran and Russia All at Once?: Hal Brands Putins Air-Terror Campaign Against Ukraine Is Already Failing: James Stavridis This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. James Stavridis is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A retired U.S. Navy admiral, former supreme allied commander of NATO, and dean emeritus of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, he is vice chairman of global affairs at the Carlyle Group. He is the author most recently of To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision. 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 Last week, bets were taken on whether a head of lettuce would outlast Liz Trusss premiership. The livestreamed wilting lettuce won. Six days after dumping Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng along with her entire economic program Truss told the King, and then the public, that shes stepping down. I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected. Truss proved every bit as unfit for office as her many detractors had warned when Conservative Party members chose her 44 days ago over Rishi Sunak to lead the country. But as her party selects its fourth prime minister since David Cameron resigned in the wake of the Brexit referendum, is there any confidence theyll do better this time? It would take a lot to do worse. Defenders of Truss tried arguing that her early missteps were down to an ambitious economic vision that was poorly articulated and whose delivery was clumsy and mistimed. But a confusion of policy statements, resignations and reversed resignations, all in the past 24 hours, spoke to an underlying dysfunction at Downing Street. Advertisement Truss lost her Home Secretary, Suella Braverman Wednesday, ostensibly over a breach of ministerial code in using her private email but clearly there was also a policy argument over immigration. That was followed by chaos in Parliament over a Labour motion to force a vote on fracking. Tory MPs were torn between backing their own manifesto commitment to ban fracking and a government whipping order to back the U-turn. There were allegations of some being bullied and manhandled. The confusion saw the Chief Whip Wendy Morton and her deputy resign and then unresign. Even those who normally embody the famous wartime keep calm mantra descended into disbelief and despair. An out-of-character spleen-venting from backbench MP Charles Walker went viral. This whole affair is inexcusable; it is a pitiful reflection on the Conservative Party at every level, he told the BBC. I have had enough of talentless people putting their tick in the right box, not because its in the national interest but because its in their own personal interest to achieve ministerial position. Walkers frustration at incompetence and careerism speaks to problems in the Conservative Party that extend beyond the Truss troubles. The Brexit wars undeniably led to a hollowing out of the party that has governed since 2010. Boris Johnson purged many experienced ministers and lawmakers. Truss followed Johnsons lead, freezing out doubters until the market backlash forced her to appoint Jeremy Hunt as her chancellor to stop the bleeding. Advertisement The experience of recent years suggests the entire approach to selecting ministers and evaluating governing choices is skewed toward those who claim they can predict outcomes and control events over those who acknowledge complexity and price in tradeoffs. Ideological positions too often edged out serious debate. The consequences for questioning the orthodoxy are brutal. It said everything that Sunak, an original Brexiteer, was sidelined by this group for calling out Trusss economic prescriptions. Those who believe in classical liberal policies including smaller government and lower taxes should be furious; thanks to Trusss mismanagement, they have been tarred as radical libertarians, their ideas caricatured and their voices crowded out, for perhaps a generation. If theres a last chance saloon for the Tories, surely this is it. Truss announced a new leadership election will be completed in a week, which suggests the party will try to unify around a candidate and avoid putting a choice of two candidates to Tory members, as party rules require if there is no single consensus candidate. That is an exceptionally short time in which to choose a leader, though the party only had a contest months ago so its not as if the candidates arent already well vetted. Advertisement The betting is around Sunak still resented by Johnsons supporters and Penny Mordaunt, popular with both MPs and the public and a strong parliamentary performer, but with less heavyweight government experience. Hunt has apparently ruled himself out for the top job and would be expected to remain as chancellor. Other contenders from the summer, including Braverman or (gulp) even the recently ousted Boris, may threaten to drag things out further, however, so expect some intense horse-trading in the days ahead. Its hard not to improve on the current situation, but whoever replaces Truss will have a very short time in which to restore a sense of competence, coherence and governing mission. Their first job must be to set the right tone. That has to mean finally dispensing with the simplistic thinking that led to the ideological cul de sac of recent years. To be successful again, the Party needs to facilitate more conversation between its different wings and see that represented in government. While lowering the tax burden should remain a plan for the future, when public finances allow, the government will need to be creative about ways to encourage investment and growth. That should mean an open discussion on immigration, given Britains tight labor market, and resolving tensions with Europe over Northern Ireland so that closer cooperation and trade ties can be rebuilt. Dealing with the reality of Brexit means at least acknowledging its economic costs. Advertisement The next prime minister may have longer than Trusss 44 days and counting the shortest tenure in British history to put their stamp on things. But unless the Tories can articulate a compelling vision of what they stand for, voters wont stand for them come the next election. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Have the UKs Keystone Cops Hit Peak Chaos Yet?: John Authers Hunt and Markets Take Truss on a Welcome U-Turn: Marcus Ashworth The Fall and Rise of Jeremy Hunt: Adrian Wooldridge This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Therese Raphael is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion covering health care and British politics. Previously, she was editorial page editor of the Wall Street Journal Europe. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share US politicians, business leaders and think-tank analysts seem to believe that locally made chips will fortify the nations technology supply chain at a time when global tensions are running hot. Theyre mistaken, and that error could push the US into even greater dependence on foreign manufacturers. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Passage of the $52 billion CHIPS Act in August is rightly hailed as a landmark move to rebuild Americas role in the semiconductor industry. Chipmakers, both in the US and overseas, are incentivized to set up more facilities on local soil and many are doing just that. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. announced expansion plans, and made clear that such projects will depend on government money. The challenge for the US is that a 12-inch slice of silicon layered with chemicals at microscopic dimensions by $150 million machines in $10 billion factories isnt very useful. In fact, a completed wafer doesnt do anything it cannot play a video, process an image or guide a warhead. Yet thats all a semiconductor fab churns out, with great difficulty and at high cost. TSMC is currently the only company in the world that can produce the most-advanced chips, and does so with an annual capex budget of $36 billion and $5 billion in R&D. Advertisement Once out of the clean room, these wafers are likely to be loaded onto an aircraft and sent to the other side of the world straight back to the very geographies that US lawmakers were hoping to wean themselves off. The life of a chip doesnt actually begin until the silicon wafer has been sliced into squares, tested for quality, and then packaged inside a ceramic casing with wires attached. ASE Technology Holding Co. in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is the world leader in outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing. US-made chips may also find their way to facilities ASE runs in China, Malaysia and Singapore. Theres a handful of other packaging and testing companies too, while TSMC and Intel Corp. are among those that also undertake some of this work. To its credit, Congress recognized the importance of packaging and allocated $2.5 billion in the CHIPS Act to help build more local capacity. Advertisement Still, its a grave miscalculation to believe that having greater, or even full, control over a nations semiconductor needs makes its entire supply chain resilient. Dozens of companies produce connectors, cables, display screens, and partially completed devices (called modules), and the vast majority are not in the US. If theres one company the world is most reliant on, apart from TSMC, its Foxconn Technology Group. While the Taiwanese firm is best known for making iPhones and iPads for Apple Inc., it actually provides thousands of different components from USB sockets to radio antennas that are assembled into millions of gadgets every year. Theres hardly a device on the planet that doesnt have Foxconn inside. Even as Apple tries to diversify its supply chain to a broader array of vendors and geographies, it still relies on Foxconn to produce as much as two-thirds of its iPhones. A decade ago, every single one of these smartphones was made in China. Today, Apple has deepened its globalization with Brazil, India and Vietnam now hubs of manufacturing albeit with Foxconn as a primary partner. Advertisement What this means for the US is that even a complete transfer of TSMCs capacity to American soil, and 100% control over its semiconductor needs, wouldnt provide independence. The notion that Washington would evacuate TSMC engineers from Taiwan in the event of war, as has been recently floated, would do little to save the American supply chain. Foxconns foray in Wisconsin with big dreams that were never fulfilled has shown just how challenging it is to get device assembly up and running in the US. The high costs, coupled with a lack of labor and supply-chain infrastructure make the US an unlikely place to churn out iPhones. Even semiconductor facilities that have a lower labor component than device assemblers are estimated by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to cost 44% more than in Taiwan. By focusing on chips, the most expensive and complicated piece of the puzzle, US leaders are kidding themselves into believing that semiconductors are the holy grail of technology manufacturing. Such an attitude risks policy laziness and makes the nation no less dependent on overseas suppliers, yet leaves people blinded into believing that enough has been done to make itself resilient. Advertisement More From This Writer and Others at Bloomberg Opinion: These Stricter China Chips Rules Are Terribly Timed: Tim Culpan Technology Companies Have Found a Road Out of China: Tim Culpan Xis Wrong Lesson From Century of Humiliation: David Fickling This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Tim Culpan is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering technology in Asia. Previously, he was a technology reporter for Bloomberg News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Several Wisconsin school districts, including La Crosse and Chippewa Falls Area, notified parents on Thursday about active shooter swatting calls taking place at multiple school districts across the state. Swatting calls are hoax reports of threats made to police which insight panic. Superintendent Jeffrey Holmes in Chippewa Falls wrote: We have been made aware by law enforcement that several incidents of 'Active Shooter Swatting' (hoaxes intended to cause panic) are taking place at several school districts throughout the State today. We anticipate that this could happen to us as well. CFAUSD officials would like to make our stakeholders aware that, regardless and until proven otherwise, we take all threats seriously. We will proceed with our emergency protocols and, as determinations are made regarding those threats, we will notify our stakeholders as expeditiously as possible. Please additionally, know that law enforcement officials are working diligently to identify and apprehend perpetrators of these events and will seek to prosecute the individual(s) to the greatest extent legally possible. The La Crosse statement to parents was similar, sent by the school district and La Crosse police. Included in its statement: "While this threat is likely a hoax, we understand the anxiety a situation like this can cause for our families, students, staff, and the broader community. Please know that our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We take any and all reports of potential threats seriously, and we are making every effort to maintain an environment where students and staff feel safe. "As always, if you see something; say something. We encourage our students and the broader school community to report anything that could be considered a threat to school safety. Additionally, students can utilize our anonymous tip line Speak Up Speak Out. Students can find the tip line on the district and school websites under the "Tip Line" tab, under Class Link, or by going directly to https://www.p3campus.com/tipform.aspx?ID=5150." The FBI Milwaukee Division issued the following statement: The FBI is aware of the numerous swatting incidents wherein a report of an active shooter at a school is made. The FBI takes swatting very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately. Students from the targeted schools have been deemed safe as police continue to investigate. Schools that received false threats include Oak Creek High School, Franklin High School, Kenosha Bradford High School, Port Washington High School, Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, Green Bay East High School, Sheboygan South High School, South Park Middle School in Oshkosh, Stevens Point Area High School, Nicolet High School in Glendale, Roncalli High School in Manitowoc, Rawson Elementary School in Milwaukee, Lakeview Technology Academy in Kenosha and Park High School in Racine. Until proven otherwise, police say they will take all threats seriously. Individuals can report suspicious activities to local police or use the online tip center at 432stop.com. The Commanders have to run the ball and to play disruptive defense. And they often have to make a play or two in the final minute to seal things. Today we feature an extensive interview with Ken Yates, as we talk about his latest album Cerulean and his upcoming concert at Redbird Live on Thursday, October 27th. Ken talks to us about some of the themes he's exploring on this album and how he came to work with some extraordinary women providing harmony vocals on several tracks. He also tells us how great it was to work with Jim Bryson again as the producer of this recording, and how much he's enjoyed touring in the USA with Stephanie Lambring. Ken also explains that he is very excited to be performing in Ottawa with a full band on October 27th. For more information about Ken Yates check out these links: https://kenyates.bandcamp.com/album/cerulean http://www.kenyates.com And to get tickets to his show at Redbird Live check out this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ken-yates-with-silent-winters-tickets-408135904477 We also play a song by Ken's producer, Jim Bryson, because Jim is performing at Club SAW in Ottawa this Friday night (October 20th) and he's performing as part of the Festival of Small Halls on Saturday night (October 21st) at the Combermere Recreation Centre in Combermere and on Sunday (October 22nd) at the Tatlock Community Centre in Lanark Highlands. For more information about the Festival of Small Halls use this link: https://ontariosmallhalls.com/festival-info/2022-fall-schedule/ And to hear an extensive interview with Jim Bryson about his album Country Wifi use this link: https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/107/57318.html Get out and see some live music this week. Thanks for listening to the Guest List. Swimming with Sharks Prime Video In Hollywood the fastest way to get to the top is to work for someone whos already there. So says young Lou Simms (Kiernan Shipka), who is beginning an internship for abusive movie-studio executive Joyce Holt (Diane Kruger). The whole studio is a cesspit of awfulness. Joyces assistant and gatekeeper, Travis (Thomas Dekker), is catty and cruel, but even hes left scarred by the high-heeled shoes that Joyce throws in fits of rage. Ailing studio boss Redmond (Donald Sutherland) is an old lech who still gets off on sexually exploiting women from what looks like his deathbed. The setting isnt what youd call sudsy, but imagine a thin sheen of melodrama with lurid notes and youve more or less got it. The doe-eyed Kiernan Shipka is in her wheelhouse at the intersection of innocence and darkness in Swimming with Sharks. Credit:Patrick McElhenney Little Lou is going to be eaten alive here. Or maybe she wont. Does her short, braided blonde hair and dirndl-based dress sense speak of sheltered Midwestern naivete or carefully coiled psychopathy? The doe-eyed Shipka is right in her wheelhouse there at that intersection of innocence and something darker. Fifteen minutes after entering her hotel suite I find myself standing on one leg beside Trinny Woodall in the bathroom trying not to headbutt the basin as I massage my face. I have also fallen a little in love. No safe word is required. I am willingly subjecting myself to a skincare regime with the product range Trinny London, launched in 2017 by the former fashion advice guru of televisions What Not To Wear . I am also praying that the one-legged part of the routine is to strengthen my core and not a Brit in-joke, like Monty Python or how to pronounce Belvoir. Beauty brand founder Trinny Woodall has made the transition from peoples television to bathrooms with her beauty brand Trinny London. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone The love part may be a little one-sided but Australian fans of Woodalls peptide moisturiser Bounce Back, hyaluronic acid serum Pump Up and Lip Love lipsticks can relate. Their love is so great that Australia is currently the second-largest market for Trinny London, prompting this press tour and last months introduction of local warehousing and pop-up kiosks in Sydney and Melbourne shopping centres. While in Australia, Woodall is also exploring local manufacturing opportunities. Whenever stories bubble up about the disastrous human consequences of the United States lack of universal healthcare people dying because they cant afford life-saving drugs, or pregnancies that cost $30,000 Australians love taking the high moral ground. Were adamant that our commitment to a publicly funded safety net, in areas like health, education and social services, is baked into our national psyche. Unlike those freedom-loving, low-taxing, hyper-capitalist Americans we look after our own, we claim. So, it would probably shock many Australians to know that when it comes to measuring a governments capacity to fund public services Australia is actually far closer to the US than countries like New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Our tax-to-GDP ratio, which measures public revenue against the total size of the economy, is 27.7 per cent well below the OECD average of 33.5 per cent. The US sits at 25.5 per cent, while New Zealand and the UK are above 32 per cent. Australias tax take is far lower than New Zealand, the UK, Germany, France and Canada. Credit:Simon Letch What do these numbers mean? Its pretty simple: the more money the government raises, the more it has to spend on things like hospitals, primary healthcare, disability support, aged care, schools, income support and the pension. The smaller our tax take, the fewer resources we can redistribute to these social services. The crises in our aged care sector, across our hospital system and throughout our schools arent coincidences. Theyre the inevitable result of a system that lacks the resources to deliver the level of service we need and expect. The debate over the already legislated stage three tax cuts, taking place in the leadup to next weeks federal budget, has jumpstarted discussion about Australias revenue problem. At a cost of $243 billion over the next decade, the tax cuts will further erode government revenue, diminishing the amount of money that can be spent on public services. But as significant as this measure is, it shouldnt monopolise our conversation about how to raise enough money to deliver high-quality social services. With or without these tax cuts, Australia will remain one of the lowest taxing nations in the OECD. Lidia Thorpe has resigned as Greens deputy Senate leader over what party leader Adam Bandt has labelled a significant error of judgment, following revelations she did not disclose her relationship with a former bikie leader. Bandt asked for her resignation after two former staffers to Thorpe said they had raised concerns with his office about the relationship with former Rebels bikie president Dean Martin, which took place while she was a member of the joint parliamentary law enforcement committee in 2021. Lidia Thorpes undisclosed relationship with an ex-bikie boss alarmed her staff. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen That committee has received confidential briefings in the past about bikie gangs and organised crime, which prompted concerns about a potential conflict of interest. This masthead does not suggest Thorpe shared any confidential information with any person not authorised to receive it. As a leader, I expect my senators and MPs, especially those in leadership positions, to exercise good judgment. At a minimum, Senator Thorpe needed to disclose ... her connection to Mr Martin and her failure to do so showed a significant lack of judgment, Bandt said at a press conference in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon. Home buyers steer clear of properties at extreme flood risk when informed of the threat, altering their property search and bidding for lower risk homes, an international study has found. More buyers are factoring climate-change risks into their property decisions, but making risk data more accessible could more quickly shift buyer behaviour, experts say, and encourage upgrades to properties. Many potential home buyers are considering flood risk. Credit:Erin Jonasson Home buyers who typically looked at properties at extreme risk of flooding altered their property search after being given access to flood risk data, a report by US real estate brokerage Redfin found. They went on to bid on homes with 54 per cent less risk, on average. Similar buyers in a control group who were not given the data expressed as a score out of 10 on the listing continued to bid on extreme-risk homes, according to the three-month randomised controlled trial involving 17.5 million redfin.com users. The site now publishes climate risk data for most homes, except rentals. The Albanese governments welcome decision not to recognise West Jerusalem as Israels capital brings Australia back into line with international law and virtually all the global community. The government sensibly recognises that competing claims to Jerusalem should be peacefully settled by negotiation, in accordance with international law, not by unilateral claims imposed by force and rubber-stamped by allies. Foreign Minister Penny Wong and the Albanese government have been criticised by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid over the shift in policy. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen, AP Israelis, Jews, Christians, Palestinians, Muslims and Arabs all have important historical, spiritual and cultural attachments to the cosmopolitan city of Jerusalem. As the British mandate in Palestine ended in the late 1940s, the United Nations endorsed a partition plan to create two separate Arab and Jewish countries. Jerusalem was to have a separate international status, administered by the UN, given its importance to different peoples. The plan was supported by many Zionists, but opposed by most Arabs, since it unfairly allocated a disproportionate share of land to Jews relative to their share of the population. Editors note: In honor of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this month the Schuyler Sun is publishing profiles of area residents who are breast cancer survivors as part of our Think Pink series. One thing physicians check for when assessing the likelihood of cancer is family history, as it can be passed down in a sense from parent to child. Mutations of the BRCA2 gene, in charge of tumor suppression, can dramatically increase ones chances of getting cancer. When Schuyler area resident Jillian Cuda and her sister Abby Runde were in high school, their mother, Christine Runde, was diagnosed with breast cancer. My mom was diagnosed at 40. Shed had her first mammogram and they found a lump. She battled for five years and ended up passing away. Me and my sister were very young at that time and her doctor sort of became family for us, Cuda said. Runde said being so young at the time and living in a smaller community in Missouri, their experience with breast cancer was minimal and not good. We didnt know much about it, being from a small town. Everyone we knew whod had it had passed away, Runde said. I think it was kind of a shock at first, adjusting to that lifestyle since we were so young and still dependent on her. While in college, Cuda met her now-husband, Lloyd Cuda. They married and moved to the Schuyler area, and Jillian began working at Lakeview Community Schools District in Columbus. The pair had three children, and Jillian decided she wanted to ensure the same issues did not befall her as they had her mother. I got a new doctor, told them my story and we just monitored it. I had three children, and three years ago when I had the last one, I told my doctor I wanted to do the proactive stuff so I could raise my kids, Cuda said. That involved a blood test to check for the BRCA2 mutation that makes one more prone to several types of cancer. The results came back positive. My sister had it at the same time because we do everything together and my sister was negative. From there, my doctor referred me to a specialist, Cuda said. Runde said shortly before getting tested for BRCA2, she had had several lumps removed, which, when her sisters results came back positive, really pushed her to get tested. Her insurance provider agreed, and her results came back negative. Cuda decided to have a double mastectomy, in order to dramatically reduce her likelihood of developing breast cancer. This dropped her likelihood from nearly certainly going to get breast cancer to lower than the average persons likelihood. It wasnt if but when I would get breast cancer and as I get older, my percentage goes up, so by like 50, its already like 50% chance of getting it, Cuda said. Now my likelihood is like 2% which is less than the general population. Cuda said she wants her children to understand some day that they may have the same gene mutation, and what it means. A specialist told her that by the time they have to worry about being tested, the medical industry will be different, just like its different from when her mother was diagnosed. When my mom had this, what I went through wasnt even an option, this wasnt a thing 20 years ago. In that 20 years Im able to be proactive on it, Cuda said. She (the specialist) said by the time your kids get there, who knows what the worlds going to be like. All the things Cuda did were for her family, she said. She added that watching her mother fight breast cancer, she wondered why she would fight so hard. When she had kids of her own and discovered she could get it, she understood completely and that was her why in all her decisions. At the end she said I want to see all my kids walk across the stage and get their high school diploma. My sister did that in May and my mom passed in July, Cuda said. I just know why she did it now that I have kids. Thats what puts the fight in you, definitely. Question: Where are you originally from? How long have you been in Platte County? Answer: I am originally from rural Lindsay/ Genoa. Most of my 45 years were spent on a rural family farm in west-central Platte County. Q: Tell us about your immediate family A: My parents are the late Erwin and Margaret Zach. I grew up with four brothers and four sisters. Seven of us remain and we all live in Nebraska. Q: What is your current occupation? A: I own the small business "Roy M. Zach -- Trinity Works." My focus is on nature photography and writing. Q: Why did you decide to run for office? A: This nation is in desperate need of political leaders of virtue, honor and integrity who will abide by the wisdom and advice given to us by God, our Creator. Through individual responsibility, we need to secure our God-given rights and liberties. We need to protect life, the traditional family, and properly fulfill our roles as caretakers of the Earth -- which God directed us to do. God created us; we are accountable to God. I am running for office to stand against government corruption. We need to enforce Constitutional controls upon the federal government; this will require either a "Constitutional Convention" or a "Convention of States." Regardless of how we do this, it must happen. The federal government is out of control; thereby, the states (and the local governments) must be proactive in restraining it via every reasonable and legitimate method. Q: How are or have you been involved in the community? A: I am a member of the fraternal charitable organization "Knights of Columbus"; I currently serve as District Deputy 20 in the Nebraska Jurisdiction. Organizations I like to financially support include Cross Catholic Outreach, LifeSiteNews, Lepanto Institute, Regina Angelorum Press, and Siena Francis House. Q: What qualifies you for this office? A: My qualifications include a broad range of valuable working experiences in the agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors of Nebraska's economy. I have a bachelor's degree in geography and social sciences (with a minor in earth sciences) from Wayne State College, as well as a master's degree in geography from University of Nebraska Omaha. I have worked with a broad range of colleagues and have acquired useful communication skills. Q:What do you think are the top two issues in Platte County (if running for city council the top two issues in Columbus) and, if elected, how would you address them? A: Issue number one is "Election Integrity"; being a candidate for office, I noticed election irregularities taking place in the May 2022 Primary in Platte County. I made this known at both the county and state levels, as well as to the Nebraska Voter Accuracy Project. I recommend that we move to hand-counting of paper ballots at properly sized Election Precincts; the county can then hand-count or electronically scan the ballots to verify the precinct results, and thence the results can be forwarded to the Secretary of State. We also need to require proper state or county voter photo ID before a citizen is allowed to vote. Issue number two is "Personal Responsibility"; this means that we each need to be personally responsible in our own lives for properly caring for our families, friends and neighbors. Tyrants come to power by breaking apart the "Traditional Family" structure -- which is the foundational unit of a healthy and functioning Republic. I will boldly stand strong against the "one-world government" elites and bureaucrats who promoted "gain-of-function" research that led to COVID-19. I will fight against the "Lockdowns," the mask mandates, forced "vaccinations," "woke" school curriculums, and other insidious agendas of the technocrats and transhumanists. Q: What's one thing you believe the county (or city) could do better? why? A: Platte County does a lot of things well. It is growing in population as many other Nebraska counties are losing population. Thereby, Platte County should consider focusing more on "Strategic Planning" for growth. This may include topics such as voter list updating, near and long-term economic growth, transportation planning, and thoughtful city planning. It is important to keep infrastructure up-to-date and functional. Q: What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done? A: I like traveling through lesser-known areas. Nebraska has a lot of scenic beauty to be found on the backroads. Trips to other states are also exciting to me; I like to visit unique natural landscapes. South Korean Prosecutors: Do Kwon Left Singapore for Dubai Last Month Source: Artem/Adobe Do Kwon, the Co-founder and CEO of Terraform Labs, left Singapore last month for Dubai, South Korean prosecutors and police have claimed. But Kwon they say he has since left the United Arab Emirates and is now in a third country. Per Maeil Kyungjae, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office and the police force are now working together to determine Kwons whereabouts. They believe that Kwon moved to a third country via Dubai but may have sought to obfuscate or conceal his record of entry into his current location. Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Kwon, while South Korean prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant. The foreign ministry is currently in the process of voiding his passport. The media outlet quoted officers as stating that they were working with law enforcers in neighboring countries to the UAE to determine the Terraform boss location. Terra Luna Classic (LUNC) 24-hour prices. (Source: CoinMarketCap) Kwon has remained defiant on social media, claiming he is not on the run and that he goes to malls in his current location but has stopped short of revealing his current whereabouts. But the prosecution and the police want to close the net on Kwon. Prosecutors have claimed that it is evident that Kwon is trying to evade arrest. Terra Luna Classic (LUNC) prices have been growing gradually over the past few hours and the coin is currently up around 2.2% on the past 24 hours. If Kwons Not in Dubai...Where Is He? Singaporean police officers have previously confirmed that Kwon has left the country where Terraform is headquartered. Kwon left South Korea for Singapore shortly after shuttering Terraforms South Korean operations. Prosecutors say his family followed shortly after. Prosecutors are keen to learn why Kwon moved to close his South Korean businesses so soon before the market crash in early May when Terra ecosystem coins plunged, and the UST stablecoin lost its peg. South Korean social media users have claimed that Kwon is likely hiding in a Southeast Asian location such as Cambodia or Myanmar. Others have theorized that he may have taken refuge on a yacht or in Russia. The Financial Times reported that a group of disgruntled investors believes that Kwon is still in Dubai and that one of their number will head out to UAE in an effort to track down what the media outlet called the most wanted man in crypto. Editor's Note: This article was updated Oct. 20 to reflect the proper grant amount. Improvements to Mechanicsburgs pedestrian, biking and transit networks are on the horizon. The borough received $25,000 in grant funding from the WalkWorks program, an initiative run by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center with a mission of increasing access and opportunities for physical activities and using public transit, the Health Department said. The money will be used to develop transportation opportunities and create policies to increase physical activity, the Wolf administration said. The Borough of Mechanicsburg is honored to be one of the recipients of this grant, Mechanicsburg Borough Council President Kyle Miller said. This grant will help us improve walkability in the borough and ensure that walkers are able to do so safely. We will also be able to take a look at how to promote bike safety on borough and state roads as well as develop safer connections between public spaces such as parks, schools and downtown businesses. This is vital as we continue our work to make Mechanicsburg a great place to live, work, and visit. Throughout the next year, leaders in the community will work with professional transportation and community planners to collect data, analyze conditions as well as aspirations and include public input to make improvements to the boroughs transportation network, a news release said. Our goal is safe, accessible, and inviting active transportation options for all, not just the fit and fearless, said Samantha Pearson, Healthy Communities program manager at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and coordinator of the WalkWorks Program. WalkWorks helps communities understand and apply best practices and principles to transportation planning. With vehicle crashes causing ever-increasing injuries and deaths among people walking and riding, it is urgent work across the country and in Pennsylvania. A PennDOT report said Pennsylvania saw 186 pedestrian fatalities last year, an increase from 146 last year. Pennsylvanians deserve safe transportation access no matter how they travel, PennDOT acting Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation Andy Batson said. This initiative recognizes and invests in the unbreakable link between community connectivity and our citizens health and mobility. Mechanicsburg was one of eight communities in Pennsylvania to receive grants through the WalkWorks program, which totaled $168,000, the Wolf administration said. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources partnered with the program to provide funding for two of the grant recipients. Additional funding came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant as well as the state Physical Activity and Nutrition Grant programs, the release said. Recipients were chosen by a review team that included representatives from the Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and its Local Technical Assistance Program, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Wolf administration said. If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here. PREVIOUS OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS - Air Products & Chemicals Inc. plans to invest a half-billion dollars to produce environmentally friendly hydrogen in New York state. - The Trexlertown Chick-Fil-A plans to add a second drive-thru lane as part of a plan to reduce traffic congestion. - The Harrisburg-based Mid Penn bank has opened its first full-service branch in the Lehigh Valley in South Whitehall. - The Allentown Planning Commission put off a decision on a new Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at the site of the former Nostos Greek restaurant. - The former Star Crete concrete plant at the intersection of Farmersville Road and Easton Avenue has been sold for $1.58 million, and that may clear the way for a medical office building. - The local business SuperSets Gym will open its third location in Allentown's South Mall, with no opening date set yet. - The jewelry boutique Versant will close later this year, but the business will be consolidated at Gary Werkheiser's other location in Saucon Valley Square. - The DSW Woodmill Commons has moved to Berkshire West, 1101 Woodland Road in Wyomissing. - Trainer Michael Melendez has opened his new Reading Extreme Boxing Club where PacSun used to operate in the Berkshire Mall. - Frackville NAPA Auto Parts held a grand opening with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Frackville Business & Professional Association. - Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers in North Manheim Township held a grand opening, in conjunction with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Pottsville Business Association. - PDC Machines, a maker of hydrogen compressors, showed off a new plant in Lower Salford. - Maya Capital Partners has acquired Amwell Valley Self Storage, a 265-unit storage business on Route 31 in Ringoes, New Jersey. - Norwescap is buying the former Sullivan's on the Main restaurant in Phillipsburg to renovate the building and then use it for programs to help educate and feed people. READING, Pa. The Berks County commissioners on Thursday voted to approve the induction of three veterans into the Berks County Military Hall of Fame. Ken Lebron, director of the county's Department of Veterans Affairs, noted that the commissioners established the hall of fame in 2009 to recognize the men and women from Berks County who demonstrated gallantry in combat against an American enemy of achieved significant national or international recognition during military service. There are currently 68 members in the hall of fame, including seven who earned the medal of honor, the United States' highest honor for valor in combat. The new inductees are: Maj. Gen. David M. Gregg, U.S. Army, for special recognition and achievement in the Civil War. Gregg's tour of duty consisted of assignments in Missouri, New Mexico, California, and Washington, D.C., all before the Civil War. He participated in Virginia campaigns between 1862 and 1864, as well as conflicts at Antietam and Gettysburg. His repulse of Jeb Stuart's cavalry on the last day at Gettysburg kept the Confederates from attacking the rear of the Union line, countering Pickett's Charge. On Aug. 1, 1861, the War Department promoted Gregg to major general and appointed him to command the Army of Potomac's Cavalry Corps. "His service as an Army officer during the Civil War was exemplary, and his actions significantly contributed to the victory of the Union and the preservation of the United States of America," Lebron said. Gregg settled in Reading following his military service and is buried in Charles Evans Cemetery. In 1922, the city erected a life-sized equestrian bronze statue of Gregg at North Fourth Street and Centre Avenue, where it stands today as a focal point of the Centre Park Historic District. Cpl. Bernard Radomski, United States Marine Corps, who was awarded the Navy Cross Medal for heroism in World War II. Lebron said the medal was awarded to Radomski for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against enemy Japanese forces on the island of Palau, in 1944. "An indomitable fighter, Cpl. Radomski, by his aggressive initiative, tenacious determination and great personal valor in the face of fanatic opposition, contributed essentially to the success of our operations against the Japanese stronghold," Lebron said. "His resolute conduct and unwavering devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." Capt. Ward Rodney Price, U.S. Army, who received the U.S. Army Air Medal in World War II. Price served in combat as a first lieutenant in Europe and Gen. Patton's Third Army, where he flew 43 missions as a forward observer in an airplane called Grasshopper. As a forward observer, he was responsible for locating and radioing enemy positions for targeting back to command for being shot down ultimately on that 43rd mission. "The pilot was able to crash land in such a way that upon impact the plane was split in half, where both the pilot and Ward escaped without serious injury," Lebron explained. "They worked their way through enemy territory back to allied lines where Price was then given command of a tank." Lebron said Price was instrumental in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of a German concentration camp. All three inductees will be presented into the hall of fame at the 20th annual veterans appreciation dinner dance on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Wilson High School gymnasium. Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach said he is always amazed to hear the stories of people who serviced so sacrificially for the country and called Reading and Berks County their home. READING, Pa. The Berks County Board of Elections on Thursday voted to continue its current practice of counting undated or incorrectly dated mail-in ballots for the Nov. 8 election. But the board also agreed that it is necessary to also segregate those ballots with dates in question in case of any change to the law. Cody L. Kauffman, the county's first assistant solicitor, said that even though the U.S. Supreme Court recently threw out a lower court's ruling that undated mail-in ballots had to be counted, the state and national Republican parties have since filed a lawsuit with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, asking it to exercise its extraordinary powers of jurisdiction to decide on the matter of undated ballots as well as incorrectly dated ballots. County Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach said that based on the current statutes of the litigation, the ballots in question are subject to current litigation. "Aside from the relief requested in the lawsuit, since these ballots are subject currently to litigation, I think it's good practice to segregate them, but I would recommend otherwise planning to count these ballots and count [both] undated and misdated ballots pending any further change in the law prior to Election Day." Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt confirmed it is the current practice of the county to count but segregate the ballots. Leinbach did question what the law defines as misdated ballots. Kauffman said the law only states that the ballots need to be dated. Leinbach also said he had concerns about the involvement of the courts in the electoral process. "Ultimately, the courts can't completely clarify it until the legislature and the governor, probably the incoming governor, determine that the law is clear on what it requires," Leinbach said. The board also clarified that it will count any mail-in ballots that have been resealed with tape. Election services said it is currently the practice to tell voters who have inquired whether they can reopen their own sealed envelope that they may reseal the ballot with tape and initial it. Leinbach said the board must be consistent with what is currently being told to voters. Also Thursday, the board heard Justin Loose, chief information officer, report that the county has found a workable solution to install cameras at the two ballot drop locations with the assistance of the county's Department of Emergency Services. Loose said through the cooperative effort, the county is repurposing unused equipment at a cost of about $3,000. Last week, the board voted to install cameras at drop boxes at a cost not to exceed $10,000. Barnhardt objected last week, calling the move "redundant and unnecessary." During public comment, Zelda Yoder, an official from the Berks County Democratic Committee, said that when she looked at Thursday's agenda, she believed it showed a distinct bias in favor of limiting voting. "Berks County Election Services has historically done a great job," Yoder said. "We know the primary had some flaws, and you guys are working to fix those and appreciate that. "One of the real issues we have in the county that gets put to the side because of all these other issues, is that we have low voter turnout," Yoder continued. "Our party and all the other parties work to energize our voters and get people out. That's our job. Your job is to make voting fair and secure, as it always has been, and we have not had problems in that, despite what you hear. But also, that our voting is simple, accessible and even user-friendly. So please, let's not put all our efforts fixing problems that don't exist just because people continue to talk about them." READING, Pa. Berks County District Attorney John Adams and the Reading police said they are grateful to have a partnership with federal law enforcement agencies for investigations in the city. Adams and RPD Chief Richard Tornielli joined members of the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office on Thursday to announce a verdict in a criminal trial for three members of a violent drug gang. Jesus Feliciano-Trinidad, 33; Dewayne Quinones, 29; and Mayco Alvarez-Jackson, 25; all of Reading, were convicted Wednesday of murder, kidnapping, drug distribution and firearms offenses. The charges stemmed from their involvement with a Reading-area drug trafficking organization that was responsible for multiple homicides and a kidnapping in 2017 and 2018, including a quadruple homicide on South Third Street in the city on Jan. 28, 2018. "This case was an excellent example of the benefits of this partnership," Adams said. "Justice has prevailed." 19:53 WATCH: News conference on violent drug gang verdict Federal and local law enforcement authorities announce a guilty verdict for three members of a violent drug gang in Berks County. A united front stood shoulder-to-shoulder during a news conference that was streamed live on WFMZ.com. Local and federal authorities let the community know they are watching. "Working together to target and dismantle the violent drug gangs that have wreaked havoc on our communities," said Jacqueline Maguire, special agent in charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. Following the announcement, the message turned from what has been done to what will continue in the city. This group said anyone dealing drugs should be afraid. "Our message is that federal law enforcement is right here in Reading, in your community, and we will not hesitate to act when we can support local communities by taking a case federally," said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero. Federal investigators spent years working with the DA's office and police ahead of the conviction. Adams said the use of federal investigators moving forward will depend on the crime. "Sometimes, the crimes that occur in our community are connected to organizations or other states," continued Adams. The work will continue. Police said the access to weapons and the age of offenders and victims are alarming. "We're using some of these federal task forces to initiate investigations into where these guns are coming from, Tornielli said, "how folks are getting their hands on them." READING, Pa. It's not the end of crime in Reading, but local and federal law enforcement authorities said it's a significant takedown. "Since this organization has been taken down, the violence that was associated with drug trafficking with this group has subsided," said Reading Police Chief Richard Tornielli. A years-long investigation of the Trinidad gang, dubbed "Operation Shattered," brought about a dozen guilty pleas and, most recently, a jury's guilty verdict for three members of the organization. "In the case of U.S. vs. Jesus Feliciano-Trinidad, Dewayne Quinones, and Mayco Alvarez-Jackson, all three defendants were found guilty on all counts," U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero announced during a news conference that was streamed live on WFMZ.com Thursday afternoon. Those charges include murder, kidnapping, and drug distribution. The three men now await sentencing by a federal judge. The feds said the gang's members were behind six killings in late 2017 and early 2018, including a quadruple homicide on South Third Street on Jan. 28, 2018. They also used a number of buildings, firearms and acts of violence to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. "These are three violent, dangerous men who terrorized the Reading area for years, trafficking deadly drugs and committing multiple murders," said Jacqueline Maguire, special agent in charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. "The Trinidad organization's actions destroyed families and had a devastating effect on the community's public safety and quality of life." One of the attorneys for Jesus Feliciano-Trinidad said in a statement: "We are disappointed with the verdict and will be filing an appeal at the appropriate time." The response from the U.S. attorney? "We will take the appeal as it comes," Romero said. "We haven't heard any word of that just yet, but we are happy to take it all the way up on appeal." 19:53 WATCH: News conference on violent drug gang verdict Federal and local law enforcement authorities announce a guilty verdict for three members of a violent drug gang in Berks County. It's been years of what Berks County District Attorney John Adams described as mayhem, including the quadruple homicide that the police said was an effort by the gang to eliminate rival drug dealers. "I thought it was most appropriate for this organization to be taken down as a whole, to have this case handled by the United States Attorney's Office," Adams said. Authorities said they hope this is the final chapter of the gang's violent history. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The superintendent of the Allentown School District may soon be out of a job. A school board member who asked not to be cited tells 69 News they expect to vote Thursday night on firing John Stanford. The member expects the board will vote him out as the result of a lack of confidence. The vote would come after less than a year on the job for Stanford. Media reports of the district negotiating a separation package with Stanford came earlier this week. Stanford took over in November 2021, becoming the sixth superintendent since 2011, including interim or acting superintendents. He signed on to be superintendent through June of 2026, with an annual salary of $230,000. Before taking the Allentown job, he spent 15 years in the Columbus City Schools, Ohio's largest school district, where one of his roles included interim superintendent. Stanford took over for Thomas Parker, who stepped down in April 2021. Parker left after five years to return to his home state of Michigan. Between Parker and Stanford were interim superintendents Marilyn Martinez and Jennifer Ramos. Prior to Parker was Superintendent Russ Mayo, who replaced Gerald Zahorchak. Zahorchak, a former Pennsylvania education secretary, stepped down after the first year of a five-year deal. A regular school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Thursday. The posted agenda does not include an item on the vote. WASHINGTON As Democrats fight to keep control of the Senate, President Joe Biden has been practically absent from midterm election campaigning in pivotal states such as Georgia, Nevada and Ohio. But he keeps coming back to Pennsylvania, where he spent his childhood, and his low approval ratings won't keep him away. He plans to return on Thursday for the 14th time since taking office in January 2021, speaking about infrastructure in Pittsburgh and holding a fundraiser in Philadelphia for Democrat John Fetterman, who's running for an open Senate seat. And Biden's 15th trip is already scheduled for next week. Pennsylvania is only a short flight from Washington, making it the most convenient swing state for the president to visit. It's also central to Biden's political identity, even rivaling his home state of Delaware, which he represented as a senator for nearly four decades. With its communities of blue-collar white voters, Pennsylvania is an intimate test of whether Democrats can still win over the kind of people that Biden grew up with in Scranton, but more recently have thrown their support to Republicans and Donald Trump. Its personal for Joe Biden," said Darrin Kelly, the president of the Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council. "Hes no stranger here, because he pretty much is one of us. Kelly said Biden has followed through on his promises to organized labor, pushing policies that will help working people. But will that sink in on Election Day, Nov. 8? Time will tell," Kelly said. Biden's approval ratings remain underwater in Pennsylvania, much as they do nationwide. But he still has something of a home field advantage when he visits, said Christopher Borick, an assistant professor of political science at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. In Pennsylvania, he can still help more than he can hurt," Borick said. Biden's family moved to neighboring Delaware when he was 10 years old. He eventually began his political career there and was elected to the Senate in 1972. But he was often called Pennsylvania's third senator," and he still peppers his speeches with references to Scranton. While speaking last summer in Macungie, a small town in Lehigh County, Biden mixed up his geography by saying down the road in Bethlehem" rather than up the road. Im used to thinking from Scranton," he explained. Biden returned to his birthplace almost exactly one year ago to promote his economic agenda. I believe that home is where your character is etched, and I really mean that, Biden said, adding that its where your view of the world begins. He reminisced about playing shortstop with the Green Ridge Little League, buying penny candy at Simmeys and celebrating Mass at St. Pauls. Although Biden expresses nostalgia for Scranton, it's also where he came to understand the humiliation that economic struggles can bring. His dad couldn't find work and the family had to move. I think the longest walk a parent can make is up a short flight of stairs to tell their kid, You cant live here anymore,'" Biden said. 'You cant because dad doesnt have a job.' Or mom dont have a job.' It's the same kind of pain that he talks about when it comes to issues such as prescription drugs, asking his audience to put themselves in the shoes of a parent unable to afford insulin for a son or daughter with diabetes. Its not only a risk to your childs life, he said at the White House last year. It deprives you of your dignity." Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who doesn't face reelection until 2024, said Biden's experience helps him connect with people who face their own challenges. Hes able to understand what its like to struggle, and to understand people who are up against difficult circumstances," Casey said. Fetterman is running against Republican Mehmet Oz, a heart surgeon who hosted a daytime television show for more than a decade. They're competing to succeed Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, who did not seek reelection. Brittany Yanick, a spokeswoman for Oz, said Fetterman would be a rubber stamp for the Biden agenda. Joe Biden and far-left Democrats like John Fetterman have sent the U.S. economy spiraling into a recession, caused crime to skyrocket, and allowed gas prices to reach record highs," she said. Fetterman has faced scrutiny over his health since he had a stroke in May. On Wednesday he released a report from his doctor that said Fetterman is recovering well from his stroke and his health has continued to improve and concludes that he has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that Biden has found Fetterman just as capable of serving as senator as ever. Fetterman is the lieutenant governor, and she said that hes doing that with great ability and heartfelt concern for the people of the commonwealth. Pennsylvania has one of the country's most expensive Senate races, and Biden will help Democrats with his fundraiser on Thursday. We have the tin cup out," said Jamie Perrapato, executive director of the pro-Democratic group Turn PA Blue. This is a good time to reassure people, keep them focused, remind them of how important Pennsylvania is," she said. Casey said this is one of those years where it will be close, befitting Pennsylvania's status as a narrowly divided state. Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016, and Biden won it in 2020. Given that Biden intends to run for a second term in 2024, Casey said, "it doesnt hurt to be in Pennsylvania in 2022. PALMER TWP., Pa. - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this week is known as the "Week of Action." It's when many groups hold a candlelight vigil in support of survivors and remember lives lost to domestic violence. "If this could say any idea of what a mess it was inside of me," Vanessa Vicario, showing off her paintings, told 69 News. The paintings, displayed inside Charles Chrin Community Center of Palmer Township Wednesday night, represent a part of Vicario's journey to break free from domestic violence. "I started painting about a year before I left," she said. "That one over there, I call, 'Through.' It's going from like a hell to a better place. But it's still unknown." Vicario offered her art - and her painful experiences - at the Annual Vigil, held by Turning Point of Lehigh Valley. It's typically held during the "Week of Action," in the middle of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to support survivors and honor lives lost to abuse. Meredith Mecca is Community Outreach Director for the nonprofit, which serves as the area's domestic and intimate partner abuse organization. "As a community, we are stronger together," Mecca said. "And by coming together, our voices are going to be heard more." And that's the goal for advocates like Turning Point. "The more people are comfortable discussing it," Mecca said, "the more they're going to be comfortable disclosing it, and reaching out for help." Organizers say ever since the pandemic, their resources are needed more than ever. According to the nonprofit's annual report, from 2021 to 2022, calls to its helpline went up 25 percent. Length of stay in shelters is 97 percent higher than pre-pandemic. "It's harder to find housing, all of the systems are moving slower because every system is backed up, then it's going to increase that time," Mecca said. Turning Point is working to keep up and help more people like Vanessa Vicario. "That's just her coming out of her tomb in all her glory," Vicario said, explaining her final painting to 69 News. Vicario wants others to know there is hope coming out the other side. For more resources, head to the Turning Point of Lehigh Valley website. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Lehigh Carbon Community College is looking to improve health and wellness in the Allentown community. It has just received a state grant of $106,000 for its new diabetes education program. The college's president, Ann Bieber, made the announcement Thursday at the Donley Center in Allentown. The money was secured by Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Browne. He said diabetes is one of the most prevalent concerns facing the growing Hispanic and Latino population. "Based on statistics, it's, 50 percent of the population has the potential of developing Type Two diabetes. And looking to step out to provide some proactive activity to manage that," Browne said. The new, year-long program will focus on diabetes prevention and include workshops offered in both English and Spanish, as well as diabetes-friendly food options in the school's pantry. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. The Whitehall Township Planning Commission on Wednesday night tabled a major subdivision/land development plan for a proposed industrial development. A site plan submitted by Coplay Quarry LLC and developer Lou Pektor earlier this year proposed three industrial warehouse buildings between 210,000 square feet and 250,000 square feet at 5101 Beekmantown Road. An alternate plan featured one 700,000-square-foot warehouse. It was this second plan that Pektor presented Wednesday night. The site, which the applicant's representatives said was a quarry dating back to the 1900s, is owned by Coplay Aggregates Inc. Pektor said Wednesday night that a written agreement with Coplay Aggregates, including stipulations for transfer to his company, is set. Once he owns the property, Pektor plans to build a warehouse on a lower-grade level, which will be "down in a hole" with "high walls wrapping around the whole thing," according to the project's engineer. This will reduce the warehouse's impact on neighbors, the engineer said. Earlier this year, the company received a variance on the building height from the township's zoning hearing board. The property is in the open space/limited industrial zoning district. Planning commission Chairman Robert Piligian said he was not against the project, but did express concerns. Chief among them was the traffic the warehouse will generate. "This will have a major impact on the area," Piligian said. "...A detailed traffic analysis of Chestnut Steet and MacArthur Road is needed." Piligian said also noise could be an issue, adding that a warehouse would "be adding a completely different situation" of noise to the site. When asked by Vice Chairman Jonathan Bolton when the project would be finished, Pektor said much work remains. "It's going to be two-and-a-half years out to turn on a light switch," Pektor said. Planners tabled Wednesday's plan for the applicant to address their various comments. In 2018, township officials, state representatives and residents expressed concern as the Environmental Protection Agency issued a non-compliance letter to Coplay Aggregates for filling the quarry with material the EPA said was contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls toxins, commonly known as PCBs. LANSDALE, Pa. - A man convicted of first-degree murder in a woman's killing in Montgomery County will spend the rest of his life in prison. A jury convicted Ricky Vance last month. Vance and Chong Ling Dan conspired to kill Ebony Pack. Investigators say Dan was jealous of the victim because she was dating his ex-girlfriend. Pack was shot behind the wheel of her car in Lansdale in November of 2020. Dan is set to be sentenced next week. A third man suspected in the killing, Terrance Marche, is still on the run and believed to be in Honduras. NORRISTOWN, Pa. Any death from fentanyl is a tragic statistic but at their Thursday meeting the Montgomery County commissioners learned that the county is doing better addressing the problem than much of the country. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele told the commissioners that fentanyl deaths in the county in 2021 were down 13.2% from 183 to 148, while they rose 15% in the U.S. as a whole. This data was presented as part of Steeles promotion of Drug Take Back Day. The semi-annual event will be held Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to 33 police departments in the county that will serve as collectors, Steele noted, Giant Food Stores in Upper Moreland and Redners Markets in Montgomery Township will participate as collection centers. Accepted medications and prescription drugs include tablets and capsules, inhalers, vaping products, creams and ointments, nasal sprays, and pet medicines. Steele emphasized that keeping expired medicines around the house is an avenue for people to go down the wrong track. If you dont need what was prescribed to you, destroy it. If you need it in the future, go back to your doctor and hell get you some more. Since the Drug Take Back Day program began in 2010, over 100,000 pounds of pills and medicines have been collected. Election News Earlier, Kenneth Lawrence, commission vice chair, again reviewed preparations for Election Day, Tuesday November 8. Voters will have several options to cast their ballot, Lawrence stated, including absentee ballot, mail-in ballot and in person Nov. 8. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 24, 2022 at 5 p.m. The last day to request an absentee or mail-in ballot, Lawrence noted, is Tuesday, November 1. We will have 12 secure drop-box locations available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Oct. 29 through Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. Each box will be monitored using CCTV video surveillance. He pointed out that per Pennsylvania law voter ballots may only be returned by the voting individual and no one else. Commissioner Joseph Gale commented, I would like to address the issue of undated or incorrectly dated mail-in ballots. According to the United States Supreme Courts decision earlier this month it is my understanding that any and all incorrectly dated or undated ballots can not and should not be counted. He also said that in 2020, Pennsylvania courts ruled the same as the U.S. Supreme Court. If undated or illegally dated ballots are counted in Montgomery County, Gale promised, I will not certify the 2022 election results. Furthermore, I urge other boards of commissioners and boards off elections across the commonwealth to follow the rules of the United States Supreme Court which clearly states that undated mail-in ballots must not be counted. Gov. Tom Wolfs administration has told counties that they are expected to include ballots with undated or improperly dated envelopes in their official returns for the Nov. 8 election. In an email to county officials, a top state elections official wrote that a June state court decision found that both Pennsylvania and federal law prohibit excluding legal votes because the voter omitted an irrelevant date on the ballot return envelope, and that decision remains good law. The state and national Republican parties have filed a lawsuit in an effort to block some mail-in ballots those lacking the voters handwritten date on the return envelope from being counted in November. The GOP's filing went straight to the state Supreme Court, with barely three weeks left before Election Day. The court does not have to take up the lawsuit. Road and Bridge Update Administrator of Roads and Bridges, Tom OBrien, updated the commissioners on road and bridge repair. He said four bridge repair projects were approved for 2022 and eight are expected to be approved for 2023. Responding to a question for commissioner Lawrence, OBrien said that a normal bridge project will take three to five years to complete but if it involves federal funding the project could take as long as 15 years. A billionaire business man has vowed to donate $1 million a week, every week, for a year. Rob Hale is the CEO of Granite Telecommunications. The Hale Family has already gifted tens of millions of dollars to local hospitals and institutions. Now, they're on their biggest mission yet, to gift $1 million a week to small nonprofits in Massachusetts. "We are blessed and fortunate, and our belief is that we should extend those good tidings deeply into the community as much as possible," Hale said. Their positive impact is being felt across the state. Many of the donations are going towards endowments to help nonprofits sustain themselves. Some nonprofits to receive one of Rob's donations include: -- New England Patriots lineman Joe Andruzzi's Foundation, which supports cancer patients -- Domestic Violence Ended, which says its donation from the Hale family will directly impact victims and survivors they serve -- South Shore Stars, which provides early education and youth development programs for the communities south of Boston For most of these smaller nonprofits, this is the single largest gift they've ever received, and many have been around for more than 20 years. "It means the world to us, and also allowed us to ensure we have funding for this coming year," said Jennifer Court, with South Shore Stars. The Hale family wrote their first check in March to the New England Wild Life Center. It provides veterinary care to injured and orphaned wildlife. Hale has been listed on the Forbes website's 2021 richest people in the U.S. list. He is the 363rd richest person in the U.S., with a net worth of $3.2 billion. PHILADELPHIA Trial has begun for one of several men charged in an abduction plot that led to the deaths of two brothers whose bound bodies were found in a Philadelphia river eight years ago. Federal prosecutors opened their conspiracy, kidnapping and extortion case Tuesday against Jason Rivera, 36, one of six men charged in the plot that led to the deaths of Vu Kevin Huynh, 31, and his 28-year-old brother Viet, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Authorities said the brothers were kidnapped and tortured over a $300,000 drug debt before they were driven to the Schuylkill River, stabbed repeatedly, their faces covered with duct tape and their legs weighted down with cement before they were tossed into the water. A third man was able to escape and flag down a passing motorist. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Livermore urged jurors Tuesday to hold everyone accountable for their roles in this offense. He said the evidence will not show that Rivera stabbed the victims or rolled them into the river, but will show that he and the others kidnapped the Huynh brothers, and they died as a result of that kidnapping. Defense attorney Thomas Mirigliano argued that his client has been wrongfully accused and said no cellphone records link him to the area on the night of the crime. He objected to prosecutors pointing to a forearm tattoo of a line from the 1990 movie Goodfellas as evidence of his clients role as a drug gang enforcer and debt collector. This is a harrowing tale, theres no doubt about it, Mirigliano said in his opening statement. But this is not a scripted movie, and I ask that you keep an open mind about the whole case. Last year, Lam Trieu pleaded guilty to extortion, drug and conspiracy counts, acknowledging having reached out to a longtime associate to collect on a debt owed to a California marijuana supplier stemming from drugs fronted to the brothers. He wasnt charged with the kidnapping or murders. Tam Minh Le, 52, a native of Vietnam, has been sentenced to death in the case. PITTSBURGH Newsroom workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have gone on strike demanding that the company reinstate the terms of its previous contract and return to the bargaining table. The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, which represents 101 workers, said its members began picketing Tuesday outside the newsroom on the citys North Shore and planned to continue the action Wednesday. Guild members have been working without a contract since 2017 and Monday voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike against the company. On Oct. 6, workers from unions that are responsible for production, distribution and advertising at the Post-Gazette walked off the job. The Post-Gazette said in a statement that it would continue to serve the Pittsburgh community, our readers and advertisers, despite any work stoppage. Officials said they were confident the company would prevail when the National Labor Relations Board rules on the unfair labor practice accusation. The walkout is the first major newspaper strike in the city in three decades. In 1992, WESA reports, about 600 members of a Teamsters local representing truck drivers and circulation route managers went on strike against the Pittsburgh Press, which ended up being sold and merged with the Post-Gazette. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Sauk County Board members agreed to join a multi-county economic district Tuesday despite misgivings from supervisors about creating a larger government reach. Sup. Marty Krueger outlined the resolution from the Economic Development Committee, which he said supports an application by the Madison Region Economic Partnership to become a designated regional entity. The group would consist of Sauk, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson and Rock counties. This is a collaboration, Krueger said. In effect, we are already in this regional entity. The resolution was approved on a 26-2 vote. Sup. Terry Spencer and Sup. Andrea Lombard voted against it. Supervisors Jake Roxen, Brandon Lohr and Tim Teelin were absent. The proposed Madison Region Economic Development District in southcentral Wisconsin was formed after the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy was submitted to the federal Economic Development Administration in 2019. Sauk County was an active participant in the completion of the CEDS, according to the resolution passed Tuesday. There are 41 census tracts within the district. Sauk County has one. They have felt the impact of adverse economic conditions and meet at least one applicable measure of economic distress for unemployment and per capita income, according to the resolution. It is based on a period of two years, which will end in December. The county had previously applied for the creation of such a district nearly a decade ago, but economic distress numbers shifted in the county during the process, making it no longer eligible, Krueger said. Sup. Tim McCumber, board chairperson, said the county is not paying any money because the district is privately funded. The county remains independent and not beholden to other county decisions. The voting body assigned to the district would only decide whether to approve grant applications. The EDA just allows us to be in a better position to have federal dollars come into the area, which will be easier not only for the county to apply for assistance, but our business owners as well, McCumber said. Sup. Andrea Lombard announced she could not vote for such a measure because of her decades-long membership in the Glacial Area Conservancy Federation which has been oriented against global governance. Every time we are going to get money from the state or federal government, the agreement comes with strings and those strings are more often than not encumbering, Lombard said. Our freedoms are disappearing and we need to be very careful not to step on the toes of Sauk County residents to get money that will eventually enslave them. Formation of the district would bolster economic development in a partnership already being forged because of a proposal to construct a $10 million bridge connecting Dane County to Sauk County via the state trail system, Krueger said. That investment will extend beyond the area, into more northern counties as well. We are not joining a group where somebody is going to tell us what to do, Krueger said. This is a collaboration. Sup. Smooth Detter expressed a similar wariness against more government control, but acknowledged that the county has a choice to remove itself from the district at any time via a simple majority vote. If any of this feels uncomfortable, we have zero commitment to this, Detter said. Weve gotten into these agreements with other counties we just got out of one a few months ago we realized we were the one carrying all the weight and getting the least benefit out of it. So if nothing else, were flexible. At first glance, the thousands of pages littering H.R. Harmer Fine Stamp Auctions in Manhattan are little more than faded ink and old adhesive. However, a closer examination between the lines of each envelope and ink blot reveals a unique look into pre-statehood Wisconsin. Green Bay resident Bill Robinson began collecting stamps in the 1950s, adding to his collection what he considered the most unique or rare pieces of postage. He later turned his hobby into a career, assuming a role as a stamp auctioneer. Seventy years on, Robinsons family is handing the old correspondences off to an auction house in New York, where H.R. Harmer President and CEO Charles Epting has deemed the collection the most important offering of Wisconsin postal history of all time. Robinsons collection, says Epting, offers a comprehensive look at pivotal moments in Wisconsin history spanning the 1820s to the 1970s. Within the letters, fur traders and missionaries wrote home from the western frontier, telling their loved ones of land for purchase and skirmishes with local Native American tribes in New Glarus and Green Bay. Steamboat passengers on Lake Michigan documented their time on the water, the landscape surrounding the shores. These, said Epting, showcase not only the beginning of the state of Wisconsin, but the birth of the modern U.S. postal service, created out of necessity by settlers who made it up as they went along. The mail followed the early settlers, he said They needed a way to stay connected to the eastern seaboard. The births of current day metropolises like Madison and Milwaukee are also cataloged in Robinsons curated correspondences, along with offers for land development, building space, jobs. Travelers arriving with little to nothing used these letters to send for their loved ones back home, populating the state. The settlers came and brought the mail with them and then the mail in turn brought more people to Wisconsin, said Epting. Conversely, the postage also showcases what could have been: Cities and towns that no longer exist, fallen victims to the rapid development of the 1830s and 40s. Bustling communities scattered to the winds of change in the years leading up to statehood. One such letter was sent from the City of Four Lakes, a manufactured community that at one time rivaled Madison in a bid for state capital. The citys post office was shut down in the mid-1840s, so this piece of mail is a particularly rare find. You see places that dont exist on maps, said Epting. For a lot of these places, the mail originating from them is the only record we have. Theres no buildings left. In this way, Epting says stamp collecting transcends the boundaries of a mere free time activity, as well as outdated ideas of what it entails. This hobby is a lot more than people just sitting there and pasting stamps into their stamp album and trying to collect one of each, said Epting. Youre dealing with pieces of American history. He added that collections like Robinsons stand to change peoples perceptions of the postal service industry as a whole. On the one hand the postal service is kind of the poster child for government bureaucracy and red tape and inefficiency maybe, he said. But when you read these individual letters youre not just focused on the way that it was transported, youre getting a peek into an individuals life, its sort of this great macro and micro story thats being told. Many such stories are held within the contents of Robinsons collection, appealing to a cross-pollination of interests. Between the military history of Fort Winnebago, the steamboat mail from Lake Michigan, the Native American history pertaining to relations with early Wisconsin settlers, and general life in the 19th century, Epting says a variety of people have expressed interest in the letters. Also relevant is the completeness of many of the letters, something Epting says makes them extra valuable. Many collectors in decades past had destroyed old envelopes in pursuit of rare stamps. Robinson, however, kept his intact. A lot of stamps are indistinguishable from one another. If you are trying to find a rare stamp one copy is as good as the next, he said. When you have the letter, when you have the envelope, it really helps to tell the entire story. The many chapters of the story that is Wisconsin will be available for auction in different segments on Oct. 26 and 27 through H.R. Harmer Fine Stamp Auctions in Manhattan, 630 5th Ave Suite 2607, New York, NY 10111. The incident occurred aboard a Norwegian Boeing 737 (Note, this picture is not the plane involved). NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty A flight attendant was badly hurt when his plane was hit with turbulence during its descent. The attendant broke his ankle in two places during the July 2021 incident on a Norwegian flight. Turbulence began when the plane was forced to fly through a storm previously missed by air traffic radar. A flight attendant broke his ankle in two places after he was thrown from his feet by turbulence when his plane flew through storm clouds during its descent. According to a report by France's air accident investigation board, Bureau d'Enquetes et d'Analyses (BEA), released Monday, the incident happened in July 2021, while a Norwegian Air flight from Copenhagen, Denmark was descending to land in Nice in the south of France. The pilots had been working with local air traffic controllers to avoid storm clouds over the Swiss-Italian Alps and had been given permission to begin their descent to the airport. While descending the pilots noticed another squall of storm clouds that hadn't previously been picked up on the radar. They realized it was too late to avoid flying through the clouds, so instead told passengers to fasten their seatbelts and proceeded through the clouds. "This one will make a bang," the plane's captain told the copilot as they approached the clouds, per the report. The injured attendant referred to only as "cabin crew member two" told investigators that he was securing equipment at the rear of the plane when it was jolted by turbulence. While he was moving to sit down, the turbulence lifted him from his feet. After falling heavily he noticed his foot was trapped in the housing surrounding the plane's emergency slide before another jolt threw him upwards. He heard a crack and suspected his ankle was broken, per the report. He told investigators the incident happened very quickly, in a period between five and 10 seconds, per the report. His colleague cabin crew member three also injured her ankle in the incident, but provided assistance, and informed the rest of the flight crew of her colleague's more severe injury. Story continues After landing the injured attendant was taken from the plane on a stretcher by firefighters, to an ambulance, which took both injured flight attendants to the hospital. Cabin crew member two suffered two fractures and a dislocated ankle, while crew member three suffered bruising. The Boeing 737's 180 passengers were all unharmed. Norwegian did not immediately respond to Insider's request for further comment. Aviation news website Paddle Your Own Kanoo first reported the incident. Injuries caused by turbulence remain rare. BEA said that it had recorded 65 incidents involving turbulence between 2012 and 2021, per the report. Investigators concluded that the incident occurred due to differences in the meteorological information given to air traffic controllers (ATCs), which can differ greatly depending on the age of the radar used by the controllers. The incident happened in Italian airspace, the report said. The pilots of the plane were found to be at no fault for the incident. Read the original article on Business Insider Aspirus Health is set to close a nursing home in Portage to focus resources on their assisted living facility in the city. The news was released in a statement attributed to Aspirus Health on Wednesday afternoon. Aspirus Health will be closing its skilled nursing facility in Portage and focusing resources at Aspirus Tivoli Community on assisted living, the statement said. Aspirus will work directly with all affected employees to find alternative positions which are available within the system. The company said their intention is to work with the Wisconsin Department of Health services to help transition residents into nearby facilities. We are committed to supporting our residents and will not move them without viable options, the statement said. As a large employer in Columbia County, Aspirus Health remains committed to the community and providing local care at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital and Clinic. Divine Savior became a part of Aspirus Health in 2020 after first making the announcement of the merger in July 2019. At the time of the merger Divine Savior had around 860 staff members at the hospital, clinics in the area and the assisted living facility. The statement concluded: This was a difficult decision, but it will help Aspirus continue to provide vital community services in outpatient, acute and home health care. Celebrating Halloween isnt just for Oct. 31 there are plenty of things to do as you count down the days till the haunted holiday. Whether youre searching for a hair-raising adventure, or just trying to carve a jack-o-lantern, theres something for everyone children and grownups alike. Oct. 21 from 710 p.m. Red Ridge Ranch Haunted Hay Rides W4881 Hwy. 82, Mauston In the mood for a spook? Red Ridge Ranch is once again booking its annual haunted hayrides campfire and indoor hay maze included. Tickets are $20 and the ride is approximately 25 minutes long. If you cant make it, no worries! Red Ridge Ranch will be offering hay rides every Friday and Saturday, so you can also grab a seat on Oct. 22, 28 or 29. Oct. 24 from 6:30 7:30 p.m. Stranger Things Escape Room at the Wonewoc Public Library 305 Center St., Wonewoc Kick off the Hallo-week with this free event (registration required) at the Wonewoc Public Library. Fans of the hit Netflix show Stranger Things can visit the Upside Down themselves in this special escape room event. The library asks that interested attendees stop by or call (608) 464-7625 to sign up. Oct. 25 from 5:30 7:00 p.m. Carving with the Cops, hosted by the New Lisbon Police Department 1107 S. Adams St., New Lisbon Carve it up with the NLPD at the New Lisbon City Shop. Snacks, drinks and movies presumably spooky will be offered all evening. Attendees are welcome to bring their own pumpkins, and children will be provided with pumpkins and supplies free of charge. Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. Necedah Craft and Vendor Fair 1801 S. Main St., Necedah Get some early holiday shopping done while browsing the finest crafts the county has to offer. Necedahs fall craft fair promises over 100 vendors and door prizes every 15 minutes until 2 p.m. Come with an empty stomach; concessions will be available with all proceeds going to small clubs to use during the school year. Entry is free. Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Adult Halloween Party and Cornhole Tournament, hosted by the New Lisbon Community Center 110 Welch Prairie Road, New Lisbon Pack it up, kids. This one is for the grown-ups. The New Lisbon Community Center is hosting an adults-only party complete with a costume contest and live music by Site 7 starting at 7:30 p.m. If youre looking to start the party early, the community center is also offering an Indoor Cornhole Tournament at 6:30 p.m. The cover for the party is $5 and $20 per cornhole team; payout for the tournament is 50% to the first team and 50% to the community center. Oct. 30 from 12 p.m. Trunk-or-Treat, hosted by the New Lisbon Chamber of Commerce 110 Welch Prairie Road, New Lisbon Trick-or-treaters dont have to wait for Halloween night this year. The New Lisbon Chamber of Commerce is putting together a free Trunk-or-Treat ahead of the Monday holiday. Participants can register their trunk ahead of the event and pass out candy, or simply dress up to get treats. RACINE In a move seeking to combine a public health perspective with responses to crime, current City Council President John Tate II has been hired by the City of Racine to serve as its first-ever manager of violence prevention. Racine Mayor Cory Mason announced Monday during his budget address that the 2023 budget included the creation of an Office for Violence Prevention. The hire of Tate was announced Wednesday by Mason and Public Health Administrator Dottie-Kay Bowersox, one day after it was reported that Tate had turned down a job offer from the City of Madison to be that citys first-ever police monitor. While John had opportunities for public service in other communities I am pleased he has chosen to do this work in his hometown. The city continues to invest in traditional law enforcement, Mason said in a statement; on Monday, Mason announced the 2023 budget included funds for restoring six of the 11 police officer positions cut from the Racine Police Department in the 2021 city budget. The creation of this position, Mason continued, allows us to bring an additional public health perspective to crime and crime prevention. We know we need to use every tool available to us to reduce violent crime. The violence prevention manager will allow us to work in partnership with the community on evidence-based strategies to reduce crime. Tate, a Racine native, has a masters degree in social work from Loyola University and was head of the Wisconsin Parole Commission until June 10 when he resigned at the request of Gov. Tony Evers amid criticism of the approved parole of Douglas Balsewicz, a man who had murdered his wife, Johanna, in front of their children in 1997. Prior to Tates resignation, Balsewiczs parole was rescinded. That move, Tate said, could expose the state to litigation since Balsewiczs parole was revoked without Balsewicz himself doing something to demonstrate he presently remains a threat to society and did not deserve the parole that had been granted. Tate was elected as an alderman for the first time in April 2017 and became City Council president in April 2020. He will step down from his elected role to work for the city. This is the second time in less than two years that an alderman has made such a move. In August 2021, then-Ninth District Alderman Trevor Jung resigned to become the citys transit manager. According to the city, as violence prevention manager, Tate will work with the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC), a research center based at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. We are looking forward to working with John Tate II to implement our group violence intervention by working with community member(s) social services and law enforcement, Nick Loumos, a group violence intervention field adviser with NNSC, said in a statement. John Tate II is a proven leader with deep ties to the Racine community. We are excited to support him and the City of Racine in their work to reduce community gun violence. Madison job Tate had been named as Madisons first independent police monitor on Oct. 10. The monitor job, which has become increasingly commonplace in major cities, would have the ability to investigate Madison police and conduct community outreach on police matters. Neither the board nor the monitor is given the power to fire or discipline police tasks reserved under state law for the citys Police and Fire Commission. The City of Madison was in the midst of contract negotiations with Tate when he notified officials he was going with the Racine job instead. The effort to hire a police monitor, led by the citys Police Civilian Oversight Board, has seen fits and starts since the boards creation in September 2020. The boards first hiring process, launched in July 2021, drew 30 applicants. Two were named finalists in October 2021, but one dropped out shortly thereafter. In January, the sole finalist for the job, current Madison Department of Civil Rights Equal Opportunities Division Manager Byron Bishop, dropped out of the running as well amid revelations that he discriminated against a woman he had been having an affair with and violated state licensing requirements at his former company about 16 years ago. After it was announced that Tate had been picked to be Madisons police monitor, Republican candidate for state attorney general, Eric Toney, issued a statement calling Tate an appalling choice because of Tates decisions as chairman of the Parole Commission. Reporter Chris Rickert of Lee Newspapers and Dee Holzel of The Journal Times contributed to this report. By a razor-thin margin of less than 30,000 votes statewide, folks in Wisconsin elected Tony Evers as their governor in 2018. If anybody sat out that election, they need to make their way to the polls to make the change Wisconsin needs, and elect Tim Michels and Roger Roth as the next governor and lieutenant governor of the state of Wisconsin. Reflecting on nearly four years under Gov. Evers, several images come to mind. One was the widely spread photo I used in a May 27, 2021, column bearing the title Evers shows hes a fish out of water on economy and medical freedom. It was Evers badly handling a small northern pike in a feeble attempt to look like just another Wisconsin fisherman. The image was a wonderful demonstration on Evers approach to the myriad COVID-related challenges. Rather than gently hold the small fish correctly to be released back into its habitat with no harm, Evers grabbed a hold of the Wisconsin economy with an iron grip during COVID. He has a lack of understanding of what makes the economy work for the people of Wisconsin, and the injured economy like that little pike struggled to survive. I think of the sly grin he uses when he mentions the tax cut in the most recent Republican-written budget. Evers simply signed the document while doing none of the work and continues to take credit for measures he opposed. I think of the horrific scenes as Kenosha was lit aflame in late June 2020. Last week, I shared the awful first response from Evers in the wake of an officer involved shooting that ignited several days of chaos and mayhem by making incendiary remarks without the facts of the case, exercising very poor judgment in times where a true leader was needed. Professing to be the education governor, Evers has been an abject failure when it comes to students and parents. Proficiency rates in classrooms across the state are far below acceptable. Rather than focus on fundamentals, Evers and the Department of Public Instruction are focused on social/emotional learning, linked to culturally relevant learning, equity policies that foment racial divides, harmful gender ideology and more. Ive shared many of these concerns with you, and it is time to retire Evers. Its interesting to see the narratives play out. Visiting Baraboo on Oct. 4, Michels received the Tavern League endorsement and talked about the economy under Evers before a gathered crowd. The only topic the assembled press corps wanted to discuss was abortion. They sat on their hands when the Michels team asked if anyone had questions about the endorsement or economy. They know the current economy is a losing hand for Evers and other Democrats. At the gubernatorial debate last Friday, Evers pitched a continual line of more shared revenue for various governmental pursuits. Here you go, more dollars from the states with large sets of strings attached. Youve sent money to us to administrate, and we then return smaller amounts back to you. We have a breath of fresh air in businessman Michels, and he has my endorsement to be our next Wisconsin governor. Coming from the private sector as Ive said about U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, Michels is used to finding ways to get tasks done, on time, and on budget. The debate question about potential business conflicts was laughably biased, as Evers hasnt worked a private sector job in decades. Michels will work to expand statewide school choice. Hell do what it takes to protect the most innocent lives the unborn. Michels business experience will be valuable in fostering a working environment favorable to economic growth and he will address the rampant challenges with crime. He comes from outside the Madison political mill, which allows him to forge new relationships with Republicans, as well as seeking consensus with Democrats. There is a clear difference in leadership styles, and change will be welcomed. We need common sense leadership, and a new track that respects Wisconsins parents trying to raise solid families who simply seek to meet their own economic needs and feel safe in their homes. Michels is well equipped for those challenges. Republican lieutenant governor candidate Roger Roths legislative experience, along with a private sector background, strengthens the ticket. Both have served their country in the armed forces. The choice couldnt be any clearer, folks. We cant abide another four years of Evers. Remember the overreaches, mandates and more of the past years. If you do, youll support Michels to be the next governor of Wisconsin. Make sure you vote on Nov. 8. A Financial Approach to Climate Risk When: Thursday, 20 October 2022 - Thursday, 20 October 2022 Where: Online Event Start time: 17:00 Enquiries: Mamosa Moletsane Mamosa.Moletsane@wits.ac.za RSVP: Registration link The School of Economics and Finance invites you to a keynote address by esteemed guest, Professor Robert Engle About the Speaker: Robert Engle, Professor Emeritus of Finance at New York University Stern School of Business, was awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in Economics for his research on the concept of autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH). He developed this method for statistical modelling of time-varying volatility and demonstrated that these techniques accurately capture the properties of many time series. Professor Engle shared the prize with Clive W. J. Granger of University of California San Diego. Professor Engle is the Co-Director of the Volatility and Risk Institute at New York University Stern. In this role, Professor Engle has developed research tools to track risks in the global economy and make these publicly available on the V-LAB website. Race, inequity and mental health impacts on healthcare workers during Covid-19 The Covid-19 pandemic revealed global health inequities prompting scholars to interrogate how these inequities manifested in racial and gender dynamics. Furthermore, health professionals, pressured to perform under adverse circumstances were victim to these inequities, with significant effects on mental health in healthcare settings. Professor Stephani Hatch, who leads the Health Inequalities Research Group at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at Kings College London, delivered the keynote address at the 2022 Sefularo Sheiham Memorial Lecture on Health Equity, hosted by the Wits School of Public Health on 4 October. The annual lecture commemorates medical giants and health activists, Dr Molefi Sefularo and Professor Aubrey Sheiham, both Wits alumni, who were united in the advocacy for social justice, especially in public health. The 2022 lecture was titled Race, Inequity and Mental Health in the time of Covid-19: Benefits and Lessons from Mixed Methods Approaches in the United Kingdom. Hatch has delved into the health inequalities present in the UKs publicly-funded National Health Service (NHS), with an emphasis on race and the intersection of other social identities. She has noted profoundly increased mental health challenges among healthcare workers, especially black women. Through a mixed methods approach in the Tackling Inequalities and Discrimination Experiences in Health Services study, Hatch and her team found that 30 percent of black healthcare workers did not have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) at the height of the Covid-19 crisis in the UK, and reported a higher incidence of harmful workplace experiences. These experiences resulted in moral injuries, adversely affecting mental health. The way to tackle these major challenges is to understand the systemic failures of the healthcare system, and to implement inclusive policies. Diversity is the bare minimum. We need to tackle practices that reinforce racism and inequality, said Hatch. Indeed, Hatch is leading the development of the Health and Social Equity Collective to raise awareness, increase knowledge production and dissemination, and improve action and outreach. Furthermore, she leads equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives within healthcare settings. Following Hatchs presentation, Professor Mary-Ann Davies discussed intersectional health inequities from the South African perspective. Davies is a public health specialist in the Western Cape Department of Public Health, who is responsible for epidemiology and surveillance, and was extensively involved in the Western Cape Covid-19 response. Davies found glaring health inequalities in the Western Cape (which could be transposed across South Africa), much like what was revealed in the UK. In South Africa, these inequalities were particularly acute in the poorest urban subdistricts. We also saw that the stringent lockdown measures in the country made things much, much worse for people, especially in poorer socio-economic contexts, she said. Furthermore, rapid health surveys, such as the National Income Dynamics Study Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) study showed a distinct increase in depressive symptoms, and indeed an increase in depressive symptoms in those who had never reported depression before. Davies noted the link between the economic crisis brought about by the pandemic, food insecurity and a striking increase in mental health. We have seen a higher number of acute admissions in mental health wards in 2022. These are people who require hospitalisation, so we can only imagine the real and alarming occurrence of depression and other mental health conditions, said Davies. Both Davies and Hatch emphasised the importance of pathways to care, which entails follow up mental health services, and extended community support. We need better safety nets for people. There are huge barriers in sustaining necessary care, said Davies. Two Wits professors awarded Science for Society Gold Medals The Academy of Science of South Africa has awarded its highest honour, Science for Society Gold Medals, to Wits Professors Karen Hofman and Achille Mbembe. ASSAf annually awards ASSAf Science for Society Gold Medals in recognition of outstanding achievements by individuals. Up to two Gold Medals are awarded per annum for outstanding achievement in scientific thinking for the benefit of society. The Gold Medals were awarded to Professor Karen Hofman and to Professor Achille Mbembe at ASSAfs annual awards ceremony held in Pretoria on Thursday, 19 October 2022. The health of SA is the wealth of SA Karen Hofman is a Research Professor and Founding Director of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science (PRICELESS SA) in the School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences. The Centre was established in 2009 as the Priority Cost Effective Lessons for Systems Strengthening (PRICELESS). A Wits Medical School graduate, Hofman has since 2009 led policy research to evaluate interventions inside the health system and in other sectors that provide the biggest return on investment for health. Hofman received a Gold Medal for her application of scientific thinking in the service of society, the results of which mean that we as a population are healthier. Saving lives from salt and liquid sugar The bread eaten by South Africans today has significantly less salt in it than it did 10 years ago. This is the result of mandatory regulations based on PRICELESS SA research that showed how many lives could be saved from averting strokes and the cost savings of doing so. Salt reduction is one of the most cost-effective interventions for population health. Similarly, we now have choices when we order sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs). Hofman was instrumental in driving the Health Promotion Levy (sugar tax), based on rigorous scientific research, towards reducing consumption of SSBs in order to advance public health. Liquid sugar is a major contributor to obesity, starting in childhood and extending across the lifespan, with obesity-related disease numbers now having overtaken HIV/Aids in SA. This demonstrates how intersectoral action is essential to improve population health. Hofman's work on universal health coverage has strategically focused on priority-setting, a key driver to implement a sustainable National Health Insurance (NHI) by doing research to inform health benefit packages and decisions to improve both health systems and population health outcomes. According to the citation, Hofman embodies the essence of the Science for Society award by conducting transdisciplinary research she identifies policy relevant issues; engages with various relevant publics before, during and after the research endeavour; and commits time and has the expertise to disseminate the research evidence through channels both academic and, importantly, media, as well as direct public engagement. Professor Imraan Valodia, Pro Vice-Chancellor Climate, Sustainability and Inequality, who nominated Hofman, says, "Professor Hofman is the epitome of a Wits researcher world class research for creating a better world. This is a richly deserved recognition of the importance of her research." Hofman says, I feel most honoured that my contributions have been recognised by the Academy of Science of South Africa in an auspicious year when Wits celebrates its 100th anniversary. This award is not just for me, but it also belongs to my amazing team at the SAMRC Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science. Our group of passionate and very smart individuals, whose backgrounds range from health systems, through health economics, to health law and health communication, have supported me and have believed in the mission of the organisation. My top-notch admin team are the glue that keeps us all moving forward. The whole team believe, as I do, that the health of SA is the wealth of SA. The postcolony and necropolitics Achille Mbembe is a Professor in the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER) in the Faculty of Humanities at Wits University, which he joined in 2001. Mbembes work has played a role in shaping the scholarly agenda of the Humanities in late modernity. Over 25 years, he has consistently published works of international stature and reputation. The Cameroon-born scholar earned his PhD in History at the Sorbonne in Paris in 1989 and a D.E.A. in Political Science at the Institut dEtudes Politiques (Paris). Between 1980 and 1996, he was preoccupied with late colonial politics, decolonization and emerging nationalism. His research was instrumental in shifting debates on the place of power in Africa's postcolonial period. At a conceptual level, the terms postcolony and necropolitics have become associated with Mbembe's work. These are now key terms in the vocabulary of the global Humanities. Of notable importance is his published work, Necropolitics, in which he theorizes about the origins of the contemporary world while highlighting the increase in militarization, inequality, and the revival of racism and fascist forces. Being human in Africa Mbembe continues to produce globally leading scholarship. His seventh book, A Critique of Black Reason published in 2017 and which sold over 12 000 copies is an attempt at revisiting the relationship between capitalism and racism. In 2020 he published Deglobalization to argue that digital computation is engendering a new common world and new configurations of reality and power. Over and above the multiple translations of his work, Mbembe is the most cited African scholar of his time. His interdisciplinary approach, combining History, Philosophy and Political Studies, has tackled key contemporary - from an early critical reflection on why the social revolutions in Africa predicted under conventional Marxist theory never arrived, through revisiting the politics of life and death in his writings on necropolitics, to recent preoccupations with whether we can take seriously Africa and the diaspora's planetary predicament - and the possibility that the fate of Earth may be playing out on this continent - Mbembe stands out as one of the key thinkers of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Commenting on the award, Mbembe says, Without the unconditional support I was given at WiSER by its successive Directors and by my colleagues, none of what I have been able to achieve would have been possible. WiSER is today internationally recognised as one of the most successful initiatives ever created by any major global Southern university in the field of the Humanities and social sciences. With strong and unflinching University support, my hope is that it will remain a huge asset especially for younger generations of scholars in the years to come. I also thank the Faculty of the Humanities and its successive Deans, as well as Wits University Press, my South African academic publisher. Professor Garth Stevens, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, who nominated Mbembe, says, Professor Achille Mbembe is really one of the most remarkable recipients of this award, given his phenomenal scholarship in the area of critical Humanities. It is even more fitting that this medal was bestowed on him on African soil and in the year that Wits has turned 100. Were extremely proud to be associated with this level of scholarship. This attests to reserves of intellectual, academic and scholarly talent at Wits University, making it not only one of the premier sites for Humanities scholars, but for scholars more broadly across the African continent and across the world. Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation at Wits, who attended the ceremony, says, We are thrilled that two of our most highly regarded and respected academics have won this years Gold Medals from ASSAf. These awards highlight not only the calibre of the scholars at Wits but also their commitment to ensuring that their research resonates and has impact beyond the academy. We congratulate Professor Karen Hofman and Professor Achille Mbembe on this noteworthy achievement and celebrate their success. I would also like to thank Professor Garth Stevens and Professor Imraan Valodia for their nominations. Witsies also won the ASSAf Science for Society Gold Medals in 2021. These awardees were Professor Shabir Madhi, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Barry Schoub, Emeritus Professor of Virology at Wits and founding Executive Director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Wits to kick-start a national quantum technologies initiative with R54 million funding The South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SA QuTI) aims develop a well-established critical mass in the national quantum community. Wits University has led a national consortium that secured R54 million funding from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to co-ordinate a national quantum technologies initiative. Following on a proposal written by the consortium led by Professor Andrew Forbes from the Wits School of Physics, the DSI committed the first tranche of funding up until March 2025 to set up the South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SA QuTI). It involves establishing quantum nodes at five centres Wits University, the University of Zululand (UniZulu), Stellenbosch University, the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and eventually increasing the number of active centres across the country by finding and supporting new emerging quantum leaders. We managed to convince the government that quantum research is too important to leave to a small research group, and that they should invest in a national programme, says Forbes. Forbes co-drafted the national initiative document with inputs from all the national nodes, which was adopted by government last year. While South Africa is not the first country to adopt a quantum policy, Forbes believes this move put the country on the quantum map. It means we can drive the technology and get many quantum nodes up to scratch, says Forbes, adding that the emphasis is on quantum technology, rather than quantum science. The aim is to develop people who can do something with the science, so that we can be part of the quantum revolution and develop a quantum economy, he says. Wits University will manage the project, and administer and distribute the funding, while strengthening other research nodes with existing quantum projects, such as Stellenbosch University, the CPUT, UKZN and UniZulu. The aim will also be to start and support new nodes at other research institutions. The aim is to eventually have a well-established critical mass in the national quantum community and to work with government to draft new legislation, where it comes to quantum technologies. As an example, new legislation might be needed to govern the use of quantum computers to crack existing bank security codes. In a new quantum world, a bank would for instance not be able to say its systems are secure, if they are not quantum secure. The moment quantum computers can crack the code, current encryption systems are going to fail. You will need to have quantum security in place, says Forbes. The national quantum project will not be focussed on building quantum computer hardware, but will focus on writing software and building apps for quantum computers, as Forbes believes this is where South Africa can play a strategic role in the international quantum community. It is important to see this not as a physics initiative. We want to involve people with different skill sets, wherever they are so that we can build a vibrant quantum community and a viable quantum industry. The funding will have a special focus on human capital development, development of emerging leaders, access to quantum computers, and advocacy, as well as support for quantum communications and quantum sensing and metrology deployment through start-up entities. Google has launched News Showcase in France, and it has teamed up with over 65 publishers representing over 130 publications for the program's expansion in the country. Now, users in France will see panels populated by articles from participating publications when they navigate to the News tab on Android, iOS or the web and in Discover on the mobile platforms. The tech giant says its partners include not just national outlets, but also regional and local ones, including 20 minutes, La Depeche, LEquipe, L'Express, Le Figaro, La Provence, Le Monde, Les Echos, Groupe EBRA and Le Parisien. In addition to showing a curated selection of headlines from partner outlets, Google is also making "a limited amount" of their paywalled content available to readers for free. The company is paying them for those paywalled articles as part of their licensing agreement. And since the deal would put the publications' content in front of more people, it could gain them more potential subscribers. While Google's program partners praised News Showcase for helping them disseminate good and truthful information, the company didn't always have a great relationship with the media in France. In 2020, French regulators forced the tech giant to pay publishers for showing snippers their articles in search results after the company implemented the EU's new "Copyright Directive" law. Authorities said back then that the company "caused a serious and immediate harm to the press sector." Google initially removed news previews as a response, but it backtracked and started working with publishers instead. Earlier this year, the tech giant inked deals with over 300 publications across Europe to publish snippets of their stories in search. President Joe Biden is co-hosting a fundraiser with Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman today in Philadelphia. Biden is lending his support to Fetterman as the Democratic lieutenant governor strives to maintain a slim lead over Republican candidate Mehmet Oz. The GOP nominee has nearly wiped away the significant polling advantage Fetterman had held through the summer months, and the two candidates now appear to be neck-and-neck going into the final stretch of the campaign. More:Poll shows female Pa. voters are torn between abortion, economy as top election issues Fetterman has attributed the tightening race to a flood of attack ads paid for by national Republicans, who are fighting to keep the seat in GOP hands. National groups on both sides of the aisle are dumping money into the race as the November election approaches, and by early October, $137 million had already been committed to current and future advertising in the contest, according to the ad tracking firm AdImpact. Today's reception will raise money for the Fetterman Victory Fund, which is a joint fundraising effort between the candidates campaign, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, according to an event invitation reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Could appearing too close to Biden hurt Fetterman among Pa. voters? I think the fact that it's a closed-door fundraiser tells you all you need to know about how the campaign feels about that, said Berwood Yost, director of Franklin and Marshall Colleges Center for Opinion Research. Toward the beginning of Bidens term, more than 40% of Pennsylvania voters thought he was doing an excellent or good job in office, according to the colleges polling. By this August, those job ratings had dropped to about 34%, as respondents expressed anxiety about jobs, gas prices and their personal finances. With that backdrop, Fetterman probably doesn't want to hew too closely to the president at least in public, Yost said. Story continues [Biden's] administration is not popular, and hes not personally popular here, Yost said. Now, he certainly can help raise money, and thats what hes here to do. Whats the relationship between Biden and Fetterman? Given the presidents low favorability, Democratic midterm candidates have been cautious about campaigning alongside him. Fetterman did not attend a Wilkes-Barre event with Biden in late August but appear him later during a Labor Day event in Pittsburgh. The two have also had conversations about decriminalizing marijuana, and Fetterman has praised Bidens recent decision to pardon people who have federal convictions for simple marijuana possession. U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a Democratic National Committee event at the Howard Theatre on October 18, 2022 in Washington, DC. This is a BFD and a massive step towards justice, said Fetterman, a longtime proponent of cannabis legalization. Just this week, Bidens spokeswoman said the president has found Fetterman to be an impressive individual and pushed back against concerns that the Democrats May stroke might compromise his ability to serve in the Senate. The president feels that he is very much capable of doing the job, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. Whos leading in fundraising, Fetterman or Oz? Fetterman has been outraising Oz in the last three months, collecting $22 million from July through September, according to campaign finance reports released last weekend. Over the same period, Ozs campaign gathered about $16 million, including $7 million in personal loans from the candidate. More:Fetterman enjoys $1.6M cash advantage over Oz heading into campaign's final weeks Both campaigns are spending money almost as quickly as they raise it; the reports show Fetterman had about $4.2 million remaining in his bank account at the end of September, while Oz had roughly $2.5 million. And both candidates will have to dig deep into their fundraising networks and their support bases to finish out the race, Yost said. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Fetterman, Biden to host private fundraiser in Pennsylvania Booking photos show William Jones and Alexis Thone, arrested in connection to an overdose death in a small town in Missouri. A federal judge ordered the release of emails from John Eastman, a former Donald Trump attorney, to House investigators, pictured here in Washington, on January 6, 2021 saying the communications were made in furtherance of a crime related to Trumps efforts to subvert the 2020 election. Hundreds of thousands of patients waiting start to NHS treatment as waiting lists grow Hundreds of thousands of patients across Wales are waiting to start NHS treatment. New figures released today show that in August there was more than 750,000 patient pathways waiting to start treatment with around 589,000 individual patients on treatment waiting lists in Wales. This is an increase of almost 3,500 patients from the previous month. In North Wales there are 171,987 patients waiting to start treatment, with 92,105 waiting up to 26 weeks, 14,477 waiting between 26 and 36 weeks and 65,405 waiting longer than 36 weeks. This is an increase on the 168,757 open patient pathways in July 2022. Figures released today continue to show the pressure facing the Welsh Ambulance Service and emergency departments across Wales. Throughout September the ambulance service 3,553 red (life threatening) calls which is 10.2 per cent of all calls made. This is an increase on the immediately life threatening calls on the previous month. 50.0 per cent of red calls received an emergency response within 8 minutes, 0.7 percentage points lower than the previous month and the joint lowest on record. In North Wales the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd recorded the worst emergency department figures in September with 47.4 per cent of patients in both hospitals spending less than four hours waiting to be seen. This is below the target of 95 of new patients spending less than four hours in emergency departments from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge. Against the eight hour target 68.6 per cent of patients were seen in Wrexham and 60.5 per cent in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. In the Wrexham Maelor Hospital 79.5 per cent of patients in emergency departments were seen within 12 hours and 72.2 per cent at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Across Wales in September there were over 86,000 attendances to all emergency departments. This was an average of 2,876 emergency department attendances per day; 48 fewer attendances per day on average than in the previous month. Commenting on todays figures, Welsh Conservative and Shadow Health Minister Russell George MS said: The failure of the Labour Government to prepare for pandemic recovery continues to be felt by the people of Wales as they experience the longest treatment waiting lists, ambulance delays, and A&E waits in Britain. This failure to plan for the re-opening of hospitals has meant the delivery of healthcare is out of control staff are doing their best to cope with demand but a lack of leadership from the centre has meant minister leaving the NHS totally adrift. For over two years we have called for surgical hubs to reduce the backlog, something backed by the Royal College of Surgeons. The Conservatives did in England but Labour did not in Wales. Now 59,000 people wait over two years for treatment in Wales, but there are no such waits in England. This is the cost of Labour now they need to get a grip on the NHS and stop breaking all the wrong records. Responding to the news that the NHS Wales backlog has now hit 750,000 Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: Behind these figures are countless human tragedies. In every corner of the country people are frightened, suffering and waiting in pain because our NHS can no longer cope. Labour is letting the NHS fall to its knees and patients are paying the price. Wales routinely has the worse health figures in Britain despite all nations facing similar challenges. This cannot go on. The Government must come forward with a proper plan to bring down waiting times and recruit and retain more NHS staff. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to call for greater investment in primary healthcare facilities, GPs and social care. We must prevent people from getting so ill they require either treatment in A&E or complex treatment paths if we are to reduce pressures on the system, this starts at ensuring people can access their GP easily. We also need to ensure patients can be discharged safely once their treatment is finished. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: Progress continues to be made on the longest waits and we have seen a reduction in the number of patient pathways waiting more than two years for treatment for the fifth month in a row. This is a fall of 16 per cent since the peak in March. We saw slightly more people start their cancer treatment in August (1,691) than in the previous month. A total of 13,534 pathways were closed following the patient being informed they did not have cancer, an increase of more than 12% on the previous month and the highest level on record. A huge amount of work, focus, investment and service change is under way in reducing the number of people waiting for cancer treatment and the Health Minister recently met with health boards and trusts to hear their plans about how they are working to bring the waiting lists down. August also saw just over 93,000 patient pathways closed, a significant increase from the early stages of the pandemic and 27 per cent higher than for the same month in 2021. For diagnostic services, the number of patient pathways waiting decreased to just over 107,000 in August from 110,000 in July. For therapies, the number of patient pathways waiting decreased to just over 67,500 in August. Urgent and emergency care staff remain under intense pressure, and we are working with health and social care service leaders to support improvements. We acknowledge ambulance performance is not where we, NHS Wales nor the public expect it to be and we are driving a whole system response to support improvement. We expect health boards to take ownership and immediately reduce ambulance patient handover delays while working with social care services to improve timeliness of patient transfers home from hospital. Performance improved against the four-hour and twelve-hour standards and the average (median) time spent in emergency departments shortened slightly. September saw the best performance against the four-hour standard since January 2022 and this is testament to hard working emergency department staff given the ongoing system pressures. Prime Minister Truss Resigns The Prime Minister Liz Truss has resigned. The news came via statement in Downing Street via a short speech at a podium by the PM a few minutes ago, where the PM confirmed she would be a caretaker PM until a leadership election is completed within a week. PM Truss won 57.4% of ballots from Conservative party members in a leadership contest, making her the new leader and confirmed by the Queen on 6 September. Her brief premiership has been dominated by the cost of living crisis, and a now infamous mini budget on the 23rd of September which relied heavily on government borrowing and was effectively scrapped. Her full statement was: I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills. Putins illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent. And our country has been held back for too long by low economic growth. I was elected by the Conservative party with a mandate to change this. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance. And we set out a vision for a low tax high growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. Weve agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our countrys economic stability and national security. I will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen. Thank you Events in Westminster appeared to gain pace this lunchtime when unscheduled meeting between PM Truss and Graham Brady, the Chair of the 1922 Committee, took place. Last night saw chaos in the Houses of Parliament following a rejection of a Labour motion last night that would guarantee parliamentary time for a bill to ban fracking. It was reported Conservative party whips initially indicated the motion would be treated as a confidence motion in the Truss government, with the ususal consequences to those who did not toe the line. MPs in the Commons were then told that the division would no longer be treated as a vote of confidence. The U-turn or error by a junior staffer at No 10 as described by some caused unprecedented scenes in the division lobbies and Rhondda MP Chris Bryant claimed he saw MPs being physically manhandled and bullied into the voting lobby but business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg dismissed the allegations. During the chaos reports emerged that Wendy Morton had left the post of chief whip, her deputy, Craig Whittaker also quit. However, a few hours later, a No 10 spokesman issued a statement to say that the chief and deputy chief whip remain in post. In a widely circulated clip following the events Conservative MP for Broxbourne, and Chair of the House of Commons Administration Committee, Sir Charles Walker said Liz Trusss government was an absolute disgrace and her ministers a group of talentless people. Speaking to the BBC last night he said: To be perfectly honest, this whole affair is inexcusable. It is just, it is a pitiful reflection on the Conservative Parliamentary party at every level and it reflects really badly obviously on the government of the day. This is an absolute disgrace. As a Tory MP of 17 years who has never been a minister who has got on with it loyally most of the time, I think it is a shambles and a disgrace. I think it is utterly appalling. I am livid. And you know, I really shouldnt say this but I hope all the people that put Liz Truss into Number 10, I hope it was worth it, I hope it was worth it for the ministerial red box, I hope it was worth it to sit around the Cabinet table because the damage they have done to our party is extraordinary. Ive had enough, Ive had enough of talentless people putting their tick in the right box, not because its in the national interest but because its in their own personal interest to achieve ministerial position. And I know I speak for hundreds of backbenchers who right now are worrying for their constituents all the time but are now worrying for their own personal circumstances because there is nothing as ex as an ex-MP. Case numbers and hospitalisations for COVID-19 are continuing to climb in New Zealand following the governments removal of all public health measures to combat the pandemic. Medical staff test shoppers who volunteered at a pop-up community COVID-19 testing station at a supermarket car park in Christchurch, New Zealand. [AP Photo/Mark Baker] As of yesterday, according to Newsroom, there were 214 people in hospital with the virus, a 24 percent increase in the past week, and more than double the figure of 105 recorded on October 5. Meanwhile, the seven-day average for officially-recorded infections is 2,211, up 27 percent on a week ago. This is almost twice the seven-day average of 1,344 recorded one month ago (on September 20). Last week the government reported 34 more people had died within 28 days of contracting COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, however, deaths have lagged behind hospitalisations and case numbers, meaning the toll is likely to increase soon. Internationally, there is a renewed wave of the pandemic, driven by more infectious subvariants of Omicron including BQ.1 and BQ.1.1. In Germany, hospitalisations due to COVID doubled nationwide in the space of just one week, and there are reports of hundreds of outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes. France and Italy have reported 461 and 544 COVID deaths in the last seven days, an increase on the previous week of 32 and 38 per cent. Despite the alarming trend both in New Zealand and internationally, the Labour Party-led government is doing everything it can to disarm the population and normalise mass COVID infection. Yesterday, acting COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced the removal of emergency powers from the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020, including the ability to impose lockdowns, border restrictions, vaccine mandates, contact tracing systems and vaccine certificates. Like its counterparts internationally, the government is behaving as though the pandemic is over. All that remains of the public health measures are seven-day, self-isolation periods for positive cases, and mask mandates in healthcare and aged care facilities. The ministry of health this week made the extraordinary admission that it has been dramatically under-reporting the number of COVID-19 hospitalisations. On October 17, total hospitalisations were revised up from 14,043 to 19,476an increase of more than 5,000 or one third. In a 169-word statement, the ministry said the undercount was a coding issue, relating to a data source that has been used for the past three and a half months. It said the under-count related to people who had relatively short hospital stays of between one and three days, and illogically added that the issue did not affect the hospitalisation numbers released in the ministrys daily, and now weekly, updates, which counted the number of beds occupied with patients with COVID-19. In fact, it clearly did affect the reported numbers of people in hospital with the virus, creating the impression that the Omicron wave was considerably less severe than it really was. One has to ask: Are there other coding issues, for instance, relating to reported COVID deaths? The ministry reports that as of October 17 a total of 3,047 people had died within 28 days of a COVID infection. However, it claims that only 2,065 deaths are attributable to COVID. The contention that one in three people who died within weeks of contracting the deadly coronavirus actually died of something totally unrelated is highly dubious, to say the least. The vast majority of these deaths were completely preventable. They occurred after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced in October 2021 that New Zealand was abandoning its elimination policy, which had kept the country mostly free from COVID-19 up to that point. Lockdowns were abandoned and all schools and businesses reopened, with the full support of the union bureaucracy, allowing the virus to spread everywhere. The decision to embrace a policy of mass infection was made against public health experts advice and without any democratic input. It was based entirely on the demands of big business for an end to lockdowns and public health measures that were viewed as a barrier to the extraction of profit from the working class. The latest rise in cases has led to renewed warnings from scientists. Microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles told One News on October 18 that infection can lead to long-term problems: The number of people who are at risk of heart attacks and strokes increases, so its really not something we should be complacent about. She urged people to wear masks indoors, despite the removal of mandates. Epidemiologist Michael Baker pointed out to the New Zealand Herald that over the last eight months, including two case peaks and varying levels of mortality, the daily average of deaths has been around 8.5. He said there could be another 700 deaths this year if the trend continues, bringing the official COVID death toll to around 2,700, or 7 percent of the expected total deaths. Based on estimates that half the population has been infected, Baker said as many as 120,000 people could also develop Long COVID, a debilitating condition that can affect the brain, heart, lungs and other organs. The ongoing crisis in public hospitals is likely to lead to even more deaths. This was highlighted by an independent investigation into the death of a 50-year-old woman from a brain bleed in June, which released its report this week. The woman went to South Aucklands Middlemore Hospital but left after being told she would have to wait eight hours for treatment in the emergency department. The report stated that the overcrowded department is an unsafe environment for both patients and staff and is not sustainable. One doctor at the hospital told the Herald there were massive shortages of senior medical officers all over New Zealand and a number of resignations occurring and still senior management just keep saying everything is fine. Thousands of nurses across the country recently protested over the staffing crisis and low wages by refusing to work extra shifts. Health NZ chairman Rob Campbell defended the hospital system, telling Newsroom that bad results do happen in all medical services due to [f]allible people, fallible diagnoses, fallible medications, processes and technologies. He declared: We all bear responsibility, not some object called a system. In fact, the pandemic, which has killed more than 22 million people, is an unanswerable indictment of the capitalist system, which prioritises profit ahead of peoples health and lives. In opposition to this system, the working class must take matters into its own hands and fight for a fully-funded, scientific elimination strategy, implemented on a global scale, and based on the socialist principle that no expense can be spared to save millions of lives. This means a political struggle against the Ardern government in New Zealand and the unions that have enforced its policy of mass infection. To coordinate their actions both nationally and internationally, workers need to build new organisations: rank-and-file safety committees, in hospitals, schools and every other workplace. A longtime Lynchburg fire official who joined the Charlottesville Fire Department in June has been tapped as the interim chief. Michael L. Thomas has spent 30 years in firefighting in Lynchburg and had been serving Charlottesville as the deputy chief of community risk reduction. He will assume command of the fire department effective Friday, following the departure of the prior chief, Hezedean Smith, according to a city release. Outgoing chief Smith informed the city in a late-September letter that he was leaving the helm of Charlottesville department after two years to accept a chief position in Polk County, Florida. Prior to Charlottesville, Smith had spent nearly a quarter century in firefighting in the Florida community of Orlando. The city release indicates that interim chief Thomas has more than three decades of fire and emergency service experience, with certifications as a fire inspector and fire investigator. Additionally, the release notes, Thomas has attended the National Fire Academy, and is currently enrolled in the International City/County Management Association's Professional Development Academy. Interim City Manager Michael C. Rogers pronounced himself delighted to make the interim appointment. A search for a permanent chief has yet to be announced. From September 24 to 27, the Socialist Equality Party in Australia held its Sixth National Congress. After extensive discussion, the following resolution and three others were unanimously adopted. The resolutions Build an international movement of the working class against imperialist war!, The COVID disaster and the political crisis of Australian capitalism and Build the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees!were published on October 9, 13 and 17 respectively. 1. The Socialist Equality Party will deepen its protracted fight for the immediate and unconditional freedom of Julian Assange, together with the other sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International and the World Socialist Web Site. Julian Assange [Photo by David G. Silvers, Cancilleria del Ecuador / CC BY-SA 2.0 2. The situation facing the WikiLeaks founder is more perilous than ever. His longstanding health issues, caused by over a decade of persecution, have caused Assanges family and hundreds of doctors to warn that his life is in danger. At the same time, the British government and its judiciary are progressing Assanges extradition to the US, raising the increasingly imminent prospect that he will be dispatched to an American supermax facility. 3. Assange has committed no crime. He has, instead, been hounded, vilified and persecuted by the imperialist powers for exposing their war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, their global diplomatic conspiracies and spying operations directed against the worlds population. This has entailed unprecedented attacks on democratic rights, including the plots of the Trump administration and the US Central Intelligence Agency to kidnap or assassinate Assange when he was a political refugee in London in 2017. 4. The pursuit of Assange is an act of imperialist retribution. It is also the spearhead of a broader assault on democratic rights, especially aimed at widespread opposition to imperialist war. The US and its allies are targeting Assange, not only because of WikiLeakss exposure of their past crimes, but because they are preparing new and greater crimes in their confrontations with Russia and China, which threaten a nuclear world war. 5. The Australian state apparatus and successive governments have played the linchpin role in the assault against Assange. None of the attacks on his democratic and legal rights could have proceeded, as they have, had an Australian government fulfilled its legal and diplomatic obligations to defend Assange as a persecuted Australian citizen and journalist. 6. The Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is continuing this foul record. Labor has rejected demands that it intervenes to block extradition and secure Assanges freedom. This is in line with its role, as an attack dog of the US confrontation with China, and a broader turn to authoritarian forms of rule by the Australian ruling elite, targeting the working class. The fight for Assanges freedom is thus a fight against the Labor government. 7. The perspective of issuing moral appeals to capitalist governments and politicians to free Assange has failed. Promoted by organisations such as the official Dont Extradite Assange group, this program serves only to create illusions in those responsible for Assanges plight, to demobilise his supporters and to cut them off from the emerging movement of the working class. 8. The international working class is the social constituency for the defence of Assange and all democratic rights. Throughout the world, workers are entering into struggle against the onslaught on social and working conditions, the criminal let it rip pandemic policies, war and authoritarianism. The working class is in combat with the very governments presiding over the lynching of Assange, in the US, Britain and Australia. SEP protest in Melbourne demands release of Julian Assange in 2019. [Photo: WSWS] 9. The SEP will do everything it can to raise Assanges defence in the working class, and to fuse the fight for his freedom with the strikes and struggles that are developing. This requires a continuous explanation that the attack on Assange is directed against the social and democratic rights of the working class itself, serving as the precedent for broader frame-ups and victimisations. The defeat of this persecution and the liberation of Assange will greatly strengthen the working class internationally. 10. The SEP continues to demand that the Australian government immediately exercise its diplomatic and legal powers to secure Assanges freedom. But we explain that an Australian government will only carry this out if it is forced to do so by a mass movement from below. 11. The ruthless persecution of a journalist, for publishing true information exposing war crimes, demonstrates that capitalism is incompatible with the most fundamental democratic rights. The Assange case is a concentrated expression of the breakdown of the profit systemthe attacks on the WikiLeaks founder are bound up with imperialist war, escalating online censorship and a broader turn to authoritarianism. This underscores the urgency of a socialist movement of the working class, aimed at reorganising society from top to bottom, as the only means of securing basic civil liberties and expanding democracy to every area of social and economic life. After working without a contract since October 2018 and voting down three previous company proposals brought to them by the union, around 800 members of the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) are primed to go on strike after midnight on October 20 if the union does not work out a deal with the CSA Equipment Company beforehand. Port workers moving cargo [Photo: ILWU/Facebook] The demands being made by the membership are control over the tying up of vessels contracted to CSA, more workers assigned per unit, and retroactive payout of benefits and pensions from the company since the last contract expired. The dockworkers, members of ILA Local 1410, are in an immensely powerful position. The growing significance of the Port of Mobile within the regional and national supply chain cannot be understated, and a strike would immediately win the widespread support of dockworkers around the world, as well as workers in other critical sectors of industry such as the railroads. It is for this reason that Mobile dockworkers should prepare to strike on Friday, and send the broadest appeal to their working class brothers and sisters to join them in the process. Just under half of the ILAs 65,000 members work on ports throughout the Gulf Coast and South Atlantic along the east coast. It has members at some of the largest ports in the contiguous US, such as in Houston and southern Louisiana. Since APM Terminals launched its container operations at Mobile in 2008, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority John C. Driscoll stated last month that the Port has gone on to become the 11th largest U.S. Seaport. Over 160,000 jobs in the state are directly or indirectly connected to the Ports operations, such as Amazon and Hyundai, with Driscoll commenting, there is not a single county in Alabama that doesnt have some connection to the Port. Importing an assortment of retail products and exporting a wide variety of products such as poultry, wood pulp, lumber and factory components, the Port plays a critical role in the regional and national supply chain. Class I railroad carriers BNSF, CSX, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern, and Canadian National have terminals at the Port. Driscoll recently stated in an interview, Products can get from the Port of Mobile through Jackson, Mississippi, Memphis, Tennessee and ultimately to Chicago in three days, as well as up to Canada. Rail traffic at the port has increased by 150 percent as of this year. This demonstrates, Driscoll concluded, that the port is strategically positioned to offer service directly into the middle of the country, providing an uncongested and fluid gateway into key North American markets in less time and at less expense than other coastal ports. The volume of container handling and movement at the Port has rapidly increased since last year. Workers at the Port are on pace to surpass 500,000 TEUs (twenty-foot containers, a standard of measurement in shipping based on a single 20-foot cargo unit) moved this year, over 15 percent higher than last year. With a $104 million expansion project currently underway for APM Terminals, as well as two other major expansion projects involving Norfolk Southern and CSX, the companys goal is to reach one million TEUs moved annually by 2025. With intermodal rail and refrigerated cargo transportation at the Port up by 141 and 16 percent, respectively, since September 2021, the Port has been the fastest-growing port in the last five years, according to Driscoll. This development accounts for an uptick in the rerouting of cargo ships from the larger docks on the West Coast to the Gulf Coast. This process, however, is primarily a result of the ruling capitalist classs disastrous COVID-19 policies and their concomitant disruptions to the global supply chain. Commenting on the growing importance of the seaports along the Gulf Coast, Margaret Kidd, a professor and program director of supply chain and logistics technology at the University of Houston, said, You cant have 40 percent of all containers coming in from Asia in LA-Long Beach. This accounts for the massive expansion projects currently underway not only at the Port of Mobile (the combined aim of which is to turn the Port into the deepest of all the container terminals along the Gulf), but also in Houston, which launched a $1 billion channel-widening project this year. Underscoring the strategic importance of the Port of Mobile, Driscoll stated, Alabama is in one of the best positions geographically, politically and economically to be the answer to the countrys supply chain struggles that we have all witnessed over the past couple of years. It is for these reasons that the corporations that operate out of the Port, the federal down to the local government, and the entire AFL-CIO union apparatus are working around the clock to prevent a strike by workers in the critical sectors of industry dependent on the Port. The fact that five Class I railroads are operating at the port no doubt factors into these calculations. With their eyes nervously following the negotiations between the carriers, government and union bureaucrats to suppress the opposition among railroaders, Maggie Oliver, a spokesperson for the Port, said last month, We are hopeful that these negotiations will soon lead to a resolution with minimal disruption in service. Emphasizing the impact a national rail strike would have on the Port, and the inevitable reverberations of a strike resonating with dockworkers, Driscoll said that a rail strike would be impactful, obviously, because railwe have nine railroads that touch the port. In case of a strike, he added that products would not be able to be moved until the rails are back online. Right-wing US Senator Tommy Tuberville, one of the many federal backers of the Alabama-USA Corridor development project, stated last month that the [dock] unions need to work this out, echoing Biden and his Labor Secretary Marty Walsh that a strike on the railroads would be unfathomable. Because of the inextricable interconnections between logistics, shipping and transportation industries, and therefore the direct interdependency between strikes in these industries, the sentiments of the ruling class towards a rail strike are identical to those of a potential dockworkers strike: It must be prevented at all costs so as to protect the profits of Wall Street. These sentiments are shared by the union bureaucracy. For example, Alabama AFL-CIO Executive Board member Daryl Dewberry, formerly United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) District 20 vice president, is currently fulfilling his second term on the Alabama Port Authoritys Board of Directors. Given the UMWAs ruthless isolation and suppression of the Warrior Met strike in Brookwood, which began in April 2021 after UMWA members rejected a wage-cutting tentative agreement proffered to them by the bureaucrats by a staggering margin, 1,006 to 45 , there is no doubt that Dewberry is working hand-in-glove with the ILA to prevent any word about a potential strike escaping the Port of Mobile. The ILA, for its part, has maintained radio silence since announcing the strike deadline. Sitting on $82 million in assets, the ILA has more than enough in membership dues money to comfortably fund a powerful strike not only in Mobile, but accompanying actions by all of its members throughout North America in solidarity with Local 1410. Dockworkers must be on guard against any attempt to keep them on the job past the deadline without a contract which meets their demands. This means developing organizational structures organized by the rank and file to enforce democratic control of their struggle. The memberships rejection of the union-backed contract proposal is part of a growing wave of opposition to sellout contracts brought forward by the union bureaucracy, including in votes of machinists and maintenance workers on the railroads. At WestRocks Mahrt Mill paper mill in Cottonton, Alabama, around 500 United Steelworkers members are entering their third week of a lockout after rejecting a contract for the second time on October 1. It is to their fellow members in the ILA and ILWU, as well as to their brothers and sisters in rail, coal and auto that Port of Mobile workers must turn outwards to and link up with for the purpose of carrying out a combined struggle against the companies for better wages and safer working conditions if their struggle is not to be isolated and betrayed by the union apparatus. In an address to Australias National Press Club in Canberra yesterday, Jennifer Robinson, one of Julian Assanges lawyers, provided a powerful and unanswerable indictment of the protracted political persecution of her client. Jennifer Robinson addressing the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra, 19 October 2022. [Photo: Twitter] Robinsons speech, which was broadcast live on the state-funded Australian Broadcasting Corporation, contained a sharp warning on Assanges plight and the implications of the US attempt to prosecute him. Assange, she said, would not survive years more incarceration and persecution by process. And if he were extradited from Britain to the US and hauled before a kangaroo court for publishing true information, it would be a dagger blow to freedom of the press and democratic rights. The address was a rare breach in a wall of silence on the Assange case in Australia. His various court dates have been given cursory coverage, but there has scarcely been any television programming or substantive reporting on the persecution of an Australian citizen and journalist. Robinson noted that many were shocked at Assanges appearance when he was dragged from Ecuadors London embassy by the British police in 2019. She said that she was not, because for seven years I had seen his health decline. Similarly, some were surprised when the US unveiled an indictment of Assange, and an extradition request, as soon as he was arrested. Robinson noted, however, that this was what Assange, WikiLeaks and its defenders, including herself, had been warning of for years. For the past three and a half years Assange has been in a maximum security prison dubbed Britains Guantanamo Bay, Robinson noted, where his health had further declined. At a court hearing last October, she recalled that while prosecutors for the US extradition were deriding medical evidence of Assanges deteriorating condition, viewers of the proceeding watched him slump with his head in his hands. It was later confirmed that Assange was, at that moment or just before, suffering a minor stroke, which is often a prelude to a major stroke. Julians wife Stella anxiously waits for the phone call she dreads, Robinson said. He is suffering profoundly in prison and she does not know if he will survive it. Robinson provided a brief precis of where Assanges extradition case is up to. She explained that he had won in the first British hearings, with a District Court ruling early last year that extradition would be oppressive because of the conditions in which Assange would be held in the US prison system. He would be placed under Special Administrative Measures (SAMs), a draconian regime of complete isolation described by rights groups as the darkest corner of US penitentiaries. The Trump administration, Robinson went on, had sought to shift the goalposts. It had given assurances that Assange would not be placed under SAMs. Robinson cited Amnesty International, who described such assurances as being not worth the paper they are written on. In Assanges case, it was even worse, given the assurances contained clauses allowing him to be placed under SAMs at any point, once in the US. It would be the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that would determine whether he would be subjected to the restrictions. Robinson reviewed the revelations in a Yahoo News! investigative report last September that the CIA had, in 2017, plotted to kidnap or assassinate Assange while he was a political refugee in London. She repeated the point several times, emphasising the extraordinary and unprecedented character of the plot. Despite this, however, the High Court had accepted the American assurances. The CIA revelations were part of a litany of abuses, Robinson said, in a case where there had been very little of due process or the rule of law. This was the first time in US legal history that a journalist faces prosecution under the Espionage Act for committing acts of journalism. The US will argue that Assange, as an Australian citizen, is not entitled to any Constitutional protections. The US-UK Treaty, under which Assanges extradition was being sought, explicitly banned extradition for political offences. But the proceedings were continuing, despite the obvious political character of the case. A key witness of the US indictment, Icelandic conman Sigurdur Thordarson, had admitted last year that his testimony consisted of lies. The US had deliberately misrepresented the facts of the case. It had, moreover, through the activities of the CIA, spied on Assanges privileged communications with lawyers and seized legal documents relating to the extradition case. Robinson cited Daniel Ellsberg, the famous leaker of the Pentagon Papers, exposing the criminality of the US war in Vietnam. Ellsbergs prosecution under the Espionage Act, brought by the Nixon administration, was thrown out of court with prejudice. Ellsberg has stated that the abuses in Assanges prosecution are far greater than in his own. Assanges lawyers had filed an appeal against the High Court ruling approving extradition. The court has not yet indicated whether the appeal will be heard. If it is, Robinson noted that Assange would face more years of legal proceedings, before any prospect of his freedom. He simply will not survive that long, she warned. This meant that the case requires an urgent political solution. Robinson recalled what Assange is being prosecuted for. Referring to the acclaimed Collateral Murder video, showing a US military helicopter gunning down civilians and Reuters journalists in Baghdad, Iraq, she addressed the journalists in the room directly: Julian is being prosecuted for exposing the murder of your journalist colleagues in Iraq. WikiLeaks publications had exposed thousands of civilian murders, covered up by the US, and war crimes. Journalism like this is about subjecting the powerful to scrutiny and the powerful didnt like it, she said. WikiLeaks had shone a light on the power structures in Washington, London and Canberra, and what their actions meant in the streets and in the homes of people in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. Robinson noted that for over a decade, Australian governments, Labor and Liberal-National, had rejected appeals from Assanges lawyers that they intervene to secure his freedom as an Australian citizen and journalist. Current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had said that enough is enough and he could not see what is served by the continuing attempt to prosecute Assange. But those words, Robinson said, have to be backed up by actions. In fact, there is not the slightest indication that the Albanese government has made any demands on the US in relation to Assange. Albanese has instead deepened Australias alignment with the US military confrontations against Russia and China. During her address, Robinson had noted that Assanges prosecution would establish a precedent, where any journalist or editor anywhere in the world who published truthful information regarding the US could be extradited and face imprisonment in America. The warning was made to a room in which there was hardly a representative of the official media. David Crowe, of the Sydney Morning Herald, was the only mainstream journalist to attend the Press Club event and pose a question to Robinson. Robinson is a well-known and highly-regarded figure. She is one of Australias most successful human rights lawyers. The boycott by the press corps, including almost all of the countrys prominent journalists, was a shameful display of the state-aligned and corrupted character of the media. When the Chinese ambassador to Australia spoke at the very same Press Club last August, one journalist after another stood up to angrily ask him about purported attacks on democratic rights in China. The official Australian media claims to be intensely concerned about democratic rights in Taiwan, Ukraine and other focal points of western imperialist foreign policy. But it is indifferent to a major and unprecedented attack on press freedom with vast implications for genuine journalists, and working people, in the US, Britain, Australia and around the world. We are a democracy in recovery. The Center for Politics at the University of Virginia hosted a panel to assess the damage that Donald Trumps Big Lie of a stolen election has done to the integrity of future elections in the United States. The hour-long conversation was led by UVa alumni and Center for Politics Scholar Christopher Krebs. In 2020, Krebs served as the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security working to secure the presidential election. The Trump administration fired Krebs after the agency released a report calling the election the most secure in American history. On Tuesday, Krebs pondered the future of American democracy alongside former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, Stanford Research Manager Renee DiResta and UVa media studies professor Siva Vaidhyanathan. For the first time in my life Im a single-issue voter, Comstock said. Ive never been a single-issue voter. I was a conservative Republican but now my issue is democracy. The Big Lie, as it has been dubbed, began shortly after former president Donald Trump lost the 2020 election to President Joe Biden. Trump used social media to mobilize a disinformation campaign that rejected the results of the election. Shortly after Nov. 8, 2020, the Trump campaign, state and national Republican parties, several Republican candidates for state and local offices and voters contested about a dozen elections in Michigan, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in state courts. Michigan audits lasted through the February after Bidens inauguration. The campaign came to a head on Jan. 6, 2021 when insurrectionists attacked the Capitol building to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden as the next president. Politicizing Election Workers Conspiracies crafted by Trump and supporters led to death threats and trauma for poll workers in Fulton County, Georgia after the 2020 election, the speakers noted. Most people who come with the conspiracy theories and talk to you about them have usually not worked the polls, Comstock said. I have been on some of these crazy email chains of people who are national names on election night 2020 saying Look! Theyre stealing the election. These were people who just didnt understand anything about politics. Before the 2020 election, working the polls was considered an honorable and unbiased position. Now, poll workers who fight for fair voting tactics are labeled participants in election fraud, DiResta says. As a part of this years nationwide Election Day program, assistant United States attorneys in the Abingdon, Roanoke and Charlottesville divisions have been appointed to serve as District Election Officers for the Western District of Virginia, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. The officers will oversee the handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff and election fraud in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.. Social Media Influence Krebs said the 2020 stolen election lie was part of an effort started by Russian operatives in 2016 to interfere with that election. He said the effort had three components. First was attempts to get into restricted databases and other systems related to administering elections. The second was targeting and hacking into political campaigns. And the third is more pernicious; drawn out disinformation, Krebs said. Its the first time that the internet could be used to destabilize democracy, to really get in our institutions of power here in the U.S.. Since 2016, social media platforms like Twitter have done sweeps to remove fake users that were employed by Russian intelligence agencies. Social platforms remain a crucial tool in determining how issues and narratives are taking shape in different areas and communities around the country, DiResta said. DiResta emphasized the importance of social media comprehension that reaches beyond media literacy to identify the tools used in propaganda crusades and persuasive rhetoric. We study city elections now and COVID vaccines last year, DiResta said. The claims are ... emotionally relevant, they challenge your real fears and they challenge your real concerns. There is a process of being on the internet, that begs us to think about what persuasive communication looks like, who has the influence and how it works. Lost Faith in Democracy When asked to predict how the current culture of elections in this country may get worse, panelists voiced several concerns but agree one loss has been driving Americas social and political decline. Were now in a situation, in this country of all countries, where we dont have a romance of democracy. We dont have something that moves us to believe equally in the power of each other, in the shared future that we all have, said Vaidhyanathan. Vaidhyanathan told the audience that silencing bigotry, fascism and fear and amplifying the voices of those who believe in upholding democratic practices is the solution for falling back in love with Americas democracy. Instead, the major sounds coming from the United States are about fearing each other, fearing our neighbors, fearing religious minorities, sexual binaries, gender minorities, he said. There is no embrace of the strength of us, yet. Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. Two Corvallis nurses have been disciplined by the Oregon State Board of Nursing in October. The board issued a fine against Karen Keunekes registered nursing license for practicing nursing without a current Oregon license. The board first issued her license in September 1982. According to disciplinary documents, Keunekes license expired May 2, but she continued to practice nursing at a Corvallis senior living home. On Aug. 2, Keuneke discovered her license had expired, and she handed over her nursing duties to another registered nurse and stopped working, disciplinary documents said. Keuneke reported herself to the board. She practiced nursing without a valid license a total of 59 days between May and August. As a result, the board imposed a civil penalty of $1,445. Keuneke wasnt the only Corvallis nurse in trouble with the board. The board suspended the registered nurse license of David Norton for failing to cooperate with the board during an investigation. The board first issued Nortons license in March 2003. Disciplinary documents said on or around July 26, someone reported Norton to the board for allegedly slapping and flicking the hands of a resident. The board subsequently opened an investigation into the matter. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times. On Aug. 17, the board mailed a letter to Norton requesting an interview to discuss the allegations and asking Norton to send a written statement about the allegations as well as current work history. According to the disciplinary documents, Norton failed to follow the boards orders. On Sept. 1, the board sent another letter to Norton saying he must contact the board within five business days to schedule an interview to discuss the allegations. Norton did not do so. A few weeks later on Sept. 23, the board mailed a notice of proposed suspension to Norton and granted him 20 days to request a hearing. Norton did not request a hearing within the 20 days, thus resulting in the suspension of his license. His license is suspended for at least two weeks and will continue to be suspended until he cooperates with the boards investigation, according to the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Amazon is expanding its efforts to shut down fake review brokers with a new round of legal actions. On Thursday, the internet giant said it had filed its first criminal complaint in Europe, which targets a high-profile broker in Italy selling fake reviews. According to Amazon, the defendant claims to have built a network of individuals who are willing to buy products on Amazon and post 5-star reviews in exchange for a full refund. More from Footwear News The retailer said in a statement that its decision to seek criminal proceedings in this case signals the companys determination to stop bad actors who profit by misleading customers and selling partners. Individuals convicted of this type of crime in Italy may be subject to imprisonment and fines, Amazon added. In Spain, the retailer also filed its first civil complaint in the country against alleged fake review broker Agencia Reviews. The Spanish-based operator targets sellers and customers of http://www.amazon.es and communicates via the instant messaging service Telegram to evade detection, Amazon said. According to the retailers investigations, the suspected fraudster fully reimburses customers once they publish a fake 5-star review. Holding bad actors accountable through litigation and criminal referrals is one of many important ways that we protect customers so they can shop with confidence, Dharmesh Mehta, Amazons VP of selling partner services, said in a statement. In addition to continuing to advance our robust detection and prevention of fake reviews in our store, Amazon will remain relentless in identifying and enforcing against bad actors that attempt to engage in review abuse. There is no place for fake reviews on Amazon or anywhere else in the industry. Story continues In addition to these new lawsuits in Europe, Amazon said that it has added to its growing cases in the U.S. by filing 10 more lawsuits against fake review brokers and other bad actors attempting to game Amazons ratings systems. Amazon also sent warning letters to five websites based in Germany that were allegedly directing visitors to a fake review broker. All five websites have since agreed to stop this activity by signing a cease and desist letter, Amazon said. Amazon will continue to devote significant resources to fighting fake reviews and ensuring customers have a trustworthy shopping experience, added Mehta. We continue to improve our proactive controls, invent new technologies and machine learning to detect bad actors, and find new ways to hold them accountable. This new round of legal action is the latest in Amazons quest to take down fake reviews from its site. In July, the retailer filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court in Seattle accusing administrators of more than 10,000 Facebook groups of attempting to orchestrate fake reviews on Amazon in exchange for money or free products. According to Amazon, these groups are set up to recruit individuals willing to post incentivized and misleading reviews on Amazons stores in the U.S., the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan. In an emailed statement to FN at the time, a Meta spokesperson said: Groups that solicit or encourage fake reviews violate our policies and are removed. We are working with Amazon on this matter and will continue to partner across the industry to address spam and fake reviews. Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. County school boards and charter schools will have to follow new requirements for notifying parents about policies involving access to bathrooms and locker rooms, under a rule approved unanimously Wednesday by the State Board of Education. During an at-times heated meeting, the state board also signed off on a separate rule that could lead to teachers losing their licenses for violating two controversial new laws. The rule related to school bathrooms and locker rooms calls for policies to be consistent with a state law known as the Parents Bill of Rights. That measure, passed in 2021, was aimed at putting into law guidelines for what families are entitled to know about their children's education and health care. The Florida Department of Education first proposed the rule in August, shortly after what turned out to be unfounded claims were circulated that a transgender student sexually assaulted a girl in a bathroom at Johnson Middle School in Melbourne. The reports, which were immediately refuted by Brevard Public Schools, were brought to the attention of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. in an Aug. 11 letter from Brevard County State Rep. Randy Fine (RPalm Bay), who helped co-author the law. Fine claimed credit for the rule change Thursday. "I'm the one who informed them about it, and obviously they decided to move forward with a rule to make sure parents know this is happening," Fine said. While Melbourne police could find no evidence of the alleged Johnson Middle School assault, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office declined to file charges in another reported incident in which a girl claimed she was groped by a transgender student at Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School. Fine has claimed that the revelation of the Space Coast incident following the school district's emphatic denial of the alleged incident at Johnson amounted to "gaslighting" by school leaders. The roughly 40 people who signed up to speak about the rule at the state Board meeting Wednesday were sharply divided, with some characterizing it as a way to provide transparency and others describing it as being potentially harmful to LGBTQ students. Story continues No one felt safe: Florida schools, students feel effects of so-called Don't Say Gay law Poll: Most Floridians support abortion rights, mixed views on 'Don't Say Gay' law Parental Rights in Education bill: Gov. DeSantis calls out Leon County as he signs what opponents call 'Don't Say Gay' bill For example, the rule will require local education officials to follow certain steps to inform parents about district policies. If a school board or charter-school governing board has a policy or procedure that allows for separation of bathrooms or locker rooms according to some criteria other than biological sex at birth, the policy or procedure must be posted on the districts website or charter schools website and must be sent by mail to student residences to fully inform parents, part of the rule said. The rule will require that districts notify parents which bathrooms and locker rooms are not separated by biological sex at birth. "I think it's great and I think we need to take it to the next level," Fine said Thursday. "Which says, young boys have to go to the boys' restroom, and girls have to go to the girls' restroom. I'm optimistic that, should we see a change in control from a 'woke' School Board to a parent-focused School Board in November, we'll see that happen in Brevard County." The new rule puts Brevard Public Schools, like many Florida school districts, in the middle of a growing battle between the state and the federal government. Nikole Parker, director of transgender equality with the LGBTQ-advocacy group Equality Florida, pointed to recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education aimed at preventing discrimination against students based on such things as gender identity. This proposed rule is designed to intimidate school districts from following federal guidance, making schools less safe and adding fuel to a politically motivated crusade against LGBTQ youth and their families, Parker said. The federal guidance drew objections this summer from Diaz, who warned schools against making certain accommodations for transgender students, specifically citing bathroom and locker room policies. The rule also will require districts and charter schools to inform parents about methods of supervision in locker rooms, including how the methods would ensure the safety and privacy of students. Jessica Tillman, chairwoman of the Seminole County chapter of the conservative group Moms For Liberty, supported the rule. Not just girls, not just boys, all students need to feel safe in the bathrooms and in their locker rooms. We need to let parents know how they are being monitored, Tillman said. Tom Grady, chairman of the State Board of Education, described the rule as being centered on letting parents know whats going on in schools. Its parental notification. Its not mandating what a particular bathroom looks like or doesnt look like or who can use it. Its about parental notification, Grady said. In a statement Thursday, a spokesman from Brevard Public Schools said the school district was aware of the rule change. "As per normal business practices, when they hand down rules, our School Board and superintendent will adjust policies and procedures accordingly to make sure we are in line with the state DOE," said Russell Bruhn, chief strategic communications officer for BPS. Penalties for violating DeSantis' 'Stop WOKE Act' approved The other rule approved Wednesday will carry out parts of two controversial laws signed by DeSantis this spring. The laws restrict how concepts about sexual orientation, gender identity and certain race-related issues can be taught in schools. The laws (HB 7 and HB 1557) drew heavy opposition from Democrats and have spurred a series of federal lawsuits. Opponents of the law about instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity disparagingly labeled it the dont say gay bill. Republican lawmakers formally titled the bill, Parental Rights in Education. The rule updates a state code of conduct to make clear that teachers could have their educators licenses suspended or revoked if they provide instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through third grade. Stop WOKE Act: Critics say DeSantis plan weaponizes state workers' pension fund in an anti-woke crusade 'It's intended to chill speech': DeSantis Stop WOKE Act faces court test as universities become targets. At issue: free speech What is wokeness? How the meaning of woke evolved: What does it mean to be 'woke,' and why does Florida Governor Ron DeSantis want to stop it? Rin Alajaji, a public-policy associate with Equality Florida, objected to that part of the rule. Teachers shouldnt be punished or silenced for acknowledging and valuing every family, Alajaji said. This board is putting careers of educators in jeopardy and intensifying the harmful and chilling effects that the dont-say-LGBTQ law has already had in providing safe, inclusive and welcoming schools. The rule also will carry out a measure that DeSantis dubbed the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act, or Stop WOKE Act. The measure takes aim at a variety of race-related concepts that, if taught in classrooms, would constitute discrimination. For instance, the law would deem instruction discriminatory if it compels students to believe that they must feel guilt, anguish, or other forms of psychological distress because of actions, in which the person played no part, committed in the past by members of the same race or sex. Tiffany Justice, a former Indian River County school-board member and co-founder of Moms for Liberty, argued that the rule is designed to prevent activist teachers from breaking the law. For heaven's sake, were talking about teachers who are breaking the law. Yes, they should lose their license, commissioner. They should not be allowed to teach in schools, Justice said. News Service Assignment Manager Tom Urban and FLORIDA TODAY watchdog reporter Eric Rogers contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Board of Education enacts rules on gender, race in classroom dick van dyke Coleman-Rayner Dick Van Dyke is in the giving mood. Last Thursday morning, the 96-year-old Hollywood legend was seen visiting the Malibu Community Labor Exchange in Malibu, California. The Marry Poppins star handed out cash to those seeking work and met with homeless people at the non-profit organization, according to multiple outlets. Van Dyke, dressed in a long-sleeved white polo shirt, gray sweatpants, black slip-on shoes and a matching black handbag, mingled with employees and job seekers at the employment center during the visit. "Whenever I have some fives I come by," Van Dyke told a photographer with The Daily Mail as he returned to his car. "You can't do it all the time, though." "Just call him an angel from God," an employee at the center said as Van Dyke drove off, praising the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star for his charitable efforts at the center, which is a "community-created not for profit organization that provides an organized and supportive place for the people of Malibu to hire and be hired," according to its website. RELATED: Hi, Bert! Dick Van Dyke Wears Mary Poppins Sweatshirt While Out with Wife Arlene Silver Van Dyke is a fan of Malibu's labor exchange organization and was first photographed visiting the labor center in May 2021, according to The Daily Mail. The New York Post reported that Van Dyke "frequently" visits the center to assist those in the Malibu community seeking day-of employment. dick van dyke Coleman-Rayner In May, Van Dyke was seen out and about with his wife Arlene Silver in Malibu, giving a shout-out to his classic movie Mary Poppins with his ensemble. During the outing, Van Dyke sported a gray sweatshirt that read "Just a Spoonful of Sugar," referencing the song from the 1964 musical film, in which he starred alongside Julie Andrews. 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. The actor was first spotted going to the gym before heading to a restaurant for lunch with wife of 10 years Silver, 50. Story continues Fifty-four years after the premiere of the first film, Van Dyke returned to the world of Mary Poppins with a cameo in 2018's Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda. RELATED: Dick Van Dyke, 96, Sings and Dances with His Wife Arlene Silver in Romantic Music Video The actor made his triumphant return to the story disguised as Mr. Dawes Jr., the son of the banker he played in the first film (alongside the iconic Bert, of course), in the sequel. The actor had used prosthetics in the first film to age himself, but he didn't need any help this time around. Miranda, 42, and Blunt, 39, were amazed to meet Van Dyke, opening up about the special moment for a 20/20 special all about the making of Mary Poppins Returns. "You spend 5 minutes with Dick Van Dyke and you are more alive than you were before," said Miranda, while Blunt added with a laugh, "You feel like you're not doing enough in your life." Universal Orlando Resort Globe Theme parks around the world are still struggling following the global pandemic closure of parks, but to be sure, things are steadily progressing forward. New attendance numbers for theme parks in 2021 were recently released and while they are good news for everybody, things are looking especially good for Universal Orlando Resort, as its two theme parks apparently out-drew three of the four parks at Walt Disney World, though Magic Kingdom was still the champ. According to the 2021 TEA/AECOM Theme Index report, Magic Kingdom was the most popular theme park in the world, as it has been for decades. In 2021 the park drew more than 12 million guests, well more than the number two park. But that's where things get interesting, because the number two park based on straight attendance wasnt another Disney World park, or Disneyland which, to be fair, was still closed for the first four months of 2021, it was Universals Islands of Adventure, with more than 9 million visitors. The two parks of Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Florida and Universals Islands of Adventure, both drew about 9 million visitors, with Islands of Adventure pulling slightly more, likely due to last years opening of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster. This puts both of the parks on top of the other three Disney World parks. Epcot and Disneys Animal Kingdom both did around 7 million guests, while Disneys Hollywood Studios, likely thanks to Star Wars: Galaxys Edge, did a bit better at 8.5 million. This is actually pretty huge for Universal Orlando as the two parks only did about 10 million visitors each in 2019, so both of them are much closer to pre-pandemic numbers than Disney World. But back when those parks were doing 10 million guests, the non-Magic Kingdom parks were doing 11-13 million so Universal is making huge strides not simply on its owned, but compared to the competition. With Universal getting ready to open Epic Universe in the summer of 2025, things may only go up from here. 2021 was still very much a pandemic year, so its impossible to draw too many conclusions based on these numbers, but they are certainly worth keeping an eye on to see if this pattern continues. It could simply be that due to the opening of the Velocicoaster, people returned faster to the Universal Orlando parks than they did to Walt Disney World, which only saw its first big new attraction post-pandemic, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, open earlier this year. With Guardians opening this year and Tron: Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom confirmed to be opening next spring, we might see Disney Worlds attendance make a bigger jump this year and next year, and Universal might plateau. But its also possible that Universal could continue to grow. That doesnt mean that Universal will necessarily take guests away from Disney World, many vacationers are going to likely visit all the area parks. In the end this could be an indication that the entire industry is moving toward a boom period. Black Adam is here and, at least according to actor Dwayne Johnson, hes ready to upend the hierarchy of the DC Universe. A spin-off of sorts from DCs earlier Shazam! (yes, seriously), Black Adam follows Johnsons Teth-Adam, a demigod that had been imprisoned for 5,000 years and has now been unleashed in the turbulent, fictionalized North African nation of Kahndaq (instead of Egypt). Kahndaq is a nation overruled by a mass of warlords known as intergang, meaning that Teth-Adam has a lot of cleaning up to do. (And this is before one of the intergang warlords zeroes in on a mystical crown that can turn him into the literal devil.) Teth-Adam learns to be a little more human thanks to his interactions with some local freedom fighters and comes to an understanding with the Justice Society (led by Aldis Hodges Hawkman), standing in for the larger DC Universe. But we all know that these days superhero movies dont end during the credits heck, superhero shows dont even end with the credits. Does Black Adam follow suit or, true to his word, does he buck convention at every turn? Read on to find out! (And dont worry, this will be spoiler-free!) Does Black Adam have an end credits scene? Yes, it does! Is it a mid-credits scene or a post-credits scene? Its actually mid-credits, after the thoughtful main-on-end credits sequence that also allows you to really bask in Lorne Balfes wonderful Black Adam theme. So I dont have to wait until the very end? Nope. But I do have time to run to the bathroom and run back? Yes, you do. But youll be missing a pretty cool title sequence and, again, that killer Black Adam theme from composer Lorne Balfe. Also Read: Black Adam': Inside the Decade-Long Journey to Bring Dwayne Johnsons DC Anti-Hero to the Big Screen Is it even worth sitting through some of the credits? Yes, this scene, while already ruined by Johnson himself in multiple interviews, is very much worth waiting for it features a pair of familiar faces from the DC Universe. Thats all we can say, really (if you dont already know). Story continues What about Black Adams dog? That credits scene from DC League of Super-Pets really left an impression. Sadly, Black Adams dog, Anubis, a jet-black basenji who quarrels with Supermans best friend Krypto (both of them voiced by Johnson), doesnt make an appearance. But well still probably think about him 10 more times today. Does the credits scene point to something larger or is it more of a goofy tag, like the Avengers eating shawarma? This one definitely has major implications for the DC Universe. Will the hierarchy actually get discombobulated? Youll have to wait and see. Black Adam is in theaters now. Also Read: Black Adam Was Recut to Avoid an R Rating: The Movie Was Just Really Violent Public school districts in the mid-Willamette Valley appear to be tracking with statewide averages in a number of educational trends. The Oregon Department of Education released on Thursday, Oct. 20 the 2021-22 At-A-Glance School and District Profiles, which provide information about student and teacher demographics, readiness and success. Mid-Valley Media received an early copy. Schools returned to in-person instruction last year, which means the data in these profiles can be compared to pre-pandemic years, according to the DOE. The pandemic still affected some data, however, especially with low regular attendance numbers caused by the delta and omicron surges. The 2021-22 school year marked the return to in-person instruction for all students across the state, but the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic still presented challenges that required strength, resiliency and resolve from all of Oregons students, families and educators, ODE Director Colt Gill said in a statement. Our communities and districts can use the information in this years profiles to provide every student with the support they need to graduate. Statewide findings Hiring of school district employees rebounded statewide, although many local school districts have said they still have not returned to pre-pandemic staffing levels. The number of counselors grew by 20% since the 2018-19 school year, and the number of educational assistants statewide rebounded from last year as well. For the first time ever, the profiles feature data on students in foster care. College-bound rates dropped from 61.8% from the class of 2018 to 56.4% for the class of 2020, which is similar to nationwide trends between those same years. The rate of ninth-grade students on track to graduate meaning they earn at least one-quarter of their credits by the end of their freshman year rose more than 9 percentage points from 2020-21, although the rate is still 2 points below the pre-pandemic 2018-19 school year level. In Oregon, 83% of ninth-grade students were on track to graduate, 81% of the class of 2021 graduated on time and 65% of K-2 students were regular attenders, meaning they attended more than 90% of the days they were enrolled. The graduation and completion rates for the class of 2022 will be released in January. Heres how Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, Philomath and Sweet Home fared in 2021-22. Local districts The Corvallis School District had higher percentages than the state averages, with 90% of students on track to graduate in ninth grade and 88% of students graduating on time. More than 70% of K-2 students regularly attended school. In Greater Albany Public Schools, the numbers were slightly below the state average, with 74% of ninth-graders on track to graduate, and 80% graduating on time. Regular K-2 attenders ended up around 61%. In Lebanon, K-2 regular attenders were slightly above the state average at 66%, although the numbers for on-track to graduation and graduating on-time students were slightly lower, at 82% and 77%, respectively. The Philomath School District saw great success in attendance, readiness and completion rates, with 76% regular K-2 attenders, 91% of ninth-graders on track to graduate and 90% of students graduating on time. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times. Sweet Home School District also saw higher-than-average numbers, with 68% regular K-2 attenders, 85% of ninth-graders on track to graduate and 82% of students who graduated on time. The profiles also include data on teacher retention and experience level, counselors, demographics, student proficiency in various grades and subjects and more. They can be viewed at https://www.ode.state.or.us/data/reportcard/reports.aspx. Saad Ibrahim Almadi was photographed in a restaurant August 2021, about three months before he traveled to Saudi Arabia and was detained over tweets critical of the Saudi government. The 72-year-old U.S./Saudi dual citizen was sentenced this month to 16 years in a Saudi prison. (Ibrahim Almadi via AP) The imprisonment in Saudi Arabia of a one-time Jacksonville resident who criticized the Saudi government over Twitter is drawing denunciations from government officials and free-speech activists. Exercising the freedom of expression should never be criminalized, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told reporters when asked this week about the fate of Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a 72-year-old dual citizen of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Almadi, who records say lived in an apartment complex near Tinseltown when he registered to vote just before Jacksonvilles 2019 elections, was sentenced this month to 16 years behind bars for charges tied to 14 tweets his son described as mild. The sentence, spotlighted this week by a Washington Post columnist, quickly drew ridicule in the social media universe where Almadi had shared his thoughts while living in the United States. Almadis case demonstrates how severe punishments for #FreeExpression extend to speech beyond Saudi borders, tweeted the writers group PEN America, recounting examples of other Saudis sentenced to even longer terms based on their comments. These cases are an extension of Saudi Arabias human rights abuses, jailing social media users in the country for tweets," the advocacy group told followers. " International governments must resolutely press the Saudi government to respect #FreeExpression. In this photo provided by Ibrahim Almadi, Saad Ibrahim Almadi sits in a restaurant in an unidentified place in the United States in August 2021. Almadi, 72, who is a citizen of both Saudi Arabia and the U.S., was arrested in Saudi Arabia last November and was recently sentenced to 16 years in prison over tweets critical of the Saudi government. (Ibrahim Almadi via AP) The Saudi embassy in Washington didnt respond Thursday to a message seeking comment about sentencing of Almadi, who was arrested while he was visiting family in Saudi Arabia last year. The Post reported that Almadi was charged with harboring a terrorist ideology, trying to destabilize the kingdom, and supporting and funding terrorism. The Post said he was also charged with failing to report terrorism as a result of tweets by his son on another account. The State Department began raising the issue of his detention in December and is weighing whether new steps are needed, agency spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters. Story continues One option before the agency is listing the retiree as wrongfully detained, a choice that could draw in a presidential envoy who is also in charge of trying to free overseas hostages and can pull more levers to help a captive than rank-and-file consular diplomats. There are a number of strict criteria that are involved in that choice, Patel said, but added that its not an automatic decision. Almadis son, Ibrahim, has been pushing to have his fathers case labeled wrongful and told the Associated Press this week he didnt have confidence in the low-visibility approach the State Department first recommended. They manipulated me. They told me to stay quiet so they can get him out, Ibrahim Almadi told the AP. I am not willing to take a gamble on the Department of State anymore. Ibrahim Almadi told AP that Saudi authorities warned his family to stay quiet about the case and to not involve the U.S. government, and Patel said consul staff who first reached out to Almadi were initially told he didn't want them involved. Ibrahim Almadi said his father was tortured after the family contacted the State Department in March. A spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said Thursday that his office "is closely monitoring Mr. Almadis case. We remain in touch with the State Department and continue to advocate for his release." This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Saudi prison term for ex-Jacksonville man alarms free-speech backers Its a good news/bad news scenario for ARMY. On the one hand, the members of BTS will definitely have to complete their mandatory military service. However, according to the Korea Times, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook will be free to participate in national events for the public good the South Korean defense ministry reportedly said on Tuesday (Oct. 17). Related Jin Jin Unveils Details for Solo Single 'The Astronaut' Ahead of Military Service 10/19/2022 10/19/2022 Our position is that we will provide an opportunity if they wish to participate when there is a national-level event for the public good or an event designed in light of the national interest, Col. Moon Hong-sik, the ministrys acting spokesperson said during a press briefing after BTS label Big Hit Music announced that all seven members plan to complete their full service obligations. At press time the the defense ministry had not specified what kind of national event would be covered under the exemption, though the Times reported earlier this month that defense minister Lee Jong-sup said that BTS members could potentially join overseas performances during their hitch; a spokesperson for BTS had not returned a request for additional comment. More from Billboard First up is eldest member, Jin, 29, who on Tuesday announced an Oct. 28 release date for his new solo single, The Astronaut. Jin will initiate the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release is concluded at the end of October, the label said in a statement. He will then follow the enlistment procedure of the Korean government. Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans. (As such, BTS wont be expected to reconvene with all seven members until around 2025.) Story continues All able-bodied male South Korean citizens must serve in the armed forces for at least 18 months, though the length of service may vary. Draft begins in the year they turn 18 but the men may postpone it until age 28. In December 2020, the South Korean National Assembly passed the so-called BTS law to allow K-pop entertainers to postpone the service until the age of 30, with a recommendation from the culture minister. Jin is turning 30 in December and is the oldest member. Jungkook, the youngest, is 25 years old. The mandatory military service for the band as well as Korean male pop stars in general has divided the country in recent years, as K-pops popularity has grown worldwide. While many, including some lawmakers, say the musicians contribution to the countrys global recognition should qualify them for an exemption, others, including some in the defense ministry, have opposed the move. Click here to read the full article. Several guns were recovered and three people were detained when authorities investigated a suspicious vehicle near the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police said Wednesday. The three told officers they were there to deliver documents to the Supreme Court, Capitol Police said. Tony H. Payne, 80, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, was later arrested on weapons charges, Capitol police said, and his adult grandson was turned over to D.C. Disability Services. A woman who was with them was detained and released. Payne is facing three charges: unregistered firearm, unregistered ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license, Capitol police said. According to Capitol police, officers noticed a white van was illegally parked and a police dog alerted the officers, prompting a search. One of the men told officers he had guns, which are still banned on Capitol grounds. Officers found two handguns and a shotgun in the vehicle, Capitol Police said, along with a pipe and containers. A hazmat team was also called in to search the van. At the scene of where three people were detained following an investigation into a suspicious vehicle near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Oct. 19, 2022. / Credit: CBS News The nearby Supreme Court was not open on Tuesday, but the area has been under heightened security. An eight-foot fence that had been erected after several justices received threats this spring was recently removed from around the court. Several roads in the area were closed during the investigation. Police said Wednesday evening that they would begin reopening the streets. A 1967 law bans guns from being brought onto Capitol grounds, although members of Congress are given an exception to carry them to and from their offices. Firearms are banned from the House and Senate floors and other select rooms, such as the cloak rooms or lobby adjacent. Gillian Morley, Michael Kaplan, Scott MacFarlane and Jan Crawford contributed to this report. U.K. PM Liz Truss contends with soaring inflation, rising food prices Fauci says new COVID-19 variants "are of concern" Iranian rock climber who competed without hijab returns to Tehran ROCKFORD Just months away from observing her 100th birthday, Melida Giraldo has another more immediate milestone to celebrate. The Rockford resident and native of Colombia is now a United States citizen. Its a blessing from God, and I am very happy, Giraldo said in Spanish. I give thanks to everyone. Im a citizen now, and Im excited. Giraldo spent most of her life in Colombia before relocating to Rockford in 2010 to live with her daughter, Gloria. She was one of 304 people who took part in a naturalization ceremony to become new U.S. citizens on Wednesday at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Imran Saeed also took part in the ceremony. Saeed is a native of Pakistan who moved to Chicago in 2018 before relocating with his wife and two children to McHenry County where he purchased a home. It was my first dream to buy a house within two years of living in America, Saeed, 37, said. If you work hard, you can achieve all of your goals. Anna Tsigler also became a U.S. citizen on Wednesday. Tsigler, 32, left her native Ukraine for Israel in 2014 where she met her husband, Steven. The couple and their two children have since settled in Loves Park. Im starting my second life, and Im safe and happy, Tsigler said. I do love my native country, but its an amazing life here, and I appreciate the opportunities for the people. More:Award-winning playwright Nathan Alan Davis writes his own script from Rockford and beyond Moses Auguste of Rockford came to the U.S. as a child from his native Haiti. Growing up in Haiti has never been easy, Auguste said. Haiti is not the safest place to be sometimes. It was not the best place for me to achieve the dream I wanted, so the United States was the best option. Wednesdays event was the largest naturalization ceremony in the history of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Western Division, which encompasses 10 counties including Winnebago, Boone and Stephenson. The ceremony featured the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner and a recitation of the U.S. Oath of Allegiance the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. Story continues Many of us Americans got our status the easy way by simply being born here, but you people have worked hard, U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said while addressing the new citizens. Youve made a choice and its a choice that may not have been easy. One of our Presidents said, The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire. Thats you. Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Naturalization ceremony welcomes more than 300 new US citizens MTG-texts-leak MTG-texts-leak.jpg - Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Marjorie Taylor Greene was privately pressuring former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler to get on board with the effort to overturn the 2020 election, text messages obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reveal. The leaked trove of texts show that before losing to current Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock in a Jan. 5, 2021 runoff, Loeffler was repeatedly pressured by Republicans to join Trumps efforts to manipulate the certification of Electoral College votes that would finalize President Joe Bidens election. More from Rolling Stone One of those Republicans was Greene. Hey! I need to talk with you about a plan we are developing on how to vote on the electoral college votes on Jan 6th, she texted Loeffler on Dec. 2. I need a Senator! And I think this is a major help for you to win on the 5th!! A few weeks later, Greene invited Loeffler to a Jan. 6 planning meeting with President Trump, members of Congress, and the presidents legal team at the White House. Loeffler declined the invitation but indicated that everything is on table with regard to Jan. 6. Rolling Stone reported last fall that Greene was one of several right-wing House representatives who were involved, or whose staff was involved, in organizing the rally that preceded the riot at the Capitol. Loefflers leaked texts appear to contradict testimony Greene gave earlier this year in a case seeking to disqualify her from office for engaging in insurrection or rebellion. When asked if it was fair to say that her opinion was that Congress should not certify Bidens win, she replied thats not accurate. Question: Is it fair to say that from election night until January 6th, your personal opinion and your wish was that Congress not certify Joe Biden? Greene: No thats not accurate pic.twitter.com/9aKJqZkodl Acyn (@Acyn) April 22, 2022 Sen. Ted Cruz is also featured in the texts, one of which shows he personally reached out to Loeffler asking her to sign onto a statement, which Loeffler declined, committing to objecting to the election and calling for an audit. Loefflers texts also indicate that on Jan. 6 Cruz was trying to hold the line amongst Republican objectors amids the violence unfolding in the Capitol. Story continues Loeffler didnt sign the statement, but she ultimately more or less got on board with the effort to overturn the election. The leaked texts also show her begging aides to make sure Trump [retweeted] her statement endorsing the GOPs objection to the certification vote so she wouldnt get booed off the stage, at a Georgia rally. The text came after Trump threatened to pull his endorsement of Loeffler against Warnock in the final days before the runoff election. Loefflers attempts to convert Trumps election conspiracies in Georgia into a victory for herself were met with resistance from Georgia officials. In one of the most memorable moments of the aftermath of the 2020 election, Gabriel Sterling, the voting system implementation manager for the state of Georgia, railed against fellow Republican state officials, including Loeffler, who refused to condemn threats of violence and intimidation against Georgia election officials. In one text exchange, the wife of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, whose resignation Loeffler had called for, wrote to Loeffler that she held her personally responsible for anything that happens to any of my family, from my husband, children and grandchildren. Tricia Raffensperger told Loeffler she and her family had been besieged by people threatening our lives because you didnt have the decency or good manners to come and talk to my husband with any questions you may have had. You do not deserve to be in elected office, Raffensperger said. Loeffler would ultimately reverse course on her opposition to Bidens Electoral College certification, but only when a mob of violent Trump supporters broke into the Capitol complex and advisers appealed to her fear of permanent reputational harm. Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Kanye West and Candace Owens Kanye West has been in the midst of divorce proceedings with ex-wife Kim Kardahian but, this week, he became embroiled in an even more serious lawsuit. The rapper has been hit with a $250 million lawsuit by the family of George Floyd, who died in 2020 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nine-and-a-half minutes. During a podcast appearance, West made false statements about Floyds death, and the late security guards family has opted to sue the star for defamation and more. And per reports, it looks like political pundit Candace Owens and more could be roped into the suit as well. The lawsuit was filed by Roxie Washington on behalf of her and George Floyds daughter, Gianna, whos also the late Floyds only child. In a statement , Washingtons lawyers confirmed that shes suing Kanye West and his business partners for defamation, harassment, misappropriation and infliction of emotional distress. Now, according to TMZ , the legal team is considering a number of possible defendants in the case. Aside from the aforementioned Candace Owens, the Drink Champs podcast (on which West made the statements) and the shows home, Revolt TV, could also face legal action. The fashion mogul drew the ire of the Floyd family and many commentators after his appearance on last weeks episode of the podcast. When discussing Floyds death, he claimed that convicted former police officer Derek Chauvins wasn't even on his neck like that. He also opined that fentanyl was the true cause of Floyds death. During the chat, the Jesus Walks performer further asserted that his sentiments were backed up by Candace Owens new documentary, The Greatest Lie Ever Sold. ( Ye appeared at the movies premiere and took photos with Owens, who also took part in his White Lives Matter shirt controversy .) The film has proven to be controversial, with many calling its account of events inaccurate. This is reportedly why Roxie Washington could be eyeing Owens in the suit. Revolt TV, for its part, has since removed the interview from the web, though clips are still making the rounds on social media. N.O.R.E., the co-host of Drink Champs addressed the situation while speaking with The Breakfast Club . The media personality has been criticized for not pushing back against the rappers statements and, with that, he shared his take on things will issuing an apology: I just want to be honest, I support freedom of speech. I support anybody not being censored. But I do not support anybody being hurt. I did not realize that the George Floyd statements [Ye made] on my show were so hurtful. But I apologize to the George Floyd family, I apologize to anybody that was hurt by Kanye Wests comments. This is only one of several controversies that Kanye West has been involved in as of late. Earlier this month, West sparked some fashion show-related drama after he criticized Vogue editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. Stars like Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber eventually got involved , as they spoke out in support of the journalist. West later claimed to have spoken to Karefa-Johnson and smoothed things out. As of this writing, Ye has yet to publicly respond to the Floyd familys lawsuit. And barring any kind of unexpected development, it seems that Roxie Washington will proceed as she intends. It remains to be seen whether she also decides to include Candace Owens, Revolt TV and others. An unassuming seaside town in Portugal is in the midst of a major glow-up, and a new wave of deep-pocketed surfers could be why. Located on the west coast of the country, Ericeira offers five miles of prime shoreline with outstanding beaches that have long attracted surfers. After it was named a World Surfing Reserve by Save the Waves in 2011, the fishing village slowly but surely grew more popular among travelers. New surf schools and yoga studios began popping up. Ericeira even started hosting surf competitions on the pro circuit. Now, luxury hotels want in. More from Robb Report With the influx of wealthy surfers, a number of high-end hotels have opened in Ericeira to capitalize on the extra coin. Today, the people who surf are like me: They have families, they have jobs, and they have money to put into great surf vacations, Goncalo Menezes, creative art director at Lisbon-based Inspire Capital, told Bloomberg. The investment firm opened a luxury property in the town back in June. Aethos Ericeira. The 37-key Immerso is another upscale escape where elite travelers can stay between hanging 10. Right next to Coxos Beach, the hotel is built into a slope of a valley and a stones throw from downtown Ericeira. Just three miles away, the newly opened Aethos Ericeira sits atop a limestone cliff overlooking Calada beach. The 50-room property offers 180-degree views of the ocean, a meditation deck for yogis, a hammam and a saltwater pool. To attract even more surfing enthusiasts, the hotel has recruited Portugals first big-wave female surfer Joana Andrade to teach lessons exclusively for guests. There could even be economic incentives to head to Ericeira. In addition to Portugals investment migration program offerings, just unveiled a new remote worker visa that gives professionals with higher incomes the ability to stay long-term. Story continues Sounds like a good spot for next years surfing trip. 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. Boosting its profile as a Spanish reference point, not only for TV drama but also for documentary production, Atresplayer Premium, the pay TV platform of media conglom Atresmedia Group, is preparing docuseries Erase una vez en Marbella (Once Upon a Time in Marbella). Produced by Atresmedia TV in collaboration with Seville-based Happy Ending (Pongamos que hablo de), the four episode 50 minutes series will dive into real-life stories of deep impact that had the city of Marbella, in Spains southern Andalusia coast, as a common element. More from Variety The documentary will explain how Marbella went in a few years, since the 1950s, from being a fishing village in Malaga province to becoming one of the most ostentatious leisure centers for the worldwide jet set. Once Upon a Time in Marbella will describe different events and characters that, in one way or another, were related to the Costa del Sols city and its universe. Among the stories it will address are that of Princess Diana, who was famously photographed topless by paparazzi; the inauguration of a new nightclub by French businesswoman Olivia Valere, and that of a young German-Spanish nobleman and property developer Alfonso of Hohenlohe, and his dream of building the most important hotel in the world, the Marbella Club. The project, tentatively set to premiere in the second half of 2023, confirms Atresplayer Premiums aim to become a key player in documentary production, once it has consolidated its position as a big platform for Spanish TV fiction. In 2022, the pay TV platform premiered Los Borbones: una familia real, the first documentary series about the Spanish royal family that caused great media impact. It also launched Pajares y cia, a journey through recent Spanish history, from the democratic transition to the present day, through humor. Story continues For 2023, Atresplayer Premium plans to release true-crime series No se lo digas a nadie, previously known as Besos Marvin, about the murder of an entire Brazilian family in the Guadalajaras municipality of Pioz, committed in 2016 by a young man. Further non-fiction formats broadcast by Atresplayer take in Salvados and Lo de Evole, aired on Atresmedia free-to-air channel La Sexta. Scaling up rapidly from its 2019 launch, the burgeoning OTT service has become established as the platform that bows most Spanish TV fiction, with about 20 national titles a year taking in both originals series only seen on the platform in Spain and titles sourced from broadcast network Atresmedia. It currently has about 45 series in various stages of production or development. In recent years, its been the platform that released standout TV dramas such as HBO Max hit Veneno, and Cardo, sold to TelevisaUnivisions ViX, both series produced by Buendia Estudios teaming with Suma Contents Los Javis. Other successful titles at Atresplayer Premium take in Alba, a Boomerang TV adaptation of Turkish hit Fatmagul, La cocinera de Castamar, acquired by Netflix, and Paco Cabezas crime thriller La novia gitana, produced with VIS and Banijays Diagonal TV. In November, the platform will premiere La Ruta, a Caballo Films production, and plans to launch soon further TV fiction series such as Los Protegidos: adn, UPA Next, Las Noches de Tefia, Dejate ver, Zorras, Red Flags and Camilo Superstar. 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. Raising awareness for autism, Steve Earle and City Winery have announced the 8th Annual John Henrys Friends Benefit Concert on December 19 at The Town Hall in New York City. This years eclectic lineup notably boasts performances by Steve Earle, David Byrne, Terry Allen, and Matt Savage and The Mastersons. VIP packages will be available at City Winery ($300-$8,500) and will include Town Halls orchestra seating, as well as admission to the After Party at City Winery immediately following the show and various experiences with Steve including a private dinner. There is a limited number of these packages being sold. Additionally, and keeping with the annual tradition, on December 17, the City Winery's Loft will be hosting the live rehearsal show which will feature Steve Earle solo. All net proceeds will be going to the school as well. Packages are limited and on sale now at City Winerys official website. General admission tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow, Friday October 21, at 12 PM. Most importantly, all proceeds will support the shows longtime partner The Keswell School, an educational program for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Founded on the belief that children diagnosed with ASD can live full and productive lives as integrated members of their communities, The Keswell School provides educational, therapeutic, and supportive services for children diagnosed with ASD and their families. Last years installment drew widespread critical applause. Forbes raved, The show returned in the biggest way possible, going on to affirm, Its stunning to see what happens when love, talent, and hunger combine in a small space. The John Henrys Friends Benefit Concert has previously hosted Bruce Springsteen, Rosanne Cash, Willie Nile, Graham Nash, Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, Josh Ritter, and Amanda Shires, among others. Visit City Winerys official website for ticket packages and more information. For the latest music news and exclusive features, check out uDiscover Music. uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some recording artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG. A local charter school was closed Thursday and alleges a Texas man was arrested after it received threats to campus safety. "I am thankful to report our school is safe," wrote Tallahassee Classical School administrator Hope Carrasquilla to parents in an email. Leon County Sheriff's Office found that the threat was not related to Tallahassee Classical School. "Its a situation the Johnson County Sheriffs Office in Texas is investigating. There were no threats directed toward schools in Leon County," said LCSO Spokesperson Angela Green. More school threats: What is 'swatting': False active shooter calls clog law enforcement, terrify schools More school news: Leon County Schools joins more than 1,000 other school districts in lawsuit against Juul Matter of safety or invasion of privacy? How new policy on cameras plays out in LCS schools Thursday morning's email from Carrasquilla stated Leon County Schools' Safety and Security department told administrators the person who created the threat had been arrested in Texas. An email from Lt. Keven George, who oversees the patrol division of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, however, said law enforcement was not familiar with a case concerning a threat made to Leon County Schools by a Johnson County resident. George said there have been no recent arrests related to a threat against any school. Barney Bishop III, the governing board chair for Tallahassee Classical, said one of the school's students received the threat from a relative in Texas. Bishop could not confirm whether the relative lived in Johnson County, Texas. Tallahassee Classical School sent word to parents Wednesday evening stating it would close its campus after it received the threat and that the school was in contact with the Leon County Sheriff's Office. "This evening, we received a threat and out of an abundance of caution we decided to close the school [Thursday]." Carrasquilla wrote. "Safety is our number one priority." Story continues Contact Ana Goni-Lessan at AGoniLessan@tallahassee.com and follow her on Twitter @goni_lessan. Want more news coverage? If you're already a subscriber, thank you! If not, please subscribe using the link at the top of the page and help keep the news you care about coming. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Classical closed Thursday due to threat, Texas man arrested Former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin testified Thursday in the trial of former Trump inaugural chair Tom Barrack, who is accused of illegally lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. Mnuchin, called as a defense witness by Barrack, testified that in 2017 Barrack had expressed support for Qatar in the 2017 blockade of the tiny nation -- a position that would have put him at odds with the UAE. "He came in with the idea of telling me that he thought the president had made a mistake supporting the blockade ... his position was clearly in support of Qatar," Mnuchin said of a meeting he had with Barrack shortly after then-President Trump publicly announced his support for the blockade of Qatar by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. MORE: Ex-Trump fundraiser worked to 'manipulate' the public on behalf of UAE, prosecutors allege "He asked me to pass those views on to the president," Mnuchin said. Prosecutors have accused Barrack, a Los Angeles-based businessman and longtime Trump associate, of acting as a foreign agent for the UAE from 2016 to 2018 yet failing to register with the Department of Justice, which they say constitutes a crime. Barrack has pleaded not guilty. Mnuchin, whose testimony on Thursday lasted under 30 minutes, served as United States treasury secretary from 2017 to 2021. He re-entered the private sector upon leaving government. On cross examination, Mnuchin sought to avoid specific questions about his own investment firm's financial ties to the UAE. PHOTO: Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin leaves Brooklyn Federal Court after testifying in Tom Barrack's trial, Oct. 20, 2022, in Brooklyn, New York. (Andres Kudacki/AP) "Your honor, we're subject to various confidentiality agreements and nondisclosure agreements with our investors -- am I required to answer that question?" Mnuchin asked the judge after being questioned by prosecutors about whether his firm has specifically taken investments from UAE sovereign wealth funds. The judge said he should answer generally. "Your fund includes investments from sovereign wealth funds from the UAE?" the prosecutor asked again. Story continues "Yes," Mnuchin replied. Mnuchin, who served on the National Security Council as part of his role leading the Treasury Department, also testified that he never asked Barrack to conduct any work for him on behalf of the government. "You never directed Mr. Barrack to do anything on your behalf as treasury secretary, is that true?" the prosecutor asked. MORE: Trump's 1st secretary of state testifies he never asked Tom Barrack to 'conduct any diplomacy' for US "Of course not," Mnuchin replied. But Mnuchin repeatedly declined to answer questions about internal administration conversations regarding the Qatar blockade, citing executive privilege. On redirect, defense attorney Michael Schachter seized on that line of questioning to emphasize that Barrack was not subject to the same restrictions -- because unlike Mnuchin, he was not a member of the United States government. "Those confidentiality restrictions that applied to you -- are you aware of whether there were any confidentiality restrictions that apply to Mr. Barrack that prevent him from speaking to whoever he wanted to?" Schachter asked Mnuchin. "Not that I'm aware of, no," Mnuchin replied. Steven Mnuchin testifies in trial of Trump ally Tom Barrack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the origins of the FBI's long inquiry into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia was provocative enough. Then-Attorney General Bill Barr tapped John Durham, the top federal prosecutor in Connecticut, in 2019 just weeks after telling lawmakers he believed federal authorities spied on the former presidents campaign. I think spying did occur, Barr told the Senate Judiciary Committee. Im not saying that it wasnt adequately predicated. But I need to explore that. More than three years later, Durhams inquiry, which former President Donald Trump promised would provide proof of a "deep state" vendetta against his presidency, has largely fallen short, leaving defense lawyers to question its origins. Barr and Trump: Bill Barr's complicated relationship with Donald Trump: From vital advocate to damning witness Former President Donald Trump and Former Attorney General Bill Barr step off Air Force One upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on September 1, 2020. A federal court jury in Alexandria, Virginia, delivered a stinging rebuke to the special prosecutor Tuesday, acquitting a researcher charged with lying to the FBI about the sources of information for a salacious and largely discredited dossier purporting to show Trump's Russia connections. The verdicts in the case of Igor Danchenko, possibly the last prosecution involving Durham's team, marked the second jury acquittal in the three cases initiated by the special counsel. Last year, a former FBI lawyer was sentenced to one year's probation after pleading guilty to falsifying information used to justify the surveillance of a former Trump campaign adviser. No other Durham cases are pending on the public docket. Yet the trials of Danchenko and former Hillary Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann, also acquitted by jury this year of lying to the FBI, represented the only public tests of evidence gathered by Durham's team in an inquiry that has cost at least $5.8 million since October 2020, according to federal records. And while a divisive political climate has stalked Durham's tenure from the start, legal analysts said the results may highlight the resiliency of the criminal justice system. Story continues More: AG Willliam Barr: 'I think spying did occur' on Trump campaign Igor Danchenko arrives back at the Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse after a lunch break in his trial on Oct. 11 in Alexandria, Virginia. "The system worked," said David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor who served as chief of the government's Public Integrity and National Security units in Miami. "You can question whether a special prosecutor should have been appointed at all, but in the end 12 people didn't believe that the government (special counsel) did its job," Weinstein said, referring to the jury acquittals. "That's how the system is supposed to work." Shrouded by politics Separating politics from a criminal investigation has long been a central expectation of the American criminal justice system, but politics has always been at the heart of Durham's inquiry: an examination of law enforcement's conduct during its investigation into Russia's intervention in the 2016 presidential election. The special counsel appointment of Durham in October 2020 came more than a year after the attorney general picked Durham to conduct a preliminary inquiry. It was Trump, however, who sought to co-opt the investigation in an attempt to boost his own political fortunes during the 2020 presidential race. John Durham is looking into the origins of the FBI's investigation into Russian election interference. Trump and key Republican allies in Congress seized on Durham's first case, unveiled in August 2020, suggesting it would be the first of many. The prosecution resulted in a guilty plea from former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith, who was accused of altering an email in 2017 that investigators relied on to justify an application to wiretap former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. "The wheels of justice are turning," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., tweeted after Clinesmith entered his plea. "More to come." In the weeks that followed, Trump openly pushed for the release of Durham's full investigative findings before the election, repeatedly suggesting that the prosecutor had gathered damning evidence of a government conspiracy against him. When Barr decided that no such report would be delivered during the election cycle, Trump fumed. "I'm very disappointed," he told conservative host Rush Limbaugh after learning of Barr's decision a month before the election. "I think it's a terrible thing, and I'll say it to his face. ... I think it's a disgrace. It's an embarrassment." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Two trials, two acquittals The two most recent cases involving Danchenko and Sussmann did not drop until last fall long after Trump had been defeated yet politics continued to shadow the prosecutions. Sussmann, a prominent cybersecurity attorney whose firm is closely tied with Democratic Party interests, was charged with lying to the FBI related to a 2016 contact in which he raised concerns about a secret channel of communications between a Russian bank and the Trump Organization. Prosecutors claimed Sussmann requested the September 2016 meeting with then-FBI general counsel James Baker to provide "data files" and other evidence of the covert communications link involving the Moscow-based Alfa Bank, asserting that he did not disclose he was acting as an advocate Clinton campaign. Sussmann's lawyers said he didnt make the allegations on behalf of any client and was simply passing along a tip. "Michael Sussmann was indicted today because of politics, not facts," his legal team said in a statement when the charges were disclosed in September 2021. "This case represents the opposite of everything the Department of Justice is supposed to stand for." Attorney Michael Sussmann who was charged with lying to the FBI during the Trump-Russia investigation arrives at federal court in Washington on April 27, 2022. More: Durham probe: What we know about Michael Sussmann's acquittal, what comes next More: Former Hillary Clinton lawyer Michael Sussmann, charged with lying to the FBI, acquitted In May, a jury deliberated for about six hours before delivering a verdict of not guilty. Danchenko's case followed a similar path. Last November, the Russian national and key source of information used to compile a 2016 dossier was charged with five counts of lying to the FBI about his work regarding the sources of information he provided to former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele. Steele assembled the dossier, a collection of memos, for the firm Fusion GPS, which had been hired by a law firm representing the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton campaign. Danchenko's information was included in the file that was turned over to the FBI. More: Igor Danchenko, Trump dossier source, charged with lying to FBI in special counsel John Durham's Russia inquiry Trump had long claimed that the dossier, written by Steele, was an attempt to undermine his 2016 campaign and his presidency. Danchenko's legal team, meanwhile, argued the legal case against him was "designed to humiliate and slander" their client for "political gain." Yet on the eve of trial, there were signs the case against Danchenko was not a lock. U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga called a defense request to dismiss the case "an extremely close call" and allowed the case to move forward, The Associated Press reported. And before the case was submitted to the jury earlier this week, Trenga tossed out one of the criminal counts. The jury did the rest Tuesday afternoon, delivering not guilty verdicts on the remaining four counts. Among those monitoring the result was the former president. "The disgraceful judicial system was on full display yet again with the Danchenko Verdict," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Durham could not get a fair shake in the Swamp of biased and partisan juries, where you are told that no Republican based or supported case can be won no matter how good it is..." Durham has said little after both cases. While we are disappointed in the outcome, we respect the jurys decision and thank them for their service," Durham said in a statement after the Danchenko verdicts. "I also want to recognize and thank the investigators and the prosecution team for their dedicated efforts in seeking truth and justice in this case. It remains unclear when the special counsel will issue a final report. Legal analysts said the legacy of Durham's investigation, longer than Russia inquiry headed by former special counsel Robert Mueller, may be difficult to separate from today's toxic political climate. "According to Trump, he (Durham) was supposed to be the president's savior," said Weinstein the former federal prosecutor. "That didn't turn out so well." Bruce Udolf, who was associate independent counsel during the Clinton Whitewater investigation, said the Durham investigation has been shadowed from the start by outside partisan interests. "The strongest evidence for those who question the motives for the cases other than the merits are the results," Udolf said. Contributing: David Jackson This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Durham investigation coming to an end? Acquittal is latest setback. Among the top few reasons to visit Spain, from the history to the art to the beaches to the wine, food ranks quite high on the list. Surrounded by water on many sides, the seafood of Spain is world-class. The country's unique climate yields wonderful wines, olives, oranges, and more. Spanish cuisine has elevated ham to another level. And there are some amazing cheeses, desserts, and more, according to the official tourism website of the Spanish government. Oh, and the olive oil? It's like nothing else on earth. Literally. Much of Spain's olive oil is covered by PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status and is ranked as world-class, according to Foods and Wines from Spain. What there is not much of to be found on the typical Spanish plate (or in the typical Spanish glass) are the foods featured here, for as it happens, many foods we commonly associate with Spain are either not common there, are not even Spanish, or both. There are usually two causes for the misconceptions when it comes to Spanish food. The first is that dishes that are regionaland Spain is nothing if not a regional nationinstead of being widespread. The second is that many foods that originated in the Americas but happen to have Spanish-sounding names are thought to be from Spain. Here are 7 foods almost never eaten by Spaniards, even though some of them did indeed originate in that nation. Plus, don't miss 6 "Mexican" Dishes No One Eats in Mexico. 1 Tortillas making tortillas The Spanish do eat tortillas, and quite often in fact. But the Spanish tortilla is an egg, potato, and onion omelet, not a flat disc of flour or corn. Those may be common in Mexican and other Latin American cuisines, but that's because they originated there, according to Chapala. There is nothing historically Spanish about the tortillas found on this side of the Atlantic, nor are said tortillas oft seen in Spain. Eat this, not that Sign up for our newsletter! 2 Paella Paella Paella is eaten in Spain, but it is only common in parts of Spain, it's hardly a ubiquitous national dish, via Matador. Paella is traditionally a Valencian dish, not a traditional Spanish dish, and while you will find it on the menu at some restaurants beyond this eastern coastal region, it will usually be served at locations pandering to tourists. Story continues 3 Tapas Tapas Tapas is a type of dish, not, contrary to common misconception according to Spanish Sabores, a food in and of itself. So people don't eat tapas, per say, but rather enjoy a few bites off a small plate of patatas bravas, jamon serrano, calamari, and so forth, according to Spain's official tourism site. 4 Sangria sangria In Spain, Sangria is served primarily to tourists, though it is sometimes served at parties or festivals, via Land Lopers. It is hardly seen as a national beverage by Spaniards, and that's even though it does trace its roots back some 2,000 years to the time of the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, according to Spanish Sabores. RELATED: 6 Wines Made From the Lowest Quality Ingredients 5 Jalapenos Jalapenos Jalapeno peppers are not common in Spain. They may be thought of as "Spanish" by some people, but they are Mexican in origin and in common use today. On the other hand, there are some varieties of hot pepper that are commonly grown and used in Spain, such as the Pimiento de Gernika, grown in the northern Basque region, via Taste Atlas, or the Pimiento Asado del Bierzo from Castilla-Leon. 6 Tacos and burritos tacos close up Tacos are Mexican. Or rather a pre-Mexican food, if you will: according to Twisted Taco, they were being eaten in Meso-America long before the Spanish arrived. As for the burrito? According to Vox, it was likely developed in Mexico in the mid-1900s but only became widespread after gaining popularity in America. As for the Spaniards, they hardly ever eat tacos or burritos, and when they do they are treated as foreign food because that's accurate. RELATED: It's Official, This Is the #1 Taco Spot in America 7 Ceviche Ceviche The so-called "birthplace" of ceviche, the citrus acid-cooked shrimp dish suddenly popular all across America, is debated, but one thing is for sure: it's South American, not Spanish. Despite what many people believedo a quick Google search starting "is ceviche from" and see what populatesthe dish was developed either in Peru or Ecuador, according to What's Cooking America, and it's largely unknown in Spain. A group of neighborhood and environmental organizations is seeking a seat at the table in the latest legal battle over the regulation of short-term vacation rentals in Oahu, Hawaii. The longtime environmental group Hawaiis Thousand Friends on Monday joined the organizations Save Oahus Neighborhoods, HI Good Neighbor, Keep It Kailua and Save North Shore Neighborhoods in filing a motion to intervene in a lawsuit challenging a new Honolulu ordinance meant to rein in rentals of properties in residential neighborhoods. Honolulus land-use ordinance for decades has generally restricted renting properties to tourists in residential neighborhoods but also allowed rentals of 30 days or longer, regardless of whether the tenant was a tourist or someone else. LISTEN UP, TOURISTS: Hawaii locals share what they wish visitors would stop doing LOCAL ADVICE: You won't regret these 8 activities when you visit the islands A new ordinance adopted this year increased the minimum stay to 90 days. In response, an organization representing property owners filed a federal lawsuit challenging the law, and last week U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson issued an order blocking the city from enforcing the 90-day minimum, which was supposed to take effect next week. Demonstrators opposed a bill to mandate 90-day minimum stays in residential rental properties when it came before the City Council. Now several neighborhood organizations are fighting to keep the 90-day minimum in the face of a legal challenge filed in federal court by an association of property owners. On Thursday, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is expected to explain how the city plans to proceed after the court ruling. Options include settling the litigation and grandfathering in properties that had rented for at least 30 days, which the plaintiffs attorney has estimated to be about 1,000 properties. The city could also appeal Watsons interim order blocking the 90-day minimum to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals or let the lawsuit run its course and decide whether to appeal after a final ruling. In the meantime, the activist organizations have asked Watson for permission to join the litigation as intervenors. In their request, the organizations say they are primarily homeowners in residential neighborhoods, a class of persons they say the new ordinance is meant to protect and who will be most directly affected if the Ordinance is not allowed to take effect. Story continues Donna Wong, executive director of Hawaiis Thousand Friends, did not return Honolulu Civil Beat's calls for comment on Wednesday. Christine Otto Zaa, co-founder of HI Good Neighbor, also did not return calls. Their attorney, Sharon Lovejoy, declined to comment on the substance of the motion. The organizations did, however, issue a joint statement Wednesday outlining their position. For many years, we have fiercely fought to protect our residential-zoned neighborhoods from vacation rentals, said Larry Bartley of Save Oahus Neighborhoods. We believe these lodging businesses when located in residential zoning reduce residential housing supply, drive-up property values and long-term rental rates; promote tourism sprawl and resident discontent; alter the residential character and ambiance of neighborhoods and communities; compromise neighbors safety and security; and contradict Oahus General Plan. How would this affect transient guests? The residents also questioned an assertion in Watsons order enjoining the city from imposing the 90-day rule that 30-day rentals were not just for tourists but also people like traveling nurses, military families in transition, locals who had recently bought or sold a home and folks coming to Oahu for medical care. The resident groups called these decoys to hide that they are renting their properties as visitor lodging for tourists. Even renting a month at a time to transients wasnt good for the residential integrity of neighborhoods, the groups argued. In our opinion, vacation rentals to transient guests in blocks of 30 days, up to 12 times per year, are equally as harmful to residential-zoned neighborhoods and residential communities as those properties that are rented weekly, said Chuck Prentiss of Keep it Kailua. Hawaii Legal Short-Term Rental Alliance, the group fighting the city that succeeded in getting the ordinance blocked, is run by real estate professionals in the business of renting out vacation properties. Its president, for example, is Andreea Grigore, president of Elite Pacific Properties, which offers luxury rentals that seem aimed more at wealthy visitors than ordinary people who need a place to stay for a few weeks. One of the less expensive properties listed on Oahu, according to a recent search, was a three-bedroom home known as the Diamond Head Surf House starting at $585 a night. But the quote for a 30-day rental in November was more than $65,000, not including taxes and fees. Lovejoy said this raised questions about whether the plaintiffs really were serving people like medical and military personnel in need of temporary digs. It appears that this plaintiff organization is led by entities in the business of vacation rentals at nightly rates that far exceed what local residents, traveling nurses and military families in transition can pay. Grigiore and the alliances attorney, Gregory Kugle, did not return calls for this story. This story was published in partnership with Honolulu Civil Beat, a nonprofit newsroom doing investigative and watchdog journalism relating to the state of Hawaii. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Short-term rentals in Oahu: Residents advocate for 90-day minimum ban Incarcerated people in Alabama prisons ended a strike that lasted about three weeks, but activists promise that the strike will resume if the state does not meet their demands. The strike ended Saturday, said Diyawn Caldwell, a key organizer. The dispute gained national attention, shining a light on the poor conditions in the prisons. It definitely, you know, opened the eyes of people, even legislators," Caldwell said. Prisoners who participated in the strike refused to do their assigned work. Caldwell said that the administration responded by putting prisoners in solitary confinement as well as cutting their meals down from three to two. 'I'm fighting for my life': Inside Alabama's prisons during ongoing labor strike From 2020:Alabama inmates allege retaliation for advocacy, speaking to media about prison conditions Officials also changed the food from three hot meals a day to two cold meals a day, she said. Families are tired of how they were being treated," Caldwell said about the incarcerated people. Cookie Garner has two loved ones in prison. She said that officials are not providing prisoners with basic needs, such as medical and mental health care. She also said the conditions that prisoners live in are unhygienic. Garner is outraged that the prisoners work for mere cents a day. She said that they are working for slave wages, literally slave wages." Part of the problem extends to the parole board, which approves very few releases, Caldwell said. More people are coming out in body bags than they are on parole," she said. Caldwell called on people to show compassion to the people in prison. How would you feel? Caldwell said, asking people to imagine what it would be like if they had loved ones in prison. She later added, How do you go to sleep at night? 'Am I next?': Prison laborers strike as activists deliver demands to corrections department Caldwell said that people in prison are not required through their sentencing to hold jobs at the prison. Story continues It shouldnt be any type of retaliation because they choose not to work," Caldwell said. Alabama Department of Corrections officials said in the news release that prisons have resumed normal operations. These three weeks have been very challenging for the staff at ADOC, and I am very proud of the way they have risen to that challenge," Commissioner John Hamm said in the statement. "The daily operations of the states correctional facilities involve many moving pieces, and it takes a huge effort under the best circumstances to ensure those pieces work together smoothly. I want to commend every member of ADOC staff for going above and beyond to make sure all critical services were maintained. In most of the prisons, officials have not opened commissary, where incarcerated people are able to get basic items such as toothbrushes and other toiletries, Caldwell said. This is a violation of human rights," Caldwell said. Caldwell pledged that people on the outside will continue to protest and rally to bring attention to the issue. She is waiting on feedback on the group's list of demands from Gov. Kay Ivey and other elected officials. Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's public safety reporter. She can be reached at agladden@gannett.com or 479-926-9570 This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama inmates end weekslong labor strike over prison conditions Forristean Gomes of Brockton, Massachusetts, gets a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot from a staff medical technician from East Coast Clinical Health Center. The vaccination came during 1st Responders Appreciation Day in Brockton on Sept. 27. New coronavirus cases increased 6.6% in Pennsylvania in the week ending Sunday as the state added 13,256 cases. The previous week had 12,431 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19. Pennsylvania ranked 11th among the states where coronavirus was spreading the fastest on a per-person basis, a USA TODAY Network analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the latest week coronavirus cases in the United States decreased 16.4% from the week before, with 250,233 cases reported. With 3.85% of the country's population, Pennsylvania had 5.3% of the country's cases in the last week. Across the country, eight states had more cases in the latest week than they did in the week before. Beaver County reported 149 cases and no deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 153 cases and no deaths. Throughout the pandemic, it has reported 46,424 cases and 781 deaths. Allegheny County reported 1,189 cases and nine deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 1,060 cases and nine deaths. Throughout the pandemic, it has reported 320,559 cases and 3,567 deaths. Within Pennsylvania, the worst weekly outbreaks on a per-person basis were in Bradford County with 280 cases per 100,000 per week; Lackawanna County with 205; and Cambria County with 190. The Centers for Disease Control says high levels of community transmission begin at 100 cases per 100,000 per week. Adding the most new cases overall were Allegheny County, with 1,189 cases; Philadelphia County, with 1,171 cases; and Montgomery County, with 723. Weekly case counts rose in 36 counties from the previous week. The worst increases from the prior week's pace were in Philadelphia, Lackawanna and Allegheny counties. >> See how your community has fared with recent coronavirus cases Across Pennsylvania, cases fell in 26 counties, with the best declines in Snyder County, with 29 cases from 106 a week earlier; in Chester County, with 415 cases from 462; and in Mifflin County, with 61 cases from 107. Story continues In Pennsylvania, 119 people were reported dead of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday. In the week before that, 110 people were reported dead. A total of 3,280,190 people in Pennsylvania have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and 47,442 people have died from the disease, Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the United States, 96,952,191 people have tested positive and 1,065,109 people have died. >> Track coronavirus cases across the United States Pennsylvania's COVID-19 hospital admissions rising USA TODAY analyzed federal hospital data as of Sunday, Oct. 16. Likely COVID patients admitted in the state: Last week: 4,413 The week before that: 4,232 Four weeks ago: 3,796 Likely COVID patients admitted in the nation: Last week: 50,945 The week before that: 49,442 Four weeks ago: 55,544 Hospitals in 23 states reported more COVID-19 patients than a week earlier, while hospitals in 21 states had more COVID-19 patients in intensive-care beds. Hospitals in 29 states admitted more COVID-19 patients in the latest week than a week prior, the USA TODAY analysis of U.S. Health and Human Services data shows. The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Disease Control. If you have questions about the data or the story, contact Mike Stucka at mstucka@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Beaver County reported 149 additional COVID-19 cases this week Screenshot: Kassie Vaughan via Facebook (Fair Use) Trigger Warning! The images in this story may be disturbing to some. Please be advised. A coalition of Alabama pastors have joined the family of Kastellio Vaughan in calling the government to investigate the inhumane conditions of Alabama state prisons, according to the Alabama Political Reporter. Vaughans case went viral after his family shared images of his sick, ghastly appearance after being admitted for surgery. Read more Mr. Vaughans health situation is deplorable. He is in dire need of comprehensive health care that our states corrections system cannot provide, said Daniel Schwartz, executive director of Faith in Action Alabama. Due to systemic failures, the lives of incarcerated individuals are put at great risk daily. Vaughan, 32, is serving a 20-year sentence at the Elmore Correctional Center for burglary and car break-in charges from 2019. Just a day after the Alabama state prison inmates began their strike in September, Vaughans medical records were released by the Alabama Department of Corrections in response to the graphic images of his condition. ADOC said in a press release that he was admitted to Jackson Hospital in Montgomery in August for bowel obstruction surgery as a result of a gunshot wound. After being discharged five days later, he was readmitted in September for post-surgical complications. They allege Vaughan refused all medication and follow up treatments, however, his family believes his health was being neglected. The following images may be disturbing to some viewers: My brothers health is rapidly declining. As you can see in these photos he is extremely malnourished. In these particular photos he cannot walk nor stand he is weak and vulnerable. My last visitation with my brother was July 24, 2022 he was in good condition. I am not a doctor but his health seems to be deteriorating. I received 2 pictures of him today saying GET HELP, read Vaughans Facebook post. Read more from ABC 7 News: When twins Kassie and Kascie Vaughan visited their brother at the Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama, on Sunday, they said he was unable to walk, had lost a significant amount of weight and was almost unrecognizable. Kassie Vaughan told ABC News she received harrowing photos of her older brother earlier this month along with a message to get him help. Photos depicting Kastellio Vaughan slumped over, emaciated, and with a large, undressed wound extending down his abdominal area were allegedly sent by an unidentified inmate at Elmore Correctional Center. He said, Your brothers not gonna make it until Monday. Please get him help....[He said] they brought him back to general population at the prison, they didnt cover up his wounds, and the staples was bursting out of his abdomen, Kassie Vaughan told ABC News. Story continues Vaughans siblings told reporters they didnt even know their brother had gone into surgery until after receiving the graphic images of him post-op. The next time they saw him, he was in a wheelchair, unable to walk, appearing severely malnourished and wearing absorbent briefs. It shouldnt have been prisoners sending emergency text messages and photographs to his family, but it should have been the medical staff who are responsible for the health and safety of everyone who is under their care, said civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, via ABC 7. He is an inmate at that prison and the law requires that they honor their duty to provide for their prisoners wellbeing. Vaughans legal team, including Merritt, Harry Daniels and Benjamin Crump, confirmed he had lost 75 pounds in less than a month. Per The Roots previous report, proper feeding had been a driving force behind the state-wide prison strike. Inmates shared images of what they are being fed which they described as barely edible. Though, once the strike commenced, the inmates claim they were barely being fed at all. It doesnt matter what Kastellio did. Why he was in [prison] doesnt matter. As society as a whole, as human beings, we have a duty to one another. It doesnt matter what that person is imprisoned for, Daniels told ABC News. We need this man to get well. We need him to get help. Thats not asking for a whole lot. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Burberry Closing Party For Anne Imhof's Exhibition 'Natures Mortes' - Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Ezra Miller has pleaded not guilty to felony burglary charges after they were accused of stealing several bottles of alcohol from a neighboring home in Vermont while the owners were away. Alongside their lawyer, the 30-year-old actor appeared remotely from Burlington, Vermont, for their arraignment in Green Mountain State Superior Courts criminal division on Monday. They will be set to appear in court again at a later date for future proceedings. The conditions of Millers release dictate that they will refrain from returning to the residence in question or contacting the homeowner, a childhood friend whose connection to the actor spans 18 years, according to the Associated Press. Millers charges were brought about in August following a months-long investigation that included eyewitness statements and surveillance footage. At the time, a source told Rolling Stone that a police visit to Millers 96-acre farm in Vermont led to a lengthy conversation with their mother, Marta Miller, before a citation to appear in court was officially issued a few days later. More from Rolling Stone Charged with both burglary into an occupied home and petit larceny, which reflects that the stolen items were less than $900 in total value, Miller faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and a $1,000 maximum fine if convicted of the felony. The latter charge carries a maximum one-year sentence and a $1,000 fine. The charges emerged amid a rapid-fire string of volatile incidents involving the actor. Miller was arrested twice this year in Hawaii, including for disorderly conduct and harassment at a karaoke bar. His farm also drew the attention of Vermonts child services over concerns for the safety of a young mother and her three children, who were housed at the residence. Sources previously told Rolling Stone that there had been frequent and heavy marijuana use on the farm in front of children, with little concern about proper ventilation. Along with the drugs, sources claimed unattended guns were lying around the home. Story continues And, in June, two temporary restraining orders were issued from the parents of 18-year-old Native American activist Tokata Iron Eyes and an unnamed 12-year-old child in Massachusetts. Both instances stemmed from alleged inappropriate behavior. Millers alleged behavior prompted several meetings of Warner Bros. and DC executives to discuss the actors future with the studio and The Flash franchise. Miller apologized to them in person and promised to enter a treatment center. Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment, they shared in a statement. I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life. But the stars downward spiral has also caught the attention of their Hollywood peers, as well, who view the collection of incidents as evidence of a larger problem. Im gonna be real, the stuff thats happening with Ezra Miller is, to me, a microcosm of Hollywood, Issa Rae recently told Elle. Theres this person whos a repeat offender, whos been behaving atrociously, and as opposed to shutting them down and shutting the production down, theres an effort to save the movie and them. Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. The claim: Articles reported that the same boy died of COVID-19 in three different countries Social media users are claiming a variety of news outlets repurposed a young child's death, supposedly reporting that the same boy had died in three different locations. An Oct. 17 Instagram post features what appears to be three separate articles accompanied by a picture of the same boy. The articles referred to children who passed away in 2020 from COVID-19 in Belgium, Portugal and the U.K. "The same child dies in 3 different countries from COVID U.K., Portugal and Belgium," reads text in the image posted to Instagram. "This is how the fake news media works in the world." The post garnered more than 300 likes in the first 12 hours. The claim is false. The articles featured in the post reported on the deaths of three separate children. Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post, but they declined to comment. Outlets reported three different deaths An article published by the Daily Mail is featured in the Instagram post. The article, published at the end of March 2020, focused on a 14-year-old boy in Portugal who died from COVID-19. The boy, Vitor Godinho, was pictured in the article. The second article from the Instagram post was published by the Daily Express and reported that a 12-year-old girl from Belgium had died from the virus. She was not named or pictured in the article. Godinho's death, as well as the COVID-related deaths of several other children in Europe, was mentioned, and a picture of him was included. Fact check: Deaths of three doctors in Toronto not related to COVID-19 vaccine The third article highlighted in the Instagram post was published by The Daily Record, whose story didn't mention Godinho or include a picture of him. It described a 13-year-old boy from the U.K., named Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, who had passed away from the virus. No picture of Abdulwahab was provided in the article. Story continues This claim was previously debunked by PolitiFact and FactCheck.org when earlier iterations of it appeared online in 2020. Our rating: False Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that the articles reported on the same child's death of COVID-19 in three different countries. The articles reported on the deaths of a 12-year-old girl, a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy. 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: Articles focus on deaths of three children from COVID-19 Tyajiah Ruff gets her COVID-19 booster shot Saturday morning, Feb. 5, 2022, at Holbrook Middle School in Lowell. North Carolina reported far fewer coronavirus cases in the week ending Sunday, adding 10,021 new cases. That's down 16.3% from the previous week's tally of 11,971 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19. North Carolina ranked 15th among the states where coronavirus was spreading the fastest on a per-person basis, a USA TODAY Network analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the latest week coronavirus cases in the United States decreased 16.4% from the week before, with 250,233 cases reported. With 3.15% of the country's population, North Carolina had 4% of the country's cases in the last week. Across the country, eight states had more cases in the latest week than they did in the week before. Gaston County reported 177 cases and no deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 206 cases and 10 deaths. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 76,450 cases and 930 deaths. Across North Carolina, cases fell in 73 counties, with the best declines in Mecklenburg County, with 856 cases from 1,227 a week earlier; in Guilford County, with 637 cases from 759; and in Wake County, with 956 cases from 1,074. >> See how your community has fared with recent coronavirus cases Within North Carolina, the worst weekly outbreaks on a per-person basis were in Yadkin County with 231 cases per 100,000 per week; Jones County with 202; and Stokes County with 165. The Centers for Disease Control says high levels of community transmission begin at 100 cases per 100,000 per week. Adding the most new cases overall were Wake County, with 956 cases; Mecklenburg County, with 856 cases; and Guilford County, with 637. Weekly case counts rose in 25 counties from the previous week. The worst increases from the prior week's pace were in Catawba, Haywood and Wilson counties. In North Carolina, 33 people were reported dead of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday. In the week before that, 327 people were reported dead. A total of 3,220,858 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and 26,885 people have died from the disease, Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the United States 96,952,191 people have tested positive and 1,065,109 people have died. Story continues >> Track coronavirus cases across the United States North Carolina's COVID-19 hospital admissions falling USA TODAY analyzed federal hospital data as of Sunday, Oct. 16. Likely COVID patients admitted in the state: Last week: 2,050 The week before that: 2,247 Four weeks ago: 2,532 Likely COVID patients admitted in the nation: Last week: 50,945 The week before that: 49,442 Four weeks ago: 55,544 Hospitals in 23 states reported more COVID-19 patients than a week earlier, while hospitals in 21 states had more COVID-19 patients in intensive-care beds. Hospitals in 29 states admitted more COVID-19 patients in the latest week than a week prior, the USA TODAY analysis of U.S. Health and Human Services data shows. The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Disease Control. If you have questions about the data or the story, contact Mike Stucka at mstucka@gannett.com. Forristean Gomes of Brockton, Massachusetts, gets a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot from a staff medical technician from East Coast Clinical Health Center. The vaccination came during 1st Responders Appreciation Day in Brockton on Sept. 27. This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County reported 177 additional COVID-19 cases this week Netflix Netflix has come out with a slew of creepy content lately (looking at you, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and The Watcher). And it's not slowing down any time soon. The streamer is bringing a new, horrifying film into the mix. The Good Nurse, a new film that drops on Netflix on Oct. 26, details the story of nurse Amy Loughren, who discovered one of her colleagues and friends had murdered dozens over patients over 16 years and helped authorities apprehend him. Given the fact that so many of these Netflix series and films have tapped into very real stories and events lately, its only natural to wonder if theres truth to this one, too. Bad news: Unfortunately, The Good Nurse is based on the story of Charles Cullen, a real-life nurse who killed a slew of patients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before getting caught in the early 2000s. And the film is actually adapted from the 2013 book called The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder by Charles Graeber. The story is terrifying and disturbing. And the film is pretty darn accurate. Here are the details: Who is Charles Cullen? Charles Cullen is a former nurse who killed nearly 30 people during his career, according to The New York Times. Charles was born in 1960, in West Orange, New Jersey, per The Independent. Both of his parents died before he was an adult (his father, close after his birth, his mother, in high school) and he signed up to serve in the US Navy before being medically discharged for a suicide attempt in 1984, the outlet said. Cullen then attended nursing school in Montclair, New Jersey, and went on to work in various hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for sixteen years, from 1988 to 2003. He was finally apprehended for his crimes in December of 2003. At one point, Cullen was married to a woman named Adrienne Taub, but she filed for divorce in 1993, per The Morning Call. How many people did he kill? Cullen killed at least 29 people during his tenure, per the Times, but some think the kill count was much higher. His first victim is believed to have been a Jersey City judge named John W. Yengo. The judge died in 1988 at the age of 72. Story continues How did he kill his patients? Cullen killed patients by injecting their IV bags with lethal doses of insulin and heart medications, according to NJ.com. He moved from hospital to hospital in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and was fired or forced out of at least six medical centers, the news organization reported. Loughren has a website called "Amy the Good Nurse," where she wrote that "five hospitals knew he was hurting patients and still gave him a neutral reference, sending him on to continue his killing spree. Why did he kill them? Cullen claimed in a 60 Minutes interview that these were mercy killings. I thought that people aren't suffering anymore, so in a sense, I thought I was helping, he said. While some of Cullens victims were terminal, others werent. When 60 Minutes confronted him about this, Cullen said, My goal here isn't to justify. You know what I did there is no justification. I just think that the only thing I can say is that I felt overwhelmed at the time. What was Cullen charged with? Cullen was charged with the murder of 29 people, per the Times. However, some estimates have put the number of his victims at closer to 400. Who plays Cullen in The Good Nurse? Actor Eddie Redmayne plays Charles Cullen in The Good Nurse. You might recognize him from roles in Les Miserable, The Theory of Everything, or The Danish Girl. Who is Amy Loughren? Amy Loughren, who is played by Jessica Chastain in the movie, is a nurse who was a close friend and coworker of Cullen's. She was recruited by officials to try to bring Cullen to justice. The single mom worked as a trauma and ER nurse until 2003, according to her website. When authorities first told Loughren about Cullen's activities, she said that "it was like everything shut down," per a Glamour Magazine interview. "I completely disassociated from reality because I could not process it. It was such an intense emotion that I couldnt even grasp it. While she knew her coworker was struggling, she didn't know how it manifested in his life. "I thought maybe he had a bit of depression," Loughren told Glamour. "We bonded over the fact that we both had darkness within usmy darkness was different to his." Where are Cullen and Loughren now? Cullen is currently serving 11 consecutive life terms in a prison in Trenton, NJ, per the Times. Loughren is now a Reiki Master, according to her website. She also serves as a hypnotherapist, meditation instructor, DreamSculptor practitioner, reconnective healer, integrative energy healer, past life regressionist, crystal language reader, and medical intuitive. Loughren worked pretty closely with the actors on the movie to help their portrayals. "Eddie and I talked a lot about who the real Charlie was. I didnt know the serial killer, I met that person only a few times. The real Charles Cullen was a different person," she told Glamour Magazine. "Eddie took notes from my description of him, and I watched him take those notes and put those into his craft and artistry to become Charles. Jessica talked a lot tooshe played the version of me from 20 years ago." And a lot has changed since that time when she found out her friend was a killer. "I am 20 years wiser and more confident. Im a much better version of myself than I was then." The Good Nurse drops on Oct. 26 on Netflix, and is already showing in select theaters. You Might Also Like Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has been enjoying what amounts to several months of paid vacation before he leaves office. He cant seek reelection. He has nothing to do. He could be pounding the pavement in support of fellow Republican Kari Lake, the partys candidate for governor. Thats what you might have expected since he is the co-chairman of the Republican Governors Association (RGA), which tries to get GOP candidates elected. But Ducey was an ardent supporter of Lakes opponent, Karrin Taylor Robison. He correctly called Lake a fake, saying she was misleading voters about election integrity and claiming that her whole campaign was an act. What Ducey got for not joining the Trump cult Unfortunately for Ducey, Republican politicians willing to speak the truth about Trump-cult Republicans dont fare well these days. Lake is Trump zombie. And Trump does NOT like Ducey. So, with nowhere to go and nothing to do, the governor decided he would have a little fun and waste 13 million taxpayer dollars on a phony political stunt. In his spare time: Ducey, Pence appear with Blake Masters He ordered shipping containers to be stacked one on top of the other and placed in some gaps along the border with Mexico. Then he put on his big boy jeans and staged a photo op of himself standing in front of them and saying, We will continue to make significant progress to step up where the federal government refuses to. Arizona filled the gap, literally, and with these shipping containers, we are saying enough. Although that probably wasn't what he was thinking. I'd guess that deep down Ducey was thinking, Im bored and feeling useless and, hey, its not my money. We'll pay for his border wall publicity stunt Now we find out, by way of an article by The Arizona Republics Jose Ignacio Castaneda Perez, that not only was Duceys Humpty Dumpty border wall ineffective and wildly expensive, it also was illegal. A federal contract exists to plug border wall gaps and, according to a letter sent to Duceys office by the Bureau of Reclamation, The unauthorized placement of those containers constitutes a violation of federal law and is a trespass against the United States. That trespass is harming federal lands and resources and impeding Reclamations ability to perform its mission. Story continues Which means, I guess, that taxpayers who are stuck with the $13 million to put up the useless bits of wall will now get stuck with the whopping bill to remove Duceys debacle. And then get hit with another bill to properly fill the gaps. Meanwhile, all the kings horses and all the kings men cannot put Duceys reputation together again. Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com. For more opinions content, please subscribe. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Doug Ducey has a great fall from his border container wall Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (Ian West/PA) (PA Wire) Kanye West is reportedly ready to legally settle his divorce with Kim Kardashian, weeks after hiring his sixth lawyer. In court documents obtained by Page Six, the rapper, 45, has filed a declaration of disclosure through his lawyers, a sign that their legal proceedings are on the verge of ending. The Blast also reports that the Donda hitmaker has forwarded over all his financial information to Kardashians legal team and the former couple have reached an agreement on how to divide their finances and property. The outlet writes: Typically, in cases of this kind, the disclosure is filed within days or weeks of the final judgment and settlement being filed. Although they have allegedly come to a decision on how to up their multi-billion dollar empire, there is no indication that they came to an agreement on custody of their four children. The couple welcomed North, nine, Saint, six, Chicago, four, and three-year-old Psalm during their nine-year relationship, and married in Florence, Italy in 2014. Kanye West is on the verge of settling his divorce from Kim Kardashian (Getty Images) Kardashian filed to end the marriage in February 2021 and was declared legally single in March 2022. Late last month it was revealed that West had hired the same lawyer who represented Melinda Gates in her $130 billion divorce from ex-husband Bill Gates. A rep for Robert Stephan Cohen, who is a senior partner at Cohen Clair Lans Greifer Thorpe & Rottenstreich LLP confirmed to the Standard at the time that West recently hired him as counsel. Since Cohen is based in New York, TMZ reported at the time that the hitmaker had also retained Beverly Hills-based attorney Nicholas A Salick of Salick Family Law Group, APLC as counsel as his legal separation is being tried in Los Angeles. The reality star, 41, was declared legally single in March (Getty Images for FENDI) The attorney previously represented Chris Rock in his divorce from his wife of 20 years, Malaak Compton-Rock. In August, Samantha Spector, Wests fifth divorce lawyer, withdrew from the case after two months due to an irreconcilable breakdown with the rapper. Story continues Prior to Spector, the Grammy winner relieved attorney Chris Melcher of his duties in March. Sources told TMZ at the time that West let go of the lawyer because their relationship had become extremely difficult, with little communication. The Standard has contacted Kim Kardashian and Kanye Wests reps for comment. Former first lady Melania Trump announced Wednesday that she will join the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation, serving as an honorary chair alongside first lady Jill Biden and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and others. Trump tweeted that she was honored to help "secure a monument on the National Mall of enduring inspiration for women and future female leaders." I am honored to join @WomensMonument and serve as an Honorary Chair of the Womens Suffrage National Monument Foundation to help secure a monument on the National Mall of enduring inspiration for women and future female leaders. https://t.co/x7eOshRho7 MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) October 19, 2022 The Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation was founded in 2018. In December 2020, Congress enacted Public Law 116217, which authorized the creation of the Every Word We Utter Monument and charged the foundation with the monument's oversight. The monument will be placed on federal land in Washington, D.C., and will "commemorate the women's suffrage movement and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote," the text of the law reads. The foundation is working with the National Park Service, along with other national committees, to help design, fund and place the monument. According to the foundation, fewer than 5% of outdoor monuments in the United States tell women's stories. The Women's Suffrage National Monument is currently scheduled to be unveiled in summer 2027. US diplomat's wife pleads guilty to killing British motorcyclist in UK car crash Dwayne Johnson says he transformed his body for "Black Adam" United Nations grapples with response to crises in Haiti 2024 offensive lineman Jo Cryer has received an offer from the Nebraska Cornhusksers. After a great conversation with @DonovanRaiola Im blessed to receive an offer from Nebraska University, Cryer tweeted. Cryer attends Many High School in Many, LA. He is listed at 64 and 290 pounds. Both On3 and Rivals grade Cryer as a three-star recruit. On3 ranks him as the 65th-best inside offensive lineman in the 2024 class. He has also received offers from Michigan State, Memphis, and Louisiana Tech. Cryer is a continuation of Nebraskas aggressive recruiting in the state of Louisiana. Nebraskas top 2023 commit is wide receiver Omarion Miller, who is from Vivian, LA. Cryer is the third 2024 recruit in the state to receive an offer from Nebraska joining wide receivers Joshua Jackson and Elijah Garrick. After a great conversation with @DonovanRaiola Im blessed to receive an offer from Nebraska University #GBR #huskers pic.twitter.com/X24G2Xu2JG Joseph Big Hoss Cryer77 (@JoBighossCryer) October 19, 2022 Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinion. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today! List Big Ten West Standings After Week 7 Big Ten West standings Story originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire South Korea's move to force BTS to join the military will cause it to lose out on billions in lost tourism, merchandise, and cosmetics The 7 members of the K-pop boy band BTS - V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope - attend the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 3, 2022. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy BTS's recording label announced all 7 members will enlist in South Korea's military for mandatory service. While the group is on hiatus until 2025, South Korean could lose billions from tourism and consumer goods. The label said the members will complete their military service while pursuing "solo endeavors." South Korea is projected to lose billions when the members of K-pop group BTS enlist in the South Korean military for mandatory service. BTS contributes over $3.6 billion to South Korea's economy each year, according to a 2018 report by the Hyundai Research Institute, as first reported by The Korea Herald. That's the same as 26 midsize companies, researchers said. In 2017, one out of every 13 tourists who came to South Korea was because of BTS, and in 2018, 7% of foreign visitors, or about 800,000 tourists, came because of the group, according to the research institute. In 2017, its estimated $1.1 billion of consumer goods exported from South Korea were related to BTS, like clothes and cosmetics, Yonhap News Agency reported. The researchers estimated that if BTS keeps its popularity, the group could generate almost 42 trillion won, or $29.2 billion, between 2014 and 2023. All seven members of the band will be on hiatus until 2025 to fulfill their military service and pursue "solo endeavors," BigHit Music, the group's label, said. In June, the group announced it would be taking a hiatus from being a band and instead pursue solo projects. But then representatives for the group told TMZ that the announcement had a translation error. Representatives for BTS shared a statement with TMZ saying, "To be clear, they are not on hiatus but will take time to explore some solo projects at this time and remain active in various different formats." After the group's break announcement, shares of HYBE, its management company, lost a quarter of its value, Fortune reported. The company's stock fell to its lowest point in the two years since it went public. After BTS announced they would be doing their military service, HYBE's shares dropped 2.5%. Story continues All able-bodied men in South Korea between ages 18 and 28 are required to serve for two years in the military. However, the country revised its Military Service Act to allow BTS to postpone military service until age 30. Previously, exemptions and deferrals for serving in the military were only allowed for high-profile athletes or classical musicians. Read the original article on Business Insider David Wesley Prevatte is charged in the 2017 rape and killing of his 5-year-old niece. A man carried the limp body of his 5-year-old niece into the emergency room at Pender Memorial Hospital in mid-November 2017. She died three days later and her death was investigated as a homicide. Her uncle, now 23-year-old David Wesley Prevatte -- the man who carried her into the emergency room -- was an initial suspect in her death. It took over four years for an arrest to be made, but Prevatte was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree statutory rape in February 2022 in connection with the death of the child, Paitin Fields. Now, he could face the death penalty. On Nov. 13, 2017, Fields was taken to Pender Memorial Hospital with complaints of seizure and an altered mental status. According to a medical examiner's report released the following year, a nurse noticed ligature marks on her neck, consistent with strangulation" and sent her to New Hanover Regional Medical Center for further evaluation. Doctor's there examined the child and discovered evidence of the sexual assault. This year:'Relief': Family, Pender community react to arrest in Paitin Fields' murder In the following days, she lost cranial nerve reflexes and brain activity. She was pronounced dead at NHRMC on Nov. 16, 2017, and the Pender County Sheriff's Office opened a homicide investigation. Prevatte was 19 years old at the time of Paitin's death. Pender County Sheriff Alan Culter announced on Feb. 4, 2022, Prevatte was taken into custody in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and was extradited to Pender County where he is now facing prosecution. In early April, the state filed a notice in Pender County Superior Court notifying Prevatte and his counsel that it would proceed capitally in the case. According to the district attorney's office, this means Prevatte could face the death penalty if convicted of murder. On April 25, Prevatte's attorney submitted a motion requesting a change in venue to move the impending trial from Pender County, claiming prejudice against Prevatte in Pender and other nearby counties would prevent him from receiving a fair and impartial trial. Story continues A hearing for that request is expected to take place in the upcoming months, according to the district attorney's office. Prevatte remains in custody in Pender County. Jamey Cross is the public safety reporter at the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Uncle charged in killing niece could face death penalty in Pender Co. CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's top court has ruled to give the U.S. government 60 days to request the extradition of fugitive Malaysian businessman Leonard Glenn Francis, also known by his alias "Fat Leonard," who is implicated in a U.S. Navy bribery case. The supreme court ruling was issued last week but only made public on Wednesday by a reporter with official media. Francis was arrested on Sept. 21 at Caracas' main airport as he prepared to leave for Russia. The U.S. government had previously issued a red flag request through Interpol for his detention. The Venezuelan court decision comes as long-strained relations between Washington and Caracas appear to improve in recent months. The court said it will notify the United States through Venezuela's foreign ministry, including its decision that a formal extraction request be filed within two months and include evidence of Francis' alleged crimes. If U.S. authorities do not comply within the two month limit, the businessman's "unrestricted release" will be ordered, the court added in its ruling dated October 13. Francis arrived in Venezuela from Mexico with a stopover in Cuba and was planning to travel to Russia, according to Interpol Venezuela. He reportedly removed his monitoring anklet and escaped house arrest in the United States ahead of his looming sentencing in September, according to a the San Diego Union-Tribune. (Reporting by Deisy Buitrago and Vivian Sequera; Editing by Alistair Bell) Svetlana Tikhanovskaya In Krakow Exiled leader of the opposition in Belarus, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, meets with members of the local Belarusian diaspora outside the Adam Mickiewicz monument during her short visit to Krakow, Poland, on October 02, 2022. Credit - Artur WidakNurPhoto/Getty Images As the war in Ukraine approaches its eighth month, a prevalent concerneven fearis that Western war fatigue could soon set in. While support for Ukraine remains steadfast across much of the West, some polls have shown flagging support for sanctions on Russia if they continue to exacerbate economic challenges at home. The prevailing worry is that this coming winter, amid rising energy demand and a cost-of-living crisis, could expose the limits of Western support. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Belarusian opposition leader who has made common cause between the fights for freedom and democracy in her native Belarus and Ukraine, understands the repercussions of such complacency better than most. Since emerging as the unlikely political challenger to longtime Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, when she put herself forward to contest the election in the place of her jailed husband Sergei Tsikhanouski (a contest she believes she would have won, had it not been for vote tampering), and becoming the de facto leader of Belaruss pro-democracy movement in 2020, Tsikhanouskaya has dedicated her life to ensuring that her country doesnt slip from the worlds attention. Over the past two years, she has met with world leaders, represented democratic Belarus at international bodies, and lobbied Western capitals to sanction Lukashenkos dictatorial regime, all the while living in exile in neighboring Lithuania. So far, her efforts have succeeded in ensuring that the West doesnt recognize the legitimacy of Lukashenkos 2020 election victorya result that was dismissed by observers both within and outside the country as riggedbut they have yet to force Lukashenko from power or usher in free and fair vote. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Belarus has largely fallen off the worlds collective radar, save for the Norwegian Nobel Committees decision earlier this month to honor the jailed Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski as one of the recipients of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize. (Tsikhanouskaya was also among the favorites to win the prize.) As Tsikhanouskaya sees it, the world cannot afford to forget Belarusespecially now. We need Belarus not to be overlooked because Belarus is not only a part of this crisis, Tsikhanouskaya tells TIME, referencing Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Belarus can be part of the solution. Belarus has played an important, if slightly understated, role in Russias war in Ukraine. In the days leading up to the invasion, Lukashenko invited Russia to stage its troops and equipment on Belarusian soil in a move that seemed to formalize the countrys status as a Russian vassal state. While Belarusian troops have yet to be deployed to fight in neighboring Ukraine, Lukashenko has not ruled out their direct involvement. Indeed, the Belarusian leader announced last week an agreement between Minsk and Moscow to deploy what he called a joint regional group of forces. Nearly 9,000 Russian soldiers have since arrived in Belarus as part of this joint grouping, according to Belarusian officialsa move that suggests Russia could once again use Belarus as a staging ground for further attacks on Ukraine. Lukashenkos posturing can be explained less by his personal commitment to the Russian invasion (he told the Associated Press that he thought it had dragged on in May) and more by his own desire for self-preservation. It was Russian President Vladimir Putin, after all, who supplied Lukashenko with security forces to crush the pro-democracy demonstrations against his rule in 2020. The Russian President also backed Lukashenko with a $1.5 billion loan to help him overcome Western sanctions. By supporting his benefactors in the Kremlin, Lukashenko is not only offering Putin a return on his investment, but is shoring up his own position at home. Its for this reason, Tsikhanouskaya argues, that long-term security in Europe will be elusive so long as Lukashenko remains in power. If theres a Putin-friendly regime in Belarus and if Russian troops are allowed to remain on its territory, she says, no one in our neighboring countries will sleep peacefully. While Russian provocations beyond Ukraine are seemingly unlikely given the difficulties that Moscow is already facing in Ukraine, a further weaponization of Belarusian territory nonetheless poses a potential vulnerability for NATO, particularly as it concerns the alliances Baltic members. Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia have long regarded Belarus as a key buffer between themselves and Russia. By permitting Russian troops in Belarus, Lukashenko has not only brought Moscow closer to the doorsteps of the Baltic countries, but he has also granted Russia direct access to the strategic Suwaki Corridor, a 65-mile stretch of land sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania that connects Belarus with the westernmost and non-contiguous Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, which sits on the Baltic Sea. The prevailing concern is that if Russian troops are able to control the Suwaki Corridor from either side, they could effectively use it to cut off NATOs Baltic members from the rest of the alliance, posing a major challenge if NATO wished to send ground troops to reinforce its eastern flank. Lon Tweeten While some experts have downplayed the significance of the Suwaki Corridor, noting that the land gap represents as much of a strategic issue for Russia as it does NATO countries, is is nonetheless seen as a vulnerable place, depending on what Belarus does, says Ben Hodges, the former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe. The fact that Lukashenko has already been seen to forfeit Belarusian sovereignty in order to stay in power makes it unlikely that he will be able to establish trust with Belaruss closest neighbors even after the war ends. As long as hes there or somebody like him, says Hodges, it will be very difficult for the neighbors of Belarus to see them as anything other than a puppet of Moscow. When asked what the West can do to address this issue, Tsikhanouskaya called for consistency. Continue applying multiple points of pressure on the regime politically, economically, she says. Dont recognize Lukashenko, dont send ambassadors. Be strong in this period of history. More than anything, Tsikhanouskaya says that she hopes that their allies in the West wont succumb to war fatigue. Its really high time for Western countries to show their strength, she says. Not only as politicians, but as people. WASHINGTON Its not just about abortion. After pounding away at Republicans over the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Democrats are broadening their reproductive rights rallying cry to emphasize birth control. A new advocacy group is running ads in competitive House races as well as in communities with large student populations warning that the right to birth control pills, condoms and your girlfriend's IUD could be taken away by Republicans. The ads, which are running in eight states though November, focus on legislation opposed by most House Republicans to enshrine into law the right to use contraceptives. Theyre hitting YouTube, Hulu, Netflix and other places at a time when polling has shown abortion taking a back seat among voters to their concerns about the economy and inflation. President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged voters to remember how they felt in June when the Supreme Court ruled that Americans no longer have a constitutional right to abortion. He also warned that the justices could go after other previously protected rights. I just want to make clear I know you all know, but Ill make sure they're talking about the right to use contraception and the right to marry who you love, Biden said. Republicans say Democrats have resorted to fearmongering because voters are rejecting their stewardship of the economy. Political forecaster David Wasserman, who tracks House races for the Cook Political Report, said talking about contraceptive access can help Democrats portray the threat to reproductive health care to as broad a segment of the electorate as possible. Contraception is widely popular. But they also run the risk of being tuned out if voters see the threat as too difficult to believe, he said. So, for Democrats, there is a lot of internal debate over how to communicate to best persuade voters, and that's a difficult calculation. Related: Biden vows codifying Roe decision would be first bill in an expanded Democratic majority Story continues Are contraceptives at risk? When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas called on the court to reconsider other rights established by the high court, including gay marriage and access to contraception. Associate Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the courts majority opinion, stressed that "nothing in this opinion should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion." But Liz Jaff, the political strategist who heads the advocacy group Americans for Contraception, which is behind the new ad, said she doesnt want to get fooled by the court again. Everyone kept saying, `Oh, you know, Roe v. Wade is not going to be overturned, she said. And here we are. Pelosi speaks about Right to Contraception Act What did the House vote on? In July, House Democrats passed a bill to codify the federal right to contraception. Nearly all House Republicans opposed it, and it hasnt been considered in the closely divided Senate. The GOPs objections to the legislation include that it would force health care providers to offer contraceptives, even if that contradicted their religious beliefs. Previously: 8 House Republicans join Democrats in voting to codify access to birth control What do the ads say? The ads that started running this week emphasize the fact that the issue, including the House vote, hasnt received the same attention as the fight over abortion rights. Did you hear they're voting against our right to condoms in Washington? a guy in a bar says to his beer-drinking bro in one of the ads. No, theyre not, the friend responds incredulously. The ads, which urge viewers to contact their congressman, portray the question as important not just to women but also to a couple who already has four kids, a dad concerned about his college-age son and a balding, gray-bearded man in a flannel shirt who declares lawmakers are supposed to protect our freedoms, not take them away. Who is being targeted? The ads are running statewide in Iowa and North Carolina, as well as in specific House districts in those states and in Arizona, California, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio and Texas. Some of those districts are represented by Republicans in competitive reelection races, including Arizonas David Schweikert and Ohios Steve Chabot, the first Republicans targeted this week. (Neither campaign responded to requests for comment.) Chabots Cincinnati district includes two major universities. Schweikerts district also has a heavy student presence, according to Jaff, who said her group is also focused on areas where major employers might be concerned about their workers losing access to contraceptives. Who is paying for the ads? Jaff declined to identify the donors for the ad campaign, which she said will cost more than $1 million. Because the ads arent strictly focused on the Nov. 8 election, they are running through November in what Jaff hopes will be the first phase of a larger campaign that could expand to other levels of government besides Congress and include voter registration efforts. Will this work as a political issue? Michael McAdams, spokesman for the campaign arm of House Republicans, said the ads show Democrats are panicked because their strategy of ignoring voters' serious economic concerns is backfiring, and now they have to resort to fearmongering false attacks. Democratic strategist Dan Pfieffer, who was one of President Barack Obamas closest advisers, said the debate over contraceptive access is not going to shift a race that Democrats were going to lose into one it will definitely win. But, he said, all of this is happening in an incredibly close political environment where just a handful of voters can make a gigantic difference in House races centers across the country. And so reminding people of an issue that we know doesn't just motivate Democrats but moves independents dramatically against Republicans is a smart investment of money, he said. Kyle Kondik, who analyzes elections at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said that while abortion remains an important election issue, hes not sure how much voters will believe their access to contraception is threatened. Although, he added, perhaps the Dobbs decision has opened eyes in that regard. Related: Abortion bans and LGBTQ-targeted laws are catching some school campuses in the crosshairs More: In states where abortion is now outlawed, students ramp up activism This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democrats warn condoms, birth control pills at risk under Republicans The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nations largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, on Monday announced the launch of six-figure ad buys in four battleground states to mobilize voters ahead of next months midterm elections. Ads sponsored by the group will run on television stations and streaming platforms including Roku and Hulu throughout Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Georgia, where the outcome of close contests for Senate seats could determine which party holds the majority next year. Governors races in Nevada and Wisconsin have been categorized as toss-ups by election forecasters. Recent polls show Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) holding the lead in his reelection bid over Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams, while Sen. Rafael Warnock (D-Ga.) is locked in a tight reelection battle against Republican Herschel Walker. The HRC ad campaigns are aimed at engaging upwards of 750,000 voters who back progressive leaders but dont habitually vote in midterm elections, the group said Monday in a news release announcing the ad buys. We are in unprecedented times, with threats to the lives and livelihoods of LGBTQ+ people growing by the day, Jennifer Pike Bailey, HRCs deputy director of government affairs, said Monday. Its why we must make every effort to set pro-equality candidates on a path to victory. The 30-second spots running in each state project identical messages, save for the candidates endorsed at the end of each ad. The HRC campaign encourages voters to cast a ballot in November for Abrams and Warnock in Georgia; Mandela Barnes, a Democrat running for Senate, and Gov. Tony Evers (D) in Wisconsin; Cheri Beasley, a Democrat running for the Senate in North Carolina; and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D) and Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) in Nevada. For extremist politicians, outlawing abortion even in cases of rape and incest is just the beginning, the ads state, referring to laws proposed by Republican lawmakers this year after the Supreme Court voted in June to overturn Roe v. Wade. Story continues Theyre planning to take away our rights and freedoms, roll back same-sex marriage, make it harder to vote, the ads continue. They threaten our progress, our future. Voting is how we fight back. Pike Bailey on Monday said the HRC is outraged after federal abortion protections were struck down by the Supreme Court over the summer. The ruling has also caused many LGBTQ people and their allies to worry that modern LGBTQ rights, which hinge on a number of landmark Supreme Court decisions, could be next on the chopping block. In July, the House passed the Respect for Marriage Act, introduced after Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas suggested the court should revisit its ruling in cases including Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized marriage equality nationwide. But the measure, which would enshrine the right of same-sex and interracial couples to marry in federal law, has yet to get a vote in the 50-50 Senate. Sen. Ron Johnson (R), running against Barnes in Wisconsin, has said he will oppose the legislation, and Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), who is running against Beasley to represent North Carolina in the Senate, voted against the bill when it was brought up for a vote in the House. Adam Laxalt, Cortez Mastos Republican opponent, has not taken a position on the Respect for Marriage Act but has previously said that he believes marriage should be between one man and one woman. In 2014, while campaigning for attorney general of Nevada, Laxalt promised to defend the states then-ban on same-sex marriage. The HRC is not the only LGBTQ organization that has sought to mobilize voters ahead of the midterms, and other groups have taken a similar approach. The LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD earlier this month aired two ads highlighting what is at stake for the LGBTQ community in the elections for the House and Senate. The ads feature a gay married couple worried that their familys rights could be taken away and a Texas family of four with a transgender child that pushes back against claims from the states governor and attorney general that gender-affirming care for transgender youth is akin to child abuse. Ads part of a $250,000 campaign from groups including the National LGBTQ Task Force, Equality Texas and Equality Florida will soon air on Facebook, Instagram and other media platforms, Newsweek reported Monday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano on Wednesday vowed that if he wins election to Pennsylvania's top office, hell begin busing illegal immigrants to President Joe Bidens home state of Delaware. On Day 1, were no longer a sanctuary state. When those ghost flights show up, our beautiful Pennsylvania State Police will escort those busloads of illegals down to Delaware, Mastriano said during a Fox News town hall hosted by Sean Hannity in York. Joe Biden can have them. His description of transporting migrants echoed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recent move to fly several dozen migrants from Texas to Marthas Vineyard, a maneuver denounced by Democrats and immigration advocates. But after hearing Mastrianos plan for addressing immigration and other issues, Hannity praised the Republican candidate, whos facing off against Democrat Josh Shapiro in the gubernatorial contest. Thats a pretty good platform, Hannity said. Doug Mastriano, Republican nominee for governor of Pennsylvania, speaks during a rally at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie on Oct. 14, 2022. Mastrianos mention of ghost flights refers to a GOP claim that the Biden administration is covertly dropping off undocumented immigrants in various states. The supposed controversy actually relates to the routine procedure of transporting migrant children, many of them to federally licensed shelters where they can be reunited with family members. This practice has been routine for decades, including during former President Donald Trumps term, The New York Times has reported. Mastriano, a state senator, has also said he wanted to introduce legislation to transport undocumented immigrants from Pennsylvania to Delaware. Hannity, Oz pile on Fetterman during town hall While Mastriano appeared near the end of Hannitys town hall, the majority of the hour-long program centered on Pennsylvanias Senate race and gave Republican Mehmet Oz a platform to deliver a barrage of attacks against his opponent, Democrat John Fetterman. Hannity began the town hall by mocking Fetterman for everything from his clothing style (the Democratic lieutenant governor is known for eschewing a suit-and-tie for a hoodie and shorts) to his recovery from a life-threatening stroke in May. Story continues The pile-on continued after Oz took the stage in the Valencia Ballroom in York, where Hannity taped his show in front of an audience. Oz, a surgeon-turned-celebrity doctor, said voters recently have realized the stark contrast between him and Fetterman. The Democratic candidate had been leading by a wide margin over the summer, but Oz has closed much of that gap in the lead-up to Election Day. All of a sudden, over the last few weeks, more and more Pennsylvanians are doing their homework; smart people, he said. And theyre realizing who he is and what we stand for. More:Fetterman's lead on Oz slips as Shapiro's widens over Mastriano in USA TODAY/Suffolk poll After that, Oz proceeded to accuse Fetterman of being soft on crime and blame Democratic policies for problems of violence and drug addiction in various parts of the state. The GOP candidate also called for creating a federal fund that could help parents send their children to parochial schools and spoke about supporting fossil fuel extraction. Allow natural gas to be unleashed in Pennsylvania, he said. Newt Gingrich defends Dr. Oz Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich joined the program a bit later to defend Ozs Pennsylvania bona fides something that has come into question over the course of the campaign. Ozs opponents have labeled him a carpetbagger for moving to Pennsylvania about a year before he announced his candidacy. And Fetterman recently tried to drive the point home by stationing billboards outside the Eagles stadium accusing Oz of rooting for the Cowboys. But Gingrich vouched for Oz, saying hed known the doctor for years, dating back to when he was already an Eagles fan. The town hall also included Sens. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, and Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, who decried the crime in various parts of the nation and advocated for more natural gas extraction. Town hall attendees said they were unhappy with nation's direction Eric Murach made the 40-minute drive from his home in Boiling Springs to York Wednesday morning, arriving at his destination, the Valencia Ballroom in York, at about 12:30 p.m. He wanted to make sure he was able to get in the ballroom for that afternoons town hall meeting. You dont know how long the lines going to be, the 73-year-old mechanical engineer said. I didnt want to get here one person too late. He had little to fear. By 3:30 p.m., when the doors opened for the 5 p.m. town hall, the line was only halfway down the block on North George Street. It did not appear that the ballroom would be filled to capacity. He said he came to the campaign event because I want to hear these people. He is a registered Republican and he said he supports Oz. Dr. Ozs opponent is a joke, he said. Of Oz, he said, the TV doctor has a pretty good track record. That record includes, as far as he knows, he was a doctor and somehow got into television. He said he never watched Ozs show, but his wife had. I dont like that stuff, he said. But I guess he did a good job at it. He made money at it. Eric Murach, a 73-year-old retired mechanical engineer, drove from Boiling Springs to York to attend Mehmet Oz's town hall meeting at the Valencia Ballroom. He arrived at the ballroom at 12:30 p.m. for the 5 p.m. town hall. He said he wanted to make sure he got in. Farther back the line, Steve Becker, a 69-year-old produce wholesaler from Dillsburg and a Republican committeeman, said he wanted to see Oz in person to see how he comes across. It seemed like a fun thing to do, he said. He said he believes people are looking for a change. There certainly is a lot of dissatisfaction with how things are going nationally and in the state. Deanne Bardo, a 57-year-old self-described trophy wife from Dover, echoed that sentiment. Her husband worked for General Electric and his job required overseas postings. She recalled living in India, where those with wealth lived behind the walls of compounds and when you stepped outside the walls, you saw people living in shacks constructed from corrugated steel with no running water. Thats the direction were going in this country, she said. You have the elites and you have the poor. She also decries the state of politics in this country. Have you ever seen politics be so nasty? she asked. Im sure it was ugly during Vietnam, but this is the ugliest time ever. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Hannity's York PA town hall features Oz, Mastriano attacking Democrats Scholz said that Russia's tactics in the war against Ukraine only rallied the West We will not let Moscows latest escalation go unanswered... Scorched earth tactics will not help Russia win the war, Scholz said during his speech in the German parliament, the Bundestag. Read also: Russias mass missile attack damages culture, power supplies, Russia and Belarus team up (These tactics) will only strengthen the unity and resolve of Ukraine and its partners, he added. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is using energy and hunger as weapons but has failed to break the West's unity, Scholz said. Read also: Russia destroys third of Ukraines power stations in a week Zelenskyy All the lies and propaganda, the talk of special operations and swift victories all that was just a facade, like a Potemkin village, the German chancellor said. During the last 10 days, Russian forces have hit critical and energy infrastructure objects throughout Ukraine. Russian forces continued massive attacks on Ukrainian cities on Oct. 19. The air defense forces managed to shoot down four enemy missiles and eight kamikaze drones. Read also: Germany to train 5,000 Ukrainian troops by spring 2023, Scholz says It has been announced that power outages could be experienced throughout Ukraine on Oct. 20 as a result of the attacks by Russia on the Ukrainian power grid. Ukrainians were urged to limit electricity consumption between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine VALENTYNA ROMANENKO WEDNESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2022, 16:16 The defence forces of Ukraine shot down four out of six cruise missiles launched by the occupiers and a dozen kamikaze drones as of 15:30 of 19 October. Source: Ukrainian Air Command, on Telegram Details: The Air Force reported that at 12:05 on 19 October, the Russians attacked Ukraine from the northeast using strategic aircraft. Six X-101/X-555 cruise missiles were launched from Tu-95 and Tu-160 missile carriers. One missile was destroyed by fighter aircraft and another by an anti-aircraft missile unit within the operational area of Air Command Tsentr (Centre) in Kyiv and Vinnytsia oblasts. Two more missiles were shot down by the air defence of the Ground Forces in Chernihiv Oblast. Simultaneously with the missile attack, the Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine using Shahed-136 kamikaze drones from the north, in particular from the territory of Belarus. Air Command reported that as of 15:30 on 19 October, 10 kamikaze drones [barrage munitions] were destroyed by the air defence of Air Command Tsentr (Centre). Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Proficient Market Insights Pune, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "American Whiskey Market" size was valued at USD 10700.0 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.85% during the forecast period, reaching USD 18800.0 million by 2027. The American Whiskey Market research includes an in-depth analysis of report detailed information on factors influencing demand, growth, opportunities, challenges, and restraints, and Analysis of Pre & Post COVID-19 Market. The global American Whiskey Market size is projected to reach multi million by 2027, in comparison to 2022, with unexpected CAGR during the forecast period. American Whiskey Market - Covid-19 Impact and Recovery Analysis: We have been following the straight impact of COVID-19 on this market, as well as the indirect impact from other industries. This report analyses the impact of the pandemic on the American Whiskey market from a Global and Regional perspective. The report outlines the market size, market characteristics, and market growth for American Whiskey industry, categorized by type, application, and consumer sector. In addition, it provides a comprehensive analysis of aspects involved in market development before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Report also conducted a PESTEL analysis in the industry to study key influencers and barriers to entry. Final Report will add the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on this industry. TO KNOW HOW COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR WILL IMPACT THIS MARKET - REQUEST SAMPLE It also provides accurate information and cutting-edge analysis that is necessary to formulate an ideal business plan, and to define the right path for rapid growth for all involved industry players. With this information, stakeholders will be more capable of developing new strategies, which focus on market opportunities that will benefit them, making their business endeavours profitable in the process. Who is the main manufacturer in the Global? Fireball Cinnamon Whisky Wyoming Whiskey Jim Beam WhistlePig Rye Whiskey High West Distillery Westlanddistillery Diageo Smooth Ambler Brown Forman Balcones Distilling Heaven Hill Distillery Charbay Virginia Distillery Co. Leopold Bros Beam Suntory Story continues And More Get a Sample Copy of the American Whiskey Market Report 2022 What are Industry Insights? The Global American Whiskey market is expected to rise at a significant rate during the forecast period, between 2022 and 2027. In 2022, the market is increasing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of tactics by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon. The global American Whiskey market size was valued at USD 10700.0 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.85% during the forecast period, reaching USD 18800.0 million by 2027. The report combines extensive quantitative analysis and exhaustive qualitative analysis, ranges from a macro overview of the total market size, industry chain, and market dynamics to micro details of segment markets by type, application and region, and, as a result, provides a holistic view of, as well as a deep insight into the American Whiskey market covering all its essential aspects. For the competitive landscape, the report also introduces players in the industry from the perspective of the market share, concentration ratio, etc., and describes the leading companies in detail, with which the readers can get a better idea of their competitors and acquire an in-depth understanding of the competitive situation. Further, mergers & acquisitions, emerging market trends, the impact of COVID-19, and regional conflicts will all be considered. In a nutshell, this report is a must-read for industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the market in any manner. Get a Sample PDF of report - https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample/21739498 On the basis of product type this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into: Bourbon Whiskey Tennessee Whiskey Rye Whiskey Others On the basis of the end users/applications this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including: 18-29 years 30-49 years 50-64 years American Whiskey Market - Regional Analysis: Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share and growth Rate of American Whiskey in these regions, from 2015 to 2027, covering North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Turkey etc.) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa) Some of the key questions answered in this report: What is the global ( North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa ) sales value, production value, consumption value, import and export of American Whiskey? Who are the global key manufacturers of the American Whiskey Industry? How is their operating situation (capacity, production, sales, price, cost, gross, and revenue)? What are the American Whiskey market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global American Whiskey Industry? Which application/end-user or product type may seek incremental growth prospects? What is the market share of each type and application? What focused approach and constraints are holding the American Whiskey market? What are the different sales, marketing, and distribution channels in the global industry? What are the upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment of American Whiskey along with the manufacturing process of American Whiskey? What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the American Whiskey market? Economic impact on the American Whiskey industry and development trend of the American Whiskey industry. What are the market opportunities, market risk, and market overview of the American Whiskey market? What are the key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges of the American Whiskey market, and how they are expected to impact the market? What is the American Whiskey market size at the regional and country-level? Our research analysts will help you to get customized details for your report, which can be modified in terms of a specific region, application or any statistical details. In addition, we are always willing to comply with the study, which triangulated with your own data to make the market research more comprehensive in your perspective. Inquire more and share questions if any before the purchase on this report at -https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/21739498 Detailed TOC of Global American Whiskey Market Research Report 2022 1 American Whiskey Market Overview 1.1 Product Overview and Scope of American Whiskey 1.2 American Whiskey Segment by Type 1.2.1 Global American Whiskey Market Size Growth Rate Analysis by Type 2022 VS 2027 1.3 American Whiskey Segment by Application 1.3.1 Global American Whiskey Consumption Comparison by Application: 2022 VS 2027 1.4 Global Market Growth Prospects 1.4.1 Global American Whiskey Revenue Estimates and Forecasts (2015-2027) 1.4.2 Global American Whiskey Production Capacity Estimates and Forecasts (2015-2027) 1.4.3 Global American Whiskey Production Estimates and Forecasts (2015-2027) 1.5 Global Market Size by Region 1.5.1 Global American Whiskey Market Size Estimates and Forecasts by Region: 2015 VS 2021 VS 2027 1.5.2 North America American Whiskey Estimates and Forecasts (2015-2027) 1.5.3 Europe American Whiskey Estimates and Forecasts (2015-2027) 1.5.4 China American Whiskey Estimates and Forecasts (2015-2027) 1.5.5 Japan American Whiskey Estimates and Forecasts (2015-2027) 2 Market Competition by Manufacturers 2.1 Global American Whiskey Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers (2015-2022) 2.2 Global American Whiskey Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2015-2022) 2.3 American Whiskey Market Share by Company Type (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3) 2.4 Global American Whiskey Average Price by Manufacturers (2015-2022) 2.5 Manufacturers American Whiskey Production Sites, Area Served, Product Types 2.6 American Whiskey Market Competitive Situation and Trends 2.6.1 American Whiskey Market Concentration Rate 2.6.2 Global 5 and 10 Largest American Whiskey Players Market Share by Revenue 2.6.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion 3 Production Capacity by Region 3.1 Global Production Capacity of American Whiskey Market Share by Region (2015-2022) 3.2 Global American Whiskey Revenue Market Share by Region (2015-2022) 3.3 Global American Whiskey Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2022) 3.4 North America American Whiskey Production 3.4.1 North America American Whiskey Production Growth Rate (2015-2022) 3.4.2 North America American Whiskey Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2022) 3.5 Europe American Whiskey Production 3.5.1 Europe American Whiskey Production Growth Rate (2015-2022) 3.5.2 Europe American Whiskey Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2022) 3.6 China American Whiskey Production 3.6.1 China American Whiskey Production Growth Rate (2015-2022) 3.6.2 China American Whiskey Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2022) 3.7 Japan American Whiskey Production 3.7.1 Japan American Whiskey Production Growth Rate (2015-2022) 3.7.2 Japan American Whiskey Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2022) 4 Global American Whiskey Consumption by Region 4.1 Global American Whiskey Consumption by Region 4.1.1 Global American Whiskey Consumption by Region 4.1.2 Global American Whiskey Consumption Market Share by Region 4.2 North America 4.2.1 North America American Whiskey Consumption by Country 4.2.2 United States 4.2.3 Canada 4.3 Europe 4.3.1 Europe American Whiskey Consumption by Country 4.3.2 Germany 4.3.3 France 4.3.4 U.K. 4.3.5 Italy 4.3.6 Russia 4.4 Asia Pacific 4.4.1 Asia Pacific American Whiskey Consumption by Region 4.4.2 China 4.4.3 Japan 4.4.4 South Korea 4.4.5 China Taiwan 4.4.6 Southeast Asia 4.4.7 India 4.4.8 Australia 4.5 Latin America 4.5.1 Latin America American Whiskey Consumption by Country 4.5.2 Mexico 4.5.3 Brazil Get a Sample Copy of the American Whiskey Market Report 2022 5 Segment by Type 5.1 Global American Whiskey Production Market Share by Type (2015-2022) 5.2 Global American Whiskey Revenue Market Share by Type (2015-2022) 5.3 Global American Whiskey Price by Type (2015-2022) 6 Segment by Application 6.1 Global American Whiskey Production Market Share by Application (2015-2022) 6.2 Global American Whiskey Revenue Market Share by Application (2015-2022) 6.3 Global American Whiskey Price by Application (2015-2022) 7 Key Companies Profiled 7.1 Company 7.1.1 American Whiskey Corporation Information 7.1.2 American Whiskey Product Portfolio 7.1. CAmerican Whiskey Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2022) 7.1.4 Companys Main Business and Markets Served 7.1.5 Companys Recent Developments/Updates 8 American Whiskey Manufacturing Cost Analysis 8.1 American Whiskey Key Raw Materials Analysis 8.1.1 Key Raw Materials 8.1.2 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials 8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure 8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of American Whiskey 8.4 American Whiskey Industrial Chain Analysis 9 Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers 9.1 Marketing Channel 9.2 American Whiskey Distributors List 9.3 American Whiskey Customers 10 Market Dynamics 10.1 American Whiskey Industry Trends 10.2 American Whiskey Market Drivers 10.3 American Whiskey Market Challenges 10.4 American Whiskey Market Restraints 11 Production and Supply Forecast 11.1 Global Forecasted Production of American Whiskey by Region (2023-2027) 11.2 North America American Whiskey Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2027) 11.3 Europe American Whiskey Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2027) 11.4 China American Whiskey Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2027) 11.5 Japan American Whiskey Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2027) 12 Consumption and Demand Forecast 12.1 Global Forecasted Demand Analysis of American Whiskey 12.2 North America Forecasted Consumption of American Whiskey by Country 12.3 Europe Market Forecasted Consumption of American Whiskey by Country 12.4 Asia Pacific Market Forecasted Consumption of American Whiskey by Region 12.5 Latin America Forecasted Consumption of American Whiskey by Country 13 Forecast by Type and by Application (2023-2027) 13.1 Global Production, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2023-2027) 13.1.1 Global Forecasted Production of American Whiskey by Type (2023-2027) 13.1.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of American Whiskey by Type (2023-2027) 13.1.3 Global Forecasted Price of American Whiskey by Type (2023-2027) 13.2 Global Forecasted Consumption of American Whiskey by Application (2023-2027) 13.2.1 Global Forecasted Production of American Whiskey by Application (2023-2027) 13.2.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of American Whiskey by Application (2023-2027) 13.2.3 Global Forecasted Price of American Whiskey by Application (2023-2027) 14 Research Finding and Conclusion 15 Methodology and Data Source 15.1 Methodology/Research Approach 15.1.1 Research Programs/Design 15.1.2 Market Size Estimation 15.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation 15.2 Data Source 15.2.1 Secondary Sources 15.2.2 Primary Sources 15.3 Author List 15.4 Disclaimer Continued. 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CONTACT: Contact our Sales Team: Organization: Proficient Market Insights Phone: US +1 424 253 0807 | UK +44 203 239 8187 Email: sales@proficientmarketinsights.com Website: https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com A voter places a ballot in a drop box outside the Maricopa County Elections Department on Aug. 2 in Phoenix. (Photo: Justin Sullivan via Getty Images) A voter places a ballot in a drop box outside the Maricopa County Elections Department on Aug. 2 in Phoenix. (Photo: Justin Sullivan via Getty Images) The office of the Arizona secretary of state has referred a report of voter intimidation to the states attorney generals office and the U.S. Department of Justice. A voter claimed to have been approached and followed by a group of individuals while trying to drop off a ballot at an early-voting drop box Monday, according to the office. Local outlet ABC15 first reported the complaint Wednesday, and a Justice Department spokesperson confirmed to HuffPost that the DOJ had received the referral. The report came from Maricopa County, Arizona home to Phoenix and the majority of the states residents and, specifically, a drop box outside the Juvenile Justice Center in the city of Mesa. The report follows months of growing conspiracy theories fostered by the movie 2000 Mules, which alleges, without evidence, that a network of thousands of mules slang for people thought to be harvesting or trafficking ballots illegally swung the 2020 election by working with unidentified left-wing groups to smuggle fraudulent votes for Joe Biden into the official count via drop boxes. The film has been endorsed by major Republican politicians and has inspired vigilante drop-box stakeouts across the country. It wasnt immediately clear who was behind the alleged intimidation in Mesa. But a right-wing group, Clean Elections USA, has had teams of people actively monitoring drop boxes in Arizona for several days. We are actually making a difference, the groups founder, Melody Jennings, told former top Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon on Monday. We are actually seeing mules be intimidated from doing their thievery. Were not intimidating voters. But the mules do not want to be caught on film, and thats what were doing. Were catching them on telescopic film. We can zoom right in. We can get your face. So weve got you. Story continues During a separate appearance on Bannons show this week, Jennings claimed that her group has thousands of volunteers, and that they are geotracking people they suspect of breaking the law. Jennings told HuffPost that the individual everyone is referring to [in Maricopa County] is not in any way associated with Clean Elections USA and never has been. It was an individual, not a group. Anyone who does not follow the law at a drop box site is instantly disassociated with Clean Elections USA, she wrote Thursday in a statement on Truth Social. This individual who the press are zeroing in on was never a part of CEUSA. Every person who does volunteer with CEUSA is responsible for their own actions. For days, Jennings has posted photos of apparent drop-box surveillance efforts, updating her online followers on her groups work. On Sunday, she posted a picture of a sedan near a drop box that appeared to have an obscured license plate. On Monday, Jennings posted a grainy photo of what appeared to be someone approaching a drop box. This guy, Jennings wrote. Drove in backwards to avoid plate detection. Got out showing his back. Pulled ballots out of his shirt. I need people there tonight to help my people. Lots of you! 75 ft away from box, post up opposite so we see both sides. Someone get tags. No talking to them. Do NOT GO INSIDE 75 ft! They are trying to get us to engage them. Do not do it! She included an address below her post that matches that of the drop box in Mesa. Seth Keshel, a popular influencer among those who believe Trumps lies about a stolen 2020 election, responded: After 2020, this should be a capital offense. In another post Monday, Jennings called on supporters to observe the drop boxes in Mesa and Phoenix right now. There are mules getting there and doing their thing even with my people there, she wrote. Trump reshared Jennings Truth Social posts to his 4.3 million followers on the platform. In addition to Clean Elections USA, the Arizona Mirror reported Friday that an Arizona chapter of the anti-government militia group the Oath Keepers was working with a group called the Lions of Liberty on Operation Drop Box. Several Oath Keepers, including founder Stewart Rhodes, are facing seditious conspiracy charges for their alleged actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack in Washington, D.C. In Arizona, family members, household members and caregivers are legally allowed to return a voters absentee ballot. But Arizona was also one of a handful of states featured in 2000 Mules. The film is devoid of any legitimate evidence the holes in its supposed logic are too numerous to count and Arizonas Republican attorney general, Mark Brnovich, recently asked the FBI and IRS to investigate True the Vote, the voter fraud hysterics organization at the center of the film, claiming it had failed to deliver promised evidence supporting the movies claims. Despite repeated requests, TTV never did provide the information it purported to have in its possession, the letter from Brnovichs office reads. The Georgia secretary of states office similarly told HuffPost that True the Vote had not responded to a subpoena in that state. Nonetheless, bitter after Bidens 2020 win in Arizona, many Republicans there have enthusiastically promoted 2000 Mules. The states Republican nominee for governor, Kari Lake, has claimed the movie shows how the elections were corrupt and rotten. We want people to be arrested, prosecuted and thrown in jail, Lake said. And after a May legislative hearing with Catherine Engelbrecht a co-executive producer of 2000 Mules and True the Votes founder state Sen. Kelly Townsend (R) said she had been pleased to hear about all you vigilantes out there that want to camp out at these drop boxes. Were going to be out there, were going to have hidden trail cameras, were going to have people parked out there watching you, and theyre going to follow you to your car and get your license plate, Townsend said. Maricopa County officials have condemned the drop-box vigilantism. We have folks that are approaching our elections workers as they go into the site; theyre taking pictures of them, Bill Gates (R), the chair of the countys board of supervisors, said at a meeting Wednesday. Theyre harassing people. Theyre not helping further the interests of democracy. Any attempt to deter, intimidate a lawful voter is unlawful, should be immediately reported, please to us, but also law enforcement, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer (R) said at a press conference last week, according to ABC15. Richer also noted that there had been reports of people in the vicinity of the same Mesa drop box at the heart of Mondays report. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 11: Comedian Andy Dick attends the VIP Reception of Mixed Messages, A Brand New Collection of Fine Art By Billy Morrison at The Desmond on June 11, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images) Greg Doherty/Getty Andy Dick is facing more legal trouble after getting arrested in Santa Barbara, California, last week. The Santa Barbara Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that the comedian, 56, was arrested on Oct. 13 after they received a report of burglary in process. His bail was set at $50,000. The homeowners informed officers that they did not know Dick and he was not authorized to be on the property. Dick was allegedly stealing power tools from the home, according to TMZ. The NewsRadio star remains behind bars after pleading not guilty to first-degree residential burglary, according to court documents obtained by Page Six. RELATED: Andy Dick Arrested for Felony Sexual Battery in Orange County Public defender Brian Mathis, who is representing Dick, shared a statement with PEOPLE following his arrest. "The Santa Barbara County Office of the Public Defender represents Mr. Dick," he said. "We are confident additional facts will come to light supporting Mr. Dick as this case moves forward." Andy Dick Greg Doherty/Getty Images RELATED: Andy Dick Admits Booze Makes Him a 'Moron' The arrest comes amid a growing list of alleged sexual offenses and other crimes on Dick's part, including several instances of public groping some of which were caught on camera. In May, Dick was arrested in Orange County, California for suspected felony sexual battery. Police were called after an adult male at O'Neill Regional Park claimed the comedian had sexually assaulted him. RELATED VIDEO: Andy Dick Arrested After Allegedly Attacking Boyfriend with Liquor Bottle RELATED: Andy Dick Charged with Sexual Battery for Allegedly Groping a Woman on L.A. Street Last year, the star was arrested in Los Angeles in June on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. In November of that year, he was arrested again after allegedly attacking his boyfriend with a liquor bottle. 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. Dick who is father to three children with two different women has also run into repeated legal trouble with regard to drug possession over the years. Fetterman is ready for 'full duty' and speaks with no 'cognitive deficits,' his doctor says Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman's health "has continued to improve" and he is speaking "without cognitive deficits" months after a stroke, the Democrat's primary-care physician wrote in a report released Wednesday by his campaign. "Overall, Lt. Governor Fetterman is well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices. He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office," wrote Clifford Chen, a Pittsburgh-area doctor who began serving as Fetterman's physician in May, according to the report. In a visit on Friday, Chen took Fetterman's blood pressure and heart rate, which he declared "normal," and performed lab tests that returned "good" results. MORE: Republicans suggest John Fetterman is too sick to serve. Neurologists call attacks uninformed Fetterman is taking "appropriate medications to optimize his heart condition and prevent future strokes," Chen wrote in the report. The lieutenant governor's health has been heavily discussed in this crucial Senate race -- in the wake of the stroke he had in May -- and his Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, has repeatedly pressured Fetterman to release updated medical records. "He's refused his medical records to be released," Oz, a former surgeon and TV host, said in an interview on Fox News last week. "So when I'm asked if he's improving or not, I don't know because nobody knows." PHOTO: Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz hosts a safer streets community discussion at Galdos Catering and Entertainment on Oct. 13, 2022 in Philadelphia. (Mark Makela/Getty Images FILE) Since returning to the campaign trail later in the summer, Fetterman has acknowledged having issues with auditory processing of language and has been using closed-captioning systems in some situations. He has also been working with a speech therapist. ABC previously spoke with independent neurologists who said that, generally, post-stroke language issues do not imply cognitive impairments. MORE: Dr. Oz could make history as a Muslim senator, but his faith isn't a big part of his campaign Oz's campaign welcomed Wednesday's disclosure from Fetterman's doctor and used it to call for Fetterman to participate in a second debate (the candidates are set to face off next week in Harrisburg, the only scheduled debate between them). Story continues "That's good news that John Fetterman's doctor gave him a clean bill of health," said Rachel Tripp, an Oz communications adviser, before repeating attacks on Fetterman's record such as his stance on crime. "Now that he apparently is healthy, he can debate for 90 minutes, start taking live questions from voters and reporters, and do a second debate now too," Tripp said. Later Wednesday, conservative news outlets cited records that showed Chen had a history of donations to Fetterman's campaign dating back to June 2021 and as recently as in September. The records, reviewed by ABC News, show Chen donated $1,330 to Fettermans campaign in that period. "This isnt about politics," a Fetterman spokesman, Joe Calvello, told The Washington Free Beacon. "Its an independent, detailed medical report written by Johns primary care doctor based on his latest office visit from last week." PHOTO: John Fetterman, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and Democratic senate candidate, speaks during a campaign rally in Erie, Penn., Aug. 12, 2022. (Justin Merriman/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE) Before Wednesday, the last time Fetterman's campaign had released information from someone on his medical staff was June, weeks after his mid-May stroke, in which a different doctor, Ramesh Chandra, wrote that he "should be able to campaign and serve in the U.S. Senate without a problem." The campaign received some criticism for not disclosing the stroke until two days after it happened, with polls closing in the Democratic primary just days later. Fetterman's team has said his stroke was the result of a condition called atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythm, which led to a clot; he subsequently had a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted. "On Friday, John went to his primary care physician for a check-up and unfortunately for Dr. Oz, it was nothing but good news," Rebecca Katz, a Fetterman campaign advisor, said in a statement. "This must be crushing news for Oz, who has been rooting against John's recovery and staked his entire campaign on it," she argued. President Joe Biden is expected to campaign with Fetterman in Philadelphia on Thursday. Fetterman is ready for 'full duty' and speaks with no 'cognitive deficits,' his doctor says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Google is facing another fine for allegedly misusing its control of Android to suppress competition. CNET reports India's Competition Commission has fined Google the equivalent of $161.9 million for supposedly giving its Android apps an edge using restrictive terms. The company imposes an "unfair condition" on phone makers by requiring that they preinstall Google apps as part of agreements, according to officials. That, in turn, is said to discourage companies from developing heavily modified Android variants that rely less on Google services. The Commission also maintains that Google is wielding its "dominant position" to squeeze out competitors in search, app stores, web browsers and video services. Historically, Google has required that phones with the Play Store installed also include apps like Chrome and YouTube, often with prominent placement on the home screen. While you can always install alternatives like Firefox and Vimeo, they're not included out of the box. Brands can use the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) if they want more flexibility, but they lose access to the Play Store in the process. The regulator has issued a cease and desist order barring Google from requiring a "bouquet" of preinstalled apps. Companies have to be given the choice of which apps they want. Google also isn't allowed to deny access to the Play Services framework, to include "anti-fragmentation" clauses that bar Android forks, or to offer incentives in return for exclusive search deals. Third-party app stores must be allowed to distribute through the Play Store. Users, meanwhile, must have the power to choose their search engine on setup and to uninstall Google apps they don't want. Google has declined to comment until it receives the official Commission order. The investigation began in 2019, but didn't determine that Google had abused its dominance until September 2021. The fine is tiny for Google, which made about $257.6 billion in worldwide revenue last year. The order could force it to significantly alter its deals with Android manufacturers, however, and comes after South Korea, the European Union and others have demanded similar changes. And Google can't afford to ignore India it's the second-largest smartphone market on Earth with about 606.6 million users. A forced withdrawal would significantly damage Google's bottom line, not to mention clout in the mobile industry. https://www.instagram.com/p/CiV2RB7Pkrx/?hl=en kehuyquan Verified I love you, Indy. Indiana Jones and Short Round reunited after 38 years. 5w Ke Huy Quan/Instagram Ke Huy Quan is looking back on an epic reunion! The actor who played the iconic character Short Round in the 1984's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom met up with former costar Harrison Ford, 80, last month for the first time in 38 years at this year's D23 Expo. Quan, 51, shared with New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan in an interview that his heart was "pounding" as he approached Ford and thought, "Is he gonna recognize me? The last time he saw me, I was a little kid." On Wednesday, Buchanan shared an excerpt from the interview for an upcoming article on Twitter. Ke Huy Quan told me the wonderful story behind that TEMPLE OF DOOM reunion with Harrison Ford. (This is from an article Ive got coming later this week but I just couldnt wait to share.) pic.twitter.com/WDG0ayf3yg Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) October 19, 2022 In it, Quan said that as he began to get closer to Ford, the Oscar nominee turned to him with his "classic, famous, grumpy Harrison Ford look" and remembered who he was. RELATED: Harrison Ford Gets Emotional Premiering First Teaser for 'Indiana Jones' '5' : 'I'm Very Proud' Quan said: "I go, 'Oh my gosh, he probably thinks I'm a fan and he's gonna tell me to not come near him.' But he looks and points at me and says, 'Are you Short Round?' Immediately, I was transported back to 1984, when I was a little kid, and I said, 'Yes, Indy.' And he said, 'Come here,' and gave me a big hug." In the second installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, Quan was a child actor and played Indiana's sidekick. According to Quan, the reunion was not planned. Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Moviestore/Shutterstock (1592806a) Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom, Harrison Ford, Ke Huy Quan Film and Television Moviestore/Shutterstock RELATED: Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones 5 Set for July 2022 Release "We were at the D23 event and I was told Harrison was gonna be there," he told Buchanan. "We're in this green room with so many actors, producers, and directors, and the person who was assigned to assist me said, 'Harrison Ford is right outside the green room. Would you want to go say hi?' " Story continues Quan said that, as the former costars embraced, "all those wonderful memories" from filming came back and that it "felt so comfortable." Of Ford, he said, "He's an amazing man one of the most generous men on the planet." RELATED VIDEO: Harrison Ford Shares Indiana Jones 5 Release Date and First Look During Star Wars Celebration In September, Quan shared images of the reunion on Instagram. He captioned the photos of the two embracing one another, "I love you, Indy," adding: "Indiana Jones and Short Round reunited after 38 years." Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which was originally released in May 1984, kicked off the career of Quan, who later went on to appear in the '80s classic The Goonies. He eventually landed a major comeback with 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once. Although the company originated as a bread and pasta shop in Italy, Barilla is now based in Illinois. SOPA Images / Contributor / Getty Images A judge has ruled that pasta brand Barilla must face a class-action lawsuit over its advertising. Although styled as "Italy's No. 1 brand of pasta," its products are made in Iowa and New York. The plaintiffs allege Barilla took advantage of the fact they were willing to pay more for Italian pasta. A federal judge has ruled that Barilla, styled as "Italy's No. 1 brand of pasta," must face a class-action lawsuit that alleges false or deceptive advertising. The judge decided that customers could be misled by the phrase "Italy's No.1 brand of pasta" and believe its products are made in Italy, court documents show. Although the company originated as a bread and pasta shop in Italy, Barilla is now based in Illinois. Its products are made in Iowa and New York. They do not exclusively use Italian wheat, the lawsuit alleged. In the original complaint, Matthew Sinatro and Jessica Prost alleged that Barilla pasta's branding used false, misleading, and deceptive marking practices. The blue boxes used by the company say "Italy's No.1 brand of pasta" and feature the green, red, and white colors of the Italian flag. The lawsuit alleges that the company sought to take advantage of the fact the plaintiffs were willing to pay more for pasta products that were from Italy. The plaintiffs said they purchased multiple boxes of Barilla spaghetti and angel hair pasta due to the belief that the products were made in Italy from Italian ingredients. The pair accused the company of making the pasta look and sound authentically Italian while "cutting costs and reaping the financial benefits of manufacturing the products in the United States of America," per court documents. Representatives for Barilla did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment made outside of normal working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider And the bride wore Giambattista Valli again. Yesterday was Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake's 10-year wedding anniversary, and to celebrate the major marriage milestone, the couple let fans in on a little secret: they low-key renewed their vows in Italy over the summer. Getty On Wednesday, Biel shared the news on her Instagram Story, posting a photo of the pair in coordinating all-white looks captioned, "From our vow renewal this summer in Italy where it all went down." In the snapshot, the actress flashed the peace sign while wearing a fluffy ruffled Giambattista Valli gown with a black bow tied around her waist, and Timberlake, for his part, sported a linen suit with a matching hat. @jessicabiel/Instagram The location of the vow renewal is significant to Biel and Timberlake, as they got married in Puglia, Italy back in 2012. Biel wore Giambattista Valli that time too, but her dress wasn't white, but rather a gorgeous petal pink hue. Jessica also marked their anniversary on her grid with a slideshow of cute couple photos. "Being married to you is the adventure of a lifetime! Run it back, baby," she wrote alongside the carousel. "RUN IT BACK. I love you." :Jessica Biel Wore a Bikini in a Bold Yet Classic Pattern Meanwhile, Timberlake also returned the love and included a sweet tribute to his wife on his timeline, writing: "10 years aint enough! You make me a better husband and father every day! I love you so much you beautiful human! Run it back!" For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on InStyle. Pennsylvania Senate candidate John Fetterman has released a new medical report that says he is ready for full duty in public office and recovering well from the May stroke that nearly took his life. The physicians update comes after GOP candidate Mehmet Oz and a number of media outlets have repeatedly called for greater transparency about Fettermans health as voters prepare to make a decision in the high-stakes contest. Are there any lingering effects from the stroke? The letter by Dr. Clifford Chen states that Fettermans physical exam on Friday was normal and explains some of the lingering effects of the stroke that sent the Democrat to the hospital just days before the Senate primary. He spoke intelligently without cognitive deficits, Chen wrote in the letter. His speech was normal and he continues to exhibit symptoms of an auditory processing disorder which can come across as hearing difficulty. The condition means Fetterman sometimes misses words spoken to him, and Chen wrote that while it can appear he hasnt heard them, its actually that his brain hasnt been able to process them. Fetterman's ability to hear music and other sounds wasn't impacted by the stroke, according to the doctor. Fetterman has acknowledged his auditory processing difficulties and has relied on closed-captioning during media interviews since the stroke. The letter also stated that Fetterman is exercising regularly, walks up to five miles without a problem and is taking a medication for his heart and to prevent strokes. "Overall, Lt. Governor Fetterman is well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices," Chen wrote. Speech therapy crucial in improvement Chen also said the candidates communication has significantly improved with the aid of speech therapy. John is already fully ready to serve, and hes still getting better every single day, the candidates senior adviser, Rebecca Katz, said in a statement Wednesday. Its not easy recovering from a stroke in public let alone doing it while running in the top Senate race in the country but John has worked hard to get here, and it shows. Story continues A representative of Ozs campaign called the medical report good news but said it doesnt lay to rest other concerns about Fettermans history of unpaid taxes or his work on the state pardons board to grant clemency to prisoners. And now that he apparently is healthy, he can debate for 90 minutes, start taking live questions from voters and reporters, and do a second debate now too, said Rachel Tripp, a spokeswoman for Ozs campaign. There is only one planned debate before the election, and Oz has repeatedly pressed to lengthen it from an hour to 90 minutes or to add another candidate forum to the schedule. The Republican has also criticized Fetterman for holding rallies where he does not answer questions from attendees or the media. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Fetterman releases new medical report saying he's in good health Jon Stewart said it blows his mind how easily antisemitism flows out of people while singling out rapper Kanye West and former President Donald Trump for their recent comments about Jewish people. On The Problem With Jon Stewart podcast on Wednesday, Stewart discussed Wests remarks about Jewish people in business as well as Trumps call for Jewish people to get their act together. West, who legally changed his name to Ye and tweeted that he would go death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE earlier this month, has since doubled down on antisemitic remarks on several media platforms in recent weeks. During an interview with Piers Morgan on Wednesday, West said he was absolutely not sorry for his death con 3 comment and claimed he was sorry for the people that he hurt. Bottom of the barrel. Kanye West goes on Piers Morgans show, presumably because thats the only show that would have him on, and offers most ridiculous half-assed apology ever. pic.twitter.com/HzOSvLAwA7 Mike Sington (@MikeSington) October 19, 2022 Trump said Jews in the U.S. dont show him enough appreciation and claimed that they need to get their act together... before it is too late! Stewart, who was raised Jewish, described Trumps comment as one of the most explicit expressions of just pure Jews have only loyalty to Israel. I dont know that it even made the Top 10 antisemitic bullshit of the week, Stewart said. In fact, the word antisemitic just doesnt even carry it anymore. Its just weird Jew paranoia bullshit that, its mind-blowing to me how easily it flows from peoples mouths and fucking everybodys just like, Wow, that was weird. Stewart also said West thinks a Jewish guy whos a dick to him in business is part of a cabal, a conspiracy Chris Cuomo checked the rapper on this week. Story continues But at least we know now what Candace Owens says in private. I think its pretty clear that thats the shit thats flying around, Stewart said. So, what do you guys make of someone whose work is beloved, who just decides in the middle of this to be like, And if I wasnt getting fucked over by the Jews, everything would be working out fine? And youre like, Youre a billionaire thats married to the Kardashians. Like, how bad have we been fucking you? This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... It's giving Ariel. Celebrities have been diving (tail first) into the mermaidcore craze from Julia Fox's more literal take on the aesthetic to Dua Lipa's subtle nod to the mythical creature. And the latest star to try out the vibe was Kate Hudson during the Madrid, Spain, premiere of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. For the event, Hudson took an obvious approach to the look in a Halpern cutout dress with a shimmery, lilac-colored ruched top, which was sectioned off by a sparkly halter strap to resemble a shell bra. A bow made from the same material was tied at her midsection over an A-line skirt with the same multi-colored sequin pattern as the strap. Hudson accessorized with Messika jewelry that included a bracelet, asymmetric earrings, and a smattering of gold rings. The actress's blonde hair was pulled into a low, waved ponytail and accompanied by simple, dewy glam, which included pink eyeshadow and winged liner. Getty Images : Hudson has been promoting the highly-anticipated flick alongside her castmates with a variety of head-turning looks, including an ab-baring, two-piece set and a 2010-inspired plunging gown. The movie hits theaters Nov. 23 before its Netflix release at the end of December, and also stars Edward Norton, Daniel Craig, Madelyn Cline, Jessica Henwick, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monae, Kathryn Hahn, and Ethan Hawk. Director Rian Johnson opened up to Netflix's publication Tudum about how he derived the name of the second installment of the Knives Out franchise. "I'm always fishing for something fun that Blanc can grab onto as an overwrought metaphor that he can beat to death," he explained. "This is all in plain sight from the very start. So, the idea of glass came to me, something that's clear. I'll be very honest. I literally got out my iPhone and searched my music library with the word 'glass.' There's got to be some good glass songs. I was like, 'Oh, is it a glass fortress? Is it a glass castle? Is it a glass man?' The first thing that came up, because I'm a huge Beatles fan, is 'Glass Onion.'" For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on InStyle. Nike is cracking down on bots but that won't fix its resale problem, insiders and analysts say The Wall Street Journal last week reported on a recent change to Nike's terms of sale. The revised policy allows Nike to cancel orders placed by customers using bots. A Nike insider, as well as analysts, said it's a good move, but it won't solve the problem. Nike could soon start canceling orders made by US customers placed with the help of bots or software that expedites the online checkout process. It could also start refusing returns, charging restocking fees, and closing accounts of people it thinks buy the company's hottest limited-edition products to resell for a profit. But Nike's revised terms of sale, while applauded by many, still comes up short of a full solution to its reselling problem, insiders and analysts said. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the changes last week. Nike also has policies that prohibit reselling in Europe and South Korea, but they don't specifically state any repercussions. Nike's recent efforts to address bots include hiring cybersecurity experts and giving exclusive access to its most loyal consumers on releases. "If you solve the problem with technology then you don't need to solve it with these steps," a current Nike technology employee, familiar with the company's work to combat bots, told Insider. The Nike technology employee, whose identity is known to Insider, but isn't allowed to speak openly to the media, said the changes to the terms of sale are good, but should have come earlier. "Why don't we solve the problem instead of blaming the consumer?" the technology employee said. In November, Insider reported on Nike's extensive patent portfolio, which includes inventions that do everything from making it easier to track inventory using computer chips to "cryptokicks," or digital sneakers. The same technology seemingly could be configured to prevent a single buyer from getting multiple pairs of an Air Jordan retro or Nike Dunk two of the company's most popular footwear lines. For instance, the "cryptokicks" patent enables the use of blockchain technology to track ownership of a sneaker. Story continues Nike did not respond to a request for comment, including a written question about whether it's begun enforcing the new policy. "The change reads like a lawyerly response to an issue that was a problem a year ago when complaints about resellers by consumers shut out of SNKRS launches were at an all-time high," said Lois Sakany, director of retail research at OTR Global, and a Business Insider contributing writer. Nike releases its most coveted, limited-edition shoes on its SNKRS app. The company also restocks some popular footwear on its self-titled Nike app, where it sells most of its apparel. Nike's admitted inventory troubles make the timing of the terms of sale changes peculiar, Sakany said. In September, Nike reported a 44% increase in inventory. Nike is looking to offload as many sneakers and apparel as it can through the holiday season by way of discounts. Nike's revision to its terms of sale haven't swayed investor opinion too much so far. Shares increased slightly on Wednesday. But the changes could do more to help improve consumer perception, Tom Nikic, Wedbush Securities senior vice president and equity analyst, said. "If you look on social media, sneaker blogs, or other sources of sneaker content online, you often see 'sneakerheads' venting their frustrations about how hard it is to get access to these shoes without paying a premium - sometimes, a very large premium," Nikic said, referring to the secondary sneaker market. "So, this makes sense, as it likely alleviates one of the biggest sources of angst from their most loyal customers, who desperately want to get their hands on these shoes." Sakany added that it would benefit Nike to point out how exactly the brand is making launches on its apps more fair to improve consumer perception. "Nike's SNKRS app is basically un-bottable," she said. "But the average consumer doesn't know that." Do you work at Nike or have insight to share? Contact reporter Matthew Kish via the encrypted-messaging app Signal (+1-971-319-3830) or email (mkish@insider.com). Check out Insider's source guide for other tips on sharing information securely. Read the original article on Business Insider Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the plenary session of the Commonwealth of the Independent States (CIS) Summit, October 14, 2022. Getty Images Putin's declaration of martial law in occupied Ukrainian territories is being decried as a symbolic, desperate move. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said the martial law decree is "largely legal theater." The move came as Russia continues to face major setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration of martial law in four Ukrainian regions that he illegally annexed is being decried as a largely symbolic move that changes little and shows how weak Russia's position is eight months into its disastrous war. Western leaders and officials are framing the decision as Putin's desperate attempt to establish a veneer of control in territories he claims are part of Russia Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia even though Russian forces do not fully occupy the regions. "Putin finds himself in an incredibly difficult position," President Joe Biden told reporters on Wednesday. Biden said that the Russian leader's martial law decree seems to be designed to intimidate Ukrainians into capitulating. "They're not going to do that," the president added. The martial law decree comes on the heels of a series of escalatory steps from Putin, including a partial military mobilization to address glaring manpower shortages and referendums denounced as a sham by leaders worldwide that preceded the so-called annexations. Putin said the martial law announcement was a product of Ukraine's refusal to accept the results of the discredited referendums, which effectively occurred at gunpoint. Meanwhile, the Russian military continues to face major, embarrassing setbacks on the battlefield. Russian forces are losing ground to the Ukrainian military in areas Putin now says are part of Russia and under martial law. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told "Good Morning America" anchor George Stephanopoulos that Putin's martial law declaration "speaks to his desperation." "Just in the last few weeks, he's tried to mobilize more forces. He's gone through with this sham annexation of Ukrainian territory," Blinken said. "Now, in saying that he's declaring martial law in places that he claims to have people who somehow want to be part of Russia, that speaks to his desperation." Story continues Martial law provides the Russian military with more power to tighten its control over the partially occupied territories in Ukraine, such as by imposing curfews, restricting civilian movements, forcibly relocating people, and seizing property. But Putin's decree seems unlikely to lead to drastic changes or a significant shift from the conditions and practices already seen in these occupied areas. The Russian military, for example, has already subjected large numbers of Ukrainians to forced relocations, among other abuses. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukraine's president, said in a tweet that the martial law declaration "should be considered only as a pseudo-legalization of looting of Ukrainians' property by another 'regrouping.'" "This does not change anything for Ukraine: we continue the liberation and deoccupation of our territories," Podolyak added. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said the martial law decree is "largely legal theater meant to legitimize activities the Russian military needs to undertake or is already undertaking while creating a framework for future mobilization and domestic restrictions," adding, "Putin's speech framed the declaration of martial law in four Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine as a continuation of the wartime status quo, adjusted to Russian legal frameworks after Russia's illegal annexation of those territories." The Washington-based think tank further assessed that "these moves are likely necessary to fulfill basic military requirements, such as feeding, housing, equipping, and transporting mobilized and conscripted troops to the front lines; forcing defense contractors or other private businesses to align with government production requirements; and more easily controlling both the Russian population and the Ukrainian civilian populations in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine." On Wednesday, Putin also announced he is giving "additional powers to the heads of all Russian regions" to "ensure the safety of people" and "maintain public order" in an apparent sign that he is moving to crackdown on dissent at home. Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for Putin, said in a post on Telegram that "in general, all this looks not so much as a struggle with an external enemy, but as an attempt to prevent a revolution ripening inside the country." Putin's recent military mobilization an effort to address Russia's manpower issues in the face of staggering losses on the battlefield in Ukraine prompted protests and saw tens of thousands of Russian men flee the country. Though some of those conscripted have already made it to the front lines, reports indicate they are poorly equipped and have little to no training. With so many personnel problems, ISW said Putin's martial law decree could also be designed to create "a legal framework for the forcible mobilization of Ukrainian civilians in Russian-occupied territories." Ukraine's leadership has said this could be a possibility. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday warned men in the occupied territories that they could be pushed into fighting on Russia's behalf, saying that "the occupiers will try to recruit men into their army" and encouraging people to "try to leave the occupied territory." Read the original article on Business Insider Transparency Market Research The remote patient monitoring devices market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 12.5% during 2020-2030 Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. The global remote patient monitoring devices market is prognosticated to reach a value of US$ 3.4 Bn by the end of 2030, as per an analysis by Transparency Market Research (TMR). In addition, the study finds that the market for remote patient monitoring devices is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period, 2020-2030. Remote patient monitoring devices manufacturers are focusing on the development of compact-sized products. Furthermore, enterprises are strengthening their market positions by using new product launches and partnerships strategies. Such factors, in turn, are expected to lead to significant growth of the global remote patient monitoring devices market in the near future. Get Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=401 Over the period of past few years, there has been a surge in the understanding pertaining to the importance of integrated primary healthcare services and chronic diseases management globally. Moreover, the artificial dichotomy between various types of diseases is leading to increase in the adoption of a combined approach that can be beneficial for all conditions, state analysts of a TMR study on the global remote patient monitoring devices market. The healthcare sector of several emerging nations such as India is being expanding at noteworthy pace. Moreover, the spending power of the population in these nations is improving and people are gaining easy access to different healthcare insurance services. This aside, the understanding pertaining to the healthy lifestyle is rising in India. These factors suggest that the remote patient monitoring devices market in Asia Pacific is prognosticated to gain notable growth prospects in the near future. Story continues Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Key Findings Due to emergence of different infectious diseases including the coronavirus, the need for varied remote patient monitoring devices is being increasing in order to offer next-gen treatments to such diseases. Hence, rise in the incidences of infectious diseases globally is anticipated to create profitable prospects in the global remote patient monitoring devices market during the forecast period. Surge in the emergence and adoption of different types of remote patient monitoring devices globally has resulted into decline in the number of hospital readmissions. This trend is anticipated to boost the demand for such devices, states a TMR analysis of remote patient monitoring devices market. The popularity of remote patient monitoring devices is being rising among the older population owing to the ability of these devices to help in monitoring the important health parameters. Hence, rise in the adoption of the home-based care for elder people across developed and developing nations is fueling the market growth, states a TMR analysis that delivers key insights on the trends and growth drivers of remote patient monitoring devices market. Companies engaged in the manufacturing of conventional medical devices are gradually focusing on the expansion of their product portfolios in remote patient monitoring devices incorporated with next-gen technologies. For instance, major companies are launching IoT-based remote patient monitoring devices. Such factors are fueling the growth of the global remote patient monitoring devices market. Ask for References https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=ARF&rep_id=401 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Growth Boosters Rise in the understanding among consumers about the advantages of remote patient monitoring devices is propelling the market growth Surge in the focus of government authorities of several nations on advancing public health is expected to help in expansion of the global remote patient monitoring devices market size Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Key Players Some of the key players profiled in the report are: GE Healthcare Koninklijke Philips N.V. Omron Healthcare Boston Scientific Corporation Welch Allyn Medtronic Plc. Masimo Corporation Abbott Laboratories Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Make an Enquiry Before Buying https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=EB&rep_id=401 Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Segmentation Product ital Sign Monitors Heart Rate Monitors (ECG) Blood Pressure Monitors Respiratory Rate Monitors Brain Monitoring (EEG) Temperature Monitors Pulse Oximeters Others Special Monitors Blood Glucose Monitors Fetal Heart Monitors Multi-Parameter Monitors (MPM) Anesthesia Monitors Prothrombin Monitors Others Application Cardiovascular Diseases Diabetes Cancer Hypertension Infections Bronchitis Dehydration Sleep Disorder Weight Management & Fitness Monitoring Others End User Hospital-based Patients Homecare Ambulatory Patients Others Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa Modernization of healthcare in terms of both infrastructure and services have pushed the healthcare industry to new heights, Stay Updated with Latest Healthcare Research Reports by Transparency Market Research: Rapid Test Market: The global rapid test market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 62.34 Bn by 2031 at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2022 to 2031. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Market: The global magnetic resonance imaging market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 10.6 Bn by the end of 2031 at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2022 to 2031. Thoracic Drainage Devices Market: The global thoracic drainage devices market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 1.23 Bn by 2031 at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2022 to 2031. Nurse Call Systems Market: The global nurse call systems market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 4.2 Bn by the end of 2031 at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2022 to 2031. Trichoscope Devices Market: The global trichoscope devices market is anticipated to reach US$ 73.4 Mn by the end of 2031 at a CAGR of 7.3 % from 2022 to 2031. Intraosseous Devices Market: The global intraosseous devices market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 778.9 Mn by the end of 2031 at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031. Dental Consumables Market: The global dental consumables market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 49.8 Bn by the end of 2031 at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2022 to 2031. Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment Market: The global premenstrual syndrome treatment market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 1.9 Bn by the end of 2031 at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2022 to 2031. About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyse information. Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. For More Research Insights on Leading Industries, Visit Our YouTube Channel and hit subscribe for Future Update - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8e-z-g23-TdDMuODiL8BKQ Contact Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research Inc. CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN, 1000 N. West Street, Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Blog: https://tmrblog.com Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com By Hadeel Al Sayegh DUBAI, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Alsulaiman Group is weighing an initial public offering of its IKEA business franchise next year and has hired Moelis & Co as an adviser, two sources told Reuters. The company plans to invite investment banks early next year to pitch for roles in a possible public share-sale, said the sources, who declined to be identified as the matter is not public. Deliberations are at an early stage and it was not immediately clear how much the company is seeking to float or raise from a deal, the sources said. Alsulaiman Group did not respond to a request for comment when contacted by Reuters on Wednesday. Moelis declined to comment. IKEA entered Saudi Arabia in 1983 through family business Alsulaiman Group, which owns and operates the franchise for the Swedish furniture maker in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia is encouraging more family-owned companies to list in a bid to deepen its capital markets under reforms aimed at reducing the kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. The kingdom has had a surge in IPOs since it listed oil giant Saudi Aramco in a record $29.4 billion listing in 2019. The Gulf is in the midst of an IPO boom, with issuers raising more than $15 billion from IPOs this year, according to Refinitiv data. The region's IPO proceeds in the first half of the year exceeded European flotations, the data showed, even as global markets remained volatile because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Reporting by Hadeel Al Sayegh; Editing by Robert Birsel) Texas School Shooting Teachers (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) A law rolling out in Texas that calls for public schools to hand out DNA and fingerprint identification kits for students -- in an effort to help parents identify their childrens in the event of an emergency -- is causing a wave of backlash from those calling for gun reform. Public schools in the state are begining thte distribution this week after the state legislature passed a spring 2021 law that would require the Texas Education Agency to provide identification kits to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools for distribution to the parent or legal custodian of certain students. The inkless, in-home fingerprint and DNA identification kits are for any parent or legal custodian who may want to submit the kit to federal, state, tribal, or local law enforcement to help locate and return a missing or trafficked child. The kits retail for about $10 each and will be given out for free at each primary-level campus, according to The Houston Chronicle. The outlet noted that Houston Independent School District, which is the largest in the state, will begin kit distribution this week while other districts have already begun to notify parents that the kits are available. In response, many critics have widely slammed the move as Texas has yet to make any meaningful action in gun reform barely six months after a mass shooting in a Uvalde elementary school left 19 children and two teachers dead. Bob Sanborn, president of the nonprofit Children at Risk, told The Houston Chronicle that this legislation, when put in the light of Uvalde, its one of the most macabre things you could think about. Texas candidate for governor, Beto ORourke lambasted the move as part of Greg Abbotts Texas. More school shootings than any other state on his watch but no action to prevent the next. We will not allow this to be our future. We will keep our kids safe, he tweeted. Arizona congressman Rep Ruben Gallego tweeted an endorsement for Mr ORourke alongside a forceful message: Texas, where they wont do universal background to stop criminals because its too intrusive but will take your kids DNA to ID your kids if there is a school shooting. #votebeto. Story continues Director of Politics and Government for the nonprofit Gen-Z for Change also echoed Mr ORourkes sentiments and criticized Mr Abbotts leadership: The leadership of Texas would rather finger print your kids to identify their dead bodies in schools than pass legitimate gun reform. This is what the GOP has done to TX. This is what children and parents will face while @GregAbbott_TX is governor. Brett Cross, a parent who lost their son in the Robb Elementary School shooting, tweeted a sarcastic response to the news of the kits: Yeah! Awesome! Lets identify kids after theyve been murdered instead of fixing issues that could ultimately prevent them from being murdered. One person simply remarked, This is real. What a broken country, while another said: Texas school districts are now giving out DNA tests to school age children in case their bodies are mangled beyond recognition in a school shooting. They literally will not do ANYTHING to protect our children, but they will help identify their bodies. The Independent has contacted Gov Abbott and Beto ORourkes offices for comment. Murdered, missing and mysterious deaths of Indigenous girls and women on or near the Yakama Reservation, in urban areas and in other states: Amidst rising costs of coverage expansion to fulfil the rapidly increasing appetite for connectivity, operators globally are under more pressure to balance the books - a trend that is not limited to developed markets. Capital is also being squeezed by 5G deployments, which arguably have yet to provide a significant return on investment. This is why operators are looking to their passive infrastructure - particularly telecom towers - to raise much-needed cash. Tower companies are ready to invest and eager to scoop up towers - this is particularly the case in the Philippines, where operators are signing deals worth over a billion dollars each to sell and lease back tower assets. Globe Telecom and PLDT (Smart) have been quite brazen in this strategy; to date Globe Telecom has sold 7,100 assets, raising a total of PHP91 billion (US$1.5 billion) after sealing what it claimed to be the Philippines largest tower deal to date with Phil Tower. Around three-quarters of the proceeds will go towards capex and paying off debts. The companys capex grew 17% to PHP50.5 billion - 57% of the PHP89 billion budget for the full year. PLDT meanwhile, sealed deals to sell over 5,907 towers to subsidiaries edotco and EdgePoint Infrastructure for PHP77 billion. Since August this year, the company has received PHP52.4 billion for transferring 4,025 towers. After deductions for debt and other payments, PLDT saw a gain of PHP16.5 billion for H1. Capex was PHP46 billion, a rise of PHP4.6 billion year-on-year. Its total capex guidance for the year is PHP85 billion, which will be used to deploy fibre cables, data centres and cable systems. Speaking to Developing Telecoms, ABI Research industry analyst Matthias Foo said that maturing debts are the main reason for their respective tower strategies - but it is also a move to boost network performance in the face of new competition from Dito Telecommunity and Now Telecom. The former duopoly are still the most dominant players in the Philippines, with Globe holding 87 million subscribers and PLDT 69 million, while Dito Telecommunity had a comparatively low 12 million in Q2. The Philippines' Department of Information and Communications Technology has also mandated a Policy on Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure (PTTI) ordering operators to construct and share towers and this has pushed them towards sale and leaseback deals. With so many towers being sold, what exactly is the negative? Foo noted that one key drawback will be no longer holding the competitive advantage of owning a large number of exclusive telecommunication assets over their rivals. Rival operators, especially the newcomers, can quickly ramp up network coverage by leveraging on the sold PTTIs, which will now be designated as Shared PTTIs. To protect their own interests, it can be noted that Globe has indicated its intent to retain around 5,000 strategic tower sites for their own use, said Foo. However, given the issuance of the policy on Shared PTTIs, ABI Research expects this competitive advantage to erode over time as Independent Tower Companies (ITCs) ramp up deployments of Shared PTTIs across the country, he warned. Another challenge will become apparent when these 15-year leaseback deals with tower companies eventually expire, as this will raise expenses - and this could require government intervention to keep prices low for consumers. After the expiry of existing leaseback agreements, MNOs may be placed in a disadvantageous situation where lease prices can be dictated by the tower companies, especially in areas where there are no other cellular towers installed. To this end, strong regulatory oversight from the Philippines government may be required to ensure fair and transparent pricing, added Foo. Foo pointed out the race between Globe and PLDT is not a race to the bottom despite the figures flying around, but rather it is consistent with trend in the telecoms market as margins are squeezed. Tower operations are not the core business of a telecom operator. Moreover, offloading tower assets and leasing them back from tower companies are becoming standard practices in major telco markets, such as the US and China, so it makes sense to see this practice being adopted in emerging markets, he said. Through multiple lockdowns, the importance of connectivity was underlined to people from all walks of life - this should be a golden age of growth for operators. However, that is not the case, and selling towers is a strategy being used to steady the ship and regain shareholder trust. The right tower strategy is vital for growth and longevity; the question now is who has got it right? This will be revealed in time, but we may be waiting at least 15 years Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. YORK The York County Commissioners have appointed Jim Ulrich, CEO Of York General Health Care Services, as the countys Spirited Board Member on the Four Corners Health Departments Board of Directors. The board is made up of four commissioners (one from each of the member counties), four spirited members (one from each of the member counties), a dentist and a doctor. Commissioner Jack Sikes, who is York Countys representative on the Four Corners Board, explained that Margaret Brink who has been a board member since its inception had resigned before her term was to end in January. He also explained that the Spirited Member is to be someone from the community who is a lay person not a commissioner, dentist or doctor. Sikes said the position holds a three-year term, but the commissioners decided to first appoint someone to the position to fulfill Brinks unfinished term and then revisit the matter again in January (when they would likely re-assign that position to the person they chose). We often have to beg for people to volunteer for filling these types of boards and commissions, so it is quite something that we have five people who have stepped forward, saying they want to fulfill this position on the Four Corners Health Board, Sikes said. Three of the five were at the commissioners meeting and they were given time to address the county board. Susie Fairbanks of York explained that she has a bachelor of science degree with an endorsement in special education. She said she worked many years in the education field and then for Health and Human Services. She is now retired and expressed, I feel it is time for me to give back to the community. Im really interested in making sure people are getting their vaccinations. Im also working on a masters degree. Ulrich spoke of his 34-year career in healthcare. I cant think of a better illustration of the role of public health as the pandemic. Ive worked with Laura (Four Corners Director McDougall) and her team during the six years Ive been in York. Willard Peterson, a retired teacher from the Bradshaw area, said he was interested in serving on the board as well. He said the pandemic also showed him the role of public health, as it unfolded, how there are many sides to a story and all should be listened to. An effort should be made to look at all sides. Commissioner Kurt Bulgrin asked all three candidates their feelings about mask and vaccination mandates. All three expressed that personal choice in both matters is important and while they recognized the effectiveness of vaccinations and mask wearing during the pandemic, said it should be left up to individuals to decide what is best for them. The Four Corners Board has no authority to mandate anything, Commissioner Sikes said. The board takes their information from the CDC which we give out to the public. We are a clearinghouse for that information. We dont have the authority to mandate anything, we put out information. Vaccinations are up to personal choice just like abortions and anything else. We listen to information and the board meetings are open to the public The other two candidates, who were not present, were not named. After Ulrich was chosen as the person to fill Brinks vacated seat, Commissioner Randy Obermier reiterated how rare it is for five people to volunteer to serve in this type of capacity. We just all want to say thank you for coming forward. Tata-owned Air India, which has begun growth plans, announced on Thursday that in the past two months, it has received more than 1,752 applications for pilots and 72,000 applications for cabin crew. In less than a week, management postgraduates with three years of experience in ground-based business roles have submitted more than 25,000 applications to the loss-making carrier that Tata Group acquired in January of this year. Additionally, the airline has received over 2,000 applications for various professions, including developers, architects, cyber security experts, programme managers, and UX visual designers, at a new tech centre in Kerala. According to a release, the carrier, which had not been recruited in non-operations areas for more than 15 years, is quickly adding talent in all spheres of its business, including for commercial functions, business support services, and operations. Also read: Diwali, Chhath Puja 2022: Flight airfare from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata sees MASSIVE hike "The airline's aggressive expansion plan, which has already seen 17 long-grounded aircraft return to the skies with 12 more to follow, and the lease-in of 30 narrow- and wide-body aircraft over the next 12 months, also necessitates a significant expansion in the flying crew," it said. As part of augmenting its talent pool, Air India said more than 1,752 applications for pilots and 72,000 applications for cabin crew received in the last two months are in the process of assessment. Air India's Chief Human Resources Officer Suresh Dutt Tripathi said an entire generation of workforce has missed the opportunity to work for Air India due to limited recruitment over the years. "Our talent acquisition initiative is focused on identifying and recruiting the right talent in order to ensure that our human resource capabilities keep pace with the growth momentum and evolving needs of the organisation. The induction of new generation talent is also essential to bring about cultural change that will make Air India an employer of choice," he added. The airline has put in place the transformation plan 'Vihaan.AI' and aims to triple its fleet size in the next five years. On Tuesday, Air India MD and CEO Campbell Wilson said the revival of Air India is not a "T20 match" but a "Test match." With inputs from PTI Amidst incidents of bad behaviour and violence against flight crew members, Hollywood actress Kaley Cuoco has sparked a debate by saying that flight attendants should receive tips. The Big Bang Theory fame actress, who is also famous for her role in a series HBO Max series Flight Attendant, gave the statement in a conversation with a TMZ reporter before boarding her flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The actress asked passengers to show their love for the cabin crew members by opening their wallets. She also mentioned her appreciation for the job arises from her role as a flight attendant in the show with the same name. When the reporter asked Kaley Cuoco if the flight attendants should be tipped like other service industries, she responded by saying, "For sure. They deserve tips; tip your flight attendant." It is common knowledge that tipping flight attendants is not a usual practice in the aviation industry, unlike other service industries. Also read: VietJet Airline launches direct flight services from Delhi, Mumbai to Da Nang in Vietnam It is to be noted that most airlines are not in favour of customers tipping the flight attendants and hence discourage them not to accept tips on flights. However, there have been attempts to change the norm. Based on Simple Flying's report in 2019, Frontier Airlines gave passengers the option to add gratuity to in-flight purchases. However, the service did not continue for long as the flight attendants didn't earn much in the form of tips based on multiple reports. Many believe that a major part of a flight attendant's job is serving the customers, so it should be treated like other services. However, the opposing faction believes that the crew members are responsible for multiple complex duties other than serving passengers, like health, safety, and security work as well. Hence, the job is not comparable to other service sectors. The cost of flying from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to Patna has increased more than three times over off-peak season costs in advance of the holiday season. Considering the high influx of passengers during Chhath Puja and Diwali, the price hike can be a huge problem for passengers. On October 22, a flight from Delhi to Patna cost Rs 14,000, while a similar travel from Mumbai to Patna cost Rs 20,000. The current fare between these two locations and Patna is greater than the current fare of Rs 11,000 between Delhi and Sharjah. Currently, a ticket from Delhi to Bangkok costs Rs. 10,500, flights from Kolkata to Patna now cost Rs 10,500. The airline companies during the peak season were taking advantage of the flexible fare. The experts believe that the spike may continue. The air tickets from other cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, and others have also increased. Also read: Worlds second-richest man Bernard Arnault sells his private jet to escape Twitteraties tracking his flight One of the biggest reasons for the spikes in airfare is the unavailability of train tickets. The waiting lists in trains are very high, and even Tatkal tickets are not available. Meanwhile, Northern railway has decided to run 32 additional mail and express trains bound to Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Jay Nagar, Kishanganj, Katihar, Barauni (Begusarai) to provide some relief to the passengers. The officials are claiming to run a total of 211 trains till Chatth Puja. The trains will start from Jammu, Amritser, Ferozepur, Delhi, Bhiwani, and Pathankot. This adds to the Indian Railways' previous announcement of running the Reserved Festival Special Rajdhani Express train between New Delhi and Patna starting soon. The annoucement from the organisation came on 17 October 2022. In line with this, Railways recently announced that the Reserved Festival Special Rajdhani Express train between New Delhi and Patna would be starting soon. The new service is anticipated to relieve the extra passenger rush during holidays like Chhath Puja and Diwali. With inputs from IANS The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India said on Thursday that it has once more requested the government to remove the requirement for inbound travellers to submit an online Air Suvidha form because it is impeding tourism growth as the Covid-19 outbreak eases. The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) said in a statement that the organisation has informed Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia about the challenges faced by international travellers in a representation. "...With restrictions being relaxed across most countries and with India's vaccination drive yielding fruitful results, it is imperative that India also make necessary relaxations in this regard," it said. Also read: Indigo expands its domestic flight network, introduces 8 new flights ahead of Diwali Air Suvidha form is a self-declaration to be mandatorily filled by all international arriving passengers to India, disclosing their current health status and recent travel details, among others. In its representation to the minister, FHRAI said many guests miss flights due to their inability to submit the form within the time limit, resulting in the cancellation of hotel room bookings. Since many travellers book flights through third-party online sites or apps that do not inform about this requirement, passengers are caught off-guard in such cases. "Not only is filling out the online form tedious, coupled with difficulty in navigating the site and in uploading documents but also many travellers were completely unaware of the requirement until arriving at the check-in," it added. With several passengers having missed their flights to India, FHRAI said it has appealed to the ministry to at least have a provision for physical forms as an alternative to the online forms. The difficulties encountered by passengers consequently are posing a hindrance to the growth of Indian tourism, post-pandemic, it added. "The Indian tourism and hospitality industry cannot afford to lose potential tourists dropping plans of travel to India," FHRAI said. With input from PTI A Frankfurt-Bengaluru Lufthansa flight that took off from Frankfurt, Germany on October 18, 2022 made an emergency landing in Istanbul, Turkey due to an on-board medical emergency. While the flight was supposed to take off after deboarding the passenger with the emergency and completion of some technical processes, the passengers got stuck at the Istanbul International Airport for over 31 hours. Moreover, the passengers on the flight have complained of poor efforts from the crew for their support. Among the passengers is Ricky Kej, Grammy winning music director from India. He tweeted "Can't believe how lufthansa takes Indian customers for granted. My Frnkfurt-Blore flight landed last evening 7pm in Istanbul for medical emergency. 17 hours later - no hotel, no staff, no explanation, 300 passengers stranded, no info whatsoever." He tweeted this on October 19 in the afternoon. Little did he knew, he will be stuck for more than 30 hours. 27 hours -still stranded in Istanbul Airport. @lufthansa airline obviously suffering from existential Crisis. Being called Racists, complacent, incapable, indifferent, evil, while 380 passengers - mainly Indian, are treated as homeless. No hotel, no lounge, no access to luggage. pic.twitter.com/XFJBfUKvdq Ricky Kej (@rickykej) October 19, 2022 Later, he tweeted a barrage of updates about the wait at the airport in Turkey. His last tweet stated "Over 31 hours now... Still stranded in Istanbul. Thanks to the utter disregard of Indian passengers by lufthansa. Still not even a statement, or any info from them. Zero accountability. Shows how much they care. Two nights now without a bed, no access to luggage, etc.." Lufthansas India-bound flight (LH 754) took off from Frankfurt, Germany on Tuesday at 1:05 PM for Bangalore with an estimated arrival time of 1:25 AM, Wednesday. However, the aircraft registered a medical emergency, while it was over the Black Sea in Turkeys airspace. Resultantly, the aeroplane made an emergency landing in Istanbul at 2 PM. The exercise caused a delay of more than 30 hours, and therefore, passengers are now expected to reach their destination - Bangalore, India, on Thursday morning. Passengers have also registered criticism for carelessness and failing to address their concerns. The airline, on the other hand, has confirmed the emergency landing for the reason mentioned above. Also, it said in a statement, For safety reasons, the oxygen cylinders used to treat the medical emergency must be replaced before continuing the flight. Unfortunately, this (took) more time than originally expected. The flight continuation from Istanbul to Bangalore is now scheduled for 8 pm local time Wednesday (October 19). Lufthansa deeply regrets the circumstances and is doing everything to minimise the inconveniences for its passengers." Due to the new direct VietJet flights that arrived in Vietnam on Wednesday, Mumbai and Delhi now have direct access to the Vietnamese city of Da Nang. The airline claimed that the new flight routes would now transport Indian tourists to the heart of Vietnam and have a "positive" influence on trade, tourism, and culture. Passengers travelling from India will have the chance to visit well-known cultural centres, vacation areas, and stunning beaches, including the fabled Golden Bridge in the Ba Na Hills, in just four hours. For passengers from Vietnam, the unique opportunity to soak in the diverse culture, religious practices, and culinary delights of India are only a flight away. VietJet`s direct-to-India flight will also boast of several other in-flight features; hot meals from a list of international cuisines, health services, leather seats, dedicated cabin crews & unique art programmes, all while experiencing seamless air travel at an altitude of 10,000 meters. Also read: Air India recruitment: Tata-owned airline receives 73,750 job applications for Cabin Crew, Pilots in two months Return flights between Da Nang - New Delhi will be scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Return flights between Da Nang - Mumbai will be scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It is to be noted that Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. As Vietnams largest private carrier, the airline was awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7 stars in 2018 and 2019 by the worlds only safety and product rating website airlineratings.com and listed as one of the world's 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal in 2018 and 2019. The airline has also been named as Best Low-Cost Carrier by renowned organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, Airline Ratings, and many others. With inputs from IANS New Delhi: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rakul Preet Singh, and Shefali Shah starrer Doctor G has released in the theatres and is praised by the audience. The film has certainly driven conversations about gender disparity and the sensitive yet hilarious journey of a medical student which is very close to real life incidents. To bring this to light, the makers bring a deep and fun conversation between our very own Ayushmann Khurrana aka Dr. Uday Gupta, and the real doctor Dr. Atul Ganatra, Sr. Gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital Mumbai. During the conversation, Ayushmann is seen expressing his desire of becoming a doctor in real life in past and playing his dream role in Doctor G which was an honour for him. While the actor called doctors real life heroes, keeping it true to the movie, they had a chat exploring a fun side of this noble profession. As the film is about an only male in a batch full of females, in the conversation, Dr. Atul Ganatra also shared that women had a major dominance in his times too in his department. Moreover, Dr. Ganatra further shared he has delivered over 10,000 babies, making him the Sachin Tendulkar of Gynaecology as hilariously remarked by Ayushmann Khurrana. Ayushmann Khurrana also asked Dr. Ganatra questions about his profession affecting his personal life and the strange places where he has delivered babies. Watch the video here Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap and written by Sumit Saxena, Saurabh Bharat, Vishal Wagh and Anubhuti Kashyap Doctor G is set to release in theatres on 14th Oct. Junglee Pictures upcoming slate also includes Woh Ladaki Hai Kahan?, Dosa King, Ulajh and Click Shankar to name a few. Lawyers to have bigger role in Senate probes, says Senator Tolentino MANILA - In the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, October 19, Senator Francis Tolentino, Chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, announced that he would be issuing an order that would allow lawyers to play a bigger role in the Senate investigations. This is in furtherance of his promise to protect the rights of resource persons and witnesses appearing before the committee. "During the latter part of the proceedings, I will make an order that would allow lawyers to participate, lawyers of different witnesses and resource persons. May karapatan sila. Yung abogado nila will have a role, perhaps not an adversarial speaking role, but will have, definitely, a role and a bigger role," said Senator Tolentino. The Senator also said that this wider participation of lawyers of witnesses and resource persons appearing before the senate panel would be a first in history. "Hindi puwedeng sabihin na inusig sila doon, hindi sila pinagsalita, hinaharang sila, hindi sila nabigyan ng day in [the] committee or day in court," he said. When asked for the reason behind the grant of a bigger role to the members of the legal profession, Senator Tolentino said, "Itong Blue Ribbon kasi merong i-pprosecute, pwedeng makulong, meron yung iba sinasabi damage to their reputation. Bibigyan na natin ng katungkulan yung mga abogado na tulungan sila." It may be recalled during the first meeting of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that the Chairman opened the proceedings with a promise to uphold the rights of those to be questioned by the panel. The next hearing on the alleged 'overpriced' and 'outdated' laptops is set on Thursday, October 20. The Qatar Investment Authority is reportedly in advanced negotiations with the Egyptian government to acquire around US$2.5bn of state holdings in various firms, including market-leading mobile operator Vodafone Egypt. Daily News Egypt reports that the proposal is likely to be finalised by the end of 2022, and will see QIA acquire a 20% stake in Vodafone Egypt. Bloomberg notes that the QIA is Qatars sovereign wealth fund, overseeing assets worth around US$445bn. The Egyptian government holds a 45% stake in Vodafone Egypt via state provider Telecom Egypt, which obtained the holding in 2017. In a stock exchange filing yesterday (19th October), Telecom Egypt indicated that it had not received an official offer for the purchase of any shares in Vodafone Egypt. UK-based Vodafone Group holds the remaining 55% stake in Vodafone Egypt, although it is currently attempting to sell the holding to its South African subsidiary Vodacom Group for $2.7bn. The deal requires approval from Egypts National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority which was reportedly granted last month as well as the Financial Supervision Department of the Reserve Bank of South Africa. New Delhi: The worlds third richest person and founder of Amazon Jeff Bezos has received the Prophets of Philantrophy award jointly with Chef Jose Andres at the Vatican city for their humanitarian and philanthropy works. Bezos and Andres were the first recipients of the Prophets of Philanthropy award from the Galileo Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the work of the Catholic Church and Pope Francis. ALSO READ | Beware! Govt Cyber agency warns citizens against the free gifts offers online "Our oceans are acidifying, and our fish stocks are declining. Soil is degrading, and deserts are encroaching," Bezos said in a speech accepting the award. "In almost all cases, it is the poor and vulnerable who are suffering most from these disasters, while they have done the least to cause them. Caring for nature is caring for people. This message is one that we must continue to spread." Yep, the probabilities in this economy tell you to batten down the hatches. https://t.co/SwldRdms5v Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) October 18, 2022 ALSO READ | Apple launches next generation 'Apple TV 4K'; Check prices, specs and more Jeff Bezos has currently stood at the third position in the Forbes richest people list followed Elon Musk and Bernard Arnault, according to the Forbes real-time richest people list. His wealth pegs around $138.5 billion. After leaving as a position of chairman in Amazon board, he has taken a lot of philantorphy work lately. Recently, he took a divorce with his wife Scott Mackenzee. The later is also in a spree to give donations to an array of organizations clandestinely. At an interfaith gathering with 145 philanthropists from five different religions, the Prophets of Philanthropy award was presented. In his remarks, Bezos brought up his family's ties to the Catholic Church, noting that the church welcomed his father when he came to the United States from Cuba as a young man without any knowledge of the language. They provided him with housing, education, and opportunities that he otherwise would not have had, according to Bezos. "Later, when the cycle progressed, he gave me those chances. Sitting here in the Vatican today, I would like to thank the Church for that gift." New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Thursday imposed a penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the android mobile device ecosystem, according to PTI. It further ordered Google to modify its conduct and practices within a defined timeline. ALSO READ | HCL founder Shiv Nadar pips Azim Premji to become India's TOP philanthropist During the course of inquiry, the commission found that Googles business was purely driven by the ultimate intent of increasing users on its platforms so that they interact with its revenue earning service, for instance, online search which directly affects sale of online adverstising services by Google. While the commision argued that Apples business is primarily based on a vertically integrated smart device ecosystem which focuses on sale of high-end smart devices with state of the art software components. ALSO READ | Infosys gives a salary hike upto 25% to its several top performing employees The CCI tweeted the imposition of monetary penalty and wrote, CCI imposes monetary penalty of 1337.76 crore on Google for abusing dominant position in multiple markets in the Android Mobile device ecosystem. The commission concluded in its press release that for the necessary market correction, Commission is imposing the provisional monetary penalities on Google on the basis of the data presented by the company. Google has been given a time of 30 days to provide the requisite finanacial details and supportig documents. It is to be noted that Google operates and managers the Android OS as well as licences its other proprietary applications and OEMs use this OS & Googles apps in their smart mobile devices. New Delhi: Indian tech giant Infosys has confirmed to give a salary hike of 10-13% to its many employees depending on the performance. Some of the top performers have received a salary hike of 20-25%. Increment will definitely sweep a wave of happiness among the Infosys employees, especially when Indias big festival is around the corner. However, the Increment was dependent on an employees grade and the senior management received low hike as their salaries were higher. ALSO READ | Another BIG tech company announces annual compensation hike after Wipro and TCS IT giant Cognizant hikes annual compensation for its staff IT giant Cognizant has chosen to implement annual compensation increases for its staff, following in the footsteps of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and Wipro. According to those with knowledge of the situation, Cognizant employees may receive an average compensation boost of up to 10% this year. READ ALSO | Wipro chairman reveals 'Decision took just 10 minute' to fire top 20 employees TCS announces 100% variable pay TCS announced that 70% of the workers will earn 100% variable pay, starting the holiday spirit early. Additionally, the performance of the remaining 30%'s business units will determine how much they are paid. Earlier, Thierry Delaporte, CEO and Managing Director of Wipro, said the company will pay out 100 per cent of variable pay to 85 per cent of its employees for the second quarter of financial year 2023. Speaking at a press meet following the second quarter results, he also said the company has promoted more than 10,000 employees and increased salaries across bands. New Delhi: Walmart-owned payment services provider PhonePe on Thursday said it is investing USD 200 million (around Rs 1,661 crore) in building data centres in the country, a top official said Thursday. The investments are driven by the regulatory insistence on data localisation, which prevents a financial sector entity from storing its data overseas, and other aspects, the company's co-founder and chief technology officer Rahul Chari said. Speaking to reporters after the launch of a data centre facility at Navi Mumbai, Chari said PhonePe will be investing USD 200 million in data centres. He said the company has already invested USD 150 million but did not specify a timeline for investing the remaining USD 50 million. (Also Read: LIC Jeevan Umang Policy: Invest Rs 45 daily, get every month Rs 36,000 for lifetime) Chari said it is beneficial for a company like PhonePe to invest in captive data centres given the data localisation mandate from the regulators and also because of the ease or flexibility of operations it offers as compared to an operating expenses model. (Also Read: Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana: Pay once, get Rs 10,000 per month) Company's co-founder and chief reliability officer Burzin Engineer said the USD 150 million investments will take the overall capacity to over 14 megawatts spread across three facilities in Bengaluru and the one inaugurated at Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Engineer said the current investments will be able to take care of the capacities needed to deliver on transaction loads expected by the end of the year. Chari said at present, PhonePe is handling 120 million transactions per day with a peak of 7,000 per second, and the company expects the same to go to 200 million per day by end of the year and 500 million per day by end of next year. PhonePe, NTT and Dell Technologies on Thursday launched what is billed as the country's first data centre with smart cooling technology. Chari said the capital expenditure incurred is higher for the smart cooling data centre, but its expenses will go down after two years as the energy costs it consumes are lower than the conventional data centres. New Delhi: Walmart-owned payment services provider PhonePe on Thursday said it is investing USD 200 million (around Rs 1,661 crore) on building data centres in the country, a top official said on Thursday. The investments are driven by the regulatory insistence on data localisation, which prevents a financial sector entity from storing its data overseas, and other aspects, company's co-founder and chief technology officer Rahul Chari said. ALSO READ | Apple unveils the entry level iPad at Rs 44,900; Check specs, features, more Speaking to reporters after the launch of a data centre facility at Navi Mumbai, Chari said PhonePe will be investing USD 200 million on data centres. He said the company has already invested USD 150 million but did not specify a timeline for investing the remaining USD 50 million. Chari said it is beneficial for a company like PhonePe to invest in captive data centres given the data localisation mandate from the regulators and also because of the ease or flexibility of operations it offers as compared to an operating expenses model. ALSO READ | Infosys gives a salary hike upto 25% to its several top performing employees Company's co-founder and chief reliability officer Burzin Engineer said the USD 150 million investments will take the overall capacity to over 14 mega watt spread across three facilities in Bengaluru and the one inaugurated at Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Engineer said the current investments will be able to take care of capacities needed to deliver on transaction loads expected by the end of the year. Chari said at present, PhonePe is handling 120 million transactions per day with a peak of 7,000 per second, and the company expects the same to go to 200 million per day by end of the year and 500 million per day by end of next year. PhonePe, NTT and Dell Technologies on Thursday launched what is billed as the country's first data centre with a smart cooling technology. Chari said the capital expenditure incurred is higher for the smart cooling data centre, but its expenses will go down after two years as the energy costs it consume are lower than the conventional data centres. NEW DELHI: Diwali, the featival of lights, is around the corner. People can be seen thronging the markets and shopping for the celebrations. Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of the five-day festival of lights, is considered a propitious day to buy and bring in new metal items, especially metals like gold and silver. Here, we bring to you the dates and puja timings for 5-day long festival. Dhanteras: Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is the first day that marks the festival of Diwali in India.. This year, the Dhanteras, will be observed from 7:00 pm to 8:17 pm on October 22, 2022. People worship Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi and buy something new on this day. Considered very auspicious, people purchase gold, silver, clothes, gadgets as a sign of good fortune. This day is purely dedicated to the goddess of wealth. Narak Chaturdashi: Naraka Chaturdasi, the second day of the five-day long festival of Deepavali, is also known as Choti Diwali. According to Hindu tradition and mythology, it is believed that Lord Krishna fought the demon Narakasura and killed him. The festival is also called as "Kali Chaudas", where Kali means dark (eternal) and Chaudas means fourteenth, this is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Aaso month. This year, It will begin at 05:05 am and end at 06:27 am on October 23, 2022. Diwali: Diwali is the most important Hindu festival, celebrated over five days. The most important day of the Diwali celebration for North India is the day that Lakshmi Puja is performed. The main celebration of Diwali takes place on this day and Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana. People welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is believed to bless people with luck and prosperity. This year, the Lakshmi puja muhurat will begin at 06:53 pm and end at 08:15 pm on October 24. Govardhan Puja: The Govardhan Puja muhurat is from 06:28 am till 08:43 am. Govardhan Puja is celebrated a day after Diwali and people worship Lord Krishna on this day. People believe that Lord Krishna saved the residents of Mathura from Lord Indra by lifting a mountain named 'Govardhan'. Bhai Dooj: The last and final day is called the 'Bhai Dooj' or 'Bhau Beej', which celebrates the special bond of brothers and sisters. 'Bhaiya Dooj' falls on October 26. On this day, the Aparahna time will last from 01:12 pm to 03:26 pm. It is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha of the lunar calendar and is similar to Rakshabandhan. Diwali 2022 parties: Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights that is a feast for the senses, is that time of the year when everyone comes together and celebrates the wonderful occasion with their families and loved ones. Most Indians know that Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It's also a wonderful time to gather with loved ones to share delicious meals, exchange gifts, have fun, and make lasting memories. This year, it will be celebrated on October 24. With the auspicious festival just around the corner, what's a better way to kick-start the festivities than having a bash right in your house as it is a perfect way to spread the aura of happiness that Diwali brings. So, here are some simple steps which can be helpful in organising a Diwali party that would be the talk of every Whatsapp group that you are a part of. Set a theme for the party Though people mostly follow traditional themes on Diwali that does not mean you too have to make the same choice. You can add a twist to the bash by making it a Bollywood-themed night for which everyone gets to dress as their favourite B-town character. Prepare a guest list. While hosting a Diwali party, it is very easy to be carried away in preparing a list of people that you need to invite. Often, people think that making a mental calculation of the invitees is enough but it's not so. Always make a list at the beginning of the party-planning process, so that you neither miss out on anyone nor go overboard. Also read: Happy, green Deepavali: 5 tips to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali Choose decor For those of you who are hosting a theme party, your decor cannot clash with the theme as it should be based on the chosen theme and should complement it. Use clever ways to integrate traditional decorations into your modern party; for e.g. in place of using diyas, one can opt for fairy lights or simple LEDs. Prepare a playlist Use music to charge up your guests. Have a good choice of songs and prepare a playlist that has a mix of old and new songs. Also, don't forget to make some clear some space in your living room so that guests can feel free to shake a leg when feeling the groove. Food options Food is the most important element of any Indian festival and when it is Diwali, it should be the traditional one like kheers, kachoris, pooris, etc. They say that if people say good things about the food you served long after your party is over, it means that the bash was a success. Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Diwali 2022 food guide - Control blood sugar and weight with THESE sweets and snacks New Delhi: After two years of low-key celebrations, B-Town is all geared up for jubilant Diwali celebrations and star-studded parties where actors, directors, producers and celebrities will show up to add additional sparkle to the festive spirit. Considering the industry has turned a corner after two challenging years, this years Diwali celebrations are expected to be even more special than ever before. The fraternity is looking forward to ushering in the hope, abundance, and joy of the festive season on a glittering note. Shilpa Shetty, Producers Anand Pandit, Ekta Kapoor, actors Taapsee Pannu, Kriti Sanon, Bhumi Pednekar, and designer Manish Malhotra hosted lavish Diwali celebrations for their industry friends. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, whose film Doctor G is running successfully in theatres, and producer Ramesh Taurani also recently hosted a star-studded pre-Diwali bash for his friends. According to the sources among the most eagerly awaited Diwali party this year is producer Anand Pandit's annual bash at his residence where apart from megastar Amitabh Bachchan top B-Towns celebrities like Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Jeetendra Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon, Raj Kumar Rao, and Kapil Sharma, are also expected to be present. New Delhi: The Assam government Thursday said it has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in eight districts and one sub-division for six months after a review of the law and order situation. The government, however, withdrew the controversial law from West Karbi Anglong district as the situation there has "considerably improved". The six-month extension of AFSPA is effective from October 1, Home and Political Department Principal Secretary Niraj Verma said in an order. The order dated October 15 and released on Thursday stated that nine districts and one sub-division were kept under the AFSPA since April 1 as a "disturbed area" after withdrawing the legislation from the rest of the state. "A review of the law and order and security scenario in Assam in the recent past indicates that the situation has considerably improved in West Karbi Anglong district of the state ... The Governor of Assam is pleased to withdraw the declaration of 'Disturbed Area' with effect from 01.10.2022 from West Karbi Anglong," the order said. Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao districts remain in conflict, as does the Cachar sub-division of Lakhipur in the Barak Valley. Also Read: Centre extends AFSPA in THESE districts of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh for 6 months The act was enacted in Assam in November 1990 and has been extended every six months since then after a state government review of the situation. Under AFSPA, security forces can conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without a warrant. It also provides security forces with some immunity in the event of a failed operation. Civil society organisations and human rights activists have demanded that the "draconian law" be removed from the entire North East, claiming violations of human rights by the armed forces. The call to repeal the act gained traction after 14 civilians were killed by security forces in a botched anti-insurgency operation and retaliatory violence in Nagaland's Mon district on December 4, 2021. Govt of Assam withdraws the declaration of 'Disturbed Area' w.e.f. 01.10.2022 from West Karbi Anglong district "Earlier AFSPA covered 9 dists & 1 Sub-div in Assam, now it covers 8 dists & one Sub-div," Niraj Verma, Principal Secretary of Home & Political department, tells ANI. pic.twitter.com/FD10maiITD ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2022 (With PTI inputs) BHU PG Admission 2022: Banaras Hindu University, BHU PG Admissions 2022 begins for various Postgraduate courses offered by the University. The BHU PG Admissions 2022 application process is available on the official website, bhuonline.in, for qualified candidates. Candidates who have completed CUET PG can apply for BHU Counseling according on their field of study. October 25, 2022, is the last day to apply online for admission to PG programmes. According to the eligibility requirements given in the PET bulletin, candidates enrolling for the BHU PG Counselling 2022 must have finished their undergraduate degree (minimum two years/four-semester mark sheets necessary). Additionally, the candidate had to pass the CUET PG exam in order to be eligible for the particular course listed in the BHU PET Bulletin 2022. You only need to pay the registration fee on the website if you match the mentioned qualifying requirements. BHU PG Admissions 2022: Heres how to apply Go to the official website-- bhuonline.in On the appeared homepage, click on the PG Registration link 2022 A new page would open, register yourself and generate your login credentials Login and access the BHU Counselling portal Now, fill in the BHU PG Registration form Submit all details and upload documents as asked Pay the applicable registration fee and submit the form Take a printout for future references The CUET results, together with any other applicable admission requirements, will be used to determine BHU Admission 2022 for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. American Tower Corporation has tapped Nokia deploy a neutral fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Argentina. By using virtualisation to share network resources as slices of a physical network, Nokias Altiplano Open Access solution will enable American Tower to provide wholesale fibre access on a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) basis. The firm claims to have already onboarded three virtual network operator tenants in Argentina. With traditional fibre wholesale solutions, service innovation and market differentiation is difficult for tenant operators due to the rigid design, lack of network visibility and limited control in service delivery. Nokias Altiplano Open Access solution, an add-on to its Altiplano software suite, enables a more flexible service design tailored to the needs of both large and small operator tenants. Paul Choiseul, Vice President of Innovation - Transport and Networking - OCTO at American Tower, said: With Nokias collaboration, we are leveraging the Altiplano SDAN Domain Controller to enhance our neutral host Network-as-a-service (NaaS) platform, allowing enhanced automation and delivering autonomy of operation to our virtual operators. Sandy Motley, President, Fixed Networks at Nokia, said: Neutral host business models lower the cost of fibre deployments and attract new sources of capital, driving the FTTH market to enter underserved areas. The Nokia Altiplano Open Access solution is uniquely built to support infrastructure builders with flexible network sharing options, while the virtual network operators get the customised capabilities they need to support their business and improve subscriber experience. Kolkata: Accusing BJP of doing vote bank politics, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday said it is evident from the way it put on hold the hike in milk prices of a nationally known milk brand in poll-bound Gujarat. Banerjee, who was inaugurating a community Kali Puja at Janbazar in the city, said the saffron party is "jealous" of her government and ignores the good work done by it in the past 11 years as it is only interested in showing her government in poor light for narrow political gains. She claimed that in the 11 years of Trinamool Congress' rule in Bengal employment has risen by 40 per cent while there has been a decline in the employment figure in the rest of the country. On the issue of the rise in milk prices by a nationally known state cooperative, Banerjee said, "Have you ever heard that the milk price of the same brand has not increased in Gujarat whereas it has been hiked in Bengal and some other states?" "Is this because of impending elections in Gujarat? Will you (BJP regime) always treat states like Bengal in such a differential manner," the strident critic of the saffron party said. Dates for the Assembly poll in Gujarat are likely to be announced post-Diwali. ALSO READ | TMC's rule in West Bengal will be over in a few months: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari slams Mamata Banerjee govt Speaking about development projects in Bengal, she said upcoming projects like the Tajpur port and the freight corridor in south Bengal will generate thousands of jobs in the coming days. "You (BJP) are jealous. You can never emulate the work of the TMC-run government. You can only conspire to derail our projects. All the Metro Rail projects in the city were initiated by me (during her stint as railway minister). What was your role in executing development projects of the state?" Banerjee said. Banerjee said in Bengal religious festivals like Kali Puja and Diwali are celebrated by people across religions, communities and sects. Mumbai: Mumbai police on Wednesday received a `suspicious` call from an unidentified caller informing that bombs are planted at several key places across Mumbai. Mumbai Police got vigilant after bomb threats at several places were received from the unidentified caller. The suspicious phone call was received on the helpline number 112, officials said. According to the police, a call was received by a caller claiming that three bombs have been planted in the city at Infinity Mall Andheri, PVR Mall Juhu, and Sahara Hotel Airport. The Mumbai police have beefed security in the targeted places. Attempts are underway to nab the unidentified caller. Also Read: Mumbai International airport strengthens security after bomb hoax alert on IndiGo flight Earlier, in April this year, a Karnataka school received a bomb threat amid the ongoing hijab row. Hours after a few schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats, Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said he has asked top police officials to probe the matter adding that a conspiracy is on to disturb peace in the state." A conspiracy is on to disturb peace in the state. Karnataka is a progressive State and some elements are repeatedly trying to tarnish this image. Police officials have been instructed to consider these cases seriously," Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said to reporters. Reacting to bomb threat calls to schools in the city, Bommai said, that Police have been asked to conduct a thorough check. Those who made the bomb threat calls would be traced and arrested. Effective security and investigation measures would be taken, he said." Parents need not worry," the Chief Minister said while assuring that there is no cause for worry as far as security at schools is concerned. "Necessary precautionary measures are being taken. The parents need have any anxiety," Bommai said. New Delhi: On a petition filed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) this week, the Supreme Court agreed to examine an order of the Punjab and Haryana high court that allowed a minor Muslim girl to marry. The NCPCR said it violates provisions of the POCSO Act and amounts to sexual assault of minors. While many believe a favourable decision by the SC would be a step towards Uniform Civil Code, activists are mainly concerned about underage marriage being more prevalent in certain communities following personal laws. As per the National Family Health Survey-V (NFHS 2019-21), 23.3 per cent of women in the 20-24 age group were married off before attaining the age of 18. Also, as per the NCRB-2021 report, at least 34 minor girls were kidnapped every day to be compelled into marriage. NFHS data show that 7 per cent of women in India between 15 and 19 years of age have begun childbearing, the ratio of which is highest among Muslims 8.4 per cent. The same is 6.8 per cent for Christians and 6.5 per cent for Hindus, which means teenage pregnancies among Muslims is 30 per cent higher than among Hindus. Data also show that the use of contraceptives among Muslims is much lesser. But while Hindus can be penalised for child marriage, the same does not apply for Muslims as they follow personal laws. This is exactly what the NCPCR is trying to regulate, as it says that POCSO is a secular act for the overall well-being of minors. Teen pregnancy is higher in rural areas, and among sections with lower education and wealth. Some 53 per cent married women in the 15-19 age group have already begun childbearing. Tripura (22%), West Bengal (16%), Andhra Pradesh (13%), Assam (12%), Bihar (11%) and Jharkhand (10%) have the highest levels of teen pregnancy. Activists believe marriages of minors further push up the fertility rate in a country already dealing with population explosion. According to NFHS data, the fertility rate among Muslims is 2.4, compared to 1.9 in Hindus and Christians. NCRB data show that child marriage cases in India have risen by a whopping 222 per cent in just five years. While 2016 saw 326 such cases, the number soared to 1,050 in 2021. The highest number of child marriage cases between 2016 and 2021 was reported from Karnataka (757), followed by Assam (577), Tamil Nadu (469) and West Bengal (431). The NDA government has proposed to raise the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21. Though the Centre believes that such a move would further empower women and help build their careers, critics take it with a pinch of salt. There is no clarity on whether POCSO will overlap with the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and also how the issues of consent regarding marriage, studies and career are to be addressed. New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched the MCD's Tehkhand waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in New Delhi's Tughlakabad. Amit Shah said that the Aam Aadmi Party wanted Delhi to be 'AAP Nirbhar' while the BJP wanted the national capital to be Atmanirbhar, and asked the people to choose between the two in the MCD elections. Shah also accused the Kejriwal government of step-motherly treatment to the erstwhile three civic bodies and said it owed Rs 40,000 crore to the municipal corporations. "They (Kejriwal-led party) want Delhi to be AAP Nirbhar. We want it to become Atmanirbhar. In the next Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) polls, people will have to decide if they want to be AAP Nirbhar or Atmanirbhar," Shah said at the event in south Delhi. Alleging that the AAP government had been spending heavily on publicity, he claimed Kejriwal was under the impression that development comes from advertisements but said "this illusion can last only for five to seven years". Also Read: 'Our BIGGEST achievement...': Arvind Kejriwal MOCKS PM Narendra Modi over his Gujarat school visit "People will have to choose between 'Vigyapan ki Rajniti' (politics of advertisement) and 'Vikas ki Rajniti' (politics of development)," he added. People of Delhi need to decide if they like the politics of 'Vigyapan' (advertisement) or politics of 'Vikas' (development). People should also decide if they like 'prachaar' (campaign) politics or 'parivartan' (change) politics: Union Home minister Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/9BjYGKuExO ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2022 With the completion of the delimitation process to alter wards under MCD limits and the Centre's approval for the final draft, the last hurdle to hold the civic body polls has been cleared. Delhi CM Kejriwal gives press statements everyday & publishes big advertisements. He thinks press interviews will bring development & that people can be misled by publishing ads. AAP wants to make Delhi 'AAPnirbhar' while we want to make Delhi 'Aatmanirbhar': Union HM Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/EmiX6XgpMj ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2022 "We'll give a reply in a democratic manner to Arvind Kejriwal's behaviour with MCDs. I believe that we'll establish daily waste processing facilities in Delhi by 2025 with the help of MCD. In future, such heaps and mountains of garbage won't be seen," Amit Shah further said. New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday held an emergency meeting to curb the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. CAQM in Delhi-NCR has directed the authorities to enact Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes banning the use of diesel generators, coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants and open eateries. In the meeting, the CAQM sub-committee "comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region and noted that the air quality parameters are likely to dip on October 22 in the region making it to move into the `very poor` category". "...the sub-committee today (Wednesday) has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage 2 of the GRAP - `Very Poor` Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 301-400), three days in advance to the projected levels i.e. today with immediate effect in the entire NCR in right earnest by all the agencies concerned. This is in addition to the restrictive actions mentioned in Stage 1 of GRAP," the CQAM said in an order, adding that various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP have been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions under Stage 2 of GRAP. Also Read: Bursting firecrackers in Delhi on Diwali can land you in jail, announces Kejriwal govt Under Stage 2 of GRAP, the use of diesel generators is also not allowed except for essential services related to national security, defence-related activities, projects of national importance, telecommunication, data services, medical, railway and metro rail services, airports, inter-state bus terminals, sewage treatment plants, and water pumping stations. Delhi | Pollution levels surge in Delhi-NCR; Visuals from Okhla region of the capital In view of rising pollution, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change held an emergency meeting for the operationalisation of stage II Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) yesterday pic.twitter.com/6bEdY8XMIB ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2022 The CAQM has also suggested the use to water sprinklers and vaccum based road sweepers. Further, the dust prone areas must be identified and fog guns be set up over there. The CAQM has advised the people to follow a few steps to combat air pollution. It said that people should use public transport and minimise the use of personal vehicles. The CAQM also said that dust generating construction activities should be avoided and air filters should be replaced regularly. (With IANS inputs) New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to entertain a plea challenging the order for a complete ban on firecrackers in the NCT of Delhi till January 1, 2023, noting that similar petitions are pending before the Supreme Court. Justice Yashwant Varma said that as a similar matter is pending before the Supreme Court, it would not be appropriate for the bench to hear the petition now. The petitioner Shiva Fireworks and others had moved a petition through advocates Pranjal Kishore and Aman Bansal. The petitioners are engaged in the sale, purchase and storage of green crackers. They had challenged the order of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) issued on September 14, 2022 directing for a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale and bursting of firecracker in NCT of Delhi till January 1, 2023. The DPCC order stated that "There will be a "Complete Ban" on all kinds of firecrackers on manufacturing, storage, selling (including delivery through online marketing platforms) and bursting upto January 1, 2023 in the territory of NCT of Delhi." The petitioners contended that the directions are contrary to the judicial orders they rely on. The directions seek to rely on the order dated December 1, 2020, issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the order issued by the Supreme Court in a Civil Appeal dated of July 23, 2021. However, the present directions are contrary to both of these orders. The petitioner stated that NGT`s said order expressly allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in areas where air quality is "moderate". The petition referred to the apex Court order that, "In our opinion, the order impugned in these appeals is self-eloquent. It has provided for a graded approach to be adopted by all concerned, keeping in mind the prevailing Covid-19 situation." It was also stated that the Court further held, "The purport of Clause (i), in our opinion, is that there will be a total ban on the sale and use of all kinds of firecrackers during the Covid-19 pandemic only where the air quality becomes `poor` or more than poor category. That is a just direction. In other words, if the air quality of the concerned area is moderate or better, the authorities may permit the sale and use of green firecrackers, as specified in the order itself..." It was submitted that the air quality in New Delhi has been moderate or better at least since August 15, 2022. In this view, there is no occasion to impose a ban on the use of even green crackers. It was also submitted that the Respondents have acted in a hasty and arbitrary manner. DPCC has issued the said direction without applying its mind to the orders of the NGT and the Supreme Court. The petitioner also said that the Directions were contrary to orders of the Supreme Court which allow the use of green crackers. The Supreme Court has allowed the use of green crackers in multiple orders. The Supreme Court has also set aside orders of the Telangana High Court and Calcutta High Court, which imposed blanket bans on the sale of all fire-crackers, the petitioners contended. It is pertinent to note that Delhi Police had issued an advertisement regarding the grant of temporary fireworks licenses on September 1, 2022. Detailed guidelines were also issued in this regard. The guidelines specified that only crackers as allowed by the Supreme Court and the NGT would be allowed, the petition said. However, the present direction has imposed a blanket ban on the sale of all firecrackers. It was submitted that the arbitrary, and last-minute ban imposed on the sale and use of green crackers affects the livelihood of the Petitioners and other similarly placed sellers. The same is thus contrary to Articles 14 and 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution, the petition said while seeking quashing of the direction of DPCC. Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday instructed officials to ensure airport passengers remain unaffected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Kempegowda International Airport here next month. The Chief Minister held a preliminary meeting with officials regarding the arrangements for the inauguration of terminal-2 of the airport and unveiling of 108-foot statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, founder of Bengaluru, by Modi on November 11. He said the function should not affect the travelling public to the airport and the police must ensure that there is no disruption of traffic on the day of the inauguration. Higher Education Minister C N Ashwath Narayan informed the meeting that as a prelude to the November 11 function, a campaign "Banni Naada Kattona' is being held for the collection of sacred mud (Mruthike) from all districts, and it would start from October 21. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi to launch Mission LiFE in Gujarat's Kevadia today, participate in Missions Conference On Friday, October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to Kedarnath and Badrinath to lay the foundation stone for several roads and the Hemkund Sahib ropeway. He will also review and launch various development projects. According to Pradhan Pujari of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Mandir Samiti, Ganga Dhar Linga New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has termed Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to a school in his home state of Gujarat the biggest achievement of the Delhi governments education model. "I am very happy that today all the parties and leaders of the country have to talk about education and schools. This is our biggest achievement. I hope that education is not missed only during elections. All governments together can make its schools great in just five years," the Delhi chief minister tweeted in an apparent swipe at the BJP. Kejriwal also posted a picture of PM Modi sitting in a classroom with the students. PM , 5 5 https://t.co/kFVHyC8K6K Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 19, 2022 The AAP chief also urged the PM to work together to improve the country's schools and offered his government's expertise, inviting a sharp retort from the BJP. The miserable education system in Delhi cannot be a model for the country, BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya said, adding that PM Modi has been working to improve government education and make it effective since he was Gujarat's chief minister. Kejriwal's remarks come after PM Modi visited a school in Gandhinagar in Gujarat, and interacted with students. "PM sir, we have done a wonderful job in the field of education in Delhi. In five years, all the government schools of Delhi were improved remarkably. Schools across the country can be improved in five years," Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi. "We have experience in this field. Please use our experience completely for this. Let's do it together for the country," he said. Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the education portfolio, said that the BJP will send Aam Aadmi Party leaders to jail while the AAP compels them to visit schools. "They will send us to jail. We will send them to schools," he said in a tweet. Hitting back, Malviya said PM Modi's aim has been to change things on the ground. "He does not do politics for merely giving advertisements like you," he said, replying to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader's tweet. The BJP and the AAP have been involved in a bitter war of words in the run-up to the assembly polls in Gujarat whose schedule is likely to be announced soon. The AAP has pivoted its pitch around its welfarism, dismissed by the BJP as freebies, and what it describes as its focus on boosting education and health infra as it makes a determined foray into the western state. The BJP has not lost an assembly election in Gujarat since 1995. (With Agency Inputs) Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday said it would hear after Diwali holidays a public interest litigation challenging the practice of courts taking long vacations, thereby affecting filing and hearing of cases. The high court's Diwali vacation is from October 22 and it would reopen on November 9. The PIL filed by Sabina Lakdawala challenged the vacations taken by the high court, claiming it was in violation of the fundamental rights of litigants whose rights to seek justice will be affected. Lakdawala's lawyer Mathews Nedumpara said the petitioner was not against judges taking holidays but members of the judiciary should not take leave at the same time so that the courts remain functional throughout the year. Nedumpara mentioned the plea on Thursday before a division bench of Justices S V Gangapurwala and R N Laddha seeking urgent hearing. The bench asked the lawyer why the PIL was filed now when the high court calendar for 2022 was made available in November last year itself. The HC said it would hear the PIL on November 15. The high court takes three breaks every year - summer vacation (one month), Diwali vacation (two weeks) and Christmas break (one week). During the holidays, special vacation benches are available for urgent judicial work. Lakdawala in her petition said the long court vacations are relic of the colonial era and have contributed to a collapse of the judicial delivery system. The plea has sought for a declaration that closing courts for more than 70 days for any kind of vacation is a violation of fundamental rights of litigants because it leads to courts becoming unable to hear cases for lack of time. "Such practice of long vacations is liable to be brought to an end," the plea said. The petition sought for making the high court fully functional during the upcoming Diwali vacation by appointing adequate number of judges to hear and adjudicate all cases and directions to the registry to receive all petitions without insisting on permission from the vacation bench. "Requisite break for lawyers and judges can be provided without the entire institution being shut down," Lakdawala said. She also said her contention was not that vacation be denied to judges and lawyers and their workload be increased. It was only that judges could be encouraged to take leave at different times of the year, the petitioner said. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday (October 20, 2022) launched "Mission LiFE", a global plan of action aimed at saving the planet from the disastrous consequences of climate change. Speaking at the launch event of the mission, which is aimed at encouraging people towards sustainable living, Modi said that people are experiencing the effects of climate change in their surroundings and that "unexpected calamities" were witnessed in the last few decades. He also asked people to adopt the concept of 'reduce, reuse and recycle' and circular economy. He pointed towards the prevailing notion that climate change is an issue only related to policy that leads to a thought process that leaves this all-important issue only to the government or international organisations, and said that climate change goes beyond only policy-making and people themselves are finding that they should contribute as an individual, families and as communities to the environment. "The mantra of Mission Life is 'Lifestyle For Environment'," he said and emphasised the benefits of Mission LiFE that it connects the powers of the people for the protection of this earth, and teaches them to utilise it in a better way. He underlined that Mission LiFE makes the fight against climate change democratic, in which everyone can contribute within their capacity. "Mission LiFE inspires us to do all that can be done in our everyday life to protect the environment. Mission LiFE believes that the environment can be protected by making changes in our lifestyle," Prime Minister Modi said. He gave the example of the adoption of LED bulbs in India for reducing electricity bills and protecting the environment. "This led to massive savings and environmental benefits and this is a recurring permanent benefit," Modi added. We are honoured by the presence of @UN Secretary General, Mr. @antonioguterres for the launch of Mission LiFE. Had a wonderful meeting with him in Kevadia. pic.twitter.com/2LYqyFNBNj Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2022 He also gave an example about some people who like to keep the temperature of their air conditioners at 17 degrees Celsius or 18 degrees Celsius, and then using a blanket. "Reducing the temperature of AC creates a negative impact on the environment," he said. He also said that a person goes to a gym on a vehicle that runs five km per litre (fuel). "If the person goes there on a bicycle, then both the goals of protecting the environment and achieving personal fitness will be met," Modi said. He further elaborated that Mission LiFE emboldens the spirit of the P3 model -- Pro Planet People. "Mission Life, unites the people of the earth as pro-planet people, uniting them all in their thoughts. It functions on the basic principles of 'Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet'," he said. Mission LiFE is a global movement to safeguard our environment from impact of climate change. https://t.co/aW6Vr556TA Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2022 Prime Minister Modi remarked that the way to the future can only be paved by learning from the mistakes of the past. In the latest 5G partnership with a focus on the potential of private networks, technological solutions provider Entel says it is set to accelerate the digital transformation of industry in Chile thanks to a new 5G standalone (SA) deal with Ericsson. Entel Corp will integrate Ericssons Private 5G solution within its offering, and partner with communications service providers to deliver it. The deal, say the partners, is expected to revolutionise fifth generation networks in Chile and accelerate the nations digital transformation to industry 4.0. 5G SA networks are particularly suited to complex industrial environments, with the networks fast data processing supporting business-critical applications that require ultra-short response times. Ericssons 5G SA networks are already being used on a global scale by different industries, ranging from mining and ports to automotive and agriculture. Entel Corp segment customers will benefit from the use of high-speed mobile networks, as well as the ability to connect thousands of devices, with guaranteed quality of service, minimum delays, security and data reliability. Ericsson and Entel have worked together to deploy 5G across Chile and have also carried out a dozen pilots. These pilots cover a range of industries including health (the first remote ultrasound), smart factories (remote controlled robotics), agricultural and forestry (drones with advanced analytics for real-time monitoring and information on the status of crops), and transport management. Last month, Entel became the first operator in Chile to deliver 100% of the deployment of the first stage of its new 5G network nationwide. This is not Ericssons first private 5G deployment in Lain America. In September we reported that Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate Nestle had deployed a private 5G network in Mexico using the Ericsson Private 5G solution. Kevadia(Gujarat): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a bilateral meeting at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadia on Thursday. PM Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat will launch Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) in the presence of Guterres at the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is on a three-day visit to India will also visit the country's first solar-powered village in Modhera (Gujarat) and other development projects in the area. The UN secretary general will also visit the Sun temple in Modhera, before departing for his onward destination. Mission LiFE aims at following a three-pronged strategy for changing people's collective approach towards sustainability. This includes nudging individuals to practice simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives (demand), enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand (supply), and to influence government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production (policy). Also Read: From Gujarat to Ayodhya visit, here is PM Modi's schedule for Diwali season The prime minister will also participate in the 10th Heads of Missions Conference, which is being organised from October 20 to 22 in Kevadia by the Ministry of External Affairs. The conference will bring together 118 heads of Indian Missions (ambassadors and high commissioners) from all over the world. #WATCH | Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, holds bilateral talks in Kevadia, Narmada District pic.twitter.com/ElJXQdHISW ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2022 Through its 23 sessions spread over three days, the conference will provide an opportunity to have detailed internal discussions on issues such as contemporary geo-political and geo-economic environment, connectivity and India's foreign policy priorities, the release said. Gujarat | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia pic.twitter.com/B34J0LCJ0v October 20, 2022 PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth more than Rs 1,970 crore at Vyara in Tapi district. He will lay the foundation stone for the improvement of the road from Saputara to the Statue of Unity along with the construction of missing links. Other projects whose foundation stone will be laid include water supply projects worth more than Rs 300 crore in Tapi and Narmada districts, the release said. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is on a two-day visit to Gujarat where Assembly polls are due in the next few months, will launch Mission LiFE in Kevadia today, besides participating in the 10th Heads of Missions Conference. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth over Rs 1970 crores in Vyara, Tapi. On Wednesday evening, PM Modi held a roadshow in Rajkot City before addressing a public gathering. His roadshow began from the airport and continued to the Race Course ground where he addressed people after launching projects worth Rs 7,000 crore. The PM, who stood on a specially designed vehicle with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, waved at people on the 1.5km-long route. Officials reportedly stated that nearly 20,000 people gathered along the route to greet the Prime Minister, who reached there after addressing a rally in Junagadh. Teach a lesson to those who insult Gujarat: PM Modi At the Junagarh rally, the Prime Minister played an emotional pride card to attack political opponents, asking people to punish those who insulted them and the state. Addressing the rally at Junagadh town in Saurashtra region, He said "Some people believe in insulting Gujaratis... they wish to divide Gujaratis. Gujaratis have built industries and trade and given jobs to people from other states, such Gujaratis are being insulted, do we want to continue to tolerate such insults or do you think we need to teach them lessons? Let us teach them a lesson for the pride of Gujarat." He dedicated and inaugurated development projects worth Rs 4,155 crore for Junagadh, Porbandar, and Gir Somnath districts. PM Modi unveiled plans to convert Keshod airstrip into a full-fledged airport, telling the gathering that he has instructed Civil Aviation Department officers to work out the project. According to him, once the airport is operational, fruits grown in the area can be exported, and tourists from across the country as well as foreign tourists planning to see Asiatic lions or visit Somnath temple will get connectivity. Appreciating the coastal belt`s contribution to the country`s economy, Modi said, "In the last 20 years, aqua exports have increased 7 times. I have laid the foundation stone of three fishing harbours, which will boost the fishing sector." Also read: 'Our BIGGEST achievement...': Kejriwal MOCKS PM Modi over his Guj school visit While launching Mission Schools of Excellence in Gandhinagar, IANS quoted PM Modi as saying "Because of the dilapidated state of the education sector in Gujarat 20 years ago, 20 out of 100 children would never go to school," adding "Those students who did manage to get to school would drop out after 8th standard, but in the last 20 years, the education sector has witnessed growth and development... more than 1.25 lakh new classrooms were built in Gujarat, and more than 2 lakh teachers were recruited." (With Inputs from Agencies) Lucknow: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has said that the population of Hindus is decreasing due to growing infiltration from Bangladesh and the conversion of Hindus. Hosabale, while speaking at an event on Wednesday, expressed concern that religious conversions are leading to population imbalance in the country. While talking to the reporters on the concluding day of the four-day national executive (Akhil Bhartiya Karyakari Mandal) meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Prayagraj, Hosabale, Infiltration from Bangladesh has been seen in districts of north Bihar, North East & other states." At a time when Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has suggested the need for a `comprehensive population control policy, Hosabale said that due to conversions, the population of Hindus decreased in many places & its consequences have been witnessed too." UP | Various reasons for population imbalance...Due to conversions, population of Hindus decreased in many places & its consequences have been witnessed too. Infiltration from Bangladesh has been seen in districts of north Bihar, North East & other states: RSS Gen Secy D Hosabale pic.twitter.com/CnFdyq0inI ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 19, 2022 The RSS general secretary said the organisation is trying to create awareness about religious conversions. He said as a result there has been a favourable outcome of Ghar Wapsi -- the Sangh Parivar effort to bring back to the Hindu fold people it says converted to faiths like Islam and Christianity. Hosabale said the existing laws to prevent religious conversion need to be implemented strictly. This was an apparent reference to laws in some states, including Uttar Pradesh, that prohibits conversion by force or allurement, particularly through marriage. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat too attended the meeting in Prayagraj from October 16 to 19. Hosabale claimed that after conversion, infiltration was the second biggest cause of population imbalance." Population imbalance caused by infiltration from Bangladesh has been seen in districts of north Bihar, including Purnia and Katihar, and in other states," he said. The RSS leader said those who changed their religion should not get the benefit of reservation. He referred to the committee formed under former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan to examine whether communities that adopted other religions should get the Scheduled Caste status. Hosabale said the meeting also discussed increasing the participation of women in social activities of the Hindu community. "Women are entering every sector. Their role in decision-making in social work must also increase," he said. The RSS said 372 Sangh workers attended the meeting. Hosabale said over 3,000 young people have joined the Sangh in the last two years and the number of RSS shakhas has gone up from 54,382 to 61,045 in one year. Over 1,30,000 people have joined the Sangh through the Join RSS platform launched in 2010-11, he said. Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has visited the northeastern states of Meghalaya and Manipur and invigorated a sense of Hindu pride in the tribal communities there, Hosabale said. The people from the tribal community have started inviting the sarsanghchalak there," he added. The RSS will celebrate its centennial year in 2025. Noida: Politician Shrikant Tyagi, who was arrested in August for assaulting a woman in a Noida society, was released from jail on Thursday, a senior police officer said. Tyagi was lodged in the Luksar jail in Greater Noida since August 9, and was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court two days ago. "He was released this (Thursday) evening after all legal formalities," Jail Superintendent Arun Pratap Singh told PTI. Clad in a white kurta-pyjama paired with a black waist-coat, Tyagi (34) walked out of the jail around 6.30 pm and headed to his home in Grand Omaxe society in Noida Sector 93B. His family thanked the Tyagi Community for its support during their ordeal. The community members had held panchayats to mobilise support for Tyagi and staged a protest outside the society here after his arrest in August, demanding his release and revocation of the Gangsters Act in the case. "We are very happy and have got sweets at home for his welcome. We will be celebrating Diwali now with full fervour," his wife Anu Tyagi said. Tyagi was granted bail by the Allahabad Court on Monday. Justice Surendra Singh granted him bail in the Gangsters Act case after his counsel argued that he was "falsely implicated" in the case "due to police rivalry". "Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature of allegations, and the gravity of the offence, but without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this court is of the opinion that the applicant is entitled to bail," Justice Singh had noted. Tyagi, who flexed political connections and claimed association with the ruling BJP, was caught on camera assaulting the woman, a resident of his Grand Omaxe society in Noida's Sector 93B, after he was challenged by her. He was also heard hurling expletives at the woman, who objected to his installing plants in the common area. In the wake of the controversy, the BJP had denied links with Tyagi, who had remained at large for four days before being arrested and booked under the Gangsters Act, among other charges. New Delhi: Former Congress leader Ashwani Kumar has said the election of Mallikarjun Kharge as party president by a huge margin shows Sonia Gandhi still has the last word in the organisation's internal politics. Sonia Gandhi is likely to command such respect as long as she is active in the party in whatever capacity, Kumar said while asserting that it is because party persons retain a sense of personal loyalty to her, which extends to the family. "That Kharge was her undeclared choice is indisputable notwithstanding vehement denials by the establishment to the contrary. Sonia Gandhi has once again demonstrated her astute political judgment in using elections to demonstrate the family's pre-eminence in the party established over long years of exercise of political patronage," Kumar said in a statement. The former union minister also lauded Shashi Tharoor for taking on the challenge to contest the top Congress post and said he is no loser. "The election process is a victory for him. He invested his energy in making a political statement by walking the talk. He has clearly outshone most of his once-upon-a-time colleagues in the G-23 grouping and has positioned himself as a challenger," Kumar said. The former law minister also said Tharoor has registered his presence on the national scene for the long run, noting that much will depend on how he conducts himself hereon and how the party treats him. Kumar said Tharoor need not complain about the absence of a level-playing field, which is never the case in a 'David versus Goliath' fight, noting that his tally of over 1,000 votes is a significant pointer. Asserting that defining ideological battles cannot be captive to personal vanities and animosities, Kumar said, "The Congress needs conscientious dissenters willing and able to hold on to their views. Mallikarjuna Kharge will need to be a consensus builder within the party and remove causes for the alienation of party persons over the years. In this necessary task, he will need the family's support." In the high-stakes electoral contest, Kharge defeated Tharoor and was elected the new Congress president on Wednesday. He also became the first non-Gandhi Congress president after nearly 24 years. He is expected to take the reins of the party after Diwali celebrations. Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress's rule in West Bengal will be over in a few months, leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed on Wednesday, stating that the police cannot save the regime anymore. Addressing a 'Bijaya Sammilani' or post-Durga Puja meeting in his hometown Kanthi in Purba Medinipur district, the BJP leader said that his party will fight next year's panchayat elections "inch by inch". "Police have become slaves and they are protecting this corrupt regime. But, the days of this regime are over. Their rule will be over in a few months. This regime cannot be saved by the police anymore," Adhikari said. He said the BJP will form "strong" teams in every booth to counter the TMC's "terror" in the panchayat polls. "It will be fought inch by inch," he said on the panchayat elections, due early next year. The TMC said it does not give importance to Adhikari's statements. "Suvendu Adhikari used to say 'BJP hatao Desh Banchao' till mid-2020. He had campaigned against Amit Shah during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Being an opportunist and unethical person, he crossed over to the BJP. We don't attach any importance to the utterances of an unethical person," TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said. Vyara: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress of making fun of tribal traditions and culture, and added that people from the community would not forget the "insult" and they would "teach a lesson" to the party. Addressing a rally after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for various projects at Vyara in the tribal-dominated Tapi district of Gujarat, he also alleged that the previous Congress governments never took steps to improve the condition of tribal people as they just focused on winning elections. He said the welfare of tribals by providing them pucca houses with electricity and gas connections, road connectivity, and schools for the children from the community, among other things, was the top priority of his government. Since Wednesday, Modi has been on a two-day visit to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Gujarat, his home state, where Assembly elections are due by December end. He said the country currently has a tribal daughter as its president in Droupadi Murmu and a tribal son Mangubhai Patel as the governor of Madhya Pradesh. "You have seen earlier governments. Compare Congress governments of the past with the present BJP-led governments in different states. Congress governments never thought about your future and they would just work for winning elections. Before the polls, they used to make false promises, but after elections, they would forget them," he said. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi to launch Mission LiFE in Gujarat's Kevadia today, participate in Missions Conference On the other hand, the BJP government has given top priority to the development of the tribal community of the country, he asserted. "I tell you that your forefathers faced a lot of difficulties, but due to our work you are facing fewer difficulties now. Now, we want to ensure that your children do not have to face such difficulties in future," he said during his address to the tribal people. "Congress even used to make fun of tribal customs and traditions. If at any function I wore a tribal pagdi (headgear) or jacket, they used to make fun of me. I want to tell the Congress party that the tribal population will not forget the insult of their customs and traditions and they will teach you a lesson," Modi said. New Delhi: TV actor and Bigg Boss fame Karan Kundrra is one such personality who always stays in news. However, this time it is not for his loved-up pictures with girlfriend Tejasswi Prakash or any music video but for an Instagram reel. Recently, Karan featured in a romantic reel with 12-year-old child actress Riva Arora who has been a part of films like Uri: The Surgical Strike and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl. In the reel, Riva is seen cheating on her boyfriend with Karan Kundrra and behaves like a full-grown adult. We can see her character being sweet with her boyfriend while later she meets Karan at a bar. The girls character has also been sexualised in the video. Hence, this did not well with the netizens. As soon as the reel went viral on social media, Karan received severe backlash for romancing a 12 year old minor girl while he himself is 38 years old. Users even called out the girls parents for being a part of the video and letting her work in such a video. Karan kundra is 38 years old and other actor also looks like more than 20 years old. Riva arora(the child actor from URI) is just 12 years old. This video is posted on her Instagram. Her parents are also part of this, a tweet read. A user even called such an act as pedophilic and called out the makers of the video. Riva Arora is a minor who is being sexualised. It is disgusting public pedophilia which is being accepted and enjoyed while her parents are thrusting her into it. She was made do to opposite Karan Kundra who is 38 years old in a romantic act. Didn't the makers know her age?, the user wrote. Read the tweets here - Yikes Karan kundra is 38 years old and other actor also looks like more than 20 years old. Riva arora(the child actor from URI) is just 12 years old. This video is posted on her Instagram. Her parents are also part of this.@KanoongoPriyank @sharmarekha pic.twitter.com/V8EhVRg56T (@me_as_pm) October 13, 2022 Riva Arora is a minor who is being sexualised. It is disgusting public pedophilia which is being accepted and enjoyed while her parents are thrusting her into it. She was made do to opposite Karan Kundra who is 38 years old in a romantic act. Didn't the makers know her age? Maya (@Sharanyashettyy) October 18, 2022 yes her parents are responsible but karan and the other guy are equally in this. they should've just not accepted this knowing a 12 yrs old is in here? and abt the last line there are a lot of child actors in the industry not just riva. October 13, 2022 Until 3 days ago, I hadnt heard of Riva Arora. Now I know shes a 12 year old whos had natural or artificial precocious puberty and has been pushed by her ambitious parents to pose with men 3 times her age. This is the worst kind of exploitation. Nayanika (@nayanikaaa) October 18, 2022 Child artist Riva Arora boasts of 8.2 million followers on her Instagram handle. Washington: American actor Matthew Perry, known for playing the role of Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom `Friends`, has spoken up about his addiction journey. According to Fox News, in his new memoir titled `Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing`, the actor revealed the challenges he faced when he hit rock bottom. "I wanted to share when I was safe from going into the dark side of everything again. I had to wait until I was pretty safely sober -- and away from the active disease of alcoholism and addiction -- to write it all down. And the main thing was, I was pretty certain that it would help people," Perry shared, according to People magazine. Perry began his tell-all memoir detailing how he was fighting for his life at the age of 49 when he nearly died. "The doctors told my family that I had a 2 per cent chance to live," he remarked, reported the media outlet. Perry, 53, was first admitted to the hospital from opioid overuse. He battled gastrointestinal perforation, which caused his colon to burst. The actor spent two weeks in a coma and five months at the hospital while having to use a colostomy bag for nine months, the outlet noted. Despite Perry being one of the biggest actors in the `90s, the Hollywood star, then 24, struggled with substance abuse during the peak of his fame. "I could handle it, kind of. But by the time I was 34, I was really entrenched in a lot of trouble," he confessed, according to People magazine. The outlet has shared that Perry turned to alcohol and drugs, as he relied on Vicodin after a jet ski accident in `97. During his rise to fame, Perry took 55 painkillers a day and slimmed down to 128 pounds. Perry will start his month-long tour in November in New York and end in Toronto -- with two already sold-out events in New Jersey and Canada. `Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing` is set to be released on November 1, reported Fox News. NEW DELHI: 'Pushpa' actress Rashmika Mandana recently attended a Meta creators event in Hyderabad and made the entire room full of fans groove on Saami Saami. The energy she brought with her was impressive and we are still obsessed with her vivacious self. The actress donned a colorful jacket and her unique combination of footwear was the talk of the event. While she is on the top of her career with her popularity touching the skies and her making headlines for everything she does. Her song 'Saami Saami' from the film 'Pushpa' has been on top of all trends and is one of the most-played songs in clubs and events. Today, taking to social media, Rashmika Mandanna shared a video from the Meta Creators event and wrote, "Everyday I am reminded of how I blessed I truly am and it's all because of you my loves#MetaCreatorDay." Check out: Rashmika Mandanna's performance in 'Pushpa' made her an overnight sensation and since then her popularity has skyrocketed unlike anyone. Her songs 'Srivalli' and 'Saami Saami' have been at hype since the beginning and it seems that there is no end to it. Now everywhere the actress goes, she is profoundly called the 'Srivalli' girl and her fans get excited to dance with her on 'Saami Saami'. Meanwhile, on the work front, Rashmika will also soon commence work on the second part of the 'Pushpa' franchise. The film will see her reuniting with 'Allu Arjun'. She also has 'Varisu' opposite Vijay Thalapatty and 'Animal' opposite Ranbir Kapoor. NEW DELHI: Bollywood actress Sherlyn Chopra, who had accused Sajid Khan of allegedly flashing his private parts before during a meeting at his Mumbai residence, has filed a police complaint against filmmaker Sajid Khan today at the Juhu police station in Mumbai. The actress has done so to bring to notice a painful incident that took place in 2005 where she was molested. Sherlyn, who was spotted outside the Mumbai police station, told paparazzi that she has written a letter to Union Minister Anurag Thakur to stop Bigg Boss 16 telecast until Khan is not eliminated. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Sherlyn could be heard saying to paps, "I have come to the police station to file a complaint against Sajid Khan, who is a #MeToo accused. He is a habitual sexual predator and molester. I have come to file a complaint against him under IPC section 354, 354 A. The police have assured me that I will be called very soon to record my statement. After that, #MeToo accused Sajid Khan will also be called for questioning." Sherlyn added that the makers of Bigg Boss are paying no heed to her request to remove Sajid from the house. She added that the channel does not understand the pain of women who have suffered at the hands of Sajid. During the MeToo movement, Sherlyn accused Sajid Khan of flashing his private part at her. Calling the filmmaker a 'molester', she claimed that Khan asked her to rate his private part on a scale of 0 to 10. Sherlyn had shared a note on Twitter, writing, "When I had met him in April 2005, a few days after my father's demise, he had taken his penis out of his pants and had asked me to feel it. I remember having told him that I know how a penis feels like and that the purpose of my meeting with him was not to feel or rate his penis." She added, "He has the superstars of Bollywood to vouch for his character. Its my word against theirs. The Bollywood mafia is a strong syndicate." Filmmaker Sajid Khan was called out in the 2018 MeToo movement when one of his assistants named Saloni Chopra accused him of sexual harassment. Saloni, in her Facebook post, described the horrifying account of how she was allegedly harassed by the filmmaker while they worked together. Amid these allegations, Sajid stepped down as the director of 'Housefull 4' starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, Sharad Kelkar, Pooja Hegde, Kriti Kharbanda and Kriti Sanon. NEW DELHI: Popular television actress Vaishali Takkar, who was about to get married to her boyfriend, left her fans shocked after she took her life at her house in Indore on October 15. The police investigating her death recovered a suicide note blaming her ex-boyfriend and neighbout Rahul Navlani, from the spot. Vaishali had mentioned in her note that the accused had been harassing her and she would like the law to punish him. Now, Vaishali's brother Neeraj Takkar in a conversation with India Today shared details about Rahul and how he threatened the actress. As per Neeraj, Rahul Navlani and his father run a plywood business in Indore. He stated that that Vaishali came in contact with Rahul after she returned to Indore from Mumbai during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they used to work out in the same gym in Indore. Neeraj further shared that Rahul Navlani used to harass his sister Vaishali a lot. "He used to threaten her that he would never let her settle down or get married). Vaishali has written about all her relationships in her diary. Rahul used to message the man Vaishali was engaged to and would threaten her," he told the website. For the unversed, Vaishali, who was unable to take the constant mental harassment by her neighbour Rahul Navlani and his wife, decided to end her life by hanging herself at her home in Tejaji Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh on October 15, 2022. She was 30. Her body was found the next day by her father. Police on Wednesday arrested Rahul Navlani the main accused in the alleged suicide of noted TV actor Vaishali Takkar, an official told PTI. However, his wife, who has also been booked in the suicide case, is currently on the run. New Delhi: It's Day 19 in the big boss house, and things have gotten more complicated, from tasks to relationships, and one thing has become clear: no one trusts anyone. At the beginning of the episode, things are a bit quiet and peaceful. Bigg Boss summons Tina in the confession room and informs her that her pet, whose health was being monitored, has become more critical. Tina, listening to the news, breaks down in front of Shalin and tells him not to give this info to anybody. Shalin and Tina proceed to have a long conversation where Shalin tries to clarify his actions of the past few days and, at the end of the discussion, asks Tina if she likes him, to which Tina does not reply. Shalin and MC Stan discuss the situation between Shalin and Tina and feel Shalin should understand that Tina is doing everything for the camera, whereas Shalin's emotions are real for her (Tina). Bigg Boss calls Shalin and Tina in the confession room and asks them to clarify as to what is going on between them, to which both of them reply that they don't know themselves. Tina in the confession room tells Shalin to be more outspoken with his feelings and that his priorities shouldn't change. Gautam in a conversation with Sumbul advises her to put her problems and issues more openly and in front of people. Later, Tina, in a conversation with Archana and Nimrit, criticises the way Shiv is handling captaincy. Bigg Boss summons everyone to the living room and reprimands them for being too low on energy and too quiet. He asks contestants to enter the confession room and share some gossip about other members. The first one to enter is Manya, and she tells Bigg Boss that she feels that there is a love triangle in the house (Shalin, Sumbul, and Tina) and she believes that Sumbul has some feelings for Shalin and is jealous of Tina. She also feels Soundarya has feelings for both Shalin and Gautam but changed her stance when Gautam became the captain because he had more power. The next ones to go to the confession room are Sajid and Abdu, where Sajid shares gossip that every girl in the house wants to be close to Abdu for more camera footage. Nimrit goes next and tells Bigg Boss that things are pretty unclear with what happened between Soundarya and Shalin. In between all this, Archana and Shiv get into a fight over kitchen duties. Gori is the next member to go to the confession room, where she says that Shalin is in love with Tina, and when asked if Tina is in love with Shalin, Gori says no. Soundarya goes next and talks about the incident with Shalin. Shiv and Stan who both go to the confession room one after the another share gossip about Shalin and Tina and how they feel, at the end of it, Shalin will be left heartbroken. Bigg Boss, after listening to all the gossip, picks Manya and Archana as the people whose gossip was more interesting and for which they win a hamper. Tina, in a discussion with Archana and Nimrit, talks about the kind of mind games Shiv is playing and how he is trying to create a rift in her relationship with Shalin. At the end of the episode, Gautam and Soundarya are in a conversation, which ends with a peck on Gautam's cheek. Kyiv: Ukrenergo, the national energy company of Ukraine, has asked civilians to "charge everything" by Thursday morning because of expected electricity cuts as power plants were hit by Russian missiles. In a statement on Wednesday night, the company said that there had been more attacks on power facilities in the past 10 days than in the whole preceding period since Russia waged its war on February 24, reports the BBC. "Tomorrow (Thursday) we will apply controlled, calculated consumption restrictions, which we have to do, to ensure the system functions in a balanced way," the statement added. Outages of up to four hours at a time will affect the whole country on Thursday, the grid operator said, adding that phones, power banks, torches and batteries must be charged. The company also appealed to Ukrainians to stock up with water and ensure they have "warm socks and blankets and hugs for family and friends". Ukrenergo further said that restrictions "may be applied throughout Ukraine from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m." and advised citizens to check the regional network operators` websites to see where and when exactly. Also Read: Leave at the earliest: India issues fresh advisory for its nationals in Ukraine The warning comes after Russian missiles hit energy plants across the country earlier in the day which were part of a wave of series of strikes that began on October 10. Another kind of Russian terrorist attacks: targeting energy & critical infrastructure. Since Oct 10, 30% of Ukraines power stations have been destroyed, causing massive blackouts across the country. No space left for negotiations with Putin's regime. @United24media pic.twitter.com/LN4A2GYgCK (@ZelenskyyUa) October 18, 2022 Also appealing to the citizens, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday night: "Please do not turn on unnecessary electrical appliances. Please limit your electricity consumption and use those appliances that consume a lot of energy. "Tomorrow, it is very important that the consumption is as conscious as possible, and thus the schedules of stabilisation blackouts will be shorter. Also Read: Russian rockets slam into Ukrainian city near nuclear plant "We will do everything possible to restore the normal energy capabilities of our country. But it takes time. And this requires our joint efforts." According to the President, 30 per cent of Ukrainian power stations had been damaged by the recent Russian air strikes. Beijing: China, which came under condemnation for opening illegal police posts across the world, is now deploying consulates and overseas courts in several countries - to crush dissent against the Chinese Communist Party, according to a report shared by Investigative Journalism Reportika. The report says that China is doing so to influence the overseas Chinese, crush dissent against CCP in foreign countries and meddle with the democratic processes of the respective countries. It cited an October 16 incident in which, a Hong Kong pro-democracy protester was pulled into Chinese consulate grounds in Manchester and was beaten up. This report reached the UK Parliament and the government called it extremely concerning. Greater Manchester Police has launched an investigation. The consulate, in their defence, said that protesters displayed an insulting portrait of China`s president Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, fake Twitter accounts were created to give a positive image of Chinese consulates involved in the crime using heavily edited images and video clips, reported Investigative Journalism Reportika. This is not the first incident when consulates had been embroiled in controversy. Also Read: UK summons Chinese diplomat over assault on protester on China consulate grounds Earlier, in 2021, Twitter locked the official account of the Chinese embassy in the United States after a tweet describing Uyghur women as "baby-making machines". Twitter removed the post later. In another tweet, the Chinese embassy in the Netherlands was seen targeting researchers and think tanks. China deploying consulates, courts across world to crush dissent against CCP, claims report Shocking video spreading on HK Telegram channels showing someone from the PRC Consulate in Manchester kicking down pro-democracy signs. A protestor then appears to have been dragged behind the Consulate gates and beaten by consulate staff. pic.twitter.com/tntvTz38DY Luke M (@McWLuke) October 16, 2022 The Chinese consulates and embassies also indulge in establishing Legal Service Stations or courts in other countries, according to Investigative Journalism Reportika. China has opened courts/legal service stations in several countries under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Chinese overseas associations and its embassies and consulates establish these centres. Even the UK, Spain, and Italy have the presence of these courts. Also Read: 'China has achieved full control over Hong Kong': Xi Jinping in speech at CCP key Congress According to reports in several local media channels, they indulge in meddling in the elections, influencing local politics, influencing the youth towards communism, and controlling the dissent against Xi Jinping from outside China. In its previous report, the Investigative Journalism Reportika detailed that earlier the Chinese government had opened numerous illegal police stations across the world including in developed countries like Canada and Ireland, triggering concerns among human rights campaigners. New Delhi: Liz Truss on Thursday (October 20, 2022) announced that she is resigning as the UK PM, just 45 days after staying in office, making her Britain's shortest-serving premier. Truss was facing an open revolt against her leadership as an increasing number of Conservative Party MPs called for her to resign amid mounting chaos at the heart of the UK government. In just six weeks as prime minister, she was forced to abandon almost all her policy programme after it triggered a bond market rout and a collapse of her approval ratings and those of her Conservative Party. Speaking outside her Number 10 Downing Street office and residence, she accepted that she could not deliver the promises she made when she was running for Conservative leader, having lost the faith of her party. "I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party," Truss said. "This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. We've agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country's economic stability and national security," she added. "I will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen. Thank you," Truss said. Before Truss, George Canning previously held the record for the shortest-serving prime minister in Britain. He served 119 days in 1827 before he died. The latest turmoil comes a day after Suella Braverman's explosive exit from the Cabinet after admitting a breach of the ministerial code by discussing government policy in private emails and a scathing parting attack on her boss. Since last Friday, Truss lost two of the four most senior ministers in government, sat expressionless in parliament as her new finance minister ripped up her economic plans and faced howls of laughter as she tried to defend her record. She had been fighting for political survival since September 23, when her then-finance minister and close ally, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced a "mini-budget" of vast, unfunded tax cuts that sent shockwaves through financial markets. Truss became Britain's fourth prime minister in six years after being elected in September to lead the Conservative Party by its members. She promised tax cuts funded by borrowing, deregulation and a sharp shift to the right on cultural and social issues. British politics, notably, has become volatile since the 2016 vote to leave the European Union unleashed a battle for the direction of the country. Now, all eyes are now on former chancellor Rishi Sunak, who lost to Truss in the leadership race last month, to be parachuted in to take charge. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: UK Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned on Thursday (October 20, 2022) and said that she can "no longer" deliver the mandate she was elected on last month. Ending her tenure at 10 Downing Street after just 45 days in the job following an open revolt against her chaotic leadership, the Conservative Party leader said she had spoken to King Charles III to notify him of her resignation and also met the 1922 Committee chair Sir Graham Brady, in charge of Tory leadership elections. "We have agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country's economic stability and national security. I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen," Truss said. Truss, whose brief term as premier beat the record of George Canning, who had held the role for 119 days when he died in 1827, also said she had come into the office as the country faced great uncertainty. Can Rishi Sunak be the next UK PM? Rishi Sunak, Britain's former finance minister, is seen as Liz Truss' most likely successor. The Indian-origin leader was the most popular candidate among Conservative lawmakers at Westminster but, after getting through to a run-off against Truss, he lost out in a vote involving some 1,70,000 party members who make the final decision. Many members were angry when Sunak quit in July, helping to trigger a rebellion that eventually brought down former Britain PM Borisn Johnson. They also ignored his warning that markets could lose confidence in Britain if Truss delivered her unfunded tax cuts. Penny Mordaunt also seen as Britain's new PM Penny Mordaunt, a former defence secretary, was a passionate supporter of leaving the EU who only just missed out on the final two-place run off in the recent leadership challenge. He won plaudits for her performance in parliament on Monday, when she defended the government even as it reversed most of its policies. One lawmaker has described Mordaunt as having "broad appeal", referring to her ability to find friends in the various tribes of the party. Jeremy Hunt, Ben Wallace also seen in new UK PM race With Truss's economic programme collapsing, the prime minister fired her finance minister and turned to Jeremy Hunt, former health and foreign minister, to put things right. A series of confident performances on television and in the House of Commons, as he ripped up Truss's economic manifesto, have already led to some Conservative lawmakers referring to Hunt as the "real prime minister". Jeremy Hunt, however, has insisted he does not want the top job, despite entering two previous races to become prime minister, including in 2019 when he lost out in the final round to Boris Johnson. Britain's defence secretary Ben Wallace is one of the few ministers to have emerged from recent political turmoil with his credibility enhanced. A former soldier, Wallace was defence minister for both Johnson and Truss, leading Britain's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Popular with party members, he surprised many earlier this year when he said he wouldn't run for the leadership, saying he wanted to focus on his current job. The picture around the next UK prime minister, however, remains extremely uncertain due to deep infighting within Tory ranks. (With agency inputs) Troy University will host a virtual Worldwide Open House from Oct. 26-29 to help prospective students learn everything they need to know about becoming a Trojan, including the admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more. In-person tours on the Troy Campus will be offered in two sessions on Oct. 26. Options for the virtual event include: Troy Campus for students interested in attending in-person in Troy, Alabama; non-traditional for online students and students from other Troy campuses; and international for international students who are interested in attending Troy University. All prospective students may view the Open House sessions at their convenience between the hours of 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 26 and 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 29. All times are in Central Standard Time. In addition to the virtual events, a series of live sessions will be held online, including: international admissions on Oct. 26 at 9 a.m.; financial aid on Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m.; non-traditional admissions on Oct. 27 at noon; and traditional admissions on Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. Students interested in attending any of these sessions can sign up to receive a reminder text or email. In-person tours are only offered on the Troy campus at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 26. During the biannual open house event, participants gain unique access to faculty experts, information about academic programs, scholarships, federal financial aid, transferring credits, choosing a career, and much more. Worldwide Open House is our largest recruiting event of the year. Our goal is for everyone who participates to learn more about how Troy can help them achieve their dreams, said Emily Kruse, Director of Enrollment Marketing. This year during open house, we are excited to have several live sessions where prospective students can learn about financial aid and the admissions process. Not only will the live sessions go in-depth on the topics at hand, but people who attend will be able to have their questions answered right then and there. Those who participate in the virtual event will receive an application fee waiver code after completing a brief survey. To register for Worldwide Open House, visit troy.edu/openhouse. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville called a proposed ban on members of Congress trading stocks ridiculous, saying it would discourage some people from serving in Congress. In an interview with The Independent, Tuberville said, They might as well start sending robots up here...You cant do anything. Legislators are allowed to trade even if policies they make through various committees they sit on, or information they learn by sitting on those committees, could affect their financial portfolios. However, Tuberville said bans would restrict the pool of possible candidates. I think it would really cut back on the amount of people that would want to come up here and serve, I really do, Tuberville added. We dont need that. According to Insider, Tuberville disclosed 132 stock trades weeks or months late, with transactions totaling at least $894,000. The 2012 STOCK Act allows members of Congress to buy and sell stocks and other financial products provided they do not trade on inside information, and that they disclose any transactions valued at $1,000 or more by themselves or immediate family members within 45 days. Several competing bills before Congress would require members, their spouses and dependents to either divest their financial holdings or set up a blind trust. Some Republicans, such as Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ben Sasse of Nebraska, have each introduced bills to ban lawmakers from stock trading, while Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said hed be open to considering a ban. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also voiced support. Pelosis venture capitalist husband, Paul Pelosi, made multi-million-dollar stock trades involving Big Tech companies targeted with a congressional antitrust bill. Investments made by the Pelosis, who are multi-millionaires, attracted attention in investing circles online. Pelosi initially rebuffed those calls, but later softened her stance. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa stands inside her house that has been destroyed by floods in Hoa Vang District of Da Nang City, October 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong Da Nang City has estimated the losses caused by last week's flooding, the worst ever, at VND1.48 trillion (US$60.3 million). The floods caused by Storm Son Ca inundated 70,000 houses and damaged 2,000 cars and 30,000 motorbikes, city chairman Le Trung Chinh said at a meeting with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc Wednesday. The sixth storm to hit Vietnam this year dumped up to 795 mm of rain overnight on Oct. 14. The downpour was particularly heavy for the first six hours starting at 7 p.m., with the rainfall estimated at 500 mm. The rains, described by city authorities as "historic" and "unprecedented," drowned the entire city under 1.5 m of water on Oct. 14. Some parts of the coastal Lien Chieu District were under almost 2 m of water. The flooding was worsened that night by high tides in rivers, and it took until morning for the water to recede. The floods caused six deaths and submerged 70,000 houses, with Lien Chieu District suffering the most with 27,320 houses affected. Floods also destroyed more than 74 hectares of crops, killed 60,000 cattle and poultry, damaged 14 schools, and completely destroyed 4,000 sets of textbooks. Transport infrastructure suffered more than VND190 billion worth of damage. Tran Quang Trung stands by what used to be his house in Lien Chieu District, after severe flooding brought by heavy rains triggered by Storm Son Ca, Oct. 2022. Photo VnExpress/Nguyen Dong People living in Da Nang for long said it was the worst flooding they had ever seen. The local Department of Natural Resources and Environment said the rainfall exceeded the capacity of the city's drainage system, which could cope with 100-200 mm in 24 hours. Pham Thanh Hung, a lecturer on hydropower and irrigation at the Da Nang University of Science and Technology, said besides the heavy rains the rapid urbanization was also to blame for the severe flooding. More concrete buildings mean an increase in the impervious surface area, resulting in increasing runoffs, he pointed out. Urbanization is accompanied by an increase in the urban population and amount of garbage, which often clogs the drains, he added. Storm Nesat devolved into a tropical depression with 61 kph winds over the waters of central Vietnam on Wednesday night, and is forecast to weaken further and cause little impact to the mainland. The National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting said the storm weakened fast after meeting a strong cold spell. It is forecast to weaken into a depression zone by 1 p.m. Thursday, carrying winds of 40 kph, and bringing thunderstorms to the waters from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai Provinces, including tourist island Ly Son. Waves of up to 4.5 meters could be seen at sea. Both Vietnamese and international weather centers said the storm will not cause major impacts on Vietnam's coastal areas. The northern region including Hanoi and central provinces will receive rainfall of up to 60 mm from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday, the Vietnamese center forecast. Nesat is the sixth storm formed in Vietnamese waters this year. It reached the strongest winds of 149 kph offshore on Tuesday and has weakened since. Vietnam is forecast to be threatened by three more storms until January 2023. An armored truck of pro-Russian troops is parked near Ukraine's former regional council's building during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the Russia-controlled city of Kherson, Ukraine, July 25, 2022. Photo by Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko The foreign ministry has advised Vietnamese citizens in Ukraine to be ready for evacuation from major cities amid complex war developments in the country. The Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine has worked with local authorities to prepare to support citizens and businesses, as well as protecting their assets as conflicts in the country are getting more complex, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press meet on Thursday. Vietnam has requested its citizens in Ukraine to "frequently maintain contact with their loved ones and the embassy, prepare plans to protect themselves and their families, including evacuating from major cities, away from dangerous areas," Hang said. For those who are outside Ukraine at the moment, Hang said they should not come to the country unless in "truly necessary" situations. There are around 500 Vietnamese left in Ukraine, and no casualty has been reported, she said. Since earlier this month, Russia has ordered for more strikes into Ukraine's military headquarters, energy and armament infrastructures. The attacks have damaged 30% of Ukraine's energy facilities. Hang has called for relevant parties in the Russia-Ukraine conflicts to resume dialogues and resolve issues through peaceful methods in accordance with international law, especially the principle of respecting countries' independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. "We also hope that the lives and assets of people in Ukraine, including Vietnamese citizens, are guaranteed," she added. Vietnam is willing to contribute to the process of promoting dialogues and looking for solutions to stabilize the situation, for peace and stability of the region and the world, Hang said. HCMC Health Department reported Thursday that a woman returned from Dubai has been tested and diagnosed with monkeypox, making her the second case detected in Vietnam. The 38-year-old woman from the northern Tuyen Quang Province, who traveled to Dubai from September 29 to October 18, has had symptoms like fever, nauseous and blisters since October 11. This person and the first monkeypox patient in Vietnam, who has recovered, stayed together in the same accommodation in Dubai. When the first patient learned that her friend has developed similar symptoms, she informed the HCMC Center of Disease Control (HCDC). HCDC and Tan Son Nhat Airport medical team took the woman into quarantine right after she arrived at the airport for testing. She was then taken to the HCMC Hospital for Tropical Diseases for diagnosis and treatment. The plane that she was on was also disinfected. HCDC will continue to track those who had direct contact with the patient to minimize the risk of spreading. On October 19, the PCR test result showed that the patient was positive for monkeypox. The first case of monkeypox in Vietnam was a 35-year-old woman who displayed symptoms like fatigue, chills, muscle aches, headaches and coughing, as well as rashes on several body parts from September 18 while she was traveling in Dubai. She was confirmed infected with monkeypox in HCMC after returning on September 22. Viral genome sequencing revealed that she was infected with a strain that has circulated throughout many regions of the world since the beginning of this year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency over the monkeypox outbreak as infections rose globally. More than 57,000 people have been confirmed to have had monkeypox across 92 countries and territories, and 22 have died deaths, as of September 13. Previously, the health ministry said people entering Vietnam from areas with monkeypox outbreaks will be monitored and suspected carriers will be quarantined. Cruise tour through Cambodia, Vietnam among 11 best choices for winter escape A family of British tourists on a cruise tour along Vietnam's Mekong Delta in March 2022. Photo by Huynh Duy Hien British newspaper The Times has recommended a cruise along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam as ne of 11 best tours for Britons to escape the winter. The 10-night journey begins with a two-night hotel stay to explore the mystical 12th-century temples of Angkor, the world's largest complex of its kind, before discovering the hidden charms of Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Launched by France-based international cruise company CroisiEurope, the tour that ends in Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to depart on Nov. 26 and costs 2,406 pounds ($2,712), including excursions. The Mekong is a trans-boundary river in East Asia and Southeast Asia. It is the world's 12th longest river and the third longest in Asia, flowing through many countries including Cambodia and Vietnam. The Times list also included a cruise tour to Central America, sea voyages to the Indian Ocean, French Polynesia and South America. Vietnam reopened its borders to foreign tourists in mid-March this year. So far this year, the country has received 1.87 million foreign visitors or 30% of its annual target. The 11 Quebec solidaire party members elected on October 3 joined three members of the Parti Quebecois who last week said they, too, would refuse to take the oath. They chose instead to swear loyalty only to the people of Quebec, but it is unclear if that will be enough for them to take their seats in the province's National Assembly. Quebec solidaire spokesman Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois told a news conference its members had acted "with full knowledge of the facts." "We campaigned to change the era in Quebec and if we were sent to the legislature, it was to open windows," he said. Parti Quebecois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, meanwhile, had indicated last week that taking the oath would be "a conflict of interest" because "one cannot serve two masters." Moreover, the monarchy costs "67 million Canadian dollars a year" and such an oath is, according to him, a "reminder of colonial domination." Swearing allegiance to the Crown has always been contentious in mostly French-speaking Quebec, which held two failed referendums in 1980 and 1995 to split from the rest of Canada. Reacting to the controversy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa it was up to the Quebec legislature "to decide how they want to organize their swearing-in process." Constitutional experts offered mixed views. Laval University constitutional expert Patrick Taillon opined that the Quebec legislature could simply pass a motion, a law or a regulation doing away with the need to swear allegiance to the Crown. "The procedural solutions are numerous," he said in a series of Twitter messages, "but they have limits." He also noted that "jurisprudence has established an equivalence between the monarchy, the state, its institutions and its laws. This is a margin of interpretation that (the National Assembly) could exploit." But Paul Daly of the University of Ottawa told AFP getting rid of the oath "would require a constitutional amendment." "The oath to the Crown is of national concern so modifying it would need broad support as it touches at the heart of the Canadian federation," he explained. Trudeau quickly poured cold water on that prospect, saying "there is not a Quebecer who wants us to reopen the Constitution" after past constitutional negotiations with all 10 provinces ended without consensus. HCMC Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Vietnam's oldest, was established in 1861 under the name Cho Quan. In 1972, a six-floor building (white) was added to serve patients at the hospital, making it the most advanced healthcare facility in southern Vietnam. It now remains a leading hospital in the south, especially for treating infectious diseases like Covid-19 or monkeypox. However, despite its key role, the hospital has been degraded over time, with overload remaining a common issue. Shaurya Bharat strives to create a powerful learning platform for aspirants or students to proceed on their journey with confidence. After all, every child is special Prior to joining the forces, in 1995, Capt. Atul did his graduation from the very prestigious Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur & Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management in 1997. In 2001, the officer did his master's in business administration from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning. Before joining the Indian Armed Forces, Capt. Atul traversed other areas of his interest. He worked with Oasis Cellular & FMCG in Sales. Soon he found his calling, and in 2006 he moved to corporate life and joined the Fortis Healthcare. In 2007 he moved to Reliance Broadcast. After serving three years in the broadcast industry, Capt. Atul established his own consulting firm A&D Consultants. Soon after, in October of 2012, Capt. Atul established Shaurya Academy & launched Shaurya Bharat app in August, 2020. He has lived by the motto, `Sarvatra Vijayi Shauryaveer'.Captain Atul is also an excellent orator, with an impeccable aptitude for motivating students. His dynamic personality makes it easy for him to reach out to the masses. Students have always considered his experience nothing less than a treasure.The App's academic finesse is the hard work of Dr.Vanita Kulshrestha and her team.Dr. Vanita is an alumnus of Faculty of Science, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur. She holds a Doctorate in Organic Chemistry. Her personality reflects the morals and virtues bestowed upon her by parents who played an exceptional role in shaping and making her a better person personally and professionally. Her father Kailash Chandra Sankhla showed the world his valor by serving in the Indian Air Force, and his emphasis on being self stable and building his own identity made Dr. Vanita do wonders in life. Dr. Vanita's zeal to serve the global education community, led her to expand her forte by incepting & launching the idea of Shaurya Digiconnect. as Director & Chief Product Officer. The shape that this venture is taking is a fruit of her efforts and hard work. She is primarily associated with the strategy, structure, management and operations of the organization. Dr. Vanita's unique ideas are ready to take over all the big names in the management and online field.Dr. Vanita is a result oriented professional with more than 15 years of experience in the corporate sector. She is a great communicator and leader, pertaining radio operations with RBNL, `Vaani Course' certified from All India Radio Jodhpur.India is expected to have a population of 140 million college-going people by 2030. These people will have a significant role to play in shaping India's competitiveness in the global talent market. However, given the emphasis on rote learning and lack of relevant digital skills, India's education system is facing challenges in preparing a job-ready workforce. At this point, newer learning methodologies are a welcome step. Shaurya Bharat App has worked on a unique concept, i.e. photo memory wherein important topics/subjects or questions are made to appear on the app on a daily basis thereby improving the chances of the student to remember the same. Shaurya Bharat App has several such unique features and characteristics that have made the life of aspirants easier.The platform enables one-on-one counseling of students so as to understand their areas of improvements, rigorous handholding and mentoring accompanied by daily & weekly tests, Analytical Evaluation system & counseling, extra-curricular & non-academic content in the form of Shaurya Gatha & Videos, and rewards & recognition system. Live Interactive Classes Recorded Video Lectures, which can be downloaded and played anytime 24 hrs Doubt resolution Highly enriched E-Books Chapter-wise practice tests for self-evaluation Exam pattern-based exams with all India ranking for battle inoculationShaurya Bharat is under continuous enhancements with more retrofits and features being added. In the near future, the app will be available in more Indian languages. Shaurya Digiconnect is in pursuit of excellence to bring quality education and self evaluation system to all competitive exams aspirants in rural and urban India thus giving all aspirants an equal opportunity to excel without any economic burden. "We hope to finish this year with a double-digit economic growth rate, which is very important for us. This is what gave us the opportunity to increase the next year's budget," Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili said at the session of the Investors Council.According to the head of the government, the country also had an increase in direct foreign investment, and during the first 6 months of 2022, the volume of direct foreign investment increased by 2 times and more compared to the figures of the previous year and amounted to 922 million dollars, which is also an important reason for optimism.In addition to the issues to be discussed at the meeting of the Council, at today's meeting, the Prime Minister informed the members of the Council about the current political and economic situation in the country. The Prime Minister also presented to the council members the vision of the government on new projects, initiatives and priorities planned for next year.In the occupied territory near the village of Bershueti of Gori municipality, the representatives of the occupying forces illegally detained a citizen of Georgia. The information was released by the State Security Service of Georgia.According to the State Security Service, the hotline was activated on the fact of illegal detention, the European Union monitoring mission and the co-chairs of the international discussions in Geneva, international partners, were informed about the incident."All existing levers have been activated and work is underway with international partners to release persons in illegal detention. The illegal detentions carried out by the occupying forces damage the security environment on the ground and make the daily life of the local population extremely difficult. Full responsibility for this is borne by the occupying power", the statement reads. ELKO Dual credits for high school students in the Elko County School District through the new Nevada Mining Center of Excellence will start in August of next year, mining industry expert Dr. Sam Spearing told school trustees. Its really an exciting time for us all, said Spearing, who is with the Mackay School of Earth Sciences & Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno, and with the Mining Center for Excellence that is a partnership of UNR and Great Basin College. The mining center took over the former National Guard Armory earlier this month, and repairs and renovations should take about three to six months, he said. Spearing said one of the centers goals is to increase interest in mining careers. We cant attract enough people to the mining industry, he said, reporting that the center will offer one-year, two-year, three-year and four-year programs, including jobs in the trades and positions that require degrees. Its all about trying to get people to be in the best position so the job they get is actually what they want, Spearing told the school board on Oct. 11. The program for ECSD high students offers a realm of possibilities, including college credits and a one-year Earth Sciences and Mining certificate that would feed into geology, geography, geophysics, hydrology, geological engineering, mining engineering and metallurgical engineering at UNR. Paul Allen, director of secondary education for ECSD, said the proposal for the dual credits program is something I am thrilled about for our kids. Mining is huge in this area, and this will give them opportunities they havent seen before. The courses for ECSD students are being finalized and Spearings presentation showed that a skills certificate could include 16 college credits, and feature introductory classes in mining, metallurgy and geology, as well as English composition and psychology of human relations. The one-year certificate would provide 30 college credits and include the skills certificate classes, but also pre-calculus classes, mine surveying and mapping, and more. GBC will issue the certificates and they can transfer to UNR. Classes will be online, except for in-person learning at the former National Guard Armory where students will have access to a fixed laboratory that will include an equipment simulator, rock and rock core testers, 3D topographical table and projector, crushing and grinding equipment, metal extraction systems, fire and rescue tanks and equipment and computers and mining software. Plans also call for a trailer-mounted lab that will include virtual reality sets, as well as what is in the fixed lab, according to Spearings presentation that also estimated cost for both labs at $450,000. We can go to remote schools and show people what mining is all about, Spearing said. He said use of robotics, automation and real-time monitoring in the mining industry is growing, and those skills are what young people will be doing. With the certificates, students could get entry level jobs in the mining industry or be interested in pursuing associate or advanced degrees, Spearing said. I love the collaboration, and its just another option for kids, Trustee Susan Neal said after his presentation. Spearings presentation to the school board was to promote the dual credits programs that GBC and UNR plan for the next school year, but the agenda didnt call for any action. Along with mining education, the center will be involved in community outreach, industry awareness and economic development, Spearing said. The changeover at the armory building after years of talks about starting a mining center in Elko involved not only GBC and UNR and the National Guard, but also the states Board of Regents, Nevada Division of State Lands, the state land registrar, and Elko City Council, according to the summer edition of Mining the West. The armory building is 10,404 square feet, and there are two storage buildings on the site. ELKO A school board candidate forum got off to a rocky start Tuesday when one of the incumbents called out challengers for their protests of Covid restrictions. Four incumbents are facing opponents in the five races following a mass resignation in 2021. Trustee Matt McCarty forfeited traditional introductory remarks in order to list contrasts between the candidates: One group has members who seem to want to divide our county with regurgitated talking points. That group has used simplistic rhetoric that can be dangerous when carried out, and has people who either created chaos for the district or are endorsed by those who did. That group has people who seem to think that the members of the board have the power and the authority to violate state and federal law and to change the world to their way of thinking through willpower. That group seems insistent on repeating mistakes made in the recent past and unwilling to concede that there is a greater legal, constitutional authority. That group, either through their actions generated enough hostility or illegal acts that they completely lost the support of every high-ranking employee within the district, or they are endorsed by those who did McCarty then characterized himself and other trustees: The other group has been present, in person, at board meetings over the past six months working to bring the county together. This group has participated in trainings to be better prepared to serve on the board and to act within legal bounds. This group has taken the time to try to understand how to do things properly to protect our students, our staff and the district as a whole. This group has people who stepped up to help our community in a time of chaos, has taken the time to research the issues face by the board, and asked pertinent and clarifying questions This group has people who have shown that they are willing to work within the confines of the law, frustrating restricted as it is, for the good of our students, he said. The remainder of the forum proceeded in usual fashion, with both challengers and incumbents indicating a desire to move forward, but a few addressed the Covid issue in response to a later question from the public. District 6 challenger Brian Gale said there is a difference between a law and a mandate. If the Legislature passed a Covid mandate he would follow it, but if some would-be king sends down edicts for the rest to submit to there comes a point at which you have to force the issue. Executive mandates occurring after a year and a half of emergency and were talking about an emergency that did not even affect one child no child died of Covid. People get flus all the time, he said. District 6 Trustee Jeff Durham said in that situation he would follow the law. But no matter what came up I would stick to it. I wouldnt resign. District 2 challenger Robert Leonhardt was one of five trustees who resigned in the summer of 2021 following conflicts over Gov. Steve Sisolaks mask mandate. So, when all these mandates came out we were drafting letters to the governor about mask-wearing, about making a choice, Leonhardt said. What I think we need to do instead of write a letter and hope for him to answer because we never receive any answers we need to push harder as a board and represent our people. Do we make mistakes? Yes. Did I make mistakes? Yes. Im not gonna sit here and say I didnt when I was on the board. Did we learn from them? Absolutely. One thing I will say is I will work for you, the people. His opponent, District 2 Trustee Josh Byers, said To sit back and say, as a board, we would go against what is legal opens the door to anarchy. District 1 challenger Misty Atkins said she would do her best to make sure shutdowns didnt happen again, that we did not go back to masks, and that parent choice has been returned to the parents. Weve seen so much retaliation anytime anybody does come and speak out, she said. Im sure students, teachers and parents are worried about that. Ive heard plenty reach out, and Ive experienced retaliation myself within the school district for speaking out. District 7 challenger Brent Kelly said board members should represent the interests of the children and the public. We are beholden to you; were not beholden to any teachers union or administrators union or the governor, for that matter. Four-day week Aside from the Covid issue, candidates had much to agree on. However, some remained undecided about another hot topic: switching Elko and Spring Creek schools to a four-day week like smaller rural schools. District 7 candidate Brooke Ballard said the change would help with teacher morale and recruiting new teachers. I think it would be doable and its worth a shot, with child care help coming from the Boys and Girls Club, she said. District 3 challenger Lincoln Litchfield of Carlin said his school has a four-day week and it works well there. What about Friday? I didnt see students going all over the streets causing mayhem, which I thought would happen, he said. Im not going to tell you if Id vote yes or no for it, but I do see the pros and cons for both sides. District 1 Trustee Susan Neal said she did not have an opinion but the bottom line should be how it affects student achievement. To just say yes I want it doesnt necessarily mean its whats best for kids, she said. And if we look at some of the test scores in a lot of our schools and then you compare it with White Pine and Eureka and even Lander County that doesnt really show that a four-day week is helping with those test scores. I am in full support of a four-day school week unless teachers come up with a better solution, said Atkins. She said bus drivers she has spoken with said it would not affect them. I would support the four-day school week, said Leonhardt. He said teachers are crying for help. They need help. Theyre tired, theyre done. Byers said the original feedback he got was positive but lately he has been hearing more opposition to the plan. Theres not enough information in my opinion to make a yes or no decision, he said. Parents, please come out. Let us know whats going on, he said, pointing out that the district recently re-released its survey on the issue. Durham, of West Wendover, said his school has a four-day week and overwhelmingly everybody was in support of it there. He said some people who lived in Elko have transferred to Carlin just so they could be on that four-day school week. Durham favors the switch, saying it would aid in teacher recruitment and result in a cost savings of $1-2 million. I do believe it is a viable option, said Kelly, and worth further study, particularly the impact on parents who would need to hire child care. McCarty said he believes switching to a four-day week would be a solution and he would be fine with it. But he added his wife favors staying with the five-day week. McCarty also suggested looking at year-round school, possibly with a three or four week break every three or four months. Teacher recruitment The topic of hiring new teachers and keeping them on staff was also addressed. Neal said not overloading teachers with more and more responsibilities would help with retention. Also, the image of our district and what they perceive our district is, I think is important. They want to be in a place that they can be proud of, she said. We need to show respect for our teachers, said Litchfield. We need to ask our teachers that are staying, Why are you staying? and listen to them. Durham said the best way to recruit teachers is to offer them more money, but Nevada is the lowest funded state in the nation at about $9,100 per student. We need to get that up to about $15,000 per student per year. That would be an increase of $850 million just to get to the national average. The use of long-term substitutes has become commonplace and thats something that I really dont like to see. Virtual teaching also is not ideal, he said. Our teachers deserve respect, and it starts at the house, said McCarty. Our parents need to make sure that our students respect our teachers. And we need to find a way to make teaching cool, find new ways to recruit them. Other issues Candidates were asked about issues such as mental health, special-needs students, and the gifted and talented. Atkins said she did not believe that mental health services should be governed by the school, or that students should be seeing anybody or talking to anybody in the school that should have access to private counseling. The money received for such services should be distributed for treatment through outside sources to avoid retaliation, she said. Our national book is the Holy Bible, said Gale. Proverbs 29:18 says where there is no vision the people perish. Its the boards responsibility to have that vision. You know what perishing looks like? Perishing in a school district looks like having 95% of your students graduate and only 40% are proficient in English. Only 20% are proficient in math. Gale also said all students should be required to learn at least one foreign language, at an early age. I think everyone of our kids should be required to learn Spanish, he said, and Spanish-speaking students could help. He described dual emersion programs in which Spanish and English are taught at the same time. The same concept would work with having gifted-and-talented students help tutor students who need tutoring, he added. Kelly said student suicide wasnt an issue when he went through school. I think our culture has shifted a lot. Anyone who is a Christian has noticed a huge culture shift. Weve strayed so far from the truth, he said. Now were letting kids believe they can be transgender and its proven that suicide rates are upwards of 41% higher in those communities. Litchfield said new approaches are needed to hold the interest of students. Students nowadays, they cant concentrate on just one thing, he said. If you watch them play a video game they are doing multiple things at one time, so we need to allow them to have multiple avenues. Several of the candidates had short responses when asked what the duties of a school board member are. Ballard had the most thorough explanation, including approving the budget and monitoring the financial health of the district. The board has started a facilities master plan, and I think that will be very helpful in that, she said. Boards also are responsible for approving contracts. We need to know what other districts offer and be competitive but responsible with taxpayer money, Ballard said. Board members must also determine goals as a team, approve policies beneficial to all students, and advocate for the community. -- Note: This article has been updated to reflect that Brooke Ballard is not an incumbent, and Brian Gale said gifted-and-talented students could help tutor students who need tutoring under a "dual emersion" program. Singaporean President Halimah Yacob listens to the introduction about VSIP Bac Ninh. (Photo: VNA) Welcoming the Singaporean President, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan said that with its favorable geopolitical position and business environment, Bac Ninh has attracted nearly 1,800 foreign-invested projects worth over USD2.29 billion from 38 countries and territories. There are currently 16 industrial parks in the province, two of which are invested by VSIP. The success of VSIP Bac Ninh is a living proof of Vietnam - Singapore cooperation, he said. Singapore is now the third biggest investor in Bac Ninh with over 55 projects valued at USD1.98 billion USD, or 8.65% of the total foreign direct investment in the province, mostly in manufacturing and processing, hi-tech, clean and eco-friendly technology, industrial and urban infrastructure. In the first nine months of 2022, the production and business activities of Singaporean enterprises in Bac Ninh saw a strong recovery. Bac Ninhs industrial production is estimated at USD1 billion, while the sector employs about 12,000 workers. The Secretary of the Bac Ninh Provincial Party Committee congratulated the success of talks between the President of Singapore and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and the meetings with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue. Cooperation between Singapore - Vietnam is increasingly effective and substantive in all fields, in which trade and investment cooperation is a bright spot, he added. Stressing that the Singaporean Presidents visit takes place at a time when the two countries are looking towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of their bilateral strategic partnership next year, he suggested the Singaporean President support activities at VSIP Bac Ninh, and make it easier for Singaporean investors and firms to continue doing business in the province in the near future, particularly those in the fields of digital transformation, energy and green transition, as agreed during her talks with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc. At the meeting, President Halimah Yacob highly appreciated the development of VSIP Group in Vietnam and discussed with representatives of VSIP Group about: investment projects in VSIP Industrial Parks in Vietnam including Bac Ninh; future development orientation of the Group; and the role of local government in the development of projects in the industrial parks. On this occasion, President Halimah Yacob and the delegation visited VSIP Bac Ninh Industrial Park. VSIP Group is investing in 11 industrial-urban infrastructure projects in eight cities and provinces over a total area of 10,000ha, attracting over 900 investors from 30 countries with total FDI of more than USD17 billion and generating jobs for over 300,000 workers. In Bac Ninh, VSIP invests in VSIP Bac Ninh in Tu Son city and VSIP Bac Ninh II in Yen Phong district, being a modern urban-industrial complex with a total area of 700 hectares. Up to now, after 15 years of operation, the Industrial Park has attracted 125 secondary projects with a total investment capital of USD2.5 billion, creating jobs for nearly 40,000 workers. VSIP Bac Ninh II Industrial Park is in the process of site clearance and infrastructure construction./. At the reception (Photo: VNA) On October 18, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Secretary Dinh Tien Dung received Singaporean President Halimah Yacob on a State visit to Vietnam. Appreciating Hanois efforts to preserve heritage associated with tourism development, the President of Singapore expected the city to share valuable experiences in preserving relics, heritage and ancient houses. The Singaporean leader proposed that Hanoi promote cooperation in the field of education and training, hoping that the city would pay attention to supporting the Singapore business community, thereby encouraging businesses to develop further. Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung affirmed that the achievements of bilateral development cooperation between the two countries have been made thanks to the attention, support and unity of the high level leaders of the two States and the efforts of the people of Vietnam and Singapore. Expressing agreement with the cooperation proposals of the Singaporean leader, he shared an overview of the development situation of the capital city, in which he confirmed that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the capital's economy still achieved some positive results. He emphasized that in the coming time, Hanoi wishes to promote existing cooperation activities and expand new cooperation fields with Singapore, especially urban planning and management; finance; medical; travel; smart city development, e-government; and environmental protection. Expressing special interest in promoting cooperation in the field of education and training, the Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee directed specialized agencies of Hanoi to consider and implement cooperation with Singapore on vocational and professional training, focusing on consolidating and improving the quality of the city's executive and management apparatus. He also shared some experiences, highlighting the challenges in preserving Hanoi's major historical sites. Emphasizing that historical and cultural issues are important factors for a nation, he affirmed that the preservation is a great responsibility that is always interested and prioritized by Hanoi./. Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committees Secretariat Vo Van Thuong (L) and Gen. Hun Manet, member of the CPP Standing Committee, head of the CPP Central Committees Youth Wing, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army. (Photo: VNA) Mr. Vo Van Thuong expressed his delight at visiting Cambodia in the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year. He congratulated Cambodia on its achievements over the past years and expressed his belief that Cambodia will continue reaping new successes in the process of national construction and development. Hun Manet, for his part, stressed that the Parties, States, armies and people of Cambodia and Vietnam have always stood side by side together to overcome difficulties and gain victory in the past struggle for national liberation and overthrowing the Pol Pot genocidal regime, as well as obtaining successes in the current cause of national construction and development. Expressing their delight at the development of bilateral ties in various areas, the officials agreed to reinforce relations between the two Parties and nations in the coming time, particularly in national defence-security, people-to-people and youth exchanges./. Engineers of PVEP and Algeria at the operation centre of Bir Seba oil field (Photo: VNA) Vietnam recognised the provisional government of the Algerian Republic on September 26, 1958, one week after its establishment announcement, he noted. The bilateral diplomatic relations, which were established in 1962, have been expanded to economic, technical and financial cooperation, said the diplomat. He held that the 12th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Joint Committee in December will create new momentum for bilateral partnership after two years of COVID-19. The ambassador said that the organisation of the third political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries in May was a good start for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the bilateral ties. He also highlighted a number of activities that the Algerian Embassy plans for the rest of this year on the occasion. Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Boubazine Abdelhamid (Photo: VNA) However, he said that the economic partnership between the two countries has yet to match their sound political relations and potential. Two-way trade reached only 265.54 million USD last year, with Algerias imports hitting 231.57 million USD, he noted. He recognised Vietnams efforts in balancing bilateral trade by encouraging domestic firms to further explore the Algerian market to seek more opportunities in trading of farm produce, minerals and other crude materials. He stressed the need for both sides to renovate and update the legal framework for bilateral partnership to boost trade and investment ties. The Algerian diplomatic hailed socio-economic achievements that Vietnam has gained over the years, with great success in agriculture and industry. Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Boubazine Abdelhamid (L) and Secretary of the Dien Bien Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Van Thang Vietnam is now one of the most opened economies in the world with about 70 trade agreements, with export revenue reaching a record of 668.5 billion USD last year, and foreign direct investment amounting to 395 billion USD, he noted, asserting that the figures showed that the country is on a right way to prosperity. The diplomat also shared his love for Vietnam as well as the countrys traditional martial art (Vovinam). He affirmed that Vietnam is a model for the combination of traditional and modern features, describing the country as a tree with strong roots and countless rising branches./. Journalists attend a press conference via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2022. The press center for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosted the press conference on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, Strive to Build Higher-Standard Rule of Law in China" on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) A journalist raises his hand to ask questions during a press conference via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2022. The press center for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosted the press conference on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, Strive to Build Higher-Standard Rule of Law in China" on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Ming) A journalist asks questions during a press conference via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2022. The press center for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosted the press conference on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, Strive to Build Higher-Standard Rule of Law in China" on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Ming) The press center for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosts a press conference on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, Strive to Build Higher-Standard Rule of Law in China" in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2022. Yin Bai, deputy secretary-general of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, He Rong, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, Tong Jianming, deputy procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, Xu Ganlu, vice minister of the Ministry of Public Security, and Zuo Li, vice minister of the Ministry of Justice, attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) The press center for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosts a press conference on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, Strive to Build Higher-Standard Rule of Law in China" in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2022. Yin Bai, deputy secretary-general of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, He Rong, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, Tong Jianming, deputy procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, Xu Ganlu, vice minister of the Ministry of Public Security, and Zuo Li, vice minister of the Ministry of Justice, attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Editor: GSY Padma Bridge in Bangladesh, built by a Chinese company, is opened for use on June 25. The bridge is expected to contribute 1.23 percentage points to Bangladesh's GDP growth and reduce poverty by 0.84 percentage points per year, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said. XINHUA China-proposed security framework could fend off conflict, US 'meddling', experts say The China-proposed Global Security Initiative has huge potential as a bulwark against conflict and as a promoter of peace and stability in Asia, experts said. "The future of the Global Security Initiative has huge potential, and I think it will gain traction in a matter of time because it is very pragmatic," said Anna Malindog-Uy, vice-president for external affairs at the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute. Given that the world is facing a volatile and challenging geopolitical order, Malindog-Uy said the GSI will serve to provide guardrails against instability and conflict. "I think that is a good prescription if you want to pursue peace, stability and development in Asia and beyond," she said. The GSI was proposed by President Xi Jinping in April at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022 in Hainan province. It puts forth six commitments for countries to consider: the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security for all countries; respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; adhering to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter; the legitimate security concerns of all countries; resolving differences and dispute through dialogue and consultation; and maintaining security in both traditional and nontraditional domains to shoulder the responsibility for maintaining peace. In the report to the 20th CPC National Congress, Xi Jinping announced that building a community with a shared future for mankind is the way forward for all the world's people. China has put forward the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and the country stands ready to work with the international community to put these two initiatives into action, he said. There are many serious security challenges in Asia, including tensions in the Korean Peninsula and along the borders between India, China and Pakistan, as well as turmoil in Myanmar and conflicts in the Middle East, said Henry Chan, a visiting senior research fellow at the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace. "Being the largest country in the region and the dominant economic and military power as well, the Chinese commitment to the peaceful resolution of dispute provides the necessary anchor to regional peace," Chan said. With dialogue being the vital first step to resolving conflict, he said that China can play the role of dialogue initiator in terms of regional security. Chan said the GSI's commitments largely resonate with the core principles of the 1955 Bandung Conference on the mutual respect of sovereignty, nonaggression, noninterference in internal affairs, and equality. "China's consistency in abiding by the Bandung Spirit in its international relationships is reassurance that it will not be a hegemon and will treat others on equal footing," Chan said. Ong Tee Keat, chairman of the Kuala Lumpur-based think tank, Centre for New Inclusive Asia, said the notion of the GSI is rooted in the principle of "indivisible security", underscoring that no country can strengthen its own security at the expense of others. A flood victim holding her child stands in front of a tent funded by China at a temporary camp in Sindh province, Pakistan, on Sept 29,2019. XINHUA US 'intrusiveness' Noting that the initiative calls for a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security model of mutual respect, openness and integration, Ong said this is particularly the case for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as East Asia following intensified moves by the United States to drive a wedge between China and its neighbors in the region. For example, the US has engaged in saber-rattling by deploying warships in disputed zones under the pretext of "freedom of navigation operations", purportedly upholding the rights, freedom and lawful use of the sea, Ong said. He also said the US has ramped up efforts to create a de facto Asian NATO, "following the activation of the QUAD and the inception of AUKUS, which could contribute to escalating security threats and make existing challenges more intractable". He was referring to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between Australia, Japan, India and the US, and the trilateral defense partnership between the US, the United Kingdom and Australia. Talat Shabbir, director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, said the GSI is sorely needed. "It was obvious as the international arena echoes with unprecedented disorder after the US retreated from its global responsibilities," he said, noting that the GSI can be contextualized with the world having been embroiled in crisis after crisis for the past two decades. In particular, he said a "new Great Game" is at its peak in Asia as the region has become an arena for the great powers, and there are many border clashes going on. "Amid these security challenges, the six commitments of the GSI are a welcome step," Shabbir said, adding that he wants to see more concrete plans to implement the initiative. Students ride along a village road built by a Chinese company in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, in March. TANG LU/XINHUA Support in Asia Governments of Asian countries have spoken out for peace, security and development cooperation. During the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept 24, Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, said the international community needs to find peaceful and lasting solutions to conflicts and disputes to promote multilateralism and shared interests of all countries. In a position paper to the assembly, China also said that the international community's call for peace and development has grown stronger. "Countries need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, uphold the vision of 'a community with a shared future for mankind', improve the global governance system, and work together to find solutions to global issues," it said, noting the importance of true multilateralism and a global community of security for all. Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, a research fellow at the Philippine think tank Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress, said the GSI supports dialogue and consultation with all parties to a dispute, ensuring that their interests and concerns are heard. "Its emphasis on noninterference will soothe countries of various political and governance stripes wary of external forces intruding into their domestic affairs," said Pitlo, noting this is a welcome relief for countries that have long suffered from foreign intervention. Pitlo also said the GSI puts a premium on UN-led efforts to provide more credible cover for international mediation, peacekeeping and relief missions. However, "disagreement between key members can stymie UN work and diminish its role in brewing hot spots, if not actual conflict zones", Pitlo said. Mustafa Izzuddin, senior international affairs analyst at consultancy firm Solaris Strategies Singapore, said he sees the GSI more as an opportunity for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to pursue direct engagement with China. "The more the GSI seeks to include, rather than exclude, the more it may find resonance with countries in the Asia-Pacific," he said, adding that the more the region is perceived to be secure, the more economic development and even progressive integration of diverse economies there will be. "Without a robust security architecture, there will be ebbs and flows in economic development, so it is incumbent on countries in the Asia-Pacific to look for ways to enhance regional security," Mustafa Izzuddin said. He noted that Western colonization has left an indelible mark in the region, for better and for worse, including giving rise to present-day border disputes. "Countries should not escalate but de-escalate border conflicts and come to the realization that it is better to cooperate on security matters and understand that their mutual interests are not confined to border disputes," he said. A Chinese-invested hydropower station in Laos has generated more than 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity by July 12. KAI QIAO/XINHUA Cambodia cooperation The GSI will not replace the UN-based Security Council but serve as a complementary security watchdog that will adhere to the principle of peaceful coexistence and China's vision of "a community with a shared future", said Thong Mengdavid, a research fellow at the Mekong Centre for Strategic Studies at the Asian Vision Institute, a think tank in Phnom Penh. "Indivisible peace must be upheld and endorsed by Asian countries to promote sustainable growth and enhance resilience against both traditional and nontraditional security issues," he said. These include border and ethnic conflicts, human trafficking, drug and arms trafficking, and food and energy security. In Cambodia's case, Thong Mengdavid said that China has been helping the country for two decades through financial and technical assistance, military training and infrastructure projects. "China's assistance to Cambodia comes with no strings attached or preconditions in helping the country develop and alleviate poverty regardless of political ideology or any kind of prejudice," he said. In June, renovations at the Ream Naval Base, an aid project undertaken by China in Cambodia's Sihanoukville province, officially began. The project, which aims to enhance the Cambodian navy's ability to fight crimes at sea and protect the integrity of its territorial waters, has been characterized by Western media as a move by China to build a military base in the country. Some countries have criticized cooperation between China and Cambodia and have launched unilateral sanctions, interfering in Cambodia's domestic affairs under the guise of democracy and human rights, said Wang Wentian, China's ambassador to Cambodia, at a ceremony held to mark the start of the renovation project. Thong Mengdavid said the US and its allies are "playing with fire", as interference in the domestic affairs of other countries and foreign policies is causing more harm than good. "The US' China encirclement strategy is disturbing regional peace and stability by forcing or putting pressure on some Asian countries to choose sides," he said. Work with the Philippines Malindog-Uy said that security cooperation in nontraditional domains is also important. "One concrete example is the Philippines and China's cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been critical for my country," she said, noting that China's support, including the donation of millions of vaccines, was key to helping the Philippines manage its epidemic and shore up its economy. Pitlo said that China and the Philippines can collaborate on transnational crimes like contraband, drug trafficking, online and telecom fraud and money laundering. For example, in 2017, a tip from Chinese customs authorities in Xiamen, Fujian province, led to one of the biggest drug busts in Philippine history, Pitlo said. He noted that the case was "proof of how information sharing can lead to a successful law enforcement operation". Even in contested spaces like the South China Sea, the two countries, along with other neighbors, can pursue cooperation in marine environmental protection and scientific research, he said. Malindog-Uy said the issues involving the South China Sea must be resolved among claimant states without the interference of external forces and should be done in a peaceful manner and diplomatically. She said "interference" by the US and its allies will only create tensions among claimants, especially between China and the Philippines. "The more they interfere, the more everything becomes muddled," she said. Malindog-Uy said regional countries must be smart enough to not be a part of any US-sponsored blocs or groupings because this will cause division. "It is important for Asian countries to have solid cooperation and strong political will to preserve peace and stability in the region," she said. Editor: GSY The Capitol Hill is seen after heavy rain in Washington D.C., the United States, on July 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) "Behind the constantly fluctuating popularity of U.S. presidents, there is a steady decline in the international assessment of the strength of the U.S. political system," says Foreign Affairs. NEW YORK, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- American global leadership faces a crisis, not of economic vitality, diplomatic prowess, or military strength but of legitimacy, reported Foreign Affairs on Monday. "Around the world, polls and interviews show that publics and elites in countries that consider themselves U.S. allies harbor doubts about the state and direction of American democracy," said the report. "They no longer see it as a model, and they worry whether the American political system can still produce trustworthy outcomes," it noted. "Such sentiments are cause for alarm," it said. In the past, the U.S. image abroad rose and fell depending on who was in the White House or what actions the United States was taking overseas, but views about American democracy remained steady, albeit less positive than many Americans might have supposed. "Now, that is starting to change. Behind the constantly fluctuating popularity of U.S. presidents, there is a steady decline in the international assessment of the strength of the U.S. political system," it added. Editor: GSY Peoples Union for Civil Liberties 18th October, 2022 SC Staying Acquittal of Prof. Saibaba and 5 others A dangerous precedent which dilutes procedural safeguards and Compromises the right to personal liberty PUCL expresses its serious concern over the hurried manner by which the SC permitted the Government of Maharashtra to move an urgent appeal on Saturday 16th October, 2022 against the acquittal/discharge of Prof. Saibaba and 5 others by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay HC on 14th October, 2022. Its troubling that a well- reasoned judgment of the Bombay HC acquitting Prof. Saibaba and others which pointed out to serious shortcomings in the prosecution case relating to mandatory procedural safeguards was suspended. What is extraordinary about the CJIs decision to permit hearing of the Maharashtra Governments appeal against the acquittal, is that the State Government represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had orally mentioned the matter to the 2nd Bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud and sought stay of the acquittal by the Bombay HC. Justice Chandrachud is reported by Live Law to have remarked in open court that the appeal can be listed only on Monday, thereby in effect, refusing to list the matter on Saturday. Justice Chandrachud is also reported to have noted that He has got an acquittal in his favour. Even if we take it up on Monday, and assuming we issue notice, we cannot stay the order. It is thereafter that the Chief Justice, on the administrative side, chose to permit a hearing before a specially constituted Bench of Justices M.R. Shah and Bela Trivedi, on a non-working day, Saturday, 15th October, 2022. Two issues of grave importance arise from the decision to permit the States appeal to be heard before a Special Bench on a non-working day: (i) Previously, extraordinary sittings beyond regular working hours/ days of the court were permitted only in exceptional circumstances when issues of imminent threat to personal liberty or a situation threatening grave constitutional crisis required urgent intervention of the court. Midnight hearings were permitted to stop the imminent hanging of prisoners in Yakub Menons case or Nirbhaya killers or threat to personal liberty as for example in Arnab Goswami or Vinod Dua cases or in the context of status of Legislative Assemblies in cases arising from Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is highly debatable as to whether the present case of Prof Saibaba and his co-convicts, who were legally and properly acquitted by the Bombay High Court, constitutes a grave and extraordinary situation warranting special hearing on a holiday. (ii) What is also worrying is that the Supreme court stayed an order of acquittal passed by a competent court in a criminal appeal. It is not as though the state has no remedies to challenge acquittals through `due process of law. However, when the State, by invoking an extraordinary procedure ensures a stay of a judicial order of acquittal, it seriously threatens the very basis of `Rule of Law. It raises the question as to whether a person convicted under the UAPA will ever benefit from an appellate court acquitting him or her. This has implications for the very fundamentals of criminal and constitutional jurisprudence in India. The fact that this order is a precedent of the highest court of the land, will embolden states to press for stay of acquittal orders, thereby threatening the right to personal liberty. This extraordinary alacrity shown by the Supreme Court in disregarding established conventions, is not disregard of procedure to serve justice better; rather it is a disregard of procedure to suspend a jurisprudentially rigorous judgment of the Bombay High Court which has kept faith with the Constitution. The substantive contribution of the Bombay High Court in Prof. Saibabas appeal was to insist that with respect to statutes such as the UAPA, which deviate significantly from established procedural safeguards, the State (prosecution) is under an obligation to comply strictly with existing procedural safeguards. The reason why procedural safeguards should be mandatory is because of the history of the misuse of anti-terror laws. The Bombay High Court referenced TADA and POTA, (which pre-dated UAPA), stating that they were perceived as legislation bordering on the draconian and that cutting across political and ideological lines, the provisions of the aforesaid statutes faced severe criticism as susceptible to egregious misuse and weapon of stifling the voice of dissent. The procedural safeguards the Bombay High Court references in the UAPA are in Section 45 of the Act. The Bombay High Court held that the procedural safeguard of sanction by the Central or State Government must be strictly complied with before the Court takes cognizance. Under Section 45 (2) sanction for prosecution can be given by the Central/ State Government only after considering the report of such authority appointed by the Central/ State Government. The purpose of Section 45(2) is to ensure an independent review of the evidence gathered during the investigation and on that basis to make a recommendation to the Central Government within the prescribed time limit. While the Bombay High Court wrongly holds that the submission of the report within the prescribed time limit of seven working days is not mandatory, it rightly recognizes that, Sanction serves the salutary object of providing safeguard to the accused from unwarranted prosecution and the agony and trauma of trial, and in the context of the stringent provisions of the UAPA, is an integral facet of due process of law. It goes on to hold that sanction must be based upon an independent review of evidence as mandated by Section 45(2) and this is a mandatory requirement. It draws support for its conclusion from the statement of Mr Chidambaram, the then Home Minister who when piloting the Bill in Parliament (in 2008-09), stated that, let the Executive arm register the case, let the Executive arm investigate the case, but before you sanction prosecution, the evidence gathered in the investigation must be reviewed by an independent authority. On the mandatory nature of an independent review of evidence, the Bombay High Court rightly concluded that We are inclined to hold, that every safeguard, however miniscule, legislatively provided to the accused, must be zealously protected. It is this finding of the High Court of the importance of procedural safeguards and in particular, the mandatory nature of an independent review of the evidence which the Supreme Court completely ignores. One is sadly reminded of one of the low points in the history of the Supreme Court, the decision in `ADM Jabalpur v Shivkant Shukla (AIR 1976 SC 1207) when the majority held that during the duration of the Emergency, there was no need for the executive to comply with the procedure laid down for detaining persons under MISA as the right to life under Article 21 stood suspended. This cavalier approach to procedure is castigated by Justice Khanna in his historic dissent in ADM Jabalpur who rightly opined that, The history of personal liberty, we must bear in mind, is largely the history of insistence upon procedure. The Bombay High Court delivered a judgment which was scrupulously fair, pointing out to the unfairness of the trial courts conviction. The High Court observed that the UAPA Special Court / Sessions Court, Gadchiroli, had stated that imprisonment for life is not a sufficient punishment to accused 6 - G.N. Saibaba and the hands of the Court are tied in view of the fact that the imprisonment for life is the maximum punishment statutorily provided. This observation of the Sessions Court is rightly castigated by the Bombay High Court which notes that, We do not approve of the unwarranted observations of the learned Sessions Judge, which may have the unintended consequence of rendering the verdict vulnerable to the charge of lack of dispassionate objectivity. Its unfortunate that the Supreme Court, cites the very same trial court judgment, ignoring the observations of the constitutional court, the Bombay HC. By relying on the Sessions Court judgment, which according to the Bombay High Court lacked dispassionate objectivity, the Supreme Court has provided its imprimatur to a decision which was prima facie prejudiced, lacked judiciousness and impaired the idea of justice as fairness. The Supreme Court by ignoring the reasoning of the Bombay High Court, also implicitly gave its stamp of approval to the states argument that those who were urban naxals were not entitled to the benefit of procedural safeguards of law. By doing so, the SC put aside its obligation to ensure the equal protection of laws to all persons without fear or favour. Finally, the Supreme Court did not take into consideration that Prof. Saibaba is suffering from 90% disability and has suffered from the inadequate health facilities in Nagpur Central Prison. He has suffered close to 8 years imprisonment and cannot take care of himself. This negligence regarding the protection of the right to health of prisoners, can have tragic consequences as seen by the death of one of the convicts in this case, Pandu Narote. If the Supreme Court had at least permitted house arrest, it would have thereby allowed for appropriate medical care and treatment to be rendered by his family members. Prof Saibaba is not a flight risk and detention at home should have been seriously considered by the Supreme Court. It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court did not show the requisite constitutional compassion. Regrettably, the consequence of the SC staying the Bombay HC order discharging him is that Prof. Saibaba must remain in jail until the SC delivers its verdict in the appeal filed by the Maharashtra police against the Bombay HC ruling. The crucial question is what if eventually the SC upholds the Bombay HC order? If it does so, then Prof Saibaba and the others convicted will continue to be in wrongful confinement. This would be a deep blow to the idea of justice and fairness. If the Supreme Court were to go on to conclude that non-compliance with sanction requirements, especially in special enactments like UAPA are only procedural and directory and not substantive and mandatory, it would indeed be a tragedy. If that happens, the ghosts of ADM Jabalpur would have truly come home to roost. Dr. V. Suresh, General Secretary, PUCL, 18.10.2022 A boy experiences virtual reality goggles while visiting the 3rd edition of the new media art festival RADAR in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Oct. 16, 2022. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Children jump over a light installation while visiting the 3rd edition of the new media art festival RADAR in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Oct. 16, 2022. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) A boy experiences virtual reality goggles while visiting the 3rd edition of the new media art festival RADAR in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Oct. 16, 2022. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) A woman enjoys an interactive light installation while visiting the 3rd edition of the new media art festival RADAR in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Oct. 16, 2022. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Children interact with a small intelligent robot while visiting the 3rd edition of the new media art festival RADAR in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Oct. 16, 2022. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) People interact with a small intelligent robot while visiting the 3rd edition of the new media art festival RADAR in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Oct. 16, 2022. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Editor: JYZ Invaders launch missile attack on territory of school in Zaporizhia region Russian occupiers launched a missile attack on the territory of a school in Zaporizhia region, Deputy Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko has said. "Russian terrorists this morning, around 07.20, launched a missile attack on the territory of a children's specialized school in the village of Komyshuvakha," he said on his Telegram channel. Tymoshenko said information about the destruction and casualties is being specified. On Thursday, October 20, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis arrived in Ukraine in the morning. "Back in Ukraine a year after my last visit. Purpose: to get an idea of the military situation, the humanitarian situation and the preparatory work for the restoration of the country," he said on his Twitter. Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will have a telephone conversation on Thursday, October 20, German presidential press secretary Cerstin Gammelin has said. "We are in close and confidential planning of the visit of the federal president to Ukraine, which is important for both sides. Tomorrow our two presidents have a telephone conversation," she said on her Twitter, noting Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeyev in a post. Earlier, Bild reported that Steinmeier canceled a visit to Ukraine scheduled for Thursday, October 20. According to the publication, the visit, which was coordinated for several weeks, was canceled for "security reasons." IKEA in South-Eastern Europe provided EUR 1.7 million to support local humanitarian projects in Ukraine, the company's press service has reported. According to the press service, in general, 35,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) received assistance. This amount includes both financial donations and in-kind assistance. Reality is constantly changing, the company sees the need for exceptional mobility, IKEA said. That is why IKEA decided to join forces with partner organizations that are currently implementing projects for immediate assistance in Ukraine. The company donated 145,000 goods, and also provided additional financial assistance to equip numerous accommodation centers, children's play areas and modular homes for Ukrainians who are looking for temporary housing, Deputy Market Manager at IKEA Ukraine Olha Ilchyshyna said. In particular, in cooperation with the Danish Red Cross, IKEA has donated EUR 1.5 million to accommodation centers throughout Ukraine that provide shelter for 30,000 internally displaced persons (mainly women/families with children, the elderly and people with disabilities). In addition, EUR 17,000 was directed to Kolping temporary accommodation and rehabilitation centers in Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia and Zakarpattia regions. In them, IDPs can also receive psychological support, legal advice and universal social protection. IKEA supported the initiative of the balbek bureau RE:UKRAINE Housing, namely donated EUR 31,000 for the arrangement of modular houses in the Bucha district (Kyiv region). IDPs can stay there until it is safe to return home and their houses are reconstructed. A total of EUR 63,000 to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society for food packages that were distributed to IDPs in Mykolaiv and Poltava. Together with the Save the Children initiative, the company provided products for Ukrainians in accommodation centers for women and children in Chernivtsi, Dnipro and Vinnytsia for a total of EUR 172,000. The company said that since the beginning of the war, the safety of its employees has been and remains the top priority. "We have guaranteed job stability for them, payroll for all (about 400) employees, and introduced a communication system to keep them up to date on work and general safety. IKEA has also established a Solidarity Fund to ensure a comfortable standard of living and funds the existence of the families of the company's employees. Globally, various organizations associated with IKEA have donated a total of EUR 30 million. The threat of the resumption by the Russian Armed Forces of the offensive against Ukraine on the northern front is growing, said Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Brigadier General Oleksiy Hromov. "The threat of the resumption of the Russian Armed Forces offensive on the northern front is growing. This time, the direction of the offensive may be changed to the west of the Belarusian-Ukrainian border in order to cut the main logistical arteries for the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine from partner countries," Hromov said at a briefing at the Military Media Center on Thursday. German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a telephone conversation of Germany's unwavering solidarity and support, including the continuation of supplies of modern equipment to strengthen Ukrainian air defense, press secretary of the President of Germany Cerstin Gammelin said. "Federal President Steinmeier and President of Ukraine Zelensky had a telephone conversation today. The Federal President assured the President of Ukraine of the unwavering solidarity and support of Germany," she wrote on Twitter. The spokeswoman noted that it also concerns military support, especially in connection with the brutal Russian missile and drone attacks. Steinmeier stressed that Germany will continue to supply the most modern equipment to support the Ukrainian air defense. "The Federal President assured that Germany will support the restoration of the destroyed infrastructure of electricity, heating and water. He described Russia's attacks on vital infrastructure as despicable. President Zelensky thanked for the support of Germany. Both presidents are looking forward to a personal meeting in Kyiv," Gammelin said. Zelensky counts on creation of intl compensation mechanism for Ukraine for Russia's aggression President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is counting on the creation of an international mechanism to compensate for Ukraine's losses from aggression. "We are working on an international mechanism so that a UN resolution on a compensation mechanism is adopted," he said at a briefing on Thursday after talks with Swiss President Ignazio Cassis. According to him, "many countries are already ready to do it." "Hopefully, by the end of the year we will see a real mechanism," the president said. Zelensky noted that Ukraine had already frozen the assets of many Russian citizens. "We will definitely receive [compensation] in our budget. As for other countries we are grateful that they have frozen accounts, even accounts of legal entities," he said. According to the President, this issue will be considered on October 25 at a conference in Berlin. Egypt's Actors Syndicate has urged the media and public against jumping to conclusions before the prosecutions ongoing investigation into well-known actress Menna Shalaby for allegedly possessing controlled narcotics is completed, calling for respect for her privacy. [October 20, 2022] To: Honourable President of India (Through Womens Commission) Subject: Seek resignation of Home Minister, Amit Shah. Respected Srimati Droupadi Murmu, It turns out that the Home Ministry actually gave permission for remission of sentence of 11 rape and murder convicts in the case of Bilkis Bano in Gujarat. It flies in the face of the argument that the convicts had completed 14 years of sentence, even though it is not settled in law that in every case of life term a 14 years in prison would be considered enough. The Home Ministry order clearly says that it is for premature release. Moreover, it has also been revealed that each of the convicts was out for a period ranging between 998 to 1576 days on parole and furlough which means that even 14 years have not been completed. Also, any remission of sentence is based on good behavior of convicts. But three of the convicts Mitesh Bhatt, Ramesh Chandana and Radheshyam Shah have offences registered against them during their sentence. Shockingly, Mitesh Bhatt was involved in another criminal assault on a woman with intention to outrage her modesty in 2020. Ramesh Chandana, Rajubhai Soni, Jasawnt Nai when released on parole or furlough came back to prison by 122, 197 and 75 days late, respectively, if it can be considered any mark of good behavior. It is also clear from the pictures after their release from Godhra sub-jail on Independence Day when they were garlanded and offered ladoos that none of them has any remorse for their misdeeds. So, what is the basis for their release except that they are favourites of the ruling party which wishes to further use them to achieve its political ends of communal polarization before the impending Gujarat Assembly elections? In Ankita Bhandaris murder case the forensic report has ruled out rape. The accused include Pulkit Arya, son of a former Bhartiya Janata Party leader from Uttarakhand. A Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh office bearer was also booked for posting objectionable material against a relative of Ankita after her murder. What is this mindset within BJP which appears to be protecting criminals associated with it? With the ghastliest of crimes committed against Bilkis Bano we seem to have reached the nadir of a process of degradation of morality where some of the criminals have been described by a local BJP Member of Legislative Assembly, who was also a member of the committee which remitted the sentence, as sanskari Brahmins. In the land of Mahatma Gandhi, who is universally known for upholding virtues of Truth and Non-violence, it is Untruth and Violence which the BJP wants to make normal. As it is the senior leaders of BJP who seem to have created an atmosphere where rule of law has been compromised, the Home Minister must resign for the most outrageous act of allowing remission of sentence to the 11 accused in Bilkis Banos case. We hope youll intervene at this very important juncture in our countrys history of upholding justice and rule of law. Manjoo Mohan, Vice President, Socialist Party (India), 9971526169, manjoosmohan[at]gmail.com Advocate Jaya Vindhyala, General Secretary, Socialist Party (India), 9440430263, jaya_pucl[at]yahoo.com Dr. Shuchita Kumar, President, Socialist Mahila Sabha, 9810319758, shuchitakumar[at]gmail.com Dr. Peehu Pardesi, Secretary, SP(I), 9833804545, peehu20[at]gmail.com Amita Buch, President, Socialist Party (India), Gujarat, 9925039160, amitabuch[at]gmail.com Surekha Adam, Member, National Committee, SP(I), 7972050287, surekhaa46[at]gmail.com Sagarika Banerjee, Member, National Committee, SP(I), 9903740458, tarusagar[at]yahoo.com Nuzhat Siddiqui, President, Socialist Mahila Sabha, U.P., 9198634627 Advocate Jija James, Member, SP(I) Kerala State Committee, 9400682202, jjmkmalavika[at]gmail.com Ajanta Sarkar, Member, SP(I) West Bengal State Committee, 6291143725, sarkarajanta65[at]gmail.com Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he told Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi during their meeting on the sidelines of the World Cup in Qatar last week that he is keen to end the rupture between Turkey and Egypt and avoid a problem between the two countries in the Mediterranean. Police had to seal off parts of the center of Brussels, deploy water cannons and fire tear gas to disperse crowds following violence during and after Morocco's 2-0 upset win over Belgium at the World Cup. Egyptian authorities started on Tuesday the process for the release, pending investigations, of 70 pre-trial detainees, the Presidential Pardon committee announced. Members of the Presidential Pardon committee lawyer Tarek El-Awady and MP Mohamed Abdel-Aziz announced that this batch of pre-trial detainees is the largest to be released, pending investigations, since the reactivation of the committee in April in accordance with the directives of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. No further details have been released yet about that group of detainees. The Public Prosecution had ordered in early October the release of 50 pre-trial detainees In recent months, the Public Prosecution has ordered the release of hundreds of pre-trial detainees in groups. In September, authorities released over 100 pre-trial detainees on several occasions, including Ahmed El-Nagdy, a journalist at the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera TV channel, and prominent leftist activist and lawyer Haitham Mohamadein. Since the re-activation in April of the Presidential Pardon Committee and the preparations, begun in May, for the National Political Dialogue , President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has pardoned many high-profile political activists who had received final sentences. These included Hossam Mones, Yahia Abdel-Hady, Hisham Fouad and others. The committee, which was first formed in 2016, receives the names of prisoners to be considered for presidential pardon through various channels , including the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), parliaments Human Rights Committee, as well as through its official website. The scope of work of the reactivated committee has recently been expanded to include imprisoned debtors. The government and various political factions are preparing for the extensive National Political Dialogue set to begin within a few weeks. The dialogue will discuss pressing political, economic and social issues. Search Keywords: Short link: The Egyptian authorities have released a new group of 26 pretrial detainees pending investigation, members of the Presidential Pardon Committee said on Monday. Tarek El-Kholy, a member of the committee, shared on Facebook photos of the detainees following their release. According to El-Kholy, the freed detainees included human rights lawyer Amr Nohan, who was arrested in June 2019 on charges of joining a terrorist organisation and spreading fake news. Egypt's prosecution has been ordering the release of hundreds of pretrial detainees in batches in recent months. Last week, the prosecution ordered the release of 70 pretrial detainees pending investigation. This was the largest batch to be released pending investigation since the reactivation of the Presidential Pardon Committee in April. Since the re-activation of the Presidential Pardon Committee in April and the launch of preparations for the National Political Dialogue in May, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has pardoned many high-profile political activists who had received final sentences. The committee, which was first formed in 2016, receives the names of prisoners considered for presidential pardon from various parties and political forces, including the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), parliaments Human Rights Committee, as well as directly through its website. The scope of the work of the committee has been expanded to include imprisoned debtors. The government and various political forces are preparing for the National Political Dialogue that will discuss pressing political, economic, and social issues within a few weeks. Search Keywords: Short link: A military cassation court has reduced the prison sentence against Egyptian journalist and researcher Ismail Eskandrani to seven years instead of ten, human rights lawyer Khaled Ali said on Monday. Based on the cassation courts ruling, Eskandarani, who has been in jail since he was arrested in December 2015, is set to be released on 30 November this year, Ali wrote on his Facebook page. In May 2018, an Egyptian military court sentenced Eskandrani, who is researcher in Political Sociology and an expert on terrorist groups in the North Sinai, to ten years in prison for spreading false news, obtaining and spreading a defence secret illegally, according to a 2021 document from the northern Cairo military prosecution that was posted by Ali. Search Keywords: Short link: Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN climate change high level champion for Egypt, said Tuesday that the National Initiative for Green and Smart Projects has led to the growth of a development culture in Egypt, especially among youth and women. Mohieldin made his remarks while participating in the jury of the National Initiative of Green and Smart Projects. The success of the initiative is demonstrated, he said, by the mapping of investments in green and smart projects across the countrys governorates. The initiative was launched in August by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who placed it under the supervision of Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said and Ambassador Hisham Badr, the coordinator of the initiative. Madbouly also assigned Mohieldin as the initiatives jury chairperson, which is responsible for selecting winning projects. Mohieldin, who is also the UN special envoy on financing 2030 sustainable development agenda, noted that the winners would be announced on 3 November. He added that the day would also be an opportunity to inform local, regional and international entities about the initiative, its mechanisms, goals, philosophy and outcomes. He said the upcoming 2022 UN Climate Change Summit (COP27), set to be held 6-18 November in Sharm El-Sheikh, is the starting point for real development and climate action in Egypt. A year of hard work on development and climate projects awaits Egyptians, he said, adding that the initiative proves to the whole world Egypts effective contribution to the global climate effort. The climate champion confirmed that the initiative will continue to be held in the coming years and could be enlarged to include more categories such as the newly re-emergent cooperatives sector. The initiative is part of Egypts National Climate Change Strategy 2050, and it will chart a map for each governorate's smart green projects, connecting them with funding agencies and attracting the necessary investments. It is also tightly linked to Egypts 2030 Vision, which means that it is not a temporary measure. The initiatives goal is to localise sustainable development and investment in all of Egypt's cities and villages, according to previous remarks by Mohieldin. The initiative covers six categories of projects: megaprojects; medium projects; small and local projects, especially those related to Decent Life presidential initiative; startups; non-profit social initiatives and development projects related to women, climate change and sustainability. A total of 6,281 projects across the six categories have been registered. The jury will select the best six projects in each governorate (one for each category), which will be presented in the final stage. In the final stage, the jury will pick the best three projects in each category, for a total of 18 winners. In addition, each governor will each pick one project to represent their governorate. Search Keywords: Short link: French cement giant Lafarge SA will pay a $778 million fine to the US Justice Department for supporting terror groups including Islamic State group during the Syrian civil war, the company announced Tuesday. The US Justice Department said the company and its Syrian subsidiary actively sought the Islamic State (IS) group's help to squeeze out competitors when the radical Islamists controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq in 2013-2014, operating an effective "revenue sharing agreement" with them. It also paid access and protection money to associates of IS and the similarly radical Al-Nusrah Front, ultimately earning some $70 million in revenues during the period, with a Lafarge executive saying the cooperation was "to share the cake." Lafarge agreed to the fine and to plead guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to US-designated foreign terrorist organizations, the first time a corporation has faced the charge. 'Unthinkable choice' US officials said the company, now owned by Swiss giant Holcim Group, made itself a handmaiden to terror for profits. "In the midst of a civil war, Lafarge made the unthinkable choice to put money into the hands of ISIS, one of the world's most barbaric terrorist organizations, so that it could continue selling cement," Justice Department prosecutor Breon Peace said, using another acronym for IS. "This unprecedented charge and resolution reflect the extraordinary crimes committed and demonstrates that corporations that take actions in contravention of our national security interests in violation of the law will be held to account," Peace said. In a statement, Lafarge said the company and its defunct subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria "have accepted responsibility for the actions of the individual executives involved." "We deeply regret that this conduct occurred and have worked with the US Department of Justice to resolve this matter." Holcim, which took over Lafarge in 2015 without knowledge of the Syria business dealings, said it had been cleared of any wrongdoing by US authorities. "None of the conduct involved Holcim, which has never operated in Syria, or any Lafarge operations or employees in the United States," it said in a separate statement. Millions in payments Lafarge began operating a 680 million euro ($670 million) cement plant in the Jalabiyeh region of Northern Syria in 2010, the year IS swept the region with a brutal campaign to establish its extremist "califate." That sparked a counter-offensive by the Iraq military and Syrian Kurdish forces backed by the US-led international coalition in the region. The US designated IS and Al-Nusrah terror organizations, threatening tough penalties against anyone who worked with them. Rather than withdraw like other companies, Lafarge kept working to market its cement, the Justice Department said. From 2013 to 2104, it paid IS and Al-Nusrah around $5.9 million, some for raw materials, some as payments based on the volume of cement sold and some simply as monthly "donations," the department said. Lafarge paid another $1.1 million to intermediaries facilitating business with the two groups. The firm also worked out a deal with IS to make it harder for cheaper Turkish cement suppliers to sell their goods in the same area, effectively allowing Lafarge to keep its prices higher, according to US authorities. Sharing 'the cake' Company executives knew of the arrangement, the Justice Department said. In 2014, a senior supervisory official who reported directly to Lafarge's chief executive wrote to officials in the Syria subsidiary about negotiations with IS. "We have to maintain the principle that we are ready to share the 'cake,' if there is a 'cake,'" he wrote, defining cake as "profit." Lafarge "negotiated and made unlawful payments at a time when these groups were gaining territory and brutalizing innocent civilians in Syria and elsewhere and were actively plotting against Americans," said US Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen in a New York press conference. Lafarge still faces trial in France on a charge of complicity in crimes against humanity. In May, a French appeals court approved the charge, opening the door for a trial of the company and eight executives, including former CEO Bruno Lafont. Lafarge continues to fight that case. Rights activists hope the case will serve as a bellwether for prosecuting multinationals accused of turning a blind eye to human rights violations as they operate in war-torn countries. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypts Ministry of Finance announced on Tuesday that the delegations participating in the 27th session of the United Nations Conference on Climate change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh in November will be exempted from taxes on entering the country. The ministry's announcement came as part of a presentation of the facilities that will be provided to participants in the conference, which will be held from 6 to 18 November. The Egyptian Tax Authority and Customs Authority have formed a committee to facilitate customs release procedures for consignments. A central operations room was set up at Cairo International Airport to instantly remove any obstacles to customs release, the ministry said. A bonded area has also been created at Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport to complete cargo customs clearance procedures. Import consignments will be examined by representatives of concerned authorities to speed up the decision-making process and ensure streamlining of customs release procedures. The ministry stated that during COP27, letters of undertaking delivered by companies will be accepted as a substitute for letters of bank guarantee or cash guarantee. Import release will be on a temporary release basis. Also, all import shipments connected to COP27 will be exempted from Advance Cargo Information (ACI) Registration at all customs ports, the ministry stated. Passengers must declare to authorities any amounts of foreign currency or tradable financial or commercial bonds they have which exceed the limits allowed to those who enter Egypt. Items for personal use are, however, exempted, the statement read. Non-Egyptian passengers departing Egypt will be allowed to travel with any extra amounts as long as these amounts were declared to customs at the time of arrival. Passengers will be forbidden to bring any prohibited items. The ministry also announced that it is facilitating refunding of the VAT to foreign departing passengers in cooperation with the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), and Banque Misr (BM). Finance Minister Mohamed Maait also announced on Tuesday the launch of the COP27 Simplified Customs Procedures Manual. Maait stated that the manual was available in both Arabic and English and that it included information on import customs under the temporary release system. Furthermore, it included information on procedures for temporary cargo release for exhibitions and re-exports as well as on VAT refunds for foreign departing passengers. The manual can be found on the official COP27 website, on the Ministry of Finance website, and on other related authorities websites. Search Keywords: Short link: Renowned Egyptologist and former minister of antiquities Zahi Hawass published on Wednesday on his website and Instagram account an international petition on Change.org calling for the return of the two iconic ancient Egyptian artefacts the Rosetta Stone, from the British Museum in London, and the Dendera Zodiac, from the Louvre Museum in Paris. It was planned to ask for these two pieces in 2011 but the circumstances at that time impeded their immediate return, Hawass said. He added that the two pieces left Egypt illegally and they need to be returned. The new state-of-the-art Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled for opening next year, is waiting for them to return home, Hawass said. Returning these two iconic artefacts to Egypt would be an important acknowledgment of the commitment of Western museums to decolonise their collections and make reparations for the past, Hawass pointed out. In the petition he called on the international community to demand the repatriation of the two objects and asked them to sign and share this petition. We need to show that the world knows that these objects belong to Egypt. The signatories of this petition support the above-mentioned requests for repatriation. We ask that everyone who loves and appreciates ancient Egypt signs and supports us in this cause. When we can show that the entire international community knows that these objects belong in their Egyptian home, we can demand action from the museums, the petition read. This is not the first time that Hawass has asked for the return of these artefacts. In 2005, when he was secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), he had said at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin, held at the UN cultural agency UNESCO in Paris, that Egypt has been deprived of five key items of the countrys cultural heritage and that these should be handed over to their homeland. Hawass explained that the Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799 in the Nile Delta town of Rosetta by soldiers in Napoleons expedition to Egypt. In 1801, the French surrendered to Britain, and the stone fell into the hands of British officials who sent it to London. The following year, it was presented to the British Museum, where it is still the most visited exhibit. Dating from 196 BCE, the stone is inscribed with a royal decree of Ptolemy V in three scripts, hieroglyphic, demotic and ancient Greek, and in 1822, this enabled French scholar Jean-Francois Champollion to make a breakthrough in deciphering hieroglyphics. Two modern inscriptions on the stone now record key moments in its modern history Captured in Egypt by the British Army in 1801 and Presented by King George III. Hawass continued that the loss of the Dendera Temple Zodiac Ceiling to the Louvre Museum in Paris is felt not only for its artistic value, but also because it demonstrates what the science of astrology owed to the ancient Egyptians. When General Desaix, a member of Napoleons expedition to Egypt, set eyes on the ceiling he was so enchanted that he commissioned the artist Denon to draw it for the Description de LEgypte, the record the expedition put together of its exploration of Egypt. When French collector Sebastien Saulnier saw the Zodiac Ceiling, he decided that such a remarkable piece should belong to France. Because he did not want others to hear of his plan, he announced that he was excavating at Thebes, where he bought some mummies and antiquities to cover his tracks. At that time, some English visitors were also sketching at Dendera, and only after they left did Saulnier return. He and his French agent then set about removing the Ceiling of the Temple. It then arrived in Paris and was sold to King Louis XVIII for 150,000 francs. Search Keywords: Short link: Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt and UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, revealed on Wednesday that the 27th session of the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP27) is preparing a criteria paper for public and private climate action financing. The paper intends to direct money to the activities, sectors and countries that are most in need, and push developed countries toward fulfilling their climate related pledges. Mohieldin made the remarks via video at Benha University's first annual conference of humanities postgraduate studies. The climate champion said that the five regional forums initiative launched by Egypt's presidency of COP27, UN regional economic commissions and HLCs, aims mainly to link regional projects, investments and finance entities in unprecedented ways in order to find projects that can benefit from the $130 trillion GFANZ finance and other sources of financing. Mohieldin said that the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects launched by Egypt is an unprecedented initiative across all countries that hosted the previous COPs, and it aims to localise climate action and scale up the participation of local actors such as governorates, municipalities, volunteer work entities, NGOs, universities and scientific research centres. He explained that local actors have registered 6,281 projects, the best 18 of which will be selected based on compatibility with environmental and climate goals and making the most of digitalisation and technology development. Twenty-seven projects will be selected by governors (one for each governorate) to represent the governorate, and the competition will be held annually as it succeeded in setting an investment map across Egypts governorates. Mohieldin said the priorities of COP27 include adopting a holistic climate action approach that balances mitigation and adaptation measures, addresses losses and damages, and mobilises sufficient finances for climate activities, turning pledges and commitments into actual implementation, enhancing local and regional aspects of climate action to integrate with the global effort, and applying the previously mentioned mechanisms of financing climate action. Search Keywords: Short link: CCTV: Economic globalization has encountered headwinds in recent years, and the World Openness Index continues to decline. Some countries have been calling for decoupling and breaking industrial and supply chains. In the meantime, China has repeatedly stressed that its door will only open wider and will never be closed. The achievements of Chinas high-level opening-up have gained recognition from the international media. How does China view this? Wang Wenbin: Opening-up is Chinas fundamental national policy, and also the hallmark of contemporary China. President Xi Jinping stressed that Openness enables a country to move forward, while seclusion holds it back. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has firmly adhered to a win-win strategy of opening-up, and formed a new pattern of all-round opening-up in various fields and sectors. Over the past decade, despite headwinds against economic globalization, Chinas opening-up has still gained sound momentum. Chinas foreign trade has increased from $4.4 trillion to $6.9 trillion, becoming a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions and the worlds largest trading country. Chinas annual FDI in actual use has hit 1.15 trillion yuan, up from 700 billion yuan, ranking second globally for five consecutive years since 2017. The capital stock of Chinas FDI abroad has soared from less than $0.6 trillion to over $2.7 trillion, ranking third in the world. Over the past decade, China, despite rising unilateralism and protectionism in the world, has never stopped its efforts to build a new system of an open economy at a higher level. China has established 21 free trade pilot zones as a result of high-level institutional opening-up. The Hainan free trade port has witnessed a good start. The negative list for foreign investment in pilot free trade zones has been shortened by more than 85% from 190 items to 27. China has signed 9 more free trade agreements, bringing the total number to 19. The Regional Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (RCEP) that came into effect on January 1 this year is the largest free trade zone in the world. Over the past decade, a more open China has shared its development opportunities with other countries, and Chinas market has become a market for the world, a market shared by all, and a market accessible to all. China has taken initiatives to lower its tariffs on goods, and its overall tariff level has been slashed to 7.4%, even lower than the 9.8% commitment made upon accession to WTO. Besides, China has granted zero-tariff treatment on 98% of taxable items originating in 16 Least Developed Countries. We have held the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the worlds first import expo held at the national level, with deals worth a total of $272.27 billion over the past four CIIEs. More and more multinational companies regard China as an important investment destination and believe that to invest in China is to invest in the future. The current international situation is unstable and volatile, with rising uncertainties in global economic recovery. However, the Chinese economys strong resilience, enormous potential, and the fundamentals sustaining long-term sound development will stay unchanged, and Chinas resolve to advance a high-level opening-up and build a market-oriented and law-based international business environment will stay unchanged. In the future, China will stay committed to the fundamental national policy of opening-up, and firmly follow a win-win strategy of opening-up. We will continue to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and expand opening-up based on institutions, rules, regulations, management and standards, to share the fruits of Chinas development, provide more development opportunities for other countries, and create larger space for win-win cooperation between China and the world. Shenzhen TV: WHO said on October 19 that it is too early to lift the highest-level alert for the COVID crisis, with the pandemic remaining a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) despite recent progress. Do you have any comment? Wang Wenbin: We noted relevant reports. The Chinese side has been closely following the developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID metrics remain elevated and the constant mutation of the virus points to great uncertainties. The COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet. WHO in recent days urged countries to keep doing what is working and warned against letting down guard. It called for stronger effort to step up test services to track mutations of the virus and boost vaccination, put in place effective public health measures including those propping up personal protection so that we are in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese government is always guided by a people-first, life-first philosophy. On COVID, it follows the approach of preventing imported cases and resurgence at home and a dynamic zero-COVID policy. We work hard to contain the pandemic and ensure economic development at the same time, adjust our prevention and control protocols based on the changing conditions, and pursue science-based and precision-oriented measures to protect peoples life, health and safety. We have every confidence in winning this hard battle and making greater contributions to global solidarity against the virus. The Paper: It is reported that according to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia expressed the desire to join BRICS. What is Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: BRICS came into being in the wake of the arrival of an era of major development, transformation and adjustment. For 16 years since its inception, it has delivered fruitful outcomes, making important contributions to the cause of world peace and development. That is why BRICS has gained extensive recognition and support from the international community. More and more countries want to be a member of BRICS, make joint efforts to overcome difficulties and challenges, and realize common development and prosperity. As the BRICS chair for this year, China has actively supported the BRICS in starting the membership expansion process and advanced the BRICS Plus cooperation. The 14th BRICS Summit was successfully held in June this year. President Xi Jinping noted at the meeting that BRICS countries gather not in a closed club or an exclusive circle, but a big family of mutual support and a partnership for win-win cooperation. At the summit, BRICS leaders reached important common understandings about BRICS expansion and expressed support for discussion on the standards and procedures of the expansion. This has been well received in the international community and many countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS. China supports and welcomes this. Going forward, China will work with fellow BRICS members to steadily proceed with the BRICS expansion process and enable more partners to join this promising endeavor. CCTV: Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, China has made remarkable achievements in ecological conservation and made important contribution to promoting global climate governance. Due to the energy crisis, many European countries have recently delayed coal exit and emissions reduction plans. Under such circumstances, will China still commit itself to green and low-carbon transformation? Wang Wenbin: Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, Chinas ecological and environmental protection has seen historical, transformative and comprehensive change. People are in action to build a beautiful China across the entire society. The philosophy that clean waters and green mountains are just as valuable as gold and silver has taken roots in the hearts of the people. China has made phenomenal achievements in energy conservation, carbon reduction and emissions cut. China has set targets for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality and will achieve the largest reduction in carbon intensity the world has ever seen and move from carbon peaking to carbon neutrality within the shortest time in world history. In the past decade, green development has become a defining feature of Chinas high-quality economic and social development. The share of coal in Chinas energy mix has registered the fastest drop in history to 56%. Non-fossil fuel accounted for 16.6% of all energy consumption in China. Chinas installed capacity of renewable energy accounts for more than one third of the worlds total, exceeding one billion kilowatt. China ranks first in the world in terms of the installed capacity of wind power, solar power, hydro power and biomass. Chinas forest area has grown to 227 million hectares, making it the worlds leading force for greening our planet. China has supported its 6.5% average economic growth with an average annual growth of 3% in energy consumption. China has not only pursued the path of green development itself, but also constructively participated in the multilateral process on climate change and made historic contributions to the conclusion, entry into force and implementation of the Paris Agreement. We continue to deepen South-South cooperation on climate change and do our best to help fellow developing countries enhance their capacity to address climate change. To date, China has allocated more than 1.2 billion yuan for South-South cooperation on climate change, signed 43 South-South cooperation documents on climate change with 38 developing countries, and trained some 2,000 officials and professional personnel specializing in climate response from over 120 developing countries. Currently, global climate governance is facing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, sluggish economy, and energy and food crises. Some countries are rolling back their climate policies. We hope they will overcome the difficulties as soon as possible, return to the right track of low-carbon and green development and jointly strive to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. China is firmly committed to green, low-carbon and sustainable development. We will accelerate the green transformation of our development model, promote harmonious coexistence between humanity and Nature, take an active part in global climate governance, and make new, greater contribution to building a beautiful China and a beautiful world. Egypts Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Motors (GM) and Al-Mansour Automotive Group on Tuesday for them to become the exclusive principal mobility partner for the 27th session of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh 6-18 November. Related Egyptian real estate developer SODIC added to sponsors of COP27 According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, GM and Al-Mansour Automotive will provide 150 electric vehicles to facilitate transporting VIPs, dignitaries and participants in the conference to help reduce tailpipe carbon emissions in Sharm El-Sheikh during COP27. The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo by Ashraf Ibrahim, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and the General Coordinator of the COP27 conference, Sharon Nishi, Managing Director of General Motors Egypt and North Africa, and Ankush Arora, CEO of Al-Mansour Automotive. This contributes to providing the highest levels of mobility services for participants and visitors to the conference, stressing the pivotal role played by the private sector in promoting sustainable business models and supporting climate goals and the keenness of the Egyptian government to actively engage the private sector along with development partners, international financial institutions and multilateral development banks in promoting sustainable business models and supporting climate goals, said Ibrahim as he welcomed General Motors and Al-Mansour Automotive as the exclusive mobility partner of COP27. GM is delighted to support COP27 as the Mobility Principal Partner to showcase our EV line-up and drive toward an all-electric future. GM is committed to our global vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion, enabled through leadership in electrification, connectivity and autonomous technology, Sharon Nishi, Managing Director of General Motors Egypt and North Africa said. She added that GM was driven to help create a forum that highlights key policy issues and priorities needed to pave the road for future electric vehicles and local industrialisation plans in Egypt, as well as help reduce carbon emissions. We are pleased to sign an MoU with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This partnership is perfectly in line with Al-Mansour Automotives strategic goals, as a leading company, to reshape and transform the Egyptian Automotive industry in a way that conforms with Egypt 2030 sustainability vision. Our partnership also accords with the conference's objectives of reducing tailpipe carbon emissions to protect the planet from climate change," said Ankush Arora, CEO of Al-Mansour Automotive. GM stood alongside other companies, governments and civil society organisations at COP26 to support the declaration on rapidly accelerating the car industry's transition to zero emission new cars and vans in leading markets by 2035 or earlier. The American automotive giant is investing $35 billion through 2025 in EV and AV projects to lead the transformation of the industry towards a more sustainable future. GM and Al-Mansour Automotive Group had previously signed an MoU to explore investment opportunities in emerging Egyptian companies that aim to provide new technologies or solutions supporting sustainable mobility. Search Keywords: Short link: With the release of 35 detainees on Thursday the total number of released detainees now exceeds 1,000 , according to a statement by the Presidential Pardon committee published by MENA. The committee also stated that new batches of pretrial detainees will be released next week. Committee member Tarek El-Awady has specified on his twitter account that 1,040 pretrial detainees have been released as well as 12 prisoners who received presidential pardons. The committee also praised its collaboration with Prosecutor General Hamada El-Sawy and Minister of Interior Mahmoud Tawfik in securing the release of detainees. Furthermore, the committee affirmed that it has received several suggestions on names eligible to receive pardon. These names were submitted by political parties and the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR). Many youths along with a host of journalists and women have been released, added the committee. The committee, meanwhile, underscored its impartiality and objectivity, and that its mission complies with the National Strategy for Human Rights. Since the reactivation of the Presidential Pardon Committee in April, President El-Sisi has also pardoned a number of high-profile political activists who had received final sentences, such as Hossam Mones, Yehia Abdel-Hady and Hisham Fouad. The pardon committee, which was originally formed in 2016, is an advisory body to the president which receives suggestions for names to be considered for pardon. The final decision on eligibility for pardon rests with the president. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt calls for the immediate cessation of the vicious circle of ongoing violence, assaults, and provocations and the provision of security to civilians whose lives and resources are jeopardised day after day, a statement by the foreign ministry read on Thursday. The ministry said it is following closely and with deep concern Israel's continued violations and dangerous escalation in the pace and intensity of violence in a number of Palestinian cities in the occupied West Bank and the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque in recent days. The foreign ministry also called on influencial powers and peace process partners to work on halting violence in the Palestinian lands and to take urgent action to calm the Palestinian-Israeli situation and encourage both sides to resume peace talks. Egypt has repeatedly called for the halt of Israeli violence in the West Bank and other Palestinian territories, warning that continued Israeli violations undermine peace endeavours. Cairo has also repeatedly stressed the need for the two parties to resume talks to reach a settlement based on the two-state solution. In the last years, Egypt brokered two ceasefire deals in the Gaza Strip between the Israeli and Palestinian sides. In recent months, the Israeli occupation forces have been conducting nightly raids and arresting tens across the West Bank,. Israeli forces have been using live rounds, tear gas, and stun grenades against Palestinian protesters. Dozens of Palestinians were injured in attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank in recent days. The Israeli army has laid siege to the city of Nablus city for 10 days in what has been described by the Palestinian presidency on Wednesday as a comprehensive war declaration against the Palestinian people and leadership. On Thursday, government institutions, educational facilities, and shops were closed across the occupied West Bank cities after the Fattah movement called for a general strike in condemnation of the Israeli killing of Odai Al-Tamimi. Al-Tamimi, 23, a resident of the Shuafat refugee camp, was killed in a fire exchange with Israeli forces at the entrance of an illegal Jewish settlement in Jerusalem after allegedly shooting dead an Israeli soldier on 8 October. Protests erupted on Wednesday night across the West Bank after Al-Tamimis death. On Wednesday, the Arab League condemned the systematic Israeli aggressions against Palestinians in the West Bank, warning that such escalation could trigger a violent backlash and destabilise the region and the world. More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and tens others injured by Israeli forces since the beginning of the year, the heaviest Palestinian death toll in the occupied West Bank in seven years, according to the United Nations. Around 475,000 armed Jewish settlers, who are protected by the Israeli army, live in settlements across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Egypt has repeatedly called on Israel to halt construction of settlements in the occupied territories, which are considered illegal under international law, in favor of a negotiated settlement to the conflict based on a two-state solution. Search Keywords: Short link: Al-Azhar the Sunni Muslim worlds top religious institution welcomed on Thursday Australias recent reversal of its 2018 recognition of West Jerusalem (known in Arabic as Al-Quds Al-Gharbiya) as Israels capital. The religious institution praised the Australian governments announcement and affirmed its position on Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Palestine, according to a statement. Al-Azhar reiterated its lack of tolerance for any violation of Palestinians' rights in reclaiming their land and establishing an independent state. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the second largest organization after the United Nations with 57 member states in four continents, also welcomed the decision. The Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the recognition had been a result of a promise made by former Conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison to win a by-election in Wentworth, an Australian electoral division with a large Jewish population. Wong added that Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders. Moreover, the Australian top diplomat said that both she and the current Labor party government were supporters of the Palestinian people and that the Australian government has provided humanitarian support every year since 1951 and advocated for resumed peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have been using live rounds, tear gas, and stun grenades against Palestinian protesters in recent days, leading to dozens of Palestinians injured in the West Bank. Egypt called on Thursday for the immediate cessation of ongoing violence, assaults and provocations and for providing security to civilians whose lives and resources were constantly endangered, a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said it is following closely and with deep concern Israel's continued violations and dangerous escalation. It urged major powers and peace process partners to work on halting violence in the Palestinian lands and to take immediate action to reduce tensions between Palestinian and Israelis and encourage them to resume peace talks. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian doctors ranked among the top five 'joiner doctors' who joined the UK medical workforce in 2021, according to a report released the British General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC, a UK public body responsible for maintaining the official register of medical practitioners within the kingdom, said that Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian and Sudanese doctors were the other four nationalities in the top five who joined the kingdom's medical system that year. The GMC report also found that the number of Egyptian as well as Chinese and Sudanese - doctors who joined the UK's medical system tripled between 2017 and 2021. It explained that the number of Egyptian doctors who joined the UK medical workforce was 435 in 2017 and increased to 765 in 2018. But, these numbers, it added, increased by almost 200 percent in the following three years on average, registering 1,301 in 2019, 1,220 in 2020, and 1,312 in 2021. More IMGs - less UK and European The GMC report analysed statistics related to the UK medical workforce and discussed various challenges that faced the kingdom's medical system in 2022. It found that the number of international medical graduates (IMGs) who joined the UK workforce in 2021 exceeded the numbers of graduates from UK and European Economic Area (EEA) who joined the kingdom's workforce. These increasing numbers of IMGs came primarily from doctors from South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the report found. Doctors from these three regions comprised 84 percent of all 'IMG joiners' in 2021 at 8,900 doctors, a number which actually exceeded the number of 8,200 UK graduates who joined the country's workforce in the same year, the report added. According to the GMC report, the 'joiner doctor' category includes doctors who obtained a license to practice medicine in the year before applying for a job in the UK medical system. The single fastest route to becoming a 'joiner doctor' is through enrollment in the UK's medical graduate programmes, the GMC report found. Egyptian doctors: Challenges and solutions In recent decades, Egyptian doctors have faced increasing financial difficulties due to low pay as well as an increasing workload amid population growth. According to a March 2019 study released by the ministries of health and higher education, the numbers of doctors who held a license to practice medicine in Egypt were estimated at 212,000 in 2018, with 82,000 of them or 38 percent of the total - working in hospitals, both public and private. The study also found there was an average of 8.6 doctors for every 10,000 citizen - or one doctor for every 1,162 citizen, when the global average was 23 doctors for every 10,000 citizen or one doctor for every 434. The Egyptian Medical Syndicate, which represents the country's doctors, said in a report in April of this year that the doctor-to-citizen ratio improved to 9.2 doctors for every 10,000 citizen by March 2022 but remained far short of the global average. The syndicate also said that 11,536 doctors resigned from the Egyptian public health sector from 2019 through March 2022. Though these numbers do not represent more than five percent of the total of practicing physicians in the country, still, they have pushed many in the public to call on the government to improve the work conditions and salaries for doctors in order to stop any "doctors exodus" - real or not - and prevent any acute shortages that could impact the health system adversely. The government has responded to these public calls by increasing the number of medicine faculties in the last few years in order to graduate more physicians. It has also increased spending on the health sector to EGP 128 billion in the budget for the FY 2022/23 up from EGP 108 billion in 2021/2022 an 18.5 percent increase. In 2021, the government, as per President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's directives, raised salaries and allowances for doctors and nurses in the public health sector by 75 percent. Last August, President El-Sisi also instructed the government to offer financial incentive package for medical staff to improve their work conditions and raise their incomes. Search Keywords: Short link: London-listed ruby mining giant Gemfields said Thursday it has ceased operations at a mine in northern Mozambique's restive Cabo Delgado province following a jihadist attack at a neighbouring site. The Thursday morning assault occurred at a facility belonging to India-headquartered Gemrock which neighbours Gemfields' Montepuez Ruby Mine (MRM). Following the attack, Gemfields "has initiated the process of evacuating operational employees and contractors, and therefore mining operations at the site have ceased", it said in a statement. No fatalities have been reported at the mine and "details of the attack are being verified", Gemfields added. According to the precious gem miner, the military was being deployed to shore up police and mine security on the ground. A deadly insurgency erupted in gas-rich northern Mozambique, near the Tanzanian border, five years ago -- concentrated mainly in and around coastal areas. A regional military mission deployed last year had restored a sense of security, pushing militants from some of their traditional turf. But the insurgent attacks are spilling inland. Montepuez, which is situated inland, had largely been spared until recently. A deadly March 2021 attack on the coastal city of Palma by fighters affiliated to the Islamic State group also put the brakes on a $20-billion gas project by French energy giant TotalEnergies. The insurgency has claimed more than 4,300 lives and displaced some 820,000 people since the unrest erupted in October 2017. Search Keywords: Short link: Russia stayed away Thursday from a UN committee raking over the human rights situation in the country in what is meant to be a process aimed at constructive improvement. The experts had been due to come face to face with Russian delegates at a public meeting over two days, but Friday's second session was cancelled given Moscow's absence. "I regret that the Russian Federation hasn't sent a delegation to respond," said Marcia V. J Kran of Canada, a member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The body of 18 independent experts monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its state parties and conducts regular country reviews. During the session, they voiced serious concerns about the rights situation in the country. "We observe a disturbing trend of legal action against politicians who criticise the government," said Kran. "We also have a serious concern about the use of sophisticated, state-developed poisons to silence, punish and kill at least a dozen prominent dissidents, opposition leaders and activists in the past decade." Tunisian expert Yadh Ben Achour said there were documented cases of torture and also denounced the significant amount of hate speech. That, he said, was sometimes accompanied by violence, targeting migrants, especially Muslims, but also LGBTQ people, Roma -- and Ukrainians, particularly since Russia's annexation of the peninsula. Photini Pazartzis, chair of the committee said Russia had 48 days to provide any information it wished in writing. Speaking earlier Thursday to journalists, Russia's ambassador to the UN in Geneva outlined his country's vision regarding its participation in UN forums. "The United States and their allies are trying to hamper our participation and the work of international organisations, but this will not happen because we will continue," Gennady Gatilov said. "A number of like-minded countries will support our opposition." The Human Rights Council -- from which Russia was ousted following its invasion of Ukraine in February -- had become "more and more politicised", he said. Search Keywords: Short link: More than 100 Palestinian have been killed since the start of the year, the heaviest toll in the occupied West Bank for nearly seven years, according to the United Nations. A Palestinian man was killed on Wednesday in the occupied West Bank, an AFP correspondent said, after what Israeli police described as a gun attack against Israelis at the entrance to a settlement. The man "fired at the entrance of Maale Adumim (settlement) towards security guards... wounding one of them in the hand before being neutralised by the other guards," the Israeli police said in a statement, while an AFP photographer saw the body of the alleged assailant. The Magen David Adom, Israel's equivalent of the Red Cross, confirmed it treated "a man in his twenties with an injured hand" who was then taken to a Jerusalem hospital. Maale Adumim is one of the biggest Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Violence has surged in recent months in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, amid near daily West Bank raids by Israeli occupation army and an uptick in attacks on troops. The expansion of military operations in Jenin and elsewhere in the West Bank followed deadly attacks on Israelis earlier this year. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War. Around 475,000 Israelis now live in settlements across the territory, which are considered illegal by international law. They live alongside some 2.8 million Palestinians, who in different areas of the West Bank are subject to Israeli military rule or live under limited Palestinian governance. Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli settlers stormed on Wednesday evening Huwara, a Palestinian town in the north of the occupied West Bank near the city of Nablus, throwing stones at Palestinian cars and also pepper-spraying Israeli army soldiers who got in the way. The latest Israeli settlers' rampage comes as the Israeli army continues to lay siege to the city of Nablus city for a 10th straight day in what has been described by the Palestinian presidency on Wednesday as a comprehensive war declaration against the Palestinian people and leadership. Also on Thursday, Palestinian health officials said a 16-year-old Palestinian was killed after being wounded in clashes with Israeli troops late last month. Meanwhile, the Fatah movement and national Palestinian forces called for a general strike today throughout the West Bank including occupied East Jerusalem to protest Israeli violence. They called on residents to raise black flags over institutions and homes "to mourn the soul of Uday Al-Tamimi and condemn the ongoing crimes of the occupation against our people." according to the Palestinian news agency (WAFA). Al-Tamimi, 23, a resident of the Shuafat refugee camp, was killed in a fire exchange with Israeli forces at the entrance of an illegal Jewish settlement in Jerusalem after allegedly shooting dead an Israeli soldier on 8 October. Protests erupted on Wednesday night across the West Bank after Al-Tamimis death. Earlier today, Egypt called on Israel to stop assaults on the Palestinians in the West Bank. Egypt calls for the immediate cessation of the vicious circle of ongoing violence, assaults, and provocations and the provision of security to civilians whose lives and resources are jeopardised day after day. On Wednesday, the Arab League condemned "the systematic Israeli aggressions against Palestinians in the West Bank," warning that such escalation could trigger a violent backlash and destabilise the region and the world. Some 500,000 Jewish settlers now live in the West Bank in some 130 settlements, which are illegal under international law. More than 120 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank and East Jerusalem this year, making 2022 the deadliest year in terms of Palestinian loss of life since 2015. Search Keywords: Short link: Flashmob-style protests, images beamed onto tower blocks, water fountains dyed blood-red: young Iranians armed with little more than their phones have adopted a slew of tactics to give demonstrations over Mahsa Amini's death-staying power. The protest movement is showing it can go the distance more than one month after it sprung up, in spite of a crackdown by the security forces that has cost at least 122 lives. The protests erupted in response to the death of Amini, 22, after her arrest by the morality police in Tehran for allegedly violating the Islamic republic's strict dress code. Women have led the charge, discarding and burning their headscarves, marching and chanting "Woman, life, freedom", actions copied around the world. Despite internet curbs cutting access to popular apps like Instagram and WhatsApp, savvy youngsters have still managed to get out videos of their protests. In a game of cat and mouse, drivers have honked horns in support of the protesters and blocked roads with cars to slow the security forces, footage has shown. Streets have also been obstructed by toppled and burning dumpster bins, and in some cases overturned police cars. The security forces have responded by taking to motorbikes to cut through traffic, and have been seen tearing off number plates to identify the drivers for arrest later. Officers riding pillion are often seen firing on demonstrators with birdshot, teargas, or even paintballs to mark and eventually track them down. 'Disarming the repression machinery' Youths have in turn taken to wearing masks, switching their phones to "airplane mode" to avoid being located and packing extra clothes to replace those splattered with paint. In a video shared on social media, protesters dismantled a surveillance camera high above a road in Sanandaj, a city in Amini's home province of Kurdistan. Protesters have been seen staging more numerous but smaller, pop-up gatherings away from city squares typical for demonstrations. "Compared to previous protests this new round is more decentralised, without a particular leadership and organisation and a particular demand like a policy change," said Omid Memarian, senior Iran analyst at Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN). "Instead this has been all about 'Death to the dictator' and that the Islamic republic should go. This is a major departure. "It has disarmed the repression machinery that is trained to crack down on mass protests, student protests and the like," he told AFP. Women have been filmed cutting their own hair at protests, a symbol of sorrow turned into a show of resistance with roots in Persian folklore. Those too intimidated to take to the streets have found other, more discreet ways of contributing to the cause. One form of protest emerged two weeks ago, with fountains in Tehran appearing to be filled with blood after an artist turned their waters red to reflect the lethal crackdown. In the same vein, art students at a Tehran university shot a video showing their hands raised in the air and covered in red paint. On the same day, activists from the Edalat-e Ali group hacked a state television live news broadcast, superimposing crosshairs and flames over an image of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Images shared online this week showed an effigy of a cleric hanging from a Tehran highway overpass. In a video taken one night, Amini's face was projected onto the side of a residential tower block in Ekbatan Town, in Tehran, as protesters chanted slogans from the safety of windows or rooftops. And in a video that appeared Wednesday, two bare-headed women standing in front of a sign that reads "Hugs for those who are sorrowful" are seen embracing passersby on a street in Ekbatan. 'Unstable equilibrium' Schoolgirls have even taken up the baton, turning their backs to the camera and removing their hijabs before raising their middle fingers at classroom portraits of Khamenei. Independent researcher Mark Pyruz said his analysis of visual evidence on social media showed the high point of the protests was September 21, and that turnout decreased this month. But "while experiencing peaks and troughs, there remains a level of sustainability not seen in previous protest periods," such as 2019 demonstrations sparked by a shock fuel price hike, he told AFP. Henry Rome, an Iran specialist at the Washington Institute, said he expects the protests to carry on for some time. "The more organised and coordinated they become, the greater the chance they can broaden their base of support and present a clear, near-term challenge to the system," he told AFP. "But the state's security apparatus excels at disrupting precisely that type of organised opposition, with a well-honed toolkit of violence, arrests, internet disruptions and intimidation. "So, for the time being, the state and the protesters are in an unstable equilibrium, with neither able to overcome the challenge posed by the other, which suggests that these current protests and violence could persist for an extended period." Search Keywords: Short link: As protests rage at home, Iran's theocratic government is flexing its military muscle abroad: Tehran has supplied drones to Russia that killed Ukrainian civilians, ran drills in a border region with Azerbaijan and bombed Kurdish positions in Iraq. Those moves show Iran's leaders trying to rally hard-line support within the country as weekslong demonstrations continue over the Sept. 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of the country's morality police. They also serve as a reminder to the wider Middle East and the West that Iran's government remains willing to use force both abroad and at home to stay in power. Further raising the risk of destabilization is Iran's nuclear program. Tehran now has enough highly enriched uranium to build an atomic bomb if it chooses _ and continues to make more as negotiations over its tattered deal with world powers have collapsed. Online videos from Iran show people from all walks of life, from school-age children to the elderly, taking part in the protests that activists say have swept across over 100 cities since Amini's death. Women have removed their hijabs in demonstrations and in the course of the daily life in Tehran. Even the threat of arrest, beatings and even deadly violence by security forces haven't quelled the anger as Iran faces worsening economic woes. Activist groups say thousands already have been detained and over 200 people killed. Iran's government, meanwhile, has tried to provide counter-programming, rallying flag-waving men and women in the all-encompassing black chador for events in Tehran and elsewhere. Late Thursday, the semiofficial ISNA news agency quoted Iran's deputy judiciary chief, Kazem Gharibabadi, as saying 30 members of the security forces were killed and more than 5,000 were injured in the protests. Rallying its supporters remains crucial for Iran's government as it faces its worst crisis since the 2009 Green Movement protests. As part of that effort, Iran has tried to show in recent weeks that it is able to strike back at its enemies, whether real or perceived. Its first strikes came in late September, as Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard unleashed drone and missile attacks on areas that are home to Kurdish separatists living across the border in Iraq. Kurdish officials say those attacks killed at least 16 people, including one American citizen, and wounded dozens more. At the time, Iran alleged _ without providing evidence _ that Kurdish separatists sparked the demonstrations over the death of Amini, a Kurd. Rumors persist of a heavy military presence in western Iran as security forces clashed repeatedly with demonstrators in Kurdish areas. There has also been military activity on Iran's northern border with Azerbaijan, where the Revolutionary Guard, answerable only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has run military drills over several days. On Wednesday, the semiofficial Tasnim news agency published video of Guard troops installing pontoon bridges across the Aras River on the border, then driving tanks and trucks across it. Azerbaijan has been locked in cyclical fighting with Armenia, with the latest round killing 176 soldiers in September. Azerbaijan's ties to Israel have angered Tehran, particularly as 69% of all its major arms imports came from Israel in the period between 2016 to 2020, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Iran also wants to maintain its 44-kilometer (27-mile) border with landlocked Armenia _ something that could be threatened if Azerbaijan seizes new territory through warfare. Then there's Russia's war on Ukraine. As Moscow chewed through its stockpile of precision-guided munitions in the monthslong war, it turned to Iran to supply it with low-cost ``suicide'' drones. They function like a slow-moving cruise missile, buzzing by close to the ground before diving in and exploding against a target on impact. In Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, Iran's Shahed-136 drones _ known for their distinctive triangle-shaped design _ have blown up apartment buildings and other targets. Iran and Russia have denied Tehran has supplied the drones _ but Khamenei in a speech on Wednesday telegraphed his approval of their deadly capabilities on the battlefield. ``A few years ago, when photographs of our advanced missile and drones were released, some said that they were Photoshopped,`` Khamenei said, according to a transcript on his official website. ``But now they're saying: `Iranian drones are very dangerous, why are you selling it to so and so? Why are you giving it to so and so?''' Meanwhile, Iran's nuclear program continues to accumulate more highly enriched uranium. Amid the continuing demonstrations, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price recently described efforts to create a road map to restore Iran's tattered 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as ``not our focus right now.`` While critics of Iran's crackdown on protesters applaud Washington's shift in language, a prolonged failure to restore the nuclear deal also raises the nuclear proliferation risks posed by Tehran _ potentially another trigger point for regional tensions. Iran now enriches uranium up to 60% purity _ a short step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. Iranian officials evenly have openly discussed pursuing a bomb in recent months, something once considered taboo. Israel has warned it will never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon _ and the country has carried out airstrikes in the past to destroy atomic programs in Iraq and Syria. That opens the risk for a wider conflict even as tensions over Iran's program have set the region at a low boil of violent incidents since 2019. Meanwhile, the United States continues to signal it remains ready to use force in the region if needed. Flyovers by nuclear-capable B-52 bombers begun under President Donald Trump's administration have continued under President Joe Biden. And early Thursday, the U.S. military's Central Command acknowledged its top commander boarded a nuclear-armed U.S. ballistic missile submarine in the Arabian Sea _ an unusual visit to one of America's top weapons in its atomic arsenal near Iran. Search Keywords: Short link: U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss was hanging on to power by a thread on Thursday after a senior minister quit her government with a barrage of criticism and a vote in the House of Commons descended into chaos and acrimony. A botched economic plan unveiled by the government last month triggered financial turmoil and a political crisis that has seen the replacement of Truss' Treasury chief, multiple policy U-turns and a breakdown of discipline in the governing Conservative Party. Many Conservatives say Truss must resign - but she has remained defiant, saying she is ``a fighter and not a quitter.'' Conservative lawmaker Simon Hoare said the government was in disarray. ``Nobody has a route plan. It's all sort of hand-to-hand fighting on a day-to-day basis,'' he told the BBC on Thursday. He said Truss had ``about 12 hours'' to turn the situation around. With opinion polls giving the Labour Party a large and growing lead, many Conservatives now believe their only hope of avoiding electoral oblivion is to replace Truss. But they are divided about how to get rid of her and as yet there is no front-runner to succeed her. A national election does not have to be held until 2024, and under Conservative Party rules, Truss technically is safe from a leadership challenge for a year. The rules can be changed if enough lawmakers want them. There is fevered speculation about how many lawmakers have already submitted letters calling for a no-confidence vote. In a major blow, Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigned Wednesday after breaching rules by sending an official document from her personal email account. She used her resignation letter to lambaste Truss, saying she had ``concerns about the direction of this government.'' ``The business of government relies upon people accepting responsibility for their mistakes,'' she said in a thinly veiled dig at Truss. Braverman was replaced as home secretary, the minister responsible for immigration and law and order, by former Cabinet minister Grant Shapps. Truss faced more turmoil in Parliament Wednesday evening on a vote over fracking for shale gas, a practice that Truss wants to resume despite opposition from many Conservatives. With a large Conservative majority in Parliament, an opposition call for a fracking ban was easily defeated, but some lawmakers were furious that Conservative Party whips said the vote would be treated as a confidence motion, meaning the government would fall if the motion passed. There were angry scenes in the House of Commons, with party whips accused of using heavy-handed tactics to gain votes. Labour lawmaker Chris Bryant said he ``saw members being physically manhandled ... and being bullied.'' Conservative officials denied there had been manhandling. Rumours swirled that Conservative Chief Whip Wendy Morton, who is responsible for party discipline, and her deputy had resigned. Hours later, Truss' office said both remained in their jobs. The dramatic developments came days after Truss fired her Treasury chief, Kwasi Kwarteng, on Friday after the economic package the pair unveiled Sept. 23 spooked financial markets and triggered an economic and political crisis. The plan's 45 billion pounds ($50 billion) in unfunded tax cuts sparked turmoil on financial markets, hammering the value of the pound and increasing the cost of U.K. government borrowing. The Bank of England was forced to intervene to prevent the crisis from spreading to the wider economy and putting pension funds at risk. On Monday Kwarteng's replacement, Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt, scrapped almost all of Truss' tax cuts, along with her flagship energy policy and her promise of no public spending cuts. He said the government will need to save billions of pounds and there are ``many difficult decisions'' to be made before he sets out a medium-term fiscal plan on Oct. 31. Speaking to lawmakers for the first time since the U-turn, Truss apologized Wednesday and admitted she had made mistakes during her six weeks in office, but insisted that by changing course she had ``taken responsibility and made the right decisions in the interest of the country's economic stability.'' Opposition lawmakers shouted ``Resign!'' as she spoke in the House of Commons. But she insisted: ``I am a fighter and not a quitter.`` Search Keywords: Short link: The opposition Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, called for an immediate general election shortly after the Tory leader announced her resignation on Thursday afternoon - less than six weeks in office amid an unforlding economic crisis. The opposition Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, called for an immediate general election shortly after the Tory leader announced her resignation on Thursday afternoon - less than six weeks in office amid an unforlding economic crisis. "The Tories cannot respond to their latest shambles by yet again simply clicking their fingers and shuffling the people at the top without the consent of the British people. We need a general election -- now, "Starmer stressed. "I'll run my course until a new Conservative leader is elected," Truss said outside of the cabinet headquarters. "I recognise that given the situation I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty King Charles III to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party," Truss added. A leadership election for MPs to select her successor will be "completed within the next week," she added. Despite Truss's resignation, her mini-financial plan will remain in effect until the end of the month, the HM Treasury said, according to Al-Arabiya news. In early continental reactions to Truss's resignation, French President Emmanuel Macron said "we hope that the UK find its political stability soon." Meanwhile, the White House stressed that "Washington will maintain close relations with anyone who succeeds Truss." "Her ignorance was catastrophic," The Russian foreign ministry said in a message on Telegram. Search Keywords: Short link: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly issued directives for extending the ban on rice export to meet the local market's needs. Madbouly's instructions came during his meeting on Thursday with Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali Moselhi to follow up on the Supply and Internal Trade Ministry's efforts to provide rice to the local market. The premier stressed the necessity of meeting the country's needs of strategic goods for six months, as part of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's directives in this regard, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian crisis that threatens global food security. The supply minister said his ministry is working to make rice available at cooperatives nationwide to reduce its price in the domestic market. Moselhi noted that the ministry has received 140,000 tons of rice from farmers since the beginning of the harvest season, which continues till mid-December. The ministry targets receiving some 1.5 million tons of long-grain rice from farmers during the current harvest season, Moselhi said. Search Keywords: Short link: Households and businesses across Europe have struggled with high electricity prices for months, though they have fallen since late August peaks. Electricity costs are intrinsically linked to natural gas prices, which spiked after Russia invaded Ukraine and drastically reduced flows of the fuel used to heat homes, generate power and run factories as the European Union sanctioned Moscow. Spain and Portugal have managed to free themselves from the EU pricing system and say the benefits are noticeable. It is offering a lesson to the 27-nation bloc as it works this week on ways to temper energy prices going into winter. While gas prices have fallen recently, helping bring down electricity costs, the winter heating season is ahead and there are uncertainties about supply and how cold it will get. Here's what to know about what has been dubbed the ``Iberian exception`` in Spain and Portugal and how it could influence EU discussions: HOW DOES NATURAL GAS AFFECT ELECTRICITY PRICES? Across the European Union, electricity prices are dependent on gas-fired power plants to fulfil demand and set prices. Each country's energy sectors, renewables, coal, nuclear and gas, contribute what they can to the energy grid throughout the day. Countries try to rely on the energy they produce first but resort to burning imported gas to ensure the electricity demand is met. Under the system designed in the early 1990s, the price of whichever energy source is most expensive in feeding the grid, nowadays, natural gas is the one that establishes the price for each megawatt of electricity provided by all the sources. The system was designed to favour more cost-efficient technologies. With prices having soared this year for Russian gas, which Europe relied on heavily before the war in Ukraine, the renewables, nuclear and other electricity generators have made massive financial gains from receiving the same price per megawatt as gas does, driving up the overall price of electricity. WHY ARE PRICES DIFFERENT IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL? In a bid to stem high energy bills for households and businesses, Spain and Portugal joined forces earlier this year to ask the EU's executive arm to allow them to skirt the bloc's rules on how electricity prices are set. They cited the large amounts of renewable energy they use, scant connections with the European power grid and small reliance on Russian gas. The European Commission agreed to make an exception and let them alter how the price is reached. Spain gets most of its gas from Algeria, the United States and Nigeria. HOW DOES THE IBERIAN EXCEPTION WORK? Spain and Portugal agreed with the commission to separate the price paid for gas used in the energy mix from that paid for the less costly sources like solar, nuclear or hydroelectric power. Under the exception, while gas prices may rise to, say, 100 euros per megawatt, a maximum of around 40 euros is what is paid to providers of less expensive energy sources. The mechanism is mistakenly referred to as a gas price cap, but in fact, the price paid for gas is not affected. Gas suppliers still get the market rate and gas is still the price-setter. Industrial engineer and electricity expert Jorge Morales de Labra said the mechanism is more of a cap on the windfall profits of wind, nuclear and other energy providers benefiting from the high cost of natural gas. WHAT ARE THE SYSTEM'S BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES? Spanish Energy Minister Teresa Ribera says the mechanism has meant savings of 3 billion euros for consumers in its first four months. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez this week went as far as to say electricity bills in Spain cost 35% less than in Germany and 70% less than in Italy. Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa said Wednesday that the exception had lowered electricity prices by an average of 18%, compared with expected prices if it had not been enacted. However, given that Spanish electricity is suddenly cheaper, neighbouring France has started buying it. Portugal also imports Spanish electricity to make up for its drought-caused shortfall in hydroelectric power. This, ironically, has increased Spain's imports of natural gas. Spain is now burning double the amount of gas for electricity than it did a year ago, experts say, posing a problem for a country committed to sustainability and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. And companies in Portugal say they are still hurting. The Portuguese Association of Large Electrical Energy Consumers said last month that the exception had only helped ``mitigate'' prices. WHAT'S THE REST OF EUROPE DOING? The EU is struggling to find a way to control electricity prices, but its dependency on imported gas and reluctance to be seen as interfering in a free market has been hampering any deal. Proposals on the table at this week's EU summit include a natural gas maximum price bracket, joint gas purchases and a reform of the gas market exchange. For the moment, there is no plan to discuss extending the Iberian mechanism, but Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the bloc should study the positive results of the model and whether it could be applied on a European scale. Experts in Spain say the mechanism is not likely to appeal to or benefit all EU countries as it chiefly favours those with a lower dependency on gas imports and a high reliance on sources like renewables, which is not the case in many EU countries. France, for example, favours decoupling electricity and gas prices as it relies on nuclear plants for about 67% of its electricity, and on gas for about 7%. Other countries like Germany, which relies heavily on gas, and Poland, on coal, are not likely to benefit much. Search Keywords: Short link: The Energy and Environment Committee of the House of Representatives approved on Wednesday new government-drafted legislative amendments to the law regulating the performance of the country's Nuclear Power Plants Authority (NPPA), which aim to speed up the construction of Dabaa nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The amendments include exempting contractors, sub-contractors, equipment suppliers and workers who are building and operating the NPP from taxes. The amendments also change NPPA's name to the Nuclear Power and Renewable Energy Plants Authority (NPREPA) to become the sole owner and operator of nuclear power and renewable energy plants in Egypt. "These amendments aim to serve the agreement with the Russian company of Rosatom by exempting contractors, sub-contractors, equipment suppliers and workers who are building this project from all types of taxes," explained MP Hossam Awadallah, the chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. Awadallah added that the amendments are in line with the 2016 agreement contract between the NPPA and Rosatom, which is in charge of constructing the four nuclear reactors at the plant. He stressed that "this tax exemption will help implement the Dabaa project on schedule." They serve the countries goals of increasing dependence on clean and environmentally-friendly power generation, Awadallah noted. In August, South Korea's Hydro and Nuclear Power Co, Ltd (KHNP), a nuclear power subsidiary of the state-run South Korea Electric Power Corp., has signed a $2.25 billion deal with the Russian Atomstroyexport (ASE), a construction subsidiary of Rosatom, to build facilities, equipment and supply materials for the Dabaa NPP. In recent months, the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy along with the NPPA along with Rosatom have been ramping up efforts to speed up the process of constructing the four nuclear reactors at the Dabaa plant. In July, the concrete foundations for the plant's first nuclear reactor were laid. Chair of NPPA Amgad El-Wakil told Al-Ahram newspaper last month that the electricity ministry will lay the concrete works for the plant's second reactor on 19 November. Upon completion, the four reactors are expected to operate at a full capacity of 4,800 MW with each reactor generating 1,200 MW - by 2030. The Dabaa NPP is situated 140 km southwest of the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and 320 km northwest of the capital Cairo. Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker had stressed in August that "we are doing our best to ensure that the construction work on the four-reactor plant is completed according to schedule." "The construction of the Dabaa NPP is moving at a steady pace and there is close coordination among all state authorities to ensure the success of Egypt's national nuclear power programme," Shaker added. The House of Representatives is scheduled to hold its next round of plenary sessions on Sunday 23 October. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt is developing its plans to become a global green fuel hub through a partnership with the international shipping company Maersk. The UN COP27 Climate Change Conference that will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh in November is now just around the corner, and Egypt is continuing to position itself as a hub for green energy production and distribution. With a renewable energy strategy aiming to increase the supply of electricity generated from renewable sources to 42 per cent by 2035, a green hydrogen strategy in the works and a massive green fuel deal, Egypt is turning to international partners in its ambitious plan to become an international hub for producing and distributing clean energy. After signing a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) this year to increase production of green energy products and establishing a green hydrogen industry, Egypt is on the way to become an international leader in the green fuel industry through a cooperation agreement with the Danish company A.P. Moller Maersk, one of the worlds largest shipping lines. Green fuel, also called e-methanol, is a clean fuel type used in operating vessels and can be made by combining hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This process becomes green when renewable energy is used as the source of the electricity. A project to produce green fuel for vessels with an investment worth around $15 billion over three phases, was discussed last month between President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi and Maersk CEO Soren Skou. A final framework agreement is expected to be signed during the COP27 next month in Sharm El-Sheikh. Hany El-Nady, chief group representative of Maersk Egypt, said that Egypt has the potential to become a world leader in the green fuel industry as it has an abundance of renewable energy sources, mainly solar and wind. It also has a modern infrastructure, and the Suez Canal is one of the worlds most important maritime trade routes. The unique geographical location of Egypt and the availability of renewable energy resources could help accelerate Egypts journey to becoming a global energy hub and achieving crucial sustainable development goals in addition to the countrys efforts to help save the environment, El-Nady told Al-Ahram Weekly. The green fuel project between Egypt and Maersk will generate about 100,000 jobs, he added, and the massive production scale will place Egypt ahead of the curve in global e-methanol production, a new technology with a currently low production capacity. El-Nady told the Weekly that Maersk will provide training on the new industry and technologies, which will provide added value to the project and other similar projects in Egypt. This can help provide a highly trained workforce that will benefit other projects in the future, he said. He noted that shipping firms have already started plans to replace their fleets with new-generation cargo ships that are able to run on the carbon neutral e-methanol. This is used to power the new generation of vessels. Total world production of e-methanol currently ranges between 5,000 to 10,000 tons, barely enough to fuel one of the new generation of vessels for one day. Maersk, which has set a net-zero emissions target for 2040, has recently ordered 19 vessels that run on green fuel that are set to be delivered and start operation by mid-2025, El-Nady stated, adding that more shipping firms are set to follow. These vessels will require e-methanol for bunkering, and the multi-billion-dollar project with Egypt will deliver the needed quantities for Maersk and other firms vessels, he said. What makes the project special is that the customer is already guaranteed, meaning that the quantities of green fuel to be produced already have their buyer, El-Nady noted. Phase one of the project will start production of 200,000 tons by 2026, with one million tons expected to be produced during phase two by 2028. By 2031-32, the full capacity of the project will reach three million tons of green fuel. Green fuel produced will help cover Maersks new vessels fuel needs, he said, adding that green fuel produced from the project can help fuel other vessels transiting through Egypt from different ports. El-Nady said that many governments around the world have outlined plans to allow only products manufactured in green factories, transported by green vehicles, and shipped overseas by green vessels to enter their territories. The future is going to be green, and clean fuel is an integral part of that, he stressed. He said that vessel-refuelling stations could be established in various Egyptian ports and not only in the Suez Canal, especially with the infrastructure modernisation efforts now taking place in the network of roads and ports on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. This can give Egypt a competitive edge and make the country a leader in building bunkering and refueling stations, especially when the coming years witness a growing demand for e-methanol as more green vessels start operations on a larger scale, he said. Egypt can benefit from such projects by attracting more trade movement through the Suez Canal, as more vessels in the future will operate on green fuel. About 12 per cent of global trade goes through the Suez Canal, and 22 per cent of the worlds container vessels pass through it every year. A quarter of this number belongs to Maersk, El-Nady said. More vessels will come to the Suez Canal when the project is completed because more maritime transportation companies are expected to operate green vessels in the near future, he said. The total investments of Maersk in Egypt currently stand at $1 billion, with about $750 million more to be added in an expansion project in East Port Said, according to El-Nady. An investment of $500 million is currently in the works, with an additional $250 million earmarked for the electrification and automation of the container handling terminal in East Port Said. Maersk is also planning to establish logistics parks, El-Nady said, in order to be able to serve industrial areas in different governorates, helping them to transport their products to the terminals and export them to outside markets. These parks will serve as assembly, packaging, and shipping areas, and they will handle customs clearances, he added. *A version of this article appears in print in the 20 October, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Like many other countries, Egypt is facing headwinds from the global consequences of the war in Ukraine, the lingering repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, and tightening monetary conditions globally, with all these threatening to exacerbate pre-existing challenges, according to Marina Wes, World Bank country director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti. The World Bank expects Egypts GDP growth rate to slow to 4.8 per cent in the current fiscal year 2022-23, down from 6.6 per cent last year. Nevertheless, growth is forecast to pick up over the medium term as the repercussions of global developments start abating and the country pushes ahead with macroeconomic stabilisation and structural reforms, Wes said. The Egyptian economy is large and diversified, and the country can boost its overall growth rate, she said, adding that in order to achieve growth that is inclusive and job-rich, it is key to pursue structural reforms to unleash the private sectors potential, in particular in higher value-added and export-oriented activities. This, she said, will require the elimination of potential distortions in the foreign-currency market, in addition to implementing measures that enhance the overall business environment. Fiscal consolidation remains crucial, notably through enhancing revenue mobilisation and streamlining expenditures in order to restore the downward trajectory of public debt and allocate adequate funds for critical social spending, Wes noted. She recommended simultaneous reforms, including sustained fiscal consolidation combining streamlining public expenditures and increasing revenues; fiscal and debt transparency to support proactive steps to better monitor, report, and contain wider public sector financing requirements beyond the central government; sustained growth to help ensure favourable debt dynamics; and broader structural reforms that can improve the governance of the public sector and reduce its fiscal burdens. The World Bank is currently finalising its new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) that will cover the period between the 2023 and 2027 financial years. According to Wes, the new CPF aims to achieve three high-level objectives: more and better private sector jobs; stronger human capital outcomes; and improved resilience to shocks. The banks project pipeline will be confirmed upon agreement with the government on priority operations, she said, which include supporting the expansion and enhancement of the countrys social safety nets, supporting the implementation of the governments Nexus of Food, Water and Energy (NWFE) Strategy, and supporting private sector development. The World Bank approved a $500 million project in June 2022 that supports Egypt to secure wheat in the short term, while supporting its capacity to safely expand strategic wheat storage over the medium term. Over the longer term, the project supports the expansion of local climate-resilient wheat seed varieties. The bank also supports Egypts two climate-related products, the NWFE Platform and the Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing. The NWFE integrates nine high-priority projects for adaptation and mitigation, bundled around the three main pillars of water, food, and energy and selected through a prioritisation process led by the government. The guidebook identifies the challenges caused by climate change to leverage public and private sector finance to mitigate and adapt to them. Both initiatives are due to be launched at the COP27 Climate Conference in November, Wes said. She said that the World Bank is the biggest multilateral funder of climate investments in the developing countries, adding that it delivered a record $31.7 billion to help countries address climate change in the 2022 fiscal year. This is a 19 per cent increase from the $26.6 billion all-time high in financing reached in the previous fiscal year, she said. It is expected to have strong participation at the COP27. We will bring technical experts from around the world to share our knowledge and experience in supporting clients as they tackle mitigation and adaptation challenges on the ground, she said. In addition, the bank will showcase its work and its clients experiences on delivering climate action at scale at a first-ever World Bank Group Pavilion. Wes stressed that the World Bank welcomes Egypts focus on adaptation and other issues that have not always received the attention they deserve at earlier summits, plus the strong focus on Africa at the COP27, which has been hard hit by climate change. We commend the COP27 presidencys efforts in articulating its vision to strengthen the voice of the African continent in the negotiations, especially representing the vast adaptation and resilience needs of the countries most at risk, Wes said. *A version of this article appears in print in the 20 October, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Iraq has taken its first steps towards the formation of a new government, but whether it can find lasting peace remains in doubt. Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani, a former junior minister who emerged unexpectedly last month as a new Shia leader, is poised to take power as Iraqs new prime minister after forming a new coalition government with Kurdish and Sunni partners. Al-Sudani, who has professional roots in the regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein, was tasked to form a government that will be in charge of steering Iraq through one of its most delicate periods. The move came after the countrys parliament elected a new Iraqi president on Thursday, breaking the year-long gridlock that has gripped the battered nation since the last nationwide elections in October 2021. Lawmakers elected Abdel-Latif Rashid, an ex-Kurdish minister, as the countrys new president to replace incumbent Barham Salih, who lost the vote in a dramatic political coup mounted by Iraqs main factions. While the choices for the two key posts may have temporarily ended the deadlock, it is unlikely that a new government will end Iraqs crisis any time soon. By default, the leaders of Iraqs rival political and ethnic groups that have dominated its politics since 2003 can hardly put an end to the countrys persistent political impasse and dysfunctions. Iraq has found itself in a political crisis for nearly 20 years. The most recent example of this was when the countrys political parties failed to form a new government after last years early elections. The most immediate challenge for Iraqi leaders who have been vying for power, however, now that a new prime minister has been found, will be putting together a cabinet that is fit enough to govern and strong enough to last. Under a power-sharing understanding among the leaders of Iraqs three main communities, the prime minister should be a Shia Muslim and the speaker of the parliament should be a Sunni Muslim, while the job of president should go to a Kurd. While the parties have named Al-Sudani as the next prime minister and Rashid as president, they also need to agree to share key posts in the government and the security forces, such as the secretary-general of the cabinet, the governor of the Iraqi Central Bank, and intelligence and security chiefs. They also have to deal with mammoth challenges from aggravating political and social chaos, a deep-rooted economic crisis, endemic corruption, a failing public-sector service system, and a possible winter wave of Covid-19. While the new government holds no great promise to solve Iraqs immediate problems, scepticism abounds over whether it will usher in an era of political stability to tackle the array of problems that have besieged the country since the US-led invasion in 2003. What remains certain is that Iraqs political situation is so confused that nothing seems entirely clear at this stage and the country will face various challenges in the upcoming months. One key challenge comes from the influential Iraqi cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, whose gamble on mobilising the power of discontent remains perhaps the biggest worry for the new coalition government. Iraqs current political crisis began when the Sadrist Movement led by Al-Sadr emerged as the winner of the most seats in parliament in the last general elections and wanted to form a government of his choice. But Al-Sadr insisted on forming what he termed a national majority government with potential Sunni and Kurdish partners with whom he vowed to govern for all. The suggestion alarmed most of the Iranian-backed Shia factions that have controlled all the consensus governments in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003 that toppled the regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein. A year later, Al-Sadr had not been able to form a unified government under his control despite the advantages he had received as he had been working hard to soften his image and lead a party that arose out of an anti-establishment movement. Not only did he fail to bring down the countrys entrenched ruling cliques, Al-Sadr also exposed a dangerous fault line when he suddenly decided to call it quits. He ordered his followers to quit the parliament and his supporters to stop their street protests and announced his resignation from politics, creating a political vacuum. As a result, the Iran-backed alliance, a long way behind the Sadrists with some 50 seats in the new parliament, has now succeeded in tilting the political table back in its direction and finally managed to form a government. The alliance now hopes to nudge Al-Sadr into political oblivion, which could drive Iraqs political landscape into further mess and complications. On Saturday, Al-Sadr charged that Al-Sudanis upcoming government has a clear subordination to the militias and would not meet the [Iraqi] peoples aspirations. We stress our firm and clear refusal of any of our affiliates to participate... in this government formation, Mohamed Saleh Al-Iraqi, a close associate of Al-Sadr, said in a statement posted on Twitter. But Al-Sadrs current dilemma could still be his opponents worst fear. His rivals are facing increasing opposition from many Iraqis aghast at the events of the past few months, and Al-Sadr may try to trade on their anger. A second challenge is the deepening mistrust between the leaders of the two main Kurdish parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and its rival the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which was created by the breakthrough. The Coordination Framework (CF), which is the Shia Bloc behind Al-Sudanis nomination, is believed to have reached separate deals with the KDP and the PUK over power-sharing, resources, and the future of Kirkuk, which the Kurds lay claim to. The deals could be a source of further contention over the control of territory and natural resources such as gas and oil in Iraqs Kurdistan Region that have divided the two parties. The two parties that rule over Kurdistan have historically struggled to find ways to get beyond petty squabbles and into governing, but the election of PUK member Rashid as president is expected to pit the party against the KDP. Although Iraqs presidency is largely ceremonial and the prime minister is the countrys head of government, who sits in the post is symbolically significant. Riven as it is by tensions between the two groups, the distribution of seats in the upcoming central government has the potential to trigger a new crisis in the troubled self-ruled northern Kurdish enclave. Tensions between the two rival Kurdish camps have been boiling over because of a power struggle that has always forced them to consider shaky deals and alliances with outside parties. The lawmakers of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region voted earlier this month to extend the current four-year legislative term of the regional parliament for one more year. The extension came after the Kurdish political parties failed to hold regional elections due on 1 October. The failure to hold the vote came as a result of differences between the KDP and the PUK over a new electoral law and a new quota system to allocate seats in the parliament. Then there is a third and probably main challenge showing that Al-Sudanis premiership is hanging by a thread. The new government must calm the off-and-on anti-establishment protests that have been rocking the country since October 2019. The mass demonstrations have reverberated with grievances left unaddressed by successive Iraqi governments. They have erupted against endemic corruption, rampant unemployment, and decaying public services in the country, and they forced the resignation of the government of former prime minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi in 2020 and early elections a year later. Thousands of protesters swept into the streets of Baghdad and other major cities in Iraq last weekend to mark three years since the nationwide demonstrations. The leaders of the protests gave the countrys ruling oligarchs until the end of the month to implement drastic changes including a transitional government that would redraft Iraqs dysfunctional political system. Protests could arise anew at any time, pitting the new government against the protest movement. The situation could even boil over and give Al-Sadr the opportunity to resort to whipping up the protests himself again. On Saturday, an alliance of pro-democracy groups announced a new movement to support the street protests, which have become the largest and longest-lasting social movement since 2003. The umbrella group, Forces for Democratic Change, said after a meeting in Baghdad that it would push for overall changes in Iraqs political system. In a statement, the groups said that among their main objectives would be fighting corruption, the power-sharing quota system in the country, and the unruly armed groups, a reference to the Iran-backed militias. The formation of the new government may allow Iraqs ruling oligarchs to buy some time, but it could be just a matter of weeks or months before another flare-up. Al-Sudani, an affiliate of former prime minister Nouri-Al Maliki, is neither a powerful figure in his own right nor a proven leader, and many in Iraqs political circles believe that he will be regarded as a chairman while Al-Maliki, his former boss, will in fact be the chief executive of the new government. Months of paralysing political deadlock may be close to an end in Iraq with a new government possible within weeks, but there are still questions over whether this new stability can last. *A version of this article appears in print in the 20 October, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: By Trend Azerbaijan will import cattle from Kyrgyzstan for breeding in liberated Karabakh, Head of Minister's Protocol at the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Toghrul Gafarbayli told Trend at the Baku Expo Center on October 19. According to him, the negotiations on the matter are currently underway with Kyrgyzstan. "Azerbaijan is expected to import cattle, particularly yaks from 2023. As a pilot project, it is scheduled to breed them in Kalbajar, and then in Lachin districts," Gafarbayli said. Al-Ahram Weekly examines how Egypt contributes to global climate action and what it expects to gain from organising the COP27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh. From 6-18 November, the world will turn its attention to Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, where the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) will take place. The COP is the highest decision-making body of the convention, in which all states parties are represented to review the implementation of the convention and any other legal instruments adopted by the conference. Its main task is to review national communications and greenhouse-gas emissions inventories submitted by the parties. Based on this information, it will assess the effects of the measures taken by states to reduce them and the progress made in achieving the ultimate objectives of the convention. Crucial decisions are also taken to support the achievement of these goals and to promote the effective implementation of the convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements. The COP meets annually, with the first version being held in Berlin, Germany, in 1995. Each meeting has its own number from COP1 to this years COP27. The five UN-recognised regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, and Western Europe, as well as the small island states, rotate in holding the COP presidency, and there is also a tendency for the COP venue to be swapped among these groups. Last November, Egypt was announced as the representative of the continent of Africa to host the activities of the 27th edition of the COP to the UN convention in Sharm El-Sheikh. During the first 23 years of the UN, work on climate issues was limited to operational activities, primarily through the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). The beginnings of a real interest in environmental issues were at the UN Scientific Conference, also known as the First Earth Summit, which was held in Stockholm, Sweden, in June 1972. This adopted a declaration outlining the principles of conservation of the environment and its protection. The issue of climate change was raised for the first time, and the summit asked governments to examine activities that could lead to climate change. Over the next 20 years, as part of efforts to implement the 1972 resolutions, concern for the climate slowly gained international attention. In 1979, the Governing Council of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) asked its executive director to monitor and evaluate the long-range transport of air pollutants, the result being the adoption of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1985. By 1988, global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer had become increasingly prominent in international public debate, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a forum for examining global warming and climate change, met for the first time in November of that year. 1989 was a watershed year for climate change, when the UN General Assembly, in Resolution 44-207, endorsed the request of the UNEP Governing Council to begin preparations with the WMO for negotiations on a framework agreement on climate change. But the actual inauguration of serious steps to deal with the crisis only began in 1992, which saw the holding of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the representation of 170 governments and the attendance of 116 heads of state. Since then, the issue of climate change has become an important one at international conferences, which are held periodically and at the highest levels with the aim of saving the Earth from the repercussions of climate change and reducing deadly carbon emissions. The UN Framework Agreement on Climate Change, the most significant international action to date, aimed to stabilise concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous human impacts on the climate system. It came into force in 1994. In March 1995, the first COP convened and launched discussions on a protocol containing stronger commitments for developed and transition countries. Perhaps the Paris meeting, COP21, has been the most famous thus far because of the launch of the Paris Agreement. But during the previous summits, there were also important developments. PREVIOUS COPS Perhaps the 26th COP summit in Glasgow, UK, was the main sign of a growing disappointment among activists and some participants on action to prevent climate change. After a year of hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, COP26 was weak and indecisive, especially after the world financial crisis that affected a large number of countries obliged to pay for climate finance. The summit came after the US left the Paris Agreement at the hands of former president Donald Trump. But the promises of climate finance were later renewed by President Joe Biden, who returned the US to the agreement. In September, I met Hakima Al-Haiti, Moroccan minister of the environment during the COP22 in Morocco. She said that Moroccan society had been widely impacted by the organisation of the conference, and its consequences and positive effects had extended beyond it. In addition to the increase in awareness and personal interest in recycling and the use of environmentally friendly products, a large number of non-profit institutions working in the field of the environment and the climate have since emerged in Morocco, with an increasing interest on the part of the state and the government in supporting them. In Egypt, there has also been a major rise in environmental and climate awareness among all sections of the population as a result of the organisation of the COP27, and there has been real participation between all the concerned ministries to prepare for it. Egypt is one of the countries most at risk from the effects of climate change, despite its being one of the countries contributing least to greenhouse gas emissions, at 0.6 per cent of the worlds total emissions. Egypts signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1994, as well as the Kyoto Protocol, which it ratified in 2005, that requires national reports from all signatory countries every five years. Egypt signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, which enshrined the international communitys pledge to limit the rise in global temperature below two degrees Celsius compared to the pre-Industrial Revolution era, and to follow up efforts to stop the temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is to be done by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, taking measures to reduce energy consumption, investing in alternative energies and reforestation, and seeking to establish a mechanism for reviewing pledges every five years. During the work of the 2016 Paris Conference, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi referred to the dangers of the Earths temperature increasing by more than one and a half degree Celsius, calling for a fair and clear agreement with regard to preserving the climate and the need to reach an international agreement that guarantees the achievement of a global goal that limits harmful emissions. He asked for support for Egypts efforts to confront climate change, for a focus on developing countries with regard to climate change, and for the provision of $100 billion annually to address climate change by 2020 and double it thereafter. Egypt has recently launched its National Climate Change Strategy 2050 and is currently finalising its updated national contributions, which will include specific and ambitious quantitative goals in a number of key sectors to reflect the efforts that Egypt has made and is making to achieve a fair transition to a green economy and renewable energy. These contributions will also clarify the responsibilities that Egypt is undertaking to spare its people the negative effects of climate change and build its ability to withstand and adapt to it, especially in the light of successive global crises that have repercussions on energy and food prices. Egypt sees the importance of not slipping into so-called voluntary commitments, according to a Russian proposal supported by the industrialised countries that aims to provide financial and technological incentives to the developing countries while knowing that these incentives already exist and in fact are the right of the developing countries in accordance with the UN Convention and Protocol. The fulfillment by the developed countries of their obligations towards the developing countries, especially those most exposed to the risks of climate change, is a fundamental pillar in the success of negotiations on future obligations. There is also a need to focus on the issue of adaptation, along with the issues of mitigation and the reduction of gas emissions. Egypt believes that the discussion of climate change should remain within the framework of the regular meetings, negotiations and conferences whose work is organised within the framework of the UN Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol and that the issue should not be politicised against the interests of the developing countries. Egypts leadership of the COP27 as a representative of Africa started in 2015 when it chaired the African Ministers of the Environment Conference and the African States and Governments Committee on Climate Change. It is taking vigorous steps to prepare national studies and strategies on the effects of climate change and the most appropriate ways to confront it. The National Council for Climate Change (NCCC) was formed two years ago headed by the prime minister to prepare a national strategy to confront the effects of climate change, now published as the National Climate Change Strategy 2050. Its importance lies in enabling the Egyptian state to respond effectively to the effects and repercussions of climate change in a way that contributes to achieving sustainable economic growth and preserving natural resources and ecosystems, while enhancing the countrys role at the international level. Egypt also represents the African continent in the Green Climate Fund with Tanzania, South Africa, Sudan and Gabon, which is the financing mechanism that the African countries rely on to finance adaptation projects and reduce emissions on the continent. Egypt also, on behalf of the African continent, has taken part in international negotiations on the issue, as it assumed the presidency of the Group of 77 developing countries and China during 2018 and the African Negotiators Group on Climate Change in 2018 and 2019. It chaired the Committee of African Leaders and Presidents concerned with climate change in 2015, the 2016 African Ministers of the Environment Conference, and the two African initiatives launched by President Al-Sisi for adaptation and renewable energy during the Paris Conference in 2015 and at the UN Climate Summit in 2019 in Egypt. In partnership with Malawi and the UK, it chaired the Adaptation Alliance and is co-chair of the Adaptation Friends Group in New York. EGYPTS GAINS Hosting the COP27 Climate Conference is the culmination of the efforts made by Egypt on behalf of the African continent. Egypts hosting of this conference is an affirmation of the importance of integration and consistency of national policies, strategies, plans and programmes to confront climate change and achieve sustainable development by adopting the green economy, Hussein Abaza, an advisor to the Ministry of Environment, explained. Abaza expects the private sector to increase its interest and social responsibility in new environmental and climate projects and to increase the number of start-ups operating in the field of recycling, agriculture, and renewable energy. Sameh Riad, head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) in Alexandria, told Al-Ahram Weekly that it has been engaged to spread the culture of environmental awareness in all sectors and that the Alexandria governorate alone has organised dozens of dialogues to discuss national changes. Riad said he has seen a tangible improvement in raising awareness, especially among the youth group, with awareness being the key to the solution. He emphasised the importance of paying attention to the border governorates that suffer from special problems, such as sea erosion. On the human rights side, Mohamed Mamdouh, a member of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), stressed that Egypts hosting of the COP27 on behalf of the African continent indicates its leadership of climate justice locally and regionally. The event has focused the interest of the NCHR on climate change, especially in the light of the UN General Assemblys agreement that a clean and healthy environment is a human right. Mamdouh said that the concept of human rights is limited in the minds of some to political or social rights, but one of the most important of human rights is the availability of resources for the continuation of life, and these resources are now threatened by climate change. In Egyptian civil society, there are a large number of non-profit institutions working in the field of the environment. One of the oldest is the Arab Youth and Environment Office headed by Emad El-Din Adly, also a jury member of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects, who emphasised the importance of civil society institutions at the climate conference. Adly said that each represented the spirit of the governorate it serves. He has also helped a large number of organisations to be present at the conference under the umbrella of the Arab Youth and Environment Office. The author is an environmental and climate change expert who works with local and international bodies and has represented Egypt at conferences on the environment and climate abroad. *A version of this article appears in print in the 20 October, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: The long and incomprehensible craze for North Face bench coats that look like sleeping bags is finally coming to an end after nearly a decade of straining wallets up and down the land. It had been going on for nearly a decade since the long padded down coats became a must-have item among teens in 2011. Their high price tag earned them the nickname "back-breaker" because of the money parents had to fork out or risk seeing their children ostracized. But now, just like that, they will all be tossed aside and replaced with shorter waist-length jackets and any number of more fetching styles. In bad news for parents, the current must-have brands are Canada Goose and Moncler, which are even more expensive than North Face. There is a glimmer of hope -- warmer winters have reduced demand, and many consumers seem to have realized the futility of shelling out so much money for a coat of any length. Some fashionistas now insist that nobody can possibly look good in a padded anorak anyway and something altogether sleeker is required. The WHO first declared the COVID-19 outbreak a PHEIC on Jan. 30, 2020, when, outside of China, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported. Although declaration of a PHEIC is the internationally agreed mechanism for triggering an international response to such outbreaks, it was only in March, when Tedros described the worsening situation as a pandemic, that many countries woke up to the danger. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters Wednesday that he agreed with the committee's advice. "The committee emphasized the need to strengthen surveillance and expand access to tests, treatments and vaccines for those most at risk," he said, speaking from the UN health agency's headquarters in Geneva. The WHO's emergency committee on COVID-19 met last week and concluded that the pandemic still constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), a status it declared back in January 2020. The World Health Organization said Wednesday it is too early to lift the highest-level alert for the COVID-19 crisis, with the pandemic remaining a global health emergency despite recent progress. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 622 million confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported to WHO and more than 6.5 million deaths, although those numbers are believed to be significant underestimates. According to WHO's global dashboard, 263,000 new cases were reported in the previous 24 hours, while 856 new COVID-19 deaths had been reported in the past week. Tedros acknowledged Wednesday that "the global situation has obviously improved since the pandemic began," but warned that "the virus continues to change and there remain many risks and uncertainties." "The pandemic has surprised us before and very well could again," he warned. 'Surveillance Has Declined' Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's COVID-19 technical lead, agreed, warning that there were still "millions of cases being reported each week, but our surveillance has declined." That decline is making it difficult to get a full overview of the situation and especially of how the virus is mutating. Van Kerkhove stressed that "the more this virus circulates, the more opportunities it has to change." The omicron variant accounts for basically all virus samples that are sequenced, with more than 300 sublineages of that variant recorded. "All of the subvariants of omicron are showing increased transmissibility and properties of immune escape," Van Kerkove said, adding that one new combination of two different subvariants was showing "significant immune evasion." "This is a concern for us because we need to ensure that the vaccines that are in use worldwide remain effective at preventing severe disease and death," she said. In light of the broad spread of new omicron subvariants, Van Kerkhove stressed that "countries need to be in a position to conduct surveillance to deal with increases in cases and perhaps deal with increases in hospitalizations." "We have to remain vigilant." "Along with the hard work, determination and skill Anna May Wong brought to the profession of acting, I think it was her face and expressive gestures that really captivated movie audiences, so I included these elements," said Mint designer Emily Damstra, who helped create the coin. A quarter-dollar coin featuring a profile of Wong with her signature bangs and long fingernails will begin circulating on Tuesday as part of the American Women Quarters Program, the U.S. Mint said in a statement. The U.S. Mint will feature an Asian American on its currency for the first time when it issues a coin next week engraved with the image of actress Anna May Wong, who worked in Hollywood during a time of open racism and stereotyping. Wong was born in 1905 in Los Angeles as Wong Liu Tsong. She was cast in her first role as an extra in the film "The Red Lantern" in 1919 at age 14 and her first leading role in 1922 in the "The Toll of the Sea." She went on to appear in more than 60 films including one of the first movies made in Technicolor. She became the first Asian American lead actor in a U.S. television show for her role in "The Gallery of Madame Liu-Tsong" in 1951. Despite her success, Wong faced anti-Asian discrimination and racism in Hollywood where she was typecast, underpaid and passed up for leading roles, forcing her to go to Europe to act in films, and to London and New York to perform in theater. Wong died in 1961. "The fifth coin in our American Women Quarters Program honors Anna May Wong, a courageous advocate who championed for increased representation and more multi-dimensional roles for Asian American actors," Mint Director Ventris Gibson said. Author and civil rights champion Maya Angelou and astronaut Sally Ride, the first American woman to go into space, have also been honored with coins in the series. The South Korean military is on high alert after North Korea fired another 100 artillery shells on Wednesday into a buffer zone in the West Sea, violating a 2018 cross-border military agreement. It fired some 250 artillery shells into buffer zones in the East and West Seas the previous day and has fired artillery rounds eight times since Oct. 14. The U.S. Air Force kept watch on North Korea's military movements Wednesday by sending an E-3B early warning aircraft over the West Sea and the capital region while putting B-1B strategic bombers on standby on Guam. Pyongyang blames massive South Korea-U.S. military drills on its doorstep for its recent provocations. The North Korean Chiefs of the General Staff said it fired artillery shells into the buffer zone "in response to military provocation" by South Korea and the U.S. But the U.S. Forces Korea recently carried out live-fire drills with multiple rocket launchers in a southward direction from Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, south of the buffer zone. Actor Jung Woo-sung, a goodwill ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, on Wednesday appealed for urgent help for Ukrainian refugees. Speaking at the UNHCR office in Seoul with the Korea representative James Lynch, Jung said, "More than 6 million refugees fled Ukraine since the war broke out and 1.8 million of them settled in Poland, which I visited recently." "I was saddened by their stories, including a man who hurt his eye badly when his car was bombed as he fled, or a woman who yearned to hear news of her husband who is fighting on the frontlines," he added. He urged people to come together as global citizens and show sympathy for those suffering from wrong decisions of some politicians. Jung has been working to raise awareness of humanitarian crises for the UNHCR since 2014. Perpetually troubled GM Korea has vowed to shift to profit as it marks its 20th anniversary. GM Korea CEO Roberto Rempel promised at an event celebrating the anniversary in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province on Wednesday that Korean operations will turn into a "profitable and sustainable business" starting next year. GM Korea has an annual production capacity of 500,000 cars, but last year it produced only 220,000 at an operating rate of less than 50 percent as lucrative models were being built elsewhere, and the automaker's losses since 2014 have swelled to W3.78 trillion (US$1=W1,426). "We expect the next-generation global vehicle to follow the Chevrolet Trailblazer in enjoying great success around the world," Rempel said. It has spent W900 billion over the last four years to transform the Changwon plant that will produce the new vehicle. Korea's top seat of learning, Seoul National University, is more than ever a bastion for the metropolitan elite. SNU had the biggest proportion of freshmen who went to high schools in the Seoul metropolitan area and surrounding Gyeonggi Province this year, and one out of 10 came from the affluent Gangnam and Seocho districts. But opportunities for students from other parts of the country lag well behind the levels of other universities. Main opposition Minjoo Party lawmaker Seo Dong-yong analyzed admissions data from 2018 until this year and found that 10.4 percent of 3,396 SNU freshmen graduated from high schools in Gangnam and Seocho, although they account for only 2.1 percent of all high school seniors nationwide. Two-thirds of new students at SNU graduated from high schools in other areas in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, the highest level since 2018. Preference for applicants from the metropolitan elite was clearly seen in the admissions process. Each high school across the country gets to recommend two students for SNU admission under a "balanced regional selection" scheme for paper-based assessment without the formal entrance exam. Yet 50.7 percent out of 659 SNU students admitted through the scheme this year also came from high schools in the Seoul metropolitan area, even though they account for only 35 percent of high schools across the country. By Chika Takada, KYODO NEWS - Oct 20, 2022 - 12:45 | All, Japan Bookshops are vanishing all over Japan. According to one industry estimate, the number has fallen by almost a third in the last decade, hit by a combination of a falling population and the spread of the internet. Some voices have been raised in protest, such as by residents of towns arguing that bookstores are needed for a lively urban environment, but customer numbers continue to fall. And that means that to survive, operators need to exercise ingenuity. Takashima Shobo, a bookstore with a 72-year history in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, is a case in point. The shop has an old-fashioned feel with a huge overhead sign out front with the word "BOOKS." Crammed with works of literature, magazines and picture books, among other publications, it is a bookworm's paradise. But no customers were perusing the shelves one late afternoon as owner Mizuo Takashima, 67, explained how he still manages to turn a profit. "The store contributes only about 10 percent of total sales," said Takashima. "Ninety percent of the profit comes from delivering to school libraries and public libraries," he said. According to the Japan Publishing Organization for Information Infrastructure Development, there are currently 11,952 bookstores in Japan, down about 30 percent from 16,722 in 2012. To keep his business afloat, Takashima visits companies and schools in the city to market his book delivery service, while a part-time clerk tends to the store. Municipalities that operate libraries and schools can assist small bookstores greatly if they procure books and other publications from local bookstores instead of suppliers in Tokyo and other cities, Takashima said. Takashima Shobo's service may provide a "clue as to how regional bookstores can survive," he said. But such success stories are the exception. Local authorities in Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture, where the sole bookstore closed in 2015, began in January this year trying to find a new operator prepared to open in the town. This is because "many town residents said a bookstore was essential to make the town lively," said an official in charge. But a person involved with the shop that went bust said books just "didn't sell" because of the town's falling population. "Even if a new bookstore opens, I think it still would be difficult," the person said. The owner of the only bookstore in a town in another prefecture noted that sales of school textbooks have significantly dropped due to Japan's declining birthrate. "Honestly, I am on the brink of deciding whether I should go out of business because the number of schools has dropped because of the population shrinkage," he said. The gross profits of bookstores in Japan are said to be around 20 percent after paying the remainder of their sales to publishers and distribution agents. Along with the population fall and fewer book readers in recent years, an increase in convenience stores that carry magazines puts added pressure on bookstores. They have also been negatively affected by the availability of e-books and online shopping. Not only in rural areas but even in Tokyo, the number of bookstores has decreased by roughly 30 percent over the past decade. The continuing decrease in bookstores does not bode well for book readership, either, says Kazuyuki Ishii, executive director for the Japan Federation of Bookstores. "Due to the decrease in the number of bookstores, there is a strong possibility that the reading population will fall, setting off a vicious cycle. The time has come for the entire publishing industry to join hands and think of countermeasures," Ishii said. KYODO NEWS - Oct 20, 2022 - 15:58 | All, Japan A Kobe court has disposed of all its records related to the ruling and investigation into a 1997 serial murder case involving a teen who killed two elementary school students and attacked three more, an official said Thursday. While regulations by the Supreme Court state that, generally, records on incidents involving minors should be preserved until the individual reaches age 26, documents of historic value must be kept beyond the limit and in perpetuity under special preservation provisions. The disposal of the documents by the Kobe Family Court, which come from a case that not only shocked the nation but was also a foundational moment in Japan imposing tougher punishments on underage offenders, highlights how criminal incidents and their records of historical significance are treated. The perpetrator was 14 when he committed the crimes between February and May 1997 in Kobe's Suma Ward. They included decapitating a boy of 11 and leaving his head outside a school gate, and fatally striking a 10-year-old girl in the head with a hammer. The family court official said the "way in which the files were preserved was not appropriate in light of today's special preservation measures." The official said it remains unclear when and why the documents were discarded, as well as why special preservation was not granted. Apart from papers relating to the ruling, the discarded records appear to include testimony recorded by the Hyogo prefectural police and Kobe prosecutors, inspection reports and expert evidence on the perpetrator's mental health. Lawyer Ryoji Kudo, who was the attendant to the perpetrator, said the "disposal, including of expert evidence, is deeply regrettable," adding that extraordinary cases that capture society's attention should on a fundamental level be preserved. Recent years have seen numerous cases of valuable court documents being disposed of, including in 2019 when courts across the country dumped valuable records from civil trials in the postwar period. In response, the Supreme Court has been urging materials considered to be of value as "historical or reference documents" be preserved in perpetuity. The top court said it would refrain from commenting on the family court's decision to destroy the documents as it was not currently aware of the reasons behind it or the circumstances at the time action was taken. Now an adult, the perpetrator referred to as "Boy A" was arrested in June 1997 and later detained at a medical reformatory facility. He was released in 2005, and in 2015 he published his diaries under the pseudonym of "former Boy A." By Azernews By Sabina Mammadli Azerbaijan's former Ambassador to France Rahman Mustafayev has "thanked" the Armenian diaspora in response to the insulting reaction to the completion of his mission, Azernews reports. Notably, in the past two days in connection with the completion of the ambassador's diplomatic mission in France, the Armenian media and social networks in the country burst into joyful comments mixed with abuse and insulting attacks. "At the end of my mission in France, I would like to thank the Armenian diaspora, which has not let me down and has been a source of inspiration for me for all these five years. I would not have succeeded in my mission without you. And despite it all, my prayers are for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia," the diplomat wrote on his Twitter page. Following the presidential decree, Mustafayev was appointed the ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By another presidential decree, Leyla Abdullayeva was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to France. KYODO NEWS - Oct 20, 2022 - 11:39 | All, Japan U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will travel to Tokyo next week for a trilateral meeting with her Japanese and South Korean counterparts, the State Department said Wednesday, as North Korea continues its missile tests at an unprecedented rate. It will be the fourth trip to the Indo-Pacific region by the No. 2 official in the department since May. It said her trip demonstrates the United States' continued commitment to the region and its closest allies in Asia -- Japan and South Korea. In Tokyo, Sherman will meet with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and national security adviser Takeo Akiba, among other officials. On Oct. 26, she will take part in a meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori and South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun Dong, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. She will also hold bilateral meetings with the two officials. The United States, Japan and South Korea have been expressing serious concerns over Pyongyang's provocative behavior, with North Korea carrying out 27 rounds of missile tests, including cruise missiles, since the start of this year. They have also denounced Pyongyang's firing of a ballistic missile earlier this month over the Japanese archipelago for the first time in five years, while emphasizing the importance of their trilateral coordination in holding North Korea "accountable," according to the State Department. North Korean ballistic missile launches in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions have come amid growing speculation that the country could conduct a seventh nuclear test in the near future. While in Tokyo, Sherman will also discuss women's empowerment with a group of Japanese and South Korean university students. She will also participate in a discussion on marriage equality with Japanese LGBTQ community leaders, according to the State Department. Staff members of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway pose for a photo in front of a toll station in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Oct. 1, 2022. (PPSHV Expressway/Handout via Xinhua) The Chinese-invested 2-billion-USD Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is crucial to serving both economy and tourism, Cambodian official said. PHNOM PENH, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Monday that some 200,000 vehicles had traveled on the kingdom's first-ever expressway since it was open to the public for trial use for free on Oct. 1. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway connects the capital Phnom Penh and the deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk. "It's good for Preah Sihanouk provincial residents because a lot of people have visited there, traveling on the expressway for free of charge for a month's trial use," Hun Sen said during a graduation ceremony of some 6,400 students at the National University of Management in Phnom Penh. Preah Sihanouk provincial spokesman Kheang Phearom said on Monday that some 125,000 national and international tourists visited Preah Sihanouk province this weekend. "The increase in tourists came after the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway was put into trial operation for one month from Oct. 1 to 31 for free," he said. With two lanes for traffic in each direction plus an emergency lane on each side and paved with asphalt concrete, vehicles will be able to reach their destination in about two hours on the 187 km expressway, instead of five hours on the National Road 4. Vasim Sorya, undersecretary of state and spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the expressway is the largest single project under the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation between Cambodia and China. "The expressway will inject new impetus into Cambodia's economic development since it links between the capital and the international deep-water seaport," he told Xinhua. Ministry of Commerce's undersecretary of state and spokesman Penn Sovicheat said that the expressway is crucial to serving both economy and tourism, saying that it helps ease traffic congestion, save travel time, and reduce transportation costs. CAIRO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- A symposium was held in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Tuesday to mark the remarkable progress achieved by China and Egypt in promoting bilateral ties in the past decade. During the symposium, sponsored by China International Communications Group (CICG), Zhang Tao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Egypt, hailed the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the past decade. Frequent high-level exchanges between China and Egypt in the past 10 years have consolidated political mutual trust, while the bilateral trade volume has nearly doubled to about 20 billion U.S. dollars during the period, Zhang said. The landmark projects of the central business district of Egypt's new administrative capital, Egypt's first electrified light rail transit, and the New Alamein City in northwestern Egypt, which are built by Chinese companies, have become "new symbols of pragmatic cooperation between China and Egypt," he said. Those projects, which have also trained a large number of professional and technical personnel in the Arab country, have contributed to Egypt's economic and social development, the Chinese envoy added. Essam Sharaf, former Egyptian prime minister and head of the Sharaf Foundation for Sustainable Development, said the bilateral trade between Egypt and China has boomed over the past 10 years while the diplomatic ties have become stronger. He lauded China's generous assistance to Egypt in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and making Egypt the first African country capable of producing COVID-19 vaccines. Nasser Abdel-Aal, professor of Chinese language and vice dean of the Faculty of Al-Alsun (Languages) of the Ain Shams University, also commended the fruitful China-Egypt cooperation under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, under which the two states have cooperated in building a number of projects in the fields of energy, construction, and transportation. Hu Baomin, head of the CICG's Center for Europe and Africa, said in a speech via video link from China that "the China-Egypt relations are not only a model for cooperation between China and Arab countries, but also a model for cooperation between China and developing countries." UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for efforts to advance the political process in Mali. There has been progress in political transition, peace process and the fight against terrorism in Mali, a result of joint efforts by the Malian authorities, regional organizations and the international community, said Dai Bing, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Now it is important to consolidate the current momentum and continuously inject impetus toward the ultimate goal of achieving durable peace and development, Dai told the Security Council. Regarding the political process, multiple measures are required on different tracks, he said. The Malian authorities have drawn up a roadmap for the transition, set up electoral institutions, started constitutional work and carried out political consultations, which are visible progress, the envoy said. China hopes that the parties in Mali will build on this and carry forward political reform to create favorable conditions for the transition, he said. On anti-terrorism, Dai said efforts are needed to ramp up the fight to maintain stability. The parties in Mali have recently held a high-level decision-making meeting to promote the implementation of the peace agreement and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, and the government has been fully engaged in fighting terrorism and unveiled a comprehensive stability strategy for the central region of the country, which should be acknowledged, he said. The international community should provide more concrete support for the government in fighting terrorism and respect the country's right to independently carry out its external security cooperation, he added. It is important to increase coordination and communication between the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali and the different sectors of society in order to form synergy, said Dai. The mission has done a great deal in supporting political transition, providing logistic and operational support to the Malian armed forces and protecting civilians, he said. "China is pleased to see that the mission has properly solved the issue of personnel rotation with the government. We hope that the parties will continue to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and jointly maintain the Status of Forces Agreement so as to create good conditions for the mission," he added. China attaches great importance to Mali's legitimate concerns in terms of national sovereignty, security and development, and supports the Malian people in independently choosing a development path that fits their country's condition, Dai said. Together with the international community, China is ready to make great contributions to Mali's effort to maintain national unity and promote peace and development, said the envoy. YAOUNDE, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Experts from 13 countries in West and Central Africa began meeting in Cameroon on Tuesday to discuss how to source funds for the development of the agro-pastoral and fishery sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is the first-ever regional forum on agricultural and rural finance, said Cameroon's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe who presided at the opening ceremony in the capital, Yaounde. "The forum provides a platform for all stakeholders to share possible actions to finance rural agriculture," Mbairobe told reporters. Agriculture remains the main source of income, job creation, and livelihood for 60 to 80 percent of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa, but access to sustainable financing of agriculture especially in rural areas remains a big challenge, said Ghanaian expert Mark Kuma, one of 400 delegates attending the forum. "It is imperative that governments and NGOs work to ensure that farmers and producers have the required funds to boost production in rural areas where poverty is still a big problem," Kuma told Xinhua. "We need to pursue policies that will sustain agricultural and livestock financing and help our rural farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa," added Yusuf Aliru, a participant from Nigeria. The forum will run for four days. Qatar on Wednesday welcomed the arrival of two giant pandas, three-year-old female Si Hai and four-year-old male Jing Jing, under the first giant panda cooperation program between China and the Middle East region. The pandas have also been given two Arab names, Suhail for Jing Jing and Soraya for Si Hai, by Qatar. Produced by Xinhua Global Service BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on his taking office as Kuwait's prime minister. In the message, Li noted that China and Kuwait enjoy a profound traditional friendship, and that Kuwait is the first Gulf Arab state establishing diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties 51 years ago, China-Kuwait relations have maintained sound and stable development, with mutual political trust being continuously consolidated and practical cooperation in various fields being constantly advanced, Li said. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties, and stands ready to work with the Kuwaiti side to promote new progress in the China-Kuwait strategic partnership, he added. Europe's first land-based intermodal logistics terminal using 5G technology has opened in eastern Hungary. Produced by Xinhua Global Service BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- For many, moss is nothing but a humble tiny plant growing in some inconspicuous wet corners, but for villagers in the mountainous town of Maoyang, it is a cash cow that has carried them out of poverty and on a path to further affluence. The remote town is located in one of the least developed counties of east China's Zhejiang Province, a major economic powerhouse and a pilot zone for achieving common prosperity. Building on its distinctive natural resources, the town has nurtured a burgeoning niche industry of breeding moss and selling related products such as potted plants, which are in rising demand in China as people's lives improve. Last year, the moss business generated over 17 million yuan (about 2.4 million U.S. dollars) for the villagers. A villager packages moss products ordered online for delivery in Maoyang Town of Lishui City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) "To make locals rich, you have to foster an industry. To grow bigger, the industry has to leverage local advantages," said Lei Xiaohua, the town's Party chief and a delegate to the ongoing 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Lei now has even stronger confidence in her town's future, as new arrangements have been made in a report to the congress to attain solid progress in promoting common prosperity for the country's entire population. FRESH GUIDELINES Chinese modernization is the modernization of common prosperity for all, according to the landmark report delivered to the congress by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. The report charted a roadmap for building a modern socialist China in all respects over the next five years and beyond, outlining measures to boost and properly share the country's development. In pursuing high-quality development to boost the country's material and technological foundations, China will move faster to build a modernized economy, according to the report. It noted that efforts will be made to promote integrated urban-rural development and coordinated regional development in a bid to "effectively upgrade and appropriately expand economic output." To advance rural revitalization across the board, the country will steadily promote the revitalization of businesses, talent, culture, ecosystems and organizations in the countryside, according to the report. Tourists dance in Sanping Village of Zhongyuan Town in Jing'an County, east China's Jiangxi Province, July 27, 2022. Sanping, once a poverty-stricken village, has now become a popular summer resort. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang) Pledging to improve the people's well-being and raise their quality of life, the CPC will improve the basic public service system to raise public service standards and make public services more balanced and accessible, the report said. China will also improve its system of income distribution. The report said the country will ensure "more pay for more work" and encourage people to "achieve prosperity through hard work." Efforts will be made to promote equality of opportunity, increase the incomes of low-income earners, and expand the size of the middle-income group, the report added. EXPAND AND SHARE THE PIE An essential requirement of socialism and a key feature of Chinese modernization, common prosperity refers to affluence shared by everyone. But what China desires is not egalitarianism. "To use an analogy, we will first make the pie bigger, and then divide it properly through reasonable institutional arrangements," Xi said in a special address at the 2022 World Economic Forum virtual session in January. "As a rising tide lifts all boats, everyone will get a fair share from development, and development gains will benefit all our people in a more substantial and equitable way," Xi said. "China's idea of common prosperity for all is a unique one, and it's not building castles in the air," said Liu Shangxi, head of the Chinese Academy of Fiscal Sciences. The measures outlined in the report show that the country not only pays attention to income distribution, or "dividing the pie," but also makes a point of "making the pie bigger," which is the prerequisite and foundation for achieving common prosperity, Liu said. Promoting common prosperity has been a persistent objective of the CPC. Constant efforts have been made since the founding of the People's Republic of China, with landmark feats achieved in the past decade, including vanquishing absolute poverty and finishing building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. The vision gained particular domestic and global attention in 2020, with its goals defined in the 14th five-year plan for national economic and social development and long-range objectives through 2035. The document called for more tangible and solid progress to be made by 2035. In the world's largest developing nation, imbalanced and insufficient development is still prominent, and the development and income gaps between urban and rural areas as well as between different regions remain wide, Liu said. With neat new houses and enhanced access to medical care, education and employment, residents in the ethnic minority border town of Kyipa in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region have seen sea changes in the past decade. Local residents pose for a photo in front of their new house in Gurum Town of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, April 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) "However, the living standards are still low compared with those in the more developed regions of China," said Sonam Dekyi, head of the town and a delegate to the congress, who spent her college days in a bustling city in central China's Hunan Province. "These gaps will drag China's high-quality development, and that's why China has put promoting common prosperity on the agenda despite the goal's long-term nature," said Liu. "There is no time to lose." EFFORTS IN FULL SWING Concerted efforts across the nation are progressively bringing the objective of common prosperity to fruition by utilizing past knowledge and blazing new trails. As with many of China's other endeavors, the push for common prosperity has its pioneers. In 2021, China issued a guideline to build Zhejiang into a demonstration zone to basically achieve common prosperity by 2035. To narrow the gap between its rich coastal areas and less affluent mountainous regions, Zhejiang has enhanced cooperation between them via a string of pairing-up plans. The province has also rolled out tailored policies covering various communities to expand the middle-income group while raising the pay for low-income residents. This aerial photo shows workers conducting routine cleaning along a river in Dongheng Village of Deqing County in Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 12, 2022. (Photo by Wang Zheng/Xinhua) In northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, a charity project has been introduced to pool social resources to improve public services like employment and elderly care. In an innovative attempt to narrow regional environmental gaps, Zhejiang and its neighboring Anhui Province have piloted a water sharing and compensation program, allowing the latter's river to transfer clean water to the former's water bodies in a bid to improve water quality. A similar scheme has been practiced in the trading of carbon sink across the country. In southwest China's mountainous Guizhou Province, many villagers can boost their income by planting trees, as the carbon that the trees absorb and store can be sold to individuals, institutions and enterprises looking to cut their carbon footprints. Lei has a big vision for further boosting the income of local villagers. Her town is building a large highly automated moss seedling base that can develop a variety of products to expand the dividends for Maoyang and other towns. "The moss is low-key but tenacious. Similarly, we'll stay down-to-earth and enterprising in working toward the goal of common prosperity," Lei said. (Video reporters: Li Cheng, Liu Chang, Deng Min, James Asande, Zack, Jiang Lei, Di Pak, Achim, Jiang Lei, Yang Shilong, Zhang Mocheng; Video editors: Zhao Yuchao, Cao Ying, Hui Peipei) Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Bangladesh's Minister of State for ICT (Information and Communication Technology) under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, addresses a gala event in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 19, 2022. Huawei Bangladesh has announced six startups as winners of the Huawei ICT Incubator 2022 program in Bangladesh. The announcement came in a gala event held here on Wednesday. (Xinhua) DHAKA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Huawei Bangladesh has announced six startups as winners of the Huawei ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Incubator 2022 program in Bangladesh. The announcement came in a gala event held Wednesday in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, which was organized by Huawei Bangladesh with the cooperation of strategic partners Startup Bangladesh Limited and iDEA Bangladesh. The program has two categories, and the champions are Insure Cow for the Idea Stage and Jahaji Limited for the Early Stage. The six winners will get seed funding and global cloud computing resource as the award in addition to the opportunity to meet global startups for knowledge sharing. An independent jury panel comprising iDEA Bangladesh, Huawei Bangladesh, Startup Bangladesh and other renowned leaders of the startup ecosystem of Bangladesh, selected the winners. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Bangladesh's Minister of State for ICT under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, attended the event. "From a startup, in just 35 years, Huawei has become a huge company. This can be an inspiration to follow for startups," the state minister said in his speech. "I thank Huawei for its involvement in three ongoing projects with the ICT Division. Besides, I call on Huawei to consider Bangladesh a significant market for them so that they can play a positive role in the country's ICT sector and support Bangladesh in achieving its vision to become 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041," he said. Addressing the event, Li Jiming, ambassador of China to Bangladesh, said that in recent years, Chinese enterprises have expanded their investments in Bangladesh in terms of infrastructure, science and technology, with ICT being one of the most promising areas. Li said he is confident that China and Bangladesh will enjoy more favorable opportunities for cooperation in ICT and foresee much brighter prospects for win-win cooperation. Pan Junfeng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Limited, said that for over 23 years Huawei, a Chinese tech company, has been working with the ICT sector, telecom operators, and local partners in Bangladesh. Huawei ICT Incubator is part of its continued efforts to facilitate the South Asian country's young minds by empowering them, training them and providing them with unmatched opportunities. On the ICT incubator program 2022 in Bangladesh, Pan noted that throughout the entire program, participants got the chance to learn from industry experts and gained both business and technical knowledge to further refine their ideas. Participants pose for photos at a gala event in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 19, 2022. Huawei Bangladesh has announced six startups as winners of the Huawei ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Incubator 2022 program in Bangladesh. The announcement came in a gala event held here on Wednesday. (Xinhua) Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming (R), hands over the prize to an award winner at a gala event in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 19, 2022. Huawei Bangladesh has announced six startups as winners of the Huawei ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Incubator 2022 program in Bangladesh. The announcement came in a gala event held here on Wednesday. (Xinhua) By Trend The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, Trend reports. The erupted 44-day Second Karabakh War ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. Trend presents the chronicle of the 24-th day of the second Karabakh war: - President Ilham Aliyev addressed the people of Azerbaijan. - In his address to the people, President Ilham Aliyev said that the city of Zangilan and 24 villages had been liberated from occupation. - President Ilham Aliyev renamed the liberated Vang village of Khojavand district to Chinarli. - First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva shared a publication on her Instagram account about the liberation of the city of Zangilan and a number of villages of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Khojavand and Zangilan districts. - The Azerbaijani flag was raised in Zangilan. - Video footage of the destruction of Armenian armored vehicles had been released. The list of destroyed Armenian military equipment had been announced. A group of mercenaries from the Armenian side refused to fight. - Armenian Armed Forces shelled the territories of Tartar and Aghdam districts, killing two civilians. - Video footage of the destruction of a large number of Armenian servicemen and military equipment had been released. - Armenian anti-aircraft guns were destroyed in the direction of Ganja. - Video footage of the destruction of units of the Armenian Armed Forces in the direction of Gubadli had been released. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) meets with visiting UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen in Amman, Jordan, on Oct. 19, 2022. Safadi and Pedersen on Wednesday discussed means to reach a political solution for the Syrian crisis. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua) AMMAN, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen on Wednesday discussed means to reach a political solution for the Syrian crisis. During a meeting in Amman, Pedersen briefed Safadi on the UN-led efforts to resolve the crisis, as well as the outcomes of the talks being held in Syria, according to a statement by the ministry. Safadi stressed Jordan's support for the envoy's efforts toward reaching a political solution in Syria in accordance with the relevant UN resolution. The foreign minister highlighted the need to continue international support for refugees and host communities to ensure decent living standards. Safadi and Pedersen also discussed the situation in southern Syria and the drug trafficking issues. Safadi noted that Jordan is taking all necessary measures to combat the threat of drug smuggling and will do anything necessary to secure its borders and interests. Ma Zhaoxu, vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 20, 2022. The press center for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosted the press conference on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Forge Ahead and Strive to Break New Ground for Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics" on Thursday. Shen Beili, vice minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, also attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- China will promote with concrete actions the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and work to make the system of global governance fairer and more equitable, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said on Thursday. Ma made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Efforts in building a community with a shared future for humanity have made substantial progress in various fields and regards, he said. The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has become a well-received international public good and an important platform for international cooperation, he said, adding that the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative have brought new impetus to the world peace and development. China is firm in safeguarding the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Ma said. He pointed out that the humanity is facing unprecedented challenges, and hegemony and bullying by certain forces are posing great threat to the world order. "A divided world is in no one's interest, and bloc confrontation would only lead to a dead end." China will explore its own development while firmly safeguarding world peace and development, and better promote world peace and development through its own development, he said. Related: (CPC Congress) 181 countries now have diplomatic ties with China (CPC Congress) China expresses support, expectations for G20 summit in Bali A staff member labeled a box with fresh avocados at Sunripe factory in Limuru Town, Kiambu County, Kenya, on August 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui) Kenya projects exports for 2022 to jump 15 percent as compared to the 6.08 billion U.S. dollars recorded in 2021. NAIROBI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has projected exports for 2022 to jump 15 percent as compared to the 738 billion shillings (6.08 billion U.S. dollars) recorded in 2021. Wilfred Marube, chief executive officer of state-owned Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), said Wednesday in Nairobi, Kenya's capital that the increase will be driven by sales into new African countries due to the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as well as emerging markets such as South Korea. "Our marketing efforts are paying off because Kenyan products are penetrating new markets," Marube said during the launch of Kenya Association of Manufacturers Vision 20 by 30. The Kenya Manufacturing Vision 20 by 30 provides a roadmap to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) from the current 7.2 percent to 20 percent by 2030. Workers sort coffee beans at a coffee estate in Ruiru, a suburb on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, on June 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Long Lei) Kenya's key exports include horticulture, tea, coffee, titanium ores, textile and apparel, refined petroleum, iron, plastics and paper products. Marube observed that Kenya is keen to expand its export revenues by increasing the number of export destinations as well as its product base. He revealed that 15 countries account for about 70 percent of the exports, while five products account for about half of export revenues. According to Marube, the bulk of agricultural produce is sold to overseas markets in an unprocessed or semi-processed form, denying the country additional revenues. "With China emphasizing win-win cooperation, what's good for China is good for the world." A milestone national congress of the Communist Party of China has mapped out the country's development goals. Xinhua's Huang Aiping speaks to two international experts on some of the key takeaways from the congress. #GLOBALink Produced by Xinhua Global Service Malaysia's election commission chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh (front) leaves after a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Oct. 20, 2022. Malaysia will hold the general election on Nov. 19, the country's election commission said on Thursday. The nomination of candidates will be held on Nov. 5, providing two weeks for official election campaigning, Abdul Ghani Salleh told a press conference. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will hold the general election on Nov. 19, the country's election commission said on Thursday. The nomination of candidates will be held on Nov. 5, providing two weeks for official election campaigning, commission chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh told a press conference. There will be 363,515 election workers who will operate 8,958 voting centers across the country to serve a total of 21,173,638 registered voters, the official said. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolved parliament on Oct. 10, paving the way for a snap election, citing the need to end the political uncertainty which has seen two prime ministers appointed since 2020 following the resignation of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad in February of that year. Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as the prime minister on March 1, 2020 but later resigned following the withdrawal of support by members of parliament from his own coalition. Ismail Sabri was then appointed as the prime minister on Aug. 21, 2021. Malaysia's election commission chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh attends a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Oct. 20, 2022. Malaysia will hold the general election on Nov. 19, the country's election commission said on Thursday. The nomination of candidates will be held on Nov. 5, providing two weeks for official election campaigning, Abdul Ghani Salleh told a press conference. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) TIANJIN, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing 20th CPC National Congress should not be considered as an ordinary meeting, but rather one of pivotal historical importance for both national and international reasons, an Italian professor has said. Produced by Xinhua Global Service ANKARA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Turkish prosecutors on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for 46 suspects as part of an illegal betting investigation and 35 of them are detained, the state-run TRT broadcaster reported. Cryptocurrencies worth 40 million U.S. dollars were confiscated after simultaneous operations in eight provinces across Turkiye, as part of the investigation against a criminal organization based in the capital of Ankara. The suspects, including Turkish Cypriot businessman Halil Falyali, his wife and a casino manager, transferred the money obtained from illegal betting to the crypto asset accounts of a criminal organization. In this way, they obtained approximately 2.5 billion Turkish liras (135 million dollars) of crime revenue, the TRT reported. Falyali was subject to claims for playing role in money laundering and illegal betting businesses. In 2016, a U.S. court issued an arrest warrant against Falyali in a case concerning drug trafficking and money laundering. In February, he was shot dead in an assault in Turkish Cyprus. "This operation came out of Turkish Cyprus and is linked to the murder of Halil Falyali. A transfer of approximately 2.5 billion liras of money was determined. Approximately 40 million dollars have now been confiscated. But this is just the beginning," Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told reporters on Thursday. NEW DELHI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) in the presence of visiting U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in the country's western state of Gujarat. Mission LiFE follows a three-pronged strategy. First is encouraging individuals to practice simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives. Second is enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand. Third is influencing governments to support sustainable consumption. Speaking on the occasion, Modi said that people were experiencing the effects of climate change in their surroundings, and in the last few decades unexpected calamities were witnessed. "This is making it amply clear that climate change goes beyond only policy-making and people themselves are finding that they should contribute as an individual, families and as communities to the environment," he added. Emphasizing the benefits of Mission LiFE, the Indian prime minister said that it connected the powers of the people for the protection of the Earth, and taught them to utilize it in a better way. "Mission LiFE inspires us to do all that can be done in our everyday life to protect the environment. Mission LiFE believes that the environment can be protected by making changes in our lifestyle," Modi said. Guterres, on the occasion, warned humanity against over-consumption of the Earth. He hoped that initiatives of the Mission LiFE movement spread throughout the world. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe (1st R) is presented the country's first-ever green apple harvest at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Oct. 20, 2022. (President's Media Division of Sri Lanka/Handout via Xinhua) COLOMBO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday was presented the country's first-ever green apple harvest as the country looks to strengthen its agricultural sector amid a food shortage. The President's Media Division said in a statement that farmer M.P. Lakshman Kumara had cultivated the green apples on two acres of land from Thambuttegama in the North Central Province and handed over his maiden harvest to the president in Colombo. During their talks, Kumara told the president that the apple seeds were imported and following proper testing, he had initiated the apple cultivation. The farmer said it is possible to produce and provide the seeds needed to popularize this cultivation, and that these seeds had been produced in a manner that they could be cultivated in any part of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, 70 percent of the 21 million population live in non-urban areas, and agriculture provides a livelihood for approximately 40 percent of them. The government has encouraged farmers to cultivate and produce more local fruits and vegetables in order to strengthen the export market, which will benefit the local economy. Photo taken on Oct. 13, 2022 shows employees working at the smart distribution center in Karachi, Pakistan.(Str/Xinhua) The 50,000-square-meter distribution center will be one of the most technologically advanced logistics facilities in South Asia, equipped with an automatic assembly line and smart distribution set-up with least human interference to ensure operational quality and stability. ISLAMABAD, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has put its first-ever smart distribution center (SDC) into operations in the country's southern port city of Karachi, with experts and officials hailing the development as a milestone towards revolutionizing Pakistan's e-commerce ecosystem. Built by Cainiao Smart Logistics Network of China in partnership with Daraz, the largest player in Pakistan's e-commerce market, the 50,000-square-meter distribution center will be one of the most technologically advanced logistics facilities in South Asia, equipped with an automatic assembly line and smart distribution set-up with least human interference to ensure operational quality and stability. Talking to Xinhua, Syed Zamin Ali, project manager of the SDC in Karachi, said that Pakistan's e-commerce industry has been witnessing a robust growth over the last few years and the number of registered e-commerce merchants, platforms and online payment facilities are also on the rise, showing that more and more Pakistani people are making digital purchases and payments. Photo taken on Oct. 13, 2022 shows an employee working at the smart distribution center in Karachi, Pakistan.(Str/Xinhua) According to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, the e-commerce market in fiscal year 2020 is estimated to have expanded to 234.6 billion rupees (1.07 billion U.S. dollars) from 150.8 billion rupees in the previous year, up 55.6 percent on a year-on-year basis. "With the size increase of the e-commerce market of Pakistan and considering the future prospects, there is a dire need of improving our logistics capabilities to boost our customers' experience," Ali said. "Both sellers and buyers were facing difficulties due to an outdated manual distribution system which involved a number of tedious tasks and labor before the package actually reached its destination," he said, adding that the manual task was heavily error-prone and time-consuming, undermining customers' trust. Thanks to the newly introduced automated distribution center, the project manager said most of the problems have now been solved as it would decrease manual errors by 90 percent and increase the sorting capacity by over four times. In the coming days, the Chinese firm is going to operationalize another smart logistic hub in Lahore, the provincial capital of Pakistan's largest Punjab province, Ali said, expressing hope to build more of such centers across the country to bring more efficiency to Pakistan's logistics sector. Enthusiastically operating the new SDC, 25-year-old Younus Khan was optimistic to dispatch millions of packages in the coming days as a mega sale campaign is just around the corner, saying "now we are fully equipped to make on-time deliveries without any error." "I, along with other staff members, have been learning about the new system from the Chinese engineers over the last few months. The hard work bears fruit as now we have made it fully operational. The knowledge, skills, and devotion of our Chinese brothers really inspired me a lot," Khan told Xinhua. He said that the two logistic facilities in Karachi and Lahore have a capacity to process around 1 million orders a day, making them the most efficient facilities in Pakistan. "I believe it is just the start of something big in the country's e-commerce industry." Photo taken on Oct. 13, 2022 shows the smart distribution center in Karachi, Pakistan. (Str/Xinhua) Congratulating the Chinese and Pakistani experts for successfully accomplishing the new venture, Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar said the SDCs would provide smart solutions to problems being faced by the supply chain systems and help the e-commerce industry usher in a new era of smart logistics. E-commerce has become one of the key drivers of Pakistan's economy, and the investment by the Chinese firm in the industry will be a game changer for Pakistan and beyond, he said. "China is the world's largest e-commerce market with annual online sales worth hundreds of billions of dollars, and Pakistan has a lot to learn from them in terms of knowledge base, experience and technology to take our e-commerce industry to new heights," Qamar told Xinhua. He said there is a huge potential in Pakistan's e-commerce market, and the incumbent government has been making efforts to incentivize the industry to speed up digital transformation. (1 U.S. dollar equals 218.69 Pakistani rupees) By Trend President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the nation. Trend presents the address. Nationwide address of President Ilham Aliyev - Dear fellow compatriots. The victorious Azerbaijani Army is gaining new victories on the battlefield. These victories make every Azerbaijani citizen happy. The enemy, which has been occupying our lands for almost 30 years, sees the strength of the Azerbaijani Army on the battlefield. We are fighting on our own land, defending our own land, and we will continue to drive the invaders out of our lands. Our people are looking forward to more news from the battlefield and the frontline. I am very happy. I am a very lucky person to be able to convey this good news to the people of Azerbaijan. The liberation of every village, every city and every strategic height from the occupiers requires great professionalism, courage, bravery and heroism. Our servicemen are becoming martyrs. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace! Our martyrs will always live in our hearts. Our servicemen are getting wounded on the battlefield. May Allah send healing to all our wounded soldiers! At the same time, the hated enemy is constantly firing on our settlements. Every day, our cities and villages along the frontline come under fire from the hated enemy. Tartar district is particularly exposed to cowardly fire. At the same time, the enemy fires on Aghdam, Goranboy, Aghjabadi, Barda, other cities and districts. As a result of the cowardly shelling of the city of Ganja, civilians were killed children, women, the elderly. But it does not matter to the enemy. There is no difference for them. They are defeated on the battlefield, they are unable to stand in front of the Azerbaijani Army and commit crimes against the civilian population in front of the whole world in order to stop us and strike at us. The whole world sees what an ugly and savage enemy Azerbaijan is liberating its native lands from. For 30 years, they sat on our lands and tried to challenge us. For 30 years, they exploited our lands, exploited our natural resources. Theft and looting are their trademarks. Suffice it to look at the destroyed villages and cities to see what savages we are facing. There is not a single safe building in the occupied and already liberated lands. All buildings have been demolished and looted. Our historical sites, mosques and graves have been destroyed, looted and desecrated. They thought that the Azerbaijani people would put up with this situation. They thought that these lands would be occupied forever. They changed the names of our cities, changed the borders of our districts, changed the names of our villages, wanted to Armenianize our lands but could not achieve this. They could not break the will of the Azerbaijani people. Every Azerbaijani who has not seen their native lands, who opened their eyes to the world after the occupation lived with a desire to return to these lands. We saw it in the example of Jojug Marjanly. Young people born after the occupation, each of them cherished the dream of returning to Jojug Marjanly. I am sure that the citizens of Azerbaijan will return to all the lands liberated from the occupiers. They will live in those lands again and build there in peace and tranquility just as the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people has been created in all the once occupied lands. But the hated enemy wanted to destroy this heritage, destroyed our mosques. When we built a mosque similar to the Shusha mosque in the village of Jojug Marjanly and opened it, I said that they may have destroyed the buildings of mosques but these mosques live in our hearts, and one day all our destroyed mosques will be restored, all our cities and villages will be restored. We are on the threshold of the Great Return, and the Azerbaijani state will do its best to ensure that citizens of Azerbaijan return to the occupied and liberated lands and live there in peace and tranquility. Life will be revived in these lands. Our IDPs have lived all these years with a dream although many of them have wonderful conditions. As you know, this year alone we plan to provide 7,000 apartments to the IDPs. More than 300,000 IDPs have been provided with houses and apartments. They are grateful to us for this care, they have expressed their gratitude in our numerous meetings. But at the same time, I knew myself and they asked me to return them to their land. They understood that this was a difficult issue, they were perfectly aware that this required certain geopolitical conditions. They believed in me, and I told them that we would return them to those lands. I told them that I knew what to do, when and how. The trust people placed in me allowed us the opportunity to resolve this issue. I declare again that I keep all the promises I make. I am true to all the promises I make. The main goal of my activity as President is the return of Azerbaijani lands, the restoration of territorial integrity, and we are doing it on the battlefield today. The negotiations did not yield any results for almost 30 years. The fortifications Armenia built in the occupied territories show that they did not intend to give up these lands. They simply deceived us and international mediators. They were simply biding time, while at the same time conducting illegal settlement of the occupied territories. They settled thousands of people in the city of Lachin, thousands more in Kalbajar. They lived in our villages we have liberated today in Fuzuli, Jabrayil and other districts. Most of those villages are destroyed, but in some houses they lived on our lands. Having carried out ethnic cleansing against the Azerbaijanis, having committed genocide against the Azerbaijanis and having expelled our citizens from their native lands, they held a "referendum", which is completely contrary to human morality, laws and international law. No-one recognizes the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh republic". Now they are trying to get countries of the world to recognize the so-called criminal entity. They have lost their mind. They do not understand that no-one will do it. They do not understand that every country that does this can no longer be considered a friendly country for Azerbaijan. Not only that, we will cut all ties with such a country. They lost their mind. They are trying to restore the status quo now. I have said there is no status quo. We have destroyed the status quo and we have done what is right. We have been waiting for about 30 years. Ten years ago, at the level of the Minsk Group co-chairs and their presidents, a statement was made that the status quo was unacceptable. We also supported it, we liked it, we had high hopes, and then some progress at the negotiating table raised our hopes. But the hated enemy simply deceived us and the international community. This is disrespect for international mediators. We changed the status quo by showing strength on the battlefield. I said this before these clashes, I have said this several times. Unfortunately, international law does not work in international relations. If it did, four UN Security Council resolutions would have been implemented long ago. We waited for 20 years for these resolutions to be implemented. They simply remained on paper. Why? Because there was no political will, there was no mechanism for the implementation of these resolutions. The hated enemy thought that they could continue to ignore them, that they would continue to flout international law, that they can continue to commit their ugly deeds on our lands. We have forced them. Our fist is there not only to smash the enemys head. Our fist is a fist of unity, the unity of our people, a fist of focused activities, the adoption of decisions and resolutions at the international level that benefit us and reflect justice. In some cases, I saw before these events that Azerbaijani citizens, including the IDPs, believed that although such diplomatic successes were certainly important, they did not provide a solution. I always explained to them that this was an issue that should be resolved within the framework of international law. Therefore, we must work with all leading international organizations to expand the legal framework for resolving this conflict. UN Security Council resolutions did not work. We have made great efforts, the UN General Assembly, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other organizations have adopted resolutions. The document we have initialed with the European Union also supports the inviolability of our borders, our sovereignty and the territorial integrity of our country. That is the basis for resolving this conflict. This is why the Armenian leadership, acting like a beggar, like an inane one I am sorry but they are worthy of any name sends letters to all international organizations day and night, makes statements and asks why they remain silent. Why should they speak up? They have already adopted these resolutions and decisions, and Azerbaijan conducts military operations on its territory recognized by the international community. We do not carry out any operations on the territory of Armenia we have no such plans even though they have bombed Ganja twice from the territory of Armenia. We did not respond to them in their fashion. We responded on the battlefield. I said that we would take revenge on them on the battlefield. We will not leave the blood of our martyrs unavenged. The main goal of our activity in international organizations was to improve and expand this legal framework, and we were able to achieve this. Therefore, the Armenian leadership must think carefully. They are already on their knees. We have brought them to their knees. We have shown them the place they deserve. We will drive them out of our lands! We will drive them out! Good news comes in every day. Every day, our flag is raised in a new settlement. This is the strength of the Azerbaijani state, the Azerbaijani people. For 30 years, the Armenian leadership has been spreading myths about a "strong army", myths about an "invincible Armenian army". Where is this "invincible Armenian army?" Look at the way it runs away from us. It was all a myth, it was all a lie. We have exposed it. They insulted us for 30 years. For 30 years, they had been destroying our sites in the occupied territories and trying to erase our historical and cultural heritage. Why has the international community not imposed sanctions on the aggressor state for 30 years? I have repeatedly said that sanctions should be imposed. This country, the leadership of this country does not want to leave these lands of its own free will. They deceive us, imitate a process of negotiations. They are not trustworthy, and I was right. Look at the fortifications they built there. Will a country that builds such fortifications, a country that spends so much money on them ever get out of there? If they wanted to leave, they would not have built them. So every word they say is a lie. Today, the leaders of their state incessantly spread lies and fabrications about Azerbaijan and the events on the battlefield as if someone is fighting for us. The Azerbaijani people, Azerbaijani youth, Azerbaijani soldiers are teaching them a lesson. We are fighting alone and everyone knows that. They can't come to terms with that because their myth is falling apart, the myth that formed the basis of their ideology. They have been lying about history. Unfortunately, they have succeeded in convincing many countries of their historical lies. The lies about Khojaly as if Azerbaijan committed the Khojaly genocide itself. Regarding the bombing of Ganja, their officials have made a false statement that Armenia did not organize the rocket fire. They have neither conscience nor morality. They dont even have the brain. If they had the brain, they would say: look, this is the starting point and the trajectory of this ballistic missile. It can be followed by the world's leading countries, where it was fired from and where it landed. Ballistic missiles are programmed with a combat mission. It did not accidentally fall into that residential area at night. It was done deliberately. They have lost their mind. They want to continue to deceive the world. Who else fired this rocket on Ganja? We ourselves? Just as they lied that Azerbaijan committed the Khojaly genocide itself, they are lying again now. He lies to the whole world. He lies in all of his interviews. We will continue to expel these liars. They see who is who now. They see that we were teaching them a lesson they will never forget. Now they are asking for help. They are calling for help now! So where is your "victorious army"? Where is your "invincible army"? Armenias drunken prime minister was dancing on our sacred Jidir plain. He should have thought that this insult would affect the people of Azerbaijan? He thought that no-one would touch them. He thought that all countries would continue to defend them, world Armenians, Armenian lobbies and some of their friendly countries. This is why they have gone astray, this is why they have grown impudent. We showed them their place, hit them on the head so hard that they are unlikely ever to recover. We have almost destroyed their army and equipment. They are running away. And they will keep running. In short, our superiority on the battlefield is no longer a secret. We are on the right path. Ours is the cause of justice. We are fighting on our own land, giving martyrs and restoring our territorial integrity. These steps will be continue to be taken. Armenia must declare before it is too late that it is withdrawing from the occupied territories. After that the fighting may stop. Every time I address my people, I bring good news. At the same time, almost every day I mention the names of new villages and cities liberated from occupation on my Twitter account, through Twitter. I know that the people of Azerbaijan are waiting for this news every day! Every day and every hour, people wait for this news to come out. But I want my dear people to know that the capture of every village and every height requires great courage. Because not only the fortifications built there but also the military terrain in the liberated lands are more favorable for the Armenians. We are fighting against their fortifications, their cannons and missiles, as well as the natural terrain. We are liberating our lands inch by inch from the occupiers. It is very difficult. The day will come and we will provide detailed information about that. I am sure that the people of Azerbaijan understand that we are saying whatever is possible today. The fighting is going on, and we want this fighting to end and our territorial integrity to be restored soon. Therefore, I think that the volume of information provided to the Azerbaijani public is sufficient. Staying true to this beautiful tradition, I would like to share new information with the people of Azerbaijan. I will share with my dear nation information about the enemy's destroyed equipment and booty. Thus, 241 enemy tanks have been destroyed, 39 tanks have been taken as military booty so a total of 280 tanks. However, there are still more tanks, both in the occupied territories and in Armenia. Where did they get so many tanks? This contradicts the international conventions governing all this. Why didn't the institutions that were supposed to monitor these conventions pay attention to that? We say that 241 tanks have been destroyed we will organize their demonstration later and 39 tanks have been taken over in good condition. Our soldiers are sitting in these tanks and firing at the enemy with their own tanks. Fifty infantry fighting vehicles have been destroyed and 24 have been taken as booty and are in our hands. Seventeen self-propelled artillery pieces have been destroyed, 198 artillery pieces have been destroyed, 58 mortars have been destroyed, 12 mortars have been taken as booty, 25 grenade-launchers have been seized as military booty, 53 anti-tank vehicles have been destroyed, 70 Grad installations have been destroyed, two "Hurricane" and two Multiple Rocket Launchers have been destroyed, one "TOS" has been destroyed, four "S-300" anti-aircraft missile systems have been destroyed. Last time I shared this information with the Azerbaijani public, we had destroyed two "S-300" anti-aircraft missile systems. To date, we have destroyed four complexes. The cost of each complex is well known. They are very expensive military equipment. Three "TOR" anti-aircraft missile systems have been destroyed. About 40 "OSA" anti-aircraft missile systems have been destroyed. Five "KUB" and "KRUG" anti-aircraft missile systems have been destroyed. Six unmanned aerial vehicles, two operational-tactical missile systems Elbrus, one ballistic missile, one Tochka-U missile, eight radio-electronic means of combat have been destroyed, 198 trucks have been destroyed, including 15 full of ammunition, 102 trucks have been seized as military booty. We will continue to destroy the military equipment of the enemy. Whatever they have left will also be destroyed. And now, I am very proud to announce the liberation of our settlements my dear people are looking forward to. Fuzuli district names of liberated villages: Dordchinar, Kurdlar, Yukhari Abdurrahmanli, Garghabazar, Ashaghi Veysalli, Yukhari Aybasanli. Jabrayil district - liberated villages: Safarsha, Hasangaydi, Fughanli, Imambaghi, Dash Veysalli, Aghtapa, Yarahmadli. Khojavand district the list of liberated settlements: Aghjakand, Mulkudara, Dashbashi, Gunashli (former name of Gunashli village was Norashen), Vang. I am giving this village a new Azerbaijani name. From now on, Vang village should be called Chinarli village. Blessed be the name! Zangilan district. The glorious Azerbaijani Army has also entered the territory of Zangilan district and liberated settlements. The liberated settlements in the territory of Zangilan district: Havali village, Zarnali village, Mammadbayli village, Hakari village, Sharifan village, Mughanli village and Zangilan city! Zangilan is ours! Karabakh is ours! Dear nation, dear people of Zangilan, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Jabrayil and other occupied districts. We are fulfilling our mission. We are giving a worthy response to the enemy. We are punishing the enemy. The enemy is helpless. We are breaking the enemy's back and we will break it! Karabakh is ours! Long live Azerbaijan! Long live the people of Azerbaijan! The press center for the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosts a press conference on the topic "Under the Guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Forge Ahead and Strive to Break New Ground for Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics" in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 20, 2022. Shen Beili, vice minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Ma Zhaoxu, vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli) BEIJING, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- China supports Indonesia in playing its role as the president of the Group of 20 (G20) and expects the upcoming G20 summit to contribute to global COVID-19 response, economic recovery, and food and energy security, a senior Chinese diplomat said Thursday. Vice foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu said China supports the theme of "Recover Together, Recover Stronger" of the summit, which will be held in Bali in November. Ma made the remarks at a press conference held on the sidelines of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. "We hope that the G20 summit will play an active and constructive role in such areas as strengthening international cooperation on COVID-19 response, promoting the world economic recovery, and ensuring global food and energy security," Ma said. As a G20 member, China has been taking an active part in international economic cooperation and global economic governance, and working with other parties to propel strong global growth that is sustainable, balanced and inclusive, he added. File photo of Suella Braverman taken in London, Britain, Sept. 15, 2020, when she was serving as Britain's attorney general. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) In her resignation letter posted on Twitter, Braverman cited her "technical infringement of the rules" as she had sent an official document from her personal email. However, she went on to express concerns over Truss's government and its U-turns on its promises to the people. LONDON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Suella Braverman, home secretary of the United Kingdom (UK), resigned on Wednesday after breaching a security rule. However, she also noted her "serious concerns" about the direction of Prime Minister Liz Truss's government. In her resignation letter posted on Twitter, Braverman cited her "technical infringement of the rules" as she had sent an official document from her personal email. She, however, went on to express concerns over Truss's government and its U-turns on its promises to the people. "It is obvious to everyone that we are going through a tumultuous time," she wrote. "I have concerns about the direction of this government. Not only have we broken key pledges that were promised to our voters, but I have had serious concerns about this government's commitment to honoring manifesto commitments, such as reducing overall migration numbers and stopping illegal migration, particularly the dangerous small boats crossings." Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers her first address to the nation outside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on Sept. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying) In her letter to Braverman, Truss said that "I accept your resignation and respect the decision you have made. It is important the ministerial code is upheld and that cabinet confidentiality is respected." Grant Shapps, former transport minister, succeeds Braverman as home secretary, Downing Street said. Braverman's resignation came five days after Kwasi Kwarteng left the government as chancellor of the exchequer after the mini-budget he introduced last month caused market turmoil and tanked the ruling Conservative Party's poll rating. The mini-budget, which contained controversial debt-funded tax cuts, has been blamed for plunging the British pound to a 37-year low against the U.S. dollar, while pushing up the cost of government borrowing and mortgage rates. People purchase reduced price goods at a supermarket in Reading, Britain, Aug. 21, 2022. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua) His successor, Jeremy Hunt, has torn up almost all the announced tax cuts and limited the government's cap on rising energy prices. With her economic strategy reversed and Kwarteng gone, Truss's premiership is thought to be increasingly untenable. In an interview with the BBC on Monday, Truss apologized for going "too far and too fast" with the economic policies and took responsibility for "the mistakes that have been made" in the first weeks of her premiership. However, the prime minister, who has been in office for only six weeks, vowed to stay on and take the party to the next general election. During the weekly Prime Minister's Questions in Parliament earlier in the day, Truss said: "I am a fighter and not a quitter." A Chinese envoy on Wednesday made a joint statement at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, on behalf of 25 countries, calling for the immediate and complete lifting of unilateral coercive measures. Produced by Xinhua Global Service NAIROBI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday vowed to massively invest in agriculture to increase food production, and reduce the cost of living. While addressing the nation during celebrations to mark this year's Heroes Day, Ruto said his government will urgently construct many dams to help put 3 million acres (about 1.21 million hectares) of land under irrigation to end overreliance on rain-fed agriculture. "We have to take very bold steps to end the perpetual cycle of hunger and dependency on rain-fed agriculture. We must eradicate hunger in our country in the shortest time possible," he said. Ruto also directed the immediate recruitment of 2,700 forest rangers and 600 forest officers to drive the government's agenda to increase Kenya's forest cover to more than 30 percent by 2032. He said Kenya is concerned about climate change and its impact on the country as a whole, particularly the arid and semi-arid regions. The Kenyan leader said climate change is complicating the country's roadmap toward socioeconomic transformation and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. He also said Kenya was currently faced with a severe drought, the worst in 40 years, due to failed rains for three years. "As we seek short-term measures to respond to the evolving situation, I have directed that a long-term and sustainable solution to the planetary challenges be put in place. The ultimate solution includes greening our country to more than 30 percent of tree cover by 2032," he said. According to Ruto, data on Kenya's forest cover was alarming since only 5.2 million square kilometers of Kenya's 59.2 million square kilometers are under forest cover. "The remaining 54 million hectares are bare earth, exposed to erosion and biodiversity loss. Over 80 percent of this lies in arid and semi-arid lands," he said. Ruto noted that the government is already implementing short-term measures to address the food shortages occasioned by the prolonged drought and is also providing subsidized fertilizer to boost production. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Kenya currently stands at 4.35 million, a rise from 4.1 million in June, according to the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA). A raft of measures the president listed for boosting agriculture includes scaling up seed multiplication for all crops. Ruto, however, said irrigation is the ultimate solution in guaranteeing food security, adding that his government is seeking public-private partnerships to build as many dams as possible. MOGADISHU, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Humanitarian organizations need an additional 1 billion U.S. dollars in funding to respond to the most life-threatening needs of 7.6 million people across Somalia, the UN relief agency said on Thursday. Adam Abdelmoula, the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and also the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said more funding should be channeled to national NGOs, who are on the frontline responding to needs in some of the hardest hit and hardest-to-reach areas. Abdelmoula warned that millions of Somalis are at risk unless humanitarian assistance is scaled up and sustained. "Humanitarian organizations have adapted the response to target areas where the needs are highest, focusing on the most vulnerable people. But we know we urgently need to do more, and we require more money to do so," he said in a joint statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The UN said the increased requirement for the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) comes against the backdrop of rapidly mounting needs and a corresponding scale-up in humanitarian action. Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, said his country is currently facing its worst drought in at least 40 years. The crisis is caused by the historic failure of four consecutive rainy seasons, persistent conflict, displacement, and high food prices have left millions of people at risk and are pushing people in Somalia to the brink of famine "We are facing a major emergency. We declared the drought an emergency last year and have been scaling up to reach the most vulnerable people, but we need the international community's support to prevent further deterioration," Jama said. He said the government has appointed a special envoy for drought and reconstituted the Somali Disaster Management Agency, tasked with facilitating efforts of relief and rescuing people in distress, to help respond to the alarming situation. The UN said the updated 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan requires 2.26 billion dollars to reach 7.6 million people targeted for humanitarian assistance in Somalia, an increase of 800 million dollars on the initial HRP target in January of 1.46 billion dollars for about 5.5 million people. It said more than 80 percent of the funding requirement is related to drought, adding that donors have made generous contributions totaling 1.05 billion dollars so far this year (46 percent of the 2.26 billion dollar appeal), enabling partners to reach about 6.5 million people across Somalia with some form of humanitarian assistance. The UN, however, said more funds are urgently needed to keep pace with the increasing scale, scope, and severity of the situation. TOKYO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Japan logged a record trade deficit in the six months to September, owing to soaring prices for energy and raw material imports being further inflated by the yen's steep decline against the U.S. dollar, the government said in a report on Thursday. According to the Finance Ministry, the deficit stood at 11.01 trillion yen (73.43 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of fiscal 2022 since April, marking the biggest for any fiscal half-year period since record keeping began. Japan's imports leapt 4.5 percent to a record 60.58 trillion yen (404.05 billion U.S. dollars) in the recording period, eclipsing its exports that rose 19.6 percent to a record 49.58 trillion yen (330.68 billion yen), the ministry said in its preliminary report. In the six months to September, Japan's deficit with China, its largest trading partner, almost tripled to 2.84 trillion yen (18.94 billion U.S. dollars), compared to 981.49 billion yen (6.55 billion U.S. dollars) logged a year earlier, the ministry's data showed. In the same period, Japan had a trade surplus of 3.16 trillion yen (21.07 billion U.S. dollars) with the United States, with exports increasing 22.8 percent to a record 9.11 trillion yen (60.75 billion U.S. dollars), while imports totaled 5.95 trillion yen, climbing 32.1 percent (39.68 billion U.S. dollars). Japan booked a trade surplus of 1.30 trillion yen (8.67 billion U.S. dollars) with the rest of Asia, the ministry also said, and logged a deficit of 876.55 billion yen (5.85 billion U.S. dollars) with the European Union, in the fiscal first half. In September, Japan logged a trade deficit for the 14th straight month, at 2.09 trillion yen (13.94 billion U.S. dollars), with the country's imports increasing 45.9 percent, while exports were up 28.9 percent in value terms, the ministry said. ISLAMABAD, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The number of dengue fever cases keeps on rising in Pakistan as another death was reported in the South Asian country. The death was reported from the southern Sindh province, the provincial health department said on Wednesday evening. In the last 24 hours, 307 new infections of dengue fever were reported in Sindh province, and the worst-hit area Karachi reported 189 new cases. With the newly-reported dengue cases, the October figure to date for the province has risen to 6,134, bringing the total local tally to 16,288 this year. In the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 362 more people were diagnosed with the disease, the provincial health department said on Wednesday night. The number of active cases in the province currently stands at 1,775 and the total number of cases this year has reached 15,316. The eastern Punjab province reported 313 new cases in the last 24 hours, the provincial health authorities said on Wednesday. Punjab's capital Lahore reported 157 new cases, followed by Rawalpindi city with 65 cases. The total number of dengue cases in Punjab this year has now gone up to 11,808. The national capital Islamabad reported 111 new dengue cases in the last 24 hours, the health authorities said on Wednesday night. The city's total tally has risen to 4,097 this year. HAVANA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Wednesday called on the U.S. government to lift its decades-long trade embargo, or blockade, against the country. "The U.S. blockade has caused Cuba losses valued at 3.806 billion U.S. dollars between August 2021 and February 2022," Rodriguez told a press conference in the country's capital Havana. The call comes ahead of the Cuban government's annual submission to the UN General Assembly of a draft resolution calling for an end to the embargo. The General Assembly is scheduled to discuss and vote on the draft resolution in early November. U.S. trade sanctions, Rodriguez said, severely limit Cuba's access to food, medicine, technology and inputs on the international market. "The world would be a better place without the U.S. blockade against Cuba," he added. First imposed in 1962, the embargo was broadened by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who put in place 243 more sanctions, including banning all flights from the United States to Cuban destinations except for Havana, and capping remittances Cuban Americans can send to their families back home. The current U.S. administration allowed airlines to resume flights to other Cuban cities and lifted the cap on remittances, but the web of sanctions against Cuba remains largely in place. For 29 times in a row, the UN General Assembly has voted in favor of the resolution urging the United States to end its embargo against Cuba. CAIRO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The backlash against anti-racist books and efforts has now paved the way for the return of overtly racist, sexist and queer-phobic books in schools, filling the void left by so many bans of "critical race theory," said a U.S. professor. Donald Earl Collins, visiting professor of African American History with Loyola University Maryland, argued that those pushing for the bans are really arguing against any schooling that involves a reckoning with American racism and other ills. In an opinion piece published by Al Jazeera on Wednesday, Collins said the result of such bans is also a further undermining of confidence in public schools as a public good while bolstering privatization and school choice efforts -- pet priorities for the far right. Already, some Black parents have shifted to homeschooling in response to the trauma and erasure their kids have faced in recent years, he added. The past decade is replete with examples of attempts at propaganda through curriculum and textbooks, Collins said. Installing more "patriotic" education while gutting discussions of slavery, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and homophobia has been going on in some schools for years, he said, adding that it is a deliberate erasure of black, Mexican, Arab Muslim, indigenous and queer senses of the world. Jeddah: For providing Russia with lethal "kamikaze" drones to attack Ukraine, Iran is now subject to a number of new European sanctions. On Wednesday, sanctions experts from the 27-member EU bloc decided to blacklist Shahed Aviation Industries, two senior military officers, and Brig. Gen. Saeed Aghajani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who is in charge of Iran's drone programme. The EU governments are anticipated to approve the sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel restrictions, on Thursday. The spokesman for French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Wednesday that there are new listings for the drone issue that should be adopted this week. Also Read: Ukraine decides to break diplomatic relations with Iran "I believe we have enough evidence to say that Iran is a duck if it behaves like a duck, talks like a duck, and admits to giving drones to the largest duck in the world. Gabrielius Landsbergis, the foreign minister of Lithuania, said, "Let's sanction the duck out of them. A flurry of Shahed-136 suicide drone attacks targeting people and energy infrastructure have hit Ukraine. Since the first one was fired on September 13, its military claimed on Wednesday to have shot down more than 220 of the Iranian-made weapons. A thermal power plant in the western Ukrainian city of Burshtyn was struck by a Russian missile strike on Wednesday, the most recent in a string of assaults on vital infrastructure that has rendered nearly a third of the nation's capacity to generate electricity inoperable just before winter. Also Read: Iran consents to sending Russia missiles and additional kamikaze drones At a Wednesday UN Security Council meeting that is held behind closed doors, the US, Britain, and France will bring up the issue of Iranian arms transfers to Russia. Resolution 2231, which supported the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, is viewed by Western powers as being broken by the export and purchase of drones. On Wednesday, Israel made the offer to assist Ukraine in creating air attack warning systems for civilians. Israel has restricted its assistance to Ukraine to humanitarian aid despite condemning the Russian invasion. Also Read:Drones and missiles hit Ukraine's water and power infrastructure In order to "assist in the development of a lifesaving civilian early warning system," Israel had asked Ukraine to "share information about their needs for air defence alerts," according to Defense Minister Benny Gantz. To alert residents to take cover when missiles are launched, Israel has a radar network that activates sirens or cellphone alerts. According to a defence ministry spokesperson for Israel, Ukraine might be offered similar early warning systems. By Azernews By Sabina Mammadli Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived at Azerbaijan's Zangilan District to attend the opening of the Zangilan International Airport due to take place today. A guard of honor was arranged for the Turkish President at the Zangilan International Airport decorated with the national flags of the two countries. Before this event, on October 26, 2021, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan commissioned the Fuzuli Airport, built in Azerbaijans liberated Fuzuli District in less than a year. The opening of the airports in Azerbaijan's de-occupied lands is considered one of the grand construction projects Azerbaijan has been implementing in the liberated lands following the 30-year-long Armenian occupation. The airports in the liberated lands are believed to boost the region's tourism and business potential. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the first international leader, who landed at the brand-new airport in Fuzuli after Azerbaijan's remarkable victory in the 44-day war with Armenia in 2020. Erdogan's historic visit to Fuzuli on October 26, 2021, to inaugurate the Fuzuli International Airport along with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was of huge strategic importance and grabbed the regional and international media headlines. At that point, in Fuzuli, President Aliyev stressed the importance of the visit, saying "this shows that Turkiye and Azerbaijan, as two brotherly countries, are always close to each other". Moscow: India's friend Russia has recognized Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. This has been seen in the map of SCO member countries issued by the Russian government. According to media reports, the map released shows Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and Aksai Chin as well as the entire Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. Despite Pakistan and China being member countries of the SCO, Moscow has taken this step. This map has further strengthened the Indian side on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at the international level and within the SCO. Let us tell you that recently the US Ambassador recently visited POK. He had described this area as 'Azad Kashmir'. The German Foreign Minister had also recently suggested the role of the United Nations (UN) in resolving the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Let us tell you that in the map recently released by China for the SCO, by showing some areas of India as part of its territory, its policy of expansionism was again exposed. A government source has told that the correct depiction of the map of India by Russia, one of the founding members of the SCO, has set the record straight. Captain responds to Kapil Dev's statement; Team India will not reach semi-finals... T20 World Cup: Steve Smith set to miss Australia opener against Black Caps West Indies' tour of Pakistan: T20I series deferred to 2024 UK sanctions Iran over supplying drones to Russia 20 October, 10:07 PM Sanctions imposed against three Iranian citizens involved in the transfer of drones to Russia (Photo:Roman Petushkov/Reuters) The UK government has introduced sanctions against three Iranian nationals and an Iranian company, over Tehran aiding the Russian war effort with the supply of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, a message on the official Gov.uk website said on Oct. 20. By supplying these drones Iran is actively warmongering, profiting off Russias abhorrent attacks on Ukrainian citizens, and adding to the suffering of the people and the destruction of critical infrastructure, the message reads. Read also: Rada condemns Iran for supplying Russia with weapons and supporting it in war against Ukraine Both Russia and Iran are violating a UN Security Council Resolution that controls the transfer of these weapons from Iran. Video of day Three Iranian citizens responsible for the transfer of drones to Russia have their UK assets frozen and are banned from entry to the UK. Additionally, Shahed Aviation Industries the company that manufactures Shahed-136 drones has its assets frozen. These cowardly drone strikes are an act of desperation, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said. By enabling these strikes, these individuals and a manufacturer have caused the people of Ukraine untold suffering. We will ensure that they are held to account for their actions. The EU has earlier introduced similar sanctions against Iran. Read also: EU has evidence of Iran providing Russia with suicide drones to attack Ukraine Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News File: Madhav Kumar Nepal Kathmandu, October 20 The Election Commission has instructed Nepal Police to take needful action against CPN-Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, concluding he violated the countrys election law. The commission, in a letter sent to the District Police Office in Rautahat, Nepals constituency, says Nepal committed an offence as per section 20 of the Election (Offence and Punishment) Act. It has asked the police to take action against Nepal as per section 39 of the act. The commission says Madhav Kumar Nepal gave assurances of financial benefits to his voters during his campaigning for the November 20 elections, and it is illegal, adding he should be fined Rs 100,000, should be jailed for a year or should be subjected to both punishments. Nepal, during his election campaign yesterday, had told the public that if the electoral alliance that he is in could win the House of Representatives elections this time, the government then would provide free visas and free tickets for foreign employment. Home Society Satya Mohan Joshis service to the nation after death: Heres all you need to know about body donation in Nepal Satya Mohan Joshis body is ready for donation (l) while his sons burn his astrological birth chart as a symbolic cremation ritual. On Sunday, Satya Mohan Joshi, the man of the century, passed away at the age of 103. But, his body was not cremated as he had signed a body donation agreement previously. It received quite the attention of Nepali society. Joshis body has been handed over to KIST Medical College in Lalitpur. According to Suraj Bajracharya, the director of the college, Joshi had signed an agreement to donate his body after death. Although Joshi had signed the agreement, it would depend upon the familys decision whether they wanted to donate the dead body. Accordingly, we informed his family and they decided to fulfil Joshis wish, says Bajracharya. The family agreed, and the body has been handed over to the college now. But, what happens after this is still a concern in Nepal as body donation is a new concept here. Body donation decision Lalitpur locals gather to pay tributes to Satya Mohan Josohi after his death on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Satya Mohan Joshis family were worried before donating the body. They had a dilemma while making the decision. After a discussion with Krishna Singh Basnet, the head of the Anatomy and Forensic Department at the college, the family agreed to abide by the late mans wish. Joshi announced the donation of his body amid a programme on February 12, 2021. Along with him, his wife Radha Devi also signed the consent to body donation. Their son Anuraj also signed in the paper for approval. According to people close to him, Joshi was worried that he would be accused of going against his religion and culture for deciding to donate his body. During the event, he even offered clarification, I am not against our religion and culture. Both of us decided to donate our bodies for medical study to discover how our life span ran for such a long time. According to Jagdish Agrawal, a former dean of the Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, medical students are mostly compelled to depend on unattended bodies as there were no provisions for body donation in Nepal before 2017. Some institutions would bring the bodies from India. An unattended body is not preserved correctly at the beginning, but a donated body is taken care of from the start and is preserved well, says Agrawal. Thats why the donated bodies are considered good for the study. For the first time, the Civil Code of 2017 permitted people to legally donate their bodies. Section 38 (1) of the code has the provision to donate the body. Before this legal provision, if someone wanted to donate a body, the consent of the family and an agreement to not file a complaint for legal action used to be made. However, it was insignificant in terms of legal validity. According to Agrawal, earlier, people were not ready for body donation, thinking it would disrespect the culture and religion. But, now, things have changed. The number of people donating their bodies for the study is increasing, says Gopal Chaudhary, a forensic expert at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). Others who donated their bodies The number of people donating their bodies for the study is increasing, says Gopal Chaudhary, a forensic expert at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). A month before Joshi announced the body donation, Bagmati Province Chief Yadav Chandra Sharma and his wife also announced that they would donate the bodies after their death. My body is as valuable as gold for the students. There is a strong pacemaker in my heart. Likewise, due to the blockade of blood vessels, there are also three nets, Sharma says, It can be a special case for studies. Litterateur Dahal Yagya Nidhi, who passed away in 2018, also signed consent to donate his body. According to his wish, the family members handover the body to the TUTH for study. Some months ago, political analyst Narendra Jung Peter also decided to donate his body to Nepalgunj Medical College. Making his family understand the value of body donation took him four years. Journalist Bhairav Risal and his wife Sushila Risal announced that they would donate their bodies to the Patan Institute of Health Sciences, eight years before the legal system for body donation was introduced in Nepal. The body of former justice Bharat Raj Uprety, who died of suicide in 2015, was also donated to a hospital for the study. In the letter, which was written by Upreti before their death, he made a request for his body donation. In February, former health and population minister Birodh Khatiwada and Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi also announced the donation of their bodies for study purposes. Likewise, former foreign affairs minister Pradeep Gyawali also decided to donate his body. What happens to the donated body Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba drapes the national flag on Satya Mohan Joshis body, in Kathmandu, on Sunday, October 16, 2022. Photo: Aryan Dhimal Harihar Wasti, a former head of the TUTH forensic department, says the donated bodies are purely used for study and research. The bodies are preserved for a long period by using various chemicals, says Wasti. According to him, a human body is compulsorily needed for MBBS first and second-year students to study anatomy dissection. Chaudhary informs that the hospital usually receives two bodies a week these days. Maybe due to growing awareness about body donation, the number is increasing. Nonetheless, the TUTH never had a shortage of unattended bodies, he says. The TUTH even provides the bodies to other colleges. Meanwhile, unattended bodies are kept in refrigeration for a certain time prescribed by the law. Afterwards, they are moved to a temporary mortuary. Then, those bodies are used for study, says Chaudhary. According to Kishor Singh Basnet, the forensic department head at KIST Medical College, the body of Satya Mohan Joshi will be used for both general medical research and students regular research. A chemical to prevent decomposition has been used in his body and it is used in our research immediately. We will study more about what can be studied from his body. Joshi himself wanted to study what factors caused him to live for a long time. We will study it as well, says Bajracharya. According to Chaudhary of the TUTH, those interested in body donation can register their names in any medical college. Afterwards, the college will give permission as necessary. But, there must be acceptance by family members too. Even after death, they are brought to the hospital only after holding a meeting with the peoples representatives and signing documents to ensure that the body is not suspicious. Lately, there are many people willing to donate bodies, but due to a lack of resources, the hospitals, despite their necessity, do not accept their proposal. BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences hardly accepts the bodies as there are enough bodies in the hospital. This story was translated from the original Nepali version and edited for clarity and length. Representational file: A flight Kathmandu, October 20 A team from the United States civil aviation authority is preparing to study the status of aviation safety in Nepal. The study will be conducted as a preparation for signing a bilateral flight service agreement. Pradeep Adhikari, the chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), says the study by a mission sent by the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States is beginning its work today. The study will focus on various sectors of aviation safety as decided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Nepal has recently received the final report of ICAOs latest aviation safety audit, in which Nepal scored 70.1 per cent. Meanwhile, CAAN says it is hopeful that Nepal would get out of the European Unions air safety blacklist, according to Adhikari. The European Commissions decision to blacklist the country has barred aircraft belonging to Nepali airline companies from European skies since 2013. In its recent revision in June also, Nepal failed to get off the list. To meet the demand for animal science graduates within Indianas poultry industry, Purdues College of Agriculture has created a program aiming to streamline career paths for interested students. The REACH (Research, Engagement, Activity, Culture, Hen) Program is led by Elizabeth Karcher, associate professor of animal sciences, and team members Greg Fraley, Terry and Sandra Tucker Family Endowed Chair of Poultry Science; Pamala Morris, Associate Dean and Director of the Office of Multicultural Programs and professor of agricultural sciences education and communication; Luis Santiago, Purdue Extension educator in Daviess County; and James Wolff, Purdue Extension educator in Allen County. The REACH Program will provide five incoming freshmen pursuing animal sciences degrees with a focus on poultry with eight semesters of full tuition as well as stipends for books, a paid internship, a fully funded 10-day study abroad program in the Netherlands, funding to attend a professional poultry science conference, annual tours of facilities within the poultry industry, and a mentoring program focused on inclusiveness and student success. If that sounds like a golden ticket experience, Karcher explained, thats their goal. The REACH Program, funded through a USDA Multicultural Scholars Program, awards funding to different program applicants to give students a well-rounded university experience. In partnership with the Office of Multicultural Programs, Karcher said their program will support students as soon as they step foot onto campus. Students will not only have access to faculty as a research team who will serve as mentors and advisors, but they will also find support in the Office of Multicultural Programs, which is working with us to build stronger mentoring programs, Karcher said. We want students to feel welcomed and supported early on, so while the fully funded tuition is a major benefit, we want it to go beyond that through experience. To be considered for the REACH program, students must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and accepted into Purdues College of Agriculture with intent to study animal sciences. Preference will be given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to increasing opportunities for underrepresented minority students. Applicants are encouraged to apply by the November 1st Early Action deadline, and to apply to the REACH Program through the College of Agricultures scholarship application. Karcher said while she is eager to drive more interest in careers within the poultry industry, she knows the REACH Program has the potential to make a significant impact on students lives. This is a great opportunity to get to know these students really, really well and to support them in each step through their career here at Purdue, she said. I am hopeful that this program is going to reach a few high school students who see this and think, Wow, this is a great opportunity that was meant for me, especially for students who are looking to make a global impact in the work they do. To learn more about scholarships within the College of Agriculture and applications, visit the College of Agricultures Scholarships webpage. (Recasts, adds Iran, France, Britain, U.N. comment, details throughout) By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday that it will reassess cooperation with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres if he sends experts to Ukraine to inspect drones that Western powers say were made in Iran and used by Moscow in violation of a U.N. resolution. Speaking after a closed-door U.N. Security Council meeting on Moscow's use of drones, Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy called on Guterres and his staff to "abstain from engaging in any illegitimate investigation." "Otherwise, we will have to reassess our collaboration with them, which is hardly in anyone's interests. We do not want to do it, but there will be no other choice," he told reporters. Polyanskiy did not elaborate. The Security Council met on Russia's use of drones in Ukraine at the request of the United States, France and Britain, who argue that the drones are Iranian made and used by Moscow in violation of a 2015 resolution endorsing the Iran nuclear deal. Tehran denies supplying the drones to Moscow and Russia has denied its forces had used Iranian drones to attack Ukraine. "Iran has obligations not to export these weapons," Britain's Deputy U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki posted on Twitter after the meeting. "As a member of the U.N., Iran has a responsibility not to support Russia's war of aggression." Ukraine this week invited U.N. experts to inspect some downed drones. Guterres reports twice a year to the Security Council - traditionally in June and December - on the implementation of the 2015 resolution. Any assessment of the drones in Ukraine would likely be included in that report. "As a matter of policy, we are always ready to examine any information and analyze any information brought to us by Member States," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday. Story continues GRAIN DEAL Iran and Russia both argue that there is no mandate for Guterres to send experts to Ukraine to inspect the drones. In a letter to Guterres on Wednesday, Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Ukraine's invitation to U.N. experts "lacks any legal foundation" and called on Guterres "to prevent any misuse" of the resolution and U.N. officials on issues related to the Ukraine war. French U.N. Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere said Guterres has a "clear mandate twice a year to report on all these things and to make technical assessments, so I think the U.N. secretariat will have to go and will go." Under the 2015 resolution, a conventional arms embargo on Iran was in place until October 2020. But Ukraine and Western powers argue that the resolution still includes restrictions on missiles and related technologies until October 2023 and can encompass the export and purchase of advanced military systems such as drones. The U.N. Security Council is unable to take any substantial action over the war in Ukraine because Russia holds a veto on the 15-member body, along with China, the United States, France and Britain. Dujarric declined to comment on Polyanskiy's remarks. Guterres and senior U.N. officials are negotiating with Russia to extend and expand a July 22 deal that resumed Ukraine Black Sea grain and fertilizer exports. The pact could expire later next month if an agreement is not reached. Polyanskiy said he was not optimistic about a renewal because Russian exports of grain and fertilizer were being hindered. But when asked if Russian cooperation on the Black Sea grain deal could be at risk if Guterres sends experts to Ukraine to look at the drones, Polyanskiy said: "I don't make direct link so far." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Grant McCool) Adroit Market Research Global Specialty coffee market will be led by European region during the forecast period. Europe was the largest market for global specialty coffee economy in 2021. Increasing demand for coffee beans in growing economies and spread of American specialty coffee adoptions are few of the major market trends. Dallas, Texas, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to recent studies, the market size of global specialty coffee market for 2022-2030 is estimated to grow close to $155.67 Bn at a CAGR of 12.78% during the forecast years. Consumers nowadays demand the best coffee from around the world. As a result, planters are developing finer strains and unique processing techniques. This helps in processing the intrinsic quality of coffee and producing customized coffee for gourmet coffee drinkers. Specialty coffee has become the worlds favorite beverage with an estimated 3 billion cups relished every day. Due to good inherent qualities, distinct flavor, and high quality with dense beans that differ from normal coffee, specialty coffee is experiencing greater market prominence. The global specialty coffee market is predominantly determined by the factors such as growing demand, increasing health awareness, stock movements, intensified trade activities in coffee planters in coffee-producing countries, and an increase in export to key consuming countries. Request a pdf brochure @ https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/446 Global specialty coffee market scope: Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2030 Market Size in 2030 USD 155.67 Bn Segment Covered by Grade, Application, by Region, by Grade Covered 80-84.99, 80-84.99 and 90-100 Application Covered Home and Commercial Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa Key Players Profiled Blue Bottle Coffee Inc, Keurig Green Mountain, Inc, Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. La Colombe Torrefaction, Inc, Eight O'Clock Coffee Company, Luigi Lavazza SPA, International Coffee & Tea, LLC, Jammin Java Cor, The J.M. Smucker Company, and Strauss Group Ltd Additionally, the elimination of pandemic-related lockdown measures in significant exporting nations increased consumer confidence as a result of the economy's recovery, and vaccine programs all point to more promising futures for the specialty coffee industry worldwide. Story continues However, the specialty coffee industry is facing a severe crisis situation. The key forces are heavy incessant rains in coffee-growing regions leading to landslides or floods. Additionally, the already-fragmented market was affected by increased price volatility, rising manufacturing costs, rising labor prices, and input costs. In addition, the covid-19 outbreak produced an abrupt halt in production, which has hampered the market. Other problems include increased transport costs, a shortage of containers, and orders that were delayed in shipping. Purchase a single user copy @ https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/researchreport/purchase/446 On the other side, relaxing COVID-19 lockdown limits, reduced virus impact, and consumers recovering confidence increased the market's potential. The consumption of specialty coffee is on the rise, which is expected to provide the worldwide specialty coffee market with development prospects. The global specialty coffee market is classified into decaffeinated coffee, organic coffee, high-grown coffee, estate coffee, and variety coffee on the basis of type. Among these, the decaffeinated coffee and organic coffee segments are the most prominent segments preferred by consumers. The key reasons are the growing health consciousness and the protection of the environment. Estate coffee (single-origin coffees) has distinct flavors and unique aroma characteristics. However, estate coffee needs special processing techniques which makes it more expensive. This is slowing down the market of estate coffee. APAC dominates the global specialty coffee market. APAC nations including Ethiopia, Colombia, Vietnam, Brazil, India, and other places grow more than 70% of the world's specialty coffee. The production in these nations is significant for the entire world. These nations stand out from the competition in the production and market of specialty coffee thanks to their superior coffees, clear origins, meticulous farming practices, careful treatment during harvesting, distinctive processing, distinctive branding, and attractive appearances. Here Are the Most Innovative and Cutting Edge Trends In Specialty Coffee Market: Cold Brew Coffee: The sales of cold brew coffee are estimated to cross $ 1Bn by 2025 due to its exciting flavor, unique characteristics, large range formats, and more offered in the category. Plant-Based Innovation: Plant-based innovation also is a new global specialty coffee market influencer. Global coffee brands are showcasing coffee beans from different countries such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Others. Global flavors such as Chai, Horchatag, Matcha, and many more are being introduced in the market. Important Points from Table of Contents: Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Research Methodology Chapter 3 Executive Summary Chapter 4 Market Outlook Chapter 5 Specialty Coffee Market by Grade 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 70-74.88 5.1.2 75-78.88 5.1.3 80.90 Chapter 6 Specialty Coffee Market by Application Chapter 7 Specialty Coffee Market By Region 7.1 Introduction 7.2 North America 7.2.1 U.S. 7.2.2 Canada 7.3 Europe 7.3.1 Germany 7.3.2 France 7.3.3 UK 7.3.4 Rest of Europe 7.4 Asia Pacific 7.4.1 China 7.4.2 Japan 7.4.3 India 7.4.4 Rest of Asia Pacific 7.5 Middle East & Africa 7.5.1 UAE 7.5.2 South Africa 7.5.3 Rest of Middle East & Africa 7.6 South America 7.6.1 Brazil 7.6.2 Rest of South America Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape Chapter 9 Company Profiles Looking for DISCOUNT? If yes, then request for discount at https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/discount/446 Access research repository of Upcoming Reports @ https://adroitmarketresearch.com/upcoming.html About Us: Adroit Market Research is a global business analytics and consulting company incorporated in 2018. Our target audience is a wide range of corporations, manufacturing companies, product/technology development institutions and industry associations that require understanding of a markets size, key trends, participants and future outlook of an industry. We intend to become our clients knowledge partner and provide them with valuable market insights to help create opportunities that increase their revenues. We follow a code Explore, Learn and Transform. At our core, we are curious people who love to identify and understand industry patterns, create an insightful study around our findings and churn out money-making roadmaps. Contact Us: Ryan Johnson Account Manager - Global 3131 McKinney Ave Ste 600 Dallas, TX 75204 Email ID: sales@adroitmarketresearch.com Phone No.: +1-9726644514, +91-9665341414 Connect with us: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn By Trend All military formations of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the 2020 second Karabakh war showed unparalleled heroism and courage, Trend reports on October 20. Azerbaijani servicemen, rapidly moving forward, crushing the Armenian occupiers with lightning strikes. A crew of Trend TV's Karabakh bureau visited Azerbaijan's liberated Jabrayil and Zangilan districts and met with a group of servicemen of the State Border Service (SBS), as well as the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, who took part in the military operations in these territories. A serviceman of the SBS, a Hero of the Second Karabakh War Babak Alakbarov, servicemen Aladdin Taghiyev, Nasib Mirzayev, a serviceman of the Ministry of Defense Ali Gunduz and others spoke about their combat path and shared the details of military operations. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO DO SO. PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICES SECTION WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER OR INVITATION TO SELL OR ISSUE, OR ANY SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR, ANY SECURITIES OF AMAROQ MINERALS LTD. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE UK VERSION OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO 596/2014, WHICH IS PART OF ENGLISH LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018, AS AMENDED. ON PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INFORMATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2022 / Amaroq Minerals Ltd. (AIM:AMRQ)(TSX-V:AMRQ), an independent mining company with an unrivalled land package of gold and strategic mineral assets in Greenland, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its proposed Fundraising as announced on 19 October 2022. A total of 85,714,285 new common shares (the "Fundraising Shares") have been conditionally placed with new and existing institutional investors at a price of 35 pence (C$0.54 or ISK 56.77 at the closing exchange rate on 19 October 2022) per new common share (the "Placing Price"), raising gross proceeds of 30 million (C$47 million, ISK 4.9 billion). Out of the total Fundraising Shares, a total of 53,734,633 Icelandic Depositary Receipts were conditionally placed as part of the Icelandic Placing. The total Fundraising Shares represent approximately 33 per cent. of the Company's enlarged share capital after the completion of the Fundraising. The Placing Price represents a 2.78 per cent. discount to the closing price on 19 October 2022 on AIM, being the last practicable closing price prior to the announcement of the Fundraising. Story continues Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited ("Stifel") acted as sole bookrunner, nominated adviser and broker on the UK Placing and Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited ("Panmure Gordon") acted as manager and broker in relation to the UK Placing (together the "UK Banks"). Arion Banki hf ("Arion Bank") and Landsbankinn hf. ("Landsbankinn") acted as joint bookrunners and underwriters on the Icelandic Placing. Capitalised terms not otherwise defined in the text of this announcement have the meanings given in the Company's Fundraising announcement dated 19 October 2022 Eldur Olafsson, CEO of Amaroq, commented: "I am delighted to announce the results of the Fundraising, which will prove transformational for Amaroq as we bring our cornerstone Nalunaq project towards production. I would like to welcome our new investors as well as thank all existing shareholders for their continued support, and I look forward to providing further updates as we continue to drive growth across our exciting precious and strategic materials portfolio." Enquiries: Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Joint Bookrunner, Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker) Callum Stewart Simon Mensley Ashton Clanfield +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Arion Banki hf. (Joint Bookrunner) Hreidar Mar Hermannsson Elka Osk Hrolfsdottir Erlendur Magnus Hjartarson +354 444 7000 Landsbankinn hf. (Joint Bookrunner) Ellert Arnarson Sigurur Kari Tryggvason Julius Fjeldsted +354 410 4000 Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited (Manager, Joint Broker) John Prior Hugh Rich James Sinclair-Ford +44 (0) 20 7886 2500 Camarco (Financial PR) Billy Clegg Elfie Kent Charlie Dingwall +44 (0) 20 3757 4980 Application for Admission Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange plc ("London Stock Exchange") for the Icelandic Placing Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM. Application will also be made to the TSX-V for admission of the Icelandic Placing Shares to trading on the TSX-V, with listing subject to the approval of the TSX-V and the Company satisfying all of the requirements of the TSX-V, and to the Icelandic Exchange for the admission of the Icelandic Depository Receipts. It is currently expected that admission of the Icelandic Placing Shares to the TSX-V will occur at 9:30 a.m. ET on 1 November 2022 and admission of the Icelandic Placing Shares to trading on AIM will occur at 8:00 a.m. GMT on 1 November 2022 (or in each case such other date as may be agreed between the Company and the UK Banks). It is expected that the Icelandic Listing will become effective, and that dealings in the Icelandic Depository Receipts will commence on Icelandic Exchange at 9:30 a.m. GMT on 1 November 2022 (or such other date as may be agreed between the Company and the UK Banks), subject to obtaining the necessary approvals from the TSX-V. Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the UK Placing Shares and the Canadian Subscription Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM and to the TSX-V for the UK Placing Shares and the Canadian Subscription Shares to be admitted to trading on the TSX-V, with listing subject to the approval of the TSX-V and the Company satisfying all of the requirements of the TSX-V. It is currently expected that admission will become effective, and that dealings in the UK Placing Shares and Canadian Subscription Shares will commence on AIM, at 8.00 a.m. GMT on 2 November 2022 and on the TSX-V at 9:30 a.m. ET on 2 November 2022 (or in each case such other date as may be agreed between the Company and the UK Banks). The Fundraising Shares will, when issued, be credited as fully paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing common shares of the Company, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions thereafter declared, made or paid on the enlarged share capital from admission. Total Voting Rights Following the admission of the Icelandic Placing Shares, the UK Placing Shares and the Canadian Subscription Shares, Amaroq's total issued share capital will consist of 263,073,022 common shares of no par value. Given the Company does not hold any common shares in Treasury, this figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in interest in, the share capital of the Company under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. Director Participation Certain Directors have participated in the Canadian Subscription, acquiring a total of 4,972,871 new common shares representing gross proceeds of 1.74 million (C$2.70 million, ISK 282.31 million). The FCA notifications, made in accordance with the requirements of the EU Market Abuse Regulation, are appended below. Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities ("PDMR") Disclosures Notification and public disclosure of transactions by persons discharging managerial responsibilities and persons closely associated with them 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Eldur Olafsson 2. Reason for the Notification a) Position/status Chief Executive Officer b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Amaroq Minerals Ltd. b) LEI 213800Q21S5JQ6WKCE70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Common shares of no par value Identification code CA02312A1066 b) Nature of the transaction Subscription for Cash c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 35 pence 814,162 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume Price 814,162 35 pence e) Date of the transaction 20/10/2022 f) Place of the transaction XOFF 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Jaco Crouse 2. Reason for the Notification a) Position/status Chief Financial Officer b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Amaroq Minerals Ltd. b) LEI 213800Q21S5JQ6WKCE70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Common shares of no par value Identification code CA02312A1066 b) Nature of the transaction Subscription for Cash c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 35 pence 285,714 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume Price 285,714 35 pence e) Date of the transaction 20/10/2022 f) Place of the transaction XOFF 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Livermore Partners LLC, David Neuhauser 2. Reason for the Notification a) Position/status Non-Executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Amaroq Minerals Ltd. b) LEI 213800Q21S5JQ6WKCE70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Common shares of no par value Identification code CA02312A1066 b) Nature of the transaction Subscription for Cash c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 35 pence 2,285,714 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume Price 2,285,714 35 pence e) Date of the transaction 20/10/2022 f) Place of the transaction XOFF 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Sigurbjorn Thorkelsson 2. Reason for the Notification a) Position/status Non-Executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Amaroq Minerals Ltd. b) LEI 213800Q21S5JQ6WKCE70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Common shares of no par value Identification code CA02312A1066 b) Nature of the transaction Subscription for Cash c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 35 pence 1,444,424 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume Price 1,444,424 35 pence e) Date of the transaction 20/10/2022 f) Place of the transaction XOFF 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Graham Stewart 2. Reason for the Notification a) Position/status Non-Executive Director b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Amaroq Minerals Ltd. b) LEI 213800Q21S5JQ6WKCE70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Common shares of no par value Identification code CA02312A1066 b) Nature of the transaction Subscription for Cash c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 35 pence 142,857 d) Aggregated information: Aggregated volume Price 142,857 35 pence e) Date of the transaction 20/10/2022 f) Place of the transaction XOFF End Note: Conversions based on FX rates of GBP:ISK 162.2 and C$:GBP 0.6446 as at 19 October 2022. IMPORTANT NOTICES This Announcement does not constitute, or form part of, a prospectus relating to the Company, nor does it constitute or contain an invitation or offer to any person, or any public offer, to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares in the Company or advise persons to do so in any jurisdiction, nor shall it, or any part of it form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract or as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment with the Company. This Announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America, Iceland, Australia, The Republic of South Africa ("South Africa"), Japan or any other jurisdiction in which such release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. This Announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or issue, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any securities in the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia (collectively, the "United States")), Iceland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration of the Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, or under the securities laws of Iceland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan, or any state, province or territory thereof or any other jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state, province or other jurisdiction of Iceland, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan (as the case may be). No public offering of securities is being made in the United States, Iceland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan or elsewhere. No action has been taken by the Company, Stifel, Panmure Gordon, Arion Bank, Landsbankinn or any of their respective affiliates, or any of its or their respective directors, officers, partners, employees, consultants, advisers and/or agents (collectively, "Representatives") that would permit an offer of the Fundraising Shares or possession or distribution of this Announcement or any other publicity material relating to such Fundraising Shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Persons receiving this Announcement are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions contained in this Announcement. Persons (including, without limitation, nominees and trustees) who have a contractual or other legal obligation to forward a copy of this Announcement should seek appropriate advice before taking any action. Persons distributing any part of this Announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. This Announcement is directed at and is only being distributed to: (a) if in a member state of the EEA, persons who are qualified investors ("EEA Qualified Investors"), being persons falling within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "EU Prospectus Regulation"); or (b) if in the United Kingdom, persons who are qualified investors ("UK Qualified Investors"), being persons falling within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"), and who are (i) persons falling within the definition of "investment professional" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services And Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") or (ii) persons who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) of the Order, or (c) persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated (all such persons referred to in (a), (b) and (c) together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). The Fundraising Shares have not been qualified for distribution by prospectus in Canada and may not be offered or sold in Canada except in reliance on exemptions from the requirements to provide the relevant purchaser with a prospectus and, as a consequence of acquiring securities pursuant to this exemption or exemptions, certain protections, rights and remedies provided by the applicable Canadian securities laws will not be available to the relevant purchaser. The Fundraising Shares will be subject to statutory resale (hold) restrictions for a period of four months and one day in Canada under the applicable Canadian securities laws and any resale of the Common Shares must be made in accordance with such resale restrictions or in reliance on an available exemption therefore. Such restrictions shall not apply to any Fundraising Shares acquired outside of Canada. No other person should act on or rely on this Announcement and persons distributing this Announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. By accepting the terms of this Announcement, you represent and agree that you are a Relevant Person. This Announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this Announcement or the Fundraising relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. No offering document or prospectus will be made available in any jurisdiction in connection with the matters contained or referred to in this Announcement or the UK Placing or the Fundraising and no such prospectus is required (in accordance with either the EU Prospectus Regulation, the UK Prospectus Regulation or Canadian securities laws) to be published. Stifel, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the UK Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the UK Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the UK Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the UK Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement. The responsibilities of Stifel, as nominated adviser, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange and are not owed to the Company or to any director or any other person and accordingly no duty of care is accepted in relation to them. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Stifel as to, and no liability whatsoever is accepted by Stifel in respect of, any of the contents of this Announcement (without limiting the statutory rights of any person to whom this Announcement is issued). Panmure Gordon, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the UK Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the UK Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the UK Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the UK Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement. Arion Bank, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland, is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the Icelandic Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the Icelandic Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the Icelandic Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the Icelandic Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement. Landsbankinn, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland, is acting exclusively for the Company and for no one else in connection with the Icelandic Placing and will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this Announcement) as a client in relation to the Icelandic Placing and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company in connection with the Icelandic Placing or for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for giving advice in relation to the Icelandic Placing, the Fundraising or any other matter referred to in this Announcement. This Announcement is being issued by and is the sole responsibility of the Company. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made as to, or in relation to, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by or on behalf of Stifel, Panmure Gordon, Arion Bank and/or Landsbankinn (apart from in the case of Stifel and Panmure Gordon the responsibilities or liabilities that may be imposed by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended ("FSMA") or the regulatory regime established thereunder) and/or by any of their respective affiliates and/or any of their respective Representatives as to, or in relation to, the accuracy, adequacy, fairness or completeness of this Announcement or any other written or oral information made available to or publicly available to any interested party or their respective advisers or any other statement made or purported to be made by or on behalf of Stifel, Panmure Gordon, Arion Bank and/or Landsbankinn and/or any of their respective affiliates and/or by any of their respective Representatives in connection with the Company, the UK Placing Shares, the UK Placing, the Common Shares or any part of the Fundraising and any responsibility and liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise therefor is expressly disclaimed. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Stifel, Panmure Gordon, Arion Bank and/or Landsbankinn and/or any of their respective affiliates and/or any of their respective Representatives as to the accuracy, fairness, verification, completeness or sufficiency of the information or opinions contained in this Announcement or any other written or oral information made available to or publicly available to any interested party or their respective advisers, and any liability therefor is expressly disclaimed. The information in this Announcement may not be forwarded or distributed to any other person and may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever. Any forwarding, distribution, reproduction or disclosure of this Announcement, in whole or in part, is unauthorised. Failure to comply with this directive may result in a violation of the Securities Act or the applicable laws of other jurisdictions. This Announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning any investor's options with respect to the UK Placing or any part of the Fundraising. Recipients of this Announcement should conduct their own investigation, evaluation and analysis of the business, data and other information described in this Announcement. This Announcement does not identify or suggest, or purport to identify or suggest, the risks (direct or indirect) that may be associated with an investment in the UK Placing Shares or the Common Shares. The price and value of securities can go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested upon the disposal of the shares. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The contents of this Announcement are not to be construed as legal, business, financial or tax advice. Each investor or prospective investor should consult his or her or its own legal adviser, business adviser, financial adviser or tax adviser for legal, business, financial or tax advice. Any indication in this Announcement of the price at which the Company's shares have been bought or sold in the past cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. Persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit forecast or profit estimate for any period and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings, earnings per share or income, cash flow from operations or free cash flow for the Company for the current or future financial periods would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings, earnings per share or income, cash flow from operations or free cash flow for the Company. All offers of the Fundraising Shares will be made pursuant to an exemption under the EU Prospectus Regulation and the UK Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to produce a prospectus. This Announcement is being distributed and communicated to persons in the United Kingdom only in circumstances in which section 21(1) of FSMA does not apply. The Fundraising Shares to be issued pursuant to the Fundraising will not be admitted to trading on any stock exchange other than AIM, the TSX-V and the Icelandic Exchange. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This Announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "aims", "anticipates", "believes", "could", "envisages", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "plans", "projects", "should", "targets" or "will" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and factors which are beyond the Company's control. The actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or developments in the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements or industry developments expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement. The forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement speak only as at the date of this Announcement. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly the forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement, except as required in order to comply with its legal and regulatory obligations. SOURCE: Amaroq Minerals Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/721295/Amaroq-Minerals-Ltd-Announces-Results-of-Fundraising ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of Quincy, Illinois-based Cason, Huff & Schlueter Insurance. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Logo (PRNewsfoto/Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.) Founded in 1923, Cason, Huff & Schlueter is a retail insurance agency specializing in personal and commercial insurance as well as life, health and disability insurance to clients in Illinois and Missouri. Mike McCaughey, Patty McCaughey, Bryan Feldner, Eric Frese, Mary Kinscherf and their associates will remain in their current location under the direction of Ryan Isaacs, head of Gallagher's Midwest region retail property/casualty brokerage operations. "Cason, Huff & Schlueter has earned a great reputation over a long history for their expertise and professionalism, and will expand our capabilities in the Midwest," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO. "I am very pleased to welcome Mike, Patty, Bryan, Eric, Mary and their team to Gallagher." Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. Investors: Ray Iardella Media: Paul Day VP - Investor Relations Communications Manager 630-285-3661/ ray_iardella@ajg.com 630-285-5946/ paul_day1@ajg.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arthur-j-gallagher--co-acquires-cason-huff--schlueter-insurance-301655176.html SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ReportLinker Major players in the avionics market are Safran S. A, Honeywell Aerospace, Thales Group, L-3 Avionics Systems, Raytheon Technologies, GE Aviation, BAE Systems plc, Meggitt plc, Rockwell Collins Inc, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Garmin Ltd, Universal Avionics System Corporation, Airbus SE, The Boeing Company, Cobham Limited, Curtiss-Wright, and Teledyne Technologies. New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Avionics Global Market Report 2022" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06351348/?utm_source=GNW The global avionics market is expected to grow from $65.57 billion in 2021 to $71.19 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%. The avionics market is expected to grow to $87.62 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 5.3%. The avionics market consists of sales of avionics by entities (organizations, sole traders, and partnerships) that are used in spacecraft, artificial satellites, and aircraft for communication, navigation, and managing multiple systems.Avionics refers to a combination of multiple display units which are equipped in the aircraft to perform the flight operation. The avionics system includes various flight sub-systems, including health monitoring systems, flight management, flight control, navigation & surveillance systems, electrical & emergency, communication, and systems electronics. The main types of avionics markets are commercial aviation, military aviation, business jets, general aviation, and helicopters.Commercial aviation refers to any usage of an aircraft for the purpose of transportation of passengers and cargo for non-military purposes. The various sub systems include flight management and control, health monitoring, electrical and emergency, communication and navigation, and surveillance, which are distributed through various end-users such as original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket. North America was the largest region in the avionics market in 2021.Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the avionics market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The avionics market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides avionics market statistics, including avionics industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an avionics market share, detailed avionics market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the avionics industry. This avionics market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future state of the industry. Increasing demand for new commercial aircraft is expected to propel the growth of the avionics market going forward.Commercial aircraft refers to a plane that carries passengers or goods from one place to another. Avionics are used for the management of various systems in aircraft for controlling electronic systems and equipment.For instance, according to Airbus, a Netherlands-based aerospace corporation, in February 2022, the Asia-Pacific region required 17,620 new passenger and freighter aircraft. This includes the requirement of 13,660 aircraft in the small category and 2,470 and 1,490 aircraft in the medium and large category aircraft. Therefore, the increase in demand for new commercial aircraft is driving the demand for avionics markets. Technological innovations have emerged as a key trend gaining popularity in the avionics market.Major companies operating in the avionics sector are focused on new innovations to strengthen their position in the market. For instance, in March 2022, Genesys Aero Systems, a US-based manufacturer of flight systems, autopilot systems, and avionics components, launched HeliSAS, which is a helicopter autopilot system.This new system governs airspeed and allows the pilot to go hands-free to conduct cockpit tasks. This works on stability augmentation technology, which can effectively control the helicopter by using sensors, including magnetometers. In May 2022, Joby Aviation, a US-based aviation company, acquired Avionyx for an undisclosed amount.This acquisition will enable Joby Aviation to quickly take resources to support the companys certification activities with the help of an experienced team with a proven track record. Also, it will allow Joby to expand its business in the US. Avionyx is a Costa Rica-based aerospace company that provides software and hardware engineering services for the commercial aerospace industry. The countries covered in the avionics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06351348/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 24-hour Self-service Center brings convenience to every market entity. DALIAN, China, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from CRI Online: Dalian, a city in China, is located beside the sea. Its prosperity comes out from port trade. The costal city has the largest number and the most kinds of functional zones for opening-up. Its economic aggregate is the largest and it is considered to be the most vibrant city in northeastern China. Nowadays, the time required to register a new enterprise has been shortened to half a day, and two hours at its shortest. The announcement time for simplified deregistration has been reduced from 45 days to 20. Instead of over 200 working days, it now takes no more than 40 working days to get a construction permit.The time for having access to water and gas has also been shortened from 30 working days to two and eight, respectively. All these bring convenience to every market entity. By the end of August 2022, Dalian had a total of 876,995 market entities, which is 2.03 times that of the end of 2012. There are 6,656 foreign-funded enterprises in Dalian, placing the city at the top in Northeast China. And Dalian continues to streamline administration, delegating power, strengthening regulation, and improving services. Since 2013, it has streamlined administration and delegated power 21 times, covering 3,684 items. Dalian has likewise focused on reforming the administrative approval system. It has implemented a management system with lists indicating the materials required for residents. A total of 1,000 items requiring an administrative license and 3,543 government services in the 29 municipal departments have been included in the management system. The overall business environment trend in Dalian over the past ten years has been quite positive. Government functions have been profoundly reformed, and digital transformation has been accelerated. Residents have participated in businesses actively, and the market has remained open and inclusive. The business environment becomes more convenient with the rise in satisfaction of market entities. In the 2019 and 2020 National Business Environment Evaluation, Dalian was selected as one of the 14 fastest-growing cities. Four urban indicators were evaluated as a benchmark domestically, and 55 reform measures were praised. Dalian was selected as a Benchmark City for China's International Business Environment for two consecutive sessions of evaluations. SOURCE CRI Online New Research Reveals Causal Effect Between Brand Social Values and Increased Business Performance NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UM, the global media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, today released its groundbreaking "Future Impact" study at Advertising Week New York. The research highlights the importance of socially responsible practices and values -- including integrity, equity and sustainability -- on consumer decision making, with consumer purchase intent more than doubling when socially conscious brands engage advertising media partners that share common values. The study also highlights how cultural dynamics affect the importance of socially conscious media partners. UM https://www.umww.com (PRNewsfoto/UM) New Research Reveals Causal Effect Between Brand Social Values and Increased Business Performance "Our Future Impact Study drives home the fact that an authentic commitment to social values and finding partners that share those values is beyond an obligation -- it's a business catalyst," said Deidre Smalls-Landau, EVP, Managing Director, Mediabrands Identity. "This project was born out of a commitment to supporting the reality that companies doing social good is smart business. Brands will now be able to make more informed decisions and allocate their dollars to see higher purchase intent while supporting the causes that are important to them, and to consumers." The Future Impact study set out to understand how a brand's commitment to sustainability, equity and integrity impacts consumer purchase intent, as well as brand perception when advertisers focus their ads on media partners that engaged in responsible media practices. Key findings include: Purchase intent more than doubles when socially conscious brands engage advertising media partners that share common values When a brand embodies all three values of integrity, sustainability and equity, there is a 75 percent increase in purchase intent Brands that support environmental and equity values in the workplace and in media will see 2X the impact in purchase intent Brands that support sustainability and integrity values alongside media partnerships mirroring the same values provide the most efficient lift in purchase intent Brands that score low on responsibility metrics cannot improve their performance simply by advertising on media partners with higher responsibility metrics; rather brands must evolve their practices and commitment to social values to see increased results Investing in sustainable, environmentally conscious media partners matters across all age groups Story continues "Engaging in responsible media practices and supporting social values is not only the right thing to do, there is a clear and strong business case for it," said UM US CEO, W. Joe DeMiero. "As the agency committed to helping our clients' achieve brand growth, it's extremely valuable to be able to prove how influential a commitment to social issues and values is to a business's bottom line." The methodology for The Future Impact study included a survey of 5,000 participants around a variety of randomized household brands, media partners and social value attributes in various scenarios. Researchers then modeled the combinations to predict results, analyze decision drivers and create a simulation tool that enabled them to shift factors to see the impact on purchase intent as social values either increased or decreased. The Future Impact study is the first phase of the project. Phase two, currently underway, will include integration into buying and planning as part of a broader solution to enable marketers to optimize ad dollar spend while maintaining a strong commitment to promoting integrity, equity and sustainability and working with responsible media partners. About UM UM is a global media agency committed to Futureproofing our clients' businesses for the now and the next. We leverage the transformational power of rich business analytics and real-time intelligence to maximize growth and activate the full consumer journey across content and connections. Our consultative approach and agile model, rooted in diversity, equity and belonging, drive better business outcomes for brands. As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people innovating on a roster of global clients including Accenture, American Express, GoPro, Johnson & Johnson, Levi Strauss & Co, Mattel, Sony and Spotify. For more information, please visit https://www.umww.com/. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumer-purchase-intent-more-than-doubles-when-socially-conscious-brands-engage-advertising-media-partners-that-share-common-values-according-to-ums-future-impact-study-301655132.html SOURCE UM DOHA, Qatar, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW/ -- Dar Al Arkan Global, the leading real estate company in Saudi Arabia, has officially launched the sales of Les Vagues residences by ELIE SAAB in Qetaifan Island North, Qatar, in collaboration with Qetaifan Projects, a leading Qatari real estate development company. Dar Al Arkan Global launches sales of the most premium residential address in Qatar, Les Vagues by Elie Saab Les Vagues by ELIE SAAB, valued at 1 billion Qatari Riyal, sets new standards of luxury living in Doha with an architectural design that enhances the appeal of seafront living. This premium residential project in Qatar includes one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with terraces offering uninterrupted views of the sea, the marina, and the Doha skyline. HE Sheikh Nasser Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Managing Director and Chairman, Qetaifan Projects, said: "The partnership with Dar Al Arkan Global exemplifies our concerted efforts to make Qetaifan Island North a preferred destination for a global audience, with its unique residential, entertainment, retail, and recreational offerings. With the sales launch of Les Vagues residences, as one of the most premium residential projects on the Island, we anticipate a strong positive response from the local community and international investors, further solidifying Qatar's position as a global investment." Ziad El Chaar, CEO, Dar Al Arkan Global, said: "We're marking our entry into Qatar with the most exceptional residential development in Doha. The sales launch of Les Vagues comes at an opportune time as the country emerges as one of the most sought-after investment destinations in the region with many positive and attractive trends shaping this bourgeoning market." During the event, Elie Saab said: "We are thrilled to be working with Dar Al Arkan Global on a new lifestyle address. Les Vagues is our first project in Qatar, and it has been meticulously designed to complement the luxury island life of Qetaifan Island North. We are confident that this new project will appeal to our discerning clientele from around the world seeking bespoke seafront living spaces with magnificent views." Story continues Covering 1.3 million square kilometres, Qetaifan Island North is specially designed to be Qatar's future iconic entertainment and luxury destination. Inspired by the rich culture and nature of the region, the distinct island will feature a thrilling waterpark, a luxurious hotel, unrivalled accommodation, exceptional retail options, and world-class facilities that make it a vibrant and attractive community. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925034/Les_Vagues_by_Elie_Saab.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1925036/Les_Vagues_by_Elie_Saab.jpg Dar Al Arkan Global launches sales of the most premium residential address in Qatar, Les Vagues by Elie Saab Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dar-al-arkan-global-launches-sales-of-the-most-premium-residential-address-in-qatar-les-vagues-by-elie-saab-with-views-of-the-sea-and-the-marina-301654509.html SOURCE Dar Al Arkan Global Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2022/20/c5485.html DeepUll DeepUll raises 13M Series B financing to progress early sepsis recognition platform Financing led by new investors Innvierte and an undisclosed strategic investor with participation from existing investors Kurma Partners, Alta Life sciences, UI Investissement and Axis BARCELONA, Spain October 20, 2022 DeepUll, a medical diagnostics company developing culture-free, affordable diagnostic solutions for the early identification of sepsis and other acute infections, announces today that it has raised 13 million in a Series B financing round. The round was led by new investors Innvierte, part of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (CDTI), and an undisclosed strategic investor, as well as participation from existing investors Kurma Partners, Alta Life Sciences, UI Investissement (advised by Merieux Equity Partners) and Axis Participaciones Empresariales. DeepUll was founded in 2020 to create rapid, affordable and accessible diagnostic solutions with a specific focus on culture-free diagnostics to enable sepsis recognition in pre-symptomatic patients. The company was founded by Jordi Carrera and Rafel Bru who previously co-founded STAT-Dx, which was acquired by Qiagen in 2018. The funds will be used to progress the development of DeepUlls first-in-class sepsis recognition platform towards the market. Early sepsis recognition is vital in improving patient prognosis and reducing mortality. DeepUlls technology aims to not only rapidly identify the causative infective agent(s) within a few hours, but will also provide phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility results, reducing the unnecessary use of antimicrobials. The product will also utilise artificial intelligence to offer seamless medical decision support across all phases of patient management, from early disease recognition, to precise diagnostics, up to therapy guidance. Jordi Carrera, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of DeepUll commented: Early identification of sepsis is absolutely crucial to a patients prognosis, but the tools caregivers have available today are woefully inadequate. Our mission is to change this and this financing will allow us to ramp up our efforts to bring our first-in-class sepsis recognition platform to market. We are grateful to our existing investors and excited to welcome our new investors, that strengthen our investor base. Story continues ENDS Notes to editors About DeepUll DeepUll is a medical diagnostics company developing culture-free diagnostic solutions for sepsis and acute infections. Founded in 2020 in Barcelona by the founders of STAT-Dx (sold to QIAGEN in 2018), DeepUll has assembled a team of world-class experts to create rapid, affordable and accessible diagnostic solutions. DeepUlls sepsis product is designed to detect more than 250 different pathogens and about 15 resistance genes in one hour starting from 10mL of whole blood. The product will generate phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility results in about eight hours, without requiring a positive blood culture. The product will be a desktop system with end-to-end automation with the aim to be placed in any clinical setting (laboratory, ER, ICU). For more information, please contact: DeepUll Elena Balsells de Sola Email: ebalsells@deepull.com Consilium Strategic Communications Amber Fennell / Maya Bennison Email: deepull@consilium-comms.com Growth Plus Reports Pune, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report titled, E-prescribing Market by Component (Software, Services), by Mode of Delivery (On-Cloud Based Delivery, On-Premises Based Delivery), and by End-user (Hospitals, Clinics, Pharmacies) Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2030" published by Growth Plus Reports, the E-Prescribing Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.9% from 2021 to reach US$ 10.32 billion by 2030. E-prescribing, often known as electronic prescribing, is a branch of e-health that deals with creating and distributing prescriptions via telecommunication services to the patient and pharmacies. Electronic prescriptions use automated, cutting-edge technology to replace pen and paper. Clinical decision-support tools improve patient safety by alerting physicians to potentially harmful drug interactions and allergies. Additionally, prescribers can save costs by choosing the least expensive course of action after getting formulary information from a patient's insurance at the moment of care. E-prescribing not only makes the process of distributing medications more efficient. E-prescribing, to put it simply, decreases costs while also improving quality. Get a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://growthplusreports.com/inquiry/request-sample/e-prescribing-market/7883 Market Drivers The rise in the geriatric population, increased chronic illness prevalence, and rising modernization are all contributing factors to the increasing need for e-prescribing services. Rapid technological, telecommunications, and cloud-technology innovation also help to fuel the growth of the worldwide E-prescribing industry. Additionally, growing government funding, and programs, the increase in the use of EHRs (electronic health records), increased emphasis on reducing medical errors, and growth in telemedicine and telehealth usage also contribute to the market growth. The global e-prescribing market has been analyzed from four perspectives: component, mode of delivery, end-user, and region. Excerpts from By Component Segmentation The component in the e-prescribing market has been segmented into: Software Services The highest revenue share belonged to the services segment. Numerous factors, including the growing acceptance of e-prescribing, which has increased demand for education and training services, stringent regulations that have increased the use of implementation services for the validation and verification of hardware and software, and the necessity for ongoing support and maintenance, have contributed to the growth of this market. At the same time, the software is growing at a noticeable increase. It is expected to show an increment in growth during the projected period. Excerpts from By Region Segmentation The e-prescribing market has been segmented into: North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World North America currently holds the most significant revenue share in the global e-prescribing market. It is anticipated to keep this position throughout the forecast period. The massive patient base, high frequency of chronic illnesses, growth in the aged population, and increased healthcare expenditure can all be linked to the market expansion in this area. In addition, there has been quick uptake of cutting-edge technology, a rise in government programs and financing, and infrastructure for healthcare development. In terms of revenue share, Europe is in second place. The market expansion in Europe can be ascribed to rising e-prescribing awareness and ongoing technological progress. While the Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region because of various factors, including the expanding use of cutting-edge technology, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and rising healthcare costs. Increasing public awareness and expanding government efforts also contribute to market expansion. Inquiry Before Buying: https://growthplusreports.com/inquiry/before-buying/e-prescribing-market/7883 Excerpts from Competitive Landscape Some prominent players operating in the e-prescribing market are Cerner Corporation Practice Fusion Inc. Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. Epic Systems Corporation Athenahealth Inc. eClinicalWorks Medical Information Technology Inc. GE Healthcare McKesson Corporation DrFirst Inc. Henry Schein Inc. Networking Technology Inc. (RXNT) Surescripts-RxHub LLC NextGen Healthcare Table of Content INTRODUCTION Market Ecosystem Timeline Under Consideration Historical Years 2020 Base Year 2021 Forecasted Years 2022 to 2030 Currency Used in the Report RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Approach Data Collection Methodology Data Sources Secondary Sources Primary Sources Market Estimation Approach Bottom Up Top Down Market Forecasting Model Limitations and Assumptions PREMIUM INSIGHTS Current Market Trends (COVID-19 Perspective) Key Players & Competitive Positioning (2021) MARKET DYNAMICS Drivers Restraints Opportunities GLOBAL E-PRESCRIBING MARKET- ANALYSIS & FORECAST, BY COMPONENT Software Services GLOBAL E-PRESCRIBING MARKET- ANALYSIS & FORECAST, BY MODE OF DELIVERY On-cloud Based Delivery On-premise Based Delivery GLOBAL E-PRESCRIBING MARKET- ANALYSIS & FORECAST, BY END-USER Hospitals Clinics Pharmacies VALUE PROPOSITIONS RELATED TO THE REPORT: Powered with Complimentary Analyst Hours and Expert Interviews with Each Report Comprehensive quantitative and qualitative insights at segment and sub-segment level Covid 19 impact trends and perspective Granular insights at global/regional/country level Deep-rooted insights on market dynamics (drivers, restraints, opportunities) and business environment Blanket coverage on competitive landscape Winning imperatives Exhaustive coverage on 'Strategic Developments' registered by leading players of the market CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS: Distributor Landscape Assessment Pricing Intelligence Customer Base Assessment Investment & Initiatives Analysis 'Business Profile' of Key Players Directly Purchase Premium Copy of E-prescribing Market Growth Report (2022-2030) at: https://growthplusreports.com/checkout?_token=gAZFg9ezRxe24IYqJuNMUB82w4WrxPPsAXVMqLz2&report_id=7883&license=Single About Us: Growth Plus Reports is part of GRG Health, a global healthcare knowledge service company. We are proud members of EPhMRA (European Pharmaceutical Marketing Research Association). Growth Plus portfolio of services draws on our core capabilities of secondary & primary research, market modelling & forecasting, benchmarking, analysis and strategy formulation to help clients create scalable, ground-breaking solutions that prepare them for future growth and success. We were awarded by the prestigious CEO Magazine as "Most Innovative Healthcare Market Research Company in 2020. CONTACT: Manan Sethi Director, Market Insights Email: enquire@growthplusreports.com Phone no: +91 96545 76783 Web: https://growthplusreports.com/ Fortune Business Insights According to Fortune Business Insights, the global Electric Ships market size is projected to grow from USD 5.50 billion in 2019 to USD 10.82 billion in 2027, at CAGR of 11.2% during forecast period; Pune, India, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Electric Ships Market was USD 5.50 billion in 2019. The global market size is expected to gain momentum by reaching USD 10.82 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period from 2021-2027. This information is provided by Fortune Business Insights, in its report, titled, Electric Ships Market, 2021-2027. According to our analysts, the global electric ships market is set to gain impetus from the rising collaborative efforts between numerous prominent manufacturers. Seven Japanese companies, for instance, created a consortium called e5. It would help in commercializing and developing all-electric zero-emission vessels in the next two years. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/electric-ships-market-104444 Report Highlights: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2020-2027 Forecast Period 2020 to 2027 CAGR 11.2% 2027 Value Projection USD 10.82 billion Base Year 2019 Market Size in 2019 USD 5.50 billion Historical Data for 2016-2018 No. of Pages 200 Segments covered By Power Source, By Power Output, By Vessel Type, By Level of Autonomy and By Region Growth Drivers Increasing Government Initiatives to Spur Growth in Europe Implementation of Various Regulations to Surge Demand COVID-19 Impacts: COVID-19: Disturbances in Supply of Raw Materials for Batteries to Obstruct Growth The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and investors to delay their fundings for unique programs, such as autonomous vessel operations. Also, disturbance in the supply of materials for battery systems is a major concern for several manufacturers. Most of the raw materials, such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium are imported from Japan and China. But, these countries are under complete lockdown amid the pandemic. We will help you better understand the current situation to look out for important investment areas. Story continues To get to know more about the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market, please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/electric-ships-market-104444 Drivers and Restraints: Implementation of Various Regulations to Surge Demand The International Maritime Organization deployed the global Sulphur cap in January 2020. Under this rule, ships would require low Sulphur fuels to operate outside the emission control areas (ECAs). As compared to the previous limit of 3.5% or less, ships should use fuels with Sulphur content of 0.5% or less this year. Also, the uncertainties regarding the availability of compliant fuels would also accelerate the electric ships market growth in the coming years. However, the adoption of electric vehicles may decline because of the current battery technology that requires a large amount of energy. Industry Developments: November 2020: Hyundai Motors partnered up with Vinssen, a start-up based in Korea to develop a new vessel powered by hydrogen fuel cells by December 2021. Vinssen will supply 95kW hydrogen fuel cells. If the eco-friendly ship reaches the expected level in terms of performance, it will be produced on a large scale. September 2020: Holland Ship Electric selected Corvus Energy to deliver lithium-ion battery-based energy storage systems (ESS). They are meant for five new all-electric ferries developed by Holland Shipyards Group for GVB, the municipal public transport operator for Amsterdam. List of Key Players Mentioned in the Report: Kongsberg (Norway) Leclanche (Switzerland) Corvus Energy (Canada) Echandia Marine AB (Sweden) Siemens (Germany) Vard (part of Fincantieri SpA) (Norway) Norwegian Electric Systems (Norway) General Dynamics Electric Boat (U.S.) MAN Energy Solutions SE (Germany) Wartsila (Finland) Schottel Group (Germany) Anglo Belgian Corporation NV (Belgium) Eco Marine Power (Japan) Akasol AG (Germany) Quick Buy - Electric Ships Market Size Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/104444 Segments: Hybrid Segment to Grow Rapidly Stoked by Ability to Reduce Fuel Consumption Based on power source, the hybrid segment earned 81.25% in terms of the electric ships market share and dominated in 2019. Hybrid technology is capable of reducing the fuel consumption by approximately 20%. It also lowers around 15% of carbon dioxide emissions from ships. Additionally, the environmental sustainability and reduced risk of failure would drive the demand for hybrid electric ships. Key Benefits for Electric Ships Market: The Electric Ships market analysis covers in-depth information of major industry participants. Porters five forces analysis helps to analyze the potential of buyers & suppliers and the competitive scenario of the industry for strategy building. Major countries have been mapped according to their individual revenue contribution to the regional market. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the Electric Ships market during the forecast period (20222027). The report outlines the current market trends and future scenario of the global Electric Ships market to understand the prevailing opportunities and potential investment pockets. The key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their detailed impact analysis is elucidated in the study. Regional Insights: Increasing Government Initiatives to Spur Growth in Europe Geographically, in 2019, Europe generated USD 1.93 billion in terms of revenue. It is expected to remain at the forefront backed by the rising government initiatives to encourage the adoption of electric ships. Also, the increasing awareness programs about the harmful effects of maritime emissions, especially in Hamburg and Rotterdam would boost growth. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is expected to grow significantly because of the ongoing regulatory developments in China and Japan, such as the global Sulphur cap to enhance electrification in large-sized vessels. In North America, the rising usage of all-electric vessels, such as USS Zumwalt by the U.S. Navy is set to augment growth. Competitive Landscape: Key Players Focus on Winning New Contracts from Renowned Firms to Compete in Market The market for electric ships houses a large number of reputed companies that are focusing on bagging new orders and signing contracts with government bodies and other firms to either deliver their in-house products or co-develop novel electric ships. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/electric-ships-market-104444 Global Electric Ships Market Size Segmentation: By Power Source Less than 75 kW 75-745 kW 746-7560 kW More than 7560 kW By Vessel Type Commercial Vessel Defense Vessel By Level of Autonomy Semi-Autonomous Fully Autonomous Table of Contents Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Key Insights Macro and Micro Economic Factors Key Technological Trends and Developments Price Trend Analysis Porters Five Forces Analysis Continued Get your Customized Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/electric-ships-market-104444 About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan have attended the inauguration of the first stage of Dost Agropark" smart agricultural complex in Zangilan District. The heads of state were informed of the complex. It was noted that office buildings, a 5,200 square meter indoor and a 113,000 square meter outdoor animal husbandry complexes, social facilities, a cafe, a cinema, a recreation area, a swimming pool, and buildings for service personnel were built in the first phase of the project. A total of 3500 head of cattle were brought to the complex and production of tillage carried out. Harvesting of wheat and barley planted last year was completed with the participation of both presidents. President Ilham Aliyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan applied the first samples of Made in Karabakh labels on the packages of meat products from the cattle brought to the region by Dost Agropark, raised in pastures and slaughtered. The heads of state also participated in the opening of the Zangazur Weightlifting Club, which was established under Dost Agropark. At the opening ceremony, members of the national weightlifting teams of Turkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as amateur athletes of the club, had a conversation with the presidents. It was mentioned that work on the second and third stages of Dost Agropark would be continued soon. As a result of the completion of all stages of the project, vegetation-based production and technical areas will be established on an area of 6,000 hectares of land, cattle breeding, as well as seed and seedling areas will be set up for the breeding of 10,000 head of cattle. Along with this, an integrated meat processing and packaging enterprise intended to cover the entire region will be built, along with a warehouse with a capacity of 100,000 tons. The complex will also meet the region's demand for seeds, fertilizers and agricultural supplies. An Agro Market will be established to take the products made in Karabakh to world markets under the brand name of Made in Karabakh. Dost Agropark" is the first private agricultural complex to be created by Turkish and Azerbaijani investors in Karabakh and Zangazur regions. The foundation of the project, implemented in three stages, was laid by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 26 October 2021. During the past year, all work envisaged under the first stage has been completed. Dost Agropark, where smart agricultural technologies, zero waste, renewable energy and sustainable agricultural mechanisms to be applied, will operate on the principle of halal food, protection of the environment and nature. When the project is fully completed, 500 people will be employed in the complex. A total of 100 million dollars will be invested to create the ecosystem. The complex will make an important contribution to the energy security of Azerbaijan and Turkiye. *** The event then featured a concert program, and the screening of a video about the complex. *** President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan made speeches at the event. President Ilham Aliyev said: - It is an unforgettable day in the history of Zangilan district today. The honorable President of the fraternal country, my brother Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is visiting Zangilan. This is a great holiday for all of us, a great holiday for all the people of Azerbaijan. I sincerely welcome my dear brother and all our Turkish brothers and sisters who came to Azerbaijan together with him. I say to you You are welcome! We were here exactly one year ago. Back then, there was an empty alley here. There was nothing here at all. We laid the foundation of an Agropark here. Today, while getting acquainted with the work done, we saw yet again that Turkish-Azerbaijani unity and friendship manifest themselves and produce great results in every field. It has been mentioned here that it is a special day for Zangilan today. Exactly two years ago, on 20 October, the city of Zangilan was liberated from the invaders by the glorious Azerbaijan Army. The 27-year occupation of Zangilan ended. The fact that we are in Zangilan on this day, the fact that we are opening the Zangilan Airport and this Agropark together with my dear brother certainly has a special meaning. I would like to express my special thanks to everyone who has contributed to the creation of this Agropark. It was mentioned here that this is the first private investment. The expansion of this Agropark and the creation of similar agricultural parks in other regions have been discussed today. Good luck! *** President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: - Together with my dear brother Ilham Aliyev, we have laid the foundation of this Agropark here. Also today, together with my brother, we saw with our own eyes the work done and the investment made. So far, we have determined that about 3,000 head of cattle will be brought here and, Inshallah, this figure will reach 10,000 as a target. These places, which have seen war and were completely uninhabitable in its aftermath, have now turned into fertile lands. When we arrived, my brother Ilham and I talked about it, and now we will build a reservoir here in a short time within two to two and a half years, he said. Thanks to this reservoir, these areas will become more fertile. Inshallah, wheat, corn and barley will be grown in these fertile lands. If I am not mistaken, Yunus Amra wrote in one of his poems that God creates hundreds of thousands of grains from one spike of wheat. Now we will see the same here. Inshallah, these spikes will turn into grains and will be sent from here to the rest of Azerbaijan, to Turkiye and the whole world. Let's not forget this, we are entering a time when animal husbandry and agriculture should occupy an important place in the world. I am sure that my brother Ilham is taking a very important step in this field. He is implementing this. This place will become a storehouse for grain, a fertile field in terms of animal husbandry, and a region where many countries will knock on its door, Inshallah. I would like to thank my brother Ilham and the leaders of Dost Agropark, and congratulate them. Inshallah, these lands will remain fertile lands forever. *** The heads of state then cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the first stage of Dost Agropark" smart agricultural complex. Evolve Bank & Trust Evolve Bank & Trust MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evolve Bank & Trust ("Evolve"), a leading financial technology solutions provider, will be a Gold Kite Sponsor for the 40th Youth Villages 5K in Memphis, TN. The Youth Villages 5K raises thousands of dollars each year to support many of the programs that serve children and families. Located in 23 states, Youth Villages is a private, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping children with emotional and behavioral problems and their families live successfully. For 40 years in a row, the organization has held a 5K run to support programs in Memphis. "Youth Villages' work is so critical to our community's success. We are so honored to be asked to be a part of their work. Organizations like Youth Villages help give hope to the hopeless and are true champions of their communities," said Scott Stafford, President & CEO, Evolve Bank & Trust. "We're grateful to Evolve for joining in to support our 40th anniversary of the YV5K. We cannot do the work we do without the support of companies like Evolve," said Richard Shaw, Chief Development Officer, Youth Villages. The 40th Youth Villages 5K will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Donations can be made by clicking here. About Evolve Bank & Trust: Evolve Bank & Trust, a technology-focused financial services organization and Banking-as-a-Service ("BaaS") provider, is a best-in-class financial institution offering specialized services in Open Banking, Personal and Business Banking, Mortgage, SBA Lending, Physicians Capital, Community Funding and Trust. Evolve is recognized as a global leader in the payments industry delivering ACH, Debit/Credit Sponsorship, Card Issuance and unique technology strategies to clients around the world. Evolve has been voted a Top Workplace USA and has been named in Inc. Magazine's 5000 List of the fastest-growing private companies. Evolve Bank & Trust Contact: Thomas E. Holmes Jr. Senior Vice President Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Story continues Email: thomas.holmes@getevolved.com Office: 866.367.2611 Contact Information: Thomas Holmes Jr SVP, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer thomas.holmes@getevolved.com 866.367.2611 Related Images Image 1: Evolve Bank & Trust Logo This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Fogo de Chao Four-unit deal with leading developer Arguedas Group will bring the global restaurant brand to Central America for the first time BarraShopping Fogo de Chao recently opened the doors to its newest Brazil location at Rio de Janeiros BarraShopping, one of the largest retail and dining destinations in South America. https://fogodechao.com/newsroom Fogo Fort Lauderdale In August 2022 Fogo opened its newest South Florida restaurant in Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Blvd. https://fogodechao.com/newsroom Fogo Coral Gables Guests can enjoy new brand extensions such as the Next Level Lounge and The Butchery in the recently opened Coral Gables, Fla. location. https://fogodechao.com/newsroom Fogo Friendswood Fogo de Chao recently opened the doors to its newest location at the Baybrook Mall in Friendswood, Texas, one of the largest retail and dining destinations south of Houston. https://fogodechao.com/newsroom DALLAS, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fogo de Chao, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil that allows guests to make discoveries at every turn, today announced plans to bring its award-winning dining experience to Costa Rica and El Salvador for the first time. Through the franchise development agreement, Arguedas Group, an experienced owner and operator of international restaurant brands in Central America, will open four Fogo locations in Costa Rica and El Salvador. The announcement continues Fogos global expansion momentum, following its recently announced plans to enter Asia and Canada and domestic openings in the U.S. The Arguedas Group joins Fogos existing international franchise partners in Mexico, the Middle East, the Philippines and Canada. With 68 locations worldwide and growing, earlier in 2022 Fogo announced a 15 percent planned annual growth rate through company-owned restaurants, with an additional international capital light franchise development strategy. With the goal to bring the culinary art of churrasco to guests worldwide, the Company has 8-10 company-owned and 1-2 international franchise restaurant openings planned for 2022, supported by a strong pipeline of new restaurant development to meet demand in new and existing markets. Fogos newest openings include restaurants in El Segundo, Calif., Coral Gables, Fla., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Pasadena, Calif., Friendswood, Texas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Monterrey, Mexico, with planned openings in Queens, N.Y., Reston, Va., and others expected later this year. We are thrilled to partner with Jozsef Arguedas, CEO and Founder, and his accomplished team at Arguedas Group, whom we recognize for their impressive growth and success developing reputable, global restaurant brands in both Central and South America, said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chao. We look forward to working together to bring the one-of-a-kind Fogo experience to Costa Rica and El Salvador guests for the first time as we continue to scale our brand globally. Story continues The Arguedas Group is a leading owner and operator of multi-unit restaurant brands in Costa Rica and El Salvador. With a current total footprint of more than 99 locations, Arguedas Groups impressive portfolio includes iconic global brands such as Burger King, Dominos and Arbys. We are honored to be partnering with Fogo de Chao to bring their distinctive menu and innovative dining experience to Costa Rica and El Salvador, said Jozsef Arguedas, CEO and Founder of the Arguedas Group. As a longtime fan and guest of Fogo locations around the world myself, I believe Fogo will be a unique addition to the local dining scene in Central America and look forward to introducing new guests to the culinary art of churrasco. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo de Chao is a nearly 45-year-old brand known for its dining experience of discovery and showcasing the culinary art of churrasco where guests can watch as gaucho chefs butcher, hand-carve and grill high-quality cuts of protein over an open flame. With a modern, timeless design and signature offerings including a fresh and seasonal Market Table and an award-winning Bar Fogo menu featuring hand-crafted cocktails and South American wines, Fogo has become a destination of choice by both brand advocates and new guests globally. For more information about Fogo de Chao, visit fogo.com. To learn more about global franchising opportunities, visit fogo.com/global-development/. About Fogo de Chao Fogo de Chao (fogo-dee-shown) is an internationally renowned restaurant that allows guests to discover whats next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old cooking technique of churrasco the art of roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame into a cultural dining experience of discovery. In addition to its Market Table and Feijoada Bar which includes seasonal salads and soup, fresh vegetables, imported charcuterie and more guests are served simply-seasoned meats that are butchered, fire-roasted and carved tableside by gaucho chefs. Guests can also indulge in dry-aged or premium Wagyu cuts, seafood a la carte, All-Day Happy Hour including signature cocktails, and an award-winning South American wine list, as well as smaller, sharable plates in Bar Fogo. Fogo offers differentiated menus for all dayparts including lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and group dining, plus full-service catering and contactless takeout and delivery options. For locations and more information about Fogo de Chao, visit fogo.com. Media Contact: FogoPR@icrinc.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76b0c400-dfaa-4ad8-a0b3-15dad320fbd1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a7c9dbf-9c87-4f1f-a521-6c7c6150ebd9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a51792cb-9053-497c-bec1-a37fcf37619a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1db2c0a7-2674-4326-a7ac-737596468586 ACCRA (Reuters) - Streets were quiet in the normally bustling heart of Accra's central business district on Wednesday as traders in the Ghanaian capital closed their shops to protest worsening economic conditions. The Ghanaian cedi plummeted to a new low of 12.3 to the dollar on Wednesday, compared to 10.5 last week, as inflation surges despite repeated rate hikes by the central bank. Ghana's government is in the process of negotiating a support package with the International Monetary Fund, but some merchants say that help is not coming fast enough. "It's because of this dollar situation that we closed the shop. Day in day out, the dollar is going up now. It's too much for us," said Francis Fynn, 53, who has managed his family's small stationery store for two decades. Because of the worsening exchange rate, he can't afford to buy books and paper from his suppliers, he said. "We decided to close the shops, in hopes of sitting down with the government so we can negotiate things." A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fynn is a member of the Ghana Union of Traders Association, which called for all its members in Accra to suspend activities from Wednesday to Monday in protest. In one usually crowded street market downtown, about half to two-thirds of shops were closed, while some activity carried on. Bookseller Alfred Kobina Otsiwah, who is not a member of the union, said his business was suffering too but he did not see a strike as the solution. "If we close our shops until Monday, the government isn't going to just reduce the rate of the dollar because of that. The rate will likely even increase by then. Who loses?" he said, showing his wares on the small nook of a balcony downtown. "Closing the shop, I don't see it as putting food on my table." (Reporting by Francis Kokoroko and Cooper Inveen; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Sandra Maler) Company Logo Dublin, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global DNA Vaccine Market Research and Forecast, 2022-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global DNA vaccines market is growing at a considerable CAGR of around 7.6% during the forecast period (2022-2028). The factors that drive the growth of the market include the increasing number of various antibiotics resistant pathogens and the increasing population with infectious diseases that have created the need for low-cost and efficacious vaccines that would deliver immunity for a long period. The DNA vaccines are also effective against infectious diseases in animals and have successfully eliminated key animal pathogens. DNA vaccines come with numerous advantages such as the low risk of infection as compared to conventional vaccines, easy transference, and constancy at room temperature. Additionally, rapid development in the field of molecular biology, immunology, and DNA synthesis contributing to the growth of the market. Along with that, the inefficient drug therapies and rising microbial resistance to existing 'antimicrobials and antibiotics' treatments providing ample opportunity to increase the DNA vaccine market during the forecast period. Segmental Outlook The market is segmented based on type, technology, application. Based on type, the market is segmented into animal DNA vaccine and human DNA vaccine. Based on technology, the market is segmented into plasmid DNA vaccines technology and plasmid DNA delivery technology. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into oncology, infectious diseases, and others. The Animal Vaccine segment is projected to grow significantly in the global DNA Vaccine market Among types, The animal DNA vaccine segment is estimated to grow significantly in the global animal vaccine market during the forecast period. The segment is increasing due to the increasing availability of DNA Vaccines for animal diseases that includes West Nile Innovator (Horse), Apex-IHN (Salmon fish), canine melanoma vaccine (DOG), and Life tide-SW5 (Swine and other food animals). Hence, the rising prevalence of these diseases creates an opportunity for animal DNA vaccine manufacturers. Additionally, the DNA vaccine is more effective and less expensive as compared to other vaccines. DNA vaccines are suitable for mass vaccination, and. DNA vaccines have been prospective solutions for poultry diseases. DNA vaccines can be used for immediate jabs in contradiction of multiple pathogens and are comparatively easy to design and inexpensive to manufacture and store. Story continues Regional Outlooks The global DNA vaccines market is analyzed based on the geographical regions that are contributing significantly towards the growth of the market. Based on the geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America developed as a profitable market for DNA vaccines market. The market is increasing in North America due to the initiatives by the regional government to immunize citizens, along with the prevalence of the aids of genetic vaccines targeted towards animals. For instance, In May 2021, GC Pharma announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the company's Biologics License Application (BLA) for 'GC5107 (Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human),10% Liquid)' anticipated for the treatment of Primary Humoral Immunodeficiency (PI), which is a type of congenital genetic disorders that causes an individual to have a lacking or absent immune system. Asia-Pacific will Have Considerable Growth in the Global DNA Vaccines market Asia-Pacific is estimated to have considerable growth in the global DNA vaccine market during the forecast period. The market is increasing in this region due to the rising government initiatives, and increasing prevalence of people regarding the benefits of vaccination against Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B. are some factors that drive the growth of the market in the Asia-Pacific. Key Topics Covered: 1. Report Summary 2. Market Overview and Insights 3. Competitive Landscape 4. Market Determinants 5. Market Segmentation 6. Regional Analysis 7. Company Profiles Companies Mentioned Arbutus Biopharma Astellas Pharma Inc. Bayhill Therapeutics Bharat Biotech International Ltd. Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC. GC Pharma Corp. General Electric Co. GlaxoSmithKline plc. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Indian Immunologicals Ltd. INOVIO Pharmaceuticals. Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc. QED Bioscience Inc. Sanofi S.A. Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. Xenetic Biosciences, Inc. Zoetis Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ugh3u9 CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 ReportLinker Surgical hats are the caps which are considered as the first line of protection against any infection. They are also referred to as bouffant caps, scrub caps or skull caps. Medical staff members cover their entire heads with a surgical hat to prevent infection and reduce the amount of hair and skin that falls out while patients are receiving medical treatment and procedures. New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Surgical Hat Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Distribution Channel, By Application, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2022 2028" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06352784/?utm_source=GNW Despite the fact that a surgical hat appears to be merely a medical accessory, it is crucial when carrying out medical procedures. The use of surgical hats in specialized operations, medical facilities, and emergency rooms has dramatically increased in recent years. Single-use disposable scrub caps are widely used in medical facilities all over the world to comply with operating room regulations and uphold hygienic standards. As per the manufacturers of disposable scrub caps, disposable surgical scrubs are more hygienic and cost-effective than reusable surgical wear options. This has significantly accelerated the market for surgical hats in recent years. Polyester is a synthetic fabric created by combining water, petroleum, and coal in a chemical reaction. Considering that it is durable, simple to maintain, quick to dry, as well as resistant to stretching, shrinking, and wrinkling, it might be the ideal fabric for surgical scrub hats. Users might feel a little damp because polyester can hold perspiration instead of absorbing it like cotton, but it will keep the operating room clean. It is frequently utilized for surgical scrub caps due to its tremendous utility. COVID-19 Impact Analysis The COVID-19 outbreak has had an effect on the surgical hat market because the coronavirus significantly slowed down industry growth worldwide and created enormous disruptions for both suppliers and customers. On the other hand, the pandemic has benefited the surgical hat industry worldwide. The rapidly rising demand for surgical hats in healthcare facilities to fight COVID-19 infection is what is causing the market to grow. Additionally, the growing demand for personal hygiene and safety in healthcare as well as rising public awareness of the need to prevent the spread of a deadly & contagious virus resulted in increased use of surgical hats. Market Growth Factors Rising Use In Special Clinics, Ems & Hospitals The use of surgical hats in specialized clinics, ERs, and hospitals has increased significantly. To comply with the requirements for operating room hair covering, many hospitals all over the world use single-use disposable scrub hats. Disposable scrub caps are marketed by their makers as being more affordable and hygienic than reusable alternatives. The growing use of surgical hats is due in part to the fact that medical professionals can quickly dispose of them when they are no longer necessary or hygienic. Increasing Cases Of Sports Injuries The number of sports-related injuries is on the rise, and the causes include sports enthusiasts, professional athletes, children playing outside in the neighborhood, and occasionally even adults. The majority of sports injuries are orthopedic in nature and include things like strain, soreness, swelling, sprain, ligament, breaks, fractures, and others. Acute & chronic forms of these injuries can be separated into two categories. Sports like cricket, basketball, water sports, rugby, athletic competitions, and others are to blame for the wounds or sores that increase the demand for surgical hats and propel the markets growth. Market Restraining Factors Lower penetration of surgical apparel in low-income countries. During the anticipated period, it is anticipated that a lack of knowledge about surgical apparel, such as drapes and gowns, headgear, gloves, and others, in hospitals in middle- as well as low-income nations like India, China, are expected to restrain the growth of the surgical hat market trend. There are very less number of market players present in the regions with low incomes. Also, using a disposable substitute, like a surgical hat, mask, or gown, in accordance with a study on patient outcomes by the Institute of Medicine. Many grave patient safety incidents are credited to communication mistakes. Applications Outlook Based on applications, the surgical hat market is segmented into hospital, ambulatory surgery centers, clinics and others. In 2021, the hospital segment dominated the surgical hat market by generating the maximum revenue share. The development of specialty hospitals, the ageing of the population, and strategic partnerships between cutting-edge companies and hospitals are the main causes of the hospital segments growth. Distribution Channel Outlook On the basis of distribution channel, the surgical hat market is fragmented into online and offline. The online segment covered a substantial revenue share in the surgical hat market in 2021. The demand for surgical hats is rising as a result of the growing e-commerce industry all over the world. In addition to this, the sale of the surgical hat through online sales channels is increasing as a result of the wide variety of choices available in terms of prices, colour, size, and others. Type Outlook By type, the surgical hat market is divided into non-woven, cotton and others. In 2021, the non-woven segment held the highest revenue share in the surgical hat market. The market for surgical hats made of non-woven fabric has experienced significant growth, which is primarily due to its significant advantages in terms of stability, comfort, cost, and environmental friendliness. Spun bond polymer non-woven fabric is being used to make non-woven hats. Regional Outlook Region wise, the surgical hat market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and LAMEA. The North America segment led the surgical hat market with the largest revenue share in 2021. This is because there is a huge market for surgical hats in the region due to the increase in chronic illnesses there. Along with this, it is expected that the presence of businesses like Owens & Minor, Inc., Cardinal Health, and 3M, which have made numerous innovative advancements in the surgical hat market would fuel the expansion of the regional market. The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Owens & Minor, Inc., HARTMANN Group, Cardinal Health, Inc., Henry Schein, Inc., Medicom Group, ZARYS International Group sp. Z oo sp.k., Alleset, Inc. (Global Resources International, Inc.), Kimkaps LLC, Medline Industries, Inc., and Molnlycke Health Care AB. Scope of the Study Market Segments covered in the Report: By Type Non-woven Cotton Others By Distribution Channel Offline Online By Application Hospital Ambulatory Surgery Centers Clinics Others By Geography North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Rest of North America Europe o Germany o UK o France o Russia o Spain o Italy o Rest of Europe Asia Pacific o China o Japan o India o South Korea o Singapore o Malaysia o Rest of Asia Pacific LAMEA o Brazil o Argentina o UAE o Saudi Arabia o South Africa o Nigeria o Rest of LAMEA Companies Profiled Owens & Minor, Inc. HARTMANN Group Cardinal Health, Inc. Henry Schein, Inc. Medicom Group ZARYS International Group sp. Z oo sp.k. Alleset, Inc. (Global Resources International, Inc.) Kimkaps LLC Medline Industries, Inc. Molnlycke Health Care AB Unique Offerings Exhaustive coverage Highest number of market tables and figures Subscription based model available Guaranteed best price Assured post sales research support with 10% customization free Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06352784/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ -Hydro-Quebec welcomes the Quebec Premier's decision to set up and personally chair a new committee dedicated to the energy transition and the economy. We share the objective of using our clean energy to decarbonize the Quebec economy and of doing so while creating value for current and future generations. Hydro-Quebec Logo (CNW Group/Hydro-Quebec) "Quebec has embarked on an ambitious energy transition project under which value creation will have to be achieved from an economic, social and environmental standpoint," commented Hydro-Quebec's President and Chief Executive Officer, Sophie Brochu. "Our collective success will in large part depend on our ability to make the right decisions. More than ever before, mapping out our energy future will involve calculating, planning and establishing priorities based on all the challenges we face. The creation of the committee on the energy transition and the economy is in line with this approach, and I intend to play an active role within it." Hydro-Quebec's Board of Directors and senior management remain fully committed to ensuring that the company will succeed in carrying out its mission and bringing about an energy transition that will allow Quebec to move towards a low-carbon economy while also creating wealth. "I salute the gender-balanced cabinet and the first Indigenous woman to be appointed Minister," concluded Sophie Brochu. SOURCE Hydro-Quebec Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2022/20/c7254.html Future Market Insights Global and Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Online Shopping Trend in the U.S. to Boost Sales of Inflatable Air Packaging. E-commerce Sector to Extensively Utilize Inflatable Packaging Materials. Increase in the use of inflatable packaging in pharma and cosmetic sectors DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global inflatable packaging market is predicted to reach a value of US$ 4.7 Bn by 2032, with sales growing at a positive CAGR of 6.0% from 2022 to 2032. Predicted to reach an estimated US$ 2.6 Bn in 2022, the target market is fueled by the growing trade of electronic goods. The rising consumption and supply of electronic goods will generate greater demand for safe and lightweight packaging solutions which, in turn, will lead to the growth of the inflatable packaging market during the forecast period. Inflatable packaging solutions are highly popular in the packaging sector as they provide an affordable and convenient cushioning effect. This effect is largely responsible for the safety and security of packaged goods during transportation and delivery. Hence, inflatable packaging is considered to be an effective and protective packaging solution and is predominantly used for providing stability and ensuring safe transit. As a result of this popularity, the sales of the target market are likely to spike over the projected period and create a growth opportunity of US$ 2.2 Bn during the assessment period. Accordingly, the target market is expected to expand by 1.8x its current value. Inflatable packaging provides shatterproof safety solutions for delicate and handle-with-care items like electronic gadgets, glass items, and other products. Get a Sample Copy of the Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-12636 Owing to a surge in the trade of different products, particularly through online retail, is the prime factor that fosters the rising demand for protective packaging solutions such as inflatable packaging. Moreover, elevated demand for consumer electronics is estimated to augment the global sales of inflatable packaging. Story continues This is because suppliers and manufacturers are keen on ensuring the safe and secure delivery of products to consumers. Inflatable packaging also aids in lessening the overall weight of the entire package, leading to a decreased warehouse cost. Again, because of less weight, inflatable packaging helps in controlling the carbon footprint. All of these considerations propel the inflatable packaging market to grow over the forecast period. Heightened demand from electrical & electronics, and e-commerce segment will generate several lucrative opportunities for the global growth of the inflatable packaging market over the forecast period, says an FMI analyst. Key Takeaways: Use of sustainable materials like bio-plastics to strengthen market prospects. The inflatable packaging market in the U.S. will expand at a CAGR of 4.2%. Indias inflatable packaging market will hold about 40% of the share in South Asia. By packaging type, the bubble wrap segment will acquire about 4/5th of the market share by the end of 2022. On the basis of end-use, the e-commerce sector will grow by 1.7x during the next ten years. Use promo code ->> FMITODAY to get flat 20% discount Competitive Landscape Sealed Air Corporation, Pregis Corporation, Smurfit Kappa Group, Polyair Inc., Sutton Limited, Uniqbag, Green Light Packaging Ltd., Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH, FROMM Packaging Systems Inc., Orion Pack Art, Veritiv Corporation, Jiffy Packaging Co., Barton Jones Packaging Ltd., IVEX Protective Packaging Inc., Intertape Polymer Group Inc., among others, are some of the major players in the inflatable packaging market profiled in the full version of the report. Leading market players are concentrating on increasing their production capacity so as to meet the rising demand. These organizations are also adopting strategies like facility upgradation, product innovation, mergers, and acquisitions to expand and grow their resources. More Insights into Inflatable Packaging Market Report In its latest report, FMI offers an unbiased analysis of the global inflatable packaging market, providing historical data from 2015 to 2021 and forecast statistics for 2022 to 2032. To understand the global market potential, growth, and scope, the market is segmented on the basis of material type (PP, PE, PA, PET), packaging type (bubble wraps, inflated packaging bags, air pillows), end user (e-commerce, shipping & logistics, food & beverage, healthcare, personal care and cosmetics, homecare, electrical & electronics, automotive, other consumer goods), and region. According to the latest FMI reports, based on segmentation, the e-commerce end-use subsegment is expected to be a primary growth driver for the market. This subsegment is likely to expand 1.7 times the current value during the next ten years. The bubble wrap packaging type will continue to dominate the market during the assessment period, holding about 4/5th of the market share in 2022. Based on region, the inflatable packaging market in the United States will show notable growth during 2022-2032 owing to a well-established e-commerce sector. The target market will register a CAGR of 4.2% in this country. The growing online sales which account for 30% of the global online retail sales propel the inflatable packaging market to grow in the U.S. Apart from the U.S., India, too, will demonstrate substantial market growth, accounting for 40% of the market share in South Asia. Before Buying, Visit for Customization @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-12636 Table of Content 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand-side Trends 1.3. Supply-side Trends 1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis 1.5. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 3. Market Background 3.1. Market Dynamics 3.1.1. Drivers 3.1.2. Restraints 3.1.3. Opportunity 3.1.4. Trends 3.2. Impact of Covid-19 3.2.1. Demand in Optimistic Scenario 3.2.2. Demand in Likely Scenario 3.2.3. Demand in Conservative Scenario 3.3. Macro Factors and Forecast Factors 3.4. Value Chain Analysis 3.4.1. Profit Margin Analysis 3.4.2. Raw Material Suppliers 3.4.3. Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Distributors 3.4.4. End Use/ Customers 3.5. Regional Parent Market Outlook 3.6. Production and Consumption Statistics 3.7. Global Average Pricing Analysis Benchmark Browse Full Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/inflatable-packaging-market Explore FMIs Extensive Ongoing Coverage on Packaging Domain FMCG Packaging Market Trends: The global FMCG packaging market is expected to reach US$ 418.8 Bn in 2022, with sales growing at a CAGR of 5.7% through 2032. Beverage Packaging Market Size: The global beverage packaging market is expected to secure US$ 156.7 Billion in 2032 while expanding at a CAGR of 4.1%. The market is likely to hold a value of US$ 104.8 Billion in 2022. Inflatable Bags Packaging Market Value: Inflatable bags packaging is one of the prominent segment in protective packaging which is expected to witness a burgeoning demand in the coming years. Inflatable Void Fill System Market Share: Inflatable packaging is gaining traction among manufacturers, retailers, and logistics service providers due to high level of protection at a low cost. Packaging Bins Market Analysis: Global sales of packaging bins stood at around US$ 1.9 Bn in 2021 and is slated to increase at a CAGR of 4.4% to reach a valuation of US$ 3.0 Bn by 2032. About Future Market Insights, Inc. Future Market Insights, Inc. is an ESOMAR-certified business consulting & market research firm, a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and is headquartered in Delaware, USA. A recipient of Clutch Leaders Award 2022 on account of high client score (4.9/5), we have been collaborating with global enterprises in their business transformation journey and helping them deliver on their business ambitions. 80% of the largest Forbes 1000 enterprises are our clients. We serve global clients across all leading & niche market segments across all major industries. Contact Us Future Market Insights, Inc. 1602-6 Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower, Plot No: JLT-PH2-X2A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 19, 2022 /CNW/ - The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will visit Washington, D.C., to meet with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, to discuss issues of mutual interest and address bilateral and global issues. While in Washington, D.C., the Minister will also meet with representatives of the Semiconductor Industry Association, as well as with NASA administrator, Bill Nelson. Finally, Minister Champagne will participate in a fireside chat themed "Canada: Strategic Partner of Choice for the World" hosted by the Canadian American Business Council. Fireside chat "Canada: Strategic Partner of Choice for the World" Date: Friday, October 21, 2022 Time: 8:30 to 10:00 am Location: Canada Room, Embassy of Canada to the United States Live stream: https://www.facebook.com/connect2canada Media callback Date: Friday, October 21, 2022 Time: 1:00 pm Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive the dial-in information. Stay connected Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. Twitter: @ISED_CA, Facebook: Canadian Innovation, Instagram: @cdninnovation and LinkedIn SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2022/19/c1168.html This is the first ever public health-oriented voluntary licence agreement on a cancer medicine GENEVA, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On the side lines of the World Cancer Congress, the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) today announced the signing of a voluntary licensing agreement with Novartis AG to increase access to nilotinib, a twice daily oral medication used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), part of the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines (WHO EML) for treatment in adults and children of at least one year of age. Medicines Patent Pool Logo Through this agreement, selected generic manufacturers will have the opportunity to develop, manufacture and supply generic versions of nilotinib in the licensed territory, subject to local regulatory authorisation. In particular, the licence includes seven middle-income countries, namely Egypt, Guatemala, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tunisia, where patents on the product are pending or in force. This is the first licence that MPP has signed for a cancer treatment, and the first time a company is licensing a patented cancer medicine through a public health-oriented voluntary licensing mechanism. While there has been tremendous progress in new technologies to treat cancer, major challenges persist in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that face inequity in access to new-generation cancer medicines which could allow patients to live better and longer. Advances in treatment, such as nilotinib, have contributed to a greatly improved prognosis for people diagnosed with CML. Charles Gore, MPP Executive Director, said, "Access to high-quality cancer medicines is a crucial component of the global health response to the cancer burden, therefore I am delighted to be signing our first licence agreement with Novartis for a much-needed cancer treatment in LMICs. Although the remaining patent life is relatively short, this voluntary licence in the non-communicable disease space sets a vital precedent that I hope other companies will follow." Story continues Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health and Sustainability, Novartis said, "We're proud to be pioneering this new licensing model with MPP in collaboration with the ATOM Coalition, but we know too that making a medicine available is only one part of the challenge to increase access to cancer treatments. For generic versions of this medicine to reach those who need it, wherever they live, the right diagnostics and quality of care will be critical. That's why we've helped to build the new Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition, and we will be relying on the support of our partners from research, non-profits and the private sector to help deliver on the promise of this initiative." Zeba Aziz, Medical Oncologist at Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, and member of MPP's Expert Advisory Group said "Nilotinib is a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor that offers a great alternative to people who are resistant or intolerant to imatinib, the first-line treatment, that is at least 20% of cases. I am glad more people in LMICs will have access to this essential cancer medicine." Benedikt Huttner, Secretary of the WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, said "Cancer medicines constitute a large proportion of medicines recommended by WHO on the Model Lists of Essential Medicines. Nilotinib is an essential cancer medicine for adults and children with imatinib-resistant CML. We welcome this licence agreement, the first for cancer medicines. We hope this marks the start of a paradigm shift with more pharmaceutical companies following suit with licence agreements for essential patented cancer medicines to help ensure that patients globally can benefit." In May 2022 Novartis and MPP[1] joined the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition . It is a new global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and its partners to improve access to essential cancer medicines in low- and lower-middle income countries, and to increase the capacity for diagnosing cancer and for the proper handling and supply monitoring of these medicines. Through MPP, the Coalition facilitates affordable access to cancer treatments through non-exclusive licences to generic manufacturers for selected products and countries. Nilotinib was added to the WHO EML and EMLc respectively in 2017 and 2019 as second-line therapy for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia that is resistant to imatinib. MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP's main funder. MPP's work on access to NCDs is equally funded by Unitaid and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Access the licence agreement The press release is also available in French and Spanish (translations by MPP). MPP invites Expressions of Interest (EoI) from potential sublicensees for sublicences to manufacture and sell nilotinib in the licensed territory: Deadline for applying: 18 December 2022, 11.59pm CET About the Medicines Patent Pool The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to, and facilitate the development of, life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders, to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations. To date, MPP has signed agreements with 18 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 12 COVID-19 technologies. MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP's main funder. MPP's work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). MPP's activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and SDC. More information at https://medicinespatentpool.org/ and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. [1] MPP participates in the ATOM Coalition as an observer Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-medicines-patent-pool-mpp-signs-licence-agreement-to-increase-access-to-nilotinib-for-the-treatment-of-chronic-myeloid-leukaemia-301654678.html SOURCE Medicines Patent Pool A groundbreaking ceremony of Azerbaijan-Turkiye International Forestry Training Center, Smart Seedlings" and "Friendship Forest" Complex, which will be established in Jabrayil district, has been held, and 15 gazelles were released to the territory. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the ceremony. Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev informed the heads of state of the works to be done in the complex. Then, the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkiye planted trees in the territory. President Ilham Aliyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released gazelles to the territory. Former No Limit rapper Mystikal has requested another bond as he awaits trial for an alleged rape that took place at his Ascension Parish home in Louisiana, WBRZ reports. The multiplatinum rappers legal team presented several motions on Monday (Oct. 17), including the enlistment of forensic experts to assist with his defense. Mystikal, 52, has remained in jail without bond since July when the alleged incident occurred. Some of the most important data in this case is trapped in a mobile phone and social media providers, Mystikals attorney, Joel Pearce, said in statement obtained by AllHipHop. I immediately contacted Garrett Discovery to formulate a plan to capture the data so that justice can be served. More from VIBE.com Andrew Garrett, chief executive officer of Garrett Discovery, said, Mystikal has been charged with serious crimes and our experts will be analyzing the digital evidence to inform counsel and the client as the facts in the case. He added, Law enforcement and prosecutors have the ability to search homes, arrest and jail those whom they feel are guilty. This comes with a great responsibility, but unfortunately, with high caseloads and mounting pressure, we often see cases that are not well developed or have come to the wrong conclusion. Attorney Pierces relentless pursuit of the truth will leave no stone unturned. mystikal in army fatigue outfit in recording studio Related Story Mystikal Arrested On First-Degree Rape, Strangulation, And Other Charges Most famously known for singles, Shake Ya A** and Danger, Mystikal (born Michal Taylor Jr.) was indicted by a grand jury on sexual assault charges in early September. His alleged unnamed victim (who also shares a child with him) was an acquaintance who was visiting his home in Prairieville, La. After being accused of taking $100 cash from him, the woman was physically attacked. Mystikal allegedly punched the victim, pulled her hair and took her car keys and phone to keep her from leaving. Story continues The victim also told police that she tried to help Mystikal find the money and in the midst of the search she discovered a white crystalline substance in his dresser. The victim then alleged Mystikal prayed with her and splashed her with rubbing alcohol to cleanse her bad spirits. Afterwards, she alleged that he forced her onto a bed and raped her. The woman eventually escaped and went to the hospital and called the police. As previously reported, Xanax, heroin, and marijuana were later discovered at Mystikals residence by police officers. Authorities also found the womans hair and a broken fingernail in his home. As a result of the discovered drugs, Mystikal was given an additional five charges, including possession of schedule II amphetamine, possession of schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, two counts of possession of schedule I controlled dangerous substance, and drug paraphernalia. However, his lawyer pushed back on those accusations. My client doesnt even do drugs, so he has absolutely no idea what they were talking about, Pearce told the Associated Press. Its an indictment, Pearce also said in September following additional drug accusations. It means nothing. We look forward to our day in court. In 2004, Mystikal was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual battery. He, along with his bodyguards, allegedly forced a hairstylist to perform oral sex on all of them. The assault was reportedly an alternative for not turning her into authorities for cashing $80,000 worth of unauthorized checks from the rappers bank account. Upon his release in 2010, the New Orleans native was registered as a sex offender in La. Two years later, he was back behind bars following a domestic abuse battery charge and a probation violation. He was charged again in August 2017 for alleged rape and sexual assault against a woman at a Shreveport casino. He was held on a $3,000,000 bail, but charges were eventually dropped due to lack of evidence. Mystikal has remained behind bars since being arrested on July 31. He was initially booked and charged with three misdemeanors: false imprisonment, criminal damage to property worth less than $1,000, and prohibited acts of drug paraphernalia. If convicted of his heinous crimes, the rapper who is already a lifetime registered sex offender could face up to life in prison. A judge is expected to rule on his request for bond at the next court hearing, scheduled for Nov. 21. Click here to read the full article. Recent moves to strengthen the agency's healthcare practice to support record client growth, expanded service offerings and continued portfolio momentum BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2022 / PAN Communications , a leading integrated marketing and PR firm for B2B tech and healthcare brands, today announced leadership promotions within its healthcare practice to continue expanding the agency's growth in the key areas of health tech, digital therapeutics, clinical intelligence and patient engagement, accelerating the adoption of its broader service offerings, and reinforcing the value of unique career trajectories within the firm. With these moves, the agency is firmly at the forefront of a transformative moment in the healthcare industry, positioning current and future brand partners for greater success along their storytelling journeys. Joining the Leadership Team Matthew Briggs, Senior Vice President, Healthcare at PAN Communications Since starting at PAN in 2009, Matthew Briggs has progressed steadily through the ranks of account management, honing a focus on healthcare technology and defining himself as a resident content and storytelling expert within the agency. As Senior Vice President, he will lead a dedicated team to tell meaningful stories for a growing portfolio of clients as they navigate challenges and opportunities presented by an evolving healthcare industry. Kari Hulley, Senior Vice President, Healthcare at PAN Communications After joining the agency in 2018, Kari Hulley quickly established her expertise as a narrative expert for brands across the spectrum of the healthcare and tech industry - from trailblazers to disruptors, artificial intelligence to neurotechnology. In her new role as Senior Vice President, she and her dedicated team will build creative, high-impact solutions for client challenges, supporting PAN's valuable brand partners as they grow their business. Kathryn McMahon Arrigg, Vice President, Healthcare at PAN Communications Across more than nine years with the agency, Kathryn McMahon Arrigg has guided healthcare brands through challenging moments and critical opportunities. As a director in the healthcare practice, Kathryn excelled as a mentor, investing daily in the career growth and professional development of her team. In her new role as Vice President, she will lead a dedicated group within the practice area to create integrated, data-driven communications strategies for our clients. "As individuals, each of these leaders brings invaluable experience, knowledge and mentorship to their teams," says Dan Martin , EVP Healthcare, PAN. "As a unit, they deliver complementary expertise and industry rapport that helps our clients navigate an increasingly complex healthcare and media landscape. Innovation in the healthcare technology space has never been more important, and I am excited to see our team, and especially our leaders, continue to grow in their roles to stay ahead of the market, mentor our employees and partner with brands that move the industry forward." Picking Up Speed These leadership promotions reflect the agency's dedication to this area of the business. Earlier this year, PAN revealed unprecedented momentum in the healthcare space , including 13 new clients and 44% revenue growth year over year, and Martin's appointment as dedicated EVP of the agency's practice. Over the past six months that momentum has only gained speed with 63 dedicated employees, 22 clients and 13 senior leaders with an average tenure of four years at the agency. That expertise has not gone unnoticed in the industry. The PAN healthcare team has recently taken thought leadership opportunities to a new level with a wide variety of content, including: PAN Communications, Thursday, October 20, 2022, Press release picture "An agency-wide emphasis on purposeful work has encouraged continued movement as industry leading brands recognize what sets PAN apart," says PAN President and CEO Phil Nardone. "The healthcare practice area and the growth of our team reflect PAN's ethos as an agency: investment in people creates great leaders, strong leadership supports organic growth, and doing business with innovative brands provides our team with opportunities to create and tell meaningful stories." About PAN Communications PAN Communications is a mid-size integrated marketing & PR agency with over 200 employees internationally. PAN helps companies transform ideas into captivating stories that align to mid- and late-stage growth strategies through the firm's NXT Stage approach. Headquartered in downtown Boston, PAN has additional office locations in San Francisco, New York, Orlando and London, as well as a growing virtual community. The agency's teams are positioned to help brands emerge in new markets and scale globally, with experience driving integrated strategy across a variety of brands like Clarify Health, Rapid 7, PatientsLikeMe, Citrix, PointClickCare, Quickbase, Hello Heart, OneStream, Radial, and athenahealth. For more information visit our website at pancommunications.com and follow us on Twitter (@PANcomm). CONTACT: Alyssa Tyson atyson@pancomm.com SOURCE: PAN Communications View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/721184/PAN-Communications-Announces-Key-Promotions-to-the-Healthcare-Practice-Leadership-Team PIMCO Account Management Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PIMCO Canada Corp. (PIMCO Canada) is pleased to announce today that it has declared monthly distributions on its Class A Units (the Units) of the PIMCO Canada closed end funds (the Funds). The distributions will be paid on November 14, 2022 to the holders of record at the close of business on October 31, 2022. Details of the distribution amounts are as follow: Fund Name Ticker Cash Distribution per Unit Change from Previous Month Percentage Change from Previous Month PIMCO Global Income Opportunities Fund PGI.UN $ 0.05688 - - PIMCO Tactical Income Fund PTI.UN $ 0.05580 - - PIMCO Tactical Income Opportunities Fund PTO.UN $ 0.05709 - - PIMCO Multi-Sector Income Fund PIX.UN $ 0.06538 - - Unitholders are reminded that each Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (DRIP) which will provide unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest their distributions. Eligible unitholders are encouraged to contact the institution through which they hold their Units to confirm enrollment procedures and timelines. A copy of the DRIP is available at www.pimco.ca. The Manager, PIMCO Canada, retains Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), to provide investment management services to the Funds. About PIMCO PIMCO was founded in 1971 in Newport Beach, California and is one of the worlds premier fixed income investment managers. Today we have offices across the globe and 3,000+ professionals united by a single purpose: creating opportunities for investors in every environment. PIMCO is owned by Allianz S.E., a leading global diversified financial services provider. This is not an offer to sell Units and not a solicitation of an offer to buy Units in any region where the offer or sale is not permitted. Before you invest, you should carefully read the Funds disclosure documents and consider carefully the risks you assume when you invest in the Units. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objectives or be able to structure its investment portfolio as anticipated. Copies of the Funds disclosure documents may be obtained from your financial advisor. Story continues Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions expect, intend, will and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Funds. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect each Fund, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCOs current expectations regarding future results or events. 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If the Units are purchased or sold on the TSX, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying Units and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning Units. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about the Funds in these documents. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Each Fund is a closed end exchange traded investment fund. Closed end funds, unlike open end funds, are not continuously offered. After the initial public offering, shares of closed end funds are sold on the open market through a stock exchange. For additional information, contact your financial advisor. For a summary of the risks of an investment in each Fund, please see the Principal Risks of the Fund section of the prospectus. 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No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. in the United States and throughout the world. 2022, PIMCO The products and services provided by PIMCO Canada Corp. may only be available in certain provinces or territories of Canada and only through dealers authorized for that purpose. PIMCO Canada has retained PIMCO as sub-adviser. PIMCO Canada will remain responsible for any loss that arises out of the failure of its sub-adviser. PIMCO Canada Corp. 199 Bay Street, Suite 2050, Commerce Court Station, P.O. Box 363, Toronto, ON, M5L 1G2, 416-368-3350 Contact: Agnes Crane PIMCO Media Relations Phone: +212 597.1054 Allied Market Research Rise in product demand for the food and pharmaceutical industry drives the growth of the global potassium nitrate market. The market across Asia-Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. During the first few months of the lockdown, the potassium nitrate market suffered due to the shutdown of foreign supply networks and retail firms. Portland, OR, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the report, the global potassium nitrate market accounted for $1.7 billion in 2021, and is expected to register $2.4 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2022 to 2031. The report offers a detailed analysis of changing market trends, top segments, key investment pockets, value chain, regional landscape, and competitive scenario. The report is a helpful source of information for leading market players, new entrants, investors, and stakeholders in devising strategies for the future and taking steps to strengthen their position in the market. Download Sample PDF (225 Pages PDF with Insights): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/11848 Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20212030 Base Year 2020 Market Size in 2020 $1.7 Billion Market Size in 2030 $2.4 Billion CAGR 4.0% No. of Pages in Report 225 Segments Covered Raw Material, End-Use Industry, and Geography. Drivers Rise in product demand for the food and pharmaceutical industry Opportunities Increase in need for energy Restrains Inhalation of potassium nitrate can cause coughing and sneezing, headache, dizziness, and fatigue Rise in mining applications for drilling and blasting Covid-19 Scenario: During the first few months of the lockdown, the potassium nitrate market suffered due to the shutdown of foreign supply networks and retail firms. Moreover, the purchase and consumption patterns shifted considerably, which negatively affected the market. The prolonged lockdown disrupted the supply chain and led to domestic societal estrangement. The lockdown harmed the agricultural sector, which negatively impacted the demand for potassium as a fertilizer. The global potassium nitrate market is segmented on the basis of raw material, end-use industry, and geography. Based on raw material, the ammonium nitrate segment is projected to portray the highest CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period. However, the potassium chloride segment held the lions share in 2021, accounting for nearly three-fifths of the market, and is expected to maintain its leadership position throughout the forecast period. Enquire for Customization with Detailed Analysis of COVID-19 Impact in Report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/11848 Based on end-use industry, the pharmaceutical segment is estimated to manifest the highest CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. However, the agriculture segment dominated in 2021, contributing to more than one-third of the market, and is estimated to maintain its dominance by 2031. The global potassium nitrate market is analyzed across several regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The market across Asia-Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. In addition, the region held the largest share in 2021, contributing to more than two-fifths of the market, and is projected to maintain its leadership position from 2021 to 2031. The global potassium nitrate market report includes an in-depth analysis of the major market players such as Arihant Chemicals, AG Chemi Group s.r.o., Haifa Negev technologies LTD, BGP Group of companies, Kemapco Arab Fertilizers & Chemicals Industries LTD, Jagannath Chemicals, okchem.com, Positive Chemicals Private Limited, Migao Corporation, Sam Industries Limited, Ravi Chem Industries, SNDB, SQM S.A, URALCHEM JSC, and Yogi Chemical Industries. The report analyzes these key players in the global potassium nitrate market. These players have adopted various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report is helpful in determining the business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and developments of every market player. Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://bit.ly/3eFGMQR About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. CONTACT: Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com An employee holds sheets of the newly designed Russian 100-rouble banknotes at Goznak printing factory in Moscow MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's finance ministry on Thursday said it was drawing down 1 trillion roubles ($16.25 billion) from the country's National Wealth Fund (NWF) to help cover the government's budget deficit this year. Russia is expected to post a budget deficit of around 2% of GDP this year, as the fallout from Western sanctions and the costs of Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine weigh on the economy and the government's finances. ($1 = 61.52 roubles) (Reporting by Reuters) ReportLinker Major players in the specialty pulp & paper chemicals market market are AkzoNobel N. V. , Ashland Global Holdings Inc. , BASF SE, Buckman Laboratories International Inc. , Evonik Industries AG, Kemira OYJ, Ecolab Inc. New York, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Specialty Pulp & Paper Chemicals Global Market Report 2022" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06351376/?utm_source=GNW (Nalco Holding Company), Nalco Holding Company, SNF Group, The DOW Chemical Company, Solvay SA, First Source Worldwide LLC, GFS Chemicals Inc., Imerys Group, Kemindo Group, Spectrum Chemical Manufacturing Corp., The Chemical Co., Shell Chemicals, The Chemical Co., and ERCO Worldwide Inc. The global specialty pulp and paper chemicals market is expected to grow from $19.42 billion in 2021 to $20.69 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The specialty pulp and paper chemicals market is expected to reach $25.89 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 5.8%. The specialty pulp and paper chemicals market consists of sales of specialty pulp and paper chemical products by entities (organizations, sole traders, and partnerships) that are chemicals used for the production of chemical pulp and to enhance the quality and performance of paper. Chemicals such as the bleaching & RCF chemicals, process chemicals, functional chemicals, coating chemicals, and pigments & filters are used as specialty chemicals to produce specialty paper. The main product types of specialty pulp and paper chemicals are basic chemicals, functional chemicals, bleaching chemicals, and process chemicals.The basic chemicals refer to important and necessary chemicals used for broad production and have a high benefit to economic development and improve the qualities of specialty paper and pulp. These are applied in packaging, labeling printing, and other applications and are sold through various sales channels such as direct or institutional sales and indirect sales. Asia Pacific was the largest region in the specialty pulp & paper chemicals market in 2021.Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in this report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The specialty paper and pulp chemicals market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides specialty paper and pulp chemicals market statistics, including specialty paper and pulp chemicals industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a specialty paper and pulp chemicals market share, detailed specialty paper and pulp chemicals market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the specialty paper and pulp chemicals industry. This specialty paper and pulp chemicals market research report deliver a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry. The rise in consumption of recycled paper is expected to propel the growth of the specialty pulp and paper chemicals market going forward.Recycled paper refers to a paper that is reconstituted into paper again. Specialty pulp and paper chemicals help paper production by giving a white appearance to paper and removing lignin. For instance, according to American Forest and Paper Association, a US-based go-to source on issues and up-to-date information about the industry, recovered paper consumption at U.S. paper and paperboard mills increased by 3.9% in 2021. Therefore, the rise in consumption of recycled paper is driving the specialty pulp and paper chemicals market. Investments in the paper industry are a key trend gaining popularity in the specialty pulp and paper chemicals market.Major companies are investing in specialty pulp and paper chemicals companies to strengthen their position in the market. For instance, in March 2021, Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd, a China-based paper manufacturing company operating in the specialty pulp and paper chemicals market invested RM 5.4 billion ($1.2 billion) in Malaysia to buy and expand two pulp and paper mills in Pahang and Selangor. In January 2019, BASF SE, a Germany-based chemicals company completed the merger of their paper chemical and water business with Solenis.The aim was to increase production capacity, increase sales and services and provides various types of products for a large consumer base. The combined business is expected to operate under the Solenis name and offer increased sales, service, and production capabilities across the globe. Solenis is a US-based producer of specialty chemicals, focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including pulp, and packaging paper. The countries covered in the specialty pulp and paper chemicals market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06351376/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 (Changes the arrival date of Elisa Aquila, Al Jasra and LNG Schneeweisschen, Adds Zarga, Al Mafyar and Diamond Gas Victoria) Oct 20 (Reuters) - The following liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers are expected to arrive in Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands in the coming weeks. Estimated arrival dates, often revised by port authorities and AIS Live ship-tracking data on Refinitiv Eikon, are updated below. Some tankers heading for Belgium and Britain may be loading at the terminal. Those expected to load are indicated with an (L). Those likely to perform ship-to-ship transfers are indicated with (STS). Tankers that have docked are indicated with (A). Floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) terminals are added to the table when they become fully operational. As of Sept. 30 2022 this includes the Eemshaven terminal in the Netherlands. For the Reuters LNG guide, click here: LNG TANKER CAPACITY in EXPECTED ARRIVAL FROM PORT cubic metres BRITAIN Elisa Aquila 174,000 Oct. 20 United States Isle of Grain Flex Constellation 170,000 Oct. 19 (A) United States South Hook Sonangol Etosha 158,000 Oct. 20 Angola Isle Of Grain Seapeak Marib 162,000 Oct. 22 United States South Hook Methane Mickie Harper 167,000 Oct. 22 United States Dragon Bu Samra 261,000 Oct. 23 Qatar Isle of Grain Zarga Oct. 26 Qatar 261,000 South Hook BW Tulip 171,000 Oct. 29 United States Isle of Grain Maran Gas Ithaca 170,000 Oct. 29 United States South Hook Diamond Gas Nov. 1 United Isle Victoria 174,000 States of Grain Kool Boreas 167,000 Nov. 5 Peru Milford haven Al Mafyar Nov. 6 Qatar 261,000 South Hook Kmarin Diamond 152,000 Nov. 18 Malta South Hook BELGIUM Al Jasra 137,000 Oct. 20 Qatar Zeebrugge Shagra 261,000 Oct. 22 Qatar Zeebrugge Lng Megrez 174,000 Oct. 23 (L) N/A Zeebrugge Aamira 261,000 Oct. 24 Qatar Zeebrugge Umm Al Amad 206,000 Oct. 27 Qatar Zeebrugge Gaslog HongKong 174,000 Oct. 29 United States Zeebrugge Maran Gas Troy 157,000 Nov. 4 Qatar Zeebrugge NETHERLANDS Adam LNG 159,000 Oct. 20 Trinidad and Tobago Gate Maran Gas Roxana 171,000 Oct. 20 Unites States Eemshaven LNG Schneeweisschen 177,000 Oct. 24 Unites States Gate Diamond Gas Met Olis 174,000 Oct. 24 United States Gate Maria Energy 174,000 Oct. 29 United States Gate LNG Rosenrot 176,000 Nov. 05 Unites States Gate Golar Glacier 162,000 Nov. 9 United States Gate Transgas Force 174,000 Nov. 28 United States Eemshaven Sources: Ports, AIS Live ship tracking, Refinitiv Eikon data. (^) Partial unload (*) Arrival date estimated based on flows data (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin) TipRanks In a financial environment riddled with unprecedented levels of uncertainty, investors are at wits end. When it comes to finding an investment strategy that will yield returns, traditional methods might not be as dependable. So, how should investors get out of the rut? In times like these, a more comprehensive stock analysis can steer investors in the direction of returns. Rather than looking solely at more conventional factors like fundamental or technical analyses, other metrics can play a ke Image Featured Image for VirgoCX Direct Inc. Featured Image for VirgoCX Direct Inc. TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada's leading regulated cryptocurrency exchange VirgoCX is set to launch the anticipated OTC Direct overhaul to its over-the-counter (OTC) trading platform, VirgoCX Wealth. As part of their ongoing commitment to providing the best tools and user experience for their clients, the launch intends to provide the resources investors require to make timely, educated trading decisions with utmost ease. The VirgoCX Wealth platform combines the familiar interface of traditional retail trading platforms with the capability of making large block transactions of CA$50,000 or larger, all while reducing transaction fees. The platform's OTC Direct upgrade, tailored using client feedback, improves on all the aspects that made VirgoCX Wealth so innovative for its users. Along with an updated, streamlined look and feel, the platform implements a new and dynamic advanced user interface. The platform will also feature faster connectivity with even more robust API integration to provide its client base with an industry-leading overall user experience. Returning users will immediately notice some new features, including an advanced charting tool that will help savvy investors be even more conscious with their decision-making. With the standardized functionality of being able to place limit and RFQ orders, the update also brings users the ability to now place stop orders. Despite the flurry of new features being added to VirgoCX Wealth, the platform nonetheless retains its best-in-class liquidity with access to more than 60 major cryptocurrencies. To further complement its globe-trotting user base, Wealth has expanded to provide rapid settlement to over 35 global fiat currencies whilst still offering a wide range of CAD and USD trading pairs. "We understand our clients' need for a robust all-in-one tool which brings the power and usability that investors have come to rely upon in traditional marketplaces," says Jonathan Han, Managing Director, VirgoCX Wealth. "This upgrade to OTC Direct will bridge the gap and allow customers to make more timely and informed trading decisions." Story continues VirgoCX continues to push the boundaries when creating the best experience for its users, with the VirgoCX Wealth platform extending the experience to institutional investors. Alongside traditional OTC trading, investors are also able to take advantage of the platform's NFT brokerage service to further expand their portfolios. About VirgoCX Wealth A division of Canadian cryptocurrency exchange VirgoCX, VirgoCX Wealth offers direct market access for cryptocurrencies with optimal price execution. It bridges the gap between traditional financial services and the cryptocurrency markets by allowing clients to have access to a deep pool of crypto and fiat currencies to fill large orders at a desired market price. About VirgoCX Founded in 2018, VirgoCX is committed to making crypto trading safe, easy, and affordable for Canadians. It is Canada's trusted cryptocurrency trading platform and is dedicated to streamlining trading experience and empowering clients with advanced technology, superior liquidity, and best-in-class security. Contact Information: Robert Jackson Marketing Manager robert.jackson@wealth.virgocx.ca 416-554-7296 Related Images Image 1 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Cognovi Labs Opens Access to AI Platform to Provide Real-Time Look at What is Driving Decision-Making in the U.S. Workforce DAYTON, OH and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 20, 2022 / Cognovi Labs, an artificial intelligence (AI) company at the intersection of machine learning and behavioral psychology, today released its first-ever Job Confidence Index revealing how employee confidence impacts U.S. employment numbers. Powered by Cognovi Labs' award-winning Emotion AI, the Index provides a real-time look at how employees' emotional experiences relate to resignations and other job-related metrics in the United States. "The Job Confidence Index for the first time captures the cause and effect of public sentiment and employment decisions," said Beni Gradwohl, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO, Cognovi Labs. "While this may be clear in retrospect, the Index allows these to be measured in real time and at scale. Since the vast majority of human decisions are made on the basis of emotion, it is crucial for employers to understand the experience of their employees in a hyper-active job market and have the tools to proactively engage to improve the workplace." The Job Confidence Index captures confidence in overall job-related conversations along with trending workplace issues like health benefits, diversity, parental leave, psychological safety and retention. It showcases the shifting emotions toward each of these issues and how they evolve over time. The conclusions are derived from emotion AI analysis of public social media conversations relative to seasonally adjusted numbers published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Index finds, for example, that a spike in confidence toward job issues results in increased hiring the following month, while very low overall confidence leads to reduced hiring. The relationship was established by analyzing monthly Confidence Scores and the next month's employment numbers for the past five years. "When you connect with your workforce on an emotional level, you create opportunities for meaningful engagement," said Nirit Pisano, Ph.D., Chief Psychology Officer, Cognovi Labs. "Without appreciating employees' wants, needs and decisions, policies that employers implement are less likely to resonate. This index offers a guide to help employers respond with emotional intelligence to their employees, creating a more positive work environment for all." Other key findings from Cognovi Labs' Job Confidence Index include: As seen in the Great Resignation, high confidence in job security leads employees to willingly explore new job opportunities and subsequently quit. In contrast, low confidence in job security will indicate a lower quit rate the following month. When employers support their employees to feel high confidence in their work space, whether hybrid or work-from-home or in-office, employees tend to remain in their jobs. Low confidence in their work space leads to the opposite - a higher quit rate next month. Trust toward in-office work in 2019 was at a level of 81 out of 100 in online conversations. That number dropped to 44 in 2020 and has not yet recovered in 2022, currently sitting at a score of 59. While conversations around diversity in the workforce remain prevalent, the public's confidence around diversity at work remains low. This is caused by years of consistently high levels of trust and hope surrounding diversity efforts, but with low assurance for change. Online conversation about paternity leave is extremely low when compared to the volume of maternity leave discussions. Nevertheless, paternity leave inspires a greater belief in what lies ahead (Confidence Score of 67 versus 51 out of 100 in 2022 so far). If employees feel highly confident around compensation and benefits, they tend to stay in their jobs. In contrast, low confidence in compensation and benefits leads to a higher quit rate next month. Cognovi Labs has a history of providing free indexes to support public health and wellbeing: it first measured the public's anxiety at the start of the pandemic and followed up with a confidence index surrounding the Covid vaccine. About Cognovi Labs Cognovi Labs is a leading innovator in psychology-driven AI, empowering clients with the predictive tools to engage, inspire and maximize their impact. The award-winning AI reveals how audiences are feeling in the moment and what drives their decisions. Clients then communicate with emotional intelligence to win their audience's hearts and minds, and thereby accelerate their performance. Companies interested in learning more about the decisions surrounding their specific brand can reach out to Cognovi Labs at info@cognovilabs.com or https://cognovilabs.com/contact. Follow the latest from Cognovi Labs by visiting https://cognovilabs.com/ or on LinkedIn and Twitter. Media Contact: Kenny Conrade Stern Strategy Group Stern_Cognovi@sternstrategy.com SOURCE: Cognovi Labs View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/721179/Why-Workers-Quit-New-Job-Confidence-Index-Reveals-the-Hidden-Drivers-of-Employee-Turnover Following the official welcome ceremony in the city of Jabrayil, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan have held a one-on-one meeting. The heads of state first posed together for official photos. The Montpelier Station Post Office next to the presidential estate in Orange County reopened Monday following a four-month closure prompted by an exhibit on racial segregation. Christy Moriarty, spokesperson with the Montpelier Foundation, confirmed Wednesday the U.S. Postal Service resumed operations Monday in the small office. It is located on Constitution Highway near the entrance to James Madisons Montpelier in a building owned by the foundation. The exhibit, In the Time of Segregation, that caused the postal service to close the rural location earlier this spring is housed separately in the restored train depot, which is marked as a museum. The foundation and board were subsequently in communication with postal officials about reopening the post office, Moriarty confirmed. The organization has stood by its telling of the story of segregation. The Montpelier Foundation is delighted that the U.S. Postal Service has responded to the voices of the community and the foundation in reopening the Montpelier Station Post Office, a resource located in the historic Train Depot that has served local customers since 1912, the foundation said in a statement Wednesday. We invite all members of the public to visit the exhibition housed at the other end of the building. Since 2010, the exhibition has told a full American story, both local and national, of the struggle for Civil Rights during the Jim Crow era, the statement said. Montpelier Station postal customer Betsy Brantley said she was notified of the reopening Monday through the Post Office on Main Street in Orange. I was doing yardwork on Monday when a neighbor texted me to say that he was in Orange and was told that our mail was, once again, in Montpelier Station. I drove straight there, and, lo and behold, so it was! she said. Brantley said area residents are excited the post office is open again. The reopening of the Montpelier Station Post Office means the world to the local community. We only ever wanted our Post Office to continue functioning as it always had, and we are happy that this is so. Many thanks to all of the people that wrote letters, emails, and made phone calls to bring this about! You were heard! she said. The post office building started as a train station built in 1910 by William DuPont. It had separate waiting rooms for white and Black people during the time of government-mandated segregation in public spaces. A post office opened in the depot in 1912. A century later, in 2012, the Montpelier Foundation established the exhibit depicting segregated waiting rooms, as it once was, with other historical displays and information. When a post office employee observed the exhibit for the first time earlier this year, a decision was made on the spot to shut it down, over the objections of some customers. The Montpelier Foundation was not notified. USPS Spokesman Philip Bosenberger later told the Richmond TimesDispatch about the abrupt closure, and the reason given for it. There are two exterior doors to the museum, and signage above one door reads Whites while the other bears a sign Colored. Information about this museum and its proximity to the Post Office was only recently brought to the attention of senior Postal Service management. Because the Post Office is co-located in the same building as the segregation museum, Postal Service management considered that some customers may associate the racially-based, segregated entrances with the current operations of the Post Office, and thereby draw negative associations between those operations and the painful legacy of discrimination and segregation that marked prior historical eras, Bosenberger said in a statement in August. The position of the post office garnered backlash from the public, as well as demands for further explanation, including from Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D7th. She sent a letter to U.S. Postal Service Virginia district manager Gerald Roane stating proper procedure had not been followed with the abrupt closure. Following ongoing discussions with the U.S. Postal Service, I am encouraged by reports that the post office has reopened and hopeful that regular mail service will be restored to the Virginians who rely on the Montpelier Station Post Office, Spanberger said in a statement Wednesday. But yet again, the lack of notice from USPS is alarming. Virginians deserve better, she added. Bosenberger, with USPS confirmed the post office had reopened. Retail hours are 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. MondayFriday, and 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. P.O. Box customers will have 24-hour access to their box, he said. The teacher crisis is real, and were not going to work our way out of it simply by making it easier to hire teachers. That approach is at the heart of Gov. Glenn Youngkins plan to attack the shortage. His wants to ease pathways to teacher licensure by simplifying the process for people with out-of-state licenses to work here in Virginia, helping career-changers find their way into the classroom, and helping those who are retired come back to work. These ideas are hardly new. For decades, most every state has offered alternative pathways to becoming a teacher, and those programs have done little to stem the chronic shortages states face hiring special education teachers, STEM teachers, and foreign language teachers. Youngkins efforts, while welcome, will not alleviate the teacher shortage crisis. A more far-reaching solution is necessary. And it begins by examining why the crisis exists. On this front, there is little disagreement. Three issues are continuously cited as reasons for teachers leaving the profession. Low pay: Average salaries vary widely across Virginia. A 2022 survey by the Virginia Department of Education places average salaries at $40,000 to over $80,000 a year, with public school teachers in the southern and western parts of the state earning less than those in Northern Virginia. Teacher burnout: Especially since the pandemic, teachers are regularly reporting higher rates of burnout due to a range of factors. This burnout has forced many into early retirement, exacerbating the shortage, as fewer young people are entering the profession. The politicization of education: From the rise of standards-based learning, to outcome-based, high-stakes testing, the parents rights movement, and states passing ever-more-restrictive laws about what teachers can and cannot say in class, teachers are feeling unappreciated and unnecessarily constrained. This is forcing them out of the profession. There are no silver bullets that will fix this problem, but there are ways we can begin to address it. Significantly increase teacher pay: Experienced, proven teachers should earn salaries that match their years of success. Salaries of $100,000 and up should become the norm for people who have proven their mettle in the classroom. In addition, we should incentivize good teachers to work in Title I schools and schools facing unusual challenges by paying them even more. The most challenging students deserve the finest teachers. Too often, as teachers rise through the ranks they leave the most challenging schools for more comfortable settings in the suburbs. Finally, we should not ask teachers to incur college debt. Forgive student debt for teachers who spend 10 years or more in the profession. This will ensure the best and the brightest enter the profession, regardless of their personal financial situation. Return power to the teachers within their own classrooms: Higher pay will go a long way toward reducing burnout. But we also need to empower teachers to do their jobs. That means giving them the power to adjust curriculum as needed to meet their students needs. It also means empowering administrators to support teachers by ensuring that classrooms are safe and civil. Return respect to the profession: The parents rights movement, legislative efforts to prevent teachers from talking about subjects that their students are asking them about (sexuality, race, religion, violence), and Youngkins reckless educational policies (the tip line, pushing parents rights, supporting careless legislation that limits books and resources teachers can use, and actively working to stymie speech in the classroom) are preventing teachers from doing their jobs effectively and unnecessarily tying their hands. Trust teachers to do their job. More broadly, we as a society need to celebrate the virtue of education and learning. Education is certainly about helping students prepare for productive futures, but its also about developing informed citizens. Shaping young minds that can see beyond their own worldviews, and work together with those who see the world differently. Teachers are the key to making all of that happen. And until we again respect and value the work they do, the shortage we face today will only grow. Nebraska beef producers and corn growers can enhance their operations by attending the 2022 Cover Crop Grazing Conference. The conference will take place Nov. 1 at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead. The conference kicks off with registration, refreshments and a trade show at the August N. Christenson Building at 9 a.m. Educational programs are from 10 a.m.-2:45 p.m. and include a producer panel session and live field demonstrations. Nebraska Extension is uniquely suited to bring farmers unbiased and research-based information that will be shared at this conference. Featured presentations include Rotational/Strip Grazing with Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Educator and Grazing of Perennial and Annual Forages presented by Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension Educator. The expo will help first-time or experienced farmers looking to fine-tune their cover crop grazing management utilizing cover crops as an alternative forage source. Speakers and panelists will address important issues for Nebraska farmers and ranchers and provides one-on-one discussion with local, private industry exhibitors and sponsors. Preregister by Oct. 28 at: https://enrec.unl.edu/covercropgrazingconference/. Agenda, details and map/directions are also at the Web site. A $10 registration fee is payable via cash or check at the conference, or checks can be mailed in advance to 2022 Cover Crop Grazing Conference, Nebraska Extension, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033. The fee covers lunch and refreshments throughout the day. When paying by check, make it payable to University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Agribusiness stakeholders are being sought as sponsors and trade show exhibitors. Contact Connor Biehler at cbiehler2@unl.edu or 402-624-8007 for more details. She pointed to the economic impact airports have on Nebraska communities. Fremont is one of our shining stars, said Richart, aeronautics director of the Nebraska State Department of Transportation. About 60 people attended the Wednesday morning ribbon cutting for the new facility, which includes a conference room, front area and pilots lounge. It will have three offices available to be rented out. Its a beautiful building, said Fremont Aviation President Jim Kjeldgaard, who has worked at the airport for more than 50 years. Its a great addition to the Fremont airport. Richart commended the community for recognizing the value of its airport. An airport isnt a transportation facility, its an economic development tool, Richart said. Youve proven that you understand that and you get what it takes and the commitmentto bring this economic vitality to your community. In remarks after the ribbon cutting, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg told the Tribune about the airports growth potential. With Fremont and our location to Omaha, we are receiving a lot of traffic that would normally fly into Omaha, he said. Spellerberg said these aircraft will fly into Fremont, because of the easy access and the smaller airport. We think we can expand on that, Spellerberg said. Spellerberg also pointed to a study by the Nebraska Aviation Counts! Team, which indicates that Fremonts airport generates $10.5 million in goods and services from airport-related activities and supports more than 90 jobs related to these activities. The payroll from these jobs totals more than $2.6 million. It is a part of the critical infrastructure for any community just as important as a highway system, as rail lines, Spellerberg said. Your airport represents the economic growth and vitality for Fremont into the future. Former Fremont Mayor Scott Getzschman also spoke of the airports economic impact. Truly, the airport is the economic driver for the City of Fremont and its one of the main tools we have in our tool bag for continued growth, Getzschman said. For many, its the first impression Fremont makes to businesses visiting Fremont. In other comments, Richart reminded event attendees of the role the airport played during historic flooding in March 2019 when water made roads in and out of city impassable. This airport was the savior for this region, Richart said. A Nebraska Aviation Counts! story estimated at least 1,000 people were transported out of Fremont during the flood to airports in Omaha, Columbus, Lincoln and Wahoo. At the same time, supplies such as baby diapers, formula and toiletries were flown into the airport. A Nebraska Army National Guard helicopter, which was low on fuel, made a night landing at the airport with seven first-responders, pulled 75 feet up and out of the frigid and turbulently flowing Elkhorn River. All seven survived. Fremonts old terminal was built in 1964. The facility, which isnt handicap accessible, needs new heating and air conditioning systems and other upgrades. Planning for the new terminal began years ago. Getzschman talked about what took place during his tenure. As mayor of Fremont, this was one of our largest goals, Getzschman said of the terminal project. The airport advisory board started this process in 2010 and we did study after study and we finally landed on a location of where it was going to go. The new terminal was constructed next to a new parking apron, which cost more than $2 million. Spellerberg noted that the apron project was 90% funded by the Federal Aviation Administration. Every dollar the city spent, we got $9 from the FAA for the new apron, Spellerberg said, adding that the old one didnt meet FAA standards. He talked about work to find more funds for the airport. We are looking for grants and additional dollars to support the airport, Spellerberg said. Spellerberg spoke of future plans. Now that we have the terminal, as well as the apron completed, we need the new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facility, he said. Kjeldgaard, the fixed base operator, and his maintenance team would use the FBO hangar for maintenance. It also would be used to house larger aircraft that fly into the airport. In 2020, Mike Wachal, structural engineer and chief financial officer at Davis Design, said the hangar, minus fees, was estimated to cost $1.6 million. Spellerberg said the airport advisory board is working on raising money privately for this FBO hangar. I hope people would be interested and consider being a part of the continued growth at the airport, Spellerberg said regarding that endeavor. In the meantime, Spellerberg is enthusiastic about the new terminal. The new terminal building is quite an addition to the community and all of our community should be very proud of the work that was done for over a decade by so many peopleby the prior mayor and city council and the airport advisory board, Spellerberg said. The city-owned airport on the west end of Fremont provides various services, from fuel and aircraft maintenance to flight instruction to sight-seeing tours and transportation for survey-takers. It offers aircraft rental. More than 50 aircraft from a two-seater airplane to a 10-seat jet are based at the airport, which has about 30 city-owned hangars along with privately owned ones. A new, female-only library in Kabul has become an educational oasis for Afghan girls and women who have been denied access to further learning. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, most schools for girls past sixth grade have remained closed. The Zan Library opened its doors in August and is a place where females can continue their studies on their own. But there are concerns that Taliban authorities could shut down the library at any time. The Taliban allowed thousands of Afghan girls and women to take university entrance exams last week. But the militant group has banned them from applying for many courses, including journalism, engineering, economics, and many social and natural sciences. The move has limited the career prospects of many women and forced some to give up on their dreams. It is the latest restriction on female education in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. The militants have banned girls above the sixth grade from attending school. They have also imposed strict gender segregation in universities. Some of the girls and women allowed to take the exams had graduated from school just before the Taliban takeover. Others who participated were in the final year of school when the militants banned secondary-school education for girls. Fatima, a 20-year-old from the northern province of Parwan, had long dreamed of becoming a reporter. But when she was told that she could not study journalism, she left the exam. "I was heartbroken and disillusioned, so I walked away," Fatima, whose full name has not been disclosed to protect her identity, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. Some women have also complained that they are no longer allowed to apply for courses in universities outside their home province, further limiting their options. Shamila, a high-school graduate from the northeastern province of Kunduz, wanted to study medicine. But since the course is not available in universities in Kunduz, she has been forced to ditch her dreams of becoming a doctor. "I was saddened and shocked to discover that I could not choose the course that I wanted," she told Radio Azadi. "No one has been able to explain to us why we are deprived of studying our preferred subjects." While women are restricted in what and where they can study, men are free to apply for any course or university. Abdul Qadir Khamush, the head of the examinations division in the Taliban's Higher Education Ministry, told Radio Azadi that 150,000 students took the university entrance exams between October 13-15, with 35 percent of them women. RFE/RL was unable to verify the figures provided by the Taliban. But teachers and students have said that in some provinces the number of women who took the exams this year dropped by as much as 90 percent compared to 2021. Around 180,000 students took the exams last year, which were held just before the Taliban seized power in August. Some 30 percent of them were women. The number of women taking the university entrance exams is expected to fall dramatically next year if the Taliban maintains its ban on education for teenage girls. This year, the militants offered an exemption for girls in the last year of school. Khamush, the Taliban official, said they were not allowing women to apply for certain courses because they could not arrange separate classes for men and women in some universities. He told the BBC that some courses were closed to women because there was a lack of interest. Few women have accepted that explanation. An 11th-grader in Parwan, who did not want to reveal her name, fears that she will not even be allowed to take the university entrance exams. "My dreams will just remain dreams," she told Radio Azadi. Since seizing power, the Taliban has imposed a raft of restrictions on women and girls, including on their appearance, access to work and education, and freedom of movement. The rules are reminiscent of the Taliban's first stint in power from 1996 to 2001, when the group deprived women of their most basic rights. Women and girls have taken to the streets to protest the Taliban's restrictions on their lives. Last month, schoolgirls, women, and even Afghan elders demonstrated their support for girls' education in social media posts and street protests across the country, in a rare display of defiance under the Taliban. More recently, a deadly suicide bombing on September 30 that killed dozens of girls and women in Kabul triggered some of the largest and most sustained protests against Taliban rule. If You Go What: Three Nights of Horror film fest, presented by the Independent Film Society of Colorado When: 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Sunday. Where: Cottonwood Center for the Arts theater, 427 E. Colorado Ave. Info: Full schedule and tickets ($8-$50) at horror.eventive.org/schedule By Trend 67 illegal migrants rescued in northwestern Turkish province of Balikesir, the command of the Turkish Coast Guard Forces says, Trend reports. Three rubber boats with migrants were expelled by the Greek side into the territorial waters of Turkiye in violation of international humanitarian law. The asylum seekers were rescued off the coast of the Ayvalik district, according to the report. After passing the relevant procedures, all illegal migrants were taken to the regional office for migration. The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado will present its Excellence in Customer Service Awards on Friday at the organization's Victorian Haunted Ball at the City Auditorium. The Excellence in Customer Service (EICS) Award is a "comprehensive customer service improvement program run by volunteers and all BBB Accredited Businesses in Southern Colorado are invited to participate." A winner will be chosen among the five finalists who applied and completed an "arduous evaluation process." The finalists include: Bob Penkhus Motor Company, a local car dealership stated in Colorado Springs more than 70 years ago. Hardcastle Heating & Air, a family-owned plumbing, heating and air conditioning company. McCloskey Motors, a Colorado Springs-based used car dealership. Peak Structural Inc., a Front Range basement, waterproofing and foundation repair company. WireNut Home Services, a local home service company focused on HVAC, plumbing and electric. The celebration runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m. with cocktails, dinner and Halloween activities such as a haunted tour. Register at https://www.anightofexcellence.org/ to attend, with tickets starting at $125. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo welcomed a new addition to its famed giraffe herd on Wednesday. Bailey, a 10-year-old reticulated giraffe, gave birth at 10:49 a.m. to a female calf, according to a news release from the zoo. Both mother and daughter are healthy and will be visible to the public beginning Thursday. The giraffe barn will be a quiet zone and will be subject to close if either giraffe shows signs of discomfort. The zoo baby has demonstrated good health to its care team by taking its first steps and nursing shortly after birth. It appears to be a normal weight of around 125 pounds and a height close to 6 feet, according to the release. The calf is Baileys second and becomes the 17th member of the zoo's reticulated giraffe herd. Following zoo tradition, the baby wont be named until it is at least a month old. Democrats held leads in three of the four seats up for grabs on the State Board of Education this year as of 9 p.m. on Election Day. The titanic issues of limited water supply and the housing shortage clashed at the Colorado Springs Utilities board meeting Wednesday, along with major players in the housing industry. At the center of the debate is a proposed city ordinance that would require Utilities to have 130% of the water required to serve existing demand and the projected demand from undeveloped land asking to be annexed. The requirement, as proposed, would block the annexation of a 3,200-acre proposed community southeast of town, called Amara, if it took effect before the vote on Amara's annexation in November. The board did not take any action on the rule, proposing instead to take additional public comment after hearing fierce opposition and concerns about unintended consequences of limiting affordable housing and growth. An updated version of the proposed rule could be presented to the Colorado Springs City Council during a work session on Monday. The members of the Utilities board also serve on the City Council. Utilities board member Bill Murray pointed out the new proposal was a radical shift from last week when Utilities staff said it could serve the development proposed by La Plata Communities, which also developed a large portion of Briargate. "Monday I was told very precisely that a project like Amara could be handled," Murray said. La Plata Communities President Doug Quimby accused Norwood, another major developer in town, of writing the proposed ordinance that would block Amara, limit competition and potentially increase housing costs. "It was drafted in such a way to preclude the Amara annexation," Quimby said. He said Utilities staff had assured him it could serve his proposed development, but last week between Monday and Wednesday the proposed ordinance appeared. Asked whether his company drafted or suggested the proposed ordinance, Norwood's Senior Vice President Tim Seibert said in an email that the company has become increasingly concerned about drought conditions across the West and the community's reliance on the drought stricken Colorado River basin. Colorado Springs receives about 70% of its water from the basin. "This has become an urgent matter for Colorado Springs and for virtually every municipality across the West. We, like many others, have met with city leaders on this subject and suggested specific solutions for discussion," he said. During the meeting, Seibert voiced concerns about flag pole annexations including Amara that are connected to the city limits by a road rather than being adjacent and the pressures that could put on city infrastructure. "The question ultimately is how do you want to grow," Seibert told the board. Norwood owns a major chunk of Banning Lewis Ranch, a 28,000-acre property that is largely undeveloped, but is within city limits on the east side. The undeveloped property within Norwood would not be subject to the new water rule. Under the proposed 130% requirement, Utilities would be a few thousand acre-feet shy of what it would need to allow Amara to annex. Utilities estimates it provides on average 75,000 acre-feet of treated water to the community and it could provide 95,000 acre-feet of treated water, a significant existing buffer, according to slides presented during the meeting. An acre-foot of water can serve about three households. The city could lower its average use to allow more annexation or add additional water treatment capacity and infrastructure under the proposed rule. The city is considering the rule as the West and particularly the Colorado River are facing a megadrought and the Bureau of Reclamation is asking the seven states that rely on the river to come up with 2 to 4 million acre-feet of savings next year. Utilities CEO Aram Benyamin said the staff arrived at the 130% buffer because it was an achievable goal. It was developed after "months and months of discussion," Colorado Springs Chief of Staff Jeff Greene told the board. But Renee Zentz, CEO of the Housing & Building Association, said her group had not had enough time to take a position on the proposed water rule since last week. "We are asking to have a seat at the proverbial table," she said. Several Utilities board members called for greater public involvement for the proposed rule and suggested whether including it on the Monday work session would be best. Chairman Wayne Williams said releasing an updated proposed ordinance on Monday would give the public a chance to see tweaks. Following the work session, there could be a chance for major revisions, such as changes to required percentages, Williams said. If the City Council does not act, board members said there could be a question placed before voters that could guide water requirements for annexations. "I want it on our shoulders," board member Randy Helms said. Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Carson participated in a live-fire exercise Wednesday as part of Mountain Warrior Strike, a 10-day annual event designed to be the culmination of a year's worth of training and a rigorous final test of battlefield skills. Up to this point, the brigade's training has been held at the squad, platoon, company and other group levels. But during the live-fire exercise, all seven of the brigade's units six battalions and a squadron serving artillery, reconnaissance, support and other functions converged on the range in the largest group exercise of the year to validate proficiency and readiness ahead of higher-level training at the Joint Training Readiness Center (JTRC) at Fort Polk, La., in January. All the elements of seven battalions are out in the field at the same time exercising and working through a lot of challenges, like how to maintain your vehicles, how to feed the soldiers that are in the field right now, how to get them water, how to get them (equipment parts), how to take care of them if they get injured," 2nd Stryker Brigade Operations Officer Maj. Nate Welsh said. What this operation has enabled them to do is exercise all the teams in their primary specialty. Roughly 3,600 soldiers across nine companies in the brigade's three infantry battalions are assigned to the fleet of Strykers, an eight-wheeled armored vehicle equipped with remote weapon systems and either a .50-caliber machine gun or an MK-19 grenade launcher. The 2nd Stryker Brigade is the newest brigade of its kind in the Army, Welsh said from inside one of the 30-ton vehicles as it crawled toward mock-enemy lines. "These vehicles are probably only 18 months old," Welsh said. "They're super." The artillery battalion went first, bombarding the target with heavy indirect fire as the Strykers waited to advance. From there, machine guns and grenade launchers would provide fire from a distance until rifle-laden soldiers completed the exercise by clearing enemy strongholds on foot. Based on the effects of that (initial) artillery round, we're going to use that suppression to close the distance," Welsh said. "We go from a bigger bullet to a smaller one ... and each of those blast (radii) allows the advancing soldiers to close that distance and employ automatic direct fire. A jungle of wires looped through radio equipment and other communication systems covering most of the vehicle's interior surface area. Dust danced through the ceiling's openings, coating everything inside in a thin layer of the stuff as radio chatter buzzed. At the end of a jaunting ride, the Strykers' back hatches fell and crews spilled out to join the one-sided, but chaotic, battle. Smoke and dust billowed from the autumn-hued hills while soldiers advanced to take cover. "Get in the trench!" one of them screamed as rounds chopped the air. "Quit running on the high ground!" Quickly, but methodically, the battalions' roles unfolded in taking hills, then bunkers, then trenches. "Sappers" with the engineering battalion bolted with Bangalore torpedoes to breach barbwire as the entrenched troops looked on. A fuse was lit. To bodies pressed in the dirt, it felt as if the ground gave out entirely during the huge, half-second explosion that followed. Three seconds later, the troops were on their feet and running to rain the next bout of live fire. Many of the companies' soldiers had only completed the exercise's dry runs using blanks, and Wednesday's training was their first using live rounds. "The live fire is absolutely the most realistic you'll ever get to combat due to the fact that we're shooting live rounds," said Capt. Corey Masaracchia, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment's Company A. "You're trying to incorporate all the different aspects of what combat would be like." Such things continued in waves until the riflemen made their way to close-contact battle among the final group of enemy buildings, clearing each until the occupying foes were no more. After the holiday season, the brigade will seek official certification at JRTC in the Louisiana swamps alongside other forces, including Canadian troops, Masaracchia said. Though Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has not yet announced specifics on deployment for the 2nd Stryker Brigade, commanders emphasized the criticality of seamless preparation amid a growing hostile global climate. "There are other groups (attending JRTC) nationally. ... We incorporate them into our plan as well," Masaracchia said. "If we go to large-scale combat, we are going to have NATO allies with us trying to figure out how to operate, how to be in common speaking with them." Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Carson participated in a live-fire exercise as part of Mountain Warrior Strike, a 10-day annual event designed to be the culmination of a year's worth of training and a rigorous final test of battlefield skills on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022. The exercise is the last major test of their skills before the brigade will seek official certification at the Joint Training Readiness Center at Fort Polk, La., in January. (The Gazette, Parker Seibold) Parker Seibold Follow Parker Seibold 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 A lawsuit filed in El Paso County last week alleges that a Colorado Springs police officer pepper sprayed a 17-year-old girl twice while she was handcuffed in the backseat of a police car. The lawsuit, filed by Killmer, Lane & Newman LLP, alleges that on Oct. 17, 2020, Amara Keens-Dumas was approached by officers Ryan Yoshimiya and Brianna Ragsdale around 3 a.m. after someone told police that Keens-Dumas had gotten into a verbal altercation with her boyfriend. Officers responded to the scene but were asked by Keens-Dumas' brother to leave. But 45 minutes later the officers returned to the house when Keens-Dumas began crying in the street, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit states that two officers handcuffed Keens-Dumas and forced her against the side of their police vehicle. When Yoshimiya touched her leg, despite Keens-Dumas asking him not to, it triggered a "trauma response" because she was a victim of rape, something her brother had told officers on their first visit to the house. "Rather than de-escalate the situation created by their unnecessary groping of Ms. Keens-Dumas, Defendants Ragsdale and Yoshimiya forcefully put her onto the asphalt. Both officers put their weight on Ms. Keens-Dumas, which caused painful cuts, scrapes, and bruising on her arms, knees, and legs," the lawsuit states. The incident was recorded by a bystander who had initially called the police and was "horrified," according to the lawsuit. Eventually, the two officers placed Keens-Dumas in the police car, where she said: "Give me my phone. Im a minor. Give me my mom," the lawsuit states. The lawsuit also claims that after Keens-Dumas was placed in the police car, Sgt. Gregory Wilhelmi arrived and asked Yoshimiya "has she been sprayed." The lawsuit alleges that Yoshimiya told the teenage girl that if she didn't stop screaming, she would be pepper sprayed. When Keens-Dumas continued to request to call her mother, Wilhelmi responded by pepper spraying Keens-Dumas twice in the backseat of the police car. "When Defendant Wilhelmi sprayed Ms. Keens-Dumas with pepper spray, Defendant Yoshimiya coughed at the opposite end of the vehicle and closed the left rear door. He thereby locked Ms. Keens-Dumas in the police car, sitting in a fog of pepper spray, with the doors and windows closed. She was essentially imprisoned in a gas chamber with no escape from the excruciatingly painful pepper spray," the lawsuit states. The lawsuit alleges that after the incident the police did not send Keens-Dumas to a hospital, but rather took her to the police station where she was eventually picked up by her mother. "Defendants uses of force against Ms. Keens-Dumas, including the use of pepper spray while she was restrained in the back of the police car, were grossly excessive," the lawsuit states. As a result of the incident, the lawsuit states that Keens-Dumas is seeking damages for the incident, a jury trial on all triable issues and an issuance of orders including: A formal written apology from all three defendants The imposition of policy changes designed to avoid similar misconduct Mandatory training designed to avoid future misconduct Imposition of disciplinary action against appropriate employees of Colorado Springs. The Colorado Springs Police Department declined to comment on the lawsuit, but confirmed that all three officers named in the suit are still employed by the city. Charlotte N. Sweeney paid tribute Friday to every woman who preceded her as a trial judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, observing they all made history for being a "first" in one way or another. In a breakout session, Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright, center, of the Colorado Supreme Court, as well as Justices Monica M. Marquez, left, and William W. Hood III, right, answer questions from a small group of students at Pomona High School after they and the other four members of the court heard two cases at the high school Oct. 26 in Arvada. By Trend The Biden administration will provide $2 million to Cuba for emergency relief efforts following Hurricane Ian, the State Department said on Tuesday, Trend reports citing Reuters. The Communist government of Cuba made a rare request for aid from Washington in September after Hurricane Ian knocked out power to the entire island of 11 million people, killed three people and drove thousands from their homes. The United States will work with independent organizations to provide the aid, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. "We stand with the Cuban people as they work to recover from this disaster," Price said. U.S. President Joe Biden has promised to re-engage with Cuba after years of tensions between Havana and Washington. But Cuba's crackdown following widespread protests on the island last July led instead to sanctions on Cuban officials. We appreciate humanitarian assistance offer made by the US," Cuba's foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, said on Twitter. As ballots for the Nov. 8 general election hit mailboxes this week, El Paso County residents who receive a ballot intended for someone who is deceased or who no longer lives at their address should return it through the mail, clerk and recorder's officials say. Residents who receive such ballots should simply check off the appropriate box on the back of the ballot packet, write "return to sender" on the front of the ballot packet and return it through the U.S. Postal Service, Clerk and Recorder Chuck Broerman said in a news release Wednesday afternoon. Do not place the ballot in a ballot drop-off box. Broerman said it was important ballots are marked "return to sender" through the post office to ensure the voter can cancel their registration or update their address, if needed. When the Clerk and Recorder's Office receives undeliverable mail from USPS, the release said, the voter is made inactive. The clerk's office then mails the voter a confirmation card so they can cancel their registration or update their address. Inactive voters don't receive ballots until they've updated their registration, Broerman said in the release. Inactive voter records can lawfully be canceled after a voter has missed two federal elections, he said. The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office has "several resources that provide voter data on a daily basis," Broerman said, adding that the county's voter rolls are "near pristine." Some of those resources ensuring "only eligible voters are in the voter registration database" include the National Change of Address; the Electronic Registration Information Center, which checks other participating states' voter rolls; the Department of Homeland Security; the Colorado Department of Corrections; the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; and the Social Security Administration, according to the release. "However, when necessary, we rely on citizens to get involved in the democratic election process and return those ballot packets as undeliverable," Broerman said. El Paso County residents can also help maintain local voter rolls by being proactive, such as notifying the Clerk and Recorder's Office when a family member dies, he said. Residents who move and change addresses can update their voter information online at govotecolorado.gov. For more information on the Nov. 8 general election in El Paso County, visit epcvotes.com. Stick with gazette.com for ongoing election coverage, including on election night. By Azernews By News Center Turkiye has vowed a robust response to Greece's militarization of islands in the Aegean Sea, Yeni Shafak reports, citing Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin. Kalin made important statements on the agenda during a live broadcast on the Turkish A Haber channel on October 18. Emphasizing Turkiye's willingness to engage in talks, Kalin underlined that Greece violates all agreements by militarizing the Aegean islands. We have always been in favor of dialogue and good relations. However, it was Greece that foiled the negotiations. We see that Greece is attempting to bolster its position by forming some alliances. There is no possibility for Greece to get the upper hand on its own. It can only do this by relying on lobbies in either the EU or the USA. Dispatching military equipment to the islands is against the treaties. This will have various consequences and it will not remain unanswered, Kalin stressed. Turkiye is urging Greece against avoiding talks as the relations should not be jeopardized for the sake of short-lived benefit, the presidential spokesperson added. The militarization of the islands will not be beneficial to Greece, the spokesperson said, adding that "it will only hurt the Greek people. We see what kinds of lobbies are being made against Turkiye, Kalin pointed out. Commenting on the Amasya coal mine explosion, the spokesperson reiterated that all the state resources have been mobilized and the case has been thoroughly investigated. The Court of Accounts has requested the latest three test reports, which are now being reviewed. It will be examined how firestorm explosions might be avoided. We understand the opposition's sentiments; we feel the agony of families. The legal and administrative investigations are still underway. It is impossible to conceal shortcomings. The rate of methane gas was normal in the initial measurements. If there is even the tiniest omission, it will be disclosed, Kalin assured. In response to a question on whether the grain corridor deal will be extended, the official stated that Russians had yet to respond to the extension of the deadline. There is no sanction on fertilizer. Some nations, though, are adopting a cautious stance out of fear of fresh sanctions. Russia, too, requires reassurance, Kalin added. Regarding Turkiye's status as a European gas hub, the spokesman stated that Putin's proposal includes many legal and technical components and is a substantial offer. In reality, Turkiye has emerged as a genuine player, particularly with TANAP, for which infrastructure is already in place. It propels the country into a higher energy league. If Europe is looking for an alternative to Russian gas, the first option is TANAP. It could be implemented if the capacity is increased and Turkiye will benefit greatly from the project in the long run, Kalin stressed. In response to the provocation allegations against the TurkStream natural gas pipeline, he said that the sabotage attempt against the pipeline was voiced by Russia. Kalin also stressed the need of maintaining the diplomatic channels open between Russia and Ukraine. Concerning interaction with the Syrian government, he indicated that the regime has not adopted any positive posture as of yet and other political initiatives must be made to address the Syrian crisis. The Teller County Board of County Commissioners rejected a request by four residents to hand count ballots and scrap the countys Dominion voting machines for the Nov. 8 election. Tim Northrup repeated his request at the commissioners meeting Oct. 13. Before responding, commission chair Dan Williams remarked that Northrup had appeared before the commissioners four or five times, to cast doubt about Dominion. I would caution you on the timing of all this, he said. I respect you as a person, but were on the eve of sending out ballots to 19,000 registered voters, and its critical that people have faith and confidence I do in the election process. Williams requested that Northrup respect the rights of others when it comes to casting their ballots. My hope is that, after this election, whoever doesnt win has the grace to stand up and admit defeat, Williams said, adding that his fear is the loss of democracy when those who lose refuse to concede. Thats my real fear. So, a little caution on the timing of all this. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Kees thanked Northrup for giving her the opportunity explain why hand counting yields inaccurate results. For instance, the clerks office recently conducted an exercise in hand counting with election judges, Republicans and Democrats. Of 160 ballots hand counted, there were eight mistakes. It was human error, she said, adding that there will be 40 questions on the November ballot. Commissioner Erik Stone noted that 40 times 19,000 ballots equal 760,000 responses to count. I have confidence in the technology of the Dominion machines, he said. Stone added that the federal government does not run elections. Elections happen in states and in those states, elections are run by the counties, he said. Unconvinced, Northrup expressed concern over possible programming errors in the machines. Echoing Northrup, Barbara Herman cited a Rasmussen poll reporting that most Americans dont trust election results. (Fact check: the poll reports that 55% of registered voters suspect cheating in the 2020 election.) When it comes to voting, its the human being Im worried about, the prejudiced, the person whos got the power instead of service to others, Williams said. We need the machine, the computer, to help. As Williams encouraged the residents to focus on education, commissioner Bob Campbell added that acquiring knowledge means selecting reliable news sources. You mentioned that you are bombarded by news and all these things youve heard, he said to Herman. Dont assume that everything is factual. Kitten Walker said if the commissioners dont agree to a hand count, they are not doing what the people in the room have asked that is, to ensure the integrity of elections. You trust the process, but not everyone does, Walker said. Stone responded that the commissioners do not have the authority to tell the county clerk how to run elections. The election systems in the county as well as the nation are prepared and ready to go, with people trained to run elections, Williams said. We all have our opinions, but we have to make sure we dont disenfranchise voters; right now, the unaffiliated dont read the Blue Book, dont believe in voting, have lost confidence no matter what we do hand counting or machine, Williams said. Theyre walking away from this whole process. In the Colorado primary in June, candidates who doubted the results of 2020 were not elected, Williams said, adding that the exception was Heidi Ganahl, the Republican running for governor. In his turn at the podium, Bill Sgarlata said he had come to the meeting to protest the Dominion machines but, after listening to the commissioners, changed his mind. Yet Sgarlata, like the others, asked for a hand count. Stone replied, Dominion is the best machine out there. In other business, Williams reported that the recent fundraiser for AMC West (Aspen Mine Center), to date, has generated $40,000 in donations. As well, the Light of Hope Teller breakfast for CASA of the Pikes Peak Region brought in $32,860, he said. Democratic candidates expanded their fundraising leads in all but one of the most competitive elections for the Colorado House of Representatives in the final weeks before Election Day. Democrats are winning the money race in nine of the 10 most competitive House contests, according to reports from the Secretary of States Office. In all 10 of those races, Democratic candidates have outraised their Republican opponents in the past two weeks, the latest reports show. This is the second-to-last campaign finance report candidates will file before Election Day on Nov. 8, and it comes as the election has the potential to bring big changes to the state House. Last year, the state redrew its district boundaries, moving many sitting lawmakers, changing the political balance of each district, and making several House seats competitive for the first time in a decade. While Democrats arent at risk of losing control of the chamber enjoying a whopping 41-24 majority Republican candidates have a shot at flipping a substantial number of seats to create a nearly evenly split Legislature, though Republican candidates will now have to overcome a significant fundraising deficit in all but one of the most competitive races. The biggest fundraising jump came from Rep. Marc Snyder, the Democrat running for reelection in House District 18. Snyder took in more than $28,000 since Oct. 4, putting his total at $143,000. In comparison, Republican challenger Shana Black raised a total of $20,320. Black took out a nearly $11,000 loan to try to narrow the funding gap, but her spending still paled in comparison to Snyders $23,000 versus $85,000, respectively. District 18 is the most politically competitive in Colorado after the state redrew its district boundaries last year, only leaning toward Democrats by 0.3% based on the redistricting commission's analysis. However, voter registrations show that the district, based in El Paso and Teller counties, now leans slightly to the right, with more than 2,200 more Republican voters than Democrats. Though Snyder had the largest increase in fundraising, two other Democrats also raised more than $20,000 in the past two weeks, and another four Democrats raised more than $10,000. Only one Republican candidate raised more than $10,000 since the last campaign finance report: Shelli Shaw, who is running for House District 59 against the incumbent Democrat, Rep. Barbara McLachlan. Shaw raised more than $13,000 since Oct. 4, totaling just under $80,000 so far. However, McLachlan raised $18,000 in the same time period, and her total stood at more than $163,000 more than double Shaws earnings. McLachlan has steadily increased her fundraising edge each month, going from $32,000 in August to $51,000 in September and $83,000 now. District 59 which includes Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties and parts of Montezuma County leans 2.2% Democratic based on the redistricting analysis. The latest voter registrations show it has 4,200 more Republican voters than Democrats. The only competitive race that financially favors the Republican candidate is in House District 19, where Republican candidate Rep. Dan Woog raised just under $74,000, while Democratic candidate Jennifer Lea Parenti hauled in more than $69,000. Though Woog holds the money advantage, this is the smallest difference in fundraising by far for any of the top 10 most competitive House races. Parenti has also consistently narrowed the gap, going from a $13,000 deficit last month to less than $7,000 two weeks ago to around $4,600 now. District 19, which is in Boulder and Weld counties, is technically an open seat due to the departure of Republican Rep. Tim Geitner and Woog being drawn out of his District 63. Both the redistricting analysis and voter registration results point to a small Republican advantage, with redistricting favoring the GOP by 1.5% and voter registration showing 712 more Republicans than Democrats. Other notable races include House District 38, where incumbent Democratic Rep. David Ortiz has raised more than $211,000 the highest fundraising total for any competitive House candidate. Though Ortiz is financially dominating Republican candidate Jaylen Mosqueira, who has raised more than $61,000, District 38 has a slightly larger Republican population, with around 700 more Republican voters than Democrats. The race for House District 13 has the greatest disparity in fundraising, with Democratic Rep. Julie McCluskie taking in $202,000 compared to Republican opponent David Buckleys $20,600. District 13 is an open seat after redistricting. It has a considerable 5.4% Democratic advantage, according to the redistricting analysis, but it actually has 1,000 more Republican voters than Democrats. Colorado Politics identified the most politically competitive state House districts by looking at the estimated competitiveness from the Independent Redistricting Commissions report, in addition to the most recent active voter registration numbers from September. Here are where the remaining top 10 most competitive House races stand for fundraising: House District 25 Tammy Story (D): $146,097 up by $23,100 Colin Larson (R): $70,954 up by $4,200 House District 26 Meghan Lukens (D): $158,200 up by $20,300 Savannah Wolfson (R): $84,741 up by $8,300 House District 61 Eliza Hamrick (D): $126,016 up by $8,400 Dave Woolever (R): $32,646 up by $4,100 House District 16 Stephanie Vigil (D): $59,310 up by $5,100 Dave Donelson (R): $45,135 up by $3,000 House District 28 Sheila Lieder (D): $80,070 up by $19,700 Dan Montoya (R): $30,867 up by $3,300 Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday vowed to improve students mental and physical safety in classrooms while speaking at Colorados annual School Safety Summit. Colorado is no stranger to school tragedies, from the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, to the STEM School Highlands Ranch mass shooting in 2019, to the string of shootings outside of Aurora high schools this time last year. Now, Polis said its time for the state to step up its response. Its about keeping our kids safe in school, Polis said. As a parent of an 11-year-old and an 8-year-old, its something thats on my mind. Its on the minds of all parents and its something that we all wish we could worry less about. We need to up our game with regard to prioritizing keeping schools safe. Polis announced he plans to work with the summit attendees to formulate changes the state can make to improve school safety, such as reducing youth access to weapons via safe storage, increasing access to behavioral health services, and improving emergency infrastructure in schools. The summit partners included the Colorado School Safety Resource Center, Safe 2 Tell, the Attorney Generals Office, the Adams School District 12 and the University of Colorados Center for Study and Prevention. Polis also touted moves the state has already made to address school safety, such as passing a public safety package this year that offers tens of millions of dollars for law enforcement grants and crime prevention. The package specifically targeted schools through a $6 million grant program for schools to fund violence prevention and a pilot grant to fund community efforts to prevent youth violence. The state has also sought to improve youth mental health through the creation of the behavioral health task force in 2019 and recent extension and funding increases for the I Matter Program, providing six free behavioral health sessions to Colorado youth. Were not done yet. Were focused on doing a lot more to better support and improve school safety, Polis said. Our students can only be successful in the classroom and achieve academic success if our classrooms are safe. The future of Colorado and our country and the world has to be our young people. Its our responsibility to invest in best practices that work. This builds on Polis five-year goal, announced at the beginning of the year, to make Colorado one of the top 10 safest states in the U.S. This year, Polis also proclaimed October as School Safety Month in Colorado, dedicated to highlighting the best practices for keeping schools safe and spreading the word about existing resources. Committees backing ballot issues that will be in front of Colorado voters next month have taken in another $3.4 million in the latest filings reported to TRACER, the state's campaign finance database. But you won't find anything in TRACER to tie a block of recent TV and social media ads that advocate for the use of psychedelics to treat veterans with PTSD to the ballot measure that asks voters to decriminalize those substances. That ballot measure, Proposition 122, is backed by the issue committee Natural Medicine Colorado, which got the largest donation in the past two weeks. The issue committee had spent down most of its funds by mid-September but got an infusion in early October of $1.1 million. Proposition 122 decriminalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms and would allow their distribution within licensed "healing centers." The biggest donor to Natural Medicine in the past two weeks was the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Voter Information, a Democratic-aligned dark-money group that does not disclose its donors, with a contribution of $920,000. That organization is a 501c4 that was investigated by ProPublica in 2020 for voter registration mailers supporting Democrats and opposing Republicans that ProPublica said "confused" voters. New Approach PAC, which has funded Proposition 122 from its signature gathering phase, has now contributed $3.1 million to the committee, including $175,000 in the past two weeks. The ads focusing on veteran treatment are funded by the Heroic Hearts Project, which advocates for use of psychedelics to treat former military service members with PTSD. Those ads do not advocate for Proposition 122. They do have something in common, though: New Approach's biggest funder, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, led by CEO David Bronner, a major backer of psychedelics reform campaigns, is also a financial supporter of the Heroic Hearts Project. A similar approach was used in Oregon in 2020 when voters in that state were asked to decriminalize psilocybin and other hallucinogens. Heroic Hearts ran ads in that state touting the benefits of hallucinogens to treat veterans' suffering from PTSD but didn't directly advocate for the Oregon ballot measure, which voters approved. Heroic Hearts' ads do show up in Denver TV stations' FCC political filings under "non-candidate issue ads," the same category that includes ads run by Natural Medicine Colorado to support Proposition 122. The Heroic Hearts ads are running in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo TV markets, but not the Natural Medicine ads. The only committee opposed to Proposition 122, Protect Colorado Kids, has raised less than $1,000 and its only spending to date is on a website. Proposition FF The effort to allow all Colorado kids in public schools a free lunch has now raised about $1.6 million but has almost $1 million still in the bank as the campaign season heads into its final month. Proposition FF would cap deductions on individual incomes above $300,000, and the revenue would pay for grant programs for schools which would provide free meals to all public school students. Propositions 124, 125 and 126 The issue committee that has raised the most money during the 2022 election cycle is backing Proposition 125, which would allow wine to be sold in grocery stores. The committee Wine In Grocery Stores has now raised about $12 million, including $428,000 in the past two weeks, primarily from DoorDash, Instacart and grocery and convenience stores, including Albertsons Safeway, 7-Eleven and Target. The same committee is also the major supporter of Proposition 126, which would allow grocery stores and other retailers to deliver alcohol through third-party services. The opposition committee, Keeping Colorado Local, has raised just over $700,000 to fight all three alcohol-related ballot measures. Those donations have come from retail liquor stores along the Front Range. Coloradans for Consumer Choice and Retail Fairness backs Proposition 124 to expand the number of licenses a retail liquor store owner could possess. The committee has now raised nearly $8 million, with more than $6 million from the Maryland congressman and his brother who own Colorado Fine Wines & Spirits, also known as Total Wines. That includes another $800,000 donated to the committee in the past two weeks. Proposition 123 Coloradans for Affordable Housing Now, which backs Proposition 123, has now raised $5.25 million to persuade voters to let go of some of their TABOR refunds to fund affordable housing initiatives in local communities. The committee raised $340,000 in the last several weeks, largely from the Urban Land Conservancy and Civitas Resources, an oil and natural gas company. By Azernews By News Center Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoglu has said that some 354 ships left Ukrainian ports through the grain corridor from August 1 to October 18, Yeni Shafak reports. The minister went on to say that over 7.8 million tons of goods were transported through the corridor operating thanks to Turkiye's active involvement in tackling the global grain crisis. In a written statement, Karaismailoglu recalled that the global food crisis caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war was resolved and a grain corridor was established as a result of Turkiye's superb diplomacy led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Karaismailoglu underlined that some 354 vessels left Ukraine's Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhne ports from August 1 to October 18 through the grain corridor. "The ships transported 13 different types of cargo including barley, wheat, soybean, sunflower meal, wheat bran, peas, sunflower seeds, processed mixed food, sugar beet, sunflower oil, canola seed, corn, and soybean oil," the minister said. He further added that Turkiye owns or operates 135 of the 354 ships and 119 of 354 ships delivered goods to Turkish ports. Others transported cargos to Germany, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Algeria, Djibouti, China, Indonesia, Ethiopia, France, South Korea, Georgia, India, the Netherlands, England, Iran, Ireland, Spain, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Libya, Lebanon, Egypt, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Greece. Karaismailoglu underlined that the total volume of goods transported so far has surpassed 7.8 million tons. The total cargo carried by ships arriving at Turkish ports was about 1.2 million, accounting for approximately 17 percent of total cargo. Turkiye received goods such as barley, sunflower seeds, sunflower meal, sunflower oil, peas, wheat, wheat bran, processed mixed meals, corn, soy, canola seeds, and soybeans. Some 13 percent of the cargo was shipped to Africa, 23 percent to Asia, and 47 percent to Europe. Besides Turkiye, the majority of goods were delivered to Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands in Europe, he detailed. Karaismailoglu added that 31 of the 354 ships that had been stranded at Ukrainian ports since February 24 returned home following the establishment of the grain corridor. The minister highlighted that all eight Turkish-flagged or owned ships that had stuck at the ports since February 24 departed and that there are no Turkish-flagged or owned ships remaining in Ukraine. The minister emphasized that some 386 ships have been examined or are scheduled to be inspected by the "joint center" in Istanbul to leave for the Ukrainian cities of Yuzhne, Chornomorsk, and Odesa since the start of the war via the grain corridor. "363 of 386 ships have been inspected, with 142 of the inspected ships belonging to Turkish operators," he said. On July 22, historic documents were signed in Istanbul for grain shipments from Ukraine. The Joint Coordination Center was created at the National Defense University in Istanbul after the historic deal. Representatives from Turkiye, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Nations attended the opening of the center. At the initiative of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, negotiations were held with the Russian and Ukrainian leaders to solve the problem. Several ministerial meetings were held, as well as intensive contacts were carried out through the Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish special representatives. As a result of the contacts, a four-way meeting was held for the first time in Istanbul on 13 July, where general principles were agreed upon. Despite different approaches by some countries, those long and arduous efforts resulted in the July 22 deal. The Joint Coordination Center started its preparatory work on the campus of the National Defense University on July 23. Laura Cunningham will never forget April 19, 2020. Cunningham woke that morning with a full voicemail and spent the rest of the day answering phone calls. People wanted to know: where's the beef. "In a matter of three days, I had sold everything I had for inventory and bookings for the rest of 2020 and six months into 2021," said Cunningham, owner of SkyView Farms near Nora Springs. "What had happened is those supply chain shortages had reached our local grocery stores. Hy-Vee was completely out of beef. People started looking local. Where else can I go to stock my freezer?" The chain of events sparked an idea in Cunningham, who runs the farm with her husband Aaron Cunningham. Why don't we find the best ways to on bring local producers together with local customers? That's when she came across The Choose Iowa Marketing and Promotion Grant Program. The program exists to identify, evaluate, and financially support programs and services that add value to agricultural products, enable new technologies and support alternative marketing strategies. A total of $250,000 was granted in March and the program has grown to $460,000 for 2023. SkyView Farms was granted $9,770 through the program to renovate its original two-story dairy barn into a beef, poultry, pork and more food hub and storefront. The entire project is expected to cost just more than $30,000 and have a soft open in June, followed by a full opening in the fall. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the expanded program at SkyView Farms Tuesday morning. He said Choose Iowa is expanding because of the success that was seen last time around. "I'm very excited about choose Iowa and all that this can mean and the umbrella we can work under to promote growing Iowa products, Iowa raised, Iowa grown, Iowa made products and connecting them with consumers," Naig said. Restauranteur and chef Jessica Baldus has been searching out locally sourced food since moving her business from Des Moines to Osage 10 years ago. She owns and operates three Osage restaurants - Taste., The Bakery., and Piggyback Smoke Shack - and said the difference in finding local products is much better than in the past. "Let me tell you, that first six months compared to what it looks like today is magnificently different. It's insane," Baldus said. She said that her customers are discovering they can find locally sourced foods to store and prepare themselves. "If I'm not at the table letting them know about this stuff, how else would they find out?" Baldus asked. Cunningham echoed Baldus and Naig, saying it's all about creating a demand and how to market the products. She added that it's also about that personal touch of working with and buying from your neighbors. "What I've also learned over these years is that in addition to great meat products, people are looking for connections with the farm," Lawrence said. "They want to see the animals. They want to meet who raises them and cares for them." Naig said they've kept the competitive grant process board to allow for many different ideas. Last year more than $2 million was requested from 113 applicants ranging from a brewery to meat processors and dairy producers. Grants must be for projects located in Iowa, and can only be for projects not yet started. Funding for the grants was allocated by the Iowa Legislature in 2021. The deadline to apply for a grant is Dec. 15. A committee will score applications in December and January and grants will be awarded at the end of January or early February. More information and applications are available at chooseiowa.com. A Thornton man was taken to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center after crashing his pickup truck into a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Indigo Avenue and 190th Street Wednesday afternoon in rural Cerro Gordo County. According to a release from the Cerro Gordo Sheriff's Office, 20-year-old Jordan Thompson was southbound on Indigo Avenue when he allegedly failed to yield at the intersection and crashed into the grain trailer driven by 31-year-old Scott Watson, who was westbound on 190th Street at about 5:30 p.m. Watson was uninjured and Thompson suffered injuries not considered life threatening. Criminal charges are possible, but have not been filed as of Thursday morning. In addition to the CGSO, Mason City Fire Medics, the Swaledale Volunteer Fire Department and Iowa DOT Enforcement assisted at the scene. Lead is a terrifying element that can pose dangers in homes, especially for the children living in them. Thats why the city has implemented a program to help qualifying families eliminate the substance from homes built before 1978. Michael Beckner, the citys Lead Safe program manager, was hired by the city in May to lead Danvilles efforts to target the problem. We just want to help Danville families provide the safe and healthy homes children need, Beckner said during an interview in his office in the Municipal Building on Thursday morning. Danville will focus its lead-reduction efforts on homes belonging to low- and moderate-income residents and housing children. Families at 80% or less of the citys median household income can qualify for the program that offers the services at no cost. Its all free of charge, Beckner said. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the city $1.78 million to investigate possible lead hazards in residences in the city that were built before 1978. That was the year lead in interior products, including paint, became illegal. The grant is for 42 months and covers the cost of the program, including Beckners position as well as a risk-assessor job that will be filled later, he said. Lead, when ingested by children, has been linked to lower IQ, hearing loss, damaged nerves, abdominal pain and cramping, fatigue, slowed growth, anemia and other conditions. Children will eat it and adults can ingest it as well when cleaning and the dust gets stirred up, Beckner said. The city of Danville will assess up to 100 homes for lead dangers and get rid of the harmful substance in most of them. City officials expect to remediate remove lead danger from 83 homes as a result of the grant, Danville Community Development Director Ken Gillie told the Danville Register & Bee in January. The city modeled its Lead Safe program after Roanokes. Beckner is informing numerous organizations about the program, including the Danville Department of Social Services, Piedmont Access to Health Services, Danville Public Schools and religious groups. Beckner inspects homes with an X-ray fluorescence lead-testing gun, checking and measuring lead levels in multiple layers inside walls. The element is also found in old window frames. An outside contractor performs needed abatement and deeper inspections with more sophisticated equipment when needed. So far, he has inspected six homes, with five testing positive for lead, Beckner said. Though he doesnt know how many homes in Danville contain lead, Beckner pointed out that a large percentage of them were built before 1978. The city of Danville has about 25,000 parcels, but not all of them include homes, he pointed out. Besides being included in paint before 1978, the use of lead in products goes back thousands of years, Beckner said. The Romans used it to sweeten wine and it has been an ingredient in lipstick, nail polish, toys and other items. Food products from Mexico have been contaminated from being grown in soil containing lead, Beckner said. It was used in paint because it would dry faster and it was more durable, he said. During home inspections, lead levels above 0.5 milligrams per square centimeter of wall are considered hazardous, Beckner said. Lead abatement and remediation includes scraping away paint chips and stabilizing and trapping lead in walls to render it harmless, he said. An additional grant-funded program called Healthy Homes evaluates and gets rid of radon and other harmful elements in homes, as well as slip-and-fall hazards, mold and fire dangers. For more information about the Lead Safe program, those interested can call 434-799-5260 or email Beckner at becknml@danvilleva.gov. Virginia just received its first payment as part of a settlement with the pharmaceutical company, Johnson & Johnson. The initial payment is part of approximately $99 million that Virginia will receive over nine years from the company. The initial payment of $67.4 million - from opioid manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson - includes about $11 million for the state, $16 million for localities, and almost $40 million of the payment will be directed to the Opioid Abatement Authority. "Im thrilled that the money from these record-breaking settlements is on its way," Attorney General Jason Miyares said in a statement. "My consumer protection section worked tirelessly to ensure that Virginians received the most funding possible and received it as quickly as possible, he said. "This helps the Commonwealth and individual localities fight back against the opioid epidemic and reduce, prevent, and treat addiction." The settlement also requires Johnson & Johnson to stop selling opioids in the U.S., prevents it from promoting them or from funding third parties that promote opioids, and it prevents the company from lobbying on legislation or regulation related to opioids. According to first quarter data from the Virginia Department of Health, 46 localities in Virginia are on track to have more opioid-related deaths than last year. Richmond is on pace for 300 opioid deaths, and Henrico County could see its second year in a row with more than 100. Roanoke also projects more than 100 deaths. The opioid crisis can largely be traced to Appalachian areas of states, including Virginia, where a fellow opioid-producing company, Purdue Pharma, marketed OxyContin in the 1990s leading to widespread opioid addiction. It reached a $6 billion settlement with several states earlier this year. Author Beth Macy, who was a reporter at The Roanoke Times for 25 years, chronicled the roots of opioid issues in Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America. The New York Times-bestselling book was recently adapted into a series on Hulu. The Johnson & Johnson settlement is the latest in a series Virginia has been involved in with opioid producers or distributors. The state previously received payments from Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen totaling about $108.3 million so far. More recently, Miyares announced that Virginia is expecting to receive payments from opioid producer Endo International PLC. WASHINGTON Three weeks before election day, the race for control of the U.S. Senate sits on a razors edge. The stakes are enormous. With Republicans expected to win a majority in the House of Representatives, a GOP-led Senate could help the House dismantle President Bidens agenda. A Democratic-led Senate, on the other hand, could defend Bidens programs and confirm his nominees, including to the Supreme Court if a vacancy opens. So the course of national politics over the next two years or more depends on the outcome of half a dozen Senate races that are too close to call. Some have captured national attention, thanks to colorful candidates and dramatic twists: Georgia, where Republican candidate Herschel Walker is battling reports that he paid for a girlfriends abortion, and Pennsylvania, where Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who suffered a near-fatal stroke in May, is competing against television doctor Mehmet Oz. But for a contest that will gauge the evolution of American politics in the Biden era, its hard to beat the slightly less lurid one in Ohio, a state once so closely divided that it determined the outcomes of presidential elections. Ohio is the quintessential Obama-Trump state. President Barack Obama won there in 2008 and 2012, but President Donald Trump won in 2016 and 2020, by a stunning 8% margin each time. The key difference was the defection of white, working-class voters, once part of Democrats electoral base, to Trumps conservative populism. This year, the Democrats Senate candidate, Rep. Tim Ryan, is trying to win back many of those disaffected voters. He has not only cast himself as a moderate Democrat with roots in Ohios rust belt; he has openly criticized his partys national leadership and parts of its program. I dont have time to defend a bad Democratic brand, he said recently. His party suffers from a disconnect with working-class people, he explained. Ryan has opposed Bidens student debt forgiveness plan, noting that most Americans dont have college degrees. He has volunteered his advice that Biden should not run for a second term. He supported Trumps tough policies on trade with China. In 2016, he challenged Rep. Nancy Pelosi for the House speakership. (He lost.) This year, like many Democratic candidates, he has avoided campaigning with Biden. Ryans spirited, Ohio-centered campaign has boosted him to a dead heat against his Republican rival, Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance, who also boasts a working-class pedigree plus a full-throated endorsement from Trump. At a rally last month in Youngstown, Ohio, with Vance sitting in the front row, Trump twitted the candidate for his devotion. J.D. is kissing my ass he wants my support so bad, he boasted. Ryan quickly turned the moment into a slogan, which he featured when the candidates debated: Ohio needs an ass kicker, not an ass kisser. Good line, acknowledged Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist and former aide to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. It moved the debate outside party ideology. But Ryan and his allies say they face one big problem: National Republican groups are pouring millions of dollars into Ohio to boost Vance with television advertising, but national Democratic groups havent done the same on Ryans side. McConnells super PAC, the Senate Leadership Fund, has bought or reserved $28 million in television time in Ohio with more on the way. The Democrats counterpart, the Senate Majority Fund, hasnt spent a dollar in Ohio; another Democratic super PAC has spent about $3 million. Those numbers dont tell the whole story, however. Ryan has vastly outraised Vance, enabling him to buy slightly more television time so far. But Ohio Democrats are braced for a tsunami of negative super PAC ads against Ryan in the races final weeks and frustrated that their party isnt coming to the rescue. We dont have the national support that we want, Ryan complained recently. National Democratic officials say the partys funding decisions have been a matter of hard-nosed calculation nothing personal. The partys first responsibility is to protect endangered incumbents like Sens. Raphael Warnock in Georgia and Catherine Cortez Masto in Nevada, they argue. And given Ohios recent history polls incorrectly projected close outcomes there in both 2016 and 2020 they dont trust the surveys that show Ryan and Vance neck and neck. Ryan and his frustrated allies have raised another possible motive a complaint that conveniently dovetails with his message that hes an independent voice not beholden to the national party. Washington, D.C., Democrats sometimes have a problem supporting working-class candidates like me, Ryan said recently on MSNBC. We think thats part of it, a top Ohio Democrat told me. We hear things like, Your candidates running as a Republican. Thats not fair. Hes not being a cheerleader. Some of this is merely the pitiless calculus of campaign finance: Money is finite, and not every candidate makes the cut. But Democrats appear to be passing up a chance to test an important proposition that centrists who veer from their partys progressive positions can win back some of the blue-collar voters who were once the core of Democratic support. If party leaders dont send more money Ryans way, they may never find out. The air is crispy, the leaves are turning and jack-o-lanterns are starting to show up on front porches. October means horror movie season is officially here. But without checking off the same-old, tried-and-true same-olds Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, etc. we wanted to do a list of horror movies with some strict parameters: one defining horror movie per year for each of the last 31 years. (Why 31? The number of days in October, of course.) Some years are stronger than others, and some favorites didnt make the cut (Cabin Fever, we are truly sorry!), but what follows is a very worthy and diverse list of three decades of killer movies. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)Hello, Clarice. The only best picture winner on this list because its the only horror movie to ever win top honors at the Oscars Jonathan Demmes serial killer classic is such a prestigious affair that some dont consider it a horror movie at all. But it most definitely is one, and the fact that its still giving people the willies all these years later is a testament to that. Candyman (1992)Its probably a safe bet that nothings going to happen if you say his name into a mirror five times, but whos willing to take the risk? Candyman spawned sequels as well as a somewhat muddled 2021 follow-up, but its best to stick with the OG, which follows the urban legend of a spirit who kills anyone who speaks his name five times into a mirror. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)Horror may be a stretch, but its definitely a Halloween movie. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, throws elaborate Halloween celebrations which are rendered beautifully in director Henry Selicks stop-motion animation. When people talk about celebrating Halloween on Christmas (or living like Jack and Sally), this is their reference point. The Crow (1994)Devils Night was immortalized on screen in Alex Proyas adaptation of James OBarrs popular comic book of the same name, which follows a murdered musician who comes back to life to avenge the death of his bride-to-be. Star Brandon Lee (son of Bruce) was accidentally killed during the films production, which has only added to the lore surrounding the film. Demon Knight (1995)Back in the 90s, HBOs Tales from the Crypt was a powerful enough brand that horror titles were released under its banner. Demon Knight was the first. It traces the Collector (Billy Zane), who wants to initiate a world-ending apocalypse by attaining an ancient key from a hardened ex-soldier (William Sadler). Its campy, bloody fun, bookended by appearances by the Crypt Keeper himself. Scream (1996)Wes Cravens Scream acknowledged all the slasher movie cliches by playing them out through characters that had grown up seeing all the same movies the audience had. It created a through-the-looking-glass world where horror movies became self-aware. Beyond that, it stands on its own as a damn good horror movie. Event Horizon (1997)This slice of sci-fi horror insanity with Sam Neill is about a spaceship that goes missing under mysterious conditions and eventually turns into something that resembles The Shining at zero gravity. Blade (1998)Blade, an adaptation of the Marvel comic, follows the worlds coolest vampire hunter, played by Wesley Snipes at his most badass. Its a gloriously bloody romp with Stephen Dorff having a ball in the villain role. The Blair Witch Project (1999)You kinda had to be there, when the hype and the marketing had people believing what they were watching was real. But beyond the buzz, The Blair Witch Project was a pioneer in the found footage genre that became a new mode of storytelling and a fresh way to mess with peoples heads. Final Destination (2000)One small action leads to another and suddenly someone is being impaled in Final Destination. The film led to a series of sequels, best known for their elaborate death sequences (the car accident in Final Destination 2 is a series high). This one is how it all began. Jeepers Creepers (2001)The Creeper, a demonic winged creature, pops up every 23rd spring to feed on humans for 23 days. Jeepers Creepers spawned a handful of follow-ups including last months Jeepers Creepers: Reborn but ultimately never threatened the legacies of Freddy, Jason or Michael Myers. The Ring (2002)The legend of a cursed videotape (remember VCRs?) flipped fans inside out when The Ring became a sensation upon its arrival 20 years ago. Starring Naomi Watts and Martin Henderson, The Ring traced the story of a mysterious tape that would kill whomever watched it seven days later. House of 1000 Corpses (2003)Rob Zombies debut film pays homage to monster movies, slashers, haunted houses, the 1950s, cross-cuts, tourist traps, demented clowns, the 1960s, Slim Whitman, the 1970s, the concept of evil, and his wife, Sheri Moon Zombie. Its great campy fun. Saw (2004)Saw presented a rather ingenious concept: Two men awaken to find themselves chained to pipes inside a dingy basement, and the only way to free themselves involves a saw, and its not quite as easy as cutting the chain. The series is still going, but the original stands on its own and still holds up. The Descent (2005)The Descent follows a group of women on a spelunking adventure where they traverse some intensely tight spaces; its enough to rack your nerves and trigger your claustrophobia fears, and thats before the cave-dwelling troll monsters even show up. Slither (2006)James Gunns debut outing follows an alien parasite that infects a S.C. town, and it plays out as a sicko homage to B-movie gore with Gunn willfully, gleefully pushing the limits of good taste. With Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks and Michael Rooker. Paranormal Activity (2007)Paranormal Activity also used low budget visuals and smart marketing to trick people into thinking what they were watching was real. It worked, and a slew of sequels followed. The domestic horror of the original, with its security cam-style presentation, best captured the fear that something strange and unexplained was happening inside your house. The Strangers (2008)A couple is away for the weekend when they receive a knock on the door and someone asking if Tamra is home. Neither of their names is Tamra. So begins this terrifying nightmare, with a trio of masked crazies toying with the houseguests just because they can. Its their lack of motivation that makes this one so frightening, and the idea that horror could be lurking in the darkness, just because. Drag Me to Hell (2009)Sam Raimi went back to his Evil Dead roots and made an all-killer, no-filler horror ride that moves like a speed demon and never looks back. Alison Lohman is put through hell as a loan officer who denies an elderly woman an extension on her mortgage and pays the price. Insidious (2010)Director James Wan (Saw) helms this supernatural haunted house thriller that led to three sequels, as well a fourth, due next year. Wan reteamed with his Insidious star Patrick Wilson and kicked off The Conjuring and its affiliated universe, which has spawned eight films. All horror roads lead through Wan, and Insidious set the template for much of what horror would look like for the next 10-plus years. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)The Cabin in the Woods knows that horror viewers have seen it all before. So writer-director Drew Goddard (who co-wrote the screenplay with his Buffy the Vampire Slayer boss, Joss Whedon) offer up a house of mirrors and a commentary on horror movies and the buttons they push inside of us. Its a clever (maybe too clever?) journey that dines on its big gotcha! moment. Sinister (2012)Star Ethan Hawke and director Scott Derrickson, who also teamed up for this years The Black Phone, fortified their relationship on this twisted horror tale, which contains some certifiably disturbing scares in the form of old Super 8 movies. Hawke plays an author who goes too far in his quest to write his masterpiece, moving his family into a home where a horrific tragedy occurred years earlier, disrupting a pagan deity in the process. The Purge (2013)What if for one night a year, all crime was legal? Its a simple premise, and its rich enough that it has (so far) led to five films and a TV series. Ethan Hawke, again, leads the cast as a man trying to keep his family safe while chaos rages outdoors, in the government-sanctioned Purge, a way for citizens to blow off some steam by partaking in a single night of anarchy. The premise is better than the execution, but at least its got great masks. It Follows (2014)Maika Monroe plays a teenager who is beset with a curse after she has sex, and its on her to pass it on to someone else, solidifying the longstanding ties between sex and death in horror movies in an inventive, malevolent way. The Witch (2015)This folk-horror tale, the debut film from writer-director Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse, The Northman), played the film festival circuit in 2015 before going wide in 2016. It marks the feature film debut of Anya Taylor-Joy, who stars as the daughter of settlers in New England in the 1630s whose baby is stolen by a witch. It strikes a wicked spell, all the more impressive by Eggers commitment to period language, mood and detail. Dont Breathe (2016)A couple of reckless kids break into the wrong home when they try to rob a blind Gulf War veteran (Stephen Lang) expecting an easy score. Not so fast. Director Fede Alvarez ratchets up the scares of this fast-paced thrill ride. Skip the 2021 sequel, but the original packs a serious punch. Get Out (2017)Jordan Peeles social horror experiment nearly joined Silence of the Lambs in Best Picture winner territory (it was nominated, but lost to The Shape of Water), but it went on to make history in other ways. Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) goes off to visit the parents of his girlfriend (Allison Williams) for the weekend, and things go south from there. Get Out cleverly uses a horror playbook for social commentary and makes its point loud and clear. Hereditary (2018)The great Toni Collette shines in writer-director Ari Asters grim horror fable, about a family dealing with the unsettling secrets of their ancestry. Collette rattles the screen and everything around her to the very foundation. Hereditary is the kind of movie that imprints itself on viewers brains after one viewing, and going back for seconds is not for the faint of heart. Doctor Sleep (2019)This sequel to The Shining stars Ewan McGregor as Danny Torrance, all grown up and still dealing with that trip to the Overlook Hotel all those years ago. Based on Stephen Kings 2013 novel, Doctor Sleep doesnt sound like a great idea, but writer-director Mike Flanagan a King regular fashions the film into a tale of trauma that stands on its own, right up until it plays a few too many of The Shinings greatest hits. Still, worth a watch. The Invisible Man (2020)Writer-director Leigh Whannell a key player in the Saw and Insidious franchises brings the story into the #MeToo present, with themes of domestic and psychological abuse, alongside tech gurus run amok. Elisabeth Moss gives an intense, emotionally wrought performance that gives the movie the grounding in reality it needs. Malignant (2021)Annabelle Wallis is a pregnant woman who suffers intense physical abuse at the hands of her husband, and the pain from her mysterious past comes back to manifest itself in a wild way. Stick this one out, because you dont know where its headed, and once you find out, youll be glad you did. By escalating the war in Ukraine with drone strikes and the mobilization of Russians to fight in the foolhardy undertaking, Russian President Vladimir Putin is dangerously close to falling into an all-too-familiar trap that of an unwinnable war. The Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s offers some historical comparisons. An unwinnable war lacks clearly defined, achievable military objectives, which Russia does not have in this conflict. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine in late February, the goal was regime change in Kyiv to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a pro-Russian leader. When it became obvious that this goal would not be achieved, Putin scaled back the initial objectives to settle for seizing a swath of east/southeastern Ukraine to create a land bridge with the Crimean Peninsula, which Russian forces occupied in 2014. Putin now has completed that process with sham referenda in those areas to adjoin them to Russia (on the model of Crimea eight years ago). The problem for Russia, however, is that Ukraine will not accept the (illegitimate) results of the referenda nor the occupation of its territory by Russian troops. Ukrainian government forces are continuing to fight, having launched a counteroffensive to regain territory with winter on its way, and Ukrainian partisan forces in those territories will continue the fight as well, just as Afghan rebels did in the 1980s. When Soviet leaders invaded Afghanistan in December 1979, they expected a quick and easy victory. In that case they achieved the initial goal of regime change, killing troublesome Afghan communist leader Hafizullah Amin and replacing him with the pro-Soviet puppet Babrak Karmal within days of the invasion. That, however, was hardly the end of the story, as the Soviets proceeded to get bogged down in a bloody, unwinnable war against Afghan rebels that lasted more than nine years and took the lives of more than a million Afghans and roughly 14,000 Soviet troops (with many more wounded). Despite this heavy price, the USSR never referred to its actions in Afghanistan as a war. Their history so steeped in the victory of World War II, Soviet leaders did not equate their actions in Afghanistan with a full-fledged war. Officially they referred only to sending a limited contingent of troops as an international obligation to help their comradely brothers on the southern border. The tide turned when, amid growing opposition at home, new Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev publicly referred to the conflict as a bleeding wound in February 1986. With his glasnost reform allowing Soviet citizens room for dissent, anti-war protests, often led by mothers of fallen Soviet troops, emerged in the streets of Moscow until Gorbachev finally fully withdrew Soviet troops from Afghanistan in early 1989, a few years before the USSRs collapse. Putin clearly expected a quick and easy victory in the current conflict in Ukraine, which likewise has not materialized. Putin, whose regime has amplified Russias cult of World War II during his years in power, has also banned Russian media from calling this conflict a war, dubbing the actions in Ukraine instead a special military operation. All the while, militarily the war and it clearly is a war has not gone well at all for Russia, as was the case for the Soviets in Afghanistan. Following the recent mobilization, anti-war protesters in Russia, mostly quiet since early in the war due to the regimes crackdown, have reemerged. The Russian government is reportedly rounding up and forcing male protesters into the military, as a result of which women are once again leading the anti-war protests. Like Brezhnev and company 40 years ago in Afghanistan, Putin and his cronies seem poised to make a huge mistake by digging in deeper in an unwinnable war. Russia may occupy Ukrainian territory and possibly even hold it for some time, but Ukraine and Ukrainians in those territories with support from the international community will continue to fight, creating a long-term headache (at best) for Russias leadership and an economic nightmare for the Russian people due to international sanctions. Whereas the Soviet-Afghan war contributed greatly to the ultimate demise of Gorbachev and the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s, it remains to be seen whether Putin will survive the aftermath of this unnecessary war. By Trend Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday that Iran is ready to use all its capacities, in the diplomatic area and other fields, to find a settlement to the war in Europe, Trend reports citing IRNA. The president made the remarks during a phone conversation with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda. Noting that Iran has historical relations with both warring sides, President Raisi said that Iran has opposed war and conflict since the beginning of the war in Europe. The president rejected some unfounded claims about Irans stands on the war, and said that such claims arise from biased policies of Western countries on top of which is the United States. He also referred to the 1980-88 war against Iran by the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein who was inspired by the US and some European countries to initiate the war on Iran, and said that no country has as much motivation as Iran to oppose the war. The president also touched upon Iran's hosting of Polish refugees during the Second World War and said that Iran's strategy has always been to stand by the oppressed. The Polish president, for his part, appreciated the hospitality of Iran for the Polish World War refugees. He highlighted that Iran has always been seeking to promote peace and stability in the world, calling for an enhancement of ties between Tehran and Warsaw in all areas. For All U of U Health Patients & Visitors During its meeting this week, the Helena Public Schools board of trustees honored Helena High School Principal Steve Thennis, discussed priorities for 2022-2023 and heard a community member's concerns about certain books in schools. Thennis was honored at the meeting for being selected by the AA Principals of Montana as the AA Principal of the Year. Thennis has been a teacher for 34 years and has been in Helena since 1992. Hes a leader in his field, said Josh McKay, assistant superintendent for Helena Public Schools. Hes a staunch advocate for students and promotes a lot of different, diverse student activities. Hes a profound speaker in public Hes a lifelong friend for me. Superintendent Rex Weltz said he believed Thennis is the second-longest-serving AA principal in the state. I truly, I hate this to be honest, joked Thennis about his honor. I would much rather be here recognizing students or staff, thats what I like to do. Thats what Im most proud of, but it is great to be recognized by my peers across the AA. I have great admiration and respect for all of them because theyre in the arena. Ive had a great run, and everybody knows youre only as good as the people around so that goes for my secretaries, my paras, my custodians, my teachers and of course, the amazing kids we get to work with. Priorities for 2022-2023 Next, Weltz gave his superintendent report. He outlined five priorities for 2022-2023 in a Strategic Focus packet. The first priority going forward was student achievement. The goal here was to focus on moving students up one year of growth every school year by developing consistent instructional frameworks, consistent use of assessment data, establishing short-term and long-term goals for improving math and reading instruction and get district engagement on a five-year continuous, reflexive improvement plan. The second priority was the education environment with a focus on facilities being safe and healthy. The actions mapped out to get to this included developing a district facility master plan, conducting a district safety and security assessment, strengthening district internal safety and security systems with training and education and beginning to plan for Building Reserve Levies for both the elementary and high school district in Helena. The third priority focused on district culture and climate, highlighting respect, trust and sense of values. The ways to achieve this goal were listed as creating a joint Helena Education Association and Helena School District Leadership Culture and Climate steering committee, restructuring board work sessions to visit schools during operating hours to increase conversations, restructuring central office site visits to enhance listening opportunities and imaging a five year continuous improvement plan to be implemented next school year. The fourth was fiscal responsibility, which means a balanced budget alongside a high-quality educational experience for all students, stated the superintendent's report. To do this, the district plans to prepare budget updates and forecasts for informed decisions, seek creative strategies to reduce $2.5 million out of the elementary budget for the 2023-2024 school year, engage all stakeholders through multiple channels such as website, meetings, newsletters, in-person, etc. and establish a levy/bond timeline for the next five years. The last listed priority was communication with all staff, students, families and the Helena community. The steps to get there outlined were weekly school visits, weekly communication with families and the community, continuing monthly communication to district staff, implementing student meetings with Weltz, ramping up social media presence and having more outreach opportunities. Books concern parent After Weltzs report came the public comment section. A community member who had a child go through Helena Public Schools a couple years ago spoke up about the presence of books she didnt agree with in schools. She stated she was speaking up because she has friends who have kids in the school district and friends who are in the school district currently. Im pretty sure we have movie ratings for various reasons, G, PG, rated R or whatever, said the community member. We honor those ratings, so there should be some book ratings as well. She didnt mention any books by title or author. However, many of the books being banned or challenged nationwide deal with the subjects of race and/or the LGBTQ+ community. PEN America, a nonprofit that focuses on human rights and literature, published a report in September on book banning across the country in schools. PEN America keeps an index of banned books in schools, and Montana currently has none in the index. "Of the 2,532 bans listed in the Index, 96% were enacted without following the best practice guidelines for book challenges outlined by the American Library Association (ALA) and the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)," PEN's report stated. "... Altogether, this report paints a deeply concerning picture for access to literature, and diverse literature in particular, in schools in the coming school year. Book banning and educational gag orders are two fronts in an all-out war on education and the open discussion and debate of ideas in America. Students have First Amendment rights to access information and ideas in schools, and these bans and legislative shifts pose clear threats to those rights. This climate is also increasingly undermining the professional discretion of educators and librarians when it comes to matters of public education, and disrupting the potential for effective relationships between parents, teachers and administrators that can actually serve to advance student learning and civic engagement." For more information on Helena schools handing challenged or questioned material, go to https://bit.ly/3seijoK. Many of the books on commonly challenged or banned lists around the country are available at the Lewis and Clark Library. The school board thanked the community member for her public comment, the only one made that night. Three Broadwater County families have put their properties into conservation easements with the Prickly Pear Land Trust totaling 1,500 acres of protected open space. The Hahn, Nelson and Spoon families have protected three major tracts of working agriculture, Prickly Pear Land Trust (PPLT) announced Wednesday. PPLT notes that such easements are legal agreements between a landowner and a conservation organization to permanently protect the conservation values of the land. Such easements limit the development potential of a property, and this transfers to all future landowners, meaning the land will remain open. Landowners who place such an easement on their property continue to own the land and can carry on with traditional uses, sell it, or pass it on to their heirs. Mary Hollow, PPLT executive director, said they have increased protection efforts to meet increasing demand. We applaud these families for their vision and commitment to agriculture in the face of massive development pressure, she said in a news release. It's an honor to see through this legacy on the land. Nelson Farms' property bridges a long stretch of the Missouri River adjacent to state land and another conservation easement completed by PPLT in 2021, bringing the total protected shoreline to more than 3 miles. The Crow Creek Ranch easement protects three braids of Crow Creek near Radersburg and the historic Poe Ranch orchards hosting 700 acres of cottonwood galleries, lush grasses and wetlands. The Hahn family contributed more Missouri River frontage with river island habitats and farmland, where Deep Creek reaches the Missouri after its long journey from the Belt Mountain Range. Chuck Hahn, longtime Broadwater County agricultural operator, said the Hahn family is proud to have worked with PPLT to permanently preserve and maintain the character of their land. Projects like these help keep Montana a wonderful place to live, work and play in, he said in a news release. Travis Vincent, PPLT lands project manager, said a program like this can help the next generation of farm and ranch families stay on the land "or even expand the family operation and protect more open space and farmland. Gov. Greg Gianforte was among those who attended an open house Tuesday at Jefferson Elementary School observing "Lights on Afterschool Week" in honor of after-school programs. Coordinator Kirstan Roush, whos been with School Age Child Care (SACC) for 17 years, laughed after one of the students asked the governor if he was really the governor. They didnt believe the governor would just show up to their school, especially in jeans, also known as the Montana governor dress code. The governor proclaimed Oct. 17-21 as "Lights on Afterschool Week" in the Treasure State, noting Montanans recognize quality after-school programs serve our youth and communities by providing a safe and engaging environment for children to reach their full potential, by supporting working families, and by engaging members of the community in promoting the welfare of our children. Nearly 40 people attended the Jefferson Elementary event, not counting families of the children who regularly attend the program. Located around the gym were various stations for coloring, building and more activities for the students. At the open house, SACC celebrated its 30th anniversary, and Montana Afterschool Alliance (MTAA) celebrated its 10th anniversary. Roush highlighted how important after-school care is for families, especially ones with dual income. Were super fortunate we have an after-school program like SACC in Helena, said Roush. ... I think that the school individuals who first came up with the idea of having an after-school program in Helena 30 years ago, I mean there werent really two income households around then. Its just like they were visionaries. I can only imagine the need from here on just continues. SACC serves around 350 students at Helenas 11 elementary schools for after-school care with a 14-students-to-1-staff ratio. Four Helena elementary schools, Jefferson, Rossiter, Jim Darcy and Central, also have morning care. I have loved every minute of it, watching the kids go from kindergarten to fifth grade, said Jamie Merrill, who is the on-site SACC manager for Jefferson and handles billing for the organization. Afterwards, you're in a store, and you hear, 'Jamie!' And theres this teenage kid that towers over you. Merrill said parents can pick a three-day or five-day schedule for their childrens after-school care with SACC. The three-day schedule costs around $122 per month per child, and the five-day schedule is about $180 per month for one child and any child after that is 10% off. Theres also low-cost tuitions and scholarships available for students through Child Care Connections. The governors proclamation points out that about 25 million families nationwide report that they would enroll their children in an after-school care program if one was available. Data from America After 3PM reveals that for every one child enrolled in after-school care, four more are waiting to get in, according to a press release from MTAA. Since 2000, "Lights on Afterschool Week" programs have taken place across the nation to highlight the essential role after-school programs play in the lives of children, families and communities. After-school and out-of-school programs are integral for Montanas communities, said Rachel Wanderscheid, the director of the MTAA. They provide parents with a safe place for their children while they finish their workdays, assist schools in providing kids with academic support and learning recovery, but most importantly they give our youth a safe, fun place to engage with peers and grow into our future citizens and leaders. The preliminary plat for a proposed subdivision on Westside Helena has been deemed to be insufficient, requiring the developer to address numerous deficiencies before the project can move forward. Sussex Construction Inc. resubmitted its application for the 59-acre, 179-unit Westside Woods subdivision on Sept. 16. The developer's first application fell through when the Helena City Commission on Jan. 24 denied variance requests pertaining to block lengths within the proposed neighborhood, necessitating a redesign and re-application. In a letter sent Monday to the developer, the city's Community Development Director Chris Brink stated "you are being provided notification that the preliminary plat application has been deemed insufficient for review at this time." Brink said in an interview Wednesday afternoon that there is no deadline for Sussex to respond. He said this type of back-and-forth is common for major development projects. In an interview Wednesday, Bartsch said this demonstrates the plan is being properly reviewed and that his company plans to continue working with city staff. "We feel this is a positive step," he said. "We wouldn't want to go to the city commission without the project being fully vetted." The city's planning staff noted the deficiencies and included an explanation in the letter. After the initial application was shot down over the development's block lengths exceeding the city's maximum of 600 feet, for which variance requests were denied by the city commission during its Jan. 24 meeting, Bartsch told the Independent Record "(w)e're making certain in the application this time around that there are no requests for variances." Brink clarified that Sussex was instead seeking exceptions from the city code. The application states "all aspects of the proposed streets will meet city street standards," but planning staff and the city attorney question the accuracy of the claim. "While some sections of your application materials and variance disclaimer indicate that no variances are being sought other sections of your application material indicate otherwise," the letter states. Sussex failed to include the latest certificate of survey in the application. The subdivision proposal calls for NorthWestern Energy and CenturyLink utilities to be relocated under new roads within its borders, but planning staff stated Sussex has failed to provide any indication those utility providers have acknowledged or approved of the proposal. Because the land is to be annexed into the city, Lewis and Clark County has abandoned the roadways previously under its purview, but city staff say Sussex has provided no information regarding the status of those road right-of-way abandonments. The Helena Department of Transportation Systems offered four pages of deficiencies it found with the application. It noted a lack of compelling evidence for why dead-end streets were included in the design. City code prohibits most uses of dead-end streets for emergency response purposes, but Sussex's application asserts "(i)t would not be possible to construct" connections between existing and proposed roads due to large elevation changes within the subdivision. "(R)etaining walls are commonly used to overcome elevation differences," the letter states. Transportation systems further noted variance requests would be needed for the subdivision's proposed sidewalk placement, among others. The application's traffic impact studies, long panned by opponents of the subdivision, were also deemed insufficient. City staff indicated that at the time of the Montana Department of Transportation traffic count of Granite Avenue from Knight Street to Woodward Avenue cited in the application, the road was under construction. "This construction may have significantly influenced travel demand in the study area," the letter states. City staff also noted that classes at nearby Kessler Elementary School were not in session during the traffic study, which was conducted in August 2020, further skewing its results. The city also requires traffic impact studies to have been conducted within the past two years, further necessitating a new study. Bartsch said his company will conduct a new traffic impact study "exactly as directed." The subdivision's main opposition group, Save Helena Westside, released a statement Wednesday commending the city for its decision. "It is imperative that City staff and the City Commission have an accurate reflection of current traffic around Kessler School before making decisions that will affect the neighborhood and school community for decades to come," Save Helena Westside President Sarah Perry said in the statement. Brink and Bartsch said the development team has requested a meeting with city staff to review the letter, and Brink said that will likely occur in the next few business days. Sussex's application lists the subdivision's final build-out as being in both 2027 and 2029. In total, city staff noted 20 different deficiencies with the application's traffic impact study. "The (traffic impact study) is missing several components that should be included to better document Project impacts to the public transportation system," the letter states. The city's department of parks, recreation and open lands took exception with the application's lack of a noxious weed monitoring report and market evaluation to determine the value of the dedicated park land. "We are continuing to commit to working with the city to put forth a plan that balances the interests of the entire community," Bartsch said. "We would like to keep our door open, so that all perspectives are considered." After more than 60 years, Big Medicine is going home. The Montana Historical Society board of trustees voted unanimously Thursday to return ownership to the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribe of the large mounted white buffalo that has been part of the museum in Helena since 1961. The tribe asked for the buffalo to be returned, saying it was taken from their land at the National Bison Range on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Several tribal members attended Thursdays meeting of the board. Tom McDonald, CSKT tribal chair, told the board after the vote the tribe was deeply appreciative and paused during his comments. You can see this is emotional, he said. We will treat this animal with the respect it deserves. Others spoke to the board prior to the vote. Make us happy today, make us happy, said Steven Small Salmon, a Pend dOreille tribal elder who said as a child he saw Big Medicine on the reservation. We want it back. CSKT tribal council member Martin Charlo said he wanted to make sure the board knew how spiritual these things are, adding he remembers elders talking about going to bison range, praying and spending time with Big Medicine. Every time I have seen him it was very powerful, he said. Its nice where it is at right now, but we will showcase that and tell our story as best as we can, Charlo said. Shane Morigeau, a Democratic state senator and deputy executive officer with CSKT, said the tribe will be mindful of the care that goes into preserving Big Medicine. He said if the board was gracious enough to return Big Medicine, the tribe would make sure he is in a safe place. He noted that the tribe is going to build a new cultural center. Rick Eneas, CSKT executive officer, said it was not just about the history. "As a people, the Salish and Kootenai are reclaiming our language and culture. One aspect of what Big Medicine symbolizes is what it looks like to hold on to the past and look to the future," he said. Vernon Finley, director of the Kootenai culture committee, said people called Big Medicine the head chief. He said Big Medicine, who had a black hat and was not a true albino, was a symbolic part of adjusting to the world as it is. The motion to turn over ownership was made by Tim Fox, former state attorney general, and it was followed with little discussion. Board member Ken Robison asked if a holographic (3-dimensional) image of Big Medicine could be prominently displayed at the new Montana Heritage Center now under construction. Molly Kruckenberg, the historical society director, said they were pleased to see Big Medicines ownership transferred to the CSKT. She said as part of the agreement, the historical society will retain possession of Big Medicine until the tribes have a safe environment in which he can be displayed. This is not a repatriation request under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act; instead, this decision comes from discussions made on a government-to-government basis, Kruckenberg said in an email. The Montana Historical Society regularly seeks advice and information from Montanas Tribes, and this transfer of ownership reflects that positive relationship, she said. Big Medicine was born in 1933, according to the Montana Historical Societys website. The birth was a crowning achievement of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' efforts to recover a population of bison for their reservation, the website notes. In the early 1950s the Montana Historical Society made arrangements to ensure that, upon his death, Big Medicine would be moved to the state's museum and permanently preserved. Because he had some pigmentation - blue eyes, tan hooves, and a brown topknot - Big Medicine was a white buffalo rather than a pure albino, the website states. At his prime, he weighed 1,900 pounds, stood 6 feet high at the hump, and measured 12 feet from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. He spent his life on the National Bison Range and died in 1959. The taxidermy was completed in 1961 and Big Medicine was moved to the Montana Historical Society. Morigeau said it would likely be about two years until Big Medicine is moved, once the new visitor center is built on the bison range. We only want to move him once, Morigeau said, adding that Big Medicine is in surprisingly good shape, considering his age. He said there will be a celebration once the move is made. He just holds tremendous cultural significance to us, Morigeau said, thanking the Montana Historical Society for realizing that. Its a big responsibility to take care of him, he said, adding although Big Medicines physical body remains in Helena for now, his spirit is going home with us today. The Montana Livestock Loss Board has approved the payment of $11,000 to a Helena-area rancher for 45 lambs and ewes killed in August, the largest number of animals destroyed at the same time by predators so far this year. George Edwards, executive director of the board, said Wednesday that the payment was made after the USDA Wildlife Service investigated a claim made by the rancher. He said 42 of the ewes and lambs were killed by a grizzly bear. About a week later, wolves killed three more. The payment is based on a market report for the value of the animals at time of the loss, Edwards said. And, he said, while it was the largest number of animals killed so far this year, it was not the most expensive. That occurred on a ranch near Dillon in which 37 rams were killed by wolves Sept. 19 and $47,000 was paid to the rancher, the boards largest payout of the year, Edwards said. He noted that rams are worth much more than ewes. The names of both ranchers are confidential, Edwards said. He posts news of the latest claims on the board's Facebook page at https://bit.ly/3DdUSlW. The Montana Livestock Loss Board was established by the state Legislature in 2007 to address economic losses due to predation by wolves, grizzly bears or mountain lions and to create incentives for producers to take steps to lessen the risk of loss. Edwards said both of the ranchers that had large losses had herders and guard dogs on-site and are proactive in trying to stop attacks. There is no prevention that 100% works. You can slow it down, but you cannot stop it entirely, he said. That is why you have to look at this with an open mind. He said the losses in 2022 are running close to the losses in 2021, which, with $348,178 paid out, was a record year. Edwards said $167,454 has been paid out so far this year, while $190,000 had been paid out by this time in 2021. But he noted that this is the time of year when predator attacks quickly increase. Bears are in a feeding frenzy before hibernation, he said. In 2021, 412 domestic animals in Montana were killed by predators. That included 217 cattle, 155 sheep, 30 goats, two horses, three guards dogs and five llamas or swine. So far, in 2022, 204 animals have been killed. That includes 86 cattle, 114 sheep, three goats and one guard dog. Montana pays ranchers for the damages fairly quickly after the report has been filed. Edwards said some states wait a year. That is one of the big benefits in our program, he said. God's Creatures Myrna Loy Grade: B+ Halloween Ends At the Cinemark Grade: C- I always welcome a visit to the western coast of Ireland, whether by foot or by film. In February 2020 I stayed two nights in Sligo. I visited Yeats grave, walked his beaches and enjoyed a Guinness in a small waterfront pub. WB was there and bought my pint, while reminding me that education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. My spirit renewed, I flew safely back and hid at home for a year, teaching by laptop. Memories of Ireland kept my mind off my digitally compromised classes. Lucky shamrocks permitting, I hope to see Ireland again in February, my 21st trip, I believe. My parents told me my ancestors are buried in German and English soil, but my green heart claims Ireland. No surprise that I welcomed Gods Creatures, a film shot in the fishing port of Teelin, on the shores of County Donegal. The story itself is a tale of a mum defending her just-returned son from rape charges. Frankly, I tuned out that melodramatic saga of a long lost sons ominous return. I chose, instead, to soak up the jagged coastline, the pounding waves, the cozy pubs and the thirsty fisherfolk. Contoured Gravity glasses foamed over with dark Guinness. Emily Watson, on loan from England, hauntingly plays an Irish mum who embraces the sudden return of her wayward son Brian, gone seven years without a trace. Brian puts on waders and returns to working the waters, as he did years ago. Whenever the coastline appears in Gods Creatures, cinematographer Chayse Irvin lingers to let our souls get nourished. We watch waves crashing on jagged rocks, boats riding churning waters to sea. In an opening scene, a drowned villager is pulled from the sea as mourning friends watch. In a chilling scene, a wounded lady with a lilting Celtic voice stands on waters edge, singing an Irish hymn: Here I am Lord. I will go Lord, if you lead me. Villagers, standing along the beach, sing along as they look out at the sea that has again taken family from them. Irish land and life is authentic, allowing us to forgive the scripts overcooked Irish stew. I embraced this tale of grace, preaching that we are all Gods creatures in the dark. Halloween Ends has begun, and we can only hope it keeps its promise. Jamie Lee Curtis takes one last stab at killing Michael Myers. Spoiler alert: She ultimately crushes his spirit by running his body through a car crusher. The script adds a second character to explore forgiveness, suggesting that cultural forces bullied the boy into becoming a sociopath. But those spiritual threads are clearly serving a transparent commercial purpose: to generate enough fright to separate horror fans from their loose change. The predictable jump scares barely jiggled my overpriced popcorn. By Trend The Russian-Japanese trade turnover shrunk by 14.4% in September compared to the same period in 2021, to slightly more than 176 billion yen (around $1.17), according to the Japanese trade ministrys statistics published on Thursday, Trend reports citing TASS. Japanese exports to Russia dropped by 31.4%, while imports declined by 6.5%. Montanans this year can register to vote until the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day and will be able to vote with school IDs and other forms of identification that worked in years past, according to Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen. Jacobsens office this week issued a correction to the informational voter pamphlets that get mailed out before each federal general election, sent this year three weeks after a state district court judge struck down several new laws related to voting. The state published 509,324 copies of the document, which county governments pay to distribute. The voter information pamphlet sent to the mailboxes of voters from mid-September through mid-October was in production prior to the judicial order enjoining Montanas identification and registration laws, stated a press release from her office. Voters still must arrive at their polling place with some form of ID, if theyre voting in person. That can include a drivers license, state ID, tribal photo ID or college ID. If they dont have those, voters can provide an official document with their name and address, including a voter registration card, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or official government document. Yellowstone County District Court Judge Michael G. Moses last month found that several laws enacted by Republicans in 2021 violated the state Constitution. They include laws moving to an earlier date the deadline for voters to register, creating stricter requirements for voter ID at the polls and outlawing paid ballot collection by third parties. Jacobsen, the sole defendant in the case, has not said publicly whether she will appeal the order to the Montana Supreme Court. But she has done so twice before on prior rulings in the case. And after Mosess most recent ruling, her office issued a statement that we are not going to let down the fight to make Montana elections the most secure and accessible elections in the nation. Jacobsens office didnt respond to a request Thursday to clarify whether she would appeal the ruling, or whether she had ruled out asking for an emergency stay of the ruling from the states high court before Election Day. She did so with a preliminary injunction earlier this year, causing the rules around voter ID and registration to change just weeks before the primary election. Craig Cowie, an associate professor of law at the University of Montana, said that Jacobsen could technically still ask for an emergency stay any time before Election Day. But the fact that three weeks have passed since Mosess order could affect that request. Courts look at that as an indication of whether its really an emergency: If its an emergency, why did you wait 30 days? Cowie said. He added that he would be surprised if Jacobsen doesnt eventually file an appeal to the Supreme Court. State law gives her 60 days to do so following the district court order. The Montana State Prison will suspend visitation indefinitely at the end of the month, another workaround necessitated by the hollowed-out workforce at the facility outside Deer Lodge. Visitation is set to end Oct. 31. The Montana Department of Corrections said Thursday that "after much deliberation," it deemed the suspension necessary due to the prison's staffing levels. According to a department report in August, an estimated one-third of the 257 correctional officer positions were open. "We recognize the importance of in-person visitation to inmates and their friends and families, but we must place safety and security of the public, staff, and inmates above all else," Department of Corrections spokesperson Carolynn Bright said in an email on Thursday, adding the department intends to resume normal visitation "as soon as it is safely possible." According to the National Institute of Corrections, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, visitation plays a significant role in reducing recidivism. The institute's 2011 study found "any visit reduced the risk of recidivism by 13% for felony reconvictions and 25%" for technical violations. Bright said part of the department's calculation is prioritizing activities that benefit the most inmates; recreation involves 150 inmates at once while visitation involves 15 at a time. Recreation is taking place at the prison, Bright said Thursday, although the schedule is sometimes interrupted due to staffing levels. The department has made efforts to rectify the staffing shortfalls, creating a recruitment and retention committee, touching down at job fairs and mulling employee transportation as a new benefit, as well as housing opportunities in and around Deer Lodge. The prison also recently added 12-hour shifts in an effort to address the problem. In order to help ease the impact of suspending visitation on the inmates, as well as their families and friends, Bright said each inmate will be allowed two free 20-minute video visitations each week. Those calls will be in addition to two free weekly phone calls each inmate is allowed. DECATUR A Macon County Circuit Court judge on Wednesday convicted Delahn L. Amos of the attempted murder of a Decatur tattoo artist who was shot six times. The bench trial before Judge James Coryell had gotten underway Tuesday and Coryell said he will listen to sentencing arguments on Dec. 2. Amos, 31, was represented by defense lawyer Mike Harmon and had consistently maintained he was innocent, claiming someone else had joined another gunman to ambush and shoot the 36-year-old victim on the night of Aug. 27, 2020. Previous court testimony described the tattoo artist being lured to the area of the 1100 block of North College Street expecting to be commissioned to do some artwork. Assistant Macon County States Attorney Tammy Wagoner had said that, instead, he was shot by both Amos and another defendant, Levron K. Hines, as part of some dispute. Hines, 39, appeared in court Oct. 4 and was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to committing aggravated battery with a firearm. The attempted murder charge against Amos also has links with another case he faces, this time accusing him of shooting to death Decatur man Demetrius D. Maclin, 31, after an argument. Maclins body had been found in a car parked at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and North Edward Street on Aug. 26, 2020, the day before the attempted murder went down. Amos is pleading not guilty to three alternate murder counts in Maclins death and no trial date has yet been set. Coryell said he will hold a status hearing on the murder charges when the defendant appears before him for sentencing on Dec. 2. Amos remains held in the Macon County Jail with bail set at $10 million. MOUNT ZION In the 18 months since her husbands death, Amber Oberheim has been on a mission to bring about change. My blue family is way too important to continue to sit idly by and watch them be scrutinized, disrespected and murdered. It is time to start celebrating heroes and stop victimizing felons, Oberheim said during her husband's funeral in May 2021. That call to action was captured on a video that was shared Wednesday morning with those who attended the 10th annual Mount Zion Community Prayer Breakfast at the Mount Zion Convention Center. Oberheim, the president and founder of Peacemaker Project 703, was the featured speaker at the event hosted by the Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce. The Peacemaker Project 703 was created after Champaign police officer Chris Oberheim was fatally shot May 19, 2021, while responding to a domestic disturbance at a Champaign apartment complex. Chris Oberheim was a Decatur native and was a member of the city's police force before taking a job in Champaign. His brother continues to serve in the Decatur department. Ive heard her speak before and its always meaningful, but its probably more meaningful today than before, said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, a Mattoon native. Her message is very powerful. Moore Wolfe's slight change in perspective follows an Oct. 12 officer-involved shooting in Decatur that left two officers wounded and the suspect, Jamontey O. Neal, 32, dead. Moore Wolfes son, Macon County Sheriff's Deputy Travis Wolfe, was among the officers involved in the Decatur shootout. He was unhurt, a status he shared with his mother via phone soon after the incident. Also in the audience was Mandy Moore, who brought students from the Mount Zion Illinois CEO, an entrepreneurship program for junior and senior high schoolers. They learned the value of community and turning adversity into solutions, Moore said. Moore said she understands the students have their own struggles in life. And God will meet us there, she said. We have to rely on our faith. Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettlekamp greeted Oberheim with a hug after the breakfast. I want to support her because she is so supportive of law enforcement, he said. We appreciate all that she does. Peacemaker Project 703 provides support for law enforcement officers and their families through community outreach, reform and education. The number, 703, was Chris Oberheim's badge number. For Oberheim, the support and strength runs deep through law enforcement and her faith. Oberheim said she finds strength each time she views the video of her eulogy for her husband. I woke up that morning and told the girls, today is going to be an epic day, she said, recalling the day of the funeral after her presentation. I had energy and felt good. Oberheim gave God the credit for her positive outlook. We played party tunes in the car on the way over to the funeral home because we know thats what Chris would have wanted, she said. The pain suffered through the weeks that followed the shooting was channeled into positive intentions, Oberheim said. Were making a purpose out of pain, she said. Some of the most powerful moments in my life have come after losing my husband. Even the creation of Peacemaker Project 703 was an afterthought, prompted by the negative reaction to the image of her husband's killer, who was shot to death by a second Champaign police officer who responded to the call with Oberheim, shown on a local television station with angel wings and a halo. Oberheim said social media posts encouraged businesses to pull their advertising from the station and instead put it toward a Go Fund Me account created for the Oberheim family. The family, in turn, decided to use the money to advance the call to action she made during the funeral. Thats how Peacemaker Project 703 came into existence, Oberheim said. The death of her husband came at a time when the family was already dealing with a health challenge involving one of their four daughters. In May 2020, the child began suffering from debilitating headaches without a diagnosis. No matter how hard I tried and how many things we attempted, I could not fix her, said Oberheim, who has a medical background as a nurse practitioner. After more than two years of hospital and doctor visits, the child recently underwent a surgery to remove a cyst in her brain. Oberheim became emotional as she shared a photo of the daughter in a hospital bed offering a thumbs up and news that she recently under went surgery. While it is still early, Oberheim said the prognosis is good. Throughout her recent life challenges, Oberheim said she would hear the words Fear not in her head. She often wondered why those words kept resonating in her thoughts, eventually finding her answer in the Bible. The verse, Isaiah 41:10, reads: Fear not for I am with you ... I will strengthen you. I will help you. Oberheim said she continues to use the same encouragement, as well as Gods direction, while continuing to use a tragic event to bring positive change and support for police and other first responders. Brenden Moore State Government, Decatur Reporter Follow Brenden Moore 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 Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker outspent Republican challenger Darren Bailey more than 23-to-1 in July through September, according to quarterly campaign finance reports. The reports show Pritzker spending nearly $38.5 million including $15.2 million for other state and local candidates the previous three months. Pritzker gave $6 million to the House Democrats' campaign arm, $3 million to the Democratic Party of Illinois and $1 million apiece to the campaigns of Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Democratic secretary of state nominee Alexi Giannoulias, the Cook County Democratic Party and the Senate Democrats' campaign arm. Democratic Illinois Supreme Court candidates Mary Kay O'Brien and Elizabeth Rochford also received $500,000 each. Of the more than $23 million that did not go towards other candidates, about $15.5 million went towards media buys, meaning Pritzker has spent on average about $1.2 million per week on advertising. Pritzker, a self-funding billionaire, has dropped more than $155 million into his reelection campaign after spending more than $172 million to defeat Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018. Last quarter, Pritzker wrote another $20 million check to his campaign, which reported having $42.3 million on hand as of Sept. 30. Bailey, on the other hand, reported raising just $2 million last quarter, which including $1 million from billionaire Richard Uihlein. Bailey spent about $1.6 million last quarter and had about $766,982 on hand as of Sept. 30 though he has since received some more contributions in the intervening weeks. This relative lack of cash kept Bailey off television for most of the general election campaign. He debuted an ad earlier this month that's airing in the Chicago television market. Money is not the be-all and end-all in politics, but it is important. Simply put, money allows campaigns to communicate with voters on a mass scale. The most expensive medium as well as the most effective in moving voters is television. A well-resourced campaign like Pritzker's has run campaign advertisements nonstop since the beginning of the year. Whereas Bailey, has struggled with fundraising and, as a result, has not been up on air. However, Bailey has gotten some help from allies, such as conservative radio host Dan Proft, whose People Who Play By the Rules political action committee has been airing ads hitting Pritzker and Democrats on the issue of crime. That PAC has received more than $33 million from Uihlein this year, including a $13 million contribution earlier this month. However, it appears Pritzker's ads have had their impact on Bailey. In two recent polls, the governor leads his Republican challenger by 15 points. The most recent poll showed Bailey viewed favorably by just 29% of Illinois voters compared to 52% who viewed him unfavorably. Pritzker has hit Bailey with some hard messaging highlighting his controversial statements and conservative positions on issues like abortion. It appears to be working in blue leaning Illinois. The election is less than three weeks away. Here are some more fundraising highlights: 13th Congressional Democratic nominee Nikki Budzinski continues to outpace Republican nominee Regan Deering in both spending and fundraising. Budzinski raised just over $1 million last fundraising quarter, bringing her total this election cycle to more than $3.1 million. After spending nearly the exact same amount that she raised last quarter, Budzinski had about $1 million on hand as of Sept. 30. Deering reported raising $1.35 million last quarter, including $850,000 that she personally loaned her campaign. That brings Deering's total personal investment in the race to $1 million. However, Deering started the general election with less cash than Budzinski. And after spending $848,301 last quarter, she had $539,697 in the back, about half Budzinski's war chest. Budzinski also has the benefited from outside spending on her behalf, with House Majority PAC, a committee closely aligned with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, dropping more than $438,000 on the race. And a super PAC closely aligned with Emily's List, a group that supports pro-choice Democratic women for office, has spent more than $1 million on the race. Thus far, national Republicans and aligned groups have not devoted resources to the race. 17th Congressional Based on fundraising and outside spending, the Illinois 17th Congressional District is the ballgame at least when it comes to competitive open House seats. Democratic nominee Eric Sorensen actually outraised Republican Esther Joy King last quarter $1.5 million to $1.28 million between July and the end of September. However, King emerged from the primary election in June with a massive $1.8 million to $114,509 cash advantage. As a result, she spent more last quarter and still had significantly more cash on hand ($1.38 million to $294,396) than Sorensen as Sept. 30th. But King and Sorensen's spending is just a part of the story. National Republicans and Democrats along with allied groups have dropped more than $7 million into the northwestern Illinois-based seat. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC closely aligned with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Ca., has spent more than $3 million in the race. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has dropped nearly $1.9 million while the House Majority PAC has spent more than $800,000. 314 Action Fund, a PAC that seeks to elect more scientists to office, has also poured in $1.3 million on Sorensen's behalf. Where political parties spend their money is telling. Based on this, the results of this race may represent a barometer on the mood of the country and which way the election will ultimately go. Other statewide races Democratic secretary of state nominee Alexi Giannoulias reported more than $3.1 million last fundraising quarter, including $1 million from Pritzker. He had more than $2.5 million on hand as of Sept. 30. Republican nominee Dan Brady, on the other hand, reported raising just $318,150 and only had $248,747 on hand. Giannoulias outspent Brady $1.35 million to $75,163, or nearly 18 to 1 in the previous three months. Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Kwame Raoul raised $1.58 million including $1 million from Pritzker last quarter and had nearly $1.9 million in the bank. Republican challenger Tom DeVore reported raising $467,843, which includes $250,000 that he personally loaned his campaign. DeVore had $295,748 available at the end of the month. Incumbent Democratic Treasurer Mike Frerichs raised $646,539, bringing his total on hand to more than $2.3 million. Republican challenger Tom Demmer raised only $90,908, bringing his banked total to $460,996. Incumbent Democratic Comptroller Susana Mendoza raised $623,005 last quarter, brining her total on hand to more than $1.4 million. Republican challenger Shannon Teresi raised only $38,252 and had just $26,223 in the bank on Sept. 30. As the midterm elections come ever closer, it can feel as if were stewing in a cauldron of tribalism, of our side vs. their side with no middle ground and little agreement on much of anything. That makes it a good time to take a breath and realize the consensus weve reached on some issues that were incredibly contentious not long ago. It gives us hope in the angry days ahead. Same-sex marriage? Remember when Barack Obama said he opposed gay marriage in 2008 as he was running for president? He was in the mainstream then, but that view is firmly outside of it now. Fully 70% of Americans support same-sex marriage. A generation ago, when Gallup first asked the question, only 27% did. It was in 2011 barely a decade ago that Americans support first surpassed opposition to same-sex marriage. (Obama publicly changed his position the next year.) What was once illegal is now celebrated. Marijuana? A vast majority of Americans are with the late reggae star Bob Marley when he sang, Le-gal-ize it. Two-thirds of Americans think marijuana should be legal, a record high (sorry), according to Gallup. Thats quite a reversal in just a generation. Twenty years ago, two-thirds were against legalizing it. Americans came to realize that the ridiculous old movie Reefer Madness was parody more than parable as it became a cult classic. Marijuana, we now agree, is not meth. Abortion. There is even some agreement on still-divisive issues such as abortion. Nearly six in 10 Americans didnt want the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, and 85% think abortion should be legal at least in some circumstances. Of course, theres a huge real-world difference between banning abortions after six weeks or limiting them at the former Roe standard of fetal viability. But its worth remembering that amid all of the angry debate, only 13% support an outright ban. In other words, nearly nine in 10 Americans think some abortions should be legal. Even among Republicans, only a 58% majority supported overturning Roe. For context, that wouldnt be a big-enough majority to pass a constitutional amendment in Florida. Given what weve seen happen on formerly divisive issues such as marijuana and same-sex marriage, who knows where public opinion on abortion might land in less than a generation? We might be surprised at the bridge that can be built between those who believe in a womans right to choose and control her body and those who believe that life begins at conception. This is not a pollyanna-ish request to cut election deniers any slack or to let lies go uncorrected. Its just a small tonic to imbibe as you fill out your mail-in ballot or prepare to vote in person, to keep in mind how different our views as Americans are from where they were even a few years ago and how much we actually agree on. As the late poet Maya Angelou wrote in Human Family, We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike. Left to right, Hunter, Jennifer Zapata, Evan, and Summer Richie visit downtown New Braunfels for the Halloween Spooktacular Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021. Halloween Spooktacular offers safe spots for kids to trick-or-treat at local businesses downtown. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Sunny. High near 75F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing late. Low near 60F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. The UAE Banks Federation, the unified representative of UAE banks, organised the Cyber Wargame event on 6th October 2022, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance cyber security and follow best practices in fortifying the level of security and digital infrastructure protection in the banking and financial sector while ensuring a secure environment for customers. The event was held under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE and was attended by cybersecurity experts in the banking and financial sector. It was based on a simulation experiment to learn about the responsiveness of cybersecurity teams in dealing with attacks and discovering strengths and gaps through tackling virtual attacks developed by experts in the field. UAE Banks Federation and the Central Bank of the UAE have developed all experiments in close collaboration with several strategic partners for this event. The participating organisations included the Cyber Security Council of the UAE Government, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, as well as Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police, in addition to the Dubai Center for electronic security and Gartner. Representatives from various GCC central banks also participated in the event as observers. Cyber Wargame is developed to help improve the process of identifying, detecting and responding to cyberattacks by providing knowledge on techniques utilised by attackers, as well as on methods and procedures and the factors that constitute a source of threat. The heads and members of information and cyber security teams and CEOs from member banks (FAB, ENBD, Mashreq, HSBC ME, NBF and ADIB) and financial institutions participated in the exercise that contributes to exchanging experiences and knowledge to improve the readiness of the UAE banking sector against cyberattacks. The UAE Banks Federation focuses on developing capabilities to protect the banking sector's digital infrastructure in light of the increasing adoption of e-commerce, digital banking services and mobile applications, which have led to the emergence of new, more complex and targeted cyberattacks. In addition to the cybersecurity exercise for the security teams of member banks and financial organisations, a dedicated tabletop exercise was organised for members of senior management in banking on tackling cyberattacks to improve capabilities in dealing with crises and risk management. Jamal Saleh, Director General of UAE Banks Federation, said: "This event reflects that protecting the banking systems and information security is a top priority for us under the direct supervision of The Central Bank of the UAE, which is characterised by its proactive approach, aims to set appropriate frameworks to deal with advancements in digital space to provide customers with the best services in a secure and reliable banking environment." The Director General of the UAE Banks Federation also indicated that they are working in collaboration with all member banks and other concerned authorities to drive the digital transformation process in a secure environment, which is reflected in the establishment of three technical committees under the Federation on information technology, information security and digital banking services. Dr Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security in the UAE Government, said: "Cybersecurity is witnessing great progress in the UAE, making it one of the leading countries in this field. Thanks to the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which aims to strengthen and create an integrated system by implementing numerous initiatives, evaluating the results, and developing them in line with the global changes. Al Kuwaiti added: "We are committed to creating a secure and robust cyber environment that enables institutions and businesses to develop and grow in a safe and prosperous digital environment. To this end, it is important to establish the necessary infrastructure and frameworks to protect institutions and individuals from attacks and establish the principles of governance related to cybersecurity. Organising events such as the Cyber Wargame is an important initiative, as well as appreciated as it equips professionals in the banking and financial sector with the necessary capabilities and areas that need to be further developed to enhance the digital transformation of the sector. Thabet Khamis, Director of Digital Security at the Central Bank of the UAE, said: "The participation of central banks from across the GCC countries as observers symbolises the consolidation of efforts and regional cooperation in developing the banking and financial sector. We are working to further strengthen these relations and organise more events in partnership with UAE Banks Federation, to provide a safe banking environment. -TradeArabia News Service BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. The Sullivan County Tennessee Board of Education released a list of 13 candidates interested in taking on the position of Sullivan County director of schools on Wednesday. The list includes three candidates from the Bristol Tennessee City Schools, one official from the Tennessee Department of Education in Nashville and two applicants from within the Sullivan County Schools system. Karen Dickenson, the principal of St. Paul Elementary School in Wise County, Virginia, one of the 13 candidates, explained why she believes the skills and experience she has gained during her time as principal of St. Paul Elementary School have prepared her for the role of Sullivan County Superintendent. I love what I do. Im very, very blessed. I feel like I make a difference at a school level, and I feel like I can take the same skills and apply it at a district level and also be that successful, Dickenson said. I think my skillset is very, very strong in curriculum. I think Im a visionary person, and I have extremely high expectations that when we look at our students from pre-K all the way up to their senior year that our goal is to make sure our students leave our school division highly educated. They have got the skills to go out into the workplace and be very productive. Four other candidates from the list were contacted but did not provide comments. Other applications on the list come from California, Texas, and New Mexico, as well as other parts of Tennessee. During Tuesday nights Sullivan County school board meeting, Chairman Randall Jones reminded board members of the criteria they outlined in their brochure. As you go through the applications, please keep in mind the brochure that we put out by the TSBA on the things that we are looking for, Jones said. To refresh your memory, strong fiscal budget management, a budget manager is a key part of this job, an effective communicator. Proven leadership skills, generator of support and instructional leader, look at these items and rate each candidate against those criteria. Jones said each board member will vote for up to four candidates they would like to interview. Anyone who receives four votes will be a candidate to be interviewed, and we will interview up to four people, Jones said. If we have more than four people receive four votes, we will come back and call a meeting and look at that again and see if we can bring it down to four. The final four candidates will be presented by the school board during its meeting on Nov. 3. The Sullivan County Board of Education hopes to have the new director of schools selected by the start of December. The complete list of candidates for Sullivan County director of schools is below: Charles Carter, director of Career and Technical Education Programs, Tennessee Department of Education, Nashville, Tennessee. Joshua Davis, principal, West Ridge High School, Sullivan County Schools, Blountville, Tennessee. Karen Dickenson, principal, St. Paul Elementary School, Wise, Virginia. Blair Henley, chief information officer, Bristol Tennessee City Schools, Bristol, Tennessee. SaBrina Judd, assistant principal, Sullivan East Middle School, Sullivan County Schools, Blountville, Tennessee. Brian Morris, assistant superintendent of human resources, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District, San Diego, California. Deidre Pendley, director of Career and Technical Education/assistant principal, Bristol Tennessee City Schools, Bristol, Tennessee. Paul Rockhold, director of programs, Regional Education Cooperative (REC-7), Hobbs Municipal Schools, Hobbs, New Mexico. Amy Scott, supervisor of secondary education/federal supervisor, Bristol Tennessee City Schools, Bristol, Tennessee. Randy Shannon, attorney-at-law, self-employed services, Camden, Tennessee. Stephen Van Der Aa, superintendent, Benton Community School Corporation, Fowler, Indiana. Jason Vance, community superintendent for Missionary Ridge Learning Community, Hamilton County Board of Education, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Cari Warnock, education strategist, K12 and K20, Dell Technologies, Round Rock, Texas. Five candidates for Abingdons Town Council debated topics on parking, town services and zoning laws Tuesday night at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The five candidates vying for four seats on the council weighed in on such issues as whether the Coomes Recreation Center should continue to operate with a $750,000 deficit each year. All five candidates agreed the recreation center added to the quality of life for the town. On downtown parking, Vice Mayor Donna Quetsch noted the town was working on improving parking in the downtown area. There is a study on this now. she said. I just feel like until we get the results and study this, we have to wait. Then we can move after the study. And Ill recommend to the Infrastructure Committee and then recommend to the council. Also asked about how to solve downtown parking woes, Mayor Derek Webb said, We realize theres an issue there. Yet, he cautioned, I dont necessarily know that we need a parking garage. I dont think people realize that $30,000 to $50,000 per parking spot is an exorbitant amount of money. Still, Webb said he awaits the parking study currently conducted by Emory & Henry College. Were going to find a solution, he said. It is certainly an issue, one of the more serious issues that we have right now. Another question asked if some businesses, such as Pals Sudden Service or Dougs Car Wash, were being exempted from meeting zoning and building codes. Wayne Austin, a challenger for one of three seats in a four-person race with Webb, Quetsch and challenger Eddie Copenhaver, served on the Abingdon Planning Commission when Pals Sudden Service won a zoning exemption in 2019 to construct a building at the Meadows. Austin praised Pals for its popular food, but defended the decision to make the drive-thru restaurant change from its iconic blue exterior. I thought it was inappropriate to have a swimming pool blue building at the head of that complex, he said. Requiring businesses to use certain colors could make some businesses pass by Abingdon, Copenhaver, a former member of the Washington County Board of Supervisors, said. The town has become more of a Homeowners Association than it is a town that provides services and a lot of people dont like Homeowners Associations, Copenhaver said. Abingdon needs businesses. And they cant make so many regulations that businesses dont want to come to Abingdon. I think its important to protect our small businesses, but we have to let businesses be businesses. Quetsch, an incumbent in her first term, said the town has updated its ordinances to make our town more business friendly. Webb, another incumbent in his first term, said that town follows a process and businesses must follow guidelines. And I would disagree, he said. I dont think we have a problem with businesses coming to town at all. Business thrives in Abingdon. Dwyane Anderson, who is running unopposed in a special election, said for his seat on the council said rules are rules. I dont think anyone is getting any kind of break on anything. A rule is a rule, he said. We abide by the law. We abide by the rules. Candidates also discussed trying to provide affordable housing and services in town. Its not really the governments place to take Individual citizens money and give it to non-profits, Copenhaver said. In turn, Webb said the town is currently in discussion with builders to construct affordable housing units in the town limits but said, Obviously, the town has no control on what housing costs. On the same matter, Austin said, I would look at every expenditure to determine whether its necessary, whether or not it reasonable and, most importantly, whether its the best interest of the citizens and the voters of this town. MORGANTON A Morganton womans third book, "Sentenced to Life: The Path to Redemption and Freedom for Prisoner E-25212," is being released this week. "Sentenced to Life" is the story of Curtis Roberts, who served 29 years in prison for three unarmed robberies totaling $116. Roberts claims God set him free long before his eventual release from San Quentin. His journey is one of faith, redemption, and unexpected grace. In 1995, high on drugs and low on cash, Roberts walked into a liquor store in California, spied two twenties lying on top of an open register, and pocketed the bills. Hed just committed his third strike. The judge sentenced him to 50 years to life. Roberts became number E-25212, a lifer in Californias Department of Corrections. Roberts's story captured the hearts of people around the globe after he spoke on an award-winning podcast called "Ear Hustle," where prisoners share stories of life on the inside. Almost overnight, Robertss segment, entitled Left Behind, received 750,000 hits. I think the perception is that were these monsters in here. I am not a monster. Im a stupid idiot that did drugs and stole money. Im still human, though, Roberts said. "Sentenced to Life" chronicles his humanity and his redemption. Scottie Barnes of Taylorsville, founder of Forgiven Ministry, writes, Curtis Robertss story is powerful, and it is yet to be known how many lives will be changed because of the authors heart being shared. Two book launch events are scheduled in Morganton: Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at Gateway Bible Church and Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at Adventure Bound Books. Taryn R. Hutchison authored two other books: "One Degree of Freedom," historical fiction for young adults set in Cold War Romania, and "We Wait You," a memoir of her 10 years living in Eastern Europe. Hutchison holds a masters degree in writing and tutors writing at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Visit her at www.tarynhutchison.com. Nebraska began its fall schedule with a 9-1 win at Omaha in a 14-inning game on Saturday afternoon.The Huskers totaled nine runs on 12 hits and an error, while the Mavericks had one run on 10 hits and three errors.pitched the first two innings, followed bydealing the next two innings with four strikeouts.andcombined to toss the next five innings, whileandteamed up to throw the final five innings.had a team-high three hits after going 3-for-4 at the plate.had two hits and three runs, whiletallied two hits and drove in three runs.was 1-for-2 with a two-run homer.Nebraska opened the scoring in the first frame with Caron's RBI single up the middle that scored Carey.reached on catcher's interference and Carey singled to second, before Anderson's two-RBI single through the right side grew the lead to 3-1 in the third.led off the fifth with a triple to right in the fifth and scored onsacrifice fly to left. Omaha got the run back in the bottom half of the inning with a leadoff solo home run by Eddie Satisky.Burnham drew a one-out walk in the eighth and came around to score on a wild pitch, while Anderson drove in his third run of the day with an RBI single to center, scoring Carey and making it a 6-1 game.Nebraska added two runs in the 11th after Cervantes lifted a 1-2 pitch off the foul pole in right for a two-run homer.The Big Red wrapped up the scoring whenRBI single to first scoredin the 12th.Nebraska returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Kansas. First pitch between the Huskers and Jayhawks is set for 4 p.m. in Lawrence, Kan. Mnya Preston named to presidents list CHESTER, Pa. Widener University congratulates Mnya Preston of Concord for achieving presidents list status during the spring 2022 semester. The presidents list recognizes students who earned a grade point average of 4.0 in two consecutive semesters of full-time coursework. Latherow awarded scholarship VALDOSTA Valdosta State University has awarded Maia Latherow of Concord the Frances Wood Wilson Scholarship and the Golden Circle Scholarship for Fall Semester of the 2022-23 academic year. Latherow is one of more than 350 currently enrolled, incoming first-year, or transfer students selected to receive a scholarship through VSU Foundation Inc. These scholarships were established by private donors and are awarded each year to students with excellent academic achievement and/or financial need. Each recipient represents the high standards of the university. Wideners SURCA program CHESTER, Pa. Wideners 13th Annual Summer Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) Symposium was held Friday, Sept. 23. The research projects represented a variety of academic disciplines and showcased Wideners robust undergraduate research opportunities. Fifteen students and the 12 faculty advisers who worked with them were honored for having the best presentations and research. Winners included: MNya Preston of Concord was recognized in the humanities category for the project Hidden History of Widener, done with Assistant Professor Jordan Smith, and student partner Madison Smith of Salem, New Jersey. The SURCA program allows undergraduates to work alongside faculty with hands-on investigations into research and creative projects. Emory & Henry congratulates graduates EMORY, Va. Emory & Henry College celebrates and congratulates all of its graduates from the spring and summer of 2022. Graduates are Payton Holt of Mount Ulla and Taylor Mauldin of China Grove. SNHU announces presidents list MANCHESTER, N.H. It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the summer 2022 presidents list. The summer terms run from May to August. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.70 and above for the reporting term are named to the presidents list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eight-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer. Albemarle: Kristena Collins, Matthew Ruckman, Courtney Manery. Concord: Kimberly Machiels, Cheryl Poole, Courtney Amphavanna, Justin Baker, Leonard Langat. Harrisburg: Erika Bustamante. Huntersville: Willie Stokes. Kannapolis: Kaylah Hawkins, Lauren Bush, Christopher Pratt, Leslie Gibson, Mahrissa Estes. Rockwell: Gabrielle Keyes. SNHU announces deans list MANCHESTER, N.H. It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the summer 2022 deans list. The summer terms run from May to August. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the deans list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eight-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer. Concord: Norlan Fungaling, Clyde Smith, Rebecca Walsh. Harrisburg: Emily Smith. Kannapolis: Kyo Silvaria. Rockwell: Timothy Jones. Salisbury: Robert Ginn, Dontavious Young. include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/$theme/includes/sidebar.php"; ?> Jurors recently handed down their decision in the sentencing trial of Nikolas Cruz, the man who murdered 17 people, mostly children, in the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018 in Parkland, Florida. They opted against the death penalty, choosing instead to give Cruz life in prison without parole. The three jurors who voted against the death penalty did so based on "mitigating circumstances" from Cruz's life. They made the wrong call. Still, their rationale is superior to the reason many will agree with the sentence: a blanket opposition to the death penalty. Public support for capital punishment has slid over the last 30 years, remaining a majority opinion but barely so. Those who oppose death as a punishment often have kind, even noble intentions. They abhor violence, even when administered by the state. They wish no more people to perish than already do by war and crime. Yet their well-meaning beliefs do not translate into justice or the common good. In contrast, we can see support for the death penalty in the U.S. Constitution, in America's religious history and in the principles of justice. ENJOY THIS ESSAYIST? Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here. First, the Constitution assumes death is a legitimate punishment. The Fifth Amendment opens with, "No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury." While giving the defendant protections, this clause assumes that some crimes are "capital," meaning those worthy of death. Both the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments contain a clause stating that no person shall "be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." These provisions also provide procedural safeguards. But they assume that the government can in some instances take away life so long as it follows those safeguards. Second, America's Christian heritage lends support to capital punishment. In Genesis 9:6, G od tells Noah that "whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for G od made man in his own image." The opening might seem merely descriptive, that people will try to kill the killers. But the closing phrase, tying those responsive actions to man being made in G od's image, shows it to be prescriptive. Murderers will be put to death as an act of just punishment. Moreover, Romans 13:4 declares that "if you do wrong, be afraid, for he (the ruler) does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of G od, an avenger who carries out G od's wrath on the wrongdoer." Bearing the sword means executing violence, including lethal violence. One might note Deuteronomy 32:35 in response, wherein G od says vengeance is his, or Matthew 5:38-40, which calls on Christians to turn the other cheek against misdeeds. These passages deny both individuals and the church any power to punish by death, confinement or fine. Yet these texts cannot mean no place exists for broader human dispensing of these penalties at the level of the state. For, as Genesis 9 implies and Romans 13 makes explicit, G od has decreed that he will not wait for judgment day to see any justice done but works now through government to dispense correction, including retribution for crimes. include_once "/home/jwreview/public_html/templates/double_ads.asp"; ?> Third, our Constitution and religious history comport with the death penalty because that punishment itself is consistent with justice. Restraint and reform have a place in how we treat lawbreakers. But retribution also plays a vital role as a purpose of punishment. We should avoid private individuals exacting vengeance. Mob justice usually is injustice, with the passions of the people running roughshod over contrary evidence and proportionality between crime and penalty. But retribution through the law, by public officers, partakes more of reason and provides time as well as means to assess guilt and innocence. Punishment, including death, should be done with care and caution. But it should be done. One might object that death as a penalty is hypocritical and cheapens respect for the sanctity of life. But to say that exacting death is hypocritical, especially on murderers, undermines the basis for all punishment. For imprisonment of kidnappers might be called hypocritical, infringing liberty because a person denied the same to his victim. Or fines for theft might fall to the same accusation, violating the thief's right to property. That capital punishment cheapens life flows from a similar misperception since any punishment could be accused of lacking respect for the right whose exercise it limits. Yet Genesis 9:6 pinpoints that penalties, including death, can affirm a society's respect for human life. Capital punishment demands the highest price for murder. What you exact from killers says much about what you think of killing. No punishment can make the Parkland victims or their families whole again. But we should take the justice we can achieve, however imperfect. We owe them that much. (COMMENT, BELOW) Chicago Tribune/(TNS) Previously: 10/07/22 The illegitimate attacks on the Supreme Court's legitimacy Adam Carrington is an associate professor of politics at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. A Jamaican restaurant is already drawing crowds just two weeks after opening. C3 Jamaican Corner Cuisine opened Oct. 12 at 858 East 25th St., on the corner of North Liberty Street. Calvin Wilson is running the restaurant with the help of a couple of business partners. C3 is named in honor of my grandson, Calvin the third, Wilson said. Housed in the small building formerly occupied by Dirty Fries, C3 offers takeout only. Its takeout, but I do have a little seating outside, Wilson said. Once things pick up, I plan to do (third-party) delivery. I also have an adjacent lot that I will be able to use for backup parking. C3 Jamaican Corner Cuisine Address: 858 East 25th St., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27105 Phone: 336-293-8377 Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday Facebook: C3 Jamaican Cuisine Wilson is a substance-abuse counselor and entrepreneur, who has dabbled in landscaping, retail clothing and other businesses. He recently was involved in the Pizza Express on New Walkertown Road, which shut down for lack of business. Wilson said he was drawn to the high visibility of the location for C3 and also by what he feels is a void in the restaurant market. Im not a cook. Im a businessman. But I think theres a need for (Jamaican restaurants). Wilson has been visiting his children in Winston-Salem for years and finally moved down from Massachusetts in 2019 in search of opportunities. Winston-Salem is a little bit behind compared to some other cities. Its doing a good job of building up, but I thought this is the best time to jump in. Winston is not as saturated, and Ive been looking for something lucrative that made sense. He said he has high hopes for this location. He knows about the safety issues that prompted Dirty Fries to move earlier this year, but he feels confident that he wont have any problems. I havent had any issues. I know a lot of places have tried to make it there. But theres a lot of traffic, and I think its perfect for someone who has the right product." Chef Rohan Wilson (no relation) is a native of Jamaica. He said hes a bit of a jack of all trades but has always loved to cook. I cook mainly at my house, he said. Wilson is working with a short menu of Jamaican classics served with rice and peas and sauteed cabbage. Plates include pepper steak, jerk chicken, curried chicken and brown stew chicken ($10 for a small or $18 for a large). There also are oxtails ($13 and $25). Wilson said he is doing whole snapper escovitch as a special some days for $25. He also sells Jamaican beef patties ($3) and mac n cheese ($3). Beverages include Jamaican ginger beer and a selection of sodas. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Calvin Wilson said he also plans to sell non-Jamaican fried chicken on Mondays and Tuesdays. C3 isnt yet fully staffed but has been hit with lunchtime rushes. The other day, the crowd flowed out of the small foyer onto the patio outside, and the phone was ringing about every two minutes. Calvin Wilson suggested that people call in orders in advance. Faith McKnight, who owns the Sweet Truth bakery a few blocks away, stopped in the other day for some oxtails and brown stew chicken. It was her second visit. Im from New York, and I know Jamaican food. This is authentic, she said. Wynton Hubbard already was on visit No. 3 a week after C3 opened. I just saw it driving by the other day, he said. The oxtails are really good. Sheena Pettiford drove all the way from Lexington to get her Jamaican fix. Ive been looking for good Jamaican food. Ive been to Greensboro (and) Salisbury. Ive been looking for good Jamaican food for five years, and this is it. Two people in Forsyth County have died by gunfire since Monday night in unrelated cases, authorities said. A Winston-Salem man was an unintended victim when he was shot and killed on Peachtree Street around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Winston-Salem police said. Officers believe Benigo Silva Miguel was caught between two groups of people shooting at each other while walking to his car in the 1700 block of Peachtree Street, police said. Silva-Miguel was not involved in the shooting. A short time later, a vehicle arrived at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center occupied by Therriel Anthony Cuthbertson, 33, and Dionicia Sandoval Lowe, 21, who were both suffering from gunshot wounds related to the earlier shooting, police said. Cuthbertson was in stable condition at the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries, police said. Lowe was treated for her injures and released. Investigators determined that unknown suspects in a dark-colored SUV drove north on Peachtree Street and stopped near the intersection of Belleauwood Street, police said. These people then engaged in gunfire with the occupants of a home on Peachtree Street, police said. Those involved in the gunfire then left the scene. Winston-Salem Police Departments SWAT team and officers then executed a search warrant on a home on Peachtree Street, police said. No other victims or suspects were located inside the home. The shooting was not a random act of violence, police said. Silva-Miguels death was the citys 27th homicide so far this year, as compared to 33 during the same period in 2021, police said. In an unrelated case, a woman died Monday night after she was shot in a Clemmons apartment, authorities said. At 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Forsyth County sheriffs deputies responded to a call about a shooting in the 300 block of Hawk Ridge Drive. When they arrived at the scene, the deputies spoke to an employee at the apartment complex and then entered a third-floor apartment. They then found Alia Matti Balola, 37, dead from a gunshot wound. Investigators determined that Balola died Monday night, said Annie Sims, a spokeswoman for Forsyth County Sheriffs Office. AMonte Zariq Jones, 20, is charged with murder, felony discharging a firearm within an enclosure and felony discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling, the sheriffs office said. Jones is accused of firing a gun in his apartment and killing Balola who lived upstairs, authorities said. Investigators determined that Jones, who lived in a second-floor apartment, fired a gun at the ceiling during a domestic disturbance, the sheriffs office said. As a result, the resident in the upstairs apartment was struck by a bullet and subsequently died as a result of her injuries, the sheriffs office said. This was not a random act of violence, and there was no danger to the larger community. The sheriffs office did not say whether Jones knew Balola and did not provide any other details about the domestic disturbance. Jones was being held Wednesday in the Forsyth County Jail with no bond allowed, the sheriffs office said. More than 5,300 Forsyth County voters cast ballots during the first day of early voting in the 2022 midterm election, with Kernersville leading the pace, and Lewisville and Clemmons not far behind. Voters cast ballots at a steady pace on Thursday, election officials said, as people began taking advantage of 15 days of early voting in advance of the Nov. 8 general election. While the countys web page for determining how long voters had to wait showed many polling places had no waiting time, in the case of Kernersville that was deceptive: Tim Tsujii, the director of elections, said workers got so busy there they quit updating the information. The web application showed no wait in Kernersville when that wasnt the case, Tsujii said, but Tsujii couldnt say how long wait times there lasted. Tsujii said the lack of updates in Kernersville would be corrected going forward. In western Forsyth County, wait times approaching 20 to 30 minutes were reported at times throughout the day in Clemmons and Lewisville. At Clemmons, the line stretched at times beyond the door at the Clemmons branch library. But wait times were a lot shorter than some places have experienced in presidential election years. At least we have a long hallway so they dont have to wait in the cold, said Jeanette Lawson the lead election worker at the Clemmons Library. By 11:15 a.m., more than 200 people had voted in Clemmons. At the end of the first day, 5,324 people voted, compared to 5,523 on the first day of the last midterm election in 2018. There were 846 voting in Kernersville, 725 in Lewisville and 594 in Clemmons. The lowest totals were at the Anderson Center at Winston-Salem State University, where 152 people voted, All 12 voting places keep the same hours. In contrast to election day procedures, early voters can cast their ballots at any of the 12 polling sites regardless of where they live. When people check in to vote early, an election worker determined which ballot style the voter gets and prints it out right on the spot. Different ballot styles are required because of how the county is split into various districts for representation on anything from U.S. Congress to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education. Willa Redd, the lead election official at Mazie Woodruff Center on Lansing Drive, said around 1 p.m. that voting had been steady, even if lines had not formed. By 1:10 p.m., some 150 voters had cast their ballots at the center. Everything is going smoothly, Redd said. Michelle Bobadilla, the deputy director of elections here, said that the weather may have kept some people from voting as early as they might have done. Temperatures were close to freezing around sunrise, and stayed in the 40s through much of the early morning. Its cold so maybe they are trying to wake up a little later today, she said. But we still have lots of days to go for early voting, and I know it is going to pick up at some point. By late afternoon on Monday, temperatures had climbed into the low 60s. Tim Tsujii, the director of elections here, said the election was running smoothly, even in the busier polling places such as Kernersville. There were no significant equipment burps. Polling places will be open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays through Nov. 4. Polls will be open on two Saturdays and one Sunday later in the month but not this weekend. Around 9 a.m., only 50 or so had voted downtown, but construction on a new courthouse is limiting access to the Government Center. In 2018, the Government Center, Clemmons, Kernersville and Lewisville were the big four in numbers on the first day of early voting. As if underscoring the difficult access at the Government Center, on Thursday only 411 people voted there, compared to 678 in 2018 In Clemmons, Zane Winters and Marvin Cassada continued their tradition of voting together on the first day. Vote for Republicans to keep the woke Democrats off the ballot, Winters said as he stood in line outside the polling place. Virginia Halverson, voting in Clemmons with her husband Ron , said her main interest was to make sure we keep our democracy, and that she was supporting Democrat Cheri Beasley in the U.S. Senate contest. I think shes the most qualified individual for it, she said. Ron Halverson said he was interested in all the contests. In addition to casting votes in the contest between Beasley and Republican Ted Budd for Senate, Forsyth County voters will be picking between incumbent GOP district attorney Jim ONeill and Democrat Denise Hartsfield, a retired district judge challenging the incumbent for the post. Voters will also weigh in on contests for U.S. House and lawmakers for the state senate and house. And a crowded field for district and at-large seats on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board is drawing public attention. Other contests will fill judicial seats as well as slots from the county board of commissioners to the soil and water conservation board. Calvin Smart, voting at Mazie Woodruff Center on Lansing Drive, wouldnt say who he voted for, but did say that he likes to vote early to avoid the long lines on election day. I think (voting) is the most important privilege that we have as Americans, and it separates us from other countries because we have free and open ballots which cannot be taken away from us, he said. Rural Hall and King voters have the added attraction of a vote on alcohol sales. Early voting starts at 8 a.m. Thursday in Forsyth County and across North Carolina, giving voters 15 days to cast their ballots before the general election on Nov. 8. New voters can also register and cast their ballots during early voting. Election officials here are expecting big crowds on the first and last days of early voting, and are warning people about the heavy construction near the Forsyth County Government Center, where many like to cast their votes during early voting. Due to the courthouse construction, there are road closures and limited parking at the Government Center, said Tim Tsujii, the county elections director. We strongly encourage citizens to take advantage of the other early voting sites. We dont want people to be discouraged by the limited parking and road closures. The county has 12 places to vote early, including the main elections office downtown. And by visiting the home page of the elections office at forsyth.cc/Elections, one can click on a purple banner that calls up a map of the county with wait times shown for all 12 early voting locations. That will help voters go to the next closest location that might have a shorter wait, Tsujii said. North Carolina has a hard-fought contest for the U.S. Senate in this midterm election, and thats likely to drive up turnout. Tsujii said that during the 2018 midterms there was no U.S. Senate race, yet turnout was still 53%. Tsujii thinks turnout in Forsyth this fall could reach 60%, which works out to about 162,000 voters. Thats still 40,000 fewer than the number who voted here in 2020, during the most recent presidential election. That year, turnout was 74%. Tsujii said another tactic for voting quickly is to vote mid-week, in late morning or early afternoon, but he recommends avoiding lunchtime. People who want to both register and vote should bring a North Carolina drivers license, or another photo identification or official document such as a bank statement or utility bill that proves the address. College students can use a college photo identification plus proof of residence. In addition to the contest between Democrat Cheri Beasley and Republican Ted Budd for the U.S. Senate seat there are Green and Libertarian candidates as well all county voters will choose among seven candidates vying for three at-large seats on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education. Three Democrats, three Republicans and a Libertarian are in the running. Incumbent Jim ONeill, a Republican, and challenger Denise Hartsfield, a Democrat, are in the running for the office of district attorney, but there are other countywide contests: Incumbent Democrat Bobby Kimbrough and GOP challenger Ernie Leyba are running for sheriff, and two non-incumbents, Democrat Dan Besse and Republican Terri Mrazek, are seeking the at-large seat on the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. All county voters will also see the same choices among many judicial contests. Then, depending on where they live, voters will be picking among contestants to represent districts that include only parts of the county. These include contests for state house and senate, the U.S. House, school board and county board of commissioners. Alcohol votes Two municipalities, King and Rural Hall, will have issues relating to alcohol sales on the ballot. King voters will decide on whether to have ABC stores, and in a separate ballot, whether to allow mixed drink sales as well as on- and off-premises sales of beer and unfortified wine. King straddles Forsyth and Stokes counties, but all King voters will get a chance to weigh in on the matters. In Rural Hall, voters will decide on mixed drink sales and the on- and off-premises sale of beer and wine. Tsujii said election workers started setting up the polling places on Monday, and that six to eight election workers will be needed at each site. Voters will not be required to show identification, and can vote by touch screen if they desire, although the normal procedure is to mark a paper ballot that has ovals to fill in by the voters choice. We prefer that voters use the pens provided, Tsujii said. What we want to avoid is marking a ballot with a Sharpie or a felt tip that will bleed through the ballot. And it would be difficult to scan if it is not in black ink. A voter can ask for a replacement ballot up until the time it is put into the tabulator, but after that it is too late for a do-over, Tsujii said. Tsujii cautioned against attempting to write in a name other than in the two contests where write-ins are allowed: The scanner will not pick it up, and it might cause an overvote for that contest, he said. An overvote voting for more candidates that a contest allows wont be counted by the tabulators. Daikin, a leading global manufacturer of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) solutions, has announced the opening of its first factory in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in Sudair Industrial City, 150 km from Riyadh, on a total land area of 10,400 sq m, the opening of the custom-built premises is part of the companys five-year integration and industrial growth plan for Saudi Arabia and the region. Supporting Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 objectives, Daikins second factory premises in the region will provide high-quality products, carrying the label Made in Saudi Arabia. The production of goods and services through this factory will further raise Kingdom's competitiveness and create sustainable job opportunities, a statement by the company said. The company will be able to better service the local market due to its strategic geographic location and access to highly skilled talent, it added. The factory has several international certifications, including ISO 14001, 9001, 45001, and Eurovent. At Daikin Middle East & Africa, we formulated our Fusion25, 5-year strategic management plan, in line with KSA Vision 2030, prioritizing investments and expansion plan in Saudi Arabia to become the countrys leading HVAC company in the coming years. As a first step, we established our first factory in order to deliver the latest technologies and innovations based on the local market needs. With the opening of this factory, we can better support national energy efficiency and sustainability goals while creating vital job opportunities and supporting the kingdoms economic growth, said Masaaki Miyatake, Chairman & President at Daikin Middle East & Africa. Daikin is starting to get its rightful market share and position in Saudi Arabia, to be the leader in this market. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is going through a lot of social and economic reforms, and it is an opportunity for Daikin to capture this transformation and achieve its objectives. said Tariq Almutlaq, Chairman of Daikin Saudi Arabia. The opening event, which marked the 10th anniversary of Daikin Saudi, was attended by more than 150 esteemed guests and key clients, along with IWAI Fumio, Ambassador of Japan in Saudi Arabia, Tariq Almutlaq, Chairman at Daikin Saudi and the Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Almutlaq group, Toshitaka Tsubouchi, President of Daikin Europe Group, Masaaki Miyatake, Chairman of Daikin Middle East and Africa, Tuna Gulenc, VP of Daikin Middle East and Kazuya Otoshi, MD at Daikin Saudi Arabia. Daikin Saudi is headquartered in Riyadh and opened branches in both Jeddah and Al Dammam, along with service and training centres and spare parts center. Daikin Saudi has appointed and built a strong network of professional dealers in each key region of the Kingdom and acquired several mega project references. Toyota North Carolina has signed a nearly three-year sublease for a former Labcorp office building in Greensboro that will serve as its operational hub until its electric vehicle battery production plant debuts in Liberty. In December, the Toyota business unit selected the Greensboro-Randolph megasite for its plant and said production is projected to begin in 2025. Additional production phases are expected later in the decade. With an overall $3.79 billion capital investment and 2,100 jobs, it could become the biggest single corporate expenditure in state history. The Class B property is a five-story, 117,984-square-foot building at 1701 Pinecroft Road, according to a flier by the Triad chapter of CBRE. It is near Interstate 40 and West Gate City Boulevard. The lease is slated to expire on June 30, 2025. CBRE marketed the property as a plug and play opportunity with existing furniture and back-up generator with close proximity to restaurants, hotels, banks and shopping centers. Toyota North Carolina communications manager Emily Wilemon-Holland said Wednesday that each floor will have a distinct operational focus. Floor 1 would handle key parts of hiring assessment, including: intake and registration, waiting area and assessment using a computer- based simulation; skilled trades with computer lab with a hands-on skills evaluation; and face-to-face interviews and medical screenings. Floor 2 would provide a dojo training area emphasizing key points of manufacturing, including safety, quality and internal logistics. Floors 35 would contain administrative and support staff offices, and space for teams to collaborate. The facility offers 707 parking spaces. Background Toyota Motor Corp. announced plans on Aug. 21 for the additional 350 jobs and an additional $2.5 billion investment as construction commenced at the Liberty megasite. The Toyota subsidiary plans to build lithium-ion batteries at the plant for about 200,000 hybrid and electric vehicles annually. This is only the beginning of what I considered as a long and bright future for the plant and marks another significant milestone for our company, said Norm Bafunno, senior vice president of Unit Manufacturing and Engineering at Toyota Motor North America. This plant will serve a central role in Toyotas leadership toward a fully electrified future and will help us meet our goal of carbon neutrality in our vehicles and global operations by 2035. We like to build things locally where they are sold, Bafunno said. Its not a 100% alignment, but we try to get a close as we can in our (production) footprint in the United States. Were going to have to keep up with the North American consumer, and that begins in North Carolina. Toyota said it plans to begin hiring the first round of production and maintenance employees in late 2002 to early 2023. For hiring information, go to www.toyota.com/careers. Were on schedule in terms of the project, Bafunno said. The pad is ready for us to begin vertical construction of the building and work on the footings has begun. As with the Dell Inc., Caterpillar Inc. and Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. manufacturing plants, Toyota is finding significant internal interest from employees willing to transfer to work at the Liberty plant. The reason I say North Carolina and Liberty is a great location for doing business is that we have a lot of internal interest in people wanting to work in North Carolina higher than any other plant that weve announced or opened in the U.S., Bafunno said. He said some Toyota employees want to return to North Carolina because they are N.C. State, UNC Chapel Hill or other North Carolina university graduates. They havent really had a chance within Toyota to do that until now, Bafunno said. Its an indication of the quality of life, the access to the mountains and ocean, and its a beautiful area. Bafunno said some Liberty plant workers could come from as far as 70 miles away, but the bulk of hires will come from within 30 to 40 miles. Its a personal decision of what potential employees determine is right for them in terms of driving to the plant, Bafunno said. Were working very hard to create what we consider to be an employer of choice in that area of North Carolina. Theres going to be great wages, great benefits, job security great elements for a career. We know we cant just say those words, but we have to do it, he said. Just have a little patience with us on the hiring process. For the first time in five years, the city of Lincoln is seeking to annex land without being asked to. Usually, annexation requests come from developers who are planning new housing or commercial development on land on Lincoln's fringes and need to become part of the city limits to be able to access city water and sewer services. But in some cases, the city seeks to annex an area because it has essentially become surrounded by the city limits, which is the case with about 445 acres of mostly acreage homes located generally in the area bounded by 70th and 84th streets and Pine Lake and Yankee Hill roads. The area, which has 77 homes, has been completely surrounded by the city since October 2020 due to growth of surrounding areas, said city Planner Andrew Thierolf. People who live in areas that are annexed tend to see their property taxes go up and also have to pay the city's wheel tax, but they also get access to city services such as water and sewer, although they have to pay for the connections themselves. Such annexations often are not popular, which is the case with this one. Several residents of the area spoke in opposition to the plan at a public hearing Wednesday in front of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission. Their concerns ranged from increased taxes, to more regulations, to the loss of rural lifestyle. For Matthew Nielsen, his opposition isn't about not wanting to be a part of the city. He acknowledged he gets frustrated about not being able to vote in City Council or Board of Education elections. "This is more for me about what we have there," he said, noting that he and his wife have pigs, goats, chickens and other animals. "If there's some way you could say to us that we can keep doing what we're doing and pay just more in taxes we're all OK with that," Nielsen said. Not everybody agreed that more taxes are worth being part of the city, however. Greg Wood, who has lived in the area for 30 years, said he was told homeowners will pay approximately $300 more in property taxes per $100,000 in valuation. On top of that, residents of the area have to pay for water and sewer connections if they want service and for fire hydrants if they want Lincoln Fire and Rescue to be able to fully serve the area. "There's no real benefit to the property owners," he said. City officials disagreed, however. Thierolf noted that the residents enjoy all the benefits of living in the city without paying for it. One of the main goals of the annexation, he said, is making sure the residents pay their fair share for city services. Members of the Planning Commission appeared to agree with that rationale, voting 9-0 to recommend approval of the annexation. Commissioner Dick Campbell said the fact that the neighborhood is surrounded by the city made the issue pretty cut and dried for him. "We can't have an element sitting in the middle of the city that isn't part of the city," he said. Commission Chairwoman Tracy Edgerton agreed, noting that the city-county Comprehensive Plan for land use says areas should be annexed when they are totally engulfed by the city. The proposal will now go to the City Council, which will have the final say on whether the area is annexed. The last time the city annexed an area against the wishes of local residents was in 2017, when it annexed 128 homes across 987 acres in a few different areas around town. Thierolf said there will likely be more such annexations in the near future. While the area recommended to be annexed is currently the only acreage subdivision completely surrounded by the city limits, "there are a few others with the city on multiple sides that will likely be candidates for annexation in the next couple of years," he said. A Texas-based senior housing company has announced the purchase of an assisted-living facility in Lincoln. Sagora Senior Living announced Thursday that it has bought The Windcrest on Van Dorn, an assisted-living facility at 7208 Van Dorn St. and has rebranded it as Bailey Pointe at Van Dorn. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Health officials are encouraging Lincoln residents to get a flu shot amid an early uptick in respiratory illnesses. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said Thursday that local flu activity remains low, but there has been an uptick nationally that could signal an early flu season. And although the amount of flu cases being detected statewide is still low, its much higher than where it was last year, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. For example, there were 34 positive flu tests for the week that ended Saturday, compared with only six in the comparable week in 2021 Vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu, said Tim Timmons, the Health Departments communicable disease program supervisor. We expect to have COVID-19 and flu circulating in the community at the same time. Getting our yearly flu vaccine and staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting an updated booster as soon as youre eligible, will help keep us healthy this fall and winter and preserve hospital capacity. Official COVID-19 case counts have been declining, and the 169 cases recorded last week marks the lowest weekly number in nearly six months. This week, the Health Department lowered the countys COVID-19 risk dial to low yellow, and it also announced it will transition to weekly rather than daily reporting of case numbers starting next week. However, many experts expect cases to increase as temperatures drop and people begin to congregate more inside. In addition to influenza and COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus is another illness thats causing concern. There has been an early uptick in RSV cases both locally and nationally that has led to an increase in hospitalizations. The Health Department said there have already been 81 cases of the disease in October, more than in all of September. Statewide, the number of RSV cases are considerably higher than at this time last year 386 for the week that ended Saturday, compared with 245 for the comparable week last year and emergency room visits for RSV, while down from a couple of weeks ago, also are higher than last year. Those visits are predominantly for kids ages 4 and younger. There is no vaccine for RSV, but health officials said the same precautions people take against the flu and COVID-19, such as washing hands, wearing a mask, staying home if sick and cleaning surfaces, help to reduce the spread of RSV. Flu vaccine is widely available at doctors offices and local pharmacies. You can find information on where to get a shot at vaccines.gov. The Nebraska Air National Guard Base in Lincoln is like a small city. In addition to pilots and maintenance technicians enlisted in the 155th Air Refueling Wing, the base has its own fire department, police force and broadcast studio, as well as civil engineers, sanitation workers and other employees. You name it, we do it, said Col. John Williams, commander of the 155th Air Refueling Wing, which has about 860 enlisted members. That means there's something for everybody, as more than 150 high school and college students learned during an open hangar recruiting fair at the base on Wednesday. More than 40 high schools from across the state sent students to Lincoln to learn about the dozens of jobs the Nebraska Air National Guard has to offer. Local colleges and universities and civilian employers were also on hand for the event, which is a new concept for the guard, Williams said. "It's the first time that we've essentially opened the base all at once," he said. "We do recruiting trips all the time for students, but typically it's a one-on-one or maybe two or three students at time that'll visit." The base, however, saw how effective a similar recruiting event in Sioux City, Iowa, in April was and decided to bring it down to Lincoln, said Master Sgt. Kyle Eddy, who organized the fair. Students who were interested in enlisting could contact recruiters at the event to set up an appointment. "Just on kind of a scale from recruiting, it should be significant," Eddy said. Theyll be able to just look at the jobs, see if theres anything that interests them, and then theyre also going to get exposure to the big picture, what the Nebraska Air National Guard is. Booths were set up in a hangar as well as outside on the bases flight line, where a KC-135 Stratotanker that students could tour was parked. They could also get a taste of other equipment, including a remote-controlled robot used by the bases explosive ordnance disposal team and night vision gear that Lincoln Northeast freshman Richard Saw and his friends particularly enjoyed. I like the way I can interact with different stands, said Saw, who attends Northeasts junior ROTC program and is planning to enlist in the National Guard, following in the shoes of an uncle who is in the military. Over the past few months, the Air National Guard visited practically every high school in Lancaster and Cass counties and other schools across the state to promote the event. Interested students could register directly with the Guard or through their guidance counselor. Fremont High School brought 22 students to the fair as part of the schools Jobs for American Graduates program, which helps students with post-secondary planning. Its wonderful, said Mollie Brown, career and technical education associate at Fremont. It gets these students that opportunity to see not just one part of the Air National Guard, but all of the aspects. While the military and Air National Guard have faced staffing and recruiting challenges nationwide, Nebraska has fared well, according to Williams. But not everyone is aware that Lincoln operates its own base. Williams, a Bellevue native, didnt find out about the Guard until he was a senior in college. Over the years, hes seen firsthand the impact enlisting in the Air National Guard has had on people fresh out of high school who might not necessarily have post-secondary plans yet. Its a great place to learn how to structure your life and to set goals for yourself, he said. Grace Schulz wasnt sure college was the right choice for her after high school. So the Bishop Neumann High School senior thought about enlisting in the Air National Guard. She knows people she looks up to who are enlisted and enjoyed the experience. Plus it has pretty cool careers that Schulz is interested in exploring, including law enforcement or boom operator the person who controls the gear that refuels planes midair. Theres just so many different options, she said. Just like, everyone Ive talked to truly loves it. The Nebraska-born mountain lion was caught on a camera in western Illinois a week ago. But wildlife authorities there werent surprised. That same day, theyd received a call from a state biologist in Nebraska, letting them know the mountain lions radio collar had sent a signal from McDonough County, about 85 miles south of the Quad Cities. And about 10 days before that, the biologist, Sam Wilson of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, had sent the Illinois Department of Natural Resources a first alert: The lion was headed their way in eastern Iowa at the time but approaching the Mississippi River. Wilson and others had collared the male in November 2021 in the Niobrara River Valley. They estimated it to be about a year old at the time, about the age when most young males disperse setting off in search of mates, and their own territories. And this one dispersed, more than 600 miles so far. Its GPS-enabled collar sends Wilson periodic signals, and those showed the lion moving to the south and east. In late July, it passed through Lincoln, where it was caught on a homeowners backyard security camera near Northwest 56th and West Adams. But it kept moving. It can be between 3 and 20 miles a day, but it might kill a deer and feed on that for a day or two, Wilson said. But mostly its walking day after day after day after day after day. It keeps walking because its not finding what its looking for a mate. Female lions dont disperse like males, Wilson said. So in general, there are very few females to be found. And so they just keep moving. The lion would have had better luck had it traveled west, toward Nebraskas other established mountain lion populations in the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills areas, or beyond to the Rocky Mountain states. If hes looking for females, hed find them in the West. Its unlikely hell find females in the East. It would have to find its way to Florida to meet a compatible mate, in the population of panthers a mountain lion subspecies that live in the swamps and forests of that states southwest tip. Wilson and his staff are monitoring 19 mountain lions with working radio collars, and the visitor to Illinois, caught on a landowners camera Oct. 14, is the only one of those to have left the state. But its not the first Nebraska cat to make it more than one state away. In February, a 3-year-old with a Nebraska ear tag was killed during Montanas hunting season. OMAHA Warren Buffett's company completed its largest acquisition in years Wednesday with its $11.6 billion purchase of the Alleghany insurance conglomerate. The purchase announced in March will further expand Berkshire-Hathaway's sizeable insurance operations and add a few more companies to its stable, including a steel fabricator and toy company owned by Alleghany. In many ways, Alleghany is similar to Berkshire. Buffett's conglomerate owns Geico, General Re and a number of other insurance companies, but it also owns BNSF railroad, several major utilities and an eclectic assortment of dozens of manufacturing and retail companies, including Precision Castparts, Dairy Queen, See's Candy and NetJets. Alleghany shareholders received $848.02 cash per share as part of the deal. Much like it has done with other acquisitions, Berkshire will allow New York-based Alleghany to largely continue to run itself. Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said Alleghanys CEO Joe Brandon, who previously ran a different Berkshire insurance company, could one day be a candidate to replace Vice Chairman Ajit Jain and oversee all of Berkshires insurance companies. Berkshire's last major acquisition came in 2016 when it paid $32.36 billion to buy aviation parts maker Precision Castparts. Buffett has always been reluctant to overpay for acquisitions, and he has said Berkshire faces more competition for deals these days from private-equity firms. But Buffett has put more than $51 billion to work in the stock market this year, including buying up roughly $12 billion worth of Occidental Petroleum stock and another $20 billion worth of Chevron shares to bet big on oil production. Still, Berkshire was sitting on $105.4 billion cash at the end of the second quarter. It will use some of that at the start of next year to more than double its stake in the Pilot chain of more than 800 truck stops across 44 states and six Canadian provinces. The terms of Buffett's 2017 agreement call for it to boost its stake from its current 38.6% ownership to 80% in 2023. That will leave the Haslam family that runs the business based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a 20% stake. Shanahan estimated that the Pilot deal will use at least $3.5 billion, but Berkshire has never disclosed the terms of that deal. In addition to owning more than 90 operating companies, Berkshire holds a sizeable investment portfolio with major stakes in Apple, Bank of America, American Express and Coca-Cola among other companies. RACINE Park High School in Racine and Bradford High School in Kenosha are two of more than a dozen Wisconsin schools that went into lockdown or saw police responses amid threats of active shooters that are believed to be hoaxes Thursday. The Racine PD confirmed Thursday morning that it received a call from an unknown person who stated that he was a teacher at Park High School and that there is an active shooter in the school and fifteen students had been shot. The caller went on to describe the shooter and the weapon. However, the school resource officer stationed at Park High School reported there had been no gunshots heard. The RPD described the report as a Fake Shooting Call. The initial call was received by the Racine County Joint Communication Center at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, according to the Racine County Sheriffs Office. Racine Police Chief Maurice Robinson said in an email there was a fake call that came into the Racine Police Department, bypassing the 911 system. Officers from the RPD, Mount Pleasant PD, Caledonia PD and RCSO, as well as the Racine Fire Department, were all notified of the threat. The building was cleared and no active shooter or injured students were found, police said. Similarly, the Kenosha Police Department said Thursday that police responded to Bradford High School on Kenoshas north side after an apparent hoax call was received at 8:11 a.m. So far, the KPD said in a Facebook post at 8:28 a.m. Thursday, police HAVE NOT found any evidence of a shooting. Police are currently searching the school floor by floor to ensure there is no real threat. What we need parents to do is NOT RESPOND to the school. Please wait for instructions from KPD and KUSD (Kenosha Unified School District) ... This may be a hoax; however, we will not dismiss and are proceeding with protocol. While these incidents did not involve actual safety threats, they definitely impacted all involved, KUSD said in an email to parents. Events such as these cause undue stress and anxiety for our students and staff and pull resources from across our community. All Ascension Wisconsin hospitals were prepared to receive patients if there were numerous casualties, a spokesperson for the health network said. The practice of making false reports of active shooters or bomb threats, sometimes referred to as swatting, can lead to criminal charges and deadly consequences. A Los Angeles man in 2019 was sentenced to 20 years in prison after a false report he made led to an innocent man being killed by police in Kansas. The FBI indicated it was aware of the numerous threats, saying in a statement: The FBI is aware of the numerous swatting incidents wherein a report of an active shooter at a school is made. The FBI takes swatting very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately. The edtech and smart classroom market size in the Middle East & Africa and Europe is projected to hit $44.6 billion this 2022, and at a CAGR 21.78% to reach $ 120.41 billion by 2027. This years GESS (Global Educational Supplies and Solutions) Dubai resonates this growth as local and international edtech companies have confirmed to showcase latest trends and innovations alongside over 450 educational suppliers at the event from November 15 to 17 at Sheikh Saeed Halls, Dubai World Trade Centre. GESS Dubai conference talk Globally, the edtech and smart classroom market size is expected to be at $333.33 billion by 2027 as per data culled from EdTech & Smart Classroom Market Intelligence Report - Global Forecast to 2027 published by Think Market Intelligence released by MarketResearch.com. In the Middle East, as the pandemic shifts to endemic, many schools are still prioritising digital resources over physical ones too according to ISC Research, the leading producer of independent data, trends, and intelligence on the global English-medium international schools market. ISC Research further highlights that new schools will continue to open in the GCC and a notable number of well-established schools in the region are already planning or undertaking large capital projects to enhance their offerings in the region. Accordingly, schools will require resources to construct and outfit their buildings. In such competitive environments, where parents have a plethora of school choices, schools are also looking for ways to distinguish themselves from their neighbours through facilities, curriculum, or any other method, meaning innovative resources are in high demand. Among the notable pillars of edtech that educators look at include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and metaverse. Leading education and technology experts are geared up to present insights and solutions on the latest advancements in these fields to support key decision-makers attending GESS Dubai. GESS Dubai The metaverse offers an always-on universe of new experiential learning opportunities and while some consider its application in the education sector in its nascent phase, GESS has already lined up thought-provoking discussions for guests including Preparing Students for the Metaverse by Niall Statham, Head of Innovation in Hartland Internation School, Metaverse in Education Roadmap by Dr Inas Sobhy, Chief Intelligence Officer of Badr University, When is the Metaverse better than real life for learning by David Judge, Executive Creative Director of Space Zero, and Story Living in the Metaverse: From classroom to mass communication Clyde DeSouza, Creative Technologist of Dirrogate Labs. NFTs are another critical point of conversation and this too will be delved into deeply with topics like NFTs & The Registrar: Transcripts, Report Cards and Diplomas by Jessica Lee, Curriculum Coordinator and Dr Claire Shea, Deputy Superintendent of American Creativity Academy, Avatar Theory & The Psychology of Virtual Identities by Steve Bambury, Web3 and Metaverse Consultant, and Turning your digital vision into strategy and practical implementation by Al Kingsley, CEO of NetSupport and Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust. One can watch as Yasmeen Suleiman, a student of Hartland International School creates an NFT in real time, using the digital art skills she has perfected. GESS Dubai attendees can also look forward to the AI and Robotics sessions led by field-experts such as Yves Khalil, Higher Education Director of Microsoft Middle East and Africa on Bringing Innovation in Higher Education with Mixed Reality/Augmented Reality; Dennis Kembeitz, CEO of EZ-Robot on Steps to increase girls enrolment in robotics & STEM education; Sreejit Chakrabarty, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from GEMS Dubai American Academy on Emerging Tech Integration in K12 - Why? When? How?; Abhinand Chincholi, President and CEO of OneOrigin Inc on AI & Immersive Reality defining the new face for Education; and Massrat Shaikh, Educational Psychologist of Al Ahlam Training and Higher Education Services on EdTech The Route to Equality for Special Educational Needs Learners. Standout exhibitors Some of the standout exhibitors that provide groundbreaking and tested edtech solutions are GlobePoint (Korea) that has developed VR and AR-based smart-learning contents and platforms centered on games like Minecraft Education; OneOrigin (US) that will showcase the worlds first extended reality solution called AcceL; Artificial Intelligence Technologies (UAE) with a wide selection of products for AI, AR and VR; Coding First (Armenia) that boasts a curriculum empowering kids and youth with the competitive advantage in an AI-ruled future; and Alef Education (UAE) award-winning pioneers of a personalised and digital-first K12 education.-- TradeArabia News Service Four Assistant U.S. Attorneys have been tapped to take the lead on complaints involving voter fraud, intimidation and voting rights concerns ahead of the Nov. 8 election in Wisconsin, the U.S. Department of Justice said. The four officials will be in charge of their districts complaints on election day, taking over cases involving voting right violations, threats towards election officials or staff, and election fraud. They will also be overseeing any violations against the Voting Rights Act, such as voter intimidation or bribery, buying votes, ballot box stuffing, altering tallies, or marking ballots without the voters permission. U.S. Assistant Attorneys Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor will oversee complaints in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, based in Milwaukee. Daniel Graber and Meredith Duchemin will field complaints in the Western District of Wisconsin, based in Madison. "Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy," Western District Attorney Timothy O'Shea said. "We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice." The Department of Justice has a longstanding election day program that "seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process" by connecting concerned citizens with federal officials. On election day, all violent crimes or intimidation should be directly reported to 911 as state and local police maintain primary jurisdiction over polling places, the Department of Justice said. Complaints can also be made directly to the Civil rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by filling out the online reporting form. The FBI will also have agents in its field offices across Wisconsin to help field election complaints. Local FBI field offices can be reached at 414-276-4684. Wisconsin's four district election officers can be reached at the following numbers for election related concerns: Ladwig with the Eastern District at 414-297-4103 Kovoor with the Eastern District at 414-297-1721 Graber with the Western District at 608-250-5468 Duchemin with the Western District at 608-250-5496 1. Yes. Using marijuana odor to determine probable cause is vital to police investigations. 2. Yes. As the ordinance is written, it targets police; that shouldnt be allowed to stand. 3. No. The council should leave the ordinance alone and respect the will of the voters. 4. No. The council should repeal the ordinance altogether. It conflicts with state law. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say how the council should proceed on addressing the ordinance. Vote View Results Sage, a leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses, has completed the acquisition of Spherics, a carbon accounting solution to help businesses easily reduce their environmental impact. The acquisition reinforces Sages commitment to sustainability, in line with its purpose of knocking down barriers so everyone can thrive. Sage has pledged to fight climate change and help protect the planet, by halving its own emissions by 2030 and becoming net zero by 2040, by supporting SMBs to get to net zero, and by advocating for policy and regulatory frameworks to support the transition to a low carbon economy. Spherics automates the process of calculating emissions by ingesting data from a customers accounting software and matching transactions to emission factors to create an initial estimate of their carbon footprint. The software then guides the customer to refine this estimate by submitting further data for a more accurate calculation - supporting SMBs on their journey to net zero. Key milestone We know that SMBs care about the impact they have on the environment, and our research shows that they want to work with suppliers and partners that can help them understand and address it, said Amaya Souarez, EVP Cloud Operations, Sage. The acquisition of Spherics represents an important milestone in our sustainability strategy. By combining Spherics innovative software with Sage's digital network, we are connecting businesses with their customer and supplier emissions data, enabling easy and collaborative climate action across value chains which helps to reduce carbon. Our vision and mission align very much with Sages core values, and we are excited to embark on this new journey to help SMBs knock down barriers to a more sustainable future. Global emissions are still rising fast, and we need immediate and meaningful climate action across the world, said George Sandilands, CEO & Co-founder, Spherics. Together with Sage we will be able to make a global impact on greenhouse gas emissions by supporting millions of businesses on their journey to net-zero. Spherics also helps SMBs apply carbon emission factors to procurement categories (such as delivery, accommodation, electricity and travel) to estimate the associated carbon footprint of a transaction. This approach supports customers with spend-based analysis and aligns with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the globally agreed standard for measuring carbon emissions. Uniquely positioned Pieter Bensch, Executive Vice-President, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia at Sage said: With this acquisition, Sage is uniquely positioned to enable millions of businesses to accelerate their transition to a more sustainable way of doing business and adapt to the new regulations and customer expectations. A companys ability to integrate sustainability metrics into its growth strategy and to demonstrate its sustainability credentials transparently is becoming a strong differentiator globally, said Mickey North Rizza, Group Vice President, Enterprise Software, IDC. We see companies moving towards more integrated, business outcome-driven ways of incorporating sustainability into every step of the business life cycle and our studies show that organisations are investing in many application areas directly related to sustainability and ESG initiatives in the following months. In particular, the applications of supply chain, finance, and ERP are at the top of this investment with some of the largest benefits of elevated productivity, increased profitability, and decreased costs." Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Spherics will continue to be available as a market solution that integrates with Sage and other accounting software providers in the UK.-- TradeArabia News Service MENOMONIE The plight of Nicaraguans living under an authoritarian regime will be the focus of a presentation at University of Wisconsin-Stout to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. Professor Analisa DeGrave, who teaches Latin American literature and civilization and Spanish language courses at UW-Eau Claire, will present Art and Performance as Resistance to Authoritarianism in 21st Century Nicaragua at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Willow/Walnut Room of the Memorial Student Center. The event, sponsored by Latinos Unidos, a UW-Stout student organization, is free and open to the public. Whether in Nicaragua or in exile, Nicaraguans use art and performance to raise awareness concerning the violation of human rights in their country, said DeGrave. She will address what the word authoritarianism means in the context of todays Nicaragua, ruled by President Daniel Ortega, as well as how the political and humanitarian crisis of April 2018 impacted the country. Through the first six months of this year, a record 111,000 Nicaraguans seeking asylum were encountered entering the U.S., compared with about 51,000 in all of 2021. In September, U.S Customs Border and Patrol Commissioner Chris Magnus said, Failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba are driving a new wave of migration across the Western Hemisphere, including the recent increase in encounters at the southwest U.S. border. Alejandro Calixto Martinez, president of Latinos Unidos, said its important to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month at UW-Stout. The Latino community has played an important role throughout the history of the United States. Moreover, Latinos represent approximately 19% of the U.S. population. Many people know they are of Hispanic heritage, but they do not know much about the culture, he said. Latinos Unidos has about 175 members this year, Martinez said. It provides an opportunity for these students to learn about their roots and hopefully provide a space for them to come and have fun. Martinez, from Reedsburg, is a senior majoring in hotel, restaurant and tourism management. Vice President Jonathan Romero is a senior from Beloit. While working with rural watershed restoration projects across the Driftless Area and western Wisconsin for the past 20 years, I have seen Brad Pfaff work effectively on key conservation and Farm Bill issues. The Farm Bill is the nations largest conservation funding source, as well as a major source of help for farmers in reducing soil loss, improving water quality and leasing public access to private lands for hunters and anglers. In 2023 the Farm Bill will be re-authorized by Congress for the next five years. Brad Pfaff wont need to be educated about its purposes, history and crucial importance to the Third Congressional District. Earlier re-authorizations helped bring millions of dollars to the Driftless Area for stabilizing eroding streambanks and improving fish habitat and water quality. As staff member to Rep. Kind, Brad Pfaff has already contributed to past Farm Bills, and as the Wisconsin director of the USDAs Farm Service Agency, he worked on the implementation of all its components. As a member of Congress, he will be well-qualified to become the only member of the states delegation to serve on the important House Agriculture Committee. We need a Congressional representative who knows how the House of Representatives and the Farm Bill work and wont need to be trained. Our third district representatives have been strong on farm issues for over 50 years. Brad Pfaff will represent our district well, and I urge your vote to support him. John (Duke) Welter, Viroqua The Bangor School Board got a pleasant fiscal surprise during a Wednesday board meeting. The board received updated budget information showing that the school district mill rate will drop by 87 cents per thousand over the previous estimate. The news comes less than three weeks before Bangor School District voters head to the polls to decide a $24 million building/renovation project. The district had originally projected school taxes on a $100,000 property would increase by $60 a year if the referendum passes. The revised figures show taxes would decrease by $27 if voters approve. The projection is based on a tax rate of $9.50 per $1,000. If the referendum fails, school taxes would fall to $8.34 per $1,000. The school board will meet Oct. 27 to approve both levies pending the referendum result. The updated information from the state is great news for the district and taxpayers, said school district superintendent David Brokopp. This creates an exciting opportunity for Bangor schools to address needs with even less tax impact on our community than we originally anticipated. If approved, the referendum will fund additions and remodeling projects at the elementary school, the combined middle school/high school and the old school gym. Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area is one of more than 230 Habitat for Humanity affiliates awarded a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation as part of its nationwide initiative to help low to moderate income families build and improve their homes across the U.S. Habitat La Crosse received a $30,000 grant to help build and renovate one home in La Crosse and another home in Spring Grove, Minnesota. At least one in 10 households in Wisconsin spend over half of their income on housing and the number of families who are struggling to afford rent is on the rise. This national partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo allows funds to funnel down to the grassroots level. Local housing needs count on local support, which is why our long-standing partnership with Wells Fargo in La Crosse is so important and so rewarding, says Habitat La Crosse executive director KahyaFox. At Wells Fargo, we believe everyone deserves an opportunity to have a quality, affordable place to call home, said Tony Nguyen, regional banking director, Wells Fargo. Were proud of our long-standing work with Habitat for Humanity to increase the supply of homes that are affordable and help more people realize the dream of homeownership. This funding is part of a $7.75 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International through the Wells Fargo Builds program to support the construction, renovation and repairing of more than 350 affordable homes across the U.S. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that partners with homeowners and the community to build simple, decent, and affordable housing. For more information, to become a volunteer, or to make a donation, visit Habit La Crosses website at www.habitatlacrosse.org or call 608-785-2373. Hurricane Ian barreled ashore with winds of up to 150 mph (240 kph) on Floridas southwest coast on Sept. 28, 2022. The storms powerful winds and torrential rains reduced entire communities to rubble, killing more than 120 people, including many who drowned in floodwaters resulting from the nearly 18-foot (5.5-meter) storm surge. Bridges connecting Sanibel, Captiva and other barrier islands with the mainland flooded and crumbled, isolating those areas. Estimates of the economic toll are still preliminary. But as a historian who studies South Floridas cities and environment, Im certain that the havoc Ian wreaked will make it among the worst storms on record, along with Harvey and Maria in 2017 and Katrina in 2005. And based on how Florida has responded to similar devastation in the past, I highly doubt that Ian will do much to slow the pace of the states rapid population growth in the near future. Snowbirds are changing their routes Over 22 million people currently live in Florida. Thats about 37% more than the 16 million who resided in the state in 2000. And demographers project that the population will continue increasing, to about 25 million within the next decade. But many Florida residents spend only the winter months there, returning when the climate warms up back home. In the weeks that followed the storm, analysts were predicting that most of these annual short-term residents called snowbirds will not forgo their annual voyage. Instead, many say theyll simply shift their migratory course and land somewhere else in Florida. South Florida real estate agents are bracing for stronger-than-usual demand for seasonal rentals in Dade and Broward counties on Floridas southeast coast, which escaped Ians wrath. The extra interest is leading to further spikes in the already overheated real estate markets in places like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Todays new and part-time Floridians are drawn by the same factors that have lured settlers and snowbirds for a century: warm weather and waterfront views, along with lower taxes and fewer regulations than in other parts of the country. Draining the swampland Early developers didnt let inhospitable environments deter them. In the decades after the Civil War, they transformed the peninsular states mosquito-ridden, alligator-occupied swampland into hotels, homesteads and farmland. Florida promoters lured tourists and settlers alike with promises of wealth, land and leisure, whether their sales pitches had to do with citrus and sugar, or sun and sand. Engineers used modern technology to accomplish the large-scale transformation and make way for unprecedented land speculation and development. Everglades drainage began in earnest in the 1880s when a wealthy Philadelphian named Hamilton Disston created the Okeechobee Land Co. to develop a system of canals that would facilitate land reclamation. Disston purchased over 4 million acres the state had designated as uninhabitable swampland in exchange for US$1 million and his promise to transform it. In 1881, The New York Times called this the largest purchase of land ever made by a single person in the world. His gambit sparked Floridas first real estate boom. Disston sent brochures around the country, and to people as far away as Scotland, Denmark, Germany and Italy, that touted Floridas inexhaustibly rich lands and an equitable and lovely climate where merely to live is a pleasure, a luxury heretofore accessible only to millionaires, according to Frank B. Sessas 1950 history of greater Miami. Disston and others began selling reclaimed land to railroads, farming interests and land developers. By the early 20th century, inland drainage was giving rise to the sugar, citrus and winter vegetable industries. The drainage made it possible for the railroad magnates Henry Flagler and Henry Plant to extend their railroads to southeast and southwest Florida, respectively. Train travel greatly expanded opportunities for tourists and new residents by the late 19th century. Stormy weather from the start Attempts to control water on the ground, however, couldnt curtail weather-related hazards. In 1926, a hurricane slammed into Miami, leaving more than 390 people dead and causing property damage of more than $76 million. A Western Union telegram from Jessie Wirth Munroe, a survivor, read like a text from someone who had endured Hurricane Ian: We are safe. Water front completely destroyed. Subsequent storms wrought greater devastation. A 1928 hurricane killed over 2,500 people just south of Lake Okeechobee, most of them Black farmworkers laboring in the new agricultural town of Belle Glade, which was washed away. In 1935, a Labor Day storm hit the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in the Florida Keys, where workers, many of them World War I veterans, were building a highway that would link mainland Florida to Key West. Clinging to beds, using mattresses as overhead cover, the people of the Keys had watched large rocks roll about like pebbles, buildings crumble like houses of cards, water lift up houses and carry them off, wrote Helen Muir, a journalist who moved to Miami in 1934 and chronicled the citys growth. The hurricane moved in like a giant mowing machine and leveled everything. No stopping the newcomers Yet people kept coming, especially after World War II and the advent of widespread air conditioning. Many of the close to 3 million people who arrived between 1940 and 1960 were veterans who had trained in South Florida during World War II. In addition, millions more immigrated from the Caribbean and Latin America as transportation become easier and cheaper. In particular, people fleeing political persecution and economic instability in places such as Cuba, Haiti and, more recently, Venezuela and Central America have settled in Florida. Rebuilding and rebuilding Though each storm seemed to threaten the population boom, the new arrivals tended to stick around. Civic boosters, business leaders and policymakers have invariably promised to rebuild. After Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 storm, slammed into South Florida in 1992, the state imposed a stronger and more uniform building code. The authorities invested in additional storm preparedness efforts after the spate of hurricanes hit the state in 2004. Could these patterns change after Hurricane Ian? Windstorm insurance premiums were climbing beyond the reach of many homeowners before it hit. Analysts predict that premiums will continue to rise, making it harder for residents to afford to remain in Florida and even more challenging for new homebuyers to secure policies. It remains to be seen if the pro-growth mentality and belief in technological innovation that have shaped Floridas history can forestall the challenges of climate change and the increasingly severe storms it brings about in the decades ahead. ___ Robin Faith Bachin receives funding from JPMorgan Chase and Co., Miami-Dade County Department of Public Housing and Community Development. ___ Students from the Winona Senior High School club UNITED this week hosted a vigil for women in Iran at Windom Park in Winona. Showing solidarity and support for the protests over womens freedom in Iran, the vigil consisted of candles, posters, an open-mic and a chance for discussion and education. After the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested and accused of revealing her hair, anti-government protests have erupted in Iran. Protesting for womens rights and against the patriarchal structures in the country, acts of protest chants, marches, middle fingers and removal of head scarves have been taking place in Iran and acts of solidarity around the world. The WSHS club UNITED was found last year by students Freyja Wolfe and Carly Decker, and stands for UNICEF National and International Transformation Education and Discussion. Their mission statement reads: a student led organization with the purpose to better our community and the world through projects aimed at those in need. Wolfe, a senior at WSHS, said the group did work last school year to support Ukrainians in the form of vigils and fundraising for refugees when the war in Ukraine started and are continuing this year with support and solidarity for the protests in Iran. We are a group of students who are trying our best to do what we can to help global issues, said Wolfe. Its easy to feel powerless because we cant be there, obviously. But to be able to do something to show solidarity and garner support and talk to people that know more and that we can learn from about what we can be doing. Decker, another senior at WSHS, said she has heard criticisms from people asking what the group can actually do to help issues happening across the world. Youre there to show solidarity and to show people that you care. Decker said. Ive had Ukrainians reach out, (after the vigils last spring,) and say that thats what they want to see. They want to see people are understanding and seeing whats going on with this issue and they have people supporting them. Wolfe said the clubs main focus is to help global issues, with education and activism, by connecting their own lives to people across the globe and to acknowledge similarities and differences and to not let them divide us. Solutions to these issues are not single faceted, Wolfe said. It requires a lot of different acts and things even considered just small. But these things help enact change and further the conversation and show support. The vigil for Women in Iran was great, Decker shared. It gave the group the opportunity to learn more about whats going on and to listen to people born in Iran that were at the event. I had the chance to speak to a woman that was born in Iran, said Decker. She told me that the vigil showed her that she wasnt alone in Winona. And that is something that fuels me to keep doing work with the club, it shows that people care. Wolfe said she hopes the group will continue for years to come. I remember distinctly one of our teachers was talking about how she had noticed that there seems to be a lot more people our age realizing that Iranians, specifically women our age, are our friends and allies, Wolfe said. It was comforting to hear that because when we get to these basic issues of human rights, self-determination, and bodily autonomy, its very much true that we are allies and friends and connect in that way. When it comes to moving vehicles, Madisons traffic signals are among the most efficient in the nation, according to a new study. Researchers at Texas A&Ms Transportation Institute found Madison drivers are nearly twice as likely to hit a green light as a red light, spend less time waiting and are only half as likely as drivers in other large cities to get stuck at an intersection for more than one cycle. Relieving congestion isnt just a matter of convenience, said Kartik Jha, a Texas A&M research scientist and co-author of the study. When traffic flows smoothly, vehicles run more efficiently, lowering greenhouse gas emissions as well as air and noise pollution. Everybodys time is precious, Jha said. But the environmental impacts are huge. City traffic engineer Yang Tao said the study provides useful information, but adds its only one measure of success. Our system goal is really not just to look at most efficiency for motor vehicles, Tao said. Our goal is to create a multimodal system. Providing people choices. Some choose to drive. Others choose to walk or bike. The study relies on a new source of big data to analyze traffic flows at a scale that would be impractical using traditional methods, which rely on equipment to measure traffic volumes, cameras to calculate velocity, and often a traffic engineer on the side of the road. That is much more expensive, Jha said. You cant do that at every intersection throughout an area or across the U.S. The method Jha and his fellow researchers used anonymized location data generated by cellphones, GPS devices, Bluetooth signals and other wireless technologies to analyze movement patterns at roughly 210,000 traffic lights in more than 100 cities across the country. They were able to determine how many vehicles were moving through an intersection at any 15-minute interval, how fast they were going, how long they were stopped and even whether they could get through the intersection in a single cycle. The researchers then calculated an efficiency index for each city based on the share of vehicles that arrived at lights that were green. The national average was 1.7, meaning a driver is 1.7 times more likely to get a green light. With an index of 1.1, Fresno, California, had the least efficient lights, giving drivers a roughly equal chance of hitting red or green. Boulder, Colorado, had the highest index, 2.6. Madisons ratings The Madison areas 407 lights scored 1.9, fourth-best among comparably sized cities and 22nd out of 101 urban areas evaluated. The average delay was just 13 seconds, four seconds less than the national average. Only three other cities had shorter delays. Madison drivers get stuck in intersections for more than one cycle just 0.2% of the time, half the national average. In general, the study found areas with more traffic lights tended to be more efficient at moving traffic, though Jha points out that geographic constraints and other factors make it hard to compare one city with another. For example, college towns like Madison often put more emphasis on pedestrian safety. Every city will have different goals, Jha said. Theres no right or wrong. Unintended consequences Madisons high score is not necessarily a good thing, said Chris McCahill, managing director of the State Smart Transportation Initiative and member of the citys Transportation Commission and Transportation Policy and Planning Board. Keeping cars moving quickly is only one metric of success that is often at odds with other goals such as safety. Longer green lights can make it harder for bus riders, pedestrians and cyclists to get across a busy road, and increased traffic speeds make collisions deadlier. We might have reasons we dont want traffic moving as fast as possible, McCahill said. Focus on vehicular traffic often leads to a circular argument, said Robbie Webber, a mobility advocate and retired transportation policy analyst. People drive in part because they dont feel safe using other forms of transportation, because its not convenient, Webber said. People drive because they dont have a choice. And while gridlock is a problem, McCahill notes promoting traffic flow has unintended consequences. For the most part, improvements in traffic flow look good until you zoom out to the macro level, McCahill said. Even though you might see environmental benefits from keeping cars (moving), the bigger picture tends to be that, once you do that, more people drive. But in one of the states fastest-growing areas, Tao said system efficiency is a way to move more people without widening roads, and if done right it can free up road space for bikes, pedestrians and buses. It almost feels like a contradiction, Tao said. They really go hand in hand. Promising results The studys findings were also limited by the timing: The data were collected during a single week in October 2020, when many workplaces and college campuses were closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But while traffic volumes have generally returned to pre-pandemic levels, McCahill points out the increase in remote and hybrid workplaces has reduced peaks, especially in the morning rush hour. If were still measuring delay in the way we used to, its going to look very different now, he said. Jha notes the study was not intended to rank cities but rather to show that its possible to use crowdsourced location data to identify problem intersections, which they can then fine-tune using more traditional methods. The findings actually show promising results, Jha said. McCahill hopes to see future studies take a more inclusive look. Weve been seeing data from cellphones being used to get information about people walking and biking, he said. Thats where some of the really exciting work is happening. EDGE Group, one of the worlds top 25 advanced technology groups for defence and beyond, will present its leading advanced technology solutions at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX), to be held at Aqaba Gate Aviation, King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan, from November 1 to 3. EDGE will use its presence at the event to strengthen its partnerships within the local industry ecosystem, drive support for indigenous defence production in Jordan, as well as to showcase its range of capabilities and advanced technology solutions, the company said in a statement. Mansour AlMulla, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, said: EDGE welcomes the opportunities that SOFEX creates for us, engaging in trade and solidifying our strategic relationships, while also offering a platform to present our advanced products and solutions. We look forward to taking part in SOFEX this year. During the Exhibition, EDGE will be displaying innovative solutions that meet mission requirements of both armed forces and special forces. Tailored solutions providing high levels of mission flexibility will be featured at our stand, exemplifying EDGEs advanced designs and manufacturing capabilities. SOFEX provides an ideal platform to strengthen the pivotal role that EDGE seeks to play in regional and international security arena. From the Missiles & Weapons cluster, AL TARIQ, a world-class manufacturer of mission-proven, precision-guided munitions, will feature subscale versions of its AL TARIQ-S (Standard Range) and AL TARIQ-LR (Long Range) advanced, modular, air-to-surface munitions, along with its GNSS/INS, semi-active laser and imaging infrared seeker options. CARACAL will showcase its flagship assault rifle, the CAR 816 in 10.5 and 14.5 barrel lengths, the CARACAL EF combat pistol and the CMP 9 submachine gun in standard and short versions. The CAR 817 DMR and CSR 338 sniper rifles will also be exhibited, underscoring CARACALs innovative approach to producing accurate, modular firearms designed for reliability in the most demanding environments. HALCON, a regional leader in manufacturing precision weapons systems and solutions, will be showcasing its HUNTER hand-launched and HUNTER 2 tube-launched loitering munitions. Additionally, leading ammunitions company, LAHAB LIGHT AMMUNITION, will display its full range of small calibre ammunition, including 9mm, 5.56mm, 7.62mm and 12.7mm ammunition in multiple grains and variants such as tracer, armour piercing, and full metal jacket. The UAEs leading Electronic Warfare and Intelligence solutions provider, SIGN4L, will showcase its GNSS anti-jamming system, GPS-PROTECT, its sophisticated NAVCONTROL-G spoofing system, its V-PROTECT radio frequency (RF) communication jamming system, and its WIFINDER-H and ACTIVECELL-V homeland security solutions. SOFEX continues to grow as a specialised defence exhibition, showcasing and demonstrating new equipment and technologies that aid international special operations and homeland security decision makers and armed forces in maintaining domestic, regional and international security. With over 400 military delegations and over 34 countries in attendance, SOFEX provides an ideal opportunity for EDGE to highlight its innovative Made in the UAE products and solutions. Attendees of SOFEX can visit EDGE and its participating entities at its stand within the UAE Pavilion.--TradeArabia News Service This article appears in the October 21, 2022 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. [Print version of this article] For World Peace: Stop the Danger of Nuclear War! Second Seminar of Current and Former Elected Officials of the World Oct. 12The Schiller Institute released the following invitation today to the Second Seminar of Current and Former Elected Officials of the World, which will take place on Thursday, October 27, 2022, 10:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. (EDT). The conference will be held in Conference Room E of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies in Mexico City, Mexico. There will be Zoom-based international participation with English-Spanish simultaneous interpretation. Eight months into the war between Russia and Ukraine, with the active role of the United States and NATO, there are many dead and wounded, great destruction of all sorts of property, and very damaging economic and social consequences in Europe and the whole world, creating shocks which are worsening the very profound problems of the world economy, with consequences of a worsening crisis and greater unemployment, poverty, and hunger. It is known that this war can have far more serious consequences than what we are already suffering, including massive destruction and a crisis of global proportions never before seen, because it can lead to a confrontation with nuclear weapons between Russia and the United States and NATO. Among the growing voices calling for a sensible approach, we highlight that of Pope Francis, calling for a negotiated, peaceful solution. The undersigned political and social leaders, current and former legislators, and other elected officials from various countries, urge Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and NATO to reach an agreement which, first of all, rejects the growing loose talk about the possible use of nuclear weapons and reaffirms the fundamental commitment of the Reagan-Gorbachev Formula of 1985, that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. To be lasting, such an agreement must also establish a new international security architecture that recognizes and respects the legitimate security interests of all the planets nations. We recognize and emphasize that Russia, like the United States, NATO, Ukraine, and all countries, has legitimate security concerns which must be taken into account and become one of the cornerstones of that new security architecture. A return to the successful principles of the 1648 Peace of Westphaliarespect for sovereignty, commitment to the good of the other, and forgiveness of debts that make true economic development impossibleis the kind of architecture we seek today. The common good of the One Humanity is the obligatory premise for the good of each and every nation. In that way, among all the nations of the world, we will be able to help build an organization of citizens in collective global action, and establish ourselves that way as a force to influence the international policy debate. We call on people of good will around the worldnotwithstanding our diverse and natural differencesto participate in this process of deliberation and search for peaceful solutions, including a thorough examination of the alternative economic policies to replace speculation, which has generated so much poverty and suffering, with a system of production and progress to meet the needs of a growing world population. We reject all attempts to limit, intimidate, or prohibit such a deliberative process. And we call on the United States, NATO, Ukraine, and Russia to advance in the direction that we present in this respectful call. Signers: Donald Ramotar (Guyana); former President (20112015), former member of parliament (19922011) Helga Zepp-LaRouche (Germany); founder, Schiller Institute Jorge Robledo (Colombia); former Senator (20022022) Maria de los Angeles Huerta (Mexico); former Congresswoman (20182021) Dr. Kirk Meighoo (Trinidad & Tobago); former independent Senator (2004) Dr. Rodolfo Ondarza (Mexico); former Representative, Mexico City Legislative Assembly (20152018) Diane Sare (U.S.); LaRouche Independent candidate for the U.S. Senate from New York (2022) This transcript appears in the October 21, 2022 issue of Executive Intelligence Review. [Print version of this transcript] Jacques Cheminade Optimism: To Recover from Our Mortal Illness This is the edited transcript of the presentation by Jacques Cheminade as part of Panel 4, The Art of Optimism: Using the Classical Principle To Change the World, of the Schiller Institutes Sept. 1011, 2022 Conference, Inspiring Humanity To Survive the Greatest Crisis in World History. Mr. Cheminade is the President of the French political party, Solidarite et Progres, and a three-time candidate for President of France. Subheads have been added. The full video of Panel 4 is available here. View full size Schiller Institute Jacques Cheminade The Lesson of Lazare Carnot Enthusiasm, love of beauty! Sublime blossoming of great souls. These are two short verses of Lazare Carnots poem, Ode to Enthusiasm. Carnot was a key figure of the French Revolution, known as the Organizer of Victory. He defeated the coalition of four European feudal regimes against the Revolution. But he was much more than a General. It was he who inspired the Ecole Polytechnique, which later became the model for Americas West Point Military Academy. He was also the first scientist to coin the term physical economy. Beyond that, he wrote poems such as this ode to celebrate the creative powers of human beings acting for the common good. I am starting my speech with this, first because enthusiasm is the highest expression of human optimism; second because his poems explicitly refer to Friedrich Schiller; and third because Lyndon LaRouche always mentioned him as a homo universalis, an explorer of all fields of knowledge, exploring to ensure the advantage of the other. Carnot reached the top of glory during his lifetime, after fighting both the internal and external enemies of the Revolution, the bloodthirsty barbarians at the French Convention, for example, and was finally thrown out of France and exiled to Magdeburg, Germany. Despite the lack of recognition from his own compatriots, he never complained, and fought for his ideas until the last moments of his life, always enthusiastically optimistic, hoping always for the best to happen. His commitment is the secret behind such a relentless optimism, the sublime blossoming emerging in a great soul. The word enthusiasm comes from the ancient Greek in theo, which means the inner God potentially located in each of us. It demands from us to look at the universe in resonance with the best inside ourselves; to look at our capacity to create in resonance with the continuously created universe. It teaches us to be inner-directed by our commitment to the highest causes, and not other-directed by the deadly rumors of public opinion. Look at Johann Sebastian Bachs Jesu, meine Freude. Its pure enthusiastic optimism. Joyjoy at the birth of Christ as a potential for the good and the beautiful. And, Bach adds, may my joy endure, a commitment to keep that joy alive, even among the worst pains and worst dangers. It is hope, hope in the sense of true optimism; it is also one of the three theological virtues in Christianity, along with love and faith. It takes different forms in the main theological and moral moments of human creation: prathidi or apeksh in Hinduism; or in the words of Confucius: Education breeds confidence, confidence breeds hope, hope breeds peace. Pessimism Engenders Death Why is what I am trying to convey to you so key today? Because what you hear everywhere in our Western nations, in the midst of this potentially deadly crisis for humanity, is nothing but different shades of pessimism. They are too powerful; You cant challenge them; I am just a second fiddle, cant you mobilize somebody else?; What youre saying sounds good, but too good to become true, etc. Such pessimism is deadly; it leads to abstention or to impotent rage. This is the true tragedy of our times! When a mobilization is needed to save our nations and humanity, to awaken our people with a program for security and development for all nations; when an opportunity to react is opening up, now, because the crimes of the oligarchy are impacting our own and others private lives, pessimism becomes then our worst enemy. And those who are conscious of the problem, as they themselves say, and do little or nothing, must be called either enemies or prostitutes. Why so? If you do nothing to save others, if you are not optimistic, you refuse to be human, you indulge in the sleep of reason which has already produced monsterslook at Liz Truss, or better, at Jerome Powells speech at Jackson Hole; look at Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden, look at Emmanuel Macron who is a Life in Death algorithm. Look at them! And look at those who pessimistically comment, and do nothing against them: They become part of that crowd, clowns in a slaughterhouse. Pessimism is a crime against humanity and against your own soul. Because if youre pessimistic, you dont think, you have given up your creative powers. Then you side against the principle of reason, the principle of creation, you become a beast worse than any of them. You take things for granted, a pathway to the graveyard of humanity. So lets not go there; it stinks. The Optimism of Prometheanism Lets instead give to our nation, to our society, and to humanity as a whole a share of immortality, as Lyndon LaRouche did, to be freely in resonance with the laws of the universe. Freedom is to discover new principles which are the newborn babies of the mind, to inspire the sublime to confront the worst and win. Sure, the cynics will say, but Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and John Kennedy were murdered. Julian Assange and Lyndon LaRouche were thrown in jail. Well, all of them, each in their own way, have been human and reached their share of immortality, even if, as LaRouche said, they had to physically drink from the cup of Gethsemane. Sometimes your life or your physical freedom is the price to pay to be human. They all shared a higher purpose, and the present state of the world, the threat to see all beautiful things that humanity has created disappear, either through a nuclear war or an economic chaos, or most likely both, compels us to act in the image of those heroes. In that sense, Lyndon LaRouche has been the Prometheus of our two centuries. This is not something with which, as they say in France, we should inflate our sneakers, but a responsibility to pay off a moral debt to future generations incurred by the past ones. Our long history of courageous women and men and creative geniuses, this is what is at stake in being optimistic or pessimistic. The question is, will we take sides with Zeus, or with Prometheus? Zeus power lies in his Pandoras box, full of plagues, diseases, greed, envy, anger, and hatred for human beings, whose creativity he fears as a threat to his own system of power. His policy is to divide and conquer, through an indefinite narrative of family feuds. It is the same with the financial oligarchy imperialists, which perceive the development of China, a China having put an end to poverty, as a threat. Prometheus is not what the greenies of our times somehow believe: power for the sake of power over the universe against the rule of Zeus. Prometheus power lies not in a show of force, but in the principle of creation of the potential of fire. Not for himself, but for future human beings, who do not fear fire and shall use it to act creatively upon the universe, to grow and multiply. Prometheus does not fear sharing his power with human beings, as a meaningful principle of participation in the process of creation, as properly and beautifully expressed in Aeschylus Prometheus. True, Zeuss eagle in the Greek black legend is bound to eat forever the liver of a bound Prometheus. But is it not our task to unbind his principle inside our minds and to act, now, accordingly? If we are pessimistic, we tend to be submerged by the virtual reality of screens and accept the euthanasia of imagination. We fall into the trap of the oligarchy: images and money, perception, frustration, and addiction. Lyndon LaRouche denounced the sex-drug-rock counterculture, and now, we are in the middle of it: the pessimistic escape from reality inflicted upon their children by their boomer and post-boomer mothers and fathers. Optimism is to escape from the prison of an addictive society, our mortal society, based on the greed for money and lust for images, which make you believe that you are an individual, while in reality, both your mind and your savings, are occupied territories! So lets stop thinking that man is a wolf for man. If not, we will become ourselves wolves. Pessimism is intrinsically an evil sickness. Hope, optimism, are the key to recovery, both for an individual and for society as a whole, and our society is mortally sick. From the standpoint of economics, the remedy is a New Bretton Woods benefitting all nationsLaRouches New Bretton Woods. In that sense, the Feb. 4 Joint Statement of Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin is the best approximation of a door opened towards our common future. Compare it to the racist rejection of anything Russian or Chinese, or belonging to the best of their cultures, by the fringe of Western elites associated with the Black Suns of our timesthe Black Suns of our times, whose morbid, nefarious light shines well beyond the borders of Ukraine. Of course, a World Land-Bridge, as a mental and physical metaphor for all humanity, demands much more. It is what Scott Ritter and others demanded recently: to act as one body, to strike back politically at our enemies. This also includes unleashing a wave of laughter, of laughter against them, because laughter is not only a beautiful revenge against undue respect for them; Rabelaisian laughter is unique to ourselves, to free women and men. To change our way of thinking is, therefore, our immediate challenge in order to avoid any setbacks or suicidal mistakes, and fulfill our mission. Let our joy remain, and have fun. U.S. Out to Suppress Bad Russian Behavior Oct. 19, 2022 (EIRNS)During a regular press briefing yesterday, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder painted the United States as the enforcer of good behavior by nations, a posture which requires the suppression of Russia. With regard to Russias special military operation in Ukraine, the strategic question at issue there is can we, as an international community, allow that to happen? Can the United States allow that kind of behavior to be acceptable? And what precedent does it set if it doesif it is permitted? Ryder said. One might have asked the same question of the U.S./NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999, the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, the U.S./NATO bombing of Libya in 2011 and numerous other, if smaller, such military operations. Apparently, when Russia does it its a crime, but when the U.S. and its allies do it, its not even worth mentioning. And so Ryder continued: And so from a strategic standpoint, working again alongside our international allies and partners to support, in this case, Ukraine in their fight to defend their sovereign territory, the consequences of not doing so would portend a very serious national security threatinternational security threat for a very long time to come. This is what it means to impose strategic failure on Moscow. I think the idea here is, again, to compel a nation that might think that, you know, might through military power and taking over nations illegally, theyd be deterred from doing that and that it would be unacceptable and, therefore, not to their strategic advantage or policy to do those kinds of things, he responded to a follow-up question. Such statements, in the context of an ongoing NATO nuclear exercise and an expected Russian nuclear exercise, are dangerous indeed. But Ryder had to admit, despite all the claims against Russian President Vladimir Putin for allegedly rattling the nuclear saber, that there is no evidence that Russia is preparing to employ nuclear weapons in Ukraine. We have not seen anything that would indicate that Russia has made a decision to employ nuclear weapons, he said. And so, you know, again, others have communicated that there would be consequences, but Im not going to get into what those were, other than to say that we stand the watch 24/7 and would be prepared if we had to respond. Konstantin Vorontsov, a deputy director at the Russian Foreign Ministrys department for arms nonproliferation and control, told the UNGA First Committee yesterday that Russia has not and is not threatening Ukraine with nuclear weapons. Russia didnt threaten and isnt threatening Ukraine with nuclear weapons, he said, reported TASS. At the same time, serious concern has been caused by Kievs statements about the possibility of revising the nuclear-free status of Ukraine, which would mean an attempt to acquire nuclear weapons to the detriment of the NPT regime. Given Kievs recent statements about the need for preventive nuclear strikes by NATO countries on Russia, this is doubly unacceptable and categorically impermissible. EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR THURSDAY OCTOBER 20, 2022 The Brits Are Dragging the U.S. and Europe into a Suicidal Nuclear Confrontation with Russia Oct. 19, 2022 (EIRNS)Today, the full Russian National Security Council met for the first time since May. Almost no details of their discussion have been made public at this time. Today, NATOs Steadfast Noon military exercises continued, as did Russias parallel military maneuversboth are drilling nuclear warfare against the other. More ominous still, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace arrived in Washington, D.C. yesterday on a hastily arranged visit to meet with Biden administration officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, under the public cover of discussing Russias use of drones (allegedly supplied by Iran) in the Ukraine theater. One has to assume that drones are not the principal topic under discussion; nuclear war is. Britains Armed Forces Minister James Heappey would only tell Sky News that Wallaces discussions in Washington were particularly grave, and that its beyond belief really, the fact that we are in a time when these sorts of conversations are necessary. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stressed the urgency of the situation and said the high-level conversations could not be carried out over the phone. Asked by the press whether the unscheduled visit was to discuss the nuclear threat, Cleverly deflected: What we do is discuss a full range of how we help the Ukrainians to defend themselves. How does Russia read all of this? Top diplomat Konstantin Vorontsov told the UN General Assemblys First Committee yesterday that Kiev had publicly stated they would attempt to acquire nuclear weapons, and had also made statements about the need for preventive nuclear strikes by NATO countries on Russia. This, Vorontsov stated, is doubly unacceptable and categorically impermissible. Recall that it was Britains then Prime Minister Boris Johnson who travelled to Kiev last April to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and ordered him to pull the plug on any possible negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, which at the time was close at hand. Recall that it was the same Boris Johnson who traveled to Sweden and Finland in May, before NATO took up the issue of their joining the alliance, to sign bilateral mutual military defense pacts with both countries, de facto putting them under NATOs Article 5 umbrella. Recall that it has been British think tanks like RUSI, which argued that a Crimean Missile Crisis is the best way to get Russia to capitulate, and media outlets like The Economist that have insisted on playing a nuclear chicken game with Putin, to get the Russian problem out of the way before turning their attention to the bigger threat of China. Recall that it was King Charlesgood Malthusian that he iswho demanded, when he was still a mere Prince, that warlike measures had to be adopted to deindustrialize and depopulate the entire planet, emphatically including the United States. And above all, never forget that it is the City of London-centered financial system, bursting with $2 quadrillion in unpayable derivatives and other speculative assets, that is demanding the full economic decoupling of the West from China, Russia and India. This policy is already leading to the intentional, physical-economic levelling of continental Europe, with the U.S. following close behind. Scott Ritter, the outspoken former UN weapons inspector and military expert, hit the nail on the head in an interview that Cynthia Pooler conducted with him and LaRouche U.S. Senate candidate, Diane Sare, who so far has been excluded from the Oct. 30 debate between the other two candidates for New Yorks Senate seat: The single issue that she (Sare) raised to get on this list (the ballot), the single issue that motivated 66,000 New Yorkers to sign their names to a petition [to put her on the ballot], was the danger of nuclear war, Ritter insisted. And here we are today, on the brink of a nuclear conflict.... Right now, theres a NATO nuclear exercise taking place that is literally practicing to drop bombs on Russia. Now, Russia responded with their own nuclear weapons exercise that is literally practicing to drop bombs on NATO. The difference here is that Russia does not have a doctrine of preemption; the United States does.... Its imperative that we get people like Diane put in positions of authority where they can bring this issue to the forefront. Turning to Sare, Ritter addressed her directly: Aramco has launched a new program, Taleed, which aims to accelerate the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia helping boost their contribution to economic development and support job creation. The program targets sustainable SME growth across multiple sectors through a portfolio of 20 initiatives, providing a wide range of support from capability building and strategy development to training, market access, advisory services and business planning. It also aims to deliver funding and financial solutions to existing and new businesses through five funds, with a combined capital exceeding SAR 3 billion ($800 million). The funds are being established in collaboration with partners to support SME development in the sustainability, digital, manufacturing, industrial and social innovation domains. Aramco is partnering with a wide range of entities to deliver Taleed initiatives, and the Company has signed 30 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with leading public and private partners to enable development of the SME ecosystem. Amin H. Nasser, Aramco President & CEO, said: Aramco has long been committed to supporting the expansion of the Kingdoms SME ecosystem, which has a critical role to play in Saudi Arabias economic development. Through Taleed, we are working with the public sector, as well as private companies and institutions, to further develop the SME ecosystem and promote entrepreneurship. Our aim is to achieve high levels of excellence among SMEs, which in turn supports our own business and the national economy. Ahmad A. Al-Saadi, Aramco Senior Vice President of Technical Services, said: Our Taleed program is a catalyst for change that aims to elevate the contribution of both existing and new SMEs across multiple sectors, in turn promoting job creation and further enhancing the commercial operating environment. Taleed will provide SMEs with targeted initiatives, complementing Aramcos other major programs designed to enhance the Companys resilient supply chain and the domestic business landscape. These include the Companys flagship localization program iktva, as well as its industrial investments program Namaat, advanced product development center LAB7, and entrepreneurship center Waed. These interlinked programs aim to create a supportive environment in which businesses of all sizes can flourish. The 20 initiatives being offered through Taleed are categorized into three groups: the first focuses on job-matching upskilled local talent, including a National Vocational Apprenticeship Program and a National Freelancing Program, to provide manpower with relevant skills to companies across Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims to enable thousands of jobs across multiple new or growing industries, including steel plate manufacturing, casting and forging, offshore and subsea diving. the second focuses on creating business opportunities for SMEs, including the establishment of world-class integrated parks in nine cities across Saudi Arabia targeting untapped fields such as agriculture, artisans and cloud kitchens. Other components include the establishment of a National Artisans Company to address challenges faced by artisans; a Smart Shared Services initiative; a Carbon Utilization National SME Program; Sustainable City Development initiative; Value Chain Services in Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries initiative; Home Construction Inspection initiative; and Industrial E-Marketplace initiative. the third focuses on supporting SMEs and enabling the ecosystem. This includes an SME Excellence Program to help SMEs sustain and grow their business, and 150 SMEs have already been enrolled to mark the launch of Taleed. Ultimately, Taleeds sustainable growth program is expected to benefit as many as 15,000 SMEs annually. Other components include an SME Mentorship program; SME Leadership Development Program; SME Net-Zero Carbon Program; National E-Commerce SME Support Platform; SME Digital Enterprise Solutions initiative; Customized Logistics Solutions for SMEs initiative; Regional SME Association; SME of the Year Awards; and SME Business Hackathon. Coinciding with Taleeds launch, a ceremony was held to recognize companies that have demonstrated a commitment to hiring trained Saudi employees and supporting SMEs, academies and institutions working to upskill Saudi talent, as well as outstanding graduates from these institutions.- TradeArabia News Service Astronomers have observed the brightest burst of light ever seen, from an event that happened 2.4 billion light-years from Earth. A light year is about 9.4 trillion kilometers. The scientists say the burst was probably caused when a black hole formed. Gamma rays are among the most intense forms of electromagnetic radiation. The burst was first noted by orbiting telescopes on Sunday. Scientists across the world are continuing to observe its effects. Astrophysicist Brendan O'Connor spoke to the French News Agency. He said gamma ray bursts that last hundreds of seconds, as this one did, are thought to be caused when massive stars explode. Such stars are about 30 times the size of the Sun. The massive star explosion, called a supernova, results in a massive black hole. A disk of matter forms around the black hole as it falls inside the massive object. Energy is also expelled away from the black hole in a jet. The expelled energy moves at 99.99 percent the speed of light. The gamma ray burst released photons carrying a record amount of energy. It affected longwave radio communications in Earth's ionosphere. "It's really breaking records, both in the amount of photons, and the energy of the photons that are reaching us," said O'Connor. The scientist used infrared instruments on the Gemini South telescope in Chile to take new observations recently. "Something this bright, this nearby, is really a once-in-a-century event," he added. "Gamma ray bursts in general release the same amount of energy that our sun produces over its entire lifetime in just a few seconds, he noted. And this event is the brightest gamma ray burst," OConner said. The gamma ray burst was first found by telescopes including NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and the Wind spacecraft on Sunday. 1.9 billion-year-old movie The burst came from the direction of the constellation Sagitta and traveled an estimated 1.9 billion years to reach Earth. That is less than the current distance of its starting point because of the expansion of the universe. Observing the event now is like watching a 1.9 billion-year-old recording of those events. Astronomers have the rare chance to learn more about black hole formation and other mysteries. O'Connor works with the University of Maryland and George Washington University. He said he and others will continue watching for the expected signs of supernovas at different wavelengths. The researchers aim to confirm that their theory about the bursts beginnings is correct, and that the event obeys the laws of physics. Supernova explosions are also predicted to be responsible for producing heavy elements such as gold, platinum and uranium. Astronomers will also be hunting for those heavy metals. Im Caty Weaver. Agence France-Presse reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story black hole n. the remnant of a massive star which has such powerful gravity that even light cannot escape astrophysicist n. a scientist who studies the physical and chemical properties and structure of stars and outer space objects disk n. a flat, round object photon n. a particle of light ionosphere n. a part of the atmosphere from 70 to 400 kilometers above the Earth in which the suns radiation affects the transmission of radio waves infrared n. a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that cannot be seen with the human eye constellation n. a group of start that form a shape in the sky and that has a name and often a story about it _________________________________________________________________ What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. Liz Truss has resigned as UK prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party , a BBC report quoting a statement said. Her departure after 45 days in office makes her the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history. In a statement outside Downing Street, she said she could not deliver the mandate on which she was elected as Tory leader and had notified the King that she was resigning, BBC said. Truss's premiership has been in turmoil since her mini-budget last month, which rocked markets and was later scrapped by her new chancellor Jeremy Hunt. The resignation of her home secretary on Wednesday and a chaotic vote in the Commons sealed her fate, said BBC. Her former leadership rival Rishi Sunak is the bookmakers' favourite to take over in No 10, followed by Penny Mordaunt and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, it said. Chancellor Hunt has already ruled himself out of the race, while former PM Boris Johnson is fourth favourite to return to Downing Street, BBC said. "We set out a vision for a low tax, high growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance," said Truss in her statement. "We have continued to stand with Ukraine and to protect our own security. "I recognise however that, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty The King to notify him that I am resigning as Leader of the Conservative Party," she said. "There will be a leadership election to be completed in the next week. This will ensure we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our countrys economic stability and national security," she said. "I will remain as Prime Minister until a successor has been chosen." A Conservative leadership election will be completed within the next week, she said. "I will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen," she said. In the Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, young people perform dance moves that were once criticized by some as immoral. This kind of dance, known as breakdancing, is now seen as a way of helping young people deal with years of war in the Palestinian territory. The moves - with names like top rock and down rock - are part of a training program by Gaza instructor Ahmed Al-Ghraiz. He says he uses dance as a way to help children get over fears and release tension. The 32-year-old Ghraiz has studied how to deal with trauma. He spent seven years in Europe, where he and some friends put on breakdancing shows to support the Palestinian cause, including Gaza. In the beginning, people in the camp rejected breakdancing and its hip-hop culture. But Ghraiz showed how dance could bring out some of the day-to-day problems experienced by their children and help them deal with their experiences. "Some children come to me and say they are tired, they look withered, which means they neither rest enough nor have a deep sleep. I found that some used to cut themselves, and others avoid social activities," Ghraiz told Reuters. He added that "such sport and such moves support mental and emotional health. Dance is used around the world as a helpful activity alongside traditional support, such as counseling, to ease anxiety, depression, anger and post-trauma difficulty. In 2022, UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, said nearly 500,000 children in Gaza needed mental health support. Children make up about half of Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinian population. "We get afraid, we stay at home, and we fear the noises, from the drones and wars," said 11-year-old Jana Al-Shafe. "Our mental health changed with breakdance. We get entertained when we come here and play with our friends and change our mood," she told Reuters. Breakdancing is generally believed to have been developed among Black and Latino dancers in New York in the 1970s. It became popular worldwide with the rise of hip-hop culture. The dance will be included for the first time as a sport in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Im John Russell. Nidal Almughrabi reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story trauma n. a very difficult or unpleasant experience that causes someone to have mental or emotional problems usually for a long time wither v. to become dry and weak often used figuratively anxiety -- n. fear or nervousness about what might happen drone -- n. a type of small aircraft that flies without a pilot mood -- n. the way someone feels : a person's emotional state British Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned Thursday after only six weeks in office. Truss was brought down by economic policy that shook financial markets and divided her Conservative Party. A party leadership election will be completed within the next week to replace Truss. She will be the shortest-serving prime minister in Britain's history. The earlier record-holder, George Canning, died in office after 119 days in 1827. Truss said, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected. She said, I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. Conservative lawmakers have increasingly called on Truss to step down after she was forced to drop most of her economic policy. The program announced on September 23 sent the British pound lower, creating disorder in the financial markets. Its time for the prime minister to go, said lawmaker Miriam Cates. Another, Steve Double, said of Truss: She isnt up to the job, sadly. And legislator Ruth Edwards said, it is not responsible for the party to allow her to remain in power. Just a day earlier Truss had promised to stay in power, saying she was a fighter and not a quitter. Truss apologized and admitted she had made mistakes during her six weeks in office. But she said that by changing the program she had taken responsibility and made the right decisions in the interest of the countrys economic stability. But Truss could not hold on after a senior minister quit her government and a vote in the House of Commons turned chaotic. Truss was elected leader of the Conservatives and became Prime Minister following the resignation of Boris Johnson. Party lawmakers said her most likely replacement could be former finance minister Rishi Sunak, or Penny Mordaunt, who came third in the race to become the next prime minister six weeks ago. A national election does not have to be held until 2024. But opposition leader Keir Starmer of the Labor Party said, Britain cannot afford the chaos of the Conservatives anymore. We need a general election now. Im Caty Weaver. Hai Do adapted this report for VOA Learning English from Associated Press and Reuters sources. ________________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story mandate n. the power to act that voters give to elected leaders allow v. to permit something to happen chaotic adj. in a state of complete disorder The world's animal populations have decreased by more than two-thirds since 1970, recent research has said. The report comes from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an environmental group based in Switzerland. The WWF used 2018 information from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). The London group provided information on 32,000 wildlife populations which included more than 5,000 species. The researchers found that population sizes had declined by 69 percent on average. They said loss of forests, human exploitation of the environment, pollution, and climate change were the biggest causes of the loss. Land-use change is still the biggest threat to nature, the report said. It added, However, if we are unable to limit warming to 1.5C, climate change is likely to become the dominant cause of biodiversity loss in the coming years. Andrew Terry is the director of conservation and policy at ZSL. This "serious droptells us that nature is unraveling and the natural world is emptying," he said. Wildlife populations in Latin American and the Caribbean Sea area were greatly affected. The scientists said there was a 94 percent drop in those areas in over 50 years. 'Wildlife populations in river and lake habitats decreased the most. Freshwater populations have decreased by an average of 83 percent since 1970. For example, one population of pink river dolphins in the Amazon River area of Brazil fell by 65 percent between 1994 and 2016, the report said. The findings were similar to those in WWF's last report in 2020. Terry said wildlife population sizes continue to decrease at a rate of about 2.5 percent per year. "Nature was in dire straits and it is still in dire straits," said Mark Wright. He is the director of science at WWF-Britain. "The war is definitely being lost." The report calls on leaders and governments to act to deal with the crisis. A nature-positive future needsshifts in how we produce, how we consume, how we govern, and what we finance, it said. In December, delegates from around the world will gather in Montreal, Canada. Their aim will be to create a new plan to protect the world's plants and animals. "We are calling on the rich nations to provide financial support to us to protect our nature," said Alice Ruhweza, WWF's director for Africa. Im Dan Novak. Dan Novak adapted this story based on reporting by Reuters and the WWF report. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story exploit v. to use or get value from something dominant adj. the most important or most influential biodiversity n. the existence of many different kinds of plants and animals in an environment unravel v. to begin to fail habitat n. a place, or kind of place, where plants and animals live naturally dire strait idiom in a very bad situation consume v. to use up Heating costs are rising, details on two cases involving former President Trump and sports highlights are among the topics on today's news podcast. Injazat, the UAE's home-grown technology champion, has signed deals with KSA conglomerate Nesma, with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and with the Arab Youth Centre at the recently concluded Gitex. The first agreement seeks to establish Nesma Injazat a new technology joint venture starting operations this month in Riyadh and Jeddah. Injazat will collaborate with MoHAP to explore a new digital platform that will centralise all primary healthcare needs for patients and providers. Mentor and train youth The third agreement seeks to mentor and train youth in the fields of artificial intelligence, technological innovation, and machine learning. In the presence of Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of Injazat and Faisal Alturki, Chairman and President of Nesma; Ussama Dahabiyeh, CEO of Injazat, and Salah Al Sunaid, CEO of NIT, formalised the agreement during a signing ceremony at Gitex Global. The new company will offer services that include enterprise applications, cloud infrastructure, and cyber defense laying the groundwork for Saudi Arabia's next generation of technology-driven economic growth. Injazat's expertise and proven track record in building agile, bespoke industry solutions combined with Nesma's market experience and customer knowledge, is set to fast-track the kingdom's digital economy goals by co-creating transformational digital platforms and services through public-private partnerships (PPP). Nesma Injazat will play a critical role in supporting organisations across various sectors that include healthcare, smart cities, energy, and construction across the Kingdom, developing its IT and digital infrastructure with a three-year expansion plan for each. Catalyst to developing business Dahabiyeh said: "It gives me great pleasure to announce our joint venture with Nesma Infrastructure & Technology which will become a catalyst to developing our businesses and supporting the kingdom as it pursues an ambitious digital transformation plan. We have been waiting for the right opportunity to expand into Saudi Arabia to make an impact by solving complex industry problems and helping them realise their business goals faster. Nesma shares a strategic innovation mindset with Injazat, and so has proven to be a natural partner for this opportunity. Together, we will be actively driving and pioneering the future technology landscape of Saudi Arabia." Alsunaid said: For the past 40 years, Nesma has been at the helm of multibillion dollar projects helping build the kingdoms most ambitious and challenging projects ranging across various sectors including construction, energy, aviation, and of course infrastructure, and technology solutions. Combined with Injazat's expertise and innovation our joint venture will add momentum towards realising Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salmans ambitious Vision 2030 goals. Injazat and Nesma have appointed Gianluca Meloni as the interim CEO of the JV. MoHAP signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Injazat to accelerate digital transformation and provide advanced, full-fledged health services. Digital health solutions The collaboration targets the development of multiple digital health solutions, in line with the Ministrys strategic objectives to provide innovative and advanced technology-based and AI-integrated services. The MoU also comes in response to the governments ambitions towards making the UAE a leading international destination in smart healthcare. The MoU was signed by Ahmed Al Dashti, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector in MoHAP, and Dr Al Mansoori. Innovative Platform The agreement will see MoHAP leverage Injazats technological capabilities to launch digital solutions that can provide seamless and improved healthcare. Both parties will work together to enable a single, unified platform for patients and providers, as well as establish a strong digital strategy to help all stakeholders adapt to emerging healthcare trends and improve patient experience. The Arab Youth Centre and Injazat will collaborate to empower the youth with ai and digital transformation skills. Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice-Chair of the Arab Youth Centre, and Al Mansoori signed the agreement. Young Arab leaders As per the agreement, the two parties will cooperate to prepare young Arab leaders specialised in the fields of artificial intelligence, technological innovation, and machine learning. This collaboration includes organising sessions, workshops, and meetings with technology experts, focusing on developing young talents, and providing a platform for training and developing Arab youth in the fields of advanced technology, specifically artificial intelligence applications, programming, cybersecurity, and smart applications. Al Mazrui emphasised that the future of work for youth will be based on technology and its applications at the individual, institutional, governmental, and state levels, as statistics show that $136 billion was invested globally in cloud computing last year, $110 billion in Web 3.0, and $5 billion in industrial-scale machine learning.-- TradeArabia News Service Richard DiPrima, who believed that children as young as 7 could learn and perform Shakespeare, in the process gaining lasting self-confidence, died Sunday at 81. DiPrima founded The Young Shakespeare Players in 1980 and was its director until his death. The nonprofit theater program for children ages 7 to 18, based on Madisons Near West Side, puts on full-length plays by Shakespeare and a handful of other major playwrights. Even though DiPrima had many health problems, his death came suddenly from multiple organ failure, said DiPrimas wife, Anne DiPrima, who joined him in running YSP in 1983. The couple had their 35th wedding anniversary on Oct. 11. He was such a loved man who has touched the lives of thousands of kids and adults and really showed the world they could do the impossible, doing uncut Shakespeare on the stage, fully memorized and understood through his special way of teaching it, said his son, Alessio (Alex) DiPrima, 34. Alessio, who called his father a selfless, magical man, said hes interested in carrying on his legacy, but Anne said that will be discussed by the YSP board. The program was about to start a full-length production of King Lear this past Wednesday that will be postponed for probably two weeks. We have all the registrants, we have all the people ready, and its ready to go, Anne said. We just have to get through this hard thing first. Anne said she and Richard were at the YSP playhouse a week ago helping direct two short plays by George Bernard Shaw. The actors never just memorized their lines, Anne said. DiPrima painstakingly made recordings explaining every line of every play he produced. No actor goes on stage without understanding not just memorizing, which they do but understanding what they are saying. And that is crucial, Anne said. In 2010, DiPrima finished writing and published an 854-page book, The Actors (and Intelligent Readers) Guide to the Language of Shakespeare, an in-depth, detailed explanation of Shakespeares use of language according to a rubric DiPrima devised called the RISARA model. It was an acronym for six major ways in which Shakespeare shaped and varied the language of his plays: R for rhythm, I for imagery, S for sound, A for antitheses, R for repetition, and A for architecture. Richard usually has said that 90% of the emotional content in Shakespeare comes through the imagery, Anne said. So, if an actor or reader doesnt understand any of these elements, theyre not fully understanding Shakespeare, she said. Changed my whole life Britta Crisp, 26, said she was absolutely petrified when a friend first brought her to YSP. She cried during tryouts. But it was such a welcoming environment that I just went right into it and it changed my whole life. Im so much more outgoing now and so much more confident in myself. Crisp, who lives in Middleton and runs memory care activities and programs, said YSP has a nonjudgmental atmosphere with the premise that Shakespeare isnt just for the learned or even just for adults. That anyone can learn Shakespeare and anyone can appreciate Shakespeare, including kids. DiPrima didnt water it down, she said. I remember kids as young as 7 learning their lines sometimes before the rest of us did, and knowing what every single line meant. Nick Zavos son, Henry Zavos, went to his first YSP performance at age 5 when a family friend performed. Zavos said his wife still talks about how Henry sat on her lap and she had to explain what was going on the whole time, which is a tiring way to watch a play. But he was just absolutely captivated by it. Henry joined when he was 7 and did it continuously until he graduated from high school. Hes now working at The Harvey House, performing with Madison Shakespeare Company, and wants to be an actor, Zavos said. The family recently saw Hamlet at American Players Theatre, and when they were driving home, Henry pointed out how one speech was omitted. He just launches into the whole speech and can recite it all, his dad said. Jacob Logan-Baer, 27, was a YSP actor as a youth, and has been involved ever since, even while going to law school. Hes a member of the organizations board and spent the past five years as its administrator. He moved to Philadelphia last month for a job, but said hes doing as much as he can remotely. I dont know anybody whos really done more good for so many thousands of young people over the past 40-odd years, Logan-Baer said of DiPrima, adding the program gave him confidence, friends and the ability to express himself. It shows you that really seemingly impossible projects can be done if people put in the work and work together. A family project The work can be intense. In 2007, YSP staged an uncut, 10-hour version of Charles Dickens Nicholas Nickelby, and in 2011, DiPrimas 10-hour original stage adaptation of Dickens Our Mutual Friend. The plays started early in the morning and were performed in sections with breaks for lunch and dinner. Parents know this is a family project. Theyre very supportive, DiPrima told the Wisconsin State Journal in 2011, adding that there seemed to be little problem with the performances length, with even younger siblings enjoying each act. Our audience has the wherewithal and interest to do this. DiPrima started YSP in his backyard in Madison, with his two older children from his first marriage among the first young actors. Richard and Anne moved YSP to Chicago for a few years while they were getting their doctorates at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Anne still practices clinical psychology. Anne said YSP has never had any grant support. Actors pay tuition for each project, which is the only source of income for the program. From the beginning, Richard and I made a pledge that no young person who wanted to take part in this work would ever be prevented if they could not afford the tuition, she said. They supplied scholarships of all sizes out of their own pocket to make sure no child would be denied. She said occasionally they had people make some extra donations, but they dont have any big benefactors or corporate sponsors. Part of the reason is that we never wanted to be controlled in how we structured and ran YSP, Anne said. So, yeah. Were poor and humble. The readiness is all In 2001, they moved into their playhouse, at 1806 West Lawn, near Trader Joes. Anne said two parents of former actors bought the building and are allowing YSP to use it for a reasonable rent. Its still significant, but its very reasonable and will allow us to continue as long as YSP is active in Madison, which we hope will be, you know, in perpetuity. Their house is next door, and provides much of the storage for YSP. YSPs motto, The readiness is all, from Hamlet, comes from the fact that it accepts any young person, 7 to 18, who wants to learn, understand and perform Shakespeare. If a parent just wants to shove a child into an acting program, and its the parents agenda, that doesnt work for us, Anne said. Its got to be the child ready to undertake this work. Audiences for the free performances are mainly family members, friends and others familiar with YSP. DiPrima is also survived by his children Liza DiPrima and Daniel DiPrima, both with families of their own, and a brother, Frank DiPrima. His sister, Diane DiPrima, was a poet and writer. The Washington Post said she was regarded as the most significant female member of the Beat Generation. She died in San Francisco in 2020. Anne is planning a celebration of her husbands life early next year. Citations against two radio personalities for illegally entering the state Capitol during the COVID-19 pandemic were dropped last week after their attorney pointed out that a slate of fake Donald Trump electors was also in the Capitol during that time but was not cited. Michael Crute and Dominic Salvia, hosts of The Devils Advocates Radio Show, as well as show producer Bryan Kelly, were cited under state administrative code for entering a locked building on Dec. 22, 2020, when the Capitol was otherwise closed because of the pandemic. The group was there to put up a Christmas tree that included ornaments lampooning Republican lawmakers after Republican state Reps. Paul Tittl and Shae Sortwell and others put up their own tree in the Capitol rotunda and held other activities without a permit because Democratic Gov. Tony Evers had decided not to put up a tree during the pandemic. Crute, Salvia and Kellys consolidated case was slated to go to trial on Monday but was instead dismissed at the request of the Dane County District Attorneys Office on Oct. 13 after the attorney for the three, Jeff Scott Olson, sent a letter to Judge John Hyland on Aug. 24 pointing out that 10 people who sought to serve as electors for the former president were also in the Capitol on Dec. 14, 2020, when it was shuttered, but they were not cited as his clients were. Our defense strategy was going to be the defense of selective prosecution, Olson said on The Devils Advocate on Monday. You can discriminate as a prosecutor or a police officer and you can prosecute just about anybody you want to that youve got probable cause on. ... You can make all kinds of discretionary distinctions. The one you cant make under the Constitution is to select somebody for prosecution because of their expressive activity, because of their viewpoint, because of the content of their protected speech. Olson said the intent was to compare his clients to the Republican electors who arguably had no more business in the Capitol than you did when it was a locked building. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said in an email the case was dropped because the prosecutor handling it did not feel at this time in the interest of justice jury trials in these matters was warranted. The 10 Republicans, including former Wisconsin GOP state party chair Andrew Hitt, met to sign a fake certificate purporting to give Wisconsins 10 electoral votes to Trump, even though he had lost the state. The effort was part of a nationwide attempt by Trump and his supporters to sow doubt about the November 2020 election results and keep the former president in office. Olson told the Wisconsin State Journal that in preparation for trial hed subpoenaed Hitt to testify about his activities at the Capitol on Dec. 14. Hitt did not respond to a phone message from the State Journal. Emails Olson provided showed that an aide to former Republican state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, currently a member of Congress, had reserved a room at the Capitol for the group to use. Salvia in 2016 reached a $75,000 settlement with the state to resolve a federal civil rights lawsuit he filed against former Gov. Scott Walkers administration after being arrested in 2013 while covering the mass arrests of people protesting Walker administration policies in the Capitol. Middle-schoolers on the brink of another Wisconsin winter, take note: The Sun Prairie City Council on Tuesday voted to remove snowballs from the citys list of missiles you cant throw at someone. District 2 council member Brent Eisberner, elected to his first term in April, noticed in his review of the citys municipal code that an ordinance prohibiting the throwing or shooting of arrows, stones and other missiles included the snowball among its definitions of missiles. Objects, arrows and stones were the others. His recommendation was to remove snowball from the ordinance, which the council did. In an Oct. 12 memo, City Attorney Kathleen McDaniel noted that Wausau recently repealed their ordinance on this after receiving negative national media attention. There are approximately 10 municipalities that still have an ordinance prohibiting snowball throwing in Wisconsin, she wrote. Even with snowballs removal from the list of missiles, if a citizen were to throw a snowball with malicious intent, they could still be prosecuted for disorderly conduct or assault, she said. Sun Prairie Police Lt. Ryan Cox said he could not recall the ordinance being enforced against the thrower of a snowball, but did recall situations where snowballs were thrown at traveling vehicles leading to complaints being called in. Immigration is an issue fraught with multiple points of disagreement and one point where lawmakers on both sides of the aisle tend to agree: Unauthorized immigrants brought here as children, who have essentially grown up as Americans, shouldnt have to live under constant risk of deportation to countries they may not even remember. Yet despite that agreement across the political spectrum, Congress has continually failed to address the situation. The result is that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, a temporary solution created by executive order a decade, which is facing possible elimination in the courts. Congress must avert that potential humanitarian crisis by coming together on the one immigration issue on which it should be politically possible and stamping DACAs provisions into federal law. Some 600,000 so-called Dreamers are currently in the U.S. young people who were brought here as babies or children by their parents, mainly from Latin America. While the parents violated immigration laws, their children had no choice in the matter. American life is generally all they have known. Many have never been to their native countries since arriving here. Some dont even speak Spanish. Polls consistently show that majorities of Americans oppose deporting this class of immigrants, even among Republicans and conservatives who are otherwise hawkish on immigration. The obvious solution is to provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers who have adhered to the rules of society as theyve grown up here. That premise has wide bipartisan support, yet Congress, being Congress, has never been able to reach agreement on legislation to provide that path. As with too much of federal policy today, its been left to presidents to address by executive order, which is how then-President Barack Obama created the deferred-action program in 2012. Under the program, immigrants who arrived here as children and who meet other criteria finishing high school, holding a job, not committing crimes can apply for protection from deportation every two years and eventually apply for full citizenship. Its a reasonable policy except for the way it was enacted. While former President Donald Trump and some other empathy-deficient politicians have attacked the very premise of giving this population a path to citizenship, the more valid legal challenges have been about the fact that it has been carried out with legal authority even though Congress passed no such law. The latest blow came in recent days, when a federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling effectively declaring the program unlawful because of the way it was created. Thats why Congress should act now to write the provisions of DACA into federal immigration law once and for all. Both parties have something to gain by showing Americans they can still work together to solve a problem with such a clear, reasonable and humane solution. The Carrier & Wholesale division of e& has collaborated with Batelco to establish a new Point-of-Presence (POP) in the companys SmartHub, one of the UAEs leading carrier-neutral data centres. This will enable Batelcos business customers to harness extensive interconnection capabilities globally. Through the partnership, e&s SmartHub ecosystem of interconnected communities will provide Batelcos business customers with seamless reachability to Eastern destinations such as Pakistan and India, alongside access to the lowest latency and optimised connectivity performance. Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, e&, said: SmartHub is an innovative regional exchange, capacity and mobility platform that clients and partners rely on for their business-critical requirements. Our SmartHub data centres have always been the ICT nexus between countries and continents, meeting clients' ever-evolving needs across the globe. In line with our overall strategy to bring transformative technologies and innovative solutions to our customers and partners, we stay committed to delivering a superior customer experience through creating and deploying unique digitalisation services. We are proud of our partnership with Batelco wherein we can create a thriving interconnection ecosystem that benefits customers. Network optimisation Batelcos Chief Global Business Officer, Hani Askar said: The launch of our new POP in e&s SmartHub is in line with Batelcos network optimisation plans. We are pleased to build on our partnership with e& by establishing a physical presence in SmartHub to expand our connectivity through interconnecting with many new partners, with a focus on enhancing links to the subcontinent to meet our customers needs. Batelco is committed to adding new points of presence in strategic locations with key partners and through collaborations with leading international data centres and carriers. This helps us support our business customers by enabling them to be part of a vibrant ecosystem to meet their evolving needs driven by the rapidly changing digital environment, Askar concluded.-- TradeArabia News Service With the recent arrest of a man accused of a string of assaults targeting the LGBTQ community, hopefully, the series of hateful, violent attacks will end. But the official discrimination written into Idaho Code will continue. Matthew Lehigh, 31, allegedly charged his vehicle at two women while yelling homophobic slurs at them. This was the latest of a series of violent and property crimes targeting the LGBTQ community allegedly committed by Lehigh, according to police, including burning a pride flag hanging on a local couples home. The facts around the attacks are not yet entirely clear. If all that police say is true proves correct, then at best, they represent the extreme act of a mentally ill man whose delusions were colored by the bigotry unfortunately common in some corners of Christian fundamentalism. At worst, they constitute a conscious campaign of fundamentalist terrorism. In a series of videos viewed by the Statesman, Lehigh claimed that demons were speaking through him and that occultists were taking over his mind. And he repeatedly invoked Old Testament passages calling for the execution of gay people and witches, referencing videos posted by other fundamentalist YouTubers who emphasize similar themes. If I go to church and I find theres a homosexual in there, I will fight them. I might fight them with a weapon, I might kill them in the church if thats what that takes, he ranted in one video. If Lehigh did what police say he did, and if he can be held criminally responsible for it, it seems that malicious harassment should be among the charges. But it probably wont be. Thats because Idahos Republican legislative supermajority has allowed its personal bias to become a bias in the law. It is not that Idaho has no statutes for prosecuting hate crimes. It is that the LGBTQ community frequently a target of hate crimes has been written out of it. If Lehigh had targeted Christians for their beliefs, he would be eligible for an additional five-year sentence. Because he is accused of attacking people because he believed they were gay, he is not eligible for such a sentence. The situation is identical with regard to broader anti-discrimination statutes. If someone refuses to rent to someone because the prospective renter is a Baptist or a Mormon, then they can be sued. If they refuse to rent to someone who is gay because they are gay, that person is in the clear at least with regard to state law. This is a position so extreme that even the Republican supermajority U.S. Supreme Court found that it would violate federal law. This remains the case because Idaho has steadfastly refused to add the words sexual orientation and gender identity to its anti-discrimination law, which protects against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations related to race, religion, ethnic background and other factors. The old adage is that the law is no respecter of persons that is, it treats all people and groups equally. In Idaho, that is not true. It is not true because Idahos majority has allowed the LGBTQ community to have second-class legal status. As you go to the voting booth, ask yourself whether the candidate youre voting for would work to end that injustice. TWIN FALLS Magic Valley is poised for continued growth in tourism and recreation, a Department of Commerce official says. Magic Valley recreational opportunities are fabulous, said Matt Borud, marketing and innovation administrator. And the word is still getting out, he said. Borud was among the 100 people gathered at the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism at the Herrett Center in Twin Falls. The conference concluded Wednesday. A lot of things we were talking about during the conference is growth in a context of a post-pandemic, post-covid world, but in Magic Valley we are seeing a strong uptick, a strong growth trend in the last 5, 6 or 8 years, he said. Its a destination that is becoming better known to travelers. Recreational opportunities, coupled with small businesses including restaurants, breweries and wineries, make for a well-rounded trip that tourists are interested in, Borud said. Travelers spent about $263 million in Magic Valley last year, up 16% from 2019, according to the Idaho Department of Commerce. Statewide, tourism is a $4.8 billion industry, and spending is up 12% since 2019. Region 4 is among the faster growing regions recently, Borud said, but is the second-smallest region in the state, hence the smaller proportion of dollar amounts. Among the speakers convention attendees heard Wednesday was Craig Quintana, Idaho Parks and Recreation public information officer. Quintana said the last two years in Idaho were a recreation renaissance. People spent more time outdoors during the pandemic, and numbers of visitors at Idaho state parks jumped 30%. He suspects Idahoans plan to continue spending time outdoors after the pandemic. A poll of 1,000 Idahoans was recently taken as part of the departments Idaho Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, completed every 5 years. About 85% of respondents said they do outdoor recreation, defined as an activity done outdoors for fun. Walking and hiking activities people do with their feet polled highly. In Region 4, the poll shows there is a lot of camping, fishing and hiking going on, Quintana said. Dr. Jaap Vos, a professor of planning and natural resources at the University of Idaho, spoke about migration in and out of Idaho. Using numbers from the Idaho DMV, including driver license surrenders, he said a high percentage of Californians are moving to the more urban areas, including Canyon and Ada counties. Kootenai County has seen essentially equal numbers of people from California and Washington moving into the county, while Bonneville County is seeing almost equal numbers from Utah, Washington and California. And when migration happens, internal migration is likely to occur. He found that higher housing prices in the Boise area have pushed some Idahoans toward Magic Valley. Vos said there is a high number of adults aged 21-30 moving into the state, as well as people of the same age group moving out. What we are seeing is that young people are more mobile, Vos said. He said his data may not paint a totally accurate picture, but it is clear that Idahos population is changing rapidly, and thought needs to be taken as to protect the states resources. He finished his presentation with a quote by Robert Liberty, founder and director of the Urban Sustainability Accelerator and Institute for Sustainable Solutions at Portland State University: If you dont pay attention, all this stuff that you like so much will be gone before you blink your eyes. The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism is normally held each year but was canceled the last two years due to the pandemic. It is billed as an opportunity to learn about and network with other recreation and tourism professionals. Three months into the James Webb Space Telescopes mission, eye-popping images are released almost weekly. So, when a close-up of Proxima Centauri, the suns nearest stellar neighbor, appeared on Twitter, most people took it at face value. Within days, the truth came out: The purported image of Proximas roiling surface was actually a slice of chorizo. The hoaxer, French physicist Etienne Klein, apologized, claiming he only meant to encourage skepticism toward authorities. Astronomers excoriated Klein, but his jape is hardly unprecedented. In the 1780s William Herschel, discoverer of Uranus, purportedly hung a lantern-illuminated Saturn image in a tree to show to guests in his telescope, in lieu of the real thing, on cloudy nights. The Sun, a New York newspaper, infamously published six articles in 1835 claiming that John Herschel (Williams son) had discovered fantastical creatures, including bat-winged humanoids, inhabiting the moon. The ploy to boost circulation worked so well that even after the hoax was revealed, the Sun never printed a retraction. In 1976 the late Patrick Moore, godfather of British amateur astronomers, broadcast a claim that on April 1 an alignment of Jupiter and Pluto would cause a momentary reduction in earths gravity. Hundreds of listeners claimed to have felt it, so convinced were they of Moores trustworthiness. Such tomfoolery was likely far less harmful in bygone days than it is today. In the Information Age, the average persons internal baloney detector is easily overwhelmed by the volume and sophistication of fabricated facts. While Kleins point is well taken, his methods were regrettable. That said, NASA must share some of the blame. Their decision to allow scientists to release their own JWST results (rather than through official channels) makes such spoofs harder for the non-expert to sniff out. Next column: Halloween, the Seven Sisters, and earths wobbling pole. TODAYS WORD is denigrate. Example: Colleens new English professor was known to denigrate her students, but there were no other classes with different teachers that fit into her schedule, so she was stuck in the class. WEDNESDAYS WORD was anachronistic. It means belonging to a period other than that being portrayed. Example: Paul sees some of his parents morals and opinions as anachronistic and takes pleasure in rebelling against them. Coffee tips While making spaghetti sauce, try adding 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of instant coffee to give the sauce a less acidic flavor. This will also add a bit of brown color to the bright red tomato color which makes it look more homemade and like it has been cooking for hours. If you dont feel like reheating your coffee in a microwave, you can just change it into an iced coffee by adding ice. Adding some cinnamon or nutmeg will also add a nice fall flavor to your repurposed coffee. Its easy to make your very own special house blends of coffee at home by freezing coffee, whole bean or ground, in a sealed container or bag. You can mix and match different beans or grounds you have frozen and experiment until you find the right flavor for you. Coffee cake The Strollers family has loved this recipe from sugarspunrun.com: The BEST Coffee Cake Recipe. Cake: cup unsalted butter softened 8 oz cream cheese softened 1 cup light brown sugar tightly packed cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cornstarch tsp salt cup buttermilk Cinnamon swirl: cup sugar 1 tps cinnamon Streusel: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup + 2 Tbsp brown sugar packed 3 tbs granulated sugar 4 tsp ground cinnamon tsp salt 10 tbs unsalted butter melted Glaze: cup powdered sugar 2-3 teaspoons milk Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease and flour a 139 baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese then beat in sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until combined and stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until all have been combined. Spread half the batter into pan. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the batter. Add rest of batter on top and use a knife to spread. Set aside. Melt butter in microwave until just melted. Mix flour, sugars, cinnamon and salt with a fork. Pour melted butter on top, mix until combined and sprinkle on top of batter. Bake for 45 minutes and let cool, mix glaze ingredients and add on top before serving. WEDNESDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: On the 25th anniversary of the CDs public release it was estimated that worldwide around 200 billion CDs had been sold. TODAYS TRIVIA QUESTION: Around what year did CD sales begin seeing a decline? A Roanoke man was sentenced to a 55-year active sentence for his involvement in the shooting death of a retired Henry County investigators wife. Collin Joshua Russell, 38, appeared in Henry County Circuit Court Wednesday morning after pleading guilty in the death of Pamela Morse, 63, who was found in her bed, dead of a gunshot wound to the head, on May 13, 2020. Tanna Shelton Fitzgeral died in October 2020 while in the Henry County Jail after notifying deputies that she had taken an excessive amount of prescription blood pressure medication, a Henry County Sheriffs Office release stated. In February, the former Henry County investigator and Pamela Morses husband, David Lee Morse, was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Russell was sentenced to 90 years in prison with 35 years suspended and ordered to pay $13,802 in restitution and costs for amended charges of second degree murder and conspire to commit second degree murder and additional charges of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, grand larceny of a firearm, grand larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm by a felon. Russell is due next in Patrick County Circuit Court on Nov. 30 on nine counts of probation violation related to the new convictions in Henry County. Casey Lynn Rogers, 28, of Roanoke, is scheduled for a five-day jury trial to begin Nov. 28 in Henry County Circuit Court on charges of first-degree murder, conspire to commit first-degree murder, grand larceny of a firearm, grand larceny of a motor vehicle, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a violent felon also related to the death of Pamela Morse. David Morse was found guilty after a three-day trial that ended Dec. 1. In that trial, attorneys unraveled the twisted story involving Morse, Fitzgerald, Russell and Rogers that ended with Pamela Morses death. Testimony proved Morse did not shoot his wife; he was convicted of her murder due to testimony indicating his deliberate behavior caused her death. Police testified at Morses trial that Morse was having a relationship with Fitzgerald and Morse conspired with Fitzgerald to employ the services of Russell and Rogers to have his wife killed while he was at work. Morse arrived home from work on March 13, 2020, and told investigators that he had found his wife in the bed, dead of a gunshot wound to the head. Fitzgerald, Rogers and Russell were found by police at a house at 525 Holley Ridge Road in Franklin County. Pamela Morses stolen Jeep was found on the property partially spray-painted, and a .357 magnum revolver was discovered unloaded in a green cardboard box nearby. In other recent court cases: Henry County Circuit Court Valderama Gregorio Corona, Collinsville, on Oct. 6: A charge of possessing methamphetamine was dismissed. Derek Ray Jordan, Axton, on Oct. 6: Sentenced to six years with four years suspended and $965 in costs for failing to appear, and possessing a firearm by a felon. Charlie Wayne Whitlow, Bassett, on Oct. 11: Sentenced to 21 years with 19 years and 281 days suspended and $697 in costs for amended charges of entering a dwelling with intent to commit assault and battery, assault and battery of a household member. Zachrey Neil Burnette, Chatham, on Oct. 11: Acquitted of possessing cocaine, possess a firearm by a felon, possess a firearm while possessing cocaine. Travis Eugene Whitehead, Bassett, on Oct. 11: Sentenced to 90 years with 75 years suspended for amended charges of distribute methamphetamines, possess a gun by a felon, manufacturer/distribute schedule I/II drugs second offense; possess a firearm while possessing methamphetamines and fentanyl with intent to distribute. A charge of possessing ammunition by a felon was dismissed. Felicia Long, McDonough, Georgia, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to 12 months with 11 months suspended and $7,772.12 in restitution and costs for an amended charge of petit larceny. Ryan Gregory Penn, Martinsville, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to 12 months with 11 months and 28 days suspended and $2,287 in restitution and costs for an amended charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Stephanie Nichole Penn, Axton, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to 15 years with 14 years suspended and $2,005 in restitution and costs for distributing cocaine, endangering the life of a child. Two additional counts of endangering the life of a child were dismissed. Lea Mikaela Lachowicz, Bassett, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to 12 months suspended and $435 in costs for an amended charge of obstruction of justice. Daniel Carmen Salinas, Martinsville, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to 20 years with 17 years suspended and $3,684 in restitution and costs for grand larceny of a motor vehicle, abduction. Gordon Donahue Martin II, Martinsville, on Oct. 17: Sentenced to 10 years suspended and $1,308 in costs for possessing fentanyl, and failing to appear. A charge of contempt of court was dismissed. Martinsville Circuit Court Antonio Bryant Witcher, Martinsville, on Oct. 3: Acquitted on charges of rape, assault a family member third offense. A charge of bribing a witness was dismissed. William Bradley Clark, Ridgeway, on Oct. 5: Sentenced to 15 years with 14 years and six months suspended and $2,373 in fines and costs for possess methamphetamine, possess gun by a felon, unauthorized possession of drug paraphernalia, resist arrest, possess gun while possessing schedule I/II drugs. A charge of violating community based probation was dismissed. Gordon Donahue Martinsville, Martinsville, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to three years with two years and nine months suspended and $1,386 in fines and costs for three amended charges of possessing drug paraphernalia. Christopher Allen Traylor, Martinsville, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to 10 years with eight years suspended and $590 in costs for an amended charge of distributing oxycodone first offense. Shanta Elaine Walker, Martinsville, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to 12 months suspended and $440 in fines and costs for unauthorized possession of drug paraphernalia. A charge of possessing methamphetamine was dismissed. Michael John Diniz, Martinsville, on Oct. 12: Sentenced to 20 years with 19 years and three months suspended and $590 in costs for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. A charge of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute was dismissed. Kenneth Carrington, Martinsville, on Oct. 13: Sentenced to 33 years with 26 years suspended and $1,379 in restitution and costs to an amended charge of threat of robbery and four counts of probation violation. Jason Lamont Cunningham, Martinsville, on Oct. 13: Sentenced to six years with four years suspended and $865 in fines and costs for assault on a law enforcement officer and fleeing from law enforcement. Patrick County Circuit Court Jesse Lee Blankenship, Patrick Springs, on Sept. 9: Sentenced to 20 years with 17 years suspended and $1,780 in costs for four counts of possession of child pornography. Five charges of possessing child pornography subsequent offense was dismissed. Danny Lee Huff, Meadows of Dan, on Oct. 6: Sentenced to 25 years with 19 years suspended for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines, possess schedule I/II drugs, possess gun with schedule I/II drugs, and possess sawed-off shotgun. Richard Darren Cobbler, Spencer, on Oct. 7: Sentenced to six years with five years and 10 months suspended for an amended charge of unlawfully shooting into an occupied building, reckless handling of a firearm. A charge of assault and battery of a family member was dismissed. Cape Verdes Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia said Wednesday that the government is negotiating a plan to repay a 32 million euro debt to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accumulated over several years. It is an amount that is being negotiated with ECOWAS, as you know, the country is facing a difficult context, it was not paid because of the budgetary constraints that we are facing today, responded the Finance Minister, when asked on the sidelines of an event in the city of Praia. The reaction of the number two in the Cape Verdean government comes a day after the Cape Verdean deputy and vice-president of parliament for that organization, Orlando Dias, revealed, after leaving a meeting with the President of the Republic, Jose Maria, that Cape Verde has a debt of about 32 million euros to that regional organization, accumulated over about 20 years. Olavo Correia said that the government led by Ulisses Correia e Silva has been negotiating with the organization to find a plan that allows the country to pay this debt. The president of the Association of Professional Women of the Media of Guinea-Bissau, Paula Melo, considered today worrying the situation of media professionals in the country. At issue is a study conducted at the request of the Association of Professional Women in the Media, in partnership with the Association for Cooperation Among Peoples, and funded by the Camoes Institute for Cooperation and Language, which outlines the profile of the media in Guinea-Bissau. This study reveals worrying data concerning the situation of media professionals and the reality is more aggravating among professionals operating in private and community organs, he said. The study reveals that almost 90% of the professionals in the private organs earn less than 150 euros per month, have no employment contracts and that 71% do not make social security contributions. The report also states that only 14% of media professionals have higher education and that 29% have completed 12th grade. Facts that put at risk the principles of independence and objectivity in Guinean journalism. The situation is more unfavorable regarding the female gender, only 22% of professionals are women and only two private media have women leaders, said the president of the Association of Professional Women of the Media. Credit: American College of Gastroenterology A recently published study in a high-profile medical journal appeared to call into question the efficacy of colonoscopy, a proven and widely utilized strategy for the screening and prevention of colorectal cancer. News headlines were striking: "Disappointing results on colonoscopy benefits"; "New study suggests benefits of colonoscopies may be overestimated"; "In gold-standard trial, invitation to colonoscopy reduced cancer incidence but not death." Such news coverage has ignited controversy and created some confusion about the study and its implications, leading people to question whether the results suggest that reevaluation of the utility and need for a colonoscopy is warranted. As a cancer research scientist with over 20 years of experience studying colorectal cancer screening and prevention, I am confident that colonoscopy remains one of the most critical and effective tools to screen for, detect and prevent this prevalent and lethal form of cancer. Colorectal cancer is the fourth-most prevalent and second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 151,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2022 and nearly 53,000 deaths. Screening has contributed markedly to a decline in colorectal cancer cases and deaths over the past several decades. Current U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce guidelines recommend that people with average risk begin screening for colorectal cancer at the age of 45. This recommendation was lowered from age 50 in 2021 due to the recent increase in colorectal cancer disease prevalence among young adults. Unpacking the new study Several investigations have shown that colonoscopy screening is highly effective in the detection and removal of precancerous polyps before they progress to cancer. That is why media coverage of the new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine prompted confusion and concern among health care experts and the public. Many of these news reports mistakenly interpreted the study as showing that colonoscopies have a small effect on the incidence of colorectal cancer and are ineffective at reducing deaths. Such misinterpretations could have grave consequences with regard to efforts aimed at screening and preventing a form of cancer that affects the health and well-being of so many. Although there are numerous ways to screen for colon cancer, a colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive way to test. In the study, a team of European researchers performed a randomized clinical trial that examined the risk of colorectal cancer and death in healthy men and women between the ages of 55 and 64. Study participants, who were recruited from population registries in Norway, Sweden, Poland and the Netherlands, were either invited to undergo a colonoscopy or were not invited and received usual care. After approximately 10 years, the research team gathered information on colorectal cancer incidence and deaths among 28,220 in the invited group and 56,365 in the uninvited group. They found that those in the invited group had a mere 18% decrease in the number of cases of colorectal cancer relative to those in the uninvited group. They also found that there was no significant reduction in deaths in the invited group. This seemingly disappointing result drove many of the more misleading headlines in the media. But there is a critical caveat in all this that bears explaining. Only 42% of the participants who were invited to receive a colonoscopy did so. This percentage ranged from 33% among those from Poland, from where most of the participants were recruited, to 60.7% among those from Norway. When the researchers determined the benefit among those who actually underwent a colonoscopy, they found that the incidence of colorectal cancer decreased by 31% and deaths decreased by 50%results that are much closer to those expected from other studies. Another shortcoming of the study is the time between recruitment and screening of the participants. Colorectal cancer is typically slow to develop, taking 10 or more years to progress from precancerous polyps to cancer. Thus, the 10-year window used in the study may be too short to measure the full impact of colonoscopy screening. The authors recognize this and indicate that they will be doing an analysis at 15 years. These and other issues have been clearly outlined in responses to the study by several medical and advocacy groups comprised of experts with long-standing experience in colorectal cancer and its screening. These include the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the American Cancer Society and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, among others. All of the responses emphasize that, despite the tone of much of the media coverage, nothing in the study changes the recognized reliability or efficacy of colonoscopy screening. At best, the findings confirm that for many, a simple invitation to screening does not necessarily promote participation in screening. Colonoscopy remains the 'gold standard' During a colonoscopy, a long flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and moved through the colon to allow the direct viewing, identification, imaging and removal of abnormal tissues such as precancerous polyps that could progress into colorectal cancer. As such, for quite some time, colonoscopies have been considered the "gold standard" for colorectal cancer screening and prevention, and still are. What the doctor sees during a colonoscopy a close-up look. However, there are several features of the procedure that can deter people from choosing it. It is invasive, and there is riskthough smallof complications. In addition, for the procedure to be effective, the colon must be cleared of any stool, requiring a protocol that many find distasteful and uncomfortable. Finally, it can be expensive, creating barriers for those who lack adequate insurance coverage. Though not as sensitive as a colonoscopy, there are a number of noninvasive alternatives for colorectal cancer screening that are currently available and recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for people with normal risk levels. Such alternatives include stool tests such as high-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood tests, fecal immunochemical tests and multitarget stool DNA tests. These methods vary in effectiveness, and each has advantages and disadvantages. The option of choice is based upon patient preference, determined with input from the medical provider. But those at higher risk, such as having a family history of colorectal cancer, certain symptoms such as blood in the stool or a history of polyps are advised to get screened by a colonoscopy. Importantly, noninvasive screening tests do not on their own prevent the disease. Rather, they raise the possibility that a benign polyp or tumor may exist, and must therefore be followed up with a colonoscopy to confirm the presence of, and remove, any abnormal lesions. New directions for cancer screening Most recently, researchers have made significant progress in the development of liquid biopsies, which involve the profiling of informative biomarkers in fluids such as blood. This type of profiling identifies signals for detecting and monitoring numerous cancers, including colorectal cancer. There is particular enthusiasm in the scientific and medical communities around liquid biopsies that can aid in multi-cancer early detection. This approach offers great potential in the early detection of colorectal cancer as well as numerous other cancers for which there are currently no effective screening methods. Multi-cancer early detection tests are under development by many companies and are not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Several are currently available by prescription as laboratory-developed tests. As with all noninvasive tests, liquid biopsies must be appropriately followed up to verify, remove and/or treat any identified lesions. Extensive research on liquid biopsies is ongoing, and results suggest that a new generation of highly sensitive, readily available and patient-friendly modes of cancer screening will emerge in the next few years. Over the past several decades, screening has contributed significantly to a marked reduction in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Given the aging of the population, as well as the recent rise in colorectal cancer among young adults, detecting the disease sensitively and in its earliest stages is more important than ever. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Last year, the emergence of the highly transmissible omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus caught many people by surprise and led to a surge in cases that overwhelmed hospitals and drove up fatalities. Now we're learning that omicron is mutating to better evade the immune system. Omicron-specific vaccines were authorized by the FDA in August and are recommended by U.S. health officials for anyone 5 or older. Yet only half of adults in the United States have heard much about these booster shots, according to a recent KFF poll, and only a third say they've gotten one or plan to get one as soon as possible. In 2020 and 2021, COVID cases spiked in the U.S. between November and February. Although we don't know for sure that we'll see another surge this winter, here's what you should know about COVID and the updated boosters to prepare. 1. Do I need a COVID booster shot this fall? If you've completed a primary vaccination series and are 50 or older, or if your immune system is compromised, get a COVID booster shot as soon as possible. Forty percent of deaths are occurring among people 85 and older and almost 90% among people 65 and over. Although people of all ages are being hospitalized from COVID, those hospitalizations are also skewing older. Unvaccinated people, while in the minority in the U.S., are still at the highest risk of dying from COVID. It's not too late to get vaccinated ahead of this winter season. The United Kingdom, whose COVID waves have presaged those in the United States by about a month, is beginning to see another increase in cases. If you've already received three or more COVID shots, you're 12 to 49 years old, and you're not immunocompromised, your risk of hospitalization and death from the disease is significantly reduced and additional boosters are not likely to add much protection. However, getting a booster shot provides a "honeymoon" period for a couple of months after vaccination, during which you're less likely to get infected and thus less likely to transmit the virus to others. If you'll be seeing older, immunocompromised, or otherwise vulnerable family and friends over the winter holidays, you might want to get a booster two to four weeks in advance to better shield them against COVID. You may have other reasons for wanting to avoid infection, like not wanting to have to stay home from work because you or your child is sick with COVID. Even if you aren't hospitalized from COVID, it can be costly to lose wages or arrange for backup child care. One major caveat to these recommendations: You should wait four to six months after your last COVID infection or vaccination before getting another shot. A dose administered too soon will be less effective because antibodies from the previous infection or vaccination will still be circulating in your blood and will prevent your immune cells from seeing and responding to vaccination. 2. Do kids need to be vaccinated even if they've had COVID? Although children are at lower risk for severe COVID than are adults, the stakes for kids are higher than many diseases already recognized as dangerous. Their risk shouldn't be measured against the risk that COVID poses to other age groups but against the risk they face from other preventable diseases. In the first two years of the pandemic, COVID was the fourth- or fifth-leading cause of death in every five-year age bracket from birth to 19, killing almost 1,500 children and teenagers. Other vaccine-preventable diseases like chickenpox, rubella, and rotavirus killed an average of about 20-50 children and teens a year before vaccines became available. By that measure, vaccinating kids against COVID is a slam-dunk. Children who have had COVID also benefit from vaccination. The vaccine reduces their risk of hospitalization and missing days of school, when parents might need to stay home with them. But it's precisely because the stakes are higher for kids that many parents are anxious about getting their children vaccinated. As recently as July, just after the FDA authorized COVID vaccines for children as young as 6 months, a KFF poll found that over half of parents of children under age 5 said they thought vaccines posed a greater risk to the health of their child than getting the disease. And in the most recent poll, half said they had no plans to get their children vaccinated. COVID vaccination rates range from 61% among children ages 12 to 17 to 2% among kids younger than 2. Similar to influenza, COVID is most deadly for the very youngest and oldest. At especially high risk are infants. They're unlikely to have immunity from infection, and a small share have been vaccinated. Unless their mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy or got COVID during pregnancythe latter of which poses a high risk of death for the mother and of preterm birth for the babyinfants are probably not getting protective antibodies against COVID through breast milk. And because infants have small airways and weaker coughs, they're more likely to have trouble breathing with any respiratory infection, even one less deadly than COVID. 3. Will I need a COVID shot every year? It depends on the targets set by public health officials whether COVID becomes a seasonal virus like the flu, and how much the virus continues to mutate and evade humanity's immune defenses. If the goal of vaccination is to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death, then many people will be well protected after their primary vaccination series and may not need additional shots. Public health officials might strongly recommend boosters for older and immunocompromised people while leaving the choice of whether to get boosted to those with lower risk. If the goal of vaccination is to prevent infection and transmission, then repeat boosters will be needed after completing the primary vaccination series and as often as a couple of times a year. Influenza is a seasonal virus causing infections and disease generally in the winter, but scientists don't know whether COVID will settle into a similar, predictable pattern. In the first three years of the pandemic, the United States has experienced waves of infection in summer. But if the COVID virus were to become a wintertime virus, public health officials might recommend yearly boosters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people 6 months and older get a flu shot every year with very rare exceptions. However, as with the flu, public health officials might still place a special emphasis on vaccinating high-risk people against COVID. And the more the virus mutates, the more often public health officials may recommend boosting to overcome a new variant's immune evasion. Unfortunately, this year's updated omicron booster doesn't appear to provide significantly better protection than the original boosters. Scientists are working on variant-proof vaccines that could retain their potency in the face of new variants. 4. Are more COVID variants on the way? The omicron variant has burst into an alphabet soup of subvariants. The BA.5 variant that surfaced earlier this year remains the dominant variant in the U.S., but the BA.4.6 omicron subvariant may be poised to become dominant in the United States. It now accounts for 14% of cases and is rising. The BA.4.6 omicron subvariant is better than BA.5 at dodging people's immune defenses from both prior infection and vaccination. In other parts of the world, BA.4.6 has been overtaken by BA.2.75 and BF.7 (a descendant of BA.5), which respectively account for fewer than 2% and 5% of COVID cases in the U.S. The BA.2.75.2 omicron subvariant drove a wave of infections in South Asia in July and August. Although the U.S. hasn't yet seen much in the way of another variant descended from BA.5BQ.1.1it is rising quickly in other countries like the U.K., Belgium, and Denmark. The BA.2.75.2 and BQ.1.1 variants may be the most immune-evasive omicron subvariants to date. BA.4.6, BA.2.75.2, and BQ.1.1 all evade Evusheld, the monoclonal antibody used to prevent COVID in immunocompromised people who don't respond as well to vaccination. Although another medication, bebtelovimab, remains active in treating COVID from BA.4.6 and BA.2.75.2, it's ineffective against BQ.1.1. Many scientists are worried that Evusheld will become useless by November or December. This is concerning because the pipeline for new antiviral pills and monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID is running dry without a guaranteed purchaser to ensure a market. In the past, the federal government guaranteed it would buy vaccines in bulk, but funding for that program has not been extended by Congress. Other omicron subvariants on the horizon include BJ.1, BA.2.3.20, BN.1, and XBB, all descendants of BA.2. It's hard to predict whether an omicron subvariant or yet another variant will come to dominate this winter and whether hospitalizations and deaths will again surge in the U.S. Vaccination rates and experience with prior infections vary around the world and even within the United States, which means that the different versions of omicron are duking it out on different playing fields. While this might all sound grim, it's important to remember that COVID booster shots can help overcome immune evasion by the predominant omicron subvariants. 5. What about long COVID? Getting vaccinated does reduce the risk of getting long COVID, but it's unclear by how much. Researchers don't know if the only way to prevent long COVID is to prevent infection. Although vaccines may curb the risk of infection, few vaccines prevent all or almost all infections. Additional measuressuch as improving indoor air quality and donning maskswould be needed to reduce the risk of infection. It's also not yet known whether prompt treatment with currently available monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs like Paxlovid reduces the risk of developing long COVID. 6. Do I need a flu shot, too? The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months of age or older get an annual flu shot. The ideal timing is late October or early November, before the winter holidays and before influenza typically starts spreading in the U.S. Like COVID shots, flu shots provide only a couple of months of immunity against infection and transmission, but an early flu shot is better than no flu shot. Influenza is already circulating in some parts of the United States. It's especially important for people 65 or older, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and children under 5 to get their yearly flu shots because they're at highest risk of hospitalization and death. Although younger people might be at lower risk for severe flu, they can act as vectors for transmission of influenza to higher-risk people in the community. High-dose flu vaccines and "adjuvanted" flu vaccines are recommended for people 65 and older. Adjuvants strengthen the immune response to a vaccine. It is safe to get vaccinated for COVID and the flu at the same time, but you might experience more side effects like fevers, headache, or body aches. 2022 Kaiser Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Friday never seems to come around fast enough at the office. Credit: CrizzyStudio/Shutterstock A long day in the office can leave you empty of energy and overcome with desire for TV and a takeaway. But you've been sitting down all day. So why do you feel as tired as your friends who have physical jobs? Struggling through your list of essential tasks feels ever more grueling as the clock ticks down for home-time. Worse still is bumping into a colleague on your way out who "just wants a quick minute." It might seem obvious that you are more likely to make impulsive decisions at the end of a long day, but people often power through anyway. A recent study that scanned people's brains at different points in their work day found high-demand tasks that require intense, constant concentration can lead to build-up of a potentially toxic chemical called glutamate. Normally used to send signals from nerve cells, in large quantities glutamate alters the performance of a brain region involved in planning and decision making, the lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC). Science has shown time again that mental fatigue has real effects. There are numerous studies that show that court decisions can depend on how fatigued the judge is. For example, after a long day in court, judges are more likely to deny parole (which is considered the safer option). Studies show that clinicians are more likely to prescribe unnecessary antibiotics at the end of a tiring clinical session. The new study, from Paris Brain Institute (ICM), investigated whether cognitive functions such as focus, memory, multitasking and problem-solving can cause fatigue of the lPFC, which influences the decisions we make when we cross things off our list. Opportunity cost The brain is the command center of the body, regulating circulation, breathing, motor function and the nervous system. The brain coordinates these activities at the expense of huge energy use. Nerve cells break down nutrients to release energy (metabolism). But this process accumulates byproduct molecules known as metabolites. Glutamate is a type of metabolite. The brain clears this toxic waste chemical in your sleep. The authors of the Paris study wanted to see whether prolonged cognitive tasks exhaust the brain's supply of nutrients. They also tested whether this type of high-focus demand builds up a greater concentration of toxic substances in the lPFC than other parts of the brain. In this case, the authors compared lPFC to the primary visual cortex, which receives and processes visual information. To test their hypothesis, the authors divided their 40 participants into two groups. Both groups sat in an office in front of a computer for six and a half hours. One group had to do difficult tasks that called on their working memory and constant attention. For example letters were displayed on a computer screen every 1.6 seconds and participants had to sort them into vowels and consonants or, depending on the color of the letter, upper or lowercase. The second group did similar but much simpler tasks. Both groups managed an average 80% correct response rate. The scientists used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to scan participants' brains and measure levels of metabolites. The authors took readings at the beginning, middle and end of the day. They found fatigue markers, such as increased glutamate concentration, but only in the high-demand group. The build up of toxic chemicals was only observed in the lateral prefrontal cortex [lPFC]) and not the primary visual cortex. After the high and low-demand cognitive tasks, the two groups had decision tests. This included choices about their willingness to exert physical effort (whether to ride a bike at different intensities), cognitive effort (whether to perform harder or easier versions of the cognitive control tasks) and patience (how long they were willing to wait to receive a larger reward). The rewards ranged from 0.10 to 50 (8p-43). Delays for receiving the reward ranged from immediate cash after the experiment or bank transfer after one year. Rethinking the work day The authors found that the high-demand group, which had an elevated level of metabolites in the lPFC, preferred choices that were less taxing. These participants' pupils were less dilated (dilated pupils suggests arousal) and took less time to make decisions, which indicates they experienced this part of the experiment as undemanding. So the Paris study also raises questions about whether the working day is structured in the best format. According to the results of the study we should break up high-demand cognitive control tasks that need working memory and constant attention and take into account the fact that performance takes a hit at the end of the day. Some professions may need very different structuring considering these results. During their shift, air traffic controllers only guide aircraft for up to two hours, followed by a half-hour break. But bus drivers, clinicians and pilots would benefit from regular, compulsory rests too. Our brains have many different areas that are active during different tasks, such as speaking, hearing and planning. So not all of our decisions can be explained by the Paris study findings. Considering the interactions across the entire body, a 2006 study from the U.S. suggested that new information may be best processed in a state of hunger. But hunger makes it harder to store newly learned information. Satiety means fuels are available to build neuron circuits to store long-term memory. Decisions about a third party, for example a judge delivering a verdict on a defendant, may be better in a state of satiety while tasks that involves fine motor functions, such as surgery, may be compromised. This is is because after a meal, self interest in survival is diminished because we do not need to search for food. This allows us to more objectively judge our environment. But satiety is a time when the body needs to rest to process food, which is why complex fine motor skills aren't at their best in this state. Next time you have to make a difficult decision at the end of a long day, be aware you will be inclined towards low-effort actions with short-term rewards. If possible you should sleep on it. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Caracal, a leading small arms manufacturer and entity within Edge, has signed a deal with Icomm, a market leader in developing and manufacturing missile and sub-systems, drone and counter drones. The agreement was signed during Defexpo 2022, the Land, Naval and Homeland Security Systems Exhibition, which is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, until October 22. In line with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis Make in India initiative, Caracal and Icomm will partner in the development of a full portfolio of locally manufactured small arms for the Indian market, as well as for international export. Valuable opportunities At the signing, Hamad Alameri, CEO of Caracal, said: "Building partnerships and seeking valuable opportunities for collaboration in the Indian market is one of Caracals key objectives, and we look forward to exploring these opportunities further with Icomm, whose experience as an industry leader providing turnkey solutions across multiple sectors, including engineering and defence, complements Caracals portfolio of advanced small arms. Through our agreement to form a partnership, we can benefit from greater knowledge sharing, and can utilise our individual strengths, and our synergies, to reinforce our support of the overall Make in India strategy." Icomm Chief Sumanth P said: India's Defence industry is constantly evolving, in line with India's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Icomm's MoU with Caracal (Edge Group, UAE) is a step towards making the Defence sector in India self-sufficient and self-reliant in light of the geopolitical shifts taking place throughout the world. Under the Icomm-Caracal cooperation, the complete line of small arms will be produced in Icomm's world-class design, development and manufacturing centre in Hyderabad. Presently, Icomm is a one of the large companies in manufacturing Missile & Sub-Systems, Communications & EW System, Radars, Electro-Optics, Composites, Loitering Munitions, Shelters, Drone and Counter Drone System. Our entry into the small arms is a proud moment for us.-- TradeArabia News Service Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Biomedical engineers at Duke University have demonstrated the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer ever recorded in mouse models. While most mouse trials consider simply halting growth a success, the new treatment completely eliminated tumors in 80% of mice across several model types, including those considered the most difficult to treat. The approach combines traditional chemotherapy drugs with a new method for irradiating the tumor. Rather than delivering radiation from an external beam that travels through healthy tissue, the treatment implants radioactive iodine-131 directly into the tumor within a gel-like depot that protects healthy tissue and is absorbed by the body after the radiation fades away. The results appear online October 19 in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. "We did a deep dive through over 1100 treatments across preclinical models and never found results where the tumors shrank away and disappeared like ours did," said Jeff Schaal, who conducted the research during his Ph.D. in the laboratory of Ashutosh Chilkoti, the Alan L. Kaganov Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke. "When the rest of the literature is saying that what we're seeing doesn't happen, that's when we knew we had something extremely interesting." Despite accounting for only 3.2% of all cancer cases, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. It is a very difficult to treat because its tumors tend to develop aggressive genetic mutations that make it resistant to many drugs, and it is typically diagnosed very late, when it has already spread to other sites in the body. The current leading treatment combines chemotherapy, which keeps cells in a stage of reproduction vulnerable to radiation for longer periods of time, with a beam of radiation targeted at the tumor. This approach, however, is ineffective unless a certain threshold of radiation reaches the tumor. And despite recent advances in shaping and targeting radiation beams, that threshold is very difficult to reach without risking severe side effects. Another method researchers have tried involves implanting a radioactive sample encased in titanium directly within the tumor. But because titanium blocks all radiation other than gamma rays, which travel far outside the tumor, it can only remain within the body for a short period of time before damage to surrounding tissue begins to defeat the purpose. "There's just no good way to treat pancreatic cancer right now," said Schaal, who is now director of research at Cereius, Inc., a Durham, North Carolina biotechnology startup working to commercialize a targeted radionuclide therapy through a different technology scheme. To skirt these issues, Schaal decided to try a similar implantation method using a substance made of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), which are synthetic chains of amino acids bonded together to form a gel-like substance with tailored properties. Because ELPs are a focus of the Chilkoti lab, he was able to work with colleagues to design a delivery system well suited for the task. The ELPs exist in a liquid state at room temperature but form a stable gel-like substance within the warmer human body. When injected into a tumor along with a radioactive element, the ELPs form a small depot encasing radioactive atoms. In this case, the researchers decided to use iodine-131, a radioactive isotope of iodine, because doctors have used it widely in medical treatments for decades and its biological effects are well understood. The ELP depot encases the iodine-131 and prevents it from leaking out into the body. The iodine-131 emits beta radiation, which penetrates the biogel and deposits almost all its energy into the tumor without reaching the surrounding tissue. Over time, the ELP depot degrades into its constituent amino acids and is absorbed by the bodybut not before the iodine-131 has decayed into a harmless form of xenon. "The beta radiation also improves the stability of the ELP biogel," Schaal said. "That helps the depot last longer and only break down after the radiation is spent." In the new paper, Schaal and his collaborators in the Chilkoti laboratory tested the new treatment in concert with paclitaxel, a commonly used chemotherapy drug, to treat various mouse models of pancreatic cancer. They chose pancreatic cancer because of its infamy for being difficult to treat, hoping to show that their radioactive tumor implant creates synergistic effects with chemotherapy that relatively short-lived radiation beam therapy does not. The researchers tested their approach on mice with cancers just under their skin created by several different mutations known to occur in pancreatic cancer. They also tested it on mice that had tumors within the pancreas, which is much more difficult to treat. Overall, the tests saw a 100% response rate across all models, with the tumors being completely eliminated in three-quarters of the models about 80% of the time. The tests also revealed no immediately obvious side effects beyond what is caused by chemotherapy alone. "We think the constant radiation allows the drugs to interact with its effects more strongly than external beam therapy allows," Schaal said. "That makes us think that this approach might actually work better than external beam therapy for many other cancers, too." The approach, however, is still in its early preclinical stages and will not be available for human use anytime soon. The researchers say their next step is large animal trials, where they will need to show that the technique can be accurately done with the existing clinical tools and endoscopy techniques that doctors are already trained on. If successful, they look toward a Phase 1 clinical trial in humans. "My lab has been working on developing new cancer treatments for close to 20 years, and this work is perhaps the most exciting we have done in terms of its potential impact, as late-stage pancreatic cancer is impossible to treat and is invariably fatal," Chilkoti said. "Pancreatic cancer patients deserve better treatment options than are currently available, and I am deeply committed to taking this all the way into the clinic." More information: Jeffrey L. Schaal et al, Brachytherapy via a depot of biopolymer-bound 131I synergizes with nanoparticle paclitaxel in therapy-resistant pancreatic tumours, Nature Biomedical Engineering (2022). Journal information: Nature Biomedical Engineering Jeffrey L. Schaal et al, Brachytherapy via a depot of biopolymer-bound 131I synergizes with nanoparticle paclitaxel in therapy-resistant pancreatic tumours,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00949-4 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Scientists have for the first time pinpointed a large number of genes that are reliably associated with dyslexia. Around a third of the 42 genetic variants identified have been previously linked to general cognitive ability and educational attainment. The researchers say their findings, published in Nature Genetics journal, aid our understanding of the biology behind why some children struggle to read or spell. Dyslexia is known to run in familiespartly because of genetic factorsbut, until now, little was known about the specific genes that relate to the risk of it developing. The study, led by the University of Edinburgh, is the largest genetic study of dyslexia to date. Previous studies linking dyslexia to specific genes have been done on small numbers of families and the evidence was unclear, the research team says. This latest study involved more than 50,000 adults who have been diagnosed with dyslexia and more than one million adults who have not. Researchers tested the association between millions of genetic variants with dyslexia status and found 42 significant variants. Some of these are associated with other neurodevelopment conditions, such as language delay, and with thinking skills and academic achievement. Many, however, are novel and could represent genes that more specifically associate with processes essential for learning to read. Many of the genes associated with dyslexia are also associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A much smaller overlap of the genes associated with dyslexia was found for psychiatric, lifestyle and health conditions. Several of the associated genetic variants were also significant in a Chinese speaking sample suggesting that there are general cognitive processes in learning to read that are not dependent on the type of language. Researchers say they were able to predict how well children and adults from four other research studies can read and spell using the genetic information from the study, but not with the accuracy needed for diagnostic use. Other key researchers in the study were from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia and U.S. company 23andMe, Inc. Lead researcher Michelle Luciano, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, says the study sheds light on many unanswered questions around dyslexia. "Our findings show that common genetic differences have very similar effects in boys and girls, and that there is a genetic link between dyslexia and ambidexterity," says Dr. Luciano. "Previous work suggested some brain structures may be altered in people with dyslexia, but we did not find evidence that genes explain this." "Our results also suggest that dyslexia is very closely genetically related to performance on reading and spelling tests reinforcing the importance of standardized testing in identifying dyslexia." More information: Michelle Luciano, Discovery of 42 genome-wide significant loci associated with dyslexia, Nature Genetics (2022). www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01192-y Journal information: Nature Genetics Michelle Luciano, Discovery of 42 genome-wide significant loci associated with dyslexia,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01192-y Electron micrographs of hepatitis C virus purified from cell culture. Scale bar is 50 nanometers. Credit: Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University. While national efforts to eliminate hepatitis C have faced setbacks because of increased drug use, the impact of COVID-19 and insurance complications, there's a bright spot: Some states are now making it easier for patients to treat the disease. Hepatitis Ca viral inflammation of the liver spread through blood and other bodily fluids that infects more than 2 million adults and contributes to 14,000 deaths annuallyhas increased in recent years, with the Infectious Diseases Society of America estimating that hepatitis C infections spiked 71 percent from 2014 through 2018. There's a cure for it. Gilead's two direct-acting antiviral drugsSovaldi and Harvonihave been available for nearly a decade. The Food and Drug Administration approved Sovaldi in December 2013 and Harvoni in October 2014. Since then, the FDA has approved other antivirals. Still, a high price tag and administrative hurdles to covering and prescribing the drug have complicated uptake. Without treatment, hepatitis C is a chronic condition that can lead to liver cancer or advanced liver disease and even be fatal. But antivirals can cure a patient in eight to 12 weeks and have been proven to be 95 percent successful at curing hepatitis C. More recently, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from an August Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report showed that infections continued to rise between January 2017 and March 2020, especially among younger adults who use injectable drugs. That same report found that the number of people receiving treatment for hepatitis C is far below the trajectory needed to hit federal goals to eliminate viral transmission by 2030. The report found that treatment levels were highest in 2015 and lowest in 2020, varying by insurance status and age. Only 35 percent of individuals with private insurance get treatment within a year of diagnosis. That number drops to 28 percent for Medicare recipients and 23 for Medicaid beneficiaries. "People shouldn't have to jump over hurdles to access lifesaving, cost-effective treatment," Carolyn Wester, director of CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis, said in August. "Removing barriers to treatment is a critical step, as is increasing screening for hepatitis C." In Medicaid, treatment is lowest among recipients who are Black or identify as "other race" and in states with restrictions on hepatitis C treatment. Obstacles to goal Recent events have created the perfect storm for hepatitis C to proliferate. The COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced screening and testing, thwarting momentum to eliminate hepatitis C. Drug abuse, commonly tied to hepatitis C outbreaks, also increased during the pandemic. The Hepatitis Appropriations Partnership, a coalition focused on viral hepatitis prevention, research, testing and treatment, says more federal resources are needed to meet the CDC's goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. In fiscal 2022, Congress appropriated $41 million for the CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis and $18 million for Infectious Disease Consequences of the Opioid Crisis. The coalition said it needed $456 million for fiscal 2023 to be on path to eradicate hepatitis C and B. But neither of these program funds are used for treatmentthey're used for research, testing and outreach, for exampleand states that are worried about the cost of the antivirals have been more reluctant to loosen the barriers to treatment. Sovaldi and Harvoni both initially listed for more than $80,000 a treatment. The rollout of alternatives has helped to drop the price, though the specific cost can vary based on type of facility and if the state is using an innovative payment model. "As the cost of treatment has come down as a result of things like competition and rebates, state Medicaid programs are more willing to remove these restrictions, because they recognize that it's not going to bust their budget," said Adrienne Simmons, director of programs at the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable. State changes States are slowly starting to roll back some of the barriers for treatment. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have removed their Medicaid prior authorization requirements. Of those, six states and D.C. implemented the changes this year. Prior authorization requirementsmeaning a provider needs insurance company approval before administering treatmentcan limit patients from qualifying or even seeking these drugs. Arkansas and South Dakota, for example, require patients to demonstrate liver damage to qualify for antivirals. Other states have imposed requirements related to substance use or other restrictions. Health advocates say such restrictions are unfair to patients and are ultimately more costly than addressing the symptoms of untreated hepatitis C. Caitlin Whaley, a Missouri Department of Social Services spokesperson, said that Missouri's program saw a 23 percent increase in participants treated for hepatitis C in the first year after it removed prior authorization requirements. In 2022, Virginia, Alaska, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Idaho, Arizona and the District of Columbia removed their prior authorization requirements. Christina Nuckols, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, said the state is involved in a multistate collaborative that hopes to measure the impact of removing the prior authorization and how that has impacted hepatitis C treatment in Virginia Medicaid compared to other states. Some states have eased some but not all of these restrictions. West Virginia loosened some of its prescriber restrictions and removed its three-month sobriety requirement in late May. It still, however, encourages enrollment in a substance use treatment program. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has not released any updated guidance on this issue since 2015. "The sense that we've gotten from CMS and engaging with them over the more recent years is that they probably won't be issuing an additional bulletin even though we've asked that and we would love for that to happen," Simmons said. "It seems like they don't think that they have the authority to force states to remove these restrictions." A CMS spokesperson said the agency continues to review its options to expand access to hepatitis C treatments given the CDC data on low treatment uptake. The agency is also committed to improving screening and timely treatment. Alabama removes requirement Alabama removed its sobriety requirement to qualify for the antiviral drugs as of Oct. 1, four months after advocates issued a complaint to the Justice Department's civil rights division. AIDS Alabama and the Harvard Center for Health Law and Policy argued in May that the sobriety requirement violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. "An entity can't discriminate against someone in the context of providing health services, even on the basis of current use of illegal drugs," said Suzanne Davies, clinical fellow of the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation of Harvard Law School, who helped write the complaint. She said the Department of Justice opened an investigation but that, shortly after that, the state's Medicaid agency announced it would remove this requirement, meaning patients would not have to undergo lab screening for drug and alcohol use to qualify for treatment. Alabama will still keep its prior authorization in place overall, though other statessuch as Arkansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakotastill have sobriety-related requirements. "I'm going to be really curious to see what happens in other states that had similar policies to Alabama. And it's a shrinking number of states that have really strict substance use restrictions," Davies said. 2022 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain While a sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is rare in the first month of life, a new Rutgers study has found that those occurring in the first week, an even rarer event, have different risk factors than those dying later, and recommended more thorough investigations into the possible causes of these early deaths. "SUID in the first month of life is rare," said Thomas Hegyi, co-author of the study and medical director of the SIDS Center of New Jersey, "however, data suggest that within that first month, there are differences in risk patterns for SUID based on age at death. The first month of life is especially crucial to study as it is a time when mothers are in postpartum recovery, experiencing fatigue, establishing breastfeeding practices and developing new household routines, which can influence risk factors." The study, published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, compared sudden unexpected infant death risk factors in the first week to those in the remainder of the first month in infants at and above 34 weeks of gestational age. "When it comes to risk factors for SUID in the first year of life, one size may not fill all," said co-author Barbara M. Ostfeld, program director of the SIDS Center of New Jersey. "Identifying age-specific risks can lead to improvements in outcome. In our study, some of the more common social and health risk factors associated with SUID were less evident in the first week." Researchers analyzed data from 2000 to 2015 in the SIDS Center of New Jersey's SUID case database and the New Jersey State Health Assessment Database (NJSHAD). They found that out of the 889 deaths of infants born at or above 34 weeks of gestation classified as SUID, 123 occurred in the first 27 days of life and 24 in the first week. Of the three commonly reported types of SUIDSudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, and ill-defined and unknown causesthe cause of death of infants who died in the first six days was more likely to be classified as of an ill-defined and unknown cause compared with infant deaths from 7 to 27 days, which were often classified sudden infant death syndrome. "The greater use of the ill-defined and unknown classification in the first week suggests greater uncertainty as to whether all possible causes have been considered and ruled out," Hegyi said. In the United States, each year, there are about 3,400 SUIDsdeaths occurring among infants less than one-year-old with no apparent causeaccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infants at or above 34 weeks gestational age account for 91 percent of the cases. The Rutgers study found that mothers of those dying in the first week showed less evidence of common risk factors. A higher percentage of mothers whose infants died in the first week had education beyond high school and adequate prenatal care, in contrast to the typical pattern of adverse social and health risk factors associated with SUID. There were also trends toward less smoking during pregnancy, a significant risk factor for SUID, and a greater likelihood that the infant was the mother's first birth. "Mothers of infants dying in the first week were more likely to have delivered via a primary cesarean section, which carries potential distraction risks such as postpartum fatigue, postpartum depression or pain-relieving medication," noted Hegyi. "If these challenges result in poor positioning of the infant during breastfeeding or skin-to-skin contact, especially with first-time mothers unfamiliar with signs of infant distress or who may be recovering from a Cesarean section, there can be an increased risk. "Our study supports the need for further investigation of risk factors unique to a sudden unexpected infant death in the first week," he continued. "However, any possible challenge to good positioning underscores the importance of following the guidelines issued by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing and the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on the Fetus and the Newborn advising on managing and monitoring early maternal and infant interactions following a cesarean birth and on educating all new parents about positioning and other safety-related behaviors." "Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are highly beneficial to newborns and parents and merit guidance, support and education to achieve optimal outcomes," Ostfeld said. "A recently published study of safe management of skin-to-skin care during hospitalization found gaps in education and supervision, which underscore the importance of increasing staff education and standardization of policies across hospitals," Hegyi said. Ostfeld noted that New Jersey's rates of SUID have been among the lowest in the US, in association with risk reduction education provided by the SIDS Center and its institutional and provider partners. "However, even one death is one too many," she noted. "Therefore, the work to learn more about risk factors and potential interventions must continue." More information: Thomas Hegyi et al, Sudden unexpected infant death risk profiles in the first month of life, The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine (2022). Thomas Hegyi et al, Sudden unexpected infant death risk profiles in the first month of life,(2022). DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2128662 "Virtual school is not the answer," said mother Cheryl Lane, right, who leaves a Hazelwood School Board meeting with her two sons, Aaron, 9, left, and Andrew, 7, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, at the Hazelwood School District Learning Center in Florissant, Mo. The board announced elementary students will switch to virtual learning after radioactive waste was found at Jana Elementary School. "My kids have been virtual since the start of the school year and they are not learning," said Lane. Credit: Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP Some parents of children at Jana Elementary School in suburban St. Louis say they'll seek medical testing and guidance from doctors about what to do next, after a privately-funded environmental study found radioactive contamination inside the school and on the playground. The Hazelwood Board of Education on Tuesday announced plans to close the grade school in Florissant, Missouri, indefinitely and clean it. The roughly 400 students80% of whom are Blackwill do virtual learning for now, then be sent to some of the district's 19 other elementary schools starting Nov. 28. It's unclear how long the cleanup process will take, what it will involve or who will pay for it. A district spokeswoman declined comment beyond a written statement that broadly outlined the plan to close the school and relocate children. Coldwater Creek runs directly behind Jana Elementary, which has educated thousands of children since it opened 50 years ago. The creek was contaminated in the 1940s and 1950s when waste from atomic bomb material manufactured in St. Louis got into the waterway near Lambert Airport, where the waste was stored. The creek runs 19 miles (30 kilometers) before spilling into the Missouri River. The result was an environmental nightmare. For decades, children who lived near the creek hunted for crawdads and splashed in the water on hot summer days, unaware of the poison they were playing in. "We don't blame you all, but we want to hear what's going on because these are our babies," said Patrice Strickland, who returns to her seat after speaking out during the public portion of a Hazelwood School Board meeting addressing a report that elevated levels of radioactive waste found at Jana Elementary School, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, at the Hazelwood School District Learning Center in Florissant, Mo. Strickland has two children who have been attending school virtually since August. Credit: Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP A 2019 federal report determined that those exposed to Coldwater Creek from the 1960s to the 1990s may have an increased risk of bone cancer, lung cancer and leukemia. Environmentalists and area residents have cited several instances of extremely rare cancers that have sickened and killed people. The Environmental Protection Agency established a Superfund site in 1989, and the government is spending millions to clean up the mess, though the project isn't expected to end until 2038. Amidst that backdrop, it's no wonder that Jana Elementary parents were alarmed by the Oct. 10 report from Boston Chemical Data Corp., funded by two law firms suing to seek compensation for illnesses and deaths. It found levels of radioactive isotope lead-210 that were 22 times the expected level on the kindergarten playground. It also found high levels of polonium, radium and other material inside the school. Kimberly Anderson told the board during a packed meeting on Tuesday that she is raising three grandchildren who attend Jana Elementary. She worried about the health damage that might already have occurred. Jana Elementary School, left, which is in the Hazelwood School District, is seen on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 in Florissant, Mo. Elevated levels of radioactive waste were found at the school, according to a recent report, and the parent-teacher association wants an open public meeting to discuss it. Coldwater Creek, right, which is prone to flooding, was contaminated by waste from nuclear bombs manufactured during World War II. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP) Anderson said the district should provide a medical expert who can offer "insight as to what I need to be looking for and what I need to have tested for my children." To start with, Anderson said she plans to have the blood of her grandchildren tested. Ashley Bernaugh is president of the PTA, lives nearby and has a son who attends. She called the findings of the study "terrifying." She said "lab testing would be prudent especially because of the levels of radioactivity and lead found." The Army Corps of Engineers earlier found contamination in the woods nearby. But since none was found in the area between the woods and the school, the agency didn't test the building or the grounds. Phillip Moser, program manager of the Corps' Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program in St. Louis, expressed concerns about the Boston Chemical report, calling it "incomplete and not consistent with the approved processes required to do an evaluation at one of our sites." This aerial photo shows Jana Elementary School, in the Hazelwood School District, Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 in Florissant, Mo. Elevated levels of radioactive waste were found at the school, according to a recent report, and the parent-teacher association wants an open public meeting to discuss it. Nearby Coldwater Creek, hidden by a line of trees next to the field to the right, which is prone to flooding, was contaminated by waste from nuclear bombs manufactured during World War II. Credit: David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP A school bus arrives at Jana Elementary School on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 in Florissant, Mo. Radioactive samples were found at the Hazelwood School District school, according to a recently released report. Nearby Coldwater Creek, which flooded in August, was contaminated by waste from nuclear bombs manufactured during World War II. Credit: Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP Still, it was enough to prompt local, state and federal lawmakers to call for immediate action. U.S Rep. Cori Bush, a St. Louis Democrat, said the federal government "is responsible for this waste" and needs to clean it up. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican, wrote to President Joe Biden on Wednesday, asking that he declare a federal emergency to expedite remediation. If cleanup is not feasible, Hawley said the government should pay for a new building. "The parents, children and residents of this area have waited years for the federal government to complete its cleanup," Hawley wrote. "Now their school is contaminated. They deserve immediate relief." 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Do you have a friend, coworker or family member who recently welcomed a new baby? If so, they're part of a nationwide trend. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. has experienced a subtle "baby bump," according to a new National Bureau of Economic Research working paper co-authored by Northwestern University economist Hannes Schwandt. Schwandt and his coauthorsMartha Bailey of UCLA and Janet Currie of Princeton Universityrecently analyzed demographic data covering all U.S. births from 2015 through 2021 and all births in California from 2015 through August 2022. They found that birthrates in the U.S. declined slightly as lockdowns began in early 2020, but rose again in 2021 to create a net increase of 46,000 births above the pre-pandemic trend across the two years combined. The decrease when lockdowns began in 2020nine months too early to represent a fertility response to the pandemicwere mostly due to fewer foreign-born women entering the United States as immigrants and having children here, according to the study. The increase in 2021 was driven largely by women without children (first births) and women with a college education, who may have been more likely to benefit from working from home. The 2021 increase in fertilitywhich has continued through the summer of 2022, according to the California datawas "the first major reversal in declining U.S. fertility rates since 2007," the authors wrote. Schwandt noted that early forecasts suggested that as many as 500,000 fewer babies might be born in the U.S. because of the pandemic, but that the situation actually played out very differently. Potential reasons were the pandemic government aid that kept many Americans financially secure and the expectation among many people that the economic crisis would be short-lived. "There was less financial insecurity in the short run, but there was also less financial insecurity in terms of people's expectations. And both of those made it a much milder shock in terms of the fertility response than the typical recession," Schwandt said. Flexibility created by work-from-home measures, along with reduced opportunity costs in other areaswomen didn't miss out on travel or social activities by being pregnant, because those activities were canceledmay also have inspired some people to have children, he said. Could increased flexibility for women lead to higher birth rates? The birth rate has important implications for society, because it affects broader trends in the economy. If younger generations are smaller than older ones, fewer working people are responsible for supporting a larger number of retirees. This is exactly the trend that has been observed in much of the developed world, which has seen declining birth rates in recent decades. In the U.S., the average number of children per woman decreased from 2.1 in 2007 to 1.6 in 2020. However, in 2021, not only were an unusually high number of babies born, but many of the women who decided to have babies were also having their first child. If some of those women also have a second child in a few years, the pandemic "baby dividend" could keep paying, Schwandt said. Many of the women who had babies in 2021 were college-educated, and may have benefited from increased flexibility in their work schedules and more time working from home. For college-educated workers, financial situations overall also tended to be better, because many of those workers saw their investments and homes increase in value during the pandemic. Women who were not college educated and some other subgroups continued to see declining birth rates, in keeping with pre-pandemic trends. Schwandt said that thinking comprehensively about how people make the decision to have a babylargely, an economic decisioncould be a good idea for policymakers. The study also emphasized the importance of immigration in keeping the birth rate up, he noted. "That some women may be more apt to have children if they have higher flexibility is a very interesting, important takeaway, especially since the U.S. lags behind other developed countries in terms of (maternity-related) benefits," Schwandt said. "And even though European fertility rates in general are lower than those in the U.S., at the same time, we have a lot more immigration. That's another takeaway: We saw how important those immigrant mothers are for the U.S. birth rate." More information: Martha Bailey et al, The Covid-19 Baby Bump: The Unexpected Increase in U.S. Fertility Rates in Response to the Pandemic (2022). Martha Bailey et al, The Covid-19 Baby Bump: The Unexpected Increase in U.S. Fertility Rates in Response to the Pandemic (2022). DOI: 10.3386/w30569 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain From rethinking workspaces to how we socialize with one another, there hasn't been a part of our lives unaffected by the pandemic. A new study shows the effects of the pandemic could even have altered our personality. The most widely used model to determine personality is the Five Factor Model, which determines one's tendency toward extraversion, openness, neuroticism, conscientiousness and agreeableness. Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the study found there were small but significant declines in openness, extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness compared to personality traits measured before the pandemic. The researchers studied 7,109 participants across different ages and races and analyzed their personalities before and during the pandemic. Among all subgroups, younger adults reported the most change to their personality. The study notes that as people age, our personalities decline in neuroticism and increase in agreeableness and conscientiousness. However, compared to prepandemic personality results, the opposite occurred in young adults. This is because "all the normal things that younger adults are supposed to do were disrupted: school, socializing, work," study author Angelina Sutin told NPR. Additionally, compared to young adults, older adults were "in a much more stable place in general," she said. Although small, the changes in personality could result in greater effects on young adults. The study notes that personalities are associated with certain outcomes. For example, people with higher levels of conscientiousness might achieve more education, or those with higher levels of neuroticism might engage in high-risk behaviors. The study notes there's a potential for these changes to ripple into adulthood, but further research needs to be conducted before reaching a conclusion. While it is largely believed personality remains stable throughout one's life, research points to the contrary. "There's quite a lot of evidence in the last couple of decades that personality is something that's dynamic, changeable, malleable, and that there are a lot of different factors that influence that change," associate professor of the behavioral and brain sciences at the University of Georgia, Brian Haas, Ph.D., told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Haas is not affiliated with the study. "People express their personality differently according to different contexts and situations. So, there's a growing consensus in the field of personality research that this notion of personality being really enduring and concrete is not really the case." The study found that Hispanic and Latino individuals had the greatest change in personality compared to other races. Hispanic and Latino participants reported to have declines in agreeableness earlier compared to non-Hispanic/Latino participants, and they did not decrease in neuroticism. The study speculates this difference might be because Hispanic/Latino participants experience greater stressors from working on the front lines and faced an increased risk to COVID-19. Cultural contexts play a role in personality, as well, since different cultures exhibit different traits in different ways. Previously, Haas studied how worldview affects well-being in individuals from the United States and Japan. "There is quite a bit of variation in the expression of personality traits, according to cultural contexts. People think about how solid or changeable their personality is differentially according to culture," Haas said. "In the United States, it's highly valued to stick to your guns, in a sense, and be the same person according to different stages of life and different social contexts. But in other places, for example, in Japan or other East Asian cultures, it's more accepted to express yourself differently. And to be a different person according to different times of life or different social situations." Changes in personality can also affect health outcomes. Previous studies have indicated increases in conscientiousness and extraversion predicted better health, whereas higher levels of agreeableness and neuroticism had poorer health outcomes. "In the United States, people that change their personality tend to exhibit lower amounts of well-being and life satisfaction as compared to those that do not change their personality," Haas said. "So personality change in general corresponds to a decrease in well-being." 2022 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The time it takes a cancer patient to see a doctor, receive a diagnosis and begin treatment can vary greatly depending on the patient's location and the type of cancer, with individuals in lower-income countries taking up to four times longer to initiate care. Dafina Petrova of the Biomedical Research Institute ibs.GRANADA and CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health in Spain and colleagues report these findings October 20th in PLOS Medicine. Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving patient outcomes. To understand how the timing of cancer treatment varies across different cancer types and in high- and lower-income countries, researchers reviewed the relevant scientific literature and performed a meta-analysis of 410 articles representing 68 countries and more than 5.5 million patients. Specifically, they looked at three time intervals: from the first symptoms to visiting a doctor, from the first consultation to diagnosis, and from diagnosis to the start of treatment. In high-income countries, most patients saw a doctor within a month of experiencing symptoms, but in lower-income countries this interval was 1.5 to 4 times longer for almost all cancer types. Across all countries, cancers that caused non-specific symptoms, such as myeloma, colorectal, and gynecological cancer, typically took the longest to diagnose, with prostate and gynecological cancers having the longest treatment delays, on average. The new study highlights the extent of the global disparities in early cancer diagnosis and treatment. The researchers urge that efforts should be made to reduce the amount of time it takes patients in lower-income countries to receive care after experiencing symptoms. They acknowledge that their estimates for the time it takes to diagnose and start treatment mostly came from high-income countries because these countries have robust health information systems in place to record this information. Additionally, these findings spotlight types of cancers where research on ways to provide earlier diagnosis and treatment may yield better outcomes for patients. Petrova adds, "Our new study identifies the cancers where diagnosis and treatment initiation may take the longest and reveals important global disparities in early cancer diagnosis and treatment." More information: The patient, diagnostic, and treatment intervals in adult patients with cancer from high- and lower-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis, PLoS Medicine (2022). Journal information: PLoS Medicine The patient, diagnostic, and treatment intervals in adult patients with cancer from high- and lower-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis,(2022). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004110 Space-filling model of the Cholesterol molecule. Credit: RedAndr/Wikipedia The discovery of a genetic variant that is relatively common among people of Polynesian ancestry, but incredibly rare in most other populations, is giving clues to the genetic underpinnings of high cholesterol in all people, according to new research led by University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health geneticists in partnership with several other groups, including the University of Otago and the Samoan health research community. The surprising finding, published this week in the journal Human Genetics and Genomics Advances, demonstrates the importance of ensuring diversity in genetic databases. "If we had only been looking in populations with European ancestry, we might have missed this finding entirely," said lead author Jenna Carlson, Ph.D., assistant professor of human genetics and biostatistics at Pitt Public Health. "It was through the generosity of thousands of Polynesian people that we were able to find this variant, which is a smoking gun that will spark new research into the biology underlying cholesterol." High cholesterol is a major cause of disease burden in countries of all income levels, is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Carlson and her team built their study to explore a signal that popped up in a large genome-wide survey looking for genes associated with lipids, or fats, in the body. It suggested that a gene variant on chromosome 5 could be associated with cholesterol. The team set out to "fine map" the region using genetic data from 2,851 Samoan adults from the Obesity, Lifestyle, And Genetic Adaptations (OLAGA, which means "life" in Samoan) Study Group, whose members had also provided health information, including lipid panels. To double-check the finding, the team looked for the association in 3,276 other Polynesian people from Samoa, American Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand, and the same connection between the variant and cholesterol was seen in them. Using data from the western Polynesian Samoan participants, the team was able to fill in the missing information around the region they were interested in on chromosome 5. This led them to BTNL9a gene that directs the production of the BTNL9 protein. Proteins typically signal to cells to perform actions, though scientists still haven't characterized the precise role of the BTNL9 protein. It turned out that Polynesian people with low levels of HDL "good" cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides had a "stop-gain" variant in BTNL9, which means the gene was being directed to stop doing its protein-production job, a strong hint that the BTNL9 protein is involved in helping cells maintain healthy cholesterol levels. "We don't know a lot about this variant because it's not seen in published genome references, which overrepresent European ancestry individualsit's virtually nonexistent in European ancestry populations, has very low frequency in South Asians and isn't even particularly common in eastern Polynesian people, such as Maori living in Aotearoa New Zealand," Carlson said. "But the way it's linked to lipid panels in Samoan people tells us that this gene is important to cholesterol, something we didn't know before. By further exploring BTNL9, we might someday discover new ways to help everyone maintain healthy cholesterol levels." More information: Jenna C. Carlson et al, A stop-gain variant in BTNL9 is associated with atherogenic lipid profiles, Human Genetics and Genomics Advances (2022). Jenna C. Carlson et al, A stop-gain variant in BTNL9 is associated with atherogenic lipid profiles,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2022.100155 Eight-year-old David Zabala walks with the help of a robotic exoskeleton during a rehabilitation session in Mexico City. Wearing a robotic exoskeleton designed specially for children, an eight-year-old boy with cerebral palsy walked through a therapy room in Mexico City, smiling triumphantly at the once-unthinkable feat. David Zabala uses a wheelchair due to his neurological condition, which also left him deaf and reliant on sign language. But thanks to the Atlas 2030 exoskeleton, which won its creator a European Inventor Award this year, he was able to walk and stand in front of a mirror where he drew smiling faces with colored marker pens. "He's taking his first steps. That's a joy for him," said the boy's mother, Guadalupe Cardoso, 41. "At first it scared him and his hands were very tense, and now I see that he's already holding the marker pen and starting to draw or (play with) the ball," Cardoso added. It makes the exhausting, near two-hour journey from their home in the south of Mexico City to the therapy center totally worth it, she said. The exoskeleton was designed by Spanish professor Elena Garcia Armada to enable children who use wheelchairs to walk during muscle rehabilitation therapy. The mechanical joints of the battery-powered titanium suit adapt intelligently to the motion of each child, according to the European Patent Office, which presented Garcia with the European Inventor Award. Giving paralyzed children the opportunity to walk "not only extends their life expectancy and enhances their physical well-being, but also improves their self-esteem," it said. The mechanical joints of the battery-powered titanium suit adapt intelligently to the motion of each child. 'Changing lives' Mexico is the third country, after Spain and France, where the Atlas 2030 has been used to treat children. The suit helps "to achieve in record time rehabilitation goals" that would take months to achieve with conventional therapies, said Guadalupe Maldonado, director of Mexico's Association for People with Cerebral Palsy. The benefits include muscle strengthening, improvement of the digestive and respiratory systems andabove alla major mood boost, Maldonado said. The private organization, founded in 1970, has already seen positive results two weeks after acquiring its first exoskeleton, she said. A second device, worth around $250,000, is due to arrive in Mexico City next month. The association's initial goal is to offer rehabilitation to about 200 children with cerebral palsy. The exoskeleton was designed by Spanish professor Elena Garcia Armada to enable children who use wheelchairs to walk during muscle rehabilitation therapy. "We want to continue working and empowering, so that more children in the city and the country have access to this type of rehabilitation... that radically changes their lives," Maldonado said. The sessions also give joy to the therapists, who carefully fit the exoskeleton using its special corset, cuff and shoes and celebrate the children's progress with smiles and applause. "It motivates us a lot as therapists that we will be able to achieve many things in the future," said Arturo Palafox, 28. 2022 AFP Bahrain's Oil and Gas Holding Company (nogaholding) has appointed Lazard Freres SAS, one of the worlds leading independent financial advisory firms, as the companys strategic financial advisor to assist in the development of the groups short-to-medium term financial strategy. Through this partnership, nogaholding aims to establish a comprehensive financial strategy that aligns with its ongoing efforts to transform into a sustainable energy company, said nogaholding. Lazards role as a strategic financial advisor with extensive experience in the energy and oil and gas sectors will enable the company to meet its strategic objectives, it said. Mark Thomas, Group CEO of nogaholding, said: We are pleased to be partnering with Lazard to facilitate the development of a financial strategy for nogaholding and its operating companies. Setting a robust financial framework in place will ensure that nogaholding remains on track with its transformation into a sustainable energy company. This will enable us to deliver long-term business growth and a more efficient method of operation. Lazard Freres SAS, one of the world's preeminent Tier 1 financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from more than 41 cities across 25 countries. The firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic matters, restructuring and capital structure, capital raising, and corporate finance, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments, and individuals. - TradeArabia News Service Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain An increasing number of people are seeking emergency medical help for sexual assault, a new study suggests. Emergency departments saw 15 times more sexual assault related visits in the past decade, outpacing the growth of law enforcement reporting, according to the research in JAMA Network Open. "Sexual assault is a disturbing and prevalent trend in the U.S. We know that people who experience sexual assault face numerous emergent health problems but few seek emergency medical care," said senior author Erica Marsh, M.D., chief of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the Center for Reproductive Medicine at University of Michigan Health Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital. "These findings demonstrate the role that health care providers can play in improving long-term medical and psychosocial health for these individuals." A new sexual assault is estimated to occur every 68 seconds in the U.S. with nationally reported rapes and sexual assaults increasing from 93,000 in 2006 to 139,815 in 2019, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Studies suggest that people who have experienced sexual assault are at greater risk for suicidal ideation, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use and chronic conditions than peers who have not. However, historically, a small percentage of people seek medical care for sexual assaultas few as one in five, according to some studiesand when they do, it's often incomplete or inadequate care. "Some of the care provided by our partners in the emergency medicine space to these survivors could ideally come from a known, trusted provider who has an established relationship with the patient and where patients feel like they're in a safe space," Marsh said. "We need to better understand where those opportunities are and how we can respond to these health needs in diverse outpatient settings." Researchers analyzed national data from millions of ED visits a year, finding an increase from 3,607 adults ages 1865 seeking ED care after sexual assault in 2006 to 55,296 in 2019. Potential factors behind the increase could include societal de-stigmatization of sexual assault as well as changes in how emergency medicine providers code for it, and increasing prevalence of sexual assault in the U.S., Marsh says. Meanwhile, there was a significant 8% decrease in admission rates for sexual assault during the same periodwith more than 95% of these patients sent home after an ED visit and not being admitted to the hospital. These decreasing hospital admission rates may be attributed to an increasing number of lower-acuity cases, more people preferring to avoid admission for confidentiality purposes, and/or decreased inpatient availability. ED visits overall also increased by 23% during the same time, with sexual assault visits making up less than 1% of visits. Still, total hospital charges for sexual assault-related visits topped $233 million in 2019, up from $6.35 million in 2006. "Although sexual assault comprises a small proportion of total emergency room visits, the magnitude of increase suggest that certain factors may be encouraging people who experience sexual assault to seek emergency care," Marsh said. Disparities in health needs, admissions Patients with lower incomes and government insurance plans are disproportionately admitted to the hospital after sexual assault, the study suggests. Older people (aged 4665) are also more likely to be admitted than younger people (ages 1825.) This may be attributed to other underlying conditions that could increase need for hospitalization, Marsh says. But those who seek help in the ED after sexual assault were also disproportionally younger women and those with lower incomes. While sexual assault is highly prevalent estimated to affect more than half of women and nearly a third of men in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionthere have been few long-term studies of how people seek care after sexual assault. Further studies should explore how to establish care for these patients in an outpatient or urgent care setting, Marsh says, such as providing testing for sexually transmitted infections, providing antibiotic and antiviral treatment on site, facilitating mental health services and collecting evidence in cases when patients are willing to be connected to law enforcement. "Our findings highlight the populations who access emergency care most frequently and who is most likely to need hospitalized care," she said. "Tracking these trends will help inform policies and potential strategies for better supporting these individuals and for reaching others who may be less likely to seek emergency medical care for various reasons." More information: Emily L. Vogt et al, Trends in US Emergency Department Use After Sexual Assault, 2006-2019, JAMA Network Open (2022). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36273 Journal information: JAMA Network Open Emily L. Vogt et al, Trends in US Emergency Department Use After Sexual Assault, 2006-2019,(2022). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36273 Delta-8-THC differs from Delta-9-THC merely by the position of a double bond (pink). Credit: Vortioxetine One is an illegal drug found in marijuana while the other is marketed as a safe herbal alternative. But the claimed differences between them aren't backed by science, a group of UConn researchers report on Nov. 1 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the psychoactive compound produced by cannabis plants. The federal government lists 9 -THC (pronounced delta-9-THC) on the Schedule 1 list of dangerous drugs with no accepted medical use. But other versions of THC that differ only by the location of a double bond, such as 8-THC, remain quietly quasi-legal on the federal level. The legality differences between the various versions of THC are causing conflict between the hemp and cannabis industries. There is also potential for harm to consumers. Although 8-THC is viewed as an herbal extract of hemp, many manufacturers use solvents and chemical processes that can leave harmful residues in the product, and there are no standards for purity or safety. Because there are no limits, some products contain ridiculously high levels of 8 and other THC variants that could potentially cause harm due to the sheer dosage. And states do not agree on its safety or legality. Some states, such as Connecticut, have made 8-THC as controlled as 9-THC, while in others it remains legal. Cannabis producers allege the distinction is giving rise to unfair competition between the hemp and marijuana markets. If regulating 9-THC as an illegal drug is based on the fact that it has physical and psychoactive effects, then the first step to rational regulation of 8-THC would look at whether it, too, has those effects. And people who have experience with both say it does; most agree the effects of 8 are similar to 9. UConn School of Nursing professor and Center for Advancement in Managing Pain director Steve Kinsey, graduate student Olivia Vanegas, and their colleagues in UConn Chemistry and local startup 3BC Inc decided to test that in mice. Research done in Japan in the 1980s had shown that 8-THC produced the same effects in mice as 9-THC. Kinsey and Vanegas reproduced that work and found it to be true: the mice given 8 became lethargic, their body temperature dropped, and they became cataleptic, meaning the researchers could put the mice in unusual positions and they'd stay like that for several seconds, which is common in THC-treated mice, but not normal mice. Then the researchers took it a step farther, blocking the mice's THC receptors. Blocked mice had no reaction to 8-THC, making it clear that 8 interacts with the same receptors as 9-THC. Then the researchers took a group of mice and gave them 8-THC twice a day for five days. Over time, the mice became desensitized to it. And when they were then given the THC blocker, the mice acted like they were in withdrawal. Credit: Vortioxetine Finally collaborators at RTI International ran an experiment "asking" the mice how the drug felt. First they trained the mice to go to a specific spot for a reward if they were dosed with 9-THC. After the training, the mice were dosed with 8-THC. Unsurprisingly, they went to the same reward spot as when they were dosed with 9. "So they're telling us the same thing people buying the stuff in gas stations tell us: 8 feels like THC," Kinsey says. Chemically, it's unsurprising. Molecules as similar as 8- and 9-THC usually (though not always) act the same in the body. But legally it causes a lot of complications. The distinction between 8- and 9- originally came about from the congressional Farm Bill covering hemp growing and sales. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that has less than 0.3% 9-THC by dry weight. Anything that has more concentrated 9-THC than that is considered marijuana. Additionally, the Farm Bill said anything else naturally present in the hemp plant is legal. That includes 8-THC. "It's creating a fight between marijuana and hemp growers," says John Harloe, an attorney on Colorado's THC taskforce. Products classified as marijuana "must be sold through dispensaries and pay high taxes, while hemp producers can sell essentially the same product but without the same regulations, due to the ambiguity in the Farm Bill," Harloe says. Harloe is bringing Kinsey and Vanegas's paper to the Colorado taskforce to inform the discussion. The taskforce is trying to create appropriate regulation that will address the different chemical variations of THC and guard public safety without crippling the hemp industry. The paper is particularly valuable because there is so little research done on THC and its intoxicating effects, due to federal rules. "Any bit of science is going to be influential," Harloe says. More information: S.O. Vanegas et al, Assessment of dependence potential and abuse liability of 8-tetrahydrocannabinol in mice, Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2022). Journal information: Drug and Alcohol Dependence S.O. Vanegas et al, Assessment of dependence potential and abuse liability of 8-tetrahydrocannabinol in mice,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109640 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new study by researchers at ICES, Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University finds that virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and patient travel-related expenses, such as gasoline, parking or public transit costs. Prior to the pandemic, less than 2% of patient visits with physicians took place virtually. The beginning of the pandemic (April-June 2020) triggered a rapid transition to virtual visits, which soared to 70 to 80%, and then stabilized at 50 to 60% of all physician visits. This cross-sectional study published in JAMA Network Open used health care administrative data from Ontario, Canada to identify all patients with at least one virtual care visit between March 2020 and December 2021. "Virtual care has become an important part of the health care system in Ontario, and in addition to improved patient convenience, it results in significant environmental and financial benefits for patients," says lead author Dr. Blayne Welk, Associate Professor of Surgery at Western, Urologist at St. Joseph's Health Care London, Associate Scientist at Lawson, and Adjunct Scientist at ICES Western. "The financial and environmental benefits of virtual care will likely continue beyond the pandemic and are particularly relevant for some patients who were frequent recipients of virtual care." Findings show that for more than 10 million patients with at least one appointment during the study period (63 million visits in total), virtual care was associated with estimated savings of: 3.2 billion kilometers of patient travel; 545 to 658 million kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions; and ) emissions; and $569 to $733 million (Canadian [US $465$599 million]) in expenses for gasoline, parking, or public transit. The avoidance of carbon dioxide emissions during the pandemic due to virtual visits represented approximately 0.2% of the total annual carbon dioxide emissions (150 megatons) from Ontario. The number of virtual care visits was greater for those aged 65 and older, individuals with multiple health conditions, and those living in urban areas. Due to distance traveled, virtual care may offer more potential environmental benefits and patient cost savings for rural residents. Other factors, such as decreased time off work (given that some virtual visits can be done during the day with little interruption to work) may have had additional benefits for some working adults and parents of young children. "Virtual visits should not replace all in-person visits, but they are an important option that can enhance the care that physicians provide for patients," says Dr. Alexandra Zorzi, a Pediatric Oncologist at Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Center and Associate Scientist at Lawson. "Our findings suggest that physicians should continue to offer virtual care appointments when appropriate, especially for patients living in more remote areas and those that have barriers to accessing in-person health care." The study, "Association of virtual care expansion with environmental sustainability and reduced patient costs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada," was published in JAMA Network Open. More information: Association of Virtual Care Expansion With Environmental Sustainability and Reduced Patient Costs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ontario, Canada, JAMA Network Open (2022). Journal information: JAMA Network Open Association of Virtual Care Expansion With Environmental Sustainability and Reduced Patient Costs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ontario, Canada,(2022). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.37545 Provided by Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences Minister for Education Norma Foley TD today welcomed the first cross-border Industry Insights session for teachers and guidance counsellors. The event, a first of its kind on this island, is taking place online today in conjunction with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) and Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITCNI). The seminar will be hosted by environmental services company Veolia. Industry Insights for Teachers is an initiative funded by the Department of Education to provide key observations on global business initiatives for post-primary teachers, facilitate collaboration between teachers and the corporate world and to provide students with up-to-date information and advice on industry developments and opportunities for future employment. Welcoming the initiative, Minister Foley said: This is an important collaboration between industry and schools, on the island of Ireland. We live in a modern, ever-changing, global marketplace and it is important that our students receive a 21st century education that embeds them with the tools to remain competitive in this global marketplace. Its essential that our teachers and guidance counsellors know how business is evolving and what skills todays students will need to succeed in their careers. The Department is pleased to be able to support this type of collaboration. Head of Education at BITCI Germaine Noonan said: It is energising to gather teachers from North and South on the topic of environmental management with our member company Veolia to deliver our Industry Insights series in an engaging way. We are delighted to collaborate with our sister organisation Business in the Community Northern Ireland on this initiative. Veolia Chief Financial & Commercial Officer Ireland and Regional Director Northern Ireland, Sinead Patton said: Veolia is delighted to participate in the Industry Insights series with BITCI and BITCNI. As a leader of ecological transformation, it is a great opportunity for us to connect directly with teachers and guidance counsellors every industry sector needs to be able to communicate on skills gaps, new job opportunities, emerging technologies and what hard and soft skills are needed to ensure they are sustainable. ENDS Notes to Editors Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is a movement for sustainable change in business. BITCI has a suite of education programmes that aim to develop mutually beneficial partnerships between schools and business in Ireland which support the Governments overall strategy on educational inclusion. Its suite of six programmes support students, principals, and teachers in post-primary, and literacy and numeracy in primary schools. THE DELEGATION of the European Union to the Philippines, together with its humanitarian partners and the Cultural Center of the Philippines ... Printmaking helped Kaila Farrell-Smith loosen up with my mark-making. With rollers, rags and stencils, her abstract imagery with allusions to traditional culture and social issues can be made in completely different ways, without relying solely on brushes. Farrell-Smith (Klamath Modoc) came over from Modoc Point, Oregon, south of Bend, this week to explore even more techniques. Her host was the Matrix Press, based at the University of Montana. She and her collaborators were at work all week on the top floor of the Fine Art Building. On Wednesday, they were adding the final touch to a series of prints. The composition is bisected by a stair-stepping set of lines, based on a traditional basket design. She studied with a master weaver named Pat Courtney Gold. Above and below are stencil outlines of a coyote, which she deploys as a trickster character. Its a traditional motif that shes making her own, much like artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith uses a rabbit. The final touch on this screen-print is lettering, a feature that shows up frequently in her work. The text has been a way to bring in some of the conceptual aspects about resistance and refusal, she said. Loose and expressive letters read SAAMAKS, which translates to relatives, written by hand and then printed on a transparency. After Farrell-Smith aligned the transparency over the print until it was just so, 2D technician Jason Clark loaded the screen with deep purple paint. He closed it, and dragged the liquid coloring across the mesh. Once it was complete, graduate student Dagny Walton placed it on a drying rack. Another student, Crystal McCallie, handed him a fresh one. Printmaking is like magic, student Tanya Gardner effused of the final result. Merging abstraction and activism Farrell-Smith said she didnt grow up around a lot of Native art. Her father was taken from his family and sent to a boarding school, part of a larger effort by the U.S. government to eradicate Indigenous culture. She got her education in Western art at Pacific Northwest College of Art and then Portland State University. Landscape and figurative work were part of her training, and she wanted to pursue abstract formalism. Conversations with a grad school studio-mate, a Black performance artist from New York, spurred her to begin experimenting with ways to merge Native art and modernism. He told her, what you dont know is an important part of your practice. Her latest series of paintings is called Land Back, which reflects her years-long effort to combine Native art, social issues and abstraction. In 2016, she protested the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock. Closer to home, she was part of the successful effort to block the construction of a natural gas pipeline that would cross traditional Klamath territory. Another print they made this week is a monotype, in which the artist incorporates different techniques and results in individual prints that are unique. The basic structure is the same every time, though: The center is dominated by a blocky figure, rendered in Gamblin Portland Black ink, both arms raised to the sky. A thunderbolt and a thunderbird hover nearby. So does a triangle that can be read as a mountain. Ominous red paint streaks toward the sky. The figure originated in her painting, Off the Ground, now on view at the Portland Art Museum. She was visiting Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California when a lightning storm hit and began to spark fires. The sky was black, which is part of the inspiration for that piece, she said. The raised arms can refer to movements from the Sundance, she said. A lot of my work is land-based, and a lot of my work has been referencing fires, because weve been living with wildfires every summer, she said. The land is in the paint, literally. She began experimenting with wild pigment. Harvested charcoal and natural white chalk can work like paint after theyre mixed with a translucent acrylic gel medium. A press that collaborates Matrix Press is embedded in the UM School of Visual and Media Arts, founded more than two decades ago. Theyve regularly brought printmakers to town for weeklong residencies, where they can produce new work with the facilitys staff: James Bailey, a UM professor and the press director, and Clark, the schools 2D technician and an adjunct assistant professor of printmaking. They recruit students to volunteer, many of whom come back time after time. Last year, Matrix worked with Corwin Corky Clairmont, the founder of the art department at Salish Kootenai College; and Marwin Begaye, a Navajo artist whos won awards for his intricately detailed prints. In a partnership with the MAM originated with a grant from the Warhol Foundation, theyve brought Indigenous artists from around the U.S. to Missoula to create new work. The prints are split between the museum, the press and the students. Four artists were featured in a 2018 exhibition, The Shape of Things. The partnership has outlasted the original grant. This visit was paid for by the MAM and the Jim and Jane Dew Visiting Artist Fund and Quick-to-See Smith. Bailey said they invite guest artists based on their work and availability. In Farrell-Smiths case, shes primarily a painter and partook in a residency at Crows Shadow Institute of the Arts, which was co-founded by the artist James Lavadour. Her work had come up in conversations with the MAM, where shes exhibited before, and recommendations about working with her. Across the studio, they were readying the materials and concepts for a final print. This will weave in disparate imagery from her repertoire of recurring symbols. The backdrop is a transfer of petroglyphs at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Theyre more than 6,000 years old, among the oldest in North America. The linework is dense, and blown up in size so that theyre visibly pixelated. The bolts, mountains and thunderbird will appear again, in novel permutations. And among the abstraction, an embedded message. In the center, a robed figure. In another work, this person was wrapped in a Hudson Bay blanket, which some see as a symbol of Europeans spreading smallpox to Indigenous people. The design seems to have grown in popularity lately, and she wanted to respond. There has been a surge in the number of Mexicans seeking asylum in Canada this year. The reasons for the big jump include the relative ease for Mexicans to obtain refugee status in Canada compared to the U.S., visa-free travel between Mexico and Canada, and the threat of violence back home. More than 8,000 Mexican nationals have applied for asylum in Canada since the start of the year. That is six times as many as last year and more than twice as many as in 2019, which was the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions that accompanied it. The majority of the asylum seekers are flying into Montreal. The city has many direct flights between the two countries. WEDNESDAY, Oct. 19, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. National Institutes of Health is investigating COVID-19 experiments at Boston University that have sparked a media firestorm, with some news outlets alleging that scientists created a "killer" strain of the coronavirus as part of their research. Boston University is refuting those news accounts, calling them a "false and inaccurate" interpretation of its research. "They've sensationalized the message, they misrepresent the study and its goals in its entirety," Ronald Corley, chair of microbiology and director of the Boston University National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, said in a statement. Nevertheless, the news has drawn the attention of federal officials. Emily Erbelding, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told STAT News that the Boston University researchers did not specify the direction their research took in their NIH grant application. The research team also did not make clear that its experiments might involve potentially enhancing the COVID-19 virus, Erbelding said. With proper notification, "we could have put a package forward for review by the committee that's convened by HHS [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services], the office of the assistant secretary for preparedness and response. That's what the framework lays out and that's what we would have done," Erbelding told STAT News. The Boston University researchers were looking at the spike proteins on both the original COVID-19 virus as well as the newer Omicron variant to compare their infectiousness. The goal was to determine whether the spike protein -- which the virus uses to infect cells -- has anything to do with how severely ill a person might become, Corley said. As part of their research, the team created a hybrid -- the original COVID-19 virus coupled with the omicron variant's spike protein. A preprint report on the research said that "in K18-hACE2 mice, while Omicron causes mild, non-fatal infection, the Omicron S-carrying virus inflicts severe disease with a mortality rate of 80 percent." The Daily Mail latched onto that line from the paper's abstract, reporting that the Boston University lab had "created a new deadly COVID strain with an 80 percent kill rate." Those K18-hACE2 mice are specially bred for COVID-19 experiments, and their death rate does not directly reflect the risk of the hybrid virus to humans, Corley explained. Its becoming clear that while the recommendations set out by Montanas Housing Task Force have fairly broad bipartisan support, there continues to be disagreement and concerns over many of the proposals. That means a spirited battle over local control, zoning and housing density may play out in the next Legislative session. On Wednesday, Governor Greg Gianforte met with the task force as the final version of its Phase 1 report was submitted to him. The task force is now transitioning into the second phase of work, focusing on regulatory changes and recommendations for state and local governments. Gianforte noted that over the past 12 years, Montanas population has grown by 10% while the number of new houses has grown by only 7%. We should increase access to starter homes like duplexes, triplexes and townhomes and condos, as well as apartments, Gianforte said. And by doing so, a teacher or a police officer can better afford to live where they work. He noted that grandparents want to live closer to their children and grandchildren. Our families should be able to build an accessory dwelling unit, a smaller, more accessible home or an in-law suite on their property, Gianforte said. Unfortunately, zoning regulations have shut them down. Its time to open them back up. However, those recommendations arent universally supported. Endorsement of relaxing rules on accessory dwelling units is at odds with Kelly Lynch, the executive director of the nonprofit Montana League of Cities and Towns. Their draft report calls for removing parking requirements in every community and allowing a second dwelling unit on every residential lot in Montana, Lynch wrote in an opinion piece for news outlets across the state recently. These aren't Montana solutions. These state-down requirements are ideas straight from California. The report recommends implementing a state affordable housing tax credit tied to local zoning reform, allowing duplexes where single-family residences are allowed in cities of at least 5,000 residents and allowing duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes where single-family residences are allowed in cities of at least 50,000 residents. Andrea Davis is the executive director of Homeword, a Missoula nonprofit organization that works to rehab, preserve and build affordable housing across the state. First and foremost, she said, her organization is pleased that the governor initiated the task force to place more attention on solutions for Montanas housing crisis. "There was a recognition for the need for homes for people at 80% of Area Median Income," Davis said. "There was a recognition of Montana being on the edge of a burgeoning homelessness crisis. So the task force report demonstrated a broad understanding of multifaceted elements of the real estate market." Shes also glad that the task force went beyond regulatory reform and homeownership-based solutions and stated clearly that market-rate development alone cant address the affordability problem for all Montanans. "It takes more than regulatory change to solve our housing shortage," she said. "It really takes capital, too." She also agreed that there should be more staff at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to work on a backlog of permit applications. However, there were several provisions that she thought could use different language. The recommendation to tie zoning reform to a (proposed) state affordable housing tax credit is something that we believe is too overly prescriptive, Davis said. The suggested criteria in the report does not necessarily work for every place in the state. Many localities are already moving toward zoning reform. Zoning reform in Missoula is going to look different than Big Sky or Great Falls. There needs to be an ability for zoning reform to work with other community priorities. However, she said, a state affordable housing tax credit could be a powerful tool. I would hate to see it not be able to be used in rural communities or in places that cant comply with the prescribed material in the task force report, she said. Davis said the Montana Housing Coalition has three priorities for the next legislative session, which begins this winter. Those are getting the creation of a state affordable housing tax credit, funding an existing program called the Housing Montana Fund and reauthorizing the funding of the Montana Multifamily Coal Trust Homes Program, which allows for coal trust funds to be invested in loan projects that provide multifamily rental homes. All three recommendations were in the report. Davis noted that the state has a budget surplus of well over $1.5 billion. Theres an opportunity to supply capital to make investments in these programs, she said. There were many other provisions of the report that she agreed with. One sticking point, though, is that people like her were not invited to sit on the task force. I was disappointed no representatives of housing organizations or agencies, human resource councils, community housing organizations like Homeword, were asked to be on the task force, she said. She noted that task force member Don Sterhan of the Mountain Plains Equity Group understands housing tax credits and the legislative priorities of the Montana Housing Coalition. But yeah, the lack of a housing agency or organization or nonprofit, that was definitely noticed by a number of people, Davis said. Missoula Mayor Jordan Hess also supports many of the task forces recommendations but also has some hesitancy. I was pleased to see theres some shared goals between the governor and our code reform effort, Hess said. But a lot of it comes at the expense of local control. Every community in the state has its own character and allowing communities to define that community character is a big part of what makes our communities great. Theres that old adage that the best government is the one closest to the people. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled its first round of confirmed speakers for its upcoming Global Summit to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, which includes leaders from some of the worlds largest travel & tourism businesses, Saudi officials, and tourism ministers from around the world. Taking place at the magnificent King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh from November 28 to December 1, the global tourism body's highly anticipated 22nd Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar. Under the theme Travel for a Better Future the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world. During the Global Summit, industry leaders and international government officials from across the globe will gather in Riyadh to continue aligning efforts to support the sectors recovery and address the challenges the future poses to ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Travel & Tourism sector. Business leaders set to take to the stage include Arnold Donald, Vice Chair of the Board of Carnival Corporation and WTTC Chair; Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International; Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai International Airports; Christopher Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton; Matthew Upchurch, President & CEO, Virtuoso, and Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, among others. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: We are delighted to have such influential speakers already confirmed for our Global Summit in Riyadh. The government of Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in the recovery of the Global Travel & Tourism sector following two years of crisis, and we are delighted to be taking our Global Summit to the Kingdom this year. Set to become a major tourist destination, our latest research shows that Saudi Arabias Travel & Tourism sector will surpass pre-pandemic levels next year and will see the fastest growth across the Middle East over the next decade. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism, said: WTTC will arrive in Riyadh as tourism enters a new era of recovery. Bringing together global leaders from both the public and private sector, the Summit will be fundamental in building the better, brighter future the sector deserves. There is no doubt our ambitious investment, sustainability and travel experience goals can be realized through global collaboration and WTTCs Global Summit in Riyadh will provide a platform for these important conversations, while ensuring visitors enjoy the hospitality and opportunities of one of the worlds fastest growing tourism destinations. The event will also welcome government speakers such as Secretary Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism Portugal; the Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Bahamas; Sen. the Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Barbados; Mrs. Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism Bahrain; the Hon Susanne Kraus-Winkler, State Secretary for Tourism Austria; the Hon Mitsuaki Hoshino, Vice Commissioner Japan Tourism Agency, and Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism Turkey, among others. Government officials from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will also address delegates at the Global Summit. They include Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy; Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, and Princess Haifa Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism. TradeArabia News Service Missoula county and city officials packed into the Sophie Moiese Room at the courthouse on Wednesday for their annual domestic violence award ceremony. Awards went to a handful of people working in Missoulas criminal justice spaces who comfort domestic violence survivors and advocate for them in the legal system. In 2021, 191 cases involving intimate partner violence were sent to the Missoula County Attorneys Office, while the city attorneys office filed 183 new partner or family member assault cases, according to Missoula County Attorney Kirsten Pabst. At the ceremonys onset, Missoula police detective Nate Griesse took a moment to acknowledge the eight people in Montana who died from domestic violence from Jan. 1 to now. Griesse rallied community agencies to collaborate on a county-wide strangulation protocol in April. Emily Lucas was awarded educator of the year. Lucas has conducted training sessions on domestic violence with attorneys and Missoula Countys District Court judges. She's also helped with educating law students. Emily has worked tirelessly to service and provide legal services to survivors of domestic violence, award presenter Cheryl Patch said. Legal advocate of the year went to Diana Garrett and prosecutor of the year went to Angie Bakken from the Missoula City Attorneys Office. Sherri Odlin received the public servant award. As the 911 center manager for Missoula County dispatch, she spearheaded the dispatch side of operations as they implemented the strangulation protocol. The Missoula Police Department took home two awards. Officer Tyler Swartz was recognized for his commitment to the new strangulation protocol. Officer Swartz has followed the protocol to the letter by calling medical to the scene to evaluate survivors with life-threatening injuries, Patch said. (He) shows survivors empathy and refers them to services when appropriate. Rebekah Potter also won for her unwavering commitment to survivors in her 12-year career with Missoula police, Patch said. Michael Sullivan won for the Missoula County Sheriffs Office. Paralegal Cori Oller won for the support she gives the county attorney's office with assembling evidence for prosecutions, and Melissa Pickett was recognized as social worker of the year. Patch won for the victim/witness coordinator award and Cat Otway was the recipient of this years health care professional award. Pabst presented attorney Brandi Ries with the Judy Wang Lifetime Achievement Award at the end of the ceremony. "Brandi runs a law firm, the Ries Law Group P.C., which has dedicated 99% of its work to survivors of (domestic violence)," Pabst said. Ries is the supervising attorney for the domestic violence law clinic at the UM law school. She also teaches domestic violence theory and laws to second- and third-year students, Pabst added. October is domestic violence awareness month. Wednesdays awards were one of multiple events hosted by the county this month. Last week, Missoula County Justice Court unveiled a new domestic violence court. University of Montana, alongside more than 300 volunteers, will package 100,000 nonperishable meals on Friday, Oct. 21 to be distributed through Missoula Food Bank's EmPower Pack Program. The food bank's EmPower Pack Program sends food home on the weekends with students facing food insecurity. Last year, the collaboration packaged 90,000 of the meals for local families. This event has been held the last four years, except for 2020. About 300 volunteers will package the meals, made possible by donations from area sponsors. United Way partners with logistics expert, the Outreach Program, which will oversee the safety of the project by implementing all applicable food-safety protocols. The volunteers will be packaging these meals in the University Center ballroom from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Drought and wildfire risks will remain elevated in the western states while warmer than average temperatures will greet the Southwest, Gulf Coast and East Coast this winter, federal weather officials said Thursday. La Nina, a weather pattern characterized by cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is returning for a rare third winter, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. That means December, January and February are likely to bring drier than average conditions across the southern states and wetter than average weather for areas including the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest. The forecast means droughts that have punished the Great Plains and western states are likely to continue, the agency said. Wildfires will remain a risk, and some parts of the country will likely be in greater danger than before, said Brad Pugh, the operational drought lead with NOAAs Climate Prediction Center. One of the areas, over the next couple months, that is likely to have enhanced wildfire danger will be the south-central U.S. Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Pugh said. Very dry conditions there. With that dryness, that will be an area for high wildfire danger in the coming three months. Drought conditions are going on across about 59% of the country, NOAA officials said, and they have persisted in the western states since late 2020. The continued La Nina climate pattern means that is likely to expand to the Gulf Coast as well, NOAA said. The Gulf Coast is also one of the parts of the country likely to experience higher than average temperatures, NOAA said. The higher temperatures are also likely to climb up the East Coast all the way to the New England states, the agency said. Some parts of the northern U.S., including the Pacific Northwest and portions of the Great Lakes states, could see colder temperatures than usual, NOAA said. Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasting for AER, a Massachusetts-based atmospheric research firm, said NOAAs predictions dovetail with his expectations for the coming winter. I would definitely lean on a milder winter, especially east of the Rockies, Cohen said. Wetter to the north, drier to the south. The southern Rockies, southern plains and most of the southeastern states are also looking at drier than average conditions, NOAA officials said. The winter weather is also expected to bring drought to the middle and lower Mississippi Valley, they said. Drought has had major consequences in states like California in recent years, including hurting agriculture operations, spurring water use cutbacks and elevating the risk of wildfires. NOAAs prediction does call for improved conditions in some drought areas, including parts of Montana and Idaho, but predictions call for a deepening drought in many others. NOAAs forecast is similar to projections from computer-based models, said Ryan Maue, a private meteorologist based in Atlanta. Many parts of the country that could use a wet or snowy year are unlikely to get one, he said. I think the bottom line is were on a continuation of what weve been seeing over the last year, including last winter, and theres not expected to be improvement in the drought situation across California and the center of the United States, Maue said. The Office of Public Instructions Educator Licensing Team received the 2022 Governors Award for Excellence in Performance on Monday. I am so proud of the work that our licensing team has done this year, Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen said in a statement. The new state of the art licensing system has streamlined licensing for all Montana teachers and administrators. Our licensing team has helped teachers focus more time on putting our Montana students first! The team members honored are Educator Licensure Program Manager Crystal Andrews, Licensure Examiner Bekki Flanagan, Licensure Examiner Lorri Weiss and Licensure Examiner Virginia Sandin. This year, 308 state employees received this honor that recognizes their exceptional contributions to Montanas government. The Educator Licensing Team has shown excellence in the states public image, states a press release from the Office of Public Instruction. They developed a new user-friendly educator licensing system, Teach Montana, that was launched on June 1. "They have also provided prompt, courteous services. Yellowstone County will file a formal response next week to the temporary restraining order issued on Friday that bars county commissioners from continuing their process of possibly privatizing management at MetraPark. The response comes ahead of the scheduled Nov. 30 Yellowstone County District Court hearing to resolve the matter. The restraining order, filed last week by Billings attorney Gene Jarussi and granted on Friday by District Court Judge Rod Souza, halted the county's bid process that sought a contract to turn over operation of MetraPark to private company. Don Jones, one of the three county commissioners and chairman of the commissioners board, declined to comment on other options open to the county until the legal process moves a little further forward, he said. Jones was the main driver in exploring privatization. Jeana Lervick, the chief in-house deputy county attorney for Yellowstone County, said she's hopeful for a quick resolution. "Yellowstone County is looking forward to a hearing on the merits of the recently filed (temporary restraining order) by Mr. Jarussi regarding the Metra," Lervick said in a statement. "The filings made contain erroneously drawn conclusions regarding a process that has been very well publicized over the past several months, and the County is anxious for the opportunity to address Mr. Jarussis concerns." The motion for a TRO was filed by Jarussi, who believes the process used by county commissioners to explore privatizing management at MetraPark has been so corrupted that it should be stopped entirely. The process "has been tainted by violations of the Montana Constitution and law, misrepresentations and collusion," Jarussi wrote in the request. "This faulty and unreliable process should be halted immediately." OVG and ASM Global, both L.A.-based events and venue management companies, submitted bids last month. A committee of business leaders and county employees had been in the process of evaluating those bids. That process is now stopped for the next month and half until the hearing with Judge Souza. "We understand the courts need to focus on the many issues before it, so while we would prefer putting these issues to rest now, we are anxious to tackle them this November," Lervick said. FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. North Carolina emergency management officials are being dispatched to Florida to help with cleanup from Hurricane Ian. Mike Willis, Burke County emergency management director, started the trek to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, early Wednesday morning, joining another emergency management director for the drive south, he told The News Herald. Willis expects to be assigned to Sanibel Island, just north of Fort Myers Beach, unless something changes upon his arrival. His role in Florida will be coordinating logistics for the area, which suffered catastrophic damage when Ian made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the seaside city. Lee County, where Fort Myers is, still had three people missing related to the hurricane, and 61 people have died in that county, the Lee County Sheriffs Office announced in a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon. The hurricane caused at least 127 deaths across the state, ABC News reported. The reports Im reading are showing about 13-15 feet of storm surge through there, Willis said. Its pretty much devastated everything. So far, North Carolina has sent about 22 people to help Florida through its response and recovery from the storm, said Keith Acree, N.C. emergency management communications officer. Acree returned Tuesday from Fort Myers Beach and said a lot of the homes there were completely destroyed. There are hundreds of homes there that are just permanently gone, I mean, nothing left but maybe some pilings in the ground or homes that werent elevated at all were just broken up pieces of wood, Acree said. Their water, sewer, power, everything, all their infrastructure systems were out. It was just Saturday that homes on the town started to see their power restored for the first time since the hurricane tore through town Sept. 28. It was comparable to what I saw in south Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, Acree said. A really devastating storm for Florida. Officials heading to the storm from North Carolina are being sent as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows states to help each other during disasters, Acree and Willis said. Lee County will foot the bill for North Carolinas assistance and later be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. North Carolina received a lot of help from other states after hurricanes Matthew and Florence particularly, so we like to pay that back when we can and help out other states in return, Acree said. Im sure well be leaning on other states in the future when we have other disasters. Willis said he expects to be in Florida for several days where hell be helping coordinate recovery efforts until local authorities can take over. Say a prayer for these people, Willis said. A lot of them are retirees, and a lot of them are working-class people, too, who worked at all of these places. Pretty much everythings gone. They were hit pretty hard. An investigation is underway and charges are possible after detectives say a local school daycare employee showed children inappropriate photos. Detectives started their investigation after a report was made Oct. 10, according to a press release from the Burke County Sheriffs Office. The report alleged an employee at a YMCA-operated daycare disseminated obscene material, the release said. The Sheriff's Office is consulting with the district attorneys office regarding potential charges. Gerry Knox, a spokesperson for YMCA of Catawba Valley, confirmed the allegations were made against an employee of the daycare program at Salem Elementary School. He said the YMCA was made aware of the alleged incident on Oct. 6, and the employee was immediately terminated. The daycare program at Salem has 47 students enrolled, Knox said. Their parents were sent a letter dated Oct. 11 giving few details on the situation, but explaining the backgrounding process YMCA daycare program employees go through before theyre hired. The safety and welfare of children in the care of our Y has always been, and will always be, a top priority, read the letter signed by Erica Simmons, the YMCA program director of childcare services for Burke County. The YMCA has declined disclosure of further details on the issue, describing it as a personnel issue. In addition to careful screening and a national background check prior to employment, our Y checks all membership records, including all staff, against the National Sex Offender Registry daily, the letter to parents reads. All staff at YMCA licensed childcare sites are required to obtain a NCDCDEE Qualifying Letter which involves an SBI Background Check and live-scan fingerprinting. Furthermore, all licensed childcare staff are required to take child abuse awareness and prevention training through Prevent Child Abuse NC and are counseled on how to report suspicions of child abuse and who to make those reports to. The YMCA before- and after-school program started in Burke County Public Schools in August 2021, offering childcare for students ages 5-12 at area schools, according to a press release from the school system when the program launched. People employed by the program work for the YMCA, not the school district. Our employees adhere to a strict policy that prevents any staff or volunteers from being alone with a child where they cannot be observed by others, Knox said in a statement Thursday. The former employees background checks did not indicate any criminal activity. Theres a big difference between using drugs and dealing drugs in the minds of many prosecutors and judges. Prosecutor Ann Shea made that clear when recommending that 36-year-old Joshua James Henry of Butte get 15 years in the Montana State Prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. District Judge Robert Whelan hammered the distinction home on Wednesday by imposing 15 years despite requests by Henrys defense attorney for far less time and placement in a drug-treatment program. This is no longer someone who just has a drug addiction, Whelan said. This is someone who is feeding the problem that we have in our community by being a distributor. Henry had already been convicted of possession in a 2019 case and faced possession charges in a 2021 case when police, knowing he had outstanding warrants, spotted him in a Town Pump casino this past May 25. They knew he had made threats about using a firearm to prevent an arrest so when he reached for his pockets, an officer stood him up and cuffed him, according to charging documents. A probation officer was called and a search of Henrys vehicle outside turned up a large amount of methamphetamine and a stolen gun. He was charged with criminal possession of drugs with intent to distribute, which carries a maximum 20-year prison term. Henry pleaded guilty to that charge and as part of Wednesdays proceedings, Whelan revoked four years of a suspended sentence that remained in the 2019 case. They will run concurrently to the 15 years the judge handed down. The 2021 case was dismissed. Defense attorney Kirk Krutilla asked for 10 years in custody of the Montana Department of Corrections with six of them suspended, and time in a long-term treatment program. If that didnt work, Krutilla said, then Henry could be put away for not getting the message. But Shea said it was too late for that and her message for serious prison time went beyond Henry. This has to be the response to people who want to perpetuate our drug problem because we have a huge problem and this is where it starts, she said. Shea said Henry had treatment opportunities for several years and didnt take advantage of them. Instead, he took the opportunity to take advantage of our community, she said. Although Shea and Krutilla were in Whelans courtroom for Wednesdays hearing, Henry appeared by video from the Butte jail and when asked by Whelan, declined to say anything on his own behalf. Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, a five-star luxury hotel, has won the 20th annual Prix Villegiatures Best Hotel Suite in the World award in the salons of the Embassy of Mexico in France, honouring The Majestic Royal Penthouse. We are beyond honoured to receive this prestigious award. It is an even greater honour to be placed in such distinguished ranks amongst the best hotels in the world, especially by selected industry critics, and guests. This award is a testament of Majestics commitment to offer an unmatched stay where guests will experience top of the line amenities and service, said Pascal Billard, Majestic General Manager. We aim to be better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we are today. Special thanks to the annual Prix Villegiature Awards for your consideration and recognition. The Majestic Royal Penthouse is Barcelonas largest penthouse with panoramic views of both the renowned Paseo de Gracia and the Sagrada Familia. This lavish 5,000 sq. feet suite features a dining room, living room, three bedrooms and two spacious terraces complete with whirlpools. For guests seeking the ultimate in luxury, The Majestic Royal Penthouse includes a fully stocked Maxibar tailored to the guests preferences including gourmet snacks, butler and chauffer services during the entire stay and a total of eight high-end Bang & Olufsen televisions throughout the entire suite. The interior design consists of unique furniture created by leading Italian designer brands Flexform and Molteni, and Dutch designer brand Van Thiel. The Majestic Royal Penthouse speaks to the history and the beauty of the city, cultivating every visitors admiration of the same. Founded in 2003, the Prix Villegiature Awards are presented annually honouring the best hotels around the world. The jury is made up of international press correspondents and highly reputed media outlets consisting of 22 journalists from 15 different countries who choose the best hotel in 28 different categories. After having won Best Breakfast in a Hotel in Europe in 2018 and Best Hotel City Terrace in Europe in 2019, Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is now home to the Best Hotel Suite in the World. These awards recognize the hotels dedication and passion spanning over 100 years in the luxury, gastronomy, health and wellness space.- TradeArabia News Service ExxonMobil's oil refinery in Lockwood was purchased by Houston-based Par Pacific for $310 million in a deal announced Thursday. "This acquisition will significantly enhance our scale and geographic diversification and underpins our focus on pursing strategic growth initiatives," William Pate, president and CEO of Par Pacific, said in a statement. "We look forward to welcoming the dedicated and highly skilled Billings employees to our team. This acquisition expands our fully integrated downstream network in the western United States." Construction of the Lockwood refinery began in 1947 by owner Carter Oil Co, and has been operating since July 1949. Currently it has the capacity to process roughly 60,000 barrels a day and employs 310 people. Par Pacific describes itself on its website as "a nimble, entrepreneurial organization" that seeks out "diamonds in the rough." The company operates three refineries in Hawaii, Washington and Wyoming and owns five retail gas stations. Along with the purchase of the Billings refinery, Par Pacific will also acquire its "associated marketing and logistics assets" from ExxonMobil. "The logistics assets include the wholly-owned 70-mile Silvertip Pipeline, a 40% interest in the 750-mile Yellowstone refined products pipeline, and seven refined product terminals," according to the statement from Par Pacific. The sale is part of ExxonMobil's broader transition to a business model of higher-end products. "ExxonMobil is focused on investing in facilities where we can manufacture higher-value products such as lubricants and chemicals," said Karen McKee, president of ExxonMobil Product Solutions. "We have proudly operated the Billings refinery since 1949 and we thank our more than 300 talented employees for their dedicated service." Many of those employees will be offered jobs with Par Pacific as the transition takes place. ExxonMobil has also stated that it will remain focused on "safe and reliable operations and ensuring compliance with commitments made to customers and the relevant government agencies and regulators." The refinery has been in operation for 73 years; the land for it was purchased, permitted and plotted in 1947. Carter Oil Co. opened the refinery for operations in 1949. The refinery was built along the Yellowstone River for the easy access to water, transportation and pipeline corridors. The original 500-acre site was purchased for about $61,000, said the refinery's spokesman, Dan Carter. In 1960 Carter Oil Co. became Humble Oil & Refining Co. Exxon purchased the refinery from Humble in 1973 and then on Dec. 1, 1999, Exxon and Mobil merged, becoming ExxonMobil. Products produced at the Lockwood refinery serve Billings and the broader Rocky Mountain region, from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Spokane, Washington, and into Utah, Carter said. At the time of its construction, the oil industry had a need for facilities that could produce higher octane fuels needed for new vehicles built with design modifications made during World War II. A refinery that could process 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day was ideal to meet the new fuel demands of the region, Carter said. In 1954, the refinery brought online the worlds first commercial continuous fluid coking unit. Through the 1950s and 1960s, the refinery made other upgrades to its units and refinery operations, including improvements to diesel production, expansion of the crude unit, installation of cooling water towers and environmental improvements. The Lunch Bunch kids at Madison Elementary School in Muscatine proudly delivered an envelope full of money Thursday to the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA). The Lunch Bunch made up of sixth-graders Dear Tony, Carly Huot, Adrian Martinez, Wyatt Boysel, Wyatt Kirby, Aubrey Horchem, Ashley Smith, Harper White, Angelo White, Brayden Walker and Radhika Chaudhari meet once a week in order to identify a service that they can do for a set amount of time in order to help their community. For this latest service project, the Lunch Bunch decided that they would raise money for the MCSAs homeless shelter through a craft fair, which was an idea that a couple of the students remembered successfully holding at Colorado Elementary School. The craft fair was held for two nights and one school day during parent-teacher conference week, giving students, staff and their families all a chance to contribute to the cause. Most of the club members either had their own craft table or partnered with someone and had a table together. Some of the homemade items sold at the fair were a comic book about a crayon that came with a "living" crayon, color-changing play-doh, little gnomes, keychains, bracelets, necklaces, hair clips and hair bows, bookmarks, picture frames and crafts that were themed around a certain season or holiday, such as small Christmas trees or painted pumpkins. Additionally, Victoria Pitman, owner of Sweet Honey Acres Candle Co. and grandmother of a Madison Elementary student, donated several candles to the cause. Normally, these candles would be sold for $35, but they were sold at the craft fair for only $5. Overall, the Lunch Bunch was able to raise a total of $550.84 for the MCSA homeless shelter. Scott Dahlke, executive director from MCSA, stopped by the school on Wednesday during lunchtime to receive the donation. The homeless shelters serve around 300 people every year, and an additional 364 kids every year, so theres a lot of people that we can help using this money, Dahlke told the students. Im just really impressed with you guys. A lot of kids dont think about raising money for people in need, so Im glad that you guys did. I feel grateful that our future is in your hands. As for the students, when asked why they chose to join the group and help out with these service projects, many agreed that it just felt right and that they enjoyed helping people and giving back to the community, understanding that while they already have all that they need, there are still others who might not. Looking ahead to the holidays, the kids of the Lunch Bunch were happy to announce that their next service project would be a toy drive for the Iowa Childrens Hospital. Having crews going through the Linda Falls Preserve with chain saws might sound like an environmental disaster, but not in this case. Workers didnt clear-cut the Land Trust of Napa Countys forest near the small community of Angwin, but rather reduced fuels. They were a surgical strike team for the cause of wildfire prevention and forest health. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Its a case of less being more. The goal is to protect both neighborhoods and the forest from high-severity wildfire while maintaining the Linda Falls Preserves ecological values, said Mike Palladini, the Land Trust's stewardship program manager, in a news release. Linda Falls Preserve comprises 177 acres in the mountains northeast of St. Helena covered with Douglas firs, madrones, oaks, bays and such plants as the rare Napa false indigo. It features a waterfall where a section of Conn Creek tumbles over volcanic boulders. The preserve is open to the public. Crews reduced ladder fuels that can carry fires burning in shrubs, small trees and lower branches to the tops of tall trees. Keeping Linda Falls Preserve from becoming an inferno protects nearby Angwin neighborhoods. The forest thinning was also designed to increase the forest's resilience to drought, fires and other effects of climate change, Land Trust officials said. A vegetation-choked forest can harm native plant diversity. Before-and-after photos tell the story. A walker could now stroll beneath the tall conifers rather than struggle through undergrowth. Theres more of this kind of work to be done, Land Trust CEO Doug Parker said. The Land Trust owns several thousand acres in various preserves extending from the Lake Berryessa area to Mount Veeder. The state and federal governments own vast tracts of land. Private landowners own much of the countys wildlands. But cost is the challenge to carrying out fuel reduction projects. The Linda Falls project cost $360,000. How do you be a responsible landowner when its expensive? Parker said. In this case, the Coastal Conservancy and Natural Resources Conservation Service provided grants. Angwin Fire Safe Council and Angwin Community Council provided support. The Angwin community gave $90,000, aided by a challenge grant from Clif Family Winery & Farm. "We are happy to do our part in wildfire prevention. ... We are truly stronger and safer working together," said Kit Crawford of Clif in a press release. The Land Trust worked with the Napa County Resource Conservation District on the project. County Deputy Fire Chief Jason Martin praised fire prevention efforts in the Angwin area. Besides the Linda Falls Preserve, fuel reduction projects have targeted the Pacific Union College forest and other college property. Its a coordinated effort to achieve maximum protection for the area, Martin told the county Board of Supervisors at its Oct. 4 meeting. Meanwhile, Napa Countys fire season has reached its dry peak. The National Weather Service's Napa County forecast this week includes a slight chance of rain on Tuesday and again Friday and Saturday, but no soaking rains that would end the fire threat. Updated at 2:17 p.m. Wednesday A Napa County jury on Monday returned a $4.35 million verdict against a State Farm Insurance company agent, agreeing that the agent was negligent when she failed to increase the coverage for a Silverado homeowner before the Atlas Fire five years ago. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. The homeowners, Jack and Gayle Daniels, lost their dream home at 114 Westgate Drive in the wildfire, one in a cluster of infernos that erupted across the North Bay on the night of Oct. 8, 2017. Nine days before the Atlas Fire, on Sept 29, 2017, they called their St. Helena State Farm agent, Alyssa Samrick, to update her on the final costs of a remodel, with their understanding that their insurance coverage would be appropriately increased. However, the policy was not increased before the fire, leaving the couple grossly underinsured, according to the complaint. In October 2018, the Danielses filed a complaint against Samrick and State Farm, claiming negligence and breach of duty. Almost exactly five years later, a jury reached its decision. Their State Farm agent Samrick was negligent. Its an important decision, said Kevin Pollack, attorney for Jack and Gayle Daniels. Insurance companies cant treat customers this way. They market themselves as being there to protect their customers. Thats not what happened here. According to Pollacks research, the cost to fully compensate the Danielses for their economic loss totaled $13.13 million. State Farms coverage totaled $2.99 million. The insurer ultimately paid the Danielses a total of $3.49 million. The jury awarded the Danielses $4.35 million. (Prior claims paid to the Danielses will be deducted from that amount.) The Danielses also claimed that they suffered emotional distress from losing their home and all of its contents. Forced to flee the fire, they were lucky to escape with their lives, said the complaint. However, the jury rejected damages for emotional distress for both Jack and Gayle Daniels. It found that Samrick bore 51% of the responsibility for the harm to the couple. At the same time, the jury found the Danielses were 49% responsible. Pollack said he absolutely disagreed with that assessment. There could be an appeal on that legal issue, he said. At the end of the day, my clients had a 50-year relationship with State Farm and were told they could trust the agency, and thats not what happened, said Pollack. Im thankful my clients can move past this now, he added. The Danielses currently live in another state, but plan to rebuild their Silverado home. It was very difficult to remain in Napa after the fire, Pollack said. The Danielses had been State Farm customers for about 50 years, the majority of that time with the same St. Helena office. A representative for State Farm could not immediately be reached to comment for this story. Samrick sent a statement to the Napa Valley Register by email: "The Daniels have been compensated for their claim, which is included in the awarded amount and this case is still pending." According to her website, Samrick has been an agent for 14 years. Her office is now located in Napa. Underinsurance became a critical issue after the 2017 wildfires in Northern California. According to one survey by the nonprofit United Policyholders, 64% of respondents reported they did not have enough insurance to cover the cost of repairing, replacing or rebuilding their homes after the fires. Recently released test scores from some of Californias largest school districts representing more than 1 million students offer a preview of what are likely to be steep drops in reading and math scores statewide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. The scores, which districts released individually at the request of EdSource, show sharp declines in all grade levels from 2019, before COVID-19 forced the closure of nearly all campuses to in-person learning, to this year. The state Department of Education has delayed releasing the full statewide results from the 2022 Smarter Balanced assessments, which are given annually to third- through eighth-graders and 11th graders to measure progress in English language arts and math. Under pressure from EdSource and other media outlets, the department recently agreed to release the scores by the end of October. Meanwhile, EdSource has collected individual results from 10 large districts, including Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, Fresno Unified, Lodi Unified, Long Beach Unified, Sacramento City Unified, Sweetwater Union High School District, San Ramon Valley Unified, Bakersfield City School District and Mt. Diablo Unified. The results show consistent declines in all categories from 2019, but some variations among districts and subgroups: - Only 13% of students in Bakersfield met the state standard for math. - Reading scores in Los Angeles Unified only dipped slightly from 2019 to 2022. Still, only 41% of students in 2022 were proficient in reading. - Math scores in Fresno dropped by a third. In 2022, only 21% of students met the math standard. - Reading scores in Long Beach dropped 11 points, but declines were less steep in math. Math scores fell only 4 points. - In Mt. Diablo Unified, one of the few districts to break down the results by subgroup, Black, Latino, English-learning, foster and homeless students had far lower scores compared with 2019 than their white and Asian peers. For example, among English learners, 96% did not meet the math or reading standards. Napa school enrollment sees yet another decline, amid shifting middle school landscape Napa County's K-12 student enrollment is declining at the fifth fastest rate among the 58 California counties, according to the California Department of Finance. By and large, scores show little change from 2021, the first results after the state suspended the 2020 tests due to the pandemic. The 2021 test was optional for schools to administer, so results were limited and likely not an accurate reflection of students progress overall. Just under 25% of students took the test in 2021. Lodi Unified saw scores in both math and reading improve from 2021, but they still lag significantly from 2019. Thats not a surprise, considering the difficulties teachers and students faced as they returned from months of distance learning, said Robert Sahli, assistant superintendent. Last year, even though we were back in person, it was very challenging, he said. Teachers and support staff were working very hard to address learning loss while also responding to the social-emotional impacts on learning and socializing at school. Like other districts, Lodi has hired more tutors and teachers to help students catch up, beefed up summer school and after-school academic offerings, adopted new curricula and taken other steps to bring students to proficiency. Heather Hough, director of Policy Analysis for California Education, said the preliminary results are actually better than she expected. Because 2022 is the first year all schools were required to give the test, she anticipated a significant drop from 2021. We thought 2022 would be a recovery year, but there was so much chaos teacher shortages, students missing school that it turned out to be another pandemic year, she said. If the scores are the same (as 2021), thats actually encouraging. When the state releases the full data, Hough and her colleagues will pay close attention to differences among subgroups and statistical anomalies. If one district, for example, shows good results for students in special education, it would be worth researching what special steps that district has taken. She also noted that some students thrived during remote learning, so she expects some good news, as well. In any case, schools and districts, as well as statewide policymakers, should use the scores to shape their allocation of resources in the coming years. When we get this data, well finally be able to see how California is doing, what challenges were facing, and how we can best help students as we move forward, she said. In anticipation of the statewide release of test scores, California last week launched a push for schools to help students regain skills they lost during the COVID-19 emergency. The state is emphasizing accelerated learning, rather than remedial lessons, to speed up the process. Such steps could be the most useful result of the Smarter Balanced scores, said Lucrecia Santibanez, associate professor of education at UCLA. Closely analyzing the data and using it to forge a path forward specifically for certain groups of students is more useful than assigning blame, she said. COVID was tough for everyone, and its not worth putting blame on anyone, she said. Everyone was trying the best they could. But these scores signal that we need to make a personalized, intensive effort to help kids catch up and recoup what theyve lost. Although the scores are disappointing, they can be an important tool to help schools pinpoint resources in the future, according to Santibanez. The scores can provide a window into what exact content students have missed, where theyre lagging and which students need the most help, she said. At Mt. Diablo Unified, Raymond Tjen-A-Looi, director of assessment, research and evaluation, told the school board that comparisons with 2021 arent helpful because education was still so disrupted due to COVID-19. Were concentrating on using 2022 as a baseline, with the expectation that everything will stay the same going forward testing will be in person, instruction will be in person, he said. So moving forward, hopefully, well be able to do more comparisons and see how well we are making up for what weve lost. The festive night includes dinner prepared by chef Ken Frank and his team from his Michelin star restaurant, La Toque, wines from the Mexican American Vintners Association (MAVA), a silent auction, dancing and the opportunity to win a wine locker. But the gala has a serious purpose as well: It's the first fundraiser for the Fair Housing Napa Valley, a nonprofit that provides housing services for the residents of Napa County. The need for help, especially bi-lingual services, is great and growing, said Pablo Zatarain, executive director of Fair Housing Napa Valley. Zatarain came to Napa after a national career devoted to helping the most vulnerable members of society with help for housing issues that includes providing information, counseling and advocacy. The group works to help both tenants and landlords understand their rights, Zatarain said, in addition to addressing complaints of housing discrimination or other illegal practices. Napa Valley housing market, affected by the pandemic and wildfires, has created challenges that have led to increased need for help from Fair Housing, particularly for low-income tenants, many of whom work in the agriculture and hospitality industries that form the foundation of Napa's economy, Zatarain said. According to Fair Housing Napa Valley data: more than 80% of all tenants assisted by FHNV qualify as low-income 56% Latinx residents represent the majority of all FHNV clients More than a third of all clients have a disability Another third live in a household with children, who account for nearly 30% of all the people they serve In addition, he noted 21% of all clients served since March 1, 2020 have reported significant housing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "For these residents, housing is their greatest single financial need," he said. "Our agency is the voice of fair housing in Napa County." Enter the Catrinas Although many attribute the modern-day image of La Catrina to the artist Jose Guadalupe Posada, who modernized her with a new fashionable look in 1910, the roots of catrina run deeper. According to National Geographic, La Catrina is the Aztec figure Mictecacihuatl, the death goddess of Chicunamictlan, whose role was to watch over the bones of the dead. Posada was a political cartoonist, who drew skeletons to remind people that no matter how wealthy or how poor you are, you all face the same fate. The artist Diego Rivera, also portrayed La Catrina in a mural that can be seen in the Diego Rivera Mural Museum in Mexico City. According to the website, dayofthedead.holiday/traditions/who-is-la-catrina/, "there is no mistaking her identity, La Catrina is 100% Mexican. She is a strong visual image depicting how the Mexican people see death and the afterlife. "Mexico is very unique in their views of this fact of life and prefers to take it good-humoredly and passionately. That is not to say that they dont grieve and miss a loved one who passes away. What it means is that they choose to celebrate the life and memories the person created while they were with them instead of indulging in the fact that they are gone forever." Noche de Catrinas Congressman Mike Thompson is serving as honorary co-chairman for the new Noche de Catrinas. Co-chairwomen are Fair Housing board member Maria Cisneros and Teresa Foster, who recently retired after a 30-year career as an immigration consultant in Napa. Foster is now devoting her time and experience to serving as a community activist for Napa's Latinix population, "working to bring inclusivity to our Latinx community in the Napa Valley," she said. She has launched a Spanish-speaking television show, "Charlando con Teresa Foster," which is broadcast throughout California. For a recent episode, she had experts transform her with the Catrina make-up and costume to promote the gala and inspire guests to try it "if you dare." Otherwise the suggested attire is "cocktail" for Noche de Catrinas, which starts at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour and special viewing of participants in a Las Catrinas contest; winners will be in a 2023 calendar, Foster said. "At 6 p.m. we will move inside where we will enjoy a delicious meal, wine, dancing, a fund-a-need and silent auction for the beautiful watercolor of the 'Catrina,' painted by Carol Leonti." We have such a unique and supportive community here in Napa County," Cisneros said. "Our supporters and many of our Napa residents work in this community, and they want to stay in the place they call home. This event will give us the means to continue providing services. More than 500 retired U.S. military personnelincluding scores of generals and admiralshave taken lucrative jobs since 2015 working for foreign governments, mostly in countries known for human rights abuses and political repression, according to a Washington Post investigation, The Washington Post reported. The documents show that foreign governments pay handsomely for U.S. military talent, with salary and benefit packages reaching six and, sometimes, seven figuresfar more than what most American service members earn while on active duty. At the top of the scale, active four-star generals earn $203,698 a year in basic pay. The Australian government, for example, has offered former senior US Navy officials more than $10 million for consulting services. A retired US Air Force general was offered $5,000 a day to work as a consultant in Azerbaijan. In Saudi Arabia, 15 retired U.S. generals and admirals have worked as paid consultants for the Defense Ministry since 2016. The ministry is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdoms de facto ruler, who U.S. intelligence agencies say approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a Post contributing columnist, as part of a brutal crackdown on dissent. A prominent beneficiary of Mohammeds reign has been 78-year-old James L. Jones, the retired general who served as Obamas national security adviser and had been commandant of the Marine Corps. Jones owns two Virginia-based consulting firmsIronhand Security LLC and Jones Group International LLCthat have held contracts to advise the Saudi Defense Ministry. In his interview with The Post, Jones said he was very shocked and surprised at what evidently happened to Khashoggi. But he said Jones Group International applied for, and accepted, more work from the Saudi Defense Ministry in 2019 because we received encouragement from the Trump administration to do so. He said his companies now hold four Saudi contracts and employ 53 Americans in Riyadh. Of those, eight are retired generals and admirals, and 32 are lower-ranking military retirees. Other U.S. military personnel have gone to work in Indonesia or the United Arab Emirates. Under federal law, retired U.S. military personnelgenerally defined as those who served at least 20 years in uniform and are entitled to a pensionare restricted from receiving anything of value from foreign governments that could compromise their sworn allegiance to the United States. Congress permits retired troops as well as reservists to work for foreign governments if they first obtain approval from their branch of the armed forces and the State Department. But the U.S. government has fought to keep the hirings secret. For years, it withheld virtually all information about the practice, including which countries employ the most retired U.S. service members and how much money is at stake. Those seeking authorization for foreign work must also pass a background check and counterintelligence review. The State Department and the armed forces have wide latitude to deny any application they think would adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States. But The Post investigation found that approval is almost automatic. Of the more than 500 requests submitted since 2015, about 95 percent were granted. Documents show that one case involved retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, 63, who briefly served as national security adviser to President Donald Trump. An investigation by the Defense Departments inspector general found that Flynn collected $449,807 from Russian and Turkish interests in 2015, one year after he retired from the Army, but failed to clear his work with U.S. officials. Flynns ties to Russian officials led to his downfall. In 2017, he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Trump pardoned him three years later. The Post found that many military retirees take foreign jobs or gifts without notifying the U.S. government at all. The armed forces and the State Department have no mechanism to identify such cases. Unless rulebreakers come to public attentionas did Flynnor someone reports them, they have no reason to fear getting in trouble. Pashinyan: Armenia attaches importance to development of cooperation with Albania Azerbaijan president receives Philip Reeker MP: Tourists visiting Armenia have difficulty making purchases over 300,000 drams at duty free shops Marukyan: 2 years ago Azerbaijan president signed ceasefire agreement where Nagorno-Karabakh is mentioned 5 times US diplomatic mission reveals details of CIA head with Naryshkin Karabakh army did not open fire at Azerbaijani positions in occupied territories UK intends to maintain military assistance to Ukraine in 2023 Copper prices falling World oil prices falling Gold falls in price Armenia PM, wife attend charity concert in support of soldiers undergoing treatment Azerbaijan army fires towards Armenia positions Eurasianet: Azerbaijan's Russian natural gas deal raises uncomfortable questions for Europe The Hill: Will a strong dollar trigger a global recession? Stanislav Zas: CSTO proposed several measures to help Armenia MOD: Artsakh Defense Army did not fire at Azerbaijani positions Princess Diana was 'murdered' because she was pregnant with Dodi Al Fayed's baby, claims his father Israel will fall apart, says Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps chief Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan leaders summit to be held in Ashgabat Elon Musk announces he will support Ron DeSantis if Florida governor runs for US president Armenia MOD dismisses Azerbaijan disinformation Baghdad ready to help Tehran-Riyadh negotiations resume, Iraq FM says Russia presidential spokesman: Attempts to interfere with CSTO work will continue Protests staged in Shanghai over China COVID curbs Iran parliament approves law on country's membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization Worlds biggest nuclear-fusion project faces delays due to component cracks Erdogan announces Turkeys Bayraktar UAV fighter manufacture by end of 2023 Venezuela authorities and opposition resume talks, eyeing US sanctions relief Azerbaijan's Armenophobia policy to be presented in Australia (PHOTOS) Armenia FM: I am deeply shocked by news of Vladimir Makei's death The New York Times: Artillery breaking in Ukraine, becoming problem for Pentagon Karabakh MOD dismisses Azerbaijan statement Americans spend record $9.12bn on online shopping on Black Friday North Korea aims to have world's strongest nuclear force, Kim Jong Un says What is best age to seek jobs? Scholz says Germany will allocate another 10 million to ensure grain supplies from Ukraine Azerbaijan opens fire on Armenian border positions Parapolitika: U.S. drone base is being set up near the Greek city of Larissa Belgium to send to Ukraine 100 instructors who fought in Afghanistan U.S. household spending up $433 for the year Authorities of Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine signs Declaration of Lublin Triangle PMs CIS Executive Committee says they agreed with CSTO, SCO on combining anti-terrorist exercises Over 10 people are missing in Italy after landslide Finns saving on alcohol Kyodo: Japan ready for joint counterstrikes with U.S. in case of attack OSCE PA session in Warsaw kicks off in darkness as sign of solidarity with Ukraine Times: Britain may triple its nuclear energy production by 2050 IAEA tells what blow to spent fuel at Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant will lead to AFP: Macron wants to dissuade Biden from unequal competition with EU ARF Dashnaktsutyun delegation meets with Spanish PM India launches vehicle with 9 satellites on board Bloomberg says cost of chartering oil tankers exceed $100,000 Belgium to provide Ukraine with underwater unmanned drones and mobile laboratories Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan has phone talks 22 people injured in Turkish minibus accident Xi Jinping says he wants to develop relations with North Korea amid global changes Inauguration ceremony of Tokayev takes place in Astana Greta Thunberg and 600 more eco-activists sue Sweden Secretary of Armenian Security Council to visit France and Germany US starts transferring 80 power generators to Ukraine Another disinformation: Armenian soldiers did not shell Azerbaijani positions New York builds world's thinnest skyscraper Armenian Defense Ministry: Azerbaijan shells Armenian border positions Ford Motor Co. recalls 634,000 SUVs worldwide due to risk of fire Chinese man becomes famous for looking after 320 wolves at once Taliban bans women from visiting doctors without men in Nangarhar province Norway to provide almost $14 million for the EU mission of training AFU World economy predicts to roll back to the level of the 2008 financial crisis UN: Every hour more than five women are killed by their families around the world Drone use bans in Tatarstan Russian MOD advises Azerbaijani MOD not to question activities of Russian peacekeeping contingent Dutch ambassador summoned to Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry French MFA: Paris is committed to supporting negotiations between Pashinyan and Aliyev Sweden says it will not wait for Turkish elections to join NATO Germany's economy grew slightly more than expected in third quarter Putin says there is no need to recruit more people through partial mobilization Spiegel: Bundestag will vote on recognizing the holodomor as genocide Putin informs participants of Security Council about trip to Yerevan Hungary to receive exception to EU's planned price cap on Russian oil imports Uruguay's first resident ambassador presents his credentials to Armenian president Scholz surprised by companies' dependence on China Armenian PM receives Managing Director of European External Action Service of EU Doctors suspect poisoning of former Georgian President Saakashvili British Foreign Secretary announces millions of pounds in additional support for Ukraine Turkey and Qatar finalize talks on providing Ankara with up to $10 billion Armenian Deputy Defense Minister briefs EU representatives on situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border Switzerland approves CHF 960,000 in aid for resilience, economic recovery of Armenia border communities Xavier Villar: Tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan through the prism of Ummatic identity Over $11M pledged during 25th Hayastan All Armenian Fund annual Telethon Forbes: Armenia's purchase of Iranian drones could be a potential deterrent FM, EU official discuss Armenia-Turkey relations Dollar is down, euro is relatively stable in Armenia Azerbaijan president receives EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Lithuania terminates cooperation with Belarus in field of interior affairs France seeks to poach India from its main arms supplier, Russia AraratBank launches Google Pay for its card users MFA: Armenia ready for meeting in accordance with Prague agreements, format ARF Dashnaktsutyun: We condemn the Turkish army's actions in Northern Syria Saudi Arabian and Iraqi energy ministers highlight importance of OPEC+ work Grigoryan, Zohouri discuss Armenia-Iran railway operation in case of possible unblocking Within the framework of his state visit to Bulgaria, President Vahagn Khachaturyan of Armenia, visited a number of leading IT companies, the president's office informs Armenian News-NEWS.am. The Presidents delegation visited one of the fastest growing IT companies in Europe, EnduroSat, which provides exceptional services in the field of nanosatellites and space activities. EnduroSat is seeking to transform the complex satellite industry into a simplified data service, allowing immediate access and transactions to the space data based on the clouds, through hundreds of sensors in orbit. As the company believes, all this can be achieved due to a special satellite technology and a brilliant engineering team. The founder and executive director of EnduroSat Raycho Raychev presented the achievements of the company, as well as the projects that the specialists of his company are currently working on. During the meeting, the sides discussed the directions of cooperation and the opportunities of carrying out joint projects. They reached an agreement to keep close contact to continue the started discussions and take practical actions. The delegation of the President also visited Sofia Tech Park, the activity of which is aimed at the development of new enterprises, small and medium businesses, science, education and innovations. Within the framework of getting familiarized with the activity of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bulgaria, President Khachaturyans delegation visited the Plovdiv Free Zone that offers a wide range of services to companies that use the Plovdiv Free Zone as their headquarters. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry called the OSCE mission to assess the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border a "private visit." Baku says the OSCE mission, which will visit Armenia on October 21-27, "does not have an OSCE mandate and cannot be linked to this international organization." The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry claims that the issue of sending the mission "has never been discussed by any of the OSCE bodies making collective decisions and, as a consequence, no decision has been made." "Thus, any group called 'OSCE Needs Assessment Mission to Armenia' does not have an OSCE mandate, cannot be linked in any way to the OSCE, and none of its findings or reports will be accepted as an OSCE document." In this connection, Baku considers the mission "a private visit by a group of representatives of several states and any outcome of such a visit will be assessed in this way". Moreover, sending such a group to Armenia "raises serious questions". "Such an ill-considered unilateral action by the OSCE Chairmanship and Secretariat runs counter to the basic principles of any responsible and credible mediation and trust, which require, among others, the consent of the parties, the impartiality of mediators and the observance of states' obligations arising from international law," the agency noted. As it was previously reported the OSCE will send a Needs Assessment Mission to Armenia on October 21-27 at Armenia's invitation. The purpose of the mission is to assess the situation in some borderline regions with Azerbaijan in accordance with the OSCE mandate and experience and within its comprehensive concept of security. A technical team, consisting of international experts and representatives of the OSCE secretariat, will visit areas along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. A meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council began in Yerevan on Thrusday. Today's meeting will be held in a narrow composition, and a meeting in a broad composition will be held on Friday. Delegations from the governments of Armenia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan will participate in the session. Heads of Governments of the Eurasian Economic Union will discuss sources and mechanisms of financing industrial cooperation projects within the EEU, elimination of barriers on the internal market of the Union, development of integrated information system. The Eurasian Economic Commission will inform members of the Intergovernmental Council on progress in preparing international treaties on formation of common gas, oil and oil products markets, implementation of the Main areas of industrial cooperation in the EEU, possibilities for the EEU countries to participate in the functioning of the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The Intergovernmental Council will consider the state of mutual trade of EEU countries in 2021, joint import substitution projects carried out by EEU states, the first package of measures within the framework of the climate agenda, issues of enrollment and distribution of import customs duties between the budgets of EEU member states in 2021. In order to develop electronic trade in warehouse certificates for agricultural products in the Union, the Intergovernmental Council is planning to sign an agreement on the rules for the issuance, circulation and redemption of such certificates within the EAEU. The European Union (EU) has announced close to 118 million AMD (EUR 300,000) in emergency aid for people affected by the clashes in September, the deadliest events since the November 2020 ceasefire. Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned about this from the statement by the press and information team of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia. During the upcoming winter, this funding will support the most vulnerable people among the 7,600 people who fled the hostilities, the communities hosting them, and vulnerable individuals who stayed in the conflict-affected areas. EU Ambassador to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin said, The hostilities last month have caused more displacement, more loss, more destruction. The European Commission is allocating additional emergency funding to address the needs of the most vulnerable among the people directly affected by the fighting, and help them get through the cold months. EU humanitarian partner organisations in Armenia will deliver hygiene items, shelter repair kits and cash support to help people cover their essential needs, for example food, heating costs, or rent. The delivery of emergency support will be closely coordinated with the Armenian authorities and emergency actors. This funding is made available through the Emergency Toolbox, an instrument to rapidly respond to emergencies and provide first-line funding for vulnerable people outside the EU, coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the European Commission. Link` https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/armenia/eu-emergency-assistance-conflict-affected-people-armenia_en?s=216 (statement) The world economy is experiencing bad times: trade, industrial and logistics ties, which have just begun to recover from the pandemic, are undergoing new shocks. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in his welcoming remarks at a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Yerevan on Thursday. "The fundamental principles of the world economic system have come into question. In the current unstable economic realities there is no doubt about the need and relevance of the periodic dialogue at the highest level, for a more coherent and coordinated interaction Mutual understanding of many and readiness for compromise and cooperation can be the key to solving many issues. In this context, I would like to stress the daily work, in the literal sense of the word, within the EAEU to develop a coordinated response to the problems arising at all levels," Pashinyan said. The meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council started in Yerevan on Thursday. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Akylbek Japarov and Eurasian Economic Commission Board Chairman Mikhail Myasnikovich arrived in Armenia to take part in the session. The narrow and extended sessions will discuss agenda issues related to the development of integration processes in the Eurasian space. Special attention will be paid to the digital agenda, in particular the prospects of development and improvement of the Union's information system, the development of a unified analytical system of managing electronic trade in goods. The process of preparing agreements on forming a common gas market as well as oil and oil products markets will be discussed. As a result, it is planned to sign decisions on further development of Eurasian economic integration. Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin does not think that Hungary and Turkey will block the country's application for NATO membership, she told POLITICO, but warned of the risks of postponing accession. Hungary and Turkey are the only NATO countries that have yet to ratify Finland's accession to the alliance, a process that runs parallel to Sweden's. Marin hopes that both countries' applications will be approved "as soon as possible." She said she has discussed the issue with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "Our knowledge is that there shouldnt be any problems when it comes to Finland and our application," she noted. "Its very important, she noted, that Helsinki and Stockholm join the alliance together because we share the same security environment up north. Marin stressed the importance of quick accession. "It would be very important that the ratification process go smoothly because, of course, there can be elements when it comes to the security environment," she said, noting that Finland, like Ukraine, is one of Russia's closest neighbors. "There is no military threat to Finland right now, and we have good capabilities when it comes to defending our country," the Finnish prime minister said. But, she added, "It would be very important that the ratification process would go smoothly, because there might be, of course, elements when it comes to the security environment." According to Marin, it is necessary "to avoid risks, minimize risks I think thats important to everyone. Finland is in the process of building a fence on part of its border with Russia, and the Finnish leader noted that the project is also an attempt to reduce risk. The fence can minimize the risk when it comes to "hybrid threats, such as using migrants as a tool to affect another countrys policies or security environment, she said, also referring to the long-term need for the border with Russia to be "well organized." "I think we have to be prepared for everything, not only in Finland but in Europe, she said. "One of the most important issues is technologies, she said. We have to learn from this war, Marin said. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Armenia sees that third countries, sometimes even unexpected third countries for us, support the Azerbaijani interpretation of this road (from Nakhchivan to Azerbaijan - ed.). His remarks came at a briefing with the Iranian Foreign Minister on Thursday. He noted that here Armenia also meets Azerbaijan's intransigent behavior. "We have repeatedly noted that opening a corridor with extraterritorial status is out of the question. According to the trilateral statement adopted after the aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020, the hostilities were stopped. This statement, as well as other related statements, stressed the importance of unblocking the transport and economic infrastructures. These statements also talked about the establishment of transport communications between Nakhijevan and the main part of Azerbaijan. We have repeatedly stated our readiness to open the roads to Azerbaijani passenger and freight traffic, fixing the provision (and not questioning it) that the infrastructure to be opened should remain under the sovereignty of those countries and act under the laws of those countries whose territories they pass through. This also applies to the road from Nakhchivan to the main part of Azerbaijan, which can also be used by citizens of third countries. We think there may be more relevant solutions to this issue, including the declaration of goods and other things. But the main requirement is that the road should remain under our sovereignty and act according to our legislation," Mirzoyan noted. The EU monitoring mission in Armenia began its work on Thursday. The measure follows the EU's decision to deploy monitoring experts along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan, EU External Action Service reported, providing some details related to the mission. The mission will perform two main tasks: 1) to support confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan by monitoring both sides' compliance with the ceasefire; 2) Through regular and ad hoc reporting on the martial law and ceasefire developments on the ground, the EU team will monitor the situation in the border areas between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This will enable the EU to better support the work of the border commissions of the two sides. The area of responsibility of the mission will be the Armenian side of the internationally recognized border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Only civilian observers will be deployed. The mission is composed of up to 40 EU civilian monitoring experts, who will be deployed over a period of two months. Regarding the role of the technical assessment mission, which arrived in Armenia on October 14, it is reported that the EU technical assessment mission of experts in Armenia intended to prepare the ground for the deployment of the EU monitoring mission in the country. Its role was to gather the necessary information, conduct on-site assessments, and liaise with relevant stakeholders. To ensure the rapid deployment of the EU mission, EU monitoring experts from the EU monitoring mission in Georgia (EUMM in Georgia) were deployed. The monitoring mission in Armenia will report on martial law and ceasefire developments in the border areas between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This will enable the EU to better support the work of the border commissions of the two sides. EU experts will also observe developments along the bilateral border, including human rights situations. They will not have an investigative role. As to whether the EU mission will draw conclusions about which side started the escalation on September 13 and make recommendations about steps to be taken to prevent future escalation, it is noted that the mission will report to the relevant EU institutions and services about its observations along the bilateral border. It will not assume an arbitrary role or draw political conclusions from its observations. It is noted that the EU mission and the OSCE assessment mission are two separate missions with two different mandates. The EU mission will liaise with all relevant international organizations, including the OSCE. There is no overlap between the EU mission and the OSCE effort. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said that in recent weeks, in recent days, there had been an exchange of views with the United States. An hour before his arrival in Yerevan, he had a conversation with Josep Borrell, the head of EU diplomacy. Everything is going in the right direction. His remarks came at the Thursday's briefing in Yerevan, answering a question about the renewal of the Iranian nuclear deal. According to him, an agreement has been reached to form more effective cooperation and negotiations, especially in the direction of Iran's cooperation with the IAEA. "The IAEA is making unfair statements about Iran. We asked for appropriate responses and the development of a protocol to be applied. In addition, we have negotiated the release of Iranian and U.S. prisoners. On this issue we achieved good results. An American delegation came to Iran through a third country. As part of the humanitarian mission, one prisoner, an Iranian and U.S. national, was handed over to Oman. Negotiations are continuing," Hosein Amir-Abdollahian added. At the same time, the U.S. and some Western countries have made hasty statements about the recent protests. "We are in control. We separate the terrorists and the people who are just protecting their interests. None of the second group of citizens has been persecuted. We called on Western countries not to take steps against Iran's leadership based on erroneous information, not to link this to the negotiations on the nuclear deal, and not to prevent a return to comprehensive negotiations," the minister concluded. Studying the impact of smoke from wildfires Media Contact: Harrison Hill | Senior Research Communications Specialist | 405-744-5827 | harrison.c.hill@okstate.edu In the tallgrass prairies of Oklahoma, wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem. Across the nation and globe, their frequency and intensity are increasing, which makes understanding them more important than ever. Researchers at Oklahoma State University are working to better understand the effects the smoke from those fires has on our climate and human health. Dr. Elijah Schnitzler, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, recently had his work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, one of the most prestigious multidisciplinary research journals. A filter in Schnitzlers lab after collecting fresh BBOA. The brown color is from carbon before it has aged in the atmosphere. His work specifically focused on particles created from burning biomass otherwise known as plant-based material. When a wildfire tears through somewhere like the tallgrass prairies, it produces biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA), which affects climate by absorbing and scattering solar radiation. Schnitzlers team is working to understand this effect as wildfires become more prevalent. To do this, he focused on the tiny particles in smoke that are produced by wildfires. Specifically, he is concentrating on what happens to smoke as it is transported downwind from the fire. These particles are composed of organic compounds and they are sensitive to reactions with ozone, said Schnitzler, noting there can be changes to the composition of these particles as they travel. While in the air, BBOA can react with oxidants in the air and change color called whitening which leads to less radiation absorption, he said. There are a lot of processes that influence their color one of those is whitening where a chemical reaction bleaches the particles, Schnitzler said. But other effects like condensation of other species onto particles also influence their color. Hopefully we will be able to contribute with the larger research community to a comprehensive understanding of the lifetime of these particles. We hope to develop an integrated picture of how the particles are transported downwind with simultaneous chemical reactions. The article Rate of atmospheric brown carbon whitening governed by environmental conditions was co-authored with researchers from the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Schnitzler's research will lead to a regional and large-scale understanding of what might happen in areas where these particles travel to during and after a wildfire, he said. My experimental work was combined with work at British Columbia and MIT, he said. It is a really good example of how bringing experiments and modeling together can allow us to make more general conclusions." USask microbiologist Dr. Jessica Sheldon (PhD). (Photo: Submitted) When this type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria infects a host, the host responds by starving the bug of metalsnutrients essential for the bacterias survival. These are the first salvos in an escalating battle to infect or defend the host, according to research recently published in PLOS Pathogens. As with all forms of life, microbes require nutrient metals for their survival and growth, said Dr. Jessica Sheldon (PhD), microbiologist in USasks College of Medicine and lead author of the study. Limiting access to these metals is one method the host can use to control infection. In 2017, the World Health Organization named multidrug-resistant A. baumannii to the No.1 spot of its priority pathogen lista catalogue of bacteria posing the greatest threat to human health, and urgently requiring research and development into novel therapeutic approaches. According to research from the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program, the incidence rate of A. baumannii in Canada is lowonly 0.015 cases per 1,000 hospital admissions, but for every 100 people infected with A. baumannii, nearly one quarter will die as a result. Where some bacteria rely on toxins, A. baumanniis strength lies in its ability to adapt to harsh environmentsdrying out, disinfecting, and exposure to highly acidic or basic conditions make the bacteria produce a biofilm. Like pond scum or dental plaque, these biofilms allow the pathogen to attach to surfaces, and survive and thrive in hospital environments until a suitable host is found. But acquiring metals such as iron, zinc, and manganese are key to how harmful A. baumannii can become. When bacteria are mutated or impaired for the ability to acquire metals, the outcomes of infection are often far less severe. Iron plays a particularly important role in A. baumannii infection, said Sheldon. In vitro and in a mouse model, the researchers identified that a particular protein the host produces, Lipocalin-2, is essential to controlling disease severity. Producing the protein restricts how much iron the bacteria get, reducing the likelihood of the host dying due to blood infection, and inhibiting the bacterias growth in the infected lungs. The pathogen, in turn, launches several countermeasures that allow it to acquire iron. During this battle for metals, A. baumannii produces small iron binding molecules, said Sheldon. These molecules are capable of binding iron so tightly that they can wrestle it away from proteins in the host, and then deliver it back to the bacteria. Lipocalin-2 in turn, can sequester some of these molecules, rendering them ineffective and setting up an evolutionary arms race between the host and pathogen over metal. To develop new drugs or strategies to treat infections, we need to have a better idea of how the host resists infection, and how the bacterium overcomes this resistance, said Sheldon. Our data suggest that therapeutics that bolster the ability of the host to restrict iron availability may represent viable pathways for drug development. A. baumannii causes devastating infections, such as sepsis and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Outbreaks have been associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, causing infections in critically ill, ventilated patients. Once it gets into a hospital environment, it can be extremely hard to get rid of, said Sheldon. The next steps in the research involve a collaboration with Dr. Ninad Mehta (PhD) at Saskatoons Royal University Hospital to determine if A. baumannii found here differs genetically from bacteria found globally. The results may provide clues as to why the pathogen is less prevalent in Canada than elsewhere. The research was completed while Sheldon was finishing a post-doctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., supervised by Dr. Eric Skaar (PhD), and working with Drs. Lauren Himmel (DVM, PhD), Dillon Kunkle (PhD), Andrew Monteith (PhD), and research specialist Nichole Maloney, and funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the National Institutes of Health. Customs Department officials, led by Assistant Commissioner H.L. Songate on Wednesday met Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at the Raj Bhavanhere and discussed various issues including inadequate manpower. A Mizoram government official said that the Customs officials apprised the Governor about the shortage of manpower and inadequacy of warehouses hampering their efficiency in checking inflow of goods from across the border with Myamar and Bangladesh. Songate told the Governor that strengthening of infrastructures and facilities at the Zokhawthar and Lawngtlai Silsury Land Customs Stations could hugely help in better monitoring of border trade with the neighbouring countries. The Governor assured the Customs officials that he would readily support them in mitigating various problems being faced by them and requested them to submit in writing any complaints they had or assistance they required. The Mizoram-based International Trade Initiative Forum (ITIF) recently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mizoram Governor to resume trade with Myanmar through the Zokhawthar border point. ITIF President P.C. Lawmkunga, a retired IAS officer who served as Manipur's Chief Secretary, told IANS that "in the absence of the formal and regular official border trade between India and Myanmar, not only is smuggling and illegal trade going on unchecked but the government is losing crores of rupees in revenue". --IANS sc/vd ( 255 Words) 2022-10-19-23:08:02 (IANS) The E-gaming Federation (EGF) is set to challenge the recent ordinance issued by the Tamil Nadu government to ban online gaming where it categorised rummy and poker as "games of chance". According to the new legislation, no supplier of online games may offer online gambling services, permit the gaming of any online gambling that requires the use of cash or other risks or permit the gaming of any online game that violates the rules. In a statement, EGF, a not-for-profit organization which works to protect consumer interest and self-regulate the Indian e-gaming sector, said, rummy has been settled as predominantly a game of skill by the Supreme Court and held to be protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution. "Bringing rummy under the ambit of a game of chance is directly in violation of the Supreme Court judgments and the Madras High Court judgment which overturned the law banning online games including rummy and poker," the statement said. "Reaffirming the preponderance test for distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance, especially in the context of rummy and poker, the Madras High Court held that wherever the better skilled would prevail more than not, is a game of skill, reinforcing that both rummy and poker are games of skill, distinct from gambling or a game of chance." The statement added Madras High Court in its detailed judgment in August 2021 held that when it comes to card games such as rummy and poker, there is no distinction between skill involved in physical form or in virtual/online form. Citing anoth judgment by the Karnataka High Court which overturned the provisions of the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021 in February 2022 and stated that games of skill do not metamorphosize into 'betting or gambling' irrespective of whether they are played for stakes or simply because they are played online and are therefore constitutionally protected activities, it claimed. "Moreover, looking into the legality of specific skill-based games, all High Court, and Supreme Court judgments, on different occasions, have ruled in favor of the industry." It believes that the need of the hour is a comprehensive online gaming policy that protects players and ensures that only legitimate online skill-gaming operators offer their services while weeding out the ones who break the law. Sameer Barde, CEO of EGF, said: "After examining the ordinance, we have decided to file a lawsuit as it categorises Rummy & Poker as games of chance." "The Supreme Court and several High Courts have reaffirmed the status of skill-based games as legitimate business activity and the state must take cognizance of these judgments in developing an enabling gaming policy that safeguards players than resorting to a ban." Further, the federation estimates that the Indian gaming market is expected to grow from USD 2.2 billion to USD 5 billion in revenue by 2025. Expected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 38 per cent, the sector, it said, holds significant potential for overall economic growth and employment opportunities. (ANI) New Delhi [India], October 20 (ANI/GPRC): Shyaway, a chennai based lingerie brand, releases its festive ad "Celebrate Yourself". It focuses on the joy of festivities and womanhood. Celebrate Yourself brings in elements of self-admiration into the celebrations and how moments of happiness create a colorful celebration. The brand boasts their various ranges of lingerie and captures the essence of the festivities through a young woman's perspective in the film. The brand film showcases the vibrant product range of Shyaway and endless styling options along with it. Shyaway is a lingerie brand founded with the earnest intent to provide stylish yet comfortable lingerie at an affordable price. They firmly believe that shopping for lingerie should not be a complicated process but rather quick and easy. Apart from lingerie, the brand also has loungewear, sportswear, babydolls, sleepwear, shapewear, and accessories. According to the brand, lingerie is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a statement and a state of mind. They strive to provide a vast selection of products in a variety of sizes, styles, and patterns that are accessible to women of all ages and backgrounds. Commenting on the festive film, Gopinath R, Founder of Shyaway.com, said, "Our products are crafted to embrace a woman's natural body shape with finest quality, luxurious fabrics. We wanted to spread the joy of festivities and present them with the best lingerie ever. At Shyaway, we constantly strive to give the best products to our customers, with countless happy customers. " Click on the link to watch the ad film - https://shwy.me/dih1umwl5468k/ This story is provided by GPRC. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/GPRC) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 20 (ANI/PNN): After two years of low-key celebrations, B-town is all geared up for jubilant Diwali celebrations and star-studded parties where actors, directors, producers and celebrities will show up to add additional sparkle to the festive spirit. Considering the industry has turned a corner after two challenging years, this year's Diwali celebrations are expected to be even more special than ever before. The fraternity is looking forward to ushering in the hope, abundance, and joy of the festive season on a glittering note. Shilpa Shetty, Producers Anand Pandit, Ekta Kapoor and Ramesh Taurani, Taapsee Pannu, Kriti Sanon, Bhumi Pednekar, and designer Manish Malhotra are expected to host lavish Diwali celebrations for their industry friends. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, whose film 'Doctor G' is running successfully in theatres, also recently hosted a star-studded pre-Diwali bash for his friends. According to the sources among the most eagerly awaited Diwali party this year is producer Anand Pandit's annual bash at his residence where apart from megastar Amitabh Bachchan top B-Town's celebrities like Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Jeetendra Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon, Raj Kumar Rao, and Kapil Sharma, are also expected to be present. Amitabh Bachchan's friendship and closeness to Anand Pandit & his family is well known. Thus, one wonders if the Bachchan's will celebrate the festival with the Pandits ? This story has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/PNN) Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 20 (ANI/NewsVoir): When the sun sets and the moon rises, the lights of happiness shine brighter than ever. And that's exactly what's going on at Phoenix Marketcity, Pune during the 100 days of celebration with Phoenix festival. With 100+ events planned all throughout these 100-days, you'll be able to enjoy shopping, dining, music concerts, decor & art installations, new brand launches, DJ nights - you name it! All these events will keep you busy for hours. If you're looking for something to do with your family or friends over the holidays (or just want a fun date night), this is a place to be. This year, the grand entrance is inspired by larger than life and brightly lit peacocks and festive floral elements. The peacock symbolizes beauty, pride and progress while flowers signify wealth, prosperity and fortune. When these two elements come together, they create a visual representation like none other. These sights aren't just restricted to the exterior but can also be experienced throughout the mall. Atrium 1 has a beautiful installation called the palatial courtyard which houses a larger-than-life arch, a lotus pond, palatial gazebo with a gleaming chandelier and a picturesque bridge connecting all the elements together. Nupur Sanon kicked off the festivities by launching the festive decor where she was seen taking pictures with the various Diwali art installations across the mall, while celebrity couple Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta Sheth were seen shopping for their favorites for the festive season. The Phoenix 100-day of celebrations is all about celebrating the joy of life, and we have something for everyone here. Art lovers will be in for a treat as they get to admire beautiful art installations exclusively conceptualized for Diwali. A host of festive markets selling bespoke pieces to dishing out some of the more delicious food and beverage. New launches include Ishaara and Dobaraa which will be offering dining experiences for your senses like none other. The mall also will be hosting a multitude of events across countless genres, from international artists such as VengaBoys to Indian music stalwarts like the Wadali Brothers. There will be jaw-dropping live performances of contemporary artists like Michael Learns to Rock (MLTR) as well as bands and performers like The Lost Stories, The Yellow Diary, LIFAFA and many more. With the latest trends from across the world at your fingertips, shopping is easy and fun at Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. The mall is home to some of the most coveted brands and it might just rain discounts and gift vouchers on your favorite ones. When you shop during the Phoenix Festival 100-day celebration, you stand a chance to win gratifications worth a crore and be the lucky winner of bumper giveaways like the Hyundai Venue & Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, 3 Jawa Motorcycles - the Adventure, the Scrambler and the 42 Bobber and International holidays to Dubai or Thailand. So don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to enjoy every minute with your loved ones! It's time to get your festive season on! To know more please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7oqiS88Hmk. This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1,337.76 crore on tech giant Google for abusing its dominant position in multiple markets in the Android mobile device ecosystem, apart from issuing cease and desist order. The Commission also directed Google to modify its conduct within a defined timeline. The Commission had examined various practices of Google in the matter of licensing of Android mobile operating system and various proprietary mobile applications of Google namely Play Store, Google Search, Google Chrome and YouTube. During the course of inquiry, Google argued about the competitive constraints being faced from Apple, CCI said in a statement. In relation to understanding the extent of competition between Google's Android ecosystem and Apple's iOS ecosystem, the Commission said it noted the differences in the two business models which affect the underlying incentives of business decisions. The Commission said that Apple's business was primarily based on a vertically integrated smart device ecosystem which focuses on the sale of high-end smart devices with state-of-the-art software components. Whereas Google's business was found to be driven by the ultimate intent of increasing users on its platforms so that they interact with its revenue-earning service, which means, online search which directly affects sale of online advertising services by Google. Further, in relation to app stores, the Commission said it noted that the demand for the same come from three different sets of consumers with smart device original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who wish to install an app store to make their smart devices commercially viable and marketable; app developers, who want to offer their services to the end-users; and end users to wish to access app stores to access content or avail other services. The Commission said it had examined the substitutability between Google's Play Store for Android OS and Apple's App Store for iOS from the perspective of all three demand constituents and found that there is no substitutability between Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store. The Commission further noted that there might be some degree of competition between the two mobile ecosystems -- Android and Apple, however, that too is also limited at the time of deciding as to which device to buy. Based on its assessment, the Commission found Google to be dominant in all the mentioned relevant markets. The CCI concluded that, mandatory pre-installation of entire Google Mobile Suite (GMS) under MADA (with no option to un-install the same) and their prominent placement amounts to imposition of unfair condition on the device manufacturers and thereby in contravention of the provisions of Section 4(2)(a)(i) of the relevant Act. These obligations are also found to be in the nature of supplementary obligations imposed by Google on OEMs and thus, in contravention of Section 4(2)(d) of the Act. It said Google has perpetuated its dominant position in the online search market resulting in denial of market access for competing search apps in contravention of Section 4(2)(c) of the Act. It also concluded that Google has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to protect its position in online general search in contravention of Section 4(2)(e) of the Act and that Google has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to enter as well as protect its position in non-OS specific web browser market through Google Chrome App. It noted that Google has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to enter as well as protect its position in OVHPs market through YouTube and thereby contravened provisions of Section 4(2)(e) of the Act. The CCI also concluded that Google, by making pre-installation of Google's proprietary apps (particularly Google Play Store) conditional upon signing of AFA/ ACC for all android devices manufactured/ distributed/ marketed by device manufacturers, has reduced the ability and incentive of device manufacturers to develop and sell devices operating on alternative versions of Android i.e., Android forks and thereby limited technical or scientific development to the prejudice of the consumers, in violation of the provisions of Section 4(2)(b)(ii) of the Act. The CCI also indicated some measures including that Google shall not incentivise or otherwise obligate OEMs for not selling smart devices based on Android forks and shall not restrict un-installing of its pre-installed apps by the users. In relation to the computation of penalty, the CCI noted that there were glaring inconsistencies and wide disclaimers in presenting various revenue data points by Google. "However, in the interest of justice and with an intent of ensuring necessary market correction at the earliest, the CCI quantified the provisional monetary penalties on the basis of the data presented by Google. Accordingly, the CCI imposed a penalty of Rs. 1,337.76 crore upon Google on provisional basis, for violating Section 4 of the Act," a CCI release said. It said Google has been given a time of 30 days to provide the requisite financial details and supporting documents. (ANI) However, the production will not return to New Mexico, where a criminal investigation and state workplace safety proceedings remain unresolved, Variety reported. The filmmaking team is planning to restart production in California. The production company announced a settlement on Oct. 5 with Matthew Hutchins, the widower of the cinematographer. Under the agreement, the production will be able to resume after a 15-month hiatus. Matthew Hutchins said in a statement that completing the film would be a way "to pay tribute to Halyna's final work." Halyna Hutchins was shot while preparing a scene in a church with actor Alec Baldwin on October 21, 2021. Baldwin unholstered a gun, which he had been told was "cold," and it fired. The bullet passed through her body and lodged in the shoulder of director Joel Souza. She was airlifted to a hospital, where she died. Souza, who is returning to complete the film, was released from the hospital later that day. (ANI) The three-day World Health Summit (WHS) 2022 was held in Berlin from October 16 to 18 under the patronage of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The theme of this year's summit was 'Finding Solutions for Global Health'. At the summit, WHO's Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan informed the gathering of the lowest link about 'Social Communication' established by WHO for health related services and information related to epidemics. The WHS 2022 aimed to bring together health leaders and policy makers from all parts of the world, along with representatives working in the field of medicine. It also stressed on synergy for global health development and encouraging innovations for the pandemics that may occur in the coming times. The summit was inaugurated in the presence of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and more than 2,000 delegates from more than 100 countries. At the opening ceremony, Scholz said that "networking and good cooperation across national borders is important, especially in the field of global health". Guterres said that the world should take cognizance of the recent pandemic and "we should establish such a health system, which every citizen of the world deserves". Ghebreyesus said, "The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the global health infrastructure as fragmented and inconsistent." He added that the whole world will have to come together and only then global health can be taken to a new level. Summit President Axel Price called for international cooperation, saying, "At this time, we must work together internationally in an unprecedented way." Balvir Singh Tomar, Chairman of NIMS University in Jaipur, also participated in the conference. He said this was the first such in-person global level event after Covid-19 in which more than 2,000 people working in the field of health from over 100 countries participated. "To save a small disease from becoming an epidemic, we need to educate the people at the grassroots level, so that any kind of epidemic can be prevented or controlled in time," Tomar said in Berlin. --IANS arc/arm ( 357 Words) 2022-10-19-22:38:05 (IANS) According to recent research by doctors, the more hours per week someone works in a demanding job, the greater their chance of developing depression is. Three times as many changes in depressive symptom scores were linked to working 90 or more hours per week as they were to work 40 to 45 hours per week. Furthermore, compared to those working fewer hours, a greater proportion of those working many hours had scored high enough to be diagnosed with moderate to severe depression, which is serious enough to require therapy. The University of Michigan-based research team employed sophisticated statistical techniques to simulate a randomised clinical trial while accounting for numerous other aspects of the doctors' personal and professional life. With an average symptom increase of 1.8 points on a standard scale for those working 40 to 45 hours, and going up to 5.2 points for those working more than 90 hours, researchers discovered a "dose-response" relationship between the number of hours worked and depressive symptoms. They come to the conclusion that, out of all the stressors that impact doctors, working a lot of hours is a significant factor in depression. The team from Michigan Medicine, the academic medical institution of the University of Michigan, reports their findings in the New England Journal of Medicine after examining 11 years' worth of data on more than 17,000 first-year medical residents. The recently graduated physicians were undergoing training at numerous hospitals throughout the country. The information comes from the Michigan Neuroscience Institute and the Eisenberg Family Depression Center's Intern Health Study. Every year, the project enlists fresh graduates from medical schools to participate in a year-long tracking of their depressed symptoms, work hours, sleep, and other factors as they finish the first year of residency, also known as the intern year. The impact of high numbers of work hours This study comes as major national organizations, such as the National Academy of Medicine and the Association of American Medical Colleges, grapple with how to address the high rates of depression among physicians, physicians-in-training, and other healthcare professionals. Though the interns in the study reported a wide range of previous-week work hours, the most common work hour levels were between 65 to 80 hours per week. Resident work weeks are currently limited to 80 hours by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which establishes national standards for residency programmes. However, this maximum can be averaged across four weeks and there may be exceptions. Additionally, the ACGME places restrictions on how many days in succession and how long one shift can last for residents. Studies on the effects of these restrictions on resident well-being and patient safety hazards have produced conflicting results. According to the authors, their findings show a definite need to significantly cut back on the typical amount of hours inhabitants work each week. "This analysis suggests strongly that reducing the average number of work hours would make a difference in the degree to which interns' depressive symptoms increase over time, and reduce the number who develop diagnosable depression," says Amy Bohnert, PhD, the study's senior author and a professor at the U-M Medical School. "The key thing is to have people work fewer hours; you can more effectively deal with the stresses or frustrations of your job when you have more time to recover." (ANI) The purpose of the meeting is to invite the ambassadors to attend the Global Investor Summit being organised in the state next year. The state government will organise the summit in Indore district on January 11 and 12. Chouhan will request the ambassadors to request the industrialists of their respective countries to participate in the Global Investor Summit and invest in Madhya Pradesh. Besides, the CM will meet the prominent industrialists of India in Pune on October 21. He will invite them to participate in the Global Investors Summit and make investments in the state. (ANI) Tu Haiming says blueprint for nation's development to be adopted by Party Congress upholds this principle Amid the profound changes unseen in a century in the global political landscape, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China answers the major questions concerning China's future development path. It has naturally attracted huge global attention. For the world audience, the policy direction of the world's second-largest economy and a major engine for global economic growth is simply too important to overlook. Since the 18th Party Congress, the CPC has, out of its own sense of responsibility, contributed not only to the well-being of the Chinese people but also the peaceful development of the world. This sense of responsibility is in line with the concept of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" that President Xi Jinping has been advocating. What China has been doing is in stark contrast with the "America First" policy proposed by then-US presidential candidate Donald Trump, as well as the flawed sense of superiority of some Western politicians who pay little regard to other countries' well-being other than their own. This rather egoistic and myopic concept of development has consequently resulted in an imbalanced international order that gives rise to escalating conflicts. When General Secretary Xi Jinping met with the foreign press after assuming the top post of the CPC Central Committee, he noted that the international community was increasingly interdependent on each other, and no country could tackle the complex economic situation and global issues on its own. He then brought up the concept of "building a community with a shared future for mankind", urging world leaders to take into account the legitimate concerns of other countries when pursuing their own national interests, and to seek collaborative development opportunities with other countries when advancing their own national development endeavors. The ideal of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" later on was written into the constitutions of the CPC and the People's Republic of China. This speaks volumes about the CPC's firm commitment to not only the well-being of Chinese people but people around the globe. The concept of "a community with a shared future for mankind" has gradually gained traction, and more and more countries are approaching China for partnership and collaboration. Since the 18th Party Congress, nine countries have established or resumed diplomatic relations with China, raising the total number of countries with diplomatic relations to 181. China has also become the largest trading partner of more than 120 countries, forging mutually beneficial relations along the way. 'China model' contributes to overall well-being of humanity As the world stepped into 2022, especially after the outbreak of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a major landmark in global geopolitical rivalry, more and more countries took sides, willingly or otherwise. The world is now in peril of falling apart, with economic decoupling, hot war, food crises, and energy shortages casting a gloom over the future of humanity. The profound changes unseen in a century, as General Secretary Xi Jinping predicted, are rolling out in full force in the international arena, giving rise to the question about the future of humanity. Xi has a well-thought-out plan for China's future path and has reminded CPC cadres to think about national development from two perspectives: a global perspective that takes into consideration all those profound changes, and a national perspective that focuses on the overall direction of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. These strategic perspectives have underpinned China's advocacy of instituting an open global economy, ensuring the security and stability of global industrial chains and supply chains, promoting a new form of global governance that prioritizes consultation, contribution and mutual benefits, and upholding a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security for all countries, as well as its objection to fragmentation of the global market, politicization of international cooperation mechanisms, and weaponization of rules and standards. The "China solutions" were widely discussed among nations in a slew of major diplomatic occasions, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Beijing, the G20 Hangzhou Summit, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, the BRICS Summit, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, the Boao Forum for Asia, the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations, CPC and World Political Parties Summit, etc. China is also broadly commended for its dedication to resolving international and regional hot issues, participating in climate-change governance, strengthening global public health governance, establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank, and proposing global development initiatives and global security initiatives. As the course of global development becomes increasingly unpredictable, China has offered a sense of stability with its pragmatic and forward-looking propositions. China has been recognized for its valuable contributions in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It has rolled out a number of measures to increase the availability of vaccines for the international community, such as the Global Vaccine Cooperation Action Initiative, the Initiative for Belt and Road Partnership on COVID-19 Vaccines Cooperation, establishing the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center, working with relevant institutions to conduct vaccine clinical trials in more than 20 countries, and joining hands with 16 countries in the production of vaccines. China has, moreover, donated a copious amount of anti-pandemic resources to many pandemic-stricken regions around the world to curb the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, politicians and media in the United States and some other Western countries have resorted to peddling untruths about the source of the coronavirus from the outset or even called for a coalition to demand "indemnity" from China for the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once vaccines were developed, the US decided to hoard multiple times more vaccines than was needed without paying attention to the miseries of other countries, and thus was accused of practicing "vaccine nationalism" that runs counter to its responsibility to the world as a global superpower. China's global anti-pandemic initiatives make up only a small part of its contribution to the world. The Belt and Road Initiative has brought huge benefits to participating countries. In the past nine years, China has invested a total of $43 billion in 24 Belt and Road countries, creating approximately 346,000 jobs for their citizens. Over the years, China has offered free aid to African countries and South Pacific island countries in assisting them to build mega infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and ports that have greatly enhanced the well-being of the locals. The malicious campaign launched by a few Western countries against the Belt and Road Initiative has failed to withstand scrutiny in front of the widespread recognition of China's contributions. The CPC has dutifully discharged its responsibility toward the Chinese people; and China has played an increasingly significant role in international affairs, contributing tremendously to the overall well-being of humanity. General Secretary Xi has pointed out that the CPC is a political party dedicated to seeking happiness for the Chinese people as well as striving for the progress of human civilization. The blueprint for China's future socioeconomic development to be adopted by the 20th Party Congress once again upholds this tenet, which also provides a brighter prospect for the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government, Milkfed, the state's leading cooperative, will augment milk supply to Delhi from currently 30,000 litres to 2 lakh litres, thereby immensely benefitting milk producers of the state. "This is a revolutionary step aimed at supplementing the income of the farmers to bail them out from the agrarian crisis," he said after inaugurating Verka's newly-built milk processing and butter plant here. The Chief Minister said that the state government has inked an agreement with the Delhi government in this regard. He said as per this agreement, Verka will open new outlets at every nook and corner of Delhi to supply milk and milk products in the capital. Mann asserted that the sole aim of his government is to extend maximum support and best prices to the dairy farmers of Punjab by following the true essence of cooperation. He also called for implementation of farmer-friendly schemes so as to boost the dairying business amongst the youth and make them financially independent and self-reliant. Mann also said that he has asked Milkfed to further launch an aggressive marketing campaign to capture a sizable chunk of consumer market not only in the state but across the country and even abroad. He said this leading state cooperative has a perceptible presence in the domestic market as Verka is a household name in the region. The Chief Minister said that Verka products like ghee, milk, butter, lassi, kheer, curd, ice-cream, sweets and others have already created a niche for themselves in the nationwide market which could further be widened with concerted efforts. Striking an emotional chord with city of Ludhiana, he described it as his 'karam bhoomi' whereas Satauj village was his 'janambhoomi', adding the state-of-the-art project, constructed at a cost of Rs 105 crore, is a Diwali bonanza for the farmers. Mann said its milk processing capacity is 9 lakh litres daily and 10 metric tonne butter handling capacity. The Chief Minister asserted Punjabis are blessed with the qualities of entrepreneurship and leadership, and due to these qualities, have carved a niche for themselves across the globe. Mann said his government strives to make youth of Punjab to job providers instead of job seekers. --IANS vg/vd ( 391 Words) 2022-10-19-19:46:02 (IANS) The Karnataka unit of Congress on Wednesday celebrated the victory of veteran party leader from the state, Mallikarjun Kharge, in the Congress presidential election -- polling for which was held on October 17. Kharge's contender for the top Congress post was fellow party leader Shashi Tharoor -- an MP from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram constituency. Hundreds of party workers who gathered at the office of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) after the announce of October 17 poll result, burst crackers, distributed sweets and cheered Kharge's win. Karnataka unit Congress president D.K. Shivakumar who led the celebrations, said: "It is a matter of honour that after late Nijalingappa, yet another veteran leader was selected for the coveted position." "Throughout his political career of five decades, Kharge has been an MLA, minister, KPCC president, parliamentarian, union minister and Opposition leader," he said. Unlike BJP which has given away all highest positions to the individuals from Gujarat, Congress has ensured democracy, he said. "Mallikarjun Kharge is not a state leader... he is a national leader. Our state will get a huge strength in the backdrop of his selection to the highest position in the party," he said, adding: "A big message has also been sent to the nation." Siddaramaiah, Opposition leader, said Kharge has the talent and experience and this will lead the party on the path of victory. "The selection of Kharge is a matter of pride for the people of Karnataka," he said. Meanwhile, the Congress leaders in Karnataka have submitted that the party's mood that is upbeat in the backdrop of "success of Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi has received a shot in the arm with the election of Kharge as the party's national president". Former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said Kharge has vast political experience. "Let the party benefit from his experience," he said. --IANS mka/pgh ( 318 Words) 2022-10-19-20:00:02 (IANS) Huge money has been recovered from the premises. The searches and counting are underway. Earlier on Tuesday, the Directorate of Enforcement raided various locations of MBS Group of companies and Musadddilal Jewellers located in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, official sources said. According to the sources, the enforcement agency conducted the raids at 20 places in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including Hyderabad. The raids were conducted in connection with the money laundering and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The MBS group and its director Sukesh Gupta and sister companies had obtained gold from MMTC on credit to maintain forex positions without paying an additional five per cent tax thereby causing loss to the corporation, the official said. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started a parallel probe in the loan forgery scam involving West Bengal businessman, Sailesh Pande and his two brothers Arvind Pande and Rohit Pande, prompted by the emergence of an illegal of foreign exchange transaction angle in the matter. Earlier this week, the Kolkata Police conducted raid and search operations at the residences of Sailesh Pande and Arvind Pande at Shipbur in adjacent Howrah district and seized cash worth around Rs 8 crore along with huge quantity of diamond-studded gold ornaments. At the same time the city police also froze deposits worth Rs 20 crore from two bank accounts held by Sailesh Pande. All the three Pande brothers are currently absconding and a lookout notice has been issued against them. Now, the ED involvement comes in wake of some foreign exchange transactions in the two accounts held by Saliesh Pande with an organisation named TP Global FX, which figures in the list of 34 entities involved in forex transactions on unauthorised electronic trading platforms that were put on alert list of entities by the Reserve Bank of India. As per initial estimates, transactions worth Rs 77 crore were made from these two accounts held by Sailesh Pande. Sailesh Pande claimed to be a chartered accountant and was involved in defrauding people promising them clearance of loan proposals. --IANS src/vd ( 238 Words) 2022-10-19-22:36:07 (IANS) Politics and police action against drugs and illegal sale of liquor seems to be running side by side in Madhya Pradesh. While the state police recently launched a special campaign against drugs, former Union minister and BJP leader Uma Bharti has her own way to take on her own party-led government on the issue of liquor. Ex-Chief Minister Bharti, who has stood against the new liquor policy implemented by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government earlier this year, made headlines in recent times either by smashing liquor bottles at shops or by throwing cow dung at them. And she returned to action again on Tuesday, this time by removing the poster of a liquor shop in Bhopal. She also called the manager and asked if he consumed liquor or just sold it to the customers. Bharti also warned the administration and the police that if the liquor outlet is not removed from near a temple, she would see to it that the law and order situation is disrupted. Bharti also expressed concern that she would be attacked by the liquor mafia for her stand. "I had said earlier also that the liquor mafia will now attack me, will spread false propaganda against me... Even today, someone told me that 'you are giving opportunity to the opposition to weaken the government'," Bharti tweeted on Tuesday. Bharti also warned that she will continue her protest against illegal sale of liquor in the state until the government takes strict action against the practice. "If all the drinking premises are shut by an order of the government, I will perform 'aarti' for the administration of Madhya Pradesh," Bharti said in another tweet. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Police have launched a special campaign against drugs from October 8, targeting the sale and consumption of drugs and illicit liquor, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol. However, not satisfied with the government's initiative, Bharti said she will travel throughout the state with her own de-addiction campaign. She promised that she will not to stay in her Bhopal residence from November 7 to January 14 (2023), as she will travel across the state urging people to quit addiction. Notably, the special campaign was launched by the state police on the direction of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The move came a month before Bharti is set to launch her own campaign. As per official sources, till October 16, action has been taken against 3,874 persons under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003. Also, many illegally operated hookah bars have been closed by the police. The police have also cracked down on drunken driving, taking action against 1,619 persons across the state. --IANS pd/arm ( 464 Words) 2022-10-19-23:12:02 (IANS) The Gujarat government has told the Supreme Court that one of the convicts in Bilkis Bano case was charge sheeted for outraging the modesty of a woman in 2020, while out on parole. The state government has submitted a 477-page affidavit in the Supreme Court in response to petitions challenging the release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case. It said the convicts were out of jail for around 1,000 days even before being released on remission of life sentence. One of the convicts, Mitesh Chamanlal Bhatt was booked and charge sheeted for offences under sections 354 (outraging the modesty of woman), 504 (insult intended to provoke breach of the peace) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC, having a maximum sentence of 7 years, or fine, or both. The state government further added that all convicts were granted furlough, parole, and even temporary bail at different points during the period of their imprisonment -- 1,576 days being highest and 998 days lowest. The District Magistrate of Dahod gave information about Bhatt in his letter dated May 25, 2022. He gave his opinion about his premature release under sections 432-433A of the CrPC --- relating to suspension and remission of punishment of convicts. The letter said the case against Bhatt was registered in Randhikpur police station in Dahod district, and charge sheet has been filed and the case is pending on the board of the court. The letter said the incident occurred on June 19, 2020, and since then Bhatt enjoyed 281 leaves out of the total 954 days parole and furlough leaves till date, May 25, 2022. The Collector gave no objection to Bhatt's premature release after considering the opinion of police sub-inspector, Randhikpur, and Deputy Superintendent of Police of Limkheda. In an affidavit the Gujarat government told the Supreme Court that it decided to release the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case as they had completed 14 years and above in prison and their behaviour was found to be good and also the Centre had also conveyed its "concurrence/approval". The state government also added that the Superintendent of Police, CBI, Special Crime Branch, Mumbai and the Special Civil Judge (CBI), City Civil and Sessions Court, Greater Bombay, had, in March last year, opposed premature release of the convicts. The CBI official, in letters to the superintendent of Godhra sub-jail, said the offence committed by the convicts was heinous, grave and serious, hence they cannot be released prematurely. In an affidavit, the state Home Department's Under Secretary said: "The Government of India conveyed the concurrence/ approval of the Central Government under section 435 of the CrPC for premature release of 11 prisoners vide letter dated July 11, 2022a. The affidavit said the state government considered the opinions of seven authorities --the Inspector General of Prisons, Gujarat, the Jail Superintendents, the Jail Advisory Committee, the District Magistrate, the Police Superintendent, the CBI, the Special Crime Branch, Mumbai, and the sessions court, Mumbai. The Gujarat government's response came on a plea filed by CPI-M's former MP Subhasini Ali, journalist Revati Laul, and Prof Roop Rekha Verma, challenging the release of 11 men convicted for the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and multiple murders during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Petitions challenging the release of the convicts have been filed by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and others. On October 18, the top court granted time to petitioners to file their response to the state government's counter affidavit and scheduled the matter for further hearing on November 29. --IANS ss/vd ( 606 Words) 2022-10-19-23:14:01 (IANS) All men residents of a Mahadalit village in Bihar's Buxar district fled their houses after district police registered an FIR against 51 persons over stone-pelting and vandalising the local Murar police station, an official said on Wednesday At present, only women and children are staying in the Chaugai village. The incident was triggered after an Excise Department team went to Chaugai village on Monday night and arrested 4 Mahadalit community youths, identified as Ashok Mushar, Kariman Mushar, Lallu Mushar, and Jammu Mushar. The Excise Department officials took them to district headquarters in Buxar without informing the local police, and even family members were not told about the charges imposed on them. As per the law, police have to inform the families about the charges levelled against the accused and they are also entitled to get the copy of the FIR as well. Villagers then went to Murar police station and asked the SHO and other officials where the youths were. The officials of Murar police station said that they have not arrested any person from Chaugai village, but villagers suspected that they were hiding facts, and pelted stones on the police station and vandalised it. The police personnel present there managed to disperse them, and on the statement of SHO Ravikant Prasad, an FIR was registered against 11 named persons and 40 unknown persons. In a fear of arrest, the male members fled from the village. When local police enquired about the whereabouts of four arrested youths, the Excise officials confirmed that they were taken to Buxar for a medical examination. Senior officials of the district were tightlipped about the incident. --IANS ajk/vd ( 288 Words) 2022-10-19-23:28:04 (IANS) According to CCTV footage inside of a mobile repairing shop, at Amritsar a policeman was seen taking a pistol out of his pocket and putting it on the counter. Following this, he allegedly 'misfires' at a person working in the mobile shop. The injured person was rushed to the hospital. "Necessary action will be taken as per the statements of the eyewitnesses and the family. The condition of the injured person is serious," Varinder Singh, ACP North, Amritsar said. However, earlier this month, a similar incident happened in Jammu and Kashmir where a civilian succumbed to injuries when the rifle of a policeman 'accidentally' went off. As per the officials, the victim was immediately rushed to the hospital by the police. "On October 5 while on duty at Haal Pulwama, the rifle of a Policeman accidentally went off resulting in injuries to a person. The injured person was immediately evacuated to the hospital by Police", tweeted the Kashmir Zone Police. The victim was identified as Mohd Asif Padroo resident of Poterwaal Shopian. The victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, informed the ADGP Kashmir "Later on, the injured person namely Mohd Asif Padroo S/O Mohd Ayub Padroo R/O Poterwaal Shopian succumbed to his injuries at the hospital", said the ADGP Kashmir. The police had registered the case and had also arrested the policeman. (ANI) West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee hits out at the left-inclined party on Wednesday and alleged the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of droving the Tatas out of Singur district. "We did not drive away Tata from Singur but CPI-M did," CM said. Mamta Banerjee while speaking at the 'Bijiya Sammilani' event, said, "We did not drive away Tata from Singur but CPI-M did." Adding that South Bengal & North Bengal are same. "There is only one Bengal. We want peace, no need to think about any separation. We are all equal. Bongo(Bengal) needs Songo (togetherness) and not Vongho (Division)," Mamta said further. CPI (M) and Mamta Banerjee are old rivals as Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011 after defeating the left government. (ANI) The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Wednesday imposed monetary as well as behavioral sanctions on MMT-Go (MakeMyTrip and GoIbibo) for abusing its dominant position and also for having an anti-competitive arrangement with OYO (Oravel Stays Limited). The CCI carried out an in-depth analysis for delineation of relevant market, laying special emphasis on such assessment in case of platform markets. Commenting on the role of interdependencies in two-sided or multi-sided markets, the CCI opined that it is important to understand the nature of the interaction and interdependencies between the different sides of a multi-sided platform so as to ascertain the impact of such interaction or interlinkages in the analysis. However, the role of such interdependencies at the time of delineating relevant market should be limited to understanding the impact of such interactions on the substitutability analyzed primarily from the aggrieved user side. When apparently there are two distinct products/services which are being supplied (by the same seller i.e., the OTA) to two distinct set of buyers (end-consumers and hotel partners), ascertaining substitutability only from the perspective of one user group (i.e. the end-consumer in the present case) may erroneously conflate the competitive constraints that exist separately and distinctly in relation to each user side. The CCI nevertheless undertook substitutability assessment from the perspective of both user groups. From the end-users' perspective, the CCI relied upon the 'Search, Compare and Booking' (SCB) functionality test and observed that owing to the distinct characteristic features of the OTAs, they may not be comparable with other online modes. As regards the substitutability from the point of view of the hotels (including the franchise hotel service providers) also, which the CCI found more appropriate for relevant market determination in view of the allegations under consideration, the CCI did not find OTAs to be interchangeable with other modes of booking. The CCI opined that hotel partners desire listing on OTAs primarily for visibility and discoverability. Drawing a distinction between presence and visibility on online platforms, the CCI opined that when a hotel partner opts for a channel of distribution like an OTA, it is more for visibility (and discoverability) which is focused to ensure that the target market can discover the hotels, as opposed to merely being present on the online portal. Inter-alia for these reasons, the CCI concluded that, firstly, online and offline are not part of the same market and secondly, even within the online segment, OTAs constitute a separate relevant product market. Accordingly, the relevant market was defined as "market for online intermediation services for booking of hotels in India". The CCI first examined the parity obligation vide which MMT-Go was imposing wide price parity as well as room availability parity obligations on its hotel partners. However, what perplexed the CCI in the instant matter was the imposition of price parity in conjunction with other impositions e.g. room parity obligations, deep discounting strategies and exclusivity conditions, which warranted a simultaneous assessment of the impact and reinforcing nature of such impositions. Based on an in-depth assessment, the CCI found that the deep discounts and parity conditions, in conjunction, creates an ecosystem that reinforces MMT-Go's dominant position in the relevant market. Firstly, it helps MMT-Go to retain and further increase its network of users/travelers, who would increasingly use the platform for availing the best deals. Secondly, it impedes the competitive process between OTAs by limiting the competitive levers/instruments at the disposal of other portals who, for instance, cannot get better prices from hotels by offering lower commission rates. Thirdly, the consequent adverse effect on sale of rooms through other platforms/channels and their user bases, further accentuates the dependence of hotels on MMT-Go as well as the bargaining power imbalance that already exists between MMT-Go and its hotel partners. Fourthly, the increased sales through MMT-Go may lead to unilaterally determined higher commissions charged by it, giving it the ability to also pass on discounts which are admittedly funded through these commissions, which may adversely impact the prices at which the hotels rooms are being offered to end-consumers. The conduct of MMT-Go was thus, found to be in contravention of Section 4(2)(a)(i) read with Section 4(1) of the Act. As regards the allegation pertaining to misrepresentation of information by MMT-Go wherein MMT-Go was showing certain hotels/property as 'sold out' on its portals while the same were only delisted and may have had available rooms for booking, the CCI observed that MMT-Go is a dominant player in the relevant market and consumers heavily rely on results being shown on MMT-Go's website. Any such misrepresentation of information on MMT-Go's platform could affect the perspective of the consumer and may dissuade the consumer from searching on alternative channels for the same hotel, under the assumption that the hotel is sold out. This could result in lower number of room bookings of the hotel partner and also reduce the competition amongst the budget hotels registered on different OTAs, thereby leading to exclusion of such hotels, besides this act of misrepresentation being exploitative in nature as regards such hotels. Though the DG had also returned a finding of predation against MMT-Go, the CCI noted the submissions made by MMT-Go, in light of which the CCI found it difficult to determine the reliability and validity of assumptions on the basis of which assessment was done by the DG. The CCI, thus, did not accept the said finding of the DG. Besides abuse of dominant position by MMT-Go, the CCI also examined the commercial arrangement between MMT-Go and OYO vide which FabHotels and Treebo were delisted from the former's online portals in 2018. Based on the material available on record, the CCI found that there was an agreement/understanding between OYO and MMT-Go which was in the nature of a vertical arrangement amenable to Section 3(4)(d) read with Section 3(1) of the Act and the same had adversely affected competition in the market by denying access to an important channel of distribution through foreclosure. Further, the CCI also observed that though FabHotels and Treebo were relisted by MMT-Go pursuant to the intervention of the CCI in 2021, such relisting needs to be on equitable terms. Based on the detailed reasoning provided in the order, the CCI found the conduct of MMT-Go in violation of the provisions of Section 4(2)(a)(i) as well as Section 4(2)(c) read with Section 4(1) of the Act. Further, the arrangement between MMT-Go and OYO was also found to be in contravention of Section 3(4)(d) read with Section 3(1) of the Act. Observing that besides imposing monetary penalty, it is imperative for the fair market regulator to ensure an environment that supports fair competition, the CCI prescribed certain broad behavioral remedies to MMT-Go. MMT-Go has been inter-alia directed to modify its agreement with hotels/chain hotels to remove/abandon the price and room availability parity obligations with respect to other OTAs and also the exclusivity conditions that exist inter-alia in the form of D-minus clause. Further, MMT-Go has been directed to provide access to its platform on a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory basis to the hotels/chain hotels, by formulating the platforms' listing terms and conditions in an objective manner. MMT-Go has also been directed to provide transparent disclosures on its platform as regards the properties not available on its platform, either on account of termination of the contractual arrangement with any hotel/chain hotel or by virtue of exhaustion of quota allocated to MMT-Go by such hotel/chain hotel. The detailed order can be accessed. (ANI) The Assam government will provide scooters to 35,800 meritorious students who successfully passed the Higher Secondary (Class 12) examination this year. The scooters will be provided to 29,748 girls students who secured 60 per cent and above marks in the Class 12 examination and 6,052 boys students who secured 75 per cent and above marks. The decision was taken during the state cabinet meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa at Janata Bhawan in Guwahati on Wednesday. Announcing the cabinet decisions, Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said that, the scooter distribution ceremonial programme will be held from November 30 and the inaugural programme will be held in Kamrup (Metro) and Kamarup district. Total cost to be incurred Rs 258.9 crore. "The Assam cabinet also decided that, by aiming to boost the tourism sector in the state the Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd and Hyatt Group of Hotels will build a 5-star hotel in Kaziranga. This will be a joint venture project. We hope that Assam will get minimum Rs 100 crore investment for this project," Baruah said. The Assam Minister also said that the state cabinet also decided to give a second category incentive to the beneficiaries of the state under the Micro Finance Loan Waiver scheme. "Earlier, the Assam government had given incentives upto Rs 25,000 to the beneficiaries under this scheme. In the second category, our government will give the incentive to the beneficiaries of upto Rs 15,000 and will regularise the NPA. The cheque distribution programme will be held across the state on October 28, 29 and 30," Jayanta Malla Baruah said. The Assam cabinet also decided that the next state cabinet meeting will be held in Silchar on November 11. This year's Lachit Divas will be held in New Delhi on November 24 and the state cabinet also discussed on it. The state cabinet also discussed the implementation of the second phase of Mission Basundhara. The Assam cabinet also decided that the monthly remuneration of Assistant Professors working for fixed pay in provincialised colleges hiked to Rs 55,000 (fixed), guidelines on issuing caste certificates for Hill Tribes in Plains and Plain Tribes in Hills, Higher Education department to provide financial assistance for registration and insurance to beneficiaries through nodal principals as part of the proposal. (ANI) This decision will benefit as many as 24,000 home guards jawans, with each jawan's monthly remuneration shall now stand at around Rs 23,010. There are two categories of home guards -- basic trained home guards and advanced trained home guards. "As per notification no. HMB. 150/2015/299, issued by the Home and Political Department, the increased duty allowances rate will be applicable from today onwards," a statement from Chief Minister's Office said on Wednesday. It is worth mentioning that a raise in the daily duty allowances has been a long-standing demand of the State's home guards -- a key arm of Assam Police as they play a crucial role in maintaining law and order. "The Chief Minister stated that today's decision would be to step towards uplift of all sections of society. He further stated that the increase in monthly duty allowances would act as a motivation to the jawans to work with greater dedication and motivation," the CMO statement said. (ANI) The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) and other doctors' associations have opposed the move of the AIIMS director's letter on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sitting members of Parliament. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, Director, Dr M Srinivas on Wednesday wrote a letter to YM Kandpal, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha over streamlining of Outpatient Department (OPD) and emergency consultation, inpatient hospitalisation services for Members of Parliament, following the SOPs issued. "We condemn VIP culture. No patient should suffer at the cost of another's privileges. That being said, having a protocol to streamline things should not be viewed as derogatory, provided it doesn't hamper patient care," FORDA said in a tweet. The FAIMA doctors association questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the VIP culture. "On one side, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji says 'There is no VIP Culture in India!,' but on the other hand, AIIMS New Delhi Director Dr M Srinivas releases a letter to promote VIP Culture! Like past we still stand against VIP Culture!" the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) said in a tweet The doctors of the country are constantly tweeting and opposing the decision taken by the AIIMS Director. In a letter, Dr Srinivas said, "In case a sitting Member of Parliament requires OPD consultation from a speciality / super speciality department the Lok Sabha/ Rajyasabha secretariat or personal staff of the MP will contact the duty officer and provide him requisite details about the ailment and specialist/superspecialist doctor to be consulted." "The SOPs include duty officers who are qualified medical professionals from the department of hospital administration will be available in the control room AIIMS Hospital around the clock and the duty officer on duty will be the nodal officer to coordinate and facilitate requisite medical care arrangements for on sitting MPs," the letter reads. He further said that the landline telephone numbers of the control room and mobile phone number of the duty officer on duty will be constant respective of the person on duty. According to the letter by Dr Srinivas, "The duty officer will speak to a concerned specialist or super specialist doctor or head of the department and will fix up a requisite appointment. In case it is so required we can speak to the Chief of Centre or Head of the concerned department as well." "In case of an emergency situation where the people's representative requires immediate medical management, the Lok Sabha/Rajyasabha secretariat or personal staff of the MP will contact the duty officer and provide him with requisite details about the ailment. So that the duty officer can guide them as to which emergency services the MP should be brought to main emergency or Trauma Centre emergency or an Eye emergency," the letter reads further. "In case of inpatient hospitalisation MP, the treating faculty will send a brief note to the medical superintendent about the ailment or illness that MP is suffering from the proposed line of management and expected duration of stay. it will be countersigned by the medical superintendent and will be sent to the Lok Sabha/ Rajyasabha secretariat given email id by the medical superintendent's office," said Dr Srinivas in a letter After the circulation of the letter, AIIMS New Delhi tweeted, "AIIMS New Delhi has always had a 24x7 Control Room for co-ordination of medical care of patients from all walks of life Residents and Faculty from Department of Hospital Administration work here to ease logistics and expedite treatment for poorest of the poor." (ANI) Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres in Kevadia. Thereafter, the launch of Mission LiFE will be done by PM Modi, in the presence of the UN Secretary-General at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. Envisaged by PM Modi, it is expected to be an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment, said Prime Minister''s Office (PMO). Later on the day, PM Modi will participate in the 10th Heads of Missions Conference, which is being organized from 20-22 October 2022 in Kevadia by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Conference will bring together 118 Heads of Indian Missions (Ambassadors and High Commissioners) from all over the world. The Heads of Missions are currently visiting their respective states to familiarize themselves with India''s Flagship Missions such as those pertaining to Aspirational Districts, One District One Product, Amrit Sarovar Mission, among others. On Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth over Rs 1,970 crore in Vyara, Tapi. He will lay the foundation stone for the improvement of the road from Saputara to the Statue of Unity along with the construction of missing links. Other projects whose foundation stone will be laid include water supply projects worth over Rs 300 crore in Tapi and Narmada districts. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda will hold a meeting with the top party leaders of Rajasthan in Delhi on Friday. According to sources, the meeting has been called to discuss the current political developments in Rajasthan. Union Ministers from Rajasthan, BJP state president Satish Poonia, Leader of the Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly Gulab Chand Kataria and others will be present for the State Core Committee meeting in Delhi. Pertinent to mention, a delegation of Rajasthan BJP on Tuesday met state Assembly Speaker CP Joshi and submitted a memorandum seeking the Speaker's stance on the purported resignation of MLAs of the ruling Congress. Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Gulab Chand Kataria said, "Due to the delay in decision-making, a situation of anarchy has emerged in Rajasthan. BJP waited for days and submitted a memorandum to the Speaker today to make a decision without delay." "There is uncertainty in Rajasthan regarding the status of those who had resigned (Congress MLAs). Are they still ministers? As a decision has not been made, BJP told Speaker to not stall it and make a decision so that people know the status," Kataria told reporters. A BJP delegation had met the State Assembly Speaker CP Joshi at his residence in Jaipur. BJP MLA Ramlal Sharma said, "Congress MLAs had accepted that they are resigning (during the Rajasthan crisis). So, a decision should be made. The Speaker should clarify his stand." "We will make all demands as per the rule (when asked if they will demand a Floor Test in the Assembly). Going by the statements of the leaders, the state government is in minority," added Sharma. Earlier on Monday, Congress leader Sachin Pilot said that the party is contemplating how the Congress party should form the government again in Rajasthan. "In the last 30 years, whenever the Congress comes to the government in Rajasthan, it is unable to win the elections again and loses badly. We will do whatever we have to do to win the election and will work hard together," Pilot said. Speaking on the next CM face for the Rajasthan election, he said that the party will take the decision when the right time comes. "There is the election in Rajasthan after 12 months and we will win," he added. (ANI) Dhari Devi Mystic Temple is an ancient temple located near the Srinagar area in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and there is a mysterious story behind it. There is a belief that the Goddess Dhari Devi's idol in this temple changes its form three times a day. The idol looks like a girl in the morning, a woman in the afternoon and an old woman by the end of the day. The goddess, also known as Kalyaneshwari, is considered the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and is referred to as the "protector of the Char Dhams." The temple priest, Manish Pandey told ANI about beliefs and misconceptions related to the temple. He said, "This is the temple of Dakshin Kali Devi, who got the name of 'Dhari Devi' because of the village name. This temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Dhari Devi village of Srinagar, the oldest Shaktipath of Dwapara Yuga. The priest said that Goddess is called the mother of Dwapar Yuga. "The Devi is also known as the Mata of Dwapar Yug, as the idol was installed during the Dwapar Yug and was worshipped by the Pandavas. The Goddess is also believed to be worshipped by Adi Guru Shankaracharya, said the temple priest. "In ancient times, the route to Badrinath-Kedarnath used to pass through this temple. It was believed that people used to go praying for 'Raksha Kawach' and their wishes were fulfilled. That's why she is also referred to as the 'Protector of Char Dham'. Other than this, she is also referred to as Kalyaneshwari, who fulfils people's wishes," he further said. The priest also talked about the landslide incidents in Uttarkhand and the claims related to increasing the temple's height. Actually, the flow of the Alaknanda river comes from the top of Kedarnath valley on this side. The priest said that people link floods with the temple of Dhari Devi whereas there is no substantial evidence to prove it. To keep the idols safe, these idols were installed here. "Many connect the Kedarnath disaster to the Devi temple and call it her wrath. But it is a misconception. People believe that water rise in Alaknanda river is due to the displacement of the temple. But the fact is by the time we removed the idols from the temple after the flood accompanied by a landslide had already hit the village. The ancient temple was inundated," he said. The temple of Dhari Devi was submerged during the construction of the Alaknanda Hydro Electric Power Plant (AHEPP) in 2013. Locals believe that it was Dhari Devi's wrath at the idol was removed from its original position that caused the destruction but the priest of the temple termed it a misconception. "It temple not have been tampered with but it had to be removed because of the construction of a hydroelectric project here. The construction of this temple started in 2010-11. But it's people's own beliefs. If they want to connect the flood incident with the Goddess but we don't think so. We do not want to spread superstition that the flood came because the goddess was shifted. This is the temple of Devi who is worshipped in a calm form. She is the goddess who herself is the protector of the four dhams, so how can she take the lives of so many people?" he added. (ANI) On Wednesday, the state's Health Minister M Subramanian introduced the Bill in the Assembly where it was passed unanimously. The Bill stated that hookah bars have mushroomed in a large scale in Chennai city causing severe health hazards as several restaurants allowed the conception of Hookah in the smoking zones or areas under the pretext of providing service. At present, there is no law to regulate hookah bars in the state. Minister M Subramanian introduced the bill amending the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (Central Act 34 of 2003) suitably in its application to the State of Tamil Nadu. The state government has decided to prohibit hookah bars, and to provide a penalty of imprisonment up to three years and fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, for any contravention. This bill gives power to any police officer, but not below the rank of a Sub Inspector, to seize any material or article used as a subject for means of Hookah Bar. (ANI) At a time when the country's oldest political party Congress gets its first non-Gandhi president after 24 years and the party is preparing to emerge as a new avatar to take on the ruling BJP heavily, Badruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) alleged that the Assam Congress is now working as the 'A-Team' of BJP in Assam. AIUDF MLA and party General Secretary Karim Uddin Barbhuiya said that instead of fighting against the BJP in Assam, Congress is now working with an agenda to finish AIUDF. "There is the government of BJP, but Congress is now against its alliance partner AIUDF and Badruddin Ajmal with an agenda to finish the AIUDF and to help BJP. The Assam Congress is now reading the script written by the BJP. The Assam Congress is the 'A-Team' of the BJP and they are openly with the ruling party. I want to ask Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah, you said that you will take strong action against the Congress MLAs who voted for BJP in the Presidential Election and termed them as 'Gaddar', but why you haven't take action against them so far. The Assam Congress is now in the pocket of the BJP," Barbhuiya said. The AIUDF MLA told ANI that his party will form the government in Assam in the coming days with the help of regional forces. "Our assessment is correct and it will be visible after the 2024 and 2026 election results. The people of Assam will decide it and the people of the state will break the ego of BJP," he said. AIUDF MLA also claimed that his party will win at least 3 seats and a maximum of six seats in Assam in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "Earlier, we had won three seats and we were in the second position in other seats in previous elections. In the upcoming Lok Sabha election, we will win at least three seats and there will a chance to win other three seats also. The way Congress is following the instructions of BJP, their number will be big zero in 2024 in Assam," he said. The AIUDF leader further alleged that the Assam Congress is working to break the Opposition by following the instruction of the BJP. "In this way, Congress will not be able to win a single seat in 2024 in Assam. We hope that the people of Assam will support us in the coming days because we are raising the voice of the people of the state. Political hold of any political party is temporary," the AIUDF MLA added. Barbhuiya further said that AIUDF is gradually spreading its organizational base across the state and as of now the party has formed 20 district committees. "In the coming days, we will touch the rest of the areas. The people of every caste and community are now with us," the AIUDF MLA said. He also claimed that the ruling BJP will not be able to win 12 out of 14 seats in Assam in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. (ANI) Owing to blanket bans on firecrackers in numerous states, 1.5 lakh people in the firecracker manufacturing industry have been left jobless in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. Firecracker makers who were anticipating a boom this Diwali after a two-year halt due to Covid-19, are also facing losses. It is noteworthy that the firecracker sector has employed over 7 lakh people, and there are currently more than 1,000 registered firecracker units in operation. For more than 6.5 lakh Sivakasi families, the fireworks industry has been their only source of income. However, recent developments, including the ban on barium, have left over 1.5 lakh people jobless. "The garland cracker has been banned despite being a significant item. Since garland crackers are entirely handmade and when we are not able to produce them, workers lose their jobs. This work was performed by around 40 per cent of factory employees," one of the workers said. Nagendra, a fireworks worker, stated, "I've spent the last 20 years working in a cracker factory. The firecracker industry is the only industry in the Sivakasi area. The firecracker industry is the only source of income for the 5 lakh people that live here. Agriculture cannot be practised under these conditions, only the firecracker business can." "For many years, the firework industry has been afflicted by issues such as a restriction on the use of certain chemicals and a ban on the manufacture of some explosives. Due to the rain, fireworks cannot be manufactured at this time. This has resulted in employment losses, and many states have banned the sale and bursting of firecrackers around Diwali, thus our work is not yielding the desired results," he further added. "Therefore, on behalf of the firecracker workers, I request that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu should consult Prime Minister Modi and raise the livelihood of the firecracker workers," Nagendra said. Nagama, another fireworks worker, stated, "There is no longer any production or selling of firecrackers. We don't know any other businesses besides crackers, and that are being harmed by government laws that are costing us our jobs. The government should consider our welfare and make sound decisions." (ANI) A tea shop owner in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla has replaced Bharatiya Janata Party minister Suresh Bhardwaj who has contested the Shimla Urban seat four times consecutively. Suresh Bhardwaj will now contest the Assembly polls from Kasumpti after the party's candidate Sanjay Sood, who runs a tea shop in Shimla got the election ticket to contest from Shimla Urban. Speaking to the ANI, Sanjay Sood said, "I am extremely grateful that BJP made me its candidate to contest from a hot seat like Shimla Urban, I am on seventh heaven as it is truly a big honour for a small worker like me. I would say that it was my very good decision to work for BJP." He further elucidated his background saying that he belonged to a very poor family and has been running this tea shop since 1991. "Prior to this tea shop, I used to sell newspapers at a bus stand. Despite being from a poor family, the sense of service remained in the heart ever since," he said. His education and culture study came from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He said that he could manage to afford college by selling newspapers and that was the time when he got the opportunity to work in the "Vidyarthi Parishad" (student council). "I worked in student council for five years but had to stop that because of financial issues I could not work for it any further. Then I later worked as a Medical Representative for 2 years, after which I founded this tea shop in 1991 and this is my workplace since then. I feed my family and carry their expenses from this shop," he said mentioning his activeness in politics despite coming from a non-political background. "I do not come from a political background but have a very high spirit for service, and that was the reason why I sat at the booth for Balakram Kashyap of Janata Party in 1977, while I was in school. And since the formation of BJP in 1980 I have been working for it," he said. Further in the conversation, Sood mentioned that he was the party's General Secretary of Shimla Mandal Urban before becoming the vice president of Shimla Division after which he was made the media in-charge of the district. "While doing so (role of media in-charge), the party gave me a ticket and I became the councillor of Shimla Municipal Corporation twice. Then I became the president of Shimla district," he added. "Today I feel proud that the party has declared me its candidate from Shimla. I will not be able to pay off my party," he added further. On being asked that if there was any resentment among party workers on his candidacy, he replied, "I have a simple point that anyone who is with Lotus flower cannot be angry. It hurts only momentarily. It is natural to be disappointed if you don't get what you want. I will meet all of them. I have full faith that eventually we all will work for lotus and win the seat for Shimla constituency." Reacting to this surprising change, BJP minister Suresh Bhardwaj said, "In Himachal Pradesh, it is not customary to change one seat and fight in another seat. Surely it is strange because here is only one seat where I have been elected regularly for 32 consecutive years of politics." Bhardwaj has been working for BJP since 1980 and was also in Janata Party before that. Kasumpti is also not far away from Shimla, and nor is it untouched, he added. He further said, "Kasumpti is a mixed region and it would have been better if this shuffle could have taken place with prior information that someone like me would have to contest from here, especially when there is not much time available." Terming the decision "paramount", he said that even if you have to do a little shifting in any place, then there is bound to be some regret, but since it is the decision of the party, it is paramount. (ANI)